Dining out is not just about eating; it is about good food, atmosphere and good service. Keeping all of that in mind, I'd like to invite those who live south of the canal in Delaware to visit a very beautiful restaurant in the heart of Middletown called Elements.
I travel a lot and eat out quite a bit. Since moving to Townsend it has been my goal to find a warm friendly restaurant that leans more to the upscale in food and atmosphere but is not too far away from home. Last week I hit the jackpot. In my search for the perfect house, I remembered passing this very intriguing restaurant with an elegant sign touting the name Elements, Restaurant and Piano Bar.
We decided to stop in at lunch hour to see if the restaurant was as elegant as it's sign. We were very pleased to learn that the restaurant was beyond our expectations. Beautiful is the first word that comes to mind when you step into the hallway leading to Elements. The decor is made-up of rich warm woods, brick, leather and stunning art prints and sculptures. There is a special step-down pit type area for diners with the central focus of a contemporary - but cozy fireplace. Did I mention the Piano? A shiny baby grand is the centerpiece in the full service bar. Every Friday and Saturday evening the piano comes to life for the enjoyment of the Elements patrons. The two-deck bar offers social conversation on the lower deck near the piano with the upper level seating is in comfy leather chairs where the music can be heard - or the wide screen TV tucked in the corner can be viewed. There are several nook and cranny seating areas to give you the feeling of privacy.
Last - but certainly not least is the food. Elements has just opened for lunch and the word was still getting out, we had the place pretty much to ourselves. We spent sometime talking to Carlos one of the owners who was both gracious and informative when we explained we were from NY and new to the area. Elements features Steak and Seafood and there menu is wonderfully eclectic with starters such as Lobster Stuffed Mushrooms, Burgundy Lamb, Diver Scallops to their signature Entrees of White River Salmon, Stuffed Chicken Medallions; Makers Mark NY Strip and The High Mountain Cowboy of a 16 oz. bone-in rib eye. Prices are right in the middle with starters from $9.00 to $15.00 and entrees averaging in the low 20's.
By the way - lunch was delicious...I had steamed clams in a special reduction plus a fresh crabmeat on mixed greens salad while my husband had a wonderful Reuben sandwich with fresh unbelievable delicious fries. We washed everything down with a crisp Chardonnay.
We are wine lovers and would like to see a bigger selection of wines then were offered - but as the season picks up with the return of the folks who hang out at the beach in the summer - the list will grow.
This is not your everyday restaurant chain. It is great for the more sophisticated pallet and those who want a dining experience. However it is not the kind of place you just want to go to for special occasions. It is adult contemporary. Children are welcome - but it is not a place where they would be comfortable.
This place is worth a visit. Say hello to Carlos, he has been in the restaurant business for a number of years and would be delighted to make your visit memorable.
Elements is located at 423 N. Broad St., Middletown. Telephone is 302-378-0448.
Author: Christine (Chris) Corsette
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