FOOD
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Food & Drink Issue
Welcome, fall! As the leaves begin to change and the temperatures cool, our cravings shift toward comforting flavors that warm both body and soul. October is one of our most delectable issues of the year, and this month we’re celebrating the food and drink that makes our city such a delight for the senses.
For me, the smells of fall bring back memories of sitting in my mom’s kitchen. The aroma of cinnamon, baked apples, pumpkin pies, and hearty soups fills me with nostalgia. My family’s favorite tradition was gathering around the table for a big pot of homemade chili on chilly evenings, the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out.
There’s an art to creating a dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also stirs memories of home. Food has a unique way of connecting us to our past while bringing us together in the present. Whether you’re enjoying a meal out with friends or hosting a cozy dinner at home, these shared moments are what make life flavorful.
Here’s to savoring every bite this fall,
JIMMY DARDEN, PUBLISHER @CITYLIFESTYLE_OKC
October 2025 Visit our Instagram
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Quail Creek Bank Promotions - Tyler Stroud
Tyler Stroud joined Quail Creek Bank in 2011, moving to the mortgage division in 2015. Guided by mentor Mike Thagard, he advanced through roles from loan officer to his new position as Senior Vice President. Stroud holds a business degree from Southern Nazarene University and recently graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Colorado Boulder. He and his wife enjoy sports, travel, and family time with their son and two dogs.
Quail Creek Bank PromotionsElisabeth Acosta
Elisabeth Acosta has been promoted to Vice President at Quail Creek Bank, where she began her career in 2006. She has expertise in operations, marketing, HR, and most recently led the teller team while mastering the wires department. A UCO graduate in Organizational Leadership, she also completed OBA Operations School, Leadership Edmond, and QCB’s Mentorship Program. Acosta values mentorship, community service, and enjoys concerts, pool days, and family time with her husband, child, and pets.
Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas Returns
Oklahoma City welcomes Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas this November at Remington Park with a brand-new Alpine Adventure theme. Guests can enjoy 90,000 sq. ft. of immersive lights, snow slides, ice skating, Santa visits, holiday treats, live music, and festive programming for all ages. Tickets go on sale September 9; early access and group packages are available now. More info: ClassicChristmas.com.
for the way we live today
For over 35 years, Brent Gibson Classic Home Design has been the premier residential custom home designer for Edmond, Oklahoma City and throughout the state, setting high standards of excellence in home design.
OKC Comets Fall Festival & Fright Nights
This October, Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark hosts two exciting fall experiences. Families can enjoy the Comets Fall Festival (Oct. 18–19 & 26–27) with seasonal games, crafts, a hay bale maze, and meet-and-greets with costumed mascots. After dark, brave the Fright Nights at the Field: Curse of the Comet (Oct. 16–19, 23–26 & 29–31), a haunted walking tour for teens and adults. Tickets and details: okccomets.com
Oklahoma City Philharmonic: Vive la Phil! Maestro’s Ball
The Oklahoma City Philharmonic’s largest annual fundraiser, Maestro’s Ball, returns Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club with the whimsical “Vive la Phil!” theme. Guests are invited to enjoy performances, immersive artistry, and playful elegance—all in support of music education programs reaching thousands of Oklahoma students. This year honors Patrick and Linda Alexander for their decades of dedication. Tickets: okcphil.org/maestrosball .
THE SEASON’S BEST SANDWICHES
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Stacked forFall
There’s something deeply satisfying about a well-made sandwich—especially when it comes together with minimal effort but delivers big on flavor. As the season changes and appetites grow heartier, fall is the perfect time to get creative with ingredients tucked between slices of crusty bread or buttery rolls. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your lunch routine, enjoy comforting flavors and bold textures, or impress guests with a no-fuss meal, these easy-tomake sandwiches strike the perfect balance between simple and sensational.
Roasted Tomato & Mozzarella Caprese French Bread
INGREDIENTS
• French bread loaf, halved lengthwise
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tsp thyme or rosemary
• Salt, pepper, chili flakes (optional)
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1 cup arugula
• 2–4 tbsp pesto (thinned with olive oil)
• Balsamic glaze
• Optional: 4 slices prosciutto
• Fresh basil
INSTRUCTIONS
Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Roast at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until soft and caramelized. Brush bread with olive oil. Toast in the oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until crisp. Layer mozzarella slices on the toasted bread. Add fresh basil. Return to the oven for 3–5 minutes, just until melted. Optional: Top with roasted tomatoes, arugula, and prosciutto (if using). Drizzle with pesto and balsamic glaze.
Honey Glazed Pear & Chicken Sandwich
INGREDIENTS
• 3 oz goat cheese
• Fresh arugula
• ¼ cup caramelized onions
• 1 pear, thinly sliced
• Honey, to taste
• Butter for toasting the bread
• Rotisserie chicken breast thinly sliced
• Sourdough bread, buttered (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Spread goat cheese on one side of the bread. Top the cheese with arugula, caramelized onions, sliced pears and chicken breast. Drizzle with honey. Top with remaining slice of sourdough bread. Use a griddle or panini press to heat the sandwich.
INGREDIENTS
• 2 slices crusty bread (sourdough, ciabatta, French bread)
• 6 oz roast beef
• 2 slices provolone cheese
• 2 tbsp butter (for toasting)
• 2 ½ tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp horseradish sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Arugula
• Cherry tomato
• Caramelized onions
INSTRUCTIONS
Toast the bread. Butter one side of each slice and toast in a skillet until golden. Heat roast beef briefly in a pan. To make the spread, mix mayo, horseradish sauce, and Dijon. Spread on the toasted bread. Layer roast beef, cheese, and broil briefly to melt. Add arugula, tomato, and caramelized onions if using. Top with the second slice of bread.
Savory Roast Beef with Horseradish Cream
Sweet & Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich
INGREDIENTS
• 1 grilled chicken breast
• 2 slices pepper jack cheese
• 2 slices cooked bacon
• 1 tbsp fruit jam (fig, raspberry, or jalapeño recommended)
• A handful of fresh arugula
• 3–4 cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 tbsp garlic aioli
• 1 brioche bun (toasted)
INSTRUCTIONS
Lightly butter the inside of the bun and toast in a skillet or oven until golden brown. Spread a layer of garlic aioli on the bottom bun. Add the sliced grilled chicken breast. Place the pepper jack cheese over the hot chicken to slightly melt it. Layer on the crispy bacon slices. Add halved cherry tomatoes and a small handful of arugula. Spread the jam on the top bun. Enjoy!
crowd pleasing
comfort foods
Fall entertaining has never been easier than with these deliciously simple recipes.
ARTICLE BY LAUREN LANE & AMANDA STOUT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES PHOTOGRAPHY
Whether you plan to host family for holiday festivities or come together for a Friendsgiving you’ll need plenty of options to feed a crowd. Lauren Lane knows how to make everyone feel cared for and cozy. As a distinguished culinary influencer recently showcased on a Netflix cooking competition, Lauren has cemented her status as a prominent figure in the world of food and entertainment. We hope her recipes inspire you to slow down and gather around the table to feed the dreams of those you love. For tips on these comfort foods and more fall inspiration, visit Lauren-Lane.com
INGREDIENTS
• 1 small white onion, peeled and diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
• 2 medium carrots, chopped in rounds
• 2 ribs celery, sliced in half moons
• 1 large (about 1 pound) sweet potato, peeled and chopped in large chunks
• 1 tablespoon Herbes de Provence
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon, chicken flavor
• 1 cup uncooked wild rice
• 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced
• 2 large handfuls of kale, roughly chopped with thick stems removed
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Fall Vegetable, Kale & Rice Soup
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil over medium-high heat in a large stock pot. Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add in the chicken stock, carrots, celery, sweet potato, Herbes de Provence, bay leaf and Better than Bouillon. Stir to combine.
3. Add rice and bring to a simmer. Then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally.
4. Add kale and mushrooms and stir gently until combined. Cook for 3-5 minutes.
5. Taste and add more salt and pepper as needed.
DRESSING
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
SALAD
• 1 small head of butter lettuce, torn into pieces
• 1 small head radicchio, core removed and torn into pieces
• 1/2 lb. Brussels sprouts, trimmed and very thinly sliced
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and finely crumbled
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
• 2-3 ounces of goat cheese (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt and black pepper and whisk to combine. Taste, add more salt and pepper as desired.
2. Add Brussels sprouts to a bowl and toss with a small amount of the dressing.
3. Arrange lettuces, Brussels sprouts, apples and shallots on a platter.
4. Top with bacon, nuts and goat cheese if using.
5. Drizzle with additional salad dressing, to taste.
Fall Radicchio Brussels Sprouts Bacon Salad
Parmesan Bread
Bites with Thyme Honey
INGREDIENTS
• 1 refrigerated pizza dough (store-bought or homemade pizza dough)
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (heaping)
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan (use good quality Parmesan)
• Honey and a few sprigs of thyme for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. Divide dough into 4 pieces.
3. Roll each piece of dough into a long rope shape. You’ll want it to be about 1 inch thick all the way around.
4. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into 1-inch pieces.
5. Melt butter and add salt. Brush the tops of the bites with the butter mixture.
6. Dip the top of each piece of dough into Parmesan.
7. Bake for 15 minutes. They will be very lightly golden. Do not overbake or they will become hard.
8. Serve sprinkled with thyme leaves and honey. Garnish with sprigs of thyme.
Jimmy turned a magazine into community.
City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?
OKC City Lifestyle
Published by Jimmy Loved by OKC
FEAST YOUR WAY TO WINTER
Fall’s best cookbooks for perfect cold season prep
Crisper air and shorter days call for cozy nights, whipping up a homemade meal in soft slippers and your favorite robe. Staying home on a Friday night in the fall doesn’t mean you’re giving up — quite the opposite! Think of it as carb loading before the championship game or a prep session before that major test. You’re practicing your winter hibernation skills, stretching those lounging muscles, and getting ready to win winter. And consider this roundup of cookbooks as your personal trainer. If you can make a hearty, succulent roast with confidence and ease as the leaves fall outside, imagine what you can do when it’s 20 degrees and snowing. Now, go get ’em!
ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER
Pizza Night:
Deliciously
Doable Recipes for Pizza and Salad
When you hear “Pizza Night”, a picture appears of the entire family gathered ’round with good food and lots of laughs (with popcorn and a movie to wrap up the occasion, naturally). This collection of yum contains 52 seasonal pizza varieties, each with unique salad pairings. It’s like pizza night on overdrive. Now, when you plan the family’s favorite end-of-the-week event, you’ll have this in your arsenal.
Mastering Bread:
The Art and Practice of Handmade Sourdough, Yeast Bread, and Pastry
We know you want to turn and run in the opposite direction after reading this title, but don’t be afraid! Take a glance at the reviews, and you’ll see words like easy, lovely, informative, inspiring, and our favorite, “great for beginner bread makers!” No equipment is required, just basic ingredients and a can-do attitude. It’s also a nice little piece of décor for your kitchen countertop.
The Modern Hippie Table: Recipes and Menus for Eating Simply and Living Beautifully
You’ll find more than 70 recipes in this gorgeous compilation. Author/lifestyle blogger Lauren Thomas wants her readers to slow down and create a whole mood around their food, one that is beautiful, inviting, and… delicious. Her recipes are achievable for the novice and experienced chef and come with tips on tablescaping, cocktail mixing, and more. So, double knot that apron because you’re going to learn some stuff and eat very, very well.
Health Nut: A Feel-Good Cookbook
You may see Health Nut and say to yourself, ‘Booooring!’ but healthy food doesn’t have to be tasteless food. Flip through the vibrant pages of this trusty sidekick, and you’ll find good-for-you dishes with flavorful combinations the whole family will love. With practical instructions and helpful tips, it’s almost as if the author peeked into your pantry and built her recipes around ingredients you already have.
smart SWEETS
The beginning of the year is packed with inspiration and motivation to get back on track after a sweet-filled holiday season. It can feel extreme, and it also can be depleting to cut oneself off from everything indulgent after weeks of eating favorite sweet and savory recipes. For sugar lovers who believe going cold-turkey feels intimidating or overwhelming, nutrition-packed desserts are a great way to stick to healthy food goals without the guilt.
Nutrient-Rich Dessert To The Rescue
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
Quinoa BREAKFAST Bars
This recipe is a classic favorite. If you cut the bars into 16 pieces, they are around 270 calories each. They are very filling, packed with healthy goodies and taste, oh so delicious. If you can’t finish them yourself (it makes a lot!), bring samples along to your next workout class to share the love. Your accountability group will be asking you for the recipe! These come in handy for a quick breakfast on-the-go or an afternoon snack. You’ll want to taste these out of the oven once they cool a bit... simply scrumptious.
Combine:
• 1 cup wheat flour
• 2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
• 2 cups oats
• 2/3 cup of your choice of chopped nuts
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 2/3 cup raisins
• Optional: chocolate chips as desired
• Optional: add additional seeds or nuts on hand such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.
Notes: Boil quinoa at a 2:1 water to rice ratio. For estimating, 1/3 cup of uncooked quinoa yields 1 cup cooked quinoa.
Add this mixture slowly to combine:
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup peanut butter, almond butter or sunflower butter
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 banana
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes, or until when the edges get golden brown. Bake in a 9x13-inch glass dish. After they cool, slice and enjoy. Keep them covered to maintain freshness.
Frozen PEANUT BUTTER Bites
Danger ahead: this snack is amazing. It’s the easiest of the bunch and also satisfies a sweet tooth craving. This can be whipped together in just 5 minutes and makes just a small amount. Feel free to take creative liberty here with your amounts, but if you make it to this recipe, they are around 90 calories per bite.
1. Cut a banana into 8-10 small slices, around 1/2 inch each.
2. Spread 1/2 tablespoon of peanut butter (or your choice of nut butter) on each banana slice.
3. Drizzle a small amount of melted chocolate chips or caramel over each bite.
4. Freeze for 15-20 minutes and enjoy!
Pro tip: A dash of sea salt flakes on top of these can be *chef’s kiss.*
These are great to keep on hand in the freezer all weeklong. Once they set, add them to a closed container to keep the bananas from browning.
Late night snack cravings are real! When finding yourself rooting through the cabinets for a sweet fix, these protein cookie dough bites are a great way to curb temptation. This recipe yields around 20 small bites, which can be cut into small squares or rolled into dough balls. Each bite is around 105 calories. If you find the dough is a little too dry, add a dash of milk as needed.
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (or alternate nut or sunflower butter)
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Chocolate chips as desired
Pro tip: Use mini chocolate chips and for a dash of savory add sea salt flakes on top. Once combined, store the bites in the refrigerator in a covered container to keep them moist.
Protein COOKIE DOUGH Bites
