Ideal Bite

Last weekend I visited my husband's family in Boise, ID, land of potatoes (which, yep, were quite tasty) but also, it turns out, an inspiringly progressive little city - at least on a couple green fronts. It was kinda thrilling to see restaurants source from local farms, orchards, microbreweries, vineyards, and even distilleries. Mountains surround downtown. Bike paths are everywhere and on our last morning, a Monday, I saw plenty of peeps commuting to work on two wheels alongside the Boise River.

Chicago, where I live, is headed in the right direction (to wit, Illinois passed a law this week that’ll encourage state agencies to buy local food), but out west, I sense a compulsion - a mandate, maybe? - when it comes to environmental awareness. Chatting with a cousin, I guessed it has something to do with proximity to nature. She walks out her front door and into the woods; I walk out to a busy street and sidewalk (and yes, some trees and flowers, but you get my point).

Seriously, though, if you could see foothills next to municipal buildings, bike to the office through the forest, and a river actually ran behind your condo, I think it might change your world view a bit, too.

-Mama Bite Editor Alison...off to get an outdoor fix...

From Mama Bite