Celia SoudryThis month local restaurants and businesses are pitching in to help better the environment for the 40th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22. From restaurants shutting off the electricity and gas for a day, a gourmet chocolatier selling discounted organic stuffed fruits, to businesses giving away green prizes and offering sales online, you may not even need to leave your house to celebrate and contribute to the global holiday. And you wouldn't want to let Al Gore down.
Credit: Compartes
Compartes Chocolatier: Jonathan Grahm, who took over the family chocolate business, Compartes, at the age of 15, is celebrating Earth Day with a week-long sale on handmade organic stuffed fruits. “With no chocolate, no added sugar, these are the perfect guilt-free Earth day indulgence,” says Grahm. Available in the Brentwood store and online from April 19-25, use the code “EARTHDAY” to receive 10% off. The stuffed dried fruits, a family tradition for over 60 years, include apricots, dates, peaches, pears, figs, prunes and plums, coupled with jumbo almonds and walnuts. A selection of organic, locally sourced chocolate buttery treats are also available. 912 S. Barrington Ave., Los Angeles; (310) 826-3380.
Pourtal Wine Bar: On April 21st the Santa Monica wine bar is sampling their farmers market-driven menu, paired with sustainably made wines sold by Whole Foods, Santa Monica. During the event, Santa Barbara's Ampelos Cellars reps will be available to explain the process behind organic, biodynamic winemaking. Pourtal is teaming up with Frog's Leap Winery, an organic grape grower bringing in wines from their solar-powered, Leed certified, GeoThermal and Dryfarmed winery, on April 22 from 7-9 p.m. 104 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica; (310) 393-7693.
Pizza Fusion: The organic, vegan, and celiac-friendly pizzeria is giving away prizes for the entire month of April. During each visit to the restaurant customers can enter to win trips to sustainable wineries and breweries, valued at $2,000-$3,000 each, as well as year supplies of organic produce and dairy products. 7950 W. Sunset Blvd., Suite 104. Los Angeles; (323) 375-3390 and 2901 Ocean Park Blvd. Ste 123, Santa Monica; (310) 581-2901.
Credit: Mexico Restaurante y Barra
Mexico Restaurante y Barra: On a brightly lit street in the heart of West Hollywood, one restaurant will be lit only by candlelight for Earth Day. The cash-only $20 family-style dinner, from 3-9 p.m., is accompanied by live acoustic music and fresh, hand-squeezed margaritas. Mexico Restaurante y Barra is turning off its gas and electricity and serving wood-fired chile rellenos, tacos, tomatillo chicken, cilantro rice, roasted corn, and flan. Call ahead, as their phones will be shut off April 25th. And free bike valet is included. 8512 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood; (310) 289-0088
Jurlique: The botanical, herbal skin care line is offering a 25% discount on all products sold through their Web site in support of the Los Angeles Community Garden Council, a non-profit organization that builds and maintains community gardens in and around Los Angeles. A portion of online sales on April 22nd, according to Jurlique, “will be used towards protecting and preserving the urban sanctuary that cares for thousands of varieties of flowers.” Jurlique Wellness & Day Spa: 1230 Montana Ave., Santa Monica; (310) 899-1923.
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