New students from University of Hartford Students were introduced to West Hartford by sampling a variety of foods from local restaurants.

By Ronni Newton

In an effort to showcase the great cultural variety of food available in West Hartford, University of Hartford’s International Program Administrator Meaghan Murphy facilitated a “food tour” of the town for 120 first-year students.

The University of Hartford’s third annual “Taste of West Hartford” was held as part of orientation weekend. Six groups of 20 students, plus a student leader and faculty member, visited three different restaurants each in West Hartford last weekend as part of their orientation.

In total there were 132 participants – many more than last year.

In addition to food tasting, the visits to restaurants included a presentation from the owner or manager about the history and unique nature of the establishment.

“For example, Brian Keo from Blue Elephant Trail spoke about his family’s journey to the U.S. as refugees and how that has impacted the style of the cuisine which is a mix of Cambodian and Thai,” Murphy said. “And the manager at Bartaco spoke about how the owners had wanted to open a restaurant with a relaxed theme where you felt comfortable and relaxed from the minute you walked into the space.”

Murphy said that other partners in the event included Ichiro Hibachi & Sushi, Shish Kebab House, Sweet Frog, and Milkcraft.

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University of Hartford first-year students at Blue Elephant Trail. Photo courtesy of Meaghan Murphy

First year students at Bartaco. Photo courtesy of Meaghan Murphy

First year students at Milkcraft. Photo courtesy of Meaghan Murphy