405 Magazine December 17

SHOPPING AND STYLE

Where to find that look for 2018

BLACK IS THE NEW ORANGE

Helping ex-prisoners dress for success

BREAKFAST FEAST

Rise and dine at Neighborhood Jam

SPRING BREAK TRAVEL PLANNING INCLUDING TRIPS NEAR AND FAR STAFF AND CONTRIBUTOR PICKS WARM OR COLD - YOU DECIDE

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in this issue

DECEMBER 2017

Features

42

SPRING BREAK MASTERY As the holidays approach, bear in mind that experiences, and memories in the making, count as excellent gifts. Spring will be here before you know it, and planning now will put you in a prime position for a spectacular vacation to come … however near or far you decide to go.

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CHILL STYLE

It’s a perfect time to embrace some of the season’s more fashionable trends – we spoke with local experts Katherine Walker Buxton, Betsy King, Laura Nance and Joy Robison to supply an ensemble of tips and recommendations that will have ladies looking their most head-to-toe fabulous.

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405 MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2017

in this issue

DECEMBER 2017

In the 405

attractions to explore – whatever your preferred style of vacation, Clearwater Beach in Florida makes a fun destination.

17 Artist Tony Westlund shares the beauty in imperfect elements; Mister Robert’s treasure trove of furnishings and decor; accessorize to ward off chilly temperatures; the symbolic connection between the YMCA and Marland Oil; a humorous last-minute shopping guide for gifts of last resort; winter style for men means loving layers; doctors’ advice before beginning male hormone replacement; exploring the last surviving stretch of Route 66’s historic ribbon road.

Dining

89 Hal Smith breakfast joint Neighborhood Jam gives north OKC a menu filled with reasons to rise and shine; chef T.J. Johnson ref lects on family while sharing a savory gumbo recipe; in praise of Saturn Grill’s deliciously health-conscious variety; a treat from the tropics at Café do Brasil.

Events

Culture

56 Clothes make the job applicant, so area nonprofit Dress for Success aids and provides guidance for women re-assimilating into society after incarceration.

Home

71 Christmas means a lavishly decorated treat for visitors to the Hall-Stuart home in OKC’s historic Miller neighborhood; embracing some less-conventional colors can help make your holiday tablescape pop.

Travel

86 Sun, sand and surf to lounge in and lots of

ON THE COVER

Kickstart the Day

90

The menu at new breakfast beacon Neighborhood Jam is a varied one – those who think healthy can give themselves a berry-powered burst of energy with the acai bowl. Featuring blended acai, bananas and soy milk, topped with house granola, seasonal fruit and toasted coconut, it’s a fruity option with a flavorful zip.

103 Marvel Live returns with a stuntpacked superhero show that’s bigger than ever; sweet, soulful music is on its way to Norman's Winter Wind concert series; a field guide to some of the metro’s most illuminating displays of Christmas lights; BC Clark gears up to celebrate the season and its 125th anniversary.

In Every Issue 08 From the Editor 10 Web Sights 24 On the Scene 94 Food and Drink 106 On Location 108 On the Radar 112 Backstory

Caroline Gleich catching some powder in Utah’s Alta backcountry. Photo by Lee Cohen

405 MAGAZINE VOLUME 3, NUMBER 12, DECEMBER 2017, 405 MAGAZINE (USPS #164), IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY, 12 TIMES A YEAR, BY 405 MAGAZINE, INC., 1613 NORTH BROADWAY AVENUE, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73103. SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE $14.95 FOR ONE YEAR (12 ISSUES). FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE INQUIRIES OR TO CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS BY PROVIDING BOTH THE OLD AND NEW ADDRESSES, CONTACT: 405 MAGAZINE, PO BOX 16765, NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA 91615-6765. TELEPHONE (818) 286-3160 OR EMAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS@405MAGAZINE.COM. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PENDING AT OKLAHOMA CITY, OK AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. COPYRIGHT 2017 BY 405 MAGAZINE, INC. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE PUBLISHER. UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS WITHOUT RETURN POSTAGE WILL NOT BE RETURNED. DISCLAIMER: ADVERTISEMENTS IN THE PUBLICATION DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER FOR SALE IN STATES WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW.

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Favorite ca rol is SNL’s “I Wish It Was Christmas Today”

DECEMBER 2017

Editor-in-Chief Heidi Rambo Centrella heidi.centrella@405magazine.com EDITORIAL Managing Editor Steve Gill steve.gill@405magazine.com Style Editor Sara Gae Waters saragae.waters@405magazine.com to win Asked Santa for Russ ; still MVP this time last year amazed it worked

May this holiday season bring you p e a c e & j o y.

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TEXAS

405 MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2017

Executive Director of Advertising Cynthia Whitaker-hill cynthia.whitakerhill@405magazine.com

Account Executives Melissa Bake melissa.bake@405magazine.com Carrie Bailey carrie.bailey@405magazine.com

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Account Manager Ronnie Morey ronnie.morey@405magazine.com

Contributing Writers M.J. Alexander, Mark Beutler, Christine Eddington, Lauren Hammack, Greg Horton, Lance McDaniel, Matt Payne, Elaine Warner ART Art Director Scotty O’Daniel scotty.odaniel@405magazine.com Graphic Designer Brian O’Daniel brian.odaniel@405magazine.com

Contributing Photographers M.J. Alexander, Shannon Cornman, Fran Kozakowski, J. Christopher Little, Charlie Neuenschwander, Don Risi

405 Magazine Volume 3, Number 12, December 2017. 405 Magazine is published monthly by 405 Magazine, Inc. at 1613 N. Broadway, Oklahoma City, OK 73103, 405.842.2266. © Copyright 2017 405 Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of 405 Magazine content, in whole or part by any means, without the express written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. 405 Magazine is not responsible for the care of and/or return of unsolicited materials. 405 Magazine reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed detrimental to the community’s best interest or in questionable taste. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of ownership or management. Basic annual subscription rate is $14.95. U.S. single-copy price is $4.95. Back issues are $9.50 each

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Merry Christmas from all of us at Va l l i a n c e B a n k .

VOLUME 3 • NUMBER 12

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FROM THE EDITOR

Holiday Hibernation and Winter Wanderlust

HEIDI R A MBO CEN TRELL A Editor-in-Chief heidi.centrella@405magazine.com

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PHOTO BY SIMON HURST

FA L L I NG BACK after Daylight Saving tends to throw off many people’s sleep patterns, especially considering some require more sleep than others. I’m in the former group, and as the wintry weather begins to kick in with these shorter days, my favorite pastime tends to be sleeping as much as my schedule allows. In fact, I would thoroughly enjoy a form of hibernation during this season. And venturing out – especially on the weekends – becomes increasingly taxing as December progresses, thanks to growing crowds and Mother Nature’s fickle mind. So this might be a good time to stay inside and start planning for holiday gifts (we even have a guide for you to get your shopping done locally, starting on page 59.)

From that youngster who doesn’t need anything they wouldn’t ordinarily receive on any other day of the year to the special someone in your life who has everything and doesn’t want more “stuff,” we have a few suggestions. Of course, there’s always booze (not for anyone under the legal drinking age in the great state of Oklahoma), as Lauren Hammack humorously reminds us on page 28. But what about giving the gift of travel? It’s December, so this is the perfect time to plan a spring trip for your son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter. While we think of this guide as a Spring Break travel planner, naturally, you aren’t limited to mid-March. You could even start planning for next summer, fall or winter. We’ve included some personal picks from staff and contributors to help round out the options – from land to sea, mountains to cities, we truly hope you’ll enjoy planning your 2018 travels with us (p. 42).

Depending on your holiday plans, you also might consider a wardrobe reboot … or welcome a few suggestions to help with gift-giving ideas, as well. We polled experts in winter fashion for both men (p. 30) and women (p. 50). One of my favorite parts of the winter fashion feature is Christine Eddington’s interview with Mary Chambless Bates, an Oklahoma City fashion icon who worked in the industry for 30-plus years (p. 54).

Whether you decide to stay in or head out into the world, and however you’re dressed when you do either, this is an ideal season to make some lasting memories. Go look at lights, curl up with a beloved movie, spend some time with friends and family, and enjoy.

From our homes to yours, all of us here at 405 Magazine wish you a very happy holiday. See you in 2018!

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Web Sights What’s online at 405magazine.com

Making Greater Getaways

And Happy Holidays From O ur Family To Yours!

M onte & Ede n Turre ntine Travel is on our minds this month, considering our cover story’s focus on planning ahead for great vacations (see “Spring Break Mastery,” p. 42). And when it comes to putting together a plan, more information is always a good thing, right?

Therefore, we’re augmenting the digital version of this article with some additional imagery and advice - find more pictures from our staff’s past travels, and more recommendations for your future ones, by visiting 405magazine.com/December-2017/ Spring-Break-Mastery/ for the whole shebang.

Our Gift to You

In this season of giving, we’d like to remind you that we sincerely are grateful for our readers, and we’d be happy to give you another reason to celebrate the holidays. That’s the idea behind the Friday $50 giveaway. For the first three Fridays in December, we’ll hold a random drawing and give one lucky reader a $50 gift card to one of the restaurants featured in this month’s issue. And all you have to do to enter is make sure you’re signed up for our free newsletters at 405magazine.com/newsletters/ and then watch for the link inside.

Good luck, and hopefully we’ll get a chance to stuff your stocking.

Yuletide Timeliness

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405 MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2017

Rest you merry, central Oklahoma! We come bearing tidings of comfort and joy and interesting developments around the metro. Our home page is where you’ll find 405 Now, a section that updates multiple times weekly to share fresh news and plans in progress for OKC and the 405 – information you won’t find in the printed magazine. We hope you’ll keep an eye on it for updates, and feel free to share tips with us by emailing feedback@405magazine.com.

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405

in the

Creative Grit

PHOTO BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

Even when they’re brand-new, Tony Westlund’s artistic creations don’t look it – he specializes in a weathered, distressed look. “I love the livedin aesthetic,” he smiles. His lifelong journey through art and creation has led him to a point where he describes himself as a scavenger … and he’s never been happier.

DECEMBER 2017 405 MAGAZINE

17

in the 405 CREATIVES

“I like to think that I can see the hope in a broken chair.

That I can take it and clean it up, fix it, make it beautiful.”

Purposefully Imperfect Tony Westlund’s artistic scavenging T HE F IR ST T I M E Tony Westlund was on television, he was

painting a dung beetle. Really, it was a Volkswagen Beetle on the Discovery Channel’s “Street Outlaws.” The car belonged to AZN (pronounced Asian), one of the show’s stars, who dubbed it the Dung Beetle. Westlund said that his career began to take a broader path with that on-air moment of creativity.

Westlund was born in Watonga, but most of his schooling was in Washington (the state), and that turned out to be critical to his success as an artist. Before the progressive state would nurture his creative side, though, he learned to love art with his paternal grandmother.

“We were in Washington because my father was a blacksmith and a farrier,” Westlund says. “We followed the economy, and he was able to do better in Washington. After school and during the summer, I’d sit at the dining room table with my grandmother,

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405 MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2017

and she’d bring out oils and watercolors and just let me practice.

She was the first person who saw my early talent.”

Where Westlund said he got really fortunate was middle school. Like many boys, he was fascinated with extreme imagery – fire, skulls, violence – and his teachers didn’t “freak out.” They encouraged his skills.

“I’m pretty sure most teachers these days would be calling in the school counselors,” Westlund smiles.

High school was more of the same, featuring supportive teachers and a freedom to choose electives that came from the non-college track. He also discovered his second love, in the form of analog photography. The school had a full darkroom, and (wait for it) a very encouraging teacher.

The trend of external support has been present in Westlund’s life as long as he can remember. When he talks about settling into Oklahoma City after a stint in Austin, he says, “I was not finding any struggle as an artist; I was following the yeses.”

The version of the story is his own, so it’s clear he believes it, but his definition of struggle is likely different than many people’s.

For most of his early career, he was taking odd jobs, freelance work and working as a “tire slinger” at Hibdon’s while he tried to earn enough to function as a professional artist. That the son of a blacksmith who was a Marine vet would not see that narrative as suffering is not surprising, and it’s in fact quite refreshing; part of

PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

TON Y W E ST LU N D

being a successful artist is treating art as a job, and Westlund has learned that through many different relationships.

Central to his acquired business acumen is his relationship with his wife Claire and her family. Her father is a successful homebuilder and paint company owner, and Claire owns Revel Eight Salon in Midtown, as well as two other salons in the urban core. Westlund’s handiwork is all over her concepts, as well as in places such as The Womb and Cultivar, and it’s this ability to transpose a creative aesthetic to business applications that is his greatest asset.

That is partly related to his development as an artist, that blending of the organic with the industrial/mechanical.

His sculptures are all a mixed-media blend of metal and wood, of machined parts and treated or untreated wood, of intentionally crafted pieces and found objects.

“My dad’s blacksmith shop equipment was all well-worn,” Westlund says, “and we lived in this beautiful farmhouse; it was lived in. I love the lived-in aesthetic.”

In fact, one of his specialties, which was a draw for the “Street Outlaws” crew, is his ability to take something new and make it look well worn. He uses it in the house accents he creates, including for his father-in-law’s homebuilding business, and even on new cars. He’s currently developing a line of faux aged wood furniture for Urban Farmhouse Designs.

That a man who considers himself a “scavenger” of society’s detritus now makes money off making new look old is certainly counterintuitive, and perhaps fully ironic. After reading The Scavenger’s Manifesto by Anneli Rufus and Kristan Lawson, his own philosophy of creativity came into sharper focus.

“There are animals that function as scavengers in nature, and they clean up the things no one wants; they make the world look better. They – rats, vultures, the scavenger animals – don’t look pleasant to us, but they are important. I like to think that I can see the hope in a broken chair. That I can take it and clean it up, fix it, make it beautiful.”

Tony and Claire had their first child, Wilder Cade, in 2017. He’s seven months old as of this writing, and Westlund said he expects his son to find his own muse. “I’m sure he’ll find a creative path; it’s in his blood. Creativity, ingenuity, inventiveness, business sense … both sides of his family have those things.” - GREG HORTON DECEMBER 2017 405 MAGAZINE

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in the 405 FAVORITE THINGS

40” W x 20” D x 36” H chest, $3,885 Three-drawer chest in azure hand-laid lacquer finish with bronze hardware.

Hexagonal end table, $995 Petrified wood surfaces in black and brown tones combine beautifully with metal bar stock in gold leaf finish. 18” wide x 24” tall

Katelynn Calonkey Ben Nockels

4’x6’ rug, $1,595 A hand-knotted wool rug for making a modern, colorful statement.

Borg constructiveness table lamp, $650 Full of eye-catching angles, it’s illuminated in gold leaf with a white marble base, and stands 32.5” high.

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405 MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2017

Finding gems in the family-owned Mister Robert

Original oil painting, 25” x 29” , $2,195 A contemporary frame houses this original oil painting of water lilies by Segrelles.

IF YOU ’ V E E V ER BEE N to downtown Norman, you’ve probably

seen the family-owned Mister Robert Fine Furniture, which opened in 1958 and – though expanded since – is still in its original location at 109 E Main. And if you’ve ever needed excellent furniture or home accessories, it’s a name you should definitely know.

One key to the store’s ongoing success is most undoubtedly the family itself. President Steve Calonkey decided to let his children choose, rather than be drafted into, the business. But since his daughter Katelynn Calonkey joined in earnest six years ago, becoming the third generation to carry on the tradition, Mister Robert has flourished. And she’s all in.

Helping the family business evolve is a main objective. “We have to compete with the internet and online shopping. I work on all our buying – keeping things up to date and fresh – and marketing, so we reach all the potential customers we can,” she says.

She’s also a skilled interior designer, who’s great at helping customers find the visual elements they’re looking for – and that’s no small feat, even if they’re already in the store. It’s a huge space, brimming full of such beautiful pieces that you find yourself looking at everything, so it’s easy to lose focus.

The atmosphere is as far from forced as you can get: Nobody’s pushing a sale or following you around. The family side of things is the business side of things, and being a part of what Katelynn calls a “wonderful, family-friendly community” in Norman only facilitates that spirit further.

“We are not a theme store, and have a little of everything for everyone,” she says. “We can do many different styles and aren’t limited to just one.” I dare say you’ll feel right at home once you step into Mister Robert, just like family. - SAR A GAE WATERS

Brass chandelier, $3,295 Spanning 5 feet, this nine-light chandelier of organically formed brass branches drips with hand-blown glass teardrops.

Accent chair, $1,995 Designed and crafted in the USA, this circle back accent chair is 19.5” W x 22.75” D x 35.5” H, and done in a watercolor fabric. Perfect for dining, game chairs or just as an accent.

PHOTOS BY DON RISI

Ornamental tusks, $3,964 Dramatic and dynamic, these statementmaking tusks stand nearly 6 feet high, ornamented with brass accents and clam stone inlays on an oyster shell base. By designer Celerie Kemble for Maitland-Smith

A Legacy of Home Luxury

Half Page H Nutcracker 405.pdf

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DECEMBER 2017 405 MAGAZINE

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in the 405 TRENDS

FOR WOMEN, ALL FROM ROSEGOLD

(l to r) Cashmink tan plaid scarf, $36; Oversized chevron scarf, $78; Cashmink mustard scarf, $36

The Big Chill Stylish ways to fight the cold

(l to r) Cashmere-lined black leather gloves, $78; Gray fleece gloves, $25; Orange fleece gloves, $25

W HIL E COLOR S and fabrics may vary each season, some

essentials – such as gloves and scarves – are at no risk of falling out of favor in the ever-changing world of fashion. When Oklahoma’s winter winds begin to blow, accessorize with these warm options for both the women and men. - SAR A GAE WATERS

FOR MEN, ALL FROM SPENCER STONE

Rosegold, 7302 N Western, OKC, rosegold-boutique.myshopify.com Spencer Stone, 6492 Avondale, Nichols Hills, spencerstoneco.com

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405 MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2017

Stone Island gloves in black and mustard, $98

PHOTOS BY DON RISI

(l to r) Baldessarini gray scarf, $115; Eton solid blue with stripe scarf, $125; Baldessarini blue plaid scarf, $160

Designs that inspire Your Holidays.

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in the 405 ON THE SCENE

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The Children’s Hospital Foundation raised nearly $250,000 for pediatric research and education at the beautiful ball themed “A Night in Casablanca.”

1. Tom and Patty Anthony, Bob and Nancy Anthony, Betsy and Bob Thorpe 2.

Chris and Marissa Smith 3. Corbin Polson, Lauren and Todd Thorman 4. Cheryl Hewett, Jarrad Hewett 5. Tim and Nicole Andrews

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Taste of Western

It’s a festive – and delicious – evening at the Will Rogers Theatre, as guests sample culinary wonders for the beautification of Western Avenue.

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1. Lynne Rakowitz 2. Dr. Harlan Wright, Ralph Bell, Dr. Pedro Lozano 3. Eiko Mills, Rina Se, Mimi Par 4. Teresa Sellers, Bill Veazey 5. Kristy Boone, Spencer Hicks, Stephanie Hinton

To see more On the Scene photos, visit 405magazine.com/On-The-Scene/ To have them sent directly to your inbox, subscribe to our free weekly Snapshot! newsletter.

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DECEMBER 2017 405 MAGAZINE

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in the 405 OKLAHOMYTHS

Getting the Picture The true tale of a familiar triangle

THE CLAIM: The triangular logo of this early Oklahoma oil company later became the basis of the YMCA emblem.

What was the oil company? Marland Oil Co. THE SOURCE: “Just How Well Do You Know Oklahoma Trivia?”

The Oklahoman April 20, 2008 FACT CHECK: False. “Actually, it was the other way around,” says David Keathly, executive director of the E.W. Marland Mansion and Estate. “He (Gov. Marland) gave the YMCA tens of thousands of dollars in support, and the logo was payback, in a way.”

Ernest Whitworth Marland (1874-1941) was a Pennsylvania lawyer turned Oklahoma wildcatter, who, at the height of his powers in the Roaring Twenties, controlled an estimated 10 percent of the world’s oil production. He hit his first gusher in the summer of 1911 and built success after success, founding several oil ventures. He consolidated the businesses in 1921 as the Marland Oil Company.

By then, the red YMCA logo had been established for 30 years. Its originator was Dr. Luther Halsey Gulick (1865-1918), a son and grandson of missionaries, who designed the inverted triangle to represent “an essential unity: spirit, mind and body: each being a necessary and eternal part of man, being neither one alone but all three.” The result, he wrote, was a “wonderful combination of dust of the earth and the breath of God.” That Marland would recognize the power of a memorable logo was not surprising.

“E.W. Marland was a little different,” Keathly says. “He was a marketer. While the others were just out there exploring for oil, he was producing, refining, marketing, building stations.”

His eye for detail and innovation were key to his success.

Marland was the first oilman to rely on geology, core drilling and seismographs. The filling stations he built to sell his fuel looked like tiny triangular English cottages, complete with flowers and landscaping.

The Oil Weekly of Sept. 17, 1921, noted that 20 oversized Marland Oils triangles were being erected across Oklahoma, with each side measuring “10 and 20 feet” in length. “Today, the red triangle of the Marland Refining Company lays down a veritable barrage on motorists in the sections where Marland filling stations are to be found. The trademark is the basis around which all Marland advertising is working.”

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By 1927, the red triangle marked the location of 550 Marland Oil service stations in 11 states. And then, the Marland name disappeared from them all.

Headed by J.P. Morgan Jr., the investors to whom Marland had turned to help expand his operations staged a hostile takeover. Marland Oils and all of its holdings would be folded into the Continental Oil Company.

Its new name: Conoco. Its new logo: the famous red triangle, with Marland’s name erased from the crossbar in favor of the new amalgam.

In his recounting of the event in the Life and Death of an Oilman, John Joseph Mathews recalls: “E.W’s heart was almost broken when he saw his name, his magic name, painted out on the symbolic red triangles on his filling stations over the land. … The name Marland was painted out and the name Conoco painted in on all the triangles, not just those on the filling stations – on every tank car, truck, pump station and company-owned building in the country.”

Marland went on to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from 1932-34, and served as Oklahoma’s 10th governor during the Depression years of 1935-39. After his term was over, he returned to Ponca City and said he would rebuild Marland Oil … but it was not to be.

He sold his beloved 55-room, $5.5 million Italianate mansion for $66,000 to an order of monks, and died six months later in the modest bedroom of what had been his chauffeur’s cottage, looking out the window toward his former home. He was 67.

Ernest Whitworth Marland was laid to rest in the Ponca City Mausoleum in Odd Fellows Cemetery, his vault marked by a stained-glass window and guarded by a custom gate. At the top and bottom of the black wrought iron runs a pattern featuring a dozen stars. Each contains eight triangles. - M.J. ALEX ANDER Editor’s note: Oklahoma is rich with history, lore and fun facts, but some of them aren’t quite factual. In this series, M.J. Alexander hunts for the accuracy – or lack thereof – behind some of our state’s stories.

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in the 405 LAUGH LINES

Desperate Times Call for Desperate Presents The last-minute guide to the last things anyone needs December, you’ll recognize my tried-and-true(ish) pattern of saving up all my excitement for Christmas until mere days before the big, blessed event. I say, why not concentrate all the ill-behaved crowds-inmy-bubble, plagues of bad drivers and hasty decision-making anxiety into one big holiday clambake?

I stand firmly in the camp of shoppers who know they’re searching for gifts for people who don’t need one. more. thing. On my Big List of Dread, holiday shopping ranks slightly higher than waking up during a colonoscopy. Still, I don’t want to be the one who receives a gift (that I don’t need) without reciprocating with a gift (that the recipient doesn’t need).

For the past several Christmases, I’ve been easing my family into liquor-only gifts. By this time next year, it’s likely we’ll all be registered at Byron’s. For everyone else, however, I’ve canvassed the holiday landscape on Amazon in an unseasonably early pre-shopping exercise that I’m not likely to repeat anytime soon. I don’t expect to score a once-in-a-decade miracle, but I’ll settle (therefore, my recipients must settle) for just the right gift that says, “I’m so glad your happiness isn’t tied to this socially obligatory gesture.”

“Practical” describes Snittens, the Original Snot Mittens ($20; amazon.com), the absorbent solution to a cold weather-induced runny nose. In the competition for Gifts That Have a Not-So-Subtle Subtext, this gift is a worthy contender, right behind LED-lighted tweezers. The subtext for lighted tweezers is probably, “Look, man (ma’am), you’ve got hair sticking out in every zip code. You need to get on that. I got you the lighted tweezers so that even a power outage won’t be an excuse to put off what has to be done.”

The Snittens subtext is not ambiguous, either. It says, “Look, man (ma’am), I can see that tweezing all that nose hair caused a secondary issue. You’ve got nothing to block the drainage from your nose. Here are some gloves that you can use as a Kleenex® until your nose hair grows back in.” It also says, “I don’t plan on shaking your hand.”

Another gift that boasts daily use is the call-it-when-yousee-it BS button (about $9; amazon.com), which lights up like

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Rudolph’s nose and announces, “That was BS!” or, “BS detected: take precautions!” when pressed. The wailing siren sound effects ensure that anyone within earshot will be alerted to malarkey in their immediate area. Perfect for office use, or to keep within reach during televised political debates.

The recent removal of one of Amazon’s most practical gifts, the Imaginary Friend ($10; no longer available – sorry, buddy), has redirected the attention of the lonely marketplace toward what is predicted to be the hottest, if not the least practical, gift of the season: Hatchimals (prices vary wildly, depending upon your level of desperation or poor judgment).

Undoubtedly the Christmas morning fantasy of every 7-yearold girl, Hatchimals are collectible toy animals, encased in a plastic egg that can’t hatch without constant interaction and attention from the owner (an ownership requirement previously reserved for iPhones).

According to the manufacturer, the Hatchimal actually pecks its way out of its egg after indicating (with its rainbow eyes aglow inside the egg) that it’s go-time. Once it hatches, the Hatchimal must be “raised” through three stages of maturity.

Details on the product description were vague, but it’s likely that the three stages of maturity are 1.) “I must have a Hatchimal for Christmas!” 2.) “Christmas will be ruined if I don’t get my hands on a Hatchimal!” and 3.) “I’m taking that Hatchimal money down to Byron’s, and I’ll thank you to keep your Snittens off the Tito’s.” - LAUREN HAMMACK

ILLUSTRATION BY ERIC SCHOCK

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in the 405 FASHION

“It’s almost as if young people have rebelled ... they want to dress up at work and for winding down.”

SPE NCER STON E FORMALWEAR Heckart emphasized the trend of softer fabrics, even in the formal category. “I definitely think dark velvet jackets for tuxedos are awesome,” he says. “Black satin show collar with black pants and satin stripes, with a black velvet loafer. The colors are dark maroon, especially for weddings, and navy.”

FORMAL BUSINESS WEAR “Since men are buying dressier suits, they don’t need as many for work,” Stone explains. “I don’t like black; it’s too severe. Dark gray or navy are good choices.”

Heckart agrees. “Dark charcoal for the suit,” he recommends. “A faded white windowpane pattern is versatile, and not cheesy. I’d pair it with a white shirt and navy tie – solid or pattern – and wingtips or dark brown Magnanni loafers.”

BUSINESS CASUAL Heckart recommended a navy blue check sport coat with a blue collared shirt, dark denim jeans and the Magnanni loafer or lace-up.

Stone said he recommends a variety of looks, and likes chambray with a tie, or even a sweater with a tie. It’s back to that idea of dressing it up a bit for work. Denim shirts and sweaters are both recommended, and leather or suede sneakers are very popular, in addition to loafers or lace-ups. “I expect that the premium sneakers are going to stay popular,” he says.

Love for Layers The elements of winterwear

W HE N DISCUS SI NG W I N T ER fashion, the answer to the question “What trends can we expect?” usually begins with “layers.” That’s at least partly because it’s winter, obviously, but it’s also a popular way of approaching fashion, inasmuch as outerwear is just as important as the shirt or sweater underneath. For Jamicia Wylie of Gil’s Clothing and Denim Bar, it comes down to texture, as well.

“I love layering plaid or printed shirts under chunky sweaters, paired with slim jeans or soft twill five-pocket styles,” she says. “A great jacket layered over a raglan sleeve knit is a good look, as well. Winter is all about layers and texture.”

Beyond the simple practicality of layering for winter, this season will continue a trend that Nichols Hills men’s clothier Spencer Stone has noticed in recent years.

“Younger culture wants to dress up,” he says. “I think the business casual style of the 1990s hurt fashion – the polo shirt and khaki look. It’s almost as if young people have rebelled against that look, and they want to dress up at work and for winding down.”

Stone said he sees more people wearing suits to work, and he’s also noted an uptick in sport coats and jackets – especially of the style he calls “deconstructed” – being worn with jeans or chinos for after-work social events.

“Everything is deconstructed,” he says, “unlined, with soft shoulders. It’s the jacket you can throw across the back of a chair. It’s comfortable, and it’s presentable at dinner.”

We asked Wylie and Stone, as well as Seth Heckart at Q Clothiers, what to expect for this winter.

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CASUAL Over against the “athleisure” trend, all three recommended a little more serious approach to casual attire.

“Being in the denim business for 20-plus years, I’m happy to see Oklahoma guys embracing the straight-leg jean,” Wylie says. “We’ve been in a boot-cut world for so long. We’re going to see a lot of 5-pocket styles in twill, in shades like navy, khaki, olive, burgundy and gray. It’s a way to switch it up from jeans, and it’s easy to understand because it’s a 5-pocket jean body.”

Heckart likes a look with navy jeans, a white Henley and a charcoal vest with navy or gray trim and tennis shoes with dark brown leather and white soles. Also, for colder weather, a black V-neck tee with bomber jacket, gray jeans and white, lace-up tennis shoes.

“Most clothing lines are offering what they call ‘street wear,’” Stone says. “They’re basically joggers in luxe fabrics or wool. I still like a pair of trimmer-fitting jeans or chinos, too.”

OUTERWEAR AND ACCESSORIES Heckart recommended a really nice leather travel bag as a business accessory, and cuff links for formal wear.

For winter coats, Stone said multi-use is very popular, especially the thee-tiered jacket: shell, vest and liner, simple vest. “Scarves are still popular, too,” he adds. “I expect we’ll continue to see lighter scarves that you don’t have to take off when you go indoors, made from luxe fabrics like merino wool.” - GREG HORTON

PHOTO BY J. CHRISTOPHER LITTLE

Spencer Stone

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Dr. Ric Corman

care methods. He said he regularly screens men older than 40 for testosterone levels, but he doesn’t just prescribe a testosterone regimen for andropause (low testosterone). Like Williams, he begins with a medical interview – a practice that used to be the norm.

“Andropause can be hastened or worsened by circumstances beyond the natural aging process,” Corman says. “Injury to the testicles, including a vasectomy, stress, alcoholism, chemotherapy and radiation treatments and certain inflammatory diseases can all contribute.”

In other words, medical diagnoses are complex processes, and the more your doctor knows about you, the better the treatment will be. Williams did not say so outright, but that means any clinic that meets you, diagnoses you and sends you out the door with meds the same day probably is more concerned with profit margin than your actual health. Both Corman and Williams order blood work before even discussing diagnoses. After all, what’s the point of diagnosing an issue if you haven’t even had labs done?

Beyond hormone replacement therapy, Williams recommends some common-sense treatments for men as they age, especially vitamins. While the data is all over the place on multivitamins, Williams still believes men should definitely take Vitamin D and fish oil supplements. Vitamin D is helpful for cancer prevention, cardiac health and bone protection. Fish oil helps with cardiac health, eyesight, bone loss and cancer prevention.

Low testosterone, low Vitamin D and low B vitamin levels are some of the common symptoms that Williams sees, and he added that sleep apnea, sleep disturbance and long-term use of medications – including over-the-counter ones such as acid reducers – can have negative consequences, too. To ensure patient health, Williams coordinates with primary care physicians and specialists such as cardiologists. In other words, you need to know your doctor, and your doctor needs to know you. - GREG HORTON

PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

IF SPORTS R A DIO advertising is to be believed, American males are beset on all sides by an array of maladies, of which erectile dysfunction is by far the most prominent. Clinics are everywhere, and all praise the effects of hormone replacement, even as some tell us cryptiDr. Noel Williams cally that they can fix us even if no other treatment has worked before. What sort of dark, mysterious sex magic could this be?

Dr. Noel Williams of Optimal Health Associates has been using hormone replacement in his practice for decades, which makes him remarkably different from the “cash clinics” that have sprung up in recent years. Williams is a gynecologist by training, so he was helping women with hormone replacement as a regular part of his practice when it occurred to him that the same treatments could be beneficial for men.

“We are dealing with the effects of natural aging in many cases,” Williams says, “but we now have choices. We have the ability to slow the aging process, and deliver solutions that can genuinely improve how a man feels as he ages.”

Williams is gracious about the proliferation of ads targeted to make men feel impotent, saying the traction they enjoy in broadcast media indicates a growing awareness of hormone therapy and other treatments related to longevity and anti-aging solutions.

“The clinics spring up based on need,” he says. “It’s an indication that men need a place to go to get help for these issues.”

Optimal Health treats approximately 1,200 male patients for various medical needs, and Williams is quick to point out that hormone replacement is not a universal solution. Part of the problem is that doctors are not always trained to understand male hormones or endocrinology.

“The first thing we do is a medical interview with our patients,” Williams explains. “We want to understand their medical history, their symptoms and why they’ve come to see us. We want to figure out why they’re ill, not just start them on a hormone regimen.”

Dr. Ric Corman has been practicing in Piedmont for nearly a decade. He attracted the attention of U.S. News & World Report when his practice was chosen as part of a study by the American Academy of Family Physicians, one which looked at new primary

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territory ahead

THAT RIBBON OF HIGHWAY The last remnants of a road through Oklahoma’s past

BY M.J. ALEX ANDER

Along this particular stretch of old Route 66, the attraction is not a vintage gas station or curio shop or restored diner: The destination is the road itself. The most rare piece of pavement in the nearly 2,500-milelong route is located in Ottawa County, near where Oklahoma meets Kansas and Missouri. It is called the Sidewalk Highway, or Ribbon Road. Its claim to fame: At 9 feet wide, it’s the only one-lane highway left in existence from the original Route 66.

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Visitors longing to connect with an authentic stretch of America’s most storied road – memorialized in stories real and imagined, from John Steinbeck to Disney’s Cars to bucket-list travelogues – come from the other side of the world to drive these two remaining three-mile sections of weathered pavement.

But what they see can disappoint. The highway, on which construction began almost exactly 100 years ago, is more often than not covered by truckloads of gravel, in an attempt to make the weatherworn road passable to the residents who need a way to access their homes and farms.

“Over the years, the road hasn’t been kept up, because it is primarily used by farmers,” says Amanda Davis, executive director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau in nearby Miami. “It’s not in great shape, and we don’t want it to go away. We want to be able to promote it, and we use it as a hook for the international visitors who come in. It’s a little tricky because the road itself is not in city limits.”

On the weekend before Labor Day 2017, the visitors bureau hosted a town meeting in the historic Coleman Theatre, featuring Kaisa Barthuli, manager for the National Park Service’s Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program. The topic: How best to preserve the pavement without ruining it?

The short answer is that no one knows for sure. But it is worth the effort to find out.

“There’s no other section like this along the entire historic Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica,” says Barthuli. “It has maintained a high degree of integrity, workmanship, materials, construction and setting. It conveys a strong sense of historic environment, which means it really hasn’t changed. It has a layer of gravel over it, but this is reversible.”

She suggested applying for cost-sharing programs, grants and tax credits. Davis

discussed the possibility of more and better signage, but noted that although visitors flock to Miami to see Route 66, the Ribbon Road is located outside the city limits. In the past, signs pointing the way to the historic road have disappeared with over-eager souvenir seekers.

“There’s lots of facts to take into consideration: local visitors, residents, the county’s resources and capabilities,” Barthuli says. “It’s a multi-pronged issue.

A lot of ideas have been thrown out – such as, ‘It’d make it easier if the shoulders were paved.’ But of course, then it’s not a ribbon road anymore.”

Why a ribbon road even exists is a matter of debate. Construction on the road began in 1919, after the end of World War I. It opened to traffic on March 1, 1922, as State Highway 7, part of the Ozark Trail network of roads. Its single lane originally ran for 15 miles, straight stretches linked by half a dozen sharp 90-degree turns.

“You know, a funny thing is that the original Oklahoma Department of Transportation records for this road described it as 18 feet wide. Nobody really knows

HISTORY OF THE ROAD Its fame comes not from being the nation’s oldest road. That honor goes to the old Kings Highway, connecting old Indian trails for a road from Boston down to Charleston, or maybe New Jersey’s Old Mine Road, first referenced in the 1640s.

It wasn’t part of the first road across the West; the Lincoln Highway – part mud, part pavement, running 3,389 miles from Times Square to San Francisco – was dedicated on Halloween of 1913.

It is not the most scenic, running through pleasant but not unusually picturesque farmland.

Nor is it the busiest.

Though once part of Route 66, the road is not its last surviving stretch.

Yet the 9-foot-wide Ribbon Road is considered among the nation’s most romantic routes. Its evocative name conjures a thin, winding strip curling around the heart of the Mother Road like a bow.

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territory ahead

SAVING ROUTE 66 The Smithsonian was looking for a piece of history. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation was looking to demolish a stretch of old Route 66 in Canadian County.

It’s not that its concrete was crumbling. The ODOT issued a release at a time, noting that the surface remained strong, but that the roadway was deemed in “critical condition because narrow lanes, poor sight distance and lack of shoulders made it unsafe for modern travel.”

So in December 2000, a dozen sections of the original 1932 concrete pavement – each 50 feet square and weighing 9,300 pounds – were sliced from the Mother Road near Bridgeport, loaded on flatbeds and semis and transported east.

The pavement was listed in the archives of the Smithsonian as Catalog Number 2000.3074.01, and unveiled in 2003 at the grand opening of the “America On the Move” exhibition at the National Museum of American History.

It remains on permanent display with other Oklahoma Route 66 artifacts including road markers and the old Hamons Court neon sign once displayed at Lucille’s in Hydro, as well as a kerosene lamp and bowl that made the trip west with the Haggard family, who drove the road from Oklahoma to California.

Their son Merle was born in Bakersfield, and wrote of his family’s travails on his way to becoming a country music icon.

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what happened that it ended up 9 feet for this stretch,” Barthuli smiles. The story goes that the budget was tight and that the builders could opt for a shorter twolane road or a longer road of only one lane. But today, no one can say for sure.

The road features a concrete base, originally topped with “Topeka asphalt” to even the surface with the white concrete curbs, each flanked by a 5-foot-wide gravel shoulder. In 1926, the stretch was incorporated into the new Route 66. For 11 years, it ran beneath cars zig-zagging Route 66 between the Ottawa County towns of Miami and Afton, before being replaced by a newer, wider, faster alignment.

In September 1937, Gov. E.W. Marland cut the ribbon to the Neosho River Bridge, opening an improved route that bypassed the old. It was the dawning of a new era: Now every mile of Route 66 through Oklahoma was a two-lane, paved road.

In the 80 years since, the old Ribbon Road continued to carry local traffic.

But wear-and-tear has taken its toll, and the fragile one-lane road is marked by potholes and crumbling pavement. Some sections have been patched and paved over. Since 1984, truckloads of gravel have been spread and graded over the old road to keep it passable.

If not for the pink-granite monument installed nearby, extolling its history and its presence on the National Register of Historic Places, it would be easy not to realize it was different than any other gravel road.

“The base is real good, so it just needs to be updated … repaired,” resident Charm Gaines told KOAM-TV after the community meeting. “A lot of times, we are late [to] places, because we have a lot of lost people there. They love to lay down on the old pavement and have us take their pictures.”

Speaking from her office in Santa Fe six weeks after the meeting, Barthuli reflects on the importance of preserving the road. “The larger part of it, is it’s part of historic Route 66 – an iconic part of

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HISTORY IN THE MAKING? The National Park Service’s Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program began in 2001, and will sunset in 2019. A bill introduced in the House of Representatives earlier this year, H.R. 801 – The Route 66 National Historic Trail Designation Act – would reclassify the road as part of the Route 66 National Historic Trail, “administered by the National Park Service in a manner that respects and maintains its idiosyncratic nature.”

H.R. 801 has bipartisan support, and is co-sponsored by 11 Democrats and seven Republicans, including Oklahoma Reps.

Frank Lucas and Tom Cole. If the bill passes, Route 66 would become the 20th such pathway run by the NPS, joining historic trails including the Lewis and Clark, Santa Fe and Iditarod.

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territory ahead America,” she says. “These places tell stories about how we became the people we are today. We’re all so connected to our cars. Our lives are really dictated by the car. The Ribbon Road is a tangible place to show where we’ve been and where we’re going.”

Suggest that the road may not be as significant as other Oklahoma Route 66 landmarks, such as the Round Barn of Arcadia or the Blue Whale of Catoosa, and Barthuli will bristle.

“It is as iconic as the Blue Whale,” she says. “We experience our interstates every day, and understand all the engineering and the safety precautions and the standardization that surrounds us. Even the interstate villages where we refuel and eat, they’re all cookie-cutter copies.

•

“When you stand on the Ribbon Road, it’s the opposite. It moves something in people, it reminds us of our humanity.”

The worst-case scenario, she said, is that no action will be taken, and the road will continue to deteriorate.

The best-case scenario? Discovering a route forward.

“There’s conversation happening about the road’s future. There’s a sheer delight in the road. And people love having the visitors,” Barthuli says. “You go and stand on that road and you’re filled with amazement. It’s really experiential and rooted to our history. This is one of those

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transitions between traveling by horse, then by horse and wagon, then by car.

And you can see it. It’s right there.”

Another meeting is planned, as Ottawa County considers how to balance the desire to preserve the history of Route 66 with the reality of living in the present.

RUINS AND RELICS Many of the Route 66 ruins and relics that have survived into the 21st century face an uncertain future. Each of the 20 tail fins of the 10 cars planted nose-down at Cadillac Ranch, west of Amarillo, have been sheared off by souvenir seekers. An artist in Texas peels petrified paint from the cars to polish and seal under glass for necklaces and earrings.

In June 2017, the 6-by-4-foot Coca-Cola Owl Court sign – which had marked the site of the rock-walled gas station, motel and cafe that greeted Route 66 visitors to Oklahoma City since the 1930s – was stolen. Despite pleas for its return, no leads have been reported.

In 2013, the owners of Oklahoma City’s Carlyle Motel sold the porcelain-coated neon sign for scrap after it was battered by hail. Its arrow was salvaged, and parts sold to collectors around the world.

The news, however, is not all bad. The iconic 66 Bowl sign that had beckoned travelers since 1959 was lowered from its perch as the bowling alley was auctioned off in 2010. Last year, it was restored and rewired and now blinks anew 50 miles to the west, near Chandler, facing traffic on Route 66.

(L-R) Dr. Tracy McIntire, Dr. Michael Saumur, Dr. Drew Wendelken, Dr. Vincent Montgomery, Dr. Scott Searcey and Dr. Ross Martin

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North OKC • 3601 NW 138th St., Ste. 100 • 405.848.7994 Norman • 1112 Rambling Oaks • 405.292.8900 Midwest City • 2828 Parklawn Dr., Ste. 3 • 405.733.4296 Edmond • 2880 N Kelly Ave. • 405.341.4022 Connect with us: www.omaok.com • “Like” us on Facebook Our Partners are Board Certified by the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons.

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Mastery SPRING BREAK

PLANNING AHEAD FOR MEMORABLE GETAWAYS Spring Break may seem like a long way away – depending on how wintry the weather is in OKC as you’re reading this, perhaps a very long way away – but according to AAA travel consultant Julie Mills, now is the time to start looking around in order to get the best rates on hotels and flights.

If you’re in the mood to indulge in the time-honored sun and ski vacations, we have some great suggestions for you. But we also asked our entire staff, from photographers and writers to the advertising team, to share personal recommendations based on their favorite travel experiences. Several are great suggestions for Spring Break; others, you can make note of for a longer trip when time allows. Here are some of the fabulous destinations we came up with to get those creative vacation-planning juices flowing.

PHOTO COURTESY TAOS SKI VALLEY

BY CHRISTINE EDDINGTON AND MATT PAYNE

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TAOS SKI VALLEY You don’t have to be a seasoned expert to hit the slopes. The Children’s Ski School specializes in showing young skiers the ropes in a special learning area, with their own lifts, equipment shop and trained instructors.

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Near

NYC, NEW YORK I went to New York City in 1989 with a group of university theater majors in my first year of college. This was the old New York City; before the sanitization of Times Square and 42nd Street by Disney and the like. It was thrilling to be so far away from the parents for the first time in a place still reminiscent of Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets or Taxi Driver. This was the city of CB/GB’s, Sardi’s, seedy neon signs and SoHo dives. It was everything I hoped it would be. Brian, graphic designer

THE NORTH SHORES OF LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN IN SAINT TAMMANY PARISH, LOUISIANA New Orleans has long been a draw for those seeking incredible food, rich culture and eclectic nightlife. What most folks don’t know is that visitors can head across the causeway to the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain to enjoy all that New Orleans offers, only you don’t have to worry about pickpockets, price inflation or parking spaces. St. Tammany Parish is home to Mandeville, Abita Springs and Covington, among other towns along the sometimes-brackish shoreline – and each offers its own unique spin on Cajun, creole, antebellum style and outdoor adventure ranging from swamp tours to bike rides. Matt, contributing writer/photographer

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO The weather, the landscape, the art, the food – I love it all. It will always have a special place in my heart, as my girls and I visited there with my parents in wonderful homes.

They were very special times and memories for all of us. Melissa, account executive

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA I chose to go to Los Angeles because I was looking for a getaway filled with sunshine, a cool ocean breeze and exquisite art museums. And ultimately, I was looking to get out of Oklahoma and experience a landscape that was unfamiliar to me, to remind myself that we are all a part of something greater than ourselves. As a kid, I loved road trips, so driving across the country as an adult to create new memories and experience awe-inspiring art left me feeling rejuvenated, and filled with inspiration for the future. Tiffany, design & production coordinator

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ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI Unlike so many Midwestern cities, St. Louis sits among rolling, green hills on the edge of the Mississippi River, making it a stunningly beautiful setting. The City Museum – an urban playhouse – is one of the country’s most amazing, hands-on museums. The city is a mecca for history nerds, major league sports fans and beer geeks alike, and I’d drive all night to eat at Olive + Oak one more time. Greg, contributing writer

ASPEN, COLORADO Aspen has always been a favorite destination. The food and atmosphere can’t be beat. Any season – there’s no better place to hang with family and friends.

Tom, associate publisher

SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA One of the best spots for a quick getaway was the beach at Santa Monica. The warm California sun on your back, toes in the sand and bicycles to ride along the beach made for a perfect vacation. I interviewed actress and Oklahoma native Megan Mullally for a recent story in 405 Magazine about the return of “Will & Grace.” She gave us tickets to watch a live taping, and while we were at NBC Studios for a day, the rest of the vacation was spent soaking up the sun. Mark, contributing writer

Southern Utah

There are five National Parks located within the state of Utah – Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion – as well as the Navajo Indian Reservation known as Monument Valley. Within these six locations are some of the most inspiring, mind-blowing natural formations in the world. From Delicate Arch in Arches to the canyons of Zion to the megaliths of Monument Valley, I can’t help but be awestruck by the stop-you-in-yourtracks grandeur of these places. Don, contributing photographer

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Far NEW ZEALAND New Zealand was actually chosen for me, as the site of an international meeting.

I was blown away by the variety of scenery, from gorgeous gardens to towering, snowcapped mountains. Even the airline – Air New Zealand – was wonderful. Elaine, contributing writer/photographer

ULURU, NORTHERN TERRITORY, AUSTRALIA

BALI

The sacred red heart of the Australian Outback, formerly called Ayers Rock. Though climbs to the top are now discouraged, a hike to the summit 30 years ago revealed an ancient Dreamtime world of undulating pathways, mesmerizing light, shifting colors, singing wind … and a white-dotted danger line painted near the edge, to save hikers from tumbling off in their hypnotic state. MJ, contributing writer/photographer

This tropical “Island of the Gods” is a tranquil haven filled with beautiful food and people; an Indonesian paradise where you do not need a high-end budget to enjoy a high-end experience. In 2005, I went with no expectations – and, as a jaded traveler in my sixth month on the road, not much cash, either. However, I found myself in the picture-perfect setting of Sania’s House, in Ubud ($10 per night) swimming in an ornate pool surrounded by carved stone goddesses and eating at the famous Ibu Oka restaurant visited by celeb chef Anthony Bourdain, who described the roast pig as the best that he’s ever had. It’s easy to get lost in its beautiful beaches, forests and ornate temples … but happily, I managed to find the eerie Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, an unusual place of worship where mischievous monkeys have an eye for all things shiny. It was two weeks of unforgettable island bliss. Louise, editorial coordinator

PORTLAND, MAINE My wife and I visited there on our honeymoon in October 2015. The fall colors at that time of year are nothing short of spectacular. We are also self-proclaimed foodies, and the ocean-to-table dining is unmatched.

For aesthetics, Old Port is riddled with quaint and rustic coffee shops and microbreweries just blocks from the waterfront.

Charlie, contributing photographer

NORTHERN ENGLAND

TURKS AND CAICOS

In Northern England, I saw so many places that were steeped in history. The land was rich with old castles and estates from long ago, along with the countrysides covered with poppies – and then there were the harbor towns. It all made for a gorgeous, completely enjoyable trip. Cynthia, executive director of advertising

Beautiful beaches and turquoise water.

The resort where our son’s wedding was held had white colonial cottages and pristine landscaping. The food and cocktails were great, and it was much fun with our 50 to 60 guests who joined us. I hope they can recover quickly after the recent hurricane.

Ronnie, account manager

REYKJAVIK, ICELAND We chose Iceland initially because of the multitude of natural wonders on the island – beautiful waterfalls, hot springs, black sand beaches, etc. But after spending time in Reykjavik, I would have to say that I have one reason for ever going back to Iceland: The Icelandic Punk Museum. Gunnthor Sigurdsson, the museum’s proprietor, is probably the coolest guy in Iceland and the museum, while small, is unforgettable (it is located in an old public restroom). Don’t miss dressing up like a punk and playing some music at the end of the tour. Scotty, art director

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JUNEAU, KETCHIKAN AND ICY STRAIT POINT, ALASKA Coastal Alaska, as seen from an ocean liner, looks completely fake – in the best possible way. The breathtaking scenery, combined with excellent (and plentiful) food and the ceaseless susurrus of the waves, makes for a simultaneously memorable and restful voyage. I loved it, even during the times when I was merely sitting on deck and reading. Steve, managing editor

Maasai Mara, Kenya Upon arrival, we landed on an airstrip where they had to chase zebras away from the runway for us to land. We were one of three camps where we actually slept out in The Maasai Mara National Reserve. I was serenaded night and day by hippos, zebra, lions, baboons and hyenas. As our trip came to an end, I was known as the “zebra whisperer,” and you will have to ask me what that means. Jennifer, fashion editor

PRAGUE, CZECHIA I’m really more of a sun and beach person, but visiting the enchanting city of Prague over Christmas and New Year’s Day was simply majestic. Despite the coldest cold I could ever imagine experiencing (bone-chilling doesn’t even come close), the scenery, the architecture, the food, the people – all beautiful. This was the first time in my life that I completely lost sense of time: It didn’t matter, and it didn’t seem to even exist.

Heidi, editor in chief

BOOK A SMALL SHIP EXPEDITION CRUISE ANYWHERE! I’ve done three: two with Uncruise in Costa Rica/Panama and Alaska, and one with International Expeditions to the Galapagos Islands. These expeditions take groups, ranging in size from 30 to 80 or so, into some of the most remote regions of the world. For anybody who wants respite in remote locations with high-end amenities and world-class naturalists, these little boats are the way to go! Matt … again DECEMBER 2017 405 MAGAZINE

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SAND AND SKI WORTH VISITING

Ski

BOULDER Boulder, Colorado, is an easy, albeit slightly tedious, drive from the 405 via the endless wheat field that is Kansas.

When you arrive, make dining and strolling a priority. Stay on, or within walking distance of, Pearl Street, Boulder’s pedestrian-centric dining and shopping district. On Pearl, you’ll find breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with great bars, lots of shops, public art and street performers, no matter the weather. Stay at the Boulder University Inn for a low-key, not quite bare-bones experience, or opt for a dollop of extravagance and book a suite at the Hotel Boulderado.

ARROYO SECO AND TAOS Skiing Taos has been a tradition since 1955. The Ski Valley has 1,240 ski-able acres with 110 ski trails – almost half of them designated beginner to intermediate.

The rest can be categorized as full-on adventurous, culminating skill-level wise with the (in)famous Taos Steeps.

The city of Taos features a walkable, pleasant shop- and restaurant-filled town square. Family-friendly restaurant choices are plentiful. Try Orlando’s for excellent Mexican food and margaritas; Pizanos Pizza for hot, cheesy pies; or Stray Dog Cantina in the Ski Valley for the best vegetarian Frito Chili Pie, and more great margs.

Stay in Arroyo Seco if you can. It’s halfway between the city of Taos and Taos Ski Valley, and like no place else on the planet. It’s a friendly, groovy, full-throttle hippie community that you’ll either love or hate. There are plenty of homes within walking distance of the town for rent via VRBO or Air B&B, which allow your crew to enjoy a little space after a day on the mountain.

This tiny burg boasts one of the best farm-to-table restaurants anywhere: ACEQ (open for dinner only), as well as the Taos Cow, a gourmet ice cream shop that serves a mean organic breakfast and lunch, the alleged best breakfast burritos in the world at Abe’s Cantina y Cocina, galleries, more restaurants and shops, the Taos Hot Yoga studio and even a cool organic grocery store, Sol Food Market and Café.

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You’ll love the Andrews Arboretum, hiking the Flatirons and visiting the Boulder History Museum. Try Snooze on Pearl for breakfast, but go early or prepare for a line. One day last December, Britney Spears’ birthday to be specific, the entire staff was dressed as various stages of Britney. Leaf is an outstanding and inventive farm-to-table vegetarian restaurant, and Oak is a swanky, cool spot serving upscale New American fare. It’ll make you feel even cooler than you are.

PHOTOS: SKIER COURTESY TAOS SKI VALLEY, ARROYO SECO AND ACEQ COURTESY ACEQ; MOUNTAIN BY MATT PAYNE; SNOOZE PATIO BY TATIANA TIMMINS, OMG FRENCH TOAST BY ASHLEY DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY

For many, Spring Break means one thing: the beach. A potent and terrible hurricane season took a toll on many gorgeous beaches in Florida and throughout the Florida Keys. Hurricane Harvey ripped through Corpus Christi and Port Aransas, and at this writing, those communities and many others are still recovering. The storm surge from Hurricane Irma flattened and narrowed much of the beachfront in Florida’s Collier County, and ravaged Naples. Other areas sustained limited damage, or escaped largely unscathed, and while their beachy brethren recover, places such as Galveston Island and Sarasota – with its many keys – are ready and waiting for you.

Sand SARASOTA While much of Florida got hammered, Sarasota remained largely unharmed. That is fantastic news for those who love white, powdery sand, warm water and a bustling food scene. Sarasota is home to The Selby Gardens, a stunning collection covering 15 acres that is the only garden in the world dedicated to the study of epiphytes (more commonly known as orchids). There also is the Mote Marine Aquarium, with an extensive display of interactive marine life exhibitions.

Tourists easily could spend a long weekend just in the city, but Sarasota’s primary draws are the surrounding keys. It is on keys such as Lido, Siesta and Longboat that you find real respite. Siesta Key likely

GALVESTON PHOTOS COURTESY GALVESTON ISLAND CVB

GALVESTON “Galveston Island is a family-friendly beach vacation destination, offering a bounty of thrilling attractions, newly expanded beaches, unique shops, savory eateries and special events year round,” says Galveston CVB spokeswoman Ivette Wilhelm, and she’s right. “The island truly is a hidden gem nestled along the Texas coast beloved for its welcoming beachside charm.” Activities vary from sailing and enjoying the beach to visiting Moody Gardens and its bounty of flora and fauna, and don’t forget the Pleasure Pier with its thrilling rides and Coney Island-style fare.

has racked up more “Most Beautiful Beach” awards than anyplace else in the country – while its town is sleepy, its beaches are crowded. For some quiet time in the sand, head to neighboring Lido Key, where the primary draw is the restaurant scene, but the beaches are largely unoccupied. Saint Armand’s Circle hops with great restaurants like Café l’Europe, Crab and Fin or Colombia, if you are looking for a little Latin flair.

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Chill Style Give yourself the gift of a fabulous look

BY CHRISTINE EDDINGTON PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

Local fashionistas (l to r), Katherine Walker Buxton, Laura Nance, Joy Robison and Betsy King

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F

Fashion and style are not the same thing: One is fickle; the other endures. Fashion means trend, and trends certainly should be incorporated into a woman’s style, much like adding a little seasonal decor to your home. The trick is to drape a few strands of what’s current over your wardrobe in a way that makes sense. While there once were hard-and-fast rules regarding what was age-appropriate for women in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond, the experts and style-makers we talked to insist that these days, a woman’s own internal compass is her guide. A woman in her 20s may dive whole-hog into a particular makeup or clothing trend … whereas someone in her 50s may only dive half-hog or a quarter-hog into the same trend.

Katherine Walker Buxton, owner of the Nichols Hills women’s boutique Gretta Sloane, has a long history in the fashion industry. After college, she began work as an investment banker in San Francisco, and wore the requisite Brooks Brothers navy pantsuits and Nine West heels to work every day, but she knew in her bones she was supposed to be in fashion.

“My goal was to work for the Gap’s corporate office,” she says.

“Granted, I’d never worked at a Gap store, but I knew. So I went to every career fair. I talked to everyone I could, and eventually I got a job interview, and then I got the job. I was the first person hired to work in Gap corporate who hadn’t worked in Gap retail. I was in merchandise planning, which is the financial side of buying, and I loved it.” On her last day as an investment banker, as she left her office, Buxton took off those sensible heels and threw them in the trash. The rest, as they say, is history.

Denim is a big part of her merchandise mix – although for winter, we need to think beyond the skinny jean. “Skinny jeans have become a staple. They’re a basic. Timeless. Never going away. We all have them in multiple colors, so for fall, it’s a great idea to update. High waists are still in, with a tiny, cropped flare, but it’s a small flare, almost a boot cut. You want these to highlight your footwear – booties are huge again this season and this jean is perfect for them,” Buxton says. The caveat? Only if you’re 5’5” or taller. The look doesn’t work as well on petite gals. “Smaller people are best in a skinny.”

Embellished denim also is trending, but think patched and (lightly) distressed, not bedazzled. “Distressed denim is still big, but you have to be careful,” Buxton says. “If it’s done badly and there are huge sections of fabric missing on the front of your leg, that’s going to look cheap. Holes in the knees and carefully placed fraying are what you want.”

Buxton also recommends, to the woman looking for a couple of key understated statement pieces, a simple bag that can be customized. “The mini bag is big – a small, hands-free bag.

The difference is that now it’s about embellishment. Gucci is really driving that trend. The idea is that you buy a basic bag and then you add things like tassels, kind of like ‘bag jewelry,’ almost. Ampersand and Apostrophe is a line we carry that is perfect for this, and at a good price point, in the $400 to $600 range.”

Laura Nance, whose company Styled by Laura specializes in helping women shop their own closets, agrees that style and what a woman wears is now determined by the woman herself, not by external forces. Can I get an amen?

“I’m all about coming in and showing people how to reimagine things they already have and love,” Nance explains. “I started just doing closet purges for friends, to help them get rid of things. We’d have wine and hummus and they’d come away with new outfits. After about two years, someone said, ‘You should do this, you should start a company,’ and here I am. I love it, especially when I hear women say, ‘I would have never paired those,’ but they love it.”

One of Nance’s specialties is helping women find their signature style. It’s an art and a science. “We look at what a woman has and loves that’s already in her closet, and I encourage her to look at social media and get a feel for whose style she loves. We also look at lifestyle. I have a client who spends her summer at her lake house, so we stocked it with cute finds from Old Navy, so it’s no big deal if it only lasts one season, or lake life takes its toll.”

The biggest challenge Nance sees, and what makes getting dressed in the morning difficult for women, is the sheer volume of stuff. “People have too much. Millennials are better about not accumulating, but women more my age are still hanging onto that 10-year-old jacket that is never worn.” Another part of Nance’s career is accessories and jewelry – she’s a successful Stella & Dot director and stylist. “I’m big on versatile jewelry. Things that can be worn multiple ways, or layered.”

Katherine Walker Buxton

Laura Nance

When Nance does need to fill in a few wardrobe holes for clients, she’s got her list of practical, versatile go-tos. “A good jean jacket, a camel blazer, a pair of J. Crew Pixie Pants, which look great on women from size 16 to size 2 – really and truly – a crisp white shirt and boots. Those are the pieces that can work in tons of ways.”

For the most part, she tries to stay local, opting for clothing from Balliets or Gretta Sloane, and shoes from Betsy King, A Shoe Boutique in the Paseo Arts District.

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It’s All About the Bootie Betsy King, the woman, is a flurry of good-natured crankiness before she’s had her morning coffee, but two sips later, she’s sitting prettily on her pale blue velvet divan, looking for all the world like a starlet from another era, and dissecting cool weather shoe trends with the precision of a surgeon.

King opened her shop two years ago after working as a shoe buyer at Balliets for six years, followed by a smattering of event planning and other gigs. “I love shoes. My mom was a fashion design major and is now a potter, so fashion comes naturally for me.”

“Shoe trends tend to have a three- to five-year cycle. This fall and winter is a new cycle, which is all about texture, brocade, crushed velvet and embellishment like embroidery on suede,” King says. Gone are the fringe and pom-pons of the last few years, but the bootie still reigns supreme.

Standard winter colors will be in play, such as hunter, navy and Bordeaux, and King and Buxton both see blush or rose, which have been with us for a couple of seasons, bleeding into autumn and winter, as well. “The silhouettes are different this year,” King says. “It’s a block heel, and a little lower. I love a block heel for stability. Slides are big for fall. There are still stilettos, but also lots of shoes that are more comfortable. As women, we really dress for each other, not men, so why not be comfortable?”

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About Face A woman’s face is as important to her overall style as are her shoes and clothing. Joy Robison, cosmetics buyer for OKC’s bastion of fashion, Balliets, is dedicated to keeping women on trend while remaining true to themselves.

“Everyone needs a go-to look that they can do almost without thinking about it, and a fun look,” she says.

“It’s a good idea to refresh your beauty routine about three times a year. Women’s skin changes season to season and year to year. Even the way colors look on your skin, and the way perfumes smell, can change. It’s really important to recognize that our complexions are constantly changing.”

Cosmetics trends run a little bit behind apparel trends, so Robison will begin seeing fourth-quarter looks for a given year as late as August. For the end of 2017, she doesn’t see a seismic shift, rather a fine-tuning of trends that have been with us for a few years. This is great news, because for most women, looking current this season will mean tweaks, not overhauls.

“Looks coming forward are still about the brows.

Brows have been important for several years now,” Robison says. “They are less geometric now, though, less dramatically dark and uniform. There’s a saying: Your eyebrows are sisters, not twins.” That means they are not perfectly symmetrical, and they are not made up of rectangular and triangular shapes. They are still defined, but not as densely pigmented. “Bobbi Brown has a great new waterproof brow tamer. It’s pigmented, and won’t budge.”

Blotted lips in berry shades are a perennial staple in any woman’s makeup arsenal, and the same holds true for 2017. “A blotted lip is not a stain, or a gloss or a matte. It’s softer.” Shy about wearing berries and reds?

According to Robison, if you don’t like red, “You just haven’t found your shade. There is a red for every woman.”

Robison’s favorite reds run the gamut from blueand purple-reds to hues with more earthy cues such as browns and oranges. “I love Hollywood by Laura Mercier and Cardinal by LaPrairie, which has a slight shimmer. There’s a fantastic orange-red shade of lip crayon by Surratt called P.O.C., which is perfect for game day.” Robison loves OSU football almost as much as she loves mascara, and that’s saying something.

Other cosmetics news for the holidays? Blessedly, contouring is going away. “Our cosmetics lines have never been that big on contouring, which is incredibly difficult to do well, but they are big on bronzing and highlighting. Highlighting is still very important this season.”

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Along Came Mary Before Katherine, Laura, Betsy or Joy, there was Mary. Mary Chambless Bates is an Oklahoma City fashion icon, whether you know her name or not. Between her 30-year career as a buyer, and her hobby of owning sample dress shops, this woman shaped the way Oklahoma women approached fashion for decades.

Now in her mid-90s, dressed (always) in head-totoe white, with close-cropped, perfectly coiffed almost white hair, coral lipstick and a prolific mix of bling, she sits at her kitchen counter telling the story of the fashion industry she helped forge in Oklahoma City.

In 1950, Bates made her first buying trip to Dallas, for Halliburton’s department store. She became a buyer, and she took to it like a duck to water. “I was working as a salesgirl, and Myron Silbert from the New York buying office would walk through the store and say, ‘What’s selling, girl?’ and I’d start pulling things and showing him.

I’d tell him that such and such a dress is doing well, and so on, and he said he was going to make me a buyer. A year later, he went to see Mr. Halliburton and I was sent to New York on my first buying trip,” Bates remembers.

She went on to become a buyer for the venerable Street’s department stores, often making 10 trips to New York each year, four trips to California markets, a couple to Chicago and filling in with trips to Dallas.

Ironically, she had moved to Street’s hoping to travel less – but she did ultimately become a vice president.

“Mr. Teddy said to me, ‘You won’t have to travel as much, it will be easy, we only have four stores.’ So I went to work with him one day and he said, ‘I’ll meet you in New York, and we’ll discuss what we’re going to do.’ I had never even been in the store. When we got to New York, he said, ‘I’ll make you a deal. You buy what you think will sell, and I’ll talk to you when you get home.’ And he never questioned me or asked how much I’d spent.”

A career in fashion also brought Bates something she hadn’t expected: a husband. In 1978, she married Jack Bates, with whom she shared 20 years of marriage before his passing.

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Prime Picks for Right Now

So what should be your takeaway from all this fashion consideration?

Buxton, Robison and King share thoughts on of-the-moment picks you need this very second.

Buxton: A really great jacket with an interesting shape is a perfect buy. It needs to be about hip length, and close-fitting, so that you can wear it without feeling like you’ve got your parka on indoors. Navy is great; a wool-cashmere blend would be fantastic.

Robison: “I am a mascara junkie. Three I would recommend right now are Laura Mercer’s Long Lash – it has a thin wand so you can get a good coat on every lash – also Smith and Cult Lash Dance in Radio Silence. It’s great for volume. Trish McEvoy’s mascara is on my list because it’s tubular and locks all of your layers in place. I love it because I don’t like waterproof mascara.” Yes, Robison layers all three.

She also recommends a metallic, smoldering eye. “Turn up the smolder, but go lighter for day. For evening, dark, smoldering metallics are perfect. Bobbi Brown has a gorgeous collection.”

King: “Shoes are an emotional thing. When we have a bad day, we don’t go try on jeans, we go for shoes. I’m in love with everything we have from Pour la Victoire right now. Beautiful, beautiful shoes. Unique, and a little obscure. The hard part is deciding which not to take home!”

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culture

BLURRED LINES

Outfitted for a Fresh Start

BY GREG HORTON

ILLUSTR ATION BY CHAD CROWE

How Dress for Success helps ex-cons move on Dusty Summers is matter-of-fact about her time in prison. “I self-surrendered as a married woman with a home, and I landed at the Oklahoma Halfway House as a divorced woman who would be living with her parents,” she says.

The prospect of starting over is a daunting one, and Summers joins a rising number of ex-offenders who are attempting to re-assimilate. Oklahoma has earned more than its share of press as the leading incarcerator of women in the U.S., at 151 per 100,000 women in jail or prison, a figure that is more than twice the national average. (Other studies put the number at 127 per 100,000, which is still twice the national average.)

According to OKPolicy.org, 20 percent of Oklahoma inmates recidivated in 2014, and while the state has taken steps to reduce the number of felony convictions for drug possession – one of the two leading reasons women in the state go to prison – there are still massive gaps in services intended to help inmates readjust to the world after prison.

The Department of Corrections is not in the habit of providing inmates with clothing suitable for job interviews, but recidivism is driven by the inability to find viable employment. As Summers puts it, “People aren’t usually kind to a former federal prisoner.”

Summers learned about Dress for Success one week after she arrived at the halfway house. Alisa Trang Green founded Dress

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for Success nearly three years ago after researching service gaps in Oklahoma. Her husband works in film, and the couple’s schedule made a 9-to-5 job impossible for Green, so she started her own nonprofit.

“I’m geared toward helping women,” she explains. “I just believe that if you help a single mom, you’re helping more than one generation.”

Approximately 85 percent of Dress for Success’s clients are ex-offenders; others come from drug rehabilitation facilities or are fleeing domestic abuse. In fact, DFS also has helped outfit sex trafficking victims for court appearances, including a 14-year-old who had to testify against her parents. The stories can be varying levels of mundane or horrifying, but the needs are remarkably similar: clothing, support, mentoring and referrals.

Summers was “suited” by DFS – their term for providing interview clothing – and she got the job. In her case, it was a man she met at church, who hired her and helped her find housing.

All stories aren’t as hopeful as Summers’, but the network of support DFS provides increases the clients’ chances for successful reassimilation.

“I could not have done it without the support of Alisa and the other women,” Summers says. “They texted me, called me, checked on me and, at all times, they reassured me, ‘You can do this.’” She gets emotional talking about it. “My mentor told me after suiting me that every woman needs a new jacket for her new life. I started from scratch, and they made it possible.”

The long-term support is provided by the Professional Women’s Group, a network of volunteer mentors and current and former

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culture

BLURRED LINES

United And for those whose r. a m a L r fo t h g we fi NAMES we do not know. ’t a one-man band.

And because hope isn problems lahoma’s most critical We surround Central Ok can to and find every dollar we and help us win address them. Join us this fight. Give today at

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clients. The group meets monthly, and clients are allowed to choose the topic around which the meeting is structured. Green said the topics range from scholarship application assistance to financial literacy, and even fun subjects such as makeovers.

“The cornerstone of what we do is follow up,” Green says. “We dress them, help with mock interviews, help with resumes – but none of that matters without the follow-up.”

After a client is hired – DFS makes no money on job placements – the group provides a week’s worth of clothing to the new hire. More clothes are available at the monthly meetings.

“You can’t make it successfully if you don’t GET INVOLVED with other people. You have to have community, which means you have to be a part of a community.”

DUSTY SUMMERS

Another Another Fine Fine Rococo Rococo Restaurant Restaurant

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Clothing is an immediate need that only ex-offenders truly understand. Even if all the clothes from their previous life are available, the dramatic changes that happen during incarceration can quite literally make a new body from the old: People come out of prison a fraction of their former size. In many cases, though, they simply have nothing left from their previous life, and depending on their “outside world” relationships, with bridges often burned and trusts broken, they may have no help in acquiring outfits. And remember, the cost of a fresh wardrobe easily runs into the hundreds of dollars, even at discount clothing stores.

“Clothing is expensive,” Green says, and adds, “Clothing should never be a make-or-break issue for a woman trying to get back on the right path.”

DFS works with referral agencies, including the Department of Corrections, NorthCare, Oklahoma Halfway House and The Center for Employment Opportunities. The latter offers comprehensive employment services to the formerly incarcerated, and DFS is instrumental in helping with job interviews, job placements, clothing and other services that get the ex-inmates hired.

“We work with both men and women,” says Pat Viklund, CEO’s area director. “They are referred through probation and parole. We send every woman who comes to us to Dress for Success. They have successfully partnered with us many times on our ultimate goals: interviews that lead to jobs.”

Summers talked at length about the obstacles she’s had to overcome, and at each step, it was another person who cared enough to help. She leads a small group at her church now; the principle is being extended to the larger community that way.

“You can’t make it successfully if you don’t get involved with other people,” Summers says. “You have to have community, which means you have to be a part of a community.”

Holiday Wishes 2017

HOLIDAY WISHES GIFT GUIDE 2017 Decorative Trees, $18.90-$28.90 Clear glass decorative trees with champagne glitter will brighten your holidays.

Polar Bear Pillow, $49.90 Cozy up to this hand-hooked polar bear pillow with poly insert.

Massage/Float Packages, starting at $115 The most rejuvenating experience in Oklahoma City! Flotation therapy relaxes your mind and body. Memberships and gift cards available.

THE FLOAT SPA @ CLASSEN CURVE 5730 N Classen Blvd, OKC 405.608.1950 | floatthecurve.com

Mini Floral Painting, $135 Lana Lopez framed original mini floral painting measuring 12” x 12” will bring cheer to any wall.

FABRICS UNLIMITED

2229 NW 138th Ste A, OKC 405.755.2664 | fabricsunlimited.com

Gift Cards, any amount A series of Aveda concept salons dedicated to a vision of surpassing expectations and staying on the forefront of fashion and wellness, Eden Salon & Spa is the perfect gift experience … and gift cards are always the right color and size.

EDEN SALON & SPA

4200 N Western, OKC, 405.525.6110 | 517 W Main, OKC, 405.231.4772 12200 N MacArthur, OKC, 405.722.3336 | edensalon.com

Sterling Silver Necklace, $450 “2 Circles” hand-forged sterling silver necklace

by Millie Sabatino.

Oil Painting, $1680 “My Reverie” 8” x 10” oil by Oklahoma City artist Carole Broughton.

Kiln Formed Glass, $740 “Amber Light” 15”h x 6”w x 5”d kiln formed glass with steel base by Suzanne Mears.

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HOWELL GALLERY

6432 N Western, OKC 405.840.4437 | www.howellgallery.com

GIFT GUIDE 2017 HOLIDAY WISHES

VAGINAL REJUVENATION - $1500 FOR 3 SESSIONS ($3000 VALUE) The Ultra Femme 360 laser is the latest, most advanced, pain-free, non-surgical method to revitalize your femininity. Life can take its toll on the intimate areas of the body, which can stretch and lose muscle tone over time. This procedure uses the body’s natural process to stimulate collagen production both in and out of the vaginal vulva areas to a more youthful state. Each treatment takes less than 10 minutes! “The Femme touch procedure has been life changing!” - Bella Luce patient

LASER GENESIS - ONLY $125 ($200 VALUE) The laser genesis facial rejuvenation creates noticeably smoother texture, glowing skin, and a more youthful look! Laser genesis is used to treat acne scarring, wrinkles, rosacea, and sun damage by penetrating into the cellular layer of the skin.

This is our most popular procedure, and would make a great gift for anyone.

BELLA BODY - $900 ($1600 VALUE) By combining our fat busting sculpsure, exilis laser, and cellutone, it’s possible to get closer to the body of your dreams! Sculpsure naturally melts the accumulations of fat from hard-to-lose areas, like flanks, abdomen, buttocks and thighs, while exilis uses radio frequency and ultrasound to melt fat and tighten the skin. And our newest technology, cellutone, targets cellulite by using mechanical vibrations. This is our best deal ever!

IPL & PICO GENESIS $250 EACH OR 3 TREATMENTS FOR $600 IPL and PICO genesis are non-invasive laser treatments that can improve skin tone and surface imperfections associated with aging and UV damage. They help to remove dark spots and diffuse redness. Customized for different skin tones and skin conditions.

BUY ONE GET ONE HALF OFF LASER HAIR REMOVAL Most women and even men perform the time-consuming ritual of shaving several times a week. With our next generation premium laser hair removal technology, excel hr™, it is possible to remove hair from head to toe in fewer sessions on all skin types, even tan-skinned patients. Available all year round!

405.486.7450 | 3209 NW EXPRESSWAY, OKC | BELLALUCEOKC.COM Specials good through December 31, 2017. No cash value.

HOLIDAY WISHES GIFT GUIDE 2017 Christmas Pillow, $59 It’s the most wonderful time of the year – need we say more than this pillow’s message?

The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses, $35-$100 The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses comes to Oklahoma City on Friday, December 29. This live, full orchestra concert features Zelda gameplay on a giant screen, plus a new movement from Breath of the Wild. Get your tickets today, use offercode LOZ10 for 10% off.

MGPLIVE

MGPLive.com/zeldatour LOZ10

Ornaments, $22 each One of the joys of Christmas lies in decorating; Chateau Designs has a wide variety of ornaments to help you hang beauty throughout your home or share with others.

Snowmen Figurines, $81 for the pair, also sold separately Add a dose of holiday cheer to your home’s winter wonderland – whatever it’s like outside, these figures say “Let it snow!”

Holiday Pillow, $39 Everyone needs an occasional reminder to relish the pleasures of the season, which makes this long, comfy pillow an ideal accent for your sofa or bed.

CHATEAU DESIGNS

(formerly Red Chateau) 9209 N. Pennsylvania, OKC 405.842.2262 | chateaudesignandinteriors.com

SWIG Tumblers, $19.95 each These hot new 9 oz stemless wine tumblers are engineered to keep your drink seriously cold (or hot!) for as long as possible. Available in multiple colors.

EMORY ANNE INTERIORS

120 NW 150th, Edmond 405.753.4466 | emoryanneinteriors.com

Velvet Bomber Jacket, $315 Johnny Was reinterprets a classic silhouette in a soft, inviting texture, highlighted by dazzlingly detailed floral embroidery.

Gift Certificate, $25 Let professional makeup artist Lilly Stone assist you with your gift list this year. Choose items from her own personal product line, or pampering services that will delight that special someone.

Faux Fur Bag, $58 Small but striking, this petite crossbody bag keeps essentials close at hand while complementing your look with sleek faux fur.

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KO KO P E L L I

Shoppes at Northpark N.W. 122nd & May 405.748.5200 | kokopelliokc.com

SOOO LILLY

12100 N May, OKC 405.306.2060 | sooolilly.com

give give give This holiday season, let Van Cleef Salon be the only stop for all your skin and hair needs. Gift certificates are available.

Call or visit us online at VanCleefSalon.com

6452 Avondale Drive, Nichols Hills | 405.843.4826

HOLIDAY WISHES GIFT GUIDE 2017 Fur Vest, $198.99 Stay snug and stylish whatever the weather in this luxuriously wonderful vest. It’s rabbit fur with a raccoon collar, all in a rich shade of merlot.

Gabriella Medallion Tote, $450 Recreating the threedimensional look of carved marble, this beautiful Brighton tote, shown here in lipstick red, was inspired by the rose windows of European cathedrals.

NANCY FARHA

9205 N Pennsylvania, OKC 405.775.0404 | nancyfarha.com

Gold MOD Lamp $359, MOD Lamp Shade $159 Our modern lamp features a mouth-blown wine bottle enhanced with a brightly colored lamp cord surprisingly located inside the bottle. Great shadeless when topped with an Edison bulb – or with optional natural fiber grain sack shade.

HAUS de LUX

13230 Pawnee Drive Ste 105, OKC 405.608.8048 | hausdelux.com

Tamal Short Necklace, $138 Intricate carvings in the courtyard of the Madrasa Youssef in Morocco were the muse or “tamal” for this collection’s elaborate motif.

Its pave Swarovski, set in a complex, airy openwork design, mimics the refinement of fine jewelry.

Black Friday Beauty BOGO, $100 Spend $100 & get four $25 gift cards for free Cyber Monday, $150 Buy $150 & get four $25 gift cards for free

SOLERENITY SPA AT THE ARTESIAN 1001 W 1st, Sulphur, OK 580.622.8128 | solerenityspa.com

The Making Faces Beauty Book, $75 A household name in makeup, Kevyn Aucoin shares the keys to his famous looks in this three-volume makeup book.

From contouring the face to making eyes pop, this set is a treasure trove of ideas and expertise.

Habanero Hot Sauce, $8 per bottle (3 bottle minimum) Made in Oklahoma using 16 fresh ingredients including handcrafted vodka, Chiki Chiki Boom gourmet habanero hot sauce has a rich, smooth, one-ofa-kind flavor that absolutely delivers.

THE MAKEUP BAR

7632 N Western, Nichols Hills 405.810.1226 | themakeupbar.com

CHIKI CHIKI BOOM chikichikiboom.com

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GIFT GUIDE 2017 HOLIDAY WISHES

Zebra Cowhide, $250 Go bold! The classic zebra print on this decorative cowhide draws eyes wherever you put it.

Brown & White Cowhide, $200 Our patterns are practically endless and always gorgeous, such as this timeless brown and white hide.

Gold Cowhide, $320 An eye-catching Brazilian hide that’s on trend with modern metallic gold accents.

3721 S I-35 Service Road, OKC | 405.413.1386 facebook.com/livebohookc

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HOLIDAY WISHES GIFT GUIDE 2017

Blush and Bronzer, $29; Eye Soot, $38; Lipstick, $30 Rituel de Fille cream blush and creamto-powder eye soot – easy to apply with fingers or brush – and Axiology lipstick give you all-natural, organic, vegan, clean and green sustainable beauty.

Mauritius Leather Jacket, $220 This cool-looking coat boasts buttery-soft lambskin leather with vintage-inspired details, including elbow patches, zip pockets and adjustable side buckle tabs.

THE MAKEUP BAR

GIL’S CLOTHING & DENIM BAR

7632 N Western, Nichols HIlls 405.810.1226 | themakeupbar.com

Homemade Gin Kit, $57.20 With tools, juniper berries and a special blend of botanicals, this kit has everything you need to become a drinks wizard by transforming a plain bottle of vodka into palate-pleasing gin.

7644 N Western, Nichols HIlls 405.848.0334 | gilsclothing.com

Bird Sculptures, $50 large and $25 small Sleek, shiny, simple in form and likely to make you smile, these charming partridge sculptures in a metallic rose gold finish are prime decorations to perch in any room of your house.

Vinegar & Oil Set, $72.90, also sold separately A sensational set for you or the gourmet on your list: exceedingly rare and delicious Ultra Premium Denissimo aged dark Balsamic vinegar, paired with a rich, savory balance of white truffles, garlic and butter. Bon appetit!

THE WOOD GARDEN

7650 N Western, Nichols HIlls 405.848.9663 | woodgardenokc.com

THE OIL TREE

7646 N Western, Nichols HIlls 405.242.6457 | theoiltree.com

Hoodie and Lounge Pant, $124, also sold separately P.J. Salvage specializes in luxurious fabrics, distinctively chic patterns and blending casualwear, sportswear and pajamas into a single look. This Sleigh All Day hoodie can take a holiday look wherever you go, while the Fair Isle banded pant keeps you cozy in casual comfort.

THE LINGERIE STORE

7636 N Western, Nichols HIlls 405.841.9828 | thelingeriestoreusa.com

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Cyber Robot, $60 For young technology enthusiasts, this scientific kit lets kids assemble their own robot equipped with a Bluetooth module and multiple ways to play.

Wool Throw, $350 Get cozy in high-quality comfort and wrap yourself in luxury – this beautiful Yves Delorme throw is 100 percent merino wool, available in an assortment of colors.

KS DESIGN

7634 N Western, Nichols HIlls 405.524.7868 | ksdesignoklahomacity.com

Lap Looms, $47 Creativity and fun are in the works with these portable hardwood tapestry or frame looms that can be woven on while resting on a table or floor – or, yes, your lap.

THE LEARNING TREE

7638 N Western, Nichols HIlls 405.848.1415 | learningtreeokc.com

PILATES BODY

405.767.6222 | pilatesbodyokc.com

SHERWIN-WILLIAMS BOUTIQUE 405.843.2790 | sherwin-williams.com

SOUP SOUP CARRY OUT AND CATERING 405.843.7095 | soupsoup.org

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The OMG Facial by Le Mieux (French for “The Best”) creates a healthy, youthful glow, improves the appearance of sagging skin, minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, and improves texture and tone. The OMG Facial: Optimizes with skin perfecter Moisturizes with serums and sheet masks Glamorizes the overall look of your skin!

Mention “405” when you book your OMG Facial at Renaissance and get

15off!

$

WE MAKE HOLIDAY SHOPPING EASY! CALL 751.8888 TO ORDER RENAISSANCE GIFT CERTIFICATES!

At Shared Wellness MD Dr. Sandler’s Elves Have Gift Certificates for YOU! Best, Innovative, Painless Body Contouring Results Available!

to llo He You! y a w S Ne the

Make yourself an appointment and get a Gift Certificate for someone special!

Call 405-430-1058!

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foodie

WONDERL AND THE OIL TREE IS MOVING TO WILSHIRE VILL AGE AND OUR GRAND OPENING IS DECEMBER 1.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR GRAND OPENING FESTIVITIES. WE’VE GOT TASTINGS, GIVEAWAYS AND LOTS OF FUN PLANNED ALL DAY LONG, AND THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF DECEMBER. We’ll be right in the middle of Oklahoma City’s gourmet food district, at a much more convenient location, and our shop will double in size, with a beautifully-designed interior with spaces for demonstrations, a reading area and lots of space for perusing and tasting our wonderful artisanal and small-batch wares.

See you there!

7646 N WESTERN AVENUE OK L AHOM A CIT Y, OK 73116 405 242 6457 | HELLO @THEOILTREE.COM

Wood Garden

The

CUSTOM & DESIGN ST U DIO FURNITURE • DR APERIES • BEDDING • UNIQUE ACCESSORIES 848.9663 • 7650 N. Western, OKC

home

PHOTO BY CARLI WENTWORTH

Set for the Season The unofficial mayor of the Miller Neighborhood, Bruce Hall delights in decorating for Christmas with husband Mike Stuart. Festivity fills the home, including this gracious dining room that spends the holidays fabulously festooned with a beautiful tablescape.

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home HABITAT

The wide staircase with its polished steps and banister is perfectly appointed with boughs of greenery.

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A MERRY MILLER CHRISTMAS Deck the Hall-Stuart home

BY CHRISTINE EDDINGTON PHOTOS BY CARLI WENT WORTH

BRUCE H A L L A N D MIK E ST UA RT moved into Oklahoma City’s historic Miller Neighborhood just over two decades ago, and its residents have been reaping the benefits ever since. The couple has been instrumental in chairing events and holding leadership positions for the Miller Neighborhood Association, and they also own more than a dozen rental properties in Miller, which they began purchasing in order to improve and help stabilize the area. And although it perhaps goes without saying, their holiday décor is the stuff of legend.

“We really began decorating at Christmas as a way to honor my mother, who died just prior to Christmas in 1996, the year before we bought the house,” Stuart says. “Our first Christmas in the house was also the first anniversary of her passing, so Bruce suggested decorating in her honor to help me get through the holiday, since Christmas was her favorite time of year.”

They started out relatively small, but over the years, things have progressed to the state of beautifully executed yuletide frenzy seen today. “It varies from year to year, but we always have five or six Christmas trees

From top: The Hall-Stuart home perches gracefully on a corner of one of Miller Neighborhood’s wide, tree-lined boulevards.

Even the chandeliers are given special treatment at Christmastime. This one, in the dining room, is one of three chandeliers on the first floor that are original to the home.

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home HABITAT

The home has been a part of many Miller Neighborhood Home Tours. Stuart and Hall had thought the handcrafted living room mantel possibly was original to the home, but on one of the many tours, they met a gentleman who had assembled and placed the piece, solving that mystery once and for all.

throughout the house, and we decorate the whole house,” Hall smiles. “We can’t take credit for all of it, though. Mickey Barnard has been our decorator for years, and he’s done our Christmas décor and the rest of the house.”

Hall is a safety coordinator with Lopez Foods, and Stuart is the vice president of marketing for Impressions Printing. The couple met in 1996, when both lived in the nearby Cleveland historic neighborhood. Stuart was an avid jogger, and Hall was a regular dog walker. Their paths crossed, at first by accident, and then not so much. Stuart and Hall were married on their 21st anniversary, in January of 2016.

Their home was the original homestead of George Miller and his family, built in 1915. Miller initially farmed the land that is now Miller neighborhood, but platted it before statehood, with the idea to develop it later.

When Hall and Stuart bought the house, the neighborhood was not at its best.

They found their home one weekend, thanks in part to a quirky habit of Stuart’s.

“Mike was bringing me lunch one Saturday. He hates to wait at stoplights and will just turn and keep driving just to avoid them and keep moving. I was at the fairgrounds at Buchanan’s Antique Market, and he was coming from our old neighborhood, Cleveland. Well, he turned and saw the house for sale. There was an open house that weekend – and we made an offer that day,” Hall says.

The rest, as they say, is history. The two are very active in the Miller Neighborhood Association, and laughed that when they first moved in and became involved, they were the young folks. Fast forward a couple of decades, and they’ve been so involved for so many years that neighbors affectionately refer to Hall as “the mayor of Miller.”

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The former sleeping porch upstairs is transformed each year at the holidays and has enjoyed a variety of creative themes, such as Winter Wonderland, Icicles and a holiday lodge motif. This iteration features multiple silver trees and vintage lighted figurines.

6900 N. MAY | OKLAHOMA CITY | 405.418.4496 2012 N.W. 178TH ST. | EDMOND | 405.696.5985 911 N BROADWAY AVE | OKLAHOMA CITY | 405.604.3614 FOURSTARFITNESSOKC.COM

Creating beautiful lifestyles and stunning homes

Artisan Tile Studio

7108 N. Western, Suite D1 • Oklahoma City • 405.242.2227 •

FINE HOME ACCESSORIES | GIFTS | FURNITURE 15020 BRISTOL PARK BLVD, SUITE 100 EDMOND, OK 73013 405.286.2025

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home DÉCOR

Holiday in Color A tabletop treat for the eyes

T HE HOL IDAYS A R E a joyous time, and while celebratory decorations abound this

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R. Wood dinner plate, $55; Fortessa Arezzo brushed gold 5-piece place setting, $70; Abigails Gatsby tumbler in gold, $20; all from Culinary Kitchen Orange garden roses from Whole Foods; pink, maroon and gold celosia and mustard yellow yarrow from A Date with Iris; pepperberry, holly and boxwood from the author’s garden Linens and salt & pepper shakers from private collection Culinary Kitchen, 7222 N Western, OKC, culinarykitchen.com Whole Foods, 6001 N Western, OKC, wholefoodsmarket.com A Date with Iris, 4201 N Western, OKC, adatewithiris.com

PHOTO BY DON RISI

time of year, our homes are one of the first places this joy starts to come into view. A beautifully set table can be one of the most perfect places to show off our talents – bring out the finery and spruce up the table with fresh flowers!

A change of color scheme can really help make a surprising splash. You can still have the usual red and green, but why not add in orange or yellow, or even pink? Boxwood and holly give a feel of tradition, as well, and if you are lucky, you needn’t go any farther than gathering some clippings from your own garden.

For the necessities of the table, a solid colored plate accompanied by gold flatware will lend a new and different feel. Add in treasures as you can, maybe with monogrammed heirloom linens or a polished set of salt and pepper shakers. Don’t be afraid to mix the old and the new, the traditional with the modern. Step out a bit with unusual flowers, and wow your guests with a new take on the holiday table. - SAR A GAE WATERS

Fashi on + Home Fur

nishin gs +

Beaut y+G ifts +

Jewe lry

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

TRENDSETTER

Lindberg - $750 Design house Lindberg has continued to push the boundaries of modern eyewear design. One of the first companies to integrate titanium and acetate, Lindberg has been worn by celebrities and royal families worldwide.

SIGNATURE EXCELLENCE Upgrade your look

Monoqool - $575 Unique 3-D printed frames from Denmark. Twelve grams in weight, these Danish frames are brightly colored works of art.

Tonino Lamborghini - $540 Tonino is Italian aesthetic and design using materials such as carbon, steel, titanium, acetate and wood that give these items an exclusive touch of class.

Matsuda - $570 Matsuda eyewear is handcrafted in the artisanal eyewear workshops of Japan, and each Matsuda creation represents over 45 years of design history and heritage.

4200 W Memorial, #101, OKC 405.749.4285 | physicians-optical.com

Love your community. Shop Edmond first.

every time you

shop in edmond

your sales tax goes to

things like parks,

public safety and street maintenance

for your community.

WHEN YOU SPEND DOLLARS ELSEWHERE, your money is equipping somebody else’s community.

made possible by:

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

TRENDSETTER Saxon Chair - $1,345 A great complement to your farm table, this saxon chair comes in multiple color variations and is a signature Urban Farmhouse piece.

Signature Dining Table with All Thread Base - $2,195+ Bring home one of our most loved tables featuring a gunmetal stained railcar flooring top and reclaimed wood base. Each table top is a unique hand-crafted piece made from 100% reclaimed materials, no two will look exactly alike.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS There’s no place like home for the holidays! Spruce up your home this holiday season with some of Urban Farmhouse Designs’ Signature Furniture Pieces. Gather the family around a new farm table or deconstructed sofa. These reclaimed custom pieces will add character and interest to your home and will last for years to come. Give your home a farmhouse, but modern, touch with our signature tables and upholstery line. Visit our 28,000-square-foot showroom to learn more about our signature pieces, you may just find the perfect gift for the whole family.

Dining Bench - $445 Adding an upholstered bench to your dining room is not only a great way to bring extra people to your table, it also gives a modern touch to a farmhouse home.

Cherami’s Favorite Deconstructed Sofa - $3,640 Featuring tufted seat cushions in a velvet glow fabric and a deconstructed wooden frame, this sofa will inject character into your living space while adding farmhouse charm with the burlap sides and back.

Signature Tulip Crate - $59 This reclaimed tulip crate is great for centerpieces and tablescapes for all seasons, or use them as intended around your greenhouse.

400 S Western, OKC | 405.812.8374 | UrbanFarmhouse.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Family fun at your fingertips!

Take a vacation by visiting one of Oklahoma’s more than 500 museums today.

Let Emory Anne’s Set Your Holiday Table!

OKMuseums.org

120 NE 150th Street | 405.753.4466 | emoryanneinteriors.com

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Great Gifts

Recycled vintage ties handcrafted clutchbag by Morales Object Design in Denton, Texas.

From the artist: “Creating new things from pieces that someone else made before me, I feel like I’m helping to preserve and honor the work that went into that original creation, but in a new and repurposed way that maintains the original beauty in a new form.” Available in several designs and colors. $64.95 at Oklahoma City Museum of Art

SHOPPING NEWS NAIFEH FINE JEWELRY December 5, 5-7:30pm Ladies Night Jude Frances Trunk Show. Door Prizes and lots of holiday cheer! Grab your girlfriends and don’t miss the opportunity to fill out your wishlist.

December 16 all day Temple St. Clair Trunk Show.

December 19 Men’s Night OKC MUSEUM OF ART December 1-24 OKCityCard Promotion. Shop

Lavender fizzy bath cubes by elizabeth W. Amazing fragrance and fizzy bubbles with essential oil that leaves skin soft and hydrated without being greasy. $22 Urbane Home and Lifestyle

From Monica Rich Kosann, “Poesy” I.D. bracelets are available in 18kt yellow or white gold and sterling silver, and are a perfect way to express your affection or admiration. Wear alone, next to a watch, or layered with other bracelets. Priced from $285 and available with or without gemstones including diamond, black diamond, ruby and green garnet.

Available exclusively at Naifeh Fine Jewelry.

with your OKCityCard at OKCMOA’s Museum Store and receive 10% off your purchase.*

December 11 Oklahoma City Museum of Art

members holiday sale, enjoy refreshments and exclusive sale items at the Museum Store from 2 to 6 pm. Limited to OKCMOA members only. Not a member? Join today at okcmoa.com/ membership *Does not include Chihuly merchandise. No other discounts apply.

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Wooden rosaries are a guide to prayer and devotion for Catholics, and a decorative reminder of spiritual wonders for all. $75 at The Wood Garden

The Harrison beanie by KK intl. is a cute, cozy way to help fight global poverty. $32 at Shop Good

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

TRENDSETTER

Bar cart, $795 This useful and striking piece has echoes of midcentury modern style, with a lowsheen walnut finish and metal elements. With a gallery top, one drawer and eight cubbies on the bottom shelf, it’s versatile enough to move from room to room and mix with other pieces and styles.

SURROUNDED IN STYLE

Dove Cove Chair, $2,295 Curves, great style and attitude bring this Henredon chair to the forefront. Dressed in a crushed velvet and nailhead trim with a teal silk fabric pillow, it’s an eyecatching transitional showpiece.

Elegant furnishings for the home

Modern armchair, $1,995 Sleek, stylish and extremely comfortable, its premier down seat is supported by double-cone coil springs, and the metal frame is available in a brass or chrome finish.

109 E. Main, Norman | 405.321.1818 | MisterRobert.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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travel STATESIDE

THE CHOICE IS CLEAR

Guests at Sandpearl Resort enjoy sun and shade, both on the beach and at the pool.

N E V ER BU Y one-size-fits-all clothes – they usually don’t. It is, however, possible to find a one-place-fits-all vacation destination. My pick? Clearwater Beach, Florida.

Define your style and you’ll find your place of enjoyment.

LUXURY LOVER You go first class, leave planning hassles to others, love great service and don’t mind paying for the extras.

Start with sugar-fine white sand, a gentle blue ocean and a balcony overlooking the Gulf. I stayed at the AAA Four-Diamond-rated Sandpearl Resort. I loved my room – but if you want more space, suites with more amenities are available.

From my balcony, I could see dozens of yellow and white beach chairs with umbrellas, perfect for sunning, reading or just watching the waves come in. Cabanas are available around the climate-controlled, year-round swimming pool.

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The Spa offers pampering and then some, with a full menu of massage, skin treatments, body treatments, mani-pedis and waxing. If you can’t decide what you want, choose the La Petite package – a tapas-style selection of three treatments.

Several in-house tours are available, from learning about the hotel’s environmentally sensitive LEED certification to a cooking demonstration or tours of the art collection.

Of the several eateries on the property, Caretta’s is the fine dining option – Clearwater Beach’s only AAA Four-Diamond restaurant. I was hooked from the first taste of their king crab and corn chowder; rich and wonderful with big chunks of crab, roasted corn and scallions drowned in decadent, thick soup.

For other excursions, the concierge can arrange anything and everything, on or off-property. Whether it’s making a spa appointment for you, arranging a trip to St. Petersburg’s Dali Museum

PHOTOS BY ELAINE WARNER

Choosing adventure in Clearwater Beach

Among many surprises at the Dali Museum is this painting of a nude – which, when viewed from a distance, becomes a portrait of Abraham Lincoln.

(take your credit card – the gift shop is amazing) or chartering a deep-sea fishing outing, just ask and you will receive. Even a thoroughly unusual request – a guest wanted a helicopter to fly his party to Sarasota for lunch – was accomplished on short notice.

You’d also like them to give their thumbs a rest and take a break from electronics.

The beach is the biggest attraction in Clearwater Beach.

The city’s planned for visitors – lots of public beach, convenient restrooms and spots for showering off the sand – just look for the happy turtles.

Don’t worry if you didn’t bring beach toys, as there are plenty of shops where you can rent or buy anything from buckets to bikes. For older children (48 inches and up), Surf Style has a FlowRider indoor wave machine where they can safely learn to surf.

A definite “must do” is a visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This facility specializes in marine rescue and rehabilitation and is the home of Winter, the star of the film Dolphin Tale. In case you missed the movie, it’s the story of an injured dolphin and how she was fitted with a prosthetic tail.

In addition to seeing the animal hospital, there are also tanks of small marine animals such as starfish and sea urchins, stingrays and sharks – and, of course, dolphins. The aquarium also offers tours including the Sea Life Safari, with a net pull for an up-close look at some of the bay’s inhabitants, and a stop on a small island covered with seashells.

Many more tour options are available at the marina, with vessels ranging from Little Toot, a replica tugboat, to a pirate ship and a shark boat.

Some accommodations, including the Sandpearl, have extensive planned activities for children. Captain Bligh’s miniature golf offers picturesque holes. Pier 60 is a hub of activity with a

GOING RETRO You love finding vintage places – and saving a buck or two. You loved “Happy Days,” and a burger and chocolate malt sounds gourmet to you.

Sure, you can find burgers on Clearwater Beach, but grouper’s the big thing here. You can get it fried, grilled, blackened or broiled, on a sandwich or not, in tacos … you can even order fried grouper cheeks. Who knew that was a thing? Lots of other seafood delights to choose from await, too: For an extra-special treat, stone crab season runs from mid-October to mid-May. For a throwback accommodation, check out the Blue Wave Motel Suites. It’s just a short walk from Pier 60 and the beach.

Built in 1948, the facility has been completely remodeled but retains its Art Deco roots with porthole windows in the doors.

Suites accommodate two to seven people, and feature full kitchens. Check out a bike for exploring or join the evening party on the rooftop deck.

Another cool choice is the sunny yellow Barefoot Beach Resort and Marina. The closest I could get to finding out the original date on the facility was, “It’s been here a long, long, long time. It’s real Old Florida.”

Like Blue Wave, you’ll find up-to-date amenities. This pleasant little place has a pool, and is located right on the Bay, just a quick jaunt from the Gulf. And you can rent paddleboards, kayaks and jet skis right here at their marina.

FAMILY FUN You want a place where the kids will have a great time, and one that doesn’t involve long lines and short rides.

The setting sun turns white sand gold on Clearwater Beach.

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bungee jump and a giant inflatable slide. And there’s a covered playground – offering fun and shade.

PARTY ANIMAL You just get going when the sun goes down.

You’re up for live music, great drinks and a good time.

True confession: I’m a morning person. But reliable friends who stay up past 10 p.m. tell me that Shephard’s Resort is a real hot spot. Their tiki bar and concert stage overlooks the beach and Gulf. For dancing and great DJs, visit their WAVE Nightclub, and go for Margaritas at SALT – they offer more than 100 different tequilas and a number of craft beers in their open-air bar.

You can’t beat the view from the 10th floor rooftop of Jimmy’s at the Edge Hotel, which features a 24-foot fire pit and 300-square-inch projection TV. Toucan’s Bar and Grill is another spot for a late night adult beverage, and stays open until 3 a.m.

If you’re not a real night owl, you can find live music at Palm Pavilion afternoons and early evening. Caretta’s has easy listening music on weekends from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. The Watercolour Lounge at the Marriott is open until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights.

The biggest bargain on the beach is the Sunset Festival at Pier 60, where all sorts of entertainment can be found two hours before until two hours after sunset, and the day’s last rays always get a round of applause. - ELAINE WARNER Rain or shine, the surf’s always up at Surf Style.

A NEW WAY TO STAY in Broken Arrow Experience our commitment to combining upscale hotel amenities with industry-leading guest service, offering a distinct blend of modern lodge comfort, urban convenience and resort style relaxation.

BOOK YOUR NEXT STAY AT StoneyCreekHotels.com!

200 W. Albany Street, Broken Arrow, OK | 800.659.2220

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dining Rising Interest

PHOTO BY SCOTTY O’DANIEL

Any place serving breakfast – especially in Oklahoma – should be able to whip up a quality biscuit. At new Hal Smith Restaurant Group concept Neighborhood Jam, they’re tall, fluffy, delicious … and plentiful. They’ve quickly become a staple for the restaurant; proprietor Michael Kraft smiles, “We tried so hard to find a hook, and now we sell 500 biscuits a day. I wouldn’t have thought that would be it.” Here’s the best part: these appetizers are only the beginning.

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dining

LOCAL FLAVOR

GOOD MORNING CENTRAL Neighborhood Jam’s breakfast feast

BY STEVE GILL PHOTOS BY SCOT T Y O’DANIEL

CH A R L E STON ’S, PU B W, The Garage,

Upper Crust, Mama Roja … if you’ve lived in OKC for any length of time, odds are good you’ve eaten at an establishment operated by the Hal Smith Restaurant Group, especially given the number of genres they span, from pizza to outstanding steaks. One of the only areas that’s remained outside their focus has been breakfast … until now. In this darkest month of the year, metro residents have a new reason to rise and shine, thanks to the culinary present that is Neighborhood Jam. It’s located northwest of Penn and 150th, which is away from the metro’s center but fairly easily accessible to OKCitizens; just take the Hefner Parkway past Memorial and then go east on 150th. Chances are most of the traffic you encounter will be headed toward Jam. I love the vibe inside – while I was taking notes, my phone autocorrected that to “bike,” which is, oddly enough, also accurate. There’s a lit sign reading FOOD on one wall whose O’s are formed by a bicycle’s tires illuminated with color-changing LEDs. It’s emblematic of their playful, vibrant aesthetic. The interior is big and industrial in form – concrete floors, hangar ceiling, a mosaic of shipping pallets hanging over the bar – but you’re unlikely to notice right away because the yellow wooden chairs, red accents and teal cabinets do good work softening the space. The early sun helps, too: This is a morning-oriented restaurant, so it makes perfect sense to have

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would make an especially strong recmost of the south and east walls be glass ommendation for two spicy dishes. The … with glare-reducing screens, of course.

Hot Jam Biscuit features a wonderfully About a dozen stools ring the white succulent chicken breast that proprietor marble bar, with easily more than 100 Michael Kraft said is marinated 48 seats at the various booths around the hours before frying, topped with egg, interior, but with plenty of elbow room bacon and cheese and placed in a fresh and space for the staff to circulate. I also biscuit slathered in zesty jalapeno peach really like the design in the long, curving jam. And if you prefer a fork, the El Jefe row of booths – like a sine wave with is a completely excellent stack of corn separate tables in each peak and trough, tortillas and pulled pork, crowned with maximizing the number of diners while poached eggs, pico de gallo, two cheeses giving them a feeling of separation from and a righteous green chile hollandaise. their neighbors, as well as looking cool.

I asked Kraft for recommendations, When it comes to the food, variety and he rattled off seven or eight dishes and quality are the guiding principles: starting with the shrimp and grits (which You can get anything from a healthy he calls “the greatest thing in the world”), granola-topped açai bowl to a heap of then trailed off and said, “Well, pretty take-no-prisoners Pineapple Bourbon much everything’s good.” pancakes; millennial-friendly avocado Even the beverage menu toast (the balsamic glaze is prolific; smoothies, hot is quite good) to timeless teas, juices and more. Try biscuits and gravy and the NEIGHBORHOOD JAM an alcoholic beverage, such all-ages mess of hash browns, 15124 Lleyton’s Court, OKC as the popular Brunch eggs, bacon and melted 405.242.4161 Punch, or a specialty latte, cheese called The Heap. I thatsmyjamokc.com

such as the sarsaparilla-powered Sam Elliott, or combine the two impulses with a Maple Leaf or other coffee cocktail.

Many of those specialty beverages are enhanced by Pink House Alchemy, a line of small-batch flavored syrups for use in lattes and cocktails. They’re made in Arkansas, and were recommended to Jam by their coffee people at Topeca in Tulsa – it’s part of a huge effort to keep ingredients as local as possible. A board near the entrance proudly displays the results; you’ll see close to two dozen sources within 250 miles for everything from milk (Braum’s) to mushrooms (J&M Farms near Miami).

Kraft has been dreaming of bringing a high-quality breakfast place to OKC since high school – he wanted the metro to have something like the havens devoted to his favorite meal of the day found in other cities (he cited Denver and Asheville, if you’re planning a road trip).

It’s taken a lot of work and planning to get this concept off the ground, but so far the response is extremely positive. When we visited on a Tuesday a few weeks after the grand opening, he said, “Yesterday was our shortest day so far, and there was a 45-minute wait.”

So while it might be a little crowded inside, and cold and dark outside, don’t let that keep you from planning a group Jam session. As Kraft muses, “People seem not to mind the wait as much if you give them a reason to wait.” Your hot, fresh, delicious reasons are waiting.

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CHEF’S TABLE

Gumbo and good advice from T.J. Johnson

“I DECIDED TO attend culinary school midway through a deploy-

ment to Afghanistan in 2013,” is perhaps the best possible line for a biography about a chef, but T.J. Johnson buried it several paragraphs into correspondence he sent while putting this piece together. Yes, he’s a vet, but that was the only line in the entire correspondence about it.

Everything else was about food and family, mostly.

The sales rep for U.S. Foods and formally trained chef is the son of Hal Smith Restaurant Group executive chef Brad Johnson, and T.J. has been told throughout his life that he often ate food (including prime rib) that was coming off the service line while sitting in his high chair – but his first clear memory of food is not his father’s cooking, it’s from an Amish family who babysat him when his family lived in New York.

“They made a cream soup that was simply raw milk, a little butter they had churned themselves, some seasoning and crackers,” he says.

“The fact that it was simple and pure blew me away.”

Johnson was aware of what his father did for a living, and said it was an opportunity to bond as a family – as it remains even to this day – but he always thought of himself as a “sandwich wizard” growing up, rooting around in the refrigerator to create different combinations of flavors.

In fact, he fully intended to be a history teacher, not a chef. To be fair, making sub sandwiches at a convenience store would likely not inspire anyone to become a chef … but his formal training made a huge impact.

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HOW IT’S DONE Chicken and Andouille Gumbo

1/2 lb chicken breast 1/2 lb Andouille sausage, smoked 4 cups chicken stock (hot) 1 medium yellow onion 3 stalks celery 1 large green bell pepper 2 garlic cloves 1 tsp cayenne 1/2 cup canola oil 1/2 cup flour couple dashes Worcestershire sauce 1 bunch parsley 1/4 lb okra Medium dice onion, celery and bell pepper, mince garlic, and set all aside.

Slice the sausage into quarter-inch thick coins, dice the chicken breast into large pieces and set aside.

In a heavy-bottomed pot, add flour and oil over medium heat.

Constantly whisk to form roux, continue to stir until roux becomes chocolate in color (30-45 minutes).

Immediately add onion, celery, bell pepper and garlic to roux.

Season with salt and allow veggies to cook in roux for 5 minutes.

Add chicken stock to the pot with the chicken, sausage, cayenne, a couple dashes of Worcestershire and okra.

Bring to a boil, then drop to a simmer and allow to cook for one hour, adding chopped parsley in the last 10 minutes.

Check seasoning and spice level to your preference.

Can be served immediately or cooled to reheat the next day.

PHOTOS BY SHANNON CORNMAN

Food in the Family

“I was formally trained at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, by some of the smartest and most talented minds in our industry,” he says. “I excelled in meat fabrication, and while in school, I was recommended to Barb Fisher of Barb’s Butchery, and helped her open the concept. I had nearly two full years of nose-to-tail butchery training from Barb’s.”

Having a father in the industry has been very helpful – not just because they get to cook together at his grandparents’ farm in Asher, Oklahoma, but because his father has given him solid life and professional advice over the course of his career.

When asked about that advice, he rattled off several aphorisms without thought: Make time for yourself and your kids; get used to eating over the trash can; you’re only as good as your last plate; get your thumb out of the way (this last one while cutting an onion).

Warmth and humor animate their relationship, and the son says fondly, “There have been countless late-night conversations about the future, different food we wanted to do, ideas about restaurants and dishes and ways we can improve each other in the kitchen.”

With a 2-year-old son running around, Johnson describes his non-work life as “trying to understand what my son is saying and where he’s pointing,” a sentiment all parents of toddlers understand. He’s passing along all he’s learned – or trying to – to his daughter, and he especially loves the rare chance to explore new cities with his family. His specialty right now is pastrami (and duck pastrami), but he chose to share his favorite gumbo recipe because the cold months are upon us. - GREG HORTON

Saloon Salad

Oysters Rockefeller

Porterhouse

Jumbo Lump Gulf Crab Cake

Crispy Chicken Livers

Beef Tenderloin

2227 EXCHANGE AVENUE | STOCKYARDS CITY | 405.232.0151

Monday Thru Friday: Saloon Opens at 11AM for Lunch | Dinner 5 PM until 10 PM | Late Menu 10 pm – 12 am | Saturday and Sunday: Saloon Opens at 10AM

food drink Symbols

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

American ANCHOR DOWN Sip a beer or specialty cocktail and munch on a selection of gourmet corndogs in this fresh Deep Deuce concept housed within repurposed shipping containers. 30 NE 2nd, OKC, 605.8070 $ AURORA Its warmly comfortable atmosphere makes a perfect backdrop for a quick cup of Hoboken coffee or hearty breakfast or lunch assembled from superb ingredients – just be certain not to miss the beautiful secluded backyard area. 1704 NW 16th, OKC, 609.8854 $ BACON Sometimes the name says it all.

Noted OKC chef Sean Cummings fills a menu – from soup and salads through sandwiches, entrees and desserts – with tempting taste combinations that feature one of America’s favorite theme ingredients. 7523 N May, OKC, 848.4868 $$ CAFÉ 501 Rustic stone oven pizzas, fresh salads and specialty sandwiches on housemade artisan breads. Add welcoming atmosphere and enjoy. 501 S Boulevard, Edmond, 359.1501; 5825 NW Grand, OKC, 844.1501 $$

full suite of tempting cocktails, wines and spirits. 6437 Avondale, OKC, 842.1000 $$

surprises, including plentiful selections for vegetarians. 3009 Paseo, OKC, 602.2002 $

HEFNER GRILL Upscale fare of handcut steaks and seafood plus a tempting brunch to boot, enhanced by a live piano and a spectacular view overlooking scenic Lake Hefner. 9201 Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 748.6113 $$

THE R&J LOUNGE AND SUPPER CLUB A sentimental dining experience

HOUSE 333 Meatballs are only the beginning at this Campus Corner hangout; a broad menu of everything from wings to lasagna to vegetarian options sets off the ample bar very nicely indeed. 333 W Boyd, Norman, 701.3800 $$ THE JONES ASSEMBLY It’s noteworthy as a spectacular concert venue, but don’t overlook the kitchen’s output the rest of the time. The bar (try a Frosé) and main menu (try everything) are sufficient to make memories even on non-special occasions. 901 W Sheridan, OKC, 212.2378 $$ KITCHEN NO. 324 A seasonally inspired café and craft bakery serving spectacular rustic American cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner, and a thorough treat for breakfast or brunch. 324 N Robinson, OKC, 763.5911 $ MARY EDDY’S Inside the inviting environs of Film Row anchor 21c Museum Hotel, this showplace of a restaurant turns out a seasonally driven menu of expertly tuned flavors and dishes meant to be shared. 900 W Main, OKC, 982.6900 $$ NASHBIRD Make tracks to this 9th Street spot serving Nashville-style “Hot Dang!” chicken, with whatever spice level you like. Speedy service, whiskey cocktails and beer and a spectacular patio add extra savor. 1 NW 9th, OKC, 388.0033 $

with vintage recipes and atmosphere.

Seating is limited but the patio is a year-round treat, and the drinks menu is a thing of beauty. 320 NW 10th, OKC, 602.5066 $$ THE PRESS Built in a former printing facility and garage, this concept from The Mule’s team adds Oklahoma-inspired comfort food to the Plaza District – the chicken-fried steak comes recommended.

1610 N Gatewood, OKC, 982.1010 $$ REDROCK CANYON GRILL Rotisserie chicken, enchiladas, pork chops and steak by the lake in a casual, energetic, hacienda-style atmosphere of stone walls and mahogany beams around an open kitchen. 9221 E Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 749.1995; 1820 Legacy Park, Norman, 701.5501 $$ SATURN GRILL A star of the lunchtime stage in Nichols Hills Plaza, its rotation of daily specials and tasty twists on pizza, sandwiches and salads keep it crowded on weekdays. Calling ahead is recommended.

6432 Avondale, OKC, 843.7114 $ SCOTTIE’S DELI Soups, salads and especially sandwiches, all made from scratch and featuring meats that are cured, smoked and cooked in-house. Start with the pastrami and get ready to fall in love.

427 NW 23rd, OKC, 698.3696 $ SCRATCH Isn’t that the best place for food to come from? Top-of -the-line ingredients are combined into entrees and sides that are carefully concocted in-house, as are the bevy of wondrous craft cocktails.

132 W Main, Norman, 801.2900 $$

NEIGHBORHOOD JAM Serving tasty takes on classic American dishes and more specialized options such as pineapple bourbon pancakes, this breakfast-centric spot aims to become a community favorite through outstanding execution. 15124 Lleytons Court, Edmond, 242.4161 $

SUNNYSIDE DINER A new day dawns for breakfast and lunch on the west side of downtown as a former service station becomes a no-pretense, made-fromscratch diner. Order up! 916 NW 6th, OKC, 778.8861 $

FLINT Approachably casual style, plus the kitchen’s impeccably serious attention to detail in the outstanding contemporary cuisine, winningly combined in the Colcord Hotel. 15 N Robinson, OKC, 601.4300 $$

NIC’S PLACE Already justly renowned for his skill at the grill, burger master Justin Nicholas offers breakfast, dinner, drinks and late night treats served in outstanding style at this Midtown diner and lounge. 1116 N Robinson, OKC, 601.

9234 $$

SYRUP The most important meal of the day is also the most enticing at this unique breakfast boutique serving a heaping helping of signature dishes (the crunchy French toast is something special) and Stumptown coffee. 123 E Main, Norman; 1501 NW 23rd, OKC, 701.1143 $

HATCH They call it “early mood food,” and if you find yourself in the mood for a sumptuous made-from-scratch breakfast (or lunch), it should be right up your Automobile Alley. 1101 N Broadway, OKC, 232.3949 $$

PACKARD’S NEW AMERICAN KITCHEN They’re not kidding about the “new” – the entire lunch and dinner menus are filled with innovative tastes for a distinctive dining experience. 201 NW 10th, OKC, 605.3771 $$

VAST Keeping your attention on the steaks, seafood and other temptations might be difficult; the view from atop the Devon Tower is truly unparalleled in Oklahoma, making this a fantastic date spot. 280 W Sheridan, 49th floor, OKC, 702.7262 $$$

THE HUTCH ON AVONDALE The all-time classic Coach House receives an update with a more modern menu sprinkled with experimental twists, and a

PICASSO CAFÉ Their neighbors in the Paseo are painters, potters and sculptors, so it’s apt that creativity abounds in these zippy sandwiches, salads, pizza and

EDDIE’S BAR & GRILL This stylish spot not far from UCO is equally ideal for a casual drink, appetizers while watching the game or a dinner date. And bear in mind that the wings are outstanding. 930 E 2, Edmond, 285.7725 $$

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VICEROY GRILLE Opulent décor, comfortable environs and some outstanding cuisine make a strong

recommendation for the Ambassador Hotel’s in-house restaurant; don’t overlook the brunch options. 1200 N Walker Ave, OKC, 600.6200 $$ WHISKEY CAKE High-quality locally sourced ingredients, prepared using slow cooking techniques that’s a prime recipe for outstanding dining. Enjoy – and don’t forget the namesake dessert. 1845 NW Expressway, OKC, 582.2253 $$

Asian CHAE This pan-cultural treat puts a delectable influence on embracing traditional Korean cuisine and showcasing its versatility by blending its ingredients with dishes from around the world. Grab your chopsticks and enjoy.

1933 NW 23rd, OKC, 600.9040 $$ CHICK N BEER Wings and brews are food for the soul; these freshly fried beauties are done Korean-style, and with serious flavor. Grab some kimchi fries and a local beer and enjoy. 715 NW 23rd, OKC, 604.6995 $ EL TORO CHINO Big, bold flavors from disparate cuisines are blended in this self-described “Latin + Asian Kitchen” - creating results that are as excitingly distinctive as they are delicious. 2801 NW 36th, Norman, 708.9472 $$ GUERNSEY PARK A hidden treasure on an Uptown back street, reflecting traditional Asian flavors expertly fused with a hint of French influence. Try the chicken lollipops and curry salmon. 2418 N Guernsey, OKC, 605.5272 $$ O ASIAN FUSION Sublime quality in a wide span of culinary influences – freshly rolled sushi to fiery curry – in cool, vibrant digs. Call ahead for dinner, because it becomes a packed house in a hurry. 105 SE 12th, Norman, 701.8899 $$ SAII With a dark, rich ambiance that elevates it over its surroundings, the captivating Saii serves expertly done Japanese, Thai and Chinese fare plus an extensive and adventurous sushi menu.

6900 N May, OKC, 702.7244 $$

Bakery BELLE KITCHEN Doughnuts, macarons, pastries and ice cream created from scratch, in small batches – making treats like these with care and passion makes a difference that’s easy, and a pleasure, to taste. 7509 N May, OKC, 430.5484; 30 NE 2nd, OKC, 541.5858 $ CUPPIES & JOE The name is only part of the story: the Uptown nook holds cupcakes and coffee as well as pie, live music, a cozy, trendy vibe and more. Park around back and take a peek. 727 NW 23rd, OKC, 528.2122 $

ESCA VITAE Food for Life, the name promises, and visitors may well find themselves feeling revitalized after sampling this European bakery and café’s espresso drinks, selection of deli sandwiches and vast selection of tempting breads and baked goods. 1114 N Classen Drive, OKC, 601.0402 $ LA BAGUETTE Comfort and exquisite baking make a tres chic destination for brunch and beyond. They supply pastries throughout the metro, but the source is especially delicious. 1130 Rambling Oaks, Norman, 329.1101; 2100 W Main, Norman, 329.5822 $ PIE JUNKIE A Plaza District haven for serious pie aficionados. Call ahead to order a whole pie or quiche or walk in and choose from what’s on hand; either way the flavors are incredible, and you may never find a better Key lime. 1711 NW 16th, OKC, 605.8767 $ SARA SARA CUPCAKES The ambiance and milk bar make great additions to the variety of specialty cupcakes - selections range from traditional chocolate to blueberry honey and even bacon, egg and cheese. 7 NW 9th, OKC, 600.9494 $

Bar & Pub Food

A World of Its Own Saturn Grill’s inviting variety OKC’S C U LI NARY L AN DSCAPE has come a long, long way in

the last 15 years. Hundreds of restaurants have joined the city’s ranks, resulting in more options, and a better variety of more health-conscious possibilities. In the ongoing changes to the restaurant scene, however, you shouldn’t lose sight of some of the establishments that have helped enhance the community’s flavor along the way. Especially when they have as many options, and as much health consciousness, as the venerable Saturn Grill.

The original in Nichols Hills Plaza has supplied fast-casual freshness since 2002. And there’s plenty to love – I’ve been talking about local food for this magazine for years, and Saturn Grill’s Spicy Turkey is still my favorite sandwich in town. The blackened salmon sandwich isn’t far behind, and the chicken alfredo pizza is solid, as well, but the menu is more than good; it’s broad. Nearly half the entries are vegetarian. From the Roasted Veggie pizza – zucchini, red bell pepper, red onion, portobello mushroom with pesto and five blended cheeses – to a spicy pasta with vegan meatballs (soyballs?), they were dishing up healthy alternatives before it was in vogue.

The ingredients are of outstanding quality, most everything’s made fresh in-house, and the menu’s scope means something is bound to appeal to your palate. Whatever other worlds of flavor are out there, it’s worth plotting a return course to Saturn Grill from time to time – no spaceship required. - STEVE GILL

THE BARREL The menu is wellstocked with intriguing and delicious twists on pub cuisine, but the equally ample bar makes it a great spot to relax over drinks as well. 4308 N Western, OKC, 525.6682 $

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REPUBLIC GASTROPUB Part beer bar and part upscale eatery, this noisy, amply attended locale pairs a vast selection of quality brews with tasty menu items, including a great burger selection. 5830 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 286.4577; 13230 Pawnee, OKC, 907.5900 $$

Barbeque EARL’S RIB PALACE A popular choice among locals in a genre that’s hardly lacking in options, the local chain pounds out hit ribs and turkey as well as a top-tier burger. 6 metro locations, earlsribpalace.com $ IRON STAR URBAN BARBEQUE Iron Star specializes in “a unique and tasty spin on comfort food.” While its entrees are excellent, the sides here are equal players as well. 3700 N Shartel, OKC, 524.5925 $$ LEO’S BAR-B-Q Dense, rich flavor and tender texture, delivered in genuine unpolished style for commendable value – no wonder its ribs and brisket are favorites among Oklahoma connoisseurs. 3631 N Kelley, OKC 424.5367 $

BLU FINE WINE & FOOD Just south of Main Street, this sleek bar stands out due to quick, courteous service and a menu with gourmet range from mojitos to barbeque chicken pizza to fresh hummus. 201 S Crawford, Norman, 360.4258 $$

SWADLEY’S Expertly prepared meats – the sausage is especially succulent – form the backbone of this Oklahoma chain’s crowd-pleasing menu. And if there’s a special occasion approaching, they’re also awardwinning caterers. 5 metro locations, swadleys.com $$

THE MANHATTAN A stylish neighborhood bar in the heart of downtown, its cocktail menu is packed with variations on its namesake classic, and don’t overlook the selections of sandwiches, salads and tasty treats from chef Bruce Rinehart. 210 Park Suite 150, OKC, 605.5300 $

TEXLAHOMA BBQ Family owned and fabulously flavorful, its meats (especially the beef ribs) are eye-rolling good. Don’t forget the espresso barbeque sauce! 121 E Waterloo, Edmond, 513.7631 $$

THE MONT While the food should tempt palates inclined toward a Southwestern zing, it’s beverages like the beloved Sooner Swirl and the primo patio (with misters) for which this landmark is justly renowned. 1300 Classen Blvd, Norman, 329.3330 $ OAK & ORE A Plaza District port of call built with repurposed rustic materials, it offers more than a handful of creative sandwiches that practically require a knife and fork, as well as a tantalizing selection of lovingly chosen craft beers. 1732 NW 16th, OKC, 606.2030 $ O’CONNELL’S IRISH PUB & GRILLE Beloved by students, alumni and townies alike, it’s served up killer burgers, beer and festive atmosphere since 1968. A St. Patrick’s Day must. 769 Asp, Norman, 217.8454 $ PUB W Multiple sections provide a choice of atmosphere, but the menu

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filled with choice beer and “new classic” fare from barbeque wings to pork chops is a constant pleasure. 3720 W Robinson, Norman, 701.5844; 3121 W Memorial, OKC, 608.2200 $$

Burgers & Sandwiches COW CALF-HAY This tempting burger spot offers ample flavor combinations, and the delicious neverfrozen patties are mmmmmassive.

Don’t forget the onion rings. 3409 Wynn, Edmond, 509.2333; 212 N Harvey, OKC, 601.6180 $ THE FIXX Massive, monstrous burgers and hot dogs, put together with thought and care. Don’t forget to get a shake or something from the full bar. 644 W Edmond, Edmond, 285.2311 $ THE GARAGE BURGERS & BEER It can get noisy in the sports-bar atmosphere, but even so your focus will likely be on savoring the many tempting flavor possibilities of huge, juicy burgers and fries. 8 metro locations, eatatthegarage.com $

PHOTO BY SHANNON CORNMAN

GOOD TASTE

IRMA’S BURGER SHACK Hand-cut fries, hand-breaded onion rings and simply great burgers, especially with No Name Ranch patties - lean and flavorful thanks to a local breed of cattle. 1035 NW 63rd, OKC, 840.4762; 1120 Classen Drive, OKC, 235.4762 $ KAISER’S GRATEFUL BEAN Located in the heart of Midtown, OKC’s authentic ice cream parlor and soda fountain (it’s on the National Register of Historic Places) serves up shakes, malts, egg creams and homemade ice cream, plus burgers and meals for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. 1039 N Walker, OKC, 236.3503 $ THE MULE Solid beer and beverage selection plus a delectable array of gourmet grilled cheeses and melts fill the menu at this relaxation destination in the Plaza District. 1630 N Blackwelder, OKC, 601.1400 $

more in store in this clean, cozy hangout spot – local beers, a selection of wines, treats from La Baguette and Epic Pops and more are waiting to be enjoyed. 130 N Broadway, Edmond, 726.8831 $ RED CUP Comfortably ramshackle surroundings encourage curling up for conversation over great coffee, baked treats, vegetarian-friendly breakfast and lunch specials, and live music. It’s highly recommended. 3122 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 525.3430 $ T, AN URBAN TEAHOUSE Proving that an establishment’s focus can be at once narrow and broad, these retreats offer over 100 varieties and expert counsel to explore a world of possibiliteas. 519 NW 23rd, OKC $

Continental

NIC’S GRILL It’s small, it’s crowded … and it’s incredible. It’s only open for lunch and the lines are often long, but the colossal burgers are easily among the metro’s best. Don’t forget some money, since it’s cash-only. 1202 N Penn, OKC, 524.0999 $

BLACKBIRD A Campus Corner gastropub pairing succulently creative dishes like pot roast nachos with a broad beer, wine and whiskey list. There’s little on the menu that won’t tempt palates.

575 S University, Norman, 928.5555 $$

S&B’S BURGER JOINT Good news: these burgers’ exquisite flavors including such ingredients as peanut butter or a coffee crust - come as sliders too, all the better to sample more kinds. 5 metro locations, sandbburgers.com $

CHEEVER’S Southwestern-influenced recipes (the chicken-fried steak is a house specialty) and love of seafood drive the contemporary comfort food in one of the city’s finest dining destinations. 2409 N Hudson, OKC, 525.7007 $$

TUCKER’S ONION BURGERS With one burger, one side (fries) and one salad, the menu is easy to remember - and the execution makes the meal unforgettable.

Add a shake and enjoy. 4 metro locations, tuckersonionburgers.com $

Coffeehouse & Tea Room ALL ABOUT CHA Universal standards and unusual concoctions (the sweet potato latte is a wonder) in a cheerful atmosphere; the food options are worth investigating, as well. 5 metro locations, allaboutcha.net $ CLARITY COFFEE The vibe is crisp, clean and cool while remaining welcoming and comfortable – including seating for sipping or getting some work done – and the brewers have their beverages down to a science. As the sign says, “Drink the Coffee.” 431 W Main, OKC, 252.0155 $ COFFEE SLINGERS Rocking a brisk, urban vibe on Automobile Alley, it has become a gathering place for genuine java enthusiasts, especially during its periodic educational sampling seminars.

1015 N Broadway, OKC, 606.2763 $ ELEMENTAL COFFEE Seriously spectacular coffee roasted in-house - the passionate staff is always eager to share knowledge about the process augmented with locally sourced salads, breakfast options and other treats. 815 N Hudson, OKC, 633.1703 $ ELLIS ISLAND Their brews use Eote Coffee (thumbs up), but there’s much

JOIN ME AT TOMMY’S

Your neighborhood Italian bar & grill

EN CROUTE A warmly welcoming, comfortable café in Nichols Plaza offers treats all day long, from fresh pastries to select spirits and beer, with special emphasis on artisanal cheese and charcuterie. 6460 Avondale, OKC, 607.6100 $ LUDIVINE The menu adjusts constantly to reflect availability of elite-quality, locally sourced ingredients - but every dish is the result of genuine culinary artistry. 805 N Hudson, OKC, 778.6800 $$$ THE MANTEL Marvelous steaks, seafood and other specialties combine with a refined atmosphere and outstanding service to set the stage for a truly memorable meal, especially if you have a date to impress. 201 E Sheridan, OKC, 236.8040 $$$ THE METRO A perennial favorite that feels comfortably upscale without exerting pressure to impress on its clientele, the far-reaching menu covers culinary high points from vichyssoise to crème brulée. 6418 N Western, OKC, 840.9463 $$ MICHAEL’S GRILL Thoroughly urbane dining in an intimate setting: the steaks, chops, seafood and pastas are all reliably excellent, and the Caesar salad prepared tableside is the stuff of legends. 2824 W Country Club, OKC, 810.9000 $$$ THE MUSEUM CAFÉ A setting as inspiring as the OKC Museum of Art warrants something special in cuisine: delicately light or delectably robust, its

O P E N 7 D AYS A W E E K LUNCH | DINNER | BRUNCH | COCKTAILS W INE | PATIO | PR I VATE PARTIES 5516 W. MEMORIAL RD. | 405.470.5577 TOMMYSITALIANGRILL.COM DECEMBER 2017 405 MAGAZINE

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European-inspired menu delights for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. 415 Couch, OKC, 235.6262 $$

for breakfast, and remember the bakery counter. 3701 N Youngs, OKC, 946.8444; 6501 N May, OKC $$

PARK AVENUE GRILL A one-of-a-kind dining experience inside the luxurious Skirvin Hilton, blending traditional steak and seafood with the high style of its 1930s setting. 1 Park, OKC, 702.8444 $$$

ROYAL BAVARIA Superb takes on traditional dishes like Weinerschnitzel, Jagerbraten and sausages, plus fantastisch house-brewed beers. The time spent is a worthy investment in this family-style dining hall. 3401 S Sooner, Moore, 799.7666 $$$

PASEO GRILL Quiet and intimate inside, cheerful and comfortable out on the patio, with an award-winning menu filled with distinctive flavors inspired by the cuisines of Europe in both areas – try the duck salad. 2909 Paseo, OKC, 601.1079 $$$ THE PRITCHARD WINE BAR Tempted by tempranillo? Musing about muscat? This Plaza District stop is amply stocked with an extensive list of exceptional wines, and sampling the varied dishes is a pleasure in itself. 1749 NW 16th, OKC, 601.4067 $ ROCOCO An “East Coast-style” restaurant with a diverse menu of international dishes, all set off by carefully selected wines to create the perfect dinner pairing. 12252 N May, OKC, 212.4577; 2824 N Penn, OKC, 528.2824 $$ SEVEN47 A Campus Corner hotspot boasting sleek, swank décor, an appealingly broad menu including a tantalizing brunch and a consistently celebratory vibe - in toto that makes this a winner. 747 Asp, Norman, 701.8622 $$

Boas Festas!

A dreamy holiday splash from Café do Brasil C H R ISTMAS COM ES BU T once a year, even if it’s during the

beginning of summer, as is the case in the Southern Hemisphere.

Just for example, Rio de Janeiro hit 91 degrees last Dec. 25 – not exactly hot chocolate weather.

In Brazil, Sonhos (that’s Portuguese for “dreams”) are small, soft pastries that are a Christmas tradition. In OKC, Café do Brasil at 440 NW 11th uses the word for a specialty cocktail that’ll help to make your season bright, no matter the weather outside.

It’s basically a snazzy spin on a caipirinha, the national cocktail of Brazil that’s made with cachaça (a liquor made from sugar cane).

This beverage uses top-shelf Leblon cachaça, muddled lime and blueberries coated in a vanilla sugar, for a drink that’s tangy up front with a sweeter aftertaste, very light and refreshing overall.

It feels right at home in the upstairs Bossa Nova Bar, a comfy, colorful space. And even if wintry weather precludes a visit to the rooftop patio, it still gets plenty of sunshine, pulses with music befitting its name and gives visitors access to certain elements of the menu from downstairs – the feijoada spring rolls, stuffed with their signature pork/rice/black bean stew, are legit.

So swing by the Midtown bar and have yourself a glass or two of merriment; instead of visions of sugarplums dancing in your head, you may well start having dreams of sugared blueberries. - STEVE GILL

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GOPURAM - TASTE OF INDIA A full-service restaurant whose richly appointed interior and attentive staff accord patrons the feel of fine dining, even during the plentifully stocked lunch buffet. 4559 NW 23rd, OKC, 948.7373 $$ MISAL OF INDIA A Norman institution for over 30 years, specializing in tandoori-cooked delicacies and boasting healthy, natural, delicious cuisine served amid splendid ambiance.

580 Ed Noble Pkwy, Norman, 579.5600 $$ TAJ A tremendous set of Indian staples and delicacies - the menu has sections for vegetarian, tandoori, South Indian and Indo-Chinese specialties - plus full lunch and dinner buffets. 1500 NW 23rd, OKC, 601.1888 $$

Italian & Pizza

SIGNATURE GRILL Unassuming locale; magnificent culinary rewards.

The expertly considered menu mixes French and Italian flavors to present a wide spectrum of amazing flavors in a few select dishes. 1317 E Danforth, Edmond, 330.4548 $$$

BELLINI’S Tasteful in décor and Italian offerings alike, this romantic nightspot quietly, confidently exudes elegance. It’s worth a visit even if only for a couple of the namesake beverages on the shady patio.

6305 Waterford, OKC, 848.1065 $$

WEST Expert staff and stylish décor augment a menu filled with treats from beef pad thai to roasted airline chicken.

Don’t forget the zuccha chips! 6714 N Western, OKC, 607.4072 $$

BENVENUTI’S Subtly flavored minestrone to rich, hearty ragouts, the splendid menu keeps the booths full and diners planning return trips to this vintage building by the railroad tracks; don’t overlook Sunday brunch. 105 W Main, Norman, 310.5271 $$

French LA BAGUETTE BISTRO Les Freres Buthion have deep roots in the city’s culinary landscape, and this flagship combines fine dining with a great bakery, deli and butcher on site. 7408 N May, OKC, 840.3047 $$

German DAS BOOT CAMP Longtime fixture for Deutsch festivities Royal Bavaria has brewed up a second round of exceptional cuisine and magnificent beer in a less expensive, faster-paced location in downtown Norman. 229 E Main, Norman, 701.3748 $ FASSLER HALL Bringing German flavor to Midtown via house-made sausages, warm soft pretzels with cheese sauce, duck fries and a heftig beer menu, plus a weekend brunch – what’s not to love? 421 NW 10th, OKC, 609.3300 $ INGRID’S Authentic German fare at its best, including outstanding Oklahomamade bratwurst. Join weekend regulars

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EMPIRE SLICE HOUSE Reigning over the Plaza District in New York style (that means thin, flexible crust with a lot of surface area to cover in cheese and tasty toppings), it offers whole pizzas or slices, a full bar and a primo patio. 1734 NW 16th, OKC $ FLIP’S WINE BAR & TRATTORIA Managing to feel rustic despite its location in a busy corridor of OKC, this cozy Italian joint keeps extended hours, and tends to get busier and louder as the hour gets later. 5801 N Western, OKC, 843.1527 $$ THE HEAT There’s really no need to be humble about this true Chicago-style pizza, boasting perhaps the best crust known to man. It’s one of our favorites; choose your toppings and think deep thoughts. 1319 S Broadway, Edmond, 715.1818 $ HIDEAWAY PIZZA If you’ve been serving a devoted following for over half a century, you’re doing something right.

In this case, that’s incredible pizza in jovial surroundings. 8 metro locations, hideawaypizza.com $$

PHOTO BY SHANNON CORNMAN

AT THE BAR

KNUCK’S WHEELHOUSE Homemade daily with sauces from scratch and local beer in the crust, it’s a tasty and varied stopover for Bricktown wanderers as well as a pizza-lover’s destination in its own right. 103 E California, OKC, 605.4422 $ MONI’S Handmade, New Jersey-style brick oven pizza and authentic pasta recipes from Southern Italy in a casual, comfy ambience (ideal for dates). 17200 N May, Edmond, 285.5991 $$ OTHELLO’S Garlic bread and warm mussels to tiramisu and coffee – all you could want in a romantic Italian café. ; 1 S Broadway, Edmond, 330.9045 $$ PIZZA 23 The tempting selection of specialty pies on especially buttery, flaky crusts is available for takeout, but dining in is recommended; the Uptown joint’s good beer selection and crisp, urban décor add savor to the flavor. 600-B NW 23rd, OKC, 601.6161 $$ PIZZERIA GUSTO Neapolitan-style pizza (which harnesses an extremely hot fire to quickly cook superfine flour crusts and quality ingredients) stars alongside Italy-inspired salads, pastas and appetizers. 2415 N Walker, OKC, 437.4992 $$ STELLA MODERN ITALIAN CUISINE A luscious spate of legitimately Italian tastes for a casual lunch, or romantic dinner, amid stylish scenery. The

weekend brunch offerings are especially superb. 1201 N Walker, OKC, 235.2200 $$ SUSSY’S An OKC tradition continues, as this quick downtown eatery serves up recipes from one of the city’s first pizza providers more than half a century ago.

Try a Fleetwood or one of the pasta or salad options and see why it succeeded in the first place. 200 S Oklahoma, OKC, 600.1195 $ TOMMY’S ITALIAN-AMERICAN GRILL An old favorite returns to the metro to provide fresh, plentiful doses of primo pasta and pizzas, always served with plenty of ambiance. 5516 W Memorial, OKC, 470.5577 $$

space, so calling ahead is recommended.

7521 N May, OKC, 848.4867 $$ VOLARE A flavor-filled variety of Neapolitan-style pizzas, produced with haste from a specially imported oven, fill this stylish Campus Corner space boasting a serious rooftop patio. 315 White, Norman, 310.3615 $$ THE WEDGE Wood-fired pies crafted from fresh ingredients (the possibilities range from pepperoni all the way to figs or truffle oil) and made-from-scratch sauces.

230 NE 1st, OKC, 270.0660; 4709 N Western, OKC, 602.3477 $$

Japanese // Sushi

UPPER CRUST A chic, contemporary pizzeria and wine bar specializing in wood-fired, thin-crust New York-style pies complemented by a full menu and wine list. 5860 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 842.7743; 1205 NW 178th, Edmond, 285.8887 $$

CAFÉ ICON Tempting sushi, Japanese specialties and delicious spectacles like steak cooked at the table on a sizzling stone fill the menu to bursting with visually splendid and palate-pleasing treats. 311 S Blackwelder, Edmond, 340.8956 $$

VICTORIA’S A comfortable atmosphere, with local art on its walls and the art of pasta on its plates – the chicken lasagna and linguine with snow crab are especially excellent. 327 White, Norman, 329.0377; 3000 SW 104th, OKC, 759.3580 $

GORO An “izakaya” is a Japanese pub; visitors to the Plaza District will quickly come to associate the term with expertly crafted deliciousness thanks to this cheerful spot for ramen, yakitori, bar snacks and more. 1634 Blackwelder, OKC, 606.2539 $

VITO’S RISTORANTE Homestyle Italian cuisine in an intimate setting where the staff and management treat customers like guests in their home. It’s a small

MUSASHI’S Exquisitely flavorful Japanese cuisine prepared with genuine artistry, thanks to the skilled chefs

executing culinary performance art at tableside hibachi grills. It’s a great spot for a special occasion. 4315 N Western, OKC, 602.5623 $$ SUSHI NEKO An established OKC favorite combining style with substance (in the form of an especially wide-ranging and creative sushi menu). 4318 N Western, OKC, 528.8862 $$ TOKYO It’s neither huge nor lavishly appointed, and the menu focuses on tradition rather than creativity; but it’s palpably fresh and routinely cited as among the metro’s best sushi. 7516 N Western, OKC, 848.6733 $$ YOKOZUNA The noodles, entrees and snappy drinks menu beckon, but it’s the rolls that stand out in this heavyweight contender for local sushi supremacy – personally, we’re partial to the 405 Roll.

13230 Pawnee, OKC, 500.1020 $$ YUZO Variety is the word in this sushi tapas bar, boasting a tempting swirl of Colombian, Brazilian and Japanese culinary influences. 808 N Broadway, OKC, 702.9808 $$

Mediterranean & African HAIGET’S Vegan-friendly – and friendly in general, due to the influence of the

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warm, patient namesake owner – this gem rewards the adventurous with Ethiopian and Kenyan specialties to explore and share. 308 W Edmond Road, Edmond, 509.6441 $$

BARRIOS A serious collection of Latinflavored deliciousness, including a brunch that’s maravilloso, in a cool Midtown space with a back patio that’s pure paradise. 1000 N Hudson, OKC, 702.6922 $

MEDITERRANEAN IMPORTS & DELI The menu is stocked with authentic, quick and savory options from Greek salad to eye-watering cabbage rolls, and there’s even a mini-grocery stocked with select staples. 5620 N May, OKC, 810.9494 $

BIG TRUCK TACOS It’s nearly always standing-room-only at lunch, but don’t let that deter you; spend a few minutes in line and get an ample reward in the form of fast, fresh, imaginative taco creations.

530 NW 23rd, OKC, 525.8226 $

QUEEN OF SHEBA Practically the definitive example of a hidden treasure, the spicy, vegan-friendly menu of Ethiopian delights awaits the bold. Bring friends and be prepared to linger. 2308 N MacArthur, OKC, 606.8616 $$

CAFÉ DO BRASIL It’s a long way from OKC to Rio, but the savory menu in this Midtown hot spot covers the distance in a mouthful. Even brunch is a spicy, inimitable treat. 440 NW 11th, OKC, 525.9779 $$

ZORBA’S For well over 20 years, Zorba’s has satisfied appetites and pleased palates.

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

CAFÉ KACAO A sunlit space filled with bright, vibrant flavors from the zesty traditions of Guatemala.

Lunch possibilities beckon, but it’s the breakfast specialties that truly dazzle.

3325 N Classen, OKC, 602.2883 $

Mexican & Latin American

CULTIVAR A farm-to-fire Mexican kitchen that stresses sustainability, local sourcing and fresh, fast, flavorful food.

Gluten-free options, chef-crafted tacos, a substantial bar and plenty more are on the menu. 714 N Broadway, OKC $$

1492 Authentic Mexican cuisine in an elegant atmosphere, combining its caliente flavors with fusion decor to make an ideal spot for a romantic evening ... including perhaps the world’s best mojitos.

1207 N Walker, OKC, 236.1492 $$

HACIENDA TACOS Quality, of both ingredients and execution, and variety make this restaurant in the Shoppes at Northpark a pleasure to visit, and to

explore the menu again and again. 12086 N May, OKC, 254.3140 $

Seafood

IGUANA MEXICAN GRILL Unique Mexican flavor in a fun atmosphere at reasonable prices - a treat from the housemade salsas to the handcrafted cocktails, and all the tastes between. 9 NW 9th, OKC, 606.7172 $$

THE DRAKE The Good Egg Group’s flagship and a standard-bearer for diners who crave excellent seafood, it serves chef’s creations featuring the sea’s finest, plus an oyster bar and tempting cocktails. 519 NW 23rd, OKC $$$ PEARL’S CRABTOWN A huge Bricktown warehouse where the Cajun Crab Boil is a favorite, guests are encouraged to “leave the silverware at home and dig in,” and taste is king. 303 E Sheridan, OKC, 232.7227 $$

REVOLUCION You say you want a Revolucion? You easily might once you try this spicy taco-centric haven – start with the queso fundido and don’t stop until you reach the delectable arroz tres leche dessert. 916 NW 6th, OKC, 606.6184 $$ TARAHUMARA’S Beloved by locals (there’s usually a line but it moves quickly), this airy ristorante serves huge, tasty TexMex classics plus less ubiquitous fare like carnitas de puerco and mole poblano. 702 N Porter, Norman, 360.8070 $$

PEARL’S OYSTER BAR A perennial OKC favorite for its flavorful seafood and spicy Creole-inspired dishes: Shrimp Diablo, Tabasco-infused Caesar salads, Andouille omelets at Sunday brunch and more. 5641 N Classen, OKC, 848.8008 $$

YUCATAN TACO STAND A Bricktown haven for feisty Latin fusion cuisine such as paella and tamales wrapped in banana leaves plus signature nachos and combos … and a selection of over 75 top-shelf tequilas.

100 E California, OKC, 886.0413 $

TRAPPER’S FISHCAMP Zesty, widely varied flavor from the Pearl’s family of restaurants finds a comfortable home in a backwoods fishing lodge atmosphere.

Don’t forget the bountifully stocked bar, either. 4300 W Reno, OKC, 943.9111 $$

ZARATE’S In addition to the familiar joys of enchiladas and the like, the chef’s Peruvian heritage shines in dishes featuring plantains, yuca and imported spices. Try something different; find something tasty. 706 S Broadway, Edmond, 330.6400 $$

THE SHACK SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR A massive selection of nicely spiced Cajun and Creole cooking, plus fried and grilled seafood, in an atmosphere that’s not shy about being as casual as it can be. 3 metro locations, theshackok.com $$

Family owned and operated for over 30 years SERVICES INCLUDE Commercial Restaurant Equipment Expert Kitchen & Restaurant Design Top Quality Food Service Supplies Custom Stainless Fabrication Commercial Vent Hood Sales & Installation

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EQUIPMENT • REFRIGERATION • FOOD PREP • KITCHENWARE • DINING ROOM • SPECIALTY ITEMS • FURNITURE

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Soul Food BRENT’S CAJUN Sit down to a massive platter of jambalaya, crawfish etoufee, Pasta Orleans or any of the wellseasoned temptations on the weekend brunch menu – and spice up your life.

3005 S Broadway, Edmond, 285.0911 $$ C’EST SI BON The name is accurate: it is impressively good for lovers of Cajun-style catfish and po-boys.

Crawfish etouffee, frogs’ legs, fried chicken and shrimp po-boys are among the highlights, but the award-winning catfish is a must-try. 101 N Douglas, Midwest City, 610.2555 $ THE DRUM ROOM March your own drumsticks in for a heap of crispy, juicy fried chicken (among the city’s best) starring alongside fried okra, waffles and a fully loaded bar. 4300 N Western, OKC, 604.0990 $$

Steakhouse BOULEVARD STEAKHOUSE Perfectly soigné ambiance down to the last detail and cuisine easily in the metro’s elite – a sumptuous, if pricy, masterpiece. 505 S Boulevard, Edmond, 715.2333 $$$ BROADWAY 10 Cruise into the Buick building in Automobile Alley to savor

steak supremacy or seafood selections (even sushi) in a cozy enclave amid urban bustle. 1101 N Broadway, OKC, 212.3949 $$$ CATTLEMEN’S Almost as old as the state itself, this Oklahoma institution’s immense corn-fed steaks and matchless atmosphere are history served anew every day. 1309 S Agnew, OKC, 236.0416 $$ JAMIL’S STEAKHOUSE Saving room for your steak, lobster or prime rib is difficult when your gratis appetizers arrive in the form of a Lebanese bounty, but make the effort. Jamil’s has been feeding Oklahoma exceptionally well since 1964. 4910 N Lincoln, OKC, 525.8352 $$$ JUNIOR’S The classic restaurant’s decor sets the perfect stage for hand-cut Angus steaks and lobster to fight for attention with knockout fried chicken.

2601 NW Expressway, OKC, 848.5597 $$$ MAHOGANY PRIME STEAKHOUSE The ambiance and service are sublime, but fine aged steak broiled to perfection is the star. 3241 W Memorial, OKC, 748.5959; 100 W Main, OKC, 208.8800 $$$ MCCLINTOCK Where better to find a saloon than in Stockyards City? There’s plenty of room at the massive, 50-foot

oak bar, and plenty of cocktails and whiskies behind it, but the main draw may be the massive, excellent steaks and chops. 2227 Exchange, OKC, 232.0151 $$$ MEAT MARKET REFECTORY The steaks are excellent, but they’re the tip of the ample menu’s iceberg: fresh seafood and Australian lamb chops command attention as well, and from Hatch green chili crab cakes to champagne sabayon, the carefully selected flavors pop and sparkle in this prime dining experience.

2920 NW 63rd, OKC, 608.8866 $$$ MICKEY MANTLE’S This lushly atmospheric social spot in Bricktown serves powerhouse entrées and sides with a full complement of amenities destined to impress. 7 S Mickey Mantle, OKC, 272.0777 $$$ OPUS PRIME STEAKHOUSE It aspires to the ultimate in upscale dining via hand-cut USDA Prime Black Angus steaks, a vast wine selection and intimate ambiance. 800 W Memorial, OKC, 607.6787 $$$ RANCH STEAKHOUSE Customaged hand-cut USDA Certified Prime tenderloins and ribeyes, served amid warm Southern hospitality. 3000 W Britton, OKC, 755.3501 $$$ RED PRIMESTEAK Visionary design and atmosphere house super-premium

steaks, vibrant, imaginative flavors and amenities to make some of the state’s best dining. 504 N Broadway, OKC, 232.2626 $$$ TEXAS DE BRAZIL Inspired by Brazilian churrascarias, this festive establishment offers diners cuts from their choice of skewers laden with beef, pork, chicken and sausage, in addition to excellent sides and a massive salad bar.

1901 NW Expressway, OKC, 362.9200 $$$

Thai SALA THAI Pineapple curry, basil squid, fried rice with crab, cinnamon beef ... the variety is exceptional, making this Midtown diner a popular midday option. 1614 NW 23rd, OKC, 528.8424 $ SWEET BASIL The enormous aquarium adds to the cozy ambiance; with its outstanding curries and specialty dishes, it makes a great venue for a dinner date. 211 W Main, Norman, 217.8424 $$ TANA THAI There’s a lot to like about the food in this little spot, from red snapper filet to pad thai. Pay special mind to the varied soups, and do not play chicken with the spice level. 10700 N May, OKC, 749.5590 $$

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See masterworks by Rembrandt, Rubens, van Dyck and other artists from the Golden Age.

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events Believe in Marvels

PHOTO COURTESY FELD ENTERTAINMENT

It’s a case of life imitating art – sort of. This is not OKC audiences’ first rodeo when it comes to relishing the live-action adventures of the heroes and villains of the Marvel Universe in a spectacle-filled stunt show, but as the MCU continues to expand and deepen, the show returns to Chesapeake Arena Dec. 14-17 bigger and better than before.

Dr. Strange and the Guardians of the Galaxy join the Avengers to battle a reality-endangering crisis in the immersive Marvel Universe Live – excelsior!

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events PRIME PICKS

The End Is the Beginning Dec. 31, Bicentennial Park Multiple bands on multiple stages, food trucks and hot drink vendors to ward off the winter chill, a kids’ area packed with activities, an optional 5k race to get the blood flowing, tens of thousands of friends and neighbors to mingle among … plus a colossal fireworks show to kick off a fresh calendar in style. Arts Council OKC is ready to bid farewell to 2017 and ring in the new year at Opening Night – are you ready to party?

Cool Thing

Harpeth Rising

Pole Position Through Jan. 28, Downtown OKC

How much fun is the massive collection of events and special deals collectively known as Downtown in December? So much so that we’re driven to create an imaginary new unit of measurement for the occasion, and tell you that the 2017 month-plus shindig will generate 1.21 jinglewatts of pure holiday entertainment for all ages. Tons of decorations, music, shopping and much more await as the north pole relocates to the center of OKC. 104

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Just because there’s a ready availability of Christmas music this time of year doesn’t mean you should close your ears to less seasonal sounds – the Norman Depot has a double dose of the good stuff on tap this month as its Winter Wind series continues. Harpeth Rising will show off their unmatched harmonic blend of classical and folk influences Dec. 3, then local music-meister Kyle Reid appears with the Low Swingin’ Chariots Dec. 17 for a jazzy, melodious treat.

Paper Jam Dec. 1-Jan. 13, Oklahoma Hall of Fame Museum The exhibition features the work of two dozen living Oklahoma artists, and is named not for the media involved but the material: Whether photography or painting or printmaking, each piece is done on paper. The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition’s 24 Works on Paper is traversing the state to share contemporary excellence from some of our most accomplished creators with their fellow citizens from Lawton to Ponca City, and the journey begins here.

PHOTOS: DOWNTOWN OKC COURTESY DOWNTOWN OKC; HARPETH RISING BY MICHAEL WILSON

Dec. 3 and 17, Santa Fe Depot

events ON LOCATION

with Lance McDaniel

Sara Thompson’s ready to boost deadCenter SA R A T HOM PSON is ready for her close-up. After six years of

programming and promoting short films, Thompson has been selected as the new head of programming for the deadCenter Film Festival, Oklahoma’s largest cinematic event and one of MovieMaker magazine’s “20 Coolest Film Festivals in the World.”

The job is a huge responsibility: More than 1,200 filmmakers from around the world submit films to deadCenter each year, hoping to be among the 100 films selected to screen for OKC audiences during the second weekend of June. With 30,000 fans in attendance, deadCenter offers sold-out screenings, statewide press and distribution opportunities for short films and features alike.

Thompson is certainly qualified for the job. She’s an award-winning filmmaker with experience on feature films, short films, television shows and commercials, and has taught film production to high school and middle school students. And, perhaps most importantly, she served as deadCenter’s short film programmer for the past six years.

The opportunity to head up programming for deadCenter is a dream come true for Thompson, who discovered her love for film programming several years ago while attending the University of Oklahoma.

“I was working on my BA in Film Studies, when I heard about an internship at the OKC Museum of Art,” Thompson remembers.

“I got the job and started working directly for Brian Hearn, the film curator at the time. I loved it all: selecting the films, negotiating with distributors and understanding how to grow an audience for independent films. That became my dream, to find movies that I love and share them with people.”

Film opportunities in Oklahoma were few and far between at the time, so after graduation, Thompson moved to New York City and landed a highly competitive production job with VH1 and MTV. The networks kept her busy with high-profile projects: She worked on the “All Access” series, as well as “The 100 Greatest Rock Songs,” “Lindsay Lohan’s Hollywood Trainwreck” and

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Maxim’s Hot 100. After a couple of years, Thompson realized she would rather be doing production work at home, so she moved back to Oklahoma and immediately went to work.

“My first feature film was Pearl, produced by the Chickasaw Nation,” Thompson recalls. “It was the story of the youngest licensed pilot in history, so there were lots of airplanes, historic costumes and children. The production was a challenge, but the cast and crew were fantastic.”

Thompson continued to work on film and commercial productions, including Brooks Douglass’ Heaven’s Rain and The Rounder Comes to Town, which won Best Okie Short Film at deadCenter in 2010, and she started teaching film production classes at ASTEC Charter School and Putnam City High School. Throughout her time in production and education, Thompson volunteered at managing the deadCenter Film Festival box office.

In 2011, deadCenter offered Thompson the opportunity to be the festival’s first official shorts programmer. During her tenure, she elevated the shorts programs to new heights. She reached out to filmmakers at larger festivals to secure the best films from Sundance, South by Southwest, even an Oscar winner or two. She helped Oklahoma short filmmakers successfully connect with distributors such as ShortsTV to gain international distribution, while growing local audience for short films, hosting multiple sold-out screenings each year.

When deadCenter’s Director of Programming Kim Haywood decided to step down this fall, everyone agreed that there was only one person who could take the reins and lead the festival to new heights: Sara Thompson.

Barely a month into the new job, Thompson already has big plans. She wants deadCenter to become an Oscar-qualifying festival, and hopes to present and promote Oklahoma films and filmmakers in innovative new ways. She also expects to expand the slate of films to include more virtual reality and augmented reality experiences, while keeping key aspects of the festival intact. “deadCenter has always been about celebrating filmmakers and the art of film,” Thompson says. “If we continue to strengthen relationships with local and national filmmakers, we will attract great films, draw excited audiences and help make Oklahoma City the coolest place in the world for independent film.”

ILLUSTRATION BY BRIAN O’DANIEL, PHOTO BY GINNY FELTON

Entering the Spotlight

01/19

Party with a purpose An evening of cocktails, tastemakers and one-of-a-kind works

by Oklahoma artists.

Exhibition: 12/15/17 - 01/19/18 | Event: 01/19/18

Buy tickets and learn more: bit.ly/ArtNowOKC

more info: oklahomacontemporary.org | @okcontemporary 3000 General Pershing Blvd. | Oklahoma City | 405 951 0000

events SPOTLIGHT

Lights, Carolers, Action Celebrating the season in an enlightening way A S OU R DAYS turn to night far more quickly this month,

watching the metro light up in true festive fashion seems like the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.

Downtown’s Automobile Alley will be ablaze with more than 180,000 LED lights decorating the buildings along N Broadway.

Christmas lights also will illuminate Bricktown Canal through Jan. 1 – enjoy the display from a free water taxi ride on selected evenings through December. On a smaller scale, OKC’s very own (former) tinsel town Film Row will be lit up through the festive season, and step inside OKC’s historic Skirvin Hilton for a lobby lit with seasonal cheer and a cocktail reception on Dec. 12.

ON THE RADAR DEC 9-19 The Nutcracker When it comes to making memories, it’s hard to top the lavish costumes, exquisite music and pure physical poetry of the OKC Ballet’s annual take on one of the world’s most famous Christmas stories. OKC Civic Center, 201 N Walker, OKC, 848.8637, okcballet.com

DEC 8-JAN 12 Sarah Clough Clough returns to her home state with seismology on her mind don’t be surprised if the lights go out, as this mural installation involves phosphorescent paint.

MAINSITE Contemporary Art, 122 E Main, Norman, 360.1162, mainsitecontemporaryart.com

EVENTS

MUSEUMS

DEC 2 Cowboy Christmas Parade For this Stockyards City celebration, Santa is preceded by a herd of longhorns and accompanied by fun Western surprises. Stockyards City, 1307 Agnew, OKC, stockyardscity.org

THROUGH JAN 5 Red Earth Treefest The holiday season receives a Native flair as more than two dozen Christmas trees are decorated with ornaments made by and depicting elements from individual Oklahoma tribes. Red Earth Art Center, 6 Santa Fe, OKC, 427.5228, redearth.org

MUSIC DEC 3 The Messiah Canterbury Voices members raise their instruments in song with the OKC Philharmonic

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during this Handel tribute. OKC Civic Center, 201 N Walker, OKC, 297.2264, okcciviccenter.com DEC 9 Lady Gaga Barcelona, Milan and Amsterdam are on the singer’s itinerary in January - but first she’s ready to roar through OKC, buoyed by tracks off the tour’s eponymous album “Joanne.” Chesapeake Arena, 100 W Reno, OKC, 800.745.3000, chesapeakearena.com DEC 10 Trans-Siberian Orchestra Even after the deaths of founding producer Paul O’Neill and bassist David Z this year, the show - a revamped version of “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve,” will go triumphantly on.

Chesapeake Arena, 100 W Reno, OKC, 800.745.3000, chesapeakearena.com DEC 29 Symphony of the Goddesses Hey! Listen! A full orchestra and choir with video accompaniment take the audience on an incredible journey through the music of the Legend of Zelda series. OKC Civic Center, 201 N Walker, OKC, 297.2264, okcciviccenter.com

THEATER THROUGH DEC 24 Lyric’s Christmas Carol Sour-souled old miser? Check. Three spirits from across time? On deck. One of the most satisfying tales of redemption and joy ever penned? About to begin, and nobody does it better than Lyric Theatre. Lyric’s Plaza Theater, 1727 NW 16th, OKC, 524.9312, lyrictheatreokc.com DEC 7-10 Noises Off! In a word: chaos. But in three words: very, very funny. OCU’s theatre students are loaded up to deliver their take on an all-time great farce, sardines and all. OCU Kirkpatrick Center, 2501 N Blackwelder, OKC, 208.5227, okcu.edu/ music/ DEC 8-17 A Christmas Story Some aspects of the holiday experience are uniquely Midwestern - share in the memories as the Sooner Theatre retells Ralphie’s tribulations and triumphs.

Sooner Theatre, 101 E Main, Norman, 321.9600, soonertheatre.org

PHOTO COURTESY DOWNTOWN OKC

GALLERIES

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FOR MORE INFORMATION downtownindecember.com/ chickasawcountry.com/events/chickasha-festival-of-light midwestcityok.org/338/Holiday-Lights-Spectacular visitnorman.com edmondok.com/337/Parks-Recreation downsfamilychristmas.com/index.php

WANT TO SEE MORE? VISIT OUR ONLINE CALENDAR AT 405MAGAZINE.COM

DANCE

DEC 9 Norman Christmas Parade Here comes Santa Claus, right down Main Street. Prizes await outstanding participants, working to fulfill the theme “Christmas in Lights.” Enjoy!

Downtown Norman, 911 W Main, normanchristmasparade.com

In Midwest City, Joe B. Barnes Regional Park will become a twinkling wonderland with 100 different displays centered around a magnificent 118-foot Christmas tree illuminated with 9,000 bulbs – not that anyone is counting.

For an even more illuminating experience, 3.5 million lights to be precise, the Chickasha Festival of Lights will be positively glowing with more than 100 bright scenes and animated displays in and around Shannon Springs Park. Relish the four miles of dazzling displays from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage – it’s quite a journey.

In Edmond, light shows can be found in downtown and the cheerfully decorated Spring Creek area, as well as the UCO and OC campuses. The Edmond Ugly Holiday Lights Run offers a 5k or one-mile run through the illumination on Dec. 2, and you can even don Christmas sweaters for a chance to win a prize.

The Christmas lights are officially turned on in Norman on Dec. 1 with the traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony in Andrews Park, followed by a special double-sized Art Walk. And spreading Christmas cheer from their beautifully lit Norman home, The Downs Family Christmas Light Ministry will be on display to aid the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

It’s an illuminating season – in many ways – so wrap up, get out there and enjoy the show. - LOUISE SCRIVENS

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events

B.C. Clark Jr. and Jim Clark

125 Years (of) BC

BC Clark Jewelers marks an impressive anniversary I T M AY BE enough to say that an Oklahoma business, established 12 years before its home state became a state, is still going strong and still run by the same family who started it. But perhaps what is even more noteworthy is that Mr. B.C. Clark himself started his business penniless in Purcell, in the corner of a five-and-dime store in 1892.

Benton Clyde Clark was on his way to Chickasha with $50 in his wallet and a plan to open his own jewelry store when his train stopped in Purcell and he realized his wallet was missing.

This forced him to rely on the kindness of an acquaintance and the skills he had learned in his brother’s jewelry store back in Abilene, Texas, to build his business.

Since then, BC Clark has survived the stock market crash and the subsequent Great Depression to expand to three stores and become the state’s oldest family business.

This progression has included a jingle composed for its anniversary sale becoming an Oklahoma Christmas carol – 60 years after it first aired – and a Pray for Rain campaign, which for almost two decades has been paying for brides’ rings if it rains on their wedding day. With its new Family Friday event, it’s now one of the few retailers to give employees a paid day off the day after Thanksgiving, generally considered the biggest shopping day of the year.

Part of BC Clark’s 125th anniversary celebrations include continuing its fundraising work with United Way of Central Oklahoma, and matching all donations up to $125,000 through Jan. 15. Donations can be made online at unitedwayokc.org.

A Holiday Open House also will be held this month, offering shoppers champagne, hors d’oeuvres, door prizes and trunk shows at all three BC Clark locations. For more information, visit bcclark.com/125th. - LOUISE SCRIVENS

80-Piece Orchestra & Choir + Giant Screen!

SAVE 10%!

Use ooer-code:

LOZ10

Friday, December 29 • 8 PM Civic Center Music Hall • Oklahoma City, OK

MGPLIVE.COM

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PHOTO COURTESY BC CLARK

SPOTLIGHT

Open Nov. 10 through Jan. 28 See downtownindecember.com for information. @ devonicerinkokc

@ devonicerink

backstory

CHRISTMAS IN BLOOM

Memories of the season at Flower City T HIS IS T HE T I M E of year when the sounds of jingle bells fill the air; adults become kids again and kids everywhere marvel at the joy that is Christmas. The mistletoe and holly, the laughter of old friends and a favorite Christmas carol all merge to make the season bright.

A generation of Oklahomans waited eagerly from year to year for Ron Remerowski’s store to come alive with the sights and sounds of the season.

Flower City was a favorite destination at NW 50th and May in the Mayfair Shopping Center, and by November the store was a Christmas wonderland.

“Dad worked for a childhood friend’s family florist when he was a teenager in Minnesota,” says Remerowski’s son, Steve. “The company grew and expanded to include silk floral, Christmas décor and later patio furniture. When he was in his late 20s, dad was married with two children, and offered to relocate to Chicago, and then Oklahoma City. The store opened in 1968, and then dad bought it in 1985.

It was a huge and scary move for him. My brother and I were high school age at that time, and I worked there since I was 16.”

When his father died, Remerowski said the lease on the Mayfair location was due, and he decided to take a gamble and build a new store. He found some old drawings of things he and his dad had talked about, and he spent a couple of months scouting locations in Oklahoma City.

He says, “I remember sitting in a parking lot watching traffic and thinking, ‘Do I leave the stability of a shopping center to build a free-standing location?’ So at age 30, in homage to my father, I applied for a loan to build what we had discussed so many years earlier when I was stocking shelves. It was my turn to be nervous and scared.”

The new store, known as “Seasonal Living at Flower City,” opened in 1997 at 4101 W Reno. The expanded location gave Remerowski room to sell not only the finest in silk florals, but patio furniture, fountains and, of course, Christmas décor.

“We still have some of the holiday items that are from day one that I will never part with,” he says. “But with the changing world around us, we have changed with the times and are moving toward a more exclusive style of holiday decorations. We will always

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carry the greatest Christmas trees ever, but will switch our decorating focus to more exclusive oneof-a-kind or limited items. In other words, items that are not mass-produced and are more quality heirloom ornaments that can be passed on.”

A loving tribute to the family’s patriarch is posted at the store’s entrance, called “This is my father’s world.” Today, Remerowski said he is proud to carry on his father’s legacy.

“One of the greatest things is being involved in a community that I’ve grown up in and proud to call home,” he says. “My mother still works with me, and we have a staff that I’ve grown up with over the years. I want to thank Oklahoma City for supporting local businesses like mine, and wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!”

PHOTOS COURTESY REMEROWSKI FAMILY

BY MARK BEUTLER

+ 74° – Nursery

With Cox Homelife’s security, cameras and climate control, it’s never been easier for your home to take care of you.

And your (thankfully) sleeping child.

Est. 1958 • 109 East Main • Norman • 405.321.1818 • MisterRobert.com •