FOODLOOK
The Golden Spoon Plant Cafe By Laura Beam
Stephanie and Isaac McCabe
It’s hard to believe that just 10 years ago, there were few, if any, vegan food options locally. Thanks to people like Stephanie McCabe, that has changed dramatically. After having her first daughter, Stephanie found a love of cooking and decided to major in nutrition at OU. While attending OU, Stephanie said, “I learned about the poor factory farming practices and convoluted nutrition guidelines that ultimately launched my vegan lifestyle, with my husband right there with me.” “I’m very particular about my food,” Stephanie admits. “I was always the girl who asked how much sodium was in something and how certain foods impact the way we feel.” Stephanie always dreamt of having her own restaurant. “Selfishly, I wanted vegan options on my side of town, so I decided I better do something about it,” Stephanie recalls. When she stumbled onto the empty cafe space on 178th Street, the Edmond native knew it was the right time and place to share her passion. “I called my husband, Isaac, and said, ‘I think we’re opening a restaurant,’” she laughs. In February 2023, The Golden Spoon Plant Cafe opened, serving up 100% vegan food, including all-day breakfast, delicious pastas, soups, sandwiches, shakes, smoothies and desserts. Even the pickiest and meatiest eaters are falling in love with this cool plant cafe! Vegan for the Win Over the years, when taking food 10
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vacations, Stephanie discovered dozens of tasty dishes that have inspired her menu. The Beggin’ Eggin’ Cheese, with its New York pronunciation, is a delicious re-creation of a breakfast sandwich she enjoyed on a trip. Organic, eggy tofu and a choice of either seitan or organic shiitake bacon are layered on a flour or gluten-free biscuit or vegan croissant made in house. “Seitan is made from wheat,” Stephanie explains. “Buddhist monks created it because they don’t eat meat.” Seasoned just right, the seitan is an incredible meat substitute in the Buffalo Chick’n Sandwich and breakfast dishes. The Golden Spoon also uses as many organic ingredients as possible and makes all their own dressings. The Cashew Alfredo dish is a surprise and delight, with some of the creamiest, most flavorful alfredo sauce you’ll ever have. You’d never guess it was vegan! Family Faves The bright and beautiful McCabe girls– Maddie, Lily and Katie–bring the cafe to life with their vibrant personalities and food knowledge. Katie’s Guacamole is special to her because she is “in love with avocados!” she beams. “We used to make it at parties,” Stephanie explains, “and ours has cucumbers in it.” It’s a must-try as an appetizer or on the taco salad. Lily’s favorite is the Spinach Artichoke Dip made with organic raw almond parmesan. Maddie helps in the kitchen and all three girls love to play in the garden room, many times with other children who are visiting the cafe with their parents.
Food and Fun The garden room is a warm and inviting space overlooking the patio and scenic outdoors and is perfect for parties or meetings. The lawn can even accommodate a bouncy house. Or guests can just kick back on the patio with a chai latte and enjoy nature. Kids menus, coloring books, catering and eventually food classes are all part of the exciting way Stephanie is sharing her passion with the community. ”We have the privilege of letting people know they don’t have to sacrifice great taste to be vegan,” Stephanie says, “and we love having the opportunity to introduce and interest everyone in vegan food.” Dine from 9am-3pm every day, or 9am9pm on Friday, at 2851 W. Edmond Road, Suite B, or visit thegoldenspoon.net.
