Month: March 2020

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Chantelle Gets Comfortable

Bra fans know Chantelle has a longstanding reputation for making beautifully constructed lingerie. (By ‘longstanding,’ we’re talking 1876.) But it’s fair to say a lot has changed over the past 144 years, wouldn’t you agree? In fashion, that’s translated into a much greater emphasis on comfort—hard pass on the whalebone corsets and what have you.

So while stoking that storied tradition of classic French design, Chantelle has evolved. Loosened up. Let her hair down. The brand’s latest offerings include two wire-free bras and two underwire bras that blend support with the highest possible degree of comfort, which feels more important than ever.

“All women want an easy fit from their bras these days,” says Bare Necessities buyer Heather Viskovic. “Chantelle is now delivering that, in a characteristically Chantelle kind of way.” See what she means…

CHANTELLE SOFT STRETCH BRALETTE 

Just about all of our favorite bra brands do a wire-free, stretchy, over-the-head style now. They’re just the thing for downtime, like running errands, working from home—even for sleeping. Chantelle’s brand-new contribution to the field is special because the modesty inserts aren’t removable; they’re sandwiched and bonded between the fabric so they won’t shift, warp or come out in the wash. We also love what a forgiving fit this comfy, smooth, seamless style offers…up to a G-cup! Plus it’s part of the Soft Stretch collection, rendered in the same thin, forgiving material as the popular panties.

CHANTELLE C MAGNIFIQUE WIRE-FREE MINIMIZER

If you know and love the C Magnifique minimizer collection but have been hoping to get in on the underwire-free trend, today is your lucky day. This soft, stretchy comfort bra is also—quelle surprise!—one of our all-time favorite minimizers. The supportive full-coverage, molded cups have a soft knit lining for comfort, but no padding to speak of. For minimizer fans in general, this new take is a must-try.

CHANTELLE PRIME COMFORT BRA

“This one is like nothing I’ve ever seen before,” Heather says of Prime Comfort, an innovative double-knit spacer fabric underwire that feels like athleisure but works like a real bra. All of the support comes from the firm, sporty band—the darted cups themselves are really soft. The design, which suits both average and full busts, is at once feminine and sporty. “The high apex, the way it looks like a triangle, is really great for those of us who may not be full on top,” she adds.

CHANTELLE NORAH BRA

The “comfort support” bra is a novel one for Chantelle. With the Norah (also for average and full busts), all of the support comes from within the cups: Inside, you’ll find supportive seaming plus an underwire; outside, you’ll find soft, stretchy seamless lace. The underband is “yummy soft,” says Heather. “I could wear this one every day.”

Now, so can you.

From left: Chantelle Soft Stretch Bralette, Chantelle C Magnifique Wire-Free Minimizer, Chantelle Prime Comfort Bra and Chantelle Norah Bra

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Author: Brooke Glassberg

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Introducing Birdsong Swimwear

If you’re liking what you’ve been seeing from Birdsong bras, then get excited for Birdsong swimwear! Our exclusive new line of bra-sized swim separates is designed to give you the support you’ve always wanted, in the trends you’ve got your eye on, in a ridiculously inclusive size range.

“Before Birdsong, there was a gap in the market for fashionable, high quality, supportive, reasonably priced swimwear,” says buyer Megan Puma. “Birdsong makes this season’s top trends available to full-bust and plus customers. Now you have a whole array of mix-and-match options that pack a lot of power but don’t look frumpy or like you’re wearing your bra outside.”

“What’s great is that whether you’re looking for a tiny bikini or modest coverage, there are silhouettes that cater to everyone—there’s tighter and there’s looser, bold trends and subtle classics, poppy prints and solids that go with everything—but they’re all supportive. They’re for every woman, every age. What are you comfortable showing? What do you want to conceal? Now there’s a way to do it so that whatever you want to wear, you’ll feel comfy and confident in it.”

Megan hopes Birdsong swim reaches as many women as possible to make swimwear shopping feel like less of a drag. “I want to help women realize we shouldn’t have to change ourselves to look and feel the way we want to in a swimsuit,” Megan says.

BIRDSONG BRA-SIZED SWIMWEAR

With four styles of bikini and three different tankinis, you can really take your pick. That’s why Megan recommends shopping the collection by your style preferences first, then narrowing by your bra size (bands 32-38, cups D-I).

Bikini tops include things like…

  • Adjustability and convertibility: “It’s really important that a suit fit the way your figure needs it to,” says Megan. That’s why you’ll find thoughtful details like fully functional ties, no fewer than three positions to secure the band in back and straps you can reposition (over-the-shoulder or cross-back)
  • Fashion detailing: Expect to find attractively draped fabric concealing the cups, split shoulder straps that give the impression of effortless lift and decorative straps “where it won’t sacrifice function to add fashion,” Megan says
  • An underwire encased in super-soft brushed fabric for comfort
  • Side boning to keep breasts where they belong
  • Inner slings for added support in the larger cup sizes
  • Removable modesty padding (all but in the over-the-shoulder style, which has foam cups sewn in)
 

 

Tankini tops include…

  • A classic underwire halter: Flattering, adjustable ties are sturdy and stretchy to a point, but they’re stitched so as to not stretch out on you. Expect removable modesty padding, three back adjustment positions, side boning and, most of all, an underwire that helps take pressure off neck
  • Over-the-shoulder wrap-front tankini: Just like the bikini version, it has molded cups and a sweetheart neckline, making it the style to choose for more coverage
  • Scoop neck tankini: The completely camouflaged, sewn-in foam-cup bra with four hook-and-eye rows helps shape and support, as does the J-hook option on the straps
 

 

BIRDSONG SWIM BOTTOMS

Of the six different swim bottoms, three (the basic bikini, the ruched high-waist and the adjustable skirted bikini bottom) run the gamut from a small to a 3X, with a higher-cut leg line and all the color and patterns you could hope for.

Two more styles, a full-coverage brief and skirted bottom, are exclusively in sizes 16-24W. These have higher waists, a smoothing double layer of power mesh in the front, full coverage in the back and bit of a lower leg line.

 

BIRDSONG PLUS-SIZE TANKINIS

To make sure the silhouettes and the size range would work for as many women as possible, Birdsong plus-size tankinis go by dress size and cup size (18-24 and C-K). They all feature removable modesty pads in the cups, too. Here’s what else you’ll find:

  • Sharkbite Flyaway: This style is the loosest and edgiest, what with the cool angular hem. You can switch up the neckline from sweetheart to plunge depending on what you’re doing. Straps also do whatever you need them to.
  • Flyaway Underwire: The A-line shape isn’t as dramatic as the sharkbite, but it still has a nice drape and flow to it. There’s a full floating underwire shelf bra below the slight V-neck, ring details and thicker straps for style points, and of course the adjustable, convertible hook set-up.
  • Shirred Tankini Top: This one is the tightest-fitting, with waist-accentuating ruching down the sides that draw the eye to the smallest part of the waist. Wrap detail in front belies the built-in underwire cups with removable padding.
 

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Author: Brooke Glassberg

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Fermented Soy Foods that Offers Health Benefits

Ankeny, Iowa, March 19, 2020 — During National Soyfoods Month in April, The Soyfoods Council invites you to discover the culinary and nutrition advantages of enjoying fermented soyfoods. Fermented foods—including miso and tempeh—are the number one superfood trend this year, according to the Pollock PR “What’s Trending in Nutrition” 2020 survey. Similarly, Japanese umami flavors, including miso and natto, are also among the year’s hottest culinary trends listed in the National Restaurant Association “What’s Hot” 2020 survey. Fermented soy foods such as miso, tempeh, and natto offer a satisfying complexity of flavor as well as potential health benefits.

Miso is a fermented soybean paste that adds salty, savory umami flavor notes to everything from salad dressings to meat marinades. It is available in American supermarkets and comes in white, yellow and red varieties that offer a range of flavor intensity. Tempeh also is widely available in supermarkets across the U.S. It is made from fermented soybeans, and combines a firm meaty texture with a mild, nutty flavor. Creative tempeh dishes in restaurants include tempeh Reuben sandwiches, tempeh Caesar salads, and one-bowl meals. Tempeh provides approximately 15 grams of protein and five grams of fiber per serving. Natto, with its sticky texture and cheese-like flavor, appeals to adventurous eaters who like to experiment with global condiments. Made with fermented soybeans, natto is served as a traditional accompaniment for rice in Japan, and also is used as a flavoring in recipes. You can find it in grocery stores that sell Asian ingredients, or make your own natto in an electric pressure cooker by following instructions in YouTube videos. Brands such as NYrture New York Natto also are available online (www.nyrture.com/order-natto.

Fermented soyfoods contain probiotics (live organisms) that can offer potential digestive health benefits when eaten on a regular basis. And, if the benefits of fermented foods are already on your radar, two new studies suggest that fermented soyfoods may offer other protective benefits as well.

Eating fermented soyfoods is related to lower mortality rates. A recent study in Japan involved more than 90,000 men and women between the ages of 45 and 74. Participants filled out food frequency questionnaires every five years to assess the types and amounts of soyfoods they consumed. When investigators compared individuals in the top fifth of those consuming fermented soyfoods with participants in the bottom fifth, they found those who ate the most fermented soyfoods were 10 percent less likely to die from all causes during the study period.

Eating natto may contribute to bone health. Those who take bone health into consideration when making food choices will be interested in a recent study suggesting that eating natto is related to a reduced risk of fractures. A Japanese population-based osteoporosis cohort study was based on 1,417 postmenopausal women who were followed for approximately 15 years. Their consumption of natto, tofu, and other soyfoods was surveyed. Women who ate about a serving of natto per day were shown to be only half as likely to suffer a fracture, in comparison to the women who ate natto infrequently.

During National Soyfoods Month in April, embark on a culinary adventure to explore new ways to add miso and tempeh to your everyday meals. If you’re an adventurous eater, experiment with natto, too. For details about research studies related to fermented soyfoods, and a wide range of family-friendly recipes, visit The Soyfoods Council website: www.thesoyfoodscouncil.com.

About the Soyfoods Council: The Soyfoods Council is a non-profit organization, created and funded by Iowa soybean farmers, providing a complete resource to increase awareness of soyfoods, educate and inform media, healthcare professionals, consumers and the retail and foodservice market about the many benefits of soyfoods. Iowa is the country’s number one grower of soybeans and is the Soyfoods Capital of the world.

About the Role of Soyfoods in a Healthful Diet: Soyfoods have played an important role in Asian cuisines for centuries. In recent years they have become popular in Western countries because of their nutrition and health properties. Soyfoods are excellent sources of high-quality protein and provide a healthy mix of polyunsaturated fat. In addition, independent of their nutrient content, there is very intriguing evidence indicating soyfoods reduce the risk of several chronic diseases including coronary heart disease, osteoporosis and certain forms of cancer. All individuals are well-advised to eat a couple of servings of soyfoods every day.

Tempeh Rice Bowl


Tempeh Rice Bowl

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 cup diced carrot
  • 1 tablespoon white miso
  • 1 8-ounce package tempeh
  • 1 cup of brown rice
  • 1 3/4 cup water
  • 2 cups tightly packed leafy greens, such as baby spinach, Swiss chard and/or arugula
  • Crushed peanuts, for garnish
  • Splash of tamari or soy sauce, for serving (optional)

Set the Instant Pot on the sauté function, using the adjust button to increase to more heat. Add the sesame oil, onion, and carrot and sauté for about three minutes. Add the miso and continue sautéing until the miso becomes creamy and mixed well with the vegetables. Add the tempeh, crumbling with your fingers as you remove it from the package. Using a spoon crumble the tempeh while sautéing. Do this for about 8 minutes. The tempeh should begin to resemble small beans (or meat crumbles). Add the brown rice and water. Turn the sauté function off. Cover the Instant Pot, move the steam valve to seal, press manual (high pressure) and adjust the time to 22 minutes. Allow for a natural release.

Remove the lid. Stir in two cups of leafy greens. Prop the lid on the top of the pot, without sealing, for just a few minutes to allow the greens to slightly wilt.

Serve in a bowl with crushed peanuts and a splash of tamari or soy sauce (if using).

Serves 4 to 6

Recipe by JL Fields for The Soyfoods Council

Recipe by JL Fields for The Soyfoods Council

Miso Chicken Soup with Snow Peas and Tofu

This classic miso soup is adapted from a recipe in A Spoonful of Ginger by Nina Simonds. It’s a splendid way to spotlight tofu. Make sure to use the water-packed firm variety.

  • 3 pounds chicken quarters
  • 12 cups water
  • 8 slices fresh ginger, smashed lightly with the flat side of a knife
  • 1/2 cup miso paste
  • 1 pound water-packed firm tofu, cut into cubes
  • 3/4 pound snow or snap peas, strings removed
  • 3 tablespoons minced green onion

1. Combine chicken and water and ginger in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce, heat, simmer 1 1/2 hours. Remove chicken and cool. Discard ginger. Scoop out and reserve 1/2 cup broth.

2. Remove the meat from the chicken, and shred. Discard skin and bones. Add chicken to broth. In a small bowl, combine reserved broth and the miso paste; stir until smooth.

3. Add tofu and snow peas to soup and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and add the miso mixture, and stir well. Ladle soup into serving bowls; top with green onions. Yield: 6 servings.

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Author: Ella Maclin

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Table for One

Food writer Karla Walsh has never been interested in settling for the first menu option. So despite all her friends pairing off around her, right now she’s toasting to her own companionship. Find out what it took to get there in this month’s “Life with the Girls.”

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Author Karla Walsh.

As a ‘retired’ restaurant reviewer, I often find myself relating aspects of my life to the world of food.

Take relationships. The metaphor I give friends who have already reached #couplegoals status is that the best partnerships are akin to a bag of Starburst. You and your plus-one shouldn’t be identical (a duo of Kit-Kat or Twix), nor should you come from opposite ends of the candy aisle (say, a Sour Patch Kid with a Peppermint Patty). Ideally, you have the same essential make-up, but maybe your partner is a yellow, and you’re a red. You complement each other. (Just try a red and yellow Starburst in one mouthful and convince me that combo isn’t magical.)

Author Karla Walsh.

At 32 and single in Iowa, where nearly everyone pairs off and settles down within a few years post-college, I appear to some as an ice cream cone melting in the scorching summer heat. In fact, Iowa ranks 5th out of 50 for states with the most marrieds.

“Your clock is ticking, Karla!” I hear on occasion.

“What are you, an ice queen or something?” I imagine others thinking when I show up solo once again at a couples’ outing.

But my relationship with myself has been such a priority over the last 15 years that a partnership with another person simply hasn’t been possible. At 16, I decided that my 180-pound body, DD breasts and size 12 clothes simply wouldn’t do. A year later, I had whittled myself down to 94 pounds, AA breasts and 00 (or smaller) apparel. I spent the next decade conquering an up-and-down battle with anorexia, making peace with myself, learning to love me for—not in spite of—my quirks, my sass, my well-endowed chest, my stretch marks.

Finally, after some major self-work and shifting from a fitness-writing career to a food one, I was able to find the serenity to be had in balance, grace and acceptance of the far more than 50 shades of gray in life. Just because you eat a slice of cake at your BFF’s birthday party doesn’t mean you’re unlovable.

“Just because you eat a slice of cake at your BFF’s birthday party doesn’t mean you’re unlovable”

During my recovery from anorexia, I dove deep into what I’m willing to stand for and what I’m not. I realized that joy is possible when you follow your heart toward what really makes it tick. Happiness and self-acceptance start to bubble to the surface when you find the right fit: a community that supports you; hobbies and work that fuel your internal flame.

I’ve long since thrown away my scale, and most days, I wake up ecstatic about the person I see smiling back at me in the bathroom mirror. Now that I’ve found that right fit for myself, I know what I want in a relationship with someone else.

I’m at an age where I have witnessed friends struggling to maintain marriages as they fizzle out, battling over custody or even having kids to try to save a marriage, and I can see that I’m not willing to settle until I feel that perfect fit with another person. We all know trying to squeeze a C into an A-cup is not a comfortable proposition, nor is it tenable for very long.

“Trying to squeeze a C into an A-cup is not a comfortable proposition”

I’m dating and open to the prospect of finding a life partner, but I guess you could say that my relationship status is as complicated as a Chopped mystery basket. Sometimes it’s messy. A key ingredient is usually missing. At a certain point, you just have to say, “Time’s up.”

Until my significant other rounds out my recipe in a way that makes me feel more whole than I do on my own, I’ll opt for a table for one, even if others think it’s sad. On days when I’m feeling a tinge of loneliness, I go back to one of those soul-feeding hobbies and flip on Lizzo’s “Juice” to upend my mood and remind me that I’m pretty sweet solo: “No, I’m not a snack at all / Look, baby, I’m the whole damn meal.”

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Author: Karla Walsh

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Coronavirus Symptoms, Risk & Precautions


Coronavirus

There is a spread of a novel coronavirus that is damaging the city of Wuhan located in the Hubei district of China. The episode of the virus began early in December of 2019 and also has actually continued to spread out. The people who were the first ones to end up being contaminated were all linked to the South China Seafood Wholesale Market which has been closed since.

Countless cases have actually been reported by health and wellness officials in China. There are also situations that have actually been determined in various other nations, mostly spread out by the individuals traveling out of China, consisting of Chinese individuals or the people returning from China to their respective countries. The infection can spread from a single person to another via contact or perhaps simply remaining in the distance of the contaminated person.

Over 20 nations have reported instances, including Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, Germany, Vietnam, Australia, France, the USA, India, the UK, etc. and many various other countries have actually established screening centers for the people originating from China.
This is a big family member of infections that are jointly called the coronavirus. A lot of the known coronavirus signs and symptoms just have basic results on individuals such as giving them a mild breathing illness like the cold, yet there have actually been 2 such instances of the coronavirus that have revealed large results on the infected which are Extreme Severe Respiratory System Syndrome (SARS) coronavirus and Middle East Respiratory Disorder (MERS) coronavirus.
Symptoms:

Fever, coughing, and also trouble breathing are several of the symptoms and signs which have actually been observed in individuals contaminated. A few of the patients have also reported having a sore throat. There’s been some supposition about the serious disease-causing capacity of the novel coronavirus although these insurance claims are not sustained with proper evidence. People with chronic health problems and also aged patients might pose better opportunities of having a serious condition as a result of this virus.
Coronavirus Symptoms
Risk

The people who are living or traveling around the area where the infection is prevalent are at a high danger of infection according to the WHO. Presently, the virus is just present in China and all of the non-residents of China that have been infected have actually taken a trip to China just recently and also have actually touched with the infected individuals that are from China.
Coronavirus Risk
So, according to THAT, the threat to the people that are not staying in China is extremely low as long as you do not enter contact with the non-resident Chinese people that are contaminated. Additionally, the WHO mentions that straightforward disinfectants can conveniently take care of the infection if it is present on a surface area as well as also the survival time of the virus on any surface is pretty reduced.
Conclusion:

This write-up shares every one of the symptoms to look out for if you think that you may be impacted by the infection, however, if you’re a non-resident as well as have not touched with anybody traveling from China, you have no chance of catching the infection.

Coronavirus Precautions


Keep aware of the most up to date information on the COVID-19 episode, offered on the THAT web site as well as through your national and neighborhood public health authority. COVID-19 is still affecting most individuals in China with some outbreaks in various other countries. Many people that come to be infected experience light ailment and recoup, but it can be much more severe for others. Deal with your health and wellness and also secure others by doing the following:

Coronavirus Precautions


Wash your hands regularly
Regularly as well as completely tidy your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and also water.
Why? Cleaning your hands with soap and also water or utilizing alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that might be on your hands.

Preserve social distancing
Keep at the very least 1 meter (3 feet) distance in between yourself as well as any person who is coughing or sneezing.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray tiny fluid beads from their nose or mouth which may consist of the infection. If you are as well close, you can breathe in the beads, consisting of the COVID-19 infection if the person coughing has the condition.

Stay clear of touching eyes, nose as well as mouth
Why? Hands touch numerous surface areas and also can grab viruses. Once polluted, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and also can make you unwell.

Practice respiratory health
Ensure you, and also individuals around you, follow excellent respiratory system hygiene. This suggests covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow joint or tissue when you cough or sneeze. After that take care of the made use of tissue immediately.
Why? Beads spread the infection. By complying with excellent respiratory health you shield the people around you from infections such as chilly, flu and COVID-19.

If you have a high temperature, cough as well as trouble breathing, look for medical care early
Stay at home if you really feel weak. If you have a fever, cough as well as trouble breathing, look for medical attention and also hire development. Comply with the instructions of your regional wellness authority.
Why? National, as well as regional authorities, will have one of the most as much as day info on the scenario in your location. Calling in development will certainly enable your health care provider to promptly direct you to the ideal health facility. This will certainly additionally shield you and aid stop the spread of infections and various other infections.

Stay notified as well as follow the recommendations offered by your healthcare provider
Stay informed on the most recent growths about COVID-19. Comply with the guidance offered by your healthcare provider, your nationwide as well as neighborhood public health authority or your company on exactly how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
Why? National, as well as neighborhood authorities, will have one of the most up to date details on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your location. They are best placed to recommend on what individuals in your area ought to be doing to secure themselves.


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Author: Ella Maclin

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Chef’s Blog: Urban Plates Sustainable Seafood

Sustainable seafood has been a hot topic since the early 90’s when the sustainable seafood movement began. It is especially important to support this movement now as our oceans are still being exploited at an alarmingly high rate and extinction is threatening many species of marine life.

All of the seafood we offer at Urban Plates is sustainably sourced. We offer a combination of wild caught and farm raised options.

Wild Line Caught Ahi Nicoise Salad

So, what can we do to help support the sustainable seafood movement? This question can be overwhelming at times and the answers confusing, especially when consuming fish in restaurants. Urban Plates is committed to supporting sustainability in our restaurants and our ingredient sourcing is one of our top priorities to ensure we are upholding this standard. We have created a set of criteria that all our seafood must meet to be served in our restaurants. In creating these criteria, we had to spend time researching what sustainable seafood means and how best to source product. Here are some tools on how to navigate making the best choice for consuming sustainable seafood in order to preserve and improve the ocean, marine-life and fisheries.

What does sustainable seafood mean?

Sustainable seafood is either caught or farmed (aquaculture) in ways that consider the long-term vitality of the species being harvested and the social impacts. Sustainably sourced seafood minimizes the environmental impact on the ocean and ocean wildlife, prevents overfishing, identifies and protects habitats and takes into consideration the social and economic impacts on communities from which seafood is sourced.

How can we support sustainably sourced seafood?

Identifying the source is a great first step. How and where the seafood was caught or how it was farmed will help you avoid consuming seafood that is not sustainable. Asking questions tells the restaurant, store or company that customers care about how their seafood is sourced. If the source is unknown then the safest option is to avoid purchasing there. Ideally this will spark a bigger conversation and help push the company in a direction to better understand where their products come from. Businesses in the community play a crucial role in ocean conservation and they listen to you, their customer. Asking for sustainable seafood will start the process of making a difference.

The next step is to educate yourself on the best choices that promote sustainability. There are organizations around the world that are dedicated to studying and promoting sustainable fisheries and they have made seafood guides available. Choosing a guide that is based on science is important. These are some great options: Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch, the Safina Center at Stony Brook University and Environmental Defense Fund’s Seafood Selector.

Many of these guides are available on mobile apps so you can easily check the guide based on the answer to your question of where the seafood is from and how it was caught or farmed. The guides will give you an idea of if the product is a best choice, good alternative or not recommended. This makes the decision easier and helps you weed out places that aren’t supporting sustainably sourced seafood.

Another thing to consider is how far your seafood traveled and what type of carbon footprint that has. When you buy local seafood with sustainable methods the carbon footprint is significantly reduced. Local seafood also has the added benefit of supporting local businesses.

Trying new species of seafood or less popularized varieties helps relieve overfishing of species that are at risk. This is also a great opportunity to expand your palate and discover new favorites and possibly learn some new cooking techniques.

Aquaculture has gained momentum in recent years and the Monterey Bay Aquarium predicts the majority of fish we eat in the next decade will be farm raised, not wild. I often get the question: “Isn’t wild caught seafood better than farm raised seafood?”

The answer is that both wild caught and farm raised seafood have their pros and cons.

Fishermen use a wide range of gear and every type has its own affect on the ocean. As a consumer you can make a difference by choosing to purchase seafood that is caught using a method that has the minimal impact on the environment. Like wild caught seafood, farm-raised seafood has many farming systems and each has its own distinct environmental footprint. By choosing seafood that is farmed using the better production systems you can play a positive role in reducing the potential negative impact of aquaculture.

The next comment or question I often hear is: “if it’s not wild caught it doesn’t taste good.” This is a very subjective matter since everyone’s taste buds are unique. There is no right or wrong on this topic, but I will say that not all species are available year-round. So, if you really want wild caught salmon out of season for example it will likely be frozen, which does have an affect on the flavor and texture. Farm raised salmon, as an example, can be harvested year-round, has a consistent flavor profile and doesn’t have to be frozen.

Sustainable Salmon Caesar Salad

In an effort to reduce overfishing of wild salmon we chose to source a sustainably farm raised salmon as a good alternative to wild caught salmon that is only available fresh during a short season. Our north Atlantic salmon is raised in the Pacific Ocean in low density marine net pens. We have taken our sourcing even further by ensuring our salmon is certified by Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) with a 4-star rating, which both ensure that the salmon is being farmed safely, sustainably and responsibly. This also means the farming practices have less of an impact on the surrounding eco-system and the fish have a better environment. Additionally, this type of aquaculture has good alterative rating from The Monterey Bay Aquarium. Our salmon is fresh, never frozen, never given steroids or added hormones.

 

Grilled Ahi Plate with Sesame Broccolini and Roasted Rosemary Potatoes

We offer a hand- line wild caught ahi tuna from Indonesia and the Western Pacific Ocean. It is Fair Trade Certified, in the process of being MSC certified sustainable and has a “Best Choice” rating from the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch. It is never treated with dyes which alter the color. Our purveyor has even taken the extra step of collaborating on a program called The Fishing & Living TM. This program promotes sustainable fisheries and enhanced living conditions for fishing communities through improved fishing practices, education promotions, and donations.
We take great pride in all of our menu offerings and the ingredients we source. I will be delving into other ingredients in future blogs, but you can expect the same high level of criteria and standards that we use with our seafood sourcing to be applied to all of our ingredients. This is part of our commitment to offer you wholesome, balanced, healthy food made from scratch using the best quality ingredients at an honest value.

I hope this blog has given you some easy-to-use information that can help you navigate sustainably sourced seafood and if you have any questions I would be happy to help!

Cheers,

Chef Jim

The post Chef’s Blog: Urban Plates Sustainable Seafood appeared first on Urban Plates.

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Author: Meg Bruno