405 Magazine September 2016

ELEMENTS OF STYLE

Create a classic ensemble for fall

INSIDE SQ 777

Make the right call on Right to Farm

A GOLDEN AGE TOUR

Explore history in Heritage Hills

INCLUDING

TOP 10 LOCAL BEERS

BARTENDERS SHARE

SHOTS OF WISDOM CIDER IN THE CITY ... AND CHOICE BARS TO BELLY UP TO

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in this issue

SEPTEMBER 2016

Features

30

BOOZE & BREWS

New bars worth taking for a test drink, established watering holes that amply reward revisitation and research-tested selections for local beers and high-quality ciders; the OKC metro is wellstocked with possibilities worth raising a glass to. Drink deeply of this information, and quench your thirst for knowledge – this round of recommendations is on us.

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ELEMENTS OF STYLE Of all the many reasons to anticipate the advent of fall – cooler temperatures, the return of football and basketball, nature’s beautiful redecoration – one of the foremost is the justification for updating your wardrobe. With an emphasis on clean, crisp neutrals, these highlights of autumn fashion are ideal for building an outstanding look.

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405 MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2016

PURE FORM

in this issue

SEPTEMBER 2016

In the 405

Travel

Market in Norman offers a bouquet of fresh possibilities in home décor; short boots that should become staples of your fall wardrobe; why Cavanal Hill doesn’t quite measure up to its distinctive designation; comedic memories of low points in gym class; competitors prepare for a massive triathlon on its way to OKC.

beauty and chaotic bustle in the heart of Seoul; The Green Lake region of Wisconsin is home to fine dining, plentiful fishing opportunities and more; pleasures to peruse amid the ongoing revitalization of downtown Ponca City.

61 Finding tranquil

13 Wright’s Flower

Dining

69 A trio of examples showcasing the tasty proliferation of taco joints around the metro; chef Elizabeth Howe shares a recipe for a full-flavored but lower-fat bison pot roast; the excellent steaks are only the beginning of the savor at Jamil’s; take a tour of top-tier whiskies at The Bourbon Bar inside Trapper’s Fishcamp.

Territory Ahead

26 While it wasn’t affiliated with the Sooner State during its World War II heyday, the USS Batfish has become an Oklahoma landmark.

M.J. Alexander climbs aboard to recount the story of this decorated submarine.

Events

83 The Oklahoma

Culture

46 Slated to come up on the ballot this November, State Question 777 is known as the Right to Farm Amendment – advocates and opponents sound off on whether it’s the right call.

Home

53 The Johnstons’ home on the links in Quail Creek is a sleek, modern work of art; vintage residences open for exploration on the Heritage Hills Home Tour; a selection of stylish fire pits to be your outdoor space’s center of attention.

ON THE COVER

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Mad About the Arts

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Edmond resident Jime Wimmer is a professional illustrator but also a teacher – this Alice in Wonderland-inspired painting uses a former student as a model – and the same goes for her husband Mike, an award-winning painter who’s also an instructor. Given this distinctive perspective, it’s no wonder they’re firm believers in the importance of the arts to society and the next generation.

Visual Arts Coalition channels small art for big thrills at 12x12; make a philanthropic impact by enjoying Wine, Women and Shoes; Mesta Festa highlights a neighborhood’s delights.

In Every Issue 8 From the Editor 10 Web Sights 20 On the Scene 74 Food and Drink 86 On Film 88 Speaker Box 90 On the Radar 96 Backstory

Correction: Our August issue’s “Life by the Lake” contained a misspelling of the Humphreys’ name. We regret the error.

A thoroughly tempting example of the brewer’s craft stands on the bar at Tapwerks in Bricktown. Photo by Carli Wentworth

405 MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2016

PRIVATE BANKING | FIDUCIARY SERVICES | INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT | FINANCIAL PLANNING | SPECIALTY ASSET MANAGEMENT | INSURANCE

How Do You Protect Your Wealth Against the Unknown?

No one can predict the future. However, experience goes a long way in positioning your wealth against potential threats, both known and unknown. From creating a strong investment strategy to administering a trust or estate plan to building comprehensive insurance plans, we have a variety of ways to help protect your wealth.

Molly Kerr | 405.936.3727 | www.bankofoklahoma.com

Š 2016 Bank of Oklahoma, a division of BOKF, NA. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. various affiliates and subsidiaries.

The Private Bank at Bank of Oklahoma provides products and services through BOKF, NA and its

BOK Financial Corporation (BOKF) offers wealth management and trust services through various affiliate companies and non-bank subsidiaries including advisory services offered by BOKF, NA and its subsidiaries BOK Financial Asset Management, Inc. and Cavanal Hill Investment Management, Inc. each an SEC registered investment adviser. BOKF offers additional investment services and products through its subsidiary BOK Financial Securities, Inc., a broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC, and an SEC registered investment adviser and The Milestone Group, also an SEC registered investment adviser.

Investments and insurance are not insured by the FDIC; are not deposits or other obligations of, and are not guaranteed by, any bank or bank affiliate. All investments are subject to risks, including possible loss of principal.

If you’re retiring or changing jobs… …you have options.

In times like these, it’s a good idea to talk things over with an experienced professional who is ready to listen and help you make sound financial decisions.

With their guidance, you can explore possible new directions and find answers to questions like:

SEPTEMBER 2016 Publishing Director Scott Crystal scrystal@openskymediainc.com Editor-in-Chief heidi.centrella@405magazine.com r pool fo sed stant conte fingers cros In the y!” – rd a p o “Je

EDITORIAL Managing Editor Steve Gill

steve.gill@405magazine.com

Sara Gae Waters saragae.waters@405magazine.com Loves the energy of Automobil e Alley (p.3 8)

Fashion Editor Jennifer Salyer

jennifer.salyer@405magazine.com Contributing Editor Terry Clark

Is early retirement a good idea?

How can you avoid early withdrawal tax penalties?

Contributing Writers M.J. Alexander, Mark Beutler, Jerry Church, Susan Clark, Christine Eddington, Lauren Hammack, Greg Horton, Matt Payne, Elaine Warner y Always read ed to do need .30) research (p

What benefits do you have coming from Social Security?

ART Art Director Scotty O’Daniel

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

Call Retirement Investment Advisors and ask for a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ for a complimentary consultation or visit online at TheRetirementPath.com. It’s good to know your options because you may have more than you think.

Contributing Photographers M.J. Alexander, Justin Avera, J. Pat Carter, Shannon Cornman, Terrell Fry, Charlie Neuenschwander, Matt Payne, Carli Wentworth ADVERTISING Tom H. Fraley III tom.fraley@405magazine.com Executive Director of Advertising Cynthia Whitaker-hill cynthia.whitakerhill@405magazine.com Account Executives Melissa Bake melissa.bake@405magazine.com

Edmond 2952 Via Esperanza 405.246.0404

TheRetirementPath.com

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405 MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2016

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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What should you do about your 401(k), retirement plan or pension?

Should you think about a rollover to an IRA?

VOLUME 2 • NUMBER 9

405 Magazine Volume 2, Number 9, September 2016. 405 Magazine is published monthly by Open Sky Media, Inc. at 729 W. Sheridan, Suite 101, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, 405.842.2266. © Copyright 2016 Open Sky Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of 405 Magazine content, in whole or part by any means, without the express written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. 405 Magazine is not responsible for the care of and/or return of unsolicited materials. 405 Magazine reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed detrimental to the community’s best interest or in questionable taste. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of ownership or management. Basic annual subscription rate is $14.95. U.S. single-copy price is $4.95. Back issues are $9.50 each

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FROM THE EDITOR

I’ll Drink to That!

L ET M E SAY T HIS right off the bat: I have never

been much of a beer person. I know it’s an acquired taste, but given that I start to feel full before I can finish one, I’m more likely to reach for a bottle of wine. Nevertheless, despite my limited consumption, I will say that the sampling process for this month’s Booze and Brews feature was rather fun. With a bounty of new bars situated across the metro, adding to the tried and true establishments that have stood the test of time, there are plenty of options, and excellent odds that any drinker will be able to find one that suits his or her taste to a tee. And even if beer isn’t your beverage of choice (I’m raising my hand here), there are plenty of options for those of us who prefer a swanky cocktail, glass of wine or simply a fine atmosphere to gather with friends. And Greg Horton has put in the legwork, and sitting-down work, to find the best of the old and new – check out

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

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405 MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2016

PHOTO BY SIMON HURST

his feature on page 30.

In a way, if you think about it from a certain angle, libations are akin to fashion: They can be classy, dressed up by way of a Manhattan or Old Fashioned, or casual and dressed down like, say, a simple session beer. And from what we’re hearing, fashion is definitely in session this season with neutrals and nods to nature. Everything from hair and makeup to attire and accessories are simplifying this fall. Get a sneak peek on page 38 for what’s to come and where to get that look.

And as a reader service, we’ve included the lowdown on State Question 777 (page 46) for those of you who are looking to learn more about the Right to Farm issue. Experts on both sides of the proverbial fence share insights as to how the legislation could harm, or protect, Oklahoma farmers in the future; get informed and hopefully this will become one of the numerous reasons for you to get to your polling place in November.

Enjoy this issue and your September ahead – there’s plenty to do throughout the metro. And in the spirit of this issue, allow me to close with a toast: May your month be filled with reliable pleasures and joyful surprises, and each day find you happier than the last. Or, failing that, at least may it not reach 100 degrees here in OKC again this year. Cheers!

_t_he

OF

CUSTOMIZE YOUR TABLE BY THE END OF SEPTEMBER TO RECEIVE IT IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

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Web Sights What’s online at 405magazine.com

Another Round

No less a sage than Plato said “It was a wise man who invented beer,” and while an overindulgence in alcohol is never a good idea, we’re happy to provide an extra helping of photos. After perusing our “Booze & Brews” feature on page 30, visit 405magazine.com/ brewviews/ for an expanded gallery of the metro’s most inviting bars, brewhouses and beverages. Prosit!

Hungry for More Autumn is upon us, but we’re not quite ready to say goodbye to one aspect of summer in particular: we’re carrying over one of our most popular giveaways by bringing you The Fall Friday $50. Each Friday in September, we’ll be handing out $50 worth of some of the city’s most outstanding dining in the form of gift cards and certificates to delectable restaurants. To enter, keep an eye on our e-newsletters (you can sign up for free at 405magazine.com/ newsletters/) and be ready to click the link inside – we’ll draw a winner at random each Friday at noon. Bon appetit!

Have a Ball OKC’s Bricktown Rotary is hosting a splendid evening of quality wines, delicious tastes and musical entertainment, and we’d love for you to attend – email feedback@405magazine.com with a subject “Winner!” by Sept. 8 for a chance to win 2 tickets to Days of Wine & Rotary at the OK History Center on Sept. 16.

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405 MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2016

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405 MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2016

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405

in the

PHOTO BY CARLI WENTWORTH

A Growth Industry Lori Wright hadn’t intended to become the proprietor of a floral shop, but sometimes life is about blooming where you’re planted.

Her cheerful attitude and knack for providing and arranging natural beauty have helped make Wright’s Flower Market in Norman a successful business, as well as a pleasure to visit.

SEPTEMBER 2016 405 MAGAZINE

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in the 405 FAVORITE THINGS

Bear Creek Farms bouquet, $10 “Grown in Stillwater, Bear Creek Farms delivers fresh bouquets every Monday and Wednesday. [They’re] a customer favorite because they are different every week.”

Rural pot (left) by Accent Decor, $49 – “Perfect for dressing up a beautiful plant” – and azalea, $28 – “Mann’s Greenhouse located in McAlester, Oklahoma, delivers beautiful potted plants every Tuesday.”

Potted succulents (right), $8 “These can be purchased individually, or you can choose an assortment, and we are happy to make a succulent garden for you to take home.”

Doing It Wright A Norman floral market blossoms

Niven Morgan hand cream, $28 Of the Dallas-based fragrance designer, Wright says, “We carry his bath products, as well as his candle line.”

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405 MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2016

Bridgewater candles (left), $16 “Made in South Carolina, these are cleanburning candles; Bridgewater partners with Rice Bowls and donates a portion of every candle sold to different orphanages internationally.

Every candle purchased feeds a child for a day.” Chicken wire vase (right), $25 “Designed by Park Hill, this versatile vase can be filled with hydrangeas, sunflowers or Christmas greens – depending on the season.”

Sunflower card (left), $10 “Handpainted by our own floral designer, Monica Owen, each card is unique and individually designed.” Chalkboard tags (right), $4 “Add them to a flower arrangement and write a quick note on them, or hang them on a serving bowl or drink stand to help your guests know what you’re serving.”

Assorted handmade pottery, prices vary “One-of-a-kind bowls, mugs and trays that can be used for potting plants or unique flower arrangements … or a gift all by themselves. [They’re] created by local artist Jenny Wilson, and special orders can be taken.”

PHOTOS BY CARLI WENTWORTH

W HO WOU L DN ’ T AGR EE that flowers can lift the soul, change your mood and add beauty to your life? It’s no wonder that people love going to Wright’s Flower Market for just those reasons.

It is, however, a little surprising how it came to be what it is today.

Lori Wright has created something special there ... but it wasn’t by design. As Lori tells it, back in 2000 her husband called and told her the floral designer of the family’s grocery store, Wright’s Family Market, had quit with no notice and he needed her to take over. She did. With her love of gardening, flowers and party planning – and their recent status change to being empty nesters – it’s obvious now what a great idea that really was.

In 2014, the original family grocery store was renovated and a new space created for Wright’s Floral Market. “I love the outdoors, and so I really want you to feel like you’ve just stepped into a garden when you come in. Fresh flowers, plants, herbs – they just make you happy,” says Lori.

Truly, that is exactly what happens. If you aren’t overwhelmed, in a good way, by the beauty of the fresh flowers and plants and carefully chosen merchandise, the fragrance will probably get you.

As a full service flower shop, Lori and three part-time employees aim to please. “We each have our own style, and I think we complement each other well,” she smiles. “I like that each arrangement we create is unique for that customer.” With items such as pottery and hand-painted cards as well as locally grown bouquets and plants, Wright’s is focused on not only the affordable but the unique. It seems natural that you feel joy when you enter, as the beauty together with Lori’s kindness and generosity makes a perfect trio. - SAR A GAE WATERS

in the 405 TRENDS

Bootie Call

Short in height, not on style

(Clockwise from top left) Sam Edelman black suede “Petty” boot, $135, from Cayman’s, Norman; Easton bootie in sand by Vince, $395, from CK & Company, OKC; Sam Edelman tan suede “Louie” boot, $140, from Cayman’s; Tazzie boot by Stuart Weitzman, $325, from Balliet’s, OKC; Jamie ankle boot by See by Chloe, $395, from CK & Company; Jona boot in stucco by See

by Chloe, $415, from CK & Company; Libby boot by Aquatalia, $395, from Balliets; Valli boot by Aquatalia, $550, from Balliets

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405 MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2016

PHOTOS BY CARLI WENTWORTH

W HIL E SOM E CA L L them booties and others ankle boots, short boots are a fashion staple that’s here to stay, and seems to keep getting better and better. All weather? Check. A little tassel detail?

Sure. Sleek suede? Absolutely. You really cannot go wrong. Neutral colors are represented here, but rich colors are out there, as well. Definitely make sure eye-catching styles like these are at the top of your fall shopping list. - SAR A GAE WATERS

in the 405 OKLAHOMYTHS

The Height of Inaccuracy Cavanal claims don’t quite measure up THE CLAIM: Cavanal Hill is billed as “the world’s highest hill.” At 1,999 feet above sea level, 565 feet lower than Sugar Loaf, Cavanal stands one foot short of the American designation for a mountain’s minimum height.

THE SOURCE: Oklahoma Today, March/April 2015 FACT CHECK: This subject was a tough one given that one of 405’s editors grew up in Poteau and had always believed it – the Poteau Chamber of Commerce website, poteauchamber.com, echoes the claim, and when “World’s Highest Hill” is searched in Google, the first several results are of Cavanal. But there’s a fly in the notoriety ointment: There is no American designation for the difference between a mountain and a hill. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, “The U.S. Board on Geographic Names once stated that the difference between a hill and a mountain in the U.S. was 1,000 feet of local relief, but even this was abandoned in the early 1970s.” The

science-related How It Works reference guide summarizes: “Essentially, a hill becomes a mountain when someone names it as such.”

Oklahoma’s tallest hills are more than 300 miles west of Poteau, near the Texas border. Beaver County’s Indian Hill, the state’s eighth-highest peak, measures 2,592 feet. Bonham Hill (2,142 feet) and Ant Hill (2,041 feet), both near Sayre, are also higher than Cavanal. Beyond the state’s borders, the Black Hills of South Dakota, home to Mount Rushmore, measure in at more than 7,200 feet.

At 1,999 feet tall, towering over LeFlore County’s Poteau River Valley, Cavanal remains one of the state’s more impressive peaks. Its name comes from the French word for cave, a tribute to the coal mines on its eastern slopes. Today, its plateaued summit bristles with antennas and cell towers. A winding five-milelong road – home to the Cavanal Killer 8k run each spring – twists and switchbacks up its wooded slopes, past homes with panoramic views of the Poteau River Valley and neighboring Arkansas.

Several Oklahoma peaks less lofty than Cavanal are designated as mountains.

Among them: Blue Mountain (1,985 feet) near Wister; Haystack Mountain (1,959 feet) near Sayre; Phantom Mountain (1,949 feet) and Dead Man Mountain (1,890 feet), both near Grandfield; Candy Mountain (1,056 feet) and Eagle Mountain (994 feet) near Heavener; and Potts Mountain (663 feet) and Baldridge Mountain (636 feet), both near Wister.

The careful observer might note that the signs on the top of Cavanal touting its claim to fame employ quotation marks – “The World’s Highest Hill” – as if to imply a wink. - M.J. ALEX ANDER SOURCE: Peakery, the list of world mountains and peaks – peakery.com 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.

SEPTEMBER 2016 405 MAGAZINE

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in the 405 LAUGH LINES

If Pain and Aggression Had a Baby…

Not-so-fond memories of gym class Team Challenge,” which appears to be a showcase of every gym class activity I’ve ever loathed.

“Challenge” contestants give every impression that they’re in it to win it, which prompts the question, who are these people?

The logical side of my brain reasons that the participants have lost a bet and, as punishment, are being forced to repeat PE. The I-was-dropped-on-my-head part of my brain says these people may have signed up to climb rock walls and swing from ropes.

The “forced to repeat PE” scenario stirs up one anxiety-producing memory after the next, largely because I equate Pain and Aggression with gym class, where they were probably born and raised before falling in love.

If Pain and Aggression got married and had a baby, they’d name it Dodgeball, the ultimate expression of bullying. The object of the game is to throw something at people and try to hit them in order to exclude them from the game. When you do, you can laugh as they limp away in pain and humiliation.

The last person standing in Dodgeball is declared the victor, whose eventual reward will most certainly be a lifetime supply of road rage.

If Dodgeball had a sibling, its name would be Scooter Tag. Like an amusement ride that failed inspection, Scooter Tag was one of those gym class activities that always seemed exciting – Wheeeeeee! Tag on wheels! – until someone got hurt. I’ve never met anyone who played Scooter Tag without sacrificing a couple of fingers to the scooter’s gnashing wheels. I learned early that “Scooter Tag” translates to “Now you won’t get to cut out any fancy autumn leaves this afternoon during art time,” or, “It sucks to be you.”

If Dodgeball and Scooter Tag had a sibling, its name would be Red Rover. On the surface, Red Rover could be mistaken for a community game. Upon hearing the cry of, “Red Rover, Red Rover, send Lauren right over,” you might believe you’ve received an invitation to join another group of peers for fun and gym class hijinks when, in fact, you’ve been deemed “dispensable” by your friends. Just think about that and try not to let your lip quiver during social studies.

If Dodgeball, Scooter Tag and Red Rover had a sibling, its name would be Kickball. Patterned loosely after its innocuous cousin Softball, Kickball is often misunderstood to be a friendly game of rounding bases to score points for your team.

What gives Kickball its “kick” is a Dodgeball-esque option to tag a player out by hurling the ball directly at, and successfully hitting, that person.

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405 MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2016

Running between bases during a game of Kickball, I was once on the receiving end of the speeding ball, launched at me by a girl who grew up to operate a forklift during the week and compete in MMA matchups on the weekend. As I hobbled back to my familiar seat on the bench, I kept my head down and rubbed the welt on my thigh. At the same time, the forklift operator wound up a high-velocity ground pitch to the next kicker and watched as I stepped on the rolling ball and snapped my ankle.

The torque of my ankle instantly took my mind off the heat of my welt, but decades later, I’m reminded of both any time the weather changes. And any time I have to walk.

If Dodgeball, Scooter Tag, Red Rover and Kickball had a sibling, its name would be Rope Day. Rope Day in gym class means one thing: blisters. At some point during Rope Day, you’ll be summoned to hoist your body weight up a suspended rope for no other reason than to say you did it. Absent any upper body development, you’ll make it one-third of the way up before sliding back down and setting your palms on fire in the process. If your PE teacher managed to locate two ropes, one of them will be turned into a tug-of-war device to entertain the kids in gym class who aren’t busy climbing the hanging rope.

Tug-of-war, another blister producer, is better than the hanging rope because you don’t have to do anything more than make a grimaced expression during the exertion portion of the game to look as though you’re getting all the entertainment value that Rope Day has to offer.

If Dodgeball, Scooter Tag, Red Rover, Kickball and Rope Day were cornered in a gymnasium and got their asses kicked, you’d know that Parachute Day had finally arrived. It also meant that the school nurse had the day off. - LAUREN HAMMACK

ILLUSTRATION BY QUIT NGUYEN

I J UST SAW a season preview for NBC’s “Spartan Ultimate

in the 405 ON THE SCENE

Bourbon, BBQ and Blues There’s a great deal to enjoy about this delicious fundraiser in Film Row that benefits academic and arts programs at the Classen School of Advanced Studies.

1. Gina McCarty-Woodson, Becky Books 2. Lisa Adkins, Dr. Rachel Franklin 3. Steve Hamilton, Aliana Hamilton, Matt Geren 4. OKCPS

Superintendent Aurora Lora, Classen SAS Principal Dr. Ashley Davis, Mark Mann 5. Richard McKown, Claudia San Pedro

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Flight for Futures

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1. Blair Naifeh, Kathy Brown, Rick and Kandi Nagel 2. Rachel Huckabee, Sara Coleman, Sarah Brown 3. Holly and Matthew McClure 4. Bob and Mary Kay Samis, Hal Brown, Sarah and Clint Croasdale 5. Jordyn Smith, Bobby Todd

PHOTOS BY TERRELL FRY

The Boys and Girls Clubs of OKC meets at Wiley Post Airport for an aviation-themed fundraiser to help local children’s futures take flight.

IEEW 10 for 10 Female entrepreneurs from the Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women’s multinational Peace Through Business program join the IEEW’s celebration of ten OKC women who have made a difference in the last decade.

1. Liza Cameron, Lisa Love, Judy Love, Jenny Meyer, Caroline Cameron 2. Manizha Wafeq, Steve Hahn, Muzghan Wafiq Alokozai 3. Dr. Susan Chambers, Darlene Broderick 4. Tuca Ogle, Ann Felton, Terry Neese, Andrea Mason, Jada Mason

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in the 405 FITNESS

“It’s staged by athletes for athletes, and our focus isn’t about making money,” Wood says.

“It’s about supporting athletes, being attentive to their needs and making sure our events are an exceptional experience.”

The world championship course totals 95.69 miles – a 2.49-mile swim, 74.56-mile bike path and 18.64-mile run.

Last year’s Redman event was designated as the only race qualifying participants for this year’s world championships. Kimerer qualified for Team USA by ranking in the top 25 in her age group.

A CPA and fitness instructor at YMCA Healthy Living Center-Integris, Kimerer, who participated in her first triathlon four years ago, began preparing in January: She started a strength training routine to build her core, shoulders and leg muscles, followed by a 30-week program beginning in March centered on aerobics, increasSandy Kimerer competing at 2015 Redman Triathlon ing speed and improving heart rate.

Her diet is unprocessed, nutrient-dense foods – fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes.

“Nutrition and diet are huge on race day,” says Redman staff member Cara Nance. “Nerves play a role for these athletes, especially those coming in from other countries who are trying A massive triathlon comes to OKC different foods. It’s about how your body processes and hydrates, and even what medical conditions you may have.”

BEFOR E A N Y GI V E N triathlon event, Oklahoma City native Calorie intake during the triathlon – easiest done while biking Sandy Kimerer asks herself, “What have I gotten myself into?”

– is important, and people try different options and products.

A triathlon “newbie,” Kimerer, 60, will join 1,200 others from Last year, Kimerer cooked and salted fingerling potatoes and 48 countries to participate in the 2016 ITU Long Distance stuck them in her jersey pocket for easy retrieval.

Triathlon World Championships Sept. 24 at Lake Hefner, hosted Redman is known for its world-class medical facility staffed

by Friends of Multi Sport’s Redman Triathlon. by an M.D., and aid stations, including bike maintenance areas, The event is a coup for Oklahoma City’s racing scene. Particiare scattered throughout the course. pation numbers, including spectators and athletes, could reach The race site, base venue and transition area – called Field of 20,000 people.

Play on the east shores of Lake Hefner – are spectator-friendly.

“The feather in the cap for us is that we were chosen over Parking and a trolley service to the event area are expected to be 19 foreign countries,” smiles Redman Triathlon Executive available in the Chase and IBC Bank parking lots at NW 63rd Director David Wood. “The economic impact for Oklahoma and Portland Avenue. Also available to the public is a children’s City is significant.” activity area – including a 30-foot tiger slide and mini-kids duAbout 350 of the participants, like Kimerer, are Americans. athlon – and race day food provided by Kellies Kurlies & More.

Other large reporting countries include the United Kingdom, The race begins at 7:30 a.m. with the swim, considered Canada, Japan, New Zealand and Australia. the most challenging part of the triathlon. The elite runners’ Wood credits climate and the organization’s reputation as ceremony follows completion of the event Saturday, and the final reason for the selection by ITU (International Triathlon Union). ceremony for age-groupers is scheduled at 10 a.m. Sunday at the “Oklahoma City is a great place but secondly, people love a Devon Boathouse. challenge and what they are going to get here is heat and wind,” Updates on parking and general information are available at Wood explains. “You get a sense of accomplishment when you’re friendsofmultisport.com/event/world-championship. battling a 22-plus mile-an-hour wind in your face with a heat inThis year’s event requires 1,400 volunteers. To volunteer, sign dex of 92 degrees. When you’re from Norway, that’s a challenge.” up online at friendsofmultisport.com/event/redman-triathlon/ Redman, now in its 12th year, is one of several endurance volunteer. events hosted by Friends of Multi Sport, a nonprofit organizaExcelsior! - SUSAN CLARK tion committed to athletes and community.

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PHOTO BY JAMES A. RANDELL PHOTOGRAPHY

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creatives

LIVES IN ART

Creation, education and the Wimmers

BY MARK BEUTLER PHOTO BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

MIK E W I M M ER is not your typical Okie from Muskogee. The

Oklahoma-born artist says that as a kid, he was always creative – and selling his own artwork at the young age of 11 would seem to be sound supporting evidence. He left Muskogee and headed for Norman, where he received a degree in fine arts from the University of Oklahoma. Eventually that led to a master’s degree from the University of Hartford in Connecticut.

In fact, it was during graduate school in Hartford that he met his equally talented wife Jime. They completed their studies in 2009, and after a long courtship were married three years ago.

Between the two of them, they have four children, and today the couple makes their home in Edmond. Mike serves as the chairman of the School of Visual Arts at Oklahoma City University.

Jime, meanwhile, has been an art teacher at Edmond Memorial High School for several years, and recently accepted a position as an associate professor in the Design/Illustration department at the University of Central Oklahoma.

“Even though we are at different universities, we try to help one another as partners in education,” Jime says. “We don’t see it as a competition; it’s always about the people we are teaching.

We take that very seriously.”

And Mike agrees, saying when they are at home they talk nonstop about art and education. “We discuss the unique problems we encounter in a classroom, and the needs of foundational skill building in early stages,” he says. “And we share teaching philosophies and a mutual understanding of the importance of demonstration in the classroom – not just in artistic techniques and media handling, but also demonstrating and teaching aspects to be successful in life as a person.”

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Mike and Jime are always working, and they love to draw. In fact, they often travel with multiple sketchbooks. But when it comes to two artists working in the same house, they tend to work separately.

“We are definitely on separate levels in the home studio,” Jime smiles. “We are both highly organized, and we tend to approach art very differently. Mike is very methodical and disciplined in his approach, while I am more inspirational and look for the ‘immediacy’ of the work.

We are both seeking the same solutions, but we seek them very differently.”

The Wimmers’ work includes some very high-profile art many people will undoubtedly recognize: Mike has designed hundreds of book covers for publishers including Putnam, Simon and Schuster and Mike Wimmer’s painting for the cover Harper Collins. He creof Simon and Schuster’s Theodore ated national icons for Disney’s Simba on Pride Rock for The Lion King. And he has done packaging for Huggies diapers, the new Brawny paper towel man, and Proctor and Gamble’s Mr. Clean.

“What I am most proud of are the historic paintings and portraits hanging in the Oklahoma State Capitol,” he says. “I have over 40 paintings there, and the historic legacy I am leaving gives me such an incredible feeling of pride that my name will now be associated with Oklahoma greatness.”

Jime has had her share of prestigious showings. Last fall, an oil portrait she did of her son was exhibited at the Norman Rockwell Museum.

“I think that marks a pinnacle of pride in my work,” she says.

“And my love for my work shifts from Copernicus (her most recent children’s book) to Prettylines collection to Doll Factory characters. And every five years or so I seem to be compelled to do Alice in Wonderland characters, and one of my favorites was a recent Mad Hatter I did in oil. I used a former student as the model, which I often do.

They love that. After all, who wouldn’t want to be the Mad Hatter?”

Being art educators in Oklahoma has its share of challenges, according to the couple – Oklahoma’s

recent budget problems have affected all areas of education, including the arts.

“It’s both crucial and critical to maintain the arts in public schools,” Mike avers. “We value education and athletics; we were both National Honor Society students growing up. I was all-state football and captain, and Jime was state track and field and captain. But where academics and athletics are valuable, it is the arts that became crucial as our lifeline. The arts defined our childhoods and shaped our lives.”

Jime says, “The arts are the one thing that identifies us as human and separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom. It is through the arts that we will connect to our next generation and those to follow, and it is with the arts that we give lives meaning and purpose.

All the great civilizations embraced the arts as a center of education.

And education should not be evaluated as a corporate business. It should be treated as humanely as possible. It is our humanity.”

Mike and Jime have created their own website, and besides Mike’s collection at the state Capitol, their online presence – wimmerstudios.com – is the best place to view their work.

The couple said while art is their passion, they have some other interesting hobbies that keep them busy when they’re not in the studio.

“I can bench-press twice my weight and leg-press five times my weight,” Mike says. “And I like to roller-skate,” Jime adds. “I know – we are geeks at heart, and they are really big hearts.”

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territory ahead

The Prairie Submarine Inside the USS Batfish of Muskogee

BY M.J. ALEX ANDER

T HE F L A SHI NG L IGH T pulsates near Exit 33, its dots-and-

dashes signaling in Morse Code to passersby on the Muskogee Turnpike from the top of Oklahoma’s only submarine.

W-E-L-C-O-M-E T-O T-H-E U-S-S B-A-T-F-I-S-H. The USS Batfish – a battle-tested World War II submarine stretching longer than a football field and weighing 1,800 tons – has been welcoming visitors to its drydock in Muskogee for 44 years.

It has spent far more time planted in the former soybean field near the Port of Muskogee than it did plying the ocean. But during its months at sea, on patrols of the South Pacific from 1943 through 1945, the Batfish became known for its deadly accuracy.

The vessel – billed as “the champion submarine-killing submarine of World War II” – destroyed a record 14 enemy vessels, including a record three Japanese subs within 76 hours in February 1945.

Even so, after the end of World War II and a stint as a training vessel, the Batfish was deactivated and doomed to be sold or cut up for scrap.

A group of veterans, however, had a better idea for the old submarine that had helped win the war. The national organization of U.S. Submarine Veterans sought to establish a memorial in every state to honor the 52 American submarines and their 3,505 sailors lost in battle.

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Oklahoma’s Sub Vet chapter began pondering a submarine for the state in 1962. Over the years, the idea gathered steam and political support, including sponsorship of a bill by then-State Sen. James Inhofe that proposed accepting the donation of a submarine for permanent display in Oklahoma.

“People coming through are always looking for the connection between the Batfish and Oklahoma,” says Brent Trout, director of

SUBS ON DISPLAY

The USS Batfish is one of 25 submarines open for touring in the United States. Its nearest neighbor is the USS Razorback, a fellow Baleo-class submarine that was sold to Turkey – which operated it as the TCG Muratreis, from 1971-2001. The vessel was purchased by the city of North Little Rock in 2004 for $37,500 and made a similar journey to the Batfish, traveling up the Arkansas River to reclaim the name Razorback.

the Muskogee War Memorial Park that is the submarine’s home.

“But there is no connection. Some men had a dream to honor their lost friends. People at the time said they were kooky – but they made it happen.”

After much deliberation – including considering adopting the USS Sea Dog, the USS Piranha or the USS Cavalla – the Batfish was chosen, based upon its unbeatable battle record and relatively solid condition. The U.S. Congress approved the transfer of ownership to the state on Nov. 8, 1971.

The naval magazine Warship International celebrated the renowned sub’s rescue from the scrap heap with a multi-page feature and the headline “BATFISH Beats the Boneyard.”

But the sub still had to get to Oklahoma. The logistical nightmare entailed a seven-week, 1,350-mile tugboat tow from New Orleans through the newly completed McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, which linked inland ports to the Gulf of Mexico.

The Batfish was cradled on steel straps strung between six barges – each 120 feet long and 32 feet wide – to lift the submarine high enough to reduce its draft through the water.

Headaches along the way included cost overruns and financial woes; a rogue wave from a speeding British ship that sank one of the accompanying barges; and lowering the water level of the Arkansas River by three feet to squeeze beneath a bridge in North Little Rock.

Once it arrived at the Port of Muskogee, heavy flooding caused the Batfish to tilt nearly 40 degrees and tug at her cables so violently that some feared the new downriver bridge across U.S. 62 would be crushed. Frustrated, the state tried to return the submarine to the U.S. Navy, which declined the offer.

For better or worse, the Batfish truly belonged to Oklahoma.

ACTIVE DUTY Adjustments were made, The USS Batfish was on active problems were solved, and duty from Dec. 11, 1943, to at last a trench one-quarter Aug. 26, 1945. The second mile long and 120 feet wide commissioning crew operated the Batfish from March 1952 was dug from the main until May 1957. The Batfish channel at River Mile 393.8 successfully completed more to Muskogee’s donated land, than seven war patrols during near the confluence of the World War II; early patrols typiArkansas, Verdigris and cally required 65-70 men, while later patrols required up to 88.

Grand rivers.

The Batfish was reactivated Four bulldozers pulled in 1952 as tensions increased her into place with steel during the Cold War, primarily cables, while a tugboat serving as a training vessel out pushed from behind. On of Key West.

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Extraordinary Heroism

Members of the crew serving aboard the USS Batfish’s 6th War Patrol were honored with the Presidential Unit Citation, which read: “For extraordinary heroism in action against enemy Japanese combatant forces during the sixth War Patrol in the South China Sea from December 30, 1944, to March 3, 1945. Persistent and aggressive in her search for vital targets, the USS Batfish relentlessly tracked down the enemy and in three separate, brilliantly executed attacks, launched her torpedoes with devastating speed and skill and demolished three Japanese submarines.

By the destruction of these formidable and threatening hostile Fleet units in a single War Patrol, the Batfish contributed significantly to the successful completion of the war. The courage, superb seamanship and gallant fighting spirit of her officers and men reflect the highest credit upon herself and the United States Naval Services.”

Crew members were awarded 10 Bronze Stars, four Silver Stars, one U.S. Navy Cross and nine Battle Stars on the Asiatic-Pacific Area Service Medal.

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July 4, 1972, the Batfish, still in her temporary mooring, was unoffiWHY MUSKOGEE? cially opened to the public. The Brent Trout, executive director official opening was Memorial Day of the Muskogee War Memorial weekend, 1973.

Park, dispels the persistent tale that the USS Batfish endIn the decades to follow, the ed up in Muskogee only after it submarine would evolve from couldn’t maneuver the bends a relic from a pivotal war to an in the river on the way up to integral part of the community of Tulsa. “Well, funny story about Muskogee. this. The myth has perpetuated for many years that the At the heart of the city’s eightBatfish got stuck going around acre War Memorial Park, which a turn and couldn’t make it to features veteran tributes, a small Tulsa. The truth is, Tulsa did museum and the largest surviving not offer any donated land. The piece of the USS Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Maritime Advisory had completely spent their Batfish has been primed, painted entire budget purchasing the and polished. Its interior has been submarine and could not afford restored by a crew of volunteers to acquire land in Catoosa. who have tracked down and re-inMuskogee was not even the stalled big items like bunks and next choice. The Corps of Engineers had shown them other brass instruments and torpedoes, spots throughout Oklahoma, as well as telling details such as but each one had more probBetty Grable pin-ups and 1944 callems or were undesirable.” endars, as well as authentic dishes and glassware in the galley.

The Batfish hosts field trips, sleepovers, twice-yearly living history days, ghost tours, veteran reunions … and before he moved to Arizona in 2014, the wedding of former director Rick Dennis on its deck.

He was succeeded by Brent Trout, who is working to keep the legacy alive. His philosophy: “Instead of making it a temple, we think of it as a forum.”

More than 32,000 paying visitors visited last fiscal year, pondering the submarine and the tributes to iconic fighting machines from World War II and the men who manned them. The Batfish crew reunions have tapered off as veterans have passed on, but new generations have ensured that their legacy remains.

Sometimes around dusk and dawn, when the fog ebbs in from the river and envelops the USS Batfish and its blinking signal, the submarine appears afloat once more, patrolling in a sea of grass beneath an ocean of sky.

BATFISH CREW PHOTO: FROM THE ARCHIVES OF THE USS BATFISH, MUSKOGEE WAR MEMORIAL PARK

The crew of the USS Batfish tallies the Japanese vessels it destroyed during World War II: the flags with the red dot represent merchant ships sunk; the Rising Sun flags represent Imperial Navy vessels torpedoed; the torpedo-riding bat is the sub mascot; the crossed torpedoes and flags on the left represent the historic 6th War Patrol, which sank three submarines in 76 hours and a merchant ship near the end of the patrol. The flag was later amended to add a designation signifying the sub received a Presidential Unit Citation.

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Booze & Brews

New Hotspots, Old Favorites and Highlights of Drinking in the 405

BY GREG HORTON

PHOTOS BY CARLI WENTWORTH

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Food and booze culture tends toward opposite poles: At the same time that we exhibit tremendous brand loyalty to our beer and booze selections, we also chase after the newest bar or restaurant.

Neighborhood bars are rare in the metro – unless by “neighborhood bar” you mean a place that has lowpoint beer and cigarette smoke in abundance. The kind we see in movies and television shows with a regular cast of characters who know the owner/ bartender by name, as well as their neighbors at the bar, are genuinely rare. Combining all the elements of solid lists – beer, wine, spirits – with consistency, quality and familiarity is exceedingly difficult.

In addition to tracking the new and the tried and true of bars in the metro, we are also keeping an eye on trends in booze. Cider, anyone? New brands will be everywhere by the time this goes to press. In spirits, the Old Fashioned is back on top as the metro’s leading cocktail. Why? We asked the city’s best bartenders. As for all those unfamiliar names on back bars, the truth is there is only so much shelf space, and critics around the country are already calling for a slowing of the rush to create ever more “craft spirits.” Honestly, how many beers do we really need aged in a whiskey/cognac/brandy barrel? Can’t beer just be good because it’s beer?

The same question adheres to the nature of a bar or restaurant. Does it have to be new to be great? No. Some of our favorite food and booze joints are favorites because they’ve proven themselves over the years and through the trends.

Here, then, is a less than comprehensive survey – a topographical map of booze, if you will – of some places and beverages worth noting around the metro.

Savings and Loan Bar 423 NW 23rd, OKC, 405.308.1803 Waiting for this Uptown 23rd bar to open offered the city multiple opportunities to engage in office pools. “I got February 14! Bill has the 15th! What? Not February either? Okay, on to March.”

The craft cocktail bar did finally open this summer, and one of the city’s best bartenders, James Etzler, is slinging cocktails there, alongside a collection of very experienced mixologists and guest bartenders. The menu rotates seemingly every week and either you can sample the “palate challenging” specialty cocktails, or they can make you a classic.

Your choice, and you can also choose dark and downstairs or well-lighted and upstairs.

Mary Eddy's 900 W Main, OKC, 405.982.6960 The restaurant/bar inside 21c Museum Hotel is drawing more attention to the western edge of downtown. The concept – with locations in Louisville, Cincinnati, Bentonville, Durham and Lexington – is famous for taking food, lodging and art very seriously. They also do a fantastic job of staffing, so in August, they hired food and beverage veteran Michael O’Hara (Flint, Nonna’s) as assistant director of food and beverage.

O’Hara is a certified sommelier, so expect an already good wine list to get even better. The bar already features local brews – another thing 21c does well is localize – and the craft cocktails are solid. Feel free to take your beverage with you and check out the art; that way, you can say you were getting some culture instead of a drink.

Hudsons Public House 1000 Danforth, Edmond, 405.657.1103 We are not sure anyone ever said aloud: “Hudson’s should be smoke-free!” That sort of misses the point of what Hudson’s has always been. However, the new Hudsons Public House in Edmond is a smoke-free sports bar that Edmondites are learning to love. Their boast of “one of the largest beer selections in the Oklahoma City metro” notwithstanding (have they been to Tapwerks or McNellie’s?), they have a respectable list, featuring 32 handles and another 100+ selections in bottle. Televisions abound, and the menu is full of watching-thegame selections such as burgers, sandwiches, nachos and wings.

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Fat Dog

1234 N Western, OKC, 405.609.3647 Lonnie Green opened Fat Dog Kitchen & Bar in spring 2016, and a photograph of the eponymous fat Labrador Retriever hangs on the wall inside. The choice was not simply an aesthetic one, even though the dÊcor is clearly dog themed, as is the wine list. Choosing a dog-themed wine list can lead to some pleasant surprises, including Faithful Hound, an excellent South African Bordeaux-style blend from rockstar winemaker Andy Erickson (Favia, Leviathan, Ovid). The food is middle America all the way, with hot dogs (of course) and burgers leading the way, and the menu is curated and managed by consulting chef Beau Stephenson. The feature most likely to attract customers to this new bar, tucked in as it is just north of NW 10th on N Western, is the amazing patio. As soon as it opened, it was a top five patio in the city, featuring water bowls for dogs, misters and tons of space. The whole thing is enclosed with a locking gate, meaning the pups are safe to roam. A word of warning: It’s smoke-friendly, too, so choose accordingly.

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Lonnie Green and Bud enjoy some Faithful Hound on the Fat Dog patio.

OLD FAITHFULS

Some of these are newish, and some have been around a while, but you should certainly give all of them a try.

Local establishments tend to love local brands, too, so you are sharing the love twice when you support these joints.

Oak & O re 1732 NW 16th, OKC 405.606.2030 There are places with more taps, but none that take more exacting care to serve brews as they were meant to be enjoyed – this Plaza District beer haven rotates selected varieties through its 36 temperature- and pressure-controlled taps to give you the best possible pour.

Bartenders are ready to give recommendations and samples, and the food is mostly terrific; it’s a must-try.

Tapwerks 121 E Sheridan, OKC, 405.319.9499 Some things are just cool because they seem to exist effortlessly and because there is a strong sense that the owners know exactly what the thing is supposed to be. Such is Tapwerks. Oklahoma City’s original beer Mecca, the place just oozes cool.

Maybe it’s the well-worn bar and tables, smoothed out and faded by years of elbows and forearms and friends, or maybe it’s the genuine public house vibe.

Whatever the case, the food is still hearty, the beer is still plentiful, and – Bricktown parking be damned – it’s worth the $5 to park just to be reminded of what a well-stocked pub ought to be.

Scratch 132 W Main, Norman, 405.801.2900 While this is technically a restaurant bar, it still gets the nod as one of the select places in Norman that can pull us south down I-35. If you love Blackbird or Blu or any of the Good Life group’s concepts, we are certainly with you. There are great reasons to love those places (see The Library), but Scratch is that rare university town restaurant that doesn’t feel like you’re in a university town. Owner Brady Sexton has cleverly revisioned the space, and the ambience is like nothing else in Norman. That the food from Chef Jacque Methvin is stellar helps, and the back bar is the best stocked we’ve seen in Norman.

Colby Poulin serves up a Rio Bravo

Cocktails

Old and New

COL BY POU L I N IS SOM ET HI NG OF A BA RT E N DER SAVA N T. The New Hampshire native is normally spotted behind the bar at Ludivine, where he works with one of the most amazing booze libraries in Oklahoma City. Poulin has three primary skills: making great conversation – he’s a bartender, after all; combining ingredients that make other bartenders scratch their heads; and matching a cocktail to a person. That last one is huge. Tell him what you like, and he will find something else that you will like, and he can even do it for the various seasons.

We asked Poulin about the uptick in sales of the Old Fashioned around the metro, and he told us that the drink has really never gone out of … well, fashion. “We can trace the origins of the Old Fashioned back farther than most other cocktails,” he says. “Originally, it was just a spirit, not specifically whiskey, and then they added sugar, water and bitters. It’s a classic. The balance of spirit, bitters and sweetness made it easier to stand the test of time, and that combination showcases the flavors of the spirit, so you can enjoy any spirit you mix that way.”

Poulin’s down and dirty Old Fashioned recipe for home bartenders 2 ounces rye whiskey 2 dashes Winship’s Old Fashioned Aromatic bitters ½ ounce simple syrup Combine in shaker with ice. Stir, do not shake.

Pour over ice in a rocks glass and garnish with lemon peel and orange peel.

Go visit him at Ludivine, and he’ll make a Rio Bravo for you. He calls it a “caipirinha on steroids.” It’s mixture of Hamilton’s Jamaican Rum, honey, lemon, lime, tomato-basil tincture, Winship’s Cucumber bitters and salt.

The Hamilton Rum is 96 proof, so this is definitely an alcohol-forward cocktail, but it’s balanced with sweet, savory and citrus.

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Top 10 Beers Non-Beer Nerds Should Try Roughtail 12th Round Ale

Black Mesa ESB

Prairie Artisan Ales Bomb!

Marshall Old Pavilion Pilsner

COOP F5 IPA Mustang Sixty-Six Lager

Anthem Uroboros Stout

Anthem Golden One Anthem IPA

COOP Native Amber

New Adult Beverages Try a sip or splash of something different

CIDER DID NOT J UST A R R I V E T HIS Y E A R ; brands such as Strongbow have been around for decades, but there is a surge of interest nationwide in this beverage made from fermented apple juice. Some of this is surely due to the quality of so-called hard ciders being produced by the likes of Colorado Cider Company. The Denver-based company bottled their first batch in 2011, so they arrived in Oklahoma just in time to celebrate their fifth anniversary.

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For the amateur cider drinker, start simple. The Glider Cider from Colorado Cider Company is slightly sweet, crisp and low alcohol (6.5 percent). For an impressive example of dry (as opposed to sweet, just like wine) cider, try the Glider Cider Dry – same crisp, aromatic cider but with less residual sugar. Slaughter’s Hall was one of the first OKC bars to embrace the trend. You can find Colorado Cider Company offerings there, including the Cherry Glider, a remarkably delicious concoction enhanced with the flavor of fresh cherries.

Tin City Cider is a collaborative effort between Curt Schalchlin of Sans Liege wines, Mikey Giugni of Scar of the Sea wines and cider, and Andrew Jones, the winemaker for Field Recordings wines. They use California apples to make this light, crisp and easy-to-drink cider.

The Tin City actually comes in a can, making it an excellent choice for poolside drinking in the hot weather. Scar of the Sea is one of the best ciders available anywhere, and beer lovers should absolutely give the Hopped Cider a try (also true of the Colorado Cider Company Grasshop-Ah).

GLIDER CIDER PHOTO COURTESY COLORADO CIDER COMPANY

Speaking of local brews, and by local we mean the state, these are 10 of the best our area has to offer, in no particular order. We threw in some from the 918 because: A) they are genuinely delicious; and B) we love the other original area code and our little sister to the east.

Republic Gastropub

The Patriarch

5830 N Classen, OKC, 405.286.4577

9 E Edwards, Edmond, 405.285.6670

The food menu has more than a few tempting options, but a look around at the hundreds of bottles covering the walls serves as a demonstration that beer ranks high on this pub’s priority list. Whether your taste is focused near or far, you’ll find plenty of possibilities for satisfaction – just don’t expect quiet contemplation, since it’s nearly always bustling. P.S. Northside dwellers, a new location is on its way to Chisholm Creek.

Edmond’s first serious attempt to create the love child of Bleu Garten and Tapwerks is located in a large, white house on the corner of Edwards and Broadway. The metal fence that surrounds the whole establishment and its picnic tables may seem more forbidding than welcoming at first glance, but the aesthetic can be excused given the excellent beer list, which features 48 taps and nearly every Oklahoma beer you can imagine. The Patriarch doesn’t discriminate against Tulsa, either, as they have plenty of Marshall Brewing Company and Prairie Artisan Ales on tap.

Power House 1228 SW 2nd, OKC, 405.702.0699 This one is a favorite of people in the booze and food industry. That says a lot. It’s tucked behind the Farmer’s Market, right across the street from Urban Agrarian. Owner Clay Berkes has great food (verde pork!) and good sense about booze. Local beers and craft cocktails dominate the menu.

Seating is available inside or outside (covered and uncovered), and it’s become a favorite venue for the local music scene, too. It’s not huge, but this place has a lot to love.

Fassler Hall 421 NW 10th, OKC, 405.609.3300 Seriously, it’s beer and sausages. Has there ever been a more perfect combination, especially for lunch? Fassler specializes in German beers, and bartenders can help you navigate the large selection. Weekends get a little raucous, so if you’re hoping to hold a quiet conversation or your mentality occasionally veers toward “get off my lawn,” maybe go before 7 p.m.

Blue Note Lounge 2408 N Robinson, OKC, 405.434.8832 Blue Note bills itself as one of the city’s oldest live music venues, and while that’s true, it’s also one of the best smoky barrooms in the metro. The music lineup is eclectic, they still have pool tables, smoking is permitted (encouraged), local beers are featured prominently … and, of course, they have karaoke. Blue Note is an OKC tradition; it just is.

Bin 73 7312 N Western, OKC 405.843.0073 The old “wine bar” still has an impressive wine list, but they also have a well-stocked liquor bar, and the arrival of new blood in the form of Craig Weygandt, a food service veteran, means they are upping their cocktail, wine and front-of-house game.

Strawberry Lemonade and the Purple Rain from Bin 73

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Switching to Local

Want to try something local but not sure what all the varied styles mean? We constructed a handy chart with the help of two booze professionals: Natalie Torrey, a bartender genius and wine sales rep for Premium Brands, and Phil Wheeler, clubhouse manager at Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club.

Mexican Beers Natalie says, “Leave the Mexicans alone.

Their beer is delicious.”

Good advice.

Like Budweiser? Try Anthem Golden One.

Like Coors? Try Prairie Artisan Ales Prairie Standard.

Like Stella Artois? Try COOP Horny Toad.

Like Coors Light? Try COOP Spare Rib Pale Ale.

Like Bud Light? Try Mustang Sixty-Six Lager.

Like Guinness? Try Anthem Uroboros Stout.

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The Library 607 W Boyd, Norman 405.366.7465 Any OU alum who drinks beer knows about The Library. Hidden as it is behind hedges, it certainly has a magical feel, a Norman Brakebills University, so to speak. For starving college students, the $5 pizzas brought them in, but the ambience and the beer kept them there late.

Emily Mixon

Sidecar Barley & Wine Bar 1100 N Broadway, OKC, 405.421.0203 Do not climb the ladder if you are drunk. That’s a rule, people. Other than that, enjoy one of the metro’s best bar aesthetics. The wine list is really well curated, and the cocktails are excellent.

On nice days, the bay door is open, and if you don’t mind a bit of road noise, the outside seating along NW 10th allows for outstanding people watching.

Das Boot Camp 229 E Main, Norman, 405.701.3748 King’s Gold to Munich Dunkel, beer lovers anywhere near the metro owe it to themselves to try one or two – or all five – of the Bier brewed in-house by the meisters at Royal Bavaria in Moore. We recommend this Norman offshoot because it’s faster and easy to find, and they sell growlers.

Junior's 2601 NW Expressway, OKC, 405.848.5597 This throwback restaurant/bar has been around for more than 40 years. That alone is worth the visit. And the Brandy Ice is still the best in the 405, maybe anywhere.

Winship's Bitters

Earlier you may have noticed that Colby Poulin recommends Winship’s Bitters for his cocktails.

Winship’s is a local bitters manufacturer, the brainchild of veteran bartenders Josh Cockle and Tony Fiasco.

Winship’s has been around for three years – Cockle was working at Ludivine, and the craft cocktail boom was booming everywhere else but just getting to Oklahoma. Consequently, orange bitters were hard to come by. Cockle made a batch of blood orange bitters out of necessity, and the idea for the company was born.

Both Cockle and Poulin emphasized that the products are excellent for home bartenders. “I combined aromatic and orange bitters in the Old Fashioned Bitters to simplify the process for non-professional bartenders,” Cockle says. “It has less aromatics and more orange, so you can use it in any cocktail that needs orange bitters.”

Winship’s Bitters are available at Urban Agrarian, Savory Spice and Parks Restaurant Supply.

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How to make neutrals stand out: a John Mark beige linen tunic, Eileen Fisher bone slim pant and Alberto Makali taupe color block jacket with white net, topped with Natasha pearls, all from Von Maur.

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ELEMENTS

Style

OF

BUILDING A FALL FASHION STORY

BY JENNIFER SALYER /// PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

W

e’re about to begin a new season, on the calendar if not in temperature yet, and the excitement of fresh possibilities should carry over into your closet. Upcoming trends from the runways of the fashion world should provide plenty of inspiration in adding some new pieces to your wardrobe – we loved putting some quiet neutrals, classic plaids and an occasional snap of back-to-basics black together for this shoot, and the different layers and textures came alive against the backdrop of a raw warehouse space in Automobile Alley. Clean and crisp, pure and captivating, these fashion elements should make your look both timeless and now.

Special thanks to: Models Braxton Predmore and Carly Faulkner; Toni Marlo of MarloHaus for Braxton’s hair and makeup; Carl Wayne of Broadway Salon for Carly’s hair and Lilly Stone with Sooo Lilly for her makeup.

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Amp up your ensemble with Carly’s Worth navy knitted floral lace boatneck tee, washed leather pleated skirt and carob navy whipstitch belt, all from R Meyers – accented with gold resin open teardrop earrings from R Meyers, Sunbird Dita sunglasses from TSO Optical and Lucky Brand sesame oil suede side lace bootie from Von Maur.

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Braxton pairs a Graduate tailored-leg Adriano jean with a pink Italian collar glen plaid shirt, and adds a fetching bluegreen sportcoat with blue umbrella pocket square, all from Q Clothier.

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Q Clothier supplies Braxton’s Rye 51 shirt and pocket square, LBM 1911 windowpane sports coat and Joe's Jeans Brixton in Gabriel jeans, while Carly’s Worth black leather biker cape adds a flash of attitude to a Worth cream stretch cotton Elaine pant and gold and black chain metal earrings from R Meyers. His Aristocrat Dita and her Priscilla Mykita Sunglasses are from TSO Optical.

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Simple and sharp, Braxton’s Calvin Klein shirt in smoke, Peter Millar navy trousers and Polo Ralph Lauren braided belt are from Von Maur.

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culture

BLURRED LINES

A Growing Controversy Right to Farm raises crop of questions

BY GREG HORTON ILLUSTR ATION BY CHAD CROWE

PA R SE T HE L A NGUAGE of State Question 777 and what you are left with is an abundance of questions. The socalled Right to Farm legislation “protects the rights of farmers and ranchers to engage in farming and ranching practices.” Aside from the lack of clarity related to the scope of “practices,” opponents also point out that the idea behind this state question was not introduced by farmers or ranchers.

State Representative Jason Dunnington, D-Oklahoma City, voted against the bill in 2015 – one of only five representatives to do so – and he said the bill was introduced by two legislators who are not themselves farmers or ranchers.

Dunnington, who comes from a large farming family – the farm is still active in Indiana – said state questions usually arise when enough people sign a petition to get the Legislature to do something about an issue the public feels has not been properly addressed.

“In the case of State Question 777, what we have is legislation introduced

by Senator [Jason] Smalley and Representative [Scott] Biggs, the language of which is drawn from an ALEC mock bill used in North Dakota, and one that was

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defeated by the unicameral Legislature in Nebraska because legislators said it would hurt farmers and ranchers in the state,” Dunnington says.

ALEC, the American Legislative Exchange Council, crafts model legislation for conservative causes around the country.

Dunnington said the North Dakota bill was word-for-word copied from ALEC’s model legislation on Right to Farm.

“A ‘yes’ vote on SQ 777 will give LARGE CORPORATE FARMS license to do what we worked so hard to stop.”

DR EW EDMON DSON

“I voted against it because I think it harms the interests of farmers and ranchers,” Dunnington says, “but I’m also distrustful of ALEC legislation since it often represents the interests of multinational corporations.”

Former Attorney General Drew Edmondson is also supporting the “Vote No” side of the issue. He said the major reason he took a side was because he

wanted to further the work he did as AG. Edmondson spearheaded reforms in agriculture law that protected the state’s water supply from large chicken operations in eastern Oklahoma and large hog farms in the west.

“A ‘yes’ vote on SQ 777 will give large corporate farms license to do what we worked so hard to stop,” Edmondson says. “In spite of the claims of the proponents, family farmers are being driven out of business not by regulation or liberal organizations, but by the huge farming operations 777 is meant to protect. It’s an ALEC bill, and they have never been known for protecting the little guy. In fact, support for SQ 777 comes from farm organizations like the Oklahoma Farm Bureau … not family farmers.”

WHAT ABOUT ROBOTS? Brian Ted Jones, the director of education for the Kirkpatrick Foundation, said his organization had conducted studies of Right to Farm “based on a wide-ranging examination of factual and legal issues” related to the legislation. While the Kirkpatrick Foundation cannot legally endorse or oppose legislation, they can offer clarification about what legislation actually can or will do.

“The result of a ‘yes’ to SQ 777 is a fundamental change to how agriculture is governed at all levels in Oklahoma,” Jones says. “Any farming or ranching entity or related industry could challenge in court any ag-related legislation, restriction or rule if it can be seen as restricting the rights of farmers and ranchers to practice their business in terms of ranching practices, deployment of technology, livestock production, et cetera.”

What that means in practice is that a farming entity with sufficient legal

culture

BLURRED LINES

representation – often an issue of financial wherewithal – would be able to sue municipalities or other government agencies that attempted to restrict certain practices. Essentially, the legislation would be an affirmative defense for farmers and ranchers when facing potential restrictions on their agricultural practices.

Jones said this kind of legislation creates a couple of problems. “It’s hard to see what agricultural laws would not result in litigation under this sort of legislation,” he says. “That means it would best be utilized by entities that can afford litigation; small, family farms and small municipalities don’t typically have those resources.”

Technological development creates another complication for Right to Farm.

Jones offers as a possible scenario – because technological innovation is always ongoing – the development of a new technology 10 years from now that allows for more production but increases water pollution in the area. A ‘yes’ vote for SQ 777 would mean that a municipality likely would be sued for passing an ordinance that restricts pollution levels, and because of the affirmative defense, the burden of proof would be on the municipality.

WHOM DOES IT HARM? The second clause of the ballot verbiage reads: “It prohibits the Legislature from passing laws that would take away the right to employ agricultural technology and livestock production without a compelling state interest.”

Mark Yates is the director of field operations for public policy for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, an organization that is in favor of SQ 777. His main concern is not overactive legislatures, but he did say a “yes” vote means that future legislation would need to be in the best interests of Oklahoma. However, his strongest warning is directed not at legislators but at special interest groups.

“We are seeing agricultural practices being pulled off the table all over the U.S. as the Humane Society, PETA and the Sierra Club push for changes,” he says. “When

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these organizations pushed for larger cages in California under Prop 2, the chicken industry simply put fewer birds per cage to compensate. Production fell as a result and people ended up buying imported eggs.

The legislation protects consumers, not just farmers and ranchers.”

“No out-of-state SPECIAL INTEREST LOBBY can come in and

tell us how to farm.”

M A SON BOL E Y

Edmondson said one of the main problems with SQ 777 is that it is missing some very important verbiage: “subject to reasonable legislation.” In other words, the “right to farm” could not be infringed under the banner of “reasonable legislation,” a bedrock of lawmaking, according to Edmondson.

“This legislation uses the ‘compelling state interest’ language,” Edmondson says. “That elevates the right to farm to the same level of protected status as the right to free speech and the right to practice religion. Those rights can only be infringed with a compelling state interest; all non-fundamental rights are subject to reasonable legislation.”

Mason Boley, a farmer from the Perry area, said he supports SQ 777 because he believes the bill protects farmers. “No out-of-state special interest lobby can come in and tell us how to farm,” Boley says. “If you want organic, backyard grown or more traditional farming, the bill protects all of us and gives consumers a choice.”

Boley’s family has farmed for five generations, and while their 4,000-acre farm is not the stereotype of a family farm, three generations are alive and farming the land now. “Some people look at us as a large farm, but we are a family operation,” he says. “Some of the land is in an LLC, so we’re sort of incorporated.

Mainly, I tell people we have too much

land when we’re fertilizing and not enough when we’re harvesting.”

As to whether these special interests have shown up in the state to wreak havoc yet, the answer is certainly no.

All sides will admit that Oklahoma isn’t exactly ground zero for liberal causes, and as Dunnington points out, “We’re not California.”

“Oklahoma already has the right to farm,” Dunnington says. “As for support for the farmers, even my Democratic colleagues had a hard time understanding why I voted against the bill. ‘Why are you against farmers?’ one of them asked me. I had to explain that just because something says ‘right to,’ is not a guarantee of protecting farmers’ rights.”

BEFORE THE FALL In mid-July, the Oklahoma State Supreme Court agreed to retain a lawsuit brought by Dunnington and others challenging SQ 777 on a number of grounds, including a violation of the state’s one-issue rule for legislation. Filings were due July 28, and the Court was expected to set a date for arguments after that.

Dunnington said he was pleased that the case was going to the Supreme Court.

“It’s where we wanted it to go all along,” he says. “When the district judge dismissed it without even hearing it, we knew that we would have a chance to get it in front of the Supreme Court on appeal.”

Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt called the lawsuit “a brazen, last-minute attempt to stop the democratic process.”

“My office and Supreme Court Justices are being forced to rush through the process, when the challenge could have been filed more than 200 days ago,” Pruitt says. “But, it is not surprising the Supreme Court decided to retain the case. We appreciate the court’s willingness to retain the case and resolve the issue with dispatch.”

Edmondson is not a plaintiff in the case, but said he is watching it with interest and hopes Dunnington and the other plaintiffs are successful.

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home The Light Stuff

PHOTO COURTESY INSIGHT VISUAL MEDIA PRODUCTIONS

Even as night falls, the Johnstons’ contemporary home in Quail Creek remains an eye-catching achievement – the completely programmable lights embedded in the stucco walls are part of architect Bruce Bockus’ design, and thanks to the immaculate attention he paid to every detail, the house’s exterior is as striking and sculptural as its interior.

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home HABITAT

THE JOHNSTONS’ SLEEK RETREAT A Quail Creek modern love story

BY CHRISTINE EDDINGTON

I T ’S T HE N EIGHBOR HOOD and its golf course that Jay Johnston loves the most. He grew up in Quail Creek and had often thought about returning again, ideally to a home on the links. Johnston, a custom home builder and weekly golfer, and Kristi, a community volunteer, Pilates enthusiast and interior design virtuoso, had lived briefly in Quail Creek, and had also done stints in Hidden Creek and on Country Club Place.

The couple has lived in half a dozen homes, counting this one, over the course of their 20 years together. Will it be their last?

“Well, I’m kind of ready for another project. I’m joking.

Kind of,” Kristi says, laughing. Jay, who seems well aware that Kristi has a really high energy level and a penchant for interior design projects, doesn’t bat an eye, and simply nods his assent.

The pair met on a blind date in 1994. “It was supposed to be a large group of people, but ended up just being three.

It’s funny, but what stands out about the timing was that it was during all the O.J. Simpson stuff, and everyone was talking about it,” she says. “Our first date was at Tommy’s Italian in Northpark Mall.”

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(right) Overhead, above the family-sized Jonathan Adler table and chairs, a chandelier by the same designer floats like a gaggle of friendly fireflies. “At Christmastime, I hang delicate glass balls on it, and it’s so pretty,” Kristi says.

Interior walls are limestone, and underfoot, the concrete floors are richly pigmented because they are dyed, not stained, giving the color tremendous depth. (below) Rich shades of blue are used in the living room’s seating area, anchoring the large space. A deft use of plants adds to the sensation that the line between indoors and outdoors is distinctly blurred.

A wood-burning fireplace warms the space in the winter, when the golf course wears a mantle of fluffy white snow. The room’s large dimensions allow Kristi to host seated dinners for as many as 40 guests.

Spacious enough for a substantial crowd, the Johnstons’ living room is arranged so Kristi and Jay can share cozy moments too, often with their King Charles Cavalier Spaniel Bella.

PHOTO BY CARLI WENTWORTH

PHOTOS COURTESY OF INSIGHT VISUAL MEDIA PRODUCTIONS

(left) The Johnstons razed the home that had formerly stood on their beautiful Quail Creek lot, and with the help of architect Bruce Bockus, constructed a masterpiece in the California Contemporary style.

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home HABITAT

(above) The kitchen is the room that started it all. “I’d seen this Italian kitchen cabinet company’s designs at a function at a showroom in Tulsa,” Jay says.

“They were new and different, and so clean and beautifully engineered. I appreciate precision at such a high level. And it was so cool, and we said ‘let’s do this.’” The couple sold everything and started fresh, inspired by the clean lines of Valcucine cabinetry. (left and below) Virtually the entire back wall of the house is glass, allowing a flood of natural light to bathe every room, and the home’s occupants to enjoy the rolling beauty of the golf course. The glass doors open accordion-style, allowing the Johnstons and their guests to enjoy the outdoor living space, complete with a fire pit, big-screen television, pool, hot tub and comfy furnishings. “We love to open up all the doors and have parties,” Kristi says.

A year later, they married and blended their families. All together they have three children – “We’ve got yours, mine and ours,” she says. Two of the three, a son and a daughter, are each 27 years old. “Charlie, our 18-year-old, just graduated from Bishop McGuinness and is getting ready to leave for college. He’s going to Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado.”

That leaves a pretty big, empty hole in the Johnston nest, but luckily they’ve got Bella, an affable, rotund King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, to fill the void. As the pair chats, Bella wanders through, requests and receives a treat, and shuffles off.

The home itself was designed by noted local architect Bruce Bockus, principal at Bockus-Payne Associates, and the Johnstons moved in in 2014. “We’d met Bruce a long time ago and I’d always wanted to work with him, and he was incredible. I really can’t say enough good things about Bruce. We met with him several times, just talking about what we needed and how we’d use the space and then gave him free rein. And we love the house,” Jay says.

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home

NEIGHBORHOOD

A Golden Occasion

50 years and counting for the Heritage Hills Home Tour

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THE BOLO PUNCH

This is the original recipe, which has been enjoyed by scores of Heritage Hills denizens for generations. Its genteel sweetness belies a knock-out punch, so to speak. Enjoy!

THE RECIPE 2 ripe pineapples 8 teaspoons sugar 1 quart Bourbon 2 bottles Champagne NIGHT BEFORE Dice the pineapples, and spread sugar over them.

Add Bourbon, cover well and refrigerate.

NEXT MORNING Pour pineapple mixture into a punch bowl over two large lumps of ice. Stir well. Pour in the bottles of Champagne and stir again. Serve in goblets with bits of pineapple and a long-handled fork or spoon. Eat the fruit and drink the juice. Great before brunch. Serves 12-14.

PHOTOS BY J PAT CARTER

CL A D I N A N impeccably pressed, simple cotton summer shift and a pair of huaraches, her outfit complemented by a cheerful cloisonné bangle, bright berry lipstick and hair pinned into a casually chic arrangement, Jerriann Altshuler is a serene, civilized, walking Heritage Hills history book with a penchant for French Briard dogs, a mischievous gleam in her eye and plenty of great stories to tell.

She has lived in OKC’s Heritage Hills neighborhood, the city’s first historic preservation district, since the early 1970s. She’s also been instrumental in its rally from the brink of blight in the 1960s to the beautiful, lively neighborhood it has once again become, and she’s one of eight women who will be honored as a Woman of Heritage during its annual Home Tour in September.

Jerriann Altshuler Other honorees include Dorothy Watson, Dannie Bea Hightower, Dianne Gumerson, Nancy Kerr, Vestina Ruffin and Jeanette Gilbert Willet. A plaque will be placed at a neighborhood park in their honor.

“Things haven’t changed all that much over the years,” Altshuler says. “Things run well. It’s remarkable. When the Associate Board began, it was called the Women’s Committee, and our sole job was collecting dues from the neighbors. But once all the women got together, we came up with other things to do, and all of our events.”

The group started the Heritage Hills Home Tour, children’s events at Halloween, Christmas and Easter, adult parties at Christmas and in the spring and too many neighborhood improvements to count. It’s beauty that lasts. - CHRISTINE EDDINGTON

About the 2016 Tour: Dates and Deets The 50th annual Heritage Hills Home Tour will take place from noon to 5 p.m.

Sept. 24 and 25. The Overholser Mansion, 405 NW 15th, will serve as the official hub, with activities, food trucks, live music and a free screening of the Junior League’s documentary on the neighborhood and its Historic Preservation leadership, Preserved with Pride. Featured homes include two residences that were a part of the first Heritage Hills Home Tour half a century ago.

LISA AND CHRIS LAWSON | 400 NW 20TH In 1917, the home was one of two model homes on 20th Street G.A. Nichols built when he began developing the area after World War I. The streets were still dirt roads, and Wilson Elementary had not yet been built. The unusually large garage is explained by the fact that the original owners, the Cruces, built the large space to accommodate one family car and two glider planes.

TIFFANY AND TODD DAVIS | 420 NW 14TH Banker and co-founder of First Nation Bank Hugh Johnson and his wife Mary built this 5,500-square-foot home in 1921 to reflect their active social life. The mansion was directly behind the Colcord Mansion on NW 13th Street. When it was demolished in 1965, Johnson channeled her outrage and became involved in preservation. At her death, she willed her home to Historic Preservation Inc., whose directors sold it to raise funds for historic preservation and protection.

CARTER AND FRED FELLERS III 1703 N HUDSON Built in 1915, this spacious Georgian Revival house retains its original architectural integrity, yet has been adaptable to the changing needs and tastes of families for more than 100 years.

Originally owned by the Huckins family, it was sold numerous times until it was bought in 1969 by Charles and Margot Nesbitt. Charles Nesbitt was attorney general of

Oklahoma and also chairman of the State Corporation Commission. The couple was instrumental in early preservation efforts in the neighborhood.

CLAYTON-HUNZICKER HOME | 425 NW 16TH This Georgian Revival house, part of the original tour, boasts unique architecture along with the far-reaching legacy of its builder. William L. Clayton came to Oklahoma in 1904 and, along with his brothers-in-law, Frank E. and M.D. Anderson (yes, that M.D. Anderson), founded the Anderson-Clayton Cotton Company, which was then the largest cotton brokerage firm in the world.

DR. BEN AND ROBBIE WHITE | 700 NW 15TH Another home that was a part of the first tour, this white clapboard Virginia Colonial home was completed in 1903, a year before the Overholser Mansion.

Fun fact: For well over a century, it has housed physicians and their families.

BRENNA AND ROSS SEE | 424 NW 16TH This Colonial Revival brick home, one of the newer homes in the ‘hood, was built in 1932

by Keene Burwell, son-in-law of developer G.A. Nichols. A handsome brick-lined sidewalk leads to the central portico and entryway and a symmetrical arrangement of windows and other architectural features. The now-mature trees and shrubs that grace the home’s landscape are part of the work completed in 1978 by prominent landscape architect Thomas Roberts, who was hired by former owners Thomas and Marilyn Kenan.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 on tour days. Advance tickets are available online at heritagehills.org. Proceeds benefit the tour sponsor, the nonprofit Heritage Hills Associate Board of Historic Preservation Inc. This year, a portion of proceeds will be used for public space beautification projects in the neighborhood.

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM: 100 N. CLASSEN, OKC

405.272.0821

www.youngbrosinc.com MARBLE • GRANITE • TILE EST 1969

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home DÉCOR

Fire It Up! Comfort and style in backyard fire pits W HIL E W E MIGH T not be able to go right from the dog days of August to “cold,” “coolish” will do just fine.

Summers here in Oklahoma can be punishing, and since we’ve spent the recent days either holed up with the air on high, or literally in the water, no one is likely to argue that a cooler breeze is well deserved. Before things start to get too cold, though, it’s time to enjoy the living outside on the deck, back porch or patio.

While you might not quite need the warmth of a fire pit yet, it’s hard to resist gathering around the flames after the sun goes down. If you are just catching up on the day, roasting up some marshmallows for dessert or enjoying a cool drink, this is the place to do it. The centerpiece of the outdoor room should make a statement, and any one of these will do the trick with style. - SAR A GAE WATERS

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(Clockwise from upper left) OW Lee 42” round Vulsini, from Swanson’s Fireplace & Patio, OKC; Solstice (40” square) by Brown Jordan, from Swanson’s Fireplace & Patio; California Outdoor Concepts LaPaz Waterfall, from Country Leisure, OKC; California Outdoor Concepts 42” Solano table with travertine top, from Country Leisure; Urth (33.5” round) by Brown Jordan, from Swanson’s Fireplace & Patio

travel

PHOTO BY MATT PAYNE

Peace From the East

First built more than 600 years ago, Changdeokgung Palace was formerly a seat of government and the home of the last Korean Emperor, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It remains a majestic, tranquil site harmoniously integrated into its landscape, but the surrounding city of Seoul, South Korea, has grown into a vibrant, bustling metropolis with plenty of temptations for travelers.

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INTERNATIONAL

IN PRAISE OF CULINARY CHAOS Seoul-ful dining at the Gwangjang Market

BY MAT T PAYNE

NO M AT T ER W HER E my over-stimulated eyes wander across

Seoul’s Gwangjang Market – whether to the amorous Korean couple feasting on mung bean and shrimp pancakes, or to the cook, a short, terse woman, as she hovers over a pan of tiny whole fish snapping in boiling oil – I return to what sits in front of me: a pig snout.

The Gwangjang Market is Seoul’s oldest and largest market, not to mention the busiest. Built in 1904, the market hosts 35,000 people daily with more than five hundred shops and eateries. Larger than eight football fields, the market is constantly chaotic, but no place more so than the food court.

And while there are many culinary conquests in this market, something about pig nose makes me shudder. I try to focus on my first dish: soft rice, mashed up into balls and covered in chili sauce almost hot enough to serve as a distraction.

Moments later, the terse woman sets in front of me a firm but chewy rice cake covered in hot chili sauce and a Mayak Gimbap – which is loosely translated to mean “addictive” or “drug.” It is warm rice, carrots, radish and crabmeat wrapped in seaweed.

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While this sounds similar to a standard roll found at any corner sushi joint in any city, when prepared fresh at this bustling nighttime market, this roll is anything but ordinary.

I bite through the brittle seaweed into the rice, soft and warm, and then into the crunch of the carrot before finally getting to the fresh crabmeat. The flavors dance with the chili paste from the rice cake I had just finished, and as they continue to blend, I barely even notice the pig snout seeming to eye me through its nostrils.

Small trucks and scooters share the narrow indoor thoroughfare, with pedestrians browsing the cases of each of the local

SEOUL

NANTA PHOTO COURTESY FUNTASTICKOREA INC

SOUTH KOREA

vendors. Someone mentions “sundae.” And while a sundae sounds delicious, I’ve been in Korea long enough to know that they are not talking about ice cream and fudge.

Sundae is steamed pig intestine stuffed with glass noodles, the market favorite. Though daunting in its appearance and earthy in fragrance, the meat is chewy and its strong flavor yields to the soft noodles (sometimes rice) and a spicy, chili-based tteokbokki sauce. It is often served with pig liver and/or heart.

While it could be a meal in itself, I take only a few bites and press on.

There are stands everywhere, each with its own specialty. There is yukhoe, a beef tartare mixed with pear slices and egg yolk, and there is kalmandu, a brothy hot noodle soup with dumplings cooked in anchovy stock. Maeuntang is a spicy fish stew boiled with an ambiguous recipe, but usually made up of assorted veggies and fish cooked with spices hot enough to make you sweat.

There are the surprisingly tender chicken feet, of course covered in hot sauce, and everywhere you go there is Makgeolli rice wine, served chilled and usually in tin cups. Traditionally this milky elixir, similar in taste to sake, is taken in shots, and as my experience has proven, it can disappear very quickly.

At a small perimeter restaurant, a waitress first arrives with the most popular item in the entire market. Bindaetteok is made from mung beans (similar to garbanzo beans) that are mashed, mixed with various combinations of vegetables, pork or seafood and then fried. The texture is more hash brown than pancake, but either way, they are delicious and the variations are endless. Next is a plate full of jeon, similar to Japanese tempura. Shrimp, crab, carrots, mushrooms, onions and meatballs are dipped into a sweet flour-based batter and fried.

By meal’s end, I am exhausted. I eventually notice that the pig snout from my first booth is missing – someone has clearly taken it home for dinner. I am thankful that no part of the pig was wasted … and more grateful still that it wasn’t me who had to eat it. Something about a snout I just couldn’t stomach, even if it is just pork.

Seoul’s Four Must-See Destinations

BUKCHON HANOK VILLAGE The otherwise frenetic city of Seoul seems to wrap its arms around this preserved picturesque village located on the city’s north side. The Bukchon walk is a hilly one and offers incomparable views of the city, as well as a glimpse into Seoul before it became the ultramodern metropolis it is today.

Hanok refers to the traditional Korean-style architecture. While many of the Hanok homes here still serve as residences, others are now art galleries, studios, cafes, boutiques and teahouses. Traditional painting classes and knot-tying classes are also offered throughout the village. Visitors could spend an hour or a day getting lost in Bukchon’s narrow alleys and meandering stone streets.

NANTA Theater has become an explosive part of contemporary Korean culture, and Nanta is king. While originating in Seoul, Nanta has been performed and is acclaimed all over the world. The pot-and-pan banging, veggie-chopping percussive performance is most aptly described as “Iron Chef” meets Stomp.

With no shortage of laughter and a high likelihood of getting a little messy, Nanta is an unrivaled, interactive live food and music extravaganza.

CHANGDEOKGUNG PALACE Located in the heart of Seoul and a short walk from Bukchon Hanok Village, Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO Heritage Site, dates back to 1405. Strategically situated at the base of a mountain on a river’s edge, Changdeokgung is as majestic as it is imposing. Although currently uninhabited, it was home to many of Korea’s kings and ultimately became the nation’s primary palace. Its beautiful pagodas and ponds are set in perfect balance with the garden’s natural surroundings, and can be viewed only with a guide for an extra fee.

INSA-DONG With more than 100 galleries and a good smattering of tea shops, cafes and restaurants, Insa-Dong offers an assortment of tea sets, beautiful tapestries, antiques, Buddhist art and even “Gangnam Style” socks featuring none other than Psy. Although more metropolitan in feel than Bukchon, the main arteries of Insa-Dong sufficiently give visitors a sense of product and place. But it is in the alleys where the locals gather and Insa-Dong really comes to life.

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travel STATESIDE

Heidel House, surrounded by colorful fall trees, hugs the shore of Green Lake.

Deep in the Heart of Wisconsin Gone fishin’ – and much more I R A ISED M Y H A N D and swore the oath, ending with, “and when I hear the name ‘Hudson Bay Company,’ I will shout ‘Stinking English pig-dogs,’ and spit, ‘ptooey!’”

With that, my companions and I climbed into a 26-foot canoe and, led by French voyageurs in the employ of the North West Company (OK, they were re-enactors), were launched into the Fox River and began an exploration into the history of Wisconsin. Wisconsin’s waterways offered inroads as far back as the early 1600s. Today, the fur trade is gone, but water still calls visitors to the area. And it was Wisconsin’s deepest natural lake that called me to the central part of the state.

GREEN LAKE FISH TALE There are lots of fish in Green Lake, from monstrous muskellunge and lake trout to more manageable bass, perch and panfish. I was after walleye – one of the few fish I actually enjoy eating.

My two companions and I went out with North Bay Sport owner Joel Baranowski, a personable, knowledgeable guide who at first looked askance at three novice fisher-ladies.

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Two-and-a-half hours had been scheduled on this trip for me to catch the wily walleye on which I’d set my sights. It was mid-June but chilly on the lake.

We bundled up, shivering, as our boat sped to a likely spot. Joel baited our hooks, cast our lines out and handed us the poles.

Almost immediately I heard a squeal: “I’ve got something!”

Joel patiently coached Barbara as she let out a bit of line, then began reeling in her catch. Joel

Glen Gorsuch as Jacque Largolier, voyageur, introduces early Wisconsin history to guests on Fox of the River Voyageur.

scooped it up with the net, removed the hook and handed Barbara the fish, held by a gripper, for her close-up.

Next I felt a nibble. Joel talked me through the process and I brought up a big, beautiful smallmouth bass! We didn’t mess with weighing or measuring – just released the fish quickly so we could start all over again. The fun was contagious.

We all caught fish – rock bass, smallmouth bass and even two species of catfish. Joel, though he actually did 90 percent of the work, seemed to get a kick out of our enthusiasm. Am I a

WORKING UP AN APPETITE Wisconsin cuisine is so much more than cheese – although I did have the requisite fried cheese curds at one meal. There are creative cooks everywhere, and even small towns can produce gustatory greatness, including a pairing lunch at Vines and Rushes Winery in Ripon that was one extremely special treat.

Patrick Isajiw, executive chef at Ripon’s The Treasury restaurant, prepared a Mexican street corn and sunflower sprout salad with roasted asparagus, cherry tomatoes, poblano pepper and black garlic aioli. The sous vide tenderloin could be cut with a fork, and rested on a bed of polenta made with Wisconsin MontAmore cheese. He finished our meal with a lemon buttermilk tart topped with compote of strawberries picked the night before. As much as is possible, his ingredients are sourced locally.

The wines, made with grapes suited to the Wisconsin climate, held their own with each course. You’ll have to sample them in Wisconsin – Oklahoma is one of few states where they don’t ship – and enjoy Chef

PHOTOS: HEIDEL HOUSE COURTESY HEIDEL HOUSE RESORT; GLEN GORSUCH AND MOOSE HEAD BY ELAINE WARNER; GREEN LAKE SHOPPING BY JIM KOEPNICK

real fisherwoman? No. But I had a great day … and so did the all the walleyes who got away!

The iconic mounted moose head adds to the woodsy décor of the restaurant at Mecan River Outfitters.

Patrick’s outstanding cuisine at The Treasury.

A more down-home menu was offered at rustic Mecan River Outfitters & Lodge in Princeton.

The owners, the Harvey family, organize all sorts of outings such as canoeing, kayaking, hunting, skiing and sleigh rides. And they have an excellent restaurant.

Their shortcake with freshpicked strawberries was heaven (alas, not in season now), but the apple pie with a scoop of ice cream runs a close second.

HOME AWAY I loved everything I did on this trip, but I wish I’d had more time to explore at Heidel House Resort and Spa. My balcony view of the lake was beautiful – but no time to sit and contemplate!

Lucky the guests who actually vacation there. In addition to entertainment, sight-seeing cruises, tennis, golf and swimming, the spa is exceptional – beautiful facilities overlooking Tuscumbia,

Wisconsin’s oldest golf course.

It even includes a labyrinth for relaxation and meditation.

The resort’s fine dining restaurant, Grey Rock, has a long and fascinating history. The original land grant was given in 1845. In 1899, Edward Morris (Chicago meat-packing magnate) and his wife, Helen Swift (another giant industry name!), built a permanent summer home there.

Today’s diners enjoy many of the original features, and while the buildings may be historic, the cuisine is up to contemporary gourmet standards.

OUT AND ABOUT In addition to lake activities, landlubbers luck out, too.

Golf courses nearby include Tuscumbia and Mascoutin. Bird watchers and nature lovers will find great places for walks.

The Caestecker Public Library in Green Lake checks out more than just books; visitors can borrow birding and fishing equipment, telescopes, bike maps and more.

Shoppers will find interesting shops in Green Lake, Berlin, Ripon and Princeton. I can’t testify to all they have to offer, but my favorite has to be Princeton. It’s hard to resist Teak and Soxy there – home décor, gifts and whimsy in a space that has been in Matt Trotter’s family for four generations. His great-grandparents invented Muk-Luks, the leather-bottomed socks that my brother and I swore by when it was too cold to go barefoot!

You’ll hear lots of cool stories like Matt’s. Folks love this area and tend to stay. You’ll love it too. - ELAINE WARNER

Your

Connection To Better Banking, Anytime

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Indian summer and fall décor make shopping fun in Green Lake.

122nd & N. May Avenue • 755-1000 quailcreek.bank • Member FDIC SEPTEMBER 2016 405 MAGAZINE

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travel LOCAL

Ponca Power!

On the road to a northern OK landmark

GR A N D R EL IC S,

an antique shop located at 200 W Grand in downtown Ponca City, seems at a distance to be – much like Ponca itself – charming but familiar. Inside the first f loor of the store, you meander through bits and pieces of Americana and antiquity, but it isn’t until you enter a spacious and sharply decorated car elevator and begin to ascend to the 14,000-square-foot building’s second f loor that you realize when it comes to Grand Relics – again, much like the city – there is much more than meets the eye.

Classic rock blasts as the auto elevator stops and you step out into the second floor of Grand Relics. The expanse seems overwhelming, and even the owners agree. “When we first walked into the building, we didn’t think much of it,” says owner Tamara Behara. “But when we saw the second floor, we thought, ‘This is it.’ We had to open here.”

Sunlight blasts through old warehouse windows that wrap around the entire space, which feels like part ephemera shop, part New York art studio where a society party might break out at any moment. Everything from old bikes, antique roadside signs and curious taxidermy to repurposed dressers and

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(Clockwise from top) A tour of downtown Ponca City includes restored advertising murals from the early 20th century. Children frolic in a splash pad in the Veterans’ Plaza. A statue of Lydie Marland gazes toward the magnificent Marland Mansion.

stovetops covered in creative knickknacks are tastefully displayed and cleverly incorporated into a manner, particularly to those with industrial taste and antique flair, that is nothing shy of urban chic.

Behara, along with business partner Charlotte Ryan, opened Grand Relics earlier this year. The long-abandoned building originally had been a car warehouse, and the new owners made sure the structure retained some of those automotive features – including, most importantly, the famed car elevator.

Behara’s husband, Earl, designs and builds much of the repurposed furniture throughout both floors.

“We try to keep a standard assortment of antiques and garden decorations, but the younger crowd has really responded largely to the industrial art upstairs,” says Behara.

Ponca’s artistic and entrepreneurial spirit hasn’t merely manifested itself here, either; it’s taken over downtown Ponca City, which until recently has been known almost exclusively for the Marland Mansion. With an assortment of boutique shops, some terrific food and stunning historically significant murals, the flower-lined center of town has become one of Oklahoma’s most up-and-coming main streets, proving that Ponca Pride extends far beyond the Marland Mansion. - MAT T PAYNE

WHERE TO EAT

The Astoria Blvd. Bistro & Bar, 217 E Grand, is Ponca’s prime dining (and drinking) experience. Open for lunch and dinner, The Astoria offers a spacious urban feel with dark walls, high ceilings and natural light.

On a chalkboard behind the bar is a list of selected craft beers, wines and signature drinks that change frequently.

The Astoria specializes in salads and sandwiches. On the sandwich side, the Downtown Hammy is enough to fuel the rest of the day. The Carnivore, despite its name, is a salad, whose featured ingredient is – you guessed it – meat … turkey and salami, and lots of it.

WHERE TO SHOP

The Bag Lady, 205 E Grand, began as a trunk show of purses before evolving into a small store. Ponca resident Terron Liles purchased the boutique and moved it to Grand Avenue, where it quickly has become the heart and soul of the town. The Bag Lady boasts merchandise from designers such as Kendra Scott and

Fossil, as well as Bare Minerals makeup. Attached to the boutique is a high-end salon run by Liles’ sister.

Liles’ role in Ponca City extends well beyond the doors of his shop: In 2012, he brought back Crazy Days, a three-day event of sales and a street party in downtown. In 2015, he brought back Ponca’s holiday gala held at the Marland Mansion.

“Terron has been instrumental in so many things here in Ponca,” says Chelsea McConnell, director of Main Street. “Ponca wouldn’t be Ponca without him.”

Whimsy, 318 E Grand, is an upscale boutique featuring gifts including handmade soaps, candles and trendy T-shirts, but what makes Whimsy special is its relationship to the community. Whimsy has paired with The Opportunity Center, an organization dedicated to finding employment to local residents with disabilities. Many items in the store are made by participants of this organization, and are specially tagged to honor the efforts made by those hardworking individuals behind the pieces.

WHAT TO SEE

Veterans’ Plaza – While much of downtown Ponca’s shopping and dining has become more progressive, on the corner of 4th and Grand, Ponca City pays tribute to its past. Veterans’ Plaza is a beautifully designed memorial dedicated to the veterans of Kay County who fought in all wars. This open-air space is beautifully landscaped with bench seating, and features a splash pad for kids trying to escape the Oklahoma heat. - MP

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be fabulous be fabulous be fabulous be fabulous be fabulous be fabulous be fabulous be fabulous be fabulous be fabulous be fabulous

Thursday, September 22, 2016

At 21c Museum Hotel 5:30-8:30 PM Buy tickets on Impactok.org $150

dining

Keep on Truckin’

PHOTO BY CARLI WENTWORTH

One of the early drivers of the Uptown 23rd renaissance – and recently celebrating its 7th anniversary – Big Truck Tacos remains a vibrantly flavorful, crowd-pleasing favorite. It’s also proven to be something of a tasty trendsetter, to the delight of metro taco aficionados who now find themselves with more counter-service options than ever.

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LOCAL FLAVOR

TACO TRIFECTA In praise of fast, fresh flavor

BY STEVE GILL PHOTOS BY CARLI WENT WORTH

GE N IUS IS SEL DOM appreciated in

its own time, especially when it comes to genuine innovation. In a just universe, the visionary who first loaded a tortilla with meat, cheese and vegetables and thereby called the taco into existence would be a household name and universally hailed as a culinary hero. England had its Earl of Sandwich; where is his Mexican-food counterpart, say … El Generalissimo del Taco?

Instead, we can’t even be certain how the food came to be: Competing theories place its origin in the 18th century, or the 19th, or the 16th before European contact. The word might be derived from the Spanish verb atacar (to stuff) and have been coined by silver miners who named their portable lunches “tacos” after the small bundles of gunpowder wrapped in paper they used for stubborn excavations.

It could come from a Nahuatl word (the language of the Aztecs) meaning “in the middle” and have been used to explain the fish-filled treats locals fed Hernan Cortes when he arrived in North America. Whoever experienced a stroke of brilliance whenever, it was a luscious boon for mankind – and, increasingly, for the OKC metro, because fast, fresh, flavorful tacos are easier than ever to find thanks to restaurants like these three contenders on the dining scene.

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The Southern Insurgent

TORCHY’S TACOS | 2050 24TH AVE NW, NORMAN

Beloved in its native Austin for the last decade, Torchy’s has crossed the Red River and established an Oklahoma beachhead in north Norman. And, judging by the lines, in the hearts of Normanites. We did quite a bit of damage to the menu here, so I can steer you with some confidence toward the Baja Shrimp, the Mr. Orange – if the blackened salmon is a trifle dry, add some more avocado salsa – and the standout fried chicken of the Trailer Park (I presume you’ll do it without needing to be told, but for thoroughness’ sake: Definitely take them up on swapping out the lettuce for queso). And since there are few joys in life like eating tacos for breakfast, practice getting down to Torchy’s to start your days with the Wrangler’s scrambled eggs, potatoes and tender beef brisket.

The Urban Farmhand

CULTIVAR MEXICAN KITCHEN | 714 N BROADWAY, OKC

A new center of attention on Automobile Alley, Cultivar is dedicated to quality ingredients from excellent, and especially local, sources. The beef is grass-fed, the tortillas are ground in-house from fine Mexican hominy, et cetera. However, that level of care and craftsmanship isn’t exactly inexpensive, and the tacos have a tendency to get soggy quickly. The burrito bowls are delicious and built from the ground up to your exact specifications, but if it’s a peak hour, the line behind you might make you think twice about asking, “Wait, what’s in that container again?” My advice would be (a) try the excellent quesadilla, especially accompanied by their smashed chorizo beans, and (b) whatever you get, throw a margarita in there, too. The bar is pretty great, and the patio fronting Broadway is a fantastic spot for watching the unfortunate passersby who aren’t also drinking margaritas.

The Veteran Crowd-Pleaser

BIG TRUCK TACOS | 530 NW 23RD, OKC

As excited as we are to have these new additions to the landscape, the counter-service taco scene in OKC wouldn’t be what it is without the massive popularity of Big Truck. Recently celebrating its 7th birthday, its menu remains full of favorites such as beer-can chicken or flautas, as well as unexpected pleasures: I tried the Crispy ’Cado mostly on a lark, but its little breaded and fried nuggets of avocado are insanely good. It might have become my new favorite on the spot if not for the surprisingly succulent thin-sliced beef tongue in the Flaming Lips, or the tangy pineapple relish that tops the Fried Shrimp. And they, too, do killer breakfasts. I wish the space were a little bigger, and the parking a little more ample, but those being my primary complaints is a pretty strong recommendation.

While they’re all definitely worth a try (or several), these three are merely the tip of a tasty iceberg of possibilities; from southside stalwarts like Tacoville to the steals on wheels of Taqueria Mr. Dolar and its food truck brethren. Next time you’re feeling a little peckish, grab a handful of something delicious near you and raise a tortilla to El Generalissimo del Taco … whomever he might have been.

By the Way Congratulations to Fuzzy’s Taco Shop for (a) being delicious, especially the tempura fish tacos, and (b) recently opening its third OKC location, which is also its 100th nationwide. That’s a lot of queso.

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dining

CHEF’S TABLE

Called to Cooking Chef Elizabeth Howe’s recipe for fulfillment

U N T IL R ECE N T LY, Elizabeth Howe was the executive chef at

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HOW IT’S DONE Bison Pot Roast 3-5 lbs bison chuck roast Montreal Steak Seasoning 4 medium yellow onions, diced large 2 large carrots, roughly chopped 3 ribs of celery, roughly chopped 3-5 anchovies 4 cloves of garlic, minced 3 tbsp fresh rosemary, minced 3 tsp fresh thyme, minced 1/2 cup tomato paste 1/4 cup soy sauce 3 tbsp fish sauce 4 cans of beer (pilsner or light ale is best) 6 cups of chicken stock 4 bay leaves Liberally season the roast with Montreal Steak Seasoning.

Chop veggies, herbs and anchovies. Set aside.

Combine all the liquids with tomato paste. Set aside.

Add oil to a hot Dutch oven and sear roast on all sides. (Caramelizing all sides of the roast deepens the flavor.) After searing, set it aside.

Add a little more oil to the pot, if needed. Throw in all of the veggies and allow to sweat, making sure to scrape up the browned bits while stirring. When the veggies are beginning to caramelize, add the herbs and stir.

Return the roast back to the pot and cover with all of the liquids.

Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. The roast will be finished when it is easily pierced with a fork or butter knife.

PHOTOS BY SHANNON CORNMAN

Flint in the Colcord Hotel, a position that required overseeing the food for the restaurant, as well as catering and room service. The stress and frenetic levels of energy required to run such a busy operation often drove her to her garden – a potager garden, a combination of ornamental and edible plants. (We had to look it up, too.)

“It’s incredible, seeing what starts as a pile of dirt come to fruition,” she says. “Being in my garden makes me feel at peace.”

Howe grew up as part of a very large family, and both parents were avid gardeners who were committed to healthy eating. As a result, the family ate chicken, fish, rice, eggs and vegetables mostly, but Howe still has a love for nachos – really, all Tex-Mex. Her grandmother, “Nana,” introduced her to cooking, and she still tries to replicate Nana’s recipe (butter, eggs, fresh cracked black pepper) and technique for perfect scrambled eggs.

“My Papa would tell you that my eggs are close, but that I haven’t mastered the technique just yet,” Howe smiles.

Her Nana handed her a knife when Howe was 9 years old. After showing the future chef how to use the implement, Nana made her chop every veggie the family used for meals for the rest of the summer. Howe started cooking with a task that helped her understand chef work is hard work, often tedious, but ultimately rewarding.

An epiphany began her culinary career. “I was working as a bartender, a nanny and a karaoke host, and I was in the process of enrolling to finish my [literature] degree so that I could be an English/Arts/Humanities teacher, when I had my ‘light bulb moment,’” she remembers.

The prospect of teaching the same lessons every day, every semester, every year provoked a panic attack. After deciding the classroom wasn’t for her, she went to the library to do some research, “like all lit nerds do.” She described her epiphany thus: “I was standing in my kitchen with Jacques Pepin’s La Technique and had three different pots of stock going. Steam was rising and billowing throughout the house, and I had the book balanced on my hip while I was thumbing through the pages when it hit me: This is what I am supposed to be doing. I am a cook and this is my language.”

Howe’s new role is division head for US Foods, a position that will require another of her favorite things: travel. She loves to travel, and while away, she tries to identify the things that are missing from her food routine; that’s how she figures out the spectrum of Okie food/cooking.

One often-overlooked component of Oklahoma cooking is the use of indigenous products, so Howe chose bison as her protein for this month’s recipe. She doesn’t eat very much red meat, so when she does, it’s an indulgence – as such, she wants a cut that is “high quality, flavorful and relatively low in fat.” Her main warning: The low-fat content means bison overcooks easily and quickly. - GREG HORTON

SEPT

12TH 2016

COMING SOON TO BRICKTOWN OKC

PHOTOS ON LOAN BY

|

MENU PREVIEW: LEGACYGRILL.COM

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 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 $$ COOLGREENS This health-conscious establishment has a menu, but customization is encouraged; every available component in their salads, wraps and even the frozen yogurt is naturally delicious. 3 metro locations, coolgreens.com $$ 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 $$ EMBER A spate of classic cocktails and some nicely comfortable ambience make this “Modern American Tavern” in the Waterford a solid gathering place for drinks, but the menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner is filled with food temptations, as well. Try the Prohibition Brunch on Sundays. 6300 Waterford, OKC, 585.2490 $$ FAT DOG This flavor-filled kitchen and bar dishes up treats from fish and chips to a killer Cobb salad … but if you just want to cool your heels on the patio with burgers, hot dogs and beer, you’re in the right place.

1234 N Western, OKC, 609.3647 $ THE FIT PIG The flavor is abundant in this Automobile Alley stopover’s selection of healthy grab-and-go meals; the menu covers breakfast, quick salads or heartier meals, and most options are gluten-free, dairy-free or both. 722 N Broadway, OKC, 290.7080 $$ FLINT Approachably casual style, plus the kitchen’s impeccably serious

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attention to detail in the outstanding contemporary cuisine, winningly combined in the Colcord Hotel. 15 N Robinson, OKC, 601.4300 $$

GUYUTES The vibe is definitely and deliberately mellow in this Uptown watering hole; the diverse and musically named collection of pizzas and wraps and such have a ton of f lavor to offer, adding more temptation to the loaded drinks menu and incredible patio. 730 NW 23rd, OKC, 702.6960 $ 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 $$ INTERURBAN Great food in casual comfort – while there are plenty of options for the health-conscious on the menu, visitors really should try the chicken-fried steak and anything with honey-pepper bacon. 4 metro locations, interurban.us $$ 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 $ 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 of ingredients, sauces and presentation in salads/sandwiches/pizza/pasta gives a surprising breadth of satisfying dining options. 333 W Boyd, Norman, 701.3800 $$ PACKARD’S NEW AMERICAN KITCHEN They’re not kidding about the “new” – the entire lunch and dinner menus are filled with innovative tastes for a distinctive dining experience. 201 NW 10th, OKC, 605.3771 $$ PICASSO CAFÉ Their neighbors in the Paseo are painters, potters and sculptors, so it’s apt that creativity abounds in these zippy sandwiches, salads, pizza and surprises, including plentiful selections for vegetarians.

3009 Paseo, OKC, 602.2002 $

POPS The incredible profusion of soda varieties will dazzle visitors – and the sandwiches, salads, burgers and diner fare are certainly worth careful, repeated examination. 6447 Avondale, OKC, 928.7677 $

PROVISION KITCHEN The concept sounds deliciously promising: fresh and local meals for the taking. This Nichols Hills Plaza locale offers chef-prepared portion-controlled meals and salads in a seasonally rotating menu of organic and locally sourced ingredients; perfect for taking a healthy lunch or dinner to go.

6443 N Western, OKC, 843.2310 $ THE R&J LOUNGE AND SUPPER CLUB A sentimental dining experience with vintage recipes and atmosphere.

Seating is limited but the patio is a year-round treat, and the drinks menu is a thing of beauty. 320 NW 10th, OKC, 602.5066 $$ REDROCK CANYON GRILL Rotisserie chicken, enchiladas, pork chops and steak by the lake in a casual, energetic, hacienda-style atmosphere of stone walls and mahogany beams around an open kitchen. 9221 E Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 749.1995 $$ SATURN GRILL A star of the lunchtime stage in Nichols Hills Plaza, its rotation of daily specials and tasty twists on pizza, sandwiches and salads keep it crowded on weekdays. Calling ahead is recommended. 6432 Avondale, OKC, 843.7114 $ SCRATCH Isn’t that the best place for food to come from? Top-of -the-line ingredients are combined into entrees and sides that are carefully concocted in-house, as are the bevy of wondrous craft cocktails. 132 W Main, Norman, 801.2900 $$ SUNNYSIDE DINER A new day dawns for breakfast and lunch on the west side of downtown as a former service station becomes a no-pretense, made-fromscratch diner. Order up! 916 NW 6th, OKC $ SYRUP The most important meal of the day is also the most enticing at this unique breakfast boutique serving a heaping helping of signature dishes (the crunchy French toast is something special) and Stumptown coffee. 123 E Main, Norman, 701.1143 $ VAST Keeping your attention on the steaks, seafood and other temptaitons might be difficult; the view from atop the Devon Tower is truly unparalleled in Oklahoma, making this a fantastic date spot. 280 W Sheridan, 49th floor, OKC, 702.7262 $$$ VICEROY GRILLE Opulent décor, comfortable environs and some outstanding cuisine make a strong

recommendation for the Ambassador Hotel’s in-house restaurant; don’t overlook the brunch options. 1200 N Walker Ave, OKC, 600.6200 $$ WAFFLE CHAMPION A food truck that expanded into a brick-and-mortar location in Midtown, its gourmet flavor combinations use waffles as the foundation for sweet and savory sandwich treats. 1212 N Walker, OKC, 525.9235 $ WHISKEY CAKE High-quality locally sourced ingredients, prepared using slow cooking techniques that’s a prime recipe for outstanding dining. Enjoy – and don’t forget the namesake dessert.

1845 NW Expressway, OKC, 582.2253 $$

Asian CHAE Found near OCU, this pancultural 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 $$ DOT WO GARDEN With an elegantly appointed location, Dot Wo continues its crowd-pleasing legacy of over two decades by pairing sumptuous classics of Chinese cuisine with fiery, fresh sushi.

6161 N May, OKC, 608.2388 $$ EL TORO CHINO Big, bold flavors from disparate cuisines are blended in this self-described “Latin + Asian Kitchen” – creating results that are as excitingly distinctive as they are delicious. 2801 36th NW, Norman, 708.9472 $$ GRAND HOUSE The takes on Asian classics are quite delectable, and this venerable Chinese restaurant goes the extra mile to provide enjoyable ambiance alongside its excellent cuisine.

2701 N Classen, OKC, 524.7333 $$ GUERNSEY PARK A hidden treasure on an Uptown back street, reflecting traditional Asian flavors expertly fused with a hint of French influence. Try the chicken lollipops and curry salmon. 2418 N Guernsey, OKC, 605.5272 $$ 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 $ 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 $

Landmark Flavor The enduring charm of Jamil’s Steakhouse

THO USAN DS O F SO N IC booms rocked the skies of Oklaho-

ma City for months; OU under new head coach Gomer Jones introduced the Sooner Schooner; Lyndon Johnson was about to wallop Barry Goldwater; Tom and Judy Love opened a single gas station in western Oklahoma. The year was 1964, and Jamil’s Steakhouse opened its doors for the first time.

Oklahoma City has ebbed and flowed, endured busts and relished booms since then, but the cozy dining spot on N Lincoln remains a favorite for state legislators, luminaries such as Barry Switzer and regulars looking to enjoy a sumptuous meal. And Jamil’s is still a family affair, as Greg Gawey is celebrating his 40th year as owner after taking over the restaurant from his uncle, Jim Elias. The general manager, Dianne Moentnish, has been there for about 30 years.

Plus, the steaks are still Angus beef – take advantage of the early bird special (served 5-6:30 weeknights) to get a 12 oz. KC Sirloin or hand-battered, butterflied jumbo shrimp for $25.95.

The steaks are no slouches, so it’s also impressive that Jamil’s might be equally renowned for its accouterments. All entrees are served with a hefty assortment of complimentary appetizers: house-made tabouli, hummus, a relish tray and crackers, cabbage roll, baked potato and a portion of smoked bologna (which is a specialty of the house all by itself). They’re so good, and so filling, that you can even make a meal of them – Jamil’s Hors d’Oeuvre Sampler includes the tabouli, hummus, cabbage roll and bologna, plus pita bread and pork ribs.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: The classics never go out of style. - STEVE GILL

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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 51ST STREET SPEAKEASY A converted house with a perennially packed porch and patio, the joint jumps with energy and the spirits and beers flow with joyous abandon. 1114 NW 51st, OKC, 463.0470 $ 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 $ BLU FINE WINE & FOOD Just south of Main Street, this sleek bar stands out due to quick, courteous service and a menu with gourmet range from mojitos to barbeque chicken pizza to fresh hummus. 201 S Crawford, Norman, 360.4258 $$ THE LIBRARY Despite the name and its location adjacent to the OU campus, this low-light hangout spot won’t help you study … unless you’re doing independent research on local beers and excellent pizza.

607 W Boyd, Norman, 366.7465 $ THE MONT While the food should tempt palates inclined toward a Southwestern zing, it’s beverages like the beloved Sooner Swirl and the primo patio (with misters) for which this landmark is justly renowned. 1300 Classen Blvd, Norman, 329.3330 $ OAK & ORE A Plaza District port of call built with repurposed rustic materials, it offers more than a handful of creative sandwiches that practically require a knife

and fork, as well as a tantalizing selection of lovingly chosen craft beers. 1732 NW 16th, OKC $ O’CONNELL’S IRISH PUB & GRILLE Beloved by students, alumni and townies alike, it’s served up killer burgers, beer and festive atmosphere since 1968. A St. Patrick’s Day must. 769 Asp, Norman, 217.8454 $ PUB W Multiple sections provide a choice of atmosphere, but the menu filled with choice beer and “new classic” fare from barbeque wings to pork chops is a constant pleasure. 3720 W Robinson, Norman, 701.5844; 3121 W Memorial, OKC, 608.2200 $$ REPUBLIC GASTROPUB Part beer bar and part upscale eatery, this noisy, amply attended Classen Curve locale pairs a vast selection of quality brews with tasty menu items, including a great burger selection.

5830 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 286.4577 $$ SIDECAR The fully stocked “barley and wine bar” (including wine on tap and plentiful spirits) keeps Automobile Alley patrons fueled, with a few delicious tidbits to boot. 1100 N Broadway, OKC $$ 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 $$ VZD’S Its modern menu yields a new dining experience in a classic locale on Western – soups, sandwiches and salads can be found in plenty, plus a few special touches and gourmet twists as well. 4200 N Western Ave., OKC, 524.4203 $

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 $

Burgers & Sandwiches COW CALF-HAY This tempting burger spot offers ample flavor combinations, and the delicious never-frozen patties are mmmmmassive. Don’t forget the onion rings. 3409 Wynn, Edmond, 509.2333; 212 N Harvey, OKC, 601.6180 $ THE GARAGE BURGERS & BEER It can get noisy in the sports-bar atmosphere, but even so your focus

PHOTOS BY SHANNON CORNMAN

GOOD TASTE

will likely be on savoring the many tempting flavor possibilities of huge, juicy burgers and fries. 8 metro locations, eatatthegarage.com $

such showcase ingredients as peanut butter or a coffee crust - come as sliders too, the better to sample more kinds. 5 metro locations, sandbburgers.com $

HILLBILLY’S There’s mighty appealing flavor in their land-based or seafood sandwiches, and the licit thrill of moonshine cocktails is a bonus. The shady patio is a genuine pleasure. 1 NW 9th, OKC, 702.9805 $

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. 3 metro locations, tuckersonionburgers.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 Dr, OKC, 235.4762 $ THE MULE Solid beer and beverage selection plus a delectable array of gourmet grilled cheeses and melts (ingredients range from fontina to figs) 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

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 $ 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 still 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 $ 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 $ RED CUP Comfortably ramshackle surroundings encourage curling up for conversation over great coffee, baked treats, vegetarian-friendly breakfast and lunch specials, and live music. It’s highly recommended. 3122 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 525.3430 $ T, AN URBAN TEAHOUSE Proving that an establishment’s focus can be at once narrow and broad, these retreats offer over 100 varieties and expert counsel to explore a world of possibili-teas. 511 NW 23rd St, OKC, 7518 N May, OKC, 418.4333 $

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 $$ LOTTINVILLES Rotisserie chicken and wood-grilled salmon are the featured players among a host of Southwestern-influenced entrees, salads and panini; the Sunday brunch is sincerely pretty epic. 801 Signal Ridge, Edmond, 341.2244 $$

Continental

LUDIVINE The menu adjusts constantly to ref lect availability of elite-quality, locally sourced ingredients - but every dish is the result of genuine culinary artistry. 805 N Hudson, OKC, 778.6800 $$$

BIN 73 Think of it as a wine bar but don’t overlook the tasting menu - diners

THE MANTEL Marvelous steaks, seafood and other specialties

匀甀渀搀愀礀 洀漀爀渀椀渀最猀

眀椀琀栀 匀琀攀氀氀愀ᤠ猀 䈀氀漀漀搀礀 䴀愀爀礀 䈀愀爀 䈀爀甀渀挀栀 昀爀漀洀 ㄀ 㨀㌀ 愀洀 ⴀ ㈀㨀㌀ 瀀洀

SEPTEMBER 2016 405 MAGAZINE

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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 $$$

bakery, deli and butcher on site. 7408 N May, OKC, 840.3047 $$

THE MELTING POT Special occasion?

Here’s where to make a meal into an event.

Specializing in four-course fondue dinners, this Bricktown restaurant rewards a time investment with delectable memories. 4 E Sheridan, OKC, 235.1000 $$$

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 $

THE METRO A perennial favorite that feels comfortably upscale without exerting pressure to impress on its clientele, the farreaching menu covers culinary high points from vichyssoise to crème brulée. 6418 N Western, OKC, 840.9463 $$ MICHAEL’S GRILL Thoroughly urbane dining in an intimate setting: the steaks, chops, seafood and pastas are all reliably excellent, and the Caesar salad prepared tableside is the stuff of legends. 2824 W Country Club, OKC, 810.9000 $$$

Spirit Quest Take flight to Trapper’s Bourbon Bar TH E R E IS, as is commonly observed, no accounting for taste –

plenty of people think tequila is terrific or scotch is top-notch, and that’s perfectly reasonable. If nothing else, it leaves more room at Trapper’s Fishcamp and Grill for those of us who prefer an American classic as our spirit of choice. Trapper’s, you see, is home to The Bourbon Bar, which boasts fully 150 bourbons, ryes and whiskies – a bourbonanza, if you will. Not all are from Kentucky (Bourbon County is only so big, after all), but all are made in the U.S.A. A selection so vast means a great deal of variety, from familiar names Jack Daniels and Knob Creek to more select treasures such as Eagle Rare Single Barrel or Ridgemont Reserve 1792.

Fortunately, sampling couldn’t be simpler: The “build your own flight” option allows guests to select any three labels to try, with experts like executive chef and mixologist Scott Snow ready to offer guidance as necessary. For example, while he said he loves much of their stock, Snow speaks especially highly of Single Oak Project and Blanton’s (I’m with him on that one), and for new bourbon drinkers just testing the waters, he says, “Elijah Craig is one of the better introductory ones.”

Dedicated samplers can even join the Bourbon Hunt, a customer rewards program in which bartenders keep track of the varieties you’ve tried so far and you receive prizes for each set of 25 entries. It’s a fun way to try something new, sample something outside your usual – and glory could be your reward as well: When someone completes the list, they’ll get a special whiskey ice maker and an honorary plaque on the wall. Snow says no one has accomplished the feat … yet. Visit thebourbonbarokc.com for details and a full list. Cheers! - STEVE GILL

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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 $$ PARK AVENUE GRILL A one-of-a-kind dining experience inside the luxurious Skirvin Hilton, blending traditional steak and seafood with the high style of its 1930s setting. 1 Park, OKC, 702.8444 $$$ PASEO GRILL Quiet and intimate inside, cheerful and comfortable out on the patio, with an award-winning menu filled with distinctive flavors inspired by the cuisines of Europe in both areas – try the duck salad. 2909 Paseo, OKC, 601.1079 $$$

German

FASSLER HALL Bringing festive German flavor to Midtown via housemade 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 $$

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 $$

MISAL OF INDIA A Norman institution for over 30 years, specializing in tandoori-cooked delicacies and boasting healthy, natural, delicious cuisine served amid splendid ambiance.

580 Ed Noble Pkwy, Norman, 579.5600 $$

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 $$

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 $$

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; 1 Mickey Mantle, OKC $$

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

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,

PHOTO BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

AT THE BAR

a full bar and a primo patio. 1734 NW 16th, OKC $ FLIP’S WINE BAR & TRATTORIA Managing to feel rustic despite its location in a busy corridor of OKC, this cozy Italian joint keeps extended hours, and tends to get busier and louder as the hour gets later. 5801 N Western, OKC, 843.1527 $$

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 $

crusts and quality ingredients) stars alongside Italy-inspired salads, pastas and appetizers. 2415 N Walker Ave, OKC, 437.4992 $$

MONI’S Handmade, New Jersey-style brick oven pizza and authentic pasta recipes from Southern Italy in a casual, comfy ambience (ideal for dates). 17200 N May, Edmond, 285.5991 $$

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 $$

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 $$

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 $$

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 $

PEPPERONI GRILL Pizza, salads, seafood and plenty of pasta-powered classics and innovations fill both locations of this local favorite; even the bread is a pleasure. 1901 NW Expwy, OKC, 848.4660; 1000 W Covell, Edmond, 285.5454 $$

JOEY’S A creative pizzeria on OKC’s Film Row, Joey’s serves first-rate appetizers and salads along with its mouth-watering pies. Try to budget room for both, but remember to come back for a sandwich or pasta. 700 W Sheridan, OKC, 525.8503 $$

PIZZA 23 The tempting selection of specialty pies on especially buttery, flaky crusts is available for takeout, but dining in is recommended; the Uptown joint’s good beer selection and crisp, urban décor add savor to the flavor. 600-B NW 23rd St, OKC, 601.6161 $$

KNUCK’S WHEELHOUSE Homemade daily with sauces from scratch and local beer in the crust, it’s a

PIZZERIA GUSTO Neapolitan-style pizza (which harnesses an extremely hot fire to quickly cook superfine flour

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 St, 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 $$ THE WEDGE Wood-fired pies crafted from fresh ingredients (the possibilities range from pepperoni all the way to figs or truffle oil) and made-from-scratch sauces. 230 NE 1st, OKC, 270.0660; 4709 N Western, OKC, 602.3477 $$

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 $$ GORO An “izakaya” is a Japanese pub; visitors to the Plaza District will quickly come to associate the term with expertly crafted deliciousness thanks to this cheerful spot for ramen, yakitori, bar snacks and more. 1634 Blackwelder, OKC $ MUSASHI’S Exquisitely flavorful Japanese cuisine prepared with genuine artistry, thanks to the skilled chefs executing culinary performance art at tableside hibachi grills. It’s a great spot for a special occasion. 4315 N Western, OKC, 602.5623 $$

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SEPTEMBER 2016 405 MAGAZINE

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Dave’s Deep Dish Pizza

COMING SOON!

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 $$

COME FOR BRUNCH Sunday 10-3 Specials on Mimosa and Bloody Mary drinks

4308 N Western Avenue • 405.525.6682 • barrelokc.com

Let La Baguette Bistro host your next event.

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 Rd, Edmond, 509.6441 $$

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 $$

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 $

TED’S CAFÉ ESCONDIDO The universal standard of OKC Tex-Mex comparisons - fast, fresh and amply portioned, it’s often very crowded and always supremely delicious. 4 metro locations, tedscafe.com $$

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 $$

TORCHY’S TACOS Technically a chain but the lone example in Oklahoma (so far), it’s got a rep for mouthwatering and imaginative street taco combinations, and the breakfast and vegetarian options make the menu even more enticing. 2050 24th Ave NW, Norman, 364.0286 $

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 $

BIG TRUCK TACOS It’s nearly always standing-room-only at lunch, but don’t let that deter you; spend a few minutes in line and get an ample reward in the form of fast, fresh, imaginative taco creations. 530 NW 23rd, OKC, 525.8226 $ CAFÉ DO BRASIL It’s a long way from OKC to Rio, but the savory menu in this Midtown hot spot covers the distance in a mouthful. Even brunch is a spicy, inimitable treat. 440 NW 11th, OKC, 525.9779 $$

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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 $$

Mediterranean

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 $$

7408 N May Ave • Oklahoma City • 405-840-3047 labaguettebistro.com

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 $$

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 $$

Mexican & Latin American

Our catering service is designed to impress your friends and business associates with a memorable dining experience in your home or office.

breakfast specialties that truly dazzle.

3325 N Classen, OKC, 602.2883 $

CAFÉ KACAO A sunlit space filled with bright, vibrant flavors from the zesty traditions of Guatemala.

Lunch possibilities beckon, but it’s the

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

Seafood THE DRAKE The Good Egg Group’s flagship and a standard-bearer for diners who crave excellent seafood, it 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 $$$ LAND & SEA Chef Sean Cummings harnesses the delicious possibilities of multiple biomes in this savory concept.

Look closely; it’s pretty small, but the sea bass will make you a convert. 7523 N May Ave, OKC, 755.2622 $$$ PEARL’S CRABTOWN A huge Bricktown warehouse where the Cajun Crab Boil is a favorite, guests are

encouraged to “leave the silverware at home and dig in,” and taste is king. 303 E Sheridan, OKC, 232.7227 $$ PEARL’S OYSTER BAR A perennial OKC favorite for its flavorful seafood and spicy Creole-inspired dishes: Shrimp Diablo, Tabasco-infused Caesar salads, Andouille omelets at Sunday brunch and more. 5641 N Classen, OKC, 848.8008 $$ 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 $$ THE SHACK SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR A massive selection of nicely spiced Cajun and Creole cooking, plus fried and grilled seafood, in an atmosphere that’s not shy about being as casual as it can be.

3 metro locations, theshackok.com $$

Soul Food 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 BOULEVARD STEAKHOUSE Perfectly soigné ambiance down to the last detail and cuisine easily in the metro’s elite – a sumptuous, if pricy, masterpiece. 505 S Boulevard, Edmond, 715.2333 $$$ BROADWAY 10 Cruise into the Buick building in Automobile Alley to savor steak supremacy or seafood selections (even sushi) in a cozy enclave amid urban bustle. 1101 N Broadway, OKC, 212.3949 $$$ CATTLEMEN’S Almost as old as the state itself, this Oklahoma institution’s immense corn-fed steaks and matchless atmosphere are history served anew every day. 1309 S Agnew, OKC, 236.0416 $$ J. BRUNER’S AT THE HAUNTED HOUSE Renowned for its spooky past (its name is no accident), it’s a must for its steak, lobster and enduring charm. 7101 Miramar, OKC, 478.1417 $$$ JAMIL’S STEAKHOUSE Saving room for your steak, lobster or prime rib is difficult when your gratis appetizers arrive in the form of a Lebanese bounty, but make the effort. Jamil’s has been feeding

Oklahoma exceptionally well since 1964.

4910 N Lincoln, OKC, 525.8352 $$$

SAINT GEORGE 32ND ANNUAL

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 champagne sabayon, 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 $$$

Thai SALA THAI Pineapple curry, basil squid, fried rice with crab, cinnamon beef ... the variety is exceptional, making this Midtown diner a popular midday option. 1614 NW 23rd, OKC, 528.8424 $ SWEET BASIL The enormous aquarium adds to the cozy ambiance; with its outstanding curries and specialty dishes, it makes a great venue for a dinner date. 211 W Main, Norman, 217.8424 $$ TANA THAI There’s a lot to like about the food in this little spot, from red snapper filet to pad thai. Pay special mind to the varied soups, and do not play chicken with the spice level. 10700 N May, OKC, 749.5590 $$

SEPTEMBER 23-24-25 Fri-Sat 10-10 • Sun 11-3 N.W. 145th & N. Pennsylvania

FEATURING Chicken, Lamb, or Soutzoukakia Meatball Dinners Gyros • Kalamari • Greek Salad Greek Lasagna “Pastitsio” Honey Puffs “Loukoumades” Flaming Cheese “Saganaki” Wedding Cookies “Kourambeides” Baklava • Sweet Bread Live Greek Music by To Kefi Greek Band Accompanied by our Greek Islanders, Opa and Agape Dancers • Hourly Church Tours AND SO MUCH MORE… SHOPPING Greek Gifts • Clothing • Art Cook Books • Jewelry • Religious Items PURCHASE ONLINE Dinner Tickets include Admission, Pastries, Imported Groceries Hosted by Saint George Greek Orthodox Church Benefiting Family Builders

www.GreekFestOKC.com Facebook: OKCGreekFest SEPTEMBER 2016 405 MAGAZINE

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NICHOLS HILLS HILLS PLAZA PLAZA NICHOLS 6436 Avondale Avondale Drive Drive •• 843-9200 843-9200 6436

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events

OKLAHOMA VISUAL ARTS COALITION

It’s Hip to Be Squares Art doesn’t have to be huge to make a visual and emotional impact.

Pieces from 175 area artists fill the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition’s annual fall event 12 x 12, named for the one square foot within which they had to operate. Each work is up for auction in the Sept. 23 shindig that includes live music and delightful hors d’oeuvres; come see how much beauty can fit in a small space.

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events PRIME PICKS

The Start of Something Big Autumn begins on Sept. 22, but it’s far from the only new season to get underway this month in central Oklahoma – by the time we bid farewell to summer, these local arts organizations will be welcoming new undertakings of their own. Mark your calendars!

OCCC Performing Arts Series Sept. 13, OCCC Theater

Buoyed by a gift for songwriting, a brilliantly rich voice and the skill and élan to combine them into emotionally rewarding performances, British singer Polly Gibbons is a blues-influenced wonder who should play very nicely with the smooth, muscular sound of the OKC Jazz Orchestra in this opener to another year of varied pleasures from Oklahoma City Community College.

Brightmusic Sept. 13, St. Paul’s Cathedral

Smaller in scale but breathtaking in skill, the Brightmusic Chamber Ensemble’s artists are at the peak of their performance skills, presenting classical compositions in intimate, accessible concerts. Their first showcase has them feeling bearish, via trios written by Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky for piano, violin and cello, in an evening called “Russian Revelations.”

Armstrong Sept. 15, Armstrong Auditorium

What do you get when you mix bluegrass and Celtic music with dancing influences from here to Galway and turn the intensity up to high? The one-of-a-kind performance party known as the Stepcrew. Fancy footwork, fiery fiddles and a flavor of festivity fuel the first installment of Armstrong’s performing arts series.

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OKC Philharmonic Sept. 10, OKC Civic Center

Yefim Bronfman

Baron of the baton Joel Levine is planning his impending retirement after nearly three decades of conducting the orchestra to ever-greater heights. Much of the Philharmonic’s Classics season will feature guest conductors hoping to take over the podium, but this Gala Opening Night has the maestro front and center, leading skilled musicians including exceptional guest pianist Yefim Bronfman through a program of Strauss, Falla, Arnold and Tchaikovsky. Bravo!

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events ON FILM

Times of Our Lives Streaming cinematic coming-of-age stories

SET TO HI T theaters Sept. 30 is the gritty, heartfelt

coming-of-age film The Edge of Seventeen. Written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, it tells the story of Nadine, played by Oscar nominee Hailee Steinfeld (Pitch Perfect II, True Grit) as an awkward high school girl whose life gets turned around when her best friend Krista, played by newcomer Haley Lou Richardson, begins to date Nadine’s older, extremely popular brother Darian (“Glee” star Blake Jenner).

The movie also stars Woody Harrelson as Nadine’s sagely awkward history teacher and Kyra Sedgwick as the ineffective mother.

Craig, who also penned 2009’s Post Grad starring Alexis Bledel, Carol Burnett and Michael Keaton, has felt an affinity for coming-of-age films dating back to her earliest days of childhood.

“I loved and still love Say Anything, The Breakfast Club, Swingers and Sixteen Candles,” Craig says. “I think the mark of a truly great coming-of-age film is its ability to capture that age with ferocious honesty.

As a teen and 20-something, I watched those films and saw my own life reflected in them, and what a great relief that was. Somebody gets me.”

Coming-of-age films, from the early days of John Hughes to more contemporary classics like Little Miss Sunshine and Napoleon Dynamite, have evolved over the years but thematically have asked the same questions over and over again.

“I think that through the generations, the truly great coming-of-age films are, in a way, each knocking at the same door,” Craig says. “They tell different stories, but the questions they ask are the same: Am I the only one who feels this way? Where do I belong? Will anyone understand? I think The Edge of Seventeen pays real respect to the pain and messiness of that age, and also the absurdity. I think – I hope – people will see their reflection in it, and I hope it helps bring them home to themselves.”

In the meantime, if you’re looking for answers to these age-old questions, here are five classic comingof-age movies that are currently available to stream online. - MAT T PAYNE

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SAY ANYTHING iTunes and Amazon This 1999 Cameron Crowe romantic comedy tells the story of high school valedictorian Diane Court (played by Ione Skye). Court has a brief, passionate romance with an Average Joe and aspiring kickboxer Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack). Her father finds Dobler’s lack of ambition unfit for his daughter, and as a result, she terminates the relationship.

Dobler then spends the rest of the film trying to win her back (no spoilers).

SIXTEEN CANDLES iTunes and Amazon Also directed by Hughes and starring Anthony Michael Hall and Molly Ringwald, Sixteen Candles portrays nerdy Samantha Baker, whose sweet sixteenth birthday lands on the same weekend that her older, more popular sister is getting married – and consequently, her very special day is mostly forgotten.

Over the course of an evening, Samantha navigates her way through wild parties, a complex family dynamic and sexually curious nerds to ultimately learn a little more about herself.

THE SPECTACULAR NOW iTunes and Amazon This beautifully written and performed film starring Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley is a powerful, funny and at times heartbreaking romance between charming slacker Sutter Keely (Teller) and well-intentioned and awkward Aimee Finecky (Woodley). The film moves from typical teenage drama to drama of a heavier sort when Aimee accompanies Sutter to confront his estranged, alcoholic father played by Kyle Chandler.

THE BREAKFAST CLUB iTunes and Amazon Starring industry icons Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Anthony Michael Hall and Ally Sheedy, this iconic John Hughes film sets the standard for coming-of-age films. Taking place during a single day of Saturday detention with much heart and a lot of laughs, this film takes a journey deep into the lives of kids of varying stereotypes – who on any other Saturday might believe that they had absolutely nothing in common.

JUNO HBO GO Jason Reitman’s touching 2007 film starring Ellen Page and Michael Cera tells the story of two high school students – Juno and Paulie – who, after sleeping together for the first time, find themselves expecting a child. This film, which won Diablo Cody an Oscar for best screenplay, is at once hilarious, tender and terrifying as it explores the consequences of how a teenage fling can quickly bring the freedom of youth to an abrupt but meaningful end.

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SEPTEMBER 2016 405 MAGAZINE

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events SPEAKER BOX

Old Young Cinema

Some Beach in the 405

Blake Shelton hosts two nights at the ’Peake I WA S SICK , or something. Had to go home and get some rest. Regard-

less, I was sitting on my couch in front of my television sometime around 2004-05 or so (The Oughts!) and it was mid-afternoon and I was watching CMT. OK, so I was definitely sick.

Then, I saw a video for “Some Beach” by Blake Shelton, and I absolutely laughed my ass off. The video was completely perfect: Tall, skinny, handsome rube with a permed mullet driving an old pickup truck around town gets into road rage incident, gets screwed out of a parking spot and abused by the dentist. As he’s narrating his misadventures, he escapes to “some beach, somewhere.” Perfect song, funny video, engaging personality. I made a mental note to check out this guy.

Many years later, I read about an a capella singing competition and a television vocal show being filmed at the Farmers Market in Oklahoma City, and it’s led by this tall Okie guy named Blake Shelton. That’s the “Some Beach” guy! When he joined the cast of “The Voice,” I thought he was the star of the show.

Just an honest country guy, who likes to drink beer and has a good ear for talent. He’s also self-deprecating, self-reflecting and genuine.

So, from “Some Beach,” he went on to goofy bro-country songs like “The More I Drink,” to “Boys ‘Round Here” (drinkin’ that ice cold beer) with his ex-wife Miranda Lambert – but his shtick is kind of endearing.

He has “it.” His appeal is tied into the title of his latest record, “If I’m Honest.” If he replaced your roof, he would probably hammer in the nails in by hand.

Shelton was born and raised in Ada, and he, like Toby Keith, made a move to Nashville but now keeps a home in his native state. His first record came out in 2001 and he’s had a steady, consistent career of hits, tours and media opportunities. And he won over Gwen Stefani!

Shelton has created a career as a guy with an all-world, “I’ve seen this before” perspective. This month, he’s hosting a rare two-night stand Sept.

9-10 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Tickets can be purchased through ticketmaster.com, at the arena box office or by calling 800.745.3000. - JERRY CHURCH

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Neil Young unearths two long-lost films TH I S S U M M E R , Neil Young finally released two long out-of-print movies that he made three decades ago. Although both Rust Never Sleeps and Human Highway were briefly released on VHS (what the heck is that?), they’ve both been commercially unavailable for eons. Rust Never Sleeps, originally released in 1979, is a traditional concert movie that chronicles his album and tour of the same name. Human Highway is a bizarre musical comedy that was released in 1982.

Having never had a wide theatrical release, it has largely been obscure for the past 30-plus years. At one time, VHS copies of Human Highway were fetching several hundred dollars on eBay. Rust Never Sleeps is essentially a film of a concert during Young’s breakthrough comeback tour. With oversized Fender amps as props, Star Wars-inspired “Road-eyes” and the ever-present feedback and out-of-tune ambient noise created

by Crazy Horse, skinny Young is an inspiration playing Old Black (his version of B.B. King’s Lucille, this time a matte-black painted 1953 Les Paul with a Bigsby vibrato tremolo tailpiece).

The “Rust Never Sleeps” shows were Young’s response to perceptions that his classic rock colleagues were getting tired and old and starting to rust. In order to stay relevant, Young fully immersed himself into punk rock, with his salute to Johnny Rotten on “Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black).” More significantly, he takes dead aim at his former bandmates Crosby, Stills and Nash with a prickly line from “Thrasher”: “I got bored and left them there, they were just dead weight to me.

Better down that road, without that load.” This DVD is a treasure for hardcore fans of Young.

Human Highway took Young four years to make, as he financed, wrote and directed the whole project. Young plays Lionel Switch, an auto mechanic in a small town that is next door to a nuclear power plant. A host of Hollywood weirdos such as Dean Stockwell, Dennis Hopper, Russ Tamblyn and Sally Kirkland all have roles in the film. Most importantly, the band Devo plays a significant part as nuclear plant workers and later in a musical dream sequence.

Human Highway is mostly weird, surreal crap, but the dream sequence with Young and Devo makes the DVD priceless. Young’s version of “Hey Hey, My My,” along with Booji Boy and Devo, is easily the most subversive, and perverse, melding of classic rock and punk rock that likely will ever be made.

Keep in mind that one of Young’s first musical explorations was in a band called the Mynah Birds with a Navy deserter by the name of Rick James. Yes, that Rick James (bitch). But to watch this performance is stunning. Even members of Young’s backing band Crazy Horse said that they played the song harder after watching what Devo could do. Buy this DVD only if you are a fan.

Otherwise, you might be able to find the Devo mash-up somewhere on YouTube. - JC

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on the radar

WANT TO SEE MORE? Visit our online calendar at 405magazine.com

OKC philanthropists’ game-changing support OKC PH I L ANTH RO PIC ORGAN I Z ATION Impact Oklahoma was

formed in 2003 when founder Page Amis Beatty read about an organization made up entirely of women, whose membership dues were pooled and given as grants to local nonprofits. Beatty called her old high school friend Hilarie Blaney, and together they formed the Oklahoma chapter.

Each member gives $1,000 per year, and the money is pooled to award $100,000 grants. “We want to be a game changer in the lives of nonprofits in central Oklahoma, and it would be difficult for many of those groups to find a $100,000 donor,” Blaney says. “A total of 100 percent of your membership dues goes to the nonprofits. Two women can split a membership, and women under the age of 40 can join for $500 a year.”

Impact Oklahoma receives nearly 100 grant requests a year, Blaney added. Over the past decade, the group has distributed more than $2.64 million to nonprofits including Calm Waters,

Dance

Bricktown Ballpark 2 S Mickey Mantle, OKC, 218.2115, okcdodgers.com

STEPCREW Sep 15 Armstrong kicks off a new season of delightful performances by welcoming back the dizzying energy of these Celtic fiddlers, singers and hot steppers. Armstrong Auditorium 14400 S Bryant, Edmond, 285.1010, armstrongauditorium.org

GEEKINOMICON Sep 2-4 A massive collection of fantasy and sci-fi merchandise and fun, with special guests including two Doctors, stars from Babylon 5, Farscape, Fringe and much more.

Cox Center 1 Myriad Gardens, OKC, coxconventioncenter.com

Events

CHOCTAW OKTOBERFEST Sep 2-10 More than 2 dozen beers, deliciously hearty cuisine und a steady flow of entertainment and camaraderie make this annual tradition utterly fantastisch.

Choctaw Creek Park 1900 S Harper, Choctaw, 390.8647, facebook.com/ choctawoktoberfest

ART AFTER 5 Sep 1-29 Live music from a rotation of local artists adds a little festive fuel to the Museum’s weekly rooftop party, featuring a cash bar and gallery tours. OKC Museum of Art 415 Couch, OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com 1ST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK Sep 2 The historic arts district’s name means “stroll,” which happens to be the preferred form of locomotion while taking in its wonders during a monthly display of arts and culture. Paseo Arts District 3022 Paseo, OKC, 525.2688, thepaseo.com FOOD TRUCK TRIPLE PLAY Sep 2 Live music, cold drinks, free admission - and the wares of about three dozen restaurants on wheels. Tell your palate it’s time to play ball. Chickasaw

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WESTFEST Sep 3 The street is closed so the district can open visitors’ eyes to the pleasures of its local bars, restaurants and retail - along with food trucks, music beer and free fun throughout the day. 4200 Western, OKC, westfestok.com 2ND FRIDAY CIRCUIT OF ART Sep 9 A monthly community-wide celebration of creativity, focused on historic Downtown Norman. Norman Arts Council 122 E Main St, Norman, 360.1162, normanarts.org OKC COMEDY SHOWS Sep 9 Enjoy mirth en masse with a special

the Regional Food Bank, White Fields, City Rescue Mission and Infant Crisis Services, among others.

Impact Oklahoma is also gearing up for its annual Wine, Women and Shoes event, which helps fund its operating expenses. Held Sept. 22 at the new Wine, Women and Shoes event organizers 21c Museum Hotel, Jackie Davis, Liz McLaughlin and Hilarie Blaney the event highlights female-owned retail businesses with wine tasting and a live auction with trips to Napa, Monterey and Carmel, as well as a fashion show by R Meyers and Steven Giles. Tickets are nearly sold out, but the remaining few can be purchased online at impactok.org.

Attending – or joining – could help make a huge difference in Oklahomans’ lives. - MARK BEUTLER

appearance from Maria Bamford, standup veteran and star of the new Netflix show “Lady Dynamite.”

UCO Mitchell Hall Theater 100 N University, Edmond, okccomedy.com OKC MUSEUM OF ART RENAISSANCE BALL Sep 9 One of the most consistently elegant galas in the metro, the museum’s fall fundraiser is an exercise in impeccable entertainment. OKC Golf & Country Club 7000 NW Grand, OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com MESTA FESTA Sep 10 Join a celebration of the classic Mesta Park neighborhood in this free gathering of residents, guests, food trucks, games, live music, local artists and plenty more.

Perle Mesta Park NW 18th and Shartel, OKC, mestapark.org SEPTEMBERFEST Sep 10 Free admission to a suite of historically themed activities for kids and families, bringing to life the story of Oklahoma so far. Oklahoma History Center 800 Nazih Zuhdi, OKC, 522.0765, okhistory.org AUTO ALLEY SHOP HOP Sep 15 Discounts, giveaways, special mini-events and have-to-be-there fun fill this monthly mercantile excursion. Automobile Alley 1015 N Broadway, OKC, 235.3500, automobilealley.org

TOWN HALL: JESSICA FELLOWES Sep 15 The engrossing lecture series welcomes social historian Fellowes, who has written a number of companion books to her uncle’s smash hit show “Downton Abbey.” St. Luke’s UMC 222 NW 15th, OKC, 202.4262, townhall. publishpath.com STATE FAIR OF OKLAHOMA Sep 15-25 Over a week of time-tested entertainment - our state fair is pretty spectacular. State Fairgrounds 333 Gordon Cooper, OKC, 948.6700, okstatefair.com DAYS OF WINE & ROTARY Sep 16 A bevy of delicious bites, a great selection of vintages and a joyous evening’s entertainment help Bricktown Rotary serve and give back to the community. Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi, OKC, 706.7484, daysofwineandrotary.com EXCHANGE ON FILM ROW Sep 16 The downtown OKC street festival is family-friendly, free to wander through and filled with pop-up shopping and treats for the ears and taste buds. Film Row 706 W Sheridan, OKC, 232.6060, exchangefilmrow.com JERRY SEINFELD Sep 16 One of New York’s most prominent citizens heads to OKC, bringing a full dose of his signature observational humor. OKC Civic

PHOTO BY PRINTS CHARMING PHOTOGRAPHY

A Bigger Impact

Center 201 N Walker, OKC, 297.2264, okcciviccenter.com UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN KICKOFF Sep 16 United Way gets its fundraising season underway with a free community pancake breakfast, followed that evening by a free family movie night. Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark 2 S Mickey Mantle, OKC, 523.3502, unitedwayokc.org HEARD ON HURD Sep 17 A free monthly festival of live music, food trucks and pop-up shops - come enjoy!

Downtown Edmond 32 N Broadway, Edmond, 341.6650, facebook.com/ heardonhurd WIGGLE OUT LOUD Sep 18 A free kids festival of upbeat music and activities, aiming to encourage children to discover how much fun an active, healthy lifestyle can be. Myriad Gardens 301 W Reno, OKC, wiggleoutloud.com

a substantive difference in our state.

21c Museum Hotel 900 W Main, OKC, 706.7484, winewomanandshoes.com/ impactok 12 X 12 Sep 23 The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition’s annual show and sale of donated pieces one foot square is a high-energy occasion with plenty of treats.

Science Museum Oklahoma 2020 Remington, OKC, 879.2400, ovac-ok.org ART ON TAP Sep 23 Hooray, beer!

The OKCMOA assembles more than 80 different examples of the finest in brewed beverages for tasting along with tasty food amid exceptional art. What’s not to love?

OKC Museum of Art 415 Couch, OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com SILVER SOIREE Sep 23 The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art presents music, raffles, auctions and entertainment to accompany the hors d’oeuvres and open bar in celebrating its sterling supporters. Legacy Park, 1898 Legacy, Norman, 325.2297, ou.edu/fjjma

1618 N Gatewood, OKC, 367.9403, plazadistrict.org HERITAGE HILLS HISTORIC HOMES TOUR Sep 24-25 Explore six beautifully built vintage homes amid the historic charm of one of the metro’s most venerable neighborhoods. Heritage Hills 405 NW 15th, OKC, heritagehills.org CHAMPIONS OF HEALTH GALA Sep 27 Help honor local organizations making a positive impact on the health of Oklahomans at this annual event featuring keynote speaker Rob Lowe. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd, OKC, 855.628.8642, championsofhealth.org HOMESTEAD SOCIAL Sep 29 Have a drink, kick up your heels and enjoy the annual fundraiser for the historic Harn Homestead and its mandate to educate about pre-statehood life. Harn Homestead 1721 N Lincoln, OKC, 235.4058, harnhomestead.com

OSBEE Sep 22 B-O-O-S-T spells boost, and that’s what participants will be giving the League’s Operation School Bell by spelling their hearts out in this community competition. Assistance League of Norman 809 Wall, Norman, 321.9400, assistanceleague.org/norman

ZOOBREW Sep 23 Drop by the Zoo for a beer-fueled evening of entertainment and taste treats. OKC Zoo 2101 NE 50th, OKC, 425.0612, zoofriends.org

EATS ON 8TH Sep 30 A fleet of food trucks to tempt every palate is just the beginning in this monthly festival that also boasts fun music and lots of shopping. NW 8th and Harvey, OKC, 519.8001

WINE, WOMEN AND SHOES Sep 22 The event combines sipping fine vintages and shopping designer fashions, with the proceeds helping Impact OK make

PLAZA DISTRICT FESTIVAL Sep 24 A jovial outpouring of creativity and joie de vivre in one of OKC’s most vibrant neighborhoods. OKC Plaza District

RODEO HALL OF FAME WEEKEND Sep 30-Oct 1 The Rodeo Historical Society invites you to learn, reminisce and help celebrate the greats in the

pursuit of riding, wrangling and roping.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd, OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org

Film CENTER THEATER SHOWS Sep 1-30 The OKC Museum of Art screens overlooked treasures and unsung independent films - this month includes Little Men, The Wind Will Carry Us, Complete Unknown, Mia Madre and Paths of the Soul. OKC Museum of Art 415 Couch, OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com CLASSICS SERIES Sep 6-27 Catch a masterpiece you missed the first time around or just want to re-experience on the big screen: Dirty Harry Sep 6, The Money Pit Sep 13, 2001 Sep 20 and My Fair Lady Sep 27. Harkins Theatres 150 E Reno, OKC, 321.4747, harkinstheatres.com WESTERN MOVIE MATINEES Sep 7-28 Treat yourself to a classic tale as it was meant to be seen (big): Drums Along the Mohawk Sep 7, They Died With Their Boots On Sep 14, Apache Sep 21 and Nevada Smith Sep 28.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd, OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org RIVERSPORT MOVIES Sep 9-16 Head to the river for some free cinema fun:

MUSEUM. HOTEL. RESTAURANT.

900 W Main Street Oklahoma City, OK 73106 405.982.6900 | 21cOklahomaCity.com 405.982.6960 | MaryEddysOKC.com

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on the radar

Welcome to the Neighborhood Mesta Festa remains the besta

catch a floating flick with The Perfect Storm Sep 9, while the True Sky Credit Union series concludes with Star Wars The Force Awakens Sep 16. Riversport Adventures 800 Riversport, OKC, 552.4040, riversportokc.org

Galleries ONGOING FIBERWORKS 2016 Through Sep 3 IAO Gallery 706 W Sheridan OKC, 232.6060, fiberartistsok.org DARK ART Through Oct 2 Kasum Contemporary Fine Art 1706 NW 16th, OKC, 604.6602 kasumcontemporary.com FINE ARTS INSTITUTE Sep 1-30 The FAI hosts a collection of wonders painted by local artist James Daniel Gaar. Fine Arts Institute of Edmond 27 E Edwards, Edmond, 340.4481, edmondfinearts.com

BAC K I N 1995, the residents of Oklahoma City’s fabulous Mesta

Park had the idea to put on a block party. It was a way to get the neighbors together to have some fun, and also kick-start fundraising for their annual holiday home tour.

Through the years the party grew, and today Mesta Festa is celebrating its 21st anniversary. It is being held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sept. 10 at Perle Mesta Park, NW 18th and Shartel, and organizers plan to block off NW 18th Street and Lee Avenue to utilize the street and lawns of historic homes facing the park.

The event is named after the neighborhood, as well as its namesake and former resident Perle Skirvin Mesta.

“Perle was Ambassador to Luxembourg and served four presidents in Washington as a host for dignitaries and foreign leaders,” says longtime volunteer Harry Meister. “The Broadway musical and movie Call Me Madam were based on her life. She was commonly known as ‘The Hostess with the Mostest’ and was once Time magazine’s ‘Woman of the Year.’”

These days, the event that bears her name is largely hosted by residents like Meister and his wife Dana, who have volunteered their efforts for the past 16 years. “Our chairperson for the second year in a row is Jill DeLozier. The event is put on by a committee largely from Mesta Park neighborhood, as well as others who love the event.

Planning is somewhat year-round, but most work takes place in spring and summer.”

And speaking of hosting, it’s hard to get more gracious and welcoming than this: Mesta Festa is free and open to the public. Those who donate to the neighborhood and are at least 21 years of age will receive a complimentary cup to sample handcrafted beer and wine from local brewers and local pubs. Food will be available, and live bands – many from the Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma – will begin playing at 10 a.m.

For more information on Mesta Festa 2016, check out the group’s Facebook page under “Events.” And then – come enjoy. - MARK BEUTLER

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HIDDEN PRAIRIE Sep 2-30 The community art space in the Paseo welcomes an engrossing show from local art star Ginnie Baer. The Project Box 3003 Paseo, OKC, 609.3969, theprojectboxokc.com SEPTEMBER IN YOUR EYE Sep 2-30 The visually engaging Paseo gallery hosts a collection of new photography

by Carl Shortt II and acrylic paintings by resident artist Sue Hale. In Your Eye Gallery 3005 Paseo, OKC, 525.2161, inyoureyegallery.com PHOTOFEST 2016 Sep 2-Oct 1 Freeze frame! The Paseo’s annual photographic exhibition is back, juried for 2016 by local expert Ann Sherman, and remains an excellent means to appreciate the medium’s potential for creativity. Paseo Art Space 3022 Paseo, OKC, 525.2688, thepaseo.com ERIN SHAW Sep 8-Oct 16 Chickasaw/ Choctaw painter Shaw, currently the gallery’s artist-in-residence, presents an immersive, large-scale installation reminiscent of a pop-up book. Current Studio, 1218 N Penn, OKC, 673.1218, current studio.org DIANE COADY Sep 15-Oct 21 OKC artist Coady specializes in working with and painting on silks, meaning this Film Row show should be a diaphanous delight.

IAO Gallery 706 W Sheridan, OKC, 232.6060, individualartists.org NEW VIEW Sep 15-Oct 21 Photographer Zachary Burns channels his personal perspective (he’s blind in one eye) to share his point of view with OKC. IAO Gallery 706 W Sheridan, OKC, 232.6060, individualartists.org

Museums ONGOING VISION | REVISION Through Sep 4 Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art Norman, 325.3272, ou.edu/fjjma MATISSE IN HIS TIME Through Sep 18 OKC Museum of Art OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com

A HIDING PLACE Through Sep 24 Artspace at Untitled OKC, 815.9995, artspaceatuntitled.com TITANOBOA Through Sep 25 Sam Noble Museum Norman, 325.4712, samnoblemuseum.ou.edu HELL ON WHEELS Through Oct 23 National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org EDMOND PEOPLE, EDMOND POLITICS Through Dec 17 Edmond Historical Society, Edmond, 340.0078, edmondhistory.org LOWELL ELLSWORTH SMITH Through Dec 30 National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org CLOUD CITY Sep 8-Oct 16 Take a new look at yourself, OKC and anything else in the area in the reflective-andtransparent surface of Tomas Saraceno’s large-scale modular art installation.

Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center NW 11th and Broadway, OKC, 951.0000, oklahomacontemporary.org A SENSE OF HIS SOUL Sep 27-Dec 30 Artist Dennis Hodges looks closely at official portraits of state governors, asking viewers to glean what impressions they can from looking only at their eyes. Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art 555 Elm, Norman, 325.3272, ou.edu/fjjma

Music BLUE DOOR SHOWS Sep 1-24 Self-billed as “the best listening room in Oklahoma,” it certainly has some of the best music, including Adrian and Meredith Sep 1, Brian Whelan Sep 15, Jonathan Byrd Sep 21, K.C. Clifford Sep 23 and the mighty growl of Watermelon Slim Sep 24 - check online for updates.

The Blue Door 2805 N McKinley, OKC, 524.0738, bluedoorokc.com OPOLIS SHOWS Sep 1-25 Metro, meet Opolis - you’ll make beautiful music together, including Troller Sep 1, the Melvins Sep 16, Titus Andronicus Sep 23 and Big Thief Sep 25. Check online for updates. The Opolis 113 N Crawford, Norman, opolis.org NOON TUNES Sep 1-29 Free lunchtime serenades to sonically spice up your Thursdays: Mike Hosty Sep 1, Ravens Three Sep 8, the David Hooten Group Sep 15, Celeste Dvorak Sep 22 and Blagg & Tullis Sep 29. Downtown Library 300 Park, OKC, 231.8650, mls.lib.ok.us DIAMOND BALLROOM SHOWS Sep 1-30 Crank it up on the south side with a musical blast from Jackyl Sep 1, Coheed and Cambria Sep 24, Hellyeah Sep 27 and Kip Moore with Jon Pardi Sep 30.

Diamond Ballroom 8001 S Eastern, OKC, 866.977.6849, dcfconcerts.com UCO JAZZ LAB SHOWS Sep 2-28 Students and townspeople alike can head over to enjoy musical treats: Shortt Dogg Sep 2, Smilin’ Vic Sep 3, Michael Summers Sep 9, Groove Merchants Sep

PHOTO COURTESY MESTA FESTA ASSOCIATION

SPOTLIGHT

16, Edgar Cruz Sep 19, John Pizzarelli Sep 23 and Miss Brown to You Sep 28.

UCO Jazz Lab 100 E 5th, Edmond, 974.2100, ucojazzlab.com

blues and soul singer with a stunning voice, accompanied by the Oklahoma City Jazz Orchestra. OCCC Theater 7777 S May, OKC, 682.7579, occc.edu/pas

TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES Sep 4-25 The Arts Council of OKC shares a free, family-friendly performance every Sunday evening on the Great Lawn: The Notionaries Sep 4, Meanstreak Sep 11, the Al Good Orchestra Sep 18 and Shortt Dogg Sep 25. Myriad Gardens 301 W Reno, OKC, 270.4848, artscouncilokc.com

THE MELVINS Sep 15 Slow and heavy wins the race for these Washingtonborn howlers; no other group quite duplicates their experiment-laced sound and odd sense of humor. ACM @ UCO Performance Lab 329 E Sheridan, OKC, 974.4700, acm-uco.com

89TH STREET COLLECTIVE Sep 6-23 Fire up some music at a set of all-ages shows, including Death Angel Sep 6 and Skindred with HED PE Sep 23 - check online for more. 89th Street Collective 8911 N Western, OKC, 89thstreetokc.com TUESDAY NOON CONCERTS Sep 6-27 Spice up your lunch break with a free concert by OU School of Music students and faculty. Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art 555 Elm, Norman, 325.3272, ou.edu/fjjma BLAKE SHELTON Sep 9-10 Household name though he’s become, Shelton’s still an Oklahoma native, so the star of The Voice is probably almost as excited as fans to be bringing his star country sound back home for this pair of shows. Chesapeake Arena 100 W Reno, OKC, 800.745.3000, chesapeakearena.com BANJO FEST Sep 10 The instrument is an American classic, and these special guests will show off its outstanding musical potential: Cynthia Sayer, Biscuit Davis, Mark Johnson and more. Hudiburg Center 6420 SE 15th, Midwest City, 297.2264, okcciviccenter.com GALA OPENING NIGHT Sep 10 Strike up the orchestra; it’s time to begin a new season of symphonic excellence with the OKC Philharmonic! OKC Civic Center 201 N Walker, OKC, 842.5387, okcphil.org ZOO AMPHITHEATRE SHOWS Sep 11-30 Settle in under the Oklahoma sky for a big, beautiful show from Bad Company with Blue Öyster Cult Sep 11 and The Lumineers accompanied by BØRNS Sep 30. Zoo Amphitheatre 2101 NE 50th, OKC, 866.977.6849, thezooamphitheatre.com

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JUSTIN YOUNG Sep 17 The saxophonist and some talented friends will play cuts off his new album Blue Soul in a benefit gig from which all funds go to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation. 3 Sixty Entertainment 7312 Cherokee, OKC, 271.2260, chfkids.com

Chris Poore, DDS, MS Mary Hamburg, DDS, MS Robin D. Henderson, DMD, MS

OU SUTTON SERIES Sep 18-25 Join the OU School of Music for auditory bliss: Valerie Watts and Dan Schwartz Sep 18, the OU Symphony Orchestra Sep 19 and Musical Mosaic Sep 25. OU Catlett Music Center 500 W Boyd, Norman, 325.4101, music.ou.edu

A ll Doctors are Diplomates of The A merican Board of Periodontology

AVETT BROTHERS Sep 22 The latest album from the folk-rock genre benders is called True Sadness, but don’t expect this show to wallow in misery, as the energy from their instrumentation - banjo, double bass, guitar, cello and violin - is a joy to witness in itself. Chesapeake Arena 100 W Reno, OKC, 800.745.3000, chesapeakearena.com

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TEXAS TENORS Sep 29 Before they teamed up, one specialized in country, one in pop and one in opera - now their gifts have combined into a charming, melodious whole. OCCC Theater 7777 S May, OKC, 682.7579, occc.edu/pas OK INT’L BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL Sep 29-Oct 1 The Turnpike Troubadours, Japanese pickers BlueSide of Lonesome, the Byron Berline Band, of course, and plenty more bluegrass stars from near and far are lined up for this 20th annual event. Cottonwood Flats 600 W College, Guthrie, 282.4446, oibf.com BROADWAY TONIGHT: MARILYN MAYE Sep 30-Oct 1 A queen of the cabaret and one of Johnny Carson’s favorite performers, Maye’s warmth and incredible voice make this Broadway Tonight premiere a must. CHK Boathouse 725 S Lincoln, OKC, 974.3375, uco.edu/cfad/ broadway

CRITERION SHOWS Sep 12 The downtown concert hall keeps pounding out the hits with a performance by singer, songwriter, former Drive-By Trucker and all-around guitar man Jason Isbell. The Criterion 500 E Sheridan, OKC, 308.1803, criterionokc.com

Sports

BRIGHTMUSIC Sep 13 A new performance season begins for the exceptional chamber music ensemble, with a concert entitled Russian Revelations.

St. Paul’s Cathedral 127 NW 7th, OKC, brightmusic.org

DODGERS BASEBALL Sep 1 Join OKC’s boys of summer as they take their home diamond for the final time this regular season, hosting Memphis. Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark 2 S Mickey Mantle, OKC, 218.1000, okcdodgers.com

CYNDI LAUPER Sep 13 She still bops, but ‘80s superstar Lauper isn’t just a pop princess - her latest album dips into some old-school country songs. OKC Civic Center 201 N Walker, OKC, 297.2264, okcciviccenter.com

OSU FOOTBALL Sep 3-17 The Cowboys line up against Southeastern Louisiana Sep 3, Central Michigan Sep 10 and Pittsburgh Sep 17. Boone Pickens Stadium 700 W Hall of Fame, Stillwater, 877.255.4678, okstate.com

POLLY GIBBONS Sep 13 Welcome back to the OCCC Performing Arts Series, featuring a flood of talent like this British

OU FOOTBALL Sep 10-17 The Sooners’ house should be packed as they square off against Louisiana-Monroe Sep 10 and Big

BUY T I CKETS O N L I N E AT O KCM OA .CO M /A R TON TA P

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on the radar 10 powerhouse Ohio State Sep 17. Owen Field 180 W Brooks, Norman, 325.2424, soonersports.com

SYLVIA Through Sep 10 Pollard Theatre 120 W Harrison, Guthrie, 282.2800, thepollard.org

OKC ENERGY FC SOCCER Sep 11-24 Open wide for some soccer! The Energy look to finish the regular season strong by kicking off against the Seattle Sounders 2 Sep 11, Swope Park Rangers Sep 18 and St. Louis FC Sep 24. Taft Stadium 2901 NW 23rd, OKC, 235.5425, energyfc.com

DRIVING MISS DAISY Through Sep 11 Jewel Box Theater 3700 N Walker, OKC, 521.1786, jewelboxtheatre.org

FULL MOON BIKE RIDE & RUN Sep 16 It’s not a race, more of a monthly opportunity to burn some calories in the company of friends and well-wishers as the sun goes down. Myriad Gardens 301 W Reno, OKC, 445.7080, myriadgardens.com JDRF ONE WALK Sep 17 Three miles isn’t much distance, especially if the effort you expend in walking it helps further the goal of a world without Type 1 Diabetes - that’s more than worth a ramble. Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark 2 S Mickey Mantle, OKC, 810.0070, jdrf.org TEE IT UP FORE KIDS’ SAKE Sep 19 This 15th annual golfstravaganza turns a day on the links into aid for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County. OKC Golf & Country Club 7000 NW Grand, OKC, 521.9292, bgcokc.org WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S Sep 24 Take a lap to help stamp out a condition that’s affecting more Americans all the time. Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark 2 S Mickey Mantle, OKC, 319.0780, alz. org/oklahoma BIKE MS Sep 24-25 A flock of fundraisers put their mettle to the pedal in a two-day bike tour riding from Norman to Stillwater - all in pursuit of a world without MS. NCED Conference Center 2801 E Hwy 9, Norman, 855.372.1331, nationalmssociety.org/ chapters/OKE AIDS WALK Sep 25 Building awareness, strengthening a community and raising funds - whether in the walk itself or the 8th annual 5k RED Run - to support nonprofits that provide HIV /AIDS care.

Myriad Gardens 301 W Reno, OKC, 673.3786, aidswalkokc.org OKLAHOMA DERBY Sep 25 It’s post time for the top racing event of the thoroughbred season, and the high-stakes races are enhanced by a wine festival, hat contest and more.

Remington Park 1 Remington, OKC, 424.1000, remingtonpark.com OKLAHOMA REGATTA FESTIVAL Sep 29-Oct 2 Rowing, kayaking, dragon boating, whitewater rafting … basically any watercraft using oars this side of a Greek trireme stands a good chance of being on the river this weekend, and a family festival awaits on shore too.

Riversport Adventures 800 Riversport, OKC, 552.4040, riversportokc.org

Theater ONGOING THE LIAR Through Sep 3 Shakespeare on Paseo 2920 Paseo, OKC, 235.3700, oklahomashakespeare.com

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BECKY’S NEW CAR Sep 2-24 By turns filled with screwball comedy and touching contemplation, this play portrays a hard-working woman managing a car dealership whose ship - er, vehicle - might just have come in. Carpenter Square Theater 800 W Main, OKC, 232.6500, carpentersquare.com ROMEO AND JULIET Sep 8-24 The course of true love never did run smooth, but this infatuation is bumpier than most.

Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park shares one of the theater’s all-time great tragedies.

Myriad Gardens 301 W Reno, OKC, 235.3700, oklahomashakespeare.com DISNEY’S NEWSIES Sep 2025 OKC Broadway brings metro audiences a high-energy musical tale of some unheralded kids who became newsworthy when they banded together to fight for better employment. OKC Civic Center 201 N Walker, OKC, 877.737.2929, okcbroadway.com FULLY COMMITTED Sep 21-Oct 2 Good news for fans of actor Martin Burke: the Austinite stars as stage-starved thespian and occasional waiter Sam - as well as the other 39 roles - in this frenetic, throughly impressive performance. Lyric at the Plaza 1727 NW 16th, OKC, 524.9312, lyrictheatreokc.com LET THE RIGHT ONE IN Sep 23-Oct 2 A lonely boy, a new female neighbor, a burgeoning friendship, an increasing mystery, a few bodies … this OU Drama production is perfect for a late autumn evening. Just be careful walking away afterward. OU Weitzenhoffer Theater 563 Elm Ave, Norman, 325.4101, theatre.ou.edu THE ELEPHANT MAN Sep 23-Oct 9 Human dignity wars with sensationalism in this tale of the infamously deformed John Merrick and the life he faced among his fellow men. St. Luke’s Poteet Theater 222 NW 15th, OKC, 609.1023, poteettheatre.com HEAVEN CAN WAIT Sep 29-Oct 23 Death is not the end … especially if it turns out it was an administrative mix-up and you’re sent back to Earth in a new body, like Joe Pendleton in this classic comedy.

Jewel Box Theater 3700 N Walker, OKC, 521.1786, jewelboxtheatre.org HAIRSPRAY Sep 30-Oct 2 Sometimes the best thing you can do is dance like everyone’s watching - just ask tubby teen Tracy, who rides her hip-shaking talent to stardom. OCU Kirkpatrick Auditorium 2501 N Blackwelder, OKC, 208.5227, okcu. edu/music/omt PRYOR RENDERING Sep 30-Oct 9 CityRep, in conjunction with Tulsa’s American Theatre Company, presents the world premiere of a coming-of-age musical set in 1960s Oklahoma. OKC Civic Center 201 N Walker, OKC, 848.3761, cityrep.com

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FAIREST OF THEM ALL

BY MARK BEUTLER

T HER E’S NOT HI NG QU I T E like the experience of going to the fair. Whether it’s the scent of simmering corndogs, the thrill of the rides or the rip-snortin’ rodeo, the fair has a way of bringing out the kid in everyone.

The beginning of the Oklahoma State Fair traditionally signifies the end of summer and the arrival of fall. It’s been that way for more than 100 years, with the first State Fair of Oklahoma held in October 1907 – a full month before statehood.

“The original site was a 160-acre tract of school land on the east side of the city at NE 10th and Martin Luther King on what is today Douglass High School,” says Scott Munz, VP of marketing and public relations for the Oklahoma State Fair. “It moved to its current 435-acre location in 1954 and enjoyed a nine-day run in September of that year.”

During the war years in the ’40s, Munz said widespread opinion was that all fairs should be cancelled so the nation could more effectively prepare for war.

“The existing manager and other fair directors quickly replied that fairs could help, not hinder, preparedness by galvanizing and focusing public support,” he says. “The biggest attraction at the 1944 State Fair was a battle-scarred B-17, one of the Flying Fortresses that had flown 118 missions in the South Pacific.”

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When the fair moved to its current location in 1954, the carnival rides were minimal and very simplistic, Munz said. The midway offered barkers and teasers of the “Big Show Inside.” Rodeos at that time were held outdoors in the old grandstand.

The arena was built in 1965, and was the site of many popular concerts. Elvis Presley performed there, and so did other acts as diverse as Sonny & Cher and Led Zeppelin.

“The grounds acts we offer have experienced an evolution since the ’50s and ’60s, and my personal favorite for advancement is on the musical side,” Munz continues. “When I started in 1988, we pulled the entertainer at the rodeo out into the arena with a tractor and a flatbed trailer. Now, in the Jim Norick Arena at the XTreme Bulls, we fly the stage in from the rafters and offer firstclass production, sound and lights – much to the delight of both the artist and the audience.”

Back in the day, going to the fair was a dress-up occasion: Men often wore suits and ties, and women dresses and heels.

As times changed, so did the attire. Today it’s common to see shorts, tank tops and flip flops, but the fair organization prohibits “suggestive or excessively revealing clothing,” trying to stay as family-friendly as possible.

Some longtime fair favorites are gone, such as the Monorail.

Even the Space Needle, which was built in 1968, is no longer operational due to extensive electrical damage caused by a flash flood in 2010.

“We try our hardest to maintain traditional aspects, while also factoring in new things each year to keep the presentation fresh,” Munz says. “To those who miss certain things and those old days, I say come grow with us by creating new adventures and new memories, to be enjoyed by the next generation and those to come. I have always maintained the Oklahoma State Fair has something for everybody. So come on out and make new memories that will last a lifetime.”

The 2016 Oklahoma State Fair will be held Sept. 15-25. For more information, visit okstatefair.com.

PHOTOS COURTESY OKLAHOMA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

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