Certified organic restaurants

Since the government began organic certification in 2002, the term has shown up on everything from ketchup to candy. So where are all the certified organic restaurants? To date, there are only four, says the Organic Trade Association. Ukiah Brewing Co. & Restaurant explains why it has few

imitators: Its food costs are 50% to 100% higher than conventional restaurants. Salt and pepper is a no brainer elsewhere, but Restaurant Nora spends $8 a pound for organic peppercorns and pays six times extra for Italian organic salt.

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RESTAURANT: Ukiah Brewing Co.& Restaurant; Ukiah, Calif.

CALLS ITSELF: The first certified organic brewpub in the nation. SAMPLE ITEM: Brew Burger, fresh ground organic beef, cooked to order, with choice of cheese, bacon or avocado

PRICE: $7.95

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RESTAURANT: Restaurant Nora; Washington D.C.

CALLS ITSELF: America's first certified organic restaurant. SAMPLE ITEM: Slow Braised Veal Brisket, Bottleneck Onion, Tomato Confit, Yam Foam, Baby Carrots, Juniper Scented Broth

PRICE: $29

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RESTAURANT: Juliano's Raw; Santa Monica, Calif.

CALLS ITSELF: The first 100% certified organic and "veganic" restaurant (no animal byproducts were used in agricultural production) SAMPLE ITEM: A No Mad Cow, Salmonella, E.Coli or Destroy the Rainforest for Graze Lands Cheezeburger

PRICE: $21.95

 

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