When the tables are full inside, outside, and there’s still a line from register to door, then our mission to create traffic into one of your favorite local restaurants was accomplished! We should all be proud of the impact we’re making with this little community of ours, all while bonding over amazing food!
Let’s just gush about The Hawthorn Bistro & Bakery for a bit, shall we?!? I had never been, so it was fun to explore every little detail of this restaurant. The place is beautifully decorated with elements of natural wood tables adorned little white vases and fresh cut greenery, a chalkboard menu which also lists their bounty of fresh veggies from their very own Liberty Farms worked into the daily menu items, brass fixtures that popped beautifully against the blue paneled walls, exposed brick, sparkling glassware, and a display case full of delicious breads and treats. This is definitely one of those places that brings you joy the second you walk in the door. Tallahassee restaurants are definitely stepping up their game in decor! I’ve literally walked into a few lately and felt as though I had somehow crossed over into a big-city location.
The Hawthorn’s service was on point and super friendly. I know the line took a bit, but luckily, this meet up introduced a lot of newbies to the restaurant and The Hawthorn was happily answering all of their questions about menu items. I sipped on champagne, had oysters with horseradish and lemon, and indulged in the beautiful and tasty heirloom tomato tart that I still can’t stop thinking about, all while making new friends.
I even scored a backstage pass to tour the kitchen before the event on our behalf. Jesse, owner of The Hawthorn, is passionate about his new restaurant concept, recently making the switch from fine-dining to bakery & bistro to better serve the demand of the mid-town area. I could listen to him talk about making bread from scratch in the coal fired brick oven all day! His sour-dough starter is 2 years old, dating back to the restaurant’s opening. I also witnessed a massive sheet of fresh brownies coming out of the oven, as well as house made oyster crackers getting pressed and floured!
Thanks so much to everyone that came out to our first official meetup. What a turn out! There were a few people dining not associated with the group, so I did my best to greet everyone, while trying to not awkwardly walk up to strangers and introduce myself. Yes, that happened a time or two and they had no idea what I was talking about LOL. Perhaps some not-so-fashionable name tags next time, so we can all knowingly mingle amongst our members. Again, who knew we would fill this place from wall-to-wall? Bravo, foodie friends, well done!
And to Jesse, thank you for everything. Introducing morning hours, and hosting our big turn out, all in one week, I’m sure led to few hours of sleep each night. Please know that we all appreciate the hard work that goes into running a restaurant (or in your case, 3 restaurants and a farm). We know you put your blood, sweat, tears, and everything else you’ve got into what you do, and your attention to detail was noticed and very appreciated.
