Sustainability

Our composting partnership with AFTERLIFE, a circular mushroom farm in Queens, NY, exemplifies how we turn food waste into a resource. We donate our kitchen scraps that are transformed into nutrient-rich substrates for mushroom growing, which we then buy back. This closed-loop system minimizes food waste and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The EPA reports that food waste accounts for about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, so our efforts contribute to a circular economy where resources are reused instead of discarded.

The Green Circle Chicken we source from D’Artagnan comes from small Amish and Mennonite farms in Pennsylvania, where the chickens are raised humanely with ample outdoor space. These birds are fed vegetable scraps that would otherwise go to waste, closing the loop on food sustainability while providing top-quality, antibiotic-free chicken. This practice highlights the circle of life and how energy can be sustainably maintained within the food system.

Overfishing has led to the depletion of many fish populations. We support responsible fishing practices by choosing Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified seafood—such as the scallops featured on this menu. MSC certification ensures that our seafood is sustainably sourced, preserving marine biodiversity and protecting ecosystems for long-term ocean health.

Our apples are sourced from local orchards in the Hudson Valley, where they play a crucial role in supporting pollinators like bees. According to the New York State Horticulture Society, apple orchards benefit biodiversity, absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, and contribute to climate change mitigation. A mature apple tree can sequester up to 48 pounds of carbon dioxide per year, making orchards a vital tool in the fight against climate change.

We are proud to source our beets from Satur Farms on Long Island’s North Fork, a certified Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE). By supporting MWBE-certified farms, we foster diversity, inclusion, and equity within the agricultural sector. These farms bring diverse perspectives and innovative approaches, contributing to the evolution of an industry long shaped by men, while enriching our food systems and communities.

We believe in the power of sustainable farming to promote biodiversity and maintain healthy ecosystems. For example, our tomatoes come from RL Irwin Mushroom Farm in Kennett Square, PA, where the focus is on maintaining rich, vibrant soils that support a diverse range of plants and animals. Healthy ecosystems are critical, as they enhance the resilience of natural processes like pollination and nutrient cycling, which are essential to producing the food we enjoy daily.