Fair Trade Awareness
Through July 29, Megan Thompson of the Food Conspiracy Co-op is visiting the Agrarian Cooperatives of Coffee Farmers of Cuzco, Peru (COCLA) as part of the Equal Exchange program. The Co-op is one of eight natural-food stores from around the United States participating. Fair trade is defined as a trading process involving a cooperative association ensuring that marginalized and disadvantaged world producers and farmers receive sufficient compensation for goods and produce. It's the antithesis of Wal-Mart. Plans are in the works to develop a shelf-tag labeling program at the store for fair trade and locally produced items, similar to what the Co-op already has for labeling organic products. Visit the Co-op at 412 N. Fourth Ave.; 624-4821.
Mangia!
Zona 78 hosts a La Cena d'Estate (dinner, Italian-style) paired with Italian wines on Tuesday, July 26. The three-course dinner costs $40 per person (tax and tip not included) starting at 6:30 p.m. Reservations required at 888-7878; 78 W. River Road.
Sunday Brunch
Livorno's, a country bistro with European flair, recently started serving Sunday brunch for $15 per person and $7 for children. Brunch includes a carving station, omelet bar and other specialties. Check it out from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5931 North Oracle Road; 887-5171.
Gold Values
During the oppressive summer months, the Gold Room at the Westward Look Resort offers inexpensive lunches in a luxurious setting. Chef Jamie West, who has cooked for Julia Child and Oprah Winfrey, presents Caesar salad with queso anejo cheese for $7.50, a grilled Angus burger with blue cheese and balsamic onions for $10 and grilled individual pizza for $8. The chef's daily special boasts soup de jour, garden salad, half a sandwich and fresh-baked cookie for $12 at 245 E. Ina Road; 297-1151.
