Jim Hansen, NASA scientist and leading climate expert, warned last week that urgent action by Obama could halt the devastating climate change that now threatens the planet. Apparently it is crucial that this action will occur in the next four years. Four years to save the world? No problem, right?

-Karen

The opening of the Memphis Farmers Market is still months away, but Memphis locavores can still help support downtown's only market for locally-grown produce and meat by dining at the Inn at Hunt Phelen as part of the  Memphis Farmers Market Winter Dinner Tour. The tour involves popular local chefs taking on the challenge of creating locally sourced meals throughout the Winter and Spring. The first event will be held on tomorrow (1/18) at 6 p.m. The dates for the entire tour are as follows:

Upcoming 2009 Dinner Tour Schedule:

Sunday, January 18, 2009, 6:00 PM
The Inn at Hunt Phelan 533 Beale St.
Reservations 901-525-8225
Huntphelan.com

Sunday, February 8, 2009, 6:00 PM
Sole Restaurant
221 South 3rd Street across from the Fed Ex Forum Reservations 901-334-5950
Solememphis.com

Friday, February 27, 2009, 6:00 PM
Chez Philippe The Peabody Hotel
Reservations 901-529-4188
Peabodymemphis.com

Sunday, March 15, 2009, 6:00 PM
Encore Restaurant
150 Peabody Pl.
Reservations 901-528-1415
Encore-memphis.com

Sunday, April 19, 2009, 6:00 PM
McEwen's on Monroe 122 Monroe Ave.
Reservations 901-527-7085
Mcewensonmonroe.com
 

-Karen

Ekla Home makes some of the most eco-friendly furniture out there, while maintaining an eye towards clean, modern design. Their furniture is all domestically made, and the brand features eco-fabrics, uses no chemical flame retardants, uses the lowest VOC finishes available, and uses reclaimed or FSC certified woods among other environmentally friendly aspects. If you are a fan of clean lines and a clean world, look no further than Ekla Home.

-Karen

Truly committed locavores must truly learn to "put food by" as well as find the dedication to actually do so. If not, they may find themselves eating a less-than-appetizing "meat-and-oatmeal-diet" as law student Justin Rothboeck has discovered. It pays to plan ahead. (And to learn to can tomatoes!)

-Karen