July 2026

NEWS ANCHOR AND ARTIST

Tastes Like Summer

SEASONAL EATS & SIPS WITH A SIDE OF SUNSHINE

OKC’s landing zone for spectacular drinks, dining, and virtual sports entertainment.

A Taste of Summer

Barbecue, burgers, seasonal specialties and an intoxicating array of cocktails from margaritas to tikistyle classics … when it’s warm outside, the 405’s dining scene really heats up. Don’t forget the ice cream.

38 Doctors 2.0

Special Advertising Section: Your guide to local 405 doctors and medical practices.

CHISHOLM CREEK

NICHOLS HILLS SCISSORTAIL PARK

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Kendall Morgan Hammack kendall.morgan@405magazine.com

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Julie Partin julie.partin@405magazine.com

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Jarred Schuetze jarred@405magazine.com

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Alexa Rodriguez alexa.rodriguez@405magazine.com

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Atala Johnson

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Drew Smith drew.smith@405magazine.com

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Alexis LaMons alexis.lamons@405magazine.com

HOME SECTION EDITOR

Evie Klopp Holzer

COPY EDITOR Steve Gill

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Kennon Bryce

Jared Kinley

Kimberly Martin

Rachel Maucieri

Charlie Neuenschwander

Brandon Smith

Shevaun Williams

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Lavinia Creswa

Kristen Grace

Bennett Hill

Matt Kirouac

Linda Miller

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Lush Life

Slower mornings. Light bites. Extended time off. Sundresses swishing. Cool drinks. Long conversations. Sunsets at 9 p.m.

These are just a few things I love about summer.

While my own personal brand of paradise would not involve so many endless SPF applications—the sun hates me—I never see quicker or more frequent joy on the faces of my children than during the months of June and July. Running through sprinklers, cannonballing into the pool, dripping watermelon and ice cream down their chins ... seeing these helps summer make its case.

As a child in the Rocky Mountains I experienced near-permanent winter. As a young adult in Southern California we were treated to year-round spring. Here in Oklahoma we have a true four seasons. I have noticed two things about existing in a place like that: First, you really do have to double your wardrobe. And second, time seems to fly by quicker. A year can seem daunting, but a season is just that—a brief, fleeting moment in time. Blink and you might miss the magic.

From margaritas to iced lattes and BBQ to citrus salads, senior writer Matt Kirouac assembled a feature highlighting some of the best summer food and drink Oklahoma City has to offer. He and photographer Rachel Maucieri completed a tour de 405 to capture the story (pg. 31)! It is always slightly jarring when my favorite restaurants switch over to a new seasonal menu, but it is how I have discovered some of the best new flavors our city has to offer.

Also in this issue, we are thrilled to introduce you to a brewer about to expand his brand footprint in a big way (pg. 12) and a famous local face also adorning walls with fine art (pg. 60).

We are so excited about the whimsical and colorful Nichols Hills home design spread that Evie Klopp Holzer put together with designer Hannah Sutter (pg. 24).

Additionally, we are thrilled to highlight the much-anticipated exhibit coming to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art with international buzz (pg. 58).

It does my heart good anytime I see our July issue live in the wild on a vacation or pulled out of a pool bag. I hope your long days are full of the kind of memories only summer can provide!

BEHIND THE SCENES

Julie Partin EDITOR IN CHIEF

Now Accepting New Patients

Man of the Beer

How Jake Keyes brought Skydance Brewing to life P. 12

Crafting a Dream

Jake Keyes, founder and CEO of Skydance Brewing

BY KRISTEN GRACE PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

Not many Oklahomans can say they became an apprentice in their craft at the age of 12.

Jake Keyes, founder and CEO of Skydance Brewing, grew up in Little Axe, Oklahoma, watching his dad homebrew beer from an early age. Always underfoot, he started learning the ropes when he was just 12 years old. Keyes laughed, “He was trying to keep me from ruining his batches.”

A love of brewing never left Keyes. As a University of Oklahoma student, he worked at Coach’s Restaurant as a bartender, manager and assistant brewer at the legendary Norman bar and grill. Keyes was thrilled when his dad, Ritchie, would come in after work with friends. Father and son had a dream that one day, they would have a place of their own like Coach’s.

Keyes eventually began a career with the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma. His dad moved into a nursing home at the young age of 56 due

to health issues. While rummaging through accumulated things one afternoon, Keyes found an old brew recipe of his dad’s, and decided to make a batch and sneak a bottle into the nursing home to cheer up his father.

Friends loved the resulting batch results so much that they convinced him to enter it into the Bluebonnet Brew-Off, a national homebrewer’s competition. Keyes recalled, “I was so busy with work, I couldn’t attend the competition, but they let me know my beer won a medal. Before I could call my dad that night to tell him the news, my brother called. Our dad had passed.”

At the time, Keyes was 35 years old and receiving promotions at work, but he could never let go of the dream he once shared with his father. Working toward this goal began to take up most of his weekends.

His hard work paid off: Skydance Brewing started brewing operations in 2018. Keyes said, “We opened in Automobile Alley in October

2021. If you ask people on the street, they’ll tell you we make the best IPAs in Oklahoma. We have four beers that we offer year-round: Fancy Dance, a hazy IPA; NDN Time, our Amber Ale; Rez Dog, our Pilsner; and Skylight, a light American Lager. Every Friday, we release a new beer—a small batch, with limited availability.”

Skydance also offers food. “The focus is on the burgers, but we’re hoping people will enjoy the Native American flair: flatbread pizzas, Indian tacos and a Three Sisters salad. We also have nachos and wings, a pretty great chicken sandwich and bison meatballs.”

2026 has been a year of growth and expansion beyond Keyes’ wildest dreams. Skydance has recently opened a new location in Midwest City. In May, it announced a partnership with the Apache Casino Hotel in Lawton, where it will operate a new brewery, restaurant and bar, with an anticipated opening in early 2027.

In late May, Skydance also completed a buildout and renovation of the Automobile Alley location. Having acquired the business space next door, it added an upscale lounge with a speakeasy feel: leather seating, flowers, curtains, cocktails and high-end bourbons. “This will be the perfect place for weddings and receptions, large parties and nice dates,” said Keyes. “This location now has several areas with different atmospheres. Casual and fun, upscale and elegant—whatever you’re looking for, we have it.”

Amid all this excitement, Keyes gives credit to his wife and business partner, Bobbi. “Bobbi is the heart of the brewery. She never gets the recognition she deserves.” Keyes explained that since he was elected chairman of his Iowa tribe, Bobbi has managed the day-to-day operations of the breweries, often working six or seven days a week.

Thinking over all he and Bobbi have done to get to this moment, Keyes said, “I’m proud that Skydance is Oklahoma’s Native Americanowned craft brewery. It’s been a tough time for craft breweries in this state. We’re trying to provide a full experience for people— community, food, special spaces for people to gather. To survive in the craft brew landscape, we’re going to do whatever it takes.”

A Fashion Feast

Whipping up a delicious look

BY BENNETT HILL

Whether or not you spend much time in the kitchen, especially this time of year, all of us are more than capable of cooking something up in our closet. Imagine your look as a thoughtfully prepared multi-course meal. The appetizer sets the tone, much like the shoe. It lays the foundation while offering a hint of personality unique to the chef. A strappy sandal or a statement heel; you decide which puts your best foot forward. Then comes the main course, the heart of the look that acts as the sun in our solar system of style. Timeless and unfaltering, it’s the black silk set or perfectly tailored staple that can effortlessly stand on its own. And finally, the best part, dessert! This is where inhibitions disappear. You might order more than one, stacking the bracelets, layering the rings and necklaces while mixing colorful gems with metallic tones. By the end, everything comes together seamlessly. You’re satisfied, styled to perfection and ready for whatever the night brings.

ALLIED ARTS' ARTINI 2026

Allied Arts held its annual ARTini event with the theme of Shaken Not Stirred at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. More than 1,000 guests in James Bond-styled attire were treated to 10 featured restaurants crafting custom cocktails and bites, more than 200 pieces of art from Oklahoma-affiliated artists and martinis from presenting sponsor Tito’s Handmade Vodka, along with merriment and dancing. Winners included The Vault securing the top prize of “Best ARTini,” People’s Choice: Elisabetta, Best Decor: Oklahoma City Convention Center, and Best Food: FLINT. The event raised a record-breaking $300,000 to support Allied Arts and the more than 40 arts groups that bring performances, exhibits, access, healing and arts education to the OKC community.

OKCMOA'S BUBBLES & BLOOMS

Oklahoma City Museum of Art celebrated the opening of its seventh annual Art in Bloom installation with a floral cocktail on the roof terrace. The evening featured flower-themed cocktails by WanderFolk Distillery, light bites, live entertainment, access to the galleries and skyline views. Art in Bloom featured floral sculpture interpretations of works from OKCMOA’s permanent collection crafted by designers from across the state. Winners from the evening included The People’s Choice Award for Nai’s Sweet Florals, the President’s Choice Award for Curbside Flowers and the Floral Designers’ Choice to Anthousai. Joan Payne was the presenting sponsor of the sold-out event.

OKLAHOMA CONTEMPORARY'S MUSIC AND LIGHT

Oklahoma Contemporary recently hosted a performance titled Music and Light, in collaboration with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. Staged inside the Anthony McCall: Solid Light exhibition, the evening’s program included works by Giovanni Sollima, Erik Satie, Caroline Shaw, Max Richter, Kevin Bobo and Philip Glass. Guests walked throughout the gallery and interacted with the sculptures while the ensemble played. The combination of visual and aural elements offered an encounter that placed music and light in dialogue. OKCPHIL’s Angelika Machnik-Jones, Connor Stevens and Conductor Alexander Mickelthwate performed. Guests enjoyed drinks from Lively Beerworks and WanderFolk Spirits, as well as catering by Kam’s Kookery. The collaboration was made possible by support from Randy and Mendi Coleman.

MYRIAD GARDEN'S

SPLENDOR IN THE GARDENS

Myriad Gardens hosted a gathering beneath the open sky on the Devon Lawn for a celebration inspired by the enduring spirit of Route 66 and Oklahoma City’s vibrant history along the famed Mother Road. Set against a backdrop of twinkling lights and sweeping garden views, the event paid tribute to the stories, culture and community that Route 66 helped shape over the last 100 years, honoring the journey while investing in the future of one of Oklahoma City’s most treasured green spaces. A lovely summer evening, classic cars, interactive nature activities and cocktails welcomed guests. Dinner on the lawn was provided by Kam’s Kookery set against an outdoor backdrop of twinkling lights and sweeping garden views.

Sleep is vital for human life, as crucial for survival as food and water. While it varies by individual, the National Institutes of Health suggests that adults generally require between seven and nine hours of sleep a night. Proper sleep allows our brain to function well, our bodies to recover and repair and our immune system to strengthen.

The NIH estimates that 50-70 million people in the U.S. are struggling with sleep deprivation or disturbances. Conditions like sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, anxiety, insomnia, fibromyalgia, acid reflux and many others can all have a role in disrupting sleep.

Rebecca Ludwig, OT, Ph.D., has been researching sleep for nearly a decade and has a goal of educating the community on how to achieve good sleep—by providing strategies to help fall and stay asleep. Ludwig said the biggest indicator of good sleep is whether you wake up feeling rested. After ruling out a physical or medical condition, Ludwig said, “Many times, trouble sleeping is sleep opportunity related.

Sleep Well

Expert advice on getting adequate rest

BY LAVINIA CRESWA

People are busy; with just 24 hours in a day, they may not allocate enough time to sleep. If they only sleep for six hours but their body needs more, they are going to be a bit sleep deprived all of the time.”

So how can you work on improving your sleep health? “Get up at the same time every day, regardless of it being a weekday or the weekend,” Ludwig said. “I get up at 4:30 in the morning on work days, so I also get up at 4:30 in the morning on Saturdays.” By being consistent with this, we can train our circadian rhythm, the body’s natural, internal 24-hour clock. Once awake, expose yourself to bright, preferably natural, light. Ludwig also suggests that you use your bed only for sleep (and sex) so that when you see your bed, your brain makes a natural association that sleep is coming.

Having an adequate “wind down” routine is another thing Ludwig recommends. “I use driving as an analogy of a wind down routine. If you’re having a really busy day, it’s like driving 80 miles per hour on the highway. You need a

lot longer time to stop safely, just like our bodies need longer to down-regulate the nervous system so that we can actually feel tired enough to go to sleep. If the day has been more relaxed, it’s like driving slowly through a neighborhood. You just won’t need as much time to stop safely.” A wind down routine can include putting on pajamas, hygiene practices and perhaps reading a book for a couple of chapters.

If you are woken up overnight, Ludwig said to give yourself 15 to 20 minutes to fall back asleep. “If you’re starting to feel frustrated, get out of your bed and go to what I call the ‘cozy nest’ outside the bedroom, like the couch. Do a relaxing activity until you are adequately sleepy and then return to bed. This goes back to having our brain associate the bed with sleep. If you’re in your bed but not sleeping, your brain is going to think 3 a.m. is when it’s supposed to be awake and frustrated.”

Ludwig concludes by reminding us that sleep is individualized. “Don’t compare yourself to other people. Your sleep need is different than anyone else’s because you are a unique person.”

SLEEP STUDY

Want to be involved in science? Dr. Ludwig is currently running a study and needs you! The study will include 1,000 people, and anyone 18+ can participate. Scan the QR code to take a survey on what factors wake you up at night.

The new Digestive Health Institute (DHI) at Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City will advance digestive health care across the whole region. Our experts use the latest technology and treatments to care for patients with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, GERD, celiac disease and more.

This state-of-the-art institute features:

• GI procedural rooms

• Private prep and recovery rooms

• Access to clinical trials

• AI-aided colon cancer screening

• Motility lab

• General gastroenterology clinic

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) clinic

• Hepatology clinic

• Advanced therapeutic endoscopy

• Foregut surgical services

• Surgical oncology services

• Colon and rectal surgical services

• Dedicated educational space

• Behavioral health and nutritional counseling

Building Wealth and Financial Independence Through Real Estate

A s more high-earning professionals look to grow their wealth beyond their primary careers, real estate has become a popular strategy for building long-term security. No longer reserved for industry insiders, property investment is becoming a cornerstone for those who want their capital to work as hard as they do.

“R

eal estate offers a tangible path to growth, whether the goal is to hedge against inflation or build a multi-generational legacy,” says Donna Mullins, senior private banker at Arvest Bank – Central Oklahoma.

As a private banker, Mullins provides concierge-level financial support to many busy Oklahoma professionals, often connecting clients with teams that can support their business endeavors, including finding partners and securing financing.

Aligning with Your Financial Strategy

Although real estate offers significant growth potential, success depends on how well the property fits within an overall financial strategy. Mullins explains that becoming a savvy investor begins with understanding how physical assets work with a client’s portfolio.

“When assessing a real estate opportunity, there are many key factors to consider, such as cash flow potential, property condition and investment time horizon,” she says.

“Evaluating these with a team helps investors determine which properties best support their financial goals.”

Real estate can provide a strong rate of return compared to other investments, such as employer-sponsored 401(k) plans. Just like with any major investment, careful research is essential, says Mullins. She recommends consulting a trusted financial advisor to review your portfolio and determine how real estate fits your broader financial goals.

Finding the Right Property

While property often requires significant upfront investment, it can offer long-term benefits. Mullins notes that many investors acquire residential or commercial rental properties to generate income and hedge against inflation. Before investing, it is important to consider the pros and cons of each property type, including risks such as vacancies, market fluctuations and management. “While rental homes or apartments may seem more manageable than office spaces or retail buildings, the right team and resources can make either option successful,” she adds.

Choosing Your Level of Involvement

Achieving financial independence, especially in retirement, is a key goal for many investors. There are various ways to generate income through real estate, depending on how involved you want to be, Mullins says. For those who don’t mind sweat equity, investors can purchase undervalued properties, renovate them, and either rent them or sell them for a profit. “Strategic investing, such as buying in emerging neighborhoods or short-term rental markets, allows individuals to maximize returns without immense starting capital,” she explains.

For those who prefer a less hands-on approach, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer alternatives to direct property ownership. REITs own and manage rental properties such as apartments, office buildings, and shopping centers, distributing income to shareholders through dividends. ETFs provide professionally managed, diversified stock portfolios that may include REITs.

Real estate, REITs, and ETFs may have different tax implications for high earners. Consult a trusted tax advisor to understand how these investments could affect your tax liability. “While both options can offer reasonable returns, thorough research and financial guidance are crucial before making an investment decision,” Mullins adds.

Developing Your Roadmap

Acquiring or investing in real estate can be a complex process, but when done carefully, it can yield significant financial rewards. Assess your current and future financial plans, consult a trusted financial advisor and conduct thorough research before committing to any investment. A private banker can help you build the right team for your plans.

Services provided by Arvest Private Banking. Qualifications required, see a dedicated Private Banker for more details. Donna Mullins, NMLS# #1209510. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

Living in Color

Hannah Sutter Interiors fills a home with exhilarating colors and patterns

BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER

PHOTOS BY BRANDON SMITH AND KENNON BRYCE

I Beautifully Saturated

f a picture is worth a thousand words, imagine the plethora communicated through a book.

In search of joyful ideas for their new home in Nichols Hills, Dale and Mary Walker gravitated toward Susanna Salk’s book, Decorate Fearlessly: Using Whimsy, Confidence and a Dash of Surprise to Create Deeply Personal Spaces. Their newly constructed home, built by European Dekor, provided a blank canvas to dream and create.

“The house was full of windows and light, which was perfect because we wanted a colorful, bright house—a happy house,” said Mary Walker.

Decorate Fearlessly jump-started the Walkers’ design journey with Hannah Sutter and Kellie Schwartz of Hannah Sutter Interiors. Mary Walker had marked favorite pages for them, and one of the images showed a room of framed images hung floor-to-ceiling. To mimic that aesthetic in the office, the designers selected “Le Grand Tour” wallpaper by Schumacher x Johnson Hartig.

“We pulled the paper as the background canvas, and then we layered in bold velvet blue drapes, and the red sofa,” said Sutter, adding that wallpaper often inspires other elements in a room.

The office design helped establish the home’s overall tone: bold patterns, bright colors, layered textures and unexpected details.

“We kept trying to push it a little bit more and more, and they loved it,” said Schwartz. “So, things we wouldn't normally do … I’d show them an option, and it was very much, ‘More is more.’”

A golden-hued, custom Gracie wallpaper wraps around the stairwell in the entry. The paper pulls in reds, greens and blues, establishing a sophisticated, primary-color palette that was frequently referenced as they designed the surrounding living room, kitchen and dining room.

“We had the largest board in our office where we kept putting up materials to make sure that they still coordinated with everything,” Sutter recalled.

“We literally had so many different options pinned up,” Schwartz added. “We would stare at it to make sure it all went together, and it didn’t feel like there was a disconnect.”

The home is happily saturated in color. The dining room draperies boast bright orange Rubelli silk, which complements the room’s soft, dusty blues. The media room upstairs mixes aubergine, teal and sage green with a ceiling wallpaper that resembles a draped fabric, providing a cozy, theatrical effect.

Showcasing wallpaper on the ceiling—or “fifth wall,” as designers call it—can be both playful and beneficial. First, it draws the eyes up to the light fixtures (which in this case are stellar). Second, the ceiling naturally provides an easy start-stop point for wallpaper placement. Sometimes, new openconcept homes with shared walls and minimal trimwork can be tricky to paper. Most importantly, said Schwartz, “a wallpapered ceiling provides a way to add color and texture—and they definitely wanted that layered, colorful, maximalist look.”

The Hannah Sutter Interiors team took the “fearless” notion from the photobook and ran with it. Today, daring designs dazzle the Walker home. Each room makes a delightfully bold impression.

“I wanted to see what could be accomplished by turning a designer loose on the interior environment,” Dale Walker said. “Of course, we approved each step, but the concepts were original to Hannah and her staff. We are thrilled with how it turned out.”

The Taste OF Summer

by MATT KIROUAC

MAUCIERI

Asalty margarita, with a squirt of fresh lime juice. A platter of meltingly tender smoked brisket, and a picnic-worthy side of creamy potato salad. A spritzy rooftop cocktail, splashed with strawberry and rosé. These are the flavors of summer in Oklahoma City, and some of the dishes and drinks that define a season of sunshine, patios, baseball games and barbecues. When the days are long and the heat is high, this is the time of year when “comfort food” hits different. Whether we’re cooling off indoors, or toasting tropical tiki drinks al fresco, this is the time of year when menus—and cravings— skew quenching, refreshing and bright.

From classic seasonal staples to gourmet hot dogs, and from sweet treats to patioperfect burgers, these are the quintessential summer eats and sips in OKC.

Barbecue

Sandwiched between iconic barbecue destinations like Kansas City and Texas,

OKC has its fair share of high-quality brisket, pulled pork and smoked sausages. For a feast that sings of summer at its most savory, bring an appetite to Edge Craft BBQ, an authentic ode to central Texas-style ’cue served in a lofty, industrial-style dining room on the near west side. Using oak-fired smokers, the menu features some of the best brisket and smoked turkey in the metro, along with plump, succulent sausages and summery sides like potato salad, mac & cheese and fried okra.

For a decadent take on barbecue, Hank’s takes state fair-inspired comfort foods—like super-sized smoked turkey legs—and stuffs them with the likes of collard greens, dirty rice and mac & cheese. Smoked ribs, loaded baked potatoes and brisket sandwiches round out the offerings.

Then there’s Leo’s BBQ, an enduring institution since 1974, renowned for its hot links, smoked bologna sandwiches, chopped brisket and strawberry-banana cake.

THE TASTE OF SUMMER

Aperol Spritz

If sunshine was drinkable, it would be an Aperol Spritz. And specifically, the spritzes served at Midtown newcomer Malfi Enoteca. With a chic and sunny design scheme that makes the whole dining room feel like you’re drinking cocktails on the Amalfi coast, the menu features a fizzy Limoncello Spritz topped with Topo Chico and Prosecco, as well as Pisco Sours and ice-cold Vespers.

Sparkling cocktails are the M.O. at Tiny Bubbles, an effervescent wine bar that looks more Mediterranean than Oklahoman. Here, various spritzes and sangrias share the menu

with the BYO Spritz, a fun option that lets customers pick their flavor profile—from Aperol to elderflower—to be finished with Prosecco and soda water.

And for a spritz with a view, head up to RH Rooftop. The glam restaurant pairs seafood towers and caviar-topped lobster rolls with a selection of house spritzes, including a classic Aperol Spritz, a Campari Spritz and a prettyin-pink Rosé version, rounded with strawberry shrub and Lillet Rosé aperitif.

Seasonal Stars

From scream-worthy ice cream sundaes to state fair-style turkey legs, OKC’s classic summer staples are the ultimate bucket list for seasonal flavors. But just as worthy are the restaurants whose menus rotate seasonally, offering some of the most exciting dishes and drinks in town.

Dips and spreads and Frosé will always be in season at The Jones Assembly, but the Film Row dining and entertainment destination is reliably among OKC’s best spots for seasonal novelties. This summer, a BLT chopped salad comes studded with pancetta, sun-dried tomato ranch, heirloom tomato chow-chow, whipped blue cheese and sourdough crumble, while the Tuscan melon salad is a forkful of Italy, with prosciutto, pressed melon, burnt honey mascarpone, cantaloupe, aleppo oil and Marcona almonds. For entrees, the Jalisco Hot Chicken pairs mole and masa harina hot chicken with guajillo, elote, slaw and a masa biscuit, followed by the Earl Grey-infused London Fog Panna Cotta—with lemon gelee, lavender-lemon gel and vanilla—for a silkysmooth dessert.

To drink, The Jones’ latest cocktails include the Red Flag (sotol, Campari, blood orange, Peychaud’s

bitters and soda water), Main Character Energy (vodka, Aperol, black cherry cordial and Cava), Touch Grass (pepper-infused gin, absinthe, celery, honeydew and lemon), and Tush Push (two types of gin, aquavit, apricot, lime and guava soda).

Another seasonal standout, Flora is the patio bar at Colcord Hotel, offering an array of sips and bites meant to be savored under the sun. This is where you’ll find some of the best and brightest summertime snacks in the city, including strawberry salads topped with goat cheese and strawberry vinaigrette; citrus-soaked watermelon bites flecked with mint and feta; and prosciutto crostini with whipped lemon goat cheese. Flatbreads, topped with the likes of salami and blueberry hot honey, are as inventive as they are shareable.

This season’s cocktail lineup features riffs on comforting classics, like the blueberry-infused Indigo Petal Mule and sparkling sangria, along with vibrant originals like the Hive & Stone, with aged rum, apricot and honey syrup, and Lime in Bloom, with tequila, elderflower liqueur and Aperol. For dessert, the spiked root beer float is grown-up nostalgia at its finest.

Iced Coffee

When the temperature is the same as your hot coffee, you know it’s time to switch to cold brew. Fortunately, iced coffee can be found throughout the metro, from convenient drive-thrus for an afternoon refresher to cafes perfect for lunch or laptop sessions.

One such seasonal staple is Lee’s Sandwiches, where the iced coffee selection is as hallowed as its banh mi. The signature Lee’s Coffee is the ultimate “if you know you know” libation, commanding a cult following for its silken blend of chicory-infused coffee and sweetened condensed milk over a dome of crushed ice. It also comes in creamy smoothie form, along with other blended drinks like lychee, papaya and Thai tea.

Summer doesn’t start until Clarity Coffee says it does. As reliable as Punxsutawney Phil, the Clarity Cool-Down is an annual tradition—a cold-brew slush made with brown sugar and oat milk— that only sticks around for the warmer months. Meanwhile, the seasonal iced lattes at Culture Coffee are as pretty as potable bouquets. Flavors rotate, but look for options like strawberrypistachio lattes, lavender-orange blossom lattes and banana-rose matcha; all available hot or iced.

Margs

Not that there’s ever an offseason for margaritas, but there’s something pitchperfect about a lime-soaked tequila tipple when the temperature spikes. Traditionally rounded out with Triple Sec, fresh lime juice and agave nectar, the classic cocktail comes in all forms across OKC, from tried-and-true classics to inventive novelties.

Among the most atmospheric spots in town, Power House is an oasis in the Farmers Market District, in a funky space that used to serve as a literal power house providing electricity for the neighborhood. Today, it’s got the look and feel of a West Texas desert dive, with kiva fireplaces and chile ristras outside, and a timber-clad interior that pairs disco balls with taxidermy. The bar specializes in beer and agave cocktails, including limesoaked house margaritas, as well as seasonal specials, like smoky Hatch chile-infused margaritas. You can’t go wrong with any of their variations, especially when paired with a plate of Hawaiian pig biscuits—grilled bacon and ham sliders on fluffy Hawaiian rolls.

Other top-shelf spots include Rev Mex, where margaritas— including jalapeño- and orangeinfused versions—are as colorful as the dining room, and The Margarita Garden, which eschews concentrates and powder for scratch-made syrups and mixes.

I Tiki Cocktails

s there anything more summery than a tiki cocktail sipped under a hot pink umbrella? Decked out like a tropical island paradise, Flamingo TIKI is a transportive oasis in the Paseo Arts District, where the vibe is so strong that it even plays “Gilligan’s Island” behind the bar. The drink list is vast, including punch bowl-style group cocktails and classic cocktails like Mai Tais, Zombies and Blue Hawaiians. House originals, some of which are frozen, include Emmers of Paradise, with two kinds of rum and notes of amaretto, coconut and tangerine; while the namesake Flamingo combines three different rums with pineapple, coconut, lime orgeat, Falernum, hibiscus and sparkling wine.

While Flamingo TIKI transports guests to Caribbean paradise, Deem Laow whisks you away to the jungles of Chiang Mai. The lush Thai-inspired bar is as much about noodles and spring rolls as it is tropical cocktails. Rum- and pineapple-based Painkillers are served alongside drinks like the Tropical Delight, a quenching medley of watermelon, coconut water and a spiced Thai rum called Mekhong.

Elsewhere, gourmet Piña Coladas are sweeping the city at newcomers like Superfly and Dougla Kitchen, and R&J Lounge & Supper Club features an evergreen assortment of tiki drinks, like Blue Hawaiians, Mai Tais and gin-based Singapore Slings.

Hamburgers & HotDogs

As baseball games and cookouts dominate calendars through summer, Americana cravings for hot dogs and hamburgers reach a fever pitch. At Curveball Kitchen, a newer addition to OKANA’s recently launched Boardwalk, guests can hit a home run—literally—with gourmet hot dogs and baseball simulators. Along with wings, nachos and patty melts, the menu features all-beef foot-long hot dogs topped with the likes of mac & cheese, pico de gallo and Texas chili.

With a food truck and an outpost inside Parlor food hall, Monte’s Gourmet Dogs is another go-to for inventive takes on summery nostalgia. The menu is as enormous as it is inventive, featuring items like the Big Thunder—a hot link and all-beef sausage topped with sautéed onions, BBQ brisket, cole slaw and BBQ sauce—and the grilled andouille Brunch Dogg, with cheesy scrambled eggs, guacamole and buffalo sauce.

When it comes to burgers, the ones that feel the most summery are those that taste like they just came off the grill at a backyard cookout. Kissed with a bit of char, and ever so crispy around the edges, we’re talking about the kinds of burgers you’ll find at institutions like Patty Wagon, New State Burgers and, of course, any of the legendary onion burgers along Route 66 in El Reno.

But few places exemplify summer in the city like Bar Arbolada. With its airy, plant-filled motif, and a smattering of pink sidewalk tables, the downtown haunt has earned national acclaim for its smash burgers—and rightfully so. Fresh off the grill, the best summer order is a double-patty burger with pimento cheese fries and a juicy paloma. And you can’t go wrong with a classic grilled cheese and espresso martini while you’re at it.

Ice Cream

If there’s one defining dish for summer, it’s ice cream. Oklahomans scream for it year-round, but the cooling confection is especially satisfying in the hotter months, when s’mores sundaes and rice pudding popsicles scratch the itch.

A local favorite, with four scoop shops between OKC and Edmond, Roxy’s Ice Cream Social tastes like summer vacation in a cone. Each location, starting from the Plaza District original, is bright and vibrant, with a whimsical menu to match. In addition to classic flavors like mint chocolate and cookies & cream, customers can level up with ice cream sandwiches and indulgent sundaes, like a s’mores version with graham cracker ice cream, hot fudge and marshmallow topping.

Boom Town Creamery touts fresh ingredients, handmade toppings and the highest quality ice cream on its menu. Even the “classic” flavors are riveting, like the Cherry Goat combo, made with goat cheese ice cream, roasted cherries and hot fudge, while seasonal releases include a Peach Chai flavor from chef Andrew Black.

With more than 80 flavors to choose from, and 20-plus toppings to add, the options are basically endless at Tizo’s Pops & Ice Cream. Along with ice cream, chamoy slushes and chicharrones, scratch-made popsicles are the stars, in a dizzying array of flavors ranging from banana-Nutella and Corn Flakes to oatmeal-strawberry and guava-cheese. Feeling extra? Order any popsicle “flameada”style, which enrobes any flavor in torched marshmallow.

Orthopedic and Specialty Network

Shehan Abeyewardene, MD

Orthopedic Hand Surgeon

10001 S. Western, Ste. 101 Oklahoma City, OK 73139

North - 9800 Broadway

Extension, Ste. 201 Oklahoma City, OK 73114

Phone: 405.692.3700

Fax: 405.692.3783

Doug Beacham, DO

Pain Management

1616 S. Kelly Ave. Edmond, OK 73013

Phone: 405.216.1040

Fax: 405.419.5413

Brett Braly, MD

Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

9800 Broadway Ext., Ste. 203 Oklahoma City, OK 73114

Phone: 405.424.5415

Fax: 405.424.5416

Ashley C. Cogar, MD

Orthopedic Hand Surgeon

6600 N. Olie, Ste. C Oklahoma City, OK 73116

Phone: 405.419.5665

Fax: 405.419.5429

Rita Hancock, MD

Spine & Nerve Pain Specialist

1601 SW 89th St, Suite E-200

Oklahoma City, OK 73159

Phone: 405.900.5300

Fax: 405.900.6333

Robert F. Hines, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon

9800 Broadway Ext., Ste 201 Oklahoma City, OK 73114

Phone: 405.348.6004

Fax: 405.419.5549

Daron C. Hitt, MD

Hand Surgeon 3115 SW 89th Street

Oklahoma City, OK 73159

Phone: 405.486.6800

Fax: 405.426.6441

Paul B. Jacob, DO

Orthopedic Total Joint Surgeon

9800 Broadway Ext., Ste. 201 Oklahoma City, OK 73114

Phone: 405.424.5426

Fax: 405.424.5431

Eric Johnson, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon 9800 Broadway Ext., Ste. 203 Oklahoma City, OK 73114

Ardmore - 2002 12th Avenue NW, Suite B

Ardmore, OK, 73401

Phone: 405.216.1027

Fax: 405.216.1028

Nick Johnson, MD

Orthopedic Total Joint Surgeon North - 9800 Broadway Ext., Ste. 201 Oklahoma City, OK 73114

South - 3115 SW 89th Street

Oklahoma City, OK 73159

Ardmore - 2002 12th Avenue NW, Suite B

Ardmore, OK, 73401

Phone: 405.216.1029

Fax: 405.216.1030

M. Brandon Johnson, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon

9800 Broadway Ext., Ste. 203

Oklahoma City, OK 73114

Phone: 405.424.5417

Fax: 405.424.5418

Paul Kammerlocher, MD

Orthopedic Foot & Ankle

Surgeon 3115 SW 89th Street

Oklahoma City, OK 73159

Phone: 405.286.7837

Fax: 405.486.6839

Paul D. Maitino, DO

Orthopedic Surgeon 8516 S Portland Ave, Suite 201 Oklahoma City, OK 73159

Phone: 405.680.5633

Fax: 405-735-6345

Mac E. Moore, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon

South - 3130 SW 89th St., Ste. 100

Oklahoma City, OK 73159

North - 9800 Broadway Ext., Ste. 201

Oklahoma City, OK 73114

Phone: 405.692.3737

Fax: 405.692.3707

Jeffrey P. Nees, MD

Neurosurgery - Spine 3110 SW 89th, Suite 200E

Oklahoma City, OK 73159

Phone: 405.486.6720

Fax: 405.286.6485

Ryan L. Nelson, DO

Orthopedic Surgeon 9800 Broadway Ext., Ste. 203

Oklahoma City, OK 73114

Phone: 405.330.8847

Fax: 405.330.8849

Barry L. Northcutt, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon 9800 Broadway Ext., Ste 201

Oklahoma City, OK 73114

Phone: 405.340.4744

Fax: 405.677.8319

M. Sean O’Brien, DO

Orthopedic Surgeon Oklahoma City 3110 S.W. 89th Street Suite 200C

Oklahoma City, OK 73159 Yukon - 1491 Health Center Parkway Yukon, OK 73099

Phone: 405.759.2663

Fax: 405.759.7957

Nathan M. Odor, MD Orthopedic Total Joint Surgeon North - 9800 Broadway Ext., Ste. 201

Oklahoma City, OK 73114

South - 3115 SW 89th Street

Oklahoma City, OK 73159

Phone: 405.906.4059

Fax: 405.920.6377

Darryl D. Robinson, MD Pain Management 3110 SW 89th, Ste 102 Oklahoma City, OK 73159

Phone: 405.703.4950 Fax: 405.703.4955

Nevin Sam, DO Interventional Pain Management Specialist North - 1616 S. Kelly Ave Edmond, OK 73013

South - 10001 South Western, Suite 101 Oklahoma City, OK 73139 Phone: 405.286.2725 Fax: 405.286.2724

Wade Schwerdtfeger, MD Orthopedic Surgeon 3115 SW 89th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73159 Phone: 405.216.1031 Fax: 405.216.1032

Sheri M. Smith, MD Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon North - 9800 Broadway Ext., Ste. 201 Oklahoma City, OK 73114 South - 3115 SW 89th Street OKC, OK 73159

Phone: 405.419.5610 Fax: 405.419.5471

R. Garrett Steinmetz, MD Orthopedic Surgeon 9800 Broadway Ext., Ste 201 Oklahoma City, OK 73114

Phone: 405.486.6985 Fax: 405.486.6986

Start with the right questions. Get the answers you deserve.

Start with the right questions. Get the answers you deserve.

How MRI and CT imaging help you get from symptoms to answers.

How MRI and CT imaging help you get from symptoms to answers.

WWhen something feels off, like persistent back pain, unexplained fatigue, a symptom that won’t resolve, you deserve answers, not a wait-and-see approach. The right imaging study can reveal what’s really happening in your body and give you and your doctor a clear path forward. Yet too many people delay, hoping symptoms improve on their own. Advocating for diagnostic imaging is one of the most proactive steps you can take for your long-term health.

hen something feels off, like persistent back pain, unexplained fatigue, a symptom that won’t resolve, you deserve answers, not a wait-and-see approach. The right imaging study can reveal what’s really happening in your body and give you and your doctor a clear path forward. Yet too many people delay, hoping symptoms improve on their own. Advocating for diagnostic imaging is one of the most proactive steps you can take for your long-term health.

But many patients don’t know they can ask for imaging directly or that they have a choice in where that imaging is performed. Outpatient imaging centers like Touchstone Medical Imaging offer the same advanced technology as hospitals, with greater convenience and significantly lower cost.

But many patients don’t know they can ask for imaging directly or that they have a choice in where that imaging is performed. Outpatient imaging centers like Touchstone Medical Imaging offer the same advanced technology as hospitals, with greater convenience and significantly lower cost.

NOT SURE HOW TO BRING IT UP WITH YOUR DOCTOR? START HERE.

NOT SURE HOW TO BRING IT UP WITH YOUR DOCTOR? START HERE.

Ask your doctor these questions.

Ask your doctor these questions.

Could an MRI or CT scan help identify the source of my symptoms?

Could an MRI or CT scan help identify the source of my symptoms?

Imaging is often the fastest way to move from guessing to knowing. If you’ve been managing pain or symptoms

Imaging is often the fastest way to move from guessing to knowing. If you’ve been managing pain or symptoms

for more than a few weeks without a clear diagnosis, it’s worth asking. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen before bringing it up, early answers can lead to better treatment decisions.

for more than a few weeks without a clear diagnosis, it’s worth asking. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen before bringing it up, early answers can lead to better treatment decisions.

Which type of scan is right for my situation?

Which type of scan is right for my situation?

Your doctor will determine which imaging study is most appropriate based on your symptoms and what they need to evaluate. MRI is typically ordered for soft tissue concerns and involves no radiation. CT is often used when detailed views of bones, organs, or blood vessels are needed. Either way, understanding which scan has been recommended and why helps you feel confident going into your appointment.

Your doctor will determine which imaging study is most appropriate based on your symptoms and what they need to evaluate. MRI is typically ordered for soft tissue concerns and involves no radiation. CT is often used when detailed views of bones, organs, or blood vessels are needed. Either way, understanding which scan has been recommended and why helps you feel confident going into your appointment.

Do I have to go to a hospital for my scan?

Do I have to go to a hospital for my scan?

Outpatient imaging centers, like Touchstone, offer the same high-quality technology as hospitals, but at a much lower cost.

Outpatient imaging centers, like Touchstone, offer the same high-quality technology as hospitals, but at a much lower cost.

Will I receive results I can actually understand?

Will I receive results I can actually understand?

Ask about patient-friendly reporting. At Touchstone Medical Imaging, every

scan includes a patient-friendly report. This report features plain-language explanations, visual diagrams, and educational content delivered straight to your phone. You’ll walk into your follow-up appointment informed and prepared to have a conversation with your doctor.

scan includes a patient-friendly report. This report features plain-language explanations, visual diagrams, and educational content delivered straight to your phone. You’ll walk into your follow-up appointment informed and prepared to have a conversation with your doctor.

“This report allows me to understand in depth what my problems are and how to verbalize them to my neurosurgeon. Extremely helpful report and a time saver for both the doctor and myself.” - Patient, age 84

“This report allows me to understand in depth what my problems are and how to verbalize them to my neurosurgeon. Extremely helpful report and a time saver for both the doctor and myself.” - Patient, age 84

How quickly can I get scheduled and receive my results?

How quickly can I get scheduled and receive my results?

Delays in diagnosis mean delays in treatment. Ask your doctor’s office how soon imaging can be arranged, and whether the imaging center provides timely results. At Touchstone, flexible scheduling with same-day and nextday appointments combined with a fast turnaround means you spend less time waiting and more time moving forward.

Delays in diagnosis mean delays in treatment. Ask your doctor’s office how soon imaging can be arranged, and whether the imaging center provides timely results. At Touchstone, flexible scheduling with same-day and nextday appointments combined with a fast turnaround means you spend less time waiting and more time moving forward.

WHY PATIENTS IN OKLAHOMA CITY CHOOSE TOUCHSTONE

WHY PATIENTS IN OKLAHOMA CITY CHOOSE TOUCHSTONE

• Advanced MRI and CT imaging at up to 60% less than hospital-based imaging

• Advanced MRI and CT imaging at up to 60% less than hospital-based imaging

• In-network with 99% of health insurance plans

• In-network with 99% of health insurance plans

• Patient-friendly reports so you can truly understand your results

• Patient-friendly reports so you can truly understand your results

• 97% patient satisfaction rating

• 97% patient satisfaction rating

Ask about patient-friendly reporting. At Touchstone Medical Imaging, every

For more information on Touchstone Medical Imaging, visit TouchstoneImaging.com

For more information on Touchstone Medical Imaging, visit TouchstoneImaging.com

Choose Touchstone Medical Imaging.

YOU DON’T HAVE TIME FOR PAIN.

Take control of unexplained pain and discover its cause.

Touchstone Medical Imaging offers advanced diagnostic imaging to help you and your doctor know what’s happening inside your body—so you can make treatment decisions with confidence and get back to your life.

Listen to your body and ask questions. Touchstone Medical Imaging is here to provide the answers you seek, at costs up to 60% less than hospital imaging.

Same-day/next-day appointments In network with 99% of major insurance plans Find the clear cause of your pain. Ask your doctor about MRI or CT options today.

Steven R. Sarkisian, Jr., MD

FOUNDER AND CEO OF OKLAHOMA EYE SURGEONS, PLLC

The mission of Oklahoma Eye Surgeons is for every patient to feel well-loved and to serve each one with excellence, grace, and compassion. Dr. Sarkisian is committed to innovation in minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) by being active in over 40 clinical trials. He is also dedicated to helping his patients be free of glasses after cataract surgery by offering the newest technology available including PanOptix, PanOptix Pro, Vivity, and the Light Adjustable Lens.

Dr. Sarkisian was the first surgeon in Oklahoma to implant the PanOptix and PanOptix Pro trifocal lens. He was also the first surgeon in the state to perform the iStent, iStent Inject, iStent Infinite, iDose TR, Excimer Laser Trabeculostomy (ELT), Hydrus, XEN Gel Stent, TrabEx, SION, and canaloplasty. He was the first surgeon in the USA to use the OMNI device, and the first in the world to use the TRAB360 and VISCO360 surgical systems, the predicate devices to the OMNI. He was the first in Oklahoma and one of the first in the USA to own and perform DSLT. Dr. Sarkisian is the former director of the glaucoma service and fellowship at the Dean McGee Eye Institute and former Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City.

Dr. Sarkisian obtained his undergraduate degree from Wheaton College, outside Chicago, IL, received a Certificate in Christian Studies from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA, received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA and completed a residency in Ophthalmology at the State University of New York (SUNY Downstate) in Brooklyn, NY. After a fellowship in glaucoma surgery at UT Memphis, he was on faculty there for two years before being recruited by OU.

Due to his involvement in the development of new glaucoma technology, he has been active in presenting and publishing his work both in America and internationally. He coauthored the book Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery, a Practical Guide. Dr. Sarkisian currently serves on the Editorial Board of numerous journals that include the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Glaucoma Today, Ophthalmology Management, and Glaucoma Physician. Dr. Sarkisian is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He and his wife Anne have four children and reside in Edmond.

provide the highest level of gastrointestinal care to patients all over Oklahoma.

Welcome to Digestive Disease Specialists Inc., where we specialize in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal, or digestive, system. We are a collective of doctors and specialists serving the Edmond and OKC areas and aim to be the best gastroenterologists in the state.

Our board-certified physicians and gastroenterologists use the latest diagnostic testing and techniques to provide our patients with the highest level of care possible. Our team is specifically focused on top gastrointestinal care, allowing us to offer our patients better information, better advice and better care than typical doctors.

Healing Takes More Than Medicine

It takes compassion, connection and care. At INTEGRIS Health, we don’t just see patients. We see our family and friends. That’s why we’ll always be here, no matter the challenge, to bring you back to you

As the state’s largest not-for-profit and Oklahoma-owned healthcare system, we know that healthcare is more than medicine. It’s a responsibility to provide compassionate, personalized, comprehensive and cutting-edge care close to home.

So, let’s get you back to the best and healthiest version of you.

As an orthopedic spine surgeon in Oklahoma City, Dr Lance Smith is known for combining advanced expertise with a highly personal approach to care He begins by listening to each patient’s concerns, goals, and fears, creating individualized treatment plans that may include surgical or non-surgical options Trained at Drury University, the University of Kansas, the University of Oklahoma, and the University of Southern California, he brings exceptional knowledge and clarity to every patient interaction Beyond his practice, Dr Smith advances spine care through medical innovations while enjoying ranch life in Oklahoma with his wife, Kristen, and their three children

APEX NORTH: 12344 MARKET DRIVE, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73114

PERSONALIZED CARE .

E XCEPTIONAL RESULTS.

Tens of thousands of patients have traveled from across the country to experience the ar tistry skill and unparalleled medical exper tise of our award-winning , triple board-cer tified cosmetic surgeons and experienced nurses Our innovative surgical techniques, next-level care standards, and keen ar tistic eye set us apar t from other cosmetic surgeons, making us the true choice for patients whose ultimate goal is to live every day to the fullest

DINING

Flavor Runs Wild

Casually awesome cuisine at La Loba Cantina + Grill

BY MATT KIROUAC PHOTOS BY RACHEL MAUCIERI

Considering our proximity, many of Oklahoma’s Mexican restaurants skew more Tex-Mex than Oaxaca. In Edmond, though, one newcomer is a lone wolf.

Located in the Edmond Railyard, La Loba Cantina + Grill is the latest venture from Robert and Lori Black, whose Edmond empire includes Cafe Evoke, Twisted Tree Baking Company and Bluebird Books. Though they initially planned on opening a steakhouse concept somewhere in Edmond, fate brought a cantina into their lives when a Latin restaurant tenant fell through at the Railyard, inspiring them to pivot to their favorite type of cuisine.

Open since March, La Loba is the Blacks’ most ambitious restaurant concept yet, offering full-service lunch and dinner menus in an immersive space decked out with Mexicaninspired artwork, a wall of artisanal agave spirits and chile ristras. And the menu, focusing on

coastal and central Mexican cuisines, is as colorful as it is original.

“In our region, Tex-Mex is the predominant version of Mexican food,” explained Robert Black. “It’s a subculture of a type of cuisine, and it’s ubiquitous in our market, but there are so many other subcultures of Mexican food we don’t get to experience here.”

Citing central, southern and coastal Mexico as inspiration, La Loba is more vegetable- and seafood-focused, offering authentic interpretations of everything from corn esquites to salsa. “Some people picture salsa from a Tex-Mex place, and that’s the salsa that we all know, but Mexican culture has so many great salsas,” he said. “We have mangohabanero salsa, which highlights the ingredients from coastal Mexico, and salsa verde and roja are more indicative of what you’d find in Mexico City—more of a puree than a chunky picante sauce.”

That diligent approach to salsa is indicative of every aspect of the menu, offering a more authentic approach to misunderstood favorites.

“You might have to coach people when they come in,” Lori noted, calling their brand of cuisine “casually awesome Mexican,” and their favorite type of food to eat. “Because they’ll picture a quesadilla cut into fourths, and ours are empanada-style, with masa that we’ve made back here, deep-fried and served with salsa verde.” If the response from customers is any indication, that authenticity is working.

The Blacks reminisced about a family who visited from Los Angeles, calling La Loba’s food “just like my abuela’s,” and a Mexican vaquero who told them he had never eaten anywhere that reminded him so much of home. Said Lori, “Whether it’s here, or Evoke, or Twisted Tree, people have an emotional connection with something that brings them joy.”

Expressing gratitude for their team, including general manager Giovanni Vignola (of Vignola’s Italian Kitchen, right next door) and chef Andrew Landrith, the Blacks helped guide a menu of regional specialties rarely seen in the metro. For starters, Guacamole “La Loba” comes flecked with toasted pepitas and juicy pomegranate seeds, and lime-cured shrimp ceviche packs a zesty punch from serrano chile, cilantro, mint and avocado. The Ensalada de la Casa, too, is an edible rainbow of black beans, charred corn, cucumbers, pickled red onions, cotija, pepitas, blue corn tostadas and creamy avocado vinaigrette (pro tip: It’s even better with grilled shrimp added).

Among the “platos fuertos,” you won’t find fajitas or chimichangas, but rather regional recipes like Oaxacan-style slow-braised pork shoulder, enrobed in mole negro, served with cilantro rice and fried plantains; and garlic-

laced grilled chicken — marinated in cilantro and lime — paired with black beans, poblanoonion rajas and chipotle cream. For sides, the esquites are the real deal, featuring plump corn kernels laced with cotija cheese, lime crema, tajin and chile.

The drink list emphasizes cerveza-style lagers and agave spirits, including regional sipping tequilas and mezcals, and a selection of specialty hand-crafted margaritas—“none of which are frozen or swirled,” Robert assured. It’s all served in a space as vibrant, and as richly storied, as the menu.

“The idea of the spirit of La Loba is it’s an older woman that goes through the desert at night, and she gathers up bones, and over a full moon she brings them back to life,” Lori shared of the restaurant’s name, “she wolf,” and the folklore that inspired it. Much of downtown Edmond, she continued, used to be dead, like

many American main streets. “But what we’re seeing is this renaissance of people moving in with new retail and restaurants, so I thought it was fun to tell that story.”

Marking their closest collaboration yet, the husband-wife team designed a restaurant befitting a girls’ night out or a double date night; one that feels like dining under a starry night sky, with a wolf mural Lori painted herself, and a color palette she described as a therapeutic feast for the eyes.

“This is something fun and new for us, and it was fun to do it with Robert,” Lori said. “The vision was clear for both of us: When you come, you feel the spirit of La Loba, wherever you are in life, and it just takes you away for a little while.”

MENU SPOTLIGHT

Showcasing noteworthy signature dishes or seasonal menu items in our menu spotlight special section.

CULTURE

An Exceptional American Showcase

The Sense of Beauty at OKCMOA

BY LAVINIA CRESWA

In January of 2020, a devasting earthquake hit the southwestern part of Puerto Rico, bringing mass destruction in its wake.

Power was lost across the island, with a state of emergency being immediately declared. One of the buildings affected was the Museo de Arte de Ponce, an internationally renowned art museum holding over 4,500 works.

While originally housed in a smaller colonial house after opening in 1959, the museum had been relocated to a gorgeous, modern Caribbean building designed by Edward Durell Stone in 1965. By some miracle, almost the entire collection of art was safe, but the building suffered significant structural damage.

After years of planning, performing safety studies to ensure the building’s integrity and fundraising, the Museo de Arte de Ponce officially broke ground on the reconstruction project in May of this year. The museum has been temporarily closed, with much of the collection being carefully stored for an eventual return to gallery walls.

Perhaps the only positive to come out from this natural disaster is that the Museo de Arte de Ponce created a special exhibition to tour the United States. The Sense of Beauty: Six Centuries of Painting is currently on display at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art through Sept. 20.

The paintings selected for this exhibition reflect the wide range and diversity of the Museo de Arte de Ponce’s collection, bringing together everything from European masters to Puerto Rican contemporaries. Many of the pieces have not been on view outside Puerto Rico since the museum acquired them as part of its permanent collection. While many exhibits display art chronologically, The Sense of Beauty is organized by themes popular throughout the history of art. Scenes of daily life, landscapes,

religion, portraiture and the concept of beauty are all represented, with 16th-century masterpieces presented next to one from the 21st century.

One especially exciting painting on display is an 1895 painting by Sir Frederic Leighton named “Flaming June.” This iconic Victorian-era piece is instantly recognizable, featuring a sleeping woman in a vibrant, marigold-orange dress. “Flaming June” has an interesting history, as it was originally bought by a British newspaper before being loaned to a museum in the early 1900s. How it was turned up behind a chimney in the early 1960s remains a mystery, but since Victorian paintings had fallen out of style, it was considered worthless. Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber famously remembers seeing the painting for sale at a charity shop for just £50, but he was unable to purchase it because his grandmother would not lend him the money. In 1963, Museo de Arte de Ponce founder Luis A. Ferré was traveling through Europe purchasing pieces for the museum, when he bought “Flaming June” for less than $1,000. Now, the painting is pivotal in pop culture. At the 2026 Met Gala, Vogue Magazine’s new Head of Editorial Content, Chloe Malle, wore a custom-made dress inspired by “Flaming June” fitting of the “Fashion is Art” theme. Leighton’s masterpiece has even been referred to as the “Mona Lisa of the Southern Hemisphere.”

And that’s only one piece; artists that are both recognizable and novel are showcased within The Sense of Beauty. Visitors can expect to find works by Peter Paul Rubens, Francisco de Goya, William Merritt Chase, James Tissot, John Singer Sargent and many more throughout the gallery.

For more information on The Sense of Beauty: Six Centuries of Painting or to plan your trip to the museum, visit okcmoa.com.

Multi Media Star

News anchor and artist Robin Marsh combines talents to make a difference

BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

With a news career spanning 30-plus years, Robin Marsh also excels working with other media, specifically acrylics on canvas (and Diet Coke, applied between sips and mixed with charcoal as a stain). Marsh’s vibrant, abstract paintings have provided her a creative and spiritual outlet—she incorporates a Bible verse into each one. They’ve also become an effective way to fundraise, with donated pieces raising more than $300,000 for local nonprofits. Marsh recently shared more with us about her career, art and multi-media world.

When did you begin painting?

“It really came about from the pandemic. Just like everybody else, I was feeling isolated …

I started watching people paint on YouTube, and I was fascinated by what’s called ‘Dutch pour’ painting. You pour all this paint kind of in a circle, and you get a hair dryer, and you fan it out, and it becomes this beautiful piece of artwork; I just fell in love with it … I felt like a storyteller on a canvas instead of a storyteller on the screen. My husband really encouraged me. He was like, ‘You’re really very talented, but I think you need to start painting with paint brushes, not a hair dryer.”

How did you first connect with the Toby Keith Foundation?

“Before Toby Keith passed away, I wondered if I could do a story with him … We were supposed to have a limited time with

him, 15 or 20 minutes. We were there for three hours. He shared so much about his faith. After he passed, we shared that long-form interview, commercial free. I think it was such a blessing to everyone, just to hear him in his own words … The foundation reached out and asked if I would be willing to do a piece of artwork for the Toby Keith Foundation at their big annual fundraising event.

You created and donated two pieces to that event. What happened afterward?

“Both of those paintings went for close to $65,000. It just kind of opened a floodgate for me to realize that my art might be able to make a difference and help raise money for great charities.”

You also support the Alzheimer’s Association. Tell me about that.

“I emcee the Alzheimer’s walk for the greater Oklahoma City area every year, because my mom passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2022 … I did a piece [for them], and I was totally blown away. The lady from [the Alzheimer’s Association] called me and said, ‘I’m so grateful. Your artwork brought in $46,000.’ I literally texted her back, ‘Do you mean $4,600?’ And she said, ‘No, $46,000.’ I just looked at my phone in shock.”

What do you want others to know about your work?

“You’re never too old to learn. I started painting in my 50s … I think if you’re alive, no matter what age, you have a lot to give and never discount the gifts that God has given you.”

When you reflect on your years at News 9, what comes to mind?

“I’m truly just a girl from Lawton who has proven hard work can pay off … When David Griffin hired me 31 years ago, he changed my life. He gave me the opportunity of a lifetime, and I will forever be grateful to the Griffin family for that.”

Hidden Gem

The colorful history of SE Oklahoma’s Robbers Cave

BY LINDA MILLER PHOTO COURTESY OF OKLAHOMA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

More than 130 years ago, the mountains and caves in southeastern Oklahoma became a safe hideaway for outlaws and gangs including Jesse James, the Youngers and Belle Starr, who was known as the queen of the Oklahoma outlaws. Civil War deserters from both the Confederacy and the Union were known to take shelter there, too. Today, the area attracts a different visitor, one who’s more interested in exploring, learning its history, enjoying nature and outdoor activities or simply relaxing.

Nestled in the San Bois Mountains about 4 miles north of Wilburton, the area was once used as an Osage hunting ground and explored by the French in the 18th century. It became a state park that was originally named Latimer State Park, but the name was changed to Robbers Cave State Park in 1936 as a nod to its wild past.

The cave’s history as a hideout for notorious criminals continues to entice visitors, as does the

hope that treasure may be discovered. It’s not an impossibility. In late 1950, park employees uncovered a large stash of golden wedding rings, according to a story in The Oklahoman.

The treasure was found near the caves on Fourche Maline Creek and an old stagecoach line, triggering the idea that it may have been stashed there after a robbery.

More than a century ago, massive trees and boulders hid the 40-foot-deep cave, making it the perfect hiding place for both criminals and their loot. But one way in and one way out doesn’t make for quick escape. A secret exit, known only to a few infamous outlaws, is thought to have existed.

Surrounded by mountains, the area provided what was considered the perfect fortress. Not only did the cave’s elevation allow outlaws to see anyone, especially lawmen, headed their direction, but the clusters of rocks functioned as corrals for the horses.

But in 1929, long after stories about outlaws and hidden money quieted, the land was donated to the Boy Scouts and later developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Depression. After a few years, more land was acquired for the new Latimer State Park with cabins, roads, shelters, a bathhouse and a group camp.

The park was part of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal Program. It was one of the original seven state parks in Oklahoma.

While its history as a hideout for outlaws adds to the appeal of the cave, the park with its rock bluffs of shale and sandstone has evolved into a popular destination for those who want to hike, swim, explore, picnic or take a leisurely horseback ride.

Or maybe search for treasure.

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