Hunter's Head Tavern in Upperville, Va., the first restaurant in America to achieve a certified humane designation, was recently recognized with a Snail of Approval Award from Slow Food D.C.

In an awards ceremony at Policy Restaurant & Lounge, Slow Food D.C., honored the tavern's continued efforts to contribute to the quality, authenticity and sustainability of the food we eat and the beverages we drink.

The Snail of Approval is Slow Food DC's method of recognizing the food-related providers who are making significant contributions to the transformation of our food system to one that is good, clean and fair.

Ayrshire Farm and Hunter's Head Tavern produce and provide certified organic, certified humane meats and produce. They were also recently recognized with a two-star certification from the Green Restaurant Association.

"Making a difference in the way food is grown or raised—and then presented to the public—is the reason we are here," said Sandy Lerner, owner and founder of Ayrshire Farm.

"Our whole team works hard every day so we can offer the safest, healthiest and most natural food to our customers."

In order to win a Snail of Approval, restaurants must be nominated. Nominations are examined by: the degree to which the establishment's activities are congruent with the Slow Food DC mission of promoting and celebrating local, seasonal, and sustainable food sources; how much it is working to preserve the culinary traditions of the region's ethnically and culturally diverse populations; and how it is supporting the right of all people to enjoy good, clean, fair food.