405 Magazine April 2017

Best 405 101+

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in this issue

APRIL 2017

Features

36

BEST OF THE 405

Our annual showcase of greatness in central Oklahoma is back for a fifth year, and reflects a record high number of reader responses. From charity event to spot for weekend brunch, fitness studio to elected local official – and including some selection from our editorial staff for good measure – we’re delighted to present more than 100 highlights of life in the 405.

46

AN AMERICAN CLASSIC

It was never intended to look glamorous or serve haute cuisine, but the humble neighborhood diner has become an inextricable element of our cultural landscape. From new bearers of a lasting legacy to eateries that have endured for decades, we look back at a slice of Americana, with hash browns and coffee.

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405 MAGAZINE APRIL 2017

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in this issue

APRIL 2017

In the 405

District puts an Emerald

15 A massive totem pole

Isle spin on a classic cock-

in Oklahoma’s Rogers County is an enduring landmark and undeniably impressive, but doesn’t quite measure up to its worldwide hype; top-quality gear for chefs and the home in Culinary Kitchen; bask in the arrival of warmer weather with a pair of breezy outfits for men and women; a penchant for pranks helps keep the April Fools’ spirit in one author’s heart all year long; planning ahead financially and communicating your wishes are keys to making the most of life in retirement; why Oklahoma’s northeasternmost point is home to not one but two border monuments; lifelong loves for curated caffeine and community creativity help motivate the owners of Leap Coffee Roasters to new heights.

tail with the Irish Mule.

Travel 70 Skiing, whitewater rafting, fine dining, relishing a spectacular fine arts scene or drinking in the unparalleled beauty of a pair of national parks … tourists will find much to treasure in Wyoming getaway Jackson Hole.

Events 79 Cirque du Soleil prepares to hatch a fresh set of acrobatic wonders in its return to OKC by sharing the dazzling traveling show OVO; a Shakespearean fairy tale comes to graceful, elegant life onstage in the OKC Ballet’s season-ending rendition of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”; a springtime sensation in downtown OKC, the

Dining

Festival of the Arts gives

57 Automobile Alley hotspot Yuzo Sushi Tapas draws on culinary influences from Sao Paulo to Sapporo in giving diners varied combinations of flavors; new head Patrono chef Jonathan Krell celebrates his return to Italian cooking by sharing a favorite recipe; the recently renovated Iguana Mexican Grill remains a prime locale for savory favorites old and new; Saints Pub in the Plaza

ON THE COVER

6

A Natural Choice

70

With an eclectic and accomplished culinary scene and an impressive array of art in many forms, Jackson Hole has an inviting cultural landscape – considered in concert with its physical landscape, namely the untamed beauty of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, it makes an outstanding travel destination.

Celebrating greatness throughout the community – it’s time for the fifth annual Best of the 405.

405 MAGAZINE APRIL 2017

lovers of creativity reason to rejoice; local franchises begin fresh quests for glory as new seasons kick

off for the OKC Dodgers and Energy FC.

In Every Issue 10 From the Editor 12 Web Sights 24 On the Scene 62 Food and Drink 82 On Location 84 On the Radar 88 Backstory

TM

A NEW YEAR...

APRIL 2017

VOLUME 3 • NUMBER 4

Editor-in-Chief Heidi Rambo Centrella heidi.centrella@405magazine.com EDITORIAL Managing Editor Steve Gill steve.gill@405magazine.com Style Editor

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jennifer.salyer@405magazine.com Editorial Coordinator Louise Scrivens Contributing Writers M.J. Alexander, Mark Beutler, Lauren Hammack, Greg Horton,

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405 MAGAZINE APRIL 2017

Story Ideas and Letters to the Editor Your views and opinions are welcome.

Include your full name, address and daytime phone number and email to editor@405magazine.com. Letters sent to 405 Magazine become the magazine’s property, and it owns all rights to their use. 405 Magazine reserves the right to edit letters for length and clarity.

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Lance McDaniel, Matt Payne ART ect of Visual archit 5 Home the new 40

Art Director Scotty O’Daniel

scotty.odaniel@405magazine.com Graphic Designer Brian O’Daniel brian.odaniel@405magazine.com Design & Production Coordinator Tiffany McKnight

Subscription Customer Service 405 Magazine P.O. Box 16765 North Hollywood, CA 91615-6765 Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. CST Phone 818.286.3160 Fax 800.869.0040 subscriptions@405magazine.com 405magazine.com/subscribe ADMINISTRATION Distribution Raymond Brewer Website and social media 405magazine.com

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46)

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405 Magazine Volume 3, Number 4, April 2017. 405 Magazine is published monthly by Open Sky Media, Inc. at 729 W. Sheridan, Suite 101, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, 405.842.2266. © Copyright 2017 Open Sky Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

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FROM THE EDITOR

Breakfast and the Best

HEIDI R A MBO CEN TRELL A Editor-in-Chief heidi.centrella@405magazine.com

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405 MAGAZINE APRIL 2017

PHOTO BY SIMON HURST

A S A CHIL D growing up in Michigan, Louisiana and finally Oklahoma, I was without question a picky eater. Some might argue that hasn’t changed over the years … and they might be correct. Nonetheless, having raised two children myself, I now can appreciate my parents’ frustration that led to invoking the no-leaving-the-tableuntil-you-clean-your-plate dinner rule.

My mother was (and still is) a wonderful cook, but with certain things – more specifically, goulash, hamburger meat, meatloaf, pretty much anything with meat and everything with stewed tomatoes – I had to stand my ground. I tried the trick of pushing it around on the plate to look like I made a dent in my meal. Didn’t work. I tried taking a mouthful and making a sudden rush to the bathroom to spit it out – a trick that I found immensely clever. Didn’t work. Ultimately, I spent a few evenings sitting at the dinner table alone and willful (or stubborn), staring at a cold plate of nothing that interested me long after the dishes were washed, dried and put away.

Sometimes I still think my mom’s tendency to designate the next night’s meal as “leftovers” dinner was just to torture me ... in her humorous way.

However, my favorite meal memories were the breakfast dinners. Who doesn’t love breakfast? And getting it twice in one day? Yes, please. Eggs, biscuits and gravy, fried potatoes, toast made from homemade bread, homemade jam. What a win!

Today, I’m in good company with Team 405 in that we frequently enjoy breakfast for lunch. And with all the options – old and new – available, we’re in no danger of running out of eateries. Through exhaustive research, we’ve worked to compile a sampling of diners across the metro we recommend you try, along with some thoughts on why the diner model has been so successful (pg. 46).

You’ll also find a few other “bests” to try – and do and see – in this issue’s Best of the 405 (pg. 36). From eateries and attractions to dignitaries and diversions, you have voted – in record number, I might add – and we congratulate your top picks. We will be celebrating this year’s winners on April 5 (that’s 4/05), and would welcome you to join us. Find tickets at 405magazine.com.

Please note, this month’s issue is accompanied by our biannual publication 405 Home, complete with a fresh redesign and new editor-in-chief, Christine Eddington. Since Christine always does such a fantastic job with the monthly home features in 405 Magazine, we thought, hey, who better to wrangle 405 Home?

We hope you’ll enjoy both issues this month, in addition to raising a glass to our Best of the 405 winners … and eating more breakfasts.

Cheers!

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It’s the Best of the 405. This is one of our most eagerly anticipated features of the year, when we have the opportunity to recognize and praise the most outstanding aspects of living here in the metro, as selected by the majority of you, our readers. We’re also extremely excited about the opportunity to toast the winners, and hopefully to thank you in person for voting, at the Best of the 405 party, coming up April 5 (4/05) at PhotoArt Studios in the Plaza District. We’ll have food, drinks, prizes and fun – get tickets at 405magazine.com. Since it’s the Best of the 405, shouldn’t you be there?

The New Style

We’re also putting together what you might call a housewarming party, since we just got a new 405 Home, and we’re in the mood to celebrate. Thanks to some inspired work from the publication’s new Editor in Chief Christine Eddington, Editor at Large Sara Gae Waters, Art Director Brian O’Daniel and dedicated contributors, our biannual resource guide for home design, renovation and overall improvement has a fresh look and enhanced focus – we’re eager to share it with you. Visit 405magazine.com/405-Home to check it out, and while you’re there watch for details about the official launch party coming later in April. Enjoy!

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405 MAGAZINE APRIL 2017

It’s a busy, fast-paced city out there – and we’re working to keep you informed about it even beyond what appears in the magazine. That’s the goal for 405 Now, a section atop our home page that updates multiple times per week to share fresh new articles and information. We hope you’ll keep an eye on it, and feel free to share tips with us by emailing feedback@405magazine.com.

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405

in the Pole Position

PHOTO BY MJ ALEXANDER

Probably the most noteworthy resident of the northeast Oklahoma town of Foyil, this grinning sandstone-and-concrete structure crafted by a self-taught local artist has been drawing visitors for over 50 years and is a whopping 90 feet tall. But as M.J. Alexander discovers, stories of this Rogers County landmark’s world-spanning supremacy are somewhat exaggerated.

APRIL 2017 405 MAGAZINE

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in the 405 OKLAHOMYTHS

TOWER POWER

Oklahoma’s landmark totem pole T HE CE N T ER PIECE of Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole

Park is a 90-foot cone that took 11 years to build. It is made of red sandstone, hollow inside, framed with steel and wood, and covered in a thick concrete skin, rising from the back of a bright blue turtle with pinkrimmed eyes.

For a quarter-century, Galloway – a self-taught artist and retired wood shop teacher who worked at the orphanage at Sand Springs – devoted his spare time to creating a folk-art sculpture garden on his lawn in Foyil.

A veteran of the Spanish-American War, he was inspired by Asian art glimpsed during his time in the Philippines, postcards from around the world and images from National Geographic magazines. From 1937 to 1961, a Seussical landscape sprang up around the stone house he built, transforming the property into a wonderland of decorated picnic tables and gate posts, an 11-sided Fiddle House to display the violins he made and a collection of colorful concrete towers in the style of totem poles, emblazoned with brightly painted bas-relief designs of American Indians, stylized birds and oversized fish.

His work inspired mixed reactions.

The story goes that even his wife, Villie, once teased him with a variation of Joyce Kilmer’s poem: “Totem poles are made by fools like thee, but only God can make a tree.” In response, he built her a 12-foot-tall tree trunk of concrete, complete with holes for birds to nest.

After his death in 1962, Galloway’s work went unmaintained and began to deteriorate. But his creations were resurrected by the Rogers County Historical Society, the Foyil Heritage Association and the Kansas Grassroots Arts Association.

The site, four miles south of Route 66, was restored and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. The National

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405 MAGAZINE APRIL 2017

Park Service now calls the park “the oldest and largest example of a folk art environment in Oklahoma.” Today, signs pointing the way boast that it is home to the world’s largest totem pole.

THE CLAIM: “World’s Largest Totem Pole” THE SOURCE: Rogers County Historical Society, rchs1.org FACT CHECK: It is not. The battle for the totem pole supremacy is serious business, a matter of great debate and civic pride in the Pacific Northwest. Aficionados are specific about what type of structure qualifies as a totem pole: It must be made from a single piece of wood, created by in indigenous artists using traditional tools to carve and paint symbols recounting history, legends or lineages of clans from the coastal areas of Washington, British Columbia and Alaska.

While monumental, Galloway’s creation meets none of these qualifications, and also is half the height of the tallest totem pole in the world.

CALIFORNIA Another pole claiming to be the world’s largest but disqualified by purists was carved in 1961

by Californians Ernest Pierson and John Nelson. It was fashioned from an old-growth redwood, with additional pieces attached. Planted in concrete in McKinleyville, California, the pole measures 144 feet, 8 inches – although supporters like to include its non-traditional concrete base and now-dangling copper lightning rod with antennae on top to claim a total height of 160 feet.

The 57,000-pound pole, with no aspirations to tribal affiliation, was created as a tourist attraction for the grand opening of the McKinleyville Shopping Center. As part of his promotional efforts, Pierson also published a 1962 book called My Story, by the McKinleyville Totem Pole. The structure, now riddled with several holes in rotting sections, also has its own Facebook page.

WASHINGTON The town of Kalama, Washington, boasts a totem pole created from a 140-foot-long piece of western red cedar. Carver Don Smith had hoped to display the work at the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, but did not finish in time. The work of Smith, who declared his Oklahoma-born mother was part Cherokee but held no tribal membership, has stood for more than 50 years near a playground on the riverbank of the Columbia River, and is now included in the logo of the Kalama Chamber of Commerce. In the 1970s, the artist was adopted by the Kwakiutl tribe, and began using the name Don “Chief Lelooska” Smith.

CANADA That honor goes to the “Spirit of Lekwammen,” a 185-foot carving created from a 500-year-old red cedar tree by a team of 11 First Nations artists and presented as a gift to the people of Canada. It was unveiled as part of the 1994 Commonwealth Games, and installed in the Inner Harbour of Victoria, British Columbia.

Recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s tallest, the totem pole was dedicated on Aug. 4, 1994 – and stood for just over 1,000 days before being dismantled when its height was declared a hazard to seaplanes. The pole was cut into four sections, with 40 feet of it remaining behind while the remainder went on display on the Songhees Indian Reserve.

The title of tallest extant totem pole reverted back to the massive 173-foot-tall carving installed in Alert Bay, British Columbia. Created in the 1960s by chief carver Jimmy Dick and dedicated in 1973, it stands next to the traditional Big House at the north end of Cormorant Island.

But not everyone accepts the Alert Bay claim to totem supremacy: It was constructed not from a single log, but from three sections telescoped together.

ALASKA For years, the consensus winner of the tallest totem sweepstakes was the village of Kake, Alaska, home to a 137-foot-tall traditional pole carved by Native artists from a single piece of wood and installed at a potlatch ceremony with the blessing of elders.

Kake certainly wins the prize for best backstory: In 1926, the villagers, then in the Territory of Alaska, were pressured to abandon traditional ways and embrace the future.

Elders wept as the community’s totem poles, misinterpreted as pagan symbols, were felled and destroyed in a bonfire. For generations, Kake mourned the loss of its history.

Forty-one years later, the town rallied to design a monumental pole to represent all of its clans and reaffirm its cultural roots.

The community selected and cut a tree, barged it to a worksite and assembled a team of artists who carved and painted it over a span of 88 days. Elders blessed the new creation, and the nearly 14-story-tall pole was shipped to Osaka, Japan, for Expo ’70, returning to Kake for installation and dedication on Oct. 1, 1971.

It stood on a bluff overlooking the sea for 44 years. In April 2015, however, a strong wind snapped off the top of the world’s tallest totem pole. The town is now considering its next move. - M.J. ALEX ANDER Editor’s note: Oklahoma is rich with history, lore and fun facts, but some of them aren’t quite factual. In this series, M.J. Alexander hunts for the accuracy – or lack thereof – behind some of our state’s stories.

APRIL 2017 405 MAGAZINE

17

in the 405 FAVORITE THINGS

Skull candle gift box set, $40 More quirky than spooky thanks to the assorted neon colors, these high-quality curiosities are from D.L. & Co.’s Memento Mori collection.

Staub round cocotte, $259.99 This covered casserole dish – which is sometimes called a Dutch oven – is a French creation of cast iron with an enamel coating, known for durability and versatility.

Laguiole steak knife set, $370 Handmade in a French village since 1829, these knives with a signature bee at the base of the blade carry a reputation for exceptional quality – this set is a colorful and very special gift.

Original Mason Cash mixing bowls, $19.50 each Imported from England, this brand of sturdy ceramic kitchenware dates back to 1800, and has been setting a standard of kitchen design for more than a century.

A Feast for the Senses Culinary Kitchen serves up inspiration

CU L I NA RY K I TCHE N is doing something right. Scratch that; ev-

405 Old Fashioned glasses, $16-$18 Perfect for whiskey or cocktails, these sleek tumblers with heavy bases are available in a rainbow of colors, and a great way to raise a glass to central Oklahoma.

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405 MAGAZINE APRIL 2017

Paper plates, $7-$12 The convenience of disposable dishes, but with a little extra flair. Available in a variety of colors and sizes.

Glass footed bowl, $40 With graceful lines and eyecatching shimmer, this bowl can serve as a serving dish or an ornamental objet d’art in its own right.

PHOTOS BY SCOTTY O’DANIEL

Ebony salad bowl, $365 for 17" model shown, available in different sizes. A gorgeous piece from Canadian woodworkers Stinson Studios, who specialize in handcrafting exquisite items with care.

erything right. If you like entertaining, eating, cooking or anything under the sun that has to do with those things, you, my friend, have just found culinary heaven.

The selection inside is nearly overwhelming – from not only the amount of choice, but also the caliber of merchandise – and their expansion in three short years from a 1,600-square-foot space to the 12,000 square feet they now occupy is a great indicator that they are earning success in the market.

According to owner Lori Rappaport, Culinary Kitchen is a unique store with “a great shopping experience you won’t find anywhere else. Customers immediately feel like they are at the heart of every kitchen.” With degrees in business and design, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that Lori has found her niche. Her recipe for pleasing customers involves working with vendors to create products for the store while peppering in her love of color and mixing in her design ideas – it’s also a family business, and that helps, too, especially when everyone in the family loves to cook. You can experience it for yourself with some shopping, or maybe stopping by on a Saturday when they are cooking up lunch. You will only leave inspired to get into the kitchen yourself. - SAR A GAE WATERS

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in the 405 TRENDS

Styled for the Sun Warm up your look A F T ER T HIS CR A Z Y winter, some of us had been wondering whether we had already entered the spring season back in February. While closets and drawers usually see a brisk use of turtlenecks and leggings, this year had us all keeping the lighter wear close at hand.

April is now upon us, however, and we can all break out the spring outfits … officially. Shorts, skirts and short sleeves can quickly put a smile on anyone’s face, and these two go-to outfits for spring will do just that. With the extra bonus of feel-good materials (the men’s shirt is the perfect weight and the women’s is light and airy) you can’t go wrong with these choices. The accessories are a must, too. Grab your shades and hat for all that spring sunshine, and enjoy! - SAR A GAE WATERS

From Gretta Sloane: Cara top and Erica skirt by Koch, $295 each, Karen Walker super lunar pink sunglasses, $300, Cala bracelet, $55, Princess earrings, $150, Superstar silver sneakers, $530

PHOTOS BY SCOTTY O’DANIEL

From Spencer Stone: Tennessee hat by Bailey, $65, Black shirt with white polka dots by Eton, $299, Hari Mari flip-flops, $85, White shorts by Mason’s, $185, Red canvas belt with suede trim, $125

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405 MAGAZINE APRIL 2017

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APRIL 2017 405 MAGAZINE

21

in the 405

Fools Rush In Mischief makes the holiday

W H Y ISN ’ T April Fools’ Day a national holiday? I don’t sub-

scribe to the retail-driven theory that you can “keep Christmas in your heart” all year, but I can get on board with any holiday that celebrates pulling one over on the gullible. As long as it’s innocent fun and not aimed at the elderly, I say, why limit it to one day?

With an older brother and sister to initiate me as the doeeyed target of every stunt, I developed a deep appreciation for tomfoolery and Whoopee cushions at a tender age. Specifically, I recognized early which side of the prank to be on.

My siblings had either seen or plotted every gag years before me, so I resorted to turning my aim onto my unsuspecting parents – that kind couple who gave me life and, in return, found themselves on the receiving end of a continuous loop of pranks that preyed upon their darkest fears. At the risk of revealing too

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much of my sadistic streak, I confess to reveling in the reaction some of those pranks induced in my parents. Standards: low.

Entertainment value: high.

When I was 9 years old, I convinced my dad that the 25 TicTacs I’d just poured into my mouth were really LSD I’d received from a vagrant who was going door to door in the neighborhood, trying to hook kids on drugs. Logic momentarily escaped him and this somehow seemed a legitimate threat. It was my less-than-plausible, on-again, off-again acid trip that weakened the story plot.

My mother was never spared, either. She had barely recovered from the shock of seeing me foam at the mouth during a recent bout with “rabies” (induced by a mouthful of Pop Rocks and the fizz center of ZotZ candy) when my sister and I decided to bake some brownies, place them strategically on the dining room floor and loudly accuse our dog of impropriety. When I ate the brownie in front of our mother, she nearly passed out.

After years of coming home to rubber bands around the handle of the kitchen sink’s sprayer hose, doors rigged with firecracker poppers and tales of the day’s top 10 prank phone calls, my parents were eventually desensitized to our shenanigans. It was time to take the show on the road, which meant moving beyond lying in the street with splattered ketchup next to my head.

Tucking a piece of bar soap under the mouthpiece of the school water fountain never failed to produce the type of reaction that fed my habit. Knowing it would take extra time for my classmates to get the taste of Ivory out of their mouths, I advanced the clock at the front of the classroom, which got us to lunchtime – and, by extension, to recess – 20 minutes earlier than the other classes. In my mind, the benefit of being first in line on Frito chili pie day or cinnamon roll day far outweighed any inconvenience that a soapy mouth caused.

You’re welcome.

By the time I was old enough to go away to camp for the summer, I had gladly exchanged a good night’s sleep for some time-tested-but-ever-hilarious late night hijinks like Saran Wrap over the toilet bowl, the drop of green food dye in the shampoo and baby powder in the bed sheets (short-sheeted, of course). Dropping a piece of bologna into the slack-jawed mouth of sleeping campers never got old, nor did stringing the aisle between bunk beds, which guaranteed a gratifying thud at 2 a.m., when the first sleep-groggy camper climbed out of bed and hit the floor on the way to the bathroom to a waiting toilet seat that had been meticulously coated with Vaseline.

To this day, nothing warms my heart more than predicting who will select the caramel onion among a tray of caramel apples, listening for the report from an exploding cigarette banger, or seeing who will gladly accept a glue stick instead of ChapStick.

Is it always April Fools’ Day in my heart? It’s something I’m sure to ponder as I dust off the rubber vomit. - LAUREN HAMMACK

ILLUSTRATION BY ERIC SCHOCK

LAUGH LINES

APRIL 2017 405 MAGAZINE

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in the 405 ON THE SCENE

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OKCMOA Omelette Party

Guests celebrate the atmosphere of Las V-EGG-as while trying out taste sensations and enjoying music and raff les at the OKC Museum of Art’s annual spectacle. (Or sp-egg-tacle.)

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1. Matt and Brook Tipton 2. Francis Tuttle chef Skip Ailstock puts on a show. 3.

Wendy and Curtis Wilson 4. Rachael Mann, Dani Boren, Janelle Archer 5. Betsy Brunsteter, Shevaun Williams, Stephen Kovash, Brenda Craiger

Nurturing Kids

Real Estate for Real People ELIZABETH PILGRIM AND KRISTINA AMIRASLANI, owners of The Changing Table, Inc 1745 NW 16th Street, Suite A, Oklahoma City | 405.63.CLOTH | thechangingtableok.com MASON REALTY INVESTORS

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OKCMOA OMELETTE PARTY BY TERRELL FRY; ST. ANTHONY CELEBRITY CHEF BY SHANNON CORNMAN

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St. Anthony Celebrity Chef

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OKC chef and gardening expert Kamala Gamble brings tasty recipes and healthy advice to guests at St. Anthony’s annual culinary showcase.

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1. Chef Kamala Gamble and Barbara Mock 2. Kersey Winfree, Tammy Powell 3. Eric and Marla Joiner, Suzanne and Mark Little 4. James Pickel, Christy White 5. Cindy Convery, Chef Kamala Gamble, Meg Salyer

For more On the Scene events, visit 405magazine.com

Raising the Wine Bar

Real Estate for Real People Tues–Thurs 4p–11p | Friday 4p–2a | Saturday 10a-2a | Sun 10a-8p Weekend Brunch 10a-4p

(l to r) DUSTY GILPIN, STEVE MASON, AIMEE AHPEATONE, KARA TRAHAN, KRISTEN GILPIN, ETHAN WHITE, DAVID WHITE, JOLYN BAUER, AARON TRAHAN, LADONNA WHITE, owners of The Pritchard

1749 NW 16th St, Oklahoma City | 405.601.4067 | pritchardokc.com

MASON REALTY INVESTORS APRIL 2017 405 MAGAZINE

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in the 405 RETIREMENT

Retire Happy FOR M A N Y, the very idea of stopping work to “enjoy” retirement can be daunting. But an increasing number of retirees are taking this time by the proverbial horns and making the most of a life less stressful.

As the city continues to develop for the better, many retirees want to stay in the metro to take advantage of all it has to offer. The Commons on Classen is the first retirement living accommodation to open in the downtown/ A class for seniors gets underway at the YMCA. midtown area, offering affordable apartments.

Resident manager Shannon Hitchcock said that many people don’t want to move north or south of the city, posture [classes], one could find several retirees gathered to do so their new site fills a demand. their part to stay healthy in order to seek a quality life full of “We opened in December and have a mix of female and male possibilities well into their years.” single residents aged between 65 and 72,” Hitchcock says. “Our Brenda Bennett, the YMCA’s VP of Communications in OKC, residents wanted to downsize out of their huge homes.” said that over the last year the Y has seen a 28.7-percent growth Downsizing is one way you can take the stress out of your later in their senior membership, compared to a 10-percent growth of years – but for many, having good friends and staying active are overall membership. the main ingredients for senior happiness.

“Older adults are trying to stay more active and improve their Oklahoma City retiree Larry Govin said he was much happier quality of life,” she explains. “Many older adults are being ensince retiring from his demanding job. “I love waking up and, for couraged by their doctors to increase their activity as they age the most part, being free to say yes to any spontaneous options – especially those dealing with chronic health issues.” that come my way.” And he does just that with his group of Embracing that need for increased activity and improved longtime friends. health can be made simpler by living somewhere that encourag“We get our exercise walking and riding bicycles, enjoy festivals es the lifestyle. Mahaffey says, “Some individuals often comment [and] live music, camp, ride motorbikes, enjoy extended road that they should have made the move sooner, as once they make trips or just get together in the ever-more-exciting OKC,” he says. a move to a retirement community, they then realize what they have been missing.”

YOU NEED A PLAN And it’s not surprising, considering the services many retireLiving life to the full during retirement takes careful preparament communities offer: daily chef-prepared meals, a full-life tion. “Plan to be debt-free and own a home prior to retirement. A wellness and life enrichment program, fitness rooms, golf paid-for home is the cornerstone of a successful retirement,” Govin courses, walking and bike trails. explains. “Live within your means, [and] take care of your body Planning ahead in terms of staying on top of your finances through exercise, eating healthy and preventative medical care.” and health seems to be the order of the day if you want a Staying active is something seniors are taking more and more happy retirement. seriously. Touchmark at Coffee Creek retirement community’s It may take a certain level of financial security to have a comExecutive Director Melissa Mahaffey said many retirees now fortable retirement, but Govin says that it’s “friends that make seek more exercise groups to enable them to live life to the full. you rich in retirement.”

“Several companies are offering more opportunities for Whatever makes you happy, make sure to embrace it in your retirees to experience wellness,” Mahaffey says. “Whether it be retirement by keeping happiness in mind when planning for the Pilates, tai chi, walking clubs, sit and stretch or balance and best years of your life. - LOUISE SCRIVENS

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PHOTO COURTESY YMCA

Planning for the best years of your life

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in the 405 RETIREMENT

Figuring out the Future Weighing options for retirement is a family affair I T ’S NO SU R PR ISE that our aging population is continuing to grow in Oklahoma – after all, we’re living longer overall. In just more than a decade, nearly 20 percent of the state’s population will be 65 years old or older, according to United Way of Central Oklahoma. And according to a recent survey carried out by CareerBuilder, our city comes second in U.S. rankings for the largest increase of older workers from 2001 to 2016.

However, how we prepare for our silver years, when we stop working and when or if we should switch living arrangements, are all questions we should be asking ourselves years before we absolutely need to make such decisions.

Doug Harper, senior vice president of Stonegate Senior Living, says, “Finances are key; how you plan for retirement really does correlate with options.”

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Stonegate manages 13 locations in the state, with some offering assisted living and some offering rehabilitation and transitional care. Having worked in the industry for more than two decades, Harper has seen many changes.

“The industry has come a long way and there are lots of really nice options up and down the spectrum,” Harper says. “There are lots of price points on assisted living.”

But what is crucial is planning and making sure the family around you knows what you want and where you want to be, he added.

Many retirement communities offer transitional care, so residents initially move in wanting to downsize and be part of a similar community, but should they come to need assistance with everyday life and care further down the line, it’s available to them.

However, Harper says the demographic is changing.

“People moving into retirement living communities 10, 20 years ago were in their late 50s and early 60s,” he says. “Today they’re more 75 to 80 years old.”

As the demographic switches, it’s crucial that children of aging parents don’t delay discussing their parents’ care wishes.

“Start the conversation early,” says Stonegate’s Sales and Training Director Terri Rasp. “Put in place a plan your family can follow when your parents can no longer make decisions on their own. Understand their preferences and the choices available so you can find one custom-tailored to their needs.”

Planning your future with your family involved is crucial to a healthy and happy retirement, enjoying the golden years of life. - LS

territory ahead

THE DUELING MONUMENTS OF QUAPAW Two spots for three states

BY M.J. ALEX ANDER

It represents a Quapaw quandary: On the last inch of the far northeast corner of Oklahoma, where the state abuts Kansas to the north and Missouri to the east, a dead-end gravel road leads to two monuments.

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The impressive one stands to the right, a cairn of native rocks piled 15 feet tall with indentions for plaques proclaiming its significance. Built in 1938 by the Depression-era Youth Work Administration, the Tri-State Marker was meant to mark the point where three states met.

But its builders were off – by about 50 feet. For nearly eight decades, the misplaced tower has been stubbornly standing squarely in Kansas.

The less-imposing one is to the left, a flat slab engraved with the outlines of the three states and centered on a circle denoting the exact point where their borders meet. Inscribed on top of the stone is a declaration that the marker was “Remonumented” in October 2004.

It was the brainchild of the Missouri Association of County Surveyors, which funded and installed the new stand-here plaque marking the magical intersection in the middle of Stateline Road in Quapaw.

In the hope of trumpeting the spot’s significance, the surveyors also included their own explanatory sign, sealed under plexiglass and bolted to a metal frame that was, in turn, attached to a wooden railing.

The sign recalled that the massive stone marker once housed brass plaques inscribed “Oklahoma 1907” on the south side, “Kansas 1861” on the north side and “Missouri 1821” on the east side. The earlier surveyors and the scope of their task were

THE TRIFINIUMS OF OKLAHOMA The mother lode of American geographic intersections is the Four Corners Monument on the Navajo Nation, the only point where four states meet.

Slightly more common, a place where three states converge is called a tri-point or a trifinium.

Oklahoma boasts five tripoint markers on land and a water-based trifinium in the middle of the Red River.

Cimarron County, the nation’s only county that borders four states, is home to three trifiniums: THE TEXHOMEX CORNER in the Rita Blanca Grasslands, where Oklahoma’s land meets those of New Mexico and Texas.

THE PRESTON MONUMENT near Black Mesa, named for surveyor Levi Preston and marking the junction of Oklahoma with Colorado and New Mexico.

EIGHT MILE CORNER, where Oklahoma meets Kansas and Colorado in the Cimarron National Grasslands.

memorialized: “This point was established in 1857 by an 800-member expedition starting at the southwest corner of Missouri and working north. The party included soldiers, teamsters, cooks, astronomers and surveyors. The expedition took nearly six months, being hampered by rough terrain, heavy timber and high water.”

Their offering of historical context was not to last for long. The sign and part of the low wooden railing that protected the new monument suffered the same fate as the stone tower’s original brass plates, and disappeared from the site.

The two monuments remain, though, locked in stony argument about measurements made 160 years ago.

The newer version embedded in the center of road wins the nod for accuracy. Visitors, however, seem just as happy to pose in front of the photogenic 1938 tower, hulking across the border on the wrong side of history.

The oldest marker in the state is located at the OKARMO CORNER, at the junction of Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. It was set in 1823, 20 years after the Louisiana Purchase, two years after Missouri statehood and four years after Arkansas was declared a territory. The marker was refurbished in 1915, 1955 and again in the 1960s.

The original TRI-STATE MARKER denoting the Kansas-MissouriOklahoma corner convergence is the state’s largest, and the one farthest from the actual point where the three states meet.

The water-based intersection of Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma, sometimes called the OKTXAR CORNER, falls 300 feet offshore in the Red River.

APRIL 2017 405 MAGAZINE

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creatives

LOVE FOR LEAP Coffee with a side of creativity

BY MARK BEUTLER PHOTOS BY SHANNON CORNMAN

T HER E’S NOT HI NG quite like the smell of fresh-ground coffee. That rich, powerful aroma of the beans, preparing the palate for the enticing flavor of that first sip, sets up the taste buds for an experience only coffee enthusiasts will understand.

No doubt, the pre-ground stuff readily available on grocery store shelves is a staple of most morning routines. But the true coffee aficionado knows the perfect cup of joe comes from expert roasting coffee – and theater – ever since.” and grinding.

The name “Leap” came from the The folks at Oklahoma City’s Leap previous owner, Kari explained. “We Coffee Roasters have a passion for what bought Leap Coffee Roasters from Gary they do. Located in a Hargrave in March of light-industrial ware2016 – he originally “It is very important founded the roastery house district at 44 NE 51, its owners Eric and with his best friend, Lee for us to help Kari Starkey sell their Morrison. We talked individual artists freshly roasted specialty about the purchase for continue to create months before buying, coffees to restaurants and cafes throughout art that moves us.” and when the stars OKC and beyond. finally aligned it was, K A R I STA R K E Y Kari created the coincidentally, Leap Yippee Yi Yo Cafe back Day of Leap Year 2016. in the early ’90s, which was one of Loving the coincidence, we decided to Oklahoma City’s best-loved coffee shops keep the name. We also like the verb.” of the day. The dark, strong brew was a Kari said they treat coffee in all of its favorite of customer Eric, and it helped processes, from the origin of the harhim ask Kari out on a date. vested bean to the roasting and brewing “Eric was an accountant by day, and process, with the same reverence as fine an actor in Shakespeare in the Park by wine and craft beer. night,” Kari recalls. “We fell in love and “We wanted in on this business with have been passionately involved with this product that we love,” she says. “After

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Kari and Eric Starkey with their daughter Elaine

having a baby 10 years ago, working day jobs and pursuing our performing arts endeavors in the evenings, we reevaluated our lives and decided to try this.”

Back in the ’70s, Kari’s dad Wayne Hirst was in the wine business, and

creatives

brought California wines and imported beer such as Moosehead and Fosters to Oklahoma City.

“He so loved the life he lived because he loved his products, the vintners, the makers, the brewers, the countries they came from,” she smiles. “And he shared that passion with his customers here.

And so we thought, how cool would that be if we could do that with coffee?”

The Starkeys say one of the things of which they are most proud is their exclusive “Artist Series” blends of coffees.

“This program we set up is a collaboration with local individual artists to create a unique coffee blend,” Kari explains. “A portion of the sale of every bag of their individual blend goes directly to the artist to help them continue to create. Our intention is to encourage a culture of support for local artists within the business community. We feature two artists annually, with an open warehouse party/art opening/concert/ performance to introduce the artist, the art and the coffee.

“It is very important for us to help individual artists continue to create art that moves us. We wish every business would help artists and the arts in some

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sustainable way to benefit our community and culture.”

Leap Coffee Roasters opens its warehouse for walk-in customers to buy retail bags each Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. You can find it at select stores including Native Roots Market in Deep Deuce, Full Circle Bookstore’s Garden Café, the Red Cup, in Norman at Paisley Café and Waving Wheat, Iron Tree in El Reno, Daily Grind in Stillwater, Bean and Berry in Shawnee and The Cup in Weatherford.

It’s also available for sale online at LeapCoffeeRoasters.com.

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Best 405 of the

101+ METRO FAVORITES The results are in – and election fatigue is apparently not a factor around central Oklahoma, because for our 5th annual Best of the 405 survey, readers responded in record numbers. We’re delighted to share with you this compilation of the voters’ top picks for the highlights of life in OKC, Edmond, Norman and surroundings … augmented by a few selections of our own in the Editors’ Choice categories.

These are the places, people, taste sensations and overall examples of greatness that you (and we) love best about the 405. Enjoy!

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RS’ EDITOICE CHO

Eddie’s Bar Grill FAVORITE PLACE TO BRING THE HEAT

&

PHOTOS BY SHANNON CORNMAN

930 E 2, EDMOND, 405.285.7725

Look, it’s easy to make a dish spicy to the point of discomfort. But what good does finding the very hottest of sauces do you if the result tastes like vinegar and napalm? When you order the Scorpion sauce with your Buffalo wings (which are grilled, not fried, and delicious in their own right) at this cool Edmond hangout, yes, it’s likely to make your eyes water a little and your voice get a little snuffly and raspy, but it also has a genuinely appealing flavor – if you’re anything like us, you’ll finish a wing, clear your throat a few times and reach for another.

APRIL 2017 405 MAGAZINE

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DINING

RS’ EDITOICE CHO

FAVORITE NEW RESTAURANT

Hatch

Early Mood Food F ood

1101 N BROADWAY, OKC, 405.609.8936, HATCHOKC.COM

On the one hand, you might suspect that Hatch got a bit of a handicap in this race because we love breakfast. On the other hand, the odds are excellent that it’ll become your favorite meal of the day, too, after giving this Automobile Alley eatery a try. The atmosphere is bright and bustling, service is excellent and the menu ranges from classics such as a Denver Omelet and biscuits and gravy to more creative options in the vein of the Southwest Royale Benedict or an Oklahoma-shaped sweet cream pancake with Bourbon maple glaze. They’re open for lunch, as well, but consider the wisdom of “Parks and Recreation” sage Leslie Knope: “Why would anybody ever eat anything besides breakfast food?”

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READERS’ CHOICE

COFFEE SHOP

ELEMENTAL COFFEE 815 N Hudson, OKC 405.633.1703 elementalcoffeeroasters.com CRAFT BREWER

ANTHEM BREWING COMPANY 908 SW 4, OKC 405.604.0446 anthembrewing.com BREAKFAST

HATCH EARLY MOOD FOOD 1101 N Broadway, OKC 405.609.8936 hatchokc.com WEEKEND BRUNCH

MARY EDDY’S KITCHEN X LOUNGE 900 W Main, OKC 405.982.6960 maryeddysokc.com

READER CHOICES’

WORKDAY LUNCH

FAT DOG KITCHEN & BAR 1234 N Western, OKC 405.609.3647 fatdogokc.com CASUAL DINNER

CHICK N BEER 715 NW 23, OKC 405.604.6995 chicknbeerokc.com FINE DINING

BROADWAY 10 BAR & CHOPHOUSE 1101 N Broadway, OKC 405.212.3949 broadway10okc.com

FAVORITE BURGER

The Garage MULTIPLE LOCATIONS, EATATTHEGARAGE.COM

DESSERTS

PIE JUNKIE 1711 NW 16, OKC 405.605.8767 piejunkie.com FOOD TRUCK

BIG TRUCK TACOS 450.505.8226 bigtrucktacos.com

SEAFOOD

MEXICAN

DRINKSMITH

THE DRAKE 519 NW 23, OKC 405.605.3399 thedrakeokc.com

TED’S CAFÉ ESCONDIDO Multiple locations tedscafe.com

KRISTIN WEDDENDORF, SCRATCH KITCHEN & COCKTAILS 132 W Main, Norman 405.801.2900 scratchnorman.com

STEAK AL FRESCO DINING

BARRIOS FINE MEXICAN DISHES 1000 N Hudson, OKC 405.702.6922 barriosmexicanokc.com OUT-OF-BUSINESS RESTAURANT YOU WISH WOULD MAKE A COMEBACK

CHARCOAL OVEN

RANCH STEAKHOUSE 3000 W Britton, OKC, 405.755.3501 ranchsteakhouse.com

PHOTOS BY CARLI WENTWORTH

EARL’S RIB PALACE Multiple locations earlsribpalace.com

TAJ CUISINE OF INDIA 1500 NW 23, OKC 405.601.1888 tajokc.com

SUSHI

SUSHI NEKO 4318 N Western, OKC 405.528.8862 sushineko.com VEGETARIAN

BARBECUE

ETHNIC RESTAURANT (NOT ITALIAN OR MEXICAN)

RED CUP 3122 N Classen, OKC 405.525.3430 theredcupokc.com

PIZZA

ITALIAN

EMPIRE SLICE HOUSE 1734 NW 16, OKC 405.557.1760 empireslicehouse.com

STELLA MODERN ITALIAN CUISINE 1201 N Walker, OKC 405.235.2200 stella-okc.com

COCKTAIL BAR

SIDECAR BARLEY & WINE BAR 1100 N Broadway, OKC 405.421.0203 sidecarokc.com

CHEF

CHEF JASON CAMPBELL, MARY EDDY’S 900 W Main, OKC 405.982.6960 maryeddysokc.com

WATERING HOLE

BLEU GARTEN 301 NW 10, OKC bleugarten.com

CATERER

PLACE TO TAKE VISITING FRIENDS/RELATIVES

ABBEY ROAD CATERING 405.360.1058 abbeyroadcatering.com

BLEU GARTEN 301 NW 10, OKC bleugarten.com

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT

BLEU GARTEN 301 NW 10, OKC bleugarten.com

HIDEAWAY PIZZA Multiple locations hideawaypizza.com APRIL 2017 405 MAGAZINE

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DIVERSIONS

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

FAVORITE LANDMARK RESCUE

F irst National Center 120 N ROBINSON, OKC

It was almost a disaster. Built in 1933, containing more than 1 million square feet including the spectacular Art Deco beauty of the Great Banking Hall, the First National Center was deteriorating rapidly, with tenants leaving its office space, potential owners clashing over legal issues and essential services shutting down. The grand old building went into receivership in 2015 and its future was murky at best – until local developers Gary Brooks and Charlie Nicholas finalized its purchase in January. By the time the renovations – which are projected to take about three years – are complete, the landmark should be bustling again with retail, dining, housing and hotel space, and an especially beautiful piece of the city’s history will be living rather than lost.

SPORTING EVENT

OKC PHILHARMONIC 201 N Walker, OKC 232.7575 okcphil.org

OKC THUNDER BASKETBALL nba.com/thunder

OUTDOOR FESTIVAL

FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS April 25-30, 2017 500 Couch, OKC artscouncilokc.com ART GALLERY

IAO GALLERY 706 W Sheridan, OKC 405.232.6060 individualartists.org

RED TIE NIGHT March 2018 okaidscarefund.com

MUSEUM

LIVE MUSIC VENUE

OKC MUSEUM OF ART 415 Couch, OKC 405.236.3100 okcmoa.com

THE CRITERION 500 E Sheridan, OKC 405.840.5500 criterionokc.com

CULTURAL EVENT

CASINO

FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS April 25-30, 2017 500 Couch, OKC artscouncilokc.com

RIVERWIND CASINO 1544 Highway 9, Norman 405.322.6000 riverwind.com

PERFORMING ARTS VENUE

MOVIE THEATER

CIVIC CENTER MUSIC HALL 201 N Walker, OKC 405.297.2264 okcciviccenter.com

WARREN THEATRE 1000 S Telephone, Moore 405.735.9676 warrentheatres.com

CHARITY EVENT

TOURIST ATTRACTION

OKC NATIONAL MEMORIAL & MUSEUM 620 N Harvey, OKC 405.235.3313 oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org HOTEL

SKIRVIN HILTON 1 Park, OKC 405.272.3040 skirvinhilton.com WEDDING VENUE

21C MUSEUM HOTEL 900 W Main, OKC 405.982.6900 21cmuseumhotels.com/oklahomacity FAMILY EXCURSION

OKC ZOO 2000 Remington, OKC 405.424.3344 okczoo.com IN-STATE GETAWAY

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BEAVER’S BEND STATE PARK Near Broken Bow 580.494.6300 beaversbend.com

PHOTOS: NORMAN MUSIC FESTIVAL BY NATHAN POPPE; FIRST NATIONAL CENTER BY SCOTTY O’DANIEL

READERS’ CHOICE

NON-SPORTS SEASON TICKETS

x x

nmf nmf

FAVORITE MUSICAL MILESTONE

RS’ EDITOICE CHO

Oklahoma band Sports performing at NMF 9

APRIL 27-29, DOWNTOWN NORMAN It’s a little difficult now to remember some of the elements of the first Norman Music Festival. Not the powerhouse performances from British Sea Power and the Polyphonic Spree, those were great – but the surprise that accompanied the new day of free concerts, and the uncertainty surrounding the prospect of it happening again. Those aspects seem hazy now because a decade later, the event has swelled from one day to three; from 15,000 attendees to nearly 100,000 last year; from a few dozen bands that first year to roughly 350 lining up to turn downtown Norman into a maelstrom of music later this month. And it’s still free.

Creating this massive spectacle has been a huge undertaking from the organizers, so from those of us about to be rocked, we salute you.

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OKIES

FAVORITE ASSAULT ON HISTORY

R ussell W estbrook RS’ EDITOICE CHO

Westbrook makes the dazzling look reliably familiar. As we went to press, he was passing Wilt Chamberlain for 2nd most triple doubles in a season with 32 (his previous season high was 18), and was still on pace to be the only player in the history of the league besides the great Oscar Robertson to average at least 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists per game over an entire season. OKC Thunder fans already knew that Westbrook is among the best current players in the NBA, but after this offseason’s unexpected roster upheaval, even more responsibility fell on his shoulders … and he has responded by demonstrating that he’s one of the game’s all-time greats.

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FAVORITE DYNAMIC DINER DUO

& N ic N ic & Jovon Jovon

RS’ EDITOICE CHO

NIC’S GRILL, 1201 N PENN, OKC

PHOTOS: WESTBROOK BY LAYNE MURDOCH/NBAE VIA GETTY IMAGES, PROVIDED BY OKC THUNDER; NIC AND JOVON BY SCOTTY O’DANIEL

Technically, that’s “Justin Nicholas and Jovon Bunkley” … but one of the reasons these two excel at what they do is that they make firsttime guests feel like regulars almost immediately. Nic’s Grill is a legend among OKC burger connoisseurs, and deservedly so, but it’s also tiny. There’s a lot of pressure inherent in running a two-man restaurant operation with barely enough room to move around and a line perpetually out the door, and these two have been making it look easy for years. With the recent opening of Nic’s Lounge in Midtown, they have more demands on their time, but they’re still working together to keep the city fed and happy, with cheese and everything.

READERS’ CHOICE

ELECTED OFFICIAL

MAYOR MICK CORNETT

BAR BAND

METEOROLOGIST

ANNIE OAKLEY theannieoakley.com

DAVID PAYNE News9

LOCAL ACTOR

NEWS ANCHOR

SUSAN RILEY Lyric Theatre and Pollard Theatre

ABIGAIL OGLE KOCO 5

ARTIST

INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST (ANY MEDIUM)

MIKE WIMMER mikewimmer.com

SCOTT HINES KFOR-TV

FILMMAKER NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

INFANT CRISIS SERVICES 4224 N Lincoln, OKC 405.528.3663 infantcrisis.org HUMANITARIAN

LAURA FRANKLIN CELEBRITY

LANCE MCDANIEL PHOTOGRAPHER

ANDREA DILLINGHAM andreadillinghamphotography.com AUTHOR/WRITER

LOU BERNEY louberney.com BLOGGER

SPORTS JOURNALIST

BERRY TRAMEL The Oklahoman RADIO PERSONALITY

JOEY AND HEATHER 98.9 KISS FM AMBASSADOR WHO MAKES YOU PROUD TO BE AN OKLAHOMAN

KYLE DILLINGHAM kyle-web.com

RUSSELL WESTBROOK OKC Thunder

THE LOST OGLE thelostogle.com

MUSICIAN

COMEDIAN

NON-ELECTED COMMUNITY OFFICIAL

AARON WILDER facebook.com/aaronwildr

TOM MCDANIEL American Fidelity Foundation

KYLE DILLINGHAM kyle-web.com

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SHOPPING READERS’ CHOICE

JEWELRY STORE

BC CLARK JEWELERS Multiple locations bcclark.com LUXURY AUTO DEALERSHIP

MERCEDES BENZ OF OKC 1225 N Broadway, OKC 405.236.1224 mercedesbenzofokc.com FURNITURE STORE

MATHIS BROTHERS FURNITURE 3434 W Reno, OKC 405.943.3434 mathisbrothers.com HOME ACCESSORIES STORE

ONE ELEVEN LIGHTING 333 W Wilshire Suite D, OKC 405.241.9281 111lighting.com FLORIST

NEW LEAF FLORIST Multiple locations newleafflorist.net WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE

LUSH FASHION LOUNGE 14101 N May #114, OKC 405.936.0680 shop.lushfashionlounge.com MEN’S CLOTHING STORE

BLUE SEVEN 7518 N May, OKC 405.604.5199 myblueseven.com KIDS’ CLOTHING STORE

FAVORITE PLACE TO GO LOOKING FOR LOVE

Central Oklahoma Humane Society 7500 N WESTERN, OKC, 405.286.1229, OKHUMANE.ORG

The old, old adage says that money can’t buy love – but that doesn’t mean there aren’t workarounds.

For a comparatively meager fee, you can enrich your life considerably with some animal companionship from among the furry critters waiting at the Humane Society. During its first decade of operation, the nonprofit (which receives no government funding nor tax dollars) has spayed or neutered nearly 90,000 cats and dogs, and helped more than 20,000 pets get adopted by loving families, including a few members of our staff. The adoption center is open to the public, so you’re welcome to stop by and scratch a few ears. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself falling in love.

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BIKE SHOP

SCHLEGEL’S BICYCLES 900 N Broadway, OKC 405.232.4040 schlegelbicycles.com GIFT BOUTIQUE

PLENTY MERCANTILE 807 N Broadway, OKC 405.888.7470 plentymercantile.com SHOE STORE

BETSY KING, A SHOE BOUTIQUE 3001 Paseo, OKC 405.601.7776 betsykingshoes.com VINTAGE STORE

BAD GRANNY’S BAZAAR 1759 NW 16, OKC 405.528.4585 DISTRICT SHOPPING

PLAZA DISTRICT 405.367.9403 plazadistrict.org

PHOTOS BY SHANNON CORNMAN

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

UPTOWN KIDS 5840 N Classen, OKC 405.418.8881 uptownkidsstyle.com

EYEWEAR SOURCE

PHYSICIANS OPTICAL 4200 W Memorial, #101, OKC 405.749.4285 physicians-optical.com HEALTH CLUB

YMCA Multiple locations ymcaokc.org PERSONAL TRAINER

BRANDON BOWEN CrossFit 405 CROSSFIT BOX

CROSSFIT 405 1501 N Broadway, OKC 405.458.0405 crossfit405.com YOGA/PILATES STUDIO

HIDDEN DRAGON YOGA 26 NE 10, OKC 405.215.9642 hiddendragonyoga.com FAMILY DOCTOR

DR. TITI NGUYEN 100 W Main, Suite 200, OKC 405.815.5060 saintsnearyou.com/metromedical

EDITO CHOICRS’ E

FAMILY DENTIST

BAILEY COLEMAN, DDS 1112 N Walker #103, OKC 405.606.6500 COSMETIC DENTIST

DR. KRISTA JONES 2000 E 15, Edmond 405.341.0203 edmonddentist.com COSMETIC SURGEON

DR. TIM LOVE 11101 Hefner Pointe, OKC 405.751.5683 drtimlove.com HAIR STYLIST

TONYA MCLING Bella Strada Salon 3224 S Broadway, Suite 100, Edmond 405.513.5757 bellastradasalon.com

FAVORITE PLACE TO GET INKED

Altered Images 12325 N MAY, #111B, OKC, 405.751.7060, ALTEREDIMAGESOKCTATTOO.COM

An inspirational motto, a tiny Celtic cross, an impeccably detailed and vivid sleeve or backpiece … if you’re in the market for an eye-catching piece of body art of any scope, check out this parlor on the north side. Their assembly of artists can reproduce a wide variety of visual styles, and in addition to the finished product, they also excel at the amenities that improve the process, with an emphasis on comfort and cleanliness. Talk with Chad Pelland or one of the other artists about making your idea into a reality you can wear.

BARBER

WELDON JACK 3621 N Western, OKC 405.241.5660 weldonjack.com SALON

REVEL EIGHT 201 NW 10, OKC 405.702.1688 reveleight.com

BANK

REAL ESTATE FIRM

INTERIOR DESIGN COMPANY

BANCFIRST Multiple locations bancfirst.com

KELLER WILLIAMS Multiple locations kw.com

ONE ELEVEN LIGHTING 333 W Wilshire Suite D, OKC 405.241.9281 111lighting.com

WEALTH MANAGEMENT FIRM SPA

UDÅNDER 131 Dean A McGee #105, OKC 405.605.0313 udander.com VETERINARIAN

MIDTOWN VETS 231 NW 10, OKC 405.606.4477 midtownvets.com

INVESTRUST WEALTH MANAGEMENT 5100 N Classen, #620, OKC 405.843.7177 investrustwealthmanagement.com HOME BUILDER

HOMES BY TABER 305 W Memorial, OKC 405.639.4663 homesbytaber.com

LAW FIRM

SMITH SIMMONS, PLLC 252 NW 70, OKC 405.843.1000 smithsimmons.com

CAVINESS LANDSCAPE DESIGN 405.330.2844 cavinesslandscape.com

HOSPITAL

SWIMMING POOL CONTRACTOR

MERCY HOSPITAL 4300 W Memorial, OKC 405.755.1515 mercy.net

PLEASANT POOLS 36 W Memorial, OKC 405.751.3105 pleasantpools.com

LANDSCAPE DESIGN COMPANY

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An

American Classic WHAT COULD BE FINER THAN THE COMMUNITY DINER?

The initial heyday of the diner has passed us by – the iconic railcar-inspired buildings created and sold by the New Jersey-based Jerry O’Mahony Diner Company that came to define the diner in the U.S. ended production right before the country entered WWII. By the late 1960s, the number of active diners in the U.S. fell to just more than 5,000, a result of tremendous growth in fast food and drive-in restaurants. The number is small, given that we have more than 600,000 restaurants in the country now, but the diner remains inextricably woven into the textures of American pop culture, food and restaurant design.

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BY GREG HORTON ILLUSTRATION BY CHAD CROWE

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W

What would Pulp Fiction be without the amazing opening scene in which Tim Roth and Amanda Plummer discuss the merits of robbing liquor stores, banks and restaurants while seated in a diner booth? Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks” is a painting we genuinely consider a snapshot of Americana, to say nothing of Norman Rockwell’s famous illustrations. On the more serious side, black and white photos of African Americans holding sit-ins at local diners are indelible images of the Civil Rights movement, including Clara Luper’s now famous sit-in at OKC’s Katz Drug Store lunch counter in 1958.

The diner has never been just about the food: It was a symbol of community, a place to smoke cigarettes and drink coffee before Starbucks and its ilk remade the caffeine landscape, a place to discuss news and local events, to meet the neighbors, to argue politics and religion, to study and, yes, to eat. Diners were typically 24-hour businesses, so breakfast, lunch and dinner were all on the menu, and it seems clear that they made the job of short order cook into an American institution, as well. Any good chef will tell you that a man or woman who can properly cook two dozen eggs to order at one time possesses a rare and wonderful skillset.

The 1960s brought cataclysmic change to America’s institutions, and diners were no exception – but while individual diners closed, the concepts lived on in spite of cultural shifts, both in the local establishments that refused to die and in fast food restaurant design. The menus behind the register at fast food restaurants? Diner inspired. The stools kids spin on at McDonald’s? Diner inspired. Seating choices that included stools, counters, tables and booths? Diners.

COUNTER CULTURE

As for the countertops, they are the surest sign that you have entered a diner. There is no set, official definition of diner, no legal parameters such that a restaurateur may not use the term unless certain design specifications are met, but the diners that reshaped our cultural and culinary paradigms had counters where people could sit and eat. Absent a counter, you have a café. And there’s nothing wrong with cafés, but they are not diners.

When Shannon Roper and Aly Branstetter decided to open Sunnyside Diner in 2016, they insisted on a counter. Roper is matter-of-fact about it: “To me, a diner has a counter. You sit down. You order your coffee.”

Roper and Branstetter are only two restaurateurs who have reached back into the past to bring diners into the present.

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Roper said that he and his wife, Camille, look for diners when they travel – they love Gailey’s Breakfast Café in Springfield, Missouri.

“I love diner food,” Roper says. “I grew up in a small town, El Reno, so I grew up eating in diners. We got onion burgers at Johnnie’s Grill, which I think is the original onion burger joint.”

Sunnyside is one of the new diners to the area, and while Hatch and eventually Aurora will contribute to the breakfast and brunch scene, Sunnyside is a true diner. As such, Roper said they are moving toward the 24-hour model. They will add a dinner menu this year, and in keeping with the traditional theme, Chef Kiki Sabourin will serve up roast beef, hot turkey sandwiches, meatloaf and all the other dishes diners are supposed to serve. And there will be pie. Diners used to have pie cases on, or at least behind, the counter. Sabourin is already offering peanut pie, and Roper said they are trying to find a case now so that they can increase their pie offerings.

PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

THE TASTE OF MEMORIES

If they are successful, walking into Sunnyside will feel like walking into a classic diner circa 1975. That’s not surprising, given that Roper’s other endeavors – S&B Burgers, for example – feature food from the 1970s and ’80s. These were the formative years for him, and that’s when we also form our definitions of comfort food.

Comfort might be some part of the explanation for why diners are trending nationwide. “We have lots of fancy restaurants with really unique food,” Roper says, “but maybe as millennials are aging into families and homes, they are looking for something different.”

Surely there is an element of nostalgia for some of us, some voice from our childhood or youth calling us back to gravy and hash browns and open-faced sandwiches, and away from truffles and exotic birds stuffed with hard-to-pronounce ingredients, to a time when cheese was cheese, and not an unending lexicon of words from other distant places.

Aly Branstetter of Sunnyside Diner, a new space that already has a classic diner feel.

This is not to say that those finer places do not possess merit; they clearly do. But when life becomes more complicated, simple choices are very helpful in uncluttering our existences: toast or biscuit, hash browns or breakfast potatoes, scrambled or fried, white or wheat? Perhaps more importantly, counter or booth?

Someone should do a study of the psychology of that choice, because it may be a better way to understand humanity than any yet found.

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s e n O e h T s s i M e W LARRY DEAN PICKERING Artist, Designer, Gadabout

“Skyline Restaurant near Eastern and SE 15th. I used to pick my dad up when he came in off the road, and we would eat there at 3 a.m. The Skyline Chili was something else – damn good, greasy spoon chili.”

TY TYLER

Owner/Partner, Tyler Media “Our family ate at Dolly’s every Sunday morning when I was growing up. I miss their breakfast.”

Nostalgia, though, is a tricky thing. We can romanticize what came before, and in a very real sense, our memories are full of details our brain created to fill out the storyline. All hash browns are not crispy out and tender in (as God intended them to be); some need to be pressed between napkins to eliminate the extra grease. Diners are irregular things because cooks are humans, and some owners care more than others. Overall, the diner has endured not because of the food, but for other, more intuitive reasons.

WHERE THE HEART EATS

The counter at Cattlemen’s – home to great meals for more than a century.

As part of this feature, we asked food professionals and people from various walks of life what their favorite diner is … or in some cases, what it used to be, as many are now closed. Tunnel vision affects us all, and it was clear with one answer from three different people that this writer failed to notice the oldest diner in Oklahoma because it was not a diner per se.

“My favorite diner?” Chef Kurt Fleischfresser echoes. “The north side of Cattlemen’s.”

Cattlemen’s Steakhouse has been in continuous operation for more than 100 years, and the north side, the original part of the restaurant, is a diner.

Shaun Fiaccone, who owns Picasso Café, says Cattlemen’s “knows who they are after 100 years.”

“They are comfortable in their own skin, and it’s so refreshing. You feel it as soon as you walk in.”

Cattlemen’s operated 24 hours a day up until 1988 or 1989. During the 1960s and ’70s, the restaurant served hundreds of the 30 to 40 thousand workers who populated the large packing houses west of Cattlemen’s: Armour, Swift, Wilson and others. They started closing in the 1970s, and Cattlemen’s suffered a downturn. When operating partner David Egan and his business partner Dick Stubbs bought the place, they continued to staff the diner side, and now, the counter is manned seven days a week beginning at 6 a.m.

Egan said they let diners choose which side to sit on now. Up until 1990, the breakfast side closed for dinner, but eventually, demand made it necessary to re-open the counter for dinner, and many guests now choose the more casual side.

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ROBERT ROSS

Founder and Co-owner, Interurban and Packard’s New American Kitchen “Denco’s was a great diner during the day, and a college hangout at night.

They were inside the Denver Transportation Company building, which is where the name came from. They closed in 1981, but everyone from Norman remembers the Denco Darlin’: elbow macaroni with chili and cheese.”

STEVE GILL

Managing Editor, 405 Magazine “I still miss the burgers, fries and shakes from Nichols Hills Drug; they were good enough to warrant wading through the ever-present horde of Bishop McGuinness students.”

PHOTOS: CATTLEMEN’S COUNTER BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER; DENCO’S COURTESY OKLAHOMA HISTORICAL SOCIETY; THE DINER BY SCOTTY O’DANIEL

COFFEE AND CONVERSATION

Some of the appeal is the counter.

While it’s possible to chat between booths, a counter is like a bar in that many people who sit at one don’t mind conversational stimulation from strangers who are neighbors at the bar.

Brady Sexton, who owns Scratch in Norman, said he loves diners because he can sit at the counter with his kids. “You can’t do that at a bar, but at the diner, it’s part of the fun. It’s also more fun and personal to sit closer to the staff.”

Regulars will tell you – and they are correct – that the best service in a restaurant is typically at the bar. This is simple spatial reasoning: A server or bartender is nearly always within sight or hearing, as opposed to a table or booth, where seeing your server every three to five minutes is standard. Counters in diners are much like bars in this respect, making them even more appealing to the non-introverts among us.

Before there was Starbucks, there was the counter, and so we come to the coffee. Does the coffee need to be good at a diner? Maybe. Visiting several diners over a few weeks convinced me that coffee is the most irregular feature of diners. The servers, the eggs, the mixed fruit jelly (only available in restaurants, folks), the kitschy décor, the glass sugar dispensers that eject pre-diabetic granules at a furious volume, the squeeze bottles of ketchup that always seemed to be topped with vinegar simply to frustrate you, the nondescript flatware, the paper napkins that somehow shred skin and absorb liquid – these are all the same, or at least similar.

The coffee quality is all over the place, though. Sunnyside has excellent coffee. Not all diners do, though many of the customers don’t seem to care.

They didn’t come for the coffee. I heard first names called on dozens of occasions. “The usual, Bill?” “You take it black, right, Hank?” “How are the grandkids, Esther?” In “Cheers”-like fashion, the diner is a local joint; the local-est in some ways, because we allow people to see us regularly early in the morning, when we are not at our best. They know our names, hear our stories and ask after our loved ones, and they keep the coffee “warmed up.” If it tastes a bit like caffeinated sadness, we can live with that. The side of camaraderie is usually plenty to send customers off with a smile, and to keep the legacy of these restaurant institutions rolling along into the future.

The Diner, a mainstay of Main Street in downtown Norman, is a good choice for breakfast classics, and the chili is excellent, especially on a cheeseburger.

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d l O e n i F s e t i r o v Fa CATTLEMEN’S 1309 S Agnew, OKC

Kurt Fleischfresser, executive chef and partner, Western Concepts: “Cattlemen’s serves real food.

It’s not processed, anti-oxidized, homogenized stuff. And I love the atmosphere.”

GOOD GRAVY

8014 N Western, OKC

Sherri’s Diner 324 SW 25th, OKC

Scotty O’Daniel, art director, 405 Magazine: “Sherri’s Diner. The décor gives it a nice throwback feel, and the food’s good enough to make you think about becoming a regular. I’m already planning a return trip for biscuits and gravy. And pie.”

David Henry, executive chef and operating partner, The Hutch on Avondale: “Good Gravy serves perfect hangover food, and the chicken-fried steak is the size of your face!”

KAISER’S

1039 N Walker, OKC

THE DINER

Todd Littleton, senior pastor, Snow Hill Baptist Church: “Kaiser’s. Great burgers, and I love the counter.”

Brady Sexton, owner, Scratch: “The Diner. The food is exactly what you expect, and it’s fast and friendly.”

CHOICE CAFÉ

213 E Main, Norman

RAY’S CAFÉ

GRILL ON THE HILL

Melissa Aust, executive chef, Stella Modern Italian Cuisine: “Ray’s Café over off May. I feel really young when I’m there, and the food is great.

Also, Beverly’s.”

Ty Tyler, owner/partner, Tyler Media: “Grill on the Hill. If you haven’t been, treat yourself. Cheeseburger, meatloaf, green beans, mashed potatoes – delicious, real food.”

2727 NW 50th, OKC

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5205 S Shields, OKC

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324 SW 25th, OKC

Shannon Roper, owner/partner, Sunnyside Diner: “Choice Café on South Shields.” This one is a true family-operated diner, and for Sooner fans, the Karl Salad is named for former OU football player Karl Baldischwiler, who played nine seasons in the NFL (Lions and Colts). It’s a chef salad with gyro meat. Who says no to that?

PHOTOS: GRILL ON THE HILL BY CARLI WENTWORTH, ALL OTHERS BY SCOTTY O’DANIEL

Shaun Fiaccone, restaurateur, Picasso Café: “Cattlemen’s. It embodies all the attributes of the perfect diner: delicious, unpretentious food in an equally unpretentious environment, familiar, well worn, effortlessly executed. (Full disclosure: it doesn’t hurt that my first job was at Applewoods.)”

Juan del Fuego 223 34th Ave SW, Norman

Kristi Miller Griffith, wine sales representative: “Juan del Fuego in Norman. It’s a diner with a Mexican twist. It’s everything that is great about both things.”

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Extra s g n i p l e H JIMMY’S EGG

Multiple metro locations An Oklahoma success story that started in one OKC diner has swelled to 50+ locations. They serve a full menu seven days a week, and claim to go through 7.5 million eggs per year. Probably in part because the scrambles are so good.

Stray Dog Cafe 6722 NW 39th Expy, Bethany

This newer addition to Bethany is well worth a visit, with a soothing atmosphere and friendly staff – they’re how we learned that they bake their own cinnamon bread for the French Toast. We learned it’s completely delicious through independent research.

JIM'S DINER

NIC’S GRILL

7950 NW 39th Expy, Bethany

SID’S DINER

300 S Choctaw, El Reno 109 Wichita, Minco This might be the only place on the list where we wouldn’t be tempted to order breakfast. It’s probably quite good, but they’re a progenitor of a true culinary treasure: You can’t go to Sid’s and not get an onion burger with fries and a shake.

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It’s small and no longer serves breakfast (though the spinoff Nic’s Place does on weekends), but the good news is that the specialty of the house is a burger that’s borderline life-changing. This easily overlooked treasure gets our highest recommendation.

HASH RETRO DINER 1149 E 2nd, Edmond

Named for its signature selection of massively loaded plates of hash browns and mixed goodness, its menu is broad and tempting with healthy options (and others that aren’t). It doesn’t technically have counter seating, but don’t let that stop you from giving it a shot, or two.

RUNWAY CAFE

Wiley Post Airport 5915 Philip J Rhoads, Bethany The constant buzz of activity at Wiley Post Airport makes an excellent view for patrons relaxing with a cup of coffee and stack of giant pecan pancakes, signature baked omelet or the mighty Hindenburger.

PHOTOS: HASH RETRO DINER BY CARLI WENTWORTH, ALL OTHERS BY SCOTTY O’DANIEL

1201 N Pennsylvania, OKC

It might be a lingering aspect of Route 66’s storied legacy, but Bethany has a bumper crop of long-lived diners. Jim’s is pushing 40, and they mean it when they say homestyle. We recommend the open-face roast beef sandwich, with homemade pie a la mode.

Boom-a-Rang Multiple metro locations

Far-flung across Oklahoma – there’s even one in western Arkansas – these retro-styled locales have a varied menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Pro tip: The catfish is especially good.

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Torii Kiyotada VII (Japanese, 1875 –19 41) . Actor portrayi n g Danshici Kurobei in the play ‘Natsu matsuri ’ (detail), October 1940.

Woodblock print. Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Albert J. Kirkpatrick, 1969.080

Chris Poore, DDS, MS

Mary Hamburg, DDS, MS

CHRIS POORE, DDS, MS MARY HAMBURG, DDS, MS ROBIN D. HENDERSON, DMD, MS SPECIALTY IN PERIODONTICS & IMPLANT DENTISTRY A LL DOCTORS ARE DIPLOMATES OF THE A MERICAN BOARD OF PERIODONTOLOGY

9112 N. M AY, OKC 56

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947.0486

Robin D. Henderson, DMD, MS

PERIODONTAL SURGERY

FRENECTOMY

LANAP

SOFT TISSUE GRAFTING

DENTAL IMPLANTS

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dining Drop the Chopsticks

PHOTO BY SCOTTY O’DANIEL

The Automobile Alley restaurant named Yuzo Sushi Tapas does have, as you might expect, plentiful choices among rolls and sashimi – but that doesn’t mean a pair of chopsticks will be all you need to navigate the full menu. With temptations such as the Brazilian meatloaf, tempura ice cream and this Creole Salmon’s robust grilled fillet swimming in a crawfish cream sauce, we recommend a full suite of utensils.

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dining

LOCAL FLAVOR

be here,” he says. “I came up here while my brother was stationed here (at Tinker AFB) and I didn’t see the market for it then, but about four years ago I started seeing the market for it. DFW is so diverse in culture, and I thought we could do for Oklahoma something they didn’t have.”

It’s easy to find by looking for the surprised-looking puffer fish sign on the east side of Automobile Alley; the space has high ceilings and lots of elbow room, with warm tones and textures offsetting its sleek, minimalist lines. It’s also bigger than it looks from its streetside profile (although the orchids in the windows are a lovely touch). In fact, I really appreciated the decorative details throughout: the pendant lights reminiscent of pine cones, window boxes with wine bottles set into the south wall, an artistic lineup of sake and plum wines standing on the

BY STEVE GILL hostess’ table so they’re agleam with the afternoon sun as customPHOTOS BY SCOT T Y O’DANIEL ers enter, even a lucky cat statue.

Visitors have a choice of open tables or semiprivate booths W HE N I T COM E S to dining, familiarity often breeds contentalong the north wall, as well as underlit bar seating with an upment. We have a tendency to latch onto loved dishes and happily close-and-personal view of the sushi chefs at work on one side or return to them again and again – consider the lasting success of the the bartenders on the other. Both sides have TVs above, but the diner model Greg Horton explores in this month’s feature on p. 46, skilled performance art taking place on the sushi side is likely to or the very concept of comfort food. But as enjoyable as it can be to be more interesting than whatever’s on cable. revisit the known and loved, there are equally huge rewards waitBefore you hit the sushi, several options from the tapas menu ing out there for exploration and innovation: I’d never heard the make ideal appetizers, whether you pick the tuna carpaccio with phrase Sushi Tapas before, but a visit to Yuzo provides an excellent just a little bit of heat from its spicy ponzu, the perreminder to savor life’s possibilities. fectly prepared pork gyoza or the immense visual The restaurant is the brainchild of Tomi Le, a veterappeal of the salmon ceviche with mango/tomato an chef who’s been running restaurants since opening YUZO SUSHI TAPAS salsa. My favorite might have been the wasabi apPiranha in Arlington, Texas, in 2001, and who has 808 N Broadway, OKC ple salmon; just the name says a lot about chef Le’s watched OKC’s growth for some time. “I’ve been 405.702.9808 willingness to mix and experiment with flavors. researching this city for four years, and I’m thrilled to yuzosushitapas.com

DO GO YUZO Developing fresh tastes on Automobile Alley

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The juxtaposition of tender, almost creamy fish and crisp slivers of fruit works surprisingly well in concert, and the hint of wasabi is in no danger of overpowering the blend of tastes.

In terms of rolls, follow your heart, since the variety is more than ample. I can tell you that we enjoyed the Big Easy (New Orleans-inspired mix of shrimp, crawfish and Cajun spices), Banjo (fried crab and avocado with chili) and the unconventional pop of the Bombshell (shrimp topped with tuna and strawberries in a horseradish tartar sauce – sounds odd, looks great, tastes even better). Chef Le likes the Viet Summer, which is a light, fresh-tasting seafood mix wrapped in rice paper; on the other hand, my notes simply say that “Wabi is the besssssst,” because apparently I’m quite susceptible to a tempura-fried salmon-andcream-cheese roll swimming in a mix of eel sauce and wasabi cream. The only thing I tried that I wouldn’t recommend is the cucumber sashimi, and I’m not its target audience anyway, as I find that particular vegetable’s flavor a little overpowering.

And as bountiful as the sushi and sashimi options are, they represent only part of the culinary offerings: Some dishes will even do better with a fork, such as the rich, delicious salmon creole and the locomoco, which is Brazilian meatloaf on a bed of rice doused in a savory sauce and topped with an egg.

As you can see, there’s a lot to like about Yuzo – and I haven’t even mentioned the ramen and rice bowl options, or the ample martini menu with its upcoming seasonal specials. Whatever you end up with is likely to impress … just please be certain to close your meal out with a tempura ice cream ball, and please be aware that they’re bigger than you think they are. Ordering all three flavors to try each is probably not a great plan.

OKC is enjoying a boom in restaurants, which makes this a great time to get out and try someplace new. Don’t let Yuzo slip off your radar; it’s an imaginative, flavorful treat.

DOWN TO SIZE One of the benefits of experience – “I’ve been doing this for 24 years,” Chef Le smiles – is a willingness to break with convention when warranted.

Le said most places cut sushi rolls into six or eight pieces; he prefers at least 10 so you can get the individual slices into your mouth and expose your palate to more flavors at once. “I like small bites; I think about how you would eat it and that’s how I cut it. Most of our food is ‘party in your mouth,’ and that’s what we like: a lot of flavor.”

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dining

Chef Krell with Patrono’s “mascot” – a rooster painted by Jennifer Cummins

A Delicious Windfall Jonathan Krell returns to Italian tastes JONAT H A N K R EL L is the new executive chef at Patrono, a

role that brings one of the state’s most talented chefs back to downtown Oklahoma City and back to Italian food. Krell served as executive chef at Stella Modern Italian for a time, and his upbringing in the Center City district of Philadelphia exposed him to rustic Italian cooking young.

Before he chose food for a career, though, Krell was an audio engineer who spent six years on the road with some of the industry’s best known metal and hard rock bands – he even worked Ozzfest at one point. He left the music business behind to pursue his love for food, and while he’s unclear when he first started cooking, he does remember his mother telling him that there were early indications of his eventual career.

“My mother said I used to pretend to read her cookbooks when I was too young to read,” Krell says.

His grandfather was a former military cook, who made, in Krell’s words, “very basic but flavorful, hearty food.” On the other end of the spectrum was his mother, an adventurous eater who put caviar and sushi in front of him at 6 years old, when most kids are eating chicken nuggets and ketchup.

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“Quite a lot of HOW IT’S DONE diversity,” Krell says, Sunday Gravy with uninflected 5 tbsp excellent quality olive oil understatement.

2 yellow onions, diced While part of his 4 sprigs fresh oregano training was with 3 sprigs fresh basil 6 cloves garlic, minced famous Iron Chef 2 pounds country pork ribs Masaharu Morimoto 1 pound mild fennel sausage 1 pound sweet fennel sausage in his Philadelphia 1 bottle good quality Chianti restaurant, most of it (Editor’s note: Good enough you was completely informight want to drink a little, but not good enough that you’ll be sad to mal. Still, he was given see it in a sauce.) multiple opportunities 2 large cans San Marzano tomatoes to “knock on kitchen Sauté onions, herbs and garlic in doors throughout olive oil until translucent.

Add pork and sausage and cook Philadelphia and stage until golden brown. for some of the city’s Carefully add wine and reduce best chefs.” mixture by one third.

Add tomatoes, crushing each by A self-described hand. comfort food eater – “I Add juice from the cans.

Cover and simmer at medium low basically only eat what for two hours. comforts me” – Krell is accomplished at both simple dishes and elegant, refined cuisine.

The tattoos, remnants of his heavy metal days, belie the aesthete hidden within.

He moved to Oklahoma City to be close to his brother and sister-inlaw, and to get in on the “culinary turnaround” in the state. The recipe he chose to share was a joint discovery he made with his brother Gerry.

“We bought a big chest of drawers when we were still living in Philly, and that’s how we found the recipe,” Krell says.

The chest was too large to move down a flight of stairs as a single piece, so the brothers took it apart. When they did, they found a sheaf of papers with what they thought were personal letters written in Italian. Gerry was working at an Italian restaurant at the time, so he took the “letters” to the owner to translate. As it turns out, they were actually recipes, ones so detailed that the author even specified local businesses where the ingredients – Italian sausage, tomatoes, olive oil, etc. – should be purchased. One butcher is not the same as another, after all.

His favorite recipe, and the one Krell still cooks, was for “Sunday gravy.” In the parlance of rustic Italian cooking, Sunday gravy is a red sauce that combines the leftover ingredients from the week’s meals, to which fresh ingredients are usually added.

Krell gave us the recipe … minus the Philadelphia businesses, most of which are closed now anyway. Toss the sauce with your favorite pasta, or grill some ciabatta and enjoy an open-faced Italian sandwich. - GREG HORTON

PHOTOS BY SHANNON CORNMAN

CHEF’S TABLE

224 JOHNNY BENCH DRIVE | OKLAHOMA CITY, OK | (405) 701-3535 | WWW.LEGACYGRILL.COM

S AY ‘ C H E E R S’ T O PAT I O W E AT H E R W I T H A P I T C H E R AT L E G A C Y G R I L L

food drink Symbols

$ most entrees under $10 $$ most entrees $10 to $25 $$$ most entrees over $25 outdoor dining reservations accepted valet parking new or updated entry

American 3SIXTY RESTAURANT & BAR

While the menu is filled with upscale casual taste temptations and it boasts a stocked and loaded bar, this hotspot’s ace in the hole (or sky) is its panoramic views from atop Founders Tower. 5900 Mosteller, OKC, 418.7686 $$ ANCHOR DOWN Sip a beer or specialty cocktail and munch on a selection of gourmet corndogs in this fresh Deep Deuce concept housed within repurposed shipping containers. 30 NE 2nd, OKC, 605.8070 $ CAFÉ 501 Rustic stone oven pizzas, fresh salads and specialty sandwiches on house-made artisan breads. Add welcoming atmosphere and enjoy. 501 S Boulevard, Edmond, 359.1501; 5825 NW Grand, OKC, 844.1501 $$ DEEP FORK GRILL Crisply elegant atmosphere complements the menu of superb seafood (wood-grilled cedar plank salmon is a house specialty), steaks and accoutrements. 5418 N Western, OKC, 848.7678 $$ FAT DOG This f lavor-filled kitchen and bar dishes up treats from fish and chips to a killer Cobb salad … but if you just want to cool your heels on the patio with burgers, hot dogs and beer, you’re in the right place. 1234 N Western, OKC, 609.3647 $ FLINT Approachably casual style, plus the kitchen’s impeccably serious attention to detail in the outstanding contemporary cuisine, winningly combined in the Colcord Hotel. 15 N Robinson, OKC, 601.4300 $$

an update with a more modern menu sprinkled with experimental twists, and a full suite of tempting cocktails, wines and spirits. 6437 Avondale, OKC, 842.1000 $$

experience with vintage recipes and atmosphere. Seating is limited but the patio is a year-round treat, and the drinks menu is a thing of beauty.

320 NW 10th, OKC, 602.5066 $$

dessert. 1845 NW Expressway, OKC, 582.2253 $$

HEFNER GRILL Upscale fare of hand-cut steaks and seafood plus a tempting brunch to boot, enhanced by a live piano and a spectacular view overlooking scenic Lake Hefner. 9201 Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 748.6113 $$

REDROCK CANYON GRILL Rotisserie chicken, enchiladas, pork chops and steak by the lake in a casual, energetic, hacienda-style atmosphere of stone walls and mahogany beams around an open kitchen. 9221 E Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 749.1995; 1820 Legacy Park, Norman, 701.5501 $$

CHAE This pan-cultural treat puts a delectable influence on embracing traditional Korean cuisine and showcasing its versatility by blending its ingredients with dishes from around the world. Grab your chopsticks and enjoy.

1933 NW 23rd, OKC, 600.9040 $$

SATURN GRILL A star of the lunchtime stage in Nichols Hills Plaza, its rotation of daily specials and tasty twists on pizza, sandwiches and salads keep it crowded on weekdays.

Calling ahead is recommended. 6432 Avondale, OKC, 843.7114 $

food for the soul; these freshly fried beauties are done Korean-style, and with serious flavor. Grab some kimchi fries and a local beer and enjoy. 715 NW 23rd, OKC, 604.6995 $

KITCHEN NO. 324 A seasonally inspired café and craft bakery serving spectacular rustic American cuisine.

Open for lunch and dinner, and a thorough treat for breakfast or brunch.

324 N Robinson, OKC, 763.5911 $ LEGACY GRILL The décor is rich with artifacts and imagery honoring Oklahoma’s great leaders and stars, and the menu’s collection includes more than a few greats of its own. 224 Johnny Bench, OKC, 701.3535 $$ LEGEND’S A Lindsey Street landmark for over 40 years, this casually upscale restaurant still serves exceptional seafood, steaks and more amid welcoming surroundings. 1313 W Lindsey, Norman, 329.8888 $$ MARY EDDY’S Inside the inviting environs of Film Row anchor 21c Museum Hotel, this showplace of a restaurant turns out a seasonally driven menu of expertly tuned f lavors and dishes meant to be shared. 900 W Main, OKC, 982.6900 $$ MEATBALL HOUSE The focus in this Campus Corner restaurant is right where the name says, but the variety in salads/sandwiches/pizza/pasta gives a surprising breadth of satisfying dining options. 333 W Boyd, Norman, 701.3800 $$ NIC’S PLACE Already justly renowned for his skill at the grill, burger master Justin Nicholas offers breakfast, dinner, drinks and late night treats served in outstanding style at this Midtown diner and lounge. 1116 N Robinson, OKC, 601. 9234 $$ PACKARD’S NEW AMERICAN KITCHEN They’re not kidding about the “new” – the entire lunch and dinner menus are filled with innovative tastes for a distinctive dining experience. 201 NW 10th, OKC, 605.3771 $$

HATCH They call it “early mood food,” and if you find yourself in the mood for a sumptuous made-from-scratch breakfast (or lunch), it should be right up your Automobile Alley. 1101 N Broadway, OKC, 232.3949 $$

PICASSO CAFÉ Their neighbors in the Paseo are painters, potters and sculptors, so it’s apt that creativity abounds in these zippy sandwiches, salads, pizza and surprises, including plentiful selections for vegetarians.

3009 Paseo, OKC, 602.2002 $

THE HUTCH ON AVONDALE The all-time classic Coach House receives

THE R&J LOUNGE AND SUPPER CLUB A sentimental dining

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SCRATCH Isn’t that the best place for food to come from? Top-of -the-line ingredients are combined into entrees and sides that are carefully concocted in-house, as are the bevy of wondrous craft cocktails. 132 W Main, Norman, 801.2900 $$ SUNNYSIDE DINER A new day dawns for breakfast and lunch on the west side of downtown as a former service station becomes a no-pretense, made-from-scratch diner. Order up!

916 NW 6th, OKC, 778.8861 $ SYRUP The most important meal of the day is also the most enticing at this unique breakfast boutique serving a heaping helping of signature dishes (the crunchy French toast is something special) and Stumptown coffee. 123 E Main, Norman, 701.1143 $ VAST Keeping your attention on the steaks, seafood and other temptaitons might be difficult; the view from atop the Devon Tower is truly unparalleled in Oklahoma, making this a fantastic date spot. 280 W Sheridan, 49th f loor, OKC, 702.7262 $$$ VICEROY GRILLE Opulent décor, comfortable environs and some outstanding cuisine make a strong recommendation for the Ambassador Hotel’s in-house restaurant; don’t overlook the brunch options. 1200 N Walker Ave, OKC, 600.6200 $$ WAFFLE CHAMPION A food truck that expanded into a brick-and-mortar location in Midtown, its gourmet f lavor combinations use waff les as the foundation for sweet and savory sandwich treats. 1212 N Walker, OKC, 525.9235 $ WHISKEY CAKE High-quality locally sourced ingredients, prepared using slow cooking techniques that’s a prime recipe for outstanding dining.

Enjoy – and don’t forget the namesake

Asian

CHICK N BEER Wings and brews are

EL TORO CHINO Big, bold flavors from disparate cuisines are blended in this self-described “Latin + Asian Kitchen” - creating results that are as excitingly distinctive as they are delicious. 2801 NW 36th, Norman, 708.9472 $$ GUERNSEY PARK A hidden treasure on an Uptown back street, reflecting traditional Asian flavors expertly fused with a hint of French influence. Try the chicken lollipops and curry salmon. 2418 N Guernsey, OKC, 605.5272 $$ O ASIAN FUSION Sublime quality in a wide span of culinary influences – freshly rolled sushi to fiery curry – in cool, vibrant digs. Call ahead for dinner, because it becomes a packed house in a hurry. 105 SE 12th, Norman, 701.8899 $$ SAII With a dark, rich ambiance that elevates it over its surroundings, the captivating Saii serves expertly done Japanese, Thai and Chinese fare plus an extensive and adventurous sushi menu.

6900 N May, OKC, 702.7244 $$

Bakery BELLE KITCHEN Doughnuts, macarons, pastries and ice cream created from scratch, in small batches – making treats like these with care and passion makes a difference that’s easy, and a pleasure, to taste. 7509 N May, OKC, 430.5484; 30 NE 2nd, OKC, 541.5858 $ CUPPIES & JOE The name is only part of the story: the Uptown nook holds cupcakes and coffee as well as pie, live music, a cozy, trendy vibe and more.

Park around back and take a peek. 727 NW 23rd, OKC, 528.2122 $ LA BAGUETTE Comfort and exquisite baking make a tres chic destination for brunch and beyond. They supply pastries throughout the metro, but the source is especially delicious. 1130 Rambling Oaks, Norman, 329.1101; 2100 W Main, Norman, 329.5822 $

PIE JUNKIE A Plaza District haven for serious pie aficionados. Call ahead to order a whole pie or quiche or walk in and choose from what’s on hand; either way the flavors are incredible, and you may never find a better Key lime. 1711 NW 16th, OKC, 605.8767 $ SARA SARA CUPCAKES The ambiance and milk bar make great additions to the variety of specialty cupcakes - selections range from traditional chocolate to blueberry honey and even bacon, egg and cheese. 7 NW 9th, OKC, 600.9494 $

Bar & Pub Food

the game or a dinner date. And bear in mind that the wings are outstanding. 930 E 2, Edmond, 285.7725 $$ OAK & ORE A Plaza District port of call built with repurposed rustic materials, it offers more than a handful of creative sandwiches that practically require a knife and fork, as well as a tantalizing selection of lovingly chosen craft beers. 1732 NW 16th, OKC, 606.2030 $ O’CONNELL’S IRISH PUB & GRILLE Beloved by students, alumni and townies alike, it’s served up killer burgers, beer and festive atmosphere since 1968. A St. Patrick’s Day must. 769 Asp, Norman, 217.8454 $

THE BARREL The menu is well-stocked with intriguing and delicious twists on pub cuisine like shepherd’s pie and shrimp and chips, but the equally ample bar makes it a great spot to relax over drinks as well. 4308 N Western, OKC, 525.6682 $

PUB W Multiple sections provide a choice of atmosphere, but the menu filled with choice beer and “new classic” fare from barbeque wings to pork chops is a constant pleasure. 3720 W Robinson, Norman, 701.5844; 3121 W Memorial, OKC, 608.2200 $$

BLU FINE WINE & FOOD Just south of Main Street, this sleek bar stands out due to quick, courteous service and a menu with gourmet range from mojitos to barbeque chicken pizza to fresh hummus.

201 S Crawford, Norman, 360.4258 $$

REPUBLIC GASTROPUB Part beer bar and part upscale eatery, this noisy, amply attended locale pairs a vast selection of quality brews with tasty menu items, including a great burger selection. 5830 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 286.4577; 13230 Pawnee, OKC, 907.5900 $$

EDDIE’S BAR & GRILL This stylish spot not far from UCO is equally ideal for a casual drink, appetizers while watching

SLAUGHTER’S HALL A good-vibe hangout in the heart of Deep Deuce, it’s home to great sandwiches and

brunch options, a strong beer selection, a notoriously tasty take on poutine and some of the best mac and cheese in the city. 221 N Central, OKC, 606.6063 $$

Barbeque EARL’S RIB PALACE A popular choice among locals in a genre that’s hardly lacking in options, the local chain pounds out hit ribs and turkey as well as a top-tier burger. 6 metro locations, earlsribpalace.com $ IRON STAR URBAN BARBEQUE Iron Star specializes in “a unique and tasty spin on comfort food.” While its entrees are excellent, the sides here are equal players as well. 3700 N Shartel, OKC, 524.5925 $$ LEO’S BAR-B-Q Dense, rich flavor and tender texture, delivered in genuine unpolished style for commendable value – no wonder its ribs and brisket are favorites among Oklahoma connoisseurs. 3631 N Kelley, OKC 424.5367 $ TEXLAHOMA BBQ Family owned and fabulously flavorful, its meats (especially the beef ribs) are eyerolling good. Don’t forget the espresso barbeque sauce! 121 E Waterloo, Edmond, 513.7631 $$

Burgers & Sandwiches COW CALF-HAY This tempting burger spot offers ample flavor combinations, and the delicious neverfrozen patties are mmmmmassive.

Don’t forget the onion rings. 3409 Wynn, Edmond, 509.2333; 212 N Harvey, OKC, 601.6180 $ THE FIXX Massive, monstrous burgers and hot dogs, put together with thought and care. Don’t forget to get a shake or something from the full bar. 644 W Edmond, Edmond, 285.2311 $ THE GARAGE BURGERS & BEER It can get noisy in the sports-bar atmosphere, but even so your focus will likely be on savoring the many tempting flavor possibilities of huge, juicy burgers and fries. 8 metro locations, eatatthegarage.com $ IRMA’S BURGER SHACK Hand-cut fries, hand-breaded onion rings and simply great burgers, especially with No Name Ranch patties - lean and flavorful thanks to a local breed of cattle. 1035 NW 63rd, OKC, 840.4762; 1120 Classen Drive, OKC, 235.4762 $ THE MULE Solid beer and beverage selection plus a delectable array of gourmet grilled cheeses and melts

Dine Divine for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Weekend Brunch 1200 N. Walker Avenue | 405.898.8120 #DineViceroy | ViceroyOKC.com

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fill the menu at this relaxation destination in the Plaza District. 1630 N Blackwelder, OKC, 601.1400 $ NIC’S GRILL It’s small, it’s crowded … and it’s incredible. It’s only open for lunch and the lines are often long, but the colossal burgers are easily among the metro’s best. Don’t forget some money, since it’s cash-only. 1202 N Penn, OKC, 524.0999 $ S&B’S BURGER JOINT Good news: these burgers’ exquisite flavors including such ingredients as peanut butter or a coffee crust - come as sliders too, the better to sample more kinds. 5 metro locations, sandbburgers.com $ TUCKER’S ONION BURGERS With one burger, one side dish (fries) and one salad, the menu is easy to remember - and the execution makes the meal unforgettable. Add a shake and enjoy. 4 metro locations, tuckersonionburgers. com $

Coffeehouse & Tea Room ALL ABOUT CHA Universal standards and unusual concoctions (the sweet potato latte is a wonder) in a cheerful atmosphere; the food options are worth investigating, as well. 5 metro locations, allaboutcha.net $

A New Old Favorite Take a fresh look at Iguana

IT ’S B E E N ALM OST 10 years and innumerable tortillas since

Iguana Mexican Grill opened the doors of its location down by the railroad tracks on NW 9th Street in OKC – and while that means it certainly qualifies as an established favorite (especially on Tuesdays), a recent revitalizing renovation has given it a whole new feel.

“This is a new era for Iguana Mexican Grill,” says operating partner Marc Dunham, “and we are ready to celebrate our new look and new menu.”

Those nascent flavors include Shrimp Tacos a la Tuma (they’re elevated with mango slaw, Oaxaca cheese and a chile de arbol aioli); handmade guacamole laced with pomegranate, pineapple or bacon; or the Cochinita Pibil – pork marinated in orange and achiote, cooked in a banana leaf and served with cilantro, pickled onions and flour tortillas.

But for those anxious to savor an old favorite, never fear – Iguana still specializes in fajitas, and chef Juan Quixtan will be happy to whip up a sizzling heap of steak, chicken or shrimp for devouring.

Whatever you order, we recommend you try the Cantarito as an accompaniment – it’s a traditional Mexican cocktail of tequila and fruit juices, served in a handmade clay jug that’s integral to the drink’s tradition. It’s always a good idea to try new things, especially if they’re old favorites. - STEVE GILL

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CAFÉ EVOKE Outstanding coffee drinks and other beverages from one of the area’s great caterers; if patrons wish to stick around to sample soup, sandwiches, snacks or sweets, so much the better for their palates. 103 S Broadway, Edmond, 285.1522 $ CLARITY COFFEE The vibe is crisp, clean and cool while remaining welcoming and comfortable – including seating for sipping or getting some work done – and the brewers have their beverages down to a science. As the sign says, “Drink the Coffee.” 431 W Main, OKC, 252.0155 $ COFFEE SLINGERS Rocking a brisk, urban vibe on Automobile Alley, it has become a gathering place for genuine java enthusiasts, especially during its periodic educational sampling seminars.

1015 N Broadway, OKC, 606.2763 $ ELEMENTAL COFFEE Seriously spectacular coffee roasted in-house - the passionate staff is always eager to share knowledge about the process augmented with locally sourced salads, breakfast options and other treats. 815 N Hudson, OKC, 633.1703 $ ELLIS ISLAND Their brews use Eote Coffee (thumbs up), but there’s much more in store in this clean, cozy hangout spot – local beers, a selection of wines, treats from La Baguette and Epic Pops and more are waiting to be enjoyed. 130 N Broadway, Edmond, 726.8831 $ RED CUP Comfortably ramshackle surroundings encourage curling up for conversation over great coffee, baked treats, vegetarian-friendly breakfast and lunch specials, and live music. It’s

highly recommended. 3122 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 525.3430 $ T, AN URBAN TEAHOUSE Proving that an establishment’s focus can be at once narrow and broad, these retreats offer over 100 varieties and expert counsel to explore a world of possibiliteas. 519 NW 23rd, OKC $

Continental BIN 73 Think of it as a wine bar but don’t overlook the tasting menu - diners can fill up on filet mignon or simply top the evening off with tapas while enjoying the full gamut of libations and chic ambiance. 7312 N Western, OKC, 843.0073 $$ BLACKBIRD A Campus Corner gastropub pairing succulently creative dishes like pot roast nachos with a broad beer, wine and whiskey list. There’s little on the menu that won’t tempt palates.

575 S University, Norman, 928.5555 $$ CHEEVER’S Southwestern-influenced recipes (the chicken-fried steak is a house specialty) and love of seafood drive the contemporary comfort food in one of the city’s finest dining destinations. 2409 N Hudson, OKC, 525.7007 $$ EN CROUTE A warmly welcoming, comfortable café in Nichols Plaza offers treats all day long, from fresh pastries to select spirits and beer, with special emphasis on artisanal cheese and charcuterie. 6460 Avondale, OKC, 607.6100 $ 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 $$$ THE MANTEL Marvelous steaks, seafood and other specialties combine with a refined atmosphere and outstanding service to set the stage for a truly memorable meal, especially if you have a date to impress. 201 E Sheridan, OKC, 236.8040 $$$ THE METRO A perennial favorite that feels comfortably upscale without exerting pressure to impress on its clientele, the far-reaching menu covers culinary high points from vichyssoise to crème brulée. 6418 N Western, OKC, 840.9463 $$ MICHAEL’S GRILL Thoroughly urbane dining in an intimate setting: the steaks, chops, seafood and pastas are all reliably excellent, and the Caesar salad prepared tableside is the stuff of legends. 2824 W Country Club, OKC, 810.9000 $$$ THE MUSEUM CAFÉ A setting as inspiring as the OKC Museum of Art warrants something special in cuisine: delicately light or delectably robust, its European-inspired menu delights for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. 415 Couch, OKC, 235.6262 $$ PARK AVENUE GRILL A one-of-akind dining experience inside the

PHOTO BY SHANNON CORNMAN

GOOD TASTE

COME DINE WITH A

LEGEND!

1309 South Agnew • 1st Light South of I-40 Located in Historic Stockyards City.

405.236.0416 • CattlemensRestaurant.com

Open 6am Every Day

luxurious Skirvin Hilton, blending traditional steak and seafood with the high style of its 1930s setting. 1 Park, OKC, 702.8444 $$$ PASEO GRILL Quiet and intimate inside, cheerful and comfortable out on the patio, with an award-winning menu filled with distinctive flavors inspired by the cuisines of Europe in both areas – try the duck salad. 2909 Paseo, OKC, 601.1079 $$$ THE PRITCHARD WINE BAR Tempted by tempranillo? Musing about muscat? This Plaza District stop is amply stocked with an extensive list of exceptional wines, and sampling the varied dishes is a pleasure in itself. 1749 NW 16th, OKC, 601.4067 $ ROCOCO An “East Coast-style” restaurant with a diverse menu of international dishes, all set off by carefully selected wines to create the perfect dinner pairing. 12252 N May, OKC, 212.4577; 2824 N Penn, OKC, 528.2824 $$ SEVEN47 A Campus Corner hotspot boasting sleek, swank décor, an appealingly broad menu including a tantalizing brunch and a consistently celebratory vibe - in toto that makes this a winner. 747 Asp, Norman, 701.8622 $$

Drink Divinely Saints Pub’s Irish Mule

TH E E M E R ALD IS LE has its share of horses, and more than a

few donkeys have made their way across St. George’s Channel and the Celtic Sea since the 1800s, so it stands to reason that the country is home to at least a couple of their cross-bred offspring. But you needn’t go all the way to Dublin to look for one; you can find a top-notch Irish Mule right here in OKC’s Plaza District by visiting Saints Pub. There’s nothing equine-specific about this cocktail (save perhaps the kick); it’s a variant of the classic Moscow Mule, which swaps out that beverage’s vodka for the golden purity of Jameson Irish Whiskey. The brand has been around well over 300 years, and its production still uses water from the Dungourney River that flows through the distillery and barley from County Cork. It is, in a real sense, a taste of Ireland.

For the ginger beer, Saints uses its own house-made brew, which is commendable, although if you’re trying to recapture the magic in your own kitchen, Pops in Nichols Hills Plaza carries an impressive array of take-home bottles. Try Cock & Bull; it’s a nice balance of sweetness and bite.

Saints’ cocktail menu is a hefty and wide-ranging one – the Strong Tonic-laced World’s Strongest Man also comes highly recommended – but this is, after all, an Irish pub. The word whiskey actually comes from an old Irish phrase meaning “water of life,” so try a beverage built around it and see if it doesn’t perk you right up. - STEVE GILL

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SIGNATURE GRILL Unassuming locale; magnificent culinary rewards.

The expertly considered menu mixes French and Italian flavors to present a wide spectrum of amazing flavors in a few select dishes. 1317 E Danforth, Edmond, 330.4548 $$$ WEST Expert staff and stylish décor augment a menu filled with treats from beef pad thai to roasted airline chicken.

Don’t forget the zuccha chips! 6714 N Western, OKC, 607.4072 $$

French LA BAGUETTE BISTRO Les Freres Buthion have deep roots in the city’s culinary landscape, and this flagship combines fine dining with a great bakery, deli and butcher on site. 7408 N May, OKC, 840.3047 $$

German DAS BOOT CAMP Longtime fixture for Deutsch festivities Royal Bavaria has brewed up a second round of exceptional cuisine and magnificent beer in a less expensive, faster-paced location in downtown Norman. 229 E Main, Norman, 701.3748 $ FASSLER HALL Bringing German flavor to Midtown via house-made sausages, warm soft pretzels with cheese sauce, duck fries and a heftig beer menu, plus a weekend brunch – what’s not to love? 421 NW 10th, OKC, 609.3300 $ INGRID’S Authentic German fare at its best, including outstanding Oklahomamade bratwurst. Join weekend regulars for breakfast, and remember the bakery counter. 3701 N Youngs, OKC, 946.8444; 6501 N May, OKC $$

ROYAL BAVARIA Superb takes on traditional dishes like Weinerschnitzel, Jagerbraten and sausages, plus fantastisch house-brewed beers. The time spent is a worthy investment in this family-style dining hall. 3401 S Sooner, Moore, 799.7666 $$$

Indian GOPURAM - TASTE OF INDIA A full-service restaurant whose richly appointed interior and attentive staff accord patrons the feel of fine dining, even during the inexpensive and plentifully stocked lunch buffet. 4559 NW 23rd, OKC, 948.7373 $$ MISAL OF INDIA A Norman institution for over 30 years, specializing in tandooricooked delicacies and boasting healthy, natural, delicious cuisine served amid splendid ambiance. 580 Ed Noble Pkwy, Norman, 579.5600 $$ TAJ A tremendous set of Indian staples and delicacies - the menu has sections for vegetarian, tandoori, South Indian and Indo-Chinese specialties - plus full lunch and dinner buffets. 1500 NW 23rd, OKC, 601.1888 $$

Italian & Pizza BELLINI’S Tasteful in décor and Italian offerings alike, this romantic nightspot quietly, confidently exudes elegance. It’s worth a visit even if only for a couple of the namesake beverages on the shady patio. 6305 Waterford, OKC, 848.1065 $$ BENVENUTI’S Subtly flavored minestrone to rich, hearty ragouts, the splendid menu keeps the booths full and diners planning return trips to this vintage building by the railroad tracks; don’t overlook Sunday brunch. 105 W Main, Norman, 310.5271 $$ EMPIRE SLICE HOUSE Reigning over the Plaza District in New York style (that means thin, flexible crust with a lot of surface area to cover in cheese and tasty toppings), it offers whole pizzas or slices, a full bar and a primo patio. 1734 NW 16th, OKC $ FLIP’S WINE BAR & TRATTORIA Managing to feel rustic despite its location in a busy corridor of OKC, this cozy Italian joint keeps extended hours, and tends to get busier and louder as the hour gets later. 5801 N Western, OKC, 843.1527 $$ HIDEAWAY PIZZA If you’ve been serving a devoted following for over half a century, you’re doing something right.

In this case, that’s incredible pizza in jovial surroundings - a true Oklahoma success story. 8 metro locations, hideawaypizza.com $$ HUMBLE PIE PIZZERIA There’s really no need to be humble about this true Chicago-style pizza, boasting perhaps the best crust known to man.

It’s one of our favorites; choose your toppings and think deep thoughts. 1319 S Broadway, Edmond, 715.1818 $ KNUCK’S WHEELHOUSE Homemade daily with sauces from

PHOTO BY SHANNON CORNMAN

AT THE BAR

scratch and local beer in the crust, it’s a tasty and varied stopover for Bricktown wanderers as well as a pizza-lover’s destination in its own right. 103 E California, OKC, 605.4422 $ MONI’S Handmade, New Jerseystyle brick oven pizza and authentic pasta recipes from Southern Italy in a casual, comfy ambience (ideal for dates). 17200 N May, Edmond, 285.5991 $$ OTHELLO’S Garlic bread and warm mussels to tiramisu and coffee – all you could want in a romantic Italian café. The Norman location regularly hosts live music, too. 434 Buchanan, Norman, 701.4900; 1 S Broadway, Edmond, 330.9045 $$ PIZZA 23 The tempting selection of specialty pies on especially buttery, f laky crusts is available for takeout, but dining in is recommended; the Uptown joint’s good beer selection and crisp, urban décor add savor to the f lavor. 600-B NW 23rd, OKC, 601.6161 $$ PIZZERIA GUSTO Neapolitan-style pizza (which harnesses an extremely hot fire to quickly cook superfine f lour crusts and quality ingredients) stars alongside Italy-inspired salads, pastas and appetizers. 2415 N Walker, OKC, 437.4992 $$ STELLA MODERN ITALIAN CUISINE A luscious spate of legitimately Italian tastes for a casual lunch, or romantic dinner, amid stylish scenery. The weekend brunch offerings are especially superb. 1201 N Walker, OKC, 235.2200 $$ STONE SISTERS Seeking a healthier take on one of the world’s most popular foods? Stone Sisters aims to dish out deliciousness while focusing on superior ingredients, especially in its organic spelt crusts and vegan-friendly options. 2124 N Broadway, OKC, 609.6599 $$ TOMMY’S ITALIAN-AMERICAN GRILL An old favorite returns to the metro to provide fresh, plentiful doses of primo pasta and pizzas, always served with plenty of ambiance. 5516 W Memorial, OKC, 470.5577 $$ UPPER CRUST A chic, contemporary pizzeria and wine bar specializing in wood-fired, thin-crust New York-style pies complemented by a full menu and wine list. 5860 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 842.7743; 1205 NW 178th, Edmond, 285.8887 $$ VICTORIA’S A comfortable atmosphere, with local art on its walls and the art of pasta on its plates – the chicken lasagna and linguine with snow crab are especially excellent. 327 White, Norman, 329.0377; 3000 SW 104th, OKC, 759.3580 $ VITO’S RISTORANTE Homestyle Italian cuisine in an intimate setting where the staff and management treat customers like guests in their home.

It’s a small space, so calling ahead is recommended. 7521 N May, OKC, 848.4867 $$

VOLARE A flavor-filled variety of Neapolitan-style pizzas, produced with haste from a specially imported oven, fill this stylish Campus Corner space boasting a serious rooftop patio. 315 White, Norman, 310.3615 $$ THE WEDGE Wood-fired pies crafted from fresh ingredients (the possibilities range from pepperoni all the way to figs or truffle oil) and made-from-scratch sauces. 230 NE 1st, OKC, 270.0660; 4709 N Western, OKC, 602.3477 $$

Japanese // Sushi CAFÉ ICON Tempting sushi, Japanese specialties and delicious spectacles like steak cooked at the table on a sizzling stone fill the menu to bursting with visually splendid and palate-pleasing treats. 311 S Blackwelder, Edmond, 340.8956 $$ DEKORA Splashy, neon-accented décor sets off a sea of delicious sushi creations in a Bricktown dazzler. Lots of variety, big drinks menu, extreme yum. 200 S Oklahoma #130, OKC, 702.1325 $$ GORO An “izakaya” is a Japanese pub; visitors to the Plaza District will quickly come to associate the term with expertly crafted deliciousness thanks to this cheerful spot for ramen, yakitori, bar snacks and more. 1634 Blackwelder, OKC, 606.2539 $ INAKA The main draw of this Casady Square spot is the fresh, savory sushi: with these imaginative combinations, names like Amazing Roll and Fantastic Roll feel like stating the obvious. 9321 N Penn, OKC, 242.2224 $$ MUSASHI’S Exquisitely flavorful Japanese cuisine prepared with genuine artistry, thanks to the skilled chefs executing culinary performance art at tableside hibachi grills. It’s a great spot for a special occasion. 4315 N Western, OKC, 602.5623 $$ SUSHI NEKO An established OKC favorite combining style (sleek, brisk, classy) with substance (in the form of an especially wide-ranging and creative sushi menu). 4318 N Western, OKC, 528.8862 $$ TOKYO It’s neither huge nor lavishly appointed, and the menu focuses on tradition rather than creativity; but it’s palpably fresh and routinely cited as among the metro’s best sushi. 7516 N Western, OKC, 848.6733 $$ VOLCANO Creations from the hibachi grill or dazzling displays of handcrafted sushi prowess – this restaurant might not have much seating, but it’s certainly far from short on flavor. 2727 S I-35, Moore, 759.3888 $$

AMERICA, LET’S DO LUNCH

TM

John Gaul, SINCE 1925. Not a day goes by that he doesn’t look his best. Now, he and 1 in 6 seniors face the threat of hunger and millions more live in isolation. So pop by, drop off a hot meal and say a warm hello. Volunteer for Meals on Wheels at AmericaLetsDoLunch.org

YOKOZUNA The noodles, entrees and snappy drinks menu beckon, but it’s the rolls that stand out in this heavyweight contender for local sushi supremacy – personally, we’re partial to the 405 Roll.

13230 Pawnee, OKC, 500.1020 $$ YUZO Variety is the word in this sushi tapas bar, boasting a tempting swirl of Colombian, Brazilian and Japanese

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culinary influences. 808 N Broadway, OKC, 702.9808 $$

Mediterranean HAIGET’S Vegan-friendly – and friendly in general, due to the influence of the warm, patient namesake owner – this gem rewards the adventurous with Ethiopian and Kenyan specialties to explore and share. 308 W Edmond Road, Edmond, 509.6441 $$ MEDITERRANEAN IMPORTS & DELI The menu is stocked with authentic, quick and savory options from Greek salad to eye-watering cabbage rolls, and there’s even a mini-grocery stocked with select staples. 5620 N May, OKC, 810.9494 $ QUEEN OF SHEBA Practically the definitive example of a hidden treasure, the spicy, vegan-friendly menu of Ethiopian delights awaits the bold. Bring friends and be prepared to linger. 2308 N MacArthur, OKC, 606.8616 $$ ZORBA’S For well over 20 years, Zorba’s has satisfied appetites and pleased palates. Serving dishes from recipes passed down through generations, they proudly share flavors of Cyprus, Spain, Greece and Morocco. 6014 N May, OKC, 947.7788 $

Mexican & Latin American 1492 Authentic Mexican cuisine in an elegant atmosphere, combining its caliente flavors with fusion decor to make an ideal spot for a romantic evening ... including perhaps the world’s best mojitos. 1207 N Walker, OKC, 236.1492 $$

IGUANA MEXICAN GRILL Unique Mexican flavor in a fun atmosphere at reasonable prices - a treat from the house-made salsas to the handcrafted cocktails, and all the tastes between. 9 NW 9th, OKC, 606.7172 $$ MAMA ROJA MEXICAN KITCHEN A festive atmosphere on the scenic shores of Lake Hefner sets off a menu loaded with hand-rolled tamales, vendor-style tacos and signature dishes. 9219 E Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 302.6262 $$

THE SHACK SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR A massive selection of nicely spiced Cajun and Creole cooking, plus fried and grilled seafood, in an atmosphere that’s not shy about being as casual as it can be. 3 metro locations, theshackok. com $$

TARAHUMARA’S Beloved by locals (there’s usually a line but it moves quickly), this airy ristorante serves huge, tasty Tex-Mex classics plus less ubiquitous fare like carnitas de puerco and mole poblano. 702 N Porter, Norman, 360.8070 $$

Soul Food

YUCATAN TACO STAND A Bricktown haven for feisty Latin fusion cuisine such as paella and tamales wrapped in banana leaves plus signature nachos and combos … and a selection of over 75 topshelf tequilas. 100 E California, OKC, 886.0413 $ ZARATE’S In addition to the familiar joys of enchiladas and the like, the chef’s Peruvian heritage shines in dishes featuring plantains, yuca and imported spices. Try something different; find something tasty. 706 S Broadway, Edmond, 330.6400 $$

Seafood

CULTIVAR A farm-to-fire Mexican kitchen that stresses sustainability, local sourcing and fresh, fast, flavorful food.

Gluten-free options, chef-crafted tacos, a substantial bar and plenty more are on the menu. 714 N Broadway, OKC $$

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BRENT’S CAJUN Sit down to a massive platter of jambalaya, crawfish etoufee, Pasta Orleans or any of the wellseasoned temptations on the weekend brunch menu – and spice up your life.

3005 S Broadway, Edmond, 285.0911 $$ C’EST SI BON The name is accurate: it is impressively good for lovers of Cajun-style catfish and po-boys.

Crawfish etouffee, frogs’ legs, fried chicken and shrimp po-boys are among the highlights, but the award-winning catfish is a must-try. 101 N Douglas, Midwest City, 610.2555 $ THE DRUM ROOM March your own drumsticks in for a heap of crispy, juicy fried chicken (among the city’s best) starring alongside fried okra, waffles and a fully loaded bar. 4300 N Western, OKC, 604.0990 $$ JAX SOUL KITCHEN The team behind Blackbird and Blu dishes up big ol’ helpings of jambalaya, pork ribs, fried catfish and many more deep South classics for OU-adjacent crowds. 575 S University, Norman, 801.2828 $

Steakhouse

BIG TRUCK TACOS It’s nearly always standing-room-only at lunch, but don’t let that deter you; spend a few minutes in line and get an ample reward in the form of fast, fresh, imaginative taco creations. 530 NW 23rd, OKC, 525.8226 $

CAFÉ 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 $

TRAPPER’S FISHCAMP Zesty, widely varied flavor from the Pearl’s family of restaurants finds a comfortable home in a backwoods fishing lodge atmosphere.

Don’t forget the bountifully stocked bar, either. 4300 W Reno, OKC, 943.9111 $$

REVOLUCION You say you want a Revolucion? You easily might once you try this spicy Tex-Mex haven – start with the queso fundido and don’t stop until you reach the delectable arroz tres leche dessert. 916 NW 6th, OKC, 606.6184 $$

BARRIOS A serious collection of Latin-flavored deliciousness, including a brunch that’s maravilloso, in a cool Midtown space with a back patio that’s pure paradise. 1000 N Hudson, OKC, 702.6922 $

CAFÉ DO BRASIL It’s a long way from OKC to Rio, but the savory menu in this Midtown hot spot covers the distance in a mouthful. Even brunch is a spicy, inimitable treat. 440 NW 11th, OKC, 525.9779 $$

PEARL’S OYSTER BAR A perennial OKC favorite for its flavorful seafood and spicy Creole-inspired dishes: Shrimp Diablo, Tabasco-infused Caesar salads, Andouille omelets at Sunday brunch and more. 5641 N Classen, OKC, 848.8008 $$

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 $$$

The Drake

The Good Egg Group’s flagship and a standard-bearer for diners who crave excellent seafood, it supplies a passel of chef’s creations featuring the sea’s finest, plus an oyster bar and righteous cocktails. 519 NW 23rd, OKC, 605.3399 $$$

PEARL’S CRABTOWN A huge Bricktown warehouse where the Cajun Crab Boil is a favorite, guests are encouraged to “leave the silverware at home and dig in,” and taste is king. 303 E Sheridan, OKC, 232.7227 $$

BROADWAY 10 Cruise into the Buick building in Automobile Alley to savor steak supremacy or seafood selections (even sushi) in a cozy enclave amid urban bustle. 1101 N Broadway, OKC, 212.3949 $$$

since 1964. 4910 N Lincoln, OKC, 525.8352 $$$ JUNIOR’S The classic restaurant’s decor sets the perfect stage for hand-cut Angus steaks and lobster to fight for attention with knockout fried chicken.

2601 NW Expressway, OKC, 848.5597 $$$ MAHOGANY PRIME STEAKHOUSE The ambiance and service are sublime, but fine aged steak broiled to perfection is the star. 3241 W Memorial, OKC, 748.5959; 100 W Main, OKC, 208.8800 $$$ MEAT MARKET REFECTORY The well-aged steaks are excellent, but they’re the tip of the ample menu’s iceberg: fresh seafood and Australian lamb chops command attention as well, and from Hatch green chili crab cakes to bread pudding, the carefully selected flavors pop and sparkle in this prime dining experience. 2920 NW 63rd, OKC, 608.8866 $$$ MICKEY MANTLE’S This lushly atmospheric social spot in Bricktown serves powerhouse entrées and sides with a full complement of amenities destined to impress. 7 S Mickey Mantle, OKC, 272.0777 $$$ OPUS PRIME STEAKHOUSE It aspires to the ultimate in upscale dining via hand-cut USDA Prime Black Angus steaks, a vast wine selection and intimate ambiance. 800 W Memorial, OKC, 607.6787 $$$ RANCH STEAKHOUSE Effortless opulence, custom-aged hand-cut USDA Certified Prime tenderloins and ribeyes, served amid warm Southern hospitality.

3000 W Britton, OKC, 755.3501 $$$ RED PRIMESTEAK Visionary design and atmosphere house super-premium steaks, vibrant, imaginative flavors and amenities to make some of the state’s best dining. 504 N Broadway, OKC, 232.2626 $$$ TEXAS DE BRAZIL Inspired by Brazilian churrascarias, this festive establishment offers diners cuts from their choice of skewers laden with beef, pork, chicken and sausage, in addition to excellent sides and a massive salad bar.

1901 NW Expressway, OKC, 362.9200 $$$

Thai SALA THAI Pineapple curry, basil squid, fried rice with crab, cinnamon beef ... the variety is exceptional, making this Midtown diner a popular midday option. 1614 NW 23rd, OKC, 528.8424 $

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 $$

SWEET BASIL The enormous aquarium adds to the cozy ambiance; with its outstanding curries and specialty dishes, it makes a great venue for a dinner date. 211 W Main, Norman, 217.8424 $$

JAMIL’S STEAKHOUSE Saving room for your steak, lobster or prime rib is difficult when your gratis appetizers arrive in the form of a Lebanese bounty, but make the effort. Jamil’s has been feeding Oklahoma exceptionally well

TANA THAI There’s a lot to like about the food in this little spot, from red snapper filet to pad thai. Pay special mind to the varied soups, and do not play chicken with the spice level. 10700 N May, OKC, 749.5590 $$

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WHERE TO EAT

HOLE LOTTA LOVE Go roaming through Wyoming

BY MAT T PAYNE

THE MASSIVE CREATURE emerges from a thick fog – its coat matted and thick; its horns heavy and rigid. With steely, engaged eyes the curious bison seems to study me as if to determine my level of threat. Were it to charge, weighing in at 1,400 pounds, this bison could top 40 miles per hour before smashing me into oblivion. Standing just a few feet away, I can’t help but feel a touch of anxiety as the bison’s territorial gaze clocks my every step, ready to pounce at any second. Of course, it won’t actually pounce at all – it’s not a real bison, but a painting by famed wildlife artist Robert Bateman appropriately titled “Chief.” This beloved piece, which hangs in The National Museum for Wildlife Art, captures the intimate essence of wildlife in both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park.

Robert Bateman’s “Chief”

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At Gather Restaurant and Bar, located just off Jackson Hole Town Square, you will find one of the most inventive menus and dining experiences in Wyoming. Gather’s menu, unlike any other, is entirely influenced and designed around the tastes and preferences of the clientele. While it is always open to the public, Gather also features a private Chef’s Table. Booked more than two months in advance, this experience allows guests to experience Jackson Hole’s finest kitchen staff unleashed as they work to create a beautifully plated, locally sourced and spectacular meal.

While the Chef’s Table is where Gather shines, it becomes truly unique and interactive at its Tuesday Tastings.

Each Tuesday at noon, owner Graeme Swain joins a table of 12 individuals who are invited to taste three newly created dishes, each prepared from scratch and presented by the chef to the room family-style.

Guests are given sheets to rate each dish based on presentation, creativity, flavor and value. After voting, while customers sip wine and wait for the next course, Swain leads a lively culinary-driven dialogue about why each dish worked and how each might be improved. Upon completion, the chef joins the table to discuss the dish’s critiques in what is an enormously fulfilling and insightful dining experience. The successes and failures of the Tuesday Tastings are what ultimately shape Gather’s ever– evolving menu, making it one of Jackson Hole’s premier dining spots.

While Gather is the most distinctive, Jackson Hole’s downtown is booming with outstanding restaurant options. For other upscale trendy dining options, The Rose also features a strong regionally influenced menu and an outstanding chef’s table in the

Showroom and Greenhouse Open to the Public

COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL INTERIORSCAPES, FLORAL AND PATIO POTS

5308 N. CLASSEN BLVD 405.848.6642 www.CALVERTS.com

OMA, in affiliation with INTEGRIS HEALTH, are the Official Oral Surgeons for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Specializing in: Wisdom Teeth • Dental Implants • Corrective Jaw Surgery • Facial Injuries • Mouth & Lip Cancer

(L-R) Dr. Tracy McIntire, Dr. Michael Saumur, Dr. Drew Wendelken, Dr. Vincent Montgomery, Dr. Scott Searcey, Dr. Ross Martin and Dr. Kent Cohenour

Oral & Maxillofacial Associates, LLC North OKC • 3601 NW 138th St., Ste. 100 • 405.848.7994 Norman • 1112 Rambling Oaks • 405.292.8900 Midwest City • 2828 Parklawn Dr., Ste. 3 • 405.733.4296 Edmond • 2880 N Kelly Ave. • 405.341.4022 Connect with us: www.omaok.com • “Like” us on Facebook Our Partners are all Board Certified through the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Associates (AAOMS).

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restaurant’s kitchen where guests watch the chef craft each course. The Kitchen is also not to be missed. For more casual dining, Café Genevieve, Local and Snake River Brewing are all outstanding options. For lighter fare and amazing coffee, Persephone, with its baked goods and clean menu, is hard to beat.

WHAT TO DO

This 50,000-square-foot building, designed after the Slains Castle in Scotland, overlooks the National Elk Refuge. It houses 14 galleries with pieces from more than 500 artists, such as Audubon, Remington, Picasso, Rodin, Rembrandt, O’Keeffe and Warhol, and features art from 2500 BC to contemporary times. It’s representative of an innovative and emerging creative culture that is redefining the rugged mountain town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Jackson Hole has long been a town torn between two identities. On one hand, it’s a stopping spot for countless busloads of tourists eager to see a moose, talk about moose and buy moose T-shirts. These tourists, while enthusiastic and good for the local economy, can clog major thoroughfares and pack restaurants, and have been known to ignore “don’t harass the wildlife” signs. Jackson’s other, more esoteric, identity is that of a playground for some of the world’s richest and most famous celebrities, entrepreneurs and business executives. Due to these bifurcated reputations, visitors often miss what makes Jackson Hole special. With an eclectic culinary scene, thriving art galleries and museums, a culturally immersive stay in Jackson Hole will enrich any nature lover’s experience of the National Parks far beyond wayward glances of craggy peaks, waterfalls and gurgling geysers.

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Jackson Hole’s culinary scene is indeed a lively one, and is perfectly coupled with an ever-evolving arts community. This has long been a destination for artists of all kinds. In addition to the National Museum of Wildlife Art, the town square is lined with galleries from local and internationally known creators, and striking public art adds splashes of color and creativity to every turn through town from the information center to the library.

Jackson Hole’s creative hub is, without a doubt, at The Center for the Arts. This 78,000-square-foot campus houses 19 local, national and international artistic nonprofits ranging from the visionary filmmakers of Jackson Hole Wild to theater and music groups to the public art office.

The center’s theater also regularly features intimate events and performances from international musical superstars such as Ben Folds and readings from world-renowned authors such as David Sedaris.

While it’s easy enough to rent a car and drive through Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Park, visitors can have a far more meaningful experience in these fantastic spots – while seeing some of the wildlife depicted in the museum – by booking a tour of the park through Jackson Hole Eco Tours.

This conservation-minded company offers educational and insightful tours into the parks. Their guides personalize the trip, making sure to focus on the interests of their guests and taking participants off the beaten path to some of the parks’ less-traveled regions.

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OU Medicine’s Women’s Pelvic and Bladder Health

Lieschen H. Quiroz, MD

Jameca R. Price, MD

— EINSTEIN adopted 12-09-10

Women’s Pelvic and Bladder Health services at OU Physicians and OU Medical Center has been named a Center of Excellence: Continence Care in Women (COE) by the National Association for Continence (NAFC).

• With the most experienced providers in urogynecology in the state.

• Our providers are experts in minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic and robotic), leading to minimal pain and fast recovery.

• The clinic utilizes advanced diagnostic equipment including 3-D imaging and seamlessly integrates medicine with physical therapy in delivering patient care.

The complete scope of services include: • Pelvic organ prolapse (uterine prolapse, cystocele, rectocele, enterocele) • Urinary incontinence • Vaginal stenosis or non-functional vagina • Mesh erosion, eroded slings, surgical complications • Incomplete bladder emptying • Urinary frequency, urgency, nocturia • Frequent urinary tract infections • Fecal incontinence • Rectal fullness or prolapse • Developmental variations requiring corrective surgery

Come see our clinic in the OU Physicians Building, 825 NE 10th St., Suite 5300, Oklahoma City.

For appointments with OU Physicians Women’s Pelvic and Bladder Health, call (405) 271-9493.

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The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo (#120434, 02/16)

Since 2002, Women’s Pelvic and Bladder Health at OU Medicine has treated women of Oklahoma and the region with incontinence, prolapse and other pelvic floor disorders.

• Fellowship-trained Urogynecologists include Dr. Lieschen Quiroz and Dr. Jameca Price.

SURE, AT FIRST I WAS A LITTLE TAKEN ABACK

BY THE WHOLE PEEING STANDING UP THING. BUT I TAUGHT HIM TO THROW A STICK AND NOW HANGING OUT WITH HIM IS THE BEST PART OF MY DAY.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Explore!

WESTERN AVENUE DINING • SHOPPING • ENTERTAINMENT

Drinks or dinner?

Browsing or buying?

Whatever it is you’re looking for, you can find it on Western Avenue.

We’re home to an eclectic mix of your favorite restaurants, retailers and reliable services. Stroll our sidewalks, enjoy a relaxing meal and stop in at our one-of-a-kind shops.

Good finds.

Good times.

Every time.

Visit our website for membership Information visitwesternavenue.com

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DIVERSIFIED DINING: BRUNCH • LUNCH • HAPPY HOUR • DINNER FRIED CHICKEN HOUSE

4309 N Western Avenue • 405.604.0990 • drumroomokc.com HAND CRAFTED PIZZA

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5418 N Western Avenue • 405.848.7678 • deepforkgrill.com

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HOME BEERS/FRIES & SAUCES

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COME BY AND MEET OUR EXPERIENCED AND CAPABLE LENDERS. WE ARE READY TO HELP YOU SUCCEED.

L-R: Josh Adel, VP Shawn Null, Executive VP Mel Martin, President Kris Menz, VP

405.848.2001 | WWW.FNBOK.COM | 5101 N. WESTERN AVENUE & 10900 HEFNER POINTE DRIVE | OKLAHOMA CITY Presenting Sponsor

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740 Signal Ridge Drive | Edmond, OK 73013

Dinner, Dancing, Entertainment.

Saturday, April 22, 2017 6 o’clock in the evening.

Skirvin Hilton Hotel

For more information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Becky Sowers bsowers@alz.org | 405.319.0780 Join us for Memory Gala: Untold Stories as we share the untold stories of those who lost their lives to Alzheimer’s, their caregivers and families. Congressman Tom Cole will be honored for his advocacy on the national level to fund critically needed research and other legislation which led to the creation of the National Alzheimer’s Plan. Before all of these important memories disappear, let’s make sure there are no more Untold Stories.

We are here to help. Your action, both through participation in and fundraising for the Memory Gala and Walk to End Alzheimer’s help fuel our mission-related initiatives of care, support and research – and make it possible to offer these services across Oklahoma at no charge.

Community education. Caregiver counseling. Support groups.

If you or a loved one needs assistance, please call 800.272.3900 or go to alz.org.

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events The Bugs’ Life

PHOTO COURTESY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

Look closely; an assembly of little bitty critters is about to put on a very big show. A bustling colony of scintillating insects discovers a strange oval object in its midst and is thrown into upheaval – and since the bugs are portrayed by members of world-renowned acrobatic troupe Cirque du Soleil, “up” is the operative word. The touring show OVO fills Chesapeake Arena April 6-9 with dazzling aerial stunts, intriguingly intricate costumes, an original score partially inspired by the insect world and a pervasive sense of wonder. Will the mysterious egg open by the end of the show? Perhaps. Will OVO hatch into a fantastic viewing experience? Most definitely.

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events PRIME PICKS

Curtain Call April 15, OKC Civic Center It’s been a busy season for the OKC Philharmonic – in addition to its regular complement of exceptionally talented guest performers, it’s also been giving trial runs to guest conductors in an ongoing search for its future music director. So to close the year, they’re putting the focus back on what they do best, as Joel Levine leads an evening of Berlioz, Liszt and Tchaikovsky’s magnificent Symphony No. 5.

Circus of Creativity April 7, OKC Farmers Market Come one, come all (who are over 21) – Allied Arts is gearing up to turn this sizable venue into a big top for The Greatest Artini on Earth. The latest iteration of the delicious event features food and drink from several prime restaurants – including Yuzo (p. 58) – as well as raffles, music from Harumph, live entertainment and a huge silent auction of Oklahoma-made artworks.

Fairy Tale

April 21-23, OKC Civic Center

The music is Mendelssohn, the choreography Balanchine, the story Shakespeare … the performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” a pure pleasure from the OKC Ballet. Mortals and magical beings alike find themselves in a jumbled mess of schemes, arguments and emotions, but it’s all entertaining and impeccably gorgeous. Speaking of gorgeous, don’t miss the black-tie Ballet Ball April 8 at the Bricktown Events Center.

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Going for the Good April 8-9, Waterford Complex Spring is in the air, and pink blossoms on the trees mean it’s time to hit the streets: the Redbud Classic is back for its 35th year. The competition is strong, with events including a 10k run and bike tours of varying lengths, but so is the camaraderie during fun runs and the massive afterparty. And the weekend’s beneficiary is Cleats for Kids, a local nonprofit that supplies sporting equipment for kids in need.

events ON LOCATION

with Lance McDaniel

“My goal is to have a collaborative, positive experience with the director, so they want to come back and work with us again,” Finding success on and off camera Freihofer says. “There is a misconception that casting directors make all of the decisions, which is not true. Our job is to direct A F T ER RU N N I NG his own theater in Norman for a decade, the casting process. We work with the director and producer to Chris Freihofer spent the last 20 years working extensively in fill the roles with the best people possible.” film and television. His credits include “Prison Break,” “Army Finding those people is what makes a casting director get Wives” and “Friday Night Lights” – but his most recognizable repeat business. And based on his constant stream of projects, performance is his recurring role as Dan Wachsberger on the Freihofer is finding the best talent around. awards darling and cultural sensation “Breaking Bad.” “We have a database of every person we have ever worked “You would have thought it [would be] more stressful, more with,” Freihofer says. “We have an email list of 22,000 people. ego. But they treated me like family from the very first day,” We have experience working on high-profile projects with TerFreihofer says. “I was invited to a cast party the night before. rence Malick and William H. Macy. And most importantly, we Creator Vince Gilligan was very welcoming, so was Bryan know the local actors really well. We know who is good at what Cranston, so was Aaron Paul. Everyone was so kind. People were types of projects.” all treated as equals, from the production asOne of the reasons Freihofer knows the sistants to the lead actor. I felt like an actual “I played Santa Claus in talent pool so well is that he also trains actors collaborator.”

5th grade even though – he’s the owner of The Actor Factory in Freihofer’s character on “Breaking Bad” I was the scrawniest Norman, which he says is “the only profeswas initially written as a single episode charsional studio that offers multiple teachers acter … but the work he did on set in New kid in Okmulgee. I leading classes for actors outside the univerMexico made a big impression. never saw myself doing sity setting.”

“A month later they called and asked if I anything else.”

The Actor Factory has had great success, was available,” recalls Freihofer. “One of the CHR IS F R EIHOF ER training actors to get hired and rehired for executive producers was writing and directcommercials, film and television. Laura ing. He said he really liked what I had done Spencer, who trained at The Actor Factory, currently stars on with my character from my first episode, so he wrote me into “The Big Bang Theory” and “Bones.” another episode. When I went out to film that next episode, I “Tim Blake Nelson, who hired me for my first job in film, was on set and got a call from my agent saying they had written gave me great advice,” says Friehofer. “I was directing a play of me into the next one, as well, so I needed to stay.” his, ‘The Gray Zone.’ He said if you want to make it, you have to It’s the dream of any great actor: Get your foot in the door learn to do more than one thing. If that one thing isn’t paying, so you can show them what you’ve got. Chris Freihofer has not the others probably are.” only accomplished it, he fulfills it for other actors as the founder Chris Freihofer is an actor, a casting director and an educator. and CEO of Freihofer Casting, the largest and most prolific He owns two businesses in two office buildings, employs seven casting agency in the southwest. He is Oklahoma’s only member teachers and three casting assistants and continues to land roles of the Casting Society of America, and works to help link the on high-profile movies and television series. best regional actors to the most interesting projects coming to It’s safe to say that Chris Freihofer is making it.

Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana.

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ILLUSTRATION BY BRIAN O’DANIEL, PHOTO BY PAIGE MCGARVIN

Chris Freihofer’s Triple Play

BE CREATIVE

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events SPOTLIGHT

Movers and Makers The Festival of the Arts returns I N JA PA N, it’s picturesque blizzards of cherry blossoms. In England, it’s rooks building their nests and March hares boxing. In central Oklahoma, one of the most unmistakable signs that spring is well and truly sprung is the annual mass migration of art lovers, food enthusiasts and connoisseurs of entertainment toward downtown, where the Festival of the Arts returns April 25-30.

The site is Bicentennial Park, in front of and around the OKC Civic Center, admission is free and on the menu is creativity of all kinds. “There is literally something for everyone who enjoys celebrating the arts and our community,” says Peter Dolese, executive director of Arts Council Oklahoma City. “Whether you’re attending for the first time or you’ve been coming

EVENTS APR 1 ONE: A FOOL’S BALL Norman Arts Council’s singular fundraiser offers good food, great drinks, lavish auction items and one heck of a party; it’s a fully stacked deck for enjoyment. MAINSITE Contemporary Art, 122 E Main , Norman, 360.1162, normanarts.org APR 6 CORK AND CANVAS This wine tasting, art auction and all-around great time is a joyous fundraiser for beloved nonprofit Positive Tomorrows. Science Museum Oklahoma, 2020 Remington, OKC, 556.5082, positivetomorrows.org APR 7 RENDEZVOUS FOR RED CROSS Larry and Polly Nichols will be honored at this spectacular event celebrating the Red Cross’ 100th year in Oklahoma. Petroleum Club, 100 N Broadway, OKC, 228.9500, redcross. org/okc APR 11 LITERARY VOICES Star author Lisa Scottoline takes the

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including country, pop, folk, rock, rap and jazz,” and her collaborator Steve Bolton adds, “We’re excited that this year’s festival will feature an expanded children’s area. We’re also excited to see the response to Creation Station’s move to a new, larger location.” Plus, every bite of the tempting food options helps support a local arts organization.

This is as big as events get, and it only comes once per year – so start feeling festive. For hours and more information, visit artscouncilokc.com. – STEVE GILL

WANT TO SEE MORE? VISIT OUR ONLINE CALENDAR AT 405MAGAZINE.COM microphone as guest speaker for the 2017 edition of this entertaining fundraising dinner benefiting the Metropolitan Library System. OKC Golf & Country Club, 7000 NW Grand, OKC, 606.3760, metrolibrary.org APR 21-22, WESTERN HERITAGE AWARDS Great figures of the (real and fictional) West are honored in this black-tie affair and entertaining weekend. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd, OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org APR 22 MEMORY GALA Untold Stories shares the narratives of lives lost to Alzheimer’s at a glamorous evening celebrating progress in fighting the disease. Skirvin Hilton, 1 Park, OKC, 319.0780, alz.org/oklahoma APR 22 SPRING SAMPLER The refreshment is excellent, the ambience superb, and perhaps the main draw for this annual showcase supporting the Fine Arts Institute of Edmond is the bounty awaiting in the live and silent auctions.

Oak Tree Country Club, 700 W Country Club, Edmond, 340.4481, edmondfinearts.com APR 28-30 IRON THISTLE SCOTTISH FESTIVAL Hearty food, heart-stirring music, plenty of games, competitions and feats of strength - highlights of Scotland’s culture take center stage in this annual fest.

Kirkpatrick Family Farm, 1001 S Garth Brooks, Yukon, 834.1876, unitedscotsok.com

MUSIC APR 2 ISRAEL IN EGYPT Canterbury Choral Society closes out its season with a potent, immersive (and expertly performed) Handel oratorio dramatizing the biblical story of Moses. OKC Civic Center, 201 N Walker, OKC, 232.7464, canterburyokc.com APR 16 NEIL DIAMOND The ‘Peake will be filled with delirious love for one of America’s great vocalists - don’t expect to be a solitary fan.

Chesapeake Arena, 100 W Reno , OKC, 800.745.3000, chesapeakearena.com

SPORTS APR 22 WALK MS OKC Join a team or support someone walking - together the community can take steps to end MS. Myriad Gardens, 301 W Reno, OKC, 855.372.1331, nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/OKE

THEATER APR 13-MAY 7 SOUTH PACIFIC Say hi to Bali Ha’i as Jewel Box belts out a Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. Jewel Box Theater, 3700 N Walker, OKC, 521.1786, jewelboxtheatre.org APR 14-MAY 6 THE PRODUCERS The story of a planned flop that turns out to be a smash hit, Pollard is hoping for more success in this relentlessly comic Brooks adaptation.

Pollard Theater, 120 W Harrison, Guthrie, 282.2800, thepollard.org

PHOTO COURTESY ARTS COUNCIL OKC

ON THE RADAR

all your life, the Festival of the Arts is without a doubt the most enjoyable art event of the season.”

More than 500 visual artists nationwide applied to exhibit their work, and fewer than a third of them were selected – meaning the resulting array of paintings, sculpture, jewelry and more have been judged and found exceptional.

Meanwhile, co-chair Debbie Forshee points out that “there’s exciting entertainment on three stages, with performances spanning numerous genres,

events SPOTLIGHT

Taking the Field Spring sees new seasons for OKC sports T HE L ONGER DAYS and warmer weather that help bring color back into the world after the dreariness of winter makes this an ideal month to get outside and see some greenery. And if that green space happens to be a pristine field enclosed by painted boundaries and swarming with action from the local teams that are beginning their new seasons in April … so much the better.

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OKC ENERGY FC Home season begins April 8 By the time we get to see the boys in green, they’ll already have a couple of games under their belts – the Energy opens the season with away tilts at Swope Park and Colorado Springs. But then it’s back to the home turf of Taft Stadium for a ferocious week in which they’ll try to tame the Rio Grande Valley Toros on Sunday and Sacramento Republic the following Tuesday. It’s a whirlwind start to a season they hope is an improvement of the 2016 campaign, in which they slid into the playoffs as a 7th seed but hung a surprise victory on the Toros. The good news: They’ve looked stout so far in the preseason, and still boast one of the league’s mightiest legs in forward Danni König. Play ball! - STEVE GILL

DANNI KONIG PHOTO BY STEPHEN CHRISTY; BALLPARK PHOTO COURTESY OKC DODGERS

Clothing | Accessories

OKC DODGERS Home season begins April 6 They won 81 games and the American Conference last season, coming up just short against El Reno for the PCL title. Now it’s time to find out whether they can manage to improve on near-perfection.

The Dodgers open their season in the friendly confines of Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark with a five-game series against the Iowa Cubs – the first two installments of which, by the way, will have postgame fireworks displays – before a lengthy home stand later in the month during which they’ll host the Nashville Sounds and Memphis Redbirds.

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backstory

CENTER OF ATTENTION Premier shopping at Penn Square BACK I N T HE DAYS of bobby socks and Brylcreem, Oklahoma City saw the opening of one of its primary shopping centers. The year was 1960: A young John F. Kennedy would be elected President in the fall, Elvis Presley was completing his two-year stint in the Army and the Everly Brothers were topping the charts with “Cathy’s Clown.”

And during that same year, the marvelous Penn Square Mall opened for business.

Located at the corner of Northwest Highway and Pennsylvania Avenue, Penn Square was anchored by Montgomery Ward on the east end and John A. Brown on the west.

There was also a Rothschild’s, as well as everyone’s favorite eatery of the day, Val Gene’s Cafeteria.

“I grew up in the nearby Mayfair neighborhood,” remembers Oklahoma City resident Guy Lookabaugh. “It was just about three blocks to Penn Square, so I would walk over there quite often. One of my favorite things to do was go to the candy counter at John A. Brown – they always had the best candy!”

Penn Square was originally built as an open-air shopping center, quite unlike the mammoth mall it is known as today.

“It was so much different back then,” Lookabaugh says.

“But it was so much fun. Today, if you go over to the Outlet Mall on I-40, that sort of reminds me of what Penn Square was like when I was a kid.”

By the 1980s, other malls such as Quail Springs and Crossroads were becoming major shopping hubs, and Penn Square was enclosed in 1982. A few years later, additional renovations began and a second level was added, as well as couple of new anchor stores, a food court and a three-level parking garage.

Today, Penn Square Mall remains a center of commerce, home to 145 stores and a state-of-the-art movie theater, and it has grown to more than 1 million square feet of premium shopping space.

“These days, I’m a little farther away than three blocks,” says Lookabaugh, “but I still enjoy going to Penn Square when I can. I just wish the John A. Brown candy counter was still there.”

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PHOTOS COURTESY OKLAHOMA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

BY MARK BEUTLER

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