Ella’s Good Food
Walking into Ella’s is like visiting a jovial French Quarter bistro. The jazzy New Orleans vibe carries from the décor straight to the menu where Southern favorites with Creole influences comprise most of the offerings. The standard entrees are served piping hot – think fried chicken and smothered pork chops – while a vast assortment of sandwiches are accompanied by French fries. But the gem of Ella’s is the chicken and dumplings. Large pillows of dough are cooked in flavorful chicken broth, surrounded by bits of chicken, carrots and onion. Chicken and dumplings are the Tuesday special at Ella’s. 3023 S. Harvard, Suite A, Tulsa. www.ellasgoodfood.com
Nic’s Grill
The race is on at lunchtime during the week in Oklahoma City. Businessmen and women head to Nic’s Grill to claim one of a dozen or so seats in the small café. Those who aren’t so lucky to grab a place will still wait patiently in a line that sometimes wraps around the building outside to order one of Nic’s super juicy, fried onion burgers. The legendary half-pounders are cooked on a griddle behind the counter by owner Justin Nicholas. Each burger is served with a heaping helping of curly fries cooked to order. Daily specials offered include meatloaf, pork chops and fried chicken, liberally seasoned, pan-fried and served with mashed potatoes and gravy. 1201 N. Penn, Oklahoma City. 405.524.0999
Andolini’s Pizzeria
This authentic eatery serves up classic Italian tastes: garlic knots and bruschetta, meat lasagna and pomodoro and, of course, cannolis. But it’s the hand-tossed specialty pizzas constructed of all natural ingredients that have put this Owasso pizzeria on the map. You’re more than welcome to create your own pie with toppings such as sage sausage, gorgonzola, eggplant and meatballs, but we recommend you leave the flavor combinations to the experts. We highly recommend the Chicken Picatta pizza pie: chicken, capers, butter, garlic and mozzarella baked on the signature crust and served with lemon wedges. 12140 E. 96th St., Owasso, and 1552 E. 15th St., Tulsa. www.andopizza.com
