Table of Contents
Steaks at Rustic Chop House, such as the Chop House Strip Steak, come from Creekstone Farms in Kansas, and are aged 28 days.
“We wanted an intimate atmosphere where everyone would feel comfortable,” Rustic Chop House owner Joe Garrett said.
The tomahawk pork chop is on the menu at Rustic Chop House in Broken Arrow.
Little Venice Restaurant in Sand Springs serves superb food in a comfortable yet classy setting.
Many of the decorations in La Tertulia are curated from owner Kevin Nashan’s home and family.
Grilled trout is topped with roasted new potatoes at La Tertulia.
Yellowtail sashimi is topped with slices of chili and served with a chili ponzu sauce at In the Raw VU.
In The Raw VU sits at the top of the Vast.Bank Building.
Gene’s Pepper Filet is one of the popular main menu items at In the Raw VU.
Cochinita pibil at Madre’s Mexican Kitchen is shown.
The bar area of Tacos x Mezcal, 39 E. 18th, is shown.
Taco de asada, taco de chorizo, Taco de pescado, Taco de pork belly, Taco de pastor at Tacos x Mezcal, 39 E. 18th St.
Salmon Sabzipolo is shown at Saffron Mediterranean Cuisine.
Mediterranean Mazzeh is shown at Saffron Mediterranean Cuisine.
It was one of the more unusual questions that has been asked since we’ve been tasked with writing about restaurants for the Tulsa World.
“All these dishes that you describe,” one person wanted to know, “do you actually eat them?”
Either to my chagrin or my credit, I had to answer, yes — if I describe a particular foodstuff in detail, it is because I have personally consumed said item.
Which means that, over the past 12 months, I’ve had a lot of things to eat. Some have been incredibly good. Some have been distressingly mediocre. And only a few were so lacking in positive qualities that I couldn’t bring myself to say anything about them. In this day and age, it’s all too easy to be needlessly cruel.
It’s also true that the whole process of assessing the quality of anything — be it ballet or barbecue — is a highly subjective process. One endeavors to be as fair as possible, to judge what is on the plate on its own merits, which can aspire to the heights of haute cuisine, or be as simple as turning out a decent cheeseburger.
As always, this list of the 10 best restaurants is based strictly on new restaurants that were reviewed during the calendar year of 2021.
However, if we were to name our most memorable meals of the year, this list would be topped by Lowood Modern Woodfire, which was named the Best Restaurant of 2019 but this year underwent a significant change under new chef Bobby Benjamin. Practically every bite was a drop-the-fork-oh-my-goodness moment, which is something one rarely experiences anywhere.
However, a number of restaurants new on the scene served up meals and dishes that were worthy of highest praise. And, by sheerest coincidence, the first and last restaurants reviewed for this year made the 2021 10 Best New Restaurants list.
1. Rustic Chop House
The diver scallops are an appetizer at Rustic Chop House in Broken Arrow.
210 S. Main St., Broken Arrow
This newcomer to the Rose District is a gem. Its tomahawk pork chop was easily the best example of this hard-to-master cut I’ve ever had — perfectly tender and succulent from first bite to last. Steaks are of an equally high caliber, as are such items as the smoked duck appetizer and the creamy leek and potato soup, which is good enough to warrant a few return trips.
2. Little Venice
Veal scaloppini with shrimp and asparagus is served at Little Venice in Sand Springs.
208 N. Main St., Sand Springs
Owners Candi and Walter Munaretto have brought the flavors of Northern Italy to this west Tulsa suburb, serving superb food in a comfortable yet classy setting. Menus change weekly, depending on what ingredients are fresh and available. Saltimbocca, a classic dish of sauteed veal topped with sage and prosciutto, is a standout dish. Even something as seemingly simple as Pappardelle di Fungi, or egg noodles with wild mushrooms, has an extraordinary depth of flavor.
3. La Tertulia
Tostadas, Grilled Trout, Sangria, flan and the Deluxe Combination (clockwise from left) at La Tertulia.
James Beard Award-winning chef Kevin Nashan pays homage to his family history with this restaurant that serves up contemporary takes on the New Mexican cuisine that drew travelers to his grandparents’ Santa Fe restaurant. The menu is not extensive, but it is varied; newcomers might wish to start with the deluxe combination dinner, which gives one a fairly comprehensive sampling of what La Tertulia can do, with a taco, a rolled blue-corn enchilada, a tamale, a chili relleno and a good portion of carne adovada, which is chunks of pork shoulder simmered in a rich and spicy red chili sauce, rice, pinto beans and pozole, or hominy.
4. Oakhart Barbecue
The Oakhart Barbecue platter consists of simple Central Texas-style barbecue.
Co-owners Brian Hodges and Chris Emmons wanted to bring the sort of Central Texas barbecue made famous by such pitmasters as Aaron Franklin — I’ve never been to Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Texas, but if it is producing the sort of barbecue that Oakhart does, I can understand why people wait in line for hours. The ribs, brisket and house-made sausage are among the standout entrees, but sides such as cheesy grits more than hold their own.
5. Basque
Rare roasted yellowfin tuna, fried calamari, black and white brioche, Basque-style snails, montaditos, salt-baked Petrale sole and wood oven-roasted brook trout (clockwise from top left) are offered at Restaurant Basque.
The latest concept from restaurateur Amelia Eesley, overseen by chef Andrew Donovan, features foods from the Basque region, an area that straddles the Spanish-French border, and which draws its cuisine equally from the land and sea. The small plates encourage sharing, although there might be some dishes one will want to keep to oneself, such as the salt-baked petrale sole, the charred Spanish octopus, the Basque-style snails, tender to the point of creaminess, in a lively, potent sauce of bacon and choricero peppers.
6. in the raw VU
Among the craft cocktails available at In the Raw Vu are the Empress Vu, a twist on the classic gin and tonic, and the Lucy Rose, a fruity blend of vodka and champagne.
The latest incarnation of this popular local sushi establishment is located atop the Vast.Bank building, just across the street from ONEOK Field. This provides diners with some impressive views of the city, but the food served here does its best to put the scenery to shame. While the menu mimics what’s served at other In The Raw restaurants, In The Raw VU is used as something of a testing ground for the chefs and their newest creations, some of which are available only here. These include the Hot Crab Roll, a sizable serving of baked crab encased in a thick layer of rice and wrapped in a sesame soy paper, and the Shrimp and Scallop Ceviche, loaded with finely chopped mango, tomato, jalapeño, onion and cilantro, and dotted with tiny pieces of scallop and chopped shrimp.
7. Madre’s
Chile Rellenos at Madre’s Mexican Kitchen is served on a bed of Swiss chard and topped with a tomato salsa.
Chef Sergio Vilar uses some 20 ingredients and endless hours to make the mole sauce used on several of the dishes at Madre’s — when he says, “You can taste generations in that sauce,” it is not hyperbole. The menu includes such rarely seen dishes as cochinita pibil, a braised pork specialty from the Yucatan, and pork belly chicharrones, as well as more familiar items such as enchiladas and tacos that benefit from Vilar’s unique salsas and sauces.
8. Wildflower Cafe
The Avocado Toast is served at the Wildflower Cafe.
When a restaurant makes a grilled cheese sandwich using house-made pimento cheese, then actually griddles the cheese to create a crisp, caramelized layer over the rest of the creamy, tangy mixture, one can be sure this place takes the concept of comfort food seriously. Chef and owner Heather Linville does just that at Wildflower Cafe, making food that is simple, real, fresh and well-made. Try the Snickerdoodle waffle with house-made cinnamon syrup or the biscuits and gravy for breakfast, or sample one of the regular lunch specials, such as the full Thanksgiving dinner available every Thursday.
9. Tacos x Mezcal
The queso fundido at Tacos x Mezcal is shown.
These are not your abuela’s tacos. Chef Sebastian Renner elevates Mexico’s humblest street food into high-level cuisine, from guacamole flavored with paddlefish roe or toasted crickets to compact tacos that pack an inordinate amount of flavor. We particularly enjoyed the taco de camarón — essentially a roasted Anaheim chili stuffed with shrimp, and wrapped in well-cooked bacon — and the taco de pescado swordfish coated in a tempura-like batter and fried, with cabbage, carrot, guacamole and a chipotle aioli.
10. Saffron
The Saffron Combo Platter includes koobideh (seasoned ground beef), chicken and gyro meat with rice, vegetables and tzatziki sauce.
Chef Shadi Afshari offers authentic Mediterranean dishes, from such familiar items as lamb chops, to more exotic dishes such as zereshk polo, a saffron-flavored braised chicken over barberry rice; and fesenjoon, or walnut stew, a thick, almost chocolate brown, and surprisingly fruity broth, stocked with pureed walnuts and pomegranate seed, and pieces of white-meat chicken. Those making the first foray in this cuisine might consider the Mediterranean Mazzeh, a selection of appetizers, or the kabob combo platter.
Honorable Mentions:
Those eateries that just missed the top spots:
918 Maples Cafe & Catering, 8151 E. 21st St.: Excellent birria tacos headline a wide-ranging menu at this small restaurant.
Radish, 1730 S. Boston Ave.: “Midwesterranean” food that brings some Okie flair to Mediterranean cuisine. Superb roast chicken, pita sandwiches and mezze treats.
Cherry Street Kitchen, 111 W. Fifth St.: Relocated from its original 15th Street location, the new Cherry Street Kitchen offers an expanded menu as well as full bar service.
Day Break Cafe, 8178 S. Lewis Ave.: Fans of the old First Watch will find most of their favorites, as well as some new twists, at this breakfast-and-lunch restaurant.
Brick Bros. Pizza, 2 W. Dawes Ave., Bixby: Quality ingredients, unique combinations and a brick oven make for such excellent pizza, well worth the trip south.
Inheritance Juicery, 108 S. Detroit Ave.: Healthy libations are the star here, but the lunch menu is full of vegan-forward items.
Calaca Fresh Mexican, 6902 S. Lewis Ave.; 3202 S. Sheridan Road: California-style Mexican food — the rice and beans are good enough to order by themselves.
Gambill’s Wine & Coffee, 1102 S. Lewis Ave.: Spanish-style tapas and coffee preparations, as well as local, national and international wines.
Curds & Whey, 1124 S. Lewis Ave.: Chef Faith Walker describes what she does as “sophisticated comfort food,” with such items as the Very Berry Salad and the Cali Girl ($13) with fresh avocado, candied bacon and a zesty ranch; topping great fries.
Salt & Vinegar, 1124 S. Lewis Ave.: Few places are recommended for their Brussels sprouts, but few places make them the way Salt & Vinegar does, frying and seasoning them into a sweet and tangy treat. The rest of the menu’s pretty good as well.
Closings
This year has been a more difficult one than usual for local restaurants, with many long-time Tulsa culinary landmarks closing their doors. Among the restaurants that served their final meals in 2021:
Lassalle’s New Orleans Deli; Flavors of New Orleans; Oklahoma Joe’s (downtown location — temporarily closed); Vista at the Boathouse (Gathering Place — temporarily closed); The Boiler Room at the Mayo Hotel; Cyprus Grille at Renaissance Hotel; Celebrity Restaurant; Elmer’s Barbecue; Esperanza Bakery; Tandoori Guys Express; Fox & Hound; Freddie’s Hamburgers (Lewis Avenue and Admiral Boulevard locations); Poke Bowl Love; Miami Nights Lounge & Restaurant; First Watch; Dixie Cafe (Coweta); Senor Tequila (Mingo Road location); Abu Omar Halal; Felizsta.
Our photo staff shares moments to remember from this year
Celebs with local ties talk about their Okie traits
Tim Blake Nelson
“I think we are all nice to people, by and large. If you think about Bill Hader and Kristin Chenoweth and Gary Busey, from what I am told, and my brother Mike Nelson, who is out there as a producer, I think what people say about us that we are easy to deal with and it’s important to us that we are kind and decent and that goes a long way. I’ll say we drive friendly.” — Tim Blake Nelson, actor from Tulsa
Ron Howard
“Just sort of an earthy, simple common sense from (my parents). I think Dad had it. We would call it Midwestern zen. We would always refer to it as that Midwestern zen, which is sort of the ability to be in that moment and understand the truth of that moment and be calm with that and accept and sort of take your next step based on the reality of just understanding where you are in the world and what’s going on and not deluding yourself, but also not diminishing yourself. It’s a kind of a — I think that sort of centered quality differentiates me from a lot of people I work with and they always appreciate that quality, I think, in me when I’m working, whether in the old days in front of the camera or the last decades behind it. I really attribute that largely to my dad, but I also think it’s a cultural characteristic. There is a kind of hot temper I don’t really have, and Dad didn’t have it much either, but I know of that as well. I don’t draw a lot of lines in the sand.” — Ron Howard, actor-director (born in Duncan)
Clint Howard
“This is probably more of a farmer’s mentality than just pure Oklahoma, but something I learned from Dad is the cows need milking and the chickens need feeding. It doesn’t matter whether it’s 10 degrees outside or 75 degrees outside. You’ve got chores. You’ve got to do them.”— Clint Howard, (right, shown with brother Ron) actor (parents were Oklahomans)
Troy Aikman
“Moving to Henryetta made my life. I learned the value of hard work and all the values that are so often attributed to small town life. You hear it said often, but it’s true. In a small town, a man or woman’s word is their contractual agreement.” — Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman, from Henryetta
Kristin Chenoweth
“I have been to many places across the world and have met some amazing people, but in my opinion, Oklahoma has a lot of very kind people. I think we lead with kindness for the most part. That is something I’m very proud of when I say I’m a proud Oklahoman.” — actress Kristin Chenowth, from Broken Arrow
Okies in the News
Here’s what these Okies and other stars with Oklahoma ties have been up to lately:
It’s been an active year for Broken Arrow-born Kristin Chenoweth. The Tony and Emmy Award-winner was one of the stars of “Schmigadoon!,” the Apple+ limited series that was both an homage to, and satiric parody of, the sort of movie musicals popular in the 1940s and ‘50s.
Then, in October, she released her second holiday-themed album, “Happiness is… Christmas!,” which includes such holiday songs as “Christmas Time is Here,” “Merry Christmas, Darling,” “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” with lyrics by fellow Broken Arrow native Ralph Blane.
Chenoweth will be performing songs from the “Happiness is… Christmas!” album, along with other music of the season, at a special gala concert Dec. 13 at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City.
Oh yes, and she got engaged to musician Josh Bryant, whom she has dated since 2018.
Thanks to her popular Food Network Show, “The Pioneer Woman,” Ree Drummond (pictured above) is no stranger to being in front of the camera. However, the Pawhuska resident tried something unusual this year, making her film acting debut in “Candy Coated Christmas,” which debuted Nov. 19 on the Discovery+ streaming service.
The movie is the story of a young woman who returns to her mother’s hometown of Peppermint Hollow after her plans to launch a business are derailed by circumstance. Drummond plays the owner of a local bakery who befriends the woman and introduces her around town.
The “Candy Coated Christmas” cast includes Molly McCook, Aaron O’Connell, Jae Suh Park and John McCook. The film was written by Alex Yonks, Joey Plager and Ellie Kanner, who also directed.
Trisha Yearwood published her fourth cookbook, “Trisha’s Kitchen: Easy Comfort Food for Friends and Family,” in August, and in November, the country singer and Food Network star was featured in “A White House Thanksgiving,” a holiday special about the Thanksgiving traditions and favorite recipes of President Joe Biden’s family that aired Nov. 20 on the Food Network.
Yearwood and first lady Jill Biden prepared some of those recipes, including the first lady’s Grandmom Jacobs’ Savory Stuffing and Trisha’s Thanksgiving Turkey Gravy. Behind-the-scene photos and recipes can be found at foodnetwork.com/whitehousethanksgiving.
Tulsa actor Tim Blake Nelson starred in the title role of a new western (“Old Henry”) in 2021. Nelson played a widowed farmer with a secret and, if you get on his bad side, you really don’t want to know what that secret is.
Actor and filmmaker Ron Howard was born in Duncan, Oklahoma. He and younger brother Clint Howard are the sons of Rance and Jean Howard, who were raised in Oklahoma. Ron and Clint partnered to write a book (“The Boys”) about their careers and the parents who guided them through the pitfalls of being a child actor.
Troy Aikman, a Pro Football Hall of Famer from Henryetta, announced that he is bringing Blake Shelton to Henryetta for a benefit concert. An inaugural Highway to Henryetta Festival is scheduled June 11 at Nichols Park and will benefit educational and community initiatives in the town.
“(Shelton) said yes in a matter of five minutes. I was blown away,” Aikman said. “It was one of those deals where I know Blake a little bit. I don’t claim to know him that well. I’ve always felt that Oklahoma was really important to him, and this proved it to me. I’m not sure if Blake has ever stepped foot in Henryetta, Oklahoma.”
Check out our latest digital-only offer and subscribe now
Check out our latest digital-only offer and subscribe now: Tulsaworld.com/subscribe