Earth-friendly restaurant to install beehive to raise awareness

The menu at Pachamama in Normal Heights is inspired by the countries of South America as well as Nikkei, a fusion of Peruvianjapanese cuisine. Pachamama, which means Mother Earth in Quechua, makes everything from scratch, using only organic ingredients. Owner Vick Vannucci, a native of Argentina with Italian roots, started the restaurant to raise awareness about the planet. Controversy over an African hunting safari Vannucci went on with a partner 12 years ago inspired her to educate herself on the environment. It eventually led to the opening of the restaurant.

“At the time I was young and ignorant,” Vannucci said about the safari. “I realized that I needed to make a huge change in my life. I started by informing myself. I learned that we need to be aware about the environment and wildlife.”

For the past three years, Pachamama has supported the San Diego Humane Society of San Diego. The restaurant has also teamed up with Bee Leaf USA to save beehives. Vannucci will install a beehive inside the restaurant to educate the community about the importance of bees in the food chain. Workshops on how to make packaging out of bee's wax will be offered, with proceeds going to Bee Leaf USA.

“I am a firm believer that our best comes out when we need to amend our own mistakes,” she said.

Pachamama is at 3737 Adams Ave. For more information, call (619) 738-3737 or visit whoispachamama.com.

COURTESY PHOTO Pachamama, on Adams Avenue, has a menu of healthy options made with organic ingredients.