MNN - Mother Nature Network

Friday night pizza night came and we skipped the pizza. We usually order from a local restaurant, so there is that. It doesn't locally source ingredients and while they make everything themselves, it is still from cans and the like. It also has been less than amazing the past couple of times.

 

The younger three children weren't home for dinner. We thought about visiting the new (very good, very fresh, very healthy) local Armenian restaurant, but it was quite cold. No one wanted to venture out.

 

We ended up ordering from another local restaurant that recently was featured in the village paper. It's an Asian-style restaurant. The twist: not only locally owned, but they are committed to organic, free range meats, fresh produce (organic and local where possible, and other local sourcing as necessary. Most of their packaging is low waste, recyclable and/or compostable. Even better: the prices weren't higher than the more conventional restaurants.

 

They delivered and while the food wasn't as hot as I would have liked, again it was exceptionally cold outside, it was excellent. The vegetables in the dishes were fresh, not overcooked, not greasy, and the dishes were flavorful and well thought out.

 

I found it all very pleasing. Eating local here has meant more diner/greasy spoon/sandwich shops in the past. (not that I avoid those at all costs, some of my favorite meals ever have come from greasy spoons!)  Now with the two recent restaurant openings we have more choices that support the economy and support better eating.

 

Do you look for new local restaurants? How many in your area make the effort to serve healthier options ? Do you have any restaurants in your area committed to sourcing local and organic when possible?