Dining with Alberto

I recently connected with Carolyn Centeno, President of Food for Thought Tours, who organized a gathering called “Dine with Alberto of Gustorganics”.   I had no idea who Alberto was, but I sure do love to dine, so I said “sign me up!” 

Well, I now know who Alberto is and he’s a new hero.  Alberto is originally from Argentina but saw a need in the US for people to reconnect to healthy, local, organic foods.  So he packed up his family and brought them and his vision to New York City.  This guy is taking a bite out of the Big Apple and making his mark in a meaningful way. 

Gustorganics is the first AND only 100% certified organic restaurant, not just in New York, but in the whole United States.  Alberto’s is one of the greenest restaurants in the world, having been built with recycled woods and eco-friendly materials.  He uses wind energy, solar lighting, green cleaning products, and composts food waste.  He even prints his menus on recycled paper. 

My three-course meal was delicious, and consisted of Dona Maria Cheese (baked mozzarella), Chicken Piadina (like a quesadilla but made with flatbread instead of a tortilla), and Flan.  I drank the Pepino, a cocktail made with organic vodka, cucumbers and mint.  Dangerously light and refreshing. 

During the meal, Alberto spent some time with us, talking about his experiences with food, why he was inspired to create Gustorganics, and his trials and tribulations along the way.   All of us around the table were so entranced by his stories that we hardly ate while he was speaking.  Alberto is truly impassioned by his work and that kind of passion is both contagious and inspiring.  

Not only did I leave Gustorganics with a full belly, but more importantly, I left with a full spirit.  Thanks Alberto!  And thanks to Carolyn for organizing a great event! 

From left to right:  me, Alberto Gonzalez of Gustorganics, Carolyn Centeno of Food for Thought Tours