"niman ranch" news and stories

U.S.-based, fast-casual* restaurant Chipotle Mexican Grill announced yesterday that they will be opening at least one store in London by the end of 2009. Opening a location abroad has more complications for Chipotle than it does for other dining brands, as they have a policy of working with local farmers and ranchers in order to source their food locally, humanely and sustainably.

They also announced yesterday that Bill Niman, founder of Niman Ranch, will be joining the management team as the Sustainable Agriculture Advisor. His job will be to will help Chipotle to expand on its efforts to support sustainable agriculture and bring food from sustainable sources to the masses.

It sounds like Chipotle is working hard to do everything right. Now, if only they could open a location in Center City Philadelphia!

*What happens to eating out when the quality of casual dining meets the speed and efficiency of fast food.

Bill Niman, who left his Niman Ranch after a power struggle, hopes to stage a comeback with goat meal.

Four different stuffed pepper recipes.

Restaurants expand their hours in hopes of staying afloat financially.

Eric Asimov tastes the zinfandels of Paso Robles.

Western chefs fall in love with dashi, Japanese fish and seaweed stock.

The Minimalist does Moroccan seffa, a couscous dessert.

Source

EatingWell magazine ran a feature article about Niman Ranch, which works with a network of family farmers that adhere to strict standards to produce high quality beef, pork and lamb. Their guidelines include treating animals humanely, feeding them all-natural feeds, and allowing them to mature naturally, rather than in an unnatural, forced way. Niman Ranch is often regarded as an excellent example of a company that goes above and beyond the bare minimum standards set by the USDA for "natural" meat production. In addition to Niman Ranch, EatingWell included a list of other companies that pride themselves on the quality of their meats and the treatment of the animals in their care. Check out their whole list for more information on the individual companies, but the brands whose cuts made the cut are:

• Coleman Natural Foods
• Dakota Beef 
• Laura's Lean Beef
• Maverick Ranch Natural Meats
• Niman Ranch 
• U.S. Wellness Meats 

Source