It's Earth Day, and if you're wondering about steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint, you have myriad options. For instance, you can implement reusable bags at the store, take advantage of public transportation and cut down on single-use plastic.

But the most impactful individual step we can take for the planet doesn’t start with any of these. It begins with what we eat. Moving in the right direction can be as simple as seeking out foods grown, produced or made locally (and supporting local restaurants that do the same).

Another tactic is to reduce the amount of meat that we consume. And while you can approach this step with an all-or-nothing attitude, it’s much easier to begin one dish at a time. 

Can you go meatless for one day this week? Bet you can. It’s even easier when you have a delicious list of options from which to choose. These dishes, available at local restaurants, are just a sampling of what's available around town. But they are a good place to start!

1. Malawah (Somali crepes)

Blue Star Cafe
1619 N. Farwell Ave., (414) 273-9744
bluestarmke.com
[Read more]

Somali crepes (malawah) are thicker than the French variety and slightly sweet. They're doppled with toasty brown spots, making an attractive and tasty wrapper for a hearty serving spinach, peas, corn and carrots. Ramp up the flavor with a dash of basbaas cagaar (green sauce) for spice or the accompanying thick yogurt, which offers a fresh tang.  

2. “Cassoulet”

ARIA
Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel
139 E. Kilbourn Ave., (414) 270-4422
saintkatearts.com
[Read more]

Aria’s newest menu features a variety of vegetable-based options, including this vegetarian (and gluten-free) take on the classic French cassoulet.  Infinitely lighter than the meaty original, this hearty bean-based dish features braised sunchokes, kohlrabi, carrots, celery root, fennel, cannelini bean ragu and a flavorful polanaise crumble.

3. Escalivada Sandwich

Amilinda
315 E. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 369-3683
amilinda.com
[Read more]

The plant-based Escalivada Sandwich begins with a ciabatta roll stuffed with tender grilled eggplant, peppers and onions and a flavorful roasted fennel spread. It’s available for carry-out at Amilinda on Thursdays and Fridays between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Order online for pick-up at the restaurant.

4. Kale & Avocado Chaat

Saffron 
223 N. Water St., (414) 539-4980
saffronmke.com
[Read more]

Chaat is among the most varied street food dishes in the Indian canon, offering up a winning combination of sweet, salty, crunchy, spicy and savory ingredients. Saffron’s newest version, which features crispy kale, avocado, potato salli (thin, fried potato crisps), sweet and spicy mango chutney, cajun spices and pomegranate arils. It makes an excellent shareable starter that will readily whet your appetite for the many other vegetable-based dishes on the menu.

5. Spinach Girelli

L'Incontro
2315 N. Murray Ave., (414) 409-8040
instagram.com/lincontromke
[Read more]

L’Incontro’s menu has numerous dishes that put vegetables at the center of the plate (including generously portioned vegetable sides that would make me happy all on their own). But, if you’re in the mood for pasta, this layered spinach pasta dish is lovely. Housemade spinach pasta is layered with ricotta, parmesan and stacchino in an eye-catching spiral, flavored with tomato butter and topped with pecorino and pea tendrils.

6. The Frenchie

Seven Swans Creperie 
808 E. Chambers St. 
sevenswanscreperie.com
[Read more]

I’ve grown to adore the charming laid-back atmosphere at Seven Swans Creperie, which serves up a menu of delicious filled French-style crepes. The Frenchie is among the most basic crepes on the menu; but it’s perfect in its simplicity. Filled with sweet caramelized onions and nutty, salty Gruyere cheese, the crepe is delicious as-is. But I love taking advantage of the option to add sauteed mushrooms, which give the crepe a delicious boost of earthy umami flavor. 

7. Kale Caesar

Sorella
2535 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 301-6255
sorellamke.com
[Read more]

Yes, it’s a salad. But it’s a delicious one. Tuscan kale meets celery, fennel and crispy bits of parmesan in this beautiful take on a Classic Caesar. Even better, it’s a great accompaniment for veggie-topped pizza or seasonal pastas like potato gnocchi with asparagus, Pecorino Romano and black pepper.

8. Black bean burger

The Wicked Hop
345 N. Broadway, (414) 223-0345
thewickedhop.com
[Read more]

This substantial housemade black bean patty is beautifully flavored with a mix of Southwestern spices plus pieces of black bean, corn and flecks of red pepper. It’s flavorful and just firm enough to hold its shape, and the standard toppings (lettuce, tomato and sliced red onion) add a nice vegetal component. While I don’t think it needs additional toppings to make it shine, it’s also lovely with the addition of guacamole and jalapeños which embrace the burger’s Southwestern feel and give it a bit more pop.