Water Wars

First, it was Alice Waters who said NO to bottled water at Chez Panisse. Suddenly, something that seemed so lovely and useful (fresh, clean water wherever I go!) became downright evil, and almost … dirty.

Fast Company’s piece outlined much of the concerns and issues held by conservationists.

Restauranteurs have been stepping lightly it seems to me. On one hand, they want to serve the guest a quality product. On the other hand, they want to give the guest what they want, or don’t want. And on the last hand, they want to make money: can you push bottled water and still court a return visit from the ethical guest?

It seems there is a sparkly idea on the front: house-bottled water. In a Gourmet Weekly e-newletter, I read about a restaurant that is now selling all-you-can-drink house-bottled water for $2.50. And they’re not alone. But this isn’t any old tap water, this is highly filtered tap water, bottled with connsumate care. It would never, ever be just tap-filled in the wait-station by a harried server … no, never.

Is there anyone in town doing this? yet?

Check out what the food cognoscenti from across the country are saying about it.