Have you heard about Eloté? It is a Mexican restaurant that opened in downtown Tulsa (where Nelson’s Buffeteria used to be) back in May 2008. But this is not just any Mexican restaurant!!! There are some traditional sounding items (and lots of originals!) on the menu, but I can assure you that Chimi’s never tasted like this!!! The portions are actually “right-sized” (and reasonably priced) as well as super duper healthy. . .read on!
At Eloté, they strive (and succeed!!!) to serve AMAZING food using the freshest ingredients available. They do all this through a strong commitment to the environment. . .they are all about reducing their carbon footprint! According to their website, they use meats organically grain fed and raised in Bixby, Oklahoma. Produce remnants are composted and used to nourish the soil that grows Three Springs Farm’s products. Fryer oil is recycled to make clean-burning bio-diesel fuel. All printing is done on 100% recycled paper. All food is free of unnecessary fats, relying on fresh herbs and spices for outstanding flavor. And their local vendors include: Natural Farms, Three Springs Farm, Highland Dairy, Pancho Anaya Panaderia, Fisher Farms and Feed, Curtis Restaurant Supply and Fadler Market.
Owner Libby Auld is just about the cutest little thing you’d ever meet. I have eaten there for lunch and then Kevin and I grabbed dinner there last night before the Elton John/Billy Joel concert (and let me tell you. . .the word is out because Eloté was packing them in!!). Every time I have been in there, Libby is always highly visible and making sure you are enjoying the fabulous food as much as she hopes. She is also such a cheery person that you just can’t help but like her. Libby’s obvious love of authentic Mexican food as well as commitment to natural ingredients has truly brought a unique dining experience to Tulsa!
The Eloté staff is also amazing! Last night we took all of our waiter’s suggestions and I could not have been more satisfied. . .Waiter, I’m sorry I don’t know your name, but you ROCK!!! And I’m sure I’ll be back very soon. . .but in July I am totally taking you up on the Margarita!!!
We started with the Fresh Fruit Pico Bites (Crisp flour tortilla, topped with a sweet jalapeño mousse and fresh seasonal fruit pico de gallo) to which my husband respond “I could make an entire meal of those!” I agree. . .Yum!!! It was then suggested that since we had both eaten there for lunch, we try some items only available at dinner (oh, by the way, you can check out their menus at www.elotetulsa.com). Kevin ordered the recommended Salmon Tostada (Four black bean tostadas, topped with queso fresco, fresh avocado, tomato, organic field greens, and cilantro lime glazed salmon tossed with a citrus tequila vinaigrette) which is really like a salad. It looked wonderful and there wasn’t a piece of lettuce left when he was done. Very healthy and obviously delicious! I decided on another highly recommended item, the Portobello Tart (Crisp flour tortilla crust, topped with poblano peppers, caramelized onions, Portobello mushrooms, queso fresco, and fresh goat cheese served on a bed of organic chipotle field greens). OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! So good, I can’t even tell you!!! The only downside was that it left me wishing for a lot bigger plate!! Not to worry, the waiter graciously came to my rescue by suggesting the Tres Leches (or three milk) Cake. Again. . .no words, ladies! This dessert was excellent and I am still regretting that I agreed to share it with my dear husband, although I am pretty sure he gave me the lion’s share.
In your own quest to Go Green. . .please support this environmentally conscious local establishment. . .I promise you will not be disappointed! Bon Appétit, 918moms!!!