The Brew Magazine July 2022

FOOD • BEER • COCKTAILS • MUSIC

Booze Infused Beef Jerky...

Prepare to Pair!

New and exciting in OKC

Tiki is in the air tonight

Taste what OKC is Brewing

CONTENTS

THE BREW | JULY 2022

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PUT THE FORK DOWN: SANDWICHES

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COAL CREEK VINEYARD AND WINERY

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HANK'S HANGOUT: FRENZY BREWING COMPANY

by Laconia Butler

by Luis Ramos

by Heide Brandes

Boozy Beef Jerky Booze infused beef jerky

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by Jake Durham

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OSO on Paseo Tiki is in the air tonight

SUGAR CANE VODKA THAT DOESN’T GIVE YOU A HANGOVER?

by Heide Brandes

AT THE FOREFRONT OF A BEER AWAKING STONECLOUD BREWING THE ART OF GREAT FOOD PICASSO CAFE

by Laconia Butler

by James Frazier

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OKLAHOMA ROAD TRIP TULSA

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SCOTT MILES... THE DEEP-VOICED CROONER THAT CAN MELT THE VINYL OFF A RECORD

by Kari Huskey

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ASIAN CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPS

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BEER PLUS FOOD EQUALS YUM LOCAL PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT

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MORE THAN JUST OK CIDER IT'S GREAT OK CIDER COMPANY

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New and exciting in OKC

THE COMEDIC STYLINGS OF ANDREW ROSE

by Kari Huskey and James Frazier

by Chef Buz Deliere

BALLOON FESTIVALS ARE MAKING A COMEBACK TO OKLAHOMA

by James Frazier

by Laconia Butler

by Jake Durham

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LET’S TAKE A WALK ON THE ALTERNATE SIDE OF LIFE FACTORY OBSCURA

by Khi Davis

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A MAGNIFICENT ECLECTIC VIBE MIDTOWN DISTRICT

by Laura Spriggs

THE FOOD OF THE WORLD

PUT THE FORK DOWN: SANDWICHES

BY LACONIA BUTLER Sandwiches are the food of the world. Across countries and cultures, generations and status, sandwiches have always been the unifier and equalizer. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you grew up, chances are you have a favorite sandwich. A perfect go-to meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can take them on a hike, on the beach, or even on a first date. You can find them in delis, bodegas, chains, and fancy restaurants around the world. Every single one creates a magnificent piece of culinary art, between two pieces of bread. Lucky for us, Oklahoma City and the Metro have some great options, and here to help you out with all your carb cravings is a list of some of our favorites: Neptune Submarine Sandwiches, 3301 Classen Blvd, OKC

Riviere Modern Bahn Mi, 905 N Hudson Ave, OKC

When you think of old-school subs the images you are conjuring up are exactly what you will find at Neptune Subs. In an old-school, the bright and funky building where you will find over 20 options of sandwiches. Everything from the traditional Super Sub with genoa salami, deli ham, Italian cheese, and all the fixings to Tuna or Chicken Salad, Roast Beef, or a BLT. Hankering for something warm? They got you covered with BBQ, meatball, or even a hot link sandwich. All come on a warm fluffy roll in half or whole sizes. Add anything special you want along with a drink or some chips and you’re good to go. With its location conveniently on Classen, you can even take your meal and enjoy it in one of OKC's many fantastic parks.

Riviere isn’t your typical Vietnamese spot; they definitely focus more on the ‘Modern’ side. While they have classic Vietnamese choices like pho, vermicelli bowls, and egg rolls, they have made a way to elevate even the most basic of recipes. However, what you really want is their take on the international loved Bahn mi. A mixture of French and Vietnamese flavors, a banh mi is typically made on a soft, yet crispy French roll stuffed with meats, fresh herbs, and pickled veggies. Which Riviere has, but also much more.

Here they serve Banh mi’s with some pizzaz like their K*Pop with bulgogi beef or Banh Fire with fried chicken in a buffalo siracha sauce. Perhaps you want to dip your sandwich in a bowl of pho? They got ya’. Vegan? Look no further than Captain Jack with marinated shredded jackfruit. However, if you are a traditionalist, don’t worry their James Bahn is full of traditional Vietnamese charcuterie, pate, and finished with Maggi sauce.

Pickleman’s Gourmet Café, 759 Asp Ave, Norman, 410 S Bryant Ave, Ste 120, Edmond For those of you not in OKC don’t worry our next selection is just for you. You’ll have to head North or South to grab a tasty meal at Pickleman’s, with two locations one in Norman and the other in Edmond. Pickleman’s is a straightforward deli lover's paradise. They have toasted gourmet sandwiches from classics like turkey and ham to BrewOKC.com

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their Hodge Podge, a mash-up of salami, capicola, turkey, ham, and cheese. They have a warm Asiago Chicken Sandwich with chicken, bacon, and provolone or even an Italian Beef with shaved Italian beef dipped in au jus and served with or without peppers. To top it off sandwiches come with the freshest of veggies. Not really vibing a sandwich? That’s ok, Pickerman’s has hand-crafted soups, fresh chopped salads, thin-crust pizza, and delicious made-from-scratch cookies. You and your tummy will leave happy and satisfied.

Café 7 Delicatessen and Pastaria, 14101 N May, Ste 117, OKC Café 7 is here for all your hunger needs. Their main focus is a set price for most options and allowing you to create whatever you want. Here you can get a variety of sandwiches from traditional hoagies like Hot Ham and Cheddar to Classic Turkey and Swiss. You can mix it up a bit by ordering an international sandwich like a Cuban with smoked pulled pork, ham, Cuban relish, shaved red onion, Swiss with dijonnaise sauce, or an Italian with salami, ham, banana peppers, veggies with Italian dressing and melted provolone or even a Pastrami Reuban with shaved pastrami, Swiss, 1000 island on toasted marble rye.

Or you can create your own dream sandwich with a plethora of great options. They also have salads, pizza, pasta, soup, a kid's menu, and a seasonal menu offering something different and unique. Along with the sandwiches, you can also create your own salad, pasta, and pizza! Can’t decide, they try any half and half with a sandwich, salad, or soup. No matter what you choose you can’t lose.

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APRIL 2022

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Coal Creek Vineyard and Winery

SIPPIN’ AWAY THE HEAT WITH SOME WINE

BY LUIS RAMOS

On a forty-five-acre strip of pure greenery, vastness lies one of Oklahoma’s most distinguishable wineries serving a local selection of fine wine and great recognition for the Tuttle community. Coal Creek Vineyard and Winery at a glance, can be thought of only as a tasting experience but thanks to owner Lisa Griffin who comforts every guest that strolls in, has managed to build a more active and warmer atmosphere for her guests to enjoy and relax.

Originally, the curiosity of the Griffin family first landed them to buy the keys to Summerside Winery, and over time found a new place to call home, here in the small town of Tuttle where they have embedded their character and charisma into it. Leading both Summerside and Coal Creek to be sister labels.

“I want people to come in and feel comfortable and not feel discouraged because they may not know anything about wine and I'm always like hey, let's figure it out, guarantee you I'll find something you like”, insisted Griffin who wants more people to come out of their comfort zone and do something they never usually do. Popular flavors ranging from orange blossom honey to hard cider and even making its way to the frozen section, “wine-aritas”. For those who prefer the traditional sweet and dry wines, Griffin is sure to find an accommodation.

Inside the beautiful building, you will step into a warm positive experience along with a distinct rustic decor with a barn-like atmosphere surrounded by vintage memorabilia around the walls. Not to mention the pieces of clothing hanging down honoring the Griffins family. You can spot a few in every direction you glance at. A massive tasting bar stretching almost from one wall to the other lies beneath the ceiling of burlap sacks making it that much easier for employees to find you your drink. Besides all the goodies they have indoors, they also have a covered outdoor patio where people can sit and sip away the Oklahoma heat.

Griffin believes that people are attracted by the atmosphere alone as she proudly stated “in here, it is like coming to your grandma's house or coming to your friend’s 9

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house, like we always welcome everybody, and we always have all kinds of good events, live music, and food trucks.

During the summer we do outdoor concerts, we have movies outside, we call wine in movies, and we kind of just try to do all kinds of events to get in people. Everything we do here is for all ages so you can bring your kids out here”.

Due to Oklahoma law preventing them from brewing onsite, Griffin mentions they buy from local growers throughout Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas and ensure all fruit ingredients are real. A bottle of their special wine at Coal Creek will cost you around $22 and can be shipped easily right to your front doorstep.

Along with more renovations that are being worked on, Griffin also happens to own the plantation house next door where they host dedicated events from parties to weddings. Making Coal Creek Vineyard and Winery a great destination for anyone and everyone.

For more information on Coal Creek Vineyard and Winery Visit www.coalcreekvineyard.com 210 N Sara Rd Tuttle, OK 73089

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Located in downtown Edmond’s historic E.A. Bender Building, Frenzy Brewing Company is Edmond's first (and so far, only) brewery, which is good news for Edmond’s pet lovers looking for a cold beer and patio space to enjoy with their dog.

Opened since July 2020, Frenzy Brewing Company usually has the doors wide open to the expansive tasting room, and from 3 p.m. on, beer lovers and their pets wander in and out to taste the specialized German-style, Belgian-style and experimental brews that are making Frenzy Edmond’s popular spot to hang out.

“We are taking the Edmond community on this journey to expand their palate, and in turn, as their tastes expand, we are in turn with what our customer base wants. And we do it really well,” said Jeremy Estle, co-owner Welcome to Edmond’s hometown hangout - and Hank’s favorite Edmond spot to lounge in.

The Birth of a Brewery Jeremy Estle started brewing while in college in the early 1990s “out of necessity,” he said, but he never really thought his brewing hobby would become a true business.

Matt Connor, head brewer and co-owner of Frenzy, was also a homebrewer who began creating beer with his father in the early 2000s. While the two were part of the Red Earth Brewers, they never really connected.

“Matt started winning awards in local brewing competitions, and both of us were getting good feedback from friends and family on our beers,” Jeremy said. “I joined the Leage of Oklahomans for Change in Alcohol Laws back when Oklahoma was trying to modernize the beer laws, and I told Sen. Stephanie Bice, who was carrying that legislation, that if it passed, I would open a brewery. It did pass in 2016, so she told me, ‘Now it’s your turn.’”

Connor was already in the planning stage of developing a brewery and had approached Estle about becoming an investor. As time passed, Estle started making his own plans and wooing investors, so when Connor and Estle reconnected, they decided a partnership made the most sense. They began doing contract brewing at the Angry Scotsman brewery to learn how to use the equipment around January 2018, and by June 15, 2020, they moved into the Bender building.

“We opened the day that Phase III of the pandemic restrictions ended, and businesses were opening up again because we though the pandemic was over,” Estle said. “Boy was that wrong. We were right back in the middle of it in a few months, but we slugged it out the last few years. We were a little battered and bruised, but we survived.”

DOGGIE AND FAMILY FRIENDLY During the pandemic, the City of Edmond instituted a pilot program to encourage outdoor seating, closing off parking spaces in the downtown area to develop seating spaces. In front of Frenzy, one of those outdoor spaces remains after the initiative was a big success. brewokc.com

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In addition to the open, family-friendly taproom, the outdoor patio seating is just perfect for dogs as well.

“We always have water bowls available for dogs, and we want our space to be family-friendly. So, we welcome kids, but we also welcome people’s fur babies too. It’s a great spot to come if you’re out walking the dog or just want to come by with your dog,” said Estle.

In addition to the wide variety and styles of craft beer that Frenzy offers - including Estle’s German flair and Connor’s Belgian styles - the brewery also serves up a selection of unique, creative flavors developed by Adam, Frenzy’s “mad scientist.”

“We complement each other really well. Some breweries find a niche, like being IPA-heavy or doing sours, but we can do all of them.”

Frenzy also wants to be the “fun” spot. In addition to live music every Friday and Saturday, the brewery hosts Singo on Monday nights, trivia every Wednesday and spelling bees every other Tuesday.

“We are the first and only brewery in Edmond’s city limits,” Estle said. “We are thrilled to have thrived and survived during the pandemic, and we want to be Edmond’s gathering spot.”

With plenty of shade, other dogs to sniff about and fun games for the humans, Frenzy definitely gets four “paws up” from Hank.

For more information, visit Frenzy Brewing at 15 S Broadway, Edmond or https://www.frenzybrewing.com.

ROCOCO ON WESTERN

KOCHENDORFER BREWING

LIVE MUSIC WEEKLY

ALT BEER RE-RELEASE

July 19th The Chaz Trio

7-10 pm

July 26th Heartbreak Rodeo 7-10 pm August 2nd

The Whiskey Gingers 7-10 pm

August 9th Bruce Benson 7-10 pm August 16th Reagan Sokolosky 7-10 pm loverococo.com 4308 N. Western Ave. OKC, OK 73118 brewokc.com

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405-400-7495

Alt Beer. ABV 5.24%, IBU 30 Alt Beer is a German-style ale from the Dusseldorf area. Our version is a deep copper color with a complex malty profile and plenty of hops to keep it crisp and clean tasting. This makes for an engaging flavor while being very easy drinking.

www.kochendorferbrewing.com 1.580.252.2337 1155 McCurdy Rd, Duncan, OK 73533

VZD'S RESTAURANT AND BAR

SCRATCH KITCHEN &COCKTAILS

ALEJANDRO ONION BURGER

RESTAURANT WEEK

Quickly gaining ground as the best burger in OKC. Come try the

July 8-17

Alejandro Onion Burger today. Smashed, fried, and steamed for

Course 1- Smoked Scallops Crudo Course 2- Crispy Braised Beef Ravioli

a three-way cook that creates a melt-in-your-mouth burger

Course 3- Grilled Dry-Aged Pork Ribeye

experience. www.vzds.com/

www.eatatscratch.com

4:00-10:00 Tuesday-Saturday

405.801.2900

4200 N Western Ave • Oklahoma City, OK 73118

132 West Main Street, Norman, OK 73069

LEARN TO BREW

HOMEBREW STARTER KIT With this Homebrew Starter Kit and any standard 2 gallon pot you can make 1 gallon (about ten 12 oz bottles) of craft beer right in your kitchen--in just a few hours! www.learntobrew.com 14300 N. Lincoln Blvd. Suite 102 Edmond, OK 73013 (405) 286-9505

GEICO LOCAL OFFICE

BOAT INSURANCE Savings is on deck with your local GEICO agent. Get a quote today.

Warren Stowe 1500 W. Interstate 240 Service Rd. OKC 405-248-9509 geico.com/okc-stowe brewokc.com

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Time for a laugh THE COMEDIC STYLINGS OF ANDREW ROSE

by Jake Durham

Laughter is good for the soul. With a pandemic, the current state of the economy, war, and political divide, it can be challenging for us to remember to enjoy life. We need laughter and entertainment to disconnect from reality and take a mental holiday.

Andrew Rose is an Oklahoma-raised comedian with a flair for making people laugh. “I’ve liked comedy since I was a kid,” said Rose. “I remember my uncle and family sitting on the patio and just telling stories about their lives, and they’re all making each other laugh. As a kid, I was like, ‘I want to do that, but I’m a kid, and I don’t have stories. I can’t do that.’”

Rose found himself watching Comedy Central for inspiration, and he even recalled that his iPod contained more comedy than music. As his passion grew, he took notes while observing other comedians and wrote jokes every chance he got. However, being a great comedian is also seen in one’s STATE & LOCAL ability to read the audience and go off-script. “Ad-libbing comes in handy when you say something, and it gets a reaction,” said Rose. “It’s not a direction I initially thought of, but you go off that. Sometimes it’s the audience that helped you get there.”

SQ788 TAX

SALES TAX

In 2014, Rose started touring with The World Series of Comedy as the owner’s host and right-hand man. The World Series of Comedy is a stand-up event for comedians of all levels. It begins with a weeklong series of live satellite contests all around the U.S. and Canada, and finalists will participate in The Main Event held each September. “The World Series of Comedy is an organization and the biggest comedy festival in the country,” said Rose. “101 winners from local contests get to compete in The Main Event in Vegas.”

Rose is also a host at the Looney Bin Comedy Club, which has locations in Tulsa, Little Rock, Wichita, and OKC. “I started at the Looney Bin Comedy Club in Oklahoma City,” said Rose. “I have been working with them for a long time, and I go there as often as possible for open mic.” An array of talent performs at the clubs ranging from up-and-comers, local talent, and seasoned veterans.

Recently, Rose has worked to bring his act and other talents to local breweries and venues not traditionally known for hosting comedy, and the idea is gaining traction.

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“I am trying to grow this,” said Rose. “I think it could be great as long as we keep having fun and get people out there that want to have fun with us. It is a homegrown grassroots thing. I am talking to several breweries and venues and turning them into little pop-up comedy clubs.”

Rose experimented with the concept at the Roughtail Brewery in Edmond. Since then, other venues have been added to the lineup with upcoming shows at: Enid Brewing Co. – Enid, OK Godofredo’s Pizzeria & Tap Room – Cushing, OK Chaos Brewing – Joplin, MO Slush’D – Ada, OK The Maplewood – Wichita Falls, TX “I chose breweries because they’re always fun,” said Rose.

It’s the atmosphere there, and the people who go to breweries want to come to hang out and have a good time.”

Visit www.arosecomedy.com to learn more about Andrew, his comedy, and upcoming shows.

SUCRE’ VODKA

SUGAR CANE VODKA THAT DOESN’T GIVE YOU A HANGOVER?

BY HEIDE BRANDES

At first glance, Molaun Smith and Chris Davis of Oklahoma City don’t seem like your typical vodka lovers. In fact, according to these two Putnam City-area school friends, they are die-hard whiskey drinkers instead, but that doesn’t mean they don’t know how to make a mean vodka.

Owners and founders of Oklahoma City’s newest distilled liquor company, Sucre’ Premium Sugarcane Vodka, the two guys are shaking it up when it comes to locally made spirits. First, they aren’t distillers by trade. Chris drives a truck for a living while Mo owns a pest control company, but they do know a good drink when they find one.

The result is Sucre’ Vodka, a sugar cane vodka that’s been distilled seven times for the “smoothest vodka you’ve ever tasted,” said Mo. “When fermented, sugar cane is the only source that doesn’t produce methanol, which is what causes the next day’s pounding headache.

So, we took that and distilled it cleaner than any other vodka around,” Mo said. “Seven times distilled to be exact.”

Now available in at least seven package stores in the metro and quickly gaining a solid fan base, Sucre’ is poised to put Oklahoma vodka on the map.

Pouring Their Hearts Into It The idea to start a new vodka brand, like most great ideas, came by way of serendipity.

“One day I was at work, and I delivered some products to the guy who would end up as our distiller,” said Chris. “I had no idea what I was delivering, but we started talking and that’s when he told me he was a distiller and he made vodka.”

That was enough to spark Chris’ interest. After talking about how a person gets into distilling spirits and the process of starting up a business that fateful March Day in 2021, Chris took the idea to his friend Mo. “We’ve known each other for 30-plus years,” Chris said. “We were sitting around, just kind of hanging out like you do, and I was telling him about all of this. And he said, ‘Why don’t we do it? Let’s just do it.’

So, we sat down, came up with a plan, and six months later, we had the product in hand.”

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Mo is no stranger to making alcoholic beverages. He’s been making wine for years, but like Chris, wasn’t that big of a vodka fan - until now.

While the pair experimented with several types of vodkas made from different types of ingredients like potatoes, corn, or grain, it was a trip to Antigua that sparked the idea to make Sucre’ a sugarcane-based vodka.

“It’s the only ingredient that, when fermented, doesn’t create methanol, which is what gives you that headache the next day,” said Mo. “Vodka is the number one selling alcohol in the world, and we started paying attention to what everybody liked - plus, the ladies like to drink vodka.”

Despite its popularity, Mo and Chris wanted to create a vodka that tasted good, wasn’t harsh, and maintained integrity. They teamed up with Oklahoma City’s Rambling Spirits distiller Ricky Sowers to develop Sucre’ Vodka.

TASTE TEST While Sucre’ Vodka launched in late September and early October, the product is already on shelves in the Oklahoma City area. Now, the boys are getting the word out to restaurants, larger distributors, and to the general public.

“We did the Stroud Wine Festival (in June), and we were the first vodka they ever had there, “said Chris. “The people loved it. They kept coming back for tastes, and one guy who doesn’t even drink bought an entire case. We killed it!”

Mo and Chris know they are just on the first steps of their goal of being the top vodka brand in the region, but they stand by the quality of their product. They just need more people to discover for themselves just how good a seven-times distilled sugar cane vodka can be.

“We're just trying to get it to where we have a little bit more recognition by getting in front of as many people as we can,” said Mo. “Everyone who tries it loves it. It’s a smooth, delicious vodka.”

For a list of locations carrying Sucre’ Vodka, visit mysucrevodka.com.

Recipe Courtesy of Sucre’ Vodka RASPBERRY COSMO 2 oz. Sucré Vodka 1 oz. Lemon juice ½ oz. honey syrup or simple syrup 5 raspberries Prosecco Shake all ingredients and double strain. Top with prosecco.

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MAY 2022

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Stonecloud Brewing Company

At the Forefront of a Beer Awaking by

Laconia Butler

Oklahoma City is having something of a beer awakening. It seems like every other month a new brewery pops up.

Between laws changing and the love of craft beer growing, it's no surprise to see such a boom in the Boomer state.

With all the new, you still have to give credit where credit is due- and that’s with the OG OKC breweries. And when you think of OG’s, of course, you automatically think of Stonecloud Brewing. For the past 5 years, Stonecloud has been a constant in the Oklahoma craft beer scene. Always producing top-of-the-line beers with a laid-back and welcoming attitude. And to celebrate everything that they have done for OKC it's about time we learn about how Stonecloud came to be.

It all started with a man named Joel Irby from Stillwater. Joel has always been attracted to nature and beer. He left Oklahoma for Colorado where he could pursue those two passions. While in Colorado he honed his brewing skills with some of the great breweries like Boulder Beer Co and Avery.

After 9 years of brewing in Colorado, he knew he wanted to bring back what he learned to his home state here in Oklahoma. In 2017 Joel made the big move back to OKC and decided to find a spot in the city for his brewery. He knew that he wanted the brewery to represent his passion for nature and rock climbing, another Colorado pass time. He knew he wanted to combine his love of rock climbing into his brewery and that’s how the name Stonecloud came about. He recalled a time when he climbed over a mountain and before him were ‘stone clouds. He knew it was the perfect fit. In fact, you can still find remints of his climbing past all over the taproom. Speaking of taproom, Joel knew that he had to find an old rustic building to fit with the brewer's theme. He partnered with Pivot and together they found an old, abandoned laundromat on the outskirts of Film Row. Sunshine Laundromat was the perfect place to now call home to Stonecloud Brewing. It was historic and had character with its original bricks and tiles. It was in a newly developing part of the city, and they wanted Stonecloud to be part of its 18

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surrounding community. Now with a name and building, it was time to start brewing some beers.

Stonecloud has always been first and foremost about quality. Beers that are approachable and popular for level of beer drinker. The first core beers were Journey Home Apricot Sour, Madmartigan Sour, Straight Juice Bro Brett Pale Ale, Turtlehead Coffee Stout, Neon Sunshine Belgian Wit, Astrodog IPA, and Havana Affair German Pilsner.

With a great starting lineup, Stonecloud was able to branch out and create unique one of a kind, limitrelease beer, and now you can say they're pretty famous for it. Each year Stonecloud can create 50-75 different beers, along with the new core beers Chug Norris Pale Ale, Neon Sunshine Belgian Wit, Havana Affair German Pilsner, Astrodog IPA, Mellow Cold IPA, and Stonecloud Lite Lager. Want a sweet and irresistible stout try some Fluffy Fingers. Or maybe a creamy seltzer? May I suggest a Smooshie smoothie seltzer? They have everything from Double IPAs to Sours to Mexican lagers. Speaking of Lager’s, that’s something Stonecloud takes very seriously and very personally. In fact, some may say the best lagers you can find in OK are from Stonecloud.

They love them so much they dedicate an entire section of their taproom to them, the Lager Lounge. The Lager Lounge is a Stonecloud side event space. It is sometimes open to the public, serving only its world-class lagers. It can also be rented as a private space, allowing you to host a party with a beertender to serve. To make sure you can enjoy your lager the best possible way, the lounge bar even has special taps called a side pull. Creating a creamier, velvety beer and peak lager enjoyment status.

However, if you are a true Stonecloud beer aficionado then you are probably aware of their famous Orbit. The once-ayear anniversary barrel-aged stout. It's become something of a legend here in OKC and quite possibly everywhere else.

After every orbit around the sun (get it, opening anniversary) they release a special bottle and patch. Well like I mentioned earlier, it is officially anniversary season at Stonecloud. That means Orbit V is about to blast its way into your heart and belly. This year Stonecloud isn’t just releasing a beer. Nope.

They are going all out with their 5-anniversary party. We’re talking live music, special beer releases, food, swag, and popup vendors. It's all taking place on September 10, so make sure you make your calendars now.

While 5 years of brewing is an incredible accomplishment, that’s not the only thing Stonecloud celebrated this year. In June Stonecloud opened up a second location in Joel’s hometown of Stillwater. The new location will feature all the same great beers you can get in OKC, but they also have a small pilot system allowing for some unique Stillwater styles.

With its location near and dear to Stonecloud, they knew they wanted it to become just as much a part of the Stillwater community as it has with OKC. Stillwater will host and encourage local talent, another way to create a stronger community through beer.

Stonecloud has always wanted to create an inclusive and inviting vibe, one that encourages people to hang around for several hours, whether it be to hang with friends, play board games, read a book, or just enjoy the sunshine on the patio.

They want the brewery to continue to grow and most importantly be a part of the amazing Oklahoma community.

Oh, and to keep making beer and having fun.

Stonecloud Brewing Company OKC 1012 NW 1st St #101, Oklahoma City, OK 73106 Stonecloud Stillwater Patio & Taproom 917 S Husband St, Stillwater, OK 74074

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Picasso Cafe

THE ART OF GREAT FOOD

by James Frazier With a name like Picasso Cafe in an art-heavy district in the heart of Oklahoma City, you would start to assume a few things. You would be correct. Picasso Cafe opened its doors in 2009, and we have been opening our hearts to it ever since. The unique feel of this gem is from the imagination of owners Kim Dansereau and Shaun Fiacone, which was the beginning of HumanKind Hospitality. If you haven’t been following HumanKind, they have been creating some fantastic plays in the last few years including Frida Southwest, The Daley, and OSO on Paseo and they have a few tricks up their sleeve coming soon, hint think Tiki.

Let’s take a look inside the OG of the group. Picasso Cafe has long since been known for its casual atmosphere that makes you feel at ease. It’s a comfortable space with old-world New Mexico vibes, such as is the Paseo District itself. The walls are adorned with interesting artwork. The bar is stunning with its beautiful woodwork, matched with clean lines of glass shelves and a mirrored back to give the space a feeling of openness and vibrance. The patio is soft and welcoming with its curbside seating and umbrellas, not to mention that I have never been on the patio without there being a puppy or two that needed a good scratch.

The food of Picasso Cafe lives up to its motto, Great Food is Art. Chef Ryan Parrott has been killing it in the kitchen at Picasso Cafe since 2014. That is about the time that I personally fell in love with the food at this restaurant. My introduction to the menu was an Ahi Tuna Indian Taco that I am pretty sure I had at least once a week for several months.

Since then, they have moved the Indian Taco to the Vegan Menu, but you can still add Ahi Tuna to it if you so choose.

The Vegan Indian Taco however stands on its own with

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House Fry Bread, and the best Vegan Chili I have ever had.

The menu is a great mix of Southern Comfort food, with excellent salad options, fantastic sandwiches including a world-class Cuban and killer burger, and a top-notch Vegetarian & Vegan Menu. It should also be mentioned that the Lobster Bisque is one of my favorite soups in Oklahoma. If Veggies are your thing, The monthly Veggie 5-course meal is the third Tuesday of every month and if you have ever wondered what crazy stuff you can do with Veggies, you are going to learn.

We stopped in for a meal and it was nailed on every front.

I had to go for the seasonal menu, and you should too. The Huli Huli Chicken Wings were a revelation of flavor and comfort. The marinated wings with Pineapple-jalapeno sauce and served with a fresh and vibrant yet thoughtprovoking Jamaican Blue Cheese Slaw was a perfect combination of flavors with its zing and savory notes. We also had to test out the Chicken Fried Portabello with Vegan Gravy, Seasoned Fries, and Seasonal Vegetables, which happened to be some amazing fresh sauteed Green Beans. The Portabello was a delightful surprise to the tastebuds with its crispy shell and absolutely put a delicious healthy twist on its meat counterpart. The fries were served with ketchup and their house spicy ketchup which now has me experimenting in the kitchen to try to match the flavor. I couldn’t get enough of it. What’s a meal without a burger? The Picasso Burger has to be a top 10 burger in OKC. Like all great food, it starts with great ingredients and black Angus is definitely a good way to

start a burger. The Blue Cheese adds just the right amount of tang, with caramelized onions and horseradish mayo on a delightful brioche bun.

The food is absolutely amazing but you can’t overlook the bar, and they do it right. The beer selection is impressive with a lot of local beers available in cans, bottles, and on taps as well as some other hard-to-find craft brews from around the world. If wine is your thing, the list is eclectic and vibrant with something for everyone. For me, I’m a Craft Beer and Cocktail guy and they have me covered for sure.

This list is also on the eclectic side with some great one-ofa-kind cocktails that you won’t find elsewhere. If it's on the list and you have heard of it, check the ingredients because they don’t do anything stock. I recommend working your way through the signature drinks. Where else can you find Rosemary-infused Dickle Rye? As it’s summertime I recommend going with something like the Jane Valdez with Cuentacuentos HK Mezcal, Grapefruit-peppercorn shrub, and vanilla bean. But, hey Picasso Cafe has something for everyone and you have to find your heart and soul in one of these cocktails and pair it nicely with one of the amazing dishes on the menu.

Now, in case you know Picasso Cafe, I don’t want to worry you. I realize that you can’t talk about Picasso Cafe without at least mentioning The Other Room. For the uninitiated, the Other Room is directly South of Picasso Cafe and has long since been known as a place for great drinks, and an amazing atmosphere and you can order right off the Picasso Cafe menu. They take after-dinner drinks to another level.

Sit inside in the low-lit funky atmosphere, or party with a few friends on the best little hidden patio in OKC. Excuse me, I need to refill my drink. I think it will be a Hamm’s and a well shot this time around. www.picassosonpaseo.com 3009 Paseo, Oklahoma City, OK 73103

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Boozy Jerky

BOOZE INFUSED BEEF JERKY...PREPARE TO PAIR!

BY LACONIA BUTLER Jerky has always been a long consistent companion for travelers and those desperately trying to find a snack that’s both healthy and delicious. Jerky is one of the most satisfying snacks, it's filling, flavorful, and portable. But in recent years, jerky has transcended its status as a quick-fix gas station snack. A new era of craft jerky is among us, and the leader of the pack (pun intended) is Oklahoma's own Boozy Jerky.

As a kid growing up in the wine country of California, Shaun Grey lived off of jerky of all kinds, from his local deli counter in his small hometown. In fact, his family had their own recipe and would make their own. From a young age, Shaun knew that there was a market for his family's treats and wanted to get them in the local wine stores and tasting rooms.

Something different to pair with the local wines. In a market that is already over-saturated with craft snacks, he knew he needed to try something different, which sparked the idea of marinating his jerky in wine. After a while, he noticed that something was missing. While the wine jerky was selling, he wanted to broaden his market. Enter craft beer. At first, there were 4 separate flavors, 2 wine options, and 2 beer options.

Time after time the beer options would sell out much faster than the wine option. Shaun knew he was onto something new and exciting- Boozy Jerky.

With Boozy Jerky growing it was time to shift focus on craft beer flavors and pairings. The 2 original beer-flavored jerkies were Spicy Citrus IPA and Peppered Stout, both you can find today. But Boozy Jerky needed more. Shaun met up with his old wine mentor here in Oklahoma and the two worked hard to grow the company with new flavors and a new audience.

They knew they would need reinforcements, local craft beer specialists.

Shaun reached out to the Oklahoma Craft Beer Club and soon met local craft beer enthusiast John Campe. John had been active in the Oklahoma craft beer scene for years; he was the perfect fit in the Boozy Jerky family.

Together they created new flavors to pair with various beer types. Besides just the IPA and Stout, they made a pairing for Pilsner with garlic rosemary (this writer's personal favorite), Ale with mango habanero, and Lager with spicy maple syrup. Each flavor was created not to just go with that certain beer style but with wine, cider, bourbon, or anything else your heart desires. It really is more of a pick your perfect ending and pair what tastes good to you.

As boozy Jerky was growing, they wanted their fans to be able to grab their favorite jerky at their favorite local stores. Soon they landed their first big partnership with On Cue. From there the Oklahoma market welcomed them in Homeland, Grocery Saver, local liquor stores, and local taprooms. With its exponential growth in Oklahoma, it was only natural that Boozy Jerky spread its wings and reach out to other states. As of now, you can find Boozy Jerky in national grocery stores and breweries in 21 states!

With such great success in Oklahoma and the love and support of the craft beer drinker, Boozy Jerky wanted to create something special and only for Oklahomans. Their goal was to partner with a local brewery for a special collaboration limited edition partner pairing. Boozy reached out to local craft brewery Roughtail. Roughtail is known all over Oklahoma for their ERWO, Everything Rhymes with Orange IPA. It was the perfect pairing, and Everything Rhymes with Jerky was created. The Roughtail collab recipe is designed to be the perfect complement to the beer and bring out all the absolute deliciousness of both the jerky and the ERWO as well. Try dipping the jerky in your next pint at the brewery for an extra special treat.... you’re welcome.

While Boozy Jerky is infused with beer, it won’t get you drunk. It will however change your mind and taste for jerky forever. Each bag is filled with the most tender and flavorful pieces of jerky. It has lower sugar and sodium than most other jerky products on the market. Allowing you to enjoy your jerky without all the guilt. A healthy, tasty, and local snack- what else could you want?

The future is bright and unlimited for Boozy Jerky. Boozy is constantly growing in different state markets with their own local brewery partnered pairings and stores. They also just released their first liquor pairing with awardwinning Bourbon from Breckenridge Distillery. They even just released a larger size offering 8 oz of jerky compared to the regular 4 oz. But don’t take just my word, or really the words of countless hundreds of fans, try Boozy Jerky yourself. Check out their website, BoozyJerky.com, or follow them on social media @BoozyJerky for news, updates, and giveaways. You can also use the checkout code TheBrew for a special discount at BoozyJerky.com.

So next time you get the hunger, whether it be at the local taproom or store, or you want to create the perfect pairing for whatever you are drinking, go ahead a grab a bag or two of Boozy Jerky. Your wallet, stomach, and local businesses will thank you.

by Kari Huskey and James Frazier This month we hit the road up the Turnpike to a little town some of you may have heard of, Tulsa, Oklahoma. This trip reminded me of a line from the movie Gladiator when Maximus asks Cicero “ You don’t find it hard to do your duty?”

Cicero responds, “Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to.” This is one of those times that we did what we wanted to do, and it was fun. To be clear, I (James) am an OKC boy through and through, but Tulsa has become a welcome surprise for me and I think Kari would agree. So, let’s dive into this road trip that got out of control.

This trip we have to break it down to a few different categories. There was so much to do in Tulsa that we barely scratched the surface, but that is to be expected from the second-largest city in Oklahoma. Yes, they are still right behind Oklahoma City, but they gained some cool kids points from us on this road trip. So buckle up, this is going to be a ride. It’s not for the faint of heart, but we believe in you.

Cocktail Lounges Hodges Bend is one of those places that you step into and immediately want to drop anchor and spend some time. Not only does the coffee aroma hit you, but the esthetics also draw you in. The back wall of the bar area is floor-to-ceiling beautiful woodwork, with a collection of bottles you rarely see in a bar this size.

On the opposite wall is windows and exposed brick with a silver tin roof that takes you back in time. The menu is luscious with beautiful dishes and I am told the best burger in Tulsa. But alas, we started here for the cocktails, and I am so glad we did. We chose a couple of coffee-infused cocktails which were magnificent. Just what we needed to get the night started off right. We decided to have the Beignets as well and they paired perfectly with our coffee cocktails.

The Saturn Room is one of those places that everyone tells you that you should go to, and when you get there you realize they were right. This is an island tiki lounge in the middle of downtown Tulsa. The tiki list is extensive and I was sad that we only had time for one because I could have melted into the grass hut bar inside this place. They do a fantastic job of transporting you to a place outside of time or cares, and that is what a true Tiki lounge should be. The drinks were amazing. The scare with tikis is that too many times they are just fruit juices with a little bit of rum or whatever the recipe calls for. These drinks were not that. Saturn Room has perfected the art of boozy tiki and for that, I salute them.

Valkyrie hit my list because the name stood out and is fun to say. It was also among the list of places that all the locals suggested, and that I take seriously.

When you walk in, the atmosphere screams that this is where you will get a 25

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great cocktail. I am not sure I have ever seen a larger wall of liquor behind a bar.

It was majestic and I couldn’t think of anything that wasn’t on that wall. As far as cocktails go, we had two, one off the menu, a fun cocktail called Mezcal me Shirley with Mezcal, Lime, Agave, Orange Bitters and Rosemary. It was delightful to another level, bright, smoky, and tart. For the second one, I played my favorite game, the bartender’s choice. This is where you give the bartender a few descriptors and they go to town. This one will sit in my top 5 cocktails of all time as it was smoky with the Mezcal, which was my mood at the time, but clean and savory. I don’t know what it was, but I will ask them to make me something every time I go there because if they nailed that good the first time, I owe them my allegiance and will forever shout Valkykie from the street corners.

Breweries This brewery was a welcome surprise! Since opening its doors in 2018, Neff Brewing has won awards for both its beer and its food! Located in a historic building known as “The Dock”, they serve some amazing craft beer and food!

Unbeknownst to most, all of their offerings are gluten-free, from the beer to the food they serve in their restaurant. It all started when the father & son team of Jon & Jonathan Neff decided to brew a beer that Jonathan could actually drink after being diagnosed with celiac disease. Disappointed with the gluten-free options in the market, they began to put Jonathan’s background in chemistry and engineering to use and came up with a recipe that would make gluten-free beers taste just as good if not better than the beers containing gluten. “Brewed for Everyone” is their motto and this beer drinker believes it. From the Light and Crisp Appollo Blonde Ale to the Hoppy No Barriers India Pale Ale to the Dark and Roasty Astronaut Cookies Oatmeal Stout there is absolutely something for everyone here! When you go make sure and try their Garlic Sage Fries and their Beer Battered Mushrooms which might just be the best fried mushrooms this team has ever consumed!

Dead Armadillo sits right on the other side of the highway from downtown Tulsa and has an awesome selection of delicious beers. I personally love beer that is a little edgy and not for everyone. Dead Armadillo’s staples are solid, with a beautiful Amber, their Breakaway American Pale Ale, a very drinkable IPA, and the Tulsa Flag Blonde Ale that you just can’t put down. On the seasonal side, I love Pickle beers and the Dead Armadillo Pickle Recovery is at the top of my list of pickle beers. Just the right amount of tangy goodness. Even though the weather is a deterrent to stouts in my book, the Morning Bender is the perfect hangover or hair of the dog beer.

There is a little piece of heaven in the form of a sand volleyball at the corner of Peoria and East 5th. I swear If you close your eyes, you can almost smell the salt air and feel the breeze of the ocean. Pearl Beach Brew Pub is an action-packed brewery with a full liquor bar and made from scratch frozen drinks. They have three sand volleyball courts, giant beer pong, corn hole, and more! But when it comes to brewing beer, they score every time. When the names of the beer crack me up, I have to try them and boy do they have some good ones here! Not only is it fun to say but their Blond Ale “Man-Go Get Me A Beer!” is a tasty thirst quencher. Their Flip Cup Lager which is an American Light Lager is just asking for you to set up those red solo cups. And the Lageritaville is a Mexican Style Lager that will have you singing Jimmy Buffet songs in no time!

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It’s always fun when you show up at a brewery and are overwhelmed with how good everything is. First off the feel of Nothing’s Left Brewing Co. is warm and welcoming with plenty of photo ops due to the faux greenery everywhere. The swings on the patio are a nice touch and definitely bring out the kid in you. The beer is outstanding. I was especially impressed with the Muy Bien!, a white stout that defied logic. I mean who puts Horchata in a beer, and how can I hug them?

The names of the beer remind you that beer can and should be fun. The list of delicious beers is impressive because they don’t do anything that I don’t like. I really do love interesting beers and Nothing’s Left is killing it. I will also tell you that the beer slushes were an absolute delight and brought a little more light into my life on that blazingly hot day. They switch up the flavors regularly and we lucked out with the Peach frozen flight.

Have you ever had a drink of a beer and immediately think, I should be in a cabin in the woods? That is what Cabin Boys Brewery does to you. The list of beers that Cabin Boys does right is extensive. They just have a way of making insanely drinkable beers that make you want to relax on the porch and listen to some music or write the next great American novel. Well, the novel only comes when you are drinking the Bearded Theologian. Visiting Cabin Boys is a treat as the atmosphere is fun and relaxing at the same time, as it sits in the same yard as the next brewery we hit on the trail. We showed up in time to listen to some live music in the warehouse while we sipped on our beers. I can’t think of a better way to spend my Friday evening.

Of all the Breweries on the list, I was most excited to visit American Solera. Not to say the others weren’t way up there, but this one had been on my list for a while, mainly because of the funky creations that I keep hearing about. Wow, did they hold up to the hype. The beer is fresh and fragrant with unique styles and flavors that you don’t get often. The Hawaii Boom Boom instantly worked its way to my heart. An 8% Imperial Gose w/Orange, Pineapple, Coconut, Marshmallow, Vanilla, Milk Sugar, and Sea Salt. That’s a lot of words that don’t normally go together, but these nuts made it work. I say nuts in the most positive way possible as in, it’s so crazy it just might work, and I love them for it.

Marshall Brewing Company has been dedicated to brewing quality craft beer since 2008 and is located just outside of downtown Tulsa on East 6th Street.

Make your way down there and enjoy the evening enjoying their outdoor Biergarten with additional seating that is non-smoking plus family and dog friendly. Marshalls has several flagship beers that are available year-round and are absolutely delicious. My favorite is their Kolsch which is their Greman-style beer that is light in body and smooth and mild on the finish. The Atlas IPA is their answer to an east coast IPA. Its pale and caramel malts help give it balance and blended with hops it provides a floral, citrus, and earthly tone. This brewery is committed to quality beer and has a selection vast enough that there is absolutely a beer there for everyone.

I like breweries that are unapologetic about who they are. We don’t need the same old brewery concept copied over and over, and Heirloom Rustic Ales

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embodies that spirit and uniqueness to an amazing level. The taproom is a little hidden gem in a neighborhood and welcomes conversations and shared life experiences over ridiculously good small batch craft beer. The beer and their names are very much conversation starters. You’re not going to find overly hoppy trendy beers here. These are beers that make you smile and then look at the menu to try to figure out what that one flavor is that you can’t figure out. In short, this is a thinking person’s beer joint and I look forward to my next conversation over a tasty Heirloom Rustic Ale. Sometimes you need a beer to slap you in the face. I love it when they do that and Renaissance Brewing Company does it so well. Sometimes a slap comes when you taste a somewhat tame beer and the cleanliness and perfection of the process come through in a way that surprises you like the German Golden Ale. Sometimes that slap comes from a unique ingredient that catches you off guard like the Indian Wheat, a Spiced Hefeweizen. But then sometimes that slap is a little more pronounced, or more deliberate. That’s the Dragon’s Breath, a Gold German Ale with Serrano peppers that is smooth and flavorful with a bite that sends you a couple of steps back. If you don’t like to get slapped with good flavor, go ahead and stay away from this brewery.

Food What can I say about Mother Road Market? The fact is that there is way too much to be said about this glorified food court in the heart of Tulsa. I almost offended myself there as this place is in no way shape or form a glorified food court, in reality, it’s a haven for local food done right with so much variety that it’s nearly impossible to come to a conclusion of what I’m hungry for each time I dine there. Mother Road is not just food, it’s also a full shopping experience with local and boutique merchants selling their products in a unique and fun atmosphere. The food is the star of the show though with 15 very unique food experiences. I’m still working my way through them, but there hasn’t been a bad bite in the bunch. Since I can only comment on the flavors I have tried, here are the ones that got me in the happy.

Zasa’s Pizza & Wings has some absolutely killer slices of pizza that happen to be the size of a small Buick. The toppings were excellent and the crust was phenomenal. Doctor Kustom blew me away with their Calabrese Pastel which is like a Brazilian savory fried pie with a thin, flaky, and crispy crust. I’m going to have dreams about that thing again. When Chicken & the Wolf says “are you sure you want hot?” You should seriously stop and have a conversation with your ancestors. I love spicy and this was right on the verge of too much for me. It kind of hurt my pride a little bit, but the flavor was abundantly worthwhile. The chicken is tender and juicy and everything you want from a Nashville-style chicken tender. The sauces are superb and Lemon Dill Aoli is enough to write home to mom about. The final place that I can give my expert opinion of is Big Dipper Creamery. The Big Dipper is a small-batch artisan ice cream shop. Yes, it made my heart happy too. The flavor creations these people do are whacky and delightful. It’s a small batch, so it’s always changing. I’m hoping to show up when they are doing another local beer collab.

Bottom line is that I am shopping for apartments in the area so I can have enough time to try out all of the amazing food at Mother Road Market.

It should also be mentioned that they have a pop-up kitchen at the market that is constantly rotating out amazing food options, you know in case nothing sounds good, in which case there are some golden arches down the road, save the good food for me. The final thing I will say about Mother Road, for now, is that you will not find a cooler patio anywhere in Oklahoma. There I said it, I threw down the gauntlet.

Family The Gathering Place is a spacious and beautiful 66.5-acre park is strategically placed along the Arkansas River and was created by the George Kaiser Family Foundation.

This natural space was designed to provide inclusive and engaging experiences for all to explore, learn, and play. There is literally something here for everyone no matter what age you are. A few of our favorite attractions are: The Chapman Adventure Playground is a magical place where kids can run and explore towers, slides, gardens, sand lots, and water areas and engages children at different developmental levels and physical abilities.

Ramble Sensory Garden uses STEAM principles (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) and encourages children to question and wonder about how things work.

By using hands-on techniques they are able to use their curiosity to bring things to life.

Skywalk Forest is located on the west side of the park and showcases thrilling slides and climbing net structures to allow you to float twenty feet above the ground while making your way across. The idea is to let your imagination runs rampant through this amazing attraction.

Water sports your jam? Then you have to head over to the boat house and rent a paddle boat, canoe, or kayak. Relax and float your way around the beautiful waterways that run through the park.

There are also several self-guided park activities from bird watching to scavenger hunts you can check out all that they have to offer for these types of activities on their website.

It is also good to know that there are free park shuttles that run to and from downtown Tulsa. You can catch a ride from the shuttle at the Tulsa Community College Metro Campus parking lot. These run only on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information about The Gathering Place, check out their website at gatheringplace.org.

If you enjoy a bike ride or getting a run in on your trip, you definitely need to check out the Riverside Trail. Winding alongside the Arkansas River, this scenic path loops up to 14 miles and has bike rentals, cafe's and splashpads along its course.

That wraps it up for what we could do in a 48-hour period in Tulsa and it has left us wanting more time in this beautiful city and all it has to offer. Our advice is to stay somewhere downtown, rent a Lime and explore the heart of the city like a local. Just be careful and look for bumps in the road because although those scooters are fun, it really hurts when you crash on one… don’t ask me how I know lol 29

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SCOTT MILES... THE DEEP-VOICED CROONER THAT CAN MELT THE VINYL OFF A RECORD

BY KARI HUSKEY

IIt all started in High School…isn’t that true for most of us?

But for Scott Miles, it completely set the course of his life after his friend Nathan started a band and learned that Scott could sing. Most of us know Scott as a deep-voiced crooner that can melt the vinyl off a record, but with the band they named Negative Zero, he was a pop-punk front man that sang high-pitched lyrics and jumped around the stage in an effort to mimic the tone and behavior of their favorite bands.

It wasn’t until Nathan wrote See You Soon, a song about the death of a friend, and asked Scott to sing it that he started to find his true voice. Because the song had no previous renditions, he found himself outside the realm of singing covers and to a place where he could bring true feeling and intention to his singing. This allowed Scott to dig deep inside and experiment with different tones and registers. He really began to like the sound of his lower register and what he sounded like so he began smoking and drinking in an effort to bring the lower pitch to fruition.

Once Nathan taught him how to play some power chords on the guitar, he absorbed all that he could musically. Even after Nathan had to leave the band, Scott intended to keep Negative Zero going with his friend Robbie. He even started writing more songs that felt truer to himself which started to move them away from most of the pop-funk sound and more toward hard rock. These are the years that helped develop Scott’s stage presence, interaction, and how to work a crowd.

But like everything else, things change. A marriage, a move to Oklahoma City, and then sadly a divorce, all made Scott feel like a dark cloud was over him. He admitted, “I didn’t want anybody around me so I lost a lot of jobs.” He was going through his mind, dealing with the divorce…all the emotions and drinking a lot…going to bars to play, spending hours upon hours practicing songs he wanted to perform, writing new lyrics, and learning new songs.

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It was then that his introduction to open mics came about and he had never done anything like that before. His good friend, Gentry Counce, was hosting various open mics and told him about the Hideaway Club where he began to join in and show off his talents. Over time and through these open mics, people started to notice him. When Gentry decided to step down, Scott gladly picked up the gauntlet and took over hosting duties. He told us; “ I mean I love it…I love doing it and still do it today.” It progressed and soon different bar managers in attendance started witnessing his abilities and asked him to come play at the open mics at their bars.

You can always tell a lot about a musician by the music that they listen to and when asked about his influences growing up, Scott's musical talents started to add up. “I listened to a lot of pop-punk stuff, heavy stuff you hear on the Katt radio station like Korn and Slip Knot, but my favorite band is Clutch with their bluesy rock sound. That low gritty voice is the sound that I am striving for. I want my voice to be so distinct that it is recognizable.” Well, I am pretty sure you are there sir! You can see Scott’s influences by the handful of originals that are thrown into the mix when he plays live. You are drawn in by his obvious feelings, emotion, and the energy he shows on stage.

Speaking of originals, I Don’t Mind the Pain is a new single that Scott just recorded with Trevor Thornton at Audio Trilogy in Blanchard with plans to have it released on all the platforms by (his birthday) July 22, 2022. Plans for a full-blown album are also on the horizon looking for it to drop sometime next year.

Although solo gigs are Scott’s main focus, he has started a band appropriately named Scott Dammit and The Double Dangs, that is doing some pretty amazing things. Brandon Bell is on bass, Neil Lewis on the guitar, a rotating drummer, and Scott, of course, on vocals and guitar. Keep your eyes peeled for more about this group on the horizon!

So where can you find Scott Miles on a normal basis you ask?

Sundays at Zodiac Club 3506 N MacArthur Blvd, Warr Acres Tuesdays at Hideaway Club 4418 NW 39th St, OKC Thursdays Open Jam night at Brewskeys Bar and Grill 2600 S Meridian Ave Ste E, OKC You can also find future shows on his Facebook and Instagram so check there for updated information.

Recipes by Chef Buz

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps by

Chef Buz Deliere

Happy Independence Day Month, everyone, I hope you all had a fun and safe holiday. Summertime is my favorite time of year. I love the hot weather, being in the water, golfing, and good food with friends and of course some Don Julio too. This summer I like to keep it light and refreshing, nothing too filling, besides, I need room for my tequila. This time of year, I like to make my Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps, a super easy, fast, and delicious recipe. These light wraps will be a great snack while enjoying some R&R and I suggest a nice Chardonnay to go with. In my case, I'll stick to the 1942 because it literally goes with everything, so let’s dive right into this month’s recipe and a tequila or two!

First preheat a large wok on high or a skillet if you don’t have a wok, add your oil to the hot wok. Add the chicken and stir fry for a couple minutes then add the mushrooms and cook for a minute then toss in the garlic, ginger, and orange zest and stir fry for another minute. Now add the water chestnuts, scallions, and red and green peppers and cook for another minute before adding the hoisin sauce and tossing the mixture until it’s evenly coated. Now just transfer the Asian chicken mixture to a serving dish and serve with the lettuce wedges. Spoon as much of the Asian chicken mixture as you like into a lettuce wedge and roll it up and eat. A great, light snack for everyone to enjoy.

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Yield: 5 total time: 30 minutes 4-5 medium Chicken breast, small diced (about 1 ½ pounds) 2 Cups Shiitake mushroom, small diced ½ Red pepper, small diced ½ Green pepper, small diced 2 Scallions, chopped 8 oz Can sliced Water chestnuts, drained ½ large head lettuce, core removed and quartered 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp Ginger root, chopped fine Zest from 1 orange 2 Tbs Peanut oil 3 Tbs Hoisin sauce Salt and Black pepper to taste

Chef Buz

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OSO on Paseo

Tiki is in the air tonight

BY JAMES FRAZIER

Well, it’s officially hot in Oklahoma. So hot in fact that my normal routines of Strong Dark Beers and Whiskey are just not cutting it. I need something fresh and vibrant. I am sure that you agree with me that this is the time of year that you want a drink to flood your senses with hints of Hawwaiin beaches and other tropical locations. This is the time of year to sip on a drink that takes you on a journey to a place where it isn’t a thousand degrees and dryer than the Sahara. You need something a little fruity, with some hand. OSO's Mai Tai is exactly that and so much more. It's tang and some floral aromas with just the right amount of a beautiful story in a glass and transports you to a private sweetness in a cup that transports you to the islands man. island paradise. The Smoking mirror is the essence of beauty and relaxation. The colors and garnishes are bright This is the time of the Tiki drinks and in my book, no one and vibrant with a welcoming aroma. The taste of the aged does them as well as this stylish little taco bar in the Paseo Jamaican Rum and Tequila Blanco with passion fruit and called OSO on Paseo. I am especially excited about the new Prickly pear create a luscious elegance. kid on the block next door which will feature the existing award-winning Tikis and Margaritas, but also their own Now, it's not a true Tiki bar if you can't get a drink in a special creations. These two amazing places are some of Pineapple. The Baja Tiki is the truest way in Oklahoma to the newest creations from HumanKind Hospitality, which to transport yourself to an island paradise.The also gave us Picasso Cafe, The Other Room, Frida combination of Tequila Reposado, Light Rum, Orange Southwest, and The Daley. HumanKind is taking over the Curacao, Maraschino liqueur, pineapple, lime and Ogreat is Paseo district. Not really, but it was fun to say. the essence of island life especially when you serve it in a hollowed out Pineapple. At this very moment, I sit here OSO on Paseo is known for its tacos and Baja Tikis. To with a Baja Tiki, writing this article and though I am racing begin with, the tacos are absolutely amazing, may even be a deadline, I feel that everything is going to be alright. If some of the best tacos in Oklahoma, but I’ll let you be the you are looking for me this summer, there is a good judge because I am just talking about cocktails for now. chance, I will be somewhere in the Paseo with a Tiki drink Well, except to mention that the street corn is the stuff of in hand and a smirk on my face, because nothing else legend and I have woken up in a cold sweat because my bowl kept being empty. Thinking about it now, it’s hard not matters when you have a beautiful cocktail in your hand. to talk about their food like the brisket burnt ends taco with Dr. Pepper BBQ and the Birria Tacos made to absolute perfection. So yes, go eat there, and have a drink or so.

There is nothing bad about this place.

Now on to the cocktails. OSO has a great mixture of classic cocktail favorites mixed with their own funky style of tiki love. In the classic realm, you can’t serve tacos without having an excellent margarita. OSO’s Margarita is the epitome of simplistic excellence. Smooth, tangy with just the right amount of Tequila and if as fresh as you can get.

In some languages, the words Mai Tai actually translates to, leave me alone. I'm on the beach with a drink in my BrewOKC.com

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Local product highlight BEER PLUS FOOD EQUALS YUM

by James Frazier

There is something special in the world when you can combine two great products to create something new and different and totally amazing. In this instance, since we are The Brew, we are talking about local craft beer being used in local food products. Two of my favorites in Oklahoma City are Boozy Jerky and Rescue Dog Hot sauce. These two companies started with great products and a love for Craft Beer. We’ll get into the details in a bit but it’s clear that we are the winner when beer and food come together. I have been a proponent of cooking with beer for many years. There is something about the many different styles of beer out there and the process that they go through and how that process then affects the flavor of what it’s added to. If I were to be a scientist, it would be a food scientist, but I am glad I’m not so that I have time to introduce you to a couple of great products.

Boozy Jerky has hit the Oklahoma stage hard in the last year or so and I can’t be more excited about it. I love beef jerky, it’s one of my STATE & LOCAL favorite snacks. My pet peeve with jerky is when I can’t tell if the texture is that of a plywood box or dried meat. Boozy has perfected the art of creating amazing textures. The texture is soft, but not too soft with loads of flavor, which leads me to the second pet peeve I have when it comes to beef jerky. I like flavor and I’m not big on salt, so when jerky tastes like salted cardboard, I’m out. Boozy’s jerky in pretty much all of their flavors is top-notch. They really went through a culinary process to find the best flavor combinations in order to blend with the flavor of the meat. Then you have the beer component, which only improves the flavor profile, turning it into a world-class product.

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I could talk all day about the many flavors of Boozy Jerky that I love, but for this topic, I want to focus on one. The Everything Rhymes with Beef Jerky made with Roughtail Brewing Companies ERWO (Everything Rhymes with Orange for the uninitiated) ERWO is a juicy and flavorful IPA that works seamlessly to go with the Pineapple and Orange Teriyaki marinade of this jerky. It’s got a sweet citrusy flavor that catches you off guard at first, but then you can’t get enough of it. Finding this Jerky in the wild is getting easier every day, as they are hustling to get this delicious jerky out there, but you should be able to find it at most breweries, and quite a few other places that you can find on their website BoozyJerky.com.

Rescue Dog Hot Sauce is a product that can tend to fly under the radar, but we happened to find them during one of our Brewery 36 brewokc.com

visits. Immediately you can’t help but like Tim Heitzman and whichever of his rescue dogs he has with him at the time. As a hot sauce guy and a dog guy and I guess a beer guy, Rescue Dog Hot Sauce stood out to me and I had to try all of his flavors, and find out a little more about this guy.

What started out as a birthday gift, turned into my new obsession. Tim decided to make a special hot sauce for his little brother, made way too much of it, and decided to give it to a few friends. Turns out his brother wasn’t the only one that loved the sauce. Tim started making more sauces and experimenting with different ingredients. As he spent time in Breweries it was a no-brainer to include beer in some of the recipes.

Which has brought us to this story.

Rescue Dog has perfected several amazing recipes and it seems the fan favorite OKC Craft Beer for creating great food, Roughtail ERWO is back at it again. This sauce has the New England Style IPA with a load of mandarin oranges with Manzano and habanero peppers. I would consider it a medium sauce with citrus notes up front and that slow back of the throat burn on the end. The two new Local Craft Beer flavors both include Roughtail beers and have some amazing flavors. The Ole Dilly Bastard, The ODB for short, has Roughtail’s Dill or No Dill and is a sauce for serious pickle lovers. The Mango Unchained has Roughtail’s Sancho beer which is a Fruited Gose with a lot of mango flavor and gives a nice kick from the habanero, Manzano, and Arbol peppers. You can find Tim and either Maya or Bindi at petSTATE adoption events, farmer’s markets, or & LOCAL breweries around the Oklahoma City area, and when you do, give the pups some love, and the sauce a try.

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OK CIDER COMPANY

More than just OK Cider It's great

BY LACONIA BUTLER

It's probably safe to say that everyone has a favorite brewery that they can go to and order draft after draft or a favorite beer that they can drink time and time again. But when’s the last time you had a good hard cider and I mean a good cider? If you can’t remember or it’s been a while, or if you never have, now is the perfect time. Forget the idea that cider is a “fall” beverage or that it’s basically just an adult version of apple juice. Hard cider is an anytime beverage, especially when you get one from OK Cider Company.

OK Cider Co. was started quite spontaneously by two friends right here in the heart of OKC. Back in 2010, Tim King met Luke Hadsall at UCO. Just two friends who worked in theatre and loved beer.

Unfortunately for Tim, in 2012 he found out he was gluten intolerant and could no longer enjoy his much-beloved beer. Then one night, after a few good drinks, the two decided they wanted to go into business together. Luke mentioned a brewery. Tim suggested a cidery. And just like that, they decided to combine the two and make a cidery inspired by beer.

But what is beer-inspired cider you may be asking yourself? Well, let me tell ya’. While Tim and Luke are close friends their taste styles couldn’t be any more different. In fact, Tim is known for liking things that are fruity and floral, while Luke is known for favoring hoppy and beery. Luke was already familiar with the brewing process as he worked for a local brewery here in OKC. So along with his knowledge of how to brew beer and Tim's knowledge of cider the two came together to make the perfect marriage of beer and cider.

The first beer that the pair brewed was an IPA cider, a beerinspired cider that used beer yeast instead of the traditional cider yeast- a complete experiment that failed. However, with time and practice, the two made it work. Around 2016 they started attending homebrewers clubs and entering local festivals and competitions.

In 2017 they attended the Craft Beer Festival at the convention center. They brought 6 ciders and 1 beer. On the first day, they were so successful that they went home and came up with a name, and OK Cider Company was officially born. The men knew they had a challenge ahead of them, being the only cidery in the state where craft beer was finally allowed to thrive. They had to convince everyone that cider is just as good, if not better than most beers.

That’s where the Pale Cider and the Pale Ale came into play. They would bring each, along with other ciders to festivals to allow everyone to try cider even if they favored beer.

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As most have pre-conceived notions that ciders are less-than beer, they would offer a beer lover their Pale Ale than follow it with their Pale Cider, their beer-inspired cider. 9 out of 10 times the drinker would choose the cider over the ale.

After about 3 years of doing tastings and perfecting their flavors, it was time to officially open their own taproom. They knew they wanted an older rustic building with character. After looking for the perfect spot they finally settled on a building next to the old Paramount building on Film Row. Just like how they started out, just the two of them continued the process and rehabbed and designed the building by themselves.

Everything from the old truck used as a menu and tap board to the picture frames on the walls, all are recycled and local materials. The wood for the handmade chairs is from an old ballet floor and the barrels that make up the tables are from a local brewery. Every little detail staying true to themselves and their personality. Finally, on July 10, 2020, OK Cider Co. opened its doors to its thirsty fans.

Regardless of what type of drink your taste buds prefer, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll find a cider suitable for you. From all the years of experimentation, OK Cider has truly honed in on

creating unique and delicious drinks. The oldest recipes are their Naughty Apple, their take on a true hard apple cider, and Hoptransition their real cider-inspired beer to help you join the cider side. Those two along with the famous and every popular Blackberry Radler, you will find at least 16 different ciders on tap. If you are more like Tim with a love of fruity things, you will find solace in their Pineapple Cison a pineapple/apple Saison, or maybe even their Cherry Poppin’ a mix of their Naughty Apple and tart cherries. If you love beer and are still unsure of what I can promise will be a cider that you will love, try out Sidra de Lenador a Mexican lager-inspired cider, or Screwy Mimosa their take on a New England India Pale Cider that mixes all the things that you loved about beer and oranges into one cider drink. However, if they have Stave Something a Belgian sour blend, or Morning Delight a blend of Naughty and coffee, I HIGHLY recommend it, it will change your life for the better.

OK Cider Company is more than just a place to grab a drink and bounce.

It’s a place to bring your friends and family, hang out, relax and enjoy your time and drink. During the week they host various events and specials. On Monday you can order their famous Mega Flight for $40.

This flight is like nothing you’ve had before. It’s a 4-ounce pour of every single cider they have on tap on yes, a mega board. It's so much beer in fact you have to bring at least 1 other friend to order it. Worth the challenge. On Tuesdays, they have Turn Table Tuesdays with Tim where they will be spinning records and even you can bring your own records to play. That night they also have their Knitting Crew Night you can not only listen to music from a record player but learn a new craft or complete your knitting project with fellow knitters.

Along with creating some of the tastiest ciders they now offer something even more unique and special, Okie Apple Club, a club that OK Cider Co. created that only has 85 members. The club has some amazing perks like an Okie Beer Tap that you can only try with a membership. You get 3 members-only parties hosted in the taproom with cider, food, and all the fun. First dibs on all bottle releases. Oh, and a discount every time you come in. Since the club is limited to a certain number of members, they open up enrollment every July on a first-come basis. So, if you have a hankering for the special cider- follow their social media and see when you too can join.

Speaking of July and events OK Cider Company will be celebrating their 2 years anniversary of being open in July, and it's going to be a party you don’t want to miss. They will be rereleasing some fan-favorite ciders only in the taproom. Hosting a food truck and keeping the party going with great music, great cider, and great times.

So, what's in the future for OK Cider? The two men know that they want the cidery to grow organically. Their future goal is to start releasing bottles and to grow their packing and distributing. You can find their cider in various taprooms and bars around OKC but also as far as Tulsa

and Enid. They also plan to do more collaborations with local businesses like the wine-inspired cider for their neighbor The Study wine bar. However, the most important thing to them is to educate others on cider and to make that connection and transition from beer drinker to cider enjoyer. The mission is to create a space for cider in the brewing community that supported them from the begging. They also want to make a difference in their community. Every cider they make is both gluten-free and vegan allowing others who can’t drink beer a safe alternative. They also raised their prices to make sure that they can pay their employees a fair wage of $18 an hour. So, you can feel even better having an extra beer in the taproom knowing that Tim and Luke are doing their part to give back.

A lot has changed over the past decade in the drinking culture, especially here in Oklahoma.

From the rise of craft beer to the fall of Four Loko. However, the most unexpected yet delightful rise has been that of craft cider. Long gone are the days of cans filled with super sweet apple-flavored high fructose corn syrup.

Now they are replaced with well-made, local, delicious and refreshing ciders that have a wider appeal than most die-hard wine drinkers or beer fans are willing to admit. If you haven't already caught onto what the OK Cider team is doing now is the perfect opportunity. Head on 1 down to the taproom and the cider team will show you firsthand how cider inspired by beer will be your new favorite drink!

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LOOK TO THE SKIES –

Balloon Festivals are Making a Comeback to Oklahoma

BY JAKE DURHAM

What do a duck, a rooster, and sheep have in common?

In 1783, the unlikely trio became the first passengers to ascend in a hot air balloon. The pioneering ride lasted eight minutes and covered approximately two miles before landing safely. The only injury sustained was to the rooster after being kicked by the sheep.

King Louis XVI was intrigued by the idea of traveling in balloons, but he was also concerned about the effects of high altitude on humans. So, the King proposed using prisoners for a series of test flights. Brothers JosephMichel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier had other ideas, however. Instead, a sheep was chosen due to its physiology being similar to that of humans. A duck was unlikely to sustain harm due to its ability to fly at high altitudes. The rooster, however, was used as a control subject.

Shortly after, chemistry and physics teacher JeanFrançois Pilâtre de Rozier became the first human to ascend towards the heavens in a tethered balloon that lasted approximately four minutes. About a month later, Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier and the Marquis d’Arlandes, a French Military officer, became the first human passengers to fly untethered. Their flight took off from the center of Paris, stayed aloft for 25 minutes, and traveled a little over five miles.

“We observed it lift off in the most majestic manner,” said Benjamin Franklin. “When it reached around 250 feet in altitude, the intrepid voyagers lowered their hats to salute the spectators. We could not help feeling a certain mixture of awe and admiration.”

Hot air balloons have not changed much since the 1700s.

The first hot air balloons used an open flame to burn materials, and heat would rise into the envelope, which generated lift. Over the years, safer methods to fill the envelope have been used. The most common of which is to heat the air by burning propane.

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Photo courtesy of Citizen Potawatomi Nation

Balloons Return to Oklahoma Interest in the hot air balloon has increased over the last 50 years, and hot air balloon festivals are returning to Oklahoma. The FireLake Fireflight Balloon Festival is the largest and most popular in the state. “The event began in 2017,” said Director of Public Information Jennifer Bell. “We had to cancel in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, so this will mark our 5th year. The event has grown each year, adding more balloons, attractions, and entertainment.”

Over the two-day event, guests will witness the Shawnee skyline turn into a bright and vibrant mix of colors as hot air balloons launch from the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Pow Wow Grounds. Guests can also take a scenic ride on one of the 20 balloons. However, guests will want to stay late and witness the awe-inspiring balloon glow.

“The purpose of the event is to give back to the community, but also to show what the Tribe and Shawnee have to offer,” said Bell. Adults can explore food trucks while shopping at various craft vendors and learn about the great outdoors at the Outdoor Nation Expo at Fire Lake Arena. Guests will also be thrilled with live entertainment and a hunting and fishing show.

“This year, there will be new attractions in the kid zone – typically, that area is free,” said Bell. “This year, a $10 wrist band (good for the entire event) can be purchased for some of the bigger kid zone attractions. We have music from Bryan White and several other Oklahoma musicians.

Weather permitting, we will also have a few more balloons this year.”

This year, the festival will take place from August 12th to the 13th. “This is a great family event,” said Bell. “We encourage people to bring blankets and lawn chairs. There is no outside food or drink. Parking and admission are free, which is nice now given the higher costs for everything.”

For more information, please visit www.firelakeballoonfest.com 1

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Factory Obscura

LET’ S TAKE A WALK ON THE ALTERNATE SI DE OF LI FE

by Khi Davis

Let’s take a walk on the alternate side of life. Factory Obscura is a mind-shifting art experience where the halls and tunnels lead to various interactive art pieces.

Licensing Report

Laura Phillips, one of five co-founders of Factory Obscura, has worked with operating the company along with expanding the projects. This all started back in 2017, when the company released its first exhibit, Shift. After recognizing how popular the art experience was in the Oklahoma City area, that inspired the group to start more projects. And that brings the existence of Factory Obscura Mixtape.

Located at 215 NW 9th St, Phillips believes people should come to Factory Obscura to “get in touch with themselves” and to explore a world outside of the current reality.

According to Phillips, “This location was previously inhabited by The Flaming Lips. And it already had the cool murals on the outside of the STATE & LOCAL building. We knew the owner of the building; he actually owned this space where we did our very first project. And since the tenants were ready to move out, and we were looking for a building, we were able to work with Steve Mason to come into this building. It just seemed to make sense to continue to honor the building for the art icon that it already was. And also incorporate music into our experience, just to honor the past of the building and build something new.”

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Placed in the core of the Downtown area, it makes for a smooth trip to a wicked experience. With each interactive art piece being connected to one another, it provides a fresh new spin on feeling art, physically and mentally.

As Phillips states, “it puts you as a participant instead of a spectator”.

Before entering, you’re given a pair of glasses that reflects the lights filled throughout the exhibit. It makes everything look more trippy.

You start off by entering through the ear, which can symbolize the path to the brain or the symbol of listening to music. The halls are plastered with makeshift rock band posters, and this takes you to a chill-out area with climbable areas and tiny rooms to kick back in. The detailed setup featured walls made of a furry type of material and was accompanied with birds, grass, and the bouncing lights from the disco ball.

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As you continue exploring through the doorways, you are taken into the ‘tunnel of love’. It’s arranged like an endless hallway, surrounding the room of melancholy and leading to the oceanic ‘wonder’ themed room.

The tunnel starts with a carnival set up with stuffed animals, corn dogs, and popcorn attached to the walls that goes through a heartshaped hall. As the corners turn, here in the next room is a bedroom with a mirror that projects song lyrics to some karaoke classics.

Continuing to navigate, this leads to the room of angst, accompanied with a giant shoe, a game wall involving pegs, and an arcade-style game. The symbolism can surface from the idea of this room being the fidget space.

As the tunnel continues past the bedroom, the theme turns a bit darker as the wall begins to shift into a more possessive type of love.

Leading to the room of roots, resembling family and growth. This breaks off to the room of wonder. Being surrounded by the ocean brings a feeling of floating and curiosity, wondering where the tides will take you. In the center, there’s a giant conch shell that whispers affirming messages. Along with the deep blue sea-themed lighting, there are many cushions to lay on along with a small slide for kids to use.

After passing the roots, you find yourself walking down a hallway made of books. This can resemble the idea of marriage or traveling back through the pages of memories, to find yourself back at the beginning of the cycle.

With doorways connecting to each emotion, this leads to the center, the space of melancholy. There are individual rooms in the center space, each resembling relatable moments, such as the feeling of being left out, the souvenir closet that brings nostalgia, and even a depression-themed area. Along with that, there are areas that lead to tunnels, venturing into the other spaces. When finishing the cycle of the conscious mind, you exit back through the ear, bringing you back to the entrance.

There are many aspects of Factory Obscura to take in. From the symbolism behind each mural to the smaller portraits in the bulbs, even the way people can engage with the art pieces.

For Phillips, her favorite part about Mixtape is how “expansive” the ideas surrounding the factory are in terms of defining them.

She states, “My favorite thing about it is just the endless ideas. The endless ways that we can collaborate and build…it's just very expansive, just feels like anything is possible and just continues to move into other kinds of ambitious ideas.”

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In all honesty, Mixtape is an amazing experience to have under your belt. The inspiring and mind-opening art pieces presented allow for people to have a more personal engagement with abstract art. Each emotional embodiment tells its own story, and each piece is able to flow with each other to generate the overall theme of the mind’s connection to music. Not only was the arrangement satisfying, but the museum even had a scavenger hunt the people could take on.

With the variety Mixtape provides, and the dope merchandise store inside, it is definitely a trip worth visiting in OKC.

MIDTOWN DISTRICT

A Magnificent Eclectic Vibe

BY LAURA SPRIGGS

Every district in downtown OKC has its own eclectic vibe and Midtown has become one of the hottest, sought-after downtown communities in recent years. Midtown’s history can be traced to being the first shopping area in Oklahoma City directly to the north of the business district. Recent revitalization has caused a surge in popularity once again making this area a thriving center of entertainment.

The re-purposed historic structures are located within the confines of NW 13th to the north, NW 4th to the south, Western Avenue to the west, and Broadway Avenue to the east. Midtown encompasses some of the most trendy bars, restaurants, and specialty shops in the downtown vicinity.

Midtown is the melting pot for any kind of food your heart desires. A foodie’s paradise. Italian-inspired fare can be enjoyed at Stella Modern Italian Cuisine. Take a journey to South America by way of the Brazilian offerings at Cafe Do Brazil or 1492 New World Latin Cuisine on Walker Avenue. If Tex-Mex is one of your go-to options stop by Hacienda Tacos or sit out on the patio at Barrios Fine Mexican Dishes.

Asian cuisine is well represented in Midtown, go dine at Rivière Modern Bánh Mì for Vietnamese dishes, Japanese creations are served at Tamashii Ramen House, or pick from Korean specialties at Gogi Go! All of your noodle needs will be happily met at any of these places.

Healthy options due to dietary restrictions or lifestyle commitments, such as vegan preferences are available at Plant. All food served here is prepared gluten, soy, dairy, corn, and peanut-free. Plant offers a selection of smoothies, coffee, tea, beer, and wine. I recommend trying this place for breakfast or lunch as they tend to close earlier than other nearby establishments.

If breakfast is your jam head over to Neighborhood Jam to start your morning routine or swing by neighborhood favorite Sunnyside Diner for a Midtowner Burrito, Biscuit Debris, or stack of fluffy pancakes.

Waffle Champion is another beloved morning meal locale offering the likes of avocado toast and chicken and waffles.

Chowing down on hearty food set in a classic pub ambiance just feels right for some people. James E. McNellies Public House is one of the initial occupants to take up residency during Midtown’s modern reawakening. Housed in the iconic Plaza Court building circa 1927, look for the gigantic neon sign perched above McNellies. Order their fish and chips and pair it with a nice cold beer.

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Pizza and burgers are two of America's favorite food items. If you’re craving a delicious slice of pizza or interested in grabbing a whole pie, drop by Hall’s Pizza Kitchen. My preferred choice is called “Company”, it’s loaded with bacon, pepperoni, Italian sausage, Canadian bacon, house-made sauce, fresh basil, and Reggiano cheese. Are you hungry yet?

Fassler Hall is your ticket to Germany where you can devour schnitzel, bratwurst, or eat a gigantic Bavarian pretzel, but don’t forget to wash it down with a traditional liter of beer. All sausages served at Fassler Hall are made in-house, Oklahoma-sourced pork from Prairie Creek Farms.

Before you leave, go downstairs to bowl a few games while hanging out at Dust Bowl Lanes and Lounge. Food and drinks are available to order here as well as upstairs at Fassler Hall.

Whether you’re an occasional coffee drinker or a coffee addict, Midtown has baristas cheerfully waiting to brew your magic potion.

Elemental Coffee (815 N. Hudson) and Not Your Average Joe (1227 N. Walker Avenue), both pour drinks to make your life better.

Sweet shops and bakeries are scattered around Midtown to soothe your sugar cravings. Long-time favorite is Kaiser’s Grateful Bean Café which is OKC’s only authentic old-fashioned soda fountain and has been in its current location since 1917. You can’t miss the adorable building if you’ve ever driven around the roundabout on Walker Avenue. Capitals Ice Cream is a recent addition to Midtown scoping up frozen treats with fun Oklahoma-inspired names. When your latenight sweet tooth hits, Insomnia Cookies can deliver delicious cookies right to your doorstep. If you’re looking for more traditional baked goods and services, I highly recommend Brown’s Bakery which has been an OKC staple since 1946.

If you still can’t find something to eat from everything I’ve mentioned, the answer to any food dilemma can be found at Collective Kitchen and Cocktails. The Collective has multiple food kitchens and drink options under one roof to suit a wide array of tastes. Most if not all eateries in Midtown have an outdoor patio or rooftop dining space to catch an Oklahoma sunset or spectacular view of the downtown Oklahoma City skyline. Local craft brewer Elk Valley Brewing Company also has a rooftop patio and don't forget to go have a beer with your friends over at Vanessa House Beer Company's taproom and play some of their arcade games.

There’s no shortage of food and drinks in Midtown, however, there’s more to the area than booze and bites. Artistic expression is everywhere. Art installations, murals for amazing photo opportunities, and don’t forget about the floating Architectural DNA staircase.

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Midtown is pedestrian and canine-friendly, ask all the happy dogs at Midtown Mutt’s Dog Park. If you don’t feel like walking, you can always hop on and off the streetcar at frequent stops along the loop.

Trendy boutiques Made, Nash, and Chantilly Bridal Studio welcome your patronage. If you get excited by stationery and writing supplies, Chirps & Cheers is your paper connection in Midtown, they even customize wedding invitations. I’m one of those people that still likes to hold a book in my hand to feel and turn the pages, so Common Place Books is the perfect shop to purchase your next good read. Happy Place Yoga and 405 Yoga can help you unwind and practice your relaxation techniques.

The Oklahoma Hall of Fame at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum, Overholser Mansion, and the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum are nearby. The Oklahoma Hall of Fame is housed in the Former Mid-Continent Life Insurance Co building built in 1927 and houses the hall of portraits displaying inducted Oklahomans for making a difference in their designated fields. The 1903 Overholser Mansion celebrates the way of life and achievements of one of the men dubbed as one of the founding fathers of Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum honors the victims, survivors, and first responders of April 19, 1995. It’s a must-see when you’re in the area.

Midtown is a diverse urban neighborhood and if you decide this is an area you might want to call home, there are several apartment complexes within the area, such as Regency Towers, The Bower, and The Edge Apartments. Visitors can book a room at the upscale Ambassador Hotel or the charming Victorian Grandison Inn for a city staycation. Both hotels are within walking distance to where you want to be in the heart of Midtown.

Mark your calendars for the third Wednesday of June, July, and August, participating Midtown restaurants and bars create Cool Down specialty drinks featuring over-the-top, tropical, or fruitforward drinks from 4 pm to close for Midtown Cool Down. To review the list of participating locations, check out their website: (midtownokc.com/cool-down/). Another fun monthly event is the Make Ready Market located at 220 NW 13th St. Every 4th Saturday the Make Ready Market outdoor shopping event showcases local vendors featuring clothing, jewelry, and art, plus there's live music and food trucks.

Midtown is a unique district that loves to welcome guests. There are plenty of things to do and see whether it is for a fun weekend getaway or if you choose to move to fully experience living in downtown OKC. BrewOKC.com

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