“The staples,” says Tsinonis, “Gyro and souvlaki, the spanakopita, those are original recipes, the way my parents did it for 50 years at their D.C. She chose the unconventional site to be near her children’s school. Tucked behind the Fountaindale Exxon, Aleko’s offers Greek cuisine and is named for the owner’s restaurateur father. That’s a dessert fit for a king! Aleko’s Village Cafe Lovell grins, “The pumpkin and chai flavors go really good together.” She crafted Abbraccío’s “Elvis”-marshmallow and peanut butter swirled into a banana base.

Miller and mixologist Misti Lovell perfected 50-plus rotating flavors, including spumoni, stracciatella and tiramisu, alongside caramel popcorn, hazelnut and birthday cake. Abbraccío GelatoĪnn Miller channels her love of travel into Abbraccío, meaning “hug.” Her shop serves gelatos and sorbettos which can be sandwiched between cookies, mounded onto store-made waffle cones, dished or dipped. Nobody wants to eat the same thing every night.” She opened Aleko’s Village Cafe in 2008 and frequents other Middletown restaurants. We continue to grow.” Resident Joana Kontos Tsinonis agrees. The restaurants that opened have not decreased our business. Cybele Cook of Dempsey’s Grille says, “It’s a draw for the entire town. Longtime business owners see an upside, too. Axilbund hopes visitors come for a meal and discover the town’s beauty and 250-plus-year history as a bonus. It gives them options and a reason to stay close to home.” Four new places opened in September, with a micro-brewery planned for spring 2020. “I think these things will make people who live here happy.

Becky Axilbund, manager of Main Street Middltown, is excited about the additions. In the heart of Middletown and throughout the valley, foodies are finding a resurgence of local dining options that fit the bill. The standouts combine vibrant energy with a passion for food and a welcoming atmosphere. Fast food drive-throughs notwithstanding, we expect restaurant meals to satisfy a sensory indulgence as much as hunger.

That’s what makes going out to eat something special. Growing, Diverse Dining Scene Discovers a Home in the Valleyīy April Bartel | Photography by Turner Photography Studio | Posted on 11.09.19

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