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

Gazedibles: Go green
Garett Fisbeck
Falafel sandwich at Blu Mediterranean Grill in Oklahoma City, Friday, April 22, 2016.

Blu Mediterranean Grill

2142 W. Interstate 240 Service Road

blumediterraneangrill.com

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.

Gazedibles: Go green
Garett Fisbeck
Vegan cupcakes at Green Goodies in Oklahoma City, Thursday, April 21, 2016.

Green Goodies

5840 N. Classen Blvd.

greengoodiesokc.com

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.

Gazedibles: Go green
Garett Fisbeck
Spanish rice, Italian balsamic beans, mixed veggies, and brussels sprout slaw at Nebu in Oklahoma City, Thursday, April 21, 2016.

Nebu

333 W. Sheridan Ave.

cafenebu.com

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.

Gazedibles: Go green
Garett Fisbeck
Hot bar at Provision Kitchen in Oklahoma City, Thursday, April 21, 2016.

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.”

Gazedibles: Go green
Garett Fisbeck
Spicy Eggplant at Thai House in Oklahoma City, Thursday, April 21, 2016.

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.

Gazedibles: Go green
Garett Fisbeck
Vegan chili at The Earth in Norman, Friday, April 22, 2016.

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.

Gazedibles: Go green
Garett Fisbeck
Veggie Tacos at the Fit Piig in Oklahoma City, Friday, April 22, 2016.

The Fit Pig

722 N. Broadway Ave., Suite 100

thefitpig.com

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.

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