Love Letters/ Hate Mail

Butt of Jokes

Dear Editor:

(In response to "Steaked Through the Heart" in the June 3-10 issue of Urban Tulsa Weekly)

Sorry Mr. Hamilton had a bad experience at Jamil's. I'm a native Tulsan who has lived in Washington, D.C. for over 20 years and dined on steak at Charlie Palmers, the Palm, the National Press club. None have tasted better than the beef I enjoy and have enjoyed for years at Jamil's. My family and I just ate there around a month ago. The relish tray, ribs, bologna, cabbage rolls -- served in the Lebanese mezze tradition -- along with the hospitality of our waitress, who was quite pretty I might add, made it a very enjoyable experience. I recommend Jamil's -- can't wait to eat there next time I am in Tulsa.

-Greg Guthrie, Washington D.C.

Dear Editor:

What a lousy review. I have been going to Jamil's for over 20 years now and a place where I can get decent steak and enjoy the show -- what with a large number of loyal customers that have been going there for years I am sure the reviewer has no soul. I can understand the reviewer as far as reviewing the food he ate at the time, however, give me a break -- commenting on format and item changes i.e. another vegetable side, c'mon Green Salad, Tabouli, Relish Dish, Hummus is not enough for the reviewer! The format of the decoration etc., opinion's are like butt's everybody has one. My butt thinks the ambiance is just right for old school Tulsa.

Would love to know what restaurant the reviewer has owned or managed because my gosh he must have the inside line on everything in Tulsa. Did the reviewer actually talk to the fellow diner's, observe the move and flow in the building, was it during a peak meal time when that place goes nuts with people waiting out front, or did UTW reviewer actually think about that -- great idea "Steak in the Heart". Sound's like the reviewer likes the ambiance of chains -- not a mom and pop operation.

I see where reviewer did a review on Baja Manny's ... well that sucked they are out of business now. Maybe reviewer should be tarred and feathered. Think before you publish and maybe do some positive. Hey just my opinion ... just like my butt!

-Midtown Classics

Dear Editor:

I totally agree with all (Midtown Classics) said, however let me clarify some TRUE FACTS for you as I was there when the photographer and the young lady in the picture on the left side arrived 20 minutes prior to their normal and never-changing opening time of 4pm.

They DID NOT EAT anything and were never given a bill. They claimed to have been there "just to take some photos!" A majority of their statements they wrote were totally false and made up to spin their story THEIR way!

The young man -- the photographer -- and the very young lady with him, were definitely not husband and wife, and they never ordered any entree or even tasted any of the food! And they obviously have NO clue about Tulsa traditions! Must been right out of college and definitely not from Tulsa! Neither of them either had pen or paper, and they never had to wait as they arrived before the establishment opened; therefore there were NO other customers in there. This article is totally fabricated due to someone's idiotic, insensitive attitude and desire to totally diminish the high, fine quality of this wonderful establishment that has survived over 66 years and WILL another 66. They already have 2nd - 5th and 6th generations of dedicated loyal customers who return weekly. Jamil's will NOT let a tacky (putting it nicely) weekly newspaper (if that's what the publishers want to consider it) put them out of business EVER! Their clientele is dedicated and loyal, and Jamil's treats them all like family!

-Debbie W.

[(Editor's Note: The reviewer and the photographer aren't one in the same, and neither received a positive experience, so Jamil's still owes us a good meal with good service.)

(Publisher's Note: Maybe we can get you guys to open the new restaurant at Bell's. Bell's was another great Tulsa tradition that didn't get the 21st century. Once we find a place to put them. We love you and want you to learn from your past.)]

Spend and Cut

Dear Editor:

(In response to "Apples or Oranges?" in the May 27-June 2 issue of Urban Tulsa Weekly)

We spend LESS than almost all other states. How will our Oklahoma economy ever improve with poor education funding?

We should do both, pass State Question 744 and cut waste.

-Pamela McBride