At a time when the restaurant industry is suffering under increased fuel prices and a looming economic recession, many diners fall prey to an eat-on-the-cheap mentality—hoping to maintain a busy social calendar while simultaneously pinching proverbial pennies. But that can be an unwise and even dangerous choice in the age of global warming, contaminated food imports and genetic modification.
Indeed, the healthier choice would be to spoil yourself with quality cuisine at an eco-friendly restaurant. But does such a place exist in the age of conspicuous consumption and instant gratification? Happily, the tides seem to have turned in the competitive restaurant industry. Wise restaurateurs have responded to the change in public opinion with energy saving tactics and healthier food choices, sourcing organic or local meats and produce whenever possible.
There's something to smile about when you sit down to a meal knowing you're reducing your carbon footprint, helping to support local or organic farmers and giving back to your community while simultaneously sending the food industry a powerful message that you've had it with pesticides and genetically-modified organisms.
Metromix has compiled a list of the area's tastiest eco-friendly restaurants on our quest to go green. So check out one of these heavenly havens of fresh food and treat yourself to the flavors and fragrances of an eco-friendly table—your body will thank you.
Eat eco-consciously
Local restaurants are hip to go green with energy-saving tactics, organic produce and more
By Michelle Marinelli Prindle
June 18, 2008
Max Fish
110 Glastonbury Blvd. -
Glastonbury
Max Fish has taken strides to become the restaurant of choice for a growing gaggle of green gastronomes. Among other things, it sells Aquahealth still and sparkling water that is triple-distilled on premises, and uses low-energy dishwashers and waterless urinals.
Firebox Restaurant
539 Broad St. -
Hartford
Firebox brings an upscale, metropolitan vibe to an area of the capitol city not normally known for sophisticated dining. The restaurant also puts the spotlight on Connecticut farmers, serving locally-grown organic produce whenever possible. You'll also find hormone- and antibiotic-free grain-fed beef and poultry on the menu.
Still River Café
134 Union Road -
Eastford
Located in a 150-year old barn on the beautiful 27-acre North Ashford Farm, Still River Café serves creative entrées based upon fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant strives to use as much local produce as possible and, in fact, many of the vegetables and herbs used in careful meal preparation are grown directly on the surrounding farm. The menu changes daily to reflect seasonal availability.
The White Peach
1 Kent Road -
New Milford
A classic European country restaurant, the menu at the White Peach features entrees prepared with the best quality ingredients, utilizing local and seasonal ingredients wherever possible to support local agriculture and reduce pollution.
The Schoolhouse at Cannondale
34 Cannon Road -
Wilton
Tucked away in Wilton's quaint Cannondale Village overlooking the babbling Norwalk river, this restaurant is located in a renovated post-Civil War Era schoolhouse that was built in 1872. With a stylishly elegant interior, the Schoolhouse at Cannondale strives to use only the finest ingredients of local Connecticut farms in preparation of inspired dishes.
Carole Peck's Good News Cafe
694 Main St. South -
Woodbury
At a time when everyone is trying to go green, the Good News Cafe is a refreshing choice for those looking to dine out and still manage to eat some organic foods. The restaurant uses locally-grown organic foods for its dishes, making this place not only eco-friendly, but also the freshest meal in town.
Palomino Restaurant
1392 East Putnam Ave. -
Greenwich
Palomino Restaurant makes it easy to eat out with an environmental conscience. With an emphasis on sustainable agriculture and organic farming practices, Palomino serves upscale entrées best described as American market cuisine.
