Will Eat for Work

When I first chose IU and decided to make Bloomington my new home, my parents only hinted at what I might find. They raved about the “artsy” community and how many great restaurants I’d get to try.

I had no idea Bloomington had its own flavor.

The best word I can think of is “terroir” — a French term meaning “soil.” At first, it was used to describe the distinct flavors the geography and climate of wine-producing regions would impart to grapes. This is why the Champagne region of France can claim its self-titled beverage and smite all pretenders.

The character of Bloomington soil can be found anywhere, especially near the IU campus. Restaurants like FARMbloomington focus on locally grown ingredients and adapt menus as the growing seasons change.

The Laughing Planet Café utilizes local meat and produce whenever possible, often making them the stars of specialty burritos.

Every Saturday from January through March, the Harmony School gymnasium is home to the Bloomington Winter Farmers Market, offering local farmers’ goods and wares.

But Bloomington packs its own terroir in less tangible ways.

Obviously, we, the students, have a pretty noticeable effect on tastes and preferences around here. We’re always filing into venues — the Bluebird Nightclub and The Bishop, to name a couple — and swaying or head-banging to homegrown bands.

We dictate most of what headlines in those joints, whether the townies like it or not. Likewise, we also make pretty heavy decisions about what food is acceptable and trendy. I guess cheap breakfast for breakfast, lunch and dinner (and fourth meal?) is a big hit because The Village Deli is always crammed when I’m trying to get my biscuits ’n’ gravy on.

I think we have a general consensus about loving bagels.

We have conflicting opinions about whether Starbucks is worth the $3-plus cost and lengthy ordering system, or if Soma and The Pourhouse Cafe offer something more desirable.

Don’t get us started on the best sandwich shop or watering hole in town. Them’s fightin’ words.

However, I don’t think we overwhelm the flavors that took root long before we packed our bags and rushed in.

I’ve imagined this fuzzy ’round-the-edges scenario in which Bloomingtonians built this cool, underground vibe that surrounds our side of town.

They, for the most part, believe in sustainability.

They’ve established cozy bookstores and the ever-vibrant Lotus World Music and Arts Festival. They take tremendous pride in shrouding the courthouse square in twinkling white lights every holiday season.

They would Occupy, or not, with or without us.

The most important aspect of terroir is really all of its parts. Champagne’s moist and mineral-rich soil isn’t the only marker to distinguish the sparkling wine. Rainfall and cool temperatures play equally vital roles.

The same can be said of this place.

Our dog-day summers and frigid winters aren’t the only factors determining our moods and preferences. It’s the combination of youthful impulse and deep-seated tradition that makes Bloomington’s pulse so hot and loud.

And on a Friday night, making your way along Kirkwood Avenue, you can feel that pulse in the pounding bass and pleasing aromas wafting from every
local business.