Oklahoma City KEY - Cover Story

Mama Batista probably never thought she would end up in Oklahoma City. Originally from Spain, she lived in Venezuela most of her adult life.

But several years ago, when her son in Oklahoma City adopted a child, Mama Batista wanted to be closer. When she arrived, Mama Batista brought more than grandmotherly love. She brought her cookbook, too.

Thomas Batista is the co-owner of Tom and Jerry’s Steak & Fish Grille. Batista and the restaurant’s co-owner, Jerry Hency, have incorporated many of Mama Batista’s favorite Spanish-dishes into the restaurant’s menu.

Mama Batista’s influence can be tasted throughout the menu. Travelers will be pleasantly surprised to find authentic Spanish entrees in the heart of Oklahoma City.

Spain’s culinary styles are vast. Paella (pronounced "pah-EH-yah") is a rice dish originating in Valenciana, Spain’s third largest city. At Tom and Jerry’s, the Paella Valenciana features a world famous mixture of the finest Spanish ingredients including shrimp, mussels, clams, chicken, pork, chorizo, and vegetables over saffron rice.

Tapas are another Spanish tradition adopted by Tom and Jerry’s. Tapas means “cover” in Spanish. Historically, plates were set atop wine glasses to keep flies from landing inside the glass. Over time, restaurants added small snacks onto these plates for their patrons’ enjoyment.

At Tom and Jerry’s, the Mejillones Gayango is one of the restaurant’s most popular tapas. Named after the famous Bar Gayango in Madrid, Spain, the dish features fried stuffed mussels. Plato Mixto Frio is another tapas that includes Serrano ham, Chorizo, Spanish goat cheese, Manchego cheese, and olives, served with bread and garlic aioli.

In addition to its authentic Spanish cuisine, Tom and Jerry’s also offers fresh fish and steak entrees. Patrons can enjoy a filet mignon grilled to order and finished with a tawny port wine, balsamic reduction. (Photo above.) For dessert, diners may indulge on a dark cherry, pistachio, and mango brulee, or an espresso and toasted walnut chocolate mousse served with a housemade biscotti.

Tom and Jerry’s Steak & Fish Grille is located within easy driving distance of most major hotels at 1501 NW 23rd Street in Oklahoma City. Tom and Jerry’s can be reached at 524-9100. Or you may wish to view Tom and Jerry’s menu on the web at www.tomandjerrysokc.com.

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