Travel to go

Staycation eats to feed your wanderlust

Luciano Pavarotti said, “One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating.” 

Consuming nourishment should be a celebration. Eating is not only a basic requirement of life, it has become a form of lustful entertainment. Hunger lures us into strange places in search of the perfect taco, tempts us into long lines for kimchi fries, and tricks us into spending too much on dinner. 

Food is a dangerous addiction for some, but it is a necessity for us all. You cannot quit food to manage its prowess. You must simply overcome your cravings and make good food choices. Unless, of course, you are on vacation. Then all bets are off. 

My first trip to New York City opened my eyes to all things epicurean. I was finally mature enough to appreciate the incredible dining experiences in a big city and also understand the art of food. The awe, from the first bite of sushi at Nobu, was encompassing. I daintily devoured the artfully crafted tasting menu at The Modern. I had the finest seasonal fare at Craft. The culinary stimulus was ridiculous and amazing and wonderful. 

Recently, a friend traveled to Italy and returned only to find herself in a food depression. The impeccable simplicity of authentic Italian cuisine left a mark on her and nothing could compare. Those of us who worship food cannot help but acknowledge the undeniable emptiness of coming home to a handful of familiarities.  

Fortunately, there are dining venues here that can satisfy my wanderlust, my short list of places that will pull you out of a food funk in a heartbeat. (If you are new to Tulsa, this is an easy way to step into our local gourmand scene.) 

Tallgrass Prairie Table
This stunning local treasure was opened in the Blue Dome District last year by a talented team led by two incredible women. Owner Hope Egan has a personality that fills a room and has been a fixture in the hospitality industry for as long as I can remember. Michelle Donaldson, Executive Chef, has extreme talent, finesse for all things edible, and remarkable vision. The farm-to-table style menu is seasonally charged and makes my mouth water—the Zucchini Tian is a dish inspired by a classic Julia Child recipe. The vegetables for this delicious casserole were sourced from the Tallgrass farm in Depew. Tomatoes, sweet corn, and basil are the stars of this vegetarian indulgence. The ingredients are local, but the flavors are world class.
313 E. Second Street
tallgrasstable.com

Keo Asian Cuisine
Owners Bill and Zahida Hyman manifested a clean and contemporary space to serve healthy, high-quality, Asian-inspired dishes in style. Both locations have the same, sophisticated vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a hip eatery in a big city. I crave the spicy Papaya Salad and the creamy coconut sauce in the Steamed Mussels, both of which are on the small-plate menu. These dishes are prepared with extreme attention to the finer details and are consistent, both of which can be said about the entire menu. These are people who are doing it right, all the time.  
3524 S. Peoria Avenue and 8921 S. Yale Avenue
keorestaurant.com

Stonehorse Café
Chef Tim Inman’s talent is obvious, and his café and market offer a neighborly vibe. Inman is frequently in the kitchen making everything from scratch, motivating his team, and waving over the hot line at his customers. In Utica Square, this is the place to ‘see and be seen,’ especially if you are a food lover. The menu changes seasonally but there are items, like the “Truck Stop Style” meatloaf, that Inman can’t take off the menu. The regular guests would surely revolt. 
1748 Utica Square
stonehorsecafe.com

Bodean Seafood Restaurant
The freshest fish and finest oysters come from Bodean Restaurant and Market, a Tulsa tradition. The service and ambiance are continuously great, but the food that comes from the kitchen of Executive Chef Trevor Tack is impeccable. Each dish is stunning to look at and even more impressive to taste. Intentionally crafted to balance textures and flavors, his menu is exquisite. To have a truly fine experience, start your meal with a dozen Kumamoto oysters and end with an artisanal cheese plate.
3376 E. 51st Street
bodean.net

Pryhme Steakhouse
This is the only restaurant in town to get any steak you want, prepared any way you want it, thanks to Chef and Owner Justin Thompson. All four of his Tulsa eateries are world-class—Juniper, Tavolo, and 624 Kitchen & Catering are the others—but Prhyme has a swanky atmosphere that sweeps you off your feet. This just might be the most impressive place in Tulsa to take a date. The menu boasts classic steakhouse fare adorned with modern surprises. You can’t go wrong with any entrée, but you must order the Lobster Bisque to start. It’s the best in town.
111 N. Main Street
prhymetulsa.com