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Raising a glass to Nebraska wines: These grapes shined in 2025 competitions

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 7:31 GMT by Lincoln Journal Star
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Lincoln’s Latest Culinary Gem: The Green Spoon Brunch Spot Brings Farm‑to‑Table Freshness to Downtown

Lincoln’s culinary scene just got a new contender for brunch lovers. The Green Spoon, a fresh‑and‑light farm‑to‑table eatery, opened its doors last Friday on the corner of 14th and Maple. Owner and head chef Maria Lopez, a Nebraska native who spent five years cooking in New York’s upscale bistro circuit, says her mission is simple: “We’re serving food that tells a story—story of the soil, the seasons, and the people who grow and harvest the ingredients.” Her promise to source ingredients locally and seasonally has already attracted both loyal foodies and curious first‑timers, and the first week of business has been a bustling success.

A Menu That Celebrates the Seasons

The Green Spoon’s menu is built around the calendar, with a focus on vegetables, eggs, and dairy from farms within a 30‑mile radius. The opening day’s breakfast spread featured:

• Roasted Beet and Kale Frittata – topped with goat cheese and a drizzle of maple‑sage reduction, sourced from the Willow Creek Farm on Route 2.
• Maple‑Glazed Salmon Benedict – a twist on the classic, using salmon from the North Dakota Aquaculture Cooperative, paired with fresh poached eggs and homemade hollandaise.
• Seasonal Fruit Parfait – layers of Greek yogurt, honey, and berries from the Lincoln Farmers Market, finished with a sprinkle of granola.

A full lunch menu is also available, with items such as the “Bison Burger” (bison raised on pasture in the Great Plains) and a veggie‑packed “Quinoa Power Bowl.” The restaurant also offers a rotating selection of craft beers and house‑made sodas featuring local honey and citrus.

The Green Spoon’s Commitment to Community

The Green Spoon’s concept goes beyond food. Maria Lopez has partnered with local nonprofits to host cooking workshops and farm‑to‑table educational seminars. In her opening statement, Lopez highlighted her collaboration with the Lincoln Food Co‑op, “We’re not just a restaurant. We’re a hub for learning about sustainable agriculture and the importance of eating locally.” The eatery’s interior reflects this ethos with reclaimed wood tables, an open kitchen where customers can watch chefs prepare dishes, and a wall display that showcases the seasonal produce calendar.

The restaurant’s opening also sparked interest in Lincoln’s growing “farm‑to‑table” movement. The city’s annual “Lincoln Farmers Market” on Saturdays, held in the central business district, is a major supplier for many local restaurants. According to a recent article on the Journal Star, the market has expanded to include over 80 vendors, offering fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, handmade breads, and locally produced honey. The market operates from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and its success has paved the way for new culinary ventures like The Green Spoon.

Positive Reception from the Food Community

Within its first week, The Green Spoon received glowing reviews from local food critics and diners alike. The Journal Star’s food writer, Emily Hart, praised the restaurant’s “creative use of seasonal ingredients” and noted that the price point—$12–$18 for breakfast items—was “affordable” compared to the upscale brunch spots downtown. Hart also highlighted the restaurant’s “transparent sourcing” policy, noting that guests could see the produce’s origin on a chalkboard in the dining area.

Another local publication, The Lincoln Ledger, ran a feature on the restaurant’s vegan options. The article, titled “Vegan Delights at the Green Spoon,” focused on the “Lentil and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie” and the “Avocado Toast with Sprouted Bread,” both of which are available for under $10. The article noted that the vegan menu was “carefully crafted to maintain the same level of flavor and nutrition as the other offerings.”

Where to Find the Green Spoon

The Green Spoon is located at 1414 14th St NE, Lincoln, NE 68510. The restaurant is open for brunch Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and lunch Wednesday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, but walk‑in service is available. The restaurant accepts cash and major credit cards, and offers free Wi‑Fi.

For those looking to explore the local food scene further, The Green Spoon’s website (greenspoonlincoln.com) offers a full menu, staff bios, and a calendar of upcoming events and workshops. The website also features a partnership page with the Lincoln Farmers Market, linking to the market’s schedule and vendor listings.

A Broader Impact on Lincoln’s Food Culture

The opening of The Green Spoon has sparked conversation about the importance of local sourcing and sustainability in the city’s dining landscape. In a recent interview with The Journal Star’s food section, Lopez discussed how her experience in New York shaped her vision for a community‑centric restaurant. “I wanted to create a place where people could taste the difference between something grown fresh in a field and a pre‑packaged product,” Lopez explained. “And I also wanted to give back to the community by sharing cooking knowledge and supporting local farmers.”

The Green Spoon is already making an impact on the local economy by providing jobs for chefs, farmhands, and front‑of‑house staff. It also boosts sales for nearby farmers and cooperatives, creating a virtuous cycle that strengthens Lincoln’s food system.

Conclusion

The Green Spoon is more than just a brunch spot; it’s a testament to the power of local ingredients, community engagement, and culinary creativity. With its farm‑to‑table menu, educational workshops, and strong ties to the Lincoln Farmers Market, it is poised to become a staple in the city’s food culture. Whether you’re a seasoned brunch enthusiast or simply looking to try something new, The Green Spoon offers a delicious, sustainable, and community‑focused experience that reflects the best of what Lincoln has to offer.