The Green Award 2010

Through a year of uncertainty, Andrea Carlson held to a locavore philosophy that felt as sturdy as it was effortless. Her green approach got its formal start in 2003 at Sooke Harbour House on Vancouver Island, a restaurant surrounded by herb-rich gardens, fresh seafood, and local producers. In Vancouver she became deeply involved in local community initiatives, including the Green Table Network (to encourage composting and water reduction in restaurants), Growing Chefs (where chefs visit classrooms to discuss sustainable agriculture), and UBC Farm’s Outstanding in the Field (a gourmet dining series that promotes farming initiatives). When the 100-Mile Diet was catching on, Carlson (then at Raincity Grill) was the first chef in town to feature a 100-mile menu; more recently, she helped launch the city’s compost program by composting with the mayor. Her current position at Bishop’s—a room that was ahead of the curve in sourcing and eating locally, organically, and sustainably—is perfectly fitting. As is the judges’ selection of the gifted, self-effacing Vancouver native as this year’s winner of our Green Award.