Queen of Cookies comes from out west
And West is the direction The Feed is growing
Twisted Tree Bakery held its second annual 2k Cookie Contest on Oct. 6, and the winner swooped in from Clinton, America, to earn a unanimous victory.
A sellout crowd of 150 people showed up to Venue 102 in Edmond for the big event, which included a cookie decorating station, a latte bar from Cafe Evoke, and dozens of candy-dappled cookies to sample.
Lily Wong, founder, proprietor and head baker/chocolatier of Tierra Chocolates won the $2K Cookie Contest. On Sunday at Venue 102, she was one of 15 local bakers who convened for a contest of cookies that integrated their favorite candies. Lily’s candy of choice was hand-crushed Heath toffee bars, which were sprinkled into caramel cookie dough. Altogether, Wong took home $1,250, which more than covered her trip in from out west.
Clinton is where Lily grew up in a family supported by a restaurant, which inspired her to pursue a degree in restaurant and hotel management from the University of Central Oklahoma. That didn’t satisfy Lily’s ambitions, so she applied to and was accepted by the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. She started there in 2010 and earned her culinary degree two years later.
She next moved to Danville, Calif., where she worked in kitchens cooking, baking, and making chocolates. She eventually moved back to Clinton, where she established Tierra Chocolates.
At the contest, Lily’s simply presented caramel cookies blew away the competition, winning the audience favorite and first place from the judges. Finishing second was Acea Tuttle, of Harvey Bakery, and his Peach Rings. That earned him $500. Yara Lester, of Yara’s Sweet Eats, wrestled up $250 for her Lemondrop cookies.
You can find Lily and her Tierra Chocolates at the Weatherford Farmer’s Market every Saturday that it operates. Congrats to her and all the winners. Huge congrats to Twisted Tree’s Kassie Joslin, and Robert and Lori Black on a cookie-tacular event.
The Food Dood & Friends
You do not want to miss the latest episode of The Food Dood & Friends. Julie and I catch you up on some of the latest news from around the 405 diningscape, i.e., the forthcoming Bar Sen from chef Jeff Chanchaleune, but the big ticket is a sit-down with chef Zach Hutton.
Zach, who was a James Beard semifinalist in 2021, was gracious enough to sit down to discuss what went wrong at tragically short-lived Alma and what is next for him and his wife Kayla. Hint: The Old Ice House in Edmond.
Details? Watch or listen to the podcast!
Nic’s breakfast returns!
It’s only about two months later than promised, but Nic’s Grill has officially reopened for breakfast. Ben Krodel and I showed up Monday for the third day of service. The guy with his name on the sign was there in full force, watching his partner Jovon Bunkley work the flat-top.
Nic’s returns to breakfast for the first time in 12 years, now featuring eggs, bacon, sausage and lamb burgers. Owner Justin “Nic” Nicholas raises special lambs on his tiny farm near Choctaw, which are featured along with a pork chop and the “breakfast burger,” which is very likely to put you right back to sleep. Deee-licious dreams…
First up, though, is Nic’s interpretation of apple fritters, which are more like apple pie funnel cake. Call it what you want, the first one is free and will leave you jonesing for a full order – perhaps to go? Pancakes are made from the same batter as the fritters, dusted with powdered sugar and barely need syrup.
Nic’s also has a pork chop breakfast served with country potatoes and Texas toast. If you just want eggs over a lamb patty, Nic’s has that, too.
Here’s the full menu. If you have any trouble waking up in the morning, go see Nic. He’ll pour you a cup of coffee, but the early-morning brain stimulation is free.
Turnabout in the Asian District
Was so glad to get to enjoy Bun Box one last time before she said closed the concept to make room for the forthcoming HQ Coffee.
As excited as I am for Angela Schultz (executive director of the Asian District Cultural Association) and her new coffee stand, I will really miss the light, delicious meals from Bun Box. Best of luck to owner Jenny Nguyen on her next endeavor. Good luck to Angela and company when they open Oct. 26.
Comings and goings
Bricktown also said goodbye to Abuelo’s last week. When I heard it had been opened for three decades, I was gob-smacked. That’s gotta be the quietest 30-year run any restaurant has ever made.
Saj announced it will be closing soon. Really disappointed to see it go. It’s a travesty that there isn’t more Lebanese restaurants in the 405 diningscape. The rich culture of Lebanon landed on the red clay long before statehood. I love Nunu’s Mediterranean Café and I love Jamil’s Steakhouse, but I cannot believe with the rich, history of Lebanese culture in the local ether it’s astounding the cuisine doesn’t have more representation.
Akai Sushi-ya & Izakaya finally got opened in The Wheeler District. This showy addition to the 405 diningscape might just give us all a reason to visit The Wheeler District. …
Speaking of Japanese cuisine, Wakana and Matthew Sebacher opened their third Tamashii Ramen shop, this time in downtown Norman. The Food Dood Feed’s chef Ben Krodel, a Norman resident, will have a full write-up. …
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