November 2020 by 405 Magazine

A DANGEROUS GAME: INSIDE TRACY ‘PODY’ POE’S NICHOLS HILLS GAMBLING RING

BEST NEW R E S TA U R A N T S New Stars on OKC’s Dining Scene

Get to Know Our Doctors

Noel Williams, MD Gynecologist

Optimal Health Associates is an integrated medical practice focused on wellness and personalized treatment strategies for complex hormonal and gynecological issues. As the community experts in hormone therapy, the clinic has vast expertise in handling menopausal and testosterone depletion in both men and women. Optimal Health Associates and its providers have particular interest in providing holistic natural approaches when possible to medical conditions. This includes nutrition, hormones, stem cell derived therapies and many others all based on the best science available.

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Urogynecology is a sub-specialty of OBGYN that focuses on complex surgical gynecology and disorders of the pelvic floor. I chose this specialty of gynecology because I am able to directly and quickly improve the quality of life of my patients by utilizing cutting edge therapies and surgical techniques that are not commonplace in general gynecology. I tailor medical, surgical, and alternative complementary therapies for each of my patients. I strive to maintain patient centered care by using shared decision making with my patients when treating their medical concerns.

Cassie Smith, MD Endocrinologist

Endocrinology is the study of all glands that secrete hormones. I practice endocrinology because of its complexity, and my fascination with human physiology. Understanding how hormones work with or against one another throughout the body helps provide superior patient care. My favorite part about endocrinology is helping patients understand their disease processes, and then providing them with the knowledge, resources, and treatments they need to help them live their best lives.

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FE AT U R ES

4 05 M A G A Z I N E | V O LU M E S I X I S S U E E L E V E N

A tribute to 2020’s best new restaurants – and that’s saying something this turbulent year.

Remembering an icon of the 1980s and OKC’s so-called oil-rich “doodah days,” Tracy “Pody” Poe.

Staying on top of prostate health with regular testing.

Toast of the Town Full House

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Screen Time

the starburst collection

DEPA RTM EN TS

4 05 M A G A Z I N E | V O LU M E S I X I S S U E E L E V E N

OUT & ABOUT 78 ROAD

TR IP The Monastery at Forest Park, an OKC bed-and-breakfast, offers a glimpse into a colorful past

PR I ME PICK S Best bets for entertainment in November

SOCI AL HOUR Scenes from events in the 405

IN THE 405 16

FA SHION Sweaters to cozy up to

PER SON OF IN TER EST As the voice of OSU, Les Thomas Sr. spreads positivity and hope.

ARTS & CULTUR E A roundup of podcasts from voices in the 405

EVERY ISSUE

22 GIVING

BACK How nonprofit Other Options is staging its annual Thanksgiving feast despite the pandemic

DINING

HOME

54 GOOD

64 EN TERTAINING

56 THE

66 AT

TA STE Quincy Bake Shop delivers its goods warm, flaky and delicious DISH A nostalgic look at hand pies

58 THE

DR INK Toast the holidays with Pinot Noir

101 Bringing the fall harvest to the table

LOOKING BACK Memories from OKCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Asian community of first Thanksgivings in America

L A ST L AUGH The joy of corresponding with yourself

HOME WITH Designer Ivy Pierce shares her thoughts on working with interiors

68 DESIGN 60 LOCAL

FL AVOR A guide to the best restaurants in and around Oklahoma City

Monique and Justin Naifeh create a family-focused space that is eclectic and playful

O N T H E C OV E R Berbere-rubbed roast squab with parsnips, spiced fermented grapes, dehydrated pepper chutney, Burgundy black truffles and black garlic glazed chanterelles from Grey Sweater. Photo by Lexi Hoebing

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All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we’re giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbors—in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver. - fred Rogers, Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood

Oklahoma City is OUR neighborhood. And what makes our neighborhood special is we help each other out in times of need.

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Of the more than 1,000 families who have purchased Habitat homes, some are experiencing economic hardships, including their mortgage payments, due to the pandemic. We are asking you, their neighbors, to help with a donation to Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity. Now, more than ever, home ownership is important to families who are schooling their children, working, or sheltering in place - all from the security of home.

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F R O M

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The Joys of Being One of a Kind

N T H E 19 9 7 F I L M M E N I N B L AC K , Agent K, played by Tommy Lee Jones, explains to Agent J, Will Smith, the perils of using alien technology. Agent K: That is a lot of fun, it’s a universal translator. We’re not even supposed to have it, and I’ll tell you why: Human thought is so primitive, it’s looked upon as an infectious disease in some of the better galaxies. Kind of makes you proud, doesn’t it?

That phrase “Kind of makes you proud” always makes me smile. It is a bowing to the absurdities of our culture and issuing a challenge to would-be elitists: “Top that!” But then, I get perverse pleasure out of horrifying snooty types. My mother tells a kind-of-makes-you-proud story about crooner Tony Bennett, who had come to Oklahoma City for a concert sometime in the 1970s. My parents went to hear him with friends and stopped for a cocktail at the Skirvin Hotel after the performance. Apparently, Bennett was staying there, and had a similar idea. Patrons in the bar area politely applauded when he came in and my mother’s friend jumped up and played a measure or two of “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” as a tribute. About that time, the hotel erupted in shouting from the second floor. The bar emptied into the lobby, where all eyes fixed on the upper mezzanine. A man in a disheveled tuxedo was loudly protesting an alleged tryst between his bride – whom he had married that day – and a member of the wedding party. In a final act of desperation, the groom climbed onto the railing and leapt onto one of the $100,000 chandeliers hanging over the lobby – still howling in anguish. My mother glanced at the gathering crowd and found an astonished Tony Bennett standing next to her. “Only in Oklahoma …” he said wistfully. “Yeah,” she replied, still watching the groom swing over the lobby. “Only in Oklahoma.” There are a number of those “Only in Oklahoma” stories that live in our cultural consciousness as Okies. In this issue of 405 Magazine, George Lang chronicles one of those chapters: the story of notorious gambler Tracy Coy Poe, better known as “Pody Poe.” After a short stint of unrelated jobs – Poe said he decided to leave insurance sales because gambling was more ethical – he eventually built and operated an illegal gambling establishment out of his Nichols Hills home that lasted for nearly two decades. Despite that, those who knew him said he was likable, even charming, which has a distinctly Okie feel to it.

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Even his principal antagonists in the Oklahoma City Police Department had a certain regard for him. Retired Oklahoma City police Detective Ken “Sugar” Smith remembered Poe as a colorful figure. “He was a character,” Smith told The Oklahoman. “But I never really had any trouble with him. From my point of view, he was a polite enough guy, even when he was arrested.” Federal incarceration in 1997 for illegal gambling and money laundering put an end to Poe’s gambling days. Still, one could say he had a good run. From the late 1960s to the early 1990s, the affable Poe was able to confound law enforcement to the tune of $13 million to $17 million spent to connect him with an organized crime syndicate. And I don’t know this, but I can only assume – he probably enjoyed his work. Only in Oklahoma … Kinda makes you proud, doesn’t it?

Melissa Mercer Howell EDITOR IN CHIEF

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In the 405

Fashion

Person of Interest

Arts & Culture

Giving Back

Beyond the Basics Sweaters this fall are statement-making pieces that refresh a seasonal

SHEVAUN WILLIAMS

wardrobe. Page 14

TonlĂŠ navy sweater with bell sleeves and tie back from Rosegold.

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Sweater Season WINTER WEAR WITH COZY FLAIR BY LINDA MILLER PHOTO G R A PH Y BY SHE VAUN W ILLI A MS

WO WO R D S S U M U P T H I S season’s preferred way of dressing: cozy and comfortable. Sweaters are more than obliging, with trendy cropped versions to knee-grazing cardigans to sweeping dusters. Sweaters this fall go beyond basics; they’re statement-making pieces that can refresh just about everything in the closet. Soft, luxurious fabrics not only feel good, they add a touch of indulgence. Statement details such as bows, ruffles, oversized turtlenecks, faux wraps and puffy sleeves elevate interest. Texture has never been more important, and it comes from chunky cable knits, fringe and pom poms. Colors range from vibrant hot pink and soft blush to all shades of blue and green. Tartan plaids, stripes and color blocking are back in a big way, and so are sweater vests – as well as modern takes on what is sometimes referred to as a “grandpa cardigan.” A sweater can dress up jeans, joggers or that favorite pair of black pants that come out of the closet weekly. Wear a sweater vest under a blazer, or layered over a button-down shirt. How about a striped, fuzzy oversized sweater with leather pants or a slim skirt? Don’t hesitate to add one or two of these new, stylish options to your collection. Sweaters seem especially suitable for what’s happening in today’s world, too. As many continue to work from home with regular Zoom meetings, sweaters are an appropriate waist-up, stylish business look. What’s more, they’re easy – another preferred way of dressing these days. Just what we need. Cozy.

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Joy Joy green loose weave, short-sleeved sweater from Boutique One. Pilgrim gold link necklace from Rosegold.

Mystree leopard patchwork sweater with snake print joggers by Bella Dahl, both from Kokopelli.

Mystree gold plaid hooded cardigan from Kokopelli. Staud mushroom colored full pants from Gretta Sloane.

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Spurring Smiles HOST, RAPPER AND SPEAKER LES THOMAS SR. SPREADS POSITIVE VIBES BY E V IE K LOPP HOL ZER

ES THOM AS SR . GETS CHILLS every time he recalls his lightbulb moment, more than 7,400 miles away from home, serving at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait in October 2006. He had just finished rapping an original song, “Growing Pains,” for 500 military peers at an “American Idol”-type talent show. He knew he would give the performance his all, letting his positive energy shine onstage. He was prepared to be vulnerable, as his lyrics unabashedly tell of a troubled childhood, growing up in a poor neighborhood and learning how to become a responsible father and husband despite the lack of role models. He was ready to share his deeply personal story of hope, but the crowd’s response – a cheering, standing ovation – astonished him. “At that moment, it hit me: ‘Les, your life is not your own. Your calling is to give people hope,’” Thomas says. After the show, an Air Force commander recruited Thomas to boost community morale, confirming this new direction. “I want to be able to use my life as an example. I’ve had opportunities to lose hope, where I needed to be encouraged, and someone else helped me. It’s imperative that I do the same for others.” Since 2006, Thomas has discovered abundant opportunities to influence people in positive ways. His most high-profile gig – as the gregarious gameday host at Oklahoma State University basketball and football games – amplifies his reach. Thomas was already intimately connected to OSU sports, serving as an inspirational speaker for the football team from 2014 to 2016. OSU administrators invited him to audition for the host role after they

NOVEMBER 2020

Les Thomas rallies an Oklahoma State University crowd.

Helping individuals be their best; this is where Thomas thrives. heard his playful “Go Pokes” rap. He was given 24 hours to memorize a script that presented six different scenarios he would need to emcee from various locations in Boone Pickens Stadium. (Spoiler alert: He’s been energizing crowds as OSU gameday host for the past four years.) “I killed it. I didn’t miss a word,” Thomas remembers. “I challenged myself to learn this script, and God made it where they could not deny me the job, like ‘Les, you’re meant to be here.’” Helping individuals be their best; this is where Thomas thrives. He posts oneminute inspirational videos on Instagram, @OneMinuteOrLes. He is a motivational speaker for the Family Awareness and Community Teamwork (FACT) gang prevention program with the Oklahoma City

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Police Department. His latest Christian rap album, “Vertical,” will be released this fall with messages on overcoming racial tensions. He recently launched Hope Culture, a movement and clothing line to raise money for local nonprofits supporting struggling families. Thomas also is also writing a book, Three Levels of Influence, about the cyclical process of mentoring. He believes strongly in mentoring, as his life trajectory changed when a neighbor began taking interest in his success. Likewise, Thomas has been motivating students in OKC Public Schools for 12 years through Youth for Christ. “I want everyone who comes into my presence to leave saying, ‘I feel better about whatever I’m facing,’” he says. “I look at all these avenues to increase my platform, so that I have more influence to give hope. A person without hope – that’s how depression, anxiety and suicide happen.” Thomas charges forward on his life’s mission, with no intention of stopping. “If I’m climbing up a mountain by myself, and I get to the top by myself, no one is there with me. How much pleasure does that really bring in your life?” Thomas asks.

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P Casting a Wide Net HOMEGROWN PODCASTS REFLECT OKC’S CULTURAL LANDSCAPE BY CHR IS T INE ED D ING T ON PHOTO BY S T E V E SISNE Y

ODCASTS ARE TO THE ’20S what blogs were to the aughts, only on steroids and with AirPods. Fifteen years ago, a study reported that 32 million Americans read blogs. Today there are, according to podcasthosting.com, more than 1 million podcasts in production with more than 29 million episodes. About 155 million Americans report having listened to at least one, and 68 million listen weekly. If you are a person with any interest in any subject, there’s a podcast for you, and possibly one produced right here in Oklahoma. People produce their podcasts in all kinds of places, in fancy sound studios or, more likely these days, in their apartments – that’s where you’ll find the women behind the popular Ladies Who Law School. Oklahoma City University School of Law students Haylie Davis and Samantha Lemke, both in their second year, are just two of the multitude of Oklahomans who’ve hopped on the podcastproducing bandwagon.

Podcaster Yvette Walker records Positively Joy from her Norman home.

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Yvette Walker, whose up-and-coming spiritual and inspirational podcast Positively Joy, now in its second season, is another. By day she is the assistant dean of student affairs at the OU Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. When the university implemented a mandatory work-from-home policy last spring, Walker decided to fill some of her newfound extra time with podcast production. Lemke and Davis met as they were starting law school, and they often talked about the things they wish they’d known, or things they were afraid to ask. They kicked around the idea of doing a podcast but as new law students, they had more pressing matters to attend to. But then they decided to do it anyway. “We ordered some equipment from Amazon and rented OCU’s podcast studio,” Davis says. It took the pair about three hours to record the first episode. “The first one was honestly rough, but at the time we were so nervous.” Grades had just come out and, not surprisingly,

My goal is to get the message of love and God’s grace to as many people as I can. I’ve started meeting people in the faith-based podcast space and am

Oklahoma Podcasts FIND THESE A ND MOR E AT PODCASTS.APPLE.COM

Film Crew 101 pulls back the curtain on all the different roles that go into

guesting on shows and am learning

making a film or TV show. Ever wondered what a Gaffer or Best Boy does? Have

how to market my podcast.

where to start? Or perhaps you are well on your way building a career in film and

you dreamt about working in the art department of a major movie but don’t know TV but want to get more insight into how other departments work. Film Crew 101 has all the answers. Produced by The Oklahoma Film & TV Academy. Executive producers are Amy Janes, Richard Janes and Melodie Gameau.

the women led with an episode focused on how law students shouldn’t let grades define them. Now, Ladies Who Law School is listened to around the world and has an internet headquarters at ladieswholawschool.com – and its social media presence is growing by the day. “We have about 1,000 listeners per episode, and we’ve had more than 20,000 downloads,” Lemke says. “We even have merchandise. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that this is a hobby.” The women were inspired in part by the Girls Gotta Eat lifestyle podcast, and Lemke said that their dynamic is similar. She’s a fan of true crime podcasts (aren’t we all) such as Up and Vanished and Court Junkie. Davis gets her news from podcasts and lists The Daily, produced by The New York Times, along with those from National Public Radio, among her go-tos. Walker’s entry into the podcast fray in May was something she’d pondered for some time. “I had wanted to do one about beauty, politics and hair. I prayed about it and God said ‘joy.’ So, I launched Positively Joy, which is a faith-based podcast about finding joy in one’s life.” Her first season contains 30 episodes, and though says she was flying by the seat of her pants, she led with a timely discussion of COVID-19 with a Christian woman who’d survived the illness, and what role her faith played during the worst of it. Then she started reaching out to people she knew, whose reliance on their faith, she felt, would speak to and uplift her audience as much as it did her. She’s had some 2,000 downloads so far and is starting small intentionally. “I’m not doing this for money yet. My goal is to get the message of love and God’s grace to as many people as I can. I’ve started meeting people in the faith-based podcast space and am guesting on shows, and I’m learning how to market my podcast.” She now premieres each episode in her Facebook group. “Hundreds will come online and we’ll have lunch together. I make sure something is always happening on my Facebook page. I’ll do a giveaway, I post a scripture every morning, or I’ll ask a funny question at noon.” Find episodes and join the Positively Joy community at positivelyjoy.com. Intrigued? Here’s a wide-ranging list of Oklahomaproduced podcasts for your listening enjoyment. You’ll also find it at 405magazine.com.

Ladies Who Law School. Law school can be a scary and challenging experience. However, hearing firsthand real advice can always make the process easier; tune in every Monday for an insider’s perspective from Haylie and Samantha, two aspiring women, about their journeys to becoming lawyers. Whether you are just starting out your legal journey, still considering if law school is for you, or simply want some lighthearted legal laughs, this is the podcast for you. Produced by Samantha Lemke and Haylie Davis. This is Oklahoma. Mike Hearne, originally from Wales, made Oklahoma his home after falling in love with its people and the southern hospitality. This podcast is full of the stories of the people who embody the spirit of Oklahoma.

Tunes/Toons. Harold Storey heads up the Tunes/Toons Podcast – a show dedicated to all things concerning animation and music.

Miscellaneous Important Stuff. The goal of this podcast is to have interesting conversations in a 40-minute time frame. Host Jay Sheldon works in advertising and spends most of his days editing content to sell products and ideas. This podcast is a chance, Sheldon says, to engage with people about ideas and not feel the urge to edit the conversation to be different or better than it actually was. Entertaining feature: “Would You Rather Wednesdays.” Eerie Okie. An Oklahoma podcast that focuses on true crime, unexplained phenomena, and local legends. Host Marnie Vinge explores a different case each week with the help of an ensemble cast of friends. If you’re an Oklahoma ghoul who enjoys the morbid and macabre, this is the podcast for you. This Land. Understanding the history behind the recent historic U.S. Supreme Court decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma. An 1839 assassination of a Cherokee leader. A 1999 small-town murder. Two crimes collide in a Supreme Court case that will decide the fate of one man and nearly half of the land in Oklahoma. Hosted by Rebecca Nagle, Oklahoma journalist and citizen of Cherokee Nation, This Land traces how a cut and dry homicide opened up an investigation into the treaty rights of five Native American tribes. Tune in to Crooked Media’s 8-episode series to find out how this unique case resulted in the largest restoration of tribal land in U.S. history. Positively Joy. Positively Joy is a multicultural, multiethnic podcast that takes a Christian look at the search for joy and light in all seasons of life. New episodes Mondays and Thursdays. On this podcast, you’ll hear stories that show how to choose joy in a bird’s song, in the kitchen, in your job, and more. Produced and hosted by Yvette Walker.

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A Choice to Improve Lives OTHER OPTIONS’ PHILANTHROPIC LEGACY BY BR A ND ON K ING

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Mary Arbuckle prepares for the annual Thanksgiving feast.

Cookie’s Thanksgiving feast in 2018 at Sunnyside Diner.

For those like Ladonna, this is a difficult, though necessary, transition. “God, I miss my Other Option family every day,” Ladonna says. “But it’s things like Cookie’s Thanksgiving that remind me that I’ll never be alone.” Everett continues to welcome all donation and volunteer efforts towards Cookie’s Thanksgiving. Donation and volunteer opportunities can be found on the Other Options website at otheroptionsokc.org.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

N 2 010 , L A D O N N A F E LT A L O N E F O R T H E first time in 52 years. Multiple family illnesses led to untimely deaths, leaving her to fend for herself despite her own struggles with bipolar disorder, severe social anxiety and eventually multiple sclerosis. After some time, she spoke with the Oklahoma Health Department about ways to secure food, and one of their suggestions was Other Options – a local nonprofit organization providing various services to at-risk individuals, with a focus on those affected with HIV and AIDS. Ladonna eventually attended after hunger overcame anxiety. “It takes a lot for me to feel comfortable anywhere,” Ladonna says. “When I went there for the first time, I didn’t feel like I was being judged; I felt like my mother was there again. She was the only one who understood me. For the first time since they left me, I knew I had a family, a place to belong to.” Other Options became a surrogate family to Ladonna; a sentiment shared by the nonprofit’s volunteers and those who regularly rely on their care. Founded in 1988 by Cookie Arbuckle, Other Options is a staple within the metro area for those in need of nutritious food, clothing and other necessities for survival. Now operated by Cookie’s daughter, Mary, this service extended to a mainstay in holiday hospitality: Cookie’s Thanksgiving. Since 1999, this annual event provides over 1,000 in-need families and individuals with prepared Thanksgiving meals, either in person or delivered upon request. Many, including Ladonna, look forward to this holiday with a newfound appreciation. “Thanksgiving can be a hard time for a lot of us because there’s plenty that don’t have no one else,” Ladonna says. “I try to visit every day to see my family, but Thanksgiving is different. That’s when everyone gets to see why these people are God-sent. But, this year is going to be different.” Readjustments to daily life, holidays and annual traditions are hallmarks of COVID-19 world. This weight of planning for a pandemic-friendly Cookie’s Thanksgiving is a task not lost on people like Mary Arbuckle and Jim Everett, the Pantry Manager of Other Options. Plans to modify the in-house holiday began as early as March. “We knew things would not be ‘business as usual’ for Cookie’s Thanksgiving back when the rest of the country was coming to grips with everything,” Everett says. “Because of this, we’re having our volunteers prepare boxed meals and either delivering them to their houses or through our drive-thru service. This is to ensure that everyone is safe while still being fed.”

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HOLIDAY WISHES G IF T GU ID E 2020

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1 Block V Stripe, $276 2 Moon Bath Body Oil, $48, Bath Salt, $22, Celestial Shimmer Spray, $20 3 Charcoal Sage Creme de Parfum, $28 4 Hey Moon Candles, $40 5 Ethically Sourced Jeans, prices range from $90-$155 6 Classic Game Bandanas (Avian Flight & Zodiac Race), $25 7 Pocket Wisdom Books (2), $10 8 Fuzzy Stripe Pullover, $248 24

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Rosegold

6 4 2 3 AVO N DA L E D R . NICHOLS HILLS, OK S H O P R O S E G O L D.C O M

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HOLIDAY WISHES G IF T GU ID E 2020

Physicians Optical 4 2 0 0 W. M E M O R I A L R OA D, S U I T E 1 0 1 P H Y S I C I A N S - O P T I C A L .C O M 4 0 5 .74 9 . 4 2 8 5

1 Lindberg NOW, $790 2 Lindberg Buffalo Horn, $1200 3 Matsuda, $600 4 Traction $490

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HOLIDAY WISHES G IF T GU ID E 2020

The Wood Garden

7 6 5 0 N W E S T E R N AV E O KC , O K 405.848.9663 W O O D G A R D E N O KC .C O M

1 Hand Painted Watercolor Lamp, $495 2 Electric blue chenille, Metallic velvet watercolor, hot pink modern abstract. Pillows ranging from $150-250 3 Modern Gold Lidded Pink Ombre measuring 19” tall, pairs available, $110 4 Peony Bouquet in Glass Cube, $425 5 Cherry Blossom Ginger Jar measuring 21” tall, $360

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HOLIDAY WISHES G IF T GU ID E 2020

Occasions

2001 WEST MAIN NORMAN, OK 4 0 5 . 2 1 7. 8 4 6 7 O C C A S I O N S PA P E R .C O M

MacKenzie-Childs Owl Salt and Pepper Shaker, $44 MacKenzie-Childs Pedestal Platter Flower Market, $120 MacKenzie-Childs Beaded Stripe Pumpkin, $125 MacKenzie-Childs Spice Pumpkin, $58 MacKenzie-Childs Tea Kettle, $125

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HOLIDAY WISHES G IF T GU ID E 2020

Swaddle

7 6 3 6 N W E S T E R N AV E NICHOLS HILLS, OK 405. 242 . 3555

Little English Tote Bag, $59 LeToyVan Sophies Dollhouse, $200 Eloise Dress, $112

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30” Silk Phalaenopsis Orchid, $169 in pot, $298

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HOLIDAY WISHES G IF T GU ID E 2020

Learning Tree 7 6 3 8 N W E S T E R N AV E O KC , O K 4 0 5 . 8 4 8 .1 41 5 L E A R N I N G T R E E O KC .C O M

Kullerbü City Stroll, $98 Trekking The National Parks Board Game, $49 Cyber Talk Robot, $79

Carwin’s Shave Shop 6 41 1 AVO N DA L E D R , NICHOLS HILLS, OK 4 0 5 . 6 0 7.1 1 9 7

Tom Ford Ombre Leather Eau De Parfum, 1.7oz $128, 3.4oz $180 Tom Ford Grey Vetiver Eau De Parfum, $180 Truefitt & Hill 1805 Shaving Cream, $30 Gift Certificate for Barber Services

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2020â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Best New

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Restaurants NEW STARS ON THE CITY â&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DINING SCENE

By Greg Ho r t o n

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or at least the past four years, observers have been predicting the bursting of Oklahoma City’s restaurant expansion bubble. In 2018 and 2019, we saw more than 30 local restaurants per year added to the options, and

we wrung our hands and wondered if this would be the year. When the pivotal year came, it wasn’t in the “we have too many options” kind of way; it was COVID, and is COVID still, and the resulting changes in the industry have been catastrophic at times. Concepts and companies have innovated, cut staff, cut costs, changed

Grey Sweater 1 0 0 N E 4 S T. , O K C Chef Andrew Black took on a huge challenge when he decided to put three concepts into one space in Deep Deuce, and the challenge was further complicated when he decided one of those restaurants would be an upscale, tasting-menu experience called Grey Sweater. “Our philosophy is no allegiance,” Black says. “We source ingredients from all over the world. The menu changes constantly because we always want to be shaping new experiences for our guests.” Describing the food simply is impossible, so just know that it’s beautiful and delicious in ways that make it easy to exhaust superlatives. The tables are not turned, so your seat is your seat for the entire evening, the bartenders are stellar, and the wine list is wide-ranging. For most of us, it’s not something we can afford often, but it’s also something you can’t afford to miss if you love the experience of dining.

menus and lobbied for expanded offerings like alcohol delivery – anything to keep the doors open and diners showing up, even if only at the curb.

Open-faced ravioli with Australian lobster at Grey Sweater

Writing jeremiads will be easy for 2020, but the hospitality industry is full of people who push on, who labor for weeks without days off, who respond to customer needs (and fears) and who, even in the middle of a pandemic, find ways to start something new. They are survivors, fighters, dreamers, a whole list of clichés that are cliché for good reason. And so even in this most bizarre of years, we have best new restaurants, thanks in large part to the tenacity and hope of restaurateurs and the diligent work of their staffs, all of whom are to be commended for putting on their masks and trying their best to serve food, be kind and patient and ensure outstanding customer service in between trips to the clinic to have swabs shoved up their noses. As for the rubric of what constitutes “best,” it’s most easily summed up by saying the restaurant had to have succeeded in hitting (as opposed to all things to all people) while

Northern Noodle House

also providing delicious food, outstanding

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the target of being a specific kind of concept

customer service and an experience that makes diners want to return. That means fine dining isn’t competing against a kitchen tucked into a convenience store; they are both excellent in their own ways, so here’s to those who dared in the midst of COVID. 32

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The dumplings are handmade, as are the noodles, and the quality shows in every area. Yes, there’s a bit of a language barrier, but the menu is replete with pictures, and it’s focused enough to help you figure out which noodle bowl you want, after you order the dumplings. The braised beef is remarkably well done, and the portion sizes are just right.

Butternut squash with peas and buttermilk at Grey Sweater

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Burger Punk 3 0 1 2 N WA L K E R AV E . , O KC This truck turned restaurant was the newest offering from Rachel Cope and her team in early 2020, and it was barely open when the shutdown came. A combination of punk rock meets delicious burgers, Burger Punk is also home to a phenomenal whiskey selection, the best frozen drink in the city – the Turbo, a blend of Evan Williams bottled-in-bond, cold brew coffee, coconut cream and bitters – and the Clash Burger, a burger that Cope calls their signature. It’s American cheese, hoisin mayo, fried onions and peppers, and nacho cheese Doritos, and it’s even better than it sounds. Burger Punk almost never happened, though, because Cope tried to sell the truck soon after purchasing it. “I got it thinking we’d use it for catering or something, but it was a pain to drive around, and I don’t think we used it more than a couple times for an event. I tried to sell it, but no one bit, so I had to come up with an idea. I’ve always believed you build the concept and then find the building, not the reverse.” 34

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The Turbo at Burger Punk

Clark Crew BBQ 3 5 1 0 N W E X P R E S S W AY, O K C Travis Clark has won so many championships for his barbecue that it would take his allotted space to list them all. His most notable was the 31st Jack Daniel’s Invitational win, the Super Bowl of barbecue. Tasting his food, it’s easy to understand why he’s won so much. The former master electrician applied the same work ethic and attention to detail to barbecue, such that everything he produces is the result of meticulous adherence to the processes that create quality and flavor. “People balked at our prices a little at first,” Clark says, “but we use Wagyu for the brisket, and we buy the best ingredients across the board. Once they tasted the quality difference, we stopped hearing so much about price.” Start (and finish) with the cornbread. Get the beans; they’re champions, too, as is one of his sauces. People go for the brisket, but don’t sleep on the burnt ends, turkey or wings.

Burnt ends, wagyu brisket and jalapeño hot link at Clark Crew

Paladar Cubano 2 3 2 3 S W 2 9 T H S T. , O K C The new Cuban concept on SW 29th brings real ropa vieja to OKC, along with other Cuban staples, including congri, plantains and cassava. The ropa vieja is the dish typically used to judge Cuban food – the Cuban sandwich was invented in the U.S. by Cuban immigrants – and it consists of shredded, stewed beef served with rice. The restaurant turns into a Cuban-Caribbean dance club on weekend nights, and a full bar is available.

Lamb tagine at Luá

Luá 1 7 4 9 N W 1 6 T H S T. , O K C Chef Shelby Sieg went back to the Plaza District to help oversee the remaking of The Pritchard into Luá, a Mediterranean concept she operates with partners Aimee Ahpeatone and Riley Marshall. Lamb tagine is the standout, but the tzatziki is among the best in the city, and the chaluapa is a fantastic, flavorful “sandwich.” 405MAGAZINE.COM

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Café Siete 1 6 4 0 1 N R O C K W E L L , O KC The team behind Café 7 was invited to repurpose a kitchen in a convenience store at NW 164th and Rockwell. The genius move was to allow the longterm staff, all Latinx cooks, to bring their own skills to bear on the new menu: tacos, burritos, tortas and house-made chorizo and sauces. There are tables if you want to sit, and a drive-up window if you don’t, but make sure you ask for a few of the sauces. They are worth the drive.

Pork dumplings at Szechuan Story

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Amici in Movimento 1 5 9 2 0 S E 2 9 S T. , C H O C TA W Chef Patrick Morris and his business and life partner Kristen Bice were both Platt College instructors when they met. They decided to go into business practicing what they’d taught for years, and the truck Amici in Movimento was the result. The restaurant isn’t mobile anymore, as they’re now housed in the space formerly occupied by Old Germany in Choctaw. Morris and Bice make nearly everything in-house: sauces, Italian sodas, fresh bread, sausage, cured meats and their rightly famous giardiniera, an Italian relish. The “sandwich that started it all” according to Morris was the Manzo Caldo, a feast for two composed of thinly sliced roast beef, hot rosemary demiglace, cheese and giardiniera. “Italian food is a broad concept,” Morris says, “so when people ask what kind of Italian we’re doing, I’m learning to say ‘Route 66 Italian.’”

For a brief time before COVID, Yummy Noodles filled the sadness void left by the closing of Tsubaki Szechuan. When Yummy closed during the shutdown, we were afraid we would never see the kind of flavorful, creative, authentic Chinese cuisine created by Tsubaki and Yummy. With the opening of Szechuan Story, the team behind Yummy Noodles – one half of the original Tsubaki team – brings together Szechuan specialties, fantastic noodle bowls, delicious hand-made dumplings, and excellent, friendly service.

Graffiti 1 1 N E 6 S T. , O K C , I N S I D E PA R L O R

Ham and mushroom Alfredo, Manzo Caldo, and house-made Italian sodas at Amici in Movimento

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This time last year, all the buzz was on the food halls, and while the experiences have been mixed, both Collective and Parlor have offered some excellent food. Chef Jonas Favela’s Graffiti makes the list because it’s rare to find food of this quality and creativity in a food hall. A mix of Favela’s favorite cuisines – Mexican, Chinese and Japanese – Graffiti is technically a fusion restaurant, but there’s no clunkiness or bizarre flavors or textures. Favela’s background as a chef has certainly helped the quality of the steak and salmon that leave his kitchen, and his love for taco trucks and old standards like Tacos San Pedro show in the short rib taco and adobo shrimp taco. One of our favorite dishes this year has been his salmon and veggies with red curry sauce, but it’s not even the best seller at Graffiti. That honor goes to the sirloin bowl, and you’ll not believe how tender and flavorful steak in a food hall can be.

The spread at Graffiti includes options from healthy to indulgent

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or Oklahomans of a certain age, saying “I knew Pody Poe” is a little like claiming they were at Woodstock in 1969: If it were true in all cases, his casino would have been the size of Devon Tower. Tracy Coy “Pody” Poe was not the first person to run an illegal gambling operation in Oklahoma, but he was easily the most notorious and colorful character in that scene. Poe ran an underground casino operation out of the garage behind his Nichols Hills home at 1804 Guilford Lane for 18 years, and was a central figure in Oklahoma City gambling for the last half of the 20th century. “He was such a character, right? In society and everything,” said Traci Poe Boyd, his daughter who was convicted in the 1996 gambling bust that sent Boyd, her brother James “Jimmy” Poe their father and two other men to prison. “He loved his picture being taken, and he loved the publicity.” If Pody often felt invincible — and as Boyd said, his large ego made sure of it — a legendary episode from his early life provided the origin story. In 1934, Pody’s parents, songwriter and film producer Coy Poe and Dorothy Minter Poe, were driving near Ardmore when his 2-year-old son was bounced from the car. According to a 2005 profile by Steve Lackmeyer in The Oklahoman, Pody was unscathed, and he frequently referred to the accident as his “second lucky break” after being born healthy. When his parents split, Pody spent his grade school years with his father in Los Angeles, where Coy Poe produced B-movies, wrote songs like “The Object of My Affection” and “You’re My Strongest Weakness,” and managed a fellow Oklahoman, singer, actor and banjoist Pinky Tomlin. As a child, Pody tagged along while his father palled around with celebrities like Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. But by the late 1940s, well into his teens, Pody was hanging out in the various bookie halls that thrived in downtown Oklahoma City, like Herman Vestal’s Place at 225 W Sheridan and especially the Central Club, 319 Robert S. Kerr, now the site of the Metro Parking Garage across the street from the Oklahoma County Courthouse. The Central Club was a pool hall, domino parlor and beanery where Poe, after long days caddying at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, would hang out and watch master pool hustlers like Rudolf Wanderone, aka “Minnesota Fats.”

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Pody Poe, age 14, when he lived with his grandmother in Oklahoma City.

Pody, Gunnar and Kevin Poe with the catch of the day, circa 1975.

Western film actor Kermit Maynard poses with 4-year-old Pody Poe in 1936.

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to Las Vegas in the 1950s to start Binion’s Horseshoe Casino, home of the World Series of Poker. Boyd said that in the early 1970s, Poe was running junkets from Oklahoma City to Vegas, bringing high rollers to the tables at Binion’s Horseshoe and Steve Wynn’s Golden Nugget. Then in her early teens, Boyd would travel with him, but she said there were limits to how much time she wanted to spend around his operations. With younger siblings at home, including Boyd’s little sister Chance, she said they were never gone for more than 30 days at a time before they settled in a 3,200 square-foot home in Nichols Hills. After his junket period was over, Pody set up shop behind that home in a converted garage called The Little House. Oilmen flush with cash and celebrities like WKY personality and “Dannysday” host Danny Williams would descend on the place as Dixieland jazz bands entertained the high rollers and easy marks while Pody, wearing one of his smartest leisure suits, watched the tables from behind a two-way mirror.

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Boyd described The Little House as smoky and full of people, that it was similar to the bar in Paul Verhoeven’s original version of Total Recall with Arnold Schwarzenegger, but with far fewer martians. Guests would throng to the place, often parking at nearby Christ the King School and walking to the biggest party in town. “There were many characters,” she said. “It had shingles all on the inside walls. And that helped to reduce noise. Oh, and it was always very, very smoky. It was thick smoke. There was a fancy bathroom with a sauna. And, you know, back in its heyday, it was busy all the time. And it opened, you know, at 10 at night and ran until like 5 in the morning.” Visitors would ring a doorbell mounted to a tree and then would enter a fenced area, where guards would check them out before letting them inside. Pody also had elaborate electronic security, including a closed-circuit television which police discovered when they raided his operation in 1979 and during a citywide sting on May 18, 1984, for which Pody was not charged.

PHOTOS COURTESY TRACI POE BOYD / PROVIDED

In 1953, after serving in the Air National Guard, Poe enrolled at the University of Oklahoma, where he started taking sports bets. He was soon busted and lost his scholarships. While he tried his hand at an honest living by selling insurance for a decade, he saw sports betting as a more honest profession and left the insurance business behind in 1964. By the mid-1960s, Poe apprenticed under Leroy Dale Hines, a Tulsa bookmaker known as “The Bear” who had connections to New Orleans mafia boss Carlos Marcello. Over the course of the next few decades, Poe and Hines became the most successful bookies in Oklahoma, working together, carving out territories and running backroom gambling and sports betting. “Well, I mean, my whole life, there was always a poker game or something going around,” Boyd said. By 1967, authorities were onto 35-yearold Poe’s operation. Starting on June 14, 1967, Oklahoma City Police Department busted him five times that year, sometimes twice during the same week, with the El Reno Police Department arresting him in November for running a public poker game. Authorities continued to dog Poe through the end of the decade when he connected with his friend Lester “Benny” Binion, the longtime Dallas gambling boss who skipped town

He was such a character, right? In society and everything” – TRACI POE BOYD

Pody Poe plays a round of golf with several friends and his son, James “Jimmy” Poe, in the 1980s.

Pody Poe, center, plays with his youngest children, daughter Chance and son Gunnar, in 1976. Pody Poe poses with his mother, Dorothy Minter, in the late 1990s.

In 1987, Pody was arrested for illegal bookmaking and sentenced to 18 months in prison, but he was released after three months for good behavior. While Pody’s attorneys told U.S. District Judge Lee Roy West that he was fully rehabilitated and would soon move to Texas to sell used trucks, that is not what Pody had in store. As soon as possible, he went back to business as usual at The Little House. Both Boyd and her sister, Chance Poe, said that Pody was a brilliant man who could have been a great attorney or anything else. But Pody wanted to be a gambler and a golfer, and he was great at both. Even in his old age, he would take bets on the greens and leave his opponent poorer for the experience. “I could hear guys at the golf course telling somebody else, ‘I told you not to play that old man,’” Boyd said. The game continued at The Little House for nearly two decades. Libby Payne lived on Elmhurst Avenue, directly behind The Little House. She recalled police showing up to pull disorderly drunks out of Pody’s establishment in the middle of the night, and there were many times before Pody’s final bust that helicopters would buzz the neighborhood. But she and her husband, Morton Payne, never had problems with the man himself. “He used to walk up and down the street; you’d see him walking past our house,” Payne

said. “Big old fat guy. He had a big ol’ cigar in his mouth, walking around. Morton once went over and spoke to him about splitting the cost of the fence and he was more than happy to do that, couldn’t have been nicer. And he had two children that my children used to play with when they were little.” The end came into view starting on Aug. 9, 1995, when OKCPD Vice Sgt. Anthony Gracey, who was brought in because Nichols Hills police were concerned that their officers would be recognized, convinced a regular player at Pody’s place to vouch for him. Boyd, who was working the door that day, recognized the regular and let them in. Gracey gambled at The Little House until Jan. 23, 1996, when Internal Revenue Service investigators and OKCPD served a warrant on Pody’s establishment. “The FBI were in our backyard,” Payne said. According to a 1997 report by The Oklahoman’s John Parker, more than 700 sealed decks of cards and over $9,000 in cash was recovered from the scene. Pody served three years of his sentence at Fort Worth Medical Center in Texas, where he received treatment for prostate cancer and diabetes. Chance Poe said that Pody was still his old self, even in prison and afterward, when he wore an ankle bracelet until his sentence was commuted to time served in 2003. He lost his earnings in the

raid and was forced to live in a small apartment, but he never stopped being Pody Poe. “If my dad were still alive today, I’m sure he would be super rich with something in the tech world,” she said. “He was very, very smart about things changing and he was never opposed to change.” Pody Poe died Nov. 1, 2006, and his friend Danny Williams announced his death to the press. At the time, Williams told The Oklahoman, “He was a hell of a guy, you know, regardless of what people say.” But few people other than judges, district attorneys and police officers had bad things to say about him. His daughters describe Pody as a great father who gave them the tools they needed to make it in life. “The thing is, he knew what he was doing was illegal, and he was very clever about how to negotiate the system,” said Chance Poe, who is now working as a personal trainer, chef and yogi in New Mexico. “And he made some mistakes that got him in jail. He believed that he would not be prosecuted because of his ego. He knew the risks that he was taking, but he was also living his best life, and he was, you know, taking risks. Because that’s how he was providing for his family, and he was doing what he loved to do. “Not a day goes by that I don’t miss my dad,” she said. “He was the freaking coolest.”

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13921 N. MERIDIAN AVE., STE 202 OKLAHOMA CITY 40 5 - 2 3 7 - 9 9 1 5 | O MNILU XMEDS PA .CO M

Dr. Jacob Haynes HIP AND KNEE REPLACEMENT SPECIALIST GET BACK TO YOUR ACTIVE LIFESTYLE FASTER Dr. Jacob Haynes is a fellowship-trained adult hip and knee reconstruction surgeon with the Oklahoma Sports & Orthopedics Institute. Haynes is one of the few surgeons in Oklahoma performing the direct anterior approach to hip replacement. “When the non-surgical options have failed, a patient becomes a candidate for knee or hip replacement,” he said. “Usually it’s a case of advanced arthritis, and they’ve been experiencing pain for quite some time.” “The incision is on the front of the leg, using the natural plane between muscles, rather than cutting through muscle tissue,” Haynes explained. “It’s a slightly more complex procedure. Recovery requires less pain medications and fewer restrictions on motion.”

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The anterior approach is ideal for younger seniors who are still enjoying an active lifestyle. “The technique needs less recovery time, so they can get back to their active lives more quickly,” Haynes said.

OKLAHOMA CITY 1110 N. LEE AVE. STE 200 (405) 218-2530 EDMOND 13401 N. WESTERN AVE. STE 301 (405) 218-2530 MIDWEST CITY 3400 S DOUGLAS BLVD STE 302 (405) 218-2530 SHAWNEE SSM SHAWNEE CLINIC 3214 J D KETHLEY RD (405) 218-2530

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H E A LT H

A Prostate PSA S TAY I N G I N F O R M E D ON A K E Y FAC E T O F M E N ’ S H E A LT H BY K IMBER LY BUR K

E T I R E D F I R E F I G H T E R A N D R E H E A D WA S W E L L AWA R E that his father was a prostate cancer survivor, and he knew that Black men are more at risk for the disease. But it was easy to put it out of his mind … until routine bloodwork indicated an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. “I think a lot of Black men are scared,” he says. “I don’t think they really want to know. I can tell you that years ago, I didn’t want to know.” But it’s crucial to diagnose the disease as soon as possible, said Dr. Michael Cookson, a urologic oncologist and chairman of the Department of Urology in the OU College of Medicine and Stephenson Cancer Center. The 10-year survival rate can be as high as 95 percent when the cancer is caught in its early stages, but only 25 to 30 percent when it’s more advanced. “We have better methods of detection now and more effective ways to screen for prostate cancer,” Cookson says. “The No. 1 way to initially screen men at risk, usually age 55-70, is a (PSA) blood test.”

& W E L L N E S S

If the PSA is elevated, the next step is evaluation by a urologist to determine if additional testing is needed. Cookson said that in determining whether a biopsy is necessary, “We now have more sophisticated biomarker testing and imaging that can be used.” If a biopsy is done and indicates cancer, oncologists consider the patient’s age, overall health, the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer and potential side effects to determine the best therapy. “Some of the best treatments include minimally invasive robotic surgery and hypo-fractionated radiation, along with proton therapy for localized cancers,” Cookson says. “We now have an explosion of combination treatments for more advanced and metastatic disease. In tumors that are resistant to traditional therapy, we now have some precisionmedicine treatments.” Head has had two biopsies, neither of which indicated cancer. He said he is a man of faith and mostly felt at peace about the tests. “Of course, I had some concern, but I think I had more concern for the kids,” says Head, whose three sons are in their late 30s and early 40s. “Prostate cancer is a disease of aging,” Cookson says. Men are also at risk if they have a family history of prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer or ovarian cancer. Prostate cancer is the second-leading cancer killer of men, after lung cancer. Cookson said there is no specific strategy for warding off prostate cancer. “This is the case despite many millions of dollars directed at vitamins and nutritional supplements,” he says. “We suggest men lead a healthy lifestyle, exercise daily if possible and watch their weight. Obviously, we recommend against use of tobacco products and smoking.” Men at increased risk due to race or family history should get a baseline PSA test and examination around age 45, Cookson said. Head said he thinks there is a concerted effort to educate Black men about their higher risk. He’s even heard about it at church. “They advertise it so much, we should know when to go in and get tested,” he says. “You have to be vigilant. I know I won’t live forever, but I’m not going to rush it. If there’s something I know can be cured, I’m going to do it.”

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PROMOTION

Sexual Health & Wellness DESIR EOK C SEXUAL HEALTH AND Wellness Center is a new business in Oklahoma City whose intention is to teach couples and individuals how to “love thyself” through sexual health and wellness counseling, and a multifaceted approach to wellness. Licensed counselor and owner Charity Danker first started Evanescence Counseling 10 years ago. With her direct and interactive therapy approach, she has been helping couples overcome all types of relational struggles. Danker’s specialty is sex therapy. She teaches men and women how to have sacred sex, be present in their bodies, live a healthy life and give themselves permission to have the life and the intimacy they truly desire. Sex therapy isn’t just about sex; rather, it is about improving your overall life and relationship by learning to have a conscious relationship, be in your pleasure and communicate needs. “Our libido and performance is affected by all of the psychosocial factors of our life,” Danker says, “including our interpersonal communication with partners, the stories and beliefs we were taught growing up, a lack of proper sex education, stress, mental health illness, medical illness, even muscular and skeletal system problems. My desire is to offer all the necessary education and treatments for sexual problems in one place.” Inflamed, tense muscles in the body (especially the lower back, legs, glutes, thighs and abdomen) can negatively affect your libido, orgasm and overall sexual functioning, so professional, not erotic, massage is an important component in treatment. The massage, cupping and yoga therapists at DesireOKC understand this so they work the body in such a way as to loosen the

5 9 0 9 N W EX P RESSWAY, OKC O K 7 3 1 3 2 ( 4 0 5 ) 254-0926 • DE SIREOKC. COM

muscles and open the glands, so the body can get proper blood flow and decrease the inflammation, tightness and pain.

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Want to improve your smile or turn those pearly whites even whiter? The following pages offer advice and solutions from dental health experts that will have you beaming with confidence.

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Oral and Maxillofacial Associates WISDOM T E ET H , DE N TA L I M P L A N TS & ORAL MA X ILLOFACI A L SU RGE RY Oral and Maxillofacial Associates is six surgeons in four locations with the goal of improving the health and lives of Oklahomans. The surgeons and staff provide unparalleled customer service and the best results possible, using the most compassionate and innovative surgical techniques for the face, mouth and jaw.

Q+A Q: What is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon? A: An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a specialist in the treatment of disease problems associated with the face, mouth and jaws. The type of problems that we see may be as simple as a tooth extraction or as complicated as jaw fractures and reconstructive or tumor surgery. Educational requirements include graduation from dental school and completion of an approved four- or six-year residency training program, which is typically University and hospital based. Additional training sets an oral and maxillofacial surgeon apart from the rest of the dental field. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are also trained in anesthesia techniques to alleviate the pain and anxiety often associated with dental surgery. Your surgeon at OMA will discuss your anesthetic options for your procedure, ranging from local anesthesia to general anesthesia. Q: Do wisdom teeth always need to be removed? A: Wisdom teeth, the last set of the three sets of molars to emerge, are the most susceptible to problems like impaction and twisting. Conventional wisdom once held that wisdom teeth should be routinely extracted, but this is not always true. If your mouth is healthy, and your wisdom teeth are fully emerged, straight and uncrowded, we will not remove them. However, wisdom teeth that have problems can lead to serious issues such as cysts or tumors and they can cause other teeth to shift. It is always best to remove them before they develop problems, making an early evaluation very important. Q: What are dental implants? A: Essentially, they are artificial teeth roots in the form of a small, titanium screw that is surgically implanted in the jaw, below the gumline. This acts as an anchor for an abutment and crown, forming a natural-looking replacement tooth. The doctors at OMA can perform a dental implant procedure to cover the loss of a single tooth all the way to full dentures. Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing. 46

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Q: Why should I choose a board-certified oral surgeon for my dental implant needs? A: At OMA, we have a team who are all Diplomates of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and members of many prestigious organizations. This means that our oral surgeons have gone above and beyond the standard four-year dental school training, and have proven our mastery and understanding of surgical procedures, like the placement of dental implants. Our surgeons have more than 80 years of combined experience and have placed more than 18,000 dental implants with extremely high success rates. Our surgeon will work with your dentist to help find the best comprehensive solution for each specific patient. This ensures you are getting the very best in expert care.

Left to right: Dr. Tracy McIntire, Dr. Vincent Montgomery, Dr. Scott Searcey, Dr. Drew Wendelken, Dr. Michael Saumur, Dr. Ross Martin

OKC (405) 848-7994 | NORMAN (405) 292-8900 | MWC (405) 733-4296 | EDMOND (405) 341-4022 omaok.com 405MAGAZINE.COM

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Dr. Ryan Theobald, DDS MSD ORT H O DO N T IST Orthodontic Associates has been around for more than 30 years, and their main mission is for you to “Love Your Smile.” They want to create healthy, confident smiles that their patients love, and do so by using the highest quality, modern orthodontic treatments available to achieve excellent results. Dr. Ryan Theobald is one of six doctors at Orthodontic Associates who all work together to team treat their patients. Check out what we he has to say about Invisalign clear aligners and why they might be a great choice for you!

Q+A Q: What are some of the differences of using Invisalign aligners versus traditional braces? A: Some of the major differences when using Invisalign treatment are that you are able to take Invisalign aligners out when you want to eat, plus you can eat whatever you want. With traditional braces, you are limited to some types of foods. One misconception is that a lot of people think there is a huge difference in cost, but at Orthodontic Associates, we offer the same price for Invisalign treatment as we do for traditional braces. Q: Are Invisalign aligners the same as mail-order aligners? A: There is definitely an appeal to mail-order aligners – however, in-person orthodontic treatment allows us to examine and monitor your whole mouth, jaw alignment, teeth, bite function, gum health and relationship of the teeth to your skeletal structures throughout treatment. Mailorder aligners typically are versions of Invisalign aligners made from off-the-shelf materials … along with no in-person doctor supervision. Q: Is Invisalign treatment only for adults? A: Not at all; Invisalign treatment is for kids, teens and adults! We offer Invisalign First, a clear aligner treatment specifically designed for growing pediatric patients ages 6-10 whose growing smile is a combination of baby teeth and permanent teeth. The Invisalign Teen aligners are a great choice during the teenage years, a time when many teens are focused on looking their best for their latest pictures. Q: Does Invisalign treatment work as well as braces? A: Invisalign treatment is actually capable of fully straightening your smile and aligning your bite. Most people hear the myth that it doesn’t work as well as braces, but it can do everything braces can do. It is important to work closely with a doctor who is well-trained in clear aligner treatment to get the best results. 48

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OKC 10914 Hefner Pointe Dr. | 405.947.1526 WEST EDMOND 3000 North Kelly Avenue | (405) 562-2233 EAST EDMOND 101 South Saints Boulevard, Suite 216 (405) 285-2040 INVISALIGN STUDIO 5850 N. Classen Boulevard, Suite B (405) 849-5694 oasmiles.com

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Dr. Noel Williams, Jr DENT IST

Dr. Noel Williams grew up in Oklahoma City with a doctor father, but for Williams, the path was to be dentistry, not medicine. After graduating OU College of Dentistry, he worked at Dental Depot before taking over Dr. Ed Holcomb’s practice in August 2020. The office includes two dental hygienists, and the team can do everything from cleaning and polishing to extractions.

Q+A Q: Why choose dentistry instead of medicine? A: I’ve never had the perfect answer to why I chose dentistry. Growing up in a doctor’s family, I was around healthcare, and I liked a lot of the aspects. I just never liked hospitals. Q: You went to Emory University – the Harvard of the South – in Atlanta, Georgia, for your undergraduate work. What was your program and how does it mesh with your practice now? A: I studied economics before coming back to Oklahoma for dental school. Generally, everyone can benefit from the principles I learned. If you think about how businesses work, about solid practices and things like the advantage of competition, you’re doing economics. I think it also teaches us to provide better care with a better practice. Q: Is there a focus or specialization in your practice? A: We focus on general dentistry, and we welcome patients of all ages. I know it sounds cliché, but we really do emphasize patient service and a caring environment. Trips to the dentist can be stressful, even scary, so we work very hard to minimize the discomfort. Under the banner of general dentistry we handle everything from infant check-ups to root canals. I did a lot of infant check-ups at Dental Depot, and they’re still an important part of what I do. About the only thing we don’t do are implants. Other than that, we care for patients in every phase of life.

6303 N. Portland Ave., Suite 209 | (405) 942-7771 405MAGAZINE.COM

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Dr. Rudd & Dr. Hally DENT ISTS

Coffee Creek Family Dentistry has been providing professional care with a personal touch for Edmond and the surrounding community since 2008. The team at Coffee Creek Family Dentistry offers you and your family the most state-of-the-art, comfortable and personalized dental care available, and their skilled professionals strive to provide a comforting and relaxing environment for all patients, especially younger visitors. Drs. Rudd and Hally volunteered to answer a few questions they frequently receive.

Q+A Q: When should my child first see the dentist? A: As soon as he or she has teeth! The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist by age 1, or within six months after the first tooth erupts. Early visits to the dentist can prevent cavities, ensure that your child’s teeth are erupting properly – and hopefully alleviate dental anxiety. Q: Dentistry is expensive, and I don’t have dental insurance. What options are out there for me? A: Unfortunately, finances can be a big hurdle for people in receiving the proper care that they need. In order to help with this, we offer a membership plan that includes cleanings, x-rays and a discount on all dental procedures. The best part is there are no waiting times or yearly maximums like dental insurance. There are also several organizations in the community that offer dental care at reduced rates. Q: My teeth don’t hurt, so why should I visit a dentist? A: Teeth don’t begin to hurt until the problems are quite large. When a tooth starts to ache, then it likely needs a crown or root canal, or even to be extracted. There is a good chance that your tooth could have been treated less invasively and less expensively if the problem had been caught sooner. Regular visits to the dentist will help catch issues while they are small. Q: Are there more reasons to consider braces or clear aligner therapy than just straight teeth? A: Yes, braces and clear aligner therapy will help you in many other ways in addition to getting a straight smile. Crowded teeth are more difficult to clean, and therefore contribute to cavities and periodontal disease. Additionally, if your bite is not aligned properly, your teeth can chip and wear down. Straight teeth aren’t just for yearbook pictures, and adults are not “too old” for orthodontics.

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Q: Does my oral health affect my overall health? A: Yes! Research has shown that poor oral health is linked to heart disease, premature birth, low birth weight and pneumonia. Many health conditions can also be first detected by signs that appear in your mouth. Regular dental visits are crucial in maintaining your overall health.

2600 Tayler Street, Edmond, OK 73003 | 405.844.6333 coffeecreekfamilydentistry.com

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Dr. Emily Frye ORAL A N D M A X IL LO FACI A L SU RG E RY Dr. Emily Frye is an Amarillo native who obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Oklahoma, and her Doctor of Dental Surgery is from the University of Texas Health Science Center. She completed general practice residency at the VA Medical Center in Oklahoma City and an oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at OU. She is the current vice president of the Oklahoma Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Dr. Frye joined the team at Lakeside Oral Surgery in 2012. Lakeside specializes in multiple procedures, including dental implants, extraction of wisdom teeth, jaw correction surgery and facial trauma reconstruction. When not working, Dr. Frye loves OU football, Thunder basketball and travel. She is the mother of twins.

Q+A Q: What is the most common surgery you perform regularly? A: The typical day-to-day procedure tends to be extraction of teeth, especially wisdom teeth and dental implants. Although those are the most common, many people do not realize that oral surgeons treat anything from the neck up â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and it is not always dental treatment. Other procedures that oral surgeons perform include jaw surgery, bone grafts to support implants, pathology and facial trauma. Q: What are the uses of dental implants? A: Dental implants have multiple purposes such as locking a denture in place, replacing a single tooth or making a bridge to replace several teeth. We are able to place a root form implant into the bone, and the implant has the appearance of a real tooth. Q: What happens if I choose not to have wisdom tooth extraction? A: There are complications some people are not aware of if you choose not to have wisdom teeth removed. They often do not erupt. If left untreated, they could develop cysts or tumors. In addition, patients are at risk of developing cavities, infection or pathology to the adjacent teeth. Dr. Frye advises to remove wisdom teeth while you are young and healthy, in the teenage years to early 20s to make for an easier recovery and avoid complications.

3100 W. Britton Road, Suite A, Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 751-3312 | lakesideoralsurgeryokc.com

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INTRODUCING P.M. BRUNCH! Why wake up early when you can brunch at night! Join us Sundays at Patrono from 4-9 p.m. for an exciting new brunch experience full of Italian character. Our P.M. Brunch menu features both sweet and savory delights, as well as your favorite Patrono classics. Visit our website to see the full menu.

CURBSIDE. CARRY-OUT. DINE-IN. Curbside and Reservations: 405.702.7660 305 N. Walker Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73102

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The Drink 58 Local Flavor 60

Our Daily Bread Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more comforting than the aroma of baked bread and pastries? Quincy Bake Shop brings the notion home. Page 54

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French Flair, Baked Bliss THE WARM, FLAKY JOYS OF THE NEW QUINCY BAKE SHOP BY G REG HOR T ON | PHOTO BY LE X I HOEBING

R ISH A O’DONOGHUE OF QUINC Y Bake Shop moved to Chicago when she was 25 in what she calls the “best biggest move of my life.” The Oklahoma City native had been working as a server and bartender at Red Rock Canyon Grill since college, and now that she’s back in OKC, she still thinks of that time as formative for her work ethic. “They were so strict on standards and specs, and that was important to 18-year-old me,” she says. “It molded me, and taught me the importance of having standards.” A sociology/chemistry major at the University of Oklahoma, O’Donoghue “stuck with chemistry” when she chose baking over medicine. She and her husband were already planning to move to Chicago, and when a friend convinced her to look into professional training, she enrolled at the French Pastry School in downtown Chicago. The name of her bake shop comes from the train stop – Quincy and Wells – outside the school. “Being a baker made so much sense for my personality,” O’Donoghue says. “I grew up playing basketball, and I missed being on a team. Working at a restaurant gives you that same sense of being on a team that’s working toward a common purpose. I love the adrenaline, the pace and teamwork, and I like to make people happy through my food and their experience of it.” Located in the basement of OKC’s Bradford House Hotel, Quincy is a classic French bakery that creates product for retail and wholesale customers. The pastry counter is located inside the hotel restaurant, which is open to the public. “I love the classics,” O’Donoghue says, discussing her menu. “You’re not likely to find a guava, mango, squid ink, matcha Danish in my pastry case. You’ll find awesome seasonal pastries, great cookies and cinnamon rolls.” She’s right about the awesome part; it’s not just boasting. While she acknowledges that French pastries and handmade pastries are showing up in OKC now more than ever, there weren’t many options when she returned to the city in 2019. She wanted to introduce local diners to what she’d

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The pastry case at Quincy Bake Shop is in the restaurant of the Bradford House, perfectly situated for coffee and a pastry.

Trisha O’Donoghue features everything from classic to creative to whimsical -- like this tomato gallette -- at Quincy Bake Shop.

come to love in Chicago: cardamom buns, galettes, real Danishes, a classic croissant. The Danishes are perfect examples of O’Donoghue’s skill. Beautiful, flaky layers rich with butter and a scratch filling that, while sweet, is also nicely balanced. Quincy might singlehandedly rescue the reputation of a delicious pastry, the name of which has come to be synonymous with mass produced,

overly sweet afterthoughts on “free breakfast” menus at chain hotels. She also makes savory Danishes, and like most of what she does, they’ll be seasonally appropriate. The cinnamon roll is American style, with cream cheese frosting and a gooey center. The good news is that it’s delicious from the outside to the inside, so there’s no need to fight over the center. Yes, it’s big enough to share. “About 70 percent of what we’ll feature will be standard, seasonal and classic offerings,” O’Donoghue says. “That allows us room to play, to offer fun one-offers like the tomato galette.” Quincy sold out quickly every day right after the hotel opened, but O’Donoghue said that has changed. “We have breakfast items all morning, and then non-breakfast in the afternoon. We bake throughout the day. If you want breakfast items, though, the best experience is definitely before noon.”

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A Better Way Forward Connecting people involved with the criminal justice system to needed resources and supports to help them become contributing, responsible and safe members of the community.

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Pastry Pleasures LOCAL TWISTS ON SWEET AND SAVORY TREATS BY G REG HOR T ON | PHOTO BY LE X I HOEBING

N E O F T H E E A S I E S T WAY S T O S E T T L E T H E O L D Pop-Tart vs. Toaster Strudel feud from childhood is to make stops at Stitch Cafe and The Market at Commonplace, where you’ll find grown-up versions of both. Daniela Cooper of Coop.Cake is the baker behind the hand pies at the Market, and they’re definitely a bit of an homage to the toaster pastries of her childhood – with the added ingredient of formal pastry training in San Francisco. “We worked on them in school,” Cooper says. “It was our introduction to laminating, and I got the idea of this version doing plated desserts in San Francisco.” Why call a beautifully layered, buttery, flaky pastry filled with fresh scratch-made jam a hand pie? “I thought it was more approachable,” Cooper says. Many Oklahomans grew up with the style offered by Arbuckle Fried Pies: a circle of biscuit-like dough, filled with a dollop of jam, folded over to a half-moon shape with the edges crimped. The pie was then placed into hot grease, and out came a fresh fried pie, perfect for dessert and super inexpensive. But hand pies are popular in nearly every culture, and not just sweet; savory as well. At Stitch, Chad Grubbs still offers both sweet and savory in a pop-tart style that he used to make at Okay Yeah before moving to West Village. “It’s a nostalgia thing, for sure,” he says. “I used to throw a Pop-Tart in my backpack on the way to school.” The strawberry-prickly, made with strawberry and prickly pear jam, is still a best-seller, and rightly so: It’s sweet without being cloying, and

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An assortment of hand pies from Elemental Coffee, The Market at Commonplace and Stitch.

sprinkles aside, it’s an adult indulgence. On the savory side, the chorizo, egg and cheese is one of the best, most portable breakfasts in the urban core. As is the bacon, egg and cheese. Like their pop-tart inspirations, the dough is denser than Cooper’s, but it’s what we expect from a pop-tart style. “We make the dough fresh every day,” Grubbs says, “and our menu is divided down the middle between tarts (as Stitch calls them) and tacos. Tarts outsell the tacos, which have house-made tortillas, about 60-40.” Elena Farrar makes the traditional Oklahoma-style hand pies at Elemental Coffee, and she, too, opts for sweet and savory. Like all her food, flavor combinations definitely lean toward the complex side of the spectrum. The blueberry, lemon and thyme sells so fast she has to text certain special regulars when they’re available. Ham and Gruyere is another popular option. “They’re definitely comfort food, and they’re part of our childhood,” Farrar says. “I just wanted to make some that are a bit more grown-up, with flavor combinations I like personally.” Elemental and The Market at Commonplace have the hand pies irregularly, although Cooper usually puts some out most days at the Market. Her business is still in the formative stage; she does most everything via Coop.Cake on Instagram, and she’s using customer input as market research. Stitch has all its tarts available daily.

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Distinctive designs. Exceptional home furnishings. 405.608.8899 | 3409 S. Broadway, Suite 100, Edmond (33rd & Broadway) | traditionsedmond.com

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Raptor Ridge Barrel Select Pinot Noir, on the by-the-glass menu at Vast.

Giving Thanks for Pinot A PERFECT PAIRING FOR NOVEMBER FEASTS BY G REG HOR T ON | PHOTO S BY LE X I HOEBING

I N O T AT A T H A N K S G I V I N G dinner is such a commonly suggested pairing that it’s fair to wonder how it became so common. “Pinot and poultry, not just turkey, work beautifully together,” says Amie Hendrickson, an Oklahoma City certified sommelier who went to work for TEXSOM (Texas Sommelier Conference) after many years at Vance Gregory’s Edmond Wine Shop. “That means it was probably inspired by Burgundy years ago. It’s been a thing as long as I’ve been in the business.” The U.S. doesn’t really have a region comparable to France’s Burgundy, but Oregon likely comes closest. “It’s easy to overgeneralize about Oregon,” Hendrickson 58

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says. “In terms of character, it’s somewhere between California and Burgundy – lighter than California’s style and with more fruit than Burgundy. The truth is, with 730-plus wineries, you can get a lot of variations of that grape.” Annie Shull, who owns Raptor Ridge Winery in Newberg, Oregon, along with her husband Scott, agrees. “We’re a house that pulls fruit from single vineyards in four of the seven main AVAs in one valley (Willamette Valley),” she says. “When you produce Pinot from all over the valley, you can really see how the different soil types and terroirs create different expressions of the same grape. It’s easier to see how the hand of different winemakers affects the Pinot.”

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One generalization that seems to hold true is that Oregon does in fact produce Pinot with more fruit and less funk than Burgundy, while avoiding California’s bombastic styles that are the product both of warmer climates and winemaking techniques. What Oregon offers for Thanksgiving dinner, according to Shull, is “acid balance in a lighter style with good fruit that pairs well with different preparations of turkey, and because things like cranberries and rhubarb are on the table and in the flavors in the bottle, you get a nice pairing.” The other advantage to Pinot is that it’s red. “Some people want red wine no matter what it’s being served with,” Hendrickson says. That’s definitely true in Oklahoma, where we seem to have an abundance of red-only drinkers. And unlike varietals such as Cabernet or Syrah, it won’t overpower the turkey. Oregon also has some of the strictest labeling laws in the business, which guarantees to some degree the product in the bottle. If the bottle says “Pinot Noir,” it has to be 90 percent Pinot at a minimum, and if it has one of Oregon’s famous AVAs – Chehalem Mountains, Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity, etc. – on the bottle, 95 percent of the grapes have to come from that region. For classic Oregon Pinot, start with Raptor Ridge and Stoller Family Estate. Both have been longtime friends of the Oklahoma City market. Elk Cove, Bergstrom and Eyrie (another of Hendrickson’s favorites) are some of the quality, old-school names in the region. For a brawnier style, Archery Summit and Ken Wright are trusted names. For newcomers to Oregon Pinot Noir (and it’s really pronounced “nwah,” unfortunately – blame the French), Hendrickson suggested Mouton Noir and Wine by Joe. “Oregon Pinot can often land in that tier between $30 and $50, so it’s not always affordable,” she says. “Those two are much more affordable, and they’re real Pinot.” So is Bow & Arrow Willamette Valley Pinot, which you can find around town for about $20.

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Oklahoma City, OK 73134

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D I N I N G

L O C A L

F L AV O R

Restaurant Guide These listings are not related to advertising in 405 Magazine. If you find that a restaurant differs significantly from the information in its listing or your favorite restaurant is missing from the list, please let us know. Email info@405magazine.com

Designation $ MOST ENTREES UNDER $10 $$$ MOST ENTREES OVER $25

Clark Crew Bbq Travis Clark reached the pinnacle of pit master-dom when he won Jack Daniel’s competition, and he’s brought the delicious brisket, burnt ends, championship beans and the best cornbread ever to OKC. 3510 NW Expy, OKC, 724.8888 $$$

A M ER I C A N Black Walnut The eclectic, creative cuisine is hard to categorize, but Chef Andrew Black delivers seafood, chops, steaks, and healthy fare with equal attention to detail and beautiful presentation. Always say yes to the fish, and the cocktails are excellent as well. 100 NE 4, OKC, 445-6273 $$$

George’s Happy Hog A well-kept secret among State Capitol workers, the word is finally getting out. The turkey and greens are worth the trip, and if you’re hungry add potato salad and rib ends. 712 Culbertson Dr., OKC, 525.8111 $$

The Hamilton Tucked into Northpark Mall, this Okie-centric supper club features upscale casual dining with regional favorites like bison tartare, quail and steaks, as well as an excellent wine list and creative cocktails. 12232 N. May, OKC, 849.5115 $$$ The Jones Assembly From biscuits to Nashville Hot Chicken to burgers and healthy options, The Jones Assembly serves up eclectic, creative fare, including one of the city’s best brunches, excellent cocktails, and a solid wine list. 901 W Sheridan, OKC, 212.2378 $$$ Vast Keeping your attention on the elegant cuisine might be difficult; the view from atop the Devon Tower is truly unparalleled in Oklahoma, making this a fantastic date spot. 280 W Sheridan, 49th floor, OKC, 702.7262 $$$

ASIAN Queen of Eggrolls Chef KC Chansombat specializes in traditional Laotian food, and while her egg rolls are the reason many discover her, the larb, nam khao and capoon are what eventually keeps them coming back. 2815a NW 10th, OKC, 769.2417 $$ Tokyo It’s neither huge nor lavishly appointed, and the menu focuses on tradition rather than creativity; but it’s palpably fresh and routinely cited as among the metro’s best sushi. 7516 N Western, OKC, 848.6733 $$

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La Baguette Comfortable ambience and exquisite baking make a tres chic destination for brunch and beyond. 1130 Rambling Oaks, Norman, 329.1101; 2100 W Main, Norman, 329.5822 $

BARBECUE

$$ MOST ENTREES $10 TO $25

B A K ERY

Swadley’s Bar-B-Q This family-owned barbecue joint has five metro locations, so they’re convenient for just about anyone. It’s traditional bbq, with brisket, chicken, sausages, hot links, and even a catfish dinner -- a local favorite. The sandwiches and fries, especially the Firehouse, are solid lunch choices. 4000 N. Rockwell. Bethany 470.4343 $$

B R E A K FA S T & B RU N C H Café Antigua Authentic Guatemalan food in OKC, with traditional dishes like motuleños, machaca, and refried black beans. Full coffee service is available, and you’ll want extra green sauce. 1903 N. Classen Blvd., OKC, 602.8984 $$

relaxation destination in the Plaza District stays popular. 1630 N Blackwelder, OKC, 601.1400 $ Nic’s Grill This is the one everyone talks about, including Guy Fieri. Ask a local where to get a burger, they’re going to say Nic’s. It’s a classic onion burger, but somehow so much more. 1201 N Penn, OKC, 524.0999. $

C O F F EEH O U S E & TE A ROOM Elemental Coffee Seriously spectacular coffee roasted in-house, augmented with locally sourced salads, breakfast options and other vegetarian and vegan friendly treats and entrees. 815 N Hudson, OKC, 633.1703 $ T, An Urban Teahouse Proving that an establishment’s focus can be at once narrow and broad, these retreats offer over 100 varieties and expert counsel to explore a world of possibili-teas. 519 NW 23rd, OKC $

C O N T IN EN TA L Ludivine The menu adjusts constantly to reflect availability of elite-quality, locally sourced ingredients - but every dish is the result of genuine culinary artistry. 805 N Hudson, OKC, 778.6800 $$$ The Metro A perennial favorite that feels comfortably upscale, the far-reaching menu covers culinary high points from vichyssoise to crème brulée. 6418 N Western, OKC, 840.9463 $$$

F R EN C H Café Cuvée A classic French bistro in the Ambassador Hotel, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch. Choose from fresh oysters, beef Bourguignon, Dover sole, escargots, and delicious French desserts. 1200 N. Walker, OKC, 600.6200 $$ La Baguette Bistro Les Freres Buthion have deep roots in the city’s culinary landscape, and this flagship combines fine dining with a great bakery, deli and butcher on site. 7408 N May, OKC, 840.3047 $$

G ER M A N Royal Bavaria Superb takes on traditional dishes like Weinerschnitzel, Jagerbraten and sausages, plus fantastisch house-brewed beers. The time spent is a worthy investment. 3401 S Sooner, Moore, 799.7666 $$$

IN D I A N Sheesh Mahal While billed as a combination of Pakistani and Indian cuisine, the menu will be familiar to fans of Indian food, with butter chicken, delicious curries, basmati rice, and fresh naan. You won’t find a buffet in the building, but you get complementary tea with every meal. 4621 N. May, OKC, 778.8469 $$

I TA L I A N & P I Z Z A Gabriella’s Italian Grill The current “Best Italian” according to 405 readers, Gabriella’s specializes in rustic Italian like pizza, hearty pasta sauces, and lasagne. An eclectic wine list adds to the experience. 1226 NE 23rd, OKC, 478.4955 $$

Neighborhood Jam Serving tasty takes on classic American dishes and more specialized options, this breakfast-centric spot aims to become a community favorite. 15124 Lleytons Court, Edmond, 242.4161 $ Sunnyside Diner Traditional breakfast spot in multiple locations, serving excellent classic breakfasts, as well as specialty items like Eggs in Purgatory and verde tamales. 824 SW 89, OKC, 703.0011 $

B U R G ERS & S A N D W I C H ES The Mule Solid beer and beverage selection plus a delectable array of gourmet grilled cheeses and melts; this 405MAGAZINE.COM

Smoked wings and fried sweet pickles at Clark Crew

Patrono Not only is Chef Jonathan Krell’s food some of the best in OKC, the service at Patrono is professional, friendly and seamless. Krell is as adept at seafood as pasta and chops, so it’s impossible to go wrong with this spectacular menu. 305 N Walker, OKC, 702.7660 $$ Victoria’s A relaxed atmosphere for enjoying superb pasta – the chicken lasagna and linguine with snow crab are especially excellent. 215 E. Main, Norman, 329.0377; 3000 SW 104th, OKC, 759.3580 $

M ED I T ER R A N E A N & A F R I C A N Cous Cous Cafe Authentic Moroccan food in the heart of Oklahoma City, featuring tagines, moussaka, bastilla and traditional dishes like hummus, kabobs, shawarma. 5620 N May, OKC, 286.1533 $$ Nunu’s Mediterranean Café If there is another place in the metro to get hashwa, we don’t know of it, and if you’ve never had it, go to Nunu’s immediately. The popular Lebanese dish is the main draw, but the traditional favorites—kabobs, tabouli and hummus— are also excellent. 3131 W Memorial Rd., OKC, 751.7000 $$

ME XICAN & L AT I N A M ER I C A N Café Kacao A sunlit space filled with bright, vibrant flavors from the zesty traditions of Guatemala. Lunch possibilities beckon, but it’s the breakfast specialties that truly dazzle. 3325 N Classen, OKC, 602.2883 $ El Fogon De Edgar Colombian food made from family recipes is the heart of this hidden gem. A bowl of aji verde accompanies every meal and it should be ladled liberally on nearly everything, including flank steak, morcilla, arroz con pollo and patacones. 7220 S Western, OKC, 602.6497 $$

PIZ Z A Empire Slice House This was the city’s first by-theslice pizzeria, but you can also get full pies, giant meatballs, fresh salads, and a great selection of cocktails and local beer. The full menu is also available late night inside or on the excellent patio. 1804 NW 16, OKC, 557.1760 $ Pizzeria Gusto Neapolitan-style pizza (which uses an extremely hot fire to quickly cook superfine flour crusts) stars alongside Italy-inspired entrees, pastas and appetizers. 2415 N Walker, OKC, 437.4992 $$

P L A N T B A S ED & V E G E TA R I A N Plant The Midtown restaurant features beautiful, creative vegan cuisine--including ice cream--for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Food is fresh, smoothies are made without ice, and flavor is the focus. A small selection of beer and wine is also available. 1120 N. Walker, OKC, 225.1314 $$

SE AFOOD The Drake The Good Egg Group’s flagship and a standard-bearer for diners who crave excellent seafood, it serves chef’s creations featuring the sea’s finest, plus an oyster bar and tempting cocktails. 519 NW 23rd, OKC $$$

SOUL FOOD Brielle’s Bistro Blueberry beignets are the draw, but Chef Dwayne Johnson’s gumbo, etouffee, and catfish round out a Southern menu with Louisiana spice. 9205 NE 23, OKC, 259-8473 $$

At Rococo, food is love, and we’re excited to now serve you that love at our newest location on Western. Opening soon!

Florence’s For more than 60 years, this eastside eatery has been serving crispy fried chicken, hearty meatloaf, tangy greens, and all the country cooking associated with soul food. Don’t leave without trying the pear pie. 1437 NE 23rd, OKC, 427.3663 $$

S O U T H W ES T ER N Cheever’s Southwestern-influenced recipes (the chicken-fried steak is a house specialty) and love of seafood drive the contemporary comfort food in one of the city’s finest dining destinations. 2409 N Hudson, OKC, 525.7007 $$

loverococo.com | 4308 N. Western

Hacienda Tacos Quality, of both ingredients and execution, and variety make this restaurant in Northpark a pleasure to visit, and to explore the menu again and again. 12086 N May, OKC, 254.3140 $

STE AKHOUSE Boulevard Steakhouse Perfectly soigné ambiance down to the last detail and cuisine easily in the metro’s elite – a sumptuous, if pricy, masterpiece. 505 S Boulevard, Edmond, 715.2333 $$$ Cattlemen’s Almost as old as the state itself, this Oklahoma institution’s immense corn-fed steaks and matchless atmosphere are history served anew every day. 1309 S Agnew, OKC, 236.0416 $$ Mahogany Prime Steakhouse The ambiance and service are sublime, but fine aged steak broiled to perfection is the star. 3241 W Memorial, OKC, 748.5959; 100 W Main, OKC, 208.8800 $$$

Join us this fall on our heated patio for artisanal, brick-oven pizza. Made from scratch daily.

Opus Prime Steakhouse A beautiful interior contributes to the experience of the excellent food and service, and the wine list is exceptional. Prime steak, seafood, chops, lamb and hearty appetizers make this a class steakhouse experience. 800 W. Memorial Rd., OKC, 607.6787 $$$$

For more, visit 405magazine.com/Eat-Drink

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7108 N. Western Ave, Suite D1, OKC & 300 W. Wilshire Blvd, OKC 405.242.2227 | @artisantilestudio.com

Home

Entertaining 101

At Home With 66 Design 68

Tailor-made Monique and Justin Naifeh create a space that accommodates family and function. Page 68

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Florals and vegetables from the garden or the market make for a colorful and flavorful fall table.

Harvest Showcase SHARING THE BEST OF EARTH’S BOUNTY BY SA R A G A E WAT ERS | PHOTO S BY R ACHEL M AUCIER I

HILE SUMMER YIELDED MANY CROPS FROM THE sudden explosion of home and backyard gardens, fall is also a time for the harvest. Late plantings in the summer can lead to some beautiful greens and vegetables. Combining fresh pickings on your table with a few flowers for a colorful centerpiece is a great way to show them off.

Not to worry if gardening is not your thing. There is no shame in grabbing some beets, baby carrots, radishes, artichokes and squash from your local market if need be. There’s a dual purpose, as well – not only will a table laden with such veggies make a beautiful setting, but you can chop, steam or boil them up for a secondary use. Votive candles nestled in can set the mood. Add in your tabletop decor of choice and you are ready to usher in a season of fall entertaining. A simple, traditional French snack can be a great appetizer – the ingredients are easy: fresh radishes, butter and sea salt. Slice up some radishes and splurge on a good French butter and sea salt, or serve them whole with individual servings of butter and salt to dip the radishes into. Spicy but delicious!

THE “COINTREAU CAROTTE” COCKTAIL To combine the French influence with

2 oz. Cointreau

Muddle the basil leaves in

our vegetable theme, try this unique

1 oz. fresh lime juice

a highball glass. Combine

and beautiful cocktail. The recipe is

4 oz. fresh carrot juice

ingredients over ice. Stir briefly.

for one, but you can double, triple or

3 basil leaves

Garnish with a baby carrot and

quadruple as needed.

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basil leaf. Enjoy!

Custom solutions for better living

californiaclosets.com

4 05 .8 4 4 .4 8 8 0

D O W N T O W N E D M O N D 111 S. Broadway

H O M E

W I T H

A Knack for Nesting AT HOME WITH IVY PIERCE BY SA R A G A E WAT ERS PHOTO BY R ACHEL M AUCIER I

V Y P I E R C E , OW N E R A N D principal designer of boutique design firm Ivy Pierce Interiors, is masterful in her vision for home spaces that people dream of living in. With a keen eye for what not only looks beautiful, but fits her clients’ personalities and lifestyles, Pierce’s proficiency for good design and pleasing aesthetics is clearly shown in her projects. With a background education in interior design, first-hand experience with an icon in the design world, travel and many projects under her belt, Ivy Pierce brings talent and fortitude to every project.

How did you get started in the interior design business? I think I come by the inclination to decorate naturally. My whole family is full of wonderfully artistic homemakers; I’m just the first one to make a living out of this knack for nesting. My earliest professional design experience came when I was at (University of Oklahoma) getting my design degree, and the late, great Charles Faudree was commissioned to redecorate my sorority house. I introduced myself to him in the lunch line and before lunch was over, I’d lined up an internship. My formal education was primarily focused on commercial design, but Charles really taught me to love residential design – working with families and creating a true home for clients. After college, I spent several years as a design assistant at a local firm before deciding it was the right time to branch out on my own.

If you could pick one time period to live in, in relation to design, lifestyle or architecture, what would it be? Without a doubt, I’d have to say the Regency Era. I am a self-proclaimed Jane Austen superfan and would love to transport myself to that 66

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Designer Ivy Pierce utilizes an innate “knack for nesting.”

All old souls like myself whose work embodies classic design with a fresh, youthful twist. time period. The fashion, the architecture and design – it’s all so inspiring.

What designer, artist or icon has inspired you the most in relation to your work and why? I have always admired Mary McDonald, Dorothy Draper and Sister Parish for their fabulous and fearless designs. I also am constantly inspired by many talented young designers like Mark Sikes, Amy Berry, Clary Bosbyshell Welsh and Cece Barfield Thompson. All old souls like myself whose work embodies classic design with a fresh, youthful twist.

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Is there a trend you are seeing in design right now that you are interested in? I definitely relate to the new traditionalist or “Grandmillennial” movement. I love that antique brown furniture, skirted tables, pleated lampshades and floral chintz fabrics are popular again, but in my opinion, these classic design elements never went out of style to begin with.

What is your favorite room to design and decorate? I love to design living rooms, as they are truly the heart of the home; but I have a special place in my heart for nurseries. There is so

much hope and positivity that surrounds the preparation for a new baby, and it’s a joy to be a part of that process. We welcomed our first baby in December, and I relished the chance to design my dream nursery for her. It’s full of antique and vintage finds, beautiful botanical prints and a treillage ceiling.

What space in your home do you love and why? My favorite space these days isn’t even inside. We just completed a full remodel of our backyard. We started construction two weeks before our daughter was born – yes, we are those crazy people! My husband, Mark, is a landscape designer, so we really had a blast getting to work together on this project. We took out all of our grass and installed a beautiful new paver patio and artificial turf, so our two German Shepherds can no longer track red mud into the house! Thankfully, the project was wrapped up in time for spring (and quarantine).

Realizing the answers are different for each client, what are your personal preferences when it comes to these design categories?

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Wallpaper or paint? Wallpaper. Whether it’s a bold statement paper or a more subdued textural grass cloth, papers instantly transform a room. In my opinion, no powder bath is complete without a good paper. • Neutrals or color? Color. I find color psychology so fascinating, and truly believe the right mix of colors can have an incredible impact on our happiness at home. For me personally, that joy comes from vibrant blues, greens and pinks. • Wall-to-wall carpet or rugs? I absolutely prefer rugs, not only for their beauty, but for their practicality. I always suggest rugs for clients who live with pets and small children, because they can be cleaned easily onsite and removed for specialty cleaning if necessary. My favorite rugs in our home were brought back from a trip to India, and we adore them. I also frequently cut and bind broadloom carpet to create custom rugs for clients. I’ve done this in my own home, as well. 405MAGAZINE.COM

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The Naifeh homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open-concept layout encourages family connectedness.

A Family Place 68

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The master bedroom provides a peaceful retreat that includes a private sitting area.

for Everything INSIDE MONIQUE AND JUSTIN NAIFEH’S P E R F E C T LY TA I L OR E D HOM E BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER

PHOTOS BY DON RISI

HEN MON IQU E NAIFEH COMMISSION ED HER friend and decorator Bebe MacKellar to find a bigger kitchen table, MacKellar envisioned much more. “I thought we were just buying a new table,” Naifeh says, laughing. “She came in, looked and measured and said, ‘Why don’t you just add on?’” MacKellar answered Naifeh’s request for more gathering space by blowing out kitchen walls and creating a new sitting area – a casual, inviting nook with tons of natural light. Monique and Justin Naifeh, along with children Jack, Caroline and Kate, love to host their extensive Lebanese family. A group of cousins is 20 people, easily. Adding more space was the ideal, albeit unexpected, solution. “Bebe knows how people live, [asking clients] ‘How do you live in your house? What’s going to be convenient for you?’” Naifeh says. “From the get-go, I was constantly trying to create better spaces for them to live as a family,” MacKellar says. “The beautiful part, I can always take care of that – but to get a house to function well, that really is one of my passions.” The Naifeh family moved into their Nichols Hills home in 2010. Built in 2006, the property on Camden Way was move-in ready, bigger than their previous home and just what they needed with young children in tow. However, as they’ve lived and grown in this home throughout the past 10 years, the Naifehs have found ways to enhance the home’s beauty, function and flow. In 2014, they added the second living room. In 2017, they remodeled the kitchen. In 2018, they built a pool. Last year, the master bathroom got all the attention.

An Anthropologie coffee table inspired design direction for the space.

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D E S I G N The marble-and-gold backsplash and cherry wine island highlight the kitchen. The Naifehs collaborated with Bebe MacKellar to add on a second living room.

“It’s been a journey, but we’re happy with it. It’s livable,” Naifeh says. “It’s nice to have a place where you walk in and you feel calm, happy and relaxed. There’s a space for everything to fit and put stuff away. It just works.” Life at the Naifeh home can be active. Caroline may be practicing pulls with her field hockey stick on the carpet, while Kate dribbles a basketball across the kitchen. Jack is probably cuddled up with Cosmo, their golden retriever, on the sofa (even though Cosmo isn’t supposed to be on the sofa). It’s likely Justin is sitting at the kitchen island, catching up with Monique as she cooks dinner. The open-concept kitchen and living areas encourage family interaction, while private bedrooms and bathrooms provide individual privacy when desired. “It never looks perfect because people live here and make a mess, but I love that there’s enough space to do that,” Naifeh says. In addition to making the family home more functional, each project has provided an opportunity to showcase the Naifehs’ personal style – classic with an eclectic, playful edge. The design mixes French antiques,

Soft grays and blues envelop the master bathroom through Designers Guild Delahaye wallpaper and Walker Zanger Jet Set Cadet Blue marble.

crystal chandeliers and marble tile with textured wall papers, modern light fixtures, detailed patterns and punches of color. The kitchen remodel started as a way to make the island more userfriendly. It ended with a reconfigured layout that has made everything more user-friendly. At the same time, they installed a stunning backsplash: AKDO Luminous Beam Calacatta honed marble with gold. Naifeh discovered the detailed marble-and-gold design at Young Brothers, and it was her must-have for the kitchen. When she found out it was beyond their budget, she selected a less expensive tile for the butler’s pantry to make it possible. The backsplash and kitchen island, painted in Cherry Wine by Benjamin Moore, are the stars of the kitchen. “I’ve never been afraid of a little bit of color,” Naifeh says. “We were talking about doing blue. Then Bebe came in and said, ‘What do you think about pink? Everyone’s doing blue now. We should do something different.’” The deep pink color was unusual – and it was perfect.

IT’S NICE TO HAVE A PLACE WHERE YOU WALK IN AND YOU FEEL CALM, HAPPY AND RELAXED. THERE’S A SPACE FOR EVERYTHING TO FIT AND PUT STUFF AWAY; IT JUST WORKS.” – Monique Naifeh

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French antiques and a crystal chandelier add elegance to the formal dining room.

Kate, Caroline, Monique, Justin and Jack Naifeh keep the home active – along with Cosmo, the dog.

“I love to push my clients,” MacKellar says. “If you’re going to hire a decorator, a decorator should be the person who gives you confidence to try out some things that you wouldn’t do on your own, because you don’t know how they would really be executed.” Most recently, Naifeh and MacKellar partnered to renovate the master bathroom and closets, including converting the unused formal living space at the front of the home into Monique’s closet. Before, the room was becoming a catch-all for belongings. No one really went in there, and it was too small for entertaining. They walled off the room’s original doorway and, in its place, added a beautiful entry niche with gold Weitzner Oracle wall covering contrasting against a dark gray painted background. “Monique has a very warm spirit, and I thought the tactile feeling of the wall covering really brought in that warmth when you enter the home,” MacKellar says. Another bonus: The piano that was located in the formal living room was moved to the middle of their communal space. With more prominent placement, the piano is getting played more now, bringing even more liveliness into the home. The master bathroom features Designers Guild Delahaye wall paper, a contemporary marbled pattern, and marble floors in AKDO Herringbone Calacatta, bordered by Walker Zanger Jet Set Cadet Blue. The overall effect is a peaceful blend of soft blues and grays. “It’s pretty great,” Naifeh says with a pleased smile. “We spent so much time really ironing out the details so both Monique and Justin got the space they craved,” MacKellar says. “It’s such a nice retreat for them and their busy lives to have a pretty area.” Strong friendship and client-designer trust helped create this home. Naifeh will lock onto a piece that inspires her – a piece of furniture or decorative finish – and MacKellar will run with it. It’s a partnership that has functioned as well as their home. “We hire people who are good at their job, and then we try to stay out of their way so they can do their job,” Naifeh says. “I’ve said ‘no’ sometimes to Bebe, but she knows me pretty well. I have a lot of faith that she has good taste, and she knows my taste, and she’s going to get it right.” Who knows where the next project will take them? Only time will tell.

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Out & About

Road Trip

Prime Picks

Social Hour

Engaging the Past The Monastery at Forest Park B&B offers accommodations with breakfast and a side

COURTESY OF J.R. DOTY

of history. Page 78

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T R I P

The Pierce’s vintage Ford pickup welcomes guests to The Monastery at Forest Park bed-and-breakfast.

Steeped in History A BED-AND-BREAKFAST WITH A LIVELY LINEAGE BY MELIS SA MERCER HOW ELL | PHOTO S BY R ACHEL WAT ERS

S TAY AT N E W B E D A N D B R E A K FA S T T H E Monastery at Forest Park is a way of coming into close contact with a remarkable past. Once home to Oklahoma oilman and politician Robert S. Kerr, the nearly century-old property at 3500 N Coltrane later served as a monastery to Orthodox monks – hence its moniker, “The Monastery.” Nestled among oak, walnut and bald cypress trees, the Monastery’s 15 acres contain a small lake rife with fish and waterfowl. It is a setting uniquely tailored to its origins as a 1920s men’s retreat for the city’s oil barons and high rollers. Owners Matthew and Sharyn Pierce, who have dedicated much of their time to researching the Monastery’s history, said the dwelling likely holds untold secrets due to its unusual construction. “A bunch of oilmen looking to create a private lodge created a corporation called the Anglers Association. They purchased 40 acres and began construction here in 1925,” says Matthew Pierce. “This was a gated, with 18-inch stone-wall, fortress with a double front door. If you could get through the first door – about a 100-pound front door – you would enter another small chamber. Then you had to get into the next door, which brought you into the parlor and ballroom, which is now the wedding chapel.” Pierce suspects the house probably served as a speakeasy during Oklahoma’s Prohibition years given the privacy measures that went into the design of the entrance. It even has a hidden door at the back of what was then the parlor, leading to a tunnel beneath the house and exiting near the lake. 78

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The original native sandstone structure included four bedrooms plus servants’ quarters, and was suitably located near Twin Hills Golf and Country Club, which dates back to 1920. “They had a maid and a cook that stayed in what we now call the Cottage,” Pierce says. “And it was on the far edge of Oklahoma City at that time, so it was definitely a hideaway.” A November 1941 photo of oilman Robert S. Kerr with wife Grayce and their four children. Photo courtesy of The Oklahoman

The Travelers’ Delight room offers patrons a rustic, rural feel.

But the Roaring ’20s gave way to the Depression Era and oil prices plummeted. Compared to other states, Oklahoma suffered the third-greatest decline in income between 1929 and 1932, according to Oklahoma History Center statistics. Members of the Anglers Association likely were forced to abandon their affluent lifestyles, and eventually sold the home in 1934 to one of the group’s prominent members, Robert S. Kerr, according to Pierce’s records. Kerr “moved his family in in 1935 and they were here until The Monastery sits at the edge of a picturesque lake with fish and waterfowl.

The bridal suite and former Kerr master bedroom features a view of the lake and a working fireplace.

The Monastery’s great room features comfortable seating with foosball and pool tables.

1949. So, he (lived here when he was elected) Oklahoma governor in 1943 and U.S. senator in 1947,” Pierce says. Kerr sold the property in 1949 to physician John P. Colmore and wife, Jean, who raised five children there. Upon John Colmore’s death, Jean Colmore then sold it in 1970 to 13 Orthodox monks from Illinois. During their tenure on the property, the monks of Holy Protection Orthodox Monastery drew national attention for their unusual enterprises, which included the tending and raising of ostriches, developing a bread-baking concern called Brother John’s Bread and serving as volunteer firefighters in the Forest Park community. “They were here from 1970 to 1988,” Pierce said. “My first memories (of this place) were buying bread here as a child. ‘60 Minutes,’ ‘Real People,’ Chicago Tribune, Time – they all did features on the firefighting, ostrich-raising, bread-baking monks.” Over the next two decades, the property sold to another family who added onto the original dwelling, increasing the square footage to accommodate a total of seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms. That family, too, ultimately moved on, leaving the home mostly unoccupied for several years, Pierce said. “We came (to Forest Park) in 2018 looking for a tiny house on a lake and found this place. We Google-searched ‘pond … pool … trees … house’ and this came up. It was ‘pond … pool … trees … and 11,000 square feet of insanity,’” he says. “The house was just a nightmare. It hadn’t been lived in in years – had been on the market for five years. Nothing worked. But every Sunday we’d come back in the afternoon and look and walk – and thought it would make a great bed and breakfast.” The Pierces bought the property and opened that bed and breakfast in 2019. It features three guest rooms, a wedding chapel, a bridal suite – which served as the Kerrs’ master bedroom – and the former servant quarters, now called “The Cottage.” The property also offers a great room with dining tables for breakfast, swimming pool, patio with fire pit, fishing and a hot tub. So far, the Pierces have remained busy, even through the pandemic. And while travelers may come for the aesthetics, Pierce, a gifted storyteller, ensures they leave with a sense of Oklahoma’s very colorful history. “We’ve hosted guests from 41 states and six countries including Russia and China,” he says. “It’s just growing and growing and growing. The customers are coming in from everywhere.”

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Hitting the Right Note NOVEMBER USHERS IN VIRTUAL CONCERTS FOR EVERY TASTE BY BR A ND ON K ING

USIC IS T HE CONNECT IV E T ISSUE BET WEEN the heart and soul; the transition from stranger to friend and the universal language of those seeking a new experience. Our current time has proven difficult for both performer and patron, since the majority of the scheduled festivals and concerts are canceled. Nevertheless, music always finds a way. In the annual time of giving thanks, we at 405 Magazine would like to show our gratitude for the musicians who choose to showcase their artistry via livestream for those staying safe at home. Thank you for filling our homes and hearts with music.

CLASSROOM CLASSICS Classical music is meant to be experienced, not simply heard. Thankfully, the University of Oklahoma School of Music gives homebound audiences a chance to do that in its fall semester livestream. Throughout the month of November, listeners may tune in almost every day to hear the performances of young musicians as they play pieces such as the “Sutton Concert Series: Academia Filarmonica” and “Nuclear Okra.” Information can be found at ou.edu/finearts/music/live.

S P O T L I G H T, P L E A S E ! Oklahoma is home to a pantheon of musical icons known around the world. When it comes to jazz and blues, there is no other quite like Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame inductee the Charles Burton Band. Fans can enjoy a soulful experience 40 years in the making from 7-9 p.m. Nov. 12. The livestream virtual experience is sponsored by the Oklahoma City Arts Council’s Spotlight Concert Series. For more information, visit artscouncilokc.com/event/charles-burton-blues-band.

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PHOTOS PROVIDED

UCO JAZZ LAB Jazz is a timeless, uncontainable style of music. From a concert hall to a living room couch, this music is infectious; something the performers of this month’s UCO Jazz Lab Jazz Combos Concert know well. Join the Jazz Lab musicians on Nov. 18 and 19 as they play a variety of jazz stylings, including New Orleans-style, smooth jazz and a touch of funk. A small audience will be allowed to attend indoors, while the majority can enjoy it from home. All information is found on its website at ucojazzlab.com/events.

See Bright Golden Hazeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s companion exhibition, celebrating Oklahoma artists and landscapes, before it closes Nov. 30.

11 NW 11th St., OKC, OK 73103 OklahomaContemporary.org

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Ryan RedCorn (Osage) Heonpionpa, Letanwakan [detail] (2018)

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Boots, Bandanas & BBQ The annual Boots, Bandanas & BBQ event was held Sept. 9 at the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mansion, 820 NE 23. Proceeds benefit Friends of the Mansion. 1. Brooke Haneborg, Larry Stein, Linda Haneborg 2. Buddy and Jan Nicholas, Daneille and Rob Cummins 3. Jessica Brooks, Jill Shero 8

4. Jenny and Mike Willis, Joli and Todd Beasley 5. Rick and Rebecca Wilson 6. Robert and Stacey Rawls 8. Trish Liscom, Gov. Kevin Stitt 9. Ted and Dawn Hopkins 9

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FRAN KOZAKOWSKI

7. Jon and Kristin Peck

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BC CLARK CLASSEN CURVE OPENING BC Clark opened Oklahomaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest jewelry story Sept. 17 at 5801 NW Grand Blvd. in Classen Curve. Opening ceremonies featured the cutting of a strand of 40 diamond necklaces by Italian designer Roberto Coin, as a stand-in for the traditional red ribbon. The retailer donated $10,000 to Infant Crisis Services in celebration of the opening.

1. Alex Afshari, Betty Wooldridge, Coleman Clark, Mitchell Clark 2. Collins Peck, Todd Edmonds, Miki Farris 3. Anh Weber, Adam Edge 4. Mitchell Clark, Coleman Clark, Jim Clark cut the diamond ribbon 5. $ 1 million necklace on display

6. Balloons featuring BC Clark logo

GIRL SCOUT CAMP TRIVERA OPENING

Girls Scouts of Western Oklahoma opened the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first STEM camp Sept. 12 at 2508 NE 50 in the Adventure District. The camp is designed for hands-on learning in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. 1. David Mayfield, Cecilia Woods 2. Emily Wells, Amanda Wion 3. Jennie Wheat, Katie Francis 4. Joan Maguire, Amy Maguire

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Feasts for the Spirit IMMIGRANT FAMILIES REFLECT ON EMBRACING THANKSGIVING TRADITIONS BY GREG HORTON

NOVEMBER 2020

In this photo taken Nov. 25, 1980, forme r Vietnames e boat people who had been relocated in Oklahoma City, are introduced to the Ame rican custom of Thanksgiv ing by the Vietnames e-American Association. everything but the stuffing. I didn’t understand it. My daddy loved turkey, and loved the meal. He insisted on having it every year after. It was the only meal we ate as a family that was traditional American food.” Huong doesn’t remember anything about the meaning of the meal that first year, and if someone had tried to explain it, she said she wouldn’t have understood, as her English was very poor at the time. Her family adopted the practice, though, and now, every year except this one because of COVID, 80-90 members of the extended family (it now numbers 115) gather at Da’s house to celebrate, with turkey. She still hates stuffing. The ease with which they tell the stories belies the harrowing and often tragic details of their escape from Vietnam. Family mem-

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bers lost at sea, Da’s brother in a re-education camp for eight years, Ban Nguyen’s story of avoiding security in the trunk of a car, using fake documents and separation from his father – these are the elements of a suspense movie, but the characters are our neighbors. Nguyen is one of the partners of Jimmy’s Egg, married to the founder Loc Le’s daughter in 1986. “I was 13 when we came over in 1975,” he says. “We were in Tulsa. I remember the first Thanksgiving dinner because I’d never had turkey. Stuffing is still weird to me.” Like Huong’s family, Nguyen’s celebrates with extended family, and turkey is definitely on the table, but so is prime rib. “The day is kind of comparable to Chinese New Year, at least in terms of the family gathering,” he says.

PH OTO C O UR T ESY O F T HE O K L A H O M A HIS TO R I C A L S O C IE T Y

A L U O N G WA S 1 Y E A R O L D when he emigrated with his parents, Tri and Kim Luong, from Vietnam in 1978. The family’s first Thanksgiving in America was laced with confusion. “Our first experience of Thanksgiving in America was a frozen turkey my dad brought home from work,” Ba Luong says. “It was a frozen Butterball. We had no idea what to do with it, so we thawed it out and carved it up like chicken.” They came to the U.S. via Malaysia, part of the estimated 125,000 Vietnamese refugees resettled in the U.S. after the fall of Saigon in 1975 at the end of the war. Like any immigrant community, their second task – after finding living quarters – was to begin navigating the complexities of a new culture. Holidays such as Thanksgiving are very specific tribal markers; our participation in them marks us as part of a community. That many of us know the rules from a young age helps us forget that the occasion and its practices aren’t obvious to “outsiders.” Turkey, while not exactly new to Southeast Asia (it arrived in the 16th century-ish) was still rare in Vietnam. The Luongs eventually bought the old Cao Nguyen grocery store Nguyen (now Super Cao Nguyen in a different location). That was where the family worked when Ba got his first real Thanksgiving dinner, prepared by an American friend, who eventually taught them how to cook turkey. Da Huong, who owns both locations of Golden Palace (MWC and SOKC), celebrated her first Thanksgiving in Massachusetts. Her older brother arranged to get some of the family out of Vietnam in 1975, and they arrived in the U.S. July 21 of that year. She still rattles the date off without pause. “The Baptist church that sponsored us hosted a Thanksgiving dinner, and it was my first time tasting turkey,” Huong says. “I liked

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You’ve Got Mail ENCOURAGING EPISTLES FROM OUR PAST SELVES B Y L A U R E N R O T H | I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y L A U R E N M AY H E W

AV E YO U E V E R B E E N I N A workshop of some kind where you were asked to write a letter to your future self? The presenter of one I attended a few years ago asked us to do this, explaining that she would mail our letters back to us at a later date. While I can’t recall the point of the exercise, I do remember that we were instructed to make our letters heartfelt and upbeat. Since handwritten letters are nearing extinction, it’s rare to receive one in the mail. Without exception, handwritten envelopes are the first pieces of mail I open. I knew I’d be happy to open my letter to me whenever the presenter decided that enough time had passed

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for me to forget I’d even written it. Following her instructions, I composed my letter to “future me,” waxing about how my best days were still in front of me, how proud I should be about one thing or another, how lucky I am because of this or that, and so on. Before I sealed the self-addressed envelope, I signed it, “you are my sunshine and I love you so.” Then I slipped in a dollar bill and wrote “Jude Law” in the return address corner, figuring that if I were broke and unloved when the letter finally arrived, I’d at least have a dollar and a love letter from Jude Law. As it happened, months passed before the presenter mailed our letters back to us. My heart leapt at the sight of “Jude Law” in the

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corner of the envelope. I had totally forgotten about the dollar bill, which was a day-maker to receive. The letter had arrived in the middle of a hectic week, perfectly timed to brighten my stressed mood. Re-reading my own words, I was reassured by my “this, too, shall pass” optimism that all my worries will be distant memories soon enough. I tucked the letter at the back of my desk drawer. I liked knowing that, if I died suddenly, my grieving co-workers, burdened by the morbid task of cleaning out my belongings, would stumble upon a handwritten letter to me from Jude Law. If they were curious enough to look inside, they’d discover the dollar bill and reach the inevitable conclusion that Jude Law must have been supporting me financially, and that I was his sunshine. At press time for this article, we were still several weeks away from November’s Election Day and, if I’ve learned anything from the free fall that is the year 2020, it’s that we’ll all need comforting and reassurance before the year is over – assuming a comet doesn’t get to us before this issue of 405 Magazine does. I feel the urgency to write another letter to “future me,” to be delivered on some not-toodistant date. Dear Lauren, Like a noble Marvel action figure, you’ve bravely faced and defended yourself against global violence, a global pandemic, hurricanes, fire tornadoes and murder hornets. I never thought I’d be saying this, but fiscally speaking, you were an all-star in 2020! You saved a fortune on mani/ pedis and Botox below the forehead. You hardly had to buy gas and you got to wear shorts and flip flops in your remote office nearly all year. By the time you read this letter, I hope you’ll follow your mom’s example of limiting your media consumption to “Wheel of Fortune.” Pat and Vanna have so much more to offer than the politicians, reporters and pundits who have contributed to your 2020 funk. Buy a vowel and snap out of it! Remember, if you’re reading this, 2020 has passed, which means you’re not a victim; you’re a survivor. You are my sunshine and I love you so. Love, me. And Jude Law. P.S. Here’s a dollar; you might need it in case all the banks were dissolved in 2020.

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