September 2022

TI NY HOMES, BIG IMPACT F OR Y OUTH

VINTAGE LOOKS FOR AUTUM N

OZONE:

WHAT OLD SCIENCE CAN TEACH US IN THE MODERN ERA Ozone (O3) was discovered in 1840s and shown to be a molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms in a dynamically unstable structure. Although classically thought of as a substance with potential dangerous effects, the modern reality is far different. After more than a century of study, this old molecule turns out to have unique and regenerative properties when used clinically to address patients’ issues. As far back as 1896, Nikola Tesla patented the first O3 generator in the US, later forming the “Tesla Ozone Company” for use in a medical setting.

How does O3 work in the human body? Ozone represents the continued adoption of agitating therapies to improve cellular function. Injury leads to healing. The newer concept of sparking intracellular responses by stimulating a pseudo injury to cells is the mechanism of action O3.

Rather than damaging cells, ozone when applied correctly, elicits restorative responses on a molecular level within the body. This directly leads to regenerating anti-oxidant species to balance oxidative metabolism, alter inflammatory mediator cascades, and revitalize mitochondrial function which in turn improves cellular function that is the basis for better tissue and organ performance. O3 also retrains cells to utilize oxygen more successfully and has a role as a potential anti-infective.

The summary from a clinical perspective is that Ozone Therapy gives the opportunity to correct or regenerate metabolic processes which have become imbalanced physiologically. This therapeutic option can be used to potentially address difficult to resolve medical conditions.

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F EAT U R ES

28

42

The complete rundown of things to do in the 405 to celebrate everyone’s favorite season.

A local nonprofit that serves unhoused youth is building tiny homes for them to live in. It’s just one step of relief in the complex crisis of houselessness in Oklahoma City.

Fall Fun Guide

2

SEPTEMBER 2022

Pivot

PHOTO PROVIDED

VO LU ME E IG HT IS S U E N I N E

D E PA R T M E N T S

VO LU ME E IG H T I S S U E N I N E

Culture 66 ARTS Square by painted square, artists support the local scene 68 SPORTS OKC’s new bull riding team saddles up 72

TRAVEL Day trips and delicious dishes in Denver

74

IN CONVO WITH Expressive stationery at Chirps & Cheers

76

LOOKING BACK Legendary Sooners coach won more than just football games

78

ONE MORE THING What’s normal now? TEDxOklahomaCity wants to know

10

FROM THE EDITOR

80

WHAT’S ONLINE

ON THE COVER Fall foliage in Hochatown, OK. Photo

by Laci Schwoegler of Retrospec Films.

Trending

Dining

14

STYLE Functional looks turned foundational

50 GOOD TASTE 10 years of top-level tastes at Vast

16

SOCIAL HOUR People and events in the 405

52

18

PERSON OF INTEREST Gary Brooks on leading the impressive renovation of First National Center

54 THE DRINK Taste the agave in these new-arrival tequilas 56

20 FASHION Plaid’s not a fad — here’s how to secondhand your fashion sense 4

SEPTEMBER 2022

THE DISH The rightful revival of breakfast sandwiches

LOCAL FLAVOR Don’t pass on the dessert menu at these local spots

6 4 7 1 Av o n d a l e D r i v e | 4 0 5 . 6 0 7 . 4 3 2 3 | n a i f e h f i n e j e w e l r y . c o m

Why buy a piece of jewelry, when you can own a work of art?

SEPTEMBER 2022

VOLUME 8 • NUMBER 9

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SEPTEMBER 2022

405 Magazine Volume 8, Number 9, September 2022. 405 Magazine is published monthly by Hilltop Media Group at 1613 N. Broadway, Oklahoma City, OK 73103, 405.842.2266. ©Copyright 2022 Hilltop Media Group. All rights reserved.

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F I N E

H O M E

H A R D W A R E

Fine Home Hardware Kitchens, Bathrooms, Doors & Cabinets

6616 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 405-682-3500 MotifHardware.com

F R O M

T H E

E D I TO R

Favorite Season for a Reason T H AT F I R ST C O OL BR E E Z E A F T E R A L ONG HO T summer. That crisp, refreshing breeze that slices through the humidity and makes you grab a jacket for the first time in months.

That gust of relief that carries with it promises of scenic red-andgolden foliage. That is the breeze.

There’s something so symbolic about the changing of seasons.

The consistency alone brings with it hope. As I write this, we are in the middle of the most smoldering and scorching summer most of us have ever experienced. We’ve never needed a September more than now. I’ll be the first to embrace how “basic” and giddy I become this time of year; this is my favorite season and I don’t care who knows it. Winter accessories, Pumpkin Spice everything — there is no shame, I will shout to neighbors “It’s fall, y’all!” as I put up another harvest decoration on my patio.

In this issue, a team of us rallied our resources and created a guide of pretty much every single fall-related activity there is to do in Oklahoma City over the next few months (pg. 28). All ages and budgets will be able to find some way to celebrate. From pumpkin patches to festivals to foliage to Halloween-related fun … we have you covered!

For our second feature we cover Pivot, a wonderful organization that provides tiny homes and stable housing for transitional age youth who find themselves living on their own (pg. 40).You will also find one of the most creative fashion spreads we have ever produced. Historically, I give our fashion team a pretty long leash — and it is because of results like this. Robinson’s Repurposed created this set specifically for this vintage shoot, and our team is obsessed with the outcome (pg. 20). Additionally, you will hear the inspiring story of a man who refused to give up on the rebuilding of an iconic downtown OKC building (pg. 18), celebrate Vast’s decade at the top (pg. 50) and read about our state’s first-ever professional bull riding team (pg. 72).

With that, allow me to be the first to welcome you to what promises to be an abundant autumn!

Julie Partin EDITOR IN CHIEF

10

SEPTEMBER 2022

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TRENDING S T Y L E 14

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PERSON OF IN TE R E S T 1 8

FA S H I O N 2 0

Cap and olive jacket from Junk Fairy; gloves from The Coterie; mock turtleneck, plaid skirt and boots from Library; and belt from Cult 70 Threads.

SHE VAUN WILLIA MS AND A SSOCIATIE S

Secondhand Resurgence Returning trends mean clothes passed down aren’t passé. p.20

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S T Y L E

T R E N D I N G

4

1

2

5

3

6

Staples for September Take your ensemble up a notch

BY B E N N E T T H I L L

7

F ROM E S TA B L I S H E D C A R P O O L S C H E D U L E S T O W E E K LY after-school activities, September gets us back to the routines we know and love.

Agendas seem to be never-ending, and it is OK to fall back on looks that are comfortable and functional, but your outfit can be instantly elevated with pieces that are sure to become staples. A bomber jacket is the perfect layer to inspire a hip and edgy look. Paired with a classic knit dress, a standout sneaker will make your outfit pop. Top it off with a pair of sunnies and a spritz of a sensational scent, and you are ready to rock September.

1. James Perse, Square Neck Rib Tank Dress; Edit & Co. 2. Three Stories Jewelry, Love Lock Pendant; Naifeh Fine Jewelry 3. Isabel Marant, Skano Fannypack; Cayman’s 4. The Reversible Bomber, Scotch & Soda; rosegold 5. Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Baccarat Rouge; Cayman’s 6. Balmain, B-V Sun; Black Optical 7. NeroGiardini, 8134D Glitter Stripe Sneaker; Betsy King Shoes

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SEPTEMBER 2022

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S O C I A L

T R E N D I N G

Rob Vera, Byron Gambulos, Ellen Gambulos-Cody, Blake Cody, Grant Cody and Jennifer Arsenault

H O U R

OKC Zoo Gala, Under African Skies P H O T O S BY P H O T OV I L L E P H O T O G R A P H Y

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden and Oklahoma Zoological Society hosted their stand-out fundraising event, OKC Zoo Gala, Under African Skies.

Presented by John and Claudia Hollman Affiliated Fund, the 2022 OKC Zoo Gala recognized dedicated individuals who have amplified the zoo’s mission of connecting Oklahomans with the world’s wildlife and wild places. The 2022 OKC Zoo Gala Legacy Honorees included Byron Gambulos, Don and Carolyn Zachritz and the Kirkpatrick Foundation and Kirkpatrick Family Fund. It was a night of dining and celebrating under the stars as guests enjoyed cocktails, a live auction and a three-course African- inspired dinner created

by Rococo Restaurant and Fine Wine. Bandan Koro, an African drum and dance ensemble, performed. Funds raised from the gala will benefit the zoo’s latest and largest habitat expansion in its history, Expedition Africa, slated to open June 2023.

Bandan Koro, African drum and dance group.

Oklahoma Zoological Society Special Events Committee Chair Suzy Sultemeier (OZS Board Member) and OKC Zoo Gala Chairs Kristi Mathis (OZS Lifetime Board Member) and Vicki Howard (OZS Lifetime Board Member) Artist Zonly Looman

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SEPTEMBER 2022

Celebrating our sixth year of bringing you beautiful things.

The first to host iconic brands like Scotch & Soda and Good American.

The only to offer rare indie designers from around the globe.

Creating sustainable luxury with designer treasures on consignment.

Responsibly made womenswear for a fashionable fall.

Nichols Hills Plaza @ 6423 Avondale Dr. / shoprosegold.com

Reviving an Icon Gary Brooks on restoring downtown’s First National Center

BY K R I S T E N G R A C E

18

SEPTEMBER 2022

F O R T H E PA S T S E V E N Y E A R S , T H E historic First National Center, located at Robinson and Park in downtown Oklahoma City, has undergone an over $275 million renovation led by developer and partner Gary Brooks along with Charlie Nicholas. Built in 1931 as the First National Bank building, this iconic 32-story skyscraper was graced with murals, painted ceilings, decorative metal finishes, near century-old marble floors and columns and cast metal art deco touches. Over the decades, its elegant appearance deteriorated, and multiple attempts to purchase and revive the building fell through.

In 2015, the building went into receivership and a federal judge gave it clean title, so it was waiting again for a qualified buyer. Brooks, whose previous development projects include the Edge at Midtown, was working in the office building across the street from First National Center at the time. “In September of 2015, I walked in and had a vision,” he said.

“The building needed to be saved, probably by a local, someone with a rallying voice. But I knew I was going to need a lot of help. There aren’t any buildings like First National.”

Considering the leadership in the state and city at the time, along with the team he felt he could assemble and the building’s clean title, Brooks believed it was the opportune moment. “If you were ever going to redevelop it, that was the time,” he said.

Renovating the nearly century-old building came with many difficulties, such as finding subcontractors willing to tackle the massive project and funding it during the pandemic. “It was a big challenge when every hotel in the country shut down, and we’re trying to finance a big one,” Brooks said. The team spent three years clearing millions of pounds of debris from the tower so it could begin construction. Brooks credits the hundreds of people working on the renovation for devising creative solutions to the “largest redevelopment in the history of the state.” Mayor David Holt, in his 2022 State of the City speech, said First National was no longer “a missing piece” of OKC’s downtown resurgence.

First National Center now holds 146 lavish hotel rooms alongside new apartment homes and features several restaurants and bars — including one inside the bank’s original vault, The Library of Distilled Spirits. Brooks said, “That’s a unique experience, to be able to have a drink or eat dinner inside a restored bank vault. I cast the vision, and the team created something better than what I had dreamed.”

Brooks mentions there is a table in the Great Hall where he sometimes sits to watch the wonder on people’s faces as they walk among its columns for the first time. Calling the Great Hall “Oklahoma’s living room,” he said, “I want people to be able to

TANVEER BADAL

T R E N D I N G

P E R S O N

O F

I N T E R E S T

Sept. 23-24

• Performances • Art-making

• Artist talks • Music

+ the opening celebration for La casa que nos inventamos: Contemporary Art From Guadalajara!

11 NW 11th St., OKC | okcontemp.org/OpenHouse | @okcontemporary

ABOVE:

Elegant seating at the First National’s Great Hall

The Great Hall’s lavish entrance that Brooks deems “Oklahoma’s living room” BELOW:

enjoy First National that way; just for them to come in and sit down. I want it to be a place where Oklahomans can come and dream and say, ‘I know Brooks, he’s not that good. If he can pull this off, what else can we do?’”

After standing nearly a century, and after seven years of renovation, this architectural treasure, Brooks reminds us, is the city’s building. It always has been, it always will be.

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T R E N D I N G

Ball cap, collared shirt, flower sweater, belt and platform shoes from Library; jacket from Lucca; pants from Oak City Vintage; and handbags from Junk Fairy, The Coterie and Cult 70 Threads.

Vintage for Your Vibe Secondhand looks are new again

BY L I N DA M I L L E R | P H O T O S BY S H E VA U N W I L L I A M S

FA SH ION T R E N D S , OR AT L E A S T S OM E V E R SION OF them, circle back regularly. That makes shopping for previously owned clothing even easier for those who prefer styles that feel current without being cookie-cutter.

Just as important, it keeps a jacket, sweater or pair of boots from going to the landfill. As demand for sustainable fashion increases, embracing secondhand, vintage, upcycled and recycled options is becoming the norm for more shoppers.

Many of this fall’s fashion trends can be found in metro area stores that specialize in or at least offer a selection of pre-loved garments. Anyone 20

SEPTEMBER 2022

new to the idea can ease into fall with a leather jacket, chunky soled shoes or platform heels. Head-to-toe leather was all over the runways in 2022.

So were plenty of plaid, sweeping hemlines and lots of layering. There’s also a nod to the ’60s with swirling patterns and abstract designs. Trends from the 1980s that are having another moment include color, oversized proportions, plastic jewelry, big shoulders and glitz, even if it’s just a crystal buckle on a wide belt. And don’t forget about an all-important topper for your head. Berets and newsboy caps make the perfect statement.

Many of the looks from the last several years and decades are timeless, making pre-owned clothing even more appealing. Not ready to step wholeheartedly into sustainable fashion? Start by mixing old with new for a more interesting outfit and wardrobe. The planet will thank you.

PHOTOGR APHY: SHE VAUN WILLIA MS & A SSOCIATE S MODEL AND S T YLIS T: ANNA FROS T HAIR AND MAKEUP: BRYNLEE HANDY, BEAUTY BY BRYNLEE LOCATION AND SET DESIGN: SPECIAL THANKS TO ROBINSON’S REPURPOSED IN NORMAN

FA S H I O N

Plaid beret, raw-hem top, jeans and squaretoe boots from Library; jacket from Oak City Vintage; and necklaces and rings from The Dandy Stone, Rink Gallery and Cult 70 Threads.

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T R E N D I N G

Leather cap, plaid collar shirt, smiley face vest and high-top shoes from Library; tie from Junk Fairy; and pants from Oak City Vintage.

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SEPTEMBER 2022

FA S H I O N

Black beret, corset harness and platform boots from Library; bow from The Dandy Stone; plaid blouse from Oak City Vintage; and leather skirt from Cult 70 Threads.

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T R E N D I N G

Necklace and rings from The Dandy Stone; stripe blouse from Junk Fairy; crop sweater from Cult 70 Threads; and plaid pants and platform shoes from Library.

Polaroid sunglasses from Physician’s Optical; denim jacket and striped halter from Habit; yellow scarf from mode; Paige white sailor jeans from Edit & Co.; and white Billini boots from Tallulah Lou.

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SEPTEMBER 2022

FA S H I O N

Gray beret, plaid crossbody, pants and shoes from Library; red necklace from The Dandy Stone; and sweater and gloves from The Coterie.

THE COTERIE CULT 70 THREADS, CULT70THREADS.COM DANDY STONE, @THEDANDYSTONE ON IG JUNK FAIRY, THEJUNKFAIRY.COM LIBR ARY, LIBR ARY.CLOTHING LUCCA , ILOVELUCCA .COM OAK CIT Y VINTAGE, OAKCITYVINTAGEOKC.COM RINK GALLERY, 3200 N. ROCKWELL AVE., BETHANY

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405 HOME READ THE LATEST ISSUE AT 405MAGAZINE.COM

Flavors of Fall

ELY FAIR

This fall’s issue of 405HOME explores the usual seasonal suspects: front porch decor, simmering apple cider and pumpkins galore. However, it also focuses on the heart of the home — and hub for the holidays — the kitchen! Read about windowsill herbs, a local cutting board artist and favorite kitchenware finds, and get ready to savor the most delicious kitchen designs.

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JAKE DURHAM

28

SEPTEMBER 2022

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FA I R S & F E S T I VA L S O K L A H O M A S TAT E FA I R SEPT. 15-25

S C I S S O R TA I L PA R K TA K E S F L I G H T SEPT. 23-25

The Oklahoma State Fair has adopted the theme “Your Fair Share of Fun” for 2022. That’s

The new southernmost section of Scissortail

probably accurate, considering how many

Park will open to the public and connect

vastly different activities are happening at

to the north end of the park via Skydance

the fairgrounds — visitors can enjoy 11 days

Bridge. This newly completed portion of

packed with competitions, concerts and shows,

Scissortail Park will nearly double the size of

in addition to taking in all of the vendors,

the park to 70 acres. The park foundation,

Midway rides and games and fair foods galore.

along with the City of Oklahoma City,

(Who can resist a funnel cake, turkey leg or

MAPS and its partners, will host a ticketed

roasted corn dripping with hot butter?)

first-look gala on Sept. 15 and a free weekend-long “Scissortail Park Takes Flight”

Disney on Ice

celebration Sept. 23-25. The three-day

Sept. 15-19

event will include guided tours, children’s

“Road Trip Adventures” brings favorite Disney

programming, music and dance, health and

characters into the Jim Norick Arena, with

wellness activities as well as a concert. Many

nine musical skating performances scheduled

programs will be offered both in English and

Sept. 15-19. Mickey Mouse will be joined by

Spanish. The sports courts will be open to

other familiar faces: Moana, Simba, Aladdin

the public for open play several hours each

and even Woody and Forky from Toy Story 4.

day, and will also showcase expo games with

Tickets start at $20 and include outside gate

professional athletes.

admission if purchased on or before Sept. 14.

scissortailpark.org

Xtreme Bulls & Broncs Tour and Concerts On Sept. 23 and 24, don’t miss the PRCA Xtreme Bulls & Broncs Double Trouble Tour their seats as they watch bull riders test their

C Z E C H F E S T I VA L I N Y U KO N

strength and stamina. After the dust settles, they

OCT. 1

and Concerts. Viewers will be on the edge of

can relax a bit and enjoy music by Trace Adkins (performing Sept. 23) or Chris Janson (Sept. 24).

Beginning with a parade down Main Street

Tickets will cover outside gate admission when

at 10 a.m. and concluding with polka bands

purchased on or before Sept. 14.

and folk dancing at Yukon Czech Hall at

Nightly Concerts

packed day dedicated to the city’s Czech

Sept. 15-25 evenings

heritage. This 50-year-old tradition features

Check out the fair’s schedule of free concerts

carnival rides, arts and crafts booths, the

— including big names like Tracy Lawrence,

crowning of Oklahoma Czech royalty and

Tommy James and the Shondells, Foghat and

favorite foods like klobasy sausages and

more — presented in the Entertainment Plaza

sweet kolaches. Even though more than

on the Chickasaw Country Entertainment

2,500 dozen of the fruit-laden treats are

Stage every night.

baked for the festival, local vendors often sell out by afternoon.

Okstatefair.com 30

SEPTEMBER 2022

czechfestivaloklahoma.com

PHOTOS PROVIDED

midnight, the Czech Festival is an action-

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P U M P K I N PAT C H E S CHESTER’S PUMPKIN PAT C H SEPT. 24-OCT. 31 Come check out this patch’s new giant slide, barnyard games, pony rides for children, tractor rides, petting zoo (zoo food sold separately), three-acre mystery maze, live music on the weekends and more. Admission is $6 for ages 11 to 64, $12 for ages 1 to 10 and free for ages 64+ and children under 1. Be on the lookout for an “early bird special” on its website in early September. chesterspartybarn.fun

O R R F A M I LY F A R M SEPT. 24-NOV. 12 Admission includes activities such as hay rides, train rides, a corn maze, pumpkin patch and animal barnyard, jumping pillows, a carousel and more. Pony rides and homemade treats sold separately. Tickets can be purchased online for a discounted price; kids 2 and younger are free. orrfamilyfarm.com 32

SEPTEMBER 2022

P U M P K I N V I L L E AT T H E M Y R I A D B O TA N I C A L G A R D E N S OCT. 7-23 Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Pumpkinville boasts 30,000 pumpkins arranged in themed vignettes throughout the Children’s Garden.

Admission includes pumpkin murals, mums, cornstalks and haystacks, as well as unlimited activities such as Mo’s Carousel rides, pumpkin games (e.g., bowling, chess, reading time, crafts) and access to food trucks (food sold separately). Purchase pumpkins in the pumpkin patch area, and ride the Pumpkinville Express Train that travels throughout the gardens.

Tickets are $8; members and children 2 and younger are free. myriadgardens.org

W I N G S F A L L F E S T I VA L A N D P U M P K I N P A T C H SEPT. 30-OCT. 23 Wings Special Needs Community enhances the lives of adults with developmental disabilities through social, vocational and residential programs. Its biggest fundraising event of the year is the fall festival at its location in scenic Edmond. Tickets include unlimited hayrides, games, bounce house visits, pumpkin train rides, petting zoo entry, photo-ops and access to food trucks. A vast variety of pumpkins, gourds, hay bales and pansies is also available to purchase for your fall decorating needs. Tickets are $7 per person, or you can get a family-four-pack for $25. Check the website for special Saturday activities, and for more details. wingsok.org/festival

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SEPTEMBER 2022

FOOD & DRINK OKTOBERFEST

FA L L C O O K I N G C L A S S E S

The traditional German fall festival, filled with savory

As temperatures dip, our taste buds retreat from a light,

sausages, warm pretzels and, most importantly,

fruity summer palate to heartier fall flavors. David

cold beer, has inspired countless imitations, and

Crabtree, the general manager of Sur La Table in OKC,

Oklahoma City is host to several of these Bavarian

likens this shift in taste to hibernation — we want to

bashes. Fassler Hall in Midtown hosts an annual

conserve our energy and eat more food of substance.

Oktoberfest weekend complete with a stein hoisting

It can also be attributed to what produce is in season,

competition (who can hold a liter of beer parallel to

such as summer tomatoes giving way to winter squash

the ground the longest), a bratwurst eating contest

and pumpkins. If you’re interested in infusing these

and Dachshund (“weiner dog”) race. The town of Enid

fall staples into your own cooking, there are multiple

holds a First Friday celebration with beer gardens,

cooking classes in the 405 to help you learn.

live polka performances and loads of brats, strudels

Sur La Table will start offering an Oktoberfest-inspired

and bierock, a pastry stuffed with ground beef,

Baravian feast course Sept. 30, which features pork

cabbage and onions and then oven-baked. If you’re

schnitzel and spiced apple cake. It’ll also host a class in

wanting to tone down the festivities and simply savor

which students can craft pumpkin spice macarons — a

the flavors, trips to Ingrid’s or Royal Bavaria might

delicate French classic with an autumn twist. Vitamix

relieve your hankering.

sponsors a fall-themed course that lets students cook lemon thyme steak and a hazelnut cocoa spread with crepes using its blenders. Classes range from $89-99 and are held throughout the week and weekend.

Z O O B R E W, O K L A H O M A C I T Y ZO O

International Pantry in Norman will bring back its “Dinner and a Show” classes in early September in

SEPT. 30

time for the fall. Curious cooks can watch and learn how to create food from a wide range of cuisines

There are several times during the year when you can sip

including Italian, Mexican, Persian and American.

local beers in the Oklahoman air with like-minded craft

Every course is taught by local chefs who’ve launched

enthusiasts, but there’s only one ZOObrew. The yearly

and worked in 405 kitchens. The flavors aren’t all

fall fundraiser organized by the Oklahoma Zoological

uniquely autumnal, but the season is popular with

Society is billed as the state’s “largest outdoor beer

aspiring chefs. Sandy Brickman, one

tasting festival,” and it lets you taste selections from over

of the managers at International

55 Oklahoma breweries while you explore the OKC Zoo’s

Pantry, said the store’s classes fill up

wildlife. The fest’s 2,500-person capacity seems massive,

quickly as many students return year

but tickets sell out quick.

after year.

WINERIES Taking in the changing colors of fall trees is a blissful experience, but it’s better with a glass of wine in hand. Clauren Ridge Vineyard and Winery in Edmond lets you enjoy the autumn wonder of Oklahoma’s countryside with your favorite selections.

For a cozier mood, Strebel Creek Vineyard in OKC features a patio nestled in trees and a wide range of samples. The Flower Shop Winery & Pizzeria in Yukon covers both eat and drink, and its decorated outdoor space includes a stage for live music.

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HALLOWEEN H AU N T T H E ZO O OCT. 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30 9 A.M TO 4 P.M. Candy and camels? Sweets and lorikeets? This longtime Halloween tradition at the Oklahoma City Zoo is an amusing pairing, and it’s proven popular for both kids and adults.

Haunt the Zoo is Oklahoma’s oldest family trick-or-treat event, going on its 39th year, said Candice Rennels, the director of public relations at the zoo. “It’s pan-generational. Parents are bringing their kids, and they came trick-or-treating on the Haunt the Zoo trail when they were little.”

Kids travel through the zoo’s habitats where elaborately themed props and hand-painted backdrops decorate the trail and costumed volunteers give them treats. “We have Sasquatch, we have a giant bat at one

E XQ U I S I T E C O R P S E C O S T U M E B A L L , A R T S PA C E AT U N T I T L E D OCT. 29

of our booths and we have some new things coming out this year,” Rennels

This fifth annual fundraising event for the ARTSPACE at Untitled is inspired

said. Kids can also snatch sweets

by the surrealist art exercise of passing a sheet of paper among artists, each

from the bottom of an 8-foot-long

adding their unique contribution before folding and hiding their work from the

tube as volunteers drop candy in from

next person, resulting in a fantastical hodgepodge creation. The Deep Deuce

the top. The zoo will host hayrides

gallery expands this concept to larger linoleum, and 12 artists create three

and pumpkin painting sessions. In

interchangeable thirds of a body in a costumed celebration. With drinks, live

previous years, professional pumpkin

music, palm readings and a costume contest, this ball revels in the bizarre

carvers created impressive sculptures,

creativity that Halloween embodies. Tickets to the costume ball are $150

such as a realistically detailed elephant

for admission and five tokens for drinks and activities, and proceeds fund

in 2020. And, of course, there are

ARTSPACE’s free programming and high school mentorship program. The

plenty of animals for young ones to

resulting works will be displayed for free until Dec. 31.

discover along the course.

Rennels recommends buying zoo tickets beforehand online, and a purchase of a Haunt the Zoo bag is required to collect candy. There will also be another All Grown Up event Oct. 28 from 6 to 11 p.m., when adults 21 and older can enjoy a dance floor, bar and food trucks. For each event, costumes are encouraged to take part in the Halloween fun.

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SPOOKY & SCARY GUTHRIE HAUNTS SCAREGROUNDS FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS, SEPT. 16-NOV. 5 Just north of Guthrie, across a river and in an isolated field, lies the Guthrie Haunts ScareGrounds, with a grand and ghoulish concourse of jugglers, hula-hoopers, medieval combat fighters and scare actors. “It’s like a spooky carnival,” said owner and operator John James Pagonis. This waiting area is meant to occupy visitors as they wait for the main scare, and it also has food trucks, beer, a theater, a karaoke DJ and mechanical bull rides.

For hardcore scare-seekers, Guthrie Haunts offers touch

HAUNT THE RIVER, OKLAHOMA RIVER CRUISES OCT. 14-15, 21-22, 28-29

upgrades, which allows performers to interact with visitors, such as placing them in an electric chair or shackling them. For a little

This creepy cruise down the Oklahoma River is adorned

more, you can add fake blood.

in haunted decor. Nourish your spooky soul with a cash

The 2022 haunt is still under construction, but the season opens

bar, light snacks, Halloween music and a costume contest.

Sept. 16 with half price tickets ($10), and then continues every

Cruise tickets are $35, and riders must be 21+ to hop

Friday and Saturday until Halloween weekend, when it’ll be open

aboard the eerie boat.

Sunday and Monday as well. During the final weekend, Nov. 4-5, the lights will be turned off for visitors with epilepsy to enjoy the scares.

WICKED FOREST OF TERROR A meandering, wooded trail is this OKC haunt’s biggest draw. Its outdoor setting lends it a sweeping atmosphere of creepiness. Test your morbid curiosity by lying down in a closed casket that feeds you unsettling sensations, or bring your more adventurous kids to the attraction’s Tiny Terror nights, when they can walk through the spooky sets without scare actors or eerie sound effects. Regular tickets are $30, and the season begins Sept. 24 with every following Friday, Saturday and Sunday open for frights.

T W I ST E D M I N DZ H A U N T E D AT T R A C T I O N This growing haunt in Wheatland serves

M U R D E R M Y S T E R Y W E E K E N D S AT T H E STO N E L I O N I N N I N G U T H R I E FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHTS

striking scares at a reasonable price. With plenty of jumpscares and chainsaws, this

If solving a classic case of “Who done it?” intrigues you,

25-30 minute maze has ranked high with

head over to the Stone Lion Inn in Guthrie. Built in 1907,

local horror enthusiasts in the past few

this Victorian mansion hosts Murder Mystery dinners

years. Look out for the unofficial mascot

Friday and Saturday nights. Up to 40 guests can enjoy a

Pigman, who, according to the attraction’s

seven-course meal and then work together to untangle a

Facebook page, has been relaxing in the

hilariously twisted plot. One will be killed; one will be the

pool in hungry anticipation for the haunt

killer. The event lasts about four hours, depending on the

season. Tickets are $15 cash only, and the

group’s detective skills, but there’s no need to rush home:

scares start Sept. 30 and continue each

The Stone Lion Inn is a B&B.

Friday and Saturday of October.

facebook.com/StoneLionInnBNB/

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FA L L FOLIAGE B Y T R AV E L O K L A H O M A The changing of the seasons ushers in new opportunities

spicy fall colors on the Talimena National Scenic Byway.

for rest and recreation in Oklahoma when fall colors

Or explore the Arbuckle Lake and Chickasaw National

decorate the landscape. As the weather cools, Oklahoma

Recreation Area to gaze at nature’s magnificent colors

becomes the go-to place to experience glorious fall foliage

reflecting on the lake’s surface and lining the rippling

and family-friendly festivals.

creeks. Plan your fall escape during late October and the

Enjoy a scenic drive through one of the prime foliage areas with the windows down or hike through an outdoor

first week of November to catch the peak foliage displays.

The Oklahoma land produces a bountiful autumn

recreational area, watching as the autumn leaves seem to

harvest. So pack up the family and head out for some fun

change colors before your eyes. Meander across the tops

on the farm at pumpkin patches and giant cornfield mazes.

of ancient mountains and marvel at the breathtaking

Or, schedule a weekend getaway around one of the many

vistas as you overlook miles of rolling hills set ablaze with

fall festivals and celebrations across Oklahoma.

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SEPTEMBER 2022

1. Bolling Springs State Park

7. Martin Nature Center

2. Chickasaw National Recreation Area

8. Red Rock Adventure Park

3. Great Salt Plains State Park

10. Roman Nose State Park

4. Lake Murray State Park

9. Robbers Cave State Park 11. Miami to Tahlequah

5. Oologah Reservoir

12. Tahlequah to Sallisaw

6. Osage Hills State Park

13. Kiamichi Trace

14. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge 15. Broken Bow’s Hochatown (on our cover)

16. Talimena National Scenic Byway

M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N AT T R AV E L O K . C O M / F A L L _ F O L I A G E _ A N D _ F E S T I VA L S

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A TURNING POINT 40

FOR YOUTH

SEPTEMBER 2022

Pivot celebrates 50 years with Tiny Homes

WRIT TE N AND PHOTOS BY JAKE DURHAM

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U U N FAT H O M A B L E A S I T M AY B E I N

our high-income country, houselessness is still a growing issue in the United States. More than 550,000 Americans do not know where they will sleep tonight as of 2021. In 2020, it was estimated that more than 34,000 people without houses were children through young adults. Approximately 90% of those 34,000 people are between the ages of 18 and 24, and 50% of houseless youth are unsheltered — sleeping in a car, outside or in other places not intended for habitation.

In 1972, Youth Services for Oklahoma County was established, offering counseling services to youth in transition from the criminal justice system. Over time, needs changed, and in 2018, Youth Services of Oklahoma County rebranded and became Pivot. “Our vision is that no youth navigate alone, and we truly live to be a force for good, turning young lives around and giving them hope for a future,” said CEO and executive director Jennifer Goodrich.

Part of that vision was to provide housing for youth ages 16 through 25 who are in transition from the criminal justice system or aging out of foster care. “Pivot has worked with youth experiencing homelessness since the inception of our Supporting Kids in Independent Living program in 1997,” Goodrich said. “It started with community volunteers and Pivot recognizing that there is youth living independently with no parental or family support.”

Pivot’s Tiny Homes project provides affordable housing — while small, ranging from 280 to 320 square feet, they represent stability. “The rent structure caps out at $150,” Goodrich said.

“We also provide them access to our pantries for basic needs or other meal options. The homes come fully furnished. There is an onboarding process, an orientation, and they sign a lease. We want them to understand what they agree to, and it is a real-world experience they need to know.”

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Pivot's microcommunity of tiny homes

ABOVE:

Pivot CEO and executive director Jennifer Goodrich

LEFT:

The furnished interior of one of Pivot's homes

RIGHT:

"Our vision is that no youth navigate alone, and we truly live to be a force for good, turning young lives around and giving them hope for a future."

Built in a microscaled community, each home is vibrantly colored and uniquely designed. Residents can choose from several floor plans. The space is compact but efficient, encompassing a living area, entertainment and sleeping quarters, a kitchenette, a bathroom and storage. Each home is stylish, modern and functional. A 12.5-acre campus supports 20 homes with plenty of room to grow.

Funding for the program is through a mix of private and public sources.

Pivot was also incorporated in the original Metropolitan Area Projects Plan, or MAPS, as part of the homelessness initiative. “I always say this is a community built by a community, whether it was a designer decorating the home, different trades or trade schools providing services, donated tile, discounted paint and so much more,” Goodrich said.

Pivot offers other services in addition to housing, too. Through partnerships with organizations such as the United Way, Putnam City Schools and the Youth Homeless Alliance, residents are provided counseling, meals, tutoring, educational and emotional support systems and social activity. Pivot also tries to provide youth with a sense of accomplishment, pride, purpose and hope for the future. “We served over 2,000 youth last year on many different levels,” Goodrich said. “Pivot represents the desire to have real solutions to issues that face our community.”

To help or learn more about Pivot, please visit pivotok.org.

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Holiday Wishes G I F T

G U I D E

20 22

Showcase your best holiday gift idea(s) in this catalog-style promotional section for local retailers.

Available in our November and December issues, this section will reach readers during the heaviest shopping season of the year.

Private School Guide T H E FO L LOW I N G I S A L I STI N G OF A FEW OF THE ME TRO’S TOP PRIVATE S CHOOLS .

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Private School Guide Includes schools with 150 students or more

Heritage Hall

The Academy of Classical Christian Studies

North Oklahoma City Grades: PK-12

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School

Life Christian Academy

North Oklahoma City Grades: 9-12

Choctaw Grades: PK-12

Mount Saint Mary High School

Destiny Christian School

South Oklahoma City Grades: 9-12

Del City Grades: PK-12

Casady School

Crossings Christian School

North Oklahoma City Grades: PK-12

North Oklahoma City Grades: PK-12

Oklahoma Christian School North Edmond Grades: K-12

Westminster School North Oklahoma City Grades: PK-8

Bishop John Carroll Cathedral School

St. James Catholic School

Christ the King Catholic School

St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School

St. Eugene Catholic School

Sacred Heart Catholic School

North Oklahoma City Grades: PK-8

Nichols Hills Grades: PK-8

North Oklahoma City PK-8

North Oklahoma City Grades: PK-12

South Oklahoma City PK-8

Warr Acres Grades: PK-8

South Oklahoma City Grades: PK-8

Rosary School

North Oklahoma City Grades: PK-8

PROSPECTIVE PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT September 21 | 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Casady School’s Parent Ambassadors invite you to a Prospective Parents’ Night Out at Casady School. This event is a great opportunity to visit with Parent Ambassadors, Casady School’s Admission Team, and Division Directors to learn more about the Casady Community.

Parents only event | Come as you are Register by email: admission@casady.org

CASADY SCHOOL 9500 N. Pennsylvania ● Oklahoma City, OK 73120 | 405.749.3200 ● casady.org

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DINING GOOD TASTE 52

THE DISH 54

THE DRINK 56

LOCAL FLAVOR 58

A Decade at the Top

LEXI HOEBING

Vast celebrates 10 years of delicious food and scenic views. p. 50

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D I N I N G

Room at the Top Vast celebrates 10 years with elevated dining

BY G R E G H O R T O N P H O T O S BY L E X I H O E B I N G

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VAST ’S 10 T H BI RT H DAY IS an unsubtle reminder that the tower in the heart of downtown has only been open since October 2012.

That’s right. While it seems now like it’s always been there (with its “baleful eye of Sauron” and all the other jokes), the Devon Tower is only 10 years old, and it’s sharing a birthday with our top-of-the-city restaurant Vast.

“I think we are now what Vast was always supposed to be,” said Chef Kurt Fleischfresser, who’s been the director of operations since 2014. “When it opened, I think the goal was to be like Boulud or Masa — super high-end fine dining — but ultimately, it’s too big of a restaurant to do that.”

Fleischfresser is gracious in the way he discusses the first chapter.

In all honesty, Vast’s first two years weren’t great. An out-of-town team that didn’t really get Oklahoma City’s ethos or vibe tried to create something we’re not: cold, formal and a tad pretentious. The second chapter and the transformation into the place we love began when Coury Hospitality assumed operations in 2014 and turned Fleischfresser loose with his decades of experience, exceptional skills, homegrown hospitality and brigade of professional chefs, whom he trained and mentored in his Coach House days.

“I think we created a more attractive package,” Fleischfresser said.

“We made changes when we took over, like lowering wine prices 40%, adding art and lighting and changing the focus to regional cuisine.

We changed as much as we could to create an accessible fine dining restaurant.”

T hey succeeded, beginning with minimal rules about dress codes — helpful during summer heat waves — approachable fare, warm service and a focus on the beautiful bar. Over the years, they added a cocktail lounge that’s a bit more casual, gave bartenders input into the creative process, which immediately improved the cocktail program, and then added the Daily Table, a lunch buffet that more locals ought to know about.

“The modified fine dining hasn’t hurt us,” Fleischfresser said. “It works better given the setup of the restaurant because the windows are the focus, so we try to maximize the guest experience around the view.”

In other words, no army of white-gloved servers dropping plates in harmony like an unnecessary ballet. There’s no way to get

G O O D

TA S T E

Restaurant manager Evan Askey

Chocolate fauvet

behind a guest with a back to the wall to maximize the views from the windows. It doesn’t make sense in the space, and quite frankly, the service is more pleasant without such flourishes. Dinner feels like a long conversation with good wine and a view of the sunset (or storm!) and less like an anxiety attack related to silverware choices.

The menu shift brought more Southern, Oklahoma-centric and Gulf Coast food to the menu.

Those are Fleischfresser’s specialties, along with French cuisine, a skill set that occasionally shows up in items like the chocolate fauvet or dauphinoise potatoes (the same ones from the Coach House days and still worth the price of admission). Executive Chef Paul Langer helms the kitchen, which is as vast as the name suggests.

Banquets are handled by a different culinary team, which free Langer and his brigade to focus on dinner service.

The menu is focused, not sprawling, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, including No Name Ranch beef from Wynnewood.

Specialities like seared Gulf shrimp and the pan-seared rack of lamb (smoked first) never cycle off the menu, but Langer adds and subtracts items seasonally, too. Vast also specializes in two other items as different as dishes can be: bone marrow, which is the best in the city, and vegan dishes, which are as thoughtful and delicious as the rest of the menu. Fleischfresser hasn’t survived and thrived for 44 years in the industry without being adaptable, and he embraced vegan diners quickly and without complaint.

“We want all our guests to have the same high quality experience,” he said. “Vegetarian and vegan food was bad for years — mostly steamed vegetables or a salad made as an afterthought.

Restaurants have come around, and there is no reason why we shouldn’t be approaching these

“I think we’re an asset to the city. I think we really are a place where you can show off Oklahoma City.”

dietary preferences with the same care and quality we apply to all diner preferences.”

The bar also caters to different tastes, with excellent cocktails, a solid beer list, great top shelf options and an unsurprisingly excellent wine list.

Fleischfresser’s wine acumen is underappreciated by those who only know him as a chef or culinary director. His skill with wine is on display in the wine list, which ranges all over the world to major and emerging wine regions. Evan Askey is the restaurant manager, and Fleischfresser is quick to lob compliments his way.

“He just keeps getting better and better, and so does our bar program because of him,” Fleischfresser said. “Our cocktail sales are booming, and he takes input from all the bartenders, which leads to a better, more creative cocktail program.”

Vast was always meant to be a place OKC diners could be proud of, a place where you take family or friends when they’re visiting, a destination for engagements, birthdays, anniversaries — all the hallmark dates that require excellence and memorable experiences.

“I think we’re an asset to the city,” Fleischfresser said. “I think we really are a place where you can show off Oklahoma City.”

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T H E

D I N I N G

D I S H

Breakfast Between Bread Delicious local sandwiches to start your day

BY G R E G H O R T O N P H O T O BY L E X I H O E B I N G

I T ’ S T I M E T O TA L K A BOU T T H E return of the breakfast sandwich. Once America discovered the perfection of the breakfast taco and the delicious convenience of the breakfast burrito, breakfast sandwiches started disappearing from menus. The exceptions were places like New York City, where concepts from bodegas to bistros offer busy commuters foil-wrapped simplicity in the form of white/sourdough bread, orange cheese, egg and bacon, and the consuming public has a long-cultivated reverence for this simple, tasty meal. Fortunately for metro diners, the form is making a comeback in the 405, and we’re here for it.

Cafe 501’s (cafe501.com) Chef Joel Wingate went the biscuit route with his tenderloin and smoked gouda cheese sandwich. He makes the creme fraiche biscuits from scratch and adds chimichurri aioli. It’s a delicious mess.

Harvey Bakery & Kitchen opened at 301 NW 13th St. with two classic breakfast sandwiches on its menu: the BEC and the SEC. Perhaps because it shared a name with the hated (until OU joins) collegiate conference, the sausage, egg and cheese disappeared from the menu board. The good news is that if you walk up to the counter and ask for it, they’ll still make it, and if you ask for it on one of Harvey’s freshly baked English muffins, they’ll do that too. The genius, though, is the blending of American and cheddar cheeses to round out the sandwich.

Hatch’s (1101 N. Broadway Ave.) Incredible Eggwich is incredible because of pepper jam and jalapeño sourdough. Smoked cheddar punches up the flavor, and you can get it with hollandaise or opt for the more handheld route by subbing bacon for sauce.

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The BLT with egg at Neon

Neighborhood Jam (thatsmyjamok.com) has its own B.E.L.T., but it’s finished with sriracha mayo and served on ciabatta. For vegetarians, they’ll sub a whole avocado, presumably for the bacon, but pick your own modifications.

Neon, at 1742 NW 16th St. in the Plaza District, is another place where it’s fun (for guests) to play with modifications. The coffee and donut shop from Rachel Cope’s 84 Hospitality offers a few items that aren’t donuts, including a breakfast burrito and two breakfast sandwiches, the latter on unsweetened donut “bread.” The ideal way to order (for the guest) is to add an egg to the BLT or to add bacon to the egg and Havarti cheese sandwich.

It can be nap-inducing, but who doesn’t love a nap?

Scratch – Paseo’s (605 NW 28th St.) James Beard Award-nominated Chef Zach Hutton turned his potato bun into a loaf and

sliced it into Texas toast for his sandwich.

He used American cheese — it’s the meltiest — bacon and soft-scrambled eggs, and he’s thinking about calling the bread Oklahoma toast “because Texas shouldn’t get any credit.”

Social Deck and Dining at 1933 NW 23rd St. serves brunch-y fare on its regular menu, in addition to more traditional dinner options. The B.E.L.T. is its version of the classic breakfast sandwich. The abbreviation tells the tale: bacon, egg, butter lettuce and tomato with deviled egg mayo. That last bit is what makes this a must-try option in the metro.

Sunnyside Diner (eatatsunnyside.com) has a B.E.L.T. as well, but the L.A. Ham and Cheese for breakfast also deserves your attention. It’s a delicious combination of cream-cheese-scrambled eggs, smoky ham, spinach, jalapeños and tomatoes, all topped with cheddar and avocado.

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320 N W 10 T H S T • O K L A H O M A C I T Y • 4 0 5. 7 78 . 68 0 0

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SAME DAY CROWNS BOTOX IMPLANTS INVISALIGN DENTURES 4056325561

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8283 S WALKER AVE, STE A OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73139

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D I N I N G

T H E

D R I N K

Honor the Agave Two new tequila brands have arrived in Oklahoma, offering stellar expressions of agave

BY G R E G H O R T O N

E DUA R D O “ L A L O ” G ON Z A L E Z IS T H E GR A N D S ON OF Julio Gonzalez Estrada, better known to tequila lovers as Don Julio. His grandfather pioneered premium tequila, and his father — the first Lalo — continued that tradition. Now a third-generation tequila producer, Lalo thanks his grandfather for the inspiration to continue, and the Lalo on the label of his tequila is for his father, not himself.

“I drew inspiration from grandfather, but you never know you’re passionate about something until you’re doing it,” Lalo said.

Lalo and his friend David Rodriguez Carballido made a small-batch tequila for a family event in Guadalajara, Jalisco. The two focused on the blanco style because, as Lalo put it, they want to honor the agave. It’s the company philosophy today, too.

“This agave takes six or seven years to mature for harvest, and then producers throw additives and flavors at it rather than pursuing a true expression of agave,” Gonzalez said.

Producers are allowed to add flavors and other non-agave additives to tequila as long as the total doesn’t exceed one percent of the liquid in the 54

SEPTEMBER 2022

bottle. Many tequila producers, including premium producers, will add vanilla or sweeteners to their mix, presumably to appeal to consumers more used to shooting than sipping.

In 2017, Gonzalez and Carbadillo met Jim McDermott — now a partner — at a wedding. McDermott assured them that their tequila was special and said he could help with distribution in the U.S. The team chose an unusual path, though: They would only make blanco tequila.

“People think you have to do every style — blanco, reposado, añejo — but I tell them to look at what Tito’s has done making one kind of vodka,” Lalo said. “You can focus on one thing and do it well.”

And Lalo Tequila is done very well. The blue agave comes through on the palate, and the finish is clean. The price point, about $40, makes it a steal among premium tequilas.

Also arriving in Oklahoma this year is Tequila Cabal, a partnership of Dustin Schweitzer and Everardo Gonzalez. (Schweitzer’s wife Samantha is a Yukon native.) The tequila is produced in Amatitan, Jalisco, and like Lalo, it’s designed to showcase the blue agave, but it does so in four distinct expressions: blanco, reposado, añejo and extra añejo.

Cabal is easy to spot on a shelf thanks to the beautiful horse-head bottle, a nod to the caballeros who are the inspiration for the name. It’s no gimmick, because inside the bottle is one of the best tequilas available anywhere: agave-forward, rich, clean and very approachable. For creative cocktails built around both of these brands, head for Palo Santo at 1203 SW 2nd St. in OKC, where tequila’s biggest fan, Bailey Butler, can craft you a delicious, imaginative cocktail that shows off the tequila’s nuances and flavor profile.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Lalo Gonzalez

secret supper W I T H

4 0 5

M A G A Z I N E

6 Courses. 6 Chefs. 1 Unforgettable Evening.

We’re excited to introduce: Secret Supper presented by Cadillac, an adventurous and intentional culinary experience.

September 29, 2022 Find tickets at: shop.405magazine.com/products/secretsupper

D I N I N G

Supreme Sweet Treats Around OKC 10 dessert destinations you should try now

BY G R E G H O R T O N | P H O T O BY L E X I H O E B I N G

Mexican hot chocolate cheesecake at Frida Southwest

T H E R E I S N E V E R A B A D T I M E F O R D E S S E R T. Sure, for some people it’s “not my thing,” but even the most steadfast holdout will cave occasionally. For them and the rest of us, we wanted to feature restaurants that do dessert very well. Since

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so many good local restaurants use seasonal menus, it’s hard to recommend a specific dessert at several local favorites, but we can say — based on their history — that these are 10 Dessert Destinations You Should Try Now.

LO C A L

F L AVO R

Still Using Chain Pharmacies?

Florence’s Restaurant, 1437 NE 23rd St., OKC No matter how many times we say “get the pear pie,” it’s not enough. Go get the pear pie … with ice cream, of course.

Frida Southwest, 500 Paseo, OKC An absolute gem in the city, Frida boasts what may be the best dessert menu in OKC, thanks largely to the work of Chef Rachel Porter. The Mexican hot chocolate cheesecake is a fixture, so start there.

The Hamilton, 12232 N. May Ave., OKC Chef Stephanie Miller is another one of those chefs who can seemingly do everything from appetizers to desserts, and if you’ve never had the fresh-baked cookies or one of her cobblers, fix that immediately.

La Baguette Bistro, 7408 N. May Ave., OKC With enough options from its bakery to fill this page, La Baguette has been a dessert destination for decades. From tarts to chocolates and cakes to mousses, there is no bad choice at this French bistro.

The Metro Wine Bar & Bistro, 6418 N. Western Ave., OKC Honestly, the “subtitle” to this Western Avenue institution could be “Where Bread Pudding is an Art Form.” But so is the lemon tart and everything else that comes out of LaVeryl Lower’s kitchen.

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Milo, 6201 N. Western Ave., OKC If it were possible, the pear fried pie with goat cheese crema should be a year-round dish, but it’s not, so just trust that Chef Josh Valentine knows what he’s doing.

Patrono, 305 N. Walker Ave., OKC Behold: an Italian joint that really nails dessert. Chef Ashley Gonzalez is as adept at desserts as she is the grill, so if you have a chance to try one of her budinos or limoncello cheesecakes, don’t say no.

Scratch – Norman 132 W. Main St., Norman Chef Luke Fry has been busy all year making his presence felt on Main Street in Norman. He tends to improve every restaurant he works in and every part of the menu. Stop in and see what he’s working on, but also know the key lime pie is always excellent.

Signature Grill, 1317 E. Danforth Rd., Edmond Chef Clay Falkner has never received all the attention he deserves, which is unfortunate. This Edmond spot has stellar food across the board, including the dessert menu, which always has a creme brulee option.

Vast, 333 W. Sheridan Ave., OKC As noted in Good Taste this issue (pg. 50), Chef Paul Langer’s kitchen produces excellent food, and when your job is to be one of the city’s destination restaurants, that means crafting beautiful desserts, too.

We hope the chocolate fauvet never goes away, but there is always something else delicious to capture your attention.

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For three decades, Dr. Holsaeter has practiced surgery with a focus on colon, gastrointestinal, gallbladder, mininally invasive laparoscopic, lap band procedures for weight loss, hernia and thyroid surgeries. Dr. Holsaeter is originally from Norway and received his medical degree from Eberhardt Karls University in Germany and completed his residency at Texas Tech University of Health Sciences Center. Dr. Holsaeter also served in the 654th Medical Group at Tinker Air Force Base. He is a Fellow with the American College of Surgeons and is fluent in German, Norwegian and English.

Dr. Eldridge focuses on hernia repair, laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery, minimally invasive gastrointestinal surgery, gallbladder, robotic assisted surgery and surgical oncology. He was born in Chicago and grew up in the Midwest. After graduating summa cum laude with degrees in biology and philosophy at Wittenberg University in Ohio, he attended medical school at Georgetown University and graduated with honors. Completed residency at Wright State University in Dayton, OH and fellowship in surgical endoscopy at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Cleveland, OH. Dr. Eldridge also served with the 49th med group at Holloman AirForce Base in New Mexico. He is a member of the American College of Surgeons, the American Medical Association and other professional and charitable organizations.

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C U LT U R E ARTS 68

TRAVEL 72

IN CONVO WITH 74

LOOKING BACK 76

ONE MORE THING 78

Pen Pal

CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

An invitation to Jade Urash’s stationery shop in Midtown p.74

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A Perfect Fit OVAC’s lively 12x12 celebration

BY L AV I N I A C R E S WA

W I T H A M IS SION T O “ G ROW A N D develop Oklahoma’s visual arts community through education, promotion, connection and funding” while building public interest in the arts, the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC) has been a huge part of the state’s arts community since 1988. Its work in supporting Oklahoma’s artists, creative community and educators has been fundamental in demonstrating how art improves quality of life, adds value and provides a positive economic impact across the state.

Each September, OVAC hosts its biggest fundraiser of the year: The 12x12 Art Fundraiser is a one-night affair featuring art by 175 of Oklahoma’s finest artists. Each piece will be up for auction with a starting bid of $200 but also has a “buy it now” 66

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price for patrons who fall in love and want to skip the auction, which ensures the artwork ends up in their home. Each piece must conform to 12-by-12inch dimensions but otherwise is completely up to each artist’s discretion. This year, 12x12 will feature about 50 pieces by new names and talents from across the state while the other pieces will be contributed by returning artists.

The money raised through the 12x12 event usually accounts for over 20% of OVAC’s annual budget and goes directly to its Grants for Artists program. Artists can apply for four grants: one for basic professional materials, one for travel and educational opportunities, one for jumpstarting creative projects and presenting them in an art show, and one for community art projects. Alexa Goetzinger, development director at OVAC, said, “Our Grants for Artists program is essential for Oklahoma artists to make their practice more professional, receive new education and take that next step forward in their careers. OVAC was founded to provide funding for individual artists, and in the 34 years since then, we have awarded almost $1 million to artists through

OVAC announced in July that Rebecca Kinslow has been named its new executive director. Kinslow, an Oklahoma native, spent almost 18 years in Nashville, where she served as the director of community and organizational development at Metro Arts. Before that, she received her Master of Science in nonprofit leadership from the University of Pennsylvania and served as the director of community education at Watkins College of Art. Kinslow is committed to promoting and advancing the visual arts across Oklahoma in this new position.

OKLAHOMA VISUAL ARTS COALITION

The 12x12 Art Fundraiser helps OVAC provide grants to local artists.

A R T S

Artist Ashley Showalter

Staff for 2021’s 12x12 fundraiser

Its work in supporting Oklahoma’s artists, creative community and educators has been fundamental in demonstrating how art improves quality of life, adds value and provides a positive economic impact across the state. grants, awards and art sales. This would not be possible without our community’s support through the 12x12.”

This year’s 12x12 Art Fundraiser will be held Friday, Sept. 16 at Lively Beerworks, 815 SW 2nd St. near downtown OKC. The festivities include live music, light bites and a silent auction of prizes from local businesses in addition to the art auction and exhibition.

“OVAC’s 12x12 Art Fundraiser is an incredible display of Oklahoma’s artistic talent throughout the state,” Goetzinger said.

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For more information on the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition, visit its website at ovac-ok.org; to buy tickets to 12x12, visit 12x12ok.org 405MAGAZINE.COM

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BigLeague Bulls Oklahoma’s first professional bull riding team saddles up

BY J A K E D U R H A M

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Oklahoma Freedom at a preseason event in Tryon, North Carolina

sional athletes. But a great deal of concentration, training and dedication accompanies the sport, and these are the requirements of a winning team. “So imagine you have 40 bull riders,” said Bates.

“There are eight teams and five men per team. Five bulls are randomly drawn to a team. Teams then determine which bull fits which rider best. Then rider confidence level and structure change for the athlete, which gives them a format to get better from a physical fitness and business standpoint.”

PBR seasons are not as long as those of other professional sports, with just 11 events. This

eliminates the need for athletes to be centrally located, unlike an MLB, NBA or NFL team. PBR team members are also independent contractors, enabling athletes to compete at different events in the off-season if they choose.

“For the first time, rodeo and bull riding athletes are going to have a lot of the same structure that other major league sports athletes currently have at their disposal,” said Bates. “This includes access to better mental health and psychological training.”

This year’s Oklahoma Freedom lineup includes some familiar Oklahoma faces and a few new

ones. Led by former professional rodeo cowboy and experienced bull rider Cord McCoy, the team will hold its inaugural Oklahoma Freedom Fest homestand Sept. 16-18 at the Paycom Center. “It’s probably the purest and raw form of sport out there,” said Bates. “There’s no off switch. No one says, ‘Oh my gosh, this is too dangerous, and we have got to stop it right now.’

Once you nod your head and that gate opens, it’s like you are out there with a shark.”

Visit pbr.com/teams/freedom/ to learn more about the upcoming schedule and team roster.

ANDRE SILVA/PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDING

A BU L L R I DER EN T ER S the chute. It can seem like an eternity as they prepare themselves for the ride — mental anguish wars with excitement. The rider wraps one hand into the bull rope. When ready, the rider nods, and a gateman opens the chute. What happens next is anyone’s guess.

While some might consider it an Old West relic or small-town entertainment, those passionate about bull riding view it as their livelihood and a sport unlike any other. One team hopes to change the way people view bull riding altogether.

The Oklahoma Freedom is the state’s first-ever professional bull riding team, and general manager Brandon Bates knows, hands down, that he has assembled the finest pro athletes to represent Oklahoma and the sport. “We don’t just want these guys to become better overall athletes,” said Bates. “We want them to live better lives, eat better food, practice better nutrition and have mental training.”

For years, there has been a stigma surrounding bull riding, and people tend not to view riders as profes-

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CU LT U R E

Mile High Magic Destination: Denver for sights, sounds and sensational flavors

BY G R E G H O R T O N

A F T E R 2 016 , T R AV E L T O DE N V E R BY A I R G O T much easier, as the city opened the A Line that runs from Denver International Airport right to downtown. Previously, that part of the trip had felt like an interstate journey all by itself, especially for uninitiated drivers, but now the rail drops travelers into the heart of one of Denver’s premier entertainment districts.

Denver functions as a hub for Colorado vacation travel with its proximity to skiing, camping, hunting, fishing and other outdoor activity destinations, as well as the world-famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The city also boasts one of the country’s best microbrewery cultures, new distilleries and a food scene that has drawn much-deserved international attention in the past decade. Denver is also known as a sports town, and the excellent public transportation makes it easy to catch a game.

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Where to Stay

Where to Play

The Maven Hotel. This 172-room boutique hotel is spacious and welllit — much of it natural light — and boasts one of the most striking bars in the city in the Poka Lola Social Club. Brilliant modern design meets old world charm all through the hotel, and the touches of art throughout feel as if they’re part of the hotel and not an afterthought.

The Maven’s location puts you adjacent to some of Denver’s busiest attractions, including Coors Field and the LoDo and LoHi neighborhoods.

Larimer Square. Walking distance from The Maven, this historic street — Denver’s first commercial district — has buildings that date to the city’s founding. Now the district is full of restaurants, bars and entertainment options, plus enough boutiques and specialty shops for a full day of shopping.

40 West Artline. Denver’s weather is famously mild (most of the time) from spring through fall, so take advantage of comfortable temps and beautiful blue skies to go on a 4-mile outdoor art excursion.

You can also rent bikes and hit the paths to enjoy fence art, murals, sculptures and even some interactive exhibits.

Five Points Historic Cultural District. Like many cities in the United States, Denver has its own

VISIT DENVER

The Rocky Mountains create a scenic backdrop for Denver’s skyline.

T R AV E L

Ultreia’s dishes are as beautiful as they are delicious.

16TH STREET MALL: REBECCA TODD; LARIMER SQUARE: NIKKI A. RAE; ULTREIA FOOD: JONI SCHRANTZ; ULTREIA BAR: DAN AND ZORA AVILA

Dining, drinking and entertainment options abound in downtown.

Larimer Square

checkered past with the city’s Black residents. In 2002, Five Points, a historically Black neighborhood, was declared a historic district, and residents and organizations have worked hard to turn it into an educational destination as well as an entertainment district. The absolute must-do is the Rossonian Hotel, which much like OKC’s Deep Deuce District, was the gathering place for the best jazz musicians of the age.

Molly Brown’s House. History nerds of all kinds will love this anchor of Historic Denver. Once home to Titanic survivor (yes, the

Ultreia in Denver’s Union Station’s mural-covered dining space

unsinkable woman) Molly Brown, the house now tells the story of Brown’s lifelong advocacy for women’s rights and the poor.

Day trips. Denver is close enough to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park and Boulder that it would be a shame not to take at least one day trip to these stunning locations. Whether you want to shop or dine in Boulder and Estes Park or see all the natural beauty on display in Rocky Mountain National Park, the trip can be done and have you back at the hotel in time for dinner.

Where to Eat

Frasca is a partnership between Chef Lachlan Patterson and master sommelier Bobby Stuckey, who opened the restaurant as a way to showcase wine and food from Italy’s Friuli region. The best experience is just to purchase one of the tasting menu options and trust these two experts to guide you through their favorite food and wine region of Italy.

Safta. Chef Alon Shaya brought Israeli cuisine to Denver in 2018 when he opened Safta in the RiNo neighborhood. The lamb

shank is the star of the menu, but take the culinary journey with baba ghanoush, fresh pita and hummus first.

Ultreia. If Frasca belongs on the Mount Rushmore of Denver dining, this Spanish and Portuguese tapas joint deserves space alongside it. Jennifer Jasinski and Beth Gruitch have created a brilliant culinary experience around food that is as beautiful and striking as the mural and terrazzo f looring that are the backdrops for this excursion through southern Europe.

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Chirps & Cheers owner Jade Urash

W H E T H E R YOU C R AV E A message that’s sweet or salty, the paper goods at Chirps & Cheers are sure to satisfy. Through a carefully designed and curated collection, owner Jade Urash appeals to all tastes within her Midtown Plaza Court shop. Her self-described “sweet” cards are filled with f lower y images or lovely sentiments while her “salty” items contain a dash of naughty language or snarky humor.

Colorful stationery, journals, calendars and planners — as well as oodles of writing utensils — also line the shelves. In addition, Chirps & Cheers offers customized gifts, personalized invitations, gift-wrapping services and in-store workshops. We recently spoke with Urash about the shop and her love for pens and paper.

How would you describe Chirps & Cheers?

One of the best compliments I got was when someone told me, “This store feels like an adult Scholastic Book Fair.” I could not have nailed the vibe that I’m going for any better than that.

Online you describe yourself as a “pen and paper nerd.” Why’s that?

When I was a kid, I could care less about my first day of school outfit. It was way more important what school supplies I had. I remember being particular about what kind of pencil I had. There are just so many cute and fun little things in the stationery world; it has always been fun to collect them.

Jade Urash: Write On Three cheers for pens, paper and Chirps & Cheers

BY E V I E K LO P P H O L Z E R P H O T O S BY C H A R L I E N E U E N S C H WA N D E R

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In the age of texts and emails, what role does a hand-written note play?

When you are writing something by hand, you really have to think about what you are trying to say, because you can’t just hit the

I N

CO N VO

W I T H

Whipped soap is Honestly Margo’s latest product, available in all of their signature aromas.

My goal is that when people walk in, they see themselves in the items we carry. Whether that’s who they love or how they identify, I want people to feel accepted and see themselves represented in the cards – things that they may not see at other stores.

backspace and delete what you just wrote. You have to be intentional. There’s also a longevity when something is written down. Most of us don’t keep special text messages, but we do keep special things that were written. I was very close to my grandmother, and I have all of the letters that she wrote to me.

What do you like most about your work?

I have a client; we just sent their second baby announcement off to be printed. We did their save the date, wedding invitation, first baby announcement, and now we’re doing a baby announcement for their second baby — all of this over five years. So that aspect is really fun.

I also love when someone comes in and says, “Oh my gosh! You carry this kind of pen? This is my favorite pen, and I’ve never seen this color in a store.” They are grabbing something that is $2, and it just made their day.

What motivates you to carry a wide variety of items?

We really pride ourselves on being inclusive, and we welcome all kinds of clients. My goal is that when people walk in, they see themselves in the items we carry. Whether that’s who they love or how they identify, I want people to feel accepted and see themselves represented in the cards – things that they may not see at other stores.

There are plenty, plenty, plenty of f lowery cards out there, and there’s certainly a time and place for that. We’re trying to represent the other [types].

Sometimes, you just want to say “This sucks,” and a card that says “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” is just not the sentiment you want. You know, sometimes you just want to be real. We are here for that.

Do you have a favorite pen?

Yes! Muji pens are my favorite thing in the whole world.

For details about Chirps & Cheers’ products and services, go to chirpsandcheers.com.

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B A C K

Coach Bud’s Legacy Midcentury icon Bud Wilkinson remains a towering figure in Sooners history

BY M E L I S S A M E R C E R H O W E L L

THE U NIV ERSIT Y OF Oklahoma football program owes much of its legacy as a sports powerhouse to the year 1953. It was the year head coach Bud Wilkinson and a cadre of all-star players unleashed a 47-game winning streak that smashed NCAA records and remains a record today.

But it wasn’t just the winning streak and three national titles that made Wilkinson one of the greatest coaches in NCAA history. He was a brilliant strategist with media savvy, and his players loved him.

“Most successful coaches incite enough envy to make enemies,” a New York Times columnist wrote in 1964. “Bud has none and yet he 76

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may have been the most successful coach of this generation. The cynics will say of other coaches, ‘He’s great, but …’ With Wilkinson, there are no ‘buts.’”

Charles Burnham “Bud” Wilkinson was born in 1916 in Minneapolis. He attended the University of Minnesota, where he played football and obtained a degree in English in 1937. He enlisted in the Navy during World War II and served aboard the USS Enterprise, where he aided in the battles of Iwo Jima and Midway.

W hi le ser v ing, he beca me acquainted with two coaches who would be pivotal in his career: Don Faurot and Jim Tatum. Faurot

was head coach at the University of Missouri and is credited with inventing the Split T offensive for mation, which Wilk inson learned while coaching naval teams with him and later perfected at OU, said Justin Lenhart, museum curator at the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. Meanwhile, Tatum left the Navy and was named head coach at OU in 1946, and he hired Wilkinson as an assistant coach.

Tatum left OU a year later, and the 31-year-old Wilkinson took the top coaching spot.

By 1953, W i l k i n s on h a d earned adulation from OU’s administration. He led the Sooners to a 31-game winning streak that

included a national championship in 1950 and a Heisman Trophy won by halfback Billy Vessels.

“Adding to Wilkinson’s list of impressive credentials was the fact that the Sooners had never lost in conference play during his tenure as the head coach … it had taken a wise strategist like Paul “Bear” Bryant (then at Kentucky before becoming an Alabama legend) to shatter America’s longest winning streak,” wrote author Jim Dent in his book The Undefeated.

But in fall 1953, the OU squad was f lagging. An early loss to Notre Dame and a tie a week later against Pittsburgh left the Sooners coaching staff scratching their heads.

Something must change. By the third game of the season against Texas, Wilkinson had dissected the offense and recalibrated with defensive end Gene Dan Calame as quarterback. The strategy worked with a 19-14 win over the Longhorns. The OU juggernaut would not fall again until Nov. 16, 1957, in a 0-7 home loss to Notre Dame.

Wilkinson retired from OU in 1964. “He did a lot at Oklahoma that people don’t fully appreciate,” Lenhart said. “He was one of the first to get players together in dorm rooms. He pioneered the Sunday coach’s show on television.

“When he was asked later in life about his accomplishments,” Lenhart said, “he didn’t talk about winning streaks and national titles. He said it was breaking the color barrier in 1957 (at OU). Bear Bryant didn’t integrate in Kentucky or Alabama until 1960.

Texas wasn’t doing it. Arkansas wasn’t doing it. It was a big deal.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF OKLAHOMA HISTORY CENTER AND THE OKLAHOMAN

Heading toward the dressing room with a comfortable halftime lead of 28-8 are coach Bud Wilkinson and the 1962 Sooner squad.

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T H I N G

Defining the New ‘Normall’ TEDxOklahomaCity helps reframe normality after COVID

BY J A K E D U R H A M

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“Our speakers often draw from the Oklahoma Standard in their talks, and ask people what it reflects to see all people in our city thrive. While other events often talk about humanity at large, there is a special interest in caring for our neighbors in Oklahoma.” draw from the Oklahoma Standard in their talks and ask people what it reflects to see all people in our city thrive. While other events often talk about humanity at large, there is a special interest in caring for our neighbors in Oklahoma.”

This year’s TEDxOklahomaCity, which will be held Sept. 9, is themed “Normall” — with an intentional misspelling that highlights the word “all.” Since March 2020, society has attempted to redefine what a “new normal” might look like in the complex, ever-changing wake of the COVID pandemic. However, how do we define what “normal” is? It’s a subjective concept, and people tend to define normalcy as it relates to what isn’t abnormal. TEDxOklahomaCity hopes to delve into all the versions of normal that different people hold.

“Having faced significant disruption the past 2.5 years, we want to explore, ‘What does normal look like going forward as a community?’”

Skidmore said.

Speakers for “Normall” include Jeremie Kubicek, Les Thomas Sr., Jenny Nguyen, Kori Hall, Mike Hearne, Eric Muhizi, Taylor Doe, Debreon Davis, Perry Lott and Natalie Kent. “We reach out to speakers who we believe have a message connected to our theme,” Skidmore said. “Our speakers represent themes that will lead to a better community together. All of our speakers this year are based in OKC. In previous years, we have brought in speakers from across the U.S.; however, with our theme of ”Normall,” we wanted to highlight local voices leading in the spheres of technology, education and design.”

Since 2019, the Tower Theatre at 425 NW 23rd St. has hosted TEDxOklahomaCity. Tickets prices for “Normall” range from $45-$195. Doors open at 8 a.m., and showtime is 9 a.m.

For more information about TEDxOklahomaCity, visit tedxoklahomacity.com

JORDAN MOBLEY/TEDXOKLAHOMACITY

TED — TECHNOLOGY, ENTERTAIN MENT and Design — started 30 years ago as a fourday conference in California. Since then, it has expanded to promote its objective of sharing “ideas worth spreading” through a number of activities, especially TED Talks. Through video presentations and live speakers, these events share information that spark deep discussion and form connections within a small group. The organization welcomes people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of our world.

TED invites leading thinkers and doers from around the globe to present for 18 minutes or less at its two TED Conferences held annually in Vancouver, British Columbia. Most of these speeches are made freely accessible to the public on TED.com. Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Nandan Nilekani,Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Sal Khan are just a few notable individuals who have spoken at TED conferences.

Elsewhere, TEDx is a grassroots program designed to continue the spirit of TED on a smaller scale through independently organized events that bring the international concept to local communities. Event directors agree to follow a provided model and are given instructions for curation, speaker coaching, event planning and more. David Skidmore and Bryan Clifton are event co-organizers for the 405’s regional TED variant, TEDxOklahomaCity, and Clifton is also the curator for this local yearly event.

“The messages shared at TEDxOklahomaCity often end up on the TED platform, as they are ‘ideas worth spreading,’” Skidmore said. “One of the beautiful things about Oklahoma is that our speakers have been pioneers in their industries over the last three events. Our speakers often

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@ R AC HE LWA R E 1 2 7 on the Plaza District’s ongoing construction to upgrade accessibility and aesthetics in the area.

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