organic restaurant near Convention Ctr

[paychecktoday]

My wife and I are both doing the caveman (paleo) diet, where we are eating exclusively organic, and nothing refined (no sugar/grains/soy/dairy). It's been tough but so far so good.

http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/pale...

We are in search of a good place to have dinner on a saturday or sunday evening near the convention center that can cater to our needs. Place must be organic (beef must be grass-fed, etc.) and be somewhat kid-friendly. We are not trying to be too pricey, as we most likely will have children in tow.

If not in the city, restaurant can be between Chinatown and DelCo (we live in Upper Darby/Havertown).

Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

[sylviag]

I suggest Fare, at 2028 Fairmount Avenue. It's strictly organic, very attractive, and would be fine for the kids. You can see their menu onine. Not gourmet, but quite decent.

[cwdonald]

If you want both organic and vegetarian, I would suggest going to Vedge. This is the new all vegetarian restaurant from the folks who used to run Horizon. It is in the beauitful space that used to house Deux Cheminee. 12th and Locust.

http://vedgerestaurant.com/

BTW ... there is no standard for organic...... I wonder how you make sure that a restaurant is actually serving organic food.

[Displaced California Foodie]

Vedge is not organic.
I had not heard of Fare! Thanks for the info Sylviag. Will post once I've checked it out.

[cwdonald]

How do you now vedge is not organic. There is no such thing as organic. It is a marketing slogan only.

[barryg]

You can debate the particulars but USDA does provide organic certification, as do some independent groups. That's enough for most people.

OP's request for grass-fed beef, while having nothing to do with being "organic," is meaningful as well.

[paychecktoday]

In regards to organic, we base it off of the USDA certification.

Also, farm-to-table type restaurants can also suffice. As long as the restaurant uses locally-sourced products.

So far, Fare is in the lead as our best bet.

[Bigley9]

Heading the opposite direction from Fare there is Kennett at 2nd and Christian in Queen Village. Locally sourced, organic when they can. Vegetarian and Carnivore options

[cwdonald]

Before you go to Fare, read the LeBan write up. 1 bell does raise warning flags for me.

You might consider Farm and Fisherman. Definitely locally sourced whenever possible, seasonably changing menu. You will find the grass fed beef there as well.

[DougRisk]

That is an interesting view of Organic food.

[caganer]

Organic food is that which is grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers generally derived from petroleum. Nearly all food grown before the second world war fit that description. It's sort of silly to deny reality and history by spouting off with reactionary nonsense like that.

[Displaced California Foodie]

Cw Donald: If there is "no such thing" as organic, may I respectfully ask why you bothered to write in your post above that Vedge is both Organic and vegetarian?

To answer your question, I did a little research prior to posting: I checked vedge's website and called the restaurant to ask. I was advised that They do not use organic veggies. Based upon your comment above- I was hoping it was an organic menu--- But it is disappointing they are not.

[cwdonald]

I do not believe the organic standards that are published by the USDA are worth the paper they are printed on. Products made entirely with certified organic ingredients and methods can be labeled "100% organic". Products with at least 95% organic ingredients can use the word "organic". Both of these categories may also display the USDA organic seal. A third category, containing a minimum of 70% organic ingredients, can be labeled "made with organic ingredients"

There are multiple agencies that get certified to certify farms or other establishments as organic, but the standards are not evenly applied. At one point fifty percent of all the agencies were under suspension by the USDA for failing to apply standards correctly. In short, I do not trust my government to make these kinds of certifications.

I am a member of a CSA that practices organic agricultural practices and support that way of sustainable farming. I do not however take any consolation in the politically charges way that farms and other establishments are certified. Many farms that practice organic farming are not certified and never will be. I am sure vedge sources locally, and frankly that's about all that you can ask for.

[The Chowhound Team]

Folks, this discussion is getting a bit far afield for this board. If you'd like to have further discussion on organic standards, please start a new thread on the General Chowhounding Topics board. Thanks.

[paychecktoday]

cw, I am aware of the labelling that the US gives to certify "organic" products as technically nothing is completely organic. As with gluten-free, nothing is completely gluten free (as I have learned the hard way).

My whole point of this post is to find the most sustainable, non-gmo, locally sourced food possible, as this will be the best bet for me dining. The use of the term "organic" would lead people to assume that restaurants that serve organic food would be the best place to go (fare, vedge, kennett, etc.)

I wouldn't think this would cause an uproar, for which I apologize.

[cwdonald]

I absolutely agree with the spirit of organic, and apologize for any disruption that this may have caused. I hope you find a place that serves the food in the way that you are looking for. Supporting local restaurants and local farmers is the way to go.

Please report back on your meal. I am very interested to hear about Fare as it has had mixed reviews in other circles.