November 2025

GLOBAL FOOD SHOWCASED IN OKC

A RETROSPECTIVE

42

Food Around the World

India to Ireland, Guatemala to Japan—OKC’s global offerings give diners a world of possibilities for expanding their palates without passports.

Best New Restaurants

Fresh flavors have been in ample supply in 2025; make plans to savor these exciting evolutions to the Oklahoma City dining scene.

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PHOTOGRAPHY

Shea Alan

Kimberly Martin

Rachel Maucieri

Charlie Neuenschwander

Sara Stewart

Shevaun Williams

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Kristen Grace

Bennett Hill

Matt Kirouac

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A World of Possibilities

Our food scene in Oklahoma City is not lacking in any way.

One of the best years of my life was spent completing the Walt Disney World college program and working at Epcot. The World Showcase in the park is one of the highlights of Disney properties across the globe. Its experience provides miniature versions of 11 different countries that circle around a water structure. The shops, food and—best of all—employees all come from the highlighted country. And in one day of exploration, you get the remarkable feeling of having traveled around the world.

When putting together this November’s feature, we decided to assemble Oklahoma City’s very own “food around the world” showcase. Internationally renowned food and travel writer Matt Kirouac assembled a list of 13 different countries and the local restaurants where you can find the authentic food of each one. As is the case in Epcot World Showcase, many of the OKC restaurant owners are also from the regions represented. On the cover, we feature one of my favorite restaurants, where I have spent many a birthday dinner as well as breezy evenings out on the patio—Riserva Bar + Tapas at Chisholm Creek. Everything about this restaurant is a vibe, and photographer Shea Alan captured its colorful and zesty offerings so beautifully (pg 26).

BEHIND THE SCENES

Also in this issue, we have the muchanticipated list of this year’s best new restaurants. When people tell me they love the magazine, I often follow up by asking which part is their favorite to read. More often than not, the answer is our food coverage—this annual list in particular. There are still a few places on this list I’ve yet to try, and I can’t wait to make completing it a goal for the new year (pg. 42)!

In gearing up for the holidays, we bring you a local gift guide featuring an array of upscale and festive products that would bring oohs and aahs if they found their way under your tree (pg.47).

We are also thrilled to introduce you to a once-local-now-national music theater star who continues to book starring role after starring role (pg. 12), as well as a landscape painter whose stunning creations capture the eye (pg. 60).

As we enter this season of thankfulness that is wonderful November, I want to show my appreciation for the 405 Magazine team who have become like family to me; and also for you, our beloved readers. Thank you for being so smart, for your endless support—and most of all for loving this superb city as much as we do.

Julie Partin EDITOR IN CHIEF

University of Oklahoma Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art 555 Elm Ave, Norman, OK 73019

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Music

Behind the Mask

We chat with OCU alumnus and Phantom phenom Isaiah Bailey

BY KRISTEN GRACE PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

Isaiah Bailey, alumnus of Oklahoma City University, will star as the Phantom in a lavish North American tour of The Phantom of the Opera, launching Nov. 11 at the Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore. The production features a 38-person cast and a 14-musician orchestra performing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s soaring score. As the longestrunning Broadway show ever, The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a disfigured musical genius who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House. Fascinated by the talents and beauty of a young soprano named Christine, The Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls obsessively in love with her.

Isaiah Bailey grew up in Arkansas surrounded by gospel music, and his love for that music has never left him. He also fell in love with Oklahoma City while going to college. He graduated in 2014, and said, “Oklahoma City is a second home to me. I try to get back here at least once every year. I love coming back to St. Luke’s Methodist and hearing the young Broadway singers every June. While I was in college for opera and musical theater, I was part of a gospel-infused church and had the opportunity to lead worship.”

Bailey started performing when he was only 10 years old. He attended Wildwood Park for the Arts in Little Rock, Arkansas, which offered an opera summer camp for kids. The first year, Bailey got a part in an opera production of Cinderella. He recalled, “It was my introduction to opera. It was also my first time on stage and performing.

“I went back to Wildwood Park for three summers straight. I started to develop a very mature sound for my age. When the artistic director

retired, she decided to start a preparatory program for aspiring classical singers; I was one of the charter students. We learned to sight-read, staging and acting skills and piano lessons. I was also very active in my high school drama department and singing at my church.”

Bailey has been recently seen in Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl, toured the country in The Lion King and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and was seen off-Broadway in Revelation: The Musical. Bailey said his role as the Phantom allows him to showcase his vocal range, combining classical training with contemporary elements. “I get to use multiple facets of my voice,” Bailey said, calling it unique among his Broadway experiences.

He said that for many years he never dreamed of playing the Phantom because he had never seen a person of color play the role, until he saw Norm Lewis’ historic debut in New York City in 2014 and said, “My mind was opened. I realized that I could play that part.”

About the character of the Phantom, Bailey wants people to realize, “People don’t start off bad. Trauma happens to them. In the Phantom’s case, being hated by his mother, the disfiguration of his face, it makes sense why he feels so alone and feels why he manipulates others to love him.” Bailey said he hopes audiences will take away the message that “everyone is worth being loved and seen for who they are inside the outer shell.”

The Phantom of the Opera may make its way here in the second year of its run. Our fingers are crossed that we will get to hear Bailey’s powerful voice as the Phantom in Oklahoma, his home away from home.

Old Traditions & New Interpretations

Embrace your own style for the holidays

BY BENNETT HILL

There is something to be said about the comfort and familiarity found in traditions passed down through the family tree. Be it a recipe, an accessory that adorned loved ones of old or a story that never ceases to evoke nostalgia, tradition lays the foundation for the community we claim.

But while it is rooted in consistency, tradition doesn’t have to go hand in hand with monotony. Replacing a dish you feel you have to make with one you want to try can keep things fresh and the party on its toes. Not a hit among attendees? Pivot the conversation to the stunning ring or necklace, maybe even the quilted coat, that makes a statement without you having to say a thing. Add a pop of color with your stemware, beautifully complementing your loved china and adding your personal touch to the tablescape. The line between respecting tradition and expressing yourself need not be avoided. Remember: It’s your party, you can dress and decorate how you want to!

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Cookies & Cocktails

Photos by Sundance Photography

Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma hosted Cookies & Cocktails at Camp Trivera and raised nearly $65,000. Attendees were treated to all-you-can-enjoy bites and beverages; live music; and craft cocktails with gourmet pairings from some of Oklahoma’s best chefs and mixologists—all with a Girl Scout Cookie twist. Winners included People’s Choice, Plus254 – A Taste of Africa; Best Sweet, Lucy Snax; Best Savory, Barbells and BBQ OKC; and Best Cocktail, Pub W.

Oklahoma Contemporary’s ArtNow

Photos by Madi Rae Photos and The Booth

Oklahoma Contemporary celebrated the opening of ArtNow 2025: Materials and Boundaries with an evening full of immersive art, curated cocktails and a silent auction. The biennial exhibition series focuses on artists active in the state; guest curator Alexa Goetzinger and guest curatorial assistant Virginia Sitzes asked 26 artists to explore Oklahoman identity using themes of place and self with experimental materials and new practices. Vendors and sponsors included New Leaf Florist, Brainbox Designs, Mood Event Rentals and Eventures, DJ YuchiBoy, DJ KoraWaves, WanderFolk Spirits, Lively Beerworks, Kam’s Kookery, Bedré Chocolate and Titan AV. The event raised over $252,000 in support of accessible arts experiences.

Ballet Under the Stars

Photos by Ashley Sunderland

Oklahoma City Ballet welcomed more than 4,500 attendees to Ballet Under the Stars at Scissortail Park Love’s Travel Stops Stage. This free community performance featured a diverse program of classical ballet selections and new contemporary works, showcasing the artistic range of the company. In addition to the professional dancers, the program highlighted emerging talent from the Yvonne Chouteau School, the University of Oklahoma School of Dance and Oklahoma City Ballet’s Community Partner, Santa Fe South Elementary School.

OKCMOA Renaissance Ball

Photos by Todd Scott with SNL Photo Booth and Logan Walcher with Proxima Bear Productions

The 49th annual Renaissance Ball was held at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club and kicked off the museum’s season with a black-tie gala featuring dinner and dancing in celebration of its exhibition Paul Reed: A Retrospective, one of the largest retrospectives ever devoted to the artist. The black-tie gala featured drinks, dinner, dessert and dancing to music from DJ Lucy Wrebel, and recognized Frank Hill with the first ever Frank D. Hill Distinguished Trustee Award. This namesake honor will continue in the coming years. The ball was chaired by Hillary and Peter Farrell; the late night afterparty was co-chaired by Fareshteh Hamidi and Emily Isbill.

Beware High Blood Sugar

Stay informed about your health this Diabetes Awareness Month

BY LAVINIA CRESWA

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and with over 12% of Oklahoma’s adult population having this diagnosis, it plays a major role in our state’s well-being.

Insulin, a hormone made in the pancreas, assists in removing sugar from the bloodstream and sending it to other cells to use as energy. With diabetes, the body is either not producing enough insulin to manage the blood sugar or not using the insulin available effectively, resulting in a chronic condition where blood sugar levels are too high. Over time, uncontrolled blood sugar can damage many parts of the body including the heart and blood vessels, eyes, nerves, kidneys and feet—and may eventually even lead to death. Oklahoma’s diabetes-related mortality rate is about 33.8 per 100,000, which is among the highest in the country.

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), formerly called Juvenile Diabetes, is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks the pancreas and prevents it from producing insulin. Symptoms of T1D include increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue and blurred vision. Approximately 18,000 Oklahomans have T1D with an average of 400 new diagnoses every year. In the United States, roughly one in 30 families are affected by T1D.

One resource for these families is the nonprofit foundation Breakthrough T1D, the leading global Type 1 Diabetes research and advocacy organization, with the mission of accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to treat, prevent and ultimately cure T1D and its complications and make everyday life better. Last year, it raised nearly $450 million for research and therapy development. T1D is commonly diagnosed in childhood or in young adulthood and requires lifelong insulin management, usually through an external pump worn on the upper arm. While

T1D is often tied to genetic and environmental factors, it only accounts for about 5% of diabetic cases.

The other 95% of diabetic patients have Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), when the pancreas cannot properly use the insulin produced. The prevalence of T2D increases over 25% among adults aged 65 and older, and is higher in certain ethnic groups. While the symptoms of T2D are the same as T1D, they also include tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, slow-healing sores or frequent infections. Lifestyle has a huge effect on the likelihood of a Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis, with physical inactivity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and an unhealthy

diet among the leading causes. Type 2 Diabetes is also one of most expensive chronic conditions to manage. According to Breakthrough T1D, in 2017, diagnosed diabetes was responsible for $2.8 billion in Oklahoma medical expenses. T2D is managed by medications and possible insulin treatment, and can possibly go into remission by losing weight, managing your diet and increasing your exercise level.

It is important to have an annual physical, which will include an A1C blood test to measure your average blood sugar over the past few months. While a diabetes diagnosis can be scary, it is possible to be well managed, especially when diagnosed early.

THE PROTEIN EQUATION

Moms may remember having to drink a sweet solution for a glucose tolerance test; it screens for gestational diabetes, where high blood sugar levels develop during pregnancy. To ensure a healthy outcome for both mom and baby, treatment may include diet, exercise and medication management. While gestational diabetes typically resolves after pregnancy, it does increase chances of developing T2D later in life.

Kind Sight Foundation is committed to removing the barriers that impaired vision can impose on a child’s education. Oklahoma Eye Associates will donate a percentage of all premium surgeries to provide glasses to children who would not otherwise have access to them.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13 5:30- 7:30PM

BRICKTOWN

MICKEY MANTLE PLAZA

FREE & OPEN TO EVERYONE

PRESENTED BY

“Bluegrassical” Trio

Bass-fiddle legend Edgar Meyer collaborates with our hometown hero Joshua Roman on cello and GRAMMY-nominated violinist Tessa Lark! Their program begins with Bach’s “Sonata for Viola de Gamba” and transitions to Meyer’s own Trios that blend classical structures with bluegrass, jazz and American folk traditions. Get ready for some fancy fiddling on violin, cello and bass!

7:30 PM THURSDAY, NOV. 20

Game On

With the right design and build team in play, the Shavers created a perfectly pleasing home P. 22

Pleasant Surroundings

Easy-going people and processes made designing this home a joy

BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER PHOTOS BY SARAH STRUNK

For Molly Cooke, the process of designing Chad and Lisa Shaver’s home was full of pleasant surprises. Landing the project itself was unexpected; it came Cooke’s way via a referral from friends at Classic Tile. Homeowner Lisa Shaver, who introduced herself as an overthinker and someone who struggles to make decisions, was “one of the easiest, sweetest clients,” said Cooke. And builder Tim Smith was so organized things moved very efficiently and quickly; the home was completed in one year instead of the typical 18-month timeline.

“Everything happened so fast. It was unlike anything I’ve been a part of in the last 14 years of doing this,” Cooke said. “And it’s so interesting that the project went so quickly, because the

Shavers had no timeline. I mean, they didn’t even move into this house for a year until after it was completed. So it was just a very, very different situation.”

Without the pressure of a quick move-in date, Cooke had more freedom to make the best interior design selections for the home and the family. The Shavers had remained in Kingfisher to finish out the school year, and were preparing for a new way of life as empty nesters. They wanted their new home in Edmond’s Waterstone neighborhood to accommodate the shifting dynamics.

“Our design was intentional in having a dedicated space for different activities and different people, including our three dogs,” said Lisa Shaver. “Every room serves a specific

purpose, which helps create an organized and calming environment. Chad enjoys playing pool to unwind and crafting cocktails for guests when entertaining, so spaces for both were high on our priority list. Oklahoma summers can almost be intolerable without a swimming pool, so fitting that into our courtyard patio area was imperative also. Being dog lovers, a dedicated space for our three pups has made caring for them much easier. We were able to create a room just for them so that they still have access to the outdoors while being confined to their space when we are away.”

The layout was inspired by a previous family home design that featured a U-shaped courtyard, sliding glass doors and open-concept views. Located just outside Chisholm Creek,

INTERIOR DESIGNER MOLLY COOKE SELECTED NATURAL MATERIALS, HEAVY TEXTURES AND LARGE LIGHT FIXTURES TO WARM UP THE HOME'S MODERN ARCHITECTURE.

the new home would also provide views of the property’s beautiful tree-lined areas.

Shaver wanted rooms to be functional, uncluttered and modern but not sterile. Cooke blended taupes and tans with the black and white elements to make the high ceilings and modern interiors feel cozy. She also introduced natural textures through wallpapers—like the Kyle Bunting cowhide in the wet bar and heavy grasscloth in the stairwell. Bold, statement-piece chandeliers were installed to hang low, giving the surroundings a more intimate feel. The game room’s custom-built banquette is one of many special touches throughout the home.

“From cabinetry design in the very early stages, to paint, tile, lighting, furniture and

eventually throw pillows and accessories, Molly never let one aspect slip through the cracks,” Shaver said. “Every design choice she suggested has turned out to be perfection in our home.”

Perhaps the best surprise Cooke experienced while working on the Shaver home occurred just one day after its completion. The final install began on a Monday and wrapped up on a Thursday; Cooke delivered a baby that Friday. Once again, Cooke credits the amazing people— especially her associate designer Jari Escobar— who made this project so approachable, efficient and enjoyable. The people and the processes were as pleasing as the final home design.

Take a bite of INDIA

THAILAND

GUATEMALA

ETHIOPIA

FRANCE

IRELAND

MOROCCO & MORE

Food Around the World

GLOBAL FLAVORS FIND A WELCOMING HOME IN OKC

No matter what cuisine you’re craving, you needn’t venture far to find it in Oklahoma City. Sure, our steakhouses are legendary, but nowadays our worldclass food scene touches all reaches of the globe. Like EPCOT at Walt Disney World, where the World Showcase features 11 different country pavilions that allow guests to almost literally dine around the world, OKC’s restaurants offer the same globetrotting flavors. From chef-driven Spanish tapas and homespun Thai recipes to Mexican menudo and French fare so legit that it comes with a miniature Eiffel Tower, here’s how to eat your way around the world—all within OKC city limits.

Spain

Tapas at Riserva

Bar + Tapas

1332 W MEMORIAL ROAD SUITE 108

On the contemporary front, Riserva Bar + Tapas is a shining star in Chisholm Creek, where Spanish plates deftly toe the line between tradition and innovation. As the name implies, the stylish restaurant focuses on scratch-made tapas that pack every morsel with flavor. The fan-favorites are all here, including patatas bravas seasoned with smoked paprika aïoli and manchego, and verdant fattoush salad teeming with textures of crispy quinoa, romaine, radish, cucumber and pomegranate. The shareable portion sizes make it easy to feast on an array of dishes, like creamy hummus topped with meltingly tender short rib and pomegranate molasses, pistachio-flecked sweet potatoes in coconut curry or harissa shrimp kebabs with cucumber melon relish and shawarma salsa. Save room for one of the best desserts in town: chocolate tart with tahini mousse, toasted sesame and apricot rose jam.

Szechuan Story

2800 N CLASSEN BLVD #108

China

Like Sheesh Mahal, if enough restaurant industry experts point you to the same place, you know it’s gotta be good. Szechuan Story frequently tops the list of recommendations for Chinese restaurants, for its scorchingly authentic take on the fiery flavors endemic to the southwestern Chinese province of Sichuan. Beyond its modest Asian District facade, the restaurant makes up for its sparse decor with a menu that erupts with flavor, from plump pork dumplings awash in chili oil and cumin-spiced lamb chops to crowd-pleasing platters of dry crispy spicy chicken and ribbon-like threads of sliced pig ears in—you guessed it—chili oil.

India

Sheesh Mahal

4621 N MAY AVE

When I first moved to Oklahoma City, the restaurant that everyone told me to try wasn’t a downtown steakhouse, or a buzzy hot spot. It was Sheesh Mahal, a frillsfree, family-run institution in a nondescript building on North May. Open since 2013, and specializing in halal Indian and Pakistani cuisines, it’s a testament to the eatery’s authenticity that it reigns among the most lauded neighborhood restaurants in town. On the night I moved into my house, fortuitously close to Sheesh Mahal, I paused from unpacking to see what all the fuss was about. Suffice to say, I have returned countless times to Sheesh Mahal, and bookended my time in that house by eating there again the night before I moved across town. The encyclopedic menu might seem overwhelming at first, but every single dish, bread and curry is executed perfectly, from the flaky samosas brimming with spiced potatoes and the rich, stew-like splendor of goat haleem to lamb naan and green masala chicken.

Cafe Antigua

1903 N CLASSEN BLVD

Guatemala

A taste of home for some is a taste of adventure for others. Cafe Antigua is a Latin American love letter for Benjamin and Elida Valdez, who opened the colorful restaurant as an homage to their home country of Guatemala. Open for breakfast, brunch and lunch, the restaurant radiates familial warmth and cultural character, from the marimba music to the Guatemalan coffee— marked by notes of acidity that come from the country’s higher elevations and volcanic terroir. The food, however familiar or not, is pure comfort. Start with shareable appetizers like enchiladas chapinas, stuffed with shredded beef and crowned with a pickled cabbage and beet salad, before graduating to the spicy motuleño, a handmade corn tortilla with beans, eggs, salsa, avocado, queso fresco and corn chips. Lunch options include Mayan rice topped with grilled chimichurri chicken, picadillo-filled flautas and white rice with black beans and grilled tilapia. Whatever you do, save room for platanos en Gloria, fried plantains with brown sugar syrup and cinnamon.

Flip’s Wine Bar & Trattoria

5801 N WESTERN AVE

Vignola’s

Italian Kitchen

23 W 1ST ST STE 130

My favorite kinds of Italian restaurants, at least stateside, are the red sauce joints swimming in marinara, where Chianti comes poured to the brim and burly bowls of pasta come heaped with meatballs and shaved parmesan. It’s all part of the allure of Flip’s Wine Bar & Trattoria, a funky Nichols Hills anchor since 1985, where convivial crowds chow down on calamari, lasagna, garlicky bruschetta, sausage pizzas and chicken parm. The dining room itself, an odd triangular shape with tables decorated with antiques and trinkets, is a hoot, and the food—the kind of unabashed indulgence that makes you feel like you’re at nonna’s house— follows suit. It’s not all decadence, though. One of my favorite things on the menu is the Caesar salad with a perfectly cooked fillet of grilled salmon. It’s one of the best Caesar salads in the city, and one of the best dishes on the Flip’s menu.

In Edmond, among the most promising—and underrated—Italian entries of late is Vignola’s. We wrote about it when it opened in 2024, and the family-run operation has been chugging away inside the Edmond Railyard ever since. Manned by husband-wife team Ashley and Giovanni Vignola, who moved to Oklahoma after creating an Italian catering company near D.C., the fast-casual eatery serves up hearty, wholesome, scratch-made family recipes, like pea-studded arancini, cheese tortellini salad, pappardelle bolognese in beef ragù and the best eggplant parmesan sub I’ve ever had.

Italy

Japan

Awaji Izakaya

12305 N ROCKWELL AVE

OKC has experienced a major boom in Japanese restaurants over the past couple of years, but if you’re looking for the full Tokyo immersion, head to Awaji Izakaya. A cozy Japanese pub, resplendent in vibrant paper lanterns, characteristic signs and Japanese umbrellas, the nook-filled space is the vision of seasoned chef Richard Ly, who meticulously slices some of the freshest fish and seafood in the city, for sushi dishes like snow crab nigiri, yellowtail sashimi with blood orange and yuzu ponzu and the Duo Osaka Style Press, a pressed maki roll made with spicy yellowtail, avocado, tuna, spicy mayo and eel sauce. Beyond sushi, his expansive menu is meant to be shared and snacked upon, from gyoza dumplings and Japanese fried chicken to lobster rangoon and a full menu of yakitori skewers.

Morocco

Cous Cous Cafe

6165 N MAY AVE

A rare Moroccan treat in OKC, Cous Cous Cafe spotlights North African cuisine on North May. Another oft-cited restaurant for delicious and authentic cooking, a la Sheesh Mahal just down the street, Cous Cous offers traditional tagines filled with the likes of tender chicken with raisins and sweet onions, or chermoula-marinated salmon in tomato sauce with potatoes, olives and carrots. Verdant salads include the Zaalook salad with mashed eggplant over crisp lettuce with tomatoes and garlic, while heftier house specialties include chicken bastilla, a sweet-and-savory chicken pie—enrobed in flaky warka dough—studded with ground almonds, herbs and cinnamon-sugar. The massive menu takes the something-for-everyone approach, offering kabob platters, sandwiches and even Moroccan burritos, filled with the likes of hummus, rice and Moroccan salad.

La Esquina

2400 SW 29TH ST

El Coyote

925 W BRITTON ROAD

Often, the best kinds of taquerias are those that eschew decor for kaleidoscopic shelves of pastelhued conchas and hulking trays filled with crispy pork cracklings. At La Esquina, a casual cafe and taqueria on the southwest side, it’s all part of the decades-long tradition. The corner shop doubles as a neighborhood market, with snacks and sundries like Mexican candies and sodas, while the kitchen cooks up a beefy medley of shredded barbacoa, tortas, tacos and menudo, a spicy soup simmered with beef tripe, hominy and red chili peppers.

On the contemporary side of the plate, El Coyote offers its own take on tortilla traditions. While the Britton District cantina is technically New Mexican, specializing in items like green chile queso and stuffed sopapillas, there’s enough regional similarities to merit a shoutout on this list. Especially considering how immersive the adobe-style space is, decked out with kivas and chile ristras, while offering dishes like sorghum-glazed beef tacos, adovada steak in smoky red chile sauce and blue corn enchiladas with coyote beans. Don’t sleep on the cocktails and margaritas, either, like the green chile- and strawberry-infused Taos Desert Heat.

Mexico

France

La Baguette Bistro

7408 N MAY AVE

From steakhouses to Italian restaurants, Oklahoma City is not lacking in comfort food, but there’s something extra savory about filet au poivre, rolled in black pepper and flambéed with brandy, or onion soup gratinée, bubbling under a crown of caramelized Gruyere. More than mere comfort, French food is a transcendent—and transportive—celebration of cuisine and culture. That culture is alive and well at La Baguette Bistro, where a 30foot Eiffel Tower beckons Francophiles to a marketplace, bakery and full-service bistro, festooned with throne-like chairs and convivial booths. It’s an apt setting for some of OKC’s foremost French cuisine. The expansive menu hits all the high notes, from carpaccio-style smoked salmon flecked with capers and lemon-chili oil to meltingly tender beef tartare and a pitch-perfect French onion soup, wafting with rich beef broth, jammy onions and a molten medley of gooey Gruyere. A staple since the ’80s, La Baguette is an homage to the south of France, where brothers Alain and Michel Buthion fell in love with food at their father’s boucherie. That homegrown heritage is evident in every facet of the brand, from the curated market to the plates, like herb-crusted rack of lamb with Cabernet glaze and chicken crêpes draped with Chardonnay cream. These dishes, and the hospitality that the Buthions foster, are the kinds of timeless traditions that have kept customers coming back for generations.

Pho Cuong

3016 N CLASSEN BLVD

Vietnam

Twenty Pho Hour

1332 W MEMORIAL ROAD

A staple in the Asian District, Pho Cuong is one of the foremost pho stops in the hub of OKC’s thriving Vietnamese community. I first visited for a friend’s birthday dinner, and after one slurp of anisescented soup, brimming with beef brisket and rice noodles, I could understand why they chose it for their celebration. The homey, family-owned eatery offers familiar comforts, like egg rolls and beef pho, and more adventurous offerings, such as noodle soup with brisket and tripe; beef noodle soup with pork shank, ham and pork blood; and rice congee with shrimp, squid, mussels and crab. On the other end of the spectrum for noodle eateries, Twenty Pho Hour in Chisholm Creek delights diners with not only exceptional pho and other Asian dishes but also a dining room unlike anything else in town. Every single thing in the restaurant besides the food is entirely black and white, right down to the monochrome soda machine and trash can–giving diners a real life comic book experience.

Ireland

Sean Cummings

Irish Pub

7628 N MAY AVE

I have yet to make it to Ireland, but I imagine it looks exactly like Sean Cummings Irish Pub. As you enter the dimly lit pub on North May, you’re asked whether you want to visit Italy or Ireland (the pub shares a building with Vito’s Ristorante), and if you’re indecisive, the siren song of live Celtic music should do the trick. Inside, you’d think you were whisked away to Dublin, where draught Guinness flows like wine and walls are lined with Irish memorabilia, family photos and flags. It’s all thanks to the titular Sean Cummings, whose parents were both from Ireland, and instilled in him a love for potato cakes, colcannon and Irish breakfast. Those traditions carry through at his namesake pub, where diners have their pick of Irish stew, beef boxty (potato crêpe filled with beef, onions and mushrooms), shepherd’s pie and perhaps the best beer-battered fish & chips in the city. Music is equally integral, held on a nightly basis, with folksy bands like the Flowers of Edinburgh, acoustic Ravens Three and the flutes and guitars of Pierce-Hart.

Thailand

Four J’s

2920 S AGNEW AVE #3

Years before Ma Der skyrocketed to national fame, earning chef Jeff Chanchaleune two nominations at the James Beard Awards, Four J’s was among the first restaurants in town to introduce real-deal Thai and Laotian cuisine to OKC. Today, the pint-sized southwest side eatery is still cooking up food that reminds me of my travels through Thailand. What started as a homespun business, cooking food for colleagues and friends, evolved into a family-run brick and mortar named after the owners’ four daughters, whose names all start with “J.” On the menu, look for Laotian-style papaya salad, splashed with pickled fish sauce, and rice noodles tangled with ground pork, fermented soy bean sauce, cabbage and bean sprouts. Sure, it has the requisite pad Thai, but venture afield and try something more legit, like tom kha coconut milk soup scented with galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime, basil, young corn and cilantro.

Ethiopia

Queen of Sheba

2308 N MACARTHUR BLVD

My favorite African restaurant in OKC, Queen of Sheba has become something of a ritualistic treat for me. If I have a free night, one of my favorite traditions is roller skating at Skate Galaxy, and then bopping over to Ethiopia for dinner. Not the actual country, but considering its diligent authenticity, it’s the next best thing. The restaurant is a lot larger than its strip mall facade suggests, outfitted with African baskets and artwork, while the menu hits a bullseye with its injera—a spongy, pancake-like sourdough flatbread that doubles as plateware and utensils. Various stews and salads are layered atop the injera, which guests tear off to eat with their hands, making for a wholly unique dining experience not found in most OKC restaurants (where ripping apart the plates would likely be frowned upon). Here, though, it’s the vessel on which to savor dishes like buttery lamb tibbs, seasoned with green chili and onions, and bozena shurro, a medley of chickpeas, beef and berbere sauce. Queen of Sheba also offers an ample vegetarian selection, emphasizing ingredients like lentils, split peas, potatoes and collard greens.

Best New Restaurants

Exciting evolutions on OKC’s dining scene

This time last year, I waxed poetic about Oklahoma City playing in the big leagues; about all the promising developments taking shape in our city, and all the cultural successes along the way. This year, those visions have never been more true. Fresh off an NBA Championship win for the OKC Thunder, catapulting our fair city into the international spotlight like never before, we sealed a deal with Los Angeles to host events during the 2028 Olympics. All the while, our restaurants, chefs and bars received more semifinalist nods from the James Beard Awards than ever before, and annual visitation reached a staggering 24.5 million, generating $2.8 billion in direct visitor spending. With the Route 66 Centennial next year, and all eyes on the Mother Road that passes through OKC, that momentum is only going to boom.

In the meantime, as we await exciting new openings from chef Kevin Lee and the folks at Nonesuch, and national publications continue to shower acclaim upon our dining scene, we’re looking back at the best new restaurants that played a role in OKC’s cultural growth over the past year. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, there truly has never been a better time to dine in OKC. It’s a sentiment I share every year, and on an evergreen basis nowadays, but it’s one I hear from locals and outsiders alike. Every time friends visit from other cities, or my Oklahoman sister-in-law comes back from New England, they’re awed by the growth and the change. Restaurants have always played major roles in a city’s evolution, and this year’s crop of newcomers continues the tradition.

Elisabetta

7300 N. Western Ave.

Italian restaurants have not been in short supply around here, but 2025 was the year that one of OKC’s savviest restaurateurs found a way to make her mark. Courtesy of 84 Hospitality and CEO Rachel Cope, Elisabetta is a decidedly more glamorous chapter for a company known for pizza, burgers and ramen. Nestled in Nichols Hills, the restaurant has a natural swagger to it, from raw brass accents to polished walnut paneling, and a moody atmosphere that Cope aspired to. All the while, it’s undeniably comfy, convivial and scene-y, without being pretentious. The result is a space that feels wholly distinct, worthy of an anniversary dinner or a casual snack at the bar— both of which I’ve done. The wine list casts a global net, offering some pleasant surprises like Slovenian Chardonnay, while cocktails, like the Olive Oil Washed Martini, are out to glamorize the classics. Food-wise, you’ll find stunning starters, like citrusy yellowtail carpaccio and snow crab claws with drawn butter and fennel pollen, along with elegant pastas (e.g. lobster tortelloni with tarragon butter sauce) and show-stopping entrees (e.g. braised short rib with pistachio gremolata and broccolini).

Bar Sen

1630 N. Blackwelder Ave.

It seems that, each year, one or two new restaurants capture lightning in a bottle by dazzling local diners, out-of-towners and national critics alike. BAR SEN, a new Laotian noodle concept in the Plaza District from acclaimed chef Jeff Chanchaleune, was this year’s shining beacon. It’s a homespun, heartfelt restaurant—located right next door to Chanchaleune’s Ma Der Lao Kitchen—that’s focused on the humblest of dishes: chicken noodle soup. That soup, Laotian Khao Piek Sen, laid the foundation for a menu of housemade rice noodle soups unlike anything OKC has ever slurped. Inspired by the soup Chanchaleune grew up eating, the Khao Piek Sen boasts a rich, viscous broth, topped with poached chicken, fried shallots, garlic oil, Chinese celery and quail eggs. There are other soups on the menu, including a red curry vermicelli and spicy pork noodles, along with shareable bites like a spicy cucumber salad and scallop crudo, and cocktails like a Frozen Curry Coffee—all served up in a space so cozy and sincere that it’s decorated with baby pictures of family, friends and employees. In short, there’s a lot to love about BAR SEN.

AKAI

1801 Wheeler St.

OKC has experienced quite a surge in Japanese restaurants lately, and riding that wave is the most exciting sushi spot we’ve possibly ever seen. AKAI technically opened in the Wheeler District in late 2024— too late to make it on last year’s Best New Restaurants list, so it would be a real oversight not to sing its praises here. Because, unlike anything else in town, this is the kind of place that breaks down coveted bluefin

tuna behind the sushi bar; it’s the kind of place with a hidden omakase room; and it’s the kind of place that sources the best fish and seafood for maki, nigiri and sashimi that can best be described as edible art. The menu boasts starters, entrees and a section dedicated to Wagyu beef, but the star of the show is the sushi. Something as simple as otoro nigiri, extra fatty bluefin belly draped over a mound of sticky rice, is euphoric. And something as complex as the Bayou’d Salmon roll— with blackened salmon and jumbo lump crab layered with asparagus, black tobiko, crispy onion and lemon slices—is just as revelatory. AKAI is also one of the few Japanese restaurants in OKC to offer omakases (chef’s choice tasting menus), with decor, including 500 sake cups displayed across a wall, that really sets the scene.

Lorena

1207 N. Walker Ave.

On a recent date night, my husband and I shared a meal at Lorena, the new Southerninspired restaurant from Lori Burson, the owner of adjoining Stella Modern Italian. We’ve long been big fans of Stella, which has been a Midtown mainstay for a decade and a half, and where we spend most Sunday dinners, huddled over a shared flatbread by the wood-burning oven. So when Burson took over the 1492 New World Latin Cuisine space next door, we were excited, to put it mildly. And when we learned she was focusing on Southern flavors for her first new restaurant in 15 years, the anticipation only grew. The meal we shared at Lorena, from the golden-brown feast of fried chicken to the picnicworthy sampler of fried green tomatoes, deviled eggs and pimento cheese, was among the best food I’ve had since moving to OKC, Southern or otherwise. It’s a testament to chef Cally

Johnson and her diligent sourcing of the best Southern ingredients, as well as to Burson and to a team of professionals who understand the heart and soul of hospitality. The decor is just as sincere as the food— look for vintage cookbooks and hand-drawn recipes, which will make you feel right at home too.

Later Bye

301 NW 13th St.

Late last year, we said hello to Later Bye, a blink-and-you’llmiss-it cocktail bar in Midtown. While nondescript from the outside, the bar—from the folks behind Palo Santo—instantly positioned itself as one of the best cocktail spots in OKC. When I first visited, I felt like I was back in Chicago, or in New York. While understated, there’s something effortlessly cool about the intimate nook of a space—a sentiment bolstered by the talented mixologists behind the bar, whipping up some of the most impressive drinks in town. The lengthy list of possibilities runs the gamut from vermouthsplashed Tomato Tonics and pandan-infused Daiquiris to a French 75 with green tea shochu and fermented honey, and in my opinion, the best martinis in the city. And in case you were wondering how a cocktail bar made its way to our Best New Restaurants list, there’s a full food menu, heavily influenced by Spain, that truly raises the bar on “bar food.”

KIRú

308 NW 10th St.

One of the most distinctive openings of 2025 emerged in a rather unexpected locale, within The Collective food hall in Midtown. Here, chef Gustavo Chang Risi, aka “the Sushi Goose,” set up shop with

KIRú, a concept that blends Japanese and Peruvian flavors for what’s known as Nikkei-style cuisine. That blending yields fresh, vibrant dishes, such as colorful maki rolls, ceviches and tiraditos (a sashimi-like Peruvian presentation, made with thinlysliced raw fish, often in citrusy sauces). It’s a natural evolution for a chef born to Chinese and Italian parents and raised in Peru, before getting into sushi in Miami, then moving to Oklahoma to become a private sushi chef. KIRú marks an exciting new chapter for one of the city’s most promising young talents, serving up high-end fare—like Ceviche Nikkei with tuna, ponzu, cucumber, avocado, shallots, nori and sesame—in an accessible setting.

Osteria ItalianAmerican Diner

1704 NW 16th St.

2025 has been a big year for the Plaza District, including the rather unexpected arrival of one of OKC’s most esteemed chefs. After operating Osteria in Nichols Hills, chef/owner Jonathon Stranger pivoted by closing down, re-orienting his Italian menu to be more Italian-American and swapping neighborhoods. The result? A breath of fresh, basil-scented air in the former Aurora location, where Osteria Italian-American Diner began its new era. The menu is as fun as the brick-lined space, where red-and-white checkered tablecloths come heaped with fried mozzarella, sausage-stuffed mushrooms, linguini with clams, meatball subs and chicken parmesan. Accented with a lineup of specialty cocktails and Italian wines, it’s an Italian restaurant that hits all the classic high notes, but has fun while doing so.

The Crain Lounge & Kitchen

12220 N. MacArthur Blvd.

Sometimes, the biggest successes are those that seem the simplest. The Crain Lounge & Kitchen, which opened earlier this year in Oak Grove Plaza, didn’t set out for accolades or attention, but rather to fill a neighborhood niche, and cook good food for locals. It turns out, when you’re as earnest as The Crain, you can do both. Warm, inviting and relaxed, it’s the kind of neighborhood cornerstone that anyone would yearn for, regardless of your zip code—from the somethingfor-everyone menu to groupfriendly booths and a date night-worthy lounge festooned with stylish cowboy hats. The restaurant hails from Ross Crain, whose decades of hospitality experience working at Hal Smith Restaurants is evident in every nook and cranny of the concept. The food menu clocks its share of pleasant surprises, like prime rib sliders with au jus, and hand-cut pork chops with jalapeño jam, while the drink list offers everything from Frozen Club Specials to a S’mores Old Fashioned.

Jack Rabbit Gastro Pub

639 First Americans Blvd.

Among the biggest news in dining this year has been the literal rise of OKANA along the Oklahoma River. And along with an 11-story, 404-room resort with a waterpark, the $400 million complex boasts a dizzying array of dining outlets. From barbecue to barbacoa, you can’t go wrong, but our favorite is Jack Rabbit Gastro Pub, an unassuming bar and restaurant with one of the best skyline views in town, and a menu to match. Elevated comfort food is

the crowd-pleasing bill of fare, and the kitchen does a dexterous job with eclectic offerings, from French onion soup and buffalo chili to Reuben sandwiches, fish & chips and glistening rotisserie chicken basted in bourbon butter. The cocktails, like an Earl Grey Old Fashioned, pair perfectly with the spread— especially when synced with a sunset over the skyline.

Takaramono

1732 NW 16th St.

The trendy buzz in 2025 for both the Plaza District and Japanese cuisine converges at Takaramono. Located in the cavernous former Oak & Ore space, the restaurant is a dark, cozy and lively izakaya, a Japanese pub marked by shareable skewers, sushi, Japanese beer and sake. There’s a raw bar slinging sashimi and carpaccio, along with a full slate of sushi rolls, buttery Wagyu skewers, miso cod and “K.F.C.,” aka Korean fried cauliflower. Among other shareable dishes, and a full bar of sake-soaked cocktails and ice-cold beer, Takaramono is a real vibe—and the kind of place that speaks to this exciting moment in OKC dining.

Holiday GiftGuide

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OKC Tree Lighting

presented by Global Payments

Nov. 13 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Bricktown - Mickey Mantle Plaza

Lights On Broadway

Nov. 29, Dec. 6 & 13 4pm - 7pm

Automobile Alley

Merry Midtown

November - December Midtown

Saints Santa Run

presented by SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital

Dec. 6 9am - 12pm

Midtown - SSM Health St. Anthony

Santa Paws

Nov. 23 1pm - 3pm Midtown

Devon Ice Rink

November - December

Myriad Botanical Gardens

DINING

A Vineyard of Our Own

Quality wine right in OKC’s Backyard

BY MATT KIROUAC PHOTOS BY RACHEL MAUCIERI

In John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, a family of sharecroppers escapes the Dust Bowl in search of a more fruitful life in California. Today, another family is doing quite the opposite, transporting grapes from California in search of a fruitful, home-grown business in Oklahoma City. That family is husband-wife duo Roger and Jalynn Smith, who, along with Roger’s brother Shane Smith, are producing the best Oklahoma-made wine I’ve tasted—right in the heart of the city.

Backyard Vineyards, named in part for the relaxed ambience and the sense of lounging in a garden it conjures, opened in the Farmers Market District in 2024, using grapes brought in from across California—from Lodi to Napa—to make, bottle, cork, label and pour wine entirely on-site. By using California grapes, rather than Oklahoma varieties with intense sweetness due to our sunnier, hotter climates, the winemaking brothers produce products of the utmost quality. Even the sweeter fruit wines, like a Peach Chardonnay and a Black Cherry Pinot Noir, are impressively balanced.

On a recent visit, I perched myself at the bar and poured through a tasting flight, sampling the likes of Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. Each sip was as complex, surprising and nuanced as the next, and each bottle had a story to tell. The Malbec, for instance, was inspired by the Smiths’ desire to make a different style of familiar wine. Dubbed “The

International,” they use Hungarian oak—rather than the traditional French oak—as an aging vessel, to instill notes of smoke and heady vanilla. The venture paid off, as The International is the company’s most popular wine, often selling out.

Other varieties are as quenching as they are heartwarming, Like The Hotshot, a Tempranillo, rich with notes of red berries and leather, inspired by a group of firefighters who lost their lives in a fire in Prescott, Arizona. Roger being a former firefighter himself, all of the names of the fallen firefighters are listed on the back of the bottle, and all firefighters, military, first responders, nurses and teachers get 10% off on this, and all wines. Then there’s The P, a Peach Chardonnay named after both the town of Prescott and the owners’ daughter, which eschews excess sugars in favor of fresh fruit, nectar and a clean, crisp finish.

Along with other pours, like a Pinot Noir and a Riesling, I was so transfixed by the flavors and the overall atmosphere that I returned the next day to sit on the patio. The whole atmosphere, inside and out, reminds me of Texas Hill Country, complete with table games, bisonthemed decor, charcuterie boards and swing-style seats. And yet, despite its Texas stylings and California connection, Backyard Vineyards is wholly its own. At its heart, this is a family dedicated to its craft, and to pouring high-quality wine that tells a story.

This holiday season, Lively Hotel on OAK is inviting the community to a variety of elevated and festive experiences. From thoughtfully prepared dinners to champagne toasts, there is no better place to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with friends and family. All events will be hosted in Cloud Puncher, Lively Hotel’s sophisticated rooftop bar and lounge that overlooks OAK’s vibrant Heartwood Park.

Thursday, November 27

THANKSGIVING FEAST

From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., ticketed guests can enjoy an extravagant Thanksgiving buffet. The feast features light bites such as charcuterie, shrimp cocktail and fall-inspired salad. The expansive menu will include a variety of Thanksgiving favorites, such as roast turkey with gravy and cranberry-orange chutney, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green beans with bacon and caramelized onions, a variety of delicious desserts and so much more.

Wednesday, December 24

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER

From 4 to 9 p.m., ticketed guests are welcome to celebrate Christmas Eve with a lavish dinner. The meal begins with starters such as a winter green salad and seafood bisque. The mouth-watering main course includes a selection of prime rib, pan-seared halibut, herb-roasted chicken and butternut squash ravioli. For dessert, choose from a decadent lineup that includes a warm apple crostada, dark chocolate cake with peppermint mousse and more.

Wednesday, December 31

NEW YEAR’S EVE SOIRÉE

Ring in 2026 with an evening of sparkles and champagne, beginning with an elaborate five-course prix fixe dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. Courses range from beef tartare, carrot and ginger soup, seared scallops, deconstructed eggnog cheesecake and several more tasty options. The party begins after dinner and culminates with a champagne toast at midnight. Guests are encouraged to spend the night at the hotel and enjoy a New Year’s Day Brunch the following morning. Discount rooms will be available for event attendees.

In addition to the holiday feasts, Lively Hotel will host a Friendsgiving Cocktail Social on November 26, Breakfast with Santa on December 14 and Christmas Brunch on December 25. Lively Hotel is a boutique hospitality experience within OAK, Oklahoma City’s premier mixed-use destination. These events complement other holiday happenings at OAK, including the annual tree lighting, ice skating and more. Lively Hotel is located at 5101 N Pennsylvania Ave.

For the latest event information and to purchase tickets, visit Lively Hotel’s website and follow along on social media at @LivelyHotelOnOAK.

CULTURE

Obscure OKC Museums

Three local attractions covering topics off the beaten track

BY LAVINIA CRESWA

Over 40 museums are located in Oklahoma City, each one completely unique. With art, history and science museums, there is something for everyone! But as cooler weather approaches and you may be searching for a fresh activity to pass the time, perhaps visit one of the quirkier and more obscure museums Oklahoma City has to offer.

The American Pigeon Museum & Library

2300 NE 63rd St.

Open Thursday and Friday 1-5 PM, Saturday 10 AM-4 PM FREE ADMISSION

Pigeons may seem like just another bird, but they actually have a fascinating history. Pigeons are extremely intelligent animals and we have been domesticating these feathered friends for over 2,000 years— perhaps as many as 10,000. Pigeons have carried messages in times of war, and there is even a sport dedicated to pigeon racing. Learn more about these fabulous fowl at The American Pigeon Museum & Library— and weather permitting, meet a few of its flock, as the museum is home

to 12 different breeds of pigeon. Museum Curator Lorrie Monteiro said, “The museum is quite unique. It not only shows pigeons’ awesome military history, but also how these beautiful creatures are often misunderstood and their abilities underestimated. Plus, we have live pigeons on the days we are open, so visitors can see them.”

American Banjo Museum

9 E. Sheridan Ave.

Open Tuesday-Saturday 11 AM-6 PM, Sunday 12-5 PM ADULT ADMISSION IS $8 *DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

The banjo is a stringed instrument with a complicated past, as it was created by enslaved Africans and their descendants before becoming a staple in classical, jazz and bluegrass music. The American Banjo Museum teaches visitors all there is to know about these instruments and the music they produce. Now through October 2026, be sure to check out the exhibition “Pop! Goes the Banjo,” which highlights the banjo’s colorful journey through American pop culture. The museum also offers several monthly opportunities to listen to live banjo music

and even try your own hand at playing. Lucas Ross, director of promotions and outreach for the museum (and also host of Pick a Tune with Lucas, the free regular event which offers banjo lessons) had this to say on why you should plan a visit: “The American Banjo Museum is one of the true treasures of Oklahoma City. You’ll see the instrument’s story from its origins all the way through celebration in pop culture. We even have a spot where you can pick up an instrument and try it out.”

Oklahoma Railway Museum

3400 NE Grand Blvd.

Open Thursday-Saturday 9 AM-5 PM, January to October FREE ADMISSION

Full of interactive exhibits featuring locomotives, passenger cars, cabooses and more, the Oklahoma Railway Museum is an outing for the entire family. Museum Administrator Anne Murray Chilton said, “The Oklahoma Railway Museum isn’t just a museum. It’s a community of passionate railroad fans dedicated to the preservation of America’s transportation history. We provide a fun, educational experience of railroads and how they shaped Oklahoma and the nation, and how the train is woven through America’s history. From the Transcontinental Railroad to the railway barons of the early 20th century to today’s transportation networks, rail is the beating heart of America’s transportation industry.”

You’ll have to wait until 2026 to explore the museum, but for the remainder of this year there’s a magical treat in store: During November and December, the museum is only open for the enchanting steam train ride on The Polar Express, which tells the classic children’s story on a one-hour trip to meet Santa. With caroling, hot chocolate and the gift of a silver sleigh bell, wonderful memories are made for the whole family on The Polar Express. Check out oklahomarailwaymuseum. org for schedules and tickets.

Living Postcards

To landscape painter Jay Holobach, the human-art connection hits home

BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

Somewhere in the middle of nowhere, contemporary impressionist artist Jay Holobach is capturing a scene. It may be snow-covered trees in Michigan or sunsetpink mountains in Colorado or hay bales on a flat Kansas horizon. Holobach drives along dilapidated roads nationwide, only stopping his “rolling art studio” when an area piques his interest. Then, he quickly paints before sunlight disappears. Once home, he often reworks the image, perfecting its composition and colors to produce what he calls a “living postcard” for others.

Holobach is driven by his passion for painting and connecting people to art. Locally, he teaches classes at Edmond Fine Arts (where he’s also a board member) and volunteers for Art with a Heart, an art therapy program benefiting

children with cancer. We recently spoke with Holobach about his life and work.

How do you decide where and what to paint?

When I’m on location, if I see something I like, I’ll stop, drop and paint … I’m not the first person here, obviously, and these trees have been here for 50, 60, 100 years. Who else has walked by here? Did they see the same thing that I am now seeing—the filtering of the dappled light on the ground? I want to capture that to give to somebody who maybe has never been there before, so they can feel like they’re standing there. They can feel that vastness, that emptiness or the stillness; that’s what I’m trying to convey in my artwork. There’s always a story.

Why is the human-art connection important to you?

To me, connecting people to art is very, very personal … Art heals. Think about a songwriter singing a song that cuts through all the layers and talks to you as an individual. I have found that if I can make my painting more specific to an individual, the broader the appeal; no different than a songwriter singing a song. You connect to it. You feel it. There’s a resonance there that’s really hard to describe, but you feel that personal connectivity. And there it is.

Tell me about your background in business. I’m a classically trained instructional designer, so I built corporate training programs. I worked at Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, NASA Johnson Space Center, General Motors, Philips medical … I would go in and work with subject matter experts to break apart their day jobs into pieces and to reconstruct that into a learning path.

How does this affect your approach to teaching painting?

When you come to my class, you’re going to get a Participant Guide; you’re going to have a handout; you’re going to have a plan. I plan everything.

What would you say to a newcomer who says, “I can’t paint”?

I think everyone can paint if they wanted to. It’s like golf. Everyone can play golf if they wanted but not everyone will hit the ball like Scottie Scheffler. That doesn’t stop folks from enjoying a pleasant day at the links. Painting is the same: Not everyone will paint like Monet, but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy pushing paint around a canvas. I think folks just need to give themselves permission to play.

You’ve traveled and lived in many places, yet you’ve made Oklahoma your home. Why?

I can tell you one in one word: People. This is the nicest, easiest place I’ve ever lived.

A Life Looking Up

Thomas Stafford’s out-of-this-world legacy

BY LINDA MILLER PHOTO PROVIDED BY OKLAHOMA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Thomas Stafford’s fascination with flying started at an early age as he watched planes soar over his home in Weatherford. It was the beginning of a lifelong passion for space exploration and flight, and a career that literally took him to new heights.

After graduating from Weatherford High School in 1948, he attended the United States Naval Academy, finishing in the top 1% of his class. He wanted to fly, so he transferred to the newly formed United States Air Force with its modern and more advanced aircraft. He earned his pilot wings, also known as “Silver Wings,” in 1953.

His dream was starting to come true. In 1959, he graduated first in his class from the Experimental Flight Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base in California, became a test pilot instructor and co-authored two flight test manuals.

In 1962 he was one of nine selected for the second group of NASA astronauts for Projects Apollo and Gemini. Three years later he was the pilot on the two-man Gemini 6 for the world’s first rendezvous in space as they orbited a few feet from the Gemini 7 spacecraft.

In May 1969, he commanded the Apollo 10 mission to the moon, and upon re-entry reached the highest speed ever achieved by man

at 24,791 miles per hour or 7 miles per second. Apollo 10 was the dress rehearsal mission for the first moon landing.

He soon was named Chief of the Astronaut Office and later served as Deputy Director of Flight Crew Operations at Johnson Space Center. He oversaw astronaut training and mission planning, along with crew selections for the final moon landings and the Skylab Program.

He was promoted to Brigadier General and received his first star in 1972; the first astronaut to obtain that rank.

In 1975, he commanded the final Apollo mission, a rendezvous with a Soviet Soyuz capsule. The event was captured with photos of Stafford and cosmonaut Alexey Leonov shaking hands where the two crafts were joined. Stafford later said it was one of the greatest moments in his career. It was also his last trip to space.

Following that mission, Stafford resigned from NASA and returned to the Air Force, which assigned him to the post of commanding general of Edwards Air Force Base in California and its Experimental Flight Test Center. While there he earned his second and third stars and was commander of a top-secret test facility in the Nevada desert. It was also there that he learned of a new experimental technology called stealth.

Stafford never walked on the moon, but he flew six rendezvous in space and flew more than 127 different types of aircraft and helicopters, and four different types of spacecraft. He also rode on three different types of boosters into space.

His achievements could fill pages and pages in a history book. By the end of his career, he had spent nearly 508 hours in spaceflight, including two and a half days orbiting the moon. He retired in 1979, but it’s likely he still glanced up at the sky when he heard or saw a plane.

Stafford died March 18, 2024, at the age of 93. The Stafford Air & Space Museum in Weatherford offers an in-depth look at his life and career, along with a collection of artifacts.

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