Fusion Bakery and Patisserie Grand Opening (Event Coverage)

Today Fusion Bakery celebrated their grand opening at their new location. With an excited crowd full of some pretty famous Middletown faces, a $50 dollar raffle, and of course, a smorgasbord of delightful samples, it was truly an event to remember.

happy crowd — The happy customers chat over samples and coffee!

Besides a jam packed case of full-sized baked goods for sale, Steve and his staff also offered a variety of miniature items for sampling. These included red velvet, carrot cake, and chocolate cupcakes covered with chocolate ganache, mini blueberry muffins, mini lemon tarts, flourless chocolate cakes, and caramel and plain milk chocolate from Vermont-based Lake Champlain chocolates.

carrot cakes — Carrot and red velvet cupcakes

Flourless chocolate cakes and chocolate cupcakes

q eating — Q is a huge fan of Fusion’s flourless chocolate cake

Al is slightly obsessed with Fusion’s Greek coffee. Okay I am too.

We were in good company. Attendees included Quentin Phipps (Q), executive director of the Middletown Downtown Business District, Middletown’s Mayor Daniel Drew, Larry McHugh, president of the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce. Andy Heuer, director of development and fundraising for Marc Community Resources, Rosanne Bickford, owner of Lizzy B’s Sweet Celebrations, as well as a cluster of Wesleyan students, and tons of other fans.

Left to right-Daniel Drew, Steve Pikos, and Larry McHugh

q AND ANDY — Left to right- Andy Heuer and Quentin Phipps

rosanne — Rosanne Bickford (left) chats and enjoys samples with a friend

The staff was busy wrapping pastries, whipping up beverages, and chatting with patrons, but they did find a minute to draw the winners for the raffle! The prizes were three $50 gift cards to the bakery…the first number drawn? Yep, it was me.

steve coffee mayor — Steve making a Greek coffee (must-try) while chatting with Mayor Drew

All in all, a seriously fun event. Now that they’re officially opened (and we have a $50 dollar gift card), we can’t wait to see what else Fusion has in store for us!

– Ari

Fusion Bakery and Patisserie: Your Ultimate Neighborhood Bake Shop!

Here’s a recipe for success: Take a group of passionate, talented bakers, add a gorgeous, state-of-the-art space, mix it together with some hungry college students and local residents, and let sit—the results are sure to be fantastic.

Fusion Bakery and Patisserie has been in Middletown since Sept. 2007, but it hasn’t become quite the sensation that owner and baker Steve Pikos thinks it should be. And after taste-testing a ridiculous number of Fusion’s products and chatting with baking-veteran Pikos, we can say we agree with him. Main Street is home to a truly excellent bakery that more Wesleyan kids should visit. For those students who are missing their local bake shops or home-baked treats, look no further.

Fusion recently relocated from the Main Street Marketplace to the Riverview Center, right next to Cold Stone Creamery. Upon entering the new premises, we were impressed by its spacious, airy setting. Compared to the kiosk-sized space that used to house the bakery, the new location is a coliseum. The bakery counter is twice the size of the previous one, and it is complemented by a large seating area in front. Although larger now, Fusion is actually more charming than it was before; unlike its old site, which had only a few tables and chairs, this open space is much more inviting for customers to sit, eat, and relax.

fusion chair area — The Seating Area at Fusion Bakery

Part of this cozy comfort is also due to the new decor, which reveals the wide range of Fusion’s delectable creations. As you enjoy your baked good of choice, and perhaps a cup of coffee, you can admire the photos of Fusion’s pastries that hang on the wall. The huge windows take up most of the storefront, allowing sunshine to stream in and making the space feel expansive and bright. Similarly, the kitchen is completely open, so clients can watch the staff busily prepare the day’s selections, baked fresh every day.

“We make our own fillings, our own buttercream, our own everything,” Pikos said. “We don’t use cake mix at all. We do everything ourselves.”

Pikos, who owns the bakery, has serious credentials. He was first exposed to the food business by his parents and their Greek-and-pizza restaurant. After going to school for finance, he made a career switch and attended culinary school to major in pastry arts. He opened Fusion Bakery soon after.

The bakery boasts a wide variety of products, including breakfast pastries like muffins, scones, and croissants; cakes and cupcakes; cookies; brownies; bars; éclairs; tarts; and at least three gluten-free offerings a day.

If you don’t see your favorite treat in the display case, don’t worry. The folks at Fusion accept suggestions, and odds are they’ll be able to whip up a batch of whatever it is that your taste buds are looking for. Not only that, but they’re also more than willing to create a custom dessert just for you. Whether it’s a birthday cake, cookie platter, or personalized care package, they always aim to please.

“If someone called in and asked for two lemon squares for Friday, we’d make them,” Pikos said.

However, Fusion does a great deal more than just sell baked goods out of its store. It also runs a thriving mass-order service, providing morning pastries for Klekolo World Coffee, desserts for Illiano’s Pizzeria, carrot cakes for multiple establishments, and a baked-good catering service.

It may be slightly tucked away from the hustle-and-bustle of Main Street, but the quality of its products is front-and-center. During our visit, we were able to try a variety of the desserts offered at the bakery.

They were all phenomenal, but some of our favorites included an incredibly moist Italian rainbow cookie cake. It had perfect proportions of raspberry jam, chocolate, and a delightful almond flavor. Fusion’s New York-style cheesecake was thick and perfectly tart but at the same time creamy and indulgent. For those looking to get into the Halloween spirit, the day’s specials included two fun Halloween-themed cookies, but its traditional chocolate chip and cranberry oatmeal cookies were equally delicious.

fusion rainbow cookie — We were huge fans of the Italian rainbow cookie cake

And, of course, we tried the carrot cake, which is Fusion’s best-seller. Unlike other bakeries, who add raisins and other fruit to their carrot cake, Fusion keeps the taste classic with a mild spice. The moist, fluffy cake is perfectly complemented by the light cream cheese frosting.

our selection — From left to right- Cherry Cheesecake, Pumpkin Cupcake, Carrot Cake Cupcake

Despite the outlandish amount of food that we consumed, we were surprised to find that we did not experience the typical sick-to-your-stomach exhaustion that follows an onslaught of desserts. Pikos suggested that this might be because Fusion’s desserts are only made with the most wholesome ingredients.

“We’re not going to use anything here that you can’t pronounce,” Pikos remarked. “I can tell you every ingredient that’s in that kitchen.”

Fusion’s baked goods are also reasonably priced. Most cupcakes cost around $2.50, brownies are $2.25, and cookies are $1.25. On top of that, Wesleyan students always receive a 15 percent discount, and Fusion will be accepting Middletown Cash as a form of payment very soon.

Since all baked goods are served fresh everyday, they need to get rid of the leftovers by their 6:00 closing time, and these often go to the lucky customers who are still in the store. What could possibly be better than coming back to campus with a bag of free pastries?

Right now the bakery is busy ironing out a few last kinks, but they will celebrate their grand opening in their new home on November 2nd at 10:00. Keep an eye out for this event, as it is sure to feature an abundance of delicious sweets!

fusion steve — Owner Steve Pikos and Manager Jen Mcguinness

-Ari & Alex

The Wesleyan Farmers Market 9/26- Storm Clouds, Spices, Smoothies, and Stuffed Breads!

Despite the undesirable weather conditions, the vendors at the Wesleyan Farmers Market are real troopers. With tents, saran wrap, and rain gear, they braved the storm (okay, maybe it was only drizzling) to bring you your weekly taste of local deliciousness. Here’s the rundown.

Horse Listeners Orchard– Just like last week, Horse Listeners Orchard made the trek from Ashford, CT to bring you some of their fresh picked fruits. Today they were selling their homegrown apples. The selection was smaller than last week but looked just as delicious!

Long Lane Farm- As per usual, our classmates from Long Lane were selling up a gorgeous variety of fresh vegetables!

Auntie Arwen’s Spices– Auntie Arwen came with her usual smorgasbord of spices, teas, and soaps; but today, she was also selling fudge! It came in a variety of flavors, and looked absolutely delicious!

Meriano’s Bake Shoppe- The Italian bakery was fully stocked with their delicious brownies, blondies, stuffed breads, and other Italian confections. The most popular item seems to be the apple cider doughnuts, which, when we stopped by the market at 12:00, were already completely sold out! Today the vendor was also selling handmade pasta. Yum!

Zen Roasters- Our favorite (and the only) Middletown coffee roaster was serving up some of their incredibly amazing blends. We were delighted to see that Nicole, the owner of the company, brought her super cute dog, Talia. Could she be more adorable?

Raw You-Niverse– We were excited to see this vendor, who wasn’t here last week. The company is centralized right here in MIddletown (although they don’t have a storefront). Their selection of vegan fruit smoothies looked delicious!

Bon Appetit- Today Bon Appetit’s menu featured a mixed green salad with heirloom tomatoes and roasted pepper dressing, a choice of a veggie burger with Vermont Cheddar on ciabatta or grilled bratwurst with sauerkraut on a potato roll, carrot and butternut squash bisque, and for dessert, fresh apple crisp with whipped cream. They also had some pretty tempting fresh apple cider. If you thought the Friday apple crisp in the marketplace was good, you’ve got to try this!

It was another great week at the Wesleyan Farmers Market. Hopefully next time will bring some better weather and our old friends, as well as some new Connecticut food artisans!

-Ari Rudess

Did you go to today’s farmers market? What was your favorite buy?

Goodies for Gluten Free Glutton

Gluten free lifestyles seem to be all the rage these days, with more people eliminating the grain food group from their diets, and gluten free alternatives— including pasta, bread, rice, and bars—popping up in restaurants and markets all over the country. The majority of gluten free people lead these lifestyles because they Celiac disease or other intolerances to gluten. Wesleyan’s student body is no exception, and as gluten intolerance grows, the need for gluten free alternatives increases as well. The question is, how can you enjoy the complete college kid experience without pigging out on huge bowls of pasta, devouring ridiculously large sandwiches, and stuffing cookies in your mouth at three a.m.? Not to fear, my gluten free comrades!

Our very own campus offers an impressive amount of options for gluten-free eaters, not to mention the many restaurants that cater towards gluten free clientele in town. So regardless of what your taste buds are telling you, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.

“I think Bon Appetit Has done a lot–especially since my freshman year to accommodate gluten-free people.”, expresses junior Hannah Korevaar. “The staff have been extremely receptive to the need on campus and always want to know if more needs to be done. This year they are doing a much better job labeling food in Usdan and supplying the gluten-free section with various substitutes.” This was the general consensus among all three of the students I spoke with. Frankel informed me that “there is one staff member who’s in charge of gluten-free section and she’s super nice. I always see her in the section asking students what kinds of new foods they want to see.” Although not every dining option on campus is as gluten-free-friendly as others, it’s possible to find at least one gluten free meal or snack at every dining option on campus.

Meal Swipes:

Usdan Marketplace– Usdan Marketplace is probably the best option, especially if you have a condition that prevents you from eating anything that might have possibly touched gluten. The gluten free section, which is located directly across from the kosher section, is said to be on an upward spiral, with the variety and quality improving everyday. Student Gabe Frankel ‘15 raved about the baked goods, premade pasta dishes, and fresh blueberries and blackberries that are sometimes available.

As far as finding gluten free options in other sections of the marketplace is concerned, Erin Kelly, a graduate of 2012 states that “It’s a kind of dangerous place because nothing on the floor can be guaranteed gluten free, but you can definitely get creative, especially if you use veggies from the salad bar to make sandwiches with stuff from the gluten free section.” Korevaar is a zealot for the salad bar as well “When I eat at Usdan, I get a lot of salad. The vegan is often gluten-free, so I eat that a lot. I get pretty excited about the spicy chick peas.” She told me. If vegetarian eating isn’t for you, don’t worry! Frankel, a self proclaimed carnivore, often gets the gluten free turkey burgers, as well as other meat products from the grill section, “classics”, and the kosher station. These make for great meals on their own, as well as good supplements to items located in the gluten free area. Frankel also advises that gluten free students keep their eyes peeled for the occasional gluten free specials offered in other stations, like stir fry in classics, corn tortillas on quesadilla night in Mongolian, or the occasional memorable special, like make-your-own-pizza with gluten free crust that was available last year at the front of the marketplace.

Be warned, however, that unless an item is in the gluten free section, it is not guaranteed not to have been contaminated.

Summerfields– Summerfields can be a bit tricky, since much of the menu relies on grain products. Hannah Korevaar ‘13 usually opts for a salad when she and her friends hit up Summies. Taqueria options are also doable, with corn tortillas available for students interested in making their Mexican-style meals gluten free.

Usdan and Pi Cafes– Frankel brings up an interesting point about American culture, which is particularly evident on college campuses. “The majority of snacks and quick lunches that we eat contain gluten.” He told me. “Think about the last time you were on the run. You probably grabbed chips, cookies, pretzels, or some kind of breakfast bar.” When you think about it, you realize that he’s right! Quick lunches are no different. The go to options are sandwiches, pizza, burgers, and fries. Even though Usdan Cafe and Pi don’t offer gluten free bread, it’s definitely possible to eat gluten free when you’re in a rush.

The marketplace has a to-go option during lunch hours. If you know what you’re looking for, you can grab a box, fill it with goodies, and skedaddle to your next appointment within five minutes. If that just won’t cut it, stop downstairs at the cafe. You can get a cup of soup and a salad (the fresh mozzarella and tomato is particularly delicious) or a sushi roll (try the teriyaki chicken for a very filling meal). As far as snacks are concerned, Ronnybrook yogurt and yogurt drinks are some of the freshest and most organic products you can find at Wesleyan. They also come in a variety of flavors, all of which are gluten free. If you’re not feeling dairy, Frankel highly recommends “NuGo Free” bars. These gluten free snacks are packed with healthy ingredients and covered in chocolate. “They’re amazing” he gushed. “You need to try one.”

WesShop– WesShop has a fair amount of gluten free offerings, but the traditional “WesShop lunch”, which can be purchased with a meal instead of points, is impossible for gluten free students. It’s pretty much a wheat-fest, with a sandwich, cookie, chips, and an apple. But coming from a gluten eater, you can take my word for it that you’re not missing out on much. The pre-made sandwiches are far from delicious, and I would substitute a sushi roll for one of those soggy masses of bread any day, meal swipe or not.

As far as groceries are concerned, WesShop’s selection is so diverse that you’re probably better off there than many places off campus. There are a variety of gluten free snacks, including chips, cookies, and bars, as well as gluten free granola, oats, pasta, macaroni and cheese, rice, bread, and a variety of frozen meals.

Frankel recommends the “Food Should Taste Good” tortilla chips, as well as the coconut macaroons. Kelly says that during her four years at Wesleyan, she often picked up picnic food at WesShop, like hummus, tortilla chips, and rice cakes. She’s also a big fan of the Luna Protein Bars they sell. I tasted a couple gluten free snacks to see if any of them were up to par with the gluten alternatives, and was highly impressed by Dr. Lucy’s Cookies. The cinnamon thins are particularly delicious. Also, the gluten free Annie’s mac & cheese, which substitutes rice noodles, is just as delicious as any of the gluten containing varieties!

Non- Bon Appetit on Campus

Red and Black Cafe– If you’re going to Red and Black for brunch, you won’t have any trouble, asserted every gluten free student I talked to. The egg dishes and smoothies, which make up the majority of the menu, are completely gluten free. Lunch and dinner, however, are a little tougher. After hearing woes from the interviewees about struggling to find lunch and dinner options in the cafe, I called Red and Black myself to see what they recommended for their gluten free customers. They told me that although sandwiches were not an option because they don’t have gluten free bread, they do offer gluten free soups, salads, and deli salads that are gluten free. Try making one of the delicious gourmet sandwiches into a platter. Take the Paisano for example, which combines fresh mozzarella cheese, prosciutto, tomato, and fresh basil with a drizzle of olive oil on ciabatta bread. Without the bread, this is just like a caprese salad, with the prosciutto adding some protein and uniqueness.

WesWings– WesWings is a little easier, especially for meat eaters, like Mr. Frankel, who frequents the eatery often and usually orders the honey-ginger wings. Meat dishes and salads can all be made without gluten, and any sandwich can be served without the bread. For a super healthy meal that’s gluten free to boot, ask for a piece of marinated grilled chicken without the sandwich, and get it with a small salad, hummus and vegetables, the veggie platter, or a cup of soup.

Off Campus– it seems like pretty much every restaurant off campus has something on the menu that doesn’t contain gluten. Additionally, many places will modify a dish to suit your specific dietary needs. For this list, I have compiled number of the most popular restaurants among the Wesleyan community that have a fair share of gluten free
alternatives.

Italian:
Mondo– Mondo is one of the best place for pizza in town. Its artisan, thin crust pies are incredibly delicious. Luckily, they’ll be happy to give you a gluten free crust. Korevaar raves about the pizza, which she says is probably her favorite meal out in Middletown. The toppings are sublime, with choices ranging from pineapple to gourmet cheeses to oozy egg to sausage. If you’re not feeling pizza, there are also several gluten free salads on the menu.

Jerry’s Pizza– Somehow Jerry’s Pizza has seemed to hit every food blog on the internet, and yet remain fairly below the radar among the Wesleyan Community. Probably because it’s on South Main Street (across the street from the Athenian Diner), and requires a very tedious and inconvenient two minute drive. Well, if you’re into seriously good pizza, regardless of whether or not you can eat gluten, find a car and check this place out. Their gluten free menu includes pizza, meatballs, stuffed shells, ravioli, and eggplant and chicken parmesan.

Amici- Amici is one of the most popular Italian restaurants on Main Street. It’s especially good for birthdays, dates, and when parents are in town. If you’re gluten free, don’t worry! They have gluten free penne, and can modify several of their other dishes to fit your needs.

Tuscany Grill– Although they don’t have gluten free pasta, Tuscany Grill stands out for their separate gluten free menu, which includes items like risotto, grilled salmon, and coffee encrusted pork tenderloin.

Fiore- If you’re looking for a meal that is more authentic, choose Fiore over Amici. They can make any pasta dish with gluten free penne, and will do their best to accommodate customers with regards to dietary modifications.

Esca- While still having enough pasta dishes to be deemed an Italian restaurant, Esca definitely leans a bit more towards the continental end than some other options in town. Any item on their menu with a star next to it can be made gluten free, and gluten free pasta can be substituted in any noodle dish.

Mexican:
La Boca– At La Boca, gluten free customers have a small menu from which they can order. This includes enchiladas, cilantro green tortillas, roja sauce, fajitas, tacos with corn tortillas, and any burger or chicken sandwich without the bun.
Iguanas Ranas- Similar to La Boca, at Iguanas, tacos, as well as other menu items, can be made with corn tortillas. One of the most popular gluten free dishes that they recommend is a corn tortilla with refried beans, cabbage, guacamole, cilantro, onions, and tomatoes.

Cafes:
Brew Bakers– Brew Bakers works hard to be gluten-free-friendly, especially to cater to the Wesleyan community. Any of their sandwiches can be made on gluten free bread and wraps, except for the paninis. Frankel recommends the smoked salmon and egg sandwich, and Korevaar agrees that the omelette sandwiches are definitely the way to go.

New England Emporium– There’s no need for gluten free students to jealously watch as their friends consume delightful crepe creations. The Emporium has a special recipe, so any of the large selection of crepes on the menu can be made gluten free! This is supplemented by the wide variety of salads, omelettes, and daily soups.

Javapalooza– Upon analyzing the menu at Java the other day, It became evident that this establishment too is very accommodating towards gluten free people. Any of their crepes can be made without gluten, and they also serve omelettes and salads.

Neon Deli– Unfortunately, our favorite almost on campus eatery has not yet jumped on the bandwagon. However, in a recent discussion with co-owner Fran Galle, I learned that the one thing preventing him from hopping on board is the fact that gluten free bread needs to be kept frozen, and therefore all sandwiches would need to be served toasted. “Would that bother people?” He asked me. As far as I’m concerned, as long are there are options for the gluten free eaters among us, people will be happy, but what do you think? Fran wants your opinions, so either come into the store or email him at frangalle@gmail.com, to let him know if toasted bread is a deal breaker for you. As far as eating gluten free at this point is concerned, there are still some options. Kelly recommends going for one of the bean and lentil combinations offered in the deli salad section.

Cafe 56– This new breakfast, brunch, and lunch restaurant is already getting rave reviews. It’s definitely a location to check out, and they’re serving up gluten free bread for their sandwiches. They also have a wide selection of omelettes for gluten free customers.

Sweet Harmony Cafe and Bakery– Sweet Harmony also offers gluten free bread, meaning that all of their sandwiches can be made gluten free. The rest of the lunch menu pretty much consists of salads and chicken dishes, but if you came to Sweet Harmony to satisfy your sweet tooth, don’t worry! See desserts below.

It’s Only Natural Restaurant– I.O.N, not surprisingly, does a lot to accommodate gluten free customers. Their offerings range from miso soup to sweet potato enchiladas to vegetarian fried rice, to a macrobiotic plate, to any sandwich served on a gluten free buns, or using lettuce instead of bread. Kelly recommends the Cali melt, which includes hummus, avocado, portobello mushrooms, tomatoes, cucumbers, and cheese. They also typically have a gluten free dessert available. See dessert selections below.

Desserts: There’s more than just ice cream and frozen yogurt for gluten free people to munch on when that sweet tooth rolls around. Several of the bakeries in Middletown serve up exceptional goods completely free of the product!

Fusion Bakery– Fusion’s gluten free menu is on a rotating schedule, but they typically have at least three choices at all time. Popular selections include flourless chocolate cake, chocolate pot de creme, gluten free tiramisu, chocolate cupcakes, and coconut macaroons.

NoRa Cupcake Company– At NoRa, you can always find at least one gluten free cupcake. Recent offerings include “oreo” mudslide, chocolate mint, chocolate peanut butter explosion, and vanilla chai latte.

Sweet Harmony Cafe and Bakery- Going along with the general theme, Sweet Harmony offers gluten free baked goods on a rotating basis. Popular selections include gluten free brownies and carrot cake.

It’s Only Natural Restaurant– I.O.N’s gluten free bakery is on a rotating schedule as well, with chocolate bundt cake posing as a regular on the menu.

Grocery:

It’s Only Natural Market– If WesShop isn’t cutting it, The I.O.N Market is sure to have the gluten free products you’re looking for. As I walked through, I was highly impressed with the amount of frozen, canned, and packaged items. Frankel raves about Udi’s gluten free bread, and their double chocolate and blueberry frozen muffins, which he referred to as “the best things ever”. He also advised that no one leave without purchasing the frozen mini gluten free brownies by French Meadow bakery.

Long story short, whether you’re looking for pasta, pizza, sandwiches, enchiladas, or baked goods, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings either on or off campus. The other good news? As gluten-free living plays a larger role in society everyday, more and more eating establishments are altering their menus to cater towards the increasingly prominent customer demographic. WIthin the next few years, we’re expecting to see a ton more options both on and off campus, so check back soon to get the scoop on what’s happening in Wesleyan and Middletown’s gluten free revolution!

-Ari Rudess

Are we missing anything? What’s your favorite gluten free restaurant or dish at or around Wesleyan?

NoRA Cupcake Company Hits the Sweet Spot

Walk down the streets of New York City, and you’ll quickly find that gourmet cupcake bakeries are all the rage. From larger chains like Magnolia and Crumbs, to national treasures like Georgetown Cupcake and Sprinkles, to the independent cupcake boutiques, like Baked and Buttercup Bakeshop, the list goes on and on. Naturally, one would expect this trend to be centralized in hip, urban areas. Where else would these cool bakeries choose to locate? Surely not in Middle(-of-nowhere-)town, Connecticut! Unless of course you consider NoRA Cupcake Company, a trendy, gourmet cupcake bakery established right on Main Street just nine short months ago.

“New Year’s Eve brought so much foot traffic,” said Carella. “People would go to Eli’s across the street and come here for dessert.”

Co-founders Carrie Carella and Phil Ouellette never foresaw their little bakery becoming such a huge success. After dedicating years to longtime Main Street establishment Eli Cannon’s Tap Room, a popular restaurant and bar, they decided that it was time to try something new and exciting. Carella had managed Eli Cannon’s for fifteen years under the ownership of Ouellette, and together they made Eli’s into a celebrated Middletown staple. While remaining dedicated to Eli’s, Carella and Ouellette were quick to jump on the opportunity to rent the building across the street as soon as it was put up for sale. It was the perfect size for the two stores they had in mind: Eli Cannon’s Trading Company, to sell merchandise for the famous restaurant across the street, as well as NoRA Cupcake Company. As soon as it opened in January 2011, NoRa became an instant hit, with people visiting from all over the country to get one of their delicious baked creations.

“The demographic is really from all over,” remarked Carella. “One guy flew into Providence and was going to New York City but made a special pit stop at NoRA along the way.”

So what does NoRA stand for anyway? The name is modeled after neighborhoods in New York City, like “SoHo” and “TriBeCa”, which are acronyms referring to their geographical locations. Similarly, NoRa is short for “North of Rapallo Avenue.” The owners chose this name in order to minimize the stigma associated with the North End neighborhood, and this venture has definitely been successful so far. Just by walking down the street, one sees that this area is undergoing major advancements toward gentrification and renovation.

“Yeah, there’s a lot going on,” said managing partner Carrie Carella. “It’s really an up and coming neighborhood.”

Maybe it’s the contrast between the bustling downtown atmosphere and the warm ambiance of the bakery that is the key to its success. The walls are adorned with countless black and white family photos, the space is filled with old-fashioned sofas, and there are cool vintage mirrors everywhere you look. All in all, the whole store has a comfortable, homey vibe that we find really refreshing. In fact, it’s difficult not to compliment the owners on their keen eye for interior design, but don’t by any means call the bakery “cute.”

“It’s not adorable,” insists Oulette, the man behind the decorating vision.” It was supposed to be set up like anyone’s grandmother’s living room, which is kind of synonymous with baking.” We totally support this idea, but the day our grandmother’s living rooms look anywhere near this chic will be a fascinating one indeed.

When we sat for our interview next door in Eli Cannon’s Trading Shop, which now also serves as seating for the bakery, we felt as if we had entered an entirely different world. Just imagine a male teenager’s bedroom combined with an edgy bachelor pad in the midst of the tri-state area, fully stocked with rock posters, understated furniture, and graffiti art. Did we forget to mention the entire wall covered with shelves of hot sauce? Trust us; you won’t find anything else like this place in Middletown.

“Yeah, we make meth in the back,” joked Ouellette, admitting that the place has somewhat of a meth lab appearance.

The unconventional ambiance of these two stores is a great reflection of what the owners want the bakery to represent. For instance, they vow to keep their cupcake flavors unique and exciting. Some noteworthy choices include: Lavender Earl Grey, featuring lavender-extract-infused-frosting; Fall Fest, comprised of Oktoberfest-beer cake and topped with ginger snap cookies; and Bar Fly, a combination of all the beer and snacks you might find at a bar, wrapped into one overwhelmingly delicious cupcake.

NoRa’s menu rotates daily, with a complete list of all the current flavors listed on their website. The few varieties you can expect to see everyday are at least one gluten-free, vegan, and weight watchers-compatible cupcake, a “boozy” cupcake that is made using alcohol, and the famous Irish Car Bomb.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — Irish Car Bomb on the top left!

… Wait, the famous Irish what? This cupcake is reported to be their best seller and is comprised of a Guinness-infused chocolate cake filled with Jameson-laced chocolate ganache and topped with Bailey’s Irish Cream cream cheese frosting. Is your mouth watering yet? Ours too.

When asked what to expect from NoRA in the near future, Carella revealed that within the next few months, a couple of new non-cupcake options, like shortbread cookies and brownies, will be added to the menu. But don’t go in expecting typical baked goods.

“The brownies are going to be weird,” Carella forewarned. “We try to be creative as possible. We don’t limit ourselves to certain things and are always trying to be a step ahead. We’re definitely not following bakery rules.”

Other additions will include a build-your-own-cupcake option, reminiscent of the sandwich building at Subway stores. This will give you the opportunity to pick and choose what flavors you want, so you can build the cupcake creation of your dreams. In addition, the owners hope to start offering care packages for parents wishing to send their Wesleyan sons and daughters some delicious baked love. Also keep an eye out for the chance to pre-order gift baskets for the holidays. Nothing says “Happy Holidays” better than a fresh batch of shortbread cookies and whoopie pies from one of the best bakeries in town.

“We’re just always trying to be a step ahead,” said Carella. With their creativity and individuality, we’d even go so far as to say that they’re a whole ten steps ahead of any other bakery remotely nearby.

Did we forget to mention the new NoRA food truck? You might have seen this black and pink beauty cruising along high street on the weekends. Talk about innovative! Lay off the grilled cheese and falafel and give your taste buds that sweet sensation they’ve been craving all night. Carella and the food truck driver, Ryan Clark, who upon first glance looks like he came straight from a poetry slam in Brooklyn, are eager to make the truck Wesleyan-friendly. They would appreciate any and all music suggestions, and are looking into creating online polls to allow Wesleyan students to decide for themselves which cupcakes should be offered in the truck. Interested? Go like NoRa on Facebook and shoot them a message showing your support!

NoRA Cupcake Company is more than just a delicious bakery, it’s one of the most unique places we’ve been in Middletown, or anywhere else for that matter. For extraordinary cupcakes served by the coolest people on Main Street in an atmosphere that’s so hip it’ll give any dive bar in East Village a run for its money, check this place out. They’re open from 10 to 7 on Tuesday through Thursday, 10 to 10 on Friday and Saturday, and 10 to 3 on Sundays. We’d recommend going on Sunday for a less crowded scene, but honestly any time is perfect for one of these incredible baked masterpieces!

Yours truly,

Alex Irace & Ari Rudess

The Wesleyan Farmers Market 9/19- Coffee, Cannolis, Kale, and Cayenne!

Is there anything better than biting into a piece of fruit that was picked hours before it touched your teeth? What about buying a muffin from an adorable baker who literally took it out of the oven the same morning she put it in your hands? The Wesleyan farmers market allows you these opportunities and more. A completely student run initiative, the mission statement promotes a commitment to “supporting local agriculture, providing fresh, affordable, nutritious food, and building community in Connecticut”. Several Wednesdays throughout the year, the Wesleyan community has the opportunity to purchase freshly made baked goods, artisanal products, and fresh produce right in the Usdan courtyard! The first farmers market of the year, which took place today, September 19^th, from 11:00 to 2:00, featured a delightful variety of very passionate local food artisans, from bakers to farmers to coffee roasters, and even a lady who specializes is spices, teas, and soaps! Here’s the rundown of what you could find at today’s farmers market!

Horse Listeners Orchard-Horse Listeners Orchard specializes in freshly picked fruits and vegetables. At their permanent location in Ashford, CT, you can also buy locally made honey, jams, apple butter, pies, cheese, and premium apple cider. Today’s market selection included apples, plums, and huge, perfectly ripe eggplants

Urban Oaks Organic Farm- This New Britain based farm specializes in organic, heirloom, and specialty crops. Today’s selection boasted eggplants, tomatoes (both red and yellow), peppers, and red onions.

Long Lane Farm- You can’t get much more local than Long Lane. At today’s market the student-run organic farm was selling a plethora of truly gorgeous vegetables. peppers, potatoes, and several kinds of greens represent just a few of the options that were available!

Auntie Arwen’s Spices- Just a fifteen minute drive away in Haddam, Auntie Arwen, who appeared to be selling the products herself at today’s market, manufactures spices and blends to suit every taste and lifestyle. Today she had rows and rows of spices available for purchase, as well as beautiful soaps, chocolate covered cranberries, and artisan teas.

Sweet Sage Bakery- I have to admit that few things are more exciting to me than fresh, locally baked goods, and just looking at the offerings from Sweet Sage Bakery, which is centered in Rockfall, was enough to put my sweet tooth completely over the edge. The breads were gorgeous, and the vendor was even offering free samples of the rustica dipped in locally made olive oil. I have to admit, however, it was hard to ignore the tempting desserts. I made a beeline for the dishes of bars (I heard the vendor telling a customer that lemon was the best kind), carrot cake, and peach cobbler muffins.

Meriano’s Bake Shoppe- As I walked by Meriano’s table, the first thing that I noticed was the container of cannoli’s, on top of which laid a sign that read “hand filled”. I literally stood and waited until a student requested the item. Watching the baker fill the pastry with thick, fluffy cream was definitely the highlight of my day. Cannoli’s weren’t the only item being sold by this Guilford based bakery. Also available were several kinds of blondies and brownies, cookies, doughnuts, pound cakes, and some really tempting savory items, including ham and cheese stuffed croissants, homemade ciabatta bread, and huge loaves stuffed with ingredients like spinach, sausage, broccoli, and cheese.

Zen Roasters- Zen Roasters is one of my favorite spots in town. Located just a two minute drive away from campus, it’s one of the only places in the area where they roast their own coffee, and man is it good. Today co-owner Nicole was giving out samples and selling cups of some of their amazing specialty blends. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur, a caffeine addict, or just a regular bro looking for a mid-morning pick me up, you can’t get much better than this.

Shoreline Roasters- Located in Higganum, Shoreline Roasters was selling up their own freshly roasted coffee, as well as doling out fresh popcorn and pineapple and strawberry smoothies.

Bon Appetit- As always, Bon Appetit had their own stand set up at the market, where students could use a meal swipe to buy a “farm to fork” lunch. Today the menu featured a mixed green salad with heirloom tomatoes and sweet pear mint dressing, and either tofu korma- a smoked tofu steak with curried vegan mayo, watercress, and sliced heirloom tomatoes on a roll, or a chili dog with cole slaw on a potato roll. The dessert offering, fresh Connecticut apples baked to a warm crisp with an agave whipped cream looked seriously delicious!

The first farmers market of the year was jam packed with delicious offerings. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has to bring.

-Ari Rudess

Did you go to the farmers market today? What was your favorite offering?

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