In the last few years, the Hoosier love for food has blossomed connecting growers, producers, restaurants, fine diners, and casual foodies. The vibrant Central Indiana slow food system extends from barnyards into locally owned restaurants.
Whether the goal is lessening a carbon footprint, consuming foods based on a 100-mile radius diet, or energizing the economy to support local agriculture and businesses, dining out farm to fork is getting easier in Indy. One could eat out sustainability all day.
Here are a few downtown restaurants that source locally:
The Lighter Side
Natural Born Juicers provide powerful fresh squeezed pick-me-ups, although they are more than just juice. Corey and Laura Beatus blend smoothies and protein shakes and pre-package take-home juice cleanses.
Located in the Indianapolis City Market, this walk-up bar champions herbs from Growing Places Indy and organic pressed juice via multi-hued carrots courtesy of Joe Gady of Argos, Indiana.
The Brunch Bunch
For the breakfast and brunch crowds Patachou in the Park, one of many variations of the brand Café Patachou, and the independent City Café, a perky and pleasant hole in the wall, serve spreads fit for any farmer’s or townie’s table.
Both allude to frying up quality Indiana pork and whipping up eggs from free-range chickens. With vendor lists this extensive, managers and servers best highlight slow food farm favorites.
Lunch Fare
Bluebeard with its vintage library turned saloon atmosphere prides most of its “handcrafted flavor packed protein treats” from Goose the Meatery. No worries. The Goose, as locals and owner Chris Eley call it, sources from local cattle farms. Organic produce journeys less than a mile from South Circle Farm compliments of urban farmer Amy Matthews.
Fine Dining
Regina Mehallick owner and chef of R Bistro steps into her own slow food restaurant garden next door for much of the growing season. Menus lock step with local produce offerings and are updated weekly. The intimate setting attracts couples as does its neighbors The Best Chocolate in Town and Mass Ave Wine Shoppe both of which are perfect for a nightcap.
Many more locally and seasonally sourced farm to fork eateries pepper Indy's core, suburbs, and many places in between. Asking around is sure to uncover a wealth of sustainable restaurant options in a backyard near you.
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