I can understand that people are enamored of that place, given that it seems to have a delirious abundance of crispy looking produce, much fresher than what you see in the grocery store. However, it’s very very commercial stuff. I’m sure its totally permeated with ag preservatives.

We asked if they had anything organic, and the answer was a very hostile “no”. If chefs are claiming that Russo’s means local or sustainable produce they are delusional.

We found the whole scene very ugly and alienating, actually. We couldn’t bring ourselves to carry a single thing out of there.

I can understand that they feel the need to import vegetables from outside the region, but why no organic whatsoever? It’s not that hard to get.

The other big source mentioned in the mag I read, which I can’t remember the name of right now, has been very hostile to certain visiting journalists trying to ascertain the provenance of their produce. Currently some BU students are doing their own investigation, since their dining services claims that this vendor is providing “local” produce.

I understand that it’s a big deal for a resto to buy from a local distributor rather than the big national ones, but it doesn’t mean the FOOD is local.