• Restaurants
  • Members
  • Adv Search

Green Scene

gustorganics.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"We shape the world by what we eat,” says Alberto Gonzalez, the owner of GustOrganics – and he should know. GustOrganics is the first and only certified organic restaurant in New York. The Argentinean-inspired eatery uses 100 percent USDA certified organic ingredients, powers its kitchen with wind energy and lights its dining room with solar lighting. In short, as Gonzalez puts it, “It’s pure, organic love.” But while GustOrganics may be at the forefront of the city’s green restaurant movement, it is certainly not the only restaurant making an effort to go green. We’ve rounded up nine other downtown restarants that are serving food with a side of environmentalism. “Most people want to do something to change, but they don’t know what to do,” says Gonzalez. We think eating at any of these restaurants would be a great start!

GustOrganics

(519 Avenue of the Americas, 212-242-5800)

In addition to its completely organic menu, GustOrganics also uses soy ink on their menus, cleans with biodegradable cleaning products and features a staff dressed in organic uniforms. Even the water at the restaurant – NYC tap water purified on site – is eco-friendly.

What to try: Hempanada, an Argentine-style empanada made with hemp flour

 

The Green Table
(75 Ninth Ave., 212-741-6869)

At this sustainable eatery and wine bar inside the Chelsea Market, fresh produce comes from local family farms and green markets, and the long list of beverages features organic and bio-dynamic wines and beers. The restaurant puts a farm-to-table spin on classics like macaroni and cheese, which they’ve reinvented with organic pasta and cheeses from nearby farms.

What to try: Classic Chicken Pot Pie

 

Dos Caminos
(675 Hudson St., 212-699-2400)

The newest location of this popular Mexican spot in the
Meatpacking District has been recognized (along with the Dos Caminos locations on Park Ave., Third Ave., and in SoHo) by the Green Restaurant Association for its recycling and composting practices, and its biodegradable to-go bags.

What to try: Farmer’s Market Vegetable Quesadilla

 

Birdbath
(223 First Ave., 646-722-6565)

The original East Village location of this organic bakery boasts walls made of wheat, a counter made of recycled paper, a reclaimed wood floor and many other earth-friendly elements. Not to mention, the sweets coming out of the oven are made with organic flour, locally – made honey and family-farmed milk.

What to try: Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie

 

Counter
(105 First Ave., 212-982-5870)

The vegetarian menu at this East Village bistro is complimented perfectly by Counter’s selection of organic wines and cocktails. Plus, the restaurant boasts its own rooftop garden, where herbs, greens, tomatoes and more are grown.

What to try: The Dirtiest Martini, made with basil-infused
organic vodka

 

Angelica Kitchen
(300 E. 12th St., 212-228-2909)

This East Village spot has been focusing on healthy, sustainable food since it first opened in 1976. While you’ll find plenty of organic, fresh ingredients on their menu, you won’t come across any refined sugars, preservatives or animal products at Angelica’s Kitchen.

What to try: The Pantry Plate, which lets you mix and match three, four or five items from the menu

Otto
(1 Fifth Ave., 212-995-9559)

At this two-star Certified Green Restaurant, Energy Star
appliances help keep energy use down, while recycling and
composting help reduce waste. Plus, Mario Batali recently
decided to participate in Meatless Mondays at all of his 14
restaurants, including Otto.

What to try: Asparagus and Goat Cheese Pizza

 

Dos Toros Taqueria
(137 Fourth Ave., 212-677-7300)

The San Francisco-born brothers behind this Union Square
burrito and taco joint make a point to serve chicken free of
hormones and antibiotics, and organic black and pinto beans. Plus, the utensils and napkins you use to chow down at Dos Toros are corn-based and biodegradable.

What to try: Pollo Asado Quesadilla, with guacamole

 

Pulino’s
(282 Bowery, 212-226-1966)

Keith McNally and Nate Appleman are making an effort to go green at their popular pizza joint on the Bowery, where waste is sorted, recycled and composted.

What to try: Ottima Pizza, with ricotta, wild blueberry jam and bacon


Dirt Candy
(430 E. Ninth St., 212-228-7732)

Amanda Cohen leads the kitchen at this East Village restaurant where vegetables take center stage. With dishes like Jalapeño Hush Puppies and Portabello Mousse, Dirt Candy is reminding diners that vegetarian fare can be a delicious indulgence.

What to try: Stone Ground Grits, topped with a tempura poached egg





Del.icio.us!Google!Live!Facebook!Slashdot!Netscape!Technorati!StumbleUpon!Spurl!Wists!Simpy!Newsvine!Blinklist!Furl!

About the Author:

Jennifer Tis

Add Comment
smaller | bigger
You must log in to comment!

busy