‘We strictly use plants for everything that we do.’ A new vegan cafe to open in Byron
As a nurse for more than 20 years, Shanoy Miller said she witnessed first hand the connection between what people eat and their health.
Miller, a Jamaican native who grew up eating mostly plant based foods and meat on special occasions, also attended workshops on eating and health, and as she studied her Bible, she said she became convinced of the need to eat the way she believes God intended in the Garden of Eden.
As a result, she and her family started transitioning to a grain, plant-based diet about 15 years ago.
“For myself and my family, I saw the difference,” said Miller, who’s served in just about every aspect of nursing except pediatrics before becoming a review utilization nurse for a national insurance company.
“As we transitioned, we noticed less sickness, more energy — all of that.”
Roots Plant Based Cafe
Eager to share her knowledge about eating healthy, Miller is opening Roots Plant Based Cafe, a new vegan dining spot in Byron.
The cafe, which is geared for takeout, officially opens at 11 a.m. Monday at 100 Hamilton Pointe Drive, Suite 155.
“We’re going to be presenting good food,” said Miller, who will be doing the cooking along with her mom, Cleopatra James. “It’s going to be tasty.
“It’s going to be good. It’s going to be good for you.”
The food
One dish on the menu is the coconut curry “chicken” with cashews, which is made with a soy-based substitute that has the consistency of and tastes like chicken, Miller said. The dish is also made with tofu.
“You could get it with rice and peas like you would in Jamaica,” Miller said. “That’s the Jamaican touch to it — the rice and peas or plain rice.
“You can get that with a regular salad or you can get that with a steam vegetable, and we’ll definitely give you some plantains with that. So you’re going to get a full meal with an entree.”
Other entrees includes brown stew, sweet and sour chicken and Jamaican Jerk chicken. These entrees can also be made with tofu.
Also served up with meat substitutes are Chicken Alfredo, beef or chicken burgers, a chicken or meatloaf sub, salads, wraps as well as soups and desserts like banana cake. Lasagna is offered only on Wednesdays.
Only plants
Despite the names, which signify the flavor and consistency of what’s prepared, no meats, dairy products or honey are used in their food.
“We strictly use plants for everything that we do,” Miller said. “Plants, nuts, grains, legumes. Everything that’s natural and from the ground.”
Sides include mac and cheese, potato salad, plantains, french fries, fried sweet potatoes, avocado and sauteed collard greens.
Drinks include fresh fruit juices such as pineapple with ginger or cucumber lemonade and smoothies, including strawberry, banana, mango and pina colada.
The idea for the restaurant came during the height of COVID-19 when people were asking Miller what they could do to boost their immune system.
In addition to encouraging people to talk to their doctor, Miller said she began suggesting trying healthier meal options. She plans to offer cooking cooking classes and information sessions at the restaurant.
“The restaurant is not to become a millionaire,” Miller said. “This is really for educational purposes because we really want the community to get healthy.”
Where to find the cafe
The cafe is nestled next to Miller’s husband’s Computers & Cellulars repair store just off Ga. 49 in the Hamilton Pointe Centre in the former Zoner’s pizza spot.
“He’s into IT and I’m into human care,” Miller said with a laugh.
They have four children who range in age from 5 to 16.
The restaurant’s name comes from a desire to get back to the roots of natural eating as Miller said she believes God intended in the Garden of Eden.
Roots Plant Based Cafe is open from 11-7 Monday through Thursday. The number is 478-219-2415.
