New England's Kitchen

Part of going local is becoming more aware of your community and your surroundings. You don't have to stop eating out just because you're trying to eat more local foods. Because the movement to go local has become so strong there are more and more restaurants that are going local just like us. Think about it, chefs what the freshes foods available to them - and what is fresher than what is right in their own backyard. As I said many restaurants are embracing the movement and its getting easier and easier to finds such places.

In Worcester there is Armby Abbey, who sources local foods from Central Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. Their Menu changes to to fit what is within season and that they can source, it also sites where to food comes from. Along with foods they site highlights local wineries and spirits. In 2009 they swept in 13 categories in Worcester's Magazine's Best of Worcester. Check out their links page to finds more sources for your move to local foods.

In Rhode Island there is The Liberty Elm Diner, they believe in using local and regional sustainable produces. They serve breakfast and lunch and their menu sites options for vegetarian as well as vegans. Their eggs are local and meats are uncured and all natural.You find their local suppliers on their links page, which should be a great source for my RI friends. Also check out Slow Food: Rhode Island. For something a little more upscale and for dinner check out New Rivers: An American Bistro. The also support sustainable agriculture, and purchase organic produce whenever possible. Their menu change with the availability of seasonal produce and they list some of their vendors at the bottom of their menu page. 

In the Boston area, to bring it back to some of my past homes visit Ten Tables in Jamaica Plain (they also have a location in Cambridge). They were awarded the Best on Boston 2009: Romantic and Affordable. Its a very European style restaurant which works with Parker's Farm and Heron Farms when season permits. They do tasting menus, for vegetarian and vegans (24 hour notice required).

In Needham you'll find Sweet Basil. Keep in mind Sweet Basil is a cash only establishment, which welcomes you to bring your own wine and beer (for a $5.00 Corkage charge). I've heard amazing things about this place and is always packed. The note at the bottom it's a first come first serve policy - so order good and fast.

In Foxboro check out Tastings: Wine and Bar Bistro they too believe in the freshest ingredients and have a chef tasting menu. Their Menu features a New England Cheese Platter with cheese from Massachusetts and Vermont.

In Western Massachusetts stop in at Tabellas. They are committed to locally grown organic vegetables, dairy and cheese, and humanely raised/slaughtered meats and eggs which constitutes 80% of  what they offer. The support the regional and local economy. Their Farm list is a great source for local farms in Western Massachusetts. They also have a CSR (Community Supported Restaurant). Members accounts are yearly pre-purchased meals, prepared foods and gift certificates. Your Membership dollars are held in account form, at your disposal to spend as you choose. They honor a yearly purchase for 18 months. Interesting concept if you're more the eat out type then picking up at a farmers marketing and cooking it type.

Next time you have a babysitter or need a place for a special event check out some of the local options that are going local! Fresh Farms.org is a great source to find restaurants in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut that are sourcing local foods. Pick up your fork and taste the land around you!