As America's second largest city, with its West Coast
mentality, green city initiatives,
and former governor
Arnold Schwarzenegger quoted as stating "The
future is green energy, sustainability, renewable energy", there is
understandably a significant green-conscious community. Many LA restaurants
offer an eco-friendly dining experience, however, in the home of the Hollywood
film industry where not everything is as it seems, it is not uncommon for
restaurants to make such claims to lure in eager unsuspecting diners. With so
many patrons seeking out locally sourced, organically grown, and sustainably
raised foods, readers are encouraged to do their due diligence. Here are few eco-friendly
food options we're keen to trust:
Tender Greens
6290 Sunset Boulevard
Hollywood, California
(323) 382-0380
With several locations scattered across southern
California, Tender Greens appears to be one of the most dedicated organic and
environmentally conscious restaurants around. Just how dedicated? Their online
menu indicates where each specialty ingredient in each dish comes from! Crunchy
lettuce from Scarborough Farms, blue cheese from Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese
Company, and chorizo from Espinola Meats - it's all there. For all the micro
managers out there, each ingredient even links to the website of the producer,
and it doesn't end there. For all the health nuts, Tender Greens also provides
a menu calorie counter. So, for example, if one was to order roasted roma
tomato soup with basil oil to start, the marinated flat iron steak as a main,
with a side of baby spinach with cabernet vinaigrette, one should expect to
take in about 570 calories, 33 grams of fat, 27 grams of carbohydrates, and 44
grams of protein, not to mention 83% RDI of vitamin C, and 43% RDI of iron.
O! Burger
8593 Santa Monica Boulevard
Los Angeles, California, USA
(310) 854-0234
Much like the first moon landing, O! Burger has
staked their flag to the claim for being the first totally organic burger joint
in the Los Angeles area. Everything from their meat patties and buns to their
ketchup and fries are certified organic. Their website even provides useful
information pertaining to the various benefits of organic foods as well as
further information as to steps they've taken to insure that their restaurant
is as green as it gets. The most amazing part is that it's actually really
affordable!
Sage Organic
Vegan Bistro
1700 West Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, California, USA
(213) 989-1718
Sage serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offers a
wide variety of dishes from burgers, wraps, and salads to curries, pastas, and
mushroom steaks. They make a point of offering a seasonal menu that is prepared
in conjunction with the help of local farmers as includes ingredients that are
organically grown and pesticide free.
Forage
3823 West Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, California, USA
(323) 663-6885
Don't worry, they do the foraging for you! This restaurant's
claim to fame is in finding the best locally raised meats and organically grown
vegetables. The owners of Forage promote sustainable dining practices as an
essential component of building a better world. The menu changes depending on
the quality and availability of seasonal ingredients, with a choice of about 3
or 4 appetizers and an equivalent number of mains, and you can determine just
how much protein you want - choosing from small, medium, or large to reduce
waste.
Life Food
Organic
1507 Cahuenga Blvd
Los Angeles, California
(323) 466-0927
More of a vegetarian health food store than a
restaurant, Life Food offers smoothies, soups, salads, and desserts in their
café. They also sell packaged raw foods and supplements all while taking a very
earth-conscious approach to their ingredients and packaging. A great place to eat
and shop, one could make a pleasant afternoon out of a trip to Life Food Organic.
