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NOEL R. WILLIAMS, M.D.
in this issue
AUGUST 2017
Features
32
OKC'S TOP TACOS
South-of-the-border savor is something the OKC metro does very well, but in a community with more options than you can shake a churro at, not all tacos are created equal. If you’re in love with lengua or passionate about al pastor, consider these local taquerias must-try experiences.
40
WEEKEND WANDERING
Wanting to enjoy the great outdoors doesn’t necessarily mean arranging a great big trip – cures for wanderlust, and spiritual rewards for the curious, are available without leaving the state or even the city. From a revitalized Beaver’s Bend to urban hikes in OKC, we’ve found some outstanding nature day trips in Oklahoma.
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405 MAGAZINE AUGUST 2017
405.607.4323 | Casady Square | North Pennsylvania & Britton Road | www.NaifehFineJewelry.com Monday-Friday 10am-5:30pm | Saturday 10am-5pm Financing available WAC
in this issue
AUGUST 2017
In the 405
beauty; reveling in the
13 Chatting about top-
placid, scenic charms
ics from severe weather to skin cancer with meteorologist Damon Lane; Urban Threads proprietor Cherami Thomas shows off some of her favorite merchandise; fresh new sneakers that belong in your closet; a common myth about Oklahoma’s size supremacy over states east of the Mississippi; noble intentions and humorous results for recovering from surgery; TV star Vicki Lawrence shares some wit and medical advice; a photoessay on old tractors making a comeback.
of Michigan’s timeless Mackinac Island.
Dining 103 Burger maestro Justin Nicholas tackles diner-style food in the stylish Midtown hideaway Nic’s Place; a healthy summer recipe from chef Christine Dowd, who praises the rewards of cooking with and for family; a colorful showcase of seafood presented by elegant Bricktown destination The Mantel; why a Herradura-fueled Horseshoe Margarita
Culture
at Mama Roja could be
Academy offers help to high school students struggling to overcome addiction, and hope to their families.
Events
your new lucky libation.
46 OKC’s Mission
115 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma gears up to host a Moveable Feast in Norman;
Home
the freshly renovated
89 Restaurateur Brian
Tower Theatre’s slate
Bogert got the chance to move into a home he has loved for decades, and is making the most of his dream; reflecting on mirrors’ artistic possibilities can pay huge decorative dividends.
of upcoming musical
Travel
96 A journey to a lush island in the Philippines reveals an idyllic atmosphere of natural splendor and otherworldly
ON THE COVER
4
Tennis, Anyone?
90
A print of Andy Warhol’s vibrant portrait of tennis star Chris Evert hangs in the bedroom of Brian Bogert’s dream home – bold use of color is a repeated element of his décor, as is stylish illumination from chandeliers such as this one.
A selection of Big Truck Tacos’ many taste and topping combinations. Photo by Scotty O’Daniel
405 MAGAZINE AUGUST 2017
guests; a new pair of exhibitions telling state stories at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.
In Every Issue 8 From the Editor 10 Web Sights 22 On the Scene 108 Food and Drink 118 On the Radar 120 Backstory
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AUGUST 2017
VOLUME 3 • NUMBER 8
Editor-in-Chief Heidi Rambo Centrella heidi.centrella@405magazine.com ; Heading to Alaska pull promises not to d” an “Into the Wil
Style Editor Sara Gae Waters saragae.waters@405magazine.com Fashion Editor Jennifer Salyer jennifer.salyer@405magazine.com Editorial Coordinator Louise Scrivens Contributing Writers M.J. Alexander, Mark Beutler, Christine Eddington, Lauren Hammack, Greg Horton, Matt Payne, Elaine Warner Likes photograp hing tacos almost as much as he like s eating them (p. 32)
ART Art Director Scotty O’Daniel scotty.odaniel@405magazine.com Graphic Designer Brian O’Daniel brian.odaniel@405magazine.com
Design & Production Coordinator Tiffany McKnight tiffany.mcknight@405magazine.com Contributing Photographers M.J. Alexander, Shannon Cornman, Terrell Fry, Charlie Neuenschwander, ell and Farew hes Quit Nguyen, Matt Payne, Don Risi, is best w good Elaine Warner r the fo . Texas life in
405 Magazine Volume 3, Number 8, August 2017. 405 Magazine is published monthly by 405 Magazine, Inc. at 1613 N. Broadway, Oklahoma City, OK 73103, 405.842.2266. © Copyright 2017 405 Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of 405 Magazine content, in whole or part by any means, without the express written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. 405 Magazine is not responsible for the care of and/or return of unsolicited materials. 405 Magazine reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed detrimental to the community’s best interest or in questionable taste. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of ownership or management. Basic annual subscription rate is $14.95. U.S. single-copy price is $4.95. Back issues are $9.50 each
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405 MAGAZINE AUGUST 2017
Associate Publisher Tom H. Fraley III tom.fraley@405magazine.com
EDITORIAL Managing Editor Steve Gill steve.gill@405magazine.com
Kehinde Wiley (American, b. 1977). Shantavia Beale II, 2012. Oil on canvas, 60 x 48 in. (152.4 x 121.9 cm). Collection of Ana and Lenny Gravier. © Kehinde Wiley. (Photo: Jason Wyche)
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FROM THE EDITOR
The Heat Is On
HEIDI R A MBO CEN TRELL A Editor-in-Chief heidi.centrella@405magazine.com
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PHOTO BY SIMON HURST
W HE N YOU CA N ’ T take the heat, it might be time to get out of the kitchen. And during these sweltering Oklahoma days, what better way to keep your cool than by letting someone else do the cooking? We hit the streets again this month to visit renowned and lesser-known eateries in search of the most outstanding examples of one particular dish we think you might enjoy as much as we do: tacos. And why not? They’re easy to handle (typically), inexpensive (with a few relative exceptions) and enjoyed by almost everyone (there’s always that one person in the group). I really wasn’t sure the guys at the office could rebound so quickly after the Bar-B-Quest issue (May 2017), but indeed they did, and proudly so. After sampling the offerings from nearly 30 local venues, ranging from fancy restaurants to trucks, we are confident you won’t run out of places to try something new and varied anytime soon – start feasting your eyes on pg. 32. Meanwhile, Matt Payne took to the highways in search of Oklahoma’s best day trips (pg. 40). He covers everything from urban exploration here in OKC to the state’s prime places for best hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking or simply gazing … and then some. Don’t miss his recommendations for new things to do in Beaver’s Bend – the already-beloved state park has received quite a facelift, and his description has us thinking that it might be time to book an excursion to one of the jewels of southeastern Oklahoma. Also within these pages, you’ll find our annual special section titled Faces of the 405. Those featured represent an array of businesses that pride themselves on delivering products and services of exceptional quality – they’re among the best you’ll find in central Oklahoma at what they do, so if you’re not already familiar with them and their work, you’ll no doubt find this section helpful or even inspiring. Whether you choose to take advantage of the long daylight hours and do some exploring, or stay home and do your best to hide from the heat, I hope you make it through the dog days in good health and spirits. Autumn is just around the corner!
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Sometimes, admittedly, travel can be primarily an exercise in getting away from it all – the “where” isn’t necessarily that important. But often, the destination is definitely worthwhile for its own sake, and the sights seen at journey’s end are a major factor in the enjoyment of the trip. Matt Payne did a considerable amount of traveling for this month’s issue, from the balmy beauty of an island paradise in the Philippines to the considerable charms of natural wonders found right here in Oklahoma – and we have plenty of additional pictures from his trips to share with you. Take a little journey to 405magazine.com/travel to go on a visual vacation.
Time to Dine
From first-class dining at The Mantel to the more diner-style delights of Nic’s Place, you’ll find excellent reasons in this issue to get out and explore the metro’s restaurants (including some especially tempting Mexican ones). And with that in mind, wouldn’t you like us to pick up part of the tab? The giveaway we call the Friday $50 continues in August, as each week, we give away $50 worth of gift cards to an eatery found in this month’s issue or one of our office’s other local favorites. Entering is free – for your chance to win, keep an eye on our newsletters and click the link you find inside. (If you aren’t already signed up, visit 405magazine.com/newsletters/ and get that taken care of right away.) We draw a random winner each Friday, so your appetite for
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405 MAGAZINE AUGUST 2017
tion atop our home page that updates multiple times each week to share fresh news and developments in progress for OKC and the 405 – so we’re planning to keep bringing you more. We hope you’ll keep an eye on its more frequent updates, and feel free to share tips with us by emailing feedback@405magazine.com.
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Join the Circle of Red. Fight heart disease with like-minded women and men. Circle of Red members are a vital part of the Go Red movement in Central Oklahoma. Their annual membership supports the American Heart Association in the fight against our No. 1 killer, heart disease. Circle of Red Membership Benefits Include: 路 Fun and educational networking events like the upcoming party with Rustic Cuff founder Jill Donovan. 路 Feature article and photo in local newspapers and magazines. 路 VIP seats and recognition at the Go Red For Women Luncheon in February. 路 An exclusive welcome gift. Thank you to the Circle of Red for their continued and dedicated support of the Go Red For Women Movement. Circle Chair Nancy Hyde, CPA * Dr. Mary Ann Bauman * Lisa Blackburn Michele Compton * Martha Burger * Jacque Fiegel * Tammie D. Garrison Jennifer M. Grigsby * Shannon Hiebert * Gail Huneryager * Elizabeth Hunt Peggy Kates * Jane C. Krizer * Aleicia R. Mack, DO * Janelle McGinnis Cindy McInerney * Lynne Murphy * Dr. Delores Parker-Bell, PhD Valerie Riley * Sara Sweet * Dawn Tartaglione, DO, FACOS * Mary Whitson
Contact Central Oklahoma American Heart Association Go Red For Women Director, Shelly Jordan at 405-415-3037 for information on joining this amazing group.
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405 MAGAZINE AUGUST 2017
405
in the
PHOTO BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER
The Weather Man Why the umbrella? When you’re one of the people dedicated to keeping Oklahomans informed about the weather and safe during outbreaks of severe storms, it helps to be prepared. Meteorologist Damon Lane sits down to chat about how he met his wife Melissa, how his cancer diagnosis actually helped some viewers ‌ and why he finds some aspects of winter more nerve-wracking than tornado season. AUGUST 2017 405 MAGAZINE
13
in the 405 CONVERSATION
BEHIND THE FORECAST Skiing, sunblock and staying alert with Damon Lane
HE’S A FA MIL I A R FACE to most Oklahomans, and a trusted
voice of reassurance during times of bad weather: Damon Lane is chief meteorologist at OKC’s KOCO-TV, and leads a team of professionals whose job it is to help keep Oklahomans safe. But behind the scenes, he’s just your average guy – a family man, sports enthusiast and also a cancer survivor. How long have you been in Oklahoma? “I moved to Moore in 2009, but I grew up in northern Virginia, just outside of Washington, DC.” What was Damon Lane like as a kid? “Well, high school was fun. I played baseball for three years and swam all four years. I kept myself busy with sports, so there wasn’t much room for me to do anything else.”
Are you married? “Yes, I met my wife Melissa at my first TV job in Abilene. I remember on my first day seeing a cute girl on TV, and I actually took a picture of her and sent it to my friends. I remember saying something like, ‘Hey, check out this cutie!’ We dated a little but never got serious, because we knew our TV careers would only keep us in Abilene for a short while – and then who knows where we’d end up? We stayed close friends, though. We would go to one another for relationship advice, while all our friends were telling us how great a couple we would make. She came to Oklahoma City shortly after Abilene, and then down to Dallas to continue her career. I invited her to be my plus-one at a friend’s wedding one weekend back in 2011. That weekend led to another, and before we both knew it, we were engaged. She moved here, and here we are.” Kids? “One kid, two dogs and a fish.” How about hobbies; what’s your favorite pastime? “In the winter, I love to ski. Like, seriously! Otherwise you’ll find me biking, swimming or playing in a bounce house with my 2-yearold daughter.” If we were to somehow get your iPod, what kind of music would we find? “I listen to just about any kind of music, but for the past few years I have become a huge Mumford and Sons fan. I can listen to them play all day.”
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A couple of years ago you were very public about an occurrence of skin cancer; how did you find out it was cancer? “I remember seeing a spot on my nose that would occasionally bleed every few days and then stop. It kind of resembled a pimple, but never went away. A few months later, I had it biopsied – and sure enough, it was cancer. Early detection was key. I had surgery and now it’s all gone. I still go in every six months just to get checked out. If you get it once, then you’re likely to get it again.” And you continued working on air during your recovery? “I did. The public was very nice about it. I even had my doctor tell me he saw an uptick in people coming in because of my story. That made me feel really good. I’m glad I could convince a few more people to get checked.” What sort of lifestyle changes did you make after that? “Well, I wear a shirt more often and use lots of sunblock. I’m no longer as tan as I used to be.” Which is more nerve-wracking – dealing with iced-over roads or tornadoes bearing down on the Oklahoma landscape? “Great question! Oklahomans seem to know what to do when tornadoes come into town. They have their shelters and know when it’s time to go in. Ice, though … we are not as good in handling that. I may be driving slow, but there’s always someone around that is pushing the limits a bit. First, they go 15 mph, then 20, then 25. Once they start to feel good, they start to increase their speed, and then bam! So yeah, icy roads definitely concern me the most.” - MARK BEUTLER
PHOTO BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER
Back then, did you have an interest in meteorology? “I’m not sure how I became interested in meteorology. I think it’s always been in me. In the winter times, I would dream of the snowstorms that would cancel school. What kid didn’t?”
Designs that inspire.
9460 N May Ave The Village, OK 405.748.8595
in the 405 FAVORITE THINGS
Minnie Rose gold frames, $189 “One of my summer essentials!”
Louis Vuitton moccasins, $499 “No Bohemian babe can go without these to romp around town in!”
Skinny & Co. oil pulling kit, $32 “This is my favorite body-slimming cream.”
Big Deal fedora, $170 “A staple in my closet.”
Thunderbird cuff, $64 “My favorite accessory to wear when headed to a summer festival.”
Boho Outlaw tank, $59 “This is perfect for unleashing your inner Boho.”
Cherami Thomas
Style in the City Weaving Urban Threads’ story
Pom-pom clutch, $149 “A must-have in any summer wardrobe.”
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405 MAGAZINE AUGUST 2017
Skemo Mommy and Me kaftans, mommy size $144, little girl size $72 “These are some of my favorite mommyand-me outfits for my little daughter Tatum and I to wear.”
Love Tokens handcrafted turquoise necklace by local artist Stacey DeGraffenreid, $545 “These stunning pieces are some of my most prized possessions, and should be on any fashionista’s list.”
PHOTOS BY DON RISI
Ruby Yaya tunic, $165 “For a fun and colorful outfit to run around town – you can dress it down with a hat and sandals, or dress it up go out.”
A WOR D OF A DV ICE: Get ready to smile when you meet Cherami Thomas, the maestro behind Urban Threads. This new store is located inside Urban Farmhouse Designs – the mega-wonder of a home furniture store she and husband Jason have built from the ground up at 400 S Western in OKC – and Urban Threads is like finding the candy aisle while shopping for other things. Cherami radiates positivity, joy and fun, and those qualities shine throughout the store with her boho style and knack for design. In addition to racks of beautiful clothes, they carry jewelry that is a confection unto itself, as well as self-care products, shoes, bags, purses … you name it; everything you need to up your style. As for her dreams for what Urban Threads would be, Cherami says, “I wanted to create what I like to call my throw-and-go line. It’s meant for on-the-go moms and working women who want to stay hip and cute without spending tons of time on themselves. You literally throw on a kaftan, a hat, lots of fun jewelry and away you go!” That spirit of ease and joy are definitely alive and well in a dream realized. - SAR A GAE WATERS
in the 405 TRENDS
Kendall + Kylie “Braydin” from Cayman’s, $135
Ilse Jacobsen slip-on sneakers in raspberry from Kokopelli, $74
Kick Up Your Heels
Kendall + Kylie “Brandy” from Cayman’s, $135
A new shoe to-do practically a must for those about to head off to a new school year – and even if you aren’t, how about treating yourself just for the start of fall? Trending now is the ever-popular sneaker; slip-on or lace-up, this is a must for your everyday wardrobe. You can go casual and comfortable, or dive in and embrace the concept of bling. If you are wondering whether “Baby needs a new pair of shoes,” the answer is yes … especially if they are one of these spectacular pairs! - SAR A GAE WATERS Kendall + Kylie “Joslyn” from Balliets, $110 Kokopelli, 12100 N May, OKC; Balliets, 5801 NW Grand, OKC; Cayman’s, 2001 W Main, Norman
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405 MAGAZINE AUGUST 2017
Stuart Weitzman “Decor” in snow nubuck from Balliets, $585
PHOTOS BY DON RISI
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in the 405 OKLAHOMYTHS
Sooner Size Me Oklahoma vs. the eastern U.S.
OK L A HOM A’S BOR DER S enclose nearly 70,000 square miles
of territory – that’s pretty big, right? Well, yes and no – it’s not small, but it turns out that it’s easy to get ahead of yourself when making big assertions. THE CLAIM: “In fact, Oklahoma is the 18th largest state, larger than any state east of the Mississippi River and larger than all of New England.” THE SOURCE: Oklahoma Politics and Policies: Governing the Sooner State By David R. Morgan, Robert E. England and George G. Humphreys, University of Nebraska Press (1991) Page 9 FACT CHECK: Oklahoma is the 18th-largest state: False. Oklahoma is larger than any state east of the Mississippi River: False. Oklahoma is larger than all of New England: False. Written reference to Oklahoma as being larger than any state east of the Mississippi dates back to early statehood, noted in Volume 2 of The Oklahoma Red Book, issued in 1912 by the Oklahoma Territory Legislative Assembly Council, compiled by W.B. Richards, Corporation Record Clerk, under the supervision of Benjamin F. Harrison, Secretary of State. The assertion has been repeated as fact in several books. In addition to the aforementioned Oklahoma Politics and Policies, later references include OKLAHOMA: A History by H. Wayne Morgan and Anne Hodges Morgan, and It Happened in Oklahoma by Robert L. Dorman.
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And it is true … but only if you fudge the numbers by counting only land, subtracting all areas within state borders occupied by a body of water. This approach is self-serving as Oklahoma – despite its claim to having more shoreline than any other state, which has also been refuted – tallies only 1,303 square miles of water, or 1.87 percent of its total area. That’s far less than the national average. But in the claim for size supremacy, the U.S. Census Bureau has the final say. The official federal tally employs total area – land and water combined – to calculate state size, making Oklahoma’s total area of 69,899 square miles 20th among the 50 states. East of the Mississippi River, the largest state in total area is Michigan. The 11th largest state in the union, the Great Lakes State encompasses 96,714 square miles, a little less than Wyoming and a little more than Minnesota. Michigan boasts 40,174 square miles of water within its borders, amounting to 41.54 percent of its area. With water included, as the Census Bureau prescribes, Oklahoma’s claim to being larger than all of New England is also refuted; the region’s six states combine for a total of 71,992 square miles to our 69,899. Oklahoma just isn’t quite wet enough to get over the top. - M.J. ALEX ANDER
Editor’s note: Oklahoma is rich with history, lore and fun facts, but some of them aren’t quite factual. In this series, M.J. Alexander hunts for the accuracy – or lack thereof – behind some of our state’s stories.
in the 405
LAUGH LINES
afterward, expand my knowledge of the Roman Empire, Quantum Physics, Mastering Tai Chi and a dozen more courses from The Great Courses on Apple TV. During my recovery, I’d definitely offset the time on the couch by doing some leg lifts and firming up the back nine. ... went like this: Season five of “House of Cards” droned in the background during several days of binge catnapping. I would fail a pop quiz that required a synopsis of the season. During a scan of Hulu offerings, I came across the intro to an episode of “Hoarders.” One clip featured extreme cleanup specialist Matt Paxton, who was overheard telling psychologist Dr. Robin Zazio that the episode’s hoard was the worst he’d ever seen in the history of doing the show. That’s all I needed to hear.
The Best Laid Up Plans …
Readjusting goals during convalescence I’ M T HR EE W EEK S into my recovery
ILLUSTRATION BY ERICK SCHOCK
from a foot surgery that I’d been putting off for years. Hastened into action by a deadline my insurance company set during its annoying annual belt tightening, I finally consented to putting life as I know it on hold for several weeks while I convalesced on the couch. For as long as I’d procrastinated about having foot surgery, I’d also kept a running mental list of all the things I’d do if I had three weeks of just lying around with ice on my foot and time on my hands. The plan ... My first project would be a glorious, yet ruthless, culling and organizing of my work and personal email accounts. I’d time-travel through my inbox – sorting, grouping and deleting emails – beginning with 2010. As part of the deep purge, I’d unsubscribe from
about 147 e-commerce intrusions, before revisiting all the messages with follow-up flags and sending thoughtful updates. ... went like this: Days one and two were a blur, thanks to the mind-altering miracle of modern pain management. By day three, my inbox had amassed about 125 new messages, but in my delirium, I’d only managed to peck out one message to a co-worker: “Not d ead.Te ll othe rss.” By the end of the first week, I’d rallied enough to scroll down to 2010. Instead of grouping and deleting emails en masse, however, I opened about 1,500 inconsequential messages and entered into a little time warp, intensified by pain meds. Seeing names of associates from years gone by prompted hours of Facebook and LinkedIn stalking, followed by a solid two-hour YouTube mini-binge of clips from “Britain’s Got Talent,” promoted on the “you might like” column on the right-hand side of my screen. Bottom line: no emails were deleted. The plan … To ease my convalescence, I’d opted in for the commercial-free Hulu subscription and prepared my Netflix queue. I would settle in for the entire fifth season of “House of Cards,” and
Bottom line: There were no leg lifts. The Great Courses never happened. There were many episodes of “Hoarders” (commercial-free!), which resulted in my own piles of Popsicle sticks and Funyuns crumbs. The plan … I’d planned to read five or six books during my down time – when will I ever have this kind of time again? My reading usually takes place from the comfort of a chair that overlooks the bird feeders in the backyard. I’d been looking forward to finishing a splashy tell-all about J. Edgar Hoover’s cross-dressing kink during his reign of terror. Next, I’d enjoy an uninterrupted read about productivity and efficient work habits. After that, I’d be poring over books about foreign travel, true crime or backyard makeovers. ... went like this: On a couple of occasions, I read the back of a cereal box, only to look up and find a squirrel on the bird feeder. From there, my reading consisted of online articles about how to build a backyard sniper’s nest, how to zero the scope of an air rifle and how to dispose of dead vermin. Bottom line: No time for books. Hard to tip-toe to the backyard in a walking boot. - LAUREN HAMMACK AUGUST 2017 405 MAGAZINE
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in the 405 ON THE SCENE
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The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County welcomes guests to Wiley Post Airport for its third annual aviation-themed fundraiser of food, philanthropy and fun. 1. Mark McCubbin, Jeff Kobs, Greg Roush 2. Brooke Overby, Lawre Everest, Cullen Morrow, Kelsey Quillian 3. Kathy Brown, Jane Sutter, Nancy Ellis 4. Trent Bettes, Beverly and Jim Bettes 5. Danny Ojeda, Olivia and Hunter Morris
5 PHOTOS BY TERRELL FRY
Flight for Futures
4
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REAL ESTATE FOR REAL PEOPLE 22
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MASON REALTY INVESTORS
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YWCA Purple Sash Gala PHOTOS COURTESY YWCA
The YWCA’s spectacular gala celebrates the courage of survivors and raises awareness of domestic violence – while raising nearly $300,000 for its programs to improve and save the lives of Oklahomans.
1. Desmond Mason, Mary Blakenship Pointer 2. Jan Peery, Senator Kay Floyd 3. Anastasia Pittman, A.J. Pittman 4. Ann Lacy, Carolyn Nimmo 5. Joan Gilmore, Vicki Clark Gourley, Dick Sias, David Holt
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in the 405 HEALTH AND HOME
Mama’s Memories I T WA S 50 Y E A R S ago in 1967 that Vicki Lawrence wrote a fan letter to Carol Burnett, telling the famous comic that friends had noticed a resemblance between the two women. Lawrence was competing in the “Miss Fireball of Inglewood” contest, and Burnett showed up to see for herself whether there was any likeness. Bingo. Burnett liked what she saw and signed Lawrence as a regular on her eponymous new variety show, set to premiere that fall on CBS. In the years since, Lawrence performed on the entire 11-year run of the legendary “Carol Burnett Show,” starred in her own sitcom “Mama’s Family,” spinning off her famous character, and even recorded a No. 1 record. Half a century later, Lawrence accepts the title of “Hollywood Royalty” with a gracious smile. She was in Oklahoma City recently as part of a nationwide medical tour, bringing attention to a little-known condition from which she suffers – it’s called chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU), more commonly known as chronic hives. “I woke up one morning about seven years ago with my palms itching, so I told my husband to go buy a lottery ticket,” Lawrence says with a laugh. “A little while later, I was walking the dogs and began itching all over. By the time I got home, I had welts all over my body.” Lawrence went to her doctor, who said almost everyone breaks out in hives at some point in their lives. But after six
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PHOTO BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER
Health and Hollywood with Vicki Lawrence
SPECIALIZING IN: WISDOM TEETH • DENTAL IMPLANTS CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY • FACIAL INJURIES • MOUTH & LIP CANCER weeks and dozens of treatments, the hives would not go away. “That’s when he diagnosed me with CIU,” she says. “I began searching the internet, but didn’t find much about it. Luckily, my doctor got my hives under control. Fast forward – I joined this program [called] ‘CIU and You,’ which is supported by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America along with Novartis Pharmaceuticals and Genentech. It’s sort of an educational program for people with this condition, and there’s a lot of information we provide. Bottom line, I’ve become the poster child for hives.” More than 1.5 million people suffer from CIU, Lawrence said. “I’m trying to get the word out to people that if you have this, you’re not alone,” she says. “You haven’t lost it; you’re not going nuts. It’s a real thing. I’ve now had an opportunity to talk to others with this condition, and they’re just as surprised at this as I am. And honestly, so are a lot of doctors.” Fortunately, Lawrence says her hives are under control, so she can continue her work on and off screen. She regularly tours with “Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two Woman Show,” in which she resurrects the loveable Mama Harper character she made famous so many years ago.
“I’m trying to get the word out to people that if you have this, you’re not alone. You haven’t lost it; you’re not going nuts. It’s a real thing.” “I was only 24 when I first did Mama on the old Burnett show,” Lawrence remembers. “That’s over 40 years ago, and Mama has never aged.” Lawrence graduated from high school in 1967, the year of the Summer of Love. She said she was into dance and music, and never identified with the hippie or flower child lifestyle that was so prevalent then. “I was a good girl,” she says. “I was into cheerleading, and I loved music. My favorite song that year was ‘Ode to Billie Joe’ and I remember playing that on the hi-fi so many times and my mom yelling,
(L-R) Dr. Tracy McIntire, Dr. Michael Saumur, Dr. Drew Wendelken, Dr. Vincent Montgomery, Dr. Scott Searcey, Dr. Ross Martin and Dr. Kent Cohenour
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in the 405
HEALTH AND HOME
SCHOOL AGE PROGRAM The YMCA OF GREATER OKLAHOMA CITY is the area’s largest provider of school-age childcare, providing care for more than 1,400 children each day who would otherwise be home alone after their school day ends. This program provides care before and after school for boys and girls ages 5 to 12. The entire experience for the children is built around activities that challenge them to accept and demonstrate the Y’s values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
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405 MAGAZINE AUGUST 2017
‘Turn that record off, you’re driving me crazy!’ Then when we had Bobbie Gentry on the Burnett show, I totally freaked out. I remember she was late for rehearsal and someone called the front gate and asked if Bobbie Gentry had come through yet. The security guard said, ‘I haven’t seen him.’ They didn’t even know who she was! But I did!” A few years later, Lawrence had a hit single herself, which earned her a gold record in 1973. “My first husband had written this song called ‘The Night the Lights Went out in Georgia,’” she recalls. “He wrote it thinking it would be a great song for Cher, but Sonny said, ‘Absolutely not! That would offend the entire southern part of the country.’” When Cher passed on the record, Lawrence went into the studio and cut it herself. It immediately hit No. 1, and was covered in the 1990s by Reba McEntire. “During my ‘Vicki and Mama’ show, I always do that song,” Lawrence smiles. “I call it “a medley of my hit.” Her schedule keeps her busy, Lawrence said, both performing and spreading the word about CIU. But when she can, she keeps up with her former co-stars. “Someone asked me if we would ever do a ‘Mama’s Family’ reunion, maybe something like Eunice and Mama in assisted living,” she chuckles. “There’s been talk of a reboot on Netflix, but nothing definite.” What does she think Mama Harper would say about today’s political climate? “I think she’d stay the hell out of that conversation,” Lawrence says as she slips into Mama’s distinctive drawl. “But I do think she’d tell the President to get a decent hairstyle and get that raccoon off his head.” Touring the country gives Lawrence a chance to see the landscape of America, and she’s been to Oklahoma City several times. “Oklahoma City is so beautiful,” she says. “And it’s grown so much. I will say you have more earthquakes here now than we have in California. But the Bombing Memorial is spectacular; very moving. And the last time we were here, you had just gotten the NBA team, the Thunder. My husband said that was one of the best things that could happen to Oklahoma. It’s always a pleasure when I get to visit here. You Oklahomans are the best!” - MARK BEUTLER
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territory ahead
TIME MACHINES Vintage tractors show their colors BY M.J. ALEX ANDER
At county fairs and small farms across the state, vintage tractors from the last century sport enamel paint from fresh to faded. 28
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Their distinctive colors announce their bloodlines, heraldic nods to their makers. There is John Deere’s classic green, of course. The bright Persian orange of Allis-Chalmers. The flambeau red of Case-made machines, and cheery Farmall red of International Harvester. Massey-Ferguson’s metallic flint and silver mist grays. The prairie gold of Minneapolis-Moline. It was 100 years ago this summer, as production increased and prices fell following World War I, that Henry Ford decided to do for tractors what he did for cars: mass-producing relatively affordable and reliable machines. The tractor became a sensible addition to the family farm, soon replacing horses and extra hired hands. Keeping the tractors running became a matter of survival. Through booms and busts, farmers’ ingenuity, self-sufficiency and make-it-work practicality kept their machines chugging along across the decades. But, as is the way of the world, the straight-shooting, four-cylinder tractors were
A CENTURY OF TRACTORS FOR THE MASSES The popularity of the small general-purpose tractor heated up a century ago this summer, as Oklahoma geared up for its 10th anniversary of statehood and World War I raged abroad.
eventually supplanted by more sophisticated technology. The older tractors sometimes would be phased out – but other times, they’d be kept in the family or saved by a tinkerer who might solder in a part, tweak the timing of an engine or work out a fix with baling wire. New models replaced simple mechanisms and offered advancements in GPS and production, adding digital sensors and circuits coordinated by proprietary software. By 1998, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act – developed to protect intellectual property rights in order to prevent pirating of DVDs – was expanded to include
Henry Ford, who had revolutionized the automobile industry with assembly line production of the Model T, turned his attention to tractors on July 27, 1917. The company’s plan: provide mechanical muscle for small farms that had lost workers to the trenches of war by mass-producing a reliable, affordable, small-scale farm machine. Although the first successful gasoline-powered tractor had been unveiled in Iowa 25 years earlier by John Froelich, most machines were pricey and meant for larger-scale operations. Ford was about to change all that. It took 30 hours, 40 minutes and $567.14 in labor and materials to create each “Fordson” tractor, crafted on a Michigan assembly line out of 4,000 individual parts. It was offered for sale for $750. Fordson Number One rolled off the line Oct. 8, 1917, and was presented to botanist Luther Burbank. Thomas Edison was the recipient of Fordson Number Two. It soon became clear that running a machine was cheaper than keeping horses and hiring extra hands. In less than a decade, more than 1 million tractors from various manufacturers were working American farmland. Reflecting on his career of creating motorized machines to sell to people who didn’t know they needed one, Ford once said, “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.”
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territory territoryahead ahead
a digital lock on thousands of products, including tractors. Malfunctioning machines became more difficult to repair, as authorized repairmen and official dealerships had exclusive access to diagnostic tools, and attempts to DIY would run afoul of the law. But, as is also often the way of the world, everything old is new again. Across Oklahoma, vintage tractors are enjoying a renewed appeal, attracting admirers and old-school mechanics with an ear for an engine’s music rather than a reliance on computer diagnostics. The vintage machines – some still used for everyday farming, some newly restored and wheeled out for exhibitions – are practical for small farms, cheaper to buy and easier to repair. As the Oklahoma summer unfolds into fall, flashes of vintage flambeau red and Persian orange will crawl across dirt roads on their way between fields, and take their places of honor at the traditional Parade of Power at county fairs across the state. As they have for nearly a century, drivers perched in colorful spring-coiled seats will be immersed in the task at hand, momentarily escaping a digitized world. As Jeff Foxworthy notes: “That’s the great thing about a tractor. You can’t really hear the phone ring.”
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DOING WHAT YOU LOVE CAN COME WITH CERTAIN INJURY RISKS IF YOU OVERDO IT WITHOUT KNOWING YOUR LIMITS – CONSIDER TENNIS ELBOW, ROTATOR CUFF TEARING, WRITER’S CRAMP, ETC. – SO WE URGE YOU TO USE CAUTION AND WARM UP PROPERLY AFTER READING THIS ARTICLE TO AVOID STRAINING YOURSELF … BECAUSE EATING TACOS IS EASY TO DO, AND DO EXTREMELY WELL, IN CENTRAL OKLAHOMA.
okc's
top
By Steve Gill
tacos PHOTOS BY SCOTTY O'DANIEL
25 of the metro's greatest taste sensations Our travels took us from fancy restaurants to humble holes-in-the-wall, spacious grocery stores to cramped-looking trucks baking in the merciless sun. And wherever we went, we eschewed burritos, tortas, enchiladas or other more complicated creations, because our mission was clear: finding the finest tacos in town. And here they are.
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Cinco's Taco Grill
Small and comfortable, with soccer and daytime soaps on the flatscreens and several choices available on the tortillas made in-house. 3513 N Classen Blvd., OKC The Flavor: The menu includes chorizo nachos – I’ve never seen those two of my favorite words combined that way, I’m going to have to go back for that, but in the meantime we tried borrego, asada, al pastor, barbacoa and a breakfast taco with chorizo, potato, egg and cheese … we got a little carried away because everything was so fresh and good, especially the rich, lingering flavor of the al pastor and incredibly melt-on-the-tongue barbacoa. Honestly, this place is outstanding; Alex Reyes only opened it a few months ago, but it became one of my go-to lunch options on the spot. Give it a shot, soon. The Cost: $2.50 apiece, and that’s a steal.
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tony's tacos ~
I don’t know how the idea of a taco drive-in was conceived, but the execution is sound – look for the sign with the cone of meat on S Western and pull in to one of the slots to order. 3300 S Western, OKC
The Flavor: Try the barbacoa, the al pastor and the pollo – with two words of warning: The tacos are fresh enough that they’re extremely hot when they come out, and speaking of heat, the creamy salsa verde has a wonderful flavor but plenty of oomph. It looked like a single person was cooking, working the register and acting as carhop while we were there, so much respect to the one-man show – I don’t even like eating in my car, but I’m happy to make an exception for Tony’s. The Cost: $1.65
Hacienda Tacos ~
I love the atmosphere here, for its own sake even without marveling at the makeover from its previous life as a CityBites. The brick patio is perfection even on a warm day, and the full menu includes house margaritas on tap. 12086 N May, OKC The Flavor: We tried one of each taco, for … um … a better photo. Yes, that sounds plausible. Standouts are the al pastor’s nice smoky flavor and pineapple, the barbacoa’s marvelous texture (with a little bit of char on the tips) and lingering “mouthful of meat” flavor – but, and I almost feel bad for recommending this, I liked it way more without the avocado. Removing it allows the beef more of the spotlight on your palate – and the seared ahi tuna, which is a little less conventional but delicious, especially with the wallop of sriracha aioli. The Cost: $4 apiece, mostly. The tuna is $8, but you should try it anyway.
Chalo's Tacos
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~ Located literally next door to Ethiopian restaurant Haiget’s and two doors down from Wild Bill’s Donuts, the fast, friendly Mexican place (their mascot is a sprinting taco) makes this possibly the greatest strip center in creation. 306 W Edmond Road, Edmond
The Flavor: I didn’t love the breaded beef of the Milanese – a little dry – but the carnitas are savory, we appreciated the option of fish and the pollo is moist and flavorful. The Cost: $1.35 apiece. With this tiny price and size – they’re basically taco sliders – there’s every reason to indulge in experimentation.
el taco loco
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The Flavor: Asada, al pastor, lengua. We were told the chicken is choice, but they were out that day. I felt as though the lengua might have been chopped just a little fine, but relished the other two, especially that fragrant steak.
The Flavor: Pollo, asada, carnitas, al pastor Small, a few bites each, but super fresh, delicious and benefiting from a surprisingly nice presentation for a walk-up truck window – the foil-covered plate also holds pickled carrot slices, a grilled jalapeno and little containers of red and green sauce. BTW, the carnitas were especially nice. We were back on the road in no time, and as we drove away we had one of those “that was good” [pause] “that was really good” conversations that indicates there’s nothing crazy about heading this way.
The Cost: Simplemente $1.50 each. Me gusta.
The Cost: Can’t argue with one solitary dollar a pop.
If you’re looking for authenticity, you should take comfort in noticing the sign outside Chalo’s that reads “el Puro Sabor del Calvillo” (the pure flavor of Calvillo, a city in central Mexico outside Aguascalientes) – I appreciated the heads-up. The interior demonstrates the benefits of an open kitchen: diners can hear the sizzle of their order underway on the flattop, and the steak smells utterly fantastic. 5029 N Rockwell, Bethany
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carnitas michoacan
You’re looking for the truck that’s staked out the Angles parking lot; the sign’s pretty faded but you can’t miss it. Bring cash, and leave your A/C running. 2117 NW 39th, OKC
angie's taco trailer ~
Angie’s truck is tucked into the NE corner of 26th and Western, across from a quinceanera store – be aware that there’s very little room to park in the lot the truck occupies; you might need to go curbside along 26th. 2530 S Western, OKC
The Flavor: The asada, the carnitas and especially the piquant al pastor are wee little things, but each a fresh, tasty couple of mouthfuls. Don’t skip the habanero sauce. The Cost: $1.25, which makes the diminutive size no problem.
hugo's taquizas ~
You should be able to convince yourself to give Hugo’s a try simply by looking up the word taquiza – it essentially means a taco party-slash-buffet. Sounds like a plan, right? 3409 NW 23rd, OKC
The Flavor: Highlights of its quite ample options include the cochinita pibil and chorizo. It’s almost a pity the tacos are so large, since it cuts down on your ability to sample everything … but return trips are always a possibility. It’s a nice setup with welcoming ambiance – it doesn’t look like much from passing by on 23rd, but you’ll be glad you stopped. The Cost: An already unreasonably low $1.50 much of the time, reduced to a ridiculous $1 on Tuesdays.
Little Knight's ~
That’s the right address; their taco truck still operates at Waterloo and Boulevard, but the family recently opened this brick-and-mortar diner just down the road, so take the opportunity to get indoors (or out on the patio’s picnic tables once October rolls around). 2917 E Waterloo, Edmond The Flavor: Four possibilities, and the street tacos helpfully come four to an order; it’s almost like kismet. The asada is fine, but I’d steer you toward the well-spiced chorizo, the slightly tangy al pastor and especially the pollo, which is the best chicken we had. Our order was topped with a scattering of fried potato slices and onions, too, which were so good they didn’t survive cooling to a more reasonable temperature. The Cost: $7 for the quartet; it doesn’t take much in the way of math skills to see Little Knight’s is very much worth a drive.
Barrios meat market Al Pastor – spicy pork Asada – steak Barbacoa – barbecued beef Borrego – lamb Carnitas – roasted pork Chorizo – spicy sausage Deshebrada – shredded beef Lengua – beef tongue Pollo – chicken Tripa – intestines
I hope there’s no need for me to praise the sleek, stylish interior or massive covered dining patio, because surely you’ve already sampled both many times. Surely. 1000 N Hudson, OKC The Flavor: Carnitas, lamb barbacoa, ground beef, skirt steak in a guajillo chili sauce. The crema and crunchy shell do fantastic work in the ground beef, but the star is the layered, excellently balanced carnitas; there’s a lot going on in each bite from succulent pork to pickled onion to pineapple, and each bite rewards lengthy savoring. The Cost: $8-$9 per order, each of which contains two big tacos. Comparatively pricy, thoroughly delicious. AUGUST 2017 405 MAGAZINE
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Taqueria Sanchez
~
A truck in a little strip on the north side of 10th between Portland and Meridian, its menu looks surprisingly robust, and while it’s cash-only, it’s very fast. 4011 NW 10th, OKC The Flavor: Pollo, al pastor, barbacoa, tripe. We ate beef intestine and lived, it was fine and juicy, and the al pastor is very good, but mi dios the barbacoa. It’s so supremely smoky and savory with a little almost-crunch in the beef from doneness … we might have caught them on an especially good day, but it was a marvel. The Cost: The idea of getting something this mouthwatering for only a dollar a shot (they have a 4 for $4 special on tacos) seems fundamentally unfair, a life hack of the highest order. I’m not actually going to sell my house and move to the west side just to be nearer to Sanchez, but if you hear of anything available, let me know.
Cultivar Mexican Kitchen
~
Bustling, spacious, noisy and comfortable, Cultivar’s bar is a definite draw, and the patio adjoining Automobile Alley is an awesome hangout spot unless it’s just preposterously hot out (but what are the odds of that?) 714 N Broadway, OKC The Flavor: A classic carne asada, rich, smoky chicken mole and beautifully tender pork belly with a zippy kimchi slaw. All three are more savory than spicy, but that’s easy to change if you’re in the mood: Throw a dash or two of Field sauce on there (that’s the green one, driven by Serrano peppers) and you’re good to go. The Cost: $4.35-$5 apiece – pricier than many, but the ingredients are both a little more eclectic and carefully sourced for premium quality.
taqueria rafita's ~
I know Nic’s Grill has its own gravity for hungry passers-by, but even though Rafita’s is right across the street, it’s more than inviting enough to give it a try or several. Visit gallery Current Studio next door while you’re there, too. 1222 N Pennsylvania, OKC The Flavor: Pollo, al pastor, barbacoa. They’re pretty big and stuffed full, to the point that they’re actually kind of a mess to eat because it’s hard to get the tortillas closed around all the meat piled in there. If there’s a Spanish word for the savory morsels that fell out of your taco and you wind up trying to discreetly eat with your fingers afterward, this would be a good occasion to use it. The sauces are both very good, too, especially the sizzling green. The Cost: It’s a great deal for $2 apiece.
la michocana ~
This cool little meat market/grocery has a taco counter by the door – you pay up front based on how many tortillas you want (flour and corn are priced identically) and then have them filled from whichever tray you want, they don’t mind. 1125 SW 29th, OKC
The Flavor: Barbacoa, deshebrada, bistek … and my notes at this point simply devolve into an embarrassingly long string of exclamation points after the word bistek, but these steak morsels stewed in green chiles are amazing. I will say that this was one of the only times we encountered a language barrier, but your patience in communicating will be immediately and amply rewarded. Highly recommended (thanks to Greg Horton for the tip). The Cost: Given the size and the nearly sublime taste, $2 is an amazing bargain. 36
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taqueria express ~
Don’t be dissuaded by the somewhat plasticy, fast-food vibe of this highway-adjacent café; it’s swift, yes, but also quite good. 6909 S May, OKC The Flavor: Pollo, al pastor, asada, carnitas … options similar to dozens of other places, but good across the board – little touches such as green chile in the asada, spicy rub on the pollo and lightly toasted corn tortillas make a difference. The Cost: $5 for a four-pack.
Casa Perico ~
You have a couple of choices (the other is on NW 122nd and Penn) for locations of this sit-down favorite that’s been serving up Mexican goodness for more than 20 years. I like the relaxed atmosphere of this one, though. 4521 NW 63rd, OKC The Flavor: Tacos de carne come in a double shell for extra crunchiness, and are a solid choice even if I wish the shredded beef had a little more flavor. But get the tacos pioneros for the texture; it’s a lot like a quesadilla, pillowy soft with a hint of toasted crisping around the circumference and lots of gooey melted cheese to cushion the accompanying strips of sautéed onions and peppers you should definitely stuff it with. The Cost: Each set of 3 is $11.
Taqueria La Original #2
~
This little spot on the south side of Memorial has an authentically Hispanic vibe (Nortenos music, Spanish language news broadcast) and does a brisk lunch business – the menu mentions the dish alambres, which sounds fantastic. 36 W Memorial, OKC
The Flavor: Lengua, barbacoa, chorizo that was delicious if a bit runny and a great al pastor, not afraid to be spicier than many we tried and with an excellent presence. The Cost: $1.65 a pop
taqueria los desvelados ~
I know there are other establishments on SW 29th – car dealerships, convenience stores, churches – but it can genuinely seem as though the entire boulevard is one long, unbroken string of Mexican restaurants. I’d say variety is one of Desvelados’ strengths; I’m fairly certain it’s the only place we visited that offered goat, in its birria tacos. 1516 SW 29th, OKC
supermercados morelos ~
Taco-shopping inside a grocery store felt like a bit of a gamble, but we immediately loved the atmosphere of this market, very bright and cheerful with a neat little cafeteria area. 1 SE 59th, OKC
The Flavor: The chicharron didn’t wow us, but that might be our fault for expecting it to be crispy. No complaints at all about the asado de puerco or juicy deshebrada, though. Mmm. The Cost: $1.69 for corn tortillas, $1.89 for flour. I don’t know why the disparity, but it’s minimal.
Revolucion Taqueria
~
Industrial inside and with an artificial turf patio – one table of two was relaxing with a dog, which is always nice to see. The place was pretty well packed when we visited, but we still had really good service. 916 NW 6th, OKC
The Flavor: The jamon (bits of ham) and salchicha (a chopped hot dog) were not really my speed, but their takes on the classics of pollo and al pastor are sound, and I am delighted to have found the rich shredded goat. That’s good stuff.
The Flavor: If you’re looking for veggie options, Revolucion can hook you up. The cauliflower is a satisfying mouthful (in that it doesn’t taste like the raw vegetable) with a little sweetness from the pineapple. The shrimp is tasty, too, but the best thing we had was the lengua, whose presentation did its exceptional tenderness justice by staying simple: just a smattering of onions and avocado. Squeeze a jolt of lime juice on and enjoy.
The Cost: It’s a sign that the south side is a taco paradise when the tag of $2.30 is a bit higher than its surroundings – but amply worth it and a very good call.
The Cost: $3-$4 each, and they’re not particularly large – for drinks and a snack, go nuts, but if you’re very hungry it might not be my first choice. AUGUST 2017 405 MAGAZINE
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big truck tacos ~
Their presence on this list was never in doubt, and they’ve got the combination of ingredients to scratch whatever itch your taste buds are feeling. It can get awfully busy in there, but take your time poring over the menu and know that there are no wrong answers. 530 NW 23rd, OKC The Flavor: However, you should also know that the right answer includes the crispy’cado’s spicy fried nuggets of creamy avocado hunks. I’ve never even tried avocado toast, partially because I don’t see why you wouldn’t deep-fry it and put it in a tortilla with salsa instead of smearing it on grilled bread – this might be the best possible way to eat your vegetables (although technically, avocado is a fruit). Beyond that, I generally get the savory tidbits of Rita’s chicken, the tender green chile pork and the pineapple-powered fried shrimp. The Cost: $3.75, give or take 50 cents. The variety and execution are worth it easily.
tacoville ~
To put it gently: You’re not paying for overhead, and this restaurant isn’t in the fancy frills business. But when you hear the word tacos, these crunchy ground beef treats are exactly the image your mind conjures, and sometimes that’s precisely what the doctor ordered. 3502 Newcastle, OKC The Flavor: Bite after bite of the Platonic form of taco. They have chicken soft tacos, as well, but I still haven’t managed to stop scarfing the originals. And go heavy on the bottle of house-made sauce, it elevates the experience from “hey, these are pretty good” to “hey, these are really good!” The Cost: At $1.29 apiece, don’t stop ’til you get enough.
Puebla Tacos
~ Norman doesn’t do it any better than this downtown destination – plan multiple trips so you can try everything, since that’s what sounds good. 305 E Main, Norman The Flavor: Cochinita pibil, huevos con chorizo, carne guisada, smoked beef – even, if you’re feeling meat-averse, a startlingly good smoked Portobello mushroom The tender hunks of slow-stewed beef in the guisada are very good, though for richness and pure “I’m so glad I put this in my mouth”-ness, I don’t think you can beat their cochinita pibil’s pork. The Cost: Take your pick; it’s all $3.50.
picks de primera
Durango ~
The menu stresses the importance of allowing prep time for quality Mexican food, but there was no need to worry; our patience wasn’t tested at all before the feast was at hand. I didn’t even have time to sulk about the wandering musicians – guitars and an accordion – who kept wandering and left without playing anything. 3401 SW 29th, OKC The Flavor: The deshebrada, bistek, barbacoa and al pastor are all pretty good, but I think the standout is the chorizo – the spice doesn’t hit you right away but comes in nice and strong with subsequent bites, and they cooked it long enough that it’s a delectable heap of crunchy bits. The Cost: An extremely manageable $1.30 apiece.
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We didn’t try to compile a comprehensive ranking of these taco places’ overall quality, in part because of the variety – that’d be like comparing apples to carnitas – but I would like to leave you with a few slightly more emphatic recommendations. If you haven’t tried these selections, do, and if you’re looking for the very best, start here: * * * * *
the pollo at little knight's michoacana's bistek tacos al pastor at cinco's barbacoa from taqueria sanchez durango's chorizo
Iguana Mexican Grill
~
It’s recently been renovated and redecorated to be even brighter and more festive than before – longtime regulars won’t have any trouble recognizing the restaurant or its patio, but Iguana does have a new lease on life. 9 NW 9th, OKC
The Flavor: Fish taco with elote and broccoli. The cod filet is done very well, flaky with a crisp breading and a kick from the chile aioli drizzle; I also appreciated the little extra texture and balance from the pickled onion. If you’re in the neighborhood or can manage to be, don’t overlook the chorizo and scrambled egg Iguana taco at brunch. The Cost: $10 for two tacos and two sides (P.S. The margarita swirl is only $5)
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WEEKEND WANDERING 40
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THE BEST NATURE DAY TRIPS IN OKLAHOMA
The bustle of modern life often means that day-to-day demands don’t leave a lot of time for getting out and exploring the natural world. Fortunately, however, you don’t have to orchestrate a great big trip in order to enjoy the great outdoors – there are cures for wanderlust, and spiritual rewards for the curious, available without leaving the state or even the city. To check out our favorite day trips to the natural wonders of Oklahoma, read on.
BY MATT PAYNE
LITTLE SAHARA STATE PARK If you took a whack on the head and woke up in Little Sahara State Park, you’d struggle to understand how you went from Oklahoma City to a far-flung spot in northern Africa. Of all of Oklahoma’s state parks, this unique stretch of orange, powdery sand dunes is one of the most curious – a spectacle to see and experience. Little Sahara is worth the two-hour trip just to walk in the soft sand and take in the wind-swept expanse, humbling and almost spiritual in its beauty. It can be quite zen-like … however, on any given day and considerably more so on weekends, the dunes turn into an ATV and dune buggy haven, and the calm is subbed out for high-octane adventure. Many folks bring their own ATVs, but there are rental companies and outfitters available, as well. No matter your experience at Little Sahara, it will be unforgettable. Make sure to bring water and sunscreen during the summer, and if you’re exploring the outer edges by foot, sandals or barefoot is the way to do it.
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ON THE ROAD
Breathtaking caves to beautifully pristine prairie wilderness, you can head off in almost any direction from OKC to find natural scenes worth seeing. W HIL E OK L A HOM A MIGH T NOT H AV E the highest mountains or largest lakes in the
country, it does have variety – travelers with a yen for adventure and natural beauty can explore all kinds of eye-catching attractions, without ever leaving the Sooner State.
ALABASTER CAVERNS STATE PARK Also in northwest Oklahoma – beyond Alva and a stone’s throw from the town of Freedom – Alabaster Caverns State Park features a nice walking trail through a canyon in addition to its main draw: the extensive cave system. The Alabaster Caverns are the world’s largest gypsum cave open to the public, and are truly unique to experience. Guests must go into the caves with a guide; trips are done hourly (more or less), and if you want to take photos, you must specify you want a photography trip. There is a small fee for the tour, which takes an hour to walk from one end of the cave to the other. Groups are limited in size to 40 people. The caves are also home to many species of bat, although it is rare to see them during summer months.
OSAGE HILLS STATE PARK/ TALLGRASS PRAIRIE There is much to be said about a trip to Osage County, but if you are looking for a little nature, the Tallgrass Prairie and Osage Hills State Park offer two very different experiences only about 20 minutes apart. Osage Hills is a heavily wooded park with beautiful walking trails, a quiet lake and gentle streams, complete with delicate falls. Tallgrass Prairie, on the other hand, is an unforgettable way to experience one of the world’s most rapidly disappearing ecosystems. Part of the Nature Conservancy, the area just outside Pawhuska features miles of uninterrupted prairie accented by a herd of bison, longhorn cattle, greater prairie chickens and some of the best sunsets in the state.
THE BLUE RIVER GREAT SALT PLAINS STATE PARK If you are curious about what the moon might look like, I’ve yet to make it to space, but by my humble estimation The Great Salt Plains, outside the town of Jet in northwest Oklahoma, must be damn close. The Great Salt Plains is exactly as the name suggests: a plain made entirely of salt. What was a salty inland sea millennia ago is now simply a flat expanse of land covered entirely in salt. The unique nature of The Great Salt Plains alone makes it well worth the two-hour drive north from the metro, but once there, visitors have a multitude of activities to indulge. From April to October, crystal enthusiasts from all over flock to the plains to dig for “hourglass selenite.” Make sure to bring a shovel! It’s also a National Wildlife Refuge, so nature enthusiasts can find countless species of migratory birds, including Sandhill cranes, in both fall and spring. The park even features a shallow salt lake with plenty of opportunity to fish for saugeye, sandbass and hybrid striper, as well as hiking and equestrian trails around the lake.
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If Natural Falls State Park gives Turner Falls a run for its money in terms of waterfall aesthetic, when it comes to waterfall-infused swimming holes in the summer and autumn, look no further than The Blue River. In the winter, the locale 20 minutes outside Tishomingo is a trout fishing hotspot renowned by local anglers – but by summer, it’s a magical getaway. With several small falls, complete with gathering pools and rope swings, this place is perfect to float while basking in the sun, cooled by the gentle spray of the ever-cascading water.
NATURAL FALLS STATE PARK Turner Falls has long claimed to be the king of Oklahoma waterfalls – and while that may be true in terms of volume, Natural Falls, east of Tulsa and almost to Siloam Springs and the Arkansas border, might be the most beautiful. The delicate fall tumbling more than 70 feet into a small grotto is but one feature of this spectacular park. Heavily forested hiking trails run along a beautiful river, which erupts with blooming trees and migratory warblers in spring, and by autumn is a fall foliage fanatic’s paradise.
5 THINGS
to do in Beaver’s Bend 1. ATV Ride: Rent an ATV from Hochatown Outfitters and explore some of the park’s deepest interiors. Just make sure you can drive a stick, as these street-legal vehicles only come in standard. 2. Zip line: Fly across the forest with Rugaru Adventures. Located at 2658 Steven’s Gap Road, this experience will get the heart pumping.
THE NEW BEAVER'S BEND For decades, Beaver's Bend State Park has been synonymous with the Great Oklahoma Getaway.
T UCK ED I N TO T HE OUACHI TA NAT IONA L FOR E ST, the trout-rich water of the Lower
Mountain Fork River is a century-old draw for anglers. The thick pine woods, which teem with wildlife and fresh mountain air, serve as a steadfast reminder that there is more to Oklahoma than the plains, and the pristine waters of the entirely undeveloped lakefront of Broken Bow Lake have appealed to boat enthusiasts since before boats had motors and beers came in six-packs. But with all its wild splendor, many folks – particularly those less naturally inclined or those without boats – find themselves wondering what else, exactly, there is to do in the state’s most mountainous corner. In recent years, Beaver’s Bend has grown up. This famed state park now offers not just Boy Scout-variety horseback rides, fishing and canoe trips – but an array of adventurous opportunities to rival any mountain town. Visitors can explore the park’s back trails on ATVs, zip line across the lush forest canopy and kayak the Lower Mountain Fork River. With more than 15 miles of trails, the David Boren Hiking Trail offers some of the best views in southeast Oklahoma, and lost anglers now have the advantage of a plethora of world-class fishing guides, based in Broken Bow, to lead them to the area’s premier rainbow trout honey holes. And whereas for years, most of Beaver’s Bend’s cabins were dusty hovels and an arachnophobe’s worst nightmare, accommodations near the lake have now exploded. The area around Beaver’s Bend now boasts more than 2,200 cabins available for rental, ranging from one-bedroom, cottage-style homes to high-end, multi-family retreats. For bookings, check out Beaver’s Bend Adventures at beaversbendadventures.com. Hochatown, the last stop on Highway 259 before entering the park, was for years a couple of restaurants, a bait shop and an aging mini-golf course … but over time, it’s developed into a charming mountain town with a variety of great restaurants such as The Moon Tower, The Blue Rooster for fried chicken or pizza at The Grateful Head. Visitors could spend an afternoon sampling local brews on the deck at Beaver’s Bend Brewery, and for those curious about Oklahoma mountain wine varietals, Hochatown boasts three wineries with tasting rooms and gift shops. Stop by Girls Gone Wine, FishTales Winery and Vineyard or Vojai’s Winery.
3. Hochatown Escape Games: In case you’ve been out of the loop, escape rooms are a blast. Groups are locked into a room and given an hour to work as a team in order to find clues in the room that will allow them to escape. Beaver’s Bend now has its very own! 4. River Beaver’s Bend River Floats: With 2.5 miles of river to float, the best place to rent a kayak or canoe and get to paddling is Beaver’s Bend River Floats. At $23 for a canoe or $12 for a kayak, there is no better way to explore the park at your own leisure.
5. Fly Fishing: It is impossible to write about Beaver’s Bend without mentioning its superb fishing. Dropping a worm and a bobber along the shore is fun, but to take on the real challenge, head into the Beaver’s Bend Fly Shop. If you want a guide, Orvis-endorsed Jenny Mayrell-Woodruff is the top of the line and will put you on some of the best trout there are. Find her on Instagram!
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HIKE OKLAHOMA
When discussing “Through Hikes,” most folks’ minds wander to The Appalachian Trail and Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods, or Cheryl Strayed’s Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail. Oklahoma rarely comes up. T H AT DOE SN ’ T M E A N T HE SOON ER STAT E doesn’t have a section of its own interstate
hiking trail and many other enjoyable ways to explore the wilderness. The Ouachita National Recreation Trail is a 223-mile hike that begins in Talimena and parallels the famed Talimena Pass, extending deep into Arkansas and ending in Pinnacle State Park just outside Little Rock. Forty-six of those miles are in Oklahoma, and – particularly when broken up into sections – are terrific ways to explore Oklahoma’s most scenic areas, with a high point of 2,610 feet on Rich Mountain, straddling the Oklahoma-Arkansas border. We asked Kent Frates, Oklahoma hiking expert and co-author of the book Oklahoma Hiking Trails, to give us his favorite Oklahoma hikes. We’ve checked them out, too, and must agree.
OLD MILITARY ROAD TRAIL Ouachita Trail
Part of the Ouachita Trail, this one-way 6.5-mile trail curls up Winding Stair Mountain and offers a satisfying view from the top. It can also be a 13mile “out and back” if you make sure to give yourself enough time and have enough water to make it the entire way. Located off US 271 and State Highway One, a.k.a. the Talimena Pass, it can be tricky to find – but the trail itself is well marked, solitary and satisfying.
DAVID BOREN HIKING TRAIL Beaver’s Bend State Park
Possibly the most popular trail in Oklahoma, the David Boren Trail winds through Beaver’s Bend and offers breathtaking views of the Lower Mountain Fork River. The whole trail is 12 miles, but is actually a series of shorter trails with varying levels of difficulty – Beaver’s Lodge Trail being the shortest and arguably easiest at one mile, and Skyline, a crowd favorite and in my opinion the best hike in the state, is five miles.
BLACK MESA SUMMIT CHARON'S GARDEN
Wichita Wildlife Refuge If you are from Oklahoma, you’ve probably been to the Wichita Mountains. You’ve driven to the top of Mount Scott, spotted bison and absorbed the beauty of Quanah Parker Lake. Charon’s Garden, though, is one of Oklahoma’s truly great hikes, and often an overlooked part of the park. This five-mile hike includes navigating through an otherworldly boulder field, and features the best views of the refuge and beyond.
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Black Mesa State Park
This 8.4-mile trail located in the panhandle leads through high desert to the highest point in Oklahoma. If you’re going to go to Black Mesa, plan on staying the night, as it is a six-hour drive from the city. It can be hot, so water is a must, and keep your eye out for snakes!
URBAN HIKES
Perhaps you’ve seen them, usually on Saturdays: groups of people, en masse, most sporting CamelBaks and fancy outdoor clothing, sauntering through the streets of Oklahoma City and absorbing everything from the architecture to street art, landscapes to skylines. T HE SE FOL K S A R E PA RT OF T HE E X PL OSI V E new urban hike movement that is
carving out a niche in the realm of Oklahoma City outdoor fitness trends. Trailhead OKC, which was started in 2015 by Addison Ball, is a walking tour of the city that runs anywhere from six to 12 miles and is part exercise, part social activity, with an engaging amount of history presented along the way. While working in downtown OKC, Ball found that he preferred to walk rather than drive or ride to his job. Slowly, the city began to grip him, and his walking experience became something that he wanted to share. “Much to my surprise, I had almost 100 people join me on my first hike – and it immediately became more Addison Ball (right) leads a hike. than just a group of friends walking around,” says Ball. And people seem to agree, as Trailhead OKC continues to grow. The group has hosted walks with upward of 180 people, all exploring different parts of the city together over the course of an afternoon. “At first, I just created the routes and led the group through those routes, but now I treat it more like a tour. I highlight significant buildings, add historical context and tell interesting or funny facts about different places.” Trailhead OKC recently led a 12-mile walk that began at Whole Foods on Western, cruised through the Western District, both commercial and residential, then carried onward downtown toward Elemental Coffee and across the Skydance bridge, then back up past the Myriad Gardens, over to the Skirvin, back to Robinson and past the Memorial – ultimately ending where it began on Western. Overall, Trailhead OKC’s primary goal is not just creating community, but also highlighting that which makes Oklahoma City great. “It’s the city itself that blows people away,” says Ball. “So many people have a negative view of our city, but OKC has so much great stuff and is getting better all the time. Most people never know what we have because they don’t get out and see it. And why would they? We have to drive to work, school, the store, the game, whatever. That culture can be isolating. Trailhead OKC gives people the opportunity to get out of their cars and actually see what is in their city in a way that is safe, hopefully educational and fun.” To learn about upcoming events, follow them on Facebook at Trailhead OKC.
TIPS FOR HIKING Hydration: Oklahoma can get hot, and the trails are remote. Bring more water than you need. Clothing: Dress comfortably and layer properly. While shorts may sound cool, Oklahoma has its fair share and then some of chiggers and ticks. Covering up your legs with lightweight pants will make it harder for the little critters to get to you. Light long-sleeved clothing will also prevent sunburn. Bug Spray: Best to both spray your skin and treat your clothing with spray designed specifically for fabric. Focus on access points where insects might get to your skin – waistline, neckline and ankles particularly. You don’t want the afterglow of a beautiful day in the wilderness dimmed by itchy bug bites. Sunscreen: Hiking is an all-day activity, and even if your trail is in the woods, that doesn’t mean you aren’t getting sun. Maps: You have a cell phone. That’s great … but pack a map, as well. You never know when your phone might die or won’t get a signal. Snakes: Oklahoma has a lot of them. Always keep your eyes open. Tell a Friend: Lots can happen on a trail, particularly if you’re hiking alone. Always make sure someone not hiking with you knows where you are going – that way, if you don’t come home, rescuers will have a starting point.
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HOPES HIGH Mission Academy helps students, families fight addiction BY GREG HORTON PHOTOS BY QUIT NGUYEN
A S W I T H OU R STORY ON OPI AT E A DDICT ION (“Human Costs,” May 2017), when telling the story of teen addiction and alcoholism, it is tempting to start with numbers, but numbers don’t suffer – individuals and families do. Numbers don’t die of overdose or take their own lives, and they don’t leave behind grieving parents and siblings. And the hardest truth that parents learn is that no matter how much or well you love your children, it isn’t always enough to save them from themselves. Spencer Mellow started drinking when he was 13 years old. Patti Mellow, his mother, said that for a very long time, the family could not tell whether he was sober or drunk. “He was such a great actor,” she says. “When he was in ninth grade, he went to nationals for acting, and he was eventually offered full scholarship by the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.” The acting masked his drinking, but it also hid something true about Spencer, and it was true until he took his own life in 2015. “From the day he was born, he was never comfortable in his own skin,” Mellow says. “Those are his words.”
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Patti Mellow is co-chair for this year’s fundraising gala on Sept. 15.
The Mellows adopted Spencer after Patti and her husband Mark – a now-retired gastroenterologist – tried unsuccessfully to get pregnant for eight years. They arranged a private adoption, and Patti would not learn the full scope of Spencer’s family history until much later. Spencer came from a family of addicts, and the Mellow family had no history of addiction, no alcoholism, no mental health issues, none of the afflictions that would beset their son. “We thought if you love someone, take them to church, give them a good life, that they’d be OK,” she says. “And some are, but not Spencer.”
“The school called me and asked me to be involved, and of course I was all for it.” PAT TI MEL LOW
When the family learned the scope of his addiction, they sought help. In fact, Spencer went to rehab after high school. Patti calls it “a Band-Aid on a gushing wound.” Still, he had sober phases, and the post-high school Spencer took sobriety seriously. He spoke at Al-Anon, and was there able to explain to the families of other addicts that their kids needed support, not anger. Here’s where numbers may start to help clarify the issue. Spencer was adopted by a great family: doctor father, private school upbringing, Heritage Hills home, most of the comforts and benefits any kid could want. None of those things insulate people from the reality of addiction, though. For every Spencer, there are hundreds of other teens who don’t have the resources or support that the Mellow family could provide. The Centers for Disease Control reports that 11 percent of all alcohol consumed in the U.S. is consumed by young people between the ages of 11 and 20 – in other words, people who are too young to buy or drink alcohol legally. Annually, 4,300 young people die as a direct or indirect result of alcohol usage, according to the CDC. Those numbers are higher than anyone would like, but the means to reduce usage seems to elude us as parents and as a culture. Spencer was too old to take advantage of Mission Academy High School, the state’s only accredited recovery high school. It started as a program of Teen Recovery Solutions in 2007, two years after he graduated. However, Patti Mellow was on the board, and she chaired the first fundraising gala. “The school called me and asked me to be involved, and of course I was all for it,” Mellow says. “I remember the first graduation. The kids stood on stage and cried.” Andrew Rice, a former state senator, is now the principal of Mission Academy, a job he took when he wasn’t even looking for a job. Rice went through his own rehab period when he was 20. He’s been sober since, and the school asked him to take the reins when his predecessor retired. He saw the job as a chance to help kids who were like him when he was their age.
“I went to boarding school in Virginia,” says Rice. “We didn’t have a recovery school then, and fortunately, the school was structured enough that I was able to succeed. I went to rehab after high school.” Rice said Mission Academy works best after a period of inpatient rehab, sort of as ongoing or follow-up care. “One of the weaknesses of inpatient rehab is that you can’t just send teenagers back to PC North or Edmond Santa Andrew Rice Fe,” he says. “There is no support for them there. The schools don’t have the resources or the facilities for ongoing care.” Students at the school, usually fewer than 20 at a time, participate in flexible academic schedules – mainly online coursework – as well as group and individual counseling, peer activities and social activities. The ability to work with counselors, teachers, coaches and peers helps them avoid what people in the addiction cycle call the lost years. Battling addiction can be a comprehensive task; it takes up all your resources and energy. School, work and family connections tend to suffer. Patti Mellow remembers Spencer lamenting his lost years while watching his peers graduate law school or med school while he still struggled to complete a degree and stay sober. Like most addicts, Spencer had a hard time keeping a job. He went to four different colleges. He struggled in relationships, and all the time, the family was trying to find ways to help him. He was an adult when the voices started. When he was 26, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and psychosis. He was AUGUST 2017 405 MAGAZINE
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painfully aware of his effect on the family, but he seemed powerless to overcome his addictions. During this phase, he developed as an artist, and was selling work to friends and family. Joy Reed Belt even arranged an art show for him in The Paseo District. Patti remembers the toll it took on him. “He showed up drunk,” she says. “The pressure of expectations got to him, so he drank until he was senseless. That was a pattern for him. He would get some success, and then throw it away.” Mission Academy combines education with counseling, and not just addiction services. If there are discipline issues, they are diverted to behavioral health specialists. Rice said that incentives tend to work better than negative consequences with young addicts. As with Spencer, the cycle of addiction can be incredibly self-destructive, and adding to the destructive cycle with punitive measures does not help. The counselors try to instill life skills for overcoming the tendency to throw Patti Mellow and Dr. Susan Chambers away success. Patti Mellow is getting involved with Mission Academy again this year the same way she did in the beginning: She and Dr. Susan Chambers are chairing this year’s fundraising gala on Sept. 15. Details are available at teenrecoverysolutions.org. Participating is one way to help add hope to some metro families’ futures.
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PHOTO BY MATT PAYNE
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Shopping locally is one of the best ways to support our community, because it helps keep financial resources here, flowing through the city and state economies. But that’s not the only good reason for it – doing business in your community also gives you the benefit of forging and developing personal relationships with the professionals who provide the services and products you need. The men and women in these pages are more than excellent representatives of their chosen fields; they’re also your neighbors. These are people you should recognize, and names you should know. These are the Faces of the 405. AUGUST 2017 405 MAGAZINE
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THE FACE OF
FINE FURNITURE AND DESIGN
Mister Robert
After almost 60 years in business, Mister Robert Fine Furniture & Design is more than just a landmark in downtown Norman. In fact, President Steve Calonkey said a visit to Mister Robert is an experience. “We’ve filled six downtown Norman buildings with so many choices of unique pieces that shopping with us is an inspiring experience, brimming with textures and colors and luxurious comfort,” he says. “We are fortunate that, in the digital media world, we can offer the consumer who is looking for something very special an enjoyable, fun experience because of our large selection.” While Mister Robert’s array of exquisite furniture encompasses classic styles as well as the slightly edgy and contemporary, the company’s passion for beautiful interiors and legendary customer service stands out as consistently exceptional. And, according to Calonkey, the commitment to providing a unique, personal shopping experience is by design. “Our customers want to engage their senses, to see it, feel it, try it out. They want to know the scale is right, the quality is top notch and the colors are perfectly hued,” he says. “They want talented designers to coach them through the process. From shopping to delivery, they want personal and professional service.” That legacy of style, service and quality is what makes Mister Robert a gem in the 405. And it’s what has kept customers coming back, generation after generation. “Shopping is never a gamble with Mister Robert,” Calonkey says. “You know the beauty and quality you’re getting, the legendary service and value and the reputation of the Mister Robert team, who stands behind every purchase.” 405.321.1818 | misterrobert.com
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(l to r) Keven Carl, Steve Calonkey, Katelynn Calonkey, Steve Simpson AUGUST 2017 405 MAGAZINE
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
THE FACE OF
WOMEN’S SHOES
Betsy King A Shoe Boutique
You might not expect to find a women’s shoe boutique in an arts district. But, for Betsy King, owner of Betsy King A Shoe Boutique in the Paseo, the connection between art and women’s footwear is clear. “Growing up in the art community, I’ve always viewed fashion as art,” King says. “I think that goes back to when I was four and my parents took me to see Pavarotti at the Civic Center. I can clearly remember everything my mother wore, especially her black peau de soie rosette pumps.” King opened her shop in 2015 with an eye toward offering a handpicked selection of shoe lines that you won’t see anywhere else in the 405 – at affordable price points. And, though she goes to market several times a year and carries brands such as Pour la Victoire, Kelsi Dagger, Splendid and Pelle Moda, King has one hard and fast rule about the shoes she offers: “I try to introduce ‘new-ness,’” she says. “But if I don’t like what I see, I won’t bring it into the store.” King’s enthusiasm for shoes is also evident in her customer service, which often features time on what’s become known as “the big blue couch.” Plush and overstuffed, King says that, while the couch adds to a comfortable shopping experience, it’s also a part-time therapy couch for those who share her passion. “I have an emotional connection to shoes, and I’m lucky because my customers are women who have that same connection,” she says. “I’m doing what I love!” 405.601.7776 | betsykingshoes.com
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THE FACE OF
WOMEN’S HEALTH
Noel Williams, M.D., Optimal Health Associates
Most physicians don’t have a degree in philosophy. Furthermore, most doctors don’t wear Chuck Taylor tennis shoes as part of their work attire. However, those are just two signs that hint at Dr. Noel Williams’ slightly different approach to medicine. “Doctors are trained to react to symptoms. I want to get as far away from being reactive as possible,” he says. “Symptoms don’t happen in isolation, but they are created by a mix of events. My goal is to approach each patient holistically, proactively treat the big picture beyond just the symptom, and help make a difference in their everyday life.” When he’s not working, Dr. Williams spends his time with his wife, Kim, and their four sons, reading science fiction novels and staying fit. And, while he also enjoys thinking through complex medical issues, after 23 years in practice, Dr. Williams’ goal as a physician is still quite simple. “The most common issue I hear from my patients is ‘I’m tired,’ ‘I don’t have the energy I once had” or ‘I just feel blah,’” he says. “Treating that requires an individual plan for each person that takes into account their age, physical condition, hormones, medications and more. It might take a little time, but ultimately, I just want to help people feel their best so they can enjoy life again.” 405.715.4496 | optimalhealthassociates.com
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THE FACE OF
INTERIOR AND LIGHTING DESIGN
Justin Rodanski, One Eleven Lighting
With a business degree in hand, One Eleven Lighting owner Justin Rodanski left college and landed a job with a big corporation. But it wasn’t until he went to work in his uncle’s lighting gallery and took a tour of New York City art that he truly saw the light. “I learned the lighting business working for my uncle, and in that time, I developed my love for lighting and design,” he says. “After working in the industry 15 years, I realized Oklahoma City lacked a higher-end lighting studio. And that’s why I opened One Eleven Lighting in 2016.” Based on his own design experience, Rodanski essentially wanted One Eleven Lighting to save designers a trip to Dallas. To do that, the studio highlights the things you won’t find anywhere else in Oklahoma City. “I hand-select fixtures in a mix of finishes and genres to serve as a portal to what my customers are interested in,” he says. “That gives me an idea of what they like, so we can sit down and find exactly what they’re looking for.” Beyond fixtures, Rodanski notes that One Eleven Lighting is equally focused on lighting design. That includes factors such as scale, light levels, the number of fixtures in a given space and ensuring consistency throughout a home. “I love everything about the process of lighting and design, and it’s very gratifying to see a project through from start to finish,” he says. “Lighting is the jewelry of your home, and whether it’s one piece or a full design, I love helping someone bring their home’s beauty to light.” 405.241.9281 | 111lighting.com
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THE FACE OF
PRIVATE BANKING
Valliance Bank
Every successful business thrives on customer relationships. And it’s the desire to provide personal service to small business owners, entrepreneurs and busy professionals that drives Valliance Bank’s private banking service. “We understand the challenges professionals and business owners face at every stage of their career and have the products and expertise to provide tailored solutions to those challenges,” says Jason Osborn, President of The Private Bank at Valliance. “We know that time is our clients’ most valuable resource and we are organized to make your personal and business banking streamlined, efficient and fit together to allow you to focus on what makes you money.” Osborn compares the Private Bank to having a personal concierge for all your banking and financial needs. That service includes direct access to a personal banker, individual tailored financing and a full suite of digital solutions to allow you to manage your finances when it’s convenient for you. And, as a community bank, Osborn says the goal is to bring the bank to small business owners or individuals who simply want to streamline their everyday financial needs. Jason Osborn, President at The Private Bank at Valliance and Whitney Randall, Vice President at The Private Bank at Valliance
405.286.5700 | vbank.com
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THE FACE OF
FACIAL AND BODY AESTHETICS
Kamal Sawan, M.D., Sawan Surgical Aesthetics
In his free time, Dr. Kamal Sawan enjoys listening to music; specifically, he says, anything with a spark. That same passion is also the focus of Sawan’s work as a plastic surgeon, where his goal is to help his patients find the spark and beauty in themselves. “There is beauty in all of us,” he says. “I try to help people find the ultimate image harmony between what they see on the outside and how they feel on the inside. To do that, I listen to them to understand their goals and expectations so that I can offer them the best options. And while every patient and every procedure is different, I strive to do better by analyzing every case before and after the operation.” Dr. Sawan’s passion for plastic surgery is evident, as he notes it’s one of the few areas where one can apply art and science to help improve a patient’s life, from head to toe. And, though the technologies and procedures may have changed over the years, Sawan says one thing has stayed the same. “Beauty is hard to define. I want people to see their own vision of their beauty, not someone else’s, and find that harmony within themselves,” he says. “In the end, I still get a high when I see the smile of a patient who has achieved that.” 405.285.7660 | ssa.care
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RETIREMENT INVESTING
Retirement Investment Advisors, Inc.
It’s often been said that age is just a number. However, if your age has you planning for retirement, then Retirement Investment Advisors wants to make sure you’re not just a number. “Our goal is to help people have comfortable income for life – but before we get to that point, we focus on getting to know our clients,” says Retirement Investment Advisors Co-President and CFO, Randy Thurman. “Our ‘getting-to-know-you’ process is designed to go slow and steady, so that we can build trust for a long-term relationship.” Another thing that sets Retirement Investment Advisors apart is that the advisors on staff are all CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals. That means, as fiduciaries, they are bound to put their clients’ best interests first. Further, as the company is fee-only, Thurman says Retirement Investment Advisors doesn’t accept commissions or incentives to represent financial products. And that, he adds, eliminates many potential conflicts that don’t contribute to a client’s financial goals. In addition, while Retirement Investment Advisors is based in Oklahoma City, the firm has been cited by more than 35* national publications as one of the nation’s top financial planning companies. However, that national press hasn’t changed the firm’s focus. “We want to be there every step of the way for our clients,” Thurman says. “Our advisors are available to discuss a client’s plan to help them stay on the path to financial security for a lifetime.” 405.842.3443 | theretirementpath.com
(l to r) Brenda C. Bolander, Joseph W. Bowie, Randy L. Thurman, Carol Ringrose Alexander, Chad Rudy, Andrew Flinton
*CRITERIA AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
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LUXURY EYEWEAR
Physician’s Optical In this day and age, it seems you can buy a pair of glasses just about anywhere. But when someone wants to make a statement about their personal style, they look to Physician’s Optical. “We offer unique and fashionable frames that you won’t find anywhere else in the 405,” says J. Carter Johnston, O.D. “We pair the best spectacle lens technology with distinctive frames for people who want their glasses to be a part of their style.” In addition to designer eyeglasses from European designers such as Lindberg, Feb 31st, Gold & Wood, Kirk & Kirk, Etnia Barcelona and more, Physician’s Optical also offers complete primary vision and medical eye care. The shop even offers the ability to customize a frame’s shape and color for a pair of eyeglasses that’s unique to you. “We want to help our friends make a statement with their eyewear,” Johnston says. “We love to offer something unique in a boutique setting that you won’t find in the mall.” The board-certified opticians at Physician’s Optical utilize the latest digital lens technology to ensure you see as well as you’ll look. And when you walk out wearing your new eyeglasses, Johnston says you’ll see the difference. 405.749.4285 | physicians-optical.com
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RECREATING SPACES
Rose Clark, Chateau Design & Interiors When it comes to updating a home or even a single room for today’s lifestyle, Chateau Design & Interiors owner Rose Clark says to begin the process by editing. In other words, edit what you don’t need, get rid of things in your way, de-clutter your home and let it breathe. “Today’s new look is light and bright, and the easiest way to transform your home is to brighten it up,” she says. “Paint colors today are light and bright. White is back. Update things like lamps and change out dark drapes and bed coverings for lighter options. Minimalism is in, and subtlety makes all the difference.” Editing isn’t just advice Rose gives her clients, as she opened Chateau Design & Interiors in the fall of 2016 as a revised version of her home décor and gift shop, Red Chateau. Though still located in Casady Square with a staff of five, Rose says the new direction allows her to focus exclusively on what she loves: design. “I’ve always had an eye for design and, for me, there’s nothing more exciting and fun than helping someone transform a room, a home or a new build into something that perfectly fits their needs,” she says. Like any good editor, Rose makes her changes with a light touch, and acts as a guide to keep a project on track. And, though she puts her heart into the small details of her design work, the bigger picture of any project is what happens when the job is done. “As much as I love what I do, in the end, it’s your home,” she says. “The bottom line is, when we’re finished, I want you to love it long after I’m gone.” 405.842.2262 | chateaudesignandinteriors.com
CHATEAU
Design & Interiors AUGUST 2017 405 MAGAZINE
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IMPLANTS & PERIODONTICS
Oklahoma Center for Implants & Periodontics
As the 405’s foremost experts in the treatment of gum disease and dental implants, the staff of the Oklahoma Center for Implants & Periodontics works hard to keep up with the latest research and treatment options available. Often, fear is the biggest obstacle to overcome, so the team – led by Dr. Robin Henderson, Dr. Chris Poore and Dr. Tracey Whitley – strives to give its family of patients the most comfortable experience possible. “Gum disease can progress so slowly that patients often don’t know they have it until it’s too late,” says Dr. Henderson. “And when you don’t like your smile, it can affect your whole body.” As part of their commitment to providing the best treatment options available, Oklahoma Center for Implants offers technology no one else in the 405 can match. That includes 3D imagery allowing the surgeons to see nerves and an X-Navigation system that acts as a GPS for the mouth, which allows for precise implant positioning. In addition, the staff also focuses on continuing education and certifications so that they can continually improve their treatment methods. However, as advanced as all that technology and research may be, Dr. Henderson says the ultimate goal of the Oklahoma Center for Implants is to simply help their patients smile confidently again. “We’re committed to improving the foundation of your smile,” he says. “We understand that no one enjoys coming to the dentist, so we do everything we can to make it a positive experience that will yield problem-free, long-term results.” 405.947.0486 | okperioimplant.com
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FINE HOMES
Angela and Paul Harris, Ripple Creek Homes Walk into any Ripple Creek creation and you’ll immediately feel as though you’re in a custom-built home. In fact, the finishes, details and quality touches are a part of every home Ripple Creek builds, according to company President Paul Harris. “My background is in carpentry, and I’ve always loved wood work and attention to detail,” he says. “When we started building homes, it was this attention to detail that we wanted to be at the forefront of every project.” Specializing in luxury, high-end, performance homes, Ripple Creek Homes was formed in 2004 and quickly gained a reputation in the 405 for quality and craftsmanship. The company is also a family affair, as Harris’ wife Angela applies her eye for color and design to each of the company’s homes. The firm’s three other employees are family members, as well, which Harris says leads to a shared commitment to quality, honesty and integrity. “To us, every home we build is personal,” he says. “We listen to our clients’ desires to understand their priorities, so what we build is specific to their needs and lifestyle.” While each house the company builds is unique, the finishing touch on every Ripple Creek Home, Harris notes, is the relationship with the buyer. “We build homes for people, but, we’re also building relationships,” he says. “For us, to build a home for someone that’s going to be an extension of who they are and will be a place where they’ll raise a family … that’s an honor.” 405.285.9453 | ripplecreekhomes.com
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INJECTABLES
Skinlab Injectables
Offering the warmth of a spa and the relaxed vibe of a salon, Skinlab Injectables is unique in the 405, as its one of the few aesthetics facilities to focus solely on aesthetic injectables. And by specializing, Senior Injectables Nurse Lauren McGehee says, Skinlab Injectables can better help prevent lines and wrinkles while restoring and refreshing clients’ natural beauty. “We stress being proactive to both prevent facial wrinkles and lines now and lessen their appearance later,” she says. “We want to provide natural results in a safe, professional and fun environment.” Whether it’s a neuromodulator such as Botox or dermal fillers like Juvéderm, McGehee said the medical professionals of Skinlab Injectables are well trained, and well qualified, to provide artistic solutions to help reduce facial wrinkles and lines. And, thanks to medical advances in the last five years, the process is almost completely pain-free. “The new numbing creams are better than ever, and most people are surprised to discover there’s almost no pain involved in any injectable procedure,” she says. “Once our clients feel and see the results, they become happy, repeat clients, and they refer their friends, too.” For those who might still be wary of aesthetic injectables, McGehee says, “Look again.” “Like hair and nails, injectables have become a beauty treatment,” she says. “If you haven’t tried it, we can help you maintain your vibrant, youthful appearance. And you’ll love the way you look.” OKC: 405.436.1000 | Norman: 405.246.5990 | skinlabinjectables.com
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CRIMINAL LAW
Jacqui Ford
Good people can be falsely accused of crimes; it happens every day. Trial lawyer Jacqui Ford says that it’s her job to help those people make it right and move on with their lives. “Most of my clients are regular, everyday folks who get caught up in something that’s out of their control. But none of us should be judged for one bad decision,” she says. “People deserve a second chance, and I want to help give it to them.” For Ford, that second chance starts the moment a client enters her office. In her mind, criminal defense requires both legal and emotional support. To that end, Ford’s team, which also includes attorney Casey Davis and legal assistant Anna Herman, strives to relate to every client as a family member to be treated with love, dignity and respect. “People are motivated by different things, such as love, anger, fear or desperation. At the end of the day, we all want the same thing,” she says. “At heart, we all want to be loved, to be a part of something good, and to be remembered for good.” Understanding her clients’ perspectives allows Ford to better relate their stories to a jury. And that, she says, is the first step toward ensuring her clients receive a true, meaningful day in court. “You don’t need to have experienced something to understand what someone’s gone through,” she says. “We’re all human. We all deserve support. And there is no one who will fight for you stronger than I will.” (l to r) Anna Herman, Jacqui Ford and Casey Davis
405.604.3200 | fordlawokc.com
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MORTGAGE BANKING
Jane Christiansen, Commerce Bank TM
When she was growing up, Jane Christiansen always liked math and numbers. So it’s only natural that, as a Mortgage Banker for Commerce Bank™, an equal housing lender, she tries to make sure the numbers add up for her customers’ home loan applications. “There are so many moving parts to a home loan, and the process can be difficult,” she says. “My cell phone is always on, and I try to make it as smooth as possible.” In a still fragile real estate industry, Christiansen says her biggest advantage is Commerce Bank™’s 150year history of strength and stability. Rather than a onesize-fits-all loan package, Christiansen can offer several loan products, discounts for first-time buyers, competitive rates and all the benefits of a full-service bank. “In this day and age, it’s easy to take an online application and never meet the customer face-to-face,” she says. “I make sure to meet all my clients, listen to their needs to ensure they get the loan that’s right for them – and I try to personally go to every closing. “When you add it all up, my favorite part of my job is simply helping my customers purchase a home,” Christiansen says. “The best day of the whole transaction is when everybody is happy at the closing.” 405.608.2709 | commercebank.com
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CANCER CARE
Stephenson Cancer Center Cancer can be scary and it can leave one wondering where to turn. In Oklahoma, people can turn to Stephenson Cancer Center at the University of Oklahoma. As a nationally recognized leader in research and patient care, Oklahomans can receive world-class cancer care, without having to leave the state. “The Stephenson Cancer Center is Oklahoma’s only comprehensive academic cancer center,” says Dr. Robert Mannel, director of the cancer center. “Through our patient-centered care approach, patients receive compassionate, coordinated care in the convenience of a state-of-the-art treatment facility.” Part of that patient-centered approach is the disease-site specific multi-disciplinary team that reviews each diagnosis individually and develops a personalized care plan for each patient. According to Mannel, that provides every patient the benefit of a second, third and fourth opinion, while at the same time accessing the resources of the entire Stephenson Cancer Center team. In addition, the panel review can quickly identify candidates for clinical trials including phase I trials, which provides access to the newest and most advanced cancer drugs available. The Stephenson Cancer Center has the state’s only phase I clinical trials program. The Stephenson Cancer Center annually ranks among the top two cancer centers in the nation for patients participating in National Cancer Institute-sponsored treatment trials, and it is one of 30 designated lead centers nationally in the Institute’s National Clinical Trials Network. Whether you are a patient facing a new cancer diagnosis or seeking a second opinion, our cancer care team is ready to meet with you. 405.271.1112 | stephensoncancercenter.org
Members of the Prostate and Urologic Cancers Care Team including (left to right): Paul Weger, RN; Abby Moeller, PA-C; Kelly Stratton, MD; Anita Luna, MA; Halston Hendley, PA-C AUGUST 2017 405 MAGAZINE
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RECLAIMED WOOD
Urban Farmhouse Designs
If you haven’t visited Urban Farmhouse Designs lately, a lot has changed. While still offering their signature tables and benches crafted from reclaimed wood, owners Cherami and Jason Thomas have also decided to expand their existing business profile. “When people began asking about my clothes, I decided to open Urban Threads, which is a little boutique that reflects what I call a ‘throw and go’ style,” Cherami Thomas says. “It offers fashions for moms and working women who want to look stylish and cute, but don’t have lots of time to spend on themselves.” Other changes may be less visible, as Urban Farmhouse now affixes a certificate to each of its signature farmhouse items, detailing the origin of the wood and the names and signatures of the artisans who built it. On top of that, Thomas added, UFD has begun a Lifetime Commitment Program, which allows buyers to return tables and benches to the store after 24 months and receive store credit equal to the original sale price. “We realize styles and spaces can change,” she says. “We guarantee our tables and benches for a lifetime, and now our customers know that their value is guaranteed, too.” On the more traditional side, Urban Farmhouse has also added a lumber company, offering untreated, untouched reclaimed wood, and plans for a new retail store in Dallas to open in the fall. And, though UFD may be expanding its brand, Thomas said the core business isn’t going anywhere. “I’m trying to make things different and funky and not go with the flow,” she says. “But the heart of our business will always be reclaimed furniture made by reclaimed people.” 405.812.8374 | urbanfarmhouse.com
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(l to r) Drs. Richard Falk, Paula Deupree, Glenna Young, Ashley Magness, Kelly McDonough, Debra Mitchell, Elizabeth Jett, Lori Fredrick, Tina Dickerson
THE FACE OF
BREAST HEALTH
OU Medicine Breast Health Network OU Medicine Breast Health Network is Oklahoma’s largest and most comprehensive group of breast specialists and radiologists. And, with nine physicians across four locations in the 405, as well as a statewide mobile mammography program, Breast Health Network is bringing the best screening, diagnostics and breast health care possible to the entire state, according to Tracy Cothran, assistant vice president of Breast Health Network. “Breast Health Network delivers the highest quality imaging and diagnostics available. That includes 3-D mammography (tomosynthesis), breast ultrasound, breast MRI, genetic testing, bone density screening and more,” she says. “In addition, through our relationship with OU Medicine and Stephenson Cancer Center, our patients can access a wide range of advanced care, testing, treatments and even clinical trials, if needed. We want women throughout Oklahoma to have easy access to the care they need.” Cothran notes that the two greatest risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman and getting older. And, given the many conflicting messages about when women should begin yearly mammograms, she says the position of Breast Health Network physicians is clear: “The best defense against breast cancer is early detection, and that includes annual screening mammograms beginning at age 40.” breasthealthnetwork.com | facebook.com/breasthealthnetwork
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FASHION
Rachael Gruntmeir, The Black Scintilla Located in the heart of Midtown, The Black Scintilla is more than just a boutique, according to owner Rachael Gruntmeir. Offering women’s clothing for sizes small to 3XL, Gruntmeir sees the shop as part of the fabric of the community. “We celebrate life in our store! We bring out the cupcakes and candles for customers’ birthdays, cheer with champagne to a new engagement or baby and have even hosted a wedding within these four walls,” she says. “Midtown has become our family and, while I want consumers to know that we offer a full array of sizes, I’m just as thrilled that we have created a neighborhood atmosphere.” Gruntmeir also wants to dispel the notion that boutiques have to be expensive and stuffy. On top of her commitment to fitting every shape and size, Gruntmeir said affordable prices, free styling, free hemming alterations and an array of accessories and gifts make The Black Scintilla a fun place to shop. “Our hashtag is ‘iheartbs’ for a reason,” she says. “I want people to have fun in our store, but I also want them to be surprised when they come through the door.” On top of the in-store experience, The Black Scintilla is also known for its window displays, which Gruntmeir views as her monthly art installations that reflect both what’s happening in the store and within the community. “The Black Scintilla is about making every woman, no matter the shape or size, feel beautiful while sticking to a budget,” she says. “And we do this all while having a fun experience!” 405.824.7599 | blackscintilla.com
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AGELESS BEAUTY
Bella Luce Med Spa
Bella Luce Med Spa takes a fresh, new approach to ageless beauty. Whether your concerns are wrinkles, volume loss or difficult-to-lose fat, or if you just need a little pampering, Bella Luce offers the latest technology to help make you the most beautiful version of yourself. The spa is led by Dr. Anthony Spark, MD, who has a background in minimally invasive procedures that require extreme precision to achieve the finest results – as is needed with any aesthetic procedure. Andi Kennedy, who has over 17 years of experience in the aesthetic field, manages the facility. She has had a hand in nearly all aspects of it, from working as a technician to managing and owning a spa, as well as working in sales for various skin care products. The most popular services at Bella Luce include injectables, fillers, SculpSure body contouring and skin tightening – and that’s just the beginning of a long list of enhancements they excel at providing. If you are hesitant or have any questions, Bella Luce can help settle your nerves and decide on the best treatment for you with a free consultation. If you mention seeing Bella Luce in 405, you will get a free consultation with a complementary Visia scan of your skin. Their official grand opening celebration will be in September of this year. 405.486.7450 | bellaluceokc.com AUGUST 2017 405 MAGAZINE
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THE FACES OF
STAFFING
Catapult Staffing
Just about the best advice any job-seeker can have is to “network.” And it was through networking that Rebecca Hartwig and Brent Stokes got together to form Catapult Staffing, one of the top recruiting firms in the 405. “I had come to Brent for some leadership advice, and in the course of our conversations, we realized we shared the same vision: to open our own recruiting firm,” Hartwig says. “We began by leveraging our networks to get clients together with qualified candidates. We knew that growing it from there was up to our hard work.” Focusing on IT, engineering, accounting, finance and professional services, Stokes says Catapult Staffing wants to serve as an extra arm for their clients. And much of the firm’s success so far can be credited to Catapult’s nine-person team. “We’re in the business of people, and we wouldn’t be successful without our people,” Stokes says. “To build relationships with our clients, we listen to their needs, understand their bottom line and use our network to help find the right person for the job. It’s rewarding to see that match happen.” With a company culture focused on fun and a love for what they do, Catapult Staffing may not fit the mold of a traditional recruiting firm. In the end, however, Hartwig notes that trust is the most important element of the company’s mindset. “One of the hardest things to earn in this business is trust,” Hartwig says. “We work hard to earn our clients’ trust so that we can work together – not just as an occasional resource for their HR departments, but as a partner they can rely on every day.” 405.242.4361 | catapultstaffing.com
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(l to r) Amanda Honn, Maddy Hillis, Darsha Watkins, Brent Stokes, Rebecca Hartwig, Ericka Pruett, Kara Pointer, Dustin Beisley and Shaun Blenkinsop.
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DIVORCE LAW
Holly Hefton
It’s been said that a divorce can feel like a war between two people. No matter how much artillery either side may have, though, family law attorney Holly Hefton believes that the hardest fight is often limiting collateral damage on the way to a truce. “There is no ‘best case scenario’ in a divorce,” she says. “What’s often overlooked is that children are the real victims of any divorce. My job is to help parents do the right thing for their kids.” Hefton believes the best thing she can do for any client in a divorce is to be honest. To do that, she starts each case by presenting all the possible outcomes and working from there. And while she’s always ready to go to battle for her clients, Hefton added that listening and being compassionate, caring and considerate play important roles too. “There are always two sides to a divorce, and I must play the devil’s advocate in order to prepare my client for cross-examination by the opposing attorney,” she says. “Anticipating what the other side will throw at my client is imperative. Some clients think I may be hard on them, but I have to prepare them to defend their position.” A divorce can affect the rest of your life. Rather than the bottom line, Hefton believes it’s always best to focus on the big picture and choose your battles. “A divorce will probably be one of the worst things you’ll ever experience,” Hefton says. “At the end of the day, I simply want to get the best outcome from a bad situation, for the children and the parents.” 405.312.3366 | hollyhefton.com
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WINE AND LIQUOR
Blake Cody, Byron’s Liquor Warehouse
Over the years, Byron’s Liquor Warehouse has endured floods, pipe bombs, power outages … and, for a brief time, even had a rifle turret atop its building to ward off threats from organized crime. Through it all, the store has always stayed open to serve its customers across the 405. That’s what General Manager Blake Cody calls the “Byron Mentality.” Byron is Byron Gambulos, the man who opened what was then Byron’s Package Store in 1959. Today, Gambulos still owns the store, and it’s grown to become the number one liquor store in the state, offering more than 6,000 wines, 1,500 different beers and a vast selection of spirits. And it’s still a family operation, too, as Cody is Gambulos’ grandson. “It goes back to Byron’s goal on day one: If we can get the doors open to serve our customers, that’s what we’re gonna do,” Cody says. “We have always focused on offering superior selection, excellent customer service and the lowest prices. And given our central location, we’ve become a destination store for a lot of our customers.” Beyond its always-busy walk-in business, Byron’s also supplies wine, beer and spirits for special orders, large parties, weddings and corporate events, while participating in charitable endeavors year-round. Ultimately, Cody says taking care of their customers still centers around the “Byron Mentality.” “For the last 58 years, Byron’s has grown along with Oklahoma City,” Cody says. “And whether it’s keeping up with trends in the industry or with the new liquor laws, we plan to keep growing and serving the 405 community for generations to come.” 405.525.2158 | byronsliquor.com
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ADVERTISING
BOLD
Owned by proud Oklahomans Leslie Christopher, Krystyn Richardson and John Richardson, BOLD has aided many businesses and non-profits in the Norman and Oklahoma City area in fulfilling their advertising needs for over 15 years. These creative, fun-loving, inspired individuals are constantly thinking outside the box, and love a challenge. “Our problem-solving process is an office favorite. We try our best to make unique and tailored solutions for each client,” Krystyn Richardson says. Located on Main Street in downtown Norman, BOLD’s energetic spirit, and sign, make a lasting impression. This team creates meaningful relationships with clients and the community – “Without the support of the community, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” John Richardson says – and consistently proves its willingness to go the extra mile, no matter how tough the terrain. “We love catering to clients’ needs and learning their different styles,” says Christopher. “It makes us better listeners and really shows the client we’re here for them.” The BOLD team offers one-on-one meetings, unique brainstorming sessions and attention to detail that meets the urgency of today’s fast-paced world. BOLD’s services include web design, video production, brand building, social media management and SEO analysis/improvement. Through a team of graphic designers, videographers, website specialists and account managers, BOLD has everything it takes to make your company a force to be reckoned with. If you want an advertising company with the friendliest dogs in the world and an amazing eye for great style, BOLD is the company for you. 405.701.8103 | bold-multimedia.com
(l to r) John Richardson, Krystyn Richardson and Leslie Christopher AUGUST 2017 405 MAGAZINE
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PREVENTIVE SCREENING
Advanced Body Scan
Did you know that over half of all Oklahomans will die from heart disease or lung cancer? However, the good news is that catching these diseases at their earliest stages can greatly increase the chance of survival. At Advanced Body Scan, this is not only their goal – their mission is to save as many Oklahomans as possible, and they are one of the only companies in the state to provide this service without a doctor’s referral. By utilizing their General Electric state-of-the-art Optima CT scanner, their licensed radiologist is able to detect abnormalities that can cause fatal ailments such as heart disease, cancer and stroke, as well as many others, before they begin to show symptoms. If you have a family history of cardiovascular disease or cancer, you are at a high genetic risk of developing the same conditions. These diseases can also be triggered by high stress, poor diet, being overweight and smoking, among many other factors. Getting a preventive scan is one of the best ways to stay on top of your health, and to be aware of your risks … before they develop into life-threatening problems. 405.242.1400 | advancedbodyscan.com
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VALET
Patrick Clark, Sooner Valet After growing up in Norman and graduating from OU, Sooner Valet owner Patrick Clark got married, moved to Dallas, started a family, signed a recording contract and pursued his music career. Eventually, after 11 years in Big D, the desire to be closer to family drew him home – but it was the realization that Oklahoma lacked something he took for granted in Dallas that made Clark change his tune. “We were eating at a restaurant in Norman that had no parking, and we had to park about five blocks away,” he says. “I told my wife I’d pay someone five bucks to park my car, and that was the light bulb moment for Sooner Valet.” For Clark, however, the business of Sooner Valet goes beyond merely parking cars. “We are a very customer service-oriented company, and ultimately for our clients, we are often their guests’ first and last impression. We want to make that experience enjoyable,” he says. “That’s why I remind my staff that we’re not just parking cars; we’re also building relationships.” Though it began in Norman, Sooner Valet now serves businesses and special events across Oklahoma City and Edmond, including clients such as Mahogany Prime, Cheever’s, Oak Tree Country Club, The Jones Assembly and The Pritchard. And while family brought Clark back to Oklahoma, business is taking him back to Texas, as the company recently expanded to the Redrock Canyon Grill in Southlake. However, that doesn’t mean he’ll move back to Dallas anytime soon. “I’m competitive and I want to see where it takes us,” he says. “But, at the end of the day, our heart is in Oklahoma City!” 405.534.2600 | soonervalet.com
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SOPHISTICATED SMOKE
Todd Naifeh, ZT Cigars
We all have a happy place. For some, it’s a state of mind; for others, it’s a specific location. And since 1998, ZT Cigars has been a happy place for cigar smokers from all over the 405. “Smoking a cigar is a relaxing, pleasant experience,” says ZT Cigars owner Todd Naifeh. “Our customers are happy to have a place where they can buy their favorite cigar, sit back and enjoy it, while at the same time sharing the experience with other cigar smokers.” ZT Cigars offers two locations in the 405 and an inventory of more than 500 cigar lines in the state’s largest humidor. In addition, ZT carries pipes, tobacco products and cigar accessories, including lighters, cutters, humidors and more. ZT Cigars also offers private members’ lounges, humidor lockers and even a cigar-friendly event room. Both ZT Cigar shops feature a knowledgeable, friendly staff and a welcoming environment for everyone, from the novice smoker to the biggest aficionado. And that, Naifeh said, is one of the most important elements in the success of ZT Cigars. “We have customers from all walks of life, and I think ZT serves as an escape for many of them,” he says. “Cigars have traditionally been used to celebrate things like births, weddings or big victories. Today, I think people simply enjoy cigars as a way to slow down and celebrate life’s little joys. Ultimately, it makes people happy.” 405.942.0070 | ztcigars.com
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NIGHTLIFE
Jeff Rogers, Rogers Concepts When it comes to fun in the 405, plenty of partiers head to Bricktown to visit the Pink Parrot Cantina, Circus Party Bar, Glam Nightclub or Malarkey’s Dueling Piano Bar. And though they’re four different clubs, the proprietor behind the party at each of those venues is the same: Jeff Rogers of Rogers Concepts. “I started working security at a place in Bricktown in 1999, and later worked as a VIP host at night and cleaned toilets during the day at CityWalk. I learned the bar business from the bottom up,” Rogers says. “In 2010, I came back to CityWalk as part owner, and I found I liked creating fun places for people to enjoy themselves.” As they each have their own distinct vibe, Rogers says the Pink Parrot, Circus Bar, Glam and Malarkey’s are designed to offer something for everyone, from all walks of life. And while operating clubs in an entertainment district can be tough, Rogers credits his staff for much of his success. “Having a dedicated, hard-working management team provides a consistent structure to work from every night. And it helps keep our businesses strong,” he says. “Ultimately, that allows each venue to offer a fun, safe environment for people to enjoy themselves each and every night.” Finally, though the atmosphere may be different at every Rogers Concept venue, Rogers makes sure that fun is at the top of every menu. “I love to create something and see it come together,” he says. “My goal is for someone to have a fun experience on every visit so that, when they wake up the next morning, they’ll say, ‘What a great time I had last night!’” (l to r) Chris Byram, Christopher Bridges, Rich Taylor, Jeff Rogers, Lance Gunter and Wayne Potter.
405.602.1771 | rogersconceptsokc.com
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EVENTS
HeyDay Entertainment HeyDay Entertainment has taken the term “bowling alley” and greatly enhanced it. Put any thoughts of sticky lanes and lukewarm nachos out of your mind, because you won’t see that from this company. Manager Jared Lutes is very proud of the steps HeyDay has taken to become an Oklahoma favorite – each location is equipped with full-service bars, stylish furniture and amazingly polished lanes, making it the ultimate hangout for any crowd. Private party rooms are perfect for birthday celebrations for all ages, corporate parties and business meetings. Tailor your group’s experience with a unique menu and personalized planning. “We offer our clients full involvement when it comes to the setup and overall feel of their event,” Lutes says. They also offer beautiful and fun spaces for pre-wedding events. “We love hosting bachelor and bachelorette parties, bridal showers and rehearsal dinners,” says event coordinator Aundie Pemberton. “It’s very important to us that we create a flawless moment in a soon-to-be joyous memory.” The HeyDay staff is capable and always ready to pull off even the most detail-oriented events. “The staff truly puts in amazing work to make each event go off without a hitch,” owner Keri Little says. Now with two locations in Oklahoma City’s Lower Bricktown and Norman, it’s easier than ever to have HeyDay host your event. “We saw that our fans farther north wanted the option of celebrating The HeyDay Way closer to home, so we gave them just that,” Lutes says. 405.310.3500 | 405.602.5680 | heydayfun.com
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Keri Little, Aundie Pemberton and Jared Lutes
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ARCHITECTURE
Guernsey
As a full-service architecture and engineering firm, Guernsey believes that great design occurs when the team embraces all disciplines. Founded in 1928, Guernsey has been providing architectural design for over 45 years. Guernsey’s unique Integrated Design Process brings together designers, architects and engineers from conceptual design through ribbon-cutting. The result is high performance buildings designed with purpose. The Integrated Design Process is one that incorporates early value planning rather than last-minute value engineering. By collaborating with all disciplines, end users and owners at project inception; holistic concepts, goals and expectations delineate project direction and design. This means clients are able to get the most out of their investments. “While creativity is a major factor of great designs, we are aware that client business goals and needs can take great designs to the next level,” says David Oman, AIA, Director of Design. “Each team member brings value to the process. Guernsey’s Integrated Design Process breeds shared trust, enthusiasm and loyalty with our staff and clients alike.” Guernsey recognizes that buildings must be functional, as well as aesthetically pleasing. Their team of architects understands the importance of blending substantiated architectural philosophies with new technology to develop innovative designs that are sustainable and forward-thinking. “As architects, we must connect the right brain to the left brain – combining attention to detail with passion and creativity. Our goal is to positively influence people with the environments we create,” says Chris Nuttle, AIA, Project Architect. Guernsey is dedicated to being an active member of the Oklahoma City community and good stewards of the environment. Their goal is to give back to the community by providing inspiring architecture and exceptional engineering services. Realize the difference.
(l-r) Chris Nuttle, Austin Horton, Laura Ripperton, Bill Bontempi, Maria Prado, Bailey Williams, Kristin Check, David Oman and Shane Foote.
405.416.8100 | guernsey.us
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BBQ
Levi Bouska, Butcher BBQ Stand Though he grew up watching his grandparents run a barbecue restaurant and his father worked as a butcher, Levi Bouska decided after high school to go study photography. However, while still helping his father cut meat three days a week during photography school, Bouska had a vision for Butcher BBQ Stand in Wellston. And when it opened in 2015, it was just how he pictured it. “Once I decided to open a restaurant, I sketched some ideas of how I wanted it to look – and Butcher BBQ Stand wound up just like I drew it up,” he says. “My thing is atmosphere, and I wanted my restaurant to kinda feel like you’re hanging out in my back yard.” Judging by the results, plenty of people want to hang out in Bouska’s back yard. Since Butcher BBQ Stand is only open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, lines regularly form at 10:30 a.m. (they don’t open until 11 a.m.), and it’s not uncommon for Bouska to be sold out well before closing. The secret, he says, is in the eye for detail. “There hasn’t been a slab of ribs that’s gone through the window that I haven’t touched. With my photography background, I want people to eat with their eyes before their mouth, so I want every plate to look perfect,” he says. “I think of my barbecue as competition barbecue, where your food is judged by one bite. And when my customers take that first bite, I want them to say ‘Wow!’” 405.240.3437 | butcherbbqstand.com
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UNIQUE SALON EXPERIENCES
Claire Westlund, Revel 8
The word “revelation” – something not previously known – serves as the inspiration for the unique and special business group Revel 8. It is also a reflection of owner Claire Westlund’s philosophy for creating Revel 8 Salon and Spa, and new concept sibling shops Revel 8 Grooming and Shave Shop and Revel 8 Nail Studio. Three different places, bound by a common ideal and goal: to provide a heightened level of personal care services in beautifully crafted and comfortable environments that stand apart from the norm. These are places where clients can treat themselves to the best treatments and techniques available in the local salon culture. From cuts and colors to shaves, facials, nail care and massage, the family of Revel 8 businesses are focused on the experience and personal goals of each individual client. The specialists that make up the staff at each Revel 8 location are at the very top of the game locally and train year-round to stay there. New techniques, procedures and products are at the very core of each staff member’s repertoire to provide their clients the very best results for their particular need or desire. A constant thirst to improve keeps this underlying philosophy of being unique and special vibrant and alive at Revel 8. Revel 8 is both an ideal and a philosophy that leads to an enhanced and enlightened day-to-day lifestyle in both its staff and its clients. Claire and her team have brought that vision to reality. 405.702.1688 | reveleight.com
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OPHTHALMOLOGY
Dr. Diana Hampton
Though her practice provides treatment and surgery for diseases of the eye, ophthalmologist and surgeon Dr. Diana Hampton says her greatest diagnostic tools are often her ears. “I went into private practice to be able to take the time to listen to my patients,” she says. “For me, taking the time to get know someone, allowing them to be heard, addressing their concerns and helping them be an active participant in their own care is the best approach to solving their problem.” An Oklahoma City native, Dr. Hampton learned the benefits of personalized care from her father, oncologist Dr. James W. Hampton. While today’s new technologies and new medicines have made solving many vision problems much easier, she believes in focusing on the personal aspect of her practice, one patient at a time. “New technology has made treating diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, dry eyes, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration easier, but primary eye care is still important for everyone,” she says. “We want to treat the whole patient, and their entire family, for their lifetime; from the 8-year-old who needs glasses to the 80-year-old with cataracts.” Ultimately, treating the whole patient goes back to Dr. Hampton’s own vision of comprehensive ophthalmology. “Comprehensive ophthalmology is not only diagnosing a vision problem, but also working to find the root cause of that issue,” she says. “I also believe ‘comprehensive’ applies to the complete patient experience, and that each patient should be treated with kindness and respect from start to finish, from the moment they make an appointment to when they walk out the door.” 405.608.8820 | dianahamptonmd.com
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IV THERAPY
Revitalize Health and Wellness Center As an All-American on University of Oklahoma gymnastics teams that won four national titles, Dr. Joshua Gore learned a lot about keeping fit and recovering after a hard workout. In his work as an anesthesiologist, Dr. Gore focuses on his patient’s hydration, health and wellness. In 2016, Dr. Gore combined both his backgrounds to open Revitalize, the 405’s first IV hydration therapy service. “Any vitamin or supplement you take orally must first be broken down by the body. Only about 10 percent is then available for use,” he says. “With an IV infusion, 100 percent of the vitamins, nutrients, electrolytes and antioxidants go directly into your bloodstream.” With an array of infusion options, Dr. Gore says that, on top of the recovery and hydration benefits, Revitalize infusion therapy can strengthen the immune system and help with a variety of issues including chronic fatigue, stress, anxiety, depression, asthma, allergies and even hangovers. The most popular infusion at Revitalize is the Myer’s Cocktail, which, according to Dr. Gore, provides numerous health and wellness benefits while also increasing baseline levels of vitamins and nutrients in the bloodstream. Finally, though he operates the firm with his wife Sara, herself a certified nurse practitioner, Dr. Gore adds that he’s not just an owner; he’s also a customer. “Due to my athletic career, I’ve had 11 surgeries, and I know I feel better the minute I have one of our infusions,” he says. “I think anyone who’s looking for an edge, whether it’s for health, fitness or recovery, will be able to feel the difference, too.” 405.696.4414 | revitalize405.com
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TAX LAW
Polston Tax Resolution and Accounting It’s not just numbers on a page to the people at Polston Tax Resolution and Accounting; those numbers represent real people who are in legitimate trouble. “To the IRS, you are just a case number,” says President Rod Polston, “but to us, you are a parent trying to put food on the table for your family, or a business owner trying to help your employees make a living.” Rod Polston founded Polston Tax over a decade ago with the mission to help people overcome their tax situations. Polston says the IRS is vicious, but that doesn’t stop him from obtaining the best possible solutions for his clients. “Our job is to stand behind, stand beside and stand up for our clients.” Rachel Pappy joined Polston to fulfill her passion to serve others. “When I was working as an accountant, I saw how the IRS took advantage of people,” she says. “I became a tax attorney to advocate for the defenseless. If the IRS makes an allegation to a taxpayer, they have no way of knowing their options. That’s where Polston Tax comes in, to protect our clients and negotiate the best solution with the IRS.” With offices in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, Tulsa and Wichita, Kansas, Polston Tax has helped thousands of clients and saved millions of dollars in taxes in the last year alone, and their grateful clients are eager to share their experiences – referrals are Polston’s number one source of business. More importantly, Polston and Pappy find it rewarding to take these tormenting tax burdens off their clients and put them on a path forward, with hope for the future. 405.801.2146 | polstontax.com
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THE FACE OF
CHOCOLATE
Apple Tree Chocolate
Ashley and Scotty Jackson
Owners Scotty and Ashley Jackson have found a way to combine their passion for sweets with their dream to create happiness in the 405. After their marriage in 2014, the couple realized there wasn’t a place to buy gourmet chocolates in the area. Fast forward a year later, and the newfound gourmet chocolate connoisseurs filled a niche when they opened Apple Tree Chocolate in the heart of Norman on Campus Corner. Three-time champions at the Firehouse Art Center’s Norman Chocolate Festival, Apple Tree Chocolate has remained dedicated to making the best candy desserts in the area. The homemade caramel apples – in three dozen flavors! – are their top sellers, but Apple Tree Chocolate has an extensive menu that includes truffles, cake dots, macaroons, homemade marshmallows, chocolate-dipped Twinkies and even chocolate and peanut butter doggie treats. It’s a welcoming space, too – the candy store’s clean, white backdrop and open kitchen concept juxtaposed with the Ferrari red accents are sure to evoke happiness and a sugary appetite. “Our employees love their jobs and our customers come here to get happy,” Scotty says. Scotty and Ashley will soon launch an online ordering service and a catering vehicle to fulfill delivery orders for weddings, baby showers, corporate events and charitable donations, as well as a food trailer: a 1948 Spartan trailer made in Tulsa by a company that built planes during WWII. At Apple Tree Chocolate, the labor of love makes for a very sweet job. 405.310.3959 | appletreechocolate.com
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HOME HEALTH CARE
LifeSpring In-Home Care Network
LifeSpring In-Home Care Network has been operating under the direction of Karen Vahlberg, RN, BSN since she founded the company in 2003. LifeSpring specializes in home care, including home health care, hospice care and personal services. Skilled professionals and smiling staff complete the compassionate team, which creates close bonds with the clients and their families in times of need. LifeSpring is more than just an in-home care company – it’s a place where hope starts for loved ones. “Every LifeSpring patient is family,” says Vahlberg. “Our goal is to improve a patient’s health and comfort.” Outstanding professionalism and excellent service are integral parts of the mission of LifeSpring. A close relationship between healthcare professionals, staff and clients is what makes LifeSpring an easy choice for those in need of their services, and setting them apart from the rest are their comprehensive offerings of not only home health and hospice, but personal services that offer clientele hourly or 24/7 assistance. “We want to be there for our clients whenever they are in need,” Vahlberg says. LifeSpring’s dedicated team is ready to step in, even for simpler daily activities. Whether dishes need to be washed, errands run or you’re looking for someone to play a game of chess for a couple of hours a day, LifeSpring will work to design an option that best suits their clients. Companions and certified home health aides are willing and ready to lend helping hands whenever needed. Ensuring overall health and well-being is a big part in bringing to life LifeSpring’s vision of creating a safer and more adaptable world for its patients and clients, in the place they would most like to receive it – their home. 405.329.4545 | lifespringhomecare.com
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DETAILS DESIGN DIVINE
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OKLAI-iOMA MILLWORKS INC. FINE QUALITY CUSTOM CABINETS
2019 Ruhl Drive, Guthrie, OK 73044
405.282.4887
Wood Garden
The
CUSTOM & DESIGN ST U DIO FURNITURE • DR APERIES • BEDDING • UNIQUE ACCESSORIES W W W.WOODGARDENONLINE.COM • 848.9663 • 7650 N. Western, OKC
home Mediterranean Flair
PHOTO BY DON RISI
“White walls and dark floors, appropriate to Mediterranean homes, let the colors talk,” says designer Jennifer Welch about Brian Bogert’s dream home. The ironwork door and railing are original to the house, the rug was found in Marrakesh and a massive Moroccan lantern adds drama to an already-spectacular space – with Warhol’s John Wayne keeping an eye on everything.
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home HABITAT
LIVING (IN) THE DREAM
Brian Bogert’s Mediterranean marvel
Despite its size, the living room is the coziest space in the house, and is where Bogert spends most of his time when home. The large sofa by Kravet is covered in a plush, spicecolored mohair fabric by Holly Hunt. Massive side chairs are covered in Holly Hunt alpaca, and Welch says they’re referred to as the “Game of Thrones chairs.” Original sconces dot the walls, and a Moroccan lantern found at the souk, one of a dozen such scattered throughout the house, sits on the steps leading into the room. Mediterranean-inspired drapes were custom-created in fabric by Oscar de la Renta. The chandelier is by Jonathan Browning. The coffee tables are carved from teak root, and a Ryan Cunningham painting hangs above the stairs to the second floor.
BY CHRISTINE EDDINGTON PHOTOS BY DON RISI
W HE N BR I A N BOGERT was in high school, he proclaimed
to anyone who would listen that one day, he was going to live in the Mediterranean-style house at the corner of NW 30th and Harvey Parkway. “For my entire life, I’ve loved this house,” Bogert says. “I was sure [that] one day I’d live here, and I moved in in October of 2015. One of my partners lives three houses down, and one day he texted and said, ‘Hey, your house is on the market.’” Shocked, Bogert immediately called his realtor and made an offer that day. This was in 2014. “They turned down my offer. So I waited. And waited. And it took a year, but the seller came back and took my offer. I couldn’t believe it was on the market. It had only had three owners.”
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The house hails from the early part of the 20th century – 1918, to be specific. “It was by the owner of Sinclair Oil, for his daughter and her fiancée. The garage was added later,” he says. When he moved in, the house was in great shape, but its interior just wasn’t his style. “Everything was done in darker colors, and there was a lot of dark drapery. Jennifer Welch helped me transform the house. We used to be neighbors, and she and Josh are two of my best friends; Jen knows me. She updated the house and made it modern, but kept its Spanish style, including the original sconces, stained glass, tile and door hardware.” Welch took all the walls to white, to stay true to the Mediterranean aesthetic of the place, and kept the floors dark for the same reason. Much of the tile throughout the home is
A chandelier by Jean de Merry, looking for all the world like the biggest, gold-dipped sea urchin in creation, commands the dining room. Heavily textured and knotted grass cloth wallpaper by Romo and a custom Kyle Bunting rug add visual pop while staying neutral. An iconic photo by Josh Welch, a flaming Rolls Royce, adds equal measures glamour and spectacle to the space. Welch recalled that the decision was made to gut the kitchen and reimagine it sleek and modern. “We drew inspiration from homes in the Hollywood hills, which combine the old and the new,” she says. A full-slab marble backsplash and book-matched island are topped by transitional pendants, bringing together the old and the new.
Minimal yet mesmerizing in their geometric perfection, Romo chandeliers give panache as well as illumination in multiple rooms.
handmade Malibu ceramic tile, revered for its vivid color and gorgeous craftsmanship. As work on the house began, Welch and Bogert took off for Morocco for a couple of weeks to attend a friend’s wedding, followed by time spent in Paris and Capri. “We traveled to several places, and did a lot of shopping for the house,” he says. Welch and Bogert sent home rugs, lamps and other treasures from the souks (outdoor markets) in Marrakesh. “The markets are huge. We walked for six or seven hours and maybe saw a quarter of it,” he says. While they were shopping, construction was underway back home. The kitchen was opened up, and the master bath was enlarged and transformed. The entry hall and a spectacular upstairs bathroom received a coating of Venetian plaster, a technique that involves applying a mixture of plaster and crushed marble. The finished product has a marvelous, subtle sheen and is cool to the touch. There is but one man Welch will entrust with the process, and that man is Bart Stevenson, with whom she has worked for a decade and a half. Although he said he probably bought his dream house ten years before he was really ready for it, Bogert is thrilled AUGUST 2017 405 MAGAZINE
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home HABITAT
Above: Gorgeous natural marble, applied in a herringbone pattern, covers the floor and huge shower. The intricate installation was accomplished by Young Brothers, under Welch’s watchful eye. “We wanted all of the fixtures in the house to be accents, in gold, and we knew we wanted wallpaper in the master bath,” Welch says. “Blue is used throughout the house, as a theme, in keeping with the Mediterranean style of it. The moment I saw the blue koi wallpaper, I knew it was perfect.” Bogert, however, needed some convincing. In the end, the scale of the room, covered in slightly abstracted fish, is breathtaking. A Romo chandelier adds the perfect finish.
Above: Bogert likes color and prints, and Welch says he isn’t afraid to go bold. Blue is repeated in the master bedroom, in the form of large, lacquered night tables and merry blue-and-white window treatments. The ceiling beams are original, and were kept neutral, as was the upholstered platform bed, rug and bench at the foot of the bed. A reproduction of a painting of Chris Evert by Andy Warhol created in bright cowhide hangs, large and in charge, over the bed, above which dangles a cheeky chandelier by the Brooklyn concern Apparatus Studio. Right: The original tile in this bathroom was too spectacular to tear out, so Welch’s team cleaned the grout and resurfaced the walls in Venetian plaster, which could easily be mistaken as original to the house. A yellow-and-white Roman shade manages to complement the cacophony of color, and overhead another Romo chandelier is equal to the task of bathing the room in light.
with the home, which he shares with two sweet pooches, Temus and Dingo. They occupy a section of a downstairs hallway that has been fitted with a half-door to keep them out of trouble during the day – although the first version was too short, and they were able to leap out. Temus, the older of the two terriers, is now 14. In his younger years, he would often accompany Bogert to work. Speaking of work: At the moment, Bogert, who is the founder of the Social Order – which created such 405 mainstays as Fuzzy’s Tacos, Texadelphia and 747 – is largely focused on a new venture downtown, a 20,000-square-foot dining and entertainment destination in downtown Oklahoma City. The Jones Assembly at 901 W Sheridan pairs a 225-seat restaurant with separate downstairs and mezzanine bars, and boasts a 1,600-person capacity for live events within two historic facilities that were formerly part of The Fred Jones Manufacturing Company complex. For this project, Bogert has collaborated with James Boswell Architect, Tulsa, Kirk and Fred Hall of Hall Capital, Graham Colton and Chef Brittany Sanger. It’s open now … and represents another dream come to fruition.
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Family fun at your fingertips!
FALL EDITION ARRIVES THIS OCTOBER 405 HOME is filled with ideas for buying, constructing, renovating, repurposing or redecorating the indoor and outdoor spaces that define our lives, and the resources to bring those ideas to life.
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home DÉCOR
Modern primitive style wall mirror in antique gold leaf finish. 48" round, $789 from Designer’s Market
Geometric starburst mirror, metal frame with gold leaf finish. 47" diameter, $900 from Designer’s Market
Modern mirror in a composition of squares with antique gold finish on the framework. 42" x 61", $602 from Designer’s Market
Omega mirror, framed by smaller mirrors with beaded molding, 35" x 49", $895 from Mister Robert
Mirror, Mirror Reflect on the decorative possibilities
Prism mirror, 36" x 50" x 2", $699 from Urbane
ON T HE BAT HROOM WA L L , over a chest of drawers or the fireplace, near the entryway, all of the above and more – the mirror is an essential staple in the home. They come in all shapes and sizes and styles from modern to traditional, classic to funky, and while you don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of time in front of one, it will ref lect the style of the room it’s in. That means you will want to get it right. And even if you don’t always want to spend a lot of time looking at yourself in the mirror, you can always love looking at it. - SAR A GAE WATERS
Traditional 18th-century mirror with c-scroll design, 32" x 48", $745 from Mister Robert Designer’s Market, 11900 N Santa Fe, OKC; Mister Robert, 109 E Main, Norman; Urbane, 1015 N Broadway #100, OKC
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Circular brass mirror, 36" diameter, $849 from Urbane
Artisan Tile Studio
7108 N. Western, Suite D1 • Oklahoma City • 405.242.2227 •
Another Beautiful Project by
CHATEAU
Design & Interiors
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travel
INTERNATIONAL
THE CHOCOLATE HILLS If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to be dropped into a cartoon, then visit Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, an expanse of 20 square miles boasting more than a thousand conical, Hershey’s Kiss-shaped mounds made of limestone and covered in emerald green grass, rising hundreds of feet from the earth. Their peculiar shapes and vibrant shades of green against an electric blue tropical sky keep us feeling very much like a character in the world of Super Mario Brothers, until we reach the top of the viewing platform on the range’s highest hill. If looking at them from the ground is awe-inspiring, to overlook the thousands of limestone hills is simply arresting.
OTHERWORLDLY EXPLORATION Bohol beauty in the Philippines
BY MAT T PAYNE
After an hour and a half flight from Manila, my plane touches down in Tagbilaran City on Bohol Island. Bohol, which means “rolling hillside,” is part of the Visayas island chain in the Philippines, located southeast of Cebu Island. After checking into The Bohol Beach Club, a 20-minute car ride from Tagbilaran City, I take a walk along the white sand beach. The island of Bohol is one of the most beautiful in the Philippines – but beyond simply relaxing, there are four main attractions that bring people to the verdant isle: the dream-like Chocolate Hills, the mysterious tarsier monkey, a Loboc River cruise and, perhaps the highlight, the unparalleled diving offshore. My stay is short, so I set off immediately.
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TARSIER MONKEYS People see monkeys all over the world, but nowhere else is there a monkey as unique or as adorable as the tarsier. With its wide eyes and knobby fingers, it’s cute enough to melt the coldest of hearts. Finding one in the wild is next to impossible, but there’s a sanctuary in Bohol where you can experience these little creatures in their natural setting. A visit to the Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary takes only a short amount of time, but is well worth it. The staff feeds them at the sanctuary, so they feel safe, but if the little creatures choose to return to their native jungle, they can. It doesn’t take long for my guide to spot one – the monkey is the size of a fist, and half of it is eyes! So large and reflective are they, I can see my reflection in its eyes staring back at me. Tarsiers can turn their heads nearly 360 degrees, which this one does before leaping with lightning
quickness nearly 10 feet to another branch. I spend an hour watching these furry little alien creatures leaping from limb to limb before it is time to catch a late lunch on a Loboc River Cruise.
LOBOC RIVER CRUISE To really take in the lush Philippine jungle, a cruise on the Loboc River is a must. Located in the heart of Bohol, its emerald green water is – once again – otherworldly. The cruise sets off up the gentle river and as it does, so begins a beautiful lunch. The trip crescendos at a waterfall, where we jump into the warm river and play under the cascading water. At night, visitors can stand up paddle board or kayak; illumination is provided by tens of thousands of fireflies that emerge just after the sun sets.
DIVING BALICASAG ISLAND Balicasag Island is a popular dive spot about a 45-minute boat ride from The Beach Club. Once there, we begin our dive … and it is exquisite. A school of jackfish greets us as we make our way along the edge of the beautiful reef. My guide points out grouper and an eel. We aren’t down long before two sea turtles make an appearance as we swim along a grassy spot on the sea floor. One turtle swims 10 feet above, the sun silhouetting his majestic carapace. Suddenly, an elusive school of barracudas appears above us – perhaps a hundred total, each fish about five to six feet. Despite their vicious reputation and equally daunting physicality, the school of giant fish passing above me is serene beyond belief. They move slowly, without expression. I watch in awe. The turtle now swims beside me; perhaps he is as impressed with the barracuda as I am.
I return to the Beach Club for the evening, wandering nearly two miles to a small village called Alona Beach. I enjoy a fresh seafood dinner looking across the water to Balicasag Island, the gentle waves rolling onto the sand just two or three feet from my table. Twinkle lights hang above me as a man on a bike tries to sell me ice cream. A cover band sings a bad version of Carly Simon. The sun finally sets, and as it does, I hire a driver on a motorcycle to give me a ride home in his sidecar. As we drive, he tells me about life – his father was a rice farmer, so he is, as well. As he continues to chat, I listen to the sounds of the jungle against the putter of his bike and the tales of the island. A perfect day in Bohol. AUGUST 2017 405 MAGAZINE
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travel STATESIDE
Ste. Anne Catholic Church is part of a religious timeline going back to the first Catholic mission on the island, established in 1670.
A Trip in Time The scenic serenity of Mackinac Island M ACK I NAC ISL A N D is a small oasis in the blending waters of Lake Michigan and
Lake Huron – between the mainland of Michigan and its Upper Peninsula. The island offers a spot of respite in a world that seems increasingly chaotic. It’s a place where Christopher Reeve’s spirit still lives … and the 21st century doesn’t. The British built a fort here in 1780, and following the War of 1812, the island became a center of the American Fur Trading Company, founded by John Jacob Astor. Later in the century, a steamship company plus two railroad companies decided to build massive accommodations. They began in the dead of winter in hopes of being complete in time for summer tourists; with hundreds of laborers and 1.5 million feet of lumber, the work was completed in 90 days. The hotel opened on July 10, 1887.
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The Little Stone Church down the hill from Grand Hotel was built in 1904 using local fieldstone.
THE GRAND DAME Grand Hotel became the place for wealthy families from Detroit, Milwaukee and Chicago. The era was characterized by a desire to revel in economic success, so many built huge “cottages” on the island; many more made annual pilgrimages to Grand Hotel. Many descendents of these early visitors are still making this pilgrimage – and so can you. Grand Hotel may be elegant, but it’s definitely not stuffy; she wears her 130 years well. Her pristine, columned exterior proclaims dignity, but her saucy side shows with yellow and white striped awnings and brilliant red geraniums. One family has owned the hotel for 85 years – four generations. In 1977, designer Carlton Varney brought a color palette to the staid lady that has become a hallmark of the hotel. Public areas now feature a brilliant blend of bright hues and extraordinary accessories. Nothing is “standard” at Grand Hotel. Accommodations range from guest rooms through suites up to a luxurious cottage, and each of the 393 rooms is individually decorated. Just walking into my room made me smile; it was like walking into a lush garden. Three walls featured wildly colored wallpaper, the fourth, a luscious pink, and white furniture sported the signature red geraniums. The Rosalynn Carter Suite is pink perfection, while the Lodge of Teddy Roosevelt sports trophy heads – naturally – and a masculine air. The public rooms are equally delightful. The dining room, which seats 1,000, bustles with white-coated, bow-tied servers and senior staff in sedate black tuxes. One wall of windows overlooks the lawns and lake. Mirrors multiply the formally set tables and, at dinner, a small ensemble serenades guests. Check the hotel’s dress code before you pack. The gardens and grounds of the hotel are not only beautifully landscaped, but sites for bocce and croquet, as well. The Esther Williams Pool (she made a film here in the ’40s), sauna and hot tub attract swimmers and sunbathers. A small, wooded labyrinth offers quiet meditation, while golf, tennis, pickleball and bikes provide other options for more active guests. Boat cruises, walking tours, kayaking, fishing, parasailing and paddleboarding are available.
MY KINGDOM FOR A HORSE There’s usually a fresh breeze off the Straits of Mackinac; it frequently carries an essentially earthly aroma. There are no cars on the island, so no exhaust fumes, but the main source of transportation offers its own distinct scent: at the peak of the season, there are approximately 600 horses on the
Vehicles on the island range from wagons to a variety of carriages.
island. Horse power pulls carriages taking guests from place to place, and wagons used for moving luggage, supplies and packages. Riding horses, bicycles and feet will get you around, too. There are emergency vehicles on the island – but I’ve never seen one. Ferries take visitors to the island from Mackinaw City to the south or St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula. I’ve used Shepler’s for all three of my visits, and they have the whole process down pat: Leave your car and check your luggage on the mainland, and board the boat – it only takes 16 minutes to travel back 100 years.
advertisement, the film Somewhere in Time. Starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour, it introduced the island to a wide audience. Movie buffs from all over the world are drawn here because of it, and they return because the reality is so much more than the fantasy. The last weekend of each season, guests dress in period costumes, closing each year with a tribute to their favorite film and its Grand location. - ELAINE WARNER
OUT AND ABOUT Tourism is the No. 1 industry on the island, with the season lasting from May into October. While Grand Hotel is the premier accommodation, there are plenty of other choices. B&Bs and small hotels predominate – there are no chains. Shopping is a major activity, ranging from souvenirs to fine art. The island’s most popular purchase is fudge – so much so, that day-trippers are referred to as “fudgies.” The historic Fort Mackinac is a must-see. Costumed interpreters add to the ambiance and do rifle and cannon firing demonstrations regularly. With advance reservations and a fee, you might even get to fire the first cannon of the day before the fort opens to the public. Most of the island is state park land, with several of trails for hiking or biking. Many bikers take the outer road circling the island – an eight-mile trip past grand lake-front homes, pristine forests, iconic Arch Rock and a small monument marking the location of a pivotal scene in Grand’s accidental
Every room at Grand Hotel is different, and all feature colorful Carlton Varney décor.
TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR grandhotel.com mackinacisland.org mict.com (carriage tours)
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PHOTO BY SCOTTY O’DANIEL
Though the decor and atmosphere easily could suit a more self-consciously sophisticated restaurant, the menu isn’t laced with French terms or fusion twists. But those in search of homestyle comfort food should find plenty to appreciate at Nic’s Place, and considering the portions, it’s unlikely anyone will leave hungry.
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LOCAL FLAVOR
BURGERS AND BEYOND
A new and greater Nicsperience BY STEVE GILL PHOTOS BY SCOT T Y O’DANIEL
I SI NCER ELY HOPE that this isn’t the first time
you’ve ever heard of Nic’s Grill – it’s fairly universally acknowledged among the cognoscenti that Justin Nicholas makes the very best burger OKC has to offer, and the fact of that consensus is a feat in itself. It’s an automatic recommendation: If you haven’t squeezed your way into the tiny café on Penn, I beg you to, and soon – as soon as you’re ready to discover genuine burger bliss. But, joy that it is, Nic’s Grill comes with a few drawbacks; one or two flies in the ointment. First of all, it’s tiny for reals, no more than 17 seats, so there’s not much space to stretch your legs and often a line out the door. It’s cash-only, which can be a mild inconvenience if you haven’t planned for it. Most of all, it’s only open four hours a day, and only on weekdays – so if you can’t make room for it in your lunch hour, you can’t make it at all. That’s one of the main reasons why it’s such a pleasure to visit his Midtown spinoff/sequel, the full-service lunch and dinner (and weekend breakfast) restaurant Nic’s Place. The main surprise for those familiar with the original who haven’t seen the new space yet will be
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the atmosphere – I still can’t get over how nice it is in here. I got semi-regular updates on the buildout process during visits to Nic’s Grill, so I had some idea of how ambitious his plans were, and how long it was taking, and what pains Nic and his team were taking with their Midtown baby – but the finished results are still startling. The dark wood molding and trim, the deep, plush chairs, the gleaming textured leather of the booths, the thick slabs of marble that serve as family-style tabletops in the main dining room … everything feels solid and stylish, verging on opulence while still feeling perfectly comfortable. That’s an important consideration considering the menu, which prominently features immense (and not always particularly tidy) burgers such as the one that made Nic locally famous. And by the way, those two marble-topped tables surrounded by high stools seat as many people as the entire operation on Penn. As classy as the surroundings are, the menu remains steadfastly focused on, in its words, “diner NIC’S PLACE DINER & LOUNGE comfort food.” That naturally begins with the appetizers, and I’m delighted that we took a chance on the fried pickles; dipped in buttermilk, lightly breaded
1116 N Robinson, OKC 405.601.9234
and crisped, there are no secret ingredients other than what adds up to zesty, crunchy deliciousness. Likewise, the nachos aren’t intended to surprise, just deliver immense helpings of tasty, tender chicken bites, cheese, guacamole and sour cream into your waiting face. Spoiler: They succeed. If you do choose a burger, (a) who could blame you? (b) they come in kinds – you can get a Nic’s Original or build your own, but I recommend the gouda, onions, bacon and egg of the Jojo. If you decide to branch out, your options include a load of salty, perfectly seared shrimp, a massive, thick-cut ribeye steak or a chicken-fried steak. The latter didn’t have as much emphasis on batter as some places; it’s more floured-and-fried, which gives more of a spotlight to the meat. Plus, the cream gravy is quite good. Whatever you pick, expect ample portions of the kind of food your grandparents would have praised as
sticking to your ribs. Speaking of which, the warm, gooey, cinnamon-covered peach cobbler a la mode is really excellent, though be warned that it’s more than one person can eat. After a meal like this, anyway. Nic and Jovon aren’t trying to reinvent the culinary wheel or make their own genre of fusion food; this is a big selection of diner classics, done with affection and served in spectacular surroundings. It might not supersede the original Nic’s in your affections – there’s definitely something to be said for the immediacy of sitting mere feet away, watching and smelling the heap of beef and onions sizzling on the flattop and counting the seconds until you can sink your teeth into it. But for those times when you have a group, are looking for an evening meal or simply want a little more variety, Nic’s Lounge takes the grill to a classy new level.
BURIED TREASURE The bar downstairs is, not to put too fine a point on it, a marvel: The décor echoes and adds emphasis to the leather and massive wooden ceiling beams seen upstairs, using a lower light level and lamps set into the built-in bookcases to cast small, intimate pools of illumination on each island table in a row of semicircular booths. The long, marble-topped bar seats another 16, with room for yet more patrons in conversational groups of couches and chairs nearby. It would be a good secluded spot for relaxing and chatting even if there weren’t a full suite of tempting beverages to explore, from draft cider to a hefty wine list to a pretty damn good Old Fashioned made with brandy-soaked cherries. Don’t miss giving it a look.
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Culinary Connections
The joy of cooking is best when shared CHR IST I N E DOW D’S culinary history is a connect-the-dots of
relationships. Every time she references a place she has worked or a food she cooks, she remembers the crew she worked with or the person she cooked for. Growing up in Chatham, N.J., her favorite meal was French toast, and the memory still connects her to her mother. “The smell would waft up the stairs and wake me from sleep; it was so good,” she says. “I still make that for my daughter, and sometimes I spruce it up and make it a decadent experience, but no matter how I make it, it reminds me of home.” Like many aspiring cooks of the time, Dowd was inspired by Julia Child’s television program “The French Chef.” Her mother watched it with her, and encouraged the 9-year-old Dowd to start experimenting in the kitchen. “Julia Child made cooking fun,” Dowd says. “My mother was very encouraging, so that made it even more special. I grew up in this big Irish Catholic family, so we had celebrations all the time, and there was always food, from Chinese to these delicious sandwiches from the Lakeside Deli. I still eat there when I go home.” Dowd was working in a supermarket in Chatham as a baker when she decided she wanted to pursue food as a career. Being limited to baking was frustrating, she remembers, because she wanted to make a variety of foods like Julia Child. While waiting tables at a country club, Dowd got her first chance in a professional kitchen when a cook was injured on the job and she volunteered to fill in. She recalls that was the moment that hooked her, and the bonds
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she developed are still alive; she still talks to that kitchen crew to this day. In her next gig, the executive chef saw her potential and recommended she attend the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. Dowd said HOW IT’S DONE she thrived at CIA, and after Chef’s Salad Skewer finishing her formal education Using a 10-inch skewer, there, she met the chef who start with iceberg lettuce and changed her life and pushed her add the following in order: radicchio, avocado slice, plum to be even better than she knew tomato wedge and half a she could be: Philippe Boulot. hardboiled egg. Repeat the iceberg and radicchio. He sent her to France to continue her education, and when she Add, in order, a slice of returned, she accompanied him rolled deli turkey, ham and Swiss cheese. to Portland, Ore., to work with the Heathman Hotel group. Finish with a rolled slice of seedless cucumber. “He was demanding and professional,” she says, “but he Use bleu cheese dressing (or was also nurturing and loving, another favorite) for dipping. a true friend, especially for a For homemade bleu young cook.” cheese dressing, combine 3 tablespoons each of Dowd is passing her craft on sour cream, mayo and to her daughter, Scout, who is crumbled bleu cheese with 1 tablespoon of finely chopped showing signs of being interestparsley. Season to taste with ed in cooking. Dowd said she salt and pepper. hopes her daughter will learn some favorites to take with her Cobb Salad Skewer on her own journey. Again, use a 10-inch skewer, “I want her to learn that and begin with endive and a cooking never leaves you,” leaf of butter lettuce. she says, “and if you spend Add, in order, a grilled time cooking for someone you chicken cube, plum tomato love, it’s a truly rewarding wedge, smoked bacon lardon, bleu cheese cube, avocado experience.” slice, another grilled chicken Outside of cooking for Aunt cube and a quarter of a hardboiled egg. Pittypat’s, the catering company she owns with partner Maggie Dip in buttermilk chive dressing. Howell, Dowd spends as much time as possible at a lake house. For homemade buttermilk Not surprisingly, she cooks for chive dressing, whisk 1/2 cup buttermilk with 1/4 cup her group of friends. mayonnaise, one tablespoon “It’s a pleasure to cook for each of Dijon mustard and chopped chives, one small friends and family,” Dowd minced garlic clove and one smiles. “It helps remind me of teaspoon of grated lemon zest, why I fell in love with cooking and salt and pepper to taste. in the first place.” At the lake house, Dowd said they grill and smoke regularly, but she’s also trying to help Scout and her friends eat healthier, so she’s created what are essentially salad skewers. “Anything to get kids to eat more salad,” she says. She shared a couple of recipes with us for this month, and they are light and refreshing, just as the Oklahoma heat demands. - GREG HORTON
PHOTOS BY SHANNON CORNMAN
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breakfast (or lunch), it should be right up your Automobile Alley. 1101 N Broadway, OKC, 232.3949 $$
THE HUTCH ON AVONDALE The all-time classic Coach House receives an update with a more modern menu sprinkled with experimental twists, and a full suite of tempting cocktails, wines and spirits. 6437 Avondale, OKC, 842.1000 $$ HEFNER GRILL Upscale fare of handcut steaks and seafood plus a tempting brunch to boot, enhanced by a live piano and a spectacular view overlooking scenic Lake Hefner. 9201 Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 748.6113 $$
ANCHOR DOWN Sip a beer or specialty cocktail and munch on a selection of gourmet corndogs in this fresh Deep Deuce concept housed within repurposed shipping containers. 30 NE 2nd, OKC, 605.8070 $
THE JONES ASSEMBLY It’s noteworthy as a spectacular concert venue, but don’t overlook the kitchen’s output the rest of the time. The bar (try a Frosé) and main menu (try everything) are sufficient to make memories even on non-special occasions. 901 W Sheridan, OKC, 212.2378 $ $
AURORA Its warmly comfortable atmosphere makes a perfect backdrop for a quick cup of Hoboken coffee or hearty breakfast or lunch assembled from superb ingredients – just be certain not to miss the beautiful secluded backyard area. 1704 NW 16th, OKC, 609.8854 $
KITCHEN NO. 324 A seasonally inspired café and craft bakery serving spectacular rustic American cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner, and a thorough treat for breakfast or brunch. 324 N Robinson, OKC, 763.5911 $
BACON Sometimes the name says it all. Noted OKC chef Sean Cummings fills a menu – from soup and salads through sandwiches, entrees and desserts – with tempting taste combinations that feature one of America’s favorite theme ingredients. 7523 N May, OKC, 848.4868 $$ CAFÉ 501 Rustic stone oven pizzas, fresh salads and specialty sandwiches on house-made artisan breads. Add welcoming atmosphere and enjoy. 501 S Boulevard, Edmond, 359.1501; 5825 NW Grand, OKC, 844.1501 $$ EDDIE’S BAR & GRILL This stylish spot not far from UCO is equally ideal for a casual drink, appetizers while watching the game or a dinner date. And bear in mind that the wings are outstanding. 930 E 2, Edmond, 285.7725 $$ FAT DOG This flavor-filled kitchen and bar dishes up treats from fish and chips to a killer Cobb salad … but if you just want to cool your heels on the patio with burgers, hot dogs and beer, you’re in the right place. 1234 N Western, OKC, 609.3647 $ FLINT Approachably casual style, plus the kitchen’s impeccably serious attention to detail in the outstanding contemporary cuisine, winningly combined in the Colcord Hotel. 15 N Robinson, OKC, 601.4300 $$ HATCH They call it “early mood food,” and if you find yourself in the mood for a sumptuous made-from-scratch
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MARY EDDY’S Inside the inviting environs of Film Row anchor 21c Museum Hotel, this showplace of a restaurant turns out a seasonally driven menu of expertly tuned flavors and dishes meant to be shared. 900 W Main, OKC, 982.6900 $$ MEATBALL HOUSE The focus in this Campus Corner restaurant is right where the name says, but the variety in salads/sandwiches/pizza/pasta gives a surprising breadth of satisfying dining options. 333 W Boyd, Norman, 701.3800 $$ NASHBIRD Make tracks to this 9th Street spot serving Nashville-style “Hot Dang!” chicken, with whatever spice level you like. Speedy service, whiskey cocktails and beer and a spectacular patio add extra savor. 1 NW 9th, OKC, 388.0033 $ NIC’S PLACE Already justly renowned for his skill at the grill, burger master Justin Nicholas offers breakfast, dinner, drinks and late night treats served in outstanding style at this Midtown diner and lounge. 1116 N Robinson, OKC, 601. 9234 $$ PACKARD’S NEW AMERICAN KITCHEN They’re not kidding about the “new” – the entire lunch and dinner menus are filled with innovative tastes for a distinctive dining experience. 201 NW 10th, OKC, 605.3771 $$ PICASSO CAFÉ Their neighbors in the Paseo are painters, potters and
sculptors, so it’s apt that creativity abounds in these zippy sandwiches, salads, pizza and surprises, including plentiful selections for vegetarians. 3009 Paseo, OKC, 602.2002 $
THE R&J LOUNGE AND SUPPER CLUB A sentimental dining experience
with vintage recipes and atmosphere. Seating is limited but the patio is a year-round treat, and the drinks menu is a thing of beauty. 320 NW 10th, OKC, 602.5066 $$ REDROCK CANYON GRILL Rotisserie chicken, enchiladas, pork chops and steak by the lake in a casual, energetic, hacienda-style atmosphere of stone walls and mahogany beams around an open kitchen. 9221 E Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 749.1995; 1820 Legacy Park, Norman, 701.5501 $$ SATURN GRILL A star of the lunchtime stage in Nichols Hills Plaza, its rotation of daily specials and tasty twists on pizza, sandwiches and salads keep it crowded on weekdays. Calling ahead is recommended. 6432 Avondale, OKC, 843.7114 $ SCRATCH Isn’t that the best place for food to come from? Top-of -the-line ingredients are combined into entrees and sides that are carefully concocted in-house, as are the bevy of wondrous craft cocktails. 132 W Main, Norman, 801.2900 $$ SUNNYSIDE DINER A new day dawns for breakfast and lunch on the west side of downtown as a former service station becomes a no-pretense, made-fromscratch diner. Order up! 916 NW 6th, OKC, 778.8861 $ SYRUP The most important meal of the day is also the most enticing at this unique breakfast boutique serving a heaping helping of signature dishes (the crunchy French toast is something special) and Stumptown coffee. 123 E Main, Norman, 701.1143 $ VAST Keeping your attention on the steaks, seafood and other temptaitons might be difficult; the view from atop the Devon Tower is truly unparalleled in Oklahoma, making this a fantastic date spot. 280 W Sheridan, 49th floor, OKC, 702.7262 $$$ VICEROY GRILLE Opulent décor, comfortable environs and some outstanding cuisine make a strong recommendation for the Ambassador Hotel’s in-house restaurant; don’t overlook the brunch options. 1200 N Walker Ave, OKC, 600.6200 $$ WAFFLE CHAMPION A food truck that expanded into a brick-and-mortar location in Midtown, its gourmet flavor combinations use waffles as the foundation for sweet and savory sandwich treats. 1212 N Walker, OKC, 525.9235 $
WHISKEY CAKE High-quality locally sourced ingredients, prepared using slow cooking techniques that’s a prime recipe for outstanding dining. Enjoy – and don’t forget the namesake dessert. 1845 NW Expressway, OKC, 582.2253 $$
Asian CHAE This pan-cultural treat puts a delectable influence on embracing traditional Korean cuisine and showcasing its versatility by blending its ingredients with dishes from around the world. Grab your chopsticks and enjoy. 1933 NW 23rd, OKC, 600.9040 $$ CHICK N BEER Wings and brews are food for the soul; these freshly fried beauties are done Korean-style, and with serious flavor. Grab some kimchi fries and a local beer and enjoy. 715 NW 23rd, OKC, 604.6995 $ EL TORO CHINO Big, bold flavors from disparate cuisines are blended in this self-described “Latin + Asian Kitchen” - creating results that are as excitingly distinctive as they are delicious. 2801 NW 36th, Norman, 708.9472 $$ GUERNSEY PARK A hidden treasure on an Uptown back street, reflecting traditional Asian flavors expertly fused with a hint of French influence. Try the chicken lollipops and curry salmon. 2418 N Guernsey, OKC, 605.5272 $$ O ASIAN FUSION Sublime quality in a wide span of culinary influences – freshly rolled sushi to fiery curry – in cool, vibrant digs. Call ahead for dinner, because it becomes a packed house in a hurry. 105 SE 12th, Norman, 701.8899 $$ SAII With a dark, rich ambiance that elevates it over its surroundings, the captivating Saii serves expertly done Japanese, Thai and Chinese fare plus an extensive and adventurous sushi menu. 6900 N May, OKC, 702.7244 $$
Bakery BELLE KITCHEN Doughnuts, macarons, pastries and ice cream created from scratch, in small batches – making treats like these with care and passion makes a difference that’s easy, and a pleasure, to taste. 7509 N May, OKC, 430.5484; 30 NE 2nd, OKC, 541.5858 $ CUPPIES & JOE The name is only part of the story: the Uptown nook holds cupcakes and coffee as well as pie, live music, a cozy, trendy vibe and more. Park around back and take a peek. 727 NW 23rd, OKC, 528.2122 $ ESCA VITAE Food for Life, the name promises, and visitors may well find
Showcase Dining The Mantel remains a marvel TH I N K ABO U T E VE RY TH I NG
that’s changed in OKC, especially downtown, in the last 18 years – the RedHawks were still settling into their shiny stadium in the Bricktown Ballpark (and some fans were still forgetting the new name and calling them the 89ers), a brandnew canal wound through the streets nearby … and The Mantel opened at 201 E Sheridan. And while Bricktown has grown and flourished amid a constant flux of shops, restaurants, nightclubs and attractions, The Mantel remains one of the city’s prime destinations for upscale cuisine. The more things change, the more occasional islands of lasting quality can be appreciated for their merits. One of those strengths as far as the Bricktown restaurant is concerned is its seafood menu – options for enjoying the bounty of the waves remain fairly sparse in landlocked Oklahoma, but The Mantel flies in carefully selected shipments daily. Take, for example, chef Garrett Myers’ elegantly simple Seafood Medley, combining perfectly cooked scallops and lobster meat with a colorful array of sautéed cherry tomatoes and asparagus, served over parmesan and chive risotto with a splash of pea puree. Paired with a glass of Rombauer Chardonnay, it’s a delectable dish that’s not too heavy, which is good news given that the Steak Tartare appetizer – braced by Dijon mustard, Worcestershire and soy sauces and ginger, and served with crackers and a quail’s egg – is spectacular. And so is the impeccably rich lobster bisque. And the odds are excellent of some luscious chocolate confection waiting at the end of the meal … well, if you’re going to make it a special occasion, you might as well go all in, especially since that means sampling more goodness from an enduring classic. - STEVE GILL
themselves feeling revitalized after sampling this European bakery and café’s espresso drinks, selection of deli sandwiches and vast selection of tempting breads and baked goods. 1114 N Classen Drive, OKC, 601.0402 $ LA BAGUETTE Comfort and exquisite baking make a tres chic destination for brunch and beyond. They supply pastries throughout the metro, but the source is especially delicious. 1130 Rambling Oaks, Norman, 329.1101; 2100 W Main, Norman, 329.5822 $ PIE JUNKIE A Plaza District haven for serious pie aficionados. Call ahead to order a whole pie or quiche or walk in and choose from what’s on hand; either way the flavors are incredible, and you may never find a better Key lime. 1711 NW 16th, OKC, 605.8767 $ SARA SARA CUPCAKES The ambiance and milk bar make great additions to the variety of specialty cupcakes - selections range from traditional chocolate to blueberry honey and even bacon, egg and cheese. 7 NW 9th, OKC, 600.9494 $
Bar & Pub Food THE BARREL The menu is wellstocked with intriguing and delicious twists on pub cuisine like shepherd’s pie and shrimp and chips, but the equally ample bar makes it a great spot to relax over drinks as well. 4308 N Western, OKC, 525.6682 $ BLU FINE WINE & FOOD Just south of Main Street, this sleek bar stands out due to quick, courteous service and a menu with gourmet range from mojitos to barbeque chicken pizza to fresh hummus. 201 S Crawford, Norman, 360.4258 $$ THE MANHATTAN A stylish neighborhood bar in the heart of downtown, its cocktail menu is packed with variations on its namesake classic, and don’t overlook the selections of sandwiches, salads and tasty treats from chef Bruce Rinehart. 210 Park Suite 150, OKC, 605.5300 $ THE MONT While the food should tempt palates inclined toward a Southwestern zing, it’s beverages like the beloved Sooner Swirl and the primo patio (with misters) for which this landmark is justly renowned. 1300 Classen Blvd, Norman, 329.3330 $ OAK & ORE A Plaza District port of call built with repurposed rustic materials, it offers more than a handful of creative sandwiches that practically require a knife and fork, as well as a tantalizing selection of lovingly chosen craft beers. 1732 NW 16th, OKC, 606.2030 $ O’CONNELL’S IRISH PUB & GRILLE Beloved by students, alumni and townies alike, it’s served up killer burgers, beer and festive atmosphere since 1968. A St. Patrick’s Day must. 769 Asp, Norman, 217.8454 $ PUB W Multiple sections provide a choice of atmosphere, but the menu filled with choice beer and “new classic”
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fare from barbeque wings to pork chops is a constant pleasure. 3720 W Robinson, Norman, 701.5844; 3121 W Memorial, OKC, 608.2200 $$ REPUBLIC GASTROPUB Part beer bar and part upscale eatery, this noisy, amply attended locale pairs a vast selection of quality brews with tasty menu items, including a great burger selection. 5830 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 286.4577; 13230 Pawnee, OKC, 907.5900 $$ SLAUGHTER’S HALL A good-vibe hangout in the heart of Deep Deuce, it’s home to great sandwiches and brunch options, a strong beer selection, a notoriously tasty take on poutine and some of the best mac and cheese in the city. 221 N Central, OKC, 606.6063 $$
Barbeque EARL’S RIB PALACE A popular choice among locals in a genre that’s hardly lacking in options, the local chain pounds out hit ribs and turkey as well as a top-tier burger. 6 metro locations, earlsribpalace.com $ IRON STAR URBAN BARBEQUE Iron Star specializes in “a unique and tasty spin on comfort food.” While its entrees are excellent, the sides here are equal players as well. 3700 N Shartel, OKC, 524.5925 $$ LEO’S BAR-B-Q Dense, rich flavor and tender texture, delivered in genuine unpolished style for commendable value – no wonder its ribs and brisket are favorites among Oklahoma connoisseurs. 3631 N Kelley, OKC 424.5367 $ MAPLES This Texas-style BBQ stand does serve brisket, pulled pork and sausage in sandwiches, but considering the quality, you might prefer them, or the pork ribs, by the pound. And get in the habit of going early, because they’re in the habit of selling out regularly. 320 NW 11th, OKC $$ TEXLAHOMA BBQ Family owned and fabulously flavorful, its meats (especially the beef ribs) are eye-rolling good. Don’t forget the espresso barbeque sauce! 121 E Waterloo, Edmond, 513.7631 $$
Burgers & Sandwiches COW CALF-HAY This tempting burger spot offers ample flavor combinations, and the delicious neverfrozen patties are mmmmmassive. Don’t forget the onion rings. 3409 Wynn, Edmond, 509.2333; 212 N Harvey, OKC, 601.6180 $ THE FIXX Massive, monstrous burgers and hot dogs, put together with thought and care. Don’t forget to get a shake or something from the full bar. 644 W Edmond, Edmond, 285.2311 $ THE GARAGE BURGERS & BEER It can get noisy in the sports-bar atmosphere, but even so your focus will likely be on savoring the many
PHOTO BY SHANNON CORNMAN
GOOD TASTE
tempting flavor possibilities of huge, juicy burgers and fries. 8 metro locations, eatatthegarage.com $ IRMA’S BURGER SHACK Hand-cut fries, hand-breaded onion rings and simply great burgers, especially with No Name Ranch patties - lean and flavorful thanks to a local breed of cattle. 1035 NW 63rd, OKC, 840.4762; 1120 Classen Drive, OKC, 235.4762 $ KAISER’S GRATEFUL BEAN Located in the heart of Midtown, OKC’s authentic ice cream parlor and soda fountain (it’s on the National Register of Historic Places) serves up shakes, malts, egg creams and homemade ice cream, plus burgers and meals for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. 1039 S Walker, OKC, 236.3503 $ THE MULE Solid beer and beverage selection plus a delectable array of gourmet grilled cheeses and melts fill the menu at this relaxation destination in the Plaza District. 1630 N Blackwelder, OKC, 601.1400 $ NIC’S GRILL It’s small, it’s crowded … and it’s incredible. It’s only open for lunch and the lines are often long, but the colossal burgers are easily among the metro’s best. Don’t forget some money, since it’s cash-only. 1202 N Penn, OKC, 524.0999 $ S&B’S BURGER JOINT Good news: these burgers’ exquisite flavors - including
such ingredients as peanut butter or a coffee crust - come as sliders too, the better to sample more kinds. 5 metro locations, sandbburgers.com $ TUCKER’S ONION BURGERS With one burger, one side (fries) and one salad, the menu is easy to remember - and the execution makes the meal unforgettable. Add a shake and enjoy. 4 metro locations, tuckersonionburgers.com $
Coffeehouse & Tea Room ALL ABOUT CHA Universal standards and unusual concoctions (the sweet potato latte is a wonder) in a cheerful atmosphere; the food options are worth investigating, as well. 5 metro locations, allaboutcha.net $ CLARITY COFFEE The vibe is crisp, clean and cool while remaining welcoming and comfortable – including seating for sipping or getting some work done – and the brewers have their beverages down to a science. As the sign says, “Drink the Coffee.” 431 W Main, OKC, 252.0155 $ COFFEE SLINGERS Rocking a brisk, urban vibe on Automobile Alley, it has become a gathering place for genuine java enthusiasts, especially during its periodic educational sampling seminars. 1015 N Broadway, OKC, 606.2763 $
ELEMENTAL COFFEE Seriously spectacular coffee roasted in-house - the passionate staff is always eager to share knowledge about the process - augmented with locally sourced salads, breakfast options and other treats. 815 N Hudson, OKC, 633.1703 $ ELLIS ISLAND Their brews use Eote Coffee (thumbs up), but there’s much more in store in this clean, cozy hangout spot – local beers, a selection of wines, treats from La Baguette and Epic Pops and more are waiting to be enjoyed. 130 N Broadway, Edmond, 726.8831 $ RED CUP Comfortably ramshackle surroundings encourage curling up for conversation over great coffee, baked treats, vegetarian-friendly breakfast and lunch specials, and live music. It’s highly recommended. 3122 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 525.3430 $ T, AN URBAN TEAHOUSE Proving that an establishment’s focus can be at once narrow and broad, these retreats offer over 100 varieties and expert counsel to explore a world of possibili-teas. 519 NW 23rd, OKC $
enjoying the full gamut of libations and chic ambiance. 7312 N Western, OKC, 843.0073 $$ BLACKBIRD A Campus Corner gastropub pairing succulently creative dishes like pot roast nachos with a broad beer, wine and whiskey list. There’s little on the menu that won’t tempt palates. 575 S University, Norman, 928.5555 $$ CHEEVER’S Southwestern-influenced recipes (the chicken-fried steak is a house specialty) and love of seafood drive the contemporary comfort food in one of the city’s finest dining destinations. 2409 N Hudson, OKC, 525.7007 $$ EN CROUTE A warmly welcoming, comfortable café in Nichols Plaza offers treats all day long, from fresh pastries to select spirits and beer, with special emphasis on artisanal cheese and charcuterie. 6460 Avondale, OKC, 607.6100 $
Continental
LUDIVINE The menu adjusts constantly to reflect availability of elite-quality, locally sourced ingredients - but every dish is the result of genuine culinary artistry. 805 N Hudson, OKC, 778.6800 $$$
BIN 73 Think of it as a wine bar but don’t overlook the tasting menu - diners can fill up on filet mignon or simply top the evening off with tapas while
THE MANTEL Marvelous steaks, seafood and other specialties combine with a refined atmosphere and outstanding service to set the stage for a
ONE-OF-A-KIND LUNCH, BRUNCH, DINNER, SUSHI AND COCKTAILS
2418 N Guernsey Ave | 405.605.5272 | guernseypark.com
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truly memorable meal, especially if you have a date to impress. 201 E Sheridan, OKC, 236.8040 $$$
combines fine dining with a great bakery, deli and butcher on site. 7408 N May, OKC, 840.3047 $$
THE METRO A perennial favorite that feels comfortably upscale without exerting pressure to impress on its clientele, the far-reaching menu covers culinary high points from vichyssoise to crème brulée. 6418 N Western, OKC, 840.9463 $$
German
MICHAEL’S GRILL Thoroughly urbane dining in an intimate setting: the steaks, chops, seafood and pastas are all reliably excellent, and the Caesar salad prepared tableside is the stuff of legends. 2824 W Country Club, OKC, 810.9000 $$$ THE MUSEUM CAFÉ A setting as inspiring as the OKC Museum of Art warrants something special in cuisine: delicately light or delectably robust, its European-inspired menu delights for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. 415 Couch, OKC, 235.6262 $$ PARK AVENUE GRILL A one-ofa-kind dining experience inside the luxurious Skirvin Hilton, blending traditional steak and seafood with the high style of its 1930s setting. 1 Park, OKC, 702.8444 $$$ PASEO GRILL Quiet and intimate inside, cheerful and comfortable out on the patio, with an award-winning menu filled with distinctive flavors inspired by the cuisines of Europe in both areas – try the duck salad. 2909 Paseo, OKC, 601.1079 $$$
Wishful Drinking A lucky libation from Mama Roja
WITH TH IS ISSU E ’S focus on taco tastiness (p. 32), we thought a margarita might be in order as accompaniment – and one of our favorites in the city is found at Mama Roja, overlooking the lake at 9219 Lake Hefner Parkway. You’ll probably like it, too, especially if you’re superstitious. The Horseshoe Margarita is named for its key ingredient of Herradura (Spanish for “horseshoe”) Silver Tequila. The highly rated spirit from Jalisco, Mexico, is made from 100 percent agave, aged 45 days in oak barrels for a mellow flavor, robust aroma and clean finish – it’s a pleasure to sip on its own, and makes a fantastic engine for powering a well-balanced margarita. Mama Roja bartenders combine it with what they call their house skinny mix – fresh lime juice, agave and orange juice – and serve it with a salt rim and fresh lime. The Herradura distillery is approaching its 150th anniversary, and was owned by its founding family for more than 125 years, so its experts have become quite adept at creating a quality product. Originally named for its location, owner Aurelio Lopez supposedly changed it in honor of a horseshoe he found on the property – treating yourself to Mama Roja’s signature Herradura cocktail sounds like an excellent way to give yourself a luckier day. - STEVE GILL
THE PRITCHARD WINE BAR Tempted by tempranillo? Musing about muscat? This Plaza District stop is amply stocked with an extensive list of exceptional wines, and sampling the varied dishes is a pleasure in itself. 1749 NW 16th, OKC, 601.4067 $ ROCOCO An “East Coast-style” restaurant with a diverse menu of international dishes, all set off by carefully selected wines to create the perfect dinner pairing. 12252 N May, OKC, 212.4577; 2824 N Penn, OKC, 528.2824 $$ SEVEN47 A Campus Corner hotspot boasting sleek, swank décor, an appealingly broad menu including a tantalizing brunch and a consistently celebratory vibe - in toto that makes this a winner. 747 Asp, Norman, 701.8622 $$ SIGNATURE GRILL Unassuming locale; magnificent culinary rewards. The expertly considered menu mixes French and Italian flavors to present a wide spectrum of amazing flavors in a few select dishes. 1317 E Danforth, Edmond, 330.4548 $$$ WEST Expert staff and stylish décor augment a menu filled with treats from beef pad thai to roasted airline chicken. Don’t forget the zuccha chips! 6714 N Western, OKC, 607.4072 $$
French LA BAGUETTE BISTRO Les Freres Buthion have deep roots in the city’s culinary landscape, and this flagship
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DAS BOOT CAMP Longtime fixture for Deutsch festivities Royal Bavaria has brewed up a second round of exceptional cuisine and magnificent beer in a less expensive, faster-paced location in downtown Norman. 229 E Main, Norman, 701.3748 $ FASSLER HALL Bringing German flavor to Midtown via house-made sausages, warm soft pretzels with cheese sauce, duck fries and a heftig beer menu, plus a weekend brunch – what’s not to love? 421 NW 10th, OKC, 609.3300 $ INGRID’S Authentic German fare at its best, including outstanding Oklahomamade bratwurst. Join weekend regulars for breakfast, and remember the bakery counter. 3701 N Youngs, OKC, 946.8444; 6501 N May, OKC $$ ROYAL BAVARIA Superb takes on traditional dishes like Weinerschnitzel, Jagerbraten and sausages, plus fantastisch house-brewed beers. The time spent is a worthy investment in this family-style dining hall. 3401 S Sooner, Moore, 799.7666 $$$
Indian GOPURAM - TASTE OF INDIA A full-service restaurant whose richly appointed interior and attentive staff accord patrons the feel of fine dining, even during the plentifully stocked lunch buffet. 4559 NW 23rd, OKC, 948.7373 $$ MISAL OF INDIA A Norman institution for over 30 years, specializing in tandooricooked delicacies and boasting healthy, natural, delicious cuisine served amid splendid ambiance. 580 Ed Noble Pkwy, Norman, 579.5600 $$ TAJ A tremendous set of Indian staples and delicacies - the menu has sections for vegetarian, tandoori, South Indian and Indo-Chinese specialties - plus full lunch and dinner buffets. 1500 NW 23rd, OKC, 601.1888 $$
Italian & Pizza BELLINI’S Tasteful in décor and Italian offerings alike, this romantic nightspot quietly, confidently exudes elegance. It’s worth a visit even if only for a couple of the namesake beverages on the shady patio. 6305 Waterford, OKC, 848.1065 $$ BENVENUTI’S Subtly flavored minestrone to rich, hearty ragouts, the splendid menu keeps the booths full and diners planning return trips to this vintage building by the railroad tracks; don’t overlook Sunday brunch. 105 W Main, Norman, 310.5271 $$ EMPIRE SLICE HOUSE Reigning over the Plaza District in New York style (that means thin, flexible crust with a lot of surface area to cover in cheese and tasty toppings), it offers whole pizzas or slices,
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AT THE BAR
a full bar and a primo patio. 1734 NW 16th, OKC $ FLIP’S WINE BAR & TRATTORIA Managing to feel rustic despite its location in a busy corridor of OKC, this cozy Italian joint keeps extended hours, and tends to get busier and louder as the hour gets later. 5801 N Western, OKC, 843.1527 $$ HIDEAWAY PIZZA If you’ve been serving a devoted following for over half a century, you’re doing something right. In this case, that’s incredible pizza in jovial surroundings. 8 metro locations, hideawaypizza.com $$ HUMBLE PIE PIZZERIA There’s really no need to be humble about this true Chicago-style pizza, boasting perhaps the best crust known to man. It’s one of our favorites; choose your toppings and think deep thoughts. 1319 S Broadway, Edmond, 715.1818 $ KNUCK’S WHEELHOUSE Homemade daily with sauces from scratch and local beer in the crust, it’s a tasty and varied stopover for Bricktown wanderers as well as a pizza-lover’s destination in its own right. 103 E California, OKC, 605.4422 $ MONI’S Handmade, New Jersey-style brick oven pizza and authentic pasta recipes from Southern Italy in a casual, comfy ambience (ideal for dates). 17200 N May, Edmond, 285.5991 $$ OTHELLO’S Garlic bread and warm mussels to tiramisu and coffee – all you could want in a romantic Italian café. ; 1 S Broadway, Edmond, 330.9045 $$ PIZZA 23 The tempting selection of specialty pies on especially buttery, flaky crusts is available for takeout, but dining in is recommended; the Uptown joint’s good beer selection and crisp, urban décor add savor to the flavor. 600-B NW 23rd, OKC, 601.6161 $$ PIZZERIA GUSTO Neapolitan-style pizza (which harnesses an extremely hot fire to quickly cook superfine flour crusts and quality ingredients) stars alongside Italy-inspired salads, pastas and appetizers. 2415 N Walker, OKC, 437.4992 $$ STELLA MODERN ITALIAN CUISINE A luscious spate of legitimately Italian tastes for a casual lunch, or romantic dinner, amid stylish scenery. The weekend brunch offerings are especially superb. 1201 N Walker, OKC, 235.2200 $$ STONE SISTERS Seeking a healthier take on one of the world’s most popular foods? Stone Sisters aims to dish out deliciousness while focusing on superior ingredients, especially in its organic spelt crusts and vegan-friendly options. 2124 N Broadway, OKC, 609.6599 $$ TOMMY’S ITALIAN-AMERICAN GRILL An old favorite returns to the metro to provide fresh, plentiful doses of primo pasta and pizzas, always served with plenty of ambiance. 5516 W Memorial, OKC, 470.5577 $$ UPPER CRUST A chic, contemporary pizzeria and wine bar specializing in wood-fired, thin-crust New York-style pies
complemented by a full menu and wine list. 5860 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 842.7743; 1205 NW 178th, Edmond, 285.8887 $$ VICTORIA’S A comfortable atmosphere, with local art on its walls and the art of pasta on its plates – the chicken lasagna and linguine with snow crab are especially excellent. 327 White, Norman, 329.0377; 3000 SW 104th, OKC, 759.3580 $ VITO’S RISTORANTE Homestyle Italian cuisine in an intimate setting where the staff and management treat customers like guests in their home. It’s a small space, so calling ahead is recommended. 7521 N May, OKC, 848.4867 $$
YOKOZUNA The noodles, entrees and snappy drinks menu beckon, but it’s the rolls that stand out in this heavyweight contender for local sushi supremacy – personally, we’re partial to the 405 Roll. 13230 Pawnee, OKC, 500.1020 $$ YUZO Variety is the word in this sushi tapas bar, boasting a tempting swirl of Colombian, Brazilian and Japanese culinary influences. 808 N Broadway, OKC, 702.9808 $$
Mediterranean & African
VOLARE A flavor-filled variety of Neapolitan-style pizzas, produced with haste from a specially imported oven, fill this stylish Campus Corner space boasting a serious rooftop patio. 315 White, Norman, 310.3615 $$
HAIGET’S Vegan-friendly – and friendly in general, due to the influence of the warm, patient namesake owner – this gem rewards the adventurous with Ethiopian and Kenyan specialties to explore and share. 308 W Edmond Road, Edmond, 509.6441 $$
THE WEDGE Wood-fired pies crafted from fresh ingredients (the possibilities range from pepperoni all the way to figs or truffle oil) and made-from-scratch sauces. 230 NE 1st, OKC, 270.0660; 4709 N Western, OKC, 602.3477 $$
MEDITERRANEAN IMPORTS & DELI The menu is stocked with authentic, quick and savory options from Greek salad to eye-watering cabbage rolls, and there’s even a mini-grocery stocked with select staples. 5620 N May, OKC, 810.9494 $
Japanese // Sushi
QUEEN OF SHEBA Practically the definitive example of a hidden treasure, the spicy, vegan-friendly menu of Ethiopian delights awaits the bold. Bring friends and be prepared to linger. 2308 N MacArthur, OKC, 606.8616 $$
CAFÉ ICON Tempting sushi, Japanese specialties and delicious spectacles like steak cooked at the table on a sizzling stone fill the menu to bursting with visually splendid and palate-pleasing treats. 311 S Blackwelder, Edmond, 340.8956 $$ DEKORA Splashy, neon-accented décor sets off a sea of delicious sushi creations in a Bricktown dazzler. Lots of variety, big drinks menu, extreme yum. 200 S Oklahoma #130, OKC, 702.1325 $$ GORO An “izakaya” is a Japanese pub; visitors to the Plaza District will quickly come to associate the term with expertly crafted deliciousness thanks to this cheerful spot for ramen, yakitori, bar snacks and more. 1634 Blackwelder, OKC, 606.2539 $ MUSASHI’S Exquisitely flavorful Japanese cuisine prepared with genuine artistry, thanks to the skilled chefs executing culinary performance art at tableside hibachi grills. It’s a great spot for a special occasion. 4315 N Western, OKC, 602.5623 $$ SUSHI NEKO An established OKC favorite combining style (sleek, brisk, classy) with substance (in the form of an especially wide-ranging and creative sushi menu). 4318 N Western, OKC, 528.8862 $$ TOKYO It’s neither huge nor lavishly appointed, and the menu focuses on tradition rather than creativity; but it’s palpably fresh and routinely cited as among the metro’s best sushi. 7516 N Western, OKC, 848.6733 $$ VOLCANO Creations from the hibachi grill or dazzling displays of handcrafted sushi prowess – this restaurant might not have much seating, but it’s certainly far from short on flavor. 2727 S I-35, Moore, 759.3888 $$
ZORBA’S For well over 20 years, Zorba’s has satisfied appetites and pleased palates. Serving dishes from recipes passed down through generations, they proudly share flavors of Cyprus, Spain, Greece and Morocco. 6014 N May, OKC, 947.7788 $
Mexican & Latin American 1492 Authentic Mexican cuisine in an elegant atmosphere, combining its caliente flavors with fusion decor to make an ideal spot for a romantic evening ... including perhaps the world’s best mojitos. 1207 N Walker, OKC, 236.1492 $$ BARRIOS A serious collection of Latin-flavored deliciousness, including a brunch that’s maravilloso, in a cool Midtown space with a back patio that’s pure paradise. 1000 N Hudson, OKC, 702.6922 $ BIG TRUCK TACOS It’s nearly always standing-room-only at lunch, but don’t let that deter you; spend a few minutes in line and get an ample reward in the form of fast, fresh, imaginative taco creations. 530 NW 23rd, OKC, 525.8226 $ CAFÉ DO BRASIL It’s a long way from OKC to Rio, but the savory menu in this Midtown hot spot covers the distance in a mouthful. Even brunch is a spicy, inimitable treat. 440 NW 11th, OKC, 525.9779 $$ CAFÉ KACAO A sunlit space filled with bright, vibrant flavors from the zesty traditions of Guatemala. Lunch possibilities beckon, but it’s the breakfast
specialties that truly dazzle. 3325 N Classen, OKC, 602.2883 $ CULTIVAR A farm-to-fire Mexican kitchen that stresses sustainability, local sourcing and fresh, fast, flavorful food. Gluten-free options, chef-crafted tacos, a substantial bar and plenty more are on the menu. 714 N Broadway, OKC $$ HACIENDA TACOS Quality, of both ingredients and execution, and variety make this restaurant in the Shoppes at Northpark a pleasure to visit, and to explore the menu again and again. 12086 N May, OKC, 254.3140 $ IGUANA MEXICAN GRILL Unique Mexican flavor in a fun atmosphere at reasonable prices - a treat from the housemade salsas to the handcrafted cocktails, and all the tastes between. 9 NW 9th, OKC, 606.7172 $$ MAMA ROJA MEXICAN KITCHEN A festive atmosphere on the scenic shores of Lake Hefner sets off a menu loaded with hand-rolled tamales, vendor-style tacos and signature dishes. 9219 E Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 302.6262 $$ REVOLUCION You say you want a Revolucion? You easily might once you try this spicy taco-centric haven – start with the queso fundido and don’t stop until you reach the delectable arroz tres leche dessert. 916 NW 6th, OKC, 606.6184 $$ TARAHUMARA’S Beloved by locals (there’s usually a line but it moves quickly), this airy ristorante serves huge, tasty TexMex classics plus less ubiquitous fare like carnitas de puerco and mole poblano. 702 N Porter, Norman, 360.8070 $$ YUCATAN TACO STAND A Bricktown haven for feisty Latin fusion cuisine such as paella and tamales wrapped in banana leaves plus signature nachos and combos … and a selection of over 75 topshelf tequilas. 100 E California, OKC, 886.0413 $ ZARATE’S In addition to the familiar joys of enchiladas and the like, the chef’s Peruvian heritage shines in dishes featuring plantains, yuca and imported spices. Try something different; find something tasty. 706 S Broadway, Edmond, 330.6400 $$
Seafood THE DRAKE The Good Egg Group’s flagship and a standard-bearer for diners who crave excellent seafood, it serves chef’s creations featuring the sea’s finest, plus an oyster bar and tempting cocktails. 519 NW 23rd, OKC $$$ PEARL’S CRABTOWN A huge Bricktown warehouse where the Cajun Crab Boil is a favorite, guests are encouraged to “leave the silverware at home and dig in,” and taste is king. 303 E Sheridan, OKC, 232.7227 $$ PEARL’S OYSTER BAR A perennial OKC favorite for its flavorful seafood and spicy Creole-inspired dishes: Shrimp Diablo, Tabasco-infused Caesar salads, Andouille omelets at Sunday brunch and more. 5641 N Classen, OKC, 848.8008 $$
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TRAPPER’S FISHCAMP Zesty, widely varied f lavor from the Pearl’s family of restaurants finds a comfortable home in a backwoods fishing lodge atmosphere. Don’t forget the bountifully stocked bar, either. 4300 W Reno, OKC, 943.9111 $$ THE SHACK SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR A massive selection of nicely spiced Cajun and Creole cooking, plus fried and grilled seafood, in an atmosphere that’s not shy about being as casual as it can be. 3 metro locations, theshackok.com $$
Soul Food BRENT’S CAJUN Sit down to a massive platter of jambalaya, crawfish etoufee, Pasta Orleans or any of the wellseasoned temptations on the weekend brunch menu – and spice up your life. 3005 S Broadway, Edmond, 285.0911 $$ C’EST SI BON The name is accurate: it is impressively good for lovers of Cajun-style catfish and po-boys. Crawfish etouffee, frogs’ legs, fried chicken and shrimp po-boys are among the highlights, but the award-winning catfish is a must-try. 101 N Douglas, Midwest City, 610.2555 $ THE DRUM ROOM March your own drumsticks in for a heap of crispy, juicy fried chicken (among the city’s best) starring alongside fried okra, waffles
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and a fully loaded bar. 4300 N Western, OKC, 604.0990 $$
with knockout fried chicken. 2601 NW Expressway, OKC, 848.5597 $$$
Steakhouse
MAHOGANY PRIME STEAKHOUSE The ambiance and service are sublime, but fine aged steak broiled to perfection is the star. 3241 W Memorial, OKC, 748.5959; 100 W Main, OKC, 208.8800 $$$
BOULEVARD STEAKHOUSE Perfectly soigné ambiance down to the last detail and cuisine easily in the metro’s elite – a sumptuous, if pricy, masterpiece. 505 S Boulevard, Edmond, 715.2333 $$$ BROADWAY 10 Cruise into the Buick building in Automobile Alley to savor steak supremacy or seafood selections (even sushi) in a cozy enclave amid urban bustle. 1101 N Broadway, OKC, 212.3949 $$$ CATTLEMEN’S Almost as old as the state itself, this Oklahoma institution’s immense corn-fed steaks and matchless atmosphere are history served anew every day. 1309 S Agnew, OKC, 236.0416 $$ JAMIL’S STEAKHOUSE Saving room for your steak, lobster or prime rib is difficult when your gratis appetizers arrive in the form of a Lebanese bounty, but make the effort. Jamil’s has been feeding Oklahoma exceptionally well since 1964. 4910 N Lincoln, OKC, 525.8352 $$$ JUNIOR’S The classic restaurant’s decor sets the perfect stage for hand-cut Angus steaks and lobster to fight for attention
MICKEY MANTLE’S This lushly atmospheric social spot in Bricktown serves powerhouse entrées and sides with a full complement of amenities destined to impress. 7 S Mickey Mantle, OKC, 272.0777 $$$ MMR PRIME STEAKHOUSE A carnivore’s playground with offerings from house-cured charcuterie to prime ribeyes, chops and fresh seafood, each cut exceptionally flavorful. The wine and cocktail lists feature classics plus fun new things to try. And for dessert? How about award-winning brioche bread pudding? 2920 NW 63rd, OKC, 608.8866 $$$ OPUS PRIME STEAKHOUSE It aspires to the ultimate in upscale dining via hand-cut USDA Prime Black Angus steaks, a vast wine selection and intimate ambiance. 800 W Memorial, OKC, 607.6787 $$$ RANCH STEAKHOUSE Customaged hand-cut USDA Certified Prime tenderloins and ribeyes, served amid warm Southern hospitality. 3000 W Britton, OKC, 755.3501 $$$
RED PRIMESTEAK Visionary design and atmosphere house super-premium steaks, vibrant, imaginative flavors and amenities to make some of the state’s best dining. 504 N Broadway, OKC, 232.2626 $$$ TEXAS DE BRAZIL Inspired by Brazilian churrascarias, this festive establishment offers diners cuts from their choice of skewers laden with beef, pork, chicken and sausage, in addition to excellent sides and a massive salad bar. 1901 NW Expressway, OKC, 362.9200 $$$
Thai SALA THAI Pineapple curry, basil squid, fried rice with crab, cinnamon beef ... the variety is exceptional, making this Midtown diner a popular midday option. 1614 NW 23rd, OKC, 528.8424 $ SWEET BASIL The enormous aquarium adds to the cozy ambiance; with its outstanding curries and specialty dishes, it makes a great venue for a dinner date. 211 W Main, Norman, 217.8424 $$ TANA THAI There’s a lot to like about the food in this little spot, from red snapper filet to pad thai. Pay special mind to the varied soups, and do not play chicken with the spice level. 10700 N May, OKC, 749.5590 $$
events
COURTESY BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS
Feast For Your Senses Guests’ senses of sight, taste, hearing and fun will get a workout August 19 at the second Moveable Feast, hosted by and benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma. Art such as Tim Kenney’s “Brother and Sister Aspens” will be up for grabs, chefs Jacque Methvin of Scratch, Andrew Black of Meatball House, Taylor Desjarlais of Chae and Kevin Lee of Vast will create small bites, Ardent Spirits and Kyle Reid & the Low Swinging Chariots will rock the house and it all helps improve the lives of area kids. For details visit moveablefeastok.org.
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events PRIME PICKS
Love and War August 17-27, Shakespeare on Paseo Both members of a wealthy divorced couple have since remarried other people, but on their honeymoons they meet again, and find themselves rekindling their former romance – followed immediately by their former antipathy. Then their new spouses enter the fray ... “Private Lives” is by Noel Coward, so it’s guaranteed to be witty, and produced by Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park, so you know it’ll be great.
Last Blast August 6-20, Lions Park
Tower Power August 5-19, Tower Theatre
Just in time for its 80th birthday, the Uptown landmark Tower Theatre is fully renovated and ready to rock, beginning an ambitious slate of shows this month. The new era begins with a blast from the past from local ’90s cover outfit My So Called Band, followed by a special birthday performance by Tower partner and local rap star Jabee (featuring beats by DJ and producer Statik Selektah), and finally guitar wizard and Megadeth alum Marty Friedman. It’s time to welcome a classic back to the spotlight. 116
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LCG and the X
Power Pack August 26, Automobile Alley While everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy the free, all-ages AMP Festival, the folks providing the sights and sounds have something in common: two X chromosomes. Celebrating the Art, Music and Power of women, it’s an exciting, inspiring day of creativity and fun headlined by saucy lo-fi lady rockers LCG and the X, with a portion of proceeds supporting OKC Girls Art School. Rock on!
PHOTOS: TOWER THEATRE BY STEPHEN TYLER, NOEL COWARD BY ALLEN WARREN, LCG AND THE X COURTESY AMP FESTIVAL
It’s still steamy outside, but the long, cool Summer Breeze concert season is coming to an end. Never fear, though: the Depot has saved a pair of powerhouses for last. The hometown horn ensemble Boyd Street Brass was inspired by New Orleans street bands but have since taken a funkier detour – they’ll set it up Aug. 6, while nationally renowned John Fullbright will tear the house down Aug. 20 with his Grammy-nominated Americana.
events SPOTLIGHT
Windows on the Past Art exhibits telling state stories
HISTORY IS A CON T I N UOUS SW EEP, and what came
before constantly influences what’s happening now. As Pulitzer-winning author David McCullough said, “History is who we are and why we are the way we are.” Here in the present, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd, is unveiling a pair of new exhibits focusing on aspects of the state’s past – one that takes a first-person look at who Oklahomans were in the era of new statehood, and another prompting the question of what might have been had a great talent not been lost. WE THE PEOPLE: A PORTRAIT OF EARLY OKLAHOMA August 19-October 22 Henry Wantland had a front-row seat to the development of Oklahoma while it was still a territory, and his camera recorded decades of daily life in the nascent town of Stillwater after he and his family moved there in 1891 and opened a studio. This exhibition of his work displays the people, public spaces and bustling life of the early days of Oklahoma, accompanied by new research that provides context by describing stories of the people pictured and details of their intertwining existence – the streets they walked, the stores they frequented, the progress they celebrated and how their lives continue to resonate in the state today.
EVENTS AUG 4 SMARTY PANTS TRIVIA NIGHT Have a bite and a drink, then show off your command of relatively unimportant bits of information in the MS Society’s 10th annual good-time showdown. Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi, OKC, 488.1300, nationalmssociety.org/chapters/oke AUG 5 OKLAHOMA CRAFT BEER SUMMIT If you care about local brews, this event might be for you: educational seminars, networking and discussion of the industry’s future alongside lots of fun and samples. Tower Theater, 425 NW 23rd, OKC, oklahomacraftbeersummit.com AUG 17 COOKIES & COCKTAILS A fundraiser for the Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma has to involve cookies, right? The confections are inspirations for creations from local restaurants in this delicious event. Science Museum Oklahoma, 2020 Remington, OKC, 528.4475, gswestok.org
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LIFE & LEGACY: THE ART OF JEROME TIGER August 25-May 13 Creek-Seminole artist Jerome Tiger remains one of Oklahoma’s most celebrated painters, even as August marks the 50th anniversary of his death. He created a portfolio of hundreds of works, won awards nationwide and is considered one of the great Native artists – which is especially remarkable in that his career spanned a mere five years before he was killed in an accident at 26. There’s no telling how much more he might have done; something to ponder during the museum’s celebration of his craft and legacy. - STEVE GILL
WANT TO SEE MORE? VISIT OUR ONLINE CALENDAR AT 405MAGAZINE.COM
AUG 18 ST. ANTHONY POP! This sparkling evening offers live music and several small bites to taste, plus a huge array of champagnes, sparkling wines, whiskies and scotches. Come raise a glass to St. Anthony Hospital! Mercedes-Benz of OKC, 1225 N Broadway, OKC, 272.7070, givetosaints.com AUG 19 DANCING FOR A MIRACLE It’s the tenth anniversary of this philanthropic bash, where local personalities pair with professional dancers to show off their moves to earn the most dough for Children’s Hospital Foundation. Embassy Suites Norman, 2501 Conference, Norman, 271.8430, chfkids.com AUG 19 WEST FEST Local music, food trucks, beer and camaraderie fill a stretch of Western Avenue in lieu of cars for this neighborhood festival. 4200 N Western, OKC, westfestok.com AUG 26 MELODY LANE Family aid organization Parent Promise hosts its 21st annual fundraiser, offering auctions, music and fun in a
Monopoly-themed evening. OKC Golf & Country Club, 7000 NW Grand, OKC, 232.2500, parentpromise.org AUG 30 ENGAGING MEN BREAKFAST Domestic violence is an issue that affects us all regardless of gender. Join the YWCA for this networking fundraiser to get inspired, and to help make a positive difference in the community. Embassy Suites, 741 N Phillips, OKC, 951.3333, ywcaokc.org
FILM AUG 12 CAT VIDEO FESTIVAL Face painting, food trucks and live music add more fun to the main event: a 75-minute outdoor screening of the internet’s finest cat clips. Myriad Gardens, 301 W Reno, OKC, 445.7080, myriadgardens.com
GALLERIES THROUGH AUG 11 ART 365 In this OVAC project, five artists
receive honorariums, consultation with an expert curator and a year to work - these are the far-reaching results. MAINSITE Gallery, 122 E Main, Norman, 360.1162, mainsitecontemporaryart.com
MUSIC AUG 22 YESTIVAL Get comfortable for a night of music under the Oklahoma sky that explores the sonic inspiration of Yes - featuring a special performance by Todd Rundgren. OKC Zoo Amphitheatre, 2101 NE 50th, OKC, 866.977.6849, zooampokc.com
THEATER AUG 17-SEP 10 TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD Christopher Sergel’s adaptation of the Harper Lee classic is an engrossing reminder of the importance of doing right in the face of whatever comes. Jewel Box Theater, 3700 N Walker, OKC, 521.1786, jewelboxtheatre.org
PHOTO COURTESY NATIONAL COWBOY & WESTERN HERITAGE MUSEUM
ON THE RADAR
Lutheran Church, Stillwater, ca. 1901, by Henry Wantland
backstory
LONG LIVE THE KING Remembering the life of a legend
I T WA S A N OV ERCA ST AUGUST DAY in Oklahoma City, warm and humid, as occasional light rain fell from the low-hanging clouds. Patricia Goodpasture was waiting on customers at her store when she heard the news. “Someone walked in and said ‘Elvis Presley just died,’” she says. “It was one of those things you will always remember, like where you were when President Kennedy was shot.” Presley died at his home in Memphis 40 years ago this summer, on August 16, 1977. His death stunned fans around the world, including Oklahoma. Goodpasture was 27 years old at the time and had come of age listening to Presley’s music. “Of course, his early hits in the ’50s were influential in the development of rock and roll,” Goodpasture says, “and I loved those songs as a kid. But as I entered my teenage years in the ’60s, that’s when I really became a fan. He was still making records, but he was also making movies like Blue Hawaii and Viva Las Vegas, and I saw them all!” Those were good years, she said, and while Presley may be gone, the memories and his music are very much alive. “I remember walking home after school with my best friend Judy,” Goodpasture says. “We would get her little portable record player out and dance to the Mamas and the Papas, Nancy Sinatra, the Supremes – all the great groups that were popular then. But our favorite was Elvis. Judy’s mom was an Elvis fan in the ’50s, and sometimes she would even dance with us. She did a great jitterbug, and it was a hoot! Today I still love his music, and I listen to the Elvis channel on Sirius a lot. After all these years, his music never gets old.” When word got out that Elvis had died, radio stations everywhere began playing Presley’s music non-stop. Longtime Oklahoma City air personality Jack Elliott remembers the day well. “It was a couple of years before I moved to Oklahoma City,” Elliott recalls, “and I was working the afternoon drive shift at KRIZ radio in Phoenix. The station was a very ‘Top-40’ format. Needless to say, when he died, we brought out all the Elvis we could find and did a tribute broadcast.” Presley was instrumental in breaking new ground, Elliott said, bringing to light a style of music previously unknown to many people. “There were numerous black artists who created similar sounds, but due to white radio programmers keeping things
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white in the 1950s, those black artists weren’t heard on mainstream radio,” Elliott says. “Elvis had a very soulful sound. He wasn’t a songwriter, as the Beatles were, but he could take most songs and make them his own.” One of the first times Presley performed in Oklahoma City was in 1955, at the Municipal Auditorium, now the Civic Center. Through the years, he always came back to perform for sell-out crowds, with fans camping out and standing in line for hours, sometimes overnight. Four decades after his death, Elliott said it will take a continued historical review of Elvis’ life to allow new generations to learn of his rise to fame. “After 40 years, the music of Elvis Presley is still well received,” Elliott says. “Movies, television ads and other productions feature his music. Radio stations with oldies and classic country formats still fire up the Elvis from time to time. As long as there are fans who were alive during his reign, the legacy will remain strong. No telling how his legacy will carry on a hundred years from now … I have a hunch he will still be known as ‘The King.’”
PHOTOS: RECORDS BY SCOTTY O’DANIEL, ARCHIVE PHOTOS COURTESY OKLAHOMA HISTORY CENTER
BY MARK BEUTLER
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