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.

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.

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.

Art & Environmental Festival at Wolf Trap

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

No plans for the weekend? Shame on you. But not to worry, we’ve got a suggestion. Head to Wolf Trap’s National Arts and Environment Summit, July 13 and 14. It’s part of the Foundation’s year-old “Go Green with Wolf Trap” initiative to raise awareness of environmental issues within the performing arts community.

The two-day event kicks off on Sunday, July 13, with an eco-friendly public performance headlined by Hootie & The Blowfish. Reverb (a seriously cool environmental non-profit started by Adam Gardner of Guster fame and his wife Lauren Sullivan) will be on hand to help educate and engage fans in environmental sustainability.

For its part, Wolf Trap promotes on-site recycling, paper-less ticketing, and public transportation to the venue, and its ultimate goal is to “eventually [position] Wolf Trap as an environmental model and resource for arts presenters across the country.”

On Monday, a group of the nation’s foremost environmental and arts experts, along with government, community, and business leaders, will convene at Booz Allen Hamilton headquarters in McLean, VA, to talk about strategies and solutions for engaging performing artists and performing arts presenters in environmental stewardship. The final portion of the summit will be open to the public for comment and participation via the Internet.

Lots O’ Green Events

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

Starting on Tuesday June 17th, there are three great green-related events that you don’t want to miss. Check out the line up:

WHAT: EcoHour sponsored by DC EcoWomen
WHEN: Tuesday, June 17th, 6-8pm
WHERE: Teaism @ 8th & D Streets (400 8th Street NW) Metro: Archives/Navy
Memorial, Gallery Place/Chinatown, and Federal Triangle.
WHY: Because local sustainable food is simple genius and because the Teasim basement is a cool oasis in this heatwave. This month’s speaker is Susan Harris, president and newsletter editor of the Takoma Horticulture Club and co-creator of GardenRant.com.
RSVP: email rsvp@ecowomen.org. If you are new to the group, please include your name and institutional affiliation. And sorry guys–it’s women only.

Also on Tuesday, drop by Greater Goods on U Street for an organic wine tasting at 6:30pm. Sample organic wines for free and browse all kinds of groovy eco products including portable solar panels for your laptop, reusable grocery bags, and organic toys.

Last but most certainly not least is the official launch party for Live Green. Full disclosure: I’m on the host committee, so if you decide to attend, please tell them I sent ya! Now, onto the details:

What: Live Green Launch Party
When: Wednesday, June 18th, 6:00
Where: Local 16 (16th and U Streets NW; Green Line U Street/Cardoza Metro)
Cost: $15
Details: Live music from local faves the Black and Tan Fantasy Band, food, drink specials, optional one-year membership to Live Green, and more information about how the organization can help you live a more affordable green lifestyle in DC and beyond.
RSVP: contactlivegreen@gmail.com