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Home , Bienenstich, Chocolate ice cream, Cream pie, King cake, Lunch counter, Milkshake

Food WORTH THE DRIVE

Along with Mexican entrées, La Magia Del Trigo in Heavener serves a variety of fresh baked goods like and .

For the fifth year running, we’ve rounded up some Alva  e dish is fi lled with Ardmoe HOLDER DRUG ice and covered in SCOUT FRESH FOODS & CAFÉ of the best road trip-worthy dishes all over the state. marshmallow topping. Like magic, the WHEN AND WHERE: Monday through Friday, ff the picturesque main square in marshmallow pulls back together after 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and cout Fresh Foods & Café in And this year, it’s all about the sugar rush. O Alva sits Holder Drug, a longtime every bite, ensuring the next spoonful will Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 513 Barnes Avenue, SArdmore started the way so many hub of community activity. In addition contain that same satisfying combination. (580) 327-3332 or holderdrug.com. wonderful things do: as an act of pure to a , the shop contains , Jim died in 2017, but his children chutzpah. A few years ago, owner Audrey gifts, and a fantastic retro counter. Todd and Sally are keeping the tradition DID YOU KNOW: In 2017, Alva native Lance Edelen and manager Lindsey Stroud Photography by LORI DUCKWORTH But those with a sweet tooth have a alive.  ey worked at the McDaniel fi lmed part of his short fi lm trilogy were working together in an offi ce singular reason to visit this family-owned in their younger days before becoming Waving Wheat—which incorporated virtual building in downtown Ardmore. Illustrations by JJ RITCHEY business started in 1952 by Jim Holder: the manager and gift department buyer, reality—inside Holder Drug. “We’d always talk about what we’d the Jack & Jill Sundae. respectively.—GREG ELWELL want to see in Ardmore in terms of a

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40_FWTD.indd 44 2/7/18 1:21 PM 40_FWTD.indd 45 2/7/18 1:21 PM ,” Stroud says. “When this space came available downstairs from our office, she said to me, ‘I’m in if you are.’” WHEN AND WHERE: Monday through The pair’s bravery paid off, as Scout— Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and named for the main character in Edelen’s Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 favorite book, To Kill a Mockingbird— a.m. to 9 p.m. 2646 West Broadway, (580) welcomes Ardmoreites with a clean, 226-3764 or twofrogsgrill.com. stylish space and sweetness in abundance. Desserts like chocolate sheet , DID YOU KNOW: Keep an eye out for the key lime coconut cream bars, no-bake , pie and dessert specials, which aren’t and cobblers with perfectly flaky always on the menu but are popular when they crusts frequently sell out. Edelen, Stroud, are. The recipes come from owner Aubrey Harris’ and Savannah Donica do the baking, and wife Angeila. “She’s an amazing cook,” he says. everything here is made from the heart. “We don’t have any formal training,” Stroud says. “We just cook the things we —NATHAN GUNTER Bethany love.” OLDE ORCHARD RESTAURANT

t’s almost too much for the senses to WHEN AND WHERE: Monday through I bear: the golden squares overflowing Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, with melted margarine and warm 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 333 West Main Street, syrup, and the crunch giving way to a (580) 319-4620 or scout120.com. substantial cake. It’s good the waffles at Olde Orchard Restaurant are almost as DID YOU KNOW: One of Scout’s most popular big as the plates they’re served on, or this lunch specials, avocados stuffed with , experience would be over far too quickly. sour cream, and chicken and topped with Sriracha, is served all day at this isn’t available every day, but locals know to arrive Bethany staple, so customers can order before 11 a.m. when it is to make sure they get it. one of these Belgian beauties any time covered with syrup and whipped topping. But there are other

treats worth a taste. For twenty-two Ardmore TWO FROGS GRILL TWO FROGS GRILL years, chef Barbara Barnett has topped the coconut cream and chocolate cream decades-long Ardmore tradition, pies with soft rather A Two Frogs Grill boasts a made- than . Amy Franklin, whose The Peanut Satin Pie is from-scratch dessert menu that requires family has owned the restaurant since rich, creamy, and decadent with spoons for the entire table. Though it opened in 1974, bakes fruit cobblers, the right touch of chocolate. the restaurant is best known for apple pies, and her grandmother’s recipe for dumplings served warm and bathed in bread topped with sauce. a vanilla sauce, server Shanna Shayegh Whether customers seek a sweet start or recommends the peanut butter satin pie. an exquisite end, Olde Orchard’s menu is “I worked here for a year before I tried the perfect guide.—KARLIE YBARRA this,” she says. “I can’t believe I wasted a year like that.” She’s right. It’s rich, creamy, and WHEN AND WHERE: Monday through Friday, 6 decadent with the right touch of a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. 7339 . Also of note are the Northwest Twenty-third Street, (405) 787- and the chocolate 3332 or facebook.com/oldeorchardrestaurant. bread pudding, which is served with the same delectable vanilla sauce as the DID YOU KNOW: Becky Franklin, who has served If you’ve actually saved room for dessert apple dumplings. Those looking for a Olde Orchard customers for thirty-three years, at Two Frogs Grill in Ardmore, it’s hard dessert indulgence that’s well worth coined the restaurant’s cheeky slogan: “Order what to go wrong with a slice of butterscotch the carbs, look no further: You have you want, eat what you get.” pecan pie, here, or an apple dumpling. arrived.—TRISHA BUNCE

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40_FWTD.indd 46 2/7/18 1:21 PM 40_FWTD.indd 47 2/7/18 1:21 PM Claremore The chocolate toffee pie is a generous FRONT PORCH & slice of dense chocolate gluttony topped SMOKEHOUSE with crushed toffee and shaved chocolate. “I took my mother’s chocolate pie f not for her mother’s longing for a recipe and added chocolate and a butter I sun-sweetened raisin pie, Melissa toffee topping to the whipped cream,” says Holt might not be baking 150 loaves of Naifeh-Wagoner. bread, 500 dozen cookies, 300 pies, and For those looking to avoid the , 1,000 cinnamon rolls every month. But this cozy café also has grab-and-go items. after she got her mother a raisin pie at “Some of our customers never cook,” the Ol’ Dutchman’s Bakery on Route 66, says Naifeh-Wagoner—ANGELA BOTZER she went all-in and bought the restaurant itself. So after thirty-year careers in other fields, she and her husband Matt WHEN AND WHERE: Tuesday through began creating baked goods and smoked Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 1253 North meats at the Front Porch Bakery & Washington Avenue, (580) 931-3171 or SmokeHouse north of Claremore. diningarounddurant.com. “Everything we make here, we make from scratch,” says Melissa. “It’s an DID YOU KNOW: Naifeh-Wagoner creates Amish-style bakery.” experimental new sweet treats with her regular Travelers often sit on the porch or Dessert of the Week special. at picnic tables under the trees to savor molasses crinkle cookies, Mississippi Mud cake, or pink lemonade pie. Elk City “The strawberry cake is my mom’s THE SUGAR SHACK recipe. It’s amazing, with fresh in the cake and the icing,” hen Elk City’s main cake baker Melissa says.—SHEILAH BRIGHT W decided to retire, she asked Cathy Shirey if it would be all right to send over a few referrals. Turns out, folks in Elk City WHEN AND WHERE: Monday through like cake, because it quickly became a full- Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. 18435 South State time job requiring a full-time space. So it Olde Orchard Restaurant Highway 66, (918) 341-7505. seemed fortuitous when Shirey came across what she calls “a crazy little shack just DID YOU KNOW: When Melissa Holt and her beyond the tracks”— just like in the song Breakfast is served all day husband Matt bought the Ol’ Dutchman’s Bak- by Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs. here, so you can get one of ery, that establishment’s recipes were part of the The Sugar Shack makes plenty these Belgian waffles any time deal. She’s supplemented the menu with recipes of , but those who want a quick smothered in strawberry syrup from her family, staff, and Pinterest. can stop in for cookies, , and whipped topping. petits fours, and more. Perhaps the most irresistible confection in the entire shop is Durant the buttery popcorn. One DINING AROUND DURANT CAFE problem: The Sugar Shack is only open four days a week, so make sure to plan here are many reasons to visit Durant. ahead.—GREG ELWELL TOne of these is the opportunity to dive into a chocolate toffee pie or a Double Decker Strawberry at WHEN AND WHERE: Tuesday through Friday, Dining Around Durant Cafe. This two- 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 521 South Main Street, layered dessert has strawberry compote (580) 243-2253 or thecakeshack.com. and a twist of drizzled lemon glaze. Pink lemonade pie appears on the “I came up with this dessert using DID YOU KNOW: Shirey says she can’t stop eating dessert menu during warmer months at glazed lemon ,” says owner the Peanut Butter Reese’s cookies, which were the Front Porch Bakery & SmokeHouse near Kim Naifeh-Wagoner. “Lemon and first baked in The Sugar Shack’s kitchen. Claremore, but it is available any time by strawberry pair well together.” special order.

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40_FWTD.indd 48 2/7/18 1:21 PM 40_FWTD.indd 49 2/7/18 1:21 PM expression of the community relationships important to Missy’s regulars.

Guymon URBAN BRU CAFE

t’s always morning in the I Panhandle—or at least, that’s how regulars at Urban Bru Cafe in Guymon feel, as this hip County coff ee shop stays open all day for those needing a jolt of caff eine or a bit of a sugar boost. But unlike many other purveyors of the saccharine, Urban Bru makes sure even the health conscious can partake. “Runners and cyclists like our homemade granola bars,” says manager Liz McCulloch. “We try to do a variety of things so people feel like, ‘I can eat that; I’m going to treat myself today.’” But indulgence has its place here too. Staples like , , and beckon from the display case alongside creative extravagances like raspberry rosemary scones and muffi ns. Each pairs Along with serving sandwiches, salads, and perfectly with one of Urban Bru’s breakfast in a bright, modern setting, Scout selection of caff einated beverages made Fresh Foods & Café in Ardmore keeps a with Caff e D’Arte coff ee from Seattle. well-stocked case. This apple pecan But watch the shop’s Facebook and cobbler is part of the regular rotation. Instagram feeds for imaginative concepts like the Purple Rain—an iced latte with Urban Bru Cafe lavender, coconut, and vanilla—or the Rootless Tree, with fl avors of cinnamon, chai, vanilla, and brown sugar under a Scholesy, the golden retriever dusting of confectioner’s sugar atop a not- But the long-johns make this spot a topping of whipped cream and a molded who hangs out in the shop, Enid and Tulsa Guthrie recommends ordering the Purple KATY’S PANTRY too-sweet lemony fi lling over a fl aky soft MISSY’S DONUTS, DELI, AND BAKERY must-try. ey aren’t pre-fi lled but can be chocolate leaf with a glaze of gold. bottom crust. Its cousin, the apricot bar, loaded up with a choice of four fi llings. “It’s all about the details,” says Rain—a special iced latte with he city of Enid was named after pairs that same crust with a fruity, chunky, issy’s Donuts, Deli, and Bakery Chocolate , hummingbird McCulloch. “Good businesses focus on lavender, coconut, and vanilla. T a character in Alfred, Lord tangy middle.—ANGELA BOTZER M is the kind of place where a group cake, and breakfast bars round out the the fi ne points.”—NATHAN GUNTER Tennyson’s Idylls of the King, but an of retired men in trucker hats gather fi ve small but satisfactory menu, which is alternate story says a dyslexic restaurant days a week to catch up, give each other hand-written on brown craft paper owner’s sign read “enid,” which is “dine” WHEN AND WHERE: In Enid, Monday a hard time, and enjoy the best baked hanging in the window. Missy’s isn’t the WHEN AND WHERE: Monday through Friday, spelled backward, and the moniker through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 2302 goods for miles around.  eir presence fanciest place in town, but it is defi nitely 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to stuck.  e story makes even more West Willow Road, (580) 233-1304. In is a symbol of a community hub with a among the best.—SARA COWAN 5:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 418 sense for those looking for desserts in Tulsa, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 constant stream of coff ee and banter. Northwest Twenty-fi rst Street, (580) 338- the pastry case at the original location p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 6568 Robert Dean, one of these regulars, 3010 or urbanbrucafe.com. of Katy’s Pantry. First up are the East irty-fi rst Street, (918) 270-2685. says he always orders one plain cake WHEN AND WHERE: Monday through cinnamon rolls.  ese beauties are katyspantry.com. donut and one glazed. He comes to Friday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday 6 a.m. DID YOU KNOW: e most popular regular at coiled skyscrapers with chopped pecans Missy’s now that his retirement aff ords to 1 p.m. 1112 North Wentz Street, (405) Urban Bru is Scholesy, a golden retriever with and a melt-in-the-mouth icing. DID YOU KNOW: Regular visitors know to ask him what he calls six Saturdays a week. 260-0603 or missysdonutsdelibakery.com. his own fenced-off area in the corner. “We don’t And though food in bar form has been for the Hello Dolly with crushed pecans, -like donuts, know if people come in for the coff ee or if people trendy in recent years, Katy’s has been chips, and coconut in a lovely Nilla Wafer crust. fritters, fried pies, twists, and legendary DID YOU KNOW: e dozens of hand-written come in to see him,” says McCulloch. acing it for decades.  e lemon bar has a cinnamon rolls all are memorable choices. notes on the prayer wall at Missy’s are an

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40_FWTD.indd 50 2/7/18 1:21 PM 40_FWTD.indd 51 2/7/18 1:21 PM Heavener and syrups. The Northern Lights LA MAGIA DEL TRIGO is caffeinated and crowd-pleasing with white chocolate, coconut, and rainbow outheastern Oklahoma is cornbread swirls in honor of the aurora borealis. Scountry, so when third-generation For a treat that doesn’t come in a baker Julio Frederico and his family cup, Scarbrough and company serve the moved to Heavener in 1998, they Muddy Moose—a plain, cinnamon raisin, thought it’d take awhile to warm up or cinnamon swirl bagel with Nutella and folks to eating Cocoles y semitas or orejas. peanut butter.—BECKY CARMAN But from the moment Julio and his wife Beatriz and their son Emmaneul opened La Magia Del Trigo, locals have lined up WHEN AND WHERE: Monday through for these authentic and Saturday, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. 2625 Northwest sweet treats. Nearly two dozen varieties Cache Road, (580) 699-2777 or facebook.com/ of bread, some based on the ones Julio’s LuLusCoffeeBagel. grandfathers made, are baked daily in La Magia’s small kitchen, as are wedding and DID YOU KNOW: Lu Lu was Scarbrough’s daugh- specialty cakes. Try the decadent Choco ter’s childhood nickname, and that has become the Flan or the huaraches, leaf-shaped name of the moose statue outside the shop. filled with cinnamon and popular in Julio’s Mexican hometown of Cardonal. But baking isn’t just about commerce McAlester here. Julio and his family honor their faith HEAVENLY DELIGHTS BAKERY by baking Challah bread every Friday and closing the restaurant on Saturday he bakery case at Heavenly so other local Jewish families can gather T Delights Bakery might be here for Shabbat.—SHEILAH BRIGHT overwhelming, because at first glance, any sweet tooth will start whispering temptation: “Order one of everything.” WHEN AND WHERE: Monday through That would run about sixty dollars, so Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, 10 for a perfect sugar rush, go straight a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. to the truffle cookies. Lu Lu’s Coffee and Bagel 106 West First Street, (918) 653-3570 or They aren’t the flashiest selection in a facebook.com/la.magia.del.trig. case also containing cakes, scones, and pastries—all baked fresh at three every At this Alaska-themed coffee DID YOU KNOW: Julio is happy to customize any morning—but they are the MVPs. shop, try the Northern Lights, order if he’s able. Not a fan of Mexican sausage? “We’ve been voted the best bakery with white chocolate, coconut, Add chicken instead. in town for thirteen years in the and rainbow swirls. McAlester News-Capital ’s Readers Choice Awards,” says April Dungan, Lawton who co-owns the bakery with her LU LU’S COFFEE AND BAGEL mother, Connie Parker. Other standouts include blueberry n defiance of geography, Cache Road scones, in several varieties, I in Lawton leads directly to the Last mini bundt cakes, and Frontier. That’s because Lu Lu’s Coffee giant slices of a rotating selection of and Bagel, opened in 2012 by Denise cakes including coconut and dark Scarbrough, is a drive-through coffee chocolate. With forty-eight hours’ shop typical of those found in Alaska, notice, the staff can fulfill a variety of where Scarbrough’s family was stationed special orders, but for those looking for Blanketed in clouds of whipped cream before they relocated to Oklahoma. a last-minute birthday treat, Dungan icing and decorated with fresh flowers, In addition to standard coffee—the recommends a box of Magic Bars— the ribbon cake at Nikkellette’s Cafe and Black Bear at Lu Lu’s—the shop has an coconut, pecans, and chocolate chips on Raspberries n’ Creme bakery in Oklahoma expansive menu. The North Slope a graham cracker crust—tied up with a City contains moist chocolate and vanilla contains white chocolate, English toffee, bow. —TRISHA BUNCE cake layered with rich cream.

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40_FWTD.indd 52 2/7/18 1:21 PM 40_FWTD.indd 53 2/8/18 10:55 AM Moore ANGELA’S BAKERY & DELI WHEN AND WHERE: Tuesday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed the last he fresh sugar cookies, made in all Saturday of every month. 225 South Third T shapes, sizes, and colors, are the Street, (918) 420-2253. most popular item, so Angela Sarabia— namesake and owner of Angela’s Bakery DID YOU KNOW: Those looking for a romantic & Deli—makes sure she’s always got treat can skip the drugstore box of them in stock. and pick up an order of Heavenly Delights’ “Some people come in exclusively for chocolate-covered strawberries instead. the sugar cookies,” says Sarabia. “They buy them a dozen at a time.” Sarabia, who attended culinary Monkey Island school in Arizona, loves to dote on her THE SHEBANG customers. That’s why she always has complimentary coffee at the ready to f France is known for the Moulin go with the wide variety of muffins, I Rouge, the Oklahoma equivalent , , and more she makes is The Shebang on Monkey Island at from scratch each day. Grand Lake. Operating for more than But it all comes back to those cookies. thirty years, this Vaudeville-themed The buttery dough is topped with establishment offers wining, dining, homemade glaze for a soft and sweet kick dancing, singing, and shopping. in each bite.—CLARA LINHOFF “We call it ‘the Whole Shebang,’” says manager Stormy Ware. “It’s separate establishments owned by the WHEN AND WHERE: Monday through Friday, same owners in the same area. The bar, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 632 North Broadway nightclub, shopping: It’s all right there.” Street, (405) 759-3303 or facebook.com/ The menu boasts wide-ranging tastes angelasbakeryanddeli. showcasing everything from Cajun shrimp and prime rib to specialty pizzas. DID YOU KNOW: Regulars know to shop off But for those craving some dessert, the top shelf of the bakery case, where Sarabia Larry’s World Famous Bread Pudding offers day-old treats at half price. Heavenly Delights Bakery is the star. Named for co-owner Larry Duke, the pudding is baked with coconut shavings inside the bread and topped Standouts at this angelic Oklahoma City McAlester bakery include with a rum drizzle. This act sells out 1492 NEW WORLD LATIN CUISINE quickly, so Ware suggests patrons come blueberry scones, muffins in early in the summertime or call ahead to he dining room decor at 1492 New several varieties, and butter- make sure it’s available. —REBECCA STERKEL T World Latin Cuisine’s original pecan mini bundt cakes. location in Midtown Oklahoma City brings to mind a ship’s observation deck, WHEN AND WHERE: Daily, bar opens at 4 even if it’s on Walker Avenue and not the p.m., and the restaurant is open 5 to 10 p.m. Caribbean. Since we’re at sea, let’s have 29975 South 566 Road, (918) 257-5569 a cocktail. Order the frozen mojito and or theshebanggrandlake.com. While the marvel at the balance it strikes between restaurant is open all year, the nightclub, Big sweet, tart, and boozy goodness. Shots, is open only during the summer. “People love our frozen mojito,” says co-owner Marco Chavez. “It’s refreshing DID YOU KNOW: For those looking to safely with the mint, rum, and lime juice. It’s enjoy an evening of adult beverages, The great on a summer’s day.” Shebang offers gratuity shuttle service during You’re softened up now, so it’s time for As its name suggests, Heavenly Delights the summer to guests who are staying at one of a slice of cake nearly the size of a person’s Bakery in McAlester offers a divine the island’s condos or resorts. head. The Tres Leches finds the selection of confections. perfect sweet spot between pudding and

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40_FWTD.indd 54 2/7/18 1:21 PM 40_FWTD.indd 55 2/7/18 1:21 PM cake. Relaxing in a bath of cream and like for , Key WHEN AND WHERE: Oklahoma City Oklahoma City brandy caramel sauce and surrounded by Monday through INGRID’S KITCHEN lime pie, and sweet, sticky strawberry NIKKELLETTE’S CAFE a froth of strawberry and pineapple, this Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 211 Northwest are among the restaurant’s cake sends all who taste it on a float trip Twenty-third Street, (405) 602-3030 or t would be hard for anyone to pick a spring off erings.—MEGAN ROSSMAN hough located off a stretch of North down the dessert river and wisely does basilmediterraneanrestaurant.com. I favorite dessert at Ingrid’s Kitchen TMay Avenue not far from Nichols not await their return.—BRIAN BYRNE in Oklahoma City. Brownies, cakes, Hills, the cozy atmosphere inside DID YOU KNOW: Outdoor seating and made-in- , cookies, pies: If it’s a confection WHEN AND WHERE: Monday through Nikkellette’s Cafe seems a million miles house pistachio and fresh fruit you’ve imagined, it’s probably on ursday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday to Saturday, away from any hustle or bustle. While WHEN AND WHERE: Monday through are new features planned for this spring. the menu of this beloved German- 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to Nikkellette’s lunch menu is comprised Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and themed institution. In , 2 p.m. 3701 North Youngs Boulevard, (405) of comfort food like the Turkey Tuscany Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 which translates to “bee sting cake,” 946-8444 or 6501 North May Avenue, (405) sandwich or the Everything but the a.m. to 9 p.m. 1207 North Walker Avenue, Oklahoma City soft spongy layers glazed with sliced 842-4799. ingridsok.com. Kitchen Sink salad, it’s always a mistake (405) 236-9213 or 9213 North Penn Place, CHEEVER’S CAFE almonds sandwich a layer of vanilla to leave without trying one of four (405) 463-3266. 1492okc.com. mixed with whipped cream to DID YOU KNOW: e massive Sunday brunch famous cakes by the slice. ocated in a former flower shop on create a bestseller. at Ingrid’s “mothership” location on North  e real star is ribbon cake—layers DID YOU KNOW: 1492 also offers sweet treats LNorthwest Twenty-third Street, Immodest amounts of whipped Youngs Boulevard includes cookies, cakes, of milk chocolate cake and sour during its Sunday brunch including French Cheever’s Cafe in Oklahoma City fi lling and toppings make seasonal and more, making it a great way to sample cream white cake divided by fresh toast stuffed with sweet Mascarpone specializes in classy comfort food. Its treats like raspberry cream puff s and multiple desserts in one sitting. Just be sure Italian cream and garnished with and topped with mandarin orange compote. desserts in particular are a source of cheer. chocolate whoopie pies a couple of to make a reservation beforehand, as this strawberries and a scoop of whipped A guest favorite, the roasted pecan ice the display case’s most conspicuous weekend smorgasbord is always busy. cream.  ose looking for a treat for cream ball, is a mass of Tillamook vanilla occupants. Other seasonal favorites a special occasion can step into the Oklahoma City ice cream covered in candied, cayenne- BASIL spiced roasted pecans and chocolate and caramel syrups. lthough Basil is a well-known The chocolate —a hunk of AMediterranean staple serving gyros seven dense layers slathered in chocolate and kebabs along one of Oklahoma City’s icing, sprinkled with chocolate main thoroughfares, co-owner Nina chips, and topped with a strawberry—is says about fifty percent of her big and rich enough to satisfy three or business comes from desserts. Bastani is four . Along with carrot cake, a native of Iran, where tea and treats are Cheever’s also serves Strawberry Sweet an afternoon tradition. She carries on the , sugar-tossed fried biscuits served Ingrid’s Kitchen custom at Basil. with lemon , whipped cream, and “Persian dessert and tea are like macerated strawberries and raspberries.— Romeo and Juliet,” says manager Tony MEGAN ROSSMAN Try the Bienenstich, or “bee Azar. “They’re good on their own, but sting cake,” with sliced they’re better together.” almonds, vanilla custard, and Served with a small pitcher of WHEN AND WHERE: Monday, 11 a.m. to 9 whipped cream. honey flavored with saffron, lavender, p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 and orange blossom, a menu of ten p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, teas, like Persian saffron, Moroccan 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 peppermint, and strawberry are perfect p.m. 2409 North Hudson, (405) 525-7007 or accompaniments to Bastani’s assortment cheeverscafe.com. of pastries. Every morning, she arrives at 5 a.m. to bake all of the restaurant’s DID YOU KNOW: Aly Clark, director of marketing confections. These include cloudlike, for A Good Egg Dining Group, recommends din- cream-filled Napoleons, , and ers pair chocolate desserts with a glass of Graham’s roulade celebration cakes in flavors 10 Year Tawny Port or red wine. “We have a ranging from pistachio and Kahlúa to variety of sipping spirits and fortified wines that mocha and coconut. Ironically, her secret pair perfectly with our desserts,” she says. to the perfect sweet is to ease up on the sugar, which allows delicate tastes and seasonings to hold their own. Although The Shebang on Monkey Island “Our dessert is not about sugar—it’s is famous for its bread pudding, the carrot about flavor,” she says.—MEGAN ROSSMAN cake is a sight to behold—and devour.

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40_FWTD.indd 56 2/7/18 1:21 PM 40_FWTD.indd 57 2/8/18 10:55 AM an adaptation of this dish is one of the Merc’s top desserts. “Prune cake is my favorite— WHEN AND WHERE: Monday through even over the chocolate cake,” says Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 7 Joni Nash, Pawhuska Chamber of a.m. to 5 p.m. 304 West Blakely Avenue, Commerce executive director. “I (580) 476-2160. recommend it without the name to everyone, then when they love it, I tell DID YOU KNOW: Cosby’s chocolate chip cookies them what it is. You just have to try it.” are known as “The Queen’s Cookies,” because her Available at the Merc’s downstairs daughter May`Zey Brown was Rush Springs’ deli, the prune cake comes hot from Watermelon Queen in 2012, and when she was the oven with a decadent buttery growing up, they were the only cookies she’d eat. caramel glaze and is topped and cooled off with two scoops of . Want more proof of Stillwater just how popular the dessert is? It’s also GRANNY’S KITCHEN a favorite of the restaurant’s staff. —SHEILAH BRIGHT hen asked which is more popular, W breakfast or lunch, Mohammad Mahmoud, owner of Granny’s Kitchen, WHEN AND WHERE: Monday through smiles and says, with a laugh, “Both!” Thursday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday and The restaurant was a Stillwater staple Saturday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. 532 Kihekah for nearly four decades before closing Avenue, (918) 528-7705 or themercantile.com. in 1986. Mahmoud befriended owner Sonny Rains while running a family- DID YOU KNOW: Don’t forget to venture owned IHOP in Stillwater, and with upstairs for a wide selection of delicious baked Sonny’s blessing—and a stack of the adjacent Raspberries n’ Creme bakery “I felt terrible all the time, and I From left, Napoleons, roulade cakes, and goods and coffee—and a shorter wait. original ’s recipes in hand—he to pick up a whole cake, but be sure wondered what I could do to feel better,” chocolate strawberry layer cake are a few of reopened Granny’s in 2012. Now, this to place an order at least twenty-four he says. “That led me to try to take my the fresh-baked options available daily at downtown spot hops every morning with hours in advance.—CLARA LINHOFF body back from all the stuff in our food.” Basil in Oklahoma City. dedicated diners looking for , After studying superfoods, developing Rush Springs sausage, chicken-fried steak, and hearty MELON HEAVERS CAFÉ The Pioneer Woman the concept, and delivering juices to skillets. Not to mention a lunch menu of WHEN AND WHERE: Nikkellette’s Café is customers for about six months, Cannon WHEN AND WHERE: Daily, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 30 n a rack by the cash register at tasty Southern favorites. Mercantile open Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to and his partner Eric Massey opened Northeast Second Street, (405) 602-0102 or O Melon Heavers Café in Rush But for those with an insatiable sweet 2:30 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. the shop in December 2016. The menu facebook.com/wheezethejuice. Springs dangle two blue ribbons from tooth, it’s all about breakfast. Cinnamon Raspberries n’ Creme bakery is open Monday includes smoothies, fresh and bottled the Grady County Fair. Sherry Cosby, Roll French Toast—a cinnamon roll Need some proof that the prune through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. juices, bowls, and protein balls, DID YOU KNOW: In January 2018, a second loca- the café’s owner, won the ribbons last cut in half lengthwise then dipped in a cake is the way to go? It’s also a and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 2925 which are made with smoothie pulp and tion opened in Leadership Square in downtown year for her chocolate chip and peanut delicious coating of French toast batter staff favorite. Lakeside Circle, (405) 755-3560. could pass for moist, rich cake bites. Oklahoma City, offering office workers a new butter cookies. She says she wasn’t sure before being grilled to perfection—arrives Topped with cashews, banana, dining option during weekdays. what to expect when she entered. at the perfect toasty temperature with DID YOU KNOW: Owners Nikki Griggs and pumpkin seeds, toasted coconut, “I figured if I won anything, it powdered sugar icing and sides of butter Bridgette Close recommend complementing a and flax seeds, the Sebowlba Always would be just on sheer size,” she says. and syrup, melting with each bite. slice of ribbon cake with their raspberry tea, Wins! bowl lives up to its name as a Pawhuska She had good reason to think so. The best part? That cinnamon roll is champagne, or Moscato. surprisingly filling meal option. The THE PIONEER WOMAN MERCANTILE These soft and moist cookies are as made from one of the original recipes Banana Nicole Smith smoothie blends big as a saucer and dotted through Mahmoud inherited when he rebooted banana, strawberry, vanilla Greek , ry to ignore the skepticism in the with chocolate. Though a favorite with the restaurant, meaning all that warmth granola, chia seeds, and . For Tsplit second between dipping a spoon regular customers and county fair and flavor is wrapped up with a bit of Oklahoma City —CLARA LINHOFF WHEEZE THE JUICE those looking for a detoxifying treat, the into the molten surprise served in a judges alike, they aren’t likely to turn history and a lot of love. Health Goth, with lemon, basil, agave, hot skillet and the moment it explodes up at the State Fair anytime soon, as heeze the Juice, named for a line in lavender tea, and activated charcoal, is as with flavor at The Pioneer Woman this master of desserts jealously guards Wthe Pauly Shore film Encino Man, interesting as it is delicious. Mercantile in Pawhuska. Iny’s Prune her secrets. WHEN AND WHERE: Monday through Friday, came about as a solution to an energy “We are sneaking in a bunch of really Cake delighted generations before owner “They want your recipe,” Cosby 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 6 crisis. After working in for healthy things in some flavor-forward Ree Drummond introduced her great- says, “and I don’t want to give it to a.m. to 3 p.m. 1006 South Main Street, years, Avery Cannon was exhausted. options,” Cannon says.—SARA COWAN grandmother’s recipe to her fans. Now, them.”—SILAS ALLEN (405) 743-1299.

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40_FWTD.indd 58 2/7/18 1:21 PM 40_FWTD.indd 59 2/7/18 1:21 PM DID YOU KNOW: Another bestseller at the the casual, cozy Coffee House on restaurant is the “Nasty Granny,” a sixteen- Cherry Street: Become a regular and ounce chicken fried steak on top of a work through the menu. The mother with country gravy, tater tots, bacon, sausage, and son owners of CHOCS, as it is and ham topped with onions, green peppers, affectionately nicknamed, have created and cheese. a beloved spot with an authentic, warm atmosphere and a crowd-pleasing menu—even if the crowd requires Talihina gluten-free or vegetarian options. TREATS AND TREASURES Although CHOCS serves breakfast and lunch until 1 p.m., morning is a ostalgia comes in every great time to visit. The French toast N stirred by one of a is made with local bakery Farrell handful of 1950s Hamilton Beach Family’s challah bread, and it’s best Jadeite Green mixers and served from ordered with the optional sliced a 1947 drugstore at banana and peanut butter. House- Treats and Treasures in Talihina. made granola mixed with Lomah “We’re really a living museum,” says milk from Wyandotte is a owner Rhonda Sears. “We still operate crunchy and wholesome alternative to with some of the equipment from the sugary staples. But it would be a shame original drugstore in town.” to ignore the large, abundant bakery The soda fountain was such a town cases. A big appetite is necessary to favorite that the local fire department properly attend to the pies, cakes, helped move it back in after it was pastries, and cookies prepared in- shipped to the American Soda house from local ingredients. Fountain company in Chicago for It’s hard to pick a favorite, but restoration two years ago. Now, it’s , espresso cheesecake, back in all its gleaming glory. Only and peanut butter cookies alone are about 1,200 people live in this small enough to convert newcomers into town in southeastern Oklahoma, but regulars.—SARA COWAN the and ice cream sodas draw crowds. Treats and Treasures “I can’t tell you the times I’ve asked WHEN AND WHERE: Sunday through Thursday, people what’s brought them into 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, Talihina, and they’ve said, ‘a milkshake,’” 6:30 a.m. to midnight. Breakfast and lunch are “I can’t tell you the times I’ve says Sears. —SHEILAH BRIGHT available only until 1 p.m. 1502 East Cherry asked people what’s brought Street, (918) 779-6137 or chocstulsa.com. them to Talihina, and they’ve

said, ‘a milkshake,’” says owner WHEN AND WHERE: Monday through DID YOU KNOW: Wednesday open mic nights Rhonda Sears. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and summer let crowds enjoy local poetry, comedy, or music Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 314 Dallas Street, while sampling CHOCS’ extensive selection of (918) 567-2410. carbohydrates. On Thursdays, diners can enjoy live jazz and poetry. DID YOU KNOW: Looking to pair that milk- shake with a meal? Search for Treats and Treasures on Facebook, where Sears posts daily Tulsa specials like garlic chicken pasta with alfredo MERRITT’S BAKERY sauce and a raspberry chicken wrap. ake a number, and start perusing Tthe bakery cases, because soon, there will be decisions to make. With Dessert truly is an art at Saint Amon Tulsa Baking Company in Tulsa. Painstakingly COFFEE HOUSE ON CHERRY STREET hundreds of cookies, cakes, pastries, pies, bars, and other treats, visitors prepared tarts and cakes accompany here’s only one way to conquer to Merritt’s Bakery may be easily French staples like , , T the overabundance of choices at overwhelmed by the sheer abundance. baguettes, and éclairs.

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40_FWTD.indd 60 2/8/18 10:56 AM 40_FWTD.indd 61 2/7/18 1:21 PM Coke cake, lemon poppyseed bread, and special occasion cakes are a welcome sight at any gathering.—SARA COWAN

WHEN AND WHERE: Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. 3202 East Fifteenth Street in Tulsa, (918) 747-2301; 4930 West Kenosha in Broken Arrow, (918) 250-1607; and 2832 East 101st Street South in Jenks, (918) 296-9000. merrittsbakery.com.

DID YOU KNOW: Don’t miss the massive deco- rated seasonal displays in the front window of the original location.

Tulsa SAINT AMON BAKING COMPANY

fter stepping into Saint Amon ABaking Company, stop and smell the seasonal fruit croissants in flavors like honey lemon, decadent , or waiting for the enthusiastic crowds that usually get here before noon. The Red Velvet Cake at Coffee House Chefs Jean Baptiste Saint Amon on Cherry Street in Tulsa is as rich in and his wife Sarah—who met while flavor as it is beautiful. working together in a casino bakery in Tulsa—create delicacies of southwestern France daily with a knack for broadening With three stores in Tulsa and customers’ culinary horizons. This a dedicated production facility includes surprises like the Big Mac, a affectionately called The Fort, this giant filled with indulgent institution has proven itself and soft salted caramel. over nearly four decades. Growing “We bake every day, all day, so you consistently since the Merritt family aren’t getting bread that was baked the MUSIC AND CONVERSATION AT THE INTERSECTION OF CULTURE AND COMMUNITY entered the business in 1979, Merritt’s day before,” says Jean Baptiste, who SUNDAYS AT 5:00 PM Bakery has gained such a loyal following trained as a in his home that the name elicits fond memories from country of France. Today, Saint Amon both current and former Tulsans. delights with French cakes like cream Maggie Larkin was born in Tulsa but puff wedding cakes and small-bite now lives in New York, and the versions of their custom cakes—all made in her new neighborhood haven’t quite from scratch and often from locally measured up. Her favorites are Merritt’s sourced ingredients.—SHEILAH BRIGHT cheese Danishes, old-fashioned donuts, and of course, the sugar cookies decorated Merritt’s Bakery with frosting piled high. WHEN AND WHERE: Tuesday through Saturday, “I miss the community feel,” she 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. says. “We would go see neighbors and 6333 East One Hundred Twentieth Court, (918) All of this bakery’s goodies are be welcomed by the staff. It’s as much 364-2143 or saintamonbakingco.com. made in a production facility nostalgia as the baked goods.” affectionally called The Fort. Hard-to-find items like spicy cheese DID YOU KNOW: Sarah says she made about cookies, mincemeat pie, and are 3,000 croissants in Saint Amon’s first year. 91.7 OKC | 107.5 TULSA | 88.3 STILLWATER | KOSU.ORG worth the trip, and crowd favorites like

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