Big Red Eats Green was a festival held on September 16, which focused on educating students about local food. It featured Bloomington chefs, restaurants, and even a farmer’s market representing nearby farms. Although some people might consider local or organic foods not as good as “real” food, this event proves how delicious environmentally-friendly food can be. There were many options to choose from: organic burritos and wraps, fresh fruits and vegetables, pork from grass-fed pigs, and even environmentally conscious coffee and ice cream!
Alumni Hall in the IMU was filled with booths where local restaurants shared some of their most popular foods. These little samples ranged in price from $1 to $3, so students could get a taste of the local offerings without spending too much! Here are two favorites, both located on Kirkwood: the Laughing Planet Café, which serves huge burritos made with organic ingredients, and the eccentric but delicious Soma Coffee House.
Some of the other restaurants making a showing were Bloomingfoods Market and Deli, Dunn Meadow CafĂ©, Feast, Finch’s Brasserie, Happy Pig, Lennie’s, Nick’s English Hut, Pizza X, Restaurant Tallent, and Upland Brewing Company.Â
The Chile Woman, all dressed up to match the organic peppers she sells!
We were serenaded with live music from local bands; below is Fly Painted Feathers, made up of students from IU.
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I ate a chocolate cupcake from BLU Boy Chocolate Café and Cakery (see picture below). All of their pastries are made with local ingredients; their eggs, herbs, and berries are from Heartland Family Farm, which is close to B-town. And in addition to being good for the environment, this cupcake was absolutely delicious.
So next time you’re looking for something to eat in town, remember that it’s easy to find yummy food that is also good for the environment!