The second-floor Tom Tom Room at The Vault. JAMES GIBBARD/Tulsa World
Put on your best "Grease" impression -- we're talking poodle skirts, bobby socks, rolled up jeans, duck tails and cigarettes rolled up in T-shirt sleeves -- and you can get an appetizer for half price during Wednesday's grand opening of The Vault, 620 S. Cincinnati Ave.
Owner Libby Auld said don't be surprised if some classic cars show up around the restaurant, as well.
The 1950s theme of the restaurant is spawned by its location -- the former First National Autobank, which opened in the summer of 1959.
The Vault has an eclectic menu that includes some occasional 1950s touches, such as housemade Green Goddess dressing and pimento mac and cheese.
The restaurant has been serving guests who happened to come by the past few days, but it technically has been a training exercise for the staff.
We managed to drop in one evening and tasted a fabulous crab-stuffed avocado appetizer (this will be only $5 Wednesday if you wear your '50s gear), the Clipper Ship chicken and eggplant moussaka.
The chicken was a no-nonsense preparation of moist, tender free-range chicken in a Cutty Sark beurre blanc, served with whipped potatoes and grilled veggies.
The moussaka was an earthy dish with eggplant, garbanzo beans, mushrooms, lentils, onions and cherry tomatoes topped with baked yogurt and aged sharp cheddar cheese. It came with sourdough toast.
Click on
THIS LINK to see the full menu.
The Vault is decorated in a midcentury modern motif with a ground-floor dining room and bar, and second-floor dining areas, including the revived Tom Tom Room, an original part of the autobank.
Second-level parking is available during the day. Additional ground-level parking is available at night.
Restaurant hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Friday and 4-10 p.m. Saturday. The Tom Tom Room will stay open late on weekends.
