Dinner Belle

MEDITERRANEAN BURGER Greek-seasoned ground beef on flatbread with feta, lettuce, tomato, onion, and creamy herb vinaigrette. Served with jalapeño slaw or German potato salad.

While many of us were self-quarantined, the Wild Fork received a major remodel this spring. Now owned by the McNellie's Group, the restaurant has implemented changes to its look and menu.

When word first began spreading in Tulsa that the Wild Fork, a beloved Tulsa staple in the heart of Utica Square, was coming under new management, many feared that it would be turned into… gasp… a sports bar!

As a regular diner at Wild Fork for more than 20 years, I can assure you that the changes to the décor and menu very much stay with the historical look and theme of the restaurant, while incorporating some welcome updates.

Some of the changes were for functionality’s sake – for example, the restrooms are now handicap accessible. Other updates were more cosmetic. The restaurant has a fresher, more modern look.

I visited the restaurant at lunchtime on a weekday with a friend. We immediately took a few moments to take in the changes. The bar has moved to the west room, and the center room is now a large dining area. The bar is now larger and horseshoe-shaped to accommodate more people.

We sat in the east room, which is as sunny as ever thanks to the natural light. The entire restaurant is now cloaked in a lovely teal wallpaper with bird and floral scenes.

I ordered the Wild Fork Chicken with jalapeno slaw as the side. The sandwich is served on the toasted flatbread I adore, which the restaurant has used for years. The combination of chicken, hummus, onions, mozzarella, lettuce and tomato is perfect. And of course, you can’t go wrong with the jalapeno slaw … it’s just the right touch of spice in what is typically a bland side dish.

My friend ordered the Grilled Pimento Cheese and Tomato and added a side salad. She mentioned how the sourdough was perfectly buttered and was a great compliment to the creamy pimento.

Former Wild Fork co-owner Julie Woolman is still the chef, so much of the menu has remained the same. For example, you’ll still find old favorites like the Mediterranean Burger (also on that toasted flatbread that I adore), the Southern Five-Spice Catfish, the Wild Fork BLT and the Black Bean Cassoulet appetizer.

Woolman has worked closely with Ben Alexander, vice president of culinary operations for the McNellie’s Group, to introduce several more modern dishes to the breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner menus.

Some of the new additions on the breakfast menu include Brioche French Toast, Avocado Toast and a Grain Bowl (pan-roasted mushrooms, whipped feta, sautéed greens and avocado on top of vegetarian grains). An additional item available for weekend brunch is Miniature Cinnamon Rolls served in a cast-iron skillet.

One new menu item I look forward to trying next time is the Crab Pasta (bucatini tossed with jumbo lump crab meat in a lemon butter sauce). Another new menu item that is served any time of day is the Shrimp and Pimento Cheese Grits – four sautéed shrimp and poached egg on top of cheesy grits.

My only menu complaint is that beignets are no longer served. I suppose I’ll have to go to New Orleans next time I want my clothing to be covered in powdered sugar.

Wild Fork cocktails are more elegant than ever. The Garden ($11) is a tribute to the Garden restaurant, which previously filled the space that would someday become the Wild Fork. The drink is a mix of vodka, elderflower liqueur and blood orange. For brunch, you can’t err by ordering a Wild Fork mimosa, served in a glass ($6) or carafe ($20). The Breakfast of Champions, served in a pitcher, features whiskey and coffee-bean infused Aperol and Cointreau, strawberry jam syrup, lemon and orange.

The patio is as great as ever – one of the largest and most popular in the Tulsa area, making it a great spot for people-watching and bird-watching alike! The Wild Fork patio has no doubt become even more popular during an era when outdoor eating is a must for some folks. The remodel included new patio furniture as well.

Under the direction of the McNellie’s Group, the changes made at Wild Fork are sure to continue to attract the traditional crowd, while also pulling in new costumers. Essentially, it’s now a great spot for grandparents and their grandchildren to enjoy together now!

WILD FORK 1820 Utica Square • Tulsa www.wildfork.com (918) 742-0712 Monday – Thursday • 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Friday – Saturday • 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. Saturday • 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

• All bills paid • Inside hallways • Emergency call system • Subsidy available • Quiet location • Small pets welcome

(918) 455-8400 5001 S. Hickory • Broken Arrow, OK (SE of 111th St. & 161st E. Ave.)

Treetops Apartments Independent Senior Living

Treetop does not discriminate against individuals with handicaps.

Medical Staffi ng & Home Care Specialists SERVICES INCLUDE: Nurses - RNs, LPNs • Home Health Aides Companions • RN Supervision Intermittent Visits or Hourly Care Home IV Therapy • Sitter Service Call us. We can help.

I’m Amazing! SM

24 Hour Service 7 Days a Week (918) 665-1011 www.My-FirstCall.com

All employees are screened, fi delity bonded, liability insured, and drug tested. LOOKING FOR ANSWERS? Join the discussion and submit questions to our SeniorLine team member who is specially trained in aging services. LET’S GET SOCIAL Q & A with LIFE’s SeniorLine Fridays at 2 p.m. Facebook LIVE on LIFE’s Facebook page Follow LIFE Senior Services On Facebook

or ask questions online at www.LIFEseniorservices.org

WORD SEARCH: THE SCIENCE OF HAPPINESS Find and circle all of the words.

Affect Beauty Behavior Bliss Breathing Circumstance

M P Y E D U T I T R O F D O O M E N I T R H S U P P O R T K P X C B

Confidence De-Stress Discovery Emotion Energy Enhance

O R N S E T T H A N K F U L N E T I I B D T V G F A M I L Y A A C E T T L H F H O N T I B A H U E L X

Enthusiasm Excitement Exercise Experiences Expression Factor

O U I R E U G C E H V N T F L A F M A S C C T L U S R E Y F B L N P E L S P I H S N O I T A L E R C C

Family Fortitude Friends Gratitude Habit Happiness

V I R O T C A F E H D S R B I O R O T P A S S I O N S T W D R N C O L Y E S N O P S E R S V C F S F I

Health Hobby Immune Impact Joyful Love

E X P E R I E N C E S U I E M O V L U F Y O J S G D N M D B S I U A X N Y K I A I U O S E S R I L T H

Meditation Mindfulness Money Mood Outdoors Passion

H L O E T M T I T N C S E C E D E E P A I P I T A C S N E A R N O B A X O A T A N E D Y E N T E T O D

Positive Powerful Present Profession Recovery Reflection

L N C A T C V N D G I I H X H R E T T R I E I E Z H R L P I E U S S H G D O T I Y L C E I P N I S Y T

Relationships Relax Resilience Response Sensation Smile

Q E Y I R E R E F N S A G M I B R M U S F G T M Z N E E H D M A B E R O N O I S S E F O R P L U S O S

Spirituality Spouse Strength Support Thankful Thoughts

P O W E R F U L N Z M P X N M H S

2

6 1

SUDOKU

Difficulty Level: 1 2 3 4

Answers on page 43.

5