Longtime residents of Middletown have a habit of calling businesses in town by whatever store used to occupy that location.
Modern conversation drops references to Matt's Music (now "Joe Riff's") and Sear's Auto (now "Attention to Detail" on DeKoven Drive.) I recently heard someone refer to Mikado's Sushi as "you know - McAndrews...." and I sometimes send my husband down the block to pick something up from "Pelton's" when I know perfectly well he'll be going to Rite Aid.
Those who lived in Middletown through the 1980's have fond memories of the original "La Boca", a favorite mixing spot for town-gown conviviality. It's been "the new La Boca" ever since the current incarnation opened a decade or so ago - but now they're moving south of the border (of Washington Street). They're anticipating a March opening in the spot where Public used to be (you know....the Bob's building.)
And what new business will occupy the vaguely Spanish white stucco building owned by the Poliner brothers? I have no idea ....but I have a pretty good idea what we'll call them for at least the next few decades!
I miss McAndrews! That was one of my favorite restaurants in Middletown! I remember how they had sandwiches named after area towns- I loved the "Portland""
ReplyDeleteI loved the one with the Boursin cheese and roast beef on dark bread...and those pretty, calico napkins!
ReplyDeleteMcAndrews was one of the few places you could get bluefish and they did it well. Their rice was wonderful and the cheesecake with the walnust crust, excellent! That was my favorite Middletown restaurant back in the day... sigh...
ReplyDeleteAh, McAndrews....all those weekends when the parents were visiting, eating open-faced sandwiches with melted cheese with sautéed mushrooms...and those quilts!
ReplyDeleteVery excited to hear LaBoca is moving into the old Bobs's Building!!! Great Great move!!! And as a prior Bobs Surplus employee, sidewalk sales, Jean machine and all it's glory, loved McAndrews sandwiches....and Pollys too!
ReplyDeletethe block where Record Express used to be - that is how I refer to the entire strip of shops in front of Destinta and will will forever and always. ... nice article - I like this perspective
ReplyDeleteI guess the real Mexican food that moved in next door that's actually edible hurts. Since the day it's opened it's only been a bar that served lousy food...not a restaurant with a bar. It won't do any better down there.
ReplyDeleteYes, MacAndrews was awesome.Great healthy food. Someone should write book about the owners.