A few weeks back, just a day or two before I’d ended up in the ER with pneumonia – I’m much better, thank you – I met up with TLO head-honcho Patrick and behind-the-scenes-Beth for an official business lunch.
In case you didn’t know, Beth has taken on a larger role with this internet weblog in recent months, and with her powerful feminine energy, will be helping us build a foundation for future growth, success and – hint, hint – hopefully more reviews of Oklahoma-made streaming series.
Beth is full-on vegan, so the lunch proceedings were to commence at the beloved Paseo staple, Picasso Café. I was pleased with her choice. While I have reviewed the eatery numerous times over the years, what I love most never changes. I have a thing for its cozy decor, art-lined walls, and its always changing, always tasty, and always vegan-friendly menu.
After a little introduction, a round of emotional support waters, and some small talk about the future of this site you’re reading, Patrick, Beth and I regrouped to discuss the real issue of the moment – what were we going to have for lunch?
If there is one thing Picasso is known for, it’s their vegetarian, vegan and all-around green menu options—among the best in the city!—so I was excited to stay with Beth in that herbivorous lane. I, like her, got one of their vegan burgers, while Patrick – in honor of Governor Stitt – got one made from animal flesh.
Before our burgers arrived, we shared the Impossible Empanadas ($14.00) appetizer. A South of the Border staple done with Impossible meat, natch, it also had roasted corn, peas, carrots, and chimichurri, placed in a lightly fried casing.
Light the fuse, because these empanadas were the bomb! With a crispy shell full of vegetarian goodness, this really tempted me to go vegan, as the amalgam of roasted corn and chimichurri with the breaded and fried casing yields an off-the-charts taste
I kind of wanted another bite…but I couldn’t be greedy, especially in such (fit) company.
As I soldiered through, our main course arrived.
Beth had to contend with her Vegan Sliders ($15.00). Small in stature but big on taste, the three Impossible meat sliders were topped with vegan mozzarella cheese, fried onion straws and pickles, sided with seasoned fries.
Once again, Beth’s plate really knocked it out of the green. Aided with the seasoned fries, not only were the burgers not all that small, but the Impossible meat-juice made them taste like real burgers, with a small trickle of beet-blood, it made for a fully juicy experience. She ate them up with no remorse. Full belly, clear conscience.
Next up, I had the remarkable Quinoa Black Bean Burger ($14.00).
On a well-toasted bun, the somewhat crumbly patty had quinoa and black beans in the actual patty, assisted with romaine, tomato, onion, and spicy mayo, as well as my own side, the seasonal fruit.
I have to say, this is one of the better-tasting veggie burgers I've had. Black bean has always been my gold standard for veggie patties, but Picasso’s addition of quinoa makes the patty feel muscular and meaty, improving the texture and stamina with every bite.
Although I was hoping for a veggie hat trick, the vegetarian streak was broken with Patrick’s order of the flesh-forward Picasso Burger ($15.00). The mathematical opposite of vegan, it was a mighty burger made of Black Angus Beef, topped with bleu cheese, caramelized onion, and horseradish mayo, on a toasty brioche bun. Moo.
This was the classic burger and, you know, I can’t fault him for that. While the Angus is the draw, the real taste is in the bleu cheese and horseradish mayo, with these most out-of-the-box toppings putting in the hard work. As an all-American burger, who could go wrong with that?
Eyeing the Chocolate Buzzbomb—a flourless chocolate cake layered with espresso chocolate mousse and ganache—I broke my own heart by passing up dessert. But, man, it sure looked good!
With a grand meal circulating in our bellies, we said our goodbyes and looked forward to the future. I can’t believe I nearly forgot how much I enjoy Picasso’s and, really, how much I enjoy my co-workers. That’s not something most people can say at the end of the day, and I am glad I can.
Cómpralo ya!
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Follow Louis Fowler on Instagram at @louisfowler78.
