May 2024

Costume worn by Betty Hutton as Pearl White in the Paramount Pictures production of 'The Perils of Pauline', 1947. Designed by Edith Head. Collection of Motion Picture Costume Design: Larry McQueen

Organized by the Oklahoma City Museum of Art

PUBLISHER

Kendall Morgan Hammack kendall.morgan@405magazine.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Julie Partin

julie.partin@405magazine.com

ART DIRECTOR

Cadence Ramos cadence.ramos@405magazine.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Kaylin Hill

kaylin.hill@405magazine.com

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS

DEVELOPMENT

Drew Smith drew.smith@405magazine.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Vanda Holland vanda.holland@405magazine.com

COPY EDITOR

Steve Gill

INTERN

Caroline Sprague

PHOTOGRAPHY

Stephen Karlisch

Kimberly Martin

Rachel Maucieri

Charlie Neuenschwander

CONTRIBUTORS

Lavinia Creswa

Jake Durham

Kristen Grace

Bennett Hill

Evie Klopp Holzer

Matt Kirouac

Linda Miller

PRESIDENT

Jordan Regas jordan@hilltopmediagroup.com

VICE PRESIDENT

Kaley Regas kaley@hilltopmediagroup.com

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Meagan Matthews meagan@hilltopmediagroup.com

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Lisa Munson accounting@405magazine.com

READER SERVICES

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Volume 10 / Number 5, 405 Magazine (periodicals 21350) is published monthly, 12 times a year, by Hilltop Media Group, 1216 N Blackwelder Ave., Ste. 13, Oklahoma City, OK 73106. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 405 Magazine, P.O. Box 16765, North Hollywood, CA 91615-6765.

405 Magazine Volume 10, Number 5, May 2024. 405 Magazine is published monthly by Hilltop Media Group at 1216 N Blackwelder Ave., Suite 13, Oklahoma City, OK 73106, 405.806.0672. ©Copyright 2024 Hilltop Media Group. 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.

Simply the Best

IT WAS THE BEST OF TIMES, IT WAS the worst of times. If you have followed our magazine and these editor letters over the last few years, you know the Best of the 0 is something we simultaneously love and fear.

It is, hands down, our biggest project of the year. Over the years it has grown into something we never imagined possible. With 266,111 total votes and over 2.2 million website hits over the course of the contest, the community obviously takes it very seriously. We as a publication understand the gravitas of the situation as well. It means the world to a small business or individual to have their livelihood honored as “the best.”

To all of those nominated and those who won their category: Congratulations!!! You make our lives and Oklahoma City better. Your hard work and commitment to excellence do not go unnoticed. Check out the list of this year’s esteemed winners (pg. 33).

Also in this issue you will meet Yancey Red Corn, an Oklahoma Osage actor who shares his experience with Killers of the Flower Moon including how he was named on GQ’s Best Dressed while wearing his traditional Osage Naming Blanket over his tuxedo (pg. 20).

Additionally we are thrilled to cover Arise Single Moms. For over 20 years this non-profit has supported mothers parenting alone through fi nancial assistance, emotional guidance and mentorship programs (pg. 86).

As a reminder, I am currently out of the office on maternity leave. Much continued appreciation to Kaley Regas, Kaylin Hill and the rest of the  Magazine team for bringing this beautiful issue to fruition.

Enjoy your month of May, I hope this fi nds all of us preparing for a deep Thunder playoff run and summer full of fun!

CHECK OUT THE 405 STAFF SUPPORTING SOME OF THIS YEAR'S BEST OF THE 405 WINNERS!

Julie Partin EDITOR IN CHIEF

Kendall and Jennings Hammack at the Oklahoma City Zoo Lights.

Julie Partin and her daughters backstage at the Oklahoma City Ballet.

Cadence Ramos and her daughter riding the carousel at the OKC Zoo.

Kaley Regas and her daughters enjoying the famous chocolate Mice at La Baguette.

Kaylin Hill enjoying Wicked at the Oklahoma City Civic Center.

Drew Smith and his son at the Festival of the Arts.

Celebrating Christmas together at staff favorite Frida Southwest.

BAS

THANK YOU FOR VOTING EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS #1

Oklahoma City (North)

6401 Northwest Expressway - Ste 108

Oklahoma City, OK 73132

Phone: (405) 720-1000

Oklahoma City (Southwest)

804 West I-240 Service Rd - Ste B Oklahoma City, OK 73139

Phone: (405) 634-6600

Oklahoma City

Specialized Recruiting Group

6301 Waterford Blvd - Ste 210 Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Phone: (405) 272-9797

Oklahoma City

Express Healthcare Staf ng

6301 Waterford Blvd - Ste 210 Oklahoma City, OK 73118

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Edmond

3409 South Bdwy - Ste 500 Edmond, OK 73013

Phone: (405) 478-3331

Norman (Oklahoma City Metro)/Pauls Valley

2424 Springer Dr #103 Norman, OK 73069

Phone: (405) 366-6060

Yukon

1050 Andrew Dr Yukon, OK 73099

Phone: (405) 350-2550

Sharing

Osage actor Yancy Red Corn reveals family ties to Killers of the Flower Moon Story. p. 20

Dressed to a Tea

A splash of elegance for refined occasions

BY BENNETT HILL

CULINARY

EXPERIENCES VARY WIDELY ACROSS THE GLOBE, BUT ONE delicacy has a near-universal place at the table: tea! Served on ice or poured from a warm kettle into fi ne china, this versatile beverage often conveys a sense of poise and sophistication, especially if making an event or ritual of its indulgence, which encourages partakers to wear elegant ensembles for the occasion. Playful greens pay homage to the earthy foliage that enables the beverage, while delicate, intricate patterns parallel the craftsmanship that goes into creating it. The availability of various strains and fl avors means experimenting is highly recommended, and your wardrobe can have the same adventurous fl air as your taste buds.

2.

3.

7.

1. Lovebirds, Rituals Midi Dress; Gretta Sloane

Krewe Du Optic, Elizabeth Glasses; Cayman’s

Lika Behar Collection, Lydia Ring; Naifeh Fine Jewelry 4. Lele Sadoughi, Ivory Pearl Embellished Velvet Gigi Headband; Refi nery 5. Urban Expressions, Ezra Evening Bag; rosegold 6. Cecelia New York, Frost Wedge Sandal; Betsy King Shoes

Herend, Queen Victoria Tea Cup; BC Clark

Country Couture: A Night of Western Elegance

PHOTOS BY VICTOR HARRIS OF VERSATILE PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC

This fashionable event at the Will Rogers Theatre raised a total of $68,476. Proceeds will benefit Other Options, an organization that provides food, resources, services and education to at-risk individuals and families with a focus on those affected by HIV and AIDS.

Sponsorships provided by Equality Health Group, Arvest Bank, Ah Snap Photo Booth, Florasource, Tony Foss Flowers, Flower Shop Pizzeria and Winery, Magic Linen Services and Lorec Ranch. Committee members included Chris Anderson, Paul Boyd, Deanna Cardenas, Kristen Davis, Jeff Germany, Cher Golding, Anita Milam, Tyler Sellers and Martin Stuart.

Helen Milam, Mary Milam and Anita Crites Milam

Peter Markes

Sebestian Oukassou and Juan Camarena

Will Perry, Tyler Sellers and Cody Turpin

Deanna Cardenas, Melissa Scaramucci, Lance McDaniel, Adam Reese

Renée Hilton

Taylor Young and David Rackley

Christie Hargrave and Michael Bolin

2024 Goodwill Awards Luncheon

PHOTOS BY AJ STEGALL

Hosted by Miss Oklahoma Sunny Day, the 2024 Goodwill Awards luncheon was held at the OKC Farmers Market to recognize employees and supporters. The event featured a silent auction of donated purses and jewelry, and a musical performance by violinist and entertainer Kyle Dillingham. Proceeds will benefit Goodwill’s Begin At Home employee assistance program.

405 Animal Rescue is an OKC-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We have dogs & cats of all ages, sizes & foster-housed. We can only continue to save lives through our supporters & donations. To find your new family member or donate, please visit

Arnall Family Foundation's Perrin Duncan with Goodwill Central Oklahoma Board Chair Steve Shepelwich and Kara Luther-Chapman

Miss Oklahoma Sunny Day hosted theprogram featuring a musical performance by Kyle Dillingham

Goodwill Employee of 16 Years, Taneka Miller, receiving honors

ThankYou!

I am thrilled and deeply grateful

in our

to have been voted the BEST RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT community TWO YEARS IN A ROW ! This honor means the world to me, and it’s all thanks to your trust, support, and friendship.

It’s been an incredible journey helping my clients and friends find their dream homes, guiding through the intricate process of buying and selling, and building lasting relationships along the way. Your satisfaction and happiness are what drives me every day.

Here’s to many more successful transactions, shared memories, and milestones ahead. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your real estate journey.

MANDY RENÉE is an Oklahoma native and is extremely knowledgeable about the state’s real estate market trends. She has continuously been successful in the real estate market and has sold nearly $28 million in one year alone. In the last 17 years, she’s assisted in selling more than 1,400 homes. From luxury to first-time buyers, Mandy would be honored to assist you through the process of selling or buying your home.

An Osage Story in the Spotlight

Oklahoma’s Yancey Red Corn on his role in 'Killers of the Flower Moon'

BY KRISTEN GRACE | PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

OKLAHOMA ACTOR AND OSAGE

elder Yancey Red Corn appeared in two critically acclaimed pieces of media in 2023: a brief role in the show “Reservation Dogs” and in the film Killers of the Flower Moon as Chief Bonnicastle, a historical figure who helps get the federal government to investigate the murders of the Osage people. Both the television show and the movie were filmed in Oklahoma.

Red Corn was born in 1963 just outside Pawnee, and made his first foray into acting in 2012. Encouraged by friends, he auditioned for the play One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest with the Oklahoma City Theater Company and won the part of Chief Bromden. “I had watched the movie and read the book,” he said of his first acting role, “but I didn’t realize how many lines I would have in the play. But I worked hard and my fellow actors were wonderful to work with. It was a great experience that prepared me for Killers of the Flower Moon.”

Red Corn even has familial ties to the historical story: His ancestry includes a great-grandfather who was poisoned during the era when the Osage people were dying mysteriously after the oil boom made them wealthy.

Yancey’s father Charles wrote the book A Pipe for February, a book that Martin Scorsese read in preparation for the movie and mentioned at the Cannes Film Fest. “The book was about how the Osage managed to hold on to as much of their culture and traditions as possible during that dark time,” said Red Corn. “David Grann also read it and spent a week with my father while he was alive. The opening scene of the movie was directly from the prologue of A Pipe for February.”

At Cannes and at the Oscars, Red Corn wore his traditional Osage Naming Blanket over his tuxedo. He said, “I wanted to show respect to all

“I'm so glad that the film was showed internationally. It really rang a bell with Indigenous people internationally. It made me feel good that I was a part of the film.”

our Osage tribal members. I was there with my cousin Tahlee, who was also in the film, and we wore them like the old chiefs would wear them. And we had some people tell us, ‘I wish my grandmother was alive to see that because you two represented the Osage tribe and you represented us well.’ I had a lot of people thank me for it.” He laughed and added, “I also appreciated that I was #27 on GQ’s Best Dressed on the Red Carpet.”

When asked about the effects the movie Killers of the Flower Moon has had on a wider audience, Red Corn replied, “Other actors and directors saw our movie at Cannes, and I was approached several times by filmmakers from other countries. At breakfast one morning, a director from an African country came up to me and said, ‘I saw your movie last night, and I want you to know that it is my story too. It is what colonialism has done to my country.’ I’m so glad that the film was shown internationally. It really rang a bell with Indigenous people internationally. It made me feel good that I was a part of the film.”

The Black and White of Mental Health

Care and treatment options in the 405

BY LAVINIA CRESWA

JUDY GARLAND FAMOUSLY SANG,

“When all the world is a hopeless jumble and the raindrops tumble all around” … but what happens when you cannot seem to fi nd the light Over the Rainbow? Dealing with a mental health issue, for yourself or someone you love, can be confusing and scary. As May is Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to learn what some of the options are in Oklahoma City if you ever fi nd yourself needing resources.

If someone around you is expressing they may harm themselves or others, or you are considering self-harm, call or text 988. This national suicide and crisis hotline is the fi rst step in managing the situation. If you are in danger or feel unsafe, call 911. In the event of a mental health crisis, individuals are usually transported to the closest emergency room for evaluation.

After a 8-hour stay at the hospital, patients requiring additional care may be transferred to a facility like Oakwood Springs in NW OKC. This behavioral health hospital is a 72-bed facility with one unit solely focusing on stabilizing patients in the acute stage. Once admitted, patients usually stay about eight days receiving specialized treatment including medication management, individual and group counseling and strategies to help them return safely to the community. Daily treatment is overseen by a care team including a psychiatrist and medical doctor to ensure a safe discharge when the patient is ready.

Oakwood Springs also offers a 30-day rehab program in its Chemical Dependency unit to help patients withdraw and recover from substance abuse and addiction. A third unit, called Help for Heroes, is unique in that it only treats uniformed

men and women who serve the community. Patients are active duty military, veterans, EMSA personnel, fi refighters, police officers, doctors and nurses who receive evidence-based and outcomedriven support to assist them in being serviceready upon discharge. Because of the trauma, mental and physical stress and life-threatening situations involved in these careers, this group has a specialized treatment program while allowing the patients to connect with each other on a deeper level.

Once the acute crisis situation has passed, the real work begins in being able to maintain good mental health as patients are discharged. Oakwood Springs provides ongoing support, including its Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Patients arrive daily for treatment and go home at night while in the PHP, and then the frequency of care tapers off as patients improve in IOP. There is also a completely free weekly alumni group meeting for continued support.

Finding the right mental health provider is so important, but can be challenging. Agencies like Integrated Therapy Solutions of Oklahoma have locations across the metro and offer outpatient therapy that can be in person, virtual or even at-home visits. Psychology Today (psychology-

today.com) has one of the most comprehensive search engines for fi nding a therapist, psychiatrist, treatment center or support group in the 0. No matter how gray the skies are, help is available — and you, too, can wake up where the clouds are far behind you. Managing Editor Kaylin Hill had these suggestions to help boost your mental health in the OKC metro:

• Get out in nature: Spend a day in the sun at Scissortail Park.

• Get in touch with your body: Myriad Gardens o ers free yoga and tai chi classes.

• Pick up a new hobby: Take a painting class at Oklahoma Contemporary or ring-making class at Cheyenne Sky Studio.

• Limit alcohol: Our local restaurants are now o ering a ton of mocktail options — check out Mary Eddy’s mocktail menu to start.

HOME

Creating a Classic

A newly constructed Edgewater home, designed with staying power. p. 26

Timeless Design

Sara Crooks presents fresh takes on classic concepts in an Edgewater home

BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER

PHOTOS BY STEPHEN KARLISCH

AS ITS WALLS WERE GOING UP, DESIGNER

Sara Crooks said she had quite the challenge: to “knock the shiny off” a newly constructed Edgewater home through timeless interiors.

“It was fun to think through: How can we make this feel like it’s not brand-spanking-new? How can we make it feel a little bit lived-in?” Crooks recalled about her 2018 interior design project.

In collaboration with architect Brent Gibson and builder Roger Fite, Crooks incorporated carpentry often admired in older homes, such as ample moldings and trims, smaller-planked wood floors and a coffered ceiling in the study. In the kitchen, honed marble and unlacquered brass fixtures prompted that “lived-in” feeling, while Urban Electric lighting and the white Ilve range brought modern elements to the space.

The homeowners had an affinity for European designs and antiques, having lived in France early in their marriage and also being exposed to vintage styles via their upbringings.

“They always had a special bent toward antique pieces because his mom was an antique dealer in Kansas, and her parents live in a very historic house in Nebraska,” said Crooks. “The homeowners wanted to be able to reuse antique pieces that were special to them, to put them in an envelope that felt fresh and current, but also classic and timeless.”

Crooks said she enjoyed finding places to display cherished items, like an antique mirror given by a neighbor. Today, the mirror hangs above a custom limestone mantel in the formal dining room. The surrounding built-in cabinets with brass cremone bolts and Chinoiserie wallpaper by Schumacher and Iksel complete the room.

“We felt like we really needed a ‘wow’ moment when you walk in the front door; the dining room is right off the front door and just kind of envelops you,” said Crooks, adding that the wallpaper was a favorite find. “There’s a little bit of a garden feel to it, and it kind of tied all of the elements of the project together. We really used it as a jumping-off point for some of the color selections through the rest of the house.”

TOP: The entry features a striped Phillip Jeffries grasscloth wallcovering.

ABOVE: A French drapers table from the 1820s fits the living room perfectly.

The formal living room's custom limestone mantel is adorned by a fire screen crafted by Claire Crowe, a metal artist out of Dallas.

Custom-painted Urban Electric fixtures and counter stools, upholstered in a Bunny Williams fabric for Lee Jofa, punctuate the kitchen.

This powder bath includes a Schumacher grasscloth wallcovering and nature-inspired twig mirror.

For a fresh look, Crooks surrounded the dark wood dining table with painted fretwork chairs in a punchy Manuel Canovas cut-velvet fabric.

$770,000

4 BEDROOMS | 3.1 BATHROOMS

Enjoy quick access to Lower Scissortail Park, Skydance Bridge, Myriad Gardens, Paycom Center, OKC Convention Center, Oklahoma River, a vast biking and running trail system, and all the other amenities that come with Downtown living.

A custom blue-green paint carries soft colors from the dining room to the kitchen, while bolder green and navy tones round out other rooms.

A striped Phillip Jeffries grasscloth wallpaper defines the entry. Crooks said the wallpaper’s interplay of organic and geometric patterns brings the expansive area “back down to human scale.”

“We papered the whole entry, all the way up to the second story, in this grasscloth, and it made it so much more cozy, welcoming and inviting when you walk in the house,” she said.

Crooks has been welcomed inside the Edgewater home many times since she completed the project. Through the ongoing friendship, Crooks said she has delighted in seeing the homeowners use and appreciate the rooms.

“I always think about design like you’re setting a stage; the house is really the stage where a lot of your life’s memories unfold,” Crooks said.

Crooks rose to the challenge and set the stage within the new home, resulting in interiors that still feel fresh and relevant today, six years later. Her timeless design lives on.

Striped ottomans on casters satisfy a homeowner request: to be able to prop up feet comfortably from any seat in the room.

A cleverly designed drying rack was a laundry room essential; the family has several swim enthusiasts.

THE RESULTS ARE IN! We asked our readers to vote for their favorite businesses, restaurants, service providers and more.

• 173 categories

• 266,11 votes

• 22,390 voters

• 1,271,585 impressions

The locals have spoken & the winners are…

ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

ART GALLERY

Oklahoma City Museum of Art Home to world-class exhibitions, films and art education.

CASINO

Riverwind Casino

Your source for gambling and concert fun.

COMEDIAN

Ashley Watson

Side-splitting laughter waiting for you.

CULTURAL EVENT

OKC Festival of the Arts

A lovely springtime event with arts, entertainment and food.

DANCE STUDIO

Oklahoma City Ballet

Arabesques on pointe for the next gen’s prima ballerinas.

DISTRICT

Paseo District

Oklahoma City’s unique arts destination.

FAMILY ATTRACTION

Oklahoma City Zoo

Baby elephants and red pandas — what more could you ask for?

GOLF COURSE

Oak Tree National

Meticulously manicured fairways, challenging holes and breathtaking views.

LOCAL CELEBRITY

Toby Keith

In loving memory from hearts all over the 405.

LOCAL MUSICIAN

Adam Aguilar

Performances that resonate long after the music fades.

MUSEUM

Science Museum Oklahoma

Where wonder and scientific discovery intersect.

MUSIC VENUE

The Jones Assembly

From national recording artists to weekly house music.

OKLAHOMA INFLUENCER

@TiffanyinOklahoma

Food, travel and all things pink.

PERFORMING ARTS VENUE

Civic Center Music Hall

Not a bad seat in the house for A-list shows.

PIERCING STUDIO

23rd Street Body Piercing

Adornments with precision and style.

PORTRAIT

PHOTOGRAPHER

Ashley St.Clair Photography

An eye for detail and a passion for storytelling.

RADIO DJ

Joey and Heather

Start your day with these funny and familiar (since 2001) morning show hosts.

STAYCATION LOCATION

Broken Bow

A great backdrop for memories, without the hassle of long-distance travel.

TATTOO ARTIST

Miranda Chisholm

Skill, precision and artistic flair.

EVENTS

BALLOONS

Balloon Therapy OKC

They listen. They create. They party!

BRIDAL SHOP

Bella Rose Bridal

Say yes to this dress!

CATERER

Abbey Road Catering

Savor every moment of your special occasion.

COVER BAND

My So Called Band

One of OKC’s favorite party bands.

EVENT PLANNER

Chelsey Flint Events

The party don’t start ’til she walks in …

EVENT RENTALS

Marianne’s Event Rentals

Reliability and professionalism meet glamour.

BY EMILY NICOLE

TERRY GRAVES PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO

FLORIST

Curbside Flowers

Beautiful bouquets with a cause.

MAKEUP ARTIST

Nadja Theodore

Talented couture MUA for all types of faces.

PARTY DJ

405 Productions

High energy and top-level technology to keep the party hopping.

PHOTO BOOTH

Scissortail Photo Booth Co.

Capturing your “GOOD TIMES” one picture at a time.

VIDEOGRAPHER

Leslee Layton Films + Photos Emotional audio, stunning imagery.

WEDDING CAKE/DESSERTS

Amy Cakes

Custom cake queen.

WEDDING INVITATIONS/ PAPER GOODS

Paper + More Exquisite design blended with your unique vision.

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Cassidy Elise Co. From the first glance to the final dance.

WEDDING PLANNER

Ariana Simms, Aisle Be With You Creating your stress-free dream day.

WEDDING VENUE

Aspen Ranch

160 stunning acres in a picturesque setting.

AMANDA WATSON PHOTOGRAPHY, ARIANA SIMMS - AISLE BE WITH YOU WEDDINGS, WILLIE TORRES - BIG APPLE EVENTS

ELY FAIR PHOTOGRAPHY

AARON SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY, FÊ TE NUPTIALS & GATHERINGS, XO BY HALEIGH KENNEY

FOOD & DRINK

ASIAN (OTHER)

Goro Ramen

Excellent Japanese noodles, snacks and saké in the Paseo Arts District.

BAKERY

La Baguette

The standard in French cuisine and exquisite baked goods for 40 years.

BARBECUE

Clark Crew BBQ

For families who want competition-quality BBQ.

BARTENDER

Charles Friedrichs, The Jones Assembly From classic concoctions to innovative mixes.

BREAKFAST

Neighborhood JAM

Waffles to tacos, all done right.

BRUNCH

Neighborhood JAM

Waffles to tacos, all done right.

BURGER

The Garage

Simple, delicious, affordable.

BUSINESS LUNCH

Charleston’s

It defined team service in OKC — and oh, those croissants!

CATFISH

Cajun Corner

Filets with zesty Cajun flavors.

CENTRAL AMERICAN

Cafe Kacao

There’s a line around the block for a reason.

CHARCUTERIE

Not Your Average Joe

Exceptional catering. Exceptional people.

CHEF

Chef Andrew Black

Trailblazer continuing to make his mark on the fine dining scene.

CHICKEN FRIED STEAK

Cheever’s

The classic for a reason (and jalapeno gravy).

CHINESE

Grand House

A menu with remarkable variety + dim sum.

COCKTAIL BAR

Sidecar Barley & Wine

Popular two-location night spots with craft and classic cocktails.

COFFEE SHOP

Don’t Stress Meowt Cat Cafe Coffee. Cats. Cuddles.

PHOTO PROVIDED

COOKIE BAKER

Katiebug’s

A mother/daughter-run sweet shop.

CRAFT BREWERY

Bricktown Brewery

Crafted with quality ingredients, and a whole lot of heart.

DESSERT

Pie Junkie

The perfect spot for your dessert date.

DIVE BAR

Edna’s

Lunchboxes and festive crowds.

EUROPEAN (NON-ITALIAN)

La Baguette Bistro

The standard in French cuisine for 40 years.

FINE DINING

FRIDA Southwest

Food in bloom, drinks in spirit.

FOOD TRUCK

Big Truck Tacos

Serving up deliciousness … on wheels!

FRENCH FRIES

Tucker’s Onion Burgers

Potatoes on their best day.

HAPPY HOUR

Pub W

Where craft brews and culinary delights meet.

HEALTHY EATING

The Loaded Bowl

Wholesome goodness and vibrant atmosphere.

INDIAN

Sheesh Mahal

Second to naan.

ITALIAN

Gabriella’s

Hearty, yummy, family-style meals.

MEDITERRANEAN

Zorba’s

Traditional to modern Greek and Middle Eastern.

MEXICAN

Ted’s Cafe Escondido

Warm hospitality … and queso.

PIZZA

Empire Slice House

Quirky to classic, this place does it all.

SANDWICHES

The Mule

Creative combinations between the slices.

SEAFOOD

Pearl’s

Seafood excellence meets Southern hospitality.

SOUL/SOUTHERN

The Press

Southwestern comfort food.

SOUTH AMERICAN

Cafe Kacao

There’s a line around the block for a reason.

STEAKHOUSE

Cattlemen’s

Oklahoma’s oldest continually operated restaurant.

SUSHI

Sushi Neko

Your gateway to Japanese cuisine.

TACOS

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

Giving OKC something to taco ’bout.

THAI

Panang

Crazy jungle chicken and a delicious variety of curry.

VIETNAMESE

Pho Lien Hoa

The mothership of pho in OKC.

WINE LIST

Mahogany Prime Steakhouse

Top-notch and impressive selection.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

BARBER SHOP

Midtown Barbers

Crafting confidence, one cut at a time.

CARDIOLOGIST

Nicole Tran, MD, Oklahoma Heart Hospital

Your partner in maintaining a healthy heart and a vibrant life.

CHIROPRACTOR

Native Chiropractic

Live a healthier, more balanced life.

COSMETIC SURGEON

Dr. Tim R. Love

Creating a beautiful reflection of you.

DAY SPA

udånder

Treat yourself to a day of bliss.

DENTIST

Dr. Dewbre, Dewbre Pediatric Dentistry

Knowledgeable, kind, caring board-certified pediatric dentist.

DERMATOLOGIST

Tiffany Brazeal, MD, SSM Health Dermatology

Your partner in healthy skin.

ESTHETICIAN

Samantha Radcliffe

Because your esthi is your bestie.

EYE LASHES

Emily Sparks

Creating full and voluminous looks at Wheeler Med Spa.

EYE SURGERY

Dean McGee Eye Institute

Oklahoma’s premier vision experts since 1975.

HAIR SALON

Hair + Co

Helping achieve hair dreams.

HAIR STYLIST

Dylonn Spear, The Lab Hair Studio Master and educator in the art of hair.

HOSPITAL

Mercy Hospital

Using the latest technologies and treatments.

MASSAGE THERAPIST

Heavenly Hands Day Spa

Therapeutic pampering and custom wellness programs.

MED SPA

RefineU MedSpa OKC

Elevating beauty and confidence through personalized care.

NAIL ARTIST

Tracy Nguyen Beauty in every brushstroke.

NAIL SALON

Polished Nail Salon Clean. Chic. Creative.

OPTOMETRIST

Dean McGee Eye Institute Oklahoma’s premier vision experts since 1975.

ORTHODONTIST

Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics

Creating smiles that last a lifetime.

ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

James Bond, M.D., Ortho Central

Shoulders, knees and sport injuries are his specialty.

PEDIATRICIAN

Dr. Melissa Busey, Northwest Pediatrics

Knowledgeable and sweet physician with a caring heart.

PERMANENT MAKEUP

INKD Brow Studio

Enhancing natural beauty.

PERSONAL STYLIST

Laura Nance

Infusing fun into getting dressed.

PERSONAL TRAINER

HIIT Fitness Inc.

High intensity interval training for a better you.

PET BOARDING

Puppy Paws

Where your furry friend feels right at home.

PET GROOMING

Diamond in the Ruff Mobile Pet Spa Mobile dog grooming since 2009.

PHARMACY

Ralph’s Family Pharmacy

Stop in for customer service and neighborly care.

SPORTS/ ORTHOPEDIC REHAB

McBride Orthopedic

Reduce pain and help the body recover faster.

SPRAY TANNING

Airbrush Tans by Hannah

Flawless and natural-looking tan every time.

UNIQUE FITNESS

Fitcamp180

Dedicated to transformative health and wellness.

URGENT CARE

Mercy-Go Health Urgent Care

Quick care for peace of mind.

VETERINARIAN

405 Vet Animal Hospital

Treating every patient like their own pets.

WEIGHT LOSS CLINIC

NP2GO

Achieving your health goals, anywhere, anytime.

YOGA/PILATES/BARRE STUDIO

Pure Barre Edmond

Sculpt your body, elevate your mind.

SHOPPING & SERVICES

ACCOUNTING FIRM

JJ the CPA

31 years of public accounting experience and 95,000 subscribers on YouTube.

ALTERATIONS

Kim’s Alterations

The go-to tailor for men and women in the Norman area.

ANTIQUE SHOP

Dead People’s Stuff

You won’t know you need it ’til you get there.

AUTO DEALERSHIP

Bob Moore

Putting you behind the wheel of your perfect vehicle.

AUTO SHOP

Bob Moore

Rev up your engine and get back on the road with confidence.

BODY SHOP

The OKC Dent Shop

Rejuvenate your vehicle and restore its beauty.

BOUTIQUE

The Burlap Buffalo

Chic apparel and southern charm.

CLEANING/ ORGANIZATION COMPANY

Bee Neat & Organized

Transforming your chaos into calm.

COMMERCIAL BANK

MidFirst Bank

Your financial partner for every venture.

CONDO/ APARTMENT COMMUNITY

The First Residences at First National Where art, history and elegance collide.

CONSIGNMENT STORE

Nichols Hills Consignment

From vintage gems to contemporary treasures.

COWORKING SPACE

The Collective Oklahoma City’s original female coworking community.

CREDIT UNION

Tinker Federal Credit Union

Achieve financial goals and realize your dreams.

CUSTOM CLOSETS/ STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Custom Closets by Beverly

A well-organized life leads to a well-organized mind.

DESIGNER CLOTHING

Balliets

Where luxury meets contemporary.

DISPENSARY

Mango Cannabis

Top-shelf, award-winning flower.

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Above & Beyond Service Company

Powering your world, safely and efficiently.

EMPLOYMENT SERVICE/ STAFFING AGENCY

Express Employment Professionals

Workforce solutions and helping you find the right fit.

EYEWEAR

Black Optical

See clearly, look stylish.

FINANCIAL PLANNER

Hannah Hagans

Aligning your money with your lifestyle and goals.

FURNITURE

Mathis Home

STORE

Oklahoma’s choice for over 30 years.

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Tuff Contractors LLC

Transforming visions to reality.

GIFT SHOP

Plenty Mercantile

Oklahoma-owned, women-owned, sustainable lifestyle shop.

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING COMPANY

Air Comfort Solutions

Home comfort from a name you can trust.

HOME ARCHITECT

Green Couch Design

Specializing in values-driven functional design.

HOME BUILDER

Landmark Fine Homes

Where dream homes are realized.

HOME DECOR STORE

Live Boho

Where vintage and modern meet.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Red Tulip Designs

Transforming houses into dream homes.

HOTEL

The Skirvin Hilton

A timeless icon in the heart of Oklahoma City.

HUMAN RESOURCES/ PAYROLL PROVIDER

Paycom

Streamlining your workforce management.

INSURANCE AGENCY (TIE)

Michelle Early

Farmers Insurance Agency

Safeguarding your assets and providing peace of mind.

Miner Family Insurance

Tailor a policy that fits your unique circumstances.

Experience the pinnacle of luxury living at The First Residences in the esteemed First National Center. Enjoy our exclusive premium amenities, exquisite interiors, and a variety of spacious living options, including studio, one-, two, and three-bedroom apartments, and stunning penthouses for rent. With over 1 million square feet of community and living space, The First Residences seamlessly integrates historic charm with unparalleled luxury, setting a new standard for living.

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Kelsey Leigh Design Co.

A million decisions simplified, beautified.

INTERNET PROVIDER

OEC Fiber

Seamless connectivity, top-notch customer service and unbeatable reliability.

JEWELRY STORE

BC Clark

Timelessly elegant jewelry — and our favorite holiday jingle.

LANDSCAPER

Caviness Landscape Design

Where nature and design collide.

LAW FIRM

Kelso Law Firm

Where legal professionalism meets personal attention.

LOCAL NON-PROFIT

WINGS Special Needs Community

Enhancing the lives of adults with unique abilities.

MARKETING/

ADVERTISING AGENCY

Rose Media Relations

Cultivating your brand’s blossoming success.

MEN’S CLOTHING

Mr. Ooley’s

Impeccable fits and unparalleled style.

MEN’S SHOES

Mr. Ooley’s

Step up your footwear game.

MOVING SERVICES

Strong Brothers Movers

Your trusted partners in stress-free relocation.

PEST CONTROL

Moxie Pest Control

From ants to rodents and everything in between.

PLANT STORE

TLC Garden Center

Bringing people and plants together.

PLUMBING SERVICES

Suntech Heat, Air and Plumbing

Keeping you comfortable all year round.

POOL BUILDER/ MAINTENANCE

Blue Haven

Transforming your backyard into a dream oasis.

POOL DESIGNER

Caviness Landscape Design

Stunning aquatic masterpieces that reflect your style.

PRIVATE BANK

MidFirst Bank

Bespoke strategies designed to grow and protect your wealth.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY

Case & Associates

Unlocking your property’s potential.

REAL ESTATE AGENCY/AGENT, COMMERCIAL

Jenni Aguilar

Buying, selling, leasing and investing for success.

REAL ESTATE AGENCY/AGENT, RESIDENTIAL

Mandy Renee

Showing you how to sell your home fast and at top dollar.

ROOFING COMPANY

Acts 29 Roofing

Protecting your home, one shingle at a time.

TECHNOLOGY COMPANY

Norman Nerds

Trusted tech gurus for today’s digital world.

THRIFT STORE

Bad Granny’s

It’s a bazaar!

TILE COMPANY

Classic Tile Stone & Marble

Importer and supplier for 23 years.

TITLE COMPANY

Chicago Title Oklahoma

It really does make a difference where you close.

TRAVEL AGENT

Lia Vincent

Creating one-of-a-kind journeys.

VENTURE CAPITAL GROUP

Cortado Ventures

Backing a new generation of economic prosperity.

VINTAGE APPAREL

Bad Granny’s

Dive into a world of nostalgia and style.

VINTAGE FURNITURE STORE

Dead People’s Stuff

Architectural antiques + design.

VINTAGE GOODS

The Rink

Oklahoma’s largest vintage happy place.

WEALTH MANAGEMENT GROUP

Cornerstone Planning Group

Dedicated to helping individuals and businesses build their financial futures.

WOMEN’S CLOTHING

The Burlap Buffalo

Turn heads in these trends.

WOMEN’S SHOES

MetroShoe Warehouse

Timeless classics to trendy must-haves.

TOP DENTISTS

This list is excerpted from the 2024 topDentists™ list, a database that includes listings for almost 100 dentists and specialists in the Oklahoma City metro area. The list is based on hundreds of detailed evaluations of dental professionals by their peers. The complete database is available at www.usatopdentists.com. For more information call 706-364-0853; write P.O. Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903; or visit www.usatopdentists.com

SELECTION PROCESS (METHODOLOGY)

"If you had a patient in need of a dentist, which dentist would you refer them to?"

This is the question we've asked thousands of dentists to help us determine who the topDentists should be. Dentists and specialists are asked to take into consideration years of experience, continuing education, manner with patients, use of new techniques and technologies and of course physical results.

The nomination pool of dentists consists of dentists listed online with the American Dental Association, as well as dentists listed online with other dental societies, thus allowing virtually every dentist the opportunity to participate. Dentists are also given the opportunity to nominate other dentists that they feel should be included in our list. Respondents are asked to put aside any personal bias or political motivations and to use only their knowledge of their peer's work when evaluating the other nominees.

Voters are asked to individually evaluate the practitioners on their ballot whose work they are familiar with. Once the balloting is completed, the scores are compiled and then averaged. The numerical average required for inclusion varies depending on the average for all the nominees within the specialty and the geographic area. Borderline cases are given a careful consideration by the editors. Voting characteristics and comments are taken into consideration while making decisions. Past awards a dentist has received and status in various dental academies can play a factor in our decision.

Once the decisions have been finalized, the included dentists are checked against state dental boards for disciplinary actions to make sure they have an active license and are in good standing with the board. Then letters of congratulations are sent to all the listed dentists.

Of course there are many fine dentists who are not included in this representative list. It is intended as a sampling of the great body of talent in the field of dentistry in Oklahoma. A dentist’s inclusion on our list is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow dentists. While it is true that the lists may at times disproportionately reward visibility or popularity, we remain confident that our polling methodology largely corrects for any biases and that these lists continue to represent the most reliable, accurate, and useful list of dentists available anywhere.

DISCLAIMER

This list is excerpted from 2024 the topDentists™ list, which includes listings for over 100 dentists and specialists in the OKC Area. For more information call 706-364-0853; write P.O. Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903; email help@ usatopdentists.com or visit www.usatopdentists.com. topDentists has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Copyright 2012-2024 by topDentists, LLC of Augusta, GA. All rights reserved. This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without permission of topDentists. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of the information in this list without permission.

ENDODONTICS

Victoria J. Ball

Contemporary Endodontics of Oklahoma 2916 Astoria Way, Suite 100 Edmond, OK 73034 405-285-5042 www.ceoklahoma.com

David C. Bird OKC Endo 200 Northwest 63rd Street Oklahoma City, OK 73116 405-778-2525 www.okcendodontics.com

Zane Dubberstein

Endodontic Associates 4500 West Memorial Circle Oklahoma City, OK 73142 405-748-6000 www.eaokc.com

Dayna S. Duke

Endodontic Associates 4500 West Memorial Circle Oklahoma City, OK 73142 405-748-6000 www.eaokc.com

Leslie B. Hardy, Jr. Endodontic Associates 4500 West Memorial Circle Oklahoma City, OK 73142 405-748-6000 www.eaokc.com

Myron S. Hilton Endodontic Associates 4500 West Memorial Circle Oklahoma City, OK 73142 405-748-6000 www.eaokc.com

Spencer Hinckley Endodontic Practice Associates 707 24th Avenue South West, Suite 100 Norman, OK 73069 405-329-7936 www.endodonticpracticeassociates.com

Dennis A. Leseberg Oklahoma Endodontics 3727 Northwest 63rd Street, Suite 200 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 405-843-9330 www.oklaendo.com

Germán Luezas

Advanced Endodontics 3621 Northwest 63rd Street, Suite H Oklahoma City, OK 73116 405-607-2993 www.aeoklahoma.com

Steven Brock Miller 3321 West Rock Creek Road, Suite 130 Norman, OK 73072 405-307-8200

Jared Schellenberg North Pointe Endodontics 13851 Quail Pointe Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73134 405-242-2083 www.npendo.com

David B. Shadid III Oklahoma University Health 1201 North Stonewall Avenue, Floor 4 Oklahoma City, OK 73117 405-271-5714 www.ouhealth.com

Kim L. Wilkinson

North Pointe Endodontics 13851 Quail Pointe Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73134 405-242-2083 www.npendo.com

GENERAL DENTISTRY

Jeff D. Baggett

200 North Sooner Road, Suite B Edmond, OK 73034 405-341-8884 www.jeffbaggettdds.com

Jon A. Barnes

Buffalo Creek Dental 201 South Sara Road, Suite 140 Mustang, OK 73064 405-293-4735 www.buffalocreekdental.com

Justin L. Beasley

4600 West Memorial Road Oklahoma City, OK 73142 405-755-5400 www.drjbeasley.com

Tamara S. Berg

Berg Family Dentistry 910 South Yukon Parkway Yukon, OK 73099 405-354-3763 www.bergfamilydentistry.com

Bobby J. Carmen 1141 Sonoma Park Drive Norman, OK 73071 405-364-2200 www.drbobbycarmen.com

Stephen R. Cash

Stonebridge Dental 197 Stonebridge Boulevard Edmond, OK 73013 405-285-8600 www.drcashdental.com

Matthew E. Cohlmia

Cohlmia Family Dentistry 3727 North West 63rd Street, Suite 310 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 405-848-3783

Raymond A. Cohlmia The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry 1201 North Stonewall Avenue, Room 505 Oklahoma City, OK 73117 405-271-5444 www.dentistry.ouhsc.edu

J. Russell Danner 4514 West Memorial Circle, Suite A Oklahoma City, OK 73142 405-749-1676 www.dannerdentistry.com

Thanh Dao-Vandenberg Deer Creek Dental 12321 Hidden Forest Boulevard Oklahoma City, OK 73142 405-722-7767 www.deercreekdentists.com

Lee A. Eliot

Parkside Dentistry 924 Robtrice Court Edmond, OK 73034 405-340-5110 www.parksidedentistryok.com

James E. Farley

Scissortail Dental

216 East 10th Street Plaza Edmond, OK 73034 405-348-5100 www.scissortaildentalok.com

Michael C. Fling OKC Dental Arts 3621 Northwest 63rd Street, Suite D Oklahoma City, OK 73116 405-374-4843 www.okcdentalarts.com

Tracy A. Gasbarra 2401 North Henney Road Choctaw, OK 73020 405-390-2000 www.choctawdentist.com

Tanner Hays Parkside Dentistry 924 Robtrice Court Edmond, OK 73034 405-340-5110 www.parksidedentistryok.com

Joel B. Isaacson

8200 North May Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-943-8575 www.joeisaacsondental.com

Michael K. Kirk Grand Dental Studio 1057 Northwest Grand Boulevard Oklahoma City, OK 73118 405-563-7370 www.dentistokc.com

Grady L. Lembke 200 North Sooner Road, Building B Edmond, OK 73034 405-330-6020 www.gradylembkedds.com

Eric M. Loper 3613 Northwest 56th Street, Suite 135 Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-947-0564 www.drloper.com

John Morgan 7 Cedar Springs Drive Tuttle, OK 73089 405-381-2365 www.johnmorgandds.com

Kevin T. Murray OKC Smiles

13900 South Western Avenue, Suite 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73170 405-445-1853 www.okcsmiles.com

Kirk Murray Blanchard Family Dentistry 1119 North Council Avenue Blanchard, OK 73010 405-485-2020 www.blancharddds.com

Abbey Onan

The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry 1201 North Stonewall Avenue, Suite 494 Oklahoma City, OK 73117 405-271-5714 www.dentistry.ouhsc.edu

Alan Owen

7300 North MacArthur Boulevard Oklahoma City, OK 73132 405-721-1616

John G. Polkinghorne

601 North Kelly Avenue, Suite 104 Edmond, OK 73003 405-341-4400 www.drjohndental.com

Michelle Sanor

Elite Smiles

313 Northwest 61st Street Oklahoma City, OK 73118 405-418-4999 www.elitesmilesokc.com

Jeff Shadid

10717 North Rockwell Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73162 405-722-7777 www.jeffshadiddds.com

Paul A. Shadid

Shadid Dental Studio 1001 Southwest 89th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73139 405-631-1531 www.shadiddental.com

Jim D. Spurgeon Smile Solutions 550 24th Avenue Southwest Norman, OK 73069 405-364-7385 www.smilesolutionsok.com

V. Ralph Willcox

Edmond Dental Associates 950 Medical Park Boulevard Edmond, OK 73013 405-341-8804 www.edmonddental.com

Angela Windsor Advances in Dentistry 12320 Saint Andrews Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-751-6996 www.advancesindentistry.com

Patrick A. Woods 2812 West Hefner Road Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-751-0358 www.patwoodsdental.com

ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

Robert B. Bryan II Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma 4320 McAuley Boulevard Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-755-4826 www.oklahomacityoralsurgery.com

Peter Carlson

Oklahoma City Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons 8301 South Walker Avenue, Suite 101 Oklahoma City, OK 73139 405-636-4230 www.okcoms.com

Emily Frye Lakeside Oral Surgery 3100 West Britton Road, Suite A Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-751-3312 www.lakesideoralsurgeryokc.com

Jeremy C. Goodson

Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma 4320 McAuley Boulevard Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-755-4826 www.oklahomacityoralsurgery.com

Jay A. Harlan

Harlan Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates

8101 South Walker Avenue, Suite E Oklahoma City, OK 73139 405-632-9726 www.harlanoms.com

Lauren Lunday Wisdom Tooth Center 2745 South I-35 Service Road Moore, OK 73160 405-261-1002 www.wisdomtoothcenters.com

S. Ross Martin

Oral and Maxillofacial Associates

3601 Northwest 138th Street, Suite 100 Oklahoma City, OK 73134 405-848-7994 www.omaok.com

Tracy E. McIntire

Oral and Maxillofacial Associates

2880 North Kelly Avenue Edmond, OK 73003 405-213-7419 www.omaok.com

Jacob W.B. Mendenhall OKC-OMS

8301 South Walker Avenue, Suite 101

Oklahoma City, OK 73139 405-636-4230 www.okcoms.com

Fabio Ritto

The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center 1100 North Lindsay Oklahoma City, OK 73104 405-271-4441 x46987

Michael J. Saumur

Oral and Maxillofacial Associates

1112 Rambling Oaks Drive Norman, OK 73072 405-292-8900 www.omaok.com

Scott W. Searcey

Oral and Maxillofacial Associates

3601 Northwest 138th Street, Suite 100

Oklahoma City, OK 73134 405-848-7994 www.omaok.com

Kevin S. Smith

Profiles Oral Facial Surgery

Experts

1000 North Lincoln Boulevard, Suite 2000

Oklahoma City, OK 73104 405-271-4955 www.profilesofs.com

Steven M. Sullivan

Profiles Oral Facial Surgery

Experts

1000 North Lincoln Boulevard, Suite 2000 Oklahoma City, OK 73104 405-271-4955 www.profilesofs.com

Paul S. Tiwana

Profiles Oral Facial Surgery

Experts

1000 North Lincoln Boulevard, Suite 2000

Oklahoma City, OK 73104 405-271-4955 www.profilesofs.com

J. Drew Wendelken Oral and Maxillofacial Associates

3601 Northwest 138th Street, Suite 100

Oklahoma City, OK 73134 405-848-7994 www.omaok.com

Craig A. Wooten

Oral & Facial Surgery of Oklahoma 13301 North Meridian, Suite 702 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-751-7600 www.drwooten.com

ORTHODONTICS

Brian D. Amy Orthodontic Associates 10914 Hefner Pointe Drive, Suite 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-947-1526 www.oasmiles.com

John Archer Orthodontic Associates 10914 Hefner Pointe Drive, Suite 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-947-1526 www.oasmiles.com

Jeffrey T. Cohlmia Cohlmia Orthodontics 5025 Gaillardia Corporate Place, Suite A Oklahoma City, OK 73142 405-751-0300 www.wireyoursmile.com

Terry L. Cotterell Orthodontic Specialists of Oklahoma 1382 South Douglas Boulevard Oklahoma City, OK 73130 405-265-8210 www.osobraces.com

Robi L. Craig

Craig & Streight Orthodontics 706 24th Avenue Northwest Norman, OK 73069 405-321-1926 www.craigandstreight.com

Jeremy Dewbre Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics 1370 E 15th Street Edmond, OK 73013 405-689-7883 www.farrowdewbre.com

Melissa L. Farrow

Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics 8301 South Walker, Suite 103 Oklahoma City, OK 73139 405-400-8069 www.farrowdewbre.com

V. Matthew Heim Heim Orthodontics 4320 McAuley Boulevard Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-755-8151 www.okcbraces.com

J. Peter Kierl Kierl Orthodontics 165 East 33rd Street Edmond, OK 73013 405-341-5020 www.kierlorthodontics.com

Michael J. Kierl 6621 West Hefner Road Oklahoma City, OK 73162 405-787-2001 www.michaelkierlorthodontics.com

Shannon M. Lewis Lewis Orthodontics 2900 North Kelly Avenue Edmond, OK 73003 405-330-5095 www.lewisbraces.com

Marlo A. Miller 816 South Mustang Road Yukon, OK 73099 405-577-6453 www.foryourgrin.com

P. Justin Power Orthodontic Associates 10914 Hefner Pointe Drive, Suite 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-947-1526 www.oasmiles.com

Mark James Revels Orthodontics Exclusively 2214 West Boyd Street Norman, OK 73069 405-321-2735 www.orthoexc.com

Timothy M. Shannon Orthodontics Exclusively 2214 West Boyd Street Norman, OK 73069 405-321-2735 www.orthoexc.com

Geoffrey D. Sparks Orthodontic Associates 10914 Hefner Pointe Drive, Suite 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-947-1526 www.oasmiles.com

Ryan A. Streight Craig & Streight Orthodontics 706 24th Avenue Northwest Norman, OK 73072 405-321-1926 www.craigandstreight.com

Brian M. Wilson Orthodontic Arts 421 Northwest 10th Street, Suite 201-E Oklahoma City, OK 73103 405-604-3745 www.orthodonticarts.com

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Ryan L. Brackett Pediatric Dental Care of Yukon 1300 Crop Creek Yukon, OK 73099 405-546-2242 www.pdcyukon.com

B. Don Cheatham Children's Dentistry of Coffee Creek 2800 North Kelly Avenue, Suite 200 Edmond, OK 73003 405-562-2222 www.4kidsdentistry.com

Thai-An Doan 14228 Barbour Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73134 405-752-5437 www.doanskids.com

Dirk Eckroat Edmond Pediatric & Teen Dentistry 101 South Saints Boulevard, Suite 212 Edmond, OK 73034 405-513-8811 www.edmondkidsdentist.com

Martha L. Garzon 870 South Kelly Avenue Edmond, OK 73003 405-348-5757 www.marthagarzondmd.com

Stephen Gray Pediatric Dental OKC 5940 Northwest Espressway, Suite 200 Oklahoma City, OK 73132 405-495-5600 www.pediatricdentalokc.com

Andrew C. Guthrie

Small World Pediatric Dentistry 3616 Northwest 50th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-946-0686 www.smallworlddentistry.com

Somer R. Heim Pediatric Dental Specialists 4320 McAuley Boulevard, Suite D Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-755-8020 www.kidssmileshop.com

Brent W. Moody Pediatric Dental Specialists 4320 McAuley Boulevard, Suite D Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-755-8020 www.kidssmileshop.com

Jeremy C. Morris Yukon Kids Dental

1600 Garth Brooks Boulevard, Suite 150 Yukon, OK 73099 405-578-5234 www.yukonkidsdental.com

Heath Whitfield Edmond Pediatric & Teen Dentistry

101 South Saints Boulevard, Suite 212 Edmond, OK 73034 405-513-8811 www.edmondkidsdentist.com

PERIODONTICS

Blaire A. Bowers Periodontal Implant Center 8203 South Walker Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73139 405-636-1411 www.okperio.com

Lauren Bowers-Klaus Periodontal Implant Center 8203 South Walker Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73139 405-636-1411 www.okperio.com

Hayden Fuller Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma 4320 McAuley Boulevard Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-755-4826 www.oklahomacityoralsurgery.com

Jacob D. Hager Periodontal Implant Center 8203 South Walker Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73139 405-636-1411 www.okperio.com

Tapan Koticha Dental Specialists of Edmond 16430 Muirfield Place Edmond, OK 73013 405-696-0908 www.dentalspecialistsofedmond.com

Chris A. Poore Oklahoma Center for Implants & Periodontics 9112 North May Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-947-0486 www.okperioimplant.com

Scott Renfrow Norman Periodontics & Dental 521 Merchant Drive Norman, OK 73069 405-329-6106 www.normanperio.com

PROSTHODONTICS

Lars O. Bouma Implant & Prosthodontic Associates 4517 Memorial Circle Oklahoma City, OK 73142 405-755-7777 www.implantassociates.net

Paul M. Mullasseril The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry 1201 North Stonewall Avenue, Room 544 Oklahoma City, OK 73117 405-271-6400 dentistry.ouhsc.edu

Oral Healthcare Profiles

Your Guide to Local Dentists and Oral Healthcare Practices

Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics

UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF DRS.

Melissa Farrow and Jeremy Dewbre, Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics stands as a testament to innovation in orthodontics, merging comfort with cutting-edge technology. For over 18 years, they’ve offered advanced, aesthetically pleasing treatments like the clear Invisalign aligners and Damon braces, designed for both adults and children. These methods, known for their efficiency and minimal invasiveness, represent the pinnacle of orthodontic progress, focusing on patient comfort and attractive outcomes.

The practice also addresses the specific needs of growing children with treatments that improve airways and correct overbites, ensuring not just beautiful smiles but enhanced overall health. Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics is more than just a clinic; it’s a modern, comfortable space that reflects the advancements in today’s orthodontic world. With the latest technology at their disposal, the team ensures every patient’s experience is as efficient as it is pleasant.

Accolades like the “Best of the 405” for four consecutive years underscore their commitment to excellence and patient satisfaction. At Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics, a perfect smile is a comfortable, achievable journey, thanks to their innovative approach and dedication to modern, efficient care.

EDMOND

1370 E 15th St., Edmond, OK 73013

OKLAHOMA CITY

8301 S Walker Ave., #103, OKC, OK 73139

CLINTON

533 S 30th St., Clinton, OK 73601

405.400.8069 | farrowdewbre.com

Oral & Maxillofacial Associates

Board-Certified Specialists

THE SEVEN SURGEONS COMPRISING

Oral & Maxillofacial Associates are Board Certified Specialists in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, which is the surgical component of dentistry. In their training each provider has completed four years of dental school with an additional four to six years of a hospital-based residency to round out their education and prepare them for the safe administration of office-based anesthesia. OMA has created a legacy for the last 30 years on a foundation of putting patients’ needs first and providing exceptional care. They are the largest and longest running Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

OKLAHOMA CITY

3601 NW 138th St, Suite 100 Oklahoma City, OK 73134

405.848.7994

practice in the state with over 100 years of combined experience. The surgeons at OMA take pride in being active and engaged in the local Oklahoma community.

All five OMA locations share one goal: to improve the health and lives of people in Oklahoma by providing compassionate and innovative surgery of the face, mouth, and jaw with unparalleled customer service. They strive to treat every patient as if they were members of their own families. They focus on providing the best surgical outcomes by offering patient-focused care with state-of-the-art equipment and methods.

Whether you are looking to restore your smile with dental implants, have your wisdom teeth removed, or find a skilled surgeon for reconstructive jaw surgery, OMA is the place for you. Their strict standards and DAANCE certification requirements for each surgical assistant allow them to provide you with the safest surgical outcome possible. Pair that with specialized implant teams and high dental implant success rates, you are sure to receive the best patient experience. On top of that, they work closely with your dentist to ensure the success of your treatment, ultimately giving you back the power of your smile.

Seated left to right: Dr. Scott Searcey, Dr. Emily Frye, Dr. Tracy McIntire

Standing left to right: Dr. Michael Saumur, Dr. Drew Wendelken, Dr. Vincent Montgomery, Dr. Ross Martin.

Dr. Victoria Ball

IF A ROOT CANAL SOUNDS LIKE YOUR worst nightmare, you don’t know Dr. Victoria Ball.

At Contemporary Endodontics of Oklahoma, Dr. Ball specializes in caring for the inside of the tooth when it becomes inflamed or infected. She diagnoses and treats complex causes of tooth pain, such as tooth abscesses caused by infection.

In many respects, she said, the fear of extremely painful root canals is outdated.

“My field of dentistry involves treating the nerve of the tooth,” she said. “An endodontist is a highly specialized dental professional focusing on treating tooth pain.”

Dr. Ball said if patients are experiencing pain when eating or drinking, they should act sooner rather than later. Waiting too long could result in greater pain, infection or even loss of the tooth.

“If you’re eating ice cream, for example, and it’s painful when before it wasn’t, it’s a good idea to be examined to help avoid bigger problems in the future,” she said.

Patients appreciate the attention they receive from Dr. Ball and her staff, especially since anxiety can be high when it comes to dental procedures.

“I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Ball and her staff for my root canal,” said one patient. “They have a way of ensuring that you are comfortable, that everything is explained to you – and are very empathetic, which shows that they truly do care about you as a person, not just another patient. I highly recommend their practice.”

Dr. Ball said root canals have evolved over the years and are much less painful than they once were.

“There are modern techniques that have made it an easier procedure for patients, that have allowed people to be more comfortable,” Dr. Ball said. “The whole point of what we do is to relieve the patient from pain and help them save their natural teeth.”

CONTEMPORARY ENDODONTICS OF OKLAHOMA

2916 Astoria Way #100, Edmond, OK 73034 405.285.5042 | ceoklahoma.com

Pragma Dental

WE’RE HERE TO TRANSFORM your perception of what a visit to the dentist entails — our team treasures our ability to place our patients at ease as we personalize each of their experiences. From cosmetic procedures including master case ceramist veneers, non-invasive composite bonding, and teeth whitening to restorative practices such as dental crowns and dentures, Pragma Dental ensures any dentistry issue or desire will be addressed.

With three decades of combined experience that have led to numerous international dentistry awards, Dr. Grace Jun, Dr. Kristin Kratzer, and Dr. Kaylee Speer have a proven track record for performing at the highest level of expertise. Our team takes pride in our ability to find the perfect equilibrium between offering a soothing encounter and efficient, cost-effective treatments. Pragma Dental leverages the industry’s latest technology to provide the most optimal care such as lasers and same-day crowns and almost painless numbing techniques.

“Whether it’s through conferences, continuing education programs or study groups, we’re constantly updating ourselves to be on the cutting edge of technology and research,” Dr. Grace Jun said.

We believe in the importance of compassionate care as much as technical expertise. With noise-canceling headphones, TVs, hand wax paraffins, and other amenities, patients can expect a relaxing experience as we present a sensitive approach to all of a patient’s needs. Pragma Dental not only prioritizes physical comfort but also the pace of treatments and financial stipulations a patient may prefer. We understand the importance of building a patient-first dental clinic — where anyone may enter our office

and feel confident they’re handled by doctors who truly care about them — as we strive to deliver the utmost satisfaction for our cherished patient relationships.

“It’s our responsibility to be respectful of fears or uncertainties and walk them (patients) through it,” Dr. Grace Jun said, “because it’s their mouth, their choice, and their health we’re dealing with.”

Matthew McReynolds, DDS

General Dentist

DR. MATTHEW MCREYNOLDS knew he wanted to be a dentist from the age of 13. After working and traveling for many years as an engineer, he finally decided to pursue his dream career, earning his DDS from Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 2016.

At Progressive Dental, McReynolds and his team provide a calm and relaxing environment outfitted with the latest advances in dental technology. The clinic offers a wide range of dental and orthodontic services for patients of all ages, including implants, dentures, root canals, same day crowns, Invisalign, sedation, general anesthesia, and even Botox.

“Going to the dentist isn’t most people’s idea of fun, but we can at least make it more comfortable,” Dr. McReynolds said. “We have a gentle approach to oral care. You can relax knowing you’re in capable hands. Custom crowns, emergency care, pediatric services — whatever you need, we are here to help.”

The clinic is accredited with the Better Business Bureau with a five-star rating. Dr. McReynolds is a member of the American Dental Association and the Oklahoma Dental Association.

“Dr. McReynolds is up-to-date on the latest advances and procedures,” said one patient. “The staff is knowledgeable, caring and friendly and the equipment updates are awesome.”

Brighten your smile and boost your confidence with Progressive Dental in Oklahoma City.

8283 S Walker Ave., Ste A, OKC, OK 73139

405.632.5561 | progressivedentalokc.com

Social: @progressivedentalokc

Martha Garzon, DMD

Pediatric Dentist

FOR MORE THAN 22 YEARS, Dr. Martha Garzon and her team have focused on providing high quality preventive and restorative dentistry. Their goal is to spend time with each child to provide the personal touch needed to have a successful visit.

They are committed to making visits enjoyable and comfortable, while teaching children how to keep their smiles healthy for a lifetime. “We want families to feel at home when they visit our office,” Garzon said. “We answer any questions and take into consideration the concerns and desires that parents or children may have.”

Dr. Garzon and her team have created a uniquely caring, nonjudgmental and compassionate environment for children facing physical, emotional, intellectual or behavioral challenges. They use the latest technology and child appropriate instruments to make procedures comfortable.

MARTHA GARZON, DMD, MS, PLLC 870 South Kelly Ave., Edmond 73003 405.348.5757 | marthagarzondmd.com

Orthodontic Associates

ORTHODONTIC ASSOCIATES is locally owned by five board-certified orthodontists specializing in braces and Invisalign for kids, teens and adults. With over 100 years of dental and orthodontic experience, the orthodontists work closely as a team to develop patients’ individualized treatment plans to give you the best experience and a healthy, beautiful smile. The doctors and team members interact with patients and their families every day to help you love your smile.

“More importantly, we want you to love yourself and love others,” says Dr. John Archer.

Orthodontic Associates is a Diamond Plus Provider of Invisalign clear aligners and has treated more than 7,000 Invisalign patients, which is the most in the state of Oklahoma for a privately owned practice.

“Two kids have been through braces at OA and one current,” said Jessica, mom of 3. “I highly recommend Orthodontic Associates. Amazing staff from all departments. Thank you!”

Our team would love to show you how orthodontic treatment can be a benefit to your health and smile. We look forward to getting to know you and your family to serve you best!

CHARLIE

Dewbre Pediatric Dentistry

LED BY THE SKILLED HANDS of Dr. Dewbre, a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist and renowned tongue tie expert, this clinic is passionately committed to delivering exceptional oral healthcare to the littlest smiles.

Offering a comprehensive suite of services tailored to children’s unique needs — from teeth cleanings and composite fillings to dental emergencies, infant care, and treating patients with special health care needs — Dewbre Pediatric Dentistry truly shines with its core values of courageous kindness, joyful compassion, authentic honesty, and a connected community.

The team’s warm and personable approach ensures that dental visits are not only effective but are also delightful experiences for both children and parents. Dewbre Pediatric Dentistry fosters a positive, safe, and caring environment where every little smile feels valued and cared for. Schedule an appointment today and experience the Dewbre difference!

DEWBRE PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

169 E 33rd St., Edmond, OK 73013

405.341.3030 | dewbrepediatricdentistry.com

Orthodontic Arts

ORTHODONTIC ARTS is a leading orthodontic clinic located in Central Oklahoma that provides exceptional dental services to patients. Their team of board-certified orthodontists are committed to delivering cutting-edge treatments to help patients achieve optimal dental health and a stunning smile. With the latest 3D technology, Orthodontic Arts offers a range of orthodontic options, including traditional braces, clear braces, custom 3D printed braces, Invisalign, and non-surgical alternatives. They specialize in providing individualized treatment plans for patients, including early intervention for growing children and collaborative care for complex adult cases.

At Orthodontic Arts, every patient is treated as a unique individual and receives personalized attention from their skilled team of orthodontic artisans, creating a radiant and timeless smile. Patients are given accurate and detailed information to make informed decisions about their dental care and treatment options. Conveniently located in Midtown, Orthodontic Arts offers flexible payment options and timely appointments. With the care of Drs. David Birdwell, Brian Wilson, and Chris Hunt, patients can trust that they will receive exceptional results from the finest orthodontic team in OKC.

ORTHODONTIC ARTS

421 NW 10th St, Ste 201-E, Oklahoma City, OK 73103 405.604.3745 | orthodonticarts.com

L to R: Dr. David Birdwell, Dr. Brian Wilson, Dr. Chris Hunt

DINING

Birdie’s Born Anew

Chef Kevin Lee elevates the familiar into unexpected echelons. p. 74

An Edible Road Map to Route 66

Delicious pit stops along the Mother Road

BY MATT KIROUAC

WITH SPRING IN THE AIR, AND CAR WINDOWS DOWN, it’s officially prime road trip season in Oklahoma, and fueling a drive takes more than gasoline; think fried chicken, barbecue and queso. With the most iconic road in the country weaving its way through the 405, Route 66 is ideal fodder for a food-filled drive. From finer dining to old-school icons, here’s where to eat along the Mother Road in and around Oklahoma City.

Living Kitchen Farm and Dairy in Depew

Roughly halfway between Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Living Kitchen Farm and Dairy is among the foremost destinations in the state for farm-totable dining at its most legit and literal. Courtesy of Linda Ford and Lisa Becklund, the couple behind esteemed Tulsa restaurants FarmBar and il seme, Living Kitchen feels like an Oklahoman fairy tale — a lush, wooded retreat where diners dine among roving goats and enjoy seasonal tasting menus at a communal table on a screened-in cabin porch. Courses range from small bites to burlier plates, made primarily from ingredients grown on-site or sourced from like-minded farms. Dinners take place on weekends from April through December, and in-demand reservations open two to three months in advance.

The Butcher BBQ Stand in Wellston Driving southwest from Depew, the next stop is The Butcher BBQ Stand, a roadside keystone in Wellston that’s easy to find by following either the wafting aroma of smoked meat, or the inevitable line out the door. After decades spent working in meat markets and pivoting into barbecue competitions, Levi Bouska opened the restaurant in a frills-free, garage-like space sizable enough to accommodate the hungry hordes. And you’ll want to come hungry for the magnificent brisket, smoked turkey, pulled pork and singular standouts, like the Hillbilly Philly sandwich with queso and burnt ends, or the apple pie BBQ beans.

Chicken Shack in Arcadia

Since the ’50s, Chicken Shack has been a sprawling, deep-fried oasis in the pastoral Oklahoma hamlet of Arcadia. Now in a larger location, virtually across the street from the Arcadia Round Barn (itself an icon of Route 66 kitsch), the Shack is a massive barn-like dining destination with ample seating indoors and out, and a menu rooted in crispy broasted chicken — a method of pressure frying that results in impossibly succulent wings, strips and whole birds. Pair it with sides like jalapeno-spiced mac & cheese or buttery green beans, and you’ve got a feast worth driving for.

Chef Lisa Becklund at Living Kitchen Farm & Dairy

Pops in Arcadia

From there, meander down Route 66 to Pops, the famed soda stop with diner-style Americana and its own fair share of kitsch. Recognizable by its sky-scraping soda bottle out front and doubling as a service station, the restaurant and shop features a dizzying array of offbeat sodas, from vintage bottles of Cheerwine to zany flavors, like PB&J.

Lucille’s in Weatherford

Initially opened as a service station built in 1927, Lucille’s has remained a Route 66 institution since the inception of the Mother Road itself. Today, the icon has two restaurant locations, in Clinton and Weatherford, but it’s the latter that still reigns as a Route 66 must. Here, diners can fuel up on aptly all-American fare like cheese fries, corn nuggets, loaded baked potatoes or chicken-fried steak sandwiches, and of course, the 10-oz. Mother Road Burger.

Green Chile Kitchen in Yukon

For road-trippers heading west of OKC, Green Chile Kitchen offers an early taste of New Mexico. The oldest New Mexican restaurant in Oklahoma, the star of the name and menu is featured in everything from green chile queso and pork stew to nachos, quesadillas and spicy cheeseburgers. The smothered burritos — stuffed with the likes of carne adovada or Frito pie — are particularly popular, topped with your choice of green chile, red chile or both, aka Christmas-style.

Onion Burgers in El Reno

Driving farther westward, El Reno is a prime pit stop for onion burgers. The birthplace of the Oklahoma-style fried onion burger, the small town exemplifies the form — thin, griddled patties with crispy onion slivers pressed into the meat — at timeworn institutions like Robert’s Grill, Johnnie’s and Sid’s Diner.

Sid’s Diner

Watch the Birdie’s

Kevin Lee’s contemporary Korean cuisine takes flight

BY MATT KIROUAC

PHOTO BY RACHEL MAUCIERI

WITH A SEASONED CULINARY career that spans lauded local restaurants like Vast and The Jones Assembly, along with winning appearances on Food Network shows “Beat Bobby Flay” and “Guy’s Grocery Games,” Kevin Lee has become one of the most recognizable chefs in Oklahoma. But even someone as experienced as Lee, whose resume spans a portfolio of cuisines and dining styles, still yearns to cook from the heart.

In 2022, Lee served up his most ambitious, most personal project to date: Birdie’s Fried Chicken. The fast-casual format at 2201 NW 150th St. presented new opportunities in a relatively nondescript Edmond shopping plaza, but the Korean-style chicken concept proved taxing.

“After operating huge restaurants, I didn’t think a fast-casual chicken place would be harder, but it was a lot harder,” Lee recalled. “You’re trying to create a concept that could be enjoyed by the masses, and when you’re doing $10 chicken baskets, you gotta sell a lot of chicken baskets.”

It was time to make a change. At the end of 2023, Lee temporarily closed Birdie’s in its initial iteration, and entered a new era in 2024. On Jan. 11, just three weeks after turning off the deep-fryers, Birdie’s by Chef Kevin Lee was born anew. Formerly colorful and casual, the lofty space now sports a darker, charcoal-hued motif, anchored around a bar with an entirely new beverage program. Now full-service and more upscale, Birdie’s 2.0 is Lee’s version of a Korean steakhouse — a fresh perspective in a city not lacking for steakhouses.

Described as a fun mix of small and large plates, the concept is an opportunity for one of the metro’s most esteemed chefs to fully flex his muscles. And flex he does, on plates that elevate the familiar into unexpected echelons, like a gingery beef tartare served with toasted Japanese sourdough milk bread, peanut-speckled Brussels

sprouts dressed with yuzu yogurt or shrimp and sweet potato grits heated up with sautéed kimchi.

Of the larger plates, Lee puts his stamp on classic comfort food, like his tteokbokki rice cake dish, essentially a riff on pasta bolognese that enrobes chewy rice cakes in spicy gochujang Wagyu ragu. Steaks are a centerpiece of the menu, served buttery and sizzling in skillets, and accompanied by fresh lettuce wraps, chimichurri, garlic-ginger soy sauce and peanut ssamjang (a kind of spicy chili paste typically served with wraps in Korean cooking) for fun, DIY assemblage. Cattlemen’s Steakhouse this is not.

The drink list — helmed by bar manager Emma Prilaman — is equally original, centered around

a variety of seasonal cocktails. As winter shifts to spring, that includes the Hot Honey Old Fashioned; the quenching Basil Baller Smash; and the Garden Ramos, a gin-based stunner with notes of cucumber and lime that puts on a show as club soda is poured tableside and a plume of egg white foam rises over the rim like a soufflé.

For Lee, the new Birdie’s is less an evolution and more of a return to form. “It’s been fun to be a chef again,” he mused. “There are no boundaries. I get to do the food I want. For the fi rst time, I feel like I’m truly cooking the story of who I am.”

Steak, beef tartare, and tteokkboki rice cakes

The Water’s Edge Connection

Oklahoma

wine shines in Moore

BY MATT KIROUAC

PHOTO BY RACHEL MAUCIERI

AMERICAN WINE, ASIDE FROM THE WEST Coast and a few burgeoning regions across the country, is an industry that still comes front-loaded with preconceptions. Oklahoma, after all, is not exactly the Sonoma of the Great Plains. But by playing to strengths and exceeding expectations, the local wine-making industry has taken strides in recent years, as exemplified by the potable artistry being poured at Water’s Edge Winery in Moore.

Located at 2001 S. Broadway Ave. in a modest shopping plaza just off I-35, the winery and bistro is a continued legacy for two owners who started as regulars — and want to share that affection with others. Mike and Mara English are the husband-wife couple who took over ownership of Water’s Edge after the previous owner wanted to close its original Oklahoma City location.

“It was too special of a concept, and I’m a believer that south Oklahoma City needs more things to do,” said Mara, who formerly frequented the original location with her husband, and cited the lack of bars in Moore as a motivating factor for the relocation. “It’s a town built to be a family town, so there’s churches and schools”— but few drinking establishments—“and we happened to be in a location that was zoned properly for it.”

Reopened in 2021, the new Water’s Edge came with food for the first time, as well as a dedicated retail selection. Wine is still front-and-center, and from the Englishes’ diligent sourcing to their fermentation processes and labels designed by Mara herself, it’s some of the best being produced in the state.

They source grape must from vineyards around the world, working through brokers’ established relationships, to bring in top-shelf products that they ferment and bottle in-house. Of their impressive portfolio, which runs the gamut from Chardonnay to Petit Verdot, from California to New Zealand, Mara said they ease Oklahomans in by offering sweet wines, but broaden palates with off-dry iterations and a depth of options.

“We stick to the classics, like Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet, Pinot Noir,” she explained. “But from there, we introduce different regions. So if they like Pinot Noir from Oregon, we bring in a Pinot from somewhere else, and we like to see their reaction as to what they think is different about it.”

Reds, she noted, are hard to keep in stock to meet demand, while whites, sparkling wines and sangrias round out the offerings. The Vandam, a California Viognier, is a quenching varietal that straddles

“It was too special of a concept, and I’m a believer that south Oklahoma City needs more things to do.”

the line between mildly sweet and off-dry, while the sparkling rosé is as crisp and vibrant as they come. By eschewing excessive sugars, the Englishes dodge preconceptions about Oklahoma wine while giving customers a wider wine realm to appreciate.

Ultimately, though, the goal at Water’s Edge is to continue the winery’s legacy as a community cornerstone. “It’s a place for people to hang out and call their spot,” says Mara. “We put a lot of emphasis on our wine club, and members getting to know each other. We have members who go on vacation together now. It’s been really good to connect people.”

Vandam Viognier and sparkling rosé

A New Way to Cope

Ashley Livington shares how mental health led her to discover a new talent.. p. 82

Call It Kismet

A place to perform for musical theatre dreamers

BY LAVINIA CRESWA

FOR MANY PEOPLE AROUND THE world, the spotlight has been a lifelong dream and as long as they can remember, their personal world has revolved around singing, dancing and breathing all things musical theatre. And everyone on Broadway, even the brightest stars, had to start somewhere.

In Oklahoma City, young thespians have Kismet Arts Studio & Theatre to help nurture their dreams of stardom on the Great White Way. Owners Angela Polk and Laura Himes met while performing in Lyric Theatre’s production of Les Misérables and bonded over the fact that they were both teaching private voice and piano lessons across the city. After initially founding OKC onstage with another business partner, the pair branched out in 2016 to create a studio to house their private lessons, thus beginning Kismet Arts. “We partnered with Special Care because we had a connection with the owner, Pam Newby, and their theatre was available,” Polk said. “Our first semester had 16 students.” The same year, Kismet finished off the semester by premiering the musical Snowed In, which was written specifically for these students by David Dabbon and Tom Bruett.

“We went from having 30 students to 100 in one year, and it all blew up quicker than we expected,” Polk explained. “We now have seven classes offering dance, piano, voice and production classes with nine faculty on staff, teaching over 200 students.” Kids ages 4 through 18 have a home at Kismet, and most return year after year. Classes are divided by age, each with its own catchy theatrical name. Each class performs a full-scale production at the end of each semester.

Polk notes that creating a board was essential for that growth. With the guidance from its board and developing a new partnership with Fusion@ Oakdale, Polk and Himes are now gearing up to be housed in a brand-new facility, opening June of this year. This new space will allow Kismet to begin teaching other disciplines like on-camera acting, audition techniques and combat acting for both kids and adults.

Kismet Arts Studio and Theatre is currently in the midst of its spring productions. In April, the 4- to 10-year-old classes performed My Son Pinocchio Jr. Coming May 3-5, the teen classes will be cutting loose and performing Footloose at Special Care. Wrapping up the semester on May 31- June 2, the middle school class will shine in Xanadu, Jr. which will be performed at Oakdale Public School.

There are also two summer camps, called Summertime Storytellers, which are condensed versions of the full semester. In just 30 to 40 hours, students put on a full production with costumes and a live band. This summer, the 4- to 13-year-olds will perform Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. June 28-30. The Oklahoma premiere of Alice By Heart will run from Aug. 2-4, featuring kids ages 14 and up.

“It’s a very special and different environment,” Polk said. “When we can meet kids at their level, they have a great experience. We are teaching kids to enjoy who they are and what their bodies can do, while learning to work together and create a team. We are a healthy space for open communication and honest conversations. These kids are amazing.”

For more information on Kismet Arts Studio and Theatre or to purchase tickets to its upcoming performances, visit kismetartsokc.com.

“We are teaching kids to enjoy who they are and what their bodies can do, while learning to work together and create a team.”

Angela Polk & Laura Himes, photo by Emma Castor Photography

Peter Pan Jr., photo by Michael Markmiller

Event details, reservations, online catalog and proxy information available at pdw.nationalcowboymuseum.org.

On exhibit May 31 – August 4, 2024.

Museum Partners Devon Energy Corporation

E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation

Major Support The True Foundation

Presented by

Photo: Ann Sherman

Terri Kelley Moyers, Naranjas, Oil on gessobord, 36 x 36 in.

Healthy Perspective

Ashley Showalter draws on art to maintain mental wellness

BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER

PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

ASHLEY SHOWALTER CALLS HERSELF AN “ACCIDENtal abstract artist.” In 2014, while attending the University of Oklahoma, Showalter experienced a mental health crisis. When she entered treatment, she was encouraged to draw. Though she remembered doubting her artistic abilities, she said the relief she found while creating was immediate. She has been drawing ever since.

Showalter’s art may have started more or less on a whim, but her bright and pattern-filled pieces feel delightfully intentional. The portraits she created during the COVID pandemic, inspired by her followers’ Instagram selfies, are reminiscent of Picasso’s cubist works, infused with color and personality.

Today Showalter is an avid recovery advocate, working for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and often participating in mental health conversations. We recently spoke with her about her art, job and mental health journey — and how they all connect.

How does your artwork relate to your mental well-being?

Art helps me tolerate tough emotions, and I can get them out in a healthy way. So when I draw, I hyper-focus on the details of my drawing. And a lot of times my mind will become very quiet. It’s almost like a meditation. It’s just something that’s been a regular part of my routine since being diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Tell me about the patterns — the checkerboards, polka dots and leopard prints — in your portraits.

In my recovery journey, another coping skill that helps me stay well is dressing well. Fashion is one of my hobbies. And so, when it comes to the pattern work that’s in my portraits, a lot of those come from fashion, inspired by patterns you see in clothing. My favorite part of my portraits is making the outfits.

Do you have a favorite piece you’ve created?

My favorite piece is called “You’re All Invited.” I’m a really inclusive, optimistic person, so I think that title fits my personality — but I love the painting itself … During COVID, I propped up a giant canvas. It was like 2 feet by 4 feet, and I took out Posca pens, which are my favorite drawing paint-pen tools, and I just made face after face after face that was unique. I ended up making over 300 faces on one painting … I just made them all different; not one face is like another.

Your mental health journey plays into your artwork as well as your job as a children’s outpatient case manager. What is that like?

I mainly work with teenagers. That’s kind of my jam house; I really like working with transitional ages. My role is helping support them with gaining independence or learning how to take care of their mental illness … If someone is struggling with something that I can relate to, I will share a small part of my story to help support them and give them hope or guidance on maybe what worked for me.

What do you want viewers to see in your artwork?

Well, I like using art as a way to talk about mental health. So, when they view my art, I want them to think about hope and how healing is possible, and that the world can be bright and colorful.

You can find more of Showalter’s work showcased on her Instagram profile, @ur.fav.trash

Highway to History

The enduring lure of Route 66

BY LINDA MILLER

HISTORIC ROUTE 66 IS ONE OF THE most iconic and celebrated roads in the country. It has been called the Mother Road and Main Street of America. It stretched from Illinois to California, running through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona for 2,448 miles.

It has been popularized in The Grapes of Wrath; the 1946 song “Get Your Kicks on Route 66,” the “Route 66” television show in the ’60s and, decades later, the animated movie Cars.

It’s the highway that thousands of Oklahomans and others took from 1929 to 1939 as they traveled westward in search of work and a better life during the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression.

Early on, it was a lifeline, a journey of new beginnings and a testament to travelers’ determination. Later, after World War II and for the next couple of decades, the road represented a spirit of travel, freedom and discovery as towns, mom-and-pop diners and roadside motels welcomed tourists along the way.

Automobile travel had started gaining popularity in the 1910s, but rough and treacherous roads became a concern. The Ozark Trail, a network of locally maintained roads and highways, was created in 1913 to promote a better drive and ride across Oklahoma and surrounding states.

It paved the way for U.S. Highway 66, established on Nov. 11, 1926, and one of the original highways in the United States Numbered Highway System. It closely followed and sometimes overlapped the Ozark Trail.

Cyrus Avery, a Tulsa businessman and oilman who served on several local and federal highway committees, had advocated for better roads for years, knowing it would also bring economic opportunity for towns and businesses. He was instrumental in laying out the new numbered highway system and chose 66 for the route that would go through Oklahoma. U.S. Highway 66 became the designation from Chicago to Los Angeles, and Avery became known as the father and creator of the highway.

To help increase interest and traffic, the newly formed Highway 66 Association sponsored a foot race in 1928 from Los Angeles to New York City, a total of 3,423 miles with 2,400 of it along the new 66 highway. Oklahoman Andy Payne, a 20-year-old high school graduate from Foyil, was the first to cross the finish line after 84 days, 573 hours, 4 minutes and 34 seconds, averaging 6 miles an hour. When he ran through Claremore, Will Rogers was there cheering. Payne collected the $25,000 prize and paid off the family farm mortgage.

U.S. Highway 66 was built in segments, and wasn’t fully paved until 1938. Traffic increased for years until a new interstate highway system came through Oklahoma in the late 1960s. An Interstate 66 wasn’t in the plans, but some sections of today’s I-40 often parallel or occasionally replace parts of Route 66 west of Oklahoma City.

U.S. State Highway 66 was decommissioned in 1985, but Oklahoma still has more drivable miles of the Mother Road than any other state. In Oklahoma City and other towns and cities, many historic Route 66 signs designate the year it went through and whether it’s the original route or a later extension of the road.

Museums dedicated to the route and its cultural importance are found in Clinton and Elk City. Route 66 continues to attract drivers wanting to experience a slower pace and a little nostalgia, and a 100th birthday celebration is planned in 2026.

So, who’s ready to get their kicks on Route 66?

Signs in Oklahoma City and throughout the state designate historic Route 66, including this one west of the state Capitol on NE 23rd St.

Standing Tall

Arise works to support and uplift single mothers

BY JAKE DURHAM

IN 2002, PAM KANALY, A FORMER SINGLE MOM, AND Shelley Pulliam, a former teacher, united their efforts to provide vital support and resources to single mothers as they navigate the challenges of life. Through the organization Arise Single Moms, development director Kanaly and executive director Pulliam endeavor to empower and guide single mothers toward a path of resilience and fulfillment.

Voted the Edmond Chamber of Commerce 2023 Nonprofit of the Year, Arise Single Moms provides tools and support to mothers parenting alone. “The purpose of Arise is to serve a variety of women — widows, single again, never married, grandmothers raising grandchildren, women who have adopted or whose husbands are incarcerated or in rehab, and more,” said Kanaly.

From providing practical resources such as financial assistance, housing support and childcare solutions to offering emotional guidance and mentorship programs, Arise fosters a nurturing community where women can find solidarity, encouragement and the tools to thrive. The organization plays a pivotal role in reshaping narratives and creating opportunities for a brighter future for both mothers and their children.

“One of the greatest needs for single moms is discovering a community to receive a sense of belonging, share common struggles and joys and find support for perpetual growth,” Kanaly said.

Arise’s premier event is the yearly THRIVE conference in OKC, scheduled this year for June 7-8. Over the past 22 years, an impressive 17,000 mothers and children have engaged in this weekend affair, bolstered by a dedicated team of over 80 volunteers. The event features esteemed keynote speakers, door prizes and insightful breakout sessions led by Oklahoma professionals and single parenting specialists who address pivotal topics relevant to the single motherhood journey.

“I first came to this event as a last-ditch effort in hopes of finding community and someone to give me the tools to move forward and restore hope,” said a single mom from Tulsa. “That was 12 years ago; I have not missed one since. THRIVE is like Christmas to my household!”

Arise also offers complimentary online resources tailored specifically for single mothers. These videos, articles and blogs delve into topics such as finances, relationships, emotional well-being, spiritual development and parenting. Its podcast, “The Single Momcast,” boasts nearly 50,000 resource downloads.

“One single mom came to us struggling with trying to balance work and home life while having to be the cook, the cleaner, the counselor, taxi driver and more,” Kanaly said. “After listening to our podcasts, she added, ‘I learned more in your free 30-minute program than I have in two years of counseling.’ Popular podcast topics include handling big emotions with your kids, practicing self-care, navigating co-parenting, overcoming disappointment and over 100 more.”

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, Kanaly and Pulliam share a message of hope and encouragement: “Single moms, you are strong! With God, you are more than enough. Be present. Focus on the kids. It’s been proven that it only takes one healthy adult in the household to raise a well-balanced child, and guess what? You’re it! You can do this. Why not let Arise Single Moms come alongside?”

Kanaly also noted, “You may not be a single mom, but everyone knows one, and the greatest gift you can give to a single mother you know is to tell her about Arise Single Moms — we’ll do the rest.”

Organizations like Arise rely on support from volunteers and donations to provide essential services and resources to so many. To learn more about how you can help or how Arise can help you, visit arisesinglemoms.com.

Pam Kanaly and Shelley Pulliam

CHRISTOPHER RETTMAN, @CHRISRETTMANPHOTOS BEST SHOT

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