The rains of Tropical Storm Ida weren't the only thing descending on Downtown Raleigh this week. Along with the rains came the most sustainable folks from across the state to meet, mingle and celebrate the NC Sustainable Business Awards.

Hosted by some of the loudest and most excited green cheerleaders, the NC Sustainable Business Council (www.sustainnc.org), the event flooded Marbles Kids Museum downtown.

From the location to the program to the attendees, the Council put together one great night to honor our state's champions of sustainability. There were solar farmers, LED developers, Earth-loving lawyers, even an enthusiastic entrepreneur talking up an environmentally-friendly, micro-pay way to park (its cashless, its meterless and the patent is pending).

One of the highlights of the night was the Council's decision to throw aside a conventional caterer in favor of healthy competition. A battle to death or dessert ensued between three local, sustainable caterers: Green Planet Catering, Square Rabbit and Kaplan Catering.

Green Planet's lamb loin was exceptional and Kaplan has a way with crab. But in the end, it was the dessert that won us over – Square Rabbit's ginger molasses cookies.

So, stay sustainable. And well fed!