Apartment Therapy Re-Nest | Look! Utensil Options

Look! Utensil Options

While visiting DC recently we ate at a wonderful vegan café, but something more refreshing than the food, were the utensil options...

We'd previously eaten at a different restaurant where the only flatware offered were plastic plates and cups with to-go packets of paper napkins and plastic forks. It was really frustrating because this was at a restaurant that definitely had a kitchen and dishwasher, but obviously lacked the thoughtfulness to conserve and reuse (seems like it would also save money).

So it was nice to have the option of not only reusable utensils while dining in, but also have the choice of using compostable and recyclable silverware to take on the go. Not only did the restaurant offer the options, but they were also adamant that their customers be aware of the alternatives.

We like this trend and hope it continues - though reusable is always preferred. Have you seen your restaurants be adamant about using their reusable flatware, or make the switch from disposable plastic to biodegradable utensils?

Comments (5)

Is that Sticky Fingers?

posted by Stiletto on November 4th 2008 at 11:04am
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Yes, I think so...

posted by Rachelw on November 4th 2008 at 11:53am
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I live in Japan, and, while the Japanese are green in many ways, they use disposable chopsticks like no tomorrow. I've taken to carrying around my own chopsticks from home, wrapped in a handkerchief, and using those instead. When I finish with a meal, I just wipe them off on the napkin I've used at the restaurant, wrap them up, and clean them when I get home along with whatever other dishes I have. It's surprisingly easy, especially once I got used to moving them around from purse to purse along with my wallet and sunglasses.

I think the same could easily be done in America; bring a fork, knife, and spoon wrapped in a handkerchief and pull 'em them whenever reusable utensils aren't available. The handkerchief can even act as a napkin in the place of paper ones. If you can just make it a regular citizen of your purse, you're set!

posted by REMofAlice on November 5th 2008 at 4:27am
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I'm seeing more & more places carrying either corn or potato utensils.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/heathashli/2592045790/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/heathashli/2874798758/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/heathashli/2592045784/
including cups too
http://www.flickr.com/photos/heathashli/2908239419/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/heathashli/2525980551/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/heathashli/2498446020/

posted by heathashli on December 23rd 2008 at 9:51pm
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Awesome is a very small word but loved that a restaurant is thinking beyond its cash register!

i should add that i noticed that a place called World Peace Cafe is also doing its bit by supplying only bamboo based utensils...though not totally eco-friendly, I felt they were better than the plastic ones people use and throw recklessly

posted by susrith on June 10th 2009 at 11:50pm
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