When we strive to live locally, we help our local communities become more sustainable. Walk or bike through your neighborhood, take in your surroundings and get to know the landscape of your town.

Another option is to volunteer your time to improve your local community. Idealist.org is a great source for finding local volunteer options. Pick something you feel very strongly about, and look for local groups who are working toward that goal.

Support local businesses. Support the food co-op, local grocery stores, the butcher, bookstores, bakers, nurseries, coffee roasters, dessert company, several restaurants (most serving local and/or seasonal food), thrift stores, farmer’s markets, local compost company, and pet stores.

Basically when we need something (or, truth be told, when we want something), we should look within walking distance first, and then work outward from there.

Also know as a secret supper (guerilla cuisine, rogue cuisine,  bootleg banquet or a tea party) the event is an eating establishment operated out of someone’s home (generally, but now always bypassing local ordinances). They are actually “paying dinner parties”. They are advertised by word of mouth, guerilla advertising, on the Internet or via email, and they may require recommendations to make a reservation.

For years, these word-of-mouth eateries, attracted diners looking to sample high-concept cuisine with an exclusive group of insiders. Often started by chefs who couldn’t afford the overhead costs of a legal restaurant, they were also a reaction against the commercialism of celebrity chefs.

The attraction for guests is to sample new cuisines. They may be more affordable or more adventurous than they would find in a typical restaurant. In general there is no menu and no liquor or wine served (you bring your own). For the host or the chef who loves to cook, the benefit is twofold: to make some money and to play restaurant for one night only.

If you won’t go to a dinner party unless you know everyone, this is not for you. While you can bring friends, the dining is family style and the atmosphere is more likely to be outgoing, friendly and maybe a little raucous. The location may anywhere from a garage to a roof deck or on the beach.

Here is a bootleg menus from a recent supper in London cooked by two friends:
Prosecco with raspberry
Bruschetta with assorted toppings
Risotto with fresh broad beans, peas and prosciutto  or Risotto with fresh broad beans and peas Slow cooked veal with white wine and saffron, purple sprouting brocolli, lentils with fresh herbs
Aubergine Parmigiana, purple sprouting brocolli, lentils with fresh herbs
Creme caramel and a surprise extra dessert

If you are planning a secret supper, please invite me…..I will not throw food.