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6 SLICE // AUGUST 2013

The Metro’s 10 Most Bodacious BurgersOn a quest for the beefy best? Here’s where to go. While individual pref-erences vary, if your favorite metro burger isn’t on this list, we have some new favorites for you. Caution: reading will work up an appetite.35

August 2013FEATURES

The Beer BountySlice raises a glass to the concept of drinking locally, as voices of OKC’s sporting franchises join us to sample Oklahoma brewers’ most popu-lar products and sound off about the state of the beer industry.

42

Driven to ExtremesExtreme sports enthusiast Robert Williams has a

craving for challenge – he didn’t earn the nickname “Crash” by accident – but he’s living proof of the

power of an indomitable, adventurous spirit.

46

On the cover

Tucker’s Onion Burgers’ namesake beckons as one of our “10 Most Bodacious Burgers.” Photo by Carli Wentworth.

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AUGUST 2013 // SLICE 7

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A DELECTABLE FAMILY TRADITIONOriginal recipes abound as the “House of the Miracles” continues the legacy of the city’s first Mexican restaurant – Milagro’s has a story as good as its food.78

August 2013DEPARTMENTS

53

75

14 From the Editor16 Perspectives

UP FRONT21 ChatterBlowout bars, back-to-school books, sprinkler sanctions and other topics of conversation.

26 DetailsFunctional, convenient and eminently stylish, the bar cart is enjoying a deserved resurgence.

28 RetrospectiveRemembering the way we were with a look back at the warm-weather thrills of Springlake Amusement Park.

32 ExchangeA give and take about personal loss, public service, roads not taken and songs yet to be played with YWCA CEO Jan Peery.

TRAVEL53 A Wonder to WanderImmense, gorgeous and more than a few million years in the making, the Grand Canyon is a national trea-sure and a definite must-see … but take an expert traveler’s advice and see it the right way.

56 77 CountiesIn her ongoing travels through the state, author and photographer M.J. Alexander heads west to give Elk City’s Centennial Carousel a whirl.

COMMUNITY61 Starting a Life TogetherIn an excerpt from his recent book “Vibrant,” behavioral psychiatrist Dr. R. Murali Krishna remembers the beginning of his arranged mar-riage and ponders the importance of commitment to a life shared.

MINGLING64 Making an appearance on cen-tral Oklahoma’s social scene.

PRACTICAL MATTERS66 With a new operating system and 4G speed and service, the Z10 brings the BlackBerry back to the forefront of techno cool.

PURSUITS67 A rundown of local events and entertainment, including a top 10 list of must-see attractions and a look behind the curtain at UCO’s upcoming Broadway Tonight season.

FARE75 Tomato TemptationEqually inspired by salsas and salads, this flavorful recipe for Summer Dip makes the most of the season’s tomato bounty.

82 Pull up a StoolWe hoist a pint in a trio of pubs that raise the bar on great places to hang out.

84 Eat & DrinkTake a gastronomic tour with Slice’s citywide dining guide.

94 Last Laugh96 Last Look

CORRECTION:In the June 2013 issue, we mistakenly announced the Canterbury Sapphire Soiree for June 1, 2013 in our See & Do section. The event will actually occur next year, on June 7, 2014.

We regret the error.


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WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIAsliceok.com

PUBLISHER Elizabeth Meares

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFMia Blake

EDITORIALFeatures Writer

John Parker

Associate EditorSteve Gill

Contributing WritersM.J. Alexander, Mark Beutler, Lauren Hammack,

R. Murali Krishna, M.D., Michael Miller,Caryn Ross, Elaine Warner, Sara Gae Waters

ARTArt DirectorScotty O’Daniel

Graphic DesignerBrian O’Daniel

Contributing StylistSara Gae Waters

Contributing PhotographersM.J. Alexander, Justin Avera,

Simon Hurst, Claude Long, Michael Miller,Elaine Warner, Carli Wentworth

ADVERTISINGExecutive Director of Advertising

Cynthia Whitaker-hill

Account ExecutivesJamie Hamilton, Doug Ross, Elizabeth Young

Account ManagerRonnie Morey

ADMINISTRATIONDistribution

Raymond Brewer

August 2013 Volume 4 Issue 8

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Back to School with &

READER SERVICES

Mailing Address729 W. Sheridan, Suite 101Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Phone 405.842.2266 Fax 405.604.9435

Advertising [email protected]

Job/Internship Inquiries [email protected]

Story Ideas and Letters to the Editor Your views and opinions are welcome. Letters must include your full name, address and daytime phone number. Email to [email protected]; fax to 405.604.9435; mail to the

address listed above. Letters sent to Slice magazine become the magazine’s property, and it owns all rights to their use. Slice magazine reserves the right to edit letters

for length and clarity.

Back Issues To order single-copy back issues of Slice magazine, please send $9.50 (includes P&H) to the

Oklahoma City address above or call 405.842.2266 to order by phone.

Bulk Orders For information on bulk orders of Slice magazine, please call 405.842.2266.

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES

Slice magazine is available by subscription for $14.95 (12 issues), $24.95 (24 issues) or $34.95 (36 issues).

Questions or address change? Visit sliceok.com/subscribe

or email [email protected].

Order online at sliceok.com or send your name, mailing address, phone number and payment to:

SLICEP.O. Box 16765

North Hollywood, CA 91615-6765

CORPORATEChief Executive Officer & President

Richard M. Franks

Chief Financial OfficerTodd P. Paul

Chief Marketing OfficerForbes C. Durey

ADVERTISINGDirector of Sales

Darla Walker

Director of National AdvertisingNathen Bliss

MARKETING AND EVENTSCorporate Director of Marketing & Events

Cathy Hale

Director of Events & Community RelationsMeredith Parsons

Marketing & Events CoordinatorMeghan Athnos

CIRCULATIONDirector of Audience Development

Kerri Nolan

©2013 Open Sky Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of Slice maga-zine content, in whole or part by any means, without the express written con-sent 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 inter-est or in questionable taste. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of ownership or management.

August 2013 Volume 4 Issue 8

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SIM

ON

HU

RS

T

From the Editor

E ver since I was a kid, the beginning of August has always signaled the shift out of summer and into the beginning of a long slow slide to fall (although Mother Nature works on a different schedule in our state and we are

blessed/cursed with several more months of warm weather). The pace will pick up, and probably sooner than you will like. With that in mind, I hope everyone has logged plenty of good memories over these last few months – and if you feel yours are a little lacking, you’re in luck, because there’s still time. If these last heart-wrenching months have taught me nothing else, it’s to seize the day. Don’t wait for tomorrow. Enjoy the people in your life … every day, starting right now. Ranking high on my personal “Best of Summer” highlights reel: Host-ing a big family celebration for my Grandma Jeanette’s 95th birthday. A 10th wedding anniversary “stay-cation” filled with lots of off-the-grid downtime, dreaming and planning the next few decades with my sweet husband. Our neighborhood’s Fourth of July parade, complete with f loats, decorated bicy-cles, cold watermelon, live music and an ice cream truck. (I had no idea things like this existed within the city; I believed them to be relics of a one-stoplight-town era.) Biting into the first ripe tomato, plucked from a plant that was a mere seed and some hope on my kitchen table back in February. Barbeques and the attendant, delicious, “Woohoo, easy dinner tonight!” leftovers. Whole days (OK, whole weekends) spent in a swimsuit next to the pool reading a good book ... occasionally substituting “laptop” for “book” if something really pressing needs my attention. A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do, and if I can do it outside in the summer sunshine, all the better. I don’t want to lead you astray by painting a mental picture of an idyl-lic, perfect season – I’ll keep it real. There have been some less-than-grand moments. For example, the Great Garage Purge of 2013 is now dragging into its second excruciating, sweaty week – and let’s just say the initial enthusi-asm is waning. Sunburn. Heat rash. Grasshoppers. I won’t go on, because to dredge it up is to feel the sting all over again. But I know all those irritations will fade into obscurity by Halloween – Thanksgiving at the latest – and only the good will remain. Now is the time to squeeze in those last few things you’d hoped to accom-plish before the hectic pace of fall’s shorter days takes hold and back-to-school mania reaches full throttle. Our pages are packed with loads of things to do and see this month, but if I had to recommend the one thing you must not miss, it’s to try a few of our “10 Bodacious Burgers” on page 35. Proofread-ing the article prompted a nearly-immediate office exodus to fulfill a sudden, roaring hunger … and I will admit it was barely after breakfast. Let’s just say the day demanded an onion burger, and I seized it!

SEIZE THE DAY

MIA BLAKEEditor-in-Chief

[email protected]

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14 SLICE // JULY 2013S

IMO

N H

UR

ST

From the Editor

I am a people person. That’s a little strange for me to say, because I’ve always

considered myself to be pretty shy (though people who know me often dis-

agree). At big events where I don’t know anyone, I’m a bit of a wallf lower.

And if you ask me to speak in public, I will most likely be out of town. Forever.

Even so, I love people. I am the first to offer, “Let’s all get together at

my house!” when there’s a family birthday to celebrate or a distant relative

coming into town. When I meet someone and come out of my shell and get

to talking, it’s like truth serum has been administered; plan to find out a

lot more about me than you’d ever wanted to know. I’ve heard some people

have a filter between their brain and their mouth – evidently mine has been

installed incorrectly. Through the exchange of confidences, you quickly

become my friend … and once you’re in, you’re in for good.

In the aftermath of the horrific storms that have recently rocked our

community, I keep coming back to the same thought: I love people. These

people. Our people. Friends, acquaintances and strangers have suffered

through appalling tragedies and desperate circumstances, right here at

home. I know firsthand that even those who were not directly affected by

these events have also deeply felt the pain and sorrow of our neighbors. The

care and compassion that has moved our state and our nation in recent

weeks is so beautiful that it almost hurts to think about it. What can I say?

They’re all in, and in for good.

As we pass the initial surge of support and attention, I try to keep in mind

that this situation isn’t something that will be fixed in a day, a week or a

month. This is going to take a whole lot, for a long time. But Oklahomans are

up for the challenge. Please help keep the momentum going: donate, volun-

teer and write your legislators.

For some, in the midst of the unspeakable, the show must go on. To be

completely honest, tearing myself away from the wall-to-wall coverage to try

to get back a small piece of normalcy by going to work was almost welcome

after a certain point of grief saturation. We plan our content for Slice several

months in advance, and therefore this edition doesn’t delve deeply into relief

efforts or survivor stories. Our local 24/7 news cycle outlets have covered

these topics thoroughly and extensively, and I know they share the heartbreak

of the community even as they report the events they are charged with dis-

passionately observing.

In our pages, I hope you’ll find a moment of respite. We’ve forged ahead

with our editorial plan for this issue and tackled Oklahoma’s Great Outdoors.

A bevy of talented contributors give tips on where to stay (if “roughing it” isn’t

in your DNA) and what to do (whether on dry land or on the water) during

these long summer months, starting on page 29. If an in-state vacation home

is on your mind, be sure to read about Elaine Warner’s trip to a burgeoning

neighborhood located on Lake Eufaula. Sara Gae Waters offers suggestions

to brighten up your personal environs when the living space moves outdoors.

M.J. Alexander puts more miles on her odometer in the latest installment of

her “77 Counties” series, traveling to America, Oklahoma, and Mark Beutler

wanders down memory lane for the best of open-air cinema with a retrospec-

tive on OKC’s drive-ins: gone, but not forgotten.

Wishing you a restful, happy and safe July!

SOCIAL SEASON

MIA [email protected]

PerspectivesWhere readers do the writing.

STANDING TOGETHERI feel that it is an honor to receive Slice. I save all the copies and often give them to friends who are not receiving this nice gift.

I appreciated your opening letter ("Social Season," July 2013) and you reaching out to our hurting state. It is an ongoing pain that will be with us for years. I think it is so important for people to hear about and read of the standing, rebuilding, heal-ing and determination of our Oklahoma people. I believe it helps all of us not to get caught up in the small stuff of life ... I have even been so impressed with the people who have come in from all over to give homeless pets a new home. There is so much that still needs to be done, and encouragement that needs to be shared.

Thank you, that Slice will be part of the healing of Oklahoma.

– Marilyn Foster, Norman, Oklahoma, via email


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At Your Service

UP FRONT

CHATTERKeeping water (conservation) on the brain and other topics of conversation 22

RETROSPECTIVEA look back at the joys of summer in Springlake Amusement Park 28

EXCHANGEDiscussing personal tragedy, public safety and more with the YWCA’s Jan Peery 32

Convenience, versatility and style to spare – the bar cart’s decorative utility is back in vogue and ample reason to raise a glass. Bottoms up! See page 26.

CA

RLI

WEN

TWO

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The Pistol Annies’ whole might not be greater per se than the sum of its parts – members Ashley Monroe, Angaleena Presley and Miranda Lambert are each talented solo artists – but the trio’s sec-ond album, “Annie Up,” reaffirms that, for fans of emotionally raw and resonant country music, that whole is pretty great. The alchemy of their combined talents and interpersonal chemistry is something special, according to Lambert: “This has given me a new excitement, a new passion … this band inspires all of us so much. It’s like we can’t get enough.”

Listening to “Can’t Get Past the Lips,” the scorching debut from Oklahoma tune-smiths BRONCHO (they’re fairly adamant about the capitalization), prompts the observation that they aren’t dawdlers: The album has 10 infectious punk-infused tracks and clocks in at about 20 minutes. It doesn’t take much math to determine that no single jam overstays its welcome. But listening to it again (and again), espe-cially standouts like the opening “Pick a Fight,” also prompts a question: Is this as loud as these speakers get? The disc’s recent rerelease courtesy of actual label Fairfax is the perfect opportunity to board the BRONCHO bandwagon in advance of their pending sophomore effort. Theirs is a tale filled with sound and occasionally a little fury, signifying ROCK.

UP FRONT | Chatter

ON THE PAGECLASS IS IN SESSION FOR FOLLOWERS OF THESE PRIZE-WINNING OKLAHOMA AUTHORS

Getting in TunePISTOL ANNIES

Starting school is on a lot of minds this month, including young Frankilee Bax-ter’s – she’s heading into her freshman year at Athena College and more con-cerned with pledging a sorority or joining the school newspaper than racial issues. Unfortunately, since it’s 1958 in the Deep South and one of her closest confidantes is the only black student on campus, the subject can’t be avoided for long. But with a little help from her friends in the form of the title organization, they’ll try to make it through together in “The Southern Chapter of the Big Girl Panties Club,” Oklahoma author Lynda Stephen-son’s follow-up to the award-winning “Dancing With Elvis.”

WATER PRESSUREIF IT’S SUMMER IN OKLAHOMA, WE MUST BE THINKING ABOUT WATER CONSERVATION.As de rigueur as it seems in many neighborhoods to have a lush lawn whatever nature might wish, watering (and overwatering) the grass is one of the most waste-ful ways to treat a precious resource – even more so than selling it to Texas, which the Supreme Court ruled we don’t have to do. And now, excess irrigation is even more wasteful financially: the city of Oklahoma City announced in June that its odd-even restrictions on outdoor watering are now standard operating procedure year-round, and fines for violators have increased. The policy (addresses ending with an odd number can only water on odd-numbered days) is also in year-round effect in other metro cities that use OKC water, like Moore, Mustang, Yukon and Edmond. Norman actually lifted its mandatory rotation in June in the wake of heavy rains, but stressed the need for continued responsibility and urged citizens to continue using the odd-even system voluntarily. So don’t crank the spigot all the way open and leave town for the weekend – your wallet could get soaked.

Oklahoma Book Award winner Sonia Gensler lives here, but summers (it sounds extra-classy when used as a verb) in England, the setting for her latest literary foray into the realms of the paranormal. Specifically, Cambridge – home to brilliant academic minds, venerable architecture … and mysteries beyond the realms of mortal knowledge. Against a backdrop of sudden death and grimmer possibilities, three students drawn together by circumstance face an otherworldly threat in “The Dark Between.” The thrilling novel should mysteriously appear in bookstores August 27.


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Calendar WatchAugust 5

first day of classes forOKC Public Schools

August 19fall semester begins at

OU, OSU, UCO, OCU

August 20first day of classes for Edmond Public Schools

August 21first day of classes forNorman Public Schools (they’re clearly winning)

HIGH VOLUME BUSINESSWhile only the occasional fairytale princess needs a new haircut every day, having your locks professionally primped can be a welcome treat … so now might be a good time to learn the term “blowout bar.” The trendy concept isn’t intended to be a full-fledged salon – no cuts or color services here, but instead a specialty to quickly make ‘dos do their best, including different varieties to provide a fresh, impeccable coiffure du jour. Pop in on your way to work or an event, have an expert armed with blow-dryer give you a freshly styled look and breeze out ready to take on the world. Celebrities love them, the coasts are dotted with them and a couple are under-way in OKC; check out Dry/Shop in Midtown and blo. in Classen Curve, and prepare to be (wait for it) blown away.

A GROWTH (SPURT) INDUSTRYBy the age of 12, kids should be able to tie their shoes, mul-tiply six by five and refrain from eating paste, and that’s about it in terms of having their lives together. That is, unless they’re Margo Gianos, a sixth-grade entrepreneur who’s already founded an Oklahoma company that sup-plies to three states. Honestly Margo all-natural lip balms are available in three f lavors at 13 stores (as of press time); check the list and order online at honestlymargo.com.

WELCOME TO THE FOLDAllied Arts is a nonprofit fund-raising powerhouse that works to broaden support for the arts in central Oklahoma … and for the first time in over a decade, that support system just got broader. Six new agencies – deadCENTER Film Festival, Fire-house Art Center, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the Opry Heritage Foundation of Oklahoma, Red Earth and the Sooner The-atre – joined the existing 20 in July, the first expansion in 13 years and a brilliant sign for the future of bolstering our com-munity creativity.

THERE AND BACK AGAINVisit oktourism.com to make seeing the Sooner state an even more attractive prospect: This summer the Frontier Country Marketing Association is giving away discounts on central Okla-homa tourist attractions in its free “Trips on a Tank Full” coupon brochures. Now hit the road!

“I see every year about the same in my eyes. It’s what you do, how you develop and what you end up accomplishing.”- Bob Stoops, whose Sooners begin the 2013 season August 31 against Louisiana-Mon-roe. OU hasn’t lost consecutive regular-season games since his first year as head coach in 1999, a streak of 13 seasons and counting, and Stoops has never gone consecutive seasons at OU without a Big 12 title. They tend to end up accomplishing quite a bit.


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UP FRONT | Details

Bar Carts 101By Sara Gae Waters // Photos by Carli Wentworth

THIS MONTH THE FOCUS ON BAR CARTS (OR DRINK STATIONS) IS COMPLETELY SELFISH. I love this current trend ... but bar carts are not new. As evidenced by the number of vintage carts showcased in this article, you can see they’ve been around awhile but had languished in obscurity for a few decades. Now they are back, and in full force. Call it “The Mad Men Effect” or just accept that everything comes back into style if you wait long enough. No mat-ter the reason, when a good thing resur-faces, don’t ask questions. Actually, let’s ask this one question: What’s so great about the bar cart? Let me count the ways. 1. Not only are they extremely functional, but the endless possibilities of changing the setup draw me to them. 2. Whether it’s bourbon and Dorothy Thorpe glasses or lemonade and plastic ones, you can create a party on wheels. 3. You don’t have to limit yourself to just drinks. Add fruit and cheese to a wine cart and you’ve got hors d’oeuvres covered. A simple spread comprised of champagne flutes, pink bubbly and cookies takes care of dessert. 4. Did I mention the setup and re-setup of the cart? Bowls of fruit, urns of flowers and other decorating items can also add a special touch, and you can easily change it according to the occasion. 5. Bar carts can pull double-duty as side tables for everyday use … and a side table can be one heck of a drink station. So, the selfish part? Simple. I would love to have one. As trendy as it is, I do. Did I get one? Or two? No more questions, please.


Vintage brass cart, circa 1970, nau-tical decanter and glasses from Plenty

Mercantile in OKC // Wrought iron bar cart, 1960s ice bucket, vintage seltzer bottle, early 1900s

citrus squeezer, salvaged wood serving tray, artisan hand-woven napkins with multi-purpose leather brace-

lets as napkin rings and water buffalo horn tumblers from Vietnam from Plenty Mercantile in OKC // Notre Monde aged

mirrored bar cart, LeCadeaux melamine pitcher and glasses, Michel Design Works lemon tray and Cake black and white tea towels from Occasions in Norman // Gilded bamboo side table with antique mirrors, Jan Barboglio champagne flutes and decanter, MK design gold-rimmed glass bowls, domed mini cake stand and blue and gold mirror from Enchanted Garden in OKC // Mid-century brass frame bar cart with wood

toned shelves, vintage peach luster square decanter, pyramid patterned vintage rectangular decanter,

hand-etched, hand-painted glasses and Secret Holiday handmade affirmation banner from

The Social Club in Norman


spectiveRetro-Retro-spective

By Mark Beutler // Photos courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society

Summer MagicTHAT FIRST REFRESHING DIP ON A HOT SUMMER’S DAY; the icy crunch of a grape snow cone; sitting on top of the world as the Ferris wheel spins … the sights and sounds of summer were never better than at Okla-homa City’s legendary Springlake Amusement Park. Springlake opened in 1924 and for more than 50 years gen-erations of Oklahomans strolled through the park at Northeast 40th and Eastern (now Mar-tin Luther King Jr. Boulevard). Admission was free and the rides were pay-as-you-go. And what rides they were: the Big Dipper, the Calypso, the Carousel. The music of the Beach Boys, the Righteous Brothers and Jerry Lee Lewis echoed from the amphitheater, and it is even rumored Elvis Presley performed there once. But much like the seasonal magic of summer, Springlake’s glory came to an end all too soon, and it closed for good at the end of 1981.


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THE DOG DAYSBY THE NUMBERS

record low temperature in Oklahoma (Nowata, on Feb 10, 2011) … in case you need inspiration

31

number of times it’s happened in August (Aug 11, 1936 and Aug 3, 2012)

111984

113°record high temperature in OKC history

number of times the thermometer has reached that lofty peak2

2 0.0inches of rainfall in OKC’s wettest August ever (2008)

inches of rainfall in OKC’s driest August ever (2000)

19581967 year The Temptations sang

“I Wish It Would Rain”

134°highest temperature recorded in the U.S. (Death Valley, CA, on July 10, 1913) … so it could be worse -31°

year Michael Mann directed Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in “Heat”

9.958.6 light years from Earth

of Sirius, the Dog Star that gives the time-frame its name

2 number of times it’s happened outside August

number of times OKC temperature has reached or exceeded 110°

days between July 24 and August 24, which the ancient Romans called the Dog Days.

year “Beverly Hills Cop” included Glenn Frey’s “The Heat Is On”

year Paul Newman starred in “The Long, Hot Summer” 1987 year Buster

Poindexter sang “Hot Hot Hot”

1995



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UP FRONT | Exchange

First, how are your grandchil-dren doing in their recovery since the accident? They’re doing better every day.

How long have you been mar-ried to Greg? 41 years.

Congratulations! How does one manage that? You take the peaks with the valleys. Too many people walk away when they’re in the valley.

What’s the best part of your job as the CEO of the YWCA? Getting to bring the issue of do-mestic violence to the commu-nity so that we can get people engaged in a dialogue.

Is this the kind of work you thought you’d be doing? No, my plan was to be a teacher.

But the plan changed … Yes. Along the way, I decided that I wanted to help out at the YWCA, two hours a day for one month.

Fast-forward to today, and you’ve helped raise almost $15 million for the YWCA’s capital campaign. We’re $250,000 from our goal of raising $14 million by October 9. If we reach that, a donor has pledged to donate

WELL BEFORE SHE BECAME A VOCAL ADVOCATE AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE as the CEO of the YWCA of Greater Oklahoma City, Jan Peery thought about being a teacher. If she had taken that path, she would prob-ably have been putting the final touches on her classroom this month, in anticipation of welcoming a new group of students. A few of us might even have been her students, inspired by her unwaver-ing desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Instead, many of us have been introduced to Jan Peery through her devotion to her late son, Oklahoma City police officer Chad Peery, who became paralyzed following an attack as he attempted to break up a fight. A tragic automobile accident in April led to Chad’s untimely death and left his children seriously injured. Although healing is often a slow process, the entire Peery family continues to look toward the future. By leading the YWCA through an ambitious, $15 million capital campaign, Jan Peery hopes to make a difference for thousands of women and children whose own healing might very well begin with lessons the would-be teacher learned from her own son: the immeasurable strength of the spirit, the legacy of a life well-lived and the importance of going back to the shore.

By Lauren Hammack // Photo by Carli Wentworth

the last $1 million to get us over the mark!

What do you wish you’d started doing long before now? Playing the guitar. I have a guitar that I’ve had since high school and I still want to learn to play it. I’m not giving up on that. Also, working in this field – and get-ting men involved in this issue that affects us all.

What are your unsung talents? Connecting people. And even though I’m not great at handling a gun, I’m a pretty good shot!

What do you bring to a crowded room? A smile.

What day is your birthday? August 25.

Happy birthday! What would the perfect gift be? Spending time with my family.

What is a risk worth taking? Speaking out to help someone or changing what needs to be changed. You have to take a risk to take a stand about anything.

What do you value most in your friends? Honesty and being there in good and bad times.

What do you believe that most people don’t? That each one of us has the opportunity to make a difference and that what we put out into the uni-verse comes back to us.

What are you most grateful for? My family. The opportuni-ties I’ve been given in life – even through everything with Chad. Seeing his courage and inspiration, we could see how God continued to bring out the good through the bad.

What will Chad’s legacy be? He showed us all the mean-ing of courage. He could have given up and no one would have blamed him. Instead, he took what life gave him and used it to help others in simi-lar circumstances. He wanted to show his kids the impor-tance of facing life head-on every day. His dream was to walk his daughter down the aisle one day.

Does his spirit help you make it through hard days? Yes. After Chad died, I had a dream that I was alone in the ocean, floating helplessly in the dark and searching desperately for the shore, which I couldn’t

see in any direction. In the far distance, I saw a big, dark ocean liner and called out to it. As it got closer, it appeared to be white and bright. A blond-headed guy leaned over and asked me if I needed help and I said I couldn’t find the shore. Then he pointed, and the shore appeared close by and there was a sunny boardwalk with a Ferris wheel and lights and happy people who were walking around. The man said, “Just go that way. It’s right there. Go back to the shore.” I still remember the dream so vividly and I know the beautiful blond-headed man was Chad, telling me that I need to go back to the shore and live my life. It’s what he would want all of us to do.

Author’s note: During our conversation, Jan expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the community for its support of Chad and the Peery family. In particular, she described the loyalty of the men and women of the Oklahoma City Police Department, whose constant presence by Chad’s side helped their fellow officer brave the most difficult mo-ments of his journey.

AConversationwithJan Peery

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BURGERS!Most10Bodacious

THE METRO’S

Dare to proclaim the 10 best burgers in central Oklahoma and you’ll quickly have a beef on your hands. Certain hamburger fanatics defend their favorites with the determined intensity of a love-starved bull next to the world’s last cow. If their baby ain’t on the list, you’re gonna get gored.

By John Parker // Photos by Carli Wentworth


That’s because a hamburger isn’t merely tasty charred ground meat between slices of bread. It’s patrio-tism on a bun. The great American burger beckons to the skinny and the broad alike with one majestically greasy message for all: Take my humble patty and bun and adorn me with all the bountiful foodstuffs of this grand land. When you think you’ve achieved the all-American dream of the burger to beat all burgers, go ahead and eat me. Each new generation of Americans heartily thrusts its spatula high to accept that challenge. Oklahoma gave form to the Theta burger (hickory sauce, mayo, pickles, cheese) and El Reno onion burgers. Califor-nians walked the cow through the garden and draped it with sliced avocados and bean sprouts. New Yorkers drenched a Wagyu patty in 10-herb black truffle butter and charged $295 for it. A Slice crew of five, including noted food author and contributor Caryn Ross, pooled their collective expertise on some of the metro’s most cherished burgers, winnowed down the top contenders and journeyed to where the bun meets the kisser – burger joints and restaurants. (The most ambitious of the staggered taste tests bounced us between six hamburger spots in one generous “lunch hour.” It’s great work if you can get it.) Ninety-nine thousand calories later, we present our choices for the 10 Most Bodacious Burgers in the Metro.

THE SCIENCE OF BURGERSTucker’sOnion Burgers324 N.W. 23RD ST., OKC, 405.609.23335740 N. CLASSEN BLVD., OKC, 405.286.3331

Patty physics is essential to burger resplendence. Tucker’s employs the Okla-homa-style onion burger method: strings of thin, fresh white onions plopped on the patty and slapped into the meat with a spatula. The process loosens the ground meat, fusing onion f lavor with savory juiciness from the Creek-stone Farms black angus beef. Top it with American cheese for a magnificent mouth meltdown.

ROGUE BURGERPatty WagonN. MAY AVE. AT 35TH ST., OKC, 405.917.1711PATTYWAGONOKC.COM

The Jailhouse Blues Burger busts out of typical burger fare with bleu cheese crumbles, a butter-toasted sour-dough bun and thick, peppery hickory-smoked bacon. The pressed burger and bun handcuff the tasting expe-rience to the prime suspect in this great burger caper – superbly grilled local, farm-raised beef. (Jailhouse Blues Burger pictured on previous page.)


THE GOBBLERVZD’s4200 N. WESTERN AVE., OKC, 405.524.4203, VZDS.COM

To compete with the metro’s top hamburgers, a ground turkey burger has to overcome a tendency to dry out and transform into a white hockey puck. VZD’s solves those problems. Their spiced patty incorporates diced peppers and onion to pump up the taste factor – it even looks like a burger! The house mayo and whole wheat bun round out a healthier, tasty triumph.


THE DIVE CLASSICNic’s Grill1201 N. PENNSYLVANIA AVE., OKC, 405.524.0999, LIMITED HOURS

Offering a burger and a show in a space the size of a boxcar, Justin Nicholas directs an all-star cast atop a f lat-top grill stage: a half-foot-high stack of white onions, 8- to 12-ounce balls of ground beef he smashes down and a seductively daring spill of bright-green jalapeno slices. His greasy burgers’ secrets are complex, but one has to be what we could only call “chonions” – a triple threat of onion with deliciously charred ends, limp caramelized curls that bend to the tongue and pungent fresh bits with crunch.


THE KINGS&B’sBurger Joint 102 W. MAIN ST., NORMAN, 405.360.57265929 N. MAY AVE., OKC, 405.843.877720 N.W. 9TH ST., OKC, 450.270.05167745 S. WALKER AVE., OKC, 405.631.0783SANDBBURGERS.COM

The Elvis is nothing short of a hunka, hunka burnin’ love. The signature ingredient is peanut butter. That may sound nuts (they use creamy), but it’s a light touch to add its flavor and not overwhelm the let-tuce, tomato, red onion and bacon – or the pure beef taste of the lightly seasoned patty. The Elvis comes in smaller slider versions, but ask yourself this: What would Elvis eat?

O’HOW GOOD IT ISO’Connell’s Irish Pub & Grille769 ASP AVE., NORMAN, 405.217.8454OCONNELLSNORMAN.COM

There’s something about bleu cheese and burgers. Even people who don’t like the cheese’s pungency often suddenly lose their objections when it’s com-bined with a disc of thick beef. The sweet and spicy flavors of O’Connell’s Buffalo Bleu Cheese Bacon Burger practically bite you back the instant you dig in. The spiciness is courtesy of buffalo wing sauce.



OKLAHOMA PROUDCow Calf-Hay3409 WYNN DR., EDMOND, 405.509.2333212 N. HARVEY AVE., OKC, 405.601.6180THECOWCALFHAY.NET

An occasional chalkboard special, the FFA Burger is worth waiting for the cows to come home. The agro-geniuses at Cow Calf-Hay crossed a patty of black Angus beef with Blue and Gold Sausage, the piggy pride of Jones, Oklahoma, and money-raising angel for count-less football teams and school bands across the state. You know it’s sublime when the first bite into the layers of brioche bun, fried egg, American cheese, crispy let-tuce, tomato and spicy mayo compels one taster to burst out with, “Oh my god! That is the bomb-diggety.”

FILL ’ER UPThe Garage601 S. BRYANT AVE., EDMOND, 405.341.5801307 E. MAIN ST., NORMAN, 405.701.70351024 W. I-230 SERVICE RD., OKC, 405.601.4198EATATTHEGARAGE.COM

It’s good that the Spicy Sriracha Bleu Burger is served in an upbeat bar/restaurant with a sizeable selection of beers. It’s the perfect complement for a hum-dinger of a hamburger with loads of grilled onions and jalapenos, then capped with bleu cheese crumbles. And it’s not necessarily a tongue scorcher: The spicy rooster sauce is infused in an aioli and the grilling tends to turn down the jalapeno heat.


THE SMOTHER OF ALL BURGERSRon’sHamburgers& Chili4723 N. MAY AVE., OKC, 405.943.7667216 S SANTA FE AVE., EDMOND, 405.844.7667351 N. AIR DEPOT, MIDWEST CITY, 405.733.7667RONSCHILI.COM

The Ron’s Sausage Chili Cheeseburger is decadence on a plate. A generous pour of red-grease chili all but conceals a sausage and beef burger with bun, mustard, pickles, fried onions – all topped with hot pepper cheese. This calorie king could easily be rebranded as Oklahoma lasagna. Don’t miss the trivia-laden menu for nug-gets like this: Hamburgers don’t actually contain ham. (Sausage is another matter.)

BRING THE HEATIrma’sBurger Shack1035 N.W. 63RD ST., OKC, 405.840.IRMA1120 CLASSEN DR., OKC, 405.235.IRMAIRMASBURGERSHACK.COM

The Fire Starter (some call it the “Twisted Fire Starter”) is aptly named. It smolders with spicy heat, but it’s not likely to burn down your house. More juicy than greasy, it’s a “wet” burger with green chili-pepper juice, pepper jack cheese and smoky chipotle ranch sauce. Order up with the NoName Ranch beef option for Wynnewood goodness.

THE LAST BITEYes, we know what you’re saying … probably out loud, scar-ing the pets: How could we leave out Sid’s, Bunny’s, John-nie’s, et cetera, et cetera!? Like we pointed out before, you can’t fence people in when it comes to their favorite burgers. These just happen to be ours – and that’s no bull.

Local cuisine has become a popular concept in recent years, and the satiated diners at the area’s various locavore restaurants or purchasers of MIO groceries can attest that Oklahoma does well at producing food … but as the hottest days of the year approach, another question springs to mind: What about beer?

THE BEER BOUNTYBy Steve Gill // Photos by Simon Hurst

We decided to evaluate the state of Oklahoma brewing with a little help from some friends in the sporting industry: Alex Freeman (AF) is the RedHawks’ manager of media relations and broadcasting; Josh Evans (JE) is director of communications for the Barons; Matt Vaughan (MV) is court emcee for the Thunder (among other crowd-exhorting activities, you’ve seen him handing giant checks to the fans who have sunk those half-court shots) – and all three were kind enough to visit the Slice House for an afternoon sampling. For the tasting, we contacted seven statewide brewers and asked them for their most popular variet-ies (one apiece), then sampled them with the labels covered so any personal loyalties wouldn’t enter into the experience. Our objective was not to rank nor grade – there were no points assigned – but to get a taste of what the industry is like in 2013. With the help of these voices of the metro’s sports franchises, we’re happy to sound off about the greatest hits in Oklahoma beer.



OKLAHOMA PALE ALE Choc Beer Company, Krebs – chocbeer.comChoc has the most venerable pedigree of the state’s breweries, insofar as the business, and some of the recipes, dates back to the Prichard (originally Piegari) family’s Prohibi-tion-era restaurant. This more recent pale ale is a lovely light amber color with a creamy head and champagne-like streams of tiny bubbles after the pour. It has a crisp f lavor with a strong hop presence that builds through the aftertaste.

AF That’s lighter than most pale ales I’ve had before in taste.JE It kind of gets you at the end; there’s a delayed reaction, almost.MV It has a hint of orange in it, when you smell. Got a hop in it; a kick to it.

ATLAS IPA Marshall Brewing Company, Tulsa – marshallbrewing.comThe story goes that the designation “India Pale Ale” came about because traditional English ale tended to spoil on long voyages to the tropics, so brewers developed recipes with elevated hop content, balanced out by different spices, that would survive being shipped to and served in India. This particular example of the breed was only shipped from Tulsa, and we were surprised by the malt levels – it’s not technically pale, more of a caramel color, with a bitter bite but without much tang on the nasal palate.

JE It is different; a little richer in its texture, in its f lavor.MV I wouldn’t call it my go-to, but I have friends who would drink this. Sharp is a good word for it.

RASENMAHER Huebert Brewing Company, OKC – huebertbrewing.comThe name is German for “Lawnmower,” which is nicely indicative of its targeted pur-pose: on a warm day, after you’ve worked up a sweat working outside, this is the sort of beer you’d reach for in the fridge. It’s a pale straw color with a quickly dispersing head and strong fragrance; we thought we detected lemon, cinnamon, banana and general f loral odors. Its light, crisp f lavor fades quickly off the tongue, refreshing without overwhelming.

JE It is light; it doesn’t linger on the palate.AF The smell hits you when you’re lifting it up, but the taste doesn’t hit as hard.MV It smells like a lemony, refreshing kind of beer. I could have three or four glasses of this at a backyard barbeque. What a great name for it.

WASHITA WHEAT Mustang Brewing Company, OKC – mustangbrewing.comWe didn’t know ahead of time that this particular label won gold medals at the 2011 and 2012 World Beer Championships, but even incognito there’s no mistaking it for a pilsner or a stout; the first comment during the pour was “That looks wheaty.” It’s rich in color and f lavor thanks to the red Oklahoma wheat used in the brewing, and carries a bitter overtone with citrus aromas – and like many wheats, it welcomes a splash of added citrus.

AF I think once I added the lemon it enhanced it a little – adding lemon really brings it to life.MV It’s pretty gentle; easy to drink.

By the way, Mustang operates out of the OKCity Brewing Cooperative, which is also home to Black Mesa and Anthem breweries. They sell via kegs, not bottles, but if you see either name on tap in a local restaurant, reward yourself with a tasting of your own.

BETTER WITH AGE?Fermenting grain and drinking the results is an old, old concept – histori-cal records of the earliest civilizations show that even 5,500 years ago, people enjoyed knocking back a beer or two. Flash forward to 2013: a team of bever-age experts and archaeologists from Chicago decided to make a batch of old-school brew based on an ancient poem called the “Hymn to Ninkasi,” using clay jars, period-available ingredients and even a manure fire for heating the con-coction. The results, unfortunately, were undrinkably sour and vinegary to the modern palate. So if someone offers you a “Sumerian-style” beer, hold out for an Oklahoma brew instead – sometimes newer is better.


While our tastes did not find universal concord, that’s to be expected, and we were favorably impressed with these selections as a whole … especially considering the rela-tive youth of much of the industry. Choc is decades old, but Huebert is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Marshall and Mustang are turning five and the others are even younger. The real takeaway isn’t one specific recommendation, but the pleasant realization that Oklahomans can drink locally – whichever way their palates lean, what-ever social situations they’re in. As Alex muses, “Overall, it’s a diverse array of beer; as someone who’s not from here (and is still very confused by all the liquor laws), it’s nice to see that there are good options here.” That’s a truth worth toasting.

WHAT WE LEARNEDIn addition to imparting an enhanced appreciation for the craftsmanship of Oklahoma brewers, this taste test shed a little light on a few other inter-esting tidbits:

• Oklahoma is surprisingly tough to pin down geographically, insofar as OKC teams play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the NBA, the South Division of the Western Con-ference in the AHL and the South Divi-sion of the American Conference in the Pacific Coast League – despite being almost 1,200 miles from that ocean.

• Despite the rigors of their schedules, of our three guests, only Matt drinks coffee, and he only started six months ago and is still in the “cup of sugar with a splash of coffee” phase.

• Speaking of schedules, Alex and Josh are both emphatic about the constancy of their workdays; as Josh puts it, “There’s a misconception that now that the season’s over, we just go ‘Whoop! We’re done!’ There’s no disappearing for the next three months for us. It’s slower [in the offseason] but there’s always stuff to do all 12 months.” Matt, who isn’t in management, does get a summer vaca-tion of sorts. But he still works Thunder events during the offseason, and also keeps busy as an event DJ.

• Demanding though the jobs may be, they certainly aren’t without reward – it’s how Matt met his wife, Kaylea – or satisfaction. Matt enthuses: “It’s fun to love the team and it’s fun to have a nice tangible example for the world about how fun this city is. I’m really happy to be a part of it.” He’s not the only one, either, as according to Matt, “You know, [new Thunder center] Steven Adams was say-ing last night after the draft, ‘My whole family was hoping I would go to Okla-homa City. Everyone in New Zealand was hoping that’s where I would land.’ I just thought – how great is that? For some-one across the world to say ‘I want my kid in Oklahoma City.’”

12TH ROUND STRONG ALE Roughtail Brewing Company, OKC – roughtailbeer.comThick amber in color with a beige head, this concoction from brand-new brewer Rough-tail comes with a chip on its shoulder: it’s described as “inspired by old-school American brawn,” and while that imagery and its name could describe the strong earthy, roasty f lavor, it might just as easily refer to the potent 7.6 ABV (alcohol by volume) percentage. Coffee undertones and a long, long finish give a bit of extra character to a beer that’s not to be trif led with.

JE This has a lingering aftertaste, that’s nice.AF I would say it’s the heartiest of what we’ve tried so far.

NATIVE AMBER COOP Ale Works, OKC – coopaleworks.comGlowing copper with a f luffy cream-colored head and a big, bitter slap of f lavor up front leveled out by a sweeter malt undertone with hints of caramel. This might not have a universal appeal – one of our tasters referred to it as a manly dad beer – but it’s nicely assertive for those in the market for a strong-flavored brew. And if you didn’t see it poured, you’d never guess it was canned; that’s an accomplishment in itself.

JE Smooth going down; doesn’t overstay its welcome.AF This one’s a little bolder, a little more f lavorful – a little cleaner on the palate.

CHOCOLATE CHERRY PORTER Battered Boar Brewing Company, Edmond – batteredboar.comBattered Boar cranks out ambers and pale ales and a dynamite Hefeweizen, but part of its brewer’s heart belongs to f lavored beverages. This hefty treat is too new to be the company’s overall bestseller, but owner Mike Sandefur touted it as their most popular currently, and it’s clearly a labor of love. After some initial trepidation about whether it was even conceivable to juggle the three titular elements, with unpleasant visions of Kahlua and cough syrup dancing in our heads, we quickly came to agree with his high estimation; it’s a genuinely impressive balancing act. The near-black color and dense head visually recall a Guinness, and while the chocolate is readily apparent in the f lavor, there are hints of vanilla and coffee as well, with the cherry’s presence stronger in the nose than on the tongue. It’s complex; robust; a carefully crafted artisan beer.

Photographer Simon Hurst pointed out it’s not a session beer; it’s what you’d have if you’re sitting down with a book and fancy a pint. (He’s English; he can say things like that.)

JE I don’t know that I would want to drink twelve of them … but I’d drink one. An after-dinner beer; you finish up your day, you finish up your meal, with this.MV It seems like a beer that you would maybe just share, you know? Like you would get a bottle of that and a few glasses. After-dinner beer, that’s a pretty good way to put it.

ROBERT WILLIAMS: DRIVEN TO EXTREMES IN SPORTS … AND LIFERobert Williams had already survived the worst of the 2001 Twelve Miles of Hell mountain biking race: The Kelvinator. It’s a section of side-by-side large granite boulders and multiple tricky drop-offs in Okla-homa’s Wichita Mountains – a jostling, proven bone-snapper. It’s where the race EMTs hang out.

By John Parker // Photos by Simon Hurst

Plunging in, Williams bounced and scraped his way through the Kelvinator – so named after old refrigerators’ tendency to shake and rattle in their compressors’ last gasps. When he emerged from what’s been called the most brutal ride this side of the Rock-ies, he felt ecstatic.

Ten glorious minutes later, though, he let his patience run out. It took his luck with it. Descending on a footpath-wide dirt trail, he found himself trapped behind two slowpokes. Opportunities to pass weren’t promising, but he didn’t want to go this slow. Williams tightened his handlebar grip. He shot forward to pass. “That’s when my front wheel dropped into a ravine and launched me off the front,” he said. He slammed head-first, at 20 mph, into a rock. The granite crunched his top four front teeth. A couple still dangled in his mouth. After a brief daze caused by a mild concussion, and spitting blood, he grappled his bike. He scrambled up the ravine, threw his leg over the seat and hit the trail again. He finished the race with a red badge of courage circling his mouth and missing pieces of three teeth that bleach in the sun on the trail to this day. His misfortune and tenacity earned him the annual “Big Bawls” award, given to the most severely damaged athlete in the race. You might call Robert “Crash” Williams an extreme athlete. You might also call him a little crazy.



Williams, 51, grew up in OKC a few miles from Lake Hefner. He graduated from John Mar-shall in 1979. He wasn’t a jock.

His parents, though, especially his mom, instilled in him the belief that there was nothing he couldn’t do or become. He took it to heart. He ran a sailboat rental/training shop at Lake Hefner in his senior year and in his freshman days at UCO. That entrepreneurial spirit eventu-ally led him to selling yachts in California for half a decade and launching handfuls of businesses throughout the years. Williams has a successful salesman’s personality. He’s owned a car dealership,

coffee shop and an insurance company. He’s outgoing, brimming with confidence, and his good looks and fitness instantly verify his first-impression bona fides. Those traits have served him well. He’s now a commercial real estate sales associate with InterWest Realty. One phone call could be worth $20,000 or $40,000 in commissions on multi-million-dollar deals. Those calls could be ones he might have missed in his former endeavor – as owner of Adventure Sports Promotions. From 2000 to 2004, he promoted and rounded up resources to stage around 70 adventure races in Oklahoma, Texas, Kan-sas, Missouri and Arkansas. Adventure races

are akin to triathlons. But instead of road bikes, racers use off-road bikes. Running is done on trails rather than roads. Instead of swimming, competitors paddle in a canoe or kayak. Williams’ role was to fill up a huge trailer with life jackets, kayaks, paddles, etc., and head to race sites to set up the course. Adventure racing, however, has twists. Super-athletes may be the fastest, but can they communicate well enough to guide one another blindly through a “minefield” of objects that force them to start again if they hit one? One of Williams’ favorites was letting the air out of the competitors’ bike tires: The serious, experienced riders would typically start replacing their tubes. Others would figure out that everyone had f lat tires and start pumping. Williams crashed into the adrenaline life basically out of the blue when he was 38. A friend, Danny Albert, showed up at his work with the spandex and bright-color uniform of a cyclist. He challenged Williams to ride the biking trails at Lake Stanley Draper. “That one event literally changed my life,” he said. “I didn’t run, or bike, or any-thing. Obviously I had that in me, but I just never experienced it. Once I did, I just abso-lutely got hooked.” Within a week, he exchanged his rudi-mentary-level mountain bike for a model that cost about $1,000. Four months later, he was pumping pedals in his first 24-hour bike race. “I went from smoking cigars and drinking every night to hardly drinking at all.” He still lives that way today. He’s com-peted in more than 100 races with names like the “Hell and Back 440 (miles),” the Vail Ultra 100 and the Flint Hills Death Ride. He’s not limited to cycling. He has ridden a bull, bungee jumped, skydived, learned advanced scuba diving and hang glided. He’s not finished. His to-do list includes qualifying as a parachute BASE jumper: leaping off a Building, Antenna, Span and Earth form. “The antenna (held up by rigid wire cables) scares heck out of me,” he said. He’s also aiming for shark diving without a cage, summiting a 14,000-foot frigid moun-tain and riding a bike coast-to-coast.

A LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE

“WITH THE YOUNG ONE WE HAVE THIS THING,” HE SAID. “I GO, ‘WHO ARE YOU?’ ‘I’M A WILLIAMS,’ SHE SAYS. I GO, ‘WHAT CAN A WILLIAMS DO?’ SHE SAYS, ‘A WILLIAMS CAN DO ANYTHING!’”


So what makes Robert Williams march to the beat of an out-there drum? It’s not necessarily inspiration from his own accomplishments. When he engineered adventure races, the top-notch, disciplined competitors didn’t leave a lasting mark. He doesn’t have any sports heroes. He fondly recalls a mother and

daughter, though, who wrote him and said they were 40 pounds overweight and determined to finish his race in Kansas City. They finished dead last, and in danger of no one ever noticing. “We’re taking the tents down and they’re coming across the finish line,” Williams said. “People there were cheering them on. It was just so great to see people figure out that there is nothing you can’t do. They felt like they were com-ing in first place.” Taking risks is part of Williams’ DNA. “I’m one of those people who has to have continual challenge. If my career’s not challenging me, I’ll create a new career. If people aren’t challenging me, I’ll find new people to hang around with. I just have to continually be challenged in whatever it is.” Like his parents before him, he’s passing on the legacy of unlimited horizons. He’s the father of a 19-year-old daughter who excelled in competitive cheerleading. His 6-year-old daughter was introduced to competing in adventure sports at an early age. “With the young one we have this thing,” he said. “I go, ‘Who are you?’ ‘I’m a Williams,’ she says. I go, ‘What can a Williams do?’ She says, ‘A Williams can do anything!’” “I’m trying to instill that belief in her because the greatest joy I got from putting on the adventure races was not the rab-bits who always took first, second or third, it was the out-of-shape, middle-aged mom and daughter who came in dead last.”

“A WILLIAMS CAN DO

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Getting Away | TRAVEL

By Elaine Warner

A WONDER TO WANDERA PICTURE MAY BE WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS BUT NO PHOTO, NO WORDS, CAN REALLY PREPARE YOU FOR THE GRAND CANYON. Pictures can only give you tiny pieces of the landscape; adjectives quickly fail. The canyon is just – well – GRAND. And BIG. The canyon sprawls for 277 miles. At its widest point, the canyon is 18 miles across. The creative Colorado River is a mile below. Facts and figures are fine, but all that pales when you’re looking over the edge. Through the layers of rock, the history of the earth is revealed. Almost 40 distinct rock layers have been identified, from the lowest and oldest rocks (2 billion years) to the “young” (250 million years old) caprock. Different minerals in different layers paint a panoply of colors in the canyon.

A WONDER TO WANDER


TRAVEL | Getting Away

The canyon itself is a relatively new cre-ation, geologically speaking. The huge, flat Colorado Plateau was uplifted by tectonic forces between 30 and 70 million years ago. Between 5 and 6 million years ago, the Colo-rado River began its relentless work of carv-ing out the canyon. Various forms of erosion and differences in the rock layers created a variety of outcroppings and columns. Changing light creates a kaleidoscopi-cally shifting pattern of color. The Grand Can-yon is at once a photographer’s dream – and nightmare. Doing it justice with a camera is impossible – but millions of us keep on trying.

Going Car-less Not having a car is sometimes a daunting experience for those of us used to that luxury. Having a car at the Grand Canyon, however, is a nuisance – expensive and unnecessary. Regular shuttle buses stop at all park facilities and make runs along the canyon rim with stops at the most scenic lookouts. We rarely had to wait long for a bus. Xanterra, the park partner that oper-ates a number of the concessions, including lodging, also offers specialized bus tours, including sunrise and sunset outings. Our sunrise tour driver, Gina Valdez, was a fount

of information and we arrived at a premier point for catching the first rays 10 minutes before the 5:43 a.m. sun. There were no clouds that morning – nothing in the sky to catch the color – so it was a very matter-of-fact, now-you-see-it kind of a sunrise. But, oh, what it did as the rays illuminated the canyon walls. Shades of gray were trans-formed into a brilliant celebration of yel-lows, reds and purples.

Clockwise from top: Sunset on the canyon walls // Bright Angel Trail, viewed from West Canyon Rim, winds down to the bottom of the canyon. // Hopi House, designed by architect Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter, was built in the Hopi tradition. Authentic Native American arts and crafts have been sold here since its opening in 1905. // Vistas cry out for gazing.


Timeless Wander Don’t even consider a visit to the Grand Canyon a day trip. Lots of people do and they really miss a lot. Our trip was a short one, but we hit a lot of high spots. We spent the night before at the Grand Canyon Rail-way Hotel by the train depot and got up early the next morning to catch the train from Williams to the Grand Canyon. The hotel and the train are Xanterra entities and they made it extremely easy.

The train was scheduled to depart at 9:30 a.m. but early-comers are treated to a cowboy show before going aboard. The emphasis was on comedy with clever routines with horses, the hero marshal and inept bad guys. We arrived at the Canyon Depot at 11:45 a.m. and couldn’t wait to climb the hill to historic El Tovar Lodge and our first view of the canyon. Many people who take the train ride back the same day – leaving at 3:30 p.m. The canyon they see is beautiful, but with the sun high overhead, the colors are f lat and washed out. We were anxious to start our explora-tions, but grabbed a quick bite in the food court at Maswik Lodge, headquarters for our accommodations. The rest of the day, we shuttled from one amazing view to another. When we first arrived, we made dinner res-ervations at the El Tovar dining room, the park’s gourmet eatery. During dinner I ran out to the canyon’s edge between my entrée and dessert to catch the Technicolor sunset. The next day we explored more of the canyon’s rim. We didn’t have time to go down into the canyon – plan a lot more time if that’s something you want to do. There are mule trips and, of course, hiking into the canyon and on the rim. Bikes are available for rent and raft trips are scheduled both inside and outside the park. Several companies offer helicopter tours of the canyon. Sated with scenic overload, we relaxed on the train back to Williams. The land-scape on the 65-mile trip is not spectacu-lar – though it is forested near the canyon, most of the way was f lat and relatively tree-less. Not much to look at out the windows … until we spotted masked men on horseback racing along beside the train. The train ground to a halt. Train rob-bers! We all kept our jewelry and our virtue, though tipping was encouraged. It was a cute coda to a grand Grand Canyon getaway.

Check out packages that include train fare, lodging and other amenities at www.thetrain.com

Southwest offers non-stop flights from OKC to Phoenix.

We picked up a rental car and drove to Williams, about a two-and-a-half hour drive. It can be done in a day, but there’s a lot to see in between the two towns.

Almost 5 million people visit the canyon annually. Summer is peak – and hot – so consider going in spring or fall.

Take refillable water bottles – no bottled water is sold in the park.

The park offers a variety of lodging. If you want a room with a can-yon view, check out Thunderbird and Kachina lodges.

nps.gov/grca is the go-to site for all info about the national park.

Although it looks placid from above, the Colorado River is fast, wide and cold – 46˚F year-round. Terror on the train!

While “official” scenic lookouts have guard rails, most of the canyon rim is unfenced. And people do, occasionally, fall in. A number of these fatalities have occurred when men were trying to pee into the canyon!

Sunset.

Picture-perfect views are everywhere you look.


TRAVEL | Wanderlust

77 COUNTIES: BECKHAM COUNTY

The Centennial Carousel of Elk CityBy M.J. Alexander


Editor’s Note: This is the 12th installment in a continuing series as author and photographer M.J. Alexander chronicles her travels across the state of Oklahoma.

THEIR HEADS STRAIN AGAINST INVISIBLE REINS, neck veins bulging, nostrils f laring, teeth bared, forelegs frozen in mid-gallop. Some have the look of noble steeds apparated from an ancient bedtime tale, emblazoned with a sleepy crescent moon or a chubby-cheeked sun. Others are born of the American West, bedecked with feather regalia and bridles dripping turquoise and coral, hooves skimming just above the plains. There are 36 horses in all, arranged in 12 rows of three, and a couple of chariots for the faint of heart. All are carved out of basswood and hand-painted. As the strains of World War I-era music f loat from a digital sound system with hidden speakers, the horses glide ahead, bobbing up and down on solid brass poles. They circle and glimmer beneath a carved canopy of mirror-holding angels, ref lecting the light of 600 incandescent bulbs illuminat-ing the pride of Elk City: its Centennial Carousel. As planning was underway for the city’s 100th birthday, the initial talk was of statues and parades. But a thought began to gain hold. What if Elk City did something more durable, something really different? Then-City Manager Guy Hylton summed up the thinking before the carousel’s dedication in 2001: “I remember when we celebrated our 75th anniversary. We had a pageant and lots of food. But when it was all over, there was nothing left to show for it. For our centennial, we wanted something more permanent, something citizens could interact with and something that would last for years to come.” The result? The $450,000 Centennial Carousel, which creator Daniel Horenberger of Brass Ring Entertainment in California has called “the most elaborate all-wood carousel built since the 1930s.” For the past 12 summers, the merry-go-round has revolved in Ackley Park, adjacent to the Route


Elk City has never shied away from dreaming big. The largest city in Beckham County is the hometown of nationally known performers ranging from multi-Grammy winner Jimmy Webb to Miss America Susan Powell, to Broadway star and four-time Tony nominee Kelli O’Hara.

During 1901, when it was estab-lished in anticipation of the ar-rival of the Choctaw and Gulf Railroad, the settlement tried out three names to see which fit best. Crowe came first. Entre-preneurs, however, soon ditched the name in favor of Busch, in hopes of luring jobs and a new brewery from Anheuser-Busch. When that failed, the unfazed town leaders switched the name again, to Elk City.

By the next year, the population had grown to 1,000, and soon the town streets were paved in brick. The two-story Ten Thousand Club Building was constructed on the corner of Broadway and Jefferson two months before statehood to headquarter the Ten Thousand Club. Its mission: to increase the town’s population to 10,000.

Current population: 11,789.

TRAVEL | Wanderlust


66 Museum complex off I-40, every evening from 6 ’til 10. The ride is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, and again around Christ-mas. Price: one dollar per ride. Some of the favorite horses now have chipped paint or worn sur-faces from being patted and spurred and caressed. The mount with the carved pistol is the most loved of all, a veteran of hundreds of imaginary quick-draw gunfights.

After the ride slows to a halt, some of the riders jump off to pay and ride again, passing the brass plaque out front: “A gift from the twentieth century Elk Citians to the Elk Citians of the twenty-first century.” They remount and giddy-up in circles above the old Cheyenne Arapaho grounds, awash in the gold of a Western Oklahoma sum-mer sunset.



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cousins. The cousins often served as go-betweens during the months leading up to the wedding, sharing bits of enticing information. “They told me she was always sur-rounded by friends, that I would have a hard time even getting close to her.” Murali’s family strongly encouraged him. “I think my father was worried about us getting married sometimes because of the stigma of my mother’s illness. I sat down with my parents and my sister and discussed it. My older sister strongly encouraged me to marry Sam. I was not planning on getting married so soon.” Marriage is approached from a practi-cal standpoint in India. “It is more modern now, but in the olden days it was all about

From India to Oklahoma City | COMMUNITY

Starting A Life TogetherBehavioral psychiatrist Dr. R. Murali Krishna is president and COO of Integris Mental Health, as well as co-founder and president of the James L. Hall Jr. Center for Mind, Body and Spirit. The following excerpt, part of an ongoing series, is from his recent book, “Vibrant: To Heal and Be Whole,” co-authored by Kelly Dyer Fry, in which Dr. Krishna recounts the difficult journey of his own life and uses those experi-ences to encourage readers toward choosing to become happier, more purposeful people.

IN MURALI’S LAST YEAR OF MEDICAL SCHOOL, his uncle came to visit unexpect-edly. It was an important visit — one that would forever change his life. “My uncle came to school and told me the family had found a match for me. I agreed to go to Kakinada and hear them out.” Her name is Syamala Devi Chelikani. “We call her Sam.” Matches were made between two fami-lies. Not only the individual, but the family was given very high importance. There was no dating in the traditional sense. Couples at that time were not allowed to talk or even meet before the wedding. All communica-tion was between messengers. It was not the first match between the two families. Sam and Murali had mutual

A PRETTY GIRL NAMED SAM the families. Very practical. Romance comes later. It is more like an aged wine. It gets better and better and better.” Though Murali’s family was all in, there was some trepidation on Sam’s side. Her grandmother wanted Sam to marry her cousin, which was common at that time. “She wanted her grandchildren to marry each other, but Sam did not want to.” Even-tually the grandmother gave her blessing, and Sam’s family approached Murali’s uncle and aunt to discuss the match. “The first move has to be from the girl’s family.” The match is made. The wedding is planned. Weddings are a three-day affair in India. It took place in Sam’s hometown of Rajam. “Hundreds of people come. They travel for days. Everyone who knows you will come to the wedding. I was the first of my classmates to marry, so they all loaded up on a bus to come to the ceremony.” Sam’s parents sent out the hand-writ-ten invitations. “You can’t send a wedding invitation in print. It would be an insult. You take the time to write them.” The tents are up. And the fun begins. The women are cooking. Smells of vegeta-bles prepared with Indian spices fill the air, mixing with sounds of children laughing and playing. It is a time of great celebra-tion. Murali catches glimpses of Sam when he can, but they stay mostly apart until the third day when the actual ceremony takes place. There is one final task that must be completed before the couple can officially unite. It is a unique custom on Murali’s side of the family. Generations have come and gone, but the tradition continues. A mem-ber of the Rechi tribe must be satisfied with gifts before a man of Murali’s family can marry. Legend says members of the Rechi tribe once saved ancestors of Murali’s fam-ily. From that time on, the tribe would be repaid with gifts upon the marriage of all male members of the family. With a curtain dividing them, Murali and Sam sit on the f loor before the Rechi tribal member in a large tent. They are sur-rounded by family members as the con-versation begins. Gifts of clothes, money, special shoes are discussed. As the gifts

Syamala Devi Chelikani


begin to escalate, Murali’s uncle ends the discussion and announces it will resume the next day. “My uncle had a very frank discussion with him that night. By the next day he seemed to know his limit.” Festivities resume. The tedious process of painting intricate detail on the bride’s hands, feet and face begins. Gorinta leaves are soaked and ground to a fine paste. The painting or drawing procedure is called Mehindi. Sam sits patiently while the bright reddish-orange ink stains her hands and feet in minute detail. A smaller design is painted on her face. Murali is less patient as he waits to catch a glance at his betrothed. “She was a beauty. She had beautiful eyes, a wonderful smile and a good heart.” Day three of the festivities finally arrives. It is finally time for the ceremony. The couple is still not allowed to look directly at one another. A silk cloth separates them at the beginning of the ceremony. No affec-tion is shown. As the ceremony proceeds, the silk cloth unites the couple with special knots which are tied with sacred thread. It is time for the tradition of the Seven Steps. Each step represents a vow. Sam and Murali take the first step: It is a prayer for nourishment and provisions. They ask God to walk beside them so they can work together and always have food. The second step is a prayer for happiness and health. They pledge to live a healthy life in all aspects, including physical, mental and spiritual. They continue around the fire with step three, which is for wealth and prosperity. They pledge to walk side by side to increase wealth through righteous means. Step four binds the two families together through mutual trust and loyalty. Murali and Sam pray for noble children from God. The fifth step is grand in nature. They pray for the welfare of the universe and virtue. They pledge to lead a produc-tive life, to accept children and to take on the responsibility of parenting. They are united in friendship in the sixth step. It is one of long life, joy and togetherness. They ask God to keep their friendship strong and to give them the maturity to make it last-ing. They pledge harmony in their relation-ship. Sam and Murali take the final step, which is to pledge love and sacrifice. They vow to stay loyal to each other and remain together through good times and bad. They promise to stay lifelong companions. After the wedding, Murali and Sam spent some time traveling. They went to several

temples where they prayed together. And they talked. And they talked. And they talked. They are getting to know one another. “Sam is a great conversationalist. That was a special bonding time for us. Everything they had told me about her was true.” Still very young, the couple settled in as Murali finished his classes and began working as a general doctor in Sam’s home-town of Rajam. The year was filled with one patient after another. He delivered babies, answered his door in the middle of the night and worked through the night when needed. A family doctor cares for the young, the old and all those in between. It is demanding, yet highly rewarding. Murali enjoyed the work, but knew the pace would eventually lead to his own poor health. “You can’t do everything. There is always one more patient to see.” On one rare occasion, Murali and Sam were dining out. Murali felt a thump upside his head and turned to find one of his professors from medical school. “What are you doing here?” the professor asked. “You were selected for the internal medi-cine residency.” Murali had not known he was selected. After much thought, he and Sam decided he should pursue internal medicine. They knew they could always return to Rajam when the residency was complete. The internal medicine program was quite rigorous, and Murali knew he would have little time for his family. Sam was preg-nant with their first child. She moved back to stay with her parents so they could help with the baby. Murali went back to Vizag so he could concentrate on his studies. Raja was born Jan. 2, 1972. One of Mura-li’s teachers delivered him. “Our families asked us how we were going to support a baby. We were only 22 and 21.” The young couple saved every penny and bought a camera to chronicle their young son’s life. “I took hundreds of pictures of Raja. That was a passion for me. He brought such joy to our lives.” Weekdays were for studying; weekends were for family. Murali went from Vizag to Rajam most weekends to see Sam and Raja. Murali would enter the front door as young Raja toddled over to his open arms. He pointed to Sam as if to introduce Murali to his wife. “I had some thoughts about close-ness. I wanted to give Raja a lot of my time, attention and love – right from his birth.” After a year and a half of studying inter-nal medicine, Murali still feels the pull of his own Amma [his mother]. He wants to

know what went wrong. He still wants to help her. Mental illness at that time was focused only on the psychotic. There was no counseling. There were only two places in India Murali could have gone to study psychiatry. Both would have required him to learn another language. I have to learn more for my Amma. There has to be a way I can help. After researching, Murali found an opportunity in England. How can I tell Sam I want to move to England? How can I afford to take her and Raja with me? Murali knew Sam had planned a life for them in Rajam. It was home to her and also close to [his grandfather] Thatha’s vil-lage. Nevertheless, Amma’s illness contin-ued to tug at Murali’s heart. “Initially, she did not want to go. But once I shared with her that I wanted to help my mom, she agreed to it. I had to go alone at first. It was 1973. We didn’t have enough money for all of us to travel.” It was a lonely time for Murali. He missed his young family. He plowed into his first internal medicine rotation. He found he had a knack for endoscopy and it didn’t take long to learn he also had a skill for reading EKGs. He had many options within the medical field. And when it came time to declare his specialty, it was quite a shock to his teachers and mentors. “They asked me why I wanted to do psy-chiatry. I asked them, ‘Why not?’” Murali sits in front of a panel of doc-tors. Stern faces press him for answers. Why psychiatry? Why not cardiology? Why not gastroenterology? Only doctors who can’t do something else go into psychiatry. There is not enough research in the field? You will be disappointed. Murali still does not share his reasons. “I didn’t have the courage to share the story of my mom. There was still too much stigma. I didn’t want them to think I was going into it to solve my own problems or my mom’s problems. It took weeks before they gave their approval.” Unbeknownst to Murali, his young bride was back home trying to think of a way to unite her family. She desperately wanted to get to England and put her little family back under one roof. Sam gingerly removed her ankle orna-ments and carried them to her father-in-law. They had been given to her by her family, but the need to have her family together was paramount over sentimentality. Murali’s father sold the jewelry and sent mother and child to England.

COMMUNITY | From India to Oklahoma City


HOW CAN TWO PEOPLE WHO HAVE NEVER MET EXPECT TO HAVE A LONG AND HAPPY MARRIAGE? Commitment. When two people find each other through whatever means, they will not last without commitment. I am often asked about my arranged mar-riage to my wife, Sam. Can I tell you that we were instantly madly in love with each other? No. But we were infatuated with one another. And I can tell you our love has evolved through the years, and we have a genuine love. I sim-ply adore my wife. We have been together 43 years. She is the light of my life. Committed relationships work. The strongest couples know and live by five components of love and commitment:

1. They know that love evolves, and they nurture it.

2. They have a common purpose.

3. They are willing to maintain their individuality and still know when to put their spouse first. Their relationship is a priority.

4. They accept their spouse unconditionally.

5. They are truly grateful for each other.

Love evolves: God has created stages of love in a beautiful sequence. If you ask young people in their teens or early 20s, they may talk about love in terms of physical beauty and sex. As couples age, they will begin to focus on common interests. As you go deeper and deeper, they will find a common passion both in life and for each other. The ultimate love is a spiritual union. It is so strong that it cannot be separated by age, illness, trauma, loss or even death. That kind of union is what keeps us believing in something beyond our presence here on earth. That is the ultimate level of love. But that takes nurturing. Every couple has to find a reasonable way of nurturing their relationship. Know when to give and when to take. Learn to look through the other person’s eyes. Learn to listen. Every couple will be faced with ups and downs. Careers, children, illness, financial

troubles and a myriad of other things can create challenges. All those challenges can lead the couple to put their marriage on the back burner. But a solid foundation will keep the marriage strong through the challenges. Love is essential, and it will reinvigorate itself when there is understanding and com-munication. The foundation is solid trust and commitment. A common purpose: Strong couples share passion and a common purpose. They know what gives meaning to their lives. It might be their children or grandchildren. It might be their church or an activity like gardening, hik-ing or fishing. It helps to be involved within the community. We all need connectedness not only with each other, but with the world around us. Most healthy people have a strong passion for something. Find a common pas-sion. Seek it out. A sense of priority: Couples with strong and open communication will weather the barrage of peaks and valleys that life hurls their way. They listen to one another and realize when they must put their spouse first. They consciously work at supporting one another. Each person must maintain a sense of individuality, but there are times for sacrifice as well. You must be willing to share your hopes and dreams with one another and show your support. Every couple will disagree, but you must learn to express yourself without alienating the other person. Couples need to know when they are in trouble. They may need to seek outside counsel to help them navigate through an issue. And every couple will have issues. Challenges are what make us stron-ger. When challenged, introspective people will find strength from their inner core. You can find your potential during challenging times. Life can offer both calm seas and tidal waves. We have to learn to expect troubles – prepare for them, deal with them and become stronger. Unconditional love: Couples must love each other unconditionally and accept each other as they are. Very rarely does another human being meet our expectations. We are not divine beings. We are human. We are imperfect. Humans can be emotionally messy. Sometimes spouses look to one another to fill a void they have from within. No one can fill a void for you. People who marry many

times may be trying to fill their own spiritual void. That kind of void can never be filled by another human being. Spirituality and true happiness come only from within. If a spouse seeks connection with someone else outside of the marriage, they are searching for something that they will not find. If it is sex, it will not feed their spiritual longing. Sex is largely in the mind. When it comes down to it, sex is the same act over and over and over. The act hasn’t changed in millions of years. Of course there are variations of it, but it is f leeting. It is short-term gratification. A person who is insecure can be easily swayed by someone from outside the marriage. They think they must be important or special to deserve the focused attention. But it will not last. They will repeat the process until they realize their emptiness and insecurity comes from within. Some couples will throw away their whole marriage over sex. They will say, “I can’t sleep with you anymore.” There is so much more to a relationship than sex. Gratitude: Sometimes when a spouse dies, the surviving spouse realizes how much they miss them and they have regrets about not showing greater appreciation for them when they were still living. If we could only feel even a small part of that when the other person is still here, it would make the relationship so much better. If we have a sense of gratitude for our spouse, we will interact with them more positively. You will not take them for granted. Learn to appreci-ate their energy, their passion, their partner-ship with you. Be present in your relation-ship. Take the time to savor simple moments together. We all have a return ticket; your time together will come to an end. Laughter: If there were a sixth component to a committed marriage, it would have to be laughter. Having a sense of humor makes life more enjoyable. If you and your spouse can find humor in the simple aspects of life, your journey together will be smoother and brighter. Laughter can take the stress out of many situations. Enjoy the ride.

Proceeds from “Vibrant: To Heal and Be Whole” endow the Dr. R. Murali Krishna Family Eliminate the Stigma Award. Visit sliceok.com/vibrant to order ($24.99) and receive a complimentary copy of Dr. Krishna’s “Natu-

ral Relaxation” CD while supplies last. Find Dr. Krishna online: web: drkrishna.com // fb: rmkrishnamd // tw: @drrmkrishna

Dr. R. Murali Krishna onLOVE AND MARRIAGE

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

MINGLING | On the Town

Jim Reese, Kerry Barrick, Governor Mary Fallin, David Brooks

SPLENDOR IN THE GARDENSPhotos by Claude Long

It’s a happy evening for the Myriad Gardens – celebrating its 25th anniversary – and for the guests enjoying the occasion at a magnificent outdoor dinner.

BEAUX ARTS RECEPTIONPhotos by Justin Avera

The soon-to-be Beaux Arts debu-tantes take a break from practicing and preparation to enjoy an after-noon with their families at the OKC Museum of Art.

MIO RECEPTIONOver 200 members, guests and legisla-tors applaud the industriousness and economic impact of the food manufac-turers belonging to the Made in Okla-homa Coalition at an OKC party.

Elizabeth Nordin, Laura Joullian, Sydney Hood, Caroline Blakley

Nancy Payne Ellis, Paul Brown

Harper and Margo Ward

Allen and Darlene Paine Maureen Heffernan, Rachel and David HoltGinny Greenberg,

Linda Haneborg



Tsinena and John Thompson, Brittany Hunt

Suzanne Chew, Randy Lewis

deadCENTER FRIDAY NIGHT FROLICPhotos by Justin Avera

IAO marks the spot for cinema buffs ready to celebrate, and Slice helps the film festival throw a knockout party.

REDBUD BREAKFASTPhotos by Claude Long

The 31st annual Redbud Classic is in the books, and the winners are the youth served by event beneficiary Oklahoma Lawyers for Children, which received a $30,000 check at a thoroughly cel-ebratory breakfast.

RED ROOFTOP PARTYPhotos by Justin Avera

A crimson-hued fete atop Automobile Alley collects a cool sum of over $5,000 to support the lifesaving mis-sion of AIDS Walk OKC.

Phil Burke, David Barocio, Sarah-Jane Crespo, Robert Mills

Jordan Stivers, Megan McDown, Wilson Kerr, Ben Campbell

Carrie Price, Melody Barfield

Ed Blau, Jordan Gilchrist, Marcus OdaKathryn Walker,

Lynnann MuseKeith Hablack, Jay Baker

Hosts James Siderias, Lisa Pitsiri and Scott Hines


BLACKBERRYIS BACK

TECHNO COOL

By Michael Miller

top to bottom: The BlackBerry Z10, HDMX Jam Bluetooth wireless speaker, Voyager Legend Bluetooth headset

THE BLACKBERRY Z10 is the first of its kind to run the new BlackBerry 10 operating system. This is a true communication device. Built from the ground up to satisfy the needs of the “crackberry” crowds, it combines the best of modern 4G service with the ease of information access we have got-ten used to with our iOS and Android systems. BlackBerry is known for its integration with and native support for Microsoft Exchange, Lotus Domino or Novell GroupWise email calendar, tasks, notes and contacts. When you work in the corporate world, you know how important this integration can be, and BlackBerry does it best. It allows you to work seamlessly from your handheld with the software on your corporate desktop, and allows you to be productive wherever you are. While other devices have a limited integration with some forms of this concept, BlackBerry wrote the book. Apps are available from Appworld and there are already thousands of apps and downloads for the new operating system. Apps can be down-loaded from any wireless carrier that supports the BlackBerry over-the-air software loading service. Over half of mobile developers are now support-ing BlackBerry 10 with lots more to come in the future. The keyboard of old is gone in favor of the modern equivalent touch screen, but the buttons are large and responsive and work quite well for the thumb typers who loved the old QWERTY keyboards. I also tried out the new Voyager Legend Bluetooth headset from Plan-tronics. It features smart call routing between Bluetooth devices, great audio, voice commands and caller announce. It also has a feature that notifies you how much talk time and battery life you have left when you connect the device. I loved the sound and performance with my Windows phone and the battery life is great. I would say my only fault with the Voyager Legend is with the choice to change the charging/USB connection. They are using a magnetic connector instead of the mini USB, which means I can’t use my old cables to charge the Legend like I can my other Plantronics headsets. If you’re new to the brand, this won’t be a problem for you. The HMDX Jam Bluetooth wireless speaker was another treat for me this month. I was able to listen to my phone via the Bluetooth connection to the small speaker on its built-in battery … pretty good sound from such a small box and the battery life is good. Once again, it can be charged from your computer, and at about 3 inches around and tall, it’s easy to drop in a bag for those times when a larger unit just wouldn’t work.


PURSUITS

TOP TENPrime starting points for making the most of the month 68

SPOTLIGHTSetting the stage for Broadway Tonight’s spectacular season 70

SEE & DOThe music, theater, visual arts and other delights on August’s calendar 71

The Glory of CreationAngels, sinners, scenic cities and wonders of every description await as the Oklahoma City Museum of Art hosts 500 years of Italian masterpieces in “Of Heaven and Earth.” See page 69.

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Skip Hill, “Pearls (Perolas)”

PURSUITS | High Points

Juicy FruitAugust 9-September 14, MAINSITE Contemporary Art GallerySkip Hill has lived in Texas, Mexico, Thailand, the Nether-

lands; gradually absorbing a span of multicultural influences into his art. Recent time in Brazil proves ripe for symbolic inspiration via avian motifs in his new collage exhibit, “Under the Mango Tree.” And thanks to his current status as de facto artist in residence, visitors can watch as he creates fresh interactive journeys.

The TopBy Steve Gill

IT’S A BIG, BUSY METRO OUT THERE – IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT TO EVERYTHING, HERE’S WHERE TO START.

HOW DRY I AMAugust 1-4, Sooner TheaterYou think Oklahoma is parched? The desperate denizens of this sad little burg are mired in a 20-year drought, and in such dire straits (which are now just ditches) that private toilets are outlawed and they have to give a fee to take a … micturition. Relief may take the form of one man dedicated to flushing out corruption in “Urine-town the Musical.”

YOU’VE GOT ANOTHER THINK COMIN’August 8, Oklahoma History CenterWhat poet wrote “Ozymandias”? When was the Battle of Puebla? Who shot Mr. Burns? Join hun-dreds of knowledge buffs in having a great time for a good cause at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s 7th annual Smarty Pants Trivia Night – the good-natured showdown offers hors d’oeuvres, adult beverages, prizes and the opportunity to prove whose brains have the most brawn.

HOMEWARD BOUNDAugust 3-18, FallbrookIt’s not your house yet … but it could be. Con-structed with care by TimberCraft and with an estimated value of $425,000, the St. Jude Dream Home in Edmond will become someone’s new address after an August 22 drawing. Before then, buy a ticket for $100, take a weekend tour to explore its amenities and register free for a furni-ture shopping spree.

STARMANAugust 10, OKC Civic CenterBruno Mars is a singer: He won a Best Male Pop Vocal Performance Grammy for “Just the Way You Are.” He’s a song-writer: He wrote “The Lazy Song” and co-penned Justin Beiber’s “Love Me” and that Cee-Lo track we can’t name here. He also plays drums, guitar, piano, bass, har-monica … catch this stop on the Moonshine Jungle World Tour, and be entertained.


Carlo Dolci, Salome, ca. 1681-85, Oil on canvas, 48 5/16 x 37 3/4 in. (122.7 x 95.8 cm), Purchased by Glasgow Museums through JC Robinson, 1883 (656) © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection

Fire Your GunsAugust 31, Owen FieldLet the RUF/NEKS sound their cannons and the schooner hurtle through its orbit – it’s football time in Oklahoma! The Soon-ers are a young team without a proven leader at quarterback, in a conference that seems to get tougher every year. But this is OU, so expectations are sky-high as they kick off the season against Louisiana-Monroe.

IN THE EVENINGAugust 23-24, Lions ParkAll are welcome (except Helios) at one of Norman’s most fantastic annual arts events, the nocturnal conclave of talent called the Midsummer Nights’ Fair. Two stages of musicians entertain while guests roam through the gloam-ing, browsing a “town square” of more than two dozen local potters, paint-ers, jewelers, woodworkers and more selected by the Firehouse Art Center.

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NIGHT MOVESAugust 30, 815 N Hudson AveOne evening the corner of N.W. 8th Street and Hud-son Avenue is just another intersection, the next it’s an enthusiastically energetic street festival. After sundown, the H&8th Night Market hums with life thanks to Elemental Coffee, live music, beer from COOP Ale Works and a mini-fleet of food trucks, plus the hordes pedestrians happily enjoying the Midtown neighborhood party.

August 24-November 17, OKC Museum of ArtMany of the most exquisite artistic creations wrought by mankind came from the cultural centers of Italy, and many of those master-pieces will soon be found in Oklahoma City. The traveling exhibition “Of Heaven and Earth” mines the treasure troves of Glasgow Muse-ums to showcase 500 years of Italian painting, featuring Bellini, Botticelli, Titian and more. Gloria in Excelsis!

Sugar artist Mike Elder works on a Rumble cake at the 2012 Tour de Palate.

FANTASTIC VOYAGEAugust 24, National Cowboy & WesternHeritage Museum

It’s a sweet trip for the taste buds as 15 outstanding restaurants pair their wares with wines and sugary treats at the Tour de Palate; this sixth edition of the annual event honors Johnathan Russell and raises funds to fight leukemia and blood cancers in an eve-ning of food, dancing, auctions and moving music by Stephen Salewon.

How Great Thou Art


PURSUITS | Spotlight

By Steve Gill

Liz Callaway and theYoung Voices of EdmondFriday and Saturday, August 23-24The tradition of beginning the season with a youth-oriented vocal concert continues courtesy of Callaway – in addition to her Broadway credits and solo recordings, she lends her voice to multiple films, and was the singing voice of Fox Animation’s “Anas-tasia.” Her group of stage mates, the Young Voices, was the brainchild of Dr. White and Angie McKenna and welcomes new mem-bers; call 974.2609 for details.

Savion Glover: “Solo in Time”Friday, September 6How skilled is tap master Glover? The late, great Gregory Hines, himself a legendary dancer, said of his former pupil that “Savion is possibly the best tap dancer that ever lived.” Still a force for creative expression as he approaches 40, Glover hasn’t lost a step in fusing choreographic skills he has learned under the tutelage of many masters. “He stands on their shoulders, yet brings the art form to a new level, and to a new generation,” says longtime fan White.

Hal Holbrook in“Mark Twain Tonight!”Friday, January 24There are few guarantees in life, but: This show will sell out. A veteran actor and liv-ing titan of the American stage, Holbrook isn’t just a good choice for the classic author; he completely inhabits the role. That’s the result of nearly 60 years – over half a century – spent honing his craft by performing this same one-man show. Prepare to be amazed.

Gregg Edelman: Broadway State of MindSaturday, February 22A smooth, sonorous presence on stage, screen and television, the debonair Edel-man is a showman of the old school, the sort of singer who looks perfectly in his element wearing a tuxedo with undone black bow tie while crooning “Feelings.” White raves, “Gregg is charming, suave, dashing, and yet so affable – a true Broad-way leading man.”

THEATER LOVERS NEEDN’T GO ALL THE WAY TO THE GREAT WHITE WAY to get their fill of top-tier live performance – the footlights are lit and the curtain rising on a new season of wonders for the University of Central Oklahoma’s Broadway Tonight series, filling the intimate Mitchell Hall Theater with internationally renowned talent in a four-show sched-ule beginning … just about now. The features are produced by Dr. Greg White, UCO’s director of music theater, who in addition to being a Central alumnus and earning a Ph.D. in Fine Arts from Texas Tech has done his time treading the boards: He has several acting roles in national tours under his belt, and has also enjoyed stints as a cruise line singer, theatrical director and award-win-ning playwright (his creation “Flipside: the Patti Page Story” received 18 National Kennedy Center honors, including Best Musical). While professing surprise that he’s entering his fifth year at the program’s helm – time apparently f lies when you’re having fun – White is confident he’s in the right place. “My familiarity with the College of Fine Arts and Design certainly helped,” he muses, “also, tour-ing with major Broadway shows as well as performing in NYC for more than a decade before I began teaching at UCO helped with my breadth of knowledge. The Broadway Tonight posi-tion proved the perfect fit for me.” White learned a great deal from longtime series director Jon Finch, and incorporated his expertise with a commitment to increased student and community focus – every guest artist offers a master class on campus, and many perform alongside students. To select those art-ists, White explains that “I try to look at what’s happening in our rich OKC metro arts scene, and find unique programming that you won’t find anywhere else; programming that will enlighten and enrich our community. I also look for a wide array: musical theater productions, dance, theater, vocalists, et cetera.” The results speak for themselves in the 2013-’14 season.

The Biggest Show in Town

Please Be SeatedTickets are on sale now, and – word to the wise – season passes offer a 20 per-cent discount over individual shows. Visit uco.edu/broadway or call 405.974.2609 to get in on the entertainment.

Liz Callaway


See & DoEVENTSCocktails on the Skyline Aug 1-29 Fancy a drink? On Thursday evenings the museum’s roof terrace boasts a full bar, complimentary snacks and a killer view of the downtown skyline. OKC Museum of Art, 415 Couch Dr, OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com

1st Friday Gallery Walk Aug 2 The historic arts district’s name means “stroll,” which happens to be the preferred form of locomotion while taking in its wonders during a monthly display of arts and culture. Paseo Arts District, 3022 Paseo St, OKC, 525.2688, thepaseo.com

Women of Faith Conference Aug 2-3 Music that moves, stories that strengthen, teaching that transforms, and thousands of women thirsting for an inspiring spiritual experience. Chesapeake Arena, 100 W Reno Ave, OKC, womenoffaith.com

Dancing for a Miracle Aug 3 Ten hot-stepping celebrities from around the community take the spotlight for the 6th annual dance-off, dinner and fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital Foundation. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 271.2208, okchf.org

St. Jude Dream Home Tour Aug 3-18 One fortunate soul will win the lavish home in an Aug 22 raffle, but you can explore it beforehand, and perhaps win a $10,000 Edmond Furniture Gallery shopping spree. Fallbrook, 3309 Libby Lane, Edmond, 800.592.1596, stjude.org/dhoklahomacity

Smarty Pants Trivia Night Aug 8 Embrace the heady feeling of superior knowledge and show off your big brain in the 7th annual team trivia contest and good time - there’s an open bar, hors d’oeurves, raffle bundles and more. Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr, OKC, 488.1300, mstriviachallenge.org

2nd Friday Circuit of Art Aug 9 A monthly community-wide celebration of creativity, focused on historic Downtown Norman. Norman Arts Council, 122 E Main St, Norman, 360.1162, normanarts.org

Live on the Plaza Aug 9 Vendors, artists, residents and passerby unite for a monthly fiesta. OKC Plaza District, 1618 N Gatewood Ave, OKC, 367.9403, plazadistrict.org

MDA Celebrity Poker Tournament Aug 10 The local luminaries participating in this entertaining event aren’t necessarily chosen for their poker skill, but whoever rakes in the most chips, the big winner is the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the kids it supports. Grand Casino, 777 Grand Casino Blvd, Shawnee, 964.7777, grandshawnee.com

Casino Florale Aug 16 Get a whiff of glamour amid the Vegas-inspired extravagance of afundraiser fueled by drinks, hors d’oeuvres and games of skill and chance, all boosting the efforts of OKC Beautiful. The Shoppes at Northpark, 12200 N May Ave, OKC, 525.8822, okcbeautiful.com

YWCA Engaging Men Breakfast Aug 16 Improving women’s lives means involving men too - this gathering provides a personal tale of triumph over domestic violence and raises funds to help others do the same. St. Luke’s UMC, 222 NW 15th St, OKC, 951.3333, ywcaokc.org

The Big Taste of Norman Aug 17 Help keep kids connected to caring mentor figures and feed body and soul at the Night in New Orleans, featuring auctions, live entertainment and a whole mess of deliciousness brought together by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma. Embassy Suites Norman, 2501 Conference Dr, Norman, 364.3722, bbbsok.org

Integris Jim Thorpe Courage Award Gala Aug 17 The inspirational annual event honors individuals who display exceptional bravery and grace through the long, strenuous process of physical rehabilitation. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 951.5005, integrisgiving.org/courage

Cowboy Cantina Aug 20 An after-hours, adults-only tour of the Museum’s wonders in a monthly event offering drinks, conversation and live music. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org

OKC Storytelling Festival Aug 22-24 There are stories to be heard, tales to be told and magical memories to be woven in this annual wonder, featuring Barbara McBride-Smith, Judith Black, Patrick Ball, Alton Chung and more. Oklahoma History

the master of puppets to find out whether you can see his lips move live. Grand Casino, 777 Grand Casino Blvd, Shawnee, 964.7777, grandshawnee.com

Melody Lane Aug 24 Dinner and auctions fuel the humanitarian efforts of child abuse prevention program Parent Promise in this heartwarming evening. OKC Golf & Country Club, 7000 NW Grand Ave, OKC, 232.2500, parentpromise.org

Tour de Palate Aug 24 Restaurants and bakeries give their best efforts in concert with auctions, a wine pull and music from guitarist Stephen Salewon to fund research and find a cure for blood cancers and lymphoma. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 943.8888, tourdepalate.com

H&8th Night Market Aug 30 Midtown becomes a primetime paradise in this

GALLERIES24 Works on Paper Through Aug 3 Nineteen months of criss-crossing the state begins here in OKC, as the Individual Artists of Oklahoma and Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition present a juried set of two dozen exemplars of the state’s current craft. IAO Gallery, 706 W Sheridan Ave, OKC, 232.6060, ovac-ok.org

Kenny McKenna Through Aug 10 A one-time traveling musician who gradually discovered his true muse via painting, McKenna’s luminous, sweeping oil landscapes make the spacious gallery feel grander than ever. Howell Gallery, 6432 N Western Ave, OKC, 840.4437, howellgallery.com

Dian Church Through Aug 15 Whether realistic or abstract, on whatever surface she has utilized, Tulsa native Church loves to emphasize color and design with endearingly vibrant results. Santa Fe Depot, 200 S Jones Ave, Norman, 307.9320, pasnorman.com

Walking, Eating, Sleeping Through Aug 23 There’s a lot to process in Laurie Frick’s collages and installations - because they’re handcrafted around the results of daily self-measurements in biometric categories like number of steps taken, body weight or duration of sleep. Think of it as life encapsulated in art. OK Contemporary Arts Center, 3000 General Pershing Dr, OKC, 951.0000, oklahomacontemporary.org

Timothy Rose Aug 1-30 Rose’s painted forms are abstract, but with an emotional punch that is anything but thanks to his classical training. Summer Wine Art Gallery, 2928 Paseo St, OKC, 831.3279, summerwinegallery.com

Art Gone Wild Aug 2-31 Animal paintings - not containing fauna, created by them - courtesy of guest artists from the OKC Zoo. In Your Eye Gallery, 3005 Paseo St, OKC, 525.2161, inyoureyegallery.com

Under the Mango Tree Aug 9-Sep 14 When it comes to symbolism in collage artist Skip Hill’s latest works, bird is the word - avian imagery representing Brazilian culture abounds. MAINSITE Contemporary Art, 122 E Main St, Norman, 360.1162, mainsite-art.com

Mobilizing Matter Aug 19-Sep 5 Disciplines combine as young creators fuse sculpture and painting in this student-run show. OU Lightwell Gallery, 520 Parrington Oval, Norman, 325.2691, ou.edu/finearts

MUSEUMSPrix de West Invitational Through Aug 4 Over 300 selected paintings and sculptures portray the beauty and character of the American West in an event marking its 40th anniversary in 2013. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org

The Legacy of Gettysburg Through Aug 10 Seven score and ten years ago, American history swung on a town in Pennsylvania, and a new birth of freedom was the result. The EHS hosts a sobering, inspiring look back at the landmark Civil War battle 150 years later. Edmond Historical Society, 431 S Boulevard, Edmond, 340.0078, edmondhistory.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

[Un]bound Through Aug 17 A septet of artists and educators from across the country bring printmaking off the flat

OKC Storytelling FestivalAugust 22-24, OKC Patrick Ball

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Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr, OKC, 270.4848, artscouncilokc.com

Festival of Hope Aug 23 Heartline’s evening of acclamation and admiration honors individuals who share the organization’s mission of helping the community find hope in times of crisis. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 840.9396, heartlineoklahoma.org

Midsummer Nights’ Fair Aug 23-24 Two nights of spectacle in multiple media: two stages worth of music and a panoply of booths in which experts of every kind of artistry display - and sell - their craft. It’s a hot time in the cool of the evening. Lions Park, 450 S Flood Ave, Norman, 329.4523, normanfirehouse.com

Jeff Dunham Aug 24 Most people would blanch at the prospect of forging a career as a ventriloquist, but it’s all Dunham has wanted to do since the third grade. Catch

after-hours street festival boasting live music, a convoy of awesome food trucks, craft beer and free socializing. Elemental Coffee, 815 N Hudson Ave, OKC, 633.1703, h8thokc.com

Arts Festival Oklahoma Aug 31-Sep 2 It’s the 35th anniversary of the Labor Day favorite, a rite of fall that draws over 25,000 visitors to explore the food, music and original creations by skilled regional artists. OCCC, 7777 S May Ave, OKC, 682.7576, occc.edu

FILMIn Color Aug 10 A film festival event focused on the contributions of minority filmmakers, anchored by features from Oklahoma directors J. Leigh Brantly (“Transcend”) and Matt Barse (“I Said I Would Never Paint This Way Again.”) IAO Gallery, 706 W Sheridan Ave, OKC, 886.0870, inclusioninart.com


PURSUITS | See & Do

Summer Breeze: Elephant RevivalAugust 25, Norman

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page and into the third dimension through captivating installations - ask about the accompanying lectures, workshops and public demonstrations. [Artspace] at Untitled, 1 NE 3rd St, OKC, 815.9995, artspaceatuntitled.org

Halo Amok Through Sep 1 The museum’s New Frontiers Series for Contemporary Art welcomes a modern legend in Wayne White, whose work has been seen everywhere from museum galleries to music videos, and whose unmistakable aesthetic makes this “cowboy angels” exhibit a must-see. OKC Museum of Art, 415 Couch Dr, OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com

Invisible Eve Through Sep 7 Powerful images from the lens of renowned photographer Yousef Khanfar, whose new book of the same name depicts insights and images of women incarcerated for nonviolent crimes. Oklahoma Heritage Museum, 1400 Classen Dr, OKC, 523.3231, oklahomaheritage.com

Faces of Bettina Steinke Through Dec 22 Looking back at Steinke’s life involves seeing many other lives as well, since she spent over 60 years capturing the faces, aspects and emotions of people from all walks of life. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org

Reigns Supreme Through Dec 30 Extravagant in impact if not subject matter, the Oklahoma History Center’s exhibit draws on the Oklahoma Historical Society’s fashion collection to portray over 75 years of the little black dress. Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr, OKC, 521.2491, okhistory.org

Of Heaven and Earth Aug 22-Nov 17 Half a millenium worth of masterful, inspiring, sometimes impossibly beautiful works that are all from one country (must be something in the water) populate this dazzling exhibit of 500 years of Italian painting. OKC Museum

Blue Door Shows Aug 2-16 Self-billed as “the best listening room in Oklahoma,” it certainly has some of the best music: Tony Lucca Aug 2, K.C. Clifford Aug 3, Bill Kirchen Aug 8, John Dee Graham Aug 16 and more - check online for updates. The Blue Door, 2805 N McKinley Ave, OKC, 524.0738, bluedoorokc.com

Purple Bar Performances Aug 2-31 A cozy setting, ample menu and outstanding music from local artists. Nonna’s Purple Bar, 1 S Mickey Mantle Dr, OKC, 235.4410, purplebarokc.com

Opolis Performances Aug 3-31 Metro, meet Opolis. You’ll make beautiful music together, courtesy of a vast and varied lineup of outstanding local and traveling bands - check online for the fresh scoop. The Opolis, 113 N Crawford Ave, Norman, opolis.org

Summer Breeze: Honeylark Aug 4 A sweet sound with somber undertones marks the nascent duo’s Summer Breeze debut; the

has collaborated with a bevy of world-class talent - Ellie Goulding is the opener as he roars through OKC on the Moonshine Jungle Tour. Chesapeake Arena, 100 W Reno Ave, OKC, 800.745.3000, chesapeakearena.com

Lecrae Aug 10 After dabbling in rap since childhood, a near-death experience gave Lecrae a new focus: using his rhymes and flow to turn lives to Christianity. His latest release, Gravity, won a 2013 Grammy for Best Gospel Album. Frontier City, 11501 N I-35 Service Rd, OKC, 478.2140, frontiercity.com

Nichols Hills Band Concert Aug 15 You don’t have to have a record deal to be tunefully talented, as the community members of this volunteer ensemble prove by sounding off in a monthly set of concert standards. Kite Park, 1301 Camden Way, OKC, nicholshills.net

Dwight Yoakam Aug 16 On screen he’s often surly, malevolent or comical; on stage he’s a twangy-voiced troubadour singing things that are clever and true. Yoakam is blowing back into Riverwind for another spellbinding set, and spare tickets are likely to be sparse. Riverwind Casino, 1544 W Highway 9, Norman, 322.6000, riverwind.com

Lil Wayne Aug 21 He’s sold millions of albums and won four Grammys; who cares if spelling is not his strongest point? The indefatigable rapper brings T.I. and 2 Chainz along for the ride for his America’s Most Wanted Music Festival’s return. Chesapeake Arena, 100 W Reno Ave, OKC, 800.745.3000, chesapeakearena.com

Liz Callaway and the Young Voices of Edmond Aug 23-24 The Broadway Tonight season kicks off in sonorous style as the Tony-nominated and Emmy-winning Callaway whips up an enchanting evening of song, with a little help from some little friends. Mitchell Hall Theater, 100 N University Dr, Edmond, 974.3375, uco.edu/broadway

Bellamy Brothers Aug 24 Time rolls on, and the Bellamys abide, still crafting and performing earnest and unpreposessing country-pop after three decades on the road and then some. Newcastle Casino, 2457 Highway 62, Newcastle, 387.6013, mynewcastlecasino.com

Easton Corbin Aug 24 The earnest young country singer touring his way up from rural Florida is a perfect choice for guest artist to close out Frontier City’s outdoor Sonic Concert Series. Frontier City, 11501 N I-35 Service Rd, OKC, 478.2140, frontiercity.com

Summer Breeze: Elephant Revival Aug 25 There’s a world of geographic distance between, say, Ireland and Romania - but this Colorado quintet is all about transcending borders, blending Celtic, gypsy, alt-country and other musical influnces for a delectable melting pot of folksy sound. Lions Park, 450 S Flood Ave, Norman, 307.9320, pasnorman.org

Ted Nugent Aug 25 When he’s not railing about gun rights or working on fresh roadkill recipes, The Nuge still rocks from time to time. If you’ve got the fever, the Diamond is the place to be. Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S Eastern Ave, OKC, 866.977.6849, diamondballroom.net

Uproar Festival Aug 27 Boom! The hard, heavy conclave sponsored by Rockstar Energy Drink wallops listeners with a commotion from Alice in Chains, Jane’s Addiction, Coheed & Cambria, Danko Jones and more. OKC Zoo Amphitheatre, 2101 NE 50th St, OKC, 866.977.6849, rockstaruproar.com

SPORTSRedHawks Baseball Aug 1-31 Take yourself out to the ball game - OKC’s Triple-A titans take on Reno Aug 1-2, Colorado Springs Aug 3-6, Albuquerque Aug 16-20, Nashville Aug 26-30 and Memphis Aug 31. Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S Mickey Mantle Dr, OKC, 218.1000, oklahomacity.redhawks.milb.com

of Art, 415 Couch Dr, OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com

Allan Houser and His Students Aug 30-May 11 Part of a statewide effort to honor the exceptional artist’s 100th birthday, this collection uses his works and his proteges’ to highlight Houser’s skill as a teacher. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org

MUSICThe Conservatory Aug 2-19 Sonic jams of all descriptions in an OKC hotspot: All Shall Perish with Indeed Sir Aug 2, OURS and Luna Arcade Aug 7 and soaring sets by Sparrows, Everybody Talks and Semblance Aug 19. Adds and adjustments posted online. The Conservatory, 8911 N Western Ave, OKC, www conservatoryokc.com

Chevy Metal Aug 1 A dirt rock cover band blazing through deep cuts from Sabbath, the Stones, Rush and more, fueled by members of the Foo Fighters - it’s part of Bud Light’s 50 shows in 50 states on 1 day music blitz. Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S Eastern Ave, OKC, 866.977.6849, diamondballroom.net

Houcks are veteran musicians now making their own blend of self-described “folk-rock noir.” Lions Park, 450 S Flood Ave, Norman, 307.9320, pasnorman.org

Twilight Concert Series Aug 4-25 The Arts Council of OKC helps listeners end the week in style with a free open-air show from local talent: guitar virtuoso Edgar Cruz Aug 4, Adam & Kizzie Aug 11, the Hi-Def Howlers Aug 18 and The Stringents with Baroque-lahoma Aug 25. Myriad Gardens, 301 W Reno, OKC, 270.4848, artscouncilokc.com

Summer Fest 2013 Aug 8 This all-ages show rocks the Diamond courtesy of We the Kings, The Ready Set, Breathe Carolina, T. Mills and Keep It Cute. Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S Eastern Ave, OKC, 866.977.6849, diamondballroom.net

Noon Tunes Aug 8-29 Free lunchtime serenades in the Downtown Library: Alegria Real Aug 8, Miho Fisher Aug 15, Victor Andrada Aug 22 and Miss Brown to You Aug 29. Downtown Library, 300 Park Ave, OKC, 231.8650, mls.lib.ok.us

Bruno Mars Aug 10 His CV is laced with commas, as he’s recorded in multiple genres, plays a full band’s worth of instruments and

Beautiful Beasts Through Sep 8 Macrophotographer Thomas Shahan takes a closer look - closer than that … no, way closer - at the forms and faces of our tiny neighbors in an exhibit subtitled “The Unseen Life of Oklahoma Spiders and Insects.” Sam Noble Museum, 2401 Chatauqua Ave, Norman, 325.4712, snomnh.ou.edu

Drawing on Instinct Through Sep 8 The aesthetic and adventurous spirit of the late Bob Kuhn fill this animal-themed exhibit containing both finished paintings and rough sketches from throughout his lengthy career. Sam Noble Museum, 2401 Chatauqua Ave, Norman, 325.4712, snomnh.ou.edu

Hopituy Through Sep 15 More than 150 examples of cultural craftsmanship form an exploration of Hopi worldview and perspective in this exhibit drawn from the museum’s permanent collections. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave, Norman, 325.4938, ou.edu/fjjma

Seals of Jeremiah’s Captors Through Oct 31 The world’s first look at an archaeological biblical bonanza in the form of artifacts from a groundbreaking dig in Jerusalem. Armstrong Auditorium, 14400 S Bryant Ave, Edmond, 285.1010, armstrongauditorium.org

Elephant Revival


SPREAD THE WORDLike 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.

Wings Charity Golf Tournament Aug 7 Tee up to benefit the namesake community in Edmond that provides nurturing care for adults with special needs. Coffee Creek Golf Club, 4000 N Kelly Ave, Edmond, 242.4646, wingsok.org

Midnight Streak Aug 10 Who wants to run in the summer sun? This annual full-family 5k race takes place in the heat of the night, helping to fund the year-round exhibits at Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. State Fairgrounds, 333 Gordon Cooper Blvd, OKC, 951.0000, cityartscenter.org

OK Victory Dolls Aug 10 Blazing speed, deft athleticism and the occasional moment of bone-shaking violence ... hitch your eyes to these rising stars as the Victory Dolls lace up for a doubleheader bout. State Fairgrounds, 333 Gordon Cooper Blvd, OKC, oklahomavictorydolls.com

Spin Your Wheels Aug 10 Whether attempting the 12-mile jaunt, the 100-mile monster or courses between, participants will need two wheels and the desire to aid pediatric patients as nearly 2,000 cyclists hit the starting line for healing. The Children’s Center, 6800 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany, 470.2284, tccokc.org

Roller Derby Aug 17 Part graceful race, part all-out brawl, the month’s slate of spectacle includes the Tornado Alley Rollergirls lacing up to battle Spindletop as the Valkyrie Vixens face off against Cell Block 9. Cox Convention Center, 1 Myriad Gardens, OKC, 496.1348, okcrd.com

5k to Monet Aug 24 This festive footrace is named for the FAI’s statue of Monsieur Claude from which runners depart and to which they return; you don’t have to bring a tablet and knock out a sketch of haystacks while en route, but doing so would make an impression. Fine Arts Institute of Edmond, 27 E Edwards St, Edmond, 340.4481, edmondfinearts.com

Glo Run Aug 24 The shining stars of these 5k and 1-mile races are … well, everyone. Brightly clad contestants sprint through tunnels bedecked with artwork and black lights, making a dazzling race that benefits detox facility The Referral Center. Mitch Park, 1501 W Covell St, Edmond, 525.2525, glorunokc.com

Red Hot Kettle Run Aug 24 Runners burn up the streets in the Salvation Army’s annual fundraising 5k and 10k races. Wheeler Park, 1120 S Western Ave, OKC, 246.1108, salvationarmyokcac.org

Sooner Football Aug 31 Fire the RUF/NEK cannons! Post-Landry, OU tries to start the season strong against the Warhawks of Louisiana-Monroe. Owen Field, 180 E Brooks St, Norman, 325.2424, soonersports.com

THEATERAnnie Through Aug 3 Of course the sun’ll come out tomorrow; it’s early August. We can barely get away from the bloody thing. In a symbolic sense, though, the curly-haired orphan’s inexorable optimism reminds us to treasure the joys in our lives … including live musical theater. Mitch Park Amphitheater, 1501 W Covell St, Edmond, 359.4630, upstagetheatreok.com

9 to 5 Through Aug 4 Hell hath no fury like a gender systematically marginalized and sociologically oppressed. Three ladies team up to take control of their office in this spirited musical comedy. St. Luke’s Poteet Theater, 222 NW 15th St, OKC, 609.1023, poteettheatre.com

Urinetown the Musical Aug 1-4 A story about dealing with a catastrophic water shortage is certainly thematically appropriate … at least this version is a cheerful, hilarious musical romp. Sooner Theater, 101 E Main St, Norman, 321.9600, soonertheatre.org

Big River Aug 6-10 Arguably the foremost classic ever produced in American literature - plus music. Sometimes exciting, often deliciously lazy, always presented with aplomb, this story of Huck and Jim’s adventures on the Mississippi never gets old. OKC Civic Center, 201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 514.9312, lyrictheatreokc.com

The Women Aug 9-31 No gentlemen need audition - Reduxion’s performance of Clare Booth Luce’s caustic commentary on the lives and foibles of socialites is filled with jealousy, drama and various witty remarks, but contains no male roles whatsoever. Reduxion Theater, 1613 N Broadway Ave, OKC, 651.3191, reduxiontheatre.com

In the Heat of the Night Aug 15-Sep 1 Temperatures and tensions are high, time and tempers are short in John Ball’s simmering - and startlingly relevant - drama of racial tension and a race for the truth in the OKC Theatre Company’s taut retelling of the classic murder mystery. OKC Civic Center, 201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 297.2264, okctheatrecompany.org

The Philadelphia Story Aug 22-Sep 15On the list of things a bride-to-be wants before her wedding, surprise visits from her ex-husband and a tabloid reporter rank pretty low … but they’re just so deucedly debonair! A marriage hangs in the balance in this witty comedy. Jewel Box Theater, 3700 N Walker Ave, OKC, 521.1786, jewelboxtheatre.org

Forever Plaid Aug 24-Sep 15 They’re back from the grave and ready to harmonize. A male quartet gets its big break decades after their demise and returns from heaven for a miraculously mellifluous, and gleefully funny, revue. Pollard Theater, 120 W Harrison Ave, Guthrie, 282.2800, thepollard.org

ON THE RADARAce High Sep 5 The museum hosts a number of fundraisers, but this is one full house whose proceeds stay in house - support the Western jewel with an evening of delights including a buffet, libations and a fully stocked auction. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org

Renaissance Ball Sep 6 For the 38th installation of its biggest annual fundraiser, the OKC Museum of Art reaches for the stars to create “Heaven on Earth,” inspired by its current showing of sumptuous Italian art. OKC Golf & Country Club, 7000 NW Grand Ave, OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com

Septemberfest Sep 7 The 17th annual state celebration offers music, free admission to the museum and a special emphasis on hats through Oklahoma history. Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr, OKC, 522.0765, okhistory.org

Cattle Baron’s Ball Sep 13 Don’t let the mention of peerage throw you; it’s an informal, laid back affair to raise money for the American Cancer Society and have a good time. There may even be boot scooting. Coles Garden, 1415 NE 63rd St, OKC, 841.5818

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FARE

Raising the BarThe Library (that’s the OU-adjacent pub, not a book repository) proves well worth check-ing out as we tour a trio of our favorite metro watering holes. See page 82.

A DELECTABLE FAMILY TRADITIONCasa de los Milagros continues an outstanding restaurant legacy 78

EAT & DRINKVariety is on the menu in Slice’s citywide dining guide 84

TOMATO TEMPTATIONSimple steps for making an im-mensely flavorful Summer Dip 76

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By Caryn Ross // Photos by Carli Wentworth

FARE | In the Kitchen

Summer Dip withBaked Tortilla Chips6 large tomatoes, chopped into a medium dice6 green onions, chopped2 small cans chopped green chiles2 small cans chopped ripe olives1 ½ t garlic salt3 T red wine vinegar2 T olive oil

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and stir well to com-bine. Allow f lavors to marry 4-6 hours before serving.

THE HEAT IS HERE and that means the tomatoes are bountiful! Just step into a farmers market or a streetside stand and you will find tons of tomatoes. They come in every color of the rainbow, various sizes and even different textures. Half of the fun in summer is tasting all the different types of tomatoes on offer. In the last 10 years heirloom tomatoes have become all the rage. They usually come in exotic colors and many times in odd shapes. These are not the sexy round red ones, but the purply greenish tomatoes with veins. My kids like to think of them as funky toma-toes, so we eat a lot of them at our house. Kids eat healthier stuff if it has a funny name and can be put on a chip! Nothing screams tomatoes more than salsa. This recipe is part salsa and part salad. I can’t really label it as a “full on” salsa, so I settle for “Summer Dip.” This was a summer staple at my house growing up. Mom always had a big gold Tupperware bowl filled with it. She even made baked tor-tilla chips long before they became popular. I guess Mom was a trendsetter and didn’t even know it. Here is an oldie but goodie recipe … I promise once you make it, you will be hooked.

Lime and ChiliBaked Tortilla Chips12 corn tortillas2 T canola oilNonstick cooking spray1 T taco seasoning1 t salt 2 T fresh lime juice

Preheat oven to 350º and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl combine the lime juice and taco seasoning. Brush both sides of each tortilla with canola oil and then sprinkle with the lime seasoning. Cut into quarters and then place on the baking sheet. Spray with nonstick cooking spray and sprinkle with salt. Place in the hot oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Rotate pan half-way through the baking process. Remove from the oven and cool, then serve with Summer Dip!

Tomato Temptation


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FARE | Matters of Taste

By Mark Beutler // Photos by Carli Wentworth

A DELECTABLE FAMILY TRADITIONTHE SIGN OUTSIDE THE HEAVY WOODEN DOUBLE DOORS SAYS “MI CASA ES TU CASA.” Simply translated: “Our home is your home.” Step inside and it becomes obvious the owners have taken that phrase to heart; this isn’t your typical Mexican restaurant. Soaring ceilings, bubbling fountains and sparkling mosaic tile invite guests to enjoy a unique dining experience. The lushly landscaped patio area allows customers to kick back in their shorts and f lip-f lops while enjoying an adult beverage. Meanwhile, the incredible aroma wafting from the kitchen gives a tantalizing hint of the culinary pleasures to come. Casa de los Milagros came into existence on Christmas Day, 2009; but the restaurant’s history goes back a bit farther than that. Much farther. It was 1937 when Luis Alvarado opened what is widely consid-ered Oklahoma City’s first Mexican restaurant. “My great-uncle opened El Charro that year when he was only 32 years old,” said Julian Gonzalez, Milagros general manager. “Most local historians believe El Charro was the first Mexican restaurant in Oklahoma City, and certainly it was the first to last more than just a few years.”

Alvarado got his start in San Antonio, working on a machine in a factory that made tortillas. The technology was new at the time, and the owner of Dallas’ “El Fenix” restaurants bought one of the tortilla machines. The one stipulation was that Alvarado relocate to Dallas and work for him. Over the years, Alvarado worked his way up, learning every-thing about the restaurant business. Eventually he decided to try his hand at his own eatery. Not wanting to compete with his friend who owned the El Fenix chain, Alvarado moved to Oklahoma City and opened El Charro. “That original restaurant was at Northwest 10th and Dewey,” Gonzalez said. “It was open for nine years before a fire destroyed the building. They relocated to what was then the new Paseo District. “My uncle renamed the restaurant ‘El Charrito,’ which means ‘little cowboy’ in Spanish. In other words, El Charrito was the son of El Charro,” he laughs. Other locations followed, and by 1967 Alvarado merged El Char-rito into a chain of restaurants owned by his brothers-in-law. “At that time, they had 30 units in Texas, while my uncle had only six in Oklahoma. Since it was easier to change the name of six


clockwise from upper left: Luis Alvarado shak-ing hands with his brother-in-law; to Luis’ right is his sister Herminia Alvarado Cruz, grand-mother of renowned guitarist Edgar Cruz // A family gathering: Emilio Alvarado (far left) stands beside El Chico’s Gilbert Cuellar, Luis Alvarado and Macario Cuellar. Seated are the latter three’s wives: Kathleen Norman Cuellar, Maria Cuellar Alvarado and Yolanda Cuellar // Luis Alvarado striking a festive pose with two of his nieces // Luis Alvarado and wife Maria Cuellar Alvarado at a family wedding – also pictured are Pedro Alvarado, Jr. (in the background) and Raquel Martinez Alvarado // Luis Alvarado and Maria Cuel-lar Alvarado with a cashier (center) in one of their El Charrito locations


restaurants rather than 30, El Charrito became ‘El Chico,’” Gonzalez said. “My uncle Louis continued to enjoy the partnership until his untimely death 10 years later in 1977.” It was around that time when the family sold the chain to an investment company, which retained the El Chico name. The eventual Milagros incarnation came about when Gonzalez’s father, Julian Gonzalez Sr., opened Pepe’s in Edmond, and Laredo’s in Oklahoma City, using many of the same recipes that had been handed down for generations. “It was 1986 when my father opened Laredo’s,” Gonzalez said. “I joined the family business on April 19, 1995 – a date which is difficult to forget for us Oklahomans. At that time I worked for both Pepe’s and Laredo’s. We stayed open on Northwest 63rd Street until Chesa-peake bought us in 2005.” Construction began on the new building at 5111 North Classen a short time later, but the project was plagued with delays: a lawsuit was filed against the first contractor, and then a second contractor aban-doned the project a few months before the building was finished. Laredo’s finally reopened in September, 2009, and was immedi-ately hit with a lawsuit. “The building took so long to construct, and while we were closed the El Chico Corporation had opened a restaurant in Penn Square Mall called ‘Cantina Laredo.’ They did not like us using the name ‘Laredo,’ even though it had been our name for years. “Our attorneys advised us it would be quicker and easier to change our name. We were given the date of December 24 as the last day we could use the name ‘Laredo’s.’ So early on Christmas morn-ing, with over a foot of snow outside, our old sign came down and ‘Milagros’ went up. In Spanish, that means ‘House of the Miracles.’ We had been through so many trials and tribulations, challenges and more challenges, but in the end we are still here – intact. We considered it a sign from God that it was meant to be and for us to continue the decades-long family tradition of serving others.” Also intact are many of the original family recipes dating all the way back to El Charro in 1937. The beans, rice and chili con carne are authentic, and the pecan pralines are made today by Gonzalez’s father in the same way his uncle taught him. On our visit we were greeted by a hostess with a friendly smile and an enthusiastic “Welcome!” An unending supply of chips, fresh salsa and satisfying queso were promptly placed in front of us. We began with the tableside guacamole, which is made fresh by the expertly trained staff. For our entrees, my companion enjoyed the enchiladas verdes – a twist on chicken enchiladas, but with a generous verde sauce. Spicy borracho beans, rice and a scoop of guacamole complemented his meal. I chose a Peruvian dish called lomo saltado. Milagro’s makes it their own way, with strips of fajita beef or chicken mari-nated in vinegar, soy sauce and a blend of spices. It’s stir-fried with fresh tomatoes, green peppers and red onions. I chose to enjoy mine fajita-style with piping hot f lour tortillas. The wait staff is attentive and courteous, making you feel like part of the family. And according to Gonzalez, you are. “Milagros exists simply because of the belief planted in my heart and soul by my family. That belief is that it is an honor and a privilege to serve you. Our motivation comes from what we are able to do for our customers and our employees. “Our goal is to satisfy our customers by offering great-tasting authentic Mexican food and do it with great service. We are proud to serve you in a clean, attractive and comfortable environment, and we want you to feel at home. We cook and prepare our food fresh every day with love and pride for what we do,” Gonzalez said. “‘Mi casa es tu casa.’ Yes, our home is indeed your home.”

FARE | Matters of Taste

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FARE | Splash

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PULL UP A STOOLLET’S BE CLEAR ON ONE THING UP FRONT: There’s no such thing as a universally, perpetually perfect bar. People want different things from their drinking establishments, whether strobe lights and sternum-rattling techno or plenty of available potential partners from a certain gender or enough room between the peanut shells for boot-scooting. I generally go out to relax and converse with friends, not prowl for dates or shake anything. If that concept hits the spot, you might share my interest in these destinations. Bear in mind that I make no claim about these being the metro’s best – making that kind of evaluation would require much more (delicious) research, and I am past the days when I moved earth and heaven in the name of consuming additional beer. As ongoing quests go, I’ve heard worse ideas than committing to trying all the bars in town, but in the meantime, here are three recommendations for the road. Slainte!

COCK O’ THE WALK3705 N. Western Ave., OKC

The Highlights: I love a good hole-in-the-wall, and this is a spiritual twin to my first-ever haunt, the dearly departed Mr. Bill’s on the OU campus. The well-worn atmosphere contains a jukebox, a couple of pool tables, a dartboard and video golf machine in addition to the scattering of tables and central U-shaped bar. Plus, it’s a smoking joint, which is something of a marvel in this health-conscious day and age. I don’t light up regularly myself, but as an occasional indulgence it does pair well with a draft of Harp.

The Low Point: It’s a smoking bar for reals. When it’s oper-ating at full capacity, patrons don’t have to light up to walk out feeling like they’ve burned through half a pack. And all those entertainment options listed above are in various corners of the same room with the bar itself, which carries the potential for serious accrued noise. Silver lining: some of the sound is slightly muffled by the haze.

The Quote: “Can I - [cough] Can I get another of these?” [cough] – anonymous


GRANDAD’S BAR317 N.W. 23rd St., OKC

The Highlights: Definitely atmosphere. There’s a real sense of community in the big, high-ceilinged space: the walls hold framed pic-tures of staff and patrons’ grandfathers, and the high-backed stools at the broad, gleaming bar are adorned with the names of donors who helped get the concept off the ground. Other seating options include group tables and a small enclave of sprawl-worthy couches, and while in the early lull after their 4 p.m. opening you can hear a coaster drop, the raised stage area by the front door is the sonic epi-center for periodic bursts of live music. It’s a good place to experiment with beverages, too, as their tap selection varies often enough that there’s no printed beer list, and I can vouch for their taste. If you’re lucky, they’ll have some more of that coffee stout.

The Low Point: I can’t remember ever being in a bar of any stratum, anywhere, that didn’t have some kind of options for something to eat – if only a bowl of airline pretzels – and within the confines of Grandad’s, the closest thing to food is the orange slice you can get in a Boulevard Wheat. They do have a regular rotation of food trucks orbiting the place most nights; maybe some obliging soul would agree to retrieve a taco on my behalf so I wouldn’t have to get up.

The Quote: “When the Lord comes back, I’ll be sitting at Grandad’s.” – graffito in the men’s room

THE LIBRARY607 W. Boyd St., Norman

The Highlights: Take it outside! The dim, wood-paneled interior is a perfectly valid watering hole if a little prone to overcrowd-ing, but a wrought-iron table in the shade of a canvas umbrella or broad magnolia tree is where it’s at, and provides plenty of elbow room for getting down to business with one of their excellent cornmeal-crust pizzas. The beer selection is also ample, incorporating both local selections from The Brew-house in Norman and more far-flung influences – anyplace offering Spaten Optimator on tap gets a point in my book.

The Low Point: If you’re an OU student, The Library’s proxim-ity to campus is an unalloyed good. For those of us who aren’t … well, the building isn’t very big and the outdoor tables aren’t terribly plentiful. Townies might be well advised to take it for a test loiter before the mid-month influx of those college kids who seem to get younger every year.

The Quote: “Austin would be the coolest city if it was [sic] in Oklahoma, but instead it’s in [bleep]ing Texas!” – nearby patron in her early 20s, showing admirable loyalty to the Sooner State



AMERICANANN’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 $

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 $

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 $$

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 $$

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 $$

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 $$

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 $

LEGEND’S A Lindsey Street landmark for over 40 years, this casually upscale, three-diamond AAA restaurant still serves exceptional seafood, steaks and more down-to-earth fare amid welcoming surroundings. 1313 W Lindsey, Norman, 329.8888 $$

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 $

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 $

PACKARD’S NEW AMERICAN KITCHEN They’re not kidding about the “new” – the entire menu, from appetizers to complicated cocktails, is infused with thoughtful, innovative ideas and ingredient combinations for a tasty and truly unique dining experience. 201 NW 10th, Suite 100, OKC, 605.3771 $$

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, sandwiches, salads and surprises abound. 3009 Paseo, OKC, 602.2002 $

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 $

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 $$

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, 606.8182 $

SCRATCH Isn’t that the best place for food to come from? Entrees, sides, rotating specials and more are all carefully concocted in-house, as are the tantalizing craft cocktails. 132 W Main, Norman, 801.2900 $$

SYRUP The most important meal of the day is also the most enticing at this unique breakfast boutique serving a heaping helping of signature dishes (the crunchy French toast is something

special) and Stumptown coffee. 123 E Main, Norman, 701.1143 $

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

WAFFLE CHAMPION The little food truck that could has finally expanded into a Midtown diner, bringing more joy to those addicted to its gourmet sweet or savory waffle options. 1212 N Walker, OKC, 525.9235 $

WHISKEY CAKE Take high-quality locally sourced ingredients, use slow cooking to do unbelievably delicious things to them and serve in a charmingly homey atmosphere; that’s a prime recipe. Enjoy – and don’t forget the namesake dessert. 1845 NW Expressway, OKC, 582.2253 $$

ASIAN180 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 barbeque duck pizza and ample sushi options. 2541 W Main, Norman, 310.6110 $$

DOT WO GARDEN With an elegantly appointed new location, Dot Wo continues its crowd-pleasing legacy of over two decades by pairing sumptuous classics of Chinese cuisine with fiery, fresh sushi. 6161 N May, OKC, 608.2388 $$

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 $$

VII ASIAN BISTRO The bright, sleek interior and personable staff make a good impression, confirmed by the savory spate of Chinese and Vietnamese menu options … especially the glass noodles with shrimp and crab. 2900 N Classen, OKC, 604.2939 $

BAKERYBROWN’S BAKERY An incredible selection of delicious traditional and specialty cakes, cookies, breads and other baked goods. 1100 N Walker, OKC, 232.0363 $

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 $

KITCHEN NO. 324 The venerable Braniff Building on the SandRidge campus

downtown hosts this seasonally inspired café, coffee curator and craft bakery serving rustic American cuisine. Aroma alone summons crowds. 324 N Robinson, OKC, 763.5911 $

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 brunch and beyond. 1130 Rambling Oaks, Norman, 329.1101; 924 W Main, Norman, 329.5822 $

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 $

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 9th, OKC, 600.9494 $

BAR // PUB FOOD51ST 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 $$

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 $$ BRICKTOWN BREWERY Only here for the beer? Not so fast – an amped-up menu of temptations demands a sampling at lunch or dinner… or both. 1 N Oklahoma, OKC, 232.2739 $$

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 $$

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 people-watching patio. 307 NE 2nd, OKC, 235.9100 $

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 $$

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

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

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alike, this OU Campus Corner landmark has been serving up burgers, beer and festive atmosphere since 1968. 769 Asp, Norman, 217.8454 $

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 $$

URBAN WINEWORKS If its delicious made-in-Oklahoma wine isn’t draw enough (and it should be), the haute culinary creations featuring rabbit, duck, pork belly and more should certainly entice diners to the Plaza. 1749 NW 16th, OKC, 525.9463 $$

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 $

BARBEQUEEARL’S RIB PALACE Beloved by locals in a setting far from starved for competition, the award-winning barbeque chain pounds out hit ribs, pulled pork and smoked turkey as well as a top-tier burger. 6 metro locations, earlsribpalace.com $

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 $$

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 $

RUDY’S COUNTRY STORE & BAR-B-Q It’s hard to get more casual than a set of picnic benches, where food comes on cafeteria trays with plastic utensils and paper towels... but as the lines attest, the brisket and other barbeque staples speak for themselves. 3450 Chautauqua, Norman, 307.0552; 3437 W Memorial, OKC, 254.4712 $$

BURGERS // SANDWICHESBISON 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 $

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

COW CALF-HAY A CityBites spinoff that easily stands on its own, the selections are ample and interesting and the delicious

never-frozen patties are mmmmmassive. 3409 Wynn, Edmond, 509.2333, 212 N Harvey, OKC, 601.6180 $

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; 6315 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany, 603.2822 $

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; 601 S Bryant Ave, Edmond, 341.5801, 1024 S I-240 Service Rd, OKC, 601.4198 $

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 $

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 $

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 $

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 hole-in-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 $

S&B’S BURGER JOINT Good news: these burgers’ exquisite flavor combinations – 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; 7745 S Walker, OKC, 631.0983; 102 W Main, Norman, 360.5726 $

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; 1841 Belle Isle, OKC, 767.9771 $

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 $

TEXADELPHIA A popular spot thanks to numerous flatscreen TVs and the nearby canal. The menu draws raves for burgers and wraps, but especially the monstrous made-to-order cheesesteaks. 200 S Oklahoma, OKC, 208.4000 $

TUCKER’S ONION BURGERS 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 $

COFFEEHOUSE //TEA ROOMALL ABOUT CHA Universal standards and more adventurous concoctions (the sweet potato latte is a wonder) in a bright, bustling atmosphere that still has room for quieter lingering. 3272 S Broadway, Edmond, 340.9959 $

ARAVALLI This weekday waystation in the Devon Energy Center is a prime spot for breakfast pastries and coffee, lunch gelato and desserts and a daily rotating handful of grab-and-go entrees. 333 W Sheridan Ave, OKC, 278.7000 $

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 laid-back vibe that pervades this stressless dawdling spot. 136 NW 13th, OKC, 604.0211 $

CAFÉ EVOKE Outstanding coffee drinks and other beverages from one of the area’s great caterers; if patrons wish to stick around for soup, sandwiches, 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 $

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 well-stocked 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 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 $

CONTINENTALBIN 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 $$

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 white- and 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 $$

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 $$$

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 $$

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www.goodeggdining.com


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 $$$

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 $$

FRENCHLA 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 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 $$$

GERMANDAS BOOT CAMP Longtime fixture for Deutsch festivities and feasting Royal Bavaria has brewed up a second round of the same exceptional cuisine (and magnificent beer) for a faster-paced location in downtown Norman. 229 E Main, Norman, 701.3748 $

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 $$$

HEALTHY // ECLECTICCOOLGREENS 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 $

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 $$$

ICE CREAM // YOGURTIL 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. 9 metro locations, orangeleafyogurt.com $

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 $

INDIANGOPURAM – TASTE OF INDIA A full-service 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 // PIZZABELLINI’S RISTORANTE & GRILL Tasteful in décor and Italian offerings alike, this 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 $$

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 $$

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 $$

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; 1 S Broadway, Edmond, 330.9045 $$

PIZZA 23 The tempting selection of specialty pies is available for takeout, but dining in is recommended: the crisp, urban décor and good beer selection add savor to the flavor. 600-B NW 23rd St, OKC, 601.6161 $$

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 $$$

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; 1205 NW 178th, Edmond, 285.8887 $$

VICTORIA’S PASTA SHOP A shabby-comfortable atmosphere with local art on its walls and the art of pasta on its plates – the chicken lasagna and linguine with snow crab are especially excellent. 327 White, Norman, 329.0377 $

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-from-scratch sauces; there’s a build-your-own 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 // SUSHIFULL 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 $$

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 $$

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 wide-ranging and creative sushi menu). Flavor favors the bold! 4318 N Western, OKC, 528.8862 $$

TOKYO JAPANESE RESTAURANTIt’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 $$

MEDITERRANEANAVANTI BAR & GRILL Gather around the hammered copper bar for the casual elegance of Italy and the Mediterranean

FARE | Eat & Drink

½ Price Off Select Appetizers During Happy Hour 3-6pm Brunch Every Saturday and Sunday 10-4 Book Private Parties/Events in Our North Room

6714 N. Western Avenue | Oklahoma City | 405.607.4072 | www.westbar.com

Chill at West

Front: Strawberry Basil Agave Soda, Pineapple Cilantro Agave Soda, Skinny Club SpecialRear: Gin Martini, Gold Digger, Rick’s Red Berry Lemonade

www.westbar.com


Fine Diningin the AsianDistrict

2900 N. Classen | 405.604.2939

Spice Up Your Day!Spice Up Your Day!• Mexican Food Made Fresh Daily

• Daily Lunch Specials

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Conveniently Located in the Downtown Oklahoma City Business District409 N Walker • (405) 604-0523 • www.lacuevagrill.com •

201 NW 10th Street (Robinson & NW 10th) • OKC405.605.3771 • packardsokc.com •

A Modern Take OnClassic American Favorites.

www.packardsokc.com

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1201 N. Walker Ave. 405.235.2200 stellaokc.comLUNCH DINNER COCKTAILS SUNDAY BRUNCH

ENJOY STELLA’S “AT THE BARTOP” MENUfeaturing ½ price pizzas and appetizer specials

TUESDAY TO FRIDAY4 pm to 6 pm

SATURDAY5 pm to 6 pm

& CONVERSATIONCOCKTAILS

Vintages, a wine program for your own private wine list ~ Romantic and intimateCatering & private events ~ Fresh, chef driven features daily, weekly and monthly

Located in the heart of the Paseo Arts District ~ First Friday Gallery Art Walk

2909 PASEO, SUITE A ~ 405.601.1079 ~ PASEOGRILL.COM ~ MON-THU 11AM-9:30PM ~ FRI 11AM-10PM ~ SAT 5:30PM-10PM

Casual, YETSOPHISTICATED

DINING

www.stellaokc.com

www.paseogrill.com


with contemporary twists: crab falafel, bolognese pizza, osso bucco and more. 13509 Highland Park, OKC, 254.5200 $$

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 $$

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 AMERICAN1492 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 $$

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 $$

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 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 $$

CASA DE LOS MILAGROS If you’re searching for quality Mexican food accompanied by a uniquely appealing aesthetic, look no further: their casa es su casa. 5111 N Classen, OKC, 286.9809 $$

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 $$

FUZZY’S TACO SHOP At home in high-traffic 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 Iguana 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 $$

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 $$

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 $$

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 $$

TARAHUMARA’S CAFÉ & CANTINABeloved 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 $$

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 $$

SEAFOODFISH CITY GRILL Shrimp and grits, tilapia po boys, oysters on the half shell… anyone

FARE | Eat & Drink

who secretly wishes Oklahoma had a coastline should feel right at home in this Spring Creek Village stopover. 1389 E 15th, Edmond, 348.2300 $$

HILLBILLIES PO-BOY Unassuming name; mighty appealing flavor in the form of fresh oysters, thoroughly tasty seafood sandwiches and the licit thrill of the fabulous moonshine bar. 1 NW 9th, OKC, 702.9805 $

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 20,000-foot 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 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. 13801 Quail Pointe Dr, OKC, 286.5959 $$

SOUL FOODBIGHEAD’S Fried alligator appetizers and frog leg platters, oyster po’ boys with a tangy remoulade and simmering, savory seafood gumbo – it’s a bayou treat right nearby. 617 S Broadway, Edmond, 340.1925 $$

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 $

STEAKHOUSEBOULEVARD 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 105 – its immense corn-fed steaks and irreproducible atmosphere are history served anew every day. 1309 S Agnew, OKC, 236.0416 $$

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 $$

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 $$$

THAIPAD 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 attention to the soups, and do not play chicken with the spice level. 10700 N May, OKC, 749.5590 $$

VIETNAMESECORIANDER 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 $$

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 $

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 $


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Last Laugh

By Lauren Hammack

TO THE SAME EXTENT THAT I ENJOY BRINGING HOME ADOPTED PETS, my husband Bob loves taking in houseguests – particularly those from distant lands. During the past five years, our guest book has rounded out the entire United Nations. Most of our international guests have found their way to our door-step on their very first visit to the United States. Through that lens, our family has represented the “model” of American life, and for this, we offer our sincerest apologies to Americans everywhere, as well as to the United Nations. It’s fair to assume the out-of-towners have taken back some con-fusing lessons about Americans, based on their experiences under our roof.

The takeaway: We are all loud. The truth: There are many quiet and reserved Americans who respect the sanctity of other people’s space. We are not among them. Addi-

tionally, my husband belongs to that camp of “talk at a high volume so that the non-English speaker will suddenly under-stand a complicated language that’s pock-marked with irregu-lar verbs and nonsensical plural formations.”

The takeaway: We subsist on McDonald’s.The truth: McDonald’s is only a small part of our varied diet. Wendy’s, Taco Cabana, Chick-Fil-A, Qdoba and Sonic make up the other parts.

The takeaway: We spend a dis-proportionate amount of time in front of the television.The truth: Sure, there’s a TV in every room, but we’re not in front of it at all times. Ever heard of Facebook? Pinterest? YouTube? Netf lix?

The takeaway: Everything is big in America.The truth: Without the stretch Hummer, how would we get the gro-ceries home from Sam’s?

Strangers in a Strange Land

We are not all cowboys and you’ll only have to wear that stupid hat until you get to DFW for your connecting flight. But we really are sorry about the extra weight in your bag from the boots, spurs and chaps.

The takeaway: We can’t function without A/C in every space.The truth: We can’t function without A/C in every space, including that ozone layer surrounding our biscuits, which is why we’ve invented air-conditioned car seats. We’re serious about the A/C, so if you see us coming for a visit to your country, go ahead and turn that thermostat down about 20 degrees a few hours in advance.

The takeaway: Americans drive everywhere.The truth: Walking makes us sweat and we can now air-condition our butts … so, yeah.

The takeaway: We don’t sit down as a family at the dinner table.The truth: The dining room is the only room in the house without a TV and we’re not about to miss the final week of “American Idol.” It would be un-American.

The takeaway: We are cowboys and we want everyone to be a cowboy.The truth: We are not all cowboys and you’ll only have to wear that stupid hat until you get to DFW for your connecting f light. But we really are sorry about the extra weight in your bag from the boots, spurs and chaps.

The takeaway: Mama doesn’t cook.The truth: That’s right.

The takeaway: Americans put too much emphasis on money and material things.The truth: Sometimes it’s just easier to buy a new iPhone charger than to look for the lost one.

The takeaway: Americans actually eat in the car.The truth: That’s because some of our favorite restaurants still don’t have TVs, but our cars do.

The takeaway: We’re manic drivers.The truth: No. That’s just Bob.

The takeaway: We’re prone to violence – probably because of our steady diet of TV reality shows.The truth: We’re prone to violence because someone drank the last Dr Pepper or ate the last pizza Lunchable and now they must suffer.

The takeaway: We waste resources. For example, we leave the lights on in every room of the house.The truth: How else will the next houseguest find us?


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Last Look

Of Time and Tires

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

This old-timer may have seen better days, but even amid the scenic surroundings of Medicine Park it can

still turn nostalgic heads.

Photo by Terri Neal

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