Earth House Cafe

Jennifer Laughner recalls her childhood as a "history of eating right. If it didn't come from Good Earth Natural Foods or the fruit and vegetable stands at the Indianapolis City Market we didn't eat it! My Mom brought me up on what I would call wholesome food. It was good food done simply with an emphasis on nutrition and great flavor."

When Jennifer started her restaurant, The Earth House Cafe, she brought her mother's food philosophy with her." I shop the local farmers markets, buy from Basic Roots, and focus on ingredients that are fresh, local, in -season, and organic. Everything I make in the restaurant is from scratch. You won't get any pre-made hummus here! I tend to work with what's available. Right now I am making lots of stir-fries with fresh vegetables and offering a farm fresh egg sandwich." Jennifer says she "thrives on variety" and changes her restaurant's menu items each week.

A few weeks ago, a few friends of mine and I went to The Earth House Cafe for lunch. I had the grilled cheese sandwich (YUM!) and a side of wheat berry salad. That salad was a hit all around the table. The next day I called Jennifer and asked her if she would part with the recipe. True to her generous nature, she quickly sent it to me--you'll find in the Spring Recipes section of this site. Not only is the salad colorful, healthy, and insanely delicious, it's super simple to make and keeps for days in the fridge. It's great as a side dish or a light vegetarian meal. Perfect for a brown bag lunch or picnic.

Jennifer's vegetarian and vegan cafe has limited hours so call ahead before coming down. The cafe is part of Indianapolis' Earth House Collective . Click here for the Collective's fun blogsite. 

Photo: Jennifer Laughner at Earth Day celebration

The Earth House Cafe
237 N. East Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317.636.4060