Farm to Hearth

Few days ago while looking on Instagram, I discover this bakery… via FB, I asked about the hours of the shop as we as family love fresh and different kind of breads. I got no reply. So i decided to go out of my way and get some fresh wholesome bread. Boy, what a disappointment. I was told by someone who I suspect that he was the owner, that the store is only open on Fridays from 4 to 7. and when I asked about the reason why this information is not available on website or FB or Instagram i was told «On purpose» because apparently the owner wants to make the reputation via word of mouth. Well I will sure not be going out of my way to get anything as well as I will definitely tell my experience to everyone who ask me. How is that for word of mouth.

I have to admit — there is nothing better than a proper loaf of bread. Farm to Hearth is second to none. The owner works hard, takes pride in his products and has the best Bread I have ever had! They use a starter for their breads, local grains and bake in wood fired ovens. Rustica and Spent Grain Breads are to die for and I think I am addicted.
They have limited hours, so make sure you watch their website for when they are open.

This business is run out of a home and this certainly shows in the dealings with the owner, Melissa. I’ve been in 2 times to buy bread and she often has her children behind the counter with her. One time the child was fussing and she was spending more time scolding the child than providing customer service. Stating that the child needed a nap. Here’s a tip… put the child to bed if he needs a nap. We’ve all dealt with a tired child… no…it’s not fun. But either is trying deal with the owner of a business who is trying justify her demeanor by blaming her child for her foul mood She is NOT a friendly individual. I thought it was just me, but I see other reviews that share my same thoughts. There is a woman with an accent that is friendly… perhaps she should deal with the public and Melissa should deal with her children. I realize that the husband in this husband and wife business is behind the scenes doing most of the work. He does a fantastic job. However his business would fare much better if he hired an eager high school student looking for an after school job. Apparently customer service and being a parent is too much for Melissa.
As far as the bread is concerned… it is tasty when warm. The hardest thing to swallow, other than the bread the next day, is the prices. I do not understand how the $ 6.00 price is justified for a loaf of bread or $ 1.50 for a thin cookie. Better bread can cheaper cookies can be purchased elsewhere. I was hoping this place would be a local jewel… my hopes were dashed by shoddy customer service and just an ok product. Too bad.

I was so excited to try this place based on the reviews I read on Unilocal.I drove past it initially since I was expecting a store. It’s actually part of a house. When I pulled into the driveway I wasn’t sure if I was in the right place. The parking was very tight and it was difficult to turn around on the way out so be careful!
I ended up buying a loaf of their country bread and some cookies. The bread was good but nothing to rave about. I was shocked how different it tasted the next morning for breakfast. It was so dry! I often see their breads in other local stores and now I know not to get it. I do recommend trying it if you can buy it fresh and enjoy the whole loaf right away. I’m assuming because it has no added preservatives, the longer it sits the worse it tastes.

Disclaimer– This visit was PRIOR to the visit listed below. Just posted at a later date. Don’t want anyone to think I’d actually return to this place after encountering the bread nazi.
I stopped in on a Friday during the typical business hours 4 – 7 and to my surprise, the lights were out and one of the employees was packing up loaves of bread for delivery. The employee stated they were getting a new oven and the store was closed.
This was the second time I went during regular business hours and was not able to purchase bread. My advice, if you happen to be driving past the establishment between the hours of 4 – 7 on the 4 days a week they are open, sure stop in. Otherwise don’t make the effort. The bread is good but it’s not THAT good.

Farm To Hearth now sets up a stand at the West End Farmers’ Market which is just fantastic news for my neighborhood (especially since the store tends to sell out pretty quickly each day). Last week, during the market’s opening day, I stocked up on rolls and ciabatta, then enjoyed them all week long. This will indeed become a dangerously carbilicious weekly treat.

I first experienced Farm to Hearth’s bread at the infamous Engine Room in Mystic & went out of my way to find more. Passing by Haddam in April I decided to make a diversion & check out their retail establishment.
I had no problem finding their shop as it’s located on a main road not too far off Route 9. If you’re looking for it then you shouldn’t miss the sign. The parking lot is kinda small & it wasn’t busy when I went.
Their space is unassuming but it’s where they make all their bread. They update their Facebook page daily with their hours & offerings. I opted for some hot cross buns & a sandwich on my trip. For the amazing quality I think the prices were definitely cheap.
In addition to their own breads, Farm to hearth carries other Connecticut artisan brands in their retail shop: Mystic Cheese & Dragon’s Blood Elixir to name 2.
I’ve had their bread & cookies from Fiddleheads Co-​Op in New London but if I lived closer to their retail location in Haddam I’d be a regular. Definitely try to stop by if you’re in the area cuz you won’t be disappointed.

The bread here is amazing! Buying bread at Stop and Shop will now only be done in desperation (i.e. I accidentally ate all my Farm to Hearth bread before the dinner party has even started). We got there at 4:30, so we had our pick of the loaves! I agree, and also highly recommend going early because there was a constant flow of people into this little place. We took a foccacia with aged cheddar on it and a loaf of polenta bread. We also could not resist buying a brownie for the road. It was the best brownie I have ever had. It was so thick, rich, and just phenomenal. My boyfriend has been craving them since. Both loaves of bread were incredible. They also had brown bread, brioche rolls, cookies, flavored olive oils, crackers, and more. I cannot wait to go back!

If you like bread, just go here immediately.
We’ve bought bread a half dozen times and loved every one. The focaccia with local CT cheese on top was probably our favorite. Very reasonable prices too. I love how homey the store is – it really feels like the bakers are inviting you in to their home. And there is a nice selection of food that goes with bread, like olive oil and cheese and charcuterie. A fabulous place.

damn. this place, it. just. is so good i don’t want to tell you about it.
they sell out of bread often and usually when i go i am getting the last loaf of bread.
funky spot. super cool people, great rustic bread and an ever expanding seasonal product line. if you are trying to go here, it is a house — not a store, so look for that open flag and pull in the driveway. they have funky hours, so check that out before you go. mmmm bread.

Do you crave freshly baked bread? This is the place to be! We get at least one loaf every week sometimes more because we can’t choose! And the dark chocolate chip cookies with a sprinkle of sea salt? Addicting! Homemade jams, pickles, crackers… Yummmm!

Farm to Hearth bread is incredibly good. I have tried at least five different varieties of their bread (oat, polenta, focacccia…) and they have all been exceptional. They also make delicious savory bread «crisps» with nuts and fruit. Did I mention they focus on organic ingredients? Absolutely delicious!