WHO LET THE DOGS OUT? HANK'S HANGOUT SOLO'S PARK AND PUB by Heide Brandes

Hank 's Hangout BY HEIDE BRANDES SOLO'S PARK AND PUB

FOUR WAGS

Solos Park and Pub is the Ultimate Dog-Friendly Hangout Because It Was Created FOR Dogs

Welcome to Hank’s Hangout - Hank the dog’s favorite places to go with his human. Hank is The Brew ’s 2-year-old Anatolian Shepherd Mix adopted from Oklahoma City Animal Welfare. At 65 pounds, Hank is curious, playful, and loves attention.

He also loves to socialize when his human is out with friends or enjoying a meal and a drink, so we’ ve enlisted Hank to help us find the coolest dog-friendly hangout spots in Oklahoma City,

When you really think about it, Solos Park and Pub, located at 13310 Pawnee Drive at the Chisholm Creek, is a lot like a day camp for doggies. With three large yards for dogs to roam and romp, including a separate area for smaller or shy dogs, this pub/dog park is possibly THE ultimate dog hangout in Oklahoma City.

Solo's is a multi-use, social concept for pups and their people, featuring a humans-only indoor restaurant and bar, on-leash patio, and off-leash dog park in Chisholm Creek. When you’re torn between spending time with your dog after a long day of work or socializing with friends and grabbing a local craft brew, Solo’s Park and Pub is Hank’s choice for doing both while having fun.

This little haven of canine comfort and fun may be the happiest place in Oklahoma City for those with and without a tail, the concept was actually born from a tragedy. Solo’s Park and Pub founder and owner Julianne Thomas’s 5-year-old dog Solo was a member of Julianne’s family, a beloved pet that the family adored. Like most adults, Julianne and her partner went to work each day, and when not at work, they also had social obligations that took them away from their pet.

In late 2018, Solo unexpectedly passed away alone at home while both his parents were working.

For Julianne, the idea that Solo’s last day on earth was spent alone while his parents worked was heartbreaking. They mourned that social obligations and office time took them away from Solo so much, so Julianne decided she would create a place for both pets and their families to socialize together.

Named after that happy-go-lucky dog, Solo’s Park and Pub became a place where free time can be enjoyed with all members of the pack Solo’s is a bit different than your typical dog-friendly, on-leash patio. The large dog enclosures allow pups of all sizes to run and play, and staff “Bark Rangers” are trained to keep an eye on dogs as their human's drink and enjoy the menu of food inside. The Rangers are more than

happy to play with the pups while you take a much-needed break or enjoy a quiet conversation over a gin and tonic or Roughtail Everything Rhymes with Orange brew.

Many people, however, take their beers and cocktails outside to enjoy while watching and playing with their dogs.

Use of the “small dog” area is for dogs 30 pounds or less and handicapped or elderly dogs, regardless of size.

Fans of Solo’s Park and Pub can opt for various membership options to enjoy, and members with day, month, and annual passes can enjoy chaperoned parks, dog washing stations, dog agility and special events.

Month members receive one free hour a day and then $4.99 an hour for up to 6 hours. Annual members can drop off their dogs for a maximum of two hours and then pay $4.99 for six hours of play while being watched by staff. Monthly members also receive 10% off of their total tab (alcohol not included.)

For those really serious about play, an annual membership offers a 15% discount on their total tab (alcohol not included.) Members can even get a Ranger to give their dog a bath for $8.99.

Solo’s Park and Pub isn’t a typical doggy daycare - it’s not an overnight or extended daycare model, but a place to chill out for a couple of hours, enjoy some playtime and eat and drink to their heart’s desire.

Solo’s Park and Pub also plays host to a variety of events ranging from live musical acts to special breed days to special service events.

So, for the ultimate hang-out spot for you and your dog, Solo’s Park and Pub was created just for that.

For more information on Solo's Park & Pub., visit solosparkandpub.com

13310 Pawnee Dr Oklahoma City, OK 73114

Strebel Creek Winery THE HOBBY THAT GOT OUT OF CONTROL

B Y R O B I N A Y T E S W A L K E R If you’ ve been in northwest Oklahoma City, chances are you’ ve driven past it many times. Noticed it as you made your way to your intended destination. Probably wondered about it and made a note to stop in there “one of these days. ” It’s Strebel Creek Winery we’re talking about here.

Located on North MacArthur between Hefner and 122nd, it was the first winery in Oklahoma City and began when a frustrated wife issued an ultimatum to her husband. Dr. Gary Strebel started experimenting with some wild grapes that were growing on the land when they purchased it over 40 years ago. He and his wife, Sherry, first made jam from the grapes, then Gary decided to try his hand at making wine. His first batch consisted of 9 bottles, which he offered to some friends in a blind tasting. Everyone said they liked the “mystery wine” better than all the other commercially made wines, and Gary knew he was onto something. A few years into his new hobby found his wife growing increasingly annoyed because, in her words, the wine was taking over the house. She told Gary that he either needed to stop making it or start selling it. So, he added on to the barn that was an original structure on the property, built a tasting room and a processing room, and that’s when Strebel Creek Winery was born.

Opening a winery in the early 2000s in Oklahoma was an arduous task, and Gary spent months working with the City Council and various state and federal agencies to get proper clearance to open for business, which finally happened in 2008.

SHE TOLD GARY THAT HE EITHER NEEDED TO STOP MAKING IT OR START SELLING IT.

In addition to the small vineyard in the front of the property and the tasting room, there is a gift shop which rivals any I’ ve seen, even in some of the larger, more well-known wineries I’ ve visited in California. It’s Sherry ’s venture, and she’s done a great job of stocking the store with all kinds of fun and interesting items, including wine merch (of course), household items, bags, accessories, jewelry, and a good amount of OU and OSU gift items. Even if you’re not a wine fan, it’s a little hidden gem that you should take a minute to visit, especially if you’re looking for a unique gift. The selections are plentiful, and the prices are very reasonable.

And, oh yes, there’s wine available too. Lots of wine. We sampled several varietals, including whites, pinks, and reds, and there was not a one in the bunch that I didn’t think I would enjoy drinking in much higher quantities. But I’ll let you be the judge when you go for your tasting.

Gary, also known as Dr. Strebel—he is still a practicing physician—does all the growing, picking, processing, and bottling himself at the rate of about 5,000 bottles per year. All the wines are sold strictly from the winery. They don’t sell in any stores, nor do they ship. So, to enjoy Strebel Creek wines, you have to go into the winery, and I’ll just say that it would be well worth the visit. And as we get into the warmer months, the patio would make a great place to relax and enjoy a glass before making your purchases to take home.

by Kari Huskey and James Frazier

Each month we strive to give you suggestions for a day trip that will make you want to gas up the car and make the roughly one to twohour trip to the part of the state we have explored for you. This month we made our way to the Ducan/Marlow area, ate some incredible food, tasted some delicious wine, and sampled some superb craft beer.

Kochendorfer Brewing Co.

You will find Kochendorfer Brewing Co just off the beaten path between Marlow and Duncan just down McCurdy Road. It really all started back in 2010 when Chris and Laura Kochendorfer met Lenny and Kathryn Cripps and as they say, it’s all history from there. Realizing that they shared a love for craft beer Kochendorfer Brewing Co.opened its doors in November 2019 and over the past few years, these beer lovers have pretty much perfected the art of brewing beer.

When asked about the story behind their brand they told us,

“We wanted the brand to reflect our personality and passion for people from all walks of life, our community, and craft beer. It represents the playfulness of the founders, the passion of the brewers, and the love of storytelling. ” And we would say that they absolutely hit the mark.

Beer is their business and they offer an array of craft beer that even the pickiest beer drinker will be able to find one or two that they like. Kochendorfer focuses on making drinkable beer. Some may not understand that statement as they like when you have to choke a beer down because it’s either too bitter, too stout or just too funky. That’s not this style, they believe beer should be enjoyed. From their Cream Ale to the Imperial Stout, you have incredible flavor without all the weird faces trying to figure out what you think about it. They have a Stout that comes in at 3.8% that would go perfectly with Sausage and Eggs or potato pancakes. That’s a great way to start a day. With the name, you would assume, and would be correct that they make a great Hefeweizen. Their Dunkelweizen isn’t too shabby also and goes on my would drink anytime list. Recently, they decided to play a little bit for a good cause and created a one of a kind Sour Wheat that has a lemony, citrusy tartness that makes it incredibly refreshing. The can design was part of a Collaboration with AutismOklahoma and looks amazing. Each beer has its own story tying it to a fantastical tale that takes you to unseen and far away places, puts you through twists and turns, and then brings you to Oklahoma. Their Irish Red Ale tells the tale of Red, a fiery red-haired maiden with a temperament to match kicking some major booty in the 1800s. The Imperial Stout tells us how Viktor, an animal-loving gentle soul that was born in the 1800s in Russia and found himself on a journey with the circus. Check out their website at kochendorferbrewing.com for the rest of the stories.

If you have never been to Kochendorfer’s, you are in for a real treat! When you walk in you are greeted with a welcoming vibe that just puts you in the mood to drink some craft beer and play a game of pinball… yes they have pinball! If you like to enjoy the outdoors, their patio is simply fantastic. There is plenty of seating, several fire pits, corn hole, tetherball, and a walking trail! It is also familyfriendly with an area just for the little ones to play.

Kochendorfers Brewery always has fun events happening. Open Thursday through Sunday, they host a variety of events each week including music,

Cotton Blossom Winery

Tucked on a side street off of main street in Marlow is Cotton Blossom Winery and you know we had to stop in and check it out. We were greeted with a friendly smile and sat down with Megan Bell, the owner of the place, to ask her some questions.

Cotton Blossom Winery opened its doors almost exactly 3 years ago. What started as a way to keep his mind off his emotionally taxing job as a hospice nurse, Megan’s husband Ryan started dabbling in wine-making at night in his downtime. The more he made, the more people wanted him to make. He was just doing it for fun but told Megan that one day he would open a winery… and guess what …he did.

You know the saying when you are in Rome? Well when you are in a winery, you have to do a wine tasting. They make a little bit of everything, from cabernet sauvignon to the sweeter fruit-flavored wines. There is something here for everyone, even the most discerning wine drinkers. The most popular is the Orchard peach-based wine. No grapes, just peaches. It's deliciously refreshing! And just wait…rumor has it that Ryan makes wine-infused frozen yogurt on Saturdays in the summer that are absolutely divine!

There is always something happening at Cotton Blossom Winery. Do you like Bingo? You can test the odds here. Like to paint? Grab your brush, sip some wine and make a masterpiece. Want to learn how to create eye appeasing charcuterie boards? Well, you can learn how and walk away with a board made just for you! Make sure and check out their social media for a calendar of fun and exciting events.

When asked what the future holds for Cotton Blossom Winery, Megan told us that they keep outgrowing their space lol. This is the second location and they are already growing to the point that they are thinking about building a bigger space. Not a bad problem to have!

Megan and Ryan are honored that the town has supported them and they even have a partnership with Kochendorfer Brewing Co by carrying a few of each other products. Teamwork makes the dream work and it is definitely working here.

Cotton Blossom Winery is open Thursday 12 pm - 6 pm, Friday and Saturday 12 pm - 8 pm.

Big Belly Deli

There are few things in life as good as a perfectly built sandwich and I don’t know anyone that does it better than this little shop in the middle of Marlow, OK. Big Belly Deli has a menu that is inspiring. Yes, the sandwiches are amazing, but they also have a weekly menu that is incredibly well done. They love to get creative and it is very evident. Big Belly also has premade meals for those families on the run. If you are lucky, you can also find their food truck out and about. If you don’t feel like being lucky, you can check their schedule on their social media.

The word around town is that their Reuben is one of the best in the state, I know, I have been spreading that rumor. It would take a week to go through and tell you what we think about all of their sandwiches because they don’t do anything that isn’t amazing. That’s just the sandwiches, the salads are top shelf as well. If a sandwich or a salad doesn’t sound good, you

can get breakfast all day, like the Lox Bagel or my personal favorite the Fried Egg Sandwich. There I go, making myself hungry again, on to the next spot.

Giuseppe’s Itallian Dining

You can’t talk about food in Marlow without talking about Giuseppe’s. For 26 years Giuseppe’s has been creating amazing food in Marlow. Brian Dicintio first brought this italian cuisine to town and has since passed the torch onto two brothers, Tandy Banks and Brandon Floyd (Chef Partner). Banks and Floyd have taken Guiseppe’s to amazing levels giving Marlow, OK an approachable, but expertly done menu that would be hard to find it’s equal in any small town in America. The focus on quality ingredients and expert presentation is unmatched in the area. It may be fine dining, but they also focus on relating to their town.

You can’t go many places and find a Pan Seared Beef Filet with Herb Roasted potatoes with seasonal vegetable garnish for the same price you would pay for a hamburger in some big cities. The menu is full of amazing dishes and pairs amazingly with the local and global drink selection. That is not to mention the coffee shop serving amazing Viridian Coffee drinks. I got a fantastic Latte for my quick walk over to the next spot.

Dicintio’s Pizza Cucina

This one calls for a quick story. In the mid 70s Brian Dicintio decided to hit the road from East Chester, NY for a road trip down the East Coast, then to Mexico and headed back north, but got to Marlow, OK where his car broke down. The rest is history. Brian proceeded to open the original Dicintio’s Cucina in 1986, then opened Guiseppe’s Italian Cuisine in 1996, then decided to sell it in 2007 and in 2017 decided to revive the Dicintio’s Pizza Cucina brand in it’s current location with it’s famous New York style pizza recipe that is now Oklahoma famous.Then is 2020, Joe Hennan jumped at the opportunity to take the reigns. Brian Dicintio still comes in on Fridays and Saturdays to toss dough and cut up with customers.

Coming into Dicintio’s is an experience that you don’t get a lot these days, with the feel of New York and the dough being tossed, not to mention the smell. The stone bottom ovens release amazing aromas from the handmade dough. It also does an amazing job at creating a light but sturdy crust on the pizzas.The pizzas are what you would expect from a true New York Style pizza place. You have the choice of amazing red sauce, rich Alfredo sauce, succulent Basil Pesto, or their homemade creamy ranch sauce.

Dicintio’s doesn’t just provide great pizza, and other italian favorites, they connect with you. It’s that small town feel you get when you find people that love where they are and what they are doing. Joe and his team does an amazing job at making everyone feel like they are at home in Marlow, OK.

So, that concludes our little road trip. The takeaways are, spend a weekend, because there is no way you can get all the food, beer and wine experiences done in one day. If you haven’t spent much time in small towns, be prepared for super friendly people and to wave at everyone.

Core4 Brewing

We Drink About It

by James Frazier

I am glad that I am not the only one that believes it’s time to get back to the basics of beer. This month’s featured brewery is built on that very principle. From the beginning, Core4 was inspired by the 4 main ingredients in beer, water, yeast, hops, and grain. “We really wanted our brand to take Craft Beer back to approachable styles, ” said Core4 co-owner Duck Buchanan. The name also applies to the fact that they have 4 owners. As homebrewers, the Core4 team decided to open to the public in March of 2020 after lots of planning, conversations, and “drinking about it. ” Which happens to be how I will now forever make my big decisions. Unfortunately, something else happened in March of 2020 (Covid) and after being open for three days, they were forced to close for two months.

The good news is they survived and beer won out. Core4 was finally able to open its taproom in the 100+-year-old Paramount Building on Film Row. I’m not saying the building is haunted, but Katy enjoys the Oklahoma Sunset Amber Ale. Core4 is a taproom-focused brewery. They don’t do a lot of distribution because they would rather focus on creating an experience for their customers. As part of that focus, there is always something going on in the taproom. Trivia Mondays, Game Night Tuesdays, Vinyl Wednesdays, Thursday Open Mic, Live Music and a Food Truck nearly every Friday night, and acoustic shows on Sunday afternoons. They also host a Final Friday Art Hop where they showcase a local artist and turn over the space to them for an art show. Their motto is "You may come in a Stranger, but you will Leave a Friend. "

Besides the ingredients in beer, Core4 was inspired by drinking beers from local legends such as Bruce Sanchez of Twisted Spike, Patrick Lively, and Ross "The Angry Scotsman" Harper; hanging out at the local breweries, and Homebrewing with the Red Earth Brewers. It’s clear that Core4 is on its way to being the inspiration for other upand-coming beer artists. The focus on customer service is a breath of fresh air. Sitting at the taproom is less of a transaction and more of a conversation with an old friend.The beer has an approachable nature to it that is welcoming.

So, let’s talk beer. Core4 started with a beer that is Oklahoma through and through and even has the colors that we love so much about this state. The Oklahoma Sunset Amber Ale has a deep rich color that is smooth, and drinkable with hints of caramel and malts. The Soul Shine is a Blonde Ale that doesn’t slouch in it’s flavor while being light and refreshing. If fruit is what you love, the Make a Mango Crazy is a fruited Gose that is a perfect combination of sour and sweet with just the right notes to make a man go crazy. Those that know me, know I love a good stout and the Death before breakfast is loaded with Coffee, Chocolate, and aged with Oak and Bourbon. It’s a beer that wakes you up and dances along your taste buds while being smooth and approachable.

One thing you will notice about Core4 is the naming of the beers. Drinking beer shouldn’t just be about guzzling gallons of liquid in order to get a buzz. It’s a conversation and the names of the beers at Core4 are conversation starters. When you are at the taproom, you can always find one of the owners that are more than wiling to share the history of the names. There is always a story attached, and it’s what makes Core4 special, other than the really good beer. It’s time we get back to the Oklahoma values of never meeting a stranger and always being willing to have a conversation over a cold beer. Just get rid of that cheap crap in the fridge and come to the taproom. I would say that Core4 is the thing we need after the past couple years of isolation. So, to the owners, I salute you and thank you for being the thing that we didn’t know that we needed.

Core4 Brewing Company LLC 7 N Lee, OKC, Oklahoma 73102

C O R E Y M A T T H E W S STRUGGLE, PERSEVERANCE, AND THE GENRE OF STAWMP

B Y K A R I H U S K E Y

There is always a story behind every good musician and Corey Matthews’s is no exception. At the age of thirteen, Corey put his hands on a new, bright red bass guitar, a present from his parents, and the world of music was opened to him. Just a year later he had taught himself how to play and singing came shortly after.

Corey, originally a Kansas boy, has been in Oklahoma for about 5 years now and we can thank Mr. Kendall Jones who owns Kendle's Bar on South May Ave for that. Corey speaks fondly of Mr. Jones and added, “He offered for me to get away from everything for a minute and come down and be a guest bartender at his bar and play a few shows here and I never left. I couldn’t be more thankful. ” If you were lucky enough to have caught Corey play, you are well aware of the power and range of his raspy voice. In addition to Kendles Bar, Corey has since played in venues in Oklahoma City such as The Drunken Fry, Fuel Bar and Grill, Brewskeys, and the Roadhouse Bar and Grill.

Corey is the driving force that brought a new genre of music to the forefront. It is called STAWMP which is a combination of Blues and Soul with hints of Bluegrass. When asked about the inspiration behind his music, Corey admits that he plays for the working class. “The entire purpose I play a live show is so that the people who work their butts off all week, get at least an hour or two hours during the evening to escape from all the crap that happened all week. So, it’s really just the fact that I want to give people who deserve it the chance to let go and enjoy themselves. ” Well, that is a pretty good reason, Mr. Matthews!

Life has given Corey Matthews twists and turns for sure. About 3 years ago Corey found himself in a deep depression. He was doing nothing but sitting around his house drinking alcohol and eating and at that time he was weighing in at around six hundred pounds. He openly admitted, “I was on a fast track to killing myself. ” One day his friend, Bob Massa, showed up and told him to take a shower and get dressed, we are going to Nashville. He gave Corey no choice and together the two of them set off for the city of music leaving Oklahoma behind. Nashville was an eye-opener for Corey, it was the first place that he was openly booed off stage dealing a huge punch to his ego. But it was also the place where something incredible happened. If you know Nashville, then you know of the Commodore Grille. Each night they host an open mic night providing an opportunity for anyone to play and sing. This venue is where songwriters test their music and world-class touring musicians have performed. Corey gave it a shot and for the first time in history, they allowed somebody to play an encore! “It was definitely a big boost to my self-esteem and encouragement to continue on and I cannot thank Bob Massa enough. He was my best friend and will never be forgotten, ” Corey said of his late friend.

Corey has played music under a couple of different names. The first was Johnny Black, but by far the most successful group that he was a part of was The Highway Walkers. Here he combined his talents with David Wilson, David Neal, and Embrae Le Veen. Together they played gigs like the State Fair, performed live on Fox 25 KOKH, and were guests on the Katt Radio Station. The future looked bright and from every direction, there were indications of this band going far. Then Covid 19 happened. And as we all know, Covid was pretty much a death sentence for the entertainment industry. Ultimately The Highway Walkers had to go their separate ways.

Last year something especially important that many are not aware of is that Corey suffered from kidney failure and

had to spend a lot of time in the hospital. On top of that, he also lost his dad, his grandma, and his friend Bob Massa. Corey explains, “I know that a lot of venues were disappointed and angry that I had to cancel shows and it caught everybody off-guard, but between the kidney failure, the death of my father, the death of my grandmother, and the death of my best friend Bob Massa, unfortunately, I wasn't in a good headspace physically or mentally and I needed time to recover. ” And now that he has, he is jumping back into the music that he loves. He is even planning to release a two-part album in the next few months. The name of the first part is Cards That You Play which will be more of a catchy upbeat party vibe and the second is The Hand That You're Dealt, a more serious heartfelt tribute to the things that are in his heart.

So, when are we going to see Corey Matthews the crooner back on the stage? Much sooner than you think…make sure and follow his social media for upcoming dates which is @STAWMP on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Luxe Mobile Bar Service POURING HAPPINESS

B Y K A R I H U S K E Y

So, who is always the most important person at a party? The Bartender of course! Kassie Fields, the owner of Luxe Bar Services is definitely that and more. Her mobile bar service can be seen all across the OKC Metro and even as far as Tulsa.

In January of this year, Kassie took over Double Shot, an existing mobile bar service she had worked with for 5 years, gave it a new name, spruced it up a bit, and then rolled out Luxe Bar Services.

Kassie grew up in Scottsdale AZ and moved with her family to Oklahoma in 2007 finishing her high school career in Jones. Honoring a lifelong wish of her grandfather, her family opened the wedding venue, Ranch of the Saints in 2013. Working with her family in the wedding business made it seem like a natural move to morph into this line of work.

Since January, Kassie has grown this enterprise to 30 bartenders and an impressive list of clients including, The Memorial Marathon and various departments and organizations at Oklahoma University as well as having the pleasure of collaborating with President Harroz himself. For more information or to book Luxe Mobile Bar Service: luxebarservicesllc.com @luxebarservicesllc

Luxe Mobile Bar Service doesn’t just do private weddings and corporate events, you can also find them pouring happiness at outdoor festivals and charity events. In fact, they will be at the Oklahoma Blogger Closet Sale held at the Capitol View Event Center on May 7th. Kendra scott? Whatever the case, Kassie told us that she loves meeting new people and helping to make whatever special occasion or event a success.

Luxe has a few different beer, wine, and liquor packages available, all depending on what the client’s needs are including Bartender Only, Cash Bar, and a Full-Service Open Bar. Have a special request? No problem, Kassie will work with you to put the perfect options in place.

Life is busy for Kassie Fields but that hasn’t stopped her from planning an official grand opening for a Luxe Mobile Bar Service Store Front in Nicoma Park! The official date is June 18th, and you can expect the full production including a Ribbon Cutting, a live DJ and plenty of libations (for those 21 and up of course) Make sure and follow Luxe’s social media for updates on this fun event! Kassie believes that she is exactly where she is supposed to be after some time searching for her niche. She told us that she is “just an everyday person, who loves what she does. ” Well, it shows and from what we have seen, she has definitely found her place in this world.

You can check out all of Luxe Mobile Bar Service’s packages on their website at luxebarservicesllc.com