SWITCHING GEARS
A new year is upon us. All the trappings and trimmings of the holidays have been packed away (maybe), and thoughts have turned to all the things we will and will not do (maybe) in the coming year. In our house, there was no Christmas tree to take down and haul away. We didn’t make the trek to the tree farm to labor over the decision of which conifer was the perfect size, shape and color. We never put one up at all, in fact. Our living room is in a state of semi-chaos, a rather lengthy one resulting from an enduring remodel-in-the-works. So, we made the most of the situation. My daughter Chloe recently turned 13, and part of the celebration of such a momentous occasion was a slumber party, where she and her friends Maya, Clare and Holly painted a Christmas tree on one wall of the living room, complete with decorations and presents underneath. Why not? After all, the wall will eventually be repainted when the remodeling project is complete. Maybe. There’s nothing wrong with shaking up the routine. In this issue, you’ll meet four locals who shook up their own routines, taking big detours from their chosen paths and embarking on new adventures. The payoff, it seems, often far outweighs a little fear and trepidation. We also take a look at some of the projects that have altered our city’s cultural landscape – many that made it better, a few that can’t quite get off the ground and others that hold promise for the future. All things change, and we change with them. And so we arrive at the dawn of a new year, taking stock of what is behind us and what lies ahead. We seek to correct mistakes, but will likely repeat a few, and to undertake new endeavors – large and small – that will make life better for ourselves and those around us. As you embark on your journey, we at Slice wish you peace, love and laughter in the coming year. May your approach be unique and your confidence unwavering. You never know what’s just around the bend.
A new year is upon us. All the trappings and trimmings of the holidays have
been packed away (maybe), and thoughts have turned to all the things we
will and will not do (maybe) in the coming year.
In our house, there was no Christmas tree to take down and haul away.
We didn’t make the trek to the tree farm to labor over the decision of which
conifer was the perfect size, shape and color. We never put one up at all, in
fact. Our living room is in a state of semi-chaos, a rather lengthy one resulting
from an enduring remodel-in-the-works. So, we made the most of the situation.
My daughter Chloe recently turned 13, and part of the celebration of such
a momentous occasion was a slumber party, where she and her friends Maya,
Clare and Holly painted a Christmas tree on one wall of the living room, complete
with decorations and presents underneath. Why not? After all, the wall
will eventually be repainted when the remodeling project is complete. Maybe.
There’s nothing wrong with shaking up the routine.
In this issue, you’ll meet four locals who shook up their own routines, taking
big detours from their chosen paths and embarking on new adventures.
The payoff, it seems, often far outweighs a little fear and trepidation. We also
take a look at some of the projects that have altered our city’s cultural landscape
– many that made it better, a few that can’t quite get off the ground and others
that hold promise for the future.
All things change, and we change with them. And so we arrive at the dawn
of a new year, taking stock of what is behind us and what lies ahead. We seek to
correct mistakes, but will likely repeat a few, and to undertake new endeavors
– large and small – that will make life better for ourselves and those around us.
As you embark on your journey, we at Slice wish you peace, love and laughter
in the coming year. May your approach be unique and your confidence
unwavering. You never know what’s just around the bend.
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FARE | Eat & Drink<br />
LEO’S BAR-B-Q Rich flavor and tender<br />
texture for commendable value – no wonder<br />
it’s a periennial favorite among Oklahoma<br />
connoisseurs. 3631 N Kelley, OKC 424.5367 $<br />
RUDY’S Totally casual – plastic trays and<br />
utensils – with serious barbeque chops.<br />
3450 Chautauqua, Norman, 307.0552; 3437<br />
W Memorial, OKC, 254.4712 $$<br />
BURGERS // SANDWICHES<br />
BISON WITCHES Monster sandwiches with<br />
standout flavors, best enjoyed with a bread<br />
bowl of fresh hot soup and a bag of pretzels.<br />
211 E Main, Norman, 364.7555 $<br />
CAFÉ PLAID Fresh sandwiches begging<br />
to be combined with sensational salads<br />
(veggie, tuna, pasta…) – an ideal lunch spot<br />
near OU. 333 W Boyd, Norman, 360.2233<br />
$<br />
CHARCOAL OVEN Serving premium<br />
charbroiled burgers since 1958 for the<br />
flavor of a backyard cookout via drive-in.<br />
2701 NW Expressway, OKC $<br />
COW CALF-HAY The selections are ample<br />
and the delicious never-frozen patties<br />
are mmmmmassive. 3409 Wynn, Edmond,<br />
509.2333, 212 N Harvey, OKC, 601.6180 $<br />
FLATIRE BURGERS Boasting innovations<br />
like sauerkraut, pineapple relish and<br />
habanero salsa.100 N University, Edmond,<br />
974.4638 $<br />
GARAGE BURGERS & BEER, THE The focus<br />
is on the many tempting flavor possibilities<br />
of huge, juicy burgers and fries. 5 metro<br />
locations, eatatthegarage.com $<br />
HILLBILLY PO BOYS Unassuming name;<br />
mighty appealing flavor in tasty seafood<br />
sandwiches and the licit thrill of moonshine<br />
cocktails. 1 NW 9th, OKC, 702.9805 $<br />
IRMA’S BURGER SHACK Simply great fries,<br />
rings and burgers; try the No Name Ranch<br />
beef. 1035 NW 63rd, OKC, 840.4762; 1120<br />
Classen Dr, OKC, 235.4762 $<br />
JOHNNIE’S CHARCOAL BROILER Freshground<br />
burgers cooked over real charcoal;<br />
try the Cheese Theta or Caesar varieties. 4<br />
metro locations, johnniesok.com $<br />
LOUIE’S GRILL & BAR Casually cool and<br />
come-as-you-are bar-type hangouts<br />
excelling at burgers, sandwiches<br />
and pizzas. 12 metro locations,<br />
louiesgrillandbar.com $<br />
LOUIE’S ON THE LAKE An unbeatable<br />
view of Lake Hefner from the spacious<br />
patio adds ambiance to tasty entrees<br />
under $10. 9401 Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC,<br />
751.2298 $<br />
MULE, THE Solid beer and beverage<br />
selection plus delectable gourmet grilled<br />
cheeses and melts (ingredients range from<br />
fontina to figs). 1630 N Blackwelder, OKC,<br />
601.1400 $<br />
ND FOODS Gigantic Boar’s Head deli<br />
sandwiches, homemade soups and freshly<br />
baked cookies, pies and other desserts. 2632<br />
W Britton Rd, OKC, 840.9364 $<br />
NIC’S GRILL It’s small, it’s crowded … and<br />
it’s incredible. Mounds of fresh fries and<br />
colossal burgers, easily among the metro’s<br />
best. 1202 N Penn, OKC, 524.0999 $<br />
S&B’S BURGER JOINT Good news: these<br />
super-tasty burgers come as sliders too, the<br />
better to sample more selections. 5 metro<br />
locations, sandbburgers.com $<br />
SERVICE STATION A former filling station<br />
with vintage décor, now serving up delicious<br />
half-pound burgers and fries. 502 S<br />
Webster, Norman, 364.2136 $<br />
SOONER DAIRY LUNCH This modest little<br />
drive-in has been feeding its staunch fans<br />
delicious burgers, tots and shakes for over<br />
six decades. 1820 W Main, Norman, 321.8526<br />
$<br />
TEXADELPHIA The menu draws raves<br />
for burgers and wraps, but especially the<br />
monstrous made-to-order cheesesteaks.<br />
200 S Oklahoma, OKC, 208.4000 $<br />
TUCKER’S ONION BURGERS A small<br />
menu whose bravura execution makes the<br />
meal hard to forget. 3 metro locations,<br />
tuckersonionburgers.com $<br />
URBAN JOHNNIE’S Gourmet burgers and<br />
more in a sleek bar atmosphere from the<br />
minds behind Johnnie’s Charcoal Broiler. 121<br />
NE 2nd, OKC, 208.4477 $<br />
COFFEEHOUSE // TEA ROOM<br />
ALL ABOUT CHA Universal standards and<br />
unusual concoctions (the sweet potato latte<br />
is a wonder) in bright, bustling atmosphere.<br />
3272 S Broadway, Edmond, 340.9959; 7300 N<br />
Western, OKC, 840.7725 $<br />
BEATNIX CAFÉ, THE Get a sandwich, cup<br />
of hearty soup or powerhouse latte in the<br />
lovely laid-back vibe that pervades this<br />
dawdling spot. 136 NW 13th, OKC, 604.0211 $<br />
THE BLUE BEAN Smoothies, pastries and<br />
sweet treats, plus excellent small-batch<br />
roasted coffee – try the specialty flavor<br />
combos. 13316 S Western, OKC, 735.5115 $<br />
CAFÉ EVOKE Outstanding coffee and other<br />
beverages from one of the area’s great<br />
caterers; plus soup, sandwiches, snacks or<br />
sweets. 103 S Broadway, Edmond, 285.1522 $<br />
COFFEE SLINGERS Rocking a brisk, urban<br />
vibe on Automobile Alley, it’s a gathering<br />
place for genuine java enthusiasts. 1015 N<br />
Broadway, OKC, 606.2763 $<br />
DISTRICT HOUSE Pop into the Plaza<br />
District for beans from Tulsa’s Topeca<br />
Coffee, deli sandwiches and the occasional<br />
live music event. 1755 NW 16th, OKC $<br />
ELEMENTAL COFFEE Seriously spectacular<br />
coffee roasted in-house - passionate staff is<br />
always eager to share knowledge about the<br />
process. 815 N Hudson, OKC, 633.1703 $<br />
MICHELANGELO’S Enjoy exceptional<br />
coffees and wines, a well-stocked pastry<br />
case and breakfast and lunch selections.<br />
207 E Main, Norman, 579.3387 $<br />
PARAMOUNT, THE A Film Row joint with<br />
a screening room attached, its all-day<br />
beverage menu delivers the stuff dreams<br />
are made of. 701 W Sheridan, OKC,<br />
517.0787 $<br />
RED CUP Comfortably ramshackle<br />
with great coffee, vegetarian-friendly<br />
specials and live music. Highly<br />
recommended! 3122 N Classen Blvd,<br />
OKC, 525.3430 $<br />
T, AN URBAN TEAHOUSE This endearing<br />
retreat offers over 100 varieties and expert<br />
counsel to explore a world of possibili-teas.<br />
7518 N May, OKC, 418.4333 $<br />
CONTINENTAL<br />
BIN 73 Diners can fill up on filet mignon<br />
or simply top the evening off with<br />
tapas while enjoying the full bar and<br />
chic ambiance. 7312 N Western, OKC,<br />
843.0073 $$<br />
BLACKBIRD A gastropub with succulent<br />
creativity (pot roast nachos!) and a<br />
broad beer, wine and whiskey list. 575 S<br />
University, Norman, 928.5555 $$<br />
CHEEVER’S Southwestern-influenced<br />
recipes and contemporary comfort food;<br />
truly one of the city’s finest restaurants.<br />
2409 N Hudson, OKC, 525.7007 $$<br />
COACH HOUSE, THE Definitely among<br />
the metro’s most elegant dining:<br />
specialties prepared with classical<br />
perfection. 6437 Avondale, OKC,<br />
842.1000 $$$<br />
KYLE’S 1025 For an evening of<br />
understated sophistication, Kyle’s<br />
magnificent steaks, prime seafood, tapas<br />
or even meatloaf are a must. 1025 NW<br />
70th, OKC, 840.0115 $$<br />
LOTTINVILLES Rotisserie chicken, woodgrilled<br />
salmon and a host of entrees,<br />
salads and panini; the Sunday brunch is<br />
epic. 801 Signal Ridge, Edmond, 341.2244<br />
$$<br />
68 SLICE // JANUARY 2015
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