Dressed for Dinner Magazine

Rococo Western

Event venue is the latest in Rinehart’s pursuits

ARococo Western 4308 N. Western Ave.

At Rococo, food is love. Owner and Executive Chef Bruce Rinehart and Partner and Executive Chef Jason Bustamante have produced thousands of platefuls of pleasure for the past 20 years across a handful of fruitful locations and concepts. Now the team has planted their flagship Rococo in the heart of Western Avenue’s culinary cluster and it has blossomed.

Rococo on Western continues the Rococo legacy by providing the freshest seafood from New England alongside traditional Italian pastas and sauces. Clams and mussels, scallops and oysters, lobster rolls, shrimp, and crab cakes mix and mingle with spaghetti, risotto, and even mac ‘n’ cheese.

Chef Bruce Rinehart spent his early years honing his craft in some of the best kitchens in America. Chef Jason Bustamante started working with Chef Bruce Rinehart as a food runner at a Connecticut resort. After moving up the “line,” Bustamante followed Rinehart to an upscale Boston restaurant where he learned to master every corner of the kitchen. In 2003, they both moved to Oklahoma City to open a great East Coast‐style restaurant here on the Middle Coast.

Rococo's legacy of excellence had led to new business ventures and new opportunities to experi‐ence their food. The original Rococo Restaurant on Penn is now home of Rococo Catering and their event space, aVenue. aVenue is available for private events, including corporate luncheons, rehears‐al dinners, cocktail receptions, and celebrations of all kinds. Rococo is available for catering and is an official partner of several local event venues. And, you can pick up Grab‐and‐Go Rococo, featuring prepared dishes to heat up at home and our packaged dressings, at many Oklahoma Homeland loca‐tions.

Chef Bruce still makes every visit to Rococo a familial homecoming with his gigantic smile. So sail on over to Rococo Western, dive into the sensational seafood, soak up the authentic Italian sauces, and sink into the flavors that have kept this Italian seafood vessel afloat for the past 20 years.

BRUCE RINEHART

Owner and Executive Chef Rococo Western

Dressed for Dinner Beauty, Brains

and Grace at every age

Participating Restaurants:

Papa Dio’s, Cover, Pages 4 & 5

Rococo, Page 2

La Baguette, Page 7

Juniors, Page 9

Other Advertisers:

Barbara’s, Page 3

Krista Anne’s, Page 7

CK & Co., Page 16

Special Thanks

Barbara’s • Papa Dio’s Richard Clifton • Each of Our Models Jason Jewell

On the cover:

Our Beauty, Brains and Grace toast each other at Papa Dio’s Italian Restaurant, from left: Marnie Taylor, Elaine Levy, Lestari Kusumawardani, Becky Taylor, Candace Bonadio Gideo, Salli Denner and Edie Roodman.

From left: Models Marnie Taylor, Elaine Levy, Lestari Kusumawardani and Becky Taylor, Barbara’s owner Barbara Smola, model and Papa Dio’s owner Candace Bonadio Gideo and model Salli Denner.

OKC’s oldest family‑owned Italian restaurant is looking to the future

PPapa Dio’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar, located in The Village just south of Hefner Road on May, has been serving the city’s best Italian food since 1979.

It is currently Oklahoma City’s oldest family‐owned Italian restaurant.

Bill Bonadio Jr. had an idea of an unusual concept in 1979 so he and his dad Bill Sr. or more fondly known as Papa Dio, opened Dio’s Original Fried Pizza. It was located just down the walkway where Tana Thai Bistro is currently located in The May Street Plaza. They tried their hand at selling a pizza that consisted of frying a small par‐baked pizza crust then topping it with various toppings. They soon outgrew that location and moved to Penn and Hefner and changed the name to Papa Dio’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar. That location was successful until 1986.

Millie Tilford, Bill Sr.’s sis‐ter‐in‐law partnered with him to restart the concept in

Now that Papa Dio’s is molded in her image, Candace is eyeing ways to build generational wealth for the future.

Retail products, ready to cook and frozen meals are just the beginning.

Look for the Papa Dio’s salad dressing/marinade to hit more retail locations, as well as the Papa Dio’s Marinara Sauce!

1988 in the current location and unfortunately passed a few years into the new Papa Dio’s and that’s when Bill Jr. took over.

In 1992 the wine bar din‐ing area was added, serving guests over 21 with a quaint little bar and more intimate dining. White table cloths and a more formal atmos‐phere and a wine list fit for the most educated palate were added.

Papa Dio’s has had many years of continued success with several years in Wine Spectator Magazine and also other nationally‐published food magazines.

Wine dinners were often and Bill Jr. got to show off his love for cooking, making four‐course, specialty‐plated meals paired with fine wines from all over the world.

Bill Jr. had approached his sister Candace Bonadio Gideo about buying Papa Dio’s off and on since 2016, but after the loss of his son Michael, who passed away far too young in April of 2019, Candace came home to the family business.

Papa Dio’s has been serving delicious Italian food since 1979.

The family/casual side at Papa Dio’s is for everyone and offers a quicker service atmosphere.

In November 2019 she took to the helm of day‐to‐day operations after a 20‐year rest from operating a full‐service restaurant. She was on her way back to where she left off at Papa’s Lil Italy in 2003 that was located on I‐35 service road and Hefner.

The proverbial happily ever after was imme‐diately met by a global pandemic in March 2020, followed by a full restaurant flood next on April 19. Instead of letting it compound her misery, they used the eight‐week shutdown to repair and remodel the entire place. A brand new redesigned kitchen, carpet, paint and tables were constructed. Candace’s husband Blane built a new 14‐chair bar. She tweaked the menu and updated the website — essential for survival in 2020 and 2021.

Curbside and delivery were added as that was the way the world was headed. Papa Dio’s partnered with DoorDash, Ole’ and Taptap Eat for that service.

With all that behind them now and well into 2024, business is thriving. The new bar has brought the restaurant into a new era and a new younger demographic of customers.

“We are now seeing the kids and grandkids of the original customers from the 70s,” Candace said.

Papa Dio’s now has two dining rooms to accommodate customers of all ages. The fami‐ly/casual side is for everyone and offers a quicker service atmosphere.

“Stop in after the kids’ game and grab a bite before heading home,” Candace said.

The wine bar side is for guests over 21 and is a more relaxed, longer dining experience. Both share the same dinner, wine and cocktail menus. Reservations are suggested for both sides.

Papa Dio’s is open evenings only Wednesday through Saturday. Happy hour in the bar starts at 3 p.m. with a limited menu, wine and well drink specials. The full menu and the family dining side opens at 4:30 p.m.

Catering for all sizes is available seven days a week for lunch and dinner!

Now that Papa Dio’s is molded in her image, Candace is eyeing ways to build generational wealth for the future. Retail products, ready‐to‐cook and frozen meals are just the beginning. Look for the Papa Dio’s salad dressing/mari‐nade to hit more retail locations, as well as the Papa Dio’s Marinara Sauce!

A new 14-chair bar was added during the pandemic shutdown.

At left: Candace Bonadio Gideo came back to take over the family business in 2019. During the shutdown of 2020, she tweaked the menu, updated the website and curbside pickup and delivery were added.

The 20s

Salli Denner

Classical Pilates Instructor Master’s Degree Level Student

Salli Denner, a 26‐year‐old from Oklahoma City, is a vibrant and creative individual who attended Heritage Hall for high school and pursued her college education at ACM@UCO, where she obtained a bach‐elor's degree in advanced technology. With a passion for health and fitness, she transitioned into teaching classical Pilates after college, dedicating herself to mastering the practice. After a year of intensive training, Salli earned her certification as a classical Pilates instructor. Currently, she is furthering her expertise by pursuing a master's degree in classical Pilates through a school located in Boulder, Colo. Salli's energetic and bubbly personality shines through her teaching, making her classes both enjoy‐able and effective for her students.

Best beauty tip/secret

The ultimate beauty tip? Embrace self‐love and discover your innate beauty. Treat yourself to moments of self‐indulgence – perhaps a solo dinner date or a day dedicated to pampering. Cultivate a deep connection with yourself, appreciating your uniqueness and radiance. When you fall in love with yourself, your natural beauty shines effortlessly, illu‐minating every aspect of your being.

Getting it all done

Guided by faith, I've achieved a lot! Surrounded by a caring community, success feels always within reach. I am always uplifted and supported by the people I am around!

Vibrantly colorful, Salli Denner is wearing this new blouse that floats! Embroidery in red and yellow flowers on front finished out with a tuxedo hem. By Anu of California. Red denims by Slimsations. Available at Barbara’s in the Shoppes at Northpark.

Becky Taylor is wearing a beautiful Thunder blue shirt jacket by Weavz in leather-like fabric. Equally stunning as a jacket or long shirt. Features puffed 3/4 sleeve. Available at Barbara’s in the Shoppes at Northpark.

The 30s

Becky Taylor Annie Oakley Society Manager Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Becky Taylor was born in San Diego, Calif. and moved to Seattle, Wash. for grade school and then on to Flower Mound, Texas for high school. She attend‐ed Oklahoma State University where she met her now husband, Clay, on a fra‐ternity float trip on the Tahlequah River the first weekend of college. After graduating from Oklahoma State University with a degree in international business and minors in Spanish, finance and HR, Taylor moved to Oklahoma City and began her career in the nonprofit sector at the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits. She then moved to Infant Crisis Services for seven years serving as the major gifts officer. Taylor has been with The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum since February 2020 in various roles serving in the Executive Office, helping on the development team, working on a digital assets project and currently manages the Annie Oakley Society.

Becky has a true passion for Oklahoma City and is involved with numerous organizations including Infant Crisis Services, Cleats for Kids, Oklahoma County Bar Auxiliary and is a member of St. Luke’s Methodist Church, Junior League of Oklahoma City and Leadership Oklahoma City. When she’s not working or volunteering, she and husband, Clay, can be found wrangling their three kids, Josie (7), Trip (4) and Jon‐Peter (2). Together they enjoy attending all their kids’ sporting events, cheering on the OSU Cowboys and Oklahoma City Thunder and traveling.

Best beauty tip/secret

To me, movement is medicine — not only for my physical wellness, but more for my own mental health. I try to work out 4‐5 times a week and am obsessed with Rumble Boxing in Nichols Hills Plaza. Now that I’m on the downward slope to my 30s, I realized it was time to take care of my skin and thanks to Jessie Hammock, RN‐BSN and Co‐Founder of Renew Wellness & Aesthetics, she has provided me with the confidence and care with my skin. Lastly, a good spray tan from Sinless Tan never hurts!

Getting it all done

I don’t. Juggling three kids, activities, work, community involvement, family time, friendships, etc., there is just not enough time in the day! I keep a long list of things I need “to do” on my phone, but each morning I select 2‐3 things that I really want or need to accomplish. Some days, I feel like I have it all together, but most days I just have to turn it over to God and quit trying to control everything! In this phase of my life, I’m in a constant tug‐o‐war with myself in trying to make sure I’m fulfilling my personal aspirations while also trying to raise three little humans to be kind, hardworking and philanthropic citizens. At the end of the day, I’m just grateful and always prioritize my family because I know I’ll wake up in a few years and wish for the everyday chaos. I would be absolutely drowning if it weren’t for all my family, friends and babysitters who we’re surrounded with that help us constantly and provide me and our family with unconditional love and support — it truly takes a village!

Junior's of Oklahoma City has been specializing in good food and even better service since 1973.

Classic old‑school setting Junior’s

JJunior’s Supper Club

2601 Northwest Expressway

Junior’s Supper Club is one of Oklahoma City’s most icon‐ic fine dining establishments. For the past 50 years, Junior’s has offered world‐class steaks, lobster, shrimp, fried chick‐en, baked potatoes, Caesar salad prepared at your table, and the most succulent Brandy Ice to ever grace a snifter.

The service is spectacular and the décor is old‐world fab‐ulous. The lush red walls, golden chandeliers, and sunken piano bar all serve as enticing reminders that at one point in the early 1980s, the most consequential conversations in the world were happening there.

Junior’s opened in 1973 as an elite private club in the Oil Center Building on Northwest Expressway. Proprietor Junior Simon managed the Habana Club in Oklahoma City and co‐owned the Hilton Hotel in Tulsa. With Junior’s, he set out to provide “superb service, style, and culinary excel‐lence.” It worked, and Junior’s became the hub of the oil industry just as things were about to get wild.

Junior’s was famously featured in the books Funny Money and Belly Up about the collapse of Penn Square Bank. It was also featured in the autobiographical movie Heaven’s Rain , produced and written by former State Senator Brooks Douglass. Douglass credits the restaurant with helping him gain the support of fellow legislators to pass his game changing legislation.

Since 2003, Junior’s has been owned and operated by Jim Shumsky, a long‐time patron and family friend who retired from a 40‐yr. career in pharmaceuticals before taking over the restaurant. Shumsky has kept the legendary restaurant alive and thriving for the past 20 years by sticking to what Junior’s does best: delicious food, great service and a clas‐sic, old‐school environment that invites you to sit back, relax, and truly enjoy a fabulous meal.

The 40s

Lestari Kusumawardani Marketing Manager

Oklahoma City Ballet

Lestari Kusumawardani was born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia. She had never planned to stay in Oklahoma after her graduation from the University of Central Oklahoma — but now she can’t imagine living anywhere else! Living in different countries while growing up gave her the opportunity to learn about other cultures while becoming an inde‐pendent individual. It also gave her the basic understanding of human connection, which has helped her get to where she is in her career. During her senior year of college, she interned at an advertising agency, New West Group, where she worked her way up to becoming a media buyer. Lestari discovered that her passion lies in the creative side of marketing, so she pivoted into becoming a graphic designer for the agency. She went on to win awards for her designs.

She joined Oklahoma City Ballet in August 2008, under the direction of the Artistic Director Robert Mills. Her job at that time was to help Oklahoma City Ballet with their marketing efforts. Fast forward to 2024, and she is still in charge of the company’s marketing decisions. Lestari is inspired daily by the creativity shared among the artists she works with at the ballet. In her free time, she loves to support local restaurants, visit the city’s museums and hike trails with her fiancé and her two dogs.

Best beauty tip/secret

I feel the most beautiful when I am happy. I think taking care of your mental and physical health is the best thing that you can do for yourself. My best beauty secret is to drink daily bone broth and get monthly facials!

Getting it all done

I have chosen to be surrounded by a group of really supportive people – my friends, family, and co‐workers! They inspire me to strive for excel‐lence, but also to give myself grace when things don’t work in my favor.

Life is definitely a balancing act. I have to work hard, but also make sure to get restful days that I can do what I enjoy most.

Lestari Kusumawardani is wearing a super feminine crisp white blouse by Ravel of New York with peek-a-boo sleeves bridged by perfect bows sleeves, and end with 6" ruffle. Also featuring our new business/casual dress white slacks by Slimsations. Perfect comfort and fit. Available at Barbara’s in the Shoppes at Northpark.

La Baguette Bistro

La Baguette serves the finest cuts of meat from its own boucherie.

It’s all in the family

La Baguette Bistro and Buthion Fine Food & Wine

7408 N. May Ave.

JJust to the west of Nichols Hills, beneath the famous shadow of the Eiffel Tower, sits Oklahoma City's most popular spot for French cuisine, La Baguette Bistro.

The legendary bistro, opened by brothers Michel Buthion and Alain Buthion, offers the greatest selection of French delicacies as well as a wine shop, a boulangerie filled with French pastries and cakes, and a boucherie offering the finest cuts of meat. Michel Buthion is the businessman, the marketer, the entrepreneur. He came to America after graduating from school in the south of France and went to work in food and beverage director at the Skirvin Hotel downtown.

After the oil bust, he purchased the La Baguette Bakery on north May and built it into a full‐service French bistro. Alain Buthion is the master chef, the food expert, the creative force. Like his brother, Alain gained his love of food observing their father, Jean, at his popular boucherie in the South of France. Alain moved to America to help his brother launch La Baguette Bistro.

The two have been collaborators and partners on a variety of projects ever since, including the revitalization of Bellini's, Soleil and XO Lounge in the Colcord Hotel, and Cuisine 43. La Baguette is famous for its delicious cakes from their partners in Norman, its great wine selection in their wine shop, and its outstanding meat selection in the butcher shop. But, the heart and soul of La Baguette is the fabulous French bistro which offers a wide array of family recipes like beef bourguignon, Escargot de Bourgogne, Beef Tartare, and many other French classics.

As time goes on and more experience is gained, the second generation of Buthion Brothers, Daniel and Pascal, hope to follow in their Father and Uncle's footsteps to keep La Baguette Bistro's cuisine, status, and appeal alive in the years to come. It's the per‐fect place to make your night out sparkle like the City of Lights.

The 50s

Candace Bonadio Gideo Owner Papa Dio’s Italian Restaurant

Candace’s career was cruising toward a nice full‐circle narrative so smoothly it appeared nothing could stop it from coming together. That was November 2019. She grew up working at her father’s restaurant and knew at a very early age that this was her calling. When her dad retired in 1991 from Papa Dio’s, it wasn’t long before he realized he couldn’t play golf every day and the concept of Papa’s Lil Italy was born. That was 1993. After looking at a location on I‐35 Service Rd., the lease was signed that day and she thought her father had lost his mind! It was in the middle of nowhere. Soon into the project her father passed away in 1996 and the legacy of Papa’s Lil Italy continued until 2003. She met her husband Blane of 26 years, shortly thereafter Conner was born in 1999 and Jake arrived in 2001. 2 Brothers Pizza in Arcadia also opened in ‘01 and survived 13 years. Also in the middle of nowhere after closing Papa’s Lil Italy and motherhood became the norm, it didn’t dampen her entrepreneurial spirit or instincts. 2 Brothers Pizza added Route 66 Ice Cream and Arcadia Wine and spirits. When the boys were in high school, the pizza place sold and 2 Brothers Bistro food trailer was born along with the first independently licensed beer trailer. After a short time with Coolgreens Edmond, Candace returned to the family business with a 20‐year break from running a full‐service restaurant. How things have changed.

Best beauty tip/secret

Genetics. I give credit to my parents for all of that. And my little sister who is an esthetician that tells me what to do and use!

Getting it all done

Who can really get it all done? Everyday I make a list and start from the most critical, picking up what the restaurant needs on a daily basis and hope for the best. I have a great team that keeps me focused and on track.

Candace Bonadio Gideo is wearing a very special silk jacket with lots of beaded embroidery done in shades of fuschia and aqua. A true collectible by Anu of California. Slacks are Slimsations business/casual. Available at Barbara’s in the Shoppes at Northpark.

The 60s

Marnie Taylor

President & CEO

Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits

Marnie Taylor began her tenure as president and CEO in January 2011 after a number of years serving on OKCNP’s Board of Directors. One of Oklahoma’s leading governance experts, she has more than 40 years of leadership in volunteerism, board service, fundraising, and community engagement. While Taylor has served on more than 30 boards, she currently is on the boards of the Potts Family Foundation, Sunbeam Family Services, and the Friends of the Governor’s Mansion.

Taylor is a graduate of Notre Dame. A native of South Bend, Ind., she began her professional career in advertising with the Chicago Tribune. After marrying her husband, Clayton, the couple moved to Oklahoma. While she and Clayton had two brief stints away from the state, they have made Oklahoma their home for the past 45 years.

Taylor is a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma Class XXIV, Leadership Oklahoma City Class XV, SALLT Class X, founding Director of Youth Leadership Exchange (YLX) and founding member of United Way of Central Oklahoma’s Women’s Leadership Society. She also served for 10 years as a historic preservation commissioner for Oklahoma City.

Taylor enjoys spending time with husband Clayton, son Clay, daugh‐ter‐in‐law Becky and their three children Josie, Tripp and Jon Peter of Oklahoma City as well as her son Clark of Crested Butte, Colo. Taylor also enjoys fitness, hiking and skiing in Colorado, traveling, and read‐ing. One of her proudest accomplishments is climbing to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Best beauty

tip/secret

Getting it all done

I truly strive for goodness on the inside that is reflected as goodness on the outside! I do have a busy calendar but taking time to pray, exercise, keep a gratitude journal and filling up with family and friends is how I best take care of myself. I do dress in the dark of the early morning so being efficient with my time is very important. No pondering over what to wear is allowed and sometimes it has to take me from work to cocktail with maybe a handbag change in the car. My best tip is that I gave up hot curlers for pink sponge curlers that I sleep in! Saves tons of time and easier on my hair! It is NEVER all done! I have very full days and most nights are filled with non‐profit or political events which leaves only my weekends for attending to my per‐sonal needs. I try hard not to book my Saturdays and Sundays with “work” related events, and my trip to grandchildren’s soccer games or dinner with family and friends seem like a vacation and really fill me up! My essential tool is organization and prioritization. I keep giant lists and prioritize every morning what is most urgent and needs to be done. I have a great support team at home (especially my husband Clayton) and at the Center for Nonprofits that I couldn’t live without.

Marnie Taylor is wearing a beautiful pink floral blouse that is a bouquet that will brighten any occasion. It features cloud-soft fabric with wire collar and long sleeves by Ravel of New York. Available at Barbara’s in the Shoppes at Northpark.

The 70s

Edie Roodman

Executive Director Oklahoma Israel Exchange

Edie Roodman, executive director of the OKlahoma Israel Exchange (OKIE) since 2018, devotes herself to fulfilling the Jewish tenet tikkun olam, repair of the world. This drives Edie’s professional and volunteer work in the community. She has served dozens of local organizations, as board mem‐ber, committee chair, and program partner over her more than 30 years in OKC.

In recognition of Edie’s contributions she has received multiple local and national honors, most recently the Oklahoma Center for Non‐Profits’ Visions Award and in January was presented the United Way of Central Oklahoma John and Berta Fay Rex Community Service Award. Roodman holds a master’s degree in counseling and education and a bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology from Arizona State University.

Along with husband Dr. Eli Reshef, she dotes on her “fabu‐lous” children and five high spirited grandsons – Erielle, Daniel, Mayr and Mavryk; Evan, Amanda and Asher; and Eitan, Jackie, Eilon and Lev.

Best beauty tip/secret

Less is more when it comes to make up and hair. Always choose at least one piece in "some shade of black." And choose a look that allows you to be comfortable enough to find joy in the moment!

Getting it all done

My lists have lists. Getting it ALL done might just be wishful thinking!

Edie Roodman is wearing a hand-beaded black denim jacket by Annabelle of New York and Rio. Available at Barbara’s in the Shoppes at Northpark.

The 80s

Elaine Levy Community Volunteer

Elaine Levy was born in Portland, Ore. She attended the University of Colorado where she met her future husband (now of nearly 65 years) Harrison Levy. They moved to OKC in 1981. They have two children: Alyson Levy Ray and hus‐band Joe Ray and daughters Katie, Becca and Lexi; and Stuart Levy and wife Michelle and sons Joseph and wife Michelle, David and wife Alma, and Matthew and serious girlfriend Emily.

Elaine is the winner of the Governor’s Arts Award for Volunteering. She was inducted into the Oklahoma City University Societies and received the Integris Foundation’s Leadership Award for Volunteering.

She has served as president of Ballet Oklahoma, the chair‐man and honorary chairman of the ballet gala, chairman of ballet luncheon, chairman and honorary chairman of AWARE (Alzheimer’s Association) luncheon, Integris Foundation gala and fashion show luncheon chairman, chairman of Jewish Federation 75th anniversary gala and chairman of the OKIE History of Israeli Fashion Gala. she also helped with the Lung Association Luncheon and OMRF 1st Ladies Gala.

Best beauty tip/secret

Just grow old gracefully. At almost 85, I deserve all my wrinkles and grey hair (although I don’t have much grey hair and I do NOT dye it).

Getting it all done

The best way to get it all done is: Learn to say NO and only do things you have passion for. The older you get, the less you have to do.

Elaine Levy is wearing a beautiful jeweled jacket by Tia with matching black jeweled tank. She will light any room! Available at Barbara’s in the Shoppes at Northpark.