Slow Weekends: How to support local Snail of Approval restaurants

Summer officially has one month left, and we’re celebrating by sharing our recommendations for Slow Weekends, a travel series from Slow Food USA that highlights businesses with a Snail of Approval designation.

The Snail of Approval award is given by local  Slow Food chapters to recognize food businesses that make meaningful commitments to the environment, local communities, employees and purveyors, advance justice and work to end oppression in food systems and beyond.

Here in New York City, we have awarded more than 70 restaurants, bars, and artisans with the help of committed volunteers who help us assess and interview nominees committed to good, clean, and fair food values. Check out links below to learn about a handful of these establishments as inspiration for our favorite kind of weekend—one filled with food!

Saturday

Sunday

Be sure to check out more Snail of Approval establishments by using our online database, as the hospitality industry needs our support now more than ever due to challenges raised during the pandemic. Spending time outside of New York City? Slow Food USA offers a national map featuring businesses that are pursuing and practicing Slow Food values.

Keep in mind that some of our recognized establishments have closed temporarily during the pandemic, but many are still open. We encourage you to support by ordering take-out, delivery, and visiting in person when it’s safe and possible to do so. For new Snail of Approval nominations, we regularly review establishments submitted through our open nomination form and welcome submissions on a rolling basis.

Photo Credit: Clay Williams