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Middletown Caribbean restaurant: The secret’s out

Gary Stelzer/Staff Photo The Caribbean Wings served at Marce's Sabor Restaurant, a new Caribbean eatery in Middletown.

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6:54 PM Wednesday, August 10, 2011

By Teri Horsley

Contributing Writer

MIDDLETOWN — I love a good secret, and when it involves finding a great restaurant, I am thrilled to tell all. Recently, I found Middletown’s best-kept, restaurant secret after dining at Marce’s Sabor on 1410 Yankee Road.

Opened in June, the restaurant offers casual Caribbean dining with influences from Jamaica, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and the owner’s homeland of Panama.

“Our family has a history of traveling all over Central America, but we always returned to Panama, so our dishes have a nice tropical flavor,” said Illya Ibbott, chef and nephew of owner Marcelina (Marce) Cornwall.

The multi-cultural influence is evident in the food, with dishes like the Caribbean Wings, and Marce’s take on fried rice. The wings, made from all parts of the chicken were not traditionally spicy but deliciously sweetened with an onion marinade. There was also nothing ordinary about the rice, which was loaded with green olives, red and green peppers and cabbage. While the blend may sound strange, I can honestly say, it was delicious.

The Tropical Shrimp entrée was also to die for and while I am not typically a plantain or a sweets lover, I could not get enough of the sweetened plantains served on the side. Lightly grilled and topped with cinnamon and ginger, they perfectly blended savory and sweet.

While the food makes Marce’s Sabor a “must try” place, I would suggest allowing plenty of time for your visit. All of the food is prepared to order, so expect a 25-30 minute wait. Daily lunch specials are offered and the tropical atmosphere and Caribbean music are delightful, but you will want to dine at Marce’s when you have time to just kick back and enjoy the feast.

Marce Cornwall will rent out her restaurant with proper notice, and catering is available. Friday nights feature a Social Dance with a Caribbean DJ and full menu service. The restaurant does not serve alcohol, but the owners will let you bring your own wine to the dance for no additional charge.

The restaurant sits in a residential neighborhood and may give the appearance of being closed, but don’t let that deter you from checking it out. It is definitely worth the wait, and you will have a wonderful time once you head inside.

Contact this writer at foodgirl61@gmail.com

How to go

WHAT: Marce’s Sabor

WHEN: 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday

WHERE: 1410 Yankee Road, Middletown (near the intersection of Yankee and Fourteenth Ave.)

COST: Daily lunch specials average $4.99 - $6. Entrees are $9 - $13.99. Plantains as a side are $3, and Fried Rice is $3.50

MORE INFO: (513) 422-4593 or www.facebook.com/Marce’sSaborRestaurant

The Final Grade:

Food: A +

Service: A

Atmosphere: A-

Prices: A