March 2012

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CONTENTS

FEATURES

March 2012

24

Welcome to Middle-earth Size isn’t everything: New Zealand’s fairly minor landmass is home to major thrills, world-class scenery in multiple climates, welcoming attitudes and perhaps even a hobbit or two.

31

The Light of Day

Hidden by the sands of time, shrouded for millennia… now reemerged to help illuminate the history of ancient Israel.

An archaeological treasure makes its world debut at Armstrong Auditorium.

56

Live With What You Love

Home makeover expert Paul DiMeo, set to visit the OKC Home Show this month, shares a few thoughts on future projects, his TV tenure and the importance of prioritizing.

70

Fashion Forward

It’s a new era at venerable boutique Ruth Meyers, but owner Cindi Shelby – a longtime employee and friend of its namesake – explains the continuity of its most valuable asset: relationships.

84

Enchanted Season

There’s magic in the air as spring approaches; these dazzling fashions, staged with inspiration from the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre’s upcoming Fairy Tale Ball, are positively bewitching.

6 slice | march 2012

An Enthusiastic Spirit

Moved by Russian artist Boris Chetkov’s exuberantly colorful modernist paintings, Nichols Hills vice mayor Peter Hoffman has helped arrange a substantial exhibit in the newly expanded Howell Gallery.

76

COME WHAT MAY

COUR AGE CONFIDENCE

DETERMINATION

BELIEF DOUBT DISAPPOINTMENT BEGIN

Success Story HOW DO YOU GROW A

Some believe in charting a course from point A to point B. But we think of it as getting from “once upon a time” to “happily ever after.” Because a life of success is really a story. A tale of trial and error, of ups and downs, and ultimately of triumph – usually hard won – hardly ever earned alone, but side by side. Together.

Like with Heritage Trust.

B. MICHAEL CARROLL president and ceo

Because we may never know what it’s truly like to walk in our clients’ shoes. But we promise we will know their path better than anyone else. And we will continue to guide them, walk beside them, and help them grow – ever after.

Growth

Trust

rooted in

trusts

oil & gas

real estate

financial planning

investments

405.848.8899 HeritageTrust.com

CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS

Letters

From the Editor 14 To the Editor 16

Spritz

This & That 17

Details

Spring: From Head to Toe 20

Wanderlust

Welcome to Middle-earth 24

Pursuits

Art - Music - Theater - Events 31

Spaces

Setting the Table 52 Live With What You Love 56 Expanding Possibilities 61

Living Well

84

A Grey (Water) Area 64 Maintain Your Brain 66 The Key to a New You 68

Marketplace

Fashion Forward 70

Get Smart

Burning Desire 75

Glimpse

An Enthusiastic Spirit 76 The Other Side of The Usual Suspects 80

Designers’ Notebook Enchanted Season 84

Fare

52

Edibles & Libations 97

Out & About On the Town 115

Last Laugh

SPF 0 126

Last Look

Charley Schmitz 128

8 slice | march 2012

97

24

Get Back to Your Life Faster New surgical options allow you to return to your routine just days, not weeks, later. With Oklahoma’s most experienced team of robotic surgeons, we perform more of these surgeries than any hospital in the state. Our doctors use robotics for general surgery as well as a variety of urology, gynecology and cardiovascular procedures. And with some of the country’s leading robotic specialists, you can feel confident in choosing Mercy for your surgery.

If you’re considering having a surgical procedure, talk to your doctor about the benefits of minimally invasive robotic surgery at Mercy.

Find out more at mercy.net.

relax... refresh... renew... with Meditation, Relaxation & self expression classes

Publisher Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Meares

Creative Director Mia Blake

Features Writer Kent Anderson

Associate Editor Steve Gill

Stylist Sara Gae Waters

Contributing Writers Robert Custer Timothy Fields Lauren Hammack Michael Miller Tomás Owens, M.D. Caryn Ross Mary Ellen Ternes Elaine Warner

Art Director Scott O’Daniel

Graphic Designer Brian O’Daniel

Contributing Photographers

Justin Avera David Cobb Butch Enterline Simon Hurst Claude Long Michael Miller K.O. Rinearson Carli Wentworth

xecutive Director of Advertising E

Account Executives

Account Manager

Cynthia Whitaker-hill Victoria Fancher Jamie Hamilton Doug Ross Ronnie Morey

Accountant Jane Doughty

O

Distribution Raymond Brewer

N T

H E C O R

need direction in your life? need new goals? a new sense of satisfaction?

We teach neurolinguistic Programming with a life Coach.

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We can also help With Insomnia • Weight Control Smoking • Phobias • Migraines

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Let Forward SolutionS help call (405) 601-0386 today.

Snow White jazzes up her spring wardrobe with a Versace Collection dress from Balliets. Model: Allison from Anthony David Agency. Hair by Timothy Fields; makeup by The MakeUp Bar; photo by Simon Hurst

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Slice is available by subscription for the yearly rate (12 issues) of $14.95. Order online at www.sliceok.com/subscribe. Phone orders, 405.842.2266, ext. 114. By mail, send your name, mailing address and phone number along with payment to Open Sky Media, P.O. Box 18697, Oklahoma City, OK 73154.

Slice Magazine™ is a monthly publication of

4500 N. Santa Fe, Oklahoma City, OK 73118 405.842.2266 | sliceok.com ©2012 Open Sky Media. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without prior written consent is strictly prohibited. Open Sky Media is not responsible for the care and/or return of unsolicited materials submitted for possible publication. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of ownership or management.

10 slice | march 2012

Armstrong

C O N C E R T – G O I N G

A S

Auditorium

I T ’ S

M E A N T

T O

B E

CONTRIBUTORS

BEHIND THE CURTAIN

Simon Hurst, Photographer

simon@simonhurstphotography.com

1900 NE 36th Street, Suite 200 OKC, OK 73111 • 405.601.3700

SIMON HURST

Simon Hurst was born and raised in England, and after college he took a job as a cruise ship photographer, traveling around the world. While working in the Caribbean, he met his future wife, an Edmond native, who also worked aboard ship. “She won the coin toss,” says Simon, and they settled in Oklahoma. Simon’s passion for photography still takes him around the world, adding great fun and energy to any shoot. In his spare time he enjoys his three children, cycling and long walks (to the pub) with his dog, Polly.

Timothy Fields, Fashion Guru

timothyfieldssalon@yahoo.com

Timothy Fields combines a passion for fashion with more than 30 years of service as a go-to hairstylist for many of the metro area’s most stylish residents. His unique perspective, filled with style creativity, gives him a rare and exquisite insight. “I have always believed that hair and fashion go hand-in-hand,” he says.

He brings that sentiment, along with boundless energy and enthusiasm, to this spring’s fashion spread.

333 Montezuma Avenue Santa Fe, NM 87501 • 505.986.1010 robert@bromleyhallhomes.com studio@hoopesarchitects.com

Jennifer Dawson, Stylist jennstyles@ymail.com

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY! May the luck of the Irish be with you throughout the year.

FREE CONSULTATIONS • GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE 12 slice | march 2012

Jennifer Dawson is a hair and makeup artist at S Studio Salon and Day Spa, working regularly with beauty pageant contestants and models. When not practicing the art and craft of beauty, she pursues an interest in vegan foods as Oklahoma district educator for Surface, a line of gluten/parabenfree food products. She is also studying for a degree in business, and somehow finds time to be a mother to her five-year-old son, whom she calls her “inspiration.” Jennifer worked tirelessly on our spring fashion shoot and was assisted by Lena Barrow.

LETTERS

FROM THE EDITOR

Moving On. Moving Up.

M.J. ALEXANDER

Moving Day! M

y husband and I have a rather lengthy commute, and since we currently work in the same building, we drive in together most every day. Each morning, I get an up-close view of the day’s lottery status via billboard as we exit I-40 West onto I-235 North, and if the number

is particularly large, I’ll comment, “You should go ahead and win that.” I think our chances are rather slim, what with never buying a lottery ticket and all.

One recent morning, I noted that the number was up to $250 million. A former coworker stopped

in to visit that same day, and in the course of our conversation about how much she enjoyed her recent vacation and how terrific she imagined not having to work could be, I pointed out that perhaps she should go ahead and win the lottery (neglecting to mention how my own lack of participation would increase her chances). She laughed, then asked, “Would you quit your job if you won that money?”

With no hesitation whatsoever, I answered, “Nope.”

I’ve been in this industry for 20-some years, and right now I’m busier than I ever have been. There

have been some dull moments along the way, some that I will do my best never to repeat and many that were exhilarating, but I’ve never been more professionally energized or excited than I am right now.

Change is revitalizing. It keeps us current; it keeps us young (even if only at heart). With so many new opportunities for Slice on the horizon, I wouldn’t want to miss a moment.

Speaking of which, there’s one fixed point amid our general excitement: we will be moving mid-

month to our new home in the Ice House building on Film Row in downtown OKC. (No offense to our charming building mates, JHBR Architects, but we’ve already begun thinking of it as the Slice House.) It’s a perfect spot for us, and it’s the kind of nifty space that the people who work so incredibly hard to put this magazine together deserve. Just as Timothy Fields’ take on fashion has put a fresh and imaginative face on spring ensembles in this issue, our new location will give a fresh look and a new atmosphere to this operation of ours in the months and years to come. We’re extremely excited about the move, and we hope you’ll stop in to visit once we get settled.

Meanwhile, we’re working on getting the details just right in preparation for spending a very

special day with our 2012 Hot Mamas, and compiling the early entries for the Cool Dads selection committee (you have until the 15th to get those nomination forms in), and those are just for starters.

One of the great benefits of the work we do is the relationships formed along the way. From our clients to our readers to the subjects of our features, your enthusiasm has been vital in propelling us toward new horizons.

Heated Olympic-size pool? Maybe. Quit my day job? Definitely not.

stay connected sliceok.com

Elizabeth Meares

facebook.com/sliceok

Editor-in-Chief

twitter.com/sliceok

elizabeth.meares@sliceok.com

14 slice | march 2012

LETTERS

Fee Only

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16 slice | march 2012

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

TO THE EDITOR

Love Connections My husband and I decided to skip the crowded restaurants this Valentine’s Day and have a nice dinner at home with another couple who have been our dearest friends for a long time. I’m pretty good at picking out a stylish outfit, but when it comes to anything that has to do with making a home look stylish, I generally leave that to the pros: interior designers, landscapers, etc.

I’ve been a huge fan of your magazine for a long time, and I always look forward to Sara Gae Waters’ next table setting. She is SO creative! I shamelessly admit that I steal her ideas on a regular basis, and I’ll be doing so again for our little Valentine’s dinner. Love her romantic table (“Setting the Table,” February 2012)!

My husband and I always read your letter. You have a great sense of humor. Now, I have to give you credit for something more than your good humor and fabulous magazine. After he read your February letter he told me that he’s going to MAKE a Valentine card for me this year. I think that’s adorable after 26 years of marriage. Thanks for your powers of persuasion!

Alicia Redmond Oklahoma City Thank you for the wonderful piece you did on our home for your December 2011 issue (“Joy Throughout the Years”). Your staff was wonderful to work with, the table settings were beautiful, and the flowers… gorgeous! Your photographer did an incredible job of making our home look fantastic in pictures, and the writer of the piece told our story so well. Thank you, Slice magazine.

Terri and Tinker Owens Norman To all our friends at Slice… wow! Where do we start? I guess with a big “thank you.” What a wonderful article and photos (“An Enduring Affair,” January 2012) and – surprise – my kitchen on the cover!

It all started with Keith, who is very talented with his camera. What a nice, easy-going guy. Always talking with you was a pleasure. To meet Sara Gae and watch her work her magic was delightful. It’s easy to see why Mia is right there in the middle of the action.

Simon put us at ease taking our photos with his positive attitude. We were so impressed with Kent’s words.

Normally Rick is private. After looking at all of it, we were in awe. I said, “Rick, it sounds like a love story.” He said, “It is!”

With much love and appreciation, Sharri and Rick Russell Oklahoma City Erratum: On page 91 of our February issue (Out & About: “Starry Night,” photo #3), we incorrectly identified celebrants Dr. Jeff and Dana Hirsch. We apologize for the error.

SPRITZ

THIS & THAT

When in Doubt, Bundt

Take a little nostalgia, add a modern twist and bake. The result? Nothing Bundt Cakes,

a new addition to Oklahoma City’s dessert scene. Owner Marcie Hicks recently opened the bakery’s doors in the Quail Spring Shoppes on West Memorial Rd., sweetening the deal by donating 20 percent of the day’s proceeds to Infant Crisis Services.

The old family favorite has been given a fresh look here, with decorations that are con-

temporary and fun and customizable for any occasion – from large cakes that serve up to 18 to the adorable, single-serving Bundtinis. It’s like grandma used to make, but better.

march 2012 | slice 17

ANDREA DILLINGHAM

SPRITZ

Sweet Sounds The goal: to present the central events of a hypothetical life within a symphonic framework, inviting the listener to identify his or her experiences with the music; a single coherent composition in seven movements for solo violin and symphony orchestra.

leaving us increasingly disconnected from the beneficial social contacts that contribute to our overall well-being. It was this book that served as inspiration for Clarke’s piece, putting the question in his mind as to the likelihood of creating a composition that would awaken others to the limitless possibilities of the human experience and the potential for their own lives.

The OK Mozart Festival runs June

A lofty goal, to be certain, but throw

sity. Life Symphony, a seven-movement

8-17 in Bartlesville and Oklahoma City.

the creative forces of composer Callen

symphony plus violin solo depicting the

For more information, including ticket

Clarke, renowned violinist Kyle Dill-

phases of human life, will make its de-

availability, visit www.okmozart.com.

ingham and the Amici New York Or-

but as part of the Festival’s grand finale

For more insight into Kyle and Cal-

chestra into the mix, and the objective

in June.

len’s mission to revive symphonic music

seems to be within reach.

The OK Mozart Festival has com-

lapse and Revival of American Communi-

com. For a preview of Life Symphony – and

missioned this new symphonic work by

ty, Dr. Robert D. Putnam demonstrates

to see if the music moves you – watch “The

Clarke, adjunct music composition pro-

that our “social capital” – our connec-

Life Symphony - Behind the Scenes with

fessor at Oklahoma Christian Univer-

tions with one another – has plummeted,

Callen Clarke” at www.youtube.com.

18 slice | march 2012

In the book Bowling Alone: The Col-

worldwide, visit www.symphonicrevival.

TERRY ZINN

THIS & THAT

Olives and Other Art Matters

Journalist and photographer Terry Zinn enjoys travel and a good martini, and

he has creatively melded these interests in an exhibit opening this month at 50 Penn Place Gallery. “Martini Travels” offers a unique twist on the typical travel souvenir.

Terry’s fascination with the seductive cocktail began after an impromptu lunch

with charismatic and legendary Oklahoma artist Harold Stevenson, an Idabel native whose work has been showcased around the globe. “Harold had a martini that day,” Terry explains. “Now, I can’t help but associate martinis with him and the glamour of the worldwide locations he frequented.”

Since that introduction, Terry has incorporated cocktail images into the envi-

rons of his own global destinations. Twenty of his images will be on display from March 6 through April 30, with an opening reception (free and open to the public) from 6-8pm on March 9.

And what about those all-important particulars? Harold Stevenson likes his martini gently stirred with one small olive for decoration only; Terry Zinn prefers his vigorously shaken with three olives for consumption.

NATIVE HONORS His list of awards was already lengthy and impressive, but American Indian artist Benjamin Harjo, Jr. (Seminole-Shawnee) has added one more to the list. Last month, the OSU Alumni Association inducted Harjo into the OSU Alumni Hall of Fame, the organization’s highest honor in recognition of outstanding professional achievements in society and professional life. Also honored at the ceremony were Ray Booker, founder of Aeromet, Inc. and Aviation Technologies in Tulsa, and Melinda Berry Fischer, president of Marietta Royalty Company and chairman of Thomas N. Berry and Company.

Harjo’s work is part of many treasured private and public collections, including the Fred E. Brown Collection at the Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, Red Earth Center, Gilcrease Museum, Wheelwright Museum and the National Museum of the American Indian at the Smithsonian.

Bear in Mind

When it comes to football, you generally don’t see Texans cheering for an

Oklahoman, but the city of Houston recently waved the white flag in honor of Mike Gundy. Marathon Oil Corporation acknowledged OSU’s own as Coach of the Year during its annual Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards, which recognize “excellence in coaching both on and off the field while raising funds to fight heart disease and stroke.”

Gundy – a decorated high school athlete, one of OSU’s most successful quarterbacks in history, and the youngest coach in the Big 12 (now 10) Conference – has led his teams into the Associated Press top 10 in four consecutive seasons.

The Coach of the Year winner is selected by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. The award should look quite nice next to that Bedlam crystal. march 2012 | slice 19

DETAILS

Spring From Head to Toe

By Lauren Hammack

O

ur sunglasses are right there – poised on the dash, ever hopeful. If the flowerbeds

are still looking unfortunate, at least we’ve begun eyeing the annuals.

Still, being on the egress side of

winter doesn’t make it spring any more than subsisting on nothing but a diet of Cadbury Crème Eggs for two straight weeks makes it Easter (not that we’d know…).

When spring styles emerge from

the pages of our March issue (starting on page 84), the season has officially arrived – at least for us. In celebration, we’ve planned our new wardrobes down to the last details with covetable accessories from head to toe.

From Top... (clockwise from top right) Oliver Peoples “Kosslyn” cat-eye sunglasses in black from Cayman’s | House of Harlow 1960 “Chelsea” tortoise sunglasses by Nicole Richie from The Webb | “Power Law” aviatorstyle unisex sunglasses by IC! Berlin with 100 percent UV400 protection; in brown with gradient brown lenses and black with gradient grey lenses; from TSO Optical

20 slice | march 2012

THINGS WE LOVE

...to Bottom... (clockwise from top left) Colorblock suede platform sandal by Daniblack in poison berry/rust/indigo from The Webb | Bettye Muller “Katy Bis” closed-toe espadrille in sushi black with braided jute wedge heel from Balliets | Diane von Furstenberg “Opal” wedge sandal in natural, soft vacchetta leather upper with back zip closure from Balliets | Miu Miu glitter and suede slingback wedge sandals in nude/black from Balliets | “PureCadence” women’s shoe by Brooks in scuba blue with lightweight, carbon rubber outsole and elastic navigation bands at insole for stability from Ideal Feet | UGG Australia® “Hazel” slingback wedge with suede upper and cork midsole and cork-infused outsole, shown in baked clay, from Dillard’s at Penn Square Mall

march 2012 | slice 21

DETAILS

THINGS WE LOVE

...and Everything in Between (clockwise from top left) Secure Pocket Square holds your pocket square in place all day and adjusts to pocket depth; available in black pebble grain leather and black mock croc leather; from Bryon and Company. Pocket squares from Dillard’s at Penn Square Mall | Men’s watches

by WeWood, made of 100 percent wood with Miyota movement; available in assorted colors that vary according to season and age of wood; from Cayman’s | Robert Tateossian cufflinks: flush inlay desert quartz and inlaid blue mother of pearl; from Mr. Ooley’s | “Jet Set” tote by MICHAEL Michael Kors in electric pink from Dillard’s at Penn Square Mall | Cejon wrap in gold from Dillard’s at Penn Square Mall and Escada watercolor print scarf in silk chiffon from Mr. Ooley’s | MICHAEL Michael Kors large “Hamilton” tote in vanilla from Dillard’s at Penn Square Mall | Escada “Margaretha” checkerboard-patterned shoulder bag in ultra-soft calfskin (large shown in desert rose; small in black) from Mr. Ooley’s For resources, see page 123.

22 slice | march 2012

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Tube or kayak the crystal clear spring-fed San Marcos River.

Stroll historic downtown, sample local cuisine, then enjoy some live music. With our natural beauty, multicultural heritage, and the largest outlet shopping mall in the U.S., you’ll definitely want to stay a while in San Marcos, Texas!

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march 2012 | slice 23

WANDERLUST

MiddleJULIAN APSE

Welcome to

Lake Wakatipu in the Southern Lakes area

24 slice | march 2012

GETTING AWAY

-earth I

By Elaine Warner

It doesn’t take an Einstein to realize that ev-

with pictures of bookshelves. A closer exami-

erything’s relative. Compared to Australia, New

nation revealed titles like Public Toilets of New

Zealand is a small country – about the size of

Zealand, The Importance of Aiming and The Por-

Great Britain or the state of Colorado. But size

celain Polishers Guide with authors like Donny

isn’t everything. Consider the diversity of ter-

N. Marie, Barb Aydos and Ivana Tinkle. With

rain, the creativity of its people and the warm

such entertaining wall-reading material, it’s a

welcome offered to visitors. Comprising two

wonder anyone ever came out of there. I had to

main islands and lots of little ones, and stretching

stand in line to get back in with my camera!

almost 1,000 miles from the northern to south-

ern extreme, New Zealand looms large as one of

visitors, they actually treat one another with ci-

the world’s most desirable tourist destinations.

vility. One of the biggest stories of an upcoming

election was that one candidate referred to an-

Kiwis, as they call themselves, are cheerful,

Not only are Kiwis warm and welcoming to

creative and friendly with subtle, sometimes

other candidate as being “smug.”

slightly ribald senses of humor that are apt to

Compared to its large neighbor, Australia,

sneak up on you. In one of the bathrooms on

New Zealand may look small. Size-wise – may-

our Air New Zealand flight between Los Ange-

be. As a travel destination, it’s right up there

les and Auckland, one wall featured wallpaper

with the biggest boys.

march 2012 | slice 25

Alexander Sheep Farm, home of Hobbiton

Playing with perspective

IAN BRODIE

ELAINE WARNER

ELAINE WARNER

WANDERLUST

Aslan’s Camp

“Lord of the Rings” Rules

The country is so picture-perfect that it has de-

veloped a multi-billion-dollar film industry. At the pinnacle of the picture industry are the “Lord of the Rings” films, which were shot at 158 different locations throughout the country.

We visited several of the film sites including the

Alexander Sheep Farm near Matamata, the location of Hobbiton, home of the films’ furry-footed heroes.

Although it was closed for filming of “The Hobbit” series when we were there, the little village has now reopened to visitors. We saw no Hobbit houses, but had lunch at Shire’s Rest, a charming café and Visitors’ Centre for the site. Guests here can pet lambs, see a sheep-shearing demonstration and watch sheep dogs working.

A number of vendors offer site tours and we expe-

rienced two of the best. A jet-boat trip up the Dart River took us past the site on the gravel river flats where the black tower of Isengard was situated. Though looming large in the films, the actual tower is only about 14 feet tall. Such is the magic of the movies!

We played with perspective ourselves on a driv-

ing tour, creating our own hobbit while stopping for tea in a forest setting. Later, our 4WD vehicle splashed through the Arrow River at the site of the Ford of Bruinen.

All the movie locations have been carefully re-

stored to pre-filming conditions (with the exception of Hobbiton). Was there a lot of creative license with the sets in the films? Sure, they were fantasy. New Zealand itself, however, is fantastic.

26 slice | march 2012

The Routeburn Track

GILBERT VAN REENEN

PETER MORATH

GETTING AWAY

The Southern Alps portray Tolkien’s Misty Mountains

Kodak Mega-Moments

The number one attraction in Hamilton, New Zealand’s fourth-largest city, is

Hamilton Gardens, featuring themed areas crisscrossed with paths leading from one scenic spot to another. Past tinkling fountains, accompanied by the chirping of birds, we wandered through a Sissinghurst-style English garden into an Indian setting fit for a Mughal Maharaja. A 12th-century Chinese garden led to a Japanese JOHN POIMIROO

garden of contemplation. A ’50s-style California garden was contrasted with an Italian Renaissance setting.

Less structured was Efil Doog (Good Life, spelled backwards), near Welling-

ton, where nature, art and imagination collided in a riot of color. Ernest and Shir-

Paul Melsov sculptures at Efil Doog

ley Cosgrove have spent over 25 years turning 11 acres of their 400-acre property into a wooded wonderland complete with humorous little creatures they call “grats,” a bodger’s hut, contemporary sculptures and over 400 rhododendrons. In the midst of the gardens is their small private museum dedicated to works by New Zealand artists.

80 percent of New Zealand’s trees and flowers are unique to the country.

ELAINE WARNER

Most of the country’s trees are evergreen, adding green to the landscape even in mid-winter. Some of the most eye-catching plants are non-native invasives, but I have to admit my photos of the Southern Alps wouldn’t have been nearly as colorful without the brilliant yellow gorse and lavender lupines.

Hamilton Garden’s Italian Renaissance setting march 2012 | slice 27

CHRIS SISARICH

WANDERLUST

GILBERT VAN REENEN

ELAINE WARNER

Catch a scenic helicopter ride to the perfect viewing spot.

Cool Queenstown

Lake Wakatipu from Kinloch Lodge

From shirt sleeves in the north, we found ourselves clutching our coats when we

flew into Queenstown in the south. The Remarkables Range, part of the Southern Alps, glistened with a newly-fallen snow covering. Queenstown characterizes itself as “the adventure capital of the world” and touts its hiking, rafting, bungee-jumping, BEN CRAWFORD

Mount Aspiring National Park

skiing and more. Lonely Planet has listed Queenstown and the Southern Lakes as one of the 10 must-visit regions for 2012.

You don’t have to be a risk-taker to enjoy Queenstown. Just drinking in the

scenery is a thrill, thanks to its location on the shore of beautiful, blue Lake Wakatipu. A trip up the mountainside in the Skyline Gondola offers a panoramic view of the city, lake and mountains.

Lake Wakatipu, incredibly deep – 1,200 feet – fills a deep glacial trench and

stretches 48 miles. It is fed by snow melt and the Dart and Rees Rivers, examples of “braided rivers” with flat gravel beds and multiple shifting channels sometimes only The Remarkables ski area

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inches deep.

IAN TRAFFORD

THE SPIRE HOTEL

GETTING AWAY

ELAINE WARNER

Nelson’s valley vineyards

Delectable desserts

Kiwi Creativity

While Director Peter Jackson and the film industry have shown the world a

new dimension in film and technology, innovation isn’t limited to big companies.

The wine industry is growing in size and reputation. We sampled wonderful artisan cheeses and olive oil. Gourmets will not be disappointed in the variety and excellence of cuisine.

Few things exemplify the fresh, lively and adventuresome New Zealand attitude

more than the Brancott Estate World of Wearable Art Awards. The sky’s the limit for designs that incorporate every material imaginable: fabric, fiberglass, wool, wood, you-name-it. The annual show, a two-hour extravaganza, brings thousands of visitors to Wellington. The rest of the year, creations are on display at the World of Wearable Art and Classic Car Museum in Nelson.

Martinborough winery

Good to Know Tourism New Zealand www.tourismnewzealand.com Air New Zealand www.airnewzealand.com Nomad Safaris www.nomadsafaris.co.nz Dart River Jet Safaris www.dartriver.co.nz march 2012 | slice 29

Center 1 | 3410 S. Peoria, Ste. 100 | Tulsa, OK | Hours: Tues–Sat 10:30–5:30 www.srhughes.com | 918.742.5515

Take the Journey

Tour the Village and walk the Sky Bridge. Encounter culture keepers.

Explore and discover dozens of adventures in the heart of Native America.

C H I C K A S AW C U LT U R A L C E N T E R . C O M

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chickasaw cultural center

10 MILES EAST OF I-35 IN SULPHUR 1/30/12 1:39 PM

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The Light of Day

A landmark archaeological find in Israel illuminates a facet of Biblical history – and it’s making its global debut to the public in Edmond’s Armstrong AuditoBUTCH ENTERLINE

rium. See page 33.

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A First Temple Find S

By Kent Anderson

tories define a people. They are the ultimate crystallization of who we have been, who we are and, perhaps

most importantly, who we aspire to be. The keen observer of humanity looks for stories everywhere, from creative arts such as literature and painting and music, to technology and commerce, to artifacts of a bygone era.

The connection to antiquity lives in archae-

ology, the quest for the tangible objects that both illuminate ancient stories and offer deeper understanding for today’s world. A new exhibition at Edmond’s Armstrong International Cultural direct connection to the Old Testament, along with a more recent history – more than four decades of collaboration, leading to stunning archaeological discoveries in Israel. “Seals of Jeremiah’s Captors Discovered” is a free exhibition at Armstrong Auditorium, and features artifacts that have never before been seen in public.

The exhibition comprises more than three

dozen artifacts from the eighth to sixth centuries B.C., Jerusalem’s First Temple period.

But the most breathtaking discoveries are perhaps the smallest – two dime-sized seals, known as bullae. The seals belonged to two princes who attempted to murder the prophet Jeremiah, as related in Jeremiah chapter 38.

“It is astounding,” says Brent Nagtegaal,

GABI LARON OF THE INSTITUTE OF ARCHAEOLOGY, THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY: COURTESY DR. EILAT MAZAR

Foundation celebrates centuries of stories with

instructor of Biblical archaeology at Herbert W. Armstrong College, who was present when one of the pieces

David excavations. Some of the artifacts date from Professor

was found. “These seals bear the signatures of real people from

Mazar’s original digs in the 1960s, while others are more re-

the Bible, from the book of Jeremiah. They have never before

cent, from his granddaughter’s work. Alongside the ancient

been out of Israel, and never shown to the public anywhere.”

pieces, modern technology – from video to touch-screen tab-

lets – tells this story from antiquity.

The seals were discovered by Israeli archaeologist Dr. Eilat

Mazar, with support from Herbert W. Armstrong College. Dr.

Mazar’s grandfather, Professor Benjamin Mazar, had a relation-

basic idea was to give an overview of Jerusalem during the

ship with the college’s ancestor institution, Ambassador College,

time of King David. We tried to incorporate as much technol-

as far back as 1968. The relationship with the Mazar family was

ogy as possible into the exhibition.”

renewed in 2005, with Armstrong College students accompany-

ing Dr. Eilat Mazar on her digs in ancient Jerusalem.

the public through October 16 in the lobby of Armstrong Audi-

torium, 14400-B S. Bryant in Edmond. For more information,

In addition to the bullae, the Edmond exhibition includes

figurines and other royal seal impressions from the City of

“It’s very interactive,” says curator Brad Macdonald. “The

“Seals of Jeremiah’s Captors Discovered” is free and open to

call 285.1010 or visit www.armstrongauditorium.org. march 2012 | slice 33

Pueblo to Pueblo

The Legacy of Southwestern Pottery

1700 NE 63rd Street Oklahoma City, OK 73111 (405) 478-2250 www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

Po t

te r y

L eg a c y o f S o u thw e

st

ia n

Th e

Pueblo pottery of the Southwest is one of the most beautiful and enduring artistic traditions in all of Native North America, and this exhibit features 74 pottery vessels illustrating the remarkable variety of pottery created from the mid-19th to the mid-20th centuries.

I nd

Through April 8, 2012

Courtesy of the Kansas City Museum and Union Station, Kansas City, Missouri Tour Management by Smith Kramer Fine Art Services, Kansas City, Missouri

The Sun and His Wife

Through May 13, 2012 For activities associated with the exhibitions scan this code:

34 slice | march 2012

From the Museum’s Arthur and Shifra Silberman Collection, this exhibition depicts the ceremonial and domestic life of Southwest Indians as seen in their art.

Approximately 50 works represent artists of Navajo, San Ildefonso, Hopi, Cochiti, Taos, Zuni and more.

PURSUITS COURTESY OKLAHOMA HERITAGE MUSEUM

ART | MUSIC | THEATRE | EVENTS

WHAT TO DO The metro area is positively packed with possibilities for entertainment and cultural enrichment, with more to see and do every month – here are some of our top recommendations for exploration.

COMPILED BY STEVE GILL

ART H2OK Through 3/10, MAINSITE Contemporary Art, mainsite-art.com, 292.8095 The cultural impact of water issues prompted a wave of creativity by Native artists in this traveling exhibit curated by America Meredith, Heather Ahtone and Tony Tiger; on display at MAINSITE alongside work from Norman Arts Council individual artist award winner Heather Clark Hilliard.

ENVISIONING THE WEST Through 3/30, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, nationalcowboymuseum.org, 478.2250 Now you see it; this summer you won’t. This exhibit on the late Wilson Hurley explores the Prix de West artist’s technical gifts and personal connection to the majestic Yellowstone falls in his Wyoming Suite triptych.

LIGHT FOOT STRONG HEART Through 3/31, Red Earth Museum, redearth.org, 427.5228 OKC photographer John Jernigan channels three decades of professional experience and his own Cherokee ancestry into capturing the palpable presence and powerful spirit of dancers participating in the Red Earth Cultural Festival.

ILLUMINATIONS AND CHIHULY NORTHWEST Through 4/8, OKC Museum of Art, okcmoa.com, 236.3100 Let there be art!

Revamped for 2012, the museum’s exceptional collection of Chihuly glass fills galleries redesigned to allow fresh perspectives from more angles. It’s accompanied through April by a collection of the artist’s Native inspirations and creations.

PUEBLO TO PUEBLO Through 4/8, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, nationalcowboymuseum.org, 478.2250 This traveling exhibit presents a varied range of standouts – nearly 75 in all – from over a century of the beautifully timeless artistic

Black Like Thee

Joyce M. Carley, “Soulful Music Man”

Through April 21, Oklahoma Heritage Museum, oklahomaheritage.com, 235.4458

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he pieces in the latest exhibit to grace the Oklahoma Heritage Museum’s Tulsa World Gallery vary widely in style, subject matter and even medium, but they

do have one thing in common: color. Not in the pigment on the canvas, but in the ethnicity of their creators. Sponsored by Robert and Danielle Shelton and presented in conjunction with Inclusion in Art, “Afro-Americana: Contemporary Black Artists in Oklahoma” strives to highlight each participant’s talent and need to create, while fostering an appreciation for the varied African-American cultural experience in viewers of every race, color and condition.

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© DISNEY

PRINCELY TREASURES: EUROPEAN MASTERPIECES Through 5/13, OKC Museum of Art, okcmoa.com, 236.3100 Some functional, all decorative, this soigné array of paintings, sculpture, furniture, clothing and more from the collections of London’s Victoria and Albert Museum are artifacts from a bygone ruling class and fascinating clues to past societal truths.

RECONSIDERING THE FAMILY OF MAN Through 5/25, [Artspace] at Untitled, Artspaceatuntitled.org, 815.9995 Inspired by a seminal Museum of Modern Art exhibit, Untitled mines the archives of the Photographic Society of America and Oklahoma Arts Institute to explore and illustrate the universal traits common to all of humanity.

ROCK PAPER SCISSORS: A TRUE STORY Through 6/6, Science Museum OK, science museumok.org, 602.6664 An eternal struggle for supremacy in which no combatant can claim ultimate victory… and a creative license for mixed media artist Denise Duong and ceramicist Matt Seikel to give their imaginations free rein with intriguing, interactive results.

Mickey as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice, “Fantasia,” 1940

Of Mouse and Man

March 3 – September 16, Fred Jones Jr. Museum, ou.edu/fjjma, 325.3272

H

e could have had an unremarkable career as a newspaper cartoonist or ambulance driver, but he discovered a love for animation and left an incalculable

impact on the imaginations of generations. The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art proudly celebrates his legacy in “A Century of Magic: The Animation of the Walt Disney Studios,” an exhibition exploring films from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” to “Fantasia 2000” and centered on more than 80 original animation cels from the collection of Janis Scaramucci and Domer “Jay” Scaramucci. Augmented through the spring by free film screenings, a multimedia concert, a symposium and other themed events, it’s a joyous look at a slice of Americana.

traditions practiced among Pueblo potters, further augmented by dazzling Southwestern art from the Silberman collection in “The Sun and His Wife.”

ISTVAN SPRING SHOW Through 4/29, Istvan Gallery, istvangallery.com, 831.2874 The creations of antique photographer Lori Oden, wire sculptor Asia Scudder, abstract painter Bryan Boone and mixed media welder and painter Virginia Coleman form an unconventional but intriguing tetrad bursting with energy and personal expression.

PHOTOGRAPHY COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS Through 4/29, Fred Jones Jr. Mu-

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seum, ou.edu/fjjma, 325.3272 Photographs capture moments in time; in sufficient quantities over the course of sufficient years, they capture history itself. Over 100 examples from the Museum’s collection, some dating back to the 19th century, tell the story of the medium.

MIRADAS: ANCIENT ROOTS IN MODERN MEXICAN Through 5/5, City Arts Center, cityartscenter.org, 951.0000 A survey of over 90 paintings, prints and photographs guides viewers through Mexican-American art history and the cultural contributions to our shared heritage from creators on both sides of the border in this exhibition that rewards a close look.

ADAMS & KENWORTHY 3/2-28, Summer Wine Gallery, summerwinegallery.com, 831.3279 People who paint people might or might not be the luckiest people in the world, but if they’re this skilled at portrayal – whether via Ladd Adams’ quiet expressiveness or Bob Kenworthy’s imaginative poses – they do make for one very special show.

BODY BEAUTIFUL 3/2-28, Visions Gallery, visionsokc.com, 557.1229 2012 will mark the 40th anniversary of the first time Lawton artist David Gill set foot in a darkroom; while he has long since converted to digital photography, the medium remains his passion, as exemplified by this captivating series of nude figure studies.

BRESLAW & SHEHADA 3/2-31, JRB Art at the Elms, jrbartgallery.com, 528.6336 Even a seemingly specific genre of art like sculpture can take many forms: witness the span between Sohail Shehada’s strikingly expressive human faces and figures in bronze and the three-dimensional tapestries of industrial mesh woven

by Cathy Breslaw.

INFINITELY ART 3/2-31, Paseo Originals Gallery, paseooriginals.com, 604.6602 Expertise is gained through refinement; concentration in a certain field – which necessarily excludes some other fields. In short, no one person can be adept at everything. But multiple people can, and when a gallery assembles 18 masters of their crafts, the possibilities are limitless.

SUE MESSERLY 3/9-4/27, Santa Fe Depot, pasnorman.org, 307.9320 Messerly’s talent is, shall we say, plein to see – the Altus artist

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COURTESY OVAC

practiced at the University of Colorado, North Texas State University and many majestic vistas in pristine points between. An avid camper and hiker, her oil landscapes are natural inspirations for wanderlust.

OKLAHOMA FRIENDLY 3/16-4/7, IAO Gallery, okartguild.com, 204.1120 You are cordially invited to enjoy the OK Art Guild’s creative showcase for sharing the emotional wealth of the Sooner State, as painters, photographers and more compete (good-naturedly, of course) for over $4,000 in prizes in multiple categories.

BORIS CHETKOV 3/23-31, Howell Gallery, howellgallery.com, 840.4437 A fairly recent “discovery” on the international art scene, the Russian artist’s startling life story and the explosive use of color in his Modernist portraits paint a fascinating picture of their own: a powerful, passionate outpouring of self.

MUSIC ST. PETERSBURG STATE ORCHESTRA 3/1, Armstrong Auditorium, armstrongauditorium. org, 285.1010 The world travels of the venerable “Tchaikovsky” St. Petersburg powerhouse are bringing the orchestra to Edmond, filling Armstrong Auditorium with refined performance skills, a vast and varied repertoire and simply incredible sound.

NOON TUNES 3/1-29, Downtown Library, mls.lib.ok.us, 606.3833 Put a little lilt into your lunch break with the Metro Library System’s free weekly musical performances: the OKC Homeschool Choir 3/1, Miss Brown to You 3/8, The Justice System 3/15, the Blackwelder Brass 3/22 and Smilin’ Vic and the Soul Monkeys 3/29.

PURPLE BAR PERFORMANCES 3/1-31, Nonna’s, purplebarokc.com, 235.4410 The atmosphere is cozy, the menu ample and the entertainment divine – join Becannen and Vollertson 3/2 and 3/17, Rick Jawnsun 3/3 and 3/24, Taylor and Brixey 3/9, Stephen Speaks 3/10 and 3/23, the Derek Harris Duo 3/16 and 3/30 and Maurice Johnson 3/31.

AN EVENING WITH THE RODEO OPRY 3/2, Sooner Theatre, soonertheatre.org, 321.9600 Billing itself as “Oklahoma’s Official Country Music Show,” the Centennial Rodeo Opry has been pounding out the hits for decades, welcoming over 20,000 artists to its stage… and amassing no mean amount of expertise at crowd-pleasing country music.

MUSICAL SURPRISES 3/3, OKC Civic Center, okcphilharmonic.org, 232.7575 If you’ve never heard Haydn’s Symphony No. 94, we won’t spoil the ending. It’s the highlight of

You Gotta Move

Photographic specter Marcus Kesler

March 9-10, OKC Farmers Public Market, ovac-ok.org, 879.2400

T

he future keeps coming at us, and “now” – the moment of creation, of inspiration – is a constantly moving target. Good thing this is a constantly moving art

show… The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition invites you to savor the moment at “Momentum: Art Doesn’t Stand Still,” its annual exhibit focused on the work of in-state artists under the age of 30 and emphasizing change, transition and motion. Enjoy the down-tempo atmosphere and music Friday evening and full-speed-ahead drive Saturday, and pay special attention to commissioned Spotlight artists Marcus Kesler, Margaret Kinkeade and Samantha Lamb. Don’t just sit there!

the OKC Philharmonic’s next Classics series performance, along with works by Prokofiev, Corigliano and Ravel and a thoroughly bewitching performance from guest violinist Rachel Barton Pine.

STONEY LARUE 3/3, Riverwind Casino, riverwind.com, 322.6000 You don’t have to tell Stoney (yes, that’s his real name) that there’s no place like home – the Sooner State is in his blood and, thanks to his chops as one of the foremost propagators of the Red Dirt sound, in the ears of his listeners as well.

BIG WIDE GRIN 3/4, Santa Fe Depot, pasnorman.org, 307.9320 That’s not just the reaction to the change in seasons heralded by the final installment in the Performing Arts Studio’s Winter Wind Concert Series, it’s also the trio performing its farewell – in a musical genre self-identified as “acoustic harmony positive love thing.”

PETER AND THE WOLF 3/4, OKC Civic Center, okcphilharmonic.org, 232.7575 The OKC Philharmonic’s Discovery Series is dedicated to fostering an appreciation for march 2012 | slice 37

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COURTESY ARMSTRONG AUDITORIUM

remove the joy of playing yourself, as Dr. Sergio Monteiro and professors Tomasz Zieba and Samuel Formicola happily demonstrate in the Distinguished Artist Series.

TUESDAY NOON CONCERTS 3/6-27, Fred Jones Jr. Museum, ou.edu/fjjma, 325.3272 Its incredible collection of art is open to the public on Tuesdays anyway, but the Museum sweetens the deal during the lunch hour with the free performance series: Hal Grossman 3/3, Lance Drege 3/13 and, after a spring break hiatus, Valerie Watts 3/27.

ERIC CHURCH 3/8, Chesapeake Arena, chesapeakearena.com, 800.745.3000 A rising country star and sinner-songwriter (that’s not a typo), Church’s fearless attitude and high-intensity stage performances have made his albums progressively more successful and his live shows the stuff of rowdy, swaggering legend.

PROJECT 21 CONCERT 3/8, OCU Bass School of Music, okcu.edu/music, 208.5227 What’s past is prologue. While steeped in classical traditions, OCU composers recognize that music must continue to evolve into this young century. Their original works reflect their own insights and developing techniques in this free monthly series.

Just What He Ordered

Doc Severinsen

March 8, Armstrong Auditorium, armstrongauditorium.org, 285.1010

C

arl Severinsen is not exactly a spring chicken these days, and it’s been nearly half a decade since he’s been on tour… but you can’t keep a good bandleader

down. The effortlessly effervescent Grammy-winning trumpeter and former maestro of “The Tonight Show” is back on the road and headed for Edmond, bringing with him a passel of top-notch musical talent and a setlist filled with golden old favorites from the likes of Count Basie and Duke Ellington, as well as Broadway and Hollywood hits and an infusion of Latin jazz. Hear a living legend as Doc Severinsen and His Big Band swing their way through the Once More With Feeling tour.

orchestral music in young audiences – so what better gateway than Prokofiev’s classic, which was written for exactly that purpose? Just beware of French horns…

STANISLAV IOUDENITCH 3/4, OCU Petree Hall, okcu.edu/music, 208.5227 OCU’s Guest Artist Series continues, though calling its next performer a special guest would be something of an understatement – the charismatic pianist has become a worldwide sensation after garnering a gold medal at the prestigious Van Cliburn competition.

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SUTTON SERIES: ELDON MATLICK 3/5, OU Catlett Music Center, music.ou.edu, 325.4101 The dapper Dr. Matlick is nearly unparalleled at wielding his instrument of choice – he’s a two-time finalist at the Heldenleben International Horn Competition, principal hornist for the OKC Philharmonic and Professor of Horn in OU’s School of Music.

FACULTY PIANO TRIO 3/6, OCU Petree Hall, okcu.edu/music, 208.5227 Those who can, do. Those who teach, can do both. Improving the performance of others doesn’t

SING FOR YOUR SUPPER 3/8-11, UCO Jazz Lab, uco.edu/cfad, 359.7989 Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart were a match made in Broadway heaven, collaborating on a hefty 28 stage musicals… and inspiring UCO students to present a much-in-demand evening of their hits from the Great American Songbook.

BLUEGRASS JAM 3/10, OK CountryWestern Museum, gobms.org, 677.7515 The name may mean Kentucky, but the sound is plenty Oklahoman: the Greater OK Bluegrass Music Society hosts a jubilant jam session featuring in state-artists Vida Brooks and High Mountain Bluegrass, Southbound Mule and Bonham Revue.

EXPERIENCES WITH SOUND 3/10, OKC Civic Center, canterburyokc.com, 232.7464 It’s not synesthesia; it’s a new way to experience sound. Canterbury Choral Society, Juilliardtrained pianist Valerie Zamora, Science Museum OK and others partner to present an audiovisual spectacle that celebrates music made by those who have experienced hearing loss.

IRANIAN NOWRUZ MUSIC FESTIVAL 3/10, OU Catlett Music Center, music.ou.edu, 325.4101 For its Masala Series dedicated to celebrating world music, OU welcomes the scholar and performer Dr. Hossein Omoumi – a master of Iran’s traditional reed flute called the ney – and a trio of friends as backup on complementary instruments.

PURSUITS ALISONKRAUSS.COM

ART | MUSIC | THEATRE | EVENTS

ALEGRIA REAL 3/11, Santa Fe Depot, pasnorman.org, 307.9320 Miranda Arana, Larry Hammett, Claire Piersol, Armando Rivera and Christina Audas harness and reinterpret the music of South America, Mexico and Spain as part of the Performing Arts Studio’s monthly jazz series.

MENAHEM PRESSLER 3/11, Christ the King Church, cmok.org A legacy of musical performance stretching back to 1960 continues this month as Chamber Music in Oklahoma welcomes the internationally renowned pianist for a pair of sonatas by Beethoven and Schubert and Debussy’s “Estampes.”

SUTTON SERIES: LEON AND SHAMES 3/11, OU Catlett Music Center, music.ou.edu, 325.4101 Co-stars from near and far: OU faculty artist Stephanie Leon Shames interweaves her piano performance with the stirring strings of guest artist Suzanne Leon, a veteran violinist with the San Francisco Symphony.

THREE EXOTIC TRIOS 3/12 Casady Chapel, 3/13 St. Paul’s Cathedral, brightmusic.org Far from being a crowd, three’s a magic number when mining the rich history of chamber music, as expertly demonstrated in a triad of trios by Haydn, Ewazen and Smetana featuring four of Brightmusic’s most luminous stars.

SUTTON SERIES: HOLMBERG STRING QUARTET 3/14, OU Catlett Music Center, music.ou.edu, 325.4101 The name refers to the former appellation of OU’s Reynolds Performing Arts Center – a familiar setting for these School of Music faculty members who, despite a touring schedule that has taken them as far afield as Europe, gladly perform for their hometown public.

GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS 3/15, Lucky Star Casino, Concho, luckystarcasino.org, 262.7612 Considering how often “Bad to the Bone” is used in movie soundtracks, the commitment and energy its creators pour into touring is more likely to be a labor of love than financial necessity – and after 35 years on the road, they still rock every house they visit.

HEARTLAND SUMMIT JAZZ CONCERT 3/15, OU Memorial Union, pasnorman.org, 307.9320 It’s like there’s a moral here about cooperation yielding greater results: Norman’s Performing Arts Studio is teaming up with Jazz in June for the first installment in a hopefully annual concert series, featuring nine-piece soul spectacle Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds.

STEPCREW 3/20, Armstrong Auditorium, armstrongauditorium.org, 285.1010 Feet, don’t fail them now! Six of the hottest steppers in all the worlds of Irish dancing and modern

Alison Krauss and Union Station

Blue-Ribbon Bluegrass March 25, OKC Civic Center, alisonkrauss.com

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here is great pleasure to be found in doing something well, even if the achievement goes unremarked by others. On the other hand, deserved accolades are

rarely unwelcome – ask the single most decorated female artist in the history of the Grammy awards. Twenty-six – two-six – of the recording industry honors are engraved with the name Alison Krauss, as the impossibly mellifluous chanteuse and fiddler has bridged roots music, country, pop and bluegrass to sell over 12 million albums and record collaborations with Robert Plant, James Taylor, Dolly Parton and Yo-Yo Ma. Her latest release, Paper Airplane, finds her re-teamed with all-star backup group Union Station for an album, and evening, of acoustic bliss.

tap are backed by a five-piece ensemble of Celtic singers and champion fiddlers for a mesmerizing explosion of performative energy.

PINK MARTINI 3/23-24, OKC Civic Center, okcphilharmonic.org, 232.7575 This chic ensemble has a dozen members and innumerable worldwide musical influences, performing songs in over a dozen languages in its quest to sound like the UN’s house band in 1962. Their classic, classy sound is the next ingredient in the OKC Philharmonic’s Pops Series.

BRET MICHAELS 3/24, FireLake Grand Casino, firelakegrand.com, 964.7777 He was among the foremost names in glam metal and has found success in multiple genres from hard rock to country – should the strictures of your musical requirements be sufficiently broad that you, as a listener, don’t need nothing but a good time, set your sights on Shawnee.

JUBILANT SYKES 3/27, Armstrong Auditorium, armstrongauditorium.org, 285.1010 Isn’t that just the greatest name? Seriously! The impeccablyresonant baritone leverages his years of training in classical, jazz and gospel styles for a genre-hopping program of Latin American music and tributes to Paul Robeson and Nat King Cole.

VISTHEN 3/27, OCCC, occc.edu/cas, 682.7576 March’s guests in OCCC’s Cultural Arts Series represent a window into a cultural legacy entirely new to many Oklahomans: their traditional Acadian music resembles Celtic melodies through instruments like penny whistles and bodhrans, with French vocals sung in four-part harmony.

VALERY AND FRIENDS 3/29, UCO Jazz Lab, uco.edu/cfad, 974.3778 Born in Russia, Valery Kuleshov has found a new home over the years: the international award-winning pianist march 2012 | slice 39

PURSUITS COURTESY OKC PHILHARMONIC

has been an Artist-in-Residence for UCO’s School of Music since 1998, sharing his technique through public concerts like this one.

THE DOOBIE BROTHERS 3/30, Riverwind Casino, riverwind.com, 322.6000 When two members have over 30 years each under their belts and they’re still, comparatively speaking, the new kids, that’s a good sign that you’re dealing with an all-time classic. The Doobies are coming to Riverwind, and you’re invited to listen to the music.

THEATRE THE DIVINERS 3/1-3, OCU Black Box Theatre, okcu.edu/theatre, 208.5121 In this gently hopeful, ultimately tragic tale, water is the stuff of Buddy’s blessing – he has a preternatural ability to sense where it can be found underground – and his curse, as a childhood accident drowned his mother and left him brain-damaged and hydrophobic.

THE LARK 3/1-4, UCO Mitchell Hall, uco. edu/cfad, 974.3375 An exception to the truism that winners write the history books, the Maid of Orleans was captured, convicted of heresy and burned at the stake… then exonerated and beatified. Borne by faith, Joan of Arc looks back at her life in this retrospective.

THE CREDEAUX CANVAS 3/1-10, Ghostlight Theatre Club, ghostlighttheatreclub. com, 286.9412 Elisabeth Kübler-Ross identified five stages of grief, and none of them is art forgery – when a young painter tries to snap his bereaved roommate out of a depressive state by cashing in on a phony creation, everyone involved risks finding out why.

A Team Supreme

Carter Brey

March 31, OKC Civic Center, okcphilharmonic.org, 232.7575

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wo bows are better than one! As the main event of a season-highlight installment of the OKC Philharmonic’s Classics Series, a pair of exceptionally spe-

cial guests – Carter Brey, principal cellist of the New York Philharmonic since 1996, and David Kim, Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra since 1999 – take the Civic Center stage to dazzle listeners with a joint performance of Brahms’ “Concerto for Violin and Cello” (the “Double Concerto”). Also including Dohnanyi’s “American Rhapsody,” Tchaikovsky’s “Serenade for Strings in G Major” and “Gymnopedie No. 1”

by Satie, it’s an evening aptly named “Sumptuous Strings.”

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ALIENS WITH EXTRAORDINARY SKILLS 3/1-17, Carpenter Square Theatre, carpentersquare.com, 232.6500 Not extraterrestrials who can resurrect people; performers and would-be immigrants who struggle to follow dreams of a better life here in America even as those dreams are deferred, denied, corroded and adjusted by the realities of the modern Melting Pot.

RED VS. THE WOLF 3/2-16, OK Children’s Theatre, okchildrenstheatre.org, 951.0011 “He that filches from me my good name,” saith the Bard, “robs me of that which not enriches him and makes me poor indeed.”

Since the Big Bad Wolf considers himself a Sensitive, Gentlemanly Wolf, he’s eager to set the record straight about Red Riding Hood’s shameless calumny.

THE COLOR PURPLE 3/2-4/1, St. Luke’s Poteet Theatre, poteettheatre.com, 609.1023 Even after decades of contempt, abuse, loneliness and sorrow, there is triumph

ART | MUSIC | THEATRE | EVENTS

in Celie’s story – not from sudden wealth nor a deus ex machina, but in her eventual ability to value herself and open her heart to others.

CONTEMPORARY DANCE OK 3/7-11, OU Rupel Jones Theatre, ou.edu/finearts/ dance, 325.4101 Embrace the new along with OU’s resident modern dance company as the 20-member ensemble presents a magical moving experience: “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” “On the Rim” set to the Grand Canyon Suite and a new work lauding the resilience of the human spirit.

BORIS ALEXANDROVITCH CHETKOV (1926-2010) A limited engagement showcasing the life’s work of Russian Modernist Master Painter Boris Alexandrovitch Chetkov

THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION 3/810, OCU Sarkey’s Law Center, okcu.edu/ theatre, 208.5121 You’d think coming up with a revolutionary idea that would become one of the world’s most ubiquitous consumer products would be the hard part. Philo T. Farnsworth becomes embroiled in legal intrigue over his brainchild – the television – in this Aaron Sorkin play.

GYPSY 3/8-25, OKC Theatre Co., okc theatrecompany.org, 297.2264 Lifetime may have “Dance Moms” and TLC “Toddlers & Tiaras,” but the phenomenon of domineering stage motherhood is nothing new – just ask young Louise Hovick, an unaspiring actress whose mother pushes her into a life in the spotlight as Gypsy Rose Lee. THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE 3/9-10, Edmond Fine Arts Institute, edmondfinearts.com, 340.4481 Overarching religious allegory aside, wouldn’t all of us like to believe in the possibility that wondrous realms of sentient animals and morally unambiguous adventures might lie behind any unopened door? There’s magic in the air as FAI students and audiences explore Narnia.

“Precursion” (1994) 35.5" x 31.9" acrylic on canvas

March 23-31

THE MOTHER OF US ALL 3/9-11, OCU Burg Theater, okcu.edu/music/omt.aspx, 208.5227 The 19th amendment gave U.S. women the vote in 1920 – over 40 years after a draft written by Susan B. Anthony was introduced to Congress. The lifelong fight of the inspirational suffragette takes the OCU stage in Gertrude Stein’s opera.

AMERICAN SPIRIT SPRING SHOW 3/15-17, OCU Kirkpatrick Auditorium, okcu.edu/ dance, 208.5227 ‘Tis the season to kick up your heels… or at least watch someone else do so. OCU’s American Spirit Dance Company pulls out all the stops to incorporate jazz, tap, Broadway-style show numbers and astonishing choreography into a high-stepping marvel.

SPRING AWAKENING 3/28-4/14, Plaza Theatre, lyrictheatreokc.org, 524.9312 Puberty is a tumultuous process at best, but one that is as inexorable as the change in seasons; and trying to hold back the hormonal tide

Opening Reception: Saturday, March 24th, 1-7 pm at our newly expanded gallery “Sunflowers” (2001) 31.5" x 35.5" acrylic on canvas

6432 N. Western Avenue | 405.840.4437 www.howellgallery.com “Horses Turning Large” (1994) 43" x 51" acrylic on canvas

Call or visit our website for gallery hours and more information march 2012 | slice 41

PURSUITS through misinformation and repression proves devastating for parents and children alike in this rock musical.

WIT 3/29-31, OCU Kramer School of Nursing, okcu.edu/theatre, 208.5121 When the fall is all there is, it matters a great deal. A professor in the final stages of ovarian cancer recalls her largely sterile life and eventual embrace of kindness over stoic remove in this staged reading by TheatreOCU.

Is your wardrobe in need of a Spring cleaning?

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FOOTLOOSE 3/30-4/1, Sooner Theatre, soonertheatre.org, 321.9600 Relocating from “bright lights, big city” to being surrounded by small-town dim bulbs would be difficult enough, but when dashing interloper Ren discovers that The Man is trying to keep the whole town’s teens down, the only course of action is elaborate musical numbers.

EVENTS Northpark Mall • 12036 N. May • 286 - 3760 www.closetmoxie.com • info@closetmoxie.com www.facebook.com/closetmoxie

FARM LIFE: A CENTURY OF CHANGE Through 3/16, Edmond Historical Society, edmondhistory.org, 340.0078 Fewer of us than ever are farmers, but the land remains in Oklahoma’s blood. Look back at the roots of our agrarian heritage, the fruits of technological advancement and more through a collection of artifacts and photographs.

OKLAHOMA DRIVEN Through 3/31, Oklahoma History Center, okhistorycenter.org, 522.5248 Think about getting from Edmond to Norman if all the roads were dirt, and none were guaranteed to go anywhere. This automotive retrospective celebrates the OK Highway Commission’s centennial, and its impact on our car culture.

WARRIOR SPIRITS: OCEANIC ARTS Through 5/13, Sam Noble Museum, snomnh. ou.edu, 325.4712 Jagged mountains, lush jungles, winding coastlines… and over 850 different native languages. Pretty impressive for a country that’s just a shade bigger than California. The unbelievably varied cultural diversity of Papua New Guinea unfolds in this anthropological treasure trove.

THE RETURN OF ELEGANCE Through 6/30, Oklahoma History Center, okhistorycenter.org, 522.5248 The twists and turns of women’s fashion over the last century form a fascinating journey, especially when viewed en masse – over two dozen examples of exquisite eveningwear, along with period accessories, star in a couture tour of history.

SEALS OF JEREMIAH’S CAPTORS Through 10/16, Armstrong Auditorium, armstrong auditorium.org, 285.1010 Archaeologists live for stuff like this: discoveries of artifacts swallowed by time, reemerging centuries later

42 slice | march 2012

ART | MUSIC | THEATRE | EVENTS

to reinforce and cast the light of extra scholarly knowledge on the historical record.

Armstrong is the world’s first venue to host this biblical bonanza.

BYLINER AWARDS 3/1, Skirvin Hilton, awcokc.org Presented annually since 1958 by the OKC chapter of the Association of Women in Communications, Byliners honor metro women who have made outstanding contributions to their community through pursuing excellence in their chosen fields.

FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK 3/2, Paseo Arts District, thepaseo.com The social enjoyment and aesthetic intrigue of an art gallery show… times 20. Multiple established galleries feature new works by dozens of artists in one easy stroll that’s a supreme feast for the eyes: it’s the Paseo’s wander-friendly wonderland.

THUNDER BASKETBALL 3/5-25, Chesapeake Arena, nba.com/thunder, 800.4NBATIXS Expectations are high and anticipation is fierce – rise together as the Thunder play host to Dallas 3/5, Phoenix 3/7, Cleveland 3/9, Charlotte 3/10, Houston 3/13, San Antonio 3/16, Portland 3/18, the L.A. Clippers 3/21, Minnesota 3/23 and Miami 3/25.

2ND FRIDAY CIRCUIT OF ART 3/9, Throughout Norman, normanarts.org, 360.1162 Creativity demands an audience wherever it’s found, and it’s found plenty of places in Norman. The Fred Jones Jr. Museum, Firehouse Art Center, multiple galleries on Main and more invite viewers to share the excitement of the monthly show.

LIVE ON THE PLAZA 3/9, Plaza District, plazadistrict.org, 367.9403 A neighborhood experiencing as much growth and development as OKC’s Plaza District has a lot to celebrate, so its denizens are eager to show it off in a monthly block party offering art, music, food and more.

BARONS HOCKEY 3/9-25, Cox Center, okcbarons.com, 232.GOAL OKC’s ice warriors prepare to face off against another month’s worth of competition: the upcoming slate of visiting foes consists of the Lake Erie Monsters 3/9 and 3/10, Rockford Ice Hogs 3/13, Texas Stars 3/23 and Grand Rapids Griffins 3/24 and 3/25.

GREEN TIE GALA 3/10, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, catholiccharitiesok. org, 523.3000 May the road rise to meet you... and carry you to the Cowboy Hall for an emerald-tinted evening hosted by Catholic Charities of Oklahoma. The festivities benefit Sanctuary Women’s Development Center and will honor 2012 St. Patrick’s Day Parade grand marshal Patrick Rooney. march 2012 | slice 43

PURSUITS

ART | MUSIC | THEATRE | EVENTS

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF NORMAN GALA 3/10, Embassy Suites Norman, juniorleague ofnorman.org, 329.9617 No long lines or TSA screenings are necessary to lift off for luxurious enjoyment, as the Junior League’s annual gala has a simple invitation: Come Fly With Me. A taster’s affair, live and silent auctions and dancing support its community-enhancing mission.

MONEY TALK$, ART WALKS 3/10, IAO Gallery, iaogallery.org, 232.6060 An exhilarating combination of luck, quick decisions and aesthetic splendor makes this a different kind of art auction: buying a ticket places participants into a random drawing, and when called they have 30 seconds to select an unclaimed, unsigned work to take home.

OK GARDENING SCHOOL 3/10, Myriad Gardens, myriadgardens.com, 297.3995 How does your garden grow? Better – for those who apply the lessons learned during this one-day intensive course in which nationally renowned landscape professionals offer tips for growing gorgeous results in the Oklahoma climate.

RED EARTH RUN 3/10, Regatta Park, redearth.org, 427.5228 Shake the winter’s worth of rust off your running chops with an all-ages dash along the riverside – formerly a part of the massive Red Earth celebration in June, its popularity prompted this move to a standalone day of 5k and 10k races and a 1-mile fun walk.

RUN LUCKY 5K 3/11, Classen Curve, OKC, runlucky.com, 519.6337 The race isn’t always to the swift nor the battle to the strong, but even if speed and luck both desert runners during this fleet-footed fundraiser, they can take pride in knowing they’re strengthening the lifesaving efforts of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

“Don Juan et la statue du commandeur,” Antoine Fragonard

Statue of Immolations March 1-4, Reynolds Performing Arts Center, ou.edu/finearts, 325.4101

A

s far back as the time of King James, we’ve been taught that “pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” When an arrogant, amoral

libertine refuses to be swayed by reason and turn from his repellent ways, he discovers the lesser-used corollary: “smarting off to a statue of the man you killed in Act I goeth before it appearing in answer to your brash dinner invitation and dragging you down to hell,” as Jonathan Shames and William Ferrara direct the OU Opera Theatre company in Mozart’s cautionary tale “Don Giovanni.”

44 slice | march 2012

ARTS! ARTS! ARTS! 3/13, Skirvin Hilton, ou.edu/finearts, 325.7376 It is an event, as you may possibly have divined, about the arts.

Specifically, it’s the 21st annual fundraiser for the OU Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts, and the program – including a musical performance directed by Hugh Wooldridge – is very fine indeed.

BRIGHT NIGHT OF STAR WARS 3/16, Science Museum OK, sciencemuseumok.org, 602.6664 A short time from now in a museum not far, far away… a group of children will experience too much adventure to fit into one evening. This stellar installment of the sleepover series includes a “Star Wars” screening, snacks, themed exploration among museum exhibits and related activities.

OKC MUSEUM OF ART 10TH ANNIVERSARY 3/16-18, OKC Museum of Art, okcmoa.com, 236.3100 Time flies when you’re awestruck by

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50 Years & 4 Generations Strong 201 N. Portland, OKC • 405.946.4387 www.suburbancontemporary.com march 2012 | slice 45

PURSUITS

Dollcake

Oh So Girly

N N

Spring 2012 Sidney Paget’s sketch of Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes for The Strand Magazine

Now Available Only at Funky Monkey 14101 N MAY AVE OKC • 405.748.7066 • WWW.FUNKYMONKEYCLOTHES.COM

Beast in Show

March 1-25, Jewel Box Theatre, jewelboxtheatre.org, 521.1786

K S CK E E ES EC L N N F O O T T A K L CK --U UPP EC BE TH LE E E N F E I N H L E I L L DT AL NA IIG GIIN R O R E O HE TH T

ND AN A

H

is creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, was a noted proponent of spiritualism, but Sherlock Holmes was as avid-

ly opposed to explanations involving the supernatural. “This agency stands flat-footed upon the ground,” he once told Watson, “and there it must remain. The world is big enough for us.

No ghosts need apply.” That’s all well and good when you’re dealing with London forgers and pickpockets; but when a client’s ancestral home on the desolate moors is being stalked by a spectral monster… Jewel Box Theatre and the world’s greatest detective investigate “The Hound of the Baskervilles.”

TUE

8 p.m .

0 1 APRIL

7-2264 9 2 5 0 ets at 4 e.com k c i t e s Purcha .myticketoinffofirmcation, visit-live For more e.edu/rose-state or www s www.ro

46 slice | march 2012

beauty and colossal achievements in creativity. The ne plus ultra of art in Oklahoma City and beyond is celebrating its first decade in the Donald W. Reynolds Visual Arts Center with free admission, giveaways, live performances and more.

SESAME STREET LIVE! ELMO MAKES MUSIC 3/16-18, Cox Center, coxconventioncenter. com, 800.745.3000 If you know “Sesame Street,” and odds are that you do, you know that one of the show’s strengths for over 40 years has been catchy, memorable songs – a legacy celebrated by

this live-action stage show filled with lovable, furry monsters.

ROLLER DERBY 3/17, OKC Farmers Public Market, okcrd. com Part graceful race, part allout brawl and all action, this is one sporting event that doesn’t need a ball to provide pure crowdpleasing spectacle as OKC’s own Tornado Alley Rollergirls play host to Alamo City.

OKC TOWN HALL: LARRY NICHOLS 3/22, St. Luke’s UMC, okctownhall.com, 848.4727 The Town Hall Lecture Series

OLEG MICHEYEV

ART | MUSIC | THEATRE | EVENTS

Pound Art

March 13-18, OKC Civic Center, celebrityattractions.com, 800.869.1451

T

o a certain musical mindset, life itself is an ongoing opus; the bustle and clatter of humanity that ineluctably accom-

pany modern life merely instruments in an all-encompassing symphony. Now take that concept, arrange it into irresistible pulsating rhythms, turn it up to eleven, choreograph it to some sweet dance moves and make it an international performance sensation and you’ll have an idea why Celebrity Attractions is so excited to welcome Stomp back to OKC. Armed with an arsenal of brooms, trash bins and lids, tractor tires, paint cans and other unconventional instruments, they’re set to rock the Civic Center to its foundations.

continues this month with an address from someone whose new address is visible throughout OKC: Devon Energy’s Executive Chairman will discuss “The Future of Energy” and the company’s new headquarters downtown.

OKLAHOMA HUMANITIES AWARDS 3/22, OK History Center, okhumanities.org, 235.0280 Life is in many ways a complicated

endeavor, and the value of perspective and experience can hardly be overstated. The Oklahoma Humanities Council proudly acknowledges those who enhance our understanding of the human experience through these honors.

OKC HOME SHOW 3/23-25, State Fairgrounds, homeshowokc. com Get inspired. Get educated. march 2012 | slice 47

JUSTIN AVERA

PURSUITS

New! at Balliets

Spring ‘12 Collection

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

Andrea and 2012 event chair Desmond Mason

Crimson Caring

March 3, Cox Center Grand Ballroom, okaidscarefund.com, 348.6600

the Bride

Here Comes

Call today for a complimentary consultation and bridal specials.

Let Lori Hansen M.D. and staff make your day special.

Intraceutical Oxygen Facial delivers antioxidants, amino peptides and hyaluronic acid to the skin through therapeutic oxygen to immediately super-hydrate the skin.

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48 slice | march 2012

I

t was Margaret Mead who famously said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change

the world.” In early 1991, a few Oklahomans came together to help those with a newly developing disease, and changed the state’s HIV/AIDS care forever – the organization they formed, the Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund, has raised more than $10 million in the intervening years to support programs offering education, patient assistance and prevention, mainly through what has become the largest single-evening fundraiser in the state: Red Tie Night. 2012’s 20 th annual festivities include dinner, dancing, entertainment by T-Byrd Gordon and David Garibaldi, live and silent auctions and a committed group effort to raise money, raise awareness and lower the numbers.

Get started on renovating your space via the fresh ideas and smart advice for gardening, home improvement, decorating and more from luminaries like Paul DiMeo of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”

CHEF’S FEAST 3/29, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, regionalfoodbank. org, 972.1111 The mission: send hunger packing for the children of Oklahoma. The means: a mouthwatering medley of international

flavors from 25 of the metro’s finest restaurants. The Regional Food Bank presents the 25th annual Chef’s Feast – bon appetit!

OKC BEAUTIFUL DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS 3/29, OKC Golf & Country Club, okcbeautiful.com, 525.8822 Looking good, central Oklahoma!

Bob Ross, the Daystar Foundation, Mary Caffrey and many others are among the 2012 honorees for their tireless efforts to improve the city’s appearance.

ART | MUSIC | THEATRE | EVENTS

D E VO N E N E R G Y P R E S E N T S

Patriot’s Games

March 30, Classen Curve, weswelkerfoundation.org, 570.5750

A

former Heritage Hall Charger, Wes Welker was thought too small to compete in college and then, despite a stel-

lar tenure with Texas Tech, went undrafted by the NFL. Needless to say, the four-time Pro Bowler has learned the value of persistence and of dreaming big – inspiration he shares through his eponymous Foundation, which encourages the potential of at-risk youth through athletics and positive role models. And for the fifth year, supporting that mission is a blast via Cleats and Cocktails, an all-star auctionpacked party featuring celebrity guests like Sam Bradford, Rob Gronkowski and Donte Stallworth.

ON THE RADAR THE MAGIC OF MUSIC 4/1, OU Catlett Music Center, ou.edu/ fjjma, 325.3272 A special companion event to the Fred Jones Jr. Museum’s exhibit “A Century of Magic: The Animation of the Walt Disney Studios,” this amazing

multimedia concert and Disney costume parade for kids should leave audiences razzle-dazzled.

LITERARY VOICES 4/10, OKC Golf & Country Club, supportmls. org/endowment, 606.3760 Thrilling news: bestselling author Mary Higgins Clark is en route to OKC as the guest of honor for the march 2012 | slice 49

Solutions for your windows and walls

4416 N. Western Showroom 525.7757 Office 521.8885 www.ketchdesigncentre.com

PURSUITS

Fierce Revelry

March 30 – April 1, Reaves Park, medievalfair.org, 366.8095

W

elcome back to the stage of history. The 36th annual Medieval Fair continues its reign as the king of its

kind with a bevy of educational exhibits, craft demonstrations, seven stages filled with entertainment and a merry crew (some are even in motley) of minstrels, jugglers, food vendors of every stripe, armored knights, potters, weavers, cobblers, artisans, human chess pieces, jousters, (deep breath) smiths, face painters, pipers, princes, carpenters, camels… it’s an exoutdoor scapes and management custom pools and water features

cursion with ample rewards for adventurous explorers of any age; a veritable renaissance of entertainment.

outdoor living and equipment

405.478.9990 www.TurfTeamOK.com

Like elegance, fitness is not an outward appearance… but poise from within.

Private and Duet Pilates Small-Group Equipment Classes Sharin Wolfe MS, RD/LD Licensed Dietitian Pilates Method Alliance Certified Instructor

128 East Main Street, Suite 201, Norman 405.701.8140 | coredinationpilates.com

50 slice | march 2012

Metropolitan Library Endowment Trust’s annual fundraising dinner, an event that also honors contributions to literacy from community members.

FAIRY TALE BALL 4/14, Petroleum Club, okchildrenstheatre. org, 951.0011 An otherwise nonmagical venue transforms into a wonderland of games, music, dancing and storybook characters as the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre invites small celebrants and their parents to spend an evening spellbound by potions and pixie dust.

OKC BALLET GALA 4/14, OKC Golf & Country Club, okcballet.

com, 843.9898 The timing is fortuitous for this evening of elegant dining, music and dancing by professionals and guests alike: 2012 is the Ballet’s 40 th year, traditionally the ruby anniversary, and patrons will receive a sneak peek at the slippers and sundry of its season-ending “Wizard of Oz.” REDBUD CLASSIC 4/14-15, Waterford Complex, redbud. org, 842.8295 On your mark… get set… enjoy! The OKC tradition celebrates its 30th anniversary with 5k and 10k runs, children’s events, cycling tours, a wheelchair 5k, a 2-mile fun walk and the Pasta on the Pond carboloading party, all benefiting Citizens Caring for Children.

CLAUDE LONG

ART | MUSIC | THEATRE | EVENTS

Norman Arts Council Executive Director Erinn Gavaghan with Melissa Scaramucci at ONE

Singular Sensation

March 31, MAINSITE Contemporary Art, normanarts.org, 360.1162

C

ombining efforts generally yields greater results, so the Norman Arts Council, which spends the remainder of the

year supporting and promoting the various members of the city’s arts community, sets aside a single evening to focus all its efforts on entertainment, appreciation, fundraising and education: on that night, there’s only ONE. Equal parts art show, performance event, dining extravaganza and informational seminar, it celebrates the arts while helping to ensure their continued success (as the NAC’s only fundraising event), and with special VIP dining packages and the imaginative Chair-ity Auction, it’s exhilarating proof that one of its kind is plenty.

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.

Live Well • Dress Well • Shop Well

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

follow us on twitter

march 2012 | slice 51

SPACES

52 slice | march 2012

DISCERNING DESIGN

Setting the Table

By Sara Gae Waters Photos by K.O. Rinearson

M

arch is that magical time of year when green is finally making a comeback. Why

not celebrate it? Now, more than ever, it is easy to have a “green” table... and we don’t just mean color.

march 2012 | slice 53

SPACES

54 slice | march 2012

DISCERNING DESIGN

Recycled glass, recycled paper, ta-

bleware made in eco-friendly studios... with spring here, or at the least, right around the corner, nothing is more revitalizing than this fresh, responsible and festive theme.

Start the table with a green-colored

placemat in a light and airy open-weave textile. Place a simple solid-colored plate, or maybe two, on top. A small bowl or cup for your first course is perfection. Sleek and slender knives, forks and spoons enhance the modern feel of the table. As for the florals, go for wispy, delicate flowers in recycled glass vases. We would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge the greenest of holidays – add a St. Patrick’s Day touch with a shamrock place card.

A drink station at the kitchen island

or at the bar makes it easy to keep the table uncluttered. We used a recycled glass drink dispenser filled with limes. Thick recycled glasses stamped with “100% recycled glass” are a wonderful match for this simply green setup.

From our table to yours... go green!

For resources, see page 124.

FOR THE KIDS Paper plates made from fallen leaves and plasticware made from recyclables are ideal eco-responsible, no-hassle pieces for the kids to use. march 2012 | slice 55

SPACES

LOVE Live With What You

Makeover master Paul DiMeo

By Lauren Hammack

I

f you’ve been a fan of ABC’s hit series “Extreme Make-

spent on the phone together, DiMeo spoke as candidly about

over: Home Edition,” you’re familiar with the urge to

his family and childhood as he did about his plans for the fu-

reach into the screen and hug its co-star, Paul DiMeo,

ture, as this season marks the conclusion of “EM:HE.” DiMeo is such a regular guy, in fact, that the last 15 min-

whose human compassion, emotion and sense of humor have

endeared him to millions of fans for the past nine seasons as

utes of our conversation took place on speakerphone. “It’s

the show’s rugged carpenter with a tender heart of gold.

Friday,” he said. “My job is to wash the sheets – do you mind

if we talk on speaker while I get these off the bed and into

Despite being one of America’s most recognizable TV ce-

lebrities, DiMeo personifies the genuine, “regular guy” qual-

the washer?”

ity that resonates so clearly with his fans. During the hour we

56 slice | march 2012

Not at all.

©RANDY COLWELL

DISCERNING DESIGN

I’ve read that you got an early start on your career as a home renovator.

Yes – I wasn’t quite six years old when our family’s home burned to the ground.

But I do agree that one man’s ceiling is another’s floor. And I love it when someone says, “Wow! You found that and did that?!?”

How did that shape you and your approach to your work?

It’s had a huge effect. We lost everything in that fire and what I learned at a young age is that nothing is sacred. I look around my house now and yeah, I love my guitar, the piano, the things I’ve collected over the course of doing “Extreme,” but those are just things. The last thing I tell a family when we leave is, “This can all come out. If you don’t love these things, it’s OK to get rid of them. Don’t feel like you have to keep them because they were part of a TV show. Life’s too short to live with things you don’t love.”

Is there one area of building or renovation that’s always worth the splurge?

The kitchen. When I was growing up, we had a living room we couldn’t go in. I’m a huge fan of using all the space you have. Everyone gathers in the kitchen, so I love an open kitchen. That’s why I love dining room tables, too. There are so many memories that are made around the table. Stories are told there. Life decisions are made. That’s where life happens.

Nine seasons of the show have probably changed you as a person, haven’t they?

Well, it’s nice to be part of something that does so much good for so many people. Obviously, I’m free to emote in that situation because so many of the circumstances surrounding the families we’ve helped are so tragic.

You really have to get into the fetal position to watch that show!

You know, I never watch the show. I’ve lived it. And I’m not a big fan of TV to begin with, even though it’s what I’ve done for a living for many years.

You’re a self-professed “dumpster diver,” so you must watch “Hoarders,” at least. Is it fair to say that you recognize that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure?

I have watched “Hoarders” – um, that’s a little different than just using some “found objects” in a project. With “Hoarders,” first we have to get rid of all the rats. I don’t get that. I think, no matter what we have, it seems important to keep things clean.

What do you hope someone experiences when they walk into a room you’ve had as a project?

It’s going to sound ironic, but I don’t want them to notice the room at all.

I just want them to have a sense that something about it is inviting and makes them feel that they can sit down and be comfortable.

Fans of your work will know that you’ve created some amazing children’s bedrooms. Does that appeal to you because of your theater background?

Of course! And that’s what I try to do – I try to “read the script” of the project. I also think I can think like a child about what makes sense in the room from a child’s perspective.

Did you have a great bedroom when you were a kid?

My room had a patriotic theme. It was red, white and blue.

I’m familiar. My mom pledged allegiance to the Bicentennial in every room of our house.

My parents eventually moved to kind of a brandy wine color everywhere. march 2012 | slice 57

©RANDY COLWELL

SPACES

58 slice | march 2012

DISCERNING DESIGN

We build what you love...

Did you tell them what you do for a living?

I know…

Since 1984

But if they’re happy…

That’s right. I try to be careful about judging anything that someone has in their house. If someone walked into my house, they’d see all the sports stuff, a mishmash of nine years of doing the show, a million photos…

Do you still have a dream project on your wish list?

This is going to sound crazy, but I want to raise goats and make goat cheese. And I’d love to do some organic farming. I think it’s so important that, somewhere in your yard, you have a place to grow stuff you can eat, even if it’s just some tomato plants or something.

What are your plans, post-“Extreme?”

I’m looking at projects that focus on downsizing for smaller spaces and transforming those spaces to make them really functional.

That’s a very relevant subject as Baby Boomers are starting to downsize.

I lived in New York City in a 1,200-square-foot loft that had no walls. I later lived in an apartment that my wife and I shared that was 120 square feet – 10' by 12'.

I believe that’s called a “cell.”

Exactly. And let me tell you, if you live in an apartment that’s 120 square feet, you really have to prioritize what stays and what goes.

The warden says the same thing. What else is on the horizon?

I’m getting ready to do the Fan Cave again with the MLB. We’ll be doing an all-new design. A big part of that is creating a place where a player can go into a space that brings out something else in him. Maybe there’s a guitar on the wall and he can play it and give fans a glimpse at another facet of him as a person.

What will you be talking about at the OKC Home Show?

I’ll be there to talk about some tips for makeover projects and there will probably be a Q&A, but knowing me, I’ll probably end up ranting and raving about all kinds of things.

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In addition to DiMeo’s appearance, Sasha Andreev of HGTV’s “Curb Appeal” and “Decorating Cents” will present an elite selection of new products from Sasha Andreev local businesses and give simple steps for do-it-yourself projects. More than 200 exhibitors from around Oklahoma will also participate.

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SPACES

DISCERNING DESIGN

Expanding Possibilities

By Kent Anderson

T

he statistics are ominous and disturbing. In 2011 alone, Oklahoma experienced more than

25,000 reported cases of domestic violence. The actual number of incidents is likely twice as large, given that roughly half of all cases of abuse go unreported. Over the last dozen years, nearly 1,000 episodes of domestic violence have turned into homicides. That’s an FRANKFURT, SHORT AND BRUZA

average of around 80 per year, or seven deaths every single month. In one-third of those cases, the children of the victim witnessed the murder. Over 95 percent of these victims had never received any type of emergency shelter or domestic violence services.

Of course, these are not simple statistics. They bear the faces

“The YWCA is a lifeline for women and children escaping

of women and children. They are relatives, friends, co-workers.

devastating circumstances of domestic violence, and we have

Domestic violence cuts across all demographic lines. It knows no

an ethical responsibility in our community to tell those fami-

boundary of neighborhood or socioeconomic status or education

lies that we believe in them and we believe in their safety,” says

or ethnicity. One in four women will at some point be victims of

Janet L. Peery, Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA Oklaho-

abuse. The children carry the scars even more deeply, shoulder-

ma City. “Our shelter currently stays full 99.9 percent of the

ing them – often in silent grief and shame – for a lifetime.

time. This means victims are going unserved because there is

The YWCA Oklahoma City seeks to change the statistics,

not enough room. So we are going to start by building a new

to stop the violence and abuse. The organization provides the

shelter to expand the reach of the YWCA and ensure that ev-

only emergency shelter in Oklahoma County for victims of do-

eryone can be served, and that families from right here in cen-

mestic violence and their children. However, it is a painful re-

tral Oklahoma have the chance at the lives they deserve – lives

ality that the demand far exceeds the available facilities.

free from violence.”

march 2012 | slice 61

SPACES

DISCERNING DESIGN

In February, the YWCA rolled out

its plan for a $15 million capital campaign aimed at creating a new shelter.

With a current capacity of 52 beds in the emergency shelter and seven families in transitional housing, the campaign is designed to build a larger emergency shelter with 85 beds. The new space will FRANKFURT, SHORT AND BRUZA

allow the existing shelter to be repurposed into an enhanced Extended Stay Shelter. Also included in the proposal is renovation of the McFarland branch to provide greater access to counseling programs and crisis services.

The YWCA’s plan, which makes use

of the existing space and the proposed new structures, is a three-pronged concept for the victims: safety, self-sufficiency and healing, with each step building on its predecessor. The new Emergency Shelter will provide immediate safety, offering 30-day housing, food and clothing, as well as case

FRANKFURT, SHORT AND BRUZA

management and support. Step two: self-sufficiency. The enhanced Extended Stay Shelter will provide interim six-month housing for women and children. Programs such as Economic Empowerment, Children’s Counseling and Healthy Relationships promote long-term safety and independence.

Step three: transitional and permanent supportive housing enables women and children to employ the skills learned during their time in the shelters, and to begin the journey toward healing.

The statistics are real. The people

behind them are real. The need is very real, and the YWCA Oklahoma City FRANKFURT, SHORT AND BRUZA

has put forth a bold plan of action for

62 slice | march 2012

healing, for hope, for an end to the cycle of abuse. More information on the campaign, and the YWCA’s proposed new facilities, is available at 948.1770 or www.ywcaokc.org.

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LIVING WELL

A Grey (Water) Area

By Mary Ellen Ternes, Esq.

T

here’s still time for winter to make its presence more strongly felt this year – a March snowstorm certainly isn’t unheard-of around here – but back in January it was already warm enough to think about working in

my garden. To that end, I’ve been poring over the USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zone map (we’re in 7a, an average annual minimum temperature range of 0 to 5°F) and GREY WATER SOURCE

thinking about what to plant this spring; and while fire-resistant or deer-resistant vegetation may not be necessary in Nichols Hills where I live, after last summer, drought-resistant plants seem like a good choice.

Our friends in California, who are subject to water rationing, can recommend

ways to keep our gardens perky even during really dry periods: watering at night to avoid evaporation; pouring all water from ice chests, leftover water bottles and even leftover cooking water onto our favorite plants; using mulch; and – a recent innovation – maybe even installing a grey water system… if our municipality adopts a grey water ordinance.

Effective November 2011, Oklahoma statute allows municipalities to adopt or-

dinances regulating the use of “grey water,” defined as untreated household wasteGREY WATER SOURCE

water from bathtubs, showers, washbasins, washing machines and laundry tubs, as long as it isn’t tainted by the likes of diapers and similarly soiled items. Use of grey water can really help keep our lawns green, but we do need ordinances. Norman should have one soon.

Model grey water ordinances, including examples from Arizona and Califor-

nia, are available online; some of the basic rules include limiting a household’s use of grey water to what’s generated by that house, and only using it within the home’s property boundaries. Also, human contact with grey water, and soil irrigated with it, is avoided just to be careful – which includes not using it GREY WATER SOURCE

directly on edible plants.

PLANTER BED

TO GROUNDWATER

SEPTIC TANK

64 slice | march 2012

SAND FILTER

PUMP-PIT

OVERFLOW

MIND, BODY, SPIRIT

Use of grey water for irrigation, stocking our gardens with

drought-resistant plants and other water conservation measures are things we need to be thinking about now, and in the future. Our water use has been a subject of study for many years, and based on recent reviews, it looks like we’ll need to find more ways to conserve and make the best use of our water in the days ahead.

The Oklahoma Water Resources Board has been working

with the Water Research Institute at OSU in drafting an update to the Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan, a strategic guide for managing the state’s water resources. The OCWP was first published in 1980, then updated in 1997. A second update, commissioned in 2006, has been underway for over five years.

The interim drafts of the OCWP reports show that we in

the Central Watershed Planning Region (including Oklahoma City) demand 18 percent of Oklahoma’s water, and will demand 32 percent more than our current requirements by 2060.

Where will all this water come from? We may need to convey

What ’s L ife L ike… in Your Backyard?

it via pipeline, but we can also cut back on the amount of water we use. A grey water statute, and municipal ordinances allowing its use, could be a big help in both keeping our lawns green during a really hot summer, and also keeping our water bills down and reducing demand so that folks at the end of the pipeline still have water pressure – let’s check with our respective city councils and ask about a grey water ordinance!

Be Informed Great tips for gardening during water rationing www.thegardenpages.com/water.html Grey water ordinance ideas www.oasisdesign.net/greywater/law Oklahoma’s Water Plan and the Central Watershed Planning Region Report www.owrb.ok.gov/supply/ocwp/OCWPreports.php

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LIVING WELL

Maintain Your Brain A

By Tomás P. Owens, M.D. ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/MILJKO

s the life expectancy of Americans continues to increase, we are faced with the question of what quality of life

is to be expected with those extra years. Among the many parts that age with us, one particularly disturbing potential trouble spot is the mind.

Bones thin out, muscles can weaken and joints

avoiding major head trauma are also critical. Long-standing

can wear, but there is nothing of more concern to

hypertension, even if it never provokes a large or noticeable

us than the loss of intellectual capacity. Although

stroke, can “wear down” the circulation into the brain and pro-

only about five percent of the over-65 cohort have

duce mental incapacity earlier in life. Diabetes also increases

cognitive impairment (the panoply of findings

the chances of mental incapacity; maintaining a near-ideal

that we associate with “memory loss”), that per-

body weight sufficient to prevent the onset of diabetes can re-

centage can be as high as 50 percent (or, according

tard progression toward brain dysfunction.

to some experts, 70 percent) by the time we reach

the age of 85. Is this inexorable? Is there anything

to develop memory loss. It is not clear which is cause and which

we can do about it?

is effect, but the correlation is very strong: every scholastic de-

gree adds a significant delay in the development of dementia.

We know that a great part of our ability to

The more formal education a patient has, the less likely he is

think depends on specific cerebral determinants.

Nevertheless, in an article in the Archives of Neu-

brain capacity as much as it does to muscle function. A common

rology, October 2011, a series of 1,672 autopsies

recommendation is to remain mentally engaged through word

of individuals who died with absolutely normal

games, crosswords, chess, mathematical problems and other

brain function revealed a variety of findings

challenging mind-games. It isn’t clear whether these activities

compatible with Alzheimer’s, multiple strokes,

indeed help or if the individuals who partake just happen to be

Lewy Body disease. Why, then, did these indi-

those already gifted with better brain preservation. Yet a com-

viduals die with such good mental fortitude? We

bination of brain exercises, physical activity, stress reduction

are not sure, but a number of recent studies give

and a better diet showed significant improvement in objective

us some insight.

and subjective memory performance after just six weeks in a

Selecting the right parents is particularly

September 2011 UCLA study. Interestingly, remaining in your

helpful – wishful thinking, of course, but hav-

field of work after retirement age also protects against mental

ing parents who maintained their mental vigor

loss when compared to retiring to your rocking chair. Howev-

into their 90s is especially beneficial. Control-

er, maintaining mental acuity is most associated with starting

ling blood pressure, starting at a young age, and

a brand-new line of business or practice following retirement.

66 slice | march 2012

Physicians have long believed that “use it or lose it” applies to

MIND, BODY, SPIRIT

Those who leave their job and take on new challenges appear to live more years in good mental status.

Depressive symptoms are associated with earlier cogni-

tive decline in older adults. It is prudent to treat depression to try to avert further deterioration of mental activity.

An extremely interesting line of research championed

by Dr. Kristine Yaffe at the University of California-San Francisco is the relationship between physical activity and maintenance of intellect. In a series of studies, she found that individuals who walk 20 minutes daily developed dementia at a rate 20 percent lower than a comparison group of couch potatoes. In August 2011, a more detailed study in Archives of Internal Medicine found a direct correlation in the Activity Energy Expenditure (AEE) of a group of patients with an average age of 75. Only 1.5 percent of those in the higher level of AEE developed cognitive impairment after five years, while those in the lower level of AEE had a risk of over 16 percent for the same period. The more you move your whole body, the better your brain fares!

How about supplements? In the absence of known specific

deficiency, there is no evidence that any dietary supplement can improve mental sharpness. In fact, supplementation with some vitamins and antioxidants in tablet form has been found in recent studies to be potentially harmful. Conversely, a diet high in naturally occurring vitamins and minerals is associated with longevity and better memory. In essence, eating a balanced diet with deep green, orange and red vegetables is more likely to help mental acuity than any magical supplement capsule.

For chocoholics, a meta-analysis (review of many studies

combined) from British investigators published in August 2011 found that those in the highest level of chocolate consumption had a 37 percent lower rate of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease – great news for those who can eat more chocolate and not gain weight.

The data about alcohol is trickier. Having one drink of

beer or wine a day decreases your risk of developing dementia, according to an August 2011 study in The Journal of Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. However, having two or more drinks accelerates the risk – so moderation is essential.

In summary, while there is not much we can do to change

our ancestry, the data is accumulating to support the contention that good sensible eating with an occasional treat, stress reduction and an active lifestyle with exercise can take us to a long and satisfying life. march 2012 | slice 67

LIVING WELL

MIND, BODY, SPIRIT

The Key to a New You I

By Robert Custer

have discovered that there’s always a great number of people who will unabashedly claim that

they’re getting ready to start dieting.

And the truth is that life will always present you with an excuse to put it off. So in essence, there will always be more people going on a diet “tomorrow.” But if we ever hope to reach our biggest goals – especially weight loss ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/DOMENICOGELERMO

goals – we have to start making some tough choices and turning our “tomorrow” into “today.” We have to start finding a way to ignore one thing (or several things) for the sake of something more important. What could be more deserving of our time?

Obviously, there are some realities of living that require attention. We

you’re a cloned sheep. Eventually, you

have everything right now!” To reach

need to work, eat, sleep and care for our

have to face certain cold, hard facts:

your goals and live the life you want, it

families… but beyond that, everything is optional. The choices are completely

• You’re not going to be able to read

takes patience and priorities – the ability to choose between two competing wish-

yours. If you feel that you don’t have

every book that you want.

time to pursue your healthy lifestyle

• You’ll never have time to watch all

for now and wait.

goals, you can do something about it by

of your favorite movies and TV shows.

• The house will never be clean enough.

to walk on, and decide which steps to

making those tough decisions.

It’s difficult to accept this idea.

We’ve grown up in a world not accustomed to saying “no” or doing without.

• There will always be another errand to run.

es, and the willingness to set one aside You can build the path that you want

take. It’s important to you – to your health, your goals and your family – that you take some time to exercise and plan

By now, we’re used to being pulled in

• The grass will continue to grow.

43 different directions. We’re uncom-

• Everything you buy will need to be

way and give yourself permission to take

fortable with the idea that we may just

dusted, repaired, maintained or dis-

that time without feeling guilty. The iro-

have to let something slide. The trouble

posed of in some way.

ny is that by being healthy and taking

healthy meals. You should treat it that

time from your schedule, you’ll be able to

is that we get so caught up in trying to do everything that we retreat inside

This is not a critique of any lack of

take care of more of that “other” stuff in

ourselves. We continually focus on the

organizational skills on your part, or a

the long run. I’ve always liked the quote,

next task until we get tunnel vision and

reason to give up altogether. Rather, it’s

“If you don’t do something with life, life

lose sight of other people and what’s

a statement of freedom. I’m writing this

will do something with you.”

important. In the pursuit of happiness,

column to give you permission and en-

that’s a futile strategy.

couragement to start letting go.

list really more important than your

health? When it comes down to it, those

The only way you can be in two plac-

es at once is if your name is Dolly, and

68 slice | march 2012

Someone smarter than I once said,

“You can have everything. You just can’t

Besides, is anything on your to-do

choices may not be so tough after all.

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march 2012 | slice 69

MARKETPLACE

Fashion Forward

By Kent Anderson Photos by David Cobb

70 slice | march 2012

LEADING EDGE

Long before becoming the proprietor of the legendary Nichols Hills store, Cindi Shelby honed her retail skills in the employ of Ruth Meyers. That knowledge, coupled with unbridled energy and commitment to customer service, is ushering the retail establishment into a new era. march 2012 | slice 71

MARKETPLACE

“Ruth was a great teacher. She was my mentor.”

A

conversation with Cindi Shelby, owner of venerable Nichols Hills Plaza boutique Ruth Mey-

ers, is a study in energy and enthusiasm, business savvy and innate love for fashion. But she becomes exceedingly animated and passionate about the most intricate part of her business – the relationships.

“You must have an attitude of ser-

vice, and a sincere love for the customer,” Shelby says. “If you truly care about making her look her best and making her feel confident in what she’s wearing, that is when the customer will come back to you. It’s that simple.”

It isn’t as simple as it sounds, but

Shelby has mastered the art of customer service, and developed a deeply held devotion to the fashion industry, over the course of her career – a career spent primarily in the store she now owns.

A history major at OU, Shelby mar-

ried, then she and her husband spent the summer of 1978 backpacking in Europe. After that experience, she returned to Oklahoma, and she knew what she wanted to do.

“I wanted to work for Ruth Meyers,”

she recalls. “I liked it the best of any of the stores. I liked the ambiance and the entire feel.”

She promptly went to the store and

interviewed with its founder and namesake. In short order, Shelby had a job, and she worked there in various capacities for more than two decades. By 2000, she was in charge of all buying for Ruth Meyers.

“This was my home,” Shelby says.

“Ruth was a great teacher. She was my mentor.”

Still, everyone leaves home at some

point, and as Shelby’s oldest daughter entered middle school, she made the decision to leave the store. She taught at Cheyenne Middle School in Edmond for two years, but the pull of the fashion in-

72 slice | march 2012

LEADING EDGE

dustry was strong. She returned to the business by serving as a direct sales rep for several fashion lines over a sevenyear period.

In the spring of 2009, Ruth Meyers

held a 35th anniversary celebration for the store. Shelby attended, and she remembers the day well. “I kept thinking that my dream was to own this store, to take on the legacy,” she says.

One week later, her phone rang. The

Meyers family was calling. Ruth was ready to retire, and they wanted to talk to Shelby about taking over the store.

The negotiations began, and in November, the deal was final. Cindi Shelby had come home.

As she settled into ownership of the

store, Shelby began to think about diversification: the merchandise mix, the

She also carefully thought about

riety of price points on her merchandise.

price points, even her staff.

the changing fashion needs of the con-

She uses what she calls a “good/better/

She kept all the existing staff, many

temporary woman. “We didn’t need so

best” mix for pricing in all categories. But

of whom have long tenures with Ruth

many of the ‘ladies who lunch’ suits,”

with her keen eye, she always sees the

Meyers. Building on their experience,

she says. “Women dress more casually

best merchandise, regardless of price.

she added new employees as well – in-

today, and I wanted our inventory to of-

cluding the store’s first male staff mem-

fer a range of choices.”

pieces, I look for the quality. I will keep

bers, two young men in their 20s. Shel-

looking and looking at market, to find

by now employs 14 people.

ity of the times as well, introducing a va-

Shelby understood the economic real-

“Even when I’m buying inexpensive

just the right things to fit this store.” march 2012 | slice 73

MARKETPLACE

The marketing of the store reflects Shelby’s

interest in reaching out to new customers as well: Facebook, Twitter, e-mail blasts and a fresh, clean look to print advertising. But she also knows and understands the most precious marketing commodity any retailer can possess: word of mouth.

“It’s all about being so terrific throughout the en-

tire experience with one customer, that she tells her friend,” Shelby says. “Then her friend comes in, and we repeat the experience. It just goes from there.”

The physical layout of Ruth Meyers is more

open, with new spaces for customers to see and touch the merchandise. Shelby removed doors from closets, adding more areas for actual display – more ways for her customers to enjoy the complete experience she wants to offer them.

Shelby’s love for fashion – and for her business

– is a living, breathing entity. She calls it “visceral.”

“A beautifully cut jacket gives me goose bumps,” she says, “and the ever-changing nature of fashion, from one season to the next, really feeds me.”

Still, she returns to the concept of relationships

as the cornerstone of everything she does. “I can get emotional about it. I love my customers so much.

When a woman tells me, ‘It was worth every penny and I felt so beautiful in that dress,’ it totally makes it for me. That is what it’s all about.”

74 slice | march 2012

LEADING EDGE

THE RIGHT STUFF

BURNING DESIRE I

GET SMART

By Michael Miller

n my never-ending quest for the coolest toys, I pre-ordered the Kindle Fire from Amazon when it was announced in October, and was one of the lucky people who received it from the first shipment on November 15. This is my impression of the Kindle Fire: I (qualified) love it.

Qualified, you say? Well, yes. The Fire is a media device – it has the ability to play video and music, and allows you

to read from the Kindle library, plus there are thousands of apps ready for the machine or in development right now.

In main, the Kindle does most of the things that make the iPad so cool for less than half the money. With a wireless

connection, you can read, watch video, listen to music, surf the web, check email and all that good stuff.

Now for some of the qualifications I mentioned. The interface is Android and is very similar to a smartphone and the

Apple devices, but there are some differences. Some of the intuitive gestures you can use on Apple products, like making things bigger by touching the screen with two fingers and dragging them apart, don’t work here. The keyboard doesn’t work as well as I had hoped and think it should, and also Bluetooth connections don’t work, so I can’t use my Bluetooth keyboard for typing instead, like I can with the iPad.

I love the new larger interface for reading: the type is big-

ger and more content can be seen on the page, and it handles images very well with nice color rendition. Overall, the new screen is great for indoor viewing, but if reading in direct sunlight is your thing, you’re going to need to hang on to your Kindle II. The sun completely washes out the color screen and reading in bright sunlight is impossible.

The built-in speaker allows you to listen without head-

phones, but I wouldn’t – the sound is easy to listen to, but lacks a lot of detail that is lost to compression. The sound quality is so much better with even inexpensive headphones.

I worked with Kent Anderson from Slice to help him load an

application on his Kindle Fire for his son to use. It was a much more cumbersome process than loading the same program on an Apple device; it took me a couple of tries to get the application to load so that it would work… and that’s a problem I have never had with the iPad. My experience with content directly from the Amazon store (I am an Amazon Prime member and can download free streaming content) worked much better, with free movies and streaming video loading and running faultlessly on my home wireless connection to my Fire.

The device’s battery life is nice and long, but the recharg-

ing process is pretty slow. I ran my Fire until it was nearly out of power (less than 10%) before plugging it in to recharge, and it was several hours until I had a green light showing it was fully charged.

As you can see, I don’t consider the Kindle Fire to be an un-

it isn’t a very good one. While it has some minor weaknesses, I love the device and read, check email and watch streaming video on it all the time. For the price point, it is a great buy and I

AMAZON.COM

questionably perfect consumer product… but that doesn’t mean

would buy another one if I broke or lost the one I have.

march 2012 | slice 75

GLIMPSE

An Enthusiastic

Spirit

By Kent Anderson

P

eter Hoffman is no stranger to the world of art. The businessman and Nichols Hills vice mayor has spent a lifetime

studying and appreciating art for its aesthetic, intellectual, emotional and spiritual value, and he has a unique understanding and a fine eye.

But nothing in his life had prepared him to

enter the world of Boris Chetkov.

“I was walking down Canyon Road in Santa

Fe,” Hoffman recalls, “and I saw a sign for Pushkin Galleries. I saw this magnificent, non-Santa Fe-esque art in the window, and it showed a combination of everything from movement to color to intellectualism to dynamism. I stopped in and talked with Kenneth Pushkin, the gallery owner, and I was intrigued by this modernistic, expressionistic sort of ‘non-style’ that spanned the gamut. It really appealed to me.”

To say that the paintings of Chetkov (1926-

2010) appealed to Hoffman is a vast understatement. He was mesmerized. Now, nearly seven years later, he owns more than 30 of the artist’s works, and he has worked with the Howell GalPUSHKIN GALLERIES

lery to present a gift to the Oklahoma community this month: one of the largest public displays of Boris Chetkov’s art anywhere in the world.

(See “A Moment in Motion,” page 78.)

Boris Chetkov

76 slice | march 2012

PUSHKIN GALLERIES

PERSONAL PERSPECTIVES

“Head of a Roman Man” (1977) march 2012 | slice 77

GLIMPSE

PUSHKIN GALLERIES

PUSHKIN GALLERIES

“He was not governed by any discipline other than his need to create. He was what I would call a ‘fantastical realist.’”

“Spring Bouquet” (2010)

Chetkov’s work is characterized by a

vibrant and vital use of color. Otherwise, his creations cross boundaries, tied to no single style. He painted portraits, landscapes, still life studies, horses, music scenes and many, many other categories.

“He kept an enthusiastic spirit about

the universe,” Hoffman says. “He was not governed by any discipline other than his need to create. He was what I would call a ‘fantastical realist.’”

Boris Chetkov’s positive artistic out-

look is all the more remarkable in light of the harshness of his life. His earliest years were quite happy and pastoral in a small village in the Ural Mountains, but “Anticipation of Fall” (2002)

A Moment in Motion When Peter Hoffman and Kenneth Pushkin began to consider the idea of a large-scale exhibition of Boris Chetkov’s work in Oklahoma, Hoffman turned to the Howell Gallery.

“When I thought of where to display this gift to the community, I thought of Ken and Linda Howell,” Hoffman says. “They have supported so many Oklahoma artists, and in their own way they represent the same pioneering, transcendent spirit that we see in Chetkov’s paintings.”

Howell Gallery, at 6432 N. Western in Oklahoma City, is in the process of adding 2,200 square feet of additional display space, part of which will house the Chetkov exhibition.

“We had maxed out our existing space for displaying art,” says the gallery’s Laura Howell Tirrell. “This is very exciting for us, to be able to add more space for showcasing art and to host such an important exhibition as this.”

The show will feature more than 225 paintings. “This is a substantial representation of Chetkov’s body of work that has heretofore never been seen,” says Pushkin.

78 slice | march 2012

the collectivist policies of Joseph Stalin imposed a stark and often terrifying reality on Russian life. Young Chetkov ran away from home and was later imprisoned in the infamous Gulag Archipelago. During World War II he was placed in a penal battalion, whose soldiers were inserted in the most dangerous and often hopeless positions on the front lines. He survived when many did not. After the war he studied art at two schools and continued to create – he became a glassmaker, and remained at heart a painter.

Still, Chetkov did not adhere to the Communist party line, and his work was suppressed by the government. Only in the post-Soviet era did his paintings begin to achieve real recognition.

PUSHKIN GALLERIES

PERSONAL PERSPECTIVES

“Composition” (1979)

Gallery owner Kenneth Pushkin “discovered” Chetkov on one of his many

PUSHKIN GALLERIES

trips to Russia several years ago. In a dingy, cramped, seventh-story flat outside St. Petersburg, he viewed more than 800 paintings that had never been seen by the public. He, too, was captivated by the art, and over time he arranged to purchase almost the entire body of work, bringing the paintings to his gallery in Santa Fe.

“At the end of his life,” Pushkin says, “Chetkov was finally received with the

first one-man show ever held at the presidential palace outside of St. Petersburg. In his last year, he was a star. It’s a happy ending, so it’s not a typical Russian story.”

Pushkin became a tireless promoter of Chetkov’s work, and found one of its

most willing champions in Peter Hoffman. The two struck a friendship, and that relationship bears fruit for Oklahoma this month at the Howell Gallery. For Hoffman, his personal relationship with the artist’s work has become one of the great passions of his life.

“Old Staraya Ladoga Church of St. Nickolas” (1995)

“He has transcended barriers and boundaries,” Hoffman says of Chetkov.

“He understands the nature of a moment in time, but also understands that moment is in motion, becoming something that is and might be. When you think about trying to capture that idea on canvas, it’s almost impossible to do.

Nothing in my life of understanding and creating and loving art has captivated me like the essence of this incredible, moving, coloristic, modernist genius.

He had an incredibly difficult life, and yet gave birth to a world that is almost

The Chetkov exhibition will be on view at the Howell Gallery March 23 and 2631, 10am-5pm. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, March 24, 1-7pm.

For more information, contact the gallery at 840.4437.

indescribably beautiful.” march 2012 | slice 79

GLIMPSE

STEVE

HAGGARD 80 slice | march 2012

STEVE

ALLTON

LUCAS

WESTENDORF

DAVID

OOLEY

STEVE

GILES

PERSONAL PERSPECTIVES

The Other Side of

The Usual Suspects T

By Lauren Hammack Photo by Butch Enterline

here’s much to admire about

on our minds, we set out to interrogate

gard) have joined David Ooley and Lu-

fine men’s clothing, not the

the city’s men of menswear, to learn

cas Westendorf to round out this band of

least of which are the fine men

more about the cut of their cloth. The

notorious experts.

who sell it. With a new season of fashion

three Steves (Allton, Giles and Hag-

The Spring Lineup SA: Steve Allton (Alltons, Kickingbird Square, Edmond) SG: Steve Giles (Steven Giles, Classen Curve, Oklahoma City) SH: Steve Haggard (S.J. Haggard and Co., Nichols Hills Plaza, Nichols Hills and Northpark Mall, Oklahoma City) DO: David Ooley (Mr. Ooley’s, Penn Square Mall, Oklahoma City) LW: Lucas Westendorf (Spencer Stone Co., Nichols Hills Plaza, Nichols Hills)

How long have you been in the clothing business?

SA: Since 1980.

SG: Since July, 1978.

SH: 43 years.

DO: A long time, which is strange because I’m still quite young.

LW: Seven years.

How long have you owned your company?

SA: Since August, 1995.

SG: Since September, 2005.

SH: I’ve owned a store since 1977. I’ve owned S.J. Haggard and Co. 20 years.

What personality trait of yours helps you most in your work?

SA: Being passionate about what I do and about people in general.

SG: I enjoy visiting with people. And I hope that I listen well.

DO: Optimism and flexibility.

LW: Being an extrovert We envy clothiers because, well, you’ve got the clothes. Should we ever feel sorry for you? Is your closet too small? Do you struggle over what to wear?

SA: You should absolutely not feel sorry for me! I’m sort of a neat freak, so I give a lot of my clothing away once a year or so.

SG: Yes – I can’t seem to find anything in my closet other than a navy blazer and grey trousers.

SH: Only once in my life have I ever had a big enough closet. I struggle more with casual dressing than with formal business attire.

DO: I really have to watch my weight – I have too much invested in clothing to change size!

What’s your favorite article of clothing that you own?

SA: Right now I have a soft coat from Empire that’s camel Donegal tweed. It’s awesome!

SG: If I asked you to guess, could you?

SH: Wow, that’s a hard one! Maybe my navy blazer.

DO: I can narrow it down to two: my Oxxford cashmere topcoat and my Giorgio Armani tuxedo.

LW: My three-piece, navy Ralph Lauren Blue Label tuxedo with grosgrain lapels that I had made for my wedding.

With all the clothing options you encounter in your business, do you buy the same things for your personal wardrobe, or are you more willing to experiment?

SA: I think I go in cycles just like our customers. I’m probably more adventurous because it’s what I do for a living.

SG: Sameness is the spice of life. No, wait – that’s variety. No wonder I wear a navy blazer and grey trousers.

SH: I don’t like change very much, so I tend to replace the same things.

DO: I like to experiment with the cut and design of clothing.

LW: I buy a navy blazer twice a year – it’s the most versatile garment in any man’s wardrobe.

What movies do you love for their wardrobes?

SA: “Chariots of Fire.” The silhouettes and fabrics of that era were timeless. Lots of great suits in the first “Godfather,” too.

SG: May I suggest any Cary Grant movie?

SH: “The Thin Man” series, most Cary Grant films, “Chariots of Fire.”

march 2012 | slice 81

GLIMPSE

PERSONAL PERSPECTIVES

DO: “Casablanca” is one of my favorites, but when Ingrid Bergman is on the screen, I’m not noticing any of the clothing.

LW: “Inception,” “Crazy, Stupid, Love,” “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps.”

American flag tie and red, white and navy captoe Cole Haan shoes in the late ’60s.

DO: I once had a pair of custom-made wingtip shoes that were so stiff and heavy, I looked like Frankenstein’s monster when I walked!

Is there something from your closet you wish you’d never let go?

Clothing-wise, what is it OK for people to part with, once and for all?

SA: Not really. I have my father’s alligator belt from when he was living. It has sentimental meaning to me.

SG: My letterman’s jacket. I promise, I really did play.

DO: My last vested suit. Vests are hot again. I’m ordering a three-piece suit for myself this fall.

SA: In a moment of clarity, take a hard look at every piece of clothing you own. If you haven’t worn it in six months, or if you can’t wear it, there is someone somewhere who would be really thankful to get it.

SG: If it doesn’t fit, it most likely never will. Give up. Treat yourself to something new that fits.

DO: I can’t name a specific item, but if you’re over 21 and you’re dressing like the guy in the Ford commercial, please stop.

LW: My rule of thumb is, if you’re not wearing it, get rid of it. Less is more.

Besides with a tie, where should someone be willing to take a risk in his wardrobe?

SA: Shoes. Definitely shoes.

SG: I wouldn’t risk with a necktie, but socks – well, who wouldn’t wear cream, yellow or pink?

SH: I think with color and patterns. Men shouldn’t be afraid of color or plaids or checks.

DO: Don’t be afraid to dress better than expected.

LW: I encourage taking calculated risks in every department.

What’s the best clothing advice you give your clientele?

How heavy do you go on the starch?

SA: No starch – ever!

SG: Heavy for dress, light for casual.

SH: I don’t use starch. It makes your shirts wrinkle more and wear out faster.

DO: I always request no starch, but the laundry often decides to add some, regardless.

LW: Starch???? What’s that?

SA: Buy all the quality you can afford. Properly fitted clothing makes all the difference.

Invest in nice shirts and ties – they’re what people will remember.

SG: Whatever your style preference: understated, fit and tailored comfortably and correctly.

SH: If you stay traditional on your wardrobe, you’ll get the best return on your clothing investment.

DO: Quality is always the best investment.

LW: It’s all about the fit!

What truth about your business translates to everyday life?

What have you worn in the past that now, with the sort of retrospective clarity that can only come with age, you wonder what the hell you were thinking? You are a professional, after all.

SA: You might not want to run into me at the ping-pong or pool table!

SG: Do I skydive, swim with the sharks and run with the bulls? Of course – don’t we all?

DO: Yes, but they will remain a secret.

LW: My skills are on display at Spencer Stone Co.

SA: I’m glad the whole Hawaiian shirt with palm trees thing is finally dying.

SG: A crest on a blazer. Really, my family didn’t have a crest.

SH: I had a red suit with navy stripes, bordered with small white stripes, that I wore with an

82 slice | march 2012

SA: Treat people the way you’d want to be treated. You get what you pay for.

SG: Do unto others…

SH: Most people want to look good but have never been shown the art of dressing.

DO: Being nice is always the best course. And it makes life much more pleasant.

LW: Everything.

Do you have any mad skills we don’t know about?

Any phobias or superstitions?

SG: Failure.

DO: Is there a scientific name for “fear of waking

up in the morning and being out of coffee”?

LW: White socks with a suit.

Do you have a favorite book on men’s fashion?

SA: Making the Man, by Alan Flusser (1981, Simon and Schuster).

SG: No, but I do have several favorite books.

SH: Dressing the Man by Alan Flusser (2002, HarperCollins) Lauren’s tech-lover’s side note: Alan Flusser has an iPhone app called “BeSpeak,” which creates a personal profile and offers wardrobe suggestions.

DO: Esquire’s Big Black Book is full of good information, but we love to give fashion advice to anyone, whether they’re a customer or not.

LW: The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman (2009, Penguin) Where should I eat this weekend?

SA: Signature Grill in Kickingbird Square, or Boulevard Steakhouse or Café 501.

SG: Gramercy Park Hotel (NYC), The Maialino.

Lauren’s “Everyday Gal” side note: from The Maialino, you can see Shake Shack.

SH: Zarate’s Latin Mexican Grill in Edmond.

DO: Vito’s on North May. Homemade Italian food. Try the chocolate cake.

LW: At Spencer’s house! He has a new Big Green Egg and everything he’s made looks amazing!

What do you believe that most people don’t?

SA: My father taught me to treat everyone the same, regardless of what they have or don’t have.

SG: Men really do care about dressing well.

SH: That a pair of jeans is just a pair of jeans, no matter how much they cost.

DO: That 13 is a lucky number.

When they make a movie about your life – and I’m sure it’s only a matter of time – what should the title be?

SA: “The Many Shades of Gray,” starring George Clooney, of course!

SG: “Field of Dreams II” SH: “The Luckiest Guy on Earth!”

DO: “The Luckiest Man Alive” LW: “The Hard Way”

Love Him? Admire Him?

NOMINATE HIM! That special man in your life deserves some public accolades for all his good deeds.

If you know someone who is raising the future generation while finding time to make our world a better place, let us know!

Nominations are now being accepted for Slice Magazine’s

2012 COOL DADS at www.sliceok.com

DEADLINE IS MARCH 15 february march 2012 | slice 83 11

Enchanted Season

By Timothy Fields Photos by Simon Hurst

O

Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, spring fashions brought the promise of fairy tale whimsy.

From flowing fabrics to bold and wonderful floral prints, in colors that range from white to shocking neon, spring declares itself in enchanting style.

Femininity takes center stage – gone are the days of grunge, drab colors and weighty fabrics. The modern

princess will be adorned in floor-length skirts, silk, tulle, bold stripes and muted florals. Many of this season’s fashions showcase pleating, folds and draping reminiscent of ancient Greece. For Prince Charming, look for cuffed pants, bow ties, fitted suits, suede oxford shoes and a splash of color. Live happily ever after this spring with fashions found in a land called home. The end!

84 slice | march 2012

L-R: Allison in Willow and Clay lipstick red pleated dress, Betsey Johnson necklace, bracelet and red leopard shoes from Dillard’s | Scott in blue cotton Murano cardigan and orange striped dress shirt, white 511 Levi’s and bow tie from Dillard’s | Season in Moschino blue nylon skirt, striped pearl-accented sweater, scarf, bracelet, handbag and shoes from The Consortium | Autumn in off-white silk dress with silver beading by Nanette Lepore and Alexis Bittar jewelry from Route 66 and Moschino shoes from The Consortium | Gatlin in House shirt with AG jeans and Gant sweater from Spencer Stone Co. | Kendall in Milly silk printed dress with Prada handbag and pumps from Balliets | Makenzie in Giambattista Valli draped dress and Fendi snakeskin pumps from Gordon Stuart | Ryan in Hart Schaffner Marx sport coat, Ralph Lauren striped shirt, Daniel Cremieux bowtie and pocket square, 511 Levi’s and Rockport suede oxford shoes from Dillard’s | Fairies played by Paris Corbett, Audrey Thiessen and Sophia Weaver from Oklahoma Children’s Theatre march 2012 | slice 85

DESIGNERS’ NOTEBOOK

Cinderella “Then she seated herself on a stool, drew her foot out of the heavy wooden shoe, and put it into the slipper, which fitted like a glove. And when she rose up and the King’s son looked at her face he recognized the beautiful maiden who had danced with him…”

86 slice | march 2012

PASSION FOR FASHION

Ryan in Murano gray slim-fit suit with purple plaid Lincs shirt and Krimson by Kwame tie from Dillard’s | Makenzie in Allison Parris plum tulle party dress, Kendra Scott earrings and Alexis Bittar bracelet from Route 66, Betsey Johnson pink embellished pumps from Dillard’s | Unfortunate stepsisters played by OCU’s Savannah Jackson and Sarin West march 2012 | slice 87

DESIGNERS’ NOTEBOOK

PASSION FOR FASHION

Gatlin in Daniel Cremieux coral pants and shirt, blue wool Boss sweater and Rockport blue suede shoes from Dillard’s | Season in Antonio Melani coral snakeprint, one-shoulder dress, Gianni Bini sandals and jewelry from Dillard’s

Hansel and Gretel

“Hansel said to Gretel, ‘We shall soon find the way,’ but they did not find it. They walked the whole night and all the next day too from morning till evening, but they did not get out of the forest.”

88 slice | march 2012

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march 2012 | slice 89

DESIGNERS’ NOTEBOOK

PASSION FOR FASHION

Rapunzel “When she was 12 years old, the enchantress shut her into a tower, which lay in a forest, and had neither stairs nor door, but quite at the top was a little window. When the enchantress wanted to go in, she placed herself beneath it and cried, ‘Rapunzel, Rapunzel let down thy hair to me.’”

Kendall in floral maxi dress by Etoile Isabel Marant from Gretta Sloane

90 slice | march 2012

featuring:

Made in America with Earth-friendly materials

Spring Creek Village | 1289 East 15th Street, Suite 116 | Edmond 405.340.0207 | www.port-interiors.com

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DESIGNERS’ NOTEBOOK

PASSION FOR FASHION

Snow White Allison in white Versace Collection dress and red leather Miu Miu pumps from Balliets | Queen played by the fabulous Roxy Hart

92 slice | march 2012

“Snow White longed for the fine apple, and when she saw that the queen ate part of it she could resist no longer, and stretched out her hand and took the poisonous half.”

Introducing Luxe Objects’ Bridal Registry CUSTOM BEDDING | FINE CHINA | CUSTOM BRIDAL JEWELRY

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march 2012 | slice 93

DESIGNERS’ NOTEBOOK

Autumn in Badgley Mischka floral print gown and rhinestone earrings from Ruth Meyers | Ryan in a classic tuxedo

94 slice | march 2012

PASSION FOR FASHION

Sleeping Beauty

“And when he saw her looking so lovely in her sleep, he could not turn away his eyes; and presently he stooped and kissed her and she awaked, and opened her eyes, and looked very kindly on him.”

Our fashion shoot was inspired by Oklahoma Children’s Theatre’s Fairy Tale Ball, to be held April 14 at the Petroleum Club in Oklahoma City. This year’s “Spellbound, Potions and Pixie Dust” theme promises delight for children and their parents in the form of music, dancing and games with costumes and characters all around.

Visit www.okchildrenstheatre.org or call 951.0011 for more information.

For resources, see page 124.

Fairy Tale quotes excerpted from Grimm’s Fairy Tales

by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, edited by Mara L. Pratt.

march 2012 | slice 95

From Mild to Wild!

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Ferguson.com 96 slice | march 2012

(405) 235-7354 ©2012 Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

IN THE KITCHEN | MATTERS OF TASTE | SPLASH | EDIBLES & LIBATIONS

FARE

A Star Is Born

Through the years there have been many “stars” on the salad scene, including Caesar, Cobb and wedge. Now it’s the age of the chopped salad. Just look around - chopped salads are on every menu! The best thing about this salad is that anything goes. Caryn Ross shares her steakhouse-inspired version with

CARLI WENTWORTH

us this month. See page 98.

march 2012 | slice 97

FARE

Chop, Chop

By Caryn Ross Photos by Carli Wentworth

I

n Oklahoma there are an abundance of phenomenal steakhouses. Many people would think that I would judge the quality of the restaurant by their fine meat

selection… but that is not so. I love a good steakhouse salad.

You can make your chopped salad based on what you have on hand or is in season.

The only downside to a chopped salad is that once you

toss it with dressing, you must eat it right then. Unfortunately, these little salad gems are not good for keeping - the dressing, along with all of the other add-ins, causes the salad to wilt and become mushy. So make a big deal out of your creation and enjoy it!

Here is my favorite chopped salad. I modeled it after one

CHOOSE: 1 or 2 salad greens: mixed, spinach, romaine, etc. a protein like salmon, shellfish, chicken, steak or bacon 2 or 3 vegetables, using what’s in season or trying something altogether new Cheese

at a famous steakhouse that can be found all over the coun-

Some crunch – nuts or croutons

try… I used to think I loved their steaks but once I got home I

Complementary dressing, either vinaigrette or creamy

was craving more of this salad. This is perfect to serve alongside steaks or any time you fire up the grill.

98 slice | march 2012

Here are a few tips to create an amazing chopped salad for your meal.

IN THE KITCHEN

Steakhouse Chopped Salad Yields 4 servings

1 head of iceberg lettuce 3 c baby spinach 1/2 c crumbled bleu cheese 1 c halved cherry tomatoes 1 c crispy fried onions 1 c herb-seasoned croutons 1/2 c red onion 1/2 c fresh mushrooms 1/4 c green olives 1/4 c hearts of palm 8 slices crisp cooked thick-cut hickory smoked bacon 2 hardboiled eggs

Dressing

1 c mayonnaise Juice of 1 lemon, freshly squeezed 1/2 c fresh chiffonade basil leaves Coarse salt, to taste Freshly ground pepper, to taste To make the dressing, combine all ingredients in a small jar, cover and shake well. For a creamier texture, mix in a blender. Place in refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving to allow flavors to marry.

Chop the lettuce and spinach and place in a large salad bowl. Add cheese, tomatoes, croutons and fried onions. Finely chop the remaining ingredients and add to bowl.

To serve the salad, I toss all of the ingredients with enough dressing to coat. Then I use a clean can and remove both ends to make a cylinder. Place the can on a plate and fill two-thirds of the way with salad mixture. Gently remove can and top salad column with additional fried onions and bleu cheese crumbles. Voila! Fancy salad that doesn’t taste fancy!

march 2012 | slice 99

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5625 NORTH WESTERN 10900 HEFNER POINTE DRIVE 405.848.2001 • WWW.FNBOK.COM 100 slice | march 2012

urbankitchensok.com

FARE

EDIBLES & LIBATIONS

KEY edmond norman oklahoma city $ most entrees under $10 $$ most entrees $10 to $25 $$$ most entrees over $25 outdoor dining reservations accepted 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 N.W. 39th, 943.8915 AROUND THE CORNER RESTAURANT A nofrills, old-school diner that’s a favorite spot for Edmondites to linger over omelettes, pork chops or pancakes and coffee. 11 S. Broadway, 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 N.W. 11th, 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, 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, 359.1501 , 5825 N.W. Grand, 844.1501 CLASSEN GRILL Don’t be thrown by the seenbetter-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., 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, 360.5726 , 20 S. Mickey Mantle, 232.6224 COLBY’S GRILL A family-owned, family-friendly, 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, 513.8590 DEEP FORK GRILL The dimly lit, crisply elegant atmosphere perfectly complements the contemporary American menu of superb seafood, (woodgrilled cedar plank salmon is the house specialty),

Blessed Brogue

A

By Kent Anderson Photo by Carli Wentworth

s another urban rejuvenation story has unfolded in the Plaza District, one thing missing was the presence of a neighborhood eating and drinking establishment to anchor the area, a gathering place for a district on the upswing.

Saints Pub answers this call in fine fashion, in a cozy, Irish-style pub and grill setting

at 1715 N.W. 16th Street. The long-empty building at the corner of 16th and Gatewood Avenue is transformed into a charming pub, keeping some of the original ambience, such as the tiles of the high ceiling, and adding updated touches like big-screen TVs.

Try the thoroughly unique Rashers & Hash ($6) as an appetizer, featuring potato and

carrot hash with rashers (Irish bacon), topped by a fried egg. There are many of the expected favorites here, but the Fish ‘n Chips ($11) is worth a second look. Unlike many similar offerings, this is not a deep-fried entree. The whitefish is lightly battered with corn meal, then baked. The “chips” are roasted fingerling potatoes.

If you know what’s good for you, you’ll top off your meal with the Chocolate Molten

Guinness Cake ($6). The presence of Ireland’s favorite ale is quite subtle, and the cake is feather-light.

To down a few pints and listen to live music, or for a long and leisurely lunch, it is fine

luck that Saints Pub has added a bit of a brogue to the Plaza.

march 2012 | slice 101

FARE LEGEND’S A Lindsey Street landmark for over 40 years, this casually upscale, three-diamond AAA restaurant still serves exceptional seafood, steaks and more down-to-earth fare amid welcoming surroundings. 1313 W. Lindsey, 329.8888 LUNCH BOX, THE The term “old-fashioned” 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, 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 N.W. 23rd, 525.3647 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, 602.2002

In the Thin of It

R

By Kent Anderson Photo by Simon Hurst

emember a long time ago (January), when you made a bunch of resolutions?

It’s hard to remember that far, but one of them had something to do with losing weight, didn’t it? Of course it did. And while that long-ago resolution

is but a memory, spring arrives on the calendar this month, a season of renewal, of reinvention… of remembering what we said in January.

Fortunately, West Bar and Restaurant at 6714 N. Western is here to help reignite

those resolutions this spring, via its signature line of “Skinny” cocktails. These original concoctions all contain 130 calories or less. Enjoy the Margarita, Mojito and the Club Special, a drink that West refers to as an “Oklahoma classic without the calories.”

For casual, contemporary atmosphere, and a set of drinks to help with the, ahem,

rejuvenation process, visit West and have a Skinny.

steaks and accoutrements. 5418 N. Western, 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, 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, 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

102 slice | march 2012

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, 307.0541 FIRST WATCH THE DAYTIME CAFE Large and welllit with a friendly staff, complimentary newspapers and wi-fi and a menu filled with breakfast and lunch selections and specialties. 2328 W. Memorial, 748.3447 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. 3 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

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, the duo of female chefs also offers a single-serve entrée and soups that vary daily for carryout. 411 N.W. 30th, 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 restaurant that happens to have premium bowling lanes attached. 200 S. Oklahoma, 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., 749.1995 SAGE GOURMET CAFÉ & MARKET In the heart of Deep Deuce, Sage puts an upscale spin on American classics - the gourmet mac and cheese is a signature item - and uses organic and natural food products in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.

228 N.E. 2nd, 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, 463.5594, 6432 Avondale, 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, 843.0900 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, 231.0254

EDIBLES & LIBATIONS 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, 604.4650

ASIAN BLUE MOON CHINESE RESTAURANT Chinese cravings may come much more often after experiencing the spectacular amount of sweet, sour and savory tastes from this student-friendly eatery. 1320 S. Broadway, 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, 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 S.E. 12th, 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, 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, 360.1131 BROWN’S BAKERY An incredible selection of delicious traditional and specialty cakes, cookies, breads and other baked goods. 1100 N. Walker, 232.0363 CRIMSON & WHIPPED CREAM With a cozy 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, 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. N.W., 801.2525 , 14101 N. May, 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. 7606 N. Western, 842.2288 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, 329.1101, 924 W. Main, 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, 348.2336

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FARE 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, 330.4500 , 150 E.K. Gaylord, 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., 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 N.W. 9th, 600.9494

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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, 286.0058 SWEETS & SPURS Specializing in gourmet cupcakes, mini-pies, hand-dipped chocolates and cowboy boots… not pastries; actual footwear. Yeeha! 215 34th Ave. S.W., 801.2555

SEEING IS BELIEVING!

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 N.W. 51st, 463.0470 ABNER’S ALE HOUSE Beers and whiskies of the best, plus knockout renditions of accompanying dishes, with the aim of recreating the true English public house vibe. 121 E. Main, 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 N.W. Expressway, 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, 360.4258

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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, 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, 702.7226

EDIBLES & LIBATIONS 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, 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, 752.4486 DEEP DEUCE GRILL The funky, comfortably rundown vibe of its namesake district lingers in this alternative to Bricktown crowds featuring burgers, beer and a people-watching patio. 307 N.E. 2nd, 235.9100

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DUGOUT BAR & GRILL, THE Dig in to the classics of the neighborhood beer joint: burgers, fries, nachos and drink specials. 10909 N. May, 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, 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-to-find options from all over the world. 1100 Classen Dr., 601.7468 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, 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., 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, 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), 235.4410 REPUBLIC GASTROPUB Dedicated to bridging the gap between beer bar and upscale eatery, this contemporary American 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., 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 N.W. 16th, 602.6308 SEAN CUMMINGS’ IRISH RESTAURANT & PUB Classic Irish fare (lamb stew, bangers and mash, even beef or salmon boxtys) mixed with American

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FARE favorites and delivered with engaging and gracious service. Plus, naturally, there’s Guinness on tap.

7523 N. May, 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, 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, the chili or both. 4200 N. Western, 524.4203

BARBECUE BEEF & BUNS - MR. CATFISH Outstanding barbecued ribs and fried catfish - even for Oklahoma - and warm, personable service make this cash-only, limitedhours spot a winner. 2741 N.E. 23rd, 427.2333

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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, 524.5925 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, 424.5367, 7 Harrison, 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, 329.4040 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, 307.0552 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 stand-up counter in NW OKC. 1801 W. Edmond, 340.7427 , 202 W. Hefner, 728.9555

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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, 364.0600

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9101 N. Western Avenue • OKC, OK 73114 • 405.413.4380 11 to 5 Tuesday through Saturday 106 slice | march 2012

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, 528.5152

EDIBLES & LIBATIONS BIG ED’S HAMBURGERS Sizzling burgers cooked to order, including an OKC legend in the flesh: family-sized behemoths on 12-inch buns. 12209 N. Pennsylvania, 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, 364.7555 BOOMERANG GRILLE Seat yourself, “call” in your order via in-booth phones and enjoy classic burgers, chicken strips, salads and shakes. 9200 S. Western, 378.7049 BROWN BAG DELI Quick-as-a-wink sandwiches, desserts and killer chili. Limited seating; takeout recommended. 7600 N. Western, 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, 949.2889, 1023 S. Meridian, 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, 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 N.W. Expressway, 842.8911 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 CLASSIC 50’S 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, 321.2271 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, 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), 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, 701.7035 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, 513.5410

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FARE

PREMIER PERIODONTAL SERVICES

IRMA’S BURGER SHACK Hand-cut fries, handbreaded 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 N.W. 63rd, 840.4762, 1120 Classen Dr., 235.4762 JOHNNIE’S CHARCOAL BROILER Fresh-ground hamburgers cooked over real charcoal set Johnnie’s apart. Try the incredibly popular Cheese Theta or Caesar burgers, and don’t forget a side of their outstanding onion rings. 4 metro locations, johnniesok.com KAMP’S 1910 CAFÉ The Kamp family is wellknown 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 N.E. 10th, 230.1910 LOUIE’S GRILL & BAR Casually cool and comeas-you-are, these popular neighborhood bar-type hangouts excel at inexpensive burgers, sandwiches and pizzas. 12 metro locations, louiesgrillandbar.com

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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., 751.2298 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, 239.6275 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, 840.9364 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 hole-in-the-wall diner pure paradise. 1202 N. Pennsylvania, 524.0999 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, 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. 5929 N. May, 843.8777

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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, 364.2136 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, 418.8416, 7642 W. Reno, 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, 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, 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, 701.5635 , 200 S. Oklahoma, 208.4000 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 N.W. 23rd, 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, 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 N.W. 13th, 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, 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, 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, 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 N.W. 23rd, 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 rotating variety of crepes on weekends.

815 N. Hudson, 633.1703 MICHELANGELO’S COFFEE SHOP & WINE BAR Enjoy exceptional coffees, a well-stocked pastry case with chocolates and sweets, a surpris-

EDIBLES & LIBATIONS ingly robust wine catalog and even breakfast and lunch selections. 207 E. Main, 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., 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, 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 smooffee (an espresso-powered smoothie). 900 N.W. 150th, 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, 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, 928.5555

influenced work. 2727 W. Memorial, 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, 842.1000 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., 748.6113 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, 341.2244 MANTEL WINE BAR & BISTRO, THE Marvelous steaks, seafood and other specialties (don’t miss the lobster bisque), combined with a refined, intimate atmosphere and outstanding service, make a meal truly memorable. 201 E. Sheridan, 236.8040

CUNNINGHAM INTERIORS 2107 W. Britton Rd., Casady Square • 751-9051

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, 235.1000

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, 602.0652

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, 840.9463

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 blue-collar joes and josephines. 4308 N. Western, 525.6682

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, 810.9000

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, 525.7007

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, 235.6262

CHEFS DI DOMANI A proving ground of sorts for the chefs-intraining at Platt College’s culinary institute, this restaurant offers the opportunity to watch the students in action and enjoy their internationally

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., 755.3560

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FARE NONNA’S EURO-AMERICAN 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, 235.4410 PARK AVENUE GRILL A one-ofa-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, 702.8444 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, 601.1079

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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, 212.4577, 2824 N. Pennsylvania, 528.2824 SEVEN47 A Campus Corner hotspot boasting sleek, swank décor, anappealingly broad menu including a tantalizing brunch and a consistently celebratory vibe make this winning combination. 747 Asp, 701.8622 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, 330.4548

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, 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, 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 S.E. 29th, Choctaw, 390.8647 ROYAL BAVARIA Excellent renditions of traditional dishes likeWienerschnitzel, Jagerbraten and a variety of sausages, plus fantastisch house-brewed beers, make the time consumed a worthy investment. 3401 S. Sooner, Moore, 799.7666

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, 604.3015

COOLGREENS This healthconscious 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

VIN DOLCE Primarily a venue for the endless, joyous pursuit of discovering the perfect glass of wine, downtown Edmond’s new hot spot also serves gourmet tapas and homemade sweets. 16 S. Broadway, 285-5333

EARTH NATURAL CAFÉ & DELI, THE Super, super fresh sandwiches, salads, soups and baked goods in one of the most vegetarian- and veganfriendly menus you’ll ever see, plus organic fair-trade coffee and tea. 750 Asp, 573.5933

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, 607.4072

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., 842.1050

FRENCH LA BAGUETTE BISTRO Brothers Alain and Michel Buthion have firm

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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, 840.3047

GREEN & GRILLED Steak, chicken, pork, veal or tofu grilled to order and served with fresh salads and sides,

EDIBLES & LIBATIONS resulting in a balanced, filling, extremely tasty green meal for only a little green. 8547 N. Rockwell, 563-2605 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, 778.6800 PINK ELEPHANT CAFÉ On Main Street but off the beaten track, the green, health-conscious labor of local love has a small menu and constantly rotating daily specials to complement its earth-friendly vibe. 301 E. Main, 307.8449

ICE CREAM | YOGURT 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., 701.8898, 1236 E. Alameda, 801.2233 PEACHWAVE YOGURT A full 50 flavors - every one low-fat or nonfat - 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 possibilties at the busy lunch buffet or delve into the menu’s tandoori treasures - the hardest part is choosing. 12215 N. Pennsylvania, 752.5283 GOPURAM - TASTE OF INDIA A full-service Indian establishment whose richly appointed interior and attentive staff give the feel of fine dining, even during the inexpensive and plentiful lunch buffet. 4559 N.W. 23rd, 948.7373 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, 948.6606

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., 579.5600 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 N.W. 23rd, 601.1888

6903 Trenton Peg Malloy • Ext. 27

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ITALIAN | PIZZA BELLINI’S RISTORANTE & GRILL Tasteful in décor and Italian offerings alike, this romantic nightspot quietly, confidently exudes elegance. 6305 Waterford Blvd., 348.8033

1701 Guilford Lane Cindy Biddinger • Ext. 26

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, 310.5271 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, 755.3577 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, cheeses and delicacies.

208 Johnny Bench, 702.1500, 6705 N. May, 242.2222 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, 843.1527

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HIDEAWAY PIZZA If you’ve been serving pizza to a devoted following for over half a 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 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, 715.1818

JOEY’S PIZZERIA A creative pizzeria on OKC’s Film Row, Joey’s

AT FI F T Y PEN N PL ACE 405.848.6166 Mon-Fri 10-7 • Sat 10-6 • Closed Sun

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FARE serves first-rate appetizers and salads along with its mouth-watering 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, 525.8503 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, 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, 701.4900 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, 330.9045 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, 755.2255 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, 573.7707 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, 879.0100 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, 235.0402 STELLA MODERN ITALIAN CUISINE A luscious spate of modern Italian cuisine for a casual lunch, romantic dinner or brunch that’s a bit of both, framed by stylish surroundings. 1201 N. Walker, 235.2200 TRATTORIA IL CENTRO Offering contemporary Italian with an urban twist in The Montgomery, the chef-driven leadership shows in the food’s flavor, creativity and artistry. The Pappardelle Bolognese is tremendous. 500 W. Main, 601.5858 UPPER CRUST WOOD FIRED PIZZA A chic, contemporary restaurant in Classen Curve, this uptown pizzeria and wine bar specializes in woodfired, thin crust New York style pies complemented by a full menu and wine list. 5860 N. Classen Blvd., 842.7743 VICTORIA’S PASTA SHOP A shabby-comfortable atmosphere with local art on its walls and the art of pasta on its plates – the chicken lasagna and linguine with snow crab are especially excellent. 327 White, 329.0377 VITO’S RISTORANTE Homestyle Italian cuisine in an intimate setting where the staff and management

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treat customers like guests in their home. It’s a small space, so calling ahead is recommended. 7521 N. May, 848.4867

and the Mediterranean with contemporary twists: crab falafel, bolognese pizza, osso bucco and more.

13509 Highland Park, 254.5200

WEDGE, THE Wood-fired pizzas crafted from fresh ingredients and made-from-scratch sauces; there’s a build-your-own option if the house specialties’ unconventional toppings (figs, truffle oil, walnuts) don’t appeal. 230 N.E. 1st, 270.0660, 4709 N. Western, 602.3477

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, 286.1533

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, 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, 535.6548 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, 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 onion volcano better. 4315 N. Western, 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 N.W. 9th, 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, 751.8989, 4406 W. Reno, 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 N.W. 178th, 285.7317 SUSHI NEKO An established OKC favorite combining style (sleek, brisk, classy) with substance (in the form of an especially wide-ranging and creative sushi menu). Flavor favors the bold! 4318 N. Western, 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, 848.6733

MEDITERRANEAN AVANTI BAR & GRILL Gather around the hammered copper bar for the casual elegance of Italy

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, 285.8898 MEDITERRANEAN IMPORTS & DELI Selected groceries and a menu stocked with options from a simple Greek salad to eye-watering cabbage rolls; the food is authentic, quick and spectacular. 5620 N. May, 810.9494 NUNU’S MEDITERRANEAN CAFÉ & MARKET The tangy, tantalizing, fresh and healthy flavors that characterize the cuisine of Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine and their neighbors, faithfully reproduced from generations-old recipes. 3131 W. Memorial, 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, 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, 947.7788

MEXICAN | LATIN AMERICAN 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, 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 N.W. 50th, 491.0911, 6901 S. May, 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, 235.1422, 3001 W. Memorial, 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, 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 N.W. 23rd, 525.8226

EDIBLES & LIBATIONS 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, 602.8984

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, 235.9596

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 N.W. 11th , 525.9779

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., 302.6262

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

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 N.W. 63rd, 848.0541

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, 341.0356

MAMAVECA MEXICAN RESTAURANT A tasty take on familiar Mexican favorites plus a rare treat for culinary explorers: the diverse delights of Peruvian cuisine, which incorporates the combined flavors of four continents. 2551 W. Hemphill, 573.4003

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., 286.9809

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, 848.8394

CASA PERICO MEXICAN GRILLE If success involves doing what you love, and doing it well, the family behind these well-loved and enduring TexMex depots are clearly doing nearly everything right. 12219 N. Pennsylvania, 755.1506, 4521 N.W. 63rd, 721.3650

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, 321.6232

CHICAS MEXICAN CAFÉ Colorful, casual, cute and conveniently located in Nichols Hills Plaza, this creative little cocina presents a few intriguing ideas for distinctive Mexican cuisine. 6482 Avondale, 607.8193 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 N.W. 23rd, 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 N.W. 50 th , 792.2300 IGUANA MEXICAN GRILL This self-described “little taco stand down by the railroad tracks” offers unique Mexican flavor in a fun atmosphere at reasonable prices. Iguana Tuesdays ($1 tacos from 4pm to close) are a can’t-miss. 9 N.W. 9th , 606.7172 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, 604.0523

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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, 359.8400 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 Tex-Mex classics plus less ubiquitous fare like carnitas de puerco and mole poblano. 702 N. Porter, 360.8070 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 TRE’S TAQUERIA Y CANTINA A trio of cuisines – Spanish, New Mexican and South American – 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, 701.8282 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 shines in South American dishes featuring plantains, yucca and imported spices. 706 S. Broadway, 330.6400

SEAFOOD FISH CITY GRILL Shrimp and grits, tilapia po’ boys, oysters on the half shell… anyone who secretly

The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. For information, or for accommodations on the basis of disability, call (405) 325-4712.

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

L-R (bottom row): Dr. Kelly McDonough, Dr. Debra Mitchell (top row): Dr. Lori Fredrick, Dr. Ashley Magness, Dr. Tina Dickerson

INDIGENOUS ARTS FROM NEW GUINEA FEb. 4 - MAy 13, 2012 SAM NObLE MUSEUM

THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA

2401 CHAUTAUQUA AVE., NORMAN WWW.SNOMNH.OU.EDU Image: Carved wooden ancestor figure, E/1972/4/11.

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FARE

EDIBLES & LIBATIONS

wishes Oklahoma had a coastline should feel right at home in this Spring Creek Village stopover. 1389 E. 15th, 348.2300

and being a tad difficult for newcomers to find, The Haunted House is legendary for its steak, lobster and quirky charm. 7101 Miramar, 478.1417

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, 232.6666

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, 525.8352

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, 232.7227

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 N.W. Expressway, 848.5597

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, 688.9888 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, 848.8008 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 causal as can be. 303 N.W. 62nd, 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, 341.7300

SOUL FOOD

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, 748.5959 MICKEY MANTLE’S STEAKHOUSE Named after a legendary Oklahoman, this lushly atmospheric social spot in Bricktown serves powerhouse entrées, sides and amenities that have become the stuff of legends themselves. 7 S. Mickey Mantle, 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, 607.6787 RANCH STEAKHOUSE Driven by custom-aged hand-cut USDA Certified Prime tenderloins and ribeyes, the effortlessly opulent Ranch offers exceptional food, warm hospitality and unbridled Southern comfort. 3000 W. Britton, 755.3501

cial attention to the soups, and do not play chicken with the spice level. 10700 N. May, 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, 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, 329.9790

VIETNAMESE CORIANDER CAFÉ Updating traditional Vietnamese recipes with modern sensibilites via local ingredients, this vegetarian-friendly café makes a quick, casual, comfortable dining alternative. 323 White, 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, 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 farreaching: from pork vermicelli to whole Cornish hens. 1133 N.W. 25th, 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, 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., 521.8819

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, 424.0800, 900 W. Reno, 231.1190

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, 232.2626

STEAKHOUSE

THAI

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., 525.1110

BOULEVARD STEAKHOUSE Perfectly soigne ambiance down to the least detail and cuisine easily ranking among the metro’s elite - a sumptuous, if expensive, masterpiece. 505 S. Boulevard, 715.2333

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, 360.5551

SAIGON BAGUETTE Fast and flavorful - and unbelievably cheap - this cash-only counter in the Milk Bottle Building just north of 23rd packs a distinctive Vietnamese punch into fresh sandwiches and knockout egg rolls. 2426 N. Classen, 524.2660

CATTLEMEN’S STEAKHOUSE The very definition of an Oklahoma institution - it’s over 100 years old, just a few years younger than the state itself.

Its immense corn-fed steaks and irreproducible atmosphere are history served anew every day. 1309 S. Agnew, 236.0416

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 N.W. 23rd, 528.8424

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, 948.7778 HAUNTED HOUSE, THE A quaint estate renowned for its spooky past (its name is no accident, folks)

114 slice | march 2012

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, 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 spe-

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.

OUT & ABOUT

ON THE TOWN

ART NOW

Photos by Claude Long

1

2

Time waits for no fan – so lovers of creativity flock to City Arts Center for its annual one-night-only fundraiser and show

3

4

5

6 1 Pam Hayes, Misty Stephens 2 Linda Kissler, Mick Cornett 3 Jana Bright, Susan Beaty 4 Brooke Rowlands, Gloria Dale 5 John and Mary Seward 6 Kip Welch, Kyle Rogers

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

7 Mary Ann Prior, Suzanne Peck, Romy Owens

march 2012 | slice 115

OUT & ABOUT

ON THE TOWN

SNOWFLAKE GALA

Photos by Michael Miller

1

2

Though the weather outside isn’t frightful, it’s still delightful inside the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum as donors and guests celebrate a record-breaking year for the United Way

3

4

5

6 1 Despite unseasonable warmth, the Gala radiates cool, elegant atmosphere 2 Steve and Holly Kreidler, Jodana Borden 3 Ed Martin, Nick Samarripas, Marsha Ingersoll, Dr. R. Murali Krishna 4 Ted and Beverly Norton 5 Susan and Doug Stussi, Berta Faye Rex 6 Judy and Earl Ellis

7 116 slice | march 2012

7 Greg and Kathy Phillips, Lori and Shane Wharton More photos, gifts, reprints... all at www.sliceok.com

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OUT & ABOUT

ALLIED ARTS KICKOFF

1

Photos by Claude Long

2

3 1 Becky and Barry Switzer, Jeaneen and Robert Naifeh

The 2012 campaign to benefit area arts organizations takes aim at $3 million and

2 Sam Hammons, Kali Kountoupis

gets underway with a soiree

3 Nick Bentley, Leigh Hefner

at the National Cowboy and

4 Judy Hatfield, Meg Salyer, Karen Luke

Western Heritage Museum

4

5

5 Bill Rodgers, Tom McDaniel

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

CELEBRATE CASADY Casady School thanks its donors with a fete featuring food from the Deep Fork Group, Joullian wines, art by Shelly Lewis Stanfield and more

1

2 1 Leslie Russell, Sarah van Stone 2 Paul and Leigh Ann Albers, Chris and Jana Bright, Shelly Lewis Stanfield 3 Mary FitzSimons, Christy Everest, Barbara Quillian 4 Guy Patton, Nathan Sheldon, Caroline Patton

3 118 slice | march 2012

4

5

5 Bob Gilliland, Wade Starr, Ann Felton Gilliland

ON THE TOWN

CELEBRITY CHEF

Photos by Claude Long The stage is set for deliciousness as special guest Robert Irvine demonstrates recipes for a hungry crowd at St. Anthony Hospital

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2

3 1 Rod and Dixie Moody 2 Chad and Kristal Drewery 3 Guest chef Robert Irvine, Sandra Payne 4 Richard and Meagan Welch

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5 Jeff Spencer, Apple Angel, Becky Spencer

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OUT & ABOUT

BECAUSE OF YOU

1

2 With no tails to wag, the Central Oklahoma Humane Society’s leadership and staff elect to show their gratitude for donors’ generosity via an appreciation party hosted by Kirk and Julie Hall

Steve Allen Homes at Parke Place Northwest 160th & Rockwell

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120 slice | march 2012

3650 W Rock Creek Rd, #100, Norman 405.249.1948 www.bloomaesthetics.com

ON THE TOWN

RED FEATHER GALA

Photos by Dawn Rodgers

The annual soiree raises funds for enhancing patient care and services at the OKC Indian Clinic, honors contributors to American Indian health and culture and fills the Cox Center’s grand ballroom with joyous celebration

EST 1969

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3 1 Spirit of the Urban Indian Award

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3 David Toahty with Creek-Kiowa

artist Micah Wesley

A smile is always in style Susan E. Whiteneck, DDS • Sara K. Spurlock, DDS 2408 Palmer Circle, Norman • 405.321.6166 www.NormanDentist.com

march 2012 | slice 121

OUT & ABOUT

ON THE TOWN

OCMS GALA

Photos by Michael Miller

1 Dr. Tomas Owens is inaugurated as president of the Oklahoma County Medical Society, poised to continue more than 100 years of advocating improved health for the state’s citizens and improved well-being for its physicians

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DETAILS | Spring From Head to Toe, page 20 From Top Oliver Peoples “Kosslyn” cat-eye sunglasses from Cayman’s in Norman | House of Harlow 1960 “Chelsea” sunglasses by Nicole Richie from The Webb in Norman | “Power Law” aviator sunglasses by IC! Berlin from TSO Optical in Edmond To Bottom Daniblack colorblock suede platform sandal from The Webb | Bettye Muller “Katy Bis” closed-toe espadrille from Balliets | Diane von Furstenberg “Opal” wedge sandal from Balliets | Miu Miu glitter and suede slingback wedge from Balliets | Brooks “Pure Cadence” women’s athletic shoe from Ideal Feet | UGG Australia® “Hazel” slingback wedge sandal from Dillard’s at Penn Square Mall And Everything In Between Secure Pocket Square by Bryon and Company and pocket squares from Dillard’s at Penn Square Mall | WeWood men’s watches from Cayman’s | Robert Tateossian cufflinks from Mr. Ooley’s | MICHAEL Michael Kors “Jet Set” tote from Dillard’s at Penn Square Mall | Cejon wrap from Dillard’s at Penn Square Mall and Escada watercolor print scarf from Mr. Ooley’s | MICHAEL Michael Kors “Hamilton” tote from Dillard’s at Penn Square Mall | Escada “Margaretha” shoulder bag and handbag from Mr. Ooley’s The stores: Balliets at Classen Curve in OKC, 848.7811, balliets.com Bryon and Company Clothing in OKC, 842.7966 Cayman’s in Norman, 360.3913, caymanscollection.com Dillard’s at Penn Square Mall in OKC, 840.8495, dillards.com Ideal Feet in OKC, 563.9822, idealfeet.com TSO Optical in Edmond, 341.6941, tso.com The Webb in Norman. 321.8289, shopthewebb.com Mr. Ooley’s at Penn Square Mall in OKC, 879.0888, mrooleys.com

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SPACES | Setting the Table, page 52 Fleet Pools tall serving bowl, cups, small bowl, tall bowl, lid with holes, small plate and short dinner plate and Chilewich kiwi lattice placemats from BD Home at Classen Curve in Oklahoma City, 602.0578, bdhome.com | Calligraphy shamrocks from The Lovebyrd Letters, thelovebyrd. com | Vietri recycled glass beverage jar from Tulips on Campus Corner in Norman, 217.9322, tulipshome.com | Flowers by A Date with Iris in OKC, 604.5959, adatewithiris.com DESIGNERS’ NOTEBOOK | Enchanted Season, page 84 A heartfelt “thank you” to the many people who worked so hard on this feature: Lyn Adams, executive director of Oklahoma Children’s Theatre; Lena Barrow and Jennifer Dawson, stylists at S Studio Salon and Day Spa; Audrey Cline, stylist at Van Cleef Salon; Roxy Hart; Deborah Hicks, set designer for Oklahoma Children’s Theatre’s production of “The Teddy Bear’s Picnic”; Alex Mendez-Kelly, Lenlie Dunn and Kim Mertens at the MakeUp Bar; Luxe Objects in Nichols Hills Plaza for supplying Cinderella’s throne; Leigh Naifeh, fashionista; Heather Rouba, agency director at the Anthony David Agency, and her crew; Sydney Russell, set designer for TheatreOCU and Oklahoma Children’s Theatre’s production of “Pride and Prejudice”; Paris Corbett, Audrey Thiessen and Sophia Weaver from OCT; Savannah Jackson and Sarin West from OCU

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readslice.com Call 843.4222 or 843.3038 124 slice | march 2012

Page 84-85, from L-R: Allison in Willow and Clay dress, Betsey Johnson necklace, bracelet and shoes from Dillard’s | Scott in Murano cardigan and dress shirt, Daniel Cremieux bowtie and 511 Levi’s from Dillard’s | Season in Moschino skirt, sweater, scarf, bracelet, handbag and shoes from The Consortium | Autumn in Nanette Lepore dress and Alexis Bittar jewelry from Route 66 and Moschino shoes from The Consortium | Gatlin in House shirt

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with AG jeans and Gant sweater from Spencer Stone Co. | Kendall in Milly dress with Prada handbag and pumps from Balliets | Makenzie in Giambattista Valli dress and Fendi pumps from Gordon Stuart | Ryan in Hart Schaffner Marx sport coat, Ralph Lauren shirt, Daniel Cremieux pocket square and tie, 511 Levi’s and Rockport shoes from Dillard’s

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Page 90 Kendall in Etoile Isabel Marant dress from Gretta Sloane Page 92 Allison in Versace Collection dress and Miu Miu pumps from Balliets

Page 94-95 Autumn in Badgley Mischka gown with rhinestone earrings from Ruth Meyers The stores: Balliets at Classen Curve in OKC, 848.7811, balliets.com The Consortium in OKC, 286.4183 Dillard’s at Penn Square Mall in OKC, 840.8495, dillards.com Gordon Stuart in Nichols Hills, 843.6500, gordonstuart.com Gretta Sloane in Nichols Hills, 242.4044 Route 66 in OKC, 848.6166 Ruth Meyers in Nichols Hills, 842.1478, ruthmeyers.com Spencer Stone Co. in Nichols Hills, 608.0586, spencerstoneco.com

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march 2012 | slice 125

LAST LAUGH

SPF 0 T

BRONZED BEAUTY

By Lauren Hammack

he world has spun off its axis. Instead of read-

ing about idyllic, tropical Spring Break desti-

home in triumph following a particular outing to present

My mom, a top-seed garage sale shopper, had come

nations from the back of a postcard signed by

me with the catch o’ the day: a sunlamp.

me, my kids will be packing their bags this month for a

week of frolicking on the white sands of a sun-drenched

en victim to a full and prolonged eclipse in the darkened

beach while their dad and I put down pre-emergent on

garage of its previous owner. When plugged in, the lamp

the lawn.

sparked and buzzed violently, emitting the type of odor

The Spring Breaks of my progeny are vastly swanki-

that warns anyone within 100 yards, “Something elec-

er and costlier than those of my day – a scant generation

trical is on fire!” But after just a couple of ozone-melting

ago when Spring Break meant just that: a break from our

minutes, the lamp radiated the deer-hunter-orange glow

school routine.

of a dramatic Matamoros sunset or the rust-stained rem-

nants of a clash with a bottle of Sudden Tan.

For my siblings and me, the extent to which Spring

Both dusty and rusty, the sunlamp had obviously fall-

Break translated to a “vacation” of any kind was that we

I was smitten.

slept in beds that were not our own every mid-March

Once adjusted to the nerve-agent-like stench of the

when we were unceremoniously exiled to Grandma’s

lamp, my equally pallid roommate was thrilled that

house for seven un-air-conditioned days of fried food,

bronze tans – or a dorm fire – were mere minutes away. It

grainy TV reception and a cot for whoever won the toss

was a win-win.

and didn’t have to spoon with Grandma.

We still had half a tub of leftover Crisco® (the tan ac-

Although we complained mightily about any num-

celerator of our day: SPF 0), following a hat trick of Janu-

ber of perceived injustices in our world, we never is-

ary days in the low 60s that had beckoned us outside in

sued protest about going to Grandma’s for Spring

our bikinis with the promise of a winter tan, only to mock

Break. That might have been different, had we known

us. This time, armed with our Crisco® and our mechani-

that bellhops or swim-up bars even existed. Massaging

cal sun, the last laugh – and the tan lines that went with

showerheads and hot tubs were not in our vocabulary,

it – would be ours.

but we could speak at length about goat heads and ring-

We plugged her in and stood back to admire the sparks.

around-the-tub.

Suspecting an electrical fire had ignited at our end of

By my first year of college, my grandmother had

the hall, a handful of girls knocked urgently at our door.

passed away, leaving me without a Spring Break destina-

Our shortening-slathered faces, arms and legs and the

tion for the first time in my life. Still knowing nothing

crackling glow of the sunlamp, sounding off like a bug

of parasailing, snorkeling or Señor Frog’s, I spent an un-

zapper behind us, told them the only things burning were

eventful, rainy week at home. My roommate had taken

the two of us.

advantage of the week to put in extra hours at her part-

time job, an option that was equally foreign to me.

greased and competing for that prime real estate just

The eventual return for the final quarter of the

inches from the sunlamp. By bedtime, we’d join the ranks

school year was accompanied by an enviable procession

of Spring Break’s bronzed jetsetters and no one would be

of equatorial tans. Clearly, our peers had jetted off to

the wiser.

sunny locales and returned sun-kissed. Our lack of tan

lines marked my roommate and me as the only two who

counts that we would describe to our envious classmates

had neither proof of pigmentation nor a Spring Break

whose stories would, well, pale in comparison to the fabu-

story to tell.

lous yarns we planned to weave.

However, among the items I’d brought back to our

Within minutes, four girls had sidled up to join us,

During that initial bake, we conjured fictional ac-

Instead, it was the sunlamp that would write our sto-

freshman dorm upon my return from the break was some-

ries for us that Spring Break – all with the same smolder-

thing that would summarily change our “white plight.”

ing title: Third Degree Burn.

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

126 slice | march 2012

march 2012 | slice 127

LAST LOOK

CHARLEY SCHMITZ

Standing Vigil

Motionless against the city’s bustle, a watchful NYPD officer catches the eye – and the lens – of Charley Schmitz, who was visiting on business. “I try to take advantage of any extra time I have to shoot,” he explains. “It’s amazing the types of images you get just walking the streets and getting one or two frames of a minute in time.”

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

128 slice | march 2012

When you have a say in what they see,

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