What We’re Reading: Why a commercial fisherman now farms seaweed

Why a commercial fisherman now farms seaweed

Feifei Cui-Paoluzzo/ Moment

Bren Smith was once a commercial fisherman, but now he farms seaweed alongside mussels and scallops. After seeing firsthand the impact of ocean-floor trawling on the environment, he switched to the more sustainable seaweed. While seaweed is common in Japanese, Korean and Chinese cuisines, to name only a few, Smith is working to make it more accepted on American plates. (Saveur)

Operators find new ways to cut food waste

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Restaurants in the Dayton, Ohio, area are finding new ways to reduce food waste. For instance, Dorothy Lane Market is one of 60 local businesses that donates leftover food to The Foodbank. Its stores give $35,000 of food each month. (Dayton Daily News)

Thai-born, San Francisco-based chef returns to lead famed Bangkok restaurant

Neti Phunitiphat/ Moment

Pim Techamuanvivit is known for her food blog, Chez Pim, and the San Francisco restaurant Kin Khao. But she has headed back to her hometown of Bangkok to lead the lauded fine-dining restaurant Nahm. The role gives Techamuanvivit the opportunity to share her vision of Thai cuisine, a chance that doesn’t come along frequently for Thai women chefs. (New York Times)

Nonprofit helps former prisoners secure kitchen jobs

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Soteria is a nonprofit organization in Greenville, S.C., that helps former prisoners find jobs and begin rebuilding their lives. Fred Turner is one person who has found a job at local restaurant Kitchen Sync. The connection has been beneficial for both parties: Turner is building up a personal bank account for the first time, and the restaurant was able to fill a position in a tight labor market for the industry. (Greenville News)

Pasta is latest fast-casual darling

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It started with burritos, then moved onto burgers and pizza. The latest fast-casual food darling is pasta. A bunch of eateries specializing in the carb-y comfort food are cropping up, including The Sosta and Pasta Flyer in New York City. (Bloomberg)