A few weeks ago, we met with the owner of future Middletown eatery Lan Chi’s, a restaurant located in the North End that is looking to open by January 2013. Owner Chu Ngo has big dreams for her eatery, and one of them can come true with a little help from YOU!
Chu is looking for Wesleyan student artists who would be interested in creating murals on the wall of the restaurant. The art will be based on photographs she has already chosen. She would like for the project to be completed in six weeks, and is looking to pay either by the hour or by the project.
Lan Chi’s is going to be an upscale Vietnamese restaurant, featuring authentic homestyle Vietnamese cuisine based on recipes that have been passed down in Chu’s family for generations. She wants to do everything she can to make the restaurant as Wesleyan-friendly as possible, and this is a great first step.
If you’re interested, contact us at wesstuffed@gmail.com, and we’ll send you Chu’s way.
Remember the first time you walked into Usdan Marketplace? The mere quantity of food and variety of options was enough to make your heart leap out of your chest. You wanted to visit every station immediately, even if it meant making a meal of French fries, mashed potatoes, and cereal. You wanted to create a giant ice cream sundae, topped with every vegan cookie you could find. You wanted to try every single combination of beverages from the fountain machine, and steal all the fruit punch-Gatorade in your Nalgene bottle.
But alas, we never really fulfill these dreams. We’re either held back by fears of gaining the freshmen 15, fears that the new bff we made ten minutes ago wouldn’t save us a seat if we took too long, or fears that everyone would notice our gluttonous tendencies and pass judgment.
Now imagine your ten-year-old self going to Usdan. With a rapid-fire metabolism and zero social insecurities, there are just tables and tables of possibility. Two lucky brothers, eleven year old Joh’Nel (John John) and ten year old Julian Fields-Gomez, accompanied by their six year old cousin Kalia Daniels, were able to experience this thanks to their loving and dutiful mentors: yours truly.
We made it our personal responsibility to expose our young friends to the wonder that is Usdan in the most unadulterated way possible. Seconds? Thirds? Obviously! Dessert? That’s the course that comes after the ice cream sundae.
As their mentors, we always feel a responsibility to teach them how to live life to the fullest.
Behaving like the polite young gentlemen they are, John John and Julian spent a considerable amount of time perusing the options and selecting exactly what they wanted to eat. Both boys chose a slice of pepperoni pizza; pine-nut noodles and rice from the vegan station; as well as turkey, mashed potatoes, and green beans from kosher. They clearly understood the art of sampling every station—something that is not perfected by the average Wesleyan student until well into his or her freshmen year. Children are so wise.
John John and Julian work diligently on their reviews.
Six-year-old Kalia had a slightly different experience. She is a woman who knows what she wants, and without even surveying the other options, she jumped in the mile-long pasta line. The wait could not possibly deter her. She stood patiently, making conversation with some friendly students, and as soon as her bowl of bowties was handed to her, she piled it high with mounds of butter and Parmesan cheese, and marched over to her next conquest: French fries. Who says that pasta and fried food don’t go well together? She filled a plate with French fries, and topped it with approximately two gallons of ketchup. A gourmet palette, indeed.
Kalia’s ketchup and “frites”.
For beverages, John John chose the orange guava juice and Julian opted for a mix of two Gatorade flavors. Kalia artfully designed her own concoction: a mix of iced tea, pepsi, root beer, sprite, orange juice, and cranberry juice.
Over dinner, we discussed favorite foods (Chinese taking first place for John John and Kalia, with Julian preferring hot wings), favorite restaurants (the general consensus being McDonald’s, with John John appraising Five Guys for their excellent meat), and their personal opinions of Bon Appetit’s culinary performance.
Usdan photography by John John
“This is the best pizza I’ve ever had,” stated John John. “Well- there are only three pizzas better: Domino’s, DiGiorno’s, and Papa John’s”.
Julian agreed, stating that the pizza was his favorite part of the meal. He did not, however, enjoy his mashed potatoes, which were unfortunately cold and therefore left uneaten. Kalia deemed the pasta satisfactory, but she was a big fan of the French fries. After trying a couple ourselves, we had to agree. They were crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, and none of them were dry or burned.
After devouring our first course, we proudly marched back for seconds. Kalia made a beeline for the fries, of course, while John John and Julian got second servings of pizza and turkey. The food was eaten at a very rapid pace. Dessert was next, and the suspense was becoming intolerable.
All three of our reviewers couldn’t wait to get their hands on some ice cream. Kalia and Julian filled cones with strawberry and vanilla varieties and covered everything with chocolate syrup. John John filled a bowl with rainbow sherbert, declaring sherbert his all-time favorite dessert. The boys also tried some of Bon Appetit’s renowned pastries. Julian opted for a congo bar with walnuts, and John John chose a coconut bar. After these treats had been quickly consumed, it was time for round two. Joh’Nel chose a chocolate-peanut butter bar, while Kalia and Julian returned to the freezer for second servings of ice cream.
Once the sugar had hit, an impromptu dance session and game of tag on the downstairs couches were the perfect ways to channel our energy.
As everyone sat back, stuffed and satisfied, Kalia declared her desire for a third helping of French fries. We applauded her college-student-like mentality, and accompanied her back to the grill station, where she finished off Usdan’s last platter of French fries for the night.
“Usdan with our Mentors”- by Kalia
Once everyone (including Kalia) was sufficiently full, we engaged in a nice bout of “Usdan-sitting”—everyone’s favorite hobby. We looked at the table’s surface, and saw that it was completely covered with the dozens of plates and bowls that had held our feast. Prolonging the amount of time until we were forced to clean up, we chatted about the overall experience of Usdan dining.
Our table was a sight to see.
“The coolest thing about eating here is that everything is free and you get to eat however much food you want”, John John stated. Julian agreed that “eating whatever and how much you want for free” was definitely the best aspect of the Usdan dining hall. In fact, the boys would be interested in acquiring one of those “free food cards.” We promised to contact the WesCard staff about getting them their own.
Artwork by Julian
Kalia stated that the absolute best part of eating at Usdan was definitely the ice cream. In fact, she wanted to take hers to-go. She explained this to the woman working at the front desk, who gave her a soup container for her melted dessert, as well as a box for the rest of her ketchup (and some French fries).
On the whole, complaints were very minimal. Julian’s only criticism was that it was a bit crowded, while John John remarked on the quality of the frozen desserts.
“One thing I didn’t like about eating here was that the ice cream gave me a brain freeze”, John John shared.
John John’s art
As far as quality and variety were concerned, John John was impressed by the pine-nut noodles being served by the vegan section. He had never seen anything like them before but really enjoyed their interesting taste. Julian was also impressed by the breadth of strange food options available, especially at the vegan section. That night, he was exposed to beets for the first time ever.
Finally, after sitting in the dining room far past closing hours, we decided it was time to call it a night. On our way out, after glancing at the late-night menu, Kalia declared that actually she needed to get some wings to-go before leaving the marketplace. It was half an hour before late-night officially opened, but the cashier allowed us to use our “free food cards” to get a yogurt parfait and a brownie instead. With such an abundance of delicious food completely free of charge, it’s no wonder our mentees would like to attend Wesleyan when they grow up. It might be too early to tell, but based on their willingness to try vegan options, enthusiasm for trying all the different stations, and die-hard love of ice cream, we’d say they would fit right in.
From left to right- Kalia, John John, Julian
-Ari & Alex
Special thanks to our mentees: Kalia Daniels, Julian Fields-Gomez, and John John Field-Gomez. You guys are the best.
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:
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
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
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
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
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:
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)!
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
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:
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
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
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
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
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
La CantinaCafé 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
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
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
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
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:
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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.
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!
Ryan and Carrie
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!
People who are involved in the Middletown community are well aware of the big changes this town has gone through over the last few years. For those of you who aren’t, here’s a little history lesson. To this day, Middletown is a somewhat socially and economically segregated area. For the most part, the town is middle to upper middle class, but one area, referred to as the “North End”, is exceedingly lower income than the rest. If you’ve walked down Main Street towards O’Rourke’s Diner, NoRa Cupcakery, or Eli Cannon’s, you’ve been to the North End. Because of the drug culture that is present in the area, as well as some isolated events that have occurred in the past, the neighborhood has a stigma for being somewhat sketchy and dangerous. Unless you’re involved in the Middletown community, you probably had no idea that the town you’ve spent at least a couple of months in has a reputation for being dangerous. That’s because it’s rapidly changing. Yes friends, we are living through the Middletown Renaissance. Over the past few months alone, empty storefronts have been taken over by brand new businesses, bringing in traffic from the surrounding areas, and triggering a gentrification of the North End, which, because of an initiative set by the owners of Eli Cannon’s and their partner cupcake company, is now commonly referred to as “NoRa”. Many of these new businesses are restaurants. Within the past 9 months alone, Middletown has become home to NoRa Cupcake Company, Froyo World, and a modern/fusion style eatery called Cafe 56. Several restaurants that were previously housed in smaller spaces have or are planning to move to larger locations, like Fusion Bakery and La Boca, and just yesterday as we walked down the street through the North End (NoRa) neighborhood, we were greeted by a couple exciting “coming soon signs” gracing empty storefronts. Here’s the rundown.
Lan Chi’s Vietnamese Restaurant- We’ve always loved how ethnically diverse Main Street is, especially for a such a small town. Our current go to Vietnamese spot Pho Mai pretty much exclusively serves the noodle soup for which it’s named, so we’re excited to extend our knowledge of Vietnamese cuisine with this new addition!
Krust: Artisan Pizza Bar- Located right next to NoRa Cupcakery, the space that will soon house Krust was actually being worked on as we walked by. Hmm, we wonder how this new “artisan” pizza restaurant will compare to oldie but goodie Mondo?
Stella Doro II: Middletown’s parade of Italian restaurants just got a little longer. According to the sign up in front of Metro Plaza, Stella Doro just opened! Why the “II” at the end of the name? This restaurant also has a location just 30 minutes away in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. If it’s moving on to its second location, it must be pretty good! Next time we’re looking for a delicious pasta dish, we’ll be sure to check it out.
Middletown’s future is looking bright, and we’re excited to be here at a time when things are getting better and better everyday. With three new restaurants opening their doors this summer alone, and at least two more on the way, we can’t wait to see what the future has in store for our little home away from home.
-Ari Rudess
Are we missing anything? What do you think about the Middletown Renaissance?
WesStuffed 