HOT DISTRICTS WHERE TO SHOP, EAT AND PLAY
PLUS
LUXE HOTEL GETAWAYS REMEMBERING THE OKLAHOMA ONLINE MEDICINE
Optimal Health Associates
• WOMEN’S HEALTH • MEN’S HEALTH • HORMONE THERAPY
At Optimal Health we strive to be the most progressive, collaborative and comprehensive specialty healthcare team. We understand the basic ingredient in patient satisfaction is unrivaled compassion, a kind informative explanation, and a personal connection. We combine this compassion with innovative science to provide unique and individualized care to each and every patient.
• GYNECOLOGY • MAMMOGRAPHY • DIET & NUTRITION • SUPPLEMENTS
OptimalHealthAssociates.com 405.715.4496 NOEL R. WILLIAMS, M.D. | DENNIS E. SANDLER, M.D. Optimal Health AssociatesTM DBA Optimal Health
We keep the Energy in the game.
When Energy FC players get injured, Mercy specialists help speed their recovery. They can help you too. Our Orthopedic Access Clinic provides care Monday through Friday. They’ll assess your injury within 24 hours so you can start treatment sooner and get back to doing what you love.
Find a Mercy Clinic doctor at mercy.net/doctors.
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Your life is our life’s work. mercy.net
FEATURES
May 2015
60
Summer Stays for Summer Play
Their capacity for number of guests tends to be somewhat circumscribed, but for providing exceptional service, luxurious amenities and ideal locations for exploring their host cities? The sky’s the limit in these eminently welcoming examples of Oklahoma’s boutique hotels.
On the cover
52
Come Together OKC is by size one of the largest cities in the country, counting among its many and varied features a number of enclaves with energy and character all their own. Vibrant community atmospheres like these don’t come about by accident; just ask some of the pioneers and planners who have poured their energies into making the metro’s districts come alive.
2 SLICE // MAY 2015
The revitalized Plaza District hums with energy during LIVE! on the Plaza. Photo by Quit Nguyen
DEPARTMENTS
84
THE BEASTS OF BOTH WORLDS
Small-scale OKC restaurant Land and Sea brings tasty possibilities from ocean and earth alike to the table. 14 From the Editor UP FRONT 18 Chatter A delicious day for local festivities, a philanthropic powerhouse’s anniversary, an award-winning film finding a wider audience and other area topics of conversation. 22 Details It doesn’t take much of nature’s touch to make a decorative impact; small flower arrangements like these should be hugely popular. 24 Style File The function is useful and the form divine in these eye-catching purses, clutches and handbags.
24
May 2015
FARE 82 Treats for Mom Want to start Mother’s Day right? Here are a couple of quick recipes for a delicious and thoughtful breakfast in bed. 86 Eat & Drink Take a gastronomic tour with Slice’s citywide dining guide. PURSUITS 94 Top Ten Prime picks for a variety of May entertainment. 96 Avian Artistry Bird-focused art flocks to the Sam Noble Museum in a new exhibit centered around the life and legacy of John James Audubon. 98 See Spot Help Animals Inspired by the life of their sibling, a local family gears up to renew their fundraising, pet-saving run for its 7th year.
26 Places Top-notch design is temporarily enshrined in the “Treasure in the Trees,” the 2015 Symphony Show House.
101 A Picture-Perfect Destination Northern Louisiana has plenty to offer travelers, with a lagniappe – a little something extra – in the form of a wealth of public art.
30 Retro-Spective Remembering the way we were with a look back at a nondescript farmhouse that twisted its way into the public eye.
104 See & Do The sights, sounds and various happenings that are enlivening the metro this month.
32 By the Numbers Fast facts and statistics on the subject of Oklahoma’s forays into space.
110 Last Laugh 112 Last Look
34 Exchange A conversational give and take about recognizing perfect moments and finding fulfilling work with the Better Business Bureau’s Kitt Letcher. 36 Mingling Making an appearance on central Oklahoma’s social scene. 38 77 Counties Travels through Oklahoma with author and photographer M.J. Alexander.
96 4 SLICE // MAY 2015
LIVING WELL 74 The Doctor Is In Online For health care with an emphasis on patient convenience, online medicine is the next best thing to old-school house calls.
26
vonmaur.com
QUAIL SPRINGS MALL |
May 2015
Volume 6 Issue 5
PUBLISHER Elizabeth Meares elizabeth.meares@sliceok.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mia Blake mia.blake@sliceok.com EDITORIAL Associate Editor Steve Gill steve.gill@sliceok.com Contributing Stylists Timothy Fields, Fashion timothy.fields@sliceok.com Sara Gae Waters, Home saragae.waters@sliceok.com Contributing Writers M.J. Alexander, Sean Becker, Mark Beutler, Lynsey Bradley, Heidi Rambo Centrella, Lauren Hammack, Caryn Ross, Elaine Warner ART Art Director Scotty O’Daniel scotty.odaniel@sliceok.com Graphic Designer Brian O’Daniel brian.odaniel@sliceok.com Production Assistant Tiffany McKnight tiffany.mcknight@sliceok.com Contributing Photographers M.J. Alexander, Justin Avera, David Cobb, Terrell Fry, Simon Hurst, Claude Long, Michael Miller, Quit Nguyen, Elaine Warner, Carli Wentworth ADVERTISING Business Development Manager Heidi Turner heidi.turner@sliceok.com
The Locket and Charmed Life Collections
Executive Director of Advertising Cynthia Whitaker-hill cynthia.whitakerhill@sliceok.com Account Executives Jamie Hamilton jamie.hamilton@sliceok.com Coleen VanSchoyck coleen.vanschoyck@sliceok.com Account Manager Ronnie Morey ronnie.morey@sliceok.com ADMINISTRATION Distribution Raymond Brewer
405.607.4323 | Casady Square | N. Pennsylvania & Britton Road www.NaifehFineJewelry.com
6 SLICE // MAY 2015
WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA sliceok.com
SHORT INCISION. SHORT RECOVERY.
Single-Incision Robotic Surgery Making the choice to undergo surgery is always a major decision, but now at Lakeside Women’s Hospital, making that big decision amounts to a single, small incision. Using the new da Vinci Robotic Surgery SystemŽ, specially trained surgeons Dr. Margaret Hall and Dr. Andrea Palmer are able to articulate the finest, most precise movements through a single incision in the navel. This means healing time measured in days instead of weeks and hospital stays that are typically less than 24 hours.
Best of all, the results are virtually scarless. Dr. Margaret Hall
lakeside-wh.com 405-936-1000
Dr. Andrea Palmer
To learn more, call 405-936-1000 or visit lakeside-wh.com.
Calvert her day.
lvert her day.
May 2015
Volume 6 Issue 5
READER SERVICES SLICE 729 W. Sheridan, Suite 101 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 Phone 405.842.2266 Fax 405.604.9435 info@sliceok.com, sliceok.com Advertising Inquiries sales@sliceok.com Job/Internship Inquiries jobs@sliceok.com Story Ideas and Letters to the Editor Your views and opinions are welcome. Include your full name, address and daytime phone number and email to editor@sliceok.com. Letters sent to Slice magazine become the magazine’s property, and it owns all rights to their use. Slice magazine reserves the right to edit letters for length and clarity.
This Mother’s Day, order mom ananorchid This Mother’s Day, order mom orchid in colors only found at Calvert’s. in colors only found at Calvert’s.
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Bulk Orders For multiple copy order information, please contact our office. Subscriptions Slice Magazine is available by subscription for $14.95 (12 issues), $24.95 (24 issues) or $34.95 (36 issues). Subscription Customer Service Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. CST SLICE P.O. Box 16765 North Hollywood, CA 91615-6765 Phone 818.286.3160 Fax 800.869.0040 subscriptions@sliceok.com sliceok.com/subscribe Slice Volume 6, Number 5, May 2015. Slice is published monthly by Open Sky Media, Inc. at 729 W. Sheridan, Suite 101, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, 405.842.2266. © Copyright 2015 Open Sky Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of Slice content, in whole or part by any means, without the express written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Slice is not responsible for the care of and/or return of unsolicited materials. Slice reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed detrimental to the community’s best interest or in questionable taste. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of ownership or management. Basic annual subscription rate is $14.95. U.S. single-copy price is $4.95. Back issues are $9.50 each
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“YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN OUTDOORS!” 405.610.SWAT (7928) • www.SWATokc.com
8 SLICE // MAY 2015
®
DWELL IN BEAUTY
405.627.9193
anders@acdwellings.com | terry@acdwellings.com
acdwellings.com | swedishdekor.com Follow AC Dwellings on
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How the Magic Is Made Have you ever wondered how an artist can take a slab of clay, a piece of glass or a blank canvas and transform it into something amazing and beautiful? Ever wanted to ask an artist what inspires and drives them? Then this is the perfect opportunity for you to witness artistry at its best – as it happens.
PAINTING IN THE COURTYARD
Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Join over 20 of the Howell Gallery’s artists and watch them create wonderful pieces of art as you stroll throughout the gallery and the courtyard. Observe, ask questions and talk to the artists as they work in a variety of mediums including acrylic, oil, graphite, watercolor, glass and ceramics. Admission is free, and seeing a piece made can enhance your appreciation for the finished work; the creative journey is its own reward.
THE HOWELL GALLERY
6432 N. Western Ave., OKC | 405.840.4437 | howellgallery.com
Big Design Ideas ... New, Bigger Space
Hall of Fame Design Fabulous fashion and great style are coming to gorgeous women’s wear boutique r meyers, in a special trunk show that highlights the spectacular look of American designer Kevan Hall. Hall’s signature collection is defined by sophisticated elegance paired with a modern sensibility, and has remained true to his fashion philosophy’s emphasis on purity of style, incomparable tailoring and sensuously draped silhouettes. He has been recognized throughout his career for his craftsmanship and contribution to fashion, supplying designs worn by many Hollywood starlets and fashion icons alike; now his gorgeous aesthetic is ready to be worn by you:
KEVAN HALL TRUNK SHOW
30A Home is already an established source for finding exceptional home decor items and stylish solutions for living – now they’re in a better position to bring you even more of their signature design inspiration. Their new, larger warehouse is open and fully stocked with items from chairs, sofas, case goods and tables to rugs, pillows, eye-catching accessories and original artwork. In fact, the 30A Home retail space is currently closed for renovation and expansion, so they’re temporarily relocating to the warehouse; it’s an ideal time to see the new space and new items fresh from market. Come explore the array of thoughtfully chosen furnishings and accessories, and find something special to enhance your space. The new location is two blocks west of Santa Fe Avenue on N.W. 44th Street, and is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.
30A HOME
115 N.W. 44th St., OKC | 405.286.3153 | 30ahome.com 10 SLICE // MAY 2015
Fall 2015 Ready-to-Wear and Sport Collections Monday, May 4 through Wednesday, May 6 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Both day and evening looks, along with his golf collection KHS, will be available during this special event – styles from the fairway to the runway, right in Nichols Hills Plaza.
R MEYERS
6471 Avondale Dr., Nichols Hills Plaza, OKC 405.842.1478 | rmeyersokc.com
Vision. Vision is the ability to imagine where the
path taken will lead and how best to reach that chosen destination. Retirement Investment Advisors is a fee-only financial planning firm with qualified professionals focused on the best interests of each individual client. This client-driven approach has been recognized more than 50 times by local and national publications. Call today and see for yourself why so many rely on the vision of Retirement Investment
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ON THE WEB THIS MONTH ON SLICEOK.COM
Make Her Day Great Mother’s Day is on the horizon (that’s a hint), and we’re here to help you say “thanks” to the woman who made your life possible – and do so with style. This fabulous SOHO Galena Oval Tray from Beatriz Ball gives breakfast in bed an extra touch of elegance; its textured handles, dramatic styling and rich surface combine for a stunning presentation, and since it’s made of an FDA-safe aluminum alloy, it’s easy to clean, care for and use ... as well as dashingly decorative. The Beatriz Ball Collection (every piece of which is handmade and resistant to tarnishing) is available at On A Whim, Paper ‘N More, Red Chateau and all three locations of BC Clark Jewelers – but you can get this one as easily as entering our giveaway at sliceok.com/MothersDayTray/. One other winner will be in for an even bigger treat, though it does involve getting out of bed: visit sliceok.com/ MomsSpaDay/ for a chance to win a $500 Spa Day from Ihloff Salon and Day Spa in Norman. Revitalizing wraps to hot stone treatments, pure luxurious pampering and relaxation is an exceptional way to show your Mom some sincere gratitude. Good luck! Winners will be drawn May 8 for Mother’s Day prizes.
3001 United Founders Blvd., Suite A Oklahoma City, OK 73112 PH: 405.942.1234 TheRetirementPath.com
Recipient of the Compass Award for Reinforcing Ethical Standards and a 2013 Beacon Award for Community Service & Volunteerism.
Visit us on Facebook for educational articles on retirement planning and other helpful topics.
12 SLICE // MAY 2015
Coming Soon! Speaking of contests, regular readers will remember the Friday $50 weekly restaurant giveaway from last year, and we’re getting set to bring it back this summer – but you have to be signed up for our e-newsletters to enter, so if you aren’t already, visit sliceok.com/newsletters/ to get in on the good stuff.
From the Editor
THE LIVING IS EASY
SIMON HURST
H
MIA BLAKE
Editor-in-Chief mia.blake@sliceok.com
14 SLICE // MAY 2015
appy days are here again! It’s time to banish those gray and rainy early spring days and get ready for one of Oklahoma’s most enjoyable outdoor months … ah, May. With our minds on leisurely pursuits in balmy (not yet broiling!) climes, we’ve turned our focus to some of the best locations in the metro for celebrating the community’s spirit of fun and relaxation. Contributor Heidi Rambo Centrella has winnowed down the field to a few of the most wellknown in “Come Together” on page 52, and explains how the influx of energy and capital into shopworn metro districts has blossomed into beautiful fruition. These rejuvenated areas have hit upon a winning formulation of the right investors, location and community buy-in to create destinations worthy of attention. Park your car and head out on foot to shop, dine and find entertainment options all within a short walk. Often hosting regularly scheduled street festivals (like the Plaza District’s “LIVE! on the Plaza” fete shown on our cover), now is the time to get outside to check out these pockets of play. Continuing with our relaxed mindset – can you tell we’re more than ready for summer vacation? – we’ve gone to the trouble of seeking out the most blissful in-state boutique hotels to call home for a long weekend of recharging and exploring. It’s a tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it, and our intrepid travel contributor Elaine Warner faces the challenge head on. She’s cast her net outside of the local environs but kept it within easy driving distance with her feature, “Summer Stays for Summer Play.” Another topic that is top-of-mind around this time is Mother’s Day (May 10 - not that I’m counting!) This is my first official entry into the hallowed halls of the honored, and I know I’ll be stealthily directing my husband’s attention to Caryn Ross’ kids’ recipes for frittata and chocolate croissants on page 82. This is a case where membership has its benefits, and those, namely, are spelled “c-h-oc-o-l-a-t-e c-r-o-i-s-s-a-n-t-s.” I think the six-month-old is a bit too small to man the stove just yet, but will definitely provide the inspiration and cheering section for the culinary endeavors of that day. I think it’s good to start them young, especially in matters of delicious pastry, don’t you? Lastly, we are always interested in reader feedback, and right now we’re making it official. We’ve got a new survey up and running and would love for you to participate. We’ll even sweeten the deal with the chance to win prizes, from fine dining to luxury shopping to a great weekend getaway. Sound good? Visit sliceok.com/ReaderSurvey/ to share your thoughts and opinions with us. Happy Mother’s Day to my Mom and moms everywhere!
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elping to present a person or organization in the best light – conveying their message as effectively as possible – is an undertaking that’s rewarding and difficult. And BOLD Multimedia has been doing just that for 13 years. “At BOLD we’re about making our clients look great,” explains Leslie Christopher. “We use advertising, multimedia and AV integration to help clients communicate a message to their target audience, whoever that might be.” Leslie is one of the company’s three co-owners, as well as an account executive. “My background is in psychology and education,” the OU alumna continues, explaining how she honed her communication skills. “I also have a passion for words and writing, so I do much of our copywriting.” She’s passionate about her work, smiling that, “What I love most is getting to learn something new every day.” Co-owner and account executive Krystyn Richardson, who describes her role as oversight of the accounting and business side of the enterprise, speaks highly of the thrill of beginning new projects. “People are always excited when all the new ideas start swarming around. There’s also a lot of satisfaction in seeing things come to fruition. But it’s really about the relationship with the client, and working together to build that relationship and make things happen.” Strategic planning, forecasting and big-picture work are among her many strengths, and she relishes the feeling of crossing items off a to-do list. Together with their partner John Richardson, they lead a small group of long-term employees who have formed a tightly knit team and delight in doing quality work for their clients and area nonprofits. Leslie adds, “We serve people and engage in our community for the pure enjoyment it brings us, and the people around us, to create growth for our customers, our community, our business, ourselves and our families.”
16 SLICE // MAY 2015
KRYSTYN RICHARDSON AND LESLIE CHRISTOPHER
215 W. Main St., Norman 405.701.8103 BOLD-Multimedia.com
UP FRONT MINIATURE MARVELS OF NATURE
CARLI WENTWORTH
Small arrangements of well-chosen flowers are a simple, engaging way to celebrate a month of bountiful beauty. See page 22.
CHATTER Topics of conversation from around the metro 18
BY THE NUMBERS Checking our figures on Oklahomans’ excursions in space 32
STYLE FILE Chic and fashionable handbags to accessorize with perfection 24
EXCHANGE Talking fulfillment, family and giving back with Better Business Bureau chief Kitt Letcher 34
PLACES Wonders of design await exploration in the Symphony Show House 26
MINGLING Glimpses of central Oklahoma’s social scene 36
RETRO-SPECTIVE A quick look back at a piece of local history 30
77 COUNTIES Travels through the state with author and photographer M.J. Alexander 38 MAY 2015 // SLICE 17
UP FRONT | Chatter
Getting in Tune LOCAL FLAVOR
Baltimore has its crab cakes, Philadelphia its cheesesteaks, New Orleans all kinds of gumbo-y goodness. Here in central Oklahoma we have a few regional specialties of our own, and lovers of close-to-home cuisine should have May 2 circled on their calendars, as two separate celebrations of flavor beckon from opposite sides of the metro. Prague celebrates its vibrant Czech heritage and culture (and namesake delectable pastry treats) at the Kolache Festival, which includes a parade, arts and crafts show and carnival, while on the west side El Reno lauds one of its town’s main claims to fame at Fried Onion Burger Day: beef, onions, mustard, pickle … delicious. It’s about 80 miles between the events, and if you don’t dawdle, you should be able to make the scene at both. Wanna try?
A TULSA SINGER SEARCHES FOR THE MEANING OF HOME AND A PUNCH IN THE CHEST Not so very long ago, John Moreland was a raucous, snarling frontman for a punk band, immersed in a pursuit of sounds louder, angrier and more hardcore. But after graduating high school, his script flipped thanks to his father’s music – he found himself rocked by the softer, lyric-based sincerity of Neil Young and Steve Earle, and described the latter’s “Rich Man’s War” as an impact “like somebody just punched me in the chest.” That’s the feeling he’s been pursuing – and sharing – ever since, and his newest solo album “High on Tulsa Heat” is a fresh set of emotional haymakers. By turns contemplative and cheerful, vulnerable and self-critical and wrenchingly, intoxicatingly sad, the collection of 10 self-penned songs ends on the optimistic title track with an upbeat contemplation of home … but, Moreland says, “you have to figure out what that really means and what it is.” Moreland’s screeching hardcore days are behind him, but he’s drawing more attention than ever with a softer, more thoughtful voice. MSNBC host Rachel Maddow said in 2013, “If the American music business made any sense, guys like John Moreland would be household names.” He’s working on it.
STAGE PRESENCE It already deals with superstrength, teleportation, pyrokinesis, preternatural healing … now locally made film“The Posthuman Project” has added a new ability to its roster: dissemination. The adventurous tale of high schoolers on the cusp of graduation who suddenly find themselves gifted with abilities far beyond those of normal teens has received critical praise and awards including “Best Oklahoma Film” at last year’s deadCENTER festival, but unless you caught it on a big screen there’s been no way to see it – until now. Director Kyle Roberts says the film is coming to video-on-demand services May 1; look for it on iTunes, Amazon, Vudu and DirecTV. 18 SLICE // MAY 2015
NONPROFIT PUISSANCE
Page Beatty and Hilarie Blaney had a desire to make a significant difference in their community, and an idea: combine their philanthropic efforts with their friends and supporters to amass and provide donations substantial enough to make a real impact on Oklahoma. Hey, that’s a good name. Ten years later, Impact Oklahoma’s volunteer members contribute $1,000 annually, and 100 percent of those donations go in enormous amounts directly to area nonprofits focusing on culture, education, the environment, family or health. Just last month the organization awarded its 20th $100,000 grant; if you’re counting, that’s a grand total of $2 million (and going strong) toward a better state over the last decade. If there’s a moral to this story, it’s probably something like this: if you want to make the community better, to help someone or do something positive – do it.
MITCHELL HALL RENDERING COURTESY UCO
POWER PLAY
UCO is about to go on summer hiatus, but plans to give the school a little more dramatic heft are starting to gain momentum. When the Build Mitchell Hall campaign comes to fruition, the historic theatrical venue will be nearly doubled in size with new rehearsal spaces, dressing rooms, costume shop and more designed by Elliott + Associates Architects. Break a leg!
MAY 2015 // SLICE 19
Calendar Watch May 1 May Day, thank nature for the verdant beauty May 5 National Teacher Day, thank an educator for caring and inspiring the next generation May 10 Mother’s Day, thank the lady who brought you into the world May 25 Memorial Day, thank the memory of soldiers who sacrificed for us all It’s a good month for gratitude.
“We are excited to get the Ferris wheel spinning this summer and to break ground on the first phase of Wheeler by the end of the year.” – Developer BLAIR HUMPHREYS, regarding the mixed-use project on the south bank of the Oklahoma River, and the nine-story attraction being relocated from the Santa Monica pier.
ON THE PAGE
OKLAHOMA TO VIRGINIA: A FIRST NOVEL REVISITING THE SECOND WORLD WAR It’s the name of a small town in Oklahoma, and a group home for children there, and now the first novel by Virginia writer Hilary Holladay: “Tipton.” The tale was never intended to be very long; Holladay started writing it as a short story about a teenaged orphan making his uncertain way past adolescence. But as she added characterization and explored the nuances of Ross Gentry’s little world and the others he shares it with in the days following the Dust Bowl, new plots began to unfurl; young housemother Alice Williams began to take the spotlight; life on the plains proved to be pretty complicated. As she went about her own life, Holladay wrote, “My thoughts returned to the people at the Tipton Home. Day after day, week after week, they accompanied me ... I listened to them; I let them lead me along.” The result travels beyond Oklahoma to Holladay’s native state, weaving installments of poetry into richly lyrical prose and a narrative peppered with uncertainty. “Walking aimlessly around the front lawn, she wondered if her life would stretch on like this, flowering and withering, bursts of pleasure followed by spells of self-doubt and longing.” The “she” in that sentence is Alice, but who among us hasn’t felt similarly adrift on occasion? A dose of indecision, and awareness of inability to steer life as we might like around unexpected major events like wars, helps make a tale of long ago feel rewardingly timeless. Speaking of literature, author Dorothy Wickenden will be signing copies of her New York Times bestselling “Nothing Daunted” at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum on May 2, in conjunction with the museum’s current exhibit “Madonnas of the Prairie.” It’s an account of female intrepidity well worth exploring.
STRIKING MENTAL SPARKS
When it comes to sharing ideas and lighting a fire under inspiration, OKC has a need for speed. The 8th iteration of thought-fest IgniteOKC is returning to Lyric Theater in the Plaza District – and though participants come from widely different backgrounds and are versed in varied fields of knowledge, they’ll all have one thing in common when they take the stage May 21: five minutes to burn through their presentations and explain their strokes of genius before the clock runs out. With speakers representing technology, art, academics, entrepreneurialism and more, the pace is fast and the ideas are plentiful. Participation is now closed, but you can still join the audience for the networking event by visiting igniteokc.com … if you think quickly. 20 SLICE // MAY 2015
FERRIS WHEEL RENDERING COURTESY BLAIR HUMPHREYS
UP FRONT | Chatter
Dear Slice Magazine, I really like it when you write about would be great to see more talking, could you add even more always my favorite part of the magazine!
, but it . And since we’re ? That’s
Love, Your Reader
Here at Slice, we think it ’s important to offer our readers the opportunity to chime in with their thoughts and suggestions. We also know your time is important to you, so we sweeten the deal. Take the survey and you just might win one of five prizes, including: • fine dining gift cards • luxury shopping • a spectacular weekend getaway Everything you need about the survey and the prizes is at SliceOK.com/ReaderSurvey/
UP FRONT | Details
Pretty Little Petals By Sara Gae Waters Photos by Carli Wentworth
Flowers courtesy Wright’s Flower Market in Norman 22 SLICE // MAY 2015
Flowers courtesy Wright’s Flower Market in Norman
I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED THE IDEA OF A THING’S MINIATURE FORM. I adore tea sandwiches and petits fours and tartlets (otherwise known as high tea). Decorating in vignettes (French for “little scene”) is a favorite, as well. This love of all things small spills over into my love of flowers. A small vase with tiny blooms or a big bloom surrounded by smaller ones are definitely a go-to for flower arrangements around my home. Even a single bloom in a vase can be beautiful. One advantage to smaller arrangements is that you can use unusual vessels to hold the flowers. It might be a special creamer, a goblet or just a tiny bud vase. Sometimes it’s the container that inspires the arrangement. Perhaps a tiny milk glass or silver urn is the way to go. This month I share a few examples of these “micro” bloom arrangements. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one of my favorite holidays that doesn’t get much attention: May Day. On May 1, May Day is celebrated in many different ways all over the world. My favorite version is the tradition of putting together a little arrangement of fresh flowers and leaving them on a friend’s doorstep. Anonymously or not, it doesn’t matter. The thought and the small effort will make anyone’s day special. What a way to ring in such a beautiful month. Happy May {Day} to you!
Arrangements courtesy Dutch Floral in OKC
Far right arrangement courtesy Dutch Floral in OKC
MAY 2015 // SLICE 23
UP FRONT | Style File
To Have and to Hold By Lynsey Bradley // Photos by Quit Nguyen
HANDBAGS ARE JUST AS IMPORTANT TO A WOMAN’S LOOK AS HER SHOES, AND YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MANY OF EITHER! We’ve found some beautiful colors, styles and textures that are sure to catch your eye this season.
4
The Tote
Also known as a carry-all, the tote has made its way back into the spotlight. Some popular colors include navy, red, white and even metallic. This one is reversible! 4. Navy Reversible Tote from Bow and Arrow
The Clutch
More is more when it comes to this style. Snag one of these fun, conversation piece bags. Stylish and easy to carry, they can be beaded, full of fringe or adorned with trendy front straps.
2
1
6
5
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3
The Crossbody
The crossbody has finally achieved “staple” status. They are convenient, universal and found in many shapes and sizes, including bucket bags and adorable minis. 1. Hammitt white mini from 200 Park for Her in OKC 2. Hammitt black and tan with metal hoop embellishment from 200 Park for Her 3. Pink bucket bag from Bow and Arrow in OKC 24 SLICE // MAY 2015
8 5. Hammitt blue floral clutch from 200 Park for Her 6. Hammitt brown mini clutch from 200 Park for Her 7. Hammitt fringe from 200 Park for Her 8. Hammitt two-tone tan and red from 200 Park for Her
MAY 2015 // SLICE 25
UP FRONT | Places
Décor to Explore By Steve Gill // Photos by Carli Wentworth
THE HOME’S FIRST IMPRESSION IS ONE OF RAMBLING WIDTH, over multiple corners and angles, with tall Bradford pears and a magnolia and redbuds and evergreens all around. The arboreal variety indicates one reason why the 2015 Symphony Show House in Northwestern Estates is known as the “Treasure in the Trees,” and as for the rest … take a look inside.
Show House Chair Yvette Fleckinger, Design Chairs Marsha Townsend and Dana Galiga and over a dozen of the metro’s finest designers, furnishers and decorative pros have brought about a showcase of splendor that will help the OKC Orchestra League provide funding for the OKC Philharmonic and music education programs. Open the door to this treasure chest, and enjoy.
The Show House’s den is a room of carefully balanced contrasts, orchestrated by designers Steve Calonkey and Katelynn Calonkey of Mister Robert Fine Furniture. The enormous sofa that anchors the space, all dark leather and brass studs, might risk tipping the room toward somberness if it weren’t playfully counterbalanced by (eminently comfortable) turquoise club chairs and vibrantly shaded rugs to keep the visual palette brisk. Different textures abound, offering choices between sleek fabric and the epically luxuriant Tibetan sheepskin of the corner chair – and even the framed artwork ranges from abstract to landscapes. Don’t overlook the designers’ love of whimsy and animals; not simply the zebra-skin chest that contains a bar setup or the gilded tortoise shell sculpture atop it, but the metal octopus that clutches a wine bottle in its tentacles and the frog conga line that takes up one shelf of the built-in bookcase. 26 SLICE // MAY 2015
Mathis Brothers and designer Nathan Hughes wisely elected to embrace the brightness coming from the living room’s immense floor-to-nearly-ceiling window overlooking the pool and backyard; the light tones of the rug and facing sofas and chairs help the space echo with luminous vitality. It’s also no accident that the predominant highlight is gold, sparkling from the sunburst mirror over the fireplace, curio shelves on the north wall, even the clawed feet of the padded footstools. Watch for Art Deco-inspired touches in the globe-holding atlases and smaller sculptures, and be sure to check out the room’s northeast corner by the chaise lounge – not many rooms could make the incidental table that looks like King Midas touched a massive piece of petrified wood look like it belongs, but in here it’s a perfect eye-catching fit.
The northeast bedroom, as decorated by Tuesday Fay of Bob Mills Furniture, is a study in color. The simple but bold expedient of painting the walls a deep aqua makes the room feel cooler while giving every other component – from brilliant fuschia pillows to gold wall sculptures reminiscent of jacks to the varied accouterments in the bookshelf – a chance to serve as a visual accent, to pop against the lush background. Before you go, step into the adjoining his-and-hers closets outfitted by Pinpoint Resource. Aside from the insight provided into a different sort of style, fashion as opposed to home décor, you should really be able to see yourself in the men’s linen suit (thanks to the mirrored mannequin).
MAY 2015 // SLICE 27
UP FRONT | Places
You can’t get away from awe at the ceiling; a quarter of a million feathers provide soundproofing and a gape-inducing design statement in the media room executed by Travis Neely of Neely Design Associates. Below all that, the space accommodates a glass-topped conversation/card table and ample shelving, even if most of the occupants’ attention will be focused on the truly spectacular TV and speaker setup – the view from the adjustable leather seats with coolly lit cup holders and armrests is exceptional. Of special note: Look closer at the exquisite workmanship in the layered wood table base; it was a custom-made companion piece to the matching chest on which the TV sits. And while the vodka on display in the adjacent closet custom-converted into a bar is just for the visual (no sampling), the rich color contrasts and pinpoint LED lighting make the alcove a must-admire.
DISCOVERING THE MAGIC
The 2015 Symphony Show House is open for viewing May 2-17, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 11:15 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Sundays. It is, however, in a gated community and street parking is not allowed on site, so guests are encouraged to make use of the complimentary shuttle at 1129 W. Memorial Road, just west of Western Avenue. Visit symphonyshowhouse.com or call the Orchestra League at 601.4245 for tickets or more information. 28 SLICE // MAY 2015
CUSTOMIZED CEDAR PERGOLAS, PAVILIONS AND GAZEBOS Bill Herron • 405.664.1913 Jimmy Tow • 405.823.9853 389 Atlas Lane, Blanchard www.pergolasupreme.com
MAY 2015 // SLICE 29
o r t Respective
Street Sentinel By Mark Beutler // Photo courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society IT DIDN’T SET OUT TO BE A LANDMARK, but a generation of Oklahomans remembers the old twisted farmhouse on Broadway Extension. It sat forlornly just north of Britton Road, back when the Broadway Extension was a narrow corridor connecting Oklahoma City to Edmond. The home was once a boarding house in downtown Oklahoma City. The Highfill family bought and relocated it north just after World War II, but plans to give it a facelift never materialized. Vandals, curiosity-seekers and Oklahoma weather took their toll and the house began to shift and contort into a “twisted” version of itself. Oklahoma artist Greg Burns immortalized the structure in his painting “Twisted House.” As the cars and the years whizzed by, the house proudly defied all odds. It remained standing until it was destroyed by a fire in 1978.
30 SLICE // MAY 2015
MAY 2015 // SLICE 31
OKLAHOMANS IN SPACE BY THE NUMBERS By Steve Gill
$11.95
child’s admission to Science Museum Oklahoma on May 1, Space Day
128 5 3
astronauts born in Oklahoma: Leroy Gordon Cooper, Owen Garriott, John Herrington, William Pogue, Thomas Stafford astronauts born elsewhere who grew up or went to school in Oklahoma: Fred Haise, Shannon Lucid, Stuart Allen Roosa
507
hours of space flight logged by astronaut Thomas Stafford
1975
year he and Alexey Leonov exchanged the “handshake in space” during a joint U.S.Soviet space mission, marking the end of the Space Race
24,791
miles per hour (not kidding) reached by Stafford et al. during Apollo 10’s reentry, a world record for human travel
40,000
square feet comprising the Stafford Air and Space Museum in his hometown of Weatherford
2
Academy Awards won by “Apollo 13,” directed by OK-born Ron Howard
$355,237,933
the film’s worldwide box office, nearly 7 times its budget
32 SLICE // MAY 2015
208 799
credit hours required for OU’s Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering degree
approx. copies of Oklahoma it would take to cover the surface of the Moon approx. copies of Oklahoma it would take to cover the surface of Mars
33,528,823 approx. copies of Oklahoma it would take to cover the surface of the Sun
1,483,990 1929 1995
approx. number of stacked Devon Towers it would take to reach the Moon
year Edwin Hubble proposed that the universe is constantly expanding year The Flaming Lips asked “Where does outer space end?”
12
0
human beings who have set foot on the Moon (0 since 1972)
human beings who have set foot on Mars. Yet.
Wait No Longer Your Dream Home is Here Visit our featured homes in Fallbrook near Western and Covell during the Parade of Homes Spring Festival May 1-3 and May 8-10 www.alderfinehomes.com
405.696.6987 MAY 2015 // SLICE 33
UP FRONT | Exchange
BRINGING UP BUSINESS ConverAsati By Lauren Hammack // Photo by Simon Hurst
on with Kitt Letch er
WE MET KITT LETCHER, PRESIDENT AND CEO AT BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU (BBB) OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA, INC., shortly after a bout of spring tornadoes had torn through parts of the metro. Clad in jeans and tennis shoes, Letcher was preparing to canvass the damaged neighborhoods in a proactive attempt to inform vulnerable homeowners and protect them from the ubiquitous swarms of swindling, f ly-by-night home repair scammers already making their rounds. To an outside observer, it appeared to be just another day on the job for Letcher. But as she shared in our exchange, it was another day performing a calling that reminds her she’s exactly where she wants to be.
What is your hometown? Tulsa. Which high school? Holland Hall. Are you married? Yes, almost 14 years to Stuart Letcher. What was your first job? I was an intern for the Tulsa Airport Authority. Part of my job was to give tours to school groups. The last tour I did was cut short one morning – it was September 11, 2001. I understand the BBB is a nonprofit organization. Was I the last person to get that memo? A lot of people think we’re a government agency, but we’re not. We are a 501C-6 nonprofit that has been serving most of the state for almost 85 years. What led you into nonprofit work? When I finished college, it took me a while to decide what I wanted to do. I’ve always had a desire to give back to my community. Once I focused on how I could do that, I knew I’d be happiest with a career in nonprofit work. What are the most important lessons you learned from your parents? There’s always a solution to every problem, so don’t let a problem become an obstacle to moving forward. Also, take advantage of opportunities when you see them. 34 SLICE // MAY 2015
Do you have siblings? Yes. I’m the youngest of three. I have an older sister and brother. How do you define happiness? Recognizing those perfect moments in life when they happen – not really big moments; even the most simple ones can be idyllic – and appreciating them, knowing there are so many things to be grateful for. Is Kitt your given name or is it short for something else? Kitt is my given name. If you decided to change your name, what would it be? Nooooooooo. Never! I would never change my name! Not in a million years! Well, you’re like Cher or Madonna, really. You can get by with just using your first name and everyone knows who it is. True, although people sometimes think I’m telling them my name is “Kent,” which would be even more unusual. What’s the best decision you ever made? There’s no single decision. Marrying my husband, of course, but even decisions I wish I hadn’t made were great decisions because they became learning moments of what not to do. Who is the living person you most admire? My mom. She’s
such a strong person. She’s done so much and she jumps in to try anything because she wants to experience all of it. Have you ever lost, sold or given away something you wish you hadn’t? No. I’m a big purger! I love to purge. Is there something you’re happy you didn’t purge? Yes. My grandmother was a very important part of my life. I’ve kept the first set of entertaining plates she bought. I don’t use them, but I love having them as a reminder of her. Do you have a favorite hole-inthe-wall in OKC? It’s not really a hole-in-the-wall, but I love Humble Pie on 15th Street in Edmond. Also, if it’s Saturday, my family and I will be at Big Truck Tacos. Do you have a mentor? Yes, two mentors – Debby Hampton (president and CEO of United Way of Central Oklahoma) and Patti Ripple (Division Head, Division of Business Administration at OSU/OKC) – two strong, dynamic women.
What are you proud of at the moment? I’m very proud of the momentum we’ve built in the two years that I’ve been at the BBB. We’re celebrating our 85th anniversary and increasing our outreach to businesses in our service area. What do you wish more people knew about the BBB? We’re so much more than a place to call to file a complaint! Yes – if you have a complaint, please call, but we’re here to support businesses by giving them the tools and best practices they need for success. We want to be a resource for businesses. What projects are on the horizon to do that? We have a business development luncheon series that’s getting underway for May, June and July. If you weren’t working in the nonprofit world, what profession would you have? There is no “plan B!” I can’t imagine any other profession that would be as fulfilling.
Finding your dream home and selling your previous. There is no other choice for exceptional service and knowledge in the metro area. Member of the Norman and Oklahoma City Board of Realtors
4371 COVINGTON WAY • $1,545,000
6151 BLUE HILLS LANE $850,000
4701 FLINT RIDGE $829,900
2600 BERRY FARM • $1,959,000
3550 HOLLISTER TRAIL $519,900
ZAN WALDENVILLE
405.401.0448 • Zan@LeariaGroup.com MAY 2015 // SLICE 35
UP FRONT | Mingling
Heather Terry, Allison Farhood, Caroline Mullins, Claire Darrod
Sarah Clinton, Nick Hartman
HEART BALL Photos by Justin Avera
The American Heart Association’s glamorous gala benefits cardiac research and health, while guests have fun and look fantastic. Kaylee Scott, Kathleen Gallagher, Cameron Scott
Nicole and Ron Witherspoon
Dale and Michelle Mauck, Kristine and Pat Bates
A.J. Kirkpatrick, Jill DeLozier, Brandi Morrow, Joe Hudson
Pamela Hayes, Beverly Fulcher, Trisha Fransen Marshall and Brittney Matlock
CHOCOLATE DECADENCE Photos by Justin Avera
A rich, sweet, sensational fundraiser to benefit Automobile Alley fills an evening with music and tasty treats. Chris Parker, Blake Simon 36 SLICE // MAY 2015
Meg Salyer, Teresa Wall
Want more photos? Sign up for our Snapshot! newsletter at sliceok.com/newsletters.
Steven and Linda Slawson, Aimee Harlow, Sumit and Sumeeta Nanda Don Narcomey and Vicki Van Stavern
Lee Anne and Renzi Stone
Kirk Hammons, Nancy Payne Ellis, Judy Love
Steve Mason, Tom McDaniel, Linda and Chris Lawson
ALLIED ARTS HONORARY CHAIR EVENT Photos by Terrell Fry
Dr. Robert and Nancy Payne Ellis are lauded for their steadfast support in this fete for elite patrons of community arts.
Sandra Lavenue, Lynn Sauble, Julie Meaders
Brandon Young, Lance Baker
Charina and Nathan Helms
BOOTS & BLUES FOR SIGHT Photos by Claude Long
David and Linda Hutchinson
Trevor and Megan Conklin
Prevent Blindness Oklahoma has a tremendous time treating guests to food, drink, auctions and raffles and a great party at the IAO Gallery. MAY 2015 // SLICE 37
UP FRONT | Wanderlust
Weathered by time and tide, the USS Oklahoma’s mast was recovered from the deep and returned to its namesake state.
77 COUNTIES
The Double Sinking of the USS Oklahoma
By M.J. Alexander
THE JAPANESE TORPEDOES AND BOMBS WERE BAD ENOUGH. They tore into the USS Oklahoma without warning, ripping holes in its hull up to 40 feet wide. The battleship filled with water and capsized to port in 12 minutes, stuck at a drunken 150-degree angle by the tip of its masts digging into the mud at the bottom of Pearl Harbor. Some say that even worse than the violent attack of December 7, 1941, were the days that came afterward, when hundreds of sailors were trapped in the submerged wreckage. As the fires cooled and the din of battle quieted, and the United States officially entered World War II, the harbor echoed with the sound of desperate crewmates banging and tapping from the overturned ship, trapped in 38 SLICE // MAY 2015
oily water in an upside down world. On the Oklahoma, rescuers frantically used hammers and chisels to try to cut into the armored hull. Thirty-two men were rescued. Many more were not. Of the 2,166 officers and enlisted men on the ship, 429 died. All but three of the battleships damaged in the December 7th attack lived to fight another day. But the Utah, Arizona and Oklahoma were too heavily damaged. The Utah and Arizona – and the remains of the men who died onboard – stayed in their watery graves. More than two years after its sinking, the Oklahoma was pried from the bottom of the harbor and turned right side up. Of the hundreds of bodies on board, only 35 could be positively identified. The rest were buried nearby in a mass grave at the National Memorial
Cemetery of the Pacific, where they lay in 61 caskets beneath headstones declaring the identities of the bodies within “Unknown.” There they intermingled in the Hawaiian soil for nearly three-quarters of a century. On April 14, 2015, the Department of Defense began notifying families of the fallen that the remains of the crewmen of the Oklahoma would be exhumed. New DNA technologies will be used to identify the bones, which will be returned to next-of-kin with full military honors. At last, each man who died that December day will be laid to rest at a place of his family’s choosing, beneath a marker bearing his name. For the ship, the preparation for the exhumation of the USS Oklahoma began July 15, 1942. Through a series of derricks, steel cables, hydraulic winches and repairs, the overturned ship was righted and brought into dry dock December 28, 1943. It was decommissioned the next year, stripped of its superstructure, repaired enough to make it suitable for towing and painted a protective coat of red. The ship that had cost $75 million to build, equip and, later, modernize was sold to a salvage company in San Francisco for $46,126 and faced being sliced into scrap – or as the sailors said, cut up into razor blades. So it was nearly two years after the end of World War II, in May 1947, when two tugboats named the Hercules and the Monarch began towing the ship to San Francisco. An Oklahoma delegation of 500, including then-Governor Roy J. Turner, planned to meet what was left of the USS Oklahoma for one last goodbye. A ceremony was planned for Memorial Day 1947. But the ship had other plans. After an uneventful first day out of Pearl Harbor, the Oklahoma developed a list to port, the same side that had been hit by torpedoes. As the days went by, the tilt became more pronounced, shifting to a 30-degree angle. The crew was advised to return to Hawaii for repairs. With little warning, the ship straightened temporarily, then disappeared beneath the waves.
Ship Launched to “Cheers of Patriotic Oklahomans” Headlines followed the U.S. Navy’s new battleship before it even joined the fleet. Named in honor of the first state of the 20th century, it was to be christened by Lorena Cruce, the only child of Oklahoma’s second governor. The state was thrilled by the honor, but wrestled with a moral dilemma, given its history as the only state to enter the Union with a ban on alcohol. The 19-year-old Cruce explained to reporters 101 years ago: “Oklahoma, you know, is a prohibition state, and father was deluged with letters from ministers and Prohibitionists asking that mineral water be used. But you know, the sailors are superstitious about it, so it was champagne for the christening.” And so it was. The New York Times of March 24, 1914 reported the scene from the shipbuilding yard in Camden, N.J. under the headline “GIANT U.S. WARSHIP TAKES THE WATER; Governor Cruce’s Daughter, Half-Indian, Names the Fighting Oklahoma,” adding: “… the bottle of champagne crashed smartly on the prow of the superdreadnought the cheers of patriotic Oklahomans vied with the whistles of tugs at the yards of the New York Shipbuilding Company. Just before the big ship was given its name by Miss Cruce, Bishop E.E. Hoss of Muskogee, Okla., in a brief invocation dedicated the dreadnought to the ‘errands of peace and Christianity.’” It was said to be the first time in more than half a century that a battleship launching was preceded by a prayer. Ninety-three years later, on December 7, 2007, prayers marked the dedication of a memorial to the USS Oklahoma and its crew, near Pearl Harbor. Among those on hand: Lorena Cruce Maldonado, namesake and granddaughter of the woman who set loose the champagne spray that sent the USS Oklahoma on its date with destiny.
MAY 2015 // SLICE 39
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OKLAHOMA COUNTY, MUSKOGEE COUNTY
Mast, Anchor Survive as Memorials
Among the remains salvaged from the USS Oklahoma was one of its three anchors, brought to Oklahoma City in 1960 by Rear Admiral John Kirkpatrick. The 10-ton anchor was manufactured in Chester, PA in 1919 by Baldt Anchor Company, and added to the ship during its 1927 modernization. Originally on display on Couch Drive near the Civic Center, downtown construction caused the anchor to be moved to a median near the Skirvin Hotel in 1980. Twenty-five years later, new construction brought another relocation, this time to Campbell Park at NW 12th and Broadway, northwest of the Oklahoma City National Memorial. In 2010, an Air Force cargo plane arrived at Tinker Air Force Base with a 45-foot long chunk of rusting metal dredged up from the bottom of Pearl Harbor. It was the mast of the Oklahoma, recovered during a dredging operation in 2006. Pearl Harbor survivor Ed Vezey of Moore, then 90 years old, was on hand for the mast’s arrival in June 2010. He described a sailor’s connection to his ship: “It’s your mother, your home, and if you spent a lot of time at sea as we did, it’s the fundamental island of security. This is a piece of the Oklahoma coming home.” The 25,000-pound mast – rusted and encrusted with barnacles – is on display at the War Memorial Park and Military Museum of Muskogee.
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Its sinking was recorded at 1:40 a.m. May 17, 1947, 540 miles off Pearl Harbor. Author Stephen Bower Young, a Pearl Harbor survivor, imagines a ghostly sigh of relief from his fellow crewmen as the ship sank a second and final time: “Good for you, Oklahoma! Go down at sea, in deep water, as you should, under the stars. No razor blades for you. They can make ’em from the Japanese ships and planes that did you in. So long, Oklahoma! You were a good ship.” The USS Oklahoma was finally at rest, buried at sea. Editor’s note: This installment is part of author M.J. Alexander’s “77 Counties” series, chronicling her travels across Oklahoma. The full series is available at sliceok.com/travel/
40 SLICE // MAY 2015
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SHOPPING DESTINATIONS Fashion | Jewelry | Beauty | Décor
MAY 2015 // SLICE 41
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IT’S ALL ABOUT BLUE Cool, eye-pleasing shades for expressing your style When Clear Quartz layered over Neolite Turquoise, Sky Blue Topaz and London Blue Topaz are combined, it can only mean utter fabulousness. The stones in this ring perfectly complement each other, creating sparkling reflections of crystal blue light.
Encased in circlets of .925 silver with touches of 18k gold, faceted Clear Quartz is layered over Neolite Turquoise for a cool, crisp blue that will transport you to a warmer place. We’ve got the blues, and we like it! The Sky Blue Topaz, London Blue Topaz and Clear Quartz over Neolite Turquoise stones in this Tacori bracelet are sure to brighten the day.
42 SLICE // MAY 2015
In this enchanting deep ocean blue pendant, the London Blue Topaz is gently lulled by the silver crescent chain to create mysterious beauty.
10633 S. Western Ave | Oklahoma City 405.692.4300 | HuntingtonFineJewelers.com
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In Your Dreams... 2109 W. MAIN ST. | NORMAN, OKLAHOMA 405.329.3390 | MON-SAT: 10AM TO 6PM WWW.INYOURDREAMSOK.COM
kk
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THIS ISN’T JUST A MOTHER’S DAY GIFT it’s a moment forged in gold. a thousand late nights strung on a silver chain. an inside joke twinkling back at her. and who knows what it’ll be tomorrow. share the #artofyou and explore at pandora.net shown: .925 sterling silver rings with 14k eternity detail and hand-set pavé.
available at
10633 south western avenue oklahoma city, ok 73170 405.692.4300 • www.huntingtonfinejewelers.com
"OKC’s Premier Kitchen & Bath Remodeler."
Some jewelry displayed patented (US Pat. No. 7,007,507) • © Pandora • PANDORA.NET
MAY 2015 // SLICE 43
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TRENDS
GIFTS FOR MOM Every day is a good day to show your vast affection and gratitude for the woman who raised you … but this particular occasion is especially ideal for saying thank you with a gift. Simple to sparkling, these options will make your mother’s day a little brighter.
1. Waxing Poetic charms and pendants combine to tell a story on a bracelet chain, and are interchangeable, giftable and stackable – the perfect way to mark time fashionably. Anabelle’s Galleria 2. Capturing the essence of the seashore with natural shells repeated in a circular pattern, the mother-ofpearl mirror is beautiful, naturally minded and simplistic. 26h x 2.5d x 26w $1,880 30 A Home 3. Create a personalized message of love for Mom with Poesy Rings from Monica Rich Kosann. Each ring bears a poetic inscription of love, inspiration or friendship, in yellow or white gold (chain not included). Naifeh Fine Jewelry 4. Catherine’s Collection originates in old Parisian workshops established over two hundred years ago, with elegant designs rendered from original French molds and stampings like this 14k gold antique finish bracelet (over copper base) featuring Swarovski crystals. $100 In Your Dreams 5. Give a joyful gift with this cheerful yellow python clutch featuring a hand-sculpted metal frame embellished with Swarovski elements – a gift to treasure for a lifetime. $715 R Meyers
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44 SLICE // MAY 2015
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6. Elegant black leather handbag with ruffled trim, clasp closure and beautiful pearl and metal bead strap. Perfect for your dressy date or as a gift. $145 Painted Door 7. Hand stamped with vintage tooling, these Heather Moore charms can be personalized, including drawing and handwriting reproductions, to give Mom something she will cherish forever. BC Clark Jewelers 8. Inspired by the OKC Museum of Art’s upcoming exhibition, Fabergé: Jeweler to the Tsars (opening June 20, 2015), the Imperial Winter Czarina Pendant features intricate filigree work and Swarovski crystals atop your choice of a faceted crystal teardrop or polished semi-precious stone (shown in jade). $121.95 OKCMOA Museum Store
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9. Hand-blown woven glass baskets can hold a variety of treasures, or simply steal the show all on their own - available in an array of colors and sizes. $110-$175 Culinary Kitchen 10. The new Mother’s Day collection from Pandora is inspired by love, motherhood and the special bonds that hold families together. With pieces starting at $25, everyone can show their mom how special she really is. Huntington Fine Jewelers
MAY 2015 // SLICE 45
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LIFE LAYERED IN SPARKLE
Unparalleled designs. Quality craftsmanship. Swarovski crystals. Handcrafted for you.
Jewelry that is about feeling special for any of life’s occasions - from everyday living to celebrating the most memorable times. Pieces designed to become heirlooms, handed down through generations.
See what all the sparkle’s about...
124 E. Sheridan . 405.235.4410 46 SLICE // MAY 2015
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Mother’s Day Sunday, May 10
HOME FURNISHINGS • ANTIQUES • ACCESSORIES • GIFTS MAIN STORE 3720 W. ROBINSON • NORMAN THEOSMARKETPLACE.COM • 405.364.0728 •
Painted Door 124 E. Sheridan . 405.235.4410
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MAY 2015 // SLICE 47
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ONE-OF-A-KIND WONDERS Reclaimed materials given stylish new life
Box car wood and steel desk on casters Linen chair with deconstructed burlap back
Rolling island
Red tractor stool
400 S. Western Ave., OKC | 405.305.6353 | UrbanFarmhouseDesign.com
48 SLICE // MAY 2015
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Have Fun!
Where Vintage Industrial Meets Farmhouse Charm
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URBAN FARMHOUSE DESIGNS
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Reclaimed Furniture
1201 N.W. 178th Street | Edmond | 405.359.1189 7302 N. Western Avenue | OKC | 405.242.3255
Lighting
Accessories
405-812-8374 • 400 S. WESTERN AVENUE • OKLAHOMA CITY
WINTER H O US E INTERIO RS
MAY 2015 // SLICE 49
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SHOPPING NEWS BC CLARK JEWELERS May 6 Roberto Coin Trunk Show: Penn Square Mall location May 7 Roberto Coin Trunk Show: Northpark Mall location
HUNTINGTON FINE JEWELERS May 1-10 Pamper her this Mother’s Day! With your purchase of just $99, receive a spring bouquet, candy, brunch/dinner, manicure and jewelry! May 14 Indulge your craving for chocolate at the Le Vian trunk show. Fill your desire for chocolate diamonds at this one-day-only event. 9am-7pm
NAIFEH FINE JEWELRY May 7 Jude Frances Trunk Show: this annual spring trunk show is a favorite, and a recent restructuring of the design team makes it exciting beyond measure!
NICHOLS HILLS PLAZA | 63RD & N. WESTERN | 405.842.1478 RMEYERSOKC.COM |
CELEBRATE MOM WITH A UNIQUE GIFT FROM STARR HOME
R MEYERS May 1-2 Extravagant and very dramatic collection of Gypsy jewelry from Istanbul, plus Dennis Merotto’s Fall 2015 modern sportswear collection from Canada May 4-6 Kevan Hall: from the runway to the fairway, an American designer catering to the stars of Broadway and film, including his Kevan Hall Sport golf collection May 7-9 Trixi Schober’s clean, sophisticated Fall 2015 collection with a German aesthetic May 14-15 DeBourrage: Italian cashmere coats and jackets in an array of diverse styles May 19-20 Frascara: beautiful cocktail wear and glamorous evening gowns May 21-23 Summer pop-up shop featuring Rachel Zoe’s Fall 2015 contemporary sportswear and dress collection
STARR HOME Apr 24-May 8 Mother’s Day Giveaway! Starr Home picked some of their favorite products from around the store to give away. Spend $30 or more and be entered to win one of their special gift baskets.
NAIFEH FINE JEWELRY
StarrHome Stylish Home Décor & Gifts
405.751.9700 • 14201 N May Ave, Ste 204 • Oklahoma City, OK 73134 Follow us on Facebook and Twitter 50 SLICE // MAY 2015
Tuesday, May 5 9203 N Pennsylvania Ave. in OKC Monica Rich Kosann Trunk Show Don’t know what to give your graduate or mom for Mother’s Day? Monica makes it easy with classic lockets, Poesy rings, and charms in sterling silver or 18kt yellow or white gold.
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This Mother’s Day, make waves.
Shop Willow & Whale. Curated finds for moms of all ages! If you’re looking for a gift that will make a splash, find it at W&W!
5211 N. Western, OKC (405) 608-5300 WillowAndWhale.com Follow us on
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405.726.8666
roostoklahoma.com Décor
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COUTURE AREA RUGS • CARPET • PILLOWS 7118 N. Western • Oklahoma City • 405.842.9000 MAY 2015 // SLICE 51
Come Together By Heidi Rambo Centrella // Photos by Quit Nguyen
In the Oklahoma City metro area there are districts aplenty, some established and some newer to the scene – places where people live, work, shop, eat, drink and hang out, all in the same area. There are no hard-and-fast rules to defining a district, and they come in all shapes and sizes.
For years, Oklahoma City’s Paseo has been home to art galleries housed in colorful stucco buildings. Bricktown is the entertainment district that draws tourists to the canal, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Areas like Midtown are typically populated by locals stopping in for an evening out in familiar, locally owned establishments. Steve Mason – president of Automobile Alley Association, Automobile Alley developer and Plaza District business owner – says that what defines a district is that it must be walkable: A place where you can park your car, walk to a variety of venues and plan to stay around a while to shop or play. By his definition, in Oklahoma City that would include Bricktown, Midtown, Automobile Alley, The Paseo, Film Row and the Plaza District. To the south, Norman has a district that spans many decades, Campus Corner, which continues to bustle with new venues and attractions. Edmond is working on its downtown area to create the same vitality. Many other destinations are striving toward such a designation, such as Uptown 23rd. As the metro area adds new designated areas and revitalizes others, property and business owners are working together to create pockets of activity to make the city a unique destination with little surprises hidden all around.
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THE RENAISSANCE OF MIDTOWN
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ust a decade ago, few lingered in – or even visited – Midtown. The main reason to frequent the area was a trip to St. Anthony Hospital. A Subway franchise opened, but the area was far from the highlight of a Chamber of Commerce recommendation. That all changed with the Midtown Renaissance Group and the decision by St. Anthony’s leadership to stay put and grow the urban hospital instead of packing up and heading for the suburbs. Today, Midtown is transformed. Rather than flophouses filled with transients, the area’s 1920s and 1930s buildings have been converted to upscale urban apartments. Plaza Court, once a center of commerce and later a vacant husk, is a lively bustle of activity with restaurants, a branch of the YMCA and shops that draw locals and visitors alike. Midtown Renaissance, led by Mickey Clagg, Bob Howard and Chris Fleming, knew that to create a healthy district they would need people and amenities. While real estate developers know that retail follows rooftops, the Midtown team worked on both simultaneously with the push for retail to draw from downtown and the nearby Heritage Hills and Mesta Park neighborhoods.
A look down N.W. 16th Street takes in Oak & Ore, Roxy’s, Empire Slice House, PhotoArt Studios (founder K.O. Rinearson was one of the first visionaries to embrace the district’s potential), Chiltepe’s … and that’s merely a fraction of the Plaza District’s current star-studded roster, with more development to come.
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“You have to have ‘heads in beds’ because someone living in your district is much more significant than someone working in your district.” - Mickey Clagg
Mickey Clagg (center) with Midtown Renaissance’s Jana Krauss and Chris Fleming Midtown is fairly clearly defined as the area from the alley west of Broadway Avenue to Classen Boulevard, and N.W. 13th Street on the north, stair-stepping to about N.W. 4th or 5th to the south. Clagg said while it looks as though his team had a master plan to create a great district all along, that actually was not the case in the beginning. A chat with leadership at the Chamber led them to create a plan. “One day the Chamber talked with me about our vision. I came back and told Chris and Bob, ‘Everybody thinks we have a vision, so we had better come up with one,’” he laughs. To create the dream, Clagg and his team had to decide what they wanted Midtown to be. Would it be comparable to Bricktown, or would it have a different feel? “Our present vision has evolved since 2006 and 2008,” he said. “We want it to be a place for locals.” That meant making it walkable and selectively choosing tenants based on their merits and the need for their services, rather than just including a bunch of shop owners who could pay the rent. That has led to businesses that complement one another without undue competition. The push now is to continue to add retail, while also converting vintage apartments and hotels into housing. “If we can create enough amenities, we will serve our apartment dwellers better and keep our occupancy up,” Clagg said. “You have to have ‘heads in beds’ because someone living in your district is much more significant than someone working in your district.” Mason credits much of Midtown’s success as a thriving district to its leadership. He explains that many developers and property owners shout their plans from the rooftops, and sometimes the projects happen, and sometimes they don’t. “That’s one of the great things about Mickey Clagg,
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The Buick Building is a prime piece of real estate in the Automobile Alley district. Chris Fleming and Bob Howard. When they announce it’s going to get done soon, their announcements are dependable.” He believes the city takes notice of those practices rather than pie-in-the-sky projects that build up hype and then never get off the ground. One anomaly in Midtown is the H&8th Night Market. The monthly event in the spring, summer and early fall brings together a plethora of roving food trucks and merchants. It is what could be called a “pop-up district.” It comes to town like the circus, woos the spectators and then packs up and leaves. But while it’s there, visitors are shopping, eating, socializing and people watching for hours. “For one Friday a month, it meets the definition of a district,” Mason said.
H&8th Night Market draws an impressive crowd even in cool temperatures.
“Six years ago I would walk in and know a third of the restaurant. Iguana has evolved over the years. I’ll walk in now and know five percent. It says we have more people living downtown and more people driving here as a destination.” - Steve Mason
Steve Mason, outside The Womb, Wayne Coyne’s gallery on N.W. 9th Street
THE STREET THAT CONNECTS
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roperty owners in Midtown and Automobile Alley, along North Broadway Avenue, are working to blur the line between the distinct areas with amenities along N.W. 10th Street to provide a vein connecting the two areas, including a newly constructed parking garage. One of the newer tenants in the neighborhood is the R&J Lounge and Supper Club, an establishment where one might expect to bump into Don Draper and Roger Sterling from the TV show “Mad Men.” It’s jointly owned by Jonathon Stranger, Russ Johnson and the building’s owner, Chip Fudge. Intentionally tucked into the back of a building off N.W. 10th Street, the small restaurant and bar is a throwback to the lounge culture of the 1960s. “We know that it’s somewhat difficult to find your first time there, and that is on purpose,” Stranger said.
Those who persevere, however, are rewarded with champagne served on tap, and forgotten favorites like cocktail wieners, cheesy crab toast and beef stroganoff on the menu. And aside from being in close proximity to their other venture, Ludivine, Stranger said there was a reason he wanted the lounge to be a part of Midtown. “We really didn’t look elsewhere,” he said. “Midtown has a larger growth potential than most areas of OKC at this time. Who knows what the future holds for other areas, but right now Midtown is leading the way.”
TAKING IT TO THE ALLEY
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fter a stop at R&J’s, or Fassler Hall or Bleu Garten, all along N.W. 10th Street, one can seamlessly wander east toward another district, Automobile Alley, one of the first success stories in downtown Oklahoma City. The area was damaged by the blast from the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah
building in 1995, and subsequently received federal dollars for its rehabilitation. Property owners and city leaders took the reins to reinvent the buildings that once had housed car dealerships. Along N.W. 9th Street, Mason purchased properties and put in businesses that gave those strolling along Automobile Alley a chance to take a turn east and find a whole block of restaurants and shops. When he opened Iguana Mexican Grill six years ago, the restaurant had few neighbors. Oklahoma City also had few real options in terms of districts. But it didn’t take long for other businesses to open near Iguana. “Ninth Street established a footing very fast because there was not much else,” he notes. In those early days, Iguana attracted mostly locals. It still does, but it also draws from around the metro. “Six years ago I would walk in and know a third of the restaurant,” he said. “Iguana has evolved over the years. I’ll walk in now and know five percent. It says we have more people living downtown and more people driving here as a destination.”
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“Campus Corner is an attitude. It’s about being with friends, having fun, and enjoying the periphery because it’s where you go when you go to an OU event.” - Judy Hatfield
Aimee Ahpeatone outside the Plaza District’s new temptation Roxy’s Ice Cream Social.
“The reason why we have been successful is community. We’re all good friends.” - Aimee Ahpeatone
ON THE PLAZA
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n terms of potential districts, perhaps the greatest ugly duckling was the Plaza along N.W. 16th Street, west of Classen Boulevard and east of Pennsylvania Avenue. A former retail strip nestled along that stretch of road had deteriorated and many buildings were shuttered. Those that were open were discount stores and an aging laundromat. Lyric Theatre had decided to call the area its home, but years passed with little to no further investment by developers. That all changed when business owners and developers decided to take a stab. Mason was one of those who took a chance on investing in properties and partnering with potential business owners to get their concepts off the ground in the last few years. Others, like Jonathan Fowler, also jumped in to sponsor events to get people to come to the Plaza. Things really started to take off after pizza emporium Empire Slice House opened a few years ago. But it was a long road from derelict to delectable. Aimee Ahpeatone started out as a volunteer in the Plaza when she moved to the nearby Gatewood neighborhood 10 years ago. She and other volunteers worked to secure funding from the city to get the ball rolling.
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Norman’s Campus Corner has an advantage with a built-in market of students but reaches a much broader community.
“The streetscape was the first project,” she said. “They created these large sidewalks for walkability.” The walkers came, and the shoppers, the curious, the hipsters, and Ahpeatone knew it was working for business owners who had taken a chance and put everything on the line in an untested market. According to Aimee, “The reason why we have been successful is community. We’re all good friends.”
ATTITUDE WILL GET YOU IN THE CORNER
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t’s a place you’ll see college students, families, baby boomers – people in all stages of life – enjoying the host of venues for eating, drinking and playing around. Yes, Campus Corner is back in balance, said Judy Hatfield, founding principal of Equity Commercial Real Estate and developer.
“What they’re doing in Midtown as far as bringing in residential, we kind of have it built in already. Those people five years ago (from area neighborhoods) didn’t have any reason to come here, and now they do, so they are.” - Greg Seal
Grandad’s owner Greg Seal “We have retail, we have restaurants, we have bars, we have bakeries,” she says of the long-time district well known to anyone who’s ever visited the hometown of the University of Oklahoma. “There are gift shops, accessory shops, a 24-hour gourmet donut shop, a hair salon – there is so much going on and expansions that it’s just a great balance.” Hatfield says the city is looking at highdensity housing and expects “the first major location will be near Campus Corner, which makes the most sense.” With mostly local businesses possessing unique identities, she said people know where they are when they’re on Campus Corner. “Campus Corner is an attitude,” Hatfield said. “It’s about being with friends, having fun, and enjoying the periphery because it’s where you go when you go to an OU event.”
UPTOWN FUNK GONNA GIVE IT TO YA
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h, N.W. 23rd Street. Once a bustling and fashionable hub of commerce north of downtown, it went from riches to rags but, in recent years, has sought to restore its former glory, thanks to a handful of dedicated businesses and property owners.
The crown jewel of the strip, the Tower Theatre, was once a grand movie house to experience films like “The Sound of Music” in all their glory. While the building is undergoing a complete renovation, nothing in Technicolor has been seen there in decades. Since bellbottoms were still in fashion, N.W. 23rd Street – between Classen Boulevard and Broadway Avenue – has been a great place to buy a wig, pawn a television, buy some liquidated hotel furniture or earn some extra cash donating plasma. Keith and Heather Paul, owners of A Good Egg Dining Group, jumped into Uptown with both – or all four – feet, long before area revitalization efforts were in place. It began with Cheever’s Cafe, 2409 N. Hudson Avenue, 15 years ago – a place that, aside from great food and service, has been long known as ideal for first dates (and sometimes last dates), business lunches, Sunday brunch (despite the mile-long waiting list) and cocktails after work. It didn’t matter that the area was rather sketchy – or as one area business owner put it, “rough.” Cheever’s has always had that certain je ne sais quoi that drew people in over the years – and still does. “Regulars have a tough time making the walk to their table because they need to stop along the way to visit with several people they know,” Keith Paul said. “The atmosphere and character of the building is a huge part of
Cheever’s success. Cheever’s has a responsibility to the area. We were the first to set up shop, we need to continue to do our part while Uptown continues its growth.” Evidently, they’re doing just that. The Pauls have added Tucker’s Onion Burger, 324 N.W. 23rd Street, their offices at the corner of N.W. 24th Street and Walker Avenue in the former Tull Overhead Door building, and the Dutch building. Paul credits the rooftops in Heritage Hills, Mesta Park, Jefferson Park and Edgemere for much of the traffic to the area. “Heather and I couldn’t be happier with the progress of the Uptown 23rd area, however, it wasn’t always as business-friendly as it is now. We always thought that we could help transform this neighborhood by rehabbing an older building or two. We wanted to be part of a great neighborhood … and we will continue to open restaurants in this area as long as the public demand is there.” Next up for the Pauls is The Drake, a neighborhood seafood and oysterette located in The Rise at N.W. 23rd Street and Walker Avenue. In terms of public demand, Greg Seal, owner of Grandad’s Bar, 317 N.W. 23rd Street, couldn’t agree more. He says his initial projections prior to moving into the area three years ago have been well exceeded – up to six times during the first eight months or so, which he referred to as their “honeymoon
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“The restaurants and bars are bringing in more traffic, which is always good for business.” - Chad Miller
Hard Luck Tattoos owner Chad Miller period.” Since leveling off, the smoke-free honky tonk continues to meet and exceed the goals lined out in Seal’s business plan. And today, while you may not find Sam Malone behind the bar, Grandad’s has the feel Seal yearned for: A place where everybody knows your name, and there are plenty of Norms who walk through the door asking for a beer to slide their way. “What they’re doing in Midtown as far as bringing in residential, we kind of have it built in already. Those people five years ago (from area neighborhoods) didn’t have any reason to come here, and now they do, so they are,” Seal said. “We want this to be a district where people will walk and go to shops and go to lunch at The Drake when it opens, and that’s awesome. When the Tower gets open, that will solidify nightlife, it will
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be a fully functioning venue for everything from theater to movies to live music.” To the north of The Rise is Pizzeria Gusto, a popular spot with a full bar where you’d be hard-pressed not to see a full house. It’s the latest project from Chris Lower and Kathryn Mathis, a restaurateur duo who also operate Back Door Barbecue and are partners in Big Truck Tacos – both in close proximity. Admittedly, Paul and Seal agree that business owners want to see more walkability, more bicycle access, controlled traffic, additional parking, landscaping and streetscaping. “We have patience; we are taking it all one piece at a time,” Paul said. According to Seal, it was Cheever’s and Big Truck Tacos that “did all the work” in
getting this area moving. Of course there are too many new eateries and bars to mention, but rest assured there are even more on the way, in addition to retail. Chad Miller, owner of Hard Luck Tattoos, 2410 N. Robinson Avenue, is the aforementioned business owner who referred to the area as “rough” when he moved in seven years ago. He, like Seal and Paul, described the area as having a broad mix of patrons. The ongoing redevelopment efforts have smoothed off those rough edges, which benefits business owners and brings in patrons who might never have set foot there before. “The restaurants and bars are bringing in more traffic, which is always good for business,” Miller said.
“[A district] feels like a community. In a community, you walk down the street and you know a lot of people. In a really great district, you park your car and visit several businesses before you return to your car.” - Steve Mason
LIGHTS, CAMERA, FILM ROW
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nother budding area is Film Row, on West Sheridan Avenue in downtown Oklahoma City. It was once home to buildings owned by motion picture studios. The studios – Paramount, Warner Brothers, etc. – would deliver movies by rail, and the film exchanges in Oklahoma City and theater owners could view the films and decide what they wanted to take back to their towns. The area dried up in the 1960s when films were distributed by airplanes rather than trains. Oklahoma City’s Film Row fell into decline. Chip Fudge is the manager of Film Exchange Row LLC, and owns many properties in the area. He decided to invest in the area based on the vision of two friends, David Wanzer and Pat Gallagher. “We started buying real estate in the area in 2004,” Fudge said. Since that time, the area has drawn office and retail tenants (including Slice Magazine’s home base) and now hosts a monthly fete on the strip called Premiere on Film Row. While it is still evolving, the area is taking on more of its identity with a filmthemed streetscape and continued interest from artists, retailers and businesses that are eyeing the area as one of Oklahoma City’s next big things. In addition to Fudge moving his own companies to Film Row, he recently welcomed the University of Oklahoma’s College of Architecture, which will bring even more foot traffic and visitors to the pocket.
Premiere on Film Row is the district’s monthly street festival with food trucks, family activities and special events.
BRICKTOWN
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hile Bricktown was the first real district to emerge in the late 1980s, it sometimes is shunned by locals as a place full of bars and nightclubs populated by nonlocals – a bunch of people visiting the city from afar. Despite the offerings that often draw out-of-towners and revelers, Mason said it has been a success, and serves its purpose. “It’s important to say while these other districts are booming and growing, Bricktown was full and it continues to be full,” he said. “There’s nothing wrong with Bricktown from the perspective of the number of people and businesses.” While “uber-locals” might not spend much time in Bricktown, Mason said plenty of locals do frequent the area, as well as residents in nearby Deep Deuce and around downtown who are able to enjoy a night on the town just steps from their own front doors.
SO WHAT IS A DISTRICT?
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ooking at the various districts around the metro area — and those areas that hope to become full-f ledged districts — there are successes, works-in-progress and some areas that will take years, or even decades, to fully develop. With all that is going on in and around Oklahoma City, and in light of his projects and the projects of others, Mason said, at the end of the day, a district must have a few key elements to differentiate it from just a street with businesses. “It feels like a community,” he said. “In a community, you walk down the street and you know a lot of people. In a really great district, you park your car and visit several businesses before you return to your car.”
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SUMMER STAYS FOR SUMMER PLAY
By Elaine Warner
“Boutique hotel” conjures up a number of mental images – small, personal, original – but the definition is elastic. Boutique hotels usually range from 10 to 100 rooms; they’re most often located in the heart of a city. Exceptional service is expected. Much more than simply a place to sleep and shower, they provide a memorable experience in addition to accommodations. Oklahoma has no shortage of enticing examples of the form at its finest; if you’re traveling out of the city but staying in-state, these are destinations well worthy of a visit.
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The Inn at Price Tower T alk about unique! Nominated by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Bartlesville’s Price Tower could join the Statue of Liberty and Grand Canyon National Park on that prestigious list within the next two years. Located in a Frank Lloyd Wrightdesigned building, the Inn certainly qualifies as distinctive. A must for any stay is a guided tour of the building. Built for H. C. Price as offices for his pipeline construction company, it was also designed for mixed commercial and residential use. Highlights of the tour are the 19th floor office of H.C. Price and the 17th floor family apartment. Docents share information ranging from facts about the cantilevered configuration of the building to personal stories of Frank Lloyd Wright and the Price family. Price and Wright often had heated long-distance exchanges about the building. Price wanted a two-story office building; Wright wanted to build a 14-story office tower. According to an interview with the Landmark Preservation Council, Bartlesville, Mr. Price’s youngest son Joe reported, “When they came out [of a conference] my father was all happy and thrilled that they had compromised on a 19-story building.” They were both giants in their fields and had great respect for one another. Wright acknowledged as much in a mural he designed for the family apartment. He named the piece “The Blue Moon,” saying, “The perfect design,
perfect architect and perfect buyer” came along once in a blue moon. The mural has been restored and the colors and furnishings have been brought back to Wright’s original concept. Visitors now can see the building as it was when it was first built in the mid-1950s. The rooms on the 7th through 13th floors have been redone to create the Inn accommodations. Designed by New York architect Wendy Evans Joseph, the spirit of Frank Lloyd Wright permeates the contemporary spaces. In the rooms, the smooth concrete floors are stained Wright’s favorite Cherokee Red, and one of his favorite materials – copper – is used for towel racks and accents like the screen inserts on cabinet doors and desk tops. Large area rugs in shades of olive green and wall-length stretches of light green curtains give the rooms a cozy feel. In-room amenities include free Wi-Fi, refrigerators, make-up mirrors and safes. Parking is free. Breakfast is continental-style. The 15th floor Copper Bar is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, and happy hour is 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Room and suite rates range from $145 to $245. Tickets to tour the Tower are included with the room, and be sure to check on availability when you reserve. A visit to Price Tower should be on every Oklahoman’s bucket list. How often do you get the chance to spend the night in a world wonder?
MORE TO DO
Mozart Festival, June 6-13: a veritable banquet of music and activities from blues to Baroque, country to classical. okmozart.com Woolaroc: Frank Phillips’ country getaway includes acres of animals and a museum dubbed the “Smithsonian of the West.” woolaroc.org Phillips Petroleum Company Museum: a fascinating look at the oil industry and the many uses of petroleum. phillips66museum.com The Frank Phillips home: an Oklahoma Historical Society property, the mansion retains almost all the original furnishings. A small interpretive center in the carriage house adds biographical information. frankphillipshome.org MAY 2015 // SLICE 63
THREE TULSA TREASURES
The Mayo Hotel W
hen it was built in 1925, the Mayo was the tallest building in Oklahoma. Topping out at 18 stories, the Sullivan-esque skyscraper features two-story Doric columns and false terracotta balconies. In its heyday, J. Paul Getty lived here and Babe Ruth, Charles Lindbergh and John F. Kennedy all visited. The hotel closed in 1981 and stood empty for 20 years. Macy Snyder Amatucci says, “My dad actually got the hotel for free but he paid $250,000 for the parking lot.” The building had been stripped of much of the marble and fixtures. For several years the family hosted events in the Grand Hall area, but the real renovation didn’t begin until 2007. Bringing the landmark back took a year and a half and a cool $42 million. Restoring the grandeur wasn’t easy. Using black and white period photos and memories of nonagenarian Margery Mayo (daughter of John Mayo who built and owned the hotel with his brother Cass), the Snyders painstakingly pieced the place back together beginning with the lobby. This beautiful area with its impressive marble staircase is a favorite spot for weddings and other events. One of the hotel’s most famous rooms – the Crystal Ballroom – came next. The terrazzo floor was mostly intact and the chandeliers could be restored but the elaborate plasterwork had been badly damaged by weather. Today the two-story space is once again THE place for elegant events. Elvis suffered no heartbreak at this hotel. He stayed in the Presidential Suite – now the Penthouse Rooftop Lounge. Sip a City Lights cocktail (citrus vodka, pomegranate and Champagne) and watch the sunset from the deck – it’s the best view in town. Originally housing 600 rooms, today the Mayo is a combination of 76 loft apartments and 102 guest rooms. Rooms and halls are full of historic pictures. There’s nothing standard about the Mayo’s standard rooms. All have custom-made beds, custom organic linens and robes, Keurig coffee makers and butlers’ kitchens with small refrigerators, sinks and microwaves. Base colors are neutrals, enlivened with intense accents. The exclusive Mayo logo – you can read the name in the intertwined design – graces accent pillows. Décor is retro ’50s: sleek and sophisticated. Suites range from Studio loft spaces to the Celebrity Suite, a rock star-style suite with vibrant colors and wall art reflecting some of the hotel’s illustrious visitors. Escalade chauffeur service is available to guests, celebrity or not. You won’t go hungry here. The hotel restaurant, The Boiler Room (yep, if you look closely, you’ll find bits of the old boiler in the décor) serves three a day. The menu, under Executive Chef Michelle Vandenhende, offers interesting choices like Brussels sprout, kale and pecorino salad with sun-dried cranberries and lemon honey vinaigrette and old favorites with a difference. Their beef tenderloin is encrusted with grainy mustard, oregano, rosemary and basil and slow roasted. For a quick snack, stop in the adjoining Topeca Coffee Shop for a bite and a cup of their artisan brew. Rates run from $189 to $899. The million-dollar view from the Penthouse is no extra charge.
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MORE TO DO
Art Deco: Tulsa has one of the largest Art Deco collections in the country. Take advantage of a Segway tour, get directions for a self-guided exploration or do the guided Tulsa Foundation for Architecture’s one hour walking tour, which leaves the Mayo Hotel at 10 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month. Brady Arts District: a short walk from the Mayo hotel. Check out the Philbrook Downtown, the Woody Guthrie Center, Guthrie Green and the myriad restaurants and clubs. thebradyartsdistrict.com Tulsa Segway: a great way to see the heart of Tulsa. For a fun lunch, try their Food Truck Wednesday Tours. 918.728.6311 Out and about: There’s plenty to see in Tulsa – art at Philbrook, Gilcrease and the Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art; nature at the Tulsa Zoo, Jenks Aquarium or one of the parks; concerts and plays at numerous venues and art and indie films at Circle Cinema. visittulsa.com
The Ambassador Hotel T his historic hotel has just had a makeover and is now affiliated with Marriott’s Autograph Collection of boutique hotels. Just as gracious as ever, the lobby is brighter with lighter colors while retaining the architectural details – like the fireplace – that have always made it a welcoming space. The rooms and suites, in addition to updated décor, offer amenities too numerous to mention including luxury linens, laptop-sized safes, robes, coffeemakers and lighted make-up mirrors. Guests can also take advantage of chauffeur service within a five-mile radius. According to marketing manager Kelsey Kincaid, “There’s not much we don’t do for our guests. We try to anticipate their needs.” The hotel has a fitness center and clients have access to the large gym facilities at the nearby First United Methodist Church.
The award-winning restaurant, the Chalkboard, is open for three meals a day, seven days a week, but be sure you schedule dinner so you can try their signature dish, Beef Wellington. Kick off your meal with a cocktail – you might order a Batatas made with sweet potato-infused bourbon. If you’re attending a concert at the BOK Center, inquire about trolley service available to restaurant and hotel guests. One of the special areas in the hotel is the Hurley library, a quiet, cozy retreat with books, a nook with a computer and memorabilia about the hotel’s founder, Major General Patrick Hurley. Oklahoma native Hurley was Secretary of War under President Hoover and Ambassador to China under F.D.R. Also in the library are prints of paintings by his son, Wilson Hurley. Patrick Hurley opened the 10-story, Mediterranean-style Ambassador Apart-
The Campbell Hotel T his is a classic right on Route 66. When it was built in 1927, it was on the east edge of Tulsa, and was the Max Campbell Building with the Casa Loma Hotel taking up the second floor. The rooms were probably rented longterm or were available to traveling sales-
men who were beginning to make calls using automobiles. For those still using the trains, the hotel was accessed by a trolley line which ran from downtown to the corner of 11th and Delaware. Entry was by a wide staircase and on the first floor was a Safeway grocery store, a drug store, a barber shop and a beauty parlor – pretty much one-stop shopping. Today the lower floor features the lobby, a lounge, a spa and an events center. The building is built in late 19th/early 20th Century Mission/Spanish Colonial Revival style, with tan brick, clay tiles on the roof and boxy parapets on the corners. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2010. Before that time, the building was a wreck. Part of the roof was gone and the structure was in shambles. A local development group – Group M Investments – saw good bones in the old building and began restoration. In the spring of 2011, the property was the Designers’ Showcase, benefiting the Foundation for Tulsa Schools. The hotel opened in August of that year. Each of the 26 rooms was styled by a different decorator in themes ranging
ment Hotel in 1929. This was where Tulsa’s oil millionaires hung their hats while their mansions were being built. You can enjoy this luxury even if you don’t have your own oil well. Room rates range from $189 to $359. Expect to pay more if Garth Brooks is in town.
from the Cowboy Room (Go O-State!) with tractor seats and a cowhide area rug to the rich and royal Renaissance Suite – popular with brides and grooms. It features a floating sleigh bed with hanging canopy and a bathroom tiled with onyx. My favorite room is the Tulsa Art Deco room. Shimmery satin in shades of silver and gray, dark gray walls with Art Deco ornamentation stenciled in the corners, a mirrored fireplace topped with a beveled triple mirror and a crystal chandelier spell “Elegance” with a capital E. It’s like staying in one of those sophisticated bedrooms from a black-and-white ’40s movie. You expect to see Fred Astaire dance in wearing a white tie and tuxedo! Current rates are $139 to $209. A continental breakfast is available in the lobby or you may use a voucher for breakfast in their restaurant, Maxxwell’s. What a great place for a small wedding – the party could rent the entire hotel (rates negotiable), get beautiful in the Spa Maxx – everything from hair to toenails – and have the ceremony and reception in the events center. MAY 2015 // SLICE 65
TWO FOR THE ROAD
MORE TO DO
Chickasaw Visitor Center: your first stop. There’s information here about everything to do in the area ... and there are bikes for rent. chickasawcountry.com/explore/view/ chickasaw-visitor-center
The Artesian A
n homage to the historic 1906 Artesian Hotel that burned down in 1962, today’s Artesian stands proudly on the spot, its corner turrets shiny against the blue sky. A boutique property with 81 rooms including four suites, the hotel and its amenities make it an attractive destination. The hotel features a fine dining restaurant, Springs at The Artesian, with both dining room and patio dining; Bedré Café for sandwiches, sundaes and shakes and those wonderful Bedré chocolates; and the Fountain Club Lounge for drinks, light bites and, on Friday evenings, live entertainment. In olden times, visitors were drawn to the area for the mineral waters. There’s plenty of water at the Artesian – though not of the mineral kind. A large, indoor-outdoor swimming pool is attractive year-round, as is The Bathhouse, a roomy hot tub. Sole’renity Spa is a favorite spot with services for men and women and dry saunas, steam rooms and whirlpools. Children have their own mini-spa. Rates go from a summer season low of $159 and up. Feeling lucky? Try the connected casino. 66 SLICE // MAY 2015
Chickasaw National Recreation Area: practically across the street. This is the perfect spot for a morning walk. To explore more, rent a bike or drive through the park to the Nature Center. nps.gov/chic/ Chickasaw Cultural Center: the area’s premier attraction. Art, history and heritage is all wrapped in a high-tech package. Try the Chickasaw Special in the café – an Indian taco, pishofa (a variety of corn soup) and grape dumplings. chickasawculturalcenter.com Bedré Chocolate: prepare to shop! You can always see the factory floor through huge, glass windows. If you want to see work in progress, call first to see if they are in production. The real attraction is the chocolate itself, whether it’s truffles, bars or covered potato chips. bedrechocolates.com
The Canebrake B
outique hotel? This is a stretch. But The Canebrake doesn’t really fit easily into any category. The services certainly qualify it and it is unique. Furthermore, it’s just finished a $2 million expansion, making it new news. This eco-friendly resort started with co-owner Lisa Bracken’s love of yoga, family circumstances and an affinity for Oklahoma. Yoga is still a major part of the picture with a variety of classes, and a movement room has been added for different activities including barre work. The expansion also included a game room with a pool table, tournament shuffleboard table, arcade games and a comfy seating area with games and TVs. There’s also a fitness center and indoor, half-court basketball floor. Under the not-so-glamorous-but-good-to-know category – there’s a tornado shelter large enough to accommodate all guests. The spa now has a total of seven treatment rooms, and three can accommodate couples. Men’s and women’s lockers, dressing and shower facilities are new additions as are the steam rooms and chromotherapy saunas. An outdoor pool should be completed by early summer. Located on 200 acres cozying up to Lake Fort Gibson, the facility offers mountain bikes and five miles of trails for hiking and bird-watching. Five stocked fishing ponds beckon anglers – no license is required and tackle can be checked out at the front desk. The Canebrake restaurant is a destination on its own. Executive Chef (and co-owner) Sam Bracken and Chef de Cuisine Matt Owen have come up with menu items that are tops in taste but with consideration to season and locality. A featured salad on the winter menu was beet tartare – tiny-diced roasted beets and pickled apple with crispy capers, pecan oil, fennel and baby arugula. Even beet haters gave this selection a thumbs-up. Beet lovers, never fear, there’ll be a beet choice on the summer menu. Yes, you can order healthy choices but if you’re up for a splurge, you won’t be disappointed. Save space for Amber’s chocolate, bourbon and pecan pie with homemade cinnamon ice cream. Accommodations available Wednesday through Saturday include lodge rooms and duplex suites. Rates range from $99 to $319. In nature a canebrake acts as a purifying filter and a calming influence on running water. The object of The Canebrake is to do that for you.
MORE TO DO
Sequoyah State Park: Golf, tennis, horseback riding and lake activities are available at Sequoyah State Park across the lake. travelok.com Fort Gibson National Historic Landmark: Explore this nearlytwo-century old site with both original and reconstructed buildings. okhistory.org/sites/ fortgibson Muskogee: Check out beautiful Honor Heights Park and visit the Five Civilized Tribes Museum. visitmuskogee.com MAY 2015 // SLICE 67
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TRAVEL & OUTDOORS
BRINGING THE ARTS AND THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER
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LIVING WELL | The New House Call
By Sean Becker
In the not too distant past, making rounds for doctors often meant paying visits to patients’ homes. But with the rise of hospital-based care (and the requisite office-based diagnostic equipment), the quaint notion of the house call went by the wayside. Instead of doctors coming to the sick, the sick were compelled to venture out and find their way to the doctor’s office.
74 SLICE // MAY 2015
For citizens in large metropolitan areas like Oklahoma City, that change represented a minor inconvenience. Population centers attract service providers, including doctors, in great enough numbers to accommodate the need. For residents of isolated rural areas, however, diminished access to doctors can lead to damaging deficiencies in basic care. Now changes in technology, which once helped herd us to the doctor’s office, are bringing the doctors back to our doorsteps. The emergence of widespread, broadband Internet access and the ubiquity of smart phones and other interactive devices is driving medicine back to the future. While doctors aren’t ringing doorbells, they are scheduling online appointments and responding to electronically initiated inquiries. Patients are once again benefiting from professional care in their homes (or at least much closer to them), albeit at their fingertips and not at their bedsides.
SIMON HURST
The Doctor is In Online
Dr. Jesse Campbell provides care via the MyMercy portal
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MAY 2015 // SLICE 75
LIVING WELL | The New House Call
Telemedicine is not a trend or a gimmick. A 2014 study by Deloitte estimated that in North America, 1 out of every 8 appointments during the year – some 75 million encounters – would be conducted via “e-visit.” Deloitte tabbed the cost savings at $5 billion compared to conventional patient visits to doctors’ offices. It is tempting to view telemedicine or e-visits as merely a cost saver for providers (and, cynically, as a pocket-liner for shareholders of publicly traded companies). But that would be taking the easy way out. “Telemedicine is an important part of the care we provide to people in rural areas who tend to have to travel for specialized care,” says Kyle Nondorf, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
“We wanted to offer this as part of our mission to improve the health of the people and communities we serve. It allows us to have a more personable experience with our patients.” - Brooke Cayot
at St. Anthony Hospital. The Oklahoma City hospital and its affiliate sites’ telemedicine program went live in 2010. The program was initiated in response to its rural partners’ desire for better follow-up care after acute care incidents, such as those involving emergency room visits. St. Anthony predominately uses their service for specialist visits with a focus on chronic disease management. In short, while a virtual doctor visit won’t help you if you need emergency care for a heart attack, the increased quality in followup care can keep you from landing in dire straits again. “If you live in a rural area, you may have to drive four hours one way to see a cardiologist,” Nondorf explains. The reality of lost work time or competing obligations can make that trek difficult at best. Using technology to take the specialist to the countryside breaks down a contingent of barriers to access. “Continuity of care is extremely important in chronic disease management,” Nondorf elaborates. Accordingly, “[Telemedicine] can be a transformational experience for these patients.” Online house calls are not restricted to chronic care. Mercy Hospital’s e-visit program and Integris Health’s Virtual Visits provide portals for more mundane afflictions ranging from eye inflammation to bronchitis to urinary tract infections. For Mercy the goal is simple. “We seek to meet patients wherever they are,” says Dr. Jesse Campbell, Division Chair for Primary Care for Mercy Clinic West division. “Many patients feel they are too busy to make an appointment in the middle of a work day,” Campbell continues, “so Mercy 76 SLICE // MAY 2015
was looking for a way to allow medical care to be provided for a certain list of illnesses through the patient portal.” Mercy patients present their symptoms via the online MyMercy portal, which leads to a series of follow-up questions. Patients submit answers to the provider through a secure electronic health record. A doctor reviews the responses, makes a diagnosis and prescribes medication or gives advice to the patient. In most cases, the response comes within a matter of a few hours. If the provider determines that an in-person visit is required, the patient can schedule an appointment online. Integris Health’s Virtual Visit program provides around-theclock access to medical professionals for patients with Internet connectivity and a device with video capability. “We wanted to offer this as part of our mission to improve the health of the people and communities we serve,” says Brooke Cayot, Media Team Lead at Integris Health. The video-based service also makes for meaningful encounters. “It allows us to have a more personable experience with our patients,” explains Cayot. After a short registration process, the patient sees a boardcertified Advanced Practice Nurse or Medical Doctor for a one-onone consultation. “Face-to-face no longer has to mean in person,” says Cayot. “This is a way for healthcare to meet that expectation.” Integris Health patients do not need an appointment to conduct an online visit, and the entire process usually takes about a half hour. For conditions that cannot be adequately addressed through the Virtual Visit portal, patients may be referred to an emergency room, Access Medical Center or primary care physician. Online medicine may still smack of gimmickry, but the underlying economics indicate that it is here to stay. Some benefits to patients are clear – convenience for some, access for others – but other societal benefits are less obvious. Consider again the plight of the country dweller, who may live hours away from a full-service medical center. While the rural hospital may not have everything the big city version has to offer, it is a vital component of its community. Although patients in outlying areas may be virtually visiting a physician in Oklahoma City, most of their care is still administered locally.
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LIVING WELL | The New House Call
“The e-visit concept keeps patient information in one easily accessed record instead of at various urgent care centers across the city.”
For the cardiology patient in Cordell, for example, that means many routine examinations and tests can still be completed near home. The local healthcare network doesn’t lose their patient and, in return, the patient doesn’t lose access to local healthcare. St. Anthony’s Nondorf explains the attraction of online visits for rural hospitals and healthcare facilities. “[Telemedicine] keeps healthcare they may lose in their local communities,” he says. “Small community hospitals are often vital to rural areas in terms of employment and the local tax base.” Most crucially, in terms of patient care, is access. “If those hospitals don’t exist and you need emergency care, you may have to travel two hours to the next closest facility.” Internally, electronic visits help providers operate more efficiently and cost-effectively. Says Mercy’s Dr. Campbell, “The e-visit concept keeps patient information in one easily accessed record instead of at various urgent care centers across the city.” Visits are also direct-billed to client credit cards as well, allowing providers to circumvent the occasionally arduous practice of processing claims through insurance companies. Fees for virtual visits typically fall in the range of the average insurance co-payment, so patients aren’t paying a premium for accessibility. The providers interviewed for this story all report positive responses to their programs and increasing numbers of participants. St. Anthony’s specialists see dozens of patients through their remote telemedicine program each month. Mercy averaged over 250 monthly e-visits from December through February. Visits typically spike up to 400-500 per month in the spring. Integris, which launched its Virtual Visit portal in February, saw double their projected quota for the first month of live service. 78 SLICE // MAY 2015
Convenience and efficiency aside, in many cases there is still no substitute for a visit to the doctors’ office. An in-person visit with a specialist, whether cardiologist, dermatologist or endocrinologist, is going to be required from time to time and particularly at the point of initial diagnosis during acute episodes. For specialist patients, the follow-up care allows providers to be better stewards of their financial resources because continuing care can be provided at a fraction of the cost of critical care. By keeping patients with chronic conditions out of acute settings (i.e., emergency rooms), overall costs for healthcare go down. “Online health care is not a substitute for care at hospitals or primary care clinics,” concurs Integris Health’s Cayot. “Rather, we see it as a chance to enhance the service and care we provide,” she continues. “Our goal is to provide the best access to care, which means the right care in the right place at the right time.” For someone who thinks they have a sinus infection, an online query can yield a diagnosis more quickly than a visit to the doctor’s office – and potentially keep you from sitting in a room full of people who know they are sick. Hospitals and doctors’ offices won’t be going away anytime soon, so put your inner hypochondriac at ease. By keeping waiting rooms – and emergency rooms – less crowded, electronically instigated healthcare should make those visits more convenient. With better overall care in underserved areas of the state and easier healthcare access in population centers, virtual medicine promises to make Oklahoma a healthier place. A healthier population can keep rising healthcare costs in check. If the twenty-first century version of the house call can keep our collective medical bills lower, that’s a trend worth embracing.
SIMON HURST
- Dr. Jesse Campbell
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FARE MOTHER’S MORNING TREAT Quick and easy chocolate crescent rolls co-star in a tasty expression of Mother’s Day love: a thoughtful breakfast in bed. See page 82.
CARLI WENTWORTH
THE BEASTS OF BOTH WORLDS Deliciousness abounds from fields and waves alike in cozy restaurant Land and Sea 84 EAT & DRINK Variety is on the menu in Slice’s citywide dining guide 86 MAY 2015 // SLICE 81
FARE | In the Kitchen
FARMERS’ MARKET FRITTATA
6 slices thick cut bacon, chopped into cubes ½ c mushrooms, sliced ½ onion, chopped 1 c sliced potatoes ½ c fresh spinach 12 eggs, beaten well ½ c half and half 1 c Havarti with dill, grated ¼ c parmesan cheese, grated 1 c grape tomatoes Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large skillet or cast iron pan, cook the bacon until crisp. Add the mushrooms, onion, potatoes and spinach, sautéing until onions are translucent. While the veggies are cooking, beat the eggs and half and half, adding some salt and pepper. Pour the eggs into the skillet and sprinkle with cheese. Add the tomatoes and then place the frittata in the oven to bake for 25 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for five minutes before slicing into wedges.
TREATS FOR MOM By Caryn Ross // Photos by Carli Wentworth
NOTHING MAKES THIS MOM’S HEART SING LOUDER than being treated to a meal cooked by my children. As you can guess, Jack and Caytie have been raised in the kitchen. Their idea of “fun” is not going out but playing “Chopped Challenge” in the kitchen. So, just the whisper of, “Hey kids, do you want to make breakfast or dinner?” turns into a mad dash to the kitchen. May is the month when my kids really turn up their culinary skills. For the past six years they have prepared a Mother’s Day gourmet meal for me. I have enjoyed homemade crab cakes and pasta, roasted asparagus and even key lime pie. They do everything from developing the menu to grocery shopping, preparing and best of all ... the clean up. This year is no exception. They have decided to prepare breakfast in bed since they know I love to lie in bed reading and nibbling. In lieu of making traditional omelets, they will make a “monster omelet,” otherwise known as a frittata in the culinary world. They’re also utilizing a shortcut to making homemade mini croissants using puff pastry and bittersweet chocolate found in the pantry. The ingredients are fresh and come together in a flash. I encourage you to treat your special Mom with breakfast to kick off a fabulously delicious day! 82 SLICE // MAY 2015
EASY CHOCOLATE CROISSANTS
1 package puff pastry, thawed ½ c bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped 1 egg, beaten powdered sugar Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut into thirds. Then cut each piece diagonally to produce two triangles. Add one tablespoon of chopped chocolate on the wide part of the pastry and roll up like a crescent roll. Place each triangle on the baking sheet with the seam side down. Brush with egg wash and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Dust with powdered sugar and serve.
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MAY 2015 // SLICE 83
FARE | Matters of Taste
THE BEASTS OF BOTH WORLDS By Steve Gill // Photos by Carli Wentworth
PICTURE A RESTAURANT THAT BOASTS A LARGE, ELEGANT DINING ROOM and also has a small space in the back for friends of the owners: a cozy little less-formal area that’s more comfortable than glamorous, with flickering candles and strings of black-andwhite-photos and the occasional punctuation of laughter from the chef as he cooks. Now lose the big dining room. You should have a pretty good mental approximation of the size and atmosphere of Land and Sea, a tiny OKC restaurant with a vast command of the delicious creatures of both its namesake biomes. The menu makes it easy to hop back and forth between ocean and earth; you can even do both at once via appetizers, say for example the mussels (served in a fragrant coconut sauce) and beef empanadas (the flaky crust is especially nice). The drinks menu probably technically counts as “land,” but a Bold Fashioned (made with Bulleit rye and brown sugar) is a fine accompaniment to anything. Hard as it is to pass up a good rack of lamb – and this one is; it’s overlaid by a rich, redolent tomato chutney – trust the server when he or she mentions the specialty of the house: the potato-crusted sea bass. It’s an extremely thick cut, perfectly done all the way through with a rich, slightly buttery flavor and firm texture that flakes easily under a fork and is tender on the teeth. The potato crust is 84 SLICE // MAY 2015
slightly herbed, but most of the added flavor comes from the light citrus cream underneath, which is delicious enough to make me scrape the plate clean and then continue scraping in hopes of somehow finding more. I’m more likely to order a seafood entrée than a steak anyway (despite having lived in Oklahoma my whole life; go figure), and dishes like this make that unconventional predilection seem like a stroke of genius. Seriously, even if you’re the sort of person who wishes more menus had a “turf and turf” option, you should try this fish – it’s wonderful. Both entrees, by the way, were accompanied by some roasted vegetables and a side of whipped potatoes given a mildly piquant pop from guajillo peppers, which I quite liked. One of the hallmarks of a good restaurant is how reluctant you are to get up and leave after the meal, so that even though you’re no longer hungry you’re strongly tempted to stay for dessert and coffee anyway. We chose the flourless chocolate torte, so dense and rich it’s more like a pudding than a cake; I have no regrets. And we did eventually depart, but not eagerly. It’s a good atmosphere for lingering. This restaurant isn’t chef Sean Cummings’ first culinary rodeo by a long shot, but it’s the first time I’ve encountered his fare – Boca Boca was before my time, and his eponymous Irish pub is one of those missed opportunities I plan to rectify once I lay hands on a time machine. I kept hearing it was great, and I kept thinking I should go, and then one day the chance had disappeared. I don’t imagine Land and Sea will sink beneath the waves of history anytime in the immediate future, but still – I hope you can learn a lesson from my example. Land and Sea is pretty great; you should go. And try the house special.
LAND AND SEA
7523 N. May Ave., OKC | 405.755.2622 | landandseaok.com Tuesday-Saturday 5-10 p.m. | Closed Sunday and Monday MAY 2015 // SLICE 85
Eat & Drink $ $$ $$$
KEY
most entrees under $10 most entrees $10 to $25 most entrees over $25 outdoor dining reservations accepted new or updated entry
Have an addition that you’d like us to consider? Send establishment name, address, phone number and a brief description (40 words or less) to dining@ sliceok.com. Submissions must be received two months prior to publication.
AMERICAN ANN’S CHICKEN FRY HOUSE A Route 66 classic with copious decorative memorabilia, and huge portions of excellent chicken-fried steak. 4106 NW 39th, OKC, 943.8915 $ BOULEVARD CAFETERIA Chicken and dumplings, liver and onions - one of the last of the area’s independent cafeterias is still pounding out the hits. 525 NW 11th, OKC, 239.6861 $ CAFÉ 7 Fast and casual, with varied salad, sandwich, pizza and pasta options, all priced under $7. 14101 N May, OKC, 748.3354; 120 N Robinson, Suite W 175, OKC, 748.3354 $ CAFÉ 501 Pizzas, salads and specialty sandwiches on artisan breads. 501 S Boulevard, Edmond, 359.1501; 5825 NW Grand, OKC, 844.1501 $$ CLASSEN GRILL Deftly done diner deliciousness, especially breakfast. 5124 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 842.0428 $ DEEP FORK GRILL Crisply elegant atmosphere complements superb seafood (cedar plank salmon is a specialty) and steaks. 5418 N Western, OKC, 848.7678 $$ DINER, THE The classics never go out of style – just ask the locals who flock here for masterful preparation of ordinary breakfast and lunch fare. 213 E Main, Norman, 329.6642 $ DISTRICT 21 This sleek, inexpensive bastion of creativity is run by Francis Tuttle’s culinary school. 12777 N Rockwell, OKC, 717.7700 $ FLINT Casual style plus outstanding contemporary cuisine makes a winning combination in the Colcord Hotel. 15 N Robinson, OKC, 601.4300 $$ HEFNER GRILL Upscale fare and a tempting brunch to boot, with the enhancements of a live piano and a spectacular lake view. 9201 Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 748.6113 $$ INTERURBAN Great food (and prices) in casual comfort – try the chicken-fried steak and anything with honey-pepper bacon. 4 metro locations, interurban.us $$ KAISER’S DINER A venerable location is back in business, offering juicy burgers, sandwiches, tempting entrees and a vintage soda-fountain experience. 1039 N Walker Ave, OKC, 232.7632 $ LEGEND’S A casually upscale landmark for over 40 years, it still serves exceptional seafood, steaks and more. 1313 W Lindsey, Norman, 329.8888 $$ MUTT’S AMAZING HOT DOGS Inspired creations featuring varied prime meats and
86 SLICE // MAY 2015
unexpected and tasty flavor profiles. 1400 NW 23rd, OKC, 525.3647 $ PACKARD’S NEW AMERICAN KITCHEN They’re not kidding about the “new” – the menu is filled with innovative ideas. 201 NW 10th, Suite 100, OKC, 605.3771 $$ PARK HOUSE The staunch wine list and great view of the Myriad Gardens add to a menu filled with contemporary American tastes. 125 Ron Norick Blvd, OKC, 445.7080 $$ PICASSO CAFÉ As creative as its neighbors in the Paseo Arts District; zippy sandwiches, salads, pizza and surprises abound. 3009 Paseo, OKC, 602.2002 $ POPS A bit out of the way but worth the drive, this café has burgers, salads, shakes and an unbelievably broad soda selection. 660 W Highway 66, Arcadia, 233.2020 $ THE R&J LOUNGE The culinary luminaries behind Ludivine present a more relaxed, sentimental dining experience; the drinks menu is a thing of beauty. 320 NW 10th, OKC, 602.5066 $$
O ASIAN FUSION Sublime quality in a wide span of culinary influences – freshly rolled sushi to fiery curry – in cool, vibrant digs. 105 SE 12th, Norman, 701.8899 $$ SAII Rich ambiance boosts expertly done Japanese, Thai and Chinese fare plus stellar sushi. 6900 N May, OKC, 702.7244 $$
OAK & ORE A neighborhood hangout of vintage rustic materials, offering more than a handful of creative knife-and-fork sandwiches and lovingly chosen craft beers. 1732 NW 16th, OKC $
VII ASIAN BISTRO A bright, sleek interior and savory spate of Chinese and Vietnamese options. 2900 N Classen, OKC, 604.2939 $
O’CONNELL’S IRISH PUB & GRILLE Beloved by students, alumni and townies, it’s served killer burgers, beer and festive atmosphere since 1968. 769 Asp, Norman, 217.8454 $
BAKERY
POWER HOUSE A cozy, rustic bar with some sizzling specialties, found near the Farmers Market. 1228 SW 2nd, OKC, 512.619.1169 $
BIG SKY BREAD Enjoy cookies, scones, brownies or granola, plus an incredible bevy of fresh-baked bread. 6606 N Western, OKC, 879.0330 $ BROWN’S BAKERY An incredible selection of delicious traditional and specialty cakes, cookies, breads and other baked goods. 1100 N Walker, OKC, 232.0363 $
REDROCK CANYON GRILL Rotisserie chicken, enchiladas and steak in a casual hacienda-style atmosphere by the lake. 9221 E Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 749.1995 $$
CUPCAKES TO GO GO Love of travel (and a sweet tooth) inspire the myriad flavor combinations in this trove of treats – its rotating menu means every trip reveals a different taste destination. 2524 W Edmond Rd, Edmond, 330.2190 $
ROCKY MOUNTAIN GRILL Amply portioned and green chili-amplified burgers, breakfasts and more fill this inviting diner. 231 S Coltrane, Edmond, 562.4777 $
CUPPIES & JOE The name is only part of the story: it’s cupcakes and coffee and pie and live music and a cozy, trendy vibe and more. 727 NW 23rd, OKC, 528.2122 $
SATURN GRILL A lunch star: inspired pizza, sandwiches and salads. 6432 Avondale, OKC, 843.7114 $
HURTS DONUT CO. Ignore your childhood hesitations: you do want a Hurts Donut. The 24-hour Campus Corner locale pumps out nonstop sweet and savory innovations. 746 Asp Ave, Norman, 417.300.6106 $
SCRATCH Isn’t that the best place for food to come from? Entrees, sides and wondrous craft cocktails are carefully concocted inhouse. 132 W Main, Norman, 801.2900 $$ SYRUP The most enticing meal of the day is at this unique breakfast boutique (the crunchy French toast is something special). 123 E Main, Norman, 701.1143 $ VAST Steaks, seafood and globally inspired American cuisine, with a view truly unparalleled in Oklahoma. 280 W Sheridan, 49th floor, OKC, 702.7262 $$ VICEROY GRILLE Opulent décor, comfortable environs and some outstanding cuisine make a strong recommendation for the Ambassador Hotel’s in-house restaurant; don’t overlook the brunch options. 1200 N Walker Ave, OKC, 600.6200 $$$ WAFFLE CHAMPION A Midtown diner bringing joy to those addicted to its gourmet sweet or savory waffle options. 1212 N Walker, OKC, 525.9235 $ WHISKEY CAKE High-quality locally sourced food served in a homey atmosphere. Enjoy – and don’t forget the namesake dessert. 1845 NW Expressway, OKC, 582.2253 $$
ASIAN 180 MERIDIAN GRILL Blending Asian cuisine with U.S. culture: sirloin with teriyaki butter, hoisin BBQ duck pizza and sushi options. 2541 W Main, Norman, 310.6110 $$ COVELL PARK Lunch, dinner and sushi in style from expert creators of modern Asian fusion. 1200 W Covell, Edmond, 285.1720 $$ DOT WO GARDEN Dot Wo continues its legacy by pairing sumptuous classics of Chinese cuisine with fiery, fresh sushi. 6161 N May, OKC, 608.2388 $$ GRAND HOUSE A Chinese restaurant that goes the extra mile to provide enjoyable ambiance alongside its excellent cuisine. 2701 N Classen, OKC, 524.7333 $$ GUERNSEY PARK A hidden treasure on an Uptown back street, it’s home to tasty Asian fusion with a hint of French influence. 2418 N Guernsey, OKC, 605.5272 $$
with a primo patio. 1300 Classen Blvd, Norman, 329.3330 $
KITCHEN NO. 324 Seasonally inspired café, coffee curator and craft bakery serving spectacular rustic American cuisine. 324 N Robinson, OKC, 763.5911 $ LA BAGUETTE Comfort and exquisite baking make a tres chic destination for brunch and beyond. 1130 Rambling Oaks, Norman, 329.1101; 2100 W Main, Norman, 329.5822 $ PIE JUNKIE Call ahead to order a whole pie or quiche or walk in and choose from what’s on hand; either way the flavors are incredible. 1711 NW 16th, OKC, 605.8767 $ SARA SARA CUPCAKES The ambiance and milk bar make great additions to the variety of specialty cupcakes in this charming little converted house. 7 NW 9th, OKC, 600.9494 $
BAR // PUB FOOD 51ST STREET SPEAKEASY The joint’s porch and patio are perpetually packed, and the top-shelf spirits and beers flow with joyous abandon. 1114 NW 51st, OKC, 463.0470 $ ABNER’S ALE HOUSE Beers and whiskies of the best, plus knockout dishes aimed at recreating the true English public house vibe. 121 E Main, Norman, 928.5801 $$ THE BARREL Drink deep of top-shelf wines, beers and whiskies, braced by thoroughly appetizing pub fusion cuisine. 4308 N Western, OKC, 525.6682 $ BELLE ISLE BREWERY Live music, handcrafted beers and a great burger selection in 50 Penn Place. 1900 NW Expressway, OKC, 840.1911 $ BLU FINE WINE & FOOD A sleek bar that stands out due to quick, courteous service and a menu with gourmet range. 201 S Crawford, Norman, 360.4258 $$ DEEP DEUCE GRILL A funky, comfortable alternative to Bricktown crowds, featuring burgers, beer and a people-watching patio. 307 NE 2nd, OKC, 235.9100 $ JAMES E. MCNELLIE’S Designed to bring Ireland’s pub culture to OKC, this Midtown hotspot features 350 varieties of beer. 1100 Classen Dr, OKC, 601.7468 $$ MONT, THE Tempting pub food with Southwestern zing at a Norman landmark
PUB W Multiple atmospheres for whatever vibe you like, and a menu of choice beer and “new classic” fare from barbeque wings to thick pork chops. 3720 W Robinson, Norman, 701.5844 $$ THE PUMP BAR This jumping Uptown spot has a surprisingly sophisticated menu backing its broad drink selection. 2425 N Walker, OKC, 702.8898 $ REPUBLIC GASTROPUB Part beer bar and part upscale eatery, pairing a vast selection of quality brews with imaginative menu items. 5830 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 286.4577 $$ SAINTS An inviting Irish bar where whiskey and beer offerings pair nicely with classics like shepherd’s pie, bangers and fish and chips. 1715 NW 16th, OKC, 602.6308 $$ URBAN WINEWORKS Made-in-Oklahoma wine paired with haute culinary creations featuring rabbit, duck, pork belly and more. 1749 NW 16th, OKC, 525.9463 $$ WES WELKER’S The food shows great variety and imagination, like duck nachos, and the bevy of TVs and 83 available beers ain’t bad either. 3121 W Memorial, OKC, 608.2200 $$
BARBEQUE EARL’S RIB PALACE Beloved by locals in a competitive genre, the chain pounds out hit ribs and turkey as well as a top-tier burger. 6 metro locations, earlsribpalace.com $ IRON STAR URBAN BARBEQUE Named for notorious outlaw Belle Starr, its entrees are excellent, but the sides are equal players as well. 3700 N Shartel, OKC, 524.5925 $$ LEO’S BAR-B-Q Rich flavor and tender texture for commendable value – no wonder it’s a periennial favorite among Oklahoma connoisseurs. 3631 N Kelley, OKC 424.5367 $ RUDY’S Totally casual – plastic trays and utensils – with serious barbeque chops. 3450 Chautauqua, Norman, 307.0552; 3437 W Memorial, OKC, 254.4712 $$
BURGERS // SANDWICHES BISON WITCHES Monster sandwiches with standout flavors, best enjoyed with a bread bowl of fresh hot soup and a bag of pretzels. 211 E Main, Norman, 364.7555 $ CAFÉ PLAID Fresh sandwiches begging to be combined with sensational salads (veggie, tuna, pasta…) – an ideal lunch spot near OU. 333 W Boyd, Norman, 360.2233 $ COW CALF-HAY The selections are ample and the delicious never-frozen patties are mmmmmassive. 3409 Wynn, Edmond, 509.2333, 212 N Harvey, OKC, 601.6180 $ FLATIRE BURGERS Boasting innovations like sauerkraut, pineapple relish and habanero salsa.100 N University, Edmond, 974.4638 $ GARAGE BURGERS & BEER, THE The focus is on the many tempting flavor possibilities of huge, juicy burgers and fries. 5 metro locations, eatatthegarage.com $ HILLBILLY PO BOYS Unassuming name; mighty appealing flavor in tasty seafood sandwiches and the licit thrill
W H A T ’S
G O O D
N O W
MOTHER’S DAY MAY 10 CALL FOR RESERVATIONS
Seasonally Inspired menu items, such as Cucumber Carpaccio Spring Mesclun Salad, Oven Roasted Sea Bass with Ratatouille and Grilled Vegetables, Pan Seared Airline Chicken Breast with Homestyle Mashed Potatoes and Basil Asparagus, just to mention a few. Pair with a fine glass of wine or chilled mug of crafted beer. Come discover what’s new at all of our local neighborhood restaurants.
405.848.7678
5418 N WESTERN AVENUE DEEPFORKGRILL.COM
405.525.6682
4308 N WESTERN AVENUE BARRELOKC.COM
405.604.0990
4309 N WESTERN AVENUE DRUMROOMOKC.COM
MAY 2015 // SLICE 87
FARE | Eat & Drink SERVICE STATION A former filling station with vintage décor, now serving up delicious half-pound burgers and fries. 502 S Webster, Norman, 364.2136 $
of moonshine cocktails. 1 NW 9th, OKC, 702.9805 $ ICE HOUSE Big, cheesy burgers, fries and shakes, with the gorgeous Myriad Gardens as a backdrop. 125 Ron Norick, OKC, 232.6427 $ IRMA’S BURGER SHACK Simply great fries, rings and burgers; try the No Name Ranch beef. 1035 NW 63rd, OKC, 840.4762; 1120 Classen Dr, OKC, 235.4762 $ JOHNNIE’S CHARCOAL BROILER Fresh-ground burgers cooked over real charcoal; try the Cheese Theta or Caesar varieties. 4 metro locations, johnniesok. com $ LOUIE’S GRILL & BAR Casually cool and come-as-you-are bar-type hangouts excelling at burgers, sandwiches and pizzas. 12 metro locations, louiesgrillandbar.com $
TEXADELPHIA The menu draws raves for burgers and wraps, but especially the monstrous made-to-order cheesesteaks. 200 S Oklahoma, OKC, 208.4000 $ TUCKER’S ONION BURGERS A small menu whose bravura execution makes the meal hard to forget. 3 metro locations, tuckersonionburgers.com $ URBAN JOHNNIE’S Gourmet burgers and more in a sleek bar atmosphere from the minds behind Johnnie’s Charcoal Broiler. 121 NE 2nd, OKC, 208.4477 $
LOUIE’S ON THE LAKE An unbeatable view of Lake Hefner from the spacious patio adds ambiance to tasty entrees under $10. 9401 Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 751.2298 $
COFFEEHOUSE // TEA ROOM
MULE, THE Solid beer and beverage selection plus delectable gourmet grilled cheeses and melts (ingredients range from fontina to figs). 1630 N Blackwelder, OKC, 601.1400 $ ND FOODS Gigantic Boar’s Head deli sandwiches, homemade soups and freshly baked cookies, pies and other desserts. 2632 W Britton Rd, OKC, 840.9364 $ NIC’S GRILL It’s small, it’s crowded … and it’s incredible. Mounds of fresh fries and colossal burgers, easily among the metro’s best. 1202 N Penn, OKC, 524.0999 $ S&B’S BURGER JOINT Good news: these super-tasty burgers come as sliders too, the better to sample more selections. 5 metro locations, sandbburgers.com $
SOONER DAIRY LUNCH This modest little drive-in has been feeding its staunch fans delicious burgers, tots and shakes for over six decades. 1820 W Main, Norman, 321.8526 $
ALL ABOUT CHA Universal standards and unusual concoctions (the sweet potato latte is a wonder) in bright, bustling atmosphere. 3272 S Broadway, Edmond, 340.9959; 7300 N Western, OKC, 840.7725 $ BEATNIX CAFÉ, THE Get a sandwich, cup of hearty soup or powerhouse latte in the lovely laid-back vibe that pervades this dawdling spot. 136 NW 13th, OKC, 604.0211 $ THE BLUE BEAN Smoothies, pastries and sweet treats, plus excellent small-batch roasted coffee – try the specialty flavor combos. 13316 S Western, OKC, 735.5115 $ CAFÉ EVOKE Outstanding coffee and other beverages from one of the area’s great caterers; plus soup, sandwiches, snacks or sweets. 103 S Broadway, Edmond, 285.1522 $ COFFEE SLINGERS Rocking a brisk, urban vibe on Automobile Alley, it’s a gathering
Fresh Flavor
• PRIME STEAKS, SEAFOOD AND SUSHI • SCRATCH KITCHEN FEATURING HAND-CUT ENTREES • BOOK A PRIVATE ROOM OR CHEF’S TABLE TODAY! M-TH: 11A-10P / F-SA: 11A-11P / SU: 11A-9P 1101 N BROADWAY AVE, OKC / 405.212.3949 88 SLICE // MAY 2015
place for genuine java enthusiasts. 1015 N Broadway, OKC, 606.2763 $ DISTRICT HOUSE Pop into the Plaza District for beans from Tulsa’s Topeca Coffee, deli sandwiches and the occasional live music event. 1755 NW 16th, OKC $ ELEMENTAL COFFEE Seriously spectacular coffee roasted in-house - passionate staff is always eager to share knowledge about the process. 815 N Hudson, OKC, 633.1703 $ MICHELANGELO’S Enjoy exceptional coffees and wines, a well-stocked pastry case and breakfast and lunch selections. 207 E Main, Norman, 579.3387 $ PARAMOUNT, THE A Film Row joint with a screening room attached, its all-day beverage menu delivers the stuff dreams are made of. 701 W Sheridan, OKC, 517.0787 $ RED CUP Comfortably ramshackle with great coffee, vegetarian-friendly specials and live music. Highly recommended! 3122 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 525.3430 $ T, AN URBAN TEAHOUSE This endearing retreat offers over 100 varieties and expert counsel to explore a world of possibili-teas. 7518 N May, OKC, 418.4333 $
CONTINENTAL BIN 73 Diners can fill up on filet mignon or simply top the evening off with tapas while enjoying the full bar and chic ambiance. 7312 N Western, OKC, 843.0073 $$ BLACKBIRD A gastropub with succulent creativity (pot roast nachos!) and a broad beer, wine and whiskey list. 575 S University, Norman, 928.5555 $$ CHEEVER’S Southwestern-influenced recipes and contemporary comfort food; truly one of the city’s finest restaurants. 2409 N Hudson, OKC, 525.7007 $$
COACH HOUSE, THE Definitely among the metro’s most elegant dining: specialties prepared with classical perfection. 6437 Avondale, OKC, 842.1000 $$$ LOTTINVILLES Rotisserie chicken, woodgrilled salmon and a host of entrees, salads and panini; the Sunday brunch is epic. 801 Signal Ridge, Edmond, 341.2244 $$ MANTEL, THE Marvelous steaks and seafood (don’t miss the lobster bisque), in a refined, intimate atmosphere. 201 E Sheridan, OKC, 236.8040 $$$ MELTING POT, THE Make a meal an event to remember with an elegant fondue feast. 4 E Sheridan, OKC, 235.1000 $$$ METRO WINE BAR & BISTRO, THE A comfortably upscale favorite covering cuisines from vichyssoise to crème brulée. 6418 N Western, OKC, 840.9463 $$ MICHAEL’S GRILL Urbane, intimate dining: steaks, chops, seafood and pastas, and Caesar salad prepared tableside. 2824 W Country Club, OKC, 810.9000 $$$ MUSEUM CAFÉ, THE Inside the OKC Museum of Art, its European-inspired menu delights for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. 415 Couch, OKC, 235.6262 $$ PARK AVENUE GRILL A soigne dining experience in the Skirvin Hilton, blending traditional steak and seafood with 1930s high style. 1 Park, OKC, 702.8444 $$$ PASEO GRILL Intimate inside and cheerful on the patio, with an award-winning menu of distinctive flavors – try the duck salad. 2909 Paseo, OKC, 601.1079 $$$ ROCOCO RESTAURANT & FINE WINE A diverse international menu set off by select wines. 12252 N May, OKC, 212.4577; 2824 N Penn, OKC, 528.2824 $$ SEVEN47 Enjoy sleek, swank décor and an appealingly broad menu including a
tantalizing brunch. 747 Asp, Norman, 701.8622 $$
house-brewed beers. 3401 S Sooner, Moore, 799.7666 $$$
cooked delicacies in splendid ambiance. 580 Ed Noble Pkwy, Norman, 579.5600 $$
SIGNATURE GRILL Unassuming locale; huge culinary rewards of French and Italian flavors in a few select dishes. 1317 E Danforth, Edmond, 330.4548 $$$
HEALTHY // ECLECTIC
TAJ A tremendous set of Indian staples and delicacies, plus full lunch and dinner buffets. 1500 NW 23rd, OKC, 601.1888 $$
COOLGREENS Customization encouraged; every available component in salads, wraps and frozen yogurt is naturally delicious. 3 metro locations, coolgreens.com $$
ITALIAN // PIZZA
WEST The staff is speedy, the décor sleek and modern, and the entrées wide-ranging but elegantly simple. 6714 N Western, OKC, 607.4072 $$
FRENCH LA BAGUETTE BISTRO Fine dining (linger over multiple courses often) with an exceptional bakery, deli and butcher shop on site. 7408 N May, OKC, 840.3047 $$ WHISPERING PINES B&B A secluded getaway housing sumptuous, savory cuisine in quiet comfort. 7820 E Highway 9, Norman, 447.0202 $$$
GERMAN DAS BOOT CAMP Exceptional cuisine (and magnificent beer) in a fast-paced location downtown. 229 E Main, Norman, 701.3748 $ FASSLER HALL House-made sausages, pretzels, duck fries and a heftig beer menu, plus a weekend brunch – what’s not to love? 421 NW 10th, OKC, 609.3300 $ INGRID’S Authentic German fare, including outstanding Oklahoma-made bratwurst. Don’t overlook breakfast, or the bakery counter! 3701 N Youngs, OKC, 946.8444; 6501 N May, OKC $$
EARTH, THE Super, super fresh sandwiches, salads and soups in one of the most vegetarian- and vegan-friendly menus you’ll ever see. 750 Asp, Norman, 573.5933 $ LUDIVINE The menu adjusts constantly to reflect availability of elite-quality, locally sourced ingredients. 805 N Hudson, OKC, 778.6800 $$$
ICE CREAM // YOGURT IL DOLCE GELATO Rich, creamy and decadently delicious, handmade daily from scratch. 937 SW 25th St, Moore, 794.7266; 1318 N Interstate Dr, Norman, 329.7744 $ ORANGE LEAF Dozens and dozens of tasty, waistline-friendly flavors and toppings, charged by the ounce. 9 metro locations, orangeleafyogurt.com $ ROXY’S ICE CREAM SOCIAL A heavenly array of hand-dipped ice cream flavors, including cookie sandwiches. 1732 NW 16th, OKC, 593.8328 $
INDIAN
OLD GERMANY Justly renowned for its Bavarian delights – the schnitzels, soups and sausages are spectacular. 15920 SE 29th, Choctaw, 390.8647 $$$
GOPURAM – TASTE OF INDIA A fullservice restaurant with the feel of fine dining, even during the inexpensive and plentiful lunch buffet. 4559 NW 23rd, OKC, 948.7373 $$
ROYAL BAVARIA Excellent renditions of traditional dishes, plus fantastisch
MISAL OF INDIA A Norman institution for over 30 years, specializing in tandoori-
lunch specials
varied stopover for Bricktown wanderers as well as a pizza-lover’s destination in its own right. 103 E California, OKC, 605.4422 $ MONI’S Handmade, New Jersey-style brick oven pizza and authentic pasta recipes from Southern Italy in a casual, comfy ambience (ideal for dates). 17200 N May, Edmond, 285.5991 $$
BELLINI’S Tasteful in décor and Italian offerings alike, this romantic nightspot quietly, confidently exudes elegance. 6305 Waterford Blvd, OKC, 848.1065 $$
NOMAD II A classic server of old-school pizza, Italian dishes, steaks and fried chicken, plus a slice of OKC history through its décor. 7301 N May, OKC, 843.4557 $$
BENVENUTI’S Subtly flavored minestrone to rich, hearty ragouts, the fare keeps the booths full; don’t overlook Sunday brunch. 105 W Main, Norman, 310.5271 $$
OTHELLO’S Warm mussels to tiramisu – all you could want in a romantic Italian café. 434 Buchanan, Norman, 701.4900; 1 S Broadway, Edmond, 330.9045 $$
CAFFE PRANZO The atmosphere raises firsttime diners’ hopes; the execution exceeds them as classic dishes are elevated to greatness. 9622 N May, OKC, 755.3577 $$
PAPA DIO’S Three generations of the Bonadio family offer an ample menu of new, classic and healthy dishes in separate dining rooms for family or casual dining. 10712 N May, OKC, 755.2255 $$
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. 1734 NW 16th, OKC $ GABRIELLA’S A fresh chapter in the family’s delectable legacy; one bite of the homemade Italian sausage should win diners’ hearts with ease. 1226 NE 63rd, OKC, 478.4955 $$ HIDEAWAY PIZZA Incredible pizza in jovial surroundings; it’s amassed a devoted following for over half a century. 7 metro locations, hideawaypizza.com $$ HUMBLE PIE PIZZERIA No humility needed for this true Chicago-style pizza, boasting perhaps the best crust known to man. 1319 S Broadway, Edmond, 715.1818 $ JOEY’S A creative pizzeria on OKC’s Film Row, Joey’s serves first-rate appetizers and salads along with its mouth-watering pies. 700 W Sheridan, OKC, 525.8503 $$ KNUCK’S WHEELHOUSE Homemade daily with sauces from scratch, it’s a tasty and
PIZZA 23 A tempting suite of specialty pies and good beer selection in crisp, urban décor. 600-B NW 23rd St, OKC, 601.6161 $$ PIZZERIA GUSTO Neapolitan-style pizza (quality ingredients, extremely hot fire) stars alongside Italy-inspired salads, pastas and appetizers. 2415 N Walker Ave, OKC, 437.4992 $$ REVOLVE PIZZA A fully customizable dining experience: guests build their dream pies from the crust up and the quick-fire brick ovens do the rest. 5500 W Memorial, OKC, 792.2858 $ SANDRO’S New York-style pizza and an array of pasta, all made fresh (and delicious) daily. 914 W Main, Norman, 701.8822 $ SAUCED ON PASEO All kinds of goodness on a thin, crunchy crust in a comfortable neighborhood hangout. Don’t forget a Krispie treat. 2912 Paseo, OKC, 521.9800 $
modern italian dining
brick oven
LUNCH • DINNER • COCKTAILS • SUNDAY BRUNCH
1201 N. Walker • Oklahoma City • 405.235.2200 • stellaokc.com #stellaokc
MAY 2015 // SLICE 89
FARE | Eat & Drink SOPHABELLA’S A quiet, classy gem offering premier tastes from Chicago and beyond in style. 7628 N May, OKC, 879.0100 $$$ STELLA MODERN ITALIAN CUISINE A luscious spate of tastes for a casual lunch, romantic dinner or brunch, amid stylish scenery. 1201 N Walker, OKC, 235.2200 $$ TOMMY’S An old favorite returns to the metro to provide primo pasta, pizzas and plenty of ambiance. 5516 W Memorial, OKC, 470.5577 $$ UPPER CRUST This pizzeria and wine bar specializes in thin-crust, New York-style pies. 5860 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 842.7743; 1205 NW 178th, Edmond, 285.8887 $$ VICTORIA’S A shabby-comfortable atmosphere with local art on its walls and the art of pasta on its plates – try the chicken lasagna. 327 White, Norman, 329.0377; 3000 SW 104th St, OKC, 759.3580 $ VITO’S RISTORANTE Homestyle Italian cuisine in an intimate setting where the staff treat customers like guests in their home. 7521 N May, OKC, 848.4867 $$ WEDGE, THE Wood-fired pies with fresh ingredients (like figs or truffle oil) and sauce from scratch. 230 NE 1st, OKC, 270.0660; 4709 N Western, OKC, 602.3477 $$
JAPANESE // SUSHI CAFÉ ICON Tempting sushi and Japanese specialties fill the menu to bursting with visually splendid and palate-pleasing treats. 311 S Blackwelder, Edmond, 340.8956 $$ GOGO SUSHI Prime for lovers of speed and convenience – go go check it out! 1611 S Service Rd, Moore, 794.3474; 432 NW 10th, OKC, 602.6333 $$ IN THE RAW DUNWELL SUSHI A chic space on the Bricktown Canal offering excellent sushi, specialty rolls and sake. 200 S Oklahoma, OKC, 702.1325 $$
MUSASHI’S Exquisitely flavorful Japanese cuisine prepared with genuine artistry by skilled chefs at tableside hibachi grills. 4315 N Western, OKC, 602.5623 $$ SUSHI BAR, THE Sushi staples done with élan, plus more adventurous options, in a bustling, comfortable environment. 1201 NW 178th, OKC, 285.7317 $$ SUSHI NEKO An established OKC favorite combining style (sleek, brisk, classy) with substance (in a broad and creative menu). 4318 N Western, OKC, 528.8862 $$
generations-old recipes. 3131 W Memorial, OKC, 751.7000 $ QUEEN OF SHEBA A spicy, vegan-friendly menu of Ethiopian delights awaits the bold. Bring friends and be prepared to linger. 2308 N MacArthur, OKC, 606.8616 $$ ZORBA’S Family recipes proudly share flavors of Cyprus, Spain, Greece and Morocco. 6014 N May, OKC, 947.7788 $
MEXICAN // LATIN AMERICAN
TOKYO JAPANESE RESTAURANT It’s small with a traditional menu; but it’s palpably fresh and routinely cited as among the metro’s best. 7516 N Western, OKC, 848.6733 $$
1492 Authentic Mexican cuisine in an elegant, romantic setting with perhaps the world’s best mojitos. 1207 N Walker, OKC, 236.1492 $$
MEDITERRANEAN
ABUELO’S The variety, plates, flavors and experience are all huge. No passport required. 17 E Sheridan, OKC, 235.1422; 3001 W Memorial, OKC, 755.2680 $$
AVANTI BAR & GRILL Casual elegance with contemporary Italian menu twists: crab falafel, bolognese pizza and more. 13509 Highland Park, OKC, 254.5200 $$ BASIL MEDITERRANEAN CAFÉ Chicken Bandarri, Beef Souvlaki or a fresh bowl of tangy tabouli; flavor leaps from every corner of the menu. 211 NW 23rd, OKC, 602.3030 $
ALFREDO’S Kick back with an agave limeade and peruse the ample menu’s avocado enchiladas, fried tacos and more. 4 metro locations, alfredosok.com $$ BIG TRUCK TACOS It’s often standingroom-only at lunch, but don’t let that deter you from fresh, imaginative taco creations. 530 NW 23rd, OKC, 525.8226 $
COUSCOUS CAFE Traditional Moroccan tagine dishes to favorites like homemade falafel and kofta, with a bounty for vegetarians. 6165 N May, OKC, 286.1533 $
CAFÉ DO BRASIL It’s a long way to Rio, but the spicy, savory menu covers the distance in a mouthful. 440 NW 11th, OKC, 525.9779 $$
HAIGET’S Vegan-friendly – and friendly in general – this gem rewards the adventurous with Ethiopian and Kenyan specialties. 308 W Edmond Rd, Edmond, 509.6441 $$
CAFÉ KACAO A sunlit space filled with bright, vibrant Guatemalan flavors. The breakfast specialties truly dazzle. 3325 N Classen, OKC, 602.2883 $
MEDITERRANEAN IMPORTS & DELI Selected groceries and a menu stocked with options; the food is authentic, quick and spectacular. 5620 N May, OKC, 810.9494 $ NUNU’S Tangy, tantalizing, fresh and healthy flavors, reproduced from
CANTINA LAREDO A sophisticated take on Mexican fare, specializing in fresh fish and Angus beef. 1901 NW Expressway (in Penn Square Mall), OKC, 840.1051 $$ CHILTEPES Chuchitos to atol de elote, this Plaza District restaurant serves as a guided tour to the wondrous flavors of Guatemala.
Join us for Mother’s Day, make your reservations today! Send us your email address and we will add you to our Special Wine Dinner/Event alerts.
1800 NW 16th, OKC, 601.0384 $$ CHUY’S The portions are substantial, the Hatch chile-fueled flavors are strong and the vibe is playfully enthusiastic. 760 N Interstate Dr, Norman, 360.0881 $$ FUZZY’S TACO SHOP Jumbo burritos, big salads and especially shrimp tacos – quickly and in plenitude. 752 Asp, Norman, 701.1000; 208 Johnny Bench, OKC, 602.3899 $ IGUANA MEXICAN GRILL Unique Mexican flavor in a fun atmosphere at reasonable prices. 9 NW 9th, OKC, 606.7172 $$ INCA TRAIL Flavors from around the world, piquant ceviches to homemade flan. 10948 N May, OKC, 286.0407 $$ JUAN DEL FUEGO This self-styled MexiDiner dishes up breakfast and lunch from both sides of the border. 223 34th Ave SW, Norman, 310.20302 $ LA BRASA Flavors of Peru make for a powerfully delicious dining experience in ceviches, sandwiches, fried rice and other entrees. 1310 NW 25th, OKC, 524.2251 $$ LA LUNA Its festive cantina-style atmosphere only adds to the enjoyment of classic fajitas, enchiladas and the bold carne ranchera. 409 W Reno, OKC, 235.9596 $$ MAMA ROJA MEXICAN KITCHEN Handrolled tamales, vendor-style tacos and more, on the scenic shores of Lake Hefner. 9219 E Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 302.6262 $$ MAMAVECA Familiar Mexican favorites plus the diverse delights of Peruvian cuisine. 2551 W Hemphill, Norman, 573.4003 $$ TARAHUMARA’S This airy ristorante serves huge, tasty Tex-Mex classics plus less ubiquitous fare like mole poblano. 702 N Porter, Norman, 360.8070 $$ TED’S CAFÉ ESCONDIDO Fast, fresh and amply portioned, it’s often very crowded
We have been putting a little Italian in everything we make since 1979… 13 different sauces featuring our famous Trieste… Veal, Chicken, Shrimp and 5 different kinds of Lasagne! Over 175 items from all the regions in Italy… and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence Wine List.
10 712 NORT H M AY AV E N U E • OKC , OK 7312 0 4 0 5.755. 2 255 • OR DE R ON L I N E AT PA PA DIOSOKC .C OM
Mother’s Day
Open Noon to 8 pm Sunday, May 10
Spring catering available. Ask us about our Monthly Wine Dinners. 801 Signal Ridge Drive (15th & Kelly) Edmond, OK 73013 www.lottinvillesrestaurant.com - 405-341-2244 90 SLICE // MAY 2015
RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED • MELTINGPOT.COM (405) 235-1000 • 4 E SHERIDAN AVE., OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73104 *Valid at this location only. See store for details or restrictions.
and always supremely delicious. 4 metro locations, tedscafe.com $$
bayou treat right nearby. 617 S Broadway, Edmond, 340.1925 $$
grill and a kick of Southwestern spice in the menu. 1199 Service Rd, Moore, 799.0300 $$
making this a popular midday option. 1614 NW 23rd, OKC, 528.8424 $
YUCATAN TACO STAND Feisty Latin fusion cuisine plus signature nachos and combos… and over 75 tequilas. 100 E California, Suite 110, OKC, 886.0413 $
THE DRUM ROOM Crispy, juicy fried chicken (among the city’s best) stars with fried okra, waffles and a fully loaded bar. 4300 N Western, OKC, 604.0990 $$
JAMIL’S STEAKHOUSE Steak, lobster or prime rib with Lebanese appetizers gratis – Jamil’s has fed Oklahoma well since 1964. 4910 N Lincoln, OKC, 525.8352 $$
SWEET BASIL The enormous aquarium adds to the cozy ambiance; with its outstanding curries and soups, it makes a great dinner date. 211 W Main, Norman, 217.8424 $$
ZARATE’S The familiar joys of enchiladas and chimichangas, plus Peruvian dishes of plantains, yuca and imported spices. 706 S Broadway, Edmond, 330.6400 $$
JAX SOUL KITCHEN The team behind Blackbird and blu dishes up big ol’ helpings of jambalaya, pork ribs, fried catfish and many more deep South classics. 575 S University, Norman, 801.2828 $
JUNIOR’S A landmark restaurant where hand-cut Angus steaks and lobster fight for attention with knockout fried chicken. 2601 NW Expressway, OKC, 848.5597 $$$
TANA THAI There’s a lot to like here, from red snapper filet to pad thai. Pay attention to the soups, and do not play chicken with the spice level. 10700 N May, OKC, 749.5590 $$
MAHOGANY PRIME STEAKHOUSE The ambiance and service are sublime, but fine aged steak broiled to perfection is the star. 3241 W Memorial, OKC, 748.5959 $$$
VIETNAMESE
SEAFOOD FISH CITY GRILL Shrimp and grits, oysters on the half shell… anyone who wishes Oklahoma had a coastline should feel right at home. 1389 E 15th, Edmond, 348.2300 $$ JAZMO’Z BOURBON STREET CAFÉ An upscale yet casual environment boasting Cajun and Creole-inspired selections. 100 E California, OKC, 232.6666 $$ LAND & SEA Chef Sean Cummings harnesses the delicious possibilities of multiple biomes in his latest savory concept. 7523 N May Ave, OKC, 755.2622 $$$ PEARL’S CRABTOWN A huge Bricktown warehouse where the Crab Boil is a favorite and taste is king. 303 E Sheridan, OKC, 232.7227 $$ PEARL’S OYSTER BAR A perennial winner in “best of the metro” polls for fresh, flavorful seafood and spicy Creoleinspired dishes. 5641 N Classen, OKC, 848.8008 $$ SHACK SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR, THE A massive selection of nicely spiced Cajun and Creole cooking, plus seafood. 13801 Quail Pointe Dr, OKC, 286.5959 $$
KD’S Pork chops, stuffed catfish, shrimp and grits and more of Kevin Durant’s favorite foods, presented with skill and vim – and a dose of star power. 224 Johnny Bench Dr, OKC, 701.3535 $$ MAMA E’S WINGS & WAFFLES A labor of love adored by locals seeking authentic Southern classics. 3838 Springlake, OKC, 424.0800; 900 W Reno, OKC, 231.1190 $
STEAKHOUSE BOULEVARD STEAKHOUSE Perfectly soigné ambiance and cuisine easily in the metro’s elite – a sumptuous, if pricy, masterpiece. 505 S Boulevard, Edmond, 715.2333 $$$ BROADWAY 10 Cruise into the Buick building in Automobile Alley to savor steak supremacy in a cozy enclave amid urban bustle. 1101 N Broadway, OKC, 212.3949 $$$ CATTLEMEN’S This Oklahoma institution’s huge corn-fed steaks and matchless atmosphere are history served anew every day. 1309 S Agnew, OKC, 236.0416 $$
SOUL FOOD
GEORGE, THE High atop Founders Tower, its spectacular view adds savor to expert chefdriven creations featuring prime beef. 5900 Mosteller Dr, OKC, 607.4360 $$$
BIGHEAD’S Fried alligator, frog legs and simmering, savory seafood gumbo – it’s a
HOLLIE’S FLATIRON STEAKHOUSE Plush and cozy, with entrees seared on a flatiron
MICKEY MANTLE’S This lushly atmospheric social spot in Bricktown serves powerhouse entrées and sides and with full amenities. 7 S Mickey Mantle, OKC, 272.0777 $$$ OPUS PRIME STEAKHOUSE Hand-cut USDA Prime Black Angus steaks, a vast wine selection and intimate ambience. 800 W Memorial, OKC, 607.6787 $$$ RANCH STEAKHOUSE Effortless opulence, custom-aged hand-cut tenderloins and ribeyes and warm Southern hospitality. 3000 W Britton, OKC, 755.3501 $$$ RED PRIMESTEAK Visionary design and atmosphere house super-premium steaks, vibrant, imaginative flavors and amenities. 504 N Broadway, OKC, 232.2626 $$$
CORIANDER CAFÉ Updating traditional Vietnamese recipes, this vegetarian-friendly café makes a quick, casual dining alternative. 323 White, Norman, 801.3958 $ LIDO Spring rolls to vermicelli bowls, this venerable diner runs the gamut of Vietnamese,Chinese and even French cuisine. 2518 N Military, OKC, 521.1902 $$ PHO CA DAO Vermicelli bowls, rice platters, piping hot pho, icy cold bubble tea and more. 2431 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 521.8819 $ PHO BULOUS Super fresh and super fast, specialties like Honey Ginger Chicken or Wasabi Salmon merit closer inspection. 3409 S Broadway, Edmond, 475.5599 $
TWELVE OAKS Lobster, seafood and divine steak, enhanced even more by the ambiance of a hilltop Victorian home. 6100 N Midwest, Edmond, 340.1002 $$$
THAI PAD THAI Dine in or carry out beautifully executed exemplars of soups, curries and noodles. 119 W Boyd, Norman, 360.5551 $
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PURSUITS FEATHER FORECAST It’s time to migrate to the Sam Noble Museum; its new traveling exhibit “Audubon and the Art of Birds” is an ornithological magnum opus. See page 96.
TOP 10 Prime starting points for making the most of the month 94
COURTESY SAM NOBLE MUSEUM
SEE SPOT HELP ANIMALS A nighttime run serves as a lifesaver for rescue pets 98 A PICTURE-PERFECT DESTINATION Public art abounds in northern Louisiana as an extra gift to travelers 101
Edward Lear, “Eagle Owl,” lithograph from John Gould’s “The Birds of Europe”
SEE & DO May’s music, theater, visual arts and other delights 104 MAY 2015 // SLICE 93
PURSUITS | High Points
The Top By Steve Gill
IT’S A BIG, BUSY METRO OUT THERE – IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT TO EVERYTHING, HERE’S WHERE TO START.
Mock and Rule
May 20, Hudson Performance Hall Three artists have had Top 40 hits in each of the last four decades: Michael Jackson, Madonna and Al Yankovic. Who says being weird is a bad thing? The paragon of parodists and ne plus ultra of nerds has never stopped being clever, incisive and funny, and while you don’t technically have to attend this stop on his “Mandatory Fun” tour, why would you miss a possible opportunity to hear “Albuquerque” live? MOVERS AND SHAKERS
May 15-17, Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center Prepare to have your perspective shifted – technical ingenuity mixes with physical artistry for a stunning visual display in Perpetual Motion Dance Company’s new performance, “Fault Line.” The troupe’s modern and aerial dancers’ intricate maneuvers incorporate a staggered wall of boxes, onto which filmmaker Kyle Van Osdol will project imagery reflecting seismic activity for an immersive experience that … well, hang on tight and enjoy.
PRESENT TENSE
May 2-3, Andrews Park Still fresh and filled with discoveries-in-waiting after 42 years, the May Fair Arts Festival isn’t just a Norman tradition; it’s the Assistance League’s gift to the community. With a panoply of painting, pottery, metal and woodwork, jewelry and other creativity – including the works of Celebrated Artist Hank Grant – plus food, music (Sugar Free Allstars!), kids’ activities and even an optional 5k, there’s plenty to enjoy; go get your present!
May 23-24, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Saddle up, little dogies! Or get your parents to drive you - the important thing is that you get in on the silver anniversary edition of this old favorite for the young at heart. The 25th Chuck Wagon Gathering corrals a ton of hands-on activities, live entertainment, pony rides, campfire-cooked Western foods and plenty more. It’s the museum’s largest outdoor event, and a perennial pleasure.
THE CHARM OF MAKING
May 2, Howell Gallery Going from a blank canvas, or a neat block of clay, to a finished, detailed work of art is a special sort of alchemy … and you can watch it happen. Over a dozen of the Howell’s artists, including William and Bennett Berry, Ginger Myers, Mary Anna Goetz, Andre Tutak and Susan Stamm Evans, are set to demonstrate their craft for gallery visitors at the annual Painting in the Courtyard. 94 SLICE // MAY 2015
“Weird Al” Yankovic
“WEIRD AL” PHOTO BY ROBERT TRACHTENBERG
COWBOYS, KID-STYLE
A.K. Westerman, “Pandora’s Folly Once Unfurled”
FANTASTIC VOYAGE
May 8-22, MAINSITE Contemporary Art The Norman gallery is providing a window to another world – specifically, the realm of Ursula K. LeGuin’s Earthsea. It’s the basis for the Pioneer Library System’s 9th installment of The Big Read, as well as this exhibit; A.K. Westerman, G. Patrick Riley and select participants in the literary appreciation program contributed works inspired by LeGuin’s otherworldly opus to “From Earthsea to Fantasy.” Enjoy your trip.
Parker Millsap
WIDE OPEN SPACES Caryl Morgan, “Golden Driller”
PHOTOS: A.K. WESTERMAN PAINTING COURTESY MAINSITE; PARKER MILLSAP COURTESY ALL EYES MEDIA; MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET BY JEREMY DANIEL
Highway Star
May 7-Aug 29, Gaylord-Pickens Museum Everybody from Nat King Cole to Depeche Mode (yes, really) sang about getting their kicks on it, but it wasn’t just a musical list of cities; Route 66 made a big impact on the American experience and helped bring millions to and through Oklahoma. Visit the new exhibit “America’s Road: The Journey of Route 66” for an interactive look at vintage photos, artifacts and paintings of landmarks along the largerthan-life Mother Road.
May 1-2, Cottonwood Flats Named for a sobriquet given to its host hamlet of Guthrie, the Queen of the Prairie Festival is a fairly new musical tradition-inthe-making, but it’s already more than earned its regal designation: the 2015 gathering of sonic excellence includes J.D. McPherson, Parker Millsap, Justin Townes Earle, Samantha Crain, The Cactus Blossoms, Smooth Hound Smith and on and on. Two days of smokin’ outdoor music are on tap; bring some sunscreen.
FORTUNATE DAUGHTER
May 15-17, UCO Mitchell Hall Theater Musical tribute, theatrical biography, career retrospective, season-ending celebration in song … call it what you will, the world premiere of “Rising Starr” should be a ball. UCO’s Broadway Tonight series ends its season on a high note with the new story of Oklahoma singer Kay Starr, a jazz, pop and country chanteuse Billie Holiday once called the only white woman who could sing the blues.
ONE IN A MILLION May 5-10, OKC Civic Center
It’s based on a true story, a once-in-four-lifetimes event: one day in Memphis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley actually got together in a studio and jammed. That single serendipitous session forms the basis for a thrilling jukebox musical stuffed with the great hits of pioneering rock ‘n’ roll, as Celebrity Attractions makes you part of the audience for the “Million Dollar Quartet.” MAY 2015 // SLICE 95
PURSUITS | Spotlight
Charley Harper, “Tern, Stones and Turnstones,” Bell Museum of Natural History
AVIAN ARTISTRY
By Steve Gill
AT THE SAM NOBLE MUSEUM THIS MONTH, “BIRD” IS THE WORD. A traveling exhibition of ornithological excellence is alighting there, and it centers on the man whose name is still synonymous with the artistic depiction of avians over a century and a half after his death: “Audubon and the Art of Birds” should be a true pleasure to observe. John James Audubon wasn’t the first to take up a brush or pen and try to depict the swift, colorful, marvelously varied winged denizens of nature, nor the first to attempt a comprehensive catalog thereof – but he brought a zest to the practice that had been missing for centuries. Jen Tregarthen, public relations officer at Sam Noble, explains that, “He did something that artists of that time had never really done: he was capturing the birds in f light, essentially; the birds as they were living and breathing. A lot of the artists of the time had used taxidermy – obviously lifeless animals – to do their paintings.” 96 SLICE // MAY 2015
Indeed, Audubon himself bemoaned his early inability to imbue his drawings of carcasses with a visual vitality. “How sorely disappointed did I feel for many years,” he wrote. “My pencil gave birth to a family of cripples.” Given that he was operating in the early 1800s and therefore had no camera, no means of working from life except to observe it firsthand, he began watching his subjects in nature and sketching their movements and postures for later refinement. The results were outstanding. Where the accepted style at the time was to depict a bird in rigid profile, Audubon’s creations began swooping and preening, seemingly frozen mid-squawk or caught in the act of pouncing on prey. “It is very vivid, it’s very detailed,” Tregarthen says. “His work is so unique, especially for his time. He was able to capture them down to the feathers; the birds actually engaging in what they would do in a natural habitat, feeding, cleaning themselves. “His goal, and how he convinced supporters to fund him, was that he was going to paint the birds of America, every single one of them. He wasn’t the first person to want to paint birds in North America, but he did paint nearly half of North America’s birds. I think what’s really exciting about this exhibit is that there will be parts of the ‘Birds of America’ on display. That is a very rare collection; there aren’t very many still around.” Audubon’s magnum opus took over a decade to create, and contained over 400 species depicted in “double-elephant”
ANATOMY FROM A BIRDER
Walton Ford, “Benjamin’s Emblem,” (left) a reference to Ben Franklin’s preference of the turkey as the national bird. Courtesy the artist and Paul Kasmin Gallery; John James Audubon, “American Flamingo,” (right) Bell Museum of Natural History
prints (a term referring not to pachyderms, but to the size of the sheets of paper, 30 inches by 40). He was determined to portray each fowl at life size, which in some cases like herons, cranes and flamingos necessitated sinuous contortions. Tregarthen isn’t overstating its rarity, either: only 120 copies of the first edition are known to exist. “There will be about 35 of Audubon’s works, and then about 70 from other artists. [By the way, that roster includes a piece Tregarthen particularly enjoys, by Queen Elizabeth II.] Through this exhibit, you’ll see art on birds from the Renaissance, the 1500s, all the way through the present day; there’s going to be some art from hundreds of years ago, and you’ll be able to see how it’s evolved, especially how Audubon sparked an evolution in this kind of painting.” Credit where it’s due: this exhibition was developed by the Bell Museum of Natural History at the University of Minnesota, and comes to Norman as a result of the generous support provided by Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores. Tregarthen continues, “We have a very popular, very extensive bird collection ourselves, and a lot of experts on hand here at the museum. We thought it would be a nice tie-in with our scientists here to put on this exhibit. Plus, Norman and Oklahomans love birds. We have a big community of bird watchers and enthusiasts, artists – I think it’s a great fit.” She also mentions that “The museum is a really great spot to do bird watching as well; it’s a nice area, both inside and out, to enjoy nature.” For the next few months, that’s more true than ever.
Audubon was concerned with more than merely aesthetics in painting his fine feathered portraits – he spent considerable time observing specimens and ensuring he was rendering details as faithfully as possible. This flamingo portrait also shows detailed sketches for reference of the bird’s bill and feet.
FLIGHT PLANS
“Audubon and the Art of Birds” will be on display May 15-July 26 at the Sam Noble Museum, which is open daily: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m. The museum is located on the south end of the University of Oklahoma campus at 2401 Chautauqua Avenue. For more information, call 325.4712 or visit snomnh.ou.edu. MAY 2015 // SLICE 97
PURSUITS | Spotlight
Chris Cowden, sister Suzanne, parents Ray and Judy, siblings Teri and Matt; (right) See Spot Run event
SEE SPOT HELP ANIMALS By Mark Beutler
THEY WERE ABOUT AS TIGHTKNIT AS A BUNCH OF SIBLINGS COULD GET. The Cowden kids grew up in Guthrie, and even as adults they remained close. Matt was the oldest, followed by his brother Chris, and then the girls in the family, Teri and Suzanne. “Chris was definitely the leader of the pack,” Matt said. “We did everything together. He was more than just my brother, he was my best buddy.” Chris Cowden was only 43 when he died in a motorcycle accident in May, 2008. That’s when the siblings all pulled together and knew they must do something to work through their grief. “We lost our leader,” said Matt. “When that happens you sort of have to re-group and figure out what to do and where to go.” “In the weeks following the accident, we spent a lot of time together taking care of each other and grieving,” said Suzanne. “One night Matt and Teri and I came up with the idea to create a run, which was an activity Chris loved, and have it benefit an organization that was dear to his heart. That is why we chose Free to Live.” From that, the “See Spot Run” was born. Chris had always been an avid jogger, taking to the streets of downtown Guthrie. Quite often he would come across a stray dog or cat and bring it home. If he couldn’t find a family to adopt the animal, he would keep it himself. “Chris would be out in the middle of nowhere and he would see a stray animal,” said Teri. “He couldn’t stand to see it suffer, so he would bring it home. People who didn’t necessarily want a new pet would often find themselves with a new cat or dog. He was very persuasive.” 98 SLICE // MAY 2015
This year marks the 7th annual “See Spot Run,” being held on Saturday, May 16 in downtown Guthrie. The 5K, 10K and Kid’s Fun Run will start at 6 p.m., and follows the actual route Chris used to jog. “We changed the time this year to an evening run,” said Suzanne. “One of my favorite races that Chris and I participated in years ago was in Tulsa called the ‘Full Moon Run.’ There was a big party at the end and we had the best time. That is the model we are changing to this year in Guthrie. I think Chris would love it!” The race has received more attention each year and has collectively welcomed more than 3,000 runners from across Oklahoma. They have also raised more than $40,000 for the Free to Live Animal Sanctuary. “I think Chris would love Chris Cowden, left, with brother the twist we are putting on Matt around ages two and three; the run this year,” Suzanne (below) Chris with some fourlegged friends said. “He loved a great fun run and he loved a great party! He would hate the attention directed at him but I think he would be very proud of the hard work we do to support such a great cause. His presence is always felt. He definitely is the spirit of this event.”
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PURSUITS | Getting Away
A PICTURE-PERFECT DESTINATION By Elaine Warner
THE INVITATION SAID “COME SEE THE HEART OF NORTH LOUISIANA.” THAT WAS THE FOCUS OF OUR TRIP, AND WE DID SEE A LOT OF ART. BUT IT WOULDN’T BE LOUISIANA WITHOUT LAGNIAPPE – A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA.
On the south wall, a woman in a flowing gown holds in her hand a flaming orb symbolizing hopes and dreams for the future. The east wall is a masterful combination of images representing not only the city’s history but the cycle of life. From a pool of myriad subjects, nineteen people from ages three months to 80 years were selected randomly to represent the diversity of the community. In addition, 40 mementos were included, each with a story to tell. The figures and items are identified on a nearby plaque. Artist Meg Saligman divided the work into a grid. Participating painters filled in the picture like a paint-by-number creation on sheets of plastic which were then attached to the building much like wallpaper. Over 2,500 people worked on the mural, with the community completing almost half of all the work. Shreveport is also home to some true frescoes created by Conrad Albrizio. Surrounding the entrance to the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, they depict the industries and people of Louisiana. Inside the museum are 21 detailed dioramas showing the agriculture, science and industry of the state. A variety of exhibits from
(left to right) Paintings of Shreveport citizens combine to tell the story of the city’s history. // The future of Shreveport is in the hands of this figure in “Once in a Millennium Moon.” // A detail from the “A Call to Action” mural in Shreveport highlights the city’s culinary culture. MAY 2015 // SLICE 101
PHOTOS THIS PAGE BY ELAINE WARNER
THE BIG PICTURE I mean really big – building-size big. Among the many pieces of public art, Shreveport has some of the most amazing murals you’ll see anywhere. “A Call to Action” by artist Ali Bahler stretches 75 feet across the side of the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau. Painted in brilliant acrylics, it is highlighted with LED neon flex lighting elements – a great, big salute to Shreveport’s culture and attractions. My favorite murals are on two walls of the AT&T building – ideal because there are no windows. Eight stories tall and covering 25,000 square feet, “Once in a Millennium Moon” is one of the nation’s largest public art murals.
PURSUITS | Getting Away a George Rodrigue Blue Dog painting to a thousand-year-old Caddo canoe make a visit here an interesting one. Perhaps Shreveport’s most visible installation consists of six tall steel roses “planted” along the riverfront – an appropriate symbol of the town that is the headquarters of the American Rose Society. Their gardens are the largest in the U.S. dedicated to roses, with 20,000 rose bushes and companion plants. The family of oilman R.W. Norton donated their collection to create the R.W. Norton Art Gallery. The holdings span four centuries of European and American art. The gallery sits on 43 acres with gardens, scenic walkways and outdoor sculpture. N’AWLINS NORTH Three hundred-year-old Natchitoches is not noted as an art town but is itself pretty as a picture. Its historic center has been designated a National Historic District. Businesses along the main street are festooned with fancy wrought-iron filigree. Across the street, gardens lead down to the picturesque Cane River. Spanish moss drips from the trees and you expect to see Shelby, M’Lynn and Truvy, the original Steel Magnolias, sashaying down the sidewalk. The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum here is currently home to primitive artist Clementine Hunter’s famous murals of life on Melrose Plantation. Melrose, south of Natchitoches, is a significant site on the Cane River Heritage Trail Scenic Byway. Born in the late 1880s, Hunter grew up on plantations, at Melrose from age 14. In the 1930s, plantation owner Cammie Henry created a retreat for artists. At age 54, Hunter, a servant, was given paints by a guest and began painting and selling her works for as little as 50 cents. Today collectors may pay up to $10,000.
(clockwise from top) The Big House at Melrose Plantation was built in 1832-33 as a Creole-style cottage. // The late George Rodrigue’s Blue Dog is a popular image. // “Forever Marilyn” by J. Seward Johnson, Jr. at the R.W. Norton Art Gallery 102 SLICE // MAY 2015
Visitors to Melrose Plantation can see a number of Hunter’s paintings and her small studio. She painted the murals in the early-1800s African House, one of the most unusual structures on the property. The murals are on display in Natchitoches while this building undergoes restoration. CREATIVE COMMUNITY With a population of just under 50,000, Alexandria has made a big commitment to the arts. Its designated Cultural Arts District includes the Alexandria Museum of Art, which showcases southern art and artists who worked in the region, and the River Oaks Square Arts Center. The Arts Center is an aggregation of working artists, gallery space and exhibitions, classes and a gift shop. Visitors can watch artists work and discuss their art – or craft – with them. Items in the shop are selected by a jury process, guaranteeing the quality of works for sale. A purse-pleasing action by the city exempts original works purchased in the Cultural District from taxes.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST, LAGNIAPPE! The emphasis on this trip was on art, but there were extras. Here are some of my favorites: Laysone’s in Natchitoches: Laysone’s has been serving amazing meat and crawfish pies for almost 50 years. Tunk’s Cypress Inn on Kincaid Lake west of Alexandria: No better place on a summer night than on the patio beside the water with a big platter of boiled crawfish! Cajun Landing, Alexandria: Owner Lonnie McDonald serves up 50 gallons of seafood bisque with crab, shrimp and crawfish tails a week.
PHOTOS: THIS PAGE: WINDSOUNDS CARILLON TOWER BY WILLIAM GROTH; MAIN STREET NATCHITOCHES AND BARRY OWEN BY ELAINE WARNER // OPPOSITE: THE BIG HOUSE COURTESY MELROSE PLANTATION; BLUE DOG AND “FOREVER MARILYN” BY ELAINE WARNER
Parc England Boutique Hotel, Alexandria: This property offers large, elegantly appointed rooms and lots of extras. Cypress Bend Resort on Toledo Bend Reservoir: What a great place to escape! We sipped icy lemonade and snacked on mini-meat pies and jalapeno poppers on a beautiful patio overlooking the golf course and lake. Check out golf and fishing packages. Close to Natchitoches for shopping, not too far from Alexandria, it offers options for those who prefer casting a line or swinging a club. And for posh pampering, a spa treatment is a great way to end a full day. (clockwise from top) Windsounds Carillon Tower, a central feature of the Gardens of the American Rose Center. // The main street in the Historic District of Natchitoches, Louisiana’s oldest town // Barry Owen, multimedia artist, at work in his studio in the River Oaks Art Center, Alexandria
FOR MORE INFO, VISIT: shreveport-bossier.org // ExploreLouisianaNorth.org natchitoches.com // theheartoflouisiana.com cypressbend.com MAY 2015 // SLICE 103
See & Do DANCE
1 Myriad Gardens, OKC, 810.0070, centraloklahoma.jdrf.org
Senior Choreography Showcase May 7 UCO students show off their accumulated artistry in pulling together some beautiful moves for these short dance exhibitions. UCO Mitchell Hall Theater 100 N University Dr, Edmond, 974.3375, uco.edu/cfad
May Fair May 2-3 The Assistance League’s spring assembly of juried art, children’s art education, food vendors, live music and family activities is still a ball after all these years. Andrews Park 201 W Daws St, Norman, 321.9400, assistanceleaguenorman.org
Fault Line May 15-17 OKC modern and aerial dance company Perpetual Motion unveils its new spring show for a sinuous outpouring of physical artistry. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center 3000 General Pershing Blvd, OKC, perpetualmotiondance.org
Symphony Show House May 2-17 The metro’s finest designers and decorators put together a knockout showcase of visual splendor; tours benefit the OKC Orchestra League. Northwestern Estates 15000 Wilson Rd, Edmond, 601.4245, symphonyshowhouse.com
EVENTS 1st Friday Gallery Walk May 1 The historic arts district’s name means “stroll,” which happens to be the preferred form of locomotion while taking in its wonders during a monthly display of arts and culture. Paseo Arts District 3022 Paseo St, OKC, 525.2688, thepaseo.com
On the Move May 5 The MS Society’s luncheon features a special presentation from guest speaker, author and MS ambassador Kristie Salerno Kent. Skirvin Hilton 1 Park Ave, OKC, 463.4863, nationalmssociety.org/ chapters/oke
honor in this celebration. Will Rogers Theater 4322 N Western Ave, OKC, 879.2007, okckids.com Evening to Remember May 15 CASA of OK County invites metro residents to spend “A Night in Neverland” at the organization’s casual party boasting food, drinks, a DJ, a wine pull and more. Devon Boathouse 725 S Lincoln Blvd, OKC, 713.6612, okcountycasa.org Go Red for Women Luncheon May 15 A day of education, mutual support and lots and lots of red helps the American Heart Association help ladies have healthier lives. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 415.3037, heart.org/ oklahomacity Premiere on Film Row May 15 The downtown OKC street festival is family-friendly, pet-welcoming, free to wander through and filled with treats for the ears and taste buds. Film Row 706 W Sheridan Ave, OKC, 232.6060,
Broadway & Brew May 1 Lyric Theatre presents this deliciously refreshing beer tasting and outdoor party in its 3rd year. Myriad Botanical Gardens 301 W Reno Ave, OKC, 445.7080, myriadgardens.org
Teen Associate Board Auction May 1 The namesake group of young Infant Crisis Services volunteers hurls its energies into organizing a fabulous auction of treats and gift packages to help babies in need. OKC Farmer’s Public Market 311 S Klein Ave, OKC, 528.3663, infantcrisis.org Downtown Edmond Arts Festival May 1-3 Free to the public and filled to bursting with live entertainment, food vendors and the wares of more than 100 visual artists, it’s always a magnificent display of creativity given free rein. Downtown Edmond 32 N Broadway Ave, OKC, 249.9391, downtownedmondok.com Festival of the Child May 2 Adults are welcome, but this open-air celebration is aimed squarely at kids and all kinds of ways for them to enjoy themselves; pony rides, storytelling, crafts and more. Yukon City Park 2200 S Holly Ave, Yukon, 354.8442, cityofyukonok.gov Run for the Roses Hope Gala May 2 It’s Derby Day, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is ready to celebrate in style, and raise a few funds to aid in researching the disease. Cox Center
104 SLICE // MAY 2015
H & 8th Night Market May 29 Midtown becomes a primetime paradise in this after-hours street festival boasting live music, a convoy of food trucks and special giveaways and enticements. Hudson Ave & 8th Street 801 N Hudson Ave, OKC, 633.1703, h8thokc.com Joey Diaz May 30 A storyteller to his bones and frequent guest on Joe Rogan’s podcast, standup veteran Diaz is a comedic lock. ACM @ UCO Performance Lab 329 E Sheridan Ave, OKC, 974.4700, acm-uco.com Nichols Hills Garden Tour May 30 Five homes that nature has beautifully decorated share their visual bounty with visitors in this tour aiding the aesthetics of local parks. 6608 N Penn Ave and throughout Nichols Hills, 840.2428 UPCOMING YWCA Purple Sash Gala Jun 6 An elegant banquet fueled by dinner, auctions and a runway show makes a powerful fundraiser for the YWCA’s domestic violence prevention efforts. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 951.3333, ywcaokc .org
Biting the Apple May 1 Children and the chaste should keep on steppin’, because the Individiual Artists of Oklahoma’s annual interestarousing event is a multisensory sensual spectacle. IAO Gallery 706 W Sheridan Ave, OKC, 232.6060, individualartists.org
Space Day May 1 Young would-be astronauts get a chance to explore the science of space in this actionpacked day filled with hands-on activities. Science Museum Oklahoma 2100 NE 52nd St, OKC, 602.3760, sciencemuseumok.org
Dean McGee Awards May 28 Civic leaders are honored for lifetimes of service and vision in this elite annual banquet and awards ceremony. Skirvin Hilton 1 Park Ave, OKC, 235.3500, downtownokc.com
FILM SUMMER BREEZE
THE STEEL WHEELS BAND May 31 - Lions Park, Norman Western Avenue on the Lawn May 7 Free for all and filled with fun, this monthly event offers live music, games, food trucks and more. Whole Foods Lawn 6200 N Western Ave, OKC, visitwesternavenue.com
Heard on Hurd May 16 A free monthly festival of live music, food trucks and pop-up shops - come enjoy! Downtown Edmond 32 N Broadway Ave, Edmond, 341.6650, facebook. com/heardonhurd
Art After 5 May 7-28 A special Thursday evening treat draws downtowners and visitors to the OKCMOA’s rooftop terrace for drinks and a spectacular view. OKC Museum of Art 415 Couch Dr, OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com
Lincoln Terrace Home Tour May 17 The charming neighborhood near the Capitol will be ripe for exploration during this five-stop self-guided tour. Lincoln Terrace 631 NE 17th St, OKC, lincolnterrace.org
2nd Friday Circuit of Art May 8 A monthly community-wide celebration of creativity, focused on historic Downtown Norman. Norman Arts Council 122 E Main St, Norman, 360.1162, normanarts.org Live on the Plaza May 8 Vendors, artists, residents and passerby unite for a monthly fiesta. OKC Plaza District 1618 N Gatewood Ave, OKC, 367.9403, plazadistrict.org Ostrich Egg Breakfast May 9 Rise and shine … and eat! Enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs and omelets cooked to order by guest chefs. OKC Zoo 2101 NE 50th St, OKC, 425.0612, zoofriends.org OKCPS Teacher of the Year May 13 The Foundation for OKC Public Schools has made its decision; the finalists will be applauded and one chosen for the title
Auto Alley Shop Hop May 21 Discounts, giveaways, special minievents and have-to-be-there fun fill this monthly mercantile excursion along one of the metro’s distinctive shopping destinations. Automobile Alley 1015 N Broadway Ave, OKC, 235.3500, downtownokc.com Chuck Wagon Gathering May 23-24 2015 marks the silver anniversary for the event offering kids food, fun and entertainment the cowboy way - crafts, grub, entertainment and more. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org Paseo Arts Festival May 23-25 Live bands, tasty food and the output of over 80 invited artists fill this Memorial Day treat. Paseo Arts District 3022 Paseo St, OKC, 525.2688, thepaseo.com
Circle Theater Shows May 1-31 The OKC Museum of Art screens overlooked treasures and unsung independent films for cineastes who want to step outside the multiplex. OKC Museum of Art 415 Couch Dr, OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com Classics Series May 5-26 Catch a masterpiece you missed the first time around or just want to re-experience on the big screen: “Clueless” May 5, “Billy Madison” May 12, “Rebel Without a Cause” May 19 and “Pretty in Pink” May 26. Harkins Theatres 150 E Reno Ave, OKC, 321.4747, harkinstheatres.com Movie Nights in the Park May 15 When the sun goes down, the show starts up - enjoy a free screening of “Big Hero 6.” Hafer Park 900 S Bryant Ave, Edmond, 359.4630, edmondparks.com
GALLERIES ONGOING Contemporary Totems Through May 3 Kasum Contemporary Art OKC, 604.6602, kasumcontemporary.com Panhandle State Faculty Exhibition Through May 23 Firehouse Art Center Norman, 329.4523, normanfirehouse.com Shevaun Williams Through Jun 21 State Capitol OKC, 521.2931, arts.ok.gov d.g. smalling Through Jun 30 Exhibit C OKC, 767.8900, exhibitcgallery.com Carl Shortt May 1-30 Travel broadens the mind, but you only have to visit this Paseo gallery to follow in Shortt’s
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MAY 2015 // SLICE 105
PURSUITS | See & Do
2015
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footsteps; his expert camera captures life throughout central Oklahoma in bracing fidelity and detail. In Your Eye Gallery 3005 Paseo St, OKC, 525.2161, inyoureyegallery.com Drawing on Memories May 1-30 The Fine Arts Institute hosts a showing of works by adult students and members of its classes designed to allow seniors to make resonant mental connections through creativity. Fine Arts Institute of Edmond 27 E Edwards St, Edmond, 340.4481, edmondfinearts.com Fringe May 1-30 The community art space for public exploration of art welcomes an annual exhibition from the OKC female artists’ collective. The Project Box 3003 Paseo St, OKC, 609.3969, theprojectboxokc.com
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May at the Elms May 1-30 The cozy gallery in the Paseo is home to intriguing art, inside and out: this month it welcomes a threesome of female artists - Sallyann Milam Paschall, Holly Wilson and Behnaz Sohrabian - showing individual works. JRB Art at the Elms 2810 N Walker Ave, OKC, 528.6336, jrbartgallery.com Painting in the Courtyard May 2 Beauty is everywhere during this oneday event, starring over a dozen of the gallery’s artists making fresh wonders before visitors’ eyes. Howell Gallery 6432 N Western Ave, OKC, 840.4437, howellgallery.com From Earthsea to Fantasy May 8-22 A group exhibition of works exploring concepts from Ursula LeGuin’s classic fantasy series, presented in conjunction with the Pioneer Library System’s Big Read event. MAINSITE Contemporary Art 122 E Main St, Norman, 360.1162, mainsite-art.com Sketchbooks of O. Gail Poole May 8-Jun 26 A look back at the life of a prolific Oklahoma artist, including limited edition prints of various works. Santa Fe Depot 200 S Jones Ave, Norman, 307.9320, normandepot.org
MUSEUMS ONGOING Alex Leme: Small Town America Through May 2 Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center OKC, 951.0000, oklahomacontemporary.org A Forest Journey Through May 3 Sam Noble Museum Norman, 325.4712, snomnh.ou.edu Beyond the Battlefield: Depictions of War Through May 10 Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art Norman, 325.3272, ou.edu/fjjma Coyote Songs - Desperado Dreams Through May 10 National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org
UMBRELLAS • REPLACEMENT CUSHIONS IN STOCK
Madonnas of the Prairie Through May 10 National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org Intent to Deceive Through May 10 OKC Museum of Art OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com
www.swansonsfireplaceandpatio.com 106 SLICE // MAY 2015
National Weather Center Biennale Through Jun 15 National Weather Center 120 David L. Boren Blvd, Norman, 325.3095, ou.edu/content/ nwcbiennale
Colored Memories Through Jun 30 Oklahoma History Center OKC, 521.2491, okhistory.org Conflict Cast in Bronze Through Jul 12 National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org Warhol: The Athletes Through Jul 12 OKC Museum of Art 415 Couch Dr, OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com Ledger Art Exhibition Through Aug 31 Red Earth Museum OKC, 427.5228, redearth.org A World Unconquered Through Sep 6 Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art Norman, 325.3272, ou.edu/fjjma Orly Genger: Terra Through Oct 2 Campbell Park OKC, 951.0000, oklahomacontemporary.org Holly Wilson: If I Were May 26-Aug 21 Holly Wilson’s figures are cast bronze, though far from dense, enduring strength, they project a delicacy, almost fragility, that draws viewers in and leaves them contemplating the transitory nature and hidden vulnerabilities of life. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center 3000 General Pershing Blvd, OKC, 951.0000, oklahomacontemporary.org America’s Road: The Journey of Route 66 May 7-Aug 29 The story of the iconic highway recounted through vintage photos, artifacts and music, as well as watercolor paintings by Caryl Morgan. Oklahoma Heritage Museum 1400 Classen Dr, OKC, 523.3231, oklahomaheritage.com Audubon and the Art of Birds May 15-Jul 26 This avian exhibition traces the life and immense legacy of legendary illustrator John James Audubon through a flock of fascinating works. Sam Noble Museum 2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman, 325.4712, samnoblemuseum.org
MUSIC Lecrae May 1 The Christian rapper is a Grammy winner and hip-hop star, so while this is the Anomaly tour, the biggest surprise would be if it weren’t a smash. Cox Center 1 Myriad Gardens, OKC, 602.8500, coxconventioncenter.com Queen of the Prairie May 1-2 It’s a good thing the two-day festival incorporates a campground; walking away from a lineup that includes Parker Millsap, Samantha Crain, Justin Townes Earle, JD McPherson and many more would be brutally difficult. Cottonwood Flats 601 W Warner St, Guthrie, queenoftheprairie.com The Conservatory May 1-12 Sonic jams of all descriptions in an OKC hotspot: this month’s slate includes Local H May 1, Mr. Gnome May 4 and Swingin’ Utters May 12 - check online for adds and updates. The Conservatory 8911 N Western Ave, OKC, conservatoryokc.com Jazz Lab Concerts May 1-30 UCO students and metro residents alike step to the Jazz Lab for some sizzling shows: Shortt Dogg May 1, Smilin’ Vic May 2, Brian Gorrell May 8, Miss Brown to You May 9, Mountain Smoke May 10, Groove Merchants May 15, Eldredge Jackson May 16 and Heath Jones
Join us May 4-8 from 10am-6pm to Celebrate Mother’s Day & Sooo Lilly’s 10th Anniversary May 30. UCO Jazz Lab 100 E 5th St, Edmond, 359.7989, ucojazzlab.com Elijah May 2 Mendelssohn’s majestic oratorio will be a powerful thrill thanks to the combined forces of UCO Choral Ensembles, the Edmond Community Chorale and the UCO Symphony Orchestra. UCO Mitchell Hall Theater 100 N University Dr, Edmond, 974.3375, uco.edu/cfad Philharmonic: Sun-Drenched Celebrations May 2 The OKC Philharmonic Classics season comes to a climactic coda in a performance of conductor Joel Levine’s favorites. OKC Civic Center 201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 842.5387, okcphilharmonic.org Riverwind Concerts May 2-9 The standout casino welcomes rising country star David Nail May 2 and horn-heavy all-star rockers Chicago (hooray!) May 9. Riverwind Casino 1544 W Hwy 9, Norman, 322.6464, riverwind.com Blue Door Shows May 2-17 Selfbilled as “the best listening room in Oklahoma,” it certainly has some of the best music, including Chris Trapper May 2, Jimmy Webb May 8-9, Tom Russell May 12, Birds of Chicago May 14, Trout Fishing in America May 15 and Howie Day May 17 - check online for updates. The Blue Door 2805 N McKinley Ave, OKC, 524.0738, bluedoorokc.com Bob Dylan May 3 Ahem. BOB DYLAN IN OKC. The man is indisputably one of the foremost voices in music, who has shaped our cultural landscape for decades; better get tickets quickly. OKC Civic Center 201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 297.2264, okcciviccenter.com Primus May 5 Get revved up musically with a blast of sonic expertise thoroughly laced with weirdness - it’s Primus and the Chocolate Factory with The Fungi Ensemble. Bricktown Events Center 429 E California Ave, OKC, 236.4143, chevyeventscenter.com Opolis Shows May 5-24 Metro, meet Opolis - you’ll make beautiful music together, courtesy of varied acts like Soft Moon May 5, Melt Banana May 9 and True Widow May 24 - check online for adds and updates. Opolis 113 N Crawford, Norman, opolis.org Diamond Ballroom May 6-20 Crank it up down by the river with a set of powerful shows: this month’s headliners include Mastodon and Clutch May 6, They Might Be Giants May 15, Spoon May 17 and Chevelle & the Used May 20. Diamond Ballroom 8001 S Eastern Ave, OKC, 866.977.6849, dcfconcerts.com Noon Tunes May 7-28 Free lunchtime serenades to sonically spice up your Thursdays: Kyle Reid May 7, the John Cole Trio May 14, Mark Galloway and Steven Crossley May 21 and Ali Soltani & Doostan May 28. Downtown Library 300 Park Ave, OKC, 231.8650, mls.lib.ok.us Krystal Keith May 8 Patience, preparation and passion, plus a marvelous voice, mark the young country singer’s debut “Whiskey and Lace” as something special. Sooner Theatre 101 E Main St, Norman, 321.9600, soonertheatre.org Broadway Tonight: Rising Starr May 15-17 The world premiere of a theatricized musical tribute to the life and legacy of Native American singer
Kay Starr closes out the Broadway Tonight season. UCO Mitchell Hall Theater 100 N University Dr, Edmond, 974.3375, uco.edu/cfad/broadway Ambassadors’ Concert Choir May 17 The choir’s 35th anniversary season comes to a resonant end with its annual all-gospel concert, “Ambassadors Sing Praises.” St. John Missionary Baptist Church 5700 N Kelley Ave, OKC, 602.3866, ambassadorschoir.com Summer Breeze: The Handsome Devils May 17 The open-air concert series kicks off a new season of free goodness with a visit from the diabolically enjoyable roots-rock foursome. Lions Park 450 S Flood Ave, Norman, 307.9320, normandepot.org New Kids on the Block May 18 They weren’t kidding about hanging tough; the chart-popping singers team with TLC and Nelly for the Main Event Tour. Chesapeake Arena 100 W Reno Ave, OKC, 800.745.3000, chesapeakearena.com The Eagles May 20 One of the bestselling bands of all time, the classic rockers continue sharing their history - and epic hits - with arenas around the world. Chesapeake Arena 100 W Reno Ave, OKC, 800.745.3000, chesapeakearena.com Weird Al Yankovic May 20 There’s no parity in parody songcraft; the undisputed king is coming to OKC on his Mandatory tour. Hudson Performance Hall 2820 N May Ave, OKC, 866.977.6849, dcfconcerts.com Built to Spill May 21 The indie-rock power plant just pumped out its eighth album “Untethered Moon”; reason enough to hit the road and swing through Oklahoma City ACM @ UCO Performance Lab 329 E Sheridan Ave, OKC, 974.4700, acmuco.com
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Philharmonic: Video Games Live May 21 The OKC Philharmonic closes out its season with a Pops performance featuring music from some of the most popular video games of all time, with dazzling multimedia accompaniment. OKC Civic Center 201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 842.5387, okcphilharmonic.org Frontier City Shows May 24 The amusement park offers a few extra musical thrills thanks to the reliably engaging sound of Chihuahua phenomenon La Maquinaria Nortena. Frontier City 11501 N I-35 Svc Rd, OKC, 478.2140, frontiercity.com Oklahoma Community Orchestra May 31 Dr. Heath Jones lends his saxophonic expertise to the orchestra’s stirring setlist entitled “Let’s Go to the Movies.” Oklahoma Christian University 2501 E Memorial Rd, OKC, 425.1990, okorchestra.org Summer Breeze: The Steel Wheels Band May 31 The open-air concert series continues by welcoming a distinctive string combo from the Blue Ridge region of Virginia. Lions Park 450 S Flood Ave, Norman, 307.9320, normandepot.org
SPORTS March for Babies May 2 Join a team of walkers or start your own to raise funds for aiding the March of Dimes in its dream of healthier, full-term babies.
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MAY 2015 // SLICE 107
PURSUITS | See & Do
Myriad Gardens 301 W Reno Ave, OKC, 943.1025, marchofdimes.org/oklahoma/ A Walk in the Park May 3 Over 15,000 Oklahomans are living with Parkinson’s Disease; joining this event and raising funds is a vigorously joyful way to fight it. Wheeler Park 1120 S Western Ave, OKC, 810.0695, parkinsonoklahoma.com OKC Dodgers Baseball May 4-31 OKC’s men of summer take a swing at creating a sparkling season on the diamond, hosting New Orleans May 4-7, Iowa May 16-19 and Fresno May 29-31. Chckasaw Bricktown Ballpark 2 S Mickey Mantle Dr, OKC, 218.1000, okcdodgers.com
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OKC Energy FC Soccer May 9-31 Open wide for some soccer! The OKC Energy FC continue their second season by kicking off against the L.A. Galaxy II May 9, Sacramento Republic FC May 23 and Austin Aztex May 31. Taft Stadium 2901 NW 23rd St, OKC, 235.5425, energyfc.com Chip in for the Arts May 11 Going golfing helps support community creativity in Allied Arts’ annual fundraiser. OKC Golf & Country Club 7000 NW Grand Blvd, OKC, 278.8944, alliedartsokc.com Swing for Sight May 11 Barry Switzer and PGA Tour pro David Edwards host a 4-person shamble to have fun and help Prevent Blindness Oklahoma. Oak Tree Country Club 700 W Country Club Dr, Edmond, 848.7123, preventblindnessok.org Oklahoma Victory Dolls May 16 High-speed grace and a strategic application of brawn here and there; these dames do roller derby right. State Fairgrounds 333 Gordon Cooper Blvd, OKC, okvd.net Relay for Life May 16 For this race, like those overcoming the disease it helps the American Cancer Society fight, you don’t have to go it alone. Teams of runners come together to raise cancer-combating funds in an uplifting occasion. Norman High School 911 W Main St, Norman, 841.5807, relayforlife. org/clevelandcook See Spot Run May 16 This 5k, 10k, kids’ fun run and day of enjoyment is in memory of animal lover Chris Cowden, and benefits the Free to Live pet sanctuary. Downtown Guthrie, W Harrison and 2nd, theseespotrun.com
Unique Gifts for Every Occasion
Walk MS Central OK May 16 Multiple sclerosis stops people from moving; pooling efforts in a fundraising event like this helps move the world closer to a cure. Wild Horse Park 1201 N Mustang Rd, Mustang, 488.1300, nationalmssociety.org/chapters/oke NCAA Women’s College World Series May 28-Jun 3 There’s nothing soft about the competition as the nation’s best softball teams battle it out for the top honors. ASA Hall of Fame Stadium 2801 NE 50th St, OKC, 602.8700, chesapeakearena.com
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OQHA Redbud Spectacular May 28Jun 7 Roping, heeling, barrel racing and exemplary horsemanship at every age bracket - plus over $100,000 in prizes and giveaways - provide plenty of equestrian excellence for audiences. State Fairgrounds 333 Gordon Cooper Blvd, OKC, 440.0694, okqha.org OKC Pro-Am Classic May 29-31 A bicycling blitz through the heart of
108 SLICE // MAY 2015
OKC, in three days of exciting highstakes racing through Midtown, Film Row and Automobile Alley, 815 N Hudson, OKC, okcpac.com UPCOMING Mayors’ Golf Tournament Jun 8 Present and future civic leaders host an amiable day on the links to benefit OKC Beautiful. OKC Golf & Country Club 7000 NW Grand Blvd, OKC, 525.8822, okcbeautiful.com
THEATER ONGOING Come Blow Your Horn Through May 10 Neil Simon’s gleefully hedonistic romp about playboys in New York carries an eventual undercurrent of appreciation for real companionship. Jewel Box Theater 3700 N Walker Ave, OKC, 521.1786, jewelboxtheatre.org Summer and Smoke Through May 2 A pair of not-quite-lovers drift around each other as OU drama students explore this Tennessee Williams play. OU Reynolds PAC 560 Parrington Oval, Norman, 325.4101, ou.edu/finearts The Emperor’s New Clothes Through May 8 A Caribbean king and his unusual fashion choices take center stage in this children’s treat. Children’s Center for the Arts 2501 N Blackwelder Ave, OKC, 951.0011, oklahomachildrenstheatre.org Shrek the Musical Through May 23 The Pollard sings of mud and onions and a grumpy ogre in this decidedly untraditional fairy tale. Pollard Theatre 120 W Harrison Ave, Guthrie, 282.2800, thepollard.org Million Dollar Quartet May 5-10 Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis performing together, and Celebrity Attractions telling the tale? You can take that to the bank. OKC Civic Center 201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 800.869.1451, celebrityattractions.com Native American New Play Festival May 7-16 OKC Theatre Company’s 6th annual event provides a stage (literally) for Native playwrights to share their distinctive voices. OKC Civic Center 201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 626.6605, okctheatrecompany.org Good People May 15-Jun 6 Hope and despair and humor and shifting loyalties swirl in this poverty-adjacent tale of blue-collar America. Carpenter Square Theater 800 W Main St, OKC, 232.6500, carpentersquare.com Opera at the Movies May 21 Elite performances of all-time great operas - this month, Rossini’s colorful “Le Comte Ory” - presented in highdefinition comfort. Harkins Theatres 150 E Reno Ave, OKC, 321.4747, harkinstheatres.com
Check ou coming t the top soc year’s ia in our D l events ate boo online, k an d o f w h a t s t ay o n t o p ’s happ ening with ou r se event c archable alendar at sliceok .com
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MAY 2015 // SLICE 109
Last Laugh
NINJA TURTLES AND SAUTÉED ONIONS By Lauren Hammack
MOTHER’S DAY ALWAYS MAKES ME FEEL LIKE WRITING OUT A LENGTHY, FORMAL APOLOGY TO MY MOM. Sure, I’m good company now, but I incubated in alpha for a long time before I was suitable for polite company. If I were the same kid today, I’d be medicated. But back then, any observer might have just called me “busy” and a “smarty pants.” My mom’s biggest issue is that I was one of two girls. Nothing our older brother did could have prepared her for raising daughters. It just couldn’t have been easy. I recently came across a blog written by a mother of two young girls who was horrified by observations she’d made of the boys at various birthday parties and outings she attended with her docile daughters. The Mommy Blogger trepidatiously outlined her perceptions of raising a boy, confessing, “Boys are wilder than girls and, frankly, that scares me.” Psshhaaaw. Admittedly, when I was pregnant with my first son, I had reservations about having boys, too, but for very legitimate reasons. Number one, I simply couldn’t abide having Ninja Turtles in the house. If Ninja Turtles are good for anything, they make excellent birth control. The mere threat of having any human in the house who might want Ninja Turtle regalia should kill the mood, but no one thinks of Ninja Turtles in the throes of passion (hopefully). Number two, I had no time for anything that smelled like sautéed onions, and that’s what boys do for much longer than the other oxygenbreathers under the same roof should have to endure. There’s simply no market for that. [NB: My son just walked by and wants every reader to understand that he never liked Ninja Turtles.] Having raised a daughter and two sons, I learned the difference early when I scolded the three of them about the mountain of toys on their respective bedroom floors. In response to my complaint, the boys assured me, “OK, Mom. We’ll get on it.” As she stomped off and slammed the door, my daughter wailed, “You can’t stand my happiness – that’s what this is about!” She was seven years old. My kids have taught me enough to put the nervous blogger’s itemized fears about raising boys to rest … or at least direct her focus to the fears worth having. 110 SLICE // MAY 2015
1.) Mommy Blogger writes, “Boys break things. Whenever my girls have boy friends over to play, something inevitably gets broken. Fact.” This is true, and it’s usually one of their own bones. But they won’t screech about it half as long as a girl who doesn’t get the toy she wanted. And, hey, if bones get broken because of it, so be it, she says. Boys break things, but rare is the boy who burns the carpet with a flat iron or irrevocably mars it with fingernail polish. And they don’t get glitter (the herpes of the crafting world) on everything. I do mean everything. 2.) Mommy Blogger writes, “Boys are super active and get into more. When they’re big, they can’t sit still!” Yes, they’re super active and I occasionally had to yell at them to get off the edge of the roof, but they like being outside. Make them run with the dog, carry in the groceries and race the trashcans out to the curb. They’ll think these are games and they’ll eventually collapse. Girls, on the other hand, are super chatty. Every fleeting thought must be expressed. Girls won’t leave your side and they have no “mute” button until they’re old enough to sulk. When she finally collapses, she’ll talk in her sleep. I still do. It’s how I’m wired. 3.) Mommy Blogger writes, “Boys are loud. My noisy girls have nothing on the barbaric yowling we witnessed at the lake.” Also true. You’ll learn to tune it out, which can only be Nature’s defense mechanism to ensure the perpetuation of the species. Your noisy girls, by the way, are annoying as hell. Boys: loud. Girls: shrill. (Advantage: boys.) 4.) Mommy Blogger writes, “Little penises are scary. There, I said it.” And congratulations on being the first to say it in this publication. Boy parts are uncomplicated. Girl parts, on the other hand, run up the medical bills, the Target bill and clog the plumbing. Fear that.
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Weddings | Corporate Events | Funerals | Corporate Gift Baskets Spa and Nail packages available with a bouquet for delivery through the holidays 1633 W MAIN ST | OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73106 | 405.602.5929 | JAMFLOWERS.COM
Mother’s Day Is May 10th!
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Coaching • Analysis Editing • Critique
BEAUTY–IT’S OUR NATURE Nature, artistry and well-being are a part of every Aveda cut, color and facial we offer. Each appointment begins and ends with at least one of our five free Aveda rituals of renewal–from a tea ritual to a stress-relieving neck and shoulder ritual. Plus, Aveda Concept Salon/Spas carry the entire Aveda line, so you can find what you need to continue the experience at home. Enjoy beauty’s true nature–book your appointment today.
Brookhaven Village
405.310.3003
MAY 2015 // SLICE 111
Last Look
Spot Check Photo by Greg Taylor
Balmier weather is a good time and reason for visiting the zoo, but remember your philosophy: when you gaze long at a leopard the leopard also gazes at you.
To submit your photo for Last Look, visit sliceok.com/last-look/
112 SLICE // MAY 2015
HOW THE FASTEST WIFI DELIVERS THE FASTEST INTERNET (IN NON-TECHY TERMS)
COX HIGH SPEED INTERNET
19
$
SM
99
PER MONTH FOR 12 MONTHS WITH A 2-YEAR AGREEMENT. ADDITIONAL SERVICE AND EQUIPMENT REQUIRED.*
SIMULTANEOUS DUAL BAND DOOHICKY
BEAMFORMING WOWZA FAST WIFI
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POWERFUL DUAL–CORE DOMINANT DOODAD
POWER ONWARD WIDGET
Shoots a web throughout your home that connects all your WiFi devices
Push to get the WiFi juices a–flowing
USB 3.0 PORT TECHNICAL THINGAMAJIG
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Warp-speed sonic boominess delivers up to 10x faster USB hard drive access
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844-382-6746
COX.COM/INTERNET
COX SOLUTIONS STORE®
*Offer ends 05/31/15. Available to new residential Internet customers in Cox service areas. $19.99/month includes Cox High Speed Internet Preferred when customer newly subscribes to both Cox High Speed Internet Preferred and Cox Advanced TV or higher. Total bundle rate varies by market. After 12 months, bundle rate increases by $20/month for months 13-24. Regular rates apply thereafter. See www.cox.com. 2-year service agreement required. Early termination fees may apply. Prices exclude installation/activation fees, equipment charges, inside wiring fees, additional outlets, taxes, surcharges and other fees. Not all services and features available everywhere. A credit check and/or deposit may be required. Offer not combinable with other offers. 1 GB free cloud storage included. Fastest in-home WiFi claim based on 802.11AC equipment, available on request. WiFi set-up includes free in-home WiFi install of up to 4 devices if WiFi modem is purchased or rented from Cox (exclusions apply). Max download speeds are increasing to 50 Mbps for Preferred and 100 Mbps for Premier. A DOCSIS 3 modem is required to consistently receive optimal speeds for Preferred and higher tiers, and is strongly recommended for all other tiers. Uninterrupted or error-free Internet service, or the speed of your service, is not guaranteed. Actual speeds vary. WiFi network access available to residential customers with Cox Internet Preferred or higher service at hotspots in select locations outside of Cox service areas. See cox.com/hotspots for available coverage areas and hotspots. Other restrictions may apply. ©2015 Cox Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
Mister Robert F I N E
F U R N I T U R E
&
D E S I G N
Est. 1958 • 109 East Main • Norman • 405.321.1818 • MisterRobert.com •