Slice October 2014

eerie

Legends & Lore GIVING BACK: A USER’S GUIDE TO DOING GOOD

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QUAIL SPRINGS MALL VON MAUR OPENING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 Receive a $15 Von Maur Gift Card with $150 of mall store receipts Visit the redemption zone in the Von Maur Wing 10am-6pm*

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FEATURES

48

October 2014

Philanthropy 101

This community – our community – becomes a better place when we combine our efforts to improve it, and people who invest their time, talent and treasure in charitable pursuits often find themselves reaping personal rewards. There’s a local nonprofit that could use your help; check out our Do-Gooder’s Guide to Giving Back.

On the cover

40

Ghostbusters

As the year begins to wane, the nights are growing longer and colder … and perhaps a trif le spookier. From a Guthrie inn to a restaurant in Noble to secluded spots in between, there are plenty of places where you may find things that go bump in the night.

4 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

eerie

Legends & Lore

October 2014

US $4.95

GIVING BACK: A USER’S GUIDE TO DOING GOOD

BAKED APPLES EMBODY THE TASTE OF FALL

Norman’s Midway Barber Shop, one of several metro locales that Oklahoma ghosts may still call home. Photo by Simon Hurst

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DEPARTMENTS

56

THE ESSENCE OF FALL

Caryn Ross showcases the season’s all-star flavors in a worry-free, spectacularly fragrant recipe for baked apple dumplings.

14 From the Editor UP FRONT 18 Chatter A release date for “Rudderless,” a paraplegic man in need of a parachute and other local topics of conversation.

22 Details Cooler weather means an opportunity to give home décor a cozy glow with candle power.

24 Retro-Spective Appreciating the way we were with a look back at the fondly remembered steaks, pies and style of Edmond’s Royce Café.

70

26 By the Numbers Fast facts and statistics on the topic of central Oklahoma ghost stories.

28 Exchange A conversational give and take about detailed dreams, dining locally and the value of doodling with graphic artist and gallery owner Dustin Oswald.

30 Mingling Making an appearance on central Oklahoma’s social scene.

: BOOKL E T A D IA A SOCNT E VE A R ND CALE

72

36 77 Counties M.J. Alexander chats with a man partially immortalized in an Oklahoma monument.

FARE 58 Haute Cuisine While the lofty view is a plus, its impressive and imaginative dishes are more than enough to recommend The George Prime Steakhouse.

60 Eat & Drink Take a gastronomic tour with Slice’s citywide dining guide.

6 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

October 2014

PURSUITS 68 Top Ten Prime picks for a variety of October entertainment.

70 Showcasing Greater Grace The OKC Ballet is poised to execute a performance season of remarkable breadth and beauty.

72 Cuisine Scenes The Kitchen Tour of Nichols Hills offers memorable looks into the hearts of local homes.

74 Hospitality: Southern Style Glistening water, glittering casinos, sensational dining and plenty of hospitality – have a big time in Biloxi.

78 See & Do The sights, sounds and various happenings that are enlivening the metro this month.

86 Last Laugh 88 Last Look Correction: Our September issue’s special section “Building for a Cause” had an incorrect photo caption; pictured on page 47 are Wayne Griffiths of Wayne Griffiths Homes with Christopher Lee and Donna Bell of Christopher Lee Fine Homes. We regret the error.

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© D.YURMAN 2014

October 2014

Volume 5 Issue 10

PUBLISHER Elizabeth Meares elizabeth.meares@sliceok.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mia Blake mia.blake@sliceok.com EDITORIAL Associate Editor Steve Gill steve.gill@sliceok.com Contributing Stylists Timothy Fields, Fashion timothy.fields@sliceok.com Sara Gae Waters, Home saragae.waters@sliceok.com Contributing Writers M.J. Alexander, Sean Becker, Mark Beutler, Lauren Hammack, Jill Hardy, Jeff Provine, Caryn Ross, Elaine Warner ART Art Director Scotty O’Daniel scotty.odaniel@sliceok.com Graphic Designer Brian O’Daniel brian.odaniel@sliceok.com Production Assistant Tiffany McKnight tiffany.mcknight@sliceok.com Contributing Photographers M.J. Alexander, Justin Avera, David Cobb, Simon Hurst, Claude Long, Michael Miller, Quit Nguyen, Elaine Warner, Carli Wentworth ADVERTISING Executive Director of Advertising Cynthia Whitaker-hill cynthia.whitakerhill@sliceok.com Account Executives Jamie Hamilton jamie.hamilton@sliceok.com Coleen VanSchoyck coleen.vanschoyck@sliceok.com Account Manager Ronnie Morey ronnie.morey@sliceok.com ADMINISTRATION Distribution Raymond Brewer

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Toby Keith and the Hal Smith Restaurant Group have teamed up again to open Big Dog Daddy’s Ice House in the heart of Norman. Named after Toby’s 11th studio album, Big Dog Daddy’s is a fun, casual-atmosphere joint you would expect from Toby paired with the great food you would expect from Hal Smith.

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Volume 5 Issue 10

SLICE P.O. Box 16765 North Hollywood, CA 91615-6765 Phone 818.286.3160 Fax 800.869.0040 subscriptions@sliceok.com sliceok.com/subscribe Slice Volume 5, Number 10, October 2014. Slice is published monthly by Open Sky Media, Inc. at 729 W. Sheridan, Suite 101, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, 405.842.2266. © Copyright 2014 Open Sky Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

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

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On the Web

THIS MONTH ON SLICEOK.COM

RECOMMENDED READING If you enjoy your trip through the pages of Slice so much you find yourself wishing for more, check out these titles from a few of our contributors … and remember, the holiday season is coming soon, and now is the time to beat the rush for gift orders!

Contributing writer Jeff Provine helped pen this issue’s ghost hunting feature; his new book “Haunted Norman, Oklahoma” can be found at historypress.net and in bookstores near you. As the name suggests, it’s a compendium of tales about the city’s ghostly residents, with an emphasis on the history of the community and the ways (mundane and supernatural) the past remains with us.

Award-winning cook Caryn Ross contributes a monthly recipe in her “In the Kitchen” feature; her “Cooking With the Sassy Mama” is available at fatandsassymama.com/cookbook.

Featuring food photography by another talented Slice contributor, Carli Wentworth, it collects plenty of simple classics she calls “the recipes I love to make for the ones I love.”

Portraitof a

Generation The Children of Oklahoma

Sons and Daughters of the Red Earth

M.J. ALEXANDER

Photographer and author M.J. Alexander’s “77 Counties” series chronicles her travels across the state for Slice; her previous project, “Portrait of a Generation,” can be purchased at sliceok.com/ Portrait-of-a-Generation/. The result of thousands of miles crisscrossing from the panhandle to Green Country and points between, this beautifully photographed coffee-table tome portrays the thoughts, hopes and candid moments of young Oklahomans.

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12 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

with the community than a once-a-month magazine too – so we’re turning up the juice on our social media presence. Like Slice on Facebook (facebook.com/sliceok) and follow us on Twitter (@sliceok) to get more of our thoughts on the metro, as well as information about this month’s giveaways: ticket packages to Canterbury Choral Society’s exquisitely uplifting “Gloria3” and the OKC Ballet’s majestic season premiere “Cinderella.” We’ll see you online!

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From the Editor

GIVING, THE PRESENT AND POSSIBLE PRESENCES SIMON HURST

I MIA BLAKE

Editor-in-Chief mia.blake@sliceok.com

14 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

heard a Christmas carol on the radio this week – and for reference, it was 90 degrees at the time and I’ve barely finished eating our Labor Day leftovers. It’s just too early to usher in Christmas. It’s probably a sign of age, but the older I get, the more I want to enjoy each day and season for what it is – taking the time to absorb events and letting the memories build. Why should we always be racing past what’s happening now to get to the next best thing?

And in that spirit – it’s almost time for us to gorge ourselves on Halloween candy. Halloween is the gift that keeps on giving, because the candy glut can last until Santa fills my stocking. Since you never know when you’ll be totally overrun with adorably costumed rug rats, buying a whole cartload of confections is really the only sensible course of action ... and choosing the varieties you like ensures that any leftovers don’t end up with the reject pile, in candy corn purgatory.

Put that way, it seems so very reasonable, right?

In honor of the spookiest month, contributors Mark Beutler and Jeff Provine have delved into Oklahoma’s checkered past and present, investigating paranormal locations and activity in the metro. From Guthrie’s haunted history to Norman’s campus lore and beyond, they explore some of our favorite eerie locations. If you’ve ever wondered about that prickling feeling you get on the back of your neck in a certain building, it could be because there is a story of misfortune associated with it. Our young state actually has quite a rich trove of macabre legends, and it was fun to pull them together for a deliciously creepy Halloween story.

In the name of research, Mark even accompanied ghost hunters from the local group Midnight Paranormal on an investigation to a reputedly ghostly speakeasy turned restaurant – an adventure that kept him up way past his bedtime. We thank him for sacrificing his sleep for us … on that night, and probably many subsequent ones after his mysterious experiences there. Check it out beginning on page 40.

In the interest of planning ahead (but not rushing past the present, of course), Sean Becker has put together a primer on getting involved in local philanthropic pursuits. It seems Thanksgiving and Christmas always bring to mind the many blessings we routinely enjoy and that encourages us to reach out to those less fortunate than ourselves to share the wealth.

While performing acts of service is a year-round endeavor, the best time to get involved with a nonprofit is always “now.” Read how to find one that matches your interests on page 48, and enjoy the experience!

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OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 15

16 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

UP FRONT THE MAN WITH THE HANDS Fame works in mysterious ways – just

CHATTER Topics of conversation from around the metro 18

BY THE NUMBERS Checking our figures on local ghost stories 26

DETAILS Shed some light on seasonal décor with creative candles 22

EXCHANGE An illustrative conversation with Paseo artist Dustin Oswald 28

RETRO-SPECTIVE A quick look back at a piece of local history 24

MINGLING Glimpses of Central Oklahoma’s social scene 30

M.J. ALEXANDER

ask the man who, despite modeling for a monumental sculpture, remains largely anonymous. See page 36.

OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 17

UP FRONT | Chatter

Getting in Tune

COUNTRY ALL-STARS PAY TRIBUTE TO ONE OF THE GREATS

You could list the great singers and bands of country music for quite a long time before you came up with “The Doobie Brothers,” but the classics can transcend classification – fresh evidence of that truth is coming up November 4 with the release of “Southbound,” a tribute/duets album on which the Doobies will reprise their greatest hits with stars from the country world. The list of contributors includes Oklahomans Blake Shelton (“Listen to the Music”), Toby Keith (“Long Train Runnin’”) and Vince Gill (guitar on “You Belong to Me”), plus nine others, with each track featuring one of the band’s trio of vocalists. For classic rock fans looking for new musical fuel when rockin’ down the highway (Brad Paisley), this should be cause for celebration.

STEADY AS SHE GOES

A film about being adrift has set a course for theaters: October 17 will see the release of “Rudderless” to cinemas and video-on-demand services. The movie is William H. Macy’s directorial debut, and stars Billy Crudup, Anton Yelchin, Felicity Huffman, Selena Gomez … and central Oklahoma, insofar as it was filmed in Oklahoma City and Guthrie, and writers Jeff Robison and Casey Twenter are from Edmond.

Macy, no stranger to the demands of moviemaking, wasn’t reticent about crediting the Sooner State’s role in bringing this story of sudden loss and unexpected spiritual gain to the screen. “So many people in Oklahoma helped with this film,” he said, “and I can say without exaggeration we could not have made the film anyplace but here.”

18 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

GREEN DREAMS

Congrats to the conservationists of St. Mary’s Episcopal School in Edmond; representatives of the school’s Beyond the Classroom student group, who have been diligently tending a nature reserve they created, made a trip to the White House this summer to be honored by the EPA’s Office of Environmental Education in a Presidential Environmental Youth Award ceremony. Consider it further proof that sustainability does pay off.

YOUR TRIP BEGINS HERE

Lego Falls near Batson in the Ozark National Forest

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historic downtown Eureka Springs > nightlife in Fort Smith > antique shopping in Van Buren > Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville > farmers market, Fayetteville OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 19

UP FRONT | Chatter

Calendar Watch October 1 World Vegetarian Day; whether or not you observe it, you should have no beef with those who do.

October 4 Yom Kippur October 13 Indigenous Peoples Day October 31 HalloweeeEEEEeeen!

ABOVE LIMITS

It’s been almost 10 years since Brandon Stone lost the use of his legs in a car accident, but he hasn’t let that stop him from reaching for new heights; this month the paraplegic is going to need a parachute. The Oklahoma-born Stone plans to head to Skiatook Airport to go skydiving – for the first time ever – to raise money for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation’s efforts in curing spinal cord injuries: hopefully $10,000 to match the 10,000 feet he’s going to drop. Follow his efforts at helpmewalk. com, and wish him a happy landing.

ON THE PAGE THE FATHER OF THE MOTHER ROAD St. Louis, Joplin, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Gallup, Flagstaff … once upon a time you could theoretically get from Chicago to Los Angeles, but there was no happening highway that was best you could use to get your kicks while getting there, just disconnected stretches of roads and trails. Then Cyrus Avery happened. The creation of an iconic highway through one man’s dedicated leadership fills Susan Kelly’s “Father of Route 66: The Story of Cy Avery,” now in hardcover from OU Press. Avery came to Oklahoma before statehood and became a driving (ba-dumbum) force in highway development – plus he’s the reason the road that would become Route 66 came through Oklahoma at all: he convinced Congress that it would be better to swing south and avoid the highest parts of the Rockies. So if you’re planning a scenic trip to Tulsa this month, or could appreciate learning a bit about an unsung highway pioneer, this book is a prime way to get hip.

“We have to stop treating poverty as if it is a learning disability …

Each one of our students has hopes and dreams.

Our responsibility is to connect them to those hopes and dreams.”

-OKC Public Schools Superintendent ROBERT NEU 20 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

Mia Couto

A NEW FOCUS

We normally use this space to spotlight the literature of Oklahoma, but this month some focus should be shifted to a literary event happening in Oklahoma but of the larger world beyond, and of humanity itself.

The 2014 Neustadt Festival of International Literature and Culture, set for October 22-24 on the OU campus, features a number of visiting writers, performing artists and scholars sharing a breadth of creative viewpoints, culminating in the awarding of the Neustadt Prize to Mozambican author Mia Couto. Attendance is free; visit worldliteraturetoday.org to find out more.

Here’s a couple of quick numbers: 44 – 32 – 875,000. That’s Oklahoma’s rank among all states in overall health, the percentage of our citizens fighting (or outright succumbing to) obesity and the total number of Oklahomans that percentage represents. Statistics like that are why the Junior League of Oklahoma City has announced a five-year focus on health and wellness; a communal effort could help us all feel better. Learn more at jloc.org.

BOOK COVER COURTESY OU PRESS; ROBERT NEU COURTESY OKC PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 21

UP FRONT | Details

The Candle Season

By Sara Gae Waters // Photo by Carli Wentworth

GOOD LIGHTING NEVER HURT ANYONE. BUT BAD LIGHTING? Well, it might just hurt your ego. I know a few people, myself included, that don’t like particular dressing rooms because of their lighting ... especially during swimsuit season.

But we’re now solidly out of that season and are in what I like to call “The Candle Season.” That’s when it’s cool enough to light some fragrant candles around the house without feeling like you are going to suffocate. Candlelit dinners, whether it’s for family and friends or just for two, are a favorite of mine. Dim the overheads, strike a match and let the warm glow of a few candles add not only needed illumination but a mood-altering calming effect. Warm tones are coming more and more into play as the seasons change, and who can resist a gilded candlestick with a creamy pillar candle set on top? I certainly can’t.

So don’t just bring out the candles for the special times, like the holidays (although you definitely should bring them out then too) – light up your home and bring the warm glow in on a regular basis.

And don’t forget to blow them out; all good things must come to an end!

From left to right: Concrete pillar candlestick from The Wood Garden in Oklahoma City // Glass pillar candlestick from The Wood Garden // Juliska candlestick from Bebe’s in Oklahoma City // Brass twig candleholder from Luxe in Oklahoma City // Gray pillar candlestick from The Wood Garden // Brilliant cut crystal votive from Luxe // Distressed wood pillar candlestick from The Wood Garden // Simon Pearce candlestick from Bebe’s

22 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 23

o r t Respective

Small-Town Charm

By Mark Beutler // Photos courtesy Edmond Historical Society

ONCE UPON A TIME, EDMOND’S BROADWAY AVENUE WAS FULL OF QUAINT, LOCALLY OWNED, MOM-AND-POP RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS. Edmond had it all, and still does. But back in the day, restaurants like the famed Royce Café gave diners a meal many old-timers still remember.

Royce Adamson and his wife Neva opened the café in 1933. They served specialties like “Hot Dr. Pepper” and their famous blue cheese salad dressing.

The menu proudly boasted T-bone steaks, home-baked pies and hot biscuits.

The building was one-of-a-kind, made from native red sandstone. While Royce and Neva and their beloved café are long gone, the building itself still exists in the heart of Edmond at Fourth and Broadway.

24 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

CENTRAL OKLAHOMA GHOST STORIES

BY THE NUMBERS

By Steve Gill

10 8

stories a maid supposedly fell with her infant child when leaping to their deaths from the Skirvin hotel. Nicknamed “Effie,” her spirit has been reported numerous times over the decades since, including by visiting NBA players.

age of Augusta Houghton when she died from a dose of the wrong medicine during a bout of whooping cough. Her former home is now Guthrie’s Stone Lion Inn, and she reputedly still scampers through its halls and tucks guests in.

6

decks of bookshelves that form The Stacks in OU’s Bizzell Library. Musty and claustrophobic, they are populated with tens of thousands of volumes … and according to some, a former student still looking for a book after his untimely death.

3

residents who died mysteriously in less than a year – an automobile dealer, then his wife and finally his stepdaughter – in the secluded estate near N.E. 63rd and Eastern that’s now home to The Haunted House Restaurant.

26 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

2

investigations made by paranormal researchers into Irma’s Burger Shack in 2009, during which they recorded Electronic Voice Phenomenon audio and images of vapor mist that seem to confirm the presence of businesswoman Peggy Head, shot on the site in 1967.

1

minute after midnight, each Labor Day, that campus lore avers listeners can hear a creaking rope in the Rose State College student union; the spectral legacy of a security guard who hanged himself.

0

ghosts reading this over your shoulder right now ... or are there?

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6432 N. Wes tern Avenue | 405.840.4437 | howellgallery.com

405-437-5659

www.wymanframe.com OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 27

UP FRONT | Exchange

DRAWN TO DESIGN

By Lauren Hammack // Photo by Carli Wentworth

Conv A e with rsation Du Osw stin ald

OKLAHOMA ARTIST DUSTIN OSWALD IS NO STRANGER to Oklahoma City’s Paseo arts district, but the opening of his new gallery, Dorshak Bloch Art Studio & Gallery, marks a fascinating introduction to an entirely new universe of contemporary pop art, illustrations and chimerical literature.

We expected Oswald, one of the state’s most popular t-shirt designers and the brains behind Bombs Away Art, to be just as unconventional as his art, but our exchange revealed an authentic, insightful artist who is as intriguing as he is down-to-earth.

Are you a native Oklahoman?

Yes. I grew up on a farm in Apache, Oklahoma, a town of about 1,200 people.

You sure didn’t end up with farmer’s hands. Were you the kid in school who was constantly drawing? I did work on the farm growing up, but yes, I was drawing all the time. My notes were always covered with doodles. I’m fortunate that my parents and my teachers encouraged my art.

Where did you go to college?

Oklahoma State. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and a minor in Art History.

Congratulations on the new studio! How did the name come about? Dorshak Bloch is a pseudonym I use. I’ve enjoyed the name Dorshak for some time but I don’t recall where I came across it. Bloch comes from Robert Bloch, the author of “Psycho” and many science fiction stories that I happened across in old comics and magazines.

Your portfolio is really diverse.

What will the gallery’s focus be?

Mostly it will be my illustrations and some out-of-print t-shirt designs. I’m excited about having a channel to try some new things here, like limited editions of some of my t-shirt designs. I’ll also be inviting other local artists in from time to time.

28 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

Do you have anyone lined up yet?

Yes. Oklahoma illustrator Jerry Bennett’s comic book covers will be featured here in October. In December, another artist named Tony Trammel will be showing his sci-fi art.

Is it fair to say your t-shirt designs have put you on the map?

I’ve been designing t-shirts for years (as Bombs Away Art) and some of those have really taken off, especially my Osage shield, the warrior head and scissortail designs. Those have kept me busy.

Busy, because you provide the t-shirts to retailers? Yes. Early in my career, I designed t-shirts and sold them to retailers in OKC, Lawton, Dallas and Austin, among others, and I still do that now.

Who took a chance on your designs first in OKC? Blue Seven at North May and Grand. They still carry my shirts and they’ve been great to me.

Where would you like the opening of the new art gallery to lead? I hope it will lead to an opportunity for me to get to create a drawing and produce something meaningful every day.

Your illustrations are so intricate in their design. You’ve worked in a lot of animals. What’s that about? I’ve used a lot of deer, wolves, foxes, alligators and crocodiles in my work. I like to

present ordinary things in a lessthan-obvious context.

Besides the opening of your Paseo studio, I understand you’ll be busy elsewhere this fall. I’ll be traveling to several trade shows and comic book conventions, which are really good venues for illustrators like me. I’ll also be promoting my new graphic novella, “The Story of Ivan A. Alexander – Ivan the Innocence,” which I published under the Dorshak Bloch pseudonym through Literati Press in Edmond.

What’s the best advice you never took? “Always quit one before you think you should.”

What’s your best character trait?

Empathy.

Which trait could you do without?

Being a perfectionist. It can really get out of hand.

Do you have any recurring dreams? Yes. I’m in a small, white house and there’s a tree in the

backyard with a light pointed on it. The tree is dying because at the base, there’s a rattlesnake buried under it and the snake is poisoning the tree. In the dream, I’m always looking for something I can use to get the snake out. Wowwwwww.

That really strays from the “day of the final exam” dream people usually tell me about.

Which movie can you recite the words to? “The Big Lebowski.”

Do you have a favorite hole-inthe-wall in town? I only eat at local restaurants. I really like Cafe Antigua and Florence’s (east side).

For a drink, I love Sean Cummings Irish Pub on North May. What can they get you for your next birthday? A plane ticket to Japan.

Where would you like to be years from now? In Europe, maybe in Scotland in a castle somewhere, sitting in a tower and drawing everything I can see from there.

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UP FRONT | Mingling

Ricky Gunn, David Hanon, Edna Garcia, Lance McDaniel, Rogelio Almeida Lindsay Coe, Bonnie Blumert

Jordan and Travis Stephens, Josh and Jill DeLozier

Christian Murray, Dr. Sami Dahr

Kindt Meyers, Jace Keith

DEADCENTER FILM ROW FROLIC Photos by Justin Avera

It’s a party on Film Row as Slice sponsors a Friday night bash for the independent cinema festival’s VIPs. Dr. Arlen Foulkes, Michelle Crom

Susannah Hooper, Adrienne Nobles, Leslie Buford Jeremy Rowland, Debra and Charles Rowland

ZOOBILATION Photos by Claude Long

Rachel Gorey, Brenna Holasek

Guests let their hair (or fur) down and get jubilant at the OKC Zoo’s annual no-tie fundraising gala.

Want more photos? Sign up for our Snapshot! newsletter at sliceok.com/newsletters.

30 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

Jill Jekel with Rusty

Debby Simmons and Star

Evan Gerfen with Mister

BARK AND MINGLE Photos by Claude Long

The American Cancer Society brings two- and four-legged friends together for a communal hangout in The Village David and Briana Titus with Sugar and to kick off September’s Bark for Life event.

Valerie Cotto with Teddy and Dozer

OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 31

32 SLICE // OCTOBER- 2014

SIT. STAY. ART!

UP FRONT | Mingling

Photos by Claude Long

Paintings of shelter pets are a fundraising force for helping them and their furry brethren in this animal-lovers’ art show and sale.

Whitney Geis and Crissy, Peggy Nichols and Stewart

Breann Irving, Cris Dorsey

Ken and Janet Case

Chris Whitson, Katie Hargis

Kim and Tim Denny

Emily and Zach Russell

DEALING FOR DREAMS Photos by Claude Long

A casino theme makes a fun, festive backdrop for Make-A-Wish Oklahoma’s fundraiser to rake in the chips on behalf of ill children’s fondest hopes.

Want more photos? Sign up for our Snapshot! newsletter at sliceok.com/newsletters.

Stacy and Todd Nance OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 33

UP FRONT | Mingling

Paula Porter, Krista Bruce, Karisa Rollins

Andy Wilson, Alejandra Campos

WHEEL AND DEAL FOR EASTER SEALS Photos by Claude Long

Emcee Lucas Ross leads an evening of game show zaniness as Easter Seals Oklahoma offers guests dinner, dancing and a great, if offbeat, time.

Cameron and Jennifer Turner

Casey and Bill Lisby

Alice Cooper, Vince Gill

Becky Switzer, Susan and Scott Meacham, Barry Switzer

OMRF 241 EVENT

Randy and Barbie Von Netzer, Libby and G.T. Blankenship

Photos courtesy OMRF

Vince Gill and Alice Cooper joined forces at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation’s annual 241 (“Two events for one great cause”) music and wine festival, which generated more than $640,000 in donations.

Dr. Steve Prescott, Tricia Everest, David Thompson 34 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

Kim and Governor Brad Henry

Linda Mares, Scott Hines

Coralee Toal, Dr. Dana Stone, Sarah Turpen

DeeDee DeVore, Cynthia McCoy

Debbie Huff, Megan Hann, Patti Mellow Marion Paden, Cindi Shelby, Cathy Dempsey, Lyliose Nduhungirehe

Cynthia Whitaker-hill, Jamie Hamilton

IEEW FASHION SHOW Photos by Justin Avera David Barocio, Amy Potter, D.G. Smalling

The Institute for the Economic Empowerment of Women, Worth NY, R Meyers, Spencer Stone, Eden Salon and designers from Rwanda and Afghanistan combine their resources to wow onlookers at a special fashion event.

OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 35

UP FRONT | Wanderlust

36 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

77 COUNTIES: Tulsa

THE MONUMENTAL HANDS OF GARY MITCHELL

By M.J. Alexander

THE MOST MASSIVE DEPICTION OF A LIVING OKLAHOMAN IS NOT THE STATUE OF OLYMPIAN SHANNON MILLER IN EDMOND OR THE JOHNNY BENCH BRONZE OUTSIDE THE REDHAWKS’ BALLPARK IN OKLAHOMA CITY. It is not Weatherford’s tribute to hometown astronaut Thomas P. Stafford or Norman’s quintet of Heisman winners, forever frozen in mid-play.

The statue was created in the flames of a Mexican foundry, transported to Tulsa in a long convoy of tractor-trailers. It weighs 30 tons, and stands as tall as the head of George Washington on Mount Rushmore.

The model for the work, unbeknownst even to many of his friends, may be the most famous Oklahoman you’ve never heard of: Gary Mitchell.

He was born May 19, 1952, in Oklahoma City, and grew up in the Venice neighborhood near N.W. 36th Street and May Avenue. He graduated from Northwest Classen High School and Oklahoma State, and attended grad school at the University of Oklahoma. By his mid-20s, he was a licensed clinical social worker, living in North Carolina and working at Duke University. Come the holidays, he would head west and return home to see family and friends.

His childhood friend Mike McMurry lived three blocks away. Home from Duke for Christmas, Mitchell dropped by and was welcomed by Mike’s father.

Leonard McMurry – then nearly 70 and hailed as “Oklahoma’s Michelangelo” – grabbed Mitchell’s hands to study them, front and back. He was thrilled. “These are perfect!”

McMurry was beginning work on a new sculpture commissioned by evangelist Oral Roberts for the planned City of Faith medical complex. It would be McMurry’s largest piece yet, 60 feet tall and 60,000 pounds. He sketched and photographed the hands of Gary Mitchell, explaining why they were exactly right: powerful and nicely veined, with long, tapered fingers that would seem the right proportions when viewed at a distance and from six stories below. Mitchell was happy to oblige.

Though often referred to as the praying hands, Roberts christened the work “The Healing Hands.” His concept: depict two forces joining together: one hand to represent the healing power of medicine, the other to symbolize the power of faith.

A 10-man crew worked three months to assemble and weld the pieces in Tulsa. The massive palms are shown just making contact, the 20-foot-long fingers barely touching. Soon after their dedication, a reporter described the result: “So true to life are the hands showing lines, veins and muscles, that it wouldn’t be startling to see a pulse beating in the wrists.”

After nearly a decade installed as the symbol of the City of Faith, the sculpture’s future was in doubt when the hospital complex closed its doors in 1989. Two years later, Roberts announced that the hands would anchor the new entrance of his nearby school. He called them “the signature for our university and ministry, symbolizing the merging of our human efforts with those supernatural works of God.” Editor’s Note: This installment is part of author M.J. Alexander’s “77 Counties” series, chronicling her travels across Oklahoma. The full series is available at sliceok.com/travel/

OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 37

UP FRONT | Wanderlust

A

s the light shifts from dawn to dusk and back, the hands reflect the moods of the ever-changing Oklahoma sky, morphing from an orange glow to dull mustard to brown, sometimes with a coppery green patina at the welding seams. A parking lot to the right of the statue hosts a steady stream of vehicles: school buses, church vans, cars with new members of Oral Roberts University’s 50th entering freshman class and Route 66 road trippers posing for their been-there-done-that shot beneath the massive hands.

Mitchell is ambivalent about being memorialized in bronze for perpetuity. Raised Episcopalian, he is a modest and thoughtful man who considers himself more spiritual than religious, more progressive than conservative. Divorced once, and nearing retirement, he has moved to a tidy house on a golf course in Broken Arrow.

When I stopped by to chat, he was finishing lunch in the clubhouse with a longtime golfing buddy: Ralph Fagin, past interim president of Oral Roberts University.

Does Dr. Fagin know of his secret identity?

Gary Mitchell smiled. He lifted his hands, which still look remarkably similar to the 60-foot depiction.

“Yes, I told him. He thinks it’s great.”

What do you think?

The anonymous celebrity smiled, still pondering.

38 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

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OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 39

GHOSTBUSTERS

By Mark Beutler // Photos by Simon Hurst

The investigation took place on a warm, moonlit August night. As I Pulled into the parking lot, a sudden wisp of wind caught the trees and tall grass – then it was gone as quickly as it had come. The hum of the distant interstate was the only noise. No crickets or other sounds of summer could be heard … just an eerie, deafening silence.

Inside the restaurant, the remaining customers were being handed their tabs. The waitstaff scurried to clear tables and mop the floors, eager to call it a night. Down a flight of stairs was another group, busily setting up cameras and tripods and all sorts of strangelooking electronic equipment.

“Hi, I’m so glad you could come!” exclaimed the group’s leader. “We’re getting ready to start putting our cameras into position as soon as the last customers leave,” she said.

40 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

For Lindsey Miles and her “Midnight Paranormal” crew, this was just another night on the job. But the restaurant they were investigating is anything but ordinary.

Gabriella’s is one of Oklahoma City’s bestloved Italian eateries. It occupies the building known for years as the “County Line BBQ” at Northeast 63rd and Kelly. It’s also known for its spooky past and the unearthly guests who are rumored to still roam the corridors.

“We have done several investigations here,” Miles said. “Each time we have found

something not-of-this-world. This is just a very active building in terms of paranormal activity.”

Ron Cross agrees. He has his own team called “P.R.O.S. Investigations,” specializing in hauntings and paranormal research. On this particular night he joined Miles and her group as a mentor and spiritual advisor, so to speak.

“I have been doing this since 1981,” Cross said. “I have conducted my own investigations here through the years and I can definitely tell you this place is haunted.”

Built in 1938, the restaurant has a past as checkered as the table cloths. The original occupant, the Kentucky Club, was a wellknown speakeasy where the most prominent members of society could go during Prohibition days to drink and gamble. The club gained a notorious reputation due to numerous raids by local law enforcement.

Rumors also abound that a bordello operated out of the club.

“One report we found is the story of a man who was shot and killed here,” Cross said. “The murder allegedly happened over by the fireplace. So during one of our own studies, we set up our recorders and began asking questions. First, we asked the man’s name.

“We have done several investigations here. Each time we have found something not-of-this-world.

This is just a very active building in terms of paranormal activity.� - Lindsey Miles, Midnight Paranormal

OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 41

Ron cross

“I have been doing this since 1981. I have conducted my own investigations here through the years and I can definitely tell you this place is haunted.”

- Ron cross, P.R.O.S. Investigations

“We captured an EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) in which a male voice clearly says ‘Russell.’ We asked him to provide us more information on what had happened to him. The audio tape recorded a series of labored breaths. Then the voice says ‘Why am I swaying?’ followed by the word ‘bullets.’

“Finally we asked ‘what can we do to help?’” Cross said. “The answer was an emphatic ‘stay out!’”

On this August night as Miles and her crew were getting ready to dim the lights and get to work, Gabriella’s owner, Chef Vicki Muhs, shared some of her own stories.

“We had just been open a few days when we invited our family to join us for dinner one evening after we closed. We were sitting here in the back, and from our vantage point you can see all the way to the front door and the hostess station. I had asked my husband, Duane, to lock the door when the last customer left.

“As we sat down to eat, I saw a man in a fedora leaning against the hostess station.

I mentioned it to Duane, and told him I had asked him to lock the door. He said, ‘I did.’

We both started toward the front to greet 42 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

the man and let him know we were closed.

As we approached, the man disappeared.

He was gone, into thin air, right in front of us,” Vicki said.

But that’s not the only strange occurrence.

“As we were remodeling and turning the old County Line into Gabriella’s, we had a contractor come out to do some work in the basement. He came running upstairs in a panic, leaving his equipment behind. He said he would not go back down there, and he didn’t. He sent a crew to pick up his tools and he never returned.

“I don’t know what is in that basement, but I will not go there,” Vicki said. “I get an overwhelming feeling of sadness down there and it is one part of the restaurant where I will not go.”

The final customers and employees left, and the lights inside Gabriella’s went out just past midnight. It was time for Miles, Cross and the rest of the crew to get to work.

Earlier, the scent of simmering garlic had enveloped the restaurant as guests dined on delicious homemade pasta.

Now, a strange scent appeared.

“What is that odor? Do you smell that?”

Cross asked as a strong smell of sulfur drifted

across the room, then suddenly evaporated.

There was no logical explanation.

A few moments later a crew member sat at a table all alone – or so she thought. She was seated near the dark kitchen, intently watching the video monitors when she heard someone – or something – whisper in her ear.

“Get out!” the voice demanded.

And so it went all through the witching hours: a ghostly orb floating across the room and disappearing down a black corridor; the slight touch of an icy hand on the shoulder. A number of ghostly occurrences showed the restaurant is just as active at night as it is during the day. The only difference is these guests cannot be seen.

“I know some people will be skeptical, and that’s okay,” Miles said. “I used to be one of those skeptics until I saw it firsthand. There are some things in this world that simply cannot be explained.”

When the first rays of morning sun began to filter through the windows, Miles and her crew called it a night.

And for the restless spirits who seem to be embedded within those walls, the place was theirs once again, at least for a while.

Haunted Cleveland County

By Jeff Provine

Norman often seems to be an unassuming town … a commuter suburb; a college town bustling with students and alumni; a great place to stop off for a bite to eat when traveling I-35. Like most unassuming towns, it holds deep shadows of secret histories just beneath the surface.

Downtown and the University campus date back to soon after the Land Run of 1889, and Norman continues to grow faster and faster thanks to transportation and civil projects like Griffin Memorial Hospital, the Max Westheimer Airport (once Oklahoma’s Navy base, 400 miles inland) and man-made Lake Thunderbird. Along with new residents, old ones love the town so much they stick around – not even letting the grave keep them away.

PHOTOS THIS PAGE SIMON HURST

Lake Thunderbird

Completed in 1965, a mile-and-a-half-long dam stopped up the Little River to create Lake Thunderbird, one of Oklahoma’s many artificial lakes. It soon became a popular place for swimming, fishing and boating, but a terrible rash of drownings in the 1980s prompted visitors to suspect there was something sinister about the lake. Rumors began to spread that an ancient Indian burial ground had been covered up, although there has never been archeological evidence showing Native American settlement in the Norman area.

Others suggested it was the ghosts of Dave and Jim Blue, defending their stash of gold said to be hidden under a rock outcropping on what was once Little River. They supposedly died in a shootout with a posse that raided their hilltop outpost south of town, and a skull with a large caliber bullet hole found in the lake in 2006 may very well have been one of theirs.

When another series of drownings happened in the early 2000s, a new culprit was blamed: the Oklahoma Red Octopus. Scientists doubt that such a creature could exist since octopi are salt-water creatures and rarely grow to monstrous size, but several eyewitnesses have stepped up to claim seeing leathery red-brown tentacles sticking off a body the size of a horse, hiding deep in the water near the dam. State park rangers say it is most likely some red algae while cryptozoologists hunt for more data.

OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 43

Bizzell Memorial Library

Every campus tour stops in the famous Cherokee Gothic library, which was named a National Historical Landmark in 2001 due to the University of Oklahoma’s participation in desegregating higher education. Hand-carved wooden stairs lead up to the Great Reading Room, where each rafter features an angel with a unique expression. The library has been added to and remodeled many times over the years, creating a labyrinth with hallways that turn only to end abruptly and half-doorways occasionally leading from the fifth floor to the third, depending on where in the library guests are willing to venture. The red brick and white stone façade is well known for its gargoyles, which are to keep away malevolent spirits according to myth. Others believe that they are keeping something in.

The “Library Ghost” is OU’s most famous departed resident. It is said to haunt the Decks, a secluded area with narrow staircases connecting six floors of bookshelves resting on tiles of frosted glass – supposedly designed as a cost-saving measure to allow natural light from skylights above or the original gas lamps to filter through the floors. According to campus legend, a glass tile broke as a student walked over it, causing him to fall through and break his neck, leaving his restless spirit to roam the shelves for all eternity. The story varies wildly depending on who is telling it: sometimes the ghost

is male, sometimes female, with the deadly fall happening in the 1940s, ’50s or ’60s. While no concrete records name a student who perished that way, a number of students have claimed eerie experiences. People routinely get the sensation of being watched, and some hear footsteps only to find no one there. Others claim to have seen books jump off shelves. One student even declared that the book he had searched the whole library over for suddenly fell at his feet, delivered by a surprisingly helpful spirit.

The most haunted building on campus is routinely agreed to be Ellison Hall, the first infirmary built for the university. Originally Hygeia Hall and completed in 1928, it was soon renamed after Dr. Gayfree Ellison, the first Dean of Student Health. The infirmary served as the medical center at OU for four decades until it was converted into offices for use by student government and then Arts & Sciences, the largest college. In its heyday, Ellison Hall featured four operating theaters, doctor’s offices, a live-in cook and a large recovery ward that was used as quarantine for children during the polio epidemic.

Ellison’s favorite ghost is the Little Boy. The story goes that a little boy was roller-skating on Elm Avenue when he was struck by a car (or maybe he had an asthma attack, it depends on the storyteller). He was rushed to Ellison Hall, but did not survive. Instead, he is said to roam up and down the hall of the third floor, the sound of squeaking wheels beginning at the north end, going south and then coming back. Motion-sensor lights turn themselves on even when no mortal is around. The elevator is famous for starting itself up and going to different floors, just as if a little boy were playing with the buttons.

The boy ghost is said to have company in the old infirmary. Several groups of paranormal investigators have spent evenings in Ellison trying to gather evidence of the afterlife. Teams have collected EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) of voices asking for keys, and knocking sounds have come from rooms with no one in them.

Among the ghosts are believed to be at least two nurses, a trickster spirit and several other patients. Dr. Ellison himself is said to stop in from time to time to keep an eye on his building.

44 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

PHOTOS THIS PAGE COURTESY WESTERN HISTORY COLLECTIONS, UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA

Ellison Hall

Kendall’s Restaurant

Just down Highway 77 lies the country town of Noble, famous for its rose rocks and chicken fried steak. Sitting at the corner of Main and Chestnut, which was once the road leading to the only bridge in the area across the Canadian River, Kendall’s has a growing fame for its down-home cooking as well as a host of ghostly characters that haunt the back rooms.

The main building began as Stufflebean’s Grocery, a business that would last more than sixty years. An alley separated it from a livery stable to the west, which is said to have also served as an undertaker’s office. Recent remodeling has turned the alley into a hallway and the former stable into spacious dining rooms, one including a play area where several children have claimed to see an “imaginary friend” … a little girl ghost. Other specters include the “woman in black,” believed to be a former Noble resident named Margaret who committed suicide by eating white oleander leaves. She has interacted with paranormal investigators on a number of occasions, brushing up against them and flicking flashlights on and off.

PHOTOS THIS PAGE SIMON HURST

Midway Barber Shop

In historic downtown Norman, a barbershop claims to be among the oldest businesses in central Oklahoma still running to this day. Midway Barber Shop dates back to 1893, when brothers Rufus Sherman Davis and Otho Eugene Davis moved off their family’s farm northeast of Norman to the quickly growing frontier town. The brothers were savvy businessmen who inundated the Norman Transcript with advertisements as “The place to go for a neat hair cut or quick shave.” They came across a stroke of luck (and misfortune for a quarter of Norman’s downtown) when a whole block of the south side of Main Street burned in 1902, including the competing Wheeler’s Barber Shop. Rufus went on to be elected and reelected county treasurer, but Otho fell on hard times as his business ventures went sour.

Although praised in his wedding announcement as one of the county’s most ambitious young men, he came into the company of secret societies and, according to whispered legend, strange religion. His bad luck resulted in his family, including five children, moving into the small apartment above the barbershop, where he worked long hours trying to make ends meet. One morning Otho’s wife came down to the shop and told him that she was pregnant again. Otho, who was with a customer, barely replied.

He wrapped up the customer in a hot towel for a shave and then excused himself to the restroom. They found him there later, his throat slit with his own straight razor.

To this day, strange things happen in the barbershop. Small items like clips disappear for weeks at a time only to reappear in spots where people had been looking for them time and again. Cabinet doors open themselves, and items tumble from shelves. Sometimes folks drive by in the early hours of the morning to find the lights on and, some claim, a phantom barber still at work.

Even as a young state, Oklahoma is filled with spooky legends and ghostly lore. Oklahomans are practical folk who rarely volunteer a story out of the blue.

Once people begin swapping tales, though, it’s uncanny to hear how many of us share paranormal experiences.

OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 45

A Territorial Haunting

By Mark Beutler

A few miles north of Oklahoma City sits the quaint little village of Guthrie. It’s noted for being Oklahoma’s first Capital and for the charming Victorian homes and businesses that dot the landscape. Visitors can still drive over streets made of brick and see what life was like at the turn of the 20th century.

Guthrie is also reported to be one of Oklahoma’s most haunted cities. Supernatural activity seems to ooze out of every old building in this Logan County community.

As the shadows of autumn grow darker and Halloween approaches, take a short drive to Guthrie and visit some of its well-known haunts – if you dare.

Stone Lion Inn

This elegant Victorian mansion was built by entrepreneur Fred Houghton in 1907. Located at 1016 West Warner, the home has been painstakingly restored to its original grandeur. Current owner Rebecca Luker bought the property in 1986 and moved into it with her sons, Grant and Ral. Today it is a charming bed and breakfast.

“The Houghtons had a large family,” Luker said. “Their daughter Irene was still a child when she developed whooping cough and died in the home. Several years later, in the 1930s, the Houghtons moved out and leased the mansion to Smith Funeral Home. It is our understanding the Smith family lived on the second floor and did the embalming on the first floor in the kitchen. In fact, when we bought the house there was a large porcelain table which I thought was used for baking. As it turns out, it was an embalming table.”

The Stone Lion Inn has received national attention and was featured on the TV show “Ghost Hunters.” Luker’s sons have also seen first-hand some of the other-worldly visitors.

“The Houghtons used the third floor as a playroom for their children,” Luker explains. “They kept their toys in one of the closets there. Shortly after moving into the house, my youngest son, Ral, put his toys in the same closet the Houghton children had used.

“Ral came down for breakfast one morning and announced ‘I am not going back upstairs until she is gone. I asked him who he was talking about; he said, ‘the little girl in my toy closet.’ It was then I began to think the house had issues.”

Through the years, guests at the Inn have reported seeing a little girl playing in the back hallway. Personal items have been moved inside the rooms, and a woman wearing a white dress has been spotted floating up the stairs.

“One of our employees, Michelle, says she has seen the ghost of Mr. Houghton in the basement and she can smell the odor of his cigar. One funeral director visited us and speculates the Inn is haunted because it was once a funeral home, and that is the place where the deceased finally realizes he or she is actually dead.”

46 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

This infamous former den of iniquity is located at 224 West Harrison in the heart of downtown Guthrie. Built in 1901, the downstairs saloon catered to thirsty customers, while the upstairs was home to Miss Lizzie’s Bordello and catered to customers in search of a different kind of service.

“The [paranormal] activity at the Blue Belle is tremendous,” said Cross. “There have been rumors of apparitions of men and bordello girls, thought to be Miss Lizzie and two of her girls.

“One of her ‘employees’ was allegedly beaten to death and buried inside the saloon. People have experienced cold spots, and seen ghostly figures around the bar and restrooms.

“Our team investigated a few years ago.

We placed our voice recorders, motion sensors and digital cameras in the downstairs bar area. A low voice could be heard whispering ‘I’m here.’

“Throughout the investigation we heard an angry male voice follow us saying ‘Don’t take that picture!’ And at the end of the night, a female voice comes through and in a very sweet tone says ‘I’d like to kiss you,’” Cross said.

Today the Blue Belle is back in business, and the current owners will not discuss any supernatural happenings. But if the rumors and investigations are accurate, there may be more than one kind of “spirit” in the old saloon.

STONE LION INN PHOTOS BY SIMON HURST // BLUE BELLE SALOON COURTESY OKLAHOMA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Blue Belle Saloon

Logan County Memorial Hospital

Located a block off of Highway 33, the old hospital sits abandoned at the intersection of 19th Street and Warner. A strong feeling of despair and loneliness emanates from the many darkened windows, most of which have broken shards of glass due to years of neglect.

Construction began in 1925, and in 1946 the Order of the Sisters of Benedict bought the property and named it “Benedictine Heights.” A generation of Baby Boomers was born in the hospital.

It closed in the late ’70s and has sat vacant ever since. Plans to redevelop the property have not materialized.

“I have been there many times investigating,” said Ron Cross, paranormal expert with P.R.O.S Investigations. “We have seen unexplained shadows, apparitions and lights that will come on by themselves. Strange footsteps and disembodied voices permeate throughout the dark hallways.

“Once, several of us heard what sounded like something being scraped across a metal counter top. It is just a very eerie place with an overall feeling of doom and terror,” Cross said.

Longtime Guthrie resident Matt Cowden agrees.

“I still remember when the hospital was in operation,” Cowden said. “It was beautiful and historic and I could see it down the street from Cotteral School.

“But slowly the building has deteriorated. The façade is weathered, the windows shattered. It has become a dreary and gloomy site and really an unnerving place.”

Local law enforcement set up cameras inside the building and warn trespassers to stay out. Besides being structurally unsafe, whatever else is residing inside those walls does not want company.

Santa Fe Depot

PHOTOS THIS PAGE COURTESY OKLAHOMA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Masonic Children’s Home

Before the state adopted its new system of foster care families, many kids were placed in facilities like the Masonic Children’s Home. Beginning in the 1920s, the complex at 602 East College provided a warm bed and a residence for many kids who didn’t have a family.

The home was large, and even had an indoor swimming pool. Eventually it was abandoned and sat vacant for decades.

Local legend in Guthrie says apparitions appear and disappear. Others reported hearing unexplained footsteps and the feeling of being watched. Sounds of children screaming have also been heard.

“I remember hanging around there some when I was a kid,” says Pam Ekiss, curator of Guthrie’s Frontier Drug Store Museum. “It was very dark and eerie. We played on some dilapidated playground equipment outside. Looking back, it was very dangerous.

“Going inside was creepy. I remember seeing a huge swimming pool in the basement. It was so deep and not covered at all. The whole place was in such a state of disrepair, much like our old hospital is now.”

The property was rescued and rehabilitated in 2000, and today it is a private home.

“I went to a wedding there last summer and it was so beautiful,” Ekiss said. “There are those who believe it is haunted. I don’t know for certain about that, but back when I was young it was definitely one spooky place.”

The two-story brick depot was built in 1903. One end of the depot was home to the Harvey House Restaurant, and the upstairs rooms above were where founder Fred Harvey and his family stayed.

“We have done several haunting investigations at the old train station,” said Lindsey Miles from Midnight Paranormal. “Rumor has it that upstairs is the ghost of Fred’s wife, Pearl. She has been seen looking longingly out of one of the windows.

“The first night we were there we snapped a picture of a woman in the window.

Sometime later we were at a conference where paranormal investigators come together to share their stories and evidence. A gentleman asked to see the picture; he then asked us to hang around for a bit. He came back with an old photo album and a picture of the same young lady.

“He said her name was Pearl and she was a relative of his,” Miles said. “The man said she had lived above the old depot when she was young, and on her deathbed the woman said she always wanted to go back home. I guess she did.”

Don’t close your eyes

On the surface Guthrie is a wonderful place, full of antique shops, restaurants and cozy bed and breakfasts. But underneath hides the uneasy feeling something may just be lurking inside those old Victorian buildings.

“The paranormal can be dangerous if not handled correctly,” said Lindsey Miles. “But not everything is dark and demonic. Treat those who have passed on to another dimension as humans, and show them respect. Be safe and smart, and know when to leave them alone.”

OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 47

Philanthropy

101

A DO-GOODER’S GUIDE TO GIVING BACK

BY SEAN BECKER

After nearly two-and-a-half centuries, we are land rich, resource rich and cash rich. OK, maybe we’re a little on the cash poor side, depending upon whose numbers you ascribe to. Still, for all our wealth, we’re a nation of outcasts at heart. The wretched, the tired, the huddled masses – that describes most of us somewhere down the line. Ostracized elsewhere (and sometimes here, too), somebody related to us sought refuge and a better life in the U.S. of A. That kind of upbringing tends to stick with you, and collectively, as a nation we are no exception. We champion innovation and laud the exploits of the self-made man (or woman). We love a rags-to-riches story of guts, guile and a little good luck. We all root against the Yankees … well, we should. Who watches “Star Wars” and cheers for the evil Empire? Anyway, we love our underdogs, our Cinderella stories and those little things that make us feel happy inside. Like watching the Yankees lose. Or maybe the Cubs win.

We also like to feel as if we played a part in those special moments.

Deep into our second century of nationhood, John F. Kennedy appealed to that need for emotional connectedness when he implored the citizens of this great nation to “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” Here at Slice, we heard that call echoing from the past –and will now heed your need for a how-to when it comes to giving back.

STEP 1: PICK YOUR PASSION If you’ve read this far, you’re thinking about getting involved in your community. Great! Aside from painting the church nursery or chaperoning your kid’s painfully awkward middle school dance (flask

48 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

optional), most community engagement endeavors are going to lead you to one nonprofit organization or another.

Nonprofit organizations exist to fill in the gaps where government and for-profit enterprises fail to meet or address a societal need. This is not an indictment of either sector. Government simply cannot (and should not) be expected to do every little thing – it’s unrealistic and bad public policy. For-profit companies operate to, well, make a profit. There’s usually not a lot of Young Boys & Girls Clubs memprofit involved in the nonprofit sector, where bers receiving free your product line features “what ifs” instead of backpacks (and widgets and your supply and demand curves ice cream!) from consist of dreams versus reality, not guns vervolunteers at an sus butter. event sponsored The National Center for Charitable Staby Continental tistics listed over 1.5 million nonprofit orgaResources nizations in operation in the United States in 2010. There are over 18,000 nonprofits in Oklahoma alone. So pick a cause, any cause, and there is surely a nonprofit organization that would love your help. Now you have to figure out which cause you want to support. This is the easy part because it’s all about you.

“Look in your heart and see what your passion is,” recommends Marnie Taylor, President and CEO for the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits.

Are you an insurance claims adjuster by day but an aspiring oboist at heart? There’s a performing arts organization out there just waiting to hear from you. Do you love animals? Plenty of options out there for pet people. Does homelessness and poverty get you down? You – yes, you!

– can get out there and do something about it. Social service agencies

PHOTO COURTESY BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF OK COUNTY

It’s a funny place, this United States of America. At once the strongest and most affluent nation in the recorded history of the world, our humble beginnings as a colony for outcasts lie at the roots of our family tree.

Financially bankrupt by the time the Revolution ended with the cornering of Cornwallis at Yorktown, westward expansion soon spawned an unprecedented era of growth and conquest. Our “manifest destiny” drove us over the Appalachians, across the Great Plains, through the Rockies, on to the Pacific Ocean and beyond.

OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 49

STEP 2: FIND YOUR NICHE Let’s cut to the chase here. Philanthropy in the nonprofit arena comes in three flavors. If you are interested in supporting a cause, be prepared to part with one or all of the holy trinity of “T’s” – that’s time, talent and treasure. Now before you get all weak-kneed and cold-footed, first realize that nobody is asking you to sign your life away. Your life and comfort level will determine what kind and how much “T” you can donate.

Being a board member can be fun and satisfying, but it is also important work. Jim Farris, President of James Farris Associates, offers some perspective. “People want to be on boards for a lot of reasons,” says Farris, a longtime contributor to nonprofit boards around the state. “Prestige, looks good on a resume, your boss wants you to represent your company – these are all good reasons” to seek board positions. Board membership also provides a window into your little world.

“Being on a board is how you find out how your community really operates.”

Make no mistake – boards are not social clubs.

They have a job to do. Actually three jobs, according to Farris: manage the organization’s executive; set policy for the nonprofit; and raise money.

“If you can’t do all of these things, you probably shouldn’t be on a board,” he says. Fundraising often trips people up. While board members are typically expected to make a financial contribution to the organization, an active and engaged board member is involved in the greater fundraising efforts of the organization as well. “Every board is a fundraising board,” asserts Farris.

“Some fundraising is cyclical, like the annual United Way campaign,” he elaborates. “Other boards are in constant fundraising mode.”

TIME In its simplest form, time translates into volunteering. How you go about volunteering depends upon how much time you have to give and what you are interested in doing. To find places and ways to volunteer in Oklahoma City, VolunteerMatch.org is a good place to start.

“It lets you see what’s out there,” explains Julie VanDeLinder, Sales Director, West, for VolunteerMatch.org. “Search-wise, it’s an easy tool to use to find causes, tasks and volunteer opportunities for kids. If you’re just starting out, VolunteerMatch gives you an opportunity to Volunteers aiding the commusample a few different experiences.” nity through the YMCA (top) and In many cases that first experience will be Christmas Connection (bottom) a non-skilled activity that supports the agency TREASURE Time and talent are always appremission. If you have more time than treasure to ciated in the nonprofit world. For organizations donate, this is a logical way to offer your support. It’s also a great way to that rely heavily on the generosity of private donors or corporate learn more about an organization. With a few clicks and scrolls, Volunlargesse, treasure is always welcome too. After all, nothing says, “I teerMatch.org can help you find an option that’s right for you. “We’re love you” like cold, hard cash. If you simply have no time to volunteer not a technology company,” adds VolunteerMatch.org’s Dianna Smith, and your professional talents keep you overly committed elsewhere, Director, Central Territory, “we’re a ‘remove the barriers’ company.” In perhaps you have some savings that you would like to dedicate to the short, VolunteerMatch.org exists to make it easy to volunteer. greater good. By all means, get out the checkbook and support the That’s one noble calling, because organizations large and small causes you care about. But before you uncap that pen, do yourself a need volunteers to keep their programs going. “Our branches rely favor and conduct a little due diligence. heavily on volunteers,” says Alexis Lux, Vice President of Financial While charity scams are blessedly scarce in Oklahoma, donors are Development for the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City. “The coaches still wise to treat their charitable gifts with the same level of caution as for kids’ sports and camp counselors are all volunteers.” At Christmas their investments in the stock market. “A donor’s biggest fear,” says TayConnection, a local social service nonprofit that distributes clothing, lor, “is that you’re investing in something that doesn’t go to the hightoys and household items for free to qualified recipients, volunteers est goal and mission.” Fortunately, there are a host of easily accessible gave over 14,000 hours of service in 2013 – the equivalent of having tools that donors can use to navigate what may be unfamiliar territory. seven extra full-time staff members. “There’s a lot to do,” says ProAlthough they are tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations are required to gram Director Donna Robison. “Volunteers help sort donations, hang report financial activity to the Internal Revenue Service via the Form clothes, answer the phone,” she explains. “Volunteer ‘shopper assis990 (think of it as an elaborate 1040 for nonprofits). Many organizatants’ escort clients through the store and help them find items they tions post their recently filed forms and other financial information need. If you like to shop – help someone shop!” right on their websites. Additionally, “Every charity is legally supposed to be registered [with the Secretary of State],” Taylor says.

TALENT While non-skilled tasks are the entry-level positions in the A few clearinghouse-type websites can streamline your research. volunteer world, you may have a specific skill that is in demand in the These sites are free for nonprofits and potential donors, although nonprofit community. Here Time and Talent merge as you become you may be required to register to log in. For smaller nonprofits, more engaged in your philanthropic pursuits. By and large, nonprofit GuideStar.org is a great first stop. The site provides detail about 1.8 organizations are lightly staffed and operate on shoestring budgets. million nonprofits nationwide, including income and expense figLimited cash flow makes staff specialists such as website designers ures, board members, IRS Forms 990 and annual reports. For larger and information technology professionals a rare commodity. If you nonprofits (think those with annual budgets of $1 million or more), have these or other specialized skills, consider donating that talent to CharityNavigator.org provides similar snapshots along with a sidea nonprofit that you support. by-side comparison tool.

On the administrative side of things, nonprofits rely on volun Although nonprofits are not required to post information to teers to fill board and committee positions as well. It’s here where GuideStar.org or CharityNavigator.org, the sites have earned such the talent and treasure portions of the nonprofit triad come together. sterling reputations that most organizations strive to post their

50 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

PHOTOS: MOWERS COURTESY YMCA, CHRISTMAS CONNECTION BY QUIT NGUYEN

all around town help feed, clothe and shelter our neighbors who are down on their luck.

UNITED WAY PHOTO BY SIMON HURST

profiles there and keep them up-to-date. First of all, that’s where donors are looking for information. Secondly, it’s an indicator of an organization’s willingness to share information. “We are 100 percent behind transparency,” says the YMCA’s Lux. While the reporting requirements are burdensome for any business, the trend toward transparency and promoting high standards is welcome within the nonprofit community. “The industry is doing more benchmarking than ever before,” says Taylor, “and that’s good for everyone.”

STEP 3: BELIEVE THE HYPE! Getting behind a cause you care deeply about “enhances your life by letting you live out your passion,” says Taylor. The facts bear this out. In its “Doing Good is Good for You: 2013 Health and Volunteering Study,” UnitedHealth Group revealed that adults who volunteer feel better physically, mentally and emotionally; experience lower stress levels; and enjoy more meaningful connections to their communities and other people.

This is equally good news for volunteers who are participating in the workforce and their employers. Some benefits cited by the UnitedHealth Group study show that employees who volunteer are healthier and more productive. Lower healthcare costs and greater productivity lead to a better bottom line for companies. The social benefits are also noteworthy. Volunteers report that workplace-supported philanthropic activities help improve their time-management skills, strengthen relationships with coworkers and foster greater feelings of goodwill toward their employer. What’s good for the geese is good for the gander.

Payroll deduction donations embraced by organizations like United Way are well known and generate lots of participation and funds. “The money you give can come in different ways too,” says VolunteerMatch.org’s Smith. Many companies offer “Dollars for Doers” programs, in which an employer makes financial contributions to organizations for which their employees volunteer. For example, your company will make a $200 donation to the local animal shelter for every 40 hours you volunteer there. For employees with some time to give but not a lot of money, Dollars for Doers rewards both volunteers and nonprofits. To find out if your company offers a Dollars for Doers program, ask your supervisor or human resources representative. Your company may also offer a “matching gifts” program. If you donate $100 to that same animal shelter or other nonprofit, the company will match your gift by donating $100 out of the corporate coffers.

Aside from the financial benefits to the organization and the possible tax incentives for you (please consult your accountant or tax advisor for details), philanthropy can be a deeply rewarding experience for you and your community. And you don’t have to go far to have a positive impact. “You always hear about poverty in other places,” says Valerie Aubert, Interim Executive Director at Christmas Connection, “but it’s right here too. And it’s easier to help people here than three states away.”

Veteran nonprofit volunteer Jim Farris concurs, “You’ve got to give back,” he urges. “If you’re not doing something to help, you’re on cruise control.”

Philanthropy has the power to transform individuals, communities and even the world. In return for your investment as a volunteer, unpaid consultant, board member or benefactor, you will likely be healthier, happier and better connected to your neighbors in the community. Your stress levels will go down and your tax burden may be lightened as well. Nonprofit organizations benefit from expanded staff time provided by volunteer efforts, savings through the acceptance of donated professional services and financial stability thanks to monetary contributions.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is a professional organization comprised of people who work in the field of nonprofit fundraising. For the record, “fundraising,” “development” and “advancement” are typically interchangeable terms used to describe the same activity: raising money to support the mission of a nonprofit. AFP is dedicated to creating and upholding high ethical standards for the fundraising industry. Members are required to adhere to the organization’s standards, which are measures designed to protect organizations and donors from unseemly business practices.

AFP created the “Donor Bill of Rights” to inform and guide both fundraisers and donors. If you are donating your hard-earned money to further the mission of a nonprofit, educate yourself about your rights as a donor.

THE DONOR BILL OF RIGHTS

Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life. To ensure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the nonprofit organizations and causes they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these rights: I. To be informed of the organization’s mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.

II. To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization’s governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.

III. To have access to the organization’s most recent financial statements.

IV. To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.

V. To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.

VI. To be assured that information about their donation is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.

VII. To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.

III. To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, V employees of the organization or hired solicitors.

IX. To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share.

X. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.

OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 51

CRAM SESSION!

PHILANTHROPY 101 CLIFFSNOTES USE THESE TOOLS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SUPPORTING THE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS YOU LOVE. ALLIED ARTS AlliedArtsOKC.com | 405.278.8944 The irascible Oscar Wilde once declared (ironically, of course), “All art is quite useless.” The folks at Allied Arts would put down their copy of “The Picture of Dorian Gray” to disagree wholeheartedly. Allied Arts is an umbrella agency that raises funds for 26 arts and cultural organizations around the metro through workplace payroll deduction and other campaigns. Think of it as a United Way for the arts. The organization also hosts the crowd-funding site Power2Give.org. Here, “Donors can fund specific projects posted by organizations,” explains Allied Arts Development Assistant Caitlin Tarasi.

ASSOCIATION OF FUNDRAISING PROFESSIONALS (AFP), OKLAHOMA CHAPTER afpoklahoma.afpnet.org | 405.232.FUND This international professional association holds member fundraisers and their organizations to high ethical standards. With chapters around the world, AFP is responsible for raising the levels of professionalism within the fundraising industry to great heights. Fundraising professionals affiliated with AFP can earn the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential only through years of work in the field, continuing education credits and by sitting for (and passing) an examination. AFP members are as serious about their profession as you are about your donation.

CHARITYNAVIGATOR.ORG AND GUIDESTAR.ORG Though not technically related, these two websites provide easy to use, searchable databases chock full of information about nonprofits of all sizes. As the go-to sites for donors, wise nonprofits keep their profiles here up-to-date. If you want to make sure the most recent information is posted on the sites, each organization’s phone number and other contact information should be readily available.

A philanthropic feast at the United Way’s annual Campaign Kick-Off and free community pancake breakfast

OKLAHOMA CENTER FOR NONPROFITS oklahomacenterfornonprofits.org | 405.463.6886 The mission of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits is simple: “Building better communities through effective nonprofits.” The Center provides resources, training and the acclaimed “Standards of Excellence” series to nonprofits throughout the state. With offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, the Center is also a resource for philanthropists and donors. If you get bogged down trying to figure out the best place to dedicate your time, talent and treasure, the Center will gladly help guide you down your personal path to happiness.

OKLAHOMA SECRETARY OF STATE sos.ok.gov | 405.522.2520 The Secretary of State website offers a searchable database of nonprofit filings. Search by entity name to see if your beneficiary of choice is registered and up to date on all required filings.

As a society we reap the rewards by becoming better educated about our communities. Philanthropy gives us the privilege of sharing the burden of our collective challenges and celebrating the successes of the achievements both common and extraordinary that are taking place all around us. Philanthropy makes us more connected to the tales of triumph against the odds, victories snatched from the jaws of defeat and the downtrodden rising to prominence. In a word, philanthropy makes us American.

52 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

VOLUNTEERMATCH.ORG The premier volunteer resource on the web, VolunteerMatch.org has placed over 8 million volunteers since 1998. Search the site for local opportunities ranging from skilled to highly technical and for ages from kids to seniors. For specific missions, search by keyword or nonprofit area of interest. The three big ones are Advocacy & Human Rights, Animals and Arts & Culture. The site also provides leads for board opportunities.

Organizations post profiles and update opportunities regularly, so check in for new events frequently.

UNITED WAY PHOTOS BY SIMON HURST

UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA unitedwayokc.org | 405.236.8441 Speaking of the United Way, fall is the traditional kickoff for this ubiquitous fundraising firm. United Way donations support dozens of health and human services nonprofits. The organization also recruits, grooms and places high-quality board members for area agencies. Workplace giving campaigns drive the organization’s fundraising efforts, but there are many other ways for you to Live United.

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FARE HIGHLY TEMPTING

In addition to a top-shelf view and a prime steak, The George offers enticing samples of elite culinary creativity. See page 58.

CARLI WENTWORTH

THE ESSENCE OF FALL A nicely spiced recipe for baked apple dumplings 56 EAT & DRINK Variety is on the menu in Slice’s citywide dining guide 60 OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 55

FARE | In the Kitchen

RUSTIC APPLE DUMPLINGS WITH BOURBON CARAMEL SAUCE

THE ESSENCE OF FALL

By Caryn Ross // Photo by Carli Wentworth

THERE ARE TWO THINGS THAT REALLY MAKE ME FEEL LIKE IT’S FINALLY FALL. The first is waking up in the morning and feeling a cool breeze coming in from the window. The second is the smell of cinnamon and apples in the air. I don’t know why, but that scent wafting in the air makes my heart smile. There is yet to be a candle or potpourri that can properly duplicate the combination … it has to be the real thing.

My baked apple dumpling recipe uses a flavor shortcut by stuffing each of the apples with Biscoff cookie crumble. These little European shortbread cookies are packed with an intense caramel cinnamon flavor. After eating one on a recent flight, it got my creative cooking juices going! So, I rushed home and ground up these little cookies and stuffed them in an apple. The result was the most delicious baked apple I have ever eaten. In fact, photographer Carli Wentworth called me after the photo shoot and said, “That was the BEST thing you have ever made.” So, I dare you NOT to make these. They are that good!

56 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

4 Granny Smith apples, peeled with cores removed (keep whole, do not quarter) 14 Biscoff cookies, crushed 1/4 c unsalted butter, melted 1/4 c pecans, chopped 1 package refrigerated piecrusts 1 egg 1 T water 1/4 c sugar 2 t cinnamon 1 recipe Bourbon Caramel Sauce (below)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9" x 9" baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a small bowl combine the crushed Biscoff cookies, butter and pecans until a crumble is formed. Press the cookie crumble into the center of each apple. Then unroll each of the piecrusts and cut in half. Place one apple in the center of the dough piece and wrap completely. Place the apples in a baking pan and cut away any extra crust, and use to create decorations. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush each of the wrapped apples with the egg wash and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Pour bourbon caramel sauce (recipe below) into pan and bake the apples for 45-60 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Serve while warm.

BOURBON CARAMEL SAUCE ½ c heavy cream ¼ c unsalted butter 1 c brown sugar ¼ c water 2 T light corn syrup 2 T Bourbon

Mix together the heavy cream, butter, brown sugar, water and corn syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the sauce begins to boil. Reduce the heat and add in the bourbon. Remove from the heat and pour the sauce into the bottom of the apple dumpling pan just before baking.

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FARE | Matters of Taste

HAUTE CUISINE

By Steve Gill // Photos by Carli Wentworth

I KEEP COMING BACK TO THE ICE BUCKET. When we sat down at our table at The George Prime Steakhouse, I ordered an Old Fashioned (best I’ve ever had, by the way), and my wife said, “Oh, just water for me.” The waiter asked if she preferred bottled, filtered or sparkling, then brought her a liter of Pellegrino in a chrome ice bucket on a pedestal, which stood at her shoulder through the meal. The George may be 20 stories up in the sky, but it’s the little details that truly elevate it.

For example, being called up at the door. When you walk into Founders Tower, you check in at the front desk and they phone the restaurant to announce your arrival, so the staff upstairs is ready to show you to your table. No harm in taking a detour, though – the view is amazing.

Since the kitchen, bar, restrooms and dining areas are collected in the interior of the circular space, walking around the glass-clad perimeter gives guests a 360-degree view of … well, everything for miles around; the downtown skyline, Lake Hefner, the State Capitol and on and on.

Unlike previous occupants of the space, The George does not revolve, so a preprandial ramble is in order to enjoy a scenic treat.

And speaking of treats, once you settle back into your seat, the cuisine from Executive Chef Josh Valentine’s kitchen is equally exceptional. Even the bread basket comes with three individual varieties for each diner (the focaccia is especially nice), and starters include an expertly balanced wedge salad with green apples, celery and flecks of blue cheese plus candied bacon for good measure, or a baked tart with a pastry shell filled with bacon and onions, then 58 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

THE GEORGE PRIME STEAKHOUSE 5900 Mosteller Drive, OKC 405.242.4761 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday

topped with a lightly dressed frisee and a runny egg for richness.

The George is, after all, a steakhouse – so the selection is ample and impressive, spanning sizes and cuts from a New York Strip of imported Wagyu (the chief among beef) to a two-pound USDA Prime rib eye to a 10-ounce filet of surpassing tenderness and flavor. It’s a good place to be carnivorous.

Assuming you can be swayed from the beef options, possibly on a second trip, I sincerely recommend the dish listed on the menu as Carolina Gold Rice; that’s a hefty lobster tail on a bed of risotto, braced with cauliflower buds, pecans for texture and capers to give it a slight tang. It’s so rich it should come with a financial advisor.

It’s so rich you can practically hear it pontificating about the estate tax. I wasn’t able to finish mine in one sitting, but – like everything else I had – I was happy to try.

If you hear a complaint about the restaurant, it’s likely to be tied to the price tag: dining at The George is not inexpensive. But take that argument with a grain of fleur de sel. I didn’t find the bill outrageous, and in a broader sense having a few places like this – focused on elite quality and a luxurious experience rather than reducing the price by scrimping on amenities – is good for the metro. Not every establishment has to be grounds for a special occasion, someplace you can impress your date or your clients or yourself … but we’re a finer community for having those options. With the addition of The George to Oklahoma City, the culinary landscape is a little less lonely at the top.

QUICK TIPS

Let yourself be feted. When you call for reservations, they’ll ask whether you’re celebrating a special occasion. Though we were actually marking our anniversary, I almost said no reflexively (I was never a fan of singing waiters and birthday sombreros) but changed my mind and admitted the raison date – and wound up sincerely glad I did. For dessert we ordered the house-made doughnuts with a scoop of espresso ice cream, which came with “Happy Anniversary” spelled out in salted caramel ganache.

Delicious and festive.

OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 59

Eat & Drink $ $$ $$$

KEY

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

Have an addition that you’d like us to consider? Send establishment name, address, phone number and a brief description (40 words or less) to dining@sliceok.com.

Submissions must be received two months prior to publication.

AMERICAN ANN’S CHICKEN FRY HOUSE A Route 66 classic with copious decorative memorabilia, and huge portions of excellent chicken-fried steak. 4106 NW 39th, OKC, 943.8915 $ BOULEVARD CAFETERIA Chicken and dumplings, liver and onions - one of the last of the area’s independent cafeterias is still pounding out the hits. 525 NW 11th, OKC, 239.6861 $ CAFÉ 7 Fast and casual, with varied salad, sandwich, pizza and pasta options, all priced under $7. 14101 N May, OKC, 748.3354; 120 N Robinson, Suite W 175, OKC, 748.3354 $ CAFÉ 501 Pizzas, salads and specialty sandwiches on artisan breads. 501 S Boulevard, Edmond, 359.1501; 5825 NW Grand, OKC, 844.1501 $$ CLASSEN GRILL Deftly done diner deliciousness, especially breakfast. 5124 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 842.0428 $ DEEP FORK GRILL Crisply elegant atmosphere complements superb seafood (cedar plank salmon is a specialty) and steaks. 5418 N Western, OKC, 848.7678 $$ DINER, THE The classics never go out of style – just ask the locals who flock here for masterful preparation of ordinary breakfast and lunch fare. 213 E Main, Norman, 329.6642 $ DISTRICT 21 This sleek, inexpensive bastion of creativity is run by Francis Tuttle’s culinary school. 12777 N Rockwell, OKC, 717.7700 $ FLINT Casual style plus outstanding contemporary cuisine makes a winning combination in the Colcord Hotel. 15 N Robinson, OKC, 601.4300 $$ HEFNER GRILL Upscale fare and a tempting brunch to boot, with the enhancements of a live piano and a spectacular lake view. 9201 Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 748.6113 $$ INTERURBAN Great food (and prices) in casual comfort – try the chicken-fried steak and anything with honey-pepper bacon. 4 metro locations, interurban.us $$ LEGEND’S A casually upscale landmark for over 40 years, it still serves exceptional seafood, steaks and more. 1313 W Lindsey, Norman, 329.8888 $$ MUTT’S AMAZING HOT DOGS Inspired creations featuring varied prime meats and unexpected and tasty flavor profiles. 1400 NW 23rd, OKC, 525.3647 $

60 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

NEBU This airy provider of chef-prepared sandwiches, sushi, pizza and more is in the garden wing of the Devon tower. 280 W Sheridan, OKC $ PACKARD’S NEW AMERICAN KITCHEN They’re not kidding about the “new” – the menu is filled with innovative ideas. 201 NW 10th, Suite 100, OKC, 605.3771 $$ PARK HOUSE The staunch wine list and great view of the Myriad Gardens add to a menu filled with contemporary American tastes.

125 Ron Norick Blvd, OKC, 445.7080 $$ PICASSO CAFÉ As creative as its neighbors in the Paseo Arts District; zippy sandwiches, salads, pizza and surprises abound. 3009 Paseo, OKC, 602.2002 $

fusion with a hint of French influence. 2418 N Guernsey, OKC, 605.5272 $$

and a menu with gourmet range. 201 S Crawford, Norman, 360.4258 $$

O ASIAN FUSION Sublime quality in a wide span of culinary influences – freshly rolled sushi to fiery curry – in cool, vibrant digs. 105 SE 12th, Norman, 701.8899 $$

CLUB ONE15 A nightclub vibe with energetic music and three bars, plus a robust menu including fajitas, pasta bowls and seafood. 115 E Sheridan, OKC, 605.5783 $$

SAII Rich ambiance boosts expertly done Japanese, Thai and Chinese fare plus stellar sushi. 6900 N May, OKC, 702.7244 $$

DEEP DEUCE GRILL A funky, comfortable alternative to Bricktown crowds, featuring burgers, beer and a people-watching patio.

307 NE 2nd, OKC, 235.9100 $

VII ASIAN BISTRO A bright, sleek interior and savory spate of Chinese and Vietnamese options. 2900 N Classen, OKC, 604.2939 $

BAKERY

POPS A bit out of the way but worth the drive, this café has burgers, salads, shakes and an unbelievably broad soda selection.

660 W Highway 66, Arcadia, 233.2020 $

BIG SKY BREAD Enjoy cookies, scones, brownies or granola, plus an incredible bevy of fresh-baked bread. 6606 N Western, OKC, 879.0330 $

REDROCK CANYON GRILL Rotisserie chicken, enchiladas and steak in a casual hacienda-style atmosphere by the lake. 9221 E Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 749.1995 $$

BROWN’S BAKERY An incredible selection of delicious traditional and specialty cakes, cookies, breads and other baked goods.

1100 N Walker, OKC, 232.0363 $

ROCKY MOUNTAIN GRILL Amply portioned and green chili-amplified burgers, breakfasts and more fill this inviting diner. 231 S Coltrane, Edmond, 562.4777 $

CUPCAKES TO GO GO Love of travel (and a sweet tooth) inspire the myriad flavor combinations in this trove of treats – its rotating menu means every trip reveals a different taste destination. 2524 W Edmond Rd, Edmond, 330.2190 $

RUNNING WILD CATERING Elegance is as abundant as flavor in the spreads supplied for special occasions by this full-service caterer; home to a broad menu and impeccable execution. Appointment only. 3830 N Maney Ave, OKC, 751.0688 $$ SATURN GRILL A lunch star: inspired pizza, sandwiches and salads. 4401 W Memorial, OKC 463.5594; 6432 Avondale, OKC, 843.7114; 1012 N Walker, OKC, 606.8182 $ SCRATCH Isn’t that the best place for food to come from? Entrees, sides and wondrous craft cocktails are carefully concocted inhouse. 132 W Main, Norman, 801.2900 $$ SYRUP The most enticing meal of the day is at this unique breakfast boutique (the crunchy French toast is something special). 123 E Main, Norman, 701.1143 $ VAST Steaks, seafood and globally inspired American cuisine, with a view truly unparalleled in Oklahoma. 280 W Sheridan, 49th floor, OKC, 702.7262 $$ VICEROY GRILLE Opulent décor, comfortable environs and some outstanding cuisine make a strong recommendation for the Ambassador Hotel’s in-house restaurant; don’t overlook the brunch options. 1200 N Walker Ave, OKC, 600.6200 $$$ WAFFLE CHAMPION A Midtown diner bringing joy to those addicted to its gourmet sweet or savory waffle options. 1212 N Walker, OKC, 525.9235 $ WHISKEY CAKE High-quality locally sourced food served in a homey atmosphere. Enjoy – and don’t forget the namesake dessert. 1845 NW Expressway, OKC, 582.2253 $$

CUPPIES & JOE The name is only part of the story: it’s cupcakes and coffee and pie and live music and a cozy, trendy vibe and more. 727 NW 23rd, OKC, 528.2122 $ HURTS DONUT CO. Ignore your childhood hesitations: you do want a Hurts Donut. The 24-hour Campus Corner locale pumps out nonstop sweet and savory innovations. 746 Asp Ave, Norman, 417.300.6106 $ KITCHEN NO. 324 Seasonally inspired café, coffee curator and craft bakery serving spectacular rustic American cuisine. 324 N Robinson, OKC, 763.5911 $ LA BAGUETTE Comfort and exquisite baking make a tres chic destination for brunch and beyond. 1130 Rambling Oaks, Norman, 329.1101; 2100 W Main, Norman, 329.5822 $ NONNA’S BAKERY Scrumptious cream pies, cakes and much more founded on family recipes – walk in and pick or call ahead to order. 1 Mickey Mantle, OKC, 235.4410 $ PIE JUNKIE Call ahead to order a whole pie or quiche or walk in and choose from what’s on hand; either way the flavors are incredible. 1711 NW 16th, OKC, 605.8767 $ SARA SARA CUPCAKES The ambiance and milk bar make great additions to the variety of specialty cupcakes in this charming little converted house. 7 NW 9th, OKC, 600.9494 $

BAR // PUB FOOD

ASIAN

51ST STREET SPEAKEASY The joint’s porch and patio are perpetually packed, and the top-shelf spirits and beers flow with joyous abandon. 1114 NW 51st, OKC, 463.0470 $

180 MERIDIAN GRILL Blending Asian cuisine with U.S. culture: sirloin with teriyaki butter, hoisin BBQ duck pizza and sushi options. 2541 W Main, Norman, 310.6110 $$

ABNER’S ALE HOUSE Beers and whiskies of the best, plus knockout dishes aimed at recreating the true English public house vibe.

121 E Main, Norman, 928.5801 $$

DOT WO GARDEN Dot Wo continues its legacy by pairing sumptuous classics of Chinese cuisine with fiery, fresh sushi. 6161 N May, OKC, 608.2388 $$

THE BARREL Drink deep of top-shelf wines, beers and whiskies, braced by thoroughly appetizing pub fusion cuisine. 4308 N Western, OKC, 525.6682 $

GRAND HOUSE A Chinese restaurant that goes the extra mile to provide enjoyable ambiance alongside its excellent cuisine. 2701 N Classen, OKC, 524.7333 $$

BELLE ISLE BREWERY Live music, handcrafted beers and a great burger selection in 50 Penn Place. 1900 NW Expressway, OKC, 840.1911 $

GUERNSEY PARK A hidden treasure on an Uptown back street, it’s home to tasty Asian

BLU FINE WINE & FOOD A sleek bar that stands out due to quick, courteous service

JAMES E. MCNELLIE’S Designed to bring Ireland’s pub culture to OKC, this Midtown hotspot features 350 varieties of beer. 1100 Classen Dr, OKC, 601.7468 $$ MONT, THE Tempting pub food with Southwestern zing at a Norman landmark with a primo patio. 1300 Classen Blvd, Norman, 329.3330 $ O’CONNELL’S IRISH PUB & GRILLE Beloved by students, alumni and townies, it’s served killer burgers, beer and festive atmosphere since 1968. 769 Asp, Norman, 217.8454 $ PELOTON Brake for a handful of apps, sandwiches and salads plus a great wine and beer selection. 900 N Broadway Ave, OKC 605.0513 $ PUB W Multiple atmospheres for whatever vibe you like, and a menu of choice beer and “new classic” fare from barbeque wings to thick pork chops. 3720 W Robinson, Norman, 701.5844 $$ REPUBLIC GASTROPUB Part beer bar and part upscale eatery, pairing a vast selection of quality brews with imaginative menu items.

5830 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 286.4577 $$ SAINTS An inviting Irish bar where whiskey and beer offerings pair nicely with classics like shepherd’s pie, bangers and fish and chips. 1715 NW 16th, OKC, 602.6308 $$ SEAN CUMMINGS’ Classic Irish fare delivered with engaging and gracious service.

Plus, naturally, there’s Guinness on tap. 7523 N May, OKC, 755.2622 $$ URBAN WINEWORKS Made-in-Oklahoma wine paired with haute culinary creations featuring rabbit, duck, pork belly and more.

1749 NW 16th, OKC, 525.9463 $$ VZD’S The unusually broad, tasty bar menu draws a substantial lunch crowd; try the turkey burger, the chili or both. 4200 N Western, OKC, 524.4203 $ WES WELKER’S The food shows great variety and imagination, like duck nachos, and the bevy of TVs and 83 available beers ain’t bad either. 3121 W Memorial, OKC, 608.2200 $$

BARBEQUE EARL’S RIB PALACE Beloved by locals in a competitive genre, the chain pounds out hit ribs and turkey as well as a top-tier burger. 6 metro locations, earlsribpalace.com $ IRON STARR URBAN BARBEQUE Named for notorious outlaw Belle Starr, its entrees are excellent, but the sides are equal players as well. 3700 N Shartel, OKC, 524.5925 $$ LEO’S BAR-B-Q Rich flavor and tender texture for commendable value – no wonder it’s a periennial favorite among Oklahoma connoisseurs. 3631 N Kelley, OKC 424.5367 $ RUDY’S Totally casual – plastic trays and utensils – with serious barbeque chops. 3450 Chautauqua, Norman, 307.0552; 3437 W Memorial, OKC, 254.4712 $$

BURGERS // SANDWICHES BISON WITCHES Monster sandwiches with standout flavors, best enjoyed with a bread

OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 61

FARE | Eat & Drink bowl of fresh hot soup and a bag of pretzels.

211 E Main, Norman, 364.7555 $ CAFÉ PLAID Fresh sandwiches begging to be combined with sensational salads (veggie, tuna, pasta…) – an ideal lunch spot near OU. 333 W Boyd, Norman, 360.2233 $ CHARCOAL OVEN Serving premium charbroiled burgers since 1958 for the flavor of a backyard cookout via drive-in.

2701 NW Expressway, OKC $ COW CALF-HAY The selections are ample and the delicious never-frozen patties are mmmmmassive. 3409 Wynn, Edmond, 509.2333, 212 N Harvey, OKC, 601.6180 $ FLATIRE BURGERS Boasting innovations like sauerkraut, pineapple relish and habanero salsa.100 N University, Edmond, 974.4638; 6315 NW 39th Expwy, Bethany, 603.2822 $ GARAGE BURGERS & BEER, THE The focus is on the many tempting flavor possibilities of huge, juicy burgers and fries. 5 metro locations, eatatthegarage.com $ HILLBILLY PO BOYS Unassuming name; mighty appealing flavor in tasty seafood sandwiches and the licit thrill of moonshine cocktails. 1 NW 9th, OKC, 702.9805 $

LOUIE’S ON THE LAKE An unbeatable view of Lake Hefner from the spacious patio adds ambiance to tasty entrees under $10.

9401 Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 751.2298 $ MULE, THE Solid beer and beverage selection plus delectable gourmet grilled cheeses and melts (ingredients range from fontina to figs). 1630 N Blackwelder, OKC, 601.1400 $ ND FOODS Gigantic Boar’s Head deli sandwiches, homemade soups and freshly baked cookies, pies and other desserts.

2632 W Britton Rd, OKC, 840.9364 $ NIC’S GRILL It’s small, it’s crowded … and it’s incredible. Mounds of fresh fries and colossal burgers, easily among the metro’s best. 1202 N Penn, OKC, 524.0999 $ S&B’S BURGER JOINT Good news: these super-tasty burgers come as sliders too, the better to sample more selections. 5 metro locations, sandbburgers.com $ SERVICE STATION A former filling station with vintage décor, now serving up delicious half-pound burgers and fries. 502 S Webster, Norman, 364.2136 $

COFFEEHOUSE // TEA ROOM ALL ABOUT CHA Universal standards and unusual concoctions (the sweet potato latte is a wonder) in bright, bustling atmosphere.

3272 S Broadway, Edmond, 340.9959; 7300 N Western, OKC, 840.7725 $

T, AN URBAN TEAHOUSE This endearing retreat offers over 100 varieties and expert counsel to explore a world of possibili-teas.

7518 N May, OKC, 418.4333 $

CONTINENTAL

BEATNIX CAFÉ, THE Get a sandwich, cup of hearty soup or powerhouse latte in the lovely laid-back vibe that pervades this dawdling spot. 136 NW 13th, OKC, 604.0211 $

BIN 73 Diners can fill up on filet mignon or simply top the evening off with tapas while enjoying the full bar and chic ambiance.

7312 N Western, OKC, 843.0073 $$

THE BLUE BEAN Smoothies, pastries and sweet treats, plus excellent small-batch roasted coffee – try the specialty flavor combos. 13316 S Western, OKC, 735.5115 $

BLACKBIRD A gastropub with succulent creativity (pot roast nachos!) and a broad beer, wine and whiskey list. 575 S University, Norman, 928.5555 $$

CAFÉ EVOKE Outstanding coffee and other beverages from one of the area’s great caterers; plus soup, sandwiches, snacks or sweets. 103 S Broadway, Edmond, 285.1522 $

CHEEVER’S Southwestern-influenced recipes and contemporary comfort food; truly one of the city’s finest restaurants.

2409 N Hudson, OKC, 525.7007 $$

COFFEE SLINGERS Rocking a brisk, urban vibe on Automobile Alley, it’s a gathering place for genuine java enthusiasts. 1015 N Broadway, OKC, 606.2763 $

COACH HOUSE, THE Definitely among the metro’s most elegant dining: specialties prepared with classical perfection. 6437 Avondale, OKC, 842.1000 $$$

DISTRICT HOUSE Pop into the Plaza District for beans from Tulsa’s Topeca Coffee, deli sandwiches and the occasional live music event. 1755 NW 16th, OKC $

KYLE’S 1025 For an evening of understated sophistication, Kyle’s magnificent steaks, prime seafood, tapas or even meatloaf are a must. 1025 NW 70th, OKC, 840.0115 $$

ELEMENTAL COFFEE Seriously spectacular coffee roasted in-house - passionate staff is always eager to share knowledge about the process. 815 N Hudson, OKC, 633.1703 $

LOTTINVILLES Rotisserie chicken, woodgrilled salmon and a host of entrees, salads and panini; the Sunday brunch is epic. 801 Signal Ridge, Edmond, 341.2244 $$

ICE HOUSE Big, beefy burgers (made by Nic of Nic’s Grill), salads and shakes, with the gorgeous Myriad Gardens as a backdrop.

125 Ron Norick, OKC, 232.6427 $

SOONER DAIRY LUNCH This modest little drive-in has been feeding its staunch fans delicious burgers, tots and shakes for over six decades. 1820 W Main, Norman, 321.8526 $

IRMA’S BURGER SHACK Simply great fries, rings and burgers; try the No Name Ranch beef. 1035 NW 63rd, OKC, 840.4762; 1120 Classen Dr, OKC, 235.4762 $

TEXADELPHIA The menu draws raves for burgers and wraps, but especially the monstrous made-to-order cheesesteaks.

200 S Oklahoma, OKC, 208.4000 $

MICHELANGELO’S Enjoy exceptional coffees and wines, a well-stocked pastry case and even breakfast and lunch selections. 207 E Main, Norman, 579.3387 $

JOHNNIE’S CHARCOAL BROILER Freshground burgers cooked over real charcoal; try the Cheese Theta or Caesar varieties. 4 metro locations, johnniesok.com $

TUCKER’S ONION BURGERS A small menu whose bravura execution makes the meal hard to forget. 3 metro locations, tuckersonionburgers.com $

PARAMOUNT, THE A Film Row joint with a screening room attached, its all-day beverage menu delivers the stuff dreams are made of. 701 W Sheridan, OKC, 517.0787 $

LOUIE’S GRILL & BAR Casually cool and come-as-you-are bar-type hangouts excelling at burgers, sandwiches and pizzas.

12 metro locations, louiesgrillandbar.com $

URBAN JOHNNIE’S Gourmet burgers and more in a sleek bar atmosphere from the minds behind Johnnie’s Charcoal Broiler.

121 NE 2nd, OKC, 208.4477 $

RED CUP Comfortably ramshackle with great coffee, vegetarian-friendly specials and live music. Highly recommended! 3122 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 525.3430 $

MANTEL, THE Marvelous steaks and seafood (don’t miss the lobster bisque), in a refined, intimate atmosphere. 201 E Sheridan, OKC, 236.8040 $$$ MELTING POT, THE Make a meal an event to remember with an elegant fondue feast.

4 E Sheridan, OKC, 235.1000 $$$ METRO WINE BAR & BISTRO, THE A comfortably upscale favorite covering cuisines from vichyssoise to crème brulée.

6418 N Western, OKC, 840.9463 $$

AMERICA’S PIG FARMERS ARE

doing WHAT’S

RIGHT!

Pig farmers are on a mission. They are dedicated to producing safe, high-quality

PorkCares.org

pork on their farms. With a legacy of using responsible practices and a commitment to ongoing improvement, pig farmers produce a high-quality product that is distributed to consumers. When it comes to responsible farming, nobody cares more about the environment, animal care, food safety and the community than a pig farmer.

©2014 We Care Initiative. This message funded in part

by America’s Pork Producers and the Pork Checkoff.

1 62 SliceMagazine7.375x4.793COLOR.indd SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

6/17/14 11:29 AM

MICHAEL’S GRILL Urbane, intimate dining: steaks, chops, seafood and pastas, and Caesar salad prepared tableside. 2824 W Country Club, OKC, 810.9000 $$$

WHISPERING PINES B&B A secluded getaway housing sumptuous, savory cuisine in quiet comfort. 7820 E Highway 9, Norman, 447.0202 $$$

LUDIVINE The menu adjusts constantly to reflect availability of elite-quality, locally sourced ingredients. 805 N Hudson, OKC, 778.6800 $$$

BENVENUTI’S Subtly flavored minestrone to rich, hearty ragouts, the fare keeps the booths full; don’t overlook Sunday brunch.

105 W Main, Norman, 310.5271 $$

MUSEUM CAFÉ, THE Inside the OKC Museum of Art, its European-inspired menu delights for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. 415 Couch, OKC, 235.6262 $$

GERMAN

ICE CREAM // YOGURT

DAS BOOT CAMP Exceptional cuisine (and magnificent beer) in a fast-paced location downtown. 229 E Main, Norman, 701.3748 $

IL DOLCE GELATO Rich, creamy and decadently delicious, handmade daily from scratch. 937 SW 25th St, Moore, 794.7266; 1318 N Interstate Dr, Norman, 329.7744 $

CAFFE PRANZO The atmosphere raises first-time diners’ hopes; the execution exceeds them as classic dishes are elevated to greatness. 9622 N May, OKC, 755.3577 $$

NONNA’S EURO-AMERICAN RISTORANTE A cozily appointed, opulent atmosphere housing distinctive cuisine and drinks. 1 Mickey Mantle, OKC, 235.4410 $$$ PARK AVENUE GRILL A soigne dining experience in the Skirvin Hilton, blending traditional steak and seafood with 1930s high style. 1 Park, OKC, 702.8444 $$$ PASEO GRILL Intimate inside and cheerful on the patio, with an award-winning menu of distinctive flavors – try the duck salad. 2909 Paseo, OKC, 601.1079 $$$

INGRID’S Authentic German fare, including outstanding Oklahoma-made bratwurst.

Don’t overlook breakfast, or the bakery counter! 3701 N Youngs, OKC, 946.8444 $$ OLD GERMANY Justly renowned for its Bavarian delights – the schnitzels, soups and sausages are spectacular. 15920 SE 29th, Choctaw, 390.8647 $$$

ORANGE LEAF Dozens and dozens of tasty, waistline-friendly flavors and toppings, charged by the ounce. 9 metro locations, orangeleafyogurt.com $ PEACHWAVE A full 50 flavors – every one low-fat or non-fat – of the finest, freshest ingredients in customized combinations. 3 metro locations, peachwaveyogurt.com $

EMPIRE SLICE HOUSE Reigning over the Plaza District in New York style, it offers whole pizzas or slices, a full bar and a primo patio. 1734 NW 16th, OKC $ GABRIELLA’S A fresh chapter in the family’s delectable legacy; one bite of the homemade Italian sausage should win diners’ hearts with ease. 1226 NE 63rd, OKC, 478.4955 $$

ROYAL BAVARIA Excellent renditions of traditional dishes, plus fantastisch house-brewed beers. 3401 S Sooner, Moore, 799.7666 $$$

INDIAN

HIDEAWAY PIZZA Incredible pizza in jovial surroundings; it’s amassed a devoted following for over half a century. 7 metro locations, hideawaypizza.com $$

HEALTHY // ECLECTIC

GOPURAM – TASTE OF INDIA A full-service restaurant with the feel of fine dining, even during the inexpensive and plentiful lunch buffet. 4559 NW 23rd, OKC, 948.7373 $$

HUMBLE PIE PIZZERIA No humility needed for this true Chicago-style pizza, boasting perhaps the best crust known to man. 1319 S Broadway, Edmond, 715.1818 $

KHAZANA INDIAN GRILL The food is superior and very fresh; the staff is delightful, and new diners can even get a guide. 4900 N May, OKC, 948.6606 $$

JOEY’S A creative pizzeria on OKC’s Film Row, Joey’s serves first-rate appetizers and salads along with its mouth-watering pies. 700 W Sheridan, OKC, 525.8503 $$

MISAL OF INDIA A Norman institution for over 30 years, specializing in tandooricooked delicacies in splendid ambiance. 580 Ed Noble Pkwy, Norman, 579.5600 $$

KEN’S PIZZA An old favorite returns to Edmond with its signature thin crust and spicy sauce set to win new fans. 628 W Danforth Rd, Edmond $

TAJ A tremendous set of Indian staples and delicacies, plus full lunch and dinner buffets.

1500 NW 23rd, OKC, 601.1888 $$

FRENCH

NANI Seating by reservation only, the constantly rotating set tasting menu blends sustainably sourced and foraged ingredients into a fusion of Japanese and Native American cuisine. Plaza District, OKC (call for address), 420.7569 $$$

ITALIAN // PIZZA

KNUCK’S WHEELHOUSE Homemade daily with sauces from scratch, it’s a tasty and varied stopover for Bricktown wanderers as well as a pizza-lover’s destination in its own right. 103 E California, OKC, 605.4422 $

LA BAGUETTE BISTRO Fine dining (linger over multiple courses often) with an exceptional bakery, deli and butcher shop on site. 7408 N May, OKC, 840.3047 $$

LOCAL Using fine, fresh regionally sourced ingredients, its menu changes seasonally but its warm atmosphere is constant. 2262 W Main, Norman, 928.5600 $$

BELLINI’S Tasteful in décor and Italian offerings alike, this romantic nightspot quietly, confidently exudes elegance. 6305 Waterford Blvd, OKC, 848.1065 $$

OTHELLO’S Warm mussels to tiramisu – all you could want in a romantic Italian café.

434 Buchanan, Norman, 701.4900; 1 S Broadway, Edmond, 330.9045 $$

ROCOCO RESTAURANT & FINE WINE A diverse international menu set off by select wines. 12252 N May, OKC, 212.4577; 2824 N Penn, OKC, 528.2824 $$ SEVEN47 Enjoy sleek, swank décor and an appealingly broad menu including a tantalizing brunch. 747 Asp, Norman, 701.8622 $$ SIGNATURE GRILL Unassuming locale; huge culinary rewards of French and Italian flavors in a few select dishes. 1317 E Danforth, Edmond, 330.4548 $$$ WEST The staff is speedy, the décor sleek and modern, and the entrées wide-ranging but elegantly simple. 6714 N Western, OKC, 607.4072 $$

COOLGREENS Customization encouraged; every available component in salads, wraps and frozen yogurt is naturally delicious. 3 metro locations, coolgreens.com $$ EARTH, THE Super, super fresh sandwiches, salads and soups in one of the most vegetarian- and vegan-friendly menus you’ll ever see. 750 Asp, Norman, 573.5933 $

OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 63

FARE | Eat & Drink PAPA DIO’S Three generations of the Bonadio family offer an ample menu of new, classic and healthy dishes in separate dining rooms for family or casual dining. 10712 N May, OKC, 755.2255 $$ PIZZA 23 A tempting suite of specialty pies and good beer selection in crisp, urban décor. 600-B NW 23rd St, OKC, 601.6161 $$ REVOLVE PIZZA A fully customizable dining experience: guests build their dream pies from the crust up and the quick-fire brick ovens do the rest. 5500 W Memorial, OKC, 792.2858 $ SOPHABELLA’S A quiet, classy gem offering premier tastes from Chicago and beyond in style. 7628 N May, OKC, 879.0100 $$$ STELLA MODERN ITALIAN CUISINE A luscious spate of tastes for a casual lunch, romantic dinner or brunch, amid stylish scenery. 1201 N Walker, OKC, 235.2200 $$ TOMMY’S An old favorite returns to the metro to provide primo pasta, pizzas and plenty of ambiance. 5516 W Memorial, OKC, 470.5577 $$ UPPER CRUST This pizzeria and wine bar specializes in thin-crust, New York-style pies. 5860 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 842.7743; 1205 NW 178th, Edmond, 285.8887 $$ VICTORIA’S A shabby-comfortable atmosphere with local art on its walls and the art of pasta on its plates – try the chicken lasagna. 327 White, Norman, 329.0377 $ VITO’S RISTORANTE Homestyle Italian cuisine in an intimate setting where the staff treat customers like guests in their home.

7521 N May, OKC, 848.4867 $$ WEDGE, THE Wood-fired pies with fresh ingredients (like figs or truffle oil) and sauce from scratch. 230 NE 1st, OKC, 270.0660; 4709 N Western, OKC, 602.3477 $$

JAPANESE // SUSHI

falafel and kofta, with a bounty for vegetarians. 6165 N May, OKC, 286.1533 $

CAFÉ ICON Tempting sushi and Japanese specialties fill the menu to bursting with visually splendid and palate-pleasing treats.

311 S Blackwelder, Edmond, 340.8956 $$

HAIGET’S Vegan-friendly – and friendly in general – this gem rewards the adventurous with Ethiopian and Kenyan specialties. 308 W Edmond Rd, Edmond, 509.6441 $$

GOGO SUSHI Prime for lovers of speed and convenience – go go check it out! 1611 S Service Rd, Moore, 794.3474; 432 NW 10th, OKC, 602.6333 $$

MEDITERRANEAN IMPORTS & DELI Selected groceries and a menu stocked with options; the food is authentic, quick and spectacular. 5620 N May, OKC, 810.9494 $

IN THE RAW DUNWELL SUSHI A chic space on the Bricktown Canal offering excellent sushi, specialty rolls and sake. 200 S Oklahoma, OKC, 702.1325 $$

NUNU’S Tangy, tantalizing, fresh and healthy flavors, reproduced from generations-old recipes. 3131 W Memorial, OKC, 751.7000 $

MUSASHI’S Exquisitely flavorful Japanese cuisine prepared with genuine artistry by skilled chefs at tableside hibachi grills. 4315 N Western, OKC, 602.5623 $$ SUSHI BAR, THE Sushi staples done with élan, plus more adventurous options, in a bustling, comfortable environment. 1201 NW 178th, OKC, 285.7317 $$ SUSHI NEKO An established OKC favorite combining style (sleek, brisk, classy) with substance (in a broad and creative menu).

4318 N Western, OKC, 528.8862 $$ TOKYO JAPANESE RESTAURANT It’s small with a traditional menu; but it’s palpably fresh and routinely cited as among the metro’s best. 7516 N Western, OKC, 848.6733 $$

MEDITERRANEAN AVANTI BAR & GRILL Casual elegance with contemporary Italian menu twists: crab falafel, bolognese pizza and more. 13509 Highland Park, OKC, 254.5200 $$ BASIL MEDITERRANEAN CAFÉ Chicken Bandarri, Beef Souvlaki or a fresh bowl of tangy tabouli; flavor leaps from every corner of the menu. 211 NW 23rd, OKC, 602.3030 $ COUSCOUS CAFE Traditional Moroccan tagine dishes to favorites like homemade

QUEEN OF SHEBA A spicy, vegan-friendly menu of Ethiopian delights awaits the bold.

Bring friends and be prepared to linger. 2308 N MacArthur, OKC, 606.8616 $$ ZORBA’S Family recipes proudly share flavors of Cyprus, Spain, Greece and Morocco. 6014 N May, OKC, 947.7788 $

CAFÉ KACAO A sunlit space filled with bright, vibrant Guatemalan flavors. The breakfast specialties truly dazzle. 3325 N Classen, OKC, 602.2883 $ CANTINA LAREDO A sophisticated take on Mexican fare, specializing in fresh fish and Angus beef. 1901 NW Expressway (in Penn Square Mall), OKC, 840.1051 $$ CHILTEPES Chuchitos to atol de elote, this Plaza District restaurant serves as a guided tour to the wondrous flavors of Guatemala.

1800 NW 16th, OKC, 601.0384 $$ CHUY’S The portions are substantial, the Hatch chile-fueled flavors are strong and the vibe is playfully enthusiastic. 760 N Interstate Dr, Norman, 360.0881 $$ FUZZY’S TACO SHOP Jumbo burritos, big salads and especially shrimp tacos – quickly and in plenitude. 752 Asp, Norman, 701.1000; 208 Johnny Bench, OKC, 602.3899 $

MEXICAN // LATIN AMERICAN

IGUANA MEXICAN GRILL Unique Mexican flavor in a fun atmosphere at reasonable prices. 9 NW 9th, OKC, 606.7172; 6482 Avondale, OKC, 607.8193 $$

1492 Authentic Mexican cuisine in an elegant, romantic setting with perhaps the world’s best mojitos. 1207 N Walker, OKC, 236.1492 $$

INCA TRAIL Flavors from around the world, piquant ceviches to homemade flan. 10948 N May, OKC, 286.0407 $$

ABUELO’S The variety, plates, flavors and experience are all huge. No passport required. 17 E Sheridan, OKC, 235.1422; 3001 W Memorial, OKC, 755.2680 $$

JUAN DEL FUEGO This self-styled MexiDiner dishes up breakfast and lunch from both sides of the border. 223 34th Ave SW, Norman, 310.20302 $

ALFREDO’S Kick back with an agave limeade and peruse the ample menu’s avocado enchiladas, fried tacos and more. 4 metro locations, alfredosok.com $$

LA BRASA Flavors of Peru make for a powerfully delicious dining experience in ceviches, sandwiches, fried rice and other entrees. 1310 NW 25th, OKC, 524.2251 $$

BIG TRUCK TACOS It’s often standingroom-only at lunch, but don’t let that deter you from fresh, imaginative taco creations.

530 NW 23rd, OKC, 525.8226 $

LA LUNA Its festive cantina-style atmosphere only adds to the enjoyment of classic fajitas, enchiladas and the bold carne ranchera. 409 W Reno, OKC, 235.9596 $$

CAFÉ DO BRASIL It’s a long way to Rio, but the spicy, savory menu covers the distance in a mouthful. 440 NW 11th, OKC, 525.9779 $$

MAMA ROJA MEXICAN KITCHEN Handrolled tamales, vendor-style tacos and more, on the scenic shores of Lake Hefner. 9219 E Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 302.6262 $$

East Style EastCoast Coast Style

Fresh Seafood, Killer Pasta & So Much More.

Fresh Seafood, Killer Pasta & So Much More.

Calamari

2824 N. Penn Ave • 12252 N. May Avenue • Rococo-Restaurant.com

64 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

MAMAVECA Familiar Mexican favorites plus the diverse delights of Peruvian cuisine. 2551 W Hemphill, Norman, 573.4003 $$ TARAHUMARA’S This airy ristorante serves huge, tasty Tex-Mex classics plus less ubiquitous fare like mole poblano. 702 N Porter, Norman, 360.8070 $$ TED’S CAFÉ ESCONDIDO Fast, fresh and amply portioned, it’s often very crowded and always supremely delicious. 4 metro locations, tedscafe.com $$ YUCATAN TACO STAND Feisty Latin fusion cuisine plus signature nachos and combos… and over 75 tequilas. 100 E California, Suite 110, OKC, 886.0413 $ ZARATE’S The familiar joys of enchiladas and chimichangas, plus Peruvian dishes of plantains, yuca and imported spices. 706 S Broadway, Edmond, 330.6400 $$

SEAFOOD FISH CITY GRILL Shrimp and grits, oysters on the half shell… anyone who wishes Oklahoma had a coastline should feel right at home. 1389 E 15th, Edmond, 348.2300 $$ JAZMO’Z BOURBON STREET CAFÉ An upscale yet casual environment boasting Cajun and Creole-inspired selections. 100 E California, OKC, 232.6666 $$

SOUL FOOD BIGHEAD’S Fried alligator, frog legs and simmering, savory seafood gumbo – it’s a bayou treat right nearby. 617 S Broadway, Edmond, 340.1925 $$ THE DRUM ROOM Crispy, juicy fried chicken (among the city’s best) stars with fried okra, waffles and a fully loaded bar. 4300 N Western, OKC, 604.0990 $$ KD’S Pork chops, stuffed catfish, shrimp and grits and more of Kevin Durant’s favorite foods, presented with skill and vim – and a dose of star power. 224 Johnny Bench Dr, OKC, 701.3535 $$ MAMA E’S WINGS & WAFFLES A labor of love adored by locals seeking authentic Southern classics. 3838 Springlake, OKC, 424.0800; 900 W Reno, OKC, 231.1190 $ MJ’S Super-tasty individual box meals (hint: Jambalaya Sammich) or enormous feasts for parties, give this caterer some prep time and they’ll rock your taste buds. Appointment only. 548.5657 $$

STEAKHOUSE BOULEVARD STEAKHOUSE Perfectly soigné ambiance and cuisine easily in the metro’s elite – a sumptuous, if pricy, masterpiece. 505 S Boulevard, Edmond, 715.2333 $$$

PEARL’S CRABTOWN A huge Bricktown warehouse where the Crab Boil is a favorite and taste is king. 303 E Sheridan, OKC, 232.7227 $$

CATTLEMEN’S This Oklahoma institution’s huge corn-fed steaks and matchless atmosphere are history served anew every day. 1309 S Agnew, OKC, 236.0416 $$

PEARL’S OYSTER BAR A perennial winner in “best of the metro” polls for fresh, flavorful seafood and spicy Creole-inspired dishes.

5641 N Classen, OKC, 848.8008 $$

GEORGE, THE High atop Founders Tower, its spectacular view adds savor to expert chefdriven creations featuring prime beef. 5900 Mosteller Dr, OKC, 607.4360 $$$

SHACK SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR, THE A massive selection of nicely spiced Cajun and Creole cooking, plus seafood. 13801 Quail Pointe Dr, OKC, 286.5959 $$

HOLLIE’S FLATIRON STEAKHOUSE Plush and cozy, with entrees seared on a flatiron grill and a kick of Southwestern spice in the menu. 1199 Service Rd, Moore, 799.0300 $$

JAMIL’S STEAKHOUSE Steak, lobster or prime rib with Lebanese appetizers gratis – Jamil’s has fed Oklahoma well since 1964.

4910 N Lincoln, OKC, 525.8352 $$

SWEET BASIL The enormous aquarium adds to the cozy ambiance; with its outstanding curries and soups, it makes a great dinner date. 211 W Main, Norman, 217.8424 $$

JUNIOR’S A landmark restaurant where hand-cut Angus steaks and lobster fight for attention with knockout fried chicken.

2601 NW Expressway, OKC, 848.5597 $$$

TANA THAI There’s a lot to like here, from red snapper filet to pad thai. Pay attention to the soups, and do not play chicken with the spice level. 10700 N May, OKC, 749.5590 $$

MAHOGANY PRIME STEAKHOUSE The ambiance and service are sublime, but fine aged steak broiled to perfection is the star.

3241 W Memorial, OKC, 748.5959 $$$ MICKEY MANTLE’S This lushly atmospheric social spot in Bricktown serves powerhouse entrées and sides and with full amenities. 7 S Mickey Mantle, OKC, 272.0777 $$$ OPUS PRIME STEAKHOUSE Hand-cut USDA Prime Black Angus steaks, a vast wine selection and intimate ambience. 800 W Memorial, OKC, 607.6787 $$$ RANCH STEAKHOUSE Effortless opulence, custom-aged hand-cut tenderloins and ribeyes and warm Southern hospitality.

3000 W Britton, OKC, 755.3501 $$$

VIETNAMESE CORIANDER CAFÉ Updating traditional Vietnamese recipes, this vegetarian-friendly café makes a quick, casual dining alternative.

323 White, Norman, 801.3958 $ LIDO Spring rolls to vermicelli bowls, this venerable diner runs the gamut of Vietnamese,Chinese and even French cuisine. 2518 N Military, OKC, 521.1902 $$ PHO CA DAO Vermicelli bowls, rice platters, piping hot pho, icy cold bubble tea and more.

2431 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 521.8819 $ PHO BULOUS Super fresh and super fast, specialties like Honey Ginger Chicken or Wasabi Salmon merit closer inspection.

3409 S Broadway, Edmond, 475.5599 $

RED PRIMESTEAK Visionary design and atmosphere house super-premium steaks, vibrant, imaginative flavors and amenities.

504 N Broadway, OKC, 232.2626 $$$ TWELVE OAKS Lobster, seafood and divine steak, enhanced even more by the ambiance of a hilltop Victorian home. 6100 N Midwest, Edmond, 340.1002 $$$

THAI PAD THAI Dine in or carry out beautifully executed exemplars of soups, curries and noodles. 119 W Boyd, Norman, 360.5551 $ SALA THAI Pineapple curry, basil squid, cinnamon beef... the variety is exceptional, making this a popular midday option. 1614 NW 23rd, OKC, 528.8424 $

Check o our exp ut restaur anded ant and mor listings inspirat e edible ion o anytime nline sliceok.c at om

OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 65

doors open

Saturday, OctOber 11 @ 5:30 p.m.

Headliner Wade BoWen

opening act loWer 40

Open House PRIMARY & LOWER DIVISIONS Pre-K - FOURTH GRADE

Sunday, October 19, 2014 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

UPPER DIVISION NINTH - TWELFTH GRADE

Tuesday, October 14, 2014 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Casady School is a college-preparatory Episcopal day school.

Casady School admits students of any race, color, creed and national or ethnic origin. www.casady.org • 405.749.3185 66 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

9500 North Pennsylvania Ave. • Oklahoma City, OK 73120

PURSUITS WHIRLWIND ROMANCE

A world premiere of “Romeo & Juliet” – just in time for Valentine’s Day – is among the highlights of a bravura season for the OKC Ballet. See page 70.

TOP 10 Prime starting points for making the most of the month 68

COURTESY OKC BALLET

CUISINE SCENES Inspiration is served on the Kitchen Tour of Nichols Hills 72 HOSPITALITY: SOUTHERN STYLE Beautiful Biloxi makes a mighty tempting destination 74 SEE & DO October’s music, theater, visual arts and other delights 78 OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 67

PURSUITS | High Points

The Top

By Steve Gill

IT’S A BIG, BUSY METRO OUT THERE – IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT TO EVERYTHING, HERE’S WHERE TO START.

GROW FOR THE GOLD

October 4, six OKC locations Nature is the greatest artist of all, and the Oklahoma Horticultural Society is dedicated to promoting and sharing environmental beauty in the state’s yards and parks … so you know its Garden Tour for Connoisseurs will represent the cream of the city’s decorative floral crop. Exploring their efforts is a good way to encourage your own knowledge to grow.

FALL-STAR LINEUP

October 10-30, Myriad Gardens Keats called autumn the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness; if he’d seen this fall festival he would have added “… and tons and tons of pumpkins.” Over 3,000 of the richly hued gourds add atmosphere to the hay bale maze, miniature village and other attractions where kids can play and families can enjoy hands-on activities and special treats.

Welcome to Pumpkinville.

KIND OF A PIG DEAL

October 16, 1114 N. Harvey Ave. It’s one of the most delicious food products on the face of the earth; why wouldn’t you have an annual celebration of bacon and bacon-related culinary concoctions? That’s the promise that brings Midtown restaurants together for this third porcine party and tasting competition with free beer, a cash bar, interactive art, a DJ and plenty extra. Tickets are available now for 6 Degrees of Bacon. Sooie!

LUXURY’S LOCALE

October 24, OKC Golf & Country Club The metro’s supporters of the arts and lovers of a glorious gala only have a single opportunity every two years to soak up the pleasures of Allied Arts’ unparalleled OPUS event, and that’s now. The theme for this eighth wonder is “Party Zaza: One Night Only,” reflecting its inspiration drawn from the iconic Dallas hotel and combining refinement with sophisticated sensuality.

68 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

“Like Spinning Plates” by Phillip Danner

On Beyond Flavor

October 23, Nichols Hills Plaza Local cognoscenti know Taste of Western as a sumptuous sampling event with enough variety to please the palate to satiety, but 2014’s celebration is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. While it still tastes great, it’s an opportunity for guests to express their artistic tastes too, by voting for one of seven works of public art that will enhance the Western Avenue atmosphere.

Liu Di, “Animal Regulation No. 4”

A NEW DAWN

October 25-January 18, OKC Museum of Art In the year 2000, China gave its citizens access to the brave new world of the international art community, and since then, the country’s younger creative minds have blossomed on the global stage. Young Chinese artists’ ambitious, determined, technically sophisticated works fill a new exhibit at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art; enjoy the cultural evolution portrayed in My Generation.

STAYING ALIVE

Now through January 19, Sam Noble Museum That’s the goal, anyway. National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore’s vivid photographic depictions of animal life that make up the museum’s newest exhibition Rare: Portraits of America’s Endangered SpeJoel Sartore, cies illustrate the history of the “Black-capped Vireo” Endangered Species Act and the faunae it protects – the red wolf, American Alligator, bald eagle and many (too many) more.

LIU DI PHOTO COURTESY PEKIN FINE ARTS, BEIJING; JOHN COLEMAN PHOTO COURTESY NATIONAL COWBOY & WESTERN HERITAGE MUSEUM; JOEL SARTORE PHOTO ©NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC; SWINGLE SINGERS COURTESY SWINGLESINGERS.COM

VIVA VOCE

October 14, OCCC Performing Arts Center If, finding that OCCC’s upcoming guests are collectively named the Swingle Singers, you find yourself wondering whether they are a swingular sensation, rest assured that they in fact are. A capella tunesmiths of impeccable harmony and impressive range, they deliver a lively, lovely musical performance of old standards and fresh creations using only their golden throats.

MYSTERY MANSION

October 8-25, Lyric’s Plaza Theater October is a great time for a classic whodunit, and Lyric Theater is the perfect company of actors to bring the tale of intrigue to the stage. An elegant dinner party is interrupted by news of a young lady’s death, and an investigation into which guest(s) may have had a hand … in murder. But all is not as it seems when “An Inspector Calls.”

“Waiting for Her Brave” by John Coleman

Continuing a Creative Legacy

October 10-11, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Two incredible collections of creativity are better than one … especially if they’re both presented together. Cowboy Crossings gives viewers the beautiful artwork of the Cowboy Artists of America and the exquisite craftsmanship of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association. Both exhibits run through January, but it’s worth catching the opening weekend’s banquet, sale, concert and other festivities.

OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 69

PURSUITS | Spotlight

Romeo & Juliet

SHOWCASING GREATER GRACE

By Steve Gill // Photos courtesy OKC Ballet

WE IN THE METRO ARE ON THE CUSP OF A NEW SEASON of performances from the Oklahoma City Ballet, and in conversing with Artistic Director Robert Mills, it quickly becomes clear that the key word is “more.” He enthuses, “More performances, more dancers, more guest choreographers, more ballets using the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and on and on. Overall, this is our biggest season to date.”

It’s also a slate filled with innovation, as demonstrated by three-quarters of the performances being listed as premieres. While the stories and even the music might be familiar, Mills explains that it’s the dance itself that’s new, as a premiere represents the first performance of a freshly choreographed version. “You can liken it to different Hollywood directors taking on the same classic story. You may get very different interpretations.”

Whatever spin (so to speak) the creators put on their inspirations, audiences are in for a magnificent season as the company unveils a series of thrills, starting posthaste.

70 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

CINDERELLA

October 17-19

The season begins with a beautiful union of old and new, with a story that’s been a classic for over three centuries now and a visual telling that’s never been seen before. This combination of downtrodden waif, cruel stepmother, selfish and clumsy stepsisters, handsome prince and happy ending (thanks to a special slipper) is the brainchild of Ballet Master Jacob Sparso, who previously brought OKC Ballet audiences signature versions of “The Wizard of Oz,” “Carmen” and “The Phantom of the Opera.” Calling Sparso “a brilliant storyteller,” Mills enthuses about the beautiful sets, skilled artistry of the performers and costumes by British design expert Alun Jones, and says, “There are certain ballets that I just will not consider without live orchestra, and ‘Cinderella’ is one. The music is sublime, and it is a very special thing to have it live. The audience will love the experience of the OKC Philharmonic bringing Prokofiev’s score to life.”

THE NUTCRACKER December 13-22

Last year was huge for this annual tradition – the Ballet broke a 50-year record for number of Nutcracker tickets sold in OKC. But don’t expect that new record to hold for another half-century; Devon Energy’s $500,000 contribution this April is going to mean audiences are in for (here’s that word again) more. Emmy-winning set designer Gregory Crane and impeccable costume designer Susanne Hubbs will lend their talents to enhancing this refreshed version of the holiday classic.

“I created a version that I feel is in keeping with the original idea of the ballet,” explains Mills, “and I wanted to give Oklahoma City a wonderful, fanciful production that families can enjoy together. I am so excited to debut these new designs.”

(Author’s note: Mills didn’t outright dismiss my suggestion of shaking up the story by making Herr Drosselmeyer a time-traveling vampire ninja, but I wouldn’t bet on seeing that twist this year. They’ve already done most of the costume work, after all.)

If that weren’t enough enticement, the company is even increasing its performances from 8 to 10, allowing more opportunities for families to witness this seasonal wonder.

ROMEO & JULIET February 13-15

One of the most famous plays ever written, filled with exquisite speeches and turns of phrase, transcends its original medium to share a new facet of the titular star-crossed lovers. “Translating it from the written word to the ballet stage,” Mills says, “is easier when the music is so perfect.

To me it is all in the music and with the power of dance and our incredible artists, words are not needed. It is all there in the movement.” That music, also a Prokofiev score, will be provided live by the OKC Philharmonic – and this Mills-crafted original’s swirl of lush scenery and timeless characters is the first version of this work performed in Oklahoma City in almost 10 years. You’ll find it worth the wait, especially considering that it’s scheduled for Valentine’s Day Weekend.

NINE SINATRA SONGS: A TRIPLE BILL

April 17-19 How about a little something different? This season-ending show is a triad of unrelated short ballets, each arranged by a different choreographer, that when seen together showcase the versatility of this venerable art form. Mills explains that he was interested in challenging perceptions about ballet: “I wanted to put together an evening of three different works that all use contemporary or popular music, and that also incorporate a more modern sensibility in the movement.” By making use of more modern styles and sounds, he hopes audiences will embrace the idea of ballet being able to encompass more than merely “tutus, tiaras and Tchaikovsky.”

And that thought led to this collection. “Dear Miss Cline” is an Oklahoma premiere of a lighthearted piece set to the music of the divine Ms. Patsy Cline and choreographed by rising star Amy Seiwert; the Houston Ballet’s Stanton Welch choreographed “Play” using the pulsing electronica of Moby; and the crooning of Frank himself is laced through “Nine Sinatra Songs,” a spectacularly stylish piece from the legendary Twlya Tharp. By the way, that makes this show the first time the OKC Ballet has performed Tharp in its 43-year history, a milestone Mills hastens to point out is “a very big deal.”

“I am excited to show Oklahoma City another side of ballet AND I am thrilled that it proves the strength of the company we have built that we can dance these three works by such significant choreographers.”

GIVE IT A WHIRL

Season tickets are on sale now for the 2014-2015 set of performances in the OKC Civic Center; so are single tickets to “Cinderella,” but they’re selling quickly, so by the time you read this the metaphorical clock is probably about to strike midnight. For more information, visit okcballet.com or call 848.TOES.

OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 71

PURSUITS | Spotlight

The Baetz kitchen: One stop on the tour

and the formal dining room; with that separator removed, the kitchen is bathed in natural light from three directions. Its eye-catching backsplash is Walker Zanger ceramic tile and pairs beautifully with the creamy cool quartzite countertops.

Co-chairs Marni Sigmon and Brenda Goetzinger, plus the five hosts of these elegant homes, invite you to share in an ample helping of inspiration by taking the Fall Kitchen Tour of Nichols Hills, set for Sunday, October 19, from 11 am until 5 pm. The 2014 addresses are:

CUISINE SCENES

By Steve Gill // Photo by Carli Wentworth

EVERY HOME HAS ONE – it’s one of the prerequisites – yet it remains one of the most memory-rich and inspirational rooms in the house. So it’s with good reason that the Oklahoma County Medical Society Alliance has hosted a Kitchen Tour in Nichols Hills for over 20 years. Despite its ubiquity, the kitchen remains a special spot, where the soul of the home is found, where the warmth comes from camaraderie as much as the oven … or, to put it more simply in the 72 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

words of homeowner Treca Baetz, “This is where we live.”

One of the stars of the 2014 tour, the Baetz kitchen feels so large and welcoming in part because of its recent renovation when the family moved in. A collaboration between builder Tim Hughes, architect Sam Gresham and Treca herself, this part of the remodel focused on giving the kitchen more space. It had been almost entirely closed off by a wall between it

CARY AND TRECA BAETZ 1601 Drury Lane

DR. SCOTT AND ALISON CALHOON 1500 Glenwood Avenue CHRISTIAN AND AMY GUZZY 1505 Drury Lane HANK AND MICHELLE KRAFT 1504 Dorchester Drive BRIAN AND JULIE TIBBS 1114 Bedford Drive

Guests can visit the homes in any order – tickets are $20 at the door or $15 in advance, and the tour beneficiaries for 2014 are the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and Schools for Healthy Lifestyles.

Call 990.6068 or visit ocmsalliance.org for more information.

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OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 73

PURSUITS | Getting Away

Hospitality:

Southern Style

BY ELAINE WARNER

“OCCASIONALLY DOWN BUT NEVER OUT” COULD DESCRIBE BILOXI AND THE MISSISSIPPI COAST. THEY CALL THEMSELVES “RESILIENT” AND SO THEY ARE – SURVIVING HURRICANES AND THE OIL SPILL. BUT THEY’RE BACK ON TOP WITH GLITTERING CASINOS, BEAUTIFUL BEACHES, CHARMING SMALL TOWNS AND A BOOMING TOURISM INDUSTRY. AND THEY COAT IT ALL WITH THAT FAMOUS SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. 74 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

A HISTORY LESSON

The first tourist to Biloxi was Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d’Iberville, who landed on the coast in 1699 … the first European, but certainly not the last. By 1720, there was enough activity in the area to qualify as a settlement but it wasn’t until 1838 that Biloxi was officially incorporated.

Although many early buildings have fallen through decay or disaster, there are still remnants of early days with several buildings claiming birthdates in the 1730s. A brochure guides visitors to interesting historic sites in downtown Biloxi.

Perhaps the most famous old house in Biloxi is Beauvoir, the home of Jefferson Davis, former president of the Confederacy.

In 1877, Davis, then 69, was looking for a place to retire and write his memoirs. A family friend owned Beauvoir and invited Davis to work there. Upon her death, she left the home to Davis, who lived there with his wife and daughter until he died. Mrs. Davis eventually sold Beauvoir to the Sons of Confederate Veterans as a home for veterans and their widows. It later became, and is now, a house museum and presidential library.

Clockwise from top left: A shoreline view of Biloxi // The Beau Rivage from the Gulf // Pelican in Gulfport Small Craft Harbor at sunrise // Visitors enjoy 26 miles of white sand beaches along the Mississippi Coast // Fishing aboard the Miss Hospitality PHOTOS OPENING SPREAD: BILOXI BUILDINGS BY ROB HAINER; PELICAN AT SUNRISE BY EARL_OF_OMAHA; BEAU RIVAGE, MISSISSIPPI COAST AND MISS HOSPITALITY BY ELAINE WARNER

OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 75

PURSUITS | Getting Away

BIG BLOWS

Biloxi and environs have experienced two horrendous hurricanes in the past half-century. In 1969, Camille came ashore with 210-mph winds and a 24-foot storm surge. Many businesses, attractions and homes were washed away. In 1992, the state legalized gambling and the gaming industry put the town back on its feet.

In 2005, disaster struck again with Hurricane Katrina. Katrina’s winds were slower than Camille’s but the storm surge was worse – 34 feet. Who can forget the sight of Robin Roberts in the wreckage of her hometown in nearby Pass Christian? Destruction and job losses were devastating, but the casinos bet on recovery and rebuilt within the year.

Bad PR, rather than oil damage, during the 2010 BP disaster slowed the tourist influx again. Oil was largely absorbed by barrier islands.

The gaming machines at the casinos kept the economy going and now things are back to normal – a new normal but very attractive.

CHA-CHING

JUST COASTING

The Mississippi Gulf coast is 62 miles and three counties wide. We explored over 40 percent of it traveling from Pass Christian to Gulfport, Biloxi and Ocean Springs. All of these towns were badly damaged by Katrina but all have rebuilt and have interesting stops to offer.

The Pass Christian Soap Company was a great recovery story.

Started in owner Paula Lindsay’s kitchen, the company had grown into larger quarters and was experiencing good growth before Katrina. Was the company all washed up after the hurricane? Nope.

Thanks to faithful customers and great products, they rebuilt bigger and better. Pass Christian bath and body items have been featured in national TV and magazine stories and were included in nominees’ swag bags for the 2009 Grammys.

Another interesting stop was Oak Crest Mansion Inn. Floods have washed away records, so there are various stories about the house’s history. Most tie its first owners to the Dixie mafia and claim the house was involved in production and distribution of booze during Prohibition. Rumors say there are tunnels under the property leading to Bayou Portage and a liquid highway for liquor.

76 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

Its most recent owners purchased the house in 2007 and, a million dollars and a year later, opened the property as a bed and breakfast. The furnishings are luxurious and the breakfasts legendary.

And it’s a beautiful setting for weddings.

We channeled our inner Dr. Doolittle in Gulfport at the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies. This cool multi-purpose organization – education, research, conservation and rescue – includes a hands-on museum and dolphin encounters.

Ocean Springs, five miles east of Biloxi, features tree-lined streets and interesting shops and boutiques. It’s also a mecca for art lovers. A good deal of the credit falls on a large and unusual family – the Andersons.

Two names you’ll hear often are Peter and Walter, born in 1901 and 1903. Peter founded Shearwater Pottery, still in business and still in the family. Walter, his brother, was an artist who worked in many media. Many of his works can be seen in the wonderful Walter Anderson Museum of Art – both the pottery and the museum are must-sees. Contemporary adaptations of Walter’s works can be purchased at Realizations, a great little shop owned by members of Walter’s family, in the old railroad depot.

MISSISSIPPI HOSPITALITY

Our trip had many highlights but one of the highest was a deep-sea fishing trip with Captain Kenny Barhanovich. The weather was perfect; the seas gentle. Several of us caught fish – a couple of jack crevelle and several Spanish mackerel. The fishing was slow but the day was so glorious, we didn’t care. We breathed deeply, enjoying the combination of salt and warm fall breezes. The name of the boat perfectly described our experience, indeed, the entire trip; Miss Hospitality.

For more information, visit gulfcoast.org.

Left to right: Margaritaville Casino and Restaurant in Biloxi features a variety of margaritas including “Off to See the Lizard” – a melon margarita // Visitors enjoy dolphin training sessions at the Institute for Marine Animal Studies, Gulfport

PHOTOS THIS PAGE: BY ELAINE WARNER

The gaming machines spin and ding 24 hours a day at many of the 12 casinos in Biloxi and nearby towns. Most have headliner entertainment. Jack and I stayed in the huge Beau Rivage, a beautiful hotel/conference center/casino. We were particularly impressed with the fantastic flower arrangements throughout the facility.

Hard Rock is full of memorabilia from stars and Margaritaville is one big party with a definite beach theme. All casinos have a variety of eateries. The IP boasts two AAA Four Diamond restaurants.

The Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse at the Hard Rock has a reputation for fine beef. The outdoor patio at Margaritaville overlooks the beautiful Biloxi marina and is a great choice during nice weather.

Some people think that Bassett is a hound.

Other people know better.

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This exhibition has been organized by the Tampa Museum of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg and curated by Barbara Pollack.

Birdhead (Chinese, founded 2004). The Light of Eternity No. 3 (detail), 2012.

Black and white inkjet print. Š Birdhead, courtesy of the artists and ShanghART Gallery Shanghai

OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 77

See & Do DANCE Student Choreography Show Oct 17 OCU seniors have spent the last year learning the ins and arounds of choreography; now it’s time for them to show off their acquired skills in this student-produced show. OCU Kirkpatrick Center, 2501 N Blackwelder Ave, OKC, 208.5227, okcu. edu/music Cinderella Oct 17-19 OKC Ballet’s performers are on their tiptoes with excitement for the troupe’s new season, beginning with an elegant tale of magical romance, with the OKC Philharmonic providing the Prokofiev score. OKC Civic Center, 201 N Walker, OKC, 848.8637, okcballet.com Contemporary Dance Oklahoma Oct 2426 Time for modern marvels of movement from the OU School of Dance: headlined

by Jose Limon’s “There Is a Time,” the compendium also includes Austin Hartel’s “Ashes, Ashes” and “Curse of the Wilis,” plus Derrick Minter’s “Stitches.” OU Reynolds PAC, 560 Parrington Oval, Norman, 325.4101, ou.edu/finearts

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78 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

Garden Tour for Connoisseurs Oct 4 Roam through half a dozen exceptionally well-tended and beautifully designed collections of natural backyard beauty on a self-guided tour organized by the Oklahoma Horticultural Society. Multiple locations, OKC, ok-hort.org Czech Festival Oct 4 Celebrate Czech heritage - even if it’s not your own - at this joyous annual fete featuring a parade and outstanding food. Downtown Yukon, 205 N Czech Hall Rd, Yukon, 324.3567, yukoncc.com

EVENTS Kings & Queens of Fashion Oct 2 Penn Square’s fashion extravaganza showcases one-of-a-kind casinoinspired fashion ensembles along with food samplings, giveaways and more, all benefiting the YWCA. Penn Square Mall, 1900 NW Expressway, OKC, 841.2696, pennsquaremall.com

Rally Around the Pits Oct 5 This free familyand pet-friendly motorcycle rally and pet adoption event invites visitors to check out some cool bikes, enjoy live music, browse vendor merchandise and help support pit bull rescue organizations. Iron Nation Harley Davidson, 3433 S Broadway Ave, Edmond, 463.0552, rallyaroundthepits.com

Oklahoma Regatta Festival Oct 2-5 Rowing, kayaking, dragon boat racing and more fill days - and even nights - of river competition, with plenty to eat, drink and enjoy on the side. Boathouse District, 725 S Lincoln Blvd, OKC, 552.4040, boathousedistrict.org

Rebuilding Together Construction Derby Oct 5 With an assist from gravity, teams of contestants work to build and race vehicles made from construction and home repair equipment. Clear the way!

No Motor Speedway, 750 NW 5th St, OKC, 607.0464, rebuildingtogetherokc.org

Art After 5 Oct 2-30 Stop by the OKCMOA Roof Terrace Thursday afternoons for a drink and a bit of ambiance, with musical guests the Hosty Duo Oct 2, Born in November Oct 9 and 23, Rooftop Dogs Oct 16 and Dirty Red Oct 30. OKC Museum of Art, 415 Couch Dr, OKC, 360.1162, okcmoa.com

Art on Tap Oct 3 Patrons at this spirited fundraiser will have after-hours access to the whole Museum, as well as live music, a spread of food from local restaurants and a spate of over 80 varieties of beer.

OKC Museum of Art, 415 Couch Dr, OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com Broadway Ball Oct 3 Inspired by “Dreamgirls,” Lyric Theatre rolls back the clock to Motown - for One Night Only, of course - to move feet and raise funds with an evening of dinner, drinks and dancing.

Skirvin Hilton, 1 Park Ave, OKC, 524.9310, lyrictheatreokc.com

LARGEST SHOWROOM IN THE CITY 40 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Cleveland County Craft Show Oct 4 It’s like a one-day mini-fair - though there’s nothing small about the collection of nearly 100 vendor booths offering all kinds of cleverly made items. Cleveland County Fairgrounds, 615 E Robinson St, Norman, 360.4721, clevelandcountyfair.org

Linwood Place Home Tour Oct 5 The annual day of exploration features five homes and one garden, with volunteer hosts in period clothing and an old-time trolley for transportation. Linwood Place Neighborhood, 3200 NW 20th St, OKC, 410.3606, linwoodplaceokc.com

1st Friday Gallery Walk Oct 3 The historic arts district’s name means “stroll,” which happens to be the preferred form of locomotion while taking in its wonders during a monthly display of arts and culture.

Paseo Arts District, 3022 Paseo St, OKC, 525.2688, thepaseo.com

SPECIAL PRICE

proceeds benefiting the Fine Arts Institute of Edmond. Silver Leaf Gems, 19 N Broadway Ave, Edmond, 285.9700, silverleafgems.com

EdFest Oct 3 Bites, brews and bands combine in this second annual conclave of food trucks, local beer and headliner Souled Out, sponsored by Mercy and brought together by Edmond Mobile Meals. Festival Market Place, 30 W 1st St, Edmond, 341.3111, edfestokc.com Evening With the Elephants Oct 3 This special fundraising event to support pachyderm research includes wine, dinner and a silent auction, plus a behind-thescenes tour and presentation by Asha, Chandra, Malee and Rex’s supervisor.

OKC Zoo, 2101 NE 50th St, OKC, 425.0612, zoofriends.org A Haunting Art Show Oct 3 Oklahoma artists of all ages will be submitting 6x6 works of art in fall or spooky themes; each piece sells for $66, with a portion of

Full Moon Bike Ride Oct 8 Get a new perspective on downtown OKC, as well as a nice bit of exercise, in this leisurely group bicycle tour at dusk. Myriad Gardens, 301 W Reno Ave, OKC, 445.7080, myriadgardens.org 2nd Friday Circuit of Art Oct 10 A monthly community-wide celebration of creativity, focused on historic Downtown Norman.

Norman Arts Council, 122 E Main St, Norman, 360.1162, normanarts.org Live on the Plaza Oct 10 Vendors, artists, residents and passerby unite for a monthly fiesta. OKC Plaza District, 1618 N Gatewood Ave, OKC, 367.9403, plazadistrict.org Pumpkinville Oct 10-30 The Myriad Gardens grows a bumper crop of family fun in this all-ages celebration of fall, including tasty treats and wonders to explore. Myriad Gardens, 301 W Reno Ave, OKC, 445.7080, myriadgardens.org 6 Degrees of Bacon Oct 16 Mmm, bacon!

The tasty meat treat fuels culinary experimentation from area restaurants along with free beer, a DJ, a photo booth and a party atmosphere. Midtown OKC, 1114 N Harvey Ave, OKC, 235.3500, downtownokc.com Orchids in October Oct 16 Honoring a lifelong supporter of the Myriad Gardens through the presentation of the Crystal Orchid and enjoy natural beauty at the annual luncheon. Myriad Gardens, 301 W Reno Ave, OKC, 445.7080, myriadgardens.org Premiere on Film Row Oct 17 Fowler Honda sponsors the downtown OKC street festival; it’s family-friendly, pet-welcoming, free to wander through and filled with treats for the ears and taste buds. Film Row, 706 W Sheridan Ave, OKC, 232.6060 Norman Library Book Sale Oct 17-20 Collectible volumes, local interest and kids’ literature and huge, heaping hordes of books in every genre fill this annual sale; friends of the library get first crack.

Slice Half Page.pdf

Norman Public Library, 225 N Webster Ave, Norman, 701.2600, pioneer.lib.ok.us OCMS Kitchen Tour Oct 19 Expertly designed, beautifully decorated and simmering with inspiration, the five homes on this tour open their hearts for visitors to enjoy. Multiple locations, Nichols Hills, 285.1385, ocmsalliance.org Theresa Caputo Live Oct 20 A psychic medium? It’s the right month for the supernatural; if you’re a believer, the star of “Long Island Medium” is coming to OKC - but you probably already knew that.

Chesapeake Arena, 100 W Reno Ave, OKC, 800.745.3000, chesapeakearena.com Town Hall: Ben Carson Oct 21 Dr. Carson, a self-made man who became a pioneering surgeon, shares with audiences a vision called “America the Beautiful” in the OKC Town Hall Lecture Series. St. Luke’s UMC, 222 NW 15th St, OKC, 826.9689, townhall. publishpath.com Neustadt Festival Oct 22-24 The 2014 celebration of international literature and culture honors writers including Mozambican writer Mia Cuoto and his ouevre. OU Memorial Union, 900 Asp Ave, Norman, neustadtprize.org Haunt the Harn Oct 23 History gets a little bit (but not too) spooky with a trickor-treating event at the venerable estate turned frontier museum. Harn Homestead, 1721 N Lincoln Blvd, OKC, 235.4058, harnhomestead.com Signature Chefs Auction Oct 23 Eight prestigious chefs come together to create an 8-course meal; the collection of dazzling culinary luminaries will help the March of Dimes raise funds to fight for healthier babies. Skirvin Hilton, 1 Park Ave, OKC, 415.1263, marchofdimes.com/oklahoma Taste of Western Oct 23 The world of exceptional taste found along Western Avenue gets even closer together in this sampling event and wine tasting that’s a truly magnificent treat for the taste buds. Nichols Hills Plaza, 6409 Avondale Dr, Nichols Hills, 412.5990, visitwesternavenue.com Walking With Dinosaurs Oct 23-26 Rahrrr!

Thunder lizards walk the earth - or at least the ‘Peake - in this animatronic spectacular based on the awardwinning BBC show. Chesapeake Arena, 100 W Reno Ave, OKC, 800.745.3000, chesapeakearena.com Storybook Forest Oct 23-30 A non-scary outing for teeny-tiny trick-or-treaters to find costumed characters from fairy tales and lore and share some pre-Halloween fun. Arcadia Lake, 9000 E 2nd St, Edmond, 216.7471, edmondok.com OPUS VIII Oct 24 For its once-every-twoyears gala, Allied Arts draws inspiration from a legendarily luxurious name among hotels, to present Party ZAZA - One Night Only.

OKC Golf & Country Club, 7000 NW Grand Ave, OKC, 278.8944, alliedartsokc.com An Affair of the Heart Oct 24-26 Handicrafts, clothing, antiques, collectibles, gourmet food, colorful décor … whatever you’re looking for, even if the answer is “all,” it’s probably at this massive sale. State Fairgrounds, 333 Gordon Cooper Blvd, OKC, 632.2652, aaoth.com Life in Color Oct 25 Organizers prepare to unleash “the world’s largest paint party” in a color-drenched rave featuring energetic music and ecstatic throngs. Cox Center, 1 Myriad Gardens, OKC, lifeincolor.com/licokc Light the Night Walk Oct 25 Cancer survivors, supporters, friends and family members take an illuminated promenade to share in spiritual solidarity (it’s an immensely beautiful and inspiring scene) and raise funds to stamp out the disease forever. Oklahoma City University, 2501 N Blackwelder Ave, OKC, lightthenight.org/ok Whad’Ya Know? Oct 25 Gently humorous public radio host Michael Feldman is doing a live broadcast of his hit show - want to

1

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be in the audience for his personal brand of entertainment? OCCC Theater, 7777 S May Ave, OKC, 682.7576, occc.edu/cas Haunt the Zoo Oct 26-31 Make Halloween a little wilder with a trip through the OKC Zoo’s special seasonal trick-or-treating gamut, open nightly. OKC Zoo, 2101 NE 50th St, OKC, 424.3344, okczoo.com OCU Hall of Honor Oct 29 Five eminent business and community leaders - Jose Freede, Tom Hill, James Pickel, David Rainbolt and William Ross - are on the cusp of being feted by guests and the OCU Meinders School of Business at this annual luncheon. Cox Center, 1 Myriad Gardens, OKC, 208.5000, okcu.edu/business Light, Leadership and Legacy Oct 30 The Oklahoma Israel Exchange uncorks an evening devoted to recognizing the impact on its work, and on the community, of Dick and the late Jeannette Sias. Skirvin Hilton, 1 Park Ave, OKC, 848.3132, okisrael.org Fuego Friday Oct 31 Sparks fly at this annual demonstration when OU sculpture students show off their iron pouring prowess; the process of casting metal art involves a furnace reaching 3,200 degrees.

OU Ceramics Facility, 401 E Congress St, OKC, 325.2691, ou.edu/finearts H & 8th Night Market Oct 31 Midtown becomes a primetime paradise in this after-hours street festival boasting live music, a convoy of awesome food trucks, C craft beer and free socializing. Hudson Ave & 8th Street, 801 N Hudson Ave, OKC, M 633.1703, h8thokc.com Saints Ball Nov 1 The 2014 soiree to Y support St. Anthony Hospital’s lifesaving medical programs and patient care bears CM the theme of “A Royal Affair” … dress to impress. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, MY 272.7070, givetosaints.com CY

UPCOMING Mistletoe Market Nov 5-8 A one-stop holiday shopping extravaganza thrown CMY by the Junior League of Oklahoma City with the help of more than 100 vendors, K giving guests a fully stocked pre-winter wonderland to explore. Cox Center, 1 Myriad Gardens, OKC, 843.5668, jloc.org

FILM Classics Series Oct 7-28 Catch a masterpiece you missed the first time around or just want to re-experience on the big screen: “Army of Darkness” Oct 7, “The Shining” Oct 14, “Scream” Oct 21 and “Halloween” Oct 28. Harkins Theatres, 150 E Reno Ave, OKC, 321.4747, harkinstheatres.com

GALLERIES Westward Ho! Oct 1-30 Landscapes, cowboys and open skies star in pastel master Dale Martin’s collection of luminous work. Summer Wine Art Gallery, 2928 Paseo St, OKC, 831.3279, summerwinegallery.com OKC Modern Quilt Guild Oct 1-31 The FAI hosts a deftly stitched collection of creativity that demonstrates new influences on an ancient art style. Fine Arts Institute of Edmond, 27 E Edwards St, Edmond, 340.4481, edmondfinearts.com Beesley/Nunn/Harris Oct 3-25 The cozy gallery in the Paseo is home to intriguing art, inside and out: this month features splashy, color-drenched paintings from Carol Beesley and Bob Nunn, offset by Mark Edward Harris’ crisp photography.

JRB Art at the Elms, 2810 N Walker Ave, OKC, 528.6336, jrbartgallery.com These Are a Few of My Favorite Things Oct 3-25 Masks and paintings and layered collages; humans and horses and especially dogs - noted Oklahoma artist Smith shares her most cherished elements of her creations and of life itself with viewers in this personally gleeful show.

OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 79

OCTOBER 10 THROUGH NOVEMBER 15, 2014

PURSUITS | See & Do

In Your Eye Gallery, 3005 Paseo St, OKC, 525.2161, inyoureyegallery.com Can You Hear Me Now Oct 10-Nov 15 Holly Wilson is a sculptor of figures and birds, but also a visual storyteller - that makes communication an especially important consideration in her art. MAINSITE Contemporary Art, 122 E Main St, Norman, 360.1162, mainsite-art.com

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Jim Dodson, Jr. Oct 13-Dec 14 A snappy sampling of the Ardmore resident’s modern metal sculptures incorporating bronze, copper, titanium and repurposed agricultural equipment. State Capitol Governor’s Gallery, 2300 N Lincoln Blvd, OKC, 521.2931, arts.ok.gov ONGOING Douglas Shaw Elder Through Oct 5 State Capitol Governor’s Gallery, OKC, 521.2931, arts.ok.gov Grand Re-Opening Through Oct 5 Kasum Contemporary Fine Art, OKC, 604.6602, kasumcontemporary.com Kenny McKenna Through Oct 18 Howell Gallery, OKC, 840.4437, howellgallery.com Concepts + Models Through Oct 25 Firehouse Art Center, Norman, 329.4523, normanfirehouse.com Almira Hill Grammer Through Oct 31 Santa Fe Depot, Norman, 307.9320, pasnorman.org

WITH NAC INDIVIDUAL ARTIST HUNTER ROTH IN THE LIBRARY GALLERY WATER CLOSET GALLERY PRESENTS UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA INTERIOR DESIGN STUDENT ASSOCIATION

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MUSEUMS Macrocosm/Microcosm Oct 3-Jan 4 The sun-baked southwest serves as a crossroads of inspiration in this exhibition of work by nationally renowned Abstract Expressionsts. Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave, Norman, 325.3272, ou.edu/fjjma Then There Was Land Oct 7-Dec 19 Physical divisions and borders, and the restrictions they impose on our identities and lives, form the basis for this collection combining performance, sculpture, video and photography. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 3000 General Pershing Blvd, OKC 951.0000, oklahomacontemporary.org Cowboy Crossings Oct 10-Jan 4 Both exhibits that combine for this cavalcade of Western-themed art and craftsmanship run through 2014, but the opening weekend is definitely the time to browse if you’re looking to buy.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org Orly Genger Oct 20-Oct 2 It’s creation on a large scale as outdoor artist Genger plans to interweave somewhere around 1 million feet of hand-knotted, painted lobsterman’s rope around and through the park (it should really tie the space together visually) in a hands-on installation. Campbell Park, NW 11th St & Broadway Ave, OKC, 951.0000, oklahomacontemporary.org My Generation: Young Chinese Artists Oct 25-Jan 18 Fresh creative minds who grew up after the Cultural Revolution are emerging as a force in Chinese art; this exhibition collects some of their ambitious, liberated viewpoints. OKC Museum of Art, 415 Couch Dr, OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com ONGOING Untitled Monothon Through Nov 15 Artspace at Untitled, 1 NE 3rd St, OKC, 815.9995, artspaceatuntitled.org Connection Through Jan 3 Oklahoma Heritage Museum, 1400 Classen Dr, OKC, 523.3231, oklahomaheritage.com

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80 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

Formed in Stone: Oklahoma Fossils Through Jan 4 Sam Noble Museum, Norman, 325.4712, snomnh.ou.edu Making Change Through Jan 4 National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org Formed in Stone: Oklahoma Fossils Through Jan 4 Sam Noble Museum, Norman, 325.4712, snomnh.ou.edu

Rare: Portraits of Endangered Species Through Jan 4 Sam Noble Museum, Norman, 325.4712, snomnh.ou.edu

MUSIC Gov’t Mule Oct 1 The Mule is celebrating two decades on the road - time flies when you’re jamming out - and the 20 Years Strong tour is bringing their southern rock sound through the metro. Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S Eastern Ave, OKC, 866.977.6849, diamondballroom.net Foster the People Oct 2 Shimmering, brassy, positively infectious and perfect for dancing, Foster the People make great headliners for an open-air venue, especially when paired with the rocktacular opening act Fitz and the Tantrums. Wooo! Downtown Airpark, 1701 S Western Ave, OKC, 877.960.7882, okcairpark.com OK Int’l Bluegrass Festival Oct 2-4 The bountiful brainchild of fiddle virtuoso Byron Berline, it’s a thrilling collection of the finest Bluegrass performers to be found … anywhere. Festival Grounds, 600 E Noble Ave, Guthrie, 282.4446, oibf.com Jazz Lab Concerts Oct 2-28 UCO students and faculty step over to the Jazz Lab for some sizzling shows: the Chamber Swingers Oct 2, Jazz Combos Oct 7-8 and a faculty concert called “Diabolical Divas” Oct 28. UCO Jazz Lab, 100 E 5th St, Edmond, 359.7989, uco.edu/cfad Noon Tunes Oct 2-30 Free lunchtime serenades in the Downtown Library: the Mark Giammario Trio Oct 2, Carter Sampson Oct 9, Pierce Hart Oct 16, Jane Mays Oct 23 and Angelika Jones Oct 30.

Downtown Library, 300 Park Ave, OKC, 231.8650, mls.lib.ok.us America Oct 3 They won the Grammy for Best New Artist in 1972; since then they’ve just kept riding along on their musical talent and knack for forging soothingly soulful connections with listeners of all ages. Riverwind Casino, 1544 W Hwy 9, Norman, 322.6464, riverwind.com Opolis Shows Oct 3-24 Metro, meet Opolis. You’ll make beautiful music together, courtesy of a vast and varied lineup of acts - including BRONCHO Oct 3, Orenda Fink Oct 4, Turquoise Jeep with Yip Deceiver Oct 6, K.Flay Oct 7, Tiny Ruins Oct 16, Landlady Oct 17, This Will Destroy You Oct 23, Travis Linville with John Moreland Oct 24 and more. Check online for the fresh scoop. The Opolis, 113 N Crawford Ave, Norman, opolis.org Blue Door Shows Oct 3-31 Self-billed as “the best listening room in Oklahoma,” it certainly has some of the best music, including Slaid Cleaves Oct 3, Sarah McQuaid Pct 8, Michael Fracasso Oct 10, Owen Temple Oct 11, Seth Walker Oct 15, Eliza Gilkyson Oct 17, Kinky Friedman Oct 18, The Shook Twins Oct 19 and Bill Hearne Oct 31 - check online for updates.

The Blue Door, 2805 N McKinley Ave, OKC, 524.0738, bluedoorokc.com Purple Bar Performances Oct 3-31 A cozy setting, ample menu and outstanding music from local artists: Lucky Oct 3, Dylan Hammett Oct 4, Attica State Oct 10, Taylor Thompson Oct 11 and 26, A Perfect Body Oct 17, Rick Jawnsun Oct 18 and 31 and the Flat Land Band Oct 25. Nonna’s Purple Bar, 1 S Mickey Mantle Dr, OKC, 235.4410, purplebarokc.com Philharmonic: Gutierrez Plays Chopin Oct 4 Cuban-born Horacio Gutierrez has become a citizen of the world; that’s what happens when you develop a reputation as one of the greatest living performers of the piano. He’ll join the OKC Philharmonic for an evening that sounds divine. OKC Civic Center, 201 N Walker, OKC, 842.5387, okcphilharmonic.org Philharmonic: Cartoon Classics Oct 5 The Philharmonic’s Discovery series for little listeners kicks off with a sprightly setlist drawn from the brightly colored world of children’s television. OKC Civic Center, 201 N Walker, OKC, 842.5387, okcphilharmonic.org

OCU Concerts Oct 6-14 Music in myriad forms from OCU students: the Jazz Ensemble Oct 6, Wind Philharmonic Oct 7 and OCU Choirs Oct 14. OCU Kirkpatrick Center, 2501 N Blackwelder Ave, OKC, 208.5227, okcu.edu/music Tuesday Noon Concerts Oct 7-28 Add a bit of music to your lunch break with a free weekly concert courtesy of OU School of Music students and faculty. Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave, Norman, 325.3272, ou.edu/fjjma The Conservatory Oct 8-28 Sonic jams of all descriptions in an OKC hotspot: Being As an Ocean Oct 8, All Have Sinned Oct 25, Foxing Oct 26, 7 Seconds Oct 28 and more - adds and adjustments posted online. The Conservatory, 8911 N Western Ave, OKC, conservatoryokc.com Horseshoe Road Oct 9 Oklahoma Musical Ambassador Kyle Dillingham and friends share the Heartland Acoustic sound that got them named Slice’s reader favorites.

The Paramount, 701 W Sheridan Ave, OKC, 517.0787, horseshoeroad.net Community Concert Oct 10 Beloved teacher Peter Markes, Trans-Siberian Orchestra co-founder Mark Wood and cello prodigy Sam Kahre team up to wow their audience with a special show. Edmond North HS, 215 W Danforth Rd, 202.0407 Gloria Cubed Oct 10 Powerful praise and splendid vocals will thrill audiences’ ears and lift up their spirits in Canterbury Choral Society’s triple bill of classical song from Poulenc, Vaughan Williams and Vivaldi. OKC Civic Center, 201 N Walker, OKC, 232.7464, canterburyokc.com Mötley Crüe Oct 10 The one and only Crüe ends its concert career with a roar as the foursome is joined by Alice Cooper to leave fans’ ears ringing one last time. Chesapeake Arena, 100 W Reno Ave, OKC, 800.745.3000, chesapeakearena.com Project 21 Concert Oct 10 School of Music students exemplify the versatility characteristic of a new century of composition to create these groundbreaking performances. OCU Kirkpatrick Center, 2501 N Blackwelder Ave, OKC, 208.5227, okcu.edu/music The Swingle Singers Oct 14 OCCC’s Performing Arts Series continues with a visit from a bona fide a capella phenomenon, a septet of singers carrying the group’s name into its sixth decade with classic and original material. OCCC Theater, 7777 S May Ave, OKC, 682.7576, occc.edu/cas OCU Distinguished Artist Series Oct 16 October’s special guests the Count Basie Orchestra bring a big ensemble to deliver a hugely entertaining punch of big band sound; jump right in. OCU Kirkpatrick Center, 2501 N Blackwelder Ave, OKC, 208.5227, okcu.edu/music Willie & Kris Oct 16 Two of the biggest first names in classic country music take the Grand Casino stage as Willie Nelson & Family and Kris Kristofferson prepare to make fans sway and swoon. Grand Casino, 777 Grand Casino Blvd, Shawnee, 964.7777, grandresortok.com Five Finger Death Punch Oct 18 As you can guess from the name, listeners can expect a fistful of grim, snarly music right in the face and ears in this furious show featuring special guests Volbeat. Chesapeake Arena, 100 W Reno Ave, OKC, 800.745.3000, chesapeakearena.com Chameleon Room Shows Oct 18-31 The sound has a way of changing from show to show, but the rock is pretty consistent - this month includes Deicide Oct 18 and Carcass Oct 31. Chameleon Room, 3034 N Portland Ave, OKC, 537.8136, chameleonroom.com David Bazan with Passenger String Quartet Oct 19 The indie singer-songwriter and former driving force of Pedro the Lion visits Bricktown with backup from a stellar experimental avant-garde ensemble. ACM @ UCO Performance Lab, 329 E Sheridan Ave, OKC, 974.4700, acm-uco.com Winter Wind: Greg Jacobs Oct 19 As the outdoors grows cooler, the musical atmosphere within The Depot heats up thanks to this inexpensive acoustic concert

by “the Red Dirt crooner.” Santa Fe Depot, 200 S Jones Ave, Norman, 307.9320, pasnorman.org Casting Crowns Oct 23 The multi-million album-selling Christian rock band sweeps through town, still on tour from the January release of their latest record, “Thrive.”

Cox Center, 1 Myriad Gardens, OKC, 800.745.3000, coxconventioncenter.com Mutual Benefit Oct 23 There’s no set lineup for this critically beloved experimental music project helmed by Austin singersongwriter Jordan Lee, but they sound spectacular, especially when accompanied

by Suno Deko. MAINSITE Contemporary Art, 122 E Main St, Norman, 360.1162, mainsite-art.com Macabret Oct 23-26 The second annual Spooktacular Halloween Revue sold out last year, so get tickets early for the eerily excellent time. UCO Jazz Lab, 100 E 5th St, Edmond, 974.3375, uco.edu/cfad Philharmonic: A Salute to Sgt. Pepper Oct 24-25 One of music’s great, great albums, reinterpreted with symphonic backing from the OKC Philharmonic by Classical Mystery Tour, one of the nation’s foremost Beatles tribute bands. OKC Civic Center, 201 N Walker, OKC, 842.5387, okcphilharmonic.org The Jazz Ambassadors Oct 30 Please welcome the official touring big band of the U.S. Army (yeah, they have one of those), making OCCC their one-night-only embassy. OCCC Theater, 7777 S May Ave, OKC, 682.7576, occc.edu/cas KC and the Sunshine Band Oct 31 Crowdmovers par excellence for four decades and counting, their chart-crushing hits remain, as ever, irresistible. Riverwind Casino, 1544 W Hwy 9, Norman, 322.6464, riverwind.com UPCOMING Jim Brickman Nov 1 He works with everybody - Olivia Newton-John to Donny Osmond to Lady Antebellum - but this evening he’s the solo star in a pianodriven cavalcade of musical bliss. Sooner Theatre, 101 E Main St, Norman, 321.9600, soonertheatre.org

Bringing the arts and the community together ...

The Arts Council of Oklahoma City serves one million people in our city annually. Through events and programs such as Opening Night, Out of the Box, Festival of the Arts, Sunday Twilight Concerts, Art Moves and Community Arts, we bring arts and fun to the community.

If you would like this quality programming to continue, please donate to the Arts Council of Oklahoma City. Text “OKC” to 41444 and select your amount. Also, you can visit http://www.artscouncilokc.com/donate.

@artscouncilokc

w w w. a r t s c o u n c i l o k c . c o m

Peter Nero Nov 6 One of the all-time great jazz pianists takes a dash at the ivories and makes the audience thrill as Armstrong’s season continues. Armstrong Auditorium, 14400 S Bryant Rd, Edmond, 285.1010, armstrongauditorium.org Broadway Tonight: Jimmy Webb Nov 7 A native son and titan of songwriting takes the Broadway Tonight spotlight to share his voice and piano prowess. UCO Mitchell Hall Theater, 100 N University Dr, Edmond, 974.3375, uco.edu/cfad/broadway

SPORTS Walk Now for Autism Speaks Oct 4 The more we as humanity know through research and treatment, the closer we come to eradicating this spectrum of developmental disorders; that’s worth stretching your legs for. UCO Campus, 100 N University Dr, Edmond, 271.2131, walknowforautismspeaks.org/oklahoma Walk to Cure Diabetes Oct 4 Millions are affected; a mile and a half could help. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is proud to bring supporters together for this annual fundraising excursion. Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S Mickey Mantle Dr, OKC, 810.0070, centraloklahoma.jdrf.org OSU Football Oct 4-25 The Cowboys line up to hold their ground against Iowa State Oct 4 and West Virginia Oct 25. Boone Pickens Stadium, 700 W Hall of Fame Ave, Stillwater, 877.255.4678, okstate.com Thunder Preseason Oct 14-21 They don’t count for anything, but this pair of matchups gives a basketball-hungry metro a sneak peek at the Thunder as they face Memphis Oct 14 and Utah Oct 21.

Chesapeake Arena, 100 W Reno Ave, OKC, 208.4800, thunder.nba.com Barons Hockey October 17-24 OKC’s ice warriors start a new season by facing

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LASER EXPERIENCE

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off against the Texas Stars 17 and 24 and the San Antonio Rampage Oct 18. Cox Center, 1 Myriad Gardens, OKC, 232.4625, okcbarons.com

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Race for the Cure Oct 18 A relative, a beloved friend, even for the sake of the future wherein humanity has overcome breast cancer - whatever cause you’re running for, you’re welcome to join the throng at this 21st annual fundraiser.

Myriad Gardens, 301 W Reno Ave, OKC, 526.2873, komencentralwesternok.org Monster Dash Oct 25 The Junior League of Norman’s 5k and 1-mile fun run for kids (costumes encouraged!) aims to promote juvenile nutrition while raising funds for community programs. Reaves Park, 2501 S Jenkins Ave, Norman 329.9617, juniorleagueofnorman.org

Dr. Darrell Pickard

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OU Football Oct 18 It’s football time in Oklahoma! The Sooners defend their home turf against the Wildcats of Kansas State.

Owen Field, 180 W Brooks St, Norman, 325.2424, soonersports.com

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UPCOMING Thunder Basketball Nov 1 The 2014-’15 NBA season is about to tip off; don’t miss the Thunder’s home opener against the Denver Nuggets. Chesapeake Arena, 100 W Reno Ave, OKC, 208.4800, thunder.nba.com

THEATER A Chorus Line Oct 2-5 A classic musical about wanting to be on stage so bad you can taste it, starring a bunch of hopefuls brought to life by UCO’s musical theater students. UCO Mitchell Hall Theater, 100 N University Dr, Edmond, 974.3375, uco. edu/cfad La Finta Giardiniera Oct 2-5 Estranged lovers reunite, though not before all kinds of identity confusion that includes them briefly believing they are both Greek gods. Hey, nobody said Mozart was a master plotsmith, but his musical prowess is still unmatched, as the OU school of drama shares. OU Reynolds PAC, 560 Parrington Oval, Norman 325.4101, ou.edu/finearts Blithe Spirit Oct 2-26 This is one haunting that’s more comically frustrating than spooky, as an author gets more contact with the great beyond than he bargained for in the critical ghosts of his dead wives. Jewel Box Theater, 3700 N Walker Ave, OKC, 521.1786, jewelboxtheatre.org Bonnie and Clyde Oct 3-5 They may be bank robbers, they may be guntoting desperadoes, but they do have excellent singing voices. OCU’s Opera and Musical Theater students share the brief, tempestuous lives of Ms. Parker and Mr. Barrow set to a killer score. OCU Kirkpatrick Center, 2501 N Blackwelder Ave, OKC, 208.5227, okcu.edu/music An Inspector Calls Oct 8-25 A young girl kills herself - but did she really? And why? The constabulary is on the case in one of the classics of the British drawing room mystery, with what Lyric avers is a shocking ending. Shhh! No spoilers!

Lyric’s Plaza Theater, 1725 NW 16th St, OKC, 524.9312, lyrictheatreokc.com Evil Dead: The Musical Oct 10-Nov 1 A terrifying force lurks within a cabin in the woods, a combination of ancient malevolence and … cheery singing? The Pollard goes “camp”ing, aha ha, in this farcically frightening adaptation of the cult classic. Pollard Theatre, 120 W Harrison Ave, Guthrie, 282.2800, thepollard.org

Find even more inspiration at the Winter House Interiors Holiday Open House, Thursday, November 20 from 6p-9p.

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82 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

Carrie: the Musical Oct 16-Nov 1 A shy outcast is tormented by her classmates until she manifests strange powers and viciously retaliates - it doesn’t end well, but the journey is a tuneful one thanks to the OKC Theatre Company telling her tale. OKC Civic Center, 201 N Walker, OKC, 626.6605, okctheatrecompany.org Our Town Oct 17-Oct 26 No giant helicopters or singing felines or friendly neighborhood web-slingers here; just a friendly neighborhood where life proceeds quietly and in resonant depth.

Sooner Theatre, 101 E Main St, Norman, 321.9600, soonertheatre.org Consider the Oyster Oct 17-Nov 8 How much of our lives are determined subconciously by our learned concepts of gender, and how is Gene going to cope with slowly and unexpectedly becoming Jeanette? Carpenter Square takes a humorous look at human nature.

Carpenter Square Theater, 800 W Main St, OKC, 232.6500, carpentersquare.com La Traviata Oct 23 Harkins beams in a period retelling of Verdi’s tale of a dying courtesan in high definition from its performance by Paris’ Opera Bastille, featuring the scintillating Diana Damrau.

Harkins Theatres, 150 E Reno Ave, OKC, 321.4747, harkinstheatres.com Sweeney Todd Oct 24-Nov 15 Reduxion’s “scandalous season” continues with the terribly tuneful grand guignol grimness of Somdheim’s musical about a barber whose shaves are sometimes altogether too close for comfort. Reduxion’s Broadway Theater, 914 N Broadway Ave, OKC, 604.4730, reduxiontheatre.com How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Oct 28-Nov 2 That dastardly Grinch is getting a jump-start on holiday mayhem as Celebrity Attractions presents a tuneful Seussful musical adaptation. OKC Civic Center, 201 N Walker, OKC, 800.869.1451, celebrityattractions.com Woyzeck Oct 30-Nov 2 Over 150 years old, this German play still resonates thanks to its themes of jealousy, faceless bureaucracy and the dehumanization of the poor. UCO Mitchell Hall Theater, 100 N University Dr, Edmond, 974.3375, uco. edu/cfad Bat Boy: the Musical Oct 31-Nov 2 We all have trials and troubles while making our ways through life; not all of us are tabloid sensations for our freakish appearances.

OCU’s musical theater students let the lad’s befanged story soar. OCU Kirkpatrick Center, 2501 N Blackwelder Ave, OKC, 208.5227, okcu.edu/music ONGOING The Grapes of Wrath Through Oct 5 CityRep teams with TheatreOCU to recount the flight and plight of the Joad family as they migrate away from Dust Bowl Oklahoma and struggle to keep their spirits alive. OKC Civic Center, 201 N Walker, OKC, 848.3761, cityrep.com Hank the Cowdog: The Case of the Missing Cat Through Oct 10 Pete the Cat, perennially a thorn in the side of beleaguered narrator Hank, may have caused more trouble than the ranch can handle in this wry tale of doggy derringdo presented by Oklahoma Children’s Theatre. Children’s Center for the Arts, 2501 N Blackwelder Ave, OKC, 951.0011, oklahomachildrenstheatre.org I Never Saw Another Butterfly Through Oct 12 Man’s inhumanity to man is a dicey backdrop for a PG-rated play, but don’t fear the darkness - this is a story of children fostering and maintaining hope through the Holocaust. St. Luke’s Poteet Theater, 222 NW 15th St, OKC, 609.1023, poteettheatre.com

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OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 85

Last Laugh

I CONFESS

By Lauren Hammack AS IF MY FACEBOOK AND PINTEREST ADDICTIONS WEREN’T PRODUCTIVITY-CRIPPLING ENOUGH, I’VE DEVELOPED VOYEURISTIC FONDNESS FOR THE SECRET APP, an antisocial repository of confessions from anonymous posters about every imaginable subject.

No subject on Secret is off-limits, which fuels my intrigue exponentially, along with the fact that the app will tell me when a friend has posted a confession – but it won’t divulge which friend. I love this feature because it leads me to imagine which friend the confession belongs to, and, when in doubt, I enjoy assigning confessions to whichever friend I think could pull off the act that required the confession in the first place.

Beyond the legions of predictable “I still think about my ex, even though I have a new girlfriend now,” posts, the most mundane topics can be fodder for a riveting and sometimes brilliant confession: “My ex sent me a text that read, ‘Please delete my number.’ I responded, ‘Who is this?’”

“Once, I was arguing with my girlfriend and checked Wikipedia to prove I was right. I was wrong. So I edited the article to make it say I was right and sent her the link.”

“If they start putting people in prison for illegal downloads, I just hope they will separate the inmates by music style.”

“I judge people by the fonts they choose in their PowerPoint presentations.”

Although I’ve clicked the “like” hearts of many confessions on Secret, I’ve yet to post any confessions of my own – that’s what this column is for. And if it’s true that confession is good for the soul, I think I’ll feel great once I get a few things off my chest. Judge if you must.

“your” and “you’re.” I won’t release you until you know when to say “Lauren and I” and when to say “Lauren and me.”

I confess …

if you’ve ever crossed me without suffering retribution, it only means I’m lying in wait while your misdeed accrues interest.

I confess …

I’ve paid someone at the front of the State Fair cinnamon roll line to get a few extras for me because I can’t be bothered by that ridiculous wait. Several times.

I confess …

I’m not interested in joining you at a sporting event of any kind unless I’ll be joining you in your suite. #VIPparkingrequired.

I confess …

just round down.

if I tell you my age or my weight, I’ll be lying, so

I confess … I’m the one who bites off half the chocolate in the

I confess …

I confess … I know how to add oil to my car. I just let someone

I confess … I might know something about specific articles

box to see if it’s one I like. If it is, I’ll eat the whole thing. If it’s not, I’ll leave it for you. else do it because I don’t want to get my hands dirty.

I confess … I hide Dr Peppers around the house so there will always be one for me.

I confess …

I turn the A/C down three or four degrees every time Bob Hammack leaves the house – even if I know he’s just going to be gone 20 minutes.

I confess … it takes all the restraint I have not to use the comment box of your Facebook posts to correct your spelling and grammar errors. One day, I will find you in real life and I will hold you hostage until you learn the difference between “it’s” and “its” and 86 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

I occasionally run my clothes through the laundry before putting your clothes back in the dryer, where they were before I came in like a laundry ninja. of clothing that have “disappeared” from the Hammack house. I might also know that, like the 1987 style they represented, they’re not coming back.

I confess … the “clean” towels I put back in your bathroom are just your wet towels that I fluffed in the dryer because you wouldn’t hang them up.

I confess … when I doctor up a photo, I whiten my teeth more

than the teeth of other people in the picture. I’m also slightly more suntanned. And just a skosh thinner and more smoothly complected, with a total absence of freckles or wrinkles. With flawless highlights.

Doe eyes. Longer lashes. Thin, toned upper arms. What jowls?

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OCTOBER 2014 // SLICE 87

Last Look

Silk and Steel Photo by Shannon Bever

Though no flies have strayed inside, this web suspended from a barbed-wire fence has caught a sparkling crop of dewdrops ‌ and the eye of a passing photographer.

To submit your photo for Last Look, visit sliceok.com/last-look/

88 SLICE // OCTOBER 2014

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