Critic Finds Whaling in Oklahoma to Be ‘Occasionally Exhilarating’

“Inventive Japanese Flavors”

MC Slim JB reviews Tim Maslow’s Whaling in Oklahoma for The Improper Bostonian. There, Maslow and his team, including chef Matthew Hummel, “work inventive Japanese flavors from New England ingredients,” starting with “gorgeous, vibrant pickles” Slim recommends ordering every visit. The restaurant serves a “delectable” marinated lobster hand roll, along with pork belly steamed buns that evoke David Chang’s Ssam Bar (Maslow himself is an alum of Chang’s empire.)

The raw fatty beef delivers “textural joy from barely coarse hand-cutting and medium-poached, thickened egg yolk,” Slim writes, while the kabocha squash croquettes show off the kitchen’s frying abilities and come with a side of “fiery awesomeness by serrano-chili miso.” Further highlights for Slim include littleneck clams and shiitake rice, plus the creme caramel dessert. Overall, Slim writes, “Whaling in Oklahoma is an ironically contradictory, occasionally exhilarating experience that clearly reflects the boss’ tortured creative genius.”

Pub Fare in a Comfortable Neighborhood Setting

Marc Hurwitz visits Lucy’s American Tavern in Dorchester for the Dig. While he generally considers the phrase “elevated comfort food” an overused description, Hurwitz finds it fits Lucy’s well: It’s pub grub, but scratch-made, with highlights including Memphis dry-rub wings and fried dill pickles (Hurwitz insists these plus a beer or two could make a substantive dinner). Further options include Buffalo and artichoke dips, macaroni and cheese with pulled pork and smoky burnt ends, and wood-grilled steak tips. Continuing the lineup of American pub fare, Lucy’s serves fish and chips, chicken and waffles, burgers, and smoked barbecue options. Overall, Hurwitz writes, Lucy’s is a “comfortable neighborhood spot.”

• Miso Funky [IB]
• Lucy’s American Tavern [DigBoston]
• Whaling in Oklahoma Coverage on Eater [EBOS]
• Lucy’s American Tavern Coverage on Eater [EBOS]