Farmer and the Bell — Restaurant in Hartford

Someone call the James Beard people. These are incredible doughnuts.

Forget the flavors for a moment (maple, strawberry rhubarb, sugar and spice, etc.). They're all awesome so I won't dwell. Let's talk foundation instead.

These are not yeast risen donuts (think Union Square donuts in Somerville, MA, or something like a Krispy Kreme). And they're not cake donuts either (think Blackbird donuts in Boston or, forgive me, a chocolate glazed from Dunkin). These are a different style entirely and something I never knew that I needed in my life.

They're not made with what you might consider a dough. It's more like a batter and you can see the dream team piping them for frying.

On the outside they're crispy like nothing else I can compare them too. Honestly, I can't think of anything.

On the inside they're moist, bubbly, and eggy. Kind of creamy in a way.

We debated as we chewed, and for a while all we could think of was some kind of deep-fried choux pastry. But that didn't sit right as choux tends to be hollow. These were filled, crispy edge to crispy edge, with some kind of custardy (also not the right word) result.

You know what these are? They're French crullers and the only other place I've ever had one is (again, forgive me) Dunkin Donuts. But imagine something one thousand... no.... one MILLION times better.

This is James Beard Award level stuff. This is elite, world-class donut making. If this place doesn't become a landmark, it's going to accelerate the decline of my faith in humanity.

Edit for one last thought: I saw another review from someone who dinged this place for charging $4 per doughnut and it rubbed me the wrong way (see my comment above on the decline of mankind). I’ll gladly pay that here when a plain croissant at Starbucks, factory-produced and previously frozen, costs almost $3. This is an artisanal pastry. Don’t let the word...

We were recommended this stop by a store owner in town and we were not disappointed !

The exterior building, grounds, and parking lot were well kept. Upon entering, the interior atmosphere was very nicely done, clean and bright.

Staff was friendly and everything on offer looked like something you'd want to take home. We settled on a sausage & egg breakfast pastry, a mushroom breakfast pastry, and (4) donuts for later (i.e. pumpkin, maple, blueberry, and apple).

The pastries were really, really good. They looked like something you would find on a magazine cover and tasted even better. Flaky with perfectly prepared fillings.

We ended up trying (2) donuts after dinner tonight, pumpkin and maple. Again, beautiful to look at which is weird to say about a donut. They tasted just as good. The krueller donut was airy, spongy, and moist while the toppings for each were excellent.

I cant recommend this establishment enough. Im glad I dont live closer, as Id be here all the time. You...

I love supporting local business and the staff at F&B were super friendly and accommodating. The donuts are also really good however be prepared to spend a lot of money here. At $4 a pop, a dozen donuts will run you $52 (w/ tax) which are by far the priciest donuts I’ve ever encountered (even in NYC!). The guy behind me spend $104 on 2 dozen donuts! That’s $104 American dollars lol. So while the donuts are really well made and it’s clear the staff takes pride in their work, I’m not sure the price is worth it and will likely be heading to the farmers market for our future donut needs as I’d like to eventually send my kids to college. But hey, if people will pay it, good for these guys. Best of luck to these...