Locally Grown, Eco-Friendly Restaurants

by Andy Angelos

Chicago residents are already proud of their vast culinary treasures as demonstrated in numerous posts from Theresa. Adding to the diversity is a growing collection of environmentally conscious restaurants featuring locally grown food and energy saving practices. Some of the emerging conservation tactics employed by Chicago eateries include:

• Installing low-flow sprayers and dual flush toilets
• Reducing the pre-heat and idle time on cooking surfaces
• Run full capacity dishwasher loads
• Collecting organic waste for the Chicago Resource Center
• Use eco-friendly cleaners

Since I do not possess the same level of gastronomical expertise as Theresa or local critics like Tweating Out, I was forced to request help from my network of Twitter followers. Below are introductions to some of the more intriguing responses. Thanks to all who contributed!

312 Chicago. Chef Dean Zanella uses locally grown ingredients from Green City Market and naturally raised livestock. The “Italian-inspired American” food changes with seasonal produce but features constant specials such as seared day boat scallops. And for only $1000, Chef Zanella will instruct a personal cooking class and cater a small dinner party.

May Street Market. Located on 1132 W. Grand, May Street Market strives to provide multi-course meals for reasonable prices. Three full-course meals for $32 are offered nightly. The menu - created by owner and experienced Chef Alexander Cheswick - uses seasonal ingredients sourced from regional farmers.

Crust. This wood-oven pizzeria in Wicker Park was the fourth certified organic restaurant in the United States and the first in the Midwest. Owner Michael Altenberg also operates Bistro Campagne in Lincoln Square, which features locally grown and organic produce.

Uncommon Ground. Several blocks north of Wrigley Field, Uncommon Ground provides visitors with a unique blend of music, coffee, craft beer and locally inspired cuisine. The Devon location even hosted “Farmer Fridays” allowing Harvest Moon Farms to sell their sustainable organic products in the parking lot.

Feel free to add additional restaurants in the comments section!