Eco-Chick · The modern girl's guide to living green & fabulous.

OBEN is OPEN (in Barcelona)

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02/07/06

The 100% recyclable placemat at my table read: “El primer restaurant amb tots els plats 100% ecologics de Barcelona.” For those that don’t speak Catalan, that means: “First 100% organic restaurant in town”

Continuing with my series exposing every organic resource available to eco-chicks passing through Barcelona, today I lunched at OBEN (Organic, Biologic, Environmental, Natural). Based on my placemat, I was expecting an organic meal, though I wasn’t expecting the meal to be in the sleek, modern restaurant that it was. Further – and also surprisingly — the ambiance lacked toes peeking out from Birkenstocks, and instead featured ties peeking out from suits.

During lunch time in Spain, the menú reigns. Lunch is typically a meal consisting of a first and second dish, dessert, a bottle of wine and bread. An average menú in Barcelona is 8EUR. OBEN’s happened to be 9.95EUR — not exactly a price for those traveling on a shoestring.

El menú, however, was extensive, offering five choices for each dish (not all are vegetarian). I opted for the amanida d’ esparrecs (asparagus salad) to start, the spaguettis amb bolets (spaghetti and mushrooms) as my main dish and a very unimpressive crep d’ albercoc (crepe with jellied fruits). The portion sizes were small (to be expected in Spain), but the service was quick and attentive (not to be expected in Spain). The food was tasty and not too filling, making it a menú worth the extra few euros. (There are two locations for OBEN)

Go There: Restaurant OBEN ; Via Laietana, 28 08003 Barcelona
                                                                                      Call: +34 93 295 50 69

Go There: Restaurant OBEN Torrijos, 53 08012 Barcelona
                                                                                      Call: +34 93 237 37 13

Eco-Chick, Food, fruit, fur, lunch, Organic, restaurant, shoes, spa, style, Tea, travel, vegetarian, Wine

The UK: Shedding Light on the Destruction of the Earth

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02/01/06

Britain’s Prime Minister Tony Blair is on the ball. He is a man with his finger on the pulse. In a forward-for–the-U.K., government-commissioned report released Monday, he made the following statement:

“It is now plain that the emission of greenhouse gases, associated with industrialization and economic growth from a world population that has increased six-fold in 200 years, is causing global warming at a rate that is unsustainable.”

Really? You don’t say!

The report outlined several “day after tomorrow” doomsday predictions that would make any woman reconsider subjecting her unborn offspring to what is projected to come in the next several years as a result of industrialization and modern-day living.

According to an article published on cnn.com today, “in the British report, the head of the British Antarctic Survey, Chris Rapley, warned that the huge west Antarctic ice sheet may be starting to disintegrate, an event that could raise sea levels by 16 feet (five meters).”

Not to mention other things highlighted in the report that one could conceivably look forward to, such as intensified weather patterns, a shift in climate zones and the spread of disease.

At least he’s been somewhat consistent. Blair could be found last year at the G8 summit hugging trees while suggesting to the other seven developed nations that they all step up to the plate and get this whole climate thing under control.

Nevertheless, his efforts were met with a lukewarm response, particularly by (you’ll never guess who) the U.S., who said “nay” to Kyoto, as saving the Earth could effect the U.S. economy.

arctic, Eco-Chick, Europe, gas, Global Warming, spring, style, sustainable, trees, weather

Mapu in Barcelona

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01/29/06

Mapu, with its wide-ranging array of organic and biologic products, and focus on mother´s and women, is a must-stop spot for the environmentally minded eco-chick tourist while in Barcelona.

Mapu is tucked away in the maze-like Bari Gotic — the old quarter of Barcelona. If you weren’t looking for it, you most likely wouldn’t find it. It is run by the friendly Puri Gomez and her helpful hijo (son).

The storefront displays everything from eco baby toys to rice milk. The inside is cramped, but all of your organic needs can be met. Organic vegetables, biologic wines, Weleda cosmetics, earth-friendly cleaning products, and a wide assortment of flavored tofu choices line the tight shelves.

Looking for products that may be of interest specifically to women, Puri introduced me to the Moon Cup. It is a reusable menstrual cup that is made from soft silicone rubber. Apparently it is all the rage in Barcelona. Initially only enviro-friendly consumers were asking for it but now girls are coming in by the dozens seeking this alternative to tampons. Along the same lines, she showed me Sea Pearls. These Atlantic sea sponge tampon alternatives are safe, natural and reusable.

Go There: Mapu; Desarrollo Sostenible Magdalenes 7 08002 Barcelona

Call: +34 93 317 55 25

Baby, cleaning, cleaning products, cosmetics, Eco-Chick, Milk, Organic, skin, Wine, women

Organic in BCN

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01/28/06

Spain is the world’s #2 tourist destination following France. In 2003, 51.8 million vacationers descended upon Sunny Spain to bask in the Mediterranean rays and bathe their brains in the best sangria the world has to offer. Not to mention the food — Paella, Jamon Iberico (Iberian Ham), tantalizing tapas, and more olives than you can shake a branch at. 

That is all fine and good for carnivorous vacationers eager to slap some fresh salami on their pan (bread) and call it a day. What’s left for those who elect a more organic existence and opt out when it comes to flesh eating carne time? A week-long sustenance on wine from a box and some nuts? Perhaps a few years ago, but even in a slow-to-change country that clings dearly to its three hour lunch break — things are changing.

Spaniards are slowly becoming more open to wholesome living as evidenced by vegetarian alternatives popping up on even the most traditional menus, organic storefronts squeezing their way between carnicerias, and strictly vegetarian restaurants cropping up.

Over the next few postings we will take a look at eco-friendly stores and restaurants in Barcelona. We will focus specifically on Barcelona because it is arguably the most cosmopolitan city in Spain, (those who hail from Madrid will beg to differ), and it is where your faithful correspondent currently resides.

bath, car, eating, Eco-Chick, Food, lunch, Organic, restaurant, spa, vegetarian, Wine

Pious Pollutants

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12/31/05

The Vatican

—-Rome
Everyone knew the Vatican wasn’t good for women’s liberation, but who knew the Vatican was no good for the environment as well? This week a Roman court convicted two Vatican Radio officials of “polluting the environment”with electromagnetic waves from a transmission tower.

The Week reported that “Cardinal Roberto Tucci, Vatican liaison for the station, and the Rev. Pasquale Borgomeo, the station’s director general, were each sentenced to 10 days in jail.” Lucky for them the Italians are softies when it comes to first offenses, meaning they will probably get off easy. This was brought to the authorities attention after citizens of a Roman suburb were complaining that the Vatican’s larger-than-life reception towers were contributing to high rates of leukemia among children.

The court has yet to rule on the amount of civil damages the Vatican must pay.

car, children, women, women's