Denise Cerreta's "Community on the Road"

On to Canton, Ohio

2011-08-05T14:40:00.000-07:00

Good neighbors Al Nuski and Don Theis bringing over vegetables for Mother and me

Celebrating with highschool friends Mariana Boyanides and Teresa Carmen-Beckett and Bob Beckett at the Avenues Wine Shop

Back home in Canton, Ohio with family and friends. Tomorrow is the Hall of Fame Parade and if I get up in time I will show you pictures!!!

On to Boston !

2011-08-05T14:35:00.000-07:00

You have to love Boston, what a great city. Board member Debbi Cassini and I went to meet with Ron Shaich, Kate Antonacci and Marianne Gaziadie of Panera Cares. We were in town just in time for their biggest heat way!!!

Debbi and I also got a chance to meet with Kristina Simes, a wonderfully inspired woman who is thinking of bring the One World concept to her home town of Santa Anna, CA.

I was also able to meet my dear friend Gloria's son Stephen Zeitler before I left Boston. Gloria is always talking about him or about me to him so we were happy to connect!!

Debbi Cassini(left) and Kristina as we talked by the pool

denise and Stephen ( Gloria's son)

At the beach with Susan and Paul in Gloucester. Paul had a funny chair that day!!!

Susan and I relaxing on the back patio

I also got a chance to visit my editor Sue Bugamin and her husband Paul, (both my friends from our Heifer International/ Little Rock, Arkansas days) in Gloucester,MA. We had a great time going to the beach on the hottest day of the year and attending a beautiful Shabbat potluck together later that evening.

COMMUNITY IN SANTA FE,NEW MEXICO

2011-07-03T22:00:00.000-07:00

I am happy to be back home in Santa Fe. Currently I am consulting Chris and Reingard Kolon as they get close to opening Community Table Cafe in Santa Fe at the Design Center.

It is another twist on the growing number of community cafes. Community Table Cafe is a for profit business with a priced menu, which includes one 'pay what you can' plate at lunch daily. People can also volunteer to earn a meal voucher.
I feel the Santa Fe community will respond to their good vegetarian food along with their great concept! Chris and Reingard are both fabulous cooks with years of experience!!

Chris, Reingard and their beautiful daughter Zoe passing out fliers at the Santa Fe Farmers Market this Saturday

A picture I took at sunset, notice the smoke rising on the left from the Los Alamos fire and another on the far right

July 15th is the opening party from 5-7pm at Community Table Cafe located in the Design Center on Cerrillos Road

COMMUNITY IN NEW ORLEANS

2011-07-03T20:52:00.000-07:00

Once again I found myself in New Orleans with the group planning to open Welcome Home Cafe!! It was actually Jyaphia's 50th birthday party so I decided to visit and mix a little business with pleasure.

Things are steadily improving at the Unitarian Church and the Center for Ethical Living as New Orleans rebuilds itself. We spent time creating a time line for a business plan and pilot project.

Quo Vadis and Jyaphia at her birthday lunch the day I arrived.

A view of Jyaphia's big birthday bash. Her Aunt and Uncle came all the way from Scottsdale, AZ!!

We also enjoyed meeting and talking about the future cafe at Jyaphia's birthday party at the church. Jyaphia is truly blessed to have so many people around who love and care about her.

COMMUNITY IN MARIETTA,GEORGIA

2011-05-29T12:47:00.000-07:00

It was wonderful to arrive in Atlanta and be met by such fine gentlemen from Marietta, GA that want to be part of the food security solution in their community. This particular group has a wide variety of skill sets that together make a great team!! We had 3 meetings and toured one potential location for their restaurant. I originally thought that the space we looked at was too large, but after sleeping on it feel that this group, with their skilled restaurant component and connection to their community could handle it. I especially liked their unique pricing structure: a fixed price menu and a daily 'price your own/or complimentary menu( based on need) that is driven by a mix of their profits, extra donations or corporate/business sponsorship. This team is really on the ball and I think will continue to move their project forward!!! I look forward to staying in the loop and helping out if I can.

The Marietta, GA Community Cafe Team:( from left around the table) Brian, Andrew, David, Dan, Forrest, Tyler and me

Community in Manhattan

2011-05-20T16:01:00.000-07:00

Leslie, the mysterious and brilliant astrologer

Photo of Abdi's book

I went with my friend to her acupuncture treatment with Abdi Assadi, a well known healer in Manhattan. As soon as you walk into his reception area, you can feel peace. As I was waiting for my friend I made a wonderful connection with his receptionist, Leslie who is a historical astrologer. She is a wealth of knowledge and I felt like I also received a treatment just by accompanying my friend that day!!

Abdi Assadi has written a book called Shadows On The Path, which I think you would enjoy if you are seeking inner peace and awakening.

COMMUNiTY IN MANHATTAN

2011-05-20T15:52:00.000-07:00

Hi there,
I am currently in Manhattan. Yesterday I had lunch with documentary film maker Alice Elliot. It was good to catch up and discuss future projects!!

Saturday there will be a street fair on Bedford and I will get to see Larry Seldman, 'The Collector of Bedford Street' again. If you have not seen Alice's Academy Award nominated film it is well worth watching. You will be inspired!

Documentary film maker, Alice Elliot

COMMON TABLE IN BEND, OREGON

2011-05-03T15:04:00.000-07:00

Bob, one of the founders of Common Table right after receiving their outdoor seating permit!!!!

Common Table's own currency for meals!!!!!

Inside Common Table

I am visiting Common Table in Bend, Oregon. They are a new community cafe and I will be here for a week consulting. It is a very nice set up with all of the usual attributes plus a pub type atmosphere!! I am very impressed with the community here and hope many of you will stop by if you are ever in Bend!!

COMMUNITY FUND RAISER FOR F.A.R.M. CAFE IN BOONE, NC !!!!!!!!!!!

2011-03-24T09:39:00.000-07:00

It was an exciting weekend up in High Country! I arrived in Boone, NC Friday evening and settled in at a charming Inn in Blowing Rock called the Ragged Garden. They were kind enough to donate the room as part of their contribution to the FARM Cafe fundraiser.

Saturday morning Renee, Chris, Tracey and I met for brunch and talked about the evening event. THIS GROUP REALLY HAS IT TOGETHER!!!!! There are so many people excited about the project and involved. They had many committees taking care of the food, silent auction, raffle, entertainment,...nothing was left undone. It was time to just show up and let it happen!!

At 3pm we could get into the venue and start setting up. Everything went smooth!!!!

The evening was a HUGE success. When the doors opened at 5pm there were already people lined up to get in.

Tracey unveiling the FARM Cafe fundraiser T-shirt!!

Shelly in the first One World Everybody Eats Summit T-shirt from New Orleans

Right at 5pm the crowds started to come!!!

One of the many local bands that performed on stage

I will just say the rest in pictures.

Community in Stuart, Florida

2011-01-27T13:28:00.000-08:00

I am now in Stuart, Florida. A place my mother and I have been coming to together for the last 5 years.

This year the local grocery which was just 1 block from our condo closed. I was not surprised because each year I saw the store struggle more and more to survive. This was a big deal for us since we do not keep a car here. Fortunately since the day I arrived neighbors have offered to take me to the grocery store with them when they go. My friends Dave and Jane Hutchins stopped at Publix on the way in from picking me up at the airport just so I could stock up.

Yesterday my friend Joyce called me and said her husband Don was going to the produce stand that afternoon, so be sure to give him a call later, he was waiting to take me.

I bought a ton of fresh produce for around $20. Example: 10 oranges for $1, 10 grapefruit for $1......

The Produce stand Don Staub took me to yesterday in Stuart, Florida

I realize now how hard it would be when the major grocery store goes out in a neighborhood , especially a low income one, where people do not have cars or access to efficient transportation, and there are no fresh fruit and vegetable stands near. Are there any non profits yet that travel around to low income communities with a produce van? I would like to do something like this if I get the opportunity as an outreach of One World Everybody Eats. A sort of farmers market on wheels!!! So much to do, so little time.

Community with the Sancta Clara Nuns in Canton, Ohio

2011-01-20T19:11:00.000-08:00

Sister Gretchen and Sister Mary Ischmel having fun making the soup!!!!!

The best Tomato Soup!!

The third weekend of every month there is soup and bread for sale at the Santa Clara Monastery. When I am home in Canton I like to help the Sisters. We have fun making bread and soups and filling to go orders for three days. I love spending time with the Sisters. The environment is very peaceful.

They make a wonderful tomato soup, lentil, chicken noodle and wedding soup. Every soup comes with a bread stick.

The money earned is used so that the nuns can sustain their monastery. The sisters take special requests for prayers of the community and beyond. I learned today that they have been praying around the clock and each take a shift. I forgot to find out how long this has been going on for. I also heard they are turning their guest house into a small retreat center if you need a place to contemplate for a while.

Today I was filling orders with a woman and I thought she looked familiar......she was a high school teacher I had over 30 years ago!! Janet Tilletski.

ONE WORLD EVERYBODY EATS 2nd annual summit in SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO

2011-01-20T18:39:00.000-08:00

Hello everybody!! sorry I have not blogged in so long.

We held our 2nd annual summit in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I used to live in Santa Fe and it was so nice being there again. It really made me homesick. Perhaps I will get to live there agian some day.................

Our summit was fantastic!! It was just like a family reunion. All the cafes from Denver were there, Spokane, Salt Lake and people who are in the planning stages from all over. What a great group and we had a lot to celebrate and many new plans to make.

Our guest speakers were Mark Winne and Regan Koch who were both excellent in their own right.

Giovanni speaking to the group about his year at One World Salt Lake

Sandy ( Comfort Cafe) Brad and Libby ( SAME Cafe) and Cathy Mathews( Cafe 180) look on as Libby (from Cafe 180)speaks on relevant issues

One of our summit posters from the lobby of The La Fonda Hotel

Michael Patterson ( California) and Regan Koch ( UK) talk at the lounge after a full day, Keith and Jan Raschko ( One World Spokane) in background

The summit next year will be in either Denver or Philly. See you there!!!

COMMUNITY IN PEACEDALE,RHODE ISLAND

2011-01-20T17:42:00.000-08:00

I met Susan Gustaitis when I was on location in Denver, Colorado this June. Susan was chosen as one of the ten top executive directors in RI as a fellow to pursue her next " Big Idea". It just so happens that Susan's next big idea is a community kitchen in Peacedale, Rhode Island!!

So this December I went to Peacedale and Susan and I co-facilitated a community meeting to raise awareness about a possible community kitchen project. It was a great meeting with about 30 people in attendance. Many important questions were asked.

We spent the rest of my visit touring The JohnnyCake facilities and other non profit organizations and even attended a fund raiser event for a neighboring 501c3. It was a great trip!

We had lunch one day at a local soup kitchen.

Susan will know in January if she has the green light for her vision!

CATS OF THE AMALFI COAST and a very special moment regarding a cat.

2010-11-26T08:52:00.000-08:00

Cat at the Piazza Ravello

Gato on a cold tin roof seen on my way down from Ravello to Amalfi

Another reason I love Italy so much is their love for cats. As I walked along I saw many cats. I took pictures of a lot of them.

My last day in Amalfi I was walking to the bus stop in the piove (rain)and this taxi driver Augusto stopped and asked if I wanted a ride into Amalfi from Ravello. I expained I had a bus ticket but Grazie anyway!

While I was sitting waiting for the bus I saw an older gentleman walking from the piazza area with a sack and I understood in Italian he was talking to this Tabby cat about feeding him. I wondered if I heard right so I kept watching and sure enough he got a can out of cat food out and walked over to the bushes and cerimoniously dished out a big helping for the gato. I then put 2 and 2 together that this was the taxi driver from earlier.

A bus come and he knew I was waiting and grabbed my suitcase and was going to load it on for me. It was the wrong bus, so he repeated this when my bus finally came. I asked him about the gatoin Italian, if it was his.....etc He said no, it was the Piazza's and the nearby resataurant's and he and the cat have been friends since it was a kitten. He feeds it often.. I assume more adesso since it is the off season!!

What a beautiful moment to observe this selfless act of kindness of a man to a cat.. I hope you can pick up on the pure simplicity, beauty and the feline connection in my humble photos.
Gazie Mille for people like Augusto on this planet!!!

If you ever go to Amalfi and need a taxi, you may want to call him +39 089 857013 or check out his card below.

I forgot to ask him the cats name......darn!! i hope I can go back some day and do this, or if you go there, please follow up for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you are ever in Amalfi Coast and a cat lover AND in need of a Taxi!!!!!!!

COMMUNITY IN RAVELLO * * * * *

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION * * * * * ( Augusto even put food in several places for the cat, safe from the occassional dog!, nothing wasted from the can)

SAVED BY STRANGERS IN THE AMALFI COAST!!!!!

2010-11-26T08:16:00.000-08:00

The Angels that saved my life, Elizabeth, husband Brett from Atlanta and driver Baggio

The man who nourished me! Guissepi from Ravello, Italy located right through the tunnel and on the Piazza

A glimse of the Amalfi Coast so you can see how far I climbed down before my bosy gave out!!!

After the fabulous renunion in Napoli Abbi and I traveled to the Amalfi Coast to a small town called Ravello, way up above the town of Amalfi. It had been Abbi's dream to climg the hills ( or I would say mountains!!) of Amalfi. Unfortunately the weather was rainy and cold every day and even hailed occassionally so not much of that happened.

Although the first day we walked from the B&B to the piazza of Ravello and I attempted to climb down the side of the mountain from Ravello to Amalfi. It was raining and the steps were typically old world and steep!!! It took my at least twice as long as Abbi to get down to the main raod, which was about 80% of the way. At that point my legs were shaking and I could not walk!!!! I was sitting at the side of the raod wandering what to do when a taxi van stopped and asked if I needed a ride. He also stated that he was busy right now, so hurry up and decide!! I had already stolen a lime off a nearby tree and was trying to eat my way back to health and that was not working!! So I decided to get in!!!

It turned out that a very nice American couple, Elizabeth and Brett from Atlanta had hired the driver Braggio for the whole day and had seen me and asked him to pull over. I ended up getting a very informative tour with them from Braggio for a while and then dropped off in Ravello.

I definetly needed to eat and stopped into the little bar I had cappucchino in that morning. The owner Giussepi was fabulous. Before I even was completely in the door he said are you hungry? some vino della casa?!! I said yes and he called back in the kitchen for the spaghetti and they yelled back they were out, how about some gnocchi? Fabulous!! My favorite with a nice glass of vino della casa, rosso. I have never been so grateful for a meal and appreciative. It renewed my vows to eliminate hunger and drove home the importance of a hot meal and a friendly greeting, especially in a time of need.

COMMUNITY ON THE ROAD ON THE AMALFI COAST ( LITERALLY!) * * * * *

LA FAMILIA IN NAPOLI!!!!

2010-11-26T07:37:00.000-08:00

The only picture I had of my cousin Orietta before we met, she was 1 year old!!

My whole family in Napoli, (left to right) Zia Ellea,Zia Conjutina, ( in back cousins Alessia and Federica), me, Anna Marie, Orietta, Guiliana, Zia Gina

Great Zia's Ellea, Conjutina and Gina!!

Well, it finally happened. I have been wanting to meet my 3 Great Aunts for years now, Zia Conjutina, Zia Ellea, and Zia Gina. My cousin Orietta planned the reunion from Rome and we met at their house in Napoli. My cousin Carla and Anna Marie( who lives with the Aunts), and Giuliana all came.Giuliana's beautiful daughters, Alessia and Federica also attended. It was Anna Maries Birthday so all of us young ones were all going to go out and celebrate later! Zia Ellea made a special dessert.

I had brought some very old pictures I found in a box I kept of my grandfather Joseph Cerreta. Conjutina went over and over every picture naming everyone so I would never forget. I intuitavily picked out each picture and they were all relatives. I even found an obscure one of Orietta's father who is deceased and she had never seen it, what a treasure!!

We had a wonderful visit and everyone except the Aunts went out to a fabulous restuarant called D'Angelo that had incredible views of the sea. Carla's husband Francesco and their son Saldo met us there.Food was served 'La Familia' style and I ate the very best riccota cheese and buffalo mozzerella cheese I probably will ever have. The food never stopped coming and I almost wanted to excuse myself and eat Roman style so that I could fit everything in. There were at least 10 courses. I felt bad for the waste, which there was. But the company of my new family was well worth it, how wonderful. La Familia!!!!!

I plan to keep in touch now and truly feel conected and like I already have know everybody for my whole life. Although many just spoke Italian, we were able to communicate without the need of much translation!

Ciao!!

Conjutina nad Anna Marie

My favorite picture although it is too light with my great Aunts!!!

The Aunts waving goodbye from their balcony while Orietta takes a picture of them

Francesco ( Carla's husband). Giuliana and Alessia

Mi Familia at dinner, Orietta and Carla

COMMUNITY IN NAPOLI ***** ( NOTHING LIKE LA FAMILIA!!!!)

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION *** ( Although served family style, there were too many courses and we wasted some food)

Abbi in Roma and a nice dinner at home

2010-11-22T16:15:00.000-08:00

The other day my friend Abbi flew in for a few days. My friend Andrea and I picked her up. We decided Mercury must have been in retrograde because Andrea and I did not connect when I took a bus to his home town. I was leaving to make other arrngements when I saw him AND his number had gotten erased from his profile on my blackberry and I did not know it AND he did not have my number like he thought too.... Also we waited ar least 40 minutes longer at the airport than we had to at what I thought was the only gate and 20 feet away Abbi was waiting for us and we never saw each other!!!!

The next night Andrea had wanted to cook dinner for everyone and it was fabulous. We shopped for fresh fish and veggies very early that morning at the local Campo de Fiori market. The dinner was terrific, especially for being made on a hot plate!!!
After dinner we did the traditional walk to the Trevi fountain so Abbi could through in her coin to secure a return to Roma!

An authentic Italian homecooked meal!!!!

2010-11-17T11:44:00.000-08:00

the other night our new friend Andrea Pelliccia wanted to cook us dinner. It was excellent!! I wish I remembered all of the places all the different ingredients came from ( Andrea sure did!!)

We had little 'sausages' and cheese as an appetizer THe sausages were what we would call solami. The entree was a wonderful penne pasta dish made from the ancient grain of the Romans, veggies, rosemary, cheese and last a Greek salad. The pictures and my lame description do nothing to convey the beauty and taste of the meal. But I wanted to post this for you sooner than later, I will try to revise later!

My Birthday in Rome!!

2010-11-17T11:36:00.000-08:00

I got a much needed wine opener for my birthday!!

                                                                 Mary, karen and I at the Trevi Fountain. Karen will be missed!!!

I guess if you have to get any older, Rome is a good place to do it in. I was lucky this year to have friends to celebrate with!!

We ate at a little restaurant called Scaletta in Trastevere on Via della Scala. The food is good and the prices very resonable. ( I think I mentioned them before....)

It was a really nice time and I appreciated being around prople I have known for years plus a new Italian friend, Andrea.

After dinner Andrea drove us to the Trevi Fountain so Karen could throw a coin in to ensure her return to Rome before she flew out the next morning. We all threw one in too!   It was late and rainy but we got the job done!!!!   Tutte le strade portano a Roma!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope its true!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

COMMUNITY * * * * * ( one of my best birthdays ever!!)

Food Waste Reduction * * * * *   ( we shared at the restaurant and ate every bite!!)

Porta Portese Flea Market in Trastevere, Roma

2010-11-17T11:24:00.000-08:00

Every Sunday in Trastevere (across the Tiber) there is a HUGE flea market. I mean it goes on for miles, winding around streets and alleys, offset parrallel to Via trastevere.

I have gone a few times, but last week I went late and as I was leaving I experienced a real treat! Many of the venders who sell clothes for a couple of EUR's just left piles of clothes for people to take. So once again I was scavaging in Europe!! My friends and I got had so much fun finding piles of items as we made our way out of the Market. Karen got a beautiful hand sewn Italian jacket and tie for here boyfriend. I found a few skirts for Karen, and Mary ended up getting a lot of jeans for her daughter and clothes for her grandchildren. I found a black Buddha t-shirt for myself!!

Here are some pictures!! This reminded my of finding all of those purses in Thessaloniki, Greece and the laughs Marriana and Fenya Boyanides and I had over that!!!

COMMUNITY WASTE REDUCTION * * * * *

COMMUNITY * * * * *

A TRIP TO THE CAPUCHIN CRYPTS FOR AL SOULS WEEK

2010-11-04T14:07:00.000-07:00

THESE ARE ALL BONES AND SKULLS and deceased Friars. You are standing right in front of it!!!

' Crypt of the Pelvises '

                                        Our new friend from Shri Lanka ( living in Rome), Marian
This was possibly the most bizarre thing I have seen in my life, and it was real. 4,000 skulls arranged in art formations in a crypt inside the Santa Maria della Concezione Church ( well, in the basement). Words and pictures cannot describe what we saw.

You were not allowed to take any pictures in there, so I took a few shots of Karens postcards so you could see what this looks like.

In the 1631, the Capuchin friars moved locations from the Trevi Fountain area to this present day location. The remains of the dead friars were transported ( over 300 carts) and laid to rest at this present cemetery underneath th church. Sometime in the 1800's they started creating art out of the bones. Part of this was due to the small cemetery and they had to dig up old graves to bury the new. So they started to use their bones like you will see in th pictures. I thought it is nice that the friars, although long gone, are still helping to support their church through the donations collected to view the crypt and still living in community underneath it.

AS IF THERE COULD BE MORE, Karen and I went into the church up above and a watchman came out of nowhere and asked us where we were from. I asked him and it was Shri Lanka. I told him I met the first lady of Shri Lanka a few years ago while in India etc, etc, and as we were leaving he said "Come, Come, I want to show you something very special most people cannot see........"   I was thinking I was not ready for anything else after the crypt, but went along.

This too was creepy because he kept taking us deeper and deeper inside of the church into secret hidden rooms. I have no pictures because I was too overwhelmed to take them. There was a secret altar room with grand pictures, like a ballroom and a couple of small chapel/cells where some of the friars slept.....and some other things....I felt myself just wanting to leave after a while because I had been really effected by the crypt.

Marian will visit his family next year in Shri Lanka. I wish I would have asked him how long it had been since he had been back home. Next time, if I see him again.....

What a day!

The Church of the Immaculate
Via V. Veneto 27
Rome

COMMUNITY RATING   * * * * * ( buried together for eternity, and our connection to Marian in the Church!)

COMMUNITY AT GELATERIA DEI GRACCHI!!!

2010-11-02T14:49:00.000-07:00

BJ and Ron from Glendale, AZ enjoying gelato!

Today Karen and Mary and I went to our neighborhood gelateria called Gelateria dei Gracchi. I noticed the other day that they had been written up in the New York Times as one of the best gelato shops in Rome and they really are!! There happened to be two people in there from the states that had read the article. They were from Arizona and leaving for a cruise domani. I have cousins that own Cerreta's Chocolates in Glendale,AZ and asked them if they knew of it and they said they work two blocks away!! What a small world!!! Their names are BJ and Ron. I beieve that BJ is a veterinarian from our conversation.

This gelato shop makes all of its own gelato. I had some of the best persimmon gelato the other day and when you are in the store you can see cases of persimmons stacked up. If you ever go to Rome , you MUST visit this shop, it is truly a treat...

What a small world. Thank you Rachel Donadio for writing such a fine article and sending many people to one of the truly best gelato shops in Rome!!

Its also a very good place to practice your Italian. The first time I tried to order everything in Italian I asked for 2 busti, instead of GUSTI ( flavors). The owner looked at me very strange. When I went home I looked it up and busti means bust or breast. I will never make that mistake again!!
Ciao, and ci vediamo presto!!!

GELATERIA DEI GRACCHI
VIA DEI GRACCHI 272
( This is in the Prati area, so if you are at the Vatican you are not too far away by Rome standards)

COMMUNITY RATING * * * * *

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION * * * * *

ALL SAINTS DAY IN ITALY 1 NOV and ALL SOULS DAY TOMORROW 2 NOV

2010-11-01T12:45:00.000-07:00

Today was a national holiday in Italy, All Saints day. To celebrate we went to a church in Prati, Parrocchia Sacro Cuore. They have a piccolo museo del purgatorio. ( A little museum of purgatory!).

The story goes that in about 1912 there was a fire in this church and in the flames of the fire was a face of a tormented soul in purgatory. Many saw this and realized that our prayers are necessary. The priest set out on a mission to collect data of departed souls requesting prayers from purgatroy, and that is what is in this little glass case museum!!

I also liked that they collected money for bread for the poor inside the church in a little box. 'Pane dei poveri'

The church had a welcoming vibe and you could take pictures.

COMMUNITY RATING FOR THE PRATI CHURCH SACRO CUORE

COMMUNITY * * * * * ( welcoming and feeding the poor in the area)

Holloween in Rome

2010-11-01T12:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Halloween and I am still in Rome. My friends Karen and Mary were visiting so we all dressed up and went to Piazza Navona, Campo di Fiori and a private party for Expats at 'The Grotto'. It was all a lot of fun. Karen and I were Witches ( with witch hats!) and we dressed Mary up as a little Ragedy Ann Doll.

It was a fun evening and we met a lot of people. Trick or treated in Piazza Navona, Mary got a tomato and a ravioli. Karen and I got chocolate balls from Animis.

A high point for me was that an Italian couple stopped and asked us for directions and I was able to tell them in Italian!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And they understood them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mary Panhandling in Piazza Navona " trick or treat"!!!

Me and Karen Johnson

Just a silly evening!!!

FALL FOOD IN ROME

2010-10-30T05:09:00.000-07:00

The season is changing here in Rome. I came across a wonderful display outside a restaurant near Trevi Fountain yesterday I thought you would enjoy. It's funny, here in Rome many of the restaurants love to display their fresh mushrooms to lure people in!! I have been getting an eyefull!!

There are also the chestnuts sold on the corner roasted the old fashioned way with logs.

The Romans have reasonable portions, but I still see some waste at restaurants because it is not common or fashionable to take home any leftovers. Like Greece, you just leave it to show a status symbol.

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION IN ROME * * * ( Portion size EXCELLENT, but low score due to no takehome boxes and people over ordering)

BIRDS CIRCLE ROME, FOR AT LEAST AN HOUR , IT WAS SPOOKY!

2010-10-25T14:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Karen and Mary and I were walking home and we saw all these birds circling the Vatican and surrounding area. More kept coming, I mean there were MILLIONS in the air like large clouds. They were putting on an air show of some sorts. The sky was at times black with birds!! I tried to capture some pictures but do not think they will do justice. If you can enlarge them you wil see what I mean!!

Karen Johnson and friends arrive safely back to Rome!

2010-10-25T14:16:00.000-07:00

Julie, Karen and I

Julie, Mary, Me and Karen( cut off!)

Last week Diane Sandman and I met Karen Jonhson, Gayle, Brook and Julie in Rome and wished them Bon Voyage as they cruised off on a two week adventure. They went to Greece, Siciy, Turkey, Egypt, Rhodes and I am sure a few other places I forgot! everybody said that they had gained weight!!

I was lucky enough to see them again on their return and Julie and Karen even spent the night with Mary and I. We had a nice dinner out along with a stop to one of our favorite Gelato stores. Here are a few photos.....

COMMUNITY IN ROME * * * * * ( due to meeting old and new friends there!!)

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION * * * * * ( WE SHARED 3 entrees BETWEEN 4 people--NO WASTE!!)

Mary Feeney Arrives in Rome!!

2010-10-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

A very good friend of mine, Mary Feeney arrived in Rome a few days ago. It is great to be able to share this beatuful city with good friends!!

BAR TABACCHI TAVOLA CALDA is my favorite lunch spot in all of Rome!

2010-10-19T10:36:00.000-07:00

If you get the opportunity to ever come to Rome, take it! It is truly one of the most beautiful and cultural places on the planet.

And when there you should go to lunch at Bar Tabacchi, Tavola Calda on Via Cicerone, 68-70. 06 3235511.

They have different food everyday and let you choose the portion sizes!! The food is seasonal and fresh. It is a simple counter service, and full of a mixed class of working locals.

The last time I was there with Karin Slabaugh they were so busy at the register that they told me to eat first and pay after!! Diane Sandman and I enjoyed many lunches there too.

This place reminds my of so many of the 'community kitchens' that are sprouting up. Maybe I can talk to them about volunteer options and get them involved in the One World Everybody Eats movement!!

Oh yes, your plate of food is 6 EUR.

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION * * * * * ( they let you choose your own portions!!!)

COMMUNITY * * * * * ( we felt right at home at Tavola Calda when they let us eat first, then go to the register!!)

MEETING KARIN SLABAUGH IN ROME

2010-10-18T05:54:00.000-07:00

Karin Slabaugh and Diane Sandman in my Rome apartment

For months I have been talking/emailing with my new friend Karin who was coming to Rome the same time I did and staying almost the exact same days. She is putting together her own internship with the Montessori school and specializing on children from birth to 3 years of age.

We met for the first time last week when my friend Diane was still here from Denver. Diane and Karin hit it off. Karin has a place to stay now with Diane while in Denver when she visits her other Montessori trainer!!!

SALT LAKE CITY FRIENDS MEET UP IN ROME!

2010-10-16T15:19:00.000-07:00

My friends Karen, Gayle, Hollie, Julie and Dian - a Von Boyage Toast!!

I got a facebook note that my old friend Karen Johnson was going to be leaving on a cruise out of Rome of all places with three friends,Gayle, Julie and Hollie all living in Salt Lake City.

We all met up for dinner with my friend Diane Sandman who was visiting from Denver for World Food Day. Diane is on the Board of Directors for the Comfort Cafe, a community kitchen out of Denver.

What a small world. We all had a wonderful visit and a Bon Voyage toast to my Salt Lake friends!!!

Community in Rome * * * * * ( due to old friends in a new pace)

Food waste reduction * * * * * ( we cleaned our plates!! and shared!!!!)

PIAZZA NAVONA

2010-10-07T17:44:00.000-07:00

I hope I never forget the moment I first laid eyes on Piazza Navona and the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi ( Fountain of the 4 Rivers) by Gianlorenzo Bernini. The sculpture has 4 Gods which correspond/represent the 4 main rivers known at that time: Ganges, Danube Plate, and the Nile.

Absolutely breathtaking!!

COMMUNITY IN ROME!!!!

2010-10-07T17:22:00.000-07:00

Emanuele Stangoni and Joseph Mallari taken right after we realized we all knew each other!

Today I found an apartment. Not just any apartment, but one that I am sure to remember for a long time!

I have been looking for days. Joseph Mallari, the best realtor in Rome had been searching for days. It was really hard. He is such a great and caring person he even referred me to another agency because he could not find anything for me.( October is very difficult if you have not booked ahead!) While I was with the other agency I looked at two places by the same landlord,

Today in an entirely different part of Rome who should pull up to meet Joseph and I but the same landlord!! This is unbelievable! It was so funny, Joseph could not believe that we knew each other! And Emanuele could not believe I was still without an apartment!

So I have a funny story with a great ending of two new friends helping me find my Rome apartment.

If you are of need of an apartment in Rome, please contact Joseph Mallari he is the best!! His email is yuccaapartments@gmail.com. Joseph is also a history buff and can tell you fascinating local historical details as you look for an apartment! His website is www.yuccaapartments.jimdo.com

COMMUNITY IN ROME * * * * * due to Joseph and Emanuele

( based on a * - * * * * * star rating system

SOME FOOD IN ROME, I love the way they serve pizza!!

2010-10-04T12:17:00.000-07:00

Just tell them the width you want and then it is weighed

Fresh pizza cut the size you want!!

I cannot imagine saying anything bad ever about the food in Italy! I was very impressed with they way they serve pizza here in the small pizza shops. You choose the size slice you want and then thy weigh it and NO WASTE!! I thought of doing something like this about 5 years ago,in the One Wolrd style, but now that I see how it is done here, I am ready to roll on the idea some day!! I will include pictures. I would like to start the first one in Manhattan.

I am spending my time in Trastevere right now, which means 'across the river". You will still find cobblestone streets and small piazzas with children playing and you will start to recognise your neighbors right away. I love it here!!

Trastevere Rating

Community * * * * * ( they are very friendly in Trastvere)

Food Waste Reduction * * * * *

OFF TO ROME, THE ETERNAL CITY

2010-10-04T12:05:00.000-07:00

Italian gentlemen are a rare breed and hopefully will be around for a long time. Emanuel, my first friend in Italy INSISTED I take his seat on the bus and tried his best to communicate with me. He showed me where to get off in Trastevere and took me to a shop to buy a tram ticket and then sold a group of young men , in Italian, to make sure they told me where to get off. Emanuel reminded me of my grandfather, Joseph Cerreta and even smelled a bit like him if that is possible.....

The food here of course is fabulous and the city is like being inside a living museum or on the page of a history of art book.

Rome's Rating

COMMUNITY * * * * * ( because of EMANUEL!)

FOOD Waste reduction- unrated in this blog, but more to come!

ARTE SIGNS UP FOR THE ONE WORLD EVERYBODY EATS CHALLENGE IN THESSALONIKI,GrEECE!!!

2010-10-04T12:01:00.000-07:00

Friday Costas and Litza signed up their cafe for the challenge on World Food Day , October 16. They plan to give away something to eat to their community that day. Litza says that any time some Gypsy children come around she always feeds them. That's just like her!!

THE BAG LADY OF THESSALONIKI!! UP TO MY OLD HOBBIES IN GREECE!! Dumpster Diving with the Gypsies!!

2010-09-30T07:50:00.000-07:00

My Gypsy companions earlier in the day

When I got back into the apartment loaded up with purses!!

You will not believe this!! Last night we were on the balcony and looking down at the dumpster. There were Gypsy's in it because a shop was being gutted next door and they were throwing tons of things away.

Anyway, I saw this white little purse in the dumpster from 4 floors up and decided to go down and take a look. I came back with over 15 brand new purses!!!!!!! The Gypsy in the dumpster kept handing them over to me, it was hysterical! Tonight we are going to have a 'Farewell Purse Party'!!!! I leave for Rome tomorrow...

I will never be able to stand waste of any kind!! Purses for Everybody!!

Eliza's Beauty Salon in Thessaloniki

2010-09-30T07:37:00.000-07:00

My new friends Karen and Julia

Eliza and I after my new hair cut

We stoppped by our friend Eliza's salon yesterday. It was very nice. Eliza is such a kind and gentle spirit, you would love her. Her energy is like a sweet flower. She does not speak english, but she gestured that she wanted to cut my hair as a gift. She did a BEAUTIFUL job. I am all spiffed up for Rome!! She also gave me another gift, a beautiful scarf that I have on in the picture.

If you are in Thessaloniki, you must have this woman cut your hair, it will look great and also be a spiritual experience.

Her shop is called ENIZA, Kannaaokiae 81, K. Toymna THa. ria Panteboy: 2310 930147 (phone)

After that we all went out and met Karen and Julia, from the UK who have adopted Greece as their home. The teach English and have both been here over 20 years. They both use puplic transportation to be 'green'. The are thinking of opening a coffee shop with books to lend and possibly volunteers to teach those less fortunate English!! I hope they do. I said I would come back and help!

ELIZA'S RATING

COMMUNITY * * * * *

Food Waste Reduction - unrated

LUNCH AT SAKI'S PLACE IN PIREA

2010-09-27T09:08:00.000-07:00

Saki's Place

Fried squash with Tasiki sauce

Grilled octopus and greek salad with fresh lemons and Ouzo

Mariana looking gorgeous by the sea

If you ever visit Thessaloniki, you should try to take a little ride over to Pirea. You can sit by the shore at Saki's Place ( Saki is actually there and knows English!) and eat and look over at Thessaloniki. We ordered octopus, grilled salad, calamari, and fried squash to share..... As we sat right on the shore the tide came right up to our shoes.

The food was excellent!! Unfortuantely I discovered in Greece ( at least the big cities) it is thought to be low class to take any food home. And Greeks tend to over order and just leave the food there to be thrown away when they leave. I was shocked!! They will occassionally take some bones for their dog.

I remember years ago when you would go to a restaurant and ask for a 'doggie' bag and it would have a little picture of the dog on it and everything. I was a little girl. I do not recall what made the shift in America to take out boxes. I will have to ask my mother what she thinks tonight when we talk.

I told Mariana we were not going to leave all this food and she descretely went to the kitchen and asked for something to put the things in. We had enough to eat two more meals!! I even took the mini bottle of Ouzo we bought, it was 3/4 full and we had the cap. Normally that is left too!

SAKI's Place and the Pirea Community

COMMUNITY * * * * * ( very friendly )

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION * ( for all of Greece in Restuarants) very sad

Eating Goat for the first time in Potidia

2010-09-27T08:47:00.000-07:00

Vangelis grilling the goat

Mariana, Eliza and husband Vangelis

Our Feast, the goat and eggplant were to die for!! This eggplant dish will be in our new cookbook!

Saturday after the wedding we continued to Potidia where we had dinner at Eliza and Vangelis's house on the coast. We feasted on grilled goat, meat patties,stuffed chicken with red pepper, roasted eggplant salad, salad, baked potatoes, grilled pita bread, roasted hot peppers and sweets!! Plus Greek wine..The goat was extremely tastey and I highly suggest trying it!

Town of Potidia Rating

COMMUNITY * * * * * ( very warm and loving evening and town)

Food Waste Reduction * * * * * ( We ate everything!!)

My Big Fat Greek Wedding!!

2010-09-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Our Groom waiting for his Bride

The Church being decorated before the wedding

Saturday Mariana and I drove out to the coast to visit friends and stopped first at a little village called Therita. I noticed that two women were decorating the very small church we went into and that there were people startng to gather outside. On our way back there were more people and I remembered reading that in Italy everybody waits for the bride outside of the church. So I begged Mariana to stay so that I could see the bride arrive, even though we were a little late to our friends house. It turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip!!

Mariana said it is the same in Greece and in fact the Groom stands outside of the church waiting for his bride, and when she arrives it is typical for the car carrying the bride to pass him by 2-3 times before finally delivering her!! The bride is also picked up by her godfather and delivered to the church. She has to leave the house barefoot and he puts her shoes on for her for good luck. He also has to pay her ( a token amount) so the bride will pretend that the shoe is not going on right and he will stuff money in there to make it fit. They will also break some sort of Easter bread for luck over her head, but I am not completely sure about this.

The bride must also exit the car with her right foot, so the couple will start off their marriage good and she must step forward with her right foot when she is handed over to her groom and the enter into the church. She also writes the names of all of her unmarried friends on the bottom of her shoe ( shoes?, i guess this depends on how many friends she has!!) and the first name to be erased off the shoe throughout the wedding and reception will be married next!!

So here are some pictures and two videos that I took, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!! Sorry I cannot figure out how to load the videos yet!!! Stay tuned if I can get them on they are very exciting!! There is a moment where you can see a procession in the distance and it looked like many people were walking with the bride to the church, but it was just the flower girls, still very moving!! What an experience!!

Town of Therita Rating

Community * * * * *

Food Waste Reduction unrated

HUGE MARKET IN THESSALONIKI

2010-09-23T06:50:00.000-07:00

A few of the crowded local market

The carrots from my story

Yannis, the generous farmer "Everybody Eats If you look closely you can see the man with the cart I was talking about in the white T shirt

THe fish section of the market, must of been 20 booths

After I got home, I bit into the best apple I have had since childhood!!

Today we went to a huge farmers/flea market. There were many roads blocked off and lots of stuff. When we first walked in there was a pile of clothes just heaped on a table all for 1 EUR. My friend Mariana said they were being sold by the Gypsys. I bought 3 tops!!!

There were many produce booths, herbs, fish, pasta, household products, and even may booths with fabric that will make you drapes. You just give them a down payment and pick them up nest week.

We bought red peppers, lettuce, parsley, lemons, scallions,an asparagus fern,apples, and I was able to find a purple sweater for the upcoming cold months in Rome.

As we were walking along, one man was packing up his booth very early, out of everything but a few carrots. The carrots looked very good so we asked him how much for the 3 or 4 we wanted and he said "Free, Free"!!!! I am noticing that the Greeks are very generous with their food. ( Remember the Fig Lady in Knosos??!!) Oh yes, I also saw a perhaps homeless man pushing his cart going around to all the booths. I noticed he had a pack of hamberger and some shirts in his posession. Mariana says it is very common for the venders to give people in their commuity their leftovers and things to help out. I am told that the churches here take on most of the responsability of feeding thise in need, but I will have to find our more.

Everybody was friendly and in a festive mood. I was ready to turn the corner and see the Gypsy cart with horses! I am told that this market travels to a different neighborhood every day of the week in Thessaloniki.

Thessaloniki Street Market

Community Rating * * * * *

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION * * * * *

Life in Thessaloniki, Greece

2010-09-22T06:58:00.000-07:00

Mariana, me, Chris, Fenya, and Litza last night at Litza's coffee shop,Arte

One of the complimentary snacks at Leetza's Cafe , ARTE

A mosaic table that Litza made

Litza and Denise at her coffee shop

As you might remember I ran into my long time highschool friend, Mariana at the JFK airport 11 September. Now here I am visiting with her in Thessaloniki. I also know Litza, who owns a wonderful coffee shop, called Arte, and Fenya( Mariana's daughter) and Chris Boyanides

Thessaloniki, which is named after Alexander the Great's sister and means mermaid is a wonderful community. You will see people walking around, sitting out in one of the many cafes or just stopping to chat with each other. The city is clean, safe and friendly.

Last night I saw Litza for the first time in 7 or 8 years and went to her coffee shop for the first time. Litza is an artist and a very loving person. She certainly enjoys all of her customers and considers them her friends. Her place, called Arte, has a very warm and inviting atmosphere. She serves coffees and alcoholic drinks and provids free snacks which are healthy and delicious.

Up to Oia, Santorini to watch the sunset every tour books says not to miss!!

2010-09-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

Everybody stopping to watch the sun sink, even the staff

The sunset 19 September, 2010 Oia, Santorini

My friend Laurie wanted to see this sunset in Oia so we took the bus up there after shopping in Fira. Now I know what a herd of cattle feels like as we climbed up the winding steps to the western side of Oia to wait for the sunset. There are a lot of very nice shops along the narrow street that leads upward.

When we got to the top, sat at a restaurant table with a good view of the awaited moment we were told we could not stay unless we were going to order dinner! So we decided to, but had drinks first etc.. so we would not be rushed out before sunset!! It is a beautiful view. Would my life have been complete without it...yes of course. But my life would not be complete without my friend Laurie in it so I am glad we went!!!

I did think it was interesting that even though the staff at our restaurant has probably seen the sunset over 1,000 times, everybody stopped for that moment when it finally sank into the horizen. I was touched. And again a second later when the crowd broke out into spontaneous applause for the event. That touched my heart and I will be able to carry that moment with me forever. So maybe it was worth it...despite everything else.

I am sure many of you would like this island, nothing too bad to say about it, but I know my followers are looking for a deeper sense of community and connection along with their travel, so I would suggest not on this island.

OVERALL SANTORINI RATING

COMMUNITY * *

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION * * * *

Beating the streets in Fira, Santorini

2010-09-20T08:06:00.000-07:00

Mesuem Fresco of Papyrus Flowers from Theran Culture

Dora, chef from the Olive Tree in Fira

Sophia's name day flowers

Evangelia and Matina at Drakkar boutique

I went to Fira and Oia yesterday, hoping to find another level of connection to Santorini and after I tried really hard, I felt a little something in Fira!!

There is a little designer shop called Drakkar, where we met Evangelia and Martina. We were in there 3 times within a few hours!!They have beautiful clothes and my friend Laurie bought a great Italian dress with a stunning belt! I chatted it up and asked for some water and was given a Coke light!! I ended up buying a beautiful Italian scarf that I really liked.

I showed them a picture of Dora, the cook at Olive Tree Taverna across from them, where they often get carry out. The food there was excellent! Service friendly too.

They had gotten flowers at Drakkar after we returned from lunch and I asked about them. It was Martina's sister 'name day', which is celebrated in Greece so she sent them over for the shop to enjoy.We also went to the museum which is small (cost 3 EUR) but really worth seeing. It is full of artifacts from the ancient Therans. I remembered so many of the things from studying History of Art at Ohio State University so it had extra meaning.

All of Fira is very touristy and full of small shops, some nice.

Fira, Santorini Rating

COMMUNITY * * * ( only this high because of Evangelia nad Martina)

Food Waste Reduction * * * * ( resonable size p0rtions)

SANTORINI

2010-09-19T00:34:00.000-07:00

Kourus Village Cat

Fresh fish at Veggera

My Greek salad at Veggera

Very friendly Lauren at Kourus Village,Perissa

Santorini to me so far is like a beautiful person on the outside with no heart or soul on the inside! Although I am patient and trying to find a glimpse of the heart of Santorini. Everybody told my friend Laurie she had to come here because it was "so beautiful...."

I have been here 2 1/2 days ( an eternity) and there have been very slight bright spots. Lauren, the beautiful and friendly receptionist at the hotel is from the USA and used to live in Angel Fire, New Mexico which is about 15-20 minutes from where I used to live in Taos, New Mexico ( give or take a few)! She shared her views of living in this culture with me.

Another nice moment was going into a bakery because the donuts were so beautiful ( and HUGE!!)from the window and the owner giving us a little bread stick in friendship.

The food has been good at the hotel ( an incredible breakfast buffet) and at a local restaurant, Veggera. Small portions, minimal food waste. Healthy choices.

Oh yes, I am staying at the 4 star Kouros Village, which is beautiful and perfect in every way, but again it stops there. The cats don't interact with you here either!!

Otherwise, I have not found this island to be the "Community in the Road" experience I want to help my readers find..... Let's hope for better news later, I am going to Fira and Oia today.

SANTORINI RATING

COMMUNITY * *

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION * * * *

Leaving Crete, Aptera Beach Family for Santorini

2010-09-18T23:53:00.000-07:00

Mylos ( on the left of course!)

Christos, loves to fish late at night

Carmen

Dimitri

Goodbye to all of the wonderful friends at Aptera Beach Hotel in Crete, I will miss everybody and hope to go back for a month next time like a lot of people do because it is just like family!!

I am off to Santorini.

Goodbye, Dimitri, our wonderful waiter, Carmen our cook, Christos ( the owner who I promise to get a picture of next time I go!!, he is really sweet) and Christos my friend from Athens who will move to Aptera Beach Hotel for a full year!! and to Klara( from Hungry, who might let me take her picture next time!!) And to Mylos ( the cat), who made me love him the most out of all the others! I hope the picture I put up of him captures his intense spirit....

CRETE AND APTERA BEACH HOTEL RATING

COMMUNITY * * * * * +

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION * * * * *

BEST TZATZIKI, DOLMATHES, AND SAGANAKI IN CRETE!!

2010-09-15T23:38:00.000-07:00

If you go to Crete, you have to stay at the Aptera Beach Hotel for many reasons... The food is one of them. This is truly the best tzatziki and Domathes I have ever had!! The grape leaves on the Domathes were so tastey. ( I have eaten hundreds of samples all over the world and these are truly the best, so far!)

We shared all three of these dishes and of course they do not mind! Tomorrow I think I will eat the same thing!!

"EVERYBODY EATS" IN TOWN OF KNOSSOS, CRETE!!

2010-09-15T23:09:00.000-07:00

Throne room at the Palace of Knossos

vessels at the Palace of Knossos

Palace of Knossos

The gifted fig

Fig woman

Today we travelled by bus to see the Palace of Knossos, the famous Minoan settlement. I was fascinate when I studied this civilization close to 30 some years ago at Ohio State so it was extra special to actually be able to go there.

On the way, we got off the bus about a mile too soon. I was a bit cranky about that, but started walking towards the area. We passed the very small town of Knossos and then this little old lady that was sitting at the front of her property under an arbor of grape leaves selling fresh figs for 3 EUR a kilo. I picked out a nice big fig and tried to ask her how much and she said FREE!!!! FREE!!! in her Greek accent. I tried to give her .20EUR coin at least but she refused. She wanted me to have it. I asked to take a picture of her and she agreed. I will never complain getting off at the wrong bus stop again ( I hope!) This was one of the most memorable moments of the whole trip so far.

The Palace of Knossos itself is a must see if you are a Minoan buff, if not I would spend an extra day at the beach!

COMMUNITY OF KNOSSOS RATING

COMMUNITY * * * * * ( due to the fig ambassador)

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION * * * * * ( same reason)

(based on a * - * * * * * star rating system)

ARRIVING IN CRETE and staying at the Aptera Beach Hotel

2010-09-15T01:10:00.000-07:00

Niki, my first friend in Crete

Cristos, my second friend !

Our beach at Aptera Beach Hotel

A flower I saw as I walked from the bus to the hotel

Crete is wonderful. It is modern yet quaint. The people are very friendly. We landed at the airport and saved 25 EUR by taking the local bus #6 and getting off at Dolphin Bay and walking a short distance to Aptera Beach Hotel. I met my first friend on the bus, Niki who speaks English and Greek and is aspiring to learn French. She even acted as translator for me during the ride with some other passengers. I gave her my card so I hope she keeps in touch.

The hotel is right on a secluded beach and I HIGHLY recommend it. The price is very reasonable and the owner very accommodating and friendly. In fact everyone that I have met here so far comes for a month at a time every year. It like an extended family here. The hotel has its own bar and restaurant and beach tavern so you do not have to leave for anything. The rooms are clean and have balconies. Already I want to come back or never leave!!!

The food is very good here and they do not mind if you split meals or order one thing at a time so you won't waste food.

APTERA BEACH HOTEL RATING

COMMUNITY * * * * * due to the warm sense of family you feel

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION * * * * * they feed stray cats too!!

(based on a * - * * * * * star rating system)

EATING OUT IN THE ACROPOLIS AREA

2010-09-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

Fruit cart in the Plaza/Flea Market area

Gallery cafe near the Acropolis

unch at the Gallery cafe beet salad and my Creten salad

Menu from the Evxapic

Outside view or the Evxapis, good food and service

All of the restaurants are geared for tourists close to the Acropolis, but they are not too expensive. Everyone I went to was good.The wait staff is paid a better wage so they work together for better service and do not dote over you.

The one thing that I found strange is that they great you with a basket of bread and olive dip and then you end up getting charged for it. Usually 1 EUR person!! I embarrassed my friend Laurie when I asked about the charge and then pushed a little about them not even ASKING if I wanted it in the first place!!! The fist restaurant that did this EVXAPIS, offered to take it off of the bill, but I just chalked it up to a cultural difference.

I would really recommend any of the restaurants. The menus are identical. They are laid back and even let the cats eat from your table.

The portions in Greece are good amounts but not too large to cause you to overeat or to waste food. Bravo!!

RESTAURANT RATING IN THE ACROPOLIS AREA

COMMUNITY unrated

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION * * * * *

(based on a * _ * * * * * star rating system)

Evripides Hotel in Athens by the Acropolis

2010-09-13T20:08:00.000-07:00

Birds I fed at breakfast for no waste

Breakfast bar and lounge area

View of the Acropolis at night from the balcony (604)

This is the hotel I originally booked and we stayed one night. Great service, views of the Acropolis from your balcony at night and a very good breakfast bar that is included in your room rate.

Ask for a room with a balcony view. We stayed in room 604 and it was great. The staff made sure we got an extra good view for having to switch us to another hotel the first night!

There is also free wireless that you can access in your room with a good signal. If you want to call the states while in Greece you can by different phone cards. I learned from a kind vendor( who was out of the at the time) that the best to get is a 6 EUR XPONOKAPTA which just comes on a little piece of paper, so don't be surprised!

Although it is a little scary to get out of the cab because of the graffiti the area is safe. The hotel has a little bar at night on the 7Th floor where you can sit outside and look at the Acropolis. This doubles as the breakfast bar area, very pleasant.

There breakfast consists of breads, fresh and dried fruit, hard boiled eggs, cheese, lunch meats, coffee, juice, cereal, and probably a few more things I overlooked. I also fed the birds so there there was no waste. The bar itself is set up so they waste nothing.

Evripides Hotel Rating

COMMUNITY * * * * * because they are trying to 'come back'

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION * * * * * they do not waste anything!!

(BASED ON A * - * * * * * STAR RATING SYSTEM)

ONE DAY IN ATHENS IS ENOUGH, BUT YOU MUST SEE THE ACROPOIS!!

2010-09-13T19:01:00.001-07:00

12 EUR Ticket I think is the best Acropolis Deal

Statue in the lower agora

Detailed view of the Temple of the God of Fire

Temple of Erechtheum

This is the square you will see the Flea Market road to your right

Many people go to Greece and island hop. I would agree that this is a good idea, but you must spend one day in Athens and see the Acropolis. There are a few different ways to do this, but I recommend walking to it, through the Flea Market road, taking a left, and entering the 'lower' ruins. If you purchase a 12 EUR ticket you can see everything and it is well worth it.

If you studied any history of art, you will see some of the most famous pictures of ruins right in front of you!!

The climb up to the very top (Acropolis) is not too easy, so don't wait to go to Greece in your 80's. We were warned that there is a lot of slippery marble steps to contend with too, so be careful! I appreciated the kind ticket takers advice, an American had broken her leg there the day before.

The temples are magnificent and I had a surprise to see one of my most favorite, right on top, The Erechtheum which is a temple to many of the Gods.

There is no food or drink allowed in the area. Yet there are many informed employees to answer questions about the ruins. You can also bring in your own tour guide, which I highly reccommend if you are really interested in the back history and stories behind these ancient buildings.Overall, you are free to wonder and linger where you please. VERY IMPRESSIVE.

If you choose to stay at a more expensive h0tel outside this area, you can take the metro train right to the flea market/plaza area for 3 EUR.

ACROPOLIS COMPLEX RATING

COMMUNITY * * * * *

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION - unrated

( based on a * - * * * * * star rating system)

A SURPRISE YET PLEASANT HOTEL IN ATHENS, HOTEL VIENNA

2010-09-13T18:17:00.000-07:00

Vienna Hotel breakfast basket

Aris and his son Haris

We arrived in Athens, ( after a extra long flight - 3 hours on the runway at JFK!!). When we got to our hotel the person from the previous booking was sick and could not leave so we were asked to stay at another hotel for the night and return the next day. They sent us in a taxi a few blocks to Hotel Vienna.

First let me tell you that you will be shocked by the condition of Athens in the tourist area surrounding the Acropolis. Graffiti is EVERYWHERE and some of the buildings are in shambles. It takes a while to get used to, but do not let this scare you away. The area is safe, but I would not suggest going out after dinner in the late night. Most hotels have a bar or lounge for you to visit if you would like.

Hotel Vienna is a very nice family owned hotel. Clean and the staff of Aris and his son Haris are very nice. I thought their names were interesting and asked if this was typical to add a letter for the son. Aris said no, it just turned out like that, but it is common to name his son ( Haris) after the Grandfather whose name was Haropolis, so they shortened it to Haris.

Aris constantly went out of his way to help and advise us. I wud stay there again just because they were so friendly. He was very knowledgeable about local businesses and eateries.

For breakfast they served ( included in the room) a basket of bread, chocolate croissant,OJ, yogurt, and assorted honey and jams pus coffee.)

There was a little too much food which went to waste. I should have taken the extra bread to the pigeons on the plaza, but did not realize yet they would be there.) I would suggest they let you customize your basket when you get to the breakfst room instead of having them already made up.

Hotel Vienna's Rating

COMMUNITY * * * * * Because Aris is so warm and friendly!!!

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION * * * *

( based on a * - * * * * * star rating system)

FOOD WASTED BIG TIME AT JFK

2010-09-13T18:06:00.000-07:00

Before leaving for Greece, my friend was hungry and tried to get a small, yet wholesome bite to eat. She looked at Balducci's which has great looking ( and tasting ) food.

I asked of she could buy a HALF of sandwhich, but they do not do this. So she had to get the whole thing and waste food.

I hope they will consider offering some smaller portions. If so I would be happy to update their rating.

COMMUNITY RATING - unrated

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION * *

( BASED ON A * - * * * * * STAR RATING SYSTEM)

I RAN INTO MY HIGHSCHOOL GIRLFRIEND TODAY AT JFK, WHAT ARE THE CHANCES!!!!

2010-09-11T13:29:00.000-07:00

Today I ran into Mariana Boyanides at JFK. What a surprise. I will actually be spending more time with Mariana 10 days from now!!

COMMUNITY * * * * *

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION UNRATED

GOOD BYE MANHATTAN HELLO GREECE!!!

2010-09-11T12:54:00.000-07:00

AN EVENING WITH MY FRIEND RAMOLA IN MANHATTAN

2010-09-11T12:24:00.000-07:00

Last night Ramola and I took a stroll and met the cutest couple, Piglet and Sam, our neighbors. We also saw an incredible amount of merchandise on the side walk for the taking!!! I do love that about Manhattan. We were admiring a butcher block and found a home for it with our new friend Michael. He just rolled it away!!

We also ate at our hang out 44SW. Great food and service. The wait staff are very friendly and I encourage you to stop by the next time you are in Manhattan. I ordered eggplant parmigiana with a side of rigatoni and ate every bite!! Some of the best I have ever had!!

DENISE AND RAMOLA'S EVENING STROLL RATING

COMMUNITY * * * * *

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION * * * * *

(based on a * - * * * * * star rating system)

MANHATTAN: DENISE VISITING THE 'COLLECTOR OF BEDFORD STREET' , FRIEND LARRY SELMAN

2010-09-09T13:38:00.000-07:00

I never thought 4 or 5 years ago when I first watched 'The Collector of Bedford Street' that the star, Larry Selman and I would become friends. I met Larry in person a few years ago and will continue to see him when I am in Manhattan.

Larry has an inspirational story. He is handicapped himself in many ways, yet each day he collects money for different charities that help others. What an incredible story!!!

This year I noticed that Larry was not in as good of health, in fact he was in bed when I walked by and let me into his aprtment to see him.( You can usually find him in good weather in a wheelchair outside of his apartment on Bedford).

I don't know how long my friend Larry will be around, but he has truly touched me with his spirit and his generosity. If you find yourself in Manhattan it is well worth the effort to hunt Larry down and donate to his latest cause!!

You can reach him through info@welcomechange.org

LARRY SELMAN PROFESSIONAL FUND RAISER

COMMUNITY * * * * *

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION * * * * *

(based on a * - * * * * * star rating system)

MANHATTAN: LUNCH WITH DOCUMENTARY FILM MAKER ALICE ELLIOTT AND HER STAFF

2010-09-09T12:57:00.000-07:00

F (From left to right: Kristina DeFonte, Katy Jacobs, Alice Elliott, Su Kim)

I had lunch today with Alice Elliott and part of her staff. Alice is a wonderful person with a BIG heart who is dedicated to telling and following the stories of ordinary people ( like me!!) who are making a difference in the world.

Alice has been following the One World Everybody Eats story for over 5 years now and it is has been delightful to work with her. You can't help but get pulled into the 'Caring Field' that Alice creates. I find that the people who I have seen in her documentaries become real people to me. I start to care about them way past the end of the film and develop a relationship with them through time. I believe this happens because of the real care and love that Alice feels that leaps right from the screen into your own heart.

If you can see any of her films, especially my current favorite The Collector of Bedford Street, I highly recommend it. Her production company is called Welcome Change and their website is http://www.welcomechange.org/.

We ate at a restaurant called Quantum Leap at 226 Thompson street in Manhattan.( near Washington Square). the food is healthy and tasty. So if you are in the area I highly recommend it! It is all vegetarian, with the exception of fresh fish selections.

ALICE ELLIOTT"S VISION FOR A BETTER WORL

COMMUNITY * * * * *

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION * * * * *

( based on a * - * * * * * star rating system )

A COMMUNITY RESTAURANT IN WASHINGTON,DC!!

2010-09-07T22:42:00.000-07:00

(Danny Boylen Wally Wallace)

It was so wonderful to finally get to meet Wally Wallace in person.He and I have been talking for several months. I have been thoroughly impressed with his enthusiasm, innovative ideas and overall talent in many fields, so it was a real treat to be able to sit and talk for while.

Wally and restaurant consultant Danny Boylen, who was also present, have been meeting for months planning their own special version of a 'community restaurant'. In fact Danny has been wanting to do a non profit restaurant for over 20 years... The two make a great team and I am so happy they shared more about their project with me today.

I am not going to let any cats out of any bags here, so I will just say that they have lots of great ideas, an online community, and that I am VERY excited to see this open!!!

I will keep you all posted and I hope to stay involved as much as possible. We also talked about The One World Everybody Eats Challenge and they both want to help launch this annual event. I liked Wally's idea to pick one city and really focus on the event for the first year or two to help it catch on faster. I think that is a great idea and next year hope to do this in DC!!

WALLY AND DANNY'S BIG IDEA

COMMUNITY * * * * *

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION * * * * *

(based on a * - * * * * * star rating system)

Meeting on Dupont Circle with Community Kitchen Board Members and Freelance Writer/Historian Chris Seneca

2010-09-06T19:15:00.001-07:00

( Form left to right, Chris Seneca, Annette Ryan, Carrie Rich)

Today I met with DC Community Kitchen Board members,Annette Ryan and Carrie Rich along with Chris Seneca to discuss the projected timeline for the Washington, DC community kitchen.

I have been here since Thursday and Annette and I have accomplished so much. It has been my pleasure to meet members of her team and to be part of the excitement and planning that is taking place to bring a kitchen to the DC area.

There will be a formal 'Community Meeting' on World Food Day, October 16 at Panera Bread to discuss the next steps in detail and to involve DC residents at this stage of development. The Board hopes to pre-sell meal vouchers to get most of the start up capital for their kitchen.

Please contact Annette or Carrie for the exact time of the meeting and to

participate in the planning stage or if you can help in any other ways.

Chris is going to be following their development and is the historian for the DC project.

DC Community Kitchen Lunch Meeting

Community * * * * *

Food Waste Reduction - unrated

WHOLE FOODS WASTES FOOD IN WASHINGTON DC Metro Area

2010-09-05T21:58:00.000-07:00

Today we stopped by Whole Foods in the DC Metro area. First and foremost let me say that I like Whole Foods. The are truly a model to follow in their effort to support and give back to the communities that they are in.

With that said I was very concerned to see this food waste today. I was wandering around looking for something healthy to snack on and was at the food bar when a beautiful tray of hot macaroni and cheese caught my eye on the service cart. An employee pulled the old and replaced it with this full pan. I asked what would happen to this 1/3 full pan of macaroni and cheese and they told me " it has been there over an hour, it will get thrown out". I also noticed that later when I went back there was a 1/3 full tray of beef ribs to meet the same fate on his cart.

I am not going to lecture Whole Foods, I am going to ask that they take another lead in the food industry and try to end needless waste in all of their stores. I believe they are up to the challenge and can make a difference in this VERY SERIOUS problem we are not completely solving in this country.

One idea I have is that they could offer these 'about to expire' items at 1/2 price to their customers. Let's call it a 'green light special'. The technology is there to figure this out and I think that they, more than anybody have the right clientele to support the end to this kind of food waste in ways that are respectful to Whole Foods and their need to make profits. Of course it would take A LITTLE more effort, but not much.

I am willing to voluntarily offer my time to Whole Foods if they would like to put together a task force to address this problem and lead the way for food waste reduction in this area. I do not want to do the math to figure out how much food is being wasted daily in this way, lets just try to problem solve in a positive, productive way, together.

I would also post a response to this blog if they would like to send one and post a follow up rating.

WHOLE FOODS RATING ( WASHINGTON DC METRO AREA)

COMMUNITY * * * * *

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION *

(based on a * - * * * * * star rating system)

Pay What You Can Acupuncture in Washington DC

2010-09-05T21:24:00.000-07:00

f( From left to right Leslie Philip, Annette Ryan, Trish Twiford, Mary Morrison)

I met with acupuncturists Mary Morrison and Trish Twiford today at Leslie Philip's house to discuss their developing 'pay what you can' acupuncture model and how they can offer a variety of treatments that may possibly facilitate them better.

Also present was Annette Ryan who is actually starting a 'community kitchen' in the DC area sometime in the next 12 months. (More about Annette tomorrow!!)Leslie is also passionate about local food distribution and I think we will see her emerge in this field over time.

We brainstormed about serving this community with affordable health care, local healthy food and have actual plans where you will see it in action.

All in all DC is very lucky to have such passionate, committed, socially conscious woman in its community. I am very excited about all of their projects and will post updates.

Trish can be reached at Trish Twiford Acupuncture. http://www.trishwifordacupuncture.com/

Trishtwifordacupuncture@gmail.com
1912 Olney-Sandy Spring road
Olney,MD 20832
301 704 9905

Mary Morrison, L. Ac

marymoacupuncture@gmail.com

202 302 6559

Annette Ryan

'Community Kitchen Organizer', Washington,DC area

anyannettery@gmail.com

This Breakfast Meeting and its outcomes:

COMMUNITY * * * * *

Food Waste Reduction * * * * *

Dinner in Wahington Dc at Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant

2010-09-04T19:41:00.000-07:00

Tonight Mary Morrison, Annette Ryan and I ate at a local Ethiopian restaurant called Dukem. We were greeted by a slightly uncooperative hostess and then had a perhaps rude server. I think back 30 years ago when I was waiting tables and when I reached this point of service it was just a sign that it was time to change careers and I had not figured that part out yet!! For one of the first times in my adult life, I left a very small tip.

The food was good and I like the way Ethiopian restaurants serve their dishes which encourages more group sharing.

We TALKED about sharing a few dishes and then we decided to get our own. Mary and I ordered the same thing and at the end of the meal, as the picture shows(my plate in the forefront), we could have easily shared the meal and had no waste. We both took our leftovers home, but I bet at least one of us will waste this food. Probably me because I am travelling. I usually suggest sharing a meal and adding on if still hungry, but tonight I thought I was really hungry!! I blew it on food waste reduction.

We talked to people on the way to our car, made new friends with a couple of bulldogs Lamont and Ellie, and even let a car packed with young people have our parking spot when they asked if we were ready to leave.( We were standing around talking...) So we did pretty good on the community side of things!

DENISE AND HER FRIENDS NIGHT OUT

COMMUNITY * * * * *

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION * * (excluding Annette who did not waste!)

( based on my * - * * * * * star rating system)

Denise in Washington, DC with friend Mary Morrison and her new 'Pay What You Can' Acupuncture Clinic!

2010-09-04T19:17:00.000-07:00

I was trying to remember how long it might have been since I laid eyes on my friend Mary Morrison, she told me tonight. Five years. I always sensed Mary had that 'special spark' that could make anything happen when I first met her in 2001. She is now an acupuncturist living in the DC area.

Mary has decided to open a clinic and to run it one the ' pay what you can' model. She has also made an impression on other acupuncturists in the area who are going to follow her lead. She is opening her own clinic in a few months and will be able to pursue this in full swing then. Mary's goal is to "make this wonderful medicine available to everybody who wants it, regardless of means" and her commitment is very strong. I expect her to have a ripple effect and plan to keep tabs on her clinic!

Right now you can reach Mary for a treatment at 202 302 6559. Her email is marymoacupuncture@gmail.com and her facebook page is

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Sliver-Spring-MD/Mary-Mo-Acupuncture-Pay-What-U-Can/148919745130885

Mary Morrison's Rating

COMMUNITY * * * * *

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION - unrated

(based on my * - * * * * * star rating system)

A Community Kitchen in Canton, Ohio!

2010-09-02T17:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting with Carol E. Briney, the executive director of the Reentry Bridge Network(RBN). Carol is a delightful woman full of energy, inspiration and vision mixed with the ability to make things happen! Not only is she undertaking the development of a new facility to house RBN, she is planning the future of a 'community kitchen', with her nephew Clint for the City of Canton.

As I toured the construction site of the new home for RBN, I was touched by its mission: To effectively reduce recidivism by bridging the communication and education gap between Prisoners and the communities they are being released into. Their new center includes art, music,recording and theater programs to name a few, with methods to bring this INTO the Canton community at large.

I hope to share an opening night with this community and will put it on my future schedule, along with my commitment to helping them actualize their own community kitchen.

To learn more about RBN and Carol Briney and her incredible staff go to:

http://www.rbncenter.org/ OR http://www.reentrybridgenetwork.org/

If you ever find yourself in Canton, Ohio please stop by and say hello to this wonderful organization at 408 Ninth Street SW. Just go south on Market Street, through the downtown and turn right on 9th( where there is the Enterprise car rental lot)!

REENTRY BRIDGE NETWORK RATING:

COMMUNITY * * * * *

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION - unrated

(based on a * - * * * * * star rating system)

Avenue Wine Shop Already Collecting Food for World Food Day

2010-08-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

I got a call today from Teresa at the Avenues Wine Shop to update my on her progress for the One World Everybody Eats Challenge. They have already posted their flier and a empty box and have received 5 cans of food for their favorite local food pantry! I was thrilled!!

Avenue Wine Shop is located at 1728 Cleveand Avenue, Canton, Ohio.

Avenue Wine Shop Rating, Updated

Community Rating * * * * *

Food Waste Reduction * * * * *

A Surprise Visit in Canton, Ohio

2010-08-30T17:56:00.000-07:00

Today there was a knock on the back door and our neighbor Mr Nuskie had walked over with a basket of his homegrown tomatoes!! This was such a friendly thing to do. It's nice to live in an area where we still walk over with extra produce and keep an eye out for each other. Right now we are already passing the tomatoes around to other friends.

Mr Nuskie's Rating

Community * * * * *

Food Waste Reduction * * * * *

Avenue Wine Shop Signs Up For The One World Everybody Challenge in Canton,Ohio

2010-08-25T15:49:00.000-07:00

I was in Canton, Ohio today ( my home town) and stopped by Avenues Wine Shop. This is a great little wine shop locally owned by Theresa and Anthony Antoniades. They specialize in carrying local wines and in promoting community by featuring these at selected wine tastings throughout the year.

They are excited to participate in our Challenge on World Food Day(October 16th) and although they are not a restaurant they will give away something that day to raise awareness to local food insecurity. They will select a local food pantry and collect funds and food donations for them that day maybe even all week long!!

AVENUE WINE SHOP RATINGS

COMMUNITY * * * * * (5 stars)

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION - unrated

(based on a * - ***** star rating system)

Very Skinny Sweet Potatoes and a great 'Stuff a Truck' program at Hy-Vee !!

2010-08-22T14:17:00.001-07:00

While in Omaha, Teresa Vaughn and I stopped at a grocery store called Hy-Vee in the Millard district.
When we entered the store we were greeted by many brown grocery bags that you could purchase. A friendly employee came over and explained the 'Stuff a Truck' program. You can pick up a stuffed grocery bag for a $5 or $10 amount and this would go onto a truck and once that truck is filled it will be delivered to a local food pantry. Teresa and I each choose a $5 bag. I liked the program because it kept things easy, affordable and local. Of course I think we would have liked to see some fresh produce go into those bags, but given the nature of the application, it would not have worked. I give a full round of applause to the effort the store made to present the event and support it!!

While we were shopping I ran into the skinniest sweet potatoes I have ever seen. I just had to take a picture of them!! I did not ask about their origin etc.. now I wish I had so I coud let you know. Now that I am blogging I promise to go the distance next time!!!

They also had organic sections of produce and supplies.

Hy-Vee is located at 14591 Stony Brook
Omaha, Nebraska 68137
phone: 402 697 0811 email: 1466director2hy-vee.com

HY-VEE'S RATINGS

COMMUNITY - * * * * * (5 stars)

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION - UNRATED

( based on a * - ***** rating system)

The First Participant in Omaha for the One World Everybody Eats Challenge!! The Benson Grind

2010-08-22T12:13:00.000-07:00

Allan Zeeck, the proprietor of the Benson Grind has signed up for the One World Everybody Eats World Food Day Challenge and has decided he wants to give away free coffee and donuts on October 16.

The Benson Grind is a charming/hip/community type shop that serves food as well as assorted coffee drinks. I had a frozen cappachino and some of Teresa's frozen mocha esspresso drink. Allan made sure to keep topping us off from the leftovers in the blender. ( I really appreciated his "no waste" attitude and the way he spent time chatting and sharing his views about the welfare of the Benson district. Benson is known right now for its incredible night music scene, but daytime attractions need to be developed.

I say a 'community hot spot' because while we were there Allan's neighbor ( a very nice older woman in a floral 50's house dress) brought in green peppers from her neighbors garden. She said she "stole them" because they are out of state right now!!! Allan had made extra bean soup that he had waiting to give her too. It was so sweet and I immediately felt part of this little community and will take that away with me in my heart, even though I was only there for less than an hour, the connection will last forever!

The Benson Grind is located at 6107 Maple Street Omaha, Nebraska

in what is called the Benson District.

BENSON GRIND'S RATINGS

COMMUNITY * * * * * (5 stars, an extra hats off, over the top!!)

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION * * * * *(5 stars, went the distance!)

( based on a *-***** star rating)

Denise in the community of Omaha,Nebraska and lunch at Stokes in Old Market

2010-08-22T11:22:00.000-07:00

I was recently in Omaha assisting Teresa and David Vaughn to organize a community planning committee for their future community kitchen. Omaha is a wonderful area, friendly people with great little niche areas. This is a picture of Teresa and Carissa Vaughn while we were at lunch at Stokes in the 'Old Market' district of Omaha. The staff at Stokes was very friendly and did not mind one bit that we shared an appetizer and a meal 3 ways. We also had a side of chips and different salsas and guacamole. We ran out of chips and asked for "a few more" to be able to finish the dips and wound up with way too many chips!

Old Market is one possible location for the new Omaha kitchen, which will be called Collaborative Cafe!

STOKES RATING

COMMUNITY * * * * (4 stars)

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION * * * * ( 4 stars)

( based on a *-***** star rating system)

INTRODUCTION TO MY COMMUNITY TRAVEL BLOG

2010-07-28T11:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks for logging in I appreciate it!

For years now I have been traveling around to different communities. Many times to help put in a community kitchen. Other times helping with different humanitarian projects or just observing how people interact in their community, especially around food, food insecurity and food waste reduction.

I have started this blog on the encouragement of friends and feel very excited about the possibility of bringing to you some of the community experiences I have felt through pictures and words.

I have also developed what I am calling my "Community Rating and Food Waste Reduction Rating System. This captures my passion for both community and food waste reduction and will hopefully help you in your own travels if these issues are important to you too.

I will apply these to restaurants and other food venues as I feel very passionate about their ability to directly affect food waste and their ability to help their communities. This will also apply to different communities both micro and macro, if I feel qualified to make that observation.

I hope you will keep up with me via this blog and feel free to comment or contact me at any time.

There is additional information about what I do, our non profit, One World Everybody Eats and contact information on our website, http://www.oneworldeverybodyeats.org/.

Denise