Cathal Armstrong’s Green Cuisine

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

Check out this article by Jane Black in the Washington Post’s Food section, which profiles the green efforts of Chef Cathal Armstrong, who, along with his wife Meshelle, run the acclaimed Restaurant Eve, the Majestic, Eamonn’s fish and chips shop, and PX.

Here’s are the highlights of the Armstrong’s eco-practices:

  • a wormery produces enough organic fertilizer for Restaurant Eve’s garden.
  • bottled water has been banned from the restaurants; instead, a water filtration system supplies fresh, filtered water for free to patrons.
  • tinted skylights cut the restaurant’s energy costs by 88%.
  • the seasonal menu showcases vegetables from the restaurant’s own garden.
  • a composter processes food refuse and other organic waste.
  • a company called Smarter Fuel picks up the kitchen grease and turns it into biofuel.
  • all cleansers used at the restaurant are non-toxic and biodegradable.

Looking for other dining destinations that make green a priority?  Check out this list of eco-friendly restaurants around DC.

Ellwood Thompson’s is Coming to Columbia Heights

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

Columbia Heights has gone through many dramatic changes over the last few years, not the least of which is the development of the DC USA complex at 14th and U. And while Target is all fine and good, I am far more excited by the recent news that Ellwood Thompson’s, Virginia’s largest independent natural grocery, will soon be my neighbor. Well, soon is a slight exaggeration. They are scheduled to open in fall/winter 2009.

Ellwood Thompson sets itself apart from other large grocery stores by not allowing products with trans-fats, hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, or GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms). Plus, during peak growing season, more than 1/3 of their produce is locally grown. ET Is also committed to stocking free-range and organic meat, fish, and poultry from nearby farms like Polyface, and its hotbar features fare from local ethnic restaurants.

There’s no guarantee that Ellwood Thompson’s will be any easier on the ‘ol wallet than Whole Paycheck, but one can hope.

October Green Events

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

Break out your datebook, because this month there are all sorts of green events that you won’t want to miss.

First up is Green Drinks on Tuesday Oct 14th at Indebleu (707 G Street, Gallery Place Metro stop) from 6:30 to 9:30. Stop by to mingle with other progressive green movers and shakers while getting your drink on. The green gang will be be downstairs in the Tantra Lounge.

Green Community opens at the National Building Museum on October 23. The exhibition explores the process of creating and sustaining healthy communities and how communities large and small are changing their global impact. This is the third in the NBM’s series of exhibitions that focus on sustainability in architecture, planning, and design.

On Tuesday October 28, EcoTuesday, which was originally founded in San Francisco, will come to DC. This monthly networking event brings together sustainable minded people from all areas of business. Along with mingling, there will be 2 for 1 drink specials and a speaker, John Friedman of the Sustainable Business Network. The event will be held from 6 to 8pm at Tabaq Lounge (near the U street/Cardozo Metro Station). RSVP here.