March 2025 Issue

PICTURESQUE

SPRING

HIGH

HOME

TEA

DESIGN

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VO LUME 11 ISSUE 0 3

F E AT U R E S

NONESUCH

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Distinctive Dining

Bon Appetit

Establishments offering memorable meals and unforgettable atmospheres in the 405

Numerous OKC chefs earn semifinalist nods in the 2025 James Beard Awards

MARCH 2025

Furniture & design for sophisticated living. henryinteriors.com | Brookhaven Village • 3720 W Robinson St • Norman, OK | 405.321.1000 | @HenryHomeInteriors

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D E PA R T M E N T S

VOLUM E 1 1 I SSU E 03

Dining 52 GOOD TASTE The Crain’s bar/restaurant balance

Culture 56 ARTS Soar to the 99s Museum

Trending

58 IN CONVO WITH Parking The Flower Truck

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PERSON OF INTEREST Cleats for Kids shares the wealth

60 LOOKING BACK A storied southern OK spring

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STYLE Perennial staples for spring

62 ONE MORE THING Support for local startups

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SOCIAL HOUR People and events in the 405 8

20 HEALTH Get your colon checked

FROM THE EDITOR

64 WHAT’S ONLINE

Home

ON THE COVER

Inspiration from the garden makes tea time an inviting treat.

Photo by Sara Stewart. Designed

by Megan Pittman, food styled

by Britta Newton-Tarron, florals from Flower Truck and food provided and prepared by Chef Andrew Black.

24 MOODBOARDS A collection of inspirations 26 GATHERINGS Setting the table for tea 30 ENTERTAINING 101 A fanciful and fun party fit for a princess CORRECTIONS 32 DESIGN A home to welcome a new baby 4

MARCH 2025

Photos of Mary Eddy's in the February issue were taken

by The House Creates. We regret the error.

NOW OPEN IN OKC! B O O K N O W AT O K A N A R E S O R T . C O M . 4 0 5 M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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PUBLISHER

Kendall Morgan Hammack kendall.morgan@405magazine.com

DIRECTOR OF B U S I N E S S D E V E LO P M E N T

Drew Smith

drew.smith@405magazine.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Julie Partin

julie.partin@405magazine.com

AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E

Vanda Holland

vanda.holland@405magazine.com

ART DIRECTOR

Jarred Schuetze jarred@405magazine.com

COPY EDITOR

Steve Gill

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Kayden Anderson Emma Rowland

READER SERVICES

405 Magazine 1216 N Blackwelder Ave., Suite 13, Oklahoma City, OK 73106 Phone 405.806.0672 405magazine.com BACK ISSUES

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PHOTOGRAPHY

PRESIDENT

Kimberly Martin Rachel Maucieri Linda Miller Charlie Neuenschwander Sara Stewart Shevaun Williams

Jordan Regas

CONTRIBUTORS

P R O D U C T I O N M A N AG E R

Lavinia Creswa Jake Durham Kristen Grace Bennett Hill Evie Klopp Holzer Matt Kirouac Linda Miller

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Volume 11 / Number 03, 405 Magazine (periodicals 21350) is published monthly, 12 times a year, by Hilltop Media Group, 1216 N Blackwelder Ave., Ste. 13, Oklahoma City, OK 73106. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 405 Magazine, P.O. Box 16765, North Hollywood, CA 91615-6765.

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405 Magazine Volume 11, Number 3, March 2025. 405 Magazine is published monthly

by Hilltop Media Group at 1216 N Blackwelder Ave., Suite 13, Oklahoma City, OK 73106, 405.806.0672. ©Copyright 2024 Hilltop Media Group. 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

W E C R E AT E P O O L S A N D OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS YO U N E V E R WA N T TO L E AV E .

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F R O M

T H E

E D I T O R

A Cup to Celebrate Spring High tea is one of my favorite things. Sometimes I think I was meant to be born an English aristocrat so I could have it daily.

Every year, as a treat, I go with my daughters and mom to Inspirations Tea Room’s special Mother’s Day event. Reservations must be made months in advance, and we eagerly wait to don our dresses and fascinators. It is a tradition I cherish and plan to continue as long as possible. When our 405 team was thinking through this calendar year, we knew we wanted a luxurious high tea on the cover, and spring — with all its blooms and fresh air — was the ideal time.

Our Home section editor, Evie Klopp Holzer, brought together designer Megan Pittman, food stylist Britta Newton-Tarron and photographer Sara Stewart to assemble one of the most beautiful photo shoots we have ever done. The Flower Truck (also featured on page 58) provided the fresh seasonal florals. When we reached out to Oklahoma City’s pride and joy, Chef Andrew Black, to provide the food options for our shoot, we had no idea he would show up personally that morning. The items he prepared are on the menu at his high tea at Perle Mesta in the Skirvin Hotel, and the end results were nothing less than magic!

The expanded spring home design section features an interior designer’s own dream nursery (pg. 32), a nostalgic mood board (pg. 24), a jaw-dropping tea party-themed children’s birthday (pg. 30) and the breathtaking high tea table mentioned above (pg. 26).

We are thrilled to bring you two food-related features this month: Contributor Matt Kirouac rounded up the most distinctive and yummy dining experiences in Oklahoma City — everything from tasting rooms to transportive restaurants to, yes, high teas (pg. 40). And our 405 food scene is truly having a moment, which was never more evident than when this year’s James Beard Award semifinalists were announced and Oklahoma City chefs and restaurants were represented in record amounts. Read about all the nominees, and maybe plan to expand your dining horizons (pg. 48).

Additionally, we are thrilled to introduce you to the woman in charge of the organization that helps thousands of local children in need participate in sports every year (pg.12), and to highlight the OKC museum celebrating women pilots and their contributions to flight (pg. 56).

I hope this issue finds your garden preparations blossoming, and your tea cup and heart full!

BEHIND THE SCENES

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MARCH 2025

Julie Partin EDITOR IN CHIEF

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TRENDING PERSON OF INTEREST 12

STYLE 14

SOCIAL HOUR 16

H E A LT H 2 0

Leveling the Playing Field

CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

Cleats for Kids co-founder Stacy McDaniel P. 12

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T R E N D I N G

Sharing the Wealth in Youth Sports Stacy McDaniel and Cleats for Kids

BY K R I S T E N G R AC E

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P H OTO S BY C H A R L I E N E U E N S C H WA N D E R

n 2011, parent and coach Mark McDaniel looked at a pile of sports equipment and outgrown kids’ shoes in his garage and was struck with a beautiful idea: Why can’t we give these things to kids who would like to play sports but can’t afford to? This idea eventually grew into the nonprofit organization Cleats for Kids.

Mark’s desire to help kids formed long before 2011. Stacy McDaniel, co-founder of Cleats for Kids, recounted, “Mark was coaching our kids in several sports, and often gave kids rides to and from games and practice.

He was also familiar with kids that hung around games and wanted to play but didn’t have the right gear or shoes.”

Fourteen years later, Cleats for Kids and its service of sharing gently used shoes and gear have expanded so much that Stacy, once working as a full-time lawyer, now serves as the Executive Director and works full-time to coordinate its services. To date, the organization has served 290,986 children in the state.

She said, “This is the first year where we have served kids in all 77 counties in Oklahoma in one year, so it has been a very exciting year for our team.”

Cleats for Kids has several ways to get shoes and gear to kids, but Stacy is most proud of The Locker: “We have a locker room set up where kids can

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come in and shop for new and gently used shoes and sports equipment.

What one child has outgrown will help other athletes play their best. The shopping experience is almost as important as them getting the shoe; we try to set up appointments. Many of our families are first-generation sports families, so when they come in, they are tentative and shy, and when they leave, you can see the energy and confidence in their face.”

Helping kids get involved in sports is helping them succeed in the classroom as well. McDaniel says, “There have been some studies by the Aspen Institute — kids who participate in sports have a higher graduation rate in both high school and college. Test scores and grades are higher.

What we have seen is that kids are learning life lessons as they play sports: problem solving, leadership, perseverance and teamwork. Skills that we use every day as adults.”

Numerous Oklahoma kids have grown up and gone on to get college scholarships because someone donated their shoes to Cleats for Kids.

One such success story is Caya Smith, currently playing basketball for the University of Oklahoma. Caya’s dad reached out to C4K when he was on disability for cancer. He sought out shoes for his two children throughout their high school careers. Stacy remembered the joy and pride she felt watching Caya’s first basketball game at OU.

P E R S O N

O F

I N T E R E S T

One element of C4K is that kids can be involved in giving back to other kids; this early involvement can set them up for a lifetime of philanthropy. Stacy told a story of a student from Carl Albert who has been running yearly collection drives for C4K since he was in third grade. “He is graduating from Carl Albert this year and just completed his final collection drive. He completed his high school athletic career as the quarterback for the Carl Albert football team. He has been such an example for so many young men.”

Cleats for Kids doesn’t stop at donating shoes to student athletes.

It also works closely with many foster agencies, Palomar Family Justice Center, ReMerge and OKCPD Youth Enrichment Department. If a house has burned down, or students are facing an emergency move, Cleats for Kids is the call for many schools around the state so that kids in crisis have a pair of shoes to wear to school. McDaniel emphasized, “Shoes are just the vehicle to serve the child.” → If you are interested in hosting a collection drive or in learning more about the 26 drop-off locations across the state for Cleats for Kids, more information is available at its website, cleatsforkids.org.

Conner & Winters elevates

PRESTON SULLIVAN to the role of Partner

Preston Sullivan is a commercial litigator in Oklahoma City who represents companies in a variety of contract disputes and business-related matters. Since 2023, he has been recognized on the list of Rising Stars published by Oklahoma Super Lawyers®. A pragmatic advocate and creative problem-solver, Preston provides clients with service that’s a step above the rest.

cwlaw.com T ULS A

OK LAH OM A C I T Y

N ORT H W ES T AR K AN S AS

D ALLAS

HO U STO N

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S T Y L E

Flourishing Fashion

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2.

Perennial staples for spring looks

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

When Miranda Priestly unenthusiastically quipped, “Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking,” she wasn’t wrong, but also wasn’t being entirely fair. While florals can be monotonous, seemingly running together and leaving us to reinvent the wheel of our dressing decisions, they can also provide an exciting source of inspiration and self-expression — even if the concept isn’t new. Seek a nuanced pattern that requires the eye to linger and the imagination to activate, or perhaps a silhouette with expressive shoulders paralleling a bouquet of freshly plucked marigolds. Maybe you dress intentionally this month and wear one of these looks to the Myriad Botanical Gardens’ 3rd annual Tulip Festival. Like the cycle of the seasons, floral fashion always returns, proving our connection to the inherent beauty that nature blooms.

3.

4.

5.

1. Verragio, Petal Diamond and Pearl Cap Earrings: BC Clark.

2. Lord Jewelry, Opal and Enamel Necklace: Naifeh Fine Jewelry.

3. Ganni, Bou Bag: Cayman’s. 4. Essentiel Antwerp, Hexico multi ruffle midi dress: Gretta Sloane. 5. Misa, Sylvie dress: Edit & Co. 6. Cecelia NY, Patricia Slide: Betsy King Shoes

6.

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MARCH 2025

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It’s your window to the world and a safe haven when you need it. Call us to find out how Shelter’s Homeowners Insurance can help strengthen your financial foundation.

Shelter what matters most.

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Now Accepting New Patients Lana Richardson, DDS, MS Adam Richardson, DDS, MS 405.562.5700 www.aurorakids.dental 3008 W Hefner Rd, OKC, OK 73120

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T R E N D I N G

S O C I A L

SCOTT ROBERTS, LESLIE HENSLEY, CACKY POARCH AND KHAMEO RYAN

H O U R

MARCY BARTON, JULIANA MARIN AND AUDRA MONTGOMERY

GlitterBall 2025 PHOTOS BY DOUG SCHWARZ AND DENNIS SPIELMAN

GlitterBall: Quarter Quell benefiting deadCenter Film was held at the Oklahoma History Center. For the 25th anniversary of deadCenter, the theme was based on The Hunger Games series of books and films, and guests went all-out in show-stopping “Capitol” fashion. The event honored Jay Scaramucci, President of the Balon Corporation, OKC Thunder co-owner and longtime deadCenter supporter. Live music was provided by Ckai Dawson and the Xperience and DJ’ed by DJ Nymasis, with performances by Renee Hilton and Maria Isabel.

RENEE HILTON

SCOTT BARTEL, KINDT MYERS AND MICHELLE TIBBS

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CAIT GRAHAM, KELLY BLUNDELL AND JEN BILLMAN

ANH NGUYEN, HONOREE JAY SCARAMUCCI, CACKY POARCH AND RACHAEL LYNN

405.242.2227 | @ar tisantilestudio 300 W Wilshire Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73116 405MAGAZINE.COM

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T R E N D I N G

Top Doctors Celebration P H OTO S BY K I M B E R LY D MARTIN

405 Magazine’s inaugural Top Doctors Celebration, presented

by SSM Health, was held at Omni Hotel Oklahoma City. 405 Magazine Editor-in-Chief Julie Partin emceed the event, and 4Warn Storm Team meteorologist Emily Sutton was the keynote speaker. The evening celebrated the hard work, dedication and achievements of the 405’s top physicians from their respective fields, with over 400 doctors recognized on the 2025 Top Doctors list. Distinguished medical professionals and their friends and family enjoyed a night of camaraderie and celebration.

DR. BARRY NORTHCUTT, JENNIFER NORTHCUTT, JARYN ROGERS, DR. ROBERT HINES

ADANNA GILL, DR. AVINASH VYAS, MICHELLE CASE, MONTANA FLORES

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S O C I A L

KEVIN AND KAYLA WILLIAMS

DR. THAI DO AND JULIE PARTIN

H O U R

DR. NAOKO TAKEBE AND DR. NEAL NAITO

EVIE KLOPP HOLZER, OKLAHOMA COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY ALLIANCE PRESIDENT

CATHY AND DR. JEFFREY CRUZAN

KENDALL MORGAN HAMMACK, LISA MUNSON, DREW SMITH, JULIE PARTIN, KALEY AND JORDAN REGAS

EDDIE AND LISA MUNSON

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H E A LT H

Colorectal Cancer Awareness How advance screenings save lives

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

W

hen celebrities like Chadwick Boseman and Kirstie Alley pass away seemingly out of nowhere, it is shocking. Oh, they had cancer? What kind?

Colon? Rectal??

It feels very taboo to be discussing someone else’s colon, or one’s own. However, according to the American Cancer Society, colon and rectal cancer (colorectal for short) is the second most common cancer death in the United States, following lung cancer. With an estimated 53,000 deaths from colorectal cancer alone last year, it is so important that the stigma is broken and we talk about it. We spoke to OU Health physician Dr. Kristina Booth, one of 405 Magazine’s Top Docs for 2025, on everything you should know about colon health.

“The difficult thing about detecting colon cancer early is the symptoms are very nonspecific,” Booth said. “Most people will have no symptoms until late in the disease process.

Symptoms that might be signs of colon cancer are abdominal pain, blood in bowel movements and progressive constipation.” She noted other ailments that may present with similar symptoms are fissures, hemorrhoids or general constipation.

The American Cancer Society recommends screening for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45 no matter your race, ethnicity or gender.

There are now at-home stool DNA screening kits, such as Cologuard, available for those at average risk. The benefit of stool DNA screening kits is that they require no preparation and allow you to provide a sample in the privacy of your own home. Plus, these tests are usually paid for by insurance. “Stool DNA tests can help detect the possibility of polyps and cancers at a good rate, but it cannot make a definitive diagnosis.

A positive stool DNA test has to be followed up by a colonoscopy,” Booth said. “There are many people who are not good candidates for a stool DNA test, such as patients that have ever had polyps or cancers, strong family history of 20

MARCH 2025

colon cancer or inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease.” Also, Cologuard is indicated to be routinely done every three years, whereas a traditional colonoscopy would be performed every 10 years in most people.

Booth emphasized that regardless of whether or not you have a positive stool DNA test or colonoscopy, “anyone experiencing consistent blood in their stools for more than a week should make an appointment with their doctor.”

Like all cancers, risk factors for colorectal cancer include smoking, not getting regular exercise, having a poor diet and obesity. Dr. Booth also said that “adequate fiber intake is a very important part of maintaining colon health” — see the sidebar for more detail.

According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, survival rates vary by race and ethnicity,

with African Americans having the highest mortality and incident rates in the United States.

“Treatment options are complex and depend on many factors,” Booth explained.

“Surgery to remove part of the colon is often needed and can often be done laparoscopically or robotically. Sometimes chemotherapy and/or radiation is involved in the treatment of colon and rectal cancers.” When the cancer is localized to the bowel and can be removed surgically, there is a 91% change of at least a five-year survival rate. This is why being proactive with routine screening is so essential for early detection. → For more information on colorectal cancer, visit the Colorectal Cancer Alliance or the American Cancer Society online.

FIBER BOOST Getting enough daily fiber is crucial in maintaining healthy bowels. Focusing on adding natural foods that are high in fiber to your diet is an easy way to make sure you are getting enough. High fiber foods include: Fruits and vegetables like apples, bananas, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and spinach and legumes (beans, lentils and chickpeas), as well as nuts and seeds.

PROMOTION

From Hopeless to Healed “A BATTLE I FINALLY WON” “FROM TORTURE TO TRIUMPH”

“I Thought I’d Never Escape the Pain of Trigeminal Neuralgia— Until I Found Help” Trigeminal neuralgia is often called the “suicide disease” for a reason. The searing, stabbing facial pain can feel unbearable, unpredictable, and completely lifechanging. For Sarah M., a local resident, it felt like she was living a nightmare she couldn’t wake up from.

“It started as occasional jolts of pain in my face, almost like an electric shock,” Sarah recalls. “But over time, it got worse. Simple things like brushing my teeth, eating, or even talking would trigger waves of unbearable pain. It was terrifying.”

Sarah spent years searching for answers. She was prescribed medications, underwent nerve block injections, and even considered surgery, but nothing provided lasting relief.

“I felt like a prisoner to my

pain,” she explains. “I became isolated because I was too scared to do anything that might trigger an attack. It wasn’t just my physical health—it took a toll on my mental health, my work, and my relationships.”

Desperate for a solution, Sarah started researching alternative therapies and came across acupuncture. That’s when she found **Be Well Acupuncture in Edmond** and **Dr. Toni Twitty**, a specialist in treating chronic pain conditions like trigeminal neuralgia.

“I wasn’t sure if acupuncture would work for me, but I was willing to try anything,” Sarah admits. “From the moment I met Dr. Toni, I felt hopeful for the first time in years. She understood my pain and reassured me that relief was possible.”

Sarah noticed improvements after just a few sessions. The attacks became less frequent and less

severe. Over time, the pain that had once controlled her life began to fade.

“I can’t believe how far I’ve come,” Sarah says. “For the first time in years, I can eat without fear, laugh with my friends, and enjoy the little things again. My husband keeps saying, ‘I finally have my wife back.’ It’s been life-changing.”

She’s also quick to praise the team at Be Well Acupuncture.

“Dr. Toni and her staff are amazing. They really care about their patients and make you feel supported every step of the way. I wish I had found them sooner.”

--If trigeminal neuralgia is controlling your life, there’s hope.

Call **405-697-5121** to schedule an appointment with Dr. Toni at Be Well Acupuncture in Edmond.

Relief is possible, and you deserve to live pain-free.

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HOME M O O D B OA R D 2 4

G AT H E R I N G S 2 6

E N T E R TA I N I N G 3 0

DESIGN 32

Tea Is for Togetherness

SARA STEWART

Fine food, florals and family heirlooms combine to inspire P. 26

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M O O D B OA R D

A Treasured Collection

TOP-10 BILLBOARD ARTIST

Appreciations of friendship, family and the changes of spring

BY E V I E K LO P P H O L Z E R P H O TO S BY S A R A S T E WA R T D E S I G N E D BY B R I T TA N E W T O N -TA R R O N

A CAPPELL A POPS

T

his spring mood board reflects friends and family gathering together — perhaps for a high tea experience or a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, such as a baby shower. The soft blues and greens are punctuated by dainty purple plumes. Along with several sentimental treasures, the collection transports us to a springtime secret garden. (Do you spot the gate key?)

With a little imagination, this scene — beautifully curated

by Britta Newton-Tarron — beckons us to come inside.

The shadows dotting this image could even represent sunshine peeping through the garden trees.

This mood board’s collection of colors, fabrics, trims, paint swatches and small mural samples connects directly to the designs Megan Pittman applied to her family’s dining room (as seen on page 26). However, it is Pittman’s longtime friend Newton-Tarron whose talents “spring” to life in this presentation. Using Pittman’s swatches and samples as her foundation, she layers fresh blooms and cherished collectibles with historic family photos.

Generations of babies, mothers and siblings appear in the black-and-white prints. Creatures join the party via fine porcelain delights, such as the Limoges birdcage, Herend bunnies, cuddling swans and butterfly-adorned Versace plate. The collection is as sweet as the sugar cubes nestled inside the Wedgewood bowl. Not by chance, the sterling silver teaspoon sitting on top comes from the Pittman family’s collection. In the corner, a miniature tea set dates back to a long-ago family visit to Japan.

Newton-Tarron and Pittman have been friends for decades. They know each other well, thus their styles blend seamlessly. (Newton-Tarron also assisted in setting the table shown on page 26.) At its heart, this mood board celebrates springtime as well as the various seasons of life. Our family provides the roots and nourishment from which we can grow, while our friends show up consistently during life’s greatest moments, making them even better.

7:30 PM THURSDAY, MAR. 27 A cappella sensation Voctave’s 11-member vocal ensemble brings incredible harmonies to some of the most beloved songs and have been inspiring their millions of social media fans since 2015. From Disney showstoppers to Broadway masterpieces, their Armstrong Auditorium program “The Corner of Broadway and Main Street” is a treat for musical lovers of all ages. The group has performed with GRAMMY, Dove and American Music Award recipients including Sandi Patty, Pentatonix’s Kirstin Maldonado, Mark Lowry, David Phelps, and Jody McBrayer. Join us for an upbeat, soulful and earpleasing night of phenomenal singing!

BUY TICKETS NOW!

ArmstrongAuditorium.org 1-888-654-7979 14400 S. Bryant (at Waterloo) Edmond, OK 73034

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H O M E

G AT H E R I N G S

Springtime Tea Time Blooms, bites and collectibles make this tea party table delightful

BY E V I E K LO P P H O L Z E R

P H OTO S BY S A R A S T E WA R T

D E S I G N E D BY M E G A N P I T T M A N

W

hen springtime calls for tea time, a garden-inspired setting suits just fine. Interior designer Megan Pittman designed this dining room as well as the table setting, gracefully incorporating delectable bites from Perle Mesta and lovely floral stems from The Flower Truck.

Located inside an Edmond home, the dining room itself sets a seasonal mood with its soft color palette and botanical backdrop. Panels of a leafy Philip Jeffries mural were carefully selected and placed on grasscloth wallpaper within the room. The antique crystal chandelier, burlwood buffet and playful table lamps balance the mural just right. Drapes in Schumacher fabric and trim frame the window’s soft glow, while the table’s surrounding dining chairs add lively patterns and colors to the room.

Pittman pulled in family heirlooms and collections to set the table. She purchased the Italian toile placemats during recent travels 26

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in Rome, but all of the other items represent decades of family history — all sourced from her parents’ cupboard. The silver dates back to her parents’ wedding day; they’ve been collecting and adding service pieces ever since. The china plates are a beautiful blend of two of her mother’s favorite patterns from the Rosenthal Collection by Versace: Le Jardin De Versace and Russian Dream. A matching tea set featuring the signature Versace wing design rounds out the table. Meanwhile, the tea cups and saucers on the table are a more subdued Lennox Blue Ridge, and the scalloped-edge linen napkins once belonged to Pittman’s grandmother. Light blue candles celebrate meaningful treasures coming together.

This table also brings the High Tea experience — offered at Perle Mesta restaurant — to a more intimate and residential setting.

Perle Mesta Chef Andrew Black came to the house to personally prepare the salmon canapes

and finger sandwiches. His famous egg salad sandwich is elevated with caviar, while the chicken salad sandwiches boast crispy fried chicken skins and fresh dill on top. Macarons, chocolate mice and creamy cheesecake squares satisfy on a silver tray of sweets.

The Flower Truck generously provided the florals. A large bouquet designed by the shop brings many spring colors and textures into the room; a perfect complement to the curved dining room buffet. Meanwhile, the table is adorned with select pink and white stems, including ranunculus, stock, roses and anemones. A soft white ceramic vessel elevates the centerpiece.

With food and flowers in place and thoughtful touches sprinkled throughout, this tea party table beckons family and friends to take a chair. Won’t you sit for a spot of tea?

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G AT H E R I N G S

TEA PARTY TREATS INCLUDE COLORFUL SWEETS AND SAVORY BITES FROM PERLE MESTA.

BELOW: THE FLOWER TRUCK GENEROUSLY PROVIDED SPRINGTIME FLORALS FOR THE ROOM. RIGHT: ITALIAN TOILE PLACEMATS PAIR BEAUTIFULLY WITH THE HEIRLOOM SILVERWARE AND VERSACE PLATES.

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E N T E R TA I N I N G

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Tea for Three A fanciful and fun party fit for a princess

BY J U L I E PA R T I N P H OT O G R A P H Y: PA I G E R A I N S ST YLING AND DESIGN: CHELSEY FLINT EVENTS CAKE: AMY CAKES

V E N U E : T H E DA I LY

A

team of party planning all-stars assembled to throw a children’s tea party for a lucky little lady for her third birthday. This jaw-dropping teapot cake, gourmet work-of-art cookies, fresh spring flowers and colorful balloon installation came together for an amazing toddler tea party celebration!

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Where Dreams Are Born With a baby on the way, Taylor Stallard designs a peaceful and welcoming home

BY E V I E K LO P P H O L Z E R

P H OTO S BY KO R I E S M I T H , K T M I N T E R I O R S

COLORS AND THEMES WITHIN THE NURSERY DESIGN WERE INSPIRED BY A TRIP TO THE COTSWOLDS.

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hen interior designer Taylor Stallard of Blonde + Blue Design turned her attention and talents toward her own home, her nesting instincts were in high gear. Pregnant at the time, Stallard said the process of designing for herself was challenging.

It was difficult to make decisions with such intimate knowledge of all of the options. Plus, with a baby on the way, Stallard wanted every room to be just right. In the end, she followed the same design advice she gives clients: Lead with your lifestyle and your loves, and you can’t go wrong.

Today, Stallard’s family home is fashioned with cozy and functional interiors. Thoughtful

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millwork and personal collections make the home feel special and accommodating. The muted colors and extra-soft furnishings are inviting and peaceful. And the meticulously planned nursery — Stallard’s favorite room — is perfect for a baby boy.

“Now I’m sitting in the nursery rocking him, and I’m so tired, but I’m so grateful,” Stallard said. “There’s nothing like it.”

A few years ago, Stallard and her husband purchased the Ideal Homes property in Choctaw when they needed a place to settle quickly after he landed a scouting job with the Baltimore Ravens. The new home fit their tight timeline, plus it is located just a few blocks away from

Stallard’s parents. With dreams of starting their own family, the Stallards wanted to live nearby.

As soon as they purchased the house, Stallard put her professional skills to work and enhanced the building plans. While she kept the hard finishes previously selected, she upgraded light fixtures and hardware. She also created two separate office spaces, so she and her husband could comfortably work from home. Her own workspace — neatly tucked under the stairs with ample shelving and storage — adds an interesting visual element while also anchoring the living room design.

The nursery design is extra meaningful.

Stallard and her husband were in the Cotswolds

D E S I G N

TAYLOR STALLARD COLLABORATED WITH AN ETSY DESIGNER TO CREATE THIS WHIMSICAL WALLPAPER.

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THE STALLARD FAMILY COMPLETED RENOVATIONS IN TIME TO WELCOME HOME A BABY BOY.

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A LARGE CHANDELIER FROM RESTORATION HARDWARE CROWNS THE EXPANSIVE LIVING ROOM.

THE LIGHT AND AIRY DINING ROOM IS ONE OF STALLARD'S FAVORITE SPACES IN HER HOME.

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D E S I G N

STALLARD ENHANCED THE KITCHEN WITH 16-INCH PENDANT LIGHTING AND MIXED-METAL FIXTURES AND HARDWARE.

DINING ROOM SHELVES DISPLAY FAMILY COLLECTIBLES AND TRAVEL FINDS.

shortly after they found out she was pregnant, so she used the English countryside as her design inspiration. Traditional nods include the plaid rug, Ballard Designs brass reading lamp and Pottery Barn wooden crib. Stallard color-matched the gray-blue painted walls to the wallpaper, which she had custom designed through Etsy.

Stallard said she only wallpapered inside the wall’s millwork to evoke “the whimsical feel of looking through a window.”

A neighbor, who works for Ideal Homes, liked Stallard’s thoughtful designs so much that she introduced her to the company’s leadership.

Since then, Stallard has worked with Ideal Homes to enhance interior designs on select projects.

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“Sometimes when you have a new build — a pop-up home that is quickly built — it can feel like it doesn’t have a lot of history or charm to it.

It can feel kind of flat,” Stallard said. “I always tell my clients, the best way to overcome that is to go through and add touches that make it feel like it’s been there forever.”

With soft and sentimental design touches throughout, the Stallard residence will forever be a special place: The place created specifically for their lifestyle and loves. The place where they welcomed their new baby home. The place where their family first began.

AN OFFICE NOOK IN THE LIVING ROOM PROVIDES STORAGE AND A WORKSPACE.

CUSTOM MILLWORK AND FURNISHINGS MAKE THIS IDEAL HOME FEEL MORE UNIQUE AND PERSONAL.

MODERN DESIGN MEETS OLD-WORLD CHARM WITH THE OFFICE'S BOARD AND BATTEN DETAILS.

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THE MOST DISTINCTIVE DINING EXPERIENCES IN OKLAHOMA CITY Memorable meals and unforgettable atmospheres

By Matt Kirouac

Photos by Rachel Langley Maucieri, Sara Stewart, Jeff Fierberg & provided

Vaca Frita Pupusas at Cafe Kacao 40

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THE JONES ASSEMBLY DINING ROOM

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HIGH TEA

hen I first visited Oklahoma City in 2017, I remember a distinct sense of awe as my brother’s in-laws took us to The Jones Assembly for an after-dinner Irish coffee. The digestif was great, but the atmosphere was on a scale I hadn’t even seen in my home city of Chicago. Elsewhere, I was similarly dazzled by the scene (and the caramelized plantains) at Cafe Kacao, the finger-licking fried chicken at Eischen’s and the views from Vast. I was at once mesmerized and perplexed at how an American city like this could exist — so robust and metropolitan, yet so humbly under-the-radar. Clearly, that first trip proved formative, as I’m now the one taking out-oftowners to all of these seminal spots that make Oklahoma City’s food scene so indelible. A couple years ago, a friend from Milwaukee visited for the first time, and immediately upon entering The Jones Assembly, she turned to me and said, “I can see why you moved here.” She has since returned to OKC on an annual basis.

I wrote about food in Chicago for 13 years prior to moving here in 2020, and while the third biggest city in the country certainly has no shortage of unique dining experiences, the same is true of our fast-growing community.

Over my years here, I find myself re-experiencing that same sense of initial awe, be it a brand-new restaurant or an enduring cornerstone that only gets better with age. If you’re in search of that same feeling, check out these unique dining experiences in and around Oklahoma City.

The Jones Assembly

The National

Bradford House

Perle Mesta

thejonesassembly.com

thenationalokc.com/dining

bradfordhouseokc.com

perlemesta.com

901 W Sheridan Ave.

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For a bit of potable pomp and circumstance, OKC restaurants are going big for high tea.

As at The National, which offers rotating afternoon teas on weekends in the soaring Great Hall, with enchanting themes like “Alice in Wonderland” and “Bridgerton.”

Reservations are required, and tickets start at $50/adult and $25/child, inclusive of tiered trays with finger sandwiches, twee desserts and a choice of tea and sparkling wine. For afternoon tea in a Victorian mansion, Bradford House offers tea service once a month (or for parties by request), featuring varieties from around the world, finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and dainty desserts. It’s $50 for adults and $30 for children, with optional Champagne supplements. The newcomer is Chef Andrew Black’s Perle Mesta, whose pretty-in-pink motif lends itself perfectly to a pinky-raising high tea, available Monday-Saturday from 1-5 p.m. The restaurant offers four different tiered experiences, with the lowest being a choice of two teas and a selection of sweet and savory bites for $65 per person, and the highest including a choice of teas and wine with sweet and savory bites for $75.

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120 N Robinson Ave.

1235 NW 38th St.

One Park Ave.

TELLERS IN THE NATIONAL

PERLE MESTA

Vast

Inspirations Tea Room

vastokc.com

inspirationstearoom.com

333 W Sheridan Ave

2118 W Edmond Road

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GUATEMALAN BRUNCH FARE AT CAFE KACAO Guatemalan brunch fare at Cafe Kacao

MEDITERRANEAN IMPORTS CAFE KACAO

TRANSPORTIVE DINING EXPERIENCES

TASTING MENUS

Like Cafe Kacao, a Latin American brunch restaurant specializing in Guatemalan recipes, OKC teems with similarly transportive dining experiences. Take Naija Wife Kitchen, a West African counter in a subterranean downtown food court, where richly redolent soups — like egusi, made from melon seeds — share a menu with jollof rice, yam porridge and fried turkey smothered in pepper stew. Mediterranean Imports is a market-deli hybrid, stocked with everything from falafel sandwiches and Greek wines to spices aplenty, that reminded me of my trip to Tel Aviv a few years back. Ma Der Lao Kitchen serves the best Southeast Asian food I’ve had outside Thailand, and while I’ve yet to make it to Tokyo, Awaji Izakaya feels like the next best thing — a pitch-perfect Japanese pub awash in Japanese lanterns, Japanese highballs and the most authentic sushi in town. And in a city filled with steakhouses, Jamil’s sets itself apart with its homey confines and Lebanese menu. Suffice to say that this is the only steakhouse where your filet is preceded by smoked bologna and tabouli.

Cafe Kacao

Naija Wife Kitchen

Awaji Izakaya

Jamil's

Ma Der Lao Kitchen

cafekacao.com

naijawifekitchenfusion.com

awaji-izakaya.com

jamilssteakhouseokc.com

maderlaokitchen.com

3325 N Classen Blvd.

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Fine dining has taken off in OKC of late, as evidenced by Chef Black becoming the first Oklahoma chef to take home a James Beard Award in 2023, for his work at Grey Sweater.

And after Bon Appétit heralded Nonesuch as America’s Best New Restaurant in 2018, the Midtown marvel has only continued to evolve. Under new ownership from James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Kelly Whitaker, the restaurant elevates the Southern meat-and-three premise with both a la carte and prix fixe options, menu items changing daily, robata cooking and large-format items, like chicken-fried steak for the table. Within The Crown, chef Eric Smith flexes his creative muscles at The Crown Room, a veritable choose-your-ownadventure-style tasting menu experience, while Paseo icon Picasso Cafe popularly offers multi-course themed vegetarian dinners each month, with dishes like “seafood” martinis and spaghetti fra diavolo with roasted jackfruit.

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119 N Robinson Ave.

12305 N Rockwell Ave.

4910 N Lincoln Blvd.

1634 N Blackwelder Ave.

GREY SWEATER

OLD-SCHOOL INSTITUTIONS NONESUCH

NONESUCH

Flashy new spots bring plenty of razzledazzle, but enduring institutions channel the Oklahoman essence in their own unique ways. Such as Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the state, a Stockyards City staple known for its steaks, its cowboy decor and its lamb fries (which is a nice way of saying “lamb testicles”). In Okarche, Eischen’s is a bar so old that it pre-dates statehood, and while it still feels like a taxidermy-clad saloon, its claim to fame is its golden-brown fried chicken, utilizing the same secret blend of spices of herbs since the ’60s. For a latenight fix, Bobo’s Chicken is a food truck that commands long lines for its deep-fried comfort food, only available weekend nights until 2 a.m. And in another genre of old-school, Junior’s is a swanky supper club preserved in time, serving up Americana like shrimp cocktail, filet mignon and brandy ice since 1973, from the lower level of the Oil Center Building.

Cattlemen's Steakhouse 1309 S Agnew Ave.

cattlemensrestaurant.com

Eischen's

109 S 2nd St.

eischensbar.com

Junior's

2601 NW Expressway juniorsokc.com

Mediterranean Imports

Grey Sweater

Nonesuch

The Crown Room

Picasso Cafe

medimportsokc.com

greysweaterokc.com

nonesuchokc.com

thecrownokc.com

picassosonpaseo.com

5620 N May Ave.

100 NE 4th St.

803 N Hudson Ave.

7204 N Western Ave.

3009 Paseo

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ONLY AT

4 1 5 C O U C H D R I V E , O K L A H O M A C I T Y, O K L A H O M A 7 3 1 0 2 | O K C M O A . C O M Will Barnet, Woman and the Sea (detail), 1973, lithograph, 29 x 23 in., Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Museum purchase, 1974.002, © Will Barnet / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York, photo © Oklahoma City Museum of Art

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GREY SWEATER

THE STUDY

Bon

Appétit Oklahoma City Chefs earn numerous semifinalist nods from the 2025 James Beard Awards

By Matt Kirouac Photos by Rachel Maucieri

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the James Beard Awards are the “Oscars of Food,” then Oklahoma City is poised to walk the red carpet in a big way this year. Established in 1990, the awards have since reigned as the most prestigious accolades to which an American chef or restaurant can aspire. In recent years, OKC has seen some significant inroads at the ceremony, including earning an America’s Classic Award for Florence’s Restaurant in 2022 (the first award for any restaurant in the state), and a win in the Best Chef: Southwest category in 2023 for Grey Sweater’s chef Andrew Black. With the release of this year’s slate of semifinalists, we have more chefs and restaurants — and a sommelier! — earning praise from the coveted awards body.

Altogether, eight chefs, restaurants and beverage professionals in the OKC metro made the semifinals across four categories, further indication of our city’s rising status as a dining destination. This list will be whittled down to finalists on April 2, followed by the James Beard Awards Ceremony in Chicago on June 16. Here are all the OKC spots in the running.

IF

OUTSTANDING RESTAURATEUR In one of the upper-tier nationwide categories, Elliot Nelson of McNellie’s Group was long-listed for Outstanding Restaurateur. The Tulsa-based group has a significant presence in OKC too, with locations of Fassler Hall, Dust Bowl and McNellie’s Pub.

OUTSTANDING RESTAURANT And speaking of Outstanding Restaurateur, the winners of that category last year are once again in the running in another major category — and this time for their OKC restaurant. After Id Est Hospitality took over ownership of Nonesuch, the heavily acclaimed restaurant has undergone menu and aesthetic changes. Which apparently have worked, considering it’s nominated for Outstanding Restaurant, easily the biggest award an OKC restaurant has ever vied for.

OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL IN BEVERAGE SERVICE If ever there was a strong indication that OKC is rising on a national scale, there’s the fact that our city is now getting accolades for wine. Ian Bennett, a certified sommelier, is a semifinalist in the Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service category for The Study, a wine bar on Film Row that features a dynamic selection of wines (including Lambrusco) in a cozy and unpretentious setting.

LAMBRUSCO AT THE STUDY

BEST CHEF: SOUTHWEST

BIRDIE'S BY CHEF KEVIN LEE

Individual OKC chefs also fared particularly well in their regional category, for Best Chef: Southwest, where Oklahoma competes against Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada. Of the 20 semifinalists, the metro represented onefourth of them, including Zack Walters of endlessly buzzy Sedalia’s oyster and wine bar, Eric Smith of The Crown (and its tasting menu restaurant-within-arestaurant, The Crown Room) and Olivier

Bouzerand of Edmond’s fanciful French Fait Maison.

Kevin Lee, who pivoted a fried chicken concept into a contemporary Korean steakhouse, also earned a nod for his singular work at Birdie’s by Chef Kevin Lee in Edmond, while Tahnee Francis picked one up for Naija Wife Kitchen, a subterranean food court spot in downtown OKC, serving up authentic West African stews like peanut butter soup and egusi, made with melon seeds.

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DINING G O O D TAS T E 5 2

Something for Everyone

RACHEL MAUCIERI

The Crain makes neighbors of all OKC P. 52

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D I N I N G

A Perfect Mix Everybody knows your name at The Crain

BY M AT T K I R O UAC

THE EMILY COCKTAIL

W

hen you walk into The Crain Lounge & Kitchen, a new neighborhood spot in Oak Grove Plaza just north of Lake Hefner, the theme from “Cheers” might involuntarily pop into your head. That kind of community cornerstone, populated by familiar regulars and friendly faces, is an aspirational ideal for many restaurants and bars, but few can pull it off as authentically as this. The evidence is everywhere, from the something-for-everyone menu that still, somehow, goes above and beyond to the various nooks within the space: crowd-pleasing booths and TVs over the lengthy bar and a more subdued lounge area, decorated with handsome fedoras and cowboy hats.

It’s also a testament to its owner, Ross Crain, a consummate hospitality pro with three 52

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P H OTO S BY R AC H E L M AU C I E R I

CHICKEN 2 WAYS

decades of experience at Hal Smith Restaurants.

After helping develop and run concepts like Pearl’s Lakeside, Hollie's Flatiron Grill and Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, he set off on his own. Pulling from his years of experience, and influence from one of Oklahoma’s preeminent restaurateurs, he opened The Crain over the holidays. And while the restaurant might be brand new, it already feels like a local institution.

“Everyone around here is so excited to have something local,” said Crain, who lives two miles from the restaurant with his wife. “It’s not too much bar, or too much restaurant. It’s the perfect mix of both, and we’ve gotten a great response from everyone.”

It’s that something-for-everyone approach, woven through the menus and the design, that

engenders such an admirably “Cheers”-like atmosphere. The space itself, with natural light pouring over upholstered lounge chairs and dark wood tabletops, feels intimate yet ample, with 64 seats offering plenty of options for solo diners, groups, couples and happy hour-goers.

The menu, courtesy of chef Garrett Myers, is equally accommodating. Crain said he wanted something for everybody on the menu, from poutine fries with zesty avocado ranch and a verdant house salad to glistening pork chops, green chile mac & cheese and chicken two ways, combining a fried breast with a mapleand Dijon-glazed smoked thigh. The prime rib is a standout signature, cooked for hours in a smoker and served with au jus and creamy horseradish sauce. For Crain, it’s a dish he’s been

G O O D

TA S T E

A SPREAD OF CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN COMFORT FOOD (INCLUDING PRIME RIB, PORK CHOP, CHICKEN 2 WAYS, ROASTED CARROTS, POUTINE, CREME BRULEE, AND S'MORES OLD FASHIONED)

“IT’S NOT TOO MUCH BAR, OR TOO MUCH RESTAURANT. IT’S THE PERFECT MIX OF BOTH, AND WE’VE GOTTEN A GREAT RESPONSE FROM EVERYONE.”

serving, in one form or another, throughout his career, culminating with this meltingly tender iteration, imbued with a bit of heady smoke.

The drink list is just as dexterous, offering about 40 worldly wines, craft beers and classic cocktails with whimsical riffs — the S’mores Old Fashioned is a balanced blend of bitter, smoky and sweet, while the margarita-like Emily packs a jalapeño-infused punch and a Tajin rim. A mark of a well-earned neighborhood cornerstone, The Crain offers a particularly killer weekday happy hour, starting earlier than usual at 2 p.m., and running until 6 p.m.

It’s all part of that something-for-everyone mentality, embodied by The Crain’s tagline: “Undoubtedly Good, Unreasonably Great.”

Describing that ethos as “going above and

beyond at the table” in ways that people might not expect, Crain said the response from locals — and fast regulars — has been strong.

“You’d think there wasn’t a restaurant within 50 miles,” he joked. “I’ve never had so many people thank me for opening a restaurant.”

It’s the mark of an institution-in-themaking, and the kind of place where, no matter how new, it seems everybody knows your name. → For more information visit thecrain.com

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HOCK E AYE VI EDGAR HEAP OF BIRDS

HONOR SONG On view now

okcontemp.org | 11 NW 11th St., Oklahoma City Edgar Heap of Birds, Neuf, 1995. Acrylic on canvas. 89 x 105 in. The John and Susan Horseman Collection, Courtesy of the Horseman Foundation. © Edgar Heap of Birds. Image courtesy of the artist.

Oklahoma Contemporary gratefully acknowledges the following for their generous support of this exhibition.

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C U LT U R E

CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

A RT S 5 6

I N C O N VO W I T H 5 8

LO O K I N G B AC K 6 0

ONE MORE THING 62

W H AT ' S O N L I N E 6 4

Planted in the Community Randal Marsh talks The Flower Truck P. 58 405MAGAZINE.COM

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C U LT U R E

Passion for Flight OKC hosts history at The 99s Museum of Women Pilots

U

nder the wings of the 150 daily flights arriving and departing from Will Rogers International Airport sits a small museum celebrating female pilots. The 99s Museum of Women Pilots is one of two museums in Oklahoma specifically honoring women and their achievements, the other being The Pioneer Woman Museum in Ponca City. While most people have heard of the most famous female pilot, Amelia Earhart, there have been many other important women throughout the history of flight.

“The museum tells the story of women in aviation from the earliest barnstorming days to the space age,” Museum Manager Brandy Ball said. “These women were daredevils, record-

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setters, military service members and stunt pilots.”

The 99s is an international organization founded in 1929 by 99 female pilots. Their mission was to promote the “advancement of aviation through education, scholarships and mutual support while honoring our unique history and sharing our passion for flight.” In 1955, the headquarters for the 99s was moved from Long Island to Oklahoma City, where it has grown to include a library, archives and an oral/video history collection. On July 24, 1999 — Amelia Earhart’s birthday — The 99s Museum of Women Pilots opened its doors to the public.

“The museum’s first collection to be inducted into its archives was that of Mathilde

Moisant,” Ball said. Moisant was an American pioneer aviator and the second woman in the United States to obtain her pilot’s license, following Harriet Quimby. The collection at the 99s Museum includes her 1911 “flying costume,” pilot’s license, goggles, binoculars, photos and news clippings.

The museum offers history and mementos from some of aviation’s biggest moments.

Visitors are encouraged to learn about the female aviators of World War II, when the Women’s Auxiliary Ferry Squadron was formed in 1942 by Jackie Cochran and Nancy Harkness Love, and Cochran created the Women’s Flying Training Detachment. Later, these divisions would come together to form WASP: the Women Air Force

PHOTOS PROVIDED

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

A R T S

Service Pilots. WASP members were awarded the World War II Victory medal in 1984 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2009. Another exhibit highlights The Mercury 13. This was a privately funded program that trained and tested 13 American women as a comparison to selected male astronauts. While these women were not able to fly to space, they are a critical piece of space exploration’s history. And of course, no museum on female pilots would be complete without including legend Amelia Earhart; items from her life, including her pilot’s license, are on display.

For kids of all ages interested in planes, aeronautics or space travel, the museum also houses the Penny Nagy Youth Education Center.

This interactive learning experience features things like a live flight tracker with aircraft flight statuses from FlightAware and ForeFlight, which assists with planning a flight just as a pilot would in the cockpit. It also has a Microsoft Flight Simulator which allows you to “fly” to 20,000 real airports on hundreds of different aircrafts including helicopters, commercial jets and even airships.

Women in aviation are passionate, interesting people and the 99s Museum of Women Pilots is an excellent place to learn about so many of these incredible individuals. → To learn more about the museum or to plan your visit, visit museumofwomenpilots.org.

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C U LT U R E

I N

C O N VO

W I T H

The Flower Truck started as a delivery-only service. When did you become a brick-andmortar business?

By the time the pandemic had subsided, we had already grown too big to just be an actual truck. We have had to move twice because we outgrew our previous locations. We moved to the Britton District last May right before Mother’s Day weekend, which may go down in history as one of the worst decisions I have ever made, since we were so busy with orders. I am really happy with the size we are now. We are small team of five and all of my staff are really competent and talented. Together, we have over 65 years of experience.

Where do you source your flowers?

We order from a flower broker in Holland a week ahead who ships to a local wholesaler that then delivers to us. If a customer was looking for something specific, we would need at least a week to order it. Everything is in season somewhere in the world, so most of the time I can order just about anything. We also buy locally from a farm in Stillwater called Bear Creek.

Success in Bloom In Convo With The Flower Truck

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

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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andal Marsh has been in the flower biz for over two decades. After establishing The Flower Truck in 2020, he has finally settled his business into its forever home in the Britton District. We sat down with Marsh to learn about how one of OKC’s boutique flower shops has created its own community.

How did The Flower Truck begin?

I had been working with a local florist for 16 years. When COVID started, they closed for an indefinite amount of time, but regular clients were still reaching out to me for flower arrangements. I bought flowers from the grocery store and worked out of my kitchen before delivering the orders. We were going from house to house and truly working out of a flower truck, which was the initial idea. When I got the call that said it was time to return to work, I thought, “I don’t think I have to … I have my own business.”

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What is your customer base like?

We specialize in smaller events like intimate weddings and house parties and go daily to the local funeral homes and hospitals. We also have a lot of walk-in business. You can come in the shop and pick out flowers that you love. We can either wrap them up for you to arrange at home or we can build a bouquet while you wait.

What keeps us most busy are the day-today deliveries to private residences. We have customers who have us come monthly, biweekly or even weekly to change their flower arrangements. There is so much nuance to it.

I have one customer that just wants a bucket of fresh flowers delivered so she can arrange them herself, and other customers who want me to bring completely new arrangements each time. My favorite part of the business is creating flowers for individual homes.

How else do you connect with the community?

We teach a lot of classes. We can set up at a business or event, or just host them in our shop.

We have brides and their bridesmaids or friends celebrating a birthday come in and we teach them all how to make the same arrangement. It is a great way for a small group to have fun, drink some wine and be creative.

→ Visit The Flower Truck in the Britton District or find it on Instagram @TheFlowerTruckOKC

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Spring Fever The refreshing tale of Chickasaw National Recreation Area

BY L I N DA M I L L E R P H O TO C O U R T E S Y O F O K L A H O M A H I S TO R I C A L S O C I E T Y

n the late 1800s and early 1900s, hundreds of visitors arrived daily by train and buggy to a scenic area known today as Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur. Word had spread about the abundant fresh and healing mineral water springs, considered by Native Americans to be where spirits could soothe both the body and soul.

The town of Sulphur Springs quickly developed around the area as the springs continued to attract large numbers of visitors, causing concern among the Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes who decades earlier had been forced to travel the Trail of Tears and settle in Indian Territory.

Wanting to preserve the springs, and fearing private developers and large resorts, the Chickasaw tribe ceded 640 acres, including 33 springs, to the federal government. The mineral water was believed to have healing power, so much so that early on a local doctor’s prescription was needed to bottle it.

The Sulphur Springs Reservation was established in 1902, opened to the public two years later and on June 29, 1906, was redesignated and renamed Platt National Park. It was named to honor Connecticut Sen. Orville H. Platt, who years earlier had introduced legislation to safeguard the area.

Lincoln Bridge, built in 1909 to commemorate President Lincoln’s 100th birthday, was the first major structure in the park.

Restrooms with plumbing and improved roads soon followed, though many early improvements are still in place.

Platt was the smallest national park and the seventh in the United States. Its central location and abundance of both fresh and mineral water springs, along with a natural environment, appealed to visitors from Oklahoma and surrounding states.

The mineral springs became a popular spalike destination, and the park often welcomed more guests than other national parks. In 1914, Platt National Park, known as the playground of the Southwest, reportedly had more visitors than Yosemite or Yellowstone.

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LITTLE NIAGARA FALLS IS A POPULAR SPOT AT CHICKASAW NATIONAL RECREATION AREA.

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Improvements continued in the 1930s when the Civilian Conservation Corps built campgrounds, pavilions, dams, winding trails and roads. More than 500,000 trees were planted and a pasture for bison was created, along with small waterfalls that spill into cool water. The CCC work crew at Platt numbered about 200 workers on any given day between 1933 and 1940.

In 1969, the Travertine Nature Center was built with rock and architectural lines that mirrored the style of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. This main visitor center with exhibits, live animals and an interactive learning center was the last major addition to Platt National Park.

Though popular, the park lacked the grandness and size of other national parks. In 1976, Platt and the Arbuckle Recreation Area, along with Lake of the Arbuckles, were combined and renamed the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. The name honored those who first offered the land for the park. Later Veterans Lake was included in the recreation area which now encompasses almost 10,000 acres, including 23 springs that still exist.

Platt National Park District, designated a National Historic Landmark in 2011, follows the historical boundaries of the original park along with trails, structures and stories from earlier years and how it has evolved. There are six campgrounds but no cabins.

The Chickasaw recreation area is not a national park, but it is operated by the National Park Service. And there is no admission fee, continuing an agreement that was made when the land was sold more than a century ago.

In those olden days, visitors came by buggy and train. Today they arrive to this Oklahoma oasis by car, but often come for the same reason — the cool, refreshing and hopefully healing water.

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Fueling Innovation How i2E and Plains Ventures are transforming Oklahoma’s startup ecosystem

BY JA K E D U R H A M

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stablished in 1999, i2E launched as a nonprofit to support Oklahoma entrepreneurs through strategic investments and advisory services. Plains Ventures was created as its independent subsidiary to meet the demand for venture capital. Together, they’ve invested over $100 million in 452 startups, fueling growth in healthcare, technology and energy industries while advancing Oklahoma’s economy.

“The [$100 million] milestone that we hit is an investment milestone,” said i2E President Rex Smitherman. “Justin [Wilson] is our investment expert and president of our investment arm.”

The collaboration between i2E and Plains Ventures is a strategic one, allowing each entity to focus on its strengths while collectively driving the success of Oklahoma startups. “i2E is still going strong, providing all the services to entrepreneurs to help them flesh out and launch their ideas,” said Plains Ventures President and Managing Director Justin Wilson.

“Plains Ventures is just exclusively focused on investing in those companies.” This strategic 62

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separation ensures that entrepreneurs receive the tailored support they need at each stage, providing them with a sense of reassurance.

Smitherman elaborated on the synergy between the two organizations: “i2E is more at the front end, getting them ready for those investments. Plains manages funds, makes the investments, follows up with the companies and oversees their progress post-investment.”

He likened i2E’s role to that of a literary agent, preparing startups to meet potential investors’ standards.

When asked about their approach to identifying viable startups, Smitherman said, “We’re looking for ideas and technologies. First, they need to be technology-based companies.

They need to have high growth potential and they need to be scalable. They can’t be limited to local or regional markets, and they need to target national or international markets.” This focused approach ensures that resources are directed toward businesses with the potential for significant economic impact.

→ For more information visit i2e.org/tag/plainsventure-partners/

PHOTO PROVIDED

REX SMITHERMAN AND JUSTIN WILSON

Wilson further elaborated on the firm’s approach: “We invest in startups solving highvalue problems, helping them professionalize, scale and succeed. Our funds target industries identified by the state as key drivers of economic growth, including aerospace, energy and biotech.”

Startups looking to leverage i2E’s resources can do so without incurring costs. Smitherman explained, “There is no charge for i2E services.

This is an economic development program of the state, and the state is willing to absorb the cost of that initial work for betting that this company will grow, create jobs and investments.”

Wilson further highlighted the collaborative nature of their work: “We know there’s incredible innovation here, but you have to be here to find it.” Smitherman added, “Our hope is that we double or triple the number of inquiries we get in a year because of this outreach.”

Reflecting on the significance of their $100 million milestone, Smitherman remarked, “We didn’t go out and make ten $10 million investments. That $100 million was made up of approximately 470 different investments.” The majority were small, incremental investments of $50,000 to $100,000, enabling startups to achieve milestones and scale gradually.

Smitherman and Wilson acknowledge the need to address gaps in early-stage funding as the ecosystem evolves. “There is really a gap in our state for that early proof-of-concept funding,” Smitherman said. Wilson echoed this sentiment: “It takes building the product to know. Many of our largest success stories started with that initial funding, which allowed them to prove their concept and attract further investment.”

Looking ahead, i2E and Plains Ventures are committed to building on their success by fostering an environment where Oklahoma startups can thrive. By connecting innovative ideas with the resources and support needed to bring them to life, they are empowering entrepreneurs to drive growth, create jobs and transform the state’s economic landscape.

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