Vegetables need a better PR team. Sorry, veggies, but “Spinach: That stuff your mom made you eat” just isn’t moving enough product. It’s time to look for inspiration, and there’s no better place to find it than these Oklahoma City restaurants doing great things with great greens. And take your mom with you. She deserves to eat a decent vegetable, too.
Greg Elwell
Photos Garett Fisbeck
Blu Mediterranean Grill
2142 W. Interstate 240 Service Road
405-673-7779
The Mediterranean Diet is a heart-healthy way to incorporate more natural oils and fats into your life. It’s also just really, really tasty. There’s a surprisingly heavy reliance on the chickpea, which is a pretty disrespectful way to refer to a female pea, but you’ll forget all about that when you dig into Blu’s creamy hummus with crispy fried falafel. So wrap your cares in a pita and eat your heart out.
Green Goodies
5840 N. Classen Blvd.
405-842-2288
There was a time in our nation’s history when the term “vegan cupcake” was used as an alternative to torture — not feeding them to people; just talking about them. Then came Green Goodies, where the bakers — through a mix of science and magic — created vegan cupcakes so delicious you won’t even miss the animal products. Sweet frosting, tender cake and some of them are even gluten-free; finally, vegan cupcakes that don’t belong on 24.
Nebu
333 W. Sheridan Ave.
405-228-8386
It’s no secret that the oil and gas industry is in a bit of a slump. Thankfully, that doesn’t apply to the kitchen staff at Nebu, on the first floor of Devon Energy Center. This open-to-all cafeteria serves up pizza, tacos, fish, burgers and sushi — but it’s also dedicated to putting tasty, healthy options out for everyone. Whether you’re a carnivore looking to try one of these “salad” things or a dedicated vegetarian, Nebu has rich wells of veggie reserves.
Provision Kitchen
6443 Avondale Drive
provision-kitchen.com
405-843-2310
“You come here often? Let me buy you some cauliflower, girl.”
“Greg, what are you doing?”
“This is the hot bar, right? I’m ... I’m picking you up.”
“That’s not what a hot bar is. It’s fresh veggies and entrees you can eat right now.”
“So ... can I get your number?”
“Buy me some green beans first, sailor.”
Thai House
500 NW 23rd St.
405-524-0503
Thailand knows a thing or two about making vegetables appealing. Stop by Thai House and you’ll find tons of options for those who eschew meat but embrace flavor. Take that purple people-feeder, spicy eggplant, for instance. It has the meaty heft of eggplant, so you’ll feel sated, and plenty of heat to get your tongue a-tingling. Just be careful if you take home leftovers. The spice intensifies after a night in the fridge.
The Earth Cafe and Deli
309 S. Flood Ave., Norman
405-364-3551
I think the owners of The Earth Cafe and Deli in Norman wanted to be the first stop for alien explorers. If Zdelmop and G’Weerch decide to explore our planet, wouldn’t it make sense to stop at The Earth? That’s why I am petitioning the restaurant to rename its delectable vegan chili Your Leader. And if aliens negotiate a lasting peace deal with a pot of chili, it’s still better than meeting some of this year’s presidential candidates.
The Fit Pig
722 N. Broadway Ave., Suite 100
405-290-7080
After trying The Beautiful Boar and The Rakish Razorback, it was nice to finally find The Fit Pig. Sniff around this healthy food haven and you’ll realize its dedication to healthy fare. For those looking to mow down some greens, there are some delightfully low-calorie options like veggie tacos with crumbled feta, black beans and garlic. Breathe easy, little porker. You’ll live another day.
