TORERO — Go French Yourself

You had me at chocolate and crispy quinoa.

On Wednesday night I had the wonderful honor of attending a soft opening for Torero in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma.Whenever Chip Gaberino and Noah Bush are involved, pure magic happens. Then you merge Chip and Noah with chef Ian Van Anglen and chef Matt Owen to the mix and I can't even! I always talk about places igniting my 5 senses and Torero Bar & Kitchen did just that. I need to immediately add them to my Tulsa travel guide with all of my fave places to eat. It was love at first moment.The menu features Latin, Spanish, and South American influences and I love that they have brought something incredibly unique and different to Tulsa. I also love seeing what's in store for my future for my big move across the pond too and if patatas bravas are on the menu everywhere I go, I am all in. I never met a potato I didn't like.

The space located on the ground floor of One Place Tower at 202 S. Cheyenne Ave. is exquisite. The parking garage can also comp free parking for up to three hours so don't fret. When I walk in I instantly admire the gorgeous tiled bar and all of the murals created by the brilliant Winston Peraza. I love the distressed lettering. Winston and his company Cubic did the entire brand development from logo/ID system, menus, and the signage. The branding is so incredible! And of course I notice the bull stationed over the long bar. He actually was once in a Spanish arena. And Torero means bullfighter in Spanish!

Torero has an amazing cocktail and wine list plus they have over 200 beers to offer as well. I go for the cocktails of course. (Tip: If Noah designs a cocktail menu, you better at least try one) I indulged in the Pisco Sours which were divine. I then tried the Daiquiri #4 ( rum, luxardo, lime, and sugar) And then the Panama is not to be missed. This could easily be adult chocolate milk! ( brandy, heavy cream, creme de cacao, and coco powder) All the cocktails are in the cutest tiniest glasses..so European and I notice all the tiniest details so well done boys!

We had a choice of dishes from different sections of the menu and ended up going with Ensalada grillada which is Torero’s take on a wedge salad with grilled baby gem lettuce (like small romaine), citrus corn salsa, crispy prosciutto and Cabrales Spanish blue cheese. We had the Tiradito Clasico Ceviche which was white fish sashimi style, passion fruit leche de Tigre, cilantro and sweet potatoes. This was my favorite dish of the night and I need more. The Patatas Bravas were everything I imagined and more. They are crispy fried potatoes with blue cheese and salsa brava. The salsa brava has a nice kick. We also shared the Costillas which are chili rubbed baby back ribs with a salsa criolla. The Cuban Picadillo empanadas are also what dreams are made of!! Hungry yet??

Of course we finished the night with the chocolate custard and that was just the most delicious thing ever!! I cannot wait to try the other two Postres.

They are actually open for business now. I will be there tonight so come say hello! I plan on trying another ceviche dish and that sweet corn pudding is calling my name.

P.S. They do have a great seating area upstairs which will be overflow for the BOK events but Noah will also be doing wine dinners up there once a month so be sure to stay tuned for more info on that! They can also book private functions for you too.That leads me to my next bit of news. This space makes perfect sense for my going away party. I have been struggling with where I wanted it to be. So yay. And it's going to happen sooner then later. I do not have for-sure dates but Lin and I will be gone by September 1st. We are going to Texas for a few months before we leave the States. So close loves be sure to check your inboxes soon for our big farewell happy hour. The time has come to close the book and say good bye. And if you see me stressed and crazy out here, I am. I actually might be at The Torero Bar everyday! Ha.

Xo

Sam