February 2019 (Vol. 33, No. 2) by Preview 918

SENSUOUS SETTINGS WHERE TO DINE

W H AT TO D O

COUPLES LOOKING FOR A CULINARY AFFAIR CAN SNAG A TABLE AT ONE OF THE 28 MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS AND BECOME “THOSE” PEOPLE.

WHERE TO FIND IT

WHEN IT’S HAPPENING

FEBRUARY 2019

State of theHeart

BUY, BUY LOVE HOW TO CHOOSE ENGAGEMENT JEWELRY

CHOCOLATES ARE SWEET AND ROSES ARE RED. HERE IS YOUR GUIDE TO LOVE INSTEAD.

MATCH ME IF YOU CAN

TIPS FOR FINDING LOVE (OR LIKE) IN THE DIGITAL AGE

READY OR KNOT PLANNING A WEDDING FROM A TO Z

PREVIEW918.COM

STYX WILLIE NELSON BETTER THAN EZRA MICHAEL BOLTON THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG DARRYL STARBIRD’S NATIONAL ROD AND CUSTOM CAR SHOW LANDELLA SMOKE. SHARK BEACH GRILL YUTAKA

J U S T V I S I T I N G ? L I V I N G LO C A L? W E ’ V E G OT YO U C OV E R E D.

M FROM THE MAYOR As mayor of Tulsa, it is my honor to welcome you to our great city. Whether you’re visiting, or have deep roots here, I invite you to take time to explore our beautiful city and discover all the things that set us apart from other cities.

Tough bike racing, the Tulsa Run, the Route 66 Marathon and the NCAA basketball tournament. The Tulsa area offers more than 80 miles of pedestrian and bicycle trails for a great way to see Tulsa.

I highly recommend Preview 918 as your go-to guide to navigate our incredible city. For more than 30 years, Preview has covered the 918, offering Tulsans and visitors alike the inside scoop to area restaurants and cafés, lodging, local attractions and events, world-class entertainment venues, tourist destinations, and unique shopping venues that are bound to please and delight. Our city is home to the world’s greatest collection of western art at the Gilcrease Museum as well as Italian Renaissance displays at the Philbrook Museum. It’s a treasure trove for lovers of architecture from mid-century modern housing to the downtown Art Deco District and our iconic BOK Center, designed by the internationally acclaimed architect César Pelli.

Tulsa is also a city on the move. In 2018, we opened the Gathering Place. The Gathering Place is a world class riverfront park designed to welcome all to a vibrant and inclusive public space that engages, educates and excites. I’m pleased so many of you have made your home in Tulsa. If you’re visiting our city, please enjoy your stay here. I also want to invite you to come back often to experience opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. In the meantime, you can find out more about Tulsa by visiting cityoftulsa.‌org.

Sports spectators can look to the University of Tulsa or Oral Roberts University athletic programs, Tulsa Oiler hockey games, and Tulsa Roughnecks soccer. Or time a visit to coincide with special events, such as Tulsa

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | DIRECTOR OF BRAND AND STRATEGY Chris Greer chrisg@previewgreencountry.com MANAGING EDITOR/ SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Michele Chiappetta michele@previewgreencountry.com CREATIVE DIRECTORS Jared Hood jared@previewgreencountry.com Beth Rose beth@previewgreencountry.com

4 FEBRUARY 2019

PREVIEW918.COM

For over 30 years, Preview 918 magazine has been the best resource for discovering Tulsa, Green Country and locating the perfect place to eat, visit, shop and be entertained, whether you are here on business or just enjoying a few days away from the grind. Located in the heart of Oklahoma, Tulsa is a year-round destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, scenic views, hikes and adventure. The rich history of Tulsa and its surrounding areas is reflected in the diversity of its museums, landmarks, history, wildlife, attractions, fine dining and friendly locals. In Tulsa, situated on the Arkansas River at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, enjoy a performance or sporting event at the BOK Center, fish in one of the area’s many lakes, check out the sharks in the state’s only freestanding aquarium, explore any of the lush parks or break out the clubs and tackle any of the 16 public golf courses. Considered by many to be the cultural and arts center of Oklahoma, Tulsa offers full-time professional opera and ballet companies and one of the nation’s largest concentrations of art deco architecture. Regardless of your personal tastes or budget, Tulsa offers a down-home, yet cultured experience for all ages.

In over 100 area Hotels and Motels

Preview 918 is proudly displayed in the rooms, lobbies and/or front desks of over 100 hotels and motels in the Tulsa and surrounding Green Country communities. Copies are also available at hundreds of other locations including Oklahoma travel information centers, Tulsa International Airport visitor displays, Expo Square, office complexes, hospitals, Cancer Treatment Centers of America and in over 200 area restaurants. You can also find Preview 918 at participating QuikTrip, Reasor’s, CVS Pharmacies and Panera Bread locations as well as in Preview 918 yellow boxes throughout the Tulsa area.

For a night on the town, Tulsa serves up family entertainment at the Guthrie Green and Tulsa Drillers baseball at ONEOK Field. The Tulsa Performing Arts Center attracts Broadway musicals, renowned musicians and excellent local theater productions, and is home to the Tulsa Ballet.

FACEBOOK.COM/PREVIEW918

VOL. 33, NO. 2

Best regards, G.T. Bynum, Mayor of Tulsa

Tulsa’s unique entertainment and shopping districts provide enjoyable experiences for the entire family. From an art crawl in the Tulsa Arts District, to a concert at the historic Cain’s Ballroom, to a trip to the Tulsa Zoo or a leisurely drive along Route 66 — there’s no end to what you can experience here.

LIKE US!

PREV EW

G.T. Bynum

@PREVIEWTULSA

MANAGING PHOTOGRAPHER Marc Rains marc@previewgreencountry.com

FIELD OPERATIONS MANAGER Stephen Hurt stephen@previewgreencountry.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chris Greer, Michele Chiappetta, Tiffany Duncan, Donna Leahey, Rob Harmon, G.K. Hizer, Gina Conroy, Lindsay Morris, John Tranchina, Lindsey Mills, Jennifer Zehnder, Sarah Herrera, TravelOK.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Ann Murphy ann@previewgreencountry.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Marc Rains, Sarah Eliza Roberts, Sarah Herrera, Jennifer Zehnder, Chelsi Fisher, Valerie Grant, Kelli Greer

ROUTE DISTRIBUTION Rachel Blanchard, Cory Blanchard, Garrett Rinner SENIOR CONSULTANT Randy Dietzel PUBLISHERS Robert and Amy Rinner robert@previewgreencountry.com

READ US!

WWW.ISSUU.COM/PREVIEWMAGAZINETULSA Local advertising and business inquiries: 918-745-1190. Copyright 2019 by Preview 918. Preview 918 is an affiliated publication produced by Fore Today Media Group. All rights reserved. Preview 918 is published 12 times a year. Reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Preview 918 ’s right to edit. While Preview 918 makes every reasonable effort to provide accurate and errorless information, it can’t be responsible for the consequences of any erratum or inadvertence. Preview 918 claims no credit for any images published in this issue unless otherwise noted. Images are copyright to their respective owners. The workouts, exercises and advice provided in Preview 918 and preview918.com are for educational and entertainment purposes only. Consult a physician before performing any exercise program. Preview 918, 10026-A S. Mingo, Suite 322, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133 preview918.com info@previewgreencountry.com © Fore Today Publications LLC

Whimsical art for over 20 years! New Location! 1326 E. 3rd St. Tulsa, OK 74120 Store Hours Monday - Friday 10-5 Saturday 10-3 info@gardendeva.com 918-592-3382

PREVIEW918.COM 5

TABLE OF CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2019

C ON THE COVER

F FEATURES

28 UPENDING A WHODUNIT

The Play that Goes Wrong, about a disastrous night for an imaginary amateur theater troupe putting on what proves to be a terrible play, starts going for laughs before the first line is even delivered in this spoof of the theatricalized murder mystery.

76 EAT YOUR HEART OUT

Whether you’ve been together for years or are cozying up to someone new, the restaurant choice can make or break a date night. In honor of February, here are 28 places to find a table for two.

82 HOMEGROWN HIT

A modern American restaurant with twists on traditional dishes, SMOKE. Woodfire Grill is built on executive chef Erik Reynolds’ promise of eating well and without pretension.

30 OH, WHEELIE

From amazing-looking customized cars, hot rods, low riders, classics and even motorcycles, to celebrity appearances, mini bike drag races and live bands, the Darryl Starbird’s National Rod and Custom Car Show will be a fun time for car lovers of all ages.

86 DOCK AND AWE

The Shark Beach Grill brings even more of the summertime fun, beach atmosphere and fantastic food Tulsans have enjoyed at Safari Joe’s H2O Water Park during warmer months.

32 BRIDAL BLISS

From free stuff and awesome advice to exposure to the latest in wedding fashions, the Hard Rock Tulsa Wedding Show will have it all, plus a chance at a $10,000 giveaway.

90 ASIAN ABUNDANCE

Variety is the name of the game at Yutaka Grill and Sushi Buffet when you and your friends or family members can’t decide on what they’re in the mood for during lunch or dinner.

34 READY OR KNOT

Getting hitched means making a hundred decisions on everything from flowers to photos. We can help out with at least 27 of them.

Whether you’re single, taken or married, there’s something fun to do this month and on Valentine’s Day. We’ve collected some great suggestions to relieve the pressure when trying to do something extravagant for a date night or give something grand to that someone special. It’s also the month when many start to think about taking their relationship to the next level. We have you covered with engagement jewelry picking plans and an A to Z checklist for planning the big day. And, of course, what’s love without some delicious sweets and meals?

40 BUY, BUY LOVE

How to choose engagement jewelry that’s right for you.

44 MATCH ME IF YOU CAN

Looking for love — or even like — in the digital age has its own special set of rules.

18 22

While the charm, history, and location may entice people through the doors of The Campbell Hotel and Event Center, it’s the luxury accommodations and first-rate service that keep people coming back and telling their friends about their experience.

D DEPARTMENTS

24 28 76 COVER CREDIT Photographer: Sarah Eliza Roberts Model: Christy Hanewinkel

6 FEBRUARY 2019

92 PRESENCE WITH A PAST

8 $91.80 in 48 Challenge 10 Music + Concerts +

49 Downtown Locator

70 Restaurant + Bar Finder

50 Tulsa Locator

72 Eats + Treats

Comedy

55 Sports Schedule

12 Happenings

56 Style + Shopping

14 Street Talk

60 Health + Fitness

16 Conversation Starter

65 Launch Pad

26 Sound Check

66 Taken with Tulsa

94 Shelf Life

46 Sports Central

68 Failed It or Nailed It

96 Showtime

74 Food for Thought 90 Masters of Flavor 92 Get to Know

GIVE THE GIFT OF A DELICIOUS NIGHT OUT!

www.jtrgroup.com

The only catch was that they had to spend it at places, events or shops profiled in the January 2019 issue of Preview 918.

918 $91.80 IN 48 CHALLENGE The mission posed to Jeff and Jessica Moore was to spend $91.80 (we used the local area code for the amount) in two days. And if they could find fun and free activities … bonus.

SO, PROVIDING AN ENVELOPE OF CASH AND TELLING PEOPLE TO SPEND IT IN 48 HOURS ISN’T EXACTLY A CHALLENGE, BUT IT MAKES THIS ASSIGNMENT SOUND A LOT MORE INTERESTING.

As lovers of Tulsa and food, my wife, Jessica, and I were excited to try the $91.80 Challenge. We hit up the Tulsa Arts District knowing that our date night would coincide with the First Friday Art Crawl.

STOP #1

Our first stop was PRHYME Downtown Steakhouse. We didn’t want to sit for a long

formal dinner, so we opted to sit in the bar. The bar side at PRHYME feels a little less formal, but no less classy. We started with cocktails. I ordered the Penicillin, which is a signature cocktail that features scotch with lemon, honey and ginger. The scotch was well balanced by the honey, and the lemon gave the drink a refreshing kick. Jessica went for a classic Dirty Martini with Tito’s Vodka and extra olives

STOP #2 We moseyed across the street to Sisserou’s, which we had been eager to try for a while. Sisserou’s features Caribbean cuisine and cocktails, so naturally, we ordered just that. Per the bartender’s recommendation, Jessica ordered the Sisserou’s Mojito. It is a light cocktail of rum, citrus and fresh mint. It was sweet, but just the right amount. I was intrigued by the Smoked Pineapple Margarita. It’s made with mezcal

which gives it its smoky flavor, and Sisserou’s adds Jamaican Jerk Bitters for a slightly spicy kick.

cream sauce. I’ll be honest, I would have licked the plate clean if that was socially acceptable.

Everything on the menu looked phenomenal (especially the stewed oxtail, which we’ll try on our next visit), but we settled on the eight-piece jerk chicken wings. They were grilled to tender perfection with just the right amount of jerk. To cut the heat, the wings are served with an avocado

Also noteworthy was the complimentary sweet bread served before our food came out. It’s a small loaf of fluffy fresh bread served with butter and a very spicy hot sauce. “A dab will do ya” was the bartender’s warning. He was right. COST: $42

(her usual). She’s tasted many a martini and said this was one of the best she’s had. After combing through the menu, we decided on the fried escargot appetizer. We admittedly had never tried fried escargot but were feeling daring. The escargot was lightly breaded and fried and was served with an herbed lemon aioli. There was a light basil flavor that shone through in the We were headed to the Ida Red Soda Fountain for dessert next, but we took a detour to some shops on the street that were featuring local artists. As we turned the corner, we saw a two-story robot on wheels roaming the streets of downtown. The robot’s creator is an artist here in town and was offering rides down Main Street, so obviously, we hopped on. It was an experience. After the robot ride, we popped into a couple of other shops before landing at Ida Red. The staff was chipper for 9:30 p.m. and happily guided us back to the soda fountain. We studied the letter board menu for a few minutes and after

We had a lot of fun with the $91.80 challenge. We got to eat great food, meet good people, and learn a little bit more about the city that we love.

THINK YOU CAN BLOW OUR CASH IN INTERESTING WAYS? 8 FEBRUARY 2019

Like us on Facebook and drop a message with some of your ideas. We might just lace your pockets with green and turn you loose.

aioli. It was delicious. The serving size was perfect for sharing and we’d order it again. COST: $41

STOP #3

unsuccessfully agreeing on the same flavor milkshake, the shake slinger behind the bar chimed in with, “I can make you each a half size of whatever flavor you want if that helps.” Jessica ordered the birthday cake milkshake while I ordered a Key lime pie milkshake. Both were amazing, but I’ll admit that the Key lime pie was the obvious winner. We were informed that they make many of their flavored syrups in-house (including the Key lime) and use milk from a local farm called Lomah Dairy in all their shakes. The shakes were amazing, and the shop itself is charming. COST: $9

PREVIEW918.COM 9

H HAPPENINGS FEBRUARY LIVE MUSIC VENUES 5 O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE BAR | RIVER SPIRIT CASINO RESORT

8330 Riverside Parkway | Tulsa

BLACKBIRD ON PEARL

1336 E. 6th St. | Tulsa

BOK CENTER

200 S. Denver Ave. | Tulsa

MUSIC+CONCERTS+COMEDY CADILLAC 1 THE THREE

Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa

13 SAXON

IDL Ballroom | Tulsa

20-23 TODD REXX

The Loony Bin | Tulsa

BRADY THEATER

105 W. M.B. Brady St. | Tulsa

CAIN’S BALLROOM

423 N. Main St. | Tulsa

CROW CREEK TAVERN

1-2

JOHN MORGAN

The Loony Bin | Tulsa

13-16 CHRIS KILLIAN

The Loony Bin | Tulsa

20900 S. 4200 Road | Claremore

GUTHRIE GREEN

111 E. M.B. Brady St. | Tulsa

IDL BALLROOM

230 E. 1st St. | Tulsa

INNER CIRCLE VODKA BAR 410 N. Main St. | Tulsa

JIMMY BUFFETT’S MARGARITAVILLE | RIVER SPIRIT CASINO RESORT 8330 Riverside Pkwy. | Tulsa

2 ALL THAT JAZZ

Hillcrest Country Club | Bartlesville

5 S. Boston Ave. | Tulsa

PARADISE COVE | RIVER SPIRIT CASINO RESORT

8330 Riverside Pkwy. | Tulsa

PEORIA SHOWPLACE | BUFFALO RUN CASINO & RESORT

1000 Buffalo Run Blvd. | Miami

RABBIT HOLE IMPROV

1526 S Harvard Ave | Tulsa

REDS

325 E. 2nd St. | Tulsa

RIFFS | HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO TULSA

777 W. Cherokee St. | Catoosa

SKYLINE EVENT CENTER | OSAGE CASINO HOTEL

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa | Catoosa

STYX

Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa

River Spirit Casino Resort | Tulsa

KALYN FAY

JEFF DUNHAM

BOK Center | Tulsa

Woody Guthrie Center | Tulsa

1747 S. Boston Ave. | Tulsa

OKLAHOMA JAZZ HALL OF FAME

14 THE COMMODORES

CHERUB

MERCURY LOUNGE

6-9 SHANG

The Loony Bin | Tulsa

8 KELLY CLARKSON

Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa

MICHAEL BOLTON

3534 S. Peoria Ave. | Tulsa

DOG IRON SALOON | CHEROKEE CASINO

21 FRED ARMISEN

River Spirit Casino Resort | Tulsa

22 CHARLIE WILSON

River Spirit Casino Resort | Tulsa

STONEY LARUE

Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa

YOUNG THE GIANT

JAKE OWEN AND DUSTIN LYNCH

COUNT’S 77 BAND

SETH GLIER

Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa

Darryl Starbird’s National Rod & Custom Show | Expo Square | Tulsa

Skyline Event Center | Osage Casino | Tulsa

Woody Guthrie Center | Tulsa

BOK Center | Tulsa

SCOTT MULVAHILL

Woody Guthrie Center | Tulsa

CRAYONS IMPROV COMEDY SHOW

Heritage United Methodist Church | Broken Arrow

SMITH AND 16 SHANE THE SAINTS

DICKERSON 23 RUSSELL AND CARLY PEARCE

Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa

GOO GOO DOLLS AND BETTER THAN EZRA

CARTER SAMPSON AND JARED TYLER

Skyline Event Center | Osage Casino | Tulsa

Woody Guthrie Center | Tulsa

951 W. 36th St. N. | Tulsa

SOUL CITY

1621 E. 11th St. | Tulsa

SOUNDPONY

409 N. Main St. | Tulsa

THE COLONY

9 ELTON JOHN

BOK Center | Tulsa

JUNIOR BROWN

Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa

NELSON 17 WILLIE AND FAMILY

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa | Catoosa

2809 S. Harvard Ave. | Tulsa

THE FUR SHOP

520 E. 3rd St. | Tulsa

THE HUNT CLUB

224 N. Main St. | Tulsa

THE JOINT | HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO TULSA

777 W. Cherokee St. | Catoosa

THE VANGUARD

222 N. Main St. | Tulsa

TRACK 5 | HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO TULSA

777 W. Cherokee St. | Catoosa

WOODY GUTHRIE CENTER

102 E. M.B. Brady St. | Tulsa

10 FEBRUARY 2019

10 WINTER JAM

18 JAMES TAYLOR

11 TRAVIS SCOTT

20 HIPPIE SABOTAGE

BOK Center | Tulsa

Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa

25 DROPKICK MURPHYS Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa

BY 26 TRAMPLED TURTLES

Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa

27-28, KRISTIN KEY MAR. 1-2

The Loony Bin | Tulsa

THURSDAY

2.14

COMMODORES

SUNDAY

2.17

THURSDAY

3.07

WILLIE NELSON

8PM

BRUCE BRUCE

8PM

TURN IT ON, TURN IT UP SCAN TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Schedule subject to change.

AI ALSO IN FEBRUARY

FEB. 1

XFN 356 River Spirit Casino Resort | Tulsa

FIRST FRIDAY ART CRAWL Tulsa Arts District | Tulsa KIDS, KOWS AND MORE Expo Square | Tulsa

SHOSTAKOVICH’S 7TH SYMPHONY Tulsa Performing Arts Center | Tulsa

TULSA BALLET: ICONS AND IDOLS: THE POWER OF PASSION Cox Business Center | Tulsa

LARA LOGAN Tulsa Performing Arts Center | Tulsa

HOME AND GARDEN SHOW Grove Civic Center | Grove

THE RESURRECTION OF BLACK WALL STREET Tulsa Performing Arts Center | Tulsa

FISHING AND HUNTING EXPO Cox Business Center | Tulsa

FEB. 14

VALENTINE’S DAY FEB. 15-17

FEB. 8-17

FEB. 1-3

TULSA BOAT, SPORT AND TRAVEL SHOW Expo Square | Tulsa

FEB. 3

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY FEB. 3-10

THE GREEN BOOK Tulsa Performing Arts

THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) Broken Arrow Community

Playhouse | Broken Arrow

Center | Tulsa

FEB. 9

HEART BALL Cox Business Center | Tulsa FEB. 2 FEB. 2

TULSA HERITAGE RODEO Expo Square | Tulsa HIGH SCHOOL HOOPS BOK Center | Tulsa

12 FEBRUARY 2019

FEB. 7

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS BOK Center | Tulsa FEB. 8-10

SOONER NATIONALS Expo Square | Tulsa

FEB. 9-10

GREATER TULSA SURVIVAL AND GREEN LIVING EXPO Expo Square | Tulsa TULSA WOMEN’S EXPO Expo Square | Tulsa

TULSA OPERA: THE LITTLE PRINCE Tulsa Performing Arts Center | Tulsa

VINTAGE TULSA SHOW Expo Square | Tulsa DARRYL STARBIRD’S NATIONAL ROD AND CUSTOM CAR SHOW Expo Square | Tulsa MIDSOUTH TACKLE, HUNTING AND BOAT SHOW Grove Civic Center | Grove REMODEL AND LANDSCAPE SHOW Cox Business Center | Tulsa

ALSO IN FEBRUARY AI

FEB. 15-24

SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE Tulsa Performing Arts

FEB. 22-MARCH 2

MY FAIR LADY Tulsa Performing Arts Center | Tulsa

BROADWAY’S MOST AWARDWINNINGEST COMEDY! ”

“

Center | Tulsa

FEB. 23 FEB. 16-17

ROGERS COUNTY SPRING HORSE SHOW Claremore Expo Center | Claremore

ODDITIES AND CURIOSITIES EXPO Expo Square | Tulsa HOME SWEET HOME CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL The Castle of Muskogee | Muskogee

COOKING UP COMPASSION Cox Business Center | Tulsa FEB. 18

PRESIDENTS DAY

JERSEY BOYS Broken Arrow Performing

Arts Center | Broken Arrow

FEB. 21-24

GASLIGHT Coleman Theatre | Miami TULSA BALLET: THE SLEEPING BEAUTY Tulsa Performing Arts Center | Tulsa

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG Tulsa Performing Arts

PHOTOS BY MATTHEW MURPHY

FEB. 18

FEB. 26-MARCH 3

Center | Tulsa

FEB. 28-MARCH 3

AKDAR SHRINE CIRCUS Expo Square | Tulsa

BEST OF ENEMIES Tulsa Performing Arts Center | Tulsa

See our feature on page 28

“HILARIOUS!

NONSTOP PANDEMONIUM.” BROADWAYGOESWRONG.COM

FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 3 918.596.7111 • CelebrityAttractions.com Groups 10+ 918.796.0220 /BwayTulsa

PREVIEW918.COM 13

ST STREET TALK

WHAT IS LOVE? Love is a commitment that goes beyond feelings that wax and wane like the tides. When you stand firmly on the commitment you’ve made, it stems those tides and keeps you together in the deep.

Love is choosing the person over the offense, seeing the potential over the failure and recognizing that someone is worth the investment.

Kathy

Shannon My favorite description of the word love can be found in the movie Wedding Crashers: True love is your soul’s recognition of its counterpoint in another.

A person who is kind, loyal and faithful. Without that foundation, a relationship would be difficult.

Shane

Jordan

Jackson

Be accepting of others' differences and accepting people for who they are. You never know what their background story is.

Emily

Love is a decision. It is about putting in an effort when you don’t feel like it. It is a mature commitment that doesn’t rely on lovey-dovey feelings.

I don’t think anyone can truly describe it. That’s why literature, music, art, and cinema continue to be dedicated to themes surrounding it and it just never gets old.

Sydney

Sadie

An open-door bathroom policy.

Tara Love is the act of sacrificing for, and serving, someone you care about without expecting anything in return and wanting the very best for them no matter what.

Brittany

WANT TO JOIN THE DISCUSSION?

We’ll post a question on our Facebook each month. Give us an answer and photo, and you might end up in our magazine.

14 FEBRUARY 2019

Karla

Adam What is love? ... Baby don’t hurt me, don’t hurt me... no more!

Half-priced beer and wings.

Loving even though they do not deserve it.

Love is doing what is best for someone, even when it is not what is best for you.

Erin

Sacrifice.

Wayne

Looking out for the best interest of someone else.

Amanda

Tulsa's #1 Antique Mall Since 1996! I-44 Antique and Collectibles Mall has been Tulsa's #1 Antique Store since 1996. Come and see what our more than 50 vendors have to offer in our 9,000 square feet of dealer space.

Celebrating + Years!

918.712.2222 | www.i44antiquemall.com Mon-Sat 10am-5pm • Sunday 12-5pm 5111 S. Peoria • Tulsa, Oklahoma

PREVIEW918.COM 15

STYX HAS A HISTORY THAT LOOMS SO LARGE, WHICH IS NOT SURPRISING GIVEN THE SONGWRITING TALENT IN THE BAND, STARTING WITH GUITAR DUO TOMMY SHAW AND JAMES “J.Y.” YOUNG, AND CONTINUING THROUGH THE FORCE ON THE KEYBOARDS, LARRY GOWAN, A RESPECTED SOLO ARTIST IN HIS OWN RIGHT. BY DONNA LEAHEY

If you listen, in the distance you’ll hear a haunting keyboard riff rising, bolstered by soaring harmonies and powered by 47 years of legendary rock ‘n’ roll experiences. Styx is coming to rock the Paradise Cove. Styx is best known for its four epic albums: Grand Illusion (1977), Pieces of Eight (1978), Cornerstone (1979), and Paradise Theatre (1981). Not content to ride the ripples of fame, Styx is still creating music, most recently a brand-new concept album, The Mission, about a mission to Mars.

16 FEBRUARY 2019

STYX

CS CONVERSATION STARTER

Since 1972, Styx has written such hits as “Blue Collar Man,” “Lady,” “Come Sail Away,” “Crystal Ball,” “Babe,” “Too Much Time on My Hands,” and “Fooling Yourself.” The group plays about 100 shows each year and is the first rock band in history to have four consecutive certified multi-million-selling albums in a row beginning with The Grand Illusion. Canadian music legend in his own right, keyboardist and vocalist Lawrence Gowan joined Styx in 1999, helping them tour into the next century.

CONVERSATION STARTER CS

He came in one day with a song he was working on called “Mission to Mars.” It had a charm to it that was great, kind of refreshing and yet sounded like Styx. About two weeks later he came in with “Locomotive.” Those two songs, I thought, go together really well. They complement each other. We thought maybe a concept album built about a NASA mission to Mars. I said I’d love that. I’m a NASA enthusiast. I go to NASA on vacation. Shortly thereafter, we got a call from NASA to go and witness a craft called the New Horizon arrive on Pluto after a nine-year mission. On that mission, they discovered a fifth moon orbiting Pluto and they named it Styx. Everything was telling us, “Hey, you’re on a good path here. You should keep going with it.” That was one of those moments that if you wrote it in a script, you’d think it wasn’t believable. We decided that the culmination of the album would be that they got off Mars but they continue on in the other direction, never

What took the record to a higher level is that we decided, “Let’s not be overly heavy-handed with this story.” It’s not a linear telling of story; it’s more of an emotional exchange between the crew members. And that’s where my voice comes in as opposed to Tommy’s or J.Y.’s [James Young]. It’s a conversation of a crew on an extended mission. It’s easy for me to make the rather unsubtle comparison between that and life in a band. I’m seeing it more as a band interacting with each other than with a NASA crew. There are parallels between the two.

Q. HOW DOES

THE MISSION STACK UP AGAINST SOME OF STYX’S CLASSIC ALBUMS?

A. That’s not really for me to

decide. When we completed it, I felt that sonically we had come as close as possible to the sound of 1979, and we achieved that through our efforts in recording the entire album analog. We went to two-inch tape and pretended that digital editing didn’t exist until the final editing stages. In the making of the record, everything involved five guys in a room, or six when Chuck [Panozzo] would come out. But hashing through the

PARADISE THEATRE. DID YOU KNOW THE VENUE YOU’RE PLAYING IS CALLED PARADISE COVE?

A. I did know that. I promise I’ll be making good use of that during the show.

Q. WHAT CAN

FANS EXPECT FROM THIS SHOW?

A. Well, being Valentine’s

Day, I guess they can expect that the epic Styx adventures will have some kind of extra romantic twist. First of all, the bulk of the show really does focus on the classic material, the four big albums. It’s not a secret anymore that we’ve brought back “Mr. Roboto.” He’s had a buffing up and been refurbished and is making his presence known. I really enjoy doing that one. It’s my temperament onstage. You will be seeing the show after we’ve done our show in Las Vegas at the Palms at the Pearl Theater. We’re doing The Mission in its entirety. We’ll likely throw in a couple songs from that album, since they’ll be ready.

Q. YOU JOINED IN

1999, STEPPING IN FOR DENNIS DEYOUNG.

A. If you get a call from a band with the legacy and the

In 1999, when they called, they said “Look, we really need a piano player and singer, and we think you might be the guy.” There was a nervous excitement about the future, and I thought if I can do something to prove these guys right, that will be an accomplishment.

Q. WHAT’S NEXT FOR STYX?

A. We’re all really excited

about touring as long as the gods of rock smile on us. We do have new things cooking, now that the success of The Mission has bolstered our confidence, to make a new studio record in the next couple of years.

STYX Paradise Cove | River Spirit Casino Resort 8330 Riverside Parkway | Tulsa 888-748-3731 riverspirittulsa.com

years we have amassed such a great number of ideas for songs but just didn’t have time to devote them to a proper album. The notion came into Tommy Shaw’s head around 2015 that we’d better make another studio record and it better be a good one.

They had seen me in Canada, I had opened for them in Montreal. They’d heard me play my own music; they saw the reaction of the crowd. I’ve got a couple multi-platinum records in Canada, and a couple gold, so people know my music there.

TYX

A. First of all, over the

returning home. With that kind of broad general arc to the story, the songs began to fall into place. That’s when I came into the writing team of it. I think the next So, having said all that, yes. I think it does stand up. one was “Radio Silence,” which became a central part of the story YOU REFER TO in that the crew is tested.

A GORGEOUS ALBUM. WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT HOW IT CAME TOGETHER?

history of Styx, you’re going to take that call very seriously and be very honored by it. Really, the notion of a band having to make a change, and a very significant change, it’s a tough one for a band to traverse. It came down to this: They were really trying to have the spirit of the band survive, more than anything, and go on into the new millennium.

Q. THE MISSION IS

arrangements in each others faces, that really pulled the threads together of what the band sounds like. And really, Tommy and J.Y. said this is the closest to the experience that we had making the four biggest Styx albums. This is in tandem with that classic rock spirit and what a band had to go through to make an album.

Feb. 14: 8 p.m. Must be 21 or older to attend

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BETTER THAN EZRA, WHICH QUICKLY BECAME A STAPLE IN THE ’90S ALT-ROCK SCENE FOLLOWING THEIR DEBUT ALBUM DELUXE IN 1995, IS STILL “GRATEFUL” TO BE TOURING, RELEASING NEW MUSIC AND STAYING IN TOUCH WITH INDUSTRY TRENDS. BY G.K. HIZER

With the latest updates to Osage Casino Hotel near downtown Tulsa, the opening of the Skyline Event Center called for a special show to celebrate. With a little ingenuity and creative thinking, organizers were able to pair up a couple of the ‘90s biggest hit-makers for a double bill that will not only showcase the new venue, but Osage’s bid to raise the bar once again in the entertainment field. By pairing up Goo Goo Dolls and Better Than Ezra, the night’s bill will feature nearly 20 Top 10 hits on the United States charts and four No. 1 singles, representing a nice cross-section of alt-rock and pop hits. Perhaps one of the best examples of the ‘90s alt-rock scene is Better

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BETTER THAN EZRA

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Than Ezra, the indie-rock band from Louisiana that finally got signed to a major label in 1995 and immediately had one of the biggest hits of the year with “Good.” The band ran with that success, releasing six more studio albums and touring tirelessly ever since. And although there have been a couple of member changes, the band has never stopped playing and enjoying the ride. We were able to catch up with founding member and bassist Tom Drummond to get a glimpse of what’s kept Better Than Ezra running hot for three decades.

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THAN EZRA

Q. IT’S HARD TO KEEP A BAND TOGETHER, YET

people want to see you and hear the songs that mean something to them. You need to make it fun and a good experience for your fans.

THE CORE OF BETTER THAN EZRA, YOU AND KEVIN GRIFFIN, HAVE BEEN TOGETHER OVER 25 YEARS. HOW DO HOW DO YOU KEEP THAT GOING? YOU APPROACH YOUR GROWTH Actually, it’s been 25 years AND EVOLUTION, since Elektra released Deluxe. MUSICALLY?

LINES, HOW DO YOU KEEP UP THAT RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR AUDIENCE FOR SUCH A LONG CAREER?

A. I think that with the

public, it really boils down to our live shows. We’ve always been a touring band, so you have to put on a show that people want to see over and over. You’ve got to play the hits and give the people what they want. Sure, you need to mix it up and make it fun, but some bands only want to play the new stuff that the fans may not know yet and not play the hits. I’ve been to those shows, and if people go home disappointed because they didn’t hear their favorite songs, what’s the point? For me, it’s about going out there and giving your best, because

I think that with Deluxe, a lot of people love the songs and the time and place that it all captures for them, plus there’s a new band quotient and a certain excitement and newness that you can’t really recapture. For us, it felt like more of what the band truly was live. Part of that was because we tracked everything live in the studio. We just released a 25th anniversary, vinyl edition of Deluxe, which is really cool for us. It’s also crazy to think that it’s been 25 years.

Q. ALTHOUGH THE

BAND HAS ALWAYS EVOLVED SONICALLY FROM ALBUM TO ALBUM, IT’S STILL ALL DENIABLY BETTER THAN EZRA. WHAT, IN YOUR MIND, DEFINES THE BTE SOUND?

but I think the other part is the selection of songs and material. Typically, Kevin brings some ideas and melodies and we work through those to see what works. No matter how you dress it up, it comes down to, “Is this a good song?”

We listen to our contemporaries and what’s current, then take from what we like and think fits what we do. In that way, we try to stay current and keep evolving as we go. Then, of course, Kevin’s voice always ties it all together.

Q. LAST YEAR, YOU

RELEASED THE SINGLE “GRATEFUL.” IS THAT A SIGNAL OF WHERE THE BAND IS CURRENTLY AT MUSICALLY? AND DOES THAT SIGNAL MORE MUSIC IN THE PIPELINE?

A. Yes, that’s pretty much

representative of where we’re at right now and there is more music in the pipeline, but we’re not ready to release it yet. We’re trying to decide how to release it. Do we want to release it as a single every six months or release an album? An album makes more sense creatively, but doesn’t really make sense economically, because it’s cycling back to being a singles-driven music industry. The old-school guys don’t get it, which is why the big labels are struggling, but it makes the most sense to release singles right now. That’s what people are listening to right now, so why not give people the best of the best every few months?

SALES CHANGED HOW YOU APPROACH THE INDUSTRY AND RELEASING YOUR MUSIC?

A. It’s really just a different

set of problems. Back when Elektra put out Deluxe, the concern was that it was selling so fast they couldn’t keep it in stock. If someone goes to buy your album and it’s not there, what are the chances they’ll come back to get your record later? Probably not too good. To that extent, it’s solved that problem and made it easy to get your music right away. The flip side of that is that now every Tom, Dick, and Harry has an album out, so there’s way more competition. You need a way to get people’s attention and to get your music to them. You really need a publicist, which is kind of what the label has become at this point. In the end, though, a hit song is what gets people’s attention, so it still all goes back to writing great songs.

GOO GOO DOLLS AND BETTER THAN EZRA Skyline Event Center | Osage Casino Hotel 951 W. 36th St. N. | Tulsa 877-246-8777 osagecasino.com

Q. ALONG THOSE

Friction, Baby (1996) was the best rock album of the ‘90s. I think the big difference is it took us seven years to get to the point where Deluxe (1993) could come out. We recorded that album for $5,000, which is crazy to think about now. With Friction, it was really our first time to go into the studio with a real budget, a real producer, proper mixing and everything, so it was a real learning experience and a chance to try new things. It was also a chance to try and capture what the band really sounded and felt like live, which was our goal. The producer understood that and I think we did a good job at capturing that energy.

We feel like we’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing, and it’s kind of taken care of itself. We just had one of our most successful tours with Barenaked Ladies this past summer. We played to more people and bigger crowds than we ever have and now we’re seeing a new generation of fans showing up.

Q. HOW HAS DIGITAL Part of it is Kevin’s voice, A. We’ve had a lot of fans say A. because he’s got a distinct sound, DISTRIBUTION AND

We’ve been a band for over 30 years now. I always say it took us seven years to get signed and seven weeks to go No. 1 — that’s one of my favorite quotes. Honestly, it’s a lot like a marriage — there’s a lot of give and take. But seriously, how hard is it to do anything for 25 years? I think, first of all, you have to enjoy what you’re doing — and we love playing.

Feb. 16: 8 p.m. Must be 18 or older to attend

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TULSA ARTS DISTRICT

20 FEBRUARY 2019

TA TULSA ARTS DISTRICT

Live Music

Check Website for Dates!

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BY G.K. HIZER

FEW ARTISTS CAN HOPE TO HAVE A MUSIC CAREER AS LONG AND AS STORIED AS 85-YEAR-OLD WILLIE NELSON WHOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STILL ON THE ROAD BECAUSE IT MAKES HIM HAPPIER THAN CONTEMPLATING RETIREMENT.

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WILLIENEL

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If you’re looking to see an icon of country music and pop culture, you need look no further than Willie Nelson, nor travel any farther than The Joint: Tulsa inside the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa. Nelson returns for a show with his longtime backing band, The Family, for a show that will appeal to not only old-school country fans, but music fans and anyone who appreciates American pop-culture in general. Nelson, 85, is an undisputed elder statesman of country music, but it’s not a title he’s likely to embrace willingly. If anything, his sound and attitude have always been anti-establishment, turning against the Nashville model and paving his path through the music industry. For those who care to look back, Nelson began his career as a radio DJ and musician, recording his first single in 1956 (“No Place for Me”). It wasn’t until he signed with Liberty Records and released “Willingly” in 1961 that he had his first top 10 single, but it sparked something that’s still producing a flame in 2019. Over his career,

country movement. Along with the likes of Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson, the group turned their backs on Nashville convention and brought an attitude back to country music, along with a healthy taste of Texas and California, as well as doses of rock, blues, and folk influence to the genre. Although most of the young guys may not recognize it, Nelson and his contemporaries kicked down the doors for much of the current crop of pop-country artists, as well as the Red Dirt and Texas country scene.

Nelson has bounced through a number of labels including Liberty, Atlantic (as that label’s first country artist), RCA/Victor, and Columbia Records, and even temporarily retired from music in late 1972. After a move to Austin, Texas, gave him fresh inspiration and reignited his creative flame, he released the iconic album, Shotgun Willie, in 1973 and has been prolific ever since. Not one to follow anyone else’s style or standards, the period in the mid-70s that yielded that album as well as Red Headed Stranger (1975) and Stardust (1978) saw Nelson establish his own distinct voice and style, which incorporated a mix of jazz, pop, blues, and folk elements into his country roots. It also produced signature hits “Whiskey River,” “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” (a Fred Rose composition from 1945), “If You’ve Got the Money, I’ve Got the Time,” “Georgia on My Mind” and “Blue Skies,” all of which are staples of his vast catalog. Perhaps more importantly, Nelson is known as one of the founders of the original outlaw

Formed in 1973, The Family includes founding members Paul English on drums (Nelson’s regular drummer since 1966), Mickey Raphael on harmonica, and Bobbie Nelson (Nelson’s sister) on piano, along with Billy English, who joined in 1983, on percussion and Kevin Smith on bass. The group’s relationship with Nelson is the backbone of his ability to not only improvise musically mid-set, but also dive into over 40 years of his back catalog. Nelson’s career is not only limited to music. His acting life kicked off in the 1979 movie The Electric Horseman. Since then he’s starred in Honeysuckle Rose, Thief, and Barbarosa, as well as acting and making cameo appearances in dozens of movies and television shows. Outside of entertaining, Nelson has consistently remained busy as an activist and entrepreneur. In 1985, he stood alongside John Mellencamp and Neil Young in founding Farm Aid and is president of the board of Farm Aid. He is also a longtime advocate and co-chair of the NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) advisory board, as well

as being an advocate for better treatment of horses and livestock with Animal Welfare Institute and Animal Legal Defense Fund. He is also an avid supporter of the LGBT movement. His environmental interest expanded into his entrepreneurial side in 2004 when his wife purchased a diesel car and used exclusively bio-diesel to fuel it. Impressed by the performance of the fuel and seeing it as a potential alternative to dependence on foreign oil, he and his wife invested in building two bio-diesel plants. Marketed under the name BioWillie, the fuel is made of soybean and vegetable oils and can be burned in modern diesel engines with no modifications. Even with his fingers in so many endeavors, music still remains the core of Nelson’s career. Lest you think he’s slowed down or not been releasing new material, think again. His 2015 release, Django & Jimmie, was his sixth and final release with Haggard, before Haggard’s passing. The album hit No. 1 on the country charts and received critical praise as a return to form for the pair. He’s since released a couple more albums including Willie’s Stash, Volume 2: Willie and the Boys, a collection of country standards recorded with his sons, Lukas and Micah Nelson.

WILLIE NELSON The Joint: Tulsa | Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa 777 W. Cherokee St. | Catoosa 918-384-ROCK (x7625) hardrockcasinotulsa.com

Feb. 17: 8 p.m. Must be 21 or older to attend

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MICHAEL BOLTON

Q. TELL US ABOUT

A SYMPHONY OF HITS.

A. What can I say? This is my

life’s work. It’s a catalog of music that I’ve been performing for decades around the world, and each song has a different story and represents a different moment of time for me. I put all of me into a song and I am microscopic about production, bringing all the arrangements and instruments into a place of communicating the ultimate expression of that composition. It takes long hours in the studio with my patient, trusted loyal team of musicians and engineers to get a song to where I feel it’s ready. And now to add an entire symphony orchestra to the mix — wow. It was so moving and unexpectedly really emotional for me to dive so deeply into this catalog of music. I’m remembering how it felt with the first recording and how much it has evolved to where we are today. And with this collection celebrating my 50th year in music, it’s just shocking because I still feel like I’m just that kid back in Connecticut making ends meet.

BEST KNOWN FOR HIS SOFT ROCK BALLADS, SOULFUL TENOR VOCALS AND THAT HAIR, MULTIPLE GRAMMY WINNER MICHAEL BOLTON HAS SOLD MORE THAN 70 MILLION ALBUMS AND OPENED FOR OZZY OSBOURNE. BY DONNA LEAHEY

You know Michael Bolton as the smooth voice of many a love ballad. But do you know he’s a multiple Grammy Awardwinning singer, songwriter and philanthropist with more than 70 million records sold globally? A triple-threat of music, Bolton has written with, written for, and performed with some of the biggest names in every genre, including Bob Dylan, Paul Stanley, Lady Gaga, KISS, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Barbra

24 FEBRUARY 2019

Streisand, Cher, Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, and B.B. King. His performance in The Lonely Island’s Emmy winning “Captain Jack Sparrow” video made him a viral sensation. Recently, he’s been seen acting on such television shows as Glee, Fresh Off the Boat, and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. Bolton has most recently produced a feature-length documentary, American Dream: Detroit about the Renaissance of the Motor City.

Q. YOU ARE

To celebrate 50 years in the entertainment industry, Bolton has released a collection of his greatest hits in all-new versions backed by a full symphony orchestra. This unique United Kingdom performance brings a kaleidoscope of new colors and sounds to beloved classics including “Said I Loved You… But I Lied,” “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You,” “Time, Love and Tenderness,” and “When a Man Loves a Woman.” Bolton brings all of these and many more.

KNOWN FOR YOUR SOCIAL ACTIVISM AND DEDICATION TO HUMANITARIAN CAUSES. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR PHILANTHROPY AND MICHAEL BOLTON CHARITIES?

A. When I was a struggling

musician with a family of five, we didn’t use the word “homelessness,” but that is an experience that was all too close for me. I vowed that if and when I had any success, I would do what I could to help families in need. Cut to 18 years later, I had my first hit and really had the industry supporting me. I learned quickly about the currency of celebrity as I was asked to perform at various events and fundraisers and for different causes. So, I knew it was

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anniversary of my Netflix special. It’s fun and funny to remember the shooting process with The Lonely Island and Comedy Bang Bang Team. With Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone and Scott Aukerman all at the reins, you just have to go all in. And that’s how we turned Valentine’s Day into a telethon to save Christmas for Santa Claus when the mass production of toys by his crazy elves demands that people start making more babies in time for holiday toy delivery. It’s a hilarious premise but the execution is just spectacular. We have a cast to die for, including Will Forte, Maya Rudolph, Chris Parnell, Sarah Silverman, Adam Scott, Michael Sheen, Fred Armisen, Randall Park, Bob Saget, Louie Anderson, Janeane Garofalo, Brooke Shields, Eric Andre, Casey Wilson, and so many more. They each participated in writing their parts and making them so unique and unforgettable.

the way, when I started to have success and became determined to never go back, I got really honed in and focused on my career, and people — or the media — may have perceived that as me being a serious person. But those who know me have always known I’m the biggest clown in the room. Singing, for me, is of course my first love and passion. But comedy is a close second, and when I can do both, it’s just the best. I absolutely love collaborating with comedians and finding funny ways of looking at life. Having a sense of humor is such an important way of dealing with our humanity.

Q. TELL US ABOUT

SOME OF YOUR MUSICAL INFLUENCES.

A. As a kid, I was always

trying to sing along with whatever I could hear on the radio, and at that time a lot of it was coming out of Detroit. You may have heard about the documentary I’ve been producing about the Motor City and its comeback, but my interest there all started in the roots of music. My voice has always loved rhythm and blues and bending notes like instruments. Ray Charles is probably my biggest influence, with Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder in my frequent playlist as well.

Q. DO YOU EVER

FEEL THE URGE TO REVISIT YOUR HARD ROCK ROOTS?

A. My band Blackjack

[which opened for Ozzy Osbourne early in his musical career] was a bittersweet kind of thing. We had the full support of the label, working with the most incredible producers, and we made some great records. But for some reason, it just didn’t stick at the time. I do think about what it would be like to have followed that path. But instead, the president of Columbia Records at the time told me to take all the songs I was writing for other artists and keep them for myself. That’s when I started having hits.

Q. WHAT’S THIS TOUR ABOUT AND WHAT CAN FANS EXPECT?

A. The “Symphony Sessions

Tour” will be a taste of the album live. We are bringing some symphonic elements along with my awesome band to perform the greatest hits and a few other selections which have been arranged for orchestra as well. For me, there’s nothing better than performing with the support of a symphony onstage because it just elevates the musical experience.

Q. IF YOU HAD

TO PICK JUST ONE,

WOULD YOU WRITE MUSIC OR PERFORM?

A. I really think they go

hand in hand. As I mentioned, my career took off when I started recording and releasing the songs I was writing and giving away to other artists, like Cher, Streisand, and even KISS. There is an emotional connection to writing that flows through to the singing process, and I think that comes across in the songs that I’ve penned that are more personal to me. That said, I have a love of songs, and as an artist I love to interpret a great song no matter who wrote it and lend my own signature. That is also an exhilarating experience, especially when an homage brings me closer to the heroes of my youth, like singing with Ray Charles, Percy Sledge, and even Luciano Pavarotti.

MICHAEL BOLTON Paradise Cove | River Spirit Casino Resort 8330 Riverside Parkway | Tulsa 888-748-3731 riverspirittulsa.com

A. Coming this Feb. 7 is the

A. I think somewhere along

BOLTON’S BIG, SEXY VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL ALL ABOUT?

SEEN ON THE SMALL SCREEN AN AWFUL LOT. HOW DOES ACTING, ESPECIALLY IN COMEDIES, LET YOU EXPRESS YOURSELF DIFFERENTLY THAN MUSIC?

Q. WHAT IS MICHAEL

Q. YOU’VE BEEN

time to pursue my own mission. Founded in 1993, the mission and purpose of The Michael Bolton Charities has been to respond to issues which adversely affect children and women at risk. These include domestic and street violence, poverty, abuse, neglect, homelessness, and human trafficking. Collaborations on innovative solutions, initiatives and programs have helped to provide critically needed services responding to immense challenges and compelling needs. The Michael Bolton Charities has benefited more than 100 organizations in cities across the country. We are now in our 25th year of this important work.

Feb. 21: 8 p.m. Must be 21 or older to attend

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Annie Oakley

Paul Benjaman

E x t e n d e d Play Soul City Gastropub will be transformed for three evenings to showcase 24 artists (and surprise guests) for an Americana and folk music version of “speed dating” during The Oklahoma Room event. BY G.K. HIZER For one weekend in February, Soul City Gastropub turns into an intimate listening room, channeling one of the biggest Americana and folk music events of the year as it showcases some of greater Oklahoma’s best musical talent. The dining room and indoor stage will be transformed into this year’s Oklahoma Room showcase, featuring 24 artists over three nights. The Feb. 8-10 weekend will spotlight some of Horton Records’ brightest artists such as Dustin Pittsley, Paul Benjaman, Jesse Aycock, Wink Burcham, and Jacob Tovar as well as some equally impressive acts that you may not have heard yet, like Kalyn Fay, Ken Pomeroy, John Calvin Abney, and Annie Oakley, along with a few likely surprise guest appearances.

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But what is the Oklahoma Room and why is it such a big deal to hold it here, you may wonder? To understand that, you need a little background information. Every year, Folk Alliance International holds a conference that brings together artists and industry people from the folk music community worldwide for a weeklong networking event. Over the past few years, a group of Oklahoma artists has been banding together to attend and play as that conference was held in Kansas City. To get a more personal perspective, we spoke with Brian Horton, the head of Horton Records, who not only helped organize this year’s showcase, but spearheaded the group going to Kansas City in past years. “Basically, the first time we did this was in 2014. The conference

was in Kansas City that year and it just made sense to go,” says Brian Horton. “It was close enough to drive to and the time was right. We got together as many Oklahoma acts and as many local sponsors as we could and put together a business plan to showcase as many acts as possible.” To understand the atmosphere at Folk Alliance, you have to realize that there are showcases and concerts in the hotel ballroom and meetings in the conference space. More importantly, however, the event essentially takes over the hotel. Hotel rooms and suites are rented out, space cleared, and chairs brought in to create mini showcase rooms. Musicians pass each other in the hallways and there may be as much going on musically with jam sessions in the lobby

or hallway foyers as anywhere else, making it a unique environment. So when you hear the name Oklahoma Room, that’s exactly what it was: a hotel room dedicated to showcasing Oklahoma musicians. “When the conference came to Kansas City, Scott Aycock [host of local radio show, Folk Salad] got with me and said, ‘This could be a really good thing for our local musicians.’ We went to Kansas City for five years and over that time it really became one of the most popular showcase rooms of the conference,” says Horton. “It was the room that everyone seemed to be talking about and wanted to stop in and see what was going on. “There’s something about our Oklahoma talent that is just real, authentic and has a true

paradise never sounded So Good.

“The thing is,” Horton says, “everyone had such a great time and so many relationships were built at that event. It was nonstop music and the musicians were together, making it such a personal experience that we all kind of decided, let’s do something about the same time if we can’t go this year. The conference almost became a kind of musician’s retreat for everyone.”

styx feb 14 michael bolton Feb 21 charlie wilson feb 22 wayne brady mar 23

The Smiths have always had an artist’s vision, not just for their venture, but also in extending the artistic community in Tulsa and making Soul City ground central for an event like this. Tickets are $20 Friday and Saturday or $30 for the weekend and available through eventbrite.com and the event’s Facebook page. Sunday’s event is free to the public.

Live Music 7 Nights a Week And at 9pm in 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar and 10 pm every day in Margaritaville! Visit margaritavilletulsa.com for a complete schedule.

THE OKLAHOMA ROOM Soul City | 1621 E. 11th St. Tulsa

After five consecutive years of meeting in Kansas City, the conference has moved to Montreal this year and it didn’t make good economic sense to try and take a group to Canada. Although a location for the 2020 conference hasn’t officially been announced yet, Horton says that they believe they have a fairly good idea where it will be held, and if it’s within driving distance, the Oklahoma Room will likely return to Folk Alliance in 2020.

“We wanted to make it as much like the conference experience as possible. It’s kind of like speed-dating with musicians, but it should also create a really unique, intimate listening experience,” says Horton.

“John Moreland and Parker Millsap got their record deals because of contacts they made and the conference helped us set up global distribution and meet publicists for our artists, which then segued into touring Europe for people like Wink Burcham and Paul Benjaman.”

According to Horton, those trips to Kansas City were more than just going north to play for a weekend; the conference opened a number of doors for those involved.

That desire to do something again this year on a local level led Horton to contact Kevin and Amy Smith at Soul City about possibly doing a one-night showcase. To their credit, the Smiths opened their location for the entire weekend to make a true event out of it. The dining area will be decked out with 80 seats available each night with standing room in the back and at the bar. Artists will play 25-minute sets with 10-minute changeovers.

community vibe to it. We already knew, or at least thought that, but being at the conference and seeing other people’s reactions really confirmed that for us.”

81st & RIVERSIDE

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Feb. 8-10

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THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, ABOUT A DISASTROUS NIGHT FOR AN IMAGINARY AMATEUR THEATER TROUPE PUTTING ON WHAT PROVES TO BE A TERRIBLE PLAY, STARTS GOING FOR LAUGHS BEFORE THE FIRST LINE IS EVEN DELIVERED IN THIS SPOOF OF THE THEATRICALIZED MURDER MYSTERY. While there’s nothing funny about a disastrous opening night at a murder mystery theater, that’s exactly what makes Broadway and London’s award-winning comedy The Play that Goes Wrong a hilarious success. Described as a mashup of a Sherlock Holmes investigation and Monty Python production, this “play within a play” takes audiences on a side-splitting journey where mishaps occur around every corner including a corpse who won’t stay dead and clumsy actors who take “breaking a leg” and “bringing down the house” literally.

Grovey who plays Annie, the stage manager, on opening night at The Murder at Haversham Manor. Grovey admits this is the funniest show she’s ever seen. “When I walked out of the theater after seeing the show for the first time, my abs hurt from laughing for two-and-a-half hours.” The brilliant writing and the comedy genius is one reason Grovey decided to stretch herself in the comedic role.

“It’s every stage manager’s worse nightmare,” says Angela

“Unexpected things happen. We have to take them in,

28 FEBRUARY 2019

And with a cast not afraid to throw themselves into the role, literally, the most challenging part sometimes as an actor is keeping a straight face.

By GINA CONROY Photos by JEREMY DANIEL

acknowledge them, and keep going,” says Grovey. “I’d be lying if I said I haven’t laughed onstage.” In fact, she admits to laughing onstage every couple of days, but the cast still is professional. “We can’t afford to break completely, but some things are very funny. “If you like comedy, it’s for you. If you like to laugh and have a good time, it’s for you. If you like mysteries, it’s for you.” The Play That Goes Wrong was written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, who met while studying at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and subsequently formed the

“What I love about this play is that you actually see a group of artists passionate about what they’re doing, willing to do whatever it takes for the show to go on,” says Grovey who is no stranger to the phrase “the show must go on,” having performed in television, film, and on Broadway as well as musical comedies. The Play that Goes Wrong is her first professional comedic play. “They’re willing to challenge themselves and do ridiculous things just to make sure that the play still happens.”

Mischief Theatre Company. The production began life as a one-act play at the Old Red Lion pub theater in London in 2013. Over the next year, it transferred to a bigger studio theater, went to the Edinburgh Festival, toured the United Kingdom and arrived in the West End in 2014 where it won an Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. Along the way, the show was expanded into a two-act comedy. Amid all the zaniness of the play within the play, some people might miss the mystery elements, but if you look closely they’re there.

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG Tulsa Performing Arts Center | Tulsa

However, through all the laughter, mystery, mayhem, and fun, one thing shines through: The actors pour their heart into their production.

“If you follow along, the murder mystery still happens,” says Grovey. “There are definitely people by the end of the show you can actually hear react to the ‘whodunit’ as the murder mystery is finally unveiled.”

“I think that the beauty of art is that it’s never perfect or finished. It’s always growing and up for interpretation, and because of that it’s a beautiful human experience,” says Grovey. “Our job is to breathe real life into characters. That’s the beauty of what artists get to do, and the takeaway doesn’t always have to be the same for everyone.”

ANGELA GROVEY

It’s not surprising why Grovey was drawn to this play considering the “show must go on” theme that has permeated her life. “In high school while performing in Peter Pan with Cathy Rigby, I ran out for a curtain call, and I fell onstage,” she recalls. Grovey thought she might have ruined the show. “But I got up, continued my staging, and the audience still clapped.” At that moment, she learned that art imitates life, and no matter what the show must go on.

Feb. 26-28: 7:30 p.m. March 1: 8 p.m. March 2: 2 p.m., 8 p.m. March 3: 1 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

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“Every year we try and bring in different acts, different feature cars, different events for the people to enjoy outside of the cars,” says show co-producer Brice Bledsoe, Darryl Starbird’s grandson. “We’ve got a pretty big

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And of course, there will be many awesome cars on display, in many different categories, including 20-30 cars competing for the prestigious Go for the Gold award and the $10,000 cash prize. “These are the best of the best, normally newer vehicles,” Bledsoe says. “We have people from all over the world come out to compete for this award. Last year, we had some guys from Switzerland bring a car. These are the cars that are a little more customized, and a little creative — more of like what Darryl used to do. “Overall, between the upstairs portion of the show, the Billy Bash downstairs, and what

“We’ll have our [‘50s and ‘60s style] pinup contest, we have a beard contest, and another new attraction called Sally Marvel’s ThrillSeeking Fire Show,” Bledsoe adds. “She kind of does the old freak show acts. She blows fire. I think she swallows swords. She does some crazy stuff like that. We will also have tattoo artists out there as well.”

DARRYL STARBIRD’S NATIONAL ROD AND CUSTOM CAR SHOW Expo Square | Tulsa 918-406-8966

starbirdcarshows.com

From amazing-looking customized cars, hot rods, low riders, classics and even motorcycles, to celebrity appearances by personalities from car-related TV shows like “Horny Mike” from Count’s Kustoms (as seen on the show Counting Cars on the History Channel), the fan favorite live hooning show, mini bike drag races, live bands and a DJ in the Rockin’ Billy Bash throughout the weekend, it will be a fun time for car lovers of all ages.

Beyond all that, there’s always interesting stuff going on in the Billy Bash area.

Darryl Starbird’s National Rod and Custom Car Show is back in Tulsa for the 55th year, and as usual, there will be many different intriguing attractions.

“Downstairs in the Billy Bash, we’ll have a few new events going on. We’ll have peddle car races for kids, and Sunday we will have what we call Downhill Derby, which will be a unique attraction, kind of rolling down one of the ramps in the building. And then we’ll have the live hooning as well, with the burnouts, and the flame-throwers — just kind of freestyle. I believe we’ll be having a demolition derby as well, taking place Saturday night.”

we call our Cool Car Corral, which is more of a drive-thru show that we put on out front underneath the big Driller guy in the parking lot, we get close to 1,000 cars. It’s one of the largest, if not the largest indoor show in the country. Whether it’s the muscle cars, hot rods, classics, 4-by-4s, low riders, or motorcycles — there’s a classification for everything.”

By John Tranchina

live band coming out Friday night that will be performing, called Count’s 77. It’s the main guy [Danny “The Count” Koker] from the show Counting Cars. He has his own band, so that is a unique attraction that we will be having this year.

FROM AMAZING-LOOKING CUSTOMIZED CARS, HOT RODS, LOW RIDERS, CLASSICS AND EVEN MOTORCYCLES, TO CELEBRITY APPEARANCES, MINI BIKE DRAG RACES AND LIVE BANDS, THE DARRYL STARBIRD’S NATIONAL ROD AND CUSTOM CAR SHOW WILL BE A FUN TIME FOR CAR LOVERS OF ALL AGES.

Feb. 15: Noon-11 p.m. Feb. 16: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Feb. 17: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

$10,000 giveaway. By Michele Chiappetta Planning a wedding this year? Know someone who is? Well, if the idea of getting spectacular ideas for your special day — with the chance to win a $10,000 giveaway to help pay for it all — sounds amazing, then the Hard Rock Tulsa Wedding Show is where you need to be Feb. 24. Stacy McKee-Redden, director of sales, says attendees of the show can expect to enjoy a great time in a beautiful setting as they gather ideas and connect with weddingrelated vendors. “A wedding show is simply a great experience that every bride should attend,” she says. “From free stuff and awesome advice to exposure to the latest in wedding fashions, a wedding show has it all.” At the show, everything from music and event planning to hair and makeup and catering and more will be represented — all under one roof to make planning even easier. “Brides and grooms can meet vendors face to face who

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And it’s a perfect opportunity to see what the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa has to offer in terms of a venue for your wedding, especially if you like the idea of a rock ‘n’ roll themed ceremony and reception. “While visiting at the Wedding Show, they must see the spectacular Sky Room on the 18th floor,” says McKee-Redden. “This beautiful room offers a floor-to-ceiling window with spectacular views of Tulsa. During January, February, July and November, there is no charge for venue rental.” Of course, no visit to the Hard Rock Tulsa would be complete without a chance to win something. “During the show, the Hard Rock will be giving away various prizes like a complimentary night stay, spa treatments and more,” says McKee-Redden.

To be eligible, guests at the show must register between 12-3 p.m. Feb. 24 (with one entry per couple). The winner will be chosen around 4 p.m. that day, and must be present to win.

HARD ROCK TULSA WEDDING SHOW

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa | Catoosa

777 W. Cherokee St. Sequoyah Convention Center

Show will have it all, plus a chance at a

Attendees will also discover the latest trends in wedding planning, says McKee-Redden. Guests can check out table-scapes and other forms of décor, as well as wedding and bridesmaid dresses, formal dress for the men in the wedding party, cake styles, and more. “Brides and grooms may even save a little money by checking out the special offers vendors may be offering at the show,” she notes.

fashions, the Hard Rock Tulsa Wedding

One lucky couple who attends the event will win the grand prize — a $10,000 wedding giveaway featuring venue rental at the Hard Rock Tulsa; up to $5,000 in catered food, including wedding cake and groom’s cake; a complimentary suite for one night; five hours of DJ services with a professional MC; a two-hour photo booth with unlimited prints and copies for guests; three hours of wedding planning services; and hair and makeup for up to four members of the bridal party.

to exposure to the latest in wedding

understand their ideas and vision for your dream wedding,” says McKee-Redden.

From free stuff and awesome advice

Feb. 24: 1-4 p.m.

Ready —or— Knot

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Getting hitched means making a hundred decisions on everything from flowers to photos.

We can help out with at least 27 of them. There’s a ring on your finger. Now what? A wedding will probably be the biggest and most involved party either of you have ever put

A: Ambience When you close your eyes and imagine your dream wedding, what do you see? Is there a relaxed nature-vibe with boho styling? Are you thinking uber-trendy city chic? Or perhaps you want something more formal and traditional. Couples can really get hung up on feeling that they have to have a wedding theme. A theme is just a way of creating a cohesive and consistent look for your wedding. It could be as simple as a color or a flower that you love. The most important thing to remember, though, is that your theme has to flow throughout the day. So once you have decided on something that you really love, stick to it and don’t be swayed by Pinterest or wedding blogs, as you could end up buying loads of items that just don’t work together and end up costing you a massive chunk of your budget.

together, but don’t be scared. When planning your wedding, there are things that are nice

these, though, as a handful of really lavish events can skew the figures. A straw poll of your married friends will prove that an excellent wedding can be had for much less. Heck, you can do the whole thing for about $400 if you’re happy with a civil ceremony on a weekday and a round of drinks afterward. Start your budget planning by making a checklist of the crucial details, like the music, wedding gown, invitations, flowers and photographer, and assign a number to each — one being the most important and three being the least. Invest your money in all your number ones and cut corners on your number threes. But everything can’t fall into the No. 1 category. For example, if a designer gown and fabulous food are what really matter, you may have to choose simple invitations and smaller floral arrangements.

C: Cake B: Budget We’re not going to lie. Getting married is not a cheap business. The average spent on a wedding in 2018 was $22,218, according to one wedding website. Be suspicious of statistics like

Gone are the days when a wedding cake has to be three tiers of fruitcake. Now, pretty much anything goes. We’re seeing lots of hexagonal shapes, especially with a marbled effect on the icing and copper stenciled or painted designs. Or, instead of a cake, doughnuts have become a thing for some.

to know, and there are things you need to know. If you’re wondering whether there’s something you may have missed

D: Dress There’s no getting away from it: the dress is a big deal. Chances are, it’s unlike anything you’ve ever worn before, so try to be open-minded. There are no rules in weddings any more, so don’t stick to any. If you prefer shopping by yourself, then do that. If you decide to bring people with you, then make sure they are your nearest and dearest who know you well. On a practical note, make sure you are comfy in the dress you choose.

E: Entertainment You’ll be wanting some entertainment to keep the party rocking, but do you want a DJ or a live band? Although it’s your day, it’s always worth considering your guests’ tastes too. You may love hard rock, but if you’re the only ones who do, the dance floor is likely to remain empty all night. These days, anything goes at a wedding. There’s so much more focus on entertainment to create the “guest experience.” This could be a casino, a firework

(or even if you’ve got everything under control), check out our indispensable planning secrets below.

display, magicians, bouncy castles, photo booths or maybe an intergenerational game of tug-o’-war. It’s all about introducing something different and fabulous to create a real wow factor.

F: Food The truth is that the food is one of the things that most people will remember about your day. And a hungry guest is an unhappy guest. But wedding catering no longer has to be confined to the traditional three-course meal. Sharing-style platters are becoming really popular. And couples are keen to be able to express their own style through the food.

G: Gifts There is a good chance your guests will want to give you a gift to celebrate your nuptials. To avoid ending up with multiple toasters, you can set up a registry for guests to choose from. Or, if you already have everything you need, you could ask guests to contribute toward a honeymoon or make a donation to charity.

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H: Hair You’ll want to ensure your tresses are looking tip-top, and many salons offer bespoke bridal services and to help you find the look that’s just right for you. Start thinking about your hair and makeup around six months before. This allows you to build confidence with your stylists and take on their recommendations to achieve the best results for you. Think about the time of year you’re going to get married, too; you may consider sunkissed highlights with a bronzed glow for a summer wedding, for example. Bring along all your accessories to try. Your dress is going to play a big part in deciding to wear your hair in an updo or down. and after trying different styles, you may want to consider some extensions. Soft, relaxed and undone is a popular look at the moment. Something like an unstructured chignon is a classic style with a modern twist, while braids make a great statement piece without looking too bridal, whether it be a halo braid or a loose sideswept fishtail braid. Or if you’re wanting to wear your hair down, a classic vintage wave or a looser beach wave both add elegance without leaving you feeling exposed. And you can always add fresh flowers, feathers or even hair jewelry to elevate the desired look.

see regularly, work colleagues you socialize with outside of work and other family you’d visit more than once a year) and a B-list (work colleagues, gym/club friends, etc.). Your venue will also dictate some of the decision-making process. As a rule of thumb, allow for 25 to 30 square feet per guest. That may seem like a lot, but it’s really not if you count the space you’ll need for the tables, bustling waiters, the band and a dance floor. And not to be party-poopers, but the easiest way to ease a bulging wedding budget is to cut your guest list. Nearly half of your wedding expenses can go to wining and dining your guests. If it’s costing you $100 per person, eliminating 10 people can save you $1,000. Also prepare for rejection. As a rule, about 10 to 20 percent of the people you invite won’t attend. This depends on the location of your wedding (destination weddings are harder to attend), how many out-of-towners are on your list, and the timing of the event (some guests may have annual holiday plans). Give people plenty of notice of your wedding date, especially if they’ll need to travel, stay overnight or take time off work. Don’t forget they may need to budget too.

J: Jitters I: Invitations So, you’ve got about 200 friends and family but only 80 seats at the wedding. Nightmare. Sorry, but you’re going to have to divide them into an A-list (guests that you can’t get married without, such as friends and family you

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How do you tell run-of-the-mill nerves apart from a serious case of cold feet? Your underlying emotion, generally, toward your upcoming marriage (not wedding day). Is it happiness or dread? If the former, have a bath and call your mom for a last-minute pep talk. The latter? You don’t need us to tell you what to do.

K: Kissing N: Nails And other forms of PDA. The smooch shot may be a staple in 21st century wedding albums, but if making out in public makes you uncomfortable, there’s nothing fuddy-duddy about a demure peck. Your guests will take your physical compatibility as a given; you don’t need to flaunt it.

With that new wedding ring on your finger, people are going to be looking at your hands a lot, so make sure your nails are looking on point.

O: Organization L: Lingerie Don’t forget that you might want something slinky to slip into once you slip out of your dress. It is your wedding night after all.

M: Makeup You’ll want to look and feel your best on your wedding day, and let’s face it, that’s probably going to involve a bit of makeup. More and more, brides are embracing their natural beauty with minimal face makeup, and a focus on a healthy, glowing skin. Regular exfoliation and a good skincare routine will take care of this. Always visit the salon for trial makeup before the day. This is when you can get the look exactly right; there’s never enough time to play around with it on the day. Also, it helps if the bride brings some ideas along in the form of pictures, color ideas, and so on. Finally, the bride should allow as much time as she can for herself on the day. Many brides choose to have their makeup applied last, after all the bridesmaids and moms are done, which can mean it’s a rush. Go first.

You can’t possibly ever be too organized for your wedding. Wedding shows can be a great place to go and see a lot of providers all under one roof, and can often offer the chance to see a venue set up for a wedding. If you’re struggling, then a wedding planner can be a great sounding board. You only get married once (hopefully!), but a wedding planner has been involved with numerous weddings and has an excellent understanding of what does and does not work. They can offer you a wealth of expert advice, ideas and suggestions that you might not have considered, but could be perfect. Wedding planners know their local area and other local wedding suppliers. They have worked with many of them and know who provides an excellent level of service, who is reliable, reasonably priced and efficient … and who isn’t. Your planner can also prevent last-minute panic by contacting all of your suppliers and confirm delivery and set-up times with them. They will also have contingency plans in place, in case the worst should happen. And they’ll manage the day itself so that you, your mom, sister and best friend can just get on with enjoying every minute.

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P: Photographer We live in an era when, thanks to social media, everyone assumes they’re a photographer. However, everyone isn’t. This day can’t be repeated, and that is why putting the money into a decent photographer is so important. There are hundreds of wedding photographers out there, but you’ll know when you’ve found the one who is right for you. Make sure you see at least one or two full wedding galleries — that’s everything that a client will receive — so you can be sure that their photos of speeches, key moments, details and guests will be as good as the artsy couples’ photos they show on their portfolio. Think about your guests too. Choose someone who you feel will fit in with both your family and your friends and will find a way to relax them and capture them in a way you’ll recognize. Most photographers will be organized and will send out questionnaires or meet with you to discuss the plans and timings in advance. Make sure you let them know of any surprises, any special features of the wedding or times when any gifts might be given out to guests. If they don’t ask for a shot list but you have people you’d like a photo with, make sure you provide them the names and they’ll be sure to set them up.

R: Reception Once the serious part of the day is over, this is when you can relax and the fun really begins.

S: Social Media Please, all you digital natives, check with the bride and groom before posting snaps of, or even comments about, their big day. They might have a special hashtag set up so they can revisit their wedding later, or they might just cherish their privacy and not want such a precious and intimate occasion broadcast to the world. Yes, in 2019, these people still exist.

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V:Venue This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as it’s where you’ll be spending most of your time. Most brides normally have an idea in their minds of where they’d like to be married, and then view the venues that would suit that style. View as many venues as possible with an open mind but always be realistic with the budget so that you don’t over stretch yourselves. Some venues will allow you to rent out the whole place. The incredible advantages to exclusive use is that the venue can be a home away from home for the time you are there. The place is yours for you and your loved ones to exclusively enjoy.

T: Travel How are you going to get to and from your venue(s)? There are so many options from vintage cars, and horse and carriages to limousines and even more quirky alternatives like tractors or buses. However you choose to travel, though, make sure it’s been carefully timed to take into account traffic and any possible delays.

Q: Quiet Time Ironically, considering you’ve probably spent the last year agonizing over every minuscule detail, your actual wedding day will feel like it lasts 20 minutes. At some point amid the vows, speeches, dancing and checking in with guests, you and your new spouse must find a secluded spot, and consciously take in the wowness of everything.

time, and assign one of them the job of collecting them all up the following day to be returned.

U: Ushers The groom’s “squad” is responsible for ensuring that come ceremony time, everyone is sitting where they are meant to be. If you’re renting suits for them all, make sure everyone goes and gets measured in plenty of

W: Wedding Rings You’ll both be wearing these for the rest of your lives, so choose wisely. Buying a wedding ring is all about finding a design that complements your engagement ring. Neither ring should outshine the other, and you want to create a beautiful pairing, bringing out the best in both of your rings. When you are purchasing a wedding ring, it’s important to try it on with your engagement ring so that you can see how they sit as one. Mismatched metals are becoming more and more popular. Going for a different metal from your engagement ring to your wedding band is a little more quirky and individual, creating a fun and unique style.

The different metals can still really complement each other; for example, rose gold adds a feminine touch to any metal.

X: Exes Invite them or not? Well, because so few marry their childhood sweethearts, chances are some couples have racked up an ex or two. And because you’re not characters in a soap opera, some of you may be on good terms with some of them. Indeed, some may have had children with exes and consider them very much still part of the family. So the answer is: yes, but only if your intended is 100 percent down with it.

Y: Your Day There’re going to be plenty of people wanting to give their point of view throughout the wedding planning process. Ultimately though, remember that it’s your day, and go with your heart.

Z: Zzzzzz Weddings are long and tiring days, not just for you, but for your guests as well. Make sure you’ve arranged somewhere lovely for you and your spouse to stay on your wedding night, but don’t forget about your guests. If your venue has rooms, it’s worth checking if they offer a discount for a block booking for people coming to the wedding. It not, you could put together a list of nearby hotels and B&Bs and send it with your wedding invitations.

See our feature on page 82

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Buy, Buy

Love How to choose engagement jewelry thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right for you. B Y L I N D S AY M O R R I S

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Not so long ago, choosing an engagement ring required just a few simple questions. These days, there’s a lot more to consider when figuring out how to buy an engagement ring. How can you make sure the ring you select will wow your significant other and be a quality piece for decades to come? The commercials for jewelers are super cheesy, but they’re right: A diamond is forever. There is a wide range available in the quality of diamonds (and other jewels), and you want to make sure the jewels and precious metals you’re selecting are of the best quality for the budget you have available. The truth is, your honey is going to be showing off this bling not just during your engagement, but (hopefully) for the rest of your lives. Family members, friends and co-workers will scrutinize every angle of that precious piece of bling for years to come. No pressure, right? Many people don’t want to buy pre-made rings. After all, that’s someone else’s idea of the perfect design, right? And there are so many questions about the origins of the gemstones. Are they sourced ethically? What constitutes a nice one? How do you even begin to choose? Plus, not everyone wants a diamond. When it comes time to commemorate an engagement with jewelry meant to last a lifetime, Pinterest and Instagram can fuel your imagination with a rainbow of custom-made fusions of stone and metal. Since an engagement ring could be one of the largest purchases you’ve ever made, it’s important to do your research. Here are some tips on how to make sure the ring you purchase is a decision you both will be gleaming about “’til death do you part.”

Know the Four C’s If you’ve done any ring research at all, you know that the four C’s are color, cut, clarity and carat

weight. Created by the Gemology Institute of America, the four C’s are the global standard for determining the quality of diamonds. Diamonds are rated on a scale from D-to-Z that determines how close to colorlessness they are. A D-rated diamond is the clearest; a Z-rated diamond is mostly yellow or brown. The quality of a diamond’s cut determines how well it reflects light. In other words, the cut is what is going to cause girls to squeal after seeing your fiancée’s diamond. Contrary to popular belief, cut does not refer to the style (princess, oval, etc.), but rather to the symmetry, proportioning and polish of a diamond. The cut of a diamond will affect a diamond’s brilliance because a well-cut diamond will be more luminous. The age-old question for ring buyers: Does size really matter? Sure, having one big diamond makes a big impression. But the good news is, if you have multiple diamonds on the ring, they don’t all have to be huge. Also, keep in mind that ultimately, quality matters most, so be sure to also follow the other three C’s when considering the carat size. Clarity is the measure of how many blemishes the diamond has. Obviously, you want to avoid any gems that have large cuts or inclusions. However, one way to save money is to find a diamond that meets the other C’s, has no blemishes that are obvious, but has a lower clarity grade.

Find the right style Infusing her style into the design of the ring can be as easy as taking a look in her jewelry box or drawer. Think about her taste, lifestyle and job to determine what’s appropriate for her. Next time you pass a jewelry store, notice what ring styles catch her eye.

Pick a metal Usually the diamond selection is so paramount that the band

gets a little neglected. However, the band will affect the overall cost too. You want to make sure you choose a metal that will complement the diamond, and most importantly, you want to choose a metal that she prefers. Rose gold is currently trending, but white gold and platinum are also popular choices. Platinum is much harder than gold. Whereas gold will wear out faster and the claws holding the diamond need checking over the years to make sure they don’t loosen.

Work directly with a jeweler You’ll want to find someone you can trust. It’s also wise to look for a jeweler who has earned a credential from an accredited school like the Gemology Institute of America. You can save a lot of money by not working with a chain jewelry store. You can get the best deals by working with an independent jeweler, an online diamond retailer or a diamond wholesaler.

Settings that make sense Popular settings include the classic Tiffany (prongs), the contemporary bezel (the diamond entirely is surrounded by the ring’s metal), and the diamond-clustered Pave. If you’re working with a tighter budget and have to purchase a smaller stone, the setting can act as an optical illusion to offset its size. If you have a smaller stone set in a halo setting (set of smaller diamonds surrounding the center stone), the size and brilliance increase disproportionally to the dollars spent.

Get the size as close to right as possible A ring should fit comfortably — not too tight, but not too loose either. The perfect ring fits loose enough to slide over your knuckle and tight enough so that it can’t fall off the finger. If you don’t have your significant others ring size and don’t want to ask, it’s OK. Just know there are some sneaky ways to go about figuring it out. Find a ring they already wear and have someone check the size. Or find out what size her sister or mother wears,

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because they might have the same finger size. If you have to guess, make sure the ring can be resized later.

Don’t go alone The ring is a big investment, and it’s smart to get at least one other opinion on it. Maybe your significant other is the type who wants to be involved in the entire process. If not, consider bringing one of her closest friends or her sister to help you. This person may also be able to sneakily gather intel as far as her preferences go.

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The warranty should cover the replacement of damaged or lost diamonds or other gemstones. However, be sure to read the guarantee, understand it and commit to abide by it. For example, some jewelers require that you uphold “your end” of the bargain in order to benefit from the warranty. You may need to have your diamonds inspected every six months or so, for example.

Read the small print Always make sure you have understood your jeweler’s refund and exchange policy and any resizing terms. Most rings are exchangeable if they’re the wrong size or she does not like the style. But sometimes, custom-made or special-sized rings (meaning very small or very large finger measurements) can have exchange policy limitations. Don’t rush; read the terms carefully.

Ignore the threemonth’s wages rule According to financialsamurai. com, this is an old, outdated rule that needs to be replaced with something that works for each individual. Be realistic about what you can afford. Compromising on certain features can land you within your budget while leaving you a little room to

upgrade in others. But you do need to buy the best ring you can afford because it will be exposed to a lot of wear and tear. It will get caught on clothes and doors, knocked against gym equipment, and come into contact with cleaning liquids and cosmetics.

Avoid getting ripped off When seeking a reputable jeweler, there are only two C’s to consider: credentials and certifications. Talk with your friends about their experiences, read online reviews and check Better Business Bureau ratings. If a jeweler is not trustworthy, the market eventually figures it out. Insist that your jeweler provide you with the AGS (American Gemological Society) or GIA (Gemological Institute of America) certification with the diamond. You can negotiate with local jewelers, and you can also get good deals through online diamond stores like James Allen and Blue Nile.

Get it insured Insurance is something that’s often overlooked, but it’s probably the most important thing you can possibly get when buying a ring. Sadly, mishaps happen more often than you think. You’ll be thankful to not have to shell out thousands of dollars all at once to replace something insurance could have covered for you. Most rings come with some sort of appraisal, and you can use that document to set up your insurance.

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Match Me if You Can LOOKING F OR LOVE — O R E V E N L IK E — IN T H E DIGITAL AGE H AS ITS O WN SPE CIAL SE T O F R UL E S. B y L inds ey M ills You’re looking for The One. You’ve gone on blind dates, trusted the friend setups and worn-out the single-person-at-a-bar look. Everyone has apps on their phone, so why not download one that can help you find your special someone? If all else fails, you’ll probably have a couple stories to laugh about. The digital age has changed a lot when it comes to our day-to-day doings —

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including the dating scene. Finding and nurturing a relationship has a new set of rules thanks to computers, phones, and a slew of online dating sites where singles can meet and mingle.

opportunities that would have otherwise lain dormant. About 40 percent of Americans are on or have used dating apps, and 59 percent think online dating is a good way to meet people.

Technology has allowed millions of people to interact with individuals they might not have met in person, and has kickstarted thousands of

So how is one to navigate this type of dating scene in order to find a good fit, happiness, and perhaps love rather than a disaster, embarrassment, and disappointment?

Tips for surviving the dating world have evolved to include some of the same oldschool etiquette our grandparents passed on to us along with some new guidelines for the dating scene that fit our evolving culture. From putting yourself out there, to following up after the first date, here are some suggestions for braving the online world in hopes of meeting your match.

BE HONEST

From the start and with every conversation that follows, it’s important to be yourself and to be upfront about what you want. It’s better not to waste your time or theirs with false pretenses. From what you write about yourself to the pictures you post, make sure you’re presenting you and not a version of you that you think will get some dates.

DO N ’ T H A V E YOUR FRIE N D W R IT E Y O U R P R OFILE

A bio that reads “I asked my friend to describe me and this is what they said…” screams that you’re neither confident nor self-aware enough to write your own description. You know you. Acknowledge that, and tell people about yourself with enthusiasm and pride.

US E A G OOD P R OFILE PHOT O Your profile photo is one of the most important parts of an online dating experience. While we humans don’t like to admit how shallow we can be, 90 percent of online daters’ interest in other people comes from the profile photos. This means that the photo is basically your best impression.

US E GOOD G R A M M AR

Not only does it show that you have the ability to be a functioning adult, but good writing gives people fewer reasons to ignore your profile or messages. When you’re finished writing something, proofread it.

B E S P E C IF IC A B O UT YOU, NO T T HE M

Saying you like to hang out with your friends and watch movies is wildly vague. What do you and your friends like to do? What kind of movies do you like? You’re more likely to attract a good fit when explaining you and your friends enjoy fishing on the weekends, then having a beer by the campfire, or that you love horror films, rather than putting out blanket statements that encompass 99 percent of the population. Be specific about who you are, but not specific about who they’re

supposed to be, i.e., tall, blond, likes the gym. Being specific about the kind of person you’re looking for only alienates potential matches and makes you look obsessive.

DON ’ T PLAY H ARD TO GET

You hopped on a dating site because you’re interested in meeting and getting to know people, so don’t act like you are suddenly too busy to meet and get to know people. Waiting too long to respond to messages and canceling on dates just says you’re not interested. If you like someone, respond quickly and show them you’re interested.

ME E T QUICKLY O R MAKE T HE BREAK

Don’t email forever or let the relationship unfold over text messages. You might think you’re connecting while actually a lot is getting missed in translation. If you think someone might make for a good date, then go on a date. Online dating is a great tool for meeting people you wouldn’t have had the chance to otherwise. However, it is not a substitute for getting to know someone in person.

asking the server to split the bill after it’s been delivered. Ladies, it’s perfectly fine to be old-fashioned and let the man pay. Be appreciative and say thank you. Or, if that offends your femininity, then grab the check and boldly take the bill.

CALL TH E NEXT DAY

If you had fun, and you want to see them again, call them. Be assertive in your interest and don’t wait for the other person to make the next move. If they like you too, they’ll be so glad you called. If not, then it puts an end to the guessing game so that you don’t waste your time and can move on to the next date.

DO N ’ T BE O FFENDED

The central element of online dating is the sheer volume of people involved. People move quickly and, as with anything online, have short attention spans. Every time you go online, you will see hundreds of potential matches. When you start a conversation and it ends within two messages, don’t respond later by insulting the person. Instead, just focus on the law of large numbers.

S AFE T Y FIRST

Remember that no matter how nice and potentially wonderful your date may be, you have never actually met this person. Until you’ve met and talked in person, they are still virtually a stranger, no matter how many DMs you’ve exchanged. When meeting in person, be sure to make the first date public. Go somewhere you feel comfortable, and let someone know where you’re going and that you’ll let them know when you get home.

LE ARN ABO UT TH E O TH ER PE RS ON

This has been a rule forever, but it never hurts to be reminded that you should never talk about yourself the entire time. Not only could it be a turnoff, but you’ll also fail to learn anything about them and whether or not you’re as interested as you think you are. This can lead to a relationship with someone you don’t like all that much. Ask questions and get to know the other person as best you can so that you’ll know important things early on.

LE T T H EM PAY O R YO U PAY Let the other person pay, or be adamant about paying. Nothing ruins the date like an awkward answer when the server asks if the ticket is together or separate, or

Tips for Building Your Best Profile Post those action shots: People who post pictures of themselves doing activities tend to get more messages. Be positive: Even if you’ve had dating fails, don’t list them or use language that insinuates a negative outlook. Smile: The pout? The majority of people are actually not into it. Smiles receive more messages. Keep it short: While it can be easy to write a long, rambling profile, most won’t read a whole life story. Simply list who you are, how you live your life and the kind of relationship you are seeking. Be specific: If you love traveling, list where. If you read a lot, write out your favorite books. Matches are easier to find this way.

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SC SPORTS CENTRAL

A CHARISMATIC WINNER AND PERSON ON AND OFF THE DIRT (AND COURT), TWO-SPORT STAR RYLIE BOONE IS TAKING HER NATIVE TALENTS TO OU AS A MEMBER OF PATTY GASSO’S HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL SOFTBALL PROGRAM. BY JOHN TRANCHINA // PHOTOS BY SARAH ELIZA ROBERTS

Rylie Boone Rylie Boone will be heading to the University of Oklahoma next year to play softball for one of the top Division I programs in the nation. She’s also a starter on a state championship basketball team and she’s one of the top Native high school athletes in the state. But one of the first things that Owasso High School softball coach Shane Eicher mentioned

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about Boone is how good of a person she is. “I’ve said this to many people, Rylie is a better person than she is a softball player, and that’s saying a lot,” Eicher says. “She’s just a good kid. She’s really funny. A lot of people don’t realize that about her; she’s always trying to make people laugh. I think she’s a good friend. She’ll push teammates but she’s there if

SPORTS CENTRAL SC

they’re struggling or whatever. She’s just a funny kid, but when it’s time to play, she’s all business.” Boone, who also ran track, started on Owasso’s basketball squad that won the Class 6A state championship last year. With the other four starters graduating, she’s taken on more responsibility, and more of a leadership role, with the Lady Rams this season. “She’s a hard-working athlete, probably top five that I’ve ever coached on work ethic,” says Owasso basketball coach Matt Sweeney. “She’s just got a good motor. There’s no 50 percent or 80 percent, I don’t care if it’s a practice or whatever it is; she always gives her best. She’s scoring a little bit more this year. Last year, we had four girls that could score a lot, so she didn’t have to do a lot of scoring. Her main thing I would say is defense, but she can score as well.” Winning a state title was a wonderful experience for Boone. “It was a great feeling, because the year before that, my sophomore year, we had the potential to do it; it just didn’t click,” she says. “So from the very beginning of last year, before we were even in season, we were like, ‘We’re winning state.’ We called it every game, ‘We’re going to take state and the gold ball.’”

have played and being able to play with them.” As a senior this fall, Boone batted an amazing .514 with 45 runs scored, 24 RBI and 15 stolen bases in 35 games played, helping lead the Lady Rams to a 25-10 record, which included a 17-game winning streak at one point. Owasso won the District 6A-3 championship and the regional tournament before falling to Westmoore, 5-3, in the state quarterfinals. “In basketball, our chemistry is so much stronger,” Boone says. “When softball hit, I’d tell them winning a state championship is a different feeling. In softball, we struggled a little bit in the very beginning and then we came together and we clicked, but it just didn’t happen. It was just one of those games where, in any softball game, it’s not always going to go your way.” She committed to the University of Oklahoma during the NCAA’s early signing period Nov. 15, and she’s excited to become a Sooner and to play for their highly-respected coach, Patty Gasso.

As good as she is at basketball, though, Boone’s top sport is softball, which she’s been playing since she was 6 years old.

“Obviously, it felt like home, but just the way they played and just being so determined and I just like the atmosphere at OU,” Boone says of choosing Oklahoma over her other options, such as Oklahoma State (where her brother Trevor plays baseball), the University of Tulsa, Missouri and Kansas. “And Patty Gasso is just a great coach and everything.”

“Probably because my love for the game and how long I’ve been playing it,” Boone says of why she’s best at softball. “You know how anything can happen and just how one play can make something go wrong and just the lineup of all the teammates who

“Rylie is one of the best outfielders in the country in this 2019 class,” Gasso says on the OU website. “She’s a natural lefty whose passion for the game is contagious. She is the complete package: she has speed to chase down any ball in the outfield, a

gun for an arm and the ability to hit for power or beat out bunts in the infield.” Eicher points out that it is a very big deal that Boone is heading to such a powerhouse program as OU, which has won the last seven Big 12 championships and claimed the Women’s College World Series national championship in 2013, 2016 and 2017. “It’s tough just to get a Division I offer, let alone to Oklahoma, which is one of the top softball programs in the nation,” Eicher says. “They’re there every year. They’re just really, really good.” Boone will become one of a small percentage of Native women playing Division I softball (48 out of 6,394 in 2017-18, according to the NCAA), and she is proud of her Osage heritage. “I think it’s pretty cool,” Boone says. “My brother has talked at an Indian Education thing before and he just represents it well, and I went on a little field trip with the Indian Education to meet little kids at the kids’ school and I signed autographs. It’s really cool and just showing that anything’s possible. It’s just a really nice opportunity to have [to play Division I softball], just because it’s rare.” But first and foremost, she’s just a good person. “She’s a great kid, more so than anything,” Eicher says. “Her mom is awesome. Her brother plays baseball at OSU, which is kind of funny with her going to OU. She’s a good student, gets good grades. She’s got a good rapport with teachers, and administrators. She’s just a good kid. She doesn’t have a big head or anything like that. She’s just Rylie, that’s how I look at it.”

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PREV EW

LANSING

5TH 7TH

ORT

NKF

6TH

PEORIA

MAI

8TH

12TH

RI V

13TH

R 1

11TH

TCC

4TH

FRA

ELG

NAT

TON

CIN

ROI

CIN

BOS

LDE

Courthouse

3RD

75 AR

Central Library

OSU Medical Center

YEN

BOU

Cox Business Center

CHE

Civic BOKCenter

R 17 3

BOK Center

HRIE GUT N STO HOU

DET

Jazz Hall of Fame

Performing Arts Center

DEC

E B L UM E DO

2ND

KENOSHA

VER City Hall

OOD ENW GRE

Brady Theater

MAI

DEN OOD ELW

244

Woody AR Guthrie Center

244

ONEOK Field

CHE

N ERO CAM Guthrie Green DY BRA

OOD

BRA

ENW

Greenwood Cultural Center

GRE

Cain’s Ballroom

412

TULSA LOCATOR TL

DOWNTOWN TULSA

2 4

CHERRY 5

ENTERTAINMENT

DINING

SHOPPING

THE BOXYARD

BOK Center | 2C-6 Tulsa Performing Arts | 3D-15 Tulsa Drillers | 3E-15 Tulsa Roughnecks | 3E-15

BARS Caz’s Pub | 2D-16 Club Majestic 2D-19 MixCo | 2C-17

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TL TULSA LOCATOR

TULSA AND SURROUNDING AREAS

PREV EW

SPERRY

86TH N

OWAS

76TH N

56TH N

Crawford Park

LEWIS

Turkey Mountain Park

Oral Roberts Univ. Mabee Ct. 58

101ST

34 70 4

111

81ST

64 91ST

40 Oklahoma Aquarium

BIXBY 71 6

129TH E.

121ST

61ST

GARNETT

44 65

MEMORIAL

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SHERIDAN

YALE

SAPULPA

LaFortune 80 Park

HARVARD

JENKS

41ST

St. Francis Hospital

41 61 24 59

97 Hicks Park

Jones Airport

31ST

169

MINGO

PEORIA

91Whiteside Park

97 51

MIDTOWN

RIVERSIDE

ARKANSAS RIVER

UNION

244

93 21ST

Expo Square

Philbrook Museum of Art7

129TH E.

Tulsa State Fairgrounds

Woodward Park St. John Med. Ctr.

Chandler Park

11TH

GARNETT

48 MINGO

Of 21 1Univ. Tulsa

APACHE

PINE

MEMORIAL

169

PINE

SHERIDAN

DOWNTOWN BOK Ctr.

17 YALE

OSU Tulsa

HARVARD

SAND SPRINGS

LEWIS

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Tulsa Air & Space Museum

26TH N / APACHE

UTICA

412

GILCREASE EXPY

PEORIA

GILCREASE MUSEUM

Tulsa Zoo

36TH N MARTIN LUTHER KING

KWY ALE P TISD

Gilcrease Museum

46TH N MINGO

19 Tulsa Botanic Garden

Mohawk Park Lake Yahola

TULSA LOCATOR TL 96TH N PRESENTED BY:

SSO

Redbud Valley Nature Preserve

CATOOSA 10

412

244

209TH E.

BROKEN ARROW 40

1ST ASPEN

COUNTY LINE

63 LYNN LANE

MAIN ELM

DINING

COUNTY LINE / 193RD E.

177TH E.

161ST E.

145TH E.

1ST

SHOPPING

CASINO Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa | D7-10 Osage Casino | E3-19 River Spirit Casino Resort | 4B-83

EVERYTHING ELSE Blue Cottage | 4A-59 Indigo Spa & Salon | 4C-36 Shears | 4A-41

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TULSABOXYARD.COM

modern mess

Boxyard | Tulsa @mymodmess

502 EAST 3RD STREET | TULSA, OK, 74120

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guilt-free prices you won't even have to wait for it to go on sale free gift with every $50 purchase @beauandarrowusa 918.990.2218 www.beauandarrowusa.com

54 FEBRUARY 2019

TULSABOXYARD.COM

SS SPORTS SCHEDULE OKLAHOMA MEN’S BASKETBALL Home games are played at Lloyd Noble Center (Norman)

OKLAHOMA STATE MEN’S BASKETBALL

TULSA MEN’S BASKETBALL

ORAL ROBERTS MEN’S BASKETBALL

TULSA OILERS

OKLAHOMA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Home games are played at Lloyd Noble Center (Norman)

OKLAHOMA STATE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

TULSA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

ALL TIMES CENTRAL // GAME DATES/TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE

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SS STYLE + SHOPPING

The Coоl // Jewel

WITH OVER 7,000 COLOR CHOICES AT THEIR DISPOSAL, LANDELLA CAN SERVE MANY TASTES AND STYLES WITH CREATIVE, UNIQUE, WELL-DESIGNED BEAD AND LEATHER BRACELETS AND NECKLACES THAT ARE UNLIKE ANYTHING YOU’LL FIND ELSEWHERE. BY MICHELE CHIAPPETTA & PHOTOS BY SARAH ELIZA ROBERTS When you’re in the market for an attractive, affordably priced gift for someone, or a special piece of bling for yourself — one that is locally crafted from American materials by Tulsa area artists — then we have one word for you: Landella. Owned by the same people who provide superior fine jewelry at Spexton, Landella offers creative, unique, well-designed beads and leather bracelets that are unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere. Co-owner Nate McPherson says

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Landella’s specialty approach begins with how — and where — Landella’s beads are made. “Our goal is to provide a quality American, completely locally made product,” explains McPherson. “We’re the only dedicated bead factory in the United States. Landella is a legitimate, full-on, handmade bead product. We are the only powder-coated bead manufacturer ever. No one else in the world is doing what we are doing.”

In other words, the beads that go into making Landella’s jewelry are all completely handmade in America — in Tulsa, to be exact. You won’t find anything quite like them elsewhere in the world. Pretty cool, right? “The only thing we import is the leather, which comes from Greece, and the magnet inside the clasp,” says McPherson. “We use American brass, sterling silver, steel, and powder coating.”

STYLE + SHOPPING SS

“I taught myself how to powder coat metals, so I started with that,” says McPherson, whose creativity is one of the driving artistic forces behind Landella’s beautiful, blingy vision. “When we started making beads, we thought it might work, and it did. The fun thing about powder coating is that there are so many colorful options – over 7,000 color choices.” Colors galore? Yes, please! The rich variety of selections and color combination options is something that both new clients and repeat customers appreciate. Shoppers

But the thousands of color combinations available through the powder coating technique allow Landella to create specialty items beyond the usual. Every month, Landella highlights a color of the month — a different shade each time so regular clients can always expect something new when they visit. February’s color of the month is traditional pinks and reds – Valentine hues — available at 30 percent off. Landella also keeps up with new color trends too. “This year, we will have the pantone color of the year, which is coral,” says McPherson. “We really listen to what is selling and what our customers are requesting. We’ll follow the trend locally and go from there.”

Of course, no Landella bracelet or necklace would be complete without their proprietary magnetic clasp, which is also unlike anything else you’ll find in other stores. “We have created what we believe to be the best magnetic clasp in the world,” says McPherson. “It really is cool. It screws onto the leathers we use. As a result, we can build any piece to any length. It could be a very small or very big wrist.” The result, he says, is that even if a shopper doesn’t comfortably fit into other brands, Landella can ensure you get a fit that works for your body type. “It provides consumers with an option they didn’t have before,” he says.

LANDELLA 5805 E. 15th St. | Tulsa 844-655-7055 landella.com

And because of the special powder coating technique Landella uses to tint their beads, the options for people to customize their jewelry to their own creative likings are virtually endless.

In fact, the creativity of Landella’s customers is a constant inspiration to McPherson and his fellow artists. “Sometimes our customers are our best designers,” he says.

Landella can even help with fundraiser products for local public schools. Their main focus is to support specialty programs that need the extra funds, such as music programs, extracurriculars like dance, or ROTC programs. Landella will design a collection, create a flyer students and parents can hand out, and handle all fulfillment. People can go online and order directly, so students never have to collect the money and personal information, or deal with shipping and delivery. Landella splits the profits with the fundraising group 50-50.

NATEMCPHERSON

can opt for the tried-and-true, like University of Oklahoma crimson, Oklahoma State University orange, University of Tulsa gold, or Oral Roberts University navy blue. You can find good old Fourth of July red, white, and blue. There are plenty of silver and gold shades too.

Shoppers perusing the numerous color choices at Landella’s factory store on 15th Street can choose an existing piece for sale, or plan their own design, allowing for great individuality. “People can come in and design their own products, and make them right then on the spot,” says McPherson. And there are plenty of finished pieces that customers can buy or customize too.

In addition to beaded jewelry, Landella offers other gift options too — such as essential oils, a locally-made fingernail polish with colors that match the beads, greeting cards, and a planned line of body scrubs and other body products. “The goal is to have gift options that are locally made and affordable,” says McPherson.

“Because we have so much color, we’re able to accommodate many more tastes,” says McPherson. “Other brands are more limited in this area, but we’re not. What I like about the brand is that it doesn’t discriminate against your gender or style.”

When you visit Landella’s factory store location, you’ll be able to see the production process up close and personal, which adds another unique, local, artisan flair to the store and its products. “It’s a huge advantage to be here,” says McPherson. “The store is extremely easy to access with plenty of free parking. When you come in, you’re able to see into the powder coating room where we apply color, and you can go on a tour and watch each aspect of the bead-making process.”

Another advantage to the vast number of choices available is that Landella can serve many tastes and many styles, creating a broad appeal that doesn’t exclude people. From boys and girls to hippies or bejeweled grandmas, Landella has it all.

Sunday-Tuesday: Closed Wednesday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

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R E S T A U R A N T

918.743.1800

3109 S Yale

www.CelebrityTulsa.com

A Tulsa favorite for over 50 years! • Steak • Lobster • Seafood • Chicken • Famous “World-Class” Caesar Salad made Tableside

See our feature on page 90

58 FEBRUARY 2019

See our feature on page 56

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HF HEALTH + FITNESS

ELIZABETH BARNETT

Power Trips

MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE GETTING IN TUNE WITH THE MANY DIFFERENT HEALTH BENEFITS THAT LIFTING WEIGHTS HAS TO OFFER â&#x20AC;&#x201D; AND GETTING STRONG IS ONLY ONE OF THEM.

BY JOHN TRANCHINA /// PHOTOS BY SARAH ELIZA ROBERTS 60 FEBRUARY 2019

HEALTH + FITNESS HF Obviously, lifting weights is a way for people to get stronger and to bulk up their muscles, but it is not just for men looking to get into body building to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger or The Rock. Everyone can benefit from weight training without ending up looking like a muscle-bound athlete. “I’m very passionate about weightlifting,” says Elizabeth Barnett, a local personal trainer who has worked for a number of gyms and is branching out as a freelancer. “It can meet a number of different needs, from stress relief to losing weight, to maintaining whatever physical recreational goal you may have. For females in particular, they like to do steady cardio for hours on end, but what they don’t realize is that with lifting weights, you actually burn many more calories throughout the rest of the day. So many people, again specifically females, are afraid to lift weights because they think that they’re going to turn into this bulky, mass machine that looks like a man, and that’s absolutely not the case. You can build lean muscle and meet the goals.”

FUEL UP BEFOREHAND Before working out, make sure you fuel up with a small, healthy snack to provide enough energy to get you through the session. “Typically, you want your body to have at least 30 minutes to digest something before you work out, so I’ll usually recommend something like an apple and some peanut butter,” Barnett says. “Two tablespoons of peanut butter and a medium-sized apple or even a banana, because you want that long-lasting energy of the apple or the banana, but the higher caloric density of the peanut butter, so you have the sustainability throughout the rest of the workout to utilize those carbs and make the most of that workout. Even peanut butter crackers, you can do just a few of those — don’t sit there and eat a whole bunch of them.”

PROPER STRETCHING You want to stretch after the workout, not before, because as

Barnett stresses, deep stretches on cold muscles beforehand significantly increases the risk of injury. “I don’t recommend static stretching before a workout because your likelihood to tear a muscle when you just do a 10-second hold before working out is far greater to where if you did a dynamic stretch where you maybe mimic the motion,” Barnett says. “For example, if you mimic doing a squat, doing an air squat, and doing hip mobility where you’re rotating your hip up and over and stepping over the bar maybe, kind of getting your hips in the open and closing position of what you’re about to do with the squat. “After you’ve done your workout, hitting a good static stretch where you hold for 10 seconds, take a deep breath and push a little deeper, is great. But I always tell my clients, don’t stretch cold muscles, because a stretch is creating micro tears in your muscle and when you go to work out, you’re creating even more micro tears, so that muscle is likely to do something that you don’t want it to do.”

Barnett has a degree in health education from Oklahoma State University, along with a couple of different personal training certifications, and has been training for about three years. She is a big advocate of weight training as a way to help people reach their fitness objectives. “The way I do personal training, I’m gearing whoever my client may be, to be able to do it on their own,” she says. “I want them to be educated and understand that it’s much more than just picking things up and putting them down. There are so many benefits to it. If I go a couple of days without getting in the gym, I kind of start to lose my mind and go stir-crazy. It’s much more than just a culture, because if you look at fitness nowadays, I feel like people may not know exactly what they’re doing; they may not know exactly the science behind it all, and honestly how important it is.” Following are some tips and guidelines for embarking on an effective weight training program.

GET IN A GOOD WARMUP Instead of stretching before the workout, get in a good warmup first to get your muscles ready for the exertion to come. “I would do 10 minutes on the Stairmaster before I move into doing legs,” Barnett says. “Getting an active warmup is typically how I train with my clients. I’ll ask them to come 10 minutes early and get on the treadmill or get on the rower and get your muscles in the motion of waking up your upper or lower body in preparation for what we’re about to do.”

FORM IS EVERYTHING The biggest piece of advice that Barnett can give is that executing the proper form of an exercise is the most important way to maximize its effects. “One thing I always tell my clients is, form is everything,”

she says. “You don’t want to jump into an exercise with sloppy form and pump up a lot of weight. You’re better to sacrifice the pride of using a lot of weight for the perfect form, because you don’t want to train in the wrong way; your likelihood to get injured is far greater.”

HAVE A SPOTTER OR WORKOUT BUDDY On some free weight exercises, having a spotter is not only recommended but an essential safety measure. For example, it can be disastrous if you get into trouble when bench pressing without having someone there to assist you. And if that person is a regular workout buddy, even better. “A spotter is always optimal,” Barnett says. “Granted, not everybody has the opportunity to have a workout partner, but being able to have the accountability with somebody else other than your personal trainer [can be helpful].”

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HF HEALTH + FITNESS

It’ll build lean muscle which burns fat: Weight training will encourage you to step away from the scales and focus on how lean and healthy you look and feel, rather than how much you weigh. Since muscle mass is denser than fat, your weight isn’t always an accurate way to measure progress. It’s easy to track: While getting deeper into your squat or perfecting the form of your kettlebell swing are both good goals to strive toward, the easiest way to measure progress is by tracking how much weight you’re lifting in a strength session or how many reps you’re hitting in a round of metabolic conditioning. It can ward off osteoporosis: Sure, lifting weights does your muscles good, but did you know that it does the same for your bones? It can help prevent injury: Training sessions don’t always go according to plan, but the stronger you are, the better you’ll deal with the unexpected. Ensuring the muscles are adequately strong enough to protect the joints, for example, means you’re far less likely to be on the sidelines or couch nursing a nasty injury.

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“I tell my clients, ‘This is not going to be comfortable, what we’re doing. I’m trying to get you out of your comfort zone and I’m here to support you and keep you accountable, and it’s not going to be the most fun, especially starting out.’”

KEEP IT INTERESTING Sometimes doing the same workout, in the same way, time after time after time can not only get boring but can eventually stall your progress toward achieving the desired results. Barnett likes to mix up the workouts a bit and inject some interesting side exercises into the sets to keep it fresh. “Building a program for somebody the way that I do with weights is, I try to keep it interesting and keep their attention rather than ‘four sets of 10 in the gym’ or whatever,” she says. “I do love exercise programs that are geared

GYM ETIQUETTE When training with weights at the gym, demonstrate good gym etiquette. For example, after you complete an exercise, take the weights off the bar and put them back so the next person who comes along to use that bar doesn’t have to struggle with it. “One of my pet peeves is when people slam weights, or when people don’t unrack their weights,” Barnett says. “You want a better workout? Then unrack your weights. That’s just gym etiquette. You have no idea how many times I have to take off weights for clients who can’t move them.”

YOUR VALUE IS MORE THAN A NUMBER ON A SCALE Many people obsess over their weight, and Barnett finds herself continually encouraging her clients to stay positive and not to tie too much of their selfworth into a simple number. “I always try to encourage my clients, especially females, because a lot of times they

BE PATIENT WITH THE PROCESS Similar to the previous point, remember that weight training is a process that takes a while, and you’re not going to see a massive transformation overnight. There will be small, incremental progress that is sometimes difficult to see, but it will happen if you stick with it. “Trust the process,” Barnett says. “Though it may be frustrating, it takes time. It’s not a microwaved type of deal. You can’t rush it because a rushed job is not going to look the way you want it to. It takes time. Patience is something you have to practice.”

ELIZABETH BARNETT lizbear88@gmail.com

It’s sociable: Chatting during a rest period, encouraging each other to push harder or spotting each other on the bench press, is a great way for friends to interact and even forge stronger bonds.

It’ll make you stronger: As you start and continue with functional weight training, you’ll soon notice the benefits that your newfound strength offers in everyday life. Moving? Easy. Carrying stuff up the stairs? Piece of cake.

“For example, with leg extension, if you feel a popping in your knee and it actually hurts, you don’t want to continue doing that move,” she says. “You want to modify or abandon that move altogether. However if it’s just discomfort, just ‘oh, it hurts,’ that’s OK, push through it. You have to be able to distinguish the difference between pain and discomfort so you’re not hurting yourself.

It’s empowering: The better it makes you feel, the more likely you are to stick to it — and thus, see results. That feeling of pulling a heavy clean, or landing a snatch, can make you feel like a champion.

look around the gym and they look on social media and they see everything they want to be, everything they’re striving for. And when they don’t immediately have that result or feeling they think they’re going to feel, they get discouraged,” she says. “Or they look in the mirror and see what they don’t like. Everybody starts somewhere. I recently put one of my clients on probation from standing on the scale. She does that every morning and would just feel so terrible about herself. The scale is not the most important number. Your value is not a number; it’s much more than that.”

— 7 REASONS — TO LIFT WEIGHTS

DISCOMFORT VERSUS PAIN In addition to focusing on good form, another of Barnett’s big tips for weight training beginners is that they have to learn how to determine the difference between pain and discomfort.

toward building muscle and for that, that would be doing, say, five sets of eight on leg extension. You build up the quad like that, however doing something that’s functional like split lunge, where you do an explosion move out of it, so almost like plyometrics. There are so many different ways to keep their attention and keep the functional, every day-to-day type of exercise to where they’re going to meet their needs just outside of looking good. We’re prolonging health and longevity of life, quality of life.”

See our feature on page 86

PREVIEW918.COM 63

LP LAUNCH PAD

Space to Grow

CHOOSING THE RIGHT LOCATION TO WORK FROM IS ABOUT MORE THAN WHERE YOU CAN GET A REFILL ON YOUR COFFEE. THE RIGHT SPOT MAY VERY WELL DETERMINE HOW PRODUCTIVE AND SUCCESSFUL YOU ARE AT YOUR WORK. By Michele Chiappetta

You’ll see them in bookstores, coffee shops, and libraries — lone individuals, hunched over a laptop, sipping coffee, and typing away. Think they’re hobby novelists? Unemployed hipsters? Truth is, the reality is likely to be much different: They’re probably working on their business. With increasing opportunities for Americans to work remotely or for themselves, many people don’t have to work in the stuffy, stodgy business buildings depicted in The Office or Office Space. But choosing the right location to work from is about more than where you can get a refill on your coffee. The right spot may very well determine how productive and successful you are at your work.

64 FEBRUARY 2019

Consider carefully where you’ll work, so you can rock your business like the boss that you are.

EVALUATE YOUR OPTIONS WISELY When it comes to deciding where you will get down to business, take the smart approach and do your research. Make a list of what you need most in your work area so you can evaluate how well a space fits your needs. Ask yourself: Do you want a quiet work space, or do you prefer people around you? Do you need a dedicated desk, or can you just sit down anywhere and get to it? Does that free refill on coffee — or similar amenities — mean a lot to you?

What kind of budget do you have for office space? Once you have your list in hand, test out different spaces and see what serves you best. There’s a reason some people do well in a home office (as I do), while others do better at a coffee shop or coworking space. Not sure where to begin? Here’s a list of places popular with small-business owners and remote workers in and around Green Country.

SHARED WORK SPACES Coworking spaces provide the best of both worlds — flexibility, affordability, shared equipment,

opportunities to network, and more. Most of these shared spaces give you a variety of options, from a daily drop-in rate to a monthly membership to a dedicated desk, depending on what you need. Though I haven’t tried this option, I know several people who love it. Among them is Roxanne R. Roark, owner of R3 Social Media, who mainly offices out of The Bridge in midtown Tulsa. “The beauty of it being a coworking space, and one of the reasons I enjoy it so much, is you have a variety of people working on their own things, but that could complement each other without fear of competition,” says Roark. “I get meeting space when I need it. I can brainstorm with other creative

minds. I can work in peace without having a busy coffee shop or event space in the background. No matter what I’m working on, I know I can come to my desk at The Bridge and have some solid work time that I really can’t get anywhere else I’ve tried.”

AT-HOME OFFICE The dream of working from home is especially appealing when it’s cold or rainy outside, and we wish we could stay home in sweatpants instead of pulling on a business suit and driving to an office building. But the reality of working from home can be more complicated. “Home can be distracting,” Roark notes. And it’s true. There are many distractions in your home that can pull you away from working — spouses, pets, laundry, and so on. To help create the discipline of working from home successfully, assign a specific space to serve only as your office. Furnish it so that it’s comfortable and inspiring. Mica Olinghouse, owner of Millennial Media, says this approach works for her. “I find that I actually get more work done in this type of environment, as I have complete quiet and freedom in my own space,” she says. “I also have it decorated in my business brand colors, so even though it’s a home office, it has the feel of being a cozy corporate office as well. I have everything I need — an L-shaped desk, leather swivel desk chair, bookcase, stereo, desktop computer, file drawers and boxes, and a reading nook with an armchair, ottoman, and blanket.”

OFFICE SPACE IN AN OFFICE BUILDING If you would benefit from having a dedicated office, you may want to consider an office suite or storefront space. Green Country abounds with such options, from strip malls and office buildings to converted homes and luxury duplexes zoned for commercial use.

Rented office space tends to appeal to businesses with several employees. But it’s also something that solo service providers invest in. I’ve talked to plenty of these solopreneurs, and here’s the lesson I’ve learned.

Where the locals have been going since 1975!

If you’re renting a business space, don’t sign a lease based solely on rental price. It’s crucial to be somewhere that is easy for existing clients to get to, new clients to find, and potential clients to spot from the street. A discounted rental far from the center of town may prevent you from making ends meet.

COFFEE SHOPS Ah, the coffee shop — it’s iconic as a space for solo workers. The free Wi-Fi, caffeinated drinks, sweet treats, and presence of people all add up to an appealing option for many. “When I do feel the need for a change in environment or connection with others, I still head to Barnes & Noble, which is my favorite coffee shop to work from,” says Olinghouse.

Daily ls nc Lu h Specia am Open at 11 Saturday Monday thru ay Closed Sund

918.622.2668

www.ricardostulsa.com 5629 E. 41st • Tulsa, OK

Other reasons many people love working from coffee shops and similar businesses include the accessibility, the ease of camping out for a few hours, and the opportunity for casual business meetings to happen over a warm drink. If you like background noise as you work, these spots provide it.

I’d love to hear your suggestions for what I should investigate over the next several months in terms of entrepreneurship in Tulsa. Feel free to message your ideas to Preview 918 on Facebook (which I can see anytime), or email me, or share ideas on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtags #lovethe918 or #tulsasmallbusiness.

PREVIEW918.COM 65

TT TAKEN WITH TULSA

Addicted to Love IF YOU’RE TIRED OF THE SAME KIND OF DATES OVER AND OVER AGAIN, THEN TRY THESE UNIQUE, CHEAP AND FUN IDEAS TO ENJOY SOME NEW EXPERIENCES WITH YOUR PARTNER. By Lindsey Mills

When we first started dating, my boyfriend, Jackson, and I lived hours apart and would take turns every couple of weeks driving in order to spend a few days together. During this phase, each minute we got to spend together was precious and filled with conversation in order to cover all the things we didn’t get to talk about while living our separate lives. Throughout this time, we learned a lot about good communication and making the most of our brief time together. Now, we share the same home, we work in the same store (Gearhead Outfitters), we travel together, and we have the same friend circles in Tulsa. These days we know exactly how each others day went because we both lived it. Spending so much time together is both a blessing and a challenge. While other couples may catch up on work drama over dinner or dish about friends over drinks, we usually have a lot less to talk about when we sit down to a meal or with a cup of coffee. This has caused us to settle into a routine, and it means we have to shake it up more often if we want to have an exciting date night or enjoy a more meaningful day together. Sometimes a quiet night on the couch with a movie is all we

66 FEBRUARY 2019

need. Other times we turn to the magic of our city in order to inject something special into the day. Sometimes our dates are with each other, and sometimes it’s better to go out with a friend in order to give ourselves some space after so much time spent in the same company. Both kinds of dates help to make our relationship healthier because quality time together and apart is important for both of our sanities. And date night options abound in T-Town. Here are my top picks for changing it up:

Turkey Mountain Miles of interlacing trails cover this mini-mountain on the side of the Arkansas River to form the perfect urban-wilderness area for our little family to get a dose of the outdoors. We humans enjoy the fresh air and taste of

adventure, but our four-legged family member is in heaven when we’re cruising through the trees. We’ve been on our fair share of trails and can assure you the ones at Turkey Mountain are challenging, technical, and well-maintained. We enjoy trail-running on sunny days and navigating the many twists and turns through this little swath of nature. The park is also great for mountain biking, hiking, and picnicking.

Circle Cinema Movies are such an incredible way to escape reality, to immerse yourself in another world outside of the day to day. Going to the movies seems to have been on the decline, somewhat eclipsed by the role Netflix and Hulu play in providing media within our own homes. But there’s something special about going to see a film on the big screen, having a bucket of popcorn in your lap and a soda to sip on. Circle Cinema takes that nostalgic feeling of watching a movie in a theater to another level because its revitalization of an older building transports you back in time even before the movie takes you to another world. Visit the cinema to watch a movie that’s just come out, or attend a screening of your favorite classic.

Philbrook Museum of Art With two locations — midtown and downtown — the Philbrook Museum is a world-class treasure that is a Tulsa must-see. While we visited the downtown location, it took us longer to visit the original location that boasts a kitchen for brunch, lunch or dinner (depending on the day of the week), beautiful sprawling gardens around the building, and

Unique Date Ideas to Jump-start a Relationship

When you’ve been dating or married to someone for a while, it can be easy to fall into a rut. Being with that someone special was meant to be fun and enjoyable. Get inspired to think outside the box with some of these creative options that will set an inviting mood. MAKE PERSONALIZED SCAVENGER HUNTS FOR EACH OTHER

COME UP WITH BACKSTORIES FOR STRANGERS AS YOU PEOPLE WATCH

CHECK OUT A NEW BAND

BUILD AN ITUNES PLAYLIST TOGETHER

TAKE A SURPRISE TRIP VOLUNTEER IN YOUR COMMUNITY LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE

regular events throughout the month. Visit the downtown location during the First Friday Art Crawl each month or the original any other Friday of the month for their House Party, All Access, or Movie Night. You can also take the family for Studio Saturday to enjoy activities aimed at exploring new art skills for kids.

Glacier Confection I make no defenses or apologies when it comes to my love of chocolate. I was borderline giddy when I saw the chocolate shop down the way from our store in Utica Square, and overjoyed when I heard they’d opened a chocolate and wine bar downtown — Glacier Bean to Bar — near Archer Street. The Bean to Bar location is perfect for indulging your sweet tooth on dark, milk and white chocolate offerings while sipping on a cocktail (or two). You can watch the chocolate process through a glass wall or observe the bustle of downtown through the windows. Grab some peanuts dipped in

WRITE LETTERS TO EACH OTHER VISIT A FLEA MARKET READ A BOOK TOGETHER MAKE OUT IN YOUR CAR GO BACK TO WHERE YOU HAD YOUR FIRST DATE

wonderfully smooth milk chocolate or a few items from their artisan, dessert, vegan or caramel collections to take home and enjoy the next time date night keeps you in.

What do we do now? I want to hear your suggestions, whether you’re a native Tulsan or a newbie like us.

PLAY A CHILDHOOD GAME

MAKE A FORT IN YOUR LIVING ROOM

MAKE A VIDEO AND PUT IT ON YOUTUBE

TOUR A BOTANICAL GARDEN

WANDER THROUGH A BOOKSTORE

COOK A MEAL TOGETHER

TAKE A BREWERY TOUR

TAKE PERSONALITY QUIZZES

BE A LITTLE SILLY

TAKE A DANCE CLASS

We want to know where to hang out, pig-out, shop ’til we drop, and everything in between. If you know a place with a great story, share it with us so we can go check it out. Every day is an adventure with our little family, and I’m sharing our story because I think some people can relate. Follow us on Instagram and/ or search #TakenWithTulsa or #NewInTtown to check out our latest adventures as we seek out new experiences and share our advice on how to embrace Tulsa.

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Egg ellent Eggs- ellent FN FAIL IT OR NAIL IT

By Tiffany Duncan

Making homemade hollandaise sauce may sound intimidating, but depending on the method you use it can also be a snap.

Eggs Benedict — the unofficial reigning favorite of the brunch menu. While the perfectly runny poached egg yolks, thick-cut slices of ham or Canadian bacon, and toasty warm English muffin base are all delicious, it’s really the generous smothering of buttery-smooth hollandaise sauce that really makes the dish. I am a die-hard fan of eggs Benedict myself, having consumed more plates of it than is probably healthy for one person. But before my attempt documented here, I’d never endeavored to make the revered hollandaise sauce at home, because surely something that good could only be made in a restaurant, right? Wrong! So wrong! First of all, there are only three main ingredients: egg yolks, a bit of lemon juice, and butter (like, a lot of butter). Then depending on the recipe, it may also include salt, freshly cracked black pepper, Dijon mustard, Tabasco, or fresh herbs, among others. Simple, right? Well, yes … and no.

68 FEBRUARY 2019

Eats Eats As I learned, it all depends on the method that you use to make the sauce. The original hollandaise recipe calls for it to be made over the stovetop, and there’s a lot that can go wrong here. Whisk the egg yolks too slow over the stovetop, and they will begin to scramble; add in the melted butter too quickly, and the eggs will curdle; fail to separate all of the egg white from the yolk, and the sauce will fluff up rather than becoming dense and creamy. Make it in a blender, however, and it will yield the perfect, most deliciously decadent sauce you’ve ever had. In under five minutes. With virtually no clean up (unlike the stovetop method, which requires that you destroy your entire kitchen and frighten your dogs with frantic pan clattering). Frankly, I’m a little bitter it took me 30 years to figure this out. I’d heard before that you could make hollandaise in a blender, but I did not try the blender method first for two reasons: I was skeptical it wouldn’t be as good, and I don’t like to use shortcut methods until I am familiar with the original. So for my first attempt, I went

straight to the butter goddess: Julia Child. I watched an episode of Child’s cooking show and attempted to mimic exactly what she did. In some ways her method was easier than others I’d previously looked up online, as she whisked her eggs directly over a burner (many other recipes call for the use of a double boiler so the eggs don’t heat up as quick). But in other ways hers was much, much more difficult as it involved a lot of other separate pans and lots of constant whisking. Now to be fair to Child, I probably wasn’t in the best state of mind to patiently attempt a new recipe. I was on a time limit, as I had somewhere I needed to be later on in the morning. Now, being in a hurry and attempting a new and difficult recipe is just not a great idea. I ruined my first hollandaise attempt because I was rushing and did not separate enough of the egg whites from the yolks, resulting in a foamy mess when I attempted to whisk it over heat. I had to dump it out. For my second attempt, I removed as much of the egg whites as possible, and

FAIL IT OR NAIL IT FN the sauce looked like it was coming along when my doorbell rang. It was not a good time for me to leave the stove, so I hoped whoever it was would just go away. But instead they rang the doorbell a second time, obviously not taking the hint. I answered the door, and it was my neighbor, who has an uncanny knack to feel chatty at the most inopportune moments. So here I am with the door halfway open because I’m in my pajamas and don’t really want to be seen. I’m sweating slightly because I’m stressed and in a hurry, whisk and pot in hand, still trying to whisk away. I’m making forced small talk as both of my dogs are frantically trying to charge the open door. Then one of them pees on the floor because she is so excited. It is a miracle I did not burst a blood vessel or implode on the spot during my strained attempt to look calm and cheerful in this moment. Finally, he leaves, I finish the sauce, and it actually looks like it’s supposed to! But then I have to poach the eggs. In 2017 I was inexplicably good at poaching eggs, but that time has since passed. After mangling a couple, I finally managed to produce an egg with the semblance of being poached. I threw it on top of a toasted English muffin, some (precooked) Canadian bacon, and slathered it in hollandaise before stuffing it down and running out the door. And I have to say… it wasn’t gross or anything, but it definitely wasn’t outstanding. The hollandaise was pretty bland. I feel like a crazy heretic saying this, but Julia Child’s recipe calls for too much butter (who knew there could be

such a thing?) and not enough other flavoring. In my very, very humble opinion, of course. Later, when I got home for the day, I decided to try the blender method, still skeptical of how easy it sounded. The previous week, we had finally purchased a Ninja blender after wanting one for over a year, and I was excited to get to try it out. Operating at 1500 watts, this blender is seriously no joke, and it has a safety feature that the lid must stay locked on while the blender is in operation. The recipe for blender hollandaise called for the melted butter to be slowly poured into the egg yolks as they are being blended, but since I couldn’t do that I added it all at once. That was either a big mistake on my part, or else the blender was just too powerful, but either way the sauce was a runny mess and I had to throw it out. For my fourth and final attempt, I had to dig out our old $20 Walmart blender that I was so excited to finally get rid of (go figure). I followed the ingredients and instructions exactly, and when I stopped the blender, I knew I had a winner even before I tasted it. It was decadently thick, creamy, and smooth with the most beautiful yellow coloring. When I tasted it, it was like a light from heaven shone through the roof and into my kitchen. And bonus: this round, my poached eggs were much better (still not quite 2017-esque quality, but good enough). Follow the exact recipe for Blender Hollandaise Sauce from allrecipes. com, and you, too, can have restaurant-quality hollandaise sauce straight from your own kitchen.

PREVIEW918.COM 69

RB RESTAURANT + BAR FINDER

We are tapped into what’s trending and delicious, giving you a first-hand look at where to go, what to eat, where the best cocktails are, and how to map out your culinary adventures in the 918. Whatever your mood, whatever you crave, the 918 has a restaurant or bar sure to satisfy. From local classics to chain favorites, a variety of options catering to every palate and pocketbook are available. For those on the move, search our website database with over 200 restaurants and bars in nearly 20 categories.

PREVIEW918.COM/DINE-DRINK

CATEGORIES AMERICAN ASIAN BAKERY BARBECUE BARS + PUBS BREAKFAST BRUNCH COFFEE DELI FINE DINING GLOBAL ITALIAN MEDITERRANEAN MEXICAN PIZZA SEAFOOD SPECIALTY STEAK SWEETS 70 FEBRUARY 2019

FEATURED LISTINGS ALBERT G’S BAR-B-Q 2748 S. Harvard Ave. | Tulsa 918-747-4799

SEE AD | PAGE 85

CHIMI’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT

1304 E. 15th St. | Tulsa 918-587-4411 SEE AD | PAGE 85

ALBERT G’S BAR-B-Q

421 E. 1st St. | Tulsa 918-728-3650 SEE AD | PAGE 85

AMAZING THAI CUISINE 1232 E. Kenosha St. | Broken Arrow 918-258-8424 SEE AD | PAGE 75

BAXTER’S INTERURBAN GRILL

717 S. Houston Ave., Suite 100 | Tulsa 918-585-3134 SEE AD | PAGE 89

BROWNIES

2130 S. Harvard Ave. | Tulsa 918-744-0320 SEE AD | PAGE 85

BROWNIES

422 Plaza Court, Suite B | Sand Springs 918-514-0222 SEE AD | PAGE 85

CAFE OLÉ

3509 S. Peoria Ave. | Tulsa 918-745-6699 SEE AD | PAGE 99

CAZ’S CHOWHOUSE

18 E. M.B. Brady St. | Tulsa 918-588-2469 SEE AD | PAGE 20

CAZ’S PUB

21 E. M.B. Brady St. | Tulsa 918-585-8587 SEE AD | PAGE 20

CELEBRITY RESTAURANT

3109 S. Yale Ave. | Tulsa 918-743-1800 SEE AD | PAGE 58

CHIMI’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 5320 S. Harvard Ave. | Tulsa 918-749-7755

SEE AD | PAGE 85

GEORGE’S PUB

108 N. 1st St. | Jenks 918-296-9711 SEE AD | PAGE 81

GOODCENTS DELI FRESH SUBS

8222 E. 103rd St. | Tulsa 918-364-7827 SEE AD | PAGE 59

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO TULSA

777 W. Cherokee St. | Catoosa 800-760-6700 SEE AD | PAGE 11

BUFFET

CHIMI’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT

6709 E. 81st St. | Tulsa 918-960-2723 SEE AD | PAGE 85

DAVE & BUSTER’S

6812 S. 105th E. Ave. | Tulsa 918-449-3100 SEE AD | PAGE 89

FLIP SIDE HWY. 66 DINER MCGILL’S ON 19

EL CHICO

9825 E. 21st St. | Tulsa 918-663-7755 SEE AD | PAGE 89

ELMER’S BBQ

4130 S. Peoria Ave. | Tulsa 918-742-6702 SEE AD | PAGE 89

FAT DADDY’S PUB AND GRILLE

8056 S. Memorial Dr. | Tulsa 918-872-6206 SEE AD | PAGE 75

FLO’S BURGER DINER 19322 E. Admiral Place | Catoosa 918-739-4858 SEE AD | PAGE 59

FLO’S BURGER DINER 2604 E. 11th St. | Tulsa 918-398-7102 SEE AD | PAGE 59

FUJI

8226 E. 71st St. | Tulsa 918-250-1821 SEE AD | PAGE 58

REPLAY RIFFS SALSA SLICE THE PERFECT CUP TOBY KEITH’S I LOVE THIS BAR & GRILL

HOOTERS

8108 E. 61st St. | Tulsa 918-250-4668 SEE AD | PAGE 55

IN THE RAW

3321 S. Peoria Ave. | Tulsa 918-744-1300 SEE AD | PAGE 98

IN THE RAW

6151 S. Sheridan Road | Tulsa 918-524-0063 SEE AD | PAGE 98

RESTAURANT + BAR FINDER RB IN THE RAW

216 S. Main St. | Broken Arrow 918-893-6111 SEE AD | PAGE 98

INCREDIBLE PIZZA

8314 E. 71st St. | Tulsa 539-302-2681 SEE AD | PAGE 3

JASON’S DELI

8321 E. 61st St. | Tulsa 918-252-9999 SEE AD | PAGE 37

MEXICALI BORDER CAFÉ 14 W. M.B. Brady St. | Tulsa 918-582-3383 SEE AD | PAGE 21

MIXCO

SCOREBOARD SPORTS BAR TIKI DINER

427 S. Boston Ave. | Tulsa 918-949-4498

VISIONS BUFFET

THE BISTRO AT SEVILLE

3rd and Denver | Tulsa 918-932-8571

3700 N. Old Hwy 66 | Catoosa 918-266-7853 SEE AD | PAGE 42

SEE AD | PAGE 39

ROSE ROCK MICROCREAMERY

The Boxyard | 502 E. 3rd St, #35 | Tulsa 918-396-8001 SEE AD | PAGE 52

JASON’S DELI

1330 E. 15th St. | Tulsa 918-599-7777 SEE AD | PAGE 37

MONDO’S RISTORANTE ITALIAN 3410 S. Peoria Ave. | Tulsa 918-561-6300 SEE AD | PAGE 98

JUNIPER

324 E. 3rd St. | Tulsa 918-794-1090 SEE AD | PAGE 7

KITCH

377 E Main Street | Jenks 918-528-6766 SEE AD | PAGE 81

LANNA THAI

7227 S. Memorial Drive | Tulsa 918-249-5262 SEE AD | PAGE 63

LOS CABOS

300 Riverwalk Terrace #100 | Jenks 918-298-2226 SEE AD | PAGE 9

LOS CABOS

151 Bass Pro Drive | Broken Arrow 918-355-8877 SEE AD | PAGE 9

LOS CABOS

9455 N. Owasso Expressway | Owasso 918-609-8671 SEE AD | PAGE 9

MARYN’S TAPHOUSE AND RAW BAR

400 Riverwalk Terrace, Suite 180 | Jenks 918-946-2796

ROZAY’S WINGZ AND THINGS

2627 E. 11th St. | Tulsa 918-271-5051 SEE AD | PAGE 65

OL’VINE FRESH GRILL

3523 S. Peoria Ave. | Tulsa 918-747-9463 SEE AD | PAGE 99

PRHYME: DOWNTOWN STEAKHOUSE 111 N. Main St. | Tulsa 918-794-7700 SEE AD | PAGE 7

RUSTIC GATE CREAMERY

101 W. Main St. | Jenks 918-528-6227 SEE AD | PAGE 81

SABORES

The Boxyard | 502 E. 3rd St., Unit 27 | Tulsa 918-212-9065 SEE AD | PAGE 52

RICARDOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT 5629 E. 41st St. | Tulsa 918-622-2668

SEE AD | PAGE 65

SEE AD | PAGE 7

10021 S. Yale Ave., #103 | Tulsa 918-296-3000

SEE AD | PAGE 7

MOLLY’S LANDING

TAVOLO

SISSEROU’S CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT 107 N. Boulder Ave. | Tulsa 918-576-6800

TI AMO RISTORANTE ITALIANO 6024 S. Sheridan Road | Tulsa 918-499-1919

SEE AD | PAGE 39

TI AMO RISTORANTE ITALIANO 219 S. Cheyenne Ave. | Tulsa 918-592-5151

SEE AD | PAGE 39

TROPICAL RESTAURANT & BAR 8125 E. 49th St. | Tulsa 918-895-6433 SEE AD | PAGE 63

VILLAGE INN

2745 S. Harvard Ave. | Tulsa 918-742-3515 SEE AD | PAGE 58

VILLAGE INN

3302 S. Memorial Dr. | Tulsa 918-622-5015 SEE AD | PAGE 58

SEE AD | PAGE 21

RIVER SPIRIT CASINO RESORT

8330 Riverside Parkway | Tulsa SEE AD | PAGE 100

5 O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE BAR FIRESIDE GRILL

SMOKE. WOODFIRE GRILL

1542 E. 15th St. | Tulsa 918-949-4440 SEE AD | PAGE 39

SOUL CITY

1621 E. 11th St. | Tulsa 918-582-7685 SEE AD | PAGE 59

JOHNNY ROCKETS LANDSHARK BAR

SWEET BOUTIQUE

The Boxyard | 502 E. 3rd St., #13 | Tulsa 918-900-2238 SEE AD | PAGE 53

MARGARITAVILLE 918-995-8080

SEE AD | PAGE 81

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

TANDOORI GUYS

2039 W. Houston St. | Broken Arrow 918-893-2450

VILLAGE INN

5230 S. Yale Ave. | Tulsa 918-496-1207 SEE AD | PAGE 58

VILLAGE INN

8320 E. 71st St. | Tulsa 918-254-7623 SEE AD | PAGE 58

WATERFRONT GRILL

120 Aquarium Drive | Jenks 918-518-6300 SEE AD | PAGE 9

YUTAKA GRILL AND SUSHI BUFFET 6560 E. 51st St. | Tulsa 918-921-3400

SEE AD | PAGE 58

SEE AD | PAGE 37

918-995-8600

PREVIEW918.COM 71

LOVE POTION #9

ET EATS + TREATS

Can’t decide between sweet and savory? With this tangy cocktail, you don’t have to. Sip with a smile, flirt your happy little heart out, and wait for the romance to commence. It’s an adult’s party punch with a magical kick. INGREDIENTS:

oz. Peach Schnapps ½ 1 ½ oz. vodka 3 oz. pink grapefruit juice DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix and enjoy.

by SARAH HERRERA photos by SARAH HERRERA

TREATS I ISWEET WHAT BETTER WAY TO CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY THAN WITH A THOUGHTFUL MEAL PREPARED WITH LOVE?

FOR THE

The holiday of love is near and we’ve got you covered on all things romance — at least for the dinner portion. Whether you’re a sap for the sweet things in life or a sucker for the savory, this dinner is certain to leave your taste buds wanting more.

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Start off the evening with a cocktail or two, ease into a meal that is sure to end in smiles and smooches, and top it off with the most decadent chocolate treat you’ll never believe you can make yourself. This dinner date is incredibly affordable, absolutely

doable, and best of all: it’s 100 percent LOVE-able. Now snag that special someone and set the table, and be sure to toast to the enchanting night to come.

EATS + TREATS ET

RED VELVET OREO BROWNIES

Adapted from sallysbakingaddiction.com Two Valentine’s Day staples are the color red and a whole bunch of chocolate. With this luxurious dessert, you get both. It’s like a tripledecker delight of heaven-on-earth goodness. Plus, holiday carbs don’t count, right? RED VELVET BROWNIES INGREDIENTS:

2 eggs ½ cup butter 1 cup sugar 2 tsp. vanilla extract ¼ cup cocoa powder 1 ⁄8 tsp. salt 1 Tbsp. food coloring ¾ tsp. white vinegar ¾ cup flour COOKIES ‘N CREAM FROSTING INGREDIENTS:

cup butter, softened to room temperature ¼ 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar 2-3 Tbsp. heavy whipping cream 6 Oreos, crushed CHOCOLATE GANACHE INGREDIENTS:

4 oz. semisweet chocolate chips ½ cup heavy whipping cream 2 Tbsp. butter, softened to room temperature DIRECTIONS:

1. Set out the butter for the frosting and ganache so they come to room temperature as you prepare the brownies. 2. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8” x 8” baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving overhang on the sides to lift the brownies out of the pan. Set aside. 3. Make the brownies. In a small bowl, beat the two eggs together. Set aside. Melt the butter

in 30-second increments until melted. Stir in one cup sugar, two tablespoons of vanilla extract, cocoa powder, salt, food coloring, and vinegar. Mix ingredients. Whisk in the eggs, then fold in the flour until completely incorporated. Do not over-mix. Pour the

batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 22-24 minutes. Allow brownies to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator to cool completely. 4. Make the frosting. With a mixer, beat the butter on medium-high until light and creamy (about one minute). Add the powdered sugar and two tablespoons of cream, beating on medium until creamy. Add another tablespoon of cream until the frosting is spreadable. Fold in the crushed Oreos. Lift the cooled brownies out of the pan and spread them with the frosting. Stick them into the refrigerator as you prepare the ganache. 5. Make the ganache. Put the chocolate chips in a bowl and set aside. Cook the heavy cream on the stove until boiling, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Stir until chocolate is melted and smooth. Cut in the butter, one small piece at a time, and stir until smooth. Spread over frosted brownies. Chill for at least 30 minutes before cutting. 6. Cut the brownies and enjoy.

ROASTED RED PEPPER FETTUCCINI WITH CREAMY FETA SAUCE

Adapted from laughingspatula.com Remember that classic pasta scene from Lady and the Tramp? We do too, and this Valentine’s Day, we’re here for you. Start the evening with a dish of this creamy fettuccini and finish it off with a smooch or two. INGREDIENTS

8 oz. fettuccini pasta 3 Tbsp. butter 3 cloves minced garlic 1 12-ouce jar of roasted red peppers, drained 1 cup heavy whipping cream 4 oz. crumbled Feta cheese ¼ cup grated Parmesan 1 handful of fresh chopped basil DIRECTIONS:

1. Cook fettuccini according to package directions. 2. While pasta cooks, melt butter in large skillet. Sauté garlic for two minutes. 3. Add: red peppers, cream, feta and Parmesan. 4. Sauté for five minutes until flavors meld. 5. Using a blender, puree until almost smooth. 6. Add chopped basil; salt and pepper to taste. 7. Drain pasta. Combine with sauce. 8. Toss and top with additional basil and Parmesan.

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FT FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Bringing the Heat With it being the month of February, the officially recognized love month, why not spice it up in the kitchen with an ingredient that is said to contain aphrodisiacal properties: peppers. There’s no denying that even when grocery shopping, it’s tempting to throw a few in the cart because they are all so shiny and colorful. But it can be intimidating because there are so many different kinds. If you don’t know what you are looking for, grabbing a random pepper at the grocery store can be a bit like playing a game of roulette — it can be too spicy, or even too bland, depending on what you need it for. Oddly enough, in many cases the smaller the pepper, the hotter it is. On one end of the spectrum, there’s the large and voluptuous bell peppers, and on the other end you’ve got the teeny little habanero and ghost peppers — which are anything but teeny in their heat factor. Here’s a quick guide to try and make sense of it all.

Mild/Sweet Peppers The spicy factor in peppers is measured in what are called Scoville heat units (SHU). Peppers typically range from 0 to over 1,000,000 SHU, with

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mild/sweet peppers having a rating of only 0-1,000. BELL PEPPERS: These ubiquitous greed, red, yellow, and sometimes even orange bell peppers are a grocery store staple. But most people may not actually realize that red and yellow bell peppers are actually just green bell peppers that have been allowed to grow and ripen on the vine longer. Red peppers have ripened the longest, resulting in their sweet, slightly fruity and delicious taste. Yellow and orange are in the middle of the spectrum, although some varieties remain yellow when fully ripened. Green bell peppers are not nearly as delicious as red or yellow ones when eaten raw, because they still retain that distinct grassy, almost bitter taste. Bell peppers have a SHU of only 0-100.

Other peppers included in the mild/sweet pepper category are cherry peppers, cubanelle, pimentos, sweet Italian peppers, banana, and pepperoncini peppers, which can have a slightly higher SHU rating of 100-1,000.

Spicy/Hot Peppers This is the category where things can really start to heat

If you don’t know what you are looking for, grabbing a random pepper at the grocery store can be a bit like playing a game of roulette — it can be too spicy, too bland, or packs a heat level like military grade pepper spray. BY TIFFANY DUNCAN

up, and if you aren’t careful, consuming a pepper with too high of a SHU rating can actually be dangerous.

planted somewhere that’s a bit too shady or doesn’t receive full sun, their heat factor will lessen.

POBLANO: Starting near the bottom in this category with a SHU of 1,000-1,500, Poblanos are most typically served stuffed in Mexican restaurants, or roasted and then pureed to add delicious depth to salsa. When dried, Poblanos are then referred to as ancho chilies. When pulverized into a powder, ancho chilies make up the main spice in chili powder.

Another big reason that could prevent jalapenos from building up their heat is receiving too much water. The component that makes jalapenos and other peppers so hot is called capsaicin, which is actually a neurotoxin meant to defend the plant against being consumed by insects or animals (and also why your body sweats and causes a runny nose when consuming something spicy — it’s trying to get rid of the poison). A jalapeno will release capsaicin when it is stressed, so restricting the plant’s water intake will increase its stress, resulting in more capsaicin release.

JALAPENOS: Jalapenos are perhaps the most popular and widely consumed pepper. Some may consider Jalapenos extremely hot, but they are actually considered merely mild to moderate, with a SHU of 2,500-8,000. But most people have had that strange experience where consuming jalapenos in one dish can be disappointingly bland and mild, yet in another they are so hot, it’s like there’s cartoon steam coming out of your ears.

What could account for such a difference? It could be a few things. The first is that jalapenos love the sun; the more sun they get, the hotter it makes them, so if they are

SERRANO: Sometimes confused with jalapenos for their similar shape and color, serranos are actually very different. They are smaller than jalapenos, can ripen from green to bright shades of orange and yellow, and can pack as much as 10,00020,000 SHUs. The best use for serranos is to add a bit to some homemade salsa or a pot of chili if you are looking to up the heat factor.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT FT CAYENNE: Mostly found in ground spice form, the cayenne pepper has a SHU of 30,000-50,000. Cayenne is believed to have a long list of medicinal properties and health benefits due to the way the body digests its capsaicin content, including being an anti-inflammatory, soothing joint pain, boosting metabolism, and lowering blood pressure. HABANEROS: These light to deep-orange wrinkly peppers may look small and unassuming, but they are actually pretty wicked. The common grocery store habanero has a SHU of 100,000-350,000. If you don’t love spicy food, do avoid these little guys. But if you love the heat, habaneros can bring a unique, fruity depth to a dish. You can tame the habanero a bit by scraping out as much of the inside as possible (much of the capsaicin is hidden within the whitish membrane). Use sparingly until you know how much heat you can handle.

The Hottest Peppers in the World THE BHUT JOLOKIA CHILI PEPPER, OR GHOST PEPPER:

Google “ghost pepper,” and one of the first questions that comes up is, “can you die from eating a ghost pepper?” Shockingly, the answer is yes! Because capsaicin is a neurotoxin meant to defend the pepper as it grows, consuming too much in too short of a time can actually cause heart attack, seizures, and yes, even death. But luckily this is extremely unlikely, as the pepper is so ridiculously hot that a person’s natural biology would revolt before consuming enough to be fatal.

If you’re curious about the ghost pepper, it’s best to start with a novelty food item that includes pulverized ghost pepper or ghost pepper oil in small amounts, like a block of cheddar or a bag of chips. THE CAROLINA REAPER:

Officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the hottest pepper on the planet until May 2017, the Carolina Reaper is approximately 600 times hotter than a jalapeno — that’s 1.4 to 2.2 million SHU. DRAGON’S BREATH: Unseating the Carolina Reaper in 2017 as the hottest pepper in the world, the Dragon’s Breath pepper can exceed 2.4 million SHU. PEPPER X: Holding the current title of hottest pepper in the world, Pepper X was created by the same man, Ed Currie, who produced the Carolina Reaper. Currie is the mad scientist behind PuckerButt Pepper Company (yes, that’s the actual name), and describes the pepper as two times as hot as the Carolina Reaper, clocking in at 3.18 million SHU. Just for further reference, that is fourtimes hotter than the Ghost Pepper, and packs a heat level typical of military grade pepper spray.

If your interest is piqued by Pepper X, there is only one place you can get it — in the form of a hot sauce made by PuckerButt called The Last Dab. Now, peppers may be an aphrodisiac and all, but probably avoid lacing your sweetheart’s Valentine’s dish with this devil-hot sauce unless you fancy violent trips to the bathroom and a swift termination of your relationship.

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Whether you've been together for years or are cozying up to someone new, the restaurant choice can make or break a date night. In honor of February, here are 28 places to find a table for two.

t r a e H

Eat Your

Out

BY MICHELE CHIAPPETTA AND ROB HARMON

It’s Valentine month — and that means people in Green Country are turning their thoughts to making plans for a little romance that their special person will not soon forget. Showering someone we care about with love is a positive expression of how we care about them. So, as you’re planning a little Valentine’s fun (the Super Bowl of date nights), keep in mind that enjoying good food while you’re out on the town can add a

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delightful break from everyday worries and sweep you and your loved one off to a bit of romance, right here in Green Country. Whether you’re looking for white tablecloths and candlelight or a more modern romantic feel, there is something on this list you and — perhaps more importantly — your significant other will enjoy on Valentine’s Day or any night.

The selections here are places where enchanting atmospheres merge with equally inspiring cuisine. These are some of the many romantic establishments our area has to offer. Visiting any one of these locations during this month of love will surely be the right move for you and your loved one. Just remember to call and ask for reservations — because at this time of year, you might need them.

Amelia's 122 N. BOSTON AVE. | TULSA

This lovely little gem of a restaurant is located in the busy Tulsa Arts District, so it’s a perfect place to dine before or after a show at one of downtown Tulsa’s local venues. Guests can enjoy chatting about food and cooking techniques while seated at the chef ’s counter, watching chefs throw together fresh ingredients and spices to please the palate. Or add some excitement to your night by sampling wines from around the world, paired with delicious food and, naturally, the company you’re keeping for your romantic evening.

Bluestone Steakhouse and Seafood 10032 S. SHERIDAN ROAD | TULSA

Who doesn’t love a little steak or seafood when you’re celebrating a special evening? Bluestone provides plenty of both options, served in generous and tasty portions that are designed to win over your taste buds and keep you coming back for more. The warm low lighting and the soft live music in the background lend themselves perfectly to a romantic night. The unique drinks and decadent desserts add the ideal final touches to a great evening.

Fireside Grill Celebrity Restaurant 3109 S. YALE AVE. | TULSA

A Tulsa classic for decades, Celebrity offers a taste of the past and the present all at once. The rich, plush interior is luxurious. The service is attentive and on point. And of course, every item on the menu is a scrumptious delight. Whether you want a perfectlycooked steak, comforting fried chicken, or delightful shrimp and lobster, Celebrity offers it all. Let them know you’re celebrating something special, because they love doing up a nice dessert to help you celebrate. Celebrity is a choice that is equally good for an indulgent lunch as it is for a romantic meal.

RIVER SPIRIT CASINO RESORT | 8330 RIVERSIDE PARKWAY | TULSA

If your romantic evening is going to incorporate entertainment as well as a great meal, add Fireside Grill to your list of options. Situated in the River Spirit Casino Resort, this restaurant is a lovely place to eat before enjoying some entertainment at the Paradise Cove theater or an overnight stay in a hotel room overlooking the Arkansas River. Enjoy some comfort food, like cornmeal crusted catfish or chicken-fried steak, then hit the slots for a little gambling fun.

Mondo's Ristorante Italian 3410 S. PEORIA AVE. | TULSA

Always hopping with customers, Mondo’s is a popular spot in the Brookside District, and for good reason. The Italian food served here is authentic, generously portioned, and absolutely delicious. And the service is always reliable, so you’re guaranteed to delight your special someone with a meal they won’t soon forget. Enjoy the numerous family photos lining the restaurant’s walls, which serve to spark conversation and keep the fun flowing.

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Sisserou's Caribbean Restaurant 107 N. BOULDER AVE. | TULSA

There’s always a bit of romance in getting away for a while. One such special getaway is closer to home than you might expect. Enjoy a taste of the Caribbean in Tulsa’s bourgeoning Art District. Sisserou’s will absolutely whisk you away to paradise with their exciting menu items. For example, try the restaurant’s scrumptious and exotic appetizers, like the island-inspired coconut shrimp or the deep-fried, chili-infused Accras cod fish cakes. Excellent food, combined with even more exceptional service, makes every visit to Sisserou’s an absolute love fest.

PRHYME Downtown Steakhouse 111 N. MAIN ST. | TULSA

Redrock Canyon Grill 9916 RIVERSIDE PARKWAY | TULSA

Relax by having a beautiful and romantic evening out at Redrock Canyon Grill. The inviting exhibition kitchen provides a sensational experience that adds unique entertainment to a date night out, whether it’s Feb. 14 or any other special occasion. Start the whole dinner off with the chipotle blue cheese buffalo shrimp, and you’ll be falling in love for sure. Add any one of the melt-in-your-mouth, woodfired rotisserie dinners to it, and you will definitely make a lasting impact on a loved one.

SMOKE. Woodfire Grill 1542 E. 15TH ST. | TULSA 201 S. MAIN ST. | OWASSO

Few things are a bigger turnon than good food, which means both of Erik Reynolds’ restaurants induce love in our hearts. But even more romantic than the ridiculously decadent menu at SMOKE. is the overall experience. Deep in the heart of Tulsa’s Cherry Street or Main Street in Owasso, a romantic night out can always be found at this fantastic grill. Locallysourced, wood-fired specialties; top-shelf, exceptional drinks; and spectacular service with style make SMOKE. a smart choice. Whether you’re at the intimate bar, in a cozy booth or at one of the center tables, the room at both locations manages to feel both warm and elegant.

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No list of romantic dining spots would be complete without including a steakhouse like PRHYME. There’s something about red meat that ignites those romantic fires. And PRHYME knows how to serve it up right. Cooked to perfection, plated with artisanal flair, and served with style, anything you order is destined to please you. And the elegant atmosphere of the space invites you to sink back in your seat and relax, taking your time to enjoy every moment. And the reassuring part about PRHYME is that even if you’re not totally into your date, you can easily fall in love with your food.

Tavolo 427 S. BOSTON AVE. | TULSA

Whether you’re seated at a table facing Tulsa’s historic Boston Avenue or comfortably nestled into one of the other spots tucked away in the quiet corners of the restaurant, Tavolo will undoubtedly usher in a healthy dose of intimacy. The whole Italian experience of romance and charm will fill every moment you enjoy inside this award-winning hot spot. The cozy Italian eatery is the master of dichotomy — creating an atmosphere that is both energetic and intimate while delivering quality food that is as creative as it is traditional. You would be remiss to not pair at least one dish with a bottle of the restaurant’s impeccable selection of wines.

The Bistro at Seville 10021 S. YALE AVE., #103 | TULSA

Luscious fare and elegant ambiance makes south Tulsa’s Bistro at Seville the ideal location for your dream date. The Bistro at Seville offers comfortable booths, impeccable service, delicious food and drinks, and a delightful atmosphere — all perfect ingredients for a romantic night. Dishes such as the baconwrapped Bistro Filet or the crab-stuffed trout will set an indulgent mood that invites you and your loved one to relax and enjoy each others company.

Also Check Out

The Chalkboard

Biga

1324 S. MAIN ST. | TULSA

Located at the bottom floor of the Ambassador Hotel, this Tulsa staple has been delighting Green Country residents with fabulous meals and service since the 1970s. Whether you want to treat your date to a decadent brunch or an elegant dinner, the Chalkboard is a great place to go. Their dishes are made from locally sourced ingredients, and much of the menu is gluten-free as well. It’s a great choice for specialty dishes like duck and lamb chops, especially when you want to impress a date.

4329 S. PEORIA AVE. | TULSA

Bin 35 Bistro 3509 S. PEORIA AVE. | TULSA

Bull in the Alley 11 E. MATHEW B. BRADY ST. | TULSA

Delesandro's 1742 S. BOSTON AVE. | TULSA

Ti Amo 6024 S. SHERIDAN AVE. | TULSA

219 S. CHEYENNE AVE. | TULSA

Stop reading this a moment and make your reservation right now for this fantastic restaurant. Both Ti Amo’s Sheridan location and its downtown, New York-style, basement level restaurant are exceptional choices for beginning a wonderful night out on the town. We honestly couldn’t imagine writing an article on romantic restaurants without listing Ti Amo. Low lighting. Sweet and gorgeous aromas wafting from the kitchen. Every menu item is presented with attentive care. If you can’t find something to swoon over here, you’re simply too picky.

Mahogany Prime Steakhouse 6823 S. YALE AVE. | TULSA

McGill's 1560 E. 21ST ST. | TULSA 6058 S. YALE AVE. | TULSA HARD ROCK HOTEL AND CASINO TULSA | 777 W. CHEROKEE ST. | CATOOSA

Michael V's 8222 E. 103RD ST. | TULSA

Oren

Villa Ravenna

3509 S. PEORIA AVE. | TULSA

6526 E. 51ST ST. | TULSA

The Melting Pot 300 RIVERWALK TERRACE, #190 | JENKS

It’s always a special experience visiting Jenks' Melting Pot. This fantastic fondue restaurant is a must-do if you’re looking for a way to add a little romance to your love life. Maybe it’s the interactive dining experience that sparks such lively conversation among the restaurant’s guests, or perhaps it’s having a delectable meal cooked right before your eyes that ignites the kind of banter that fuels the rest of a romantic evening. Guests can enjoy a choice of five cooking styles and a variety of entrees combined with signature dipping sauces. The menu also includes cheese fondues, fresh salads, premium meat and seafood, fine wines, handcrafted cocktails and decadent chocolate fondue. What we do know for sure is that a dinner out at Melting Pot is absolutely delicious.

For over a decade, Tulsa has been blessed with one of the finest Italian restaurants Green Country has to offer. Delicious food and superior service are both on the menu every time at this special restaurant. This makes Villa Ravenna an excellent choice for an evening filled with elegant romance. Homemade pasta, veal, chicken or seafood, prepared by excellent hands, provides an extra special touch to a beautiful night out.

Palace Cafe 1301 E. 15TH ST. | TULSA

Polo Grill 2038 UTICA SQUARE | TULSA

Ridge Grill 9999 S. MINGO ROAD | TULSA

Ruth's Chris Steak House RIVER SPIRIT CASINO RESORT | 8330 RIVERSIDE PARKWAY | TULSA

Stonehorse Cafe 1748 UTICA SQUARE | TULSA

Waterfront Grill 120 AQUARIUM DR. | JENKS

Spectacular, award-winning drinks and appetizers; healthy, fresh ingredients throughout the rest of the menu; and a genuine atmosphere sure to spark new and old romances all contribute to Waterfront Grill being a guaranteed success for Valentine’s Day or any date-night. Of course, the restaurant’s many intimate booths tend to support a romantic dinner too. Trust us, after a night out at the fabulous Waterfront Grill, you’ll be sure to fall in love, even if it’s just with your new favorite seafood dish.

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J JENKS

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J JENKS

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Homegrown Hit

Butcher Block

82 FEBRUARY 2019

A modernAmerican restaurant with twists on traditional dishes, SMOKE. Woodfire Grill is built on executive chef Erik Reynolds’ promise of eating well and without pretension.. By Donna Leahey

Owasso is growing up fast with a Main Street revitalization project taking inspiration from some of the best ideas and elements of Broken Arrow’s Rose District and Tulsa’s Art District. Anchoring that growth is a Tulsa favorite, SMOKE. Woodfire Grill located in the Seven6Main development. “Owasso has welcomed us with more than open arms,” says Erik Reynolds, SMOKE.’s operating partner and executive chef. “We were approached by the Owasso Overlay Project to anchor the downtown development. They wanted a place for people to come and gather. Local places, no chains,” he laughs. “We have enough chains.” Reynolds partners with his wife, Stephanie, and Tommy and Kari Coulter to run both SMOKE. locations as well as Mad Eats — a modern American diner, also in the Seven6Main development. The Owasso SMOKE. location opened in November 2018, eight years after the original location opened on Cherry Street, acting as an anchor for that iconic Tulsa area as well. Reynolds is the creative mind behind the menu, with chefs Tim Slaven in Tulsa and Brandon Bentley in Owasso. “I’m not an ego chef,” he says. “I work with Tim and Brandon to jazz up the menu. To keep up with what SMOKE. is.” And what is SMOKE.? “That’s a hard question. SMOKE. is a modern American restaurant

with twists on traditional dishes,” says Reynolds. “Like our chickenfried duck confit. We’ve got a big fire box — it’s the only piece of equipment I insisted on when I moved up here from Austin. That wood grill, it elevates it to a different level. We’ve become known for our steaks, those primal flavors. Wood fire and smoke. It’s part of our primal DNA, cooking over camp fires. There were only three places using a wood grill when we moved in on Cherry Street. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” You know the look of the SMOKE. location on Cherry Street. The old brick, the antique mirror, the brick arches, the tan and black color scheme. And, of course, the cigar lounge. Owasso’s SMOKE. has the same feel, only encompassing more square footage. “We inherited the look of the Cherry Street location when we moved in,” Reynolds says. “We tried to replicate that look with reclaimed brick, the arches.” The cigar lounge is the same too, a comfortable room with paintings of hunting dogs decorating the walls and a bison painting. The cigar room has a completely separate ventilation system. “The air is completely refreshed every eight minutes,” says Reynolds. One big difference is the Owasso SMOKE.’s flex room. There’s a sliding wall to close it off from the rest of the space for large groups

Photos by valerie grant

or, on a nice night, the windows open to create a patio feeling. The flex room lets SMOKE. Owasso be whatever it needs to be on any particular day. SMOKE. is a special treat for dinner, with unusually imaginative dishes interspersed with familiar classics. The grilled romaine salad is a consistent favorite. “I was hurting when we couldn’t use romaine,” laughs Reynolds. “The center of the wood grill gets up to 700 to 1,200 degrees hot. We spray the romaine with olive oil and then just kiss it on the hot spot on the grill. It gets a sear and just a taste of smoke.” It’s served with shaved manchego, white anchovy, and a delectable Caesar vinaigrette. Reynold’s favorite dish is the crab-stuffed catfish, a delicious fried-catfish filet stuffed with smoked chicken and andouille gumbo and served over basmati rice. Crispy and flavorful, it’s sure to satisfy your hunger for unique, well-prepared food. It’s hard to beat a tenderloin, and SMOKE.’s is top of the line. It’s perfectly seared and seasoned, prepared to your preferred temperature, and comes with some of the best mashed potatoes you’ve ever had, along with seasonal vegetables. The 8-ounce portion is tender and flavorful and everything a tenderloin should be. For a special treat, consider the Butcher Block. The selection

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changes, but it is always a hearty combination of meats including an 18-ounce rib-eye, 6-ounce center filet, a pork filet, salmon, and more. It comes with veggies and sauces and is sized for sharing. “We donate a portion of every Butcher Block sale to charities like Little Lighthouse or Hearts of Steel,” Reynolds says.

Goat Cheese Gnocchi

You can start your meal off just right with the bacon jam. “It’s been on the menu since we opened,” says Reynolds. “I could never get rid of the bacon jam.” This heavenly sweet and savory treat must be tasted to be believed. It comes with herbed goat cheese, tomatoes and arugula, and crostini. For something unique try the crispy quail legs or manchego fritters.

On the weekends, be sure to add brunch at SMOKE. to your plans. It’s an indulgence you won’t regret. Check out the brioche bread pudding French toast for a sweet start to your weekend, or the 8-ounce coulotte steak and eggs for a heartier start. You can grab a burger if you’re not in the mood for breakfast, or a grilled romaine salad with chicken, salmon, or steak added on. You can enjoy a $3 mimosa or a $4 bloody mary. If you’re too masculine for a mimosa, you can always order yourself a he-manmosa. Or if you like some extra sizzle in your bloody mary, try the Diablo bloody mary.

Reynolds designed the SMOKE. lunch menu to be accessible. “The lunch menu is part of my success.” He’s made a point of making the lunch menu a good value. Check out the $10 daily blue-plate special, a different special every day, ranging from meatloaf on Monday to spicy catfish tacos on Friday. The rest of the lunch menu is indeed accessible, with almost everything on the menu under $15. There’s the fish and chips, the

If you’ve never been to SMOKE., you’ve been missing out. Consider trying their burger night. Every Monday, SMOKE. on Cherry Street offers a $5 burger and fries special. There’s a limited number available, and Reynolds strongly recommends reservations. It’s a great way to get to know SMOKE. with a great tasting burger and an opportunity to experience SMOKE. service and atmosphere while being budget conscious at the same time.

SMOKE. WOODFIRE GRILL

smokewoodfiregrill.com

Smoked Brisket Tacos

201 S. Main St. | Owasso 918-401-4343

Monday-Friday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday brunch: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday dinner: 4-10 p.m. Sunday brunch: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday dinner: 4-9 p.m.

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TO CA LO

1542 E. 15th St. | Tulsa 918-949-4440

Grilled Salmon

smoked brisket Philly, a woodgrilled salmon salad, a Reuben, and a wood-grilled chicken club, just to name a few.

Monday-Friday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday brunch: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday dinner: 4-10 p.m. Sunday brunch: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday dinner: 4-9 p.m.

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86 FEBRUARY 2019

THE SHARK BEACH GRILL BRINGS EVEN MORE OF THE SUMMERTIME FUN, BEACH ATMOSPHERE AND FANTASTIC FOOD TULSANS HAVE ENJOYED AT SAFARI JOE’S H2O WATER PARK DURING WARMER MONTHS.

By Rob Harmon

Since 2016, we’ve all enjoyed Safari Joe’s H2O Water Park at the corner of 21st Street and Yale Avenue. Of course, the park’s Shark Beach Bar has been well received, providing awesome beachside food and drinks adding to the fun. Now, Tulsa’s hottest wave-side nightclub has spilled over into the form of a new restaurant, between 15th Street and 21st Street on Yale. Appropriately named Shark Beach Grill, the restaurant brings even more of the summertime fun, beach atmosphere and fantastic food Tulsans have enjoyed in the water park during warmer months.

Photos by Marc Rains

ALOHA SALMON

The minute you enter, you’re greeted by a friendly cabana girl who is ready to find you a seat at the bar or one of the many tables spread around, or at the restaurant’s centerpiece, a huge thatchroofed seating area. With a high-tech audio-visual package throughout the restaurant, they’re ready for Thursday night karaoke, the big game, or just the right amount of ambient music in the background. Whether you’re close to the front, near the big screens, or out on the patio during the summer months, you’ll enjoy all the events, while still being able to talk to the person across the table. With a selection of fun, laid back music, the restaurant feels like an eternal luau. Of course, the real fun begins with the menu. For starters, ordering the shark bites appetizer is nearly a meal in its own right and one you’ll be looking forward to ordering again: six jumbo shrimp, grilled perfectly, stuffed with jalapeno and cream cheese, wrapped in bacon. Dip these bad boys in the restaurant’s signature tropical-infused sweet and spicy sauce and you’ll be scheduling your next vacation right there at the restaurant.

SHRIMP TACOS

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SHARK BITES

As far as drink options, the grill provides a considerably more diverse selection of tropical specialty and frozen drinks, as well as many of the same domestic and import beers available at the Shark Beach Bar inside the water park. When it’s time for a break from the mundane, the Shark Grill’s bartender, Kammie Hall, says that the drinks prepared by bartenders scream staycation.

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“Anything tropical, the women love,” says Hall. “The drinks really go well with the shrimp and the fish tacos. Anything tropical is hard to beat with the food we make.”

SHARK BEACH GRILL 1941 S. Yale | Tulsa 539-664-4103 sharkbeachgrill.com

The entree menu is quite extensive and truly aims to please anyone coming through the door. The salads, especially the Strawberry Fields, all provide that perfect mix of fruits and veggies, with light and flavorful dressings. Chicken wings, wraps and tenders come out piping hot, smelling perfectly grilled and ready to eat. Yummy taco and burger dishes, each with their own deliciously unique tropical spin, come with rich, tasty flavor and look great when they bring them out to the table. The Cajun shrimp and the aloha salmon are two of the savoriest dishes coming off the grill. Choice meat, cooked just right, satisfies anyone with an appetite for great food and a good party.

STRAWBERRY FIELDS SALAD

“This is a broader horizon,” says Rodriguez. “It’s not on the same thing you’ve been able to get inside the park for the past two years at the Shark Beach Bar. You can enjoy all those things and more, and now all year long.”

Other specialty drinks Hall says the regulars have already warmed up to are the Push Pop, Cake by the Ocean and the Green Lizard. The Push Pop, says Hall, looks cute and tastes amazing, with the perfectly sweet combination of Captain Morgan, orange juice, Sprite and a splash of top-shelf grenadine. Try the bar’s Cake by the Ocean and you’ll enjoy a sprinkled rim that touches the tongue just right and finishes with a smooth pineapple and Malibu coconut liqueur combo. For a refreshing, yet knock-your-flip-flopsoff kind of melon cocktail, the Green Lizard is just waiting to be consumed by anyone wishing to escape to the beach. Melon liqueur, vodka, and lime, this drink instantly takes you to that sandy destination where you can dip your toes in for a while.

From the fresh and aromatic steak or chicken quesadillas to the spicy and flavorful buffalo chicken sandwich, Rodriquez says they’ve ratcheted up their culinary standards more than a couple notches, compared to what was already top-shelf beach food in the water park.

“I came up with the Shark Bite [staying with the restaurant’s theme] first,” Hall says, “and I immediately fell in love with it because after you shake up the ingredients, it comes out an ocean-colored, bluish-green, and then when you add the shot of grenadine it looks like there’s blood going down. We’ve sold a lot of those for that reason.”

The restaurant’s director of operations, Baldo Rodriguez, says the menu coming from the grill is fresh and unique, yet simple in a way that ensures everyone will find something they love.

Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-Midnight

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MF MASTERS OF FLAVOR

Johnny Chen

90 FEBRUARY 2019

Variety is the name of the game at Yutaka Grill and Sushi Buffet when you and your friends or family members can’t decide on what they’re in the mood for during lunch or dinner. Photos by Sarah Eliza Roberts

Diners who love Asian food won’t be disappointed in the array of options to choose from at Yutaka. The staples are all there for the

Much of the seafood in Yutaka’s sushi is cooked, so there’s no need to fret if you worry about eating raw fish. And there are purely vegetarian options like the California roll for those who enjoy sushi but don’t want to eat meat. There are other tasty treats available as well that diners may or may not be as familiar with, depending on how often they’ve eaten Asian meals. But the adventurous should definitely try delectable items like the baby octopus and kimchi. And if you enjoy seafood, keep an eye out for items like shrimp, salmon, crabs, clams and mussels, which are also normally available daily. Of course, there are numerous selections for those who are more wedded to American cuisine — which is ideal for

Don’t forget about the fresh grill options. Yutaka’s grill can handle a variety of meats — shrimp, squid, crab, beef and chicken — and vegetables mixed to your taste and grilled fresh. The hibachi is only available during dinner, though, so plan accordingly. There are other items typically only available at dinnertime as well — flounder, beef tenderloin, coconut shrimp, and tuna sushi among them. Keep in mind that Yutaka’s buffet can accommodate those with vegetarian and vegan needs. And if you’d enjoy a little buzz with your meal, ask about their beer and wine options.

YUTAKA GRILL AND SUSHI BUFFET Farm Shopping Center | 6560 E. 51st St. | Tulsa 918-921-3400 yutakabuffet-ok.com

The restaurant is casual, with laid-back seating and a television so visitors can catch a bit of news or sports. Everything is self-serve except the drinks, which will be brought out by the wait staff. This makes it easy to drop your belongings at a table and go back again and again for seconds and thirds of your favorite dishes. It’s perfect for families, since there’s plenty to choose from, as well as a relaxed atmosphere welcoming to young children.

Yutaka also features a delightful array of sushi made fresh including classics like the Alaska roll, California roll, Dragon roll, Philadelphia roll, and many others. It’s a great selection for the price. And the simple classics available provide a convenient, easy entry into sushi stylings for those who may not be too familiar with this ever-popular food.

those who come with children in tow, as well as large groups of people whose tastes in cuisine may differ. Cocktail shrimp, fruit salad, bacon shrimp, asparagus, baked salmon, baked tilapia, cheese macaroni, chicken wings, and more are available.

For all these reasons, walking into the casual, simple, quality buffet at Yutaka Grill and Sushi Buffet at the Farm Shopping Center is a delight. Owners Johnny and Susan Chen aim to please everyone who loves a little taste of all their favorite foods when they sit down to enjoy a special meal. The restaurant has been open since 2015, and it’s a popular spot for buffet fans of all ages.

tasting — edamame, hot and sour soup, miso soup, shrimp gyoza, shumai, barbecue spareribs, coconut shrimp, fried rice, sesame balls, spring rolls, teriyaki chicken, crab Rangoon, and vegetable tempura, to name a few.

Who doesn’t love an Asian buffet? Just the idea of strolling along a line of fresh-cooked, Asian-inspired dishes, made with a wide variety of ingredients from tofu to shrimp, fresh vegetables to fresh sushi, tempts the taste buds. And if you have the chance to walk down not one, but two long lines of buffet options, that’s a bonus, right? All-you-can-eat? Even better.

By Michele Chiappetta

Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

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GK GETTING TO KNOW

Presence wit While the charm, history, and location may entice people through the doors of The Campbell Hotel and Event Center, it’s the luxury accommodations and first-rate service that keep people coming back and telling their friends about their experience. Nestled between a delicatessen and bike shop on Route 66 near downtown Tulsa sits a historic landmark most people mistake for just another storefront building. There’s nothing ostentatious about the light brown brick that lines the second story. In fact, one might call it bland, even though during the 1920s the Spanish colonial architecture was trendy. Today, most people drive past without a second glance at the building that’s been added to the National Register of Historic Places. But if you slow down long enough, you might just catch a glimpse of the words etched high in stone — Max Campbell 1927; the building is now home to The Campbell Hotel and Event Center.

By GINA CONROY Photos by MARC RAINS

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Originally named The Casa Loma Hotel, this “home away from home” welcomed weary travelers and salesmen who rode the train to the end of the line on 11th Street at Delaware Avenue to avoid the higher-priced rooms and hustle of

ith a Past “We still have the same original hardwood floors and some older tubs and décor, but each one of our rooms is not like the typical hotel room,” says Morrison. “They are individually decorated by some wonderful designers.” The renovations included commissioning over 40 local designers who brought their unique vision to the rooms. With Oklahoma history themes including décor from 1920s art déco to the history of Bama Pies all wrapped up in a luxury suite, there’s a taste and style for everyone.

The Boardroom offers privacy in a comfortable and elegant setting for a small gathering of up to 24 people, while both the Renaissance Square Event Center and Campbell Hotel Ballroom can accommodate 230-250 people.

“Guests say we offer more of a relaxed and enjoyable experience, and they always tell me what a ‘hidden gem’ we are,” says Morrison. Whether you’re an out-of-town guest exploring the Mother Road or discovering this Tulsa historic icon for the first time, one thing is certain: your visit is sure to be one you won’t forget.

If you’re looking for a combination of quintessential and eclectic style, the Renaissance center is your choice, while the Campbell Hotel Ballroom offers more of a classic setting for weddings or holiday gatherings. Whatever room you stay in and wherever you choose to hold your event, your are guaranteed to have everything you need whether you’re there for the day or the weekend. And if you want to venture out into the area, the hotel is close to unique shopping, dining, and exclusive nightlife. “The hotel has an elite bar and lounge as well as a restaurant and spa,” says Morrison.

THE CAMPBELL HOTEL 2636 E. 11th St. | Tulsa 855-744-5500 thecampbellhotel.com

Morrison, who’s been with the hotel for four years, loves that this luxury boutique hotel with two modern event centers still offers the quaintness and history of the original hotel.

The event centers and Campbell Boardroom are perfect for local businesses and groups to hold meetings and workshops, and entertain out-of-town guests depending upon the event and number of attendees.

While the charm, history, and location may entice people through the doors, it’s the luxury accommodations and first-rate service that keep people coming back and telling their friends about their experience.

After the extensive restoration and preservation of the original architecture for Tulsa’s 2011 Designer Showcase, The Campbell Hotel and Event Center opened to serve not only the weary traveler hoping for a nostalgic experience, but locals looking for first-class accommodations rich in Oklahoma history.

“TU parents come in for graduations and homecoming games and fill the hotel,” says Morrison. “Most of our weddings rent out the entire place, and we give them a good rate for renting out the entire hotel and event center.”

Professional staff at the elegant Spa Maxx cater to guests and locals wanting a full spa treatment including skin care, waxing, massages, hair and nails. The hotel also offers spa day packages and romantic weekend getaways.

“In 1927, the hotel had 34 rooms and each guest shared bathrooms,” says Diane Morrison, the general manager. “When the owner, Aaron Meek, renovated the hotel, he reduced the rooms down to 26 so each room had their own bathroom.”

Today, the hotel attracts smaller conventions, weddings, family reunions, anniversary parties, and even locals on stay-cations as well as a number of international travelers interested in traveling the historic Route 66.

the growing Tulsa metropolis. With spacious closets and lounges as well as a barber and beauty shop, and drug and grocery store on the floors below, it was easy to see why this hotel was a comfortable place to hang your hat for an extended stay.

GETTING TO KNOW GK

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SL SHELF LIFE

NONFICTION/MEMOIR

LITERARY/ CONTEMPORARY

ROMANCE/ WOMEN’S FICTION

MYSTERY, THRILLER AND SUSPENSE

FEB. 5 FEB. 12

FEB. 5

THE MASTER PLAN: MY JOURNEY FROM LIFE IN PRISON TO A LIFE OF PURPOSE BY CHRIS WILSON

Growing up in a tough Washington, D.C., neighborhood, Chris Wilson was so afraid for his life that he wouldn’t leave the house without a gun. One night, defending himself, he killed a man. He was sentenced to life in prison. Deciding to make something of his life, he embarked on a journey of self-improvement, writing out his Master Plan: a list of all he expected to accomplish or acquire. He worked his plan every day for years. Today, Chris is a successful social entrepreneur who employs returning citizens, and is also a mentor and a public speaker. He is the embodiment of second chances.

THE NIGHT TIGER

WHEN YOU READ THIS

THE BLACK ASCOT

Ji Lin moonlights as a dancehall girl to help pay off her mother’s debts. Houseboy Ren is on a mission to find his former master’s finger, lost years ago in an accident, and bury it with his body. As the days pass, a series of unexplained deaths racks the district, along with whispers of men who turn into tigers. Ji Lin and Ren’s increasingly dangerous paths crisscross through lush plantations, hospital storage rooms, and ghostly dreamscapes.

For four years, Iris Massey worked with public relations maven Smith Simonyi. But Iris died, taken by terminal illness. Adrift without his friend and colleague, Smith is surprised to discover that in her last six months, Iris created a blog filled with musings on the end of a life not quite fulfilled. She also made one final request: for Smith to get her posts published as a book. Smith tackles the task of fulfilling Iris’s last wish. Before he can do so, though, he must get the approval of Iris’ big sister Jade, a haute cuisine chef who’s been knocked sideways by her loss. Smith and Jade end up on a collision course with their own unresolved pasts and with each other.

Alan Barrington, who has evaded capture for 10 years, is the suspect in an appalling murder during Black Ascot, the famous 1910 royal horserace honoring the late King Edward VII. His disappearance began a manhunt that consumed Britain for a decade. Now it appears that Barrington has returned to England, giving Scotland Yard’s Inspector Ian Rutledge a last chance to see justice done.

BY YANGSZE CHOO

ALSO LOOK FOR:

AMERICAN POP

LEADING MEN

FEB. 5

FEB. 12

BY SNOWDEN WRIGHT

BY DANE HUCKELBRIDGE

DON’T LET ME DOWN BY ERIN HOSIER FEB. 5

Born in the Huckelbridge’s No turbulent 1970s, Beast So Fierce is Erin was raised the true account in rural Ohio by of the Champawat lapsed hippies tiger, which terrified who traded 1960s northern India and rock ‘n’ roll for Nepal from 1900-07, 1950s-era Christian and Jim Corbett, the hymns. legendary hunter who pursued it. FEB. 5

BY CHARLES TODD

ALSO LOOK FOR:

NO BEAST SO FIERCE

BY MARY ADKINS

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Moving from Mississippi to Paris to New York and back again, this is the saga of an unforgettable Southern dynasty — the Forsters, founders of the world’s first major soft-drink company — told against the backdrop of more than a century of American cultural history.

BY CHRISTOPHER CASTELLANI

In 1953, at a glittering party thrown by Truman Capote, Tennessee Williams and his longtime lover Frank Merlo meet Anja Blomgren, a mysteriously taciturn young Swedish beauty and aspiring actress. Their encounter will go on to alter all of their lives — especially when Frank is on his deathbed.

THE GIRL IN THE GLASS BOX I INVITED HER IN BY ADELE PARKS FEB. 5

When Mel receives an unexpected email from her oldest friend, Abi, it brings back memories she thought she had buried forever. Abi is in trouble, and she wants a place to stay, just for a few days while she sorts things out. It’s the least Mel can do. After all, friends look out for each other, don’t they?

THE AGE OF LIGHT BY WHITNEY SCHARER FEB. 5

Vogue model turned renowned photographer Lee Miller works to forge a new identity as an artist after a life spent as a muse. Her journey takes her from the cabarets of bohemian Paris to the battlefields of war-torn Europe during WW II, as she tries to reconcile romantic desire.

BY JAMES GRIPPANDO

SPY IN EXILE

BY JONATHAN DE SHALIT FEB. 5

After Ya’ara Stein Miami attorney is forced out of her Jack Swyteck job at the Mossad, lands in the heart she is called upon of the contentious to set up a secret immigration debate unit that will act when he takes independently, on the heartanswerable only to wrenching case of the prime minister. an undocumented This deadly unit immigrant who quickly faces fled to America threats both old to protect her and new. As Stein’s daughter and cadets struggle to save herself from crush these threats, El Salvador’s they soon discover bloodthirsty gangs, how easily the random violence, hunter can become and her abusive the hunted. husband. FEB. 5

SHELF LIFE SL

SCIENCE FICTION, FANTASY AND HORROR

SELF-HELP AND INSPIRATIONAL

YOUNG ADULT AND MIDDLE GRADE

CHILDREN

FEB. 26 FEB. 12

FEB. 26

SAY SOMETHING

BY PETER H. REYNOLDS

FEB. 5

THE CITY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT BY CHARLIE JANE ANDERS

January is a dying planet — divided between a permanently frozen darkness on one side, and blazing endless sunshine on the other. Humanity clings to life, spread across two archaic cities built in the sliver of habitable dusk. But life inside the cities is just as dangerous as the uninhabitable wastelands outside. When reluctant revolutionary Sophie is exiled into the night, she vows to stay hidden from the world, hoping she can heal. But fate has other plans. Sophie’s ensuing odyssey and the ragtag family she finds will change the entire world.

THE ALTER EGO EFFECT

FOUR DEAD QUEENS

There’s only one person in the way of you untapping your potential: you. There’s also one person who can move you out of the way so you can perform at your peak. That person is already inside you. You just need to unlock them. This other part of you is your alter ego. The Alter Ego Effect is not about creating a false mask—it’s about finding the hero already inside you. It’s a proven way of overcoming the self-doubt, negativity, and insecurity that hold you back, and empowering you to ultimately become your best self.

Keralie may seem harmless, but she’s a skilled thief and a liar. Varin, on the other hand, is an honest, upstanding citizen. He runs afoul of Keralie when she steals a package from him, putting his life in danger. When Varin attempts to retrieve the package, he and Keralie find themselves entangled in a conspiracy that leaves all four of Quadara’s queens dead. They join forces to discover who has killed the queens and save their own lives in the process.

BY TODD HERMAN

BY ASTRID SCHOLTE

POLARIS RISING

FEB. 5

When Ada’s father arranges for her to wed a nobleman she doesn’t love, Ada flees. But now her luck has run out. The fiery princess is thrown into a prison cell with war criminal Marcus Loch.

BY JENN LYONS

Kihrin grew up in the slums, a thief and a minstrel’s son raised on tales of long-lost princes and magnificent quests. When he is claimed against his will as the missing son of a treasonous prince, Kihrin discovers that being a long-lost prince is nothing like the storybooks.

BY JESSIE MIHALIK FEB. 5

EIGHT DATES: ESSENTIAL CONVERSATIONS FOR A LIFETIME OF LOVE

90 SECONDS TO A LIFE YOU LOVE

FEB. 5

biological life span of a feeling lasts approximately 90 seconds. By learning to be aware of and lean into unpleasant emotions, we can cultivate the confidence to handle life’s challenges.

BY JOAN I. ROSENBERG FEB. 12

BY JOHN AND JULIE Neuroscience GOTTMAN suggests the

Drawing on 40 years of research from their worldfamous Love Lab, Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman invite couples on eight fun, easy, rewarding dates.

TEN RULES OF THE BIRTHDAY WISH FEB. 12

ALSO LOOK FOR:

THE RUIN OF KINGS

ALSO LOOK FOR:

BY BETH FERRY

ALSO LOOK FOR:

This empowering new picture book explores the many ways that a single voice can make a difference. Each of us has the chance to say something with our actions, our words, and our voices. There are so many ways to tell the world who you are, what you are thinking, and what you believe.

WATCH US RISE

BY RENÉE WATSON AND ELLEN HAGAN FEB. 12

Jasmine and Chelsea are sick of the way women are treated at their high school, so they start a women’s rights club. When the principal shuts the club down, they will risk everything for their voices to be heard.

SONG FOR A WHALE

BY LYNNE KELLY FEB. 5

Iris is a tech genius. But she’s the only deaf person in her school, so people often treat her like she’s not very smart. When she learns about a real whale who is unable to speak to other whales, Iris decides to invent a way to “sing” to him. But he’s 3,000 miles away. How will she play her song for him?

A crew of hilarious animals take readers through a joyous romp that covers the most important elements of a kid’s birthday including singing, making a wish, blowing out candles, and dreaming of your wish coming true.

PAY ATTENTION, CARTER JONES BY GARY D. SCHMIDT FEB. 5

In addition to figuring out middle school, Carter has to adjust to the unwelcome presence of this new know-it-all English butler in his life. He also learns that burdens of grief and anger become lighter when shared.

Release dates are subject to change.

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S SHOWTIME FEB. 1 MISS BALA

Gloria finds a power she never knew she had when she is drawn into a dangerous world of crossborder crime. Surviving will require all of her cunning, inventiveness, and strength. Cast: Gina Rodriguez, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Anthony Mackie

WHAT MEN WANT

A woman is boxed out by the male sports agents in her profession, but gains an unexpected edge over them when she develops the ability to hear their thoughts. Cast: Taraji Henson, Aldis Hodge, Tracy Morgan RATING: NR

COLD PURSUIT

Snowplower Nelson Coxman seeks revenge against a drug cartel in his Rocky Mountain hometown after his son is

RATING: PG-13

ARCTIC

A man stranded in the Arctic after an airplane crash must decide whether to remain in the relative safety of his makeshift camp or to embark on a deadly trek through the unknown in hopes of making it out alive. Cast: Mads Mikkelsen, Maria Thelma Smaradottir RATING: PG-13

FEB. 8

murdered by the gang. Cast: Liam Neeson, Laura Dern, Emmy Rossum RATING: NR

THE PRODIGY

A mother concerned about her young son’s disturbing behavior thinks something supernatural may be affecting him. Cast: Taylor Schilling, Jackson Robert Scott, Colm Feore

UNDER THE EIFFEL TOWER

FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY

Stuart is having a midlife crisis. Desperate for something more in life, he tags along on his best friend’s family vacation to Paris and then proposes to his friend’s 24-year-old daughter, Rosalind, while standing under the Eiffel Tower. Cast: Matt Walsh, Judith Godreche, Reid Scott

The Bevis family, who all are professional wrestlers, try to work through the issues that arise when sister and brother duo, Saraya and Zak, audition for roles in WWE. Cast: Florence Pugh, Jack Lowden, Dwayne Johnson

RATING: NR

RATING: PG-13

FEB. 14 HAPPY DEATH DAY 2U

Two years after the events of the first film, Tree Gelbman unexpectedly re-enters the time loop and becomes determined to escape it after finding out her friends are now involved. When she discovers that Lori Spengler, the original killer, has been murdered, Tree must face the new killer in order to uncover their identity and break free of the time loop once and for all. Cast: Jessica Rothe, Israel Broussard, Suraj Sharma RATING: PG-13

RATING: R

ISN’T IT ROMANTIC

For a long time, Natalie, an Australian architect living in New York City, believed that what she had seen in rom-coms is all fantasy. But after thwarting a mugger at a subway station only to be knocked out while fleeing, Natalie wakes up and discovers that she is self-aware of her existence in a “PG-13 Universe” and must escape every cliché in order to finally fall in love and achieve the happily ever after that will bring her back to reality. Cast: Rebel Wilson, Liam Hemsworth, Adam DeVine RATING: PG-13

BIRDS OF PASSAGE

ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL THE LEGO MOVIE 2: THE SECOND PART

It’s been five years since everything was awesome, and the citizens are facing a huge new threat: Lego Duplo invaders from outer space are wrecking everything faster than they can rebuild. Cast: Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett RATING: PG

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EVERYBODY KNOWS

Laura, a Spanish woman living in Buenos Aires, returns to her hometown outside Madrid with her two children to attend her sister’s wedding. However, the trip is upset by unexpected events that bring secrets into the open. Cast: Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, Ricardo Darin RATING: R

Alita, a disembodied “core,” awakens with no memory in a post-apocalyptic world destroyed by a technological fall. Dr. Ido finds her and gives her a new body. They discover that Alita is more than what she seems and has an extraordinary past. As she navigates her new life, she battles other machines who are empowered with skills. Cast: Rosa Salazar, Christoph Waltz, Jennifer Connelly RATING: NR

During the marijuana bonanza, a violent decade that saw the origins of drug trafficking in Colombia, Rapayet and his indigenous family get involved in a war to control the business that ends up destroying their lives and their culture. Cast: Carmina Martinez, Jose Acosta, Natalia Reyes RATING: NR

FEB. 22

OPENS FEB. 8 COLD WAR A passionate love story between two people of different backgrounds and temperaments, who are fatefully mismatched and yet condemned to each other. Set against the background of the Cold War in the 1950s in Poland, Berlin, Yugoslavia and Paris, the film depicts an impossible love story in impossible times. FEB. 9 CONTINUING WITH DAILY SHOWTIMES

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD

As Hiccup fulfills his dream of creating a peaceful dragon utopia, Toothless’ discovery of an untamed, elusive mate draws the Night Fury away. When danger mounts at home and Hiccup’s reign as village chief is tested, both dragon and rider must make impossible decisions to save their kind. Cast: Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler RATING: PG

THE RHYTHM SECTION

A woman seeks revenge against those who orchestrated a plane crash that killed her family. Cast: Blake Lively, Jude Law, Max Casella RATING: NR

RUN THE RACE

Against the backdrop of high school football and track, two brothers in a small Southern town face escalating problems with two different world views — straining, but ultimately strengthening, the bonds of brotherhood. Cast: Mykelti Williamson, Kristoffer Polaha, Tanner Stine RATING: PG

NR = A rating was not available as of Jan. 20, 2019

Release dates and ratings are subject to change.

VICE The story of Dick Cheney, an unassuming bureaucratic Washington insider, who quietly wielded immense power as vice president to George W. Bush, reshaping the country and the globe in ways that we still feel. All-star cast includes Steve Carell, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Sam Rockwell and Tyler Perry. THE FAVOURITE In early 18th century England, a frail Queen Anne occupies the throne and her close friend, Lady Sarah, governs the country in her stead. When a new servant, Abigail, arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah. ON THE BASIS OF SEX After a hugely successful engagement at Circle Cinema this year of the documentary RGB, comes this new film and story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, her struggles for equal rights and what she had to overcome in order to become a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. OPENS FEB. 2 OSCAR NOMINATED SHORT FILMS: LIVE ACTION Another Circle Cinema yearly tradition is showing all of the Oscar nominated shorts. This program is always a popular treat for film fans.

THE BLACK PIRATE (1926) Sworn to avenge his father’s murder, a young aristocrat takes on a new role as an infamous pirate, cheerfully pillaging the Seven Seas until he achieves proper justice. This rapid-paced, silent Douglas Fairbanks swashbuckler, rampant with stunt work and including early Technicolor scenes, is top-notch fun. OPENS FEB. 15 CAPERNAUM Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, the film tells the story of Zain, a Lebanese boy who sues his parents for the “crime” of giving him life and follows this gutsy street-wise child as he flees his negligent parents and survives through his wits on the streets. OSCAR NOMINATED SHORT FILMS: ANIMATED This week is another audience favorite as the animated nominees unspool on the big screen. It’s also your chance to catch all the shorts before the Academy Awards, giving you a leg up on your Oscar picks and office pool. FEB. 22 OSCAR NOMINATED SHORT FILMS: DOCUMENTARIES Some consider this segment of the nominated short films to be their very favorite as it’s quite different from the animated and live action. These short, and sometimes powerful docs, are not to be missed. FEB. 24

SHOWTIME S

LOCATOR ADMIRAL TWIN DRIVE-IN 7355 E. Easton St. Tulsa | 918.878.8099 AMC SOUTHROADS 20 4923 E. 41st St. Tulsa | 888.AMC.4FUN B&B CLAREMORE 8 1407 W. Country Club Claremore | 918.342.2422 B&B CINEMA 8 1245 New Sapulpa Road Sapulpa | 918.227.7469 CINEMARK BROKEN ARROW 1801 E. Hillside Drive Broken Arrow | 918.355.0427 CINEMARK SAND SPRINGS 1112 E. Charles Page Blvd. Sand Springs 800.FAN.DANG (#1407) CINEMARK TULSA 10802 E. 71st S. Tulsa | 800.FAN.DANG (#1128) CIRCLE CINEMA 10 S. Lewis Ave. Tulsa | 918.592.3456 ETON SQUARE 6 CINEMA 8421 E. 61st St. Tulsa | 918.286.2618 AMC CLASSIC OWASSO 12601 E. 86th St. N. Owasso | 918.376.9191 STARWORLD 20 10301 S Memorial Drive Tulsa | 918.369.7475 WARREN BROKEN ARROW 18 1700 W. Aspen Creek Drive Broken Arrow | 918.893.9798

OSCAR EXPERIENCE 2019 Circle Cinema presents the 91st Academy Awards on the big screen, complete with host Erin Christy from KTULTV, and includes photo-ops, light bites, ballot, door prizes, trivia, and cash bar.

Check Circle Cinema website for times, costs, additional events and more details. Release dates, showings and ratings are subject to change.

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B BROOKSIDE

sushi with a pulse! fresh sushi + incredible kitchen entrees + great happy hour + live music (on Brookside) + sunset views (on the hill) on the hill 918.524.0063 brookside 918.744.1300 broken arrow 918.893.6111 call 918.671.0606 for catering

98 FEBRUARY 2019

Tulsa’s favorite

e ne of th Voted o antic m most ro eat places to ! in Tulsa

reserve your stay in paradise today Endless gaming excitement

Two casinos under one roof– River Spirit® & Margaritaville®

Fine-dining excellence

The only Ruth’s Chris® Steak House in Oklahoma

Luxurious Spa & Salon

Pamper yourself in our relaxing retreat

Beautiful river views Luxurious resort hotel

Caribbean-style pool Soak up some sun

Awesome live music

5 o’Clock Somewhere® Bar, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville®, Paradise Cove Theater

8330 RIVERSIDE PARK WAY TULSA , OK 74137 888-748-3731 • RIVERSPIRIT TULSA .COM

PROUD RECIPIENT OF