Zina's blog

The Chicago Rarities Orchard Project is working to establish a community orchard of rare heirloom fruit trees on public land just south of the Logan Square Monument:

You may be aware of events in February that saw the Chicago Dept.

Spring in the kitchen incubator business could be renamed "farmer's market application season." This time of year, many of the wonderful small food artisans you enjoy all summer at farmer's markets around the city look for a place to prepare those goodies.  Many turn to a kitchen like ours, or try to wedge themselves into a restaurant when it's closed, a Park District Field House, church basement, what have you. 

Our certification process with the US Green Building Council is nearing completion.  When all is said and done, it will be about 2 1/2 years start to finish.  We are on track to receive a LEED Gold rating, the second-highest level of sustainability in building construction projects.

Yesterday we hosted a chef's tasting of sustainable seafood choices, courtesy of Sea 2 Table.  Based in Brooklyn, Sea 2 Table links chefs with sustainable fisheries.  Good times in the kitchen, as chefs tasted crab from Washington State, and black drum from Louisiana among others.  Guests included Stephanie Izard, hard at work on her restaurant to open in

I had the honor of speaking to ISES, the International Society of Event Specialists this week.  My topic: how to host more sustainable events.  This group's annual "Day of Education" was terrific. 

I love playoff football, and I've been rooting for the New Orleans Saints all the way.  We visited New Orleans last month, and that town IS BACK is a big way.  I love the team's relationship with the town, and the story is so moving.  The people living in New Orleans are there because they chose to return and rebuild.  Here's a wonderful 4 minute video from ESPN writer and Louisiana native Wright Thompson.  It's terrific! 

Finally! Today we successfully submitted our final documentation for our LEED construction credits.  This process began over two years ago.  This photo of our wall of doors is one of the most recognizable sustainable features of our building.  All rescued from landfill, they are a stunning example of 'one man's trash is another man's treasure.'

I'm priveleged to be speaking at the Chicago Chapter of ISES Day of Education on February 2nd.  ISES, the International Special Event Society, the professional special events organization.  I'll be giving a talk on how to make special events more sustainable, and learning a great deal from a large group of event professionals under one roof.