the pizza at Falcone's is really really greasy

Local, his old (first) shop was in a former Taco Bell on May & Wilshire.
That was the first Taco Bell I ever visited. I had the, I don't remember
what it was called, but it was taco meat on a bun. 39 cents.

Good grief--can we talk about CUSTINO'S in this thread, or do we need to debate some more about which Oklahoman knows most about NY-style pizza??

I went for lunch today and the place was hoppin. There's not a ton on the menu, but you can tell you won't go wrong with anything you get. I ordered the chicken parmesan sandwich, and my coworkers got the meatball sandwich and the signature sandwich (can't remember what it was called but it was packed with Italian beef). They both also go the potato wedges.

For my (huge) sandwich and a big drink, it was $9.85. Mr. Custino himself rang us up, and he was a spirited guy. Super sweet to every person in that building. We all enjoyed our meals and will be back. I want to try the spaghetti with meatballs next time...it came with garlic bread and looked delicious.

Good grief--can we talk about CUSTINO'S in this thread,
You're right. It's too easy to get sidetracked on these threads.

I've never been to Custino's but will try it in the very near future.
Spaghetti and meatballs will be the test. I like spaghetti and
meatballs.

Friday, I picked up lasagne to eat later and it was very good. I ate it Saturday and it did nicely in the microwave. I wonder how it freeze. I will go back.
C. T.

My only trip to Custino's so far, mentioned above, involved one individual order of ravioli and one order of lasagne. They were both good (my wife said so too, but she also said the lasagne didn't come close to mine--I add layers of fresh basil, assorted mushrooms, etc.) and were only about $5.00 each. (VERY cheap price for what you got.)

I think I'm going to get a meatball on the side the next time. A Gazette piece mentioned that Custino's has "1/4 lb." meatballs (ala carte) for only about $1.50. I wonder if they have un-chopped/un-sliced Italian Sausages available as a side in addition to the meatballs . . .

I didn't have that great of an experience at this place. They ran out of a lot of stuff and there were at least six tables that still had dirty plates and silverwear on them. The guy at the front was super nice but he needed to be cleaning the tables. Kinda gross to look at while you're eating.

My chicken parmesan was just not that great too. I'll probably try again at a different time and give them another shot.

they make all the food from scratch and if they run out of food they run out

We set our sights on Custino's yesterday--right after my wife got off work--and headed straight over there. I thought, "Gee, this [incredibly tight and difficult, as always] parking lot looks empty." We parked in back and just as we arrived at the door were greeted by a friendly gentleman who said, "Sorry, folks. We're closed. The AC unit broke down and you don't really want to be in here as hot as it is." Dang. And I was all set to order some ravioli and maybe an ala carte meatball.

He invited us to come back, we said that we would, and we returned to the car considering other dining options. KhaZana (Indian), Gabriella's (Italian), and The Elephant Bar (Lamb Shanks) crossed our minds, but by the time we had reached Wilshire on Penn we agreed on Sean Cummings (Irish pub food--with a very good live Celtic duo for background music.)

Maybe it will be Custino's this weekend . . .

Quick Question for those who have been to Custino's:
Do they have a simple wine list?
Or, if not, is it one of those places that allows you to bring in a bottle of wine and pay a reasonable charge for glasses or whatnot?

With our liquor laws, I am not sure if bring your own is allowed???

Their menu only mentions beer
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=198322860294402&set=a.151500448309977.29749.143535242439831&type=1&theater

I've never done it myself . . . but I KNOW that I've been to at least one restaurant where the diners at an adjacent table pulled out at least a couple of bottles for sharing with their meals. The restaurant waitstaff didn't bat an eye . . . There was nothing "sneaky" or whatever about it. Is the possible restaurant service charge for this is a "cork" charge? It seems like I've heard that term used. (and I don't mean the wine flaw "corked" or the hilarious movie of the same name). As I said: All I know for sure is that I've seen this done in at least one restaurant in the OKC area.

Here's a little article on the topic that I just came across. Oklahoma is specifically mentioned a couple of times.
http://www.winespectator.com/webfeature/show/id/44507

To me, Italian Food without wine is sort of like . . . sunshine without orange juice.
(Peretti Doublo Malto is pretty good Italian beer though) . . .

Well, there you go then, if I am reading it right, it isn't allowed in Oklahoma county since by the glass is available here (maybe someone needs to inform ABLE so they can shut the places down where you saw it happening)...

In Oklahoma, restaurants that wish to allow corkage can apply for a special “bottle club” license, but only in counties where by-the-glass service is illegal. …Oklahoma requires each diner to have his or her own bottle. Residents of dry counties in any state are typically out of luck….

That's the way I read it too, and I think calling ABLE in for an old-fashioned, axe-wielding bust of one of these places and the patrons thereof is a darn good idea . . . especially if they don't want to share their wine with other diners. I like the part about "each diner having to have his or her own bottle." It doesn't say there has to be anything IN the bottle . . . only that they have to have it.

Made it to Custino's yesterday. The ravioli was very good. The sauce was very tasty. The meatball was about as good as they get. (My wife compared it to those made by a real life version of Carmella Soprano that she knew through a friend (actually a daughter) of "The Family"). Ambiance? Go for the Drive-Thru. (harsh, maybe . . . but true)

The Gelato at Giovanni's next door makes a nice dessert for the occasion.

Wow……. is this place really as bad as some of the reviews suggest?

With reviews like these is hard to imagine this place lasting very long.
.
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/46/1680095/restaurant/Nichols-Hills-Lakeside/Custinos-Italian-Kitchen-Oklahoma-City

No, it's not that bad. But they took what was a simple concept and made it far too ambitious for the revival and so it's tripping them up, making them very inconsistent...

No, it's not that bad. But they took what was a simple concept and made it far too ambitious for the revival and so it's tripping them up, making them very inconsistent...

Agreed. I have heard very few people actually dislike their food, but it's the other things that seem to be ruining the experience. "Too ambitious for the revival..." That is a good way of explaining exactly what's happened.

Tried it out this weekend and it wasn't quite what we were expecting with food served on styrofoam plates with plasticware, but no big deal, it made for easy clean up! Chicken parm and spaghetti w/ meatballs were okay, and the sausage with peppers sandwich was very good. The Alfredo sauce was a little watery, but not bad flavor. The biggest disappointment were the things that aren't available anymore. No pizza, no potato wedges, and no cannolis. We took my parents for a birthday dinner and my mom was really looking forward to the cannoli. She was told that they stopped making cannolis so they could be the exclusive distributor of an espresso mousse. We tried that and it a good flavor, but the texture was more like flan. Not bad if you're in the area, but I probably wouldn't make the trip up from Moore again.

Cutting back on the menu; sad, but inevitably what they had to do to survive. Again, it sounds like they're beginning to realize they got too ambitious with their starting menu....

Don't ask

If you go in to visit Custino's Italian Kitchen, don't ask for Phil because you won't find him there. The transient chef from Chicago finally returned here to open a new concept with longtime friend Bud Elder, but Custino has already exited. Elder blamed ill health and heavy workload. Elder recently hired a new chef and they will continue to use Custino's original recipes


http://newsok.com/restaurant-at-top-of-devon-tower-set-to-open/article/3697036#ixzz22mseJmaO

I was told that the departure was actually on less than friendly terms.

Don't ask

If you go in to visit Custino's Italian Kitchen, don't ask for Phil because you won't find him there. The transient chef from Chicago finally returned here to open a new concept with longtime friend Bud Elder, but Custino has already exited. Elder blamed ill health and heavy workload. Elder recently hired a new chef and they will continue to use Custino's original recipes


http://newsok.com/restaurant-at-top-of-devon-tower-set-to-open/article/3697036#ixzz22mseJmaO

I was told that the departure was actually on less than friendly terms.

You heard right ou48A.

Looks like the original owner of custino’s is going after the said to be owner of custino’s italian kitchen… after the last few times that I have been to this restaurant the food has been below average, it definitely isn't Phil Custino's quality that Oklahoma City has gotten used to over the past few years.

http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/GetCaseInformation.asp?submitted=true&viewtype=caseGeneral&casemasterID=2895438&db=Oklahoma

After seeing this link posted all over the internet is shows a lot of whats really going on with this restaurant in town!

After reading the PETITION link, it sure looks like the defendants don’t understand how to run any type of business. You certainly don’t shoot your mouth off as was described. There may be more involved, but the defendants side of the case sure looks like a tough one.

There are allegations embezzlement, accounting irregularities, harassment, and threats of murder.
Geez, bad food aside, I wonder if any of this could be considered criminal and if any charges could eventually be filed by authorities equaling jail time for the defendants?


All of this sounds like a script for a bad movie or book.
After this is all said and done, they may need money from a movie or book deal to pay off everything!

Probably why partnerships shouldn't be formed over beers at McNellie's lol

I won't be going back. IMO I don't see it weathering the storm anyways...

i think it will involve with Money at the end if this trial does happen

I would warn everyone to wait until the full story is told - which will happen soon with my byline. Always question why someone new is posting information, and whether you're being told the full story. Angelo... I'd advise you to have your attorney return my calls or do so yourself.

duh buildin' is haunted! . . . haunted i tell ya' . . .

Come on now, OKC Big Eater.... surely you can let Angelo know I'm trying to reach him..... email me if you're at all confused - slackmeyer@oklahoman.com

Noticed tonight on the Custino's Facebook page, it has gone pretty blank. A few pictures are left but not the same activity that was there a few days ago.

This is what was put on Bud's Facebook page today.

Dear Facebook Friends

Tomorrow, you will read in the Business section of The Oklahoman about the trials and tribulations Barbie, Louie and I went through to achieve our dream of owning a small business in Oklahoma. When Steve Lackmeyer first approached me about the article last week, I was not thrilled about our business affairs being made public, however, he convinced me that my story might mak
e others more aware of who exactly they were in business with, so I cooperated fully.

There is actually no bad news here at all. After we legally dissolved the partnership, which has now been two months ago, the restaurant continues to thrive, people love our food and everyone has fun. This is because we were immediately helped by Tom Wynn, a restaurant veteran and dear friend who came in and straightened up the mess the Custinos (Caliendos) left behind, as well as our crew who has come to be part of our family – Oscar, Will, Amanda, Carlos and Jeffrey. They make sure that Custino’s offers a unique, affordable and delicious alternative to chain restaurants.

A special mention should be made here regarding Bill Zuhdi and Darla Zuhdi. They are no less than American heroes and have guided us through this legal process with both heart and hope. These two selfless and devoted friends are our champions.

We would also like to thank our customers, those who come in from four to six times a week as well as those who have tried us for the first time, to hungry diners who are planning to order their first tray of our lasagna. They have been supportive beyond belief.

Now as to the Custinos/Caliendos – we’ll let our lawsuit speak for their unspeakable behavior. You’ll notice that the Custino’s Facebook page is down now – that is some more of their appalling and cowardly methods to try to hurt people who tried to help them. Phil is deranged and sick and Angelo is illiterate and, now, a thief, who is unfamiliar with any level of the truth. I’m sure they’ll post all kinds of things about us – they already have, but, unfortunately for them, the truth wins out every time.

Now that all this malarkey is over, we want you to come to Custino’s, enjoy a $5.00 order of lasagna or spaghetti and meatballs and our other wonderful menu items. Thanks so much for your support.

This is what was put on Bud's Facebook page today.

Dear Facebook Friends

Tomorrow, you will read in the Business section of The Oklahoman about the trials and tribulations Barbie, Louie and I went through to achieve our dream of owning a small business in Oklahoma. When Steve Lackmeyer first approached me about the article last week, I was not thrilled about our business affairs being made public, however, he convinced me that my story might mak
e others more aware of who exactly they were in business with, so I cooperated fully.

There is actually no bad news here at all. After we legally dissolved the partnership, which has now been two months ago, the restaurant continues to thrive, people love our food and everyone has fun. This is because we were immediately helped by Tom Wynn, a restaurant veteran and dear friend who came in and straightened up the mess the Custinos (Caliendos) left behind, as well as our crew who has come to be part of our family – Oscar, Will, Amanda, Carlos and Jeffrey. They make sure that Custino’s offers a unique, affordable and delicious alternative to chain restaurants.

A special mention should be made here regarding Bill Zuhdi and Darla Zuhdi. They are no less than American heroes and have guided us through this legal process with both heart and hope. These two selfless and devoted friends are our champions.

We would also like to thank our customers, those who come in from four to six times a week as well as those who have tried us for the first time, to hungry diners who are planning to order their first tray of our lasagna. They have been supportive beyond belief.

Now as to the Custinos/Caliendos – we’ll let our lawsuit speak for their unspeakable behavior. You’ll notice that the Custino’s Facebook page is down now – that is some more of their appalling and cowardly methods to try to hurt people who tried to help them. Phil is deranged and sick and Angelo is illiterate and, now, a thief, who is unfamiliar with any level of the truth. I’m sure they’ll post all kinds of things about us – they already have, but, unfortunately for them, the truth wins out every time.

Now that all this malarkey is over, we want you to come to Custino’s, enjoy a $5.00 order of lasagna or spaghetti and meatballs and our other wonderful menu items. Thanks so much for your support.

Suggested Goggling…. Ron Black and owner of restaurant.

Suggested Goggling…. Ron Black and owner of restaurant.

The only thing I could find is that the owner was part of a Christmas program Ron did on WKY radio. If there is anything I'm missing, message me.

The only thing I could find is that the owner was part of a Christmas program Ron did on WKY radio. If there is anything I'm missing, message me.

http://ronblackradio.blogspot.com/2011/02/democrats-fallin-to-break-voter-pledge.html

Am I reading that right? He goes on trashing Custinos (Caliendos), possibly bordering on slander...not a good idea if you are involved in a lawsuit...yet continues to run the place under that name? That seems to be a little on the shady side.

http://newsok.com/custinos-italian-kitchen-partnership-ends-in-legal-entanglements/article/3702159

http://newsok.com/custinos-italian-kitchen-partnership-ends-in-legal-entanglements/article/3702159

WOW, what a mess.

Am I reading that right? He goes on trashing Custinos (Caliendos), possibly bordering on slander...not a good idea if you are involved in a lawsuit...yet continues to run the place under that name? That seems to be a little on the shady side.

My thoughts exactly. Show a little class, even if you are the victim in this deal. Trashing the guy's name in public is not wise when you're amid a legal proceeding. I imagine his attorney is trying to put a muzzle on him now, but the damage is already done, as it is now in the public sphere.

Custino's Italian Kitchen partnership ends in legal entanglements

BY STEVE LACKMEYER slackmeyer@opubco.com
August 20, 2012

...

I posted the whole article because some people might not have access to the paper via the internet. Sorry it is so long, but Steve did a good job of explaining things in the article. Sounds like a mess on both sides.

SQ, I'm sure that you meant well, but Steve has asked in the past that we not post his full articles here, just a link to them. Anyone who has internet access can look at that article at www.newsok.com.

Sorry, I didn't know. It can be removed. I don't see a delete on my end. That's one thing I don't like about this board. You should be able to delete your own posts.

SoonerQueen, I know you meant no harm, but I really need to stay employed and that involves eyeballs reading the story at NewsOK. Can you please edit your post so it only shows the first paragraph or two? You can do so with the edit button below the post, or contact a moderator. Thanks - Steve

the full article posted in this thread has been removed. while sharing of information is certainly appreciated, in the future include a short excerpt or a link rather than the article's full text.

-M

Thanks MMM. I know SoonerQueen meant no harm, but these days, it's more important than ever that people read these stories first on NewsOK, or in this case, www.oklahoman.com. Just as an fyi - this is a "subscribers only" first read, meaning it will only be on www.oklahoman.com today, and then it will be displayed for everyone to read Monday. The Oklahoman is doing this as a reward to its loyal subscribers. This has been said before, but I'll say it again so that this thread doesn't divert away from Custino's - The Oklahoman remains the ONLY major news site in the state that still provides free access to all of its stories (with some delayed as this one). The Tulsa World, the Journal Record, the Lawton Constitution all have implemented pay walls, as has the Dallas Morning News, Wall Street Journal and New York Times.

Thanks for some actual, real-life journalism, Steve.

For the record . . .
Can't any user in here who regrets a post or is informed of a faux pas or whatever simply go into "Edit Post", delete the message and substitute something clever--yet concise--such as "n/p" or "oops" (except without the quotation marks)? As long as the self-corrective action is taken within a couple/three hours of the initial gaffe?

(Spec.Ref. to: Sorry, I didn't know. It can be removed. I don't see a delete on my end. That's one thing I don't like about this board. You should be able to delete your own posts. )

I know that I have spent untold hours converting my pedantic prose into the annoying "poetic" format with lots of ellipses and so forth that so many have used to protest the taxing of their little gray cells within the alloted time limit. =)

RM and Others,
Edit gives you the power of deleting anything you have entered, we just don't think of it on that large a scale. Simply highlight the complete message and cut it, end of problem. If I'm am going wrong somewhere let me know. I'm going to post this same message to experiment because what I might be missing is that the message albeit blank might still appear.
C. T.

Thanks for some actual, real-life journalism, Steve.

For the record . . .
Can't any user in here who regrets a post or is informed of a faux pas or whatever simply go into "Edit Post", delete the message and substitute something clever--yet concise--such as "n/p" or "oops" (except without the quotation marks)? As long as the self-corrective action is taken within a couple/three hours of the initial gaffe?

(Spec.Ref. to: Sorry, I didn't know. It can be removed. I don't see a delete on my end. That's one thing I don't like about this board. You should be able to delete your own posts. )

I know that I have spent untold hours converting my pedantic prose into the annoying "poetic" format with lots of ellipses and so forth that so many have used to protest the taxing of their little gray cells within the alloted time limit. =)

Gone

Well, I just proved myself wrong. I did remove any remarks but it required at least 2 characters. OK Pete, is there a way to delete?
Thanks,
C. T.

as i said, ct . . .
n/j or oops =+
perhaps: nevermind (a.k.a. the litella* exit gambit)

*litella: emily litella. snl. (gilda radner)
alternate "phrasing" (for self-deleted post): n/m eleg

Back on topic: I wonder if Big Eastern Food Interests involving a certain [Hector Boiardi/His Heirs And Assigns] are involved in all of this restaurant drama. I thought I saw a big "Campbell's" tanker truck unloading something into underground storage containers not far from the location in question. One of the little warning signs on the back, near the valves, said Rave-ioli and another said Beef-a-Roni . . . But I didn't think that Campbell's had anything to do with the Boy-ar-dee Family. I thought they, Campbells, had more of a Franco-American or French-Canadian connection.

RM,
I should have read your post a little more carefully. OH well, I'm retired, working hard on senility, and if you don't like it, I can lump it! Or should that be "You can lump it" I never seem to get that straight. I hope that's not offensive and taken in a jocular way.
C. T.

as i said, ct . . .
n/j or oops =+
perhaps: nevermind (a.k.a. the litella exit gambit)

10-4 Amigo! =)
5 x 5

(p.s. working on senility beats working on insanity. ask Steve L. =)

So . . . If a person tries out a simple peasant recipe involving poached chicken, potatoes, other veg. and herbs from France in honor of Julia Child/Jacques Pepin but deletes the potatoes, adds basil and oregano, and serves the result over perfectly cooked pasta instead . . . Does it become "A Secret Italian Recipe"?....

I hear tell that there is soon to be a haunted restaurant building for rent somewhere in the vicinity of KC BBQ.
Next to Johnny's except with a poorly laid out parking lot.
In honor of the rumormonger . . . The next food purveying tenant at the location will be named "Nuestradamus"

When you read every link and all the sources of information on this thread, they sure look like a bunch of stupid sleazy slime balls IMO……. Sleaze balls is what IMHO they should rename their meat balls.

It will be interesting to see if the judge shuts this place down on Tuesday and what TV, radio, and print news the ruling receives.

I have got to believe that with the owner’s Facebook allegations that are perhaps slanderous, that his credibility has taken a serious hit and that it might make the allegations by the plaintiff more believable.

I'll be at the hearing, I'll be reporting what ensues.

I hear tell that there is soon to be a haunted restaurant building for rent somewhere in the vicinity of KC BBQ.
Next to Johnny's except with a poorly laid out parking lot.
That building used to be a Long John Silver's that had a fire at one point. I can't really remember if LJS ever reopened after the fire but I do remember eating there back when I worked retail in the area at Sound Warehouse. It was a Jack's BBQ for awhile before it was KC Blues & BBQ.

When you read every link and all the sources of information on this thread, they sure look like a bunch of stupid sleazy slime balls IMO……. Sleaze balls is what IMHO they should rename their meat balls.

It will be interesting to see if the judge shuts this place down on Tuesday and what TV, radio, and print news the ruling receives.

I have got to believe that with the owner’s Facebook allegations that are perhaps slanderous, that his credibility has taken a serious hit and that it might make the allegations by the plaintiff more believable.

Keep in mind, odds are high that those links were posted by someone with a dog in this fight....

Keep in mind, odds are high that those links were posted by someone with a dog in this fight....

Sorry for any problems I might have caused. Glad that someone was able to delete the post.Steve, you're a great writer.We need to keep you employed. Keep up the good work.

Thanks Sooner Queen. I really do appreciate your understanding on this. I'll be very curious to see how this turns out.

Thanks MMM. I know SoonerQueen meant no harm, but these days, it's more important than ever that people read these stories first on NewsOK, or in this case, www.oklahoman.com. Just as an fyi - this is a "subscribers only" first read, meaning it will only be on www.oklahoman.com today, and then it will be displayed for everyone to read Monday. The Oklahoman is doing this as a reward to its loyal subscribers. This has been said before, but I'll say it again so that this thread doesn't divert away from Custino's - The Oklahoman remains the ONLY major news site in the state that still provides free access to all of its stories (with some delayed as this one). The Tulsa World, the Journal Record, the Lawton Constitution all have implemented pay walls, as has the Dallas Morning News, Wall Street Journal and New York Times.
I understand you're following protocol, but this mindset is what keeps print media dying moreso each day. They have to realize they can't delay or slow down the speed of information. I worry if the Oklahoman exists in 10 years, and if so what form?

Let's keep this thread focused on Custino's.

The story is now available for all access at www.newsok.com - http://newsok.com/custinos-italian-kitchen-partnership-ends-in-legal-entanglements/article/3702159