Omnivore Atlanta

FOR THE LOVE OF IT: Laura Nolan gave up the rat race to tend bar at Euclid Avenue Yacht Club.

Wearing a black V-neck and sterling silver earrings, Sarah Whistine sits near the pool tables at Georgia State hangout Sidebar, talking on her cell phone between shifts. She’s been working here for almost a year now, and at first glance seems like any other student working her way through college at a sports bar. But Whistine is not a college student. She has a degree as a physical therapist assistant from Black Hawk College in Illinois, and turned 30 last month.

The national percentage of jobless bachelor’s degree holders has doubled from 2.4 percent to 4.7 percent over the past year, according to educational attainment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But because Atlanta holds more opportunity than some other areas in the state, laid-off locals from this educational group often take service industry jobs while they continue to hope for a position in their field, said Bureau of Labor Statistics economist Steve Rondone, who works in Atlanta.

Continue reading “Feature: Higher hospitality”

(Photo by Joeff Davis)

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As reported yesterday by Meredith Ford in the AJC , JOËL BRASSERIE is currently without a liquor license. Since then, rumors have been flying that the restaurant would potentially be closing next week. Ford put up a new post today defending against allegations that she wanted the restaurant to fail. KC Public Relations Rep Karen Canavan said this morning that the restaurant has no plans to close. They are re-applying for their liquor license, and the process can take up to two weeks, she said. During that time, they will not be able to serve alcohol on premises. The restaurant plans to throw a party when they do get their license back, Canavan said.

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Food Network is holding an open casting call this Mon., Aug. 24, for Season 6 of of the “Next Food Network Star.” The show will air in 2010. Casting will be held at the W Atlanta Midtown (188 14th St.) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We are looking for people who are full of life, passionate about cooking, and knowledgeable about food to meet us in person at our open casting call,” the “Next Food Network Star” casting assistant Nivale Lightfoot said in an e-mail. Like last season, the show is open to casting chefs, home cooks, caterers and any culinary enthusiast.

The network requests that applicants bring two recent photos, a resume, and a completed application to the casting. Applications can be found at www.foodnetwork.com/star. Questions can be directed to nfns6atlanta@yahoo.com.

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The Waffle House communications department confirmed this afternoon that the restaurant will open a new location on Technology Square in Midtown late this year or early next year. Waffle House VP of Marketing and Communications Pat Warner said that the restaurant will be a standard Waffle House, but that corporate is also thinking about including a Wi-Fi lounge in the space. (Hat tip to Abby for the heads up).

(Photo by Tim Psych via Flickr.com)

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Prominent Atlanta pastry chef Aaron Russell of Decatur’s Chocolate Bar notified the restaurant yesterday that he will not return to work. Since new management took over the Chocolate Bar this year, staff members have been uncomfortable with menu changes centered around the new restaurant location in Castleberry Hill, said Russell.

It’s rumored that several other staff members also quit yesterday in support of Russell.

Russell said he has had “to endure a long, slow slide into mediocrity” since original owner Karen Britain left the Chocolate Bar early this year. Russell originally teamed with current Porter Beer Bar chef Nick Rutherford (both had previously worked at Seeger’s) as co-chefs for the Chocolate Bar under Britain when it opened in 2007.

According to Russell, the new Chocolate Bar menus will only be printed once a year — so seasonal changes or creativity are out of the question.

“It’s not the kind of restaurant or the kind of food I’d like to be associated with,” he said.

Russell said he’s had several job offers already, but has not yet made a decision about where he’ll go next.

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The Environmental Protection Agency banned domestic or imported foods that contain residue from the pesticide carbofuran late last month in an unusual move that will effectively remove the chemical from the U.S. market.

The pesticide gained national attention in March when it was highlighted by a “60 Minutes” report that described the Kenyan practice of using the chemical to poison lions preying on traditional herders’ cattle. Bottles of the substance retail for around U.S. $2 in Kenya, the report said. Lions who eat the chemical quickly die after their nervous systems shut down. (more…)

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FILTHY RICH: Vote today!

Best of Atlanta voting ends tonight at 12 a.m. for our 2009 “Filthy Rich” ballot. You can also submit your picks through facebook. Online voters have to enter at least 10 categories. We already have a record of over 5,400 votes!

For more Best of Atlanta action, Fresh Loaf has a new poll up where you can vote if you’d rather see more fine dining or more cheap eats restaurants in Atlanta.

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SOUL FOOD: The Southern Foodways Alliance produces films, does research and just generally celebrates regional food culture.

The Southern Foodways Alliance, a food society that studies, documents, and celebrates food from the American South, is holding their Potlikker Film Fest in Athens on August 22nd. The 6 to 9 p.m. evening of movies, mingling and performance will be held at Cine Athens and kicks of with “potlikker shots” for guests as they walk in the door. There will be bite-sized samples of old and new southern cuisine and live music and poetry by Coleman Barks. The event also includes a set of four short films on food in the South directed and produced by the SFA. The 21 and over evening is $45. Beer will be provided by Athens’ Terrapin Beer Company. Register here.

(Photo by Southern Foodways Alliance)

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A few upcoming Atlanta food events:

FREE TONIGHT?: 5 Seasons Westside is holding a Farm 2 Beer dinner that includes local and organic dishes with beer pairings.

5 Seasons Westside Farm 2 Beer dinner, tonight. This 5 Seasons Westside prix-fixe dinner includes five farms, five courses and five handcrafted beers for $55. The food comes from local, organic farms and the menu includes lobster stuffed squash, braised short ribs and whole hog. Each course comes paired with the farmer’s favorite 5 Seasons beer. This afternoon there were 14 seats still open for the event. $55. 7 p.m.-10 p.m. 1000 Marietta St. 404-875-3232. www.5seasonsbrewing.com.

Eno Alaskan Salmon Dinner with Louis Roederer Champagnes, Aug. 6th. This two-part evening is the work of Chef Eli Kirshtein and Owner-Wine Director Doug Strickland. The night starts at 6:30 p.m. with a $20 Louis Roederer Champagne tasting featuring four California sparkling wines. Dinner will begin at 8 p.m. and includes four courses showcasing different species of Alaskan Salmon. Each course is paired with a new Louis Roederer Champagne, so those who participate in the entire event will sample eight different varieties of bubbly. Reservations are required. $20 for tasting, $75 for dinner with pairings. 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m. 800 Peachtree St. 404-685-3191. www.enorestaurant.com.

The Cheesecake Factory Any Slice Is Half Price, July 30th. All cheesecake slices will be 50 percent off tomorrow for those who dine in at The Cheesecake Factory in celebration of National Cheesecake Day. The restaurant is also debuting their new Stefanie’s Ultimate Red Velved Cake Cheesecake™. For every slice of the red velvet cheesecake sold over the next year, The Cheesecake Factory will donate 25 cents to Feeding America, a hunger-relief organization. Price varies. All day. 310-453-2539. www.thecheesecakefactory.com.

(Photo: With permission via 5seasonsbrewing.com)

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CULINARY COMPETITION: Top chefs from Atlanta will compete next month at the Killer Tomato Festival.

Dine out for a cause or hit a local festival for some food-themed fun this summer in Atlanta. Some notable upcoming foodie events are:

Inman Park Dine Out, July 29th. Participating restaurants in Inman Park will donate a portion of the day’s sales to fund the Inman Park Security Patrol. The list of supporters also includes the Float Spa and Dad’s Garage. Price varies. All day. Inman Park. www.inmanparkdineout.com.

Graveyard Tavern Unibroue Beer Dinner & Swing Night, July 29th. The monthly affair includes passed hours d’oeuvres and three seated courses paired with Belgian-style beers for a fixed price. The food features local and sustainable ingredients. Swing dancing to follow. Reservations are required by email to info@graveyardtavern.com. $35. 7 p.m. 1245 Glenwood Ave. 404-622-8686. www.graveyardtavern.com.

Corks & Forks: A Fine Food & Wine Event, Aug. 29th and 30th. Taste dishes from Atlanta’s top chefs and sample wines and craft beers and ales. There will also be sit-down workshops on tasting and selection. Corks & Forks is held as part of the free Summer Shade Festival in historic Grant Park. $35 in advance, $45 at the gate (the festival is free). Both days 1 p.m.-5 p.m. 499 Broyles Street. 404-521-0938. www.summershade.org.

Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival, Aug. 9th. Prominent Atlanta chefs will be paired with a local farmer to face off in an “Iron Chef”-style competition using tomatoes. Benefits will go to Georgia Organics. Judges will be Bon Appetit Restaurant Editor Andrew Knowlton, Food + Wine freelance writer Danny Bonvissuto, and Southern Living senior food writer Donna Florio. The 18+ event will be held at JCT Kitchen and will feature live music and beer from 5 Seasons Brewing. $50, $45 for Georgia Organics Members, or $90 for VIP pass that includes an open bar. 1 p.m.-6 p.m. 1198 Howell Mill Rd. 678-702-0400. www.georgiaorganics.org.

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FILTHY RICH: Pick out the most over-the-top things about Atlanta and pull for your everyday hometown favorites tomorrow at the Masquerade.

Creative Loafing’s annual Best of Atlanta Voting Party will be tomorrow at the Masquerade. The event starts at 9 p.m., and tickets are $5. Food and beverages are included. Attractive Eighties Women and Hardy Morris of Dead Confederate will both be performing live. Come submit your picks — whether indulgent or gritty —  for the Best of Atlanta 2009 “Filthy Rich” edition while mingling with the CL staff.

If you can’t make it tomorrow, vote online.

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DINING ON A DIME: Downtown Atlanta Restaurant Week will offer three-course meals for $25.

Downtown Atlanta Restaurant Week will begin on the 27th of this month. Restaurants in the downtown area will feature $25 dinners that include an appetizer, entrée and dessert. Among the 28 participants offering the three-course deal are 30 Tables, BLT Steak and the Atlanta Grill. The annual event has been extended to last for two weeks this year and will run until August 9th. Reservations are suggested and available via OpenTable.

(Photo courtesy Central Atlanta Progress)

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ROUGHY RIOT: Greenpeace volunteers go all out for sustainability at a "Traitor Joe's" event earlier this month in San Francisco.

Greenpeace volunteers from the Atlanta area gathered at Trader Joe’s in Midtown this morning to petition the store to stop selling unsustainable seafood. The activist group collected signatures as part of a push to encourage the national supermarket chain to make changes to its seafood policies. Greenpeace recently released a scorecard ranking the 20 most prominent grocery chains on their commitment to selling sustainable seafood. Trader Joe’s was ranked 17^th.

In response, Greenpeace has launched an initiative known as “Traitor Joe’s” to pressure the store to stop selling exploited species.

The group originally planned to wear “brightly colored” orange roughy fish costumes to the event, according to a press release from last week. Orange roughy is a species that is both overfished and collected using methods that destruct marine habitats. The group wore the costumes at an event in San Francisco earlier this month.

However, “We had logistical problems with the orange roughy costumes,” said Greenpeace Climate Rescue Field Organizer Sierra Barnes.

“But we’ll be there with petitions,” she said.

“Nationally, we are using these petitions, and they have started to respond,” she said. But Trader Joe’s has “not responded to the full extent we would like them to.”

Greenpeace left the property this morning after the Midtown Trader Joe’s managers said they were calling the police.

(Photo courtesy Greenpeace, with permission, via Flickr)

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RogueAapron is teaming up with Georgia Organics and Slow Food Atlanta for an exclusive showing of Food, Inc. this Thursday at the Midtown Art Cinema. The evening starts at 6:30 p.m. with beer provided by Five Seasons Brewery and door prizes. The film will start at 7:10 p.m. Tickets are $10 and are available online via rogueApron.

Check out the Food, Inc. trailer.

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Gourmet’s Melissa McCart writes about a recent culinary boot camp experiment to help Army cooks hone their understanding of technique, ingredients and flavor profiles. The chefs who participated in the training were recently deployed to Afghanistan, where they are now making meals for 600 to 800 soldiers at a time.

The Chicago Tribune dining staff ran an editorial story yesterday about all the phrases they hate seeing on menus. “World famous” and “garden fresh” were among their most loathsome clichés.

If you liked the Hardee’s Biscuit Hole ad that Cliff put up last week, you’ll love these new salacious marketing treats. The Western fast food chain Carl’s Jr. is featuring MTV The Hills star Audrina Patridge in a television commercial for their Teriyaki Burger – “It’s more than just a piece of meat.” And Burger King is currently running an unimaginative, super suggestive ad in Singapore for their BK Super Seven Incher burger.

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Last week, the United Nations’ Food and Health Organization released a chilling statistic: More than one-sixth of the world’s people will go hungry in 2009. What qualifies one as “going hungry?” Less than than 1,800 calories a day, according to the FHO. The agency attributes the 100 million increase over last year’s figure to the global economic slowdown and consistently high food prices. Called a “silent crisis” by FHO Director-General Jacques Diouf, political instability and lack of infrastructure have compounded food shortages — shifting political boundaries and conflicts such as civil war keep much needed food from reaching people.

Want to help? Consider volunteering here in Atlanta. The Atlanta Community Foodbank accepts individual and group volunteers daily and for special events. Project Open Hand — a service organization that delivers meals to the chronically ill or elderly — needs help preparing and giving out food. The Hands On Atlanta website lists volunteer opportunities by date and interest so you can find a foodie way to be good to Atlanta.

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To shed light on last week’s suspicions, The Reynolds Group PR Rep Jill Caramella sent out a press release yesterday about the changes coming to Trois. The dining room will have a new concept in September, though the bar and event spaces will remain open. Trois plans to give their employees jobs at other Concentrics restaurants in the downtime.

The release quoted owner and founder of Concentrics Restaurants Bob Amick.

“We conducted intense guest focus groups and surveys at TROIS which revealed the restaurant was not meeting guest expectations,“ he said. “As a result, we feel it is necessary to adjust the décor and menu to better please our guests. We are excited to provide more insight on the new concept when all elements are solidified.”

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Aspen Signature Steak, Brunch buffet. $18.95 adult, $9.95 children. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 3625 Dallas Hwy. 770-419-1744. www.sedgwickrestaurantgroup.com.

Bistro VG, A three course dinner. $29, or $40 with wine pairings. 5 p.m-9 p.m. 70 West Crossville Road. 770-993-1156. www.sedgwickrestaurantgroup.com.

Fire of Brazil, Dinner menu enhanced with exotic meats (ostrich, kangaroo, alligator, etc.). $41.50 adults, $13.25 children. 4 p.m.-9:30 p.m. 118 Perimeter Center West. 770-551-9652. www.fireofbrazil.com.

Food 101, Special Father’s Day menu. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1397 North Highland Avenue. 404-347-9747. www.101concepts.com.

Luciano’s, Brunch buffet. $19.95 adults, 9.95 children 6-12, under 6 free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 10990 State Bridge Rd. and 6555 Sugarloaf Parkway. 678-242-1890 and 770-225-1727. www.lucianositaly.com

Morton’s The Steakhouse, A four-course dinner. $65. 5 p.m.-10 p.m. 3379 Peachtree Rd. 404-816-6535. www.mortons.com.

NEO at The Mansion on Peachtree, A four-course dinner. $60 or $75 with beer pairings. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 3376 Peachtree Rd. 404-995-7545. www.mansiononpeachtree.com.

Oceanaire Seafood Room, Special Father’s Day menu. 5 p.m.-10 p.m. 1100 Peachtree St. 404-475-2277.www.theoceanaire.com.

Pampas Steakhouse, Special brunch features and menu features. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. 10970-A State Bridge Rd. 678-339-0029. www.pampassteakhouse.com.

Park 75 Restaurant at Four Seasons Atlanta, A five-course tasting menu. $42. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 75 Fourteenth St. 404-253-3858. www.fourseasons.com/atlanta.

Parks Edge, Special $3 bloody marys, mimosas, and bellini’s. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 913 Bemina Ave. 404-584-7275. www.parksedgeatl.com.

The Pecan, Buffet. $55 adult, $45 senior, $25 children, unlimited mimosas for $10. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 3725 Main St. 404-762-8444. www.thepecanrestaurant.com.

Ray’s in the City, Brunch buffet. $23.95. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 240 Peachtree St. 404-524-9224. www.raysrestaurants.com.

Ray’s Killer Creek, Brunch buffet. $23.95. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 1700 Mansell Rd. 770-649-0064. www.raysrestaurants.com.

Ray’s on the River, Brunch buffet. $23.95 adult, $11.95 children, 4 and under free. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. 6700 Powers Ferry Rd. 770-955-1187. www.raysrestaurants.com.

Real Men Cook For Charity Atlanta, A festival where more than 100 men cook for nearly 3,000 guests. $20 adults, $10 children. 3 p.m.-6 p.m. 65 MLK Jr. Drive. 404-344-8496. www.realmencook.com.

South City Kitchen, Special brunch menu. 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 1144 Crescent Ave. 404-873-7358. www.southcitykitchen.com.

Spice Market, A three course dinner. $30. 5 p.m.-9 p.m. 188 14th St. 404-549-5450. www.spicemarketatlanta.com.

STATS, Dads eat free with the purchase of one entrée of equal or greater value. 11 a.m.-12 a.m. 300 Marietta St. 404-885-1472. www.statsatl.com.

The Sun Dial Restaurant, A three course brunch and manly activities on the view level including a putting green and Sweetwater Beer tasting. $40. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 210 Peachtree St. 404-589-7506. www.sundialrestaurant.com.

Straits, Brunch on the newly designed patio. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 793 Juniper St. 404-877-1283. www.straitsrestaurants.com.

Village Tavern, Brunch buffet. $19.95 adults, $10.95 children. 9 a.m-3 p.m. 11555 Rainwater Dr. 770-777-6490. www.villagetavern.com.

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YUM/YIKES: Good news and bad news for The Cheesecake Factory this month.

The Cheesecake Factory has shown up on two interesting lists this month: the 2009 Zagat Fast-Food Survey and the Center for Science in the Public Interest’s 2009 Xtreme Eating Awards.

The Zagat reader feedback survey gives Cheesecake Factory the top spot in five out of 11 categories under the “Full-Service Chains” section (a sweep of almost 50 percent!). The restaurant wins in Best Salads, Best Coffee, Best Appetizers, Best Desserts, and Best Value.

Cheesecake Factory also takes it home in three out of nine categories in the Xtreme Eating Awards, but this recognition is of a different sort. The CSPI is on the lookout for the most fattening, most caloric meals available. The Cheesecake Factory wins for its over three day’s of recommended saturated fat in their Fried Macaroni and Cheese, for the 2,500 calories in their Chicken and Biscuits, and for the three day supply of sodium in the Philly Style Charbroiled Flat Iron Steak with fries.

The Cheesecake Factory has four locations in Atlanta.

(Photo by TriviaKing via Wikimedia Commons)

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LUNCH CRUNCH: Should Georgia's prisoners get lunch every day?

Georgia prisons are getting national attention this morning for their initiative to save money by not giving prisoners lunch three days a week. According to an Associated Press article running in some major newspapers today, prisoners in Georgia will still get the same amount of calories every day (2,800 for men and 2,300 for women), but now won’t get lunch on Fridays – in addition to Saturdays and Sundays, when state prisoners have been lunch-less for years now. Instead, they’ll get bigger portions at breakfast and dinner on those days.

As the fifth-largest prison system in the nation, the Georgia Department of Corrections has seen some major budget cuts within the last fiscal year, and they have to make up for the difference any way they can. And at a time when Georgia has a child food insecurity rate of almost 20 percent, it’s hard to decide just who deserves a free and healthy lunch every day.

Opponents of the prison lunch cut back say it increases violence in prisons because inmates become disgruntled as food becomes a hot commodity. The AP pulled up reports of inmate assaults through an open records request for their story and found that reports of inmate assaults have increased “substantially” in Georgia prisons for fiscal year 2009 over the previous year. However, it is unclear if there is any connection between the assaults and the lack of lunch.

(Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons)

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LARDY LARDY: One of the Slate pieces questions the potential hip factor of this once shunned ingredient.

Slate Magazine put out a special food issue today celebrating changing perspectives on food and our growing awareness about what we put on the table. “The Way We Eat” includes six stories on topics such as why lard just might become trendy again and cooking using ratios.

(Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons)

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Media Bistro ran this story yesterday recapping a panel of media professionals who spoke about marketing and publicity to a Mediabistro Circus audience. One of the surprising gossip tidbits in the meeting? Bravo SVP of Marketing Ellen Stone said that “Top Chef’s” home channel Bravo and Food & Wine magazine’s publisher American Express Publishing are working together to potentially create a “Top Chef” magazine. It’s nice to see some Food Network competition, as its stars typically dominate everything from culinary shows to cookbooks to retail cookware.

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Chef Bourdain names some of his favorite restaurants from around the world in this month’s issue of Men’s Health magazine. Eateries that make the cut include Mario Batali’s parent’s sandwich shop in Seattle and the infamous elBulli in Spain. “A table at the most expensive restaurant in the world does not guarantee a truly great meal,” writes Bourdain. His list reflects this idea — giving diners options that range from just plain delicious barbecue in Kansas City, to exquisite sushi in Tokyo in case “you’re planning on dying in the near future and want to knock off a list of final, glorious dining experiences.”

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A Madison County, Ill., court approved a settlement last Wednesday under which Tyson Foods Inc. — the nation’s largest meat producer — will donate 1.7 million pounds of chicken to Illinois food banks to end a nearly eight-year lawsuit.

The legal issue arose after accusations that the company had inflated the retail weight of poultry by infusing the meat with cold water. The class action suit ran into settlement issues because the people who bought the chicken as early as 2001 no longer have proof of purchase.

Instead, in an out of court settlement, Tyson has agreed to donate the unclaimed funds in the form of chicken to be distributed by Feeding Illinois, the former Illinois Food Bank Association.

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My mom’s a spirited tree hugger spiked with a shot of worried parent syndrome. She’s always calling me in the middle of the day to explain that she has found yet another environmental threat to my health. Here’s what she sent to my inbox this morning: it’s a list of the “dirty dozen” foods that you should buy organic from thedailygreen.com.

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