Little Alexx Blog

When you first walk into Tally’s Cafe, located on the historic Route 66 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, you are captured by the warm neon pink lights and feel as though you are knocked back in time to poodle skirts, slicked back hair, and rock ‘n roll. It was an enchanting first visit, also due to the fact it was about 40 degrees out with high winds that blew my hair every which way (hello professional). I was kindly greeted at the door by one of the staff and brought back to meet the owner and creator, Tally Alame.

Welcomed with a smile and a strong handshake, I was offered a seat in a booth surrounded by families and couples alike. We were all there for the same reason. To get a taste of the yummy food Tally had to offer. Tally himself brought out his famously known giant cinnamon roll, which was not lacking in size in the slightest. This beast of a roll was larger than my face (which means it was REALLY big) and obviously made in house. Each bite literally melted in my mouth.

As I sat and savored the taste, basically going into a food coma, I was lucky enough to get an interview with the man himself. Tally has a warm smile that lights up his face, bringing every line together to create a story, which made me feel at home because he reminded me of my Papou (grandfather in Greek). Although born and raised in Lebanon, Tally’s family sent him to Tulsa as the Lebanese civil war escalated in 1979 to work for his cousin. As the years went on, he worked many different jobs, both in Oklahoma and Texas, gaining experience in customer service and the restaurant business. Coming from a restaurant owning family myself, I can personally say that it is not an easy job. By owning a restaurant, or any business, you put your heart, soul, and life into the business, pushing it along to thrive. Tally is not only lucky but also brilliant. In November of 1987, Tally opened up the first addition of Tally’s Cafe.

However, I questioned why he didn’t open up a Lebanese restaurant? As we sat at the booth and spoke, me looking as unprofessional as possible eating my meal with messy hands, Tally looked past me with a dreamy look in his eyes and answered honestly, “because we are located on Route 66, we have travelers from all over. Everyone wants a good burger and good American food. We have travelers as far as Germany, Italy, and China. They all come through here. I want to give them the best food I can offer.”

Although the menu itself has mostly comfort foods, such as their famous chicken fried steak sandwich, they also provide specials such as kebabs and eggplant wraps that are native to the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures. I personally tried the chicken fried steak sandwich, which was offered with french fries and a bowl of gravy. My stomach and food soul were VERY pleased with the final product of putting the gravy in the sandwich.

Tally excused himself and began to help out his staff, as the lunch began to hit. It was a busy Saturday, but everyone seemed to know everyone. “Have a good one, Tally!” and “Great meal again, Tally!” were thrown around the now three room cafe. There was obvious genuine friendship among those who were regulars and those who were stopping for a quick meal before carrying on with their travels. No matter who stopped by, it was a known fact that they were always welcomed with the unique warmth that only Tally’s Cafe could give.

www.tallyscafe.com/home/

Well, as you know, I was in Tulsa, Oklahoma this weekend writing, taking photos and getting the best tour! Big shout out and thank you to Noah for taking me around and showing me all the wonderful spots of the upper part of Tulsa! It was a wonderful time, even if I was freezing literally all day. However, we had a blast going all over the back roads blaring country music and then taking me through the city, showing me all that Tulsa had to offer.

On a personal note, I had a little bit of trouble with the uhm… toll booths. First off, I completely forgot that they even existed. I never really drive ‘super far’ anywhere by myself, except to go back home, which is about an hour and a half away. However, considering I had never been to Tulsa, the drive was new for me and I was a little worried to begin with. If you read my post before this, I very openly admitted that I am a God-awful driver. So, I reached the toll booth and freaked out about the fact I had no cash on me. I then started to dig through my change. I had to pull over on the side of the road and count out every single coin to come up with $3. Finally, feeling like I had my life semi together, I drove to the booth where you are supposed to throw your coins into. The moment that the change left my hand, a giant burst of wind hit, blowing all of my hard work in different directions. The noise that then came out of my mouth was the equivalence to a dinosaur screech and a sad baby bird. Embarrassed as all get out, I quickly scrambled out of my car to collect the change. The wind completely took control of me and almost knocked me over as car after car lined up behind me. They began honking which added to my stress and magically increased my clumsiness. After valiant searching, I recovered all the lost coins and made my way into the beautiful state of Oklahoma. What a wonderful welcome I received.

Tulsa was wonderful and I am very excited to be going back soon to be writing reviews for businesses and products. Thank you for having me, Oklahoma!

I had to… enjoy.

 

Happy Birthday week to a few of my favorites!! Get excited, because I am so glad that these girls were born!!!

Mary Elizabeth, my hot mama bear, happy 20th birthday and I was so happy to celebrate with you last week!!!

Sierra, my dearest roomie love, happy 21st! We are going out tonight to celebrate, so there will be more pictures to come!!

Have the best week. As we near the end of the school year, we are plagued with essays, review sessions, yucky weather, and allergies. Don’t mind the little stuff. Know that good is coming. Just you wait.

Today’s Mantra: 

“I AM  a source of good to myself and others.”

Love the here and now.

Blessings, a