Middlesex Fruitery

We lived in Middletown for the first 17 years of our marriage and went to the Fruitery almost every Saturday morning. When we left the state for 20 years, we missed the beautiful and delicious produce, but, more than that, the pleasure of dealing with a family who obviously cared about the community they were serving and the quality of the goods they were providing. Now back in the area, we travel from Ivoryton whenever we can, an outing that's more than an errand; always heartening, in every sense of the word. more

The Middlesex Fruitery is an old-fashioned shopping experience. The store has been in the same family for more than 50 years. The staff wait on you so you get the best possible produce. They will pick out exactly what you want (when do you want to eat your cantaloupe? how firm do you like your pears?). Prices are a little higher than the supermarket, but you have no waste because there are no blemishes or anything spoiled (unlike a bag of apples from the supermarket). I've bought their ""dent and scratch"" apples for applesauce and the quality of their ""dent and scratch"" is better than the quality of regular apples at Stop and Shop. When you walk in, wait in the line or near the door, and when it's your turn, you'll be greeted and helped with your order. Pretend you're in Paris and learning a new custom in a foreign culture. Soon you'll be a regular and asking the owners how their grandkids are doing. If you want to fight the corporate take-over of our lives, shop in a truly small, local, unique business -- the Middlesex Fruitery. more

It's too bad the previous two posters had bad experiences here. I have been going to the Fruitery for years, and would not go anywhere else. It's true you can't touch the fruit, but this is to ensure you walk out the door with only top quality produce. The owner's really know what they are doing, ask for a melon to be ripe by Saturday, and that's what you get. I know I couldn't do that on my own. They also have a great selection of cheeses, coffees, and chocolates. It's definately worth the extra stop! Pros: Great quality Cons: Can be busy at times, but worth the wait more

Once you get used to the concept of letting them choose the produce, you'll love it. The purpose of customers not handling the produce is not to keep it clean, but rather unbruised! I'm sure you've had the experience of thinking you chose a ripe avocado, only to find it's not ripe, but beaten up instead. You just have to tell them when you want to use the fruit and they will pick an appropriately ripe one. You can also ask them how an item is- if it's not the best, he'll tell you and he will try to only carry the best of produce. Pros: perfectly ripe, tasty produce for your meals Cons: you may have to wait to be helped. more

Very disappointed. Horrible customer service. Ordered a fruit basket for a funeral and when I went to pick it up I was told that the person who was supposed to make it forgot. No apologies. The best they could do was to have me wait over an hour until the gentleman came in to make the basket. I asked if I could have it delivered to Rocky Hill. She said they don't deliver past Cromwell. I asked that given the circumstances that they make an exception. No, they don't make exceptions. Basically, her attitude was, too bad. I cannot believe that in today's economy, that this is their attitude. This basket was ordered by my employer, who routinely sends condolences. This could have meant some repeat business for Middlesex Fruitery. Too bad for them. And shame on them. I will never step foot in this store again. Pros: ABSOLUTELY NONE Cons: EXTREMELY POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE more

I have never ever seen a fruit stand that won't let you touch the fruit or help yourself. I was so amazed at the horrible customer service in this place. First of all, you wash fruit before you eat it regardless so why can't customers feel. Fruit is the one thing you probably want to pick on your own and they don't let you go near it. Instead some careless guy scowls at you and gives you what he wants. It's probably the one business where you have to let self service happen so I don't know what they're trying to pull. Cons: You can't choose your fruit?!? more