STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 23
Ramsay brings culinary expertise to down-home favorites
For those who like dining out in Stillwater , the restaurant Good Little Eater is known as a comfort food haven , with Chef and Owner Sarah Ramsay bringing her vast repertoire of talents and tastes to her tables and takeout with knowledge of her craft that started when she was young .
Ramsay ’ s ingenuity in making delicious food began when she was a child growing up in New York and northern Virginia , outside of Washington D . C ., where her families made both cities destinations for going out to eat where these areas are known for ethnic diversity and foods from around the world . In addition to being exposed to a wide array and types of cuisine ,
Ramsay said both her parents were “ really good cooks .”
In addition to spanikopita , shrimp and grits , lemon ricotta crepes , salmon corn chowder , mac and cheese pulled pork bowl , scones , coconut pound cake and so much more , Ramsay may also be making a bit of “ humble pie .”
She is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park , New York , which has turned out Michelin Star chefs , and celebrity chefs ( Good Little Eater website has a photo of Ramsay with Julia Childs !), and is considered the world ’ s premier culinary college in teaching the arts of fine dining , rivaling Alma ( in Italy ) and Le Cordon Bleu ( in France ).
Though Ramsay ’ s exposure to different tastes and cooking began early in her life , she began working in the food industry in earnest at age 16 as a waitress .
From there it grew into passion , a love and eventually a profession . “ It just sort of evolved ,” Ramsay said . “ It was not something I grew up thinking I would do .”
But it was something she did naturally for decades . Then , she realized she had all this restaurant experience and she really enjoyed cooking so off she went to cooking school . The best cooking school .
After college , and after moving to Stillwater , Ramsay started cooking out of her home , which she said she was fortunate to do while her children were young . Later , she would have Good Little Eater and her children would share their mother ’ s joys of cooking and work with her at the restaurant . She established Good Little Eater in 2013 in Stillwater . A space became available more than a decade ago and at first it was just take-out . Then it became a restaurant , she said . The take-out tradition continues and Tuesday to Friday people can come in and sit for lunch from 11 a . m . to 2 p . m .
Then from 2-5:00 p . m . the restaurant closes , but is open to pick up baked goods , freezer purchases and pre-order pickups . Every other Sunday , brunch is held from 10 a . m . to 1:30 p . m . and patrons can take their food over to Stonecloud Stillwater Patio & Taproom , a brewing company , turning that weekend day into the Sunday Funday vibe .
Mondays and Saturdays the restaurant is closed . Good Little Eater can accommodate up to 30 people , and Ramsay said there are no reservations required . Often there is no wait except sometimes at Sunday brunch , she said .
There are always vegetarian , glutenfriendly and sometimes vegan dishes on the menu . She also said her restaurant is not one to be afraid to ask the waitstaff for substitutions or changes from what ’ s on the list .
The best description of Good Little Eater Ramsay said is that they are unique and eclectic , and everything – everything – is made from scratch , which makes this restaurant a gem in a world of fast food .
They have monthly menu changes and are known for their baked goods and culturally-inspired foods ( dishes from Mexico , Italy , India and Asian countries ).
It ’ s exciting to be around people who are passionate about food like I am , and passionate about cooking . I like going out to eat somewhere new where you can ’ t help but be inspired by other people ’ s restaurants and what they do ,” she said .
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STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 23