You never know where the “Twin Tasters” will pop up in their quest for good food in West Hartford!

By Twin Tasters

Reuben sandwich at Fernwood Restaurant, West Hartford, CT. Photo by Amy Melvin

At first glance, Fernwood Restaurant – with its dark paneling, pub-like atmosphere, stained glass and flickering candles – gave us pause, but the cheery staff had us feeling right at home in seconds.

Fernwood Restaurant may be 70 years old, but the menu options are refreshing, plentiful and downright delicious.

The Twin Tasters put Co-Owner/Manager Laurie Hazelton on the spot to see what they are known for at this quaint Elmwood landmark, and she proceeded to list virtually everything on the menu! Of course she is biased, but feels strongly that “you can order anything with full confidence and it will be good!” Laurie handles the business and front end of the establishment, and her partner, Co-Owner August “Augie” Audibert is the chef.

We started with a crab cake appetizer (just one of the fresh seafood choices of the day, thanks to fish supplied by City Fish). We thoroughly enjoyed the Reuben, (crafted from thick-cut brisket that’s made in-house daily), complimented by a warm “you-had-me-at-bacon” German Potato Salad and the popular Patty Melt, which was cooked to melty perfection with a side of crinkle fries, just like the fries you had as a kid, (no soggy fries here)!

Along with an entree menu that exceeded our expectations, the food offerings also include many salads and soups as well as luscious desserts, including apple pie, blueberry pie, brownie sundae and – OMG – a warm bread pudding with whiskey sauce and whipped cream that melts in your mouth before the fork even hits your lips.

Laura, our server, said she has tried to resist the bread pudding on many occasions. She often tells herself, “not today, not today … and then it comes out of the oven and I can’t resist! I never get tired of it!” she said.

The daily bread is baked by neighbor Elmwood Bakery, and is the main ingredient in the pudding.

Fernwood stays true to their motto: “You might not be ‘regular’ when you enter, but you will be a ‘regular’ when you leave.” And we will go back as welcomed “regulars” next time!

Fernwood Restaurant: 1113 New Britain Ave. West Hartford, CT 06110. Phone: 860.233.6662. Email: [email protected]. Hours: 
M – Th: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; 
F, Sa: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Closed Sundays. Reservations suggested, but not required. Bar and restaurant seating. Large groups accommodated with proper notice.

As seen in West Hartford Magazine, Issue No. 5, 2014. You never know where The Twin Tasters will pop up in their quest for good food in town. Contact: [email protected]

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Crab cake at Fernwood Restaurant, West Hartford, CT. Photo by Amy Melvin

Apple pie at Fernwood Restaurant, West Hartford, CT. Photo by Amy Melvin

Fernwood Restaurant’s original sign in West Hartford, CT. Photo by Amy Melvin