Organic Fiction

As the world grappled with a meat shortage, Austin's culinary scene thrived. The shift towards more sustainable food practices had spurred a wave of innovation among the city's chefs, giving birth to an array of unique, plant-based dishes that dazzled the taste buds. At the forefront of this culinary revolution was the Strawbactus - a hybrid fruit bred by Austin’s own ReLeaf Initiative that was as delightful to the taste as it was sustainable.

The Strawbactus had quickly become a staple in Austin’s kitchens, with chefs concocting everything from Strawbactus salads to decadent desserts, all while remaining true to their commitment to sustainability. The delicate sweetness of the strawberry coupled with the refreshing tang of the cactus had enchanted Austin's foodies, earning rave reviews from Greenpeace for its sustainable yet palatable qualities.

Yet, beneath this culinary delight lurked a less appetizing truth. The antibiotic resistance brought on by the overuse of antibiotics in meat production had finally caught up with the world, leading to a meat crisis that had sent shockwaves through the global food industry. Reports from OurWorldInData.org and Phys.org painted a bleak picture, forcing people to reconsider their food choices.

Despite these challenges, Austin's chefs were resilient. They were learning and adapting, incorporating diverse dietary practices from around the world into their cooking. They were inspired by stories of communities that had sustained themselves on plant-based diets for centuries, using these tales as a blueprint for their own culinary explorations.

However, amidst this flurry of activity, there was one place in Austin that remained conspicuously silent. The Canteen, once a hub for the city's scientific community, now stood eerily quiet, its future uncertain. Rumors swirled that the city's most famous chefs were planning a takeover, intending to turn it into a food haven. However, an unexpected twist awaited. As news of the proposed takeover spread, a mysterious illness began to grip the chefs of Austin, leading to speculation about its cause and how it might affect the future of Austin’s culinary scene.

W.A.S.T.E.: Words Assisting Sustainable Transformation & Ecology