Drinking, Dining & Other Merriment
Locally Owned Coffee Shop
ELEMENTAL COFFEE ROASTERS
Both a local roaster and coffee house, Elemental serves up some fine java. The retail side of the business was launched to facilitate a more personal relationship with customers, and the company’s unique approach to roasting comes from a firm belief that coffee’s “flavor and appeal will change from season to season … even from batch to batch.” The result is a lively and ever-changing range of brew with one mainstay: excellence. 815 N. Hudson in OKC, 633.1703, elementalcoffeeroasters.com
Second place: Red Cup, 3122 N. Classen Blvd., OKC
Third place: Coffee Slingers, 1015 N. Broadway, OKC
Weekend Brunch
SEVEN47
Housed in a nifty art deco-style building on Norman’s Campus Corner, the industrial-chic décor manages to be über cool and warmly welcoming at the same time. The tempting brunch offerings run the international gamut from Café du Monde beignets to Belgian waffles to Crabby Eggs – a crab cake Benedict with tomato hollandaise and sweet pepper relish. 747 Asp in Norman, 701.8622, seven47.com
Second Place: La Baguette Bistro, 7408 N. May, OKC
Third Place: Kitchen No. 324, 324 N. Robinson, OKC
Workday Lunch Spot
TEXADELPHIA
The Stick a Fork in Me Burger (so named because its combination of cheeses – jalapeno, jack and queso – make it a dangerous proposition for tackling with one’s bare hands) and Founder’s Favorite angus cheesesteaks are favored dishes at this friendly, casual spot, but lighter fare is offered as well if you’re prone to napping at your desk on a full stomach. Two locations: 200 S. Oklahoma in OKC, 208.4000; 1150 W. Lindsey in Norman, 701.5635
Second place: Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Bricktown and Norman
Third place: Coolgreens, five metro locations
Greasy Cheeseburger
S&B’s BURGER JOINT
Whether you’d happily eat a burger every day or just like to occasionally indulge, S&B’s gourmet burgers and sliders won’t disappoint. The Fatty has quickly become renowned for both size and taste, and is served alongside beer floats, soda floats and delicious homemade pies. Three locations: 5929 N. May (843.8777), 20 N.W. 9th (270.0516) and 7745 S. Walker in OKC (631.0783), sandbburgers.com
Second place: Tucker’s Onion Burgers, N.W. 23rd and Classen Curve, OKC
Third place: Irma’s Burger Shack, N.W. 63rd and Midtown, OKC
Breakfast Place
KITCHEN NO. 324
Amazing food (like Pastrami & Eggs, Fried Green Tomato Benedict, House Made Granola served with berries and milk) is served with fresh-pressed juices alongside tasty pastries in this new addition to the dining scene, and it’s a big hit. The space is beautiful and bathed in natural light, and the bustling business proves that life in downtown Oklahoma City is thriving seven days a week. 324 N. Robinson in OKC, 763.5911, kitchen324.com
Second place: Jimmy’s Egg, 11 metro locations, jimmysegg.com
Third Place: The Diner, 213 E. Main, Norman
Appetizers
TEXADELPHIA
A double winner this year (see Workday Lunch Spot), Texadelphia keeps it simple but great where starters are concerned, and their Okie Fried Pickles and Hand Battered Onion Rings are good-yet-uncomplicated comfort fare … and, of course, fried. Two locations: 200 S. Oklahoma in OKC, 208.4000; 1150 W. Lindsey in Norman, 701.5635
Second place: Deep Fork Grill, 5418 N. Western, OKC
Third place: Republic Gastropub, 5830 N. Classen Blvd., OKC
Spot for a Cocktail
SEVEN47
In addition to its winning status for Weekend Brunch, Seven47 is a hip spot for a cocktail, and the location is perfect for stopping in just before any OU home game. Sidle up to the brushed stainless steel bar, or lounge with friends in the plush couch pits that surround the bar area. The specialty cocktails are as swanky as the décor. 747 Asp in Norman, 701.8622, seven47.com
Second place: Ludivine, 805 N. Hudson, OKC
Third place: Republic Gastropub, 5830 N. Classen Blvd, OKC
Dessert
LA BAGUETTE BISTRO
Brothers Alain and Michel Buthion call Oklahoma home, but their culinary roots are firmly planted in their native France. The bistro they opened together, thanks to its adjacent deli and bakery, has more options than your average dessert selection. The tarts, pastries and cakes (Bombe Au Chocolat, please) are so exceptional that the most arduous part of your visit will be making a decision. 7408 N. May in OKC, 840.3047, labaguettebistro.com
Second place: La Baguette Bakery & Café, 924 W. Main and 1130 Rambling Oaks, Norman
Third place: Cheever’s, 2409 N. Hudson, OKC
Casual Dining
IRON STARR URBAN BARBEQUE
When you need to feed your rabid craving for barbecue, Iron Starr adds an uptown flair to the fare. The famous St. Louis Cut Pork Ribs get a 24-hour dry spice rubdown before being slow smoked, and the Fancy Mac & Cheese will ruin you for any other version. End the meal with their Double Chocolate Bread Pudding with a grand marnier glaze, whether you “left room” for it or not. 3700 N. Shartel in OKC, 524.5925, ironstarrbbq.com
Second place: Iguana Mexican Grill, 9 N.W. 9th, OKC and 6482 Avondale, Nichols Hills
Third place: Cheever’s, 2409 N. Hudson, OKC
Fine Dining
THE METRO WINE BAR & BISTRO
Located adjacent to Nichols Hills but a popular spot for residents from across the metro, this establishment has been an upscale dining fixture since 1988. From the Cedar Plank Salmon to Filet of Beef to Chicken Vermouth, the menu is always changing and always excellent, and the service is outstanding. A bowl of the Vichyssoise alone is worth the trip. 6418 N. Western in OKC, 840.9463, metrowinebar.com
Second place: Red PrimeSteak, 504 N. Broadway, OKC
Third place: Ludivine, 805 N. Hudson, OKC
Vegetarian Restaurant {for the Non-Meat-Eaters Who Somehow Ended Up in Oklahoma}
COOLGREENS
Every item on the Coolgreens menu – wraps, salads, soups, flatbread pizza – is made fresh daily and processed foods of any kind are forbidden. Choose the protein of your liking, (tofu available!), add greens, topping and dressing, then enjoy it as a salad or a wrap. And there’s no denying that part of the restaurant’s success is attributable to some mighty fine frozen yogurt. Five locations: 6475 Avondale in Nichols Hills, 841.2665; 204 N. Robinson (600.6444) and 14201 N. May (286.9304) in OKC; 1189 E. 15th in Edmond, 562.1020; 3700 W. Robinson in Norman, 701.5000; coolgreens.com
Second place: Red Cup, 3122 N. Classen Blvd., OKC
Third place: Picasso Café, 3009 Paseo, OKC
Cheap Date Venue
CUPPIES & JOE
It’s a quaint café in a charming building in the Uptown 23rd district of Oklahoma City, and if you want maximum enjoyment with minimal expense, this is the place. The cupcakes are made fresh daily (along with other desserts) with the best ingredients in a setting that makes you feel right at home. The atmosphere is lively but amenable to quiet conversation over a gourmet cup of coffee and cupcakes for two. 727 N.W. 23rd in OKC, 528.2122, cuppiesandjoe.com
Second place: Big Truck Tacos, 530 N.W. 23rd, OKC
Third place (tie): Myriad Botanical Gardens, downtown OKC and The Wedge Pizzeria, 4709 N. Western and 230 N.E. 1st, OKC
Expensive Date Venue
REDROCK CANYON GRILL
When you pair an excellent meal with a spectacular view of Lake Hefner, you have all the ingredients to make your date feel special (and frankly, the restaurant isn’t really all that expensive – it feels more upscale than its cost). Redrock offers fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere, and the enclosed patio allows for watching fabulous sunsets year round. There are ample Southwest and American options on the menu, but the real specialty is the Wood-Fired Rotisserie Chicken. 9221 Lake Hefner Pkwy. in OKC, 749.1995, redrockcanyongrill.ehsrg.com
Second place: Vast, 333 W. Sheridan, OKC
Third place: The Coach House, 6437 Avondale, Nichols Hills
Hole-in-the-Wall You’re Not Ashamed to Admit Liking
EISCHEN'S
It’s a bit of a drive to get there, but the fried chicken (it’s a whole fried chicken) is legendary, as is Eischen’s place in history as the oldest bar in the state. There are a total of eight items on the menu, and if you don’t want fried okra as your side order, your alternative is nachos. Seriously. Leave the credit card at home; they only accept cash and personal checks. Seriously. 109 N. 2nd in Okarche, 263.9939, eischensbar.com
Second place: Nic’s Grill, 1201 N. Pennsylvania, OKC
Third place: Cock o’ the Walk, 3705 N. Western, OKC
Out-of-Business Restaurant You Wish Would Make a Comeback
NICHOLS HILLS DRUG STORE
No small number of points separated this category winner from the other entries; it won by a landslide. As one voter put it, “I crave this every morning and every day at lunch.” It wasn’t fancy; it was nostalgia. Sitting at the fountain and ordering up a cheeseburger, fries and a milkshake was a cherished tradition … and nearly impossible when school was out of session. Formerly in Nichols Hills Plaza
Second place: Molly Murphy’s House of Fine Repute in OKC
Third place: Sleepy Hollow in OKC
Café/Restaurant No One Has Heard Of (Probably)
CAFÉ KACAO
Guatemalan food has a freshness to it in both taste and appearance, incorporating bright colors and interesting textures. Lunch and dinner are both very good here, but those in the know are hooked on the breakfast. Motuleno is a popular choice – corn tortillas with black beans, topped with eggs (cooked your way), ranchero sauce, cheese and avocados. The corn tortillas are handmade, and the Guatemalan coffee is delightful. 3325 N. Classen Blvd. in OKC, 602.2883, cafekacao.com
Second place: Couscous Café, 6165 N. May, OKC
Third place: Joey’s Pizzeria, 700 W. Sheridan, OKC
Restaurant To Embarrass Your Friend by Announcing His/Her Birthday
TED'S CAFÉ ESCONDIDO
A popular Mexican food spot for years, Ted’s doesn’t hold back on the free chips and salsa … nor the spectacle. Tell your server it’s your companion’s birthday and you’ll get the works – sombrero and all. There’s even an official (and loud) Birthday Song. 2836 N.W. 68th (848.8337) and 8324 S. Western (635.8337) in OKC; 801 E. Danforth in Edmond, 810.8337; 700 N. Interstate Dr. in Norman, 307.8337; tedscafe.com
Second place: Texas Roadhouse, 2100 E. Memorial, OKC
Third place: Chelino’s, 13 metro locations, chelinosmexicanrestaurant.com
Excursion for Showing Your Out-of-Town Guests a Good Time
BRICKTOWN
Deservedly the standard-bearer in conversations touting the metro’s current boom of growth and development, the thriving Bricktown entertainment district is loaded with possibilities for enjoyment: major sporting events, shopping, dining in a panoply of genres, catching a movie or going bowling, even floating serenely through it all along the canal. It’s a prime way to show off OKC, especially to those who haven’t seen downtown in a while. bricktownokc.com
Second place: Republic Gastropub, 5830 N. Classen Blvd., OKC
Third place: Thunder game, nba.com/thunder
Excursion for Showing your Out-of-Town Guests With Kids a Good Time
POPS
The trip east from Edmond to the spot marked by an iconic 66-foot-high soda-bottle sculpture is totally worth the time. While the food is tasty, the prime draw is the incredible selection of bottled beverages awaiting thirsty travelers, making a long-lasting impression on kids whose default question will soon change from “Are we there yet?” to “Can we go back yet?” As one reader put it, “What kid doesn’t like five bazillion types of soda and a cheeseburger?” 600 W. Highway 66 in Arcadia, 928.7677, route66.com
Second place: Oklahoma City Zoo, okczoo.com
Third place: Myriad Botanical Gardens, myriadgardens.org
Best Public Festival
FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
It’s a community celebration of arts – visual, performing and culinary – and it happens to take place this month (April 23-28). The International Food Row fuels your body to meander among 144 visual artists and four stages with nonstop performances, and strolling performers add to the jubilant atmosphere. After all, if it’s Festival time, it must be spring! Annually in downtown OKC, 270.4848, artscouncilokc.com
Second place: Norman Music Festival, normanmusicfestival.com
Third place: deadCENTER Film Festival, deadcenterfilm.org
Charity Event
RED TIE NIGHT
In the early 1990s, Jackie and Barbara Cooper and a small group of friends banded together with the idea to help those struggling with a newly developing disease. Twenty-plus years and more than $16 million later, Red Tie Night has changed Oklahoma’s HIV/AIDS care forever. The event – the largest single-evening fundraiser in the state – is about as “red carpet” as it comes. Annually in OKC, 348.6600, okaidscarefund.com
Second place: Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition’s 12×12, ovac-ok.org
Third place: Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, okcmarathon.com
Place to Spend a Lazy Saturday
WARREN THEATRE
The key word is “lavish” – impeccable style and Old Hollywood glamour radiate from every inch of this magnificent movie palace with comfortable appointments and multiple dining options …and once you enjoy a film from the plush balcony with full food and drink service, you may never want to go back to a regular theater again. 1000 Telephone Rd. in Moore, 703.3777, warrentheatres.com
Second place: At home
Third place: Myriad Botanical Gardens, downtown OKC
Casino to Blow Your Paycheck and Feel (Sort of) OK About It
RIVERWIND CASINO
The poker tables never close and they’re surrounded by over 2,700 electronic games in a lavish atmosphere ripe with excitement; it’s an effort of will to tear yourself away and enjoy the stylish restaurants or live entertainment, from blazing hot country singers to the cream of classic rock like Chicago and the Doobie Brothers. Even if you don’t break the bank, at Riverwind a great time is a sure thing. 1544 W. Highway 9 in Norman, 322.6000, riverwind.com
Second place: WinStar World Casino, 777 Casino Ave., Thackerville
Third place: Remington Park, 1 Remington Pl., OKC
In-Town Hotel to Rekindle the Romance (or Just Escape the Kids)
SKIRVIN HILTON
With every modern amenity and an unmistakable air of timelessness acquired over its century-plus history, the Skirvin does ambiance like no other. A quiet meal in the Park Avenue Grill, drinks over live jazz in the Red Piano Lounge or simply curling up in a king-sized suite – there’s no wrong way to enjoy. 1 Park Ave. in OKC, 272.3040, skirvinhilton.com
Second place: Colcord Hotel, colcordhotel.com
Third place: Waterford Marriott, marriott.com
Weekend Getaway in the State
BEAVERS BEND STATE PARK
Our readers must love geology, as Beavers Bend is home to the unusual and fascinating rock formations of the Ouachita Mountains. Either that or they’re drawn to the prospects for hiking, fishing, canoeing, golfing, swimming and more amid absolutely idyllic natural splendor, all while experiencing the comforts of home … if home were in a forest paradise. Northeast of Broken Bow, 580.494.6455, beaversbend.com
Second place: Tulsa
Third place: Grand Lake
Making a Personal Investment
Men’s Clothing Store
SPENCER STONE COMPANY
The store’s namesake and owner opened his business in 2003 with a honed focus on two main principles: offer fine menswear and do so with the highest level of service. From jeans to suits to tuxedos, Stone and his staff ensure that Oklahoma gentlemen of all ages look their best. 6492 Avondale in Nichols Hills, 608.0586, spencerstoneco.com
Second place: Mr. Ooley’s, Penn Square Mall, OKC
Third place: Gil’s, 7644 N. Western, OKC
Kids’ Clothing Store
UPTOWN KIDS
This is far from your average children’s store. The atmosphere is a nifty combination of retail store/gallery/playhouse, the clothes are very fashion-forward, and many of the lines won’t be found anywhere else in the metro. If you want the place all to yourself – or with a few close friends – book an after-hours private shopping event. 5840 N. Classen Blvd. in OKC, 418.8881, uptownkidsstyle.com
Second place: Blue Seven, 7518 N. May, OKC
Third place: Green Bambino, 5120 N. Shartel, OKC
Women’s Clothing Store
BALLIETS
The store’s design is as impressive as its designer labels, the result of a two-year collaboration with architect Rand Elliott. Italianate travertine, a grand staircase and a generous infusion of natural light give Balliets a serious “wow” factor, and the staff is unfailingly gracious. The cosmetics department is located on the upper level to facilitate privacy, along with a spa and outdoor relaxation deck. Feel free to linger. 5801 N.W. Grand in OKC, 848.7811, balliets.com
Second place: Blue Seven, 7518 N. May, OKC
Third place: CK and Company, 6429 Avondale, Nichols Hills
Shoe Store
BALLIETS
No matter how great the outfit, you gotta have the right shoes. The perfect pair is only steps away at Balliets (see Women’s Clothing Store), and the stock is carefully selected to complement the clothing lines. Lines include Cole Haan, Jimmy Choo, Prada and Valentino, so you’re certain to find the perfect fit. 5801 N.W. Grand in OKC, 848.7811, balliets.com
Second place: Dillard’s, three metro locations, dillards.com
Third place: Heirloom Shoe, 4415 N. Western, OKC
Jeweler/Jewelry Store
B.C. CLARK JEWELERS
It’s a family affair at B.C. Clark. The first store opened before statehood, and today is run by the founder’s grandson and two great-grandsons. In fact, it’s the oldest retail store in Oklahoma under the same name and ownership. High fashion jewelry shares space with luxury timepieces and exceptional giftware. The store’s famous holiday jingle even made it as far as “The Tonight Show.” Three locations: 101 Park Ave. (232.8806), Penn Square Mall (840.1441) and Northpark Mall (755.4040) in OKC, bcclark.com
Second place: Naifeh Fine Jewelry, 9203 N. Pennsylvania, OKC
Third place: Samuel Gordon Jewelers, 5521 N. Pennsylvania, OKC
Hair Stylist
CHAD TABER
Truly creating style at Salon W, Chad’s work is an in inspiration, especially to readers who voted him as the go-to stylist for looking their best. A Keune national artisan, Chad excels at the top-flight salon where the emphasis is on quality and continuous education for its slate of admired style pros. 7304 N. Western in OKC, 608.0692, salonwokc.com
Second place: Estrella Evans, Velvet Monkey, 1701 N.W. 16th and 3003 N.W. 63rd, OKC
Third place: Sara Donavan, Trichology Salon, 14101 N. May, OKC
Hair Salon
VELVET MONKEY
Owner Estrella Evans was clever enough to claim space in Oklahoma City’s Plaza District very early on in the area’s revitalization. Her salon’s edgy, artistic style and quirky name caught on in a big way – so big that she opened a second salon (Velvet Monkey Too) to facilitate the growth in devoted clientele. Two locations: 1701 N.W. 16th (528.1106) and 3003 N.W. 63rd (879.1002) in OKC, velvetmonkeysalon.com
Second place: Trichology, 14101 N. May, OKC
Third place: Salon W, 7304 N. Western in OKC
Spa
COTTONWOOD SALON SPA
The team of 50+ professionals at Cottonwood are no stranger to awards; the company had made Salon Today magazine’s list of top salons in the U.S. for eight consecutive years. The 11,000-square-foot facility is a Mecca of respite, with soothing waterfalls and ample sunlight to complement a seemingly endless list of services designed to make you feel like a better version of your former self. 35 E. 33rd in Edmond, 340.1700, cottonwoodsalonspa.com
Second place: Renaissance Salon & Spa, 10440 N. Broadway Ext., OKC
Third place: Eden Salon & Spa, 12200 Warwick and 4200 N. Western, OKC
Florist to Impress Your Love (or Get You Out of the Doghouse)
A DATE WITH IRIS
Sending flowers is always a good idea, but sending something truly unique is a great idea. A Date With Iris specializes in unusual blooms, which gives your good gesture some extra zing. They do weddings, of course, but also offer weekly deliveries to local businesses – a good way to spruce up more than your love life. 4201 N. Western in OKC, 604.5959, adatewithiris.com
Second place: New Leaf Florist, 2500 N. May, OKC
Third place: Trochta’s Flowers & Garden Center, 6700 N. Broadway Ext., OKC
Cosmetic Dentist
KRISTA M. JONES, D.D.S.
Pearly whites are oh-so nice, and it’s a big bonus when the “getting there” experience is a pleasant one. Patient rooms offer a garden view that includes a Bill Worrell sculpture, and time spent in the chair can be whiled away listening to music via headphones or watching your favorite movie with virtual iGlasses. Dr. Jones holds a spot in the top five percent of Oklahoma dentists for continuing education and was named 2012 Dentist of the Year by the Oklahoma Dental Association. 2000 S.E. 15th, Building 200 in Edmond, 341.9370, kristajonesdds.com
Second place: Damon R. Johnson, D.D.S., 1400 W. Covell, Edmond
Third place: Dana B. Price, D.D.S., 5601 N. Classen Blvd., OKC
Cosmetic Surgeon
TIM R. LOVE, M.D.
People seem to just love Dr. Love. First, he’s an expert, with over 30 years’ experience and board certification from the specialized American Board of Plastic Surgery. Secondly, his personable ways put patients at ease before taking that big step, or even just getting a clinical peel or restoring some of that hair you lost in the shower drain. 11101 Hefner Pointe, Suite 104 in OKC, 751.5683, drtimlove.com
Second place: Justin M. Jones, M.D., 6305 Waterford Blvd., Suite 115, OKC
Third place: Stephen Gaulthier, M.D., 2520 N.W. Expressway, OKC
Antique Store
MOCKINGBIRD MANOR
It may sound counterintuitive, but these aren’t your grandfather’s antiques. Walking in the manor, you’ll be surrounded by outstanding home décor items chosen for attractiveness and high quality. It’s also two trips in one, with modern pieces vying to outshine their senior competition. 4417 N. Western in Oklahoma City, 521.1212
Second place: Treasures Past, 1015 N. Broadway, OKC
Third place: Rink Gallery, 3200 N. Rockwell, Bethany
Furniture Store
MATHIS BROTHERS FURNITURE
It’s a metro TV fixture with the address that’s hard-wired into our collective brains, somewhere right beside the B.C. Clark jingle. Fine furniture hunters rarely forget Mathis Brothers’ immense selection, ranging from colorful options for kid rooms to high-end, designer sofas. What’s that address again? 3434 W. Reno in OKC, 943.3434, mathisbrothers.com
Second place: True North Living, 7318 N. Western, OKC
Third place: I.O. Metro, 3248 S. Broadway, Edmond
Auto Dealership
BOB MOORE
Starting off selling tail-finned beauties in the Fifties, Bob Moore Auto Group has bloomed into more than a dozen metro dealerships. Now they sell models by 16 automakers, from Dodge Rams to Porsche Boxsters. You don’t get that big without handing over the keys to plenty of satisfied (and pumped up!) new vehicle owners. 14 metro dealerships, bobmoore.com
Second place: Bob Howard, 11 metro dealerships, bobhoward.com
Third place: Fowler, 4 metro dealerships, fowlerauto.com
Neighborhood to Buy Your “Starter” Home
MESTA PARK
If you’re young and a first-time home buyer, our readers suggest you meet one of the grand dames of OKC neighborhoods: Mesta Park. Born in 1902, she’s stately, yet alluringly inviting – and she’s still got it. Her Craftsman- and Prairie-style homes are in great shape. As the neighborhood says it, “Modern living. Really old houses.” mestapark.org
Second place: The Village, thevillageok.org
Third place: The Paseo, thepaseo.com
Neighborhood to Buy Your “I’ve Made It” Home
NICHOLS HILLS
With spring in full bloom, you should go on a pleasant walk in Nichols Hills. The eastern stretch of gently curving Northwest Grand Boulevard is a good place to start, with its walking paths flanked by hickory trees and beautiful estate homes. After that, get back to work ASAP and make your first million so you can move there. nicholshills.net
Second place: Heritage Hills, heritagehills.org
Third place: Gaillardia, gaillardia.com
Neighborhood to Buy Your “Always Keep ’Em Guessing” Home
CROWN HEIGHTS
Crown Heights homes are beautiful and interesting, with styles as varied as Italian Renaissance to minimal traditional. Its three parks are uptown oases for playing ball or spreading a blanket for a picnic. Never overly ostentatious, some of the wealthiest people in the metro live there. Or do they? ch-eh.org
Second place: Mesta Park, mestapark.org
Third place: The Paseo, thepaseo.com
Locally Made Thing That Every Oklahoman Should Own
ORIGINAL ART BY A LOCAL ARTIST
To everyone who thinks Oklahomans don’t appreciate culture, consider this: By a wide margin, Slice readers think original art is the No. 1 thing every citizen should own. Buying artwork from a local artist says you love their creations, are proud they live in your town and are hip enough to know the metro is bursting with rare talents.
Second place: Braum’s ice cream
Third place: Keep It Local card
Gotta Love Those Okies
Elected Official
MICK CORNETT
Mayor Cornett loves Oklahoma City, and the feeling is entirely mutual – that’s why the man who took office in 2004 is still in the big chair today. In that time, he’s championed the MAPS 3 initiative, helped bring the Thunder to town, encouraged us all to get healthier … and become one of only four people in city history to be elected to a third mayoral term.
Second place: Mary Fallin
Third place: Ed Shadid
Non-Politician You’d Like to Vote Into Office
WAYNE COYNE
Does he have an expert grasp of how to maintain economic expansion or a comprehensive plan for education reform? Maybe not, but not all of our current public servants are political masterminds, and none of them seem especially likely to attend City Council meetings while equipped with confetti and a big plastic ball. Coyne 2014!
Second place: Jim Roth
Third place: Desmond Mason
Business Leader
LARRY NICHOLS
The Fortune 500 company he helped build from the ground up is also a mainstay of that publication’s 100 Best Companies to Work for List; now that the hardworking Nichols finally hung up his Devon Energy CEO hat and retired, hopefully his schedule will allow more time for the philanthropic drive that has beautified the Myriad Gardens and all of downtown OKC.
Second place: Aubrey McClendon
Third place: David Green
Nonprofit Organization Leader
LANCE McDANIEL
Taking the reins of the deadCENTER Film Festival meant filling some big shoes, but McDaniel is the man for the job – he’s kept the celebration of independent cinema on the grow (this year’s festival is June 5-9 in downtown OKC) and exudes a lasting passion for the craft, fueled in part by his own time behind the camera as a producer and director.
Second place: Julia Kirt, Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition
Third place: Debby Hampton, United Way of Central Oklahoma
Local Band
THE FLAMING LIPS
It’s been a long, strange, psychedelic trip to international stardom for Wayne Coyne and company, but even as the world gets more in tune with their experimental sound and legendary live performances, the Lips maintain their ties to Oklahoma – ask anyone who’s marched in the Ghouls Gone Wild Halloween Parade.
Second place: Horseshoe Road
Third place: Mike Hosty Duo
Performing Artist
KYLE DILLINGHAM
Fiddler extraordinaire Dillingham doesn’t just play music; he revels in it and uses it to connect emotionally with listeners, and his visible joy and enthusiasm in performing make it easy to see why he was named Oklahoma’s Musical Ambassador by Governor Henry, and why his band Horseshoe Road is just getting back from a month-long tour of east Asia organized by the U.S. State Department.
Second place: Graham Colton
Third place: Wayne Coyne
Visual Artist
DESMOND MASON
Everyone loves a good success story, and Mason’s already had one: after years of dedication to hone and channel his natural gifts, he became an NBA sensation. Then he retired from sports, and now he’s dedicating himself to doing something that makes him happy and adds beauty to the world. We tend to love that too.
Second place: Romy Owens
Third place: Lisa Lee
Sportscaster
BOB BARRY, JR.
He’s been in broadcast media since his student days at Norman High School, and you couldn’t ask for a better pedigree in the eyes of Sooner fans. Honored five times by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association as Oklahoma’s Sportscaster of the Year, Barry is who Slice readers turn to when they want to know more than just the score.
Second place: Dean Blevins
Third place: Bob Irzyk
Meteorologist
GARY ENGLAND, KWTV
Oklahoma has gained a reputation for producing some of the country’s best meteorologists, but in this notoriously competitive market England continues to reign supreme. And no wonder – he’s won multiple Emmys, pioneered Doppler radar in weather broadcasting and brings a touch of gravitas to a profession that occasionally inclines toward hyperbole.
Second place: David Payne, KWTV
Third place: Emily Sutton, KFOR
News Anchor
LINDA CAVANAUGH, KFOR
In three decades, she’s received over 30 national awards and become an on-air institution. A globetrotting, groundbreaking journalist (she was the first U.S. reporter inside the “Hanoi Hilton” POW camp) and humanitarian who spearheaded efforts to found the state’s first hospice, Cavanaugh has dedicated her career to keeping us informed.
Second place: Kelly Ogle, KWTV
Third place: Jessica Schambach, KOCO
News Anchor hair
LINDA CAVANAUGH, KFOR
Behold one of the secrets to her success in the previous category! While there’s much more to Cavanaugh’s onscreen presence and reporting than her coiffure, readers seemed to appreciat her short blond ’do for style and consistency.
Second place: Kelly Ogle, KWTV
Third place: Meg Alexander, KFOR
Actor to Play Kent Ogle in His Biopic
KEVIN OGLE
Anchor of the state’s most watched morning newscast; golf enthusiast; philanthropist; regular singer at the Oklahoma Opry … who would be best suited to breathe life into this metro media mainstay? Who better than another member of the Ogle news dynasty: his brother Kevin?
Second place: Will Ferrell
Third place: Matt Damon
Local Celebrity/ Personality Most Likely to Be on Your Spouse’s “Free Pass” List
KEVIN DURANT
The classics apparently never go out of style with voters, as the 6’9” Durant’s combination of world-class athleticism, competitive focus and unfeigned niceness (see the question about state celebrity ambassadors on the next page) shoots him right to the top of the “no questions asked” queue.
Second place: Desmond Mason
Third place: Carrie Underwood
Radio DJ
FERRIS O'BRIEN
O’Brien lives, breathes and dreams music – plus he’s had over 20 years in the radio business, and his unflagging dedication is the reason perennial underdog The Spy is back on the FM dial thanks to a new partnership with KOSU. Don’t stop believing – and keep enjoying the greatest in independent radio.
Second place: Ron Williams
Third place: Jack Elliott
Morning Radio Team
JACK AND RON, 98.6 KISS-FM
Considering that they placed third and second, respectively, in voting for best DJ, it should come as no surprise that our readers agree with Messrs. Elliot and Williams’ self-assessment as “The Best Damn Morning Show in Oklahoma.” KISS listeners never know in advance what the topics of the day’s conversation will be, but history suggests they’ll enjoy it.
Second place: Rick and Brad, KATT
Third place: Joey and Heather, KKWD
Radio Personality Who Looks Least Like His/Her Voice
RON WILLIAMS
Theoretically, this category’s winner should have people regularly telling him, “Holy nardz, you sound just like Ron Williams! Have you ever met him?” There’s no mistaking Williams’ ability, however, to be far more chipper than most of us in the a.m. and forcing morning drivers to spit coffee on their steering wheels with a snappy joke. 98.9 KISS-FM
Second place: Jack Elliott KISS-FM
Third place: Janet KJ103
Ambassador/Celebrity Who Makes You Proud to Be an Oklahoman
KEVIN DURANT
It’s more than just his status as the marquee star of our hometown team – Durant is renowned for making time to meet fans, he’s always quiet and polite in interviews … he even kisses his mother before games. How awesome is KD? Nike is running an ad campaign based around the assertion that he’s the nicest guy in the NBA. When he’s wearing the colors, the man makes us all look good.
Second place: Kristin Chenoweth
Third place: Carrie Underwood
