Chicory & Chives Café

Is soul food the same as food for the soul? Well, either way, lunch with my oldest friend Hal at Chicory and Chives Cafe was definitely good for the soul. Previously located in West Tulsa, "The Chive" as I call it, is now more accessible to the masses for a little piece of  midwestern and southern comfort foods. Snuggled smack dab in the middle of the London Square Shopping center at 58th and Lewis, "The Chive" will certainly delight the senses and isn't that hard on the wallet either. First things first, if you think you have had good gumbo, you're sorely mistaken, I personally don't think it gets better than this. The texture and combination of ingredients were born in bayou heaven. Just take a look for yourself. Sorry, scratch and sniff blogging isn't available yet!

 I could have walked out after the gumbo course without a regret in the world, however Hal insisted we stay for our actual meals. I thoroughly enjoyed the blackened catfish and spicy grilled shrimp which were both spiced and cooked perfectly. The red beans and rice were cooked to perfection however lacked any sort of seasoning or spice.

I rounded out my meal with a side of cooked spinach, not pictured, which was prepared so well that I actually ate it, and ask my mom, I don't do cooked spinach! And to top it all off, I can honestly say I haven't had service this good, EVER. Our server Jessica was very friendly and informative as was the owner Jim who makes it a point to personally stop by and spice up your day with a warm smile and nickles worth of free humor.

Meat Trifecta

Tonight I was fortunate enough to share a new creation with E and my football watching partner in crime, Scott. We played a little game called "Meat Trifecta" that started with a pretty standard issue chicken breast stuffed with provolone, garlic and sauteed mushrooms and rubbed with a little Head Country dry seasoning, if you're from PC you know where I'm coming from on that one. Creativity ensued and my pallet demanded a rib eye stuffed with Muenster cheese and a fresh jalapeno then wrapped in bacon. Ya, I said the whole thing was wrapped in bacon and I'm talking THICK bacon, the kind that actually tastes like a ham! So after searing both delectable concoctions in a cast iron skillet they went into the broiler while I turned my attention to completing the melted provolone and Muenster stacked crustinis topped with garlic and scallions. Although all I received where grunts, of enjoyment I presumed, when I asked what they thought of it, I knew we all enjoyed the food as much as the company.

Last night I decided to throw together a casual dinner for E and I to welcome a much needed relaxing evening at home. My contemplation led me to a little surf and turf for the sole. The dish went a little like this; Lobster stuffed filet mignon with a drizzled béarnaise sauce along with a basil, oregano and chili flake infused oil over feta topped roasted asparagus completed with a side of garlic and rosemary roasted potatoes. The photo quality is a little less than perfect however I can guarantee the quality of the meal was nothing short of fantastic.

If you have the opportunity to take a late lunch, may I suggest the Bill and Ruth's at 3205 S Yale. I generally prefer to go after 1:00 to avoid the lunch rush & relax at the sushi bar. Jongsung Bae’s sub shop is well known in the Tulsa sushi scene as having an excellent selection of moderately priced sushi rolls and nigiri.