Today's Dilly Diner is one of a new breed of "Robin Hood" restaurants where diners pay what they can afford -- and what they think the meal is worth. The SAME (So All May Eat) Cafe in Denver has a mission that is unapologetically altruistic. "Our philosophy is that everyone, regardless of economic status, deserves the chance to eat healthy, organic food while being treated with dignity," explains Brad Birky, who opened SAME with his wife, Libby. Customers who have no money are encouraged to exchange an hour of service - sweep, wash the dishes, weed the organic garden - for a meal. Likewise, guests who have money are encouraged to leave a little extra to offset the meals of those who have less to give.
What makes the SAME Café such a unique concept is the lack of a set menu as well as the lack of set prices. Instead of a set menu, daily selections are made using fresh, seasonal, mostly organic ingredients. These selections include a variety of salads, soups & pizzas. Instead of set prices, patrons find a donation box where they can leave whatever amount they feel their meal was worth. By adopting this "pay what you can" philosophy, it is hoped that those who can afford to leave a little more will do so, which will help to offset the meal costs of those who can't afford to leave as much.One man has regularly come in and left money on the counter without eating, stating "I was blessed today so I though I'd pass it on." He's homeless.
Saturday Snapshots #101
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The world turned upside down - Weimar, July 2010 Some travellers like to experience a new city by rushing around and ticking off all the most famous tourist ...
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