Diners with eco-conscious palates don't have to look far for a table in the Chicago area. Organic and sustainably grown foods are on the menu at restaurants ranging from the Chipotle Mexican Grill fast-food chain to fine-dining destination Charlie Trotter's.
The nation's first certified organic bakery, Bleeding Heart Bakery, is in Chicago's Ukrainian Village. Owner Michelle Garcia gained that status this month from Indiana Certified Organic, a U.S. Department of Agriculture-accredited body. Chef Michael Altenberg is seeking similar certification for his Wicker Park pizzeria Crust, opening in May. There are only three other certified organic restaurants nationwide.
At North Pond in Lincoln Park, diners ordering wine are urged to pay an extra dollar a bottle that will be donated to four charities devoted to sustainability. The restaurant matches that dollar. And North Pond has taken green eating beyond the menu -- by partnering with the Resource Center, a Chicago recycling not-for-profit, to recycle all of its trash.
Janet Rausa Fuller
• Bistro Campagne, Lincoln Square.
• Blackbird, West Loop. • Frontera Grill/Topolobampo, River North. • Hot Chocolate, Bucktown. • Lula Cafe, Logan Square. • May Street Market, West Loop. • Naha, River North. • Prairie Grass Cafe, Northbrook.
