UNDERGROUND EATS Boston Title & Abstract

BY LINDSAY MORRIS

Since this issue shines a light on Tulsa’s Underground, we thought it would be fitting to feature an underground restaurant: Boston Title & Abstract.

By the name of the establishment, you might think it might be a place where research papers are scripted. But alas (or hooray), Boston Title & Abstract is a speakeasy/ cocktail bar in downtown Tulsa that opened in 2018. On a Saturday evening in February, my husband, two friends, and I enjoyed a wonderful meal and cocktails there.

Just Off The Alley

Historically, a “speakeasy” referenced establishments where alcohol was illegally sold during Prohibition. These bars were often dimly lit and adorned with leather furniture and an air of polished reserve. They were also typically difficult to find.

The modern speakeasy, Boston Title & Abstract included, has adopted many of these features, but nothing illegal is happening here. Naturally, their marketing is much more limited than a typical restaurant. Had it not been for the directions on their OpenTable page, I wouldn’t have known how to get there.

Boston Title & Abstract is in the basement of the same building as the Meridia Apartments. You really must know where you’re going to get there. It is only accessible through an alley located on East 6th Street between Main and Boston. Look for the black sign with a cocktail glass and knife. Once inside you will see the door on the right marked Boston Title & Abstract.

You will meander down several sets of stairs until you arrive at the restaurant/ bar, which is located on two levels. As you’re walking, you will begin to feel like you’ve traveled back in time. You’ll be greeted by a topless goddess statue holding a light; you will notice a wine cellar. As you continue your descent, the hostess will greet you and offer you a complimentary Prosecco.

Accessible seating is available on the higher level; the lower level where the bar is located is not accessible.

High Rollers Welcome

There are two different menus: the regular menu and the “high roller” menu. Appetizers on the regular menu include Escargot, Moules (mussels), Charcuterie et Fromage (which our waiter described as “grown-up Lunchables”) and Steak Tartare de Jour. Entrees on the main menu are also French-inspired, with dishes such as Gnocchi (cassoulet, root vegetables, and mushrooms) and Steak Frites (blue cheese, potato, red onion and aioli). Prices on the regular menu range from $12 to $59.

The “High Roller” menu features specialties such as Foie Gras, Japanese A5 Wagyu Strip, Chateaubriand (12 oz. filet, foie, truffle, potato), Fruits de Mer (lobster tail, New Orleans shrimp, mussels, blue crab rice) and Surf N Turf. Prices on the High Roller Menu range from $30 to $225.

My friend Robin and I both opted for the Bourguignon (lamb, mushroom, wine and potato). It’s not every day you can have lamb, and this was the best I’ve ever had. Our waiter shared that this dish changes seasonally – it is served in a red wine sauce in the winter and a white wine sauce in the summer. The red wine sauce was exceptional. The lamb is served medium rare (which is typically too rare for my tastes, but on this dish was cooked to perfection).

My husband selected the Surf N Turf – a 6-ounce filet, lobster tail, crab bechamel and potato. He said everything was exceptional. He had some challenges detaching the lobster from its tail, and the chef himself came by to help him. That says a lot about the lack of pretention and level of attention they give their patrons.

Daniel chose the Bouillabaisse (seafood, tomato, saffron, and Pernod). His bowl was literally packed with seafood – mussels, fish, shrimp. He said everything was delicious.

It’s important to know that you must make reservations (even for the bar), and the restaurant is open for limited hours (Wednesday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.). You can make a reservation by calling (918) 301-0744 or at opentable.com.

We were all too stuffed for dessert, but if one should have a hankering for something sweet, Boston Title & Abstract serves a Dessert Menagerie (chocolate, fruit, crème, pastry) for $19.

Topped With A Bloom

We all tried various cocktails, but Robin’s was the most interesting. The bartender mixed up some guava for a unique, off-menu tropical cocktail. He included a tropical flower on the rim and mentioned that owner Greg Donnini’s mother has a garden where they get the flowers included in many of their drinks and dishes.

The restaurant has also been known to offer seasonal menus around holidays such as Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Christmas.

The dress code is “casual elegant,” as described on OpenTable. People were dressed in anything from suits and ties and dresses to jeans and button-down shirts.

LIFE’s Adult Day Health

Safe, affordable daytime care for older adults.

LIFE’s Adult Day Health provides services and support to older adults who have physical or cognitive impairments and need assistance during the day. Programming includes group exercise, nutritious meals, social activities, brain fitness activities, arts, crafts, music and more.

For more information call LIFE’s SeniorLine (918) 664-9000 or visit www.LIFEseniorservices.org.

on page 39.

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3 8 1 9 2

A commonym is a group of words that have a common trait in the three words/items listed. For example, the words Ice – Sugar – Rubik’s – are all cubes. Answers on page 39.

Help – Yesterday – Revolution

Moth – Meat – Medicine

Robert Kennedy – Julius Caesar – John Lennon

Orchestras – Ears – Brakes

Cliff – Springboard – Platform

Radio – Brain – Tidal

Shag – Red – Magic

Snow – Corn – Dandruff

Tennis – Small Claims – Supreme

Suprise – Search – Slumber

A bamboozable is a saying/phrase that is made up of a display of words in an interesting way. The goal is to try to figure out the well-known saying, person, place, or thing that each bamboozable is meant to represent. There are six bamboozables below. Answers on page 39.

When faced with a terminal illness or condition, more people than ever are choosing hospice care over starting or continuing expensive medical treatments. Care is received at home or in a facility, such as a hospital or a nursing home. Patients can avoid unnecessary and costly treatments and can receive care that brings them pain relief and comfort while living their final days in their homes.

But some hospice care providers are exploiting the system. Under Medicare’s reimbursement arrangement, providers more interested in profiting from their patients than caring for them are incentivized to have as many patients as possible.

A simple but effective way of finding a reputable provider is talking with trusted people. A patient’s family, friends, and members of their religious organization are a great place to start. Online reviews can narrow down the selections, along with deeper research on the top choices.

To submit a Noteworthy event, contact Paula Brown at pbrown@LIFEseniorservices.org or (918) 664-9000, ext. 1207.

Greenhouse, Chaos Cactus, McClain’s Flowers, Duck Creek Farms, and Southern Plant Farms. Check out several other booths, including arts and crafts, food items, OSU Master Gardeners, and more.

Paintbrushes, Palettes, and Spring Events Galore!

On Sunday, April 2, Tulsa Botanic Garden will offer a Plein Air (French for “open air”) Painting, Exhibit & Sale. The event will feature select artists for Plein Air Painting followed by an exhibit and sale of their work, with a portion of the artists’ sales going to benefit the Botanic Garden. The artists will paint in various locations in the gardens that morning and then exhibit their original work in the garden’s Mabee Grange building in a reception from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Artists scheduled to participate include Josh Stout, Kelly Pennington, Matt Smith, F. Thompson, Monte Toon, Jay Holobach, Donna Whitsitt, Dennis Crouch, and Diane Morrison. The event is part of the Garden’s annual Tulsa Botanic BLOOMS festival with more than 200,000 spring flower bulbs blooming from mid-March to mid-April. The Garden will be open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Advance tickets are recommended. Drinks and snacks will be on sale.

Join the Botanic Garden for Bands & Blooms Thursday evenings, 6 – 8 p.m. through May 4. Bring blankets or chairs to set out on the lawn to enjoy live music. Food and drink options are available for sale at 5 p.m. or bring your own picnic (no glass or outside alcohol). Admission tickets for non-members are $8$10 and are free for members. Tulsa Botanic Garden is located at 3900 Tulsa Botanic Dr. For more information, go to tulsabotanic.org.

Tulsa Garden Center’s annual SpringFest garden market is one of the largest educational events of the year and the longestrunning garden market in the state. In its 68th year, this FREE event will be held at the Teaching Garden and adjacent Arboretum, highlighting two of Woodward

Park’s treasured spaces. This 2023, the event will be held Friday and Saturday, April 7 and 8, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Some popular returning vendors from last year are Up With Trees, A New Leaf, Tobi’s Cacti & Succulents, Amanda’s

Arrive early and grab some breakfast before you shop or purchase a scrumptious lunch and picnic at the Arboretum before completing your plant wish list. No worries about buying “too many plants!” The center offers a “Too Much to Carry” hospitality tent – simply leave your purchases with volunteers, go get your car, and pull up to the drive-thru area. The garden team will load you up so you can be back at home in no time, digging in the dirt.

All event proceeds benefit educational programming, beautification, and historic preservation for Woodward Park. For more information, email Jenna Garland at jgarland@tulsagardencenter.org or call (918) 576-5155.

The CITGO Alumni Group, on behalf of MDA, will host its 2023 Golf Tournament Supporting MDA Fundraiser at MeadowBrook Country Club, 9300 E. 81st St., in Tulsa, on Monday, June 5. There are a group of CITGO retirees based in Tulsa, carrying on the tradition of their former employer’s support of the MDA cause. This will be their 5th year of raising money for MDA Summer Camp kids, and these events are making a difference.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) offers a summer camp program where children living with muscular dystrophy and related diseases attend for an entire week. MDA strives for every camp session to provide a true camp experience, including connecting with the outdoors, developing life skills, building lifelong friendships, and providing opportunities to try new things. Thanks to generous donors, fundraising events, and partners, MDA provides a safe, inclusive summer camp experience, at no cost to families.

In 2023, MDA will offer in-person and virtual experiences across the country and hopes you will join in helping give MDA kids from Oklahoma the best week of the year. To register to play or donate to the cause, contact Kent Powers at (918) 729-0086 or email kent.powers09@gmail.com.