by Rayne Graham
Divine feminine energy is part of the creative half that makes us whole, the part that is in tune with the energy around us and attunes it in a way that supports the growth and sustains the life around us and within us. That specific energy chilled me as I walked through the beautiful wooden doors of Kendall’s Restaurant in Noble. As my wedge hills clicked on the old wooden floor, my eyes wondered to all the memorabilia on the wall. Not just any memorabilia mind you, but the kind that would explain the comforting yet protective chill that held me in its embrace the entire time I was there.
An excited woman with a story in her eyes approached me and that is where I started my journey into all that is Kendall’s Restaurant. Her name is Kim Kline, and she is the owner of this delicious dining establishment and musical shrine. As I walked the room to the left of the front door and scanned the plaques, pictures, clothing, awards, and letters of the musical women of Oklahoma, Kim almost floated before me as she showcased the prized pieces of endearment to these amazing souls. She explained that she had been collecting musical trinkets for years from the likes of Jody Miller, Wanda Jacks, and Norma Jean. At one point she told her friends, “I’ve got so much of this women’s stuff, I should make an Oklahoma wall or something like that”. And that is how this beautiful tribute to the women of Oklahoma Music started and has grown, amongst whom are:
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- Katrina Elam: American Singer and songwriter that has written songs for Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Rascal Flatts, Natasha Bedingfield, and the Eli Young Band. She also signed with South Records in 2004.
- Wanda Jackson: American Singer, Songwriter, and Pianist who is also known as the “Queen of Rockabilly”.
But as I walked up to the display for Cassie Gaines, both Kim and I stopped and took a moment to admire the tank top, shorts, pictures, and jewelry to really feel the essence of who she was. In writing, she was an American singer best known for her work with Lynyrd Skynyrd and tragically lost her life in that fateful plane crash. Right after her death, a fire ensued at her residence and her belongings were destroyed, which means there wasn’t anything of hers personally to remember her by. When she started her display for Cassie, Kim had no inkling of what would happen next. When the twinkle I her eye grew, I knew this would be an enthralling tale of love and Oklahoma community. I was not disappointed.
Cassie’s old roommate remembered that she had a pair of shorts that Cassie had embordered for her and those were donated to Kendall’s music museum for Oklahoma women. Soon after the Rock’N’Roll Hall of fame came by to film the display and if I could explain the humble pride burning in Kim’s face I would, but I could never do that feeling justice. It almost brought me to tears honestly. “It’s emotional for the families of these women and for us because it is finally a place for these Oklahoma treasures to be recognized and that what they are, Oklahoma Treasures, “ Kim explained as she brought me to my table in the dining area of Kendall’s.
The entire restaurant made me feel like I had stepped back to the 20s and I absolutely adored it. With black and white pictures of the building I was currently standing in that dated back before it was Kendall’s and a very welcoming atmosphere with smiling eyes on all the staff. I say eyes because we are in the age of Covid and everyone was wearing masks. As I sat down, I couldn’t ask fast enough how this place came to be. Her eyes lit up once more and she explained that her mother owned restaurants in the southern part of the states for her entire life growing up and was set to open a second restaurant when Kim was pregnant with her 1st child. On October 16, 1968, Kim had her baby girl and her mom surprised everyone by making a phone call then and there to put that baby’s name on the awning of the restaurant, Kendall.
There is something to be said about the love of the ones running a restaurant and how it reflects in the food. Let me tell you, it reflects high vibrationally! KIm even told me herself as I dove into the Massive chicken fried steak platter, I had so graciously accidently accepted the challenge of eating, exactly what their secret recipe is. “Nothing secret about it, Chicken Fried Steak and Cinnamon Rolls made with a little butter and whole lotta love. The butter is a lot more expensive so that is why we have to charge,” she laughed in a way that feels like coming home for Christmas when she revealed the secret recipe to me. I couldn’t help but match her enthusiasm either, it was infectious.
I would be amiss talking about this energetic experience without talking about Dee Downer. A former Mayor of Noble and former coworker of Kim’s ex-husband, Dee is the face if Kendall’s that has been there for everything since the very beginning. I could feel the mutual respect and appreciation between these two as they sat across from my table and chatted while I continued, or tried to continue, to eat the most delicious and never-ending meal I have ever had.
If you are looking for delicious food, an energetic atmosphere, and welcoming faces I recommend Kendall’s Restaurant. If you are looking for a thrill, you might want to drop by as well. Kendall’s was voted the most Haunted Place in Oklahoma by the Food Network and has been visited by many paranormal investigators. However, there is no need to fear, these spirits have always been friendly and protective of the amazing things going on at this place.
