December 2012

the magazine of central oklahoma

DECEMBER 2012 VOLUME THREE ISSUE TWELVE

GROWING

CHRISTMAS It Ain’t Easy Being Green

97 POWDER PERFECT

ALTERNATIVE HEALING 58 52 ART PARTNERS IN THE PASEO

HERE WE COME A-WAFFLE-ING 73

december 2012 | slice 1

IT’S OFFICIAL:

INTEGRIS BAPTIST IS

OKC’S #1 HOSPITAL

The results are in. INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center is the #1 hospital in Oklahoma City according to U.S. News & World Report.

Not only that, we’ve also been recognized as high-performing in 9 different specialties – more than any other hospital in the state.

INTEGRIS has a history of providing the exceptional healthcare Oklahomans deserve, reaching beyond our 16 hospitals and nearly 100 statewide clinics into the neighborhoods and communities that need us most. Challenging standards, exceeding expectations and building hope. That’s INTEGRIS Health.

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contents

FEATURES December 2012

45 Growing

Christmas

It takes more than jolliness to produce the living symbols of the season, especially in our wild climate. Slice goes behind the tinsel to showcase the expertise, perseverance and arduous labor of Oklahoma’s Christmas tree farmers.

52

4 slice | december 2012

Group Performance

Working in a variety of styles and media, Studio Six has been a productive collective of

58 Mind, Body and Spirit Overhaul

Hot springs, reiki healing, acupuncture, even

creativity for nearly two decades. Time has

hypnosis – alternative therapies and treat-

diminished its namesake number of artists,

ments provide many paths that may lead to

but not the most important quality that unites

a better, healthier you, and there’s no better

them: their friendship.

time to begin exploring them than now.

Š d. yurman 2012

contents

DEPARTMENTS

64 Tastes, Traditions… and Trees

12 From the Publisher 14 To the Editor

16

Some people view a lovingly decorated Christmas tree as a hallmark of the season – this Norman couple views it as a good start to their joyous annual arboreal wonderland.

73 Fare

Recipes for creating a Christmas morning feast – starring red velvet waffles – plus a look at local havens for coffee lovers and Slice’s city-wide dining guide.

16 Chatter

Local notables’ memories of the season, a drive-by mitzvah returns to the streets, nationwide Thunder love and other topics of conversation.

DETAILS

24 Bright and Bold

Colorful accents energize Sara Gae Waters’ recommendations for home redecoration.

28 It’s in the Bag

Eye-catching complements for elegant holiday ensembles.

29 Silver and Gold

Precious metals combine to form these award-worthy accessories.

30 You’ve Been Served

An array of platters and trays for hosting in extra style.

33 Pursuits

The month’s local attractions, including a world-spanning ecological photography exhibition, Cirque du Soleil’s global fusion and must-see holiday shows across the metro.

42 Spotlight

Dr. Marion Paden never planned to be Rotary president, but the wheel of her life kept turning, bringing her full circle in surprising ways.

WANDERLUST

97

90 77 Counties

A beloved landmark is made luminous as author M.J. Alexander’s ongoing travels through Oklahoma bring her face-to-fin with the Blue Whale of Catoosa.

97 Powder Power

Mountains plus snow plus world-class amenities for enjoying them equals charming, if chilly, nirvana in a stellar foursome of New Mexico getaways.

102 Opinion

Whether listening on the go or in stationary bliss, Michael Miller offers an audiophile’s perspective on getting the best out of your sound system.

105 Out and About

33

6 slice | december 2012

A pictorial wrap-up of parties and events from central Oklahoma’s social scene.

110 Last Laugh 112 Last Look

december 2012 | slice 7

Publisher l Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Meares Creative Director Mia Blake

Editorial Features Writer John Parker Associate Editor Steve Gill Contributing Writers M.J. Alexander, Mark Beutler, Lauren Hammack, Michael Miller, Caryn Ross, Russ Tall Chief, Elaine Warner

Art Art Director Scotty O’Daniel Graphic Designer Brian O’Daniel Contributing Stylist Sara Gae Waters Contributing Photographers M.J. Alexander, Randy Alvarado, Justin Avera, Fred Cisneros, David Cobb, Butch Enterline, Simon Hurst, Claude Long, Michael Miller, K.O. Rinearson, Elaine Warner, Carli Wentworth Sterling silver charms from $25

Free Gift with Purchase • For the Month of December Receive a PANDORA holiday ornament (a $30 US retail value) with your purchase of $125 or more of PANDORA jewelry.* *Good while supplies last, limit one per customer. See our store for details.

PENN SQUARE MALL Upper Level • Across from Starbucks 405.842.8584

8 slice | december 2012

Letters to the Editor Your views and opinions are welcome. Letters must include name, address, daytime phone number and are subject to editing for length and clarity. Email to letters@sliceok.com; fax to 405.604.9435; mail to 729 W. Sheridan, Suite 101, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.

On the Cover It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas: Dennis, Ella and Sophie (the wee one) Hurst scope out the selection at Knight’s Sorghum Mill Christmas Tree and Blackberry Farm in Edmond. Photo by Simon Hurst

Advertising

Executive Director of Advertising Cynthia Whitaker-hill Account Executives Robin Eischeid Jamie Hamilton Doug Ross Christin Scheel Account Manager Ronnie Morey Director of National Advertising Nathen Bliss 469.400.6780 Regional Sales Office New York Couture Marketing l Karen Couture 917.821.4429

Administration Accountant Jane Doughty

Distribution Raymond Brewer Subscriptions Slice Magazine is available by subscription for $14.95 (12 issues), $24.95 (24 issues) or $34.95 (36 issues). Order online at sliceok.com. By mail, send your name, mailing address, phone number and payment to Open Sky Media.

Slice Magazine™ is a monthly publication of

729 W. Sheridan, Suite 101 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 p 405.842.2266 f 405.604.9435 sliceok.com follow us

10 slice | december 2012

©2012 Open Sky Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of Slice Magazine content, in whole or part by any means, without the express written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Slice Magazine is not responsible for the care of and/or return of unsolicited materials. Slice Magazine reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed detrimental to the community’s best interest or in questionable taste. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of ownership or management.

DOWNTOWN in December PRESENTED BY DEVON

November 23-December 31

ICE SKATING, SNOW TUBING, HOLIDAY LIGHTS & MORE!

For a full list of events visit www.DowntownInDecember.com or call 405-235-3500

LETTERS l FROM THE PUBLISHER

Cultivating the

Christmas Spirit T

he growing season in Oklahoma has, in recent years, been difficult at best. For farmers and home gardeners alike, the last two summers in particular have been heinous. Even if you could get beyond the 100-

plus temperatures, there were other factors to contend with, like parched earth and seemingly gale-force winds. Last winter was incredibly mild, which translated into a boon for bugs. Those insects you so looked forward to ridding from your life when a good freeze came were instead enjoying life

M.J. ALEXANDER

sustaining temps at your, and your garden’s, expense.

Every disheartened gardener should read William Alexander’s The $64

Tomato. His horticultural memoir affords the opportunity to take solace in someone else’s frustrations, plus the book is simply hilarious. Equally enter-

taining is an op-ed piece Alexander wrote for the Los Angeles Times entitled “The Garden Ate My Vacation.” It’s nice to know we’re not alone.

Tree growers in Oklahoma have not had an easy time of it, either. The same plagues of heat and pests

that Mother Nature threw at our tomatoes and squash have wreaked havoc with their cultivation.

We’ve arrived in the season where we venture out to choose a tree to celebrate the holiday – a family

ritual for many – but are the trees available? The good news is that there are indeed pines ripe for the pruning, but the bad news is that the number of locally grown trees has dwindled. In this issue, features writer John Parker visits with steel-willed tree farmers who have persevered, providing an inside look at just how much hard work it took to enable the live-tree lovers among us to enjoy the tradition still.

While they may not seem as dramatic as the toll severe conditions take on plant life, the stresses and

strains of the season often have deleterious effects on our health as well. That makes this a perfect time to consider exploring options for personal rejuvenation, and we’ve done a bit of research on healing alternatives a little outside the mainstream.

Of course, the ideal solution to dealing with stress is avoiding it in the first place; in that vein it’s im-

possible to overestimate the value of not overcommitting yourself, loving what you do and having friendship be a part of your work – much like the talented women of the Paseo’s Studio Six, who have maintained a mutually supportive bond through almost two decades and counting of collective creativity.

So have yourself a merry little Christmas, or Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa... or even simply December.

Whatever your particular celebration, surrounding yourself with those you love makes this the most wonderful time of the year.

Elizabeth Meares Publisher | Editor-in-Chief elizabeth.meares@sliceok.com

sliceok.com

12 slice | december 2012

| facebook.com/sliceok

| twitter.com/sliceok

Give a Piece of

Oklahoma’s Story This Holiday

A

uthor and photographer M.J. Alexander traveled more than 11,000 miles, photographing 250 Oklahomans from 50 cities and towns across the state for her latest book, Portrait of a Generation. It is an ode to the land and its people, a celebration of those destined to lead the state into its second century.

Free Gift Wrap Direct Ship to Your Recipient Personalized Gift Card

Order by December 20 for Christmas delivery online at www.sliceok.com/portrait or call 405.842.2266 For inquiries regarding corporate orders for holiday delivery, call 405.842.2266, email portrait@sliceok.com or visit sliceok.com. $10 from every book sale is donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County.

Give Well. Give Back.

LETTERS l TO THE EDITOR

G

By John Parker

iving to others doesn’t require money. You don’t have to blot out all your relaxation time to help your community. You could even choose to devote your professional career to giving, but no one’s going to

fault you if you don’t.

Money, time and expert knowledge, though, are all valuable

commodities to hundreds of central Oklahoma charities.

Great givers are everywhere. It could be someone who knocks on a door to ask their elderly neighbor if she needs anything before a snowstorm slugs in. Or you could be like C. Hubert Gragg (pictured right), an oilman and construction magnate who decided to step up his lifelong philanthropy in a big way.

Here are four stories about people who chose to give. They weren’t chosen for donating the most money or being the Mother Teresa of the Oklahoma plains. They’re just regular people with

CARLI WENTWORTH

different lives who, in one way or another, made a difference.

46 slice | november 2012

november 2012 | slice 47

Giving Is Receiving

I can’t count the number of times my mother repeated “It’s better to give than to receive” to me when I was growing up. I’m getting ready to relocate to south Edmond, so I was happy to read that my new home is also the area giving away the most donations (“Great Givers,” November 2012), and I made sure to tell Mom! Reading about the givers in your article was truly inspiring.

I laughed, I cried, and as always I loved every minute of reading Slice.

Lisa Jones-Hayden Edmond

Thunderstruck features

I really enjoyed your article on the OKC Thunder (“Team Spirit,” November 2012) and their community involvement. It was nice to read something besides what a great boost to the economy a pro sports team is. It’s not that I don’t understand and appreciate what the team has done for the city, but it’s nice to read about the things they do that are above and beyond basic economics. We love our Thunder!

The Larger Arena » The OKC Thunder is storming back onto the court this month to defend its Western Conference title and take another shot at the NBA Championship – but as Serge Ibaka observes, “Basketball is not everything in life.” The team that has been so wholeheartedly embraced by Oklahoma continues its deep commitment

Kevin Durant shares a hug with a young reader on the Rolling Thunder Book Bus

to returning that appreciation, donating time and effort off the court to improve spirits, promote literacy and help the community rise… together.

november 2012 | slice 43

Kelly Sanders Oklahoma City I love going to basketball games. I’m so proud of Oklahoma’s team. Win or lose, we’re lucky to have the talent we do. Since I read “Team Spirit,” I love them even more. What a great group of guys!

Rob Peters Oklahoma City

A Sense of Place

Give a beautiful Oklahoma spice set and help Oklahomans with disabilities.

Buying a delicious Prairie Spice set from Dale Rogers Training Center gives Oklahomans with disabilities a paycheck for packaging spices.

Dale Rogers Training Center is a non-profit that trains, serves or employs more than 1,200 people with disabilities.

Buy Today! www.drtc.org Dale Rogers Training Center | 405-813-9998

14 slice | december 2012

“I always loved this neighborhood and admired it as I drove by to and from school.” – Lindsay Wright

Ashton Arnoldy visits friends on Carey Place… and does some laundry.

Like Rosanna Allen, Lindsay Wright, another Carey Place resident, attended Classen School of Advanced Studies, which is located just a few blocks east of the neighborhood. “I always loved this neighborhood and admired it as I drove by to and from school,” Wright says.

“But I never imagined I would have a chance to live here until my mom drove me over here as I was looking for a place to live after graduating from college. When we found this apartment I was so surprised. The neighbors are so careful to watch out for my roommate and me.

We are two of the youngest residents here and they treat us like family.”

Wright’s roommate Blair Goforth, a Chickasaw photographer, was drawn to the distinct aesthetics of the Spanish-influenced architecture. “Every month the Plaza District hosts its 2nd Friday event [LIVE on the Plaza], which brings a lot of people and energy to the neighborhood,” Goforth says. “It’s inspiring for me as an emerging photographer to be so close to an arts district like the Plaza.”

Both roommates say that what they enjoy most about Carey Place is the pride the neighbors take in their homes. “You can see and feel people’s genuine love for the neighborLindsay Wright

64 slice | october 2012

hood,” Wright says. october 2012 | slice 65

How did I not know about Carey Place (“Road to Renaissance,” October 2012) until now? I’ve lived in some part of central Oklahoma my entire life, and I’m ashamed to say this was news to me. I think it’s time to call the realtor and book a moving van.

Wesley Anderson Oklahoma City

Count your blessings 1. _______________________________________________________________________________

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We count you. Thank you for allowing us to serve you and yours. Merry Christmas.

Join us by sharing your blessings at OurBlessingsCount.com

december 2012 | slice 15

CHATTER l WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT...

HOLIDAY RECOLLECTIONS

By Mark Beutler

COURTESY OKLAHOMA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

KYIS-FM AIR PERSONALITY JACK ELLIOTT “When I was first starting out in this business I had a crazy, nearly ridiculous drive to succeed in radio. I was working evenings The 1979 Jack Elliott for a small radio station outside Chicago, making a 90-mile trip to and from work each day.

“My family was in Phoenix, and I was alone for Christmas, probably for the first time ever. I woke up Christmas morning, having driven the 90 miles home the night before in a blinding snowstorm. I fixed myself a Hungry Man TV dinner and looked around the apartment, realizing it was Christmas and I didn’t even have a tree. It was just another day.

A favorite recollection for many a longtime Okie: the original downtown location of the John A. Brown department store. When Penn Square Mall opened in 1960, John A. Brown became an anchor store.

I

t was Friday evening, December

can clusters – little pieces of chocolate-

22, 1978. Dad dropped off Mom and

covered heaven. Across the way, Roths-

me at Penn Square while he went

child’s had their Christmas ornaments

to Shepherd Mall to finish his shop-

half-price, so we stocked up. We bumped

ping. Santa was bringing Mom a pair of

into my sister-in-law Kathy and my one-

new diamond earrings, and Dad and I

year-old niece, Amy, on an escalator;

helped select the ones we thought she

they were going up, we were going down.

would like.

None of us had time to chat in those last

desperate days before Christmas.

We hopped out of our grey Jackie Coo-

per Oldsmobile and hit the sidewalks.

Back then Penn Square was open-air

ing a chorus of “Silver Bells” with the

– the epitome of “Christmastime in the

carolers, a drive through Nichols Hills

city.” Carolers strolled in their holiday

and Lakehurst to see the lights, and the

attire, Santa set up his workshop in the

evening was complete.

courtyard near Montgomery Ward, and

the shoppers were hustling and bustling

out as a favorite holiday memory. We

from store to store.

asked some Oklahoma celebrities and

One of our first stops was the candy

local movers and shakers to ponder

counter at John A. Brown. Mom and I

their own personal favorites, and here is

bought a sack of chocolate-covered pe-

what they recalled.

16 slice | december 2012

A cup of hot cider at Kamber’s, sing-

Today that Christmas of 1978 stands

“Looking back on that Christmas and making that sacrifice, my Christmases are much different today. Now it’s family and friends and incredible Christmas dinners. But a couple of years ago, just for the heck of it, I asked my broadcast partner Ron Williams to join me Christmas morning, and we went to the studio and did our show live. It was our Christmas gift to our listeners. It was one of our best shows ever, and also one of the best Christmases I can remember.”

KFOR-TV NEWS ANCHOR LINDA CAVANAUGH “Christmas is handsdown my favorite holiday.

Always has been. As a kid, the magical notion that you could go to sleep and wake up to a surprise earmarked just for you was thrilling. And the gift was always perfect.

“My mother would bake Sand Tart cookies, a tradition generations-old. While the scent of baking dough, cinnamon and pecans filled our house, my dad would struggle to get the tree straight so we could decorate it with strands of popcorn that were either long or short depending on how much we’d eaten. Mine were usually short.

“The ritual was always the same. Midnight Mass. A sleepless night filled with anticipation. A morning of laughter and love. Even now, when I hear the first Christmas carol of the season, my spirits lift and I am a child again.”

WARNER NASHVILLE

WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT... l CHATTER

OKLAHOMA CITY MAYOR MICK CORNETT “I think I was about six years old and I wanted a V-RROOM Bicycle.

It was a bike that had a battery-powered motor on it – ‘Mattel’s fantastic V-RROOM motor that works with a real key’ – that made the bike sound like a motorcycle. It was the coolest thing. I woke up Christmas morning and was looking at all my gifts under the tree and didn’t see it. My mom and dad told me to turn around… and there it was! I jumped right on it. I knew exactly how to operate it, because the TV commercial showed you. It was my first bicycle. It was a real moment of independence.”

OKLAHOMA CITY BUSINESSMAN JACKIE COOPER “Many years ago, I got the names of some underprivileged kids from the DHS, and a list of what they wanted for Christmas. I shopped for the gifts myself and loaded them into the car to deliver them, with the help of my young grandsons Graham and Garrett Colton.

“Most of the kids wanted bicycles, but there were also many other things they needed as well. I had a friend go along in a truck with all the bicycles in the back, and I went ahead in the car with the other gifts and my grandsons in tow. As we drove into the neighborhood, the kids saw the bicycles in the bed of that truck and their eyes lit up. They followed us until we came to a stop. The looks on those kids’ faces when they saw those bicycles is something I have always remembered. Today my grandsons say it’s one of their favorite Christmas memories, and it’s certainly one of mine.”

OKLAHOMA CITY ATTORNEY JIM ROTH “My family would visit my grandparents, aunts, uncles and a slew of cousins in a small town in northern Illinois. Starting at noon on Christmas Eve, which is also my birthday, we would begin the festivities. Games, gifts and dinner led into the 11pm Christmas Eve church service. Usually exhausted, all of us kids would often fall asleep, only to be awakened to a dark church illuminated by hundreds of candles as we sang ‘Silent Night’ to ring in the holy holiday.

“After church we were rushed to bed at my grandparents with the promise of Santa’s impending arrival, which was only possible if we were asleep. When we awoke, we rushed downstairs to the basement, which had been transformed into Santa’s Workshop. There we discovered our parents and grandparents and a tree bursting with gifts.

“Christmas morning concluded with a large brunch full of our favorite foods. But most of all, those 24 hours included my favorite part: time spent connecting with our loved ones as a rare quiet fell upon our otherwise busy lives.”

LYRIC THEATRE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR MICHAEL BARON “The holidays are always a special time in the Baron house as we celebrate both Christmas – my mother having been raised in the Swedish-Lutheran tradition – and Hanukkah, as my father was raised in the Jewish faith.

FOLLOWING THE SOUND

» The holidays are about spending time with family and friends, so for his new album celebrating the season, Oklahoman Blake Shelton did just that. “Cheers, It’s Christmas,” the seventh studio album by the reigning CMA and ACM male vocalist of the year and coach of “The Voice,” features 14 tracks of classics and original compositions including several duets; Shelton gets a little help from friends Michael Bublé, Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire, plus wife Miranda Lambert and – perhaps most special of all – his mother Dorothy Shackleford.

TASTE SENSATIONS

» From fried chicken to barbecue to big fat burgers, our collective neck of the woods boasts plenty of really top-notch “grub.” But when the occasion calls for cuisine that’s a little more haute, we have that covered as well. In what it calls “the largest ever review of American dining behavior

“Growing up in Orlando, Florida, we never had snow but I do have special memories of decorating the Christmas tree with my Grandpa Duke with ornaments handmade by my Grandma Ginny and lighting Hanukkah candles each night as a family.

data, taking into consideration more

“We’d continue the celebrations with a drive down to South Florida for big family holiday parties where my cousins and I would perform songs from ‘Annie’ and ‘A Chorus Line’ with my Grandma Helen – the Auntie Mame of the family – leading the festivities!”

of “America’s 250 Most Popular High-

than 600,000 restaurants, millions of reviews and a billion page views’ worth of user behavior,” online dining guide Urbanspoon compiled a list End Restaurants” – a list that includes Red Prime Steak in downtown OKC and Edmond’s Signature Grill.

Bon – and we do mean “bon” – appetit! december 2012 | slice 17

CHATTER l WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT...

Operation Hanukkah B

erel Namdar and Zalman Minkowitz flew to Oklahoma City last December on a mission. And only eight days to complete it.

They were ready.

Dark suits? Check. Yarmulkes? Affirmative. Beards? Dashing. Hanukkah kits? Hundreds.

With no time to lose, they only needed a steely steed to light their way: To the Menorah Mobile!

OK, perhaps the drama wasn’t dialed up to 11, but the “Menorah Men” were quick.

“The day we landed at the airport, within an hour we had our menorah car up – straight into action,” Namdar said.

Namdar, now a rabbi, was a rabbinical student last Hanukkah when he and Minkowitz roved streets and highways in a white Toyota sedan. Strapped above their heads like a glowing white halo was an LED-lit menorah proclaiming “Happy Chanukah!”

In Oklahoma, two smiling Hasidic Jews driving a Hanukkah car will draw a passel of stares and friendly trucker horns. Namdar will be back to repeat the feat December 8-16, aiming to double the number of visits with Jews and anyone else interested in their message.

Their mission is to spread the story and joy of Hanukkah, the eight-day holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple by the Maccabees after their victory over the Syrians.

“Hanukkah is to spread the light and connect people to the goodness that everyone has within them,” Namdar said. “The candle of the menorah represents that a little bit of light can defy much darkness… in essence, everyone has that candle within them.”

Namdar is part of the 250-year-old Orthodox Chabad-Lubavitch movement, based in Brooklyn. Last Hanukkah, OKC’s Chabad Community Center and the Richard and Glenna Tanenbaum Family Foundation sponsored the outreach.

Namdar and a partner will hand out menorah kits with a small aluminum menorah, candles, a dreidel toy and gelt – chocolate coins with gold-colored wrappers. They went through more than 450 boxes last year.

On their way back to Oklahoma City from Seminole, a lanky pickup driver was apparently flabbergasted by the Menorah Mobile.

“We see this pickup truck driving next to us and he kept on looking. And by every red light he kept on staring,” Namdar said.

“So we rolled down our window. We’re like, ‘Hey, how you doing? Would you like a menorah?’ He’s like, ‘Really? You want to give me a menorah?’ We gave him one through the window actually.”

During a parking-lot talk, they found out the pickup driver was a Jew without a faith community. On a different visit, a mother wasn’t planning to celebrate Hanukkah with her children until she met Namdar and Minkowitz.

Sounds like mission accomplished.

18 slice | december 2012

For more information, visit jewishokc.com

OKC: 6301 Waterford Blvd., Suite 101 • 8101 S. Walker Ave., Suite B • 405.427.4000 Edmond: 1440 S. Bryant Ave., Spring Creek Plaza • 405.427.4000 Since 1894 • www.banksnb.com • Member FDIC • Stillwater National Bank

december 2012 | slice 19

CHATTER l WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT...

SAFETY: FIRST

» In case you needed one more reason to consider

moving

to

Edmond – besides its consistently

excellent

schools and 2011 status as #1 on CNBC’s nationwide “10 Perfect Suburbs” list – the FBI recently released statistics in its Uniform Crime Report that peg the burg as the ninth safest city of over 75,000 residents in the country; tops in Oklahoma Isn’t it obvious? OKC’s Stage Center is the ideal extreme-combat indoor paintball arena.

by a wide margin over Broken Arrow (#58).

WHO WANTS TO PLAY MILLIONAIRE DEVELOPER? » Wouldn’t it be great for owners of empty buildings to slap a shot of it on a website, then ask everyone – especially neighbors and potential customers – what should be built there?

That’s the idea behind Popularise.com, and the Plaza District is leading

the way in using it first in Oklahoma City.

Two district properties – the old Coin Laundry building and a 105-year-

old farmhouse called “the barn” – recently attracted 20,000 views and 65 ideas from the local creative class.

The Coin Laundry space was re-imagined as an “Okie Shop of Horrors,”

a tandoori pizza joint or an arcade bar like Tulsa’s ’80s retropub, The Max.

STRIKINGLY GOOD

» The OKC Thunder might not have NBA cham-

For Kristen Vails, executive director of the Plaza District Association,

pionship rings yet, but that doesn’t mean they don’t

the site basically digitizes her everyday experience. “Everyone always

provide the total package – the Western Conference

comes up and tells me what they think should be in the district,” she said.

champs took the top slot in ESPN the Magazine’s 10th

“I thought the Popularise concept was a great way to promote the things

annual Ultimate Standings, a ranking of the overall

that were happening in the district, as well as getting ideas for what should

team experience provided by pro franchises; every-

come here next.”

one in the NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB combined.

Factoring in performance record, affordability and

The only thing she’d change is making sure to get offline ideas too, per-

haps through events and face-to-face opportunities.

expectations with less-tangible qualities like per-

Site visitors can vote for ideas with a “Build It” button, but proper-

sonalities of players and coaches and the strength of

ty owners/developers still make the final decision, if any. So even

the fan experience leaves the Toronto Maple Leafs

if it gets the most votes, no one can be forced to build a Honey

in last at 122, the NBA Champion Miami Heat at

Boo Boo dress boutique.

31 and the franchise ESPN’s Peter Keating calls “a

CHRIS CASSIDY

perfect storm of exciting, homegrown players, low

» “There’s no greater sign of the failure of the American educational system than the extent to which Americans are distracted by the possibility that the Earth might end on December 21, 2012. It’s a profound absence of awareness of the laws of physics and how nature works. So they’re missing some science classes in their training, in high school or in college that would empower you to understand and to judge when someone else is basically just full of it.”

– Astrophysicist and author Neil deGrasse Tyson

20 slice | december 2012

prices and nonstop connection to the team” at the very top of their game – and everyone else’s.

CALENDAR WATCH

Dec 8 Hanukkah begins at sundown Dec 21 end of 13th baktun on Mayan Long Count calendar Dec 22 the first day of the rest of your life Dec 25 Christmas (It’s today! You haven’t missed it!)

Dec 26 Kwanzaa begins Dec 31 a fond farewell to 2012

WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT... l CHATTER

MOVIN’ ON DOWN

» “This magnificent building came to our attention and it ignited our imagination. Here we will be able to build new and dynamic connections with the legal and business community and contribute to the growth and progress of this great city of ours.” That’s Valerie Couch, dean of the OCU School of Law, speaking about what will fairly soon – hopefully by the fall semester of 2014 – be her charge’s new digs: the former Central High School building at 800 N. Harvey. The university board of regents approved the move in late October; now comes the process of renovating a site that Couch and law school faculty view as exceptional thanks to its capacity and proximity to downtown courthouses and law firms.

USE YOUR WORDS

AND YE SHALL RECEIVE

ous thing for Meg Tolman and Nick Jour-

ing renovations, so the Metropolitan Library System con-

ney in Silver Cross. The federal agent and

verted a shopping center into an ad hoc location for the dura-

history professor reteam to begin inves-

tion of the repairs – but by the time those repairs were com-

tigating a deceased friend’s family con-

pleted and Southern Oaks reopened in September, the plan

nection to a Civil War spy, and quickly

had changed to something a little more permanent.

find themselves the targets of a shadowy

conspiracy, embroiled in a deadly treasure hunt and a race

been to Southern Oaks,” said MLS Executive Director Don-

against time. The sequel to 2011’s Cold Glory is the new novel

na Morris of the more than 5,600 new patrons who had not

by OKC author B. Kent Anderson, who is already researching

used any of the Metropolitan libraries previously, “we asked

the next installment of Journey and Tolman’s adventures.

the city of Oklahoma City if we could keep it open. The city

» A little knowledge proves a danger-

» Southern Oaks Library in southwest OKC was undergo-

“The location was so popular with people who had never

was as excited about the idea, so we contacted the owners of

» In a feather for the publisher’s collective cap, the University

the property and they were eager to get onboard, too.”

of Oklahoma Press is about to release the English translation of

Sandalwood Death, the new novel by Chinese author Mo Yan –

new Almonte Library will open its doors at 2914 S.W. 59th

winner of the 2012 Nobel Prize in Literature.

Street. Now that’s service.

Once the space is equipped with new books and staff, the

WANTED Wild Weather Photos » Oklahoma’s spring weather is notoriously wild and dangerous, but true Oklahomans know how to handle it.

Run outside and get a picture of that thing!

Unlike our local TV stations, we at Slice are not en-

couraging you to chase storms. We do, however, want to see your best photos of our turbulent spring atmospherics.

Twisting funnels. Sideways rain. Carpets of hail. Carpets flying sideways through hail. Who knows?

We’ll include the best shots in our April 2013 issue,

RANDY ALVARADO

which will delve into other weather-related topics.

To submit your photos, visit sliceok.com/weather.

december 2012 | slice 21

CHATTER l WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT...

NEW YEAR’S EVE

BY THE NUMBERS

1

2,678,400 seconds from the first day of December until New Year’s Eve

7,500

5

estimated attendance at Opening Night in downtown OKC on 12/31/11

3,000

weight in pounds of the Opening Night Finale Ball to be hoisted at midnight

7

10

38

times Dick Clark counted down the final seconds of the outgoing year

0

times so far Seacrest has hosted the show without Clark, who passed away April 18

individual lights illuminating the Opening Night Finale Ball

times Guy Lombardo led his Royal Canadians through “Auld Lang Syne” to welcome a new year

56,000,000

250,000,000 $7,000,000

22 slice | december 2012

verses to “Auld Lang Syne” (yes, really)

48

diameter in feet of the Opening Night Finale Ball

times Ryan Seacrest cohosted the New Year’s Rockin’ Eve celebration with Dick Clark

5,000

country that can produce actual champagne (everything from outside France is technically “sparkling wine”)

90

psi inside a champagne bottle before it’s opened

38-40 mph of the average champagne cork leaving the bottle

49,000,000

estimated bubbles in a 750ml bottle of champagne, according to calculations by physicist Bill Lembeck

estimated bubbles in a 750ml bottle of champagne, according to winemaker Bollinger

estimated bubbles in a 750ml bottle of champagne, according to the results of a three-year study conducted by Moet & Chandon and Heineken

cost of that study (which did do more than just count bubbles)

She’s Always Been The Independent Type.

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Visit us on Facebook and view our entire collection online at

www.AristaDesigns.com

© 2012 CK Franchising, Inc. Each office independently owned and operated.

december 2012 | slice 23

DETAILS l THINGS WE LOVE

Clockwise from left: Gold console desk, turquoise lamps, gold lamps and Arteriors turquoise stools at Cayman’s in Norman | Capri Blue metallic turquoise candle at Tulips in Norman | Silver ceramic bowl at Antique Garden in Norman | Gold deer at Cayman’s in Norman | Small ornaments in angel wing tray at Antique Garden in Norman

BRIGHT and BOLD R

By Sara Gae Waters Photos by Carli Wentworth

earranging the furniture in my home just happens to be a way of life around here. Not surprisingly, the most popular time to do this is the holiday season. With the Christmas tree going

up (I must confess to trees – not tree – here), things need to be moved. If you want the tree in the front window, the table and chairs (or whatever) must be relocated. One thing I love about moving furniture around is how somehow that can make the room seem shiny and new. If you are going to possibly move one or two things to accommodate your decor or tree, why not change the layout for the whole room while you’re at it?

And, if you’re so inclined, you could pick up an item or two... let’s call it an early Christmas gift to yourself... to change the look or atmosphere of your room.

24 slice | december 2012

Dazzle your home with Calvert’s Plant Interiors

Live Well • Dress Well • Shop Well

Calvert’s Plant Interiors 5308 N. Classen Blvd. | 405.848.6642

www.calverts.com

Call for a free holiday design consultation

2001 W. Main • Carriage Plaza • Norman 405.360.3969 • www.caymanscollection.com visit us on facebook

follow us on twitter

december 2012 | slice 25

DETAILS l THINGS WE LOVE

Trimmings from tinsel to ornaments are a must

– and I’ve found just the right treasures to make your home not only “merry and bright” but truly a beautiful sight.

You can’t decorate without a little silver or gold

(or both). Or maybe you can’t decorate without a lot of it! Red and green are always going to shine, but how about a surprise hit of turquoise this year? Or black and white to mix it up a bit? Whatever you do, take a step back and consider decorating your home for the season as a time to create something you will love and enjoy, not as a chore. Even the box of ornaments from the attic are shiny with the glitter of Christmases past... it’s all about how you look at it.

Clockwise from above: Scalloped whitewashed planter filled with silver Tiffany ball ornaments at Antique Garden in Norman | Silver Tiffany cedar garland at Antique Garden in Norman | Vietri damask aqua and gold bowls and platters at Tulips in Norman | Michael Aram gold frame on Arteriors gold side table at Cayman’s in Norman | Silver star jingle bell ornament at Antique Garden in Norman

26 slice | december 2012

Timeless…

Simply Elegant.

Classic…

Photos taken at the home of Trisha & Dr. Tim Daly

We at Ketch Design Centre would just like to take this opportunity to say, “Thank you,” to all our customers for making this a great year. So, to you and yours, we wish you happy holidays!

SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR WINDOWS AND WALLS 4416 N. Western Showroom 525.7757 Office 521.8885 www.ketchdesigncentre.com

your choices.

Enjoy the new ‘gummy bear’ cohesive gel breast implants now!

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december 2012 | slice 27

DETAILS l THINGS WE LOVE

It’s in the Bag

Social life is in full swing this month, so outfit yourself with a stylish bag to complement your festive attire.

Mary Frances “Jubilee” wristlet handbag, $275 at Dillard’s Penn Square Mall

Bottega Veneta teal “Knot” clutch, made in Italy, $1,380 at Mr. Ooley’s

Clara Kasavina silver shadow python evening clutch with rhinestone clasp, $980 at Ruth Meyers

Lauren Merkin “Louise” bag (above) in whitewash cork, $200, Moyna pink beaded soft flap clutch (right) $95, both available at On A Whim

Zena beaded envelope clutch in black and silver (left) by Inge Christopher, $220, Judith Leiber black Sea Shell minaudière with crystals and cabochons (right), $4,295, both available at Balliets

28 slice | december 2012

THINGS WE LOVE l DETAILS

Silver & Gold Mixed metals make the season jolly and bright.

SLANE’s bee collection pendant in gold, sterling silver and pavé diamonds, $2,600, with necklace, $3,909 at Cayman’s

Kathy Kamei Designs two-tone earrings, handmade in Bali from 92.5% solid silver overlaid with 18K gold vermeil, $172 at CK & Co.

Claudia Lobão ring with silver druzy embellishment set in gold, $195 at The Webb

Vahan 4mm cuff diamond pavé ball bracelet set in 14K gold with 14K gold petals on a sterling silver bracelet band, $4,525 at Mitchell’s Jewelry

Atelier Zobel sterling silver and 22K gold necklace sprinkled with white diamonds, $7,880 exclusively at Naifeh Fine Jewelry Stefano Patriarchi Collection pure silver earrings with gold overlay, handmade in Italy, $205 exclusively at Ruth Meyers

december 2012 | slice 29

DETAILS l THINGS WE LOVE

You’ve Been Served Platter power for dishing it out this holiday season

Solid wood square serving tray in walnut, oak or maple, $85 at True North Living

Maitland-Smith aged Regency finished serpentine carved tray with brass handles, $435 at Mister Robert Fine Furniture and Design

Beatriz Ball Collection round Vento Samba metallic platter, $134 at Urbane Home and Lifestyle

Juliska Country Estate holiday collection ceramic platter, $175 at Cayman’s

Beatriz Ball Collection Western metal trays with organic antler handles,$350 and $208 at B.C. Clark Jewelers

Vagabond House round Olive Grove Collection serving tray of water-resistant acacia wood with pewter handles, $293 at Urbane Home and Lifestyle

30 slice | december 2012

’TIS THE SEASON FOR

GIVING Receive a $10 Bonus Card for every $50 eGift Card you give! eGift Card

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Rose Gold andtheMorganite Bonus Card may not be redeemed with other offers or coupons. Hal Smith eGift Cards can be purchased in any denomination from $5-$500. eGift Card purchase total is limited to $500 per single transaction. Offer ends January 1, 2013.

d e i d e i d e i d e i d e i d e i d e i d e i d e i d e i d e

The Perfect Match: Rose Gold and Morganite

Designs © MAKUR DESIGNS ®. All rights reserved.

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218 East Main Historic Downtown Norman 405.360.2515 View our catalog online at mitchells-jewelry.com

i d e i d e i d e i d e i d e i d e i

i d e i d e i d e i d e i d e i d e i

It’s on her Wish List!

d e i d e i d e i d e i d e i d e i d e i d e i d e i d e i d e december 2012 | slice 31

TA K E C O N T R O L !

From state-of-the-art volume controls to award-winning Touch Panels and Touchpads, we have products that can control and access ALL of your in-home equipment with ease, including apps for home and remote control via iPhone, iPad, Android and PC.

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CUSTOM HOME ENTERTAINMENT DESIGN & INSTALLATION SERVING THE ENTIRE OKC METRO COMPLIMENTARY IN HOME CONSULTATIONS PROFESSIONAL & PERSONAL ATTENTION HOME THEATRE FOR EVERY BUDGET OVER 30 YEARS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

www.GreatChoiceAV.com Theater photos taken at the Oliphant Home

32 slice | december 2012

405 W. 2nd, Ste. 1, Edmond | 405.509.6422

DA NC E l E V E N TS l F I L M l G A L L E R I E S l M US E U M S l M US IC l S P ORTS l T H E AT R E

Get It Together »

The Chesapeake Arena exhibits some animal

magnetism December 19-23 as Cirque du Soleil fuses Eastern and Western symbols, influences DANIEL DESMARAIS

and acrobatics to form “Dralion.” See page 34.

december 2012 | slice 33

DANIEL DESMARAIS

PURSUITS l WHAT TO DO

IN THE BALANCE December 19-23, Chesapeake Arena, 100 W Reno, OKC, 800.745.3000, cirquedusoleil.com/dralion

»

It requires steady hands and strong

tion from Eastern philosophy and its

vision to combine separate ideas – East

never-ending quest for harmony be-

and West, tradition and innovation,

tween humans and nature.

awesomeness and more awesomeness

– into something new that maintains

cal elements of earth, air, fire and water

elements of its influences while find-

are the stars of the show, accompanied

ing a feeling of harmony… fortunately,

by dozens of other performers acting

those are skills Cirque du Soleil has in

as mythical beasts, clowns, a chosen

abundance.

child and a choir promoting and provid-

Even the name of the show coming

ing harmony among each and all. They

to OKC – Dralion – is derived from a

dance to specially composed music with

sense of balance between totemic crea-

worldwide influences ranging from An-

tures: the lion, symbolizing the West,

dalusia to the Americas; they dazzle in

to twirling 25-foot-long bamboo poles

and the venerable dragon of the East.

vibrantly colored costumes inspired by

and juggling while breakdancing.

Dralion incorporates the 3,000-year-old

clothing from India, China and Africa;

In the world of Dralion, cultures

tradition of Chinese acrobatic arts into

they draw audiences’ breaths away with

blend, Man and Nature are one, balance

Cirque du Soleil’s already-spectacular

expertly performed physical feats from

is achieved… and disparate parts add up

physical repertoire, and draws inspira-

trampoline stunts and aerial acrobatics

to a whole that is simply great.

34 slice | december 2012

CAMIRAND

Deities representing the four classi-

WHAT TO DO l PURSUITS

DANCE OKLAHOMA FESTIVAL BALLET Dec 1-9 OU’s resident ballet company steps onstage with “Cinderella,” featuring original choreography by Steve Brule and Mary Margaret Holt. OU Reynolds PAC, 560 Parrington Oval, Norman, 325.4101, ou.edu/finearts/dance AMERICAN SPIRIT - HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Dec 6-9 Fast-paced, glamorous and filled with more highkicking revelry than you can shake a candy cane at, the Broadway-style holiday extravaganza from OCU’s outstanding dance company returns. OCU Kirkpatrick Auditorium, 2501 N Blackwelder Ave, OKC, 208.5227, okcu.edu/dance_amgt THE NUTCRACKER Dec 7-16 One of the world’s most famous dreams leaps anew to glorious life as artistic director Robert Mills and the OKC Ballet share the magic of Clara’s fantastic journey. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 843.9898, okcballet.com

EVENTS DOWNTOWN IN DECEMBER Through Dec 31 A month-plus party in the center of OKC, incorporating diverse delights from free museum admission to outdoor skating to a really, really big snow tubing run. Downtown Oklahoma City, 2 S Mickey Mantle Dr, OKC, 235.3100, downtownindecember.com COWBOY CHRISTMAS PARADE Dec 1 Eight reindeer? Pfft. Try 100 longhorn steers, plus rodeo cowboys, antique cars and native dancers; no wonder Cowboy Santa makes time to stop and visit with kids at this one-of-a-kind event. Stockyards City, 1305 S Agnew Ave, OKC, 235.7267, stockyardscity.org MESTA PARK HOLIDAY HOMES TOUR Dec 1-2 Whether by Saturday night candlelight or on a crisp winter afternoon Sunday, explore the gaily decorated splendor of one of the city’s most venerable, beautiful neighborhoods singing carols is optional. Mesta Park, 801 NW 17th St, OKC, mestapark.org HORSESHOES AND HOLLY Dec 2-16 Christmas comes to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in these Sunday open houses offering specials and refreshments. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org YWCA WOMEN WHO CARE SHARE LUNCHEON Dec 3 An inspiring benefit luncheon is filled with stories of survival and triumph over domestic violence.

Cox Center, 1 Myriad Gardens, OKC, 951.3338, ywcaokc.org BRIAN REGAN Dec 6 His act isn’t profane nor racist nor otherwise risqué - though he is fairly critical of his own faculties, especially as a child - it’s simply observant, incisive, and very, very funny. Rose State PAC, 6420 SE 15th St, Midwest City, 297.2264, okcciviccenter.com HOLIDAY HAPPENING Dec 6 The Sam Noble Museum’s annual fete features live

music, crafts, storytelling and shopping, plus a mammoth in a really big hat. Sam Noble Museum, 2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman, 325.4712, snomnh.ou.edu TERRITORIAL CHRISTMAS Dec 6 Deck the halls pre-statehood style at the Harn Homestead Museum’s annual celebration, using traditional 1880s decorations and period costumes to create a distinctively joyous old-fashioned atmosphere. Harn Homestead, 1721 N Lincoln Blvd, OKC, 235.4058, harnhomestead.com ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF NORMAN GALA Dec 7 Celebrating a year of aiding the community through a party par excellence. Riverwind Casino, 1544 W Hwy 9, Norman, 322.6000, norman. assistanceleague.org DRIVE-THRU CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Dec 7-9 A living nativity complete with children and animals is the centerpiece of an outdoor depiction of the life of Christ. Boys Ranch Town, 5100 SE 33rd St, Edmond, 341.3606, obhc.org WINTER MARKET AT THE MYRIAD GARDENS Dec 7-9 OU Medicine presents an outdoor cornucopia of shopping opportunity from local vendors, complete with warm beverages and live music.

Myriad Gardens, 301 W Reno Ave, OKC, 297.3995, myriadgardens.org CHRISTMAS TEA WITH THE QUEEN Dec 8 Refined revelry in the company of HRH Queen Elizabeth I; the afternoon includes high tea, live music, a silent auction, gifts and a “Fashion Through the Ages” show. OCU Kirkpatrick Auditorium, 2501 N Blackwelder Ave, OKC, 235.3700, oklahomashakespeare.com MAIN STREET CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY PARADE Dec 8 The 2012 parade’s theme is “What I want for Christmas,” and organizers want participation - watch and cheer or register to become part of the festivities. Downtown Norman, 101 E Main St, Norman, 366.8095, normanchristmasparade.com NORMAN KIWANIS PANCAKES AND PARADE Dec 8 The Norman Kiwanis Club continues a 60-year tradition by serving up all-you-can-eat pancakes, bacon and sausage for a delicious breakfast before the Norman Christmas Parade. Norman High School Commons, 911 W Main St, Norman, 325.8076, normankiwanis.org PARADE OF LIGHTS & MAYOR’S TREE LIGHTING Dec 8 Edmond Electric illuminates the city center with a grandly lit parade, followed by Mayor Lamb officially kicking off the holiday season. Shannon Miller Park, 10 S Boulevard St, Edmond, 359.4630, edmondok.com UPTOWN KIDS HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA Dec 8 Some events are kid-friendly; this one’s kid-fantastic - The Uptown Elf, live music from dynamite duo Spaghetti Eddie, a visit from Santa and more.

Uptown Kids, 5840 Classen Blvd, Suite 3, OKC, 418.8881, uptownkidsstyle.com SECOND SUNDAY POETRY Dec 9 Fiction writers and Cameron University faculty Bayard Godsave and George McCormick perform readings from their latest works. Santa Fe Depot, 200 S Jones Ave, Norman, 307.9320, pasnorman.org

2ND FRIDAY CIRCUIT OF ART Dec 14 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 Dec 14 Vendors, artists, residents and passerby unite for a monthly fiesta. OKC Plaza District, 1618 N Gatewood Ave, OKC, 367.9403, plazadistrict.org COWBOY CHRISTMAS BALL Dec 14 It’s a whole-family tradition that’s old enough to vote: the 18th annual dinner and dance to a live performance of Western favorites

by Michael Martin Murphey. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: DRALION Dec 1923 The dragon of Eastern culture and lion of the West come together in this Chinese circus-inspired eruption of entertainment and athleticism featuring dozens of acrobats, gymnasts, singers and more.

Chesapeake Arena, 100 W Reno Ave, OKC, 800.745.3000, cirquedusoleil.com/dralion END OF THE WORLD PARTY Dec 21 If 12/21/12 is the end of everything, why not go out with a bash? Stella toasts the Mayans’ foresight with a party to (possibly) end all parties. Stella Modern Italian Cuisine, 1201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 235.2200, stellaokc.com DOWNTON ABBEY SERIES 3 SNEAK PREVIEW Dec 26 The immensely popular saga of the Crawleys and their assorted kith and kin (and massive servant staff) resumes on American TV in January - but fans can relish the premiere early in this free event. Reservations required. OKC Museum of Art, 415 Couch Dr, OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com RODNEY CARRINGTON Dec 29-30 Carrington’s a successful stand-up comedian and writer of silly songs, but also has the chops and sincerity to knock out some genuinely moving Christmas carols.

Grand Casino, 777 Grand Casino Blvd, Shawnee, 964.7777, grandcasino.com OPENING NIGHT 2013 Dec 31 The Arts Council of OKC rocks in the new year with a massive party featuring multiple bands and a fireworks showcase. Downtown Oklahoma City, 301 W Reno Ave, OKC, 270.4848, artscouncilokc.com

FILM SAMSARA Dec 6-9 Filmed over 4 years in 25 countries worldwide, it’s neither a travelogue nor a traditional documentary; more of a guided meditation on spirituality, impermanence and the human experience.

OKC Museum of Art, 415 Couch Dr, OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com 12: PROMISES Dec 12 Overcoming addiction is a grueling process that isn’t over at the end of rehab - teens attempting to reestablish their lives form the basis for this potent documentary. OKC Museum of Art, 415 Couch Dr, OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com STATIC FILM SCREENING Dec 13 A free monthly showcase of local filmmakers’ craft in dramas, animated shorts and other

genres. IAO Gallery, 706 W Sheridan Ave, OKC, 232.6060, iaogallery.org THE CONNECTION Dec 13-16 It’s essentially a new old movie - the 1962 film was shown twice in NYC before being shut down by police for its language and subject matter: a group of heroin addicts impatiently waiting for their fix. OKC Museum of Art, 415 Couch Dr, OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com THE BRIDE WORE BLACK Dec 14-15 The past casts a long and deadly shadow in Truffaut’s mysterious, methodical thriller about a woman on a quest for vengeance.

OKC Museum of Art, 415 Couch Dr, OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com DAISIES Dec 14-15 A milestone of modern surrealist cinema, the anarchyfilled Czech farce chronicles the random acts of rebellion against more or less everything perpetrated by brash pranksters Marie and Marie. OKC Museum of Art, 415 Couch Dr, OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com ORBIT Dec 20 Short films about each planet (and a few other bodies) in the solar system form an emotionally inspiring, visually splendid tour of what lies beyond our horizons; a cinematic event to awaken the love of space and exploration in all ages. OKC Museum of Art, 415 Couch Dr, OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com STARS IN SHORTS Dec 27-30 Some of the world’s biggest names in acting tackle small-scale projects in a dazzling collection of short films featuring Judi Dench, Keira Knightley, Kenneth Branagh and many more. OKC Museum of Art, 415 Couch Dr, OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com

GALLERIES THE FLYING JEWELS Through Dec 2 Shimmering splendor inhabits the gallery through brightly colored, hummingbirdinspired creations from jewelers Zeke and Marty Zewick and Paseo Arts Association artist of the year Stacey D. Miller. Paseo Originals Gallery, 2920 Paseo St, OKC, 604.6602, paseooriginals.com SMALL WORKS SHOW Through Dec 28 Focusing on these diminutive pieces from Oklahoma artists Linda Tuma Robertson, Bert Seabourn, Don Holladay and more rewards the viewer with more than ample beauty. Santa Fe Depot, 200 S Jones Ave, Norman, 307.9320, pasnorman.org HOLIDAY GIFT GALLERY Through Jan 7 The Firehouse has a year-round gift shop, but its artists’ seasonal enthusiasm expressed in multiple media necessitates an extra presence for these exceptional presents. Firehouse Art Center, 444 S Flood Ave, Norman, 329.4523, normanfirehouse.com SIXTH ANNIVERSARY SHOW Through Jan 27 A sextet of successful years calls for a senses-satisfying celebration, courtesy of local artists Nathan Lee, Dusty Gilpin, A.K. Westerman and Rick and Tracey Bewley. Istvan Gallery, 1218 N Western Ave, OKC, 831.2874, istvangallery.com ANIMALS AT LARGE Dec 1-30 It’s a month-long creature feature at the

december 2012 | slice 35

NOMADA COSTA RICA

PURSUITS l WHAT TO DO

way to audience members through the title psychological phenomenon, though there’s nothing vague about the creative appeal. Oklahoma Heritage Museum, 1400 Classen Dr, OKC, 888.501.2059, oklahomaheritage.com AMERICAN MODERNS, 1910-1960 Through Jan 6 A broad collection from the Brooklyn Museum of American artists from O’Keeffe to Rockwell attempting to engage with modernity. OKC Museum of Art, 415 Couch Dr, OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com DANCERS AND DEITIES: KACHINAS FROM THE BIALAC COLLECTION Through Jan 6 Master artists from Hopi and Zuni Pueblos crafted these tiny dancers, representing divine providers of rain and bountiful harvests and forming a distinctive art form. Sam Noble Museum, 2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman, 325.4712, snomnh.ou.edu NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHS Through Jan 6 Breathtakingly powerful images of the American West from the National Geographic Image Collection. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org

Collective Consciousness Through January 5, [Artspace] at Untitled, 1 NE 3rd St, OKC, 815.9995, artspaceatuntitled.org

»

In this group effort sponsored by Spain’s Ministry of Culture, many hands made for amaz-

ing work: 20 photographic collectives from across Europe and Latin America were instructed to create a visual essay about the environment, but given no further specifications or strictures and left to decide among themselves where to shoot, and what, and why. The resulting portfolios – 184 photographs in all – reflect not only the ecological concerns of the participants’ nations, but also the processes of teamwork and consensus-building that made the global traveling exhibit E.CO possible.

Paseo gallery, featuring creations from Linda Hiller, Ladd Adams, Sheila Minnich, Charlotte Moore and C.J. Bradford. Summer Wine Art Gallery, 2928 Paseo St, OKC, 831.3279, summerwinegallery.com

FLOWERS Dec 7-30 In this season of holly and ivy, David Gill offers glowing, glamorous photographic reminders of some of nature’s showier blooms. Visions in the Paseo Gallery, 2924 Paseo St, OKC, 557.1229, visionsinthepaseo.com

PAPER, TRINKETS, BAUBLES & THINGS Dec 7-28 Mixed media collage by Kate Rivers and astonishingly beautiful zhe zhi folded paper sculpture from Francene Levinson pay tribute to paper’s possibilities.

Paseo Originals Gallery, 2920 Paseo St, OKC, 604.6602, paseooriginals.com

HOLIDAY ART MARKET Dec 8-9 Browse among a bevy of unique gifts elevated by bursts of Native creativity. Jacobson House, 609 Chautauqua Ave, Norman, 366.1667, jacobsonhouse.com

CHRISTMAS AT THE ELMS Dec 7-29 Coziness - already a specialty of the welcoming Paseo gallery - is in extra supply with JRB’s holiday exhibition and gift gallery. JRB Art at the Elms, 2810 N Walker Ave, OKC, 528.6336, jrbartgallery.com ANDREA GARDNER Dec 7-30 Vibrant, scintillating colors in smooth, sweeping lines have been a lifelong source of aesthetic pleasure for Gardner - one she’s happy to share through beautiful jewelry. In Your Eye Gallery, 3005 Paseo St #A, OKC, 525.2161, inyoureyegallery.com

36 slice | december 2012

THE UNEXPLORED Dec 14-Jan 19 The impending beginning of a new year calls for an exposé of new artistic talent; Zach Burns, Cindy Coleman, Lindsey Allgood and more star in the NAC’s annual emerging artists show. MAINSITE Contemporary Art Gallery, 122 E Main St, Norman, 360.1162, normanarts.org

MUSEUMS OKLAHOMA AND INFAMY Through Dec 9 Stories, artifacts and more in a historical retrospective of World War II’s impact on our state. Oklahoma History

Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr, OKC, 521.2491, okhistory.org

SILENT WITNESSES Through Jan 6 An international collaboration of photography including prosthetic legs, aimed at highlighting global efforts to eliminate millions of landmines. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave, Norman, 325.3272, ou.edu/fjjma TRADITIONAL COWBOY ARTS ASSOCIATION Through Jan 6 A showcase of the craft and skills maintained by TCAA members in saddlemaking, silversmithing, rawhide braiding and bit and spur making.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org SEALS OF JEREMIAH’S CAPTORS Through Jan 16 The world’s first look at an archaeological Biblical bonanaza in the form of artifacts from a dig in Jerusalem. Armstrong Auditorium, 14400-B S Bryant Ave, Edmond, 285.1010, armstrongauditorium.org

BOO RITSON Through Dec 22 Ritson’s photographs of her paintings of her carefully staged scenes might technically be mixed media, and are definitely fascinating.

City Arts Center, 3000 General Pershing Blvd, OKC, 951.0000, cityartscenter.org

IN THE REALM OF THE 13 FEATHERS Through Jan 31 Original paintings, signed prints and a photographic essay on the rich life of Comanche flutist, dancer, artist, composer and minister Doc Tate Nevaquaya. Red Earth Museum, 6 Santa Fe Plaza, OKC, 427.5228, redearth.org

SELECTIONS FROM THE BIALAC COLLECTION Through Dec 30 Highlights from a multimillion dollar collection of more than 4,000 works representing indigenous cultures across North America. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave, Norman, 325.3272, ou.edu/fjjma

ECHOES AND RITUALS Through Feb 9 A joint exhibit by Native American artists Robert Taylor and Harvey Pratt includes evocative symbolism, eloquent surrealism… and Bigfoot. Science Museum Oklahoma, 2100 NE 52nd St, OKC, 602.6664, sciencemuseumok.org

E.CO Through Jan 5 Nearly 200 photographs by 20 groups across Europe and Latin America, all forming visual essays about their individual interpretations of the environment. [Artspace] at Untitled, 1 NE 3rd St, OKC, 815.9995, artspaceatuntitled.org

A.R.T. SHOW Through Feb 15 Reused, repurposed and made aesthetically appealing - OKC Beautiful cosponsors this exhibit of art made from recycled materials.

Science Museum Oklahoma, 2100 NE 52nd St, OKC, 602.6664, sciencemuseumok.org

THE PAREIDOLIA SERIES Through Jan 5 OKC artist Trent Lawson hasn’t really painted a distinct object; it just looks that

CRUMBO SPIRIT TALK Through May 29 Six decades of the great painter’s personal career, plus examples of Woody’s legacy in the artwork of his children. Oklahoma

Marsden Hartley (American, 1877-1943). Handsome Drinks, 1916. Oil on composition board, 24 x 20 in. (61 x 50.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Milton Lowenthal, 72.3.

passionate

LIFE penetrative

STYLE

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december 2012 | slice 37

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

PURSUITS l WHAT TO DO

WINTER WIND: SAM BAKER Dec 2 Wounded in a deadly bombing decades ago, Baker has become a musician and songwriter whose moving, gratitude-filled voice is an undeniable joy. Santa Fe Depot, 200 S Jones Ave, Norman, 307.9320, pasnorman.org SUTTON CONCERT SERIES Dec 2-7 The OU School of Music closes out the semester with an all-star team-up performance called “Christmas at OU” Dec 2 and organist John Scwandt starring in “Holiday Pipes” Dec 7. OU Catlett Music Center, 500 W Boyd, Norman, 325.4101, music.ou.edu

Jim Richardson, “Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah”

Broad Scope

Through January 6, National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org

»

Bigger isn’t necessarily better, unless you’re talking about

something that’s already among the best of its kind. National Geographic has been amassing a collection of outstanding Western images for more than a century, and is sharing the cream of its crop in an exhibit of unprecedented breadth – the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City is one of not two, not five, but ten museums nationwide to simultaneously host “National Geographic Greatest Photographs of the American West,” a collection of iconic photographs depicting a powerful and nuanced portrait of a lasting way of life.

History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr, OKC, 521.2491, okhistory.org OKLAHOMA @ THE MOVIES Through Aug 10 Help commemorate the beautiful friendship between the Sooner State and the silver screen. Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr, OKC, 521.2491, okhistory.org

MUSIC THE CHRISTMAS SHOW Through Dec 1 A Broadway star in singer and comedienne Michele Ragusa, a cast of dozens of dancers, carolers and entertainers, all the decorative trimmings… this hall is decked.

Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 842.5387, okcphilharmonic.org BOOGIE WOOGIE CHRISTMAS Through Dec 8 Spirits and energy are high as UCO music theatre vocalists make quite a lot of joyful noises. UCO Jazz Lab, 100 E 5th St, Edmond, 974.3375, ucojazzlab.com WHITE CHRISTMAS Through Dec 9 A sweetly sonorous adaptation of the Bing Crosby/Danny Kaye classic, this tender romance is buoyed by a set of Irving Berlin standards. Sooner Theatre, 101 E Main St, Norman, 321.9600, soonertheatre.org

38 slice | december 2012

UCO JAZZ ENSEMBLE Dec 1 A joyous jam session by the student performance group, pepped up by special guest Delfeayo Marsalis. UCO Mitchell Hall Theater, 100 N University Dr, Edmond, 974.3375, uco.edu/cfad PURPLE BAR PERFORMANCES Dec 1-31 A cozy setting, ample menu and outstanding music from local artists: Becannen & Vollertson Dec 1 and 15, John Taylor and Mandy Brixey Dec 7, Rick Jawnsun Dec 8, Jamie Bramble Dec 14 and 21, Stephen Speaks Dec 22 and BAT Dec 27-29 plus a special performance Dec 31. Nonna’s Purple Bar, 1 S Mickey Mantle Dr, OKC, 235.4410, purplebarokc.com BAROQUE CHRISTMAS Dec 2 Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s Magnificat anchor a thrilling set of holiday classics from the mighty Canterbury choir. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 232.7464, canterburyokc.com NEW CENTURY ENSEMBLE Dec 2 Where do we go from here? Students and faculty from the OU School of Music collaborate as composers and performers in this auditory exploration of dance, electronic, opera and chamber music.

OU Catlett Music Center, 500 W Boyd, Norman, 325.2081, music.ou.edu

OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW Dec 3 The self-described “old-time string band” has circled back to its roots, serving up pre-’40s classics, heart-rending ballads and exhilarating singalongs. Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S Eastern Ave, OKC, 866.977.6849, diamondballroom.net TOAST TO THE MAESTRO Dec 5 The signature event honoring world-renowned pianist and Artist-in-Residence Valery Kuleshov helps fund scholarships and the All-Steinway initiative. UCO Jazz Lab,100 E 5th St, Edmond, 974.3778, uco.edu/cfad OF MONTREAL Dec 6 The nationally beloved indie rockers and former Norman Music Festival headliners hammer out a special show presented by ACM @ UCO. ACM @ UCO Performance Lab, 329 E Sheridan Ave, OKC, 974.4700, acm.uco.edu NOON TUNES Dec 6-27 Free lunchtime serenades in the Downtown Library: Stephanie Jackson Dec 6, the Oklahoma Strings Quartet Dec 13, Rice Dance Band Dec 20 and the one and only Wayne McEvilly Dec 27. Downtown Library, 300 Park Ave, OKC, 231.8650, mls.lib.ok.us BOB LIVINGSTON Dec 7 A titanic figure in Austin’s music history, Livingston has honed his array of musical talents through more than 40 years on the road alongside other legends like Bill Oliver, the Lost Gonzo Band and Jerry Jeff Walker.

Midway Grocery, 601 W Eufaula St, Norman, 321.7004 UNDER THE STREETLAMP Dec 7 Carefully practiced harmonies and a dance step or three make this touring quartet jump while singing the American Radio Songbook. Grand Casino, 777 Grand Casino Blvd, Shawnee, 964.7777, grandcasino.com CHRISTMAS VESPERS Dec 7-8 Audiences are invited to embrace a sense of wonder and joy in a program blending familiar carols with scripture, poetry and some of the greatest seasonal music of all time. OCU Chapel, 2501 N Blackwelder Ave, OKC, 208.5227, okcu.edu/music JOSH ABBOTT BAND Dec 8 It’s easy to feel connected to your music when all your songs are autobiographical - that’s why performing is so fulfilling for the Texas troubadours, appearing with The Cadillac Black. Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S Eastern Ave, OKC, 866.977.6849, diamondballroom.net TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA Dec 8 The holiday hit-makers rip through a live rendition of rock opera “The Lost Christmas

Eve,” plus classics and new material from their latest album. Chesapeake Arena, 100 W Reno Ave, OKC, 800.745.3000, chesapeakearena.com HOLIDAY ON BROADWAY Dec 13 Come on along and listen to pros from The Best of Broadway showcasing their range - from the Chipmunks’ Christmas song to “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” - in an evening celebrating the most festive time of the year. OKC Community College, 7777 S May Ave, OKC, 682.7576, occc.edu/cas CANTERBURY CHOIR CONCERT Dec 14 This season boasts carolers aplenty, but none who surpass the musical magic of the Canterbury To Go choir. Guests get a serenade in the Conservatory and a reception with refreshments to follow.

Myriad Gardens, 301 W Reno Ave, OKC, 297.3995, myriadgardens.org SISTERS OF SWING HOLIDAY SHOW Dec 16 The OKC jazz collective pulls together Christmas favorites old and new and pulls out all the stops for a frosty delight. Santa Fe Depot, 200 S Jones Ave, Norman, 307.9320, pasnorman.org JIM BRICKMAN Dec 19 Best-selling, award-winning romantic piano man Brickman continues his coast-to-coast Yuletide tradition with a metro stop on his On a Winter’s Night tour. Rose State PAC, 6420 SE 15th St, Midwest City, 297.2264, okcciviccenter.com WOODY GUTHRIE TRIBUTE Dec 21 The musical spirit of the Dust Bowl Troubador lives on - this communal concert is headlined by Greg Jacobs and Susan Herndon, along with other local talents.

Midway Grocery, 601 W Eufaula St, Norman, 321.7004 CASEY DONAHEW BAND Dec 27 Rambunctious live performer Donahew has built a loyal following from the ground up, and while he’s avowedly aware that nothing lasts forever, he’s prepared to enjoy - and share his joy - every second of the ride. Riverwind Casino, 1544 W Hwy 9, Norman, 322.6000, riverwindcasino.com MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER Dec 29 They’ve released 12 Christmas albums in 28 years, eight of which have gone platinum or better - ‘tis the season for their modern take on holiday favorites. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 800.869.1451, celebrityattractions.com

SPORTS THE CRUCIBLE Dec 1 It ain’t just a jog in the park - this 5k engineered by a boot camp instructor is an all-terrain test of fitness billed as “Oklahoma’s most grueling obstacle course race.” Victory is hard but sweet. 6103 NW 58th St, OKC, runthecrucible.com COWGIRL BASKETBALL Dec 1-16 The OSU women defend their home court against Texas Southern Dec 1, Stephen F. Austin Dec 6 and Vermont Dec 16.

Gallagher-Iba Arena, 1046 W Hall of Fame Ave, Stillwater, 877.255.4678, okstate.com LADY SOONER BASKETBALL Dec 2-29 The OU women tip off against Marist Dec 2, North Texas Dec 6, Vanderbilt Dec 16, UC Riverside Dec 20 and Cal State

WHAT TO DO l PURSUITS

Northridge Dec 29. Lloyd Noble Center, 2900 S Jenkins Ave, Norman, 325.2424, soonersports.com

OCU Kirkpatrick Auditorium, 2501 N Blackwelder Ave, OKC, 606.7003, oklahomachildrenstheatre.org

COWBOY BASKETBALL Dec 5-31 The OSU men defend their home court against South Florida Dec 5, Missouri State Dec 8, Central Arkansas Dec 16, UT Arlington Dec 19, Tennessee Tech Dec 22 and Gonzaga Dec 31. Gallagher-Iba Arena, 1046 W Hall of Fame Ave, Stillwater, 877.255.4678, okstate.com

THE LAST ROMANCE Through Dec 22 Chance and choices lead to new possibilities for lonely hearts; as long as they remember that it’s never too late to find happiness. Carpenter Square Theatre, 800 W Main St, OKC, 232.6500, carpentersquare.com

THUNDER BASKETBALL Dec 7-31 The defending Western Conference Champions host the L.A. Lakers Dec 7, Indiana Dec 9, New Orleans Dec 12, Sacramento Dec 14, San Antonio Dec 17, Dallas Dec 27 and Phoenix Dec 31.

Chesapeake Arena, 100 W Reno Ave, OKC, 208.4667, nba.com/thunder BARONS HOCKEY Dec 11-31 OKC’s ice warriors face off against Peoria Dec 11, San Antonio Dec 14-15, Texas Dec 21-22, San Antonio again Dec 28 and Texas once more Dec 31. Cox Center, 1 Myriad Gardens, OKC, 232.4625, okcbarons.com 2012 ALL-COLLEGE CLASSIC Dec 15 Former Big 12 Rivals clash once more as Oklahoma takes on Texas A&M in this college basketball showcase. Chesapeake Arena, 100 W Reno Ave, OKC, 236.5000, okcallsports.org SOONER BASKETBALL Dec 18-31 The OU men tip off against Stephen F. Austin Dec 18, Ohio Dec 29 and Texas A&M Corpus Christi Dec 31. Lloyd Noble Center, 2900 S Jenkins Ave, Norman, 325.2424, soonersports.com

THEATRE A CHRISTMAS CAROL Through Dec 9 This production of an extraordinary day in the life of mean old Mr. Scrooge is presented by Oklahoma Children’s Theatre and TheatreOCU. OCU Kirkpatrick Auditorium, 2501 N Blackwelder Ave, OKC, 208.5121, okcu. edu/theatre EXCAVATION Through Dec 9 This world premiere spans centuries in the interwoven tale of two archaeological enthusiasts; a Victorian lady with a huge discovery and a modern-day boy trying to bury his own emotional past. Jewel Box Theatre, 3700 N Walker Ave, OKC, 521.1786, jewelboxtheatre.org THE WIZARD OF OZ Through Dec 9 The colorful characters and thrilling adventures might have all been just a dream… but the audience’s enjoyment is the real thing. St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 222 NW 15th St, OKC, 232.1371, stlukesokc.org SEASON’S GREETINGS Through Dec 9 Indignation, confrontation, inebriation, reconciliation - and an awful puppet show - add up to Christmas as usual in the Bunker house. UCO Pegasus Theater, 100 N University Dr, Edmond, 974.3375, uco.edu/cfad JUNIE B. IN JINGLE BELLS, BATMAN SMELLS Through Dec 16 Even unwilling generosity for the sake of staying off the naughty list can lead to positive results in this endearing bit of juvenilia.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Through Dec 29 Lyric Theatre’s spirited (ha!) retelling of Dickens’ classic is a tradition in and of itself, thanks to the generosity of Devon Energy and perennially delighted audiences. Lyric’s Plaza Theatre, 1725 NW 16th St, OKC, 524.9312, lyrictheatreokc.com CHEESE Dec 6-8 This darkly funny farce - subtitled “A Pungent Comedy” - by decorated playwright Laurel Ollstein delves into the timeless themes of secrecy, family, personal displacement and cheddar. OU Lab Theatre, 640 Parrington Oval, Norman, 325.4101, ou.edu/finearts/drama JACOB MARLEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL Dec 6-23 In a familiar tale told from an unexpected perspective, the deceased narrator breathes new life into the moving story of personal redemption. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 297.2264, okctheatrecompany.org ROKADEMY Dec 9 Turn it up! Students from Lyric Theatre’s Thelma Gaylord Academy bust out a rock and roll Christmas show for one singularly sensational performance. Lyric’s Thelma Gaylord Academy, 1801 NW 16th St, OKC, 524.9310, lyrictheatreokc.com SISTER’S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM Dec 18 A 2,000-year gap makes for a pretty cold case, but that won’t stop an officious nun from recreating the nativity (with audience assistance) in her hilarious attempt to solve the Mystery of the Magi’s Gold. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 800.869.1451, celebrityattractions.com

ON THE RADAR ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL Jan 4 The venerable Western swing band has put more than 40 years under its collective tires, and still keeps on trucking. Sooner Theatre, 101 E Main St, Norman, 321.9600, soonertheatre.org

SPREAD THE WORD » Like to list your upcoming event in Slice? Visit sliceok.com/ calendar, click the link for “Submit an event” and tell us about it – and remember that submissions must be received two months prior to publication for consideration.

december 2012 | slice 39

PURSUITS l WHAT TO DO

The Joys of the Season F ree time is often in short supply as the holidays approach, but if you can make room in your busy schedule, give yourself a present and find the

time to experience these delightful December treats – your future self will thank you for the memories.

BAROQUE CHRISTMAS

December 2, presented by Canterbury Choral Society, OKC Civic Center, 232.7464, canterburyokc.com

»

One is 270 years old, the other nearly 300, and neither has lost its power to move listeners – due to popular demand, Handel’s Messiah and the Magnificat by Bach will serve as the dual anchors of Canterbury’s annual holiday tradition. Either piece has the ability to uplift and inspire; sung together by the full-throated Canterbury throng, they are nigh-overwhelming and form a performance that is tremendous in every way.

BOOGIE WOOGIE CHRISTMAS

November 29-December 2 and December 6-8, presented by UCO Music Theatre, UCO Jazz Lab, 974.3375, uco.edu/cfad

» Along with the sight of colored lights and smell of baked goods, Christmas wouldn’t

be Christmas without the sounds of favorite carols we’ve all known all our lives. Some of the finest tune-carriers to be found at the University of Central Oklahoma happily add a little zing to audiences’ jingle jubilation in a snazzy, jazzy annual concert.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS December 6-9, presented by American Spirit Dance Company, OCU Kirkpatrick Auditorium, 208.5227, okcu.edu/dance_amgt

» Christmas comes but once a year, so Oklahoma City University’s renowned American Spirit Dance Company holds nothing back in its avalanche of celebration. A reverent nativity pageant, a stunning kickline of Rockettes-style Santa’s Helpers and everything in between make up this joyous production of singing, dancing, mirth and merriment.

“THE NUTCRACKER”

December 7-9 and 14-16, presented by OKC Ballet, OKC Civic Center, 843.9898, okcballet.com

» Exquisitely elegant in its own right and an integral component of the winter season – Tchaikovsky’s hauntingly beautiful recounting of a young girl’s wondrous journey comes to life through the skills of the OKC Ballet company as Clara, Herr Drosselmeyer, a valiant mechanical soldier and the fearsome Mouse King bring the magic of the world’s best-known ballet back to the Civic Center stage.

LYRIC’S “A CHRISTMAS CAROL”

November 30-December 29, presented by Lyric Theatre, Plaza Theater, 524.9312, lyrictheatreokc.com

» Under the expert guidance of director Michael Baron and featuring the returning talents

of Jonathan Beck Reed, Tom Huston Orr and more, Lyric’s smash hit offers plenty of spectral special effects and the delightful trappings of the titular holiday, while never forgetting the beating heart of Dickens’ uplifting tale: the wondrous truth that we can all simply choose to become better people.

40 slice | december 2012

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december 2012 | slice 41

p

in the

g

MARION PADEN

A

By Lauren Hammack Photo by Butch Enterline

s the third largest Rotary International Club in the

of Dr. Paden’s Rotary leadership is the contagious energy that

world, the downtown Rotary Club of Oklahoma City

she exudes. Few, however, would know that her role as the pres-

(Club 29) might have had several female presidents

ident of this organization, consisting of some 600 influential

in its 102-year history, yet Dr. Marion Paden is only the club’s

business leaders, represents a personal feeling of “coming full

second, the first having been the equally dynamic Meg Salyer.

circle.” Although she confesses to being somewhat nervous in

the spotlight, she positively beamed in ours this month.

Those who know her would readily attest that the hallmark

Are you a native Oklahoman? Yes. I grew up in Norman, but I didn’t graduate from Norman High School. I went to University School – it was a lab school through the University of Oklahoma.

Say what? Yes. It no longer exists. The day of my graduation was the last day the school was open, so I’ve never been to a class reunion. There were several Rhodes scholars who went to the lab school.

How would your script have gone? I always expected I’d have a traditional life; a husband and a family.

Have you ever been married? No. I’ve been engaged before, but never married.

This means you’re Oklahoma City’s Most Eligible Bachelorette! I predict an influx of first-timers to Rotary this month!

Ha! OK...

Were you one of them? Uh, no. I’m what you’d call a “Road scholar.”

What do you bring to a crowded room? A genuine desire to meet new people.

Because of your love of travel? It’s my passion.

What do you value most in your true friends? My true friends love me in spite of myself.

Favorite destination? I’m not the kind to go to a place twice because I’m too focused on new experiences, so I always say that my favorite destination is the next place I haven’t been yet!

What happened post-lab school? I got my bachelor’s degree in psychology from OSU, a master’s degree in counseling, a master’s degree in student personnel and guidance and a doctorate in higher education administration.

This explains your day job. What’s your official title? I am the vice-president for enrollment and student services at OCCC. How long have you been a Rotarian? 20 years.

Have you always aspired to run the joint? No. I never dreamed I’d run it. I joined because I thought I’d get a lot out of it. My grandfather was a Rotarian and I learned a lot about Rotary’s commitment to service from his involvement.

I know Rotary International has been at the forefront of efforts to eradicate polio globally. Yes and I have a very personal connection to that cause. My mother contracted polio shortly after I was born, so I’m very familiar with the devastating effects of the disease – which has no cure, but is totally preventable.

Your life’s experience seems to have prepared you for this role in Rotary. I would never have predicted that. I’ve come to terms with the fact that my life isn’t the one I would have chosen for myself, but it’s the life I was supposed to have.

42 slice | december 2012

What should people do at least once in their lifetime? Forgive someone who has done something unforgivable.

What words inspire you? I love Katharine Hepburn’s quote: “I don’t regret anything I’ve ever done, as long as I enjoyed it at the time.”

What’s your guilty pleasure? Champagne. Manicures.

What character trait would you gladly give up? I always look for the best in people, even when I shouldn’t.

That’s an admirable trait! Ehhhh. I’m very impatient.

Still, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I also have a highly sensitive “BS-ometer” and if I have to call someone out for their BS, I’m not tactful about it.

What’s the best decision you’ve ever made? I was living in Texas in the ’80s and it occurred to me that my parents didn’t know me as an adult, so I decided to move back to Oklahoma to become adult friends with my parents. They’ve both since passed away, but those years with them were the greatest joy of my life.

What are you most grateful for? Having a curious spirit and an open mind. Also, for my parents, who paid for my braces and my college education.

december 2012 | slice 43

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44 slice | december 2012

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features

Tree Wise Men Âť Oklahoma Christmas tree farmers love providing families the chance to harvest their own live trees and haul a few unforgettable memories home. All it took was grueling work, profitless years and thouSIMON HURST

sands of dead trees along the way. That is, if their farm survived at all.

december 2012 | slice 45

GROWING CHRISTMAS

By John Parker Photos by Simon Hurst

R

ambling in his beat-up white golf cart past a row of Scotch pines, John Knight eased off the gas. The engine, muttering like a mini-Sherman tank, cranked down to a low-pitched thrum.

The cart rolled to a stop under light-gray skies in the southwest cor-

ner of his 45-acre Christmas tree farm. Draping his arms on the steering wheel, the 68-year-old looked out on a fraction of the 36,000 trees on his Edmond land.

People told him he was crazy to start this farm, he said. Even his dad.

“He was a tree man and he understood trees real well,” Knight said. “And

he couldn’t understand why I was planting these – he called ’em cedars. He knew what they were. He knew they were spruce and pine and firs.

“He said, ‘Ya know, you’ve been a pretty good kid most of your life. You’ve

always had an ability to be prosperous, do well. But I don’t understand this deal with these cedar trees you’re plantin’ up there. Nobody’s gonna buy those cedar trees.

46 slice | december 2012

december 2012 | slice 47

Four Reasons To Get Real THE CIRCLE OF LIFE.

five feet tall. Buyers usually prefer sev-

It seems odd to be killing a tree to save one, but that empty spot of dirt quickly fills with a seedling. Better yet, buy a tree with the root ball intact and plant it on your own property after the holidays. Just call ahead to see who’s selling them.

en to eight feet. Virginia pines grow fast and well in Oklahoma – no more than five years for a marketable tree.

Hail, tornadoes, drought and fire can wipe out a year’s planting or the entire crop. Merrill Snider and his extend-

Unlike their industrial clones, real trees are recyclable and biodegradable. Most central Oklahoma cities will either pick up used trees or let you drop them off.

ed family members have run the Goddard Tree Farm in Norman since 1969.

John Knight

IT’S THE ECONOMY, RUDOLPH.

Christmas tree farming is rough. Help out an Oklahoma farmer who endured all the years and trouble it takes to bring you a real Christmas experience. The farms are mostly family affairs, rounding up nephews, nieces and cousins for some Christmas dough during the selling season. Locally grown means better prices and profits that stay here.

SCENTS OF THE SEASON.

Certain real trees infuse a home with one of the classic Christmas memories: the crisp smell of pine. You’ll get it with any pine variety, including Scotch, Virginia and loblolly.

But be sure to sniff around for more nuances.

Grand firs are said to conjure oranges or a citrus-y evergreen. Fraser firs spread hints of balsam. Blue spruces look stunning, but crushing the needles releases a pungent smell. Trees with the least aroma include the Leyland cypress and white pine.

BETTER MEMORIES.

For artificial tree holdouts, the following routine will not become a fond family tale enjoyed around the fireplace: 1. Schlep bulky cardboard box to living room. 2. Extract artificial tree sections. 3. Cram together. 4. Straighten endless number of wire branches. 5. Watch in horror as fingers spontaneously curl into claws. 6. Swear profusely.

48 slice | december 2012

“You’re just gonna have to burn those

He and his wife Shirley helped her parents, Lillie Mae and Fred Goddard, plant the first trees. Amid other hard-

suckers.’”

His dad Willie passed away before

his son’s dream grew up, but it prospered – after two destroyed crops and nearly quitting. Now hundreds of families drive out to Knight’s Sorghum Mill Christmas Tree and Blackberry Farm every November and December.

It’s a tradition for most. Scattered families brave the chill to weave through lanes of deep-green trees. Most cut them down themselves; others let the seasonal farmhands do it. It only takes a few hours for kids and couples to find the perfect tree to last the holidays.

The memories survive far longer.

For

an

agricultural

enterprise

crowned with spreading holiday cheer and family memories, Christmas tree farming is a tough and risky business.

After the initial investment of plant-

ing and, perhaps, irrigation, don’t expect any money back for several years. Most growers will sell trees when they reach

ships through the years, hail slammed down on the field two years ago.

“You could walk up through the field

and see which direction the hail was falling,” Snider said. “The north sides of the trees were just beat to death almost.”

They trudged on with sales, how-

ever, successfully pointing out to tree pickers that one side of the tree is usually facing the wall anyway.

Pickin’, Haulin’ and Raisin’ The best thing about picking live trees is the adventure. So make a holiday of it!

Scan the top Oklahoma Christmas tree website, okchristmastrees.com, to get a general sense of each farm experience – but you always need to verify a farm’s offerings with a call. It can be a long drive back if you don’t find what you want.

Oklahoma’s recent droughts may have limited a given farm’s live-tree stock, while other growers have plenty. Even with a low stock, farms also sell stunning pre-cut trees that don’t grow well here, such as Noble, Fraser and grand firs.

Nantucket pine tip moths emerge in

early spring and lay eggs in the tips of pine branches. The larvae eat and bore through the various parts. Multiple

Nearly all the farms offer amenities and/or activities on the side. Free hot chocolate is almost a given. Others supply free candy canes, cookies and more.

branches on a tree can die or deform, making the tree unsellable. Growers have to spray against them.

Tree-related products are usually for sale, including wreaths, garlands and tree stands.

Some farms have gift shops for ornaments and holiday décor. One operation will even take you to fields in a tractor and wagon.

Knight almost quit twice before he

brought in his first crop. Deaths in the family once caused him to miss spraying. The tree damage stopped all sales that year. Hail stripped most of the trees to stalks in another year. In the early 1990s, a tornado ripped apart one tree field.

Kevin Brown on the Goddard Tree Farm

Before you go, consider what you’ll need to haul the tree back home. Some farms will secure the tree to your ride for free. Measuring the height of your Christmas tree room pays off, too. december 2012 | slice 49

in central Oklahoma because droughts can kill entire fields.

Drought and heat turned about 2,000 evergreens to brown in 2011, shutting down a more than 20-yearold farm in Purcell. White’s Christmas Trees in Noble lost the last of hundreds of trees to drought and stopped selling a year ago. The grower, Luke Canon, had put 15 years into his “experiment,” 10 of those as a seller.

The double assault of heat and drought

is deadly. “If it’s a young plant without water, its establishment is almost impossible,” he said. “As far as my spruce – it just cooked the needles on the tree.”

Canon is not giving up yet, though.

He wants to start again with one key ad

The trees demand year-round main-

tenance for the best quality. Snider’s right-hand man is his son-in-law, Kevin Brown. The Goddard Farm lays out aluminum-pipe aerial sprayers that they maneuver about five rows at a time. Last summer’s drought kept Brown busy with constant night watering.

“When it’s a hundred degrees, it’s

pretty hot and strenuous work,” Brown said. “We went for close to 100 days of

Tree Tips » Freshness should not be a problem with

moving pipe almost every single day.”

Twice a year, the trees need to be

sheared into their familiar Christmastree shape. Knight’s seasonal workers strap on 40-pound, gas-powered trim-

live trees. With pre-cut or live trees, though, you can run a branch through your cupped hand. If a lot of needles fall, it’s too dry.

Branches should bend, not snap.

mers that can run for two hours on a

» Growers will make a fresh cut on the end

willing to shear on a grand scale.

of the live tree if the initial cut isn’t even.

They drill a hole in the bottom to help it stand on the spike of the live-tree stand.

» A

tank. There are 36,000 or so trees on Knight’s main farm and he struggles to find even seasoned landscape workers

Other work on the farm is just as hard.

“We handle these big ol’ trees and

some of ’em weigh 250 pounds and

freshly cut tree can still draw water through its trunk. The trick is to stop sap and air from sealing off the bottom. Put it in warm tap water when you arrive home, then always keep it watered. A tree can gulp a gallon or more a day.

take five guys,” he said. “We do a lot of

» If the weather is particularly cold, some

this year. The 73-year-old trimmed about

shovel work, posthole digging – a lot of manual labor.”

With his smaller operation, Snider

personally sheared nearly 2,000 trees

growers advise setting up the watered tree in the garage overnight for acclimation before moving it indoors.

three to four hours a day over two months.

» For

Oklahoma’s heavy clay stunts growth or

other tips and hints, trust the National Christmas Tree Growers Association at realchristmastrees.org. They’ve tested all the tricks and busted the myths.

50 slice | december 2012

Farmers have to consider soil too.

The best is slightly acidic and loamy. kills. New trees are most often planted as seedlings. Irrigation is almost a must

dition: irrigation.

Snider’s farm in Norman is a part-

time operation; he’s also a realtor.

Knight’s year-round farm work, including landscaping sales, fluctuates from running it on his own to employing 60 or 70 people in November/December to haul trees, run mechanical shakers and operate Christmas tree netters after a sale. He’ll have about 3,500 Christmas trees for sale this year.

Knight is president of the Oklahoma

Christmas Tree Association. Membership has fallen from 136 members and 43 selling farms in 1992 to 22 members and

Finding Your Tree These central Oklahoma farms have a green light for live trees this year. For more detailed information about state growers, visit okchristmastrees.com.

NORTH METRO Sorghum Mill Christmas Tree and Blackberry Farm 7121 Midwest Ln., Edmond 340.5488 Open through December 23 – weekdays 1-7pm; weekends 10am-7pm Coffee Creek Christmas Tree Farm (small selection of live; mostly pre-cut) 13899 E. Coffee Creek Rd., Arcadia 396.2282 or 201.3555 Open through mid-December – weekdays noon-6pm; weekends 10am-6pm.

SOUTH/SOUTHEAST Goddard Tree Farm 5209 E. Robinson St., Norman 364.0320 Open weekends until December 16 – Saturday 9am-dusk; Sundays 1pm-dusk Four Daughters Tree Farm 4614 Churchill Downs Dr., Norman 329.7152 Open until sold out – weekdays by appointment; Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 1-5pm

19 farms that will sell this year, administrative secretary Shelly Collins said.

Members have dwindled primarily

due to growers “aging out” and crop failures, especially through droughts.

Despite the perils of Christmas tree

growing, Knight welcomes newcomers to the business. The association weans beginners into the learning process and shares how to cut their odds of losses.

He figures the market could bear

two or three more operations.

“I ought to have my head examined

for being in it, but I’m in it for life,” Knight said. “It’s hard work, but I can’t wait to get out of that house in the morning, and I can hardly stand to go back in at night.”

Canadian Valley Christmas Tree Farm Three miles southeast of Noble on U.S. 77. Look for the sign.

872.8255 Open until December 16 – weekends 9am-dusk; weekdays 1pm-dusk.

EAST W6 Pines Christmas Tree Farm 15600 Kent Dr., Choctaw 390.8635 Open through December 24 – weekdays 3-6pm; Saturdays 9am-6pm; Sundays 1-4pm WEST Martinbird Tree Farm 513 Ridgewood Dr., Tuttle 381.2910 Open through December 24 – seven days a week 9am-5pm All Pine Products 2205 S. Mustang Rd., Yukon 324.1010 Open through December 24 – weekdays 3-6pm; weekends 10am-6pm december 2012 | slice 51

52 slice | december 2012

Group Performance

By Russ Tall Chief Photos by Simon Hurst

Nearly 20 years ago, six talented women decided to start an art studio in the Paseo Arts District. An old gas station, formerly owned by Anderson Prichard Oil Company, appeared to be just the right place to fuel their creative collective. The six artists rented the space for six years before forming an LLC and purchasing the property. Thus, Studio Six was established at 3021 Paseo, where it has become a pillar of the art community.

december 2012 | slice 53

T

hey began as friends be-

“Our styles are so different that we

and bold lines, not necessarily what a

fore they became part-

don’t compete on any level,” Murphy

casual tourist might see,” Murphy says.

ners in art. Donna Ber-

says. “We help each other when possible,

“My goal is to produce a painting that is

ryhill, Winnie Hawkins,

though. Mary is really good at titling my

not a ‘postcard’ view but will intrigue

B.J. White, Regina Mur-

work,” she adds with a chuckle.

the viewer and prolong interest.”

phy, Mary Nickell and Sue Moss Sulli-

van collaborated on a select few major

explored various artistic genres, but

mon theme among the artists’ work.

art projects in the early days of Studio

painting is her passion. She creates col-

Like Murphy, Sue Moss Sullivan has

Six and also exhibited as a group in ma-

orfully vivid landscapes in an experi-

also been working for 30 years as an

jor exhibitions, including two shows

mental blend of abstraction and realism.

artist. Sullivan’s work, however, emerg-

at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Most

“When I paint a landscape my aim is

es primarily from paper and textiles,

of their work, however, has always re-

to show the viewer my vision of a special

which form mixed media pieces often

mained distinctly independent.

place with lively color, lyrical shapes

reflecting urban landscape.

Over the past 30 years, Murphy has

The environment appears as a com-

“The Oklahoma landscapes that I see… reflect my vision of the architecture, expanse and eventual decay of cities and structures,” Sullivan says. “The pieces are viewed at ‘grade’ perspective or from above, as a map or aerial view.

The materials – papers, rust, metal, gold and silver leaf – are materials that essentially come from earth and will return.”

Sullivan’s creative repurposing of used coffee filters in her paper works shares an unexpectedly sophisticated relationship with her other pieces formed in highly stylized and textured Japanese paper. Her fiber works express a similar tactile sensibility. Sullivan has been weaving since before she moved to Oklahoma City from St. Louis in 1976, where she had been a high school English teacher. Since becoming a founding member of Studio Six, Sullivan has been exploring mixed media work with fiber, paper and other materials, but all of her work remains informed by basic weaving techniques.

“Moving to the studio space allowed

me the opportunity to expand into sculpture work,” Sullivan says. “I became intrigued by how fiber could be combined with materials, such as wire, to create three-dimensional sculpture.”

Sullivan regularly acquires materi-

als from her partners in the studio to create her sculptural pieces. She also often shares materials, which are repurposed and reimagined by her artistic counterparts. Mary Nickell, for instance, incorporates wooden spools left over from Regina Murphy

54 slice | december 2012

Sullivan’s wax linen into mixed media assemblages. Nickell is known for

december 2012 | slice 55

“When you put your art in front of people, you are baring your soul.�

- Mary Nickell

Mary Nickell

56 slice | december 2012

creatively

integrating

unsuspecting

materiality in her sculptural work, in which a collection of used hearing aid batteries may be carefully crafted into a silver mosaic collage. Ever environmentally mindful, Nickell has even been known to incorporate leftover orange peels into her work after pausing in the studio for a refreshing fruit snack.

Although Nickell experiments in three-dimensional work, she has primarily been working in paint since 1984. After her children “flew the coop,” Nickell began taking workshops in watercolor before exploring acrylic and oil paints. She resisted taking too many art classes to avoid being overly influenced by techniques, instead relying on her instincts to maintain originality and spontaneity in her work.

“It took a lot of intestinal fortitude

to take off on my own,” Nickell says.

“When you put your art in front of people, you are baring your soul. You are risking failure and criticism, but you just have to do it.”

Nickell says her goal in art is to reject

the trite and create work that challenges her. As a result, her work is inspired by her travels as well as by everyday life.

Her recent trip to New York resulted in impressionistic pieces inspired by the architecture. After her visit to Cezanne’s studio in southern France last year, Nickell’s husband built an eightfoot-tall easel for her, inspired by the one Cezanne used in his studio.

“I don’t paint for money,” Nickell

says. “I paint because it fulfills me and

Sue Moss Sullivan

satisfies a need to be creative and expressive. I look forward to coming to the

studio about four days a week to work,

name Studio Six, the artists now num-

thread that holds the artists in Studio

and I never know what I am going to

ber only three – and they plan to keep it

Six together is that the women respect

paint when I begin.”

that way. The women continue to show-

one another’s time and space and give

Over the years, Studio Six has sur-

case new work and also feature guest

each other a chance to be creative. The

vived the loss of three members of the

artists every month during Paseo’s First

artistic theme that seems to bind the

original group. B.J. White left just a few

Friday Gallery Walk. December’s guest

group, however, appears to continue to

months after the studio opened to pursue

artists are Rick and Tracy Bewley, a dy-

be rooted in nature.

a Master of Fine Art at OU. Fellow found-

namic husband-and-wife team working

er Donna Berryhill passed away in 1997,

in glass. Murphy will also have a show

“We are so vulnerable; but the earth en-

and Winnie Hawkins passed away this

of her new work this month at JRB Art

dures, although gouged and scarred by

past July. The studio plans to memorial-

at the Elms, just down the street from

time and the elements. Perhaps that is

ize Hawkins through a fund established

Studio Six at the southern tip of the Pas-

why I am awed by its grandeur and in-

in the Paseo Arts Association.

eo Arts District.

spired by its beauty.”

Although the studio maintains the

Nickell suggests that the common

“Life is so transient,” Murphy says.

december 2012 | slice 57

58 slice | december 2012

The Too-Far-Gone

User’s Guide

f

for a Mind, Body and Spirit Overhaul

By Lauren Hammack

For many of us, the last 90 days of the year serve as little more than a cautionary tale of self-

defeating behavior and abandoned resolutions for improving our health and overall outlook on life.

Maybe you’ve already vowed to bounce back from the perennial trifecta of stress, consumption

and sloth. Or maybe you just rolled over and went back to sleep. Either way, the year’s end is as good a time as any to leave our wicked ways behind us and take a forward-thinking inventory of all the ways we can use a mind, body and spirit overhaul.

The concept is hardly a new one. In fact, our ancestors were early adopters when it came to

righting all the wrongs of stress-filled (or cream-filled) living, and they did it all without prescriptions or gym memberships. Following their lead to get ourselves on the road to living better, we’ve opted to explore the road less traveled.

geothermal therapy

Secluded on a mountainside within an hour’s drive from either Santa Fe or Taos, New Mexico,

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa is the oldest natural health spa in the country, comprised of naturally occurring geothermal waters of assorted properties that are believed to ease many health woes, including digestive, skin, circulatory and arthritis problems.

Originating from a subterranean volcanic aquifer and segregated according to their elements

(iron, soda, lithia and arsenic), ten natural geothermal pools vary in temperature from 80° to 109° Fahrenheit and allow visitors any combination of bone-soaking options.

Native Americans considered the mineral springs of Ojo Caliente to be sacred, and that rever-

ence is still respected today. The entire spa is a “Whisper Zone,” to maintain Ojo’s sanctuary environment where the only sounds come from the natural outdoor setting surrounding the baths. december 2012 | slice 59

FRED CISNEROS | CISNEROS DESIGN

GIVE YOURSELF A CHRISTMAS BONUS If you prefer to partake of Ojo Caliente’s healing waters yet make your base in Santa Fe, we recommend a fireplace suite at the Hotel Santa Fe’s Hacienda. All the creature comforts are within reach, thanks in part to your professional butler, whose devotion to your bliss is rivaled only by the tranquility and artistry of Santa Fe’s only Native American-owned hotel.

Ensconced within several acres, guests at the 35-suite, Pueblo-style Hacienda enjoy the proximity of Santa Fe’s historic Plaza, as well as sweeping views of the city’s painted sky from the balcony of the Hacienda’s inviting outdoor terrace.

Steps away, the Spa at Hotel Santa Fe provides an ethereal escape for the tense and the weary.

It blends elements of water, earth and fragrant, indigenous herbal ingredients for its distinctive spa rituals, many of which incorporate Native American practices for grounding and balancing, as well as several from East Indian origins for detoxifying and purifying the body.

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ZILLI

acupuncture therapy If your crippling fear of needles

tempts you to skip over this section, hypnosis therapy might help, but it’s worth mentioning that acupuncture uses really tiny needles to treat more than 43 common disorders (according to the World Health Organization).

Odds are, you’ve got a few of them.

Based on the thousands-of-years-

old Chinese teachings that the body’s energy (or “qi,” pronounced “chee”) travels up and down meridians (or channels) throughout the body, acupuncture is an effective means of restoring the disrupted flow of energy that results in illness and imbalance.

Those infamous needles, inserted into specific acupuncture

points, set off electromagnetic signals within the tissues, causing them to regulate themselves again. Think of it as re-booting your computer when a program isn’t functioning the way it should… and then cue the endorphins.

60 slice | december 2012

Acupuncture has been shown to help release endorphins

and serotonin from the brain centers and pituitary gland, sending them right into the bloodstream for instant, made-itmyself pain relief.

According to the Oklahoma Acupuncture Association, the

proper use of acupuncture produces an analgesic (pain-relieving) result, sedation, immune-enhancing effects and anti-inflammatory/anti-allergic effects, among others.

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/DEANMITCHELL

reiki healing This ancient, holistic healing technique (pronounced Ray

from person to person, but almost everyone emerges from their

key) focuses on the wholeness of mind, body and spirit by rais-

session, which lasts about an hour, with a sense of renewal and

ing the body’s vibrational frequency to align the various en-

a distinct change in energy. Maxey adds that, frequently, the

ergy centers throughout the body.

shift in energy produces a “state of bliss” for her clients, which

A highly trained practitioner, known as a Reiki Master,

is often the first step to increased spiritual awareness, as well

channels non-invasive, subtle energy to the recipient by plac-

as emotional and physical healing. “Reiki clears out the old en-

ing his or her hands on or slightly above the recipient’s body.

ergy in order for the new energy to come in,” Maxey says.

The result for the recipient is often a state of deep relaxation,

which is essential to reducing stress and allowing the body’s

prevalent in the nursing practice, as many nursing schools have

natural healing to begin.

begun using Reiki to enhance their patients’ healing processes

Stress, pain, nutritional issues, negative emotions and

with pain relief and relaxation. For Maxey, this combination of

thought patterns, such as anxiety, fear or anger, take a destruc-

therapies is ideal. “Some people believe that modern medicine

tive toll on the entire body. As a Reiki Master for the past 12

is all wrong,” Maxey says, “but I don’t believe that. I believe that

years, Phyllis Maxey of Oklahoma City says that results vary

modern medicine should be intertwined with the holistic.”

Maxey also points out that Reiki therapy is becoming more

hypnotherapy

Maybe it’s really all in your head after all.

increasing memory retention, smoking cessation, weight loss,

The question, “how can hypnosis help me?” is better

better sleep and overcoming phobias, fears, grief and trauma.

phrased, “what can’t hypnosis help?” Its overwhelming suc-

cess rate has made hypnosis therapy increasingly accepted

a hypnotic state in one session, which typically takes about

among medical and healing professionals, according to Okla-

two hours. The other five percent might take another session

homa City Certified Clinical Hypnotist Patrick Coleman, who

or two, but they’ll get there. Once they’ve experienced thera-

routinely uses the mind-body connection of hypnosis to ease

peutic hypnosis, Coleman’s patients regularly report improve-

the discomfort of wary dental patients by helping his clients

ments in (or complete disappearance of) physical conditions

apply the mind’s infinite capabilities to overcome pain, fear

such asthma, allergies, migraines and skin conditions.

and nervousness.

during their session after they leave, giving them the freedom to

In addition to “relaxed dentistry,” Coleman specializes in

therapeutic hypnosis for pain removal, sports performance,

Coleman says that about 95 percent of us can enter into

Coleman adds that patients can apply the techniques he uses

benefit from the therapy in all aspects of everyday life. december 2012 | slice 61

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SPACES l DISCERNING DESIGN

64 slice | december 2012

Tastes, Traditions… and Trees

By John Parker Photos by David Cobb

J

im Helberg and Steve Skidmore won’t be dining at their breakfast-nook table this Christmas. That would be a feat because the tabletop is currently an exploding

volcano of colorful confections crawling up the stems of three miniature trees. It’s a Cherry Mash-up of Peppermint Patties, Kit Kats, Whoppers, hard-candy garlands and, to top it all off, gumdrop stars.

The trees’ whimsical “Junk Food” theme is Steve’s favorite

of 20 tree motifs brightening 11 rooms in their west Norman home. A Christmas collector for years, Steve even scored ornaments in the shape of a shiny silver sandwich with a bite out of it and a pepperoni pizza slice.

The Junk Food tree is definitely the most fun to shop for.

For Steve, it’s an homage to holiday indulgence.

“This time of year there’s no calories during the holidays,

so just enjoy it,” he says.

Jim and Steve have been together for 21 years, and divide

their time between Norman and their primary home in Los Angeles. Jim, whose advertising career has included toplevel positions at Time Inc./Time-Warner, is now senior vice president of media strategy, integration and analytics at RPA, the largest ad firm headquartered in greater L.A., with clients including Honda and Acura.

He’s also a 1983 University of Oklahoma journalism grad-

uate, and both he and Steve are staunch OU football fans, as attested to by signed photographs of university sports heroes and OU regalia on their walls. They attend every home game and Steve also follows OU women’s basketball. They also enjoy attending art and academic events at OU every year.

Steve’s Christmas tree themes are as varied as the pair’s

interests and one tells a story about their values. Have no doubt, though: The trees are Steve’s creations.

“Jim puts about 12 ornaments on one tree,” he said. december 2012 | slice 65

SPACES l DISCERNING DESIGN

66 slice | december 2012

Stepping through their home’s front door

reveals the centerpiece wood-burning fireplace and, beside it, their premier nine-foot tree. Its theme is “Old World,” noted by a lettered wooden ornament. Red dominates the color scheme while variations of hatched, tartan and checkerboard ball ornaments evoke a Dickensian past.

Jim and Steve love to host family and

friends – their backyard patio is café-style, with rows of bistro tables and chairs for the 40 to 75 guests they invite over for pre-game tailgate parties. The best reflection of that sensibility is the “Life” tree in the main guest bathroom. It’s adorned with placard ornaments bearing humorous and wise sayings such as, “A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be.” december 2012 | slice 67

SPACES l DISCERNING DESIGN

The tree that can’t seem to stop growing in scope is the “Sooner.” It’s a crimson-and-cream tribute with OU candy canes, mini-footballs and helmets. “We’ll need a 12-foot room for that eventually,” Steve says.

One guest room is accented by dual

“Winter” trees. Robed in white and flocked, the seven-foot guardians flank the room’s king-size bed.

Traditional accents abound in all

the home’s rooms. Red and green gingerbread men join hands across the top of an entryway door. A column of diminutive nutcracker soldiers stand at attention over another. A manger scene unfolds beside the “Twelve Days of Christmas” tree.

68 slice | december 2012

Community Care In November, Jim and Steve allowed Normanites and others to roam their approximately 3,000-square-foot home as part of the Assistance League of Norman’s annual Holiday Home Tour, which raises money to help the League provide an impressive array of philanthropic programs for the city’s residents: Assault Survivor Kits – A care package of clothing and grooming supplies for survivors of rape and other violent assault who are leaving the Norman Rape Crisis Center.

Bears for Children – The League provides cuddly bears to children in crisis situations like auto accidents and house fires.

Care Kits – Supplies and toiletries for women and children residing in the Norman Women’s Shelter, and Independent Living students completing high school on their own.

Operation School Bell – New coats, shoes, pants and more for over 1,200 children in the Norman and Little Axe school systems each year.

Seniors R&R – League members play bingo and provide prizes and snacks each month to clients of Full Circle Adult Day Care Center.

For more information, contact the Assistance League at 321.9400 or visit norman. assistanceleague.org. december 2012 | slice 69

SPACES l DISCERNING DESIGN

“It brings incredible memories of past Christmases.”

Christmas for Jim and Steve

boils down to one more reason for happy get-togethers with family and friends. Their home is formal, but the pair insist upon “casual dress and even more casual attitudes,” as Jim notes.

As the beneficiary of Steve’s

enthusiasm for creative Christmases, Jim appreciates the annual resurrection of traditions they’ve shared over the years.

“I would say it brings incred-

ible memories of past Christmases,” he said. “Memories of family that aren’t around any more.

And every year we make new memories with friends and families. It’s great.”

70 slice | december 2012

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COUTURE AREA RUGS • CARPET • PILLOWS 7118 N. Western • Oklahoma City • 405.842.9000

december 2012 | slice 71

Private Dining...for 1 to 100!

1 Mickey Mantle Drive . 405.235.4410 . www.facebook.com/Nonnas 72 slice | december 2012

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S P L A S H

Making Magic

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L I B A T I O N S

By Caryn Ross

Âť The holidays are a magical time for families. We all have specific memories of those iconic meals of Christmas past.

I can still remember being awakened on Christmas morning by the smells coming from my Mom’s kitchen: sizzling bacon, waffles and the strong scent of hot spiced chai wafting through the air. Make some memories of your own

CARLI WENTWORTH

with our breakfast delights on page 74.

december 2012 | slice 73

FARE l IN THE KITCHEN

A Twist on Tradition

By Caryn Ross Photos by Carli Wentworth

N

ow, you may not think that your family pays attention to Christmas breakfast traditions, but I promise the one year you leave something out there will be protests far and wide! Here’s my twist on regular

waffles – no more boring white waffles at my table. In fact, waffles can be made in myriad flavors. Pick your favorite cake and turn it into a waffle. It truly is that easy!

For Christmas this year I am making red velvet waffles with maple

cream and candied pecans – all the comforts of a traditional red velvet cake in a waffle form. My favorite part is the crunch of the candied pecans. And if you like warm chai on a cold day, then my hot buttered chai is perfect for your Christmas morning. I came up with this dandy of a recipe when I was trying to recreate my Mom’s hot buttered rum recipe. It was such a success I now give it as a gift. Pair it with a sassy mug and a little bottle of rum! These recipes are destined to be holiday favorites for years to come.

74 slice | december 2012

Red Velvet Waffles 1 1/2 c flour 3 T Ghirardelli cocoa powder 1/2 c cornstarch 1 t baking powder 1/2 t baking soda 1/2 t salt 4 T sugar 2 c buttermilk 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted 2 large eggs, beaten 1 1/2 t vanilla extract 3 T red liquid food coloring

Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, butter, vanilla and red food coloring. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet until combined with no lumps. Pour into waffle maker and cook until crisp. Remove from waffle iron and serve with a dollop of maple cream and sprinkle with candied pecans.

Maple Cream

8 oz cream cheese, softened 4 T real maple syrup In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese and maple syrup until smooth.

Candied Pecans 2 c whole pecans 1/2 stick of unsalted butter 1/4 c brown sugar 1 t cinnamon 1 t vanilla paste

In a large skillet melt butter over medium heat. Add in the pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla paste. Stir frequently until sugar has melted. Watch carefully as the nuts can burn quickly! Once sugar is melted, remove from heat and pour onto parchment-lined baking sheet to cool.

Hot Buttered Chai Tea Mix 1 c nonfat dry milk powder 1 c nondairy powdered coffee creamer 1 c French vanilla-flavored nondairy powdered coffee creamer 2 1/2 c sugar 1 1/2 c unsweetened instant tea 2 t ground ginger 2 t cinnamon 1 t ground cardamom 1 t nutmeg 1 t allspice 1 t white pepper 1/2 gallon French vanilla ice cream, softened 1 T rum (optional) Combine all of the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In another large bowl, spoon in the softened ice cream. Add 2 cups of the dry ingredient mix. Stir until well combined and then place in an airtight plastic freezer container. Freeze 2 hours. To make the tea, add a scoop of frozen chai mixture to a mug and pour boiling water over and fill to the top.

Add rum for a little holiday zing!

Store extra dry chai tea mix in a plastic storage bag or canister.

Whimsical polka dot Santa Claus and snowman dishes, lime green napkins and red snowflake runners generously supplied by Seasonal Living at Flower City in Oklahoma City, 405.947.4100, seasonallivingokc.com. december 2012 | slice 75

FARE l SPLASH

Local BUZZ

By Steve Gill Photo by Butch Enterline

C

offee is one of the country’s most ubiquitous beverages, but not all mugs are brewed equal.

If you want a pick-me-up with personality, someplace with genuine taste and local flavor rather than a mere dispenser of hot brown liquid, you’re in luck – the metro has a strong set of heavily caffeinated gems.

NORMAN

other places in the metro can make you

you make time to stop by, the detour

chrysanthemum tea or a sweet potato

may quickly become a habit. Friendly

latté? (Which is, by the way, sensational.)

service (the owner greets regulars by

michelangeloscoffeeandwine.com

ALSO TRY: Cowgirl Coffee, Café Evoke

name) and cheerful atmosphere define

While boasting elements of a bistro

CENTRAL OKC

TOP PICK: Michelangelo’s Coffee and Wine Bar – 207 E. Main, 579.3387,

(they make pizzas and have a solid wine list) and a club (live weekend performances and a monthly open mic night), Michelangelo’s still has the soul of a coffee bar: tables for working, couches for lounging, outdoor seats for basking and excellent espresso for fueling all of the above. ALSO TRY: Gray Owl Coffee, Syrup, Hastings (Don’t scoff; the Hardback Café has a killer Mayan Mocha.)

EDMOND TOP PICK: All About Cha – 3272 S. Broadway, 340.9959, allaboutcha.net

admirable feat of making flavored bev-

TOP PICK: The Red Cup – 3122 N. Clas-

erages whose flavors actually blend and

sen, 525.3430, redcupokc.com

don’t overwhelm the coffee. Try the

The drinks are good – the cayenne-

namesake blueberry-and-white-choco-

spiked Sexi Mexi almost painfully so – and the breakfast and lunch menus make it a heavenly haven for vegetarians. But the Red Cup’s evangelists always emphasize its vibe: mismatched

late-laced latté.

D-I-Y (Because you can’t always abandon the office and spend the afternoon hanging around a coffeehouse, more’s the pity)

furniture, creaky wooden floors, local

TOP PICK: PrimaCafé – 44 N.E. 51st in

art, unfeigned sense of casual commu-

OKC, 525.0006, primacafe.com

nity. Like the best coffeehouses, it leaves

The Slice House runs on this stuff. Be-

customers in no hurry to depart. ALSO TRY: The Paramount, Beatnix Café

The interior is a crisp, classy blend of

SPECIAL MENTION

sun-dappled bustle and mood-lit calm,

The Blue Bean Coffee Company – 13316

and the menu is out of this continent.

the smallish space, and it manages the

S. Western in OKC, 735.5115, bluebean

sides intangibles like their commitment to sustainability or Chip always being glad to see us, the coffee is consistently excellent – they use a traditional drum roaster to produce small batches in a process they call more art than science – at

While the “stylish coffee and tea” empo-

coffee.com

rium does the classics very well, Ameri-

It’s not really close to anything ex-

ferior alternatives. ALSO TRY: Elemental

canos aren’t hard to find… but how many

cept Westmoore High School, but if

Coffee Roasters, Coffee Slingers

76 slice | december 2012

a price point that’s lower than many in-

EDIBLES AND LIBATIONS l FARE

KEY $ most entrees under $10 $$ most entrees $10 to $25 $$$ most entrees over $25

outdoor dining

reservations accepted

new or updated entry

AMERICAN

if not veneration. Masterful preparation of ordinary breakfast and lunch fare – expect lengthy lines. 213 E Main, Norman, 329.6642 $ EISCHEN’S Two things to bear in mind: 1.

It’s in Okarche, about 45 minutes from OKC proper. 2. It’s universally agreed to be well worth the trip. Legendary fried chicken and okra in a gloriously noisy packed house; cash only. 108 S 2nd, Okarche, 263.9939 $ FANCY THAT No longer restricting customers to a quick lunch and bakery treats, this Main Street café’s robust expansion into evening and weekend hours is cause for celebration… over dinner. 215 E Main, Norman, 307.0541 $$

ANN’S CHICKEN FRY HOUSE This Route 66 classic provides a blast from the past in its copious decorative memorabilia, and excellent chicken fried steak big enough to sate the hugest appetites. 4106 NW 39th, OKC, 943.8915 $

FIRST WATCH THE DAYTIME CAFE Large and well-lit with a friendly staff, complimentary newspapers and wi-fi and a menu filled with breakfast and lunch selections and specialties. 2328 W Memorial, OKC, 748.3447 $

AROUND THE CORNER RESTAURANT A no-frills, old-school diner that’s a favorite spot for Edmondites to linger over omelettes, pork chops or pancakes and coffee. 11 S Broadway, Edmond, 341.5414 $

FLINT Approachably casual style in the front of the house, with impeccably serious attention to detail in the kitchen; it’s the Colcord Hotel’s winning combination for contemporary cuisine. 15 N Robinson, OKC, 601.4300 $$

BOULEVARD CAFETERIA Roast beef, chicken and dumplings, even 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 A fast, casual restaurant with a very cool concept: widely varied salad, sandwich, pizza and pasta options, all priced under $7 and served up in 7 minutes, 7 days a week.

14101 N May, OKC, 748.3354; 120 N Robinson, Suite W 175, OKC, 748.3354 $ CAFÉ 501 Rustic stone oven pizzas, fresh, uniquely designed salads and delicious specialty sandwiches on house-made artisan breads – add classic atmosphere and enjoy.

501 S Boulevard, Edmond, 359.1501; 5825 NW Grand, OKC, 844.1501 $$ CLASSEN GRILL Don’t be thrown by the seen-better-days exterior; the food inside is deftly done diner deliciousness, especially the breakfast options. The eggs benedict and cheese grits can make your day in advance. 5124 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 842.0428 $

GOOD GRAVY DINER Hefty, heavenly portions of roast beef or chicken fried steak, tasty sandwiches and burgers, a constellation of breakfast options… and a whole slew of specialty gravies to top them off. 8014 N Western, OKC, 842.6200 $ INTERURBAN CLASSIC GRILL It’s a simple concept: serve good food at a reasonable price in comfortable, casual surroundings. Favorites like chicken-fried steak are always on the menu, but there are plenty of options for the health-conscious as well. 4 metro locations, interurban.us $$ JIMMY’S EGG Although it’s open for lunch as well, Jimmy’s Egg is a breakfast favorite with endless omelette possibilities, friendly service and fresh-baked breads and biscuits.

11 metro locations, jimmysegg.com $ KAISER’S AMERICAN BISTRO Founded in 1918 and serving contemporary classics like a top-notch buffalo burger, Kaiser’s boasts a great view… if you can tear your attention away from the ice cream & soda fountain.

1039 N Walker, OKC, 232.7632 $

sandwiches, salads and surprises abound.

3009 Paseo, OKC, 602.2002 $

and many more. 4322 N Western, OKC, 604.4650 $

POPS A little out of the way but undeniably worth going the extra mile, the Good Egg Group’s roadside café has burgers, salads, shakes and the irresistible draw of an unbelievably broad soda selection. 660 W Highway 66, Arcadia, 233.2020 $

ASIAN

PRAIRIE GYPSIES, THE Justly renowned for their catering prowess, this duo of female chefs also offers a single-serve entrée and soups that vary daily for carryout. 411 NW 30th, OKC, 525.3013 $ REDPIN RESTAURANT & BOWLING LOUNGE Other bowling alleys might muster no more than warm, flat beer for refreshment – RedPin provides a full bar, burgers, pizzas, sweets and snacks in a restaurant that happens to have premium bowling lanes attached. 200 S Oklahoma, OKC, 702.8880 $ REDROCK CANYON GRILL Rotisserie chicken, Southwestern enchiladas, pork chops and steak by the lake served expertly in a casual, energetic, hacienda-style atmosphere of stone walls and mahogany beams around an open kitchen. 9221 E Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 749.1995 $$ SAGE GOURMET CAFÉ & MARKET In the heart of Deep Deuce, Sage puts an upscale spin on classics – the gourmet mac and cheese is a signature item – and uses organic and natural food products in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere. 228 NE 2nd, OKC, 232.7243 $$ SATURN GRILL A star of the lunchtime stage, its surprising daily specials and inspired, tasty twists on ordinary sandwiches, salads and pizza keep it crowded on weekdays. Fortunately, the line moves quickly and calling ahead is encouraged. 4401 W Memorial, OKC 463.5594; 6432 Avondale, OKC, 843.7114; 1012 N Walker, OKC $ SHARTEL CAFÉ Diverse diner-style classics – bacon cheeseburgers, pancakes, reubens, bakery goodies, etc. – done with panache and further improved by airy, comfortable surroundings and friendly service. 5116 N Shartel, OKC, 843.0900; 201 Robert S. Kerr, LL 140, OKC, 601.8024 $ SYRUP The most important meal of the day is also the most enticing at this unique breakfast boutique serving a heaping helping of signature dishes (the crunchy French toast is something special) and Stumptown coffee.

123 E Main, Norman, 701.1143 $

COACH’S RESTAURANT Overlooking the diamond at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark or within earshot of Owen Field, Coach’s locations serve fans during games and fans of its pizza, barbecue, burgers and beer anytime. 102 W Main, Norman, 360.5726; 20 S Mickey Mantle, OKC, 232.6224 $$

LEGEND’S A Lindsey Street landmark for over 40 years, this casually upscale, three-diamond AAA restaurant still serves exceptional seafood, steaks and more downto-earth fare amid welcoming surroundings.

1313 W Lindsey, Norman, 329.8888 $$

COLBY’S GRILL A family-owned, familyfriendly, family-style café developing a loyal following thanks to solid, basic diner fare for breakfast and lunch, enlivened by occasional imaginative specials. 511 S Broadway, Edmond, 513.8590 $

MUTT’S AMAZING HOT DOGS Now this is a hot dog – Mutt’s inspired creations feature prime meats like chicken, bison and duck, topped off with tantalizing and unexpected flavor profiles. 1400 NW 23rd, OKC, 525.3647 $

DEEP FORK GRILL The dimly lit, crisply elegant atmosphere perfectly complements the contemporary menu of superb seafood, (wood-grilled cedar plank salmon is the house specialty), steaks and accoutrements.

5418 N Western, OKC, 848.7678 $$

NEBU You shouldn’t have any trouble finding this airy, accommodating provider of chef-prepared sandwiches, sushi, pizza and more – it’s in the garden wing of the colossal Devon tower. 280 W Sheridan, OKC $

VAST Keeping your attention on the steaks, seafood and other globally inspired American cuisine might be surprisingly difficult: the view is truly unparalleled in Oklahoma. 280 W Sheridan, 49th floor, OKC, 702.7262 $$

PICASSO CAFÉ Its neighbors are painters, potters and sculptors, so it’s no surprise its management strives to make their cuisine a work of art. Creative arrangements of pizza,

WILL’S/THE LOBBY BAR Coffee vendor by day, bar by night, it features an unexpected and wonderfully inviting lunch and dinner menu: baked manchego, lobster sliders

DINER, THE The classics never go out of style, and when locals refer to this institution as a greasy spoon, it’s a term of endearment

TOBY KEITH’S I LOVE THIS BAR & GRILL He does, you know. Deep in the heart of Bricktown, this venue hosts frequent live music performances and features a homestyle menu, memorabilia and drinks served in Mason jars. 310 Johnny Bench, OKC, 231.0254 $$

180 MERIDIAN GRILL Intended to unite east and west through blending the essence of Asian cuisine with culture, its intriguing menu spans sirloin with teriyaki butter, hoisin barbecue duck pizza and ample sushi options. 2541 W Main, Norman, 310.6110 $$ BLUE MOON CHINESE RESTAURANT Chinese cravings may come much more often after experiencing the spectacular amount of sweet, sour and savory tastes from this student-friendly eatery. 1320 S Broadway, Edmond, 340.3871 $ GRAND HOUSE A number of Chinese restaurants concentrate on their cooking to the exclusion of any other aspect of dining – Grand House is the happy exception that goes the extra mile to provide enjoyable ambiance alongside its excellent cuisine.

2701 N Classen, OKC, 524.7333 $$ O ASIAN FUSION Sublime quality in a wide span of culinary influences – freshly rolled sushi to fiery curry – in a cool, vibrant environment. Call ahead; it becomes a packed house in a hurry. 105 SE 12th, Norman, 701.8899 $$ SAII ASIAN BISTRO & SUSHI BAR With a dark, rich ambiance that elevates it over its surroundings, Saii serves expertly prepared Japanese, Thai and Chinese dishes plus an extensive and adventurous sushi menu.

6900 N May, OKC, 702.7244 $$

BAKERY AMY CAKES Imaginative cakes and cupcakes to make any special occasion a bit more memorable – and it’s a one-woman show. By appointment only. 113 Hal Muldrow, Norman, 360.1131 $ BROWN’S BAKERY An incredible selection of delicious traditional and specialty cakes, cookies, breads and other baked goods.

1100 N Walker, OKC, 232.0363 $ CRIMSON AND WHIPPED CREAM With a cheery Campus Corner vibe and the operators’ celebratory approach to food and life, it’s a terribly tempting spot for cookies, cupcakes, tea and dynamite coffee. 331 White, Norman, 307.8990 $ GIGI’S CUPCAKES Brace yourself – each Gigi’s location is home to a dozen different cupcake temptations in inspired flavors that rotate daily, and it’s surprisingly difficult to choose merely one. 1636 24th Ave NW, Norman, 801.2525; 14101 N May, OKC, 286.6200 $ GREEN GOODIES BY TIFFANY Specialty organic cupcakes for all – even those adhering to vegetarian and vegan diets or coping with food allergies or other dietary concerns can enjoy these high quality, flavorful treats. 5840 N Classen Blvd, Suite 5, OKC, 842.2288 $ LA BAGUETTE BAKERY & CAFÉ A spacious, comfortable seating area combined with the exquisite baking mastery that is the brand’s trademark makes this a tres chic, and very popular, destination for

december 2012 | slice 77

K.O. RINEARSON

FARE l EDIBLES AND LIBATIONS

BELLE ISLE RESTAURANT & BREWERY Live music, handcrafted beers and a great burger selection fill this bustling bar in the landmark 50 Penn Place. 1900 NW Expressway, OKC, 840.1911 $ BLU FINE WINE & FOOD A popular bar option among OU students and Normanites, blu stands out due to quick, courteous service and a menu with gourmet range – try the hummus. 201 S Crawford, Norman, 360.4258 $$ BRICKTOWN BREWERY Only here for the beer? Not so fast – an amped-up menu of temptations demands a sampling at lunch or dinner… or both. 1 N Oklahoma, OKC, 232.2739 $$ BRIX RESTAURANT & SPORTS LOUNGE More than 30 flatscreens fill the enormous, plush lounge, restaurant and bar area, and the amenities include the Sunday NFL Ticket and NBA League Pass. If the game’s on, it’s on at BRiX. 27 E Sheridan, OKC, 702.7226 $$ CLUB ONE15 The nightclub vibe is in full effect with energetic music and three bars, though the robust menu including fajitas, pasta bowls and seafood is quite a draw of its own. 115 E Sheridan, OKC, 605.5783 $$

FOUR SEASONS ROASTED SALMON AT CAFÉ 501

brunch and beyond. 1130 Rambling Oaks, Norman, 329.1101; 924 W Main, Norman, 329.5822 $ MCLAREN’S PANTRY For over 25 years, this independent bakery with a tempting sandwich selection has been a welcoming environment to enjoy a bite and connect with friends. 3414 S Boulevard, Edmond, 348.2336 $ NONNA’S BAKERY Family recipes are the foundation of these unbelievably scrumptious treats – walk in and pick or call ahead and special order cream pies, decadent cakes and much more. 1 Mickey Mantle Dr, OKC, 235.4410 $ NOTHING BUNDT CAKES Luscious flavors of rich, moist cake and frosting, available in bite-sized bundtinis packaged by the dozen; single-serving bundlets; or multi-tiered marvels that sate over two dozen dessert connoisseurs. 2520 W Memorial, Suite B, OKC, 751.8066 $ PANERA BREAD The breads are fresh, the sandwich and salad options ample and the atmosphere welcoming, thanks in part to the tasty baked goods and free wi-fi access. 9 metro locations, panerabread.com $ PINKITZEL CUPCAKES & CANDY Sweetness reigns supreme in this local confectionary creation – gourmet cupcakes that are baked fresh daily, a substantial candy boutique and gift shop and cafe seating to enjoy it all with coffee, tea, hot chocolate and more. 1389 E 15th, Edmond, 330.4500; 150 E.K. Gaylord, OKC, 235.7465 $ PRAIRIE THUNDER BAKING CO. In this house of carbs, the bread baked on-site

78 slice | december 2012

is the star of the show: on its own to take home, repurposed into breakfast pastries and desserts or accompanying the deli sandwiches and soups in the cafe. 1114 N Classen Dr, OKC, 602.2922 $ SARA SARA CUPCAKES Located in a charming little converted house, the ambiance and milk bar make great atmospheric additions to the varied menu of specialty cupcakes – selections range from traditional chocolate to blueberry honey and even bacon, egg and cheese. 7 NW 9 th , OKC, 600.9494 $ SUGAR Got a special event on the radar?

Customized cakes and cupcakes with incredible artistry and imagination as a key ingredient are Sugar’s specialties – call for a consultation. 6900 N Western, OKC, 286.0058 $$$ SWEETS & SPURS Specializing in gourmet cupcakes, mini-pies, handdipped chocolates and cowboy boots… not pastries; actual footwear. Yee-ha! 215 34th Ave SW, Norman, 801.2555 $

BAR | PUB FOOD 51ST STREET SPEAKEASY A converted house with a perpetually packed porch and patio, the joint jumps with energy and the top-shelf spirits and beers flow with abandon. 1114 NW 51st , OKC, 463.0470 $ ABNER’S ALE HOUSE Beers and whiskies of the best, plus knockout renditions of accompanying dishes, with the aim of re-creating the true English public house vibe. 121 E Main, Norman, 928.5801 $$

COCK O’ THE WALK BAR & GRILL Dartboards and pool tables can help patrons work up quite an appetite, so it’s a good thing the wings and burgers at this appealingly de-furbished neighborhood bar have such a reputation. Dive right in! 3705 N Western, OKC, 524.0304 $ DAN O’BRIEN’S PUBLIC HOUSE With a party atmosphere and rocking live shows, it’s more a group bar than a casual restaurant; though the full menu and mighty burgers should universally satisfy. 2747 W Memorial, OKC, 752.4486 $ DEEP DEUCE GRILL The funky, comfortably run-down vibe of its namesake district lingers in this alternative to Bricktown crowds featuring burgers, beer and a peoplewatching patio. 307 NE 2nd, OKC, 235.9100 $ DUGOUT BAR & GRILL, THE Dig in to the classics of the neighborhood beer joint: burgers, fries, nachos and drink specials.

10909 N May, OKC, 751.0700 $ FOX & HOUND PUB & GRILLE Considering the pool, darts, frequent live music and perpetual celebratory vibe, it might be hard to concentrate on the varied menu… but at least try the fresh-baked pretzels. 3031 W Memorial, OKC, 751.7243 $ JAMES E. MCNELLIE’S PUBLIC HOUSE Designed to bring Ireland’s pub culture to our city, this Midtown hotspot features 350 varieties of beer, including difficult-to-find options from all over the world. 1100 Classen Dr, OKC, 601.7468 $$ LIBRARY BAR & GRILL, THE Despite the name and its location directly adjacent to the OU campus, this low-light hangout spot won’t help you study… unless you’re doing independent research on local beers and excellent pizza. 607 W Boyd, Norman, 366.7465 $ LIBRARY OF FOOD & SPIRITS, THE A cozy, welcoming place to receive a friendly greeting and curl up with a good

book-themed entrée, fresh salad and soup, monstrous burger or vegetarian fare – plus a commodious collocation of beverages. 119 N Robinson, LL, OKC, 235.8880 $ MARTINI LOUNGE, THE A relaxed bar located inside Boulevard Steakhouse, its classy atmosphere and hand-crafted specialty martinis are ideal for an office outing after work or a quiet date. 505 S Boulevard, Edmond, 715.2333 $$ MONT, THE Though frequented by many purely for its primo patio and Sooner Swirls from the bar, the Norman landmark also boasts a tempting suite of pub food with a zing of Southwestern flavor. 1300 Classen Blvd, Norman, 329.3330 $ O’CONNELL’S IRISH PUB & GRILLE Beloved by students, alumni and townies alike, this OU Campus Corner landmark has been serving up burgers, beer and festive atmosphere since 1968. 769 Asp, Norman, 217.8454 $ PURPLE BAR, THE Inviting and intimate; an ideal place for celebratory martinis to close out the workweek or a quiet nightcap with dessert from Nonna’s bakery.

1 Mickey Mantle (in Nonna’s), OKC, 235.4410 $ REPUBLIC GASTROPUB Dedicated to bridging the gap between beer bar and upscale eatery, this contemporary public house in Classen Curve pairs a vast selection of quality brews with imaginative menu items designed to complement one another. 5830 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 286.4577 $$ SAINTS An inviting Irish bar nestled in the Plaza District, its whiskey and beer selection dovetails nicely with classic dishes like shepherd’s pie, bangers and fish and chips. 1715 NW 16th, OKC, 602.6308 $$ SEAN CUMMINGS’ IRISH RESTAURANT & PUB Classic Irish fare (lamb stew, bangers and mash, even beef or salmon boxtys) mixed with favorites and delivered with engaging and gracious service. Plus, naturally, there’s Guinness on tap. 7523 N May, OKC, 755.2622 $$ SOONER LEGENDS Sandwiches and salads, outstanding barbecue, steaks, even Mexican and Italian specialties made to order in a loudly, proudly crimson and cream atmosphere. Great hangout for OU fans. 1200 24th Ave SW, Norman, 701.8100 $ TAPWERKS ALE HOUSE & CAFÉ The staff will gladly serve burgers, wraps, pizzas and other entrees, but most of the crowd – and it gets crowded – is here to sample from the 212 (yes, really) beers on tap. 121 E Sheridan, OKC, 310.9599 $$ VZD’S RESTAURANT & CLUB Live music is a staple on weekends, but the unusually broad, tasty bar menu draws a substantial lunch crowd as well. Try the turkey burger, the chili or both. 4200 N Western, OKC, 524.4203 $

BARBECUE BEEF & BUNS – MR. CATFISH Outstanding barbecued ribs and fried catfish – even for Oklahoma – and warm, personable service make this cash-only,

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december 2012 | slice 79

FARE l EDIBLES AND LIBATIONS

limited-hours spot a winner. 2741 NE 23rd, OKC, 427.2333 $ BILLY SIMS BBQ Even Cowboy or Longhorn fans will find serious taste to enjoy, but the memorabilia isn’t exactly in short supply in these tailgate-style chowhouses owned by the namesake Sooner star. 4 metro locations, billysimsbbq.com $ EARL’S RIB PALACE Beloved by locals in a setting far from starved for competition, the award-winning barbecue chain pounds out hit ribs, pulled pork and smoked turkey as well as a top-tier burger.

6 metro locations, earlsribpalace.com $

BISON WITCHES BAR & DELI The monster sandwiches are loaded with standout flavors, but the best way to enjoy them is in halves, accompanied by a bread bowl of fresh hot soup and a bag of pretzels.

211 E Main, Norman, 364.7555 $ BROWN BAG DELI Quick-as-a-wink sandwiches, desserts and killer chili.

Limited seating; takeout recommended.

7600 N Western, OKC, 842.1444 $

IRON STARR URBAN BARBEQUE Named for notorious outlaw Belle Starr, Iron Starr specializes in “a unique and tasty spin on comfort food.” The entrees are excellent, but the sides are equal players here as well. 3700 N Shartel, OKC, 524.5925 $$

BUNNY’S OLD FASHIONED ONION BURGERS Small space; big taste. The namesake creations are fresh, lean beef grilled to perfection and served in “big” and “bigger” versions. 5020 N Meridian, OKC, 949.2889; 1023 S Meridian, OKC, 949.2949 $

J.T.’S BAR-B-QUE Smoked chicken, hot links, prime rib and other mouthwatering meats are on the menu, but once customers try the ribs, they may never choose anything – or anywhere – else.

Save room for cobbler! 505 S Sunnylane, Del City, 670.3350 $

CAFÉ PLAID & BAKERY Fresh sandwiches begging to be combined with a sensational selection of salads (veggie, tuna, pasta…) make it an ideal spot for lunch when you’re near OU. 333 W Boyd, Norman, 360.2233 $

LEO’S BAR-B-Q Dense, rich flavor and tender texture through and through, delivered in genuine unpolished style for commendable value – no wonder it’s a recurring favorite among OK connoisseurs. 3631 N Kelley, OKC 424.5367; 7 Harrison, OKC 236.5367 $ RAY’S SMOKEHOUSE BBQ A former OU football star, Darrol Ray now pleases crowds with supremely tender St. Louis-style ribs, brisket smoked over 12 hours, homemade sides and desserts and unforced camaraderie. 1514 W Lindsey, Norman, 329.4040 $ RUDY’S COUNTRY STORE & BAR-B-Q It’s hard to get more casual than a set of picnic benches inside a gas station, where food comes on cafeteria trays with plastic utensils and paper towels... but as the lines attest, the brisket and other barbecue staples speak for themselves.

3450 Chautauqua, Norman, 307.0552 $$ STEVE’S RIB A longtime Edmond favorite, its flavorful brisket, fried okra and more are the same but diners can choose their milieu: a seated restaurant in Edmond or a stand-up counter in NW OKC. 1801 W Edmond Rd, Edmond, 340.7427; 7202 W Hefner, OKC, 728.9555 $ v VAN’S PIG STAND A scion of Oklahoma’s oldest family-owned and -operated barbecue restaurant (open since 1935 in Shawnee), it does well with the basics and really rocks at ribs. 320 N Porter, Norman, 364.0600 $

BURGERS | SANDWICHES ABRAHAM’S WESTERN CAFÉ Follow your nose – the onion burgers coming off Abraham’s grill draw lunch crowds with effortless ease. 4716 N Western, OKC, 528.5152 $

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BIG ED’S HAMBURGERS Sizzling burgers cooked to order, including an OKC legend in the flesh: family-sized behemoths on 12inch buns. 12209 N Pennsylvania, OKC, 755.2108 $

CHARCOAL OVEN The smoke-filled flavor of a backyard cookout without having to fire up your own grill – get ’em while they’re hot! 2701 NW Expressway, OKC, 842.8911 $ CITY BITES Get in, get a full-flavored hot or cold sub on your choice of fresh bread, or soup and a baked potato, get some cookies for the road, get on with your day.

The plethora of metro locations means you’re never far from a tastier day. 18 metro locations, citybites.com $ CLASSIC ’50s DRIVE-IN A locally owned drive-in that just gets the concept right.

Burgers and shakes, fried pickles and slushes, breakfast items… the waves of students during peak hours are proof that familiarity breeds devotion. 1521 W Lindsey, Norman, 321.2271 $ FIRST EDITION, THE A café inside the Downtown Library would be worth it merely for the convenience, so it’s a welcome bonus that the sandwiches, pizza and panini practically warrant a trip all on their own. 300 Park, OKC, 605.8347 $ FLATIRE BURGERS Beloved by (and generally crowded with) UCO students, this bravura burger joint excels at innovative additions to the classic patty and bun, like sauerkraut, carrots, pineapple relish and habanero salsa.

100 N University Dr (at UCO), Edmond, 974.4638 $ GARAGE BURGERS & BEER, THE It gets noisy in the low-lit sports bar atmosphere, but even if your focus isn’t on a televised game, conversation would probably revolve around the huge, juicy burgers and fries – both available in several tempting flavor possibilities – anyway. 307 E Main, Norman, 701.7035 $ HOME RUN SLIDERS A tasty array of sliders, from your basic “Rookie” to prime rib, is served in an atmosphere that pays tribute to the national pastime. And don’t miss the ode to the condiment:

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Oklahoma’s largest ketchup bar. 128 E 5th, Edmond, 513.5410 $ IRMA’S BURGER SHACK Hand-cut fries, hand-breaded onions rings and simply great burgers. Try the No-Name Ranch burger – lean and flavorful, thanks to a unique breed of cattle raised in Wynnewood using organic techniques. 1035 NW 63rd, OKC, 840.4762; 1120 Classen Dr, OKC, 235.4762 $ JOHNNIE’S CHARCOAL BROILER Fresh-ground hamburgers cooked over real charcoal set Johnnie’s apart. Try the incredibly popular Cheese Theta or Caesar burgers, and don’t forget a side of their outstanding onion rings. 4 metro locations, johnniesok.com $ KAMP’S 1910 CAFÉ The Kamp family is well-known in the Oklahoma food scene, and their 1910 Café builds on that history with first-rate breakfast and lunch, bakery items and full coffee shop on site. 10 NE 10th, OKC, 230.1910 $ LOUIE’S GRILL & BAR Casually cool and come-as-you-are, these popular neighborhood bar-type hangouts excel at inexpensive burgers, sandwiches and pizzas.

12 metro locations, louiesgrillandbar.com $ LOUIE’S ON THE LAKE An unbeatable view of scenic Lake Hefner from the patio adds to the ambiance of this classic eatery, which features a tasty spate of entrees under $10. 9401 Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 751.2298 $

including such showcase ingredients as peanut butter or a coffee crust – come in slider form as well, the better to sample more selections. 20 NW 9th, OKC, 270.0516; 5929 N May, OKC, 843.8777 $ SERVICE STATION Once a filling station, the building still has vintage décor and is home to Bentleys, Packards and dipsticks, but now they’re the names of its delicious half-pound burgers and fries. 502 S Webster, Norman, 364.2136 $ SMASHBURGER Billing itself as a place with a burger soul, this savory hot spot provides 100 percent Angus beef in three sizes amid a panoply of tasty toppings and sides, plus similarly varied chicken sandwiches and salads. 2127 W Memorial, OKC, 418.8416; 7642 W Reno, OKC, 787.5700 $ SOMEPLACE ELSE DELI Simple, straightforward hot and cold sandwiches made especially superb by virtue of fresh breads, speedy service, low price tags and the option of adding on an array of exceptional baked goods. 2310 N Western, OKC, 524.0887 $ SOONER DAIRY LUNCH The menu’s masthead, “Serving Norman since 1954,” should serve as a fairly strong recommendation all by itself – this modest little drive-in has been cheerfully feeding its staunch fans burgers, fries, tots and shakes for six decades and counting. 1820 W Main, Norman, 321.8526 $

MARKIE’S DELI Dedicated to making life much more delicious, Markie’s serves salads, sandwiches, wraps, soups and hot plates, as well as box lunches, trays and even breakfast items for local catering. 612 N Robinson, OKC, 239.6275 $

TEXADELPHIA Popular hang-out spots inside and out due to the numerous flatscreen TVs and patio seating. The menu draws raves for burgers and wraps, but especially the monstrous made-to-order cheesesteaks. 1150 W Lindsey, Norman, 701.5635; 200 S Oklahoma, OKC, 208.4000 $

MULE, THE Solid beer and beverage selection plus a delectable array of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and melts (ingredients range from fontina to figs) fill the menu at this relaxation destination in the Plaza District. 1630 N Blackwelder, OKC, 601.1400 $

TUCKER’S ONION BURGERS With one burger (and variants), one side dish (fries), one salad and beverages, the menu is easy to remember. With this level of bravura execution, the meal is hard to forget. 324 NW 23rd, OKC, 609.2333; 5740 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 286.3331 $

ND FOODS Gigantic deli sandwiches featuring Boar’s Head meats, homemade soups in a variety of intriguing flavors and a selection of freshly baked cookies, pies and other desserts. Step right up! 2632 W Britton, OKC, 840.9364 $

COFFEEHOUSE | TEA ROOM

NIC’S GRILL It’s small, it’s crowded, it’s cash-only… and it’s incredible. The colossal burgers, easily among the metro’s best, and mounds of fresh fries make this holein-the-wall diner pure paradise. 1202 N Pennsylvania, OKC, 524.0999 $ PATTY WAGON Building these burger behemoths involves ingredients like fresh, toasted buns and add-ons like thick, crisp fries, but it all comes back to a foundation of outstanding local farm-raised beef. 3600 N May, OKC, 917.1711 $ RED HORSE GRILL A prime lunch spot thanks to its speedy but cooked-to-order menu, the onion burgers, shakes, malts and frozen custard have devoted local followings, as does the Friday Fish Fry special. 2205 W Main, Norman, 360.3287 $ S&B’S BURGER JOINT Good news: these burgers’ exquisite flavor combinations –

BEANS & LEAVES Comfy and welcoming like a coffeehouse should be, the large menu of brewed temptations simply rocks.

4015 N Pennsylvania, OKC, 604.4700 $

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BEATNIX CAFÉ, THE While it’s certainly possible to get a sandwich, cup of hearty soup or powerhouse latte to go, doing so would mean missing out on the lovely laidback vibe that pervades this stressless dawdling spot. 136 NW 13th, OKC, 604.0211 $ BUZZ COFFEE & CAFÉ, THE It’s in a corner suite on the ground floor of the First National Center downtown, making it an ideally quick diversion for the urban pedestrian with a need for speed, but its free wi-fi and sandwich menu reward the more leisurely as well. 120 N Robinson, OKC, 232.1109 $ CAFÉ EVOKE Outstanding coffee drinks and other beverages from one of the area’s great caterers; if drinkers wish to stick around for soup, sandwiches,

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K.O. RINEARSON

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Spanish wine from a signature selection, in an elegant, open-air atmosphere. 200 S Oklahoma, OKC, 602.0652 $$ CAFÉ NOVA Lunch, dinner and late at night, the simple but innovative fare and hopping bar in this Western Avenue spot aim to please hipsters, families and whiteand blue-collar joes and josephines. 4308 N Western, OKC, 525.6682 $$ CHEEVER’S Dress up or down for the Southwestern-influenced recipes and love of seafood that drive the contemporary comfort food found in this converted florist’s; truly one of the city’s finest destinations for dining out.

2409 N Hudson, OKC, 525.7007 $$ CHEFS DI DOMANI A proving ground of sorts for the chefs-in-training at Platt College’s culinary institute, this restaurant offers the opportunity to watch the students in action and enjoy their internationally influenced work. 2727 W Memorial, OKC, 749.2423 $$ COACH HOUSE, THE Definitively among the metro’s most refined, elegant, upscale dining experiences, the rotating menu of seasonal cuisine highlights regional specialties prepared with classical perfection by master chef Kurt Fleischfresser. 6437 Avondale, OKC, 842.1000 $$$

THE PURPLE BAR MARTINI AT NONNA’S EURO-AMERICAN RISTORANTE & BAR snacks or sweets, so much the better. 103 S Broadway, Edmond, 285.1522 $ COFFEE SLINGERS Rocking a brisk, urban vibe thanks to its Automobile Alley location, this has become a gathering place for genuine java enthusiasts, especially during the monthly educational sampling seminars called “cuppings.” 1015 N Broadway, OKC, 606.2763 $ COWGIRL COFFEE Patrons can’t linger and loiter and soak up the atmosphere – because there isn’t any; it’s a tiny to-go shack in a parking lot – but that’s about the only downside to this sweet spot for baked goods and specialty beverages. 121 E Waterloo, Edmond, 341.5060 $ CUPPIES & JOE The name’s not really a misnomer, but if it listed all their features it’d be too long. For cupcakes and coffee and pie and live music and a cozy, trendy vibe and more, park around back and take a peek. 727 NW 23rd, OKC, 528.2122 $ ELEMENTAL COFFEE Seriously spectacular coffee roasted in-house - the passionate staffers are always eager to share knowledge about the process augmented with locally sourced treats, including a variety of crepes on weekends.

815 N Hudson, OKC, 633.1703 $ MICHELANGELO’S COFFEE SHOP & WINE BAR Enjoy exceptional coffees, a wellstocked pastry case with chocolates and sweets, a surprisingly robust wine catalog and even breakfast and lunch selections.

207 E Main, Norman, 579.3387 $ PARAMOUNT, THE A Film Row joint with a screening room attached, it serves a few options for breakfast and lunch and snacks to go with its movies, but it’s the all-day

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beverage menu that delivers the stuff dreams are made of. 701 W Sheridan, OKC, 517.0787 $ RED CUP Comfortably ramshackle surroundings encourage curling up for conversation over spectacular PrimaCafe coffee, baked treats, vegetarian-friendly breakfast and lunch specials and live music.

Highly recommended! 3122 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 525.3430 $ T, AN URBAN TEAHOUSE Proving that an establishment’s focus can be narrow and broad simultaneously, this endearing retreat doesn’t do coffee or sandwiches, but does offer over 100 varieties of tea and expert counsel to explore a world of possibilities.

7518 N May, OKC, 418.4333 $ VINTAGE TIMELESS COFFEE A locally owned and lauded beverage bistro with plenty of sweet flavor combinations, treats from Brown’s Bakery and innovations like the smooffee (an espresso-powered smoothie). 1101 NW 49 th , OKC, 752.0038 $

CONTINENTAL BIN 73 WINE BAR Diners can fill up on filet mignon or simply top the evening off with tapas while enjoying the full bar and chic ambience. 7312 N Western, OKC, 843.0073 $$ BLACKBIRD A Campus Corner gastropub pairing delectably creative food – pot roast nachos! – with an expansive beer, wine and whiskey list. 575 S University, Norman, 928.5555 $$ BOLERO A unique experience provided by coupling delicious tapas with the perfect

HEFNER GRILL Hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood are served by courteous staff in conjunction with one of the best views in the city. 9201 Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 748.6113 $$ LOTTINVILLE’S WOOD GRILLE Rotisserie chicken and wood-grilled salmon are the featured players among a host of Southwestern-influenced entrees, salads and panini; the Sunday brunch is epic. 801 Signal Ridge, Edmond, 341.2244 $$ MANTEL WINE BAR & BISTRO, THE Marvelous steaks, seafood and other specialties (don’t miss the lobster bisque), combined with a refined, intimate atmosphere and outstanding service, make a truly memorable meal. 201 E Sheridan, OKC, 236.8040 $$$ MELTING POT, THE If the occasion is special, here’s where to make a meal into an event. Specializing in four-course fondue dinners, this elegant restaurant rewards time investments with delectable memories. 4 E Sheridan, OKC, 235.1000 $$$ METRO WINE BAR & BISTRO, THE A perennial favorite that feels comfortably upscale without exerting pressure to impress on its clientele, the far-reaching menu covers culinary high points from vichyssoise to crème brulée. 6418 N Western, OKC, 840.9463 $$ MICHAEL’S GRILL Thoroughly urbane dining in an elegant, intimate setting – the steaks, chops, seafood and pastas are excellent, and the Caesar salad prepared tableside is legendary. 2824 W Country Club, OKC, 810.9000 $$$ MUSEUM CAFÉ, THE A setting as inspiring as the Oklahoma City Museum of Art warrants something special in terms of cuisine… et puis voila. Ethereally light or delectably robust, this European-inspired menu delights for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. 415 Couch, OKC, 235.6262 $$

NIKKELLETTE’S CAFÉ A selection of fresh salads and tasty sandwiches on homemade bread, served in a distinctive atmosphere: how many other cafes have tableside chandeliers? 2925 Lakeside Cir, OKC, 755.3560 $ NONNA’S EURO-AMERICAN RISTORANTE & BAR A cozily appointed, thoroughly opulent atmosphere housing distinctive cuisine, specialty drinks and live music in The Purple Bar and fresh-baked goodies to top off a grand evening. 1 Mickey Mantle, OKC, 235.4410 $$$ PARK AVENUE GRILL A one-of-a-kind dining experience inside the luxurious Skirvin Hilton, blending traditional steak and seafood cuisine with the high style of its original 1930s setting. 1 Park, OKC, 702.8444 $$$ PASEO GRILL Quiet and intimate inside, cheerful and comfortable out on the patio, with an award-winning menu full of distinctive flavor combinations – try the duck salad. 2909 Paseo, OKC, 601.1079 $$$ ROCOCO RESTAURANT & FINE WINE An “east coast-style” restaurant, built around a diverse menu of hand-crafted international dishes from Penne Bolognese to Petrale Sole, set off by carefully selected wine and exceptional service. 12252 N May, OKC, 212.4577; 2824 N Pennsylvania, OKC, 528.2824 $$ SEVEN47 A Campus Corner hotspot boasting sleek, swank décor, an appealingly broad menu including a tantalizing brunch and a consistently celebratory vibe make this winning combination. 747 Asp, Norman, 701.8622 $$ SIGNATURE GRILL Unassuming locale; magnificent culinary rewards. Chef Clay Falkner’s expertly considered menu mixes French and Italian techniques, presenting a wide spectrum of amazing flavors in a few select dishes. 1317 E Danforth, Edmond, 330.4548 $$$ TASTING ROOM, THE Located in Will Rogers Theatre, this intimate space is a culinary stage for expert chefs to dazzle small groups. 4322 N Western, OKC, 604.3015 $$$ VIN DOLCE Primarily a venue for the endless, joyous pursuit of discovering the perfect glass of wine, downtown Edmond’s hot spot also serves gourmet tapas and homemade sweets. 16 S Broadway, Edmond, 285.5333 $$ WEST The staff is speedy, the décor sleek and modern, and the entrées – like bucatini with meatballs or roasted salmon and ratatouille – are wide-ranging but elegantly simple. 6714 N Western, OKC, 607.4072 $$

FRENCH LA BAGUETTE BISTRO Brothers Alain and Michel Buthion have firm roots in the city’s culinary landscape, and La Baguette combines fine dining (linger over multiple courses whenever possible) with an exceptional bakery, deli and butcher shop on site. 7408 N May, OKC, 840.3047 $$ WHISPERING PINES B&B A secluded getaway on the south end of Norman, this

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december 2012 | slice 83

‘Tis The Season To Be Giving

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This Year Give Something Unexpected -Art Informs Our Senses-Art Stimulates Expression-Art Improves Quality Of Life-Art Expands Perceptions Of Reality-Art Inspires & Engages Its Viewers-Art Magnifies Our Personality-Art Creates Atmosphere-

Art Never Outlives Its Usefulness

inn houses a treasure of a restaurant serving sumptuous, savory French-inspired cuisine in quiet comfort with first-class service. 7820 E Highway 9, Norman, 447.0202 $$$

GERMAN INGRID’S Authentic German fare at its best, including outstanding Oklahoma-made bratwurst. Join the Saturday regulars for breakfast and try the apple French toast, and no one can resist Ingrid’s bakery counter.

3701 N Youngs, OKC, 946.8444 $$ OLD GERMANY RESTAURANT Justly renowned for its Bavarian delights – the schnitzels, soups and cevapcici sausages are spectacular. Reservations strongly recommended; it’s a small place and dinner’s already a lengthy process without waiting in line. 15920 SE 29th, Choctaw, 390.8647 $$$ ROYAL BAVARIA Excellent renditions of traditional dishes like Wienerschnitzel, Jagerbraten and a variety of sausages, plus fantastisch house-brewed beers, make the time consumed a worthy investment. 3401 S Sooner, Moore, 799.7666 $$$

Giving Oklahoma City The Gift Of Fine Art Since 2010 405.604.6602 www.PaseoOriginals.com 2920 Paseo, Oklahoma City, OK 73103

HEALTHY | ECLECTIC COOLGREENS This health-conscious establishment has a menu, but customization is encouraged; every available component in their salads, wraps and frozen yogurt is naturally delicious. 4 metro locations, coolgreens.com $$ EARTH NATURAL CAFÉ & DELI, THE Super, super fresh sandwiches, salads, soups and baked goods in one of the most vegetarian- and vegan-friendly menus you’ll ever see, plus organic fair-trade coffee and tea. 750 Asp, Norman, 573.5933 $ GREEN & GRILLED Steak, chicken, pork, veal or tofu grilled to order and served with fresh salads and sides, resulting in a balanced, filling, extremely tasty green meal for only a little green. 8547 N Rockwell, OKC, 563.2605 $ HEALTH NUT CAFÉ Fast food that’s also fresh and nutritious in the form of salads, wraps, melts, smoothies and more. Eat healthy, live happy! 333 NW 5th, Suite 104, OKC, 601.1444; 920 N Lincoln, OKC, 239.2233 $

T

his outstanding example of Prairie Style Organic architechture is located in Oklahoma City’s North Quail Creek neighborhood. This lovely preserved 4 bed, 4½ bath, 4300 square foot home with tiled pool is in move-in condition. The house is designed to appear cloistered from the front and open up in spectacular fashion in the back with a sweeping view of the backyard golf course.

World-renowned architect, Herb Greene, who studied with Bruce Goff and was influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright during Wright’s visits to OU, designed this rare residential offering. Architects from all over the world have come to view this work of art which has appeared in numerous books and magazines including Architectural Digest.

Priced at just $582,900

CALL LINDA ALMARAZ

405.209.4252 | Listing #480739 84 slice | december 2012

Linda Almaraz

LOCAL Utilizing some of the finest, freshest regionally sourced ingredients available to fuel chef Ryan Parrott’s creative cuisine, its menu changes seasonally but its welcoming full-family atmosphere is constant. 2262 W Main, Norman, 928.5600 $$ LUDIVINE The experience is never the same on successive visits, because the menu adjusts constantly to reflect availability of elite-quality, locally sourced ingredients. 805 N Hudson, OKC, 778.6800 $$$ MATTHEW KENNEY OKC Built with sustainability and raw cuisine preparation in mind, it’s a warm, modern setting in which to savor the unique and innovative menu crafted by the renowned raw food chef and author. 5820 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 842.1050 $$

PINK ELEPHANT CAFÉ On Main Street but off the beaten track, the green, health-conscious labor of local love has a small menu and constantly rotating daily specials to complement its earth-friendly vibe. 301 E Main, Norman, 307.8449 $

ICE CREAM | YOGURT IL DOLCE GELATO Rich, creamy and decadently delicious, with two dozen flavors daily handmade from scratch on location; the cioccolato scuro is unbelievably sublime. 937 SW 25th St, Suite B, Moore, 794.7266; 1318 N Interstate Dr, Norman, 329.7744 $ ORANGE LEAF FROZEN YOGURT Dozens and dozens and dozens of decadent-tasting, waistline-friendly flavors, topped however you like since you’re making it yourself. Just don’t try them all at once, since it’s charged by the ounce. 8 metro locations, orangeleafyogurt.com $ PASSIONBERRI An oasis for the dessert lover whose sweet tooth is tempered by a healthy mindset, the menu includes self-serve frozen yogurt and toppings, tea and new passion sweet crepes. 1204 N Interstate Dr, Norman, 701.8898; 1236 E Alameda, Norman, 801.2233 $ PEACHWAVE YOGURT A full 50 flavors – every one low-fat or non-fat – conveyed to your taste buds via the finest, freshest ingredients in completely delicious customized combinations. 3 metro locations, peachwaveyogurt.com $

INDIAN AJANTA CUISINE OF INDIA Find appealing possibilities at the busy lunch buffet or delve into the menu’s tandoori treasures – the hardest part is choosing.

12215 N Pennsylvania, OKC, 752.5283 $$ GOPURAM – TASTE OF INDIA A fullservice Indian establishment whose richly appointed interior and attentive staff give the feel of fine dining, even during the inexpensive and plentiful lunch buffet.

4559 NW 23rd, OKC, 948.7373 $$ KHAZANA INDIAN GRILL Don’t let the thought of a buffet throw you off this place.

The food is superior and very fresh; the staff is delightful. New to Indian food? Alert a server and you will be guided through the cuisine.

4900 N May, OKC, 948.6606 $$ MISAL OF INDIA BISTRO A Norman institution for over 30 years, specializing in tandoori-cooked delicacies and boasting healthy, natural, delicious cuisine, served amid splendid ambiance. 580 Ed Noble Pkwy, Norman, 579.5600 $$ TAJ CUISINE OF INDIA A tremendous selection of Indian staples and delicacies – the menu has sections for vegetarian, tandoori, South Indian and Indo-Chinese specialties – plus full lunch and dinner buffets. 1500 NW 23rd, OKC, 601.1888 $$

ITALIAN | PIZZA BELLINI’S RISTORANTE & GRILL Tasteful in décor and Italian offerings alike, this

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romantic nightspot quietly, confidently exudes elegance. 6305 Waterford Blvd, OKC, 848.1065 $$ BENVENUTI’S Subtly flavored minestrone to rich, hearty ragouts, the splendid menu keeps the booths full and diners planning return trips; don’t overlook the Sunday brunch. 105 W Main, Norman, 310.5271 $$ CAFFE PRANZO The atmosphere raises first-time diners’ hopes; the execution exceeds them. Classic dishes, as well as less ubiquitous options that should be better known, are elevated to greatness. 9622 N May, OKC, 755.3577 $$ FALCONE’S More than a pizza place, although the “by the slice” is terrific, it encourages experimentation via a deli counter of imported Italian meats, cheeses and delicacies. 6705 N May, OKC, 242.2222 $ FLIP’S WINE BAR & TRATTORIA Managing to feel rustic despite its location in a busy corridor of OKC, this cozy Italian joint keeps extended hours, and tends to get busier and louder as the hour gets later.

5801 N Western, OKC, 843.1527 $$ GABERINO’S HOMESTYLE ITALIAN Finding a seat can be tricky - the handful of tables generally stay filled, possibly due to the powerful aromas, tender pasta and savory sauces that make up the family recipes the owners are happy to share. 283 34th Ave SW, Norman, 310.2229 $ GABRIELLA’S ITALIAN GRILL AND PIZZERIA A fresh chapter in the Giacomo family’s delectable legacy of success in Krebs, McAlester and South Padre; one bite of the chicken piccata or homemade Italian sausage should win diners’ hearts with ease.

1226 NE 63rd, OKC, 478.4955 $$ HIDEAWAY PIZZA If you’ve been serving pizza to a devoted following for over half a century, then you must be doing something right. In this case, that something right is incredible pizza in jovial surroundings. 7 metro locations, hideawaypizza.com $$ HUMBLE PIE PIZZERIA There’s really no need to be humble about pizza made the way a true Chicago pizzeria would make it.

Take your choice of toppings and relish what is quite possibly the best crust known to man. 1319 S Broadway, Edmond, 715.1818 $ JOEY’S PIZZERIA A creative pizzeria on OKC’s Film Row, Joey’s serves first-rate appetizers and salads along with its mouth-watering pies. Can’t get enough?

Have your pizza, then have another for dessert; The Surfer Dude can pinch hit as entrée or dessert. 700 W Sheridan, OKC, 525.8503 $$ NOMAD II A classic old-school Italian restaurant (the pizza is especially popular) that also serves excellent steaks and fried chicken, and offers a slice of OKC history through its décor. 7301 N May, OKC, 843.4557 $$ OTHELLO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Garlic bread and mussels to tiramisu and coffee – everything you’d hope for from a romantic, comfortably shabby Italian café. The adjoining bar regularly hosts live local music. 434 Buchanan, Norman, 701.4900 $$

Holiday Shopping at Its Finest!

OTHELLO’S OF EDMOND A sister restaurant to the original Othello’s in Norman, it offers a similarly welcoming atmosphere and menu, with its own spin courtesy of a historic location and customers’ culinary contributions. 1 S Broadway, Edmond, 330.9045 $$ PAPA DIO’S Three generations of the Bonadio family offer an ample menu of new and classic dishes – Tuscan fusion, anyone?

– in separate dining rooms for casual or more refined dining. 10712 N May, OKC, 755.2255 $$ SERGIO’S ITALIAN BISTRO Traditional, fresh Italian food – the pasta chips and Shrimp Fra Diavolo come recommended – in a comfy little hideaway with a cheerful, welcoming atmosphere. 104 E Gray, Norman, 573.7707 $ SOPHABELLA’S CHICAGO GRILL A quiet, classy gem offering premier tastes from Chicago and beyond – the menu includes Coquilles St. Jacques alongside pepperoni rolls – in comfort and style. 7628 N May, OKC, 879.0100 $$$ SPAGHETTI WAREHOUSE, THE A family destination since 1989 and one of the initial harbingers of the Bricktown renaissance, it delivers immense servings of piping hot pasta and 15-layer lasagna with cheerful enthusiasm. 101 E Sheridan, OKC, 235.0402 $$ STELLA MODERN ITALIAN CUISINE A luscious spate of modern Italian cuisine for a casual lunch, romantic dinner or brunch that’s a bit of both, framed by stylish surroundings. 1201 N Walker, OKC, 235.2200 $$ UPPER CRUST WOOD FIRED PIZZA A chic, contemporary restaurant in Classen Curve, this uptown pizzeria and wine bar specializes in wood-fired, thin crust New York-style pies complemented by a full menu and wine list. 5860 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 842.7743 $$

Red SChateau Home Accents with European Flair 9205 N. Penn Casady Square (405) 842-2262 www.redchateau.net

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VICTORIA’S PASTA SHOP A shabbycomfortable atmosphere with local art on its walls and the art of pasta on its plates – the chicken lasagna and linguine with snow crab are especially excellent. 327 White, Norman, 329.0377 $ VITO’S RISTORANTE Homestyle Italian cuisine in an intimate setting where the staff and management treat customers like guests in their home. It’s a small space, so calling ahead is recommended. 7521 N May, OKC, 848.4867 $$ WEDGE, THE Wood-fired pizzas crafted from fresh ingredients and made-fromscratch sauces; there’s a build-yourown option if the house specialties’ unconventional toppings (figs, truffle oil, walnuts) don’t appeal. 230 NE 1st, OKC, 270.0660; 4709 N Western, OKC, 602.3477 $$

JAPANESE | SUSHI FUJI JAPANESE RESTAURANT Traditional Nipponese staples like sukiyaki and pork tonkatsu plus a good range of sushi from simple singleingredient showcases to wildly complex concoctions. 2805 S Broadway, Edmond, 348.7688 $$

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december 2012 | slice 85

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BEDDING

FULL MOON SUSHI Mango salsa, chive oil, crème fraiche, “cherry death sauce”… you won’t find fresh, marvelously creative combinations like these elsewhere.

Expect to spend some time poring over the extensive menu, and definitely try the Devil’s Advocate. 326 E Main, Norman, 535.6548 $$ GOGO SUSHI The name reflects the restaurant’s attitude toward speed and convenience, but doesn’t mention the robust menu or tantalizing specials. Go go check it out! 1611 S Service Rd, Moore, 794.3474; 432 NW 10th, OKC, 602.6333 $$

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IN THE RAW DUNWELL SUSHI A chic, colorful, open-concept restaurant on the Bricktown canal offering excellent sushi, even more impressive specialty rolls and a wide assortment of sake. Try the bananas tempura for dessert. 200 S Oklahoma, OKC, 702.1325 $$ MUSASHI’S Exquisitely flavorful Japanese cuisine prepared with genuine artistry, thanks to the skilled chefs performing at tableside hibachi grills. Nobody does the onion volcano better. 4315 N Western, OKC, 602.5623 $$

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PACHINKO PARLOR A uniquely Oklahoman spin on Eastern cuisine, featuring sushi rolls made with ingredients like fried chicken or chorizo sausage alongside more classic preparations of noodle and rice dishes. 1 NW 9th, OKC, 601.8900 $$ SHIKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT A boisterous, high-energy meal off the hibachi menu, or a quieter repast of reliably fresh, high-quality sushi – either way, diners win.

14041 N May, OKC, 751.8989; 4406 W Reno, OKC, 947.0400 $$ SUSHI BAR, THE Sushi staples done with élan, as well as options starring more adventurous ingredients like sweet potato and jack cheese, in a bustling, comfortable environment. 1201 NW 178th, OKC, 285.7317 $$ SUSHI NEKO An established OKC favorite combining style (sleek, brisk, classy) with substance (in the form of an especially wideranging and creative sushi menu). Flavor favors the bold! 4318 N Western, OKC, 528.8862 $$ TOKYO JAPANESE RESTAURANT It’s neither huge nor lavishly appointed, and the menu focuses more on traditional dishes than experimental flights of fancy; it is, however, palpably fresh and routinely cited as among the metro’s best. 7516 N Western, OKC, 848.6733 $$

COUS COUS CAFÉ Massive flavor comes packed into this small space; an impressive balancing act among the payload of spices elevates the kabobs, shawarmas, tagines and other Moroccan hits. 6165 N May, OKC, 286.1533 $ LET’S DO GREEK A versatile menu of Mediterranean standards, with many flavors available in salads, pitas or arepas, distinguishes this family endeavor – and the curry chicken stew is exceptional. 180 W 15th, Edmond, 285.8898 $ MEDITERRANEAN IMPORTS & DELI Selected groceries and a menu stocked with options from a simple Greek salad to eye-watering cabbage rolls; the food is authentic, quick and spectacular. 5620 N May, OKC, 810.9494 $ NUNU’S MEDITERRANEAN CAFÉ & MARKET The tangy, tantalizing, fresh and healthy flavors that characterize the cuisine of Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine and their neighbors, faithfully reproduced from generations-old recipes. 3131 W Memorial, OKC, 751.7000 $ QUEEN OF SHEBA Practically the definition of a hidden treasure, an excellently spiced, extremely vegan-friendly menu of varied Ethiopian delights awaits the adventurous. Bring friends and be prepared to linger. 2308 N MacArthur, OKC, 606.8616 $$ ZORBA’S MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE For over 20 years, Zorba’s has satisfied appetites and pleased adventurous palates.

Serving traditional and modern dishes from recipes passed down through generations, they proudly showcase the flavors of Cyprus, Spain, Greece and Morocco. 6014 N May, OKC, 947.7788 $

MEXICAN | LATIN AMERICAN 1492 1492 offers authentic Mexican cuisine in an elegant atmosphere, a fusion decor with an open bar, possibly the best mojitos in the universe and a romantic setting. 1207 N Walker, OKC, 236.1492 $$ ABEL’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT TexMex necessities like enchiladas and tacos are plentiful, while authentic flavor really shines in steak and pork specialties. Bonus points for the Huevos Chorizo. 5822 NW 50th, OKC, 491.0911; 6901 S May, OKC, 686.7160 $

MEDITERRANEAN

ABUELO’S MEXICAN FOOD EMBASSY In a word: huge. The restaurant itself, the variety, the plates, the flavors, the experience. No passport required. 17 E Sheridan, OKC, 235.1422; 3001 W Memorial, OKC, 755.2680 $$

AVANTI BAR & GRILL Gather around the hammered copper bar for the casual elegance of Italy and the Mediterranean with contemporary twists: crab falafel, bolognese pizza, osso bucco and more. 13509 Highland Park, OKC, 254.5200 $$

ALFREDO’S MEXICAN CAFÉ Kick back with an agave limeade and take your time perusing the menu. From avocado enchiladas to fried tacos, the choices – and portions – are more than ample. 3 metro locations, alfredosok.com $$

CAPERS There’s no menu per se; it’s more a case of deciding what delicacy you’re in the mood for – gyros, shawarma, fresh tabouleh, falafel, homemade Mediterranean-style pizzas, baklava – and then retrieving it from the massive buffet.

6317 N Meridian, OKC, 720.2600 $$

ALVARADO’S MEXICAN Options abound – from creamy, dreamy chicken tortilla soup to sopapillas with brandy butter sauce made to order – for a Mexican feast leaving customers full and fully satisfied. 1000 E 2nd, Edmond, 359.8860 $$

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BIG TRUCK TACOS It’s nearly always standing room only at lunch, but don’t let that stop you – shove an elbow in at the counter and enjoy fast, fresh, imaginative taco creations. 530 NW 23rd, OKC, 525.8226 $ CAFÉ ANTIGUA Breakfast and lunch are both served until close, making it twice as hard for the midday diner to choose from the double lineup of intriguing Guatemalan specialties. 1903 N Classen, OKC, 602.8984 $ CAFÉ DO BRASIL OKC is a long way from Rio, but the supremely savory menu in this Midtown hot spot covers the distance in a mouthful. Even brunch is a spicy, inimitable treat. 440 NW 11th, OKC, 525.9779 $$ CAFÉ KACAO A sunlit space filled with bright, vibrant flavors from the zesty traditions of Guatemalan cooking. Lunch possibilities beckon, but it’s the breakfast (and brunch) specialties that truly dazzle.

3325 N Classen, OKC, 602.2883 $ CANTINA LAREDO A sophisticated take on traditional Mexican food, specializing in fresh fish specials and certified Angus beef dishes. 1901 NW Expressway (in Penn Square Mall), OKC, 840.1051 $$ CARNITAS MICHOACAN On beyond TexMex! This walk-up taqueria-style destination serves specialties from its namesake southern Mexican state, including asada, pollo, cabeza and even lengua dishes. 306 W Edmond Rd, Edmond, 341.0356 $ CASA DE LOS MILAGROS MEXICAN RESTAURANT If you’re searching for quality Mexican food that’s accompanied by an appealing aesthetic, look no further than Milagros: their casa es su casa. 5111 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 286.9809 $$ CASA PERICO MEXICAN GRILLE If success involves doing what you love, and doing it well, the family behind these wellloved and enduring Tex-Mex depots are clearly doing nearly everything right. 12219 N Pennsylvania, OKC, 755.1506; 4521 NW 63rd, OKC, 721.3650 $$ CHELINO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT How do you find some of the metro’s fastest, most frequented Tex-Mex? Look around – there’s probably a Chelino’s nearby. An Oklahoma flavor empire spanning from Norman to Edmond, its substantial menu includes a bevy of lunch specials. 11 metro locations, chelinosmexicanrestaurant.com $$

FUZZY’S TACO SHOP At home in hightraffic areas because it helps create crowds, Fuzzy’s dishes up jumbo burritos and big, flavorful salads – and, with special serious emphasis, shrimp tacos – quickly and in plenitude. 752 Asp, Norman, 701.1000; 208 Johnny Bench, OKC, 602.3899 $ IGUANA MEXICAN GRILL Whether “down by the railroad tracks” or returning to its roots in Nichols Hills Plaza, Iguana offers unique Mexican flavor in a fun atmosphere at reasonable prices, including awesome deals on Taco Tuesdays. 9 NW 9th, OKC, 606.7172; 6482 Avondale, OKC, 607.8193 $$ INCA TRAIL Maintaining a cultural culinary heritage that includes flavors from around the world results in great variety, from piquant ceviches to silky-smooth homemade flan. The Pollo a La Brasa comes highly recommended. 10948 N May, OKC, 286.0407 $$ JUAN DEL FUEGO Blueberry pancakes to beef quesadillas, this “Mexi Diner” in Redbud Plaza dishes up breakfast and lunch standards from both sides of the border for a devoted, and expanding, clientele. 223 34th Ave SW, Norman, 310.2030 $ LA CUEVA GRILL Homestyle Mexican just north of downtown OKC, the menu is an appealing mix of old and new dishes, and the breakfast burrito with egg and chorizo is not to be missed. 409 N Walker, OKC, 604.0523 $ LA LUNA MEXICAN CAFÉ Its cantina-style atmosphere is undeniably festive, and only adds to the enjoyment of classic fajitas, enchiladas and bolder dishes like the carne ranchera. 409 W Reno, OKC, 235.9596 $$ MAMA ROJA MEXICAN KITCHEN A festive atmosphere on the scenic shores of Lake Hefner sets off a menu loaded with hand-rolled tamales, vendor-style tacos and signature dishes. 9219 E Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 302.6262 $$

Shop here for the Holidays!

MAMASITA’S A popular watering hole due to its spacious patio and prime location on the south side of Nichols Hills Plaza, it also offers a full menu – try the tortilla soup! 1121 NW 63rd, OKC, 848.0541 $ MAMAVECA MEXICAN RESTAURANT A tasty take on familiar Mexican favorites plus a rare treat for culinary explorers: the diverse delights of Peruvian cuisine, which incorporates the combined flavors of four continents. 2551 W Hemphill, Norman, 573.4003 $$

CHUY’S If you’re just feeling a trifle peckish, you might have your hands full with this one – the portions are substantial, the Hatch chile-fueled flavors are strong and the vibe is playfully enthusiastic. 760 N Interstate Dr, Norman, 360.0881 $$

MARGARITA’S RESTAURANTE MEXICANO The menu offers comfortably familiar favorites, and the real draw is the exceptional execution: always fresh, never greasy, reliably delicious. 7800 N May, OKC, 848.8394 $$

DIEGO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT The proprietors’ personal investment (there’s a family tree on the menu) and pride in their Central Mexican culinary heritage fuel the marinades and specialty dishes in this charming little café. 1501 NW 23rd, OKC, 525.1700 $$

PEPE DELGADO’S Fast service, consistent quality and proximity to campus make Pepe’s a packed house during the lunch rush, as students and faculty keep coming back for more Mexican classics. 752 Asp, Norman, 321.6232 $

EL POLLO CHULO Chicken, steak and seafood options marinated in limes Spanishstyle and grilled for healthy flavor make for a lean, inexpensive, savory meal. 5805 NW 50th, OKC, 792.2300 $

1410 1 N M AY AV E O KC • 4 0 5 .74 8 .7 0 6 6 W W W.F U N K Y M O N K E YC L O T H E S .C O M

PURPLE BURRO Casual and lighthearted (if you couldn’t guess from the name), it specializes in New Mexican cuisine fueled by the heat of green chiles in classics like chicken enchiladas and chile verde stew.

231 S Coltrane, Edmond, 359.8400 $$

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december 2012 | slice 87

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TARAHUMARA’S CAFÉ & CANTINA Beloved by locals (there’s usually a line but it moves quickly), this airy, unassuming ristorante serves huge, tasty portions of Tex-Mex classics plus less ubiquitous fare like carnitas de puerco and mole poblano.

702 N Porter, Norman, 360.8070 $$ TED’S CAFÉ ESCONDIDO The gold standard of OKC-area Tex-Mex: residents may prefer another eatery, but when they attempt to make converts, Ted’s is the point of comparison. Fast, fresh and amply portioned, it’s often very crowded and always supremely delicious. 4 metro locations, tedscafe.com $$ TRE’S TAQUERIA Y CANTINA A trio of cuisines – Spanish, New Mexican and South American – provide distinctive flavors for diners in selections ranging from daily tapas specials to hallacas (Venezuelan tamales), finished with exquisite tres leches cake.

305 E Main, Norman, 701.8282 $$ YUCATAN TACO STAND Fast, fresh and often fiery Latin fusion cuisine like paella and tamales wrapped in banana leaves alongside signature nachos and taco combinations… plus a selection of over 75 100-percent-agave tequilas. 100 E California, Suite 110, OKC, 886.0413 $ ZARATE’S LATIN MEXICAN GRILL And now for something a trifle different: In addition to the familiar joys of enchiladas and chimichangas, the chef’s Peruvian heritage shines in South American dishes featuring plantains, yuca and imported spices. 706 S Broadway, Edmond, 330.6400 $$

SEAFOOD BIG TUNA FISH JOINT, THE Large, fast and fresh, with a casual vibe, counter service and a menu filled with handbattered seafood flown in daily and a varied drink selection – a prime port of call in Brookhaven Village. 3720 W Robinson, Norman, 928.5250 $$

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FISH CITY GRILL Shrimp and grits, tilapia po boys, oysters on the half shell… anyone who secretly wishes Oklahoma had a coastline should feel right at home in this Spring Creek Village stopover. 1389 E 15th, Edmond, 348.2300 $$ JAZMO’Z BOURBON STREET CAFÉ Its upscale yet casual environment and Cajun and Creole-inspired selections provide a nice backdrop for both a night out in Bricktown and watching the big game at the bar with a bowl of gumbo. 100 E California, OKC, 232.6666 $$ PEARL’S CRABTOWN A 20,000foot Bricktown warehouse is home to Crabtown, where the Cajun Crab Boil is a favorite and guests are encouraged to “leave the silverware at home and dig in.”

303 E Sheridan, OKC, 232.7227 $$ PEARL’S FISH HOUSE The fun, fresh taste of Pearl’s seafood and Cajun specialties just got faster – a streamlined menu and speedy ordering system make it ideal for a brief lunch or dinner on the go.

1920 S Meridian, OKC, 688.9888 $ PEARL’S OYSTER BAR A perennial winner in “best of the metro” polls for its fresh, flavorful seafood and spicy Creole-inspired

dishes: Shrimp Diablo, Tabasco Caesar salads and more. 5641 N Classen, OKC, 848.8008 $$ SHACK SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR, THE A massive selection of nicely spiced Cajun and Creole cooking, plus fried and grilled seafood, in an atmosphere that’s as casual as can be. 303 NW 62nd, OKC, 608.4333 $$ STEAK & CATFISH BARN Rustic in the extreme inside and out, but it’s hard to argue with the ample portions of deliciously breaded and fried catfish – especially since they can be augmented by an all-youcan-eat option. Juicy steaks too. 5175 E Waterloo, Edmond, 341.7300 $$ TRAPPER’S FISHCAMP & GRILL Zesty, delectable flavor from the Pearl’s family of restaurants finds a comfortable home in a backwoods fishing lodge atmosphere. 4300 W Reno, OKC, 943.9111 $$

SOUL FOOD CAJUN KING The buffet filled with étoufée, jambalaya, collard greens, candied yams and red beans and rice could satisfy even the most rapacious palates, and the fresh fried catfish and beignets are purely regal. 5816 NW 63rd, OKC, 603.3714; 700 Ed Noble Pkwy, Norman, 928.5050 $$ MAMA E’S WINGS & WAFFLES Now with two locations after a star turn on The Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” this labor of love is adored by locals looking for classic Southern dishes flavored with authenticity. 3838 Springlake, OKC, 424.0800; 900 W Reno, OKC, 231.1190 $

STEAKHOUSE BOULEVARD STEAKHOUSE Perfectly soigné ambiance down to the least detail and cuisine easily ranking among the metro’s elite – a sumptuous, if expensive, masterpiece. 505 S Boulevard, Edmond, 715.2333 $$$ CATTLEMEN’S STEAKHOUSE The very definition of an Oklahoma institution – it’s over 100 years old in a state that’s only 103 – its immense corn-fed steaks and irreproducible atmosphere are history served anew every day. 1309 S Agnew, OKC, 236.0416 $$ CIMARRON STEAK HOUSE Historians beware: there’s a good deal of campy ol’-timeyness in the restaurant’s design and décor… but if you’re after an inexpensive mesquite-grilled steak and a bit of Old West sideshow spirit, get in line. 210 N Meridian, OKC, 948.7778 $$ HAUNTED HOUSE, THE A quaint estate renowned for its spooky past (its name is no accident, folks) and being a tad difficult for newcomers to find, The Haunted House is legendary for its steak, lobster and quirky charm. 7101 Miramar, OKC, 478.1417 $$$ HOLLIE’S FLATIRON STEAKHOUSE This plush, cozy restaurant in front of the Warren Theatre features fresh, tasty entrees seared on a flatiron grill and a kick of Southwestern spice running through the menu. 1199 Service Rd, Moore, 799.0300 $$ JAMIL’S STEAKHOUSE Saving room for your steak, lobster or prime rib is difficult

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when your gratis appetizers arrive in the form of a Lebanese bounty, but make the effort. Jamil’s has been feeding Oklahoma exceptionally well since 1964. 4910 N Lincoln, OKC, 525.8352 $$ JUNIOR’S Some of the biggest oil deals in boom and bust days were finalized at this landmark Oil Center building restaurant, where hand-cut Angus steaks and lobster fight for attention with knockout fried chicken. 2601 NW Expressway, OKC, 848.5597 $$$ MAHOGANY PRIME STEAKHOUSE The service is outstanding and the ambience casually welcoming, but the star is the steak: the finest hand-selected custom-aged beef, broiled to perfection and served sizzling and delicious. It’s where great steak is the rule, not the exception. 3241 W Memorial, OKC, 748.5959 $$$ MICKEY MANTLE’S STEAKHOUSE Named after a legendary Oklahoman, this lushly atmospheric social spot in Bricktown serves powerhouse entrées, sides and amenities that have become the stuff of legends themselves. 7 S Mickey Mantle, OKC, 272.0777 $$$ OPUS PRIME STEAKHOUSE Aspiring to the ultimate in upscale dining via hand-cut USDA Prime Black Angus steaks, a wine selection comprising over 1,000 labels and an ambiance of intimate elegance. 800 W Memorial, OKC, 607.6787 $$$ RANCH STEAKHOUSE Driven by custom-aged hand-cut USDA Certified Prime tenderloins and ribeyes, the effortlessly opulent Ranch offers exceptional food, warm hospitality and unbridled Southern comfort. 3000 W Britton, OKC, 755.3501 $$$ RED PRIMESTEAK Visionary design and atmosphere house super-premium steaks that are among the state’s very finest, accompanied by vibrant, imaginative flavors and refined amenities to make world-class dining. 504 N Broadway, OKC, 232.2626 $$$

THAI PAD THAI Dine in comfortably or quickly carry out beautifully executed exemplars of the form: delicately flavored or searingly spiced soups, curries, fried rice and noodle dishes like its namesake. 119 W Boyd, Norman, 360.5551 $ SALA THAI Pineapple curry, basil squid, fried rice with crab, cinnamon beef with rice noodles... the variety is exceptional, and the inexpensive create-your-own lunch special makes it a popular midday option. 1614 NW 23rd, OKC, 528.8424 $ SWEET BASIL THAI CUISINE The enormous aquarium adds to Sweet Basil’s cozy ambiance, which when coupled with its outstanding curries and soups recommends it as a date spot. Be aware that it is on the higher end of Norman’s price range for Thai.

211 W Main, Norman, 217.8424 $$ TANA THAI BISTRO There’s a lot to like about the food in this little spot, from the red snapper filet to the plain old (so to speak) pad thai. Pay special attention to the soups, and do not play chicken with the spice level.

10700 N May, OKC, 749.5590 $$

THAI KITCHEN CAFÉ Downtown OKC is peppered with places catering to the lunch rush, but evening hours, a packed lunch buffet and quality cuisine make this easily overlooked café stand out. 327 Dean A. McGee, OKC, 236.0229 $

R E A L

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L L C

405.840.5655

THAI KUMKOON What it lacks in seating capacity and lavish décor, it more than makes up for in flavor, buffet convenience and budget consciousness for patrons – plus, the Evil Jungle Chicken is an absolute must.

1347W Lindsey, Norman, 329.9790 $

VIETNAMESE CORIANDER CAFÉ Updating traditional Vietnamese recipes with modern sensibilities via local ingredients, this vegetarian-friendly café makes a quick, casual, comfortable dining alternative. 323 White, Norman, 801.3958 $ LIDO Spring rolls to vermicelli bowls, this venerable diner runs the gamut of Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine, and even finds room for a few French specialties. 2518 N Military, OKC, 521.1902 $$

7401 AURELIA ROAD Fabulous Jim Frazier/Carson See executive home designed for entertaining and elegant living on five spectacular acres with panoramic views of the Oklahoma City skyline. A most impressive home with twelve foot ceilings, gourmet kitchen with intimate dining areas, patios and terraces. Built with solid oak detail throughout, located in a private gated area of exceptional homes south of Wilshire with access off Coltrane. Please call for your private showing of this elegant home priced at $1,350,000.

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MR. PHO It abuts the riotous variety of Super Cao Nguyen market, so it’s not surprising that Mr. Pho is exceptionally fresh and its menu is far-reaching: from pork vermicelli to whole Cornish hens. 1133 NW 25th, OKC, 525.7692 $ PHO BULOUS Super fresh, super fast, reasonably priced and perhaps Edmond’s finest take on the namesake soup… although some of the specialties like Honey Ginger Chicken or Wasabi Salmon also merit closer inspection. 3409 S Broadway, Edmond, 475.5599 $ PHO CA DAO Vermicelli bowls, rice platters and even banh xeo crepes are there for investigating, but the main draw is still piping hot pho (with choice of meat) and icy cold bubble tea. 2431 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 521.8819 $

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PHO SAIGON Can’t decide between Vietnamese and Thai? The spicy noodle broth in this casual restaurant’s name is a standout, but the proprietors have happily added some of their native Thai cuisine to the menu as well. 2800 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 525.1110 $ SAIGON BAGUETTE Fast and flavorful – and unbelievably cheap – this cash-only counter in the Milk Bottle Building just north of Western packs a distinctive Vietnamese punch into fresh sandwiches and knockout egg rolls. 2426 N Classen, OKC, 524.2660 $

SPREAD THE WORD Have an addition that you’d like us to consider for Edibles & Libations? 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.

Classen Curve | 5710 N. Classen, OKC 405.607.1199 | Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-4 www.winterhouseinteriors.com

december 2012 | slice 89

WANDERLUST l 77 COUNTIES

90 slice | december 2012

77 COUNTIES l WANDERLUST

ROGERS COUNTY

The Blue Whale of Catoosa

By M.J. Alexander

T

here’s something about Christmas in Oklahoma that brings out a ye olde vibe across the state.

Every December, the brick streets of Guthrie

welcome revelers to a Territorial Christmas celebration and Victorian walk amid blocks of brick buildings that display bonnet-clad and muttonchopped townsfolk in store window vignettes. The annual Fort Reno Christmas Guns reenact an old German holiday tradition of firing heavy weaponry to chase away evil spirits. In Oklahoma City, a longhorn cattle drive leads a days-of-yore lineup past the wooden storefronts up Exchange and down South Agnew for the Stockyards City Cowboy Christmas Parade, an Old West procession culminating in a cowboy-hatted Santa riding in on horse-drawn carriage.

So it is surprising that one of Oklahoma’s new-

est Christmas traditions is inspired by, if not the 21st century, at least the 20th.

The event involves no hoop skirts. No firearms.

No cattle or horses. Not even Santa.

Instead, it celebrates what may well be the best-

known structure in Oklahoma: a grinning 80-footlong concrete whale.

Editor’s Note: This is the fourth installment in a continuing series as author and photographer M.J. Alexander chronicles her travels across the state of Oklahoma.

december 2012 | slice 91

WANDERLUST l 77 COUNTIES

92 slice | december 2012

77 COUNTIES l WANDERLUST

The Blue Whale of Catoosa is locat-

ed on land of the old Cherokee Nation, between Tulsa and Claremore, north of the Hard Rock Casino, in a swimming hole off Route 66. It was completed in 1972 by zookeeper Hugh Davis as a gift for his 34th wedding anniversary to Zelta, his fellow adventurer, who shared his sense of humor and love of the untamed.

After years as a community hub for

swimming and picnics, the whale was closed in 1988 and seemingly ceded to the forces of time and vandals. But in the new century, the town of 7,000 set its mind to resurrecting its old friend.

The whale has since evolved into a

talisman of quirky Americana and retro adventure, beckoning like a Mother Road Moby-Dick. Pilgrims from around the world, and across town, harness their inner Jonah by entering through the smiling mouth into the steel-ribbed belly, and maybe scaling the straight-up ladder to peer out the portholes. In the summer of 2010, Time magazine named the whale as one of America’s Top Roadside Attractions.

Its funky blue visage, infectious smile and prime location on Route 66 have made it part of the Western canon of American photo ops.

The first Lighting of the Whale was

held in 2010, by a group of Catoosa volunteers calling themselves Fins of the Blue Whale. They dug into their pockets to buy strings of lights, filled each of the whale’s portholes with an LED snowflake and outlined the length of the whale with bluish-white lights, including an artful swirl in the center of the east-facing eye, which greets the sunrise with a perpetual look of happy surprise. (Hugh Davis designed the eye on the other side, facing west, to be droopy and sleepy, ready to drop with the setting sun.)

The inaugural lighting was attend-

ed not by tourists or far-flung fans, but by a few dozen locals, including the grandson and great-granddaughter of december 2012 | slice 93

WANDERLUST l 77 COUNTIES

Hugh and Zelta. A portable sound system played Christmas songs and, as darkness neared, Catoosa’s school superintendent took the mic to offer an invocation: “Dear Father, we just thank you for this opportunity to gather together as a community around a symbol of our community worldwide. Father, thank you for the people who care enough to take time to redevelop and work here and, Father, help us as a community to continue to unite together...” The mayor waxed poetic about Mr. Blue as an international icon before leading the crowd in a countdown to the throwing of the switch.

The lights blazed, spectators gasped and clapped, a bonfire burned

nearby to take off the chill and a bundled-up choir from Rogers State University in nearby Claremore sang carols. There was no admission charge, and nothing for sale. Catoosans visited, hugged, walked in and out of the whale, admired the new reflection in the pond water and joined in the singing.

The townspeople had gathered to save the whale. And, aglow under

the strings of Christmas lights, the whale is saving them right back.

94 slice | december 2012

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96 slice | december 2012

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GETTING AWAY l WANDERLUST

POWDER POWER NEW MEXICO’S SLOPES MAKE THE GRADE

By Elaine Warner

T

he zing of ski edges biting the snow, the shower of powder from a tight turn, the exhilaration of the view from the top of a run paired with

sparkling white snow, dramatic dark green trees and the brilliant blue of the sky – all this is yours within a day’s drive.

And all of it was mine on a trip to enjoy four of

THATCHER DORN

New Mexico’s most popular ski areas.

Taos Ski Valley snowboarder december 2012 | slice 97

ELAINE WARNER

WANDERLUST l GETTING AWAY

Red River

Red River has the most

ELAINE WARNER

Old-Western feel of the four.

Once a mining boomtown,

RED RIVER SKI AREA

Red River’s Old West-style Main Street

the precious metals petered out decades ago. In the early ’40s, a group of locals opened a ski area – which basically consisted of the mountain and a tow rope. The next day the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and the ski area closed after only one day in operation.

In the late ’50s, Oklahoma entrepreneur Stokes Bolton got the snowball rolling again with a ski lift put together out

The Face, Red River

of old oil field equipment with a new motel at the base. And it was all uphill from there.

Today the Red River Ski and Snowboard Area features 57

Red River snowboarder

Red River is noted for its laid-back, family-friendly atmo-

runs – with 32 percent beginner, 38 percent intermediate and 30

sphere and Western flavor. The ski slopes practically run into

percent expert – and seven lifts, including a new triple chair. The

Main Street, making everything wonderfully handy. Accom-

proudest boast in town is “I skied The Face!”

modations are plentiful and range from rustic cabins to com-

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the area features

fortable condos. There are a number of restaurants, but don’t

three terrain parks for free-stylers and a tubing hill. Fortu-

count on caviar and champagne. A great steak or bowl of chili:

nately, I was able to enjoy the gorgeous scenery on a sunset/

absolutely. Red River has the recipe for a great winter trip –

moonlight snowmobile tour.

and the price is right.

98 slice | december 2012

ANGEL FIRE RESORT

GETTING AWAY l WANDERLUST

Ski Santa Fe

Ski Santa Fe is located 16 miles northeast of the city in the

Santa Fe National Forest. While it lacks the convenience of onsite accommodations, the drive from town isn’t bad – and who doesn’t love staying in Santa Fe?

The ski area dates back to the late 1930s and first runs

were determined by Indian and sheep trails. Now there are 73 trails with 20 percent rated easy and 40 percent each rated intermediate and difficult. Altitude at the base is 10,350 feet,

Angel Fire

ELAINE WARNER

making it one of the highest ski areas in the U.S.

Angel Fire Country Club

Angel Fire started with the Resort, which now encompasses

18,000 acres of private land. It includes the ski area, lodge, condos and private homes (some for sale or rent). Amenities include a country club open to the public with special perks for property-owning members, a golf course, tennis courts, an equestrian center with riding horses and boarding facilities for guests who BYO, a bike park, zip line and a variety of restaurants.

The skiing program is key and offers a number of options.

In addition to downhill skiing and snowboarding, visitors can try tubing, Nordic (cross-country) skiing and snowshoeing.

Hot shots head for one of the two terrain parks.

Particularly for lodge guests, this may be the handiest of ANGEL FIRE RESORT

the four areas. And the check-in is the slickest.

It’s done by computer and, once you’ve skied here, your information is saved, cutting down

Checking the trail map at Ski Santa Fe

the slopes.

Those

slopes

are

rated 26 percent begin-

tensive expansion, the base

Angel Fire and Moreno Valley at night

facilities provide many amenANGEL FIRE RESORT

ner, 50 percent intermediate and 24 percent advanced. Unusual op-

Having just undergone ex-

ities. The new rental shop has the latest equipment for skiers and snowboarders and the

Angel

Sports Shop can supply any-

Fire include night ski-

thing you’ve forgotten. The

ing and, for intermedi-

food court offers deli items,

ate and advanced skiers

pizzas

and boarders, first shot

and can accommodate large

portunities

at

at fresh snow before the

ELAINE WARNER

the time needed to get to

Elegant Elements restaurant in the Angel Fire Country Club

and

local

favorites

crowds. Nobody likes stand-

Beginner snowboarding lessons

regular lift openings.

ing in long lines, so Ski Santa

Fe works hard to make sure you don’t have to.

Both on the resort and in local businesses, you’ll find plen-

ty of dining choices, but for an elegant and outstanding meal

In addition to a great children’s program – from day care on

you can’t beat Elements in the Angel Fire Country Club. Chef

up – Ski Santa Fe has an adaptive program for both physically

Mathias Klemmt makes a mean wild mushroom strudel and,

and mentally challenged skiers. Reservations are required for

if you’re a lamb lover, prepare for pleasure.

both of these programs. december 2012 | slice 99

SETH BULLINGTON

WANDERLUST l GETTING AWAY

Taos Ski Valley Like Ski Santa Fe, TSV is a

TAOS SKI VALLEY

bit of a drive from its namesake city – 26 miles in this case. Many

TAOS SKI VALLEY

Taos Ski Valley view

skiers stay in Taos and take the ski shuttle to the slopes. There are also accommodations at the ski area. If you want to stay close, you can choose from hotels, condominiums, rental homes, even a bed and breakfast.

Charm is the operative word

From the base, Taos Ski Valley SETH BULLINGTON

here. Taos Ski Valley looks like a little Bavarian village – where everyone speaks English!

Tucked into a mountain valley, Ernie Blake discovered the giant basin when he flew over it in his

Taos torch run

private plane in the ’50s. The ski area is still family-owned.

With 51 percent expert-level runs (the rest of the 110 trails divided

almost evenly between intermediate and beginner), Taos Ski Valley attracts skiers who are up for a challenge. According to Ernie’s granddaughter Adriana, “For hardcore skiers, Taos is a bucket list item.”

Don’t be intimidated by the look of the mountain from the main

base area. There are some great, long, easy runs with comforting names like Honeysuckle and Easy Trip. You don’t have to tackle Blitz or Inferno. And the ski school here always gets top-notch ratings.

When you’re ready to ski, take your pick from one of these four ski

areas – you can’t go wrong with any one of them. Each has a different personality and ambiance but all have great facilities for all ages. So when you think snow – think Ski New Mexico! For more information, visit skinewmexico.com.

100 slice | december 2012

Taos ski school

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unitedwayokc.org december 2012 | slice 101

OPINION l TECHNOLOGY

Can You Hear This?

T

By Michael Miller

his last spring, I made a big mistake. My buddy Dan and I were heading out for our weekly BBQ fix at Earl’s when he commented on how good the stereo

sounded in my van. It started me thinking I needed a better stereo in my Volvo, the car I drive every day.

So I visited my buddy Google to look around for a replace-

ment system for the stock stereo. I checked into the Volvo forums, where I heard about the Volvo Dynaudio system. I bought the components from eBay and had the guys at Audio Extreme do the heavy lifting.

I was blown away at what I had been missing in my car. But

now I can’t stand to listen to the radio anymore because of the compression. It’s either load up the CDs and the MP3 players or listen to NPR.

I have always been something of a speaker snob, buying

what I thought were the best speakers I could afford and constantly trading until I hit on the sound I’m looking for. So let’s talk about that sound for MP3 players and iPod.

HEADPHONES

DD-PM151 speakers from Digital Designs

I have maybe 20 different pairs of headphones around the house, all bought before I settled on the pair that I now use constantly: the DT 770 Pro-80 stu-

NON-PORTABLE DOCK

dio headphones from Beyer Dynam-

The system that gets the biggest workout from me is from Digi-

ics (around $200). They are great headphones with excellent sound, no ear fatigue

Beyer Dynamics DT 770 Pro-80

and the soft cloth earpiece cover feels comfortable

Klipsch S4

tal Designs, a company based in Oklahoma City. They build a line of powered studio speakers and subwoofers with audio dock included. The DD-PM151 Speakers and DD-PS1 Sub-

even after hours of wear. None of the on-ear

woofer that I use are currently being replaced by a newer mod-

or in-ear phones I have tried can really com-

el with Bluetooth and multiple audio connectors. To me, this

pare with the sound quality and comfort, but

system is really the way to go for great audio regardless of the

if I have to wear an in-ear the Klipsch S4 at

source. I have mine hooked up to my computer and a CD player

around $100 is not too bad.

so I can enjoy the best of both worlds. At $800, it’s pricier than the others, but worth the investment if you are serious about

PORTABLE DOCK

great audio from your music collection.

AT&T gave me a Beats by Dr. Dre™ BeatBox Portable™ ($400)

to test, and I must say for a por-

some of the small powered studio monitors – the kinds of

table sound system it does very

speakers that are used to mix the CDs you listen to and can

well. With the batteries loaded

really bring the sound to life. You’ll thank me when you hear what you’ve been missing.

up and using the Bluetooth connection, I was able to listen to my iPod with very good sound

Monster Beats by Dr. Dre™ BeatBox Portable™

levels and great portability. It would also make a great sound dock for a workout area or the bedroom.

102 slice | december 2012

Make the trip down to your local music store and try out

A photographer, computer consultant and self-avowed “media junkie,” Michael Miller has spent 20 years learning the ins and outputs of desktop computers and small networks, hardware and software, while developing an abiding love for technology and its continually evolving impact on everyday life.

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december 2012 | slice 103

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104 slice | december 2012

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ON THE TOWN l OUT AND ABOUT

Civic Center’s 75th

1 3

2

4

5

6

Photos by Claude Long 1 Mike Turpen, Tom Love, Kirk Humphreys 2 Ann Johnstone, Charles and Marilyn Bethea 3 Jerry Bendorf, Sherry and Tim Rhodes, Michael Beaver 4 Elaine Levy, Meg Salyer 5 Brad Haines, Carmen Gomez 6 Teresa Rose, Reggie Johnson, Jennifer Arlan 7 Randy McDaniel, Amy Smith, Frank Sewell

7 More photos, gifts, reprints... all at sliceok.com

december 2012 | slice 105

OUT AND ABOUT l ON THE TOWN

12 x 12

1

2

3 Photos by Claude Long 1 Tony and Clarissa Sharp 2 Lisa Synar, Mary Pointer 3 Janis Teegins, Carla Bryant, Susan Hansen 4 Sheryl Lott, Mike Hill 5 John and Lynn Robberson

5 4

OKC Museum of Art’s Art on Tap 1

Photos by Claude Long 1 Sandy and Art Cotton 2 Tom and Linda Klos, Jennifer Klos 3 Becky and Bill Duckworth 4 Patty Horn, Jon Owen 5 Debbie and Art Munson

3

4 5

2

106 slice | december 2012

More photos, gifts, reprints... all at sliceok.com

ON THE TOWN l OUT AND ABOUT

Bike MS Finish Line Celebration 2

Photos by Claude Long

3

1 Rick Feuerborn, Shawn Robinson with Haley Robinson 2 Robert Tydall, Hal Diekman 3 Kim and Roland Rhodes 4 Tommy Duvall, LaDonna and Paul Baroni 5 Phil and Kathy Batt

1 5

4

blu VIP Party 3 4

1

2 5

Photos by Claude Long 1 Bryan and Jill Pearson, Joe Jacobi 2 Margy Rose, Monica Stroman 3 Judy Hatfield, Don and Carol Kaspereit 4 Victoria Hubbard, Brooklyn Harsha 5 Mary Fallin, Christina Fallin, Ann Lacy

More photos, gifts, reprints... all at sliceok.com

december 2012 | slice 107

OUT AND ABOUT l ON THE TOWN

Kitchen Tour Patron Party

1

2 3

Photos by Michael Miller

4

1 Suzanne Reynolds, Joni and Tom Flesher 2 Katie and Tony Say 3 Dr. Layne and Berna Goetzinger 4 Aaron and Amy Compton 5 Brittney Keating, Amy Bankhead, Kathy Bookman, Chip Keating

5

OU Physicians Ladies’ Night Out

2 1 Photos by Claude Long 1 Marilyn Mirtz, Dr. Pamela Allen, Dr. Tauseef Ali 2 Dr. Kaylie Thresher, Dr. Kamal Sawan, Gayle Seidel 3 Anna Butler, Darla Brown 4 April Sandefer, Dr. Amanda Bogie 5 Kristine Smart, Dr. Landon Lorenz, Deepti Chrusciel

108 slice | december 2012

3

4

5

More photos, gifts, reprints... all at sliceok.com

ON THE TOWN l OUT AND ABOUT

Mistletoe Market Preview Photos by Claude Long 1 Kelli Hayward, Amy Parrish, Nicole Dobbins, Ashley Jackson 2 Stephanie Jones, Susie Pendleton, Jennifer Freeman 3 Susan Emrich, Karin Kodman 4 Sarah Frank, Cristi Reiger, Helen Wallace, Shannon Love 5 Larry and Kim Birney

3

4

2 1

5

More photos, gifts, reprints... all at sliceok.com

december 2012 | slice 109

LAST LAUGH l KARMA CHAMELEON

The Naughty List I

By Lauren Hammack

t was so much easier to keep my name

edge the gesture with a simple, “Thank

off The Naughty List when I was a

you!”: +5 points.

be thanking me on the longest day of her

Noticing that the motorist, who should

kid. My mom was there every year

Boring holes with my now-twitching

life (read: any weekend shopping day in

like clockwork to remind me that Santa

evil eye into the backs of their ungrate-

was watching. This perennial prompting

December), does not acknowledge this

ful heads from the end of the line and en-

was more effective than even candy brib-

gift of the season, but politely freeing up

tertaining thoughts of them slipping on

ery to shape me into a please-and-thank-

the ice and chipping several of their front

the parking space anyway: +6 points.

you, turn-taking, hand-raising model citi-

teeth that they’ve just whitened for the

zen. The Nice List was practically a lock.

holidays: - 5 points.

Using the “Santa’s watching!” line on my jaded children never packed the same punch as it did on me. Knowing that Santa was trailing my every move took my mind off the more mundane, seasonal concerns, such as why Santa always reeked of nicotine and summer sausage and only hung out at Otasco.

Products of the times in which we live, my own kids practically scoffed at the notion that Santa was watching them, asking instead why Santa gets to be a professional peeping tom whose motives are never questioned.

Knowing I can’t save the others, I can

only hunker down and focus on keeping myself off The Naughty List. Exactly how Santa figures the math, I’m not sure, but I try to keep a running tally in my head of points scored for either side of the Naughty/Nice ledger, especially as the big day gets closer.

For you, fair readers, I offer this

Holiday Rubric for staying off The Naughty List:

Holding door for strangers entering

Net: +2 points.

Noticing that the motorist does not

acknowledge that she has clearly hit the cosmic lottery of the entire holiday season, and then taking a few moments to balance my checking account and work

Letting an idiot cut in front of me dur-

a quick Sudoku while Ants-in-Her-Pants

ing busy Christmas traffic: +2 points.

honks: -30 points.

Potential net: +10 points.

More likely net: -20 points.

If I miss the light, thanks to the Ein-

stein who should have known he couldn’t turn left out of that 7-Eleven at any time of day: +3 points.

Not gesturing, honking and yelling,

“You’re welcome, a******!” after the pinhead scoots in without so much as a friendly nod: +5 points

Watching the (obviously wolf-raised)

driver sail through the yellow light with a dismissive sense of entitlement and then flooring it through the red light and driving 20 mph over the speed limit to get even with the jerk’s car and flip him a holiday bird: -10 points.

Seeing that the jackass is too busy

texting while driving (-5,000 points for jackass) to look up at both my bird and my raging, spasmodic gestures, and then swerving toward him while honking and screaming: -25 points. But totally worth it.

Hating Dirty Santa parties on the principle that someone always gets the shaft – that someone being me – but accepting an invitation anyway: +3 points.

Buying a fabulous Dirty Santa gift

that I’d love to keep for myself, but for once, putting someone else’s holiday joy before my own: +4 points.

Going $20 over the pre-established Dirty Santa budget of $10, because this thing is hilarious/gorgeous/just too perfect and everyone will fight over it: +10 (possibly karmic) points.

Stopping by Walgreens to pick up a

card on the way to the Dirty Santa party and spying one of those godawful mounted fish that sing, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” for $9.99 and using the Dirty Santa

Net: -25 points.

budget of $10 as an excuse for keeping

the courtesy: +2 points.

because the idiots at the Dirty Santa par-

Not shouting, “You’re welcome, you

parking lot that I’m getting ready to back

ingrates!” when said strangers (obvious-

out and she can have my prime real es-

ly raised by wolves) refuse to acknowl-

tate-caliber parking spot: +4 points.

Starbucks, knowing this will put three people in line ahead of me as a result of

Motioning to a motorist in a crowded

the fabulous Dirty Santa gift for myself ty would never appreciate it anyway: -30 (indisputably karmic) points.

Net: -13 points

Want to comment on Lauren’s tales or share some of your own? Write to her at lauren.hammack@sliceok.com.

110 slice | december 2012

Oral health is crucially important – besides keeping your smile brilliant, it can have far-reaching effects on your entire body’s well-being. Unfortunately, for many people it’s something of a sore subject…

The 2013 topDentists® list is a referral guide to the top tier of dental professionals in the country, and from that list Slice Magazine will feature central Oklahoma’s elite oral specialists in a special section in our January issue.

…but what if you knew in advance who the best in the business are and where to find them?

If you want not just a new dentist, but a great oral health specialist, look for our topDentists® listings, coming next month to the pages of Slice.

sliceok.com december 2012 | slice 111

LAST LOOK l KATHRYN GRUBBS

Tree of Life

A partridge in a pear tree is nice, but Kathryn Grubbs of Oklahoma City found these robins nestled in a snow-covered cedar even more pleasing.

We can’t help but dream of a white Christmas.

To submit your photo for Last Look, visit sliceok.com/last-look

112 slice | december 2012

Unwrap Your Entertainment This holiday season take your Cox entertainment with you. Search the Cox Advanced TV guide and schedule your DVR on-the-go with the Cox Mobile Connect App. Watch your favorite TV shows on your iPad® with Cox TV Connect. Then, check out the best in movies and premium television with HBO GO®, MAX GO®, STARZ® Play, and more. You can even keep the kids busy or entertain your inner child with the Cartoon Network App. It’s all at your fingertips.

600-0109 Available to residential customers in Cox service areas. Some channels not available in all areas. Cox TV Online requirements: Minimum connection of 3 Mbps required for HD viewing on laptop. Requires a subscription to Cox TV Essential. Select titles not available in HD. Additional limitations may apply. Mobile availability varies by type of mobile device. STARZ Play requires a subscription to STARZ. Encore Play and Epix require a subscription to the Cox Movie Pak. HBOGo requires a subscription to HBO. Max Go requires a subscription to Cinemax. A subscription to Cox TV Essential is required to receive content from TBS, TruTV, TNT, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and CNN. Epix, STARZ PLAY, ENCORE PLAY, HBOGO, MAXGO, TBS, trutv, TNT, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, and CNN are authenticated services included with your subscription through participating cable, satellite and telco television providers. iPhone, iPad and Mac are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Other conditions may apply. © 2012 Cox Communications, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

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DE SIG N

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