starlite

starlite is the new tim mays-owned restaurant in middletown. everyone's been saying how great the place looks and it is a truly unique atmosphere inside. there's a big sunken square bar in the center of the room, exposed beams in the ceiling, incredible stone work on the sides of the room, a funky chandelier, dark wood hexagon entry-way, 60's-style woodwork and retro light fixtures. out back is a fantastic-looking patio, which was packed with diners and folks hanging at the great-looking bar out there.

it was late, so we had the bruschetta and burgers, which were both very good - my burger was perfectly cooked medium-rare and was tender and full of flavor. i had the starlite mule martini, which is "100% Organic Rain Vodka, Cock n’Bull ginger beer, fresh lime, bitters, served in a copper mug", and the best martini i've had in a long time. while we ate, we had time to notice the sorely lacking dj - the music consisted of tim walking over to the dj area and turning up the volume on a johnny cash wannabe playlist. clearly a dj would have improved the feel of the place. and the crowd was a weird mix of 944-type folks, hipsters, and a small group of mission bay wiggers.

another fine addition to the growing collection of restaurants that show off some really impressive design.