August 2012

the magazine of central oklahoma

AUGUST 2012 VOLUME THREE ISSUE EIGHT

GREAT OKLAHOMA BREWPUBS AND BEER

Inside: Local

Liquor Wine Man C Laws a and mo ves re!

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contents

FEATURES August 2012

46 From the Vine

In Vino Veritas, and the glad truth is that our wine industry is growing ever stronger. While agreeing that the best is yet to come, a panel of experts selects the cream of the current Oklahoma crop.

37 6 slice | august 2012

True Brew

Though beer is nearly as old as civilization itself, Oklahoma is filled to the brim with evidence that the art of its creation is still deliciously rewarding to explore.

54 Spirited Debate

Thirsty for insight about where Oklahomans should be able to buy what kind of alcohol? Opposing leaders discuss the pros and cons of bringing stronger beverages to a supermarket near you.

5840 N. Classen Blvd | 405.602.0578 | www.bdhome.com

contents

DEPARTMENTS

16 Chatter

Remembering the King, celebrating public art, local literature and other topics of conversation

20 Details

BRIGHT WHITES, BIG CITY Sleek and stylish, the ideal hue – before or after Labor Day – is often none at all.

34 Spotlight

Stan Stack and Michel Buthion look back on a beautiful, bibulous friendship.

34 90 Wanderlust

DON QUIXOTE REDUX A modern pilgrim fulfills her quest to travel in the footsteps of the Man of La Mancha.

SPACES

60

56 Gentlemen’s Getaways

Modern man caves can be high-tech or sybaritic marvels devoted to solitude, showmanship or simple passions.

60 Setting the Table

A quartet of sophisticated setups to pair perfectly with the beverage of the moment

64 Two for the Show

Touring these luxurious concept homes provides design ideas as well as community wellness.

90 OPINION

96 A Contender of Note

The sleek, speedy Samsung Galaxy Note attempts to fill a technophilic niche

98 Time to Train

Expert tips for ways to carve exercise opportunities out of a busy schedule

8 slice | august 2012

25 Pursuits

A blues legend, transcendent pottery on display, urban pioneers and what’s doing around the metro

67 Fare

Delectable dip recipes, Flint’s downtown spark, a chef’s personal journey and Slice’s city-wide dining guide

100 Out & About

A pictorial wrap-up of parties and events from central Oklahoma’s social scene

14 From the Publisher 110 Last Laugh 112 Last Look

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LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

FRIDAY & SATURDAY EVENINGS

Publisher l Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Meares Creative Director Mia Blake

Editorial Features Writer Kent Anderson Associate Editor Steve Gill Contributing Writers Mark Beutler, Lauren Hammack, Michael Miller, Caryn Ross, Russ Tall Chief, Elaine Warner

Art Art Director Scotty O’Daniel Graphic Designer Brian O’Daniel Contributing Stylist Sara Gae Waters Contributing Photographers M.J. Alexander, Justin Avera, David Cobb, Simon Hurst, Claude Long, Michael Miller, Collin Sims, Carli Wentworth

Letters to the Editor Your views and opinions are welcome. Letters must include name, address, daytime phone number and are subject to editing for length and clarity. Email to letters@sliceok.com; fax to 405.604.9435; mail to 729 W. Sheridan, Suite 101, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.

®

10 slice | august 2012

On the Cover Shelf Life: a sampling of made-in-Oklahoma beer, created by craft brewers for whom production is a finely tuned combination of science, technology and art. Photo by Simon Hurst.

Al lp ro ce ed sb en ef it

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Administration Accountant Jane Doughty Distribution Raymond Brewer Subscriptions Slice Magazine is available by subscription for $14.95 (12 issues), $24.95 (24 issues) or $34.95 (36 issues). Order online at sliceok.com. By mail, send your name, mailing address, phone number and payment to Open Sky Media.

Slice Magazine™ is a monthly publication of

729 W. Sheridan, Suite 101 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 p 405.842.2266 f 405.604.9435 sliceok.com

www.GreatChoiceAV.com Photos taken at the Oliphant Home

12 slice | august 2012

405 W. 2nd, Ste. 1, Edmond | 405.509.6422

©2012 Open Sky Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of Slice Magazine content, in whole or part by any means, without the express written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Slice Magazine is not responsible for the care of and/or return of unsolicited materials. Slice Magazine reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed detrimental to the community’s best interest or in questionable taste. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of ownership or management.

DESIGNOKLAHOMA A blueprint for stylish spaces

To the public. To the trade.

We deliver your message to the market you need.

Fall 2012 Reserve your space today.

842.2266 sales@sliceok.com

LETTERS l FROM THE PUBLISHER

M.J. ALEXANDER

Of Grain and Grapes (and Gripes)

Y

ou may not have noticed, but summer in Oklahoma is a touch on the toasty side.

And what goes really well with miserably hot weather? Ice-cold beer. Water is also a necessity, and certainly should be consumed in larger amounts, but a great beer

has a way of hitting the spot. If you’re at a RedHawks game, do you long for a hot dog and a Cosmopolitan? I think not.

We’re in an era of embracing all things local, and beer is no exception: thanks to lengthy,

involved, ongoing research from dedicated brewmasters – even some who work out of their homes – our state has made great strides in producing exceptional craft beers and brewpubs. If your current favorite beer is mass-produced, we encourage you to try some of Oklahoma’s own. We’ve compiled a bevy of possibilities in this issue (and there was no shortage of staff volunteers to do some research of our own) – you’re bound to discover a new favorite somewhere in the mix.

Not a beer person? We’ve been investigating the vine as well, and sought informed opin-

ions by asking a trio of area experts to rate a selection of local wine for this issue. The results tell us that while Oklahoma may not yet be the new Napa Valley, the dedicated and adventurous souls who have ventured into winemaking are paving the way. It’s that very spirit that makes this a great state.

When all is said and done, it boils down to personal preference. What one person dis-

likes about a particular beer or wine is often the very aspect that another likes most. Be your own judge. I will unabashedly admit to having purchased some beverages simply because their labels appealed to me a great deal. Hardly a scientific approach, but I’ve lucked into some good stuff.

Unless you’ve been living in a bubble, you’re surely aware of the current debate regard-

ing our state’s liquor laws. The proponents and opponents of the sale of wine and stronger beer in grocery stores are passionate and vocal – two such individuals make their views known, in no uncertain terms, in these pages. If you’re a consumer, you probably have an opinion on this issue as well, and it’s always welcome at sliceok.com.

Slice Magazine encourages you to read responsibly; a glass of your favorite beverage

makes an excellent companion for perusing these pages.

Cheers!

stay connected sliceok.com facebook.com/sliceok twitter.com/sliceok

14 slice | august 2012

Elizabeth Meares Publisher | Editor-in-Chief elizabeth.meares@sliceok.com

Select portraits on display through summer

CIMARRON HERITAGE CENTER MUSEUM Boise City, OK

Are you a shutterbug?

Send us your photos for Last Look... you may be published!

Miss a month?

Read current and back issues online

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Search among 225 doctors in 55 specialties in the Best Doctors list

Hungry?

M.J. ALEXANDER

Peruse our Restaurant Guide for your favorite cuisine

The Children of Oklahoma: Sons and Daughters of the Red Earth

Have an upcoming fĂŞte?

Portrait of a Generation

Submit your social event for our calendar

Have something to say?

Comment on our articles and share on social media

This 288-page, limited-edition collection of fine art portraits and interviews is AVAILABLE LOCALLY at

Also available online at sliceok.com A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County

Visit the NEW sliceok.com august 2012 | slice 15

LEMMA.COM

COLLIN SIMS

CHATTER l WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT...

NEW KIDS BACK ON THE BLOCK »

Lemma

Following the Sound » Trying

to predict what OKC

quartet Lemma is going to play next is an exercise in futility: they’re constantly, confidently bouncing from country to jazz to British pop and back in a ceaseless attempt to engage listeners

An old space on Film Row is about to get a new face thanks to The Paramount OKC. Located in the venerable Paramount Pictures Building at 701 W. Sheridan (just a few steps from the Slice House), the spot will sell locally sourced fruit, cheese, coffee, wine and baked treats, all enjoyable while watching movies in the vintage 50-seat Paramount Screening Room.

Its grand opening weekend is August 10-11; stop by and see the show.

Storm Front

» The OKC Thunder had every reason to be upset: after a smashing season and run through the playoffs, they lost four games in a row against the Heat. Lost the Finals. Lost the NBA championship. They returned home to Oklahoma City empty-handed – but not to an empty airport. Over 4,000 fans were waiting to welcome them back and prove that Thunder support isn’t a fair-weather phenomenon. Wait ’til next year!

of all sonic stripes. But why try?

It can be taken as an assumption that their August 19 appearance in the Arts Council of OKC’s Twilight Concert Series will rock.

Also, if you’re a fan of altcountry or awesomeness in general, The Old 97s are celebrating the 15th anniversary of their spectacular “Too Far to Care” by launching a tour in August to perform the album live in its entirety, plus some other songs they like. The itinerary doesn’t bring them to OKC, (booo!) but they put on a killer live show and

Top Dog » File this under “High Praise In-

and met with the monarch in the den

deed” – Oklahoma artist Michael

of her country estate, Sandringham.

Collins was offered an opportunity

It was a virtually unprecedented in-

last year to paint a portrait (from sup-

vitation into her private sanctum;

plied photos) of one of her Majesty

fortunately, HRH recognized her

Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite hunt-

pet immediately, professed herself

ing dogs. The result was approved by

delighted with the result and spent

her staff, and he was invited earlier

over 20 minutes discussing dogs

this year to present the painting in

and horses with Collins. A day to re-

person, so Collins flew to England

member, eh what?

Dallas (Aug. 24) isn’t that far…

CALENDAR WATCH

16 slice | august 2012

August 1

August 20

August 1 - TFN

First day of classes for

Fall semester begins at

It’s hot

OKC Public Schools

OU, OCU, OSU, UCO September 1

Hey, B the Wa y y… …Slice

has a blo g. Get a for what’ feel s maybe g on our minds, an ive us a p d iec in respo nse, at sli e of yours Bits-and ceok.com/ -Pieces.

August 17

August 22

OU at UTEP

First day of classes for

First day of classes for

OSU vs. Savannah State

Edmond Public Schools

Norman Public Schools

WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT... l CHATTER

Long Live the King I

t was a Tuesday, overcast and hu-

an interest in her career and influenced

mid. The radio in Mom’s kitchen

her style.

was set to the AM dial – WKY 930,

“In those days I was singing country,

to be exact. The news hit the air a little

and it was considered ‘hillbilly music.’

past three. “This just in from the Asso-

We all hated that term,” Jackson remem-

ciated Press: Elvis Presley has died at

bers. “Rock and roll was becoming pop-

his home in Memphis.”

ular and Elvis told me I should explore

that sound. Both Elvis and my daddy

The clouds then opened up, but the

By Mark Beutler

rain could not match the tears that

said I needed to change with the times.”

flowed during that hot August of 1977.

Mom, an original Elvis fan from the

but she says they rarely kept in touch in

1950s, and my sister Judy, who wor-

later years.

shiped the leather-clad Elvis of the

1960s, cried for days.

me to be his girl, but we lived too far

Presley himself, who was still

away and drifted apart, like so many

churning out hits at the time of his

young people do.”

death, had a number of Oklahoma roots.

“I was a teenager when my Aunt Mae

when I heard the news of his passing,”

[songwriter Mae Boren Axton] penned

sighs Jackson. “We were coming back

‘Heartbreak Hotel,’” said David Boren,

from a trip to Lake Tenkiller and heard

president of the University of Oklahoma.

it on the car radio. I must admit I shed

“In the mid-1950s, she read a newspa-

more than a few tears. He was so young,

on August 16, and began searching for

per obituary about a man that said ‘he

only 42. I didn’t go to the funeral, but I

every Elvis record we had,” he said. “I

walked a lonely street.’ Aunt Mae took

certainly lost a good friend that day.”

made the announcement, then played

that line and wrote what would become

Longtime OKC disc jockey Jack El-

‘Kentucky Rain,’ ‘Suspicious Minds’ and

Elvis Presley’s first hit record. When

liott says The King’s popularity shows

‘Burning Love.’ Immediately the phones

Elvis died, we were all very shocked and saddened

Jackson and Presley dated briefly,

“He had given me a ring and asked

“I remember exactly where I was

no signs of waning.

that we lost such a talent at such a The

“I was working an afternoon air-shift

lit up with listeners wanting to share

“Elvis will never be

their grief and their memories of Elvis. It

forgotten,” Elliott says. “He

was hard for all of us at that point in time

set the pace for early rock

young age.”

Mae Boren Axton

and roll stars like Jerry

to grasp that he was really gone.”

More than 35 years later, Presley

King

Lee Lewis and Little

continues to make waves in the music

first hit Okla-

Richard. He will re-

industry – just recently, a remix of his

homa in Octo-

main a part of con-

1968 hit “A Little Less Conversation”

ber 1955, for a

temporary music and

became a worldwide phenomenon. He

concert at what

music history [and]

has not been without his share of criti-

is now the Civ-

carry over through fu-

cism since his death… but all the over-

ture generations as a mu-

weight impersonators, sequined jump-

ic Center Music Hall. It was around

sical superstar.”

that time he met a young Oklahoma

artist

named

suits and black velvet paintings cannot

Like Jackson and many

overshadow that incredible raw talent,

others, Elliott remembers where

that voice which makes Elvis Presley

Wanda Jackson. Today, the legendary

he was when he heard the news of El-

stand out.

“Queen of Rockabilly” says Presley took

vis’ death.

Just ask my mom and sister. august 2012 | slice 17

CHATTER l WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT...

COLLIN SIMS

LOOK! UP IN THE SKY!

It’s a bird (sorta); it’s a sculpture; it’s a winner. The Okla-

homa City SkyDance Bridge, officially unveiled in April, is already gaining nationwide acclaim: it was recently named one of the 50 best public art projects to debut in the last year by the 2012 Public Art Network Year in Review

by Americans for the Arts. Inspired by the scissor-tailed flycatcher, its soaring lines are functional too, carrying pedestrians across I-40 through the two halves of what will soon be – thanks to MAPS 3 funding – a verdant park between downtown and the Oklahoma River.

Speaking of the new park,

Speaking of public improvements,

» The extra impetus to walk around outside should help

» Downtown Norman is about to become a bit more

since Oklahoma City was once again identified by the American College of Sports Medicine as the country’s least fit city in 2012, based on a calculus that includes factors like obesity, smoking rates and availability of exercise facilities. Fortunately, we rank better on some other lists: Gallup gave OKC the highest ranking on its 2011 Job Creation Index, Forbes named us 10th on its Best Cities for Jobs 2012, Kiplinger’s has us tied for 16th lowest on its cost of living index, and Farmers Insurance determined we’re #18 of the Most Secure Places to Live in the U.S. Maybe that helps explain why an online survey at careerbliss.com reported OKC as the third happiest city to work in nationwide…

Speaking of rankings, » WinStar World Casino, located just north of the

Oklahoma-Texas border along Interstate 35, is almost finished with an ambitious slate of expansions and improvements. How ambitious? When completed around Labor Day, the casino floor will measure a whopping 442,000 square feet, making WinStar the second biggest casino in the world. Besides the extra gaming space, the expansion adds three new restaurants and a nightclub to the complex’s more than 6,800 electronic games, 112 blackjack and poker tables, 3,400-seat events center, 27-hole golf course and academy and 395-room hotel. It’s kind of a big deal.

18 slice | august 2012

visually appealing. On behalf of the Norman Arts Council and the City of Norman, the Norman Public Arts Board is selecting two permanent outdoor sculptures to purchase for placement at the corners of West Main/ Webster and West Main/ Santa Fe, to enhance the busy intersections that visually anchor the downtown arts district.

The installations may be made of any material and will embody a theme representative of central Oklahoma – cultural heritage, the pioneer spirit, wildlife or flora, weather, really big pickups (it probably won’t be really big pickups)… the sky was the limit, and somebody’s imagination and execution will be rewarded August 27. After the unveiling November 9, the reward will be the community’s.

Speaking of new art, » Oklahoma City’s artistic community remains a work

in progress – as creative minds continue to experiment and express themselves, this summer has seen multiple venues open to share some of that work with the public.

Casady Square at the corner of Penn and Britton is now home to The Art Group Gallery and Studio, a collective of creators in paint, pottery and jewelry, and Automobile Alley at 710 N. Broadway houses the ivc gallery, a display space and creative sanctuary operating under the tenet that art is essential. Stop into both galleries and welcome them to the neighborhood!

WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT... l CHATTER

Use Your Words Nothing ever ends. Big or

ple seek an ending to their

spaces and form a new cul-

current situations, life con-

themselves effects of other

ture of their own… historian

tinues for others around

causes) have effects that

Paul Hedren examines the

them. Tulsan Becky Kruse

lead to effects of their own.

stated goals and unexpect-

responded

Just ask the Lakota Sioux,

ed consequences of Western

death by trying to help

whose victory against Gen-

expansion in After Custer:

other families see warning

eral Custer in response to

Loss and Transformation in

signs in their loved ones

systematic U.S. incursion

Sioux Country, published

and act to prevent them

spurred a fresh onslaught

by OU Press and winner of

from harming themselves –

of American troops, which

the National Cowboy and

her deeply personal episto-

drove the natives off the

Western

Muse-

lary narrative Note to Adam

plains, which paved the

um’s 2012 Western Heri-

chronicles her own recov-

way for railroad expansion,

tage Award for Outstanding

ery in progress and aims to

which brought hunters to

Nonfiction Book.

increase awareness, hope-

wipe out the buffalo, which

On

encouraged cattlemen to

though many suicidal peo-

COURTESY UCO

wide-open

small, causes (which were

move

to

a

ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT

Jeremy Campbell

Back in Action What

do you do after winning

two gold medals in your sport’s highest competition? Try to do it

Heritage

smaller

scale,

to

her

son’s

fully keeping more people from sharing similar grief.

DOWN AND DIRTY

COURTESY ARMSTRONG COLLEGE

No complaining. No gossiping. No lying. That’s the tripartite foundation of CEO and author Tom Pace’s 3PointCommitment, and in addition to the generally brighter outlook on life that comes with it, there might be material rewards as well for people who manage to uphold the commitment for 10 consecutive days: Pace will award $10,000 to one entrant on September 7. To read more, sign up for the challenge or buy a wristband to help keep track of your streak, visit www.3pointcommitment.org.

the

A firsthand look at ancient wonders hidden for millennia?

They can dig it. Fifteen students, three alumni and two faculty members from Edmond’s Herbert W. Armstrong College (its largest volunteer group yet) will travel to Israel this fall to join prominent archeologist Dr. Eilat Mazar of Hebrew University in her ongoing excavation of a 10th century B.C. palace – an archaeological excavation at a Jerusalem complex believed to belong to the biblical King Solomon over 3,000 years ago.

Previous Mazar finds dating to biblical times form an interactive exhibit titled “Seals of Jeremiah’s Captors Discovered,” available for viewing free in the Armstrong Auditorium lobby until January 16, 2013.

For more information on the Israel dig or the exhibit, visit armstrongauditorium.org or call 285.1010.

again. UCO resident athlete Jeremy Campbell is heading back to the Paralympic Games to defend his title as the reigning world cham-

pion in men’s discus in the London

this sport,” he said. “Now, I know what to expect at the Games this time around.” That’s a disquieting thought for his fellow contestants…

ALLIE FLEISCHFRESSER

learned a lot while growing with

Combating hunger is a marathon, not a sprint. From 11am July 21 to 12:25am July 22, patrons reveled in

event August 29-September 9. “It has been a long four years, and I’ve

Staying the Courses gastronomic wonders and hand-selected wines from local chef Kurt Fleischfresser in The Tasting Room at Will Rogers Theater; funds piled up for the Regional Food Bank; and the chef and his team continued to cook non-stop for nearly 14 hours. The secret

ingredient in the Culinaire for a Cause fundraiser was commitment. august 2012 | slice 19

DETAILS l THINGS WE LOVE

Bright Whites, Big City Front and Center With its crisp, clean look, white plays a starring role in home furnishings.

Matteo bedding, separates begin at $95 at KS Design

Major Chair in Tahoe leather by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, $2,230 at Port Interiors Nico chaise lounge by Stylus, $1,200 at True North Living

Tina table by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, $995 at Port Interiors

Do Not Sit!

Vitra Design creates exact replicas of milestones in furniture design on a diminutive and highly collectible scale. The Eames chair (about 4" tall) is $170.95 at the Museum Store at OKC Museum of Art

20 slice | august 2012

THINGS WE LOVE l DETAILS

All Around Brighten your space or maintain your

monochrome with treasures old and new.

Vintage blanc de Chine lamp with pierced cutwork, $290 at Les Debris

Grand Casablanca by Zodax porcelain diffusers, $75 each at Red Chateau

“Menina Preta (Delicia)” by Skip Hill, 48" x 60", acrylic, ink and charcoal on canvas, $3,000 at JRB Art at the Elms

Bright Ideas

Phillips award-winning LED bulb replaces a 60-watt incandescent with a mere 10 watts of power. Its average life is 25,000 hours! $52.60 at Voss Lighting

Dendrobium orchid with Mitsumata sticks in an Odyssey vase, $175 at Calvert’s Plant Interiors

august 2012 | slice 21

DETAILS l THINGS WE LOVE

Decked Out White before and after Labor Day? We say, “Yes!” “Fashion is ever-changing, always evolving – and so are the rules! Bright whites have evolved from the overwhelming popularity of crisp, white cotton shirts and white jeans. At this point, white has total acceptance as a trans-seasonal option.”

SHEVAUN WILLIAMS

Nha Khanh wool dress, $890 at Liberté

SHEVAUN WILLIAMS

Cindi Shelby, owner, Ruth Meyers

Robin Brouillette pintucked day dress ($785) and car coat ($845), at Liberté

Haute Hippie top ($225) and Alice + Olivia shorts ($154), at On A Whim Crepe suit ($852) and silk blouse ($324) by Gabriele Strehle of Strenesse, at Mr. Ooley’s

Zenobia silk charmeuse and embossed cotton dress, $995 at Ruth Meyers

Parker shirt dress, $209 at On A Whim

22 slice | august 2012

THINGS WE LOVE l DETAILS

Finishing Touches “The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.”

Olympia Dukakis as Clairee Belcher in “Steel Magnolias”

Michele Tahitian ceramic watch with 100 diamonds and enamel dial, $1,995 at Mitchell’s Jewelry

Freshwater coin pearl earrings ($785) and necklace ($1,625), at Naifeh Fine Jewelry

Elizabeth Showers moss agate drop earrings in 18kt gold, $1,500 at Naifeh Fine Jewelry

Kenneth Jay Lane elephant rhinestone necklace with gold chain, $100 at Dillard’s Penn Square Mall

august 2012 | slice 23

Client driven A step in the right direction on the path to retirement

At Retirement Investment Advisors, we recommend what is best for you – ensuring that we merit your confidence and trust.

Our compensation is always by fee only; never by commission. If this client driven approach sounds appealing, plan now to meet with one of our experienced, professional advisors.

Find out why national financial publications have named us one of the top financial advisors in the country 45 times. You’ll discover our client driven approach is just one reason you will benefit from a long term relationship with a trusted financial advisor who keeps your best interests uppermost in mind.

Be ahead of the curve and preview fall fashions at Liberté.

3001 United Founders Blvd., Suite A Oklahoma City, OK 73112 PH: 405.942.1234 TheRetirementPath.com

A select women’s boutique in Classen Curve.

www.G I V E M E L I B E R T E .com Best Local Financial Advisor

24 slice | august 2012

Honored by the Oklahoma Business Ethics Consortium for its efforts to reinforce ethical standards in the marketplace.

EVENTS

l

FILM

l

GALLERIES

l

MUSEUMS

l

MUSIC

l

SPORTS

l

T H E AT R E

Reign Man » Music fans will be getting the royal treatment in Shawnee August 18, and that’s not merely wordplay based on the guest performer’s regal name: the incomparable B.B. King really truly is the King of the Blues. See page 30.

august 2012 | slice 25

In the

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26 slice | august 2012

6432 N. Western Avenue | 405.840.4437 | www.howellgallery.com

what to do EVENTS URBAN PIONEER AWARDS Aug 1 The Plaza District Association honors the creativity and drive of Wayne and Michelle Coyne. Skirvin Hilton, 1 Park Ave, OKC, 405.367.9403, plazadistrict.org

JOSH WELSH PHOTOGRAPHY

Compiled by Steve Gill

EDMOND FARMER’S MARKET Aug 1-29 Seasonal goodies for sale every Wednesday and Saturday. Festival Market Place, 30 W 1st St, Edmond, 405.359.4630, edmondok.com NORMAN FARMER’S MARKET Aug 1-29 Fresh, local produce and other goodness Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

Cleveland County Fairgrounds, 615 E Robinson Ave, Norman, 405.360.4721, clevelandcountyfair.org DINE WITH CHINASAURS Aug 2 A delectable food and wine pairing event accompanies the traveling Chinasaurs exhibit. Sam Noble Museum, 2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman, 405.325.4712, snomnh.ou.edu COCKTAILS ON THE SKYLINE Aug 2-30 Fun near the sun with drinks and music Thursday afternoons on the Rooftop Terrace. OKC Museum of Art, 415 Couch Dr, OKC, 405.236.3100, okcmoa.com FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK Aug 3 Stroll among new art displayed in more than a dozen galleries, all within a couple of blocks. Paseo Arts District, 3022 Paseo St, OKC, 405.525.2688, thepaseo.com EDMOND QUILT FESTIVAL 2012 Aug 3-4 Beauty to bundle up with fills this judged show presented by the Edmond Quilt Guild. UCO Field House, 100 N University Dr, Edmond, edmondquiltguild.us MIDTOWN MARKET AT SAINTS Aug 3-31 Local eggs, meat, dairy and more every Friday afternoon. St. Anthony campus, NW 9th St & Walker Ave, OKC, saintsok.com ARCADIA LAKE SWEEP Aug 4 Hard work pays off beautifully in a community clean-up effort to keep the lake lovely. Spring Creek Park, Lake Arcadia, Edmond, 405.216.7471, visitedmondok.com TASTE FOR SIGHT Aug 4 A smorgasbord of flavors that funds Prevent Blindness Oklahoma’s vision screenings. The Greens Country Club, 13100 Green Valley Dr, OKC, 405.848.7123, preventblindnessok.org 2ND FRIDAY CIRCUIT OF ART Aug 10 A monthly community-wide celebration of

Full Speed Ahead

Wayne and Michelle Coyne

August 1, Skirvin Hilton, 1 Park Ave, OKC, 367.9403, plazadistrict.org

» Though both have gone far in their lives and artistic careers – Michelle is an international photographer, Wayne the passionate voice of The Flaming Lips – Oklahoma City was and remains their beloved home. Their energy and (ahem) drive in helping to revitalize their neighborhood near OKC’s Plaza District has earned the Coynes recognition in the District’s 2012 Urban Pioneer Awards. The annual honor is presented for their ongoing efforts in strengthening the community, supporting its resurgence and drawing attention to its thriving culture… thus blazing a trail into a vibrant, creative future.

creativity, focused on historic downtown Norman. Norman Arts Council, 122 E Main St, Norman, 405.360.1162, normanarts.org NEWS 9 CONCEPT HOME TOURS Aug 9-26 Sterling examples of two concepts in luxury living; tour proceeds benefit the community health assistance of Variety Care. Stonemill and The Abbey at Fairview Farms, 405.632.6688, news9.com LIVE ON THE PLAZA Aug 10-11 Vendors, artists, residents and passerby unite for a monthly fiesta. OKC Plaza District, 1618 N Gatewood Ave, OKC, 405.367.9403, plazadistrict.org

WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE Aug 10-11 Sheila Walsh, CeCe Winans, Ballet Magnificat and more in an event encouraging guests to “Celebrate What Matters.” Chesapeake Arena, 100 W Reno Ave, OKC, 888.493.2484, womenoffaith.com

SPIN YOUR WHEELS Aug 11 Over 1,500 riders gear up for a noncompetitive bicycle tour benefiting The Children’s Center in Bethany.

The Children’s Center, 6800 NW 39 th Expressway, Bethany, 405.789.6711, tccokc.org

DANCING FOR A MIRACLE Aug 11 Local celebrity competitors show off their moves in the fifth annual Children’s Hospital Foundation fundraiser. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 405.271.2208, childrenshospitalfoundation.net

SMARTY PANTS TRIVIA NIGHT Aug 16 Knowledge is power, especially in this open-bar team trivia challenge benefiting the National MS Society. Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr, OKC, 405.488.1300, nationalmssociety.org/ smartypants

august 2012 | slice 27

BRIGHT NIGHT OF CSI Aug 17 In this overnight adventure for kids, the focus is on forensic science. Science Museum Oklahoma, 2100 NE 52nd St, OKC, 405.602.6664, sciencemuseumok.org

© TAKU SAIKI

PURSUITS l WHAT TO DO

CATTLE BARON’S BALL Aug 17 Saddle up for the American Cancer Society’s annual country-themed party for a cause.

Coles Garden, 1415 NE 63rd St, OKC, 405.841.5807, cancer.org THE BIG TASTE Aug 18 Fancy food fuels the British-themed Big Brothers Big Sisters fundraiser. Embassy Suites Norman, 2501 Conference Dr, Norman, 405.364.3722, bbbsok.org TOUR DE PALATE Aug 18 Food and drink (and cake) for the sake of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 405.943.8888, tourdepalate.com FESTIVAL OF HOPE Aug 24 Heartline’s Evening of Acclimation and Admiration honors Ed Pulido and Cathy Leichter.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 405.840.9396, heartlineoklahoma.org CARDBOARD BOAT REGATTA Aug 25 The fourth annual competition to build and sail full-size cardboard craft promises multiple prizes and fun for all.

Edmond Park, Lake Arcadia, Edmond, 405.359.4630, edmondok.com INTEGRIS JIM THORPE COURAGE AWARD GALA Aug 25 A moving, inspirational event recognizing individuals who display exceptional bravery and grace through trying circumstances. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 405.644.5256, integrisok.com FIGHT FOR AIR LUNCHEON Aug 30 Dr. Daniel Nader speaks at a lunch and seminar presented by Cancer Treatment Centers of America and the American Lung Association. Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr, OKC, 405.748.4674, breathehealthy.org

FILM STATIC FILM SCREENING Aug 9-26 A free monthly showcase of local filmmakers’ craft in dramas, animated shorts and other genres. IAO Gallery, 706 W Sheridan Ave, OKC, 405.232.6060, iaogallery.org

GALLERIES SNAPSHOTS OF AN AMERICAN AUTUMN Through Aug 9 Photojournalist Kendall Brown’s chronicle of individuals engaged in the Occupy movement across the Midwest. MAINSITE Contemporary

28 slice | august 2012

“Cornucopia 04-Y’IV,” 2004, stoneware and glass by Etsuko Tashima

Reach for the Sun

Through August 25, City Arts Center, 3000 General Pershing Blvd, OKC, 951.0000, cityartscenter.org

»

A new day has dawned in the creative annals of one of the world’s oldest societies, and

purveyors of a centuries-old art form are emerging into the light. City Arts Center is proud to host the touring exhibition “Soaring Voices: Recent Ceramics by Women From Japan,” a collection of transcendently beautiful creations by a heretofore under-acknowledged demographic. “Women have been highly active in the production of ceramics in Japan for thousands of years,” explains CAC director Mary Ann Prior, “but their names have been largely unknown. We’re delighted to have the honor of displaying [their] high-caliber work.”

Art, 122 E Main St, Norman, 405.360.1162, mainsite-art.com KENNY MCKENNA Through Aug 11 A one-man show for an Oklahoma artist whose vibrant, luminous landscapes have garnered local and national attention. Howell Gallery, 6432 N Western Ave, Nichols Hills, 405.840.4437, howellgallery.com DON HOLLADAY Through Aug 31 Painting onto printed surfaces, Holladay produces visually dense pieces rewarding contemplation. Santa Fe Depot, 200 S Jones Ave, Norman, 405.307.9320, pasnorman.org

to keep his still lifes and abstract paintings emotionally engaging. Summer Wine Art Gallery, 2928 Paseo St, Suite B, OKC, 405.831.3279, summerwinegallery.com

McDanel and Jan Brieschke explore the possibilities of their creative visions. Paseo Originals Gallery, 2920 Paseo St, OKC, 604.660, paseooriginals.com

EMERGING ARTISTS Aug 3-25 The premier Paseo gallery dedicated to fine art photography hosts a selection of developing talents. Visions in the Paseo, 2924 Paseo St, OKC, 405.557.1229, visionsokc.com

CHILDREN’S SUMMER ART SHOW Aug 10-Sep 1 Small artists can produce big creativity - check out these young talents. Firehouse Art Center, 444 S Flood Ave, Norman, 405.329.4523, normanfirehouse.com

ART GONE WILD Aug 3-31 Paintings crafted by guest animal artists from the OKC Zoo. In Your Eye Gallery, 3005 Paseo St, Suite A, OKC, 405.525.2161, inyoureyegallery.com

CELL PHONES IN SUMMER Through Sep 15 Professional photographers and amateurs alike contributed to this exhibition of summer-themed images taken on cell phones. [Artspace] at Untitled, 1 NE 3rd St, OKC, 405.815.0095, artspaceatuntitled.org

GORHAM & MCPHERSON Aug 3-31 Heather Gorham’s feelings given form in paint, displayed alongside sculptural expression from Delvie McPherson. JRB Art at the Elms, 2801 N Walker Ave, OKC, 405.528.6336, jrbartgallery.com

TIMOTHY ROSE Aug 1-31 Rose, an artist and art educator, channels classical training

THE MIND’S EYE Aug 3-Sep 2 Through metalwork and abstract acrylics, Brett

CURTIS JONES & DAVID WANG Aug 10Sep 22 Jones’ deceptively uncomplicated sculptures plus the Norman Arts Council’s final 2011-’12 Individual Artist Award winner. MAINSITE Contemporary Art, 122 E Main St, Norman, 405.360.1162, mainsite-art.com ISTVAN END OF SUMMER SHOW Aug 17-Oct 28 Multiple artists working in multiple styles produce massive aesthetic rewards. Istvan Gallery, 1218 N Western Ave, OKC, 405.831.2874, istvangallery.com

WHAT TO DO l PURSUITS

MUSEUMS PRIX DE WEST Through Aug 5 The prestigious invitational art exhibit features over 300 paintings and sculptures by exceptional Western artists. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 405.478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org SOARING VOICES Through Aug 25 Dozens upon dozens of contemporary ceramic works by female artists from Japan. City Arts Center, 3000 General Pershing Blvd, OKC, 405.951.0000, cityartscenter.org

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A CENTURY OF MAGIC Through Sep 2 Animation cels form the basis of a look at Walt Disney Studios’ cultural impact and legacy. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave, Norman, 405.325.3272, ou.edu/fjjma THE CULT OF PERSONALITY Through Sep 2 Portraiture of famous and lesser-known people

by Andy Warhol and his contemporary Harold Stevenson. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave, Norman, 405.325.3272, ou.edu/fjjma VERNET TO VILLON Through Sep 2 An incredible collection of drawings by 19 th-century French masters from the National Gallery of Art. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave, Norman, 405.325.3272, ou.edu/fjjma

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FUSION: A NEW CENTURY OF GLASS Through Sep 9 Fragile, fascinating works by contemporary glass artists, collected to celebrate the museum’s 10th anniversary downtown. OKC Museum of Art, 415 Couch Dr, OKC, 405.236.3100, okcmoa.com CHINASAURS Through Sep 16 This traveling exhibit of fossils, artwork and educational materials explores the world and wildlife of prehistoric China. Sam Noble Museum, 2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman, 405.325.4712, snomnh.ou.edu OKLAHOMA CLAY: FRANKOMA POTTERY Through Sep 16 The creative legacy of artist and entrepreneur John Frank, an OU instructor who founded Frankoma Pottery. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave, Norman, 405.325.3272, ou.edu/fjjma THE POTTER AND THE PAINTER Through Sep 28 A mixed assembly of work in their preferred mediums from Native art specialists Lisa Rutherford and Jim Van Deman. Red Earth Museum, 6 Santa Fe Plaza, OKC, 405.427.5228, redearth.org THE ART OF GOLF Through Oct 7 Nearly a hundred works by diverse artists over the course of centuries follow the history of the gentleman’s game. OKC Museum of Art, 415 Couch Dr, OKC, 405.236.3100, okcmoa.com WILL JAMES: THE A.P. HAYS COLLECTION Through Oct 14 Vintage tales and drawings of cowboy life from a popular artist who helped influence public perception of the West. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 405.478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org

august 2012 | slice 29

SEALS OF JEREMIAH’S CAPTORS Through Oct 16 The world’s first look at an archaeological Biblical bonanaza in the form of artifacts from a dig in Jerusalem. Armstrong Auditorium ,14400B S Bryant Ave, Edmond, 405.285.1010, armstrongauditorium.org

COURTESY LYRIC THEATRE

PURSUITS l WHAT TO DO

OKLAHOMA AND INFAMY Through Dec 9 Stories, artifacts and more in a historical retrospective of World War II’s impact on our state. Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr, OKC, 405.521.2491, okhistory.org OKLAHOMA @ THE MOVIES Through May 31, 2013 Help commemorate the beautiful friendship between the Sooner State and the silver screen. Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr, OKC, 405.521.2491, okhistory.org

MUSIC CONCERTS ON THE CURVE Aug 2 It’s a monthly non-residential block party with live music, deals and kids’ activities.

Classen Curve, 5860 N Classen, OKC, classencurve.com CONCERTS IN THE PARK Aug 2-16 Edmond’s free outdoor concert series concludes with T.J. Rhea & the Steamrollers Aug. 2, the Roland Bowling Band Aug. 9 and Zero 2 Sixty Aug. 16.

Hafer Park, 1034 S Bryant Ave, Edmond, 405.359.4630, edmondok.com NOON TUNES Aug 2-30 Free lunchtime serenades in the Downtown Library: Metro Strings Aug 2, Onda Cubana Aug 9, Brigade Band Aug 16, Timmy Davis & Anita Dumar Aug 23 and Local Honey Aug 30.

Downtown Library, 300 Park Ave, OKC, 405.231.8650, mls.lib.ok.us PURPLE BAR PERFORMANCES Aug 3-31 A cozy setting, ample menu and outstanding music from local artists every Friday and Saturday. Nonna’s Purple Bar, 1 Mickey Mantle Dr, OKC, 405.235.4410, purplebarokc.com SUMMER BREEZE: THE BEL AIRS Aug 5-26 The Performing Arts Studio presents a free outdoor concert from a band whose rockabilly vibe and tight harmonies garnered the name “The Everly Brothers of Blues.” Lions Park, 450 S Flood Ave, Norman, 405.307.9320, pasnorman.org TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES Aug 5-26 Free outdoor concerts to finish out the week: Son del Barrio Aug. 5, Allie Lauren Aug. 12, Lemma Aug. 19 and Smilin’ Vic and the Soul Monkeys Aug 26.

Myriad Gardens, 301 W Reno Ave, OKC, 405.270.4848, artscouncilokc.com FRONTIER CITY SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Aug 4-25 Have a hot time in the park and cool off with the music of

30 slice | august 2012

Step Right This Way

Chita Rivera

August 7-11, Civic Center, 201 N Walker, OKC, 524.9312, lyrictheatreokc.com

» Lyric Theatre’s spectacular summer lineup of “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Sweet Charity” and “Call Me Madam” has had a common link besides Broadway excellence: all three shows were highlights in the exceptional, illustrious career of two-time Tony winner Chita Rivera. To cap off its season with a flourish, Lyric welcomes Rivera herself to OKC to share an intimate evening of music from “West Side Story,” “Chicago” and many more of her most celebrated musicals. The lights are dimming, the orchestra is warming up – come enjoy her Broadway.

summer: KVSP’s Power Bash Aug. 4, Toby Mac Aug. 11, Z Fest Aug. 19 and Hot Chelle Rae Aug. 25. Frontier City, 11501 N I-35 Service Rd, OKC, 405.478.2140, frontiercity.com CHITA RIVERA: MY BROADWAY Aug 7-11 Lyric Theatre presents the two-time Tony winner performing selections from her most celebrated musicals. OKC Civic Center, 201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 405.524.9310, lyrictheatreokc.com JAHRUBA LAMBETH & THE BROKE BROTHERS Aug 10 Norman folk fixture Lambeth jams a free set with his new band as part of the 2nd Friday Circuit of Art. Santa Fe Depot, 200 S Jones Ave, Norman, 405.307.9320, pasnorman.org CROSBY, STILLS & NASH Aug 12 The Oklahoman presents an evening with the powerhouse folk rock supergroup. OKC Zoo Amphitheatre, 2101 NE 50 th St, OKC, 405.364.3700, zooamp.com

YANNI Aug 15 The international new age star’s performance includes music from his first new studio album in almost a decade. OKC Civic Center, 201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 405.297.2264, okcciviccenter.com NICHOLS HILLS BAND CONCERT Aug 16 The classics are still in style in these monthly free concerts by an all-volunteer ensemble. Kite Park, 1500 Camden Way, Nichols Hills, nicholshills.net TRAVIS LEDOYT Aug 16 Long live the King - LeDoyt is a masterfully accurate Elvis tribute performer.

Newcastle Casino, 2457 Highway 62 Service Rd, Newcastle, 405.387.6013, mynewcastlecasino.com DWIGHT YOAKAM Aug 17 The Kentucky native combines country and rock for hip honky tonk music and a killer live show. Riverwind Casino, 1544 W Highway 9, Norman, 405.322.6000, riverwindcasino.com

B.B. KING Aug 18 The King of the Blues continues letting the good times roll.

Grand Casino, 777 Grand Casino Blvd, Shawnee, 405.964.7777, grandcasino.com KATT FEST Aug 24 Knock knock - it’s the Trespass America Festival, featuring Five Finger Death Punch, Killswitch Engage, Trivium and more. OKC Zoo Amphitheatre, 2101 NE 50 th St, OKC, 866.977.6849, zooamp.com RECKLESS KELLY Aug 25 The altcountry quintet appears as part of the Bud Light Red Dirt concert series. Riverwind Casino, 1544 W Highway 9, Norman, 405.322.6000, riverwindcasino.com SUGARLAND Aug 25 This stop on the country duo’s In Your Hands tour features special guests Dave Stewart and Canaan Smith. OKC Zoo Amphitheatre, 2101 NE 50 th St, OKC, 405.364.3700, zooamp.com SUMMER BREEZE: DAVID MAYFIELD PARADE Aug 26 The Performing Arts

WHAT TO DO l PURSUITS

Studio presents a free outdoor concert from the funniest rock band you’ll see all summer. Lions Park, 450 S Flood Ave, Norman, 405.307.9320, pasnorman.org PHISH Aug 29 Extended jams and improvisation abound in their fan-adored blend of jazz, prog rock, reggae and other influences. OKC Zoo Amphitheatre, 2101 NE 50 th St, OKC, 405.364.3700, zooamp.com CHRISTOPHER MARKS Aug 31 Nebraska prof Dr. Marks visits OU to put the magnificent Boggess organ through its sonorous paces. OU Catlett Music Center, 500 W Boyd St, Norman, 405.325.4101, music.ou.edu ROCK OF AGES TOUR Aug 31 Def Leppard, Poison and Lita Ford live. Catch the hair metal legends today; they’ll be gone tomorrow. OKC Zoo Amphitheatre, 2101 NE 50 th St, OKC, 866.977.6849, zooamp.com

SPORTS WINGS GOLF TOURNAMENT Aug 8 Tee up to benefit the namesake adult special needs community in Edmond. Coffee Creek Golf Course, 4000 N Kelly Ave, Edmond, 405.242.4646, wingsok.org EDMOND JR. FINALS RODEO Aug 10-11 Cowboys under 18 show off their riding, roping and wrangling skills. Edmond Round Up Club, 300 N Kelly Ave, Edmond, 405.264.3685, edmondroundupclub.com REDHAWKS BASEBALL Aug 10-31 August features home stands against the Sacramento River Cats, Fresno Grizzlies, Albuquerque Isotopes and Round Rock Express. Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S Mickey Mantle Dr, OKC, 405.218.1000, oklahomacity.redhawks.milb.com MIDNIGHT STREAK Aug 11 The reggae-inspired “Cooler Runnings” is a dash through the dark benefiting City Arts Center. State Fairgrounds, 3000 General Pershing Blvd, OKC, 405.951.0000, cityartscenter.org

July 19–October 7, 2012

PARENT-CHILD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP Aug 12 Generations unite as two-person teams compete in the 9th annual family showdown. KickingBird Golf Club, 1600 E Danforth Rd, Edmond, 405.341.5350, kickingbirdgolf.com ARCADIA LAKE TRIATHLON & AQUABIKE Aug 12 Competitors have to want it to win it in this 500-meter swim, 12-mile bike ride and perhaps a 3.1-mile run to top it off. Edmond Park, Lake Arcadia, Edmond, 405.259.6140, triokc.org ROLLER DERBY Aug 18 A double-decker skatebased bout: the OKC Lightning Broads vs. Tall City and the Tornado Alley Rollergirls vs. the CoMo Derby Dames. OKC Farmers Public Market, 311 S Klein Ave, OKC, okcrd.com 5K TO MONET Aug 25 Enjoy a 1-mile stroll or 5k scamper to raise funds for the Fine Arts Institute of Edmond. Fine Arts Institute, 27 E Edwards St, Edmond, 405.340.4481, edmondfinearts.com

The Art of Golf is organized by the High Museum of Art, Atlanta, in collaboration with the National Galleries of Scotland.

415 Couch Drive | Oklahoma City, OK | (405) 236-3100 | okcmoa.com Image: Charles Lees (Scottish, 1800-1880). The Golfers, 1847. Oil on canvas, 51 1/2 x 84 1/4 inches. Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

Purchased with the assistance of the Heritage Lottery Fund, The Art Fund and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, 2002. Photo: A. Reeve

august 2012 | slice 31

PURSUITS l WHAT TO DO

SWING FOR SHELTER Aug 27 The third annual golf tournament benefits the YWCA Shelter for Battered Women and Children. Belmar Golf Club, 1025 E Indian Hills Rd, Norman, 405.948.1770, ywca.org

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CRAZY FOR YOU Aug 2-5 A junior thespians’ take on a light, frothy, classic Gershwin musical. Sooner Theatre, 101 E Main St, Norman, 405.321.9600, soonertheatre.org CATS Aug 23-Sep 16 Curl up with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s marvelous musical frolic of felinity.

Jewel Box Theatre, 3700 N Walker Ave, OKC, 405.521.1786, jewelboxtheatre.org HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH Aug 31-Sep 9 A rampaging, rock-powered, reel-inducing musical quest for individuality. OKC Civic Center, 201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 405.812.7737, okctheatrecompany.org

ON THE RADAR

405.610.SWAT (7928) • www.SWATokc.com

ARTS FESTIVAL OKLAHOMA Sep 1-3 OCCC’s Labor Day celebration features contributions from visual, performing and culinary arts. OKC Community College, 7777 S May Ave, OKC, 405.682.7579, occc.edu/afo ACE HIGH DINNER AND AUCTION Sep 6 A good time is in the cards at the museum’s first benefit auction. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 405.478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org

USATF-certified

CANTERBURY MASQUERADE BALL Sep 8 The 7th annual masked ball has a James Bond theme.

Skirvin Hilton, 1 Park Ave, OKC, 405.232.7464, canterburyokc.com

5-K Run for the A Live Reggae rts

by Sunny Side U p

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WALK TO CURE DIABETES Sep 8 A lifesaving stroll to power the efforts of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S Mickey Mantle Dr, OKC, 405.810.0070, jdrf.org BIKE MS Sep 15-16 The National MS Society’s 2-day ride from Tulsa to OKC is a powerful fundraising force to fight Multiple Sclerosis.

918.488.0882, nationalmssociety.org

SPREAD THE WORD » Like to list your upcoming event in Slice? Tell us about it at events@sliceok. com, including event name, date, location, contact info, brief description (40 words or less) and high-res image (if available).

Submissions must be received two months prior to publication for consideration.

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32 slice | august 2012

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august 2012 | slice 33

34 slice | august 2012

p

g

in the

By Lauren Hammack Photo by Simon Hurst

STAN STACK & MICHEL BUTHION

S

ince we last admired [wine/life/

ited bons vivants have popped a few (thou-

Bistro and Bellini’s Ristorante and Grill,

each other] enthusiasts Michel

sand) more corks.

and Stack, wine steward and proprietor of

Buthion and Stan Stack in a

Beau’s Wine Bin and Spirit Shoppe?

Who better to call back to the fore in

Beaujolais Nouveau-induced embrace on

celebration of this month’s local wine and

the cover of Nichols Hills News magazine

beer features (as if they needed any excuse

never existed, so we’ve turned the spot-

– a predecessor to Slice – over a decade

to celebrate) than Buthion, a restaurateur

light on the jovial gents while we steal a

ago, Oklahoma City’s favorite high-spir-

who, with frère Alain, owns La Baguette

few sips in the background.

It’s worth mentioning that your “kissing cover” caused a stir a decade ago, and not because of the vintage. It’s one of our more memorable covers. Stack: I just remember that Paul Seikel’s six-year-old son asked him if I was gay because Michel was kissing me.

September for a wine tasting tour. Also, we’re now living on an acreage in the city – it’s wonderful. I even have a few chickens! Stack: I’ve been working out to get ready to take my son, who is 151/2, to Boy Scout camp. I’m just trying to maintain my health. I want to finish well.

more really good wines are being boxed these days.

But he’s Freeeeeeeeench. Stack: Yeah, well, Seikel went off on his kid, asking him, “How do YOU know what that word means?!” He goes on about how the kid was only six, blah, blah, blah. Finally I said, “Wait, did you ever tell your kid I’m not gay?”

I like to ask people about any guilty pleasures they might have, but you know, I have a maximum word count for this article. Stack: My guilty pleasure is food.

That’s why I’m working out. Wine, obviously. Beef – there’s another one. Buthion: Same here.

How long have you two known each other? Buthion: Since 1982.

Is there anything either of you won’t eat?

Buthion: No. Some foods I like less than others, but there’s nothing I won’t eat.

Stack: I’m allergic to lamb.

Your respective professions complement one another. What’s the best part of your job? Buthion: Overseeing the wine selections. Tasting the wine. Tasting more wine. Just running the business is what I enjoy. And you know, we also bought Bellini’s last November. Stack: The best part is probably working for myself. I also manage some wine portfolios for clients and I really enjoy the travel that comes with doing that.

What are you currently obsessed with?

Buthion: Nothing we can publish… so just put, “discovering all the wine that’s out there.” I take a group to Europe every

We’re talking about wine and beer this month. Give me your three favorite wines. Buthion: The wine I like the most is whichever one I’m holding in my hand.

Stack: A great Pinot Noir is my favorite thing, followed by a great Cali Cab. I like a Zin. And if someone else is buying, I love a French Bordeaux. Buthion: I love a highend Riesling Pinot Blanc from Alsace.

Burgundy, Bourgogne, from the north side of the Rhône.

How many of those come in a box?

Stack: Hey, you’d be surprised. More and

Greater aficionados of the vine have

By the second box, no one cares anyway, do they? Do you have some beer preferences? Stack: Beer produced in Oklahoma is fabulous. I’ve expanded my beer racks six times in the past three years. Buthion: I love a Guinness beer, especially after I’ve been drinking wine all evening.

I can never keep it straight – it’s “beer before liquor, never sicker,” but what do you say with wine? “Beer before wine, everything’s fine?” Buthion: It’s fine with me.

Besides holding their liquor, what should people learn to do? Stack: People need to learn to chill. If they have to wait five minutes – and I say this because I’m guilty of it, too – they just come undone. Relaaaaaaax.

Buthion: Don’t wait for a disaster to be nice to one another.

What’s still on your bucket lists? Stack: To see the Masters Tournament. And to go to the Bordeaux region. I’m hoping to go with Michel one day. Buthion: Well, just come on. I have more countries I’d like to visit. I’d like to eat sushi off the coast of Japan.

Sushi in one hand, wine in the other? Buthion: Bien sûr.

august 2012 | slice 35

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features TRUE BREW

SIMON HURST

By Kent Anderson

The ancient Egyptians and Mesopotamians recorded a beer-like beverage as far back as 5,000 years B.C. The ancient Sumerians prayed to Ninkasi, the patron goddess of brewing. A poem in her honor, nearly 4,000 years old, survives to this day. Beer, it seems, has been around a while. august 2012 | slice 37

B

Brewing has become big business, dominated primarily by a handful of multi-national corporations in the 21st century. More than 35 billion gallons, with total revenues exceeding $300 billion, are sold each year, and the numbers are increasing annually.

But while mass production of the ancient

Sumerians’ unique libation proliferates – often resulting in a bland and banal brew – there are those who view the art and craft of brewing in a different light. From the dedicated garage brewer to the corner brewpub to the steadily growing numbers of small craft breweries, there are those who are dedicated to beer as an art form, the perfect melding of art and craft, technology and science; to creating a product that brings real enjoyment to those who will take the time to savor it.

Slice went searching for brewpubs and craft

breweries that share their passion with Oklahomans. And “passion” is the proper word – almost all of these brewers use the words “passion” or “love” when talking about what they do – even “obsession.” They care about creating something that isn’t mass-produced, commercialized and standardized into tasteless oblivion. Labor of love? Without a doubt. An expression of creativity and commitment? Indeed. And while the history of brewpubs and breweries in Oklahoma is considerably less lengthy than that of Egypt or Mesopotamia, the future of the movement is no less bright.

From pale ales to lagers, pilsners to stouts, and everything along the brewing spectrum, Oklahoma is home to a burgeoning, exciting and altogether tasty industry.

Enjoy an Oklahoma brew, and raise a glass

SIMON HURST

to the goddess Ninkasi while you’re at it.

38 slice | august 2012

“He was a wise man who invented beer.”

– PLATO

THE CRAFT BREWERIES SIMON HURST

Mustang Brewing Company OKLAHOMA CITY MUSTANGBEER.COM When Tim and Carmen Schoelen decided to go into the beer business, they went in a big way. After putting together their business plan, they sold their house, cashed out their 401(k), moved into a rental house and began brewing in the garage. In July of 2009, the first pint of Mustang beer was served at James E. McNellie’s in midtown Oklahoma City.

They sold over 200 pints in 15 minutes. In 2011, Mustang Brewing sold 24,000 cases of beer in Oklahoma alone.

The Schoelens set about creating full-flavored craft beer that is easy to drink. All

their beers are rated as very low on the “bitter” scale and smooth to drink. The company’s philosophy is nicely summarized on its website: “At Mustang Brewing we believe we can make the world a better place – one beer at a time.”

The brews: Washita Wheat, Golden Ale, Route 66 American Lager, Mustang ’33 (the

only Oklahoma-brewed beer available in grocery and convenience stores), Summer Lager,

MARSHALL BREWING

Pawnee Pale, Harvest Lager, Winter Lager

Marshall Brewing TULSA MARSHALLBREWING.COM

Eric Marshall holds a degree in international business and German from the University of Tulsa, and he has put both aspects of his education to good use. In 2004 he left his native Tulsa to study brewing beer in Munich, Germany. He received the International Diploma in Brewing from the World Brewing Academy.

In 2007, after serving apprenticeships in Ger-

many and working as a brewer in Pennsylvania, Eric returned to Tulsa, where he opened Marshall Brewing the following year.

The brewery – Tulsa’s first – focuses on producing full-strength top-quality ales and lagers, combining Old World knowledge and experience with quality ingredients and a strong work ethic to create a fine assortment of craft beers.

The brews: Arrowhead Pale Ale, El Cucuy India-style Black Ale, Revival Red Ale, Atlas India Pale Ale, Sundown Wheat, McNel-

lie’s Pub Ale, Old Pavilion Pilsner, Oktoberfest Lager, Big Jamoke Porter

august 2012 | slice 39

CHOC BEER

COOP Ale Works OKLAHOMA CITY COOPALEWORKS.COM

A home brewer and a dream… that is how it often begins, and COOP Ale Works is no exception. In this case, three partners – Mark Seibold, J.D. Merryweather and Daniel Mercer – did their homework. They spent two years traveling the United States, Europe and Central America visiting breweries and talking to entrepreneurs, brewers, biologists, operations personnel and consumers. They coupled this international insight with local input, and in 2008 COOP was born.

Today COOP is a thriving enterprise whose beers have

fast become Oklahoma favorites, with six signature originals and one seasonal beer.

The brews: Horny Toad Cerveza, Zeppelin German Wheat,

Native Amber, DNR, Gran Sport Porter, F5 IPA, Oktoberfest

Choc Beer Company KREBS CHOCBEER.COM The history of Choc Beer Company is a wonderful American – and Oklahoman – success story: a young Italian immigrant coal miner; the original recipe for home brew coming from the local Native Americans, who shared it with the Italians flocking to the area to work in the mines; a restaurant; Prohibition. It has all the ingredients of any good story, and the tale continues to unfold.

The brewmaster of Choc Beer today is

Michael Lalli, who first began working at Pete’s Place (see Brewpubs, page 43) at age 16, and aside from two brief periods, has been with the company ever since. He began home brewing over 20 years ago. The first commercial batch he made was – you guessed it – for Choc.

The brews: Signature Biere de Garde,

Signature Belgian-style Amber, Signature Smoked Porter, Signature Quad, Signature Belgian-style Dubbel, Signature Super Laugh, Basement Batch, Miner Mishap, 1919, Summer, Wild Brew, Kuehner Weisse

40 slice | august 2012

BUTCH ENTERLINE

Saison, Pietro Piegari, Waving Wheat, Last

CHRIS HERFORD

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/BURWELLPHOTOGRAPHY

Matt Anthony of Anthem Brewing

Anthem Brewing Company OKLAHOMA CITY ANTHEMBREWING.COM

Until May of this year, Matt Anthony had enjoyed a 12-year career as a motion graphics artist and video editor. But his passion for brewing beer – a passion nurtured gradually over a decade – eventually persuaded him to step beyond simple home brewing. The result is Anthem Brewing Company, Oklahoma’s newest addition to the craft brewery scene.

“After several years of traveling to different breweries, and devouring every book

and podcast I could find, I decided it was time to start the serious work on making it happen,” Anthony says. “As soon as I had all the groundwork laid, a couple of great opportunities presented themselves earlier this year that made it all become a reality. I’m

Redbud Brewing Company OKLAHOMA CITY REDBUDBREWING.COM “I didn’t just want to make beer, I wanted to make great beer that people would keep coming back to as their fa-

really excited to be a part of the craft beer movement here in Oklahoma.”

The brews: Golden One, White Flame

Huebert Brewing Company OKLAHOMA CITY HUEBERTBREWING.COM

vorite,” says Jae Kang, owner/founder Rick and Shaneen Huebert started

of Redbud Brewing.

with their love of good beer. Rick learned his craft working for several brewpubs

The company began in 2010, and one of

before beginning the process that would

Kang’s first acts was to hire brewmas-

lead him to open his own brewery. There were a few legal and logistical hurdles in

ter Chase Healey, who brought experi-

the way, and Rick worked with the Oklahoma legislature to change laws governing

ence at many of Oklahoma’s brewpubs

the establishment of stand-alone breweries.

to the new enterprise. The result has

been an increasingly popular line of

tol Hill area of south Oklahoma City. Every beer is created from Rick’s original

beers available on tap at restaurants and

recipes, and he oversees all aspects of the brewing operation personally. It is a true

bars in Oklahoma City, Norman and

craft brewery in every sense of the word.

Tulsa, and soon to be in bottles as well.

The brews: Cuvee 1, Redbud Pale

Ale, Redbud Wheat

SIMON HURST

A lofty goal, to be sure, but Kang has

oriented his business to doing just that.

The business is going strong, from an unassuming building in the historic Capi-

The brews: Deep Deuce OKC Porter, Wild Pony Wheat, Tucker Pale Ale, Rasen-

maher German Style Kolsch, Rock Hard Root Beer (Huebert is one of only three companies in the United States to produce and market alcoholic root beer.)

august 2012 | slice 41

DAVID COBB

SIMON HURST

Battered Boar Brewing Company EDMOND BATTEREDBOAR.COM

HOME BREW

opened in 2009, with the expressed

B

intent of beginning and remaining a

an affinity for astronomy, trains, the music of Ralph Vaughan Williams… and beer.

small-batch brewery. It is all about qual-

He professes a longtime interest in brewing, but it was kindled into something more than

ity, not quantity. “Beer is as diverse as

a passing fancy when he was invited to dinner at the home of Nuri Creager and Steve Law.

the brewer’s imagination,” says owner/

Creager was a part-time employee at KCSC at the time. Her husband, Law, a professor of

brewer Mike Sandefur. “Water, barley,

humanities at UCO, had been a home brewer for years and brought out some of his beers to

yeast and hops conspire to create end-

serve with dinner.

less varieties of flavor. The beer we pro-

“They tasted wonderful,” Ferguson remembers. “I started talking with Steve about it and

duce lifts the mind and spirit, remind-

getting interested in it. Then, for my 40th birthday, my wife Kate gave me a home brewing kit.

ing us life should be enjoyed, and is too

I made my first batch, and it was good enough that I thought it would make a nice little hobby.

short to drink bad beer.”

I continued to do it, and at some point I became obsessed by it.”

The Edmond-based operation has

It was a progression over time. At first Ferguson bought pre-packaged malt in a can, later

sought not only to create fine beers,

graduating to buying the grain and crushing it himself. Over the last 20 years, he has cre-

based on their personal passion and

ated a large variety of ales and lagers. His operation has grown steadily more sophisticated

insight, but to elevate the market as a

as years have passed. He has set up tanks in the garage of his Crown Heights home, with a

whole. It seems to be working – custom-

gravity-fed system, a boil kettle… all the trappings of the serious home brewer. He produces

ers have traveled hundreds of miles to

10 gallons in each batch.

get their Battered Boar fix.

Of course, as every brewer knows, naming the beer is an important step of the process.

A recent batch, created for a friend, was “Mad Mike’s IPA Squared.” One early creation was

rad Ferguson is a man of many talents and interests. A composer and pianist, he also holds a law degree from OCU, and for nearly three decades he has been the first

Battered Boar Brewing Company

The brews: Briarpatch Amber Ale,

voice thousands of classical music lovers hear every day as morning announcer for

KCSC Radio. He has also served as the station’s general manager since 1992. Ferguson has

Coconut Cream Stout, Company Man Pale

a Bock that, in a fine bit of musical wordplay, he called “Johann Sebastian.”

Ale, 405 Oklahoma Lager, Babs Belgian

It is considerable work to do beer the right way. Likewise, home brewing can represent a

Ale, Blue Face Scottish Ale, Chocolate

substantial monetary investment for the serious brewer. But for Ferguson, there is great sat-

Cherry Porter, Chuck’s Pumpkin Ale, Hard

isfaction in making beer, and getting it just right. “It’s the joy of creating something,” he says,

Hat IPA, Heartbreak Hefeweizen, Lions

“and having it to offer, to share it with family and friends. There are only four basic ingredients

Tooth Floret, Nero Porter, Red River Rye

in beer – hops, malt, water and yeast – but infinite permutations of what you can do.”

42 slice | august 2012

THE BREWPUBS CHOC BEER

Pete’s Place 101 S.W. 8TH, KREBS PETES.ORG

Pete’s Place is the stuff of legend in Oklahoma, and patrons from all over the state (and beyond) make the drive to the small town of Krebs for stellar Italian cuisine. But it all began with beer. Pietro Piegari, who later changed his name to Pete Prichard, began making beer using a recipe he learned from the Native Americans in the area. The restaurant was a natural progression, and Prichard opened for business in 1925.

Choc Beer, Prichard’s brand, is iconic in Oklahoma, and

the Choc Room at Pete’s Place is the perfect spot to relax with one of the handcrafted brews that are still lovingly made by the Prichard family.

The brews: 1919, Miner’s Light, Peach, Last Laugh, Spring

IPA, Summer Ale, Signature Dubbel, Signature Biere de Garde,

TIM SWANN

Signature Gratzer

Royal Bavaria Restaurant and Brewery 3401 S. SOONER ROAD, MOORE ROYAL-BAVARIA.COM Jorg Kühne was a businessman from Munich who settled in Oklahoma and had the dream of bringing German hospitality and cuisine to his adopted home state. Ground was broken for Royal Bavaria in the summer of 1993, and the brewhouse was up and running by November. The outdoor beer garden, with seating for 175, opened in the summer of 1994.

Executive chef Andy Gmeiner, also from Munich, arrived

in 1994, and in 2007 took over the operation of the business from the founders. With recent renovations, Royal Bavaria continues its tradition of good times, beer and food in the fine European tradition.

The brews: King’s Gold, King’s Weizen, King’s Oktoberfest

august 2012 | slice 43

Bricktown Brewery 1 N. OKLAHOMA, OKLAHOMA CITY BRICKTOWNBREWERY.COM The Bricktown Brewery celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, making it one of the earliest and most enduring destinations of its namesake district.

Founder and Bricktown pioneer Jim Cowan sold the business in 2007 to Edmond-based company Enduring Brands, who embarked on a series of renovations, from the physical appearance to the menu.

From its 1903-era building – which was once a

candy company – Bricktown Brewery continues as a mainstay among Oklahoma City beer destinations.

The brews: Old King Kolsch, Wiley One-Eyed

Wheat, Remington Red, 46 Star Oklahoman Amber

ENDURING BRANDS

Ale, Bricktown Brown

44 slice | august 2012

BUTCH ENTERLINE

Belle Isle Restaurant and Brewing Company 50 PENN PLACE, 1900 N.W. EXPRESSWAY, OKLAHOMA CITY BELLEISLERESTAURANT.COM The site of Belle Isle Restaurant and Brewing Company in 50 Penn Place has seen its share of Oklahoma history, from rangeland days before the Land Run to its purchase by the Oklahoma Railway Company in the year of statehood, 1907. The ORC constructed a dam that formed a lake, supplying power to the city’s electric cars and steam trolleys. The area eventually sported an amusement park boasting dancing pavilions, picnic areas, a shooting gallery, canoe rides, a bowling alley and a roller coaster. The ORC named it Belle Isle.

The restaurant and brewpub on the site is the vision of Neill Hardin

and David Riesenberg. With years of experience in the restaurant business, they purchased the Interurban Restaurant, the Urban Market and Interurban Catering at 50 Penn Place in 1994. They closed it for remodeling. That renovation included the addition of a brewpub. They gave it a name to honor the area’s history, and it has since become a favored spot for those who desire handcrafted beer and good food.

The brews: Wild Mary’s Wheat Ale, Belle’s Blonde Light Pale Ale, Fla-

nagan’s Amber Ale, Power Plant Porter Ale

The Brewhouse 110 W. MAIN, NORMAN COACHSBREWHOUSE.COM Alongside the railroad tracks in downtown Norman, The Brewhouse began life as something of a supporting act, to supply beer to all the Coach’s Restaurant concepts.

Eventually it evolved into a standalone enterprise and has become one of Oklahoma’s most popular brewpubs. It is a 30-barrel brewery – which translates into 900 gallons at a time. The stainless steel brewery works are enclosed in glass, so that brewpub patrons can see the process in operation.

The Brewhouse also features pool and

darts, and has become a premier live music venue. Don’t forget to ask about the BUTCH ENTERLINE

Mug Club!

The brews: Brewhouse Pilz, Brewhouse

Wheat, Brewhouse Brown Ale, Brewhouse Irish, Brewhouse Stout

august 2012 | slice 45

FROM THE VINE T

By Kent Anderson Photos by Carli Wentworth

he wine industry in Oklahoma is growing. This is a given – the number of vineyards and wineries continues to expand each year as more and more people discover that the spirit of our state is ripe and fertile ground for the ancient art and science of wine.

The vintners and winemakers pursue their craft in an unlikely

assortment of locations: from the Plaza District, a distinctly urban neighborhood in the midst of a renaissance; to the bustling commercial and entertainment center of Bricktown; to a hilltop far out in the country of Logan County, northeast of Luther; to the vicinity of Lake Thunderbird, east of Norman. They come from diverse backgrounds: a physician, a college professor, a forester… and many more. There are a multitude of stories, and they have taken a variety of paths to arrive at the intriguing crossroads that is the Oklahoma wine industry in 2012.

In many ways, wine in the state has a long way to go. The Red

River Valley isn’t Napa Valley. The Oklahoma climate is famously harsh – from blistering 110-degree heat to crippling ice storms and bitter cold, not to mention tornadoes and brutal wind – and grape growers face many challenges. Plus, the state has only begun to embrace the idea of wine culture fairly recently. It is agriculture, it is business, it is education, it is art. It is romance and sweat. It is an uncertain investment and a labor of pure and joyful love.

It is wine, and it is Oklahoma, and it sings with the promise of

tomorrow, of what is still to come.

46 slice | august 2012

THE CONCEPT

Slice identified nine wineries in the Oklahoma City metro area – meaning a location in Oklahoma County or a bordering county. We assembled a panel of three wine experts to judge one white and one red from each winery, so that we might bring you the best wines that central Oklahoma has to offer.

THE METHODOLOGY

The judging was conducted as a blind taste test at the

Slice offices. Labels were concealed, and the only information the judges were provided was the general type of wine they were being given, e.g. Chardonnay, Merlot, etc.

Each judge was asked to rate the wine in three catego-

ries – appearance, aroma and taste – on a scale of one to 10, then to add the numbers from the categories to arrive at a total score. The three judges’ ratings were then added together to tabulate the final score for each wine. The maximum possible score was 90 points.

Each winery was contacted and given the opportunity

to select one white and one red for the competition. In cases where the winery either did not respond to our query or declined to recommend wines, the Slice editorial staff chose which wines would be given to the judges.

The tasting was conducted on July 2.

august 2012 | slice 47

THE JUDGES

IAN CLARKE is a certified sommelier who has worked at Flip’s Wine Bar and Cheever’s, directed the wine program at RED Primesteak and served as wine director at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. He is also an adjunct professor at Oklahoma State University, where he teaches wine and spirits classes in the School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration. He has been a judge for the wine competition at the State Fair of Oklahoma, and in 2012 Ian moved into the retail side of the industry as wine manager/purveyor for Broadway Wine Merchants. He was also recently named as wine columnist for The Oklahoman.

MATT STERR grew up in the wine business, as his father opened The Spirit Shop in Norman in 1976.

A graduate of the University of Kansas, Matt is now responsible for buying wines to feature in the retail operation. A member of the Society of Wine Educators and an alumnus of the prestigious Oregon Pinot Camp, he presents programs on wine for area libraries, and has served as a judge at the wine competition of the State Fair of Oklahoma.

THE WINERIES Canadian River Vineyards & Winery 872.5565 canadianriverwinery.com Chapel Creek Winery 343.2463 chapelcreek.samsbiz.com Farfalla Wines 354.8381 farfallawines.com

48 slice | august 2012

Native Spirits Winery 329.9942 nativespiritswinery.com

Strebel Creek Vineyard 720.7779 strebelcreek.com

Put a Cork In It 605.6656 putacorkinitwinery.com

Tres Suenos Vineyards & Winery 277.7089 tressuenos.com

Redbud Ridge Vineyard & Winery 321.9463 redbudridgewinery.com

UrbanWineWorks 525.9463 urbanww.com

ROBIN L. OBERT is an Arizona native who grew up in the hospitality industry in a family that operated a number of diverse restaurants.

She attended the Culinary Institute of Platt College, and after graduation moved to Oklahoma to work as executive chef and general manager of Platt’s Café Broccato. She later moved to the Platt north campus, where she taught front of the house fine dining for over three years. Robin is a certified sommelier and member of The Guild of Sommeliers, Society of Wine Educators and the American Culinary Federation. She holds a degree in culinary management from Le Cordon Bleu and currently works as an executive chef in Oklahoma City.

All three judges noted that Oklahoma wines have made much progress in the last five years, and that the industry as a whole is continuing to develop in the state. The judges also observed that the Oklahoma consumer market tends toward sweet wines in general.

THE RESULTS White Wines

1.

Riesling by Redbud Ridge Vineyard & Winery, Norman (51 points) Judges’ remarks: “Light straw/ light old gold hues... varietally correct on the palate... lightly sweet with moderate honey notes and a slight acidity.” “Taste - a hint of fruit - very quick finish.”

2.

White Buffalo Sauvignon Blanc by Native Spirits Winery, Norman (50 points) Judges’ remarks: “Crisp, grapefruit, lemon… fresh light notes.”

3. Muscat Canelli by Canadian River Vineyards & Winery, Slaughterville (48 points) 4. Peach Chardonnay by Farfalla Wines, Yukon (42 points) 5. Chardonnay by Strebel Creek Vineyards, Oklahoma City (40 points) 6. (tie) Chardonnay Reserve by Tres Sueños Vineyards & Winery, Luther (38 points) 6. (tie) Dustbowl Chardonnay by Put a Cork In It Winery, Oklahoma City (38 points) 8. Plaza White by Urban WineWorks, Oklahoma City (37 points) 9. Oklahoma Hook-Up Chardonnay by Sand Hill Vineyards/Chapel Creek Winery, El Reno (31 points)

august 2012 | slice 49

THE RESULTS Red Wines

1.

Ozark Mountain Norton by Sand Hill Vineyards/ Chapel Creek Winery, El Reno (72 points) Judges’ remarks: “Perfect appearance… Aroma: cinnamon, earthy… Taste: nice tannins, earthy, cinnamon flavor.” “Dark plum color. Smells of plum and blackberry with black cherry as well. Round on the palate with plum flavors abounding.”

2.

Cabernet Sauvignon by Strebel Creek Vineyards, Oklahoma City (71 points) Judges’ remarks: “Aroma: sweet oak, blackberry, leather… Taste: spicy oak…” “Brick red color… nose of plum and oak with some leather… flavors of dark berries and oak.”

3. Chocolate Merlot by Canadian River Vineyards & Winery, Slaughterville (58 points) 4. Anniversary Red Reserve by Tres Sueños Vineyards & Winery, Luther (48 points) 5. Laughing Coyote Cabernet Sauvignon by Native Spirits Winery, Norman (44 points) 6. Petite Sirah by Urban WineWorks, Oklahoma City (40 points) 7. Thunderhead Cabernet Sauvignon by Put a Cork In It Winery, Oklahoma City (36 points) 8. Syrah by Redbud Ridge Vineyard & Winery, Norman (28 points) Farfalla Cabernet Sauvignon (not scored; bad cork). Judges emphasize this can happen to any wine and is not indicative of any deficiencies at this particular winery.

50 slice | august 2012

Grape

Expectations

By Kent Anderson Photos by David Cobb

Winemaking has put down roots in Oklahoma, but producing it is no easy task – so Andrew Snyder’s labor of love is helping to cultivate the future of the state’s wine industry.

another quick left takes you to Chapel Creek Vineyards and Winery. Here amongst the wheat fields are 46 varieties of grapes, and a winery producing 30 different wines, many of which have garnered recognition and awards on regional, national and international levels.

D

rive out along U.S. Highway

wheat on either side. It is quintessential

81 north of El Reno and the

rural Oklahoma.

landscape flattens gently into

Or is it?

farm fields on both sides of the highway.

Where the pavement ends, a left

Make a left turn onto Darlington Road

turn onto a small side road leads to the

and you’ll pass cattle pastures on the

Darlington campus of Redlands Com-

right, followed by fields of tall, waving

munity College. Follow the signs and

Chapel Creek is the site of RCC’s

program in viticulture and oenology – the science of growing grapes and the art of making wine. It is the only degree program of its kind in Oklahoma.

Whether through a two-year associate degree or a 15-hour professional certificate, this program shows the next gen-

august 2012 | slice 51

WINE AND PALETTE

By Russ Tall Chief

eration of winemakers every aspect of the industry.

“Our two-year program will allow

I

you to know how to commercially set up

fine art? Decide for yourself during one

drew Snyder, who directs the program,

of Wine and Palette’s art classes held

having created it from scratch in 2007.

nearly every night throughout central

“A student comes into our program and

Oklahoma. On any given night, one of

goes through every step of the process,

the many personable artists on Wine

from planting the grapevine all the way

and Palette’s roster of local talent leads a

through corking the bottle.”

class from 6 to 9pm at a local restaurant,

bar, winery or other public or private

the wine business is a bit of an understate-

venue open to these lively art classes.

ment. It’s a passion he discovered during

Each class features a different artist

three years of active duty military service

and painting, and groups may custom-

in Germany, followed by another 11 years

ize thematically for private parties. On

there as a civilian contractor.

Monday nights, Carlos Cabrera or Kris

Fairchild may lead a class at Abuelo’s in

of wine with every meal,” he remem-

f white wine complements lighter

a vineyard, in mind of the climate chal-

dishes and red wine balances bolder

lenges we have here in Oklahoma, and

dishes, what wine best suits creating

set up a 2,000-case winery,” says An-

Bricktown while Anji Bryner facilitates a group at Mama Roja’s near Lake Hefner.

Amanda Joy Wells, “Electric Flower”

Karin Dodd may be leading another

To say that Snyder is passionate about

“In Germany you would have a glass

bers. “Not to get intoxicated, but just as a beverage to accompany the meal and make the meal more enjoyable.”

class simultaneously down the road at

Signs in Norman. Each participant was

On returning to his native Okla-

Hefner Grill. On Tuesday nights, Ca-

equipped with a canvas, easel, paint and

homa, Snyder eventually earned three

sey East or Desirie Keith may be at Put

brushes, as well as an apron to protect

master’s degrees from OU – none related

a Cork in It Winery in Bricktown for its

their clothes from the occasional acci-

to wine. But his passion had not abated.

weekly meeting, and Marlina Lieberman

dental misappropriation of paint. (The

He turned a portion of his parents’ land

or Malissa McEntire may lead a class at

“wine” in Wine and Palette’s program is

into a vineyard. He went through the re-

Tony’s Island Grill in Mustang while Bill’s

optional, of course.) The class included

nowned wine executive program at the

Island Grill in south Oklahoma City

participants ranging from elementary

University of California-Davis, and at-

hosts a session with Shannon Roberts

school-age children to senior citizens,

tended classes at Grayson County Col-

or Joanne Rodgers.

who were sipping on a variety of drinks

lege in Texas, which had been the closest

The pre-enrolled classes range in

from soda pop to piña coladas.

program to Oklahoma before Redlands.

size from intimate salons to sessions

Wells’ class featured her paint-

Now, in addition to his duties at Red-

numbering nearly 100 participants.

ing “Electric Flower,” a vibrant, simple

lands and Chapel Creek, he serves as

Classes typically cost $30-$50 per per-

piece that appeared to be ideally ac-

president of the Oklahoma Grape Grow-

son, with the enrollment size and cost

cessible to the varying levels of artistic

ers and Wine Makers Association.

varying with each venue. For instance,

skills in the room. Whether the par-

In setting up the Redlands pro-

Paseo Grill’s recent “Date Night” class

ticipants replicated the art precisely as

gram, the college secured grants and

featured a tapas buffet, which added a

Wells demonstrated in stroke-by-stroke

acquired a plot of land rich in history.

nominal $10 additional cost to the class.

instructions or interpreted the piece

Originally the Cheyenne-Arapaho trib-

The calendar of open classes is posted

utilizing their own aesthetic palettes,

al agency, the Masons later purchased

monthly on Wine and Palette’s website

they each left the class with an original

the property and constructed a three-

at wineandpalette.com.

work of art.

story Masonic Home that served as an

On a recent Tuesday evening I

Wine and Palette will open its own

orphanage and home for widows. The

stopped by Johnny Carino’s in Norman

96-seat studio and bar this month at 201

Order of the Eastern Star, a fraternal

where around 30 art enthusiasts filled

N.W. 10th Street in Oklahoma City’s mid-

organization affiliated with the Ma-

the room for a class featuring Amanda

town area. For more information, visit

sons, built a chapel on the property in

Joy Wells, creative director of Sublime

wineandpalette.com or call 227.0230.

1913, and that structure has become

52 slice | august 2012

mine what works in the unique Oklahoma climate. In the winery, they utilize state-of-the-art technology in producing 30 types of wine, considering the different protocols and winemaking techniques required to make each.

It is a tough business, but Snyder has

a philosophical view of where the wine industry is going in Oklahoma. “Like any fledgling industry, there will be growing pains. The people who educate themselves and invest not only in quality education but in good equipment and sanitary processes will be successful.

Those who don’t will fall by the wayside. Over the next decade we’ll see continued growth, but we’ll see some attrition as well.”

Get Your Boots On The 3rd annual Grape Stomp and Wine Festival will be held at Chapel Creek on September 8 and 9, 12-6pm daily, featuring live music, food, tours of the vineyard, winery and chapel… and of course, wine tastings. For more information, visit chapelcreek. samsbiz.com or call 343.2463.

Andrew Snyder is an educator and

a businessman, but above all, he is a wine lover. The satisfaction comes, as he says, “from taking something you are passionate about and seeing a customer

Andrew Snyder

truly enjoy that glass or bottle of wine.”

Down at the end of Darlington Road,

the symbol of Chapel Creek Vineyards

and Winery. Currently under renova-

says. “They are either looking to tran-

surrounded by those Oklahoma wheat

tion, it will be soon be open as an event

sition into a different career or supple-

fields, important work is being done

center at the winery.

ment their income. I joke with them

at Chapel Creek. An industry is being

Snyder teaches courses not only

that it’s my job to beat the ‘romance’ out

nurtured. The ancient art and science of

in the hands-on aspect of growing the

of this idea. There’s a lot of physical la-

making wine is unfolding in new ways

grapes and producing the wine, but in

bor involved, there’s a fair amount of

in a state that has only recently begun to

winery marketing and tasting room

risk involved, and we want to give stu-

embrace the idea. It is fitting in a state

management. He sees diverse students

dents a realistic preview of what they

that celebrates its pioneer spirit to see

– an average class size is 12 – and he

can expect. It’s an agricultural product,

new directions, a new industry, a wide-

makes sure they understand that the

so you are at the mercy of everything.”

open view of what the phrase “Oklaho-

wine industry, while enormously satis-

ma wine” can mean... and the limitless

fying, is a lot of work.

dents examine growth patterns to deter-

“Most of my students are older,” he

In the research vineyard, the stu-

potential of where it can go. august 2012 | slice 53

Spirited Debate O

By Mark Beutler

klahoma City takes pride in touting itself as a progressive burg. But sometimes being located in the middle of the “Bible Belt” results in growing pains, especially when it comes to buying booze.

Currently liquor stores are only allowed to sell liquor, and grocery stores are only al-

lowed to sell beer, as long as it is 3.2 percent alcohol or less. It’s been that way for decades.

So our question is this: are Oklahoma’s liquor laws as outdated as a Doris Day movie?

We posed a series of queries to leading individuals on each side of the coin.

Oklahomans for Modern Laws (OML) is hoping a petition will put language on a No-

vember ballot to give voters the opportunity to allow grocery stores to sell wine. OML calls itself an organization dedicated to “responsible progress.”

On the opposing side, the Retail Liquor Association of Oklahoma (RLAO) is a group

formed to give a voice to the state’s liquor stores. Its website says it is currently working to keep high-point beer and wine out of grocery stores “because such a move would be economically devastating to our industry.”

Brian Howe is the OML’s director; J.P. Richard is president of the RLAO. Here we go.

Some folks claim the state’s liquor laws are antiquated and would like to see wine or strong beer sales allowed in grocery stores. What effect would this have on liquor store owners?

Howe-OML: By allowing additional outlets to sell wine (with our proposed petition) and/or strong beer, the added competition will gain some of the market.

This could affect the less competitive liquor store owners through lower unit sales and revenue on their wine and/or strong beer products.

Richard-RLAO: We are antiquated only in the sense that our basic structure was developed in 1960, and we do have a few hard edges – all of which can be amended by statutory changes through the legislature. When Prohibition was repealed in 1933, the Congress left each state autonomy in developing its own laws as long as they followed U.S. legal code, and that’s the reason each state is different. The current proposal – if enacted – would affect mostly retailers in large metropolitan areas. Stores in close proximity to

54 slice | august 2012

grocers would lose sales and possibly go out of business. The petition takes wine from retailers and gives them nothing in return, nada, zero.

Currently liquor stores are only allowed to sell liquor. Should laws be changed to allow them to sell other items like mixers, party supplies and snacks?

Howe-OML: Our group believes in common-sense conveniences for Oklahoma’s businesses and consumers. There is no rationale for not allowing the sale of ancillary items that complement one’s purchase of alcohol-based products in liquor/package stores. We completely support this law change.

Richard-RLAO: Having only liquor products to sell has always been the trade-off to keep the industry intact. Having only alcohol products has generated a constant quest to have more variety in order to appeal to customers. Oklahoma consistently has 25-30 percent more products available to retailers and restaurants than any of our surrounding states.

If liquor laws are changed, allowing grocery stores to sell liquor, what would happen to the prices at liquor stores?

Would customers be paying more?

Howe-OML: Under the scenario proposed by the Retail Liquor Association, any additional competition will drive some stores out of business. Since liquor/package stores have a monopoly on liquor sales, fewer liquor retailers would mean more unit sales and revenue among the surviving retailers. In my opinion, this will offset the loss in wine sales, and the industry pricing will remain stable.

Oklahoma City’s largest liquor retailers, such as Byron’s, will always keep pricing pressure in the industry.

Richard-RLAO: Do the math; if a retailer loses wine he has to make it up somewhere, therefore prices on everything else go up. Oklahomans for Modern Laws has stated that variety goes up and prices down if their [petition] passes.

Quite the opposite will occur. Look at any of our surrounding states and you will find that only national brands are offered, and with little variation from one grocery store to another. Variety goes in the tank because retailers lose the incentive and overall pricing goes up. The wholesale structure remains the same, therefore grocers don’t have a buying advantage – everyone in Oklahoma pays the same price at wholesale level. From the consumers’ point of view this is a convenience issue, but in reality it’s just a cash-flow grab by big grocers. What they want is to augment a wine section between dog food and potato chips to increase sales. Ask OML who’s really funding this.

How difficult would it be to police liquor sales in grocery stores and keep minors from attempting to purchase alcohol?

Howe-OML: Currently, grocery stores, supermarkets and warehouse clubs are selling low-point beer, an intoxicating product. Policing these sales starts with the business entity, which generally has strict policies regarding the prevention of sales to minors. These policies

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/BALLYCROY

include register systems guards, termination policies and internal stings.

The second level of policing is done by local municipality and county police, OSBI stings, etc. In addition to that enforcement, the ABLE Commission will also provide assistance for wine sales.

(ABLE currently does not monitor lowpoint beer sales.)

Richard-RLAO: Addition of grocery licensees won’t add revenue to the state.

For every grocery license added, you would probably lose two to four retailers. Sales don’t increase, unless grocers intend to sell to minors – in fact, wine sales will probably decrease because of the loss of innovative outlets. Again, do the math: enforcement costs remain the same but license and excise revenue goes down and the taxpayer picks up the tab.

Can a compromise be reached between those who seek to change the laws and others who say the liquor store owner will go out of business?

Howe-OML: We believe that our proposed language is, in a sense, a compromise. We give Oklahomans what they want, “wine in grocery stores,” without completely opening up the industry to every corner store. This is a responsible implementation of wine sales into additional outlets. Although many liquor retailers might disagree, we remain confident that Oklahoma citizens will be afforded the ability to make one stop to purchase their wine and groceries, while minimally impacting the industry.

Richard-RLAO: OML has never attempted to compromise or ever engaged retailers to talk through the issues concerning the industry. It’s either their way or the highway. Never once since they emerged on the scene have they ever attempted to conference with me and our organization, and any statements by them to the contrary are untrue. From our perspective, any attempt to totally restructure our industry using consumerism as the only argument is a non-issue and there is no compromise.

Coming soon to a grocery store near you?

And there you have it. Will wine connoisseurs soon be able to make one stop for milk, bread and a fine cabernet? Or will Oklahomans keep the status quo and head for the neighborhood liquor store to buy their hooch?

In the timeless words of Doris Day, “Whatever will be, will be.”

Editor’s Note: The Oklahoma Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, approved an initiative petition to ask voters if they want to allow wine sales in “warehouse clubs and supercenters and supermarkets and other grocery (except convenience) stores pursuant to a grocery store wine license” located in the state’s largest counties (populations of 50,000 or more). OML must collect 155,216 signatures from registered voters in order to get the issue on the November 6 general election ballot.

august 2012 | slice 55

SPACES l DISCERNING DESIGN

Gentlemen’s

Getaways

By Kent Anderson

It is perhaps as primal and visceral a need as any in humanity: the need to have private space, to get away, to escape real life and be immersed in a world of one’s own making.

The composition of these private spaces is as varied and diverse as those who inhabit them. In recent years, men have begun to carve out places in their homes that meet their personal needs – whether to pursue an interest in solitude, or to commune with other men. The spaces range from spartan simplicity to wildly elaborate grandeur, and their design and content depend largely on the owners’ passions.

Welcome to the world of the “man cave.”

The Sportsman

A

love of the outdoors, and the

Photos by Simon Hurst

lure of leaving the city, led the owner of this man cave

to look toward the country when the youngest of his three children graduated high school. An avid hunter, he has a firearms collection totaling more than 150 pieces. But he had never had a place to display and enjoy them all.

“I always had them in safes,” he re-

calls, “and when my wife and I started to talk about moving out to 20 acres, we talked about having an underground tornado shelter. Then it hit me: why didn’t we set up a basement as a shelter, but also set it up so I can display my guns as well?”

The result is a steel-reinforced, con-

crete-lined basement safe room with a steel door, accessed by a secret entrance from the main floor of the home – and a showcase for an impressive collection of firearms, some more than a century old.

56 slice | august 2012

DISCERNING DESIGN l SPACES

road fan, and one cabinet is devoted to

protecting wildlife in Oklahoma and

drain system keeps the basement dry, a

A 280-foot-long, 18-foot-deep French

train memorabilia.

preserving it for future generations.”

two-zone ventilation system keeps mois-

ture out of the air and a cell phone boost-

tions of the man cave, this is not a spot

certainly not the stereotype of a man

er keeps the basement’s occupants in

where the owner comes to isolate him-

seeking to escape and indulge his pas-

touch with the outside world. The owner

self. In fact, it is a place of family pride.

sions alone. This man has fashioned a re-

designed the drawer pulls on the cabi-

“Having this collection and, along

treat that houses his pride and joy, while

nets that hold handguns, and worked

with it, the tradition of hunting, has

simultaneously allowing him to share it

with the builder to design racks that an-

given me so much more time with my

with family, friends… and the very coun-

gle the rifles and shotguns slightly, so the

children,” the owner says. “That is very

tryside that surrounds his home.

observer can enjoy the best view of each

special to me. The collection part of it

piece’s craftsmanship.

has united us. They bring friends to the

It is an impressive place, made more

house to see it. We’ve taken many of

so by the taxidermy that fills the room;

their friends hunting for the first time,

from bucks taken down by each mem-

and they feel like this is their room, too.

ber of the family to a bear shot in Alas-

If I can pass that legacy along to some-

ka by the owner’s son to a stuffed bob-

one else, that’s just a wonderful bonus.”

cat. There are non-hunting touches that

lend a unique feel as well: the owner’s

sic Teddy Roosevelt style. I love the

medical background is reflected in the

country, the wildlife, the trees. We fol-

authentic vintage operating room lamp

low the rules of hunting, all the seasons,

hanging over his desk. He is also a rail-

the bag limits. We’re very serious about

But unlike some prototypical no-

It is a different view of the man cave,

“We are conservationists in the clas-

august 2012 | slice 57

SPACES l DISCERNING DESIGN

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

B

udget obviously plays a role in planning a man cave, but vision is every bit as important, and the results don’t have to break the bank to be perfect.

“We’ve done dozens of projects between $10,000 and $300,000, for all kinds of people with different visions of what they want,” says Russell Kim of Oklahoma City-based Audio Dimensions.

David Truitt of Great Choice Audio Video in Edmond echoes the sentiment. “We actually interview the customer to find out what they like and don’t like, and what will fill their needs. It’s about building a relationship with them.”

For the consumer on a budget, a basic man cave concept with a good technological foundation can be had for the relatively modest price point of $3,000-$5,000. Such a system might include a 50- or 60-inch TV with surround sound system, sub-woofers and remote control.

Kim recalls one client who actually converted a master closet to his private space.

“For him, just having a private area where he could… watch his TV, have a cigar and get away from the rest of the house was important. It was large for a closet, but small for a room. But it was his area. It wasn’t that posh or elaborate, but he turned it into his personal space.”

In a mid-range price point, the options begin to have more moving parts, components that

can fall into a broad range from approximately $6,000 to $15,000.

“We will start to ask them some questions then,” says Great Choice’s Steve Brown. “‘Do you care about sound? Do you ever listen to music?’ With music, it’s much better to use dual sub-woofers than a single sub-woofer. You may use a 7.1 or 7.2 surround sound system instead of a 5.1 system, and add side speakers and rear speakers. You can add a projector and a screen, or add cool things like custom lighting.”

Kim cites the example of a customer who created a space in a 15x20-foot room. It boasted a sports theme, as many man caves do, and featured two TV screens, one 50 inches, the other 60 inches. “He just wanted a space to get away, watch sports, drink a beer with friends,” Kim says of the owner. “It wasn’t particularly elaborate or ornate, but you wouldn’t see a better-looking man cave. It fit the concept perfectly.”

Then there are those customers who have what Kim calls “a big vision and a big checkbook.”

“The sky is the limit,” he says.

The high end can stretch well into six figures. “We’re talking multiple rows of lighting, acoustics for the room, we include an interior designer,” Truitt says. “Curtains, woodwork, cabinetry… we go all out.”

“You add another digit for the projector,” Brown says. “It’s a more powerful projector, it will give more of a lifelike picture, higher contrast level, a lot more color combinations. You’ll need a bigger screen, maybe even a perforated screen with the speakers behind it. Some rooms even use four subwoofers, plus a more sophisticated remote control.

A few years ago we did a room where the projector actually dropped down from the ceiling. Add another $5,000 for a feature like that.”

Kim’s most memorable high-end customer purchased a 150-inch screen… with a twist. “He wanted to be able to see 16 different football games at the same time on a Sunday afternoon. Or he can see one game on one huge screen. It can be two, four, eight, 12 or 16 screens, all at the touch of a button.”

This client’s 20x30-foot room featured components by Crestron Automation Systems. A commercial-grade projector with highest quality resolution, speakers, amplifiers, remote control – all top of the line. The price tag? Around $300,000.

“This customer is very proud of his room,” Kim says with a wry smile.

But in the end, it’s not always the scope of the project that makes the biggest difference to the man in constructing his private space. It might be a closet… or it might be a single room the size of some small houses. “Over the years we’ve had so many varying sizes and projects,” Kim adds. “The man cave idea has been around for some time. It’s really about the space and what is done with it, not necessarily the size.”

DAVID COBB

A Man Cave Created by Great Choice Audio Video Lighting is by Universal Remote Control, featuring blue LED rope lighting to achieve the customer’s desired look. Lights can be grouped to turn on at a specific level and fade at intervals, all operated via remote and automated into the system.

KEF speakers are the industry standard, with a price range from $250-$265,000 per pair. The speakers used in this sytem are Q600c L/C/R speakers, at $649 each.

58 slice | august 2012

This 110-inch Vutec screen was chosen after a series of intricate calculations, including the light readings of the room, the power and distance of the projector and the distance of seating from the screen.

DISCERNING DESIGN l SPACES

is a bar and kitchenette and a table that

The Automotive and Athletic Enthusiast

can do double duty, either for business

Photos by David Cobb

shot is mounted on the wall.

T

meetings or games of Texas Hold ’Em. The owner has a friend who is an NFL coach, and there is abundant football memorabilia. Not to omit a classic man cave component, a buck that the owner

Neighborhood gatherings and birth-

o call this space simply a man

tured. He also owns a Ford GT 40 and a

day parties have taken place in the build-

cave doesn’t quite present the

1993 Chevy Corvette, the 40th anniver-

ing, which took around six months to

entire picture. It is actually a

sary edition, one of 250 in existence. “I

renovate and prepare for its new life. For

10,000-square-foot structure, formerly

have a car fetish,” he admits, and attri-

a man who loves his cars, and who de-

a maintenance building for a large com-

butes much of his love of cars to his fa-

sired a comfortable place to enjoy life, it is

mercial enterprise. The owner was look-

ther, whom he calls “a shade tree me-

the ultimate realization of that dream.

ing for a place to store his beloved collec-

chanic from way back when.”

tion of American-made, low-production,

high-performance cars. At some point

spot, right down to the gasoline: two

along the way it became something sig-

500-gallon tanks of high-octane fuel can

nificantly greater.

gas up the cars right on the property.

“The concept here went from a ga-

It is a fairly self-contained storage

But along the way, he had the idea

rage to an investment,” he says. “Now

to let friends rent space

it’s not only a place to store cars, but is

to store their collect-

truly a place where you can come and

ible automobiles here as

hang out and do nothing, have fun,

well. An Aston Martin

watch satellite TV. I’d always wanted

and a Bentley, among

something like this; I just never knew it

others, also occupy the

would be this big!”

space. Then came the

true man cave.

He made a few simple renovations

to the building – varnishing the floors

It is a comfortable

and walls, adding heat and ventilation

space outfitted with half

systems – and moved in his collection.

a dozen theatre seats and

He owns two Dodge Vipers, including a

a pair of side-by-side flat

limited edition, one of only 100 manufac-

panel TV screens. There august 2012 | slice 59

SPACES l DISCERNING DESIGN

Setting the Table

By Sara Gae Waters Photos by Carli Wentworth

T

his month Slice tackles the wineries and breweries of our great state... so in that “spirit” (ha ha!) we’ve set our table with that in mind. Using the same white

Vietri plate as the foundation, we’ve swapped accessories to create four settings.

Beer Flight: Ice molds for the vessels in the beer flight literally make the beverage ice cold. Accompanying the brew are some crackers, cheese and bread sticks – just the basics for this classic!

60 slice | august 2012

DISCERNING DESIGN l SPACES

Dessert Flight: There is no need to be jealous of anyone else’s choice in dessert this time. Three small treats with three small dessert wines means you get to try them all.

Opposite page: Michael Aram vase, Match napkin ring and Vietri plate, linens and flatware from Cayman’s This page: Match ballspoon and flatware, Vietri plate and linens and Michael Aram gold salt and pepper from Cayman’s

august 2012 | slice 61

SPACES l DISCERNING DESIGN

Red Wine Flight: With this flight there are lots of choices. A note under each glass reveals the varietal; numbers indicate the order in which to partake. If you want to be even more detailed, include descriptions.

Couleu linens, Vietri plate, Match coaster, cellar spoon and flatware from Cayman’s

62 slice | august 2012

DISCERNING DESIGN l SPACES

White Wine Flight: Instead of individual glasses for the white wine flight, there are carafes with different choices: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc. A sectioned snack bowl with grapes (of course), cherries and citrus complements the flavors of these whites.

Match carafes, Juliska vase, Couleu linens and Vietri plate, flatware and server from Cayman’s

august 2012 | slice 63

SPACES l DISCERNING DESIGN

Two for the Show W

hen the 2012 News 9 Concept Homes open for tours on August 9, they will afford Oklahomans an opportunity to experience not one, but two, ex-

By Kent Anderson Photo by Carli Wentworth

THE ABBEY AT FAIRVIEW FARM 1501 N.W. 158th Street • Edmond

quisite luxury homes showcasing the latest design and building ideas – different neighborhoods, different builders, different styles and approaches. But the builders are united in creating homes of elegance and quality, and in serving their community: the tours support Variety Care and its mission of making quality health care affordable and accessible to all.

The two homes, in The Abbey at Fairview Farm and Stone-

mill, will be open for tours August 9-26, Thursdays through Sundays from 12-5pm. Tickets are $10 at the door and $8 in advance from Bob Mills Furniture. All proceeds benefit Va-

riety Care (see “Healthier Lives,” page 65). For more informa-

looking for a smaller home without sacrificing luxury. This con-

Homes in The Abbey at Fairview Farm are for the family

tion, visit News9.com and click Concept Home.

cept home is a partnership between developer Mark Gautreaux and his son Zeb, and builder Mark Dale of Carriage Homes.

It took a rather circuitous route to becoming a stop on this

tour: Dale was preparing to start work on a large home in Gaillardia when he was approached about being a part of the News 9 Concept Home… but then his custom home client pulled out of the project. That’s when Dale pitched the idea of The Abbey.

“I told them it was not the same size, but was very much

the same quality home. The new concept out there now is smaller and nicer,” Dale explains, adding that some searchers “have gotten used to beautiful homes with all the amenities, quality features and workmanship, but they don’t need as much space.”

“Any of the homes in the Abbey will communicate scaled-down square footage, but no compromise in quality,” agrees Gautreaux.

At 3,200 square feet, this home features an open, spacious

living area with 18-foot ceilings on the main level. The beam and ceiling detail is particularly well done, with cedar beams in the great room and pecan panel ceilings in the kitchen. The home has two bedroom suites, two living areas and a well-developed 1,000-square-foot basement with a wine cellar, card room, media center and a third bedroom or exercise room. The walls of the wine cellar are of brick reclaimed from historic Oklahoma buildings.

Another distinct feature is the shower in the master suite

– at 10 feet tall and over 50 square feet, it’s outfitted with dual Sue and Wayne Griffiths, Mark Gautreaux, Mark Dale and Zeb Gautreaux

64 slice | august 2012

shower heads, seats and glass tile accents.

DISCERNING DESIGN l SPACES

The home’s interior design is by Linda Quigley.

Considering current building ideas, Gautreaux sees a sty-

a great cause,” says Griffiths of the Concept Home. “Contrib-

“It’s an honor to participate, to show your work and to benefit

listic shift in recent times. “As trends evolve, the Old World

uting to that is a good feeling, and we get to meet a lot of good

style seems to have receded somewhat. People seem to be look-

people along the way.”

ing for clean lines and not so much of an ornate feel.”

STONEMILL 11649 Mill Hollow Court • Oklahoma City

Wayne Griffiths Homes was about to commence work on

this home in Stonemill when the call came to participate in the News 9 Concept Home.

“The clients were gracious enough to let us open the home

for the tour,” says Griffiths, who partners with his wife Sue and Dennis Smart in the business. “The wife is in the medical field and immediately recognized the good work that Variety Care does, so the family was very much on board with the charity.”

In contrast to The Abbey at Fairview Farm home, this

house is designed for a growing family – in this case, the husband and wife and their three daughters. It is a sumptuous 7,000-square-foot creation with five bedrooms, two studies, an exercise room, playroom (with karaoke stage!), movie room, butler’s pantry and a laundry room on both levels. It takes the four-legged members of the family into account as well, with a dog shower that’s accessed by a radio-controlled door.

Griffiths has added his trademark subtle touches, includ-

ing a set of 130-year-old front doors from Europe, antique sconces in the movie room and a hidden doorway in one of the daughters’ rooms, leading to an upstairs balcony.

Another highlight of this beautiful home is its outdoor liv-

ing area with pool and complete kitchen, including a built-in stone pizza oven. A treehouse in the back yard and 135 tons of landscape boulders add to the exterior charm.

The interior design for this home is by Meister Designs, Inc.

Healthier Lives Variety Care has been a presence in Oklahoma County for eight decades, providing quality, affordable access to health care, and it is growing. This year’s beneficiary of proceeds from the News 9 Concept Home tours operates 13 facilities in central and western Oklahoma, employing a staff of 225 and serving more than 53,000 Oklahomans in 2011.

“For a person who doesn’t have means, who doesn’t have insurance, this is a good place they can go for their primary health care needs,” says Variety Care’s executive director and CEO, Lou Carmichael.

Fairview Farm developer Mark Gautreaux is a member of Variety Care’s board, and it was his recommendation that led to the organization being named as nonprofit beneficiary of the tour proceeds.

Variety Care’s mission isn’t only about serving low-income individuals. It is about access to primary medical, dental, behavioral and vision care. “The things that keep a person healthy,” Carmichael says.

“People have to make decisions about rent or food, and they put off their health care needs,” she adds. “As a consequence, they don’t seek medical attention until they are much sicker.”

Patients of Variety Care pay on a sliding scale based on ability to pay, and Carmichael’s long-term goal for the organization is to serve 100,000 individuals per year.

“It’s incredible in terms of exposure and getting the word out,” Carmichael says of the organization’s participation in the News 9 Concept Homes. “We try to tell our story, and it’s hard sometimes to get the word to the people who really need us.”

News 9 Concept Home Participants:

The Abbey at Fairview Farm Wayne Griffiths Homes Blue Haven Pools Bob Mills Furniture Coppermark Bank The Forest Group Galaxy Home Recreation HESI Hill & Company Metro Appliances & More Metro Roofing Company Mill Creek Carpet & Tile Rain Guard, Inc. Reroof America Contractors

august 2012 | slice 65

Now That’s Entertainment

Call for Your F

ree Estimate!

HERITAGE since 1985 RENOVATIONS details matter

• Home Theaters • Complete Home Remodels • Complimentary Design Service

887.4121 OR 974.1174 www.heritagerenovations.net

Live Well • Dress Well • Shop Well

2001 W. Main • Carriage Plaza • Norman 405.360.3969 • www.caymanscollection.com visit us on facebook

66 slice | august 2012

follow us on twitter

fare IN THE KITCHEN

l

M AT T E R S O F TA S T E

l

SPLASH

l

E D I B L E S & L I B AT I O N S

Dare to Pair Âť

When it comes to appetizers, wine is a fickle mistress.

What you serve is directly tied to the wine you will be drinking. After much discussion with a local chef on what to pair with any type of wine, he taught me some easy dishes that

CARLI WENTWORTH

are perfect to serve at your next gathering. See page 68.

august 2012 | slice 67

FARE l IN THE KITCHEN

App-y Days A

couple of years ago I had the pleasure of going to Carmel and stayed at the quaintest vineyard. It

Are Here Again

By Caryn Ross Photos by Carli Wentworth

was there that I fell in love with California. I loved

the simple and fresh cuisine that they served at each meal.

Nothing was out of season. Everything was served fresh, with vibrant flavors and colors bouncing from the plate.

One of my favorites to pair with wine is my Roasted Gar-

lic and Rosemary Tapenade. This one dish has all of the flavors I love – the tart briny bite of olives combined with the freshness of rosemary and the buttery sweetness of roasted garlic makes my taste buds do a happy dance! If I could bottle California, I would make it a tapenade. My White Bean Spread makes a perfect complement to the strong flavors of the tapenade. Think of the dishes as a “good angel/bad angel” flavor profile. One is strong and distinct, while the cannellini beans make for a creamier, more delicate dish. Of course, a cheese and fruit tray – complete with dried figs, dried apricots, fresh grapes, almonds and prosciutto – is great for snacking, too.

68 slice | august 2012

IN THE KITCHEN l FARE

Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Tapenade 1 whole head garlic, roasted and cooled 1 c Kalamata olives, drained and chopped 1 T freshly chopped rosemary 1 T capers, drained 1/4 t sea salt 1/4 t freshly ground pepper 3/4 c olive oil 1/2 t red wine 1 loaf fresh bread, sliced and toasted for crostini In the bowl of a food processor combine all of the ingredients except the olive oil, red wine and bread. Pulse until mixture is finely chopped. Slowly drizzle in olive oil and red wine. Serve in a small bowl to spread on crostini.

White Bean Spread 2 cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 2 t coarse sea salt (Fleur de sel) 2 cloves roasted garlic 1/2 t freshly ground black pepper 1/4 t nutmeg 1/4 t cayenne pepper 1 freshly squeezed lemon Zest of one lemon 1 T flat leaf parsley 1 T fresh rosemary 1 T fresh thyme 1/3 c extra virgin olive oil In the bowl of a food processor combine all of the ingredients except the olive oil. Pulse until it is well combined. While food processor is on, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes creamy. Serve in a small bowl and top with freshly chopped thyme alongside fresh pita chips for dipping. august 2012 | slice 69

FARE l MATTERS OF TASTE

Striking a Spark F

By Kent Anderson Photos by David Cobb

rom its prime corner at Sheridan and Robinson, the Col-

miniature cast-iron pot that keeps

cord Hotel has long been a focal point of the downtown

the dish hot throughout the meal.

Oklahoma City renaissance. A historic building with

For something a bit more unusu-

contemporary interior finishes, it affords a sense of both elegance

al, the Tamarind Grilled Blue

and accessibility… but a spark has consistently been missing, as

Prawns ($23) offer the shrimp

several restaurant concepts have come and gone at the Colcord

over a bed of herb butter linguini.

over the years. The newest, Flint, is an outstanding addition to

This dish’s stunning presentation

downtown, and if Oklahoma City is lucky, it will anchor the Col-

complements its intriguing mix-

cord for some time to come.

ture of flavors.

Under the direction of executive chef Andrew Black (see page

Dessert is nicely done, and

72), the menu is filled with creative delights. The must-try appe-

the Strawberry Shortcake ($6) is

tizer is the Jalapeno Hush Puppies ($5). Not the typical heavily

a light finish to the meal. Straw-

breaded variety, these feather-light marvels are served with gher-

berry mousse, rum-soaked chiffon

kin aioli and a sweet Thai chili sauce, and may beckon for a second

cake and fresh strawberries make it a joy.

order before the entrée arrives.

The menu of those entrées runs the gamut. Steak lovers will

of the house to the knowledgeable and professional servers.

enjoy the seven-ounce filet ($29) or the 10-ounce New York strip

Flint is an exciting and thoroughly welcome new downtown

($28) with a side of au gratin-style Flint potatoes, served in a

dining destination.

70 slice | august 2012

Service is excellent, from the valet parking to the front

Quail Creek is the ultimate experience in recreational club facilities including golf, tennis, swimming, fitness and a variety of social activities, as well as casual and formal dining.

3501 Quail Creek Road, Oklahoma City, 73120 | (405) 751-0811

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Q UA I L C R E E K G C C . C O M

day trip to bricktown to catch a redhawks game

cocktail party on the patio

With the best value, the most fun and a genuine sense of family, it’s no wonder that we’ve been thriving at The Fountains at Canterbury for more than 20 years. call 1-405-463-2033 to secure an appointment for a tour and to learn more about our 25% reduction in entrance fees.

mahjong with friends after dinner

morning fitness walk with the ladies

dinner with different neighbors every night

1404 NW 122nd Street | Oklahoma City, OK 73114 1-405-463-2033 | www.watermarkcommunities.com a watermark retirement community

independent living | assisted living | memory care | skilled nursing august 2012 | slice 71

FARE l MATTERS OF TASTE

Every Meal a Celebration

By Kent Anderson

thought, ‘No way!’ Traveling and meeting the people, seeing the farms, seeing the peanut farm and the peach farm and the pumpkin farm, I knew there was more and I wanted to get it out there for everyone to see.”

Visiting the farms, seeing the stun-

ning beauty of the Oklahoma land un-

DAN MAHONEY

der cultivation, Black had the idea to turn his trips, and some of the resulting recipes, into a book. He took his idea to hotel general manager John Williams, with whom Black worked at both the Skirvin and later, the Colcord.

They turned to journalist and author Steve Lackmeyer. A reporter and columnist at The Oklahoman for over two decades, Lackmeyer is also the author of three books about downtown Oklahoma City history: OKC Second Time Around, Skirvin (both co-authored with Jack Money) and Bricktown.

“They needed an author, and I think

I was the only one they knew,” Lackmeyer says with a laugh.

A

Chef Black with John Leonard of Organic Gardens, El Reno

“I knew Steve would keep the story

honest, that he would respect what we do and who we are,” Black says.

ndrew Black has no pictures

ma City as his home, first as executive

of himself before the age of

chef at the Skirvin Hilton, now at the

up until this point,” Lackmeyer contin-

“I had only written history books

21. His family never owned

Colcord Hotel. But while he has come

ues. “I was looking for an opportunity to

a camera. He grew up with his grand-

far – in both miles and situation – he has

change a bit, to look for something dif-

mother and brothers on 30 acres in the

not forgotten the delight of food or the

ferent. When Andrew and John Wil-

“deep country” of Jamaica. It was a life

freshness and goodness of food grown

liams first brought this to me, I was in-

of subsistence, the family eating what

close to home.

trigued because this is not just a cook-

they grew: sugar cane and avocados,

book. There are great recipes in it, but

mangos and breadfruit.

have never worked a day in my life. I get

there’s much more. It’s storytelling.”

paid to practice my art every day. You

home – and found an even harder life

have to have fun with it.”

to write in another person’s voice – a

working in a hotel. He labored for no

In his new book Foraging in Okla-

voice with a decidedly Jamaican accent.

pay, only food. He cleaned 18 refrigera-

homa, Black shares the fun and joy not

The two men met on a series of Satur-

tors and juiced 3,000 oranges every day.

only of cooking, but of meeting those

days over a one-year period, and Lack-

He slept on a hard board in a changing

who produce the food. The result is a

meyer began to understand Black’s

room for two years.

journey into the farms and ranches of

trips to Oklahoma farms and ranches.

his adopted home state.

Lackmeyer even accompanied Black on

traveled the world as a chef, working in

some of the journeys.

Paris and for the legendary Peabody Ho-

recalls, “I was told to be ready to cook

tel in Memphis before adopting Oklaho-

nothing but steak and potatoes. And I

these farmers and ranchers, and see

It was a hard life. At age 15 he left

Black has come a long way. He has

72 slice | august 2012

“Cooking is play time,” Black says. “I

“When I came here years ago,” Black

The challenge for Lackmeyer was

“I got to see Andrew interact with

how he connected with them,” Lackmeyer says.

The result, published by OKC’s Full

J.D. MERRYWEATHER

MATTERS OF TASTE l FARE

From Foraging in Oklahoma:

Circle Press, is a well-told tale of trips

On his childhood in Jamaica: Getting up every day, there were times we didn’t know what the next meal would be. And that’s where creation would begin…We were eating things that were good for us without even knowing. And it goes back to making the most of things you have.

to places like El Reno and Stratford and Wewoka. The stories of farm families and their way of life elevate Foraging in Oklahoma beyond the typical made-inOklahoma cookbook. The recipes are here – ones Black often developed after meeting farmers and ranchers – but

On starting his journey into Oklahoma farms and ranches: I was asking visitors to the hotel, “What is grown here in Oklahoma?” They’d respond beef, wheat, nothing else. I didn’t believe them.

above all, the people are here, accompanied by the stunning food photography of J.D. Merryweather, who is also co-owner of COOP Ale Works… another featured destination in the book.

Foraging in Oklahoma is available exclusively at Full Circle Books, 50 Penn Place, or may be ordered from the store by calling 842.2900.

Black and Lackmeyer weave the story of Black’s subsistence childhood into the present and his very real, never staged, encounters with Oklahomans who work the land. At one point Black

tells of his first trip home to Jamaica in

food, but it is also a story of one man’s

over a decade, and revisiting a coconut

journey, and those he encounters along

tree he planted as a child.

the road. “It’s mainly about the places

“You plant something as a kid, and

I’ve been and the people I’ve met,” Black

you grow up and have been away for so

says. “But I never forget where I came

long. But then you go back and now it’s

from. The cooking is an additional tal-

this big tree. The limbs are beautiful,

ent that was given to me, but meeting

it’s producing coconuts and I thought,

and respecting the people gives me

‘That’s how far I’ve come.’”

more joy than anything else.”

Foraging in Oklahoma is a story about

On the concept of using Oklahomasourced food items: We would showcase the farmers, what we found at their farms, and use what we found at their farms in our restaurant. And we would make recipes using their goods, things made in Oklahoma, instead of being shipped from elsewhere. We wanted to give back to the community, give back to the farmers, and use our local products.

On farm life: We’re around these children who never drank a soda, they don’t eat processed food. And they’re happy and they’re healthy. They’re running around in the mud having fun. And this is the life of the farmer.

It’s amazing.

Braised Chuck Roast (No Name Ranch, Wynnewood) 6 lbs chuck roast 1/3 c olive oil 1 bottle Montreal steak seasoning Assorted vegetables (potatoes, carrots, onions, etc.)

Flour Mixture

1 c all-purpose flour 3 T Montreal steak seasoning

J.D. MERRYWEATHER

Braising Liquid

2 c red wine 1 qt beef stock 1 c chicken stock 10 sprigs thyme, leaves picked 2 sprigs oregano, leaves picked

Season chuck roast with olive oil and coat generously with Montreal steak seasoning. Combine flour mixture in a large mixing bowl, then dust the chuck roast with seasoned flour and set aside.

Place a Dutch oven or large pot over high heat with 2/3 cup olive oil. When the oil is close to smoking, place the roast in the pot and sear on all sides until golden brown.

When the roast is golden brown, add the red wine and let reduce by half. Then add 1 cup chicken stock, enough beef stock to cover the roast and half of the vegetables and chopped herbs. Bring this to a rapid boil and cook for about an hour, then lower the temperature to a medium heat. About 30 minutes before the roast is finished, add the remaining herbs and vegetables and continue cooking until vegetables and roast are tender.

august 2012 | slice 73

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74 slice | august 2012

have some yum in the sun 2520 W. Memorial Rd. Ste. B • Oklahoma City • 405-751-8066

where to eat KEY $ most entrees under $10 $$ most entrees $10 to $25 $$$ most entrees over $25

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new or updated entry

AMERICAN ANN’S CHICKEN FRY HOUSE This Route 66 classic provides a blast from the past in its copious decorative memorabilia, and excellent chicken fried steak big enough to sate the hugest appetites. 4106 NW 39th, OKC, 943.8915 $ AROUND THE CORNER RESTAURANT A no-frills, old-school diner that’s a favorite spot for Edmondites to linger over omelettes, pork chops or pancakes and coffee. 11 S Broadway, Edmond, 341.5414 $ BOULEVARD CAFETERIA Roast beef, chicken and dumplings, even 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 A fast, casual restaurant with a very cool concept: widely varied salad, sandwich, pizza and pasta options, all priced under $7 and served up in 7 minutes, 7 days a week. 14101 N May, OKC, 748.3354 $ CAFÉ 501 Rustic stone oven pizzas, fresh, uniquely designed salads and delicious specialty sandwiches on house-made artisan breads – add classic atmosphere and enjoy. 501 S Boulevard, Edmond 359.1501; 5825 NW Grand, OKC 844.1501 $$ CLASSEN GRILL Don’t be thrown by the seen-better-days exterior; the food inside is deftly done diner deliciousness, especially the breakfast options. The eggs benedict and cheese grits can make your day in advance. 5124 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 842.0428 $ COACH’S RESTAURANT Overlooking the diamond at RedHawks Field at Bricktown or within earshot of Owen Field, Coach’s locations serve fans during games and fans of its pizza, barbecue, burgers and beer

anytime. 102 W Main, Norman 360.5726; 20 S Mickey Mantle, OKC 232.6224 $$ COLBY’S GRILL A family-owned, familyfriendly, family-style café developing a loyal following thanks to solid, basic diner fare for breakfast and lunch, enlivened by occasional imaginative specials. 511 S Broadway, Edmond, 513.8590 $ DEEP FORK GRILL The dimly lit, crisply elegant atmosphere perfectly complements the contemporary menu of superb seafood, (wood-grilled cedar plank salmon is the house specialty), steaks and accoutrements.

5418 N Western, OKC, 848.7678 $$ DINER, THE The classics never go out of style, and when locals refer to this institution as a greasy spoon, it’s a term of endearment if not veneration. Masterful preparation of ordinary breakfast and lunch fare – expect lengthy lines. 213 E Main, Norman, 329.6642 $ DIVINE SWINE A uniquely themed restaurant conceived and built around the chef’s love of pork; practically every dish, even desserts, contain some gourmet interpretation of the other white meat’s potential for delectability. 7801 N May, OKC, 843.3400 $ EISCHEN’S Two things to bear in mind: 1.

It’s in Okarche, about 45 minutes from OKC proper. 2. It’s universally agreed to be well worth the trip. Legendary fried chicken and okra in a gloriously noisy packed house; cash only. 108 S 2nd, Okarche, 263.9939 $ FANCY THAT No longer restricting customers to a quick lunch and bakery treats, this Main Street café’s robust expansion into evening and weekend hours is cause for celebration… over dinner. 215 E Main, Norman, 307.0541 $$ FIRST WATCH THE DAYTIME CAFE Large and well-lit with a friendly staff, complimentary newspapers and wi-fi and a menu filled with breakfast and lunch selections and specialties. 2328 W Memorial, OKC, 748.3447 $ FLINT Approachably casual style in the front of the house, with impeccably serious attention to detail in the kitchen; it’s the Colcord Hotel’s winning combination for contemporary cuisine. 15 N Robinson, OKC, 601.4300 $$ GOOD GRAVY DINER Hefty, heavenly portions of roast beef or chicken fried steak, tasty sandwiches and burgers, a constellation of breakfast options… and a whole slew of specialty gravies to top them off. 8014 N Western, OKC, 842.6200 $

INTERURBAN CLASSIC GRILL It’s a simple concept: serve good food at a reasonable price in comfortable, casual surroundings. Favorites like chicken-fried steak are always on the menu, but there are plenty of options for the health-conscious as well. 4 metro locations, interurban.us $$ JIMMY’S EGG Although it’s open for lunch as well, Jimmy’s Egg is a breakfast favorite with endless omelette possibilities, friendly service and fresh-baked breads and biscuits.

11 metro locations, jimmysegg.com $ LEGEND’S A Lindsey Street landmark for over 40 years, this casually upscale, three-diamond AAA restaurant still serves exceptional seafood, steaks and more downto-earth fare amid welcoming surroundings.

1313 W Lindsey, Norman, 329.8888 $$ LUNCH BOX, THE The term “oldfashioned” can be a compliment, as in the case of this unremarkable-looking restaurant easily located by following the hordes of downtown diners hungry for its homestyle cooking and inexpensive tab. 413 W Sheridan, OKC, 232.9409 $ MUTT’S AMAZING HOT DOGS Now this is a hot dog – Mutt’s inspired creations feature prime meats like chicken, bison and duck, topped off with tantalizing and unexpected flavor profiles. 1400 NW 23rd, OKC, 525.3647 $ NEBU You shouldn’t have any trouble finding this airy, accommodating provider of chef-prepared sandwiches, sushi, pizza and more – it’s in the garden wing of the colossal Devon tower. 280 W Sheridan, OKC $ PICASSO CAFÉ Its neighbors are painters, potters and sculptors, so it’s no surprise its management strives to make their cuisine a work of art. Creative arrangements of pizza, sandwiches, salads and surprises abound.

3009 Paseo, OKC, 602.2002 $ POPS A little out of the way but undeniably worth going the extra mile, the Good Egg Group’s roadside café has burgers, salads, shakes and the irresistible draw of an unbelievably broad soda selection. 660 W Highway 66, Arcadia, 233.2020 $ PRAIRIE GYPSIES, THE Justly renowned for their catering prowess, this duo of female chefs also offers a single-serve entrée and soups that vary daily for carryout. 411 NW 30th, OKC, 525.3013 $ REDPIN RESTAURANT & BOWLING LOUNGE Other bowling alleys might muster no more than warm, flat beer for refreshment – RedPin provides a full bar, burgers, pizzas, sweets and snacks in a

(and drink)

restaurant that happens to have premium bowling lanes attached. 200 S Oklahoma, OKC, 702.8880 $ REDROCK CANYON GRILL Rotisserie chicken, Southwestern enchiladas, pork chops and steak by the lake served expertly in a casual, energetic, hacienda-style atmosphere of stone walls and mahogany beams around an open kitchen. 9221 E Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 749.1995 $$ SAGE GOURMET CAFÉ & MARKET In the heart of Deep Deuce, Sage puts an upscale spin on classics – the gourmet mac and cheese is a signature item – and uses organic and natural food products in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere. 228 NE 2nd, OKC, 232.7243 $$ SATURN GRILL A star of the lunchtime stage, its surprising daily specials and inspired, tasty twists on ordinary sandwiches, salads and pizza keep it crowded on weekdays. Fortunately, the line moves quickly and calling ahead is encouraged. 4401 W Memorial, OKC 463.5594; 6432 Avondale, OKC, 843.7114 $ SHARTEL CAFÉ Diverse diner-style classics – bacon cheeseburgers, pancakes, reubens, bakery goodies, etc. – done with panache and further improved by airy, comfortable surroundings and friendly service. 5116 N Shartel, OKC 843.0900; 201 Robert S. Kerr, LL 140, OKC, 601.8024 $ TOBY KEITH’S I LOVE THIS BAR & GRILL He does, you know. Deep in the heart of Bricktown, this venue hosts frequent live music performances and features a homestyle menu, memorabilia and drinks served in Mason jars. 310 Johnny Bench, OKC, 231.0254 $$ WILL’S/THE LOBBY BAR Coffee vendor by day, bar by night, it features an unexpected and wonderfully inviting lunch and dinner menu: baked manchego, lobster sliders and many more. 4322 N Western, OKC, 604.4650 $

ASIAN 180 MERIDIAN GRILL Intended to unite east and west through blending the essence of Asian cuisine with culture, its intriguing menu spans sirloin with teriyaki butter, hoisin barbecue duck pizza and ample sushi options. 2541 W Main, Norman, 310.6110 $$ BLUE MOON CHINESE RESTAURANT Chinese cravings may come much more

august 2012 | slice 75

FARE l EDIBLES & LIBATIONS

Jason Wu Fall 2012 Available exclusively at Balliets

5801 Northwest Grand Boulevard www.balliets.com 405-848-7811 Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm

often after experiencing the spectacular amount of sweet, sour and savory tastes from this student-friendly eatery. 1320 S Broadway, Edmond, 340.3871 $ GRAND HOUSE A number of Chinese restaurants concentrate on their cooking to the exclusion of any other aspect of dining – Grand House is the happy exception that goes the extra mile to provide enjoyable ambiance alongside its excellent cuisine.

2701 N Classen, OKC, 524.7333 $$ O ASIAN FUSION Sublime quality in a wide span of culinary influences – freshly rolled sushi to fiery curry – in a cool, vibrant environment. Call ahead; it becomes a packed house in a hurry. 105 SE 12th, Norman, 701.8899 $$ SAII ASIAN BISTRO & SUSHI BAR With a dark, rich ambiance that elevates it over its surroundings, Saii serves expertly prepared Japanese, Thai and Chinese dishes plus an extensive and adventurous sushi menu.

6900 N May, OKC, 702.7244 $$

BAKERY AMY CAKES Imaginative cakes and cupcakes to make any special occasion a bit more memorable – and it’s a one-woman show. By appointment only. 113 Hal Muldrow, Norman, 360.1131 $

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BROWN’S BAKERY An incredible selection of delicious traditional and specialty cakes, cookies, breads and other baked goods. 1100 N Walker, OKC, 232.0363 $ CRIMSON AND WHIPPED CREAM With a cheery Campus Corner vibe and the operators’ celebratory approach to food and life, it’s a terribly tempting spot for cookies, cupcakes, tea and dynamite coffee.

331 White, Norman, 307.8990 $ GIGI’S CUPCAKES Brace yourself – each Gigi’s location is home to a dozen different cupcake temptations in inspired flavors that rotate daily, and it’s surprisingly difficult to choose merely one. 1636 24th Ave NW, Norman 801.2525; 14101 N May, OKC 286.6200 $ GREEN GOODIES BY TIFFANY Specialty organic cupcakes for all – even those adhering to vegetarian and vegan diets or coping with food allergies or other dietary concerns can enjoy these high quality, flavorful treats. 5840 N Classen Blvd, Suite 5, OKC, 842.2288 $

Complete design service included WE CREATE YOUR VISION 512 S.W. 3rd, OKC | 228.4900 Call for Showroom Appointment www.monticellocabinets.com 76 slice | august 2012

LA BAGUETTE BAKERY & CAFÉ A spacious, comfortable seating area combined with the exquisite baking mastery that is the brand’s trademark makes this a tres chic, and very popular, destination for brunch and beyond. 1130 Rambling Oaks, Norman 329.1101; 924 W Main, Norman 329.5822 $

MCLAREN’S PANTRY For over 25 years, this independent bakery with a tempting sandwich selection has been a welcoming environment to enjoy a bite and connect with friends. 3414 S Boulevard, Edmond, 348.2336 $ NOTHING BUNDT CAKES Luscious flavors of rich, moist cake and frosting, available in bite-sized bundtinis packaged by the dozen; single-serving bundlets; or multi-tiered marvels that sate over two dozen dessert connoisseurs. 2520 W Memorial, Suite B, OKC, 751.8066 $ PANERA BREAD The breads are fresh, the sandwich and salad options ample and the atmosphere welcoming, thanks in part to the tasty baked goods and free wi-fi access. 9 metro locations, panerabread.com $ PINKITZEL CUPCAKES & CANDY Sweetness reigns supreme in this local confectionary creation – gourmet cupcakes that are baked fresh daily, a substantial candy boutique and gift shop and cafe seating to enjoy it all with coffee, tea, hot chocolate and more. 1389 E 15th, Edmond 330.4500; 150 E.K. Gaylord, OKC 235.7465 $ PRAIRIE THUNDER BAKING CO. In this house of carbs, the bread baked on-site is the star of the show: on its own to take home, repurposed into breakfast pastries and desserts or accompanying the deli sandwiches and soups in the cafe. 1114 N Classen Dr, OKC, 602.2922 $ SARA SARA CUPCAKES Located in a charming little converted house, the ambiance and milk bar make great atmospheric additions to the varied menu of specialty cupcakes – selections range from traditional chocolate to blueberry honey and even bacon, egg and cheese. 7 NW 9th, OKC, 600.9494 $ SUGAR Got a special event on the radar?

Customized cakes and cupcakes with incredible artistry and imagination as a key ingredient are Sugar’s specialties – call for a consultation. 6900 N Western, OKC, 286.0058 $$$ SWEETS & SPURS Specializing in gourmet cupcakes, mini-pies, hand-dipped chocolates and cowboy boots… not pastries; actual footwear. Yee-ha! 215 34th Ave SW, Norman, 801.2555 $

BAR | PUB FOOD 51ST STREET SPEAKEASY A converted house with a perpetually packed porch and patio, the joint jumps with energy and the top-shelf spirits and beers flow with abandon. 1114 NW 51st, OKC, 463.0470 $ ABNER’S ALE HOUSE Beers and whiskies of the best, plus knockout renditions of accompanying dishes, with the aim of

EDIBLES & LIBATIONS l FARE

recreating the true English public house vibe. 121 E Main, Norman, 928.5801 $$ BELLE ISLE RESTAURANT & BREWERY Live music, handcrafted beers and a great burger selection fill this bustling bar in the landmark 50 Penn Place. 1900 NW Expressway, OKC, 840.1911 $ BLU FINE WINE & FOOD A popular bar option among OU students and Normanites, blu stands out due to quick, courteous service and a menu with gourmet range – try the hummus. 201 S Crawford, Norman, 360.4258 $$ BRICKTOWN BREWERY Only here for the beer? Not so fast – an amped-up menu of temptations demands a sampling at lunch or dinner… or both. 1 N Oklahoma, OKC, 232.2739 $$ BRIX RESTAURANT & SPORTS LOUNGE More than 30 flatscreens fill the enormous, plush lounge, restaurant and bar area, and the amenities include the Sunday NFL Ticket and NBA League Pass. If the game’s on, it’s on at BRiX. 27 E Sheridan, OKC, 702.7226 $$ COCK O’ THE WALK BAR & GRILL Dartboards and pool tables can help patrons work up quite an appetite, so it’s a good thing the wings and burgers at this appealingly de-furbished neighborhood bar have such a reputation. Dive right in! 3705 N Western, OKC, 524.0304 $ DAN O’BRIEN’S PUBLIC HOUSE With a party atmosphere and rocking live shows, it’s more a group bar than a casual restaurant; though the full menu and mighty burgers should universally satisfy. 2747 W Memorial, OKC, 752.4486 $ DEEP DEUCE GRILL The funky, comfortably run-down vibe of its namesake district lingers in this alternative to Bricktown crowds featuring burgers, beer and a people-watching patio. 307 NE 2nd, OKC, 235.9100 $ DUGOUT BAR & GRILL, THE Dig in to the classics of the neighborhood beer joint: burgers, fries, nachos and drink specials.

10909 N May, OKC, 751.0700 $ FOX & HOUND PUB & GRILLE Considering the pool, darts, frequent live music and perpetual celebratory vibe, it might be hard to concentrate on the varied menu… but at least try the fresh-baked pretzels. 3031 W Memorial, OKC, 751.7243 $ JAMES E. MCNELLIE’S PUBLIC HOUSE Designed to bring Ireland’s pub culture to our city, this Midtown hotspot features 350 varieties of beer, including difficult-tofind options from all over the world. 1100 Classen Dr, OKC, 601.7468 $$ LIBRARY BAR & GRILL, THE Despite the name and its location directly adjacent

to the OU campus, this low-light hangout spot won’t help you study… unless you’re doing independent research on local beers and excellent pizza. 607 W Boyd, Norman, 366.7465 $ LIBRARY OF FOOD & SPIRITS, THE A cozy, welcoming place to receive a friendly greeting and curl up with a good book-themed entrée, fresh salad and soup, monstrous burger or vegetarian fare – plus a commodious collocation of beverages. 119 N Robinson, LL, OKC, 235.8880 $ MARTINI LOUNGE, THE A relaxed bar located inside Boulevard Steakhouse, its classy atmosphere and hand-crafted specialty martinis are ideal for an office outing after work or a quiet date. 505 S Boulevard, Edmond, 715.2333 $$ MONT, THE Though frequented by many purely for its primo patio and Sooner Swirls from the bar, the Norman landmark also boasts a tempting suite of pub food with a zing of Southwestern flavor. 1300 Classen Blvd, Norman, 329.3330 $ O’CONNELL’S IRISH PUB & GRILLE Beloved by students, alumni and townies alike, this OU Campus Corner landmark has been serving up burgers, beer and festive atmosphere since 1968. 769 Asp, Norman, 217.8454 $ PURPLE BAR, THE Inviting and intimate; an ideal place for celebratory martinis to close out the workweek or a quiet nightcap with dessert from Nonna’s bakery. 1 Mickey Mantle (in Nonna’s), OKC, 235.4410 $ REPUBLIC GASTROPUB Dedicated to bridging the gap between beer bar and upscale eatery, this contemporary public house in Classen Curve pairs a vast selection of quality brews with imaginative menu items designed to complement one another. 5830 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 286.4577 $$ SAINTS An inviting Irish bar nestled in the Plaza District, its whiskey and beer selection dovetails nicely with classic dishes like shepherd’s pie, bangers and fish and chips.

1715 NW 16th, OKC, 602.6308 $$ SEAN CUMMINGS’ IRISH RESTAURANT & PUB Classic Irish fare (lamb stew, bangers and mash, even beef or salmon boxtys) mixed with favorites and delivered with engaging and gracious service. Plus, naturally, there’s Guinness on tap. 7523 N May, OKC, 755.2622 $$ TAPWERKS ALE HOUSE & CAFÉ The staff will gladly serve burgers, wraps, pizzas and other entrees, but most of the crowd – and it gets crowded – is here to sample from the 212 (yes, really) beers on tap. 121 E Sheridan, OKC, 310.9599 $$ VZD’S RESTAURANT & CLUB Live music is a staple on weekends, but the unusually broad, tasty bar menu draws a substantial lunch crowd as well. Try the turkey burger,

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BARBECUE BEEF & BUNS – MR. CATFISH Outstanding barbecued ribs and fried catfish – even for Oklahoma – and warm, personable service make this cash-only, limited-hours spot a winner. 2741 NE 23rd, OKC, 427.2333 $ BILLY SIMS BBQ Even Cowboy or Longhorn fans will find serious taste to enjoy, but the memorabilia isn’t exactly in short supply in these tailgate-style chowhouses owned by the namesake Sooner star. 4 metro locations, billysimsbbq.com $ EARL’S RIB PALACE Beloved by locals in a setting far from starved for competition, the award-winning barbecue chain pounds out hit ribs, pulled pork and smoked turkey as well as a top-tier burger. 6 metro locations, earlsribpalace.com $ IRON STARR URBAN BARBEQUE Named for notorious outlaw Belle Starr, Iron Starr specializes in “a unique and tasty spin on comfort food.” The entrees are excellent, but the sides are equal players here as well.

3700 N Shartel, OKC, 524.5925 $$ J.T.’S BAR-B-QUE Smoked chicken, hot links, prime rib and other mouthwatering meats are on the menu, but once customers try the ribs, they may never choose anything – or anywhere – else. Save room for cobbler! 505 S Sunnylane, Del City, 670.3350 $ LEO’S BAR-B-Q Dense, rich flavor and tender texture through and through, delivered in genuine unpolished style for commendable value – no wonder it’s a recurring favorite among OK connoisseurs.

3631 N Kelley, OKC 424.5367; 7 Harrison, OKC 236.5367 $ RAY’S SMOKEHOUSE BBQ A former OU football star, Darrol Ray now pleases crowds with supremely tender St. Louis-style ribs, brisket smoked over 12 hours, homemade sides and desserts and unforced camaraderie. 1514 W Lindsey, Norman, 329.4040 $

VAN’S PIG STAND A scion of Oklahoma’s oldest family-owned and -operated barbecue restaurant (open since 1935 in Shawnee), it does well with the basics and really rocks at ribs. 320 N Porter, Norman, 364.0600 $

BURGERS | SANDWICHES ABRAHAM’S WESTERN CAFÉ Follow your nose – the onion burgers coming off Abraham’s grill draw lunch crowds with effortless ease. 4716 N Western, OKC, 528.5152 $ BIG ED’S HAMBURGERS Sizzling burgers cooked to order, including an OKC legend in the flesh: family-sized behemoths on 12inch buns. 12209 N Pennsylvania, OKC, 755.2108 $ BISON WITCHES BAR & DELI The monster sandwiches are loaded with standout flavors, but the best way to enjoy them is in halves, accompanied by a bread bowl of fresh hot soup and a bag of pretzels. 211 E Main, Norman, 364.7555 $ BROWN BAG DELI Quick-as-a-wink sandwiches, desserts and killer chili.

Limited seating; takeout recommended.

7600 N Western, OKC, 842.1444 $ BUNNY’S OLD FASHIONED ONION BURGERS Small space; big taste. The namesake creations are fresh, lean beef grilled to perfection and served in “big” and “bigger” versions. 5020 N Meridian, OKC, 949.2889; 1023 S. Meridian, OKC, 949.2949 $ CAFÉ PLAID & BAKERY Fresh sandwiches begging to be combined with a sensational selection of salads (veggie, tuna, pasta…) make it an ideal spot for lunch when you’re near OU. 333 W Boyd, Norman, 360.2233 $ CHARCOAL OVEN The smoke-filled flavor of a backyard cookout without having to fire up your own grill – get ’em while they’re hot! 2701 NW Expressway, OKC, 842.8911 $

RUDY’S COUNTRY STORE & BAR-B-Q It’s hard to get more casual than a set of picnic benches inside a gas station, where food comes on cafeteria trays with plastic utensils and paper towels... but as the lines attest, the brisket and other barbecue staples speak for themselves. 3450 Chautauqua, Norman, 307.0552 $$

CITY BITES Get in, get a full-flavored hot or cold sub on your choice of fresh bread, or soup and a baked potato, get some cookies for the road, get on with your day.

The plethora of metro locations means you’re never far from a tastier day. 18 metro locations, citybites.com $

STEVE’S RIB A longtime Edmond favorite, its flavorful brisket, fried okra and more are the same but diners can choose their milieu: a seated restaurant in Edmond or a standup counter in NW OKC. 1801 W Edmond Rd, Edmond 340.7427; 7202 W Hefner, OKC 728.9555 $ v

CLASSIC ’50s DRIVE-IN A locally owned drive-in that just gets the concept right.

Burgers and shakes, fried pickles and slushes, breakfast items… the waves of students during peak hours are proof that familiarity breeds devotion. 1521 W Lindsey, Norman, 321.2271 $

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the chili or both. 4200 N Western, OKC, 524.4203 $

THE FISH AND CHIPS AT SAINTS

FIRST EDITION, THE A café inside the Downtown Library would be worth it merely for the convenience, so it’s a welcome bonus that the sandwiches, pizza and panini practically warrant a trip all on their own. 300 Park, OKC, 605.8347 $ FLATIRE BURGERS Beloved by (and generally crowded with) UCO students, this bravura burger joint excels at innovative additions to the classic patty and bun, like sauerkraut, carrots, pineapple relish and habanero salsa. 100 N University Dr (at UCO), Edmond, 974.4638 $ GARAGE BURGERS & BEER, THE It gets noisy in the low-lit sports bar atmosphere, but even if your focus isn’t on a televised game, conversation would probably revolve around the huge, juicy burgers and fries – both available in several tempting flavor possibilities – anyway. 307 E Main, Norman, 701.7035 $

burgers, and don’t forget a side of their outstanding onion rings. 4 metro locations, johhniesok.com $ KAMP’S 1910 CAFÉ The Kamp family is well-known in the Oklahoma food scene, and their 1910 Café builds on that history with first-rate breakfast and lunch, bakery items and full coffee shop on site. 10 NE 10th, OKC, 230.1910 $ LOUIE’S GRILL & BAR Casually cool and come-as-you-are, these popular neighborhood bar-type hangouts excel at inexpensive burgers, sandwiches and pizzas.

12 metro locations, louiesgrillandbar.com $ LOUIE’S ON THE LAKE An unbeatable view of scenic Lake Hefner from the patio adds to the ambiance of this classic eatery, which features a tasty spate of entrees under $10. 9401 Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 751.2298 $

HOME RUN SLIDERS A tasty array of sliders, from your basic “Rookie” to prime rib, is served in an atmosphere that pays tribute to the national pastime. And don’t miss the ode to the condiment: Oklahoma’s largest ketchup bar. 128 E 5th, Edmond, 513.5410 $

MARKIE’S DELI Dedicated to making life much more delicious, Markie’s serves salads, sandwiches, wraps, soups and hot plates, as well as box lunches, trays and even breakfast items for local catering. 612 N Robinson, OKC, 239.6275 $

IRMA’S BURGER SHACK Hand-cut fries, hand-breaded onions rings and simply great burgers. Try the No-Name Ranch burger – lean and flavorful, thanks to a unique breed of cattle raised in Wynnewood using organic techniques. 1035 NW 63rd, OKC, 840.4762; 1120 Classen Dr, OKC, 235.4762 $

ND FOODS Gigantic deli sandwiches featuring Boar’s Head meats, homemade soups in a variety of intriguing flavors and a selection of freshly baked cookies, pies and other desserts. Step right up! 2632 W Britton, OKC, 840.9364 $

JOHNNIE’S CHARCOAL BROILER Fresh-ground hamburgers cooked over real charcoal set Johnnie’s apart. Try the incredibly popular Cheese Theta or Caesar

NIC’S GRILL It’s small, it’s crowded, it’s cash-only… and it’s incredible. The colossal burgers, easily among the metro’s best, and mounds of fresh fries make this holein-the-wall diner pure paradise. 1202 N Pennsylvania, OKC, 524.0999 $

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RED HORSE GRILL A prime lunch spot thanks to its speedy but cooked-to-order menu, the onion burgers, shakes, malts and frozen custard have devoted local followings, as does the Friday Fish Fry special. 2205 W Main, Norman, 360.3287 $ S&B’S BURGER JOINT Good news: these burgers’ exquisite flavor combinations – including such showcase ingredients as peanut butter or a coffee crust – come in slider form as well, the better to sample more selections. 20 NW 9 th , OKC, 270.0516; 5929 N May, OKC, 843.8777 $ SERVICE STATION Once a filling station, the building still has vintage décor and is home to Bentleys, Packards and dipsticks, but now they’re the names of its delicious half-pound burgers and fries. 502 S Webster, Norman, 364.2136 $

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SMASHBURGER Billing itself as a place with a burger soul, this savory hot spot provides 100 percent Angus beef in three sizes amid a panoply of tasty toppings and sides, plus similarly varied chicken sandwiches and salads. 2127 W Memorial, OKC, 418.8416; 7642 W. Reno, OKC, 787.5700 $ SOMEPLACE ELSE DELI Simple, straightforward hot and cold sandwiches made especially superb by virtue of fresh breads, speedy service, low price tags and the option of adding on an array of exceptional baked goods. 2310 N Western, OKC, 524.0887 $ SOONER DAIRY LUNCH The menu’s masthead, “Serving Norman since 1954,” should serve as a fairly strong recommendation all by itself – this modest little drive-in has been cheerfully feeding its staunch fans burgers, fries, tots and shakes for six decades and counting. 1820 W Main, Norman, 321.8526 $ TEXADELPHIA Popular hang-out spots inside and out due to the numerous flatscreen TVs and patio seating. The menu draws raves for burgers and wraps, but especially the monstrous made-to-order cheesesteak sandwiches. 1150 W Lindsey, Norman 701.5635; 200 S Oklahoma, OKC 208.4000 $

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TUCKER’S ONION BURGERS With one burger (and variants), one side dish (fries), one salad and beverages, the menu is easy to remember. With this level of bravura execution, the meal is hard to forget. 324 NW 23rd, OKC, 609.2333 $

COFFEEHOUSE | TEA ROOM BEANS & LEAVES Comfy and welcoming like a coffeehouse should be, the large menu of brewed temptations simply rocks. 4015 N Pennsylvania, OKC, 604.4700 $

BEATNIX CAFÉ, THE While it’s certainly possible to get a sandwich, cup of hearty soup or powerhouse latte to go, doing so would mean missing out on the lovely laid-back vibe that pervades this stressless dawdling spot. 136 NW 13th, OKC, 604.0211 $ BUZZ COFFEE & CAFÉ, THE It’s in a corner suite on the ground floor of the First National Center downtown, making it an ideally quick diversion for the urban pedestrian with a need for speed, but its free wi-fi and sandwich menu reward the more leisurely as well. 120 N Robinson, OKC, 232.1109 $ COFFEE SLINGERS Rocking a brisk, urban vibe thanks to its Automobile Alley location, this has become a gathering place for genuine java enthusiasts, especially during the monthly educational sampling seminars called “cuppings.” 1015 N Broadway, OKC, 606.2763 $ COWGIRL COFFEE Patrons can’t linger and loiter and soak up the atmosphere – because there isn’t any; it’s a tiny to-go shack in a parking lot – but that’s about the only downside to this sweet spot for baked goods and specialty beverages. 121 E Waterloo, Edmond, 341.5060 $ CUPPIES & JOE The name’s not really a misnomer, but if it listed all their features it’d be too long. For cupcakes and coffee and pie and live music and a cozy, trendy vibe and more, park around back and take a peek. 727 NW 23rd, OKC, 528.2122 $ ELEMENTAL COFFEE Seriously spectacular coffee roasted in-house - the passionate staffers are always eager to share knowledge about the process - augmented with locally sourced treats, including a variety of crepes on weekends. 815 N Hudson, OKC, 633.1703 $ MICHELANGELO’S COFFEE SHOP & WINE BAR Enjoy exceptional coffees, a wellstocked pastry case with chocolates and sweets, a surprisingly robust wine catalog and even breakfast and lunch selections.

207 E Main, Norman, 579.3387 $ RED CUP Comfortably ramshackle surroundings encourage curling up for conversation over spectacular PrimaCafe coffee, baked treats, vegetarian-friendly breakfast and lunch specials and live music.

Highly recommended! 3122 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 525.3430 $ T, AN URBAN TEAHOUSE Proving that an establishment’s focus can be narrow and broad simultaneously, this endearing retreat doesn’t do coffee or sandwiches, but does offer over 100 varieties of tea and expert counsel to explore a world of possibilities.

7518 N May, OKC, 418.4333 $ VINTAGE TIMELESS COFFEE A locally owned and lauded beverage bistro with plenty of sweet flavor combinations, treats from Brown’s Bakery and innovations like the

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smooffee (an espresso-powered smoothie).

900 NW 150th, Edmond, 752.0038 $

CONTINENTAL BIN 73 WINE BAR Diners can fill up on filet mignon or simply top the evening off with tapas while enjoying the full bar and chic ambience. 7312 N Western, OKC, 843.0073 $$ BLACKBIRD A Campus Corner gastropub pairing delectably creative food – pot roast nachos! – with an expansive beer, wine and whiskey list. 575 S University, Norman, 928.5555 $$ BOLERO A unique experience provided by coupling delicious tapas with the perfect Spanish wine from a signature selection, in an elegant, open-air atmosphere. 200 S Oklahoma, OKC, 602.0652 $$ CAFÉ NOVA Lunch, dinner and late at night, the simple but innovative fare and hopping bar in this Western Avenue spot aim to please hipsters, families and white- and bluecollar joes and josephines. 4308 N Western, OKC, 525.6682 $$ CHEEVER’S Dress up or down for the Southwestern-influenced recipes and love of seafood that drive the contemporary comfort food found in this converted florist’s; truly one of the city’s finest destinations for dining out. 2409 N Hudson, OKC, 525.7007 $$ CHEFS DI DOMANI A proving ground of sorts for the chefs-in-training at Platt College’s culinary institute, this restaurant offers the opportunity to watch the students in action and enjoy their internationally influenced work. 2727 W Memorial, OKC, 749.2423 $$ COACH HOUSE, THE Definitively among the metro’s most refined, elegant, upscale dining experiences, the rotating menu of seasonal cuisine highlights regional specialties prepared with classical perfection by master chef Kurt Fleischfresser. 6437 Avondale, OKC, 842.1000 $$$

atmosphere and outstanding service, make a truly memorable meal. 201 E Sheridan, OKC, 236.8040 $$$ MELTING POT, THE If the occasion is special, here’s where to make a meal into an event. Specializing in four-course fondue dinners, this elegant restaurant rewards time investments with delectable memories. 4 E Sheridan, OKC, 235.1000 $$$ METRO WINE BAR & BISTRO, THE A perennial favorite that feels comfortably upscale without exerting pressure to impress on its clientele, the far-reaching menu covers culinary high points from vichyssoise to crème brulée. 6418 N Western, OKC, 840.9463 $$ MICHAEL’S GRILL Thoroughly urbane dining in an elegant, intimate setting – the steaks, chops, seafood and pastas are excellent, and the Caesar salad prepared tableside is legendary. 2824 W Country Club, OKC, 810.9000 $$$ MUSEUM CAFÉ, THE A setting as inspiring as the Oklahoma City Museum of Art warrants something special in terms of cuisine… et puis voila. Ethereally light or delectably robust, this European-inspired menu delights for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. 415 Couch, OKC, 235.6262 $$

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NIKKELLETTE’S CAFÉ A selection of fresh salads and tasty sandwiches on homemade bread, served in a distinctive atmosphere: how many other cafes have tableside chandeliers? 2925 Lakeside Cir, OKC, 755.3560 $ NONNA’S EURO-RISTORANTE & BAR A cozily appointed, thoroughly opulent atmosphere housing distinctive cuisine, specialty drinks and live music in The Purple Bar and fresh-baked goodies to top off a grand evening. 1 Mickey Mantle, OKC, 235.4410 $$$ PARK AVENUE GRILL A one-of-a-kind dining experience inside the luxurious Skirvin Hilton, blending traditional steak and seafood cuisine with the high style of its original 1930s setting. 1 Park, OKC, 702.8444 $$$

HEFNER GRILL Hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood are served by courteous staff in conjunction with one of the best views in the city. 9201 Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 748.6113 $$

PASEO GRILL Quiet and intimate inside, cheerful and comfortable out on the patio, with an award-winning menu full of distinctive flavor combinations – try the duck salad. 2909 Paseo, OKC, 601.1079 $$$

LOTTINVILLE’S WOOD GRILLE Rotisserie chicken and wood-grilled salmon are the featured players among a host of Southwestern-influenced entrees, salads and panini; the Sunday brunch is epic. 801 Signal Ridge, Edmond, 341.2244 $$

ROCOCO RESTAURANT & FINE WINE An “east coast-style” restaurant, built around a diverse menu of hand-crafted international dishes from Penne Bolognese to Petrale Sole, set off by carefully selected wine and exceptional service. 12252 N May, OKC 212.4577; 2824 N. Pennsylvania, OKC 528.2824 $$

MANTEL WINE BAR & BISTRO, THE Marvelous steaks, seafood and other specialties (don’t miss the lobster bisque), combined with a refined, intimate

DWELLSTUDIO at Port Interiors

SEVEN47 A Campus Corner hotspot boasting sleek, swank décor, an appealingly

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broad menu including a tantalizing brunch and a consistently celebratory vibe make this winning combination. 747 Asp, Norman, 701.8622 $$

Jagerbraten and a variety of sausages, plus fantastisch house-brewed beers, make the time consumed a worthy investment. 3401 S Sooner, Moore, 799.7666 $$$

SIGNATURE GRILL Unassuming locale; magnificent culinary rewards. Chef Clay Falkner’s expertly considered menu mixes French and Italian techniques, presenting a wide spectrum of amazing flavors in a few select dishes. 1317 E Danforth, Edmond, 330.4548 $$$

HEALTHY | ECLECTIC

TASTING ROOM, THE Located in Will Rogers Theatre, this intimate space is a culinary stage for expert chefs to dazzle small groups. 4322 N Western, OKC, 604.3015 $$$ VIN DOLCE Primarily a venue for the endless, joyous pursuit of discovering the perfect glass of wine, downtown Edmond’s hot spot also serves gourmet tapas and homemade sweets. 16 S Broadway, Edmond, 285.5333 $$ WEST The staff is speedy, the décor sleek and modern, and the entrées – like bucatini with meatballs or roasted salmon and ratatouille – are wide-ranging but elegantly simple. 6714 N Western, OKC, 607.4072 $$

FRENCH LA BAGUETTE BISTRO Brothers Alain and Michel Buthion have firm roots in the city’s culinary landscape, and La Baguette combines fine dining (linger over multiple courses whenever possible) with an exceptional bakery, deli and butcher shop on site. 7408 N May, OKC, 840.3047 $$ WHISPERING PINES B&B A secluded getaway on the south end of Norman, this inn houses a treasure of a restaurant serving sumptuous, savory French-inspired cuisine in quiet comfort with first-class service. 7820 E Highway 9, Norman, 447.0202 $$$

GERMAN INGRID’S Authentic German fare at its best, including outstanding Oklahoma-made bratwurst. Join the Saturday regulars for breakfast and try the apple French toast, and no one can resist Ingrid’s bakery counter.

3701 N Youngs, OKC, 946.8444 $$ OLD GERMANY RESTAURANT Justly renowned for its Bavarian delights – the schnitzels, soups and cevapcici sausages are spectacular. Reservations strongly recommended; it’s a small place and dinner’s already a lengthy process without waiting in line. 15920 SE 29th, Choctaw, 390.8647 $$$ ROYAL BAVARIA Excellent renditions of traditional dishes like Wienerschnitzel,

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COOLGREENS This health-conscious establishment has a menu, but customization is encouraged; every available component in their salads, wraps and frozen yogurt is naturally delicious. 4 metro locations, coolgreens.com $$ EARTH NATURAL CAFÉ & DELI, THE Super, super fresh sandwiches, salads, soups and baked goods in one of the most vegetarian- and vegan-friendly menus you’ll ever see, plus organic fair-trade coffee and tea. 750 Asp, Norman, 573.5933 $ GREEN & GRILLED Steak, chicken, pork, veal or tofu grilled to order and served with fresh salads and sides, resulting in a balanced, filling, extremely tasty green meal for only a little green. 8547 N Rockwell, OKC, 563.2605 $ HEALTH NUT CAFÉ Fast food that’s also fresh and nutritious in the form of salads, wraps, melts, smoothies and more. Eat healthy, live happy! 333 NW 5th, Suite 104, OKC 601.1444; 920 N Lincoln, OKC 239.2233 $ LOCAL Utilizing some of the finest, freshest regionally sourced ingredients available to fuel chef Ryan Parrott’s creative cuisine, its menu changes seasonally but its welcoming full-family atmosphere is constant. 2262 W Main, Norman, 928.5600 $$ LUDIVINE The experience is never the same on successive visits, because the menu adjusts constantly to reflect availability of elite-quality, locally sourced ingredients.

805 N Hudson, OKC, 778.6800 $$$ MATTHEW KENNEY OKC Built with sustainability and raw cuisine preparation in mind, it’s a warm, modern setting in which to savor the unique and innovative menu crafted by the renowned raw food chef and author. 5820 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 842.1050 $$ PINK ELEPHANT CAFÉ On Main Street but off the beaten track, the green, healthconscious labor of local love has a small menu and constantly rotating daily specials to complement its earth-friendly vibe. 301 E Main, Norman, 307.8449 $

ICE CREAM | YOGURT IL DOLCE GELATO Rich, creamy and decadently delicious, with two dozen flavors daily handmade from scratch

Western Zest THE CUCUMBER JALAPENO MARGARITA Whiskey Chicks, 115 E. Reno in Bricktown 1 1/2 oz blanco tequila 1/2 oz triple sec 1/2 oz fresh squeezed lemon and lime juice 6 slices cucumber, thinly sliced 3 slices fresh jalapenos Garnished with house-made chili zest rim

on location; the cioccolato scuro is unbelievably sublime. 937 SW 25th St, Suite B, Moore, 794.7266; 1318 N Interstate Dr, Norman, 329.7744 $ ORANGE LEAF FROZEN YOGURT Dozens and dozens and dozens of decadent-tasting, waistline-friendly flavors, topped however you like since you’re making it yourself. Just don’t try them all at once, since it’s charged by the ounce. 8 metro locations, orangeleafyogurt.com $ PASSIONBERRI An oasis for the dessert lover whose sweet tooth is tempered by a healthy mindset, the menu includes self-serve frozen yogurt and toppings, tea and new passion sweet crepes. 1204 N Interstate Dr, Norman 701.8898; 1236 E. Alameda, Norman 801.2233 $

PEACHWAVE YOGURT A full 50 flavors – every one low-fat or non-fat – conveyed to your taste buds via the finest, freshest ingredients in completely delicious customized combinations. 3 metro locations, peachwaveyogurt.com $

INDIAN AJANTA CUISINE OF INDIA Find appealing possibilities at the busy lunch buffet or delve into the menu’s tandoori treasures – the hardest part is choosing.

12215 N Pennsylvania, OKC, 752.5283 $$ GOPURAM – TASTE OF INDIA A fullservice Indian establishment whose richly

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You're Bold, Creative, Intelligent & Pioneering. appointed interior and attentive staff give the feel of fine dining, even during the inexpensive and plentiful lunch buffet. 4559 NW 23rd, OKC, 948.7373 $$

century, then you must be doing something right. In this case, that something right is incredible pizza in jovial surroundings. 7 metro locations, hideawaypizza.com $$

KHAZANA INDIAN GRILL Don’t let the thought of a buffet throw you off this place.

The food is superior and very fresh; the staff is delightful. New to Indian food? Alert a server and you will be guided through the cuisine. 4900 N May, OKC, 948.6606 $$

HUMBLE PIE PIZZERIA There’s really no need to be humble about pizza made the way a true Chicago pizzeria would make it.

Take your choice of toppings and relish what is quite possibly the best crust known to man. 1319 S Broadway, Edmond, 715.1818 $

MISAL OF INDIA BISTRO A Norman institution for over 30 years, specializing in tandoori-cooked delicacies and boasting healthy, natural, delicious cuisine, served amid splendid ambiance. 580 Ed Noble Pkwy, Norman, 579.5600 $$

JOEY’S PIZZERIA A creative pizzeria on OKC’s Film Row, Joey’s serves first-rate appetizers and salads along with its mouthwatering pies. Can’t get enough? Have your pizza, then have another for dessert; The Surfer Dude can pinch hit as entrée or dessert. 700 W Sheridan, OKC, 525.8503 $$

TAJ CUISINE OF INDIA A tremendous selection of Indian staples and delicacies – the menu has sections for vegetarian, tandoori, South Indian and Indo-Chinese specialties – plus full lunch and dinner buffets. 1500 NW 23rd, OKC, 601.1888 $$

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

NOMAD II A classic old-school Italian restaurant (the pizza is especially popular) that also serves excellent steaks and fried chicken, and offers a slice of OKC history through its décor. 7301 N May, OKC, 843.4557 $$ OTHELLO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Garlic bread and mussels to tiramisu and coffee – everything you’d hope for from a romantic, comfortably shabby Italian café.

The adjoining bar regularly hosts live local music. 434 Buchanan, Norman, 701.4900 $$

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

OTHELLO’S OF EDMOND A sister restaurant to the original Othello’s in Norman, it offers a similarly welcoming atmosphere and menu, with its own spin courtesy of a historic location and customers’ culinary contributions. 1 S Broadway, Edmond, 330.9045 $$

CAFFE PRANZO The atmosphere raises first-time diners’ hopes; the execution exceeds them. Classic dishes, as well as less ubiquitous options that should be better known, are elevated to greatness. 9622 N May, OKC, 755.3577 $$

PAPA DIO’S Three generations of the Bonadio family offer an ample menu of new and classic dishes – Tuscan fusion, anyone?

– in separate dining rooms for casual or more refined dining. 10712 N May, OKC, 755.2255 $$

FALCONE’S More than a pizza place, although the “by the slice” is terrific, it encourages experimentation via a deli counter of imported Italian meats, chesses and delicacies. 6705 N May, OKC, 242.2222 $

SERGIO’S ITALIAN BISTRO Traditional, fresh Italian food – the pasta chips and Shrimp Fra Diavolo come recommended – in a comfy little hideaway with a cheerful, welcoming atmosphere. 104 E Gray, Norman, 573.7707 $

FLIP’S WINE BAR & TRATTORIA Managing to feel rustic despite its location in a busy corridor of OKC, this cozy Italian joint keeps extended hours, and tends to get busier and louder as the hour gets later.

5801 N Western, OKC, 843.1527 $$

SOPHABELLA’S CHICAGO GRILL A quiet, classy gem offering premier tastes from Chicago and beyond – the menu includes Coquilles St. Jacques alongside pepperoni rolls – in comfort and style. 7628 N May, OKC, 879.0100 $$$

GABERINO’S HOMESTYLE ITALIAN Finding a seat can be tricky - the handful of tables generally stay filled, possibly due to the powerful aromas, tender pasta and savory sauces that make up the family recipes the owners are happy to share. 283 34th Ave SW, Norman, 310.2229 $

SPAGHETTI WAREHOUSE, THE A family destination since 1989 and one of the initial harbingers of the Bricktown renaissance, it delivers immense servings of piping hot pasta and 15-layer lasagna with cheerful enthusiasm. 101 E Sheridan, OKC, 235.0402 $$

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UPPER CRUST WOOD FIRED PIZZA A chic, contemporary restaurant in Classen Curve, this uptown pizzeria and wine bar specializes in wood-fired, thin crust New York style pies complemented by a full menu and wine list. 5860 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 842.7743 $$ VICTORIA’S PASTA SHOP A shabbycomfortable atmosphere with local art on its walls and the art of pasta on its plates – the chicken lasagna and linguine with snow crab are especially excellent. 327 White, Norman, 329.0377 $ VITO’S RISTORANTE Homestyle Italian cuisine in an intimate setting where the staff and management treat customers like guests in their home. It’s a small space, so calling ahead is recommended. 7521 N May, OKC, 848.4867 $$ WEDGE, THE Wood-fired pizzas crafted from fresh ingredients and made-fromscratch sauces; there’s a build-yourown option if the house specialties’ unconventional toppings (figs, truffle oil, walnuts) don’t appeal. 230 NE 1st, OKC 270.0660; 4709 N Western, OKC 602.3477 $$

JAPANESE | SUSHI FUJI JAPANESE RESTAURANT Traditional Nipponese staples like sukiyaki and pork tonkatsu plus a good range of sushi from simple single-ingredient showcases to wildly complex concoctions. 2805 S Broadway, Edmond, 348.7688 $$ FULL MOON SUSHI Mango salsa, chive oil, crème fraiche, “cherry death sauce”… you won’t find fresh, marvelously creative combinations like these elsewhere. Expect to spend some time poring over the extensive menu, and definitely try the Devil’s Advocate.

326 E Main, Norman, 535.6548 $$ GOGO SUSHI The name reflects the restaurant’s attitude toward speed and convenience, but doesn’t mention the robust menu or tantalizing specials. Go go check it out! 1611 S Service Rd, Moore 794.3474; 432 NW 10th, OKC 602.6333 $$ IN THE RAW DUNWELL SUSHI A chic, colorful, open-concept restaurant on the Bricktown canal offering excellent sushi, even more impressive specialty rolls and a wide assortment of sake. Try the bananas tempura for dessert. 200 S Oklahoma, OKC, 702.1325 $$ MUSASHI’S Exquisitely flavorful Japanese cuisine prepared with genuine artistry, thanks to the skilled chefs performing at tableside hibachi grills. Nobody does the

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onion volcano better. 4315 N Western, OKC, 602.5623 $$ PACHINKO PARLOR A uniquely Oklahoman spin on Eastern cuisine, featuring sushi rolls made with ingredients like fried chicken or chorizo sausage alongside more classic preparations of noodle and rice dishes. 1 NW 9th, OKC, 601.8900 $$ SHIKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT A boisterous, high-energy meal off the hibachi menu, or a quieter repast of reliably fresh, high-quality sushi – either way, diners win.

14041 N May, OKC 751.8989; 4406 W Reno, OKC 947.0400 $$ SUSHI BAR, THE Sushi staples done with élan, as well as options starring more adventurous ingredients like sweet potato and jack cheese, in a bustling, comfortable environment. 1201 NW 178th, OKC, 285.7317 $$ SUSHI NEKO An established OKC favorite combining style (sleek, brisk, classy) with substance (in the form of an especially wideranging and creative sushi menu). Flavor favors the bold! 4318 N Western, OKC, 528.8862 $$ TOKYO JAPANESE RESTAURANT It’s neither huge nor lavishly appointed, and the menu focuses more on traditional dishes than experimental flights of fancy; it is, however, palpably fresh and routinely cited as among the metro’s best. 7516 N Western, OKC, 848.6733 $$

MEDITERRANEAN AVANTI BAR & GRILL Gather around the hammered copper bar for the casual elegance of Italy and the Mediterranean with contemporary twists: crab falafel, bolognese pizza, osso bucco and more. 13509 Highland Park, OKC, 254.5200 $$ COUS COUS CAFÉ Massive flavor comes packed into this small space; an impressive balancing act among the payload of spices elevates the kabobs, shawarmas, tagines and other Moroccan hits. 6165 N May, OKC, 286.1533 $ LET’S DO GREEK A versatile menu of Mediterranean standards, with many flavors available in salads, pitas or arepas, distinguishes this family endeavor – and the curry chicken stew is exceptional. 180 W 15th, Edmond, 285.8898 $ MEDITERRANEAN IMPORTS & DELI Selected groceries and a menu stocked with options from a simple Greek salad to eyewatering cabbage rolls; the food is authentic, quick and spectacular. 5620 N May, OKC, 810.9494 $ NUNU’S MEDITERRANEAN CAFÉ & MARKET The tangy, tantalizing, fresh

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and healthy flavors that characterize the cuisine of Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine and their neighbors, faithfully reproduced from generations-old recipes. 3131 W Memorial, OKC, 751.7000 $ QUEEN OF SHEBA Practically the definition of a hidden treasure, an excellently spiced, extremely vegan-friendly menu of varied Ethiopian delights awaits the adventurous. Bring friends and be prepared to linger. 2308 N MacArthur, OKC, 606.8616 $$ ZORBA’S MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE For over 20 years, Zorba’s has satisfied appetites and pleased adventurous palates.

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

MEXICAN | LATIN 1492 1492 offers authentic Mexican cuisine in an elegant atmosphere, a fusion decor with an open bar, possibly the best mojitos in the universe and a romantic setting. 1207 N Walker, OKC, 236.1492 $$ ABEL’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT Tex-Mex necessities like enchiladas and tacos are plentiful, while authentic flavor really shines in steak and pork specialties. Bonus points for the Huervos Chorizo. 5822 NW 50th, OKC 491.0911; 6901 S May, OKC 686.7160 $ ABUELO’S MEXICAN FOOD EMBASSY In a word: huge. The restaurant itself, the variety, the plates, the flavors, the experience. No passport required. 17 E Sheridan, OKC 235.1422; 3001 W Memorial, OKC 755.2680 $$ ALVARADO’S MEXICAN Options abound – from creamy, dreamy chicken tortilla soup to sopapillas with brandy butter sauce made to order – for a Mexican feast leaving customers full and fully satisfied. 1000 E 2nd, Edmond, 359.8860 $$ BIG TRUCK TACOS It’s nearly always standing room only at lunch, but don’t let that stop you – shove an elbow in at the counter and enjoy fast, fresh, imaginative taco creations. 530 NW 23rd, OKC, 525.8226 $ CAFÉ ANTIGUA Breakfast and lunch are both served until close, making it twice as hard for the midday diner to choose from the double lineup of intriguing Guatemalan specialties. 1903 N Classen, OKC, 602.8984 $ CAFÉ DO BRASIL OKC is a long way from Rio, but the supremely savory menu in this Midtown hot spot covers the distance in a mouthful. Even brunch is a spicy, inimitable treat. 440 NW 11th, OKC, 525.9779 $$

CAFÉ KACAO A sunlit space filled with bright, vibrant flavors from the zesty traditions of Guatemalan cooking. Lunch possibilities beckon, but it’s the breakfast (and brunch) specialties that truly dazzle.

3325 N Classen, OKC, 602.2883 $ CANTINA LAREDO A sophisticated take on traditional Mexican food, specializing in fresh fish specials and certified Angus beef dishes. 1901 NW Expressway (in Penn Square Mall), OKC, 840.1051 $$

AT FI F T Y PEN N PL ACE

CARNITAS MICHOACAN On beyond Tex-Mex! This walk-up taqueria-style destination serves specialties from its namesake southern Mexican state, including asada, pollo, cabeza and even lengua dishes. 306 W Edmond Rd, Edmond, 341.0356 $ CASA DE LOS MILAGROS MEXICAN RESTAURANT If you’re searching for quality Mexican food that’s accompanied by an appealing aesthetic, look no further than Milagros: their casa es su casa. 5111 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 286.9809 $$ CASA PERICO MEXICAN GRILLE If success involves doing what you love, and doing it well, the family behind these wellloved and enduring Tex-Mex depots are clearly doing nearly everything right. 12219 N Pennsylvania, OKC 755.1506; 4521 NW 63rd, OKC 721.3650 $$ CHELINO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT How do you find some of the metro’s fastest, most frequented Tex-Mex? Look around – there’s probably a Chelino’s nearby. An Oklahoma flavor empire spanning from Norman to Edmond, its substantial menu includes a bevy of lunch specials. 11 metro locations, chelinosmexicanrestaurant.com $$

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CHUY’S If you’re just feeling a trifle peckish, you might have your hands full with this one – the portions are substantial, the Hatch chile-fueled flavors are strong and the vibe is playfully enthusiastic. 760 N. Interstate Dr, Norman, 360.0881 $$ DIEGO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT The proprietors’ personal investment (there’s a family tree on the menu) and pride in their Central Mexican culinary heritage fuel the marinades and specialty dishes in this charming little café. 1501 NW 23rd, OKC, 525.1700 $$ EL POLLO CHULO Chicken, steak and seafood options marinated in limes Spanish-style and grilled for healthy flavor make for a lean, inexpensive, savory meal.

5805 NW 50th, OKC, 792.2300 $ FUZZY’S TACO SHOP At home in hightraffic areas because it helps create crowds, Fuzzy’s dishes up jumbo burritos and big, flavorful salads – and, with special serious emphasis, shrimp tacos – quickly and in plenitude. 752 Asp, Norman 701.1000; 208 Johnny Bench, OKC 602.3899 $

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DAVID COBB

shines in South dishes featuring plantains, yuca and imported spices. 706 S Broadway, Edmond, 330.6400 $$

SEAFOOD BIG TUNA FISH JOINT, THE Large, fast and fresh, with a casual vibe, counter service and a menu filled with handbattered seafood flown in daily and a varied drink selection – a prime port of call in Brookhaven Village. 3720 W Robinson, Norman, 928.5250 $$

TIGER SHRIMP COCKTAIL AT LA CUEVA GRILL

IGUANA MEXICAN GRILL Whether “down by the railroad tracks” or returning to its roots in Nichols Hills Plaza, Iguana offers unique Mexican flavor in a fun atmosphere at reasonable prices, including awesome deals on Taco Tuesdays. 9 NW 9th, OKC 606.7172; 6482 Avondale, OKC 607.8193 $$ INCA TRAIL Maintaining a cultural culinary heritage that includes flavors from around the world results in great variety, from piquant ceviches to silky-smooth homemade flan. The Pollo a La Brasa comes highly recommended. 10948 N May, OKC, 286.0407 $$ JUAN DEL FUEGO Blueberry pancakes to beef quesadillas, this “Mexi Diner” in Redbud Plaza dishes up breakfast and lunch standards from both sides of the border for a devoted, and expanding, clientele. 223 34th Ave SW, Norman, 310.2030 $ LA CUEVA GRILL Homestyle Mexican just north of downtown OKC, the menu is an appealing mix of old and new dishes, and the breakfast burrito with egg and chorizo is not to be missed. 409 N Walker, OKC, 604.0523 $ LA LUNA MEXICAN CAFÉ Its cantina-style atmosphere is undeniably festive, and only adds to the enjoyment of classic fajitas, enchiladas and bolder dishes like the carne ranchera. 409 W Reno, OKC, 235.9596 $$ MAMA ROJA MEXICAN KITCHEN A festive atmosphere on the scenic shores of Lake Hefner sets off a menu loaded with hand-rolled tamales, vendor-style tacos and signature dishes. 9219 E Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 302.6262 $$

incorporates the combined flavors of four continents. 2551 W Hemphill, Norman, 573.4003 $$ MARGARITA’S RESTAURANTE MEXICANO The menu offers comfortably familiar favorites, and the real draw is the exceptional execution: always fresh, never greasy, reliably delicious. 7800 N May, OKC, 848.8394 $$

JAZMO’S BOURBON STREET CAFÉ Its upscale yet casual environment and Cajun and Creole-inspired selections provide a nice backdrop for both a night out in Bricktown and watching the big game at the bar with a bowl of gumbo. 100 E California, OKC, 232.6666 $$

PEPE DELGADO’S Fast service, consistent quality and proximity to campus make Pepe’s a packed house during the lunch rush, as students and faculty keep coming back for more Mexican classics. 752 Asp, Norman, 321.6232 $

PEARL’S CRABTOWN A 20,000-foot Bricktown warehouse is home to Crabtown, where the Cajun Crab Boil is a favorite and guests are encouraged to “leave the silverware at home and dig in.” 303 E Sheridan, OKC, 232.7227 $$

PURPLE BURRO Casual and lighthearted (if you couldn’t guess from the name), it specializes in New Mexican cuisine fueled by the heat of green chiles in classics like chicken enchiladas and chile verde stew. 231 S Coltrane, Edmond, 359.8400 $$

PEARL’S FISH HOUSE The fun, fresh taste of Pearl’s seafood and Cajun specialties just got faster – a streamlined menu and speedy ordering system make it ideal for a brief lunch or dinner on the go. 1920 S Meridian, OKC, 688.9888 $

TARAHUMARA’S CAFÉ & CANTINA Beloved by locals (there’s usually a line but it moves quickly), this airy, unassuming ristorante serves huge, tasty portions of TexMex classics plus less ubiquitous fare like carnitas de puerco and mole poblano. 702 N Porter, Norman, 360.8070 $$

PEARL’S OYSTER BAR A perennial winner in “best of the metro” polls for its fresh, flavorful seafood and spicy Creole-inspired dishes: Shrimp Diablo, Tabasco Caesar salads and more. 5641 N Classen, OKC, 848.8008 $$

TED’S CAFÉ ESCONDIDO The gold standard of OKC-area Tex-Mex: residents may prefer another eatery, but when they attempt to make converts, Ted’s is the point of comparison. Fast, fresh and amply portioned, it’s often very crowded and always supremely delicious. 4 metro locations, tedscafe.com $$

MAMASITA’S A popular watering hole due to its spacious patio and prime location on the south side of Nichols Hills Plaza, it also offers a full menu – try the tortilla soup! 1121 NW 63rd, OKC, 848.0541 $

TRE’S TAQUERIA Y CANTINA A trio of cuisines – Spanish, New Mexican and South – provide distinctive flavors for diners in selections ranging from daily tapas specials to hallacas (Venezuelan tamales), finished with exquisite tres leches cake. 305 E Main, Norman, 701.8282 $$

MAMAVECA MEXICAN RESTAURANT A tasty take on familiar Mexican favorites plus a rare treat for culinary explorers: the diverse delights of Peruvian cuisine, which

ZARATE’S LATIN MEXICAN GRILL And now for something a trifle different: In addition to the familiar joys of enchiladas and chimichangas, the chef’s Peruvian heritage

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FISH CITY GRILL Shrimp and grits, tilapia po boys, oysters on the half shell… anyone who secretly wishes Oklahoma had a coastline should feel right at home in this Spring Creek Village stopover. 1389 E 15th, Edmond, 348.2300 $$

SHACK SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR, THE A massive selection of nicely spiced Cajun and Creole cooking, plus fried and grilled seafood, in an atmosphere that’s as casual as can be. 303 NW 62nd, OKC, 608.4333 $$ STEAK & CATFISH BARN Rustic in the extreme inside and out, but it’s hard to argue with the ample portions of deliciously breaded and fried catfish – especially since they can be augmented by an all-youcan-eat option. Juicy steaks too. 5175 E Waterloo, Edmond, 341.7300 $$

SOUL FOOD MAMA E’S WINGS & WAFFLES Now with two locations after a star turn on The Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and

Dives,” this labor of love is adored by locals looking for classic Southern dishes flavored with authenticity. 3838 Springlake, OKC 424.0800; 900 W Reno, OKC 231.1190 $

STEAKHOUSE BOULEVARD STEAKHOUSE Perfectly soigné ambiance down to the least detail and cuisine easily ranking among the metro’s elite – a sumptuous, if expensive, masterpiece. 505 S Boulevard, Edmond, 715.2333 $$$ CATTLEMEN’S STEAKHOUSE The very definition of an Oklahoma institution – it’s over 100 years old in a state that’s only 103 – its immense corn-fed steaks and irreproducible atmosphere are history served anew every day. 1309 S Agnew, OKC, 236.0416 $$ CIMARRON STEAK HOUSE Historians beware: there’s a good deal of campy ol’-timeyness in the restaurant’s design and décor… but if you’re after an inexpensive mesquite-grilled steak and a bit of Old West sideshow spirit, get in line. 210 N Meridian, OKC, 948.7778 $$ HAUNTED HOUSE, THE A quaint estate renowned for its spooky past (its name is no accident, folks) and being a tad difficult for newcomers to find, The Haunted House is legendary for its steak, lobster and quirky charm. 7101 Miramar, OKC, 478.1417 $$$ HOLLIE’S FLATIRON STEAKHOUSE This plush, cozy restaurant in front of the Warren Theatre features fresh, tasty entrees seared on a flatiron grill and a kick of Southwestern spice running through the menu. 1199 Service Rd, Moore, 799.0300 $$ JAMIL’S STEAKHOUSE Saving room for your steak, lobster or prime rib is difficult when your gratis appetizers arrive in the form of a Lebanese bounty, but make the effort. Jamil’s has been feeding Oklahoma exceptionally well since 1964. 4910 N Lincoln, OKC, 525.8352 $$ JUNIOR’S Some of the biggest oil deals in boom and bust days were finalized at this landmark Oil Center building restaurant, where hand-cut Angus steaks and lobster fight for attention with knockout fried chicken. 2601 NW Expressway, OKC, 848.5597 $$$ MAHOGANY PRIME STEAKHOUSE The service is outstanding and the ambience casually welcoming, but the star is the steak: the finest hand-selected custom-aged beef, broiled to perfection and served sizzling and delicious. It’s where great steak is the rule, not the exception. 3241 W Memorial, OKC, 748.5959 $$$ MICKEY MANTLE’S STEAKHOUSE Named after a legendary Oklahoman, this

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lushly atmospheric social spot in Bricktown serves powerhouse entrées, sides and amenities that have become the stuff of legends themselves. 7 S Mickey Mantle, OKC, 272.0777 $$$ OPUS PRIME STEAKHOUSE Aspiring to the ultimate in upscale dining via hand-cut USDA Prime Black Angus steaks, a wine selection comprising over 1,000 labels and an ambiance of intimate elegance. 800 W Memorial, OKC, 607.6787 $$$ RANCH STEAKHOUSE Driven by customaged hand-cut USDA Certified Prime tenderloins and ribeyes, the effortlessly opulent Ranch offers exceptional food, warm hospitality and unbridled Southern comfort. 3000 W Britton, OKC, 755.3501 $$$

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RED PRIMESTEAK Visionary design and atmosphere house super-premium steaks that are among the state’s very finest, accompanied by vibrant, imaginative flavors and refined amenities to make world-class dining. 504 N Broadway, OKC, 232.2626 $$$

THAI PAD THAI Dine in comfortably or quickly carry out beautifully executed exemplars of the form: delicately flavored or searingly spiced soups, curries, fried rice and noodle dishes like its namesake. 119 W Boyd, Norman, 360.5551 $ SALA THAI Pineapple curry, basil squid, fried rice with crab, cinnamon beef with rice noodles... the variety is exceptional, and the inexpensive create-your-own lunch special makes it a popular midday option. 1614 NW 23rd, OKC, 528.8424 $

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SWEET BASIL THAI CUISINE The enormous aquarium adds to Sweet Basil’s cozy ambiance, which when coupled with its outstanding curries and soups recommends it as a date spot. Be aware that it is on the higher end of Norman’s price range for Thai.

211 W Main, Norman, 217.8424 $$ TANA THAI BISTRO There’s a lot to like about the food in this little spot, from the red snapper filet to the plain old (so to speak) pad thai. Pay special attention to the soups, and do not play chicken with the spice level. 10700 N May, OKC, 749.5590 $$ THAI KITCHEN CAFÉ Downtown OKC is peppered with cafes catering to the lunch rush, but evening hours, a packed lunch buffet and quality cuisine make this easily overlooked café stand out. 327 Dean A. McGee, OKC, 236.0229 $ THAI KUMKOON What it lacks in seating capacity and lavish décor, it more than makes up for in flavor, buffet convenience and budget consciousness for patrons – plus,

the Evil Jungle Chicken is an absolute must.

1347 W Lindsey, Norman, 329.9790 $

VIETNAMESE CORIANDER CAFÉ Updating traditional Vietnamese recipes with modern sensibilities via local ingredients, this vegetarian-friendly café makes a quick, casual, comfortable dining alternative. 323 White, Norman, 801.3958 $ LIDO Spring rolls to vermicelli bowls, this venerable diner runs the gamut of Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine, and even finds room for a few French specialties. 2518 N Military, OKC, 521.1902 $$ MR. PHO It abuts the riotous variety of Super Cao Nguyen market, so it’s not surprising that Mr. Pho is exceptionally fresh and its menu is far-reaching: from pork vermicelli to whole Cornish hens. 1133 NW 25th, OKC, 525.7692 $ PHO BULOUS Super fresh, super fast, reasonably priced and perhaps Edmond’s finest take on the namesake soup… although some of the specialties like Honey Ginger Chicken or Wasabi Salmon also merit closer inspection. 3409 S Broadway, Edmond, 475.5599 $ PHO CA DAO Vermicelli bowls, rice platters and even banh xeo crepes are there for investigating, but the main draw is still piping hot pho (with choice of meat) and icy cold bubble tea. 2431 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 521.8819 $ PHO SAIGON Can’t decide between Vietnamese and Thai? The spicy noodle broth in this casual restaurant’s name is a standout, but the proprietors have happily added some of their native Thai cuisine to the menu as well. 2800 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 525.1110 $ SAIGON BAGUETTE Fast and flavorful – and unbelievably cheap – this cash-only counter in the Milk Bottle Building just north of Western packs a distinctive Vietnamese punch into fresh sandwiches and knockout egg rolls. 2426 N Classen, OKC, 524.2660 $

Spread the Word Have an addition that you’d like us to consider for Edibles & Libations? 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.

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august 2012 | slice 89

WANDERLUST l GETTING AWAY

Don Quixote REDUX

90 slice | august 2012

GETTING AWAY l WANDERLUST

Don Quixote REDUX Story and photos by Elaine Warner

Don Quixote is frequently cited as “the first modern novel.” I hadn’t read it when I was invited to explore the Spain of Don Quixote, so I thought I’d better do some catching up. The magnum opus of Miguel de Cervantes was published in two parts – the first in 1605, the second in 1615. Written in an age devoid of instant entertainment, the book is looooong – weighing enough that I decided to read it on my Kindle.

I had barely made inroads into the text when my trip began…

august 2012 | slice 91

WANDERLUST l GETTING AWAY

Alcalá de Henares

Alcalá, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra (1547-1616) and visitors can tour the simple, two-story house where he was born. Although not furnished with any of the Cervantes family’s furniture, the house is decorated in 16th-century style.

Once you’ve made this obligatory stop,

just enjoy the city. Wander down narrow streets and through the central plaza.

Stop by the Archbishop’s Palace where the “Catholic Kings,” the soubriquet for King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, met with Columbus. Be sure and look up for the storks which make huge, messy nests on rooftops and chimneypots.

Our accommodations on this press

trip were in a variety of paradores, government-owned accommodations noted for historic significance or locations of great beauty. The parador in Alcalá incorporates a 17th-century convent into a 21st-century facility complete with high-tech electronics and a super spa.

Each parador restaurant highlights

local favorite foods and traditions. National favorites like paella, gazpacho and migas have regional variations, but each distinct area has dishes particularly associated with them. Here it was a wonderful almond custard and puff pastry dessert called “costrada.”

Breakfasts at the paradores were typically elaborate buffets with cheeses, meats, hot dishes, pastries, fruits, even salads and desserts – and every one had a variation of paté – sometimes on bread like a little sandwich, other times, simply a scoop on a spoon. It was a guilty pleasure I anticipated daily.

Courtyard at the Parador at Alcalá de Henares, built around the 17th-century St. Thomás Convent and School

92 slice | august 2012

Accommodations in Alcalá

GETTING AWAY l WANDERLUST

Casa de Medrano cell in Argamasilla de Alba, where Cervantes supposedly began Don Quixote.

The Book and the Author

Throughout his life, Cervantes struggled to make a living. He served in the army, was captured by pirates, worked as a civil servant collecting provisions for the Spanish Armada and collected taxes. He was imprisoned several times and is thought to have started Don Quixote during one of these enforced sojourns.

Many believe that it was while being jailed (actually locked in a wine cellar!)

in Argamasilla de Alba that Cervantes began his magnum opus. In this town, there was an unfortunate nobleman who, in 1601, suffering from mental disabilities, donated a painting to the local church in hopes that the Virgin Mary would cure him. It is thought that Cervantes, inspired by the story and the inscription on the painting, created his main character in a similar vein.

Don Quixote, his brain addled by reading too many stories of chivalry, fan-

cies himself a knight and rides out searching for adventures which he will dedicate to “his lady,” Dulcinea del Toboso, another figment of his imagination.

Cervantes was rarely specific about locations in his book. He describes Don

Quixote as being from “a village of La Mancha, the name of which I have no desire to call to mind.” He neither confirmed nor denied guesses about specifics, Statue of Don Quixote outside the Cervantes house

leaving towns in the area to make their own claims to fame. august 2012 | slice 93

WANDERLUST l GETTING AWAY

Don Quixote, believing he’s under an enchantment, often

mistakes humble hovels for princely palaces, but he wouldn’t have had to go far to see the real thing. La Mancha, a huge plain, offers few geographic surprises – but occasionally it delivers a blockbuster. We had been driving through flat, sere fields when our driver turned off the main road and took a secondary track. Pulling off at a lookout spot, we were presented with a view of Alarcón, a medieval walled city and castle worthy of any fairy tale.

The castle, originally built by the Muslims in the eighth

century, has been restored and is now the Parador de Alarcón.

The regional dishes here still retain Moorish influence with eggplant being a favorite vegetable. Among the specialties we tried were eggplant fritters with Alcarria honey and lamb, saffron and rosemary stew with cauliflower cous cous.

Alarcón was captured by Alfonso VIII of Castile in 1184. The castle is now Parador de Alarcón.

In the Countryside

Consuegra provided a double dose of pleasure – a castle and

windmills. The 11 “molinos,” pristine white cylinders with black conical caps, each have names, including Sancho, Bolero and Mambrino. They stand close to a ruined 12th-century

Several of the book’s scenes take place at inns and Puerto Lá-

castle that is undergoing restoration.

pice’s Venta la Quijote, built in the 15th century, could easily have been one visited by Cervantes. The original well stands in the spacious courtyard. The walls are brightly whitewashed with brilliant blue trim. The roof tiles sport mossy beards and inside, giant pottery jugs hold enough wine for many merry evenings.

Perhaps no image is so widely known as that of Don Quix-

ote attacking windmills, thinking they are giants. We stopped at two different spots to see the historic structures, built between the 15th and 18th centuries. The sails are still now – these mechanical wonders having been supplanted by modern milling machines. But on special occasions, the sail frames are recovered with cloth and the giant arms swing in the wind.

The Venta la Quijote in Puerto Lápice dates before the time of Cervantes.

The Cheese Stands Alone

Don Quixote or not, you can’t mention La Mancha without talk-

ing about the cheese. The regional specialty is Queso Manchego – cheese made from the milk of Manchega sheep within the designated area of La Mancha. Like Champagne – if it ain’t from there, you can’t call it that!

I can’t say enough about the food of La Mancha. I tried things I

never thought I’d try – like morteruelo conquense (every meat but the kitchen sink: ham, rabbit, pig liver, partridge and more) and cheese ice cream (it was great)! The accommodations were first class; every Breakfast isn’t complete without cheese!

one was different – from the parador in Cuenca which overlooked a yawning gorge to the parador in Toledo with its panoramic view of the ancient city.

Plan Your Trip Visit www.parador.es and www.spain.info

94 slice | august 2012

I saw so many wonderful sights; it would take a book to include

them all. Perhaps that’s why Cervantes wrote such a massive tome. I hope to go back to Spain again someday to see more of this wonderful country – and maybe I will have finished Don Quixote by then.

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OPINION l TECHNOLOGY

A Contender of Note

By Michael Miller

A

t first glance, it looks like Samsung is out to steal some thunder from Apple and Amazon with the introduction of the Galaxy Note device. I got to play with one for the last

couple of weeks, and here are my impressions:

It’s bigger than the iPhone 4 (3.25" wide versus 2.5"), but still fits

nicely in my oversized hand. It has a built-in stylus that helps when you have fat fingers and enjoy using the stylus like I do. It has frontand rear-facing cameras with video and all the usual buttons, bells and whistles.

I like the home row, where you have some of the main controls for

the device, and I wish Apple would do the same thing. It’s nice to have the ability to go back or home or straight to Google from those keys.

So what’s cool about it? For starters, it handles media pretty well.

Streaming video over the Internet from YouTube worked very well and the sound quality is what I have come to expect from a portable device.

Android devices like this one seem to have a lot more built-in functions than their Apple counterparts. This phone is also 4G where it’s available (3G everywhere else), so in those areas your data and phone ser-

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vice are as fast as they can be. (The Apple 4 and 4s are 3G phones.)

Reading from the internet and from the Kindle app works very

well, and I like the larger screen size for this alone. Web surfing is really fast with a 1.5 GHz processor and a gig of RAM. The wi-fi chipset works with all the normal 802.11, which is what you are going to find in most hotspots. I have used it to download video and browse the Internet at home, and the speed was great.

The GPS system also works like a charm – in fact, with the size of

this screen, you can just use the Galaxy Note and get rid of your old GPS unit.

The downside? The battery life is okay, but charging time seems

pretty slow. The sound is not as clear as I would like at higher volumes, but is very clear at moderate levels.

A person with smaller hands would not be as comfortable holding

this device as someone my size, and it will not fit well into skinny jean pockets. On the other hand, it does fit into less restrictive jean pockets and jackets, where my Kindle Fire doesn’t.

I think of the Galaxy Note as a smaller cousin to the Kindle Fire

with a built-in phone. There is a niche out there that Samsung built the Galaxy to fill, and I think they have done a fine job.

A photographer, computer consultant and self-avowed “media junkie,” Michael Miller has spent 20 years learning the ins and outputs of desktop computers and small networks, hardware and software, while developing an abiding love for technology and its continually evolving impact on everyday life.

96 slice | august 2012

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OPINION l FITNESS

You might be surprised at how much time you spend on Facebook or playing Angry Birds. Just a few minutes here and there can add up to an hour or more each day. Cut out some of that screen time and you suddenly have a chance to squeeze at least 10 or 15 minutes of exercise into even the busiest day.

Be an active TV watcher. When

watching TV, make a point of doing some jumping jacks or push-ups during commercials. A little exercise during the commercial breaks can add up to almost 20 minutes of fitness for every hour of TV you watch. Instead of sitting in a chair when on the computer, try sit-

Time to Train I

By Robert Custer

’m amazed at the number of people

things you can’t control, and ask your-

who continue to ignore the loud

self what you should be doing today rath-

and clear messages our bodies

er than what you’re comfortable doing.

send. On one hand, we claim to value

Here are a few healthy changes we can

our health, but on the other we continue

all make:

to destroy it with terrible choices, habits

and behaviors… and excuses.

important for overall health and weight

What’s the number one excuse for

loss, but try hitting the sheets just 30

not working out? Survey says: “lack

minutes earlier so you can get up and

of time.” Sure, we’re all busy manag-

work out before your day starts. Work-

ing our different worlds and rushing

ing out in the morning has numerous

around here and there, but I can assure

benefits, including regulating appetite

you that there is someone even busier

and boosting energy, plus an A.M. sweat

than you are who is working out right

session ensures that your workout is

now. One of my favorite lines is from

checked off first thing each day instead

the great Zig Ziglar: “You have 24 hours

of falling by the wayside despite your

each day. During that time, you do those

best intentions in the evening.

things that you deem most important.”

If you look closer, you’ll discover that

a few days, record how much time you

you do have the time to work out.

spend browsing the Internet, checking

Start by controlling your control-

email, watching TV and playing video

lables. Stop wasting time and energy on

games on your computer and phone.

98 slice | august 2012

Wake up earlier. Sleep is definitely

Curb your media appetite. For just

ting on a stability ball, and take frequent breaks to stand up and move around.

Make it part of your routine. One

reason it’s so challenging to fit exercise into a busy schedule is because we’re not used to doing it. Heck, it takes time to brush your teeth in the morning, but you do it, don’t you? The key is to start making some form of exercise – whether it’s walking the dog, doing 10 minutes of yoga or going for a bike ride after dinner – a daily tradition, just like showering or hitting the coffee shop on the way to work. That takes the process of working out away from willpower and into habit.

Remember, exercise gives you ener-

gy and keeps you healthy to keep going in that busy life of yours. So don’t think of it as another to-do to squeeze into your already busy schedule. Instead, think of exercise as maintenance for your health and a way to de-stress and do something for yourself.

Is anything on your to-do list really

more important than your health?

Robert Custer is a motivational speaker, adrenaline junkie, world traveler and adventure enthusiast with over 20 years of leadership experience in health, fitness, wellness and nutrition – he shares his views on living well at betterfitnessdaily.com.

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OUT AND ABOUT l ON THE TOWN

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bluCENTER Bash, Bringing Up Bobby Party, Stella Artois & Slice Happy Hour 1 2

3

5 4

Photos by Claude Long 1 Jacqueline Fox, Denise Hare 2 Gray and Karen Frederickson 3 Brad and Patricia Walker 4 Deborah and Scott Senner 5 Caroline Cotton, Jennifer Lair 6 David and Maryann Johndrow, Cole Frates and Famke Janssen

100 slice | august 2012

6 More photos, gifts, reprints... all at www.sliceok.com

ON THE TOWN l OUT AND ABOUT

7

8

9

10

11

12

7 Molly Boren, Katie Young 8 Steve and Renee Knox, Jerry Hess 9 Clay and April Webber 10 Katie McDonnell, Blake Patton 11 Greg and Barbara Cable, Kathey Sandler and Al Moorad 12 Barry and Mary Ellen Hess, Greg Story 13 Seanae Flanagan, Casey Cornett 14 Kay Emde, Greg Emde

14

13

More photos, gifts, reprints... all at www.sliceok.com

august 2012 | slice 101

OUT AND ABOUT l ON THE TOWN

Redbud Breakfast at Bellini’s

2 1 Photos by Claude Long 1 Shelley Labarthe, Ladonna Horton, Kyla Turner 2 Patty Anthony, Michelle Landes, Lance Leffel, Amy Mitchell 3 Amy Mitchell, Kayla Blount 4 Lance Schmidt, Jonathon Dodson 5 Tsinena Thompson, Patty Anthony

3

4

5

Annie Oakley Society Luncheon 1

2

3

4

Photos by Claude Long 1 Meg Salyer, Reba McEntire 2 Linda Davis, Sandy Simon 3 Lynn Friess, Cathy Keating 4 Mike and Sheila Ingram 5 Kathy Shumway, Melissa Heaton, Lauren Heaton

5

102 slice | august 2012

More photos, gifts, reprints... all at www.sliceok.com

ON THE TOWN l OUT AND ABOUT

National Cowboy Museum’s Chuck Wagon Gathering 2

3

5

4 1 Photos by Claude Long 1 Gary Pratt, Baylee Pratt 2 Gabrielle Davis 3 Lucja Hecksher, Hunter Smith 4 Evan Cordon, Jade Sanders, Doug Sauter 5 Cheyenne Frerichs

Symphony Show House Gentlemen’s Night 1

3

Photos by Claude Long 1 Pete Delaney, Bruce Lawrence 2 Jason Dunnington, Brandon McMillian 3 Mac Troy, John Richels 4 Joel Levine, Mike Joseph

4 2

More photos, gifts, reprints... all at www.sliceok.com

august 2012 | slice 103

OUT AND ABOUT l ON THE TOWN

Go Red for Women

1

2

3 4 Photos by Justin Avera 1 Avilla Williams, Morgan Williams 2 Margie Jackson, Jan Masey 3 Gene Rainbolt, Rita Aragon, Yousef Khanfar, Jane Jayroe 4 Jen Jantzen, Liz Dueweke, Alyson Dykstra 5 Leslie Buford, Natalie Fix

5

Upward Transitions’ Havana Nights 1

Photos by Claude Long 1 Brent and Erin Herrmann 2 Phillip Mazaheri, Caitlin Dempsey 3 Shelly Quimby, Lynn Quimby 4 Lexi Stinson, Allie Byers 5 Lexi Dickens, Allison Lees

3

4 5

2

104 slice | august 2012

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ON THE TOWN l OUT AND ABOUT

OU Medical Center Edmond Ladies’ Night 1

Photos by Michael Miller

2

1 Martha Brown, Lynn Roach, Beth Buchinger 2 Dr. J. Dayne Petersen, Marilyn Mirtz 3 Sherry Parsell, Dr. Suman Rathbun, Stephani Coker 4 Josh Ogorek, April Sandefer, Drs. Jenny and Hamilton Le, Leslie Buford

3

4

Le Tour de Vin 2

Photos by Claude Long

3

1 Jeff Coyle, Barry Switzer 2 Jennifer and John Davenport 3 Melanie and Scott Moulton 4 Kathryn Selmon, Lucious Selmon, Zac Selmon 5 Susie Pickett, Laurie Wynn

1 4

More photos, gifts, reprints... all at www.sliceok.com

5

august 2012 | slice 105

OUT AND ABOUT l ON THE TOWN

TRMG Law Firm Show House Party 2

Photos by Claude Long

4

1 Brooke and Lane Peyton, Toby and Kyndra McKinstry 2 Rhonda and Jeff Davis 3 Larry and Christy Grable 4 Dale and Linda Hageman

1 3

Oklahoma @ the Movies

1 2

3

Photos by Claude Long 1 Richard Hatcher, Carol Hansen 2 Bob Blackburn, Ida Blackburn, Anne and Dick Workman 3 Robert Peters, Angelia Smith, Joe Stewart 4 Ann and Kevin McGehee, Kathy Steely, Joe Steely

4 106 slice | august 2012

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OUT AND ABOUT l ON THE TOWN

Wine, Women and Shoes

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LAST LAUGH l YOU HAVEN’T CHANGED A BIT?

Let’s Do the Time Warp Again

By Lauren Hammack

M

y high school reunion is over. Consequently, my

DO remember that your classmates have probably just whit-

pre-Class Reunion Deprivation Program has

ened their teeth, too.

come to a celebratory end as well. Relieved to

have the pre-reunion pressure off, I’ve spent the day eating as though I’m a triathlete or a prisoner without a last-minute re-

DO feel free to wax on about what a mistake it was to break up with (insert name here) if you’re speaking with that person.

prieve from the governor. The Bavarian Cream chocolate long

DON’T introduce any classmate to your spouse as “the one

john I ate for breakfast today was soon followed by a Johnnie’s

who got away.”

Number 3 chili cheeseburger and an apple fritter the size of a Frisbee®. Glorious.

This was a milestone class reunion that I still refuse to men-

tion out loud, not so much because the words stick in my throat, but because I routinely lie about not yet being alive when Reagan was shot. Seeing my classmates, and looking just as old as they do, was alarming.

Fortunately, Facebook has pre-united us in re-

cent years and has prepared me for the shock of encountering the older, balder, fatter and much more wrinkled versions of my former classmates.

On the other hand, seeing me in real life

– outside the Photoshopped fantasy world I’ve been reveling in for years on Facebook – must have been like looking into a solar eclipse for my classmates.

Let this be a cautionary tale for those of you

DON’T think for a minute that the person hearing about these things would trade places with you.

DON’T talk about anything related to: insurance, bad luck,

If you are now growing hair anywhere on your body other than your head, DON’T mistake this as appropriate or interesting reunion conversation.

Now unshackled from my triple Spanx®, I’ve noticed

blood flow returning to my head and, along with it, I’m experiencing an increased clarity of mind about reunions in general.

life in general.

things you’d like to sell, your assorted illnesses or

whose reunions are coming up.

DO talk about all the good parts of your career, your kids, your

Here, I’ve compiled a handy, tear-and-keep sheet of Reunion

DOs and DON’Ts worth noting.

any impromptu, off-site reunions later in the evening.

DO thank everyone you remember as having always been nice to you in school.

DO buy a drink for anyone you treated poorly in high school.

DON’T believe that, just because you were interesting many years ago, you’re still interesting now.

If you were never interesting, DO use the reunion as your excuse to make up any life you’d like.

DON’T believe that, just because you were a part-time felon many years ago, your reunion is the appropriate venue for a sermon. Unless, of course, you’re now a pontiff. And in that case, take the night off.

DO keep in mind that you’re about to walk into a time warp and

DO touch up your roots, trim your nostril hairs, lose a pound or

be ready for anything.

two and wear something nice.

DON’T gasp audibly at anything you may see or hear inside the

DON’T call in sick (or fat) as your reason for not showing up.

time warp.

Say you’re hang gliding in Costa Rica or studying marine biol-

DO leave your glasses – oh, yeah, and that chip you’ve been car-

ogy on Baja Island instead.

rying for decades – at home. Your impaired vision will make a

DO promise to stay in touch and keep that promise, even if you

nice stand-in for Photoshop while you’re talking to me.

can only stay connected via Facebook.

DO whiten your teeth prior to the reunion date.

DON’T believe for one minute that my Facebook photos have

DO lie through the aforementioned whitened teeth and tell someone how much you were looking forward to seeing him/her. You can get your yearbook out later to figure out who that person is.

110 slice | august 2012

been Photoshopped.

Want to comment on Lauren’s tales or share some of your own? Write to her at lauren.hammack@sliceok.com.

LAST LOOK l SUSAN DRAGOO

Time Passages

A rusty remnant of Eagle Park in Cache, Oklahoma, photographed on a hot August day by Susan Dragoo of Norman. Eagle Park closed over 25 years ago, but its most treasured historic building – the Quanah Parker Star House – is still host to Comanche events, though listed as “endangered” by Preservation Oklahoma.

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

112 slice | august 2012

Your front-row pass to college athletics in Oklahoma.

Coaches’ shows and press conferences

Game highlights and playbacks

Player interviews you won’t see anywhere else.

Go to Channel 1, FreeZone, Cox Local and select your favorite team.

600-0109 | cox.com Available to residential Cox Advanced TV customers in Oklahoma service areas. Cox Advanced TV and Cox Advanced TV receiver and remote rental required. Digital cable ready TV’s and other devices equipped with a CableCARD require a Cox digital set top receiver in order to receive On DEMAND programming. Programming subject to change. Installation, taxes, and fees additional. On DEMAND Channels cannot be recorded. Game Playbacks only available when license rights allow and not available for all University On DEMAND Channels. Other restrictions may apply. © 2012 Cox Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

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