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.

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.