Cricket & Fig Chocolate — Restaurant in Tulsa

Final Score: 58/60: Pièce de Résistance

I have a deep and abiding love for chocolate that has spanned many years. In my youth, I gravitated towards the sweeter variations of milk chocolate. However, as I've matured, I've come to realize that good chocolate knows no bounds. Whether it's milk, dark, sweet, or bitter, chocolate is chocolate. One of my biggest pet peeves, especially when it comes to desserts and sweets, is the lack of true chocolate flavor in treats that claim to be chocolate. Stepping into Cricket & Fig, I was immediately struck by the decor. The atmosphere exudes elegance and comfort, with various shades of brown adorning the space, accented by touches of burnt orange. The interior features a display case showcasing handcrafted chocolate creations by Chef Randy Page. Soft, accentuating music plays in the background, creating a serene ambiance. A bar area offers coffees, breakfast, lunch, and desserts five days a week, providing a welcoming space for customers. During my visit, I was warmly greeted by Ronnie, who has been a fixture at Cricket and Fig for several years. She was both pleasant and knowledgeable about the establishment. Without hesitation, I ordered one of each chocolate creation from the case and entrusted Ronnie to select a dessert offering for me. As I waited for my chocolates, Chef Randy Page emerged from the back to greet me. What followed was an hour-long journey of chocolate, life, and food education. Chef Page, a North Carolina native and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, has a profound love for chocolate. All chocolate offerings at Cricket and Fig are sourced from Valrhona chocolate, a testament to Chef Page's commitment to quality. The chocolate lava cake enveloped the senses with its intoxicating aroma upon arrival. A chocolate bundt cake with a velvety interior, paired with house-made vanilla ice cream and adorned with a graham cracker doggie bone—a playful nod to Chef Page's beloved dogs, Cricket and Fig, which the shop is named after. As the spoon sinks into the cake, it meets little resistance, yielding to a cascade of silky heaven that tantalizes the eyes. Next on the menu was the "liquid truffle," an offering that captivated the senses with its enticing aroma of sweet, rich chocolate. With each sip, expectations were surpassed by a harmonious blend of heavy cream, Valrhona drinking chocolate, and Valrhona chocolate discs—a concoction that transported taste buds to another realm. Each sip danced on the tongue, revealing initial notes of luscious chocolate, followed by creamy middle notes and delicate hints of almond on the lingering finish. It was a sensory delight that would have made the Aztecs proud. The final treat presented was a homemade "S'more," complete with a small fire burner for an interactive experience. A plate adorned with house-made graham crackers, freshly crafted marshmallow, and a delectable combination of two types of Valrhona milk chocolate awaited. Each bite unfolded a symphony of flavors and textures, with bright notes of brown sugar and cookie from the graham cracker transitioning to delicate marshmallow and sublime end notes of caramel and chocolate from the chocolate squares. The texture combination of crumbly graham, sticky marshmallow, and silky chocolate created a sensory tapestry that surpassed expectation, leaving taste buds yearning for more. The experience at Cricket & Fig is akin to encountering a gem typically found in cosmopolitan cities like San Francisco or New York. Yet, nestled just off Lewis Avenue in Tulsa, Oklahoma, there's something truly magical happening here—something that everyone should not only try but also experience, leaving an indelible mark on their senses and memories...

I recently had the pleasure of hosting a baby shower here at Cricket and Fig. Multiple ladies reached out to me afterwards to let me know this was the best shower they had ever been to and that is all thanks to Randy and his wonderful staff. The food was wonderful and Randy worked with me ahead of time to accommodate multiple food allergies. The staff was attentive yet unobtrusive and had the arrival/removal of food well timed. All of the details of food, dishes, and glass ware were well thought out. We used the soft furnishing area to open gifts and made for a nice back drop for pictures. Unlike many other local areas around time, Cricket and Fig was able to make this a private event for us which was an added perk because it made the party feel more intimate. We also ordered a two piece box of chocolates as party favors, so it was easy for me to show up and have very minimal effort as the host. So many of the ladies commented that they loved the dessert, a chocolate pot de creme, which was a gluten free dessert that unlike many other gluten free desserts, you didn't even miss the gluten! The attention to details, like the homemade meringue and chocolate shavings on top, definitely set the experience apart from an event hosted by a chain restaurant. Plus as the host, it left me feeling great hearing so many of my family members tell me it was the best shower they had...

BLUF/SUMMARY: Local hidden gem known for their excellent chocolates, accompanied by surprisingly good coffees and a small but good selection of breakfast options all served with a smile and great charm. Wife and I are definitely returning.

DETAILS: Admittedly, we found out about this place from our Dandelion Christmas Advent calendar that featured them as one of the chocolatiers. We liked their Bon Bon for the day, and the fact that they were local to Tulsa sealed the deal.

We got there for breakfast/brunch… a perky and bustling establishment that was well lit and well set up. The gentleman waiter was working all the tables and behind the counter for coffee and breakfast plus the chocolates - he did it all. Coffee was surprisingly good (we had lattes), and we split a breakfast toast with an egg and avocado. It was very good.

Chocolates were of course the star - a great selection was available. He even gave us some samples. We bought 2 boxes as gifts for our families.

To tie it all together, the pricing for all the above was spot on and met or exceeded our expectations for taste and value. Definitely a hidden...