First name: Taste. Last name: Indianapolis.

My least favorite thing in the world is being called an “influencer.”

I didn’t sign up for this to get free stuff, to get access to new restaurants before everyone else, or for the money. I’m just a human, with a camera on my phone, who needs to eat.

I’m here because I love the city of Indianapolis, and I love food.

My name is Emily Brungard, and by day, I work in marketing. After I shut my laptop for the day, I become Taste Indianapolis, food Instagrammer extraordinaire (lol).

A perfect day in my world involves, of course, food. (Remember? “A human who needs to eat?”) I’d start my day with a pastry from a local bakery, a cup of coffee — or maybe a fancy latte if I’m feeling, well, fancy — from a local coffee shop. Did you know that local coffee shops outnumber St*rbucks in Indianapolis?

Then I’d head home, take my dog for a walk around my historic neighborhood, and head out to an antique shop, cool home decor store, or an art gallery or museum, all while praying lunch comes quickly.

For lunch, I’m grabbing a sandwich made with local ingredients. The actual contents of the sandwich don’t matter much — I’m on a mission to eat something with as many locally-produced or sourced toppings as possible. Maybe an Amelia’s Bread or Leviathan Bakehouse baguette, Turchetti’s or Smoking Goose meat, a layer of Tulip Tree or Trader’s Point Creamery cheese, Mad Farmers Collective veggies, a sprinkle of FoodLoveTog’s seasonings, local pickled veggies from a farmer’s market stand… you get the idea. Give me all of the toppings, and make as many of them local as possible.

Holy cow, I’ve written this much and we’re only to lunch. Chances are high that I’m going to pick up a little treat from another local business if I stay out of my house for too long. Locally-made chocolate from Xchocol’Art, flavored popcorn from Just Pop In, a popsicle from Nicey Treat or Lick, or another pastry from Rene’s Bakery, preferably.

For dinner? Well, you’re just going to have to browse my archives for suggestions there. Depending on the day, it could be a patio affair with friends at Strange Bird, a shared-plate situation at Beholder or Bluebeard, a $5 burger at the Red Key, or something somewhere in the middle.

It’s a good day any time I can spend my money at a local business.

They’re what make Indianapolis a great place to live. That’s why I do this — not for the free food or to get rich quick (although, hey, I would accept payment), but for the love of it all. I hope you’re able to find a new regular spot or that you feel inspired to stop by an old favorite when you see my posts.

Thanks for being along for the ride.

Cheers! 🥂

-Emily

Emily is dressed in a navy blue jacket and wearing orange-y brown floral printed pants, leaning against a wall with a tuna mural in Tokyo at the Tsukiji Fish Market. She's holding a black tray with tuna sashimi in one hand and chopsticks in the other
Overhead shot of Emily taking a photo of picnic foods in a park in Paris, including French butter, radishes, tiny strawberries, cheeses, meats, and baguette.