I am in San Francisco this week doing training for AmeriCorps.  Last night I talked two colleagues into going with me to an award winning vegan restaurant, Millennium on 580 Geary Street.  Wow – it was one of the best dinners I have EVER had on the road anywhere in the world! 

Millennium is part of Joie De Vivre Hospitality.  I heard Chip Conley, Founder and CEO, speak at Millennium to a small group from the Co-op America’s Green Business Conference a couple years ago while we sampled fabulous vegan treats.  I was so impressed by Chip – such a smart, energetic guy and really committed to running his hotels and restaurants in socially responsibile ways.  His book, Peak, is a must read. 

Millennium is a great restaurant – that happens to be vegan – which is also what makes it so exciting.  One of my foodie colleagues asked before we got there, does it serve gluten stuff made into different shapes?  Not hardly!  Their website says, “Millennium Restaurant is dedicated to supporting the essential earthly concepts of organic food production, small farms, sustainable agriculture, recycling and composting. We cook with fresh produce delivered every day, and choose organic whenever possible. We believe that a gourmet dining experience can be created out of vegetarian, healthy, and environmentally friendly foods. We are proud to state that our restaurant is completely free of genetically modified foods.”  Trying it is to be a believer!

Having heard him speak and having read his books, I am a big Chip Conley fan.  However, last night, in addition to eating totally scrumptious food, I was thrilled to see on the back of the menu the “Millenium Restaurant Philanthropy Statement.”  “Millennium Restaurant is affiliated with Joie De Vivre Hospitality.  JDV is a grass roots organization that strives to have a positive impact on our community.  Millennium Restaurant celebrates health & wellness for the body and soul.  As part of our on-going philanthropic efforts, we have partnered with Episcopal Community Services to support C.H.E.F.S. – Conquering Homelessness Through Employment in Food Services.  This Bay Area organization gives under-privileged adults the education & training necessary to develop the skill-set needed to find employment within the food & beverage industry.  In addition, we have also sought to forge a relationship with the District 6 Rooftop Garden Project located atop our very own Tenderloin YMCA.  This project is dedicated to providing members of the tenderloin community a sanctuary for growing produce, trees, & flowers.  We invite out guests to learn more about how you can contribute to these important institutions.  For more information about the C.H.E.F.S., please visit their website: www.ecs-sf.org/programs/chefs.html.  If you are interested in receiving a donation from Millenium Restaurant, please call Erica: 415.345.3900 x11 or email your request to eculp@jvdhospitality.com. ”

What’s not to like?!  Be sure to check Millennium out next time you are in San Francisco!  I went back twice this week myself to take various colleagues for a gastronomic delight and sent others from our training another night!