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An 18th and Boston pub serves upscale victuals just right of the pond

By Katharine Kelly

Definitely not a common household term when it comes to restaurants, gastropubs, originating in Britain, are public houses specializing in more than just the usual pub grub fare of alcohol, fish and chips, kidney pie, bangers and mash and pasties.

Oscar's Gastropub (the word a combo of pub and gastronomy), lead by owner and executive chef Eli Huff, continues the British gastropub craze here in Tulsa. The atmosphere has a modern, casual, classy feel. The newly refinished wooden floor, the deep olive green and cream color scheme and the ceiling-to-floor curtain, which serves as a divider between the dining area and raised south side that can be used for somewhat private gatherings, all bring Oscar's up a notch to a place catering to more than a beer crowd.

The evening I dined here, more people were still in their office attire of ties and slacks, dresses and dress suits. In fact, I, in my blue jeans, was almost underdressed.

When my guest and I arrived, it took a minute or two for someone to seat us. Looking around, a few tables were occupied with large groups, a few people were at the bar, and the overall feel was warm and inviting. We were seated, and our server for the evening greeted us.

We reviewed the drinks, finding 24 beers on tap and decided to sample Marshall Brewing Co.'s Atlas India Pale Ale ($5) and Sundown Wheat ($6). Both were very good choices, the Atlas having a kick, as my friend said, and the Wheat smooth and mellow.

Downtown lunch spot offers the unexpected with its fresh Mexican meals

By Katharine Kelly

Mexican cuisine doesn't rank at the top of the list when thinking about healthy dining, but Libby Auld, owner of Eloté Café & Dining, double dares you to come in and try some of her food.

Libby and her husband Jeramy dedicated themselves to opening a Mexican restaurant that offered a healthy experience. "Beans, rice and corn are healthy and nutritious," Libby said. Her mission was to prepare it in a way that would be healthy to her customers.

"I want people to feel good about eating a burrito," she explained.

And it seems she has done just that.

Most Tulsans recognize the location of Eloté Café & Catering, 514 S. Boston, as the historic location of the much loved Nelson's Buffeteria, and Libby is happy to be in this convenient downtown location.

An interesting concept at Eloté is the "green" look that customers find. "I was born 'green,'" said Libby. "I'm into this eco stuff. Growing up my dad hated to see us waste anything. He would compost, and I continue to do it."

Santino's Italian Restaurant and Bar

7875 E. 71st St., 286-8380

Start things out with some of Santino's bruschetta, made with roma tomatoes, olive oil, basil, garlic and Romano cheese and served with garbanzo bean hummus. For dinner, try the lasagna bolognese, baked with ricotta cheese, Italian sausage, prosciutto and basil leaves. Or try the sausage and peppers dinner, served with penne pasta, Italian sausage, bell peppers and the house marinara sauce.

HOURS: MON-SUN ...

Hideaway Pizza

1503 E. 15th St., 582-4777

7877 E. 51st St., 270-4777

8204 .S Harvard, 492-4777

8222 E. 103rd St., 366-4777

Since 1957, Hideaway has been a staple for pizza fans. Pizza options abound here. Try the Little Kahuna, made with olive oil garlic sauce and topped with mozzarella, provolone, chicken, bacon, sun-dried tomato and feta cheese. For something a little meatier, try the Big Country, topped with pepperoni, Italian sausage, Canadian bacon, cheddar cheese ...

Wolfey's Paradise Doughnuts

2847 E. 15th St., 712-9293

Nothing says breakfast like a glazed doughnut. And with so many varieties, Wolfey's most likely has your donut of preference. But if you're looking for something a little meatier in the morning, try a sausage roll or a ham and cheese roll. How about a beverage to wash that donut down? All the classic morning drinks are available, including coffee, cappuccino, and juice.

HOURS: MON-FRI ...

An Old-time Art. The Tulsa Glassblowing Studio, 19 E. Brady, makes it possible for anyone interested in making his or her own creation with glass. It's always fun to marvel at a cool little glass sculpture and wonder, "How did they do that?" Group classes, individual classes, or private parties are available. One-time thirty minute lessons are always available for anyone who wants to try his hand at the art ...

Rock Me Like a Tumbleweed. The whole country/acoustic/alt-rock thing that has defined the current generation of some of the more independent rock acts in the last few years has become very popular here in T-Town. Roger Clyne and the Peacmakers, play tonight at the Rose Bowl, 7419 E. 11th, and exemplifies this country-rock style, while managing to keep it fun at the same time. The show starts at 8pm. Call ...

Unique Perspectives. The art exhibit "Pagan Pride," on display now at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, 621 E. 4th St., deals with issues of mind, body and spirit in some thought provoking ways. With a wide array of mediums used in the creation of this art like watercolors, acrylics, oil on canvas, digital art, photography, clay sculpture, custom glass, textile art, and more, diversity in medium invites the viewer ...

When Plan A Just Doesn't Work Out. If you've been searching for a live music venue in downtown Tulsa with almost always something going on, look no further. Plan B, 520 E. 3rd St., has got you covered. Voted the Best New Bar for 2008 by you, the esteemed Urban Tulsa reader, Plan B keeps things rocking throughout the week. Wednesday features Tom Skinner Science Project, while Friday and Saturday ...

Just Surf. Wouldn't it be nice to just drop everything and move to the coast and surf all day? Well, it may not be a lifestyle for everyone, but in the documentary Surfwise, playing at the Circle Cinema, 10 S. Lewis, one man took his family on the road and their lives on the board. Doc Paskowitz, his wife and their nine children lived "off the grid" in a very ...