Local chef featured in Saveur magazine
BY NICOLE MARSHALL MIDDLETON World Scene Writer
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
12/12/12 at 12:06 PM
Celebrated Tulsa chef Justin Thompson doesn’t get a lot of down time.
So for Christmas all he wants is a few days off in a row.
We’ll see what Santa — and his customers and diners at Juniper and PRHYME — have to say about that.
Thompson recently opened PRHYME, an upscale steakhouse, downtown. He says the restaurant at 111 N. Main St., is full every night and he couldn’t be happier with the response.
If that wasn’t enough, his other restaurant, Juniper at 324 E. Third St., was featured in Saveur magazine’s top 100 edition. The honor came after Thompson prepared a meal for the magazine’s editor-in-chief, James Oseland, when he came to Tulsa on a book tour in August.
Thompson has enjoyed success in the restaurant business in Tulsa, but he always takes time to give back.
Most recently, Juniper prepared a four-course dinner Wednesday for a 12 & 12 fundraiser featuring guest speaker, Martin Sheen. The menu — which included Juniper’s Bistro Frisee Salad with Bacon, Bleu Cheese and Walnuts and Twin Tenderloin Filet with Cauliflower & Bacon Jam and Pommes Gratin — was developed by his Chef de Cuisine at Juniper, Paul Wilson.
We caught up with Thompson during this busy holidays season and asked him what else he has cooking.
What are you …
… loving about Tulsa lately?
I absolutely love the downtown movement right now. People are working, living, dining, shopping and supporting downtown like I’ve never seen before. It’s really special to be a small part of it.
… hoping to do for your next vacation?
Vacation? I’m not familiar with this word. I think my next trip will be to the west coast, maybe L.A. for a little sun and fun.
… reading/listening to/watching recently?
I’m reading a biography of Warren Buffet, funny, huh? A chef reading about the most successful investor in the country.
Listening to Lana Del Rey, Mumford & Sons and Cage the Elephant, among others.
Watching “Dexter” is about all I have time for.
… hoping to get for Christmas?
A few days off in a row, maybe. I think I’ve been good enough for that.
… planning for your next venture or project?
I’m remodeling my house, starting next week. I’ve lived in the same house for almost 10 years and love the neighborhood. Really excited about the project!
… cooking at home for yourself?
Don’t cook too much at home. When I do, it’s usually breakfast, which means an omelet, some turkey sausage and my favorite sauce, Cholula.
… enjoying about the food scene lately?
Food trucks are making an appearance, which is cool. Also, I like how a lot more of our guests want to know where their food comes from and how it’s grown or raised. Educated diners encourage business owners to be selective and also to train their staff more rigorously. It makes for a much better food scene in this city, which is what Tulsans deserve.
… planning to do/cook for the holiday season?
I plan on working lots and making sure our guests are served a fantastic meal at both PRHYME and Juniper. I’ll spend a little time in OKC with family and some time here in town with family.
Find out what more notable Tulsans are doing each week in Thursday's Weekend magazine.
Associated Images:
Chef Justin Thomspon at his new restaurant Prhyme Steakhouse in the Brady District in Tulsa. MICHAEL WYKE/Tulsa World
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