Buy Local – October 3rd is the day you celebrate saving money

Not only is October 3rd my birthday, but it’s Super Saturday in Santa Monica where a week long sustainability drive and a part of the Buy Local campaign is underway. Bring in a canvas bag or even mention Buy Local to over 40 businesses, and you will receive free stuff and discounts. Its the people’s way of supporting businesses who strive to reduce carbon footprints, give to our community, and most importantly, support locals.

Michael’s Restaurant (one of my faves) just north of the Santa Monica Promenade, will be giving away free glasses of Malibu vineyard Rambla Pacifico Pinot Noir 2005 (with a purchase of course) – made from Michael’s own personal vineyard. From the Santa Monica Daily Press, “Michael’s California cuisine is all about seasonal and local products and we have been doing farm to table for 30 years now.” Nichol said [the restaurant's general manager] “Micahel was one of the first in the United States to actually bring about this movement of very local, seasonal dishes”

And I couldn’t agree more. I keep seeing things like this in new local restaurants and it’s no wonder I have two of Michael’s cookbooks. Before it was trendy, Michael was doing it: local, farm to table, seasonal and sustainable: everything WestsideDB loves.