A Sustainable Feast for December 2024

Dear Food Lover: A Sustainable Feast for December 2024

Dear Friend,

Welcome to December in Orange County, a time when twinkling lights and the scent of warm spices fill the air. It’s the season of indulgence, but this year, let’s make our feasting a little more thoughtful. Imagine if every bite you took didn’t just taste good but felt good—good for the planet, good for the community, and, yes, good for your soul. This is the magic of sustainable dining, and Orange County is serving it up beautifully this holiday season.

Let me take you on a journey through the most inspiring sustainable dining spots in OC this December—places where chefs are crafting more than meals; they’re creating hope on a plate.

A Cozy Corner of Freshness: Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens

Picture this: You’re tucked away in Corona del Mar, surrounded by lush greenery that’s more “Eden” than restaurant patio. At Farmhouse, Chef Rich Mead works directly with local farmers, transforming seasonal bounty into plates of pure joy. December’s menu features earthy root vegetables and sustainably caught seafood that’ll make you rethink everything you know about comfort food.

Why You Should Go: Because eating here feels like wrapping yourself in a sustainable hug. Don’t miss the seasonal fish entrée—it’s like tasting the ocean, but responsibly.

Playful Sustainability: The Recess Room

In Fountain Valley, The Recess Room is turning “having fun with food” into an art form. Their bone marrow appetizer doubles as a sherry-drinking vessel, a quirky nod to zero-waste dining. This December, they’re featuring winter flavors with a twist, like locally sourced venison paired with foraged herbs.

Why It’s Worth It: The Recess Room isn’t just about food; it’s about creating stories. Their December specials feel like unwrapping a present with every course.

Vegan Wonderland: Seabirds Kitchen

For those who think “sustainable” means “sacrifice,” Seabirds Kitchen is here to prove you wrong. This Costa Mesa gem turns plant-based dining into a celebration. Their seasonal menu is packed with dishes that taste like decadence but leave the planet lighter. The beer-battered avocado tacos? A Christmas miracle in every bite.

Why You’ll Love It: Because vegan food can be indulgent, creative, and festive all at once. And really, how often can you say your meal is kind to both animals and your taste buds?

The Fermentation Farm’s Little Secrets

Costa Mesa’s Fermentation Farm isn’t your typical dining spot; it’s a laboratory of love for all things fermented. This December, they’re offering workshops on making your own kombucha and sourdough—perfect for holiday gifting or just impressing your in-laws.

Why You Should Go: It’s the ultimate place to learn, taste, and take a piece of sustainability home with you. Plus, their Gut Shot Sampler is the weirdest, most wonderful holiday treat you didn’t know you needed.

A Community Table: The Ecology Center

In San Juan Capistrano, The Ecology Center is bringing people together for farm-to-table dinners that redefine “holiday feast.” Imagine dining outdoors under a canopy of stars, surrounded by the very fields that grew your meal. This December, their “Community Table” events are all about celebrating the season with local farmers and chefs.

Why It Feels Special: Eating here isn’t just a meal; it’s an act of gratitude. It’s about reconnecting with the earth and the people who nurture it.

Why Sustainable Dining Matters This December

Let’s get real for a second. The holidays are wonderful, but they’re also wasteful. From uneaten leftovers to mountains of packaging, it’s easy to forget the impact of our choices. By supporting sustainable restaurants, you’re voting with your fork for a future where delicious doesn’t mean destructive.

Imagine a world where every restaurant prioritized local farmers, reduced waste, and treated food as the precious resource it is. Orange County is already showing us that this future is possible—one seasonal dish at a time.

A Love Letter to Orange County’s Sustainable Chefs

To the chefs, farmers, and food magicians of Orange County: Thank you. Thank you for proving that sustainability isn’t a chore; it’s an adventure. Thank you for reminding us that eating well doesn’t have to come at the planet’s expense. And thank you for making December taste better than ever.

Your December Challenge

This holiday season, I challenge you to explore the sustainable side of dining. Try one of these spots. Bring a friend. Talk to the staff about where the food comes from. Let the flavors inspire you to make better choices—not just for December, but for the year ahead.

Because every meal tells a story. Make yours a sustainable one.

With joy (and a full stomach),

Your Friendly Food Enthusiast