Go, SmartBike, Go

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

A few weekends ago, I was strolling near the National Portrait Gallery when I noticed a rack of groovy retro-looking red and white bikes. Turns out, Clear Channel and the DC Department of Transportation are applying the Zipcar model to bikes by offering SmartBikes at various points throughout the city. This is the first high-tech car-sharing program in the U.S., although other similar programs already exist (and are successful) in Paris and Barcelona.

You can rent one of the earth-friendly vehicles at 10 self-service stations around downtown DC including Foggy Bottom, McPherson Square, Dupont Circle, and Logan Circle. And this Saturday, September 27th, there is no better time to channel your inner Lance Armstrong because it’s Bike DC day. So, leave your four-wheel gas-guzzler at home, grab a helmet, and sign up for an online subscription to SmartBike DC for just $40 a year (up to three hours per trip).

Emerald Lagasse

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

No, folk, that’s not a typo. The man who brought you “BAM” and “Kick it up a notch” is now hosting his very own eco-friendly cooking series, Emeril Green. The E-team contacted me to see if I’d tell you, dear readers, about casting sessions they are holding in DC on Thursday October 2nd and Thursday October 9th.

“The kind of person we are looking for isn’t someone who doesn’t know how to cook at all, but rather someone who is somewhat familiar in the kitchen but has trouble with one specific thing,” wrote Jessica, the casting scout. “Maybe they go to the farmers market and see some vegetables they’re unfamiliar with, but would really like to learn how to use them in a dish or maybe they want to learn some cooking techniques that cut down on harming the environment.”

So, for those of you who’ve ever wondered what to do with that bumper crop of organic oregano or how to ween yourself off take-out, now is your chance. Interested parties should send an email to emerilgreencasting@gmail.com. Tell ’em Sacha sent ya.

Organic Donuts. No, Really.

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

Mmmm….organic donuts. Perhaps an oxymoron, but I’m a fan. You can get your hands on these little bundles of fried doughy goodness at the Carpe Donut mobile in Charlottesville, VA. Owners Matt Rohdie and Jen Downey dreamed up the divine fried dough creations as a way to combine their restaurant and entrepreneurial experience into the perfect food-on-wheels business. And to this, I say “Bravo”!

The donuts are made from organic apple cider, eggs, flour, and non-hydrogenated soybean oil. Simple. Organic. And addictive. From personal experience at a recent Smashing Pumpkins concert, I can attest to their crispy-on-the-outside, tender and cakey on the inside deliciousness.

You’ll find the Carpe Donut mobile (aka Gypsy) doling out apple cider donuts, organic coffee, fresh mulled hot cider and cioccolata at Charlottesville’s downtown mall on Friday mornings, at the mall’s pavilion during concerts and events, and at regional festivals.

Funnel cake, watch your back.

Event: Farm to Fork Dinner

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

Farm fresh tomatoes are playing a starring role in a special five-course feast at Evening Star Cafe in Del Ray on Wednesday September 10th. The dinner, also hosted by Planet Wine and FRESHFARM Markets, is being prepared by Chef Will Artley and will feature local products from Three Way Farm, Eight Acres Farm, Smith Meadows Farm, and Dragon Creek Aqua Farm. All of the evening’s wines will be sourced from several Virginia wineries.

Farmfresh Market Dinner Menu

Cherry Tomato “BLT”

with Housemade Ricotta, Braised Bacon, Shallot & Parsley Salad

Trio of Tomatoes:

Tomato Salad with Arugula Pesto and Garlic Chips,

Yellow Tomato Gazpacho with Spicy Cucumber Ice,

Shrimp Fritter with Smoked Tomato Aioli

Seared Sea Scallop

with Tomato Carpachio, Wild Mushroom Ragout, Sweet Virgina Corm Sabayon & Basil Essence

Grilled Beef Tenderloin

with Tomato and Blue Cheese Gnocchi & Tomato Caviar and Napoleon of Ratatouille

Sweet Heirloom Tomato Tart

with Basil Ice Cream

The dinner costs $75 and includes wine but not tax or gratuity. For reservations, call Evening Star Cafe at 703-549-5051.

Playing in a Sustainable Schoolyard

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

SpongeBob lunchbox? Check. Miley Cyrus binder? Check. Sustainable schoolyard? Check! Complete the back-to-school ritual with a visit to the Sustainable Schoolyards display, part of the One Planet—Ours exhibit, at the U.S. Botanic Garden until October 13, 2008.

The Sustainable Schoolyard Exhibit includes:

  • solar features
  • water systems
  • edible gardens
  • wildlife habitat
  • green building
  • waste as a resource

Each part of the exhibit can be used to teach children about math, science, and of course, the importance of green communities for our health and the planet’s well-being. It’s a great opportunity to get them away from the TV and XBox and into nature.

Interested in learning more about how to green your schoolyard? Visit DC Schoolyard Greening. It features examples of what schools in our area are doing to promote greener living and sustainability such as planting herb, wildlife, and vegetable gardens; building green roofs; implementing composting programs; building birdhouses; and more.