UJ gets climate credentials at new eatery Otarian.

Here at UJ we have a turbulent relationship with the term ‘eco’. It’s not like we didn’t cry during Wall-E. We just haven’t been terribly inspired by environmentally-friendly efforts. But we’re feeling repentant. A Tokyo Bike has been added to our transport coterie. We’ve ordered more recycling bags. We’re toying with a Barbour wielding, compost heaving ‘Rural Junkies’ outpost. Alright that’s not true – but we’re trying.

Maybe it’s the introduction of Boris’ blue bikes. They’re kind of nifty, and if they came with optional training wheels and an ambulance escort, we’d be down (probably literally). And then there’s the totally feel-good vibe at New York import Otarian, a vegetarian restaurant launching in Soho tomorrow.

Instead of listing nutritional values (how do we feel about that potential legislation lock-down…?) leaving us foregoing our favourites, the menu here lets you know how much CO2 you save by eating their sustainable veg fare instead of the meaty equivalents. The cheerful interiors are all made from recyclable materials (we like the reclaimed glass lamps and woven African ‘Zulu’ chairs) and the menu actually looks tempting – think Tex Mex burgers with sweet potato chiplets, a ‘Hearties’ section of pastas and currys, and ‘Obesessions’ like melting chocolate puddings and crème brûlées. You can even collect Carbon Karma Credits to reward all your do-goodery.

We’re feeling eco-enthused. And counting carbon is so much more rewarding than counting calories.

Info
Otarian opens to all on Friday
Otarian, 181-183 Wardour Street, W1V3FB
www.otarian.com

And continuing on our UJ eco-trip, Earthquakes in London is the latest fast–and–furious offering from Enron’s Rupert Goold. It’s an epic rollercoaster that the Guardian called “gorgeously carnivalesque” and the Daily Telegraph dubbed “a rush of invention, humour and raw emotion.” Charging from 1968 through to 2525, it takes in social dystopia, global catastrophe and, well, burlesque – and we’ve got a pair of tickets up for grabs. To be in with a chance of winning, just pop us an email telling us who directs Earthquakes in London.

www.nationaltheatre.org.uk
020 7452 3000

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DANCE – excessively to electronica at White Heat from Gold Panda. 8pm, Madame Jojo’s, 8-10 Brewer Street, W1F 0SE. £5.

VISIT – Barcelona-born artist Zosen's first solo exhibition, System Collapse. 11am-7pm, Stolen space, 91 Brick Lane, E1 9QE. Free.

LAUGH – at the three-man band of comedy as they bring you The Awkward Silence. 5.45pm, Camden Head, 100 Camden High Street, NW1 0LU. £7.50.

ENCOUNTER – contemporary design and retail therapy from Wolf and Badger at Wonder Room. 10am-7pm, Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB. Free.