Why bother with the Vegan Chef Challenge? For those of us who live alone or out of the downtown Tulsa area or already have a busy social life…why do we need to get out of our comfort zones and support this venue? Well, for starters, the food has been amazing so far. But beyond that, we are trying to get chefs in the greater Tulsa area to realize just how many vegans there are here and they need to wake up and cater to us also.
Today was my first foray into the Vegan Chef Challenge, with some friends, at the Wild Fork at Utica Square in Tulsa. I guess I should start with the fact that I had never been to Utica Square, so was pleasantly surprised just by the surroundings alone. We told the hostess that we were here for the Vegan Chef Challenge and got star treatment! Well, my sister said I made it sound more like I was a food critic and maybe that had something to do with it!
We started by ordering the Fried Green Tomatoes as an appetizer. They reminded me of the fried zucchini at Maggiano’s in Seattle. The tomatoes were battered and fried and the Aioli sauce was magnificent and brought it all together.
Two of us ordered the Southwestern Omelet and the other two, the Vegetable Pasta. Everyone thought their dish was the best but mine really was! As I put each bite into my mouth, I needed to know more about the ingredients. Our poor hostess, Rene, kept running back to the chef to get my questions answered. After about the third question, I think he tired of the routine and just came out to the table to talk to us!!
So, the Southwestern Omelet was prepared with ‘Just Eggs’ but he added some flour and baking soda to make it a little more fluffy like an egg omelet. Then he used Beyond Breakfast Sausage and Daiya Cheddar Cheese. I was surprised that I liked the sausage so much and the Daiya cheese actually melted! Of course, the sauteed onions, peppers and jalapeños were perfect. The finishing touch was the fresh Pico de Gallo on top.
The praises I heard at the table about the pasta surrounded the creamy marinara and the extra flair that the sun dried tomatoes brought to the dish.
We got there right at noon and the parking was already slim but we got seated right away. By about 12:20, it was very busy. Like most restaurants, it was too noisy for old ears that don’t hear as well in crowds but the place was lovely, the staff very friendly and I plan on going back very soon! If you get a chance, make sure you find a friend or travel a little farther this October. And if you can’t or don’t want to do it on your own, we have created many venues to participate in the Vegan Chef Challenge. You will not be disappointed.