Saturday night’s dinner at Ama wasn’t just a meal—it was a powerful reaffirmation of our mission. Ama embodies a commitment to food and nourishment that mirrors our own, offering an experience that was as refreshing as it was inspiring. From the food to the atmosphere, every element felt intentional and nourishing—a true breath of fresh air.

Saturday night’s dinner at Ama wasn’t just a meal—it was a powerful reaffirmation of our mission. Ama embodies a commitment to food and nourishment that mirrors our own, offering an experience that was as refreshing as it was inspiring. From the food to the atmosphere, every element felt intentional and nourishing—a true breath of fresh air.
It’s Time to Expect More
As a culture, we’ve come to expect too little from restaurants. Pre-packaged, reheated meals sourced from corporate distributors have become the norm, with most establishments serving variations of the same industrialized food, just dressed up differently. Worse, we’ve stopped expecting nourishment altogether.
Too often, we’re relieved if a meal simply doesn’t make us feel worse—whether it’s avoiding digestive distress, achy joints, or a post-meal slump. But one of the most important messages I share in every class and podcast is this: you should feel better after every meal than you did before sitting down. Imagine how transformative it would be if every meal left you feeling satisfied, energized, and whole.
A Shared Vision with Ama
Last week, Chef Johanna Hellrigl, owner of Ama in Washington, DC, reached out after hearing about us through social media influencer Alex Clark. Alex had dined at Ama before visiting the Modern Stone Age Kitchen the next day for a sourdough class and breakfast. Intrigued by our shared values, Johanna and her family visited the Kitchen shortly after—but we had no idea they were there!
When we learned more about Ama, it was clear that their mission aligned perfectly with ours. From their culinary philosophy to their dedication, everything resonated deeply. We knew we had to experience it firsthand.
A Visionary Meal with a Purpose
From the moment we stepped through Ama’s doors, we were treated like family. Johanna greeted us warmly, sharing her vision of creating nourishing northern Italian cuisine while fostering community and connection.
Their commitment to health and intentionality was evident in every detail: microplastic-free dining, avoiding harmful seed oils, and crafting meals that support both health and flavor. Their mission, printed on the back of their menu, perfectly encapsulates their philosophy:
“At Ama, we envision a new era for restaurants—one where indulgence coexists seamlessly with nourishment, community, and connection. Food is not merely sustenance; it is a celebration of how wholesome, quality ingredients can also yield satisfyingly flavorful meals.”
Reading it felt like reading our own mission statement.
A Gathering of Like-Minded People
Midway through dinner, we ran into our friend Emma Wise, a sourdough baker and Weston A. Price Foundation Chapter leader, celebrating her birthday. Seeing her there felt serendipitous—proof that those seeking true nourishment often find themselves in the same spaces.
Proof That It Can Be Done
Critics often claim that offering truly nourishing food isn’t feasible—that it’s too expensive, that customers won’t come, or that people simply don’t care. But restaurants like Ama and the Modern Stone Age Kitchen are living proof that this isn’t true.
When businesses prioritize health, sustainability, and ethical sourcing, they attract like-minded people who value nourishment. It’s not just possible; it’s happening. And while Ama, Modern Stone Age Kitchen, and brands like Masa are paving the way, there’s still much work to be done.
Resources for Finding Nourishing Food
Traditional restaurant reviews rarely highlight the most nourishing options. Thankfully, a few resources do:
- Seed Oil Scout – Helping diners find restaurants that avoid harmful industrial oils.
- Weston A. Price Foundation’s 12 Spoons Awards – Celebrating restaurants prioritizing nutrient-dense, traditional foods.
We’re proud that the Modern Stone Age Kitchen was the first restaurant to earn all 12 spoons and is the only Seed Oil Scout blue-check verified restaurant in our region. No surprise—Ama is the next closest!
Join the Movement
Restaurants like Ama and the Modern Stone Age Kitchen are proof that nourishment and enjoyment can coexist. Together, we can support this movement by making conscious choices about where we dine.
Because, yes—it is possible.
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