FACES of the
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4O5
AUGUST 2019 VOLUME FIVE | ISSUE EIGHT
Best
Sandwiches Bite into
Top 35 b the et
weenthe-bre ad creat ions, from gr illed che e se to the Stea k Sandw ich Suprem e
THUNDERBIRD WATCH
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BEAU JENNINGS GETS READY TO ROCK
WILD ADVENTURES
AUGUST 2019
PLACES TO WALK WITH THE ANIMALS
We’re here for you.
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AUGUST
CONTENTS
42
Sandwich Central
FROM TIME-TESTED CLASSICS TO FLAVOR-FILLED FLIGHTS OF CREATIVITY, THESE 35 SANDWICHES FOUND AT RESTAURANTS ACROSS THE METRO ARE TOPS IN OUR BOOK.
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Faces of the 405 MEET THE KEY PEOPLE BEHIND SOME OF OKC’S TOP BUSINESSES, WHO PROVIDE PERSONAL SERVICES FOR METRO CITIZENS AND HELP ELEVATE OUR LOCAL ECONOMY. WHETHER YOU NEED PRIVATE BANKING, PAIN MANAGEMENT OR PET PHOTOGRAPHY, HERE’S WHO YOU SHOULD KNOW.
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CONTENTS
AUGUST IN THE 405
13 FASHION Get your kicks with athleisure footwear 14 TERRITORY AHEAD The resting place of Cherokee elder Spring Frog 16 SPEAKERBOX iTunes is dead; long live the album 17 CREATIVES Talking rock with Beau Jennings 18 RETROPERSPECTIVE The Rainbow Records experience 20 PRIME PICKS What you should be doing this month 21 ON THE SCENE A look back at local social events
HOME 25 HABITAT Lori Burson’s residential fresh start 30 ENTERTAINING 101 Summer events call for citrus 32 AT HOME WITH… Brent Swift’s design inspirations
TRAVEL 33 STATESIDE Destinations for animal adventures 36 ON THE ROAD Authentic atmosphere in Stockyards City
DINING 37 LOCAL FLAVOR El Huevo’s spicy brunch bounty 40 INDUSTRY NEWS Tasty philanthropy at Thirst for a Cause
76 RESTAURANT GUIDE Victoria’s primo pasta relocates
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78 ON THE RADAR Wild Weather moves through SMO 80 LAST LAUGH PR notes on a classic hot dog jingle
ON THE COVER The “405,” a titanic sandwich from Scottie’s Deli. Photo by Rachel Maucieri
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AUGUST 2019
The Right Step
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CIRCULATION AUDITED BY
FROM THE PUBLISHER
A Story of Sandwiches
I
recall countless mornings as a young girl waking to the smell of freshly baked bread. I remember watching my mother make the dough, fold it, knead it, let it rise – all with anticipation of the wonderful smell (and taste) that would follow. Mom’s homemade bread was well worth the wait. Now, fast forward a few decades, and I find no bread is worth the weight. I’ve developed a love-hate relationship with the genuine simplicity of all breads: plain, slathered with butter, dipped in olive oil and garlic, toasted … or holding a stack of condiment-laden cheeses and vegetables in between. I’m talking about the sandwich. I’ve deprived myself of traditional sandwiches for many years due to the carb-centered collateral damage they’re capable of leaving behind, and I have a same-age colleague or two who share my boat. The mere thought of all the research that would go into this issue rattled my nerves. I wavered. I mean, we’re talking some serious carbohydrate intake here. But we’re also talking about some of the best between-the-bread options across the metro. So I compromised. When the time came to really dig into putting together our feature on the 405’s best sandwiches, I spent just shy of a week with the research team in the field. And now that it’s behind me, I can say it was truly one of the best weeks I’ve had since I was a younger version of myself, one who could eat whatever she wanted without a second – or, really, even a first – thought, back when calories burned faster than they could be consumed. Before starting on this venture, we had to set sandwich criteria. Within the parameters of our definition (which means no hot dogs, no hamburgers), our selections include plenty to please omnivores, vegetarians and vegans alike (see pg. 42). This certainly is a guide you’ll want to keep on hand, for future visits to the top local spots where bread rules. Another prime reason to keep this issue handy is the compilation of local businesses showcased in our annual Faces of the 405. Whether you’re shopping for a new dentist, a dispensary or a defense attorney, you’ll learn more within this special section about the businesses – and the people behind them – who best represent their respective industries in the central Oklahoma market (page 51). Whether delicious in the moment or beneficial in the longer term, it’s always a good idea to be better connected to your community. Helping with that continues to be our goal, and our pleasure. Have a great August! Cheers,
HEIDI RAMBO CENTRELLA
Publisher | Editor-in-Chief heidi.centrella@405magazine.com
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PH OTO BY S H E VAU N WI L LI A M S
Edgar Degas (French, 1834-1917). Little Dancer Aged Fourteen (Petite danseuse de quatorze ans), model executed ca. 1880; cast in 1922. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond. State Operating Fund and the Art Lovers’ Society. Photo: Travis Fullerton. Š Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
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IN THE 405 (clockwise from top) Golden Goose Hi Mid-Star in green bouclé from Gretta Sloane; Room To Breathe high-top in taupe from Mode; Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn Solo in tulip from Betsy King; Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn Solo in black from Betsy King; Golden Goose sneakers in pink/silver glitter from Cayman’s; Qupid Passionate Platform in leopard from Mode; OTBT Meridian sneakers in gold from Betsy King; Zadig & Voltaire 1747 Flash Studs sneakers from Cayman’s
Game, Set, Style OFF THE COURT AND ON TO THE STREETS
T
BY SH E VAU N WI LLIAMS
he line between athletic and casual shoes continues to blur, while the true beauty of athleisure is that it’s both practical and completely fashionable. More than a simple trend, athleisure reflects a popular change in lifestyle with relaxed standards of dress, busy schedules and the health-minded world of today. This effortlessly stylish apparel movement is here to stay, so it’s time to invest.
G R E T TA S LOA N E , 6 476 AVO N DA L E , N I C H O L S H I L L S , G R E T TA S LOA N E .CO M | M O D E , 12 27 N WA L K ER , O KC , S H O PM O D E . FA S H I O N B E T S Y K I N G , 30 01 PA S EO, O KC , B E T S Y K I N GS H O E S .CO M | C AY M A N ’ S , 20 01 W M A I N , N O R M A N , S H O P - C AY M A N S .CO M
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TERRITORY AHEAD
A Most Singular Monument
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THE STONE COFFIN OF SPRING FROG he massive gravestone was remarkable. So remarkable, in fact, that old-timers remember when it was featured as a source of national wonderment by “Ripley’s Believe It or Not.” Carved of native sandstone, the marker in a Muskogee County cemetery pre-dates Oklahoma statehood by nearly half a century. But it was not its age that astounded; it was its appearance: a man-size marker hewn from native sandstone to resemble a coffin. The memorial marks the final resting place of the Cherokee leader Tooan-tuh. In English, he was known as Spring Frog. His gravestone references what may be the earliest known birthdate on an Oklahoma grave, pre-dating the birth year of 1758 inscribed on the Adair County marker of Chief Goingsnake (featured in our June issue). Darkened with age and covered in lichen, its worn letters are carved in the Cherokee syllabary. The lettering, however, is difficult to read – and to translate. More than 50 years ago, Dr. T.L. Ballenger noted in The Chronicles of Oklahoma: “Several people, versed in the Cherokee language, have visited his grave and studied the inscription … They agree that the name is not written in correct Cherokee characters, hence is difficult to translate with certainty … As nearly as the inscription can be translated, it reads:
In Search of Spring Frog
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Spring Frog Died 31 August month 1859 100 maybe age about A full-blooded Cherokee, Spring Frog was born at the edge of Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee, around 1754. The cabin where he lived has been restored and remains a focal point of a Chattanooga nature preserve named Audubon Acres. The reference is to Spring Frog’s encounters with John James Audubon, the French artist and naturalist who came to America to chronicle its bird life. Although there was a 30-year difference in their ages, a friendship was said to have developed between the men. Audubon appreciated the insight offered by Native Americans, noting, “Whenever I meet Indians, I feel the greatness of our Creator in all its splendor.” A renowned sportsman of his time, Spring Frog was celebrated not only for his knowledge of nature, but also for his skills as a hunter and trapper, his prowess as an athlete, his advocacy for peace and his ferocity as a warrior when he felt battle was the only option.
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Spring Frog: A Cherokee Chief. Lithograph based on original portrait by Charles Bird King. Published in History of the Indian Tribes by Thomas L. McKenney and James Hall, Vol. II (Portfolio of Portraits of Indian Chiefs, Published by Rice and Clark, Philadelphia, 1842).
he massive headstone is as difficult to find as it is to read. A crackled sign with fading green letters announcing the Briartown Cemetery stands near a fence post on a turnoff to a dirt road off State Highway 2. It dangles from twisted wires, lashed to a post fashioned from pipes. Rust stains mark where the old hangers held the sign before the holes gave way and new ones were drilled. The road twists and turns through pastures and, after a couple of miles, comes to a dead end. What happened to the cemetery? Fortunately, I meet some helpful teens who give more specific directions. They peel off and I turn around again, parking near a gate blocking the grassy farm road. I take it on faith there is a cemetery somewhere in the pasture. I walk down the hill, across a creek and up another hill. The cemetery appears ahead. It is not the small family graveyard I expected, but a sprawling plot with more than 300 graves, surrounded by a chain-link fence to keep away visiting livestock. The memorials range from ancient, unmarked stones and elaborately carved granite markers to gravestones just a few months old. The grass is trimmed, arrangements of plastic flowers dot the graves and flags – mostly United States; but one, over the grave of L.W. Dobbs and his wife, Lucinda, Confederate – flutter over the graves of veterans. At the top of the sloping hill, overseeing them all, is the cemetery’s oldest grave: the weathered stone coffin marking the burial site of Spring Frog, born 265 years ago.
As an elder, he joined the Cherokee regiment that fought against the Creek in the Battles of Emuckfaw and Enotachopo Creek and of Horseshoe Bend with Gen. Andrew Jackson in the War of 1812. He moved to present-day Oklahoma before the forced removal of the Trail of Tears with a group of Old Settlers including Di’wali, Sequoyah and Tatsi. After his arrival west, he fought with the Osage near present-day Claremore in the Battle of the Strawberry Moon. An account notes: “Spring Frog, then 64, convened the council and was among those leading the pursuit. They surprised and burned the village, killed and captured 80 Osages, and destroyed all their provisions.” He signed the Treaty of Turkeytown in September 1816 and, four years later, endorsed the first law passed by the Western Cherokee at Dardanelle Rock, providing for the appointment of a Light Horse company to preserve peace and order. He signed as one of the “Chiefs, Headmen and Warriors of the Cherokee Nation.” Spring Frog turned to farming in his new home in Briartown and represented the Cherokee in a delegation to Washington, D.C. in 1838. There, he had his portrait painted by the artist Charles Bird King, and his image became part of a gallery in the Smithsonian Institute of more than 100 oil paintings of tribal leaders who had visited the Capitol. For another two decades, Spring Frog lived peacefully in the new Indian Territory. His death came on the last day of August 1859, when he drowned in the Canadian River. Reported age: 105. In an effort to honor his life, an impressive marker was chiseled and stacked three levels high on a knoll in Briartown Cemetery, two miles north of the river where he breathed his last. In territorial days, Judge I.B. Hitchcock of Vinita praised it as “a most singular monument, such as I never saw before.” After the land surrounding his original Chattanooga cabin was made into a nature preserve in the years after World War II, an effort was made to re-inter Spring Frog’s bones near the place of his birth. But he remains in Oklahoma, at rest beneath a monument as remarkable as the man himself. - MJ ALE X AN D E R E D ITO R’ S N OTE : S TO R I E S I N S TO N E I S A N O N GO I N G S ER I E S E X PLO R I N G T H E FI N A L R E S T I N G S POT S O F O K L A H O M A’ S E A R LI E S T R E S I D EN T S , WI T H G R AV E S TO N E B I R T H DAT E S PR E - DAT I N G T H E A M ER I C A N R E VO LU T I O N .
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405 MAGA ZINE | AUGUST 2019
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SPEAKERBOX
iTuning Out
APPLE ITUNES IS ENDING, BUT THE FUTURE IS NOW
E
arlier this summer, Apple created a panic among casual music fans when it announced it was “killing off” iTunes, its industry-changing music platform. That was something of an exaggeration: iTunes still exists on desktops, but Apple has streamlined the apps it used to manage, and the writing is on the wall. When the iTunes store debuted in 2003, it was like an online record store; you could simply search for a favorite current or oldie, and download it for keeps for $.99 a song. Whole albums were available, as well, generally $9.99 or $10.99. The program also let you burn your digital music to a CD if you wanted something more permanent than your hard drive. Over the years, iTunes became clunky and awkward. Constant software updates became a nuisance, and backing up and syncing with mobile devices took hours. And when songs went up to $1.29 per download, the platform started causing issues between artists, labels and Apple – even as its popularity led to big-box retailers such as Walmart, Target and Best Buy eliminating their CD displays. By de-emphasizing iTunes, Apple can concentrate on Apple Music, which allows subscribers to stream music for a monthly fee. Streaming is no longer the future; it is the here and now. Gen X (like me) and Baby Boomer music fans are going to have to get used to it. - J E R RY C H U RC H
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Will Streaming Kill the LP? Take heart, album lovers
T
raditional performers who have spent their entire careers writing songs in the album format are not likely going to change the way they present music. New artists are still releasing albums, and the LP is still an ideal format that allows artists to write songs with collective themes and concepts. Bruce Springsteen’s latest, June release “Western Stars,” provides a running theme of homages to California and the dreamy, country pop of the late 1960s, made popular by Glen Campbell and Jimmy Webb. But if Springsteen wanted to drop a new song he had just written, streaming allows him instant distribution. That’s kind of what power pop band Weezer did. While the fan-fueled remake of Toto’s “Africa” was meant to be a campy tongue-in-cheek viral joke, the band ended up having a No. 1 hit. So, while recording its self-titled “Black” album, Weezer also recorded nine more cover songs and dropped the long-form “Teal.” By streaming it, the band was able to record an album quickly and release it immediately to their hardcore fans. Taylor Swift has masterfully realized the efficiency and immediacy that streaming services offer. Released simultaneously as a single and as an elaborate video, Swift broke the Internet this spring with the bubbly “ME!” In just three days, she had more than 120 million views on YouTube. The online video service pays artists by the click, so spending lavishly on a music video is now a profitable possibility. When MTV was breaking artists back in the day, videos were a must. Now, everything has come full circle. Video didn’t kill the radio star, it just complemented her. - J C
Streaming of You
YOUNG ROMANTICS PUSH THE PLAYLIST The art of making mixtapes is gone. Now, with Apple Music and Spotify and YouTube Music, instead of trying to impress that special someone by toiling all night finding the right combination of songs from a host of CDs and records to woo him or her, you can simply drag and click and send a text. More telling, streaming changes how legacy artists and record companies will manage their archives. In Warren Zanes’ Petty: The Biography, he writes about the legal process of how the late Tom Petty was able to end his contract with MCA. The agreement called for a compilation of Petty’s best work. Petty threw in a new song and said “adios.” Years later, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers “Greatest Hits” has sold 12 million units. It seems that Petty had a lot of fans who liked his music, but didn’t want to delve into his back catalog. But with streaming, anyone can make their own compilation record by simply creating a new playlist – which means greatest hits collections no longer need to exist. - J C
C R E AT I V E S
The Sound of The Thunderbird
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BEAU JENNINGS ON FINDING HIS WAY TO ROCK
he band behind Beau Jennings on the soon-to-be-released album “The Thunderbird” has worked together since 2011. That’s the year they went to the Okie Noodling Festival and performed together as The Tigers. “We recorded the project live in studio because I wanted to capture the energy this band brings,” says Jennings, a native of Inola, Oklahoma. “On my last project, ‘The Verdigris,’ I used guests – including Sufjan Stevens on banjo and backing vocals – but I made a conscious decision this time to use only this band.” The Tigers includes well-known local artists like Dustin Ragland (keys), an ACM-UCO instructor, and Chase Kerby (lead guitar), locally famous for his appearance on NBC’s “The Voice.” Michael Trepagnier (bass) has worked with Counting Crows and Coldplay, among others, and veterans Eric (drums) and Rianna Nauni (background vocals) and John McCall (bass) round out the ensemble. “We played together for years, and we worked collaboratively on the songs,” Jennings says. “That’s the beauty of talented bandmates. I bring them lyrics and rudimentary music, and they politely tell me, ‘Let’s try this a different way.’” The result is a remarkably fun, old-school rock-and-roll album that evokes summer road trips, poolside drinking parties and garage band sincerity. Jennings – whose CV includes a Woody Guthrie songwriting award (2017)
PH OTO BY C H A S E K ER BY
DOING IT LIVE The genre of rock was always meant to be performance art. Studios made it more portable, but most of us grew up on some variation of the phrase “you have to see them live.” Live, local shows aren’t doing well, though, and Jennings wondered aloud at the downturn in attendance, not at the venues that bring in regional and national acts, but at the level of local bar or venue that makes room for local acts. “Maybe it’s related to more bigger shows, and I think as silly as it sounds, streaming services like Netflix have some impact on people getting out,” Jennings says, “but I honestly don’t know where the people are.” For the full Thunderbird experience, you need to be where the Tigers are – visit beaujennings.com for tour dates, and circle the free Aug. 11 performance at the Myriad Gardens on your calendar.
and a film titled The Verdigris about the search for Will Rogers, which premiered at deadCENTER in 2015 – is clearly in the middle of an evolution of his sound, and that sound is now shaped by his very talented band. Jennings and The Tigers’ latest project sounds like a rock album from the hot summer days of everyone’s youth. He’s calling it the first record that represents their new sound. Jennings won a folk music award, but he’s not a folk act at heart; he’s a rocker. “The Thunderbird” is catchy, high energy, summer-fun music, but it’s not trite or poppy. Jennings is not trying to be run-ofthe-mill rock; he brought the authenticity from folk with him, as the lyrics on this project demonstrate. “I wanted the music to be high-energy, but I didn’t want to cave to the trend to go poppy with the lyrics when the music is that upbeat,” he said. “So there is an interesting juxtaposition
of summertime, feel-good music with some pretty serious lyrics.” It’s a marriage of the earthiness and honesty of folk with the energy and chaos of rock and roll, and it works very well. So well, in fact, that you’ll need to see them live to really get it. - G R EG H O R TO N
405 MAGA ZINE | AUGUST 2019
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RETROPERSPECTIVE
Rainbow Echoes
A
THE WARM SOUND OF A FORMER OKC CLASSIC
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Lips Service
Keeping it weird for vinyl fans
S
peaking of the Flaming Lips, Oklahoma’s notoriously off-kilter experimental rockers are doing their part to keep vinyl in the musical conversation. Much of their expansive catalog is available in that format on store. flaminglips.com, and they’ve made headlines for limited releases of albums in which the vinyl is pressed with beer (2018) and their own blood (2012). Their latest album, 2019’s King’s Mouth, includes narration from Mick Jones; we think all April’s gold limited-edition LP contained of the Clash guitarist was his voice.
PH OTOS: R A I N BOW R ECO R DS CO U R T E S Y O K L A H O M A H I S TO R I C A L SO C I E T Y; FL A M I N G LI PS BY G EO RG E SA LI S B U RY
s a kid, I routinely struggled to choose between the immediate gratification of spending my allowance on a Mars Almond Bar after school and the longer-term satisfaction of saving it up and buying Cher’s latest record on a weekend trip to TG&Y. As an adult, I got incredible joy from walking into Peaches Records at NW 63rd and May, Randy’s Music & Movies in Edmond and Sound Warehouse in the old Lakeside Theater. But the pièce de résistance was Rainbow Records. The original store opened at NW 23rd and Classen in 1975. It soon expanded to other locations on N May, SW 74th and Penn and eventually in Norman. “My first job was at Sound Warehouse,” says Scott Booker, a former manager at Rainbow Records. “But I loved Rainbow because it was so much cooler. They sold both new and used records, posters, everything. I shopped there all the time, and finally they asked me if I wanted to work there.” The store had already been in business about a decade when Booker joined the team in 1985. In those days, Madonna, Tina Turner and Wham! were burning up the charts – but so were alternative bands such as REM, Sonic Youth and a new local group called the Flaming Lips. “That’s where I first met them,” Booker says of the Lips. “Members of the band shopped there all the time, and they had released their first album on a small independent label. They were definitely on their way up.” Rainbow Records had a wide selection and was also a place for music lovers to just come in and hang out, he said. “Customers would come to shop, of course, but it was also a place to talk about and learn about new songs and artists. Someone might come in and want an album by REM, and I would say, ‘Yeah, that’s a great album. But have you heard of this group? Listen to it and see if you like them.’ That’s something you just don’t get today when you go to stores like Best Buy.” Today, vinyl has found new life among millennials, who are discovering the joy of placing the needle on the record and hearing the warm sound like no other format. “If you love music, or a particular artist or band, you want to feel connected to them,” Booker says. “CDs and MP3s don’t give you the same feeling as vinyl. If you’re young and into Taylor Swift or somebody, you can hold their record in your hand. You can look at the cover, which is a piece of art itself. You can hang it on the wall if you want, and that’s something you could never do with a CD. I’m happy vinyl is back, and I think it will stay around a long time.” These days, Booker manages his former customers, the Flaming Lips. He’s worked for the band for nearly 30 years now, and loves what he does. But thinking back on his early days at Rainbow Records still makes him happy. “When I first heard you were doing a story on Rainbow Records, I smiled,” he tells me. “Those were good days. I work for the Lips now, and it all started at Rainbow. Together, we have all lived out our rock and roll dreams.” - MAR K B E UTLE R
PRIME PICKS
THE BARD’S TALE Shakespeare’s canon was voluminous and varied, but he died a few years ago, and his oeuvre can’t exactly be stored in the cloud here in 1620 – it’s almost inevitable his
BLOW US AWAY
The dog days are upon us, but it’s already time for a change of seasons – the Norman Depot is bidding farewell to its Summer Breeze concert series, but not before a final pair of free outdoor shows. Austin duo Greyhounds show off their live performance chops, which have been described as “Hall & Oates meet ZZ Top,” then the focus shifts to the local scene for a collection of Okie musical talent in Homegrown Vol. I. August 11 and 25, Lions Park, Norman
WE HAVE LIFTOFF Look! Up in the sky! There will be food trucks, live entertainment, a kids’ zone and petting zoo, shopping from local vendors and plenty more to enjoy at ground level, but the primary draw of the Fireflight Balloon Festival is the two dozen-plus inflatable jewels gently soaring over Shawnee. From illuminated balloon glows in the evenings to the possibility of purchasing a ride on a cruise through the skies, it’s an unforgettable experience. August 9-10, Raymond Peltier Park, Shawnee
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GOLDEN GOODNESS A one-on-one mentoring program to help kids find stability, confidence and success in life through personal connection – a simple-sounding idea, but it’s been making huge differences for metro-area youth for 50 years and counting. Big Brothers Big Sisters is celebrating its golden anniversary with A Big Night in Norman, featuring fine food, tempting live and silent auction items, personal tributes and the joy that comes with decades of helping others. August 23, Embassy Suites Norman Find more events in our Event Guide on page 78 and online at 405magazine.com
HERE’S TO HEALTH Supporting excellence in patient care sounds like a laudable goal for a healthcare facility, and taking concrete steps toward achieving it is certainly cause for celebration. The St. Anthony Pop! fundraiser serves up live music, tasty bites and an impressive flight of champagnes, sparkling wines and spirits, so participants can toast a healthier future for OKC while knowing they’re helping to make it happen. August 9, Rapp Foundation Conference Center
PH OTOS: G R E Y H O U N DS CO U R T E S Y N I N E M I L E R ECO R DS; BA L LO O N CO U R T E S Y C I T IZEN POTAWATO M I N AT I O N
Greyhounds
genius will be diluted by memory and lost to time. Unless his closest friends can create a master copy of his works. Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park tackles a topic near to their hearts in “The Book of Will,” a theatrical tribute to the power of print. August 8-31, Shakespeare on Paseo
ON THE SCENE
Tanishia Beacham, Tamara Stanley, Christi Woodworth
Aimee Ahpeatone, Steve Mason, Marie Mason
Co-chairs Elizabeth Farabee, Jeanette Elliott and Melissa Scaramucci
PH OTOS: T H E A R T O F B RU N C H BY A A RO N G I LI L L A N D A N D JAC LY N B EL L ; R I PPL E S O F H O PE BY M A R S H A L L H AW K I N S , S U N DA N C E PH OTO G R A PH Y O KC
The Art of Brunch Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center’s elegant summer fundraiser returns for a third year, as guests gather in Campbell Art Park for live music from Orquestra d’Calle, deliciousness from six local restaurants and caterers, blooming beauty from Calvert’s Plant Interiors and New Leaf Florists and plenty of locally created art.
April Haffner, Jeri Brooks, Heather Powell
Alex Morrow, Terah Bernadi, Jimmy Do, Alyvia Kreitlow
Calm Waters founder Charlotte Lankard, Judy Mee, Sidney Greathouse, Dr. Pat Capra
Ripples of Hope
Elizabeth Clinton, Calm Waters Executive Director Erin Engelke, Shannon Presti
Special guest Elizabeth Clinton, whose father was a subject of Netflix documentary The Innocent Man, is the keynote speaker for the inaugural fundraising breakfast benefiting grief support center Calm Waters.
Peter Hollifield, Ally Glavas
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SHOP
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HOME
The Comfort of Home LORI BURSON’S FRESH BEGINNING BY MARK BEU TLER / PHOTOS BY D ON RISI
The eyes have it: “This wallpaper design is from Italian artist Pietro Fornasetti, and I found matching plates last year on a trip to Milan,” says Lori Burson, owner of Stella Modern Italian Cuisine. “I also used this same design in my restaurant.”
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HOME
“I think an interior designer can become like a life coach or therapist during the time you are working with them,” says Burson. “It’s a relationship where you get very close over a very short amount of time. Ken Rushing from K&N Design had the couches in the main living area made, and helped with some other furniture purchases. I also worked with Courtney Cunningham to help tie everything together.”
I
t’s a warm early summer day as the heavy double doors swing open to Lori Burson’s Northwest Oklahoma City home. The gracious owner of Oklahoma City’s classy Stella Modern Italian Cuisine is welcoming me into her private oasis. “I have been rushing all morning,” Burson says. “In fact, I just spilled an entire bottle of makeup on the bathroom floor! I was cleaning that up when I heard the doorbell.” Settling into a cozy spot in her kitchen, Burson shared the journey that led to her charming new home. “I first saw the house online, and loved it immediately,” Burson says. “When my good friend and Realtor Rhonda Bratton showed it to me, I think we both knew it would be a really good fit. It was completely different from my old house, and I began thinking how nice it would be to have a fresh start.” She enlisted the help of a couple of decorators to design her new living space. They helped combine some favorite old pieces with a few new furnishings. “I was living in Heritage Hills,” she says. “That house was enormous and filled with so much furniture. I knew I would need to downsize when I moved here, so I carefully chose the pieces I wanted to keep.”
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THIS IS WHERE I CAN RELAX AND BE MYSELF … IT IS SO QUIET AND PEACEFUL HERE, AND JUST WHAT I NEED FOR THIS PHASE OF MY LIFE.
“I felt I needed to live in the house for a while to figure out where I would be spending most of my time,” Burson says. “The garden room off the kitchen is a favorite spot, and when I entertain, guests will migrate into the kitchen. I also have a table outside the master bedroom where I can enjoy the morning sun. It’s such a peaceful area.”
The house was built in 1978 by famed Oklahoma City designer Raymond Carter. It sits on a corner lot and has just under 3,000 square feet. “This is where I can relax and be myself,” Burson says. “I love the garden room off the kitchen. It’s where I spend most of my time. I also love the courtyards in both the front and back of the house. It is so quiet and peaceful here, and just what I need for this phase of my life.” Abundant natural light spills through the large expanses of windows and full-length glass doors leading to the courtyard. Colorful paintings, carved wooden paneling and high ceilings make the space warm and inviting. And all through the house are mementos of happy times spent with good friends. “I have so many things I love,” Burson says. “In my kitchen is a small silver pitcher given to me on my 50th birthday by my friend, Chef John Bennett. He is an enormously talented chef and is part of the culinary foundation of Oklahoma City. For those of us who have the privilege of calling him a friend, we get to visit his house and see his pieces of silver and crystal. So when he gave me that pitcher, I knew it was something from his home that he was sharing with me, and it’s something I will always treasure.” Much of Burson’s afternoons and evenings are spent greeting guests at her Midtown restaurant. Stella has been in business about nine years, she said, and she is working on plans for a 10th anniversary celebration. When she designed the restaurant, Burson said, she wanted it to be different from the
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HOME
Heritage Hills house she lived in at that time. The result was a dining experience that was modern yet comfortable, with some antique touches here and there. “That’s the same look and feel I wanted to bring to my new home,” she adds. “Just like at my restaurant, I want guests in my home to be comfortable. I used to entertain with maybe one large party a year. Since this space is smaller, I will entertain with smaller parties at different times. I am very happy and content with my life today. And this new house feels like me – but maybe ‘me’ with a fresh start!”
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Burson’s home fits the needs for her and Titus, a 4-year-old boxer. “My house is in northwest Oklahoma City, and my restaurant is in Midtown. I have the best of both worlds!”
NEW ARTS CENTER OPENING JANUARY 2020 NW 11th and Broadway
oklahomacontemporary.org | @okcontemporary 3000 General Pershing Blvd. | Oklahoma City | 405 951 0000
E N T E R TA I N I N G 101
Cheers to Summer
Make-ahead White Wine Sangria
Cool, Calm and Citrusy
M
ADD A SPLASH OF NATURE’S PIZZAZZ
aking an evening “cool” in the height of the summer is … not an easy task in our part of the country. However, if you look to the gems of tropical climates, you might be able to find an answer: citrus. This time of year, a big party with course after course of hearty food is just a little too stuffy, too heavy, too much. Why not look to narrow the focus to easy apps and a make-ahead cocktail with citrus at the heart of it all? Sangria is a popular summer drink, and to make it even lighter, mix things up by trying a white wine version. As for apps, nothing is easier than cheese and crackers, but a variation using a cooler alternative to the old familiar cheddar – something such as ricotta, mozzarella or burrata – is a delicious option for a laid-back get-together. Pair it with tangerines, mangoes, mandarins or even a citrus-y jam for a memorable treat that’s still supremely easy to put together. Use stark white plates and clear glasses for your fare, so your milieu will be as refreshing as your menu. Keeping it simple keeps your guests at ease, and everyone will be the cooler for it. - SAR A GAE WATE R S
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THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT TASTY TREATS MADE WITH EASE This variation on cheese and crackers couldn’t be simpler; just cut up some nice burrata, add slices of mandarin oranges and basil leaves and drizzle with olive oil. Serve with crackers, or simply use a fork!
2 grapefruits, sliced 2 blood oranges, sliced (you can use regular oranges instead, if you’d rather) 2 limes, sliced 2 lemons, sliced Fresh mint 2 bottles of white wine, chilled Combine all in a pitcher and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
PH OTOS BY R AC H EL M AU C I ER I
GOOD { TIMES } COME TO THOSE WHO: WAIT
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DESIGN
At Home With Brent Swift
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EXPERT REFLECTIONS ON GREAT SPACES
f you want to learn about the elements that make a home’s design truly sing, ask a builder and developer. This month, we sit down to talk with local expert Brent Swift about inspirations, renovations and what makes a space sublime. Which architect, artist, or icon has inspired you the most in relation to your work and why? “I’m inspired by modernist architects like Walter Gropius, Gregory Ain, Marcel Breuer, Albert Frey, William Cody, Phillip Johnson, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Richard Neutra and on and on … I love art. I find I’m drawn more to pop art like Peter Gee, Andy Warhol and Keith Haring, but I love some of the great Spanish artists like Diego Rivera and Luis Filcer. So, architecture and art all work on the same level in my brain. I’m inspired. I’m inspired to create usable, functional and classical spaces for our clients. I spend countless hours combing over some of the simplest details to deliver the highest quality product we can.”
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If you could pick one time period to live in, in relation to design or lifestyle or architecture, which would it be? “I love the innocence of the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, but I think it’s today. I look around and see a tremendous amount of talent in our industry from architects, designers and the trades. Some of the best minds in design are out there right now. You can get in your car and drive 15 minutes and go see an amazing house, building, park or streetscape.”
FRESH FEELING
Designer Richard Schultz created his 1966 outdoor collection to withstand Florida’s demanding conditions. As he said, “Most outdoor furniture those days was designed to look like it was designed before the French Revolution, with stamped-out metal, bunches of flowers and leaves; it was very much period-looking furniture. This was the first outdoor furniture that enthusiasts of modern design could say, ‘This is a breath of fresh air.’”
Which space in your home do you love? “It’s outside. I spend a lot of time outside, sitting in a Richard Schultz low lounge chair and watching tennis on TV. The smell of the summer air and the grass always makes everything OK. I also love my Carl Hansen chair and reading The New York Times on a Sunday morning, with my seven-year-old asking me a series of never-ending questions on repeat.” Do you have a favorite design movement or trend? “It seems we are able to be inspired at the simple scroll on Instagram. I love all of the colors that seem to be making a comeback. We have colorful wallpaper, furniture and colorful paints that are popping up. Clients are way more informed and smarter, and that helps. They often push me out of my comfort zone and into something new and fresh.” When starting a renovation or from-theground-up project, is there one element you think is most important to get right? “The design and layout of the space. We spend a tremendous amount of time in the design process.” - SAR A GAE WATE R S
PH OTO BY R AC H EL M AU C I ER I
TRAVEL Animals Up Close SITES FOR COMING FACE-TO-FACE WITH NATURE
I
f you want a quick dose of wildlife in your life, central Oklahoma residents are in luck: The OKC Zoo is amazing. The new Sanctuary Asia exhibition, the Great EscApe habitat, Puddles the Fishing Cat … it’s a treat to explore, and it’s right in our backyard. But if you’re in the mood to head out of town, you’ve got plenty of other options, including a local source for a coastal excursion. If you are interested in wildlife and adventure, then you must know about ScubaBros. This family-owned and -operated business is not only Oklahoma’s premier dive shop, they also offer dive certification classes, as well as refresher courses, to folks about to set off on an adventure. What you might not know is that ScubaBros also offers an incredible lineup of diving trips that span the globe. “ScubaBros’ travel is more than a travel service that handles arrangements; it is a group style of diving unmatched in camaraderie and safety while diving,” says owner Michael Cody. ScubaBros puts together hotel and travel to some of the world’s greatest dive sites. Upcoming trips include Jupiter, Florida (which runs Sept. 18-22), Guadalupe – Great Whites! (Oct. 5-11) and Roatan, off of the coast of Honduras (Oct. 19-26). “We not only keep dive travelers safe, but will teach divers how to be better with each and every trip,” says Cody. Check them out at scubabrosokc.com, and get ready for undersea adventure. - MAT T PAY N E
PH OTO CO U R T E S Y SCU BA B ROS
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T R AV E L
INTERNATIONAL CAT DAY Celebrate the world’s feline species from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug 8 at the OKC Zoo. International Cat Day events, sponsored locally by Bob Moore Subaru, will generate support, raise awareness and bring attention to vulnerable, endangered and critically endangered cat species. International Cat Day activities are free with regular Zoo admission. For more information, call 405.425.0262.
Live and Thriving FOSSIL RIM
FOSS I LRI M .O RG
If a real dive trip – or safari or expedition boat – is not in your future, the next best thing may be in Texas. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center near Glen Rose (southwest of Fort Worth) is home to 1,100 animals representing 56 species on its 1,800 acres. Its mission is education, conservation and preservation, but entertainment is a plus … and a big one. Most visitors come purely for the pleasure of seeing free-roaming wild animals. While there are some species, which, due to size, scarcity and diet inclination, are in secure enclosures, guests see herds of animals from many parts of the world from the convenience of covered, open-sided tour vehicles. There’s a beautiful bed and breakfast, but for a real immersive experience, spend the night in a safari cabin. These small but comfortable accommodations are in a central fenced area, close to a watering hole where early risers are apt to see animals coming for a morning drink. Breakfast – for humans – is served in a glass-sided pavilion and finishes in time for the first tours of the day. Fossil Rim is home to 16 threatened or endangered species, including the scimitar-horned oryx, which has been declared extinct in the wild. Through the efforts of Fossil Rim and other reputable organizations, efforts are being made to reintroduce the species to its natural habitat. A visit here is a lot of fun – and can support a world of good. - E L AI N E WAR N E R
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SPECIES TO SEE
Cheetah, giraffe, Mexican gray wolf, black and white rhinos, fallow deer, sandhill cranes and others from addax to wild turkeys
Big Cat Energy TURPENTINE CREEK
T U R PEN T I N EC R EEK .O RG
Startling fact: There are more tigers living in backyards in Texas than there are in the wild across the entire world. This is just one of the things you’ll learn on a visit to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, seven miles south of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Your animal encounters here won’t be hands-on, but taking a guided tour will introduce you to some amazing animals. This is a true sanctuary. The animals here have been rescued from untenable, often tragic, situations and will never be able to be released into the wild. Turpentine Creek provides large habitat areas, great care and enrichment and a place where they can live out their lives in the best environment possible. You’ll leave educated – and, hopefully, ready to advocate. I did. Turpentine Creek offers R.V. and tent sites, and accommodations including family-friendly suites, a tree house bungalow and two “glamping tents” – real beds, electricity, a fridge and microwave. My husband and I stayed in one of five Safari Lodges outside the animal enclosure area, each sitting on a large deck with a central fire pit and a roomy hot tub. These adult-only accommodations each represent a SPECIES TO SEE Members of the big different area of Africa, and cat family – think each is individually decoratlions and tigers – as well as bears, a coed by artists D. Arthur and atimundi, a macaw Lisa Wilson. and a macaque and many more I loved our visit here; while sitting in the hot tub, we could hear the gentle chuffing of the tigers. I really wanted to hear the lions caroling but, reminiscent of the popular ’50s song, the lions slept that night. - EW
Wet, Wild, Wondrous GEORGIA AQUARIUM
G EO RG I A AQUA R I U M .O RG
You’ll go home with a whale of a tale after a visit to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. The largest aquarium in the United States, it’s home to more than 100,000 animals in seven major galleries with a total of 10 million gallons of water. Any visit will be great – but for an extraordinary treat, add one of the animal encounters to your agenda, such as “A Journey with Gentle Giants,” which takes place in the 6.3 million-gallon Ocean Voyager tank. SCUBA-certified guests can participate in dives, while non-certified visitors will use snorkels and floatation devices. The Aquarium provides all equipment, although SPECIES TO SEE Penguins, dolphins, sea otters, sea lions and guests may bring their own seals, whale sharks (the largest fish in the ocean), masks, and trained staff several species of rays and the watery equivalent of the Pillsbury Doughboy: beautiful, white will be in the pool during beluga whales the entire experience. The most popular program is the exploration of the Ocean Voyager exhibit, including a backstage look at the top of the tank – and at the end, you’ll have lots to tell your friends, plus a souvenir photo and a T-shirt. Since the number of participants in any session is limited, pre-registration is a really good idea. But if the idea of getting in the water with fish that can grow to the size of a bus doesn’t appeal to you, you’ll still have a great time watching the action from the outside the tank. - EW
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ON THE ROAD
(clockwise from far left) All districts should have a cool metal entrance arch; The main streets of Exchange and Agnew are well worth a mosey; fresh fudge at Sarsaparilla; Los Comales does a bueno quesadilla; breakfasts are hearty at Heather’s Place in the Yard.
A South Side Roundup EXPLORING THE CATTLE-DRIVEN CULTURE OF STOCKYARDS CITY
O
klahoma City has grown beyond its frontier-era ranching roots, but not forgotten them. Even if you’ve never punched a steer, ridden a horse or held a rope, there’s plenty to enjoy in Stockyards City, the mini-district just south of the river that’s still home to a bustling livestock market. In actual land area, it’s not very large, but it leaves an impression as big as all outdoors.
SAVOR In terms of bucket list experiences, Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, 1309 S Agnew, is an absolute must-try; it’s older than the state and pairs an unmistakable, un-fakeable atmosphere with its big helpings of prime beef. McClintock Saloon & Chop House, 2227 Exchange, also has carved out a name for itself with stylish fare, lavish ambiance and a killer drinks menu. But the area holds more than steak: Try the carnitas tacos or a roasted pork torta at Los Comales, 1504 S Agnew, or swing by Heather’s Place in the Yard, 2501 Exchange, for a big diner-style breakfast – the pancakes are especially immense.
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SHOP If you need some fresh duds, you’ve come to the right place. Between the 106-year-old Langston’s Western Wear, 2224 Exchange, Little Joe’s Boots, 2219 Exchange, and the Western Wear Outlet, 2235 Exchange, cowboys and girls of all ages can find authentic gear from boots to bolos. And Shorty’s Caboy Hattery, 1007 S Agnew, has no equal when it comes to custom-fitted headgear. If you need some cold suds, you’re covered there, too. Stockyards Sarsaparilla, 1307 S Agnew, sells t-shirts, caps and other souvenirs in addition to a selection of topnotch housemade fudge and specialty sodas.
SEE Aside from the overall denim-and-Stetson vibe, there are some specific highlights to take in. Rodeo Cinema, 2221 Exchange, is worth a trip all by itself, as a recently refurbished theater that’s now showing first-run independent movies from fascinating documentaries to piercing dramas. Check out rodeocinema.org for showtimes. Plus, for the intrepid explorer, the OKC Rattlesnake Museum, 1501 S Agnew, is a scaly, slithering, mesmerizing collection of reptiles from around the world – more than 50 species from a red diamondback rattler to a deadly fer-de-lance to a 21-foot python. Watch your step. - STE VE G I LL
PH OTOS BY SCOT T Y O’ DA N I EL
DINING If you’re looking for breakfast or lunch with an extra pop of Tex-Mex spice, El Huevo Mexi-Diner anchors a new development at Tecumseh and 24th Avenue NW, just a bit south of the border – that’s appropriate – between Moore and Norman. Its sign is a big white ovoid shape with yolk dripping from a slight crack, so I am being quite serious when I say that “Egg marks the spot.”
El Huevo’s Spicy Savor EGGS GO SOUTHWESTERN AT HAL SMITH MEXI-DINER BY S TE VE GI LL / PHOTOS BY SCOT T Y O’ DAN I EL
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LO C A L FL AVO R
E
l Huevo represents the newest addition to the Hal Smith Restaurant Group’s portfolio of tastes. Managing partner Ryan Springer told us that Smith has been wanting to do a Mexi-diner for the last several years, and I think they’ve found an ideal location. A lot of care and planning have visibly gone into this brand-new space, from the east side being mostly windows – the better to let in a ray or two of morning sunshine – to the brightly colored and cheerfully decorated interior. Expect plenty of warm shades of yellow, peach and red, adorned with wall art both big (a pair of much-larger-than-life macaws roosting near the bar) and small (a half-wall creating a bit of separation between booths and tables has a border carefully painted to resemble decorative tiles). There’s also some great stuff coming out of proprietor Tanner Nickell’s kitchen: For spicy breakfast options – which I think you should call Tex-Mex-Brex – guests should be more than satisfied with the green chile pork of the Huevos Rancheros; the Gordo Benny’s poached eggs, smoked ham and grilled Cuban bread; or the meat-stuffed and ranchero-topped Carne Loco omelette. Or, for that matter, anything that includes chorizo gravy. The dishes, especially the Huevos Rancheros, are genuinely spicy without the heat overpowering the flavor, but it couldn’t hurt to treat yourself to a glass of juice; they serve hand-squeezed grapefruit and orange juices, and the strawberry-orange blend is something special. For a sweeter meal, the cornflake-crusted French toast is drizzled with Mexican chocolate, and served with fresh fruit and magnificent caramelized bananas. You’re even set for lunch options: daily soup, taco salad, carnitas or catfish tacos, a burger with a beef-chorizo blend patty (yes, please) or simply a heap of chips, queso, steak and ancillary deliciousness so big it’s called “Torre de nachos” (“Nacho tower”).
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The Crunchy French Toast gets its snap from Cuban bread crusted with cornflakes, and its sweetness from Mexican chocolate and caramelized bananas.
EL HUEVO MEXI-DINER
3522 24th Ave NW, Norman elhuevomexidiner.com
Breakfast and lunch options include the Gordo Benny, a trio of carnitas tacos and the huge, wondrous Hangover Burrito.
BOMBTRACK BEBIDAS
Between cervezas, Bloody Marys, margaritas and signature cocktails, the bar is a big, delicious part of the El Huevo experience. Our host Eva Coon set us up with a couple of knockout concoctions: the strikingly shaded and delicately fruity Grow a Pear margarita is an easy recommendation, but the Mr. Sancho might be even better. After finishing its mix of iced coffee, Bailey’s and Patron XO Café, you get to eat the little chocolate doughnut.
These are all bueno options, along with many more … but if I could make just one recommendation, it’s wholeheartedly the Hangover Burrito. Springer calls it “by far our most popular menu item,” and it won me over immediately. Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, chorizo, cheese, black beans, smothered in queso and salsa – it’s basically the burrito of my dreams, and I’m delighted to have been introduced to it. You might not find true gustatory love at El Huevo, but the odds are good, and a trip south is a great way to spice up your morning.
Nichols Hills’ Perfect Summer Spot
COFFEE WITH THE ARTIST Featuring W. Bennett Berry | August 24th 11am – 2pm
New Summer Menu Happy Hour 4pm–6pm MON.-FRI.
WEEKEND BRUNCH 11am–3pm Sat. & Sun.
EXPRESS LUNCH
11am –1pm MON.-FRI.
“Ellie with Van Goghs” 36" x 36" acrylic on canvas
ember
M o d e r n 6432 N. WESTERN AVENUE | HOWELLGALLERY.COM | 405.840.4437
A m e r i c a n
T a v e r n
405.848.4782 6300 Waterford Blvd. Oklahoma City 73118
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Genuine Java
Raise a Glass
W
THIRST FOR A CAUSE GOES BOTTOMS-UP FOR CHARITY ithout exaggeration, Thirst for a Cause is the best annual wine event in Oklahoma. The food and wine tasting charity fundraiser, which features approximately 30 wineries and portfolios, 200 wines and 10 local restaurants, will be at the Jim Thorpe Center on Aug. 21. Alex Kroblin, founder and co-owner of Thirst Wine Merchants, started the event 13 years ago, at which point it was just for the hospitality trade. Beginning in 2009, Kroblin asked the Oklahoma Restaurant Association and a few of its members, including David Egan of Cattlemen’s, Chef Kurt Fleischfresser and Michel Buthion, to administer the funds generated by the event. All proceeds go to assist hospitality industry employees who have medical expenses that exceed insurance coverage, or for whom no coverage is available. “It’s always been a great event,” Kroblin says. “As busy as it is, we look forward to it every year, mainly because the money helps people in real need.” Participants will get to sample approximately 200 high quality wines from every major growing region in the world – Napa, Columbia Valley, France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Austria, among others. In most cases, winemakers or winery owners are at the table, which also allows guests to talk about the wines, the wineries and the winemaking processes. First-time participants this year include James Cahill of Oregon’s Soter Vineyards, and James Thornett, the former British paratrooper behind the Baghdad Country Club and Buckshee Bourbon and Rye. On the restaurant side, Rachel Cope’s 84 Hospitality will be participating for the first time, as will new restaurants Sparrow – the Italian concept from Pete Holloway – and The Hamilton, a new supperette from the team behind Café 7. Tickets are available at ThirstForACause.com for $75 in advance. - G R EG H O R TO N
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Chiller Thriller
Brady Sexton, owner of Scratch Kitchen and Cocktails, said this new list of cocktails is the best ever for his eatery at 132 W Main in Norman. If the Li’l Johnny Frostbite is any indication, he’s right. This complex, heat-beating frozen blend of two rums, citrus and two liqueurs looks like an old-school slushie, and the enjoyment factor is just as high as those summer treats of childhood.
PH OTOS: T H I R S T FO R A C AUS E BY T Y L ER L J U N G H A M M A R ; S I N C ER ELY CO FFEE BY G R EG H O R TO N; LI ’ L J O H N N Y FROS T B I T E BY SCOT T Y O’ DA N I EL
Allie Fleischfresser, Ashley Adams, Matthew Lazewski, Kurt Fleischfresser, Allie Day
Sincerely Coffee is the creation of local barista Ian Flemming – yes, he’s heard all the 007 jokes. With a focus on single-origin coffees, Flemming is roasting temporarily out of Hoboken Coffee Roasters in Guthrie, and is providing a delicious beverage for coffee drinkers, not just coffee nerds. Available at The Kitchen at Commonplace, 1325 N Walker.
I CAN DO IT ALL AT
THE Y
SWIM LAUGH • RUN LIFT • DANCE VOLUNTEER TRAIN MOTIVATE
JOIN TODAY! YMCAOKC.ORG/JOIN
“hello honey, I’m home!”
To schedule a private tasting, text or call Russell at:
405.206.4885
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Sandwich Central THE BEST BITES BETWEEN BREAD IN THE 405 History can take strange turns. A man named John Montagu spent much of the 18th century serving in various positions in the British government – he never attained particular lasting fame or glory, and there’s no real reason we should remember him today, except that he got in the habit of eating meat between slices of bread, purportedly so he didn’t have to get up from the card table for supper.
He didn’t even invent the concept, but his influential friends started ordering what he was having … and since he happened to hold the title of the Earl of Sandwich, he gets name-checked all around the world every day three centuries later. In another universe, modern Americans might have a recipe for a great tuna salad wessex or make their kids peanut butter and jelly leicesters. Whatever its provenance, the sandwich is a spectacular concept; as quick and easy or over-the-top complicated as the creator wishes, and capable of putting wildly varied realms of flavor combinations right in your hands. Central Oklahoma is home to some outstanding examples of sandwich craftsmanship, and we’ve put together a tour guide to 35 of our favorites. Open wide!
BY S TE VE GI LL AN D GREG HORTON PHOTOS BY SCOT T Y O'DAN I EL
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The Ground Rules
Given that it’s such a popular and flexible concept, the exact parameters of what is and isn’t a sandwich can be hard to define. Even something as simple as “meat between bread” immediately runs into problems; what about veggie options, or open-faced sandwiches? Do wraps count? What about burgers? Is a hot dog a sandwich? (Google that one sometime if you’re in the mood for a surprisingly intense argument.) After some staff discussion, we decided to listen to our guts on a case-by-case basis and take restaurants’ descriptions at face value. If it feels like a sandwich, it’s in; if it better fits a separate category (e.g., burgers), it’s out. In other words, no hot dogs need apply.
h Macaroni Pony
at The Mule
The traditionalist might argue that a grilled cheese sandwich cannot by definition contain meat. So if you’re feeling conciliatory, agree to call this a menu filled with delectable melts and get to work on it. Amid a wealth of options, we’re partial to the chipotle pulled pork, mac & cheese and pickles of the Macaroni Pony, especially since it comes on jalapeno cornbread. Like most of their menu, it pairs quite well with the selection of local beers. 1630 N Blackwelder, OKC
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Philly Cheesesteak
at Phill Me Up
If this were a just universe, the food truck run by Holly Bigby, Vann Wiseman and Ty Wiseman would have a fleet of cars, bikes, scooters and pedestrians following it around and thronging around it whenever it stops. Sliced ribeye steak sliced to order – you can hear the clatter of knives even over the truck’s generator – and mixed with caramelized onions under a generous dollop of cheddar whiz, it’s the platonic form of a classic sandwich. And since this article is about sandwiches, we won’t even tell you how outrageously good the Philly tacos are. (Pssst! They’re so good!) mobile, phillmeupokc.com
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CURRIED CHICKEN at Brown Bag Deli
This Nichols Hills shop has been a fixture for more than 30 years, and the creamy, spicy chicken curry is a favorite of regulars; it’s the must-have item on the menu, according to original owner and founder Greg Gawey (who’s still at Jamil’s Steakhouse). Get it on rye or pita with a side of tabouli. 7600 N Western, OKC
Beastwich at Back Door BBQ
MANHATTAN at ND Foods
Every city has a few places that more people need to know about, and ND Foods certainly qualifies in that respect. The sandwiches are made with Boar’s Head meats, and they are huge. Half-size options are available, but you might regret the smaller size when you try the Manhattan: It’s corned beef and pastrami on rye with spicy mustard, and your choice of five cheeses. Go with provolone. 2632 W Britton, OKC
the iconic sandwiches by which a deli should be judged, and Someplace Else delivers. The bread is baked fresh in-house, and you’ll want to finish with a lemon bar, even though some people will tell you to get a cookie. Get the lemon bar anyway. 2310 N Western, OKC
AFTER SCHOOL SPECIAL at The Sandwich Club
This sandwich shop is themed around an homage to the music, colors and trends of the ’80s, and while it’s got a lot of range, some of the best options center around wacky blends of flavors that work. Cases in point: the After School Special’s pastrami, turkey and cheddar with hot sauce, honey mustard and jalapeno chips, or the Brass Monkey, named for the Beastie Boys track, with corned beef and Swiss, tangy coleslaw (an underrated topping if it’s not the overly sugary variety) and Cajun mayo on German rye. 3703 N Western, OKC
EGG SALAD at Someplace Else
The appeal of Someplace Else, in addition to the low prices, is that they make sandwiches like your mom used to make – assuming your mom didn’t just slap Oscar Mayer bologna on white bread – and they’ve been good at it for more than 40 years. An egg salad is one of
CROQUE MADAME at La Baguette Bistro
It’s fitting that the best in the metro comes from a French chef. Alain Buthion has been serving up this French classic for more than 40 years, and other chefs around town happily admit his is the standard. Perhaps it’s his Bechamel that sets it apart; maybe being French helps. It’s beautifully executed, and, yes, the eggs need to be sunny side up. 7408 N May, OKC
REUBEN at La Baguette Deep Deuce
Two things help make Chef Andrew Black’s Reuben special: the chipotle mayo and the bread. We know it’s not traditional to use anything except Thousand Island dressing, but chipotle mayo is better. Sorry, traditionalists. The bread is soft, which makes eating a messy sandwich so much easier. The tweaks
The ingredients vary on the daily in this star of the Back Door menu – on picture day it was chopped brisket and black pepper sausage with mac & cheese and fried onions and jalapenos – but rest assured that the combination will be delicious, and the final product will be huge. Keep an eye on their Twitter account and be ready to cancel other plans when Chef Kathryn Mathis’ pastrami pops up. 315 NW 23rd, OKC
just work, and you still get the sense you’re eating a traditional Reuben. 100 NE 4th, OKC
GRILLED CHEESE at En Croute
The daily rotating menu item called Today’s Grilled Cheese is popular with regulars, as it should be – because owner-cheese monger Crosby Dyke picks wonderful cheeses to feature, and then lets the cheese be the star. That’s important in a world where people think a sandwich is still a grilled cheese when they put meat on it. (PSA: It isn’t.) The mushrooms with truffle on toast is another solid vegetarian option, and it features Chef Kevin Ward’s hand-selected mushroom blend. 6460 Avondale, OKC
GROUPER BANH MI at Eatery and Cocktail Office at the Union This is easily one of the best items on the menu at Union, a neighborhood bar in the South of Saint Anthony mini-district. The blackened grouper would be delicious as an entrée, but they add slaw, tomatoes and mayo on a hoagie roll, and it’s a tasty, filling lunch that makes you feel like you made a healthy choice. It’s fish, after all. 616 NW 5th, OKC
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S Scottie's Deli owner, Eric Fossett
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Sandwich Sultan
THE FOSSETT HERITAGE HELPS SCOTTIE’S SHINE Eric Fossett grew up around his paternal grandmother’s sandwich shop, Big John’s, in Chico, California. He described the sandwiches as solid, sub-style fare, and the fond memories likely contributed to his decision to open Scottie’s Deli in August 2017. “Devon brought me here,” says Fossett, a petroleum geologist by training and education, “and I missed the delis I ate at in other big cities. OKC had good sandwiches, but there was no real deli.” His dedication to the concept is evident, and successful: In our online poll this spring that asked readers to name the best sandwich spot in the 405, Scottie’s was the runaway winner. That’s not really surprising, since their sandwiches, especially the pastrami, were a hit right away with critics and the public. All of the meats, except Italian varieties, are cured in-house, and all the sides are made in-house from scratch. The five breads are all baked at Scottie’s, too: white, wheat, sourdough, rye and baguette. They’ve gotten so good at making bread that Elemental Coffee, Ludivine and Picasso Café use them for different products. “It was just easier to bake our own and not have to worry about issues with bakeries going out of business or messing up an order,” Fossett says. “We get to control the quality of all our ingredients this way.” The commitment to quality extends all the way down to condiments: The ranch dressing is made fresh in the kitchen, not from a mix, using fresh herbs chopped as they’re needed. The pastrami is brined for three weeks and then smoked in the back. It’s deli prep the way delis have always done it, and Fossett wanted to honor the tradition of old German, Jewish and Italian delicatessens. The New York, NY is the hands-down bestseller, and no one should be surprised. Oklahoma is a meat state, and the New York, NY comes with both corned beef and pastrami. It’s like someone made you a delicious sandwich and then added more delicious meat because they like you. Served on rye with Russian dressing (also made in-house) and Swiss, it’s old-school excellence. Scottie’s isn’t bound by convention, though. Look no further than The Pais, a pastrami sandwich designed by Chris Paisley, whom Fossett calls “a friend back home.” Fossett asked him to design his own sandwich, and the result is pastrami, pepper jack, jalapeno coleslaw (which is delicious by itself), and Russian dressing on a baguette. The menu includes a ton of local beer, as well as a nice selection of microbrews from around the country, and a small list of wine. Fossett said he’s toying with the idea of adding cocktails in the near future. The biggest change coming – and good delis don’t need a lot of tweaking – is a few price adjustments. “We’ve been open long enough now that I have a good handle on costs,” Fossett says. “Where I can, I’m passing the savings on to customers, and so you’ll see lower prices on some of the sandwiches. To improve the value, we’ll be adding chips to the sandwiches, too. You get a little crunch and a meal.”
WINNING TASTES
Meatball, Big John, house-brined pastrami, Pig on the Wing … Scottie’s menu includes a wide range of options made with the quality and care that pushed it to victory in an online poll of 405 Magazine readers.
PH OTOS BY R AC H EL M AU C I ER I
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isfying sandwich by themselves? Absolutely, if you include enough of them. Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, sprouts and pickles – and mushrooms, for good measure – fill the roll in this venerable downtown destination along with provolone and a dash of spices and oil for flavor. Or, if you’re feeling a little more carnivorous, Hobby’s also does a solid Italian meatball with provolone and grilled onions. 325 N Walker, OKC
SAUSAGE at Ingrid’s
PO’ BOY at C’est Si Bon
Fried seafood piled on a baguette should be a combination heavy enough to drop you into a carb coma on the spot, right? It’s a wonder how chef/owner Ken Mills manages to make his New Orleans-style shrimp po’ boys so light and delicious – especially when doused in Panola hot sauce – but the mystery is worth investigating as often as you can visit. And considering that they now have three locations (including one in Del City and one in Edmond), that should be more convenient than ever. 101 N Douglas, Midwest City
VEGGIE at Hobby’s Hoagies
Are vegetables filling enough to make a sat-
Peter Piper
at Waving Wheat
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Put an intact link sausage in a bun and it’s essentially a hot dog, which doesn’t count as a sandwich (see “The Ground Rules” ). Cut one up and put it between slices of bread with sauerkraut, Swiss, mayo and German mustard, however, and it becomes not merely a bona fide sandwich, but a Deutsche delight. Ingrid’s uses Siegi’s wursts from Tulsa, and the sauerkraut is fairly mild without being flavorless, a very nice balance. 3701 N Youngs, OKC
FRENCH DIP at Oak and Ore
This Plaza District pub is justly known as one of the best beer bars in town, but if that’s all you order, you’re missing out on a treat. Beerbraised brisket stars alongside melted Swiss and caramelized onions on a well-toasted baguette, with a subtle pop of flavor from the horseradish cream sauce as a crowning touch. Name it anything else and it’d be a beautiful sandwich by itself, but as a French dip, the
If you believe that a great sandwich starts with great bread, you’ve come to the right place. They’re a legit bakery, where you can and should pick up scones, cookies and loaves of bread to go, and Skyler and John Collins’ wares are the foundation for serious sandwich bliss: Put the Peter Piper’s bacon, cheese blend, spicy cream cheese and crunchy jalapeno crumbles on the dynamite house sourdough and you’ll be an immediate convert. They also keep baker’s hours, so don’t plan on swinging by for a late dinner. 125 N Porter, Norman
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An
Oklahoma Classic IN PRAISE OF THE STATE SANDWICH SUPREME
Oklahoma doesn’t have an official state sandwich. Song, yes. Motto, bird, rock, even an official meal – but no sandwich. Unofficially, though, there’s no contest. Every single time someone asks about the best sandwiches in town, the Del Rancho steak sandwich supreme should be mentioned within 30 seconds. If it doesn’t come up, the conversation is not between real Okies from these parts. The steak sandwich supreme is one of the inexplicably great indulgences of growing up in central Oklahoma, and it’s simple: chicken fried steak, bun, tomatoes, lettuce, Miracle Whip. Size is a factor – it’s a major selling point that the meat hangs over the bun – and the steak’s slightly crunchy breading adds a lot to the texture, but the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. There’s a reason it’s been a hit since 1964, and after all, it’s not called the steak sandwich so-so or the steak sandwich suitable. It might not make sense unless you’ve tried one, but once you do, you too will be an evangelist.
warm, fragrant au jus is icing on the metaphorical cake. 1732 NW 16th, OKC
BLACKENED SALMON at Saturn Grill
Is a selection that involves one folded piece of bread a sandwich? It might be a gray area, but we’ll allow it for the sake of Nichols Hills Plaza star Saturn Grill’s invitingly soft, fresh flatbreads, an ideal conveyance for the savory spicy turkey melt or the Cajun-spiced salmon filet with spinach, a dab of red onion and horseradish sour cream. It’s outstanding. 6432 Avondale, OKC
P rosciutto
at Ganache
If you’ve visited the gleaming white space in Chisholm Creek, you already know that everything that comes out of Laura Szyld and Matt Ruggi’s kitchen is a work of art. The Italian prosciutto sandwich is such a feast for the eyes that it almost seems a shame to eat it … that is, until you actually taste the thin, salty slices of spiced ham balanced against the soft mozzarella on a slightly chewy cheese brioche and realize that some things are more important than aesthetics. Definitely don’t leave without a chocolate treat or pastry. 13230 Pawnee, OKC
TORPEDO at Neptune
The final survivor of a former chain, Neptune has been here since 1974, and is still going strong with Kelly and Don Stoneking at the helm. The buns are surprisingly soft, perfect for packing full of cheese, special housemade vinaigrette and the quartet of meats (turkey, roast beef, ham and Genoa salami) that drive the classic torpedo. Onions and red peppers are yours for the asking, and adding pickles or black olives is only a dime extra for a half sandwich. Doooooo it! 3301 N Classen, OKC
PORK BANH MI at Lang’s Bakery
This isn’t a complicated sandwich – chargrilled pork, peanut sauce, pickled carrots and onions, cilantro and a few slices of jalapeno. What elevates it immensely are the palpable quality of the fresh, crusty baguette, and the price tag so low that firsttime visitors will think there’s been a mistake on their bill. Highly recommended, but be sure to bring cash, since they don’t take cards. 2524 N Military, OKC
LOBSTER ROLL at The Drake
CUBAN at Belle Kitchen
PB&J at Bison Witches
ULTIMATE BAR-B-Q at Swadley’s Bar-B-Q
You could drive the more than 1,700 miles from here to Kennebunkport … or you could look at a picture of a lighthouse and let The Drake bring the flavor of Maine to you. Even though dunking a morsel of lobster into drawn butter is a deep, visceral joy, this sandwich is so rich and flavorful (the tarragon mayo helps) that it’s quite likely you’ll mow through it without even looking at the accompanying ramekin. This is an indulgence, but a memorable one. 519 NW 23rd, OKC
Sometimes it does your soul good to be a kid again, if only for the length of a meal. Choose chunky or creamy peanut butter and grape or strawberry jelly and they’ll put it on two thick slabs of fresh white bread and grill you up a time machine, complete with a glass of milk. Alternately, if you don’t feel the need to commune with your inner child, the roast beef/turkey/gouda/sweet Russian mustard of the Sooner is great, and they’re known for their bread bowl soups. 211 E Main, Norman
Tired: ham and cheese, especially on white bread with mustard. Wired: ham and cheese with spicy mustard and roasted pork and pickles, served on Cuban-style bread and toasted on a press. Belle Kitchen’s bakery expertise comes in handy when whipping up the house-made bread, and customers should be comforted to know that dessert is right at hand. 7509 N May and 30 NE 2nd, OKC
How could you not want to try a sandwich with that name? Swadley’s has grown considerably over the last couple of decades on the strength of their ‘que, much of which is piled on a hoagie roll here: their dynamite pork sausage along with sliced brisket, pulled pork and bacon, plus cheese and pickles on top. It comes with one side, and in the strongest possible terms: You should absolutely, unequivocally choose the sweet cream corn. multiple locations, swadleys.com
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BOLOGNA at Jamil’s
A restaurant doesn’t last 55 years and counting without doing something (or several things) right, and while Jamil’s might be most famous for its steaks and Lebanese appetizer platter, one not-so-secret highlight of its menu is the smoked bologna. It’s best enjoyed in thick, thick slabs with red onion and a splash of barbeque sauce on a bun; Food Network Magazine once named it the must-try sandwich of Oklahoma. 4910 N Lincoln, OKC
BURRATA CAPRESE PANINI at Osteria
No one on our staff actually speaks Italian, but we’re pretty sure from context that “panini” is literally translated as “a big, hot, delicious sandwich packed with gooey goodness.” It’s an evocative language. Jonathon Stranger’s kitchen folds soft, creamy burrata cheese around fresh arugula, basil, heirloom tomatoes and a splash of balsamic vinegar glaze and grills until toasty for a meatless treat. 6430 Avondale, OKC
OKC HOT CHICKEN at Mary Eddy’s Kitchen
Hopefully, this will be Chef Jason Campbell’s lasting local legacy. Before he left us for Florida, Campbell came up with an “Okie zatar” seasoning blend that reflects Okie cuisine, including Hatch-style green chile powder, garlic, cumin, etc. The chicken is served on a potato roll – perfect for standing up to messy toppings – with agave-lime pickles and a house-made ranch dressing made with 17 ingredients. It’s a beautiful, messy, delicious tribute to Oklahoma cooking. 900 W Main, OKC
HEAVY HITTER at Tino’s
You know what goes great on a ham sandwich? Turkey. And provolone, of course. And also salami, pepperoni and capicola (which is like a fancy Italian ham), plus lettuce, tomato, onion, salt, pepper, oil and just a little dash of oregano. You don’t want to overdo it. This recent addition to Norman’s downtown area also does a mean cheesesteak, but the restaurant’s full name is Tino’s Italian Eats and Sweets; how can you refuse some cured meats tucked into a hoagie roll? 209 W Main, Norman
COSTANZA at Elemental Coffee
Turkey bacon is not bacon, but it turns out turkey pastrami is really good, and it’s Boar’s Head turkey pastrami that makes the Costanza work so well. Add Gruyere, sauerkraut, stone ground mustard and locally produced Big Sky German rye, and you have a full-flavored, hefty lunch, to which you can add chips or a side. For a vegan alternative, the Joan Rivers uses tempeh bacon, vegan mozzarella and local grain mustard. 815 N Hudson, OKC
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FLEETWOOD at City Bites
Founded in Bethany by the Blevins brothers. City Bites gave Oklahoma a new spin on sandwiches, and funky decor, during the ’80s and ’90s. More than 30 years and a dozen-plus locations later, the Fleetwood has become a periodic rather than year-round offering, but seize the opportunity when it arises; the blend of sausage and beef with pepperoni, melted provolone, green peppers and black olives is a wonder, especially with marinara. multiple locations, citybites.net
Smoked Chicken
at Klemm’s Smoke Haus
CLUB at The Lokal
If there were a Mount Rushmore for sandwich archetypes, the club should have the George Washington spot. You simply can’t go wrong with turkey, ham, bacon, Swiss and American cheese, lettuce, tomato and a bit of mayo. Yukon cafe The Lokal adds pastrami, caramelized onions and their own stone mustard horseradish sauce; a slight but appreciated signature spin on an all-time classic. 10 W Main, Yukon
THE MICHAEL at Midway Deli
It’s a bit out of the way and slightly difficult to find, but Bob and Maricha Thompson’s converted 1926-vintage corner grocery demonstrates the old adage: “Build a better sandwich and Norman will beat a path to your door.” Bette’s tuna melt comes recommended, although once you try the Michael’s peppered turkey, Swiss and banana peppers on a fresh-baked croissant, you might be hooked for life. 601 Eufaula, Norman
Their homemade cheese sauce was one of the hits that helped John, Jan and J.J. Clem go from catering business to food truck operators to owners of a brick-and-mortar restaurant. They also serve up excellent barbeque and smoked meats. Combine their tender chicken with cheese sauce, jalapenos for kick, barbeque sauce and bacon (just because), and you’ve got a recipe for enjoyment. 2000 S Broadway, Edmond
2019 FACES of the
4O5
While shopping and doing business locally are rightly praised as a great way to keep financial resources close to home, there’s another aspect that’s more physical than fiscal. Developing personal relationships with the men and women who provide the products and services you need can be greatly beneficial, and faceto-face interactions help build a sense of community. The key professionals in these pages are more than excellent representatives of their chosen fields; they’re also your neighbors right here in central Oklahoma. These are people you should recognize, and names you should know. These are the Faces of the 405. 405 MAGA ZINE | AUGUST 2019
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2019 FACES
SPECIAL SECTION
of the
4O5
(l-r) Dr. Tracy McIntire, Dr. Vincent Montgomery, Dr. Scott Searcey, Dr. Drew Wendelken, Dr. Michael Saumur and Dr. Ross Martin
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THE FACES OF
WISDOM TEETH, DENTAL IMPLANTS AND ORAL MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY
Oral & Maxillofacial Associates
We are six surgeons with four locations and one goal: to improve the health and lives of people in Oklahoma. We are Board Certified Specialists in Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, which is the surgical component of dentistry. Our surgeons have completed four years of dental school with an additional four to six years of a hospital-based residency to complete their education and prepare them for administration of anesthesia and surgery of the face, mouth and jaws. We are the experts for the safe and efficient removal of wisdom teeth. We have been treating Oklahomans for 25 years, with a focus on providing the best surgical outcome with the best patient experience. We want to offer an experience like no one else with our specialized implant teams, state-of-the-art equipment and high success rates for dental implants. OMA surgeons have performed thousands of dental implant procedures, and work closely with your dentist to ensure the success of your treatment.
ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL ASSOCIATES OKC - 405.848.7994 | Norman - 405.292.8900 | MWC - 405.733.4296 Edmond - 405.341.4022 | omaok.com 405 MAGA ZINE | AUGUST 2019
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WOMEN’S HORMONE THERAPY
Dr. Noel Williams, Optimal Health Associates
More than a quarter of a century as a medical professional has certainly given Dr. Noel Williams an elite level of experience, but it isn’t just technical knowledge that gives his work in the sphere of women’s hormone therapy at Optimal Health an edge. “We’re focused on old-fashioned care,” Williams says. “We provide a human touch by calling with results, answering questions, caring for our patients with a smile … elements that often get lost in the modern health care system.” Optimal Health provides care for both men and women, and offers a range of services and treatments, but their use of BioTE® hormone pellet therapy sets them apart from other providers, and serves as an example of how well they meet their goal of marrying scientific developments with individualized attention. BioTE® has the same molecular structure as human hormones, lasts longer than other treatments and is the most widely studied form of natural hormone therapy, making it a great fit for Optimal Health’s stated intention of providing the most comprehensive and progressive healthcare possible. Dr. Williams’s penchant for Converse sneakers, his philosophy degree and his love of science fiction all serve as indicators of his unique personality – and also give a glimpse of his approach towards medicine. “I want to treat each woman holistically,” Dr. Williams says. “I want to look at the big picture, and make sure their everyday life is as good as possible.” “At Optimal Health, we endeavor to treat the whole person, not just symptoms.”
OPTIMAL HEALTH ASSOCIATES 9800 Broadway Ext #200 | 405.715.4496 optimalhealthassociates.com 54
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MORTGAGE BANKING
Jane Christiansen Commerce Bank® For many people, the process of buying a new home can be a daunting process. That’s why Jane Christiansen, a Mortgage Banker for Commerce Bank®, an equal housing lender, said she works to make every home loan application as easy as possible. “Today, there are a multitude of loan products available, for just about every home buyer, and the majority of our borrowers choose to apply on the Commerce Bank website,” she says. “Once someone applies for a loan, I’m there every step of the way – my cell phone is always on, and I try to make it as smooth as possible.” Christiansen said she can now offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers, 3-percent-down conventional loans and a variety of government loan products. There are also loan options for established home buyers, too, including high-loan-to-value jumbo purchase and cash out loans, 100 percent jumbo purchase and even a medical school debt refinance program, she said. On top of that, every loan is backed by Commerce Bank®’s 155-year history of strength and stability, and if you get your loan from Commerce Bank®, that’s where you’ll pay it, as well. “In this day and age, it’s easy to take an online application and never meet the customer face-to-face,” she says. “I make sure to meet all my clients, listen to their needs to ensure they get the loan that’s right for them – and I try to personally go to every closing. “When you add it all up, my favorite part of my job is simply helping my customers purchase a home,” Christiansen says. “The best day of the whole transaction is when everybody is happy at the closing.”
COMMERCE BANK 405.254.3010 | commercebank.com NMLS# 1509266 405 MAGA ZINE | AUGUST 2019
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PRIVATE BANKING
Jason Osborn, Jake McGuire, and Stephanie Comer The Private Bank at Valliance Established in 2004 as a solution for executives and business owners who were looking for customized answers to banking needs, Valliance Bank developed quickly into a truly modern entity by coordinating high-level, technology-based financial options with old school personal service … and a private banking leader was born. While private banking has previously been associated only with extremely high net worth clients, Valliance has helped bring the service of “Relationship Banking” to a new sector of consumers, professionals and small businesses that can also benefit from a personal banker and individualized attention. Private bankers can provide straightforward financial services, or go as intricate as helping a client with business strategy, and the responsiveness that’s been engineered into Valliance Bank’s model keeps satisfying customers’ needs at the forefront of every business day. Metro professionals and small business owners can enjoy individual tailored financing and direct access to a personal banker through Valliance, and also get assistance streamlining financial matters, even if their schedule is challenging. “We simplify the financial lives of our clients by giving them a team of people to serve all their financial needs,” says Jason Osborn, President of The Private Bank at Valliance. “For busy professionals and business owners, we minimize the time spent on banking matters by consolidating to one relationship, allowing them to keep their focus on what makes them money.” Valliance Bank has become the face of private banking in the metro by endeavoring to understand all of the challenges facing busy individuals, and by making “banker’s hours” your hours.
(l to r) Stephanie Comer, Assistant Vice President at The Private Bank at Valliance; Jason Osborn, President at The Private Bank at Valliance and Jake McGuire; Vice President at The Private Bank at Valliance
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THE PRIVATE BANK AT VALLIANCE 405.792.6400 | vbank.com
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COMPREHENSIVE DENTISTRY Lori LoVette, DDS
You might think when you first read it that the term “Comprehensive Dentistry” simply refers to the ability to provide a long list of dental care options, but Lori LoVette, DDS, believes that the definition goes deeper. “Comprehensive dentistry doesn’t just refer to a wide range of dental procedures,” Dr. LoVette explains. “It encompasses how we, as dental professionals, can affect the whole body with the work we do.” Make no mistake, Dr. LoVette is indeed qualified to perform a broad spectrum of dental procedures, ranging from simple sealant placement to oral and maxillofacial surgery and prosthodontics. But the reward she and her staff receive is rooted in the same philosophy that gives her satisfied patients such a great and rewarding experience: Dr. Lori LoVette and company treat the whole person, not just their teeth. “For some, getting comprehensive dental care may reflect how much better they feel to have pain removed from their mouth and, in turn, how that can affect their systemic health for the better,” Dr. LoVette says. “For others, a new smile may make them feel more confident.” This “whole person” focus often leads to a “whole family” focus, with Dr. LoVette’s practice treating everyone from children to older adults – there’s something for everyone with Dr. LoVette. “We love building long-term relationships with our patients, and watching families grow.”
(l to r) Ashley Mendoza, Dr. Lori LoVette, Nicole Easley, Debi Kirk, not pictured: Cora Reed
LORI LOVETTE, DDS 1211 N Shartel Ave Suite 1002 | 405.525.5555 | drlorilovette.com 405 MAGA ZINE | AUGUST 2019
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PET PHOTOGRAPHY
Priscilla Forehand Lap of Luxury: Lifestyle Pet Photography
Whether it’s on the wall, on a desk or on social media, most of us have family photos somewhere. But, when folks in the 405 want quality portraits of their four-legged family members, they call lifestyle pet photographer Priscilla Forehand. “Any animal can be a member of someone’s family, and it’s always fun for me to photograph them in their own home, wherever that may be,” she says. “One of my most enjoyable sessions was photographing a 180-pound Great Dane lounging by the pool, and I recently traveled to Woodward, where I photographed Hereford and Brahman bulls!“ As anyone who’s ever tried to get their pet to “sit” for a photo knows, photographing animals isn’t always easy. For Forehand, however, a love of animals combined with her photography skills makes all the difference. “Pet photography can be challenging, and it takes passion and patience, much like photographing babies,” she says. “I’ve been very lucky, because it seems to come naturally and I’ve never had to struggle with it. There have been a few shy cats along the way who simply preferred not to be photographed, though!” As many clients do display their pet’s portraits along with their family photos, Forehand works to capture every animal’s unique personality, and she even offers a photo package to document various stages in a kitten or puppy’s first year. On top of that, she’s also compiling a book, titled Okie Cats, featuring images of cats from every county in Oklahoma. “Animals, photography, and cat advocacy are my passions, so I’m fortunate to be able to do what I do,” she says. “But my heart and soul is going into it, too.”
LAP OF LUXURY: LIFESTYLE PET PHOTOGRAPHY 405.496.6737 | priscilla@luxepetfoto.com @luxepetfoto | @okie_cats 58
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ENTERTAINMENT
Chris Semrau, General Manager Michael Owens, Assistant General Manager Chesapeake Energy Arena If you’ve noticed an uptick in big-name concerts at Chesapeake Energy Arena lately, you’re not alone; even Mayor David Holt has tweeted about it. But the people you might not notice are the ones who bring those shows to the ‘Peake: General Manager Chris Semrau and Assistant General Manager Michael Owens. “We’ve aggressively worked to increase the quantity and quality of signature events at the Chesapeake Arena,” Semrau says. “We’re constantly leveraging the industry relationships we’ve built over the years to bring big-name acts to OKC.” Something else the public doesn’t see is all the work the Chesapeake crew puts in to make every event a first-class experience, for the public and the artists. And whether it’s a sold-out Thunder game or a once-in-a-lifetime concert event, Owens said his goal is the same. “We try to provide a high level of hospitality for everything we do, for the ticket-buyers in the seats and the artists and their crew backstage,” he says. “We always want the fans to have a great time at Chesapeake Arena, but we also want to create a unique, unforgettable backstage experience that makes the artists want to come back to Oklahoma City.” While Semrau and Owens remain committed to bringing more top touring acts to Chesapeake Arena, both men share even higher aspirations. “Ultimately, we want Oklahoma City to be known everywhere for its live music scene,” Owens says. “All of the local venues are booking bigger and better shows, and there’s a lot of momentum here right now. We’re grateful to be a part of that, and all the credit goes to the fans who buy tickets and support live music.”
CHESAPEAKE ENERGY ARENA 405.602.8700 | chesapeakearena.com 405 MAGA ZINE | AUGUST 2019
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ENDODONTIC DENTISTRY
Dr. Victoria Ball Contemporary Endodontics of Oklahoma In modern parlance, a root canal has become synonymous with the utmost in pain and anguish. However, Dr. Victoria Ball, an Endodontist specializing in root canal procedures and periapical surgery, said it’s her job to prove that association isn’t true. “A lot of patients who need a root canal are in pain and fear seeking treatment,” Dr. Ball says. “The fact is, thanks to modern technology, a root canal procedure takes less time and has a higher success rate than ever before. The majority of patients leave feeling better than when they came in.” A root canal is a fairly common procedure, and could be required due to a deep cavity close to the nerve of the tooth, dental trauma, a crack in the tooth, or resorption. However, Dr. Ball said her role as an Endodontist – a dentist who specializes in saving teeth – is much less common. In fact, she’s one of only 18 Endodontists in the 405, and the only female private practice owner. Finally, while she said the anatomy of each tooth presents a unique challenge, Dr. Ball said her goal is singular: to provide the highest level of endodontic care and achieve the best results for each patient. “Unfortunately, some teeth are past the point of saving, and in those situations we use 3D imaging, microscope examination and experience to make the proper diagnosis,” she says. “That said, I believe that no tooth should ever be pulled if it can be saved! There’s nothing more satisfying to me than taking a patient’s pain away and helping them to save their natural teeth.”
CONTEMPORARY ENDODONTICS OF OKLAHOMA 2916 Astoria Way, Suite 100, Edmond, OK 73034 405.285.5042 | info@ceoklahoma.com | ceoklahoma.com 60
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CUSTOM FINE JEWELRY
Valerie Naifeh Naifeh Fine Jewelry
Clarity, in the jewelry business, is one quality that determines the value of a gemstone. When jewelry designer Valerie Naifeh opened Naifeh Fine Jewelry in 1998, she chose to pursue a comparable value. “I am fierce about transparency in everything we do, and I want to serve our clients with honesty and integrity,” she says. “Our membership in the American Gem Society holds us to rigorous ethical standards, and our clients see us as a trusted resource for quality, one-of-a-kind jewelry and gemstones.” To better showcase the jewelry she designs, manufactures and sells, Naifeh recently moved to a newly renovated 5,700-square-foot location in the heart of Nichols Hills Plaza. While it offers room for a larger selection of jewelry, windows into the jewelry workshop and even a belt buckle bar for men, she says the new store is primarily focused on the customer experience. “Our new location is designed with natural light and an open-air showroom. I want people to be as comfortable in the store as they are in their own living room,” she says. “I don’t think you have to be in New York or Los Angeles to be a great jewelry store; our clients have come to expect extraordinary jewelry at an outstanding value right here.” The one thing that hasn’t changed, however, is that Valerie Naifeh’s designs are still the centerpiece of Naifeh Fine Jewelry, including the store itself. “After 36 years in the business – building connections with jewelry and gemstone dealers worldwide – I still get the greatest satisfaction from custom-designing and creating a piece that’s as individual as each customer,” Naifeh says. “To me, jewelry is art. Why buy a piece of jewelry when you can own a work of art?”
NAIFEH FINE JEWELRY 405.607.4323 | naifehfinejewelry.com 405 MAGA ZINE | AUGUST 2019
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IV THERAPY
Joshua and Sara Gore Revitalize Hydration Therapy Husband and wife team Joshua Gore, MD, and Sara Gore, APRN, started Revitalize Hydration Therapy in 2016 as a way to provide Oklahoma metro residents with a cutting-edge series of treatments designed to provide a wellness boost for everything from skincare to workout recovery. The manifold health benefits of IV hydration therapy, which include immune system strengthening, increased metabolism and fat burning potential, as well as skin rejuvenation and the improvement of chronic conditions such as seasonal allergies, are now easily accessible and able to be customized to individual needs. Dr. Gore’s background as a board-certified anesthesiologist has shaped a conscientiousness about methods proven by science, and his experience as a former University of Oklahoma national champion gymnast means that he is committed to solutions that reliably aid recovery for active people. Dr. Gore believes that the infusion and injection services that Revitalize Hydration provide are the ultimate in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Dehydration can also negatively affect cognitive performance, as well as impact your physical well-being, and the mind-body connection has the potential to be greatly enhanced when both systems are running optimally. IV hydration is a common denominator in cures for both spheres, making it the next-generation response for those looking for lifestyle benefits. Thanks to Revitalize Hydration Therapy, innovative IV hydration solutions are local and accessible, keeping Okies at the forefront of wellness development.
REVITALIZE HYDRATION THERAPY 405.370.5705 | revitalizeforlife.com | @revitalizeforlife 62
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CANNABIS
Matt Baker and Ryan Vicedomini Lotus Gold Marijuana Dispensary In the short time since Oklahoma legalized medical marijuana, Oklahoma-owned and operated Lotus Gold Marijuana Dispensary has quickly established itself as the 405’s most trusted name in cannabis therapy. That fast start, according to owner and CEO Ryan Vicedomini, was built upon the success of his other Oklahoma-based business. “As we grew CBD Plus USA into a successful company, we developed a reliable supply network and our own quality standards,” Vicedomini says. “Using that foundation, Lotus Gold was a natural extension of the business, and now our stores focus on all aspects of cannabis and the Endocannabinoid System.” Vicedomini said that Lotus Gold was born from the desire to help those in need through more natural and holistic means than traditional pharmaceuticals. And while his customers are required to have a medical marijuana card (OMMA), Vicedomini also noted that education is still a big part of the business. “We’re not just selling a product, we’re selling an experience,” he says. “We offer top-quality, third-party lab-tested products, and our highly trained staff is always ready to assist you in our dispensaries. Beyond that, we also want to guide our customers along the road of cannabis therapy, even after they walk out our doors.” While Vicedomini envisions Lotus Gold dispensaries across the country, the best part of the business, he said, will always be the ability to improve the lives of his customers. “Through quality product, education and customer service, I want Lotus Gold to become the most trusted name in cannabis therapy nationwide,” he says. “It makes extremely gratifying work when you’re helping people live their best life!”
LOTUS GOLD MARIJUANA DISPENSARY 833.422.3758 | lotusgold.com 405 MAGA ZINE | AUGUST 2019
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LUXURY TILE AND CUSTOM ACCESSORIES
Sydnye Steen Artisan Tile Studio
Whether you’re building from the ground up or remodeling a home, the tile selections can set the tone for every room. And when homeowners and designers in the 405 want a unique, custom look for their tile, they look to Sydnye Steen and Artisan Tile Studio. “We offer the good stuff that no one else in the 405 has,” she says. “We’re the only shop in Oklahoma City to exclusively carry the premier custom lines New Ravenna and Maison Surface. We have something for everyone, and we’re bringing in new things every chance we get. I want our showroom to be a comfortable place where our clients can come to be inspired.” Naming her shop Artisan Tile Studio, Steen said, is an acknowledgement that many of the tile lines she offers are created by hand, by true artisans. With these custom lines, her clients can take a design they love, and customize the materials and colors to fit their taste. “Tile is like jewelry for the home. If you’re building or remodeling, this is the fun stuff,” she says. “It’s fun for us, too, because we get to help people select something very personal, fitting, and just right for their home.” In addition to tile, Steen said Artisan Tile Studio also offers an amazing line of custom copper range hoods and sinks. Both are available in a wide variety of finishes and textures. “Artisan Tile Studio is known for our quality and customer service, and going above and beyond for our customers is my favorite part of the job,” she says. “I take pride in helping my clients get exactly what they want, and I won’t quit until I find it.”
ARTISAN TILE STUDIO 7108 N. Western, Suite D1 | 405.242.2227 64
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CRIMINAL DEFENSE
Jacqui Ford, Jacqui Ford Law
Most people never expect to find themselves in need of a criminal defense attorney. But if they do, trial attorney Jacqui Ford said her job is to help them figure out how they got there, and plan a course for the future. “Anyone can be wrongly accused of a felony, but behind every face, there’s a story,” Ford says. “Understanding the story of how someone got to that point helps me map a path forward. We can’t change yesterday, but we have millions of opportunities for today and tomorrow.” Ford noted the success of her practice is directly related to the contribution of her team, which includes attorney Casey Davis and legal assistant Jennifer Reser. The team also includes a full-time investigator with 20 years of law enforcement experience. “Everybody in the room plays a part in understanding our clients and their perspectives. We all take ownership of what we do for our clients and we’re proud to do it,” she says. “Our core values are honesty, courage and compassion, and that is part of everything we do.” While Ford said she’ll always fight for justice for her clients, she also believes that helping repair the damage that’s already been done – without causing further harm – is an important part of every case. After all, if you burn everything down, she said, everyone gets burned. “People know that having me represent you means you’re serious about your defense. I’m not here to win at any cost, but I will hold the courts, the prosecutors and law enforcement to the highest standards of accountability,” Ford says. “I’m always here to help those who’ve fallen get back up. There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.”
JACQUI FORD LAW 1621 N Classen, OKC | 405.604.3200 | fordlawokc.com
(l to r) Jennifer Reser, Jacqui Ford and Casey Davis
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PAIN MANAGEMENT
Dr. Blake Christensen Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers Sooner or later, just about everyone will have neck or back pain. For some, it may only be a temporary annoyance, but when it affects your everyday activity, Dr. Blake Christensen, offers more options than surgery or living in pain. “I practice in pain management, which has two components: interventional treatment and medication management,” he says. “I review the MRI, CT scan and X-rays with the patient to identify, treat and educate the patient about their condition, rather than merely prescribing medication to mask the pain. I try to identify the source of the pain and then use minimally invasive treatments to reduce or eliminate that pain. Ultimately, I want to help reduce their need for medication.” Board-certified in both Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Dr. Christensen likened his minimally invasive approach to diagnosing with a needle rather than a scalpel. Using state-of-the-art technology, interventional pain treatment techniques are designed to keep the body’s structure as natural as possible while also allowing the body to heal itself. “Interventional pain treatment can be a viable option for people who want to avoid surgery,” Dr. Christensen says. “And patients will feel better and healthier when they can avoid the unintentional and unwanted consequences of pain-masking medication.” While his pain treatment methods may be advanced, Dr. Christensen says his ultimate aim is quite basic. He simply wants to help his patients take back their lives. “I want to help my patients get back the little things in their lives that have been taken away by pain,” he says. “My goal is for them to live pain-free!”
OKLAHOMA PAIN TREATMENT CENTERS 405.751.0011 | oklahomapaintreatmentcenters.com 66
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WINDOWS AND DOORS
Andy and Ainslee Crum, Pella of Oklahoma Pella of Oklahoma, the 405’s exclusive distributor of Pella windows and doors, was actually born as a hardware retailer, The Womble Company, in 1922. And, though she represents the fourth generation of family ownership, CFO Ainslee Crum says the firm isn’t sitting on its laurels. “For 97 years, we’ve been committed to exceptional quality and customer service,” Crum says. “Moving forward, our goal now is to grow the company from that solid foundation in a way it’s never grown before.” Offering Pella products to builders, commercial and retail customers, Crum says that Pella of Oklahoma now offers nine types of windows with something for every budget and every need. “We can offer windows and doors for every home, in any color, shape, or size,” she says. “Beyond that, we want to offer our customers solutions, whether that’s replacement windows that are approved for historic homes, innovative, technologically advanced windows, or by simply providing concierge service and standing behind our products.” Crum said that, since the company’s inception, the Pella of Oklahoma advantage has been their dedication to customer satisfaction, in both the product and the service they provide. However, as she looks ahead, she said that’s just the beginning. “It’s exciting to see all the revitalization going on in the metro right now, and it’s fun to be a part of that,” she says. “Pella of Oklahoma has been family-owned, family-operated, and has served our customers for 97 years; that’s our legacy. We want to keep evolving and moving forward, but we also want to build upon, and grow, our legacy for future generations, too.”
PELLA WINDOWS AND DOORS OF OKLAHOMA 537 E Britton Rd | 405.478.4350 pellabranch.com/oklahoma 405 MAGA ZINE | AUGUST 2019
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TATTOO REMOVAL AND SKIN REVITALIZATION
Optimal Aesthetics
Optimal Aesthetics, a sister company to Optimal Health, is now adding another dimension to improving the quality of life of patients and clients by offering safe aesthetic enhancement options. The spectrum of services ranges from the skin care line Epionce and eyelash-growth treatment LATISSE® to non-surgical cosmetic treatments such as BOTOX® and JUVÉDERM®, along with the leading-edge laser for resurfacing skin, the PicoSure. The Optimal Aesthetics team is made up of Bethany Cook, APRN, and Casey Keck, LPN. With Cook’s background as a midwife, surgical assistant and women’s health Nurse Practitioner, she has a passion for women feeling well and being comfortable in their own skin. She leads the Optimal Aesthetics team by providing medical quality injectables such as JUVÉDERM filler, BOTOX® and KYBELLA®. Keck joins her in this passion, and offers safe laser treatments and consults on skin care. Keck elaborates on the advantages of PicoSure: “The PicoSure laser rejuvenates skin to decrease fine lines and wrinkles, treats hyperpigmentation like melasma or sun damage, and also can help with acne scars and surgical scars, in addition to being a fantastic option for tattoo removal.” Optimal Aesthetics is committed to furthering the mission of Optimal Health by adding services that complement a journey of health. “Our goal is never to make someone who is 60 look 19,” says Keck. “Our goal is to help clients age with grace.” “We want them to look as good as they feel.”
OPTIMAL AESTHETICS 9800 Broadway Ext #200 | 405.419.3932 optimalaesthetics.health 68
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Casey Keck, LPN; Noel Williams, M.D.; Bethany Cook, APRN-BC
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EYEWEAR AND CARE
J. Carter Johnston, O.D., Physician’s Optical Most people who wear eyeglasses view frames as a necessary evil at worst and an accessory at best – but for the individual who wants to express their personality a bit more, Physician’s Optical provides unique luxury eyewear unlike anywhere else in OKC, as well as the expertise and advice to meet every individual’s needs. “We are proud to offer something different to the people of OKC,” says J. Carter Johnston, O.D., who has operated Physician’s Optical for more than 20 years. “We focus on smaller independent frame designers, who are more aware of and focused on quality, unique materials and design. We like selling frames that are produced in small numbers, made by hand; that are more unique than the mass-produced frames that everyone can find at 10 places in the mall or other offices around town.” Dr. Johnston also said that he is proud for Physician’s Optical to have been the first to bring several European lines to the state. “Many of the frame lines we carry can be customized by size, shape and color. Similar to being fitted with a custom-made suit, a custom frame can be made to fit the patient more closely than a frame picked off the rack. “We want our patients to have a unique experience, from frame selection to lens selection to fit, and the service that goes with it at the time of purchase and years down the road.”
Dr. J.Carter Johnston, Ben Blasi A.B.O.C., Gayleen Adams
PHYSICIANS OPTICAL Mercy Hospital Physicians Tower 4200 W Memorial, Ste 101 | 405.749.4285 physicians-optical.com 405 MAGA ZINE | AUGUST 2019
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BARBECUE
Brent Swadley, Swadley’s Bar-B-Q Brent Swadley came to Oklahoma to become a youth minister. Instead, thanks to some detours along the way, he established Swadley’s World Famous Bar-B-Q in 1998. And while the focus may be slightly different, Swadley said his restaurants are still part of a higher calling. “Swadley’s is a Christian-based company, and we wear that on our sleeves. We’re a ministry first – and we want to serve our employees and their families, so that they can put God first, their family second and work third,” he says. “We have one of the lowest employee-turnover rates in Oklahoma City, and I think their happiness is reflected in the quality of our food and the way we take care of our customers.” That food is what has made Swadley’s Bar-B-Q famous. Swadley said the difference is the restaurant’s slow-cooked meats and a commitment to making everything else from scratch, every day. “We time our ribs and brisket to be served fresh from the smoker, so that they’re tender, juicy and flavorful,” he says. “Our menu also features sausage, burgers, chicken, chicken fried steak, catfish, a salad bar and 13 different sides. And it’s all made fresh, every day.” Even though Swadley’s Bar-B-Q is still growing – the company now has six locations in the 405 – Swadley said he’s more interested in contributing to the lives of his employees, his customers and the communities they serve. “I’m grateful that we can be a positive part of our customers’ and our employees’ lives,” he says. “Our food is what brings people in, but I’m also proud that our restaurants serve as a place for faith and family to come together.”
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(l to r) Keaton Swadley, Brent Swadley, Koltan Swadley
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FINE HOME FURNISHINGS
Amie Cook and Janice Carty, The Wood Garden Whether it’s the entire house, one room, or just one piece of furniture, updating your home requires a lot of moving parts. For Amie Cook - who along with her mother, Janice Carty, co-owns The Wood Garden - helping a customer put all those pieces together is her favorite part of the job. “Everybody has different styles and different needs in their home,” she says. “There are a lot of different ways to approach every space. I love putting all the puzzle pieces together so that when we’re done, our customers are not only happy, but they’re excited to start living in their new space.” Though trends and styles are constantly changing, The Wood Garden has been in the same spot in Nichols Hills since 2000, albeit with a few expansions along the way. While every item in the store is for sale and its inventory is constantly changing, Cook notes one thing has remained constant over the years. “We’ve always been very customer service oriented, and we want people to be involved in their own design,” she says. “I like to get a feel for what people like, what they want, and their lifestyles. I always want the space to exceed their expectations, but it’s got to be livable, too.” For Cook, livability is the most important part of the big picture. “It’s a big investment for someone to trust you with their interior design,” Cook says. “We want our customers to feel at home with us and what we do but, in the end, our goal is to create a space for them that feels like their home.”
THE WOOD GARDEN 7650 N. Western, OKC | 405.848.9663 405 MAGA ZINE | AUGUST 2019
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THE FACES OF
FINE CABINETRY
Jason Grife and Travis Morelock, Wilshire Cabinet + Co Oklahomans have a variety of choices when it comes to cabinetry, but the guys at Wilshire Cabinet + Co have set a whole new standard in fresh design, highly durable finishes and a customer experience that can’t be ignored. The traditional Oklahoma process has been to install unfinished cabinet boxes in a new or remodeled home, add trim, bring a painter into the home to spray a paint or stain and allow the cabinets to air dry. This is called “site-finished” or sometimes incorrectly referred to as “custom cabinetry” – but now, there is a much better way. A Wilshire cabinet is built to exact specifications for each customer in a quality-controlled manufacturing plant, using the finest materials and latest technologies. Each cabinet is expertly finished in the plant, quite similar to a luxury automobile: multi-layer finishes are heat-cured in a dust-free environment, resulting in smooth, silky, highly durable products. While almost everything that they sell is built here in the U.S.A., they also take pride in globally sourcing materials for cutting-edge real exotic woods and never-before-seen European laminates. This is the new standard. Co-owners Travis and Jason, along with their gallery mascot Cher, believe that their team’s combined 40 years of pre-finished cabinetry experience is responsible for their continued growth. “Our whole Wilshire team loves cooking and eating great food, drinking fine wine and enjoying time with friends and family. All that and more happens in the heart of the home: the kitchen!”
WILSHIRE CABINET + CO 320 W Wilshire Blvd | 405.286.6282 wilshirecabinetco.com 72
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Jason Grife, Travis Morelock and Cher
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PEST MANAGEMENT
Reed and Christi Savage SWAT Mosquito Mist Systems
As folks in the 405 spend more money on outdoor kitchens, pools, and patios, Reed and Christi Savage of SWAT Mosquito Mist Systems say their job description is pretty simple: Help people enjoy those outdoor spaces. “The fact is, no one wants to go out in their yard or on their patio if they’re going to be swarmed by mosquitoes,” Reed says. “Our yard sprays and misting systems let people enjoy their outdoor spaces without having to worry about mosquito bites.” SWAT’s solution for permanent mosquito control is their perimeter misting systems, which work while you sleep, emitting a 60-second mist three times overnight. Plus, Reed said, homeowners can operate the system whenever they prefer with a hand-held remote or with the optional smart phone app. “By spraying in the evening and early morning hours, we target mosquitoes when they’re most active,” he says. “It’s safe for pets, and it won’t harm beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, since it’s sprayed when they’re not active.” While they started the business in 2006, SWAT is also a family affair, as Christi manages the office and their three children also work for the company. For the Savages, that family dynamic ultimately applies to their customers, too. “We’re the face of our company, and our customers have sort of become an extended family. We visit with them several times throughout the season, year after year,” Reed says. “We take pride in our work and we truly care about our customers. And, by eliminating mosquitoes and helping them enjoy their outdoor spaces more, we can help make their lives easier and happier.”
SWAT MOSQUITO MIST SYSTEMS 405.610.7928 | swatokc.com 405 MAGA ZINE | AUGUST 2019
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NIGHTLIFE
Jeff Rogers, Rogers Concepts The club and nightlife scene in the 405 is always changing. But for the last 20 years, one constant amid all that flux has been the face behind many of the most popular venues: Jeff Rogers of Rogers Concepts. “The key is to stay current with trends and consistently evolve,” Rogers says. “It’s gotten more challenging as Oklahoma City’s entertainment scene has grown over the years, but I have no plans of stopping any time soon.” While he currently operates six different entertainment concepts in Bricktown, Rogers tries to focus on variety. From the Tipsy Tiki Dockside Bar located on the Bricktown Canal to The Pink Parrot Cantina, the larger goal is to create an experience for multiple demographic groups in all walks of life. And while operating clubs and restaurants in an entertainment district can be tough, Rogers credited his staff for much of his success. “In this business, working alongside a dynamic array of hard-working team members is a major piece of the puzzle,” he says. “A dedicated team helps provide a consistent structure, and that allows each venue to offer a fun, safe environment for people to enjoy every night.” With the opening of both The Sushi Bar in Lower Bricktown and Liberty Eats on the canal in the last year, Rogers successfully added “Restaurant Owner” to his list of trades and titles. And while some people might sit back and enjoy the fruits of ownership, Rogers says he’s just getting started. “I have exciting ventures up my sleeve for this fall and in the coming year,” he says. “I am beyond eager to continue expanding in the 405, and I look forward to continuing my passion for nightlife.”
(l to r) Chris Byram, Christopher Bridges, Rich Taylor and Jeff Rogers
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ROGERS CONCEPTS 405.388.6685 | rogersconceptsokc.com
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THE FACE OF
OPHTHALMOLOGY
Diana E. Hampton, MD
Caring for the eye-related needs of countless Oklahomans with a whole-patient approach has always been the hallmark of Oklahoma City native Dr. Diana Hampton. From routine eye exams to cataract surgery, she provides care that serves a wide range of needs. “New technology has made diagnosing and treating glaucoma, dry eyes, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration safer and easier. We are able to intervene much earlier and save the patient’s sight,” she says. Patients want to look and feel their best. As a result of her patients’ desires and needs, she has expanded her treatment options to include a range of procedures that can combat the signs of aging. “Once someone has brought their eyes out from behind glasses, they want them to look especially great,” says Dr. Hampton. The skin around the eyes is delicate, and needs to be treated carefully. An ophthalmologist’s office is a great place to ensure that your eye area is being handled with concern, and the rest of your skin will receive the same focused professionalism and respectful attention. “Our focus is definitely around the eye, but the treatments we use can be easily applied to other areas.” LED red light facials, high-frequency temperature treatments and PowerDerm kinetic dermabrasion are now available, with more treatments coming soon. Dr. Hampton’s preference is to offer services that utilize digital technology, are less invasive and are designed to reduce downtime. All in addition to the compassionate and comprehensive ophthalmological care that Dr. Hampton has cultivated in the past.
DIANA E. HAMPTON, MD 405.608.8820 | dianahamptonmd.com 405 MAGA ZINE | AUGUST 2019
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FOOD & DRINK
RESTAURANT GUIDE T hese lis tings are not related to adver tising in 4 05 Magazine. If you f ind that a res t aurant dif fer s signif icantly from the information in it s lis ting or your favorite res t aurant is missing from the list, please let us know. Email steve.gill@405maga zine.com
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 BLACK WALNUT Blending American cuisine with the neighborhood’s rich cultural history, with an eclectic, vibrant menu, thoughtful food and an unbuttoned atmosphere. 100 NE 4th, OKC, 455.6273 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 EDDIE’S BAR & GRILL This stylish spot is equally ideal for a casual drink, appetizers while watching the game or a dinner date. And the wings are outstanding. 930 E 2, Edmond, 285.7725
FLINT Approachably casual style, plus the kitchen’s attention to detail in the outstanding contemporary cuisine, winningly combined in the Colcord Hotel. 15 N Robinson, OKC, 601.4300
THE HUTCH ON AVONDALE The all-time classic Coach House receives an update with a more modern menu and a full suite of tempting cocktails, wines and spirits. 6437 Avondale, OKC, 842.1000
KITCHEN NO. 324 A seasonally inspired café and craft bakery serving rustic American cuisine for lunch and dinner, it’s a thorough treat for breakfast or brunch. 324 N Robinson, OKC, 763.5911 MARY EDDY’S Inside Film Row anchor 21c Museum Hotel, this showplace of a restaurant turns out a stellar menu of expertly tuned flavors and dishes meant to be shared. 900 W Main, OKC, 982.6900 NEIGHBORHOOD JAM Serving tasty takes on classic American dishes and more specialized options, this breakfast-centric spot aims to become a community favorite. 15124 Lleytons Court, Edmond, 242.4161; 102 W Main, Norman, 310.2127
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PICASSO CAFÉ Their neighbors in the Paseo are painters and sculptors, so it’s apt that creativity abounds in this laidback spot’s menu, including plentiful selections for vegetarians. 3009 Paseo, OKC, 602.2002
CHIGAMA Think of it as Asian-slashMexican; influences of both cuisines are ample in this kitchen’s creative tacos, rice bowls and other wide-ranging treats. 3000 W Memorial, OKC, 513.5999
THE PRESS Oklahoma-inspired comfort food in a former printing facility and garage in the Plaza District – the chicken-fried steak comes recommended. 1610 N Gatewood, OKC, 982.1010
EL TORO CHINO Big, bold flavors from disparate cuisines are blended in this “Latin + Asian Kitchen” - creating results that are as distinctive as they are delicious. 2801 NW 36th, Norman, 708.9472
SATURN GRILL A star of the lunchtime stage in Nichols Hills Plaza, its tasty twists on pizza, sandwiches and salads keep it crowded on weekdays. Calling ahead is recommended. 6432 Avondale, OKC, 843.7114
GORO An “izakaya” is a Japanese pub, like this cheerful Plaza District spot for expertly crafted ramen, yakitori, bar snacks and more. 1634 Blackwelder, OKC, 606.2539
SCOTTIE’S DELI Soups, salads and especially sandwiches, all made from scratch and featuring meats that are cured, smoked and cooked in-house. Start with the pastrami and get ready to fall in love. 427 NW 23rd, OKC, 698.3696 SCRATCH Isn’t that the best place for food to come from? Top-of -the-line ingredients are combined into carefully concocted entrees, sides and wondrous craft cocktails. 132 W Main, Norman, 801.2900; 607 NW 28th, OKC VAST Keeping your attention on the elegant cuisine might be difficult; the view from atop the Devon Tower is truly unparalleled in Oklahoma, making this a fantastic date spot. 280 W Sheridan, 49th floor, OKC, 702.7262
ASIAN CAFÉ ICON Tempting sushi, Japanese specialties and delicious spectacles like steak cooked at the table on a sizzling stone fill the menu to bursting. 311 S Blackwelder, Edmond, 340.8956
GUN It’s not about firearms; think Japanese street food like sizzling yakitori, plus super-fresh seafood, shareable plates and a bar loaded with serious sake. 3000 Paseo, OKC 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 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
scratch, in small batches, with care and passion. 7509 N May, OKC, 430.5484; 30 NE 2nd, OKC, 541.5858 GANACHE They serve les sandwiches, but this patisserie excels at mouthwatering croissants, macarons, tarts and other baked treats inspired by the owners’ studies in Europe. 13230 Pawnee, OKC, 267.912.5536 LA BAGUETTE Comfortable ambience and exquisite baking make a tres chic destination for brunch and beyond. 1130 Rambling Oaks, Norman, 329.1101; 2100 W Main, Norman, 329.5822
BAR & PUB FOOD OAK & ORE A Plaza District port of call, it’s best known for a carefully curated rotating selection of craft beers, although the menu (especially the fried chicken) is amply rewarding. 1732 NW 16th, OKC, 606.2030 SEAN CUMMINGS IRISH RESTAURANT The namesake chef brings the food, drinks, music and atmosphere of an Emerald Isle public house back to the metro – go raise a glass. 7628 N May, OKC THE UNION A good sign for the future of the South of St. Anthony mini-district, this neighborhood hangout spot has three bars and a forward-thinking menu. 616 NW 5th, OKC, 601.2857
YUZO Variety is the word in this sushi tapas bar, boasting a tempting swirl of Colombian, Brazilian and Japanese culinary influences. 808 N Broadway, OKC, 702.9808
WHISKEY BISCUIT Serving “Southern cuisine with a modern twist” – think oyster sliders, biscuits and gravy with fried crawfish, steak po’ boys and brunch all day. 322 NE 2nd, OKC, 673.7944
BAKERY
BARBEQUE
BELLE KITCHEN Doughnuts, macarons, pastries and ice cream created from
KLEMM’S SMOKE HAUS There’s a definite German flair in some of the
Pasta to Go VICTORIA’S FINDS A NEW ADDRESS
A
queen of the Norman dining scene is about to relocate to a new castle – after three decades on OU’s Campus Corner, Victoria’s is heading downtown. Once preparations at the former Fancy That space are complete, hopefully in mid-August, the locally owned pasta shop will make the switch to 215 E Main. A more convenient spot to get these outstanding lasagna rolls sounds like good news to us; long may Victoria’s reign.
PH OTO BY SCOT T Y O’ DA N I EL
family recipes that fill their menu, but what really stands out about this fromscratch establishment is the high levels of care and quality. 2000 S Broadway, Edmond, 757.7412 LEO’S BAR-B-Q Rich flavor and tender texture, delivered with authenticity for commendable value – no wonder its ribs and brisket are favorites among Oklahoma connoisseurs. 3631 N Kelley, OKC 424.5367 SWADLEY’S Expertly prepared meats star in this Oklahoma chain’s crowd-pleasing menu. And if there’s a special occasion approaching, they’re also award-winning caterers. 6 metro locations, swadleys.com TEXLAHOMA BBQ Family owned and fabulously flavorful, its meats (especially the beef ribs) are eyerolling good. Don’t forget the espresso barbeque sauce! 121 E Waterloo, Edmond, 513.7631
BURGERS & SANDWICHES THE MULE Solid beer and beverage selection plus a delectable array of gourmet grilled cheeses and melts; this relaxation destination in the Plaza District stays popular. 1630 N Blackwelder, OKC, 601.1400 NEW STATE BURGERS The Plaza needed a burger place, and this little spot fills the bill perfectly thanks to well-executed griddle-top burgers and other options, and a robust, excellent cocktail menu. 1705 NW 16th, OKC NIC’S GRILL It’s small, it’s cash-only and the lines are often long, but the colossal onion burgers are easily among the metro’s best. Cheese and everything? 1202 N Penn, OKC, 524.0999
COFFEEHOUSE & TEA ROOM ELEMENTAL COFFEE Seriously spectacular coffee roasted in-house, augmented with locally sourced salads, breakfast options and other vegetarianfriendly treats. 815 N Hudson, OKC, 633.1703 T, AN URBAN TEAHOUSE Proving that an establishment’s focus can be at once narrow and broad, these retreats offer over 100 varieties and expert counsel to explore a world of possibili-teas. 519 NW 23rd, OKC
CONTINENTAL BLACKBIRD A Campus Corner gastropub pairing creative dishes like pot roast nachos with a broad beer, wine and whiskey list. There’s little on the menu that’s not tempting. 575 S University, Norman, 928.5555 CHEEVER’S Southwestern-influenced recipes (the chicken-fried steak is a house specialty) and love of seafood drive the contemporary comfort
food in one of the city’s finest dining destinations. 2409 N Hudson, OKC, 525.7007 EN CROUTE A warmly welcoming café in Nichols Plaza offers treats all day long, from fresh pastries to select spirits and beer, with special emphasis on artisanal cheese and charcuterie. 6460 Avondale, OKC, 607.6100 LUDIVINE The menu adjusts constantly to reflect availability of elite-quality, locally sourced ingredients - but every dish is the result of genuine culinary artistry. 320 NW 10th, OKC, 778.6800
THE MANTEL Steaks, seafood and other specialties combine with a refined atmosphere and outstanding service for a truly memorable meal, especially if you have a date to impress. 201 E Sheridan, OKC, 236.8040
fantastisch house-brewed beers. The time spent is a worthy investment. 3401 S Sooner, Moore, 799.7666
ITALIAN & PIZZA EMPIRE SLICE HOUSE Reigning over the Plaza District in New York style, it offers whole pizzas or slices, a full bar and a primo patio. 1804 NW 16th, OKC THE HEAT Deep-dish doesn’t get any deeper in the metro than this Chicagostyle paradise, boasting perhaps the best crust known to man. It’s one of our favorites. 1319 S Broadway, Edmond, 715.1818 OSTERIA Casual and unforgettable, thanks to a knockout menu of Italian inspiration and expertise from chefs Fabio Viviani and Jonathon Stranger. 6430 Avondale, OKC, 254.5058
THE METRO A perennial favorite that feels comfortably upscale, the far-reaching menu covers culinary high points from vichyssoise to crème brulée. 6418 N Western, OKC, 840.9463
STELLA 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
THE PRITCHARD WINE BAR Tempted by tempranillo? Musing about muscat? This Plaza District stop is amply stocked with exceptional wines, and sampling the varied dishes is a pleasure in itself. 1749 NW 16th, OKC, 601.4067
VICTORIA’S A relaxed atmosphere for enjoying superb pasta – the chicken lasagna and linguine with snow crab are especially excellent. 215 E Main, Norman, 329.0377; 3000 SW 104th, OKC, 759.3580
FRENCH CAFÉ CUVEE Located in Midtown’s magnificent Ambassador Hotel, this paean to the flavors of la belle France is a collaboration between star chefs and elite ingredients. 1200 N Walker, OKC, 898.8120 FAIT MAISON This classical French restaurant delivers exceptional cuisine made with exacting care – the name translates to homemade – for exquisite, if pricy, event dining. 152 E 5th, Edmond, 509.2555 LA BAGUETTE BISTRO Les Freres Buthion have deep roots in the city’s culinary landscape, and this flagship combines fine dining with a great bakery, deli and butcher on site. 7408 N May, OKC, 840.3047
GERMAN DAS BOOT CAMP Longtime Deutsch fixture Royal Bavaria brews up exceptional cuisine and magnificent beer in a less expensive, faster-paced location in downtown Norman. 229 E Main, Norman, 701.3748 FASSLER HALL Bringing German flavor to Midtown via house-made sausages, warm soft pretzels with cheese sauce, duck fries and a heftig beer menu. 421 NW 10th, OKC, 609.3300 ROYAL BAVARIA Superb takes on traditional dishes like Weinerschnitzel, Jagerbraten and sausages, plus
VITO’S RISTORANTE Homestyle Italian cuisine in an intimate setting where the staff and management treat customers like guests in their home. Calling ahead is recommended. 7628 N May, OKC, 848.4867
MEXICAN & LATIN AMERICAN BIG TRUCK TACOS It’s nearly always standing-room-only at lunch, but 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 CAFÉ KACAO A sunlit space filled with bright, vibrant flavors from the zesty traditions of Guatemala. Lunch possibilities beckon, but it’s the breakfast specialties that truly dazzle. 3325 N Classen, OKC, 602.2883 HACIENDA TACOS Quality, of both ingredients and execution, and variety make this restaurant in Northpark a pleasure to visit, and to explore the menu again and again. 12086 N May, OKC, 254.3140 OSO ON PASEO Make sure your appetite is loaded for bear when you visit this patio-centric spot in the Paseo Arts District – delicious, creative tacos and
cocktails. 603 NW 28th, OKC, 309.8226
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 mole poblano. 702 N Porter, Norman, 360.8070 ZARATE’S 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 C’EST SI BON The name is accurate: it is impressively good for lovers of Cajunstyle po-boys and crawfish etouffee, and the award-winning catfish is a must-try. 101 N Douglas, Midwest City, 610.2555 THE DRAKE The Good Egg Group’s flagship and a standard-bearer for diners who crave excellent seafood, it features the sea’s finest, plus an oyster bar and tempting cocktails. 519 NW 23rd, OKC OFF THE HOOK A food truck expanded into two restaurants, it’s a prizewinning spot for po’ boys, fried or grilled baskets and specialty items. Go get hooked. 125 S Britton, OKC, 840.3474; 1920 S Meridian, OKC, 606.6040 PEARL’S OYSTER BAR 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
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 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 JAMIL’S STEAKHOUSE Steak, lobster or prime rib with a Lebanese bounty of gratis appetizers; Jamil’s has been feeding Oklahoma exceptionally well since 1964. 4910 N Lincoln, OKC, 525.8352 MCCLINTOCK Where better to find a saloon than in Stockyards City? Get a drink at the massive, 50-foot oak bar, and stick around for massive steaks and chops. 2227 Exchange, OKC, 232.0151 RANCH STEAKHOUSE Custom-aged hand-cut USDA Certified Prime tenderloins and ribeyes, served amid warm Southern hospitality. 3000 W Britton, OKC, 755.3501
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ON THE R ADAR
EVENTS GUIDE
The Whys of the Skies
These listings are not related to adver tising in 405 Magazine. To submit an event for potential inclusion (at least six weeks in advance), please email events@405magazine.com.
SCIENCE MUSEUM OK EXAMINES WILD WEATHER
W
eather is one of the few parts of nature humans can’t tame; however, we have made significant advances in understanding the science behind it. Through Labor Day, the Wild Weather exhibition at Science Museum Oklahoma will educate Oklahomans of all ages about the mechanics of severe weather.
EVENTS
“It allows people to learn the science that brings the storm,” says Clint Stone, vice president for programs. Attendees will learn the science behind the inclement weather Oklahoma faces, such as tornadoes and torrential rain, but they can also learn about unfamiliar forms of weather, such as the hurricanes of the coast or the winter storms of the north. Involvement is essential in Wild Weather, and the exhibition shows people how they can engage in weather science on their own, Stone said. He also recommends that families attend together, for the main goal is for them to walk away with a stronger safety plan. - JAC K SO N WE LL S
AUG 3 CAT VIDEO FEST There’s no Academy Award for them, but connoisseurs know the joy of a good cat video - and sharing a curated clip show of them with an audience of enthusiasts is a family-friendly delight. Myriad Gardens, 301 W Reno, OKC, 445.7080, myriadbotanicalgardens.com AUG 7 ENGAGING MEN Survivors’ advocate Joshua Safran is the guest speaker at this YWCA fundraiser working to increase involvement in preventing domestic violence and sexual assault. Embassy Suites OKC, 741 N Phillips, OKC, 948.1770, ywcaokc.org AUG 7-28 WESTERN MOVIE MATINEES Popcorn is provided at this series of classic westerns chosen to explore the evolution of the cowboy figure: In Old Arizona Aug 7, The Gay Caballero Aug 14, Three Amigos Aug 21 and Ride, Vaquero! Aug 28. Nat’l Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd, OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org AUG 17 DANCING FOR A MIRACLE Celebrity dancers paired with light-footed professional partners show off all the right moves to win accolades and raise funds for the Children’s Hospital Foundation. Embassy Suites Norman, 2501 Conference, Norman, 271.2260, chfkids.com AUG 23 FIESTA FRIDAY Summer means celebrations in these monthly block parties thrown by the vendors of Capitol Hill - enjoy food trucks, authentic Latino culture and lots of fun. Calle dos Cinco, 2512 S Harvey, OKC, historiccapitolhill.com
EXHIBITIONS THROUGH AUG 9 PATRICK RILEY Twice a recipient of the Governor’s Arts Award, Riley has had a golden career in drawing, sculpting and mask-making; this exhibition highlights his work and his legacy as an arts instructor. OK HOF Museum, 1400 Classen, OKC, oklahomahof.com THROUGH OCT 31 STANDING THEIR GROUND Bricktown gallery Exhibit C presents a collection of
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paintings and sculptures by Enoch Kelly Haney, Monty Little and Harvey Pratt, Native artists who have served in the U.S. military. Exhibit C, 1 E Sheridan, OKC, 767.8900, exhibitcgallery.com
MUSIC AUG 1 BUSH / LIVE Two of the kings of ‘90s airplay - if you were listening to the right stations - team up for an amazing outdoor jam. Zoo Amphitheatre, 2101 NE 50th, OKC, 602.0683, thezooamphitheatre.com AUG 2 TYSON MEADE The godfather of alt-rock and founding frontman for the Chainsaw Kittens is ready to make some noise, as he starts off a jam-packed month that also sees Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Pedro the Lion, Flying Lotus and Los Lonely Boys. Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, OKC, 708.6937, towertheatreokc.com
AUG 16 VAMPIRE WEEKEND The Grammywinning New York pop/rockers just put out their fourth album after a six-year gap, and they’re eager to share some choice cuts from Father of the Bride. The Criterion, 500 E Sheridan, OKC, 840.5500, criterionokc.com AUG 16 WHEELER SUMMER MUSIC SERIES Live music from Lincka, WoRm and Changing Frequencies headlines an evening with food trucks, The Big Friendly beer bus and pop-up shopping, all under the Ferris wheel lights. Wheeler District, 1701 S Western, OKC, wheelerdistrict.com AUG 17 WOODSTOCK REVISITED Woodstock 50 might not come to pass in New York, but the summer of ‘69 is returning to OKC as local artists prepare to provide listeners with a groovy time warp. Myriad Gardens, 301 W Reno, OKC, 445.7080, myriadbotanicalgardens.com
AUG 4-25 TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES Arts Council OKC ends the week on a free note with live performances from the Wight Lighters Aug 4, Beau Jennings Aug 11, Imaginaries Aug 18 and Oklahoma Virtuosi Aug 25. Enjoy! Myriad Gardens, 301 W Reno, OKC, 270.4848, artscouncilokc.org
AUG 22-24 EP EXPO Elvis is still in the building - spiritually, at least. This three-day tribute concert and contest is packed with top-tier talent all doing their best Presley. Grand Casino 777 Grand Casino, Shawnee, 964.7777, grandresortok.com
AUG 11 AN ACCORDION AFFAIR Not one, not two, but 23 experts at an idiosyncratic instrument are gathering to combine their crafts and squeeze out some seriously enjoyable sound. Czech Hall, 205 N Czech Hall, Yukon, okaccordion.club
SPORTS AUG 3-24 OKC ENERGY FC OKC’s soccer squad is in position to make a strong playoff run in the back half of their season, and they’re hoping for a full six points from hosting
Tulsa Aug 3, Fresno FC Aug 10 and Austin Bold FC Aug 24. Taft Stadium, 2501 N May, OKC, 234.5425, energyfc.com AUG 7-SEP 2 OKC DODGERS The AAA baseball season is winding down, and the Dodgers are eager to pack the Brick for matchups with Tacoma Aug 7-9, Reno Aug 10-13, Nashvile Aug 19-22, Iowa Aug 26-29 and a final home stand against New Orleans Aug 30-Sep 2. Play ball! Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S Mickey Mantle, OKC, 218.1000, okcdodgers.com
THEATER AUG 1-4 ALL SHOOK UP The Sooner Theater takes a swivel-hipped swing at this rockin’ jukebox musical, packed with infectious classics from the King of Rock and Roll. Sooner Theater, 101 E Main, Norman, 321.9600, soonertheatre.org AUG 22-SEP 15 ARSENIC AND OLD LACE More like “Farce-enic” - sweet little old ladies turn out to be serial poisoners, their nephew thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt and one man has to hold it together while keeping his fiance at arm’s length. Jewel Box Theatre, 3700 N Walker, OKC, 521.1786, jewelboxtheatre.org AUG 24-SEP 8 AN ACT OF GOD When it comes down to it, what’s existence all about, and why is life the way it is? There’s no better source for wisdom than the deity who made it all, in this absurdly hilarious play. Pollard Theatre, 120 W Harrison, Guthrie, 282.2800, thepollard.org
PH OTOS CO U R T E S Y SC I EN C E M US EU M O K L A H O M A
I WAS 300LBS and mainly binged on
TV shows, ate way too much, and played video games for hours on end. I lived in a 2-story house and became winded doing pretty much anything. I had terrible back problems, knee problems and found myself in severe depression. I was a terrible example to my son and I knew that I wasn’t able to keep up with him. I was angry and I hated myself. The key with CrossFit is to remember that every member is investing in themselves. It doesn’t matter if you’re 8 or 80, 100 pounds or 400 pounds. You can do CrossFit. Nothing warms my heart more than my son being happy and knowing that I am able to do so by being physically fit, it makes CrossFit worth every penny and every hour spent.
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405 MAGA ZINE | AUGUST 2019
79
L AST L AUGH
Dog Days of Summer OF FRANKS AND FOCUS GROUPS
I
BY L AU REN ROTH
recently came across an alarming statistic: Americans eat an average of 60 hot dogs every year. Not “American families” – Americans. If that’s true, you should be 35 hot dogs into the year by now (and well on your way to an all-elastic waistband wardrobe). Don’t get me wrong – I love a good hot dog. I’m just not sure when this meteoric rise in popularity (and subsequent consumption) came along in America’s relationship with the meaty treat. Maybe Armour is responsible for catapulting hot dogs to the top of Americans’ list of favorite summertime foods, immortalizing them in the pre-PC jingle of yesteryear: Hot dogs, Armour hot dogs What kind of kids eat Armour Hot Dogs? Fat kids, skinny kids, kids who climb on rocks, Tough kids, sissy kids, even kids with chicken pox Love hot dogs, Armour Hot Dogs The dog kids love to bite! The jingle, which leaves almost no one unoffended by today’s standards, did the trick; it sold a lot of hot dogs in the ’60s and ’70s. Our national love of hot dogs might not be as far-reaching if this jingle were proposed by an aspiring jingle writer today. I think the advertising agency copy editor’s comments would go like this: Hot dogs, Armour hot dogs I like this – good thinking to put the client’s name in the first line! What kind of kids eat Armour Hot Dogs? Great reinforcement of client’s name, but do we want to limit our image of the consumer to kids only? Should we add career moms? Single dads? Multi-generational families? This might be a question to throw out to a focus group. What rhymes with “blended or otherwise non-traditional family unit”? Fat kids, skinny kids, kids who climb on rocks, Whoa, whoa, whoooooooaaaa – do we really want to focus on physical attributes? Labels = body shaming. Also, if we single out “kids who climb on rocks,” will that alienate kids who don’t have access to rocks due to geographical limitations that they can’t control? Is rock climbing even still a thing? It seems dangerous, and we can’t promote a dangerous activity in connection with the product because … class action.
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AUGUST 2019 | 405 MAGA ZINE
Tough kids, sissy kids, even kids with chicken pox Hold up. “Tough” sounds aggressive, like we’re promoting violence, and “sissy” conjures images of bullying and lifestyle intolerance. We can’t go there. I would also leave out any reference to the varicella-zoster virus. Too risky to make a subliminal connection between the consumption of the client’s product and a virus. Plus, no matter where the target audience stands on childhood vaccinations, we can’t ask a child actor with chicken pox (#contagious) to appear on camera and expose his or her private medical issue and risk feeling ostracized. HIPAA and all that. Love hot dogs, Armour Hot Dogs Good – repeat client’s name at the end of the jingle! But “love” hot dogs? That’s pretty strong. The typical American eats 60 of these a year. I’d say they’re “very much in like” with hot dogs. “Love” might be 100 hot dogs, but let’s toss this to R&D to confirm. The dog kids love to bite! Again, we don’t want to promote violence or any aggressive behavior (such as biting) that might be misconstrued as an invitation to assault someone or something with one’s teeth. Do we want to use the last line to recommend that parents/caretakers/legal guardians cut the hot dog into small pieces before serving to young children to prevent a choking hazard? What rhymes with that? I T ’ S S U M M ER I N T H E 4 05 – M A K E T H E M OS T O F I T! LO O K FO R M Y N E W BO O K , 10 0 T H I N GS TO D O I N O K L A H O M A C I T Y B EFO R E YO U D I E , AT A BO O K S TO R E N E A R YO U O R O N M Y W EBS I T E , L AU R EN - ROT H .CO M .
I L LUS T R AT I O N BY C H A D C ROW E
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FACES of the
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4O5
AUGUST 2019 VOLUME FIVE | ISSUE EIGHT
Best
Sandwiches Bite into
Top 35 b the et
weenthe-bre ad creat ions, from gr illed che e se to the Stea k Sandw ich Suprem e
THUNDERBIRD WATCH
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BEAU JENNINGS GETS READY TO ROCK
WILD ADVENTURES
AUGUST 2019
PLACES TO WALK WITH THE ANIMALS