Midtown Restaurant offers a cosmopolitan atmosphere...

When the thought of eating out puts you in a New York state of mind, there’s no reason to travel further than the Midtown Restaurant, 582 Route 35 South, Middletown. Black and white photos of Manhattan, teak tables and black linen napkins create an upscale, casual atmosphere inside the Midtown Restaurant that is usually reserved for New York City bistros. Outside, a patio set with six tables will remind you of the sidewalk cafés The Big Apple is famous for.

The banquet room can comfortably accommodate 70 to 80 party-goers, while a private area of the dining room can be reserved for parties with 20 to 25 guests. The variety, quantity and quality of the food and beverages on the Midtown Restaurant menu scream “I Love New York,” but the prices are substantially lower than you’ll find on the tab for a similar meal in The City.

The Midtown Restaurant specializes in Continental American Cuisine prepared to Chef Dominick Gudzak’s specifications. Gudzak, who has served as chef de cuisine in fine, Monmouth County eating establishments including the Greystone Manor, Freehold and Molly Pitcher Inn, Red Bank, cooks everything on the menu to order. His approach to the presentation of each entrée, such as embellishing a plate with edible orchids, consistently earns oohs and aahs from diners. The Midtown Restaurant dining room is a family friendly place to eat, whether you stop in for a quick bite or have a few hours to relax and enjoy a full meal. For starters, dig into the mile high Nachos, tender fried calamari, boneless chicken wings, zesty Cajun Shrimp, gooey mozzarella sticks, or a bowl of velvety smooth, Lobster Bisque. Chef Gudzak’s entrees include Pecan Encrusted Salmon; Captain's Plate wich is grilled stuffed Filet Mignon; Miranda Salad; Chicken Parmigiana and the specialty of the house — the Sterling Steak — a tender, choice cut of beef topped with frizzled onions.

What’s for dessert? A delectable assortment of sweets including a rich, chocolate raspberry cake; creamy cheesecake; home made Kentucky Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie, White Chocolate Cheese Cake and profiteroles. These ice cream-filled pastry puffs topped with a dollop of sweet whipped cream and a sprig of mint are not only delicious but become a work of art when they are served on a plate painted with chocolate and caramel. Kids can chow down hamburgers, pasta, chicken fingers, and enjoy ice cream for dessert. Coloring is not only encouraged, crayons are provided for each and every youngster. The Midtown Restaurant bar, with its 15 television sets and a plasma TV, is a great place to enjoy food, drinks, whether your favorite past time is to watch a New York Yankees or Mets baseball game, or your favorite NFL Team or kick back on a Friday night and groove to a live band. To insure that every guest feels welcome and comfortable in the Midtown Restaurant lounge, this area features an adjustable table designed to accommodate the height of a wheelchair and a friendly group of bartenders who have developed a loyal group of ‘regulars.’ Beer is served in Ice Cold glasses; wine is available by the bottle or glass and the cocktail menu features Midtown Restaurant’s signature drink, the Midtown Classic — which combines the customer’s choice of vodka or gin and vermouth, garnished with an olive.

The Midtown Restaurant dining room is open between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11:30 a.m. until midnight Friday and Saturday. The lounge is open between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, call (732) 842-1136.