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WE'RE DINING FINE
By BECKY DIXON
Last time, I profiled some of Oklahoma’s outstanding institutions of higher learning. This time, I turn from education to eateries. Are you aware that Tulsa is home to several international-caliber chefs? When next you visit, here’s where you can savor their artistry:
FLAVORS Chef Michael Fusco has developed a loyal following at his stylish Tulsa restaurant, Flavors. Often appearing on morning TV shows, the well-known Fusco grew up in New Jersey, where family tradition drew him to cooking. He earned his bachelor’s degree in foodservice management and culinary arts. After graduation, Fusco came to Oklahoma, beginning his career at Bodeans and cultivating the art of preparing his now signature fresh seafood.
Michael realized a lifelong dream when he opened his own restaurant in 1996. Today, Flavors is known not only for seafood, but also steaks, pastas, and fresh vegetables, not to mention its wine selection and highly trained staff. But Michael Fusco is clearly the star attraction as he delights patrons with his fine food and charming manner.
TABLE TEN One of the youngest chefs on Tulsa’s restaurant scene is Richard Clark, who owns not only The French Hen in South Tulsa, but also the new Table Ten in Midtown. As the name implies, The French Hen specializes in formal, French cuisine. Table Ten has a more contemporary feel, serving comfort foods with a modern twist. We recently celebrated my son’s birthday there, dining on one of my childhood favorites, fried chicken. Other comfort foods on the menu include veal meatloaf, pheasant potpie, and lamb shanks. Born and raised in Tulsa, Richard trained at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America.
THE
POLO GRILL Tulsa’s
most romantic restaurant may well be The Polo Grill. In fact, proprietors
Robert and Ouida Merrifield have combined love, marriage, and fine food for
over twenty years. What began in the early 1980s as a modest bar and single
dining room has expanded to a main dining room, several private dining rooms,
beautifully stocked wine cellars, and a full service catering operation.
Popular dishes include roasted tomato bisque, pecan encrusted pork loin,
and stuffed French breast of chicken.
Robert says he wants The Polo Grill to set trends, not be trendy. He spent his early career in Los Angeles at such landmark establishments as Chasen’s and Valentino’s. He met Ouida shortly after coming to Tulsa for a job interview, and the rest is local restaurant history. Actually, international history, too; Robert has journeyed to Russia and China as a culinary goodwill ambassador.
TI AMO If it’s Italian food you crave, Ti Amo is a must. Regularly voted Tulsa’s best Italian restaurant, Ti Amo owes much of its style to chef Aziz Metallaoui. A native of Algeria, Aziz got his start in cooking as a teenager. “Each summer my friends and I would go camping on the North African beach,” he recalls.
“We loved to spearfish and would cook our catch over an open fire.” It’s thus no surprise that Ti Amo’s seafood specials are the chef’s favorites. Penne Mediterraneo tops his list, followed by the sea bass and Veal Tuscany. Don’t tell anyone, but Aziz confides that the key ingredient in most of his dishes is lots and lots of garlic.
Many Tulsa gourmets are already talking about a new venue opening this spring. Terry Turner, the former chef at The French Hen, is planning a Tapas restaurant, and if his past ventures are any indication, this new enterprise is sure to be a big hit. Of course, these are just a few of Tulsa’s many wonderful restaurants. You can also find plenty of fine dining in Oklahoma City and throughout our state, so be sure to visit soon, and bring a discerning palate!
Becky Dixon is a nationally known journalist and host of the syndicated TV show Oklahomans.
