A "WOW" restaurant 4 Tulsa

[TheArtist]

Ok, after listening to the posts, perhaps I should clarify what I was looking for. Great atmosphere, the kind where you walk in the door and you go, WOW.  Some place distinct, with either cutting edge design or well crafted old world flavor, or a mixture of both.  It should feel like you are walking into another world when you cross that threshold. World class Atmosphere and design.

Then I want great food with great presentation.  You know the kind, where you look at your plate and can't decide whether its a work of art you should be taking photos of or eating lol. It should be just as delicious to the eyes as it is to the pallet.

Creativity, artistry, style, class, fun, beauty thats what I want.

I am not saying that we don't have some very good chefs and restaurants. But I do think we are missing some with that highest level of world class design.  And I think that Tulsa could have a couple of those.  It seems that many of our restaurants are in the same ballpark, competing with each other on the same level. Lots of different "pub type" ones, or even the same building, like the one the Ford Filling Station was in, that are reshuffled a bit and reincarnated into different versions with similar quality design. They are all competing at a similar level.  I think its about time Tulsa got one or two that were definitely of a different class.

I am hoping that the restaurant in the addition to the Mc Birney Mansion will have that level of quality and atmosphere.  I got the feeling from their presentation that they were indeed wanting to fill a niche that Tulsa is presently lacking. I also think that the rooftop restaurant that is proposed for the Mayo Hotel will be able to offer a stunning setting.

[brunoflipper]

now, now...

to each his own...

remember, it is all a matter of perspective... hell, last i checked not everyone likes cherubs on ceilings...

the palace cafe is excellent and the brasserie holds its own... given the chance i'd take a local version of a commanders palace, kpauls, emerils, galatoires, slanted door, town hall, jardiniere, stella, grill 23, nobu, bluezoo (i know)...

i've been to plenty of towns that dont have a WOW spot... so, i gree with the basic premise of your point but there are some very good places here locally...

[azbadpuppy]

quote:Originally posted by TheArtist

Ok, after listening to the posts, perhaps I should clarify what I was looking for. Great atmosphere, the kind where you walk in the door and you go, WOW.  Some place distinct, with either cutting edge design or well crafted old world flavor, or a mixture of both.  It should feel like you are walking into another world when you cross that threshold. World class Atmosphere.

Then I want great food with great presentation.  You know the kind, where you look at your plate and can't decide whether its a work of art you should be taking photos of or eating lol. It should be just as delicious to the eyes as it is to the pallet.

Creativity, artistry, style, class, fun, beauty thats what I want.

I dunno- I usually go to a restaurant for the food. If you wants glitz go to Vegas.

[TheArtist]

quote:Originally posted by brunoflipper

now, now...

to each his own...

remember, it is all a matter of perspective... hell, last i checked not everyone likes cherubs on ceilings...

the palace cafe is excellent and the brasserie holds its own... given the chance i'd take a local version of a commanders palace, kpauls, emerils, galatoires, slanted door, town hall, jardiniere, stella, grill 23, nobu, bluezoo (i know)...

i've been to plenty of towns that dont have a WOW spot... so, i gree with the basic premise of your point but there are some very good places here locally...

I like ultra contemporary as well as the over the top classical lol. But basically really really well done, flawless, of any style will do. And, I have to admit I have never eaten at either the Palace Cafe or the Brasserie.  So I will have to check those out.

[TheArtist]

quote:Originally posted by azbadpuppy

quote:Originally posted by TheArtist

Ok, after listening to the posts, perhaps I should clarify what I was looking for. Great atmosphere, the kind where you walk in the door and you go, WOW.  Some place distinct, with either cutting edge design or well crafted old world flavor, or a mixture of both.  It should feel like you are walking into another world when you cross that threshold. World class Atmosphere.

Then I want great food with great presentation.  You know the kind, where you look at your plate and can't decide whether its a work of art you should be taking photos of or eating lol. It should be just as delicious to the eyes as it is to the pallet.

Creativity, artistry, style, class, fun, beauty thats what I want.

I dunno- I usually go to a restaurant for the food. If you wants glitz go to Vegas.

Doesn't have to be glitz.  Yes I of course want good food and service, and we can get that here.  Would just like to also have that along with some impressive atmosphere, in one or two places around town.  Would love to see a knockout contemporary place and a stunning old world one as well.  Would also be nice to have just that cozy sidewalk cafe or riverview type place as well with a good view. Went to a Japanese place along Brookside.  The food was good, sat outside, but the view was of Charlestons, some shabby store fronts, across the street and a Sonic. Not quite what I would call an impressive "or romantic" view. I would like one or two places where, everything is just right.

[Conan71]

Artist, it amazes me that out of all the ones mentioned, none meet muster with you.  

If atmosphere is more of a concern, don't bother going to the new restaurant on the international space station-

great food, no atmosphere.[]

[pmcalk]

Artist, you strike me as the type that would wait in line in New York at one of the restaurants where the Maitre D' picks & chooses who gets a table based upon their appearance.  We don't have many restaurants like that in Tulsa.  Thank goodness.  Personally, I believe that restaurants should be about the quality of food, not the latest snooty trend.

I would love to have a Commander's Palace here in Tulsa.  But that's not very likely is it?  I mean, that's the best restaurant in the country.  And by the way that is not based upon the decor so much as the service and the food.

[unknown]

I think Casa Bonita has everything you are looking for[}:)]

[RecycleMichael]

If only they had indoor seating at my neighborhood Quik-Trip...

[azbadpuppy]

There was a place years ago on south Lewis called the 'Fountains'. is that still there? If I recall, that place was pretty nice. There was also an elegant seafood restaurant called the Razor Clam, and another cool restaurant called the Louisianne. I'm sure these are all gone now.

Anyway, my current favorites when I am in Tulsa are the Palace Cafe, and Tucci's- both on Cherry street. IMO they both have great atmosphere.

[unknown]

quote:Originally posted by azbadpuppy

There was a place years ago on south Lewis called the 'Fountains'. is that still there? If I recall, that place was pretty nice. There was also an elegant seafood restaurant called the Razor Clam, and another cool restaurant called the Louisianne. I'm sure these are all gone now.

Anyway, my current favorites when I am in Tulsa are the Palace Cafe, and Tucci's- both on Cherry street. IMO they both have great atmosphere.

The fountatins got shutdown because of health code violations... yummy!

[pmcalk]

quote:Originally posted by recyclemichael

If only they had indoor seating at my neighborhood Quik-Trip...

I know everytime I see the food at Quicktrip, I say "Wow."  Probably a different sort of reaction, though.

[cannon_fodder]

Not sure if you have ever been to a small town - but I have never seen anything like Table 10 in a small town.  Maybe something like the Pie Hole, but certainly not table ten.  Are you thinking of the same place - all white, waterfall wall, expensive wines.

Wild Fork is too public

Summit is to private

and something nondescript is wrong with the Chalkboard.  You have to be more specific on this I guess because every time I've been there it is a fine place to dine.  Awesome service, nice atmosphere, world class food.

Ok, lets try again:

Tulsa Country Club - not too private, not public.  All dark hardwoods, great food, great services, wonderful view of downtown.

Any number of "trendy" Sushi places around town.  The one at 51st and whatever has a nice view of downtown even.  They are trendy, have decent food, and are over only slightly over priced.

Staying with the fish theme: Atlantic Sea Grill.  Best es cargo I've ever had.  Nice atmosphere, trendy looking, good service, pretty good food.

If you want something with atmosphere and good Steak try Spudders - certainly not yuppy but damn good steaks and a neat place.

Likewise, Basil Spice Thai Kitchen is one of the best Thai food places in the United States.  Not fancy, but if FOOD QUALITY is what you are after you will have trouble beating it outside of LA or NYC.

Or for your view, you could take her to the restaurant in Gilcrease overlooking the Osage Hills. Fine dining, great atmosphere, wonderful view, damn quite.

If your into the whole Museum thing, you can eat at Philbrook too... though I never have so I cannot comment on their food.  But the view, wow.  Those gardens are perfect.

However... what you want is Flemmings, or PF Changs, or Macaroni grill.  Something big and flashy with decent food.  You just want it with a different name on it so your date thinks you "found it."

Honestly, the only thing Tulsa lacks is a true 5-star restaurant.  Many of the ones I have listed are 4 stars.  Frankly, if you have been to ALL of the suggestions given then you have to know how fine these places are.  If your date is not going to be satisfied with any of them then   take her to Golden Corral and tell her to deal with it.

[Kingdaddy]

I'd highly recommend The Bistro at Seville.

Great restaurant without being too expensive.

But it doesn't face a waterfall with unicorns making love to Care Bears so you wouldn't like it Artist.

The Bistro at Seville

[Steve]

I have never gone to a restaurant that made me go "Wow" or gawk in astonishment when I entered.  The only one I have been to that would even come close was Windows on the World at the top of the destroyed WTC in NYC.  That was some view.  I have gone "wow" many times in restaurants when viewing prices however.