"First Thursdays" Start in Middletown's "NoRA" Neighborhood

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With the slogan "It's All Good In the Hood", three businesses on the very north end of Main Street are inviting everyone to "come hang out in the neighborhood."

Last night, Eli Cannon's Tap Room, NoRA Cupcake Company, and Krust Pizza Bar kicked off what they expect to be a monthly event.  So far, so good.

"We started planning this a week ago, and it just blew up on social media" said Carrie Carella, owner of the wildly successful cupcakery.

"NoRA"--meaning north of Rapallo Avenue--was coined by Eli's owner Phil Oullette to help promote the district.  Combining food and drink specials, along with a "pop-up market" at the cupcake shop, all three businesses were hopping last night.  Eli's and Krust offered an "East Coast vs. West Coast" tap takeover, with Eli's featuring Sierra Nevada beers and barley wine from the left coast, and Krust throwing down with Brooklyn Brewery.  Carella has developed connections with a variety of businesses and artisans at various farmer's markets where her cupcake truck is a regular feature.  They offered jewelry, tea, beauty products, hand printed goods and more while a DJ spun beats.

Rory Gale of Hartford Prints said "I feel like Hartford and Middletown need to be more connected.  There's the same level of vibrancy, so much going on here."

Eli's was doing it's usual brisk business, and Krust was stuffed.  Probably a good thing they're expanding into the space next door.

Carella said next month she hopes to include even more of the neighborhood in the planning.  There may be a theme of all-Connecticut produced food, beer and goods, but nothing's decided yet.