Local flavors, conversations

Before the spring thaw, a New England locavore can be in dire straits. Open yourself to the winter possibilities at the ALLocal Dinner ($40) at the Independent, a restaurant and pub in Somerville, on March 15, the fourth in the series produced by the Sustainable Business Network. Every last ingredient of the four-course feast from the produce to the salt is grown, processed, delivered, prepared, and eaten as close to Somerville as possible. Chef James Ludwig’s hyper-fresh menu, which has seafood or vegan options, pairs perfectly with the bar’s extensive list of local microbrews and biodynamic wines. The communal atmosphere gets even more convivial between courses, when the seating is rotated. Fan Watkinson of SBN says, “Our hope is bringing in a group of people to a venue where the chef and restaurant have worked really hard to source all this local food. Conversations happen that can change the ways [sustainability] is thought about in the future.’’ The Independent, 75 Union Square, Somerville, 617-440-6022, www.theindo.com.