Fern, Flavors from the Garden

Fern, flavors from the garden, is a Plaza Midwood restaurant that focuses on local, meat-free ingredients. We love their extensive menu filled with unexpected delights, such as a Warm Kale Salad with sliced beets and battered fried chèvre, and a tofu chicken and waffles entrée in a spicy Maple sauce. The complimentary cucumber infused water sets the tone for your upcoming meal, and we love the refreshing start. The first glance at the menu might be overwhelming or even confusing (Why would someone chicken fry tofu?), but we have yet to go wrong following our server’s recommendations.

John and I first visited Fern on his birthday last year. Interestingly, it was a decision between steak and vegetarian fare. He chose Fern, and has been a huge advocate of their food ever since. Unlike many vegetarian spots, he appreciates that you can go hungry to Fern and not walk away feeling the same hunger that led you there.

We recently went back for our first brunch at Fern. I read some online reviews which convinced me to give the chicken and waffles a try; I was interested to see a vegetarian interpretation of this Southern classic. John went with their version of another Southern classic: biscuits with tempeh gravy.

I really enjoyed my chicken and waffles dish. The tofu was breaded in a spicy coating and the inside boasted a nice, firm consistency. I do not usually like cooked tofu because it can have a very spongy quality, but this tofu had a much more palatable texture. The flavors of the maple hot sauce overpowered the flavors from the sweet potato waffle, but the waffle was nice and crispy on the edges. Next time I will order the sauce on the side, because as the meal went on my waffle became quite soggy.

John’s initial reaction to his food was lackluster, as I am used to him doing his three-point move, involving a large grin with his finger repeatedly pointing to the culinary excellence in front of him.  However, about three bites in he figured out that he needed a little of each ingredient for his bites to reach their full potential.  In the end, he was very satisfied with his light, but filling, version of biscuits and gravy.  He went with real eggs, and said they were absolutely perfect mixed with the deliciously creamy yet slightly spicy gravy.  He said it was definitely something he would order again.

Tofu “Chicken” and Waffles

Biscuits and Gravy

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