While I don't live in Tulsa, it's always been close enough for the occasional day trip. Just a few hours drive offers a nice change of scenery. One quaint stop, always on my list is Utica Square.
Utica Square opened in 1952 in what once was considered "the outskirts," of town, according to their official website. Surrounded by beautifully matured trees, Utica Square no longer is on the outskirts but instead, surrounded by a mid-western city that has grown up around it. The outside still looks and feels like 1952 which gives this area great charm. On the inside is a collection of contemporary shopping (Restoration Hardware, Anthropologie, Pottery Barn, L'Occitane, etc.) and fun, quirky shops (the Snow Goose), selling various gifts and collectibles.
But at the end of the day (or in my case, the beginning, before the shopping starts), it's all about the food. One of my favorite brunch and lunch places, located in the heart of Utica Square is the Wild Fork.
The Wild Fork opened in 1995 and has become a staple of Utica Square and of Tulsa. It's quirky atmosphere (see photo gallery on their website), is home to unique light fixtures and art, typically that of featured, local artists. The staff is attentive and friendly and the food is delicious without being pretentious or over-priced.
We started with the Black Bean Cassoulet. Warm tortilla crisps served with black beans, baked with cheddar cheese and green chilies and topped with cilantro, sour cream and pico de gallo. My travel companions ordered from the brunch selections, while I ordered what has always kept me coming back to the Wild Fork, the Mediterranean burger. This Greek seasoned burger is served and quartered on a pita flatbread and topped with feta cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and the best part - a creamy herb vinaigrette.
A friend ordered the Mexican Mule, the literal Mexican twist on a Moscow mule, served with tequila instead of vodka. I prefer Moscow to Mexican but still loved getting a photo of this beauty!
Black Bean Cassoulet
Mediterranean burger
Mexican Mule
The Wild Fork courtyard - Utica Square (Click to enlarge)
