Drum roll, please! Each year, Oklahoma Magazine polls its readers to determine who and what stands out among a crowded field of competitors. And every year you overwhelm us with your responses. This year was no different; thousands of votes have been cast and counted, and the results are in. Congratulations are in order. Ladies and gentlemen – The Best of the Best 2011.
Results of The Best of the Best were determined by online voting conducted from Jan. 1 – March 15, 2011.* Separate ballots were provided for readers in the Tulsa and Oklahoma City areas. The top three entities receiving the most votes in each category for each city were named The Best of the Best.
*This is not a scientific study, and results should not be viewed as an official endorsement or statement of quality on behalf of Oklahoma Magazine.
Humankind has been fighting over the Italian city of Milan since before there was an “Italy” and even before an ambitious people known as Romans brought civilization to much of the known world.
In fact, Milan and surrounding communities have at one time or another been under the thumb of a who’s who of European powers – from the Celtic Insubres who “founded” Milan at least two and a half millennia ago, to the Romans who conquered it in 222 B.C., to the Nazis who occupied it in WW II and helped inspire the city to become the breeding ground for the Italian resistance.
Today Milan is capital of the Lombardy region and of the province of Milan and boasts almost 1.5 million inhabitants of the city proper and over four million spread out over what can be characterized as the “Greater Milan” region.
In modern Milan, you are far, far more likely to witness a hand-gesture infused fight over the rights to buy the last outrageously expensive Italian leather jacket off the rack of a Milanese clothier than you are to, say, witness a full-out onslaught from rampaging Visigoth.
Times have certainly changed, even if it is the perpetual celebration of history, culture and the aesthetic that, in large part, continue to bring visitors to the cultural capital of Italy. And despite the proximity to Rome and of celebrated areas such as the Veneto, Naples and Sicily, Milan remains very much the center of Italy when it comes to contemporary cultural icons.
Savvy travelers recognize that Italy really consists of three very different regions – north, central and south; and furthermore they realize that these differences aren’t just the culinary ramifications of the north’s affiliation with Europe’s “butter belt” or the south’s accentuated relationship with the Mediterranean.
Italy’s Lombardy region is a geographically diverse one that stretches all the way from the Swiss border to the flat plains around the Po River, and inclusive of countless ritzy towns, lakeside villas, and impressive historic architecture mixed with ultramodern and often very sleek contemporary development. At its center is Milan, the fashion design, financial, artistic and many feel “moral” capital of Italy – with its fashion and design components also among the most revered on the planet. Despite its lofty position in the hierarchy of Italian culture, Milan has for centuries been at least as strongly influenced by its European neighbors to the north as it has been by either Rome or more southern Italy.
Transport Tips
The region of Lombardy and Milan are serviced by Malpensa airport, about 30 miles north of the city; although regional flights also utilize the much closer Linate airport. Recent traffic has also increased at the Orio al Serio airport near Bergamo.
Once in Milan, unless you’re extremely, extremely experienced and confident in driving in Italy – don’t do it. Those used to the at least occasionally well- ordered traffic systems in the U.S. will find Milan and, well, most of Italy unfathomable. Unfathomable as defined by no-driving areas, one way streets, utterly random horn blowing and, most importantly, many people who see traffic laws as more suggestion than mandate.
A better plan is to spend a little time acquainting yourself with public transportation. You can walk, bike or scooter around Milan and all are better options than driving. Vendors renting bikes are easy to find, as are taxis (white colored ones are generally official ones) and taxi stands. While some areas are pedestrian friendly, such as the fashion district and the Navigli quarter, its more arduous in other parts of town due to congestion, aggressive drivers and vehicles parked on public rights of way.
Trams and buses are plentiful and common and the Milan Metro (underground rail system) is handy and even connects to the far northwest of Milan via the Passante Ferroviario (a commuter train service). Public transportation in Milan easily connects with that of Italy and of Europe.
Visitors benefit from planning transportation at the time they are putting together their specific itineraries for a visit to Milan.
Two Distinctive Worlds
And every Milan visitor will want to do just that – put together a specific itinerary tailored to his or her interests and passions. That’s because Milan is not necessarily an accidental tourist’s type of destination. The things to do and see in the city, the greater area and surrounding region are innumerable, diverse and not necessarily centrally located. There is far, far more to do and see in Milan than anyone is going to be able to do in anything but a lengthy extended residency with a local who happens to be a world class expert in at least five different fields.
Planning is essential to a Milan visit and one of the best ways to approach the wealth of to-see and to-do options is to understand and embrace the two very different components that make up the charm and appeal of the city. Even though it may seem at times that these two components clash, understand that it is the very clashing co-existence of these elements that has helped make Milan into what it is today.
The two elements?
On one hand, Milan is a city that has existed for ten times as long as the Unites States has existed. That’s a lot of history even by European standards and Milan is rich in internationally recognized historic sites that attract visitors from all corners of the world. There is an amazing array of historic sites in Milan, despite the multitude of violent takeovers, civil upheaval and shelling and bombing in WW II. Milan’s historic and architectural marvels make up one major, aggregate reason for its visitor appeal. For convenience sake, we’ll refer to this as the School of History.
However, when many people envision Milan, it is the here and now, the most modern, the most cutting edge that first comes to mind. Milan is regarded as one of the international capitals of industrial and modern design, influencing the world. It is also regarded as one of the fashion capitals of the world, and most of the major Italian fashion brands make Milan home (Gucci, Versace, Valentino, Prada, Armani, and more). Milan hosts some of the biggest events in the design and fashion worlds, like FieraMilano, Europe’s biggest and best design showcase; and Milan Fashion Week. Perhaps it is this association with the cutting edge in design and fashion that has prompted the development of an acclaimed, vibrant and often very modern arts community and related attractions. The design centers, world class shops and contemporary arts attractions make up the School of Aesthetic, for the sake of discussion.
Explore Milan’s Schools of History, Aesthetic
If Milan is a living historical exhibit – and it is – then its Historic Center is the history student’s centerpiece. The small district features numerous plazas and attractions, but realistically it is the Duomo that towers above everything including the Piazza del Duomo, which was designed by Giuseppe Mengoni and opened in 1865. It’s an obvious starting point for a visit to Milan’s Historic Center, given the international acclaim of the Duomo, the third largest church in the world and generally considered an architectural masterpiece. The stained glass work and statues are virtually incomparable, as is the view of the city from the roof terraces.
Here, though, relevant architecture abounds. Although many buildings were destroyed in this oldest part of Milan throughout history and most recently in WW II, the Milanese people tended to reconstruct with a zeal to accentuate a sense of survival and unrepentant love for the aesthetic. Visitors can stroll Milan’s Historic Center and be overwhelmed by the architecture and design of even the humblest structure.
However, not all structures are quite as humble. In addition to the Duomo, this district also houses Teatro alla Scala. Just the most famous opera house in the world, La Scala was inaugurated in 1778 and has hosted most of the great opera artists and performances over the last 200 years.
The historic and modern intersect at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an ornate iron and glass shopping arcade dating back to 1877, highlighted by Italy’s first glass and steel roof, a floor plan in the shape of a Latin cross and an octagonal center adorned with spectacular mosaics. Stylish shops, cinemas, cafes and restaurants all attract a young and stylish crowd of locals as well as visitors from around the world.
Other primary attractions in the Historic Center include the Museo del Duomo which preserves the colorful history of the Duomo; and historically significant architectural sights such as San Fedele (the Milanese seat of the Jesuit Order), Casa Manzoni and Piazza Belgioioso. The Civico Museo d’Arte Contemporanea sits on the upper floor of the Palazzo Reale here, although restoration work recently has prompted alternate display sites for the rich collection of works by 18th century Italian masters and numerous post-Impressionists from around the world.
The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana (Ambrosiana art gallery) is a globally acclaimed museum dating back to its founding in 1618 and houses an indulgent collection of artworks including Titian’s Adoration of the Magi and Botticelli’s Madonna del Padiglione among many others. The Biblioteca Ambrosiana only happens to be one of the first libraries open to the public in history and while its Stephen King selection might be a little light, it does feature manuscripts from writers such as Virgil, Aristotle and 1,000 pages of da Vinci’s Codex Atlanticus.
In exploring Milan’s historic attractions, one must-see requires some advance planning. Historic church Santa Maria della Grazie contains Da Vinci’s famous fresco, the Last Supper, but reservations are a must and can be made a couple of months in advance. Select Italy (www.selectitaly.com) is a good place to start making advance plans.
While Milan’s Historic Center district might be the oldest part of the city and the one richest in concentrated history, both historic sites and museums with a focus on antiquity abound elsewhere. Other important destinations include Civico Museo Archeologico for a fascinating look at history; Pinacoteca di Brera for some of the most impressive works of art; San Lorenzo Maggiore, a church with a vast collection of Roman and early Christian remains, and; Cimitero Monumentale, an impressive cemetery housing a striking assortment of highly artistic and imposing tombs.
Still when it comes to adventuring in Milan’s School of History there are few stone parameters. Like culture, history emanates from virtually every street in the city.
Milan’s School of Aesthetic is perhaps spread even more broadly than is the School of History. This is because in part to the fact that much of what makes Milan an aesthetic center of the world is commercial, characterized by shops and fabulous flourishes throughout.
Still, keys to experiencing this aspect of Milan is Quadrilatero d’Oro (Golden Quad), where you can stroll and scout the designer flagship stores and can be introduced to young, cutting edge designers as well. La Triennale di Milano is a design museum and events venue located inside the Palace of Art building, part of Parco Sempione, the park grounds adjacent to Castello Sforzesco. It hosts exhibitions and events which highlight contemporary Italian design, urban planning, architecture, music, and media arts, with an emphasis on exploring the relationship between commercial industry and art/design. Villa Necchi-Campiglio is another must-see for the School of Aesthetic fan. The modernist villa illustrates several schools of high design integrated with opulent art. The Design Library is a design buffs dream come true – complete with back issues of historic design publications. 10 Corso Como bookshop is often considered Milan’s most exiting shopping destination, but it’s also fun just for browsing. How could it not be when its stock is generally made up of the most clever, unusual and cutting edge items – eclectic all around – in a city built on those characteristics?
Fashion, design and the overall aesthetic can’t be contained to static locations in Milan, because those things are built into the city’s identity. Fashion is vividly alive in well-dressed local shoppers and diners, even in performers of all sorts who take to the city’s bustling evening streets to entertain with mime, magic, music and more. It’s expressed in the well-dressed handsome couples enjoying one of the many cafes in the Navigli neighborhood, with its ample canals and festive environment.
History and the aesthetic are as much a part of today’s Milan as any influence has ever been on the ancient city.
Shopping
Milan offers more in the way of legitimately unique souvenirs than most places in the world, from never-before-seen designer original clothing and accessories to historic memorabilia to the chicest items for the home.
In fact, save souvenir shopping for the airport on your way home. Milan is more for professional shoppers.
Milan’s “Golden Triangle” is arguably the central attraction these days for stylish power shoppers. This area that encompasses the Via della Spiga, Via Sant’ Andrea and Via Montenapoleone plays home to the highest fashion outlets, from Polo Ralph Lauren to cutting-edge new arrivals on the global fashion scene. Designer outlet shops also abound with DMagazine and Salvagente being two of the longest established and most praised. Many design houses maintain their own outlet shops, though, so it is a good idea to keep an eye out for them in the district.
Antique lovers should gravitate toward the Brera and Navigli quarters. Fairly common antique markets help create a critical mass there, which in turn can yield terrific resort for the patient shopper.
Throughout the city but not in a concentration, fine food markets offer the best tastes of Italy; and fine cookware stores offer the very latest in European design and function.
The best advice for shopping Milan is to first visit the major areas and those that emphasize your interests, and then enjoy exploring smaller, more disparate merchants as you see the rest of the city. Given the confluence of influences in Milan, potential treasures can be found around bend.
Spotlight: Accommodations
Although Milan offers a broad range of accommodations, visitors can expect to pay a hefty price for staying at the best hotels in the region or even moderate accommodations that happen to be located near major attractions.
Among the numerous possibilities, a few warrant specific mention.
Grand Hotel Et De Milan dates back to 1863 and for almost all of that time, the family-managed hotel in the old heart of Milan (in the Duomo neighborhood) has been considered by many to be the best hotel in the city. In terms of design, this magnificent hotel strongly asserts its classic nature without ever feeling stodgy or garish. One of the key appeals to this elegant masterpiece is the themed rooms, such as the Verdi suite, where the composer lived for 20 years. But even the common areas here are opulent, with high-style flourishes throughout. Despite the historic nature of the hotel, service and amenities are fairly contemporary, providing the best of both worlds. www.grandhoteletdemilan.it/
Hotel Principe Di Savoia’s city center location might make it slightly farther away from many of Milan’s attractions than some other hotels, but this business-friendly grand gem compensates by being one of, if not the, most opulent hotels in all of Milan. Service, though, is warm and accommodating to take the edge off any intimidation in such an obviously luxury environment. Rooms are decorated in 19th century style – comfort and elegance emanate from every room and common space. Additionally, the hotel’s convenient business services and amenities draw high-powered business travelers. Attracting the travelers that this hotel does, it is no surprise that s thriving social scene springs up around the hotel’s public areas and bar. www.hotelprincipedisavoia.com/hotel-milan
From hostels to these elegant classic hotels, Milan already offers a wide range of prospective accommodations, but the options are expanding. This year, Armani Hotels & Resorts is opening its Armani Hotel Milano, which will feature 95 spacious guest rooms, a gourmet restaurant, a spa and business center with meeting rooms. www.armanihotels.com
A Taste of Milan
Italy’s cuisine is quintessentially regional in a way that may surprise those who are unaccustomed to the power of those influences. Milanese cuisine stands in stark contrast to the red-sauce and sun-kissed aspects of southern Italy – those most familiar to many Americans. Here, all of Europe has had an impact on the distinctive Milan cuisine, including various other regions of Italy. In more recent years, international influences have driven the rise of countless ethnic eateries from African and Middle Eastern to Asian of all stripes.
That said, dining well in Milan is an easy thing to do. Even the smallest, most remote café is capable of producing a dish that will stun even the experienced gourmand. As it is for the fashion- and design- obsessed, Milan is a paradise for the foodie.
These days, it is the pre-dinner aperitivo that sets the scene for evenings of dining and revelry. Observed by most bars in the city, the habit is roughly akin to American happy hours, but the emphasis is more on the light bar foods offered at pubs and the socializing with friends, than it is on the actual intake of mass quantities of alcohol. You’re sure to notice how locals and nurse their drinks while sampling various bar’s assortment of noshes and catching up with friends. Late afternoon/early evening aperitivi are arguably the pinnacle of average daily socializing – all over Milan.
Some dishes qualify as intrinsic Milanese specialties. These include osso bucco, a succulent veal shank stew served with savory gremolata; the Austrian inspired Cotoletta (similar to a schnitzel); yellow risotto Milanese; and many dishes that reflect regions elsewhere in Lombardy. Local cured meats and local cheeses abound in such quantity and variety that they enrich even the most modest of meal.
Despite its culinary differences with southern Italy, there is plenty of pizza in Milan. Paper Moon Pizzeria in the city center is one respected institution; Pizzeria Spontini is another; and Spizzico is respected for the speed and efficiency of ordering. “Authentic” and less-so are often hard to determine when it comes to pizza in Milan. The best advice is to watch the diners in an eatery – the more local eaters, the better the odds that the pizzeria is offering something at least of quality and value.
More extravagant dining is prevalent in all parts of the city. Among current hot spots are Antica Trattoria della Pesa, a trendy purveyor of excellent Milanese food housed in the building where Ho Chi Minh stayed in the 1930s and Pane e Acqua, which became all the rage for inventive cuisine when it opened just a few years ago. D’o is another recent top choice, but the word is that reservations for the Michelin-star quality eatery must be made well, well in advance.
Still, dining trends even in this historic Italian city can be ephemeral and the dining landscape is in perpetual evolution. It’s a good idea to make inquiries at your hotel, from shopkeepers or acquaintances you might make while in Milan.
Another idea is to check Vivimilano (www.vivimilano.it) or a number of easy to find publications in Milan for ideas and inspiration in dining.
For those with the desire and constitution to wade into Milan’s bustling nightlife, the scene is fairly broadly dispersed throughout the city, with Plastic Club and Magazzini Generali being two of the most popular and the latter and RollingStone being the most popular settings for live performances by international superstars.
Many clubs require cover or admission charges with inexpensive membership required for some nightspots operating under the umbrella of the Recreative and Cultural Association (ARCI).
While Milan is the epitome of the bustling modern Italian city, a 40 minute train ride can take you to the scenic azure waters of “the lakes,” a lush region characterized by resorts, waterfront villas and quaint fishing villages. Many residents routinely get out of the city to enjoy the beautiful countryside around several lakes in the region, joining steady traffic of visitors who are also in-the-know.
Lake Como is the queen of the regional lakes, a deep blue-hued body of water that shines like a diamond against the backdrop of the Alps. People have been visiting Lake Como for generations – for sports and relaxation in the early days; and for visiting luxurious resorts and villas today. The southern part of the meandering three-pronged lake is in contrast to the Alpine nature of the northern area – with numerous fishing villages and towns, including the town of Como itself.
Como has long had a vibrant role in the silk industry and sports an impressive cathedral defined by impressive statuary, an elaborately carved altarpiece and elegant tapestries. A handful of modest museums help flesh out the town’s role as capital of the silk trade. The Ristorante Sociale is considered one of the better restaurants in town and Le Due Corti at the city’s medieval walls sports the classiest local hotel atmosphere.
While much of the appeal around Lake Como is seeing the magnificent villas and enjoying the natural majesty, other specific sites along its shores also stand out. Bellagio, well north of Como, houses magnificent estates such as Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi, the one-time home of Napoleon’s man in Italy, Francesco Melzi d’Eril. Both have lush gardens that are open to the public and present a vivid illustration of centuries of life along Lake Como. In addition to seeing the estates, Bellagio has a lively café scene revolving around the harbor and a pretty warren of medieval alleys. The forested hills outside of Bellagio also offer some of the best mountain biking in the region and numerous vendors cater to enthusiasts. The Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is an elegant hotel made of a historic villa almost 150 years ago and is the most coveted hotel in the town. While café food is fairly common, it is Barchetta that’s generally considered Bellagio’s best culinary site.
Other towns, villages and areas surrounding Lake Como share similar combinations of scenic estates, elaborate gardens and outdoor sightseeing and sporting opportunities.
Of course, Lake Como is just the largest and most popular of the many regional lakes easily accessible from Milan. Lake Como, Maggiore and Garda make up the three most sizable and developed lakes, smaller lakes and their environs appeal to many as well. In temperate months, these smaller lakes are often more restful since they generally attract fewer visitors.
Lake Orta, for example, is the region’s westernmost lake and its main town Orta San Giulio is looked over by the Sacro Monte. There, a 20-minute walk from town, 20 chapels feature sculptures depicting the life of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Lake Lugano is another smaller lake in the region, but very much a unique one. It winds between Italy and Switzerland and its main resort, Campione d’Italia is actually an enclave within Switzerland. Campione itself exhibits the characteristics of a Swiss shore town in places; and in others, resembles bustling Italian resort towns everywhere – complete with casinos and a host of pizza parlors and fast food restaurants. Still, even among that bustle, the natural beauty of the region stands out and in small pockets, superior dining and more sedate recreation can be found.
Not far south of Campione, outside Melide, rests the Swiss Miniatur, a map of sorts of Switzerland including landmarks built at 1/25 their actual size.
Assuming a trip affords the chance to visit the Lombardy lakes, choosing the right specific destination is a matter of personal preference, interests and available travel time. It’s a good idea to conduct some timely research to craft plans maximizing available time.
Extend A Stay
Like many parts of the world with many diverse appealing components, Italy begs her visitors to extend their stay and take the opportunity to explore more of the country. Italy is particularly conducive to side trips and extended stays because of the rail connections available to much of mainland Europe.
No visit to Italy can really be complete without visiting Florence. This ancient city, originally a Roman financial and cultural center, evolved to become the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. It has been the birthplace or chosen home of many notable historical figures, such as Dante, Boccaccio, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Niccolò Machiavelli, Brunelleschi, Michelangelo, Donatello, Galileo Galilei, and many other notable figures.
The best-known site of Florence is the domed cathedral of the city, Santa Maria del Fiore, whose dome was built by Filippo Brunelleschi. The nearby Campanile (partly designed by Giotto) and the Baptistery buildings are also highlights. At the heart of the city, in Piazza della Signoria, is Bartolomeo Ammanati’s Fountain of Neptune, which is a masterpiece of marble sculpture at the terminus of a still-functioning Roman aqueduct. Michelangelo’sDavid is here too; it’s a must to see this, one of the most famous pieces of sculpture on earth.
The River Arno flows through the middle of Florence and one of the bridges, the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) dates back to construction by the Etruscans, although the current structure was rebuilt in the 14th century. The bridge’s most striking feature is the multitude of shops built upon its edges, held up by stilts. The bridge also carries Vasari’s elevated corridor linking the Uffizi to the Medici residence.
The church of San Lorenzo contains the Medici Chapel, the mausoleum of the Medici family – the most powerful family in Florence from the 15th to the 18th century. Nearby is the Uffizi Gallery, one of the finest art museums in the world – founded on a large bequest from the last member of the Medici family. It contains works by a literal who’s who of historic artists – from da Vinci to Rembrandt, Rubens to Michelangelo and Goya to El Greco.
Still, it’s challenging to define the core attractions of a city with the history of Florence. Even the humblest structure can turn out to have incredible historic or cultural significance; and even many residents know only a tiny fraction of the antiquity that surrounds them.
It isn’t entirely historic though. Florence is a modern city as well, complete with world-class shopping, accommodations from camp sites to resorts (Villa Olmi Resort being particularly popular recently) regional dining and terrific regional wines. Florentine cuisine extends from peasant roots and is heavier on meat than some other parts of Italy. As a cultural crossroads, it also demonstrates influences from around the rest of Italy and from Europe. Given the sizable tourist trade in the city, dining can be uneven at times and its best to consult with a trusted local or local media guides. It is worth the effort to do the research to dine well in Florence. Being the capital of the Tuscany region, Florence happens to reside in one of the most celebrated foodie sites in the world.
In total, Tuscany is home to the greatest wealth of art in Europe, some of the best wines in the world and of a simple but globally celebrated cuisine. There is a lot to see and do in Tuscany. Certainly visits should start with Florence, then continue on to Siena and Pisa. The roll call of città di arte, “cities of art”, is daunting: Arezzo, Cortona, San Gimignano and Lucca are all striking. For the art lover, it’s a matter of prioritizing, planning in advance and managing time effectively – something that isn’t easy in a region that seduces visitors into the particular in-the-moment lifestyle of this amazing part of the world.
Even art lovers, though, will find much to please them in Tuscany. In addition to the aesthetic, historic and culinary appeal of Tuscany, it is also incredibly beautiful and inspiring.
As much as any word, “inspirational” well describes a visit to this part of the world. Yes, a mind-boggling portion of history has passed through this part of Italy. But history is also being made here on a regular basis. A trip to Lombardy and Tuscany allows visitors to author their own portion of that history.
This small storefront restaurant in northwest Oklahoma City houses flavors that originate in Ethiopia. Spicy stewed meats, lentils and injera – a yeast-risen flatbread with a spongy texture that’s traditional in the country – are menu staples at Queen of Sheba. And guess what? That delicious, yeasty, sour bread also serves as your eating utensil; no forks or knives here. For first-timers, try the Queen of Sheba platter, a nice sampler of Kay Watt (stewed beef), Yedir Watt (stewed chicken), Yesimir Watt (stewed lentils), Yebeg Alitcha (lamb), chickpeas, vegetables and a salad. Queen of Sheba also boasts a lot of vegetarian options. 2308 N. MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma City. 405.606.8616.
Siegi’s Sausage Factory
For more than two decades, Siegi’s has set the bar high for German cuisine in Tulsa. Serving fresh sausages, schnitzel, sandwiches and spaetzle, the restaurant serves stick-to-your-ribs food that is both satisfying and full of bold flavor. Be sure to try a warm bowl of the spicy Hungarian Goulash, spiced with paprika and onions. There’s also the delicious Siegi’s Holzfeller, thinly smoked ham and swiss served between two potato pancakes with honey glaze. And, of course, too many fresh sausages to name can also be purchased, either by the pound in Siegi’s deli, or as part of an entrée, along with potato salad, sauerkraut and bread. 8104 S. Sheridan, Tulsa. www.siegis.com
Orange Leaf
Frozen yogurt is the kind of special treat that one may use to bribe children into doing their homework and chores. It’s also a dessert that adults can thoroughly enjoy. So it should be no surprise that Orange Leaf founder Reese Travis has seen tremendous success in marketing his frozen yogurt to cities across the country. With more than 90 locations, this Oklahoma-based dessertery offers decadent frozen yogurt flavors – such as mint chocolate, Coffee Lover and Red Velvet, along with healthier, fruit-based yogurts like honeydew, watermelon and blueberry. Choose your yogurt (feel free to mix flavors), pile on as many goodies as you would like from Orange Leaf’s toppings bar, weigh your creation and pay, then enjoy a summer treat that is refreshing and fun. Thirteen locations statewide. www.orangeleafyogurt.com
The owners of Oklahoma City’s legendary Johnnie’s Charcoal Broiler restaurants operate this upscale-casual eatery that serves classic dishes with gourmet twists. An eclectic menu includes dishes such as Zuccha Chips, thin slices of zucchini flash-fried and sprinkled with sea salt; Cherry Caprese salad with burrata cheese, roma tomatoes and fresh basil served with cherry balsamic dressing; and Bow Tie Pasta with Smoked Salmon topped with vodka cream sauce. West is just as adept at serving up cooked-to-perfection steaks as it is burgers and bar food. Rib eyes served with blue cheese fondue, truffled rosemary potatoes and balsamic Brussels sprouts; an eight-ounce filet “your way” (choose one of four delicious preparations); or Seven Ounces of Johnnie’s ground sirloin served on a gourmet bun – it’s all good. 6714 N. Western Ave. www.westbar.com
The blend of fresh ingredients with spicy heat makes Thai food satisfying yet light. Tulsa certainly has its fair share of great Thai places, and be prepared to add Bamboo Thai Bistro to that list. This small bistro-style restaurant offers traditional Thai favorites (think curries and pad thai) served family style. The Massuman features potatoes, green peas, onions and peanuts swimming in a creamy yellow Massuman curry sauce and is delicious served over rice. Other highlights of the menu include the tom yum soup and princess shrimp. Most dishes come with a choice of protein, including beef, chicken, pork and shrimp. Chinese-inspired stir-fries also occupy a place on the menu; the Orange Medley is a great choice. Most dishes start out at a mild spice level, but diners may request five spice levels: no spice, mild, medium, hot or extra hot. Each meal is served with a complimentary basket of airy shrimp chips. 5079 S. Yale, Tulsa. 918.828.0740.
As a child I could never understand why my mom insisted on making such weird food. Instead of peanut butter and fluff on white bread, she insisted on peanut butter and banana on whole wheat – crusts on. Instead of french fries, we had avocado, sliced, pitted and drizzled with fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper and olive oil.
I felt so different from the other kids, so healthy. If I had only known I was not alone; the avocado is popular all around the world, particularly in South America, Africa and Asia. Today, I can’t get enough of the creamy, soft texture and often split one with my 2-year-old daughter for lunch. While my husband thinks I’m crazy – he’d rather eat cookies, cake, or brownies – Ava gobbles them up as quickly as I do.
You’ve likely sampled this buttery fruit in guacamole and salads. While it tastes more like a vegetable, avocado acts like a fruit – refreshing, nutritious, and especially good in hot, tropical climates. July in Oklahoma is the time of year when I daydream about moving to Canada, but I’ve found it much simpler to make a meal of an avocado to keep myself – and the kitchen – cool.
There are so many ways to enjoy the mighty avocado. In Cape Verde, they mash the ripe flesh with chopped dates for a slightly sweet dip. In many, many countries around the world, avocados are blended into smoothies, such as the grapefruit and avocado version found in parts of the Caribbean. Today, we celebrate two avocado dishes, one from Africa and one from South America. Both are perfect for keeping cool. The first is West African Shrimp in Avocado Boats. Made with simple ingredients, the flavor depends on high quality seafood.
Our second dish is from Bolivia, where they fill avocado halves with fresh salad made with chopped tomatoes, onion, parlsey and vinagrette. Both recipes take only minutes to prepare, but both are beautiful and cooling – perfect for a party in the heat of July. Sasha Martin is cooking one meal for every country in the world. Her picky husband and baby girl are along for the ride. Join the adventure for recipes, reviews and more at www.globaltableadventure.com.
West African Shrimp In Avocado Boats
Take a voyage to the African coastline with this elegant appetizer or light lunch, a beautiful avocado boat showcasing delicate shrimp. Make the shrimp salad an hour or two ahead and cut the avocados immediately before serving; your guests will never know it only took you a few minutes to throw together.
1/2 lb. frozen cooked shrimp, shelled and thawed? 1 tbsp. ketchup? 1 tbsp. mayonnaise? 1/4 of a fresh lime, juiced? 3 avocados? Salt and pepper, to taste
Chop shrimp and combine with ketchup, mayonnaise and lime juice. Refrigerate until needed. Immediately before serving, halve and pit the avocados. Fill with shrimp mixture.
Bolivian Avocado Salad??
2 avocados, halved and pitted? Minced red onion, to taste? 2 small tomatoes, diced? 2 sprigs fresh parsley, minced? 1 tbsp. olive oil? 2 tsp. vinegar? Salt?and pepper, to taste
Tomatoes have never looked better. Even my picky husband ate this vegan salad right up. Serve slightly chilled but not cold (if the avocado is too cold, you won’t be able to taste the buttery flavor). Make the tomato mixture several hours ahead if you want.
In a small bowl, combine the onion, tomatoes, parsley, olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Pile into avocado halves and serve immediately.
Imagine waking up every morning feeling like it’s Christmas. For Oklahoma City artist Suzanne Wallace Mears, that is exactly how she describes her work.
“I am passionate about art from the minute I wake up to when I go to bed,” says Mears. “Hours fly by when I am in my studio.”
Art is meant to invoke an emotional response from its viewer. The purpose of Mears’ bold, colorful, contemporary style is to convey positivity, says the artist.
“My work is bold, colorful, contemporary abstractions of reality, a joyous celebration of life,” she says.
Her work’s upbeat nature is readily obvious. Two of her kiln-formed glass pieces will be at the new Oklahoma Cancer Center, part of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
“I am very excited to have my work be in a place where people are going through so much,” says Mears. “People have told me my work makes them feel good when they look at it. It’s my purpose.”
Watching Mears in action just might create some emotions as well. A self-described “messy painter,” Mears is hands-on in all aspects of her work.
“I am a paint slinger,” says Mears. “I even paint with hands instead of a brush.”
This tactile approach shapes her business sense, too.
“I wear a lot of hats,” explains Mears. “I want to be hands-on with all parts of my art. I used to have more than 25 galleries from coast to coast. It was fun to do all that. But now I want to be more in-depth with my pieces.”
Mears reduced the number of galleries to take on a more local approach. You can find her work at the Howell Gallery in Oklahoma City and at Joseph Gierek Fine Art in Tulsa. She also has pieces at galleries in New Mexico and Arizona.
“I also have a space in a showroom in the Paseo District downtown (in Oklahoma City),” adds Mears.
Art has always had a place in Mears’ heart. She still remembers her first piece, a totem carved out of soapstone all the way back in grade school.
College was a bit of an artistic renaissance for Mears. She began taking formal instruction and chose art as her major. After college, Mears became a certified teacher and worked as an art teacher in Iowa.
“It was so rewarding to see the progress and fun (my students) were having,” reminisces Mears.
Family brought Mears to Oklahoma.
“We bought a bank,” explains Mears. “My father-in-law was a bit of a visionary. He saw potential in Oklahoma that many others didn’t see at that time.”
Home for many years now, Mears is an Oklahoman, despite what it says on her birth certificate.
“My art career has been formed here,” says Mears. “I consider myself an Oklahoman even though I was born in Iowa.”
Teaching still has a place in her life.
“I periodically teach private lessons to children and adults,” says Mears. “Sometimes when people buy a piece of (my glasswork) I invite them to my studio to create a piece of their own. I love teaching them how it all works.”
Despite the success he’s built at his Tulsa-based boutique-style Black Optical, Gary Black never intended to open multiple locations or even expand in the existing market.
But that changed two years ago when management for Oklahoma City’s then-new retail center, Classen Curve, began talking to Black about the fledgling shopping destination and the possibility of a second Black Optical.
“When I saw the architecture and plans for Classen Curve, I knew it was the only place we would ever expand into,” Black says. “It’s the only place that could possibly work for us. We deal in clean, progressive products, and Classen Curve sums that all up. Just like Brookside is the place to go in Tulsa in order to see things you won’t see anywhere else, Classen Curve is like that too.”
Today, Black Optical at Classen Curve is open for business and features an elegant and comfortable design that reflects the attention to the aesthetic that defines “The Curve.”
Bob Benham can relate to Black’s experience. The CEO and owner (with his wife) of famed boutique Balliet’s was inspired to move the 75-year-old business to the Curve by none other than Chesapeake Energy CEO Aubrey McClendon.
“Aubrey showed up at my office one day about four years ago and was asking questions about my background and plans for the business,” Benham says. “Aubrey is a visionary and I knew he had something in mind.”
Benham says that just months later, he was approached and asked if Balliet’s would anchor Classen Curve, which Chesapeake was then developing just adjacent to the company’s corporate campus.
“Because of who was planning it, I knew that this would be a (development) that contributed to the economy, which would be environmentally conscious and which would have innovative architecture. The idea was that Classen Curve was to be a walking experience like shopping in a downtown.”
Benham says a deal was struck and Balliet’s made the move to Classen Curve, where today the tony shop enjoys more than 17,000 square feet of space – a 5,000 square-foot increase over its previous location.
“This was a unique opportunity for us economically – to move from a deteriorating area to what I think is the best corner in the city,” Benham says. “We saw Balliet’s as a big part of the renaissance of Oklahoma City.”
Like Black, Benham also cites the architecture and design of Classen Curve as key appeals. Relative to the rest of Oklahoma City and even to the entire state, Classen Curve is indeed innovative and unique.
That was the plan from the get-go.
“Classen Curve represents an architectural and conceptual breakthrough for retail in Oklahoma,” McClendon says. “Oklahomans can see the high standards we set for Classen Curve simply by walking or driving through it.”
“There is nothing like this center anywhere in Oklahoma,” says Rand Elliott, the well-known Oklahoma City-based architect behind both Classen Curve and Balliet’s.
“It is indeed a new idea for Oklahoma City, and we believe one of the most extraordinary retail and restaurant centers in the United States. In essence, Classen Curve symbolizes the maturation of Oklahoma City, and it creates a truly unique place for the best locally-owned retailers and restaurateurs in our community to provide their customers with an incredible experience among businesses which have an affinity for real quality.”
Classen Curve’s trademark design element is the orientation of the outdoor shopping center. Shops face an inner courtyard-style parking lot, fostering a quieter, more private feel.
“The inward parking design is new to us, but it has been done successfully elsewhere,” says Alison Oshel, director of community redevelopment with the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce.
“It seemed risky at first. People are used to giant signs on the front of buildings. But consumers seem to like the environment, the feel similar to being in an enclosed area.”
Citing Penn Square Mall as the catalyst for the region, Oshel cites plans for the adjacent Triangle at Classen Curve and the anticipated opening of Whole Foods Market later this year as signs of continued economic development.
Oshel adds that Classen Curve is commanding higher rents than elsewhere in Oklahoma City outside of the mall.
“There is great buzz out there,” Oshel says.
While innovative design is an important component to Classen Curve’s appeal, its resident businesses warrant credit as well. Balliet’s and Black Optical are joined by retailers such as On A Whim, BD Home, Red Coyote and Uptown Kids; and by restaurants such as Café 501, Upper Crust Pizza, Republic Gastropub and Matthew Kenney OKC. A Barre3 also serves the community.
“People love how everything is home-grown retail,” Oshel says.
Shoppers seem to love Classen Curve if numbers are a measure.
“Business has been tremendous,” says Benham. “We’re up 46 percent since the move, even though we’re just now emerging from a recession.”
Black says his decision to expand into Classen Curve was a “no-brainer.”
“There is no other place in Oklahoma City that we would really fit,” Black says.
Like Oshel, McClendon says he believes that Classen Curve and the development of the Triangle at Classen Curve will spur additional growth.
“The opening later this year of Whole Foods will mark a new chapter in the development of the area,” McClendon says. “The Triangle at Classen Curve will be home to one of the nation’s most recognizable and respected retailers, which will prompt other exceptional national retailers to strongly consider locating here.”
In the meantime, more residents discover Classen Curve every week.
“It’s become a destination and we hope it leads to more creative development in the city,” says Oshel.
Her tan is perfect. She must have spent hours on that hair – after she finished her makeup. The “flippers” cover the unsightly gaps left when she lost those teeth. Her bathing suit is cut high and those heels push up a pair of perfect calves. The room’s lights go down, the spotlight hits the catwalk and she struts like a model, turning and twirling to give the judges the best views. A beauty pageant, after all, is a beauty pageant. Even if she’s only 8 years old.
San Francisco “pageant mother” Kerry Campbell was in trouble with authorities only a week after a Good Morning America piece during which she cheerfully admitted that she regularly injected her 8-year-old daughter, Britney, with Botox. According to mom, Britney was losing her competitive edge in her beauty pageants. After the San Francisco Human Services Agency removed Brittney from her mother, Kerry admitted that her Botox admission was a fabrication.
Glitz pageants leave most parents with an unsettling feeling.
“Even though I really love this industry, I want my child to be normal. I want her to just be a child. Putting a little girl in those pageants is a little bit extreme,” says Heather Rouba, Mrs. Oklahoma 2009.
She feels that parents that push their daughters in that direction may be living through their children, may be overcompensating for some deficiencies of their own, or have other issues that their daughters are paying for.
“When you take a child and put her into (a glitz pageant), her existing character traits are completely different (than those of older women). They’re focused on basic accomplishments in school, playing, laughing and learning how to be friends. Improving children works in a natural pageant setting. They’re set up to reward children with excellence in areas that children should have excellence in,” says another former Mrs. Oklahoma, Stacy Kukal.
“Putting kids into a glitz pageant says, ‘God didn’t make you right to begin with. We’re all going to get together and see what we can do with you,’” Kukal continues. “Generally, those kids end up with confusion about who they were to begin with.”
There are, however, alternatives to the glitz pageant circuit. “Natural” pageants allow young girls to perform factory-ready, emphasizing skills and talents, not hair extensions. Contestants can’t use makeup in natural pageants. Glitz pageants have swimwear competitions. Interviews weigh more heavily in the scoring of natural pageants. Wigs, false teeth and other enhancements are fair game at glitz pageants.
Kukal’s 6-year-old, Georgia Rose Matlack, a natural pageant competitor, is the current International Junior Miss-Jr. Princess, the title given to the winner of the largest natural pageant for her age group.
A young girl’s driver for winning a pageant should come from a desire to improve herself in positive, authentic ways. That, says Kukal, is what the whole pageant system was built for.
“When you’re judged on the way you look, you’re going to want to put a lot of emphasis on that, a lot of value on that. So I feel like it’s better as a child and as a young person to develop your character. Even being the person I am and knowing that I would have loved pageants as a child, I really feel like it was the best thing for me to wait and go get it on my own. I appreciate it more because of that,” says Rouba.
But “glitz” pageants are big business. There are more than 25,000 glitz child pageants annually. It’s a $1 billion industry, and a lot of money changes hands. Coaches and choreographers get a cut. Makeup artists get a cut. Airbrushed tans aren’t free. Dressmakers can pull in $2,000-plus per gown. There are travel expenses. Entry fees pile up.
Toddlers & Tiaras, TLC’s reality TV show about glitz pageants for the third grade set, pulls in a more-than-respectable 1.4 million viewers each week. There’s no shortage of actual pageants, but the blog posts on the show’s website suggest that many viewers tune in because, for a reality TV show, it’s fantastically surreal.
Whitney Grubbs and her 2-year-old sister, SamiJo Grace, have appeared on the show twice. Grubbs says the pageants have helped her sister with her self-esteem and also turbo-charged her social development.
Grubbs dismisses detractors that claim the glitz pageants are less than healthy for competitors.
“I can see the point when people go to the extreme like the lady with the Botox, but for these girls it’s just fun. It’s just dress-up to them. Every little girl likes to play dress-up. They just get to dress up and have fun with their friends. It’s just a good time for them. These girls are so young that it’s not about the competition. She’s only two. She just likes to get up on stage and dance and entertain everyone,” she says.
Nonetheless, Grubbs is adamant about pulling SamiJo out of pageants before she hits 8 years old. That, Grubbs says, is when the pageants get far too competitive, the parents go way too far to win and the kids pay the price.
“It’s tough in the pageant world. The kids are harsh,” Kerry Campbell said during her controversial Good Morning America appearance.
Of course not every parent of young girls in glitz pageants shoots up their little contestants with Botox. But to many, the spray-on tans are questionable enough.
