Medical marijuana: It’s a topic that sparks tremendous debate, and is surrounded by ample misinformation. Since one online medical marijuana store released its “Top ten medical cannabis strains” last month, clarification on the uses, availability, and legality of medical ...read more
Jaded east-coasters don’t typically have a ton of knowledge on the Wisconsin city of Milwaukee. In fact, very few of us end up in the region at all. With the exception of a trip to Chicago for work (or deep-dish pizza), we generally stick to one coast or another, complaining ...read more
Blame it on Brooklyn. Blame it on hipsters. Whoever’s at fault, it’s undeniable that “everything old is new again.” If nothing else, there’s one trendy throwback that we can definitely get behind: Home cooking. We’re not the only ones, though. Just ask the likes of a young ...read more
To say that there has been a generational uptick in food fascination is not exactly news. The media has certainly taken note of the phenomenon (see Eve Turow’s "Generation Yum," for example), and so has everyone else, from Netflix to the entrepreneurial community. Case in point: ...read more
Food, they say, is a family affair. We celebrate around it, we mourn over it and, in many capacities, it’s just simply how we gather. That’s certainly the case for Sylvia Burgos Toftness, owner of Wisconsin farm and ranch Bull Brook Keep, and her daughter, rapper Dessa. While ...read more
The farmers market is a weekly display of edible eye candy: Fresh produce, flowers and - okay, fine - baked goods. But it's more than just visuals; it can be a mental feast as well--for those who ask vendors the right questions. Nate Peitso is one of those vendors. Known best ...read more
As a half-Greek person, I can identify with confidence two things that we take more seriously than life itself: Our food, and...well, actually, maybe there's only one thing. After all, my relatives have been known to yell at strangers for pronouncing "gyro" as "juy-roh". There ...read more
It seems that, somewhere on a path made of jumbo burritos and nacho "cheese," Mexican food earned a poor reputation. Restaurants serving the cuisine were castigated by weight loss programs everywhere, and were labeled as a one-way street to high cholesterol. Now, the fare is ...read more
Anyone who’s arrived at Tampa International Airport as their final destination knows that the drive from there to, well, anywhere, is a visual treat. The ride to Clearwater Beach, for example, is an automotive cruise through the Bay, with vast stretches of water on either side ...read more
New York is, without a doubt, one of the best places to live for people who love food. Of course, our bagels, pizza and Italian pastries are legendary, but the Big Apple is finally starting to live up to its name as it becomes a pioneer in the promotion of real food. That ...read more
A funny thing happened on my birthday this year. Rather than taking the day off to get spa treatments and eat cake, I had the privilege of viewing a presentation delivered by Josh Lee, a.k.a., "Farmer Josh," the co-founder of Green Top Farms: A Queens-based urban farming ...read more
It happens to the best of us: The great "Should-I-Go-To-Culinary-School-Debate." The decision to learn how to cook is one that enters the minds of foodies at least once in life. Everyone tells us that we should open a restaurant, a bakery, or at least a booth at the farmers ...read more
Over the past decade, something interesting has taken place in the Midwest. All ears, it seems, are on Minneapolis, as the city earns its title as a major birthplace of indie rap artists. It's home to the upwardly mobile, self-described “hip-hop collective” Doomtree, who once ...read more
I'll admit it. I'm a lifelong resister of flu shots. Several weeks ago, my stubbornness bit me in the ass: The flu found me, and nothing seemed to be making me feel better. When I finally sought the advice of my dear friend and brilliant nurse practitioner, her instructions ...read more
Anyone who’s been to college has heard nothing less than a laundry list of alleged marijuana effects. “It helps you sleep.” “It enhances sex.” “It revs up your metabolism.” No wonder it’s so often looked-upon as a miracle drug. Out of all the speculated marijuana effects, ...read more
Stefanie Sacks, culinary nutritionist and author of “What the Fork Are You Eating?” makes one thing very clear: “Not being an idealist is okay.” In fact, during a Q&A hosted by the James Beard Foundation at the National Gourmet Institute earlier this month, she identifies ...read more
In recent years, General Motors has not had the best luck with its PR. These days, the words most commonly associated with GM fall along the lines of “bailout,” “bankruptcy” and “recall.” There are a few more words, however, with which the brand is working hard to become ...read more
What makes a pizza a pizza? Why, it's all in the pizza crust. And that, of course, starts with flour. I grew up in a town called Potomac, Maryland: A sleepy suburb of Washington, DC that’s better known for ostentatious mansions, collagen, and being home to “Mad Men” actor Ben ...read more
On a cold, rainy Sunday in January, dozens of New Yorkers seek refuge under the roof of lower Manhattan’s City Winery: A bright, open event space decorated with wall-to-wall antique bottles, exposed brick, wooden pillars and sparkling glassware. This year, the space serves as ...read more
There is a widespread phenomenon known to foodies as “kitchen porn”: The fanciful, whimsical imagery of pristine kitchen design ideas such as islands, appliances and storage systems, found largely on Pinterest boards or in he pages of magazines. It’s symptomatic of the “some ...read more
Looking for a craft beer up to the task of keeping you warm and cozy this winter? A panel of five very cold, thirsty New Yorkers was recruited to put five such craft beer selections to the test. Winter is proof that all humans experience, to some extent, mild amnesia. It happens ...read more
It’s like our favorite bedtime story: Once upon a time, there was an eco-friendly winery that grew organic grapes in a certified organic vineyard, producing tasty, organic wines. And, we all lived happily ever after. But we know better than that. We know that wine is more than ...read more
Back in March, we told you all about the seventh wonder of the supermarket: The bulk aisle. Its eco-friendly, money-saving glory are not to be passed upon when shopping for organic, dry goods. And now, spice lovers can rejoice, too! Your favorite seasonings, from cinnamon to ...read more
The day began innocently enough. There you were, minding your own business in the natural foods grocery store, with no plan other than buying a pint of blueberries. But then, you found yourself in the bulk food aisle and, next thing you knew, you were standing in your kitchen, ...read more
Three things are sure to result from a trip to the Hawaiian islands: A strong urge to never leave, a fierce tan, and an obsession with all things coconut. This quintessentially tropical fruit fits well in Hawaii, not just because of the matching climate, but because it ...read more
There are certain corners of the universe where, despite even the most valiant efforts, the dry skin epidemic cannot be eradicated. Though the official figures are unknown, it’s no mystery that dry skin plagues dozens - perhaps even hundreds - of innocent victims every winter. ...read more
San Franciscans, as a rule, are very happy people. With an unseasonably warm January, it seems that, these days, the city’s lifestyle allows for little complaint. It was during my most recent visit there that a taxi driver concisely summarized the widespread contentment: “It's ...read more
Gift-giving. Menu-planning. Traveling. And, of course, spending time with family: Actions associated with the December holiday season. As a result, "drinking" is often associated with it, as well. We've already covered a plethora of organic wine and beer selections to keep you ...read more
Chris Lindland is well aware that running a non-sustainable business in San Francisco is, at a minimum, out of the question. He’s also aware that, in this city, it’s impossible to avoid “geek and science culture,” leaving business owners at an inevitable intersection of the ...read more
East Coast natives have a fairly skewed perception of the Midwest, one that is filled almost entirely with tumbleweeds and acres of farmland. While the former may represent reality, it doesn’t always parallel the overall community-oriented impression of the Midwest. Most of that ...read more
November’s entrance indicates many events: Thanksgiving, the official start of winter and, as a result, a lawn covered with colorful, fallen leaves left behind by autumn. The fate of foliage was once left to nothing more than a rake or a leaf-blower. For those with children, a ...read more
It’s been a rough week for New Englanders. After the humiliating loss by and dismissal of the Red Sox longtime manager, the past few days have had we Bostonians and our neighbors keeping our heads down and mumbling obscenities. But there’s one thing that’s always sure to turn ...read more
Who doesn’t love stories about resourceful high school girls who made their own prom dresses? Not out of fabric, mind you, but out of gum and candy wrappers, or duct tape. They’ve been applauded for their creativity, but what of their sustainability? After all, instead of ending ...read more
I’ll admit it. I love the movie Mean Girls. And, with Halloween 2011 upon us, a particular line is recurring: “Halloween is the one night a year when a girl can… just wear lingerie and some form of animal ears.” But imagine a world where we can get away with such costumes - at ...read more
Not long ago, I vacationed in Oahu for the same reason many people do: To relax. As a fan of the now-syndicated Lost, I joked with friends prior to my departure about the “healing power” of the Hawaiian Islands. In the end, however, I got more than respite: I got an education. ...read more
For many, the idea of leading an organic lifestyle is associated with a lack of affordability. Premiums placed on organic produce by higher-end retailers, for example, cause some shoppers to stray from products labeled as such. But there are ways to be a sustainable consumer ...read more
Remember when we were kids - those of us who watched far too much television, at least - and we had every song from every cereal commercial memorized? My personal favorite was the “Magically Delicious” tune for Lucky Charms. Now, as an adult, I realize there’s a reason why these ...read more
If you ask Jim Collins, he has great things to say about organic farming and winemaking. He defines it quite concisely: “To be an organic grower, your focus is taking out synthetic chemicals from your operation,” he states. Of course, in his vineyard, he strives to do that. But ...read more
Last week, we brought you organic tequila. This week, it’s vodka’s turn. After scouring the streets, web and bar scene, we’ve discovered five highly acclaimed organic vodkas and paired each with a delicious summer cocktail recipe. Throw in some earth-friendly lighting ...read more
There’s a great deal of talk about sustainable beverages here at OA. Organic wine, beer and even vodka make frequent appearances on the site, commonly accompanied by a seasonal dish. But there’s one type of liquor that hasn’t been seen around here too often: Tequila. Tequila is ...read more
Anyone who’s ever visited the Cape during peak season knows at least two things: 1) There is no better place to find clam strips, and 2) Traffic is a nightmare. The latter, however, isn’t quite as bad - and is almost enjoyable - when offbeat stops are made along the way. The ...read more
“That’s the craze now: Farmers markets.” The words were uttered by Bob Marshall, owner of Marshall’s Farm and Marshall’s Fenway Farm Stand, as he sat in his modest back office of the latter. “I’m from the old school that if you’re going to have something once a week,” he asked, ...read more
Something's been different about everyone’s disposition these last few days. Perhaps it’s the louder chorus of birds chirping. Maybe it’s the sight of ubiquitous greenery. Or, it could just be May, the calendar’s indication that summer is looming. Summer - the season of the ...read more
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome May: A month that unofficially marks the beginning of summer, the period of perpetual outdoor activity, grilling and, for the luckiest, romance. Here at OA, we always like to find the best ways to mix the Earth’s business with much-needed ...read more
When people first learn of my combined Jewish and Greek heritage, the general response is along the lines of, “Holy mother of food.” With such an overflow of Mediterranean influence, though, the reality is much more, “Holy mother of olive oil.” I always credited our mass ...read more
Gluten-free baking, when done well, is looked upon by some as art even finer than the Mona Lisa. Many of us have experienced the worst of it, from cupcakes with the density of a sponge to cookies with the flavor of sidewalk chalk. Two ladies who seem to have mastered this art ...read more
Historically, there have been some pretty bizarre party themes. “A Redneck Birthday,” “A Pimpin’ Christmas” and even an “Anything But Clothes” party has been thrown. But one event that people don’t always think to celebrate with a party - creatively, nonetheless - is Earth Day. ...read more
Spring: It’s a word that traditionally invokes images of flowers blossoming, birds chirping and many glasses of wine being enjoyed outdoors. It’s also a season associated with fresh, vibrant foods that some of us have gone without for months; a time to say “goodbye” to hearty ...read more
Bostonians are serious about three things: the Red Sox, a driver’s right-of-way and, oddly enough, Italian Food. In fact, many within Beantown have a Kanye-West-Inspired motto: “Hey New York, I’m real happy for you and Imma let you finish, but Pizzeria Regina in the North End ...read more
Labels can cause confusion for even the most discerning of consumers. “All-natural,” “organic,” “non-GMO”; a handbook of keywords and acronyms is practically required to find the most genuine products. This label-induced uncertainty often reaches its greatest height when it ...read more