Results tagged “edibleaustin”

People, we need to talk about food some more. Awhile back I was discussing my addiction to food memoirs, particularly in the audiobook format. The past couple of weeks—as if purposefully trading in soft creamy brie spread across hot crusty French bread for Dickensian gruel—I swapped out those delicious bits of ear candy for more somber audio food fare. Which is to say I listened to The Omnivore’s Dilemma and currently am in the midst of The End of Overeating. Those books have left me with enough food for thought to merit a two-part series. I’m going to save the grimmer news for Part II—next week. For now, I’m going to tell you about the positive upshot of taking in exposes on the industry of food. Months ago, even before I checked out the books, I’d already made a note to myself on my Goals For 2009 list to eat better and more local foods.

Surrounded by the literal fruits of area vendors' labors, the proclamation that this week shall heretofore be known as Eat Local Week will ring from the booths of the downtown Austin Farmer's Market this morning, accompanied by a 24 carrot salute, trumpeting (or should we say "rooting") in a week of events that highlight the bountiful goodness that is to be had in our fine city.

This year's Maker Faire will feature many exhibits that focus on sustainability and green technology. Do-it-yourselfers of all backgrounds will be at the event to show off their eco-friendly creations. Intrigued tree huggers should start at The Green, Cost-Effective, DIY Extravaganza where attendees can learn how to make a solar oven, build a low-cost graywater system, make a pedicab, or set up an indoor garden. Visitors can also explore and talk to the makers of a hand built earthen oven and a solar powered water distilling device.