CLEAN PLATES

Sprouting: It’s not just for hippies and raw foodists anymore. Growing your own sprouts is an easy sustainable way to enjoy these nutritional powerhouses. Here's how...

Here are some of the best food stories we came across this week: New Locavore Index Rates Top States, Study Predicts 42% of Nation Will be Obese by 2030, and more. Read more »

This Border Grill is a meal on wheels serving breakfast burritos, gourmet tacos, cones, quesadillas, salads, and coffee. Full Review »

Farmers markets across the country are bursting with artichokes, asparagus, arugula, watercress and spring onions. These vegetables cleanse and prepare our bodies for warmer temperatures.

At M Cafè, a popular European-style eatery serving macrobiotic cuisine, the hearty comfort foods of winter have been shed for a new detoxifying spring menu.

Part of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program, Border Grill only serves sustainable seafood, using lesser known fish like Arctic Char, Barramundi instead of swordfish and most species of tuna that release mercury into the environment. Full Review »

There are a few ways Chicago's The Plant describes itself: part vertical farm, part research and education space, part food business incubator. Also in its description? Former meatpacking plant.

Here are some of the best food stories we came across this week: Greenpeace Releases Its Fish Counter Scorecard, USDA Ending E. coli Testing for Produce, and more. Read more »

This greenopia certified gourmet chocolatier has been serving Angelinos for over 60 years. Full Review »

Urban Food Crawl has been thriving as LA’s only vegan food tour, introducing tourists and locals to vegan-friendly fare. They chatted with Clean Plates about LA’s vegan scene and their one-of-a-kind crawl. Read more »

For hungry Angelenos, there's a way to turn dreams of organic edible gardens into reality: Brush up on your gardening skills with chef Govind Armstrong and Master Gardener Geri Miller at Post & Beam.

We followed our hearts to Canoga Park for this unique market and vegetarian restaurant. Full Review »

Rise and shine! Whether it’s a healthy breakfast you’re in search of or just a wholesome snack, Vigilant Eats Superfood Oat-Based Cereal is fueling the food revolution in more ways than one. Read more »

In celebration of Earth Day, Whole Foods Market made a big change at the fish counter: The stores no longer sell seafood with red warning labels, as part of their commitment to ocean-friendly seafood. Read more »

Young 20-somethings fill this club-like lounge, dancing, drinking, and nibbling on lite bites of Asian-fusion fare like Dragon Rolls, Miso Bronzed Black Cod, Himachi Crudo with sliced jalapeno, citrus and truffle sauce. Full Review »

Here are some of the best food stories we came across this week: Dow's GMO "Agent Orange Corn" Seeks USDA Approval, Mad Cow Disease Found in California Dairy Cow and more. Read more »

Ann Gentry, founder of LA's iconic organic vegan restaurant, Real Food Daily, dishes about the decision to give up meat, the importance of sustainable farming and what it's like to be a vegan on the road.

Contributor Nick Oddo shared his delicious Gluten-Free Carrot Cake recipe: Serve it simple and unadorned or with a quick vanilla whipped cream frosting. Either way, the greatest ingredients are love and positive energy.

Whether you're looking to brush up on your knife skills or learn a new healthy dish, a cooking class is the perfect excuse. From gluten-free Indian feasts to grilled vegetable salads, here are some unique classes. Read more »

Here are some of the best food stories we came across this week: Starbucks Vows to Stop Using Dye Made from Beetles, Returning Veterans Learn to be Organic Farmers and more. Read more »

Here are some Clean Plates-approved eateries that stand out in their dedication to Mother Earth — from on-site gardens to composting kitchens, these restaurants give her the respect she deserves.

Andrew Kirschner of Next Iron Chef fame finally built his dream restaurant, Tar & Roses, in Santa Monica. We chat with him about sustainable sourcing, his L.A. roots and recent obsession with wood-fired ovens.

Enjoy a Southern Italian Pasqua (Easter) feast at Sotto this Sunday, utilizing oft-neglected parts of the traditional lamb.

Imagine the ultimate, local, organic tomatoes — the ones rich in lycopene and antioxidants, that taste like sunshine. Now imagine you picked those tomatoes in your own yard. Before you protest that gardening isn't your thing — let me tell … Read more »