How to Dine Well by Doing Good this February

The last few weeks have been overwhelming, to say the least.  With controversial policy decisions and human rights injustices compounding by the day, it can be difficult to concentrate on simple, everyday tasks; you know, like working, sleeping or eating!  And yet, it’s possible to actually enact change by doing just that, whether patronizing a sanctuary restaurant, or booking a Valentine’s Day dinner, benefiting the ACLU.  So here’s how to dine deliciously by doing good this February at spots the likes of Franny’s, Sunday in Brooklyn, Roman’s & Marlow & Daughters!

Stop by a Sanctuary Restaurant: A joint project of the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United and Presente.org, with participation by dozens of establishments nationwide, Sanctuary Restaurants have a zero tolerance policy for sexism, racism, and xenophobia, and believe that there is a place at the table for all.  Upon joining with the organization, businesses pledge to reject harassment of any individual based on immigrant/refugee status, race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, participate in a peer network to exchange ideas and strategies, and place a prominent “Sanctuary Restaurants” sign on their premises.  So pledge your own support by patronizing members like Amali, Gristmill, A&E Supply Co., and Andrew Tarlow’s entire restaurant group — Diner, Marlow & Sons, Marlow & Daughters, Reynard, Roman’s, SheWolf and Achilles Heel.

Commemorate V’Day at Sunday in Brooklyn: Having trouble separating the wheat from the chaff, when it comes to upcoming Valentine’s Day prix-fixes?  We’ve officially whittled down your options.  Not only is Sunday in Brooklyn one of the most acclaimed openings of the past year, the low-waste restaurant is donating 10% of proceeds from their menu (which includes Sea Trout Crudo with beer cream, Shaved Purple Carrots with uni vinaigrette, Minute Steak with winter greens, and Burnt Honey Tart topped with sheep’s cream) to the ACLU.

Take a Tour with Breaking Bread NYC: Comprised of the city’s leading tour guides and food writers, this brand new group celebrates the fare of countries affected by the immigration ban.  Planned events include a Yemeni lunch with Noshwalks (meeting on 3/11, at Al-Maraj Market in the Bronx), a Somali dinner on 3/11 at Safari in Harlem, and a Persian dinner on 3/17 at Ravagh Restaurant on the Upper East Side, with profits benefiting organizations like CAIR and the IRC.

Join the Discussion. Are Good, Clean, and Fair Food & Farming Trumped?: Taking place at Brooklyn Winery, and sponsored by Slow Food NYC (with proceeds benefiting Urban Harvest, which provides good food education for schoolchildren), this panel discussion addresses threats to food and farm policies, posed by the present administration.  Planned topics include “Will the historic Farm Bill alliance of farmers and anti-hunger advocates survive?” Will school lunch reforms and nutrition standards stand?” and “Which food safety and environmental regulations will go, and how fast?”

Celebrate Food, Not Fear: Brooklyn’s Egg is hosting a charity night on 3/15, with 100% of proceeds from $75 tickets donated to the International Refugee Assistance Project.  The evening will feature a silent auction, cocktails and canapes, offered by Egg’s own Evan Hanczor, along with chefs from White Gold, Franny’s, La Vara and Oxalis.