Room with a View

Twin Peaks, from what I heard, is Tulsa's most recent rival to Hooters, but I was not there for the scenery. My motives dealt with the full dining experience including the atmosphere, food and service of this new restaurant.

I usually have little difficulty finding a dining companion, but this time, as hard as I tried to recruit someone--even for a free meal--I was unsuccessful.

I scaled the Peaks alone.

The outside marquee alerted me to what I was about to encounter: "really perky service." I walked in, asked to be seated at a table for one. Surprised and a little confused, the hostess suggested I dine in the bar area. I immediately noticed the physical structure was very similar to that of the former tenant, Elephant Bar Restaurant. Packed with middle-aged men rubbernecking, the bar was not for me. I opted for a booth in the bar area.

Several minutes passed before a server approached me, so I had time to survey my surroundings. All servers were women, seemingly under 25 years of age and blond. Many of them were moving about the floor--some working, others chatting amongst themselves.

Their work attire, more like a costume--is one of interest: low-cut, twist-tie crop tops in a red and black gingham pattern, khaki barely hip-hugging short shorts and calf-high outdoor boots. I feel fairly confident the boots get little notice.

Once the reality of servers moving around the restaurant with breasts, midriff and legs exposed wore off, I was ready to read the menu and order dinner.

I needed a Margarita ($6.25). With Patròn tequila, the drink was satisfactory; I did not particularly care for the stale-tasting lemon-lime mix.

The menu has Starters, Salads, Well Built Sandwiches, Big Plates, and yes, a Kid's Menu. I began with the Buffalo Wings, Habanero style (6 wings for $5.99) and the Fried Jalapeno Chips ($4.29).

These "spicy bottle caps" are sliced jalapeno peppers, breaded with a flour-black pepper mixture then fried and topped with chopped scallions and cheddar cheese. These really had a spicy kick to them and were enjoyable with the cheese.

I wanted to compare the Habanero Wings with the competition less than a mile down Memorial. At Hooters, I sampled the 911 Wings, their extremely hot version. Twin Peak's wings had little if any batter. They were fried thoroughly and covered with a very hot sauce, which was not unbearable, yet not for those with a tender palate.

My dinner arrived soon after the appetizer. I nibbled off of two entrees: the "Man Size" Twin Cheeseburger ($8.25) and the Enhanced Chicken Breasts ($11.25). The Cheeseburger was prepared with caramelized onions, pickles and a choice of American, Pepper Jack, Swiss or Cheddar Cheese.

This was a very large burger, with two meat patties too well done, almost dry. However, the Cheddar cheese and the onions added some flair. My server did not ask how I wanted the burger cooked, and I purposely did not ask. Fire Fries came with this burger; a light sprinkling of red pepper powder covered the small-cut spuds.

The Enhanced Breasts were disappointing. Two flat and dry chicken breasts were topped with a mound of thin-cut deli-like ham and cheese, and then smothered in burgundy mushroom sauce. This dish was not appealing in appearance or taste. The breasts, as I mentioned before, were flat and dry and the ham was oddly wadded on top of the breasts. The sauce was rich and thick, but did not have a homemade taste. Mashed potatoes and green beans came with this dish. They were basic, nothing special.

Twin Peaks' décor is fairly simple: a semi-rustic, cabin-like setting with an outdoor hunting and fishing theme, including stuffed deer and pictures of fish. The chairs and bar stools are made of cut raw wood with a lodge, or frontier fabric pattern adding a nice touch to the cabin feel.

While the service was average, the servers were very friendly. The food was okay, just okay. Don't come to Twin Peaks for a solid 5- or even 4-star meal: food is secondary to the "scenic views" at Twin Peaks.

Twin Peaks

7007 S. Memorial Dr.

250-0700

Hours:

Sun.-Sat. 11am-midnight

Rating:

Atmosphere ***

Food **

Service ***