The surge of sustainable restaurants not only poses a challenge to fine dining establishments but also reshapes the future of hospitality. When it’s good for business, several big names make unsubstantiated claims of following eco-friendly practices in order to entice – or reassure – customers; this is known as “greenwashing”.
For clients whose cuisine choices must adhere to strict sustainability measures, finding the right establishment can prove difficult, especially since this practice is in its embryonic stages. Therefore, we have asked trusted concierge contacts how they can tell that a restaurant values sustainability.
The Menu
The Menu is a huge indication, one concierge member tells us. Regardless of what the word on the town is, “I will always download the menu before booking for the client. A restaurant that values sustainability will display plenty of vegetarian dishes on the list – they may even have separate vegan and vegetarian menus,” Alma explains.
Another good sign is when a restaurant is using seasonal produce. A classic summer menu will showcase ingredients such as watermelon & avocados, while winter menus will incorporate more root vegetables, i.e., parsnips and brussel sprouts.
A chef who is serious about sustainability will exercise his creative freedom by exploring the many options that the plant kingdom has to offer; choices that range in colour, texture, and shape. The aim is to promote delicious plant-based dishes that would make even the most avid meat eater consider the alternative.
The Accolades
A Parisian-based booking service filters restaurant options based on the awards they have acquired; prizes that highlight sustainability distinction. The two most coveted are The Sustainable Restaurant Award from The Sustainable Restaurant Association, and The Green Michelin Star from The Michelin guide.
For extended clues, a global food service sustainability programme, Food Made Good, is a reliable source, as well as the World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ Sustainable Restaurant Award.
Company transparency
A restaurant hostess explained how honesty is key, especially when considering a concept that businesses have only started taking seriously in the past few years. Restaurants that are implementing sustainable practices will openly discuss what measures they are taking to stay ahead of the curve. They may post their carbon footprint online and explain how they seek to improve it along with set goals. Another method is taking the time to respond personally to customers’ queries or concerns online. By reading between the lines, you can separate those that are sincere in their principles from those that are simply paying lip service.
It’s time to separate the oil from the water!
Accompanyu 