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aestr Ball OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 1
FEATURES
52
October 2015
MAPS for Norman? Municipal parks, community pools, fully equipped sports facilities and bigger, better libraries – the price tag for this proposed quality of life initiative isn’t pocket change, but proponents of the bond issue known as “Norman Forward” believe the name indicates the direction it will mean for the city’s development.
On the cover
44
West Side Story As Oklahoma City continues to transform and grow, the next frontier for its urban core has planners and developers looking to the west. The long-overlooked western border of the downtown district is ripe for revitalization, and with plans already underway, the sky might be the limit.
2 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
Work underway on the future 21c Museum Hotel, part of an ongoing spate of downtown development. Photo by Simon Hurst
DEPARTMENTS
20
DESIGNED TO INSPIRE
Serve yourself great ideas in design and decor on the OCMS Alliance Kitchen Tour. 11 From the Editor UP FRONT 14 Chatter
Dragon boats, driving music, the philosophy of platypuses and other area topics of conversation.
18 Details
Browse this stylish barware that’s more than worthy of a toast.
22 Retro-Spective
Remembering the way we were with a look back at the soon-to-be-rejuvenated Tower Theater.
24 Profiles
Vendors ready to help organize orientation-inclusive weddings.
18
26 Style File
Bravura boots for putting your best foot forward this fall.
28 Exchange
A conversational give and take with developer and trailblazer Judy Hatfield.
30 Places
Get spooked with visits to eerie metro locales.
32 Mingling
Making an appearance on central Oklahoma’s social scene.
34 77 Counties
Travels through Oklahoma with author and photographer M.J. Alexander.
FARE 76 A Treat for All Seasons
Delectably flavored and surprisingly versatile, this simple coffee cake recipe is a pleasure in any weather.
78 On Beyond Pho
Get a taste of the rich Vietnamese specialty bun bo hue at local eatery Pho Ca Dao.
76 4 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
80 Eat & Drink
Take a gastronomic tour with Slice’s citywide dining guide.
October 2015
WELLNESS 86 Road to Recovery
Finding a holistic approach to balanced health.
PURSUITS 96 Top Ten
Prime picks for a variety of October entertainment.
98 A Boo-tiful Comeback
Even ‘fraidy-cats are filled with anticipation as the spooky spectacle of the downtown OKC Halloween parade looms.
100 The Emperors of Time
Norman welcomes special guests from centuries ago in an exhibition of imperial Roman portraiture.
101 Cowboy Crossings
Celebrate the ongoing artistic legacy of the West in a pair of concurrent exhibitions.
102 N’Awlins Bound
Steamboats to street musicians, incredible food and a perennial party atmosphere – the Crescent City is a prime destination year-round.
107 See & Do
The sights, sounds and various happenings that are enlivening the metro this month.
110 Last Laugh 112 Last Look
102
October 2015
Volume 6 Issue 10
PUBLISHER Elizabeth Meares elizabeth.meares@sliceok.com EDITOR IN CHIEF Heidi Rambo Centrella heidi.centrella@sliceok.com EDITORIAL Associate Editor Steve Gill steve.gill@sliceok.com Contributing Stylists Timothy Fields, Fashion timothy.fields@sliceok.com Sara Gae Waters, Home saragae.waters@sliceok.com Contributing Writers M.J. Alexander, Bobby Anderson, Mark Beutler, Kelley Chambers, Ben Felder, Lauren Hammack, Jill Hardy, Greg Horton, Jeff Provine, Caryn Ross, Elaine Warner ART Art Director Scotty O’Daniel scotty.odaniel@sliceok.com Graphic Designer Brian O’Daniel brian.odaniel@sliceok.com Production Assistant Tiffany McKnight tiffany.mcknight@sliceok.com Contributing Photographers M.J. Alexander, Justin Avera, David Cobb, Shannon Cornman, Terrell Fry, Simon Hurst, Quit Nguyen, Elaine Warner, Carli Wentworth ADVERTISING Business Development Manager Heidi Turner heidi.turner@sliceok.com Executive Director of Advertising Cynthia Whitaker-hill cynthia.whitakerhill@sliceok.com Account Executives Jamie Hamilton jamie.hamilton@sliceok.com Debbi Knoll debbi.knoll@sliceok.com Account Manager Ronnie Morey ronnie.morey@sliceok.com ADMINISTRATION Distribution Raymond Brewer WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA sliceok.com
6 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
Everything
you’ve come to love about will continue to grow and evolve with
For the last two decades, we’ve been dedicated to bringing engaging content to a loyal reader base, growing along with the community we love to live in and talk about … and now it’s time to take our endeavors to the next level. With 405 Magazine, our award-winning team of editors, writers, designers and photographers – plus a few new additions to our growing staff – will keep readers connected to the highlights of life in central Oklahoma, while digging a little deeper to share substantial stories that resonate with everyone who calls (or wants to call) the 405 area code home.
Premier issue November 2015 Our next chapter begins here.
October 2015
Volume 6 Issue 10
READER SERVICES SLICE 729 W. Sheridan, Suite 101 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 Phone 405.842.2266 Fax 405.604.9435 info@sliceok.com, sliceok.com Advertising Inquiries sales@sliceok.com Job/Internship Inquiries jobs@sliceok.com Story Ideas and Letters to the Editor Your views and opinions are welcome. Include your full name, address and daytime phone number and email to editor@sliceok.com. Letters sent to Slice magazine become the magazine’s property, and it owns all rights to their use. Slice magazine reserves the right to edit letters for length and clarity. Single Copies Single copies are $4.95 each. For rack locations, see sliceok.com/subscribe or contact our office. Back Issues Back issues are $9.50 (includes P&H) each. For back issue availability and order information, please contact our office. Bulk Orders For multiple copy order information, please contact our office. Subscriptions Slice Magazine is available by subscription for $14.95 (12 issues), $24.95 (24 issues) or $34.95 (36 issues). Subscription Customer Service Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. CST SLICE P.O. Box 16765 North Hollywood, CA 91615-6765 Phone 818.286.3160 Fax 800.869.0040 subscriptions@sliceok.com sliceok.com/subscribe Slice Volume 6, Number 10, October 2015. Slice is published monthly by Open Sky Media, Inc. at 729 W. Sheridan, Suite 101, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, 405.842.2266. © Copyright 2015 Open Sky Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of Slice content, in whole or part by any means, without the express written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Slice is not responsible for the care of and/or return of unsolicited materials. Slice reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed detrimental to the community’s best interest or in questionable taste. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of ownership or management. Basic annual subscription rate is $14.95. U.S. single-copy price is $4.95. Back issues are $9.50 each
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Slice, P.O. Box 16765, North Hollywood, CA 91615-6765. Subscription Customer Service: Slice, P.O. Box 16765, North Hollywood, CA 91615-6765, Phone 818.286.3160, Fax 800.869.0040, subscriptions@sliceok. com, sliceok.com/subscribe
8 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
Find out how to celebrate a life like no other. A P E R S O N’S PASSION IS W HAT D RIVES TH E M .
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ON THE WEB
THIS MONTH ON SLICEOK.COM
A Trio of Treats With summer behind us and the oftenstressful holiday season ahead, this seems like a perfect time to treat yourself – wouldn’t you agree? That’s why we’ve put together a collection of coolness for one fortunate reader: a $25 gift card to Ihloff Salon and Day Spa in Norman, a $50 gift card to the sumptuous J. Bruner’s at the Haunted House and this gorgeous camel, ivory and chocolate plaid cowl poncho by Fraas from R Meyers, a $68 value. Register online at sliceok.com/fallprizepack/ to win, and good luck!
Your New Closet Companion If you find yourself inspired by the boots on parade in this month’s Style File (page 26), and fall temperatures make you excited for footwear rather than football, this might be the perfect contest for you. We’re giving away a Boot Butler organizer – the specially designed rack hangs from a clothes rod to store five pairs of boots in mere inches of space, eliminating closet clutter while preserving the appearance of your favorite boots. So after you kick up your heels, you’ll have an easy way to pick up your heels. Visit sliceok.com/ bootbutler/ to enter. 10 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
From the Editor
THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON
SIMON HURST
I
HEIDI RAMBO CENTRELLA
Editor in Chief heidi.centrella@sliceok.com
actually mean that title in a straightforward, general “welcome to fall” sense, but if you’d rather picture me saying it in my best Vincent Price voice and adding a “mwah ha ha” chuckle to the end, feel free – it is almost Halloween, after all, and that’s part of why I consider this the most wonderful time of the year. Practically everyone is on board with the cooler temperatures and leaves turning, and like any Thunder fan, I’m beyond ready to get this season underway en route to a run at the NBA title. But add in jack-o’-lanterns and costumes and a little bit of spine-tingling fun? Now you’re speaking my language. In fact, you know how much I enjoy this holiday? We have a Halloween tree. It’s a family tradition at Chez Centrella: finding a large dead branch, securing it in a tree stand, spray painting it black, stringing it with orange and purple lights and decorating it with a rather spooky flair. Speaking modestly, it’s pretty awesome. The evening also includes the first chili batch of the season – high on the fire chart and always a winner. This year’s celebration is going to be a little different, though. It’s been a scream helping to organize the annual Halloween parade since its inception, but it’s normally the Saturday before the 31st; this year the paranormal procession falls on the day itself (see page 98), so I’ll be front and center in Automobile Alley. Thankfully, I won’t have to squeeze in any trick-or-treating since my own kids have outgrown the custom. That torch has been passed to my daughter, who not too long ago joined the club known as Team Motherhood. I think she secretly uses her 2-yearold son as an excuse to candy crawl through the neighborhood, but I would never be so uncharitable as to suggest such a thing … to her face, anyway. Halloween night is just the tip of the seasonal iceberg, though. For a concentrated dose of the high points among fall fun and games, take a trip to Pumpkinville in the Myriad Gardens (see page 106) and relish the sack races, hay bale maze, face painting and the decorative possibilities of many, many pumpkins. Or if you’re looking for something a little scarier, dare yourself to visit the locales in Jeff Provine’s “Haunts of Oklahoma City” on page 30. But remember, whether it’s a candy hunt or a house haunt that piques your inner spook, October is the month to start thinking about boots (see page 26). Yes, it’s almost that time … finally! Amid everything there is to look forward to on the calendar here in the 405, we might be most excited about the changes coming to this magazine next month, which includes our name becoming 405 Magazine. And that’s not all. Changes will be noticeable from cover to cover, providing readers with provocative journalism, while shaking up the rest of the editorial content. So keep your eyes peeled for our November issue – and enjoy the time until then.
OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 11
Great Savings on Good Looks ABC Enterprises should always be a top option when you need new or used office furniture – the family-owned business has been providing comfortable, highquality equipment for over 40 years, often well below list price. That’s especially true this month, as their clearance sale runs through the end of October: huge numbers of desk chairs in multiple colors and styles, full sets like a desk, credenza and hutch from DMI Office Furniture and much more. Store hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Go take a look, and be ready to find exactly what you need.
ABC ENTERPRISES INC.
510 W Reno Avenue, OKC | 405.236.3166 abcofficeok.com
Perfect Piece, Perfect Price Every Meal a Celebration Stella Modern Italian Cuisine is about dining in true Italian style. Rather than simply eat a hurried meal, Italian people gather with friends and family, and every meal is a celebration. Stella was always supposed to be a neighborhood restaurant, and in keeping with that idea, owner Lori Burson Tyler chose a location on the edge of her own Heritage Hills neighborhood so that she can live and work around friends and family. Lori likes to say that Stella offers everything from elegant dining to wine and pizza on game night, or as she puts it, “You’ll be comfortable here in cargo shorts or a tuxedo.” In true Italian spirit, Stella hosts a monthly Monday celebration. On Oct. 5, join Stella for an inspirational dining event – for women only – with life coach and international speaker Jacqueline Cornaby. Call or visit their website for more information.
STELLA MODERN ITALIAN CUISINE
1200 N Walker Avenue, OKC | 405.235.2200 | stellaokc.com 12 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
Carefully selected home décor items and thoughtful solutions for living are found at 30A Home year-round, but now is an especially good time to add some ideal items to your living space.
FALL SALE October 1-31 Store owners are stocking up on new selections from October market, and to accommodate it all they’re hosting a “MakeRoom-For-Market” clearance event featuring up to 75 percent off select floor merchandise – making this the perfect opportunity to bring a treasure home. Monday-Friday 10am-6pm Saturday 10am-4pm Closed Sundays
30A HOME RETAIL & DESIGN
115 NW 44th Street, OKC 405.286.3153 | 30ahome.com
UP FRONT LOCAL HAUNTS
SIMON HURST
If you’re in search of a paranormal thrill this Halloween season, you’re not alone … especially if you’re visiting these spectral hot spots. See page 30.
CHATTER Topics of conversation from around the metro 14
RETRO-SPECTIVE A quick look back at a piece of local history 22
EXCHANGE Talking with trailblazing developer Judy Hatfield 28
DETAILS Raise a glass to this bounty of beautiful barware 18
PROFILES Meet local vendors who are helping to plan all-inclusive weddings 24
MINGLING Glimpses of central Oklahoma’s social scene 32
PLACES Inspiration on the OCMS Kitchen Tour of Nichols Hills 20
STYLE FILE Fashionable boots to keep your look in perfect visual step 26
77 COUNTIES Travels through the state with author and photographer M.J. Alexander 34 OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 13
UP FRONT | Chatter
Getting in Tune
Curbside Chronicle Offers Creative Way to Help Homeless Modeled on the more than 100 street papers found across the world, The Curbside Chronicle is a magazine sold through people within the local homeless community. Dedicated to giving those without homes and at risk of homelessness a way to earn money and share stories from their experiences, content is occasionally written by homeless writers about anything from homelessness issues to more general ones that affect the whole community. For some, the opportunity to sell, as a vendor for The Curbside Chronicle, is a way to build work experience or social interaction skills; and for others, it provides a source of income other than panhandling, as well as a means of independence. Members of the community who might not interact otherwise are brought together through the magazine, and cities with street papers often see changes in how the general population in the vending areas interacts with the homeless community. A map of vendor locations can be found at thecurbsidechronicle.org. 14 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
Fall foliage road trips deserve a great soundtrack. If you find yourself heading toward Talimena this autumn to admire the changing scenery, consider Don Juntunen’s Adventure Road Drivin’ Dreams as a choice for the playlist. The collection of Juntunen-composed and arranged tracks were put together as a companion piece for the Adventure Road website, adventureroad.com, a guide to suggested travel destinations along Interstate 35, but it shouldn’t be counted out when road-trip tunes are needed for other jaunts. As background music, Juntunen’s soulful guitar stylings provide a smooth sound base that won’t preclude conversation, but can populate those long stretches that normally would be filled by silence with an easy-on-the-ears interest keeper. The tracks vary from mild and melodious – such as the f lute accompaniment and vocalizations of “Eagle Moon” – to more upbeat and invigorating. The bracing “Wildhorse Creek” and “Cowboy Slide” could be likened to a rejuvenating blast of air through the open window, always good for a pick-me-up when the miles are beginning to lull you. Award-winning guitarist Juntunen hails from Oklahoma, and the music of Drivin’ Dreams wasn’t simply strung together, but penned specifically for the scenery and sights available to drivers cruising through the Sooner State. Take a listen for your next Oklahoma outing, whether it’s a day trip to the Arbuckle Mountains, or just picking up the kids from school.
Celebrate Aquatic Sports at the Regatta
Oct. 1-4 marks the 2015 Oklahoma Regatta Festival, a chance to see dragon boating, kayaking and rowing, all while enjoying a beer garden and yummy food. The surrounding familycentered festival ensures fun for all ages, and the fireworks display to close out the night is a surefire crowd pleaser.
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Whitaker Point near Boxley
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War Eagle Mill
Doe’s Eat Place, Fort Smith
Eureka Springs OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 15
UP FRONT | Chatter
Calendar Watch Oct. 4 Official end of Oktoberfest in Germany; step away from the stein Oct. 1-15 Last half of National Hispanic Awareness Month Oct. 16 Bosses’ Day, because it’s not enough to be in charge every other day of the year Oct. 31 Halloween
GET PLAYFUL AND CURIOUS If you missed the wonder that was the poetry portion of The Elaborate Collaborate exhibition this past summer, no worries; the Oct. 29 closing reception of Kerri Shadid’s show, Playground of Curiosity, will include a Surrealist Poetry Game Night. From 6 to 8 p.m., visitors will engage in wordplay inspired by games used by Surrealist artists and create poetry from the results. Playground of Curiosity will run Oct. 2-31 at The Project Box in the Paseo.
IF IT’S NOT ENOUGH TO WATCH THEM ON TV …
If you’d like a chance to test your mettle against zombies and get in a good cardio workout, all while raising money for research on cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease, consider lacing up for the 5KRunDead zombie run, coming to OKC’s Stars and Stripes Park Oct. 10. A full 100 percent of the proceeds go to scientific research, so you can feel good about evaluating how you’d do in a serious zombie situation. 16 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
ON THE PAGE PHILOSOPHY IS NO JOKE. OR, MAYBE IT IS …
If you need a good read to round out your celebration of Friedrich Nietzsche’s birthday on Oct. 15 (What, everyone doesn’t mark that occasion?) then look no further. Plato and a Platypus Walk Into a Bar: Understanding Philosophy Through Jokes is not your typical philosophy guide. Thomas Cathcart and Daniel Klein’s slim tome is more than a quickie tutorial in metaphysical meaning. The duo has devised an ingenious method for introducing those who are curious to the main disciplines of philosophy through jokes. Philosophy majors, who are often the brunt of jokes themselves, Cathcart and Klein use sometimes bawdy humor to illustrate the main points of a variety of philosophical topics, from metaphysics and ethics to existentialism and relativity. And the jokes are actually funny. Really. There’s more than one aspect of the book that appeals: it’s a quick read, which means it can be reread – as many times as necessary – to get the full meaning of some of the points. But make no mistake: despite being clothed in one-liners and puns, they’re still mind-boggling topics. Just to make sure that you’re taking the subject seriously enough, the writers have included a summation and exam, helpful for checking your retention. Also, the glossary and “Further Reading” suggestions in the back are great information-builders for those whose interest is piqued by what the book has introduced. Whether you’re a philosophy student trying get a grip on what you’re learning, or just a regular human being who wants to ponder serious questions such as “What does it all mean?” without going bonkers, Plato and a Platypus fits the bill for a gentle way to get your feet wet. Because sometimes making light of a weighty subject is the best way to understand it.
We Already Knew It Was Great The Myriad Botanical Gardens has been named as one of six finalists for the Urban Space Award. Small- and large-scale public spaces that have enlivened the economy of their locations and culturally enhanced their communities are eligible for the prize, which gives $10,000 to the team or individual most responsible for the winner’s development. The worldwide Urban Space Award is an annual competition through the Urban Land Institute, and the finalists included installations from around the globe – from far-flung locales such as China and Singapore to other American parks and public spaces, including Ken Genser Square in Santa Monica, California, and Washington Canal Park in Washington, D.C. The ULI Fall Meeting, which takes place Oct. 5-8, will reveal the winning project. Our money is on the Gardens.
Staying in Just Got Easier – Order Up If your favorite restaurant doesn’t offer a delivery option, have no fear – it might, very soon. National delivery service Order Up is now available in Norman, Edmond and Oklahoma City, with plans for a Stillwater launch in the future. Visit orderup.com to sign up and download the app, which allows you to browse the selection of restaurants that have partnered with the service to offer metro-area residents some of their favorite meals delivered right to their door. A small surcharge – usually under $5 – allows restaurants to offer delivery service with low overhead, and patrons to enjoy options for delivery that go beyond Chinese and pizza.
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OCTOBER MAY 2015 // SLICE 17
UP FRONT | Details
Belly up to the Bar
By Sara Gae Waters // Photos by Carli Wentworth
MARTINI, ANYONE? From mocktails to cocktails, I love investigating all the accouterments that can go along with the mixing and concocting of fine libations. A variety of barware is not only readily available, but also stylish. For instance, who can resist a white leather cocktail shaker? It isn’t just about the drinks, either: trays to house crackers, olives or other snacks, maybe an engraved cutting board for entertaining with class. There’s a lot to see, so feel free to pour a glass of wine and peruse some of these very spirited options. 1
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1. “Beer Snob” can-shaped glass from Plenty, OKC 2. Carry-on cocktail kit for a gin and tonic and Moscow mule from Plenty 3. Sempli wine decanter from Norman Stamp and Seal, Norman 4. Reed & Barton banded twopiece bar set from Luxe, OKC 5. Fiesta six-shot tequila set, from Urbane, OKC
18 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
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6. Monogrammed wooden coasters from Norman Stamp and Seal 7. Teakwood wine stoppers, from Plenty 8. White leather bar tool box set from Luxe 9. Ultimate Bar Book cocktail guide from Plenty 10. White leather cocktail shaker from Luxe 11. Paper straws from Plenty 12. Gold crosshatch decanters from Luxe 13. Aquos champagne bucket from Urbane 14. Wooden wine holder from Norman Stamp and Seal 15. Word Play â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cocktailsâ&#x20AC;? sign from Urbane
OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 19
UP FRONT | Places
DESIGNED TO INSPIRE The OCMS Kitchen Tour Returns
The Albers kitchen
By Steve Gill // Photos by Shannon Cornman
COMFORTABLE LIVING AREAS, COZY BEDROOMS and multiple bathrooms are all very nice, but it’s just not a home without a well-equipped kitchen. The most popular room in the house takes center stage Oct. 18 in a tour of Nichols Hills residences organized by the Oklahoma County Medical Society Alliance – so if you’re planning a remodel or are just hungry for inspiration in design and décor, visit the five homes on the tour to get an inside look at marvelous combinations of form and utility in the vibrant hearts of these beautiful residences. Tour chair Berna Goetzinger explains, “The kitchen tour has become a tradition of the Alliance, and its biggest fundraising project,” and that organizers “are grateful to have such an amazing fundraiser that people can enjoy and at the same time raise money for hardworking nonprofit organizations.” In previous years, the tour proceeds have been awarded to two beneficiaries, but Goetzinger describes Alliance members as “proud and thrilled” that this year will add a third: the Mental Health Association Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Mothers’ Milk Bank and Health Alliance for the Uninsured. 20 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
The 24th annual tour is self-guided, and includes a Starbucks coffee bar and raffles at each home, as well as cooking demonstrations from the pros at The Culinary Kitchen, 7222 N Western. Bon appetit.
6609 NW Grand
Paul and Leigh Ann Albers: 2015 Integris home
The design of this spectacular space was a collaborative effort of designer Jim Frazier, builder John Gilbert and homeowners Leigh Ann and Paul Albers. Barbara Quillian Fine Interiors supplied all the furniture, lighting fixtures and accessories. The lines of the cabinets, drawers and built-in shelves are sleek and minimal, but the materials – walnut trim, creamy tiles, glossy granite – are warm and rich, making an overall effect that’s simultaneously welcoming and grandly impressive, allowing artwork and decorative elements to pop. And the glass walls give the owners a spectacular view of Grand Boulevard Park while imparting an almost gallery feel; like a display in an exhibition of fine design. The oversized kitchen islands house an Ilve stove, sink, dishwasher and refrigerator drawers under the granite
(the result of quite a bit of work from Young Brothers, who doubled its thickness). There’s even a second kitchen space in an adjacent pantry that serves as a prep area for entertaining. One tour house each year is designated as a representative for a major sponsor; even among the beauty filling this year’s tour, it’s not difficult to see why the Albers residence is the 2015 Integris home.
decorator Jennifer Welch. Sunlight bathes the kitchen from two directions and gleams off the oak, Caesarstone quartz and bronze pendants. The modern equipment – including slam-proof cabinets and drawers and a Sonic ice machine – combine with the overall radiance for a sophisticated and welcoming ambience.
1606 Norwood Place
Ryan and Jessica Johnston
Originally built in 1954, this home belonged to Ryan’s grandparents for more than 50 years. Ryan and Jessica decided to renovate here instead of building a new house – so it’s a true family home and a special place to raise their children. They did, however, get Terry Carlson’s help to entirely redesign and reconstruct it from top to bottom, including eliminating the formal dining and living areas. The large island is functional for prep and cooking, but also integral to the group atmosphere while entertaining with family and friends, and Jessica loves being able to cook while still being a part of everything.
1204 Marlboro Lane Koray and Seda Bakir
Modern and transitional designs are on display throughout this newly constructed home, built by AC Dwellings with much input from the owners. Seda cooks all of the family meals and really enjoys the two sinks, secret prep areas behind sliding doors and drawers that open with the slightest touch or kick … but most of all, she loves having her two daughters sit at the huge island for frontrow seats to the culinary action.
6619 Avondale Drive
Michael and Tonya Stone
Built in 1958, the Stones’ ranch-style abode had small rooms and low ceilings until a remodel from AC Dwellings raised the kitchen ceiling, removed some interior walls and helped make the house feel much larger and more open. The transformation adds new life and emphasis to the kitchen, most of whose appliances and features are concealed so as not to interfere with the flow of the home and beauty of the open living and dining space. (The massive reclaimed armoire on the west wall that houses the refrigerator is a classic Anders and Terry Carlson touch.) Display fronts on the cabinets show off the contents, but the windows themselves are the stars; they’re real leaded glass and are the sole remaining element original to the house. The remodel was so successful that Michael now says his favorite part is “everything.”
1505 Bedford Drive
Todd and Libby Naifeh
This house is a total remodel taken down to the studs by contractor Rex Massey, with a finished look courtesy of designer and
The Stone kitchen
SEE THE SIGHTS
The OCMS Kitchen Tour runs from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18. Tickets are available at the door of each home for $20 on the day of the show, but you can find a discount by visiting ocmsalliance.org for ticket locations, and more information by calling 496.6217.
OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 21
o r t Respective
A TOWERING ACHIEVEMENT By Mark Beutler // Photo courtesy the Oklahoma Historical Society
ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ONE OF THE LAST GREAT MOVIE HOUSES STILL STANDING IN OKLAHOMA CITY. Built in 1931, the Tower Theater on NW 23 Street has been silent for decades, but is slowly coming back to life. In its heyday, the Tower was a magnificent site. The bright neon sign beckoned well-dressed moviegoers who often lined up for blocks waiting to get inside. Next door was a TG&Y dime store, and 23rd Street was a happening place. The Tower closed in 1989, but an eager group of investors are putting the finishing touches on what will again be the crown jewel of its bustling corridor within the evolving Uptown district. The once-grand, 1,500-seat auditorium with the billowing scarlet curtains is undergoing a multi-million-dollar facelift and should re-open as an event center by early next year. 22 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
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OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 23
UP FRONT | Profiles
“Finding only a few vendors who were unwilling to work with gay wedding clients was enough motivation for us to decide to produce the wedding show. Instead of blacklisting those who don’t, we wanted to highlight those who do.” - KINDT STEVEN MYERS
Ready to Wed WEDDING SHOW FEATURES LOCAL VENDORS CATERING TO SAME-SEX MARRIAGES By Mark Beutler // Photos by Shannon Cornman
EARLY THIS SUMMER, marriage equality became the law of the land. The wailing and gnashing of teeth was mostly kept to a minimum, and so far the sky hasn’t fallen. But same-sex couples in Oklahoma may have a long road ahead to marital bliss, just like their heterosexual counterparts. A few years ago, NBC News reported on a new Census Bureau study that said Oklahoma led the nation in terms of divorce. While the honeymoon may not be over yet (pun intended) for those who are enjoying marriage equality, time will tell whether the incorporation of samesex marriages to that data will help improve Oklahoma’s rankings. Meanwhile, some local vendors are basking in the new business same-sex marriages are bringing in. Not long after the U.S. Supreme Court extended the right to marry to all adults, the first same-sex wedding show came to Oklahoma City. It was designed to help gay couples find vendors who 24 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
are “friendly” – weeding out those who might be opposed for whatever reason. “There’s a mixed bag of responses, for sure,” says Kindt Steven Myers, a local event planner who organized the show. “Finding only a few vendors who were unwilling to work with gay wedding clients was enough motivation for us to decide to produce the wedding show. Instead of blacklisting those who don’t, we wanted to highlight those who do.” Turnout for the show was great, he said, with both same-sex and heterosexual couples checking out local vendors. As times change, so do some aspects of the nuptials. Myers continued that he has noticed a few differences already as a wedding planner: “You may find your clients have been together for many years, possibly waiting for legal recognition to tie the knot,” he explains. “The other difference is in the language we use as wedding professionals. It is no longer a ‘bridal suite,’ it is a ‘wedding suite.’ Likewise, bridal parties should be referred to as wedding parties. It is important to recognize who you’re working with in the moment and think before you speak.” A number of vendors participated in the wedding show – everyone from bakers to f lorists. Tony Foss of Tony Foss Flowers said the main objective was to tell clients they are important and so is their business. “I do a lot of weddings,” Foss says. “That is probably 80 percent of my business. Our goal at this particular wedding show was to tell same-sex couples, loud and clear, that we want your business and we will treat you with respect and dignity.” Interest in the wedding show has been tremendous, Foss said, and he and Myers are already in the planning stages of another event for early next year. He also is getting an up-close look at what
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other couples face when putting together a wedding, since he and his partner of 12 years are busy planning their own ceremony. “I would have never gone to another state just to get married,” Foss says, “but since it’s legal in Oklahoma, now we are doing it. We set the date for Feb. 29, which is when we met 12 years ago. Now that I am engaged to DeWayne, I get to see what my customers go through when they have to choose a DJ, a florist and all the other myriad choices they have to make.” Foss said he thinks a lot more people today are tolerant and open-minded when it comes to equality. Likewise, Myers said he is grateful for the hard work, time and talents given by others to make marriage equality a reality. “Some have gone on who worked diligently in this civil rights movement and did not get to see this ruling or these actions take place in their lifetime,” Myers says. “I think it’s important to honor those who have worked and who still work for the LGBTQI community. “As a business owner and a wedding planner, I am often asked about how this impacts us at the local level. My advice? Good business begets good business. Be kind and do what you do well. My doors are open to all couples who want to marry, and I am on board to help make my clients’ wedding day everything they’ve dreamed it could be.”
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OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 25
UP FRONT | Style File
A sleek Stuart Weitzman ankle boot with silver buckle and studs from Balliets
Needing to step up your cool factor? Rock this biker boot by Jimmy Choo, from Balliets in Classen Curve.
This Vince Camuto equestrian boot with gold zipper and brad detailing isn’t horsing around, from Dillard’s in Penn Square Mall.
These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ By Timothy Fields // Photos by Carli Wentworth
The advent of cooler weather in fall and winter means boots are about to become a staple again. From knee-high to ankle-adjacent, these selections will make certain you remain warm and dry, while keeping you in step with fashion.
Tap into your wild side with these Vince Camuto ankle boots with horsehair leopard print and side zipper, available at Dillard’s. 26 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
See By Chloé presents this wedge bootie with the season’s must-have detail – fringe, from Balliets.
Make a visual splash in this Donald J Pliner bootie with gold brad detailing, from Dillard’s.
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OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 27
UP FRONT | Exchange
DOING IT ALL
A Conv ers with ation Ju Hatfi dy eld
By Lauren Hammack // Photo by Simon Hurst
LONG BEFORE I SAT DOWN for an exchange with commercial real estate developer Judy Hatfield, I’d heard she was Wonder Woman, a hybrid of a one-woman army and the Tasmanian devil. The hype is real. Whether it comes from being surrounded by a universe of Y-chromosomes throughout her life (three brothers, two sons, three grandsons and a succession of jobs in male-dominated professions came up during our conversation), or it’s because she innately believes in the strength of women, Hatfield lives up to her billing as a female trailblazer in every way.
What is your hometown? Pauls Valley. Were you the high school valedictorian, by chance? Yes, I was. My dad made a bet with me when I was just starting school. He told me that if I graduated as the valedictorian of my class, he’d buy me a car. So I really did it for the car. And mostly just to win the bet. And the car was? A Cougar – one of those with headlights that opened and shut, which I thought was so cool, until they randomly started shutting at the most inconvenient times, like on a rainy night – a slight defect in an otherwise great car. Where did you attend college? The University of Oklahoma, where I earned a BBA in finance and a minor in economics. I know many women business owners and principals today, but when you began your career, you were really a pioneer to be a woman in the corporate positions you held. I was the first female controller of the Westinghouse Electric Corporation plant in the ‘70s. I then became the first vice president of finance for TOTCO, a division of Baker International (later Baker Hughes), but I always knew I’d eventually own my own company. You’re now the president and CEO of Equity Commercial Realty LLC, and Equity Realty Inc., which are hugely successful companies. What makes you so ideally suited for your profession? I think it 28 28 SLICE SLICE //// OCTOBER MAY 2015 2015
aligns well with what I’m best at: organizing chaos. I also think it’s a good fit because I’m right- and left-brained, so I can be a CPA and a strategic planner. What’s your favorite kind of chaos? I like historic renovations. And you’re good at them. I know you’ve been recognized at least twice this year for your work. Yes – I was recently honored with the Neal Horton Award (at the 29th annual Dean A. McGee Awards Ceremony) for the renaissance of the downtown Oklahoma City area, and I received the History Maker Award (for Metropolitan Better Living Center). Congratulations! The Carnegie Centre (131 Dean A. McGee) must have inspired some of those accolades. It was a great project to redevelop the former downtown library – a true historic property – into residential, retail and commercial space. In the lobby, there’s a plaque that pays homage to the women’s club that raised the $25,000 it took to build the original Carnegie Library. Knowing so much Oklahoma history must be an occupational hazard in your line of work. Sometimes I’m surprised by how much historical trivia I’ve picked up over the years. I learn
something new with each project, and there are buildings I’ve sold at least four times. The first time I heard your name, it was in connection with Sooner Stilettos. How did that organization come about? Sooner Stilettos is an organization I started with OU women’s basketball head coach Sherry Coale, who’s famous for her stilettos, to mentor the players and serve as positive female role models for them. We spend time with the players, and often the players can shadow us in our businesses to learn more about different professions and what it takes to be a strong, female leader in our respective career fields. What are you currently obsessed with? Spending time with my
three grandsons. When do you have time to sleep? My nights are usually short. I’m an early riser and always on the move. I hardly ever run out of steam, unless it’s 100-plus degrees outside and I’m on a brush hog on my ranch. What do you wish you’d started doing sooner? Taking risks. I was too conservative. I wish I’d taken more risks. What’s still on your bottomless list of things to do? Wow – my list is so long. I want to see everything, do everything, touch everything, give everything and live every day to its fullest. That’s what I try to do now. I’ve had some great experiences. I feel like a very lucky person.
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OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 29
UP FRONT | Places
Haunts of Oklahoma City TALES FROM THE GRAVE CONTINUE TO BAFFLE BELIEVERS AND NAYSAYERS ALIKE
By Jeff Provine // Photos by Simon Hurst
The Skirvin Hilton is home to lavish luxury ... and perhaps a lingering presence.
30 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
MANY PEOPLE IN OKLAHOMA CITY HAVE HEARD THE URBAN LEGEND that the tenth floor of the beautifully restored Skirvin Hilton is haunted. Above the dark wood-paneled walls and elegant chandeliers of the lobby, guests say they hear doors slamming in the middle of the night and an unseen baby crying in empty rooms. A few even claim to have seen a spectral woman appear in their rooms. Rumors tell that the woman is W.B. Skirvin’s hidden lover, and the baby is their illegitimate daughter, both killed when the mother jumped to escape their imprisonment. Although researchers have been unable to find corroborating evidence in archives, and managers at the hotel have reported no sightings, the debate about the ghost continues. Whatever the truth, its legend is enough to provide a little psychological warfare against visiting sports teams. Even The New York Times noted “Effie” spooking NBA players of the Knicks, Bulls, Suns and others. Yet the Skirvin is only one among many of Oklahoma City’s spooky sites. One of the lesser known examples, although perhaps more notable, is the Governor’s Mansion to the east of the state Capitol. There, Oklahoma’s ninth governor, William “Alfalfa Bill” Murray, is said still to roam despite his term being up in 1935. Murray was famous for his cost-saving measures during the Great Depression, such as turning the Capitol grounds into pasture where sheep could be raised and the wool sold to save Oklahoma tax dollars. More infamously, Murray held his business meetings in red long johns while smoking cigars. Anyone who complained simply was not invited to the meetings any longer. Like many of Oklahoma’s governors, Murray lived in the state-provided mansion. Built during the oil boom of the 1920s, the Dutch-Colonial style home features limestone walls that match those of the Capitol, a tennis court first used as a helipad for President Lyndon Johnson and an Oklahomashaped swimming pool. The building also is said to hold the spirit of Murray, who lingers to watch over today’s governors. According to staff, occupants and even guests, Murray haunts the stairs leading up to the second floor and causes people to stumble as they pass by. Former Oklahoma first lady Cathy Keating once told the Chicago Tribune that she herself had been tripped. Keating didn’t believe in ghosts, but the
(left to right) Persistent shivers abound in the metro, whether on the stairs of the Governor’s Mansion, in the underbrush around “Crybaby Bridge” or behind the scenes at Langston’s.
stairs were inspected and found to be level, causing the answer to seem a little more spectral. Still, she seemed to bear no ill will. “He’s ornery, and he’s fun.” Langston’s Western Wear in Stockyards City is another site noted for its past residents refusing to pass on. In the early days of Oklahoma City, when the Stockyards were a rough-and-tumble center for cowboys fresh off the range eager to spend their pay, this building served as a dance hall. The lower floor had a wide barroom and stage for entertainment, while the second floor served as a hotel where cowpokes could find some rest and, allegedly, a little companionship. Today, Langston’s is a great place to search out a new pair of jeans and a must for tourists visiting Oklahoma City. More than just the fashion of the past is said to stay on, however. The story goes that two sisters worked at the dance hall, Rose and Patty (“Goldie” in some versions of the tale). In what is now the area between the ladies boots and the kids department, a jealous boyfriend marched up and shot Patty while she performed. Rose, distraught from her loss, hanged herself on the second floor. Although they are long departed, many say that the women still wander the building, seeking consolation for their troubled ends. Numerous employees have claimed strange experiences through the years, especially a nauseating sense of trepidation when going up the stairs. Lights notoriously flicker. One woman noted how, upstairs, she and others had seen a “lady in purple” out of the corners of their eyes. They described the woman
wearing a “nice purple outfit” 100 years out of style. When they turned for a better look, she was gone. Another employee said that several people had often walked upstairs and “felt something go by you.” Some time ago, one girl even claimed to have been pushed down the stairs. She said she felt something cold like a breeze and then hands on her back. The next thing she knew, she was at the bottom of the stairs with bruises and several sets of scratches. Once people begin sharing ghost stories about town, another one always seems to pop up. Oklahoma City even has its own version of the “Crybaby Bridge” urban legend that is ubiquitous across the nation. The story goes that a young mother and her baby were driving in a storm when their car plunged through the seldom-used bridge at SE 134th and Air Depot. It was days before a policeman happened by to discover the wreck and the long-dead bodies. Supposedly, one can still hear the cries of the child wafting in the overgrowth below the broken wooden planks that remain there to this day. A little farther south of that is another story not often shared: the Kitchen Lake Witch. Out in the newly refurbished state park is a stone chimney, all that remains of a house that burned down mysteriously with its patron inside. She was reputedly a witch, and it is said today that her spirit still roams the grounds of her old home. In vengeance for her death, she still starts fires to this day. People claim to see smoke coming from the chimney and to come across smoldering piles of ashes. They also say they have heard footsteps and felt scratches, although they can-
There’s no spectral witch at Kitchen Lake ... or is there?
not see anyone human. Few stick around to investigate, but even leaving can be a problem as cars notoriously fail to start near the field. These stories might not be factual, but there’s no shortage of variations and similar tales, and it’s fun to consider. So happy Halloween … and be careful out there. (Editor’s note: Jeff Provine is the founder of the OU Ghost Tour. His collections of local folklore include Campus Ghosts of Norman, Haunted Norman and, new in 2015, Haunted Guthrie, co-authored with Tanya McCoy.) OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 31
UP FRONT | Mingling
IEEW JEWEL FASHION SHOW Photos by Justin Avera
The Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women hosts its annual fashion show at the Will Rogers Theater to celebrate and help fund its Peace Through Business global education program. Amanda Marie, Josh Allen Ashley Lay, Zan Waldenville, Katelynn Calonkey, Michelle Brauckmann Marni and Joshua Fahrenbruck Yusha King, Linda Eakers Danille Evans, Kayla Bunch, Charleen Scheffe
Ginger and Kevin Ogle
Michelle Umurungi, Jordan Pittman John Carey, Ashley and Ryan Hartwig
MAHOGANY VIP OPENING Photos by Terrell Fry
Downtown dining becomes a trifle more robust with the opening of a new Mahogany Steakhouse in the Century Center.
Lance and Kelsey Kuehn
Robert Black, founder Jim Anderson
Melissa Jackson, Michael Kress, Jennifer Gilchrest
ODYSSEY DE CULINAIRE Photos by Terrell Fry
Guests go on a flavorful dining adventure as 10 chefs team up to fuel the Oklahoma Restaurant Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fundraising feast. 32 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
Geoffrey and Stephanie Bice, Benny and Vicki Vanatta, Betty and Jose Santiago
Jakolby Long, Ashton Jones, Karl Madison II
Chad Hunt, Jan Viliran, David Meador Sheena Karami, Tracy Frederick, Adrienne Nobles
Jennifer Reiswig, Darren Ransley, Janine Regier and Bob Funk
Mike and Sarah Lecoq
SPORTS HEADLINER BANQUET Photos by Justin Avera
The March of Dimes honors Oklahoman athletes and coaches who set sterling examples on and off the field. Ed and Courtney Blau, Marty Coltrane
James Williams, Terry Allen, Bret Streetman
RED ROOFTOP PARTY Photos by Justin Avera
Guests head to the top of the Aloft Hotel for a shindig in scarlet to boost the care and support efforts of the Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund. Steven Welch, Arielle Frye Tom Persechino, Mark Beutler
Blair Quiring, Lisa Pitsiri
Cate Jones, Allison McMichael, Cecilia Nguyen Want more photos? Sign up for our Snapshot! newsletter at sliceok.com/newsletters. OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 33
UP FRONT | Wanderlust
77 COUNTIES: OKLAHOMA COUNTY
OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD
For the little girls hopping from foot to ruby-slippered foot in the creeping summer dusk of Myriad Gardens, the suspense was too much to bear.
N
ot only was their favorite movie about to begin on the big outdoor screen downtown, they were about to go on stage themselves for the pre-show Wizard of Oz costume contest. Four-year-old Tori Garland, whose family drove the 80 miles up from Duncan, went with sparkly red flats and a white Toto with pink ribbons. The Epperson twins, 7, sported matching double braids, and carried matching Totos in matching picnic baskets. Makailah Deleon, 6, paired the traditional gingham-check blouse with a skyblue tutu, and toted a Toto-free bedazzled bag of red sequins.
34 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
By M.J. Alexander
Despite a kaleidoscope of movie roles to choose from, all the early contestants this July night in Oklahoma City opted to portray the same character: Dorothy Gale of Kansas.
T
he Wonderful Wizard of Oz was published in 1900, the first of a series of 14 novels by L. Frank Baum set in the magical kingdom of Oz and surrounding lands. It has been called the first great American fairy tale, breaking with the European storytelling tradition of a heroine waiting to be rescued, and centering instead on the adventures of a self-reliant girl who saves herself. The author, born in upstate New York in 1856, was unusual for his time. A military academy dropout, actor, poet, journalist and businessman, his Nov. 9, 1882, marriage to Maud Gage – youngest daughter of noted abolitionist and suffragette Matilda Joslyn Gage – was hailed by the local newspaper as “one of equality.” In an era when the bride’s vows included a promise to obey her husband, the newspaper noted that, in the Baums’ ceremony, “the promises
BETSY BOBBIN OF OKLAHOMA
If the producers of The Wizard of Oz had chosen the eighth book in the Oz series, Tik-Tok of Oz, instead of the first, the world would celebrate not Dorothy Gale of Kansas, but Betsy Bobbin of Oklahoma. Author L. Frank Baum described Betsy as shy and blonde with a pixie cut. Instead of landing in Munchkinland aboard a tornado-tossed farmhouse, like Dorothy, Betsy arrives in the Rose Kingdom after being washed ashore by stormy seas after a shipwreck. Instead of being accompanied by Toto, the trusty dog, Betsy travels with Hank, the loyal mule. By the end of the book, Princess Ozma invites Betsy and Hank to the Emerald City to hang out with Dorothy and Toto.
Hawkins County, Tennessee, challenged the initial novel’s inclusion in public school curricula, objecting to the evils of talking animals, self-determination and “secular humanism,” and maintaining it is “theologically impossible” for good witches to exist. But in the 115 years since the book’s publication, fans of the land of Oz have far outnumbered its detractors. In an April 9, 1957, newspaper editorial mocking Detroit’s book ban, the Toledo Blade warned: “The latest intelligence from the Emerald City is that the Wizard of Oz and the Wicked Witch of the West are about to join forces and send the Munchkin army to attack the Detroit Public Library in full force. Against such a force, Mr. Ulveling’s guns will do him no good. He will need a little imagination, of which he seems to have very little.”
Wizard of Oz costume contestants Rylee Blackwell, 7, of Moore; Tori Garland, 4, of Duncan; Kassidy and Kennedy Epperson, 7, of Oklahoma City; and Makailah Deleon, 6, of Oklahoma City, onstage at the Myriad Gardens, July 29, 2015.
T
required of the bride were precisely the same as those required of the groom.” Baum’s egalitarian outlook and fantastical world of Oz irked critics for decades. Some claimed the story had an “ungodly” influence on children, glorifying a headstrong girl who disobeys authority and saves three male characters on her way to destroying two evil witches and unmasking the great wizard as a fraud. In 1928, the city of Chicago banned the Oz books from its public libraries, declaring them “not literature, but, somehow, rather evil for children.” In 1957, Ralph Ulveling, director of the Detroit Public Library, admitted the books had been outlawed in the system for 30 years, adding “There is nothing uplifting or elevating about the series.” Despite protests, he promised the library staff would “stick to our guns” – the ban was not lifted until 1972. In 1959, the state librarian of Florida ruled that the books were “unwholesome for children” and urged their removal, which led to curious children seeking them out and fueled a new surge in the stories’ popularity. In 1986, a lawsuit in
Editor’s note: This installment is part of author M.J. Alexander’s 77 Counties series, chronicling her travels across Oklahoma. The full series is available at sliceok.com/travel/
he Myriad Gardens crowd has swollen into thousands of fans ready for a dose of flying monkeys, singing Munchkins, thinking scarecrows, and lions and tigers and bears. Families sprawl on blankets, teenagers hold hands and cooler-toting couples perch on lawn chairs, occupying the entire great lawn and backing up onto the hill on Hudson. But first, the pre-show costume contest. The parade of little girls in Dorothy dresses is joined by a lone figure in black: 7-yearold Rylee Blackwell of Moore. She stands at the far end of the line, all-in with green facepaint and an oversized pointy hat, completing her Wicked Witch of the West tribute by clutching a captive Toto. In an upset, she is declared winner over all the Dorothys. The contestants pick their way back through the crowd to nestle in with their families as dusty clouds and a sepia-toned tornado gyrate across the screen, tossing a flying farmhouse over the rainbow. As darkness settles in across the Plains, Dorothy and Toto began their journey down the yellow brick road fortified by the brains of a scarecrow, the good heart of a tin man, the courage of a lion and the hard-won knowledge that, in the end, there is no place like home.
OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 35
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588 Buchanan | Campus Corner | 405.928.4341 1201 N.W. 178th Street | Edmond | 405.359.1189 7302 N. Western Avenue | OKC | 405.242.3255 OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 43
West Si The next phase of Oklahoma Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s transformation is taking shape on the western edge of downtown
Future home of 21c Museum Hotel
Site of a restaurant/ concert venue from Graham Colton and Brian Bogert
44 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
de Story Home sweet future home of The Civic
OKC Police headquarters and municipal court complex
OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 45
City Rescue Mission provides shelter for homeless men and women on the edge of downtown.
By Ben Felder // Photos by Simon Hurst
A.J. takes a deep drag from his cigarette and then exhales a puff of smoke as he contemplates which direction he will head next. Homeless for a few years and in Oklahoma City for the last seven months, A.J., who declined to share his last name, said he wanders stretches of Classen Boulevard most of the day, stopping at a nearby McDonald’s when he has enough change to order a drink or a burger. On this day, he is hanging out with a group of other homeless men, some of whom are waiting for their next meal at the City Rescue Mission one block away. “For those of us who are [homeless], this is our part of the city,” says A.J. before taking another puff of his cigarette. “Just look around.” A quick look around this mostly industrial neighborhood west of downtown does show a large amount of homeless men and women; some enjoying shade under a tree in the median of Classen Boulevard, a few others panhandling from cars stopped at a traffic light. West downtown has been a hub of homeless activity for many years, including a time when the former Interstate 40 was left abandoned while the city waited for a new stretch of highway to be completed several blocks to the south.
46 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
“For a while [the state] left the old I-40 up and it became a long, skinny homeless camp until it was taken down,” says Dan Straughan, executive director of the Homeless Alliance. The overpass is now gone, leaving patches of undeveloped land in its wake that will someday soon become the path of a new downtown boulevard. Some of those open patches have become daytime hangouts for people like A.J. But just a block away from this makeshift community of the city’s most challenged residents, there is a stretch of trendy shops, a pizzeria and bakery, which signal a coming wave of development that has many city leaders looking at west downtown as the logical place for Oklahoma City’s next chapter of urban expansion and redevelopment. Just as Bricktown once stood as a cluster of empty
For years, sections of downtownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s west side have been abandoned, derelict or decaying, with few permanent residents and little new development. That may be about to change.
OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 47
Today, an undistinguished stretch of south Classen. In 10 years ... who knows?
48 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
or underutilized warehouses, the district “I’ve been in Oklahoma City for six and a half west of downtown provides the perfect Before picture to compare with an eventual years, and even when I first got here it was After that will include plush hotels, highend housing and an identity that places obvious that the west side [of downtown] it on the local map of lively business and was the next frontier for the city.” – JANE JENKINS entertainment districts. Modern urban life includes elaborate wealth and development colliding with extreme poverty and decay. But in Oklahoma City, that collision is most visible in Downtown’s entertainment sectors are located on the east side the blocks west of downtown, at least for the next few years before in Bricktown, while Deep Deuce, just north of Bricktown, has been this urban district completes its renaissance. ground zero for downtown’s housing boom over the past decade. “I’ve been in Oklahoma City for six and a half years, and even Midtown has seen the addition of new restaurants, such as R&J when I first got here it was obvious that the west side [of downtown] Lounge and Supper Club and the Bleu Garten food truck park, was the next frontier for the city,” says Jane Jenkins, president of while the central business district, home to the 3-year-old Devon Downtown OKC Inc. Energy Tower, has also seen an influx of new life in recent years that has made Oklahoma City a poster child for downtown revival in 21st century America. In the years to come, these distinct parts of downtown will be connected with a modern streetcar system that city leaders hope will bring even more development. But while Bricktown and Deep Deuce can pause to celebrate decades of growth, the blocks west of Walker feel more like a blank canvas that is next in line for an injection of civic and private development. A new school (John Rex Elementary), Film Row and the removal of an elevated portion of I-40 already have given the west side of downtown noticeable changes. Even more alterations are on the way with a new hotel and art museum, for-sale housing, the new downtown boulevard and other infill projects that will connect the city’s central business district with its Classen border. The last wave of development in west downtown took place in the years following the Great Depression as new development in cities across America – including Oklahoma City – was put on hold. But President Franklin Roosevelt’s Works Project Administration grant program brought an injection of development into OKC, transforming former railroad lots in west downtown into the Civic Center Music Hall, City Hall and the Oklahoma County Courthouse. “With the rest of the city not changing ... [during] the Great Depression,” historian Bob Blackburn said during a presentation at City Hall last year, “the only major changes in the 1930s in Oklahoma City was [City Hall], the county courthouse and the municipal auditorium we now know as Civic Center.” This development also established a hub of local government facilities that remain today, including the Oklahoma Still a classic: the WPA-era Civic Center Music Hall continues to bring culture - and audiences - into County jail and police station headquarters. the heart of the city. OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 49
The Fred Jones Building, nearly a century old, is being redeveloped into a stylish 21c Museum Hotel slated to open in 2016.
50 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
many officials view as the new era of west downtown is the 21c Museum Hotel, a high-end boutique hotel that “As the downtown economy grows, the will be located in the former Ford Model T assembly plant at 900 W Main. The 21c chain is already located need and demand for permanent housing in four other cities where it anchors up-and-coming arts and entertainment districts: Cincinnati, Durham, will continue to increase.” - CATHY O’CONNOR N.C., Bentonville, Ark., and Louisville, Ky. Like Oklahoma City, these are cities not traditionally known as bastions of arts and culture but which are making a name for themselves with new urban renewal projects in the 21st century. The new hotel and museum will also give downtown a direct connection with Classen Boulevard, which is currently buffered from the central business district by abandoned warehouses and vacant lots. “We really look at one of downtown’s borders as Western Avenue to the west,” Jenkins says. “This development is going to fill us in over there.” As the neighborhood continues to grow its status as an arts and culture hub, it will also remain a center for civic and law enforcement services as a new Oklahoma City police headquarters and municipal court building are completed in the coming year. The $22.8 million municipal court complex will feature six courtrooms and a walk-up citation payment window, making the process much more efficient, according to Interim Court Administrator Jane Abraham. “The building was carefully designed with security in mind,” Abraham says about the court facility that is expected to host more than 140,000 hearings a year. “People who simply want to pay a citation will be able to do so much more quickly and conveniently, without all the hassle of going through a screening process.” While some of downtown’s districts rely on evening entertainment that makes for some fairly inconsistent daytime activity, the growth of the municipal and police facilities will ensure life during the workday that will not only keep streets busy with traffic, but provide a customer base for lunch eateries and other businesses. “The western edge of downtown is experiencing an exhilarating rebirth,” Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett said earlier this year. “Housing is planned across the street from the new Municipal Courts Building, and the new Police Headquarters, which is located around the corner, is set to open this fall. A few short blocks away in the Film District, the new 21c Hotel is under construction along with housing and other developments.” The Civic, at the corner of Couch and Lee, is a proposed 34-condo development that will bring for-sale housing to a downtown that has been dominated by rental units. “This development will serve as a cornerstone for the neighborhood and will improve walkability in the area,” Cathy O’Connor, president of The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma A new home for law enforcement: the police headquarters and municipal City, wrote in a July column for The Journal Record. “As the downtown court on Colcord. economy grows, the need and demand for permanent housing will continue to increase.” The early 20th century also saw west downtown become a O’Connor added that for-sale housing will help spur other minor hub of film distribution: most every major motion picture developments, such as more retail, restaurants and entertainment company, including Paramount and Universal Films, had set up options. For example, developers recently announced plans for a regional distribution facilities in Oklahoma City. While the city’s music venue and restaurant in the space directly south of 21c. Hollywood connection has ended, recent redevelopment in west Block by block, Oklahoma City has been rebuilding its urban downtown has resulted in a stretch of businesses along West Shercore and transforming gritty streets into attractive neighborhoods. idan’s Film Row, some of which have preserved icons from the film Its next district transformation could be west downtown. industry’s past presence. “We are trying to create many different types of neighborhoods While Film Row has extended downtown a few blocks west, the in downtown and many that offer unique personality,” Jenkins says. next few years are likely to see a new round of investment that could “We are very pleased with the way [west downtown] has been develdramatically raise the west side’s profile. The development that oping, and it’s exciting to see where it’s headed.” OCTOBER AUGUST2015 2015 // // SLICE SLICE 51 51
MAPS for Norman? Norman residents set to vote Oct. 13 on “quality of life initiative”
By Greg Horton // Photos by Shannon Cornman 52 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
O
ON OCT. 13, NORMAN RESIDENTS WILL VOTE ON A BOND ISSUE THAT WILL FUND MORE THAN $209 MILLION IN WHAT PROPONENTS ARE CALLING A “QUALITY OF LIFE INITIATIVE.” NORMAN FORWARD IS THE NAME GIVEN TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO IMPROVE PARKS, POOLS, COMMUNITY CENTERS, LIBRARIES AND OTHER LIFESTYLE AMENITIES IN THE CITY. The language in the ballot, which was finalized and approved on Aug. 11, makes clear that the vote is to approve a funding mechanism, not finished plans. Stephen Holman, city councilman for Ward 7, said many of the small details are yet to be nailed down. “There are a lot of details that are not settled yet,” Holman says, “and a couple of the facilities have pending land purchases.” Included in the package are what many residents and local government officials are calling long-overdue changes and improvements. Several of the facilities slated to be renovated were built in the 1960s, and they have been showing signs of wear and tear for some time. “Much of Norman Forward is meant to address aging facilities,” says John Woods, president and CEO of the Norman Chamber of Commerce. “Some of the projects, including a couple [of] new parks, are new to the city, but the oldest facilities on the list were built when Norman’s population was less than 50,000. We’re at 115,000 now.”
OCTOBER MAY2015 2015 // SLICE 53
WAYS AND MEANS The plan calls
for a one-half cent sales tax over a 15-year period. The revenue from the taxes collected would fund revenue bonds, which, according to projections, at a rate of 3.75 percent interest would generate $11 million to $15 million annually over the duration of the bonds. “The margin is not as big a cushion as we would like,” Holman says, “but we are confident that the tax will generate enough revenue to fund the projects, as well as a building and maintenance fund.” Holman said he believes this is the most ambitious project in the history of the city. Norman’s wastewater treatment facility underwent a program of expansion and refurbishment between 1998 and 2010, and that was its last major undertaking of any considerable size. Whereas that was an infrastructure program, Norman Forward is primarily focused on lifestyle. “There will be one major infrastructure piece, though,” Holman says. “The James Garner Avenue extension would create a direct link from Highway 77 to downtown.” For drivers who typically approach Norman on I-35S, the choices to get from the Interstate to downtown Norman are not great. The least traffic-heavy option is to take the State Highway 77 exit and go down Flood Avenue. The extension plan would create what Holman calls a “spine” through Norman on James Garner Avenue – formerly Front Street – connecting I-35 to downtown without all the zigzag driving. According to Holman, downtown merchants are very much in favor of the extension.
TALKING IT OUT In fact, it’s difficult
to find any organized opposition to Norman Forward among the city’s residents and businesses. Most large bond initiatives tend to draw some organized resistance, as Oklahoma City residents learned during the MAPS initiatives. The city of Norman conducted a survey during the summer and discovered that more than 70 percent of residents supported the initiative. “I think the City Council and other proponents have done a good job of encouraging open discussion,” Woods says. “We have seen no organized groups in opposition, but we have had many concerns voiced, and the response has been very agreeable. Parties are working together to resolve these issues.” In addition to concerns about what the impact would be on the annual Medieval Fair at Reaves Park and questions related to a proposed senior citizens center, the 54 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
Built in 1929, the former Norman Public Library (top) is now the city’s senior center. (bottom) A rendering for a proposed upgrade.
greatest opposition was to a $7 million expo center. Several citizens voiced concerns at a May 21 public meeting, many of whom echoed the words of Norman resident Jayne Crumpley. Crumpley told the council that she believed the expo center should be paid for by the private sector in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce and the Norman Convention and Visitors Bureau. She said she had seen no evidence or studies that indicated an expo center would generate revenue for the city. According to Holman, the expo center project is no longer part of Norman Forward. “The expo center project was the only project that had identifiably negative public feedback,” he says. “It was the only one singled out by the public. We removed it, and we are currently looking at alternative funding strategies.” The removal of the expo left only the senior citizens center as a major point of concern, but the council and chamber are
working to address those concerns, too. Jud Foster, director of Parks and Recreation for the city of Norman, said the current senior center is located in an old library, and like many of the other facilities in the initiative, it is dated. “The location for the new senior center is yet to be determined,” Foster says. “We are having public meetings with Norman’s seniors to determine the best location.” Not only is the site yet to be selected, literature provided by the Parks and Recreation office indicates that a cost also is undetermined. The tentative proposal calls for a new center to be built “in the vicinity of Andrews Park, if feasible.” The alternative is to build it inside the current city library on Gray Street and Webster Avenue. On the FAQ page of the Norman Forward website, the senior center is not even mentioned. However, a project page on the same website states that the senior center will be located in the current downtown
The downtown library facility will be 50 years old in 2016; a new building is one of the cornerstones of the Norman Forward package.
library after the building is renovated for that purpose. Woods said the new senior center is designed to reflect a changing and growing demographic. “Today’s seniors are far more active, and like their younger family members, they are increasingly plugged into technology. The new center will be larger – about 20,000 square feet – and it will have more technology, fitness equipment, arts centers and a café.”
of electronic media has changed the ways libraries do business.
OUTDOOR UPGRADES The larg-
est section of Norman Forward concerns municipal parks. Norman has 65 parks, and the park projects section would add five to
that total, nearly all of which will be on the city’s east side. New parks would be built in Cedar Lane, Southlake/St. James, Summit Valley/Bellatona, Redlands and Links neighborhoods. A total of 51 existing parks are slated for renovations. Important changes include consolidation of sports complexes, development of trails, new signage, playground equipment, picnic pavilions, tennis court improvements and other aesthetic changes. The project also would complete the Legacy Trail Loop, connecting segments of the trail from Ruby Grant Park, running east along the Little River Corridor, and south to the Robinson Street Trail. The sports complexes are undergoing major changes, making room for more soccer in Norman. Griffin Park would lose 14 youth softball and baseball fields, as well as four adult flag football fields, to allow for the construction of nine soccer fields. One existing soccer field would be converted to an indoor soccer facility. Holman said the increase in traffic around Griffin Park would necessitate a small infrastructure project to address traffic volume around Robinson and 12th Street. Youth baseball and softball would have a large complex at Reaves Park. The shift in emphasis at Reaves Park was what caused the concerns by sponsors of the Medieval Fair, one of Norman’s most popular annual events. Woods said the issue has been resolved, and the fair will continue to be hosted at Reaves as it always has. The sports complex plan also calls for a new, approximately 25-acre site to build an adult softball complex and an eight-field
A NEW CHAPTER The biggest ticket
item in the proposal is a new downtown library at an estimated cost of $39 million. The current downtown library was built in 1966, and according to information provided by the Pioneer Library System – of which Norman is a part – cardholders increased by more than 17 percent in the past six years. There are now twice as many cardholders (86,364) as there were Norman residents (42,000) when the facility was built. East of the University of Oklahoma campus is an area that, according to Woods and Holman, is underserved by current facilities. An Eastside Library is included in Norman Forward at an estimated cost of $5 million. Woods said IT upgrades were overdue for the libraries, too, as the growth
Griffin Park may soon be home to more soccer, although land ownership might be an issue. OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 55
Traffic moves along Highway 77 just north of Robinson. An element of Norman Forward would provide a more direct connection to downtown via this approach to the city.
56 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
football complex. New indoor basketball and volleyball courts also are part of the project. The proposed gymnasium will replace the current Optimist basketball facility. The total tally for the parks and sports complex projects is approximately $70 million, which includes a new indoor, competition-grade pool. That facility will be a joint venture between the YMCA of Norman, Norman Public Schools and the city of Norman. With the closing of the competition pool at Oklahoma City Community College, public school swim meets have found it more difficult to locate adequate facilities, and this proposed natatorium certainly could help schools in the area continue swimming and diving programs. One issue that has yet to be resolved is the lease/ownership of Griffin Park. The land is owned by the State of Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse. The plan, according to Foster, is to purchase the land from the state. The state had already notified the city of
Crowds gather for a tennis tournament (above) in one of Norman’s municipal parks. (right) A replacement for Westwood Pool would include a lap pool, water slides, shade areas … and a diving area.
Norman that there would be no more longterm leases for the land. The cost of the land is hard to estimate, as the process likely will be a standard blind bid, as the sale of state assets typically are. This lack of specificity has created some uncertainty among residents, as well, but Foster and Holman did not mention expected complications related to the purchase. The Sutton Urban Wilderness Area is part of the Griffin land, but Foster said the care and upkeep of this refuge for more than 400 species of plants and animals is not part of Norman Forward. “There is a Sutton Wilderness Advisory Committee that is working through a long-range management plan that includes projects such as trail restoration, new signage, removal of unwanted cedar trees, et cetera,” Foster says. “These projects are all
being done through city of Norman capital project funding and Federal Trails grant funding.” Finally, Westwood Pool would replace the existing city pool, which Woods said is near “complete infrastructure failure.” The current pool structure would be razed, and a $12 million facility built in its place. A new pool would allow the city to install a zerodepth entry pool, and add amenities such as water slides, shade areas and a lazy river, lap pool and diving area.
STAYING ON TARGET
As with MAPS, Norman Forward includes language that calls for the formation of a citizen’s oversight committee that would be appointed by the City Council. With many issues yet unresolved, their task will be to
help keep the projects on track and resolve issues of location, design and amenities. Foster said the city has an idea of what sequencing they would like to see for the projects, but again, the final sequence and prioritization of projects has yet to be determined. As for the funding, the subject of the Oct. 13 vote, Holman said the City Council is still trying to determine if any of the projects will qualify for federal funding, and he believes the James Garner Extension has the best hope for federal funds. The Norman Forward project overall is remarkably ambitious, and Woods is hopeful that all the lifestyle upgrades will get people out to vote on Oct. 13. “Municipal elections have historically low turnout,” he says. “We are hoping this package is generating enough excitement to get the proponents to the polls.” OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 57
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FARE AN ASIAN SENSATION
SHANNON CORNMAN
A Vietnamese specialty that’s rich in flavor and versatility, bun bo hue is well worth culinary investigation. See page 78.
A TREAT FOR ALL SEASONS Make warm memories by baking this simply delicious coffee cake 76 EAT & DRINK Variety is on the menu in Slice’s citywide dining guide 80 OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 75
FARE | In the Kitchen
TOFFEE APPLE COFFEE CAKE
½ cup sugar 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature 2 eggs, beaten ¼ cup sour cream ¼ cup buttermilk 1 teaspoon vanilla or vanilla paste 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder 3 Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored and sliced thin ½ cup toffee pieces, crushed
STREUSEL TOPPING
1 cup flour 1 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes ½ cup chopped pecans
GLAZE
¾ cup powdered sugar 2 tablespoons vanilla coffee creamer 1 teaspoon vanilla or vanilla paste Toffee bits, if desired
A TREAT FOR ALL SEASONS
Anytime’s the right time for a never-fail coffee cake By Caryn Ross // Photos by Carli Wentworth
WHEN I FIRST BECAME A MOTHER, I envisioned my mornings noshing on warm, fruity coffee cakes and sweet, creamy coffee, surrounded by my closest girlfriends, while our perfect children played quietly. Well, the only thing that actually came true was the coffee cake and the coffee. Gone are the days, it seems, when friends gathered in homes for fellowship. Rather, now people flock to their local coffee house where they shell out money for a little bit of sweet “me” time. This fall, I have made a commitment to host a monthly coffee club; a time when we can come together for fellowship, counsel or just a good laugh. The only requirement is warm coffee and a baked treat – and luckily, my mom left me her recipe. To make a real decadent coffee cake, the trick is in the sour cream and buttermilk. Both ingredients allow the cake to become tender and light. This particular recipe can easily be prepared with cinnamon streusel only, or by adding fruits as the seasons change. It is up to you and your palate. The best part is that this cake freezes beautifully. It also makes a super gift to leave on a friend’s doorstep – no one turns down a coffee cake this delicious. 76 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a tube baking pan well with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add the beaten eggs, sour cream, buttermilk and vanilla. Mix only until the ingredients are incorporated. In a medium bowl, toss the flour and baking powder. Add the dry ingredients to the mixture, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well. To make the streusel topping: In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar and cinnamon. Using a fork or pastry cutter, incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients. I use my hands since that is how my mom taught me. The streusel will be crumbly. Add the pecans. To assemble the coffee cake: Pour half the batter into the tube pan. Spread the batter so it covers the bottom. Add the sliced apple to the center of the cake, leaving a ½-inch border on the outside. Add half the streusel topping on top of the apples. Pour the remaining batter on top. Spread the batter to cover. Sprinkle with the rest of the streusel and bake for one hour or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for 30 minutes. While the cake is cooling, it is time to make the glaze. In a small bowl, stir together the powdered sugar, creamer and vanilla until it’s smooth. Once the cake is cool, remove it from the pan and place on a cake plate. Drizzle the cake with the glaze and sprinkle with toffee bits. Store in an airtight container until you are ready to serve.
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WWW.OCSSAINTS.ORG OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 77
FARE | Matters of Taste
Fragrant Thai basil for garnish
ON BEYOND PHO
The Vietnamese soup has a loyal following, but did you know about its cousin bun bo hue? By Greg Horton // Photos by Shannon Cornman TAKE THE TIME TO READ PAST THE PHO SECTION OF THE MENU at a Vietnamese restaurant, and you will eventually come to the “bun” section. Often referred to as vermicelli bowls, bun simply means noodles. The more authentic the restaurant, the more likely bun bo hue (boon bah way) will be on the menu. Loan Nguyen has been making the spicy broth dish named for the former Imperial City for about 40 years. She comes
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from southern Vietnam, a region she says has much more culinary diversity than the north. She and her husband Load own Pho Ca Dao (pronounced yow, not dow), and the recipe they use at the restaurant is the same one that Loan has used for four decades, including cooking for her family. “The only thing that changes is how you season it after it’s cooked,” she says. “Everything is the same, and every cook has her own recipe to make bun bo hue.”
Like pho, the basic recipe varies little, but the variations beyond the basics – from spices to the color of the broth – are as numerous as the cooks who make it. The common elements are the broth made with beef and pork bones, onions, garlic, shrimp paste, lemon grass and the noodles, rice vermicelli about the same size as spaghetti. Bun bo hue usually contains at least two kinds of meat; Nguyen uses thinly sliced flank steak, pork and pork sausage. (By the way, other restaurants, including Pho Cuong, serve the soup with cubes of congealed pig blood. When the servers ask if you want your bun bo hue with everything, that’s a good thing to keep in mind.) The spiciness can easily be adjusted by the addition of saté, a paste made from dried peppers, chili powder and minced garlic. Nguyen adds lemon grass to her saté, and she prefers to work with cayenne peppers. The paste is fiercely hot by itself, but its dilution in the broth makes it palatable and allows the diner to adjust the heat to personal preference. It should be noted that it was also delicious on the pork spring rolls. Along with the saté, bun bo hue is served with mint, Thai basil, shredded cabbage, lime wedges and perilla – an herb in the mint family that amps up the soup’s aromatics considerably. (As with the saté, a little goes a long way.) Regular eaters of pho will know exactly how many variations are possible using the plate of additions, and the same is true of bun bo hue. The addition of meat and the richer broth make it heartier than pho, so it should be a natural for our cold Oklahoma winters.
PHO CA DAO
2431 N Classen, OKC | 405.521.8819 Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
224 johnny bench drive | lower bricktown OKC 405.701.3535 | www.kdsbricktown.com OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 79
Eat & Drink KEY
$ most entrees under $10 $$ most entrees $10 to $25 $$$ most entrees over $25 outdoor dining reservations accepted new or updated entry
Have an addition that you’d like us to consider? Send establishment name, address, phone number and a brief description (40 words or less) to dining@ sliceok.com. Submissions must be received two months prior to publication.
AMERICAN ANCHOR DOWN Sip a drink and munch on gourmet specialty corndogs in this fresh concept housed within repurposed shipping containers. 30 NE 2nd, OKC $ ANN’S CHICKEN FRY HOUSE A Route 66 classic with copious decorative memorabilia, and huge portions of excellent chicken-fried steak. 4106 NW 39th, OKC, 943.8915 $ BOULEVARD CAFETERIA Chicken and dumplings, liver and onions - one of the last of the area’s independent cafeterias is still pounding out the hits. 525 NW 11th, OKC, 239.6861 $ CAFÉ 7 Fast and casual, with varied salad, sandwich, pizza and pasta options, all priced under $7. 14101 N May, OKC, 748.3354; 120 N Robinson, Suite W 175, OKC, 748.3354 $ CAFÉ 501 Pizzas, salads and specialty sandwiches on artisan breads. 501 S Boulevard, Edmond, 359.1501; 5825 NW Grand, OKC, 844.1501 $$ CLASSEN GRILL Deftly done diner deliciousness, especially breakfast. 5124 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 842.0428 $ DEEP FORK GRILL Crisply elegant atmosphere complements superb seafood (cedar plank salmon is a specialty) and steaks. 5418 N Western, OKC, 848.7678 $$
seafood, steaks and more. 1313 W Lindsey, Norman, 329.8888 $$ MUTT’S AMAZING HOT DOGS Inspired creations featuring varied prime meats and unexpected and tasty flavor profiles. 1400 NW 23rd, OKC, 525.3647 $ PACKARD’S NEW AMERICAN KITCHEN They’re not kidding about the “new” – the menu is filled with innovative ideas. 201 NW 10th, Suite 100, OKC, 605.3771 $$ PARK HOUSE The staunch wine list and great view of the Myriad Gardens add to a menu filled with contemporary American tastes. 125 Ron Norick Blvd, OKC, 445.7080 $$ PICASSO CAFÉ As creative as its neighbors in the Paseo Arts District; zippy sandwiches, salads, pizza and surprises abound. 3009 Paseo, OKC, 602.2002 $ POPS A bit out of the way but worth the drive, this café has burgers, salads, shakes and an unbelievably broad soda selection. 660 W Highway 66, Arcadia, 233.2020 $ THE R&J LOUNGE AND SUPPER CLUB Local culinary luminaries present a relaxed, sentimental dining experience; the drinks menu is a thing of beauty. 320 NW 10th, OKC, 602.5066 $$ REDROCK CANYON GRILL Rotisserie chicken, enchiladas and steak in a casual hacienda-style atmosphere by the lake. 9221 E Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 749.1995 $$ ROCKY MOUNTAIN GRILL Amply portioned and green chili-amplified burgers, breakfasts and more fill this inviting diner. 231 S Coltrane, Edmond, 562.4777 $
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BIG SKY BREAD Enjoy cookies, scones, brownies or granola, plus an incredible bevy of fresh-baked bread. 6606 N Western, OKC, 879.0330 $ BROWN’S BAKERY An incredible selection of delicious traditional and specialty cakes, cookies, breads and other baked goods. 1100 N Walker, OKC, 232.0363 $ CUPCAKES TO GO GO Love of travel (and a sweet tooth) inspire the myriad flavor combinations in this trove of treats – its rotating menu means every trip reveals a different taste destination. 2524 W Edmond Rd, Edmond, 330.2190 $ CUPPIES & JOE The name is only part of the story: it’s cupcakes and coffee and pie and live music and a cozy, trendy vibe and more. 727 NW 23rd, OKC, 528.2122 $ HURTS DONUT CO. Ignore your childhood hesitations: you do want a Hurts Donut. The 24-hour Campus Corner locale pumps out nonstop sweet and savory innovations. 746 Asp Ave, Norman, 417.300.6106 $
PIE JUNKIE Call ahead to order a whole pie or quiche or walk in and choose from what’s on hand; either way the flavors are incredible. 1711 NW 16th, OKC, 605.8767 $
VAST Steaks, seafood and globally inspired American cuisine, with a view truly unparalleled in Oklahoma. 280 W Sheridan, 49th floor, OKC, 702.7262 $$
SARA SARA CUPCAKES The ambiance and milk bar make great additions to the variety of specialty cupcakes in this charming little converted house. 7 NW 9th, OKC, 600.9494 $
VICEROY GRILLE Opulent décor, comfortable environs and some outstanding cuisine make a strong recommendation for the Ambassador Hotel’s in-house restaurant; don’t overlook the brunch options. 1200 N Walker Ave, OKC, 600.6200 $$$
BAR // PUB FOOD
ASIAN
LEGEND’S A casually upscale landmark for over 40 years, it still serves exceptional
POWER HOUSE A cozy, rustic bar with some sizzling specialties, found near the Farmers Market. 1228 SW 2nd, OKC, 512.619.1169 $
SYRUP The most enticing meal of the day is at this unique breakfast boutique (the crunchy French toast is something special). 123 E Main, Norman, 701.1143 $
FLINT Casual style plus outstanding contemporary cuisine makes a winning combination in the Colcord Hotel. 15 N Robinson, OKC, 601.4300 $$
KAISER’S DINER A venerable location is back in business, offering juicy burgers, sandwiches, tempting entrees and a vintage soda-fountain experience. 1039 N Walker Ave, OKC, 232.7632 $
BAKERY
LA BAGUETTE Comfort and exquisite baking make a tres chic destination for brunch and beyond. 1130 Rambling Oaks, Norman, 329.1101; 2100 W Main, Norman, 329.5822 $
WHISKEY CAKE High-quality locally sourced food served in a homey atmosphere. Enjoy – and don’t forget the namesake dessert. 1845 NW Expressway, OKC, 582.2253 $$
COVELL PARK Lunch, dinner and sushi in style from expert creators of modern Asian fusion. 1200 W Covell, Edmond, 285.1720 $$ DOT WO GARDEN Dot Wo continues its legacy by pairing sumptuous classics of Chinese cuisine with fiery, fresh sushi. 6161 N May, OKC, 608.2388 $$ GRAND HOUSE A Chinese restaurant that goes the extra mile to provide enjoyable ambiance alongside its excellent cuisine. 2701 N Classen, OKC, 524.7333 $$ GUERNSEY PARK A hidden treasure on an Uptown back street, it’s home to tasty Asian fusion with a hint of French influence. 2418 N Guernsey, OKC, 605.5272 $$
OAK & ORE A neighborhood hangout of vintage rustic materials, offering more than a handful of creative knife-and-fork sandwiches and lovingly chosen craft beers. 1732 NW 16th, OKC $ O’CONNELL’S IRISH PUB & GRILLE Beloved by students, alumni and townies, it’s served killer burgers, beer and festive atmosphere since 1968. 769 Asp, Norman, 217.8454 $
SCRATCH Isn’t that the best place for food to come from? Entrees, sides and wondrous craft cocktails are carefully concocted inhouse. 132 W Main, Norman, 801.2900 $$
DISTRICT 21 This sleek, inexpensive bastion of creativity is run by Francis Tuttle’s culinary school. 12777 N Rockwell, OKC, 717.7700 $
Norman, 329.3330 $
VII ASIAN BISTRO A bright, sleek interior and savory spate of Chinese and Vietnamese options. 2900 N Classen, OKC, 604.2939 $
KITCHEN NO. 324 Seasonally inspired café, coffee curator and craft bakery serving spectacular rustic American cuisine. 324 N Robinson, OKC, 763.5911 $
WAFFLE CHAMPION A Midtown diner bringing joy to those addicted to its gourmet sweet or savory waffle options. 1212 N Walker, OKC, 525.9235 $
INTERURBAN Great food (and prices) in casual comfort – try the chicken-fried steak and anything with honey-pepper bacon. 4 metro locations, interurban.us $$
SAII Rich ambiance boosts expertly done Japanese, Thai and Chinese fare plus stellar sushi. 6900 N May, OKC, 702.7244 $$
SATURN GRILL A lunch star: inspired pizza, sandwiches and salads. 6432 Avondale, OKC, 843.7114 $
THE DINER The classics never go out of style – just ask the locals who flock here for masterful preparation of ordinary breakfast and lunch fare. 213 E Main, Norman, 329.6642 $
HEFNER GRILL Upscale fare and a tempting brunch to boot, with the enhancements of a live piano and a spectacular lake view. 9201 Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 748.6113 $$
O ASIAN FUSION Sublime quality in a wide span of culinary influences – freshly rolled sushi to fiery curry – in cool, vibrant digs. 105 SE 12th, Norman, 701.8899 $$
51ST STREET SPEAKEASY The joint’s porch and patio are perpetually packed, and the top-shelf spirits and beers flow with joyous abandon. 1114 NW 51st, OKC, 463.0470 $ ABNER’S ALE HOUSE Beers and whiskies of the best, plus knockout dishes aimed at recreating the true English public house vibe. 121 E Main, Norman, 928.5801 $$ THE BARREL Drink deep of top-shelf beers and enjoy thoroughly appetizing pub fusion cuisine. 4308 N Western, OKC, 525.6682 $ BELLE ISLE BREWERY Live music, handcrafted beers and a great burger selection in 50 Penn Place. 1900 NW Expressway, OKC, 840.1911 $ BLU FINE WINE & FOOD A sleek bar that stands out due to quick, courteous service and a menu with gourmet range. 201 S Crawford, Norman, 360.4258 $$ DEEP DEUCE GRILL A funky, comfortable alternative to Bricktown crowds, featuring burgers, beer and a people-watching patio. 307 NE 2nd, OKC, 235.9100 $ JAMES E. MCNELLIE’S Designed to bring Ireland’s pub culture to OKC, this Midtown hotspot features 350 varieties of beer. 1100 Classen Dr, OKC, 601.7468 $$ THE MONT Tempting pub food with Southwestern zing at a Norman landmark with a primo patio. 1300 Classen Blvd,
PUB W Multiple atmospheres for whatever vibe you like, and a menu of choice beer and “new classic” fare from barbeque wings to thick pork chops. 3720 W Robinson, Norman, 701.5844; 3121 W Memorial, OKC, 608.2200 $$ THE PUMP BAR This jumping Uptown spot has a comfortably familiar menu backing its broad drink selection. 2425 N Walker, OKC, 702.8898 $ REPUBLIC GASTROPUB Part beer bar and part upscale eatery, pairing a vast selection of quality brews with imaginative menu items. 5830 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 286.4577 $$ SAINTS An inviting Irish bar where whiskey and beer offerings pair nicely with classics like shepherd’s pie, bangers and fish and chips. 1715 NW 16th, OKC, 602.6308 $$ SIDECAR The fully stocked “barley and wine bar” (including wine on tap and plentiful spirits) keeps Automobile Alley patrons fueled, with a few delicious tidbits to boot. 1100 N Broadway, OKC $$ VZD’S A revamped menu yields a new dining experience in a classic locale – soups, sandwiches and a few special touches. 4200 N Western Ave., OKC, 405.524.4203 $
BARBEQUE EARL’S RIB PALACE Beloved by locals in a competitive genre, the chain pounds out hit ribs and turkey as well as a top-tier burger. 6 metro locations, earlsribpalace.com $ IRON STAR URBAN BARBEQUE Named for notorious outlaw Belle Starr, its entrees are excellent, but the sides are equal players as well. 3700 N Shartel, OKC, 524.5925 $$ LEO’S BAR-B-Q Rich flavor and tender texture for commendable value – no wonder it’s a periennial favorite among Oklahoma connoisseurs. 3631 N Kelley, OKC 424.5367 $ RUDY’S Totally casual – plastic trays and utensils – with serious barbeque chops. 3450 Chautauqua, Norman, 307.0552; 3437 W Memorial, OKC, 254.4712 $$
BURGERS // SANDWICHES BISON WITCHES Monster sandwiches with standout flavors, best enjoyed with a bread bowl of fresh hot soup and a bag of pretzels. 211 E Main, Norman, 364.7555 $ COW CALF-HAY The selections are ample and the delicious never-frozen patties are mmmmmassive. 3409 Wynn, Edmond, 509.2333, 212 N Harvey, OKC, 601.6180 $ FLATIRE BURGERS Boasting innovations like sauerkraut, pineapple relish and habanero salsa.100 N University, Edmond, 974.4638 $ THE GARAGE BURGERS & BEER The focus is on the many tempting flavor possibilities of huge, juicy burgers and fries. 5 metro locations, eatatthegarage.com $ HILLBILLY PO BOYS Unassuming name; mighty appealing flavor in tasty seafood sandwiches and the licit thrill of moonshine cocktails. 1 NW 9th, OKC, 702.9805 $ IRMA’S BURGER SHACK Simply great fries, rings and burgers; try the No Name Ranch
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OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 81
FARE | Eat & Drink beef. 1035 NW 63rd, OKC, 840.4762; 1120 Classen Dr, OKC, 235.4762 $
six decades. 1820 W Main, Norman, 321.8526 $
JOHNNIE’S CHARCOAL BROILER Freshground burgers cooked over real charcoal; try the Cheese Theta or Caesar varieties. 4 metro locations, johnniesok.com $
TEXADELPHIA The menu draws raves for burgers and wraps, but especially the monstrous made-to-order cheesesteaks. 200 S Oklahoma, OKC, 208.4000 $
LOUIE’S GRILL & BAR Casually cool and come-as-you-are bar-type hangouts excelling at burgers, sandwiches and pizzas. 12 metro locations, louiesgrillandbar.com $
TUCKER’S ONION BURGERS A small menu whose bravura execution makes the meal hard to forget. 3 metro locations, tuckersonionburgers.com $
LOUIE’S ON THE LAKE An unbeatable view of Lake Hefner from the spacious patio adds ambiance to tasty entrees under $10. 9401 Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 751.2298 $
URBAN JOHNNIE’S Gourmet burgers and more in a sleek bar atmosphere from the minds behind Johnnie’s Charcoal Broiler. 121 NE 2nd, OKC, 208.4477 $
THE MULE Solid beer and beverage selection plus delectable gourmet grilled cheeses and melts (ingredients range from fontina to figs). 1630 N Blackwelder, OKC, 601.1400 $
VZD’S A new take on the venerable classic bar and hangout – the menu remains filled with temptations. 4200 N Western, OKC, 524.4203 $$
ND FOODS Gigantic Boar’s Head deli sandwiches, homemade soups and freshly baked cookies, pies and other desserts. 2632 W Britton Rd, OKC, 840.9364 $
COFFEEHOUSE // TEA ROOM
NIC’S GRILL It’s small, it’s crowded … and it’s incredible. Mounds of fresh fries and colossal burgers, easily among the metro’s best. 1202 N Penn, OKC, 524.0999 $ S&B’S BURGER JOINT Good news: these super-tasty burgers come as sliders too, the better to sample more selections. 5 metro locations, sandbburgers.com $ THE SANDWICH CLUB The menu deliberately draws inspiration from the ‘80s, but the tastes are timeless in these imaginative combos (including a buildyour-own option). 3703 N Western, OKC, 525.0799 $ SERVICE STATION A former filling station with vintage décor, now serving up delicious half-pound burgers and fries. 502 S Webster, Norman, 364.2136 $ SOONER DAIRY LUNCH This modest little drive-in has been feeding its staunch fans delicious burgers, tots and shakes for over
ALL ABOUT CHA Universal standards and unusual concoctions (the sweet potato latte is a wonder) in bright, bustling atmosphere. 3272 S Broadway, Edmond, 340.9959; 7300 N Western, OKC, 840.7725 $ THE BEATNIX CAFÉ Get a sandwich, cup of hearty soup or powerhouse latte in the lovely laid-back vibe that pervades this dawdling spot. 136 NW 13th, OKC, 604.0211 $ THE BLUE BEAN Smoothies, pastries and sweet treats, plus excellent small-batch roasted coffee – try the specialty flavor combos. 13316 S Western, OKC, 735.5115 $ CAFÉ EVOKE Outstanding coffee and other beverages from one of the area’s great caterers; plus soup, sandwiches, snacks or sweets. 103 S Broadway, Edmond, 285.1522 $ COFFEE SLINGERS Rocking a brisk, urban vibe on Automobile Alley, it’s a gathering place for genuine java enthusiasts. 1015 N Broadway, OKC, 606.2763 $
DISTRICT HOUSE Pop into the Plaza District for beans from Tulsa’s Topeca Coffee, deli sandwiches and the occasional live music event. 1755 NW 16th, OKC $
THE MANTEL Marvelous steaks and seafood (don’t miss the lobster bisque), in a refined, intimate atmosphere. 201 E Sheridan, OKC, 236.8040 $$$
ELEMENTAL COFFEE Seriously spectacular coffee roasted in-house - passionate staff is always eager to share knowledge about the process. 815 N Hudson, OKC, 633.1703 $
THE MELTING POT Make a meal an event to remember with an elegant fondue feast. 4 E Sheridan, OKC, 235.1000 $$$
MICHELANGELO’S Enjoy exceptional coffees and wines, a well-stocked pastry case and breakfast and lunch selections. 207 E Main, Norman, 579.3387 $ RED CUP Comfortably ramshackle with great coffee, vegetarian-friendly specials and live music. Highly recommended! 3122 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 525.3430 $ T, AN URBAN TEAHOUSE This endearing retreat offers over 100 varieties and expert counsel to explore a world of possibili-teas. 7518 N May, OKC, 418.4333 $
CONTINENTAL
THE METRO WINE BAR & BISTRO A comfortably upscale favorite covering cuisines from vichyssoise to crème brulée. 6418 N Western, OKC, 840.9463 $$ MICHAEL’S GRILL Urbane, intimate dining: steaks, chops, seafood and pastas, and Caesar salad prepared tableside. 2824 W Country Club, OKC, 810.9000 $$$ THE MUSEUM CAFÉ Inside the OKC Museum of Art, its European-inspired menu delights for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. 415 Couch, OKC, 235.6262 $$ PARK AVENUE GRILL A soigne dining experience in the Skirvin Hilton, blending traditional steak and seafood with 1930s high style. 1 Park, OKC, 702.8444 $$$
BIN 73 Diners can fill up on filet mignon or simply top the evening off with tapas while enjoying the full bar and chic ambiance. 7312 N Western, OKC, 843.0073 $$
PASEO GRILL Intimate inside and cheerful on the patio, with an award-winning menu of distinctive flavors – try the duck salad. 2909 Paseo, OKC, 601.1079 $$$
BLACKBIRD A gastropub with succulent creativity (pot roast nachos!) and a broad beer, wine and whiskey list. 575 S University, Norman, 928.5555 $$
ROCOCO RESTAURANT & FINE WINE A diverse international menu set off by select wines. 12252 N May, OKC, 212.4577; 2824 N Penn, OKC, 528.2824 $$
CHEEVER’S Southwestern-influenced recipes and contemporary comfort food; truly one of the city’s finest restaurants. 2409 N Hudson, OKC, 525.7007 $$
SEVEN47 Enjoy sleek, swank décor and an appealingly broad menu including a tantalizing brunch. 747 Asp, Norman, 701.8622 $$
THE COACH HOUSE Definitely among the metro’s most elegant dining: specialties prepared with classical perfection. 6437 Avondale, OKC, 842.1000 $$$
SIGNATURE GRILL Unassuming locale; huge culinary rewards of French and Italian flavors in a few select dishes. 1317 E Danforth, Edmond, 330.4548 $$$
LOTTINVILLES Rotisserie chicken, woodgrilled salmon and a host of entrees, salads and panini; the Sunday brunch is epic. 801 Signal Ridge, Edmond, 341.2244 $$
WEST The staff is speedy, the décor sleek and modern, and the entrées wide-ranging but elegantly simple. 6714 N Western, OKC, 607.4072 $$
Steaks Lobster Prime Rib Onion Rings
7101 Miramar Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73111 Reservations Recommended 405.478.1417 www.jbruners.com
82 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
BONJOUR Make your morning tres bien with marvelously executed breakfast and lunch classics in this petite café. 3705 W Memorial, OKC, 286.9172 $ LA BAGUETTE BISTRO Fine dining (linger over multiple courses often) with an exceptional bakery, deli and butcher shop on site. 7408 N May, OKC, 840.3047 $$ WHISPERING PINES B&B A secluded getaway housing sumptuous, savory cuisine in quiet comfort. 7820 E Highway 9, Norman, 447.0202 $$$
GERMAN DAS BOOT CAMP Exceptional cuisine (and magnificent beer) in a fast-paced location downtown. 229 E Main, Norman, 701.3748 $ FASSLER HALL House-made sausages, pretzels, duck fries and a heftig beer menu, plus a weekend brunch – what’s not to love? 421 NW 10th, OKC, 609.3300 $ INGRID’S Authentic German fare, including outstanding Oklahoma-made bratwurst. Don’t overlook breakfast, or the bakery counter! 3701 N Youngs, OKC, 946.8444; 6501 N May, OKC $$ OLD GERMANY Justly renowned for its Bavarian delights – the schnitzels, soups and sausages are spectacular. 15920 SE 29th, Choctaw, 390.8647 $$$ ROYAL BAVARIA Excellent renditions of traditional dishes, plus fantastisch house-brewed beers. 3401 S Sooner, Moore, 799.7666 $$$
HEALTHY // ECLECTIC COOLGREENS Customization encouraged; every available component
in salads, wraps and frozen yogurt is naturally delicious. 3 metro locations, coolgreens.com $$ THE EARTH Super, super fresh sandwiches, salads and soups in one of the most vegetarian- and vegan-friendly menus you’ll ever see. 750 Asp, Norman, 573.5933 $ LUDIVINE The menu adjusts constantly to reflect availability of elite-quality, locally sourced ingredients. 805 N Hudson, OKC, 778.6800 $$$
ICE CREAM // YOGURT IL DOLCE GELATO Rich, creamy and decadently delicious, handmade daily from scratch. 937 SW 25th St, Moore, 794.7266; 1318 N Interstate Dr, Norman, 329.7744 $ ORANGE LEAF Dozens and dozens of tasty, waistline-friendly flavors and toppings, charged by the ounce. 9 metro locations, orangeleafyogurt.com $ ROXY’S ICE CREAM SOCIAL A heavenly array of hand-dipped ice cream flavors, including cookie sandwiches. 1732 NW 16th, OKC, 593.8328 $
INDIAN GOPURAM – TASTE OF INDIA A fullservice restaurant with the feel of fine dining, even during the inexpensive and plentiful lunch buffet. 4559 NW 23rd, OKC, 948.7373 $$ MISAL OF INDIA A Norman institution for over 30 years, specializing in tandooricooked delicacies in splendid ambiance. 580 Ed Noble Pkwy, Norman, 579.5600 $$ TAJ A tremendous set of Indian staples and delicacies, plus full lunch and dinner buffets. 1500 NW 23rd, OKC, 601.1888 $$
ITALIAN // PIZZA BELLINI’S Tasteful in décor and Italian offerings alike, this romantic nightspot quietly, confidently exudes elegance. 6305 Waterford Blvd, OKC, 848.1065 $$ BENVENUTI’S Subtly flavored minestrone to rich, hearty ragouts, the fare keeps the booths full; don’t overlook Sunday brunch. 105 W Main, Norman, 310.5271 $$ CAFFE PRANZO The atmosphere raises first-time diners’ hopes; the execution exceeds them as classic dishes are elevated to greatness. 9622 N May, OKC, 755.3577 $$ EMPIRE SLICE HOUSE Reigning over the Plaza District in New York style, it offers whole pizzas or slices, a full bar and a primo patio. 1734 NW 16th, OKC $ GABRIELLA’S A fresh chapter in the family’s delectable legacy; one bite of the homemade Italian sausage should win diners’ hearts with ease. 1226 NE 63rd, OKC, 478.4955 $$ HIDEAWAY PIZZA Incredible pizza in jovial surroundings; it’s amassed a devoted following for over half a century. 7 metro locations, hideawaypizza.com $$ HUMBLE PIE PIZZERIA No humility needed for this true Chicago-style pizza, boasting perhaps the best crust known to man. 1319 S Broadway, Edmond, 715.1818 $ INFERNOS PIZZA The wood-fired oven isn’t the only thing hot; watch your tongue on the spicier of these sensationally savory creations. 2747 W Memorial, OKC, 242.5088 $$ JOEY’S A creative pizzeria on OKC’s Film Row, Joey’s serves first-rate appetizers and salads along with its mouth-watering pies. 700 W Sheridan, OKC, 525.8503 $$ KNUCK’S WHEELHOUSE Homemade daily with sauces from scratch, it’s a tasty and
varied stopover for Bricktown wanderers as well as a pizza-lover’s destination in its own right. 103 E California, OKC, 605.4422 $ MONI’S Handmade, New Jersey-style brick oven pizza and authentic pasta recipes from Southern Italy in a casual, comfy ambience (ideal for dates). 17200 N May, Edmond, 285.5991 $$ NOMAD II A classic server of old-school pizza, Italian dishes, steaks and fried chicken, plus a slice of OKC history through its décor. 7301 N May, OKC, 843.4557 $$ OTHELLO’S Warm mussels to tiramisu – all you could want in a romantic Italian café. 434 Buchanan, Norman, 701.4900; 1 S Broadway, Edmond, 330.9045 $$ PATRONO Casually intimate Italian, with uncomplicated and blissfully tasty authentic dishes. 305 N Walker, OKC, 702.7660 $$ PAPA DIO’S Three generations of the Bonadio family offer an ample menu of new, classic and healthy dishes in separate dining rooms for family or casual dining. 10712 N May, OKC, 755.2255 $$ PEPPERONI GRILL Pizza, salads, seafood and plenty of pasta-powered classics and innovations; even the bread is a pleasure. 1901 NW Expwy, OKC, 848.4660, 1000 W Covell, Edmond, 285.5454 $$ PIZZA 23 A tempting suite of specialty pies and good beer selection in crisp, urban décor. 600-B NW 23rd St, OKC, 601.6161 $$ PIZZERIA GUSTO Neapolitan-style pizza (quality ingredients, extremely hot fire) stars alongside Italy-inspired salads, pastas and appetizers. 2415 N Walker Ave, OKC, 437.4992 $$ REVOLVE PIZZA A fully customizable dining experience: guests build their dream pies from the crust up and the quick-fire brick ovens do the rest. 5500 W Memorial, OKC, 792.2858 $
REFINED DINING INTRODUCING PAR K AVE N U E G R I LL’ S SOUTHERN TABLE MENU Park Avenue Grill’s new Southern Table menu concept was created to evoke the food memories of generations past. A simpler time when folks came together to cook, converse, and consume. Our farm-to-fork fare is handcrafted from local, organic sources and is equally satiating, whether enjoyed with a night on the town or over a quick business lunch.
405
FRENCH
702.8444
PA R K AV E G R I L L . C O M
OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 83
FARE | Eat & Drink SANDRO’S New York-style pizza and an array of pasta, all made fresh (and delicious) daily. 914 W Main, Norman, 701.8822 $ SAUCED ON PASEO All kinds of goodness on a thin, crunchy crust in a comfortable neighborhood hangout. Don’t forget a Krispie treat. 2912 Paseo, OKC, 521.9800 $ SOPHABELLA’S A quiet, classy gem offering premier tastes from Chicago and beyond in style. 7628 N May, OKC, 879.0100 $$$ STELLA MODERN ITALIAN CUISINE A luscious spate of tastes for a casual lunch, romantic dinner or brunch, amid stylish scenery. 1201 N Walker, OKC, 235.2200 $$ TOMMY’S An old favorite returns to the metro to provide primo pasta, pizzas and plenty of ambiance. 5516 W Memorial, OKC, 470.5577 $$ UPPER CRUST This pizzeria and wine bar specializes in thin-crust, New York-style pies. 5860 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 842.7743; 1205 NW 178th, Edmond, 285.8887 $$ VICTORIA’S A shabby-comfortable atmosphere with local art on its walls and the art of pasta on its plates – try the chicken lasagna. 327 White, Norman, 329.0377; 3000 SW 104th St, OKC, 759.3580 $ VITO’S RISTORANTE Homestyle Italian cuisine in an intimate setting where the staff treat customers like guests in their home. 7521 N May, OKC, 848.4867 $$ THE WEDGE Wood-fired pies with fresh ingredients (like figs or truffle oil) and sauce from scratch. 230 NE 1st, OKC, 270.0660; 4709 N Western, OKC, 602.3477 $$
GOGO SUSHI Prime for lovers of speed and convenience – go go check it out! 1611 S Service Rd, Moore, 794.3474; 432 NW 10th, OKC, 602.6333 $$
MEDITERRANEAN IMPORTS & DELI Selected groceries and a menu stocked with options; the food is authentic, quick and spectacular. 5620 N May, OKC, 810.9494 $
IN THE RAW DUNWELL SUSHI A chic space on the Bricktown Canal offering excellent sushi, specialty rolls and sake. 200 S Oklahoma, OKC, 702.1325 $$
NUNU’S Tangy, tantalizing, fresh and healthy flavors, reproduced from generations-old recipes. 3131 W Memorial, OKC, 751.7000 $
MUSASHI’S Exquisitely flavorful Japanese cuisine prepared with genuine artistry by skilled chefs at tableside hibachi grills. 4315 N Western, OKC, 602.5623 $$ THE SUSHI BAR Sushi staples done with élan, plus more adventurous options, in a bustling, comfortable environment. 1201 NW 178th, OKC, 285.7317 $$ SUSHI NEKO An established OKC favorite combining style (sleek, brisk, classy) with substance (in a broad and creative menu). 4318 N Western, OKC, 528.8862 $$ TAMASHII RAMEN Don’t overlook this Midtown noodle nexus, boasting a small but oh-so-tasty menu. 321 NW 8th, OKC $ TOKYO JAPANESE RESTAURANT It’s small with a traditional menu; but it’s palpably fresh and routinely cited as among the metro’s best. 7516 N Western, OKC, 848.6733 $$
MEDITERRANEAN BASIL MEDITERRANEAN CAFÉ Chicken Bandarri, Beef Souvlaki or a fresh bowl of tangy tabouli; flavor leaps from every corner of the menu. 211 NW 23rd, OKC, 602.3030 $
JAPANESE // SUSHI
COUSCOUS CAFE Traditional Moroccan tagine dishes to favorites like homemade falafel and kofta, with a bounty for vegetarians. 6165 N May, OKC, 286.1533 $
CAFÉ ICON Tempting sushi and Japanese specialties fill the menu to bursting with visually splendid and palate-pleasing treats. 311 S Blackwelder, Edmond, 340.8956 $$
HAIGET’S Vegan-friendly – and friendly in general – this gem rewards the adventurous with Ethiopian and Kenyan specialties. 308 W Edmond Rd, Edmond, 509.6441 $$
East Coast Style Fresh Seafood, Killer Pasta & So Much More.
October is National Seafood Month Love Your Heart - Eat Your Seafood!
2824 N. Penn Ave • 12252 N. May Avenue • Rococo-Restaurant.com
84 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
QUEEN OF SHEBA A spicy, vegan-friendly menu of Ethiopian delights awaits the bold. Bring friends and be prepared to linger. 2308 N MacArthur, OKC, 606.8616 $$
Angus beef. 1901 NW Expressway (in Penn Square Mall), OKC, 840.1051 $$ CHILTEPES Chuchitos to atol de elote, this Plaza District restaurant serves as a guided tour to the wondrous flavors of Guatemala. 1800 NW 16th, OKC, 601.0384 $$ CHUY’S The portions are substantial, the Hatch chile-fueled flavors are strong and the vibe is playfully enthusiastic. 760 N Interstate Dr, Norman, 360.0881 $$
ZORBA’S Family recipes proudly share flavors of Cyprus, Spain, Greece and Morocco. 6014 N May, OKC, 947.7788 $
FUZZY’S TACO SHOP Jumbo burritos, big salads and especially shrimp tacos – quickly and in plenitude. 752 Asp, Norman, 701.1000; 208 Johnny Bench, OKC, 602.3899 $
MEXICAN // LATIN AMERICAN
IGUANA MEXICAN GRILL Unique Mexican flavor in a fun atmosphere at reasonable prices. 9 NW 9th, OKC, 606.7172 $$
1492 Authentic Mexican cuisine in an elegant, romantic setting with perhaps the world’s best mojitos. 1207 N Walker, OKC, 236.1492 $$
INCA TRAIL Flavors from around the world, piquant ceviches to homemade flan. 10948 N May, OKC, 286.0407 $$
ABUELO’S The variety, plates, flavors and experience are all huge. No passport required. 17 E Sheridan, OKC, 235.1422; 3001 W Memorial, OKC, 755.2680 $$
JUAN DEL FUEGO This self-styled MexiDiner dishes up breakfast and lunch from both sides of the border. 223 34th Ave SW, Norman, 310.20302 $
ALFREDO’S Kick back with an agave limeade and peruse the ample menu’s avocado enchiladas, fried tacos and more. 4 metro locations, alfredosok.com $$
LA BRASA Flavors of Peru make for a powerfully delicious dining experience in ceviches, sandwiches, fried rice and other entrees. 1310 NW 25th, OKC, 524.2251 $$
BIG TRUCK TACOS It’s often standingroom-only at lunch, but don’t let that deter you from fresh, imaginative taco creations. 530 NW 23rd, OKC, 525.8226 $
MAMA ROJA MEXICAN KITCHEN Handrolled tamales, vendor-style tacos and more, on the scenic shores of Lake Hefner. 9219 E Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 302.6262 $$
CAFÉ DO BRASIL It’s a long way to Rio, but the spicy, savory menu covers the distance in a mouthful. 440 NW 11th, OKC, 525.9779 $$
TARAHUMARA’S This airy ristorante serves huge, tasty Tex-Mex classics plus less ubiquitous fare like mole poblano. 702 N Porter, Norman, 360.8070 $$
CAFÉ KACAO A sunlit space filled with bright, vibrant Guatemalan flavors. The breakfast specialties truly dazzle. 3325 N Classen, OKC, 602.2883 $
TED’S CAFÉ ESCONDIDO Fast, fresh and amply portioned, it’s often very crowded and always supremely delicious. 4 metro locations, tedscafe.com $$
CANTINA LAREDO A sophisticated take on Mexican fare, specializing in fresh fish and
YUCATAN TACO STAND Feisty Latin fusion cuisine plus signature nachos and combos…
and over 75 tequilas. 100 E California, Suite 110, OKC, 886.0413 $
bayou treat right nearby. 617 S Broadway, Edmond, 340.1925 $$
ZARATE’S The familiar joys of enchiladas and chimichangas, plus Peruvian dishes of plantains, yuca and imported spices. 706 S Broadway, Edmond, 330.6400 $$
THE DRUM ROOM Crispy, juicy fried chicken (among the city’s best) stars with fried okra, waffles and a fully loaded bar. 4300 N Western, OKC, 604.0990 $$
SEAFOOD
JAX SOUL KITCHEN The team behind Blackbird and blu dishes up big ol’ helpings of jambalaya, pork ribs, fried catfish and many more deep South classics. 575 S University, Norman, 801.2828 $
THE DRAKE Chef’s creations featuring the sea’s finest, plus an oyster bar and righteous cocktails. 519 NW 23rd, OKC, 605.3399 $$ FISH CITY GRILL Shrimp and grits, oysters on the half shell… anyone who wishes Oklahoma had a coastline should feel right at home. 1389 E 15th, Edmond, 348.2300 $$ JAZMO’Z BOURBON STREET CAFÉ An upscale yet casual environment boasting Cajun and Creole-inspired selections. 100 E California, OKC, 232.6666 $$ LAND & SEA Chef Sean Cummings harnesses the delicious possibilities of multiple biomes in his latest savory concept. 7523 N May Ave, OKC, 755.2622 $$$ PEARL’S CRABTOWN A huge Bricktown warehouse where the Crab Boil is a favorite and taste is king. 303 E Sheridan, OKC, 232.7227 $$ PEARL’S OYSTER BAR A perennial winner in “best of the metro” polls for fresh, flavorful seafood and spicy Creole-inspired dishes. 5641 N Classen, OKC, 848.8008 $$ THE SHACK SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR A massive selection of nicely spiced Cajun and Creole cooking, plus seafood. 13801 Quail Pointe Dr, OKC, 286.5959 $$
SOUL FOOD BIGHEAD’S Fried alligator, frog legs and simmering, savory seafood gumbo – it’s a
KD’S Pork chops, stuffed catfish, shrimp and grits and more of Kevin Durant’s favorite foods, presented with skill and vim – and a dose of star power. 224 Johnny Bench Dr, OKC, 701.3535 $$ MAMA E’S WINGS & WAFFLES A labor of love adored by locals seeking authentic Southern classics. 3838 Springlake, OKC, 424.0800; 900 W Reno, OKC, 231.1190 $
STEAKHOUSE BOULEVARD STEAKHOUSE Perfectly soigné ambiance and cuisine easily in the metro’s elite – a sumptuous, if pricy, masterpiece. 505 S Boulevard, Edmond, 715.2333 $$$ BROADWAY 10 Cruise into the Buick building in Automobile Alley to savor steak supremacy in a cozy enclave amid urban bustle. 1101 N Broadway, OKC, 212.3949 $$$ CATTLEMEN’S This Oklahoma institution’s huge corn-fed steaks and matchless atmosphere are history served anew every day. 1309 S Agnew, OKC, 236.0416 $$ THE GEORGE High atop Founders Tower, its spectacular view adds savor to expert chefdriven creations featuring prime beef. 5900 Mosteller Dr, OKC, 607.4360 $$$ HOLLIE’S FLATIRON STEAKHOUSE Plush and cozy, with entrees seared on a flatiron grill and a kick of Southwestern spice in the menu. 1199 Service Rd, Moore, 799.0300 $$
J. BRUNER’S AT THE HAUNTED HOUSE Renowned for its spooky past (its name is no accident), it’s a must for its steak, lobster and enduring charm. 7101 Miramar, OKC, 478.1417 $$$
SWEET BASIL The enormous aquarium adds to the cozy ambiance; with its outstanding curries and soups, it makes a great dinner date. 211 W Main, Norman, 217.8424 $$
JAMIL’S STEAKHOUSE Steak, lobster or prime rib with Lebanese appetizers gratis – Jamil’s has fed Oklahoma well since 1964. 4910 N Lincoln, OKC, 525.8352 $$
TANA THAI There’s a lot to like here, from red snapper filet to pad thai. Pay attention to the soups, and do not play chicken with the spice level. 10700 N May, OKC, 749.5590 $$
JUNIOR’S A landmark restaurant where hand-cut Angus steaks and lobster fight for attention with knockout fried chicken. 2601 NW Expressway, OKC, 848.5597 $$$ MAHOGANY PRIME STEAKHOUSE The ambiance and service are sublime, but fine aged steak broiled to perfection is the star. 3241 W Memorial, OKC, 748.5959; 100 W Main, OKC, 208.8800 $$$ MICKEY MANTLE’S This lushly atmospheric social spot in Bricktown serves powerhouse entrées and sides and with full amenities. 7 S Mickey Mantle, OKC, 272.0777 $$$ OPUS PRIME STEAKHOUSE Hand-cut USDA Prime Black Angus steaks, a vast wine selection and intimate ambience. 800 W Memorial, OKC, 607.6787 $$$ RANCH STEAKHOUSE Effortless opulence, custom-aged hand-cut tenderloins and ribeyes and warm Southern hospitality. 3000 W Britton, OKC, 755.3501 $$$ RED PRIMESTEAK Visionary design and atmosphere house super-premium steaks, vibrant, imaginative flavors and amenities. 504 N Broadway, OKC, 232.2626 $$$
THAI PAD THAI Dine in or carry out beautifully executed exemplars of soups, curries and noodles. 119 W Boyd, Norman, 360.5551 $ SALA THAI Pineapple curry, basil squid, cinnamon beef... the variety is exceptional, making this a popular midday option. 1614 NW 23rd, OKC, 528.8424 $
VIETNAMESE CORIANDER CAFÉ Updating traditional Vietnamese recipes, this vegetarianfriendly café makes a quick, casual dining alternative. 323 White, Norman, 801.3958 $ LIDO Spring rolls to vermicelli bowls, this venerable diner runs the gamut of Vietnamese,Chinese and even French cuisine. 2518 N Military, OKC, 521.1902 $$ PHO CA DAO Vermicelli bowls, rice platters, piping hot pho, icy cold bubble tea and more. 2431 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 521.8819 $ PHO BULOUS Super fresh and super fast, specialties like Honey Ginger Chicken or Wasabi Salmon merit closer inspection. 3409 S Broadway, Edmond, 475.5599 $
Check o our exp ut restaur anded ant and mor listings inspirat e edible ion o anytime nline sliceok.c at om
OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 85
WELLNESS | Holistic Health
ROAD TO RECOVERY
A holistic approach to balanced health and injury treatment By Greg Horton Photos by Shannon Cornman
JAMES SIDERIAS HAD HIS FIRST SUBSTANTIAL sports-related injury while still in middle school. Actually, he was learning to square dance. Many of us are old enough to remember when teachers insisted we learn this utterly useless pursuit, including the embarrassment of trying to look cool while dosey-doing. During a promenade or allemande, Siderias broke his ankle. As a 40-year-old attorney, that injury can still cause issues for his workout routine, and like many other lifestyle athletes, Siderias is seeking out conservative, nonmedical methods of staying fit and healing from injuries, current or chronic. “Nearly all my injuries are from carelessness,” Siderias says. “Those that aren’t come about from over-training or not taking care of minor injuries in a timely manner.” Siderias and Scott Hines, a KFOR-TV journalist, both attend Pilates classes at The Pilates Edge on Wilshire Boulevard. If you thought Pilates had lost out to yoga, you are not alone, but the discipline is still around, and in fact it was originally developed to rehab injuries. According to René Craig, owner of The Pilates Edge, the creator of Pilates developed the exercises while working with wounded veterans on the Isle of Man. “Everyone who works out regularly will develop overuse patterns,” Craig explains. “Pilates helps you achieve muscular balance from back to front and side to side, thereby helping overcome the muscle imbalances.” For Hines and Siderias, that muscle balance is only one piece of a holistic approach 86 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
The Skirvin Hilton is home to lavish luxury ... and perhaps a lingering presence James Siderias
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WELLNESS | Holistic Health
Scott Hines
“Pilates helps you achieve muscular balance from back to front and side to side, thereby helping overcome the muscle imbalances.” – RENÉ CRAIG to balanced health and injury treatment. Hines ran his first Ironman triathlon last November. It also was his first triathlon. The physical training – cycling, swimming and running – required a change in lifestyle. “When I told people I was going to train for the Ironman, I could tell by the looks on their faces that they thought I would die,” says Hines. “I did make mistakes, though, including doing too much too fast.” That overuse came back to haunt him on mile 14 of the marathon. (A full marathon is part of the Ironman.) A previous knee injury nearly ended the race for him, but he slogged through with a kind of rolling limp/run/walk. After the event, he knew he needed to start healing his body, but like Siderias, he did not want to use invasive medical procedures. “I’m a huge fan of essential oils,” Hines says. “I use Young Living oils for many things, including an ‘allergy bomb.’ I used to be on heavy medication for my allergies, 88 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
but with the oils, I’ve been off the meds for three years.” Siderias said he uses essential oils both topically and orally for healing, too. He avoids over-the-counter painkillers in favor of natural remedies. “I drink a shot of wheatgrass, juice fruits and vegetables, make smoothies and take supplements like turmeric and magnesium,” Siderias says. There are no magic bullets for healing up or staying healthy. Supplements, juices, essential oils and exercise all work together in the men’s health regimens. Nutrition is critical for both men, and they have chosen different paths. “I transitioned to a plant-based diet,” Hines says. “It’s not for everyone, and I don’t use the word ‘vegan’ because it’s a diet that’s best for me, not one I embrace for ideological reasons.” Siderias still eats meat, but he is careful how much and what kind of protein he eats.
“I’m essentially on a paleo diet,” he says. “I avoid sugar of all kinds and the obvious carbs. For protein, I focus on grilled chicken or grilled fish.” Yoga and muscle activation therapy – a relatively new treatment that focuses on stimulating muscles – are important in both regimens. As important as all these things is the mental life, though. For Hines, the external healing follows internal healing, as in the thoughts and traumas and insecurities with which we all deal. Siderias talks about keeping his “eyes on the prize.” “I’m after overall health and wellness,” Siderias says. “It takes a lot of work to break your body through neglect or ignoring what it’s trying to tell you. It makes sense that it takes a lot of work to heal it, too.” There are, after all, multiple paths on the road to wellness, but the merit of their collective goal can’t be argued: taking care of yourself is worth the effort.
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Health & Wellness
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term improvement and normalization of vaginal function, without hormone replacement therapy. This laser, the first of its kind in Oklahoma, provides a new option for menopausal women to return vaginal tissue to normal with only 3 quick painless treatments in the office. It complements the practice's convenient in-house state-of-the-art digital mammography, ultrasound and urodynamic services. The Optimal Health team is anchored by expert leadership: Noel R. Williams, M.D. was the first doctor in Oklahoma to focus on menopausal medicine and wellness 20 years ago. He is a member of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, and is currently chief of staff at Northwest Surgical Hospital in Oklahoma City. Dennis Sandler, M.D. joined the practice 5 years ago and has been a practicing gynecologist for the last 30 years. Both men are board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and are members and Fellows of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Whether you have serious concerns or just need your annual check-up, their team provides the quality personal attention you need in managing your healthcare. Trust Optimal Health Associates – and get ready to feel better.
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Double Wedding Ring Quilt, 1940. Pieced cotton plain weave top, cotton plain weave back and binding; quilted. Gift of the Pilgrim / Roy Collection, 2014.1945. Photograph Š 2015 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. .
RATED PG-13
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PURSUITS OUT OF THE PAST
CAPITOLINE MUSEUMS, ROME
It is immortality of a sort – rulers of the Roman empire memorialized in stone visit the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art for a once-in-a-lifetime event. See page 100.
TOP 10 Prime starting points for making the most of the month 96
N’AWLINS BOUND History, culture and dining bliss in the Big Easy 102
A BOO-TIFUL COMEBACK The downtown OKC Halloween Parade looks to scare up even bigger crowds 98
SEE & DO October’s music, theater, visual arts and other delights 107
COWBOY CROSSINGS The spirit of the West lives on in a pair of exceptional exhibitions 101 OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 95
PURSUITS | High Points
The Top By Steve Gill
IT’S A BIG, BUSY METRO OUT THERE – IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT TO EVERYTHING, HERE’S WHERE TO START.
A REPUTATION FOR STEP CREATION
Oct. 9, UCO Mitchell Hall Theater The precision performers of the famed Chicago Tap Theatre are putting their best feet … well, all over the place. The company is taking its show on the road this year, thus giving metro residents a prime opportunity to enjoy their vibrant, innovative spectacle as they heel-and-toe through Edmond as the next installment of UCO’s Broadway Tonight series. Get a move on!
WHIRLED’S FINEST
Oct. 23-25, OKC Civic Center One of the first and greatest ballets of the Romantic era, “Giselle” is an all-time masterpiece and one of the exemplars of the classical dance form. Sounds like a perfect fit for the OKC Ballet company, which will team with the OKC Philharmonic to dazzle eyes and melt hearts with the wordless tale of a peasant girl’s romance that proves stronger than death.
LET IT GO TO VOICEMAIL
ALL-STAR JAMS
Oct. 30, Riverwind Casino A hot microphone, terrific food and thou – United Way of Norman is loading up a completely sweet showcase of entertainment for its annual Celebrity Sing event. The community benefits in the long run, but the night itself belongs to those enjoying the varied song-and-dance performances from community leaders, auctions, dinner, drinks and gleeful rock-androll ambience. 96 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
The Daniels home in Oak Tree
Beauty in Bloom Oct. 17, Across Edmond
The Oklahoma Horticultural Society is dedicated to sharing and nurturing an interest in fine gardening, so when its members decide to show off their endeavors, it’s a safe bet that the Garden Tour for Connoisseurs will be an impressive sight indeed. Exploring this set of six home landscapes across Edmond yields a fresh crop of appreciation for beautification and landscape excellence.
PHOTOS: CHICAGO TAP THEATRE COURTESY CHICAGO TAP THEATRE; DANIELS HOME IN OAK TREE COURTESY OK HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
Oct. 1-25, Jewel Box Theatre There’s no such thing as a perfect crime, but this one might just be good enough. When a meticulously planned assassination goes awry, it’s only the beginning of a new set in this high-stakes match of wits between an ice-blooded husband and a tenacious inspector. Jewel Box Theatre rings up a tense, taut, impeccably polite thriller (except for the attempted killing) with “Dial M for Murder.”
One for Sorrow, Two for Joy Oct. 11, OKC Zoo Amphitheatre
Both emotions are present in large and immensely poignant quantities in the music of the Counting Crows. It’s been more than 20 years since their debut album, but the weighty lyrics and rich harmonies are still fully present on latest release Somewhere Under Wonderland and the older tracks have lost no resonance; some of us will be weeping openly if they play “Goodnight Elisabeth.” Counting Crows
COME AS YOU ARF
Oct. 25, Grand Boulevard Park Sleek or fuzzy, huge or small, canine comrades have a ball at the annual Pooch Parade, organized by and benefiting Animal Rescue Friends of Nichols Hills. The dog-day afternoon includes a costume contest (mainly for four-legged entrants, although there is a dog-and-human combo category) and group promenade/jog, plus treats from sponsors and vendors for everyone. All in all, plenty to wag your tail about.
PHOTOS: COUNTING CROWS COURTESY DANNY CLINCH/GEFFEN RECORDS
GOES WELL WITH EVERYTHING
Oct. 8, Midtown OKC There’s a not-so-secret ingredient to Downtown OKC’s fall feast that benefits the Midtown Association, and it’s enough to put a gleam in the eyes of the more Swanson-esque among us. 6 Degrees of Bacon gives area restaurants a chance to flex their creativity, and guests a tasting event replete with meaty treats. The beer sampling, music and party atmosphere add a bit of extra sizzle to this crisp, salty, delicious evening.
“Belshazzar’s Feast,” by Rembrandt
REVENGE IS A DISH BEST SERVED SHORT
IT SOUNDS DELICIOUS
Oct. 7-25, Lyric’s Plaza Theatre Lyric Theatre is surging into its fall season with a brandnew blast from the Roaring ’20s past. In “Bernice Bobs Her Hair,” the title country mouse is too drab and awkward for high society, so her cousin trains her to be more free-spirited and fun – until the ingénue steals too much of the spotlight and cousin Marjorie plots embarrassing vengeance. OKC is the first spot in all the wide world to see this ritzy theatrical rumpus.
Oct. 2, OKC Civic Center The human voice is a powerful instrument – and when honed through practice and deployed en masse, the results can sound positively epic. The 125-member-strong Canterbury Choral Society is happy to demonstrate and share a surge of emotion and beauty in its season-opening concert “Belshazzar’s Feast,” which depicts a Biblical tale of Israel’s swift, dramatic triumph over a Babylonian king. OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 97
PURSUITS | Spotlight
BEETLEJUICE! BEETLEJUICE! BEETLEJUICE! HALLOWEEN PARADE MAKES BOO-TIFUL RETURN TO DOWNTOWN OKC By Kelley Chambers
GHOSTS, GOBLINS, GHOULS – probably a few guys dressed up as Beetlejuice and a few women dressed as the sexy undead (or vice versa) – will converge Oct. 31 in Automobile Alley for the Air Comfort Solutions Halloween Parade. And perhaps the most famous costumed Oklahoman, Rumble the Bison, will serve as grand marshal. It is the second year the event has been organized and hosted by Mike McAuliffe and Brent Skarky. The pair took over the parade last year, with limited time to pull it together. McAuliffe – who had attended this parade in the past, and had organized similar events for other groups – decided there did not need to be a year without a Halloween parade in downtown Oklahoma City. “The coordination of the parade did not concern me,” McAuliffe says. “I was mostly concerned about securing the sponsors needed to cover our expenses.” With Skarky’s help, he worked to secure those necessary sponsorships from groups and organizations around the metro area to keep the parade alive. The parade hit Broadway Avenue with 35 entries as the sun began to set. Revelers were treated to groups on foot and in vehicles, and large-scale art projects on wheels. McAuliffe said the Oklahoma City Police Department estimated about 10,000 people lined Broadway on parade night. “Overall, we were pleased with the parade, but we do need more entries this year,” he says. “With the timeframe we had to plan and promote the parade, at the end of the day, we were very pleased with the participation and the attendance.” This year, McAuliffe hopes to have at least 50 entries. And with a full year to plan, he said he is on track to host a bigger and better parade with a more family-friendly feel. “We will have a new children’s area this year, a special grand marshal the children will enjoy and a five-story haunted house hot air balloon on static display.” McAuliffe hopes the furry bison will bring along some friends. “We will be inviting all of Rumble’s fellow mascots from central Oklahoma to join [him] in the parade.” 98 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
your special day at
Our contemporary art gallery features a modern, open floor plan, accommodates up to 220 seated or 300 for a cocktail reception, with tables and chairs included for up to 65 guests, and we have an open catering policy. Contact us for details and to schedule a visit.
Jane Jenkins, president and CEO of Downtown OKC Inc., said the parade is an event that people look forward to each year and, most importantly, one that brings thousands downtown. “The Oklahoma City Halloween Parade is always an entertaining experience, and we love how Broadway Avenue comes alive on the night of the event every year,” she says. “The parade’s showcase of talent is so impressive, and it’s an excellent venue for both participants and spectators to express their love of art, music, light and creativity.” The Halloween celebration has become a yearly tradition downtown after it was started by the Oklahoma Gazette in 2007. For the first few years, it featured the Flaming Lips and their march of 1,000 skeletons, and since has evolved into a celebration of arts and creativity in central Oklahoma that celebrates the bizarre and macabre. This year, the parade will return to Automobile Alley on Halloween night, stepping off at 7 p.m. The route will begin at NW 13th Street and Broadway Avenue and head south to NW Fourth Street. At the conclusion of the route, some of the floats will return and be on display during the Zombie Ball – which takes place after the parade and includes entertainment, food and drinks. To scare up more information, visit okchalloweenparade.com.
Call (405) 232-6060 or visit individualartists.org
The Sooner Theatre Theatre • Concerts • Classes
You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown Based on The Comic Strip “Peanuts”by Charles M. Schulz Book, Music and Lyrics by Clark Gesner Additional Dialogue by Michael Mayer Additional Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa Original Direction for this version of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” by Michael Mayer Originally Produced in New York by Arthur Whitelaw and Gene Persson
Oct. 17-19 & 23-25 Directed by Lisa Fox
Tickets $30, $25 & .BJO 4U t %PXOUPXO /PSNBO (405) 321-9600
www.soonertheatre.com
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PURSUITS | Spotlight
THE EMPERORS OF TIME Ancient sculptures visit Norman for once-in-a-lifetime exhibition By Steve Gill // Photo courtesy Capitoline Museums, Rome
REGARDLESS OF HUMANITY’S LONG-HELD AND ONGOING FASCINATION with fountains of youth, sorcerer’s stones and holy grails, no one actually lives forever. But fame is another story: despite the centuries that lie between their earthly ends and our modern day, more than a dozen denizens of ancient Rome are moving to Norman and taking up residence in the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. Past presences fill Immortales: The Hall of Emperors of the Capitoline Museums, on display through Dec. 6. The exhibition contains 20 irreplaceable busts from the Capitoline collection, spanning roughly six centuries in depicting the leaders of the Roman empire: from its founder Octavian Augustus to Honorius, and including Nero, Trajan, Hadrian, Vespasian (who built the Colosseum) and more. “We chose the portraits based on three principles: the historical importance of the character; the artistic value of the piece; and the ability of the portrait to illustrate a certain shift, a certain change in the history of the art form, of imperial portraiture,” says guest curator Francesca Giani, who describes assembling this all-star collection as “an incredible opportunity.” Because these are not solely likenesses – part of the viewing experience includes considering what message the subjects were trying to send by ordering the sculptors to make them look younger or more stern and commanding or friendlier. Still, there is much of the individual characters of these rulers in their busts; Giani says, “You really get a sense of the presence in our space and time of these people, who were alive at one point … and are still alive in a sense today – 2,000 years later.” That sense is what prompted the title “Immortales,” she adds. “The idea of immortality sort of echoes with Hippocrates’ aphorism that art lasts forever while life ends. These people have reached immortality, in a way, through art.” Giani also implores Oklahomans not to miss this singular opportunity to view these historic creations: “This is the first time that these portraits have crossed the ocean in the history of humanity, and they will not cross the ocean again in our lifetimes.” None of us, after all, are immortal.
HAIR APPARENT According to Giani, one aspect of Roman sculptural portraiture that might not immediately register to modern audiences is right in plain sight: atop the head. She explains, “Hairstyle was chosen very carefully, to indicate affiliation with a previous emperor, perhaps. For instance, Nero – who descended directly from Augustus and whose regency was somewhat controversial – used the so-called Julio-Claudian hairstyle, which was modeled after Augustus, so that was his way to legitimize his at-thatpoint compromised position.” The idea was that people seeing him with a coiffure like his venerated ancestor would think better of him due to the tonsorial resemblance. “The portraits are full of visual clues,” says Giani, “so I think the exhibit is very important in that it shows how art communicates, like a hidden language.”
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Antoninus Pius, 140 A.D.
COWBOY CROSSINGS CELEBRATES VIBRANT WESTERN CULTURE By Bobby Anderson
THE NOTION THAT THE OLD WEST IS DEAD and gone, never to return, is something Steven M. Karr abhors. The president of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum sees the cowboy culture alive and well among today’s farmers, ranchers and artisans. And events such as this fall’s Cowboy Crossings Western art sales and exhibitions at the museum put the pageantry and artistry of a thriving Western spirit on display for the world to see. “I worry people will only look at the West as something that was a snapshot in time when, truthfully, it is a video and the camera is never going to be turned off,” says Karr, who is in his second year as museum president. Cowboy Crossings, which opens Oct. 10 and runs through Jan. 3, 2016, meshes the traditional and the contemporary.
Don Reeves, McCasland Chair of Cowboy Culture and curator at the museum, notes the event routinely draws artists and visitors from the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Argentina. Working art, such as hand-made saddles (which can run upward of $50,000) and spurs along with tooled leather and rawhide braiding, will be featured alongside paintings and sculptures. More than 40 active and emeritus members of the two organizations combined will exhibit their works. All together, more than 100 paintings, drawings and sculptures will be featured with 50 pieces of functional art. “This is really important for our organization to ensure that this story is not only told but brought up to date,” Reeves says, which ensures the story of the Old West lives on. “Diamond Back” saddle, Rick Bean
Martin Grelle, “Plans Against the Pecunies”
ART MEETS THE EVERYDAY LIFE OF MODERN COWBOYS The event features the 50th annual sale and exhibition of the Cowboy Artists of America and the 17th edition of the same event for the Traditional Cowboy Artists of America. The CAA’s mission is to authentically preserve and perpetuate the culture of Western life in art through a variety of mediums. The TCAA are dedicated to ensuring that skills, such as saddle making, bit and spur making, silversmithing and rawhide braiding, never die out. “It’s really a combination of many factors,” Karr says of the event. “It’s an opportunity for everyone to harken back to elements of Western heritage but also to look at Western art in its most contemporary form. I think it also reminds everyone that the West is not a part of our past simply, but very much a part of our present.” Cowboy Crossings VIP events include lunch and dinner options with featured artists, group cultural excursions in Oklahoma City and an exclusive preview of the CAA and TCAA exhibitions beginning Oct. 8. Reservations are required.
Saddle Up For more information about Cowboy Crossings’ opening weekend activities or to make a reservation, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org or call 478.2250.
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PURSUITS | Getting Away
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N’AWLINS
BOUND By Elaine Warner
“Do you believe in ghosts?” My hostess paused thoughtfully before answering, “I’ve never seen one, but everyone in New Orleans has a ghost story.” In 2018, New Orleans will celebrate the 300th anniversary of its founding by Jean Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville. The oldest building in the district, the Ursuline Convent, dates back to the mid-1700s. About a dozen structures pre-date the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. Strict preservation laws protect the original city site, the French Quarter. In my travels, it is the most unusual historic area in America. It’s no wonder no one, not even the dead, wants to leave.
PHOTO: ANTOINE’S RESTAURANT COURTESY ANTOINE’S
CRESCENT CITY
As the Mississippi River winds sinuously toward the Gulf, one of its most dramatic curves is cradled by the 78-block section of New Orleans known as the French Quarter. René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, discovered the mouth of the Mississippi in 1682, claiming all the lands drained by the river for France. Although the Spanish held sway from 1763 (Treaty of Paris) until 1800 (Treaty of San Ildefonso), the French influence was thoroughly entrenched in the city. In spite of a surfeit of extroverted characters, the French Quarter has an air of secrecy about it. Plain walls and closed shutters line many streets. It’s only when you look up at the lacy balconies festooned with flowers and flowing greenery that you get hints of the rich life within. Many of the buildings have enclosed courtyards, lovely outdoor spaces with plenty of privacy.
Venerable restaurant Antoine’s serves up amazing French-Creole cuisine. OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 103
PURSUITS | Getting Away
Strolling through the streets and down alleyways is the surest way to get a sense of the city. Royal Street is noted for interesting shops with silver, jewelry and antiques. Decatur, which passes in front of Jackson Square and by the must-try Café du Monde, bustles with visitors. Bourbon Street – seamy with a dollop of raunch! Street performers and artists can be found on many street corners and down quiet side streets. If you walk enough, sooner or later, you’ll meet Jennifer Jones, the Dancing Queen of New Orleans. She sings and prances down the sidewalk and, if you engage her, she’ll soon tell you about her dad, musician and composer Joe Jones, and how she likes to make people happy with her music. Historic New Orleans Tours offers a number of guided walking excursions. I can recommend the French Quarter and Garden District tours. A variety of other tours include everything from hurricanes, as in Katrina, to Hurricanes, as in Pat O’Brien’s.
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To see the riverfront in a more leisurely way, take a cruise on the Steamboat Natchez, said to be the only true steam-powered sternwheeler on the Mississippi. The lunch cruise offers scenery plus a chance to sample traditional New Orleans fare – fried catfish, red beans and rice, jambalaya, collard greens and Louisiana’s most ubiquitous dessert: bread pudding. Other options include a Sunday Jazz Brunch Cruise or a Jazz Dinner Cruise.
TRADITIONS OF THE TABLE
Three things you can’t leave New Orleans without eating: a po’ boy, a muffuletta and beignets. At Johnny’s Po-Boy Restaurant, you can get almost anything in a po’ boy – from alligator sausage to veal cutlets. Mine had fried shrimp, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise and pickles. If the po’ boy was big, the muffuletta was bigger. Purportedly created at New Orleans’ Central Market, it has definite Italian roots. The bread is a giant Sicilian sesame bun the size of a luncheon plate; the filling, stacks of a variety of Italian deli meats and cheeses topped with a spicy Creole olive salad. The beignets – these have to be eaten at the Café du Monde, established in 1862. Beignets, brought to Louisiana by Acadians, are fried puffs of dough liberally sprinkled with powdered sugar. They are typically accompanied by bitter chicory coffee or café au lait. It’s a great way to start the day. For the most historic dining experience in this town, dinner at Antoine’s is a must. Save up your calories – the classic French sauces brought here by Antoine Alciatore are still on the menu. Antoine’s, now owned by the fifth generation of the family, is the oldest, continuously operated, family-owned restaurant in the country; in business since 1840.
The weekend Jazz Brunch at Commander’s Palace is a delightful tradition, but even a weekday lunch is a special occasion. Not as old as Antoine’s, Commander’s does date back to the late 1800s. A turquoise and white Victorian beauty, it is located in the Garden District, the area where wealthy Americans settled after the purchase – a decision which was fine with the older, French-speaking, Catholic population. Lunch was leisurely – almost two hours – but the service was not inattentive, and the food was excellent. I was particularly impressed with my dessert: a watermelon/lime sorbet served in a crystal clear, edible, sugar cup. It looked like the scoop of sorbet had splashed down into clear water. For more contemporary dining, the seafood restaurant Pêche was a great choice. Close to the Omni Riverfront, one of my two hotel hosts, it was handy to several good museums.
BEDTIME STORIES
PHOTOS: REX ROOM COURTESY ANTOINE’S; IRONWORK AND WORLD WAR II MUSEUM BY ELAINE WARNER
My first hotel was the Omni Royal Orleans where I got my first good look at the French Quarter from my balcony. Both the Omni Hotels were excellent – nice rooms and great staffs. The location of the Royal Orleans was ideal for exploring the historic area on foot, but the Riverfront would be a good choice for those needing to be close to the convention center or desiring more convenient parking. Note: The French Quarter wasn’t built for 21st-century traffic! As far as I know, there are no ghosts at either hotel, but if you don’t mind a possible spectral guest, there are several other choices in the Quarter. The 1886 Monteleone, owned by the fifth generation of the founding family, claims several ghosts. The most persistent story is about Maurice Begere, a 3-year-old who became ill and died while staying at the hotel. He’s been known to toddle into guest rooms but, like Casper, he’s friendly. I visited a couple of accommodations belonging to the New Orleans Hotel Collection, a group of independent, locally owned, unique properties. The Bourbon Orleans is a charming historic hotel that’s been treated to a multi-million-dollar restoration. Check out the O Bar, where you’ll find not only the latest libations but also a genuine Ramos Gin Fizz, shaken for 12 minutes. A couple of these and you won’t mind the spectral nun in the hotel hall. For the utmost in elegance and privacy, Audubon Cottages (another NOHC member) is the choice of connoisseurs and celebrities. Elizabeth Taylor stayed there 27 times in her favorite, Cottage #1. Originally late 18th- and early 19th-century Creole homes, these seven structures have been transformed into one- and twobedroom cottages with private courtyards and access to a central courtyard and pool. The ghost here is a polite gentleman gambler who goes out on a balcony to smoke. Ghosts or no ghosts, New Orleans haunts visitors with its beauty, its food, its history and its quirkiness. Short stays just won’t do. Take your time – stroll, sip, sample, savor – and make some memories in this unique Southern city.
BEFORE YOU GO The New Orleans Visitor Information Center at 529 St. Ann in the French Quarter has a great walking tour brochure. For more information: neworleanscvb.com
Above: Among the vintage military craft on display in the U.S. Freedom Pavilion at the World War II Museum is “My Gal Sal,” a B-17 Flying Fortress, which was abandoned in Greenland in 1942 after an emergency crash landing. The plane was recovered from the ice cap in 1995. Opposite top: The Rex Room at Antoine’s salutes the kings of Mardi Gras. Opposite bottom: Elaborate ironwork is a defining characteristic of many New Orleans buildings.
DO NOT MISS: THE NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM Why is it here? More than 20,000 Higgins boats, landing craft for personnel and vehicles used in all major amphibious landings during the war, were built in New Orleans. The experience: Carry a dog tag to follow the story of an individual serviceperson. Top-notch technology leads visitors from the build-up to war to the end. Special features: “Beyond All Boundaries,” a 4D film journey through the war, narrated by Tom Hanks. This is one of the most stunning documentaries I have seen – gripping and emotionally wrenching. This is an absolute must! Final Mission: The USS Tang Submarine Experience is an interactive re-creation of the craft’s epic last battle, with visitors taking part as crewmembers.
Historic New Orleans Tours: tourneworleans.com
Time Needed: a minimum of three hours. Plan a longer visit to see all the exhibitions properly. Plan on lunch either at the American Sector Restaurant or the Jeri Nims Soda Shop.
Steamboat Natchez: SteamboatNatchez.com
Website: nationalww2museum.org
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See & Do DANCE Chicago Tap Oct 5 Mesmerizing movement and physical storytelling courtesy of Chicago Tap Theatre and Broadway Tonight. UCO Mitchell Hall Theater 100 N University, Edmond, 974.3375, uco.edu/cfad/broadway Giselle Oct 23-25 OKC Ballet’s new season begins with the paramount dance of the romantic era - the hauntingly beautiful collision of love and betrayal includes a masterful OKC Philharmonic performance. OKC Civic Center 201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 848.8637, okcballet.com
EVENTS Fandango at the Harn Oct 1 An especially jubilant hootenanny benefiting the continued operation of the pioneer homestead museum. Harn Homestead 1721 N Lincoln Blvd, OKC, 235.4058, harnhomestead.com Oklahoma Regatta Festival Oct 1-4 Rowing, kayaking, dragon boat racing and more fill days - and even nights - of river competition, with plenty to eat, drink and enjoy on the side. Boathouse District 725 S Lincoln Blvd, OKC, 552.4040, boathousedistrict.org Art After 5 Oct 1-29 A special Thursday evening treat draws downtowners and visitors to the OKCMOA’s rooftop terrace for drinks and a spectacular view. OKC Museum of Art 415 Couch Dr, OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com 1st Friday Gallery Walk Oct 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 Art on Tap Oct 2 Patrons at this spirited fundraiser will have live music, a spread of food from local restaurants and a spate of over 80 varieties of beer to enjoy. OKC Museum of Art 415 Couch Dr, OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com EdFest Oct 2 Third time’s even more charming - this collection of local food, brews and musicians is all kinds of fun to benefit the good works of Edmond Mobile Meals. Festival Market Place 30 W 1st St, Edmond, 341.3111, edfestokc.com Czech Festival Oct 3 Celebrate Czech heritage - even if it’s not your own at this joyous annual fete featuring a parade and outstanding food. Downtown Yukon 205 N Czech Hall Rd, Yukon, 324.3567, yukoncc.com Stockyards Stampede Oct 3 A massive parade kicks off a day of chuck wagon chow, animal activities, live music, carnival rides and Western fun. Stockyards City 1305 S Agnew Ave, OKC, 235.7267, stockyardscity. publishpath.com White Fields Gala Oct 4 Golf at Oak Tree is in the offing, but the fundraising festivities begin here for the namesake facility that provides
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homes for abused and neglected boys. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 302.5123, whitefieldsok.com 6 Degrees of Bacon Oct 8 Mmm, bacon! The tasty meat treat fuels culinary experimentation from area restaurants along with plentiful beer and a party atmosphere. Midtown OKC 1114 N Harvey Ave, OKC, 235.3500, downtownokc.com 2nd Friday Circuit of Art Oct 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 Oct 9 Vendors, artists, residents and passerby unite for a monthly fiesta. OKC Plaza District 1618 N Gatewood Ave, OKC, 367.9403, plazadistrict.org Ink Life Tour Oct 9-11 A tattoo to-do filled with body art pros and blazing music - and guests can become part of the canvas. Cox Center 1 Myriad Gardens, OKC, 800.745.3000, coxconventioncenter.com Pumpkinville Oct 9-31 The Myriad Gardens grows a bumper crop of family fun in this all-ages celebration of fall, including tasty treats and wonders to explore. Myriad Gardens 301 W Reno Ave, OKC, 445.7080, myriadgardens.org Second Sunday Poetry Oct 11 David M. Parsons is the Poet Laureate of Texas and a force for creative expression; join him for a reading from his works. Santa Fe Depot 200 S Jones Ave, Norman, 307.9320, pasnorman.org Auto Alley Shop Hop Oct 15 Discounts, giveaways, special mini-events and have-to-be-there fun fill this monthly mercantile excursion. Automobile Alley 1015 N Broadway Ave, OKC, 235.3500, automobilealley.org Orchids in October Oct 15 Help honor a lifelong supporter of the Myriad Gardens through the presentation of the Crystal Orchid and enjoy natural beauty at the annual luncheon and orchid sale. Myriad Gardens 301 W Reno Ave, OKC, 445.7080, myriadgardens.org Signature Chefs Auction Oct 15 Prestigious chefs come together to create a multi-course meal; the collection of culinary luminaries will help the March of Dimes fight for healthier babies. OKC Golf & Country Club 7000 NW Grand Blvd, OKC, 415.1266, marchofdimes.org/ oklahoma Town Hall: Jonathan Turley Oct 15 Legal scholar Turley shares his thoughts on the highest court in the land in a Town Hall lecture titled “Review of Timely Supreme Court Decisions.” St. Luke’s UMC 222 NW 15th St, OKC, 826.9689, townhall. publishpath.com Premiere on Film Row Oct 16 The downtown OKC street festival is family-friendly, pet-welcoming, free to wander through and filled with treats for the ears and taste buds. Film Row 706 W Sheridan Ave, OKC, 232.6060,
Garden Tour for Connoisseurs Oct 17 Nature’s creations star in the Oklahoma Horticultural Society’s selfguided exploration of backyard beauty. Multiple locations OKC, ok-hort.org Heard on Hurd Oct 17 A free monthly festival of live music, food trucks and pop-up shops - come enjoy! Downtown Edmond 32 N Broadway Ave, Edmond, 341.6650, facebook.com/heardonhurd Maestro’s Ball Oct 17 In conjunction with its October Classics concert, the OKC Philharmonic adds an extra blast of magic with dinner, an epic afterparty and an appearance by illusionist Rob Lake. OKC Civic Center 201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 842.5387, okcphilharmonic.org Starlight Ball Oct 17 Black-tie enjoyment of cocktails, dinner and dancing marks the annual celebration that helps fund the operations of the Children’s Hospital Foundation. OKC Golf & Country Club 7000 NW Grand Blvd, OKC, 271.2207, okchf.org OCMS Kitchen Tour Oct 18 Expertly designed, beautifully decorated and simmering with inspiration, the homes on this tour open their hearts for visitors to enjoy. Multiple locations Nichols Hills, 285.1385, ocmsalliance.org Peace, Love & Goodwill Festival Oct 18 Music, food, merchandise and good vibes commingle in this all-day event benefiting Goodwill Industries. Myriad Gardens 301 W Reno Ave, OKC, peacelovegoodwill.org Haunt the Harn Oct 22 History gets a little bit (but not too) spooky with a trick-or-treating event at the venerable estate turned frontier museum. Harn Homestead 1721 N Lincoln Blvd, OKC, 235.4058, harnhomestead.com Edmond Historic Ghost Tours Oct 23-24 Learn a little something new (and perhaps a bit spooooky!) about the legacy and story of the city in this walking tour guided by figures from Edmond’s past. Downtown Edmond 32 N Broadway Ave, Edmond, 715.1889, visitedmondok.com An Affair of the Heart Oct 23-25 Handicrafts, clothing, antiques, collectibles, gourmet food, colorful décor … whatever you’re looking for, even if the answer is “all,” it’s probably at this massive sale. State Fairgrounds 333 Gordon Cooper Blvd, OKC, 632.2652, aaoth.com Storybook Forest Oct 23-30 A nonscary outing for teeny-tiny trick-ortreaters to find costumed characters from fairy tales and lore and share some pre-Halloween fun. Arcadia Lake 9000 E 2nd St, Edmond, 216.7471, edmondok.com Light the Night Walk Oct 24 Cancer survivors, supporters, friends and family members take an illuminated promenade to share in spiritual solidarity and raise funds to end the disease forever. Oklahoma City University 2501 N Blackwelder Ave, OKC, lightthenight.org/ok Janeane Garofalo Oct 25 Dry, sarcastic wit is probably on the menu as the Gen-X comedy queen visits
OKC. ACM @ UCO Performance Lab 329 E Sheridan Ave, OKC, 974.4700, acm-uco.com Magic Lantern Celebration Oct 25 Costumes are fine for this kids-ofall-ages party, a night of light instead of fright thatfocuses on crafts and a group dance. Paseo Arts District 3022 Paseo St, OKC, 525.2688, thepaseo.com Pooch Parade Oct 25 Every dog has its day - and this is it! A pet promenade is enlivened with treats for dogs and owners alike. Grand Boulevard Park Nichols Hills, 843.3038, animalrescuefriends.com Haunt the Zoo Oct 26-31 Six nights of trick-or-treating fun amid the massed animals makes for a fa-boo-lous time for kids. OKC Zoo 2101 NE 50th St, OKC, 424.3344, okczoo.com Celebrity Sing Oct 30 Music and fun rule the night at the United Way of Norman’s jubilant annual fundraiser. Riverwind Casino 1544 W Hwy 9, Norman, 329.2025, unitedwaynorman.org Chips for Children Gala Oct 30 Being swept away by glamour and delight helps Oklahoma Lawyers for Children give aid in court to kids with pressing need. OKC Golf & Country Club 7000 NW Grand Blvd, OKC, 232.4453, olfc.org H & 8th Night Market Oct 30 Midtown becomes a primetime paradise in this after-hours street festival boasting live music and a convoy of awesome food trucks. Hudson Ave & 8th Street 801 N Hudson Ave, OKC, 633.1703, h8thokc.com Izumicon Oct 30-Nov 1 Comics, gaming, sci-fi and anime appreciation, cosplay, tournaments, panels, special guests (like voice acting legend Rob Paulsen) … there’s a lot to enjoy at this convention. Cox Center 1 Myriad Gardens, OKC, 348.6600, okaidscarefund.com OKC Halloween Parade Oct 31 Monsters, ghouls and boogeymen of all descriptions take their “boo”s for a cruise down Broadway in this holiday spectacle. Automobile Alley 800 N Broadway Ave, OKC, okchalloweenparade.com National Weather Festival Oct 31 Explore the world-leading forecast facilty and all kinds of cool science-y stuff for every age at this annual meteorological treat. National Weather Center 120 David L Boren Blvd, Norman, 325.3095, nwf.nwc.ou.edu Wine Walk Oct 31 Ramble through a selection of vendor booths offering savory selections and collectible merchandise, while enjoying the finest varietals Oklahoma has to offer. Brookhaven Village 3700 36th Ave NW, Norman, 232.6552, oktourism.com Taste of Western Nov 17 The world of exceptional taste found along Western Avenue gets even closer together in this sampling event and wine tasting that’s a true treat for the taste buds. Will Rogers Theater 4322 N Western Ave, OKC, 412.5990, visitwesternavenue.com
PROMOTION
A BUMPER CROP OF FUN Pumpkinville promises more than just another fall festival for families BY JILL HARDY PHOTOS BY CARL SHORTT JR.
The cost of admission to Pumpkinville helps fund the free offerings at the Gardens, a nonprofit organization, through the rest of the year. But Elkins maintains that Pumpkinville also is simply a chance to put forth a stellar example of the kind of experience the Gardens exists to provide. “We want to watch kids’ faces light up when they see a giant pumpkin,” she says. “Because bringing families together and allowing them to experience nature, enjoy the season and make memories together is what we do here at the Myriad Gardens.” Pumpkinville will be open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Oct. 9-25. Admission is $6 for children ages 4-12 and $4 for adults.
S
everal things signal the beginning of fall – leaves changing color, a cool briskness in the air, the advent of football season. In the downtown area, there’s another sign, as well: Pumpkinville. The annual event at the Myriad Botanical Gardens has become synonymous with hot chocolate and fuzzy sweaters as one of the feel-good heralds of autumn. Opening the second week of October and lasting through the 25th, Pumpkinville offers a host of interactive options for families looking for a fun fall activity. Harvest festival standards such as sack races, hay bale mazes and face painting beckon, but in true Botanical Garden style, so do unique opportunities for kids to experience things such as feeling the inside of a pumpkin or pumpkin bowling. Pumpkinville planning begins in July and requires the attention of the entire staff. The Gardens has a reputation for providing engaging nature- and literacyfocused children’s activities, and that welldeserved distinction is seen in its highest form at this event. The amount of focus
put into organizing themes for attractions and details about games and exhibits is reflected in the eye-popping variety of activities, and is part of what makes Pumpkinville more than just another fall festival. Previous years have seen features like a tunnel based on a funnel weaver spider web, performances by the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre and reading circles. And since activities are frequently rotated, families can visit Pumpkinville multiple times throughout the month, having a new experience with each visit. The intricacies of putting together captivating memory-makers for families is only one side of Pumpkinville preparation; the physical logistics of juggling thousands of pumpkins – not to mention an abundance of gourds, cornstalks, mums and other fallthemed accoutrements – into place is also an impressive feat. It’s all done with the help of a committed volunteer force. “The purpose behind this event is to bring the community together to celebrate a time we all love: fall,” says Myriad Gardens Foundation Publicity Coordinator Ashley Elkins.
BY THE NUMBERS 3,000-PLUS
Approximate number of pumpkins purchased from Oklahoma farmers for the annual event
PURSUITS | See & Do
FILM
Hall of Fame Museum 1400 Classen Dr, OKC, 235.4458, oklahomahof.com
Circle Theater Shows Oct 1-31 The OKC Museum of Art screens overlooked treasures and unsung independent films for cineastes who want to step outside the multiplex. OKC Museum of Art 415 Couch Dr, OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com
Enter the Matrix: Indigenous Printmakers Through Jan 17 Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art Norman, 325.3272, ou.edu/fjjma
Classics Series Oct 6-27 Catch a masterpiece you missed the first time around or just want to re-experience on the big screen: Gremlins Oct 6, Alien Oct 13, The Exorcist Oct 20 and Halloween Oct 27. Harkins Theatres 150 E Reno Ave, OKC, 321.4747, harkinstheatres.com
GALLERIES ONGOING Firehouse Talent Through Oct 17 Firehouse Art Center Norman, 329.4523, normanfirehouse.com News From the Woods Through Oct 30 Santa Fe Depot Norman, 307.9320, pasnorman.org The Secret Life of the City Through Feb 12 The Underground OKC, 235.3500, downtownokc.com Fine Arts Institute Oct 1-30 Fur, feathers and glossy manes star as the FAI hosts a collection of works from detail-oriented animal painter Joan Frimberger. Fine Arts Institute of Edmond 27 E Edwards St, Edmond, 340.4481, edmondfinearts.com October at the Elms Oct 1-31 The cozy gallery in the Paseo is home to intriguing art, inside and out: this month it welcomes a varied collection of intriguing pieces from Pamela Joye, Jose Rodriguez and Patrick Riley. JRB Art at the Elms 2810 N Walker Ave, OKC, 528.6336, jrbartgallery.com Basil Martin III Oct 2-31 The arresting gallery in the Paseo Arts District prepares to dazzle visitors and passerby via distinctive contemporary metal sculptures. In Your Eye Gallery 3005 Paseo St, OKC, 525.2161, inyoureyegallery.com
Navajo Weavings From the Parrish Collection Through May 8 National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org Red Earth Master Artist Show Through Jun 30 Red Earth Museum 6 Santa Fe Plaza, OKC, 427.5228, redearth.org Galileo’s World Through Aug 31 Across the OU Campus 401 W Brooks St, Norman, 325.4142, galileo.ou.edu James Surls Oct 1-Jan 3 The distinguished visiting artist renders mighty materials - wood, steel, bronze - into evocatively fluid representations of more transient subjects like flowers and the human form. Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art 555 Elm Ave, Nichols Hills, 325.3272, ou.edu/fjjma Cowboy Crossings Oct 10-Jan 3 Both exhibits that combine for this cavalcade of Western-themed art and craftsmanship run into 2016, but the opening weekend is definitely the time to browse if you’re looking to buy. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org Shared Space Oct 19-Dec 18 Photographers from several countries share looks through their lenses at how the world has changed since 1987. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center 3000 General Pershing Blvd, OKC, 951.0000, oklahomacontemporary.org
MUSIC Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors Oct 1 The Nashville rockers breeze into town on the Medicine Fall Tour. ACM @ UCO Performance Lab 329 E Sheridan Ave, OKC, 974.4700, acm-uco.com
powerful musical tale of the Israelites’ triumph over a Babylonian king. OKC Civic Center 201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 232.7464, canterburyokc.com Grand Casino Shows Oct 2 It should sound great at the Grand, thanks to a special appearance by Canadian legends April Wine and platinumselling act Warrant. Grand Casino 777 Grand Casino Blvd, Shawnee, 964.7777, grandresortok.com Riverwind Shows Oct 2 “Neotraditionalist honky tonk” isn’t a phrase you hear every day, so Neal McCoy’s appearance at the casino is something to look forward to on multiple levels. Riverwind Casino 1544 W Hwy 9, Norman, 322.6464, riverwind.com Winter Wind: Jimmy LaFave Oct 4 The Depot welcomes the change in seasons by re-greeting old friend and Red Dirt troubadour LaFave to kick off its newest concert slate. Santa Fe Depot 200 S Jones Ave, Norman, 307.9320, pasnorman.org Sutton Series Concerts Oct 5-26 Join the OU School of Music for stellar performances: the Wind Symphony Oct 5, OU Jazz Bands Oct 6, the Faculty Woodwind Quartet Oct 7, OU Symphony Orchestra Oct 12, h2 Saxophone Quartet Oct 19, OU Choral Ensembles Oct 25 and the Shames Duo Oct 26. OU Catlett Music Center 500 W Boyd St, Norman, 325.2081, ou.edu/ finearts/music Hozier Oct 6 The Irish lad’s got a beauty of a voice, and is making musical waves based on his self-titled debut album and hit song “Take Me to Church” - he’ll be backed at the Zoo by Little Green Cars. OKC Zoo Amphitheater 2101 NE 50th St, OKC, 866.977.6849, dcfconcerts.com Tuesday Noon Concerts Oct 6-27 Spice up your lunch break with a free concert by OU School of Music students and faculty. Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art 555 Elm Ave, Norman, 325.3272, ou.edu/fjjma
The Texas Tenors Oct 1 This particular three of a kind knocks out a full house every time - they’re bringing their country-tinged take on the classics to open OCCC’s Cultural Arts Series. OCCC Theater 7777 S May Ave, OKC, 682.7576, occc.edu/cas
Opolis Shows Oct 7-25 Metro, meet Opolis - you’ll make beautiful music together, including Albert Hammond Jr. Oct 7, Widowspeak Oct 15, Peelander-Z Oct 22, Blitzen Trapper Oct 23, Fruit Bats Oct 25 and more - check online for updates. The Opolis 113 N Crawford Ave, Norman, opolis.org
OK Int’l Bluegrass Festival Oct 1-3 The bountiful brainchild of fiddle virtuoso Byron Berline, it’s a thrilling collection of the finest Bluegrass performers to be found … anywhere. Festival Grounds 600 E Noble Ave, Guthrie, 282.4446, oibf.com
Bricktown Events Center Shows Oct 8-30 Tear it up downtown and be part of A Wild Evening With Halestorm Oct 8 and SoMo’s Fallin’ Up Tour Oct 30. Bricktown Events Center 429 E California Ave, OKC, 866.977.6849, dcfconcerts.com
Noon Tunes Oct 1-29 Free lunchtime serenades to sonically spice up your Thursdays: Robert Fasol and June Carter Oct 1, Marcy Priest Oct 8, Silver Strings Oct 15, Bridges Out Oct 22 and the OCU Guitar Ensemble Oct 29. Downtown Library 300 Park Ave, OKC, 231.8650, mls.lib.ok.us
OCU Concerts Oct 8-30 Music-lovers mingle with students for the awardwinning program’s shows: a Wind Philharmonic conert Oct 8, Men’s and Women’s choral recitals Oct 15 and Project 21 concerts Oct 16 and 30. OCU Petree Hall 2501 N Blackwelder, OKC, 208.5701, okcu.edu/music
Celebrating Edmond History Through Dec 19 Edmond Historical Society Edmond, 340.0078, edmondhistory.org
UCO Jazz Lab Shows Oct 1-31 Students and townies alike step over to the Jazz Lab for some tasty tunes: the Dan Haerle Quartet, Shortt Dogg, Shadowman Blues, Smilin’ Vic, Souled Out and more - check online for a full schedule. UCO Jazz Lab 100 E 5th St, Edmond, 359.7989, ucojazzlab.com
Bert Seabourn: American Expressionist Through Jan 9 Oklahoma
Belshazzar’s Feast Oct 2 Canterbury Choral Society opens its season with a
Blue Door Shows Oct 10-24 Selfbilled as “the best listening room in Oklahoma,” it certainly has some of the best music, including Michael Fracasso Oct 10, Slaid Cleaves Oct 11, Gurf Morlix Oct 16, Rachel Davis Oct 17, Chris Knight Oct 19, Patrice Pike Oct 23 and a double shot of David Ramirez Oct 24 - check online for updates. The Blue Door 2805 N McKinley Ave, OKC, 524.0738, bluedoorokc.com
Kerri Shadid Oct 2-31 The community art space for public exploration of art welcomes an engaging solo show from the local poet and Skirvin Artist-inResidence. The Project Box 3003 Paseo St, OKC, 609.3969, theprojectboxokc. com
MUSEUMS ONGOING Orly Genger: Terra Through Oct 2 Campbell Park OKC, 951.0000, oklahomacontemporary.org End of the Trail Centennial Celebration Through Oct 25 National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org Immortales: The Hall of Emperors Through Dec 6 Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art 555 Elm Ave, Norman, 325.3272, ou.edu/fjjma
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Counting Crows Oct 11 October’s a perfect time for the Crows’ sweetly melancholy sound, as the Somewhere Under Wonderland tour brings them through the metro. OKC Zoo Amphitheater 2101 NE 50th St, OKC, 866.977.6849, dcfconcerts.com Diamond Ballroom Shows Oct 11-22 Crank it up down by the river with Twenty One Pilots Oct 11 and Walk the Moon featuring Holychild Oct 22. Diamond Ballroom 8001 S Eastern Ave, OKC, 866.977.6849, dcfconcerts.com Philharmonic: Tall Tales, Magic and Majesty Oct 17 A veritable flood of larger-than-life music from Dukas, Strauss, Sibelius and Vaughn Williams, as the OKC Philharmonic welcomes violinist Augustin Hadelich. OKC Civic Center 201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 842.5387, okcphilharmonic.org The Polyphonic Spree Oct 19 The big, big band is taking its even bigger sound on the road to mark its 15th anniversary, and you’re invited to join the crowd. ACM @ UCO Performance Lab 329 E Sheridan Ave, OKC, 974.4700, acm-uco.com An Evening With Joshua Bell Oct 22 Armstrong begins its 17th performing arts season series with a guest performer par excellence: superlative violinist Joshua Bell. Armstrong Auditorium 14400 S Bryant Rd, Edmond, 285.1010, armstrongauditorium.org Alvin & the Chipmunks Oct 23 Two shows, three rodents (six if you count the Chipettes), decades of song in one wild show. Cox Center 1 Myriad Gardens, OKC, 800.745.3000, coxconventioncenter.com Macabret Oct 23-25 The third annual Spooktacular Halloween Revue sold out last year, so get tickets early for this eerily excellent time. UCO Jazz Lab 100 E 5th St, Edmond, 974.3375, uco. edu/cfad Winter Wind: Rebecca Loebe Oct 25 Writing music and performing it live because she feels unable not to, Loebe (who’s quick to clarify that it’s “Becca”) adds the Depot to her ever-growing list of havens for well-crafted acoustic joy. Santa Fe Depot 200 S Jones Ave, Norman, 307.9320, pasnorman.org Doc Severinsen Oct 26 One of the alltime great bandleaders (and no mean performer on the trumpet, even at his age), Severinsen will swing through a big band set with the aid of the OKC Jazz Orchestra. OCCC Theater 7777 S May Ave, OKC, 682.7576, occc.edu/cas
SPORTS OSU Football Oct 3-24 The Cowboys line up to hold their ground against Kansas State Oct 3 and Kansas Oct 24. Boone Pickens Stadium 700 W Hall of Fame Ave, Stillwater, 877.255.4678, okstate.com OU Football Oct 3-24 It’s football time in Oklahoma! The Sooners defend their home turf against West Virginia Oct 3 and Texas Tech Oct 24. Owen Field 180 W Brooks St, Norman, 325.2424, soonersports.com Grand National Morgan Horse Show Oct 10-18 The storied U.S. breed takes the spotlight in a competition represnting the pinnacle of equine achievement - ask the 5,000-plus
Suzanne Peck | Paseo Artwalk fans who will fill the Fairgrounds to watch. State Fairgrounds 333 Gordon Cooper Blvd, OKC, 948.6704, morgangrandnational.com Soonerthon Glow Run Oct 15 This luminous scamper across campus (wear anything you got that lights up) supports the Children’s Hospital Foundation and sick young Oklahomans. OU Memorial Union 900 Asp Ave, Norman, 271.2260, soonerthon.ou.edu
adventure, as audiences become part of the action when a horde of zombies sweeps into the theater. OKC Civic Center 201 N Walker, OKC, 297.2264, reduxiontheatre.com Nine Oct 9-11, Inspired by Fellini’s 8 1/2, this musical from OCU students explores a director in a dry spell and the chorus of memories in his head. OCU Kirkpatrick Center 2501 N Blackwelder Ave, OKC, 208.5227, okcu. edu/music
Race for the Cure Oct 17 A relative, a beloved friend, even for the sake of the future wherein humanity has overcome breast cancer - whatever cause you’re running for, you’re welcome to join the throng at this 22nd annual fundraiser. Myriad Gardens 301 W Reno Ave, OKC, 526.2873, komencentralwesternok.org
The Color Purple Oct 9-31 Poverty, misery, oppression and woe … and always hope. Pollard Theatre follows Celie through a hard life toward eventual contentment in this Walker adaptation. Pollard Theatre, 120 W Harrison Ave, Guthrie, 282.2800, thepollard.org
ZeroK OKC Oct 17 You can run in the 5k race, but if that sounds kinda far you can also do the 0k - that is, not run at all, just enjoy the music, food trucks and drinks to benefit City Care OKC. Crystal Lake SW 15th and MacArthur, OKC, 609.2400, zerokokc.com
Ragtime Oct 15-18 A university-wide production of the musical exploring the American experience at the turn of the 20th century. OU Reynolds PAC 560 Parrington Oval, OKC, 325.4101, ou.edu/finearts
Monster Dash Oct 31 The Junior League of Norman’s 5k and 1-mile fun run for kids (costumes encouraged!) promotes nutrition while raising funds for community programs. Reaves Park 2501 S Jenkins Ave, Norman, 329.9617, juniorleagueofnorman.org
THEATER ONGOING The Tortoise and the Hare Through Oct 9 Distractions prove costly for the speedy lagomorph in an adaptation of Aesop’s fable. Oklahoma Children’s Theatre 2501 N Blackwelder, OKC, 951.0011, oklahomachildrenstheatre.org Enchanted April Through Oct 11 A change of scenery and company can be restorative to the spirit to an almost magical degree - ask the four Englishwomen in this play who experience a rebirth in Italy. St. Luke’s Poteet Theater 222 NW 15th St, OKC, 609.1023, poteettheatre.com The Spitfire Grill Oct 1-4 Life carries no guarantees of second chances, but sometimes a community can come together to help make personal redemption a possibility. UCO Mitchell Hall Theater 100 N University, Edmond, 974.3375, uco.edu/cfad Dial M for Murder Oct 1-25 It’s one of the all-time great battles of wits between (attempted) murderer and dogged officer of the law - and going to see it is your move. Jewel Box Theater 3700 N Walker Ave, OKC, 521.1786, jewelboxtheatre.org Rent Oct 2-4 When you’re young and on your own and filled with passion and ideals and energy, anything seems possible in life. Here’s to la vie boheme. OCU Kirkpatrick Center 2501 N Blackwelder Ave, OKC, 208.5227, okcu. edu/music Bernice Bobs Her Hair Oct 7-25 A Roaring ‘20s romp that’s heavy on the flapper style, as a young country lass finds herself drawn onto the road to self-discovery. Lyric’s Plaza Theater 1725 NW 16th St, OKC, 524.9312, lyrictheatreokc.com OKC Dead Oct 8-31 It’s not a passive play but an interactive Halloween
Paseo Arts Space
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown Oct 16-25 Life is filled with minor setbacks - frustrations, heartbreak, football mishaps, the occasional run-in with a kite-eating tree - but with friends and a faithful dog, we might just make it through; get your heart warmed by this “Peanuts” adaptation. Sooner Theatre 101 E Main, Norman, 321.9600, soonertheatre.org Art of Murder Oct 16-Nov 7 Someone is about to become the subject of a “still life-less” in this comedy-mystery about a husband-wife pair of artists … but can you be certain who? Carpenter Square Theatre 800 W Main, OKC, 232.6500, carpentersquare.com Oklahoma! Oct 22-24 A Rodgers and Hammerstein musical tale of romance among the waving wheat holds a special place in our state’s collective hearts. Rose State PAC 6000 Trosper Ave, Midwest City, 297.2264, rose.edu
“Citroën” Oil 48" x 60"
Artwork Opening Oct 2nd | 5:00pm showing thru November Suzanne Peck Studio
9110 N. Western Ave | 405.659.4644
10.09.15 THROUGH 11.30.15 AT
Silence! The Musical Oct 22-Nov 7 The story of agent Clarice Starling’s battle of wits with Hannibal Lecter and race against time to stop Buffalo Bill - retold as a musical comedy. Should be a heck of a show. OKC Civic Center 201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 626.6605, okctheatrecompany.org echoBOOM Oct 29-Nov 1 All of this has happened before… A theatrical investigation of terrorism and its unexpected tendrils, set after a school shooting and inspired by the Sophocles classic Antigone. UCO Mitchell Hall Theater 100 N University, Edmond, 974.3375, uco.edu/cfad
AREZZO IN NORMAN
FEATURING SARA LOVARI, ENRIQUE MOYA GONZALEZ & MASSIMILIANO LUCHETTI
OPENING RECEPTION: 6-10 P.M. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9
CLOSING RECEPTION:
The Rocky Horror Show Oct 30-Nov 7 Things are going to get delightfully, tunefully weird for clean-cut kids Brad and Janet as OU celebrates the season. OU Reynolds PAC 560 Parrington Oval, Norman, 325.4101, ou.edu/finearts/drama
Check out the c omin g top so c year’s ia in our D l events ate bo online , an d s ta o k y on to of wh at’ p s with ou h app enin g r searc h ab e ve n t c alen dar le at s lic eok .c om
6-10 P.M. FRIDAY NOVEMBER 13 OPEN 11 A.M. - 4 P.M. TUES-SAT
122 E. MAIN ST. | NORMAN, OK WITH CORAZON WATKINS IN THE LIBRARY GALLERY MORE INFORMATION AT NORMANARTS.ORG SUPPORT FROM:
& BRECK TURKINGTON
OCTOBER 2015 // SLICE 109
Last Laugh
ILUVÜ, IHÅTÜ, IKEA MY RECENT VISIT TO THE MECCA of affordable furniture, IKEA, reminded me that there are two kinds of IKEA shoppers: me and The Others. Our universes have been predestined to collide in eight-hour shopping marathons that, frankly, have become unbearable. Despite my love-hate relationship with the megastore, I am at IKEA for one reason: I am woman on a furniture-shopping mission. I have a goal. I have needs. I have a list. You already know The Others. They have nowhere to go and all day to get there. Better yet, they have nowhere to go and all day to get there with their kids, who, without exception, have obviously been raised by wolves. Without the din of screaming children, it would be hard enough to concentrate on the Swedish names of the items I covet. The Swedes are unusually promiscuous with the umlaut, but the consonants-tovowel ratios in IKEA product names are ridiculous: Falkhöjden. Yddingen. Älvsbyn. Strandkrypa. None of these items can be pronounced by humans without first channeling the Swedish chef from “The Muppet Show” – who I’m sure is now gainfully employed upstairs, cooking meatballs in the IKEA cafeteria. Hell was closed, so I ended up at IKEA on a Saturday, just in time for the början av nya skolåret (back-to-school shopping). A jungle gym in the entry reminded me I’d need a shopping cart equipped with BenHur spikes if I hoped to keep a tactical distance between The Others and me. There were literal miles of concrete between me and my goal – the cash register – all through a sea of humanity that mingled and meandered before me, beside me, behind me and on top of me. The entryway jungle gym also doubled as the dropping-off point for decorum and civility, it seemed. From that starting point, it was every shopper for herself. Running children would not be bridled by attentive parents. If someone wanted a closer look at the item you might be inspecting, a heedless arm would swiftly push itself between you and the object for a close-up gänder. Before the staff reached their saturation point with pushy customers, they were sometimes helpful and remarkably fluent in IKE-ish. “Are these the last of the Kvitteras?” I’d ask. “Actually, there are a few more over there, next to the Grönsaksbullar,” they’d chirp in response. 110 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
By Lauren Hammack Four hours in and only halfway through my Båtaan Dæth Marjtch, I noticed the staff was becoming surlier by the minute, no doubt grøwing impatient as The Screaming Young Øthers were hopping on beds and swinging from the Tjusigs to the Hejnes while The Parent-like Øthers ambled about in complete öblivjion. Asking for assistance this late in the game was probably ill-advised, but I did it anyway. “Could I ask you a few questions about the Börja Smågli?” I’d say, with my best Swedish Chef inflection. “Nej!” the associate snapped. “I’m too busy!” Six hours in, I had barely rounded the three-fourths marker indicated on the store map. Veins in my calves and forehead bulged. My only defense was to drape myself over my cart and drag myself along with the Gullklocka Fjådrars I’d amassed. Fatigue had dulled my reaction time; there may or may not have been a few children caught under the wheels of my lumbering cart. All bets were off. Exhausted to the point of plummeting blood sugar, I consumed my compulsory Kyckling Köttbullars in the cafeteria and planned my attack for the warehouse, where I would put my T-rex arms to the ultimate test of upper body development by schlepping my own massive boxes onto an oversized cart with a penchant for left turns. There may or may not have been a few children caught under the wheels of my new, wayward cart. It had a mind of its own. Out of nowhere, the announcement came: it was only 15 minutes until closing time. Panic set in as I realized I’d have to ask the ståff to point out locations of all-consonant worded items. By now, the employees had mörphed into the angry elves from A Christmas Story, manhandling customers hastily to the exits. I was swiftly dealt with and processed to the checkout line, which wrapped around several aisles of the warehouse. A nearby sign read, “From here, it is 1.25 hours to the exit (where you’ll have to load your own car).” Amazingly, I mustered the wherewithal to spend the next hour in line, trampling The Others and their offspring to reach a well-stocked inventory of “last chance” impulse items that separated the lanes. There may or may not have been a few children caught under the wheels of my overloaded car as I cursed the IKEA experience on my way out of the parking lot. It was dark.
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Last Look
Other Realms Photo by Alex Fitch
Even everyday surroundings have a tendency to feel a bit hauntingly unfamiliar this time of year, but that gives the intrepid more opportunities to explore â&#x20AC;Ś if you dare. Happy Halloween!
112 SLICE // OCTOBER 2015
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