Where to Eat on Homecoming Weekend

Homecoming weekend is full of fun things to do, whether it’s attending a sporting event, viewing a film screening, or just spending some quality time with your loved ones. But as packed as your schedule may be, it’s always good to reserve a little time for some quality dining, and Middletown offers some great options.

 Breakast/Brunch/Lunch:

1. O’Rourke’s Diner: O’Rourke’s is probably the most famous restaurant in Middletown. Established in 1941, it has been a Connecticut staple for breakfast and brunch for years. Be sure to try their hash, freshly baked bread, and egg dishes. Disclaimer: There will be a line, so come early or be prepared to wait.

   

   One of the many eggs benedict dishes at O’Rourke’s

2. First and Last Tavern: For only $20, First and Last offers an all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch buffet with breakfast items, Italian specialties, and desserts. This is a great place for a big group, especially one with picky eaters, since everyone will find something they like. We particularly love the sweets (chocolate chip/oatmeal raisin cookies, cheesecake, and tiramisu). Reservations recommended.

   

   The cookies at Sunday brunch at First & Last

3. Ford News Diner: If you’re looking for an authentic, old Middletown experience that won’t put a hole in your wallet, definitely check out this little diner on Main Street. The service is exceptionally fast and the food is cooked right before your eyes. Go for something simple, like one of their satisfying breakfast sandwiches, which is served with some really awesome home fries. See full article here.

   

   Breakfast sandwich at Ford News Diner

4. Café 56: New to the Middletown restaurant scene, Café 56 is run by a chef and baker team that prepare everything they offer. Order at the counter and either sit to eat your meal or take it to-go. The food is “of the Americas,” so you’ll find an interesting fusion of Latin American and more continental ingredients and menu items. Try one of their delicious breakfast pastries or a tacandwich, a blend between a taco and sandwich.

   

   The tempting bakery counter at Cafe 56

5. Sweet Harmony Café & Bakery: This is one of our all-time favorite Middletown restaurants. The atmosphere is charming and complements their home-style American comfort food. We recommend any of their salads or sandwiches for lunch, and do not skimp out on dessert—it’s the highlight of the meal. Come with a small party and be prepared for a wait because space is limited.

   

   Cream puff cake at Sweet Harmony

Quick Bite to Eat/ Coffee:

1. New England Emporium: Chances are that you or your son or daughter have already been to the Emporium. It’s a Wesleyan staple, to say the least. The vibe is an interesting blend of modern and rustic, and the food options are fairly expansive, with several egg dishes, crepes, sandwiches, and salad options, in addition to a variety of specialty drinks and desserts. Be sure to try the chocolate rooibos tea and any of their spiced chai beverages. And you can’t go wrong with the crepes (especially the Havarti)! 
2. Brew Bakers: This is another hit among the Wesleyan community. The ambiance is bright and cheerful, with indoor and outdoor seating. It’s the most popular destination to get your bagel-fix, and their pastries are made by an award-winning Austrian chef. The grilled muffins are a satisfying snack, and we’re big fans of the omelet sandwiches.

   

   Chicken meatloaf melt at Brew Bakers

3. Neon Deli: Located right on Cross Street in the middle of campus, Neon is your go-to stop for a quick, inexpensive bite to eat. This is a great place to grab a freshly made sandwich for a picnic on Foss Hill. The Sussman Special is a personal favorite, a soft 6-inch roll with chicken cutlet, provolone cheese, black olives, pepperoni, and onions, melted to perfection and served by some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.

   

   Fran, the owner of Neon, is one of the friendliest guys you’ll ever meet.

 Dinner:

1. Amici Italian Grill: Amici is a great choice if you’re looking for quality American-Italian dining. Come here with the whole family and split some of the huge entrees, such as the Mediterranean salad and the veal parmigiana. You’re sure to leave this place feeling stuffed. Reservations recommended.

   

   Amici Italian Grill

2. Esca Wine Bar and Restaurant: This is one of the more upscale options in town, with most of the entrees costing upwards of $20. The ambiance is beautiful and classy, and the menu is predominantly Italian fare along with some more continental choices. Go for any of the pasta dishes, especially the ravioli. Reservations recommended. See full article here.

   

   North Atlantic Salmon at Esca

3. Mikado Japanese Restaurant: Don’t be discouraged by Mikado’s somewhat hidden location; it’s actually one of the best spots to get high-quality sushi in Middletown. They also offer a good selection of  authentic Japanese hot dishes. If you’re not getting a sushi roll, try the Katsu-Donburi, which is a bowl of rice topped with fried pork, egg, and pickled vegetables. Reservations recommended.

   

   Spicy Girl Roll at Mikado

4. It’s Only Natural Restaurant: This is the only all-vegetarian (and practically all-vegan) restaurant in Middletown. We love the interesting atmosphere, which is enhanced by the local art hanging on every wall. Some must-eats are: the sweet potato fries, the pierogies, and the vegan cupcakes, which are made by the owner herself. Reservations recommended.

   

   It’s Only Natural

5. Anoho Asian Noodle House: Anoho is your one-stop destination for all things Asian. Their menu ranges from Chinese to Thai to Japanese and offers items including sautéed noodle dishes, noodle soups, sushi, meat- and fish-based entrees, and even dessert. But above all, you must try their Hot Almond Black House Special Blend Tea. It is almond tea with milk, sugar, and almond syrup, and it’s the perfect beverage to warm you up on a cool October evening. See full article here

   

   Noodle soup at Anoho

6. La Cantina Café Ristorante: You’re unlikely to find many Italian restaurants as authentic as La Cantina. Don’t come for the ambiance; come for the delicious home-style cooking. Like any genuine Italian dining experience, the portions are big enough to share. The menu is always changing but we’ve never encountered a pasta dish that we didn’t love. Reservations recommended.

   

   La Cantina

7. Thai Gardens: This is another Wesleyan favorite. Thai Gardens offers quality Thai food at very reasonable prices. Stick to the classics, like the chicken pad thai.

   

   Thai Gardens

8. Mondo Pizza: If you’re in a pizza kind of mood, Mondo is your place—no questions asked. Their brick-oven, thin-crust pies are available to be custom-ordered with a huge variety of toppings. One of our favorite pies is the Oozy Egg, which is  a white pizza made with fresh mozzarella, romano, prosciutto di Parma , egg, and truffle oil. Also, get a plate of eggplant fries for the table. Trust us, they’re worth it.

   

   Mondo Pizza

9. Osaka Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar: Osaka is the only place in town to offer Japanese hibachi-style cooking, where a chef prepares your meal on a huge grill right before your eyes. This is an especially fun experience if you’re with children or big groups. Reservations recommended.

   

   Osaka

10. Eli Cannon’s Tap Room: A long-time Middletown favorite, Eli Cannon’s is a mix between neighborhood bar and edgy, hip eatery. It’s a great place to grab a drink (their beer selection is renowned throughout New England) and the food is indulgent and delicious. We love the fried pickles, the nachos, and the Big E quesadilla, which is basically a Big Mac disguised in a flour tortilla. Eli’s doesn’t take reservations, so be prepared for a potential wait.

    

    The Big E Quesadilla at Eli Cannon’s

Sweets:

1. NoRA Cupcake Company: Even though NoRA opened only a year ago, it’s already established itself as a go-to dessert stop on Main Street. Their cupcake menu changes daily, but always includes fun and unique creations, such as the Irish Car Bomb, a chocolate Guinness cake with Jameson chocolate ganache and Bailey’s cream cheese frosting. They also always offer at least one vegan and gluten-free option. This weekend they’re sure to have some cool, new, autumn-themed selections, so be sure to check them out! See full article here.

   

   A few of the delicious options at NoRA

2. Fusion Bakery: Fusion epitomizes the concept of a neighborhood bakery. All their sweets are freshly made from scratch each day and are very reasonably priced considering their quality. You’ll find pastries, cakes, tarts, cookies and everything in between. Some of our favorites are the Italian rainbow cookie cake, the carrot cake, the scones, the cheesecake, the chocolate chip cookies… who are we kidding? Everything is phenomenal. See full article here. 
3. Froyoworld Frozen Yogurt Lounge: The trend of self-serve frozen yogurt stores, which is sweeping the nation, has finally arrived in Middletown, Connecticut. Some highlights of Froyoworld’s offerings this weekend include the salted caramel pretzel flavored yogurt, Thanksgiving pumpkin pie flavored yogurt, apple pie compote, s’more clusters, brownie bites, and the Lucky Charm marshmallow toppings. See full article here.

   

   Some of our personal Froyoworld creations

Unique to Middletown

1. Zen Roasters: This is the only coffee roaster in Middletown, Connecticut. The folks at Zen Roasters know their coffee and are great at preparing delicious, unique blends. Their location at 180 Johnson Street is about a five-minute drive from Wesleyan, but if you consider yourself a coffee connoisseur, you have to check it out. See full article here.

   

   Zen Roasters roasts all their own coffee

2. Middlesex Fruitery: This place has been around for almost 100 years and provides a true Middletown experience. Tell the employees what kind of fruit you’re looking for and they’ll hand select a perfect specimen from their barrels of produce. Disclaimer: This fruit can get pretty pricy, but based on the quality and experience, it’s probably worth it.

   

   Middlesex Fruitery

3. Jerry’s Pizza: We’re embarrassed to say that we’ve never been to Jerry’s Pizza, but their pies are nationally acclaimed. Their most famous dish is the white Sicilian pizza. Be sure to call ahead for this one though, because it takes an hour and a half for Jerry to perfectly prepare the dough.

   

   Jerry’s Pizza

4. Sweet Harmony Café & Bakery: This is one of our all-time favorite Middletown restaurants. The atmosphere is charming and complements their home-style American comfort food. We recommend any of their salads or sandwiches for lunch, and do not skimp out on dessert—it’s the highlight of the meal. Come with a small party and be prepared for a wait because space is limited.

   

   Cream Puff Cake at Sweet Harmony

5. O’Rourke’s Diner: O’Rourke’s is probably the most famous restaurant in Middletown. Established in 1941, it has been a Middletown staple for breakfast and brunch. Be sure to try their hash, freshly baked bread, and egg dishes. Disclaimer: There will be a line, so come early or be prepared to wait.

   

   Eggs Benedict at O’Rourke’s

6. Tschudin Chocolate & Confections: Featured on Food Network’s “Sweet Genius,” Tschudin Chocolates sells a variety of chocolate creations, as well as several made-to-order baked goods. Their products are top-notch. Whether you’re looking for gifts or simply a chocolate pick-me-up, you have to check this place out.

   

   Tschudin Chocolate

7. Eli Cannon’s Tap Room: A long-time Middletown favorite, Eli Cannon’s is a mix between neighborhood bar and edgy, hip eatery. It’s a great place to grab a drink (their beer selection is renowned throughout New England) and the food is indulgent and delicious. We love the fried pickles, the nachos, and the Big E quesadilla, which is basically a Big Mac disguised in a flour tortilla. Eli’s doesn’t take reservations, so be prepared for a potential wait.

   

   Big E Quesadilla at Eli Cannon’s

   This list is not representative of all the good restaurants in town; it is simply a collection of our favorite eateries to go to with our families. We hope it provides you with some insight on where to eat this weekend. Bon appetit!

   Ari & Alex

Ford News Diner- A Darn Good Breakfast

So yesterday, for the first time ever, Alex and I decided to go to Ford News Diner. Have you seen this place? Sub-consciously yes, you probably have. It’s a little storefront located at 358 Main Street, almost right next to the Main Street Market where Froyo World, New England Emporium, and the It’s Only Natural Restaurant are. If you’ve been in, we sincerely applaud you. Anyway, at 11:30 on a Sunday Morning, we stumbled down Court Street towards the diner. By 11:50, we were being welcomed in and offered to “sit wherever you want”, and by 11:51, the magic began.

Ford News Diner is not your typical breakfast experience, or maybe that’s exactly what it is, either way, its old school, neighborhoody, fairly funky vibe is what gives it its charm. The space is small, with seats arranged at a counter, as well as a few small tables. The “kitchen” is pretty much comprised of a large skillet and some other cooking appliances, all located directly in front of the counter. I found this infinitely thrilling. It’s like American hibachi. You’re never given a menu. Instead, the choices, which are the farthest thing from original, eggs, bacon,home fries, pancakes, and a few other options, are listed on boards on the wall. They also serve lunch, a variety of sandwiches and some blue plate specials.

The Breakfast Specials at Ford News

The waitress appeared literally seconds into our journey at Ford News. “Coffee?” She inquired. Alex took some, I ordered an herbal tea. BAM. They were there. We have absolutely no complaints about the service. “How many years have you guys been opened?” I asked the waitress. “Fifty!” She responded. “Who owns it?” “Oh, she does!” The waitress pointed to a lady who was casually chatting with some customers. “Hey! How long have you owned this place?” The waitress shouted across the restaurant? “Twenty-nine years.” The owner replied. “Oh, these girls wanted to know.” The owner stood up and came to sit at a stool next to us. “Are you from Wesleyan? Come more often!” She urged us, then she sat, quietly keeping us company, until we had successfully ordered and received our food. Let it be known that this all happened exceedingly fast. After giving us about half a minute (which is all the time you need) to peruse the menu, the waitress took our order. I got the number one special, two eggs any style (I got egg whites), with toast, coffee or tea, and home fries. Alex got the number six, an egg and cheese sandwich on a hard roll with bacon or sausage (she got sausage), served with coffee and home fries. Within seconds of having written down our order, the paper was immediately handed to one of the two women on cooking duty, and again BAM! They brushed some oil onto the skillet, cracked the eggs, legitimately threw Alex’s sausage onto the hot surface, tossed the bread into the toaster, swiftly buttered the hard roll and put it on the grill to warm, and then like magic, our heaping piles of breakfast deliciousness were sitting in front of us.

The Number Six Special

The whole experience of watching your food be made is probably one of the best reasons to go to Ford News. It’s the kind of breakfast you always try to make yourself at home, but it never turns out as good as it would’ve been out. Why? Because those ladies are pros. With a menu that small, everyone ends up ordering more or less the same thing, so they can probably extract the whites from an egg shell in their sleep. They know exactly how long it takes to cook a sausage, and the perfect amount of butter to slab on a roll. As proven by the bread tossing game they seemed to be playing with everybody’s toast, their aim isn’t so bad either. So how was the food? Honestly? It was pretty delicious. The home fries were incredibly well seasoned and moist. Alex loved her sandwich, which was perfectly proportioned and buttered to perfection. I have absolutely no complaints about my egg whites. And for $5.25? I really did feel like I got a deal!  Nothing at Ford News Diner is spectacular. Don’t come in expecting a unique or artisanally prepared meal. If that’s what you’re looking for, go to O’Rourke’s. It’s also not a good option if you’re craving a crazy omelette with every ingredient under the sun. If that’s what you’re looking for, Athenian is your best bet. No, come to Ford News Diner for a quick, cheap, and typical American breakfast, where you’re sure to find friendly service, good company, and a darn good meal.

– Ari Rudess

Have you been to Ford News Diner? What did you think?

Breakfast/Brunch Alternatives

Students seem to forget that Usdan is not the only on-campus option for brunch. True, it is delicious, and there are few things more exciting in life than a made-to-order omelette or ice cream at 11 AM. Like everyone else, we’re big fans of Usdan brunch. That being said, don’t forget about all the other delicious breakfast and brunch options, both on and off campus.

 On Campus

WesWings: What?! WesWings serves brunch??? Yes. You read this correctly. In fact, after tasting the delicious cuisine at WesWings brunch, many students never go back to Usdan. Like their lunch and dinner style, you order at the counter, pay with points, and they call your name through a microphone when your food is ready. It’s available on Saturday and Sunday mornings throughout the semester. Menu items change regularly, however; you can expect egg dishes like huevos rancheros, omelettes (that you don’t have to wait 40 minutes for!), at least one sweet selection (like french toast or pancakes), a bagel entree, a hot cereal-like choice like oatmeal served with fruit, and a typical American breakfast plate, with bacon and sausage, hashbrowns, etc. We strongly recommend ordering the “breakfast pail” if it’s on the menu. This delightful meal includes eggs, shredded potatoes, cheese, and bacon or sausage, layered on top of each other in a Chinese take out box.

Red and Black: This place is such a Wesleyan staple. Their sandwiches are delish, their hot selections and soups are always fresh and appetizing, their smoothies are made with real fruit and yogurt (making it the only genuine fruit smoothie on campus), and their cookies and desserts are some of the best on campus. But did you know that Red and Black also serves breakfast sandwiches all day every day as well as some really solid weekend brunch options? The menu is very similar (almost exactly the same) to WesWings. Expect dishes like eggs, make your own omelette, oatmeal, and pancakes.

Usdan Cafe: I stumbled upon the breakfast options at the Usdan Cafe by accident. It was a Saturday morning around 10:00, and I had just gotten out of crew practice. Ravenous, I went into Usdan, hoping that if I arrived an hour early, I’d be the first on the omelette line. As I sat and waited, I noticed that the Usdan Cafe was offering some interesting breakfast items. I pushed aside dreams of eggs, and opted instead for a banana parfait. This sweet treat included fresh bananas, peanut butter, an angel food cake-textured item, and banana pudding. Okay, maybe it’s not the healthiest breakfast, but if you just can’t wait till 11:00, or you’ve been cursed with the deadly hangover sweet tooth, it’s definitely a good alternative to Usdan brunch! They also have Chobani yogurts, satisfying yogurt parfaits, and light sandwiches.

Off Campus

 O’Rourke’s: O’Rourke’s is probably the most famous restaurant in Middletown. People come from far and wide to go to this very established diner, so be prepared for a line, especially on the weekends. O’Rourke’s success can be attributed to its irresistible charm. The restaurant is tiny, probably not seating more than 30 people. After the long wait, the servers welcome you to your table by giving you a flower, and a little amuse bouche: a few pieces of their freshly made bread or muffins to hold you over until your main dish arrives. The menu is heavily influenced by the owner’s Irish heritage, so expect dishes like Irish soda bread french toast, bangers wrapped in pancakes, and several different varieties of hash (which were even featured on the Food Network program “Diners Drive-Ins, and Dives”). Don’t stress too much about what you end up choosing, we guarantee that everything is delicious, but we’re somewhat partial to the egg dishes, especially the many variations of eggs benedict. At some point during your four years at Wesleyan, it’s absolutely essential that you check this place out for a truly unique dining experience.

Athenian Diner: Athenian diner is one of the best reasons to get/find a friend with a car. It’s only about a 2 minute drive away, but because it’s on a fairly busy road, we wouldn’t recommend walking, especially if it’s 1:00 AM on a Saturday and you’re in desperate need of a tuna melt and milkshake (which we often are). Athenian is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They serve typical American breakfast fare at very reasonable prices. Nothing about the food or ambiance is particularly fascinating, but if you’re looking for a quality breakfast, and you don’t want to brave the line at O’Rourke’s, this is definitely a great option.

Ford News Diner: Ford News Diner is a bit of a hidden gem. Not incredibly popular among the Wesleyan community, this quintessential Middletown establishment serves up solid breakfast foods in an endearing neighborhood environment. You can expect all the breakfast classics, like eggs, pancakes, oatmeal, and breakfast sandwiches, as well as friendly staff, and tons of juicy gossip on what’s going on in Middletown.

Brewbakers/Javapalooza/New England Emporium: Why did I group these places together? I would recommend different menu items at all of them, but that you go to them for the same reason. If you’re not in a “breakfast” or “brunch” mood, and are simply looking for a place where you can sit down with your textbooks and spend a couple of hours, try one of these. They all do a great job with breakfast. Here’s the rundown…

Brewbakers- I think Brewbakers has the best bagels in Middletown. They also have very popular breakfast sandwiches. My go-to is a cheddar cheese bagel with chive cream cheese, capers, and smoked salmon.

Javapalooza- Java is under new ownership, (we hope to get an exclusive interview soon). We have yet to try it since the change, however we’ve heard that most of the old menu items are still available. Go for a more indulgent, less gourmet crepe, be it sweet or savory. Nothing at Javapalooza is a total masterpiece. In fact, the food often seems like an afterthought when compared to the cool ambiance, with a very young staff and old records and concert posters hanging on the walls. The new owner seems incredibly enthusiastic, so it’ll be interesting to see how the restaurant has changed since she took over.

New England Emporium- The Emporium has the biggest range of breakfast items. You can get anything from a more traditional breakfast sandwich to an omelette to a bowl of oatmeal to a crepe. Overwhelmed? You can’t really go wrong with their breakfast crepes (especially the Parisian). They’re served with a fantastic dish of crispy shredded potatoes, and make a very filling and fun breakfast that will keep you full well into the afternoon. I’d recommend staying all day, and sipping on one of their smoothies when you finally get hungry again.

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Did I miss anything? What are your favorite breakfast/brunch spots in Middletown? Comment!

 

-Ari Rudess

Top 10 Middletown Must-Eats

Are you a freshman struggling to figure out how you’re going to feed yourself for the next four years? Or maybe you’re an upperclassman dreading the endless line for pastabilities?  Well, good news. We’ve assembled a list of some of our favorite restaurants in Middletown for you to explore.  All of these places are within walking distance from campus and offer some of the best deals and dishes in town, so be sure to check them out!

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1. Neon Deli

    If you haven’t been to Neon Deli, you are either living under a rock, or a freshman (It’s okay frosh. You’ll learn soon enough).  Neon offers typical deli fare–sandwiches, soups, salads–as well as some grocery items, for cheaper prices than WesShop. Just looking for a quick lunch? We recommend the Sussman special, a soft 6-inch roll with chicken cutlet, provolone cheese, black olives, pepperoni, and onions, melted to perfection and served by some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. For a guilt-free dessert, check out the Ben & Jerry’s Greek Frozen Yogurt (Raspberry Fudge is our fave). The one downside: they don’t take Middletown Cash. But for the awesome service, great food, and proximity to campus, we’d say it’s worth the cash.

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2. New England Emporium

    It’s no secret that there are several coffee shop/cafe-like establishments along Main Street, all with distinct personalities and menus. They each have their perks, but one of our favorites is New England Emporium. Calling this place cozy might be pushing it, as it’s one of the larger restaurants in town, but the comfortable couches, homey decorations, and casual menu give it a warm and friendly vibe. It wouldn’t be right to dub the Emporium a “coffee shop” because of its expansive menu, which includes a variety of breakfast options, sweet and savory crepes, soups, sandwiches, salads, gelato, and pretty much any drink you can think of. It’s definitely a great place to settle down with your books and indulge in a nice snack. Oh, and they take Middletown Cash!

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3. Mondo

    It’s 6 o’clock and you’re craving one thing and one thing only: pizza. Don’t be ashamed; it’s most college students’ meal of choice. The only thing you should be embarrassed about is ordering from Domino’s when there’s a fantastic pizza restaurant right down the street (literally… just walk down Church and you’re there). Be warned: it’s not your run-of-the-mill pizzeria, and you’re going to want to bring more than 5 bucks (or be prepared to use Middletown Cash). The thin crust pies are cooked in brick ovens, using only the freshest of ingredients. They come at a price (13.50 for a medium pie), but are incredibly delicious and big enough to share. But even if you’re not in the mood for pizza, you will definitely enjoy one of their other great offerings. Eggplant fries, anyone?

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4. O’Rourkes

    O’Rourke’s is probably the most famous restaurant in Middletown. People come from far and wide to go to this very established diner, so expect a line, especially on the weekends. We think its success can be attributed to its irresistible charm. The restaurant is tiny, probably not seating more than 30 people. After the long wait, the servers welcome you to your table by giving you a flower, and a little amuse bouche: a few pieces of their freshly made bread or muffins to hold you over until your main dish arrives. The menu is heavily influenced by the owner’s Irish heritage, so expect dishes like Irish soda bread french toast, bangers wrapped in pancakes, and several different varieties of hash (which were even featured on the Food Network program “Diners Drive-Ins, and Dives”).  Don’t stress too much about what you end up choosing, we guarantee that everything is delicious, but we’re somewhat partial to the egg dishes, especially the many variations of eggs benedict. At some point during your four years at Wesleyan, it’s absolutely essential that you check this place out for a truly unique dining experience.

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5. Anoho

    Fun fact: Anoho is short for Asian Noodle House. They have an option where you choose a type of noodle, meat/soy product, vegetable, and sauce, and they customize a dish for you (the customizable noodle soup is a go-to sick food). They’re also the only restaurant in Middletown to serve bubble tea! The food is considered Asian fusion, so you’ll find dishes from Japan, Thailand, and predominantly China. For appetizers definitely try the scallion pancakes and fried pork dumplings. If you’re not in the mood for noodles we recommend the General Tso’s chicken (it’s the best in Middletown, from our experience). Vegetarian/vegan? You’re in luck; they recently added several vegetarian substitutes to their menu to cater to our community. Almost every chicken dish has a bean curd substitute, not to mention a variety of tofu dishes. You’ll be happy to know that they take Middletown Cash and deliver (it usually takes about 45 minutes for them to get to campus.) The one downside may be the ambiance. What from the outside looks like a cool, modern, somewhat urban establishment, on the inside is simply a quiet Chinese restaurant, with gentle background music and Chinese art decorating the walls. But hey, it’s definitely not bad. Everything is clean and the service is very friendly, but don’t go in expecting a super hip party scene, unless your definition of a party involves Chinese elevator music and subdued Asian waitresses serving wonton soup in porcelain bowls (no judgement if that is your definition of a party). Anyway, Anoho offers great food at completely reasonable prices. Just go.

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6. It’s Only Natural

    In your time at Wesleyan, be it 1 day or 3 years, you have all experienced the onslaught of comments regarding the progressive, politically correct, “hippie” reputation of this university. We suppose that if there’s one restaurant in Middletown that best reflects this perception, it’s It’s Only Natural. This eatery (not to be confused with the It’s Only Natural Market which is a few blocks north) is the only completely vegetarian restaurant in Middletown. We’ve found it to be somewhat hit or miss, but mostly hits. The juices are delicious and fresh, but with a limited variety, and without a to-go area where you can get a drink for the road. The vegetable dumplings are absolutely delicious, as are the noodle bowl and the sweet potato fries. The dishes you should avoid are the chili, and anything that involves cheese as one of the key ingredients. Come for the vegan food and juices, the cool, laid back ambiance, and bring your wallet, because it’s not cheap (look at $14 for an entree). For health food products and vitamins, definitely check out the It’s Only Natural market. Although they don’t have as much variety as larger health food stores, you’ll definitely be able to find the basics, and the quality is very good.

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7. NoRa Cupcakery

    When we heard that someone was opening a cupcake bakery on Main Street, we literally jumped for joy, and rushed down to this adorable little bake shop as quickly as we could. Come on, who wouldn’t be excited about cupcakes? NoRa is a fascinating establishment. Located deep within the North End of Middletown, which has a stigma within the community for being lower-income and somewhat dangerous, the name “NoRa” refers to its location, north of Rappallo avenue, a choice the owners made in the hopes that the title will be universally adopted by the Middletown community, thereby changing the reputation of the North End neighborhood. Besides their social and political message, NoRa offers some delicious cupcakes. Every day they have different specials, always including one gluten free, vegan, and Weight Watchers friendly cupcake. One of their most interesting creations is called “pan cupcake & bacon” (with or without blueberries). Like the name suggests, this cupcake is made with pancake batter and bacon. The incorporation of bacon within desserts seems to be all the rage these days, so we like NoRa, because they are keeping up with the times, both socially and gastronomically. Check their Facebook for the daily flavors.

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8. Amici Italian Grill

    Got a hot date this weekend? Or is it just your parents coming to make sure you haven’t died yet? Either way, we’ve got just the place for you. If you’re into Italian food, you’re sure to find a solid meal at Amici. It’s not the most authentic European dining experience, and it might leave a gaping hole in your wallet, but their food is soooooo good. We suggest trying the Mediterranean salad, Veal Parmigiana, and Chicken Gnocchi. Also, don’t skimp out on the bread. It’s served with garlic cloves that you scoop out and spread on with a knife, which is kind of weirdly fun. Overall, Amici is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a more intimate, upscale environment.

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9. Praline’s Ice Cream (Lizzy B’s Sweet Celebrations)

    Praline’s is one of those incredibly cute ice cream shoppes that you just can’t walk by without stopping in… and unconsciously start frequenting every weekend for that perfect little dessert. It’s less of a one-night-stand and more like one of those “Oh my God I think I’m in love with you” kind of things, so don’t be surprised to find out that Praline’s is actually a pretty popular chain in Connecticut. Call us blasphemous but we actually rank it higher than Coldstone. It’s a little cheaper, has a more comfortable, “neighborhoody” vibe, and serves frozen treats that are really top-notch. Be sure to try the Beez Neez, Praline’s N’ Cream, and Cake Batter flavors, all of which are made locally with quality, fresh ingredients. So what do you say; are you ready to jump on the Praline’s bandwagon?

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10. Sweet Harmony Cafe and Bakery

    You may have scrolled through this list and thought to yourself “Aight yo, I might as well have created my own food blog. I’ve literally heard of all these restaur–wait, what the hell is Sweet Harmony and why does it sound like a bad soap opera?” Well, this is one of those hole-in-the-walls that definitely reinforces the hipster stereotype at Wesleyan. And even though it’s not the most popular, it definitely merits the elaborate description that follows…

Once upon a time, two hungry girls were meandering through the quaint streets of Middletown, Connecticut. As they stumbled along, they came across a tiny house, in front of which read a sign “Sweet Harmony Cafe and Bakery”. Somewhat timidly, they entered, only to be greeted by an adorable room, laden with trinkets and treasures of every variety. A kindly old woman sat them down at a miniscule wooden table, where they were served the freshest and most delicious of salads, most savory of comfort foods, and interesting, creative beverages. Then dessert arrived, and with one glance it was as if we had died and gone to heaven. What a thing of beauty it was. The strawberry shortcake, drenched in strawberry syrup and fresh fruit, and topped with the chewiest, creamiest scoop of vanilla ice cream and a perfectly thick dollop of whipped cream. The cream puff cake, doused in hot fudge, and embedded with a filling, was almost artistic in appearance and nature. After paying their bill, which was not by any means exorbitant, they left, completely satisfied, wondering, if perhaps the experience had even been real, or maybe they had been dreaming all along.

Okay so basically what we’re saying is that this is an absolute MUST eat in Middletown. Find a friend, preferably someone who appreciates joy, and bring them down to Broad Street for one of the most divine of dining experiences.

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Did we miss something? Comment and let us know your favorite places to eat in Middletown! We’ll be sure to feature them soon.

Ari Rudess and Alex Irace