A new modern restaurant and bar with a focus on Japanese flavors has opened its doors in South End. Helmed by well-known local restaurateur Tim Maslow, Whaling in Oklahoma is located at 647 Tremont St. in the former space of Tremont 647.
The new establishment's quirky name "refers to a law that prohibits catching whales in the landlocked state of Oklahoma," Eater Boston reports.
Menu offerings include salt-grilled amberjack; a chicken, cucumber and spicy miso salad; and raw sea urchin with shiso (an herb) and fried mochi. There's also a tasting menu that includes plate after plate of the chef's favorites.
For drinks, try highballs like the peach with gin and yuzu; watermelon with tequila and togarashi (Japanese red chile); and Suntory Toki whisky with grapefruit oil. Handcrafted cocktails include the Umeshu Spritz, with Aperol, plum wine and passion fruit, and the Neon Forest, which is Midori, kaffir, aloe, Calpico (a yogurt-like soft drink) and lime. There's a long list of sake as well, plus beer and wine.
With just three reviews on Yelp thus far, Whaling in Oklahoma currently has a 4.5-star rating.
Sara G., who was the first Yelper to review the new spot on Aug. 26, wrote, "Cocktails were good, the service was prompt and kind, and the chef clearly has a vision and talent."
Angela J. added, "Nice beer selection, we tried the steamed buns, heirloom tomatoes, fatty beef with rice broth and the tonkatsu sandwich. Really excellent execution for the fourth day of operations (everything was good) ... We sat outside, there is some nice al fresco seating."
Interested? Stop by to welcome the new business to the neighborhood. Whaling in Oklahoma is open from 5 p.m.–midnight on Monday-Thursday, 5 p.m.–1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 4–11 p.m. on Sunday.
