A tale of Two Buffets

A recent food blog about the Sunday Brunch.

http://tulsafood.com/buffet/a-tale-of-two-buffets-with-apologies-to-charles-dickens

We by chance made reservations for the Sunday brunch the day the new chef first had authority over the brunch. Well, they are definitely on the upside of their swings. Smoked Mahi Mahi on a buffet? A enlightened choice as it could still be exceptional after resting warmly in a pan for a while. And this was. The pieces of fish had a dark glazed appearance but were tender, not overcooked and the smoke and chili’s ( I think) complemented the mildness of the fish.

The appetizer table, layered with salmon, oysters, cheese, salads and roasted vegetables reminded me of La Rampa in Florence. That restaurant, no longer there, specialized in wood grilling beef in a huge fireplace visible to all patrons. But, while your beef was slowly becoming Tuscan you could graze over appetizers, salads, cheeses, etc. lavishly displayed on a table a good 20 feet long. La Villa is not that extravagant, but it gives La Rampa good competition. A recent Sunday saw oysters on the half shell in a bed of shaved ice. The oyster was still attached to the bottom shell, better insuring freshness, and that shell was brimming with the oyster liquor and yes it was salty. They have the obligatory omelette station a hunk of beef, ofttimes dry, carved to order, with horseradish sauce offered and a desert table with numerous choices, tasty but lacking the finesse of the promoted pastry chef.

The setting is amazing. A Twenty foot high glass wall overlooking the gardens with the Pergola in the distance. In the background a guitarist is playing the strings just right, you can hear him but you can still hear the murmur of other conversations and, most importantly, that of your companion. The service is smooth, unobtrusive, and they remember what wine we prefer.