In February, I’m Only Eating Local.
Since I’ve done so well with my project to kick caffeine from my life, I thought that I would take on another project.
I eat my lunch out 99% of the time. The occasional exception coming when there is a radio station potluck or someone has a client that brings food to the station. If neither of those occur, you can bet that I’m out around lunch time in search of vittles. I have a cycle of about 15 different places that I like to go. However, many of them are national chains. In a week where Des Moines has been doing a lot of defending itself, I thought I would start looking more locally when it comes to where I eat during the day. So with that, starting February 1 and lasting for the entire month, I am only eating lunch at local establishments. Restaurants and eateries started and grown right here in Iowa.
Going one step further, I’m going to try to eat at a different local establishment each day, hopefully not repeating locations throughout the month. This means I need to come up with at least 28 different places (assuming I eat dinner at home each night). I’ll make the list over the weekend and post it on Monday. I’m excited to hopefully try some new places or return to places in which I haven’t eaten in some time.
So farewell McDonald’s, so long Panera, Subway and Starbucks. I’m sure I’ll return at some point. But for the month of February, you are off limits.
Could you or your family only eat local for an entire month?
January 29th, 2010 at 11:51 am
Luke,
Great idea!! You should have no trouble finding 28 different local restaurants to eat at during February! I think you should make a list of the restaurants you visit and what you had, and post that on March 1st so everyone can see what is truly out there in Des Moines, aside from the chain places.
January 29th, 2010 at 11:52 am
This is amazing! Good luck! I really wish more people would try to use more local vendors for anything. I do my best to eat at locally owned places but since I do not eat meat my options are limited
So proud of you! You are much better human than me.
January 29th, 2010 at 11:54 am
That is SUCH a good idea!
I’ve been eating out a lot more than I usually do lately, and I usually do avoid the chains … but I’m kind of a huge fan of Panera. I should attempt to do this as well — except I can’t afford to eat out every day, so there’s that.
January 29th, 2010 at 11:56 am
Way to make the rest of us look bad, man. For me, I guess the quitting smoking thing has stuck so far…
This would be a great challenge to get backed by local social media groups as well! @seedesmoines et al… You could be the face for “EatOutDesMoines.com”
eew… maybe we could rethink the domian…
Keep Cooking!
Andrew B. Clark
The Brand Chef
January 29th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
Sounds like good eats to me. You must include El Chisme on your list. One of the best places to grab authentic mexican in Des Moines.
January 29th, 2010 at 12:07 pm
Suggestions…
Tasty Taco and El Rodeo for your mexican food fix.
Chicken Coop in West Des Moines is amazing.
Chips in Ankeny.
Cafe Su in Valley Junction
Big Tomato is good anytime.
Drake Diner.
January 29th, 2010 at 12:09 pm
I’m sure you’ve seen this link, but it may help this month…
http://whotv.realdeals-tv.com/
I love this idea, though. One of my classic favorites will always be the Drake Diner. I also LOVE Sam & Gabe’s.
February 10th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
By the way, yes, Panera is a national chain, but it is a locally owned franchise, so your dollars spent at Panera do stay in Iowa. And they donate their leftovers to local homeless shelters and food pantries. So now you can eat there and feel good that you are still supporting the local economy and community at large .