A green revolution has been surging for years, and especially so in the activism-minded people of East and Ukranian Villages. The loss of independent grocer Edmar and the Wicker Park Food Co-Op's relocation to Logan Square has left something of an opening. Luckily, Cassie Green and Green Grocer are doing their best to sate those who are still looking for green eats in the area without having to resort to expensive chain stores.

While a small shop, Green Grocer presents a wide variety of products. Cooks will rejoice at local or organic options for nearly all cooking staples, as well as seasonal veggies and local meats (and meat substitutes). Snackers will find chips, dips and crackers of several varieties. Even those with a sweet tooth can tear into the ice creams, cookies or one of the coconut cakes tucked into the freezer. And if you're just passing through for a meal without the time to make it, Green Grocer can also accommodate with one of their rotating cast of deli sandwiches for about $6. Toss in a Bleeding Heart Bakery treat or a ginger cookie from Indiana-based Bruno’s Organics for about $2.50, and wash it down with a Steaz or Kombucha for a tasty meal still right on the 10-dollar mark. And coffee drinkers can rest easy: the store carries blends from both Intelligentsia and Metropolis. Throw a rotational local art collection on the walls and a series of speakers and classes on the weekend, and Green Grocer seems to be focused so locally you’ll think it's there just for you.

Centerstage Reviewer: Dan Morgridge