May 2023

LOVE LIFE AGAIN

For over 28 years the providers at Optimal Health Associates have been the leaders in hormonal and menopausal care in Oklahoma.

Our treatment options are scientifically based on individual needs. Our patients have seen life-changing results with improvement in energy, sexual wellness, weight management, longevity, mental clarity, mood, and their overall sense of wellbeing. Optimize your life, balance your hormones, and love life again.

Call to schedule a hormone consult or other health and wellness needs. We provide compassionate, individualized care for men & women.

Noel R. Williams, MD Gynecologist

Benjamin J. Barenberg, MD Urogynecologist

33

Best of the 405

The much-anticipated list of winners

55 Top Dentists

Best dental professionals as selected by their peers

Culture

82 ARTS

The Philharmonic’s orchestral homage to a civil rights icon

84 SPORTS

Oklahoma City FC represents the best in local soccer

86 IN CONVO WITH Ceramic fashion artist Nicole Moan doesn’t fit the mold

88 TRAVEL

Catch some rays in the Tampa Bay

92 LOOKING BACK

How Oklahoma meteorology has stayed a step ahead of storms

94 ONE MORE THING

Where to volunteer in Oklahoma City

10 FROM THE EDITOR

96 WHAT’S ONLINE

Disco ball provided by Meagan Ann Early. Photo by Charlie Neuenschwander.

OWNER | PUBLISHER

Jordan Regas jordan.regas@405magazine.com

VICE PRESIDENT  Kaley Regas kaley@hilltopmediagroup.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF  Julie Partin julie.partin@405magazine.com

ART DIRECTOR Cadence Ramos cadence.ramos@405magazine.com

MANAGING EDITOR Evan Musil evan.musil@405magazine.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jake Durham, Kristen Grace, Bennett Hill, Evie Klopp Holzer, Greg Horton, Helen Jacob, Matt Kirouac, Lisa Lloyd, Linda Miller

CONTRIBUTING

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lexi Hoebing, Kimberly Martin, Charlie Neuenschwander, Sarah Strunk, Shevaun Williams

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Meagan Matthews meagan@hilltopmediagroup.com

CLIENT COORDINATOR

Leesa Neidel production@405magazine.com

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Lisa Munson

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Drew Smith drew.smith@405magazine.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Kendall Morgan kendall.morgan@405magazine.com

DIGITAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Raylee Lewis raylee.lewis@405magazine.com

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Volume 9 / Number 5, 405 Magazine (periodicals 21350) is published monthly, 12 times a year, by Hilltop Media Group, 1216 N Blackwelder Ave., 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.

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. singlecopy price is $4.95. Back issues are $9.50 each

Best of the 405 is a beast .

EVERY YEAR AS OUR 405 TEAM PREPARES for the much-anticipated awards we warn the new staff members — buckle up because it is about to get crazy. We receive more calls, emails, comments and engagement from this voter-based contest than we do every other issue combined. We order hundreds of extra copies because so many people want to have one of their own.

Yet, we know what is behind the frenzy passion. Each one of these awards represents a person’s life work. Every category from tacos to surgeon once began as an idea. After years of execution and hard work that dream went on to become a reality that impacts the community so much that it is now considered the “best” in town.

A very sincere congratulations to every single company that was nominated for a Best of the 40 award. You are what makes OKC such a great city and we are thrilled to recognize your excellence (pg.33)!

Also in this issue you will also meet the local country singer who recently made history on "The Voice" (pg. 18), a private party sushi chef turning heads (pg. 2) and a ceramic artist whose work defies genres (pg. 8).

Additionally, we are thrilled to feature a bright and golden Oakdale design spread (pg. 28), welcome in the warmth with the handmade ice cream shops sweeping the city (pg. 4) and dive into up and coming volunteer opportunities for you and your family (pg. 94).

A bit of a quick update the  Magazine offices have moved! We sentimentally said goodbye to our offi ces on Broadway and have settled into a hip space in the Plaza District.

Thank you for being a part of our wonderful community!

All the best,

Julie Partin EDITOR IN CHIEF

BEHIND THE SCENES

From Small Town to Big Stage

Ross Clayton's singing has turned heads and four chairs on "The Voice." p. 18

Multicolored May

Dazzling, chromatic chic to start the summer

BY BENNETT HILL

TIME TO SOAK UP THE SUN AND INDULGE IN THE RADIANT colors of summer! Bright tones and neon glows are always a hit for the sunny season, and softer colors blend beautifully with a dazzling piece of jewelry or clutch. From running around town to a girl's night out, there is no need to sacrifice comfort for style with an adorable kitten heel sandal. We’re wishing you the happiest — and chicest — of summer months, from our closet to yours.

1. Dear John, High-Rise Fiona Stretch Denim Jeans; Silver Accents 2. Naadam, Cashmere Short-Sleeve Cropped V-Neck Pullover; Edit & Co. 3. Valerie Naifeh Design, Galaxy Cluster Studs; Naifeh Fine Jewelry

4. Central Park West, Brooke Crepe Vest and Mini Skirt; Cayman’s 5. Samser Designs, Ikat Clutch; 6. Oncept, Sydney Sandal; Betsy King Shoes

Betsy King Shoes

3

Wings Groundbreaking

PHOTOS BY SARAH MYRICK PHOTOGRAPHY

Wings Special Needs Community broke ground on the nonprofit’s new $18 million expanded program and residential community facility, which benefits adults with developmental disabilities in Oklahoma City. Hundreds of parents, members, community leaders, volunteers and campaign supporters attended the event. The 75-acre community will be developed in phases, with phase one set to be completed in 2024 with the first 8,000-square-foot residential ranch home. The project is privately funded, entirely by the generosity of Oklahomans.

57th American Advertising Awards (The ADDYs)

PHOTOS

The 57th American Advertising Awards (The ADDYs), with the theme of “Going Rogue,” was held at The Criterion and chaired by Micah Moore (account executive at Candor) and co-chaired by Sarah Hoffman (VP, Media at Flight). Naoma Serna-Zahn served as creative partner and Whitney Tatum as event director. Additional vendors included CNS Productions, Marianne's and Ned's Starlite Lounge. The ADDY Awards is one of Oklahoma's largest and most prestigious advertising competitions. The work entered into the competition is judged by a panel of AAF members outside the region, and the results are based on creative merit.

BY KATHY SHARP, LUKE SOUTHERN, THE SNL BOOTH

Nicole Moan Fashion Show: The Ceramic Corset Experience

PHOTOS BY TAYLOR ILLGEN

A fashion runway show featuring local artist and designer Nicole Moan and her ceramic corset creations, which function as both artwork and wearable fashion, was held at OKCMOA during Art After 5. Attendees enjoyed floralbased cocktails by WanderFolk Spirits and pastries by Ganache Patisserie. Moan has been an active artist for more than 20 years. Read more about her work on page 86.

The Man Behind the Voice

Singer Ross Clayton shares his love for the Sooner State

BY KRISTEN GRACE | PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

COUNTRY SINGER-SONGWRITER ROSS CLAYTON described his audition on “The Voice” as an out-of-body experience. On season 23 of NBC’s singing competition, he performed a passionate cover of Keith Urban’s “Blue Ain’t Your Color” and described the moment as fleeting. “You do so much to get ready, and then all you get is 90 seconds,” he said. “You hope that you do well enough that they will turn their chairs. You are battling those expectations when you get up on that stage.”

He might have blacked out a little due to nerves, but all four judges — Kelly Clarkson, Chance the Rapper, Niall Horan and fellow Oklahoman Blake Shelton — were impressed. Clayton achieved a rare four-chair turn, which meant every judge was eager to coach him. Although Shelton made an impassioned case that evening, Clayton chose Horan as his coach.

“My interactions with Niall Horan have been so phenomenal,” Clayton

said. “He is so down-to-earth and such a talented songwriter and guitar player. When you meet him, you are meeting a great friend. I am thrilled to show everyone what an influence he’s had on me.”

A 33-year-old McLoud resident, Clayton moved from Illinois to Oklahoma in 2013 to be with his wife and start a family. “Oklahoma is home; that’s how I see it,” he said. “All three of my kids have been born here. I’ve lived here for almost 10 years, and I am so proud to represent this state.”

Before he took the national stage, he began performing at his high school auditorium when a friend convinced him to try out for a production of Little Shop of Horrors. “They gave me a lead role!” he said. “I don’t know that I deserved it, but I loved it. That’s when I caught the bug for performing. I really didn’t have any confidence in myself back then, but they did. And that led to all of this.”

Ross Clayton, who lives in McLoud, Oklahoma, earned four chair turns on "The Voice" with a Keith Urban cover.

Clayton spoke on “The Voice” about how hard it was to be away from his family while he was on the show. When he returned home, he had a watch party with his kids. They were surprised and delighted to see themselves on television. Clayton admits to singing every day to his kids, often making up silly songs that they can sing together. “Now they’re kind of over dad hogging the spotlight,” he said with a laugh. “The fi nal product was really wholesome. Both of my daughters now want to be singers, and the fact that they are proud of me means the world to me.”

From here, he hopes to capitalize on the momentum from the show and continue building a singing career. “I appreciate the social media following and the support that I’m getting from Oklahoma and Illinois,” he said. “Since Niall Horan is Irish, I’ve received so much support from Ireland.”

His reach might already be going global, but Clayton continues to call Oklahoma home.

You can watch Ross Clayton on “The Voice” Mondays at  p.m. on NBC.

Clayton has gained fans from Ireland since choosing Niall Horan as his coach.

Keep Hay Fever at Bay

April showers bring May flowers and vexing seasonal allergies

BY HELEN JACOB

OKLAHOMANS

HAVE IT HARDER

when it comes to allergies. Dr. Claire Atkinson, a board-certified allergy and immunology provider at the Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic, credits this to our environment.

“Texas and Oklahoma are known for what they call ‘cedar fever,' a term used to describe the abundance of allergy symptoms during the wintertime due to cedar pollen,” she said. “During the other times of the year, I think we just have pretty good weather overall, and because of that, I think those environmental allergies really thrive during our different seasons.”

Although we associate seasonal allergies with the spring season, it’s really a year-round issue. During the springtime, we typically see flowering trees pollinate; during the summertime, the grasses pollinate. In the fall, a combination of trees such as elm, as well as weeds, like ragweed, start pollinating, while in the winter, it’s the cedar trees. All of these can affect the body and cause infl ammation and itchiness in the nose, as well as sneezing and congestion. Eye symptoms such as redness, itching and wateriness can also be irritating.

You can fi nd relief with over-the-counter oral antihistamines, like Zyrtec and Allegra. However, more than 10% of people who take antihista-

mines get slightly drowsy, so try with caution. Nose sprays such as Flonase can sometimes be more helpful than oral medications because they are directly in contact with where the problem is. “They’re attacking the infl ammation from the nose standpoint, which is where a lot of people have their issues,” Atkinson said.

What if you have no luck with over-the-counter medication? It’s probably best to get an evaluation from a clinic. An allergy scratch test will determine if you are affected by environmental allergens such as grasses, trees, weeds, molds and dust mites, as well as dogs and cats. If a patient tests positive for any of these allergens, the doctor will discuss ways to help with overall allergy symptoms and even induce long-term tolerance with allergy shots.

The best way to avoid allergies is to stay away from whatever makes you allergic. If dust mites are the problem, get dust mite covers for mattresses and pillows, wash bedding and water vacuum once a week. If it’s pollen, keep the windows up when you’re driving. When you get home after a long day of being outside, shower and change right away to reduce pollen exposure. Allergens may stick around all year, but your relief can, too.

Simply staying away from allergens is easier said than done, so here are some more tips to help you get through any season:

• If you can, stay indoors on dry, windy days. Moderate rain helps clear pollen from the air, so the best time to go outside is after a decent drizzle.

• Don’t hang clothes outside to dry — pollen tends to stick to them.

• Avoid chores like mowing the lawn or gardening (if you have to, wear a mask).

• Wear glasses or sunglasses to minimize pollen getting in your eyes.

• Take allergy medication as a precaution if you know the pollen levels are high (check online for pollen forecasts).

• Close doors and windows when you are at home to avoid airborne pollen.

• Make sure you have high-e ciency lters for your heating and air conditioning.

• Keep the air inside dry with a dehumidi er, and avoid using humidi ers.

• Make sure the vacuum cleaner and air lters in your room have HEPA lters.

• Rinse nasal passages with saline solution as an e ective way to relieve nasal congestion.

UV light adds energy to the red blood cells causing a healing cascade to occur. Harvard Medical School

Ozone in blood makes an oxidative stress causing the body to respond and heal.

V Bocci PhD -U of Sienna

HOW WELL ARE YOU SLEEPING?

Approximately 42 million American adults have sleep-disordered breathing (SDB)¹, with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) being the most common form. OSA is defined as when the upper airway partially or completely collapses during sleep, which leads to limited or blocked airflow. Symptoms of the disorder may include a lack of energy, excessive daytime sleepiness, nighttime gasping, choking and coughing. OSA has potential significant implications for your mental health, cardiovascular health, personal safety, and your overall quality of life. Better sleep, better health.

Oklahoma Sleep Institute offers a multi-disciplinary sleep medicine team dedicated to the assessment, diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment of your sleep disorder. Our locations are conveniently located and staffed by credentialed sleep professionals and equipped with the latest technology.

Oklahoma Sleep Institute is an entire network of sleep experts focused on helping you and your physician or healthcare provider manage your sleep disorder. Our board-certified sleep medicine physicians at the Oklahoma Sleep Institute clinics work together with our credentialed practitioners and technicians to provide you with the highest level of sleep care. An entire clinical team focused on improving your sleep and overall health.

Do you experience…

• Loud or Excessive Snoring

• Depression

• Frequent Nocturnal Urination

• High Blood Pressure

• Morning Headaches

• Nighttime Gasping, Choking or Coughing

Contact us today by scanning this QR code or call to schedule an appointment.

• Chronic Leg Pain

• Feeling Tired or Fatigued

• Irregular Breathing

During Sleep

• Trouble Falling or Staying Asleep

• A Low Sex Drive

• Gastroesophageal Reflux (GE Reflux)

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, you may have a sleep disorder.

Better sleep is never far away. Call today! (405) 606-2727

-Mike Gold, President of the Oklahoma

IT’S TIME TO REST...

At Oklahoma Sleep Institute, our one priority is getting you the rest you need.

Sleep is as important to the body as eating. More than a third of Americans are not getting enough sleep on a regular basis.² About 100 million in the United States are suffering from sleep-disorder breathing (SDB), and that number is rising due to changing lifestyles and increased family and financial pressures.

An estimated 42 million Americans feel exhausted because they are experiencing SDB¹… and most don’t even know it.

75% percent of SDB cases remain undiagnosed³. Chronic sleep disorders can disrupt family life, affect productivity at work, contribute to motor vehicle accidents, and even result in death. 65% of stroke patients have SDB⁴, approximately 76% of congestive heart failure patients have SDB⁵, and SDB is associated with a threefold increase in mortality risk⁶.

Don’t neglect your health by simply learning to live with the constant feeling of being tired. The Oklahoma Sleep Institute team can help you determine if you have SDB. Let us help you get the rest your body needs.

Oklahoma Sleep Institute’s overarching mission is to improve community health in Oklahoma and to help save lives. We are locally owned and operated and have been serving Oklahomans since 2003.

Sleep Institute

– Frank K., Oklahoma Sleep Institute Patient

HOME

Set the Mood

Designed for music lovers, this Oakdale home hits all the right notes. p. 28

Splendid Sushi

The private dining experience sweeping the 405

BY JULIE PARTIN

IT IS EVERY SUSHI LOVERʼS DREAM: ALL of your favorite rolls elaborately created in your own home, exclusively for you and your besties.

Chef Gustavo Chang Risi, better known as “Sushi Goose,” has been wowing private parties all over the OKC metro. Risi has a diverse background, having been born and raised in Peru to Chinese and Italian parents and migrating to the United States at 1. He comes by the art of food preparation and presentation naturally, having worked in his family’s restaurant, and has hosted outstanding in-home parties for Friendsgiving, Galentine’s Day, date nights and other occasions.

SOCIAL: SUSHIGOOSE.PARTY OR @THESUSHIGOOSE ON INSTAGRAM

Harmonious Design

The Porter family’s Oakdale home is a symphonious sanctuary

BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER | PHOTOS BY SARAH STRUNK

WHEN CARA PORTER PLAYS CLASSICAL melodies on her Kawai piano, it feels like home. True, the piano was a special gift from her husband, but the instrument strikes another familiar chord.

“I had wanted a Kawai because that’s the first piano my dad bought when my parents got married in 1980,” Porter said. “It’s the same make and model of the piano I grew up playing in my childhood home.”

Cara and Beau Porter’s Oakdale home reflects their appreciation of music and design. In addition to the piano, their music room showcases stringed instruments poised for Beau Porter to pick and play. Deep blue walls, contrasted by an iconic Eames lounge chair and ottoman in white leather, set the stage — and music abounds.

“Every single night one of us is in there, either my husband playing guitar, or I'll play the piano, and then the kids will dance around us, being crazy, whenever we're doing that,” she said with a laugh. “We are not amazing (musicians) by any means, but we do enjoy it.”

The Porters purchased the home as the footings were going in, so they had the opportunity to customize plans and finishes. With so many decisions to make, they asked Molly Cooke with Molly Cooke Interiors to guide them.

“Molly really helped buffer against decision fatigue and also lowered the stress level of everything dramatically, because I knew at the end of the process, it was all going to look good together,” Porter said.

One design goal was to create a retreat for the couple to relax after a busy work day. (Beau Porter is a dentist; Cara Porter is an anesthesiologist.) Cooke applied soothing neutrals throughout the home while layering in various textures, colors and patterns.

“I have a very moody and kind of masculine style,” Porter said. “I don't like a lot of femininity, but I do like a little bit — and I feel like Molly captured that very well.” She noted the bedroom as a prime example. “It's got vaulted ceilings and there's no one above us, so it's nice and quiet. When the kids are down for naps on the weekends, it's where I go to hide out and recharge for a couple hours.”

The living room is anchored by custom furniture pieces, including an ottoman crafted by 405 Iron and a Lee Industries sofa with Schumacher ikat pillows.

TOP: Designer Molly Cooke sourced the kitchen's stunning tile, set in a geometric pattern, from Classic Tile.

LEFT: An airy Moooi light fixture rounds out the whimsical details in the dining room.

ABOVE: Black Edition pillows and Romo drapes mix a little femininity into the bedroom design.

Porter also appreciates the home’s light fixtures. Each one perfectly complements each room, she said. Cooke agrees that just the right selection can elevate a design, and she found pieces to highlight the cathedral ceilings in the primary bedroom and living room.

The formal dining room and music room, situated just off the entry, present bolder designs. The dining room features an extra-heavy grasscloth wallcovering by Mark Alexander, juxtaposed with a whimsical Moooi chandelier that seems to flutter midair.

For the music room, Beau Porter went back and forth with Cooke on which Kawai to purchase. They both knew picking the right piano was key.

“The one that they went with was very modern-looking — very current and classic at the same time. I just absolutely loved it,” Cooke said. “When they ordered that [piano], I could automatically see the Eames chair with it.”

Today, you may find Beau Porter sitting on that chair, guitar in his lap, or Cara Porter may be playing. Or perhaps it’s 4-year-old Hugh perched at the piano, pounding through a lesson. It’s his turn to learn, and undoubtedly his little sister will be next. In this home, that’s music to the ears.

The primary bathroom includes a large and luxurious walk-in shower punctuated by brass hardware.

Formerly used as an office, the music room now beckons the Porters to play.

The results are in! We asked our readers to vote for their favorite businesses, parks, restaurants and more, and you answered. On the following pages, we have tallied the votes to give you the Best of the 405.

ART GALLERY

Factory Obscura

Creative, immersive, one-of-a-kind experience.

CASINO

Riverwind Casino

Metro's premier gambling and entertainment destination.

COMEDIAN

Ashley Watson

Finding the humor in motherhood and femininity.

CULTURAL EVENT

Festival of the Arts

Welcome in spring with the artistic event of the season.

DANCE STUDIO

Oklahoma City Ballet

Excellence en pointe.

DISTRICT

Plaza District

Food and drink as lively as the walls.

FAMILY ATTRACTION

OKC Zoo

A big, beautiful award-winning walk on the wild side.

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Studio Merge

Curating and reimagining your dreams.

LOCAL CELEBRITY

Mayor David Holt

Best mayor in the world and OKC's biggest advocate.

LOCAL MUSICIAN

Kyle Dillingham

Oklahoma music advocate and string instrument aficionado.

MUSEUM Science Museum Oklahoma

Interactive science for kids of every age.

MUSIC VENUE

The Jones Assembly

Always bringing the wow-factor with concerts and dining.

OKLAHOMA INFLUENCER

Craig Groeschel

Life.Church senior pastor and multicampus pioneer.

PERFORMING ARTS VENUE

Civic Center Music Hall

Bringing the best shows to town time after time.

PIERCING STUDIO

23rd Street Body Piercing

The OG piercing studio.

PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER

AJ Stegall Photography

Imagery for the modern studio.

RADIO DJ

Joey & Heather

High-energy fun for your morning commute.

STAYCATION LOCATION

Broken Bow

Breathtaking scenery and luxurious cabins.

TATTOO ARTIST

Illiana Barrientos

Contemporary works of body art that will last a lifetime.

VOCALIST

Adam Aguilar

Stellar singer-songwriter with stage charisma.

BALLOONS

OC Events

Creative and jaw-dropping installations to get your party popping.

BRIDAL SHOP

Bella Rose Bridal

Oklahoma's largest one-stop shop for every bride.

CATERER

Abbey Road Catering

Quality cuisine and stellar service.

COVER BAND

My So Called Band

Cleverly crafted covers for your special event.

EVENT COORDINATOR

Chelsey Flint Events

Big vision and even better execution for your special occasion.

EVENT RENTALS

Marianne’s Rentals

Solutions for all your special events.

FLORIST

Curbside Flowers

Inspirational in floral design and mission.

MAKEUP ARTIST

Gaby Makeup Artistry

Soft glam expert creating fresh, timeless and classic looks.

PARTY DJ

405 Productions

Bringing the energy, enthusiasm and experience to every event.

PHOTO BOOTH

The SNL Booth

So much more than just a photobooth.

VIDEOGRAPHER

Taylor Longcrier Videography

Pure, creative, romantic films for the lovesick.

WEDDING CAKE/DESSERTS

Amy Cakes

The go-to for OKC's biggest weddings and birthday celebrations.

WEDDING INVITATIONS/PAPER GOODS

Paper + More

Your dream stationeries come to life.

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Rachelle Lynn Co.

Photographs you will treasure for a lifetime.

WEDDING VENUE

Aspen Ranch

A luxury event venue full of light and nature.

VOTED BEST MEXICAN

Ted’s Cafe Escondido is honored to be recognized among the most outstanding restaurants in the 405. We sincerely thank everyone who considered Ted’s for this award, and we look forward to continuing to serve our community with fresh, made-from-scratch Better Mexican food alongside unsurpassed hospitality.

ASIAN (OTHER)

Tamashii Ramen House

Authentic ramen with roots in Okinawa.

BAKERY

Pie Junkie

Indulgent desserts from pie masters.

BARBECUE

Swadley’s

A wide selection of barbecue specialties.

BARTENDER

Olivia Perez, Henry Hudsons

Fast, creative, veteran bar pro.

BREAKFAST

Neighborhood JA.M.

Eclectic selection of breakfast and brunch dishes from burgers to tacos and pancakes.

BRUNCH

Neighborhood JA.M.

Eclectic selection of breakfast and brunch dishes from burgers to tacos and pancakes.

BURGER

The Garage

Classic burgers and vegetarian-friendly choices.

BUSINESS LUNCH

Charleston’s

Excellent, fast service and delicious comfort food.

CATFISH

Off the Hook

Fried catfish Southern style with excellent sides.

CENTRAL AMERICAN

Cafe Kacao

Modern twists and traditional Guatemalan dishes.

CHARCUTERIE (TIE)

LC Charcuterie

Custom orders for lovely charucuterie trays of all sizes.

Lunch Lady Les

Beautiful arrangements of your favorite choices for any event.

CHEF

Andrew Black

James Beard nominee and multitalented owner of Grey Sweater.

CHICKEN FRIED STEAK

Cheever’s Cafe

Dinner-plate-sized and smothered in jalapeno cream gravy.

CHINESE

Grand House

A wide-ranging menu with classic and modern Chinese options.

COCKTAIL BAR

Sidecar Barley & Wine

Beautiful craft cocktails in a lovely setting.

COFFEE SHOP

Stella Nova

Popular local chain with delicious coffee drinks and room to work.

CRAFT BREWERY

Stonecloud Brewing Company

Edgy, innovative creations and traditional styles.

DESSERT

Pie Junkie

Indulgent desserts from pie masters.

DIVE BAR

Edna’s

The home of the Lunch Box.

EUROPEAN (NON-ITALIAN)

La Baguette Bistro

Classic French cuisine and an outstanding wine list.

FINE DINING

Mahogany Steakhouse

Delicious steaks, seafood and stellar service.

FOOD TRUCK

Saucee Sicilian

Neapolitan-style pizza and amazing foccacia.

FRENCH FRIES

Braum's

Crinkle-cut fries to catch all the sauce done right.

HAPPY HOUR

The Jones Assembly

One of the 405's most creative cocktail programs in a gorgeous setting.

HEALTHY EATING

Bee Healthy Cafe

Fresh and flavorful with options for everyone.

INDIAN

Sheesh Mahal

Stunning Indian and Pakistani dishes.

ITALIAN Gabriella’s

Rustic, hearty Italian favorites.

MEDITERRANEAN

Zorba’s

Greek and Middle Eastern dishes done very well.

MEXICAN

Ted's Cafe Escondido

The favorite TexMex destination for decades.

PIZZA

Empire Slice House

Creative specialty pies and old school favorites by the slice.

SANDWICHES

The Mule

Big, bold flavors in fun sandwich mash-ups.

SUSHI Sushi Neko

Japanese cuisine, including sushi and sashimi, with delicious cocktails.

TACOS - TEX-MEX

Oso

Modern takes on a Mexican classic.

TACOS - TRADITIONAL Big Truck Tacos

California street taco vibes in Uptown 23rd.

THAI Panang

Delicious dishes from pad thai to spicy curries and flavorful vegetarian.

VIETNAMESE

Pho Lien Hoa

One of the original Vietnamese concepts in OKC and still here because it's delicious.

WINE LIST

The Study

A wine pub with more than 60 options for all palates.

SEAFOOD

Pearl’s

An Oklahoma institution for seafood and Cajun dishes.

SOUL/SOUTHERN Cajun Corner

Catfish, Cajun specialties and other Southern favorites.

SOUTH AMERICAN Cafe do Brasil

Brunch, lunch and dinner with Brazilian favorites including feijoada.

STEAKHOUSE

Cattlemen’s Steak for all meals at this century-old institution.

BARBER SHOP

Midtown Barbers

Upscale barbershop known as "the shop" to loyal clientele.

CHIROPRACTOR

Young Life Chiropractic

Serving all stages of life with good health.

COSMETIC SURGEON

Dr. Tim R. Love

Leading Oklahoma in revolutionary technology and breakthrough procedures.

DAY SPA

Lady Stardust Salon

Treat yourself to beauty, cosmetic and personal care.

DENTIST

Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics

Top-tier orthodontists with more than 21 years of experience.

ESTHETICIAN

Samantha Radcliffe, "The Lady Stardust"

Your fairy godmother when you need a facial.

EYELASHES

Flirt & Flutter Eyelash Salon

Making every person feel beautiful.

EYE SURGERY

Dean McGee Eye Institute

Excellence in vision care.

HAIR SALON

Hair + Co

Full-service salon with a large team of excellent stylists.

HAIR STYLIST

Michaela St. Germain - Hair + Co

Stylist with expertise in blonding, color and extensions.

MASSAGE THERAPIST

Elevate: Modern Massage

Full-body massages with a welcoming, relaxing environment.

MED SPA

RefineU MedSpa OKC

Wonderful skin achieved with enthusiastic effort.

NAIL ARTIST

Christy Vo - Polished

Colorful, creative and cute nail designs.

NAIL SALON

Polished Nail Salon

Spectacular nails, splendid decor and superb service.

OPTOMETRIST

The Oculist by Vision Source

Using advanced technology to serve comprehensive eye care.

PERMANENT MAKEUP

Illume - Ciara Amir

Premier permanent makeup for all complexions and textures.

PERSONAL TRAINER

Ciera Mitchell

Sustainable workouts suited for you.

PET BOARDING

Lucky Dog Lodge

A pup paradise for whenever you're away.

PET GROOMING

The Paw Spa Elite

The Paw-fect Puppy Spa.

PHARMACY

Ralph’s Family Pharmacy

A reliable, longtime family staple.

SPORTS/ORTHOPEDIC REHAB

Physical Therapy Central

Personalized care for every patient.

SPRAY TANNING

Airbrush Tans by Hannah

Sun-kissed, effortless tans.

UNIQUE FITNESS

Fitcamp 180

A transformative fitness family.

URGENT CARE

INTEGRIS Health Urgent Care

Quick, accomodating care from Oklahoma's trusted.

VETERINARIAN

Britton Road Veterinary Clinic

Ensuring care that comforts pets and their owners.

WEIGHT LOSS CLINIC

The Broadway Clinic

Restoring health and well-being since 1978.

YOGA/PILATES/BARRE STUDIO

The Body Barre

Immersive classes and a nurturing space — barre none.

We

are humbled & grateful to be voted The Best of 405: Weight Loss Clinic!! Shouting a great big thank you to our loyal patients! After 45 years of serving Oklahoma, this recognition is truly an honor we do not take for granted.

We are so grateful to our amazing patients, family and friends. You have voted our orthodontic practice best dentist of the 405 for the third year in a row. Thank you! We also want to thank our extraordinary team, they are a big part of what sets Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics apart from the rest.

ALTERATIONS

Kim's Alterations

25 years of fitting just right.

ANTIQUE SHOP

Dead People’s Stuff

Vintage doors and decor and a whole lot more.

AUTO SHOP

Edmond Motorwerks

Specializing in BMWs and luxury repairs.

BODY SHOP

OKC Auto Works

Detailing, dents, paint and collision repair to spare.

BOUTIQUE

The Burlap Buffalo

Women and children's apparel with a small-town feel.

CONDO/APARTMENT COMMUNITY

West Village

Endless amenities and top-tier downtown living.

CONSIGNMENT STORE

Daisy Exchange

Used brand-name boutique with stylish flair.

COWORKING SPACE

The Collective - Edmond

Women-owned, collaborative space for all workers.

CUSTOM CLOSETS/STORAGE SOLUTIONS

California Closets

Designs that prioritize both artistry and practicality.

DESIGNER CLOTHING

Balliets

Upscale wear for a contemporary look.

DISPENSARY

Sage Wellness

Quality cannabis with a community focus.

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Bliss Electric

Residential and commercial electric excellence since 1982.

EYEWEAR

Midtown Optical

Stylish brand-name frames with advanced lenses.

FINANCIAL PLANNER

Trust Company of Oklahoma

Extensive planning from the largest and oldest independent trust company in Oklahoma.

FURNITURE STORE

Mathis Home

Well-priced premium furniture for every part of your home.

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Shaw Construction Services

Tackles all kinds and sizes of roofs.

GIFT SHOP

Plenty Mercantile

Lively and local women-owned store with endless goodies.

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING COMPANY

Air Comfort Solutions

Trusted for heating and cooling repairs and installation.

HOME ARCHITECT

Dinnes Studio

Modern, high-end and innnovative homes.

HOME BUILDER

Homes by Taber

Award-winning, feature-filled homes from the state's largest builder.

HOME DECOR STORE

Live Boho

A delightful wonderland of furniture, rugs, lamps and decor.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Veteran Built Designs

Unique, handcrafted outdoor living spaces.

HOTEL Omni

Refined, modern bliss in the heart of downtown.

INSURANCE AGENCY

Miner Family Insurance

Protective local insurance for all of your needs.

INTERNET PROVIDER Cox

High-speed internet, TV and now mobile services.

JEWELRY STORE

BC Clark Jewelers

Local luxury jewlery with an unmatched legacy.

LANDSCAPER

Signature Landscape

Proper, professional landscaping from homes to offices to schools.

LAW FIRM

Kelso Law Firm

Compassionate legal representation for criminal, juvenile and family cases.

MEN’S CLOTHING

Allton's Clothier

Tailored suits and styling suggestions for all occasions.

MEN’S SHOES

Lucchese

Classic high-end boots with Oklahoma roots.

PEST CONTROL

Hobbs Pest Control

Effectively exterminating ants, termites, bedbugs and even weeds.

PLANT STORE

TLC Garden Centers

An assortment of trees, shrubs, perennials and greenhouses galore.

PLUMBING SERVICES

Done Right Plumbing

Living up to its name with quality, careful service.

POOL BUILDER/ MAINTENANCE

Blue Haven Pools

Resortlike swimming pools and spas for your home.

POOL DESIGNER

Aquascape Pools

Top-tier outdoor living.

REAL ESTATE

AGENCY/AGENT - COMMERCIAL

Levinson Real Estate Team

Passionate realtors with experience and efficiency.

REAL ESTATE

AGENCY/AGENT - RESIDENTIAL

Mandy Renée

A luxury-certified realtor there for every step.

ROOFING COMPANY

Ferguson Roof Systems

It's not just a roof. It's a promise.

THRIFT STORE

Uptown Cheapskate

Uptown Cheapskate buys what you loved yesterday and sells what you want today.

VINTAGE APPAREL

Bad Granny's Bazaar

Vibrant vintage clothing store with personality.

VINTAGE FURNITURE STORE

Mockingbird Manor

Quaint, eclectic store with lively, beautiful furnishings.

VINTAGE GOODS

The Rink

All your vintage, retro, mid-century finds.

WOMEN’S CLOTHING

Lush Fashion Lounge

Lounge comfortably in trendy clothes.

WOMEN’S SHOES

MetroShoe Warehouse

Shoes for all walks of life.

VOTED BEST Real Estate Agency Commercial

As a top-selling residential real estate team in Oklahoma and nationwide, Levinson Real Estate Team’s presence in the commercial real estate market is often overshadowed. They are committed to providing excellent customer service and utilizing nationally recognized marketing strategies to help their clients navigate the complexities of commercial real estate sales. Levinson Real Estate Team’s success in commercial real estate sales is a testament to their dedication to their clients and their commitment to providing exceptional service. Whether a client is buying or selling commercial property, they can trust Levinson Real Estate Team to help them achieve their goals and maximize their return on investment. It’s why their clients voted them #1. 9300 N. BRYANT AVENUE • OKC, OK 73131 • FORSALEOKC.COM

TOP DENTISTS

This list is excerpted from the 2023 topDentists™ list, a database that includes listings for 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

"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 2023 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 2012-2023 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

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

Jared Schellenberg

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

Brandon Schultz

Endodontic Associates

4500 West Memorial Circle Oklahoma City, OK 73142 405-748-6000 www.eaokc.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 DaoVandenberg 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 405-848-6743 www.okcdentalarts.com

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

Mark T. Hanstein 201 Robert South Kerr Avenue, Suite 521 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 405-235-7288 www.okcdrhansteindds.com

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

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

Krista M. Jones 2000 South East 15th Street, Suite 200 Edmond, OK 73013 405-341-0203 www.edmonddentist.com

Michael K. Kirk Grand Dental Studio 1057 North West Grand Boulevard Oklahoma City, OK 73118 405-848-3719 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

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

Chris A. Poore Oklahoma Center for Implants & Periodontics

9112 North May Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-947-0486

www.okperioimplant.com

Michelle Sanor

Elite Smiles 313 Northwest 61st 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

David A. Simon

OKC Dentistry Associates 8001 North MacArthur Boulevard Oklahoma City, OK 73132 405-728-7171

www.okcdentistry.com

Stephen L. Virtue 5100 North Brookline Avenue, Suite 870 Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-943-8058

V. Ralph Willcox

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

Jack E. Willoughby Busby Dental 1222 South Kelly Avenue Edmond, OK 73003 405-341-8518 www.busbydental.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

James A. Baker OKC-OMS 8301 South Walker Avenue, Suite 101 Oklahoma City, OK 73139 405-636-4230 www.okcoms.com

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

S. Ross Martin

Oral and Maxillofacial Associates

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

Tracy E. McIntire

Oral and Maxillofacial Associates 3601 Northwest 138th Street, Suite 100 Oklahoma City, OK 73134 405-848-7994 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

Scott W. Searcey

Oral and Maxillofacial Associates 3601 North West 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

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

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

T. Philip Kierl III

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

Theresa M. White 8101 South Walker Avenue, Suite C Oklahoma City, OK 73139 405-616-7336 www.pediatricdentistoklahomacity.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

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

www.normanperio.com

PROSTHODONTICS

Mark Balenseifen 415 East Main Street Yukon, OK 73009 405-467-4092

www.markbalenseifendds.com

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

www.implantassociates.net

Bryce Dorrough 8301 South Walker Avenue, Suite 102 Oklahoma City, OK 73139 405-632-3525

Thomas J. McGarry, Jr. 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

AT FARROW & DEWBRE ORTHODONTICS, Dr. Melissa Farrow and Dr. Jeremy Dewbre guide patients through their orthodontic journey with the perfect blend of compassion and expertise.

Both doctors are board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics and are also Invisalign VIP Diamond Plus providers, the highest provider designation achieved with the Invisalign system. They are elite members of the Ormco Insiders Group, which is a designation given to only 100 doctors nationwide who excel and are innovative with the Damon bracket system.

“We are proud to offer Invisalign treatment to all of our patients,” Farrow said. “No matter what the difficulty, we are able to utilize this clear aligner system to attain amazing results. We also offer the most advanced bracket system, the Damon Ultima system for those that prefer braces rather than a removable aligner. With either of these systems we are proud to finish with beautiful broad smiles with very few tooth extractions and minimal expanders.”

The doctors also enjoy and specialize in working with patients of all ages, including young children. Developing a relationship from an early age can help ensure orthodontics is a successful, pleasant experience for them and their families.

“We love early treatment to aid with maintaining all permanent teeth, guiding growth to avoid surgical situations and developing dental arches for maximum smile aesthetics,” Dewbre said.

No matter your age or your dental needs, the doctors at Farrow & Dewbre are committed to creating and maintaining a smile that will last a lifetime.

WITH MORE THAN 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, OKC-OMS provides high-level oral surgery skill and experience to patients throughout the Oklahoma City area. They specialize in improving both the aesthetics and the functionality of teeth through such services as dental implants, bone grafting, wisdom teeth removal, jaw surgery, and beyond.

Drs. Mendenhall, Carlson, McGarry, and Miyake practice a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with skills ranging from dental implant surgery and wisdom tooth removal to corrective jaw surgery. This also

includes techniques designed to rebuild bone structure with minimal surgical intervention and optimal patient comfort. They can also diagnose and treat facial pain, facial injuries and TMJ disorders.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery requires additional years of hospital-based surgical and anesthesia training after graduation from dental school. As oral and maxillofacial surgeons, the doctors manage a wide variety of problems relating to the mouth, teeth and facial regions.

The staff is trained in assisting with

Intravenous (IV) sedation or outpatient general anesthesia in a state-of-the-art office setting. Patients are continuously monitored during and after surgery.

The surgical staff at OKC-OMS are experienced, certified oral and maxillofacial surgical assistants, who assist in administration of IV sedation and surgery. All staff are informed administrative personnel, well-versed in health and insurance policies, and are CPR certified.

L to R: Dr. Jacob W.B. Mendenhall, Dr. Peter L. Carlson, Dr. Alan Miyake and Dr. Andrew McGarry

Craig & Streight Orthodontics

Board-Certified Orthodontists

AT CRAIG & STRAIGHT ORTHODONTICS, Drs. Robi Craig, Ryan Streight and Heather Kierl treat all ages and all conditions ranging from early expansion treatment and space creation to comprehensive orthodontics in teens and adults. They utilize Damon braces and modern technology like digital scanning and 3D printing. The team is one of the top aligner providers in the country for kids, teens and adults.

“The primary focus of our practice is patient experience,” Streight said. “Our goal is to be efficient in our treatment, so

we minimize the discomfort and time one is in orthodontic appliances. We place a lot of emphasis on both treatment efficiencies and running on time, but we also want to provide a comfortable and relaxed experience for all.”

All doctors have specialty certificates to practice the specialty of orthodontics and are board certified by the American Board of Orthodontists. Each doctor has a unique personality and focus on getting to know patients and their families.

“Patients can connect with us in different

ways, and we all balance each other well,” Streight said. “We take what we do very seriously and our results are very important to us. We also greatly appreciate the opportunity to get to know our patients and connect with them and their families.”

The doctors at Craig & Streight are members of the Oklahoma Dental Association, The Southwestern Society of Orthodontists, and The American Association of Orthodontists and also have a focus on making an impact in their local community.

L to R: Dr. Robi Craig, Dr. Ryan Streight and Dr. Heather Kierl

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

Dr. Grace Jun

YOU NEVER KNEW GOING TO THE dentist could be fun until you’ve met Dr. Grace Jun at Pragma Dental. Dr. Grace enjoys cracking jokes and always tries to put her patients at ease by making them laugh.

But when it comes to making sexy teeth she is a master craftsman, a perfectionist, and an artist. Passionate about creating beautiful smiles and obsessing over details, cosmetic dentistry is her jam. Dr. Grace is highly skilled and trained in porcelain veneers, cosmetic bonding, and transforming smiles. She is on the path to receiving

accreditation from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, something very few dentists in the world have successfully accomplished.

Patients say she is straightforward and honest and truly cares about them.

“We do everything we can to make you feel comfortable,” Dr. Grace said. “You should never be embarrassed about your teeth or mouth when you come to the dentist. It’s our job to find solutions to your oral health needs.”

She is a member of the American Dental Association, the Oklahoma Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Grace received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of Oklahoma and graduated with recognition in

removable prosthodontics. She received the International Congress of Oral Implantologists Award. She has had extensive training in cosmetic dentistry through Spear Education, Cosmadent, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry with the most renowned dentists in the world.

A consummate professional, Dr. Grace has logged more than 1,000 hours of training and over 10 years of hands-on dentistry to become the best of the best.

PRAGMA

Dr. Joshua Brock

“I TRULY BELIEVE OUR SMILE IS THE BRIGHTEST PART OF OUR FACE. We should do everything in our power to take care of it and share it those around us,” Dr. Brock said.

At Joshua G. Brock, DDS Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, patients experience all that modern dentistry has to offer, including a comprehensive list of general, restorative and cosmetic dental services to meet the needs of the whole family. As the field of dentistry advances and improves, Dr. Brock works closely with ceramists and digital designers for his aesthetic dentistry patients. Patients can feel confident that he devotes the same amount of time, effort, detail and care into his day-to-day dental procedures as well.

More recently, Dr. Brock has taken over 50 hours of continuing education in treating patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Dr. Brock works closely with sleep physicians in the metro to provide alternative options to CPAP therapy to patients suffering with sleep disorders.

One of his favorite aspects of his work is helping anxious patients overcome their fear of the dentist.

“In my practice, I get to spend ample time with all my patients getting to know them and building a real relationship with them,” he said. “The time we take to have real and open communication allows our patients to let go and fully trust us. While we offer amentities like blankets and pillows to relax our patients for every appointment, nothing can replace trust and compassion.”

JOSHUA G. BROCK, DDS Cosmetic and Family Dentistry

2000 E. 15th Suite 200 Edmond, OK 73013 405.341.0203 | edmonddentist.com

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.

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, Invisalign, dentures, root canals, braces 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 a member of the South Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce and 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.

Oklahoma Center for Implants & Periodontics

Dr. Chris Poore

“Having dental work is usually not something anyone looks forward to, but I actually look forward to my visits.”

A board-certified specialist in placing dental implants, Dr. Poore is skilled in a variety of periodontal procedures. He can diagnose and treat gum disease, as well as provide other services such as gum grafting, bone grafting, and crown lengthening.

“They are so very welcoming, caring and knowledgeable in every aspect of my dental care.”

Visiting Dr. Chris Poore’s office is a positive experience. Just like Dr. Poore, the staff is friendly and welcoming. “The environment is very clean and uplifting. Dr. Poore and his staff are very knowledgeable, pleasant and professional.”

Have you been told that your gums are receding and that you need a gum graft? Gingival or Gum Recession is a condition in which the gums pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots. Causes include periodontal disease, genetics, grinding/ clenching, lack of regular dental care, aggressive brushing, use of tobacco products and trauma.

How is it treated? Using Soft Tissue Grafting with gum tissue from the roof of the mouth or with donated tissue. Both methods achieve great results.

“He always makes me feel at ease and I always know that I am in good hands. They are an awesome team!”

Get Started! Dr. Chris Poore has been caring for patients for over 17 years. He takes time to listen to his patients’ concerns and answer their questions. He explains treatment options in detail so his patients can make informed decisions. Treated with respect and dignity, Dr. Poore also makes sure that his patients are comfortable and relaxed during their appointments. “They don’t rush you and do everything they can to make sure everything is as painless and comfortable as possible.”

Aurora Pediatric Dentistry

AURORA PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY Drs. Lana and Adam Richardson treat patients from infancy through adolescence, including patients with special health care needs. They offer a wide variety of treatment options including minimally invasive treatment of cavities, sedation, and general anesthesia.

“We are passionate about prevention and education,” said Dr. Lana Richardson. “We hope to equip all of our patients and their families with the tools to maintain a healthy mouth for a lifetime.”

Both doctors are members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Oklahoma Dental Association, the American Dental Association and the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. They attended the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry and completed residency training in Columbus, Ohio at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Ohio State University.

“Dr. Adam and Dr. Lana are fantastic,” said one patient. “My boys are already asking when they can go back to the dentist!”

AURORA PEDIATRIC

DENTISTRY

3008 W Hefner Rd., Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405.562.5700 | aurorakids.dental

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

Martha Garzon, DDS

Pediatric Dentist

FOR MORE THAN 21 YEARS, Dr. Martha Garzon and her team have focused on providing high quality preventive and restorative dentistry to patients in Edmond and the greater OKC metro area. She is 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 the parents or children may have.”

Garzon and her team are especially proud of creating a uniquely caring, compassionate and non-judgemental environment for children facing physical, emotional, intellectual or behavioral challenges. They use the latest technology including disposable laughing gas masks as well as small instruments and devices that make it more comfortable for patients to cope with treatment.

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.

The doctors have over 100 years of dental and orthodontic experience. The orthodontists work closely as a team to develop each patient’s individualized treatment plan. The goal is to give patients an exceptional experience as well as a beautiful and healthy smile. Patients can enjoy the team approach or have the option of working with just one of the doctors.

“I love that they take the time to talk everything through,” said one patient. “The exam and consultation is thorough, and they are great with explaining cost and expectations.”

Orthodontic Associates is a Diamond Plus Provider of Invisalign clear aligners and has treated more than 5,500 Invisalign patients, which is the most in the state of Oklahoma for a privately owned practice.

Their team would love to show you how orthodontic treatment can be a benefit to your health and smile.

L to R: Dr. Geoff Sparks, Dr. Brian Amy, Dr. Ryan Theobald, Dr. Justin Power, Dr. John Archer

Michael Kirk , DDS

General Dentist

SINCE 1993, Dr. Michael Kirk has believed in delivering dental care in a way that changes his patients’ perceptions of dentistry for the better. At Grand Dental Studio, the staff and doctors do their best to make your visit safe and comfortable. They provide outstanding general, cosmetic, implant and sedation dentistry by focusing on customer service training and clinical education courses for team members.

Dr. Kirk received his dental education at the OU College of Dentistry. Soon after, he completed a Dental Implantology post-graduate program with the University of Texas. “I have some simple philosophies in my approach to caring for our patients,” he says. “First and foremost, I believe in treating every person with respect and providing options for care when appropriate. Next, I really value people’s time. We seek to give them a very consistent experience each and every appointment, and that includes starting on time.”

Spectacular quality of dental care is only the beginning. “The absolute best part about being a dentist is the opportunity to really get to know those I serve,” says Dr. Kirk. “The relationships that I have been fortunate enough to develop with my patients over the past 30 years are priceless.”

GRAND DENTAL STUDIO

Michael Kirk DDS | Neeral Patel DDS

1057 NW Grand Blvd., OKC, OK 73118 | 405.848.3719 |

dentistokc.com

Lewis Orthodontics

THE ORAL HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS at Lewis Orthodontics in Edmond & Midwest City believe everyone deserves to have a beautiful smile. As a board-certified orthodontist and founder of Lewis Orthodontics, Shannon Lewis, DDS, MS, utilizes her 18 years of experience to provide the best, most affordable dental services to her patients. As she puts it, “We try to create smiles and make people happy .”

Lewis uses the most modern technology to give her clients personalized oral treatment including Invisalign, Damon and Damon clear brackets, even 3D printing to create their own brand of aligners known as OrthoSmile – specializing in the most recent smile correction strategies.

Dr. Lewis always recommends seeing a local board certified orthodontist. “We correct a lot of online clear aligner cases. I like to get the smile right the first time by customizing the patient’s plan with their goals for their smile.” For Lewis, it’s not about just getting her patients the fastest results, it’s about doing it the right way from the start. To do that, Dr. Lewis gets to know all of her patients, taking the time to connect with each one.

Dr. Lewis is now open in Midwest City seeing patients in Mid Del, Choctaw, Harrah, Jones and beyond.

LEWIS ORTHODONTICS

2900 N. Kelly Avenue, Edmond, OK 73003

8811 E. Reno Avenue, Ste. 101, Midwest City, OK 73110 405.330.5095 | lewisbraces.com

Summer in Boom Town

The

You Deserve Riserva

OKC’s fresh take on Middle Eastern flavors

BY GREG HORTON

CHISHOLM CREEK’S NEWEST LOCALLY OWNED

concept is Riserva Bar and Tapas at 1332 W. Memorial Rd. — a collaboration between Jeff Dixon’s Provision Concepts (Broadway 10, Hatch, Sidecar, etc.) and James Beard Award nominee Chef James Fox, owner of Phoenix’s Vecina restaurant. Fox made his first appearance in the OKC food scene as the consulting chef at Dixon’s Culprits, the ground-floor restaurant in Bricktown’s Renaissance Hotel.

Dixon struck up his relationship with Fox after a few visits to Vecina and then took his culinary director Edd West out for a visit, a trip that was the groundwork for Culprits and the beginning of what is proving to be an excellent partnership. Riserva is a departure for Dixon, who built his brand on a chophouse, cocktail bar and brunch concept. His concepts melded almost seamlessly into OKC’s culinary landscape because they’re right down the middle of our Oklahoma palate.

Riserva is something else entirely. While we have an abundance of Levantine food in the 405 — especially Lebanese cuisine — Riserva doubles down on the Levantine-Mediterranean genre by expanding the flavor palate and dishes, and not toward southern Europe. Instead, Fox reached deeper into the Middle East and North Africa to create tapas with big, bold and often spicy flavors.

“I wanted to do something new and different for Oklahoma City,” Fox said. “When people think Mediterranean, it’s usually Greek or Italian, and in OKC, Lebanese. I love all of them, but I really wanted to expand the options, and the Provision Concepts team was excited about it.”

Tasting Fox’s food, it’s easy to get excited. The big, bold flavors he loves are there, but so are balance, texture and layers of complexity. Some of the items on the menu will sound familiar to local diners: hummus, tagine, baba ghanoush, etc. However, mixed in with the usual suspects are dishes we don’t see often, the chief of which is muhammara.

The cocktail program uses flavors to pair with the Mediterranean cuisine.

The dip is a staple all over the Middle East, but seldom, if at all, found in Oklahoma, despite the ease of finding its ingredients here — pureed red bell pepper and coarsely chopped walnuts being the important components. The nutty bitterness of the walnuts combines with the touch of sweetness and tang of the red peppers to create a beautiful contrast and an addictively compelling opening round. The fresh pita is a welcome addition, too.

“I had muhammara in a few restaurants where I’ve worked, and I love the way the flavors work together,” Fox said. “It was a no-brainer to bring it to Oklahoma City. We’re making modern American food with inspiration from the Mediterranean; we’re not a Mediterranean restaurant, but this is as close to a traditional dish as you’re likely to find.”

The swordfish skewers are sure to be best-sellers. Yes, swordfish. Fox said he wanted to include a healthy fish on the menu, and while it may be healthy, its rich taste may well make diners forget about its nutritional benefits. The dish relies on chermoula — sort of the chimichurri of North Africa — fresh herbs and toum, a garlic sauce or paste common in the Levant. The result is a mild fish with a huge flavor punch that somehow doesn’t overwhelm the star.

The menu is full of flavor bombs like house-made merguez, shawarma and harissa shrimp. Healthy options abound, too, including inexplicably delicious cauliflower. The full bar opens onto the waterside patio, and both cocktail and wine lists are designed to optimize the Mediterranean experience. In Riserva’s case, different is delicious.

Swordfish skewer with chermoula and toum.

The well-stocked bar is convenient to the patio, too.

Dip trio with hummus, baba ganoush and muhammara.

Flavor Explosion

Boom Town Creamery rocks fresh, creative ice cream from scratch

BY GREG HORTON | PHOTOS BY LEXI HOEBING

ANGELA MUIR OPENED BOOM TOWN CREAMERY AT 605 NW 23rd St. in Uptown 23rd shortly after her family relocated to OKC from Kansas City. The Nashville native used to spend weekends visiting the nationally known Betty Rae’s Ice Cream while in KC, so she hoped to find something comparable when the family arrived in the 405.

“We tried all the ice cream we could find when we got here and found nothing we really wanted,” Muir said. “Betty Rae’s was all handmade ice cream: seasonal, delicious, creative. I missed it, and I couldn’t shake the idea that I should start something.”

Boom Town opened in June 2022 using recipes Muir had created after participating in a workshop in New York City. “Malcolm Stogo, creator of cookies and cream ice cream, was the instructor,” she said, “so I got to spend two full days in a test kitchen with him perfecting recipes and techniques.”

The idea behind Boom Town is to create flavors and combinations that rely on fresh ingredients from what is essentially a scratch kitchen. Chef Kayli Bartnicki oversees that kitchen and brings a pastry chef’s sensibility to the task.

“I was out of food when Angela called me,” said Bartnicki, a Platt College graduate. “I was teaching barbering, but what she suggested sounded appealing. My first plan was art school, but I didn’t want to spend money on it, so Boom Town gave me the chance to be creative again.”

To make great ice cream with fresh ingredients is not as simple as it would seem. Sure, if you’re just using fresh fruit and cream, that would be pretty straightforward, but what if you wanted fresh herbs, balsamic vinegar, crunchy cookies or hundreds of other flavors and textures that make ice cream much more interesting? That’s where the chef comes in, and Muir said she decided to bring Bartnicki on for two reasons: “I needed to run the business, and I had really reached the limit of my knowledge and ability.”

Boom Town’s kitchen doesn’t rely on extracts or flavorings. Instead, Bartnicki applies the principles she learned as a pastry chef to turn fresh ingredients into masterful flavor combinations. London Fog for example, utilizes the shop’s base vanilla ice cream, steeped in Earl Grey tea, and then crumbled up shortbread is added for texture and flavor. The mash-up with Prairie Artisan Ales is another example of Bartnicki’s commitment to craft, as its beer Bomb! is reduced for 12 hours before it’s ready to become an ice cream base. This is meticulous cheffing with amazing attention to detail.

The collaborations are a point of pride and emphasis for Muir. She wants to be a good neighbor and get other local businesses additional exposure. Boom Town has worked with Harvey Bakery, rapper Jabee, WanderFolk Spirits and Miller Pecans, and in every case, Muir and Bartnicki sit down with their collaborative partners and work through possible flavors, colors and textures. Muir said she’s still wanting to work with Mayor David Holt and the Oklahoma City Thunder. No word yet on what those flavors might be, but Muir and Bartnicki are sure to strike imaginative and no-holds-barred creations.

Earlier this year, the owners of Dolce Paradiso approached Muir about acquiring their two stores: Edmond and South OKC. Muir already had a plan for growth in place, but the opportunity was too good to pass up. The two locations were essentially turnkey operations, but to handle the increase in volume, she is also adding a full commercial kitchen in a separate location.

“The goal is six locations ultimately, but I’m not in a hurry to expand,” Muir said. Still, the ice cream shop’s boom is coming, if it isn’t already here.

Chef Kayli Bartnicki and owner Angela Muir

Good for What Ails You

Black Walnut’s top-tier take on a hot toddy

WORDS & PHOTO BY GREG HORTON

WHEN A BROADWAY PERFORMER WALKED into Black Walnut after a performance of The Lion King in 2022 and asked for a hot toddy, general manager Taven Cunningham was ready with his version of the allegedly medicinal cocktail.

“We’d had a few bad months with staff, including Chef Black, being sick, so I’d been making toddies for them,” Cunningham said. “Thanks to that, I had developed a version that we all loved. She ended up having three that night and then brought friends the next night.”

She also provided inspiration for the name of the drink: Nala’s Voice, as she was the voice of Nala in the production. The beverage is a classic toddy build with the exception of Johnnie Walker Black Label, a blended Scotch whisky, which is not the typical spirit associated with the drink.

“Chef Black loves Johnnie Walker, so I wanted to use one of his favorites,” Cunningham said. “And after we burned off the vapors in the coffee siphon, the scotch added a very pleasant smokiness to the back end.”

Rather than just pour whisky in at the last minute, Cunningham steeps all the ingredients — whisky, tea, fresh mint, lemon expression and raw honey — in the siphon, a device that relies on a vacuum and gravity process to brew or steep grounds-free, aroma-rich coffee and tea. For Nala’s Voice, he uses loose-leaf tea, either black or green depending on the weather or customer’s preference.

“I grew up with parents who didn’t go straight for the medicine when I was sick,” Cunningham said. “They were proponents of a hot toddy, so they’ve been part of my life since childhood, and there is something comforting about grabbing a cozy seat in the lounge and sipping on a hot toddy.”

Nala’s Voice is only available in the Black Walnut lounge, not the restaurant proper. That means you’ll need to request lounge seating to try it, but the full food menu is available in the lounge, so you won’t miss out on the fantastic new menus.

“Like everything else we do at Black Walnut and Grey Sweater, Nala’s Voice is made with fresh ingredients and prepared with the method we believe creates the best version of the food or beverage,” Cunningham said.

The wonder of this particular toddy is that the scotch never overpowers the drink, a balancing act that is exceedingly difficult to pull off. The whisky flavors come through — and the smokiness Cunningham mentions — but it’s not boozy, thanks to the tannic structure of the tea and the ability of honey, mint and lemon to blunt the scotchiness. Give yourself a dose of healing, or simply savor the restorative flavor, at Black Walnut at 100 NE Fourth St. in Deep Deuce.

Nala’s Voice at the Black Walnut lounge.

“There is something comforting about grabbing a cozy seat in the lounge and sipping on a hot toddy.”

The Highest Weight Loss with a balloon, No Surgery Required

Journey Clinic is proud to be one of the only weight loss clinics in the region offering patients the Spatz3 adjustable gastric balloon.

• FDA clinical trials show that the Spatz3 patients lost five times as much weight as those dieting alone.

• The Spatz3 balloon is inserted and removed during a 15-minute, non-invasive outpatient procedure with no incisions or hospitalization. It is a walk-in, walk-out weight loss procedure.

If you are ready to make a change towards a healthier you, visit JourneyClinic.com or call 405.515.2049 to request an appointment today!

Lana Nelson, DO

Azure Adkins, MD

Going on the Lamb

10 restaurants to try lamb in OKC

BY GREG HORTON

Birrieria Diaz, 6700 NW Expwy., Bethany

The Bethany hot spot helped put birria on the map for the uninitiated, and while goat is the traditional form, Diaz also offers beef (traditional in northern Mexico) and lamb (a contribution of Lebanese immigrants to southern Mexico, especially Puebla). The lamb birria is slightly gamey, which fans of New Zealand lamb will appreciate, and its heat level is mostly up to you.

Black Walnut, 100 NE Fourth St., OKC

Speaking of New Zealand lamb, Black Walnut has a lamb rack served with its own jus — the addition of hummus, watermelon radish and pickled red onions to the plate makes it one of the more deliciously distinctive versions in the 405.

Culprits, 100 E. Sheridan Ave., OKC

Bricktown’s upscale casual restaurant has a stunning presentation for its rack of lamb, with a green peppercorn sauce that’s one of the best accompaniments in the 405. Add to that the brown butter spinach — maybe it’s still a healthy green veggie? — and you have an indulgent take on an international staple.

La Baguette Bistro, 7408 N. May Ave., OKC

Chef Alain Buthion’s preparation is straightforward traditional French cuisine: herb-crusted half rack of lamb

LAMB IS ONE OF THE MOST COMMONLY CONSUMED proteins in the world. Its popularity around the Mediterranean is well-known and bolstered by kosher and halal restrictions on other popular meats and seafood. From New Zealand to China, and from South America to Europe, it’s a staple in multiple dishes. Lamb’s peak season is late spring to early summer, so May is the perfect time to explore the savory star in all its forms around the 405.

finished with a cabernet glaze and served with ratatouille and whipped potatoes. If you want a textbook version of French cuisine, Buthion’s is where you go.

La Tapatia Mexican Grill, 3923 N. MacArthur Blvd., Warr Acres

A relative rarity, lamb barbacoa is a weekend feature at this restaurant that deserves far more attention. The lamb is fork-tender and warmly spicy, and it’s served with fresh tortillas, so you should absolutely make tacos of it.

Mary Eddy’s, 900 W. Main St., OKC

One of the metro’s more elegant options, this West Village District dinner spot has a lovely lamb chop preparation with the welcome addition of pomegranate jus. The chops are coffee-crusted, lending them a nice smoky bitterness that contrasts beautifully with the pomegranate.

R&J Lounge and Supper Club, 320 NW 10th St., OKC Director of Operations Brad Ackerman likes to point out that the metro’s favorite day-drinking bar is also an excellent restaurant, and rightly so. The burgers have been downtown favorites since the supper club opened; the lamb burger is especially stellar, thanks in part to the burnt scallion aioli and olive tapenade.

Simply Falafel, 343 S. Blackwelder Ave., Edmond

Chef-owner Magid Assaleh brings a Syrian twist to his restaurant, including lamb that is as delicious as the eponymous falafel. The kafta is a blend of lamb and sirloin, but if you want just the lamb, he has chops served with grilled veggies.

Social Deck and Dining, 1933 NW 23rd St., OKC

This brunch-plus destination has an eclectic menu, in keeping with owner Jordan Winteroth’s favorite things to cook. (The chicken tikka is the most pleasant surprise on NW 23rd.) The popular baked eggs dish, a variation on shakshouka, comes with lamb kafta meatballs, which are so good you’ll be tempted to ask for a side of them.

Szechuan Story, 2800 N. Classen Blvd., OKC

Owner Mandy Liu added lamb chops to the menu in March this year, and the use of Szechuan peppercorns makes this preparation a must-try in the 405: tender, perfectly cooked and slightly spicy with that signature Sichuan tingle.

Clara Luper’s Centennial Symphony

The OKC Philharmonic pays tribute to a civil rights legend

BY MATT KIROUAC

FROM CLASSIC COMPOSITIONS LIKE GUSTAV

Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 to Stravinsky’s groundbreaking The Rite of Spring, orchestral concerts by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic represent grand storytelling at its most symphonic — and beyond sonic spectacle for its own sake, some of those stories strive for social progress. Last year’s “Oklahoma Stories” put a spotlight on Native American culture by exhibiting reverence for voices and communities that have pioneered and persevered. Now, the Philharmonic is ending its 2022-2023 season with an homage to Oklahoma civil rights icon Clara Luper.

In honor of what would have been her 100th birthday on May 3, the Philharmonic’s “Clara Luper Centennial” takes place May 13 at the Civic Center Music Hall. One of Oklahoma’s boldest civic shepherds, Luper is famed for her brave leadership during the 1958 sit-in movement, in which she conducted nonviolent protests at downtown lunch counters to help end segregation policies. Bringing Luper’s important legacy into an orchestral setting, and doing due diligence to ensure her story was told by the right community voices, was no easy feat, but one that the OKCPHIL’s music director and conductor Alexander Mickelthwate was adamant to undertake.

Luper’s story captivated and inspired Mickelthwate since he moved to Oklahoma City in 2018 and read the book Boom Town by Sam Anderson. Mickelthwate fostered a friendship with local rapper and entrepreneur Jabee Williams that enabled him to connect more deeply with his new hometown. Williams helped him meet Marilyn Luper, Clara’s daughter, whom Mickelthwate described as “meeting the presence of American history.”

“We talked about possible projects, and one was the realization that Clara Luper’s 100th birthday was May 3, 2023, so I decided to create a new show about her,” he said.

To start, Mickelthwate found a classically trained jazz composer, Hannibal Lokumbe, and between meetings with him and Marilyn, they developed and refined the handwritten score about Clara Luper and her legacy. “It took me a while to find the right composer, and it couldn’t be a white man or woman,” Mickelthwate said. “He’s a deep philosopher with a deep and rich soul and amazing personal stories of his great grandfather being on the Trail of Tears. Having him up here, connecting him to the sit-inners, it’s a big deal.”

The overarching sound for the show was inspired by Free-

dom Songs, empowering compositions by Black musicians created during the civil rights movement. The Freedom Movement, Mickelthwate said, “had several songs that rallied everybody up and got people excited, without scaring off the white people, to be able to sit in restaurants. So the whole movement is based on nonviolence and music, and this is flowing into that new composition.”

Striving for a symphony that tells a deeply personal, intimate story, Lokumbe penned three letters, designed as if Marilyn were writing them to her mother, that serve as the foundation for the concert’s three movements. “It’s totally Oklahoma, but it really transcends and becomes a national statement of freedom and perseverance,” said Mickelthwate, who is performing the show alongside The Ambassadors’ Concert Choir, a diverse group of musicians led by Dr. Sandra Thompson.

During the three movements, the concert will also feature a video produced in partnership with Prairie Surf Media and KOCO-TV, which features distinguished Oklahomans, such as Kristin Chenoweth and Mayor David Holt, rising in reverence for Luper. “The idea is to create a video where we stand consciously with Clara Luper, saying, ‘I’m standing for you, Clara Luper, and I’m standing for justice and perseverance,’” Mickelthwate said. For him, the opportunity to bring Clara Luper’s story to a broader audience is the guiding light. Mickelthwate described her centennial concert as a coronation and remembrance. “As a foreigner, I came here and was totally blown away by her story, and that story needs to be told more nationwide and internationally,” Mickelthwate said. “I hope to be part of telling that story and bringing it out, coming toward each other with an open heart, and that’s what this piece is bringing — different ethnicities and cultures coming together for a historic moment in time.”

The Philharmonic recruited renowed jazz trumpeter Hannibal Lokumbe (left) to compose an orchestral work embracing Luper’s legacy.

more information or tickets to the May 13 performance, visit okcphil.org.

Scissortail Strikers

Oklahoma City FC soars to women’s soccer stardom

BY JAKE DURHAM

THE WOMEN’S PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE, the longest-active women’s soccer league in the United States, is located in the heart of Oklahoma. Not only does Oklahoma City hold the league’s headquarters, but the city is home to one of its most electric clubs in Oklahoma City FC.

The WPSL, now in its 25th season, works to give amateur soccer players in the U.S. the best possible chances for growth. It includes 130 clubs that boast an extensive array of players from collegiate-level to post-collegiate and international. The league is divided into four regions — OKC is in the South — with four conferences per region. The Oklahoma City FC plays eight regular season games and (hopefully) championship games. This year, the final four national championship games will take place in Stillwater.

Oklahoma City’s club was formed in 2008 as the OKC Alliance and had tremendous success, winning conference titles in three of its first four seasons. In 2012, Sean Jones purchased the club, which rebranded as Oklahoma City FC. Light blue was chosen as the team’s primary color, with gold and charcoal gray accent colors. The team’s crest features the scissor-tailed flycatcher, the official state bird of Oklahoma.

“The team is the third longest-tenured team in the league,” said Jones, who is the OKC FC president and co-owner, as well as president of the WPSL. “Some players have been professionals, while others have gone on to play professionally.”

Jones partnered with DeBray Ayala and Brad Lund, two veteran Oklahoma City sports executives and co-owners, to further develop the club’s players and sustain its success. In 2015 and 2017, the club won conference titles.

“The team is composed of high school- and college-aged players,” Jones said. “Team ages range between 18 and 22, while reserve teams have players aged 15 through 20. However, team players are high-level, and there are no age restrictions.” Midfielder Jaci Jones and forward Ivanna Rivas will return this season; both were named 2022 All-Conference Best in 2022.

Oklahoma City FC abides by NCAA rules, so players are not compensated, but they don’t incur costs associated with playing. Per NCAA guidelines, players can compete against professional teams but cannot play on them.

The league is developing a professional division, which is expected to launch sometime in 2025. “There will be an estimated 20 to 30 clubs playing at a professional level,” Jones said. “Players will be paid for seven months, and an official announcement is expected sometime in 2024.”

But the WPSL’s current amateur form also creates an avenue for players to break into the sport. “For younger players, this is a great opportunity to play against college-level athletes,” Jones said. “For many, it is also an opportunity to improve their craft. For others, it is a way to continue playing that game they love so much, which is hard to give up.”

Both the league and OKC FC set out to empower young women. “We had national players on the team last year,” Jones said. “This is an opportunity for people to see the highest level of women’s soccer in Oklahoma, with mostly all local players who will be the next generation of soccer players.”

Oklahoma City FC’s 2023 season kicks off at home against DKSC Badtop June 3, and tickets are $10.

For more information about the WPSL, Oklahoma City FC, coaching staff, tryouts and schedules, visit oklahomacityfc.com/home.

Oklahoma City FC won conference titles in 2015 and 2017. Most of Oklahoma City FC’s players are local, making the team a great showcase of the state’s soccer talent.

Ceramic Soul

Nicole Moan’s genre-defying creativity

BY HELEN JACOB | PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER HAIR BY MISTY BYRD | MAKEUP BY NICK ST. CLAIR

BOTH AN ARTIST AND A DESIGNER, NICOLE MOAN ISN’T EASILY shoehorned into either box. Instead, her ceramic creations take many forms, from custom tile to plant pots and everything in between. Her signature craft is the wearable ceramic corset, a marvel that marries her presence in art and fashion. Her custom corsets have been displayed in museums and worn on runways, such as her February fashion show at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.

Born into a family of artists, Moan was undertaking creative endeavors from a young age. She’s gone from helping her parents paint murals as a kid to sculpting sizable ceramic murals in the city, one of them standing at over 1,000 square feet. We met with Moan to talk about her varying artistic media and trailblazing work in wearable fashion.

How did you come up with the idea for ceramic corsets?

I’ve never really wanted to be like anybody else; that’s one thing that I have never wanted to be. I like to be unique and think for myself.

I needed something to wear to an event a long time ago — 25 years ago. I was married to my husband at the time, and I asked him if I could make ceramic corsets for us to wear, and

he kind of giggled at me. The first ones were really just one piece with fabric that held it together. After that, I went back to the drawing board, and I figured out different ways to make it more adjustable, where it could fit all different sizes and where it would just be more comfortable.

What’s your process like? Does it take a while?

It really depends on the piece. Some pieces are really extravagant, so they take a long time. Some of them I’ve been pining up the passion for a while, so I can create it really quickly. A lot of my latest pieces, the most recent ones I’ve been creating, are really extravagant. They’re more show pieces instead of just trying to create a corset. I’m trying to create something red-carpet-worthy or museum-worthy.

How would you describe your work?

I basically want to catch people’s attention and have them ask, “What is that?” If someone’s wearing it, I want them to feel special and unique and like they’re a walking piece of art. Whenever it’s my tile work, I really want people to run their fingers over it and feel the texture. I always try to put little hidden messages deep down inside so people can see what it is.

Would you consider yourself an artist or a fashion designer when it comes to your corsets?

I wish it was intertwined, but it really is not, because whenever I go to galleries they say, “You’re too fashion,” and whenever I go to fashion they tell me I’m “too art.” So, I’m walking this line, and I’ve been walking this line for 25 years. They have nowhere to stick me. I’m kind of the diamond in the rough, hopefully.

From left: Nora Sea, Ah’Lei Nicolé, Nicole Moan, Mathew Coblentz

Do you take any inspiration from the city or Oklahoma in your work?

Here, because I’m with these beautiful sunsets and sunrises, a lot of my pieces have the cotton-candy colors, like the pinks and the oranges and the yellows. It’s got the rich colors running through it. I really feel like a lot of the sunrises and sunsets really do affect my inspiration because every morning I wake up to see it. And then also meeting other people, because we’re packed full of so many creative people here, and opportunities.

Do you think that you found what you’re passionate about?

I feel like people ask me if I truly feel like I’ve found my thing all the time, and I think I have. I love it. It’s definitely been an uphill battle getting respect. You know, I didn’t go to school and get my master’s and bachelor’s in art. I did it in engineering because I was trying to set myself on a different path, but it came right back. I think the wearable ceramic corsets are definitely who I am and what I have made.

Nicole Moan’s work can be found in OKCMOA, DNA Galleries, JRB Art at the Elms and 108 Contemporary in Tulsa. Her pieces can also be purchased online at nicolemoan.storenvy.com.

Moan’s elegant works are meant to make the wearer feel like “a walking piece of art.”

Nicole Moan showcased her ceramic corsets in a baroque fashion show at OKCMOA in February.

Fun in the Sun Coast

Soak up culture, beach vibes and seafood in Tampa and St. Petersburg

BY MATT KIROUAC

THE REGION OF WESTERN FLORIDA THAT contains the cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg is nicknamed the Sun Coast for good reason: It clocks the most days of sunshine per year in the Sunshine State.

Despite the omnipresence of vitamin D, though, and the fact that Tampa is the third most populous city in Florida, this sun-soaked oasis is still relatively underrated when compared to more well-trodden travel destinations in the state like South Beach, Orlando and the Keys. But in addition to a particularly bucolic beachfront in St. Pete, this Gulf Coast locale is an epicenter of culture, cuisine, wildlife, historic architecture and all-around fun.

Where to Stay

It’s not too often one gets the opportunity to stay in a hallowed property so ornate and distinct that its nickname is the “Pink Palace.” Rising like a pastel-hued beacon over St. Pete Beach, The Don CeSar celebrated its 95th anniversary at the beginning of 2023, following a 2021 aesthetic renovation across its 227 guest rooms and suites, as well as its six restaurants, shops, two pools, sprawling spa and two-story penthouse.

Managed by Davidson Resorts, the aptly palatial abode is so legendary that it’s hosted the likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald, and in 1989 it joined the National Trust’s elite Historic Hotels of America roster. To stay here is true luxury, complete with swanky fi ne dining at Maritana, posh pools and frozen cocktails on the beach delivered by servers to private cabanas.

For something more metropolitan, hole up at Midtown Tampa, a new urban development in the heart of Tampa. The sleek 20-acre complex is anchored by a smattering of restaurants, shops, outdoor entertainment and boutique hotels. While The Don CeSar reigns as a classic, Element Tampa Midtown is a hip newcomer that puts guests in the heart of an exciting new neighborhood while still being mere minutes from downtown attractions.

The hotel has more of a residential vibe designed to make guests feel like locals, with spacious and well-appointed rooms and suites, a rooftop pool and restaurant, a 24-hour fitness center and living room-like common areas equipped with kitchens and couches. Most uniquely, the Element brand partnered with sustainably minded Lettuce Grow to enhance its food with fresh herbs and greens, using recipes provided by equally sustainably minded and Michelin-starred chef Sammy Monsour.

Downtown Tampa is an urban retreat from the beach, home to many of the area’s museums.

The exuberant Don CeSar is a landmark hotel.

The glamorous Maritana at The Don CeSar offers fine dining and an extensive wine list.

Where to Play

Between the urban amenities of Tampa and the coastal treasures of St. Petersburg, the Sun Coast offers a luminous array of attractions to energize any visit.

In Tampa, start with a scenic stroll along the 2.6-mile Riverwalk, a paved pathway that runs along the Hillsborough River and links restaurants, businesses, outdoor art and museums en route. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for Tampa’s most famed aquatic residents: manatees. Even if you don’t see any in the river, just pay a visit to ZooTampa. Located in pastoral Lowry Park, the zoo is not only home to underwater viewing areas but also a nonprofit rehabilitation center for injured manatees. Elsewhere, Tampa offers opportunities for old tradition and new innovations. For the former, historic Ybor City boasts an iconic thoroughfare of Cuban cigar shops and restaurants along 7th Avenue, along with the Ybor City Museum that delves deeper into the region’s cigar industry from inside a ’20s-era Cuban bakery. On the newer side of things, Sparkman Wharf is a veritable waterfront playground teeming with events, bars, a beer garden, shops, a bowling alley and restaurants both casual and sophisticated — all alongside a huge lawn and the Ybor Channel.

In St. Pete, the star attraction is St. Pete Beach, famed for its sugary white sands, crystal-clear waters and miles of prime seashore. While there are numerous sections and access points, particularly popular spots include Upham Beach Park for family fun or Jimmy B’s Beach Bar for tropical cocktails, daily live entertainment and seafood snacks like shrimp skewers and fish tacos.

On the opposite side of the barrier island, jutting out into Tampa Bay like a boardwalk behemoth, the St. Pete Pier is a mecca for skyline views (especially stunning at sunset), dining, drinking and entertainment, including outdoor art installations and concerts sprawled across 26 manicured acres of lawn. For the little ones, the Discovery Center and Wet Classroom is an opportunity to learn hands-on about local aquatic life.

For a different kind of gallery experience, swing by The Dalí Museum, mere blocks from the pier. A slice of Surrealism in the heart of St. Pete, the enthralling museum houses myriad works created and inspired by the distinguished Spanish artist, including one painting of his famed melting clocks, and exhibits that use artificial intelligence to take guests on a tour of his life by the artist himself.

Where to Eat and Drink

Rest assured, the beach bar scene on the Sun Coast is about as toe-tapping as it gets. But beyond piña colada-slinging staples like Jimmy B’s Beach Bar and Undertow Beach Bar, there’s a wealth of flavors worth exploring in this low-key foodie mecca.

In St. Pete, casual beach bars are contrasted by highend hot spots such as Allelo, a gorgeously designed Aegean

restaurant piling plates with salsa-clad branzino, eggplant with citrus yogurt, snapper crudo and octopus with romesco and chicharrón.

The cocktails at Allelo, as well as at other restaurants like Maritana at The Don CeSar, are top-tier, but the St. Pete brewery scene is booming in its own right. Case in point: the effortless coolness of Green Bench Brewing Company, a downtown watering hole that crafts a unique portfolio of beers, ciders and even mead, pouring it all out in an industrial-chic taproom with a tropical patio.

In Tampa, the city continues to prove the enduring synergy of the old and the new. It’s the kind of

hungry food town where historic fixtures are just as revered as the buzzy newcomers. For instance, Gaspar’s Grotto is an Ybor City icon that does kitsch with class. Flanked by cigar shops and mojito bars, with wild roosters roving the spacious patio, the pirate-themed bar and restaurant is a fun fixture for Cuban sandwiches, shrimp-filled quesadillas and medallion-shaped chicken doubloons.

Meanwhile, The Pearl is a newly minted modern tavern in downtown Tampa’s Water Street district, shining bright with oysters and seafood dishes from executive chef Olivia Giesler. A modern tavern, the restaurant is convivial and polished, offering a crowd-pleasing spread of smoked whitefish, jalapeño corn spoon bread, clam chowder, Thai curry mussels, fish and chips and much more.

The modern Sparkman Wharf gives you food and music with a waterfront view.

The Tampa Riverwalk stretches 2.6 miles over the water to stores and restaurants.

Mussels, oysters and other seafood abound at Tampa’s The Pearl.

Forecasting the Future

Norman’s National Weather Center keeps Oklahoma on the cutting edge of meteorology

BY LINDA MILLER

IN MARCH 1948, TWO METEOROLOGISTS AT TINKER AIR FORCE

Base issued the United States’ first official tornado warning in an effort to protect aircraft and base personnel and divert any air traffic. Just five days earlier, a tornado had hit the base and caused millions of dollars in damage, but they were correct — hours after their prediction, Tinker was hit by a second tornado, one which caused no injuries thanks to their warning.

Four years later in 1952, Harry Volkman at Oklahoma City’s WKY-TV, now KFOR, became the first weather broadcaster to issue a tornado warning on television. At the time, the federal government banned warnings or broadcasts about tornadoes in fear of creating a panic. But the success of Volkman’s advisory led the U.S. to lift the ban. Today, severe weather warnings come often in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma is synonymous with volatile severe weather, but the state has risen to the challenge and led the way in forecasting such events with increasing accuracy and advancing technology.

In the late 1800s, weather data and observations from military sites were telegraphed across the country to forecast offices, including one in Oklahoma City, which then alerted post offices, railroad stations and newspapers to help warn others about severe storms.

The U. S. Weather Bureau’s central Oklahoma office first opened in 1890 in the Overholser Opera House on the southeast corner of Robinson and Grand boulevards, which is the current location of Prairie Surf Studios. The office relocated and split up its operations several times over the next 100 years.

The idea for a national weather center solidified during a visit from President Bill Clinton in 1999, when he and then OU President David Boren surveyed damage to the metro area after an EF5 tornado. They discussed a center, and before he left, President Clinton offered his support.

In 2006, the National Weather Center opened on the southern edge of the University of Oklahoma’s campus. Norman’s massive center is a nucleus of scientific research, advanced technology and weather forecasting with more than 550 scientists, meteorologists and climatologists, as well as students and staff from OU and federal and state agencies working together.

Many institutions and organizations are represented there, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the NOAA Cooperative Institute, OU’s School of Meteorology, the Storm Prediction Center, the Oklahoma Climatological Survey, the Radar Operations Center and the National Weather Service Forecast Office, according to a June 2022 story in The Oklahoman. The center is also the headquarters of the Oklahoma Mesonet, a collaborative network of monitoring stations that provide information free to the public.

“The National Weather Center is unique,” said Dr. Berrien Moore, director at the weather center and dean of OU’s College of Atmospheric & Geographic Sciences. “There is no place like it on the planet. Having all the components together allows NOAA partners to have access to the latest scientific information, enhancing their ability to save lives and protect property.”

The National Weather Service runs regular seven-day forecasts for 48 counties in Oklahoma and eight counties in western north Texas. The local forecast office produces watches, warnings and advisories for all these counties, and the Storm Prediction Center issues severe thunderstorm and tornado watches.

The Norman National Weather Service office also produces aviation and fire weather forecasts, maintains climate data and records for various observation sites and keeps records and provides forecasts for various rivers around the area.

With the National Weather Service and the National Weather Center working together, one can only wonder how we might advance in predicting the unpredictable in the next 100 years.

The National Weather Center in Norman houses the National Weather Service office, along with multiple other weather-related federal and state agencies.

A tornado touching down in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Territory, in 1896.

The Perks of Volunteering

Aiding others — and yourself — by giving back

BY JAKE DURHAM

AS OKLAHOMA CITY CONTINUES TO BE ONE OF the fastest-growing cities in the United States, its need for volunteers grows proportionally. Some people are passionate about volunteer work, others may not have considered it—but its benefits for individuals and the community are considerable.

Volunteering strengthens the bonds that make us a community. It is a way to form relationships, and achieve personal growth. When we volunteer, we invest ourselves in what we are passionate about, whether it’s animals, health or youth development. In some instances, we may discover new interests.

Volunteer work may also carry added health benefits. A 2017 study suggests for those over 55, consistent volunteering could result in significantly fewer cognitive complaints and a lowered risk for dementia. Another study from the same year suggests that volunteering decreases pain, lowers depression and increases one’s “sense of purpose.”

And those searching for jobs who cite volunteer work on their resumes can be 27% more likely to be employed than nonvolunteers, according to 2013 research from the Corporation for National and Community Service. Today more than ever, companies like to see applicants with a wide variety of skills, and volunteering is an opportunity to showcase your strengths and passions while giving back to the community.

Where to begin, however, is the question. Throughout Oklahoma City, there’s an extensive list of organizations that need regular volunteer work. Choosing the right one may be as simple as going where one’s interests are, or branching out and trying something new.

For local environmental work, Oklahoma City Beautiful—a nonprofit foundation dedicated to the environmental stewardship of OKC—helps maintain the appearance of the city with action, advocacy and education. Volunteers can collectively pick up litter, pull weeds and plant trees.

Interested parties can also look to OKC’s Parks and Recreation Department, which relies on volunteer support to continue offering community spaces, cultural events and recreation to residents and visitors. Citizens can plant greenery and earn Master Gardener certification at Will Rogers Gardens, or usher hundreds of eager arts patrons at Civic Center Music Hall.

There are many youth organizations that need a helping hand year-round. Positive Tomorrows works to end youth houselessness by removing hurdles such as basic needs, transportation and hunger, and volunteers work to mentor kids and help with after-school programs and field trips. Pivot Oklahoma City provides education, counseling, and housing to help end youth houselessness, and work can consist of organizing donations closets and food pantries.

Local Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCAs always need volunteers to help with various kids activities, from sports to field trips. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital also looks for volunteers to help set up events and raise funds.

Volunteers are also integral to the operations of the Oklahoma Humane Society, where they look after cats and dogs and assist in the foster care process.

Start the volunteer process by identifying your interests and contacting local organizations. Be sure not to overextend yourself, and be realistic regarding your time and availability. Spend time interviewing with the organization to ensure it’s a good fit for you. Well-established organizations want the relationship to be beneficial to all parties. Most importantly, commit to short-term projects initially and politely move on if the position is not fulfilling. Wherever you pitch in, you’ll be improving the community.

Find local volunteer opportunities:

• OKC Beautiful, okcbeautiful.com

• OKC Parks & Rec, okc.gov/departments/parks-recreation

• Positive Tomorrows, positivetomorrows.org

• Pivot, pivotok.org

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County, bgcokc.org

• YMCA of Greater OKC, ymcaokc.org

• St. Jude, stjude.org/get-involved/volunteer-locally

• OK Humane Society, okhumane.org

Boys and Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County

©2023 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.

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