December 2015 (Vol. 29, No. 12)

GET TO STEPPIN’

DRYSDALES HAS HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST.

W H E R E T O D I N E | W H AT T O D O | W H E R E T O F I N D I T | W H E N I T ’ S H A P P E N I N G

DECEMBER 2015

ANTES AND ACTION

TASTIEST TREATS

RIVER SPIRIT CASINO

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST CAKES, PIES, DESSERTS AND COOKIES

DELIVERS IN SPADES

BEAUTY AND THE

BEAST

Tip Time

ELABORATE COSTUMES, FANTASTIC ACTING AND THAT FAMOUS DISNEY MAGIC

Your

WHICH AREA HOOPS TEAMS WILL JOIN THE MADNESS IN MARCH?

No-Stress Holiday Guide

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ADVICE FOR ALL YOUR YULETIDE HONEYDOS, SMART GIFT IDEAS, SEASONAL LIBATIONS AND HOW TO DRESS TO IMPRESS DURING THE MOST HECTIC TIME OF THE YEAR

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Bonnie & Thomas L.

someone to listen.

When Thomas was hospitalized five times for 11 surgeries in one year, he and his wife, Bonnie, were grateful for Hillcrest’s Senior Care program. Dedicated to helping patients and their loved ones, the Senior Care team was like family. If the couple had questions or just needed someone to listen, Senior Care was there. Rarely leaving her husband’s side, Bonnie says she couldn’t have gotten through it without them. To Thomas and Bonnie, Senior Care was a comfort, blessing and sympathetic ear.

To learn more about their life-changing experience with Senior Care at Hillcrest Medical Center and Hillcrest South, visit Hillcrest.com or call 918-579-8040.

Hillcrest.com | 918.579.8040 “Like” us on Facebook.

A

s the mayor of this beautiful city and as a native Tulsan, I invite you to enjoy my hometown. Whether you’re just visiting or you already live here, there’s something for everyone.

VOL. 29, NO. 12 PREVIEWGREENCOUNTRY.COM

For over 29 years, Preview magazine has been offering Tulsans and/or its visitors this comprehensive guide about everything from area restaurants to local attractions, events, tourist destinations, lifestyles, lodging and one-of-a-kind extraordinary shopping venues.

For over 29 years, Preview magazine has been the best resource for discovering Tulsa, Green Country and locating the perfect place to eat, visit, shop and be entertained, whether you are here on business or just enjoying a few days away from the grind. Located in the heart of Oklahoma, Tulsa is a year-round destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, scenic views, hikes and adventure. The rich history of Tulsa and its surrounding areas is reflected in the diversity of its museums, landmarks, history, wildlife, attractions, fine dining and friendly locals. In Tulsa, situated on the Arkansas River at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, enjoy a performance or sporting event at the BOK Center, fish in one of the area’s many lakes, check out the sharks in the state’s only freestanding aquarium, explore any of the lush parks or break out the clubs and tackle any of the 16 public golf courses. Considered by many to be the cultural and arts center of Oklahoma, Tulsa offers full-time professional opera and ballet companies and one of the nation’s largest concentrations of art deco architecture. Regardless of your personal tastes or budget, Tulsa offers a down-home, yet cultured experience for all ages.

No matter where you turn, Tulsa offers great restaurants—everything from barbecue to sushi—tons of unique shopping venues, world-class museums, and entertainment options that are second to none.

Tulsa is well known for its art, music and culture. It is home to world-class ballet and opera, as well as the Gilcrease and Philbrook museums, where displays of Western art and Italian Renaissance will capture your heart and imagination.

Downtown Tulsa is home to one of the finest collections of art deco architecture in the country, ranking with cities such as Miami and Chicago. Our iconic beacon, the BOK Center, is a major catalyst for drawing visitors and Tulsans alike for concerts, sporting events and more. ONEOK Field, home of our city’s baseball team—the Tulsa Drillers—has proven to be one of the major players in the revitalization of downtown along with the Philbrook Downtown and the Woody Guthrie Center. These new developments mesh well with already established entertainment venues such as Cain’s Ballroom, Brady Theater and the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.

If you’re looking for outdoor activities, Tulsa offers plenty of exciting opportunities for outdoor fun and recreation. Take a stroll down the scenic paths winding along the Arkansas River and take in the beauty of our famed River Parks. If you’re looking for more of a wild time, then head over to “America’s Favorite Zoo” and tour the Tulsa Zoo, our city-owned gem that’s located at Mohawk Park. It’s truly a great experience for the whole family.

I am pleased that you have chosen to call Tulsa your home, or if you’re just visiting, we sure hope you enjoy your stay in our beautiful city. You can always find out more about Tulsa by visiting our website: www.

CityOfTulsa.org.

EDITOR: Chris Greer

chrisg@previewgreencountry.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Sally Roper

sally@previewgreencountry.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: C hris Greer, Michele Chiappetta, Maria Weller, Richard Linihan, Rachel Wright, Julie Werner, Donna Leahey, Tiffany Duncan, Ryann Gordon, Greg Maus, Sarah Herrera, TravelOK.com, David Jeffries, Greg Prato, Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Mark Deming, Steve Leggett, James Manheim

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Bill Roper, Kelli Greer, Matthew Murphy, Michael Ervin, Kenneth Jones, Hawks Photography

FIELD OPERATIONS MANAGER: Stephen Hurt stephen@previewgreencountry.com ROUTE SALES AND DISTRIBUTION: Garrett Rinner, Rachel Blanchard, Cory Blanchard

FORETODAY MEDIA GROUP PUBLISHER: Robert and Amy Rinner robert@previewgreencountry.com

SENIOR CONSULTANT: Randy Dietzel

LOCAL ADVERTISING AND BUSINESS INQUIRIES: 918.745.1190 Copyright 2015 by Preview magazine. All rights reserved. Preview magazine is published 12 times a year.

Reproduction without permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Preview magazine’s right to edit. While Preview magazine makes every reasonable effort to provide accurate and errorless information, it can’t be responsible for the consequences of any erratum or inadvertence.

Preview magazine is proudly displayed in the rooms, lobbies and/or front desks of over 100 hotels and motels in the Tulsa and surrounding Green Country communities. Copies are also available at Oklahoma travel information centers, Tulsa International Airport visitor displays, convention packets, Expo Square, 18 Reasor’s, office complexes, hospitals, 68 area QuikTrip locations, Walgreens, 15 CVS Pharmacies, Kum & Go, Panera, Starbucks, Cancer Treatment Centers of America and over 200 restaurants.

FIND US AT THESE PARTICIPATING PARTNERS: In over 100 area Hotels and Motels

Sincerely,

PRODUCED BY

Dewey F. Bartlett, Jr. Mayor of Tulsa Your One-Stop Design Shop!

CreativePixel.solutions | 918.280.9127 | sally@creativepixel.solutions LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: FACEBOOK.COM/PREVIEWTULSA READ US ONLINE: WWW.ISSUU.COM/PREVIEWMAGAZINETULSA FOLLOW US ONLINE: @PREVIEWTULSA

4 December 2015

Mailing Address 10026-A S. Mingo, Suite 322 Tulsa, OK 74133 918.745.1190 info@previewgreencountry.com

Trending Delicious We’re tapped into what’s trending and delicious, giving you a first-hand look at where to go, what to eat, and how to map out your culinary adventures.

Green Country has a vastly-underestimated restaurant and bar scene. A delicious reference and onestop guide to dining out, our Pick Your Palate section on our website provides trusted mini-overviews of restaurants, cafes and bars. With so many choices in the area, let us help you discover buzzed-about spots, great places to imbibe and where to get a stunningly good meal.

Visit PreviewGreenCountry.com to find your next dining destination.

CONTENTS//

December 2015

FEATURES Bah! Humbug! | 20

Scrooge and a local cast of nearly 50 bring A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens’ holiday tale of redemption, to life for a 39th year.

90

house, we offer tried-and-true ways to capture that warm, fuzzy feeling while keeping most of your sanity intact.

Be Our Guest | 24

Tulsa native Stephanie Harter Gilmore returns to town as part of the national touring production of Beauty and the Beast that features well-known musical numbers, elaborate costumes, fantastic acting and that famous Disney magic.

30

Creative Designs | 26 Whether you’d like to take some quick classes or simply see your designs come to life around your house, Oklahoma’s premier glass studio can help develop that creative spark you didn’t know existed.

Party Perfect | 30

With the holidays fast approaching, your calendar is likely filling up with invitations, all containing those coded party terms: “cocktail,” “semi-formal” and “dress casual.”

But what does it mean?

Holiday Helper | 34

The holidays … a time for family, friends and plenty of opportunities for things to not turn out quite right.

No worries. From killing time, to hosting, to just getting out of the

38 Sip Tips | 38

Six saucy holiday drinks to get you in the spirit and the bars that mix them.

Center of the Action | 42

All under one roof, Incredible Pizza houses a roller coaster, bumper cars, mini bowling, games, trampolines, laser tag and go-kart racing — not to mention great options for lunch and dinner.

Antes and Action | 52 Who needs the Vegas scene with River Spirit Casino in our own

Train Kept a Rollin’ | 64

Bundle up in pajamas, robe and slippers to take your family on a magical adventure to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus and his elves via the Polar Express.

Tip Time | 66

The Sooners may be the class of the state with a Top 10 preseason ranking, but don’t sleep on Tulsa, OSU or ORU — all of which could all be joining the madness by March with some luck and big buckets.

Sweet! | 70

What could possibly be more subjective than a list of best desserts? After all, sweet tooths are like fingerprints in that no two peoples’ are alike. So here are our 16 tastiest bakeries and desserts in town.

ON THE COVER

Mediterranean Delights | 78

There’s a lot of pressure to make the Christmas season perfect and to cram it full of events, fun, shopping and parties. Life is simply busier and more expensive during the holiday season.

So we’ve tried to help by providing ideas on how to maximize your time and cut down the headaches. From party dress code protocols to where to find unique gifts that are certain to appeal to that special someone’s oneof-a-kind style and interests, we’ve got you covered this month. Cover photo by Hawks Photography.

6 December 2015

backyard? With a wide variety of gaming options, promotions, grub, nightlife and Jimmy Buffett-style paradise, this Arkansas River fixture is delivering in spades.

La Roma is a scrappy little pizzeria where the food is incredibly tasty,

24 the two ladies who run it make you feel welcome, and everyone from the staff to the other customers know your name.

Flavors to Savor | 82

Whether it’s margaritas or a Mambo Taxi while relaxing on the streetfacing patio or one of the incredible Tex-Mex brisket, steak or chicken dishes, Mi Cocina provides a trendy infusion of tastes on Cherry Street.

Far East Flavor | 86

With seemingly endless options of traditional Asian entrees to try, pick up your chopsticks, tuck in your napkin and enjoy heaven-approved hand rolls that don’t stick strictly to the status quo when it comes to mainstream sushi spots.

Bling in the New Year | 90

Designing personalized, handstamped jewelry pieces backed by strong vision and purpose, The Vintage Pearl is a wonderfully unique Tulsa business offering everything from customizable bracelets, rings and necklaces to cufflinks, leather journals and money clips.

DEPARTMENTS $91.80 in 48 Challenge | 8 Happenings | 10 Downtown Locator | 47 Tulsa Locator | 48 Spree | 58 L-R: Lily Van Kirk & Cassandra Tan

Green Country Scene | 64 Sports Central | 66 Get to Know | 90 Showtime | 92 Sneak Peek | 94

Fine dining … at an affordable price!

Open For Lunch And Dinner At Two Locations To Serve You Better!

Open On Event Nights At The BOK Center 6024-A S. Sheridan • South Tulsa

219 S. Cheyenne • Downtown

918.499.1919

918.592.5151

Gourmet Quality Food with Friendly Service!

POLO GRILL

A Tradition of Excellence for Three Decades!

918.296.9889 | bluestonesteakhouse.com 10032 South Sheridan Road, Suite J

NEW HOURS: Mon-Thurs 4pm-9pm; Fri-Sat 3pm-10pm Sunday Brunch 10am-2pm; Sunday Dinner 2pm-9pm

Live music 6 nights a week!

Award Winning Chef Robert Merrifield

STEAK • SEAFOOD • LOBSTER

918.744.4280 www.pologrill.com 2038 Utica Square \ Tulsa, OK 74114 PreviewGreenCountry.com 7

$91.80 //

IN 48

CHALLENGE

So providing an envelope of cash and telling people to spend it in 48 hours isn’t exactly a challenge, but it makes this assignment sound a lot more interesting.

The mission posed to Tonya Johnson was to spend $91.80 (we used the local area code for the amount) in two days. And if they could find fun and free activities … bonus.

THE ONLY CATCH WAS THAT THEY HAD TO SPEND IT AT PLACES, EVENTS OR SHOPS PROFILED IN THE NOVEMBER ISSUE OF PREVIEW.

My first stop on Friday the 13th was Rumble at the River XIV at the River Spirit Event Center.

There were 10 fights on the card and I must say, all the fights were awesome. The first three fights ended in under a minute in the first rounds; all

by Tulsa-area fighters. Yay, Tulsa.

Stop #1

Cost: $35

Cost: $21.73

Stop #2

On Saturday, I stopped at Miss McGillicutty’s Antiques in Jenks. I $10.03 purchased a decorative wall sign. This store is a never-ending wonder place. I went from room to room unsure of what I was looking for. It was a good thing my daughter assisted me or I would have been in there all day.

Cost:

Stop #4

Stop #3 Cost:

With shopping in my blood, I headed over $10.80 to Brookside to check out Ida Red. I found a game of jacks and was sold.

As Preview stated in an article they wrote on this fun store, it truly was a “browser’s paradise.”

Think you can blow our cash in interesting ways? Like us on Facebook and drop a message with some of your ideas. We might just lace your pockets with green and turn you loose.

8 December 2015

Getting hungry, I headed north on Peoria to Zanmai. I ordered the Warrior 4 lunch special, which gives you the choice of four rolls from two sushi categories, a cup of soup and a salad. Our sushi chef, Paul, was awesome and the meal was terrific.

Cost: $14.24

Stop #5

For my last stop, I headed over to Baskin-Robbins for some dessert. I purchased a banana split with two scoops and extra toppings.

JUMBO LUMP CRAB MEAT TOSSED IN REMOULADE SAUCE, AVOCADO & FRESH MANGO.

A Dining Experience You Don’t Want To Miss!

918-518-6300 120 Aquarium Dr. Jenks, OK 74037

www.waterfrontgrilljenks.com PreviewGreenCountry.com 9

december happenings //

DEC

10-13 DEC

15-19 DEC

11-13 DEC

20 DEC

Cain’s Ballroom (Tulsa)

Transferring the reflective style of rappers like Drake to the genre of gangsta rap, Louisiana-based MC Kevin Gates spent five-plus years on the mixtape circuit before climbing into the top 40 of the Billboard 200 album chart with his 2013 release, Stranger Than Fiction.

Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Gates made his mixtape debut in 2007 with Pick of da Litter. Mixtapes with titles like All In and I Don’t Know What to Call It, Vol. 1 appeared over the next few years, but in 2013 he dropped the popular The Luca Brasi Story mixtape, and things changed, quickly.

After appearing on high-profile mixtapes from Pusha T and Gudda Gudda, Gates signed a contract with the major label Atlantic. He completed his contract with the indie imprint Breadwinners Association by releasing Stranger Than Fiction that same year. The album featured guest spots from Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J and Starlito and debuted at No. 37 on the Billboard 200 chart.

In 2015, his debut album Islah was released.

10 December 2015

ROBERT EARL KEEN

THE NUTCRACKER

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

JASON BONHAM

TOBYMAC

LYLE LOVETT DEC

29 DEC

31-2

DEC

JAN

DEC

DEC

KEVIN GATES

DEC

18-20

18-20

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22-23

01-31 DEC

TULSA SHOOT-OUT

09

DEC

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY

06

DEC

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

04

PHILBROOK FESTIVAL OF TREES Philbrook Museum (Tulsa)

An annual holiday tradition in Tulsa, the Philbrook Festival of Trees is four weeks of celebration of the season at the Philbrook Museum of Art. During this time, you’ll see the museum decked out in festive Christmas decorations and find beautiful pieces of artwork for sale that have been inspired by the charm of the winter season.

Each Thursday night through December, the museum stays open late for Thursday Night Lights. During the Festival of Trees, gorgeous gingerbread houses made by schools, non profits and churches are on display showing the personality behind each organization. Special Festival of Trees events include the Children’s pARTy, where children can make art projects and enjoy a photo op with Santa, complete with milk and cookies.

// december happenings

01-17 DEC

01-31 DEC

CASTLE CHRISTMAS

Castle of Muskogee (Muskogee)

Experience one of the world’s largest collections of holiday inflatables. Take a drive through the kingdom’s winter wonderland and enjoy over 2,000 displays in various holiday scenes ranging from 4 to 20 feet in height. Bring the whole family and hop on an old-fashioned, tractor-drawn hayride or snuggle up with someone special on a horse-drawn carriage ride throughout the Christmas village. Castle Christmas will also feature a petting zoo for the children and a special visit from Santa and Rudolph. Visit the holiday gift shop and create a festive ornament with Santa’s elves or enjoy a free holiday movie shown at the Castle. This event is free.

JAN

DEC

DEC

JAN

WINTERFEST Downtown Tulsa

Downtown Tulsa is transformed into a festive wonderland during Winterfest, an annual holiday tradition. Bring friends and family together for holiday festivities and share the joyful spirit of the season. Experience the thrill of outdoor ice skating, see Oklahoma’s tallest outdoor Christmas tree, take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, listen to live entertainment and browse beautiful holiday light displays.

Surrounded by festive nutcrackers, twinkling lights and a 44-foot tree decked out with 35,700 lights, the outdoor ice rink is located adjacent to the BOK Center in downtown Tulsa. Head to Third & Denver to enjoy carriage rides that will take you throughout the Winterfest area. Free entertainment will be provided each Friday and Saturday at the ONEOK stage. Children and adults alike will also be treated to surprise visits from Segway Santa as he wheels his way around the main plaza at the BOK Center passing out candy canes and posing for pictures.

Winterfest visitors will also be treated to concessions with all your holiday favorites and a holiday market with unique Made-in-Oklahoma gifts.

Individual events include the Turkey Trot 5K, wiener dog races and the Jingle Bell Run & Walk. Festivities begin the day after Thanksgiving and run through the New Year.

Philbrook Museum (Tulsa)

Works by pop artist and influential printmaker Andy Warhol are the centerpiece of this exhibition, including portraits of Marilyn Monroe and other celebrities, the electric chair, camouflage patterning, flowers, sunsets and more.

Complementing Warhol’s work are prints by such notable contemporary artists as Richard Diebenkorn, Chuck Close, Edward Ruscha and Keith Haring.

02 01-17

IN LIVING COLOR EXHIBITION

KING DIAMOND Brady Theater (Tulsa)

Widely regarded as the finest vocalist in all of metal (who possesses a multi-octave range), theatrical rocker King Diamond first rose to prominence as a member of Mercyful Fate before launching a solo career. King Diamond was originally drawn to theatrically based hard rock due to such trailblazers as Alice Cooper, and soon began fronting local bands in the ‘70s, including a punk metal outfit called the Brats.

Shortly thereafter, the group mutated into Mercyful Fate. Diamond, by this time, had developed an interest in the occult, which reflected in the new group’s subject matter, as the frontman began wearing makeup (which resembled a cross between his hero Cooper and Kiss’ Gene Simmons).

After several demos made their way across Europe (and even reaching America via an underground tape-trading network among metalheads), Mercyful Fate issued a self-titled four-track EP before inking a recording contract. The quintet issued a pair of thrash metal classics, 1983’s Melissa and 1984’s Don’t Break the Oath, as Diamond’s lyrics created quite a stir at the time with outsiders. Despite a promising future, Mercyful Fate broke up when a common musical style couldn’t be agreed on (Diamond wanted to continue with thrash metal, while a few of the others wanted to explore more mainstream-oriented hard rock).

Undeterred, Diamond launched a solo project, which was almost identical in approach, both musically and visually, as his former band. King Diamond’s first three solo releases — 1986’s Fatal Portrait, 1987’s Abigail and 1988’s Them — are widely considered to be Diamond’s finest, as the singer continued to issue further releases until the early ‘90s.

PreviewGreenCountry.com 11

december happenings //

04 DEC

04-06 DEC

DEC

Tulsa Performing Arts Center

The timeless tale of a good-hearted kitchen maid who wins the heart of a prince is told through this G2K (Getting to Know) presentation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. The fairy tale classic comes to life with beautiful music in an awe-inspiring, enchanted Christmas setting. Performed by the students of Theatre Tulsa’s Broadway Bootcamp, the script has been condensed to better suit the younger set, and the plot is slightly altered to highlight important lessons.

It’s a holiday show the whole family can enjoy.

DEC

River Spirit Casino (Tulsa)

11-13

CINDERELLA

05-06

LYLE LOVETT

CARSON & BARNES CIRCUS Expo Square (Tulsa)

The Carson & Barnes Circus features two hours of fun, excitement and pageantry for children of all ages. See elephants, horses, ponies and dogs perform amazing tricks in the center ring. Be amazed and thrilled by extraordinary artists from around the world as they entertain with their deathdefying feats and exquisite artistry. This is the circus you remember from your childhood, and every seat is just feet from the action. The Midway opens one hour before showtime with a free petting zoo, plus elephant and camel rides.

Lyle Lovett was one of the most distinctive and original singer-songwriters to emerge during the ‘80s. Though he was initially labeled as a country singer, the tag never quite fit him. Lovett had more in common with ‘70s singer-songwriters like Guy Clark, Jesse Winchester, Randy Newman and Townes Van Zandt, combining a talent for incisive, witty lyrical detail with an eclectic array of music, ranging from country and folk to big-band swing and traditional pop.

Lovett’s literate, multi-layered songs stood out among the formulaic Nashville hit singles of the late-’80s as well as the new traditionalists who were beginning to take over country music.

Drawing from alternative country and rock fans, Lovett quickly built up a cult following which began to spill over into the mainstream with his second album, 1988’s Pontiac. Following Pontiac, his country audience declined, but his reputation as a songwriter and musician continued to grow, and he sustained a dedicated following throughout the ‘90s.

He didn’t begin his musical career until he began writing songs while he attended Texas A&M University in the late-’70s, where he studied journalism and German. While he was a student, he performed covers and original songs at local folk festivals and clubs. Lovett played clubs throughout Texas Lovett released his eponymous debut in 1986. Lyle Lovett received excellent reviews and five of its singles — “Farther Down the Line,” “Cowboy Man,” “God Will,” “Why I Don’t Know” and “Give Back My Heart” — reached the country top 40. Despite his strong showing on the country charts, it was clear from the outset that Lovett’s musical tastes didn’t rely on country, though the genre provided the foundation of his sound. Instead, he incorporated jazz, folk and pop into a country framework, pushing the musical boundaries of each genre.

Pontiac, his second album, revealed exactly how eclectic and literate Lovett was. Greeted with overwhelmingly positive reviews from both country and mainstream publications upon its 1987 release, Pontiac expanded his audience in the pop and rock markets. The album charted in the lower reaches of the pop charts and slowly worked its way toward gold status. While his pop audience grew, his country fan base began to shrink; “She’s No Lady” and “I Loved You Yesterday” both made the top 30, but after those two songs, none of his other singles cracked the country top 40.

To support Pontiac, he assembled his Large Band, which was a modified big band complete with guitars, a cellist, a pianist, horns and a gospel-trained backup singer named Francine Reed. Lovett recorded his third album, Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, with his touring band.

Like its two predecessors, the album was well-received critically upon its early 1989 release, and it performed well commercially, peaking at No. 62 and eventually going gold. Perhaps because of the album’s eclectic, jazzy sound, the album produced only one minor country hit in “I Married Her Just Because She Looks Like You,” but his straight rendition of Tammy Wynette’s “Stand by Your Man” received a great deal of attention in the media.

Lovett’s fourth album, Joshua Judges Ruth, was released in 1991. Boasting a heavy gospel and R&B influence, Joshua Judges Ruth was his most successful album to date, peaking at No. 57 and going gold. On the whole, the album was ignored by country radio, but pop audiences embraced the record, and Lovett became a staple on adult alternative radio and VH1. He didn’t release another album until the fall of 1994, when I Love Everybody hit the stores. A collection of songs Lovett wrote in the late-’70s and early-’80s, I Love Everybody continued his move away from country, and it was the first record he had released that didn’t expand his audience in some way.

The Road to Ensenada, the first album since Pontiac to be dominated by country songs, was released in 1996. In addition to performing well on the pop charts, where it entered at a career peak of No. 24, The Road to Ensenada performed strongly on the country charts, entering at No. 4.

12 December 2015

// december happenings

06 DEC

TOBYMAC BOK Center (Tulsa)

Toby McKeehan (or tobyMac, as he is professionally known) grew up in the northern Virginia suburbs in the shadow of Washington, D.C., where he fell in love with rap music. While attending Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., during the mid-‘80s, he met Michael Tait and Kevin Max Smith (aka Kevin Max), and the three friends formed the Grammy-winning, platinum-selling Christian pop group dc Talk, which mixed elements of CCM, grunge, and rap. When dc Talk ended in 1999, McKeehan began a solo career that was stylistically diverse and immensely successful as well.

The first tobyMac solo album, Momentum, was released in 2001. A mixture of urban rock and rap, it garnered five Dove Awards and a Grammy nomination, and spawned the remix album Re: Mix Momentum, which saw the light in 2003. Using pretty much the same blueprint, and even adding in a little dancehall reggae, McKeehan released Welcome to Diverse City in 2004. Released in 2007, Portable Sounds provided fans with another vibrant, genre-melding set of new material and entered the Billboard 200 at No. 10. Four of its singles, including the Kirk Franklin and Mandisa collaboration “Lose My Soul,” reached Billboard’s top Christian songs chart.

McKeehan’s roll continued the next decade. Tonight, released in 2010, debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and won a Dove Award for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year. In 2012, after Christmas in Diverse City and Dubbed and Freq’d: A Remix Project, he released his fifth proper studio album, Eye On It. Ever willing to explore different sounds, it incorporated EDM-style dubstep. The set debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 and won the 2013 Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album.

Reviving his album remix format, he issued the companion album Eye’m All Mixed Up: Remixes in 2014. McKeehan debuted new material while on his 2014 Worship, Stories, and Song Tour, and the single “Beyond Me” was released at the beginning of 2015. His sixth album, This Is Not a Test, followed later that August.

08 DEC

AUGUST BURNS RED Cain’s Ballroom (Tulsa)

08 DEC

RAGTIME

Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center

The lives of a family of upper-class WASPs, an African-American couple and some Eastern-European Jewish immigrants intersect as they try to make a success in America.

They look like clean-cut suburban children, but when August Burns Red plug in to play, they unleash a precise, powerfully emotional metalcore onslaught that has won them a loyal following among fans of adventurous hard rock.

The group recorded its first demo in 2004, when some of the members were still in high school; later that year, a local independent label, CI Records, released the group’s first EP, Looks Fragile After All. Steady touring and positive response to the EP led to the group being signed to noted Christian metal label Solid State Records, which released August Burns Red’s first full-length album, Thrill Seeker, in the fall of 2005. Thrill Seeker also marked the recording debut of vocalist Josh McManness.

McManness’ stay with August Burns Red proved to be short, and when their second album, Messengers, reached stores in June 2007, the group had yet another lead singer, Jake Luhrs; Messengers marked the first time that the full band collaborated on lyrics as well as music for the album’s 11 songs.

In 2011, August Burns Red released their fourth studio album, Leveler. A holidaythemed instrumental effort, Sleddin’ Hill: A Holiday Album, arrived in winter of 2012, followed by the ambitiously technical Rescue & Restore in 2013. Found In Far Away Places, the group’s seventh studio long-player, arrived in 2015 and featured a guest appearance by A Day To Remember vocalist Jeremy McKinnon.

Based on the novel of the same name by E.L. Doctorow, Ahren’s and Flaherty’s Ragtime is a compelling epic capturing the American experience at the turn of the 20th century. Tracking three diverse families in pursuit of the American dream in the volatile “melting pot” of turn-of-the-century New York, Ragtime confronts the dialectic contradictions inherent in American reality: experiences of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair.

Over the course of the show, the worlds of a wealthy white couple, a Jewish immigrant father and his motherless daughter, and an African-American ragtime musician intertwine. Together, they discover the surprising interconnections of the human heart, the limitations of justice and the unsettling consequences when dreams are permanently deferred. Featuring many of the historical figures that built and shaped turn-of-the-century America, including J.P. Morgan, Emma Goldman, Harry Houdini, Evelyn Nesbit and Henry Ford, this musical sweeps across the diversity of the American experience to create a stirring epic that captures the beats of the American experience: the marches, the cakewalks and of course, the ragtime.

PreviewGreenCountry.com 13

december happenings //

09 DEC

JASON BONHAM’S LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE

10-13 DEC

Brady Theater (Tulsa)

A lot of talented children have probably been asked by a parent to entertain family and friends, maybe in the living room, maybe sing a little, play an instrument. No big deal and a good way to get used to performing for others. But when Jason Bonham was a small child and got called in to entertain, the family friends he played his drums for could be anyone from Jimmy Page to some of the guys from the group Bad Company. That’s what happens when your father is drummer John Bonham, one of the original members of the legendary rock band Led Zeppelin.

At the age of 5, Jason could play the drums — at least a scaled-down set of them — with skill. When he was 17 he was a member of the band Air Race. The group signed a record contract with Atlantic, recorded one album, and opened for big names like Queen, Meat Loaf, Ted Nugent and AC/DC. John Bonham died in 1980, but Jason, who has marked a few places in music history himself, has stepped in from time to time to help keep his father’s memory alive. In 1988, Jason took his father’s spot in the televised, firstever Led Zeppelin reunion, which included Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones.

In 1995, when the members of Led Zeppelin were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Bonham, standing in his father’s place, once again performed with Jones, Page and Plant.

In between session gigs, Bonham put time and effort into another band of his own, the Jason Bonham Band. The band has toured nationwide, playing a lot of old Zeppelin numbers, along with new works.

11-13 DEC

18-20 DEC

15-19 DEC

21-23 DEC

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Tulsa Performing Arts Center

A Christmas Carol is a novella by Charles Dickens published in December 1843. The novella met with instant success and critical acclaim. A Christmas Carol tells the story of a bitter old miser named Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformation into a gentler, kindlier man after visitations by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come.

The book was written at a time when the British were examining and exploring Christmas traditions from the past as well as new customs such as Christmas cards and Christmas trees. Carol singing took a new lease on life during this time. Dickens’ sources for the tale appear to be many and varied, but are, principally, the humiliating experiences of his childhood, his sympathy for the poor, and various Christmas stories and fairy tales.

A Christmas Carol remains popular — having never been out of print — and has been adapted many times to film, stage, opera and other media.

THE NUTCRACKER Tulsa Performing Arts Center

Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Look no further than the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, where the Tulsa Ballet showcases their brilliant interpretation of the timeless classic, The Nutcracker. A perennial holiday favorite not to be missed, The Nutcracker transforms the venue into a winter wonderland with sprinkles of sparkling snowflakes, an army of mischievous mice, and the spirit of Christmas joys. Discover the story within the music performed by the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. There is something to love for each and every audience member: breathtaking choreography, dazzling sets and stunning costumes, and the beauty and athleticism of the cast of world-class dancers.

A young girl’s fantasy unfolds in this remarkable production that mixes the visuals of a Broadway show with the heartwarming story of a fairytale Christmas. A huge cast of more than 100 local children will join the professional company to help the larger-than-life Mouse King battle the Nutcracker Prince and his toy soldier brigade! Elements that premiered in 2012, including the brand-new opening party scene and the return of the beloved jovial Mother Ginger, can be expected.

11 DEC

TYLER FARR Cain’s Ballroom (Tulsa)

Country singer-songwriter Tyler Farr had an early exposure to country music, thanks in no small part to the fact that his father played lead guitar in country icon George Jones’ touring band, and he even accompanied his father for a summer on the road at the age of 16. The die was set, and when he was old enough, Farr moved to Nashville to try getting his own career going as an artist.

He took a job as a bouncer at the legendary Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, eventually convincing management to let him sing, and he continued to sing there four nights a week while still working security for several years. Farr’s break came when Rhett Akins took an interest in Farr’s songs and singing. A four-song digital EP, Camouflage, was released in 2010, with a pair of singles, “Hot Mess” and “Hello Goodbye,” following in 2012, and another, “Redneck Crazy,” in 2013. “Redneck Crazy” became a hit, reaching No. 2 on Billboard’s country charts and earning a platinum certification and, in the process, turning Farr into a star. Released in the fall of 2013, the album of the same name performed well, debuting at No. 5 on the Billboard Top 200 and spawning another hit in “Whiskey in My Water.”

Farr delivered his follow-up quickly, releasing its first single, “A Guy Walks into a Bar,” in the fall of 2014, and then the full-length Suffer in Peace in April 2015.

14 December 2015

// december happenings

17 DEC

DONNY & MARIE Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (Tulsa/Catoosa)

Donny Osmond has been in show business from an age when most children are still becoming accustomed to getting on the school bus in the morning, and in a career that’s spanned six decades, he’s made a name for himself in nearly every field of contemporary entertainment, most notably music, but also theater, film, radio and television, and shown that it’s possible to grow and mature as a performer while holding on to the wholesome, family-friendly reputation that’s always been part of his public persona.

17-20 DEC

22-23 DEC

DREAMGIRLS Tulsa Performing Arts Center

As part of a family act that came to be virtually synonymous with wholesome entertainment, Marie Osmond enjoyed a lengthy career switching between several different areas of show business. She made her first TV appearance at the age of 3, when her oldest brothers performed on The Andy Williams Show as the Osmonds.

18 DEC

TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION Cain’s Ballroom (Tulsa)

With a Southern rock-influenced brand of metal that incorporates punk, grunge, and pure melodic hard rock into the blender, Texas Hippie Coalition (THC) at their best sound like Molly Hatchet and Charlie Daniels crossed with Pantera chasing after the rock ghost of Lynyrd Skynyrd, a music the band calls “red dirt metal,” and very much a product of gigging out of Chickasha and Denison, Texas, not far from the Oklahoma state line.

Formed in 2008, THC consists of Big Dad Ritch, John Exall, Cord Pool and Timmy Braun. The group self-released an album, Pride of Texas, in 2008.

A second album, Rollin’, produced by Dave Prater, appeared on Carved Records in 2010 followed

by Peacemaker (2012) and Ride On (2014).

19 DEC

JOHN FULLBRIGHT Cain’s Ballroom (Tulsa)

Born and raised in Okemah, Okla., singer-songwriter John Fullbright was barely out of high school when he began playing the festival circuit. Raised on the songs of hometown hero Woody Guthrie and steeped in the rich Americana artistry of genre-hopping mavericks like Townes Van Zandt, Randy Newman and Steve Earle, Fullbright started his music education on the piano at the age of 5. He later added guitar to his arsenal, and in his late teens he began honing his craft at the legendary Blue Door in Oklahoma City, eventually releasing a live album with the venue’s founder, Greg Johnson. He spent the ensuing years touring and building his fan base, many of whom contributed donations to fund his 2012 Blue Dirt Records studio debut, From the Ground Up. The warm and intimate Songs followed in 2014.

Dreamgirls is the story of three African-American singers — Deena, Lorrell and Effie — who began as a group called the Dreamettes. They start as three talented, close friends and gradually sharpen their act and rename themselves The Dreams. Little do they know of the hard, competitive world of show business.

They enter a talent show held in New York’s Apollo Theatre. Disappointed in their failure to win the contest, they attract the attention of a sly tongued talent agent named Curtis Taylor, Jr. Curtis’ connections get the girls hired as a backup act to James Thunder Early, a rising pop singing star. They go on tour and are widely acclaimed. At first Curtis falls in love with Effie, the full-figured lead singer who seems to spark the act.

Later, in an attempt to make the act more sultry, he moves Deena into Effie’s lead spot. But when Curtis’ love interest also switches to Deena, Effie erupts in a rage, prompted more by hurt than the loss of her singing slot, and announces that she is not going along anymore. Michelle replaces Effie, and the Dreams go on to achieve international stardom and a string of chart-topping hits.

But life on top is rocky. Lorrell has long since taken up with James Early, but he is married and refuses to make the break from his wife. His nightclub act has also been slipping and his stardom fading. Deena wants to leave the group to try the movies. Just as the Dreams are falling apart, Effie’s star is rising as a solo.

Curtis tries to undermine her revitalized career by having the Dreams record her current hit song. But Effie outmaneuvers him for both a personal and a professional triumph. It is announced that the Dreams will disband. However, Effie joins them for the farewell performance before the four Dreamgirls go their separate ways.

Machele Miller Dill, who directed The Color Purple in Concert, returns to direct a company of more than a dozen talented Tulsans, including Dionne White, LaToya Tillis, Briana Wright, Roderick Hudson and Nash Wayne McQuarters.

PreviewGreenCountry.com 15

december happenings //

29 DEC

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY Brady Theater (Tulsa)

After falling out with mentor Ozzy Osbourne following the recording sessions for 1995’s Ozzmosis, guitarist Zakk Wylde struck out on his own with his first solo album, Book of Shadows, in 1996. When it failed to score any mainstream success, the six-stringer took an extended break before resurfacing with a new album and band called Black Label Society in 1999.

A number of different musicians sifted through the band’s ranks before 2000’s Stronger Than Death was released. The subsequent tour included a slot on the second stage of his old boss’ Ozzfest tour and yielded the Alcohol Fueled Brewtality Live! album in 2001. The band returned to Ozzfest the following year (this time on the main stage), in support of the 1919 Eternal LP. Blessed Hellride appeared in 2003 and Hangover Music, Vol. 6 followed a year later. Mafia, Black Label Society’s seventh album, was released in spring 2005.

In 2013, Black Label Society decided to show fans a different side to their sound on the live album Unblackened, which found them dialing back the intensity of some of their past work in order to expose the bluesy roots at the heart of their sound.

The following year, Wylde and company returned with new material, releasing Catacombs of the Black Vatican in 2014.

31-2 DEC

JAN

TULSA SHOOT-OUT Expo Square (Tulsa)

The Tulsa Shootout is the largest micro sprint racing event in the country. With up to 1,000 participants, it promises to be an exciting four days of fierce competition. There is something for everyone with eight different classes ranging from Winged and Non-Wing 600cc Outlaw Micros to the Jr. Sprint class.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of the Tulsa Shootout and see who brings home the Golden Driller.

HOLIDAY

LIGHT SHOWS

Dec. 1-Dec. 30 Dec. 1-Dec. 30 FANTASY LAND OF LIGHTS TWIN BRIDGES PARK OF LIGHTS Johnstone Park (Bartlesville) Twin Bridges Park (Fairyland) Dec. 1-Jan. 1 RHEMA CHRISTMAS Dec. 1-Dec. 27 LIGHTS LIGHTS ON THE HILL Rhema Bible Church (Tulsa) 6500 W. 21st (Tulsa) Dec. 1-Jan.1 GARDEN OF LIGHTS Honor Heights Park (Muskogee) Dec. 1-Jan. 1 WINTER WONDERLAND CHRISTMAS LIGHT TOUR Pine Lodge Resort (Ketchum)

16 December 2015

Dec. 1-Dec. 20 WOOLAROC WONDERLAND OF LIGHTS Woolaroc Wildlife Preserve (Bartlesville) Dec. 5 RIVER LIGHTS 41st Street Plaza (Tulsa)

20 DEC

ROBERT EARL KEEN Cain’s Ballroom (Tulsa)

Among the large contingent of talented songwriters who emerged in Texas in the 1980s and ‘90s, Robert Earl Keen struck an unusual balance between sensitive story-portraits (“Corpus Christi Bay”) and raucous barroom fun (“That Buckin’ Song”). These two song types in Keen’s output were unified by a mordant sense of humor that strongly influenced the early practitioners of what would become known as alternative country music.

Keen made a splash in Austin with his debut album, No Kinda Dancer, self-financed in 1984 to the tune of $4,500. He moved to Nashville during the heady experimentalism of the ‘80s that saw Lovett and k.d. lang hit the country top 10, but he soon returned to Austin. Texas landscapes and residents provided Keen with creative inspiration, as his second album, West Textures, made clear; that album yielded one of Keen’s signature numbers, an ambitious crime-spree song called “The Road Goes on Forever.”

Gringo Honeymoon (1994) merged Keen’s story-songs with the emerging sounds of alt-country. Once again, after taking his career to a new stage, Keen recorded a live album (No. 2 Live Dinner, 1996) and took time to accumulate new material. The 1997 album Picnic again moved in the direction of alternative country, featuring Keen in a duet with the Cowboy Junkies’ Margo Timmins, while 1998’s Walking Distance featured sparer textures.

Whatever production style surrounded his songs, Keen’s musical personality seemed consistent and his live shows, widely known thanks to a touring schedule that often approached 200 dates a year in the ‘90s, grew organically in depth and control.

For his 2011 album, Keen decided to experiment, and began writing on the road instead of in his small, solitary cabin in the hinterlands of Texas. He cut 11 new songs — among them nine originals including a re-recording of “Paint the Town Beige” from 1993’s Bigger Piece of Sky — and a couple of covers. It was released as Ready for Confetti. Three years later, Keen made his way back to the studio with a band of first-rate acoustic pickers (including Danny Barnes of the Bad Livers) and some high-profile duet partners (Lovett and Natalie Maines) to record a collection of classic bluegrass covers; the album, Happy Prisoner: The Bluegrass Sessions, was released in 2015.

22-23 DEC

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Tulsa Performing Arts Center

Based on the smash hit 1991 Disney movie and dating back to a late 18th-century classic, French fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast tells the story of Belle, a beautiful and intelligent young woman who feels out of place in her provincial French village. When her father is imprisoned in a mysterious castle, Belle’s attempt to rescue him leads to her capture by the Beast, a grisly and fearsome monster, who was long ago trapped in his gruesome form by an enchantress. The only way for the Beast to become human once again is if he learns to love and be loved in return. There is a time limit, too: once a magical rose loses all of its petals, all hope will be lost and he will stay a Beast forever.

The Beast’s enchanted household — populated by such beloved characters as Mrs. Potts, Lumiere, Cogsworth, and Chip — watch anxiously as Belle and the Beast grow to understand and befriend one another. Their feelings grow ever deeper as the clock ticks and petals continue to fall off the enchanted rose. Will they confess their love for one another before it is too late?

This eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of over 35 million people worldwide. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including “Be Our Guest” and the beloved title song.

////december decemberhappenings happenings

HOLIDAY

PARADES Dec. 3 PRYOR CHRISTMAS PARADE OF LIGHTS Downtown Pryor Dec. 3 VINITA CHRISTMAS PARADE Downtown Vinita Dec. 3 FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS PARADE Downtown Okmulgee Dec. 4 FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS CHRISTMAS PARADE Downtown Sand Springs Dec. 5 CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE Keystone State Park (Sand Springs) Dec. 5 PAWHUSKA CHRISTMAS PARADE OF LIGHTS 210 W. Main (Pawhuska) Dec. 5 CHRISTMAS IN CLEVELAND Downtown Cleveland Dec. 5 CHECOTAH CHRISTMAS PARADE AND TREE LIGHTING Downtown Checotah Dec. 5 NOWATA CHRISTMAS PARADE Downtown Nowata Dec. 5 TAHLEQUAH CHRISTMAS PARADE OF LIGHTS Downtown Tahlequah Dec. 11 SANTA’S WORKSHOP AND CHRISTMAS PARADE Skiatook Community Building Dec. 12 HENRYETTA CHRISTMAS PARADE OF LIGHTS Downtown Henryetta Dec. 12 SALINA CHRISTMAS PARADE Downtown Salina Dec. 12 TULSA CHRISTMAS PARADE Downtown Tulsa Dec. 12 CLAREMORE CHRISTMAS PARADE Claremore Expo Center

also in 1-31 DEC

CONTEMPORARY WILDLIFE ART EXHIBIT Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve (Bartlesville)

4-6 DEC

DEC

DEC

ROPE THE OZARKS Expo Square (Tulsa)

GAELIC STORM Cain’s Ballroom (Tulsa)

4

DEC

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Brady Theater (Tulsa)

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USTRC OIL CAPITAL STAMPEDE Expo Square (Tulsa)

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DECEMBER

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THOMPSON HOUSE VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Thompson House (Tahlequah)

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SANTA RUN 101 Bass Pro Drive (Broken Arrow)

DEC

BRADY NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY Brady Theater (Tulsa) THE NEIGH-BOURHOOD Cain’s Ballroom (Tulsa)

31 DEC

13 DEC

KIM WALKERSMITH Brady Theater (Tulsa)

16

RANDY ROGERS BAND Cain’s Ballroom (Tulsa)

31

DEC

DEC

NEW YEAR’S EVE POWWOW Tulsa Convention Center

EDGE CHRISTMAS CONCERT

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31 DEC

26 DEC

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DANGERZONE BULL RIDING AND FUTURITY Claremore Expo Center

DEC

LIQUID NITRO ARENACROSS TOUR Expo Center (Claremore)

TSO POPS: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Tulsa Performing Arts Center

THE TURNPIKE TROUBADOURS Cain’s Ballroom (Tulsa)

31 DEC

OLIVE DROP Price Tower Arts Center (Bartlesville)

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Bah!

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Scrooge and a local cast of nearly 50 bring A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens’ holiday tale of redemption, to life for a 39th year.

WRITTEN BY: Julie Werner

I

t’s the most wonderful time of the year and for Tulsa, that means a favorite holiday family tradition. A Christmas Carol: A Christmas Ghost Story is celebrating its 39th season presented by American Theatre Company. Charles Dickens originally wrote A Christmas Carol in 1843.

Dickens’ tale is a heartwarming story that offers hope through the tale of one lonely humbug named Ebenezer Scrooge, who is given the rare chance to change his life and find his heart.

The production, adapted by Tulsans Robert Odle and Richard Averill, first premiered in 1976 at the Philbrook Museum of Art in the gift shop on a small stage in the corner.

After receiving positive response and attendance, the production moved the following year to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. New at the time, the PAC as well as the production continued to grow and the musical is now played in the Williams Theatre at the PAC. Claudia Sanders is returning as the director this year. She grew up as part of the American Theatre Company and was once part of the cast before moving into her current role. Sanders last directed the show when it played at the Williams Theatre and then moved to the Brady Theatre for a larger and longer extended run.

While at the Brady for a week, the crew expanded the set out into the audience, which made for a unique experience.

Richard Ellis serves as the set designer for the production. He has worked on the set of A Christmas Carol for many years and describes it as a very beautiful set with a Victorian London street scene that includes three street lights and two dozen windows that light up and

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The production, adapted

by Tulsans Robert Odle and Richard Averill, first premiered in 1976 at the Philbrook Museum of Art in the gift shop on a small stage in the corner. After receiving positive response and attendance, the production moved the following year to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.

candles that flicker. There is also a revolving turntable that rotates between three different sets. The set provides a very warm and homey feel to the audience.

It takes many people to make this production run smoothly.

From the musical director to the choreographer to the backstage mom, everyone has an important role. Ellis says that the backstage moms are very helpful and they couldn’t do it without them. One backstage mom morphed into the stage manager and is serving her 19th year in the role.

Patty Harwell started out as a mom with two kids in the production many years ago. She became involved and loved it so much that she eventually became the stage manager.

Today, her children are grown (a pharmacist and a neurosurgeon) but were in the production for several seasons.

The cast of fewer than 50 members is composed mostly of adults but is also 30 percent children. Karl Krause plays Ebenezer Scrooge and has for several years. He grew into the role after playing Jacob Marley (Scrooge’s friend) and the Spirit of Christmas Present. Karl has been in the production for almost two decades. Rick Reiman returns in his role as Jacob Marley. There are also cast members who play double roles when the production allows.

Many of the children who begin in the production move into other roles as the years pass. One of the most coveted parts among the children is the “turkey boy” who debuts after Scrooge’s redemption and purchases the turkey for the poor Cratchit family.

There are several new members this year such as Justin McKean who plays the role of Christmas Present and Alexandra Coppinger as Christmas Past.

22 December 2015

Auditions for the production are held every year the last week of August. They are extensive and involve singing and dancing.

Once the parts are cast, the time commitment is huge. There is an eight-week rehearsal period and from Thanksgiving to Christmas, the actors are in the theatre every day.

All this hard work does pay off and this “Made in Oklahoma” adaption of the popular story is one of the best in the country. The glorious and wellwritten music also plays a big part in the production. It is warm-spirited and leaves the audience uplifted.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Tulsa Performing Arts Center

tulsapac.om

Dec. 10-12: 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 13: 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 15-19: 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 20: 2 p.m.

Dec. 21-23: 7:30 p.m.

918.485.1810

www.thecanebrake.com Only 45 minutes southeast of Tulsa!

PreviewGreenCountry.com 23

Guest Be Our

WRITTEN BY: Michele Chiappetta

Tulsa native Stephanie Harter Gilmore returns to town as part of the national touring production of Beauty and the Beast that features well-known musical numbers, elaborate costumes, fantastic acting and that famous Disney magic.

O

ne tragic witch’s curse, multiple magical transformations, a single hideous creature in need of redemption, a bargain made in desperation, and one feisty young woman with a love for books and a stubborn streak. That’s one heck of a concoction, and it all mixes together to make one delightful, deliciously fun stage production.

I’m talking, of course, about Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the classic fairytale that bears its own special enchantment from the loving touch of Disney Studios. You and your children have no doubt seen the movie. But have you seen the musical?

24 December 2015

This year, you can. On Dec. 22-23, for three performances only, Celebrity Attractions is bringing the new national touring production of the award-winning worldwide smash hit Broadway musical to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. With a stage production that includes well-known musical numbers, elaborate costumes, fantastic acting and that famous Disney magic, tickets to Beauty and the Beast will make a perfect holiday gift for the whole family.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast tells the story of Belle, a young woman living in a provincial town that frowns on her love of books, and the Beast, a young prince trapped in a spell placed on

Fans of the 1991 Academy Award winning animated feature film by Disney will not be disappointed in the live stage version of the story. The musical features the Academy Award winning score that you’re probably already familiar with, as well as additional numbers crafted especially for the live production. Everyone’s favorite characters — the French candlestick Lumiere, the housekeeper Mrs. Potts and her son Chip, the evil Gaston and his kooky sidekick Lefou — they’re all here in their full glory. If anything, the characters in the musical production are expanded onstage for your enjoyment.

The attention to detail, the liveliness of the staging, the playful dialogue and music — for all these reasons and more, performers love to be a part of this musical. Stage actress Stephanie Harter Gilmore, a Tulsa and Kansas City native before moving to New York City to pursue her craft, is no different.

Gilmore takes on the role of Madame de la Grande Bouche for the show.

“She’s a former opera diva who finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time,” says Gilmore of her attentionseeking character. You probably know Madame de la Grande Bouche by her appearance rather than her name.

She’s the enormous wardrobe who befriends Belle, helps her dress each day, and attempts to counsel her in how to survive the Beast’s temper.

“It’s a fun role,” Gilmore says. “I get to do some great comedic bits. I get to do a little bit of everything.” She admits that she does less dancing that others in the production, though that’s related to the character she’s playing. “My costume is so large. I’m turning into a wardrobe!”

Like many child performers in the Tulsa area, Gilmore caught the acting bug partly while attending productions at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center when she was in her teens.

For Gilmore, her defining moment was seeing Aida at the Tulsa PAC as a high school senior. It made her long to pursue a career on Broadway, and she’s had good success so far, with stints as Duchess Estonia Dulworth in the national tour of Nice Work if You Can Get It, Ariel in The Tempest, Jelly/Griddle in Cats, and Missy in The Marvelous Wonderettes.

This production of Beauty and the Beast is Gilmore’s fourth national tour, and she is excited to be back in the area where she grew up. She’s also thrilled to recommend the show to Green Country residents.

“I’m so honored to be a part of this production,” Gilmore says. “It’s a beautiful story of the transformative power of love. It’s so timeless. And Belle is an extraordinary character. She doesn’t back down in the face of a very scary guy.”

In addition to the story’s ability to captivate, the production offers many

Beauty

him by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out, and if he doesn’t learn his lesson soon, he and his entire household will be doomed for all eternity.

other Broadway-style features to captivate the audience. “The costumes and sets are really fun,” says Gilmore.

“They use incredible puppets for the wolves. There’s also a huge puppet for the enchantress at the beginning.

There’s a lot of tumbling and singing.”

Plus, the magical transformation of all the characters at the end is done with an amazing combination of Broadway panache and Disney magic that leaves audiences enthralled.

For children and teens who also have the acting bug, Gilmore encourages them to come, study the show and keep working toward their dream.

“Just go for it,” she says. “Persist! The biggest thing is making your own path. If you want it, you’ll find your path.” For her, the path to Broadway and national tours included studying voice performance and opera in college, which has helped in her role as Madame de la Grande Bouche.

DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Tulsa Performing Arts Center

tulsapac.om

Dec. 22: 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 23: 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

PreviewGreenCountry.com 25

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26 December 2015

W

WRITTEN BY: Greg Maus hen was the last time this you created something beautiful?

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We admire beautiful things, but we assume that crafting them is beyond us. We condemn ourselves to just being passive consumers, not creators.

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beautiful Yet, Tulsa Stained Glass offers you this pleasure that so few of us enjoy.

Whether you’d like to take some quick classes or simply see your designs come to life around your house so you can enjoy them for decades to come, Oklahoma’s premier glass studio can show you that creative spark inside yourself that you didn’t even know existed.

Stained glass has been bringing beauty to churches and other buildings for over a thousand years. Heir to these centuries of artistry is Richard Bohm, Tulsa Stained Glass’s owner for four decades. He’s lent his hand beautifying OSU’s stadium and the Ronald McDonald House, and he regularly works with dozens of churches, including Boston Avenue United Methodist Church (an official National Historic Landmark and masterpiece of art deco architecture). Most of his work, however, is in private homes and in both repairing and restoring existing work, as well as the constructing new masterpieces.

For inspiration, visitors can marvel at the incredible centuries-old glass windows that hang in the museum section of the store.

When not working on these projects directly, Bohm teaches classes. He loves inspiring the

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In a single class, you can make jewelry, a ring of stained glass that can be hung anywhere, painted ceramics or a little glass bird. Also in a single class, you can design your own stained glass window — you can even use finger paints if you’d like.

While the classes can be great learning projects on their own, they’ve been incorporated into corporate events, birthday parties, wedding showers, fundraisers and field trips.

Once you see what you can do, you might feel up for learning how to make your own stainedglass windows from start to finish. Amazingly, this only requires a single class per week for eight weeks. With just a little effort, you can be part of this centuries-old tradition in just two months, with the helping hand of a truly experienced teacher like Bohm.

things

Much of Bohm’s residential work involves developing customized designs with his customers. He says that most people are amazed with the intricate, unique patterns that they themselves can come up with when given a little prompting — patterns that will fill the homes of their families with light and beauty for generations.

“‘can’t do people who really can” — the vast majority of us who don’t think that we have what it takes to make pieces of art.

PreviewGreenCountry.com 29

With the holidays fas t a pproaching, your calendar is likely filling up with invita tions, all containing those coded par ty ter ms: “cocktail,” “ semi-for mal ” and “dress casual.” But w ha t does it mean?

O Party

Perfect WRITTEN BY: Ryann Gordon

30 December 2015

One of our favorite parts of the holiday season is the overflow of parties and events that takes place during this time. From themed or ugly sweater parties to business events and dinner socials, the dress code for the holiday season can be one of the most difficult parts to plan for. Deciding whether or not to wear your warmest holiday sweater or your most fashionable cocktail dress can be tricky, but we’re here to help you decide what is and isn’t acceptable for which events.

A lot of business holiday parties are going to be marked by the ever-confusing formal, semiformal or dress-casual code. So, how do you decide when it’s appropriate to wear a suit and tie or some of your more casual, dark-washed jeans? And when are tights acceptable and when are they necessary? Instead of stressing over your attire, prepare yourself for the festivities and have a little fun with your get-up this holiday season.

Typically, most holiday parties labeled as formal are going to be semi-formal, with just a few exceptions. Unless you’re going to a Christmas party with Donald Trump, I’d suggest leaving the bow tie at home and opt for a more traditional necktie and blazer combo. Lose the blazer at the door for your semi-formal parties and rock a timeless button up and slacks. If you’re really daring, you might swap the slacks for some dark-washed jeans and dress shoes, but you’ll probably want to save that for the more dress-casual parties.

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Dress-casual events are the perfect chance for you to whip out that argyle sweater you’ve been dying to wear and let loose with a pair of more comfortable slacks. Swap out your stiff dress shoes for a pair of leather chukka boots and let your work friends see your more fashionable side.

For women, the formal dress code can be a bit stricter. You’re not going to want to bring out your senior prom dress, but something more along the lines of your junior-high dance dress would work.

choice for dress-casual parties as well; however, you should probably swap the cocktail dress for a sweater dress or a nice skirt.

Although a skirt might be fitting for a semi-formal event, this is a good choice for dress-casual parties, because you can pair it with a cute top and casual blazer and stay comfortable and warm all night long.

Most cocktail dresses are going to be perfect for a formal dress code, just don’t forget your tights — they’ll keep you warm and add a bit of extra class to your outfit.

This type of ensemble is going to work for most semi-formals as well, except you might downgrade your high heel pumps for a pair of wedges or winter booties.

Booties will dress-down your outfit though, so be sure to pair those with a nicer dress for a semi-formal party; throw in some dangly earrings and deep-colored lipstick and you will be the queen of winter fashion.

Although many bigger business events might be formal or semiformal, most company holiday parties are going to be dresscasual, so don’t feel like you’re limited to a dress and heels. This is your chance to branch out a little bit — take off your stilettos and pair a somewhat casual dress with a set of much more comfortable kitten heels and your feet will be thanking you in the morning. Booties are a good

While formal, semi-formal and dress-casual events might confuse you with their too-vague or toostrict dress codes, not all holiday parties are quite that stressful.

De c idin g w he the r or not to we ar yo u r war me s t holiday swe a te r or your mos t fashiona bl e c ocktail dre ss c a n be tr icky, but we ’re he re to he lp yo u de c ide w ha t is a n d isn’ t ac c e pta bl e fo r w hic h eve nts.

One of the most enjoyable parts of the holiday season are the themed parties that allow us to put away the suits for a night, unless it is a Santa suit, that is. Although tacky, Christmas sweater parties tend to be popular.

Themed holiday parties are the ultimate outlets for you to use some creativity and think outside of the box. Dress yourself up as a reindeer, snowflake, Santa himself or even characters from the Grinch, and stand out from even the most atrocious Christmas sweaters. If going all-out isn’t your thing though, you can always settle for your coziest sweater and a pair of fun, printed leggings.

For those of us who truly value our comfort, there is perhaps the most casual get-together of all — the family gathering. The great thing about family parties is that it is completely acceptable to show up in exactly what you slept in the night before. Wear some fleece pajama pants and tuck them into your favorite Christmas socks for warmth, and your family will be jealous of your comfort level.

PJs are a great option for family parties, because you won’t have to unbutton your pants when you overstuff yourself with holiday food and, well … where else can you wear an adult-sized onesie without being judged? Don’t forget to plan ahead of time though — the Santa onesies tend to sell out fast.

Whether you’re going to a formal party or just down the street to grandma’s, have a little fun this holiday season and don’t stress over what to wear. With a clear view of what is formal, semiformal and dress-casual, you’ll be prepared for every type of holiday event and have extra time to plan an especially memorable outfit for your themed parties. Once you’ve got all your pre-planned parties out of the way, then you can kick back and relax with the family in the one place where dress codes never really mattered.

PreviewGreenCountry.com 33

Holiday WRITTEN BY: Ryann Gordon

HELPER

The holidays … a time for family, friends and plenty of opportunities for things to not turn out quite right. No worries. From killing time, to hosting, to just getting out of the house, we offer tried and true ways to capture that warm, fuzzy feeling while keeping most of your sanity intact.

T

here is no worse feeling than ending the year and realizing that you did not make the most of your holiday season. Did you forget to go ice skating at the BOK or miss checking out all of your favorite light shows?

Did you make it to all of the holiday parades and also save time for a fireside eggnog-sessions?

Well, you don’t have to miss a single moment of holiday fun this year, because we’ve got you covered on all of the most festive and special ways to make this the best holiday season yet.

Tulsa has a lot to offer for the holidays, from outrageous Christmas parades and light exhibits to down-home flea market shopping and local traditions. If you’re hoping to get the full experience this December, here is a list of must-see events and unbeatable opportunities to help you truly capture the essence of the season.

Winterfest

Thrifty Shopping You know what they say — one man’s trash is another man’s treasure — and there is no better place to find an original, ugly Christmas sweater than in someone else’s pile of giveaways.

This year, 2 Friends and Junk will be at the Tulsa Expo Center on Dec. 11, where various vendors will gather to sell everything from antique goods, vintage and boutique clothing to rustic furniture and a lot of other valuable junk.

While this event is only here one

day, the Tulsa Flea Market will be open on several Saturdays in December. The holiday season is the best time to visit the Tulsa Flea Market, because not only do they have a significant growth in vendors during this season, but also the flea market is a great place to find gifts. The variation of sellers at the Tulsa Flea Market is endless, making it perfect for finding cheap and unique presents for all of your loved ones.

Downtown Tulsa transforms over the holiday season into a winter wonderland for this annual festival that will warm your heart, even if it’s snowing. Whether there’s snow on the ground or not, you can go ice skating on an outdoor rink next to the BOK Center with Tulsa’s skyline in perfect view. If anything gets better than outdoor ice skating and hot cocoa, Winterfest also hosts a number of holiday activities, including horse-drawn carriage rides, live entertainment and forests of lit up trees. Boasting the largest Christmas tree in Oklahoma, Winterfest is a spectacle of lights and festivities that will undoubtedly reaffirm your holiday cheer.

Light-seeing

Whether you’re driving through your neighborhood or along the lit up trees in Utica Square, Tulsa is a prime location for lightseeing. Just south, in Broken Arrow, is one of Oklahoma’s most renowned light displays at Rhema Bible Church and College. With over 2 million lights, Rhema attracts visitors from all over to take a walk or drive through their remarkable array of Christmas lights.

With hundreds of fully wrapped trees, music-synchronized light shows and hot cocoa to sip on, this is the perfect place to get your light-seeing fix. From Rhema to Utica Square, Tulsans love lights so much that they even parade the streets with them.

34 December 2015

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Tulsa has a lot to offer for the holidays, from outrageous Christmas parades and light exhibits to down-home flea market shopping and local traditions.

Oh, What a Parade The Tulsa Christmas Parade, formerly known as the Parade of Lights, is a Tulsa tradition that cannot be missed. Set this year for 6 p.m. on Dec. 12, various volunteers and local marching bands will deck their bodies, vehicles and trailers with lights and parade the streets of downtown Tulsa. For decades, hundreds of Tulsans have wrapped themselves in their warmest gear and lined the streets to either watch or take part in this extraordinary parade of lights. Aside from actual parades are the unique charity walks and marathons that Tulsa is host to during the month of December. The annual Jingle Bell Walk, where volunteers deck themselves in bells and holiday gear to walk or run in support of the Arthritis Foundation, will take place on the morning of December 12th. And you cannot miss Tulsa’s Ugly Sweater 5K and 10K, because what could be funnier than trying to run dressed like a festive goofball?

Catch a Show

The Tulsa Performing Art Center’s December schedule is notoriously festive, hosting some of the most celebrated productions of the holiday season. There will be several showings of A Christmas Carol throughout the month, the heartwarming musical that never fails to remind audiences of the true spirit of Christmas. And don’t miss your chance to see the Tulsa Ballet perform The Nutcracker, the classic, fairytale ballet that follows a young girl’s fantasy on Christmas, where her dolls come to life and she falls in love with a Nutcracker Prince. With these iconic holiday showings coming to Tulsa, you would have to be a scrooge to not make it to at least one performance.

Drop the Puck

The BOK Center transforms into an ice rink nearly once a week, and many times more throughout the month of December, for Tulsa’s very own professional hockey team. The Tulsa Oilers will be knocking sticks, smack-talking and checking their way to victory at their home rink several times throughout the month of December with tickets as low as $15. With a new coach and amazing athletes, this is the year to get your professional sport-fix at an Oilers game. Hockey is a winter pastime for many, so make sure to plan at least one trip to the BOK Center this December to watch them play.

Deck the Halls

While Tulsa does offer a surplus of festive activities and other opportunities to get in the holiday spirit, there is no better way to capture that warm, fuzzy feeling than from the comfort of your very own home. Whether you’re hosting a potluck for your friends and family or sipping eggnog in front of your favorite holiday film, deck the halls, light up the fireplace and spend some time warming up with your loved ones this season, reminding yourself what the holidays are truly about.

Get in the spirit during the holidays and create your own family memories and new traditions.

Whether you’re seeking lights and parades, winter festivals and holiday entertainment or hot cocoa by the fireplace, we’ve got you equipped to make this holiday season the best one yet. Don’t be a scrooge, and take advantage of Tulsa’s many opportunities to spread holiday cheer and feel that heartwarming sensation that makes this time of the year so special. When the holidays pass and the New Year begins, you’ll look back on 2015 with a sense of fulfillment and an undeniable level of comfort that the holiday season always seems to bring.

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Sip Tips WRITTEN BY: Rachel Wright

Six saucy holiday drinks to get you in the spirit and the bars that mix them.

T

hese tasty adult treats will put an extra saucy holiday pep in your step.

Looking for a little extra holiday cheer this year? Look no further than our own backyard. Some of Tulsa’s best venues, watering holes and upscale establishments have whipped up creations that will certainly put you in the spirit.

38 December 2015

Martini’s Lounge 2600 N. Aspen | Broken Arrow Hot Cream Noel Bartender Kathleen Barker describes it as chocolate milk eggnog with a kick.

Sounds like the perfect mix for those in search of something sweet and spicy. Mix equal parts of chilled Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, Bailey’s Irish Crème and Butterscotch Schnapps. Enjoy neat or on the rocks.

The Fur Shop 520 E. 3rd | Tulsa Prairie Artisans Ales Christmas Bomb Bartender Blake Goodwin says this limited release Imperial Stout spiced with cinnamon is a simple way to indulge your craft beer-loving urge, while giving a nod to the season. Fresh out of the keg, this draft beer is best enjoyed in a pint glass, but is also available in 12 ounce bottles in select locations.

The Mercury Lounge 1747 S. Boston | Tulsa Rudolph’s Red Rum Bartender Nicole Horak’s creation of a quarter ounce of Apple Puckers, quarter ounce of Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, one ounce of Sailor Jerry’s Spiced Rum poured over ice and topped off with equal parts of Sprite and cranberry juice will get any Grinch excited for the season.

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The Yellow Brick Road Pub 2630 E. 15th Street | Tulsa Apple Pie A La Mode Sarah Morris, bartender at YBR, has your drinkable dessert ready. She’s mixed two parts RumChata dairy cream rum, one part Jack Daniel’s Fire, and one part Smirnoff Green Apple Vodka to create a liquid apple pie anyone’s grandmother would approve.

The Cellar Dweller 417 W. 7th | Tulsa The Rated Xmas This fruity cocktail, courtesy of bartender Western Doughty, is two parts tequila, one part X-Rated Fusion Liqueur, topped off with cranberry juice and a splash of simple syrup, club soda, served over ice garnished with a lime slice. The tequila and fruit fusion creates a sweet flavor with a hot aroma that will warm your bones and satisfy your palette as the temperature outside drops.

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Hop Bunz Crafted Burgers & Beers 3330 S. Peoria Avenue | Tulsa Adult Oatmeal Cookie Shake Josh Hildabrand, bartender at Hop Bunz on Brookside, would be happy to blend up this grown-up dessert drink that the kiddos will envy. With 12 ounces of custard, two teaspoons of ground homemade oatmeal cookie, half an ounce of Bailey’s Irish Crème, half an ounce of Butterscotch Schnapps, under a quarter ounce of Hot Damn Cinnamon Schnapps, blended and strained into a pint glass and topped with whipped crème and oatmeal cookie crumbles, this drink will fill your sweet tank and give you a little buzz.

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CENTER

ACTION

OF THE

t WRITTEN BY: Rachel Wrigh er Rop Bill BY: HY: RAP TOG PHO

All under one roof, Incredible Pizza houses a roller coaster, bumper cars, mini bowling, games, trampolines, laser tag and gokart racing — not to mention great options for lunch and dinner.

I

t’s fair season all year long at Tulsa’s Incredible Pizza Company. Whether you’re looking for something a little more physically active for the children to do while the weather outside is frightful, a place to book a company holiday party for the

co-workers and their families, or simply some delicious pizza and homemade goodies for lunch, this huge and conveniently located fun zone is the answer.

“Incredible Pizza is fun for the entire family,” says Brad Edwards, managing partner of Incredible Pizza for a decade. “We

especially love this time of year because of all the Christmas parties that book with us. We see Boy Scout troops, lock-ins and corporations family parties and more.”

Tulsa’s Incredible Pizza Company can accommodate just about any group interested in taking advantage of special packages available for parties of 10 or more.

In the past, they’ve helped a diverse array of groups make fun and wholesome memories, like corporate, churches, lock-ins, school and home school trips, fundraising programs, military groups, Scout events, family gatherings and sports teams.

Across 71st Street from Woodland Hills Mall, Tulsa’s Incredible Pizza could be your next alternative to dragging bored-to-tears children around the mall too. If they’re old enough, grab an all-day pass and drop them off for some fun while you play Santa. They won’t be disappointed.

All under one roof, this place houses a roller coaster, bumper cars, mini bowling, games, trampolines, laser tag and go-kart racing — not to mention great options for lunch and dinner.

42 December 2015

“Our ‘50s theme décor just adds to the fun, along with the great food, incredible game room with go karts, trampoline park, laser tag, arcade games, and our new spin coaster, which has taken our entertainment to a whole new level, with figure-eight spinning turns,” says Edwards.

Walking into Incredible Pizza is like walking into another world — a wonderful, whizzing world of laughs and excitement, without the overwhelming sounds, smells and sights that the fair may bring.

Recent renovations mean the

building can accommodate 1,500 people, a far cry from your average pizza joint.

Keeping the wholesome family fun feel to the place is central to the vision of owners Rick and Cheryl Barsness, according to Edwards. That’s one of the reasons Incredible Pizza offers daily deals on its website, with special rates for members of the military and other deals for allday passes or family packs.

Making it simpler for parents to celebrate success at school for their children, Incredible Pizza offers a Rockin’ Report Card special that rewards children with

Incredible Pizza is fun for the entire family!

PreviewGreenCountry.com 43

“Our pizza dough, pot pies, mashed potatoes, sauces (meat, marinara and Alfredo), taco meat, soups and all of our desserts, like our famous cinnamon rolls, are made fresh for our guests.”

game play dollars — $6 in game tokens for straight As, $4 in tokens for As and Bs and $3 in tokens for improved grades. Just bring a current report card from school and start celebrating.

“Rick and Cheryl have great vision and leadership that helps us stay at the top of our industry,” Edwards says. “Their passion for providing an environment that is safe and encourages family togetherness and fun, combined with their years of experience and drive to be the best are evident in each family’s experience at Incredible Pizza.”

32,000-square-foot expansion, which gave way for the new roller coaster and more. The expansion also included the addition of new advanced gokarts, the mini bowling lanes, a teacup ride, interactive games and a laser tag arena.

The investment also went toward increasing the size of The Starlight Room, a separate area that large groups can rent to host events.

That drive is evident, to say the least, considering this summer’s $1.3 million investment in a

The Spinning Coaster features four separately spinning fourseater cars that giggle-ensuing gyrations whip riders around a short, twisting circular track 44 December 2015

eight times, so riders get a nice long ride on this one-of-a-kind coaster in the state. Children and adults can ride in air-conditioned comfort.

Fueling the family for optimal entertainment enjoyment is easy at Incredible Pizza. And nutrition-focused families have options too.

“Many guests don’t know that most of our items are made from scratch right in our kitchen,” says Edwards. “Our pizza dough, pot pies, mashed potatoes, sauces (meat, marinara and Alfredo), taco meat, soups and all of our desserts, like our famous cinnamon rolls, are made fresh for our guests.”

Their buffet salad section is full of green goodness, and gluten-free and vegan pizzas are available. It’s much more than the average pizza buffet. Keep moving down the line and satisfy any sweet tooth with soft serve ice cream, freshly baked cookies, pies, cobblers, bread pudding and more.

Their passion for providing an environment that is safe and encourages family togetherness and fun, combined with their years of experience and drive to be the best are evident in each family’s experience at Incredible Pizza.

If you fall in love with the food, but don’t have the time for festivities, Incredible Pizza is available to go — and at really reasonable prices.

Cheese or one-topping pizzas are $5, two-topping pizzas are $6, and three or more toppings or specialty pizzas are $7.

INCREDIBLE PIZZA

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918-294-8671 tulsaincrediblepizza.com Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Friday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

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// locator TULSA DOWNTOWNDOWNTOWN TULSA

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YEN

TH

Courthouse

LDE

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TH

5

Central Library

BOU

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CIN

3

4

22

15

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Jazz Hall of Fame

Performing Arts Center

O

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B

2

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9

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Civic BOCoxKCenter Business Center

N

1

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C

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City Hall

DEC

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244

20

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51

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10

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11

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412

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Greenwood Cultural Center

GRE

Cain’s Ballroom

2

SHOPPING

ENTERTAINMENT

Lyon’s Indian Store | 3D-22

Tulsa Performing Arts | 3D-15

DINING

BARS

Albert G’s Bar & Q | 3D-13 Baxter’s Grill | 2B-1 Caz’s Chowhouse | 2D-10 Chimi’s | 5A-2 Hey Mambo | 2D-9 Mexicali | 2D-11 Mi Cocina | 5A-5 Smoke | 5A-32 Ti Amo | 2C-4 Zanmai | 4A-3

Bar 46 | 2D-20 Caz’s Pub | 2D-16 Club Majestic 2D-19

3

3

TH

2 4

51

5

32

CHERRY 5

LOOK FOR THE YELLOW BOX! 2nd & Detroit Brady & Boston 1st & Elgin (McNellies) 1st & Elgin (Comedy Parlor) Elgin (Joe Mommas) Brady & Bob Will Archer & Elgin

2nd & Elgin (Blue Dome Bldg.)

3rd & Cincinnati 5th & Boston 5th & Main (Billy’s) 3rd & Boulder 3rd & Denver 6th & Boston

PreviewGreenCountry.com 47

locator //

TULSA AND SURROUNDING AREAS

TULSA AND SURROUNDING AREAS SPERRY

40

86TH N

G

OWA

76TH N

56TH N

F

75

Mohawk Park

46TH N

75

OSU Tulsa

UNION

244

94

Whiteside Park

LEWIS

44

5

2

Oklahoma Aquarium

4

101ST

28

10

111

TH

121ST

64

75

7

44 46

9

GARNETT

3

2

MEMORIAL

48 December 2015

2

85 57

67 77

SHERIDAN

40

41

70 1

45

61ST

65

MINGO

59

60

SAPULPA

29

64

62

49

25 97

JENKS

A

23

43

38 32 22 24

51

YALE

54

17

31ST 41ST

36

12 LaFortune 80 38 Park

81ST

91ST 20

42

BIXBY 71

78

6 5

ST

63

33

47 51

HARVARD

58 34

56

61 Oral Roberts Univ.

Mabee Ct.

169

Hicks Park

12

St. Francis Hospital 47

74

Jones Airport

65 44

31

14

B

9321

16

68

15

35

15

PEORIA

75

23

18 MIDTOWN

3

66

Turkey Mountain Park

RIVERSIDE

C

ARKANSAS RIVER

50 18

21 21

91 51

GARNETT

94

37

Expo Square

92 69

Philbrook Museum of Art7

APACH

PINE

MINGO

29

19 Woodward Park St. John Med. Ctr. 13

11

TH

Tulsa State Fairgrounds

19

2

30

26

27

39 27

90

Univ. Of Tulsa

PINE

MEMORIAL

DOWNTOWN BOK Ctr.

53

SHERIDAN

11

39

SAND SPRINGS

MINGO

Crawford Park

YALE

D

169

26 N / APACHE

LEWIS

412

11 TH

UTICA PEORIA

51

GILCREASE EXPY

36TH N

Tulsa Air & Space Museum

HARVARD

Gilcrease Museum

GILCREASE MUSEUM

E

MARTIN LUTHER KING

KWY ALE P TISD

Tulsa Zoo

36TH N

6

// locator

96TH N

SHOPPING

7

Bedlam Sports | 5C-33 Boomer’s Audio | 5C-16 Drysdales | 5C-65, 6B-65 Edible Arrangements 4C-7, 5A-7, 6G-7 I-44 Antique Mall | 4C-3 Ida Red | 4C-50 Miss McGillicutty’s Antiques | 4A-54 Tulsa Stained Glass | 5C-56 Vintage Pearl | 4B-34

ASSO

DINING

52

HE

CATOOSA 66 412

244

1

BROKEN 73 ARROW

209TH E.

COUNTY LINE / 193RD E.

177TH E.

161ST E.

145TH E.

129TH E. 51ST

40

71ST ASPEN

23

COUNTY LINE

LYNN LANE

MAIN ELM

129TH E.

72

4

15th & Troost 15th & Quincy 15th & Trenton Fat Guys (Greenwood) 18th & Boston Peoria & 33rd Peoria & 35 (Doc’s)

48

55

7

Albert G’s Bar & Q | 4C-91 Apple Barrel Cafe | 7A-48 Baker St. Pub | 5B-24 Baskin-Robbins | 5B-57 Bellacinos | XX-97 BGB Burgers | 4D-92 Bluestone Steak House and Seafood | 5A-10 Bravos Mexican Grill | 5C-5 Brownie’s Burgers | 4D-29, 5B-29 Cafe Olé | 4C-35 Celebrity Restaurant | 5C-68 Chimi’s | 5B-2, 4C-2, 4D-2 Cork | 5A-9 El Chico | 6D-93 El Sombrero | 7B-72 Elmer’s BBQ | 4C-66 Fat Daddy’s Pub and Off The Cuff | 6A-6 Grille | 5B-64 Polo Grill | 4D-19 Flo’s Burger Diner | 8D-1 Ricardo’s | 5C-31 French Hen | 5B-17 Rincón Mexican Grill & Fuji | 5B-20 Cantina | 5B-47 Hardens | 5D-30 Rio Restaurant & Bar | 5D-21 Helen of Troy | 4B-14 RoseRock Cafe | 6C-43 Hooters | 5B-49 Royal Dragon | 5C-36 Hop Bunz | 4C-13 Russo’s Coal Fired Italian In The Raw | 4C-23, Kitchen | 5A-28 5B-23, 7B-23 Shiloh’s | 7B-73 Incredible Pizza | 5B-46 Sinbad Rotisserie Chicken Jim’s Coney Island | 4D-26 & Healthy Mediterranean La Crepe Nanou | 5A-78 Food | 7B-4 La Roma | 5B-38 Smoke | 4D-27 Lanna Thai | 5B-71 Sonoma Bistro & Wine Bar | 4C-15 Leena’s Mediterranean The Hen Bistro & Wine | 4C-18 Grill | 5B-45 Ti Amo |5B-80 Los Cabos | 6G-40, Tres Amigos Grill & 4A-40, 7B-40 Cantina | 4B-74 Mandarin Taste | 5B-51 Treys Bar & Grill | 5A-75 Mi Cocina | 4D-39 The Tropical |5C-62 Molly’s Landing | 8E-52 Twin Peaks | 5B-85 Mondo’s Ristorante Waterfront Grill | 4A-70 Italiano | 4C-94 Western Country Diner | 5D-37 Napa Flats | 4A-25 Wine Loft | 5A-42 Nelson’s Buffeteria | 5C-63 Yutaka Grill & Sushi Buffet | 5C-32

ENTERTAINMENT Air Port Trampoline | 5C-12 Dave and Buster’s | 6B-44 Eton Square Cinema | 5B-22 Hard Knocks | 5B-61 Loony Bin Comedy Club | 5B-67 Village 8 Movies | 5B-77

MEDICAL Hillcrest | 4D-53

BARS Mercury Lounge | 3D-90 Whiskey Dog | 7A-55

CASINO River Spirit | 4B-58

EVERYTHING ELSE Blue Cottage | 4A-59 Cookie Doodle | 4A-60 Shears | 4A-41

LOOK FOR THE YELLOW BOX!

8

PreviewGreenCountry.com 49

"Upscale, Down Home Cooking"

THE BRADY ARTS DISTRICT

The most unique Tulsa downtown restaurant!

Patio, Private/Holiday Parties, Caterings JOIN US FOR HAPPY HOUR! Mon-Fri, 2-7pm and Fri-Sat 9-11pm Additional Brunch Menu - Sat and Sun, 10:30am-2pm

FOLLOW US

Monday – Thursday, 11am-9pm • Friday, 11am-11pm Saturday, 10:30am-11pm • Sunday, 10:30am-9pm

918-588-CHOW(2469) | www.cazschowhouse.com 18 West Matthew Brady St. | Tulsa, OK 74103

Book your parties today so you won’t miss out on the fun!

Live Jazz on Wednesdays and Fridays!

"Best Brick Oven Pizza in Tulsa"

107 N. Boulder, Suite B 918.398.7114 www.bar46tulsa.com Hours: 4pm-2am 50 December 2015

114 N Boston | Tulsa, OK 74103

918.508.7000

Serving Authentic Mexican Cuisine Since 1987

A Tulsa Tradition!

918.582.3383

www.mexicalibordercafe.com 14 West Matthew Brady St. Tulsa, OK 74103

TULSA'S

PREMIERE DANCE CLUB

Not Just an Ordinary Bar Located in the heart of the Brady Arts District of downtown Tulsa Caz's Pub 21 West Matthew Brady St. \ Tulsa, OK 74103

918.585.8587 www.cazspub.com

THE BRADY ARTS DISTRICT

• Dine-in or carry out • Delivery service available • Daily & weekly specials • Full catering services • Banquet facilities

We have dance floors and multiple bars that offer a great time. The club features high end lighting and sound, a positive, safe and comfortable atmosphere and an outdoor patio.

918.584.9494

124 N. Boston Ave.

ClubMajesticTulsa.com

Live DJ Entertainment!

PreviewGreenCountry.com 51

Antes

Action

AND

When you want a gaming getaway, you can opt for a long — and pricey — trip to Las Vegas. The plane tickets, hotel rooms, rental car, time off work … it’ll cost you. But if you want to get the out-of-town, casino fix you’re craving in the comfort of your own backyard, then take a ride down Riverside Parkway to the River Spirit Casino — a full-service casino like you’d get in Vegas, but with the convenience and savings of Green Country.

River Spirit Casino began about 20 years ago in a much smaller form, says CEO Pat Crofts. Over the years, it has evolved and expanded to become one of the largest fullservice casinos in the Tulsa area. It’s also the largest of the 11 casinos owned and operated by the Muscogee Creek Nation, which uses the proceeds from their gaming operations to fund a variety of service programs such as housing, education, elderly assistance and health care.

Like most casinos, River Spirit offers a wide variety of gaming options to choose from. If you’re a fan of the one-armed 52 December 2015

WRITTEN BY: Michele Chiappetta

Breakfast lovers can enjoy the Sunday brunch buffet, while seafood lovers can delight their taste buds Thursday evenings with a seafood buffet that includes shrimp, crab legs, salmon and more.

Who needs the Vegas scene with River Spirit Casino in our own backyard? With a wide variety of gaming options, promotions, grub, nightlife and Jimmy Buffett-style paradise, this Arkansas River fixture is delivering in spades.

bandit, says Crofts, “River Spirit offers 2,700 of the most popular, state-of-the-art electronic games.” Of course, these days you don’t actually have to pull the arm to make slot machines work. You can simply push a button. But it’s still as fun as ever to spend a few bucks and gamble on the chance of winning big.

For those who like the challenge of live competition, you can channel your inner Annie Duke and take a chance at playing the mind game against your opponents in a live card game.

River Spirit’s live game tables — 15 in all — are available 24/7 and range in stakes from low to high so anyone can participate. Enjoy Texas hold’em poker and 21+3, as well as popular favorites like free bet blackjack, Fortune Pai Gow poker and baccarat. Mondays and Tuesdays are No Ante Night.

River Spirit provides frequent players with loyalty bonuses; simply sign up for their Players Club to take advantage of membership deals. But, you don’t have to be in the Players Club to enjoy the casino’s many special promotions.

“We have a huge promotion every year at the holidays,” says Crofts. “This year from November 12 to December 22, we have our 12 Days of Paradise. We’ll be giving away two Jeep Rubicons, tropical vacation getaways, paradise-themed merchandise and cash. To participate, just come in and play. You don’t have to be there on the night of the drawing to win.”

The casino gives you plenty of incentive to come often, with their frequent promotions and special events. Men’s Night is Mondays, 4-10 p.m., and Women’s Night is Wednesdays, 4-10 p.m. Both nights offer $10 match play, as well as drawings every half-hour where players have a chance to receive $50 in free play. Monday and Tuesday mornings are geared toward the 50 and up crowd. And on Tuesdays and Sundays from 2 p.m. to midnight, you can play to earn double points and double entries in the casino’s current promotions.

Over the years, it has evolved and expanded to become one of the larger full-service casinos in the Tulsa area.

It’s also the largest of the 11 casinos owned and

Of course, if you’re familiar with the casino lifestyle, you know that you don’t go just for the gaming. You go for the food. And River Spirit delivers that up to you in spades.

operated by

When you’re craving classic hamburgers and fries, hit up the casual but tasty Johnny Rockets, a 1950s-style diner.

Enjoy their world-famous hand-dipped shakes and malts, mouth-watering, grilled sandwiches, and their signature, fresh, made-to-order hamburgers. Or hang out with your best buddies and watch your favorite sports team beat down their rivals in the comfortable Scoreboard Sports Bar.

Nation.

the Muscogee Creek

But really, you just came for the buffet, right? Well, you’ll be able to satisfy your every food craving at Visions, one of the largest casino buffets in Oklahoma. Crofts says it’s worth a trip to eat there, even on days when you don’t want to get your gaming on. “We have seven serving stations,” he says, “including Asian, Italian, American, international, desserts, salads and barbecue.” Breakfast lovers can enjoy the Sunday brunch buffet, while seafood lovers can delight their taste buds Thursday evenings with a seafood buffet that includes shrimp, crab legs, salmon and more. If you like red meat, hit the buffet Saturday nights for their steak and shrimp special.

Be sure to stop in at the casino’s Five O’Clock Somewhere Bar also. This Jimmy Buffet-style paradise serves up delicious drinks, paired with island-themed music soothing enough to convince you you’re on the beach in Aruba. The bar offers monthly specials, though they’re best known for the margarita (naturally). A favorite is their 22-ounce margarita, made with three full ounces of different tequilas and served up in a miniature blender that you can keep.

The bar also features live music on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. “Both local and regional bands play the live music nights at the bar,” says Crofts, “groups like the JumpShots, Lost on Utica, Zodiac and the High Fidelics.” The island beach feel of the Five O’Clock Somewhere Bar makes it a perfect place to relax with a date or with friends when you want a break from the gaming floor.

PreviewGreenCountry.com 53

The Events Center at River Spirit is one of the casino’s best-loved features. Crofts and his staff work hard to bring in a variety of events for every taste palate in Tulsa. Worldfamous rock acts, nationally touring comedians and the toughest brawlers in MMA and boxing all come through River Spirit eventually. The next event scheduled is a concert

by Lyle Lovett on Dec. 4.

Currently, the casino’s expansion is well underway to make River Spirit the home of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville casino and restaurant. The expansion will include a hotel with around 500 rooms and suites, spa, pool, fitness center, retail center, and a convention/meeting area, as well as a nationalbrand steakhouse to be announced closer to the opening date. “There will also be a large theater similar to the Hard Rock’s theater,” says Crofts. That theater will allow for more musical acts to come through River Spirit.

“Margaritaville will even have a separate entrance, like the Flamingo in Vegas,” Crofts says. They’ll also be adding a new parking structure that will accommodate over 1,500 vehicles.

The casino expansion will span 50,000 square feet and add 850 more games to the site, allowing for more people to enjoy River Spirit. And it will be worth the visit, since you’ll be able to see Margaritaville’s volcano, complete with lava flow that erupts for your entertainment every hour on the hour.

54 December 2015

Enjoy Texas hold’em poker and 21+3, as well as popular favorites like free bet blackjack, Fortune Pai Gow poker and baccarat.

Mondays and Tuesdays are No Ante Night.

Guests who stay at the hotel, says Crofts, can enjoy a pool that features private cabanas, decks overlooking the Arkansas River, and a bar that you can swim up to and sit, without ever climbing out of the water. “Margaritaville be open in September 2016, in time for Labor Day,” he says.

Crofts anticipates that the expansion will add a lot to the local economy. “We’ve hired a lot of construction workers for the building we’re doing now,” he says. Once Margaritaville opens, they’ll be adding approximately 850 new jobs. “The economic impact of the expansion will be huge — over $300 million,” he says. That’s an estimated $135 million additional income for the Tulsa area.

For now, plan on stopping by River Spirit to enjoy their 12 Days of Paradise giveaways. And if you’re here in town on New Year’s Eve, Crofts invites you to come by. “It’s our busiest night of the year,” he says. “There will be dancing, parties and music.”

Sounds exactly like a quick Vegas getaway, at the low cost of a drive over to the Arkansas River. You can’t go wrong with that.

RIVER SPIRIT CASINO

81st and Riverside | Tulsa

918-299-8518 riverspirittulsa.com

Well Dressed Burgers In Utica Square!

wines AND patio bar BOUTIQUE

steaks AND fresh fish HAND-CUT

Putting the Gourmet back into Burgers!

WOOD-FIRED

BGB BROWNIE GOURMET BURGERS “Well Dressed Burgers”

918.747.7935

Located at Utica Square

Come and Try our Lunch Buffet Today!

918.994.7404

8242 E 71st St • Tulsa, OK 74133 Tues - Thu: 11:00 am - 2:30 pm, 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Fri - Sat: 11:00 am - 2:30 pm, 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm Sun: 11:00 am - 2:30 pm • CLOSED Mondays

pizza

918.948.6505

9912 SOUTH RIVERSIDE DR. | TULSA, OK 74137

www.napaflats.com

Newest Sushi Buffet in Tulsa!

Asian Cuisine, Hibachi, American Food plus much, much more.

918.921.3400 6560 E 51st St. | Tulsa YutakaBuffet-OK.com

LEARN MORE ON PAGE 86

In the Farm Shopping Center

Hours: Sun-Thurs 11-9:30pm • Fri-Sat 11-10:30pm PreviewGreenCountry.com 55

B O R O KS I D E - T H E P L AC E TO B E

Serving Southwest Cuisine for 30 Years!

Best patio dining and margaritas in Tulsa! cafeolebrookside.com | 918.745.6699 3509 S. Peoria Ave. | Tulsa, OK Tuesday - Thursday, 11am-9pm | Friday, 11am-10pm | Saturday, 9am-10pm | Sunday, 9am-9pm

sushi with a pulse!

Since 1969 the Aloisio family has served family recipes from Napoli and Abruzzi Italy. Come and enjoy our home cooking paired with fine wine and crafted beers.

Full service bar.

CALL FOR RESERVATIONS & CARRY OUT 918.561.6300 • 3410 S. Peoria Ave. 56 December 2015

fresh sushi + incredible kitchen entrees + great happy hour + live music (on Brookside) + sunset views (on the hill)

call 918.671.0606 for catering

B O R O KS I D E - T H E P L AC E TO B E

918.747.9463 | www.sonomatulsa.com 3523 South Peoria Avenue | Brookside | Tulsa, OK PreviewGreenCountry.com 57

North South East & Western Wear ® Drysdales has been a locally owned business for 34 years led by President and CEO Jim McClure and Vice President Sigmund Schwier. Drysdales flagship store opened Sept 22, 1981 at 3220 S Memorial Drive. That store still thrives today. In 1994 Drysdales opened its catalog center and in 2003 opened its second store located at 71st and Highway 169. When you enter the doors at Drysdales you are immediately overwhelmed by the 50,000 square feet of western merchandise. Your western needs can be met from head to toe, as well as your trendy fashion forward friends. Drysdales has over 100,000 pairs of jeans and 45,000 pairs of boots in stock, as well as a huge variety of sportswear apparel to shop for your entire family. Shop for premium jean brands like Levi’s, Wrangler, Cinch, Ariat, Miss Me, Rock Revival, Lucky, Silver and Rock & Roll Cowboy. Famous boot brands include Ariat, Dan Post, Justin, Lucchese, Corral, Nocona, Tony Lama and more. Drysdales carries a great selection of hats by Resistol, Stetson, American and many more. Don’t forget Drysdales has the best selection of western home decor, jewelry, purses, buckles and more gifts to put under the tree this Christmas season.

Drysdales supports many local events and is a sponsor and the official retailer for the National Barrel Association.

Drysdales is also the sponsor of the Drysdales Holiday Circuit Quarter Horse Show held in July and December. ®

®

®

®

®

®

®

®

®

®

.com

NORTH SOUTH EAST AND WESTERN WEAR®

58 December 2015

Drysdales stretches the definition of cowgirl fashion. Don’t be afraid to express yourself with a signature fashion statement. Shop all the styles and designs from the casual cowgirl to the professional. Looks like the vintage boho, flirty fringe to the dolled up in denim. Shop the wide range of riding jeans and shirts from top brands like Cowgirl Tuff, Ariat and Cinch. Compliment your attire with a wide selection of designer boots and everyday boot essentials. Don’t forget to complete your wardrobe with their large selection of belts, scarves and accessories. ®

®

.com

NORTH SOUTH EAST AND WESTERN WEAR®

Western Jewelry is the perfect gift for that special cowgirl in your life.

They have jewelry made of Turquoise, Coral, Silver, Leather and Pearls. Adorned with conchos, tassels, crosses, feathers and more.

With so many Western purses to choose, they’re sure to have the style and size you need. There you’ll find large totes for travel, as well as petite clutches, hobo styles and handbags of every size.

PreviewGreenCountry.com 59

Come to Drysdales® for a large selection of Carhartt apparel for men, women and children. Combat cold weather with Carhartt apparel that is made for active workers. Choose from work shirts, jeans, bibs, coveralls, vests, jackets, hats, gloves and socks.

If you work around flames, you know the importance of workplace safety. Shop their selection of Flame Resistant work wear from top brands like Carhartt, Wrangler, Cinch and Ariat designed for your safety. Drysdales® offers the toughest work clothes in the industry. Flame Resistant boots from Justin and John Deere are also available.

HOOey is a great idea that allows cowboys and cowgirls that chance to wear merchandise that covers you from head to toe that actually represents their sport of choice. Shop from HOOey wallets, knife sheaths, caps and hoodies.

Dial up your cold weather performance with their large selection of Under Armour logo hoodies, t-shirts, jackets and more.

While at Drysdales® don’t forget to grab some of their souvenir merchandise that is available at all locations. They offer logo t-shirts, cups, koozies, caps and hoodies.

®

.com

NORTH SOUTH EAST AND WESTERN WEAR®

A western update to your home can make entertaining guests and serving everyday meals a fun western treat. They have quite an array of Christmas decor and gifts including Cowboy Santas, western stockings, and lots of western Christmas tree ornaments for your western-themed Christmas. There’s something at Drysdales® for everyone!

60 December 2015

Best brands, best prices...

Drysdales® has you covered

Drysdales has top quality leather jackets, belts and boots. Genuine leather jackets from STS™ Ranchwear are inspired by Stran Smith 11 time NFR Qualifier.

The quality and craftsmanship of these leather goods are exceptional and constructed to hold up for your cowboy or cowgirl. The finest boots from Lucchese have been handmade since the 1860’s and are unrivaled quality, fit, comfort and style. Their superior selection of leather belts comes in all sizes, colors and have unique designs and buckles. Drysdales also offers a variety of buckles and bolos to complete your ® western outfit. ®

®

.com

NORTH SOUTH EAST AND WESTERN WEAR® Drysdales® is Oklahoma’s denim headquarters with over 150,000 pairs jeans to choose from. They have the waist and length, size, fit and fashion to cover everyone in your family.

Drysdales® has just what you need to outfit your bedroom and bath, transforming it into the retreat of your dreams. Shop their wide selection of sheets to throw pillows, curtains, valances, shower curtains and so much more.

PreviewGreenCountry.com 61

E AT- D R I N K - S H O P - R E N E W

Voted Tulsa’s Best in Asian, Japanese and Sushi Restaurant

BEST PATIO OVERLOOKING DOWNTOWN TULSA! CHERRY STREET

“NEW” Hibachi Menu!

918.556.0200 | 1402 S. Peoria Suite 200 | ZanmaiOK.com Walk-ins are Welcome

62 December 2015

HOURS: Mon. -Thurs. 11AM-10PM | Fri. and Sat. 11AM-11PM | Sun. 11AM-9PM

CHERRY STREET

Our food is hand-crafted and made

fresh daily using

authentic Mexican cooking

techniques and the finest ingredients available.

E AT- D R I N K - S H O P - R E N E W

LEARN MORE ON PAGE 82

918.599.8009 • 1342 E. 15th St. • Tulsa

Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. • Friday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. • Saturday-Sunday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

www.MiCocinaRestaurants.com PreviewGreenCountry.com 63

green country //

Train Kept a Rollin’ WRITTEN BY: Donna Leahey

Bundle up in pajamas, robe and slippers to take your family on a magical adventure to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus and his elves via the Polar Express.

A

ll aboard the Polar Express. Now departing Bristow, Okla., … the Polar Express. Next stop?

The North Pole.

Santa Claus and his elves. Take an exciting holiday adventure, based on Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved children’s book The Polar Express as well as the popular Tom Hanks movie of the same name.

Bundle up in pajamas, robe and slippers and take your family on a magical adventure to the North Pole to meet

Van Allsburg’s book tells the story of a skeptical young boy who used to love Christmas. While still in his pajamas, he sees a train through his bedroom window.

The conductor calls to him, and the boy is invited aboard the train bound for the North Pole. During the journey, he enjoys hot cocoa and cookies served by dancing chefs and meets other boys and girls in their pajamas, as well.

Upon arrival at the North Pole, he sees elves and reindeer and is selected to receive a special gift from Santa — a silver sleigh bell from a reindeer’s harness. Sadly, he loses the bell through a hole in the pocket of his robe, but in the morning, he finds the bell under the Christmas tree. He discovers

64 December 2015

that only he and his sister can hear the bell; his parents think it’s broken. He realizes that only true believers can hear it.

Like the hero of the book, all passengers of the Polar Express — children and adults — are invited to board in their pajamas. The conductor calls out, “All Aboard!” and the holiday journey begins. The conductor punches the children’s golden tickets and the Polar Express chugs out of the station.

Children and their parents listen to a recording of Van Allsburg reading his book while music from The Polar Express film plays and chefs dance through the train, serving hot cocoa and cookies to everyone. Children watch through the windows with joy as the train pulls into the

station at the North Pole. Santa boards the train and greets each traveler. Santa presents each child with their own silver sleigh bell that only true believers can hear.

Once each child has had a chance to meet Santa, the train departs the North Pole and returns to Oklahoma, making its final stop at the station in Bristow. Along the way, passengers join in while singing elves entertain with festive Christmas carols to carry the joy all the way back home.

// green country

99¢

DRAFTS ALL DAY Burrito Baja California

The total trip runs about one hour. “It takes about 25-30 minutes to reach the North Pole, and the train stays just long enough for Santa and his elves to board and for people to snap photos,” explains Sarah Munley, marketing director for Premier Rail.

During the rest of the year, the Polar Express is better known as the Eastern Flyer, the proposed passenger rail-line between Tulsa and Oklahoma City operated by Premier Rail.

“Premier Rail Collection is the passenger family of railroads under Iowa Pacific Holdings,” explains Munley. Premier Rail noticed that Bristow was close enough to the North Pole for a Polar Express line. “We found Bristow to have the most conducive environment to accommodate an event of this size. We take into account many factors including parking areas, staging areas, proximity to the North Pole, and of course, how welcoming city officials would be to the event. Bristow was very welcoming.”

Van Allsburg’s classic Christmas story was published in 1985 and is beloved by children

everywhere. Van Allsburg says he was inspired by a steam locomotive he had played on as a child, the Pere Marquette 1225.

His book has been praised for its beautiful illustrations and the serenity of the storyline. The Polar Express won the Caldecott Medal for Children’s Literature in 1986 and is considered one of the Teacher’s Top 100 Books for Children and one of the Top 100 Picture Books of all time.

In 2004, Robert Zemeckis released The Polar Express animated film starring Hanks. It was the first all motion-capture film ever released.

Passengers can purchase seats on the train in standard class, first class or diamond class. Standard class travelers are seated in a traditional railway car with rowed seats. First-class passengers are seated around tables in vintage rail equipment, while diamond class passengers are seated in an upper dome car that features wide windows for viewing the magical stop at the North Pole. First class and diamond class passengers receive a souvenir mug with their hot cocoa. Because of the nature of the seating, first and diamond class requires purchasing an even number of tickets.

POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE

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PreviewGreenCountry.com 65

sports central //

TiP

TIM The Sooners may be the class of the state with a Top 10 preseason ranking, but don’t sleep on Tulsa, OSU or ORU — all of which could all be joining the madness by March with some luck and big buckets.

As the falling leaves have all gone brown, and icy winds begin nipping at the sports fans’ cheeks, fans begin to move indoors to the sounds of squeaking sneakers on hardwood floors. A plethora of college hoops teams are taking their first steps toward the spring dance known as March Madness.

OKLAHOMA SOONERS

2014-15 Record: 24-11

Let’s start with the Oklahoma Sooners since they are the lone team in the state to be ranked in the Top 10 of the preseason polls. The team was also picked second in the Big 12 Preseason Poll and enters the season ranked No. 8 in the first USA Today Coaches’ Poll, largely on the shoulders of preseason All-America first teamer Buddy Hield.

Fifth-year head coach Lon Kruger welcomes back four starters from last season’s NCAA Sweet 16 team, including Hield who was Big 12 Player of the Year, scoring 17.4 points per game clip. And hey, opponents — want to hear the bad news? Kruger thinks Hield has improved.

“The expectations are a little bit different,” Kruger says. “You work to get to that point and you really can’t change what you do every day in preparation. The guys have done a really good job of focusing on making progress consistently throughout the year and making good plays for each other. It’s an older group and we should be able to take that up a notch and make progress.”

66 December 2015

// sports central

ME WRITTEN BY: Richard Linihan

Having four returning starters leading a team to last year’s Sweet 16 does nothing to alleviate the worry of every team in the Big 12. The squad returns 75 percent of its scoring, 69 percent of its rebounding and 83 percent of its assists from a year ago. The other three who lined up with Hield are seniors Isaiah Cousins (11.7 ppg) and Ryan Spangler (9.7 ppg, 8.2 rpg), as well as junior Jordan Woodard (9.3 ppg, 3.8 apg).

To say experience is on their side is an understatement. All four of these guys not only started every game last year but every game from the year before, as well.

“It’s crazy to see where we are now from where we came from,” says Woodard. “We had hopes of going to the Sweet 16 (last year) and now the Final Four, when a and a couple of years ago we were just happy to make the tournament.”

There is something very special brewing for the 2015-16 season. You should probably go ahead and make your hotel reservations now for the NCAA Regionals and possibly the Final Four.

OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS

2014-15 Record: 18-14

The Oklahoma State men’s basketball team was unranked in the preseason Top 25 and picked seventh in the Big 12, but came out with a vengeance in its first exhibition game in November, waxing East Central University of Ada, 94-66. But, there were problems uncovered in the game that could lead to some worry lines on the faces of Cowboys fans, should they continue.

OSU was outscored 22-4 in the paint in the first half, despite the fact East Central had no player taller than 6-foot-6.

The good news for OSU is that they should have no trouble scoring from outside, as they have some sharpshooters from long range. Also, there is something to be said for the fact that OSU is one of just 22 schools nationwide to play in the NCAA Tournament in each of the last three seasons, and will look to keep that streak alive in 2015-16.

If OSU is to dance again, it will be because long-range bomber senior guard Phil Forte brought his dancing shoes.Forte, who has emerged from the shadow of Marcus Smart (his former teammate in high school and OSU), takes center stage for the Cowboys. Forte has the school’s PreviewGreenCountry.com 67

sports central // career three-point record in his sights. He needs just 62 treys to tie Keiton Page (2008-12) for the school record.

Head coach Travis Ford enters his eighth season of a 10-year contract with the Cowboys. He ranks third in school history in both total wins (143) and win percentage (61.1 percent). Despite those gaudy numbers, Ford remains on the hot seat. Last season’s slightly better than .500 record resulted in a lot of empty orange seats in Gallagher-Iba Arena.

Oklahoma State has a lot of depth on their team that really didn’t get to show what it could do last season. The Cowboys have had some very good recruiting classes recently and there is a bevy of sophomores who are ready to step into bigger roles.

TULSA HURRICANE

2014-15 Record: 24-11

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Coming off a postseason NIT Second Round appearance and a secondplace finish in its first season as a member of the American Athletic Conference, the Tulsa basketball team seeks greater success in 2015-16.

Nine seniors lead a team heavy on upperclassmen. Coach Frank Haith says the goal of every year is to play in the postseason.

“We have a veteran team that went to postseason last year, but we want to play in the NCAA Tournament,” Haith says. “I think this team is very capable. We know our league is even better than it was last year. We have to be better than we were last year in order for that to happen. We have a team that is full of veteran players who know what it takes to win.”

The Hurricane faced little roster turnover, returning 11 players. Leading scorers James Woodard and Shaquille Harrison are back to anchor the Tulsa backcourt. This senior guard tandem combined to average 27.6 points per game — 43 percent of the team’s scoring.

If Tulsa is going to make the NCAA Tournament any time soon, this will be the year. The entire starting five are seniors. This is a team that was learning a new system last season and did extremely well despite that fact. With a year of getting used to the system, Tulsa should be in the NCAA Tournament picture come March.

ORAL ROBERTS GOLDEN EAGLES

2014-15 Record: 19-15

Normally, having nine newcomers on a roster would be cause for concern, but a talented group of recruits and a head start thanks to a foreign tour have the ORU coaching staff optimistic about the learning curve. A summer trip to the Dominican Republic gave the Golden Eagles some much-needed practice and game time with six of the newcomers seeing significant minutes during a four-game span in which ORU went 3-1.

“I thought it was very beneficial — mainly for the young guys — to be able to get 10 days of practice and a few games under their belt,” says head coach Scott Sutton, who begins his 17th year as the leader of the ORU program. “I think we will be a lot further ahead and certainly be more comfortable when we start playing games because of that trip.”

Led by redshirt-senior Obi Emegano, who is picked by many publications to be the Player of the Year in the Summit League, ORU returns three starters. That number doesn’t include senior Brandon Conley, who is 10th in the ORU record books in blocked shots, or talented sophomore Albert Owens, who made five starts and had a breakout performance with 18 points against South Dakota State toward the end of the season.

68 December 2015

• Apparel • Audio Accessories • Purses • Home Decor

• Wallets • Sunglasses • Flags & Banners • Gifts & Accessories

918-794-0521

44th & Memorial | Tulsa, OK 74145

Sports

// sports central

Calendar

Oklahoma Basketball (Men’s)

Home games are played at Lloyd Noble Center (Norman)

Tulsa Basketball (Women’s)

Home games are played at Reynolds Center (Tulsa, Okla.)

Dec. 3 | vs Central Arkansas | 7p Dec. 7 | vs Villanova* | 6p Dec. 12 | vs Oral Roberts | 1p Dec. 19 | vs Creighton | 1p Dec. 22 | vs Washington State**

Dec. 2 | vs Grambling State | 7p Dec. 6 | vs Indiana State | 1p Dec. 9 | vs Oklahoma | 7p Dec. 13 | @ Little Rock | 2p Dec. 20 | @ Northern Iowa | 1p Dec. 30 | vs East Carolina | 7p

* Honolulu, Hawaii ** Diamond Head Classic (Honolulu, Hawaii)

Oklahoma Basketball (Women’s)

Home games are played at Lloyd Noble Center (Norman)

Tulsa Basketball (Men’s)

Home games are played at Reynolds Center (Tulsa, Okla.)

Dec. 2 | @ Oklahoma State | 7p Dec. 5 | vs Oral Roberts | 3p Dec. 8 | vs Iona | 8p Dec. 13 | @ Missouri State | 2p Dec. 19 | vs Oregon State* | 10p Dec. 22 | vs Northern Arizona | 7p Dec. 29 | vs SMU | 4p * Far West Classic Invitational (Portland, Ore.)

Dec. 2 | vs UALR | 7p Dec. 6 | @ Washington | 5:30p Dec. 9 | @ Tulsa | 7p Dec. 13 | vs UTSA | 2p Dec. 20 | vs Texas A&M* | 4p Dec. 30 | vs Kansas | 7p * Big 12/SEC Challenge (Oklahoma City, Okla.)

Oklahoma State Basketball (Men’s)

Home games are played at Gallagher-Iba Arena (Stillwater)

Oral Roberts Basketball (Men’s)

Home games are played at Mabee Center (Tulsa, Okla.)

Dec. 2 | vs Tulsa | 7p Dec. 5 | vs Missouri State | 2:30p Dec. 12 | @ Minnesota | 7:30p Dec. 15 | vs Longwood | 7p Dec. 19 | @ Florida | 7p Dec. 29 | vs UMKC | 6p

Dec. 1 | @ New Mexico | 8p Dec. 5 | @ Tulsa | 3p Dec. 9 | vs John Brown | 7p Dec. 12 | @ Oklahoma | 1p Dec. 16 | @ Missouri State | 7p Dec. 19 | @ LSU | 7p Dec. 21 | @ New Mexico State | 8p Dec. 30 | @ IPFW | 6p

Oklahoma State Basketball (Women’s) Home games are played at Gallagher-Iba Arena (Stillwater)

Dec. 5 | vs Texas-Rio Grande Valley | Noon Dec. 14 | vs North Carolina | 7p Dec. 20 | @ South Florida | 1p Dec. 22 | @ Central Florida | Noon Dec. 27 | vs Savannah State | 2p Dec. 30 | vs Baylor | 6p

Oral Roberts Basketball (Women’s)

Home games are played at Mabee Center (Tulsa, Okla.)

Dec. 1 | @ Eastern Michigan | 6p Dec. 10 | @ Arkansas | 7p Dec. 12 | @ Missouri State | 7:05p Dec. 15 | vs Lyon College | Noon Dec. 17 | @ Baylor | 7p Dec. 22 | @ Kansas | 7p

Oklahoma City Thunder

Home games are played at Chesapeake Energy Arena (Oklahoma City) Dec. 3 | @ Miami Heat | 6p Dec. 6 | vs Sacramento Kings | 6p Dec. 8 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | 7p Dec. 10 | vs Atlanta Hawks | 7p Dec. 11 | @ Utah Jazz | 8p Dec. 13 | vs Utah Jazz | 6p Dec. 16 | vs Portland Trail Blazers | 7p Dec. 17 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | 7p Dec. 19 | vs Los Angeles Lakers | 4p Dec. 21 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | 9:30p Dec. 23 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | 9:30p Dec. 25 | vs Chicago Bulls | 1:30p Dec. 27 | vs Denver Nuggets | 6p Dec. 29 | vs Milwaukee Bucks | 7p Dec. 31 | vs Phoenix Suns | 7p

Tulsa Oilers

Home games are played at the BOK Center (Tulsa) Dec. 2 | vs Rapid City Rush | 7:05p Dec. 3 | vs Utah Grizzlies | 7:05p Dec. 10 | vs Idaho Steelheads | 7:05p Dec. 11 | vs Idaho Steelheads | 7:05p Dec. 13 | vs Missouri Mavericks | 4:05p Dec. 18 | vs Wichita Thunder | 7:05p Dec. 19 | vs Wichita Thunder | 7:05p Dec. 21 | @ Allen Americans | 7:05p Dec. 26 | @ Wichita Thunder | 7:05p Dec. 31 | @ Rapid City Rush | 7:35p

PreviewGreenCountry.com 69

Sweet!

WRITTEN BY: Michele Chiappetta

D tastiest So here are our bakeries and desserts in town.

70 December 2015

essert. You want it. You love it.

You could make it at home, but that’s hard work and involves cleanup. Isn’t there an easier way? Of course there is. You can go out on the town and enjoy the luxury of having someone else make dessert for you.

To help you out, I went on a quest for the best sugary treats in town. Let’s face it — you can run to QuikTrip for a candy bar, or to Reasor’s for fresh-baked doughnuts, but a tasty sweet in a restaurant is a special kind of treat. Since most people have been to the area’s many chain restaurants and bakeries, I won’t

What could possibly be more subjective than a list of best desserts?

After all, sweet tooths are like fingerprints in that no two peoples’ are alike.

mention them here. This space is reserved for places you may never have visited, as well as places you might pass by every day without stopping in.

Trust me. It’s time to hit up these places and enjoy the sweetness they offer.

Brownie’s Hamburgers BaskinRobbins

2130 S. Harvard Ave. | Tulsa 6577 E. 71st St. | Tulsa 1730 Utica Square | Tulsa

Bluestone Steakhouse & Seafood

6808 S. Memorial Dr. | Tulsa

When I walked into BaskinRobbins for this article, the first thing I noticed was the delicious aroma. They were making fresh waffle cones.

What a perfect reason to have ice cream. I know I said I wouldn’t focus on chains, but this is my exception. Mint chocolate chip, anyone?

In addition to traditional favorites, Baskin-Robbins offers special holiday flavors — eggnog, peppermint, pumpkin pie and Oreo cool mint chocolate. They serve up sherbet with dairy-free, sugar-free and fat-free options, as well as Greek frozen yogurt.

If you’re at the Village 8 Movie Theater, keep your ticket and bring it over to the neighboring Baskin-Robbins for a buy-oneget-one-free sundae special.

With a little notice, BaskinRobbins can prepare a custom ice cream cake. Make a selection from their design catalog or provide them with a photo to recreate on the cake. They also have premade cakes in stock, as well as frozen “clown cones” for the children.

The Canebrake 33241 E. 732nd | Wagoner

10032 S. Sheridan | Tulsa Brownie’s is known for its hamburgers, of course. But have you ever tried their root beer float? It is heaven is liquid form. Brownie’s makes a homemade root beer that makes the mouth water, and they serve it up in a frosted mug to keep it cool, with plenty of rich vanilla ice cream, lots of bubbles, a perfect treat for both children and adults. Not in the mood for root beer? Try their vanilla, chocolate or strawberry shakes.

Don’t leave without trying a slice of pie. Their coconut pie is very popular, as well as the Butterfinger pie. The pie has a serious meringue, and is paired with a thick crust that is not too sweet, just right to balance the pie’s main flavors.

The servings are large enough that you can easily split them with a friend or a date, which is exactly what I did.

Brownie’s makes their pies fresh daily at their Harvard location. Flavors include chocolate, banana, butterscotch, Butterfinger, peach, pumpkin, coconut, lemon, Oreo, apple, cherry and pecan. Specialty pies are available Saturdays, so if you’re a pie fiend, that’s the day to go. You can also order a whole pie for pick up, a great way to add to your holiday table.

Bluestone’s atmosphere is upscale and elegant, with dark wood paneling and an attractive marble bar. It’s where you go to have dessert in style, perhaps after a night at the Tulsa Ballet. All desserts are completely made in-house and from scratch, with the exception of the Amish pecan pie and the ice cream. Many of Bluestone’s ingredients come from Switzerland and Madagascar. And the taste of their desserts reflects their attention to detail and quality.

Among their customer favorites are the Bluestone Crème Brûlé, which comes in different flavors. Staple flavors include Key lime, vanilla bean, strawberry and mango, but be sure to ask about the seasonal specials too.

Other favorites include their unique red wine-orange reduction cheesecake, pumpkin-chocolate cheesecake, vanilla-chocolate cheesecake, chocolate mousse and the chef ’s choice fruit cobbler. Top it off with coffee or wine, and you can’t go wrong.

Shiloh’s

2604 N. Aspen | Broken Arrow Shiloh’s has that down-home feel that reminds you what it’s like to eat somewhere casual, friendly and tasty. All desserts are made fresh in-house the day they’re served up. You really can’t get fresher than that unless you’re actually in the kitchen putting the pie in the oven yourself.

Enjoy the Canebrake’s beautiful gardento-table kitchen and restaurant. They have an award-winning staff and a comforting spa atmosphere that is sure to leave you feeling pampered.

All their desserts, including the ice cream, are handcrafted from scratch.

Their pastry chef, Amber Ortez, develops menus seasonally to take advantage of the season’s finest and most flavorful ingredients. Their signature dessert is the Triple Mocha Mousse Torte, which they have been serving up since the day they opened.

It’s made with a walnut crust, topped with a chocolate ganache made from the finest Belgian chocolate. The next layer is a light mocha mousse, accented with whipped cream, chocolate shavings and seasonal fruit.

Other options to consider are their almond crème caramel (a poached apple dish), the sweet corn and apple pudding (a fall menu item made with heirloom pumpkin, sweet corn maple ice cream, candied pepitas and spiced orange glaze), the chocolate beet cake (black pepper-pear sorbet, white chocolate ganache and pear chips) and their housemade ice cream.

Shiloh’s serves a good selection of fruit pies and cobblers, including apple, blackberry, cherry, peach and strawberry rhubarb. They also serve up meringue pies, as well as chocolate Kahlua cake and Italian cream cake. Want to bring Shiloh’s to your house party? You can. Order a whole pie or cobbler anytime.

PreviewGreenCountry.com 71

Edible Arrangements 3311 S. Peoria | Tulsa 7731 E. 91st | Tulsa 9025 N. 121st E. Ave. | Owasso

Merritt’s Bakery Glacier Confection

3202 E. 15th St. | Tulsa 7712 E. 11th St. | Tulsa 2832 E. 101st St. | Tulsa 4930 W. Kenosha | Broken Arrow

Nelson’s Buffeteria 4401 S. Memorial | Tulsa

15 E. Brady St. | Tulsa

Edible Arrangements specializes in bouquet arrangements of fresh fruit for a healthy sweet treat. Among their new offerings, just in time for the holidays, are their caramel apple boxes. As you can guess, they slice the apples fresh, then dip them in chocolate, caramel, nuts and other toppings. They also have a new salted caramel banana truffle, a fruity alternative to chocolate truffles.

If you like pistachios, order something with their new pistachio topping, which is to die for.

For the holidays, they also have a Magical Christmas Tree Bouquet, made with honeydew, pineapple and other fruits in the shape of a pine tree. It’s a beautiful arrangement and it’ll make a wonderful centerpiece for your dessert table.

For everyday treats any time of year, Edible Arrangements has chocolate dipped fruits, bite-sized fruit truffles, dipped fruit cones, fruit pops, fruit kabobs, fresh fruit salads and fresh fruit parfaits complete with yogurt and granola. In other words, if you’re craving a healthy breakfast or snack, hit the store during the day and get fresh fruit for takeout.

Glacier Confection has been treating Tulsa to artisan chocolates for five years, something that fans of the beloved cocoa bean can embrace with glee. Glacier is also known for using natural ingredients, as well as a broad range of vegan chocolates and gluten-free options. All their products are manufactured in the United States.

Glacier’s truffles are not just delicious; they’re also colorful and beautifully presented.

A trip to Glacier is a feast for your ears as well as your stomach. The flavors are so varied, it’s hard to describe them all. Just imagine choosing from macadamia hazelnut, Key lime pecan, mocha, vegan ando chili caramel, almond espresso, margarita and a wide selection of other flavor combinations.

Stop by on Truffle Tuesdays to taste their featured truffle of the month.

For holidays and year-round gift giving, boxes of eight, 16, and 24 signature truffles. Or, go all in and buy the chocolatelover in your life the Fortunato No. 4 — a chocolate bar made from a cacao bean thought to be extinct since 1916. Glacier Confection is one of the few places on earth to experience this great find.

72 December 2015

Merritt’s Bakery is the brainchild of Larry Merritt, a man with a lot of love for sweet treats. He opened the first bakery location in 1979, and he and his family have been working hard ever since to make this one of the best bakery chains in town.

Where else can you get an individual Boston cream pie or Black Forest cake? In addition to a wide selection of homemade cookies and pastries, Merritt’s excels in making single-sized baked goods. That means you can stop in to treat yourself to cake anytime. Choices for single selections include Italian crème, chocolate, carrot, red velvet, white chocolate, pineapple upside-down cake, tiramisu and cheesecake.

If you want a whole cake, Merritt’s offers the usual favorites as well as some creations you won’t find elsewhere — coconut cake, Coke cake, Key lime cheesecake, rum cake, red velvet cake, German chocolate and several others. They also make pastry party trays, as well as holiday specialties such as Santa and snowman brownie pops, a cinnamon bread wreath and the gingerbread sleigh.

There are plenty of downhome mom-and-pop places throughout Green Country where the food is king, and Nelson’s Buffeteria is one of those places. Nelson’s has booths and a lunch counter reminiscent of the everyday diners of the 1950s. Their food is homemade and delicious, earning them a loyal clientele.

Nelson’s serves up just two sweet items on its breakfast menu, but both are excellent.

The cinnamon roll and the super doughnut are customer favorites, and they are both made in-house.

At lunchtime, treat yourself to one of Nelson’s dessert options. The banana cream pie, chocolate cream pie, coconut cream pie, pecan pie, apple pie and chocolate cake are all classic comfort foods that are bound to soothe your soul. All of their pies are fresh baked and made from special recipes. They make their pie fillings from scratch with real fruit. Even the crusts are homemade.

If you like meringue, then the lemon meringue pie is worth a visit. The meringue is several feet high. I’m exaggerating, but not by much. It’s the highest meringue I’ve seen in town. Plan your week around it, because this specialty pie is only available on Fridays, perfect to end a hard workweek.

It’s Time To Play…

El Chico 21st & Mingo 918.663.7755 WWW.ELCHICO.COM

From children to grandparents, from beginners to adepts, we have classes for everyone. Since 1975, we have been happy to share our stained glass knowledge with students of all talent levels. Come socialize, invite your friends and family, and make a thing of beauty. Enjoy a unique, creative adventure unlike anything else available in Tulsa today.

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Now Celebrating 40 years in Tulsa PreviewGreenCountry.com

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We’ve Been Serving Breakfast & Lunch Since 1929

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Hours: Mon-Sat 7am-2pm

Daily specials.

Breakfast served all day.

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74 December 2015

918.835.8862

www.westerncountrydiner.com

1905 S. Sheridan Rd. Tulsa, OK 74112

Mon-Sat 6am-9pm Sun 6am-3pm

The Melting Pot 300 Riverwalk | Jenks

The Wine Loft 7890 E. 106th | Tulsa

Cookiedoodle Sweet Tooth Candy Shop

377 E. Main Street | Jenks

Sweet Tooth houses over 250 jars of candy, and you can mix and match the selections to your sweet tooth’s content.

Some of their holiday selections include gummy gingerbread men, gummy elves and gummy Santas.

One of their most popular holiday specials is the Holly Leaves and Berries — pecans that are covered in chocolate, with cranberries covered in chocolate. Yum!

Walk into this cute, clean store located by the River City Trading Post in Jenks, and you’ll quickly sense the passion of Cookiedoodle’s owner, Bernadette, for tasty cookie treats. This place serves up custom cookies made from a carefully crafted shortbread recipe, dipped in almond glaze and topped with scratchmade buttercream icing. The cookies look beautiful, and they taste amazing.

3747 S. Harvard | Tulsa

Fondue has become an upscale treat, and there’s no better place to experience the delights of a dessert fondue than at the Melting Pot, one of the more unique chain restaurants you’ll ever come across, and worth a mention on this list.

The atmosphere is perfect for a family occasion, date night or a special celebration. Their chocolate fondue dippers can be made with white, milk or dark chocolate. They are served with fresh strawberries, blondies, bananas, pineapple, marshmallow treats, pound cake and brownies. Talk about decadent. You can also opt to have the chocolate dip mixed with crunchy peanut butter, marshmallow cream and graham crackers, caramel and candied pecans, or your choice of Disaronno, Baileys, Cointreau, Grand Marnier, Chambord or Tuaca.

As a premier wine bar, the Wine Loft caters to those who want a delicious taste of the fruit of the vine. Their wine selection is so extensive, you’ll want to go back again and again to taste test everything.

And honestly, what goes better with a lovely glass of wine than a delightful dessert? In this, the Wine Loft definitely delivers.

All of their desserts are made in-house, including the ice cream and sorbets. Their red velvet ice cream is a house favorite, as well as anything that includes their scratchmade honey whipped cream.

Their Pot de Crème is delicious.

Other options to go with your wine as you wind down your day that I’d recommend include the drunken berries (mixed berries in a housemade Grand Marnier syrup), the peach and blackberry tarte or the goat cheesecake, among other options.

Among their evergreen sweets, always available at their chocolates counter, are truffles shipped in from the Sweet Shop in Fort Worth. They serve up delicious chocolate treats, including homemade peanut butter cups as big as the palm of your hand and totally worth a splurge from time to time.

year, and they make a perfect addition for your holiday party planning. Western Country Diner offers a large choice of pies — pecan, lemon, coconut, chocolate, cherry, peach, apple, raspberry, apple crumb and pina colada.

Western Country Diner 1905 S. Sheridan | Tulsa All of Western Country Diner’s desserts are homemade, including the cheesecakes. You can order pies and cheesecakes any time of the

Cookiedoodle doesn’t stop at cookies.

They also serve up soft, tasty cupcakes as well as a dozen flavors of cake balls.

For the holidays and other special events, they make custom cookie boxes, baskets and platters. It’s best to order ahead, because it takes three days to make the custom designed cookies before they’re ready to serve up to you.

They deliver to Tulsa and Jenks.

They also make cakes and can do a wide variety of custom decorations, designs and shapes. Search through their large catalog of cakes for ideas, or bring in your own design idea. They love the challenge of making something new just for customers. And their fondant is homemade from marshmallows, so that it’s tastier than the traditional fondant used by many big bakeries.

They also serve up tasty Oreo, pumpkin, and chocolate cheesecakes. And if you’re into cake, choose from their carrot, chocolate, hazelnut, red velvet, vanilla and fruitcake. Or try the baklava, the traditional nut and honey filled bars layered with phyllo dough — all the ingredients, including the dough, are made from scratch in Western Country Diner’s kitchen.

PreviewGreenCountry.com 75

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*Offer expires 12/31/15. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Restrictions may apply. See store for details. Edible®, Edible Arrangements®, the Fruit Basket Logo, and other marks mentioned herein are registered trademarks of Edible Arrangements, LLC. © 2015 Edible Arrangements, LLC. All rights reserved.

76 December 2015

Sandwiches • Smoothies Coffee • Homemade Desserts 4417 S. Mingo Rd. Tulsa, OK

918.794.0522 www.roserockcafe.com Monday-Saturday 8am-8pm

also check out:

Stonehorse Café

RoseRock Café 4417 S. Mingo | Tulsa

1748 Utica Square | Tulsa

ANN’S BAKERY 7 N. Harvard | Tulsa

LA CREPE NANOU 7890 E. 106th | Tulsa

LUDGER’S BAVARIAN CAKERY 8931 S. Yale | Tulsa

THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY 8711 E. 71st | Tulsa

CORK 8922 S. Memorial | Tulsa

MOD’S COFFEE AND CREPES 507 S. Boston | Tulsa

NAPA FLATS 9912 Riverside Pkwy. | Tulsa

POLO GRILL 2038 Utica Square | Tulsa

RUSSO’S 8941 S. Yale | Tulsa

SAVOY 6033 S. Sheridan | Tulsa

DAVE & BUSTER’S 6812 S. 105th E. Ave. | Tulsa

DRAGONMOON TEA COMPANY 1927 S. Harvard | Tulsa

GELATERIA STG 114 S. Detroit | Tulsa

HOP BUNZ 3330 S. Peoria | Tulsa 7891 E. 108th | Tulsa

INCREDIBLE PIZZA

SONOMA 3523 S. Peoria | Tulsa

8314 E. 71st | Tulsa

TI AMO

KUPCAKZ BAKERY

219 S. Cheyenne | Tulsa 6024 S. Sheridan | Tulsa

6105 S. Mingo | Tulsa

Stonehorse Café is a charming restaurant located in Tulsa’s upscale Utica Square, a small oasis in the heart of the city.

The café has a clean, modern, classy feel and a welcoming atmosphere. The waitstaff are charming and efficient. When you want to eat your sweet treat in a place that feels a bit like pampering yourself without being too far outside a normal budget, Stonehorse is the place to go.

The women who own Stonehorse work hard to please the foodies in town, and their dessert menu is no exception.

When you’re there for dessert, have some of their tasty coffee or their wines along with one of their specialty items.

When you’re with that special someone, try their bread pudding for two, a Stonehorse classic made with caramel ice cream and bourbon caramel.

It’s made to order though, so be ready to wait 30 minutes. It’s worth it.

Other options include an apple crisp, crème brulee, carrot cake for two, a baklava sundae, the chocolate terrine (made with Grand Marnier and bittersweet chocolate Terrine) or their housemade ice creams and sorbets. They also offer a gluten-free chocolate cake.

Attached to Gardner’s Used Books, a cornucopia of old books that draws people into its honeycomb for hours, RoseRock Café provides a quiet place to take a much-needed food and drink break when you just can’t look at another Stephen King paperback without a breather.

Many of their sweet items come in the form of drinks. RoseRock has a long list of Big Train shakes — the blended ice drinks that are very popular. RoseRock offers a good set of non-coffee options.

If that’s your thing, try one of the customer favorites, like the strawberry banana, the cake batter or the peaches ‘n’ cream.

RoseRock also serves up several mocha options for those, like me, who can’t get enough coffee. They have the usual suspects, like a white chocolate mocha and the grasshopper, which features the taste of mint chocolate. But they also have some combinations that are hard to find elsewhere, like their peanut butter mocha and the almond joy.

On occasion, if you hit the café on the right day, you can sample one of their homemade cheesecakes. Also, be sure to check out their small baked goods display, which includes a variety of cookies and bars, including the unique fan favorite — the peanut butter bacon blondie. Seriously — peanut butter and bacon. You have to try it, just to say you were brave enough.

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Mediterranean

Delights WRITTEN BY: Michele Chiappetta PHOTOGRAPHY BY: Bill Roper

GREEK SALAD

La Roma is a scrappy little pizzeria where the food is incredibly tasty, the two ladies who run it make you feel welcome, and everyone from the staff to the other customers know your name.

78 December 2015

CABBAGE ROLL

TOMATO BASIL SOUP MEAT PIE

TAWOOK

Marinated chicken breast served with tomatoes, pickles, parsley and topped with garlic sauce.

recipe for sauce and dough that was a hit with the neighborhood, they were ready to make a go of things.

SUPREME PIZZA

RJ PIZZA

W

hen you walk into a restaurant and it already smells delicious before you’ve even ordered anything, you know you’re in for a treat. And when the owners make it a point to know your name, your job, your latest news, your favorite dishes — the things that make you feel like you’re at home with family — you know you’re someplace you’ll want to come back to.

That’s the dual charm of La Roma Pizza in the heart of midtown at 61st and Sheridan in Tulsa. It’s a scrappy little pizzeria where the food is incredibly tasty, the two ladies who run it make you feel welcome, and everyone from the staff to the other customers know your name.

“This place was our dream, my husband and me,” Souhaila says. “From the first two months, it was very successful.”

Souhaila is a lively woman in her 70s, who still comes in to help in the kitchen and spend time with the customers, who are as much like family as her daughter Katia is. The regulars make it a point to greet her and give her a hug. The children kiss her and tell her how their weekend went. The parents share their latest stories.

Everyone has a good time as they eat pizza and drink a beer.

The affection goes both ways, says Katia.

“We get attached to our customers,” she says. “We’ve seen them date and get married. People come in as children, they grow up, they have babies, and the babies grow up.” In other words, the customers are loyal, they’re family, and they take center stage when they come in.

TABOULI La Roma’s history begins in 1981, when the Azar family came to Tulsa from Lebanon (by way of Guadeloupe) to join relatives who already lived here. Souhaila Azar and her husband soon started their own restaurant business, La Roma.

At first, says Katia Azar, the couple’s daughter, the restaurant took an unusual yet creative path into Tulsa legend.

“Dad didn’t care for pizza at all,” Katia says with a smile. “But he and Mom tried different things to make the restaurant work. They let people come in and sample the recipes.” Once the Azar family had a

SHAWARMA

Thinly sliced, Greek-seasoned beef and lamb topped with tomatoes, pickles, onions, parsley and tahini sauce.

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to your taste by adding any combination of your favorite toppings, La Roma offers several Lebanese and Mediterranean menu items, including their popular tabouli, which has a fresh, bright taste that definitely rivals, if not beats, any other tabouli in town. Other menu items include hummus, pita bread, falafel and more. There’s even a fresh-made coleslaw with a decidedly Mediterranean twist that you won’t find anywhere else in Tulsa.

Everything is made to Souhaila’s level of perfection, which is incredibly high.

FALAFEL

Three falafel patties served with a side of tahini sauce.

For Souhaila that sense of connection is a magical part of La Roma’s charm. “This is what makes me happy,” she says, gesturing toward the people who are seated at the casual tables around her, enjoying their food and chatting across the room with one another. “I have a social life here (at La Roma). I have another family.”

La Roma may not be the most upscale place you can eat in Tulsa. In fact, it has a decidedly casual, unassuming feel.

You order at the counter, gather your own utensils and drinks, seat yourself, and have your food dropped off to you when it’s ready. La Roma doesn’t have a traditional wait staff. But the food is so good, it doesn’t matter.

There’s little doubt that La Roma’s unique recipes, perfected over the years, and their homemade touch in the kitchen are what make the food taste so good that you’ll keep coming back for more.

“A lot of pizzerias here are chains,” Katia says. “Ours is not. Our homemade sausage is really popular, and Mom makes it here

in the kitchen.”

Almost everything on La Roma’s menu is made from scratch. Not only does Souhaila make the sausage herself, but she and her staff also make the dough for the pizza as well as the sauce, which is as good as any homemade tomato sauce you’ll get in the kitchen of an old Italian grandmother in New Jersey. Its ingredients are so secret that the Azars won’t even hint at what’s in it. It’s hard to blame them. The delight of that sauce, just thick enough without being too thick, more flavorful than the average sauce you’ll get at other Italian restaurants, tastier than the typical pizza sauce you may be used to, is a major selling point for La Roma. And it comes on their cabbage rolls and lasagna as well as their pizza.

Yes, you read that right. Cabbage rolls are among the menu’s best-selling items.

“A lot of people like our cabbage rolls, even though they say they don’t eat them anywhere else,” Katia says. In addition to the pizza, which you can customize

“We work with high quality ingredients,” Katia says, adding that her mother is known by vendors in town as being appropriately demanding. “She’s really picky, but that’s a good thing. She demands fresh ingredients. She tries to get the leanest meats. We don’t do any preservatives in the crust; we make it fresh.” The result is that everything tastes consistently good no matter what you order. The dishes include a lot of garlic, basil and oregano — the classic essentials of traditional Mediterranean cooking.

When you bring it all down to the bottom line, La Roma’s greatest selling point is simple, in Katia’s mind. “La Roma is simple,” she says. “It’s not fancy. We’re just trying to live. But we have great customers.

It all comes down to one thing. It’s called love.”

BAKLAVA

Love in every recipe, every bite of food, every friendly greeting shared between customers and staff. That’s what makes La Roma a place to add to your frequent favorites list. You won’t be disappointed.

LA ROMA PIZZA

6027 S. Sheridan | Tulsa

918-491-6436

Tuesday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-8 p.m.

Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-9 p.m.

80 December 2015

3.99 Tres Margaritas $

Each

Blueberry | Peach | Watermelon

MON-THURS

AT 5PM-10PM | FRI-SAT AT 5PM-11PM

FOOD JUST THE WAY YOU LIKE -

At Off the Cuff we make food that suits your palate.

918.806.8400 918-518-5554 • tulsatresamigos.com • 8144 S Lewis Ave

www.offthecufftulsa.com 9999 S Mingo Rd, Tulsa, OK

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Flavors

Savor

WRITTEN BY: Tiffany Duncan PHOTOGRAPHY BY: Bill Roper

TO

Whether it’s margaritas or a Mambo Taxi while relaxing on the street-facing patio or one of the incredible Tex-Mex brisket, steak or chicken dishes, Mi Cocina provides a trendy infusion of tastes on Cherry Street.

TACOS “DE BRISKET”

Two corn tortillas filled with shredded brisket, oven roasted overnight, and Jack cheese served with arroz and sliced avocado ensalada.

CEVICHE DE CAMARONES

Gulf shrimp, jicama, mango, avocado and red onion with cilantro lime marinade.

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hen driving down Cherry Street on any given evening, it’s always clear where everyone is having the most fun: Mi Cocina. Low lighting from the restaurant spills out onto the sleek black patio, and people laugh around plates of appetizers, drinks in hand.

You’ve probably had an impulse to stop the car and join in, especially on a Friday night when weekend excitement is descending on the crowds.

The next time you drive by, just give in. Park the car, call a friend and settle in for a few hours of great food, solid service and cold margs. Mi Cocina offers a dining experience so good that Sarah Jessica Parker herself — the queen of cocktails and the City — has even tweeted about it before.

Beginning in Dallas, Mi Cocina has opened over 21 locations — each one thriving on the success that comes from a foundation of putting people first. The heart of Mi Cocina is to serve the communities surrounding each

restaurant by providing a gathering place for customers to celebrate life’s victories over good food.

“Mi Cocina, a pioneer in upscale Tex-Mex cuisine, opened in June 1991 in a modest, 12-table space,” says the restaurant director of Mi Cocina’s Tulsa location, Joe Ensinia. “From day one, the company focused on serving families the highest quality ingredients in every recipe, complemented with warm and respectful service. The result? People lined up out the door, and a Mexican restaurant was born.”

Ensinia was a long time-lover of Mi Cocina’s cuisine and atmosphere before eventually becoming a part of the company himself. When he heard there was talk of wanting to open a new restaurant location in Tulsa, Ensinia knew he would be a good fit to carry on the company’s legacy.

Every day, Ensinia and his staff work hard to bring Tulsans a superior restaurant visit. Such dedication and tasty Tex-Mex with trendy infusion gives customers more than enough reason to keep coming back.

“Our authentic, made-from-scratch recipes are made fresh daily,” says Ensinia. “Our taco selection on the menu is unbelievable.”

Restaurant guests may experience extreme agony of choice when shopping the taco section, as they really do all sound incredible. There’s the brisket tacos — three corn tortillas filled with shredded brisket, oven-roasted overnight, and lots of Jack cheese; the Tacos Habana — chicken breast

marinated in chili adobo served with three warm corn tortillas, cilantro and onions; and the Tacos Mi Tierra — three “street style” soft corn tortillas topped with grilled fajita beef, Serrano peppers, and onions served with guacamole and pico de gallo.

MANGO MIMOSA

In addition to tacos, many other delicious dishes color the menu as well.

There’s the Chili Chicken con Mojo, which is a grilled, chili-dusted chicken breast topped with orange-garlic mojo (an olive-oil based sauce mixed with peppers and citrus juices) and served with sautéed spinach, mushrooms and bell peppers. Or try the seared tortillacrusted salmon served over seasonal vegetables and topped with a spicy mushroom cream sauce.

If you happen to be more of a red meat person, get ready for this: Mi Cocina serves up a hand-sliced, 10-ounce aged rib-eye steak served on a bed of Mexican rice topped with grilled scallions and served with bean soup, guacamole, pico del gallo and warm tortillas.

And then there’s the drink selection.

Luckily, you don’t have to limit yourself to just one, because there’s a list of margaritas so smacking good you might just decide to start with two. Using top shelf tequilas, choose from the fresh and bright cucumber margarita infused

From day one, the company focused on serving families the highest quality ingredients in every recipe, complemented with warm and respectful service.

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POBLANO CHICKEN ENCHILADAS Two chicken enchiladas with poblano cream sauce, arroz y frijoles.

with grapefruit juice, the spicy and sweet jalapeno-agave margarita, or many more mouth-watering options that include ingredients like mango, mint, strawberry puree and fresh limejuice.

THE DILEMMA

The Mambo Taxi, however, is by far the most ordered drink at Mi Cocina. “Our legendary Mambo Taxi is made with our frozen house margarita swirled with our housemade sangria, fruit juices and brandy,” Ensinia says. It’s definitely the perfect patio companion to your next girl’s night.

They also do brunch as well, and although a Tex-Mex restaurant might not be one of the first places that comes to mind for eggs and bacon, Mi Cocina has the midmorning meal you’ve been missing out on. Order the Chilaquiles Mexican Casserole for a true brunch game-changer — it’s a spicy breakfast “kitchen sink” dish full of scrambled eggs, jalapenos, onions, tomatoes, crispy tortilla strips tossed in salsa verde and crema served with breakfast potatoes, frijoles, fresh fruit, sweet crema and warm tortillas. Or the Breakfast Quesadilla stuffed full of bacon, eggs, onions, poblano peppers and Jack cheese.

Their authentic, made-from-scratch recipes are made fresh daily.

84 December 2015

MI COCINA

1342 E. 15th | Tulsa

918-599-8009 micocinarestaurants.com Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Friday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Your One-Stop Design Shop.

We can do anything from printed designs, to digital, to window and car decals, to branding and even swag.

Check out our website for a full list of services.

CALL TODAY TO GET STARTED! 918.280.9167

Sally@CreativePixel.solutions

CreativePixel.solutions

One of South Tulsa’s best patios!

sushi with a pulse! fresh sushi + incredible kitchen entrees + great happy hour + live music (on Brookside) + sunset views (on the hill)

918-779-4600 | www.nypizzeria.com call 918.671.0606 for catering

8941 South Yale Ave | Tulsa, OK 74137 PreviewGreenCountry.com 85

Far East

Flavor WRITTEN BY: Maria Weller PHOTOGRAPHY: BY: Bill Roper

With seemingly endless options of traditional Asian entrees to try, pick up your chopsticks, tuck in your napkin and enjoy heaven-approved hand rolls that don’t stick strictly to the status quo when it comes to mainstream sushi spots.

86 December 2015

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Spicy Crab Roll

hile phrases like “the farm” and sushi don’t seem like they would work well together, Yutaka Grill & Sushi Buffet makes it happen.

Nestled in the quaint Farm Shopping Center at 51st and Sheridan, Yutaka has found a perfect home. Owner, Wilson Chen, opened Yutaka in July and has seen great success so far. He brought his expertise and excellent cuisine all the way from the East Coast — New York City to be exact.

Tako Seaweed Salad

desserts which general manager Catherine Chen estimates can equal up to 120 different dishes in all.

While some buffet-style restaurants have only recently added sushi, Wilson Chen has made it somewhat of a focus at Yutaka. There are roughly 20 different sushi options to choose from at the sushi bar, including both rolls and the more traditional nigiri option. Nigiri style sushi is a simple presentation of a small portion of fish or other seafood atop a small ball of sticky sushi rice.

And if you are a sushi newbie who may have a

Alaskan Roll

slight fear of raw fish, don’t worry because there are plenty of cooked options available as well that are equally delicious.

More seasoned veterans of Japanese cuisine may delight in the appearance of tako seaweed salad.

This features a few varieties of crisp, perfectly tangy seaweed along with a hearty, but not overpowering, helping of tako or octopus. All of these items are constantly being made fresh, so it requires the constant attention of three sushi chefs.

The head chef relocated from New York where he perfected the art of preparing sushi for over seven years. With the combined expertise, and only freshest seafood and ingredients, you won’t be disappointed.

There are even a couple of other seafood items that you don’t want to miss. Just recently, blue crab was added to the menu in addition to the snow crab.

While it seems like moving to a new city and almost immediately opening a restaurant may be difficult, Chen has made it look easy.

In addition to his years of experience in the restaurant industry, Chen also came to town with a recipe for success. He made the decision to keep as many factors in his control as possible bringing with him the tried-and-true concept of Asian buffet, the majority of his staff and recipes that served him well in the past.

Yutaka Grill & Sushi Buffet moved into the former home of Furr’s and immediately did an overhaul of the space, modernizing everything from the layout to the aesthetics. Upon walking into the lobby, you are greeted by friendly staff and the beautiful sight and tranquil sound of a large cascading waterfall. But also catching the eye are the two massive bars of various sushi, traditional Asian entrees and

Oysters and Shrimp

Dancing Shrimp Roll

Snow crab is not featured on the bar. Once you order, it is brought to your table, and is only $6 per pound.

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favorites includes sesame balls, coconut shrimp, teriyaki chicken, BBQ spare ribs and pork gyoza.

Sesame balls are a traditional Chinese pastry made from rice flour, rolled in sesame seeds and then fried. And the wildly popular coconut shrimp is a dish that needs no introduction, only the strong recommendation that you sample some immediately.

“Snow crab is not featured on the bar. Once you order, it is brought to your table, and is only $6 per pound,” says Catherine Chen. But the blue crab is only available Friday through Sunday so don’t miss it. Another weekend-only favorite are the simple, yet delicious, raw oysters on half shell.

And the sushi is only the tip of the iceberg. There are also several appetizer-type options to choose from as well, including hot and sour soup, miso, seafood, short rib and soy drink. And then there is the dim sum. Dim sum dishes are typically served in small, one- or two-bite portions. You might want to try the custard or pink flower buns. Or perhaps you aren’t feeling particularly floral and will try the shrimp gyoza, perhaps more commonly known as shrimp dumplings or pot stickers.

From there you have seemingly endless options of traditional Asian entrees to try. The list of crowd

And you can’t forget dessert. The dessert portion of the bar is as aesthetically pleasing as the options are delectable. Beautifully crafted cakes, cookies and other assorted pastries sit pretty alongside a few options of puddings and jello. And what could possibly go better with options such as mango or mocha mousse cakes than fresh fruit or ice cream?

Mocha mousse cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with fresh strawberries sounds like the perfect end to an already amazing meal.

Snow Crab Roll

If you prefer drinks over dessert, Yutaka still has you covered, offering several Asian beers including Asahi and Sapporo as well as seven different varieties of wine and four sake options including both hot and cold options.

Looking for a great party space? Yutaka has a large, private banquet room that can be reserved for as many as 80 people. And so as to not limit the food options, guests can choose from the over 100 options in the main bar area.

Salmon Sushi

Magic Roll

YUTAKA

While some buffet-style restaurants have only recently added sushi, Wilson Chen has made it somewhat of a focus at Yutaka.

6560 E. 51st | Tulsa

918-921-3400 yutakabuffet-ok.com Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

88 December 2015

And to make sure that you are completely comfortable in your private dining experience, the restaurant happily allows you to decorate the room however you like.

In addition to the already low prices, Yutaka also offers multiple specials for their guests.

You can receive a free lunch or dinner on your birthday (with an ID) and ladies get half off of their meal every Wednesday. And there is even a happy hour special Monday through Friday from 2-5 p.m. that includes a free drink with your meal.

Blingin theNew Year get to know //

W

Designing personalized, handstamped jewelry pieces backed by strong vision and purpose, The Vintage Pearl is a wonderfully unique Tulsa business offering everything from customizable bracelets, rings and necklaces to cufflinks, leather journals and money clips.

With Christmas right around the corner, everyone is searching for that one perfect present for that one special someone. If searching through a maze of stores and flipping through online catalogues has yet to turn up the gift you can’t wait to give, then it’s time you heard about The Vintage Pearl.

Designing personalized, handstamped jewelry pieces backed by strong vision and purpose, The Vintage Pearl is a wonderfully unique Tulsa business. Offering everything from customizable bracelets, rings and necklaces to cufflinks, leather journals and money clips, you might actually find exactly what you’ve been looking for this Christmas season.

From humble beginnings in her dining room, owner Erin Edwards began what would eventually become The Vintage Pearl as a creative outlet while staying at home with her four children in 2007.

90 December 2015

WRITTEN BY: Tiffany Duncan “It quickly turned into something bigger than her,” says co-owner Ryan Edwards, Erin’s husband.

“What started with Erin at a kitchen table grew to a few friends helping and moving into a studio, to even more friends helping and moving into an even bigger studio, and we just kept growing from there. God is good!”

The Vintage Pearl now resides in The Plaza Shopping Center on the corner of 81st and Lewis with two more additional locations — one in the Edmond/OKC area and one in Houston. They have experienced such rapid growth because of the care and attention to detail taken behind every customer’s order. All of their jewelry is made of only the highest quality materials as well, including sterling silver, gold-filled, fine pewter, Swarovski birthstone crystals and their signature fresh water pearls.

“Everything is created, designed, stamped, assembled, packaged

and shipped from our own studio,” Edwards adds. “It is all done locally, from start to finish.”

Another element that might explain The Vintage Pearl’s wild popularity is how customizable each piece is. Customers choose from categories like bracelets, necklaces, rings, keychains and various other items to begin the designing process. From there, customers may have things like a name, initials, dates or special words of affirmation handstamped onto the item.

Everything is created, designed, stamped, assembled, packaged and shipped from their studio.

What also sets The Vintage Pearl apart from the pack is they give back much of their profits to the community. “We have worked with and will continue to work with organizations who make a difference, “ says Edwards.

These organizations include places like the Salvation Army, The Little Light House and The Demand Project — a non-profit that devotes itself toward eradicating the sexual exploitation of children.

They also create specific pieces to raise funds for catastrophic events like the huge earthquake in Nepal earlier this year, or to support the family of a 2-yearold boy who faced a battle with cancer.

“We have a big heart for people in need,” reads the mission statement on their website. “And the success of the company allows us to give as we feel led.

When you buy one of our pieces, you are blessing someone in need.

// get to know God has blessed our business and we use it to bless others.”

Beautiful, handcrafted jewelry with a cause — certainly a wonderful present for someone, if not everyone, on your Christmas list. There’s a megaphone charm necklace for your cheerleading niece; a vintage locket you can fit with an old picture for your sister; engraved cufflinks for dad; and a delicate bird’s nest pendant for a friend expecting her first baby.

No matter what kind of sentiment you would like to convey, The Vintage Pearl can help you say it with the perfect Christmas gift.

In addition to jewelry, they also do Christmas ornaments. As Christmas ornaments can become some of the most treasured objects a family possesses, you absolutely must see what The Vintage Pearl has created for the tree. All ornaments are suspended from a velvety deep-red ribbon, and can be engraved with things like the date of a wedding for newlyweds to celebrate their first Christmas together, or for a baby’s first Christmas.

stand as a symbol for “turning over a new leaf,” and may be given as encouragement to someone trying to make a major change in his or her life. Or you may also have a leather bound journal handstamped with an inspirational quote for a friend beginning a new chapter in life.

The Vintage Pearl is really in the business of giving hope, and everything they create is infused with meaning. Whichever piece you choose, a gift from The Vintage Pearl could potentially give someone enough courage to believe in their self again, or simply let them know they are loved and cherished.

“What makes gifts from The Vintage Pearl something special is our ability to create jewelry with meaning. A piece of handmade jewelry with a child’s name or a special date stamped on it means so much to the recipient,” Edwards says. “ After Christmas, The Vintage Pearl still makes a great gift for almost any occasion, including bridal showers, weddings, birthdays, baby showers, anniversaries and everything else in between.

Depending on the situation, it can even be more than just a gift; it can be a token of hope. Available for purchase are things like sterling silver leaf pendants that

MODERN ELEGANCE

NEW LATER HOURS!

The Wine Loft Wine Bar is a new upscale nightlife venue serving a wide selection of wines, as well as beer, spirits and gourmet tapas.

918.970.4766 www.thewinelofttulsa.com 106th and S. Memorial (west side) Tues-Thurs 4pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 4pm-Midnight

A Romantic Neighborhood French Bistro

NOW OPEN for Lunch Tues-Sat 11am-3pm

THE VINTAGE PEARL

8144 S. Lewis | Tulsa

918-935-2731 thevintagepearl.com Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

918.970.4767 / lacrepenanoutulsa.com 106th and S. Memorial (west side) Tues-Sun 11am-3pm, Tues-Sat 5pm-10pm

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showtime //

ESCAPE 4

KRAMPUS

When his dysfunctional family clashes over the holidays, young Max is disillusioned and turns his back on Christmas. Little does he know, this lack of festive spirit has unleashed the wrath of Krampus: a demonic force of ancient evil intent on punishing non-believers.

All hell breaks loose as beloved holiday icons take on a monstrous life of their own, laying siege to the fractured family’s home and forcing them to fight for each other if they hope to survive.

Cast: Emjay Anthony, Allison Tolman, Adam Scott

4

MACBETH

The ambition of Macbeth, the Thane of Scotland to be the King of Scotland, leads to the killing of his own king, King Duncan.

His betrayal is successful and he takes the kingdom throne for himself. But his arrogance manner starts murders, madness, and insecurity in the kingdom where he soon becomes a paranoia tyrant that fears

his own enmity.

Cast: Michael Fassbender, Elizabeth Debicki, Marion Cotillard

4

YOUTH

Fred and Mick, two old friends, are on vacation in an elegant hotel at the foot of the Alps. Fred, a composer and conductor, is now retired. Mick, a film director, is still working.

They look with curiosity and tenderness on their children’s confused lives, Mick’s enthusiastic young writers and the other hotel guests. While Mick scrambles to finish the screenplay for what he imagines will be his last important film, Fred has no intention of resuming his musical career. But someone wants at all costs to hear him conduct again.

Cast: Michael Caine, Harvey Keitel, Rachel Weisz

4

11

LIFE

A snapshot in time, the film chronicles the story behind the 1955 LIFE magazine photo thread by Dennis Stock of then-rising star, James Dean, and gives us an inside look at some of Hollywood’s most iconic images and into the life of a gifted but troubled man.

Cast: Robert Pattinson, Peter Lucas, Lauren Gallagher

THE LADY IN THE VAN

The Lady in the Van tells the true story of Alan Bennett’s strained friendship with Miss Mary Shepherd, an eccentric house-less woman whom Bennett befriended in the 1970s before allowing her to temporarily park her Bedford van in the driveway of his Camden home. She stayed there for 15 years.

Cast: Maggie Smith, Dominic Cooper, James Corden

92 December 2015

11

TO

THE

MOVIES!

THE BIG SHORT

Four outsiders in the world of high finance who predicted the credit and housing bubble collapse of the mid-2000s decide to take on the big banks for their lack of foresight and greed.

Cast: Finn Wittrock, Brad Pitt, Christian Bale

11

IN THE HEART OF THE SEA

In the winter of 1820, the New England whaling ship Essex was assaulted by something no one could believe: a whale of mammoth size and will, and an almost human sense of vengeance. The real-life maritime disaster would inspire Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick. But that told only half the story. In the Heart of the Sea reveals the encounter’s harrowing aftermath, as the ship’s surviving crew is pushed to their limits and forced to do the unthinkable to stay alive. Braving storms, starvation, panic and despair, the men will call into question their deepest beliefs, from the value of their lives to the morality of their trade, as their captain searches for direction on the open sea and his first mate still seeks to bring the great whale down.

Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy, Brendan Gleeson

11

18

LEGEND

Focusing on the relationship between Reggie Kray and Frances Shea, told from Frances’ point of view as someone who knew him best, as well as the mental health issues Ronnie Kray faced and their rise to power as the notorious gangsters of London.

Cast: Tom Hardy, Emily Browning, Taron Egerton

STAR WARS VII: THE FORCE AWAKENS

Thirty years after the Rebel Alliance’s victory over the second Death Star, the galaxy is still at war. A New Republic has arisen, but the First Order has sprung from the ashes of the Galactic Empire. Many of the heroes of before, Leia Organa, Han Solo, Chewbacca, R2-D2 and C-3PO are all still active and fighting in the Resistance against this group. They are joined in the fight by new heroes, including Poe Dameron, a starfighter pilot; Finn, a former First Order Stormtrooper who has taken up the lightsaber that once belonged to Anakin Skywalker and later Luke Skywalker; Rey, a scavenger; and a rolling droid known as BB-8. They are opposed by powerful new forces, including Captain Phasma of the First Order and Kylo Ren, a fearsome and mysterious dark side user wielding a red lightsaber of unusual design.

Cast: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Daisy Ridley

// showtime

ETON SQUARE CINEMA 8421 E. 61ST ST. SUITE V | TULSA

LOCATOR

Movie Line: 918.286.2618 | Office: 918.286.0689

All showings before 6pm at $4; $7 after 6pm; Tuesdays at $4 all day; $4 for seniors and kids under 12.

Admiral Twin Drive-In 7355 E. Easton Tulsa | 918.392.9959

ALL NEW RELEASE MOVIES AT DISCOUNT PRICES —ALL DAY—EVERY DAY!

Lowest Concession Prices in Tulsa!

Kid’s Meal: $3.75 (Drink, Popcorn and Candy). $5.50 Combo (Small Drink, Popcorn and Candy). $7 Combo (2 Small Drinks, Medium Popcorn). $9 Combo (2 Medium Drinks, Large Popcorn).

18

25

SISTERS

Two sisters, one very loose and childish, and the other uptight and divorced, throw one last party at their childhood home, which their parents are about to sell.

Cast: Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Kate McKinnon

THE HATEFUL EIGHT

In post-Civil War Wyoming, John “The Hangman” Ruth is escorting fugitive Daisy “The Prisoner” Domergue to Red Rock where the latter will face justice for murder.

They encounter another bounty hunter named Major Marquis “The Bounty Hunter” Warren and Chris “The Sheriff” Mannix. A blizzard forces the four to take shelter at a stagecoach rest stop called Minnie’s Haberdashery where they encounter four more strangers. Through betrayal and deception, the eight strangers soon learn that they may not make it to Red Rock after all.

Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh

25

JOY

Joy is the wild story of a family across four generations centered on the girl who becomes the woman who founds a business dynasty and becomes a matriarch in her own right.

Betrayal, treachery, the loss of innocence and the scars of love pave the road in this intense emotional and human comedy about becoming a true boss of family and enterprise facing a world of unforgiving commerce. Allies become adversaries and adversaries become allies, both inside and outside the family, as Joy’s inner life and fierce imagination carry her through the storm she faces.

Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro

25

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP

Through a series of misunderstandings, Alvin, Simon and Theodore come to believe that Dave is going to propose to his new girlfriend in Miami ... and dump them. They have three days to get to him and stop the proposal, saving

AMC Southroads 20 4923 E. 41st St. Tulsa | 888.AMC.4FUN

themselves not only from losing Dave but possibly from gaining a terrible stepbrother.

Cast: Bella Thorne, Kaley Cuoco, Anna Faris

25

DADDY’S HOME

A mild-mannered radio executive strives to become the best stepdad to his wife’s two children, but complications ensue when their freewheeling and freeloading real father arrives, forcing him to compete for the affection of the children.

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Will Ferrell, Linda Cardellini

25

CONCUSSION

A dramatic thriller based on the incredible true David versus Goliath story of American immigrant Dr. Bennet Omalu, the brilliant forensic neuropathologist who made the first discovery of CTE, a football-related brain trauma, in a pro player and fought for the truth to be known. Omalu’s emotional quest puts him at dangerous odds with one of the most powerful institutions in the world.

Cast: Will Smith, Stephen Moyer, Alec Baldwin

25

POINT BREAK

A young FBI agent infiltrates an extraordinary team of extreme sports athletes he suspects of masterminding a string of unprecedented, sophisticated corporate heists. Deep undercover, and with his life in danger, he strives to prove these athletes are the architects of the mind-boggling crimes that are devastating the world’s financial markets.

Cast: Edgar Ramirez, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer

25

THE REVENANT

In an expedition of the uncharted American wilderness, legendary explorer Hugh Glass is brutally attacked by a bear and left for dead. In a quest to survive, Glass endures unimaginable grief as well as the betrayal of his confidant.

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson

B&B Claremore 8 1407 W. Country Club Claremore | 918.342.2422

B&B Cinema 8 1245 New Sapulpa Road Sapulpa | 918.227.7469

Cinemark Broken Arrow 1801 E. Hillside Drive Broken Arrow 918.355.0427

Cinemark Sand Springs 1112 E. Charles Page Blvd.

Sand Springs 800.FAN.DANG (#1407)

Cinemark Tulsa 10802 E. 71st S. Tulsa | 800.FAN.DANG (#1128)

Cinemark Movie 8 6808 S. Memorial Tulsa | 800.FAN.DANG (#1429)

Circle Cinema 10 S. Lewis Ave. Tulsa | 918.592.3456

Dickinson Starworld 20 10301 S. Memorial Drive Tulsa | 918.369.7469

Eton Square 6 Cinema 8421 E. 61st St. Tulsa | 918.286.2618

Regal Promenade Palace 4107 S. Yale Tulsa | 800.326.3264

RiverWalk Movies 300 River Walk Terrace Jenks | 918.392.9959

Starplex Cinemas Owasso 12 12601 E. 86th St. N. Owasso | 918.376.9191

Super Saver Cinema 5970 E. 31st St. Tulsa | 918.551.7002

Warren Theatre 1700 W. Aspen Creek Drive Broken Arrow 918.893.9798

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