July 2023 Akron Life Magazine

+ 0 RS

E N 9 1 IN W

VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 7

JULY 2023

Go all in with The 330's favorite things

BEST CITY of the

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MATTHEW “MAJOR SCALES” EDICK AND JULIETTE “RUBY RABBIT” ANTONY photo by Talia Hodge

JUICY FRUIT SIP FLAVOR PACKED BLUEBERRY BREWS

PAGES

JULY 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 7

Pages start here

On The Cover

| 28 Best of the City | photo by Talia Hodge

[ FEATURE ]

28 BEST OF THE CITY Whether it’s creating a bloody mary loaded with crab legs and a slider, dreaming up a luxurious pop-up picnic or juggling flaming clubs and walking on stilts, these locals go all out. Add excitement to your summer with 190-plus winners, including your picks.

Heaven Bound Ascensions photo by Talia Hodge

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56

BARBERTON

AGENDA

UNTAPPED

Arts and dining

[ the essential social digest ]

Blueberry craft beers

[ DEPARTMENTS ]

08 MAIL BONDING 09 FROM THE PUBLISHER

12 AGENDA [ the essential social digest ] 13 Entertainment listings

+ Calendar of events 14 Inside Look: Lanning’s Restaurant

The Classics

10 RADAR

51 GOOD EATS

[ seen + heard ]

[ notable food + drink ] 51 Restaurant listings 52 Uncorked:

11 UPFRONT Let’s Embark

Meier’s Wine Cellars 56 Untapped: Blueberry craft beers

59 PARTING SHOT Lake Anna

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Special Section 44 BARBERTON Discover fantastic arts and dining in the Magic City.

PAGES MAIL BONDING

Tell us what's on your mind.

Comments? Got something to say about an article you read in Akron Life?

Or maybe you want to tell us about something great happening in the area.

Send comments and suggestions to: Akron Life, 1653 Merriman Road, Suite 116, Akron, OH 44313, and please include your name and address.

Or email them to editor@bakermediagroup.com.

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HAVE AKRON, WILL TRAVEL

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Maggie Harris

WHE T HER YO U WANT TO HOS T O R AT T E N D A

JULY 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 7

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akronlife is published monthly by Baker Media Group, LLC, 1653 Merriman Road, Suite 116, Akron, OH 44313. Copyright 2023© by Baker Media Group, LLC, All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited without written permission. Unsolicited manuscripts will not be returned unless accompanied by an addressed envelope and sufficient postage.

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PAGES FROM THE PUBLISHER

[ Publisher | Colin Baker | cbaker@bakermediagroup.com ]

The Classics Here are some personal picks for “Best of the City.”

and I can go to one last place in each Greater Akron county where most of Akron Life’s subscribers reside. These are my picks, and they have to do with a mix of nostalgia and my likings. For “Best of the City” winners voted on by readers, turn to pg. 28.

I grew up in Portage County and lived and went to school in Kent. My pick for Portage County is Taco Tontos in Kent. I love that place, and I try to make a stop if I’m in or around Kent. I remember it being in the basement of the Loft bar. There is something about the way it bakes its burritos and makes its hot sauce. It’s not only good but also nostalgic because when I was living in Kent in my early 20s, it was about all I could afford, and it’s filling.

Every year, I come up with my twist on “Best of the City.” It’s probably one of the hardest publisher’s pages I work on in the year. There are lots of great things to include about the best aspects of The 330, but it’s tough to avoid repeating myself every year. So this year I am going to set up a theoretical scenario — that I’m leaving Akron, never to return,

I spend less time in the Stark County area, but when I do, I think, Why don’t I come here more often? It has so much cool stuff to do. My choice is golf at Glenmoor Country Club. I love golf, and it’s one of my favorite courses in the area. The course is plenty challenging for me, and the beautiful clubhouse is an old Gothic-style building that used to be a seminary. Since I am theoretically leaving town, I want to play golf at least one more time. Chances are my round will be horrible as I say under my breath, I never want to play this game again. The very last hole I’ll birdie and say to myself, This game is not so bad. Maybe I will stick with it one more time.

If I hit all those on my way out of town, I would be complete.

[ Publisher Colin Baker is a retired racing driver and gearhead. ] Comments? Email them to Kelly

Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com].

I struggled with narrowing down one for Summit County, but I would have to go with Luigi’s Restaurant. Yeah, it may not take credit cards, and I always seem to get stuck just outside of the door in line in the blustery snow, but you can’t deny it’s the spot people want to visit when they come into town. I like to order a mushroom pizza and salad with lots of cheese.

For Medina County, I am going with High Voltage Indoor Karting, and the simple reason is I love auto racing. It was the first European-style racing to come to our area, and it isn’t a chain. It’s a lot of fun and never seems to get old.

JULY 2023 | akronlife.com

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PAGES RADAR words and photos by Maggie Harris

seen + heard

Paddle Down Without even stepping a foot into the water, kids can play in stationary kayaks and kayaks that rock back and forth at Paddle Park in Cuyahoga Falls. The new Cuyahoga Riverinspired park features 16 repurposed Jackson kayaks, picnic tables with solar umbrellas that have charging stations and metal flowers with attached drumsticks that produce melodies. It creates a needed resting spot in the middle of the busy downtown and a fun place to enjoy a cone from nearby Pav’s Creamery, and it calls attention to the city’s great kayaking spots like the Upper Gorge area.

2170 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls

Pop In

A delicate white swirl with white sugar crystal sprinkles decorates a cinnamon roll cake pop, and tiny scrolls of sky-blue frosting, rainbow nonpareils and a mini birthday candle adorn a vanilla cake-shaped pop — Daisy Pops treats are too cute.

Upon walking into its new shop, which opened in April in Kent, the sweet smell of cake pops hits you, along with the sights of fun bunches of rainbow balloons and a neon script sign announcing you’re in “The Pop Shop.” A clear display case has dozens of flavors including summer features like banana pudding, cotton candy, raspberry lemonade and churro. For the latter, vanilla cake is made with cinnamon, and a crushed crunchy cinnamon cereal is added to garnish the bottom half of the white chocolate exterior. Take your pops outside to enjoy them fittingly by daisies the team planted or give them out as gifts for a sweet bite of summer.

154 N. Water St., Kent, daisypops.com

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Summer pops at Daisy Pops

50,000+ miniature Legos were connected over five weeks to create an uncanny replica of the McKinley Monument for the “Brick Flicks” exhibit, which you can see at the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum from July 1 to Sept.

30. Warren Elsmore crafted Lego sculptures mimicking the original staging, lighting and characters from beloved movie scenes. See Elliott and “E.T.” ride a bike past a full moon, and Wayne from “Wayne’s World” jamming on his guitar with a crooked smile as Garth bangs his drumsticks. The exhibit also features stations so you can build your own Lego scenes and a display of winners from a K-12 Lego contest and visitors’ cinematic works.

800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton, mckinleymuseum.org

PAGES UPFRONT

[ Managing Editor | Kelly Petryszyn | kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com ]

Let’s Embark “Best of the City” brings on exciting adventures. laughs, the pairs of women are ready to take the rides of their lives celebrating 35th and 50th birthdays and retirement.

Welser quickly releases the tieoff rope — and it’s up, up and away!

photo by Kelly Petryszyn

Whoooa! Oh my God! the passengers exclaim as the wind takes them over a picnic shelter at the Community Bible Church. The balloon floats past treetops and over the horizon, disappearing from sight.

“You’re looking at the beauty of our area,” Welser says. “When I get up in the air, I feel so relaxed. It’s a calming effect.”

The Rootstown flight went past farms, the Portage County Fairgrounds and Wingfoot Lake State Park. They saw deer in the woods and hawks flying. The group landed on a Randolph Township farm, and the passengers left with unforgettable memories of floating in the sky.

Find our annual “Best of the City” feature, which includes Heaven Bound Ascensions, on pg. 28. I hope these winners, which are voted on by readers and a few by our staff, add excitement to your summer. Surprise your sweetheart with a luxurious pop-up picnic in a park from Legend & Lauryn’s Perfect Little Picnic or catch a jaw-dropping Divine Harmony show and witness performers dancing with flaming hoops and walking on stilts. Maybe it’s being adventurous while dining out, like ordering Blue Heron Brewery’s bloody mary that’s loaded with a double cheeseburger slider, Alaskan snow crab legs and much more, or trying Taiwanese snow cream at Bubbles & Puffles in the unique taro flavor.

There are so many more incredible places and things voted “Best of the City.” Readers’ picks include the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, which won for best trail, and Magic City’s Remarkable Diner, which I wrote about for this issue and is a finalist for best diner. I visited the diner during an afternoon outing in Barberton last fall, and the migas breakfast was amazing. Both my husband and I were blown away by how tasty the diner food was — so flavorful and complex! We walked the Towpath for the Fall Hiking Spree, and it was so fun to see so many families and couples biking and hiking the trail. Plus, there were a ton of turtles on logs! We followed signs to take the Magic Mile connector path to downtown and stopped at Ignite Brewing Co. for some beers on the patio. It was such a beautiful fall day, and the Magic Mile made it accessible for us pushing a stroller from the Towpath.

As soon as Welser turned on the burners of the balloon, my stomach got butterflies. Even though I was watching from the ground, my heart was racing. The takeoff is so smooth that you can’t feel yourself leave the ground, he says, but seeing the world get smaller and smaller kicks up the adrenaline. The breathtaking sights

Whether you catch the best free event, Rock the Lock concerts, shop at the best new independent store, Mainstream Boutique in Hudson, or enjoy the best winery, Sarah’s Vineyard, I hope “Best of the City” makes your summer brighter and full of fun adventures.

“I like the excitement of going on an adventure,” Welser says.

Large fans begin to inflate the envelope of Heaven Bound Ascensions’ hot air balloon patterned in blue, green, yellow, orange, red, plum and black squares in a Rootstown field.

The burners get turned on, shooting flames and lifting the envelope up into shape as four men hold it down and the basket stands up. It’s time for the six passengers from Akron, Garrettsville, the Cleveland area and Denver to board the wicker basket where pilot Denny Welser and his crew help them in. With nervous smiles and anxious

of nature below are well worth some jitters, and soon peace comes.

[ Managing Editor Kelly Petryszyn is an adventure seeker, forever a dreamer and an avid supporter of #TeamFiona. ] JULY 2023 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA

JULY 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 7

Agenda

the essential social digest

photo provided by Peninsula Flea

7/1, 7/22, 8/5 & 9/2 Peninsula Flea pg. 18 Browse handmade and vintage items from artists and collectors at this flea market. Heritage Farms, 6050 Riverview Road, Peninsula.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. heritagefarms.com

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AGENDA

NOTE: Dates, events, locations, times and prices are subject to change. Please call ahead.

Through 7/2 “Tigers vs. Bulldogs: Origins of a Historic Rivalry” Learn about the history and rivalry between the Massillon Tigers and Canton Bulldogs professional football teams of the early 20th century at this exhibit that displays photographs and artifacts from both teams. Massillon Museum, Paul Brown Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org Through 7/4 Rib White & Blue Festival Sample ribs from vendors from throughout the country, listen to concerts by bands like Draw the Line and Hotel California and take in a fireworks show. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Free. lock3live.com 7/5 WindSync Garrett Hudson, Emily Tsai, Graeme Steele Johnson, Kara LaMoure and Anni Hochhalter perform during the Kent Blossom Music Festival Faculty Series. Kent State University, Center for the Performing Arts, Ludwig Recital Hall, 1325 Theatre Drive, Kent. 7:30 p.m. $10-$30. kent.edu Through 7/7 “Threads of Connection: Recent Fiber Works

by Members of Weave a Real Peace” View artistic creations and traditions from countries like Argentina, Ghana, Guatemala, India and more. KSU Downtown Gallery, 141 E. Main St., Kent. Free. MondayFriday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. kent.edu/galleries

JULY 2023 | akronlife.com

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words and photos by Colin Baker

REFINED ELEGANCE Lanning’s Restaurant gets a renovation that retains timeless sophistication and adds luxury.

For over 50 years, Lanning’s Restaurant has been a fine dining icon. Starting in December 2020, it underwent a revitalization under the new stewardship of Dean and Bethany Martin. Injecting fresh energy into the restaurant while honoring its rich legacy, the Martins created a refined yet welcoming ambiance reminiscent of traditional fine dining establishments and personally greet guests every evening.

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To elevate the dining experience, they refurbished the dining room, which overlooks Yellow Creek, overhauling it with extravagant chandeliers and redid the lounge, foyer and restrooms. The Martin Room event space has a new mural depicting the Martins and local celebrities.

Every luxurious aspect was curated by the Martins, from the custom chairs designed for comfort to the goldflecked paint adorning the ceiling.

Eager to experience it firsthand, I immediately sensed the attention to detail. The staff, in black tuxedos, welcomed my wife and me, which is a nice fine dining touch that is increasingly rare. We started with sauteed blue crab cakes with Lanning’s cocktail sauce, and as a self-proclaimed crab cake connoisseur, I was impressed

by the abundance of crab meat. The Caesar salad was a delightful departure from the ordinary. It was expertly prepared with anchovies and Parmesan croutons that stole the show. I was tempted to take croutons home — they were that amazing. The chef informed me that the croutons were made to order, and they melted in my mouth.

For entrees, I chose the Chilean sea bass with Dijonaise and house seasoned salt, while my wife opted for the 20-ounce bone-in rib-eye brushed with Lanning’s steak sauce. Both were cooked to perfection. I was pleasantly stuffed but couldn’t resist trying the triple-layer chocolate mousse. It was rich and decadent, the ideal size and taste.

The menu also has appetizers like Blue Point oysters on the half shell and sauteed escargots, and surf or turf entrees like lobster tail and filet mignon.

Don’t skip the expansive wine list that won Wine Spectator’s 2022 Award of Excellence.

Since its renovation, Lanning’s has experienced a transformation in clientele, adapting to meet the changing dining preferences of different ages and groups, including couples, families and friends.

The result is a vibrant social destination that appeals to a wide range of guests beyond just special occasions.

Adding to the allure, Lanning’s offers live entertainment Wednesday to Sunday in its Deano’s Lounge that features a new jazz-themed mural. Through performances by acts like Just Jazz Live, it creates an intimate environment and transports guests to a bygone era.

With a new lavish atmosphere, Lanning’s remains an iconic establishment, immersing guests in luxury and captivating them with delectable cuisine that keeps them coming back for more.

826 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, lannings-restaurant.com

JULY 2023 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA

Through 7/15 “The Marvelous Wonderettes” Hear ’50s hits during this off-Broadway show. Porthouse Theatre, 3143 O’Neil Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 2 p.m. or 8 p.m. kent.edu/ porthouse

Through 7/16 “Love’s Labour’s Lost” Enjoy this Ohio Shakespeare Festival performance in the Lagoon area of the estate. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 7:30 p.m. green show, 8 p.m. performance. $15-$30. ohioshakespeare.com

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7/19 Boat Tour of Homes Take in the beauty of the Portage Lakes, enjoy lunch, participate in a raffle and tour some beautiful homes.

Head to the after-party at Smoke on the Water starting at 3 p.m. to hear live music by the Akron Symphony. Launch 562 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron.

9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. $60-$130. akronsymphony.org

AGENDA

Through 7/23 “Borderless: Artist Migration from the CMA Collection” Peruse pieces that tell stories and journeys of artists who have experienced migration, immigration and displacement. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N, Canton. TuesdayThursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 1-5 p.m.

Free members, $8 adults. cantonart.org

Through 7/23 “Finding Home: Four Artists’ Journeys” Check out more than 150 drawings, paintings, linoleum block prints and digital mixed-media works

by Frances Jetter, David Macaulay, James McMullan and Yuyi Morales, who depict the immigration experience.

Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N, Canton.

Tuesday-Thursday 10 a.m.8 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 1-5 p.m.

Free members, $8 adults. cantonart.org

Through 7/23 “Head to Toe” Get a glimpse of items like coats, hats and shoes from the museum’s permanent collection. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent. Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, staff and all on Sunday, otherwise $6 general public. kent.edu/museum Through 8/27 “As the World Weds: Global Wedding Traditions” This Kent State University Museum exhibit features pieces of clothing beyond white dresses that are incorporated in wedding ceremonies around the world. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent.

Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, staff and all on Sundays, otherwise $6 general public. kent.edu/museum

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AGENDA

Through 9/21 Workout on the Plaza Get active during outdoor workout classes like yoga, kickboxing, line dancing, Zumba, Pilates, boot camp and more.

Cascade Plaza, Akron.

Days and times vary. Free. downtownakron.com Through 9/30 “World of Wonders: Weird Science Laboratory” This exhibit with work by pop funk sculptor Clayton Bailey is open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Polsky Building, 225 S. Main St., Akron. 4-8 p.m. curatedstorefront.org

Through 10/31 “Connections: Love & the Ties that Bind” During any tour of the Manor House, check out this exhibit about the Seiberling family, the marriages of F.A. and Gertrude’s six children and the connections they made.

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron.

Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. stanhywet.org 7/1 Straight On Hear this Heart tribute band perform, as well as Angie Haze during the Rock the Lock series.

Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m.

Free. lock3live.com 7/1, 7/7, 7/22 & 8/25 The Anniversary Film Series Celebrate the release of films like “Armageddon,” “Despicable Me 2,” “Die Hard” and “Animal House.”

Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 7:30 p.m. $7. cantonpalacetheatre.org 18

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7/1, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22 & 7/29 Winery Tours Explore Gervasi Vineyard’s winemaking facility, then enjoy four wine tastings and four chef-selected bites. Gervasi Vineyard, the Crush House, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton.

1:30-2:30 p.m. or 3:30-4:30 p.m. $27. gervasivineyard.com

7/1, 7/22, 8/5 & 9/2 Peninsula Flea Browse handmade and vintage items from artists and collectors at this flea market. Heritage Farms, 6050 Riverview Road, Peninsula. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. heritagefarms.com 7/1-9/30 “Brick Flicks” Check out this Lego exhibit featuring movie scenes and the work by winners of a Lego contest and visitors.

McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton. 6-8 p.m. $5-$15. mckinleymuseum.org

7/2, 7/9, 7/16, 7/23 & 7/30 Distillery Tasting Tours Go behind the scenes of the distillery at Gervasi Vineyard during a tour, then enjoy three spirit tastings and take home a shot glass. Gervasi Vineyard, the Still House, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 2-3 p.m. $17. gervasivineyard.com 7/3 Hotel California Listen to this Eagles tribute band, as well as the TwistOffs during the Rock the Lock series. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron.

7 p.m. Free. lock3live.com

AGENDA

7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31 & 8/7 Summer Kids Movie Series Families can watch “DC League of Super-Pets,” “Hotel Transylvania 4: Transformania,” “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch,” “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” “Encanto” and “Turning Red,” as well as sensory-friendly viewings that employ dimmed lights and lower sound. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton.

1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. sensory cinema viewing. $2. cantonpalacetheatre.org 7/4 Canton Bluecoats at the Piazza Watch this world-class drum corps perform during this fundraiser.

Gervasi Vineyard, the Piazza, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 1-1:30 p.m. $25$100. gervasivineyard.com 7/4 Wanted Catch this Bon Jovi tribute band, as well as the Wishgarden during the Rock the Lock series. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. lock3live.com 7/4-7/9 Akron RubberDucks vs.

Harrisburg Senators Cheer on the Akron RubberDucks, our minor league baseball team affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. Times and prices vary. Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron. akronrubberducks.com 7/6 15 60 75 Numbers Band Take in this band that blends blues, jazz and rock during the Downtown@ Dusk concert series. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. 6:30 p.m. Free. akronartmuseum.org 7/6 The Motowners Jam out to hits by the Temptations, Diana Ross & the Supremes and more. Gervasi Vineyard, the Pavilion, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. $29-$39. 8-9:30 p.m. gervasivineyard.com

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AGENDA

7/7 Fleetwood Mac Mania Hear this tribute band perform as well as Monica Robins & the Whiskey Kings.

Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. $5. lock3live.com 7/7, 7/14, 7/21 & 7/28 Friday Matinee Escape the heat and see movies like “Minions: The Rise of Gru” and “A Man Called Otto.”

Barberton Public Library, 602 W. Park Ave., Barberton. 2 p.m. Free. barbertonlibrary.org 7/7, 7/14, 7/21 & 7/28 Lunchtime Yoga Relax with some beginnerfriendly yoga at the Massillon Museum each Friday. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. 12:30-1:15 p.m. $6 class, $15 three classes. massillonmuseum. org 7/8 Christmas in July Book Sale Pick up books, CDs, DVDs and puzzles for $1 each. Barberton Public Library, 602 W. Park Ave., Barberton.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. barbertonlibrary.org 7/8 Jazz under the Stars Listen to Northeast Ohio-based Jazz in the Blue featuring singer, bass guitarist and pianist Erin Nicole Neal during this event hosted by Ohio Regional Music Arts and Cultural Outreach.

Uptown Park, Medina. 7-9 p.m. Free. ormaco.org 7/8 & 7/9 Music in the Valley Folk & Wine Festival Enjoy wine tastings, live folk music, educational sessions about instruments and living history demonstrations. Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath. 10 a.m.5 p.m. $8 children, $15 general admission. halefarm.org

JULY 2023 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA

7/8-9, 7/30, 8/20 & 9/24 Vintage Base Ball Root for the Akron Black Stockings during a game of vintage “base ball.” Take part in an 1860s-style clinic July 30. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. Noon-4 p.m. stanhywet.org 7/11 History Discussion Group Join this conversation about Massillon and Stark County restaurants while enjoying coffee and sweets. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. 10 a.m.noon. Free. massillonmuseum.org 7/11 & 7/18 Yoga in the Pavilion Peace out with this outdoor flow led

by Yoga Strong. Gervasi Vineyard, the Pavilion, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton.

6-7 p.m. $15. gervasivineyard.com

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AGENDA

7/12 & 7/26 Hooks & Books Discuss what you’ve been reading while you sew or knit at this event at 6 p.m. July 12 and 2 p.m. July 26. White Rabbit Galleries, 571 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton. Free. barbertonlibrary.org 7/13 Angie Haze Listen to this multi-instrumentalist during the Downtown@Dusk concert series. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. 6:30 p.m. Free. akronartmuseum.org 7/13 & 7/20 Summer Serenades in the Park Concert Series Enjoy performances by the Canton Symphony Orchestra at the Wilderness Center in Wilmot and Deer Creek Reservoir. 9877 Alabama Ave. SW, Wilmot and 14514 Price St. NE, Alliance. 6:30 p.m. Free. starkparks.com 7/14 E5C4P3 Catch this Journey tribute band, as well as Hot Blooded during the Rock the Lock series. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. lock3live.com

7/14 Gala 2023 Attend this black-tie benefit that features dinner, dancing and an auction. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 6 p.m. $400 or $500. stanhywet.org 7/14 Massillon Museum Island Party This exciting family-friendly party features steel drum and fire performers, Caribbean food and drinks, limbo and more.

Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. 6-10 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org

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AGENDA

7/14 & 7/21 Midsummer Night’s Dream Pavilion Dinner Take in the views of a lake and vineyard, listen to live music and enjoy a five-course meal with wine pairings. The menu includes creamy tomato gazpacho, roasted pork medallions, watermelon cucumber salad, grilled beef tenderloin filet and more. Gervasi Vineyard, the Pavilion, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 6-8:30 p.m. $130 GV Club members, $140 nonmembers. gervasivineyard.com

7/18 Music by the Lake Sit back and enjoy a performance by the Metro Parks Ensemble. Silver Creek Metro Park, Lake House & Pheasant Run Area, 5000 Hametown Road, Norton. 7-8 p.m. summitmetroparks.org 7/18-7/23 Akron RubberDucks vs.

Richmond Flying Squirrels Cheer on the Akron RubberDucks, our minor league baseball team affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. Times and prices vary. Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron. akronrubberducks.com 7/19 Miami String Quartet Benny Kim, Cathy Meng Robinson, Scott Lee, and Keith Robinson perform during the Kent Blossom Music Festival Faculty Series. Kent State University, Center for the Performing Arts, Ludwig Recital Hall, 1325 Theatre Drive, Kent. 7:30 p.m. $10-$30. kent.edu

The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory

Family owned and operated since 1875, with chapels in Fairlawn and Cuyahoga Falls. Now celebrating the sixth-generation of family leadership in dedicated service to the city of Akron.

Complimentary Live Streaming. Virtual Arrangements. Digital Tribute Wall and Guestbook

Fairlawn • Cuyahoga Falls • 330-867-4141 • www.billowfuneralhomes.com 24

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7/20 Akron Roundtable: Erin Fitzgerald & Michael Chadsey Listen to this presentation titled “Sustaining Our Future: Energy, Agriculture and Climate Change.”

Quaker Station, 135 S. Broadway St., Akron. Noon. $25. akronroundtable. org 7/20 Taste of Akron Chow down on food from over 30 vendors. Hardesty Park, 1615 W. Market St., Akron. 6-10 p.m. akronartexpo.com 7/20 Tommy Lehman & Uplift Take in this eclectic band during the Downtown@Dusk concert series. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. 6:30 p.m. Free. akronartmuseum.org

AGENDA

7/21 Satisfaction Hear this Rolling Stones tribute band perform, as well as Ravenwood during the Rock the Lock series. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. lock3live.com

7/22 & 7/23 African American Festival Enjoy this 43rd annual festival featuring live music and more. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. lock3live.com

7/21 & 7/22 African American Arts Festival This En-rich-ment event features art, culture and creative expression. Centennial Plaza, 300 Market Ave. N, Canton. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. africanamericanartsfestival. com

7/22 & 7/23 Akron Art Expo Peruse art by over 100 artists at this fine arts and crafts show. Hardesty Park, 1615 W. Market St., Akron. Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. & Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. akronartexpo.com

7/21-7/23 “Anything Goes” Rubber City Theatre presents this performance that features music, dance and laughs. Goodyear Theater, 1201 E. Market St., Akron. 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. $20-$50. goodyeartheater.com

7/23-8/7 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Celebrate enshrinement with parades July 23 and Aug. 5, the Balloon Classic presented by Aultman July 28-30, a 5K July 29, a Bluecoats performance Aug. 7 and more engaging events. Times and prices vary. profootballhofef.com

7/25 “Art Collection Tours of CLE: A Tuesday Night Series” Meg Harris Stanton, the Summa Health System curator, provides a tour of the art displayed on campus during this Cleveland Arts Prize event. Summa Health System Akron Campus, 141 N. Forge St., Akron. 4-7 p.m. clevelandartsprize.org 7/25 Brown Bag Lunch: Sue Reid Listen to this presentation titled “Women in Flight: Jerrie Mock (First Female to Fly Solo Around the World).” Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. 12:10-12:50 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org 7/25 Kidz Bop Never Stop Live Tour Kiddos can sing along to today’s biggest hits with Kidz Bop Kids Jackson, Kiya, Shila and Tyler.

Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, 1835 Harrison Ave. NW, Canton. 7 p.m. $49-$69. hofvillage.com

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AGENDA

7/26 Red Cross Blood Drive Make an appointment, donate blood and receive a voucher for a self-guided tour. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Carriage House Reception Hall, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. stanhywet.org 7/26 Theron Brown Jam to this Akron jazz musician during the Live & Local series. Cascade Plaza, 1 Cascade Plaza, Akron. 7-9 p.m. lock3live.com 7/27 The Labra Brothers Listen to this Latin funk and soul band during the Downtown@Dusk concert series. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. 6:30 p.m. Free. akronartmuseum.org

7/27 Symphony Uncorked: Bass Trio Surround yourself with music during this performance by Brian Del Bianco, Jacob McAleavey and Thomas White. Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 8-9 p.m. $20. gervasivineyard.com

7/28 Grand Funk Railroad Groove to this five-piece rock group, as well as opener Subliners. Goodyear Theater, 1201 E. Market St., Akron. 8 p.m. $47.50$77.50. goodyeartheater.com

7/27-8/13 “Twelfth Night” Watch this Ohio Shakespeare Festival comedic performance on select nights.

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 7:30 p.m. green show, 8 p.m. performance. $15-$35. ohioshakespearefestival.com

7/28 Shades of the Mind Take in this work by Akron Soul Train resident artist Sujatha Srinivasan, who founded Shri Kalaa Mandir Center for Indian Performing Arts. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. $8 children, $14 general admission. akroncivic.com

Taylor Made Jewelry has been voted #1 JEWELER more times and has more 5-STAR REVIEWS than any other Akron Area Jewelers.

7/28 Hard Days Night Hear this Beatles tribute band perform, as well as Cats on Holiday during the Rock the Lock series. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. lock3live.com

7/28-8/12 Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival See performances

by Verb Ohio Contemporary Ballet, GroundWorks DanceTheater and Dayton Contemporary Dance Co. in local parks on select dates during this festival that honors the legacy of the founding artistic director of Ohio Ballet. Locations vary. 8:45 p.m. akrondancefestival.org 7/29 Akron Pride Festival: Drag Battle At this fifth annual competition, drag artists compete for the title of 2023 Drag Artist of the Year and a cash prize.

Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $28-$43. akroncivic. com

We are proud and thankful to be Akron’s number one jeweler. We want to say a heartfelt thank you to all our amazing customers that make it possible!

— JIM TAYLOR AND THE ENTIRE TEAM AT TAYLOR MADE JEWELRY

2492 Wedgewood Drive, Akron • 330-733-8000 taylormadejewelry@sbcglobal.net 26

akronlife.com | JULY 2023

7/29 MusiCall of the Wild Concert Enjoy a familyfriendly performance by the full Canton Symphony Orchestra and a live animal showcase provided by Stark Parks. Sippo Lake Park, 5712 12th St. NW, Canton. 6:30 p.m.

Free. cantonsymphony.org

AGENDA

7/29-1/7/2024 “A Way to Win: Paul Brown’s Innovations” Check out this new exhibit at the Paul Brown Museum. Massillon Museum, Paul Brown Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m.

Free. massillonmuseum.org 7/30 TubaSummer Hear popular tunes like polkas and patriotic singalongs during this outdoor performance by tuba and euphonium players. Guzzetta Hall, 157 University Ave., Akron. 7 p.m.

Free. uakron.edu 7/30 Yoga on the West Terrace Relax with a yoga class then take a stroll through the gardens. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 10:30-11:30 a.m. $12 members, $16 nonmembers. stanhywet.org

8/2 Jim Ballard and the Strangs Jam to this rock band during the Live & Local series. Cascade Plaza, 1 Cascade Plaza, Akron. 7-9 p.m. lock3live.com 8/5 Concert for Legends: Zac Brown Band Take in this Grammy Award-winning country band during its From the Fire Tour. Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, 1835 Harrison Ave. NW, Canton. 8 p.m. $49-$240. hofvillage.com 8/5 Jazz under the Stars Listen to Cleveland-based performer Nick Puin and his band, including Dave Zamos, Jim Noel, Steve Stanziano and Karen Casey, during this event hosted by Ohio Regional Music Arts and Cultural Outreach. Uptown Park, Medina. 7-9 p.m. Free. ormaco.org

JULY 2023 | akronlife.com

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by Kelly Petryszyn and Alexandra Sobczak photos by Talia Hodge

BEST of the

BEST PANOR AMIC VIEW

2023

CITY

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Whether it’s creating a bloody mary loaded with crab legs and a slider, dreaming up a luxurious pop-up picnic or juggling flaming clubs and walking on stilts, these locals go all out. Add excitement to your summer with 190plus winners, including your picks.

READERS’ PICKS BEST THING TO HAPPEN IN GREATER AKRON (LAST 12 MONTHS)

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House Three Thirty Hall of Fame Village Downtown Akron renovations

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Cuyahoga Valley National Park F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm Cuyahoga River

HEAVEN BOUND ASCENSIONS You experience everything all at once.

From Heaven Bound Ascensions’ hot air balloon, you might see otters and beavers in the Cuyahoga River, red foxes and deer running through the forest, the expansive Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. blimp hangar at Wingfoot Lake State Park and picturesque ponds near charming farmhouses. You are in perfect harmony with the panorama surrounding you, and it’s all more beautiful from the sky.

“It’s like all of the sudden you’re taking in the whole world,” says Denny Welser, a licensed aeronaut who has done about 4,000 flights and is president of the Tallmadge-based company.

Up to six passengers and a pilot launch from the Kent-Ravenna area.

The balloon floats with the wind at about 1,000 feet for about an

Luigi’s Restaurant Blossom Music Center The Blue Door Cafe & Bakery

hour. Passengers can see up to 60 miles away, including the Cleveland and Akron skylines and Kent State University. But the valleys, lakes, rivers, streams and wildlife are most majestic. Welser sometimes flies passengers past Chagrin Falls’ waterfall or West Branch State Park’s lake, and they gaze at the balloon’s reflection in the water. Sometimes he dips down so passengers can pluck leaves from trees.

Upon landing, passengers enjoy a Champagne toast. People have flown to propose, celebrate anniversaries or check off their bucket lists, including a spry 100-year-old man, and are stunned by the adventure.

“They realize how much fun it was feeling like a bird up in the air,” Welser says. heavenboundballoonrides.com

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BEST ARTIST

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Szalay’s Farm & Market Ramseyer Farms Maize Valley Winery

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Butterfly Gala, Stewart’s Caring Place Pawsibility Ball, Humane Society of Summit County Red Tie Affair, Ronald McDonald House

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Safety Roads More Jobs

Sausalito Theron Brown Dan Wilson

Rock the Lock, Lock 3 Downtown@ Dusk, Akron Art Museum Falls Downtown Fridays, Cuyahoga Falls

BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE

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Blossom Music Center Jilly’s Music Room Lock 3

BEST LIVE THEATER COMPANY

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BEST WAY TO IMPROVE THE 330

Don Drumm Sharon Frank Mazgaj Ron White

BEST JAZZ MUSICIAN

BEST CHARITY EVENT

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Don Drumm Studios & Gallery Summit Artspace Zeber-Martell Gallery and Studio

BEST FREE EVENT

BEST CORN MAZE

BEST PANORAMIC VIEW

2.

Akron Art Museum Maps Air Museum Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

BEST ART GALLERY

BEST REASON FOR WAITING IN LINE

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BEST NATURAL WONDER

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BEST MUSEUM

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Weathervane Playhouse Porthouse Theatre Ohio Shakespeare Festival

JULY 2023 | akronlife.com

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BEST COSTUME SHOW

RUBBER CITY COSPLAY

When Ryan Dyke cosplays as Star-Lord from “Guardians of the Galaxy,” he sports a 3D-printed Walkman-like Bluetooth device to re-create the character’s vintage dance sequences. When his sister, Sydney, dons her Rey cosplay from “Star Wars,” a working BB-8 droid rolls alongside her.

These are just a few of the artistic cosplays by the 15 to 20 members of Akron-based Rubber City Cosplay.

“We’ve gone from DIY in our garages, basements, to now owning multiple 3D printers,” says Ryan, a co-founder of the club that began in 2015, “and trying to get as accurate as possible.”

Ryan has had fun making over 50 cosplays, including Kylo Ren and Harley Quinn, and some take dozens of hours to build. The club attends events like the Akron Comicon and Hall of Fame City Comic Con, where it offers free pictures at backdrops. It has shared over 16,000 photos.

He encourages people to cosplay too or use what Rubber City Cosplay has for photo ops.

At an Akron RubberDucks game, a group of young boys who didn’t know each other posed for a photo with Hulk, Captain America and Batman props.

photo provided by Rubber City Cosplay

“It shows what we’re about. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from — let’s get together,” says Ryan. “Let’s celebrate the positivity and craftsmanship that this community has to offer.” facebook.com/rubbercitycosplay

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BEST COSTUME SHOW

Ryan Dyke as Star-Lord

JULY 2023 | akronlife.com

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READERS’ PICKS BEST PUBLIC GOLF COURSE

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2.

3.

Mayfair Country Club Raintree Golf and Event Center Fox Den Golf Course

BEST RADIO SHOW HOST

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2.

3.

Joyce Johnson, WKSU 89.7 Keith Kennedy, 98.1 KDD Matt Spatz & Amanda Casey, 97.5 WONE

BEST TRAIL

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BEST TRICK CANDLE

AKRON LIGHTS CANDLE CO. A chargrilled patty topped with melting cheese, lettuce, tomato and pickles between buttery buns — this cheeseburger may look good enough to eat, but it’s actually a candle.

Kimberly Ochsenbein handmolds each faux ingredient once her all-natural soy wax is cool enough to touch. Then she paints it with wax dye and adds a cotton wick to create the ultra-realistic honey-butterroll-scented candle. The process takes a whopping 15 hours.

“It’s a lot of work, a lot of patience,” says the owner of Akron Lights Candle Co., which she started in 2021.

If you’re craving sweet aromas, light a candle that looks like a slice of strawberry cheesecake, a jarred birthday cake candle

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BEST BIKE SHOP

or an Oreo cookie-shaped wax melt. The double-walled candle based on Starbucks’ strawberry and coconut milk Pink Drink refresher is complete with ice cubes made from gel wax molded in an ice cube tray, surrounded by light pink soy wax.

Some of Ochsenbein’s TikTok videos of the strawberries-andcream-scented candle, which started as a subscription-based candle of the month and is now offered year-round, have gotten tens of thousands of views each, with comments pouring in.

1.

“The majority of them are like, Oh my gosh, I can’t even believe that,” she says. “I had already sold 536 units within 10 minutes of releasing it.”

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akronlightscandleco.com

Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Buckeye Trail Sand Run Metro Park, Dogwood Trail

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Eddy’s Bike Shop Ernie’s Bike Shop Marty’s Bike Shop

BEST CAR DEALERSHIP

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3.

Serra Auto Park Fred Martin Superstore Montrose Ford

BEST CLOTHING STORE

The Grey Colt Allie M. Designs Rubber City Clothing

BEST NEW INDEPENDENT STORE (LAST 12 MONTHS)

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3.

Mainstream Boutique, Hudson Mythical Bookworm All Paths Merge

BEST DANCE STUDIO

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2.

3.

All About Dance by Kristen Dianna Durkin Dance Studio Sheena’s Platinum Movements

BEST DENTIST

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2.

3.

Dr. Robert Zavodny, Zavodny Dental Dr. Winnie Wong, Barsan, Stefan & Wong Family Dental Dr. Robert Brandhorst, CreekSide Family Dentistry

BEST EYE CARE

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2.

3.

Uniontown Vision Center Davis Eye Center Visioncare Associates

BEST FLORIST

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2.

3.

SavoirFaire Event Planning The Greenhouse Dietz Floral Studio

BEST TRICK CANDLE JULY 2023 | akronlife.com

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READERS’ PICKS BEST RETIREMENT LIVING

BEST PET DAY CARE

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1.

2.

3.

Brier Creek Senior Independent Living Ohio Living Rockynol The Village of St. Edward

BEST HOMEBUILDER

1.

2.

3.

Shultz Design & Construction Wagler Homes Old World Custom Homes

BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER

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2.

3.

H. Everson Designs Cynthia J. Hoffman Interior Design M2creative

BEST INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE

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2.

3.

Logos Bookstore The Learned Owl Book Shop Shelf Life

BEST JEWELER

1.

2.

3.

Taylor Made Jewelry Jewelry Art Kimberly Jewelry

BEST LANDSCAPING COMPANY

1.

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3.

Alpine Landscaping Suncrest Gardens Pride Lawn Care

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3.

BEST PET GROOMER

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3.

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3.

Gavin Scott Salon & Spa Scott Talbot SalonSpa Aro Hair Salon

BEST TATTOO SHOP

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3.

Red Rabbit Studio Assassin Tattoo Studio Empire Ink

BEST VINTAGE SHOP

1.

2.

3.

The Bomb Shelter Happy Tails Thrift Shop Modern Vintage

BEST WEALTH MANAGER

1.

2.

3.

Gina A. Betti, Edward Jones Wells Trecaso Financial Group Alpha Asset Management

BEST WEDDING RECEPTION VENUE

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3. akronlife.com | JULY 2023

Wizard Of Paws Plus One Grooming Clipper Cottage

BEST SALON/SPA

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Pay It Forward For Pets All Creatures Veterinary Clinic & Lodge Camp Bow Wow

The Barn at Wolf Creek Gervasi Vineyard Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

BEST MEAL IN A GLASS

BLUE HERON BREWERY Oohing and aahing at Blue Heron Brewery in Medina during brunch may signal the Hail Mary ($24) is being served — and it’s more than just a bloody mary.

“Most people are blown away by the amount of food it is,” says executive chef and co-owner Ben Erjavec. “It’s a full meal.”

It’s an eyeful, with 15 to 20 rotating garnishes. A gooey soft pretzel stuffed with jalapenos and white cheddar creates a base on top of the glass. The heat from that and a boneless Buffalo wing marries well with the spicy bloody mary, especially if you dunk them. A mozzarella stick, three-cheese fried ravioli and rotating charcuterie like capicola, smoked Gouda, peperoncini and Kalamata olives can help cut the heat and so can a double cheeseburger slider.

“That bread and creaminess of that cheese calm your palate down,” Erjavec says.

A maple sausage link and applewood-smoked bacon complement the brunch theme. Alaskan snow crab legs, celery and roasted garlic Parmesan shrimp add to the wow factor.

The bloody mary itself deserves attention. The mix of Worcestershire, horseradish, black pepper, tomato juice and vodka has a good kick. For more heat, opt for a $6 refill with ghost pepper sauce. It cranks the heat and flavor of the gargantuan meal to the max.

“It’ll light you up pretty good,” Erjavec says.

3227 Blue Heron Trace, Medina, blueheronmedina.com

BEST MEAL IN A GLASS

Mimosa flight and Hail Mary JULY 2023 | akronlife.com

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BEST JAW-DROPPING PERFORMANCE

DIVINE HARMONY Look up at Juliette “Ruby Rabbit” Antony and Matthew “Major Scales” Edick towering on 3-foot stilts, as Edick juggles clubs and balls nearly 10 feet in the air. Watch Antony perform a gravity-defying aerial silks act.

Marvel as Edick juggles flaming clubs and Antony dances with a flaming pronged hoop around her.

“I’ve always had a fascination with fire,” Edick says. “It has potential to be very dangerous. ... We enjoy being able to control that element.”

The Akron-based duo, who make up Divine Harmony, a neo-vaudeville circus act, taught themselves, with Edick starting on poi and Antony on Hula-hoops. They began performing variety shows in 2015, with local audiences of 20 to 500 and thousands at national festivals like Burning Man. Variety shows feature the couple’s showstopping skills, with Edick juggling, balancing spinning plates and riding in on a horse and whipping targets, and Antony fusing modern and Filipino folk dance, doing aerial acrobatics and more.

“I juggle knives over her, teetering on a balance board,” Edick says, “which is probably the scariest trick I do because I would hate to drop it on my darling.”

Snag tickets to the July 30 neo-vaudeville Devilstrip Cabaret at Musica featuring under-the-sea-themed burlesque, variety acts and more.

“They don’t really see this in this area,” Antony says. “Our goal is to bring that type of entertainment back to Akron.” divineharmonyperformanceart.com

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BEST JAW-DROPPING PERFORMANCE

Matthew “Major Scales” Edick and Juliette “Ruby Rabbit” Antony JULY 2023 | akronlife.com

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READERS’ PICKS BEST YOGA STUDIO

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2.

3.

Li’l Yoga Shop Roots Yoga Harvest Yoga & Wellness Studio

BEST PATIO DINING

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3.

Gervasi Vineyard Beau’s Grille Jerzee’s Sports Grille

BEST DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT

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Swensons Drive-In Skyway DriveIn B&K Rootbeer

BEST COCKTAIL BAR

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3.

BEST BREAKFAST

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3.

Fred’s Diner The Blue Door Cafe & Bakery Farmer Boy Restaurant

BEST BURGER

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D & M Grille Swensons Drive-In Ray’s Place

BEST CHINESE TAKEOUT

BEST SUSHI

1.

Bill Hwang Restaurant Lucky Star A-Wok Restaurant

1.

BEST FOOD TRUCK

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2.

3.

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3.

D & M Grille Swensons Drive-In Zydeco Bistro

BEST TACO

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El Fogon Mexican Grill Bomba Taco & Bar Tito’s Mexican Grill

BEST PIZZA

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Guiseppe’s Pizza Luigi’s Restaurant Dontino’s Fine Italian Cuisine

BEST BARBECUE

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Jilly’s Music Room Ken Stewart’s Grille Cashmere Cricket

Big Eu’es BBQ Old Carolina Swine BBQ

akronlife.com | JULY 2023

2.

Kasai Japanese Restaurant Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse Sushi Katsu

BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT

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Kasai Japanese Restaurant Evelyn’s Coffee & Banh Mi Golden Dragon

BEST BREWERY

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Hoppin’ Frog Brewery Missing Mountain Brewing Co. MadCap Brew Co.

BEST CRAFT BEER SELECTION

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Hoppin’ Frog Brewery Lock 15 Brewing Co. Magic City Brewing Co.

BEST SURPRISE LUXURY

LEGEND & LAURYN’S PERFECT LITTLE PICNIC It’s like walking into a fantasy.

A couple celebrating an 11th anniversary came upon a lavish pop-up picnic in a park with a low table adorned with a white rose vine, light-up “LOVE” letters, formal place settings with gold silverware and candlesticks surrounded by royal blue velour pillows, photos of them, an instant camera, a cigar, bourbon, games and more.

“They’re surprised. Most people don’t know their partners have set this up,” says Tamika Thompson, CEO of Fairlawn-based Legend & Lauryn’s Perfect Little Picnic, which started in 2020. “It makes people feel like this person really cares.”

Two-hour personalized picnics pop up in backyards, Portage Lakes State Park and more spots.

Bring food or get it made by

chef Dion Millender, who works with the Cleveland Cavaliers, including a hibachi meal with a restaurant-worthy show.

Dream up an extravagant movie night with a projector and popcorn and cotton candy machines or the ultimate birthday party with a bounce house and ball pit.

Heat up romance with an inflatable hot tub in a hotel room with a floating wine caddy, rose petals and chocolate-covered strawberries. Setups are often ensconced in a plastic bubble, netted tent or teepee, creating an intimacy that can be hard to find.

“You get a chance to enjoy each other because there’s not much distraction,” Thompson says. “It brings out a lot of conversation.” instagram.com/llpicnic

BES T SURPRISE LUXURY JULY 2023 | akronlife.com

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Tri-State Taro 40

akronlife.com | JULY 2023

READERS’ PICKS BEST DELI

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2.

3.

BEST INDEPENDENT COFFEEHOUSE

Diamond Deli Primo’s Deli DeVitis Italian Market

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BEST DINER

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Fred’s Diner Flury’s Cafe Magic City’s Remarkable Diner

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

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BEST SEAFOOD

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Ken Stewart’s Grille 35 Brix Serenite Restaurant & Culinary Institute

3.

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BUBBLES & PUFFLES As kids, we caught fluffy snowflakes on our tongues.

Experience that sensation with snow cream from Bubbles & Puffles, which also serves bubble tea and bubble “puffle” waffles in a shop that opened near The University of Akron in 2022.

“It’s a snowflake — as soon as you put it in your mouth, it just melts,” says partner Sen Kumar. “It makes you eat more and more.”

purple-hued Asian root vegetable.

Taste it in the marvelous TriState Taro treat ($5.95-$8.95).

Taro snow cream gets topped with taro pudding, sweet condensed milk and cookie crumbles along with lychee jelly, made of coconut infused with the juicy tropical Asian fruit flavor, adding a crunchy texture.

It pairs divinely with brown sugar milk tea ($5.45-$5.95), which is made with brown sugar syrup, tea, condensed milk, evaporated milk and brown sugar-flavored boba.

It’s easy to get hooked on the Hong Kong and Taiwanese street food, as it’s creamier than shaved ice yet lighter and fewer calories than ice cream. To make the taro flavor, Bubbles & Puffles mixes taro powder and custard powder into whole milk, freezes it and uses a specialty machine to shave it into feathery ribbons.

“You continue that rich, creamy flavor,” Kumar says. “The snow cream and boba with brown sugar will make you feel you’re in heaven.”

“It has more of a nutty flavor,” says Kumar, describing the

284 E. Exchange St., Akron, bubblesandpuffles.com

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The West Side Bakery Pallotta’s Pastries Tiffany’s Bakery

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Hartville Chocolate Factory Malley’s Chocolates Honadle’s Fine Chocolates

Sarah’s Vineyard Gervasi Vineyard Filia Cellars

BEST VEGETARIAN MENU

2.

BEST CHOCOLATIER

1.

Luigi’s Restaurant Vacarro’s Trattoria Dontino’s Fine Italian Cuisine

BEST WINERY

BEST BAKERY

BEST SNOWY DELIGHT

Nervous Dog Coffee Bar Artisan Coffee Asterisk Coffee Bar

The Soulful Vegan Mustard Seed Market & Cafe Aladdin’s Eatery

BEST ICE CREAM

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Pav’s Creamery Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream Stricklands Frozen Custard

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Finalist: Best Charity Event Thank you for voting Humane Society of Summit County’s Pawsibility Ball as one of Akron’s best charity events! Join us for our 23rd annual Pawsibility Ball August 26 at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn as we honor our animal heroes and raise funds for the 2,500 animals saved, rehabilitated and adopted through the Humane Society of Summit County each year.

For more info, visit summithumane.org/pball.

Humane Society of Summit County 7996 Darrow Road, Twinsburg 330-487-0333

Finalist: Best Cocktail Bar Thank you for all of your votes! Located in the heart of downtown Cuyahoga Falls across from the parking deck, we invite you to come try our signature handcrafted cocktails that match our unique lounge-style environment with a cozy patio! Make your reservations with us today!

The Cashmere Cricket 330-928-8200 2235 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls cashmerecricket.com

summithumane.org

YEARS HONORED

YEARS HONORED

2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023

2018, 2020, 2023

Doggy Go Go

Kitty Ga Ga

Grooming Spa & Boutique

Best Cocktail Bar Finalist: Best Live Music Venue Jilly’s Music Room is a live music venue, bar and restaurant located in downtown’s Northside District that showcases local artists and regional, national and international touring acts. Jilly’s offers exceptional service in a contemporary atmosphere, an awardwinning gluten-free American tapas menu, craft cocktails and mocktails and more than 100 beers. It’s open for weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Finalist: Best Pet Groomer Thanks for recognizing Doggy GoGo Kitty GaGa as a top pet groomer in The 330.

We are a full service dog and cat grooming spa offering loads of love for your pet and only the highest quailty, all-natural products.

Our talented, professionally trained stylists include Vivian, Natalie, Jessica and Holley.

We look forward to your next visit.

Jilly’s Music Room 111 N. Main St., Akron 330-576-3757

Doggy GoGo Kitty GaGa 3592 Darrow Road, Stow 330-688-2680 Tues. - Sat.: 9 a.m.-5p.m., Wed.: Noon-8 p.m.

jillysmusicroom.com

doggygogokittygaga.com

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YEARS HONORED

YEARS HONORED

2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021

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YOU’RE THE BEST! We would like to thank all of our readers who took the time to vote for their favorite people, places, things and services in The 330.

Every year we love seeing your top picks and look forward to what makes the “Best of the City” list in future years.

Visit us at hudsonspopupbar.com for more details.

Hudson’s Restaurant & Catering 80 N. Main St., Hudson 330-650-1955

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Best Live Theater Company Thank you to Akron Life readers for once again voting us the Best of the City for Best Live Theater Company.

Weathervane Playhouse is Northeast Ohio’s premier community theater. We offer outstanding live performances, classes, workshops and hundreds of volunteer opportunities each season.

Now in our 89th season, Weathervane is proud to call Akron home!

Weathervane Playhouse 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron 330-836-2626 weathervaneplayhouse.com

hudsonsrestaurant.com

YEARS HONORED 2013, 2014, 2016, 2019

Finalist: Best Museum We are a gathering place for children and families, where play inspires exploration in our newly expanded museum, with 3,000 additional square feet of exhibit space!

Enjoy S.T.E.A.M. Team Saturdays, Discovery field trips or late night play on Thursdays.

Schedule your next birthday party in a private room or rent the entire museum where kids can let loose, learn and explore.

Akron Children’s Museum 216 S. Main St., Akron 330-396-6103

on fe

Hudson’s Restaurant & Catering is a casual dining experience offering lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday as well as Saturday brunch. It’s located in the heart of Hudson on historic Main Street and features happy hour and weekly specials. Hudson’s offers a full bar with an extensive bourbon collection and fullservice catering. The restaurant is home to Hudson’s only holiday pop-up bar, Blitzen’s!

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Finalist: Best Family-Friendly Dining

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Best Drive-In Restaurant Finalist: Best Burger Finalist: Best Food Truck Thanks Akron Life readers for voting us best burger every year for 16 consecutive years! Visit any of our four Greater Akron locations today or call 330-928-0524 to book our award-winning food truck for your next public or private event!

Swensons Drive-In 40 S. Hawkins Ave., West Akron 658 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., North Akron 4466 Kent Road, Stow-Kent 40 Brookmont Drive, Montrose For more food truck information or for a complete list of locations, please visit swensonsdriveins.com.

YEARS HONORED

YEARS HONORED

2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

Best Wedding Reception Venue

Finalist: Best Clothing Store

Thanks for voting us as the best wedding reception venue! Schedule a tour to see if our lovely rustic venue is perfect for your wedding or special event. We proudly serve Akron, Canton, Cleveland and surrounding communities and are conveniently located in charming Copley.

Find unique Akron-themed apparel for adults and children, custom clothing and gifts. Browse glassware, aprons, blankets, stickers, magnets and towels. Plus, we showcase wire art, wood carvings, postcards, candles, food, drinks, games and more from Akron-area makers. More local products include Norka sodas, Not Yo’ Daddy’s Mexican Hot Sauce and Akron on Deck playing cards.

The Barn at Wolf Creek 2361 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road, Copley 330-607-7460 thebarnatwolfcreek.com

akronkids.org

Rubber City Clothing 71 Westgate Circle, Akron 330-434-4722 rubbercityclothing.com

YEARS HONORED

YEAR HONORED

YEARS HONORED

2019,2020,2021, 2022

2023

2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 JULY 2023 | akronlife.com

43

BARBERTON

by Kelly Petryszyn and photos by Maggie Harris

Culinary Magic

A Barberton diner serves finer food while embracing community charm.

Reuben omelet

Magic City’s Remarkable Diner may be a diner, but Culinary Institute of America grad, chef and co-owner Dan Remark operates its kitchen like that of a finer dining restaurant.

“The same thing that goes on in any highend restaurant, the type of language used is the same language here. We’re going to sear or saute it — use those same classical 44

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techniques,” says Remark, who was previously the original executive chef at Mustard Seed Market & Cafe.

Its menu is full of finer interpretations of breakfast and lunch diner fare like steak and eggs with beef tenderloin filet au jus. Kitchen staffers use small to large classical dices on tomatoes, peppers and onions, and greens come from organic-certified County Line Family Farm in Wadsworth when in season.

Remark avoids overly processed ingredients

and runs a kosher-style kitchen, with meats such as beef bacon that is Ohio farm-raised and smoked on-site at Marshallville Meats in Wayne County. He uses the fat from cooking the beef bacon to fry the hash browns, and the coffee is from Pearl Coffee Co., which is roasted in Akron. Instead of using canned sausage gravy like many places do, Remarkable Diner makes its own called SOS, modeled after the version Remark ate when he served in the Army. It’s seasoned beef in a cream sauce made with heavy cream, milk {continued on pg. 46}

{continued from pg. 44}

and butter. Many items including burgers, fresh-cut fries and house-made chips are seasoned with the house Remarkable seasoning that has garlic, onion and a slightly smoky secret ingredient.

Find several global dishes including the migas ($11.99), which features seasoned chicken chorizo ground from chicken cut in-house.

Cooks mix that with scrambled eggs and sauteed peppers and onions, and top it with jalapenos, cheddar, tortilla strips fried in-house and grated Mexican chocolate.

“You taste layers. You have the spiciness of the chorizo, the crunchiness of the tortillas, the cooling element of the cheese,” Remark says. “You got this back and forth of heat to savory to crunchiness.”

Kitchen staffers slice Vienna corned beef in-house for different iterations of a Reuben including an omelet, burger and sandwich, which all come with house-made Thousand Island dressing that’s heavy on horseradish.

Remark loves the sandwich ($13.99) that comes with Swiss cheese and sauerkraut on rye, which is grilled on both sides.

“You have the softness of the corned beef and sauerkraut offset by this toasty bread on the inside and outside,” he says. “They marry all those flavors together.”

Remark and his wife, Valeri, value being a part of Barberton, so they show spirit for Barberton City Schools with a purple door, purple plates, purple wooden trim and purple T-shirts. They also honor the Remarkable Diner building’s history as the Magic City Diner by keeping and slightly tweaking some of its dishes like the loaded B-Town bowl ($11.99), which is served with turkey sausage, beef bacon, turkey ham, SOS, home fries, onions, peppers, scrambled eggs and cheddar. And locals pack the restaurant for monthly specials like the popular waffle in a luscious brown sugar bourbon sauce with bacon. It’s not only a spot for elevated from-scratch food but also a place where community members can bond.

“We wanted to keep that community element to it,” Remark says, “because Barberton’s a wonderful community.”

451 Fairview Ave., Barberton, remarkablediner.com

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Reuben sandwich

Migas

JULY 2023 | akronlife.com

47

BARBERTON

by Alexandra Sobczak and photos provided by Magical Theatre Company

First Class Stage

Magical Theatre Company brings children’s stories to life.

for young audiences the way we would Most of the plays that O’Connell and When Dennis O’Connell and approach theater for adults — professional, Barkdoll direct, which are comprised of a Holly Barkdoll were leading high-quality material.” company of professional actors and crew the renovation of the Magical members, as well as child actors, are aimed The co-owners bought the now-279-seat Theatre Company building in at youth in preschool through high school.

Barberton in 2015, some people theater — which was built in 1919 as Districts from Massillon to Cleveland to a silent movie theater and later became Sugarcreek bring students out for field trips, expected molded plastic chairs the Akron Children’s Theatre — in 1992, and the theater also puts on weekend shows and bright primary colors for determined to keep it a place for children’s for families. It’s particularly impactful when the children’s theater, not theater. kids see someone like them perform. suave teal movie theater-style “We fell in love with the mission,” O’Connell “The audience of kids identifies seating and elegant lighting.

“We didn’t want it to look like a fast food playland. We wanted it to be a special, pretty, classy place for kids to experience theater,” Barkdoll says. “We wanted to make sure that we approached theater

says, “to be able to serve kids, to nurture their minds, their imaginations and their hearts.”

“It is such a privilege to be the first live theater experience that a child has, and that happens to us a lot,” Barkdoll says.

wholeheartedly with what they’re seeing onstage,” O’Connell says.

The company also brings magic to schools, setting up plays in schools’ gyms and auditoriums. In all, it serves 23 Ohio {continued on pg. 50}

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{continued from pg. 48}

Holly Barkdoll and Dennis O’Connell

counties — a whopping quarter of the state.

And Barkdoll constructs study guides that include the play’s themes, setting, vocabulary words and more.

“It’s not just seeing a play,” she says. “It starts with reading the book. They discuss it, they come to the show, we have a question-andanswer session … where the kids can ask the actors questions.”

An especially memorable moment for O’Connell and Barkdoll was hearing about a fourth grader who was moved by “The Amazing Lemonade Girl,” which is about a child with cancer who raises money for cancer research through lemonade stands. The couple explained, eyes watering, that the boy found the play so inspiring that he decided to do his own lemonade stands and fundraisers for cancer research.

That powerful impact is what the pair hope for, and they also help kids be kids by feeding their imaginations with magical shows like “The BFG.” The production featured a 12-foot-tall larger-than-life Big Friendly Giant puppet made by Magical Theatre’s creature maker Mark Jenks and worn by an actor. It caused kids to ooh and aah when it appeared onstage, O’Connell says.

“If you’ve got a fantastical story, then the creatures ought to be fantastical as well,” he says. “Because that’s what they’re looking for — they’re looking to be taken to a different world.”

565 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton, magicaltheatre.org 50

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GOOD EATS

JULY 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 7

Restaurants [ notable food & drink ]

B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner A Alcohol available T Takeout available V Valet parking W Wheelchair Accessible $ average entrees less than $6 $$ average entrees between $6-$10 $$$ average entrees between $11-$16 $$$$ average entrees are $17 or higher Information subject to change.

Please call ahead to verify location, hours and events.

Akron Family Restaurant Neighborhood meeting place, homey atmosphere, reasonable prices. 250 W. Market St., Akron, 330-376-0600 $$ B, L, D, T, W Aladdin’s Eatery Outdoor dining area, tasty Mediterranean cuisine. 782 W. Market St., Akron, 330-535-0110; 1991 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-4640; 44 Park Lane, Hudson 330-656-0560; 3895 Medina Road, Fairlawn, 330-665-3102 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Al’s Corner Restaurant Old World comfort food served cafeteria style. Cabbage rolls and sausage made locally are a favorite. 155 Second St. NW, Barberton, 330-475-7978 $$ L, T, W Alexander Pierce Restaurant Fine dining menu of steaks, house-made pastas, calamari misto and cavatelli alla vodka in an intimate speakeasy-style atmosphere. 797 E. Market St., Akron, 330-529-2003 $$$ D, A Barley House Hot and cold deli sandwiches, gourmet pizzas, soups and more. 222 S. Main St., Akron, 330-374-0925 $$ L, D, A, T, W Basil Asian Bistro Menu features Thai, Chinese and Korean dishes, as well as sushi and Vietnamese specialties.

585 Market Ave. N, Canton, 330-4523888; 145 W Liberty St., Wooster, 330601-0885 $$$ L, D, A, T, W The Battleground Authentic Mexican food in an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. It specializes in tortillas and salsa that are made fresh daily.

Guests can enjoy street tacos, pozole, carnitas and delicious flan for dessert. 425 Cherry St., Kent, 330548-9019 $$$ B, L, D, T, A, P Beau’s Grille Well-regarded, innovative menu at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn.

3180 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-867-

5218 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T, W Beau’s on the River Stunning views of the falls with floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary decor. Fusion eclectic cuisine, lunch buffet and Sun. brunch. Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls, 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-7530 $$$ B, L, D, A, T, W Belgrade Gardens Famous for fried chicken and homestyle cooking. 401 E. State St., Barberton, 330-745-0113; 3476 Massillon Road, Uniontown, 330-896-3396 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Bellacino’s Known for grinders, pizza, pasta and fresh salads. Full bar, patio and banquet room with dance floor.

3657 Fishcreek Road, Stow, 330-6783000 $$ L, D, A, T, W Bender’s Tavern Largest restaurant wine selection in Stark County. Menu features seafood. 137 Court Ave. SW, Canton, 330-453-8424 $$$$ L, D, A, T Bianca’s Ristorante Italian Traditional Italian, juicy steaks and fresh seafood. 4284 Beverly Hills Drive, Brunswick, 330-225-0927 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Big Eu’es BBQ Known for delicious barbecue meals and Kool Aid pies.

The takeout spot also has a small dining area. 1730 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-706-6700 $$ L, D, T Big Eye Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar Menu offers a variety of sushi as well as salads, soups, appetizers, cooked entrees and vegan options to suit everyone at your table. 2965 W. Market St., Fairlawn, Suite L, 330-8364433 $$$ L, D, A, T, W The Bistro at Gervasi Vineyard Situated on a 55-acre estate in a renovated historic barn that overlooks a beautiful lake. Serving rustic Italian fare using only fresh and seasonal ingredients. 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330-497-1000 $$$ L, D, A The Bistro of Green An upscale dining establishment with a diverse menu that features some of Akron’s finest cuisine and gluten-free options made from fresh ingredients. Has a large selection of wine, beer and cocktails, and the inviting atmosphere offers a memorable experience. 3459 Massillon Road, Uniontown, 330-8961434 $$$$ D, T, A

Bistro on Main House-made desserts, hand-cut steaks and fresh pasta.

1313 W. Main St., Kent, 330-673-9900 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Block 7 Bar & Grill Fresh-ground burgers, unique sandwiches, onion rings and more. 524 W. Tuscarawas St., Barberton, 330-745-7677 $$ L, D, A, T, W Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern Creative American fare in six nature-inspired dining environments. Sun. brunch buffet. 8960 Wilcox Drive, Twinsburg, 330-486-2583 $$$$ L, D, A, T, W Blue Door Cafe & Bakery Chef-driven sandwiches, quiche, crepes, housemade pastries and rotating specials made using local ingredients. Voted No. 1 brunch in Ohio. Drive-thru available. 1970 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-926-9774 $$$ B, L, T, A Berlin Farmstead Enjoy regionallyinspired homestyle meals including the all-you-can-eat Barn Raising Buffet with mashed potatoes and a salad bar. 4757 Township Road 366, Berlin, 330-893-4600 $$ B, L, D, W, T Bob’s Hamburg Classic family diner with affordable favorites such as the BBQ Bonanza burger. 1351 East Ave., Akron, 330-253-2627; Inside Ray’s Pub, 801. W. Market St., Akron, 330805-1456 $ B, L, D, W, T Boiling House Authentic Louisiana seafood boils with king crab legs and lobster tail. A unique sushi menu diversifies the offerings. 1 W. Exchange St., Suite 150, Akron, 234571-9692 $$$$ L, D, T Bomba Taco & Bar Chef-inspired Latin tacos, international rice bowls and creative desserts like mango mojito sorbet and churro ice cream sandwiches. 3900 Medina Road, Akron, 234-466-7180 $$$ L, D, A, T Bombay Sitar Fine Indian cuisine. Food is natural and prepared fresh daily.

5111 Fulton Drive NW, Canton, 330305-0671 $$ L, D, T, W Bricco Open since September 2003, this restaurant is known for its eclectic seasonal menu, wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes. 1 W. Exchange St., Akron, 330-475-1600 $$$ L, D, A, T, V, W Bricco in Kent Menu is modeled after the original Bricco in downtown Akron. A la carte brunch on Sun. 210 S. Depeyster St., Kent, 330-677-1335

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$$$ L, D, A, T Brew Wall Sample a vast amount of pour-it-yourself beers and wines while you nosh on wood-fired pizza and more from the crew behind Antonio’s Pizza. 3161 Heritage Center Drive, Copley, 330-576-6880 $$$ L, D, A, W, T Brubaker’s Pub Specialty sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, appetizers and a full bar. Bottomless soup and salad special. 4005 Medina Road, Montrose, 330-666-8021; 5823 Darrow Road, Hudson, 330-650-9401; 3939 Massillon Road, Green, 330896-8803; 4141 Bridgewater Parkway, Stow, 330-475-1525 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Burntwood Tavern Owned by the same couple that runs the other Burntwood locations, this restaurant’s menu features steaks, sliders, smoked, planked and woodgrilled food. 2291 Riverfront Parkway, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-794-7085; 4320 Everhard Road NW, Canton, 234-2099746; 3750 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 234-466-7372 $$$$ L, D, A, T, W The Cabin Upscale Italian within the Mario’s International Spa and Hotel complex. 35 E. Garfield Road, Aurora, 330-562-9171 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T Cafe Bricco This menu is a smaller version of the one at the original Bricco location downtown.

DoubleTree Hotel, 3150 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-835-2203 $$$ B, L, D, A, T Cafe Tandoor Casual atmosphere, Indian cuisine. 96 Barrington Town Center, Aurora, 330-562-5334 $$$ L, D, A, T Cana Valley Winery Check out this winery’s 13 varieties. Bring in your own food. 5665 Waterloo Road, Atwater, 330-596-3017 $$$$ D, A Canal Tavern of Zoar Fine casual dining in Zoar’s original tavern and inn.

Features steaks and chops, seafood and Zoar-inspired German cuisine, as well as draft brews and extensive wine list. Sun. brunch. Patio bar and dining along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. 8806 Towpath Road, NE, Bolivar, 330-874-4444 $$$ L, D, A, T Casa Del Rio Mexican dining. 839 High St., Wadsworth, 330-335-4001; Express location, 2927 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-849-5160 $$ L, D, A, T Caston & Main Brew Yard This cozy, casual gastropub with a fireplace and two JULY 2023 | akronlife.com

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GOOD EATS UNCORKED

by Eric Van Sant and photos by Maggie Harris

Meier’s Wine Cellars Silverton | Ohio For over a century, Meier’s Wine Cellars has been in business. It was established

by John Michael Meier in the late 1800s as a small grape juice producer on property just north of Cincinnati. In the 1900s, Meier’s purchased land in Silverton, Ohio, which it used to produce sparkling Catawba grape juice during Prohibition. After the repeal of Prohibition, the company returned to making wine.

In 1941, the wine producer purchased property on North Bass Island in Lake Erie. Over the next 35 years, it refined its winemaking techniques and produced Ohio-based varietals from Catawba grapes, among others, vermouths and sherries and sparkling nonalcoholic grape juice. In 1976, the winery was purchased by Ohio-based Paramount Distillers and continues operations to this day as the oldest and largest winery in Ohio.

Grapes are no longer grown at the North Bass Island location but rather sourced from other growers in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. Best known for its 44 Cream Sherry, a fortified wine, the winery is still located in Silverton in the Cincinnati area.

Here are some standouts to uncork.

[

RED SEEDLING Made entirely from Concord grapes native to the northeast, this wine ($9.99) is sweet and cranberry in color.

It is excellent chilled on its own or enjoyed with barbecue fare or robust cheeses.

44 CREAM SHERRY This award-winning wine ($12.99) crafted from Niagara and muscat grapes was said to have been a staple at the White House and a personal favorite of former President John F. Kennedy. Fortified with neutral spirits, it is then aged in large 50-gallon barrels for three years. The result is full in the nose and rich on the palate with a smooth nutty character. It can be enjoyed as an evening sipper.

MARSALA The fortified wine ($5.99) is made from white wine and unfermented grape juice and aged in oak barrels.

This wine can be the main ingredient for chicken or veal Marsala. It can also be enjoyed chilled.

WINE WISDOM Sherry and Marsala are fortified wines — fermented wines that are fortified with neutral spirits added. Having a higher alcohol content, they are primarily used for cooking.

]

Eric Van Sant is a sales manager at Heidelberg Distributing Co. Comments? Email them to Kelly Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com].

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GOOD EATS

outdoor patios with fire features offers a large variety of craft beer including 32 taps, with wine, specialty cocktails and 140-plus bourbons, whiskeys and spirits including rare selections. The chef-driven menu offers housemade flatbreads, sandwiches and beer cheese, as well as Sun. brunch. 5010 S. Main St., Akron, 330-882-CASK (2275) $$$ L, D, A Ceedo’s Eatery Traditional Middle Eastern food — kosher and halal — including shawarma and falafel, stuffed whole lamb, hummus, tabbouleh and kibbeh.

Closed Mon. 4147 Bridgewater Parkway, Stow, 330-940-2424 $$ B, L, D, T

Cellar 59 Wine Bar & Wine Shop The menu in this renovated 19thcentury farmhouse features small plates, desserts, bottles of wine and craft beer. Closed Sun. and Mon. 3984 Kent Road, Stow, 330688-2684 $$$ L, D, A, T Chalet in the Valley Located in the heart of Amish Country and known for its authentic Swiss and Austrian cuisine. While the menu features a new spin on sandwich classics like the Chalet deluxe Reuben or Rachel, it’s famous for schnitzels, which come in six different varieties: weiner, chicken, schwein, jaeger, kase and Reuben. 5060 state Route 557, Millersburg, 330-8932550 $$$ L, D, T

Chameleon Cafe With a variety of coffee flavors and drinks, it’s a great stop for some caffeine or a quick bite. Features vegan grilled cheeses like the “Not Yo Daddy’s” grilled cheese. The cafe also offers breakfast sandwiches, lunch power bowls, appetizers, lunchtime options and bakery muffins. 23 S. Main St., Akron, 234-334-3603 $$ B, L, T China City Traditional Chinese cuisine in an elegant setting. 156 Cherry St., Kent, 330-673-6566 $$ L, D, A, T Chin’s Place Voted the best Cantonese food in Akron by the Akron Beacon Journal, it offers Chinese cuisine with a large selection of vegetarian and vegan options. The menu includes entrees of chicken, beef, pork and seafood, along with a large list of chef specialties. 474 W. Market St., Akron, 330-434-1998 $$ L, D, T Chowder House Cafe Salads, seafood dishes, oysters and clam chowder. 1244 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330-794-7102 $$$ L, D, A, T Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant Upscale Thai and Japanese, extensive menu, fresh ingredients, hand-selected sushi and no monosodium glutamate.

326 S. Main St., Akron, 330-4342876 $$$ L, D, A, T Circle L Steakhouse at the Galaxy The new menu offers a wide selection of steak cuts, and the atmosphere provides an upscale, rustic feel. Sun. brunch and live entertainment. 201 Park Centre Drive, Wadsworth, 330-334-3663 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T Comida Hudson Choose from new spins on classic favorites like the barbecue chicken empanadas or the Korean fried chicken tacos made from locally sourced ingredients. With live music and a welcoming atmosphere, it is a fun place to have a margarita and enjoy an evening with friends and family. 36 Park Lane, Hudson, 330-655-0059 $$$ L, D, T, A Cool Beans Cafe Try a peaches and cream frappe for breakfast, a sun-dried tomato turkey sandwich for lunch or take home a warm quart of soup for dinner at the community staple on the Medina square. 103 W. Liberty St., Medina, 330-723-7174 $$ B, L, D, T Corkscrew Saloon Specializes in fresh seafood, steaks and chops, prepared by executive chef Ryan

Marino. Live entertainment Wed. nights. 811 W. Liberty, Medina, 330-725-0220 $$$$ L, D, A, T Craft Social Bar A large variety of craft beer, cocktails, wines and whiskeys that accompany upscale bar food. Watermark Building, 1846 Front St., Suite G, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-805-2826 $$$ D, A, T, V Crave Creative comfort foods, slightly eccentric with bold tastes served up in a sensational setting. 156 S. Main St., Akron, 330-253-1234 $$ L, D, A, T, V Crave Cantina Latin fare meets global tacos at this modern, artistic eatery from the owner of Crave in downtown Akron. Pair your eclectic taco choices with a rum flight of your choice. 2097 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-940-2000 $$$$ L, D, A, T The Crush House at Gervasi Vineyard A modern industrial building that houses a state-of-the-art winery facility, wine bar and eatery.

Perfect for a fun lunch, casual dinner or late snack. 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330-497-1000, ext.

5 $$ L, D, A D’Agnese’s at White Pond Akron Contemporary Italian food served in a classy yet casual setting. Live entertainment. Full service catering. 566 White Pond Drive, Akron, 234-678-3612 $$$ L, D, A, T Danny Boy’s If you love the Rat Pack, you’ll love this menu. Try the Old Blue Eyes Mac & Cheese or the Chairman of the Board Calzone.

6081 Dressler Road N, Canton, 330-499-3726; 10 Tallmadge Circle, Tallmadge, 330-633-7844 $$$ L, D, A, T Darby’s on Fifty-Nine Rustic dining with an assortment of dishes, including crispy calamari and filet mignon sliders, complemented by craft beer.

2764 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-922-7540 $$$ L, D, A, T Dave’s Cosmic Subs Sign the walls at this sub shop, featuring psychedelic and music memorabilia. 186 N. Main St., Hudson, 330-342-5666 $$ L, D, T D.B.A., Dante Boccuzzi Akron Modern American food in a rock ‘n’ roll palace setting. Several menu items can be ordered in varied portion sizes, based on your appetite. Vegetarian and vegan options available. Order a drink and relax on the restaurant’s spacious patio. 21 Furnace St., Akron, 330-375-5050 $$$$ D, A, T, V

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GOOD EATS Deli Ohio Fresh deli sandwiches made with all-natural products from throughout Ohio. 328 Walnut Ave. NE, Canton, 330-453-7777 $$ L, D, T Der Dutchman A family-friendly comfort food restaurant in Amish Country offering a seniors’ menu, housemade pies and options for vegan and other diets. 720 state Route 97 W, Bellville, 419-866-7070 $$ B, L, D, W, T Desert Inn Family-owned since 1970.

Specializes in family-style shish kebabs. 204 12th St. NW, Canton, 330-456-1766 $$$$ L, D, A Diamond Deli A local favorite with fat sandwiches and fresh soups. 378 S. Main St., Akron, 330-762-5877 $ B, L, A, D (Saturdays only), T Diamond Grille Akron’s oldest steakhouse, 1950s-style decor. All steaks are hand-cut, and seafood is flown in fresh. 77 W. Market St., Akron, 330-253-0041 $$$$ L, D, A, No credit cards Divine Food Spirits Wine Casual and upscale American fare, a scratch kitchen and a wide drink selection.

2752 Hudson Drive, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-334-4400 $$$$ D, A, T Dominic’s Italian Restaurant Since 1987, Dominic Carrino has been using the finest products available for his pizzas, as well as burgers, paninis and other lunch and dinner options. Carrino is also the owner of JoJo’s Sports Bar, located directly behind the Italian restaurant. 221 S. Jefferson St., Medina, 330-725-8424 $$ L, D, T, P Dontino’s Fine Italian Cuisine Homestyle Italian cuisine, popular community meeting place. 555 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-928-9530 $$ L, D, A, T El Campesino Authentic Mexican cuisine.

Carryout or delivery available. 4360 Kent Road, Stow, 330-686-5561; 9169 state Route 14, Streetsboro, 330-6269777; 4048 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, 330-477-8731 $$$ L, D, A, T El Fogon Mexican Grill Traditional Mexican fare from the owner of El Campesino in Canton and Perry Township. Full bar and weekly margarita specials.

1080 Interstate Parkway, Green, 330644-7700 $$ L, D, A, T El Rancho Traditional Mexican fare made fresh from scratch each day. 4065 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-9228112; 1678 W. Exchange St., Akron, 330-864-3300 $$ L, D, A, T El Rincon Authentic Mexican cuisine. 720 S. Main St., North Canton, 330-4972229 $$ L, D, A, T Foundry Social Have some nostalgic fun with games like duckpin bowling or electric go-karts while enjoying craft cocktails, elevated pub sandwiches and share plates. 333 Foundry St., Medina, 330-333-9000 $$ L, D, A Franklin Square Deli Quality sandwich shop with a racing theme. 108 S. Water St., Kent, 330-673-2942 $$ L, T Fred’s Diner Well-known North Hill stop for breakfast and lunch. 930 Home 54

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Ave., Akron, 330-535-3733 $ B, L, T Fresco Mexican Grill and Salsa Bar Mexican cuisine including gig burritos, tacos, warm soups, quesadillas and more.

Known for its beer selection and extensive salsa bar. 100 E. Erie St., Kent, 330-677-2588 $$ L, D, A, T Fronimo’s Downtown Located within the Canton Arts District, it prides itself on serving creative food. The menu features small plates such as lettuce wraps or tempura cauliflower, salads, sandwiches and entrees. 315 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, 234-6408665 $$ D, A The Galaxy Restaurant Diverse selection of dishes in a creative building.

Fantastic desserts. 201 Park Center Drive, Wadsworth, 330-334-3663 $$$ B, L, D, A, T Garretts Mill Diner Breakfast items, sandwiches, soup and house-made ice cream. 4226 Hudson Drive, Stow, 330-926-1344 $$ B, L, T Gasoline Alley Eclectic menu featuring pizza, sandwiches and sauerkraut balls. 870 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330-666-2670 $$$ L, D, A, T George’s Lounge Handcrafted food made from fresh ingredients and housemade sauces. Known for substantial gourmet burgers, or you can create your own. Menu also includes handscooped milkshakes that come in classic flavors like strawberry, vanilla and chocolate, along with unique flavors like maple cream, creamy mocha and Dutch apple pie. 229 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, 330-4520029 $$ B, L, D, T, A Girves Brown Derby An Akron favorite since 1941. Hardwood-fired freshcut steaks, seafood, wine, craft beer and full-service bar. 4670 Everhard Road, Canton, 330-494-4413; 5051 Eastpointe Drive, Medina, 330-721-1731; 9230 state Route 14, Streetsboro, 330-626-2171; brownderbyusa.com $$$$ L (only on weekends), D, A, T, W Golden Dragon Chinese fare. Also offers traditional Japanese cooking and sushi. 1634 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-1109 $$ L, D, A, T Greatness Cafe Healthy and delicious options — smoothies, paninis, salads with house-made dressings and juices all paired with positive affirmations and a welcoming atmosphere — in the Massillon Museum’s lobby. 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. $$ B, L, T, W Green Diamond Grille & Pub Upscale dining without upscale pricing. Specializes in steaks, chops, baby back ribs and seafood. 125 Second St. NW, Barberton, 330-745-1900 $$$ L, D, A, T Grinders Above & Beyond Family restaurant. Grinders, burgers, dinners, appetizers and pies. 1671 N. Main St., North Canton, 330-4974800; 3114 Whipple Ave., Canton, 330-477-5411; 1212 W. Maple St., Hartville, 330-587-4280; 1820 W. State

St., Alliance, 330-821-6665; 404 E. Lincolnway, Minerva, 330-868-7824; 500 W. Main St., Louisville, 330-8759700 $ L, D, A, T Guiseppe’s Pizza Family-owned pizzeria known for its Sicilian-style square pizza. 14 E. Caston Road, Akron, 330644-8842 $$ L, D, T Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery Serving homestyle meals since 1966, we are known for our pressure fried chicken, fresh mashed potatoes, house-made salad dressings, 21 varieties of pies and more. Carryout and curbside pickup. 1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, 330-877-9353 $$$ L, D, T, W Henry Wahner’s Restaurant An old favorite across from Kent State University.

Complete German menu. Germanstyle bar with beers served in icecold steins. 1609 E. Main St., Kent, 330-678-4055 $$$$ D, A, T, No credit cards Hibachi Japan Steak House Japanese hibachi-style cooking, great steak and sushi. 1803 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-3333 $$$ L, D, A, T HiHO Brewing Co. Former educators and co-owners Ali and Jon Hovan plate up fresh pizza with house-made dough and sauce along with myriad draft beers brewed in house. 1707 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 234-3347564 $$$ L, D, A Honeymoon Grille Check out our new building: We even have patio seating!

Portage Lakes neighborhood gathering place since 2013 that features made-to-order breakfast, lobster bisque, organic salads, handcut steaks, specialty sandwiches, fresh-ground burgers, colossal onion rings, hand-battered mushrooms and more. Catering menu and private room rental available. 3458 Manchester Road, Akron, 330-6444355 $$$ B, L, D, A, T Hopocan Gardens Barberton-style chicken. 4396 W. Hopocan Ave., Barberton, 330-825-9923 $$ L, D, A, T, No credit cards House of Hunan Common favorites to spicy specialties. Oriental decor.

2717 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330864-8215; 18 Public Square, Medina, 330-722-1899 $$ L, D, A, T Hudson’s Restaurant Neighborhood restaurant and bar serving fresh, chef-driven dishes. Family-friendly atmosphere. 80 N. Main St., Hudson, 330-650-1955 $$$ B, L, D, A, T The Jetty River Bar and Grill Located on the north end of the Sheraton Suites, it is a posh place to have dinner and a drink with a view. Choose from a menu of casual salads, flatbreads and small entrees. 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-7544 $$$ L, D, T, A, P Jilly’s Music Room All gluten-free menu of creative American tapas in a sophisticated setting. Live music, concerts and events Wed. through

Sat. 111 N. Main St., Akron, 330-5763757 $$, D, A, T, W Kasai Japanese Restaurant Sushi, hibachi, noodles, don buri, agamono and more. Finish your meal with tempura cheesecake. 295 Weatherstone Drive, Wadsworth, 330-334-7141; 3875 Massillon Road, Suite 300, Uniontown, 330-899-9788 $$$ L, D, A, T Ken Stewart’s Grille Widely recognized as one of Akron’s finest. Upscale, eclectic cuisine. Emphasis on steak and seafood. 1970 W. Market St., Akron, 330-867-2555 $$$$ L, D, A, T, V Ken Stewart’s Lodge Casual, Adirondackstyle atmosphere, eclectic cuisine.

1911 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330-666-8881 $$$$ D, A, T Ken Stewart’s Tre Belle Italian atmosphere and authentic cuisine.

Specialties include an antipasto bar, big drinks and an extensive wine list.

1911 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330-666-9990 $$$ D, A, V, T Kennedy’s Bar-B-Que Pit-smoked ham, pork, beef, turkey, pulled pork sandwiches topped with cabbage relish, bean soup, chili and Troyer’s pie by the slice. 1420 Seventh St. NW, Canton, 330-454-0193 $ L, D, T Kingfish A posh yet sleek interior features the freshest seafood of North Coast. Dress is business casual.

Reservations recommended. 115 Montrose West Ave., Copley. 330-7772005 $$$$ D, A Lanning’s Restaurant Elegant dining atmosphere with a beautiful view.

More than 150 types of wine. 826 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330666-1159, 330-864-2553 $$$$ D, A, T, V Larry’s Main Entrance English-pub style, burgers of note. 1964 W. Market St., Akron, 330-864-8162 $$ L, D, A, T Laziza High-end Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare, plus steak and seafood dishes and a full bar. Acorn Alley, 195 E. Erie St., Kent, 330-6777000 $$$ L, D, A, T Lembo’s Italian Restaurant Weekday lunch salad and pizza buffet, Italian specialties, chicken and sandwiches.

Daily specials, lunch specials, kids’ menu. 1186 Canton Road, Akron, 330-733-7586 $$$ L, D, A, T The Leopard Eclectic menu with American, Asian, French and Italian influences. Features seven-course chef’s table. 600 N. Aurora Road, Aurora, 330-562-2111 $$$$ D, A, T, V Leo’s Italian Social Nosh on comfort food Italian favorites with a chefdriven twist. With everything from wood-fired pizza to certified angus beef strip steaks, it’s a great spot for groups to dine inside or on the large patio with bocce. Also take in live music. 2251 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-400-4427 $$$$ B, L, D, T, A, P Lizardville Large selection of draft and bottled beers, whiskey and cigars to enjoy on site or take home. Try the Wild Western burger and a glass of Weller Antique Winking

GOOD EATS Lizard Edition. 21 and over only. 79 Springside Drive, Akron, 330-6441782 $$ D, A, T The Lockview Traditional American favorites. Fresh menu with spotlight on gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. 207 S. Main St., Akron, 330-252-5128 $$ L, D, A, T Luca’s New York Style Pizza Pizza, calzones, stromboli, cheesesteaks and subs. 3451 Darrow Road, Stow, 330-688-9595 $$$ D, T Lucca Downtown Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Tuscan Italianinspired menu. Now managed by Tony Ly, who also owns Basil Asian Bistro. Call for reservations. 228 Fourth St. NW, Canton, 330-456-2534. $$$$ L, D, A, T Lucia’s Steakhouse Fresh seafood, signature garlic butter-topped steaks, Italian favorites and Lucia classics, like house-made lump crab cakes or cubanella and long, hot peppers.

4769 Belpar St. NW, Canton, 330-4929933 $$$$ D, A Lucci’s Voted best pizza in Portage County. The family-owned shop has been serving New York-style pizza with house-made sauce, freshly made dough and a variety of toppings for over 30 years. Also offers wings, chicken tenders and fries, Stromboli and breadsticks and pretzel bites. 2457 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-571-0053, 405 E. Main St., Kent, 330-673-9833 $$ L, D, T Luigi’s Restaurant An Akron icon. Open late. Serves superb Italian cuisine, salads and award-winning pizza.

Voted best pizza and best Italian restaurant by Akron Life readers.

Party trays and sheet-pan pizzas available with 24-hour notice. 105 N. Main St., Akron, 330-253-2999 $$ L, D, A, T, No credit cards Lukity Country Inn Homestyle comfort food. 2697 Manchester Road, Akron, 330-753-5983 $$ B, L, D, T Magic City’s Remarkable Diner Chef-driven breakfast and lunch menu with surprising twists on diner classics, like the smoked salmon and Brie omelet. 451 Fairview Ave., Barberton, 330-983-9787 $$ B, L, T Maize Valley Winery & Craft Brewery Sample wine by bottle or glass, as well as craft beer. Taste 100-plus types of cheeses. Appetizers and sandwiches. 6193 Edison St. NE, Hartville, 330-877-8344 $$ L, D, A, T Mandarin House Chinese and South Asian entrees. 3201 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-8157 $$ L, D, A, T Mavis Winkle’s Irish Pub Large, eclectic menu, cozy atmosphere and live music. 8870 Darrow Road, Twinsburg, 330-405-3663 $$$ L, D, A, T Meet Me At Irene’s House favorites include chili, omelets and daily specials, such as Swiss steak, beef tips, and tuna melts. 264 Kent Ave. NE, Hartville, 330-877-6477 $ B, L, T Melt Bar & Grilled This sandwich bar

allows you to enjoy redesigned, gourmet versions of the grilled cheese sandwich, along with ice cold beers and a great atmosphere. Patio dining is also available. 3921 Medina Road, Akron, 330-983-0015 $$ L, D, A, T Menches Bros. Restaurant Inventors of the hamburger and ice cream cone. In Akron since 1901. 4887 Tuscawaras St. W, Canton, 234-410-3444; 3700 Massillon Road, Green, 330-896-2288; 235 Lincoln Way W, Massillon, 330832-6200 $$ B, L, D, A, T The Merchant Tavern With Owner Anthony Piscazzi’s family history running Akron’s beloved Wine Merchant restaurant and Chef Victor Todaro in the kitchen, this new restaurant already has a great start. Retail wines available. 1824 Merriman Road, Akron, 330-865-9510 $$$ L, D, A, T Michael’s AM Casual, family-style dining.

Full breakfast and lunch menu featuring daily specials. 1562 Akron Peninsula Road, Akron, 330-929-3447 $$ B, L, T, No credit cards Mike’s Place Unique atmosphere, extensive menu. 1700 S. Water St., Kent, 330-673-6501 $$ B, L, D, A, T Missing Falls Brewery Located in the historic BF Goodrich factory, Missing Falls Brewery is the latest addition to Akron’s craft brewery scene. Offering sixteen craft beers, a spacious taproom, an open brewery concept, and a family friendly environment in a turn of the century piece of Americana. Oh, did we mention artisan pizza too? 540 S. Main St., Suite 112, Akron, 234-231-1000 $$ A Mulligan’s Pub Local antique decor, award-winning ribs, extensive menu.

4118 Belden Village St. NW, Canton, 330-493-8239 $$$ L, D, A, T Mustard Seed Market & Cafe Mezzanine overlooking the Highland Square natural foods market. Menu reflects same strict standards as the market, with naturally raised meats, freerange poultry and foods free from artificial flavors, colorings and preservatives. Full bar and juice bar. Live music on weekends. Sun. brunch. 3885 W. Market St., Montrose, 330-666-7333; 867 W. Market St., Akron, 330-434-7333 $$$ L, D, T Nepali Kitchen Authentic Nepali cuisine like paneer pakora alongside familiar Asian favorites like chicken curry and chow Mein. 399 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-631-1112 $$$ L, D, W, T New Era Restaurant A mainstay of the Akron area. Heavenly paprikash and other Hungarian favorites. 10 Massillon Road, Akron, 330-784-0087 $$ B, L, D, A, T Niko’s Sandwich Board Cafe Menu of fresh salads, small-batch soups and handcrafted sandwiches, including several veggie, vegan and gluten-free selections. 1947 W. Market St., Suite 104, Akron, 330-794-5444 $$ L, D, T 91 Wood Fired Oven Upscale casual West

Coast atmosphere. Pizza and pasta are specialties. Patio dining. 1983 Easton St. NW in Washington Square Plaza, North Canton, 330-498-9191; 5570 Fulton Drive NW, Canton, 330497-9111 $$$ D, A, T Nomz Café Provides customers with farm-fresh, local eats that showcase favorites like the ham and cheese breakfast sandwich and the chicken sandwich marinated in Thirsty Dog Brewing’s Citra Dog beer that are made from scratch inside the Northside Marketplace. 21 Furnace St., Akron, 330-286-1315 $$$ B, L, D, T, A North End Choose from over 50 fine beers or over 1,000 options of global wine selections along with light appetizers and upscale entrees like rainbow trout and flank steak. 7542 Darrow Road, Hudson, 330-342-1400 $$$$ D, T, A Oak and Embers Tavern Southern-style barbecue brisket, pork, ribs and chicken with signature drinks including the Devil’s Grandma and the Revolver. 7774 Darrow Road, Hudson, 234-602-1056 $$$ L, D, W, A, T The Oaks Lakeside Casual dining, fabulous ambiance in 1914 estate.

Outdoor dining with water views.

5878 Longacre Lane, Chippewa Lake, 330-769-2601 $$$$ D, A 111 Bistro House Manager Meghan Pender and Executive Chef Anthony Scolaro own this eatery which features starters, soups and salads, sandwiches, pasta and entrees, as well as an extensive wine, craft beer and cocktail list. Weekend brunch available. 2736 Medina Road, Medina, 330-952-1122 $$$$ D, A, T One Red Door Decadent menu featuring gourmet pizzas, share plates such as bacon-wrapped roasted dates and burgers. 49 Village Way, Hudson, 330342-3667 $$$$ L, D, A Papa Gyros Greek Grill Authentic Greek fare, wine and beer. 3939 Massillon Road, Green, 330-899-0707; 4760 Everhard Road, Canton, 330-4971100; 320 W. State St., Alliance, 330823-7773; 2045 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, 330-456-9000; 1 N. Hawkins Ave., Akron, 330-247-2475 $$ L, D, A, T Papa Joe’s Iacomini’s Extensive wine list, fine Italian fare, seafood and steaks.

1561 Akron Peninsula Road, Akron, 330-923-7999 $$$ L, D, A, T Primo’s Deli An Akron mainstay since 1979. Try their famous corned beef sandwich or spicy Italian sub, and finish with a slice of house-made carrot cake. 1707 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, 330-745-9056 $$ L, D, A, T Pub Bricco The menu features gourmet hamburgers, appetizers, salads and drinks served in a pub atmosphere in the Merriman Valley. 1841 Merriman Road, Akron, 330-869-0035 $$ L, D, A, T R. Shea Brewing Traditional and experimental beers with brewpub fare in the Merriman Valley and Canal

Place. 1662 Merriman Road, Akron, 330-794-5654; 540 S. Main St., Suite 214, Akron, 234-571-5036, $$ L,D, A, T The Rail High-quality Ohio beef used for burgers. Top with specialty condiments like truffle butter or sunflower-basil pesto. Veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, milkshakes, and local and craft beers. 3265 W. Market St., Akron, 330864-7245 $$ L, D, A, T The Ramp Restaurant Unique entrees include seafood pasta and French pork chop. Dine on the back deck for a waterfront view of Portage Lakes.

3719 S. Main St., Akron, 234-678-6370 $$$$ L, D, A, T Rasicci’s Pizza Deep-dish pizza, fried chicken and jojos from owner Rick Rasicci. 513 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-923-1999 $$ L, D, T Ray’s Place Great burgers, hearty dinners and the area’s largest selection of foreign and domestic beer in the bottle and on draft. 135 Franklin Ave., Kent, 330-673-2233; 25 Ghent Road, Fairlawn, 330-835-2233 $$ L, D, A, T Rice Paper Thai Cuisine Fine Thai cuisine that features curry dishes, vegetarian options and more. The spiciness of the dishes can be altered to suit customers. 3867 Medina Road, Fairlawn, 234-466-0499 $$$ L, D, T The River Merchant Kent’s riverfront restaurant offers guests a beautiful dining experience with a chefinspired menu, a wood-fired oven and a wine and beer market. Try favorites like the Nashville hot chicken gyro or the smoked salmon flatbread. Guests can also sip cocktails like the PB Banana Split or a selection from its extensive beer, wine and spirits menu. 911 N. Mantua St., Kent, 330-968-6376 $$$$ B, L, D, T, A, P Rizzi’s Ristorante & Pizzeria Northern Italian recipes shine at this familyowned restaurant with fried chicken that has garnered its own trademark.

2809 Copley Road, Copley, 330-6661221, 330-668-2626 $$ L, D, T Rose Garden Restaurant Authentic Indian and Nepali meals include curry and gulab jamun, a sweet deep-fried cheese dessert, in the space that was formerly Everest Restaurant. 2033 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-7066630 $$ L, D, W, T Rosewood Grill Seasonally inspired. Fresh appeal of a local farmers market. 36 E. Streetsboro St., Hudson, 330-6562100 $$$$ L Fri/Sat only, D, A, T Rush Hour Grille Classic american fare.

10735 Ravenna Road, Twinsburg, 330-405-4990 $$ L, D, A, T Russo’s Unique cuisine featuring Cajun

Go to akronlife.com to view more area restaurants & events.

JULY 2023 | akronlife.com

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GOOD EATS

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GOOD EATS UNTAPPED

by Aaron Fowler

Juicy Fruit Savor National Blueberry Month with craft brews made with the superfood.

PRAIRIE ARTISAN ALES’ BLUEBERRY BOYFRIEND Sour and wild beer offerings continue to grow, and Oklahoma’s Prairie Artisan Ales has been a leader in the category for nearly a decade. Blueberry Boyfriend ($12.99, four-pack 12-ounce cans), a sour ale brewed with blueberries and lemon zest, should please sour beer lovers.

FAT HEAD’S BREWERY’S STUMBLE BERRY Arguably one of the most popular fruit beers in Ohio is Fat Head’s Brewery’s Bumble Berry, the yearround honey blueberry ale. Just in time for National Blueberry Month, Fat Head’s has unveiled its big brother, Stumble Berry ($11.99, four-pack 12-ounce cans).

This imperial blueberry ale comes in at a monstrous 9 percent alcohol by volume but offers up those same blueberry and honey notes craft beer lovers have grown to admire over the years from the award-winning brewery with locations that include Canton.

[

LEXINGTON BREWING & DISTILLING CO.’S BLUEBERRY BARREL WHEAT Known for its year-round portfolio including Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, Imperial Milk Stout and Bourbonola canned cocktail, Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. also knows a thing or two about seasonal releases. The brewery has returned this summer with Blueberry Barrel Wheat ($13.99, four-pack 12-ounce bottles). It is 8 percent alcohol by volume, a bold and bright wheat ale packed with blueberry characteristics that are distinguished but not overpowering.

1911 ESTABLISHED’S BLUEBERRY CIDER If you are more of a cider fan, then 1911 Established’s blueberry cider ($13.99, four-pack 16-ounce cans) is perfect for you. It packs sweet apple and ripe blueberry flavors into a gluten-free semisweet cider.

Find these beers at select Acme Fresh Market, Buehler’s, Fishers Foods, Giant Eagle and Heinen’s locations, as well as craft beer stops such as Mustard Seed Market & Cafe and 101 Bottles of Beer on the Wall.

]

Aaron Fowler is the key account manager at Cavalier Distributing.

Comments? Email them to Kelly Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com].

JULY 2023 | akronlife.com

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GOOD EATS and Italian influences. Fine dining atmosphere. 4895 State Road, Peninsula, 330-923-2665 $$$$ L, D, A, T Sakura Fresh sushi. Wide selection of specialty rolls. 3900 Medina Road, Akron, 330-670-0288 $$$ L, D, T Sarah’s Vineyard Sample high-quality wines, appetizers and desserts in the tasting room, on the deck or in the butterfly garden. 1204 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330929-8057 $$ L, D, A, T Serenite Restaurant Fine French dining includes oysters, escargot, duck confit and smoked salmon. Socially conscious mission with a staff made up of people in recovery from addiction. 538 W. Liberty St., Medina, 330-952-2611 $$$ L, D, A, T Shawarma Bros. Get a taste of authentic shawarma lamb, chicken or beef in a rice bowl or on pita bread and falafel, then finish off your meal with baklava at this affordable takeout restaurant.

1808 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-334-3996 $$ L, D, T Sisters Century House Historic building overlooks Ohio Canal. Known for twice-baked potatoes. 123 S. Canal St., Canal Fulton, 330-854-9914 $$ B, L, D, T Skyway Drive-In Restaurant A West Akron tradition. Drive-in burgers, fast fare.

2781 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-8362806; 951 E. Turkeyfoot Road, Green, 330-896-9350 $ L, D, T Social at Stone House Welcoming guests with craft cocktails and a global menu in a pre-Civil War mansion. Enjoy a relaxing dinner of dishes like the prosciutto arugula flatbread or the Sriracha Caesar salad in a themed rooms or the Overlook lounge featuring a view of Massillon. Be sure to order an artfully garnished cocktail like the JD Manhattan or gimlet. 824 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, 330-8090461 $$$ L, D, T, A, P Sonnets Espresso Bar & Restaurant Signature blend coffee, local craft beer, sandwiches, salads, soups, kids’ meals and live music every weekend.

117 College St., Wadsworth, 330-3365557 $$ B, L, D, A, T Swensons Drive-In Voted best burger in Akron Life’s Best of the City. Signature burger is the Galley Boy. 658 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330928-8515; 40 S. Hawkins Ave., Akron, 330-864-8416; 4466 Kent Road, Stow, 330-678-7775; 40 Brookmont Road, Montrose, 330-665-1858; 5815 Wales Ave., Jackson Township, 330-8335454; 1558 N. Main St., North Canton, 330-499-9494 $ L, D, T Table Six Kitchen & Bar Innovative and shareable dishes made from scratch in a gastropub where the drinks are also held to the same high standard.

Road 6113 Whipple Ave NW, North Canton, 330-305-1666 $$$ L, D, W, A, T Taco Tontos Funky, college atmosphere featuring authentic Mexican cuisine made from scratch. Good selection of 58

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vegetarian dishes. 123 Franklin Ave., Kent, 330-677-0223 $$ L, D, T Taggart’s Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant Established in 1926, this landmark features wrought-iron ice cream parlor chairs and high-backed booths. Try the Bittner! Homemade soups, salads and sandwiches. Kids’ menu and vegetarian options. 1401 Fulton Road NW, Canton, 330-4526844 $ L, D, T Tail Gators Sports Pub & Grille This sports pub and grill features burgers, wings and the longest happy hour around.

469 College St., Wadsworth, 330-3345151 $$ L, D, A, T Taqueria La Loma Traditional Mexican street food in a colorful environment and market. The house special, the al pastor, features a rub with a secret recipe that gives the pork a smokysweet flavor. 459 Darrow Road, Akron, 330-784-9300 $$ L, D, T, A Taste of Bangkok & Sushi Bar Menu includes curries, noodle dishes and hand-rolled sushi. Variety of lunch specials. 514 E. Exchange St., Akron, 330-252-2270 $$ L, D, T Thano’s Family Restaurant Burgers, chops, chicken, wraps, seafood and pasta. Breakfast served all day, daily specials, Friday fish fry. 50-seat party room. 71 Fifth St., Barberton, 330861-1300 $$ B, L, D, A, T 3 Palms Pizzeria Gourmet Neapolitan pizzas baked in an authentic Italianbuilt wood-burning oven, plus other Italian specialties. 60 Village Way, Hudson, 330-342-4545 $$$ L, D, T Timber Lodge Steaks are hand-selected from the finest USDA Prime and Choice aged beef. Seafood is flown in daily to assure the peak of flavor and freshness. Prime rib is slow roasted rotisserie-style and hand-carved to your taste. Famous for its No. 1 giant lobster tail. 2809 Pearl Road, Medina, 330-725-6288 $$$ D, A, T Tip Top Restaurant & Catering Pleasant atmosphere with homestyle menu.

Perfect for family dining. 3428 Darrow Road, Stow, 330-688-3171 $$ B, L, D, T Tito’s Mexican Grill Dining room features wooden chairs and tables handcarved in Mexico. Run by the owners of El Rincon on South Arlington. Great meals and even greater margaritas.

25 Ghent Road, Fairlawn, 330-8359801 $$ L, D, A, T Tokyo Hibachi and Sushi Hibachi meals cooked at your table, entrees from the kitchen, as well as sushi and sashimi. 1132 N. Court St., Medina, 330-952-2818 $$$$ L, D, T Tomaso’s Italian Villa Family-owned and operated for over 50 years. Features classic Italian cuisine. Pasta dinners, pizza, fortunes, calzones, salads, desserts, beer and wine. Kids’ menu.

3271 Barber Road, Norton, 330-7456063 $$ L, D, A, T Tomato Grill Wide array of entree choices.

Catering available. 106 First St., Hudson, 330-342-3771 $$$$ L, D, A, T

Tong-Tong First Chinese restaurant in Hudson and Stow area. Family-style dining. 1646 Norton Road, Stow, 330655-2550 $$ L, D, A, T Totally Cooked To-Go Comfort foods, soups, made-to-order sandwiches and salads, and desserts. Menu changes weekly. 388 S. Main St., Akron, 330-294-1102 $$ B, L, D, T Trecaso’s Mary Coyle Strong pasta selection. Six-time winner of Pasta Yule’s best red sauce. Highland Square spot known for several ice cream options. 780 W. Market St., Akron, 330-253-1511 $$ L, D, T Twiisted Sushi and traditional Japanese food, with gourmet burgers and steaks, salads, appetizers, desserts and a full bar. 985 Boardman Alley, Medina, 330-661-0606 $$$ D, A, T Twisted Citrus The daytime eatery offers breakfast and lunch dishes with a twist. It puts unique spins on classics like French toast, with its Maui Waui French toast featuring a pina colada compote or the breakfast nachos with chorizo, black beans, nacho cheese, pico de gallo and avocado.

1649 N. Main St., North Canton, 330305-9680 $$ B, L The Twisted Olive Casual classic ItalianAmerican fare grilled or baked wood-fire ovens. Indoor and outdoor seating. 5430 Massillon Road, Green, 330-899-0550 $$$ L, D, A, T Vaccaro’s Trattoria Traditional Italian cuisine with a twist on nouveau.

Famous since 1957. An Italian and Akron classic. 1000 Ghent Road, Akron, 330-666-6158 $$$ L, D, A, T Valley Cafe Owned by a five-star gourmet chef. Features friendly service, dishes made from scratch and famous cabbage soup. 1212 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330-865-0101; 101 High St., Wadsworth, 330-331-7555 $ B, L, D (Wadsworth only), T Vasili’s Greek Cuisine A welcome addition to Akron’s restaurant scene, Vasili’s provides big flavors and huge portions at a reasonable price with excellent customer service. The moussaka is excellent, and the baklava is decadent. 1702 Merriman Road, Akron, 330-864-0722 $$ L, D, T Village Inn Chicken Formerly Milich’s Village Inn, under new ownership with the same great fried chicken, hot sauce and coleslaw recipes. 4444 S. Cleveland Massillon Road, Barberton, 330-825-4553 $$ L, D, T Village Gardens Restaurant and Pub Family restaurant. House-made meals, including house-favorites Macedonian bean soup, chicken vlaki and chicken paprikash. Full-service lounge. 2437 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-5751 $ B, L, D, A, T Vinifera Wine-to-Whiskey Extensive beverage list with an enomatic wine dispenser system of more than 60 wine selections, more than 80 whiskey and bourbon options and food. 3236 State Road, Cuyahoga

Falls, 234-571-0233 $$$ D, A, T Virtues Signature foods such as a tempura calamari appetizer, specialty pizzas, filet mignon and other gourmet items with high nutritional values on Summa Health System Akron Campus. 525 E. Market St., Akron, 330-375-7444 $$$ B, L, D, A, T, V Waterloo Restaurant Eclectic menu.

Famous for the Waterloo Big Apple and French onion soup. 423 E. Waterloo Road, Akron, 330-773-5158 $$ B, L, D, T Water Main Grille Sandwiches, soups and dinner platters. 339 Main St., Wadsworth, 330-331-7757 $$ L, D, T The West Side Bakery Specialties include cakes, pastries and cookies. Breakfast items include scones, muffins and yogurt parfaits. All sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups are made from scratch. 2303 W. Market St., Akron, 330-836-4101 $ B, L, T Wild Goats Coffee & Cafe Offers light entrees, vegan and vegetarian soups, and exceptional coffee. 319 W. Main St., Kent, 330-677-2326 $$ B, L, D, T The Wine Mill Open daily for wine, craft beer, and bites made from fresh, local ingredients. The rustic Wine Mill serves salads, sliders and cheeseboards, along with Mason jar desserts. The Wine Mill is available for weddings and private events. 4964 Akron Cleveland Road, Peninsula, 234-571-2594 $$$ L, D, A, V Winking Lizard Come to see the lizard, stay for the extensive beer selection and food. 3634 Center Road, Brunswick, 330-220-9944; 5710 Fulton Drive NW, Canton, 330-4971133; 79 Springside Drive, Copley, 330-644-1780; 5111 E. Aurora Road, Macedonia, 330-467-6200; 2175 E. Maple St., North Canton, 330-4706460; 1615 Main St., Peninsula, 330467-1002 $$$ L, D, A, T Wise Guys Lounge & Grill Located in the former Nick Anthe Restaurant, this spot, owned by Tom Procaccio, features steaks, seafood and pasta dishes. 1008 N. Main St., Akron, 330922-3006 $$$$ L, D, A, T Wolf Creek Tavern Housed in the former Loyal Oak Tavern, this restaurant serves craft beer, wine, salads, wraps, burgers, pasta, steaks and house-made pie. Kids menu. 3044 Wadsworth Road, Norton, 234-5714531 $$$$ L, D, A, T Yours Truly This award-winning restaurant is family-owned and operated, with an emphasis on customer service and family-friendly dining. Try the burgers and breakfast items. 36 S. Main St., Hudson, 330656-2900; 3725 Medina Road, Medina, 330-722-5800 $$ B, L, D, A, T Please send any changes or corrections to kpetryszyn@ bakermediagroup.com.

PARTING SHOT

by Maggie Harris and photo cour tesy of Summit Memory/Akron-Summit County Public Library

“

Frozen in Time Barberton, 1898

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Fifteen thousand years ago, a great glacier made a depression in land and a final piece melted, leaving behind a circular kettle lake. The 10-acre lake was called Davis-Way Pond, after two early settlers, and it was later officially named Lake Anna in the 1890s after Diamond Match Co. owner and Barberton founder O.C. Barber’s daughter. Barberton was designed around the 35-foot-deep lake fed by a series of freshwater underground springs. Today, Lake Anna is a pleasant place to enjoy a scenic picnic, fishing or a nearly half-mile walk around the lake. It’s the city’s gathering place for events such as the Barberton Labor Day BBQ & Music Fest Sept. 1-3 and the Barberton Mum Festival Sept. 23 and 24, which features a water ski show and canoe races across the lake.

JULY 2023 | akronlife.com

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