With a menu to satisfy virtually any palette, Misfit Kitchen in downtown Tulsa is somewhat of a hidden gem joint you’ve gotta try.
The beauty of Misfit is that you’ll be able to find the food you’re in the mood for – no matter its genre. For example, appetizer range from high-end steak crostini bites to loaded fries and Misfit Nachos, replete with shredded rotisserie chicken, queso, tomato, lettuce, jalapeno and crema. Those hankering for lighter fare can try the chicken tortilla soup or the Downtown Rustic salad, with bacon, heirloom tomatoes, blue cheese and spicy candied pecans.
In the mood for the classics? Choose between a variety of sandwiches and burgers. Stand-outs include the Wifey, with spicy fried chicken and garlic aoili, the Rob Father, with mortadella, chilled buratta and fig spread, the Frying Nemo, with mahi, tobiko tartar sauce, fries and tomoato, or the Pops Burger, with smoked brisket, cheddar, pineapple berry BBQ sauce and blackberries.
For a more refined entree, options run the gamut. Enjoy Mary’s Lamb with garlic mashed potatoes and orange candied carrots in a braised reduction, or option for the Misfit Filet, with fried rice, green onion, corn and a fried egg.
Craft cocktails are another can’t-miss, with stand-outs including the Ozymandias with bourbon, rosemary sweet vemouth, luxardo and walnut, and the From Vesper, With Love with vodka, gin, lillet blanc and honey.
Alongside the main menu, Misfit also offers brunch and Happy Hour iterations, alongside a bevy of wines and beers.
For a hearty and nutrious meal that supports local, venture to OKC’s 30th Street Market. An artistan bakery, coffee shop, sandwhich shop and market, 30th Street is also a dog-friendly hotspot perfect for breakfast, brunch or lunch.
Cafe items include a bevy of sandwiches, like the Italian, with salami, soppressata, genoa, provolone, olive tapenade, mixed greens and mayo on Ciabatta; the Turkey, with chimichurri mayo, avocado, onions, mixed greens, tomatoes and pepperoncinis on toasted focaccia; or the Sweets and Beets, with with shredded kale, roasted sweet potato. pickled beets, lemon aioli and feta on toasted milk bread.
Breakfast is also a lively affair at 30th Street. Try the sausage and egg sandwich on an English muffin, or the crossiant ‘sammmie’ with scrambled eggs, pesto, cheddar, arugula and cherry peppers. Seafood fans can enjoy the smoked trout toast, or you can classic with a grilled cheese.
Other healthy options include the Sunflower Crunch salad, with kale, sunflower seeds, feta, quinoa, cranberries and citrus vinaigrette, as well as the Chicken Bahn Mi, with roasted chicken, avocado, pickled carrots and daikon radish, spicy mayo and fresh jalapeños on a toasted hoagie.
The restaurant also offers a full-service coffee bar, as well as an array of juices and smoothies. For large groups, catering trays and large pastry assortments are available for pre-order.
Photo by Wendy Mutz Photography, costumes by Jeffrey Meek, photo courtesy Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma
While many of Oklahoma’s major performing arts companies are taking the summer off, there are still ample options for on-the-stage entertainment.
In Tulsa, head to the Tulsa Spotlight Theatre every Saturday in July for The Drunkard and the Olio, America’s longest-running play. If you prefer the casino, Hard Rock offers the comedic chops of Gabriel Iglesias on July 12, as well as singer/songwriter and American Idol alum Chris Daughtry on July 30. Other Tulsa-based goodies include country crooner Jason Aldean on July 17 at the BOK Center, and comedian Joe Pera on July 29 at Cain’s Ballroom. (You can also see Pera on July 27 at OKC’s Tower Theatre.)
In OKC, Lyric Theatre brings the heat this month with two performances: Beautiful, The Carole King Musical on July 8-13, and Oklahoma!, July 29-Aug. 3, both at the Civic Center Music Hall. Also at the Civic is The Wizard of Oz, brought to life by Storyteller Theatre, running July 25-Aug. 3. Other performances on July’s OKC plate include comedian Shane Gillis, July 18, and the Avett Brothers, July 19, both at the Paycom Center, as well as The Little Mermaid at the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre on July 26-27.
If you want to take a road trip for some entertainment, visit Guthrie’s Pollard Theatre through July 5 for The Shark is Broken, or head to Norman’s University of Oklahoma for the Oklahoma International Dance Festival Summer Intensive, running July 21-Aug. 2.
After a truly electric basketball season that saw the OKC Thunder in the NBA finals, it’s time to wave goodbye to b-ball and immerse ourselves in other sporting options this summer.
In Tulsa, the Drillers take ONEOK Field throughout the month of July. Additionally, you can enjoy the Pony of the Americas National Congress, July 4-11, the ABRA World Show, July 13-19, and the NRCHA Hackamore Classic, July 21-27, all at Expo Square. Football fans should also venture to the BOK Center to watch the Tulsa Oilers take on teams at home on July 12 and 19.
OKC’s sporting events are a mixed bag. Begin with the 2025 National and Youth World Appaloosa Horse Show, running through July 3 at the OKC Fairgrounds. Then, venture to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark for the OKC Comets baseball games throughout the month of July. Next are sunrise and sunset paddles in downtown OKC courtesy Riversport OKC, running July 9 for sunset and July 19 for sunrise. Lastly, the PBR Wildcatter Days bullriding event launches into the Paycom Center from July 11 to 13.
Around the state, you can enjoy the International Finals Youth Rodeo, July 6-11 at Shawnee’s Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center; the Norman Conquest Ride, July 12 starting at the J.D.. McCarty Center; the Cavalcade Rodeo, July 15-20 at Pawhuska’s Osage County Fairgrounds; and Pawnee Bill Memorial Rodeo, July 24-26 at Pawnee’s Lakeside Arena.
In Tulsa, cinephiles should visit the Circle Cinema Film Festival on July 11-15, or take the monthly Tulsa Foundation for Architecture tour, July 12 starting in downtown. You also won’t want to miss Florigami in the Garden, a stunning exhibit at Tulsa Botanic Garden running through Sept. 21.
In OKC, enjoy Red, White & Boom – a fireworks show with music from the OKC Philharmonic, on July 3. You’ll also want to venture to Edmond for Libertyfest festivities through July 4. Other can’t-miss happenings include Bingo Loco on July 11 at Tower Theatre – a massive bingo event with outstanding prices – as well as HorrorCon, July 18-20 at OKC Convention Center.
Around the state, don’t miss: Home of the Brave Fest, July 4 at Woodward’s Crystal Beach Park; the Huckleberry Festival, July 4-5 citywide; the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival, July 9-13 at 1001 E. John Fullbright Loop in Okemah; Eskimo Joe’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, July 14-20 at the store’s flagship location in Stillwater; and the Porter Peach Festival, July 17-19 in downtown Porter.
Heads of State; photo courtesy Kyle Thorpe & Associates/Amazon MGM Studios, all rights reserved.
The July heat is in full effect. I’ve got a good set of films you can catch – with wonderfully cool AC blowing the entire time – so hopefully something catches your eye.
First up, an action comedy titled Heads of State. Starring John Cena of WWE fame as the President of the United States and Idris Elba (Luther) as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the plot concerns both men being targets of a political conspiracy, and follows their plan to thwart the evildoers. Directed by Ilya Naishuller, who helmed other action stand-outs Hardcore Henry and Nobody, the film looks to have the same frenetic action set pieces with some comical banter to go along with it. It releases to Amazon Prime on July 2.
For your superhero fix, look no further than the OG: Superman. Based on the legendary comic book character, this iteration will be a reboot directed by James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy) and the first part of his newly minted DC Universe set of films – with hopefully better results than the previous attempt. David Corenswet (Twisters) stars as Superman, along with Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult (The Great) as Lex Luther. Gunn has a good track record with superhero films, so this has a good shot at being an outstanding first entry to his DC shared universe when it releases on July 11.
If you want a contemporary Western, check out Eddington. Directed by Ari Aster (Hereditary), the film follows a sheriff (Joaquin Phoenix, Joker) and a mayor (Pedro Pascal, The Last of Us) who begin a standoff which causes ripples throughout the small town they reside in. Emma Stone (La La Land) and Luke Grimes (Yellowstone) also star in what is sure to be a strange and interesting piece from Aster … with apparent murders and political undertones. It hits theaters on July 18.
If one superhero film isn’t enough, this month also has The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The first film in Phase 6 of Marvel’s never-ending cinematic universe, the story takes place on a parallel Earth with a ’60s retro-yet-futuristic aesthetic. The Fantastic Four must defend their planet from intergalactic forces with, presumably, something that transfers them to the current Earth of the MCU. Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby (The Crown), Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things) and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear) star as the titular team, and the trailer indicates the usual Marvel fare: big action scenes and a fun theme. It releases on July 25.
Lastly, strap in for an uncomfortable looking body horror titled Together. Starring real-life married couple Alison Brie (Community) and Dave Franco (Now You See Me), the plot follows a married couple who move to the countryside only to encounter supernatural events causing horrifying changes to their bodies. The trailer seems to indicate some of these changes include fusing their bodies together in absolutely appalling ways. Early reviews are extremely positive, so if body horror is your bag, you should be in for a pleasantly disgusting surprise when it releases on July 30.
Photo courtesy the Oklahoma State Department of Health
Keith Reed, RN, MPH, CPH, is Oklahoma’s Commissioner of Health, and has worked for the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) for 25 years. Reed, who got his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from NSU, also has his Masters of Public Health from OU. Alongside his dedication to the OSDH, Reed is a member of the Oklahoma Air National Guard, serving multiple tours in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. We caught up with Reed and got his thoughts on …
… his unwavering dedication to OSDH.
I joined the Oklahoma State Department of Health in December 2002, shortly after returning from an extended military deployment following the September 11 attacks. During this time, public health joined the first responder community in preparing for bioterrorism threats. It felt like the perfect convergence – my military experience, the call to protect and the emerging bioterrorism preparedness unit at OSDH. Once I stepped into public health, I knew it wasn’t just a career path for me; it was my calling.
… how his military background helps him professionally.
A military officer undergoes extensive leadership training and experiences; while much of it is operationally specific, the core leadership tenets transfer to non-military sectors. This training equipped me to understand leadership impact in varied environments, preparing me to adapt to internal and external forces that shape the health care industry.
However, it is crucial to maintain an awareness of the differences between military and civilian leadership. Military leadership carries significant weight, directly enabled through military law. The heavy-handedness possibly available to a military commander is not and should not be wielded in the same way in a civilian environment. I am constantly aware of these differences, which grounds me in how I lead in my military and civilian careers.
… a day in the life.
I prefer to start my day early, usually arriving at the office by 6:45 a.m. to have some quiet time to respond to emails and prepare for the day. I oversee the agency’s internal and external operations, which are funded by local, state and federal sources. We have significant regulatory responsibilities that span food establishments, lodging facilities, certain health care facilities and detention centers. We also oversee our 68 county health departments, which are divided among 10 regions. Our broad mission requires us to engage with our numerous partners and stakeholders. Simply put, my day can vary significantly depending on the circumstances, but it typically involves a mix of agency operations, external interactions and ongoing communication.
… how the OSDH helps Oklahomans.
Our mission is to protect and promote health, prevent disease and injury, and cultivate conditions by which Oklahomans can thrive. This is no easy task, as ‘health’ encompasses more than one may think. According to America’s health rankings, Oklahoma ranks 47th overall, with rankings of 45th for Social and Economic Factors, 49th for Physical Environment, 46th for Clinical Care, 47th for Behaviors, and 39th for Health Outcomes. Key drivers of health – including education, housing, income, food insecurity and access to health care – significantly impact an individual’s health and ability to thrive. That is why we must engage with partners and recognize that we are part of a larger public health system.
Within the broader mission, we work behind the scenes to safeguard Oklahomans as they go about their daily lives, such as ensuring families can dine out without worry and collaborating with the food industry to maintain safety standards.
… the link between economic prosperity and health improvement.
Health and economic prosperity are closely connected, as economic challenges lead to food insecurity, issues accessing health care, and barriers to a healthy lifestyle. These issues impact the workforce, resulting in lost productivity and increased business recruiting costs. An added result of poor population health is increased healthcare costs within the state. A state’s economic status influences its population’s health status, and vice versa, creating a direct link between the two.
… his goals.
Over the past three and a half years, I’ve focused heavily on laying the foundation for our future success by strengthening the agency’s core, addressing past fiscal issues, and modernizing our systems to enhance operational efficiency. Thus, I’ve ensured a stable and more effective organization moving forward. We have a more stable and efficient platform to build upon while remaining committed to continuous process improvement.
Amidst navigating governmental transitions, my goal is to shift and adopt a more outward-focused agenda. I embrace our responsibility as a convener to bring health care and public health partners to the table, leveraging collective expertise to strengthen the state’s health care system and ensure it meets the needs of the modern era.
Known as the 'Super Bowl of cycling,' Tulsa Tough rolls into town June 6-8. Photo courtesy Saint Francis Tulsa Tough
Summer’s here, and some of Oklahoma’s most exciting experiences and events are in full swing. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, spectator extraordinaire or film buff, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Saint Francis Tulsa Tough
Deemed the “Super Bowl of cycling,” Tulsa Tough is celebrating 19 years of bicycle races this year. The three-day event, running June 6-8, features round-the-clock criterium and Fondo races routing through downtown Tulsa and along Route 66.
Tulsa Tough was founded with a two-fold mission: to improve the city’s health outcomes and its image.
“When we launched our first year, we knew we could produce a quality event… but we didn’t know if anybody would come, because we had this image of being ‘flyover country,’” shares Malcom McCollam, the event’s executive director.
Luckily, the organizers’ instincts paid off. The event has grown, drawing crowds of up to 50,000 people. Up to 90% of registered racers travel to Tulsa Tough from out-of-state, generating an estimated economic impact of $5 million.
Tulsa Tough’s theme this year is ‘Flyover This’ – a cheeky nod to the city’s rapid expansion in the last decade.
“We’re the real deal,” says McCollam. “The theme is meant to evoke a sense of Tulsa pride.”
Tulsa Tough’s impact, however, extends beyond three days of races. The organization has created Tulsa Tough Divas, a women’s empowerment group for cyclists of all skill levels. And earlier this year, Tulsa Tough also formed a men’s cycling group called Project Dudeman with a mission to destigmatize men’s mental health struggles.
“Tulsa Tough is 100% a community-centric event,” says McCollam. “Our authentic belief was that we are here to support Tulsa, and we’ve been lucky enough that the community has embraced it.”
The Women’s College World Series comes to OKC through June 6. Photo by Peyton Martin/OU AthleticsHalf of all NBA final games will be at OKC’s Paycom Center. Photo by Zach Beeker The deadCenter Film festival is an Oscar-qualifying event, running in OKC from June 11-15. Photo courtesy deadCenter
NCAA Division Women’s College World Series
Known as the home of the Women’s College World Series (WCWS), OKC’s Devon Park hosts the super regional softball winners to compete for the championship title this summer. The WCWS, running May 29-June 6, is the final culmination of a competitive regular season, regional tournaments and super regional tournaments, all of which involve a 64-team bracket and run throughout the month of May. The championship event has been held in OKC for over two decades.
“We truly are the softball capital of the world, because there is no other softball-specific venue like us,” says Craig Cress, CEO of OKC-based USA Softball. “The state of Oklahoma has always been a softball state. On top of the support we get locally, Devon Park offers a fan experience that is unmatched for softball anywhere else in the country.”
Last year, the University of Oklahoma Sooners took home the gold medal in the national championship, and to date is the only NCAA team to win four WCWS championships in a row (2021-2024). Since 1982, Oklahoma has won the title eight times.
The qualifying teams will compete against each other in a double-elimination format, with the top two teams squaring off in a best-of-three finale.
Softball fans can purchase tickets to the World Series, or splurge on the all-new NCAA Fan Experience packages. Packages include refreshments, access to a private tent and special photo opportunities.
NBA Finals
NBA team the Oklahoma City Thunder has undoubtedly changed the landscape of the region. Oklahoma City’s GDP [Gross Domestic Product] grew by 62% between 2008 and 2023, and the city estimates that the team has an annual economic impact of $600 million.
Recruiting Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook early in the team’s tenure, the Thunder has garnered enthusiastic support from Oklahomans. The excitement has continued to build as the current team has played two strong seasons back-to-back, with breakout players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (point guard) and Jalen Williams (small/power forward) leading the charge. In fact, the Thunder broke NBA records for the number of games won during the regular season this year, and SGA snagged both the NBA MVP Award and the Western Conference MVP Award. Last year, the Thunder advanced to the semifinals before being knocked out by the Dallas Mavericks.
“We’ve played quality opponents for a stretch now and have quality opponents coming up,” head coach Mark Daigneault told MSN in April. “Everybody has something to play for, so it’s good. It sharpens our blade, it tests us and forces us to rise to a certain level if we want to win.”
The Thunder recently cinched a win at the Western Conference finals, making OKC’S Paycom Center the home court for half of the NBA Finals games begin in OKC on June 5.
“We just take it a day at a time,” Gilgeous-Alexander told The Canadian Press. “Try to get better with every game, every opportunity, and then hopefully by the end of the year, we’re where we want to be.”
deadCenter Film Festival
Oklahoma’s largest and only Oscar-qualifying film event, the deadCenter Film Festival, has been bringing indie films to local audiences for 25 years. The festival screens hundreds of flicks each year, some of which may win an Academy Award.
“When you win Best Short Animation, Best Short Narrative, or Best Short Documentary, you can apply to the Academy Awards,” explains Cacky Poarch, executive director at deadCenter. “We are only one of 27 film festivals in the United States that has those three designations, and I’m very proud of that.”
The film festival, running June 11-15, was founded by two independent filmmakers, Jason and Justan Floyd. Their vision was to create a space for local filmmakers to connect and promote their projects.
Since then, the festival has grown rapidly, attracting filmmakers and industry professionals from across the country. Receiving over 2,000 submissions, Poarch believes that this year’s festival will outdo previous years.
“Every year, the submissions just get better and better,” she says.
To pay tribute to its 25th anniversary, the festival will be extended to five days in 2025. Poarch reveals that there will be an emphasis on screening works from Oklahoman filmmakers, too.
“There was always the dream of what deadCenter could be,” reflects Poarch. “I think we’re experiencing that now.”
Main image cutline: Known as the ‘Super Bowl of cycling,’ Tulsa Tough rolls into town June 6-8. Photo courtesy Saint Francis Tulsa Tough
From dolls to action figures and dragsters, the Bristow Toy Museum has something for everyone to enjoy.
Photos by Bonnie Rucker
Route 66 travelers will not want to miss a fun little place smack dab in a hidden gem downtown space: the Bristow Route 66 Toy Museum. Run by toy enthusiast Bret Fadely and his trusty front-door greeter, the green Sinclair dinosaur, the museum claims to be “Bristow’s Largest Toy Museum.” This is most likely an accurate assessment.
Walking through the museum is a fun way to look back at childhood whimsy, whether that childhood occurred during the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s or ’80s. This space is definitely a museum in the truest sense of the word, as today’s kids won’t find their current toys stacked on the shelves. But for those of us who were playing with goodies before the end of the last century, there are hundreds of unique things to find and explore.
A half-scale dragster is probably the first thing to grab the eye, and the pedal car display is popular with visitors, says Fadely. Some of the pedal cars were rescued from a ride at the now-defunct Bell’s Amusement Park in Tulsa for an extra blast from the past. Many of the displays belie Fadely’s claim to favoring planes, trains and automobiles, but there is truly something for everybody.
From dolls to action figures and dragsters, the Bristow Toy Museum has something for everyone to enjoy.
Photos by Bonnie Rucker
Whether visitors are into Batman and Robin, G.I. Joes, Transformers, stuffed animals, dolls or even the infamous California Raisins, items abound that will catch anyone’s eye and usher in memories of playtimes past.
One special toy that has recently been given pride of place is Fadely’s stuffed dog, Oscar, a Christmas present from his parents in the mid-’60s. When pressed to declare a favorite, Oscar is it for the toy museum owner.
“Most of my life, I have collected toys and have always wanted to share them with others instead of having them stacked in boxes in the garage,” says Fadely about the museum’s origins. He relates how he looked for a place to display his collection and make it available to others for several years. Then, some friends of his were retiring and, “the next thing you know, we are buying a building in Bristow on Main Street,” he says.
Today, the museum is a labor of love for Fadely. He is there as often as possible, curating his collection and welcoming visitors. And he’s always ready to swap stories about toys with anyone.
“Every day I am there, there is some sort of cool experience,” he says. His favorite times are when museum-goers stop for a chat about some of the toys in his collection and the positive memories they elicit.
Currently, there’s no set open schedule, though most Fridays and Saturdays visitors can find the doors open. Check the museum’s Facebook page for the most up-to-date opening information.
Admission is free, and Fadely plans to be open more often soon. He is the first to admit that his museum is a work in progress, so the collection changes and grows regularly. Donations of both funds and toys are welcome, but not required.
Dino, the Sinclair dinosaur, stands ready to greet any toy enthusiast or simple nostalgia seeker who heads to Bristow.
The OKC Police Department utilizes thermal drones that are equipped with standard cameras, thermal imaging and night vision. They can also carry attachments like lights and speakers.
Photos courtesy the OKC Police Department
Oklahoma police departments are increasingly using drones with thermal imaging for their operations, and this imaging identifies heat signatures that are invisible to the naked dye. Especially helpful in low light or adverse conditions, drones with thermal imaging capabilities help law various enforcement operations, including search and rescue, tactical situations and crime scene investigations, as well as detecting and locating suspects, hotspot detection, assessing disaster sites and inspecting power lines and buildings.
Thermal imaging is often part of small, unmanned aircraft systems.
“SUAS stands for ‘small unmanned aircraft systems,’ which are commonly referred to as drones,” says Capt. Jason Bussert, leader of the Information Technology Unit of the Oklahoma City Police Department. “These systems are equipped with standard cameras, thermal imaging and night vision. They can also carry attachments like lights and speakers, allowing us to illuminate areas or communicate with individuals on scene.
Bussert continues: “Thermal imaging is a technology that detects heat emitted by objects, people or animals and converts it into a visual image. It allows public safety teams to ‘see’ in total darkness, through smoke, and in other low-visibility conditions.”
The technology relies on infrared radiation to create its images.
“We’ve been using infrared on our helicopters for many years,” says Capt. Richard G. Meulenberg IV, Communications Unit Coordinator with the Tulsa Police Department. “It detects a heat signature. It helps you search a vast area looking for a difference in temperature. The human body has its own temperature. If there is a missing child in a field or by the river or in a forested area, that child is going to stand out amongst the background.”
Photos courtesy the OKC Police Department
Meulenberg continues: “It is an established technology. It is used heavily commercially and privately. Even electricians use it. High-end hunters also use it with a thermal imaging scope.”
Thermal drones are used in various ways, including by fire departments, according to Bussert.
“We share a dock system with fire that allows drones to be remotely launched from docking stations located at police and fire facilities, traveling autonomously to call locations,” he says. “Also, we have patrol-assigned drones that can be deployed by responding officers, some of which can also be remotely piloted. As well, our traffic and crime scene units use drones to document scenes from the air for accuracy and evidence preservation.”
With these thermal imaging drones, safety is the priority.
“It saves lives and keeps us safe,” says Meulenberg. “It provides an angle that’s not available from standing on the ground. It’s another tool we can use.”
How Thermal Imaging Works
The Department of Homeland Security website explains that night vision technology was developed in the 1960s. The technology provided the U.S. military with capabilities to see in low light and extremely dark conditions without using search lights or illuminators. One component of this technology is thermal imaging.
“Objects around us give off heat to some degree, and that heat is made up of long wavelength infrared radiation that the human eye cannot see,” according to dhs.gov. “Thermal imaging uses a sensor to convert the radiation into a visible light picture…this picture helps us identify objects in total darkness.”
