March 2023 Akron Life Magazine

VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 3

MARCH 2023

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SMILES ABOUND HAPPY DAYS CO. INSPIRES TOP DENTISTS 2023

MAR. 2023 $4.95

WALKIE TALKIE ESPRESSO & COFFEE photo by Meghan Winkler

EXCITING CAMPS GET KIDS READY FOR SUMMER FUN

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PAGES

MARCH 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 3

Pages start here

On The Cover

| 22 Coffee | photo by Meghan Winkler

[ FEATURE ]

22 FILL YOUR CUP Coffee replenishes us and warms our souls. Sit down for an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, get a buzz from a coffee cocktail and sip a quirky floral brew. Enjoy 20-plus comfy coffee shops with unique drinks.

Artisan Coffee photo by Meghan Winkler

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akronlife.com | MARCH 2023

PAGES

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UNCORKED

AGENDA

UNTAPPED

Ferrante Winery

[ the essential social digest ]

WarPigs Brewing

[ DEPARTMENTS ]

08 MAIL BONDING 09 FROM THE PUBLISHER Love Struck

10 RADAR [ seen + heard ]

11 UPFRONT Coffee Break

12 INTERVIEW Cameron Esber, Happy Days Co.

14 AGENDA [ the essential social digest ] 15 Entertainment listings

+ Calendar of events

44 GOOD EATS [ notable food + drink ] 44 Restaurant listings 45 Uncorked:

Ferrante Winery 46 Untapped: WarPigs Brewing

51 PARTING SHOT Photographer Willard Penfield Seiberling

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akronlife.com | MARCH 2023

Special Sections 32 TOP DENTISTS 2023 38 CELEBRATING DD AWARENESS MONTH 40 EDUCATION Send kids to summer camps for learning and fun.

PAGES MAIL BONDING 330 FLAVO R

VOLUME 21 | ISSUE

AWAR DS

Tell us what's on your mind.

1 JANUARY 2023

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FEBRUARY 2023

VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 2

SISTERHOOD PERSISTS Akron MÉL ANGE POR K TENDER Woman's LOIN photo by Meghan City Club Winkler

GREAT RESILIENCE PRIVATE SCHOOLS BOUNCE BACK

celebrates 100 years and endures as the last of its kind in Akron

ROMANCE AWAITS A NEW DATE NIGHT SPOT IN KENT FACES OF THE 330

HELEN WOLLE, FIRST AKRON PRESIDENT OF THE WOMAN’S CITY CLUB

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FOUNDER

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EDITORIAL INTERN

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Shawn Davis

33 0 T IX o f f e r s both ease and

MARCH 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 3

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(ISSN No. 74 470 5787 1)

YO U R T I CKE T TO LO C A L E V E N T S

330tix.com 8

akronlife.com | MARCH 2023

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.

Baker Media Group, LLC and akronlife accept no responsibility for unsolicited material. Subscription rates: Continental U.S., One year —$19.95, Two years —$34.95. Call for Alaska, Hawaii or international rates. Single issues available by calling the circulation department or visiting akronlife.com/store. $3.95 each plus $3.50 shipping & handling. Editorial, advertising and business offices: (330) 253-0056, fax (330) 253-5868.

PAGES FROM THE PUBLISHER

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

Love Struck Here is my ode to coffee.

As a coffee fan, I love what The 330 has to offer.

photo by Tylar Calhoun

I know what you’re thinking — another coffee lover preaching about their undying love.

But hear me out because my love for coffee is like no other. It’s a love story for the ages.

It all started on a Monday morning when I was 16 years old. I was feeling tired and grumpy, so I went straight for the coffee maker. Suddenly, a warm and strong acidic punch hit me. After a few sips, I felt struck by lightning. It was love at first sip. From that moment on, I kept the coffee coming, black and strong.

Most days I smell the beans before I grind them to give me a quick endorphin rush.

I rarely let the pot fully brew before I get my first cup — I am just too impatient.

I have a few cups, which last until about noon or 1 p.m. Then I cut it off, because I’m getting old, and caffeine gives me a headache if I drink it all day.

If you’re a fellow coffee lover, you know that a good cup of coffee is hard to come by. That’s why I’ve taken it upon myself to explore the local coffee scene, and I’d like to share my most common spots.

First on the list is Nervous Dog Coffee Bar in Akron. This place has been my go-to for years if I want a latte. It has a great selection of coffee, and the baristas are knowledgeable. Plus, the atmosphere

is warm and inviting. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee on a lazy Sunday morning.

Next up is Angel Falls Coffee Co. in Highland Square. This place is a coffee lover’s paradise. It has an extensive menu with lattes and other espresso drinks. The atmosphere makes for a great hangout.

Plus, it sells Akron Life, so you can catch up on your back issues.

Third on the list is sad but true — McDonald’s. It brings me back to my

dad and grandpa, who always drank McDonald’s coffee. There is something about it that has a nostalgic taste. It’s the coffee I seem to get earlier in the morning, on the way to the golf course because it’s quick and easy. I’m sorry it’s not local, but it is at least locally owned.

For more suggestions on spots to get an excellent cup of coffee, check out our coffee guide on pg. 22. The 330 has some fantastic options. Drink up.

[ Publisher Colin Baker is a retired racing driver and gearhead. ] Comments? Email them to Kelly Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com].

MARCH 2023 | akronlife.com

9

PAGES RADAR

by Shawn Davis

WATER MARK seen + heard

You might see kayakers leisurely paddling the Cuyahoga River in Cuyahoga Falls, but it was first used by Native Americans for commerce and travel. That’s commemorated with the new “River Trade” statue by artist Peter B. Jones installed near city offices in December. The bronze statue displays a Native American in a canoe filled with trade goods paddling over dark gray stones with a base dredged from the Ohio River. Jones, an Onondaga of the Seneca Nation in New York, also did “The Portage” statue where Native Americans used the Portage Path in Akron. Together his statues paint a vivid picture of the river’s history and the people who first called it home.

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SIGNED AND SEALED

$8 BILLION is projected to be wagered in

Postcards used to be sent just for smiles, like one that says, “I will butt in on you,” with a ram tackling a person or one that quips, “We’re pushing along nicely,” with a turn-of-the-20th-century couple pushing four kids in a stroller up a hill. Discuss postcards like these at the Akron Postcard Club’s monthly meetings for community and student enthusiasts and newbies alike on last Wednesdays at The University of Akron’s Postcard Library. It explores monthly themes like embroidery mini-masterpieces, postcard bingo or postcard collector Olive Mudge’s antiquarian collection March 29. Discover historic postcards and make your own to master the art of sending love by snail mail.

Cummings Center, 73 S. College St., Akron, uakron.edu

the recently legalized sports betting industry in Ohio in 2023, according to PlayOhio. Sports betting ads rivaling the pervasiveness of attorney Tim Misny spurred Ohioans to indulge their vices immediately when betting tipped off. Up the ante beyond apps with live action at the new sportsbook and lounge at MGM Northfield Park. We’re talking massive TV screens, betting kiosks, luxury seating and Tap Sports Bar and Kosar’s WoodFired Grill restaurants. Go ahead — spend this March Madness season enjoying Kosar’s Delmonico rib-eye, swinging by the sportsbook and watching the game unfold. You’re in the right place to soothe or celebrate the results of your wager.10777 Northfield Road, Northfield, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com

akronlife.com | MARCH 2023

Jones photo by Jeffrey Stroup and statue photo provided by Downtown Cuyahoga Falls Partnership

Peter B. Jones and “River Trade”

PAGES UPFRONT

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

Coffee Break A cup of joe can keep us working, but it’s also nice to slow down.

photo by Meghan Winkler

When I started drinking coffee as a teen, coffee shops were my hangout. Aside from Applebee’s, many of my meetups with friends took place at the coffee shop inside Borders or the local French Quarter Cafe.

At Borders, we met for a book club and divulged our college dreams and escape plans to live romantic lives of travel.

We got to chatting about coffee during a recent staff meeting, and sales associate Ben DiCola made an interesting comment about how the purpose of coffee shops has changed.

They’ve always been social spots, but for many remote workers in this pandemic era, they’re offices too. It’s more than just solo worker bees on laptops; sales associate Bunny Lacey added that people like real estate agents are holding business meetings in coffee shops more often.

Find a new favorite coffee shop with our guide on pg. 22. Explore everything from the quirky tangerine-and-teal Walkie Talkie Espresso & Coffee to the classic handcrafted Artisan Coffee.

In college, I met for coffee at the on-campus Jazzman’s Cafe, but java was more so a lifeline. I began to gravitate toward ordering to-go coffee or brewing in my dorm room.

My roommates fondly remember catching me asleep in my books or slumped over my laptop, so coffee helped revive my weary self to finish studying. I became accustomed to drinking coffee late into the night and still being able to sleep.

Recently, my relationship with caffeine was challenged when I was pregnant. I could only drink one cup a day, so it was tough, especially with the fatigue, but I tried to offset it with walks. And now, having a crying baby keeps me reaching for a coffee mug at all times of the day. It’s been nice that I have developed a deeper appreciation for getting fresh beans and grinding them at home. The smell and taste are so incredible that you don’t want to go back to generic tubs of grounds.

Now, I typically drink two cups a day, especially when I’m working. Near Akron Life’s Merriman Valley office, I like Nervous Dog Coffee Bar and Cafe Arnone (I’m a sucker for the affogato with coffee and gelato). I was excited to try Portal West Coffee, the new coffee shop that recently opened in

the valley. Our publisher, Colin Baker, says the storefront has been many businesses, so I hope it lasts. I have enjoyed working remotely at coffee shops like Walkie Talkie, Cool Beans Cafe and Open Door Coffee Co. Many coffee shops are ready to receive more workers, with Wi-Fi and more food offerings, and they don’t rush you out as some restaurants do.

As coffee has grown more essential in my life, I miss the social aspect of just meeting for coffee and getting lost in conversation for hours — I rarely do that.

The story about Akron-based Bereka Coffee is fascinating. Nardos Street discusses growing up in Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, and the importance of coffee ceremonies. You wait to roast and brew the coffee and linger over cups for hours. She says it’s a bonding experience and therapeutic to break and relax.

Each business we feature has a unique atmosphere, approach or menu worth checking out. Kavé Coffee Bar in Barberton is in a former art gallery but still hosts art shows and attracts artists who create art there. Asterisk Coffee Bar in Cuyahoga Falls has an art deco feel and doubles as a coffee and craft cocktail bar. When you read the guide, I hope you plan to experience a few coffeehouses. Let’s get back to lingering over a cup of joe that you sip leisurely and truly enjoy. Perhaps it will brew up a connection that will have you wanting to slow down and take more breaks just because.

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

11

INTERVIEW

by Alexandra Sobczak photos provided by Happy Days Co.

Cameron Esber Happy Days Co. owner, crafter and mother

A neon sign that says, “Today is a happy day,” a craft vending machine, displays that double as playhouses and more — Happy Days Co. in Canal Fulton emanates playfulness and childhood glee. Cameron Esber is the owner and smiling face behind the children’s boutique.

“I tried to keep everything really bright and happy,” says the 35-year-old Plain Township resident. “You can look over at us and smile, and you can come in and laugh and enjoy everything.”

A mom of three kids ages 3, 6 and 7, Esber stocks the boutique with products she and her kids love, like stylish kids’ clothing, machine-washable dress-up outfits and toys like calming do-it-yourself sensory bottles. The store, which opened in August 2022, also supports local businesses, selling hand-embroidered bows by Ohio-based Findley and Kate Bows and clothes

by Kent-based Lettie Lovie Children’s Co. Its interior is designed for kids — no one has to worry about anything getting broken, as it’s all sturdy and intended to be played with — and so are its art classes that are just as joyful as the store. Although there has been an adult wine and craft class, most draw children 7 to 9, like the crochet a flower class March 9 and the hair tinsel class March 24. There are also Sunday Canal Fulton School of Comic Art classes for 12 to 16 year olds.

“I hope … they leave with their heart a little less heavy, with a little more happiness and a little pep in their step,” she says.

Esber shares a little bit about herself and the playful boutique.

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akronlife.com | MARCH 2023

INTERVIEW

Tell me about what Happy Days Co. offers.

Cameron Esber: We really try to build a foundation of creativity within the space. … We just wanted to build this area where kids were comfortable. I always laugh because parents will come in and say, Don’t touch that. And I’m like, No, this is the place that you can touch that. We’ve got little shopping carts for kids. The majority of our displays are interactive, whether they be a playhouse or a little nook inside of our library-style shelving. We really wanted to make everything kind of fun for the kids.

They can play while parents shop.

How did you decide on the decor for the store?

CE: My dad and my husband built almost everything inside. I drew them with crayon. … I handed it to them and I’m like, Can you guys do this? And they did. They made everything possible. Aside from wanting to make everything really interactive for the kids and having that mindset going into

it, I mostly just wanted to have that sense of happiness when you walk in, light color, bright color. … You walk in — your heart lifts a little bit.

Why did you decide to have art classes?

CE: I don’t feel like there’s enough of it anywhere. … It allows you to really, truly be yourself. Whereas math, there’s only one right answer. With anything creative, there’s so many. In any form of art — painting, drawing or making clay beads — you’re using the colors you want.

It’s a way to find yourself in a sense and to really express yourself.

Tell me about the craft vending machine.

CE: We refinished a vending machine. …

We have little miniature crafts, and they have everything you need in them all packed in. You can do them at our table inside the store or you can take them with you, … make your own bubble wand or make your own little bird feeder.

What are some of your favorite forms of art or crafts?

CE: I really get seasonal when I’m crafting. [It’s] normally stuff for the house like making a wreath for Christmas. I have my daughter’s birthday, crafting like crazy to make a witch’s birthday party. My favorite form of art right now would probably be photography. It’s the one I’m most passionate about at the moment.

What do you enjoy about crafting and art?

CE: I have dabbled in pretty much every form of art there is, and I have my [bachelor’s in fine arts] in graphic design. So I have lived art my whole life, and I love it.

That’s why this is so much fun, because I get to mix all the things I love — my kids, offering kids a really fun place where they can be themselves and to also offer these art classes and to express myself in the same sense that kids do when they get to do the crafts. I feel like a big kid most of the time.

MARCH 2023 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA

MARCH 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 3

Agenda

Stephen Calhoun, “New Head Trip,” “Fresh” exhibit, photo provided by Summit Artspace

the essential social digest

Through 3/18 Winter Exhibitions Peruse exhibits like the “Fresh” juried exhibit, “Still Moving” by Atefeh Farajolahzadeh, “The Corner”

by Chris Harvey and more. Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. Friday noon-7 p.m. & Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. summitartspace.org

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akronlife.com | MARCH 2023

AGENDA

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS on akronlife.com or email asobczak@bakermediagroup.com.

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

Through 3/5 “Celebration in Art” Take in over 240 pieces of two- and three-dimensional artwork created by local students. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. TuesdaySaturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org

Through 3/5 “Potion Park: The Kaleidoscopic Garden of Steve Ehret and Kat Francis” View collaborative mixed-media pieces inspired by the natural world.

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 3/18 “Link Between Roots (Mexican / Mexican American Print Show)” See over 30 pieces made with printmaking techniques focused on Mexican culture. KSU Downtown Gallery, 141 E. Main St., Kent. MondayFriday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. kent.edu/galleries

Through 3/18 Winter Exhibitions Peruse exhibits like the “Fresh” juried exhibit, “Still Moving” by Atefeh Farajolahzadeh, “The Corner”

by Chris Harvey and more. Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron.

Friday noon-7 p.m. & Saturday 11 a.m.5 p.m. Free. summitartspace.org

Through 4/9 “Color Wonder from the CMA Collection” Discover how color can impact you through emotions, symbolism and more.

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 5/14 “Good Hope” View wall-size pieces by a South African illustration studio. Pieces are inspired by the artists’ hometown environments.

Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron.

Wednesday, Friday-Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Thursday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. $12 adults. akronartmusuem.org

MARCH 2023 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA

Through 5/28 “Pathfinders: Kent State University School of Fashion Alumni” Check out diverse approaches to fashion by Kent State University alumni who have at least six years of experience after graduation, such as Jules Acree, Deanna First, Keama Garrett, Joshua Hupper, Miyako Nakamura and Anne Skoch. 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

3/3 & 3/4 “Get Smart” Catch this comedy play based on the TV series for a night of laughs. Dynamics Community Theater of Tallmadge, 140 N. Munroe Road, Tallmadge. 7 p.m. $14 adults. dynamicstheater.org

3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24 & 3/31 Lunchtime Yoga Relax with some beginner-friendly 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

3/4-5 & 3/11-12 Maple Sugar Festival & Pancake Breakfast Learn about the science, history and cultural importance of maple sugar and syrup, and enjoy a yummy breakfast.

Also learn the art of glassblowing during workshops March 4 and 11. Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Prices vary. halefarm.org

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 16

akronlife.com | MARCH 2023

3/4, 3/11, 3/18 & 3/25 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

3/5 Scoops ‘n’ Spirits Savor Gervasi spirits paired with frozen desserts from Pav’s Creamery, like spiced rum with pineapple upside-down cake gelato. Gervasi Vineyard, Villa Grande Ballroom, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton.

2 p.m. $39. gervasivineyard.com

3/5, 3/12, 3/19 & 3/26 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 and a salty snack. Gervasi Vineyard, the Still House, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton.

2-3 p.m. $17. gervasivineyard.com

AGENDA

3/7 Tea with the Curator: “Canton’s Women: Celebrating the Contributions of our Foremothers” Learn more about the roles women have played in our community as executive director Kim Kenney discusses archival documents and photographs.

McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton. 10 a.m.-noon. $20. mckinleymuseum.org

3/7 Pianist Martín García García Catch this rising star, a winner of the Cleveland International Piano Competition, during this Tuesday Musical concert.

E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $19$49. tuesdaymusical.org

3/8 Exile & Resilience Twenty-four musicians, including Jewish, Arab and Black artists, perform traditional Jewish and African music during this Apollo’s Fire show. The Bath Church, 3980 W. Bath Road, Akron. 7:30 p.m. $10-$73. apollosfire.org

3/8 & 3/22 Hooks & Books Discuss what you’ve been reading while you sew or knit at this event at 6 p.m.

March 8 and 2 p.m. March 22.

White Rabbit Galleries, 571 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton. barbertonlibrary.org

3/9 Akron Roundtable: Katie Moon Listen to Olympic champion pole vaulter Katie Moon, who is from Olmsted Township. The University of Akron, Quaker Station, 135 S. Broadway St., Akron. Noon. $25. akronroundtable.org

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AGENDA FLASH

Juve Family Behavioral Health Pavilion Ribboncutting Ceremony Summa Health celebrated the opening of its Juve Family Behavioral Health Pavilion at a ribboncutting ceremony Jan. 14. The pavilion, which is on the Akron campus, provides extensive mental health services. It has 60 beds for inpatient and outpatient treatment, as well as amenities like the Dr. Joseph D. Varley conference center, which hosts up to 118 people, a heritage center, which pays tribute to the legacies of Alcoholics Anonymous founders Sister Ignatia and Dr. Bob Smith and St. Thomas Hospital, and the reflection center, which is a nondenominational chapel with a serenity garden and 12 granite benches.

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photos by Scott Moss, Summa Health

1. Community leaders cut the ribbon.

2. The heritage center contains stained-glass windows from the St. Thomas Hospital Chapel.

3. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was also held for the heritage center.

4. U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes spoke at the ceremony.

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AGENDA

3/9-3/26 “Hay Fever” This chaotic show written by Noel Coward and directed by Nancy Cates is performed by the Ohio Shakespeare Festival on select dates. Greystone Hall, 103 S. High St., Akron.

Thursday-Saturday 8 p.m. & Sunday 2 p.m. $5-$35. ohioshakespearefestival.com

3/10 ArtWalk Enjoy art, food, music and more at this ArtWalk themed “Your Art, Your Voice: Arts and Education.”

Downtown Akron. 5-9 p.m.

Free. summitartspace.org

3/11 Concert Movie Experience: “Pink Floyd: The Wall” Watch this film about a troubled rock star while immersed in theatrical lighting during the concert scenes.

Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 7:30 p.m. $10. cantonpalacetheatre.org

3/10-12 Spring Opera Catch two hilarious one-act operas, “The Telephone” and “Trial by Jury.” Kent State University, Center for the Performing Arts, 1325 Theatre Drive, Kent. Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m. & Sunday 3 p.m. $10 general admission. kent.edu/music

3/15 Rhythm of the Dance Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this performance by step dancers and Irish singers. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 7 p.m. $38-$68. cantonpalacetheatre.org

3/18 Women in History: Mae West Commemorate Women’s History Month by learning about Mae West, who is set to be portrayed by Julie Warren from Women in History: Ohio. Barberton Public Library, 602 W. Park Ave., Barberton. 2 p.m. Free. barbertonlibrary.org MARCH 2023 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA FLASH

Food Bank Expansion Project Beam Signing The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank held a beam-signing ceremony Jan. 24 to commemorate the expansion and renovation project started in November 2022. Community leaders Perry Clark, Gary Wyatt, Ilene Shapiro and others listened to food bank president and CEO Dan Flowers discuss the project, and Flowers invited them to sign a 21-foot beam that will be used in the expansion of the nonprofit’s main distribution center in Akron. Additions include more distribution docks, doubling freezer and cooler capacities and a new food pantry.

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photos provided by Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank

1. Perry Clark, Dan Flowers and Gary Wyatt 2. Guests went on site tours.

3. Community members 4. Dan Flowers spoke at the event.

5. Ilene Shapiro signed the beam.

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AGENDA

3/22 “All Things Equal: The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg” This play, written by Tony Award-winning playwright Rupert Holmes, follows the life and accomplishments of late Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron.

7:30 p.m. $25-$55. uakron.edu/ej

3/24 & 3/25 Kent State Dance Ensemble Kent State University’s preprofessional dance company performs choreography by acclaimed guest artists. Kent State University, Center for the Performing Arts, 1325 Theatre Drive, Kent. Friday 7:30 p.m. & Saturday 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. kent.edu/theatredance

3/26 Bourbon & Bites Try three of Gervasi Vineyard’s bourbons paired with delicious bites, like the maple cask bourbon paired with crispy pork belly with applejack jelly. Gervasi Vineyard, Villa Grande Ballroom, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton.

4:30 p.m. $39. gervasivineyard.com

3/27 Namaste for a Drink Yoga Feel relaxed and strong during this adaptable yoga class, and enjoy a drink as you stretch.

Tam O’Shanter Park Clubhouse, 5055 Hills and Dales Road, Canton.

6 p.m. $8. starkparks.com

3/30 Presidential Dinner and Book Launch Party Celebrate the release of executive director Kim Kenney’s new book, “Exploring the American Presidency through 50 Historic Treasures” with an upscale catered dinner. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton. mckinleymuseum.org

4/2 Music @ Main: Joe Augustine Trio Enjoy Steinway musician Joe Augustine on the piano as he plays original compositions, pop music and more with Jim Rupp and Dave Morgan. Akron-Summit County Public Library, 60 S. High St., Akron.

2-3:30 p.m. Free. akronlibrary.org MARCH 2023 | akronlife.com

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by Kelly Petryszyn and Alexandra Sobczak photos by Meghan Winkler

Fill Your Cup Coffee replenishes us and warms our souls. Sit down for an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, get a buzz from a coffee cocktail and sip a quirky floral brew. Enjoy 20-plus comfy coffee shops with unique drinks.

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Heart Warmer

Pick Me Ups

Walkie Talkie Espresso & Coffee

Cozy up at these classic and creative coffeehouses serving brews that give you the boost you need.

504 15th St. NW, Canton | walkietalkie.coffee

Angel Falls Coffee Co. This artsy Highland Square spot is known for its volcans, which are specialty Venezuelan hot chocolate drinks served with or without espresso in varieties like dark chocolate, white chocolate and lavender. Keep an eye out for spring drinks like one made with mocha, peanut butter and bananas as well as the store’s collection of 40 loose-leaf teas. Try This: Caramel Chameleon, 792 W. Market St., Akron, angelfallscoffee. food62.com

A lighthearted mural by Canton artist Mikey Burton greets you inside Walkie Talkie Espresso & Coffee with orange illustrative doodles of cheeky sayings like “Take the Can’t Outta Canton,” “Walkie Don’t Runnie” and “Don’t Lose Heart.” Inside a tangerine- and teal-painted former Canton service station with a salmon-and-mint walkie-talkie art piece, Walkie Talkie exudes both playfulness and passion for inventive coffee.

“We have fun, and we enjoy brightness,” says manager John King. “We wanted everything we did — be it hiring, how we source things, how we interact with customers — to be done with heart.”

The staffers remember customers’ names and orders from their distinctive menu of matchas, cappuccinos and lattes fittingly made from Portland, Oregonbased Heart Roasters beans.

Many drinks are made from the medium roast Stereo espresso blend that has fruitiness and chocolatey back notes, which get emphasized in the Chocolatte ($5.75-$6.50). Baristas let steamed creamy chocolate milk from Hartzler Family Dairy in Wooster speak for itself, only adding simple syrup to cut bitterness and espresso. It makes for a thick, rich, indulgent drink with the taste of the coffee coming through the pronounced chocolate flavor.

Buddy Brew

“You feel like it’s a melted chocolate bar,” King says. “It’s like magic.”

Its seasonal drinks can take days to devise, but the payoff comes in quirky monthly rotating menus like the Heavy Petal lineup starting in late March that people ask for year-round.

The Buddy Brew ($5.50-$7) is a favorite and displays artisanal flair with a flower power syrup made from heating sugar, rosebuds and lavender in water to infuse it and straining out the blooms to capture a floral fragrance. That mingles with cold brew cut with oat milk for a creamy taste.

“When you’re making it … the smell bursts out,” King says. “It’s the essence of flower, so it’s sweet, smooth floral notes. … The drink makes me happy.”

While Walkie Talkie calls out to all Cantonites, its name specifically references adding a coffee shop you can walk to from the Logan neighborhood, which brings in several regulars. Walkie Talkie thanks them with neighbor nights in the warmer months where baristas mingle with customers over music, food truck fare and market vendors.

“They’ve accepted us,” King says, “and claimed the space as a neighborhood space.” KP

Anna Bean Coffee Co. Inside this cozy green building overlooking train tracks, flavors abound. Customize your coffee, cold brew or latte with your choice of 50-plus flavored syrups like lavender, green mint, ginger beer and macadamia nut. Or pick from the baristas’ go-to drinks, like an iced blueberry chai or an iced sugar cookie cold brew. For an extra jolt, try a plantbased Lotus energy drink or a Red Bull infusion, which adds flavor to the energy drink. Try This: Iced blackberry white mocha, drive-thru, 361 Fourth St., Barberton, annabeancoffee.com

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photos by Meghan Winkler

ACB ... E martini and Gene’s Julep

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Day and Night

Asterisk Coffee Bar 2101 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls | asterisk.coffee

As early as 7 a.m., get double the buzz at Asterisk Coffee Bar when you order a coffee or cocktail like a house take on an Irish coffee.

“It’s an all-day experience,” says Albert Macso, owner of Akron Coffee Roasters, which runs this Cuyahoga Falls spot that opened in 2019.

It is a day and night lounge with hip woodcut graphic prints

by Meryl Engler on exhibit, French art deco wallpaper and an original tin ceiling embracing its 1903 Alhambra theater roots. Everything from draft alpine lagers and gin and tonics to pour-overs and affogatos slide across the white Corian bar. House-made ingredients like chai, almond milk and syrups impress and so do Bavarian pretzels with peanut butter-mustard dip and housebaked cinnamon buns. Asterisk’s by-hand approach begins with

using Akron Coffee Roasters beans, including its smooth full-bodied Interrobang espresso blend of beans from Rwanda, Colombia and Guatemala that Macso expertly roasts.

“We stretch out the roast to bring out some nice sugary sweetness. … Rwanda is a spicier coffee so it gives it an allspice character,” Macso says. “All that is on top of dark chocolate.”

Experience expertise from both sides of the bar with coffee cocktails like Gene’s Julep ($11).

Barista-bartenders shake up creamy Interrobang nitro cold brew, high-proof Devil Springs vodka and a house blackberry shrub. They top it with tonic to mellow intense flavors and add effervescence. Garnished with fragrant mint leaves, the expert concoction subtly mingles the espresso’s chocolatey notes with fruit for a unique mint julep interpretation.

photo provided by Tree City

Alcohol alternative: Tree City

“[It’s] showcasing our coffee for its flavor,” says general manager Ben Krizman, “in a way that reflects our ability to know classic cocktails and do new things.”

Taste different espresso iterations in the new ACB … E espresso martini ($14), which stands out with a house Interrobang cold brew liqueur made by infusing concentrated 16-hour cold brew with Devil Springs vodka and cane sugar and resting it for weeks. It’s shaken with complex spicy botanical Cocchi amaro bitters and a shot of espresso with crema. Served in a stylish Nick and Nora glass and garnished with espresso beans, the boozy cocktail has a voluptuous creamy mouthfeel with an espresso-forward character and twice the jolt from the espresso and coffee liqueur.

“It perks you up,” Macso says, “but gives you the cocktail you deserved all week.” KP

Try This: Experience a childhood favorite in a new way with Tree City’s Lucky Charms frappe ($8.50) — spiked with Whipped vodka.

The magically delicious vanilla frappe is topped with Lucky Charms marshmallows. “If you were drinking the milk of Lucky Charms … it tastes like that,” says owner Rebekah Gillespie. “Then we spike it.”

Those thirsty for more booze can order wine or the seasonal Irish hot chocolate, mudslide latte or mimosa flight. Drive-thru, 135 E. Erie St., Kent, rootedinkent.com

Cafe Arnone Experience the ambiance and fare of an Italian sidewalk cafe in Fairlawn. Italian cappuccino is a must, and so is the affogato with espresso over house-made gelato flavors ranging from limoncello to stracciatella. Say “cin cin” with a house Sicilian sour with whiskey and red wine, nosh on prosciuttowrapped stuffed peppers and soak up the “la dolce vita” lifestyle. Try This: Cold brew float, drivethru, 2840 W. Market St., Fairlawn, cafearnone.com Carpe Diem Coffee Shop Located near Centennial Plaza, this shop serves boozy frappes and frozen hot chocolates.

Treat yourself to a key lime scone, a blueberry and cream cheese croissant or Heggy’s Nut Shop Carpe Crema ice cream made with coffee liqueur and swirls of ground Carpe Diem chocolatecovered espresso beans.

Try This: Irish coffee, 215 Market Ave. N, Canton, carpediemcoffeeshop.com Cool Beans Cafe Fun and inventive, the Medina Square destination whips up whimsical coffee flight creations like pistachio white chocolate mocha.

The food is interesting too, with soup flights featuring chili, tomato basil bisque and two rotating soups that have been paired with sandwiches.

Learn from the team at classes like pierogimaking for teens March 16. Try This: Coffee and cocoa flight, 103 W. Liberty St., Medina, coolbeansmedina.com

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photo provided by Muggswigz Coffee & Tea

Try This: Wine-infused coffee beans ($18.80 1/2 pound$36.10 1-pound bag) are soaked in wine and offer all of the aromas and notes of wood, cherry and raspberry you would expect in a merlot without any alcohol content. Stop in for beans, catch a weekly open mic night or check out the local art and crafts on display at the staple that was named one of the 10 best coffeehouses in the country by USA Today. Canton, Akron, Portage Lakes and Lake Cable, muggswigz.com

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photos by Meghan Winkler

Artsy alternative: Muggswigz Coffee & Tea

Artistic Medium

Kavé Coffee Bar 584 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton | kavecoffeebar.com

cups of four options of Crimson Cup coffee — a standard cold brew, a nitro cold brew and two chilled drip tower blends — and the slow-brewed lineup makes for a lot of caffeine, so bring a friend to split it.

The cold brew is made by steeping Armando blend beans in cold water for 24 hours. “It’s a very smooth, nutty taste,” Struckel says.

The nitro cold brew, the Wayfarer blend with notes of strawberry, is prepared similarly for 24 hours except it is infused and slowly steeped with nitrogen.

“That gives it like a creamy, cold, almost bubbly carbonated texture,” he says.

Strawberry white mocha

Against one wall of Kavé Coffee Bar is a stage for its weekly open mic night, and another wall serves as a gallery space for its local artist of the month.

“We very much like to be a space for people to foster creativity and to be able to express themselves,” says Ryan Struckel, the general manager of the Barberton shop that opened in 2014 across from Lake Anna.

Artists of many mediums, including painting, photography, digital art, 3D printed art, poetry

and sheet music, have showcased work, and this month find paintings by Sylvia Sykes. Customers attend gallery nights, where they can meet artists, and many have bought pieces.

The art harkens back to Kavé’s roots sharing the storefront with Nine Muses art gallery. It closed in 2018, and Kavé took over the rest of the space. Now, patrons work on art pieces in the dining room while sipping coffee, tea or lemonade.

A popular choice is the cold brew flight ($12). It features 10-ounce

The drip tower blends, which are made as water slowly drips over 12 hours, are sometimes the Biftu Gudina, which has apple Earl Grey notes and the Antigua Finca el Cadejo, which has chocolatey notes.

If the cold brew flight is too much caffeine, consider the cherry amaretto latte or the strawberry white mocha. Both are set to be offered this spring when the string-lit rooftop patio is open through the warmer months.

“There are a lot of businesses that are walk in, get something, walk out,” Struckel says. “We try to be that pillar in the community of a place to be, a place to hang out and just be yourself.” AS

Front Porch Cafe Wake up with drinks made with Ohio-based Hemisphere Coffee Roasters beans and chicken and waffles.

Or come later to enjoy live music and a “lifechanging” affogato crafted with house-made vanilla ice cream. Plus, shop local products like goat milk soap by Hartville-based Jenna Soaps & More. Try This: Breve, 932 W. Maple St., Hartville, frontporchcafehartville.com Heartwood Coffee Roasters The roastery ethically sources beans from global growers like Hermino Perdomo in Honduras, whose beans create creamy coffee with raspberry acidity and cherry juice sweetness.

The Hudson location has a subway tile bar serving pour-overs and cherry lattes made with cascaras, juicy, fruity shells of coffee beans. Nosh on quinoa egg bowls or house chai molasses cookies. Try This: Iced Honey Buzz, 46 Ravenna St., Suite D2, Hudson, heartwoodroastery.com Nervous Dog Coffee Bar This mainstay roasts its beans twice weekly, and for its Trifecta, each cup is brewed through a Bunn Trifecta to highlight flavor notes. Sip the double shot chihuahua, made with dark chocolate, clove and cayenne, or fuel up with a Kennel Club, a turkey, bacon and ham sandwich with white wine mustard. Try This: Bonfire mocha, drive-thru, Akron, Stow, Montrose and Beachwood, nervousdog.com

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Breakfast sandwich, caramel macchiato and French toast latte

Caramel macchiato

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photos by Meghan Winkler

Pour-over

Crafted Touch

Artisan Coffee 662 Canton Road, Akron | artisancoffee.us

From roasting beans in house to speckle-glazed mugs handmade by Akron potter Bob Yost, Artisan Coffee illustrates the creative mindset behind its name in both its atmosphere and craft drinks.

“Something we really value is celebrating and encouraging people creating high-quality things,” says co-owner Tim Bechtel.

photo provided by Bent Tree Coffee Roasters

That includes Tim himself.

Before Artisan opened in 2015 in Akron’s Ellet neighborhood, Tim helped hang the wood wall and pour concrete countertops and the bar, consciously choosing raw materials a craftsman would use.

It’s a canvas for serving artisanal drinks and breakfast, lunch and dinner including house-made flaky kougin-amann pastries and a Cuban sandwich with house mayonnaise and bourbon molasses mustard. Each drink starts

with the beans, with Tim roasting about 12 varieties of light to dark single-origin options like the Dancer from Papua New Guinea to blends like its Barista espresso from Indonesia and South America. Artisan coffee is served from a pour-over, a French press or brewed, and the Barista blend is the base for its lattes, mochas and other creations. It offers syrupy, chocolatey notes with a pop of citrusy brightness that comes through in the roasting process Tim has perfected.

sugar. This one is made from brown sugar, cinnamon and maple, and the latte is topped with a cinnamon sprinkle for a taste that’s reminiscent of homemade French toast.

“It’s a good balance of sweet and that bit of spice rounds it out,” says co-owner Emily Bechtel.

“Our coffees are going to be a lot smoother than most mainstream coffee,” Tim says. “They’ll have more flavor. … Some of that is we use higher quality coffee, but a lot of it is also our roasting.”

The caramel macchiato ($4.75$5.75) takes craftsmanship to another level with a house-made rich caramel drizzle, a mix of sugar, heavy cream, salt and natural vanilla extract. It features espresso layered over steamed milk mixed with house vanilla syrup, and as you sip, it blends together, ending with the delectable caramel.

Try Barista beans in the French toast latte ($5), and like all of its drinks, the beans are elevated with help of house-made syrups concocted from raw organic cane

“Our caramel drizzle is a lot better than most because we handmake it,” Tim says, adding it takes about a half-hour to create.

“It’s a labor of love.” KP

Roaster alternative: Bent Tree Coffee Roasters

Try This: Salute Kent’s mascot with Bent Tree Coffee Roasters’ houseroasted Black Squirrel blend. It combines beans from Guatemala and Peru and a medium and dark roast for balance. It’s great as a Chemex pour-over ($3.50), which allows for more control of extraction, making for a sweeter, richer sip of the coffee with dark chocolate, cherry and brown sugar notes. Buy a bag ($12.25 12 ounces-$69 5 pounds), and try others like the smoky Earthquaker Devices blend. 313 N. Water St., Kent, benttreecoffee.com

Open Door Coffee Co. The former Saywell’s Drugstore marble soda fountain is now a coffee bar serving lavender lattes, fruit smoothies, Italian soda, jumbo crumbtopped apple muffins and more. The cozy hangout with leather couches and clever mixed-media pieces by Hudson artist Brenda Lee Schneider draws Western Reserve Academy students and remote workers seeking energy jolts. Try This: Mocha blonde, 164 N. Main St., Hudson, opendoorcoffeecompany.com Porchlight Coffee Co. Beautiful latte art and artisanal drinks beckon you to the new shop. Order the orange cardamom latte, with orange simple syrup from orange juice and cardamom, or the green dragon, made with organic matcha, habanero Akron Honey and ginger, while munching on a braided Brimfield Bread Oven bagel. Try This: Rosemary latte, 798 Grant St., Akron, porchlightcoffee.square.site Scribbles Coffee Co. This Kent State University student haunt uses organic beans for drinks, such as the hot honey latte, which has a kick with organic wildflower honey and jalapenos. Plus, Kent residents can get beans delivered for free, including the peanut butter roast, which you can get as a cold brew.

Try This: Blueberry cold brew, 237 N. Water St., Kent, scribblescoffeecompany.com

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photo by Meghan Winkler

Bereka coffee ceremony

Cultural Pour

Bereka Coffee berekacoffee.com

family and neighbors over an Nardos Street was about 10 hour or two. years old and living in Ethiopia the first time she performed “It is a means of community an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, bonding and therapeutic expewhich involves washing and rience for a lot of people in roasting beans before grinding Ethiopia,” she says. “People really make an intentional decision to and brewing them and serving carve time in the evening just to coffee to guests.

“In that part of the world, you’re a firstborn, it’s like, You gotta learn quick,” says Street, who moved to the United States in 2004. She performs coffee ceremonies ($40 per person, including food) at events through Akron-based Bereka Coffee, which opened in 2016, and plans to open a shop.

photo provided by Evelyn’s Coffee & Banh Mi

Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, so coffee holds great cultural significance both as the resource that makes up about two-thirds of the country’s earnings, according to Bereka, and as an opportunity to connect with

sit around a coffee ceremony.”

Bereka also has a coffee trailer that Street and her husband started in 2022 to attend events, serving espresso drinks and bites like Ethiopian honey bread, but the coffee ceremonies are Street’s favorite part. “It is reconnecting me back to home,” she says.

When she performs a Bereka coffee ceremony, she rotates between organic Ethiopian beans from different regions — Sidama produces coffee that is crisp and citrusy, Guji creates smooth, chocolatey notes and Yirgacheffee produces a very light coffee. For the ceremony

that lasts a few hours, she wears traditional Ethiopian dress, washes beans, roasts them in a pan and invites guests to take in aromas. She grinds beans with a mortar and brews coffee in a clay pot. She lights incense and encourages conversation as everyone sips cups of coffee and eats Ethiopian food. She performs at least one public ceremony monthly, with one at the Tudor House March 20.

She loves educating people about Ethiopian culture. She has made an impact — customers have told her that she inspired them to visit Ethiopia and experience the coffee culture there firsthand.

“Coffee is one of the biggest consumed beverages in the world, but very little people know the history behind it,” Street says. “To talk about some of the contributions Ethiopia had has made me feel like I’m an ambassador.” AS

Global alternative: Evelyn’s Coffee & Banh Mi

Try This: Vietnamese iced coffee ($2.75) is a smooth, bold drip brew served with sweetened condensed milk at Evelyn’s Coffee & Banh Mi. Enjoy other options like taro milk tea, but make sure you order food, like its banh mi Vietnamese sub with Korean beef, veggies and avocado mayo, or its kimbap, which is seasoned rice with fish cakes rolled in seaweed. 11 E. Exchange St., Suite 101, Akron, evelynscoffee.com

Shale Craft Coffee The new spot crafts unique drinks like the squirrel latte, made with peanut butter and cinnamon syrup and topped with whipped cream and peanuts. Indulge in a Mississippi mudslide, which combines mocha and butterscotch topped with whipped cream and chocolate and butterscotch drizzles.

Don’t forget a cookie from North Cantonbased Little Chunk of Goodness. Try This: Hot flight, 1160 S. Main St., North Canton, facebook. com/theshalecraftcoffee Speakeasy Coffee A quaint mocha-striped awning and “Coffee & Conversation” window signs make Speakeasy as quintessential as Canal Fulton. Clientele cup classics and matcha frappes, play board games or take in live music every Saturday. Find local goods, like “The Time of My Life,” a book that was written in Speakeasy. Charming indeed! Try This: Cuban latte, 128 Canal St. N, Canal Fulton, speakeasycanalfulton.com Tremont Coffee This local chain roasts beans in Massillon, and its drinks are creative, like a nitro cold brew caramel macchiato. And the rustic Massillon shop has fun arcade games, shuffleboard and a Tremont Creamery stand dishing out delectable sundaes. Try This: Triple shot Morning Moonshine, drive-thru, Massillon, North Canton and Perry, tremontcoffee.com

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TOP DENTISTS

TOPDENTISTS 2023

Your smile says a lot about you. But a fear of going to the dentist can keep many people from seeking the care they need for a bright, toothy grin. The dentists of The 330 are working hard to dispel those fears, offering state-ofthe-art technology and pampering services that turn a dreaded appointment into a pleasant visit. From painless anesthesia to spa-like amenities, these dentists know how to help you look forward to your next dental checkup.

Get ready to flash that smile — and find your new favorite dentist with this list.

This list is excerpted from the topDentists™ list, a database which includes listings for more than 65 dentists and specialists in the vicinity of Akron, Ohio. The Akron list is based on thousands of detailed evaluations of dentists and professionals by their peers. The complete database is available at www.usatopdentists.com.

For more information call 706-364-0853; email info@usatopdentists.com or visit www.usatopdentists.com.

SE L ECT I O N PR O CE S S “If you had a patient in need of a dentist, which dentist would you refer them to?”

This is the question we’ve asked thousands of dentists to help us determine who the topDentists should be. Dentists and specialists are asked to take into consideration years of experience, continuing education, manner with patients, use of new techniques and of course physical results.

The nomination pool of dentists consists of dentists listed online with the American Dental Association as well as dentists listed online with their local dental societies, thus allowing virtually every dentist the opportunity to participate. Dentists are also given the opportunity to nominate other dentists who we have missed that they feel should be included in our list.

Respondents are asked to put aside any personal bias or political motivations and to use only their knowledge of their peer’s work when evaluating the other nominees.

Voters are asked to individually evaluate the practitioners on their ballot whose work they are familiar with. Once the balloting is completed, the scores are compiled and then averaged.

The numerical average required for inclusion varies depending on the average for all the nominees within the specialty and the geographic area. Borderline cases are given a careful consideration by the editors. Voting characteristics and comments are taken into consideration while making decisions. Past awards a dentist has received, status in various dental academies (Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Periodontology, etc.) can play a factor in our decisions.

Once the decisions have been finalized, the included dentists are checked against state dental boards for disciplinary actions to make sure they have an active license and are in good standing with the board. Then letters of congratulations are sent to all the listed dentists.

Of course there are many fine dentists who are not included in this representative list. It is intended as a sampling of the great body of talent in the field of dentistry in the United States. A dentist’s inclusion on our list is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow dentists. While it is true that the lists may at times disproportionately reward visibility or popularity, we remain confident that our polling methodology largely corrects for any biases and that these lists continue to represent the most reliable, accurate, and useful list of dentists available anywhere.

D I SCL A I M E R This list is excerpted from the topDentists™ list, which includes listings for more than 65 dentists and specialists in the Akron area. For more information call 706-364-0853; or write P.O. Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903; or email info@usatopdentists.com or visit www.usatopdentists.com. topDentists has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Copyright 2009-2023 by topDentists, LLC of Augusta, GA. All rights reserved.

This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without permission of topDentists, LLC. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of the information in this list without permission.

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TOP DENTISTS

promotional editorial

DENTIST PROFILES

Beautiful Smiles Begin with Healthy Teeth Dr. Gerald Sisko, an Akron native and graduate of the Ohio State University College of Dentistry, has been practicing general dentistry for over 35 years.

Dr. Sisko and his team have a mission to provide exceptional preventative dental care to their patients in a comfortable, friendly setting in Tallmadge.

“It is an exciting time at Sisko Dentistry! Dr. Kosar has been a patient at our practice since he was 6 years old,” Dr. Sisko says.

“He certainly seems to be the perfect fit for our practice, as both the team and patients are very comfortable with his easygoing personality and excellent dental care.”

The goal of Dr. Sisko’s team is to deliver the highest quality cosmetic and implant restorative dentistry utilizing the latest technology. They understand the patient’s financial concerns and strive to provide an all-inclusive experience by addressing those needs. The business team works to maximize benefits for patients with insurance and offer an in-house membership plan to make optimal dental health affordable for those without insurance.

Providing dental health care to generations of families and being an active part of the community has been both an honor and a blessing. The team at Sisko Dentistry enjoy educating school health classes on the importance of dental health, as well as providing necessary dental treatment to the less fortunate through the Faithful Servants program. “I was born and raised here. Being able to give back to this community is very important to me,” Dr. Sisko says.

Dr. Sisko recently welcomed his new associate, Dr. Justin Kosar, to the team after the completion of his general practice residency at Summa Health Dental Clinic. Dr. Kosar is a Case Western Reserve University graduate.

Dr. Sisko graciously thanks his peers for voting him as Top Dentist for several consecutive years! He also thanks his loyal patients for their continued support and confidence in Sisko Dentistry.

TOP DENTIST 2023

Gerald Sisko, D.D.S. Sisko Dentistry 60 Metric Drive Tallmadge 330-633-9510 tallmadgedentist.com

MARCH 2023 | akronlife.com

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TOP DENTISTS

2023

TOPDENTISTS

END OD ONTICS David J. Harris, Jr.

Advanced Care Endodontics 3869 Darrow Road, Suite 209 Stow 330-688-3800 330-688-3100 endodavid@aol.com acendodontics.com

A. Christopher Kayafas

3075 Smith Road, Suite 201 Fairlawn 330-666-0400 330-666-0130 twok_endo@frontier.com akronendo.com

William R. Davidson

Tomorrow’s Dentistry 9365 Olde Eight Road Northfield 330-467-6066 330-467-0504 wrdds@aol.com tomorrowsdentistry.com

Robert J. Demboski

3075 Smith Road, Suite 201 Akron 330-666-0400 330-666-0130 jkotapish@gmail.com akronendo.com

Demboski Family Dental 525 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Suite 105 Akron 330-666-6111 330-666-6161 robertdemboskidds@hotmail.com demboskidentistry.com

Stephen H. Moore

Jennifer DiPiero

James G. Kotapish, Jr.

Falls Endodontics 939 Portage Trail Cuyahoga Falls 330-928-7571 330-928-9921 docmoore99@yahoo.com fallsendo.com

Ronald M. Wolf

Summit Endodontic Specialists 3611 Darrow Road Stow 330-686-0080 330-686-8622 ses@summit-endo.com summit-endo.com

G ENERA L DENTISTRY G. Michael Appel

540 White Pond Drive, Suite C Akron 330-869-9090 gmadds@aol.com mikeappeldds.com

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Mica Bartels

Munroe Falls Family Dentistry 425 N. Main St. Munroe Falls 330-688-4942 mffd@sbcglobal.net munroefallsfamilydentistry.com

akronlife.com | MARCH 2023

DiPiero Family Dental 1376 N. Portage Path Akron 330-867-9494 dipierofamilydental@gmail.com dipierofamilydental.com

Bronlynn Eberhardt

Eberhardt Dentistry 1655 W. Market St., Suite 540 Akron 330-836-5585 dreberhardt@gmail.com eberhardtdentistry.com

Kyle S. Eberhardt

Eberhardt Dentistry 1655 W. Market St., Suite 540 Akron 330-836-5585 330-836-8003 info@eberhardtdentistry.com eberhardtdentistry.com

Mark S. Grucella

620 Ridgewood Drive Akron 330-733-7911 330-376-5214 akronbestdentist.com

LIST

Keith A. Hoover

Christopher J. Martin

Mark Iati

3515 Manchester Road, Suite 7 Akron 330-644-6397 morisakdds@aol.com

Drs. Hoover and Yanda 39 Milford Drive Hudson 330-650-0360 330-656-9308 drhoover@drshooverandyanda.com drshooverandyanda.com Stow Dental Group 3506 Darrow Road Stow 330-688-6456 330-688-4178 miatidds1@gmail.com stowdental.com

Christine Kepley

Merit Dental 9769 Valley View Road Macedonia 330-510-3969 meritdental.com

Michael A. Kimberly

Valley Dental Group 1852 Merriman Road Akron 330-867-8354 330-867-6960 valleydentalgroupakron.com

Joanna R. Kleckner

2080 State Road Cuyahoga Falls 330-923-5287 330-923-6033 info@joannaklecknerdds.com joannaklecknerdds.com

Gregory A. Lis

100 E. Elm St. Kent 330-673-0121 g_lis@sbcglobal.net mykentdentist.com

Angela K. Marino

State Valley Dental 63 Graham Road, Suite 3 Cuyahoga Falls 330-752-1300 darrow@marinoassoc.com drmarinoassociates.com

Martin Dental Care 337 E. Main St. Kent 330-673-9745 cmartindds@aol.com martindentalcare.com

William E. Morisak

Michael E. Murphy

525 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Suite 106 Akron 330-666-1855 murphy182@frontier.com

Maria Papich-Forsyth

555 Graham Road, Suite 100 Cuyahoga Falls 330-928-1417 330-928-6497 info@cuyahogafallsdentalarts.com cuyahogafallsdentalarts.com

Samuel N. Pupino

539 White Pond Drive, Suite B Akron 330-836-0485 330-836-0486

W. Tyler Rogus

Valley Dental Group 1852 Merriman Road Akron 330-867-8354 330-867-6960 karryrogus@frontier.com valleydentalgroupakron.com

Chris S. Ruggiero

531 E. Smith Road Medina 330-725-0455 330-722-1911 csruggierodmd.com

Thomas D. Semans

Semans Family Dentistry 2660 W. Market St., Suite 200 Fairlawn 330-867-4461 330-867-4628 drsemans@semansfamilydentistry. com semansfamilydentistry.com

TOP DENTISTS

promotional editorial

DENTIST PROFILES

Next Level Dental Care Dr. Ryan Walton has assembled the Akron Smile team of highly skilled, dedicated and caring clinicians to meet your dental needs, care about your overall health and exceed your expectations. Akron Smile strives to enhance our patients’ lives by offering state-of-theart family, restorative and cosmetic dentistry in an environment that exudes the essence of modern dentistry.

Led by a passion for knowledge and continuous improvement, Dr. Walton has completed over 1,500 hours of continuing education to enhance his skills in the most recent advances in dentistry and to bring them to you in an expert manner. He has studied comprehensive occlusion at the Spear Center for Dentistry, with a focus on rehabilitation of worn, damaged and missing teeth.

Akron Smile employs CEREC technology in our office, allowing for the fabrication of same-day crowns, veneers, bridges and implant restorations. We can complete almost anything in one day!

Dr. Walton and Akron Smile welcome you to visit our office to see what happens when modern technology, top-level care and a focus on complete health combine for an unbelievable patient experience.

Visit akronsmile.com to find out more!

Gerald Sisko

Sisko Dentistry 60 Metric Drive Tallmadge 330-633-9510 330-633-9185 susan@siskodentistry.com tallmadgedentist.com

Michael A. Stefan

Barsan & Stefan Family Dental 330 Stow Ave. Cuyahoga Falls 330-928-5575 barsandental@neo.rr.com barsanstefandental.com

Bryan Stephens

60 N. Miller Road Fairlawn 330-867-7741 330-867-0221 drbms@icloud.com bryanstephensdds.com

Michelle S. Taylor

Taylor Dental 9795 Ravenna Road Twinsburg 330-227-6009 330-963-0852 taylordental@windstream.net twinsburgsmiles.com

Samuel E. Taylor

Taylor Dental 9795 Ravenna Road Twinsburg 330-227-6009 330-963-0852 office@twinsburgsmiles.com twinsburgsmiles.com

Grant B. Turner

585 White Pond Drive, Suite B Akron 330-836-9870 gturnerdds@gmail.com

Todd W. Westhafer

667 W. Turkeyfoot Lake Road Akron 330-644-9511 drwesthafer@sbcglobal.net westhaferdds.com

April A. Yanda

Drs. Hoover and Yanda 39 Milford Drive Hudson 330-650-0360 330-656-9308 aprilyanda@hotmail.com drshooverandyanda.com

Ryan M. Walton, D.D.S. Family and Cosmetic Dentistry 508 E. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44304 330-434-3485 akronsmile.com

Philip J. Znidarsic

W. Stephen Barnes II

Nordonia Dental Group 147 E. Aurora Road Northfield 330-467-6466 330-467-5118 philmichelleZ@yahoo.com nordoniadental.com

Falls Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center 57 Graham Road Cuyahoga Falls 330-929-2808 330-929-5542 info@fallsoralsurgery.com fallsoralsurgery.com

O RA L A N D MA XILLO FA C IA L S URG ERY

Michael J. Hoffman

Dominick C. Adornato III

1129 E. Aurora Road, Suite 101 Macedonia 330-468-1188 330-468-0464 puller3rds@yahoo.com drdominickadornatoiii.com

David C. Ash

The Institue of Jaw & Facial Surgery 789 White Pond Drive, Suite B Akron 330-867-8347 330-867-3912 dca@jawandfacialsurgery.com jawandfacialsurgery.com

Falls Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center 57 Graham Road Cuyahoga Falls 330-929-2808 330-929-5542 sandwedge13@aol.com fallsoralsurgery.com

Michael P. Horan

Frontier Dental 5155 Buehlers Drive, Suite 107 Medina 330-952-2015 330-952-2013 info@frontierdental.org frontierdentalohio.com

MARCH 2023 | akronlife.com

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TOP DENTISTS

promotional editorial

DENTIST PROFILES

Comfort and Compassion Whether you are looking for general dental care, tooth replacement or cosmetic dentistry, you will find Dr. Kyle Eberhardt and his caring team are a great fit for you and your family. Eberhardt Dentistry provides services from routine preventative care to smile makeovers and implant dentistry.

The practice strives to deliver the best clinical care possible while making the visit as comfortable as possible. Dr. Eberhardt believes in a conservative approach to dental care and wants each patient to be educated about their dental treatment so they can play an active role in their dental health and treatment decisions. “One of the most gratifying experiences I get to have is to help one of our patients regain their confidence as they improve the health and appearance of their smile,” says Dr. Eberhardt.

Eberhardt Dentistry has built the foundation of the practice on trust, faith and service. Dr. Eberhardt’s passion for excellence in dentistry has led him to constantly pursue advanced continuing education and to invest in the most current dental technology. Dr. Eberhardt understands the importance of affordable dentistry and wants his patients to receive the quality care they need within a budget they can afford. Be sure to ask about his dental savings plan that is available to all uninsured patients.

ORA L A ND MA X IL LOFA CIA L S U RGERY [co nti nue d] Robert Klein

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 539 White Pond Drive, Suite C Akron 330-836-2882 akronoralsurgerygroup.com

Edward T. Marshall, Jr.

Marshall Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery 3075 Smith Road, Suite 102 Akron 330-670-0050 330-670-0097 info@dredwardmarshall.com dredwardmarshall.com

Edward J. McDonnell

Akron Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 554 White Pond Drive, Suite B Akron 330-836-2882 330-836-6085 akron@akronoralsurgerygroup.com akronoralsurgerygroup.com

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Matthew D. Pavlick

Kyle Eberhardt, D.D.S. Eberhardt Dentistry 1655 W. Market St., Suite 540, Akron 330-836-5585 eberhardtdentistry.com

Pavlick & Reppas Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 1551 S. Water St. Kent 330-678-6564 330-676-6973 contact@pavlickandreppas.com pavlickandreppas.com

Drs. Benninger, Schween and Schmidt 5002 Foote Road Medina 330-725-8449 330-722-1805 garyschween@gmail.com medinaoralsurgeons.com

Gary R. Schween

Carl Dietrich III

Faisal Quereshy

R. Neil Sundheimer

3500 W. Market St., Suite 1 Akron 330-576-4017 330-666-5039 mhaas6@neo.rr.com smilesforme.com

Visage Surgical Institute 3591 Reserve Commons Drive, Suite 300 Medina 330-721-2323 330-721-1344 DrFace@me.com visagefacialsurgery.com

Serafim N. Reppas

Pavlick & Reppas Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 1551 S. Water St. Kent 330-678-6564 330-676-6973 contact@pavlickandreppas.com pavlickandreppas.com

The Institue of Jaw & Facial Surgery 4181 Holiday St. NW Canton 330-493-1605 330-493-9308 rns@jawandfacialsurgery.com jawandfacialsurgery.com

O R TH O D O N TI C S Stephen J. Belli

Belli & Streit Orthodontics 1551 S. Water St. Kent 330-673-6411 330-673-3949 info@bellismiles.com bellistreitsmiles.com

Dietrich Family Orthodontics 1690 W. Exchange St. Akron 330-864-2101 info@dietrichfamilyorthodontics. com dietrichfamilyorthodontics.com

Maria C. Haas

Kevin J. Hallgarth

46 E. Streetsboro St. Hudson 330-650-1119 khallgarth@roadrunner.com

Michael A. Jack

822 Portage Trail, Suite 1 Cuyahoga Falls 330-929-2853 330-929-3831 majwads@hotmail.com mjackortho.com

TOP DENTISTS

promotional editorial

DENTIST PROFILES

Delivering All Dental Services Conveniently Under One Roof Dr. Angela Marino is passionate about offering a wide range of innovative dental services that include dental implant placement and restoration. This allows the team of dentists and specialists at Dr. Marino & Associates to make dentistry convenient and affordable. We have served the Greater Cleveland and Akron areas for over three decades with the same fundamental quality and value our patients have come to expect. As a member of the International Academy of Facial Esthetics, she also strives to enhance the whole face using Botox and dermal fillers to create a more youthful appearance. Our teams have proudly been voted Akron Beacon Journal’s Best of the Best No. 1 dentist six years in a row. This is Dr. Marino’s fifth year to be recognized as a TopDentist in Akron Life magazine. Visit any of our locations and see why our team should be your one-stop-shop for all dental needs.

Request an appointment online at drmarinoassociates.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Angela K. Marino, D.D.S. Dr. Marino & Associates

CUYAHOGA FALLS OFFIC E

A K RON OF F I C E

C H A R DON OF F I C E

C L E V E L AND H TS O F F ICE

State Valley Dental 63 Graham Road, Suite 3

Marino Dental on Darrow 381 Darrow Road

Center Street Dental 320 Center St,. Suite G2

Easton Dental 5 Severance Cir., Suite 412

330-752-1300 drmarinoassociates.com

Alex Mellion

Mellion Orthodontics 41 Baker Blvd.

Akron 330-867-2410 330-867-8358 info@mellionortho.com mellionortho.com

Joseph T. Mellion

Mellion Orthodontics 41 Baker Blvd.

Akron 330-867-2410 330-867-8358 info@mellionortho.com mellionortho.com

Zachary J. Mellion

Mellion Orthodontics 41 Baker Blvd.

Akron 330-867-2410 330-867-8358 info@mellionortho.com mellionortho.com

Laura Streit

Belli & Streit Orthodontics 1551 S. Water St. Kent 330-673-6411 330-673-3949 info@bellistreitsmiles.com bellistreitsmiles.com

Manish Valiathan

Summit Dental Specialists 8600 Alexandria Drive, Suite B Macedonia 330-467-2763 330-467-2768 gindi@summitspecialists.com summitspecialists.com

PEDIATR IC DENTISTRY Laura Adelman

Great Beginnings Pediatric Dentistry 9964 Vail Drive, Suite 1 Twinsburg 330-425-1885 330-425-1589 drlaura19@gmail.com greatbeginningspd.com

Jack Gerstenmaier

Gerstenmaier Pediatric Dentistry 3094 W. Market St., Suite 260 Akron 330-867-5688 330-867-9921 info@gerstenmaierdds.com gerstenmaierdds.com

John H. Gerstenmaier, Jr.

Gerstenmaier Pediatric Dentistry 3094 W. Market St., Suite 260 Fairlawn 330-867-5688 330-867-9921 jgerstenma@aol.com gerstenmaierdds.com

Daniel M. Gindi

Summit Dental Specialists 8600 Alexandria Drive, Suite B Macedonia 330-467-2763 330-467-2768 gindi@summitspecialists.com summitspecialists.com

P ERI O D O NTICS Joseph A. Koberlein

3869 Darrow Road, Suite 201 Stow 330-688-9922 330-688-1314 summitperio@att.net josephakoberleinddsms.com

Joseph Locaffaro

727 Graham Road, Suite 1 Cuyahoga Falls 330-928-5551 drjlocaoffice@aol.com

Mark S. Obernesser

Mertes Pediatric Dentistry 5655 Hudson Drive, Suite 300 Hudson 330-655-5437 info@mertesdental.com mertesdental.com

Akron Periodontics & Dental Implantology 484 S. Miller Road, Suite 200 Fairlawn 330-867-3320 330-867-3339 info@akronperio.com akronperio.com

Rajesh Vij

Luis Pires

Gregory C. Mertes

Dentistry 4 Kids 3523 Commercial Drive Fairlawn 330-668-9977 rvij1@hotmail.com dentist4kidz.com

Fairlawn Periodontics 33 Baker Blvd., Suite 201 Fairlawn 330-836-9341 luisf.pires@gmail.com fairlawnperio.com

MARCH 2023 | akronlife.com

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SUMMIT DD

text and image courtesy of the Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board

Celebrate All Abilities this March Learn ways to get involved.

MARCH IS NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH. Summit DD is looking forward to another March full of activities, events and spotlights to bring people together and make Summit County a place where people of every ability feel included.

March 6 Inclusion Day: Help us paint the county orange to kick off DD Awareness Month and promote community inclusion. The best part is you can celebrate from anywhere! Check out summitdd.org for downloadable content and ideas.

March 4-6 Inclusion Days at the Zoo: Join Summit DD and the Akron Zoo for some good, inclusive, free fun! Did we mention it’s on us? Just wear orange for free admission March 4 to 6. Visit summitdd.org/events for details.

March 30 Appreciation Breakfast and Awards Celebration: Join us as we honor everyday heroes who continue to make a difference in our community. Visit summitdd.org/events for details.

March 1-31 Celebration of Appreciation Award Winners: Check out our Facebook page all month long to meet local inclusion champions and see how they are changing perceptions in our community. Visit facebook.com/summitdd.

March 1-31 DIY: Visit summitdd.org for downloadable profile badges, stickers and posters.

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©SummitDD

Help us make our community more inclusive for all abilities by joining our monthlong celebration. Need ideas?

Check these out.

LEARN MORE AT SUMMITDD.ORG NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH HISTORY National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month officially began in 1987 with a proclamation from former President Ronald Reagan to help bring awareness and acceptance of people of every ability. Since then, families, self-advocates, advocacy groups and Ohio’s County Boards of Developmental Disabilities have been working to increase opportunities for people with disabilities. But there’s still more progress to be made.

GET STARTED TODAY We are committed to helping people reach their full potential. But we need your help to make lasting progress. This March, ask yourself if you are doing all you can to make your community welcoming for people of every ability.

• Looking to hire people with disabilities? We can help connect and support your business.

• Does your organization need help to become more inclusive?

We offer free training. Contact us and let us help! Visit summitdd.org/contact-us.

EDUCATION

by Alexandra Sobczak and Shawn Davis

Excitement Ahead

photos provided by Soap Box Derby

Steer your kids toward summer camps for learning and fun.

This summer sign kids up to race a track, soar down a zip line and star in a play with these camps that add excitement as well as education to their breaks.

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EDUCATION

R E A D Y, S E T, G O Soap Box Derby STEM Summer Program Inside every kid is a speed racer, and a camp at Akron’s famous Derby Downs can provide a thrilling raceway experience. Kids ages 8 to 13 can attend the Soap Box Derby STEM summer day camp from June 5 to 9 to zoom down the historic track, which is home to the Soap Box Derby world championships.

The hands-on camp is as educational as it is fun — kids join experienced instructors from local high schools for science, technology, engineering and math activities, and the program is partnered with The University of Akron’s College of Engineering.

The main event is using kits under trained and experienced staffers’ supervision to build lifesize derby cars, which don’t have engines or motors and use gravity to accelerate. Rain or shine, campers are split into groups that allow them to make new friends and share the passion of building race cars, learning the science of making them faster and more efficient, all while keeping them in touch with their inner artists by painting the cars. Kids learn about the

parts of the car, so you might hear how your child helped to route a steering cable assembly to the Soap Box car’s front axle, put together a brake assembly and attached it to the car — or channeled their inner Dale Earnhardt racing on the track.

Like a pit crew, they learn from working with others, including some who have raced before.

“They do work on teamwork and how a team would function in building a Soap Box Derby car,” says Emma Stine, the marketing manager for Soap Box Derby. “They usually are derby regulars who have been in summer camp and participated in the derby.”

Other activities include going to the Soap Box Derby museum and designing, building and racing a mini Soap Box Derby car they can take home. But the highlight is kids get to regularly race down the derby track, and parents are welcome to come and cheer on their mini Danica Patricks or Jeff Gordons.

“They ride the track every day — not all summer camps do that,” says Stine.

100 George Washington Blvd., Akron, soapboxderby.org SD

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41

EDUCATION

ALL IN

Jumping on a water trampoline and soaring down a zip line are just some of the activities at Akron Rotary Camp, and everyone can try them — no matter their ability.

“My favorite memorable moments are when someone realizes that they can do something they never thought they could do,” says Dan

Reynolds, the executive director of Akron Rotary Camp.

“Sometimes we have to get a little creative — take a pontoon boat out, get it to the edge of the trampoline, transfer somebody on there.”

Akron Rotary Camp started in 1924, when it was a program for kids with polio. Now, the camp, which has its main campus in Portage Lakes, is run by the Akron YMCA and offers classic camp activities for kids and adults with physical and developmental disabilities.

It has a different theme each week, such as space or the

beach, for its day and overnight camps with multiple sessions from June through August. At all sessions, kids get to swim, canoe, play sports, do arts and interact with turtles, lizards and snakes at the nature center. At the adult camps, they usually do activities like bingo or boat rides on Portage Lakes. This gives them opportunities to try new things. Campers often make friends, Reynolds says, and he adds that the goal is for them to develop skills they can use anywhere. He provides the example of some kids who practice making their own snacks.

They also learn how to navigate conflict, such as when they need to make group decisions, which can lead to growth.

“It’s through all those activities that our campers are building independence,” Reynolds says.

“We’re trying to give them some tools that they can take with them throughout their whole lives.”

The camp provides a welcome respite from kids’ everyday lives and time during the school year when they might be working hard to meet academic standards, Reynolds says.

photo provided by Akron Rotary Camp

Akron Rotary Camp

“This is where our campers are just kids,” he says. “This is where the girls have nail painting parties and dance parties in their cabins, and all the guys are cool jocks throwing the baseball around or shooting hoops. This is a place for everyone.”

Overnight camps June 1-Aug. 5, day camps June 6-Aug. 5, 4460 Rex Lake Drive, Akron, gotcamp.org/akron-rotary-camp AS

STAR POWER including acting, dancing, tech, directing and more under the guidance of those who have experienced a camp.

Let your kids be as dramatic as they want to be this summer — at Weathervane Playhouse’s Summer Theatre Academy.

With various one- to two-week sessions of camps from June 5 to Aug. 11, kids 3 to 17 are separated by age group. They can pick from camps with focuses 42

akronlife.com | MARCH 2023

voice projection. Other camps focus specifically on dance with youth learning jazz numbers set to Disney tunes.

All except the tech camp ends with a performance parents can attend. Whether your child prefers the spotlight or backstage, campers work through jitters to shine in their roles and build confidence through repetition, teamwork and close mentorship.

McKenzie says children learn the fundamentals of not just theater, but life itself. On show night, they see how their hard work pays off as they watch the audience laugh and cheer.

Teens can challenge themselves with intensives. For a two-week tech intensive, teens “They learn by work with Weathervane’s techdoing,” says direcnical staff to design lighting, tor of education sets, props and costumes for Tammie McKenzie. the acting campers’ production, “We give them the practicing creativity and attenopportunity to tion to detail. In a two-week experience that hands on.” intensive, acting campers work with a professional director to “It’s a concept of these kids Some camps allow kids to imag- perform a full-scale producwillingly coming in to do an ine storylines with prompts like, tion, rapidly running lines, art that they love,” says Elijah What if dinosaurs existed? and rehearsing scenes and working Chase, assistant director of eduthen craft and present a play. with cast and crew members. cation. “We put this on so they Musical theater camps have fun get their star moment.” themes like dogs, villains, mon- “One of the biggest things sters and sea life, guiding youth you learn in theater is how to 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron, through presenting a musical by collaborate,” says McKenzie. weathervaneplayhouse.com SD breaking it down into exercises, “Everybody has to work with including practicing the art of one another to make it happen.”

photo provided by Weathervane Playhouse

Summer Theatre Academy

photos provided by Akron Rotary Camp

EDUCATION

MARCH 2023 | akronlife.com

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GOOD EATS

MARCH 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 3

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.

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 $$$ D, A Arnie’s Public House An attractive, affordable restaurant with a modern twist on comfort food. Featuring award-winning burgers, chicken and waffles, fish and chips, pasta and vegetarian dishes. 1682 W. Market St., Akron, 330-867-0154 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Arnie’s West Branch Steak House Casual dining, specializing in steak, ribs and seafood. 5343 state Route 14, Ravenna, 330-297-1717 $$$ D, A, T Beau’s Grille Well-regarded, innovative menu at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn.

3180 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330867-5218 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T, W Beau’s on the River Stunning views of the falls with floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary decor. Fusion eclectic cuisine, lunch buffet and Sun. brunch. Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls, 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-7530 $$$ B, L, D, A, T, W 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.

Takeout spot with a small dining area. 1730 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-706-6700 $$ L, D, T 44

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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 $$$ L, D, A The Bistro of Green An upscale dining establishment with a diverse menu that features some of Akron’s finest cuisine and gluten-free options made from fresh ingredients. Has a large selection of wine, beer and cocktails, and the inviting atmosphere offers a memorable experience. 3459 Massillon Road, Uniontown, 330-896-1434 $$$$ D, T, A Bistro on Main House-made desserts, hand-cut steaks and fresh pasta.

1313 W. Main St., Kent, 330-673-9900 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Blue Door Cafe & Bakery Chef-driven sandwiches, quiche, crepes, housemade pastries and rotating specials made using local ingredients. Voted No. 1 brunch in Ohio. Drive-thru available. 1970 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-926-9774 $$$ B, L, T, A 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 $$$$ L, D, T Burntwood Tavern Owned by the same couple that runs the other Burntwood locations, this restaurant’s menu features steaks, sliders, smoked, planked and woodgrilled food. 2291 Riverfront Parkway, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-794-7085; 4320 Everhard Road NW, Canton, 234-2099746; 3750 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 234-466-7372 $$$$ L, D, A, T, W The Cabin Upscale Italian within the Mario’s International Spa and Hotel complex. 35 E. Garfield Road, Aurora, 330-562-9171 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T 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

Caston & Main Brew Yard This cozy, casual gastropub with a fireplace and two 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 chefdriven menu offers house-made flatbreads, sandwiches and beer cheese, as well as Sun. brunch. 5010 S. Main St., Akron, 330-882-CASK (2275) $$$ L, D, A 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, 330-893-2550 $$$ L, D, T Chowder House Cafe Salads, seafood dishes, oysters and clam chowder.

1244 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330794-7102 $$$ L, D, A, T Circle L Steakhouse at the Galaxy The new menu offers a wide selection of steak cuts, and the atmosphere provides an upscale, rustic feel. Sun. brunch and live entertainment. 201 Park Centre Drive, Wadsworth, 330-3343663 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T Corkscrew Saloon Specializes in fresh seafood, steaks and chops, prepared by executive chef Ryan Marino. Live entertainment Wed. nights. 811 W. Liberty, Medina, 330-725-0220 $$$$ 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, 330-8052826 $$$ D, A, T, V Crave Creative comfort foods, slightly eccentric with bold tastes served up in a sensational setting. 156 S. Main St., Akron, 330-253-1234 $$ 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

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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, 330497-1000, 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, 234678-3612 $$$ 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, 330922-7540 $$$ L, D, A, 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 Desert Inn Family-owned since 1970.

Specializes in family-style shish kebabs. 204 12th St. NW, Canton, 330-456-1766 $$$$ L, D, A DeVitis Italian Market Has used traditional recipes to bring fresh Italian food to the Akron area for the last 40 years. The house-made Italian sausage is a longtime favorite, and a gourmet deli case is fully stocked with a selection of entrees that are ready to heat and eat. 560 E. Tallmadge Ave., Akron, 330-535-2626 $$ L, D, T 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 $$$$ L, D, A, No credit cards Dontino’s Fine Italian Cuisine Homestyle Italian cuisine, popular community meeting place. 555 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-928-9530 $$ L, D, A, T

GOOD EATS UNCORKED

by Eric Van Sant

Ferrante Winery Geneva, Ohio

With over 20 wineries, Ohio’s Geneva wine country has a lot to offer.

One of its best is Ferrante Winery. Founded in 1937, the winery’s first state-ofthe-art facility was built in the 1970s and is still in use today. The property has 40 acres of vineyard and a beautiful ristorante and patio with panoramic views of the vineyard and surrounding area.

The winery is in the Grand River Valley, which is a federally recognized American Viticultural Area. Being so close to the Grand River, along with the influence of nearby Lake Erie, provides for a prime climate for growing grapes. Here are some standouts to try.

PINK CATAWBA This wine ($8.99) is made from pink Catawba grapes, which are primarily found on the East Coast and came to prevalence in the early 1800s. A blush wine, it’s medium-sweet, with soft acidity and enough sugar to please the palate without overwhelming. Enjoy it with fresh fruit and salted chips.

AMERICAN RIESLING A classic domestic riesling ($10.99), it has nice tropical notes on the nose. It’s not overly viscous on the palate and has soft acidity for a clean finish. Not too sweet, it’s perfect for sitting on the patio in early spring with dried cheeses or cured meats.

GOLDEN BUNCHES DRY RIESLING An off-dry riesling ($13.99), this pick is great for those who do not care for sweet wines but do not want something as overly dry as chardonnay.

With a long finish and balanced acidity, it pairs well with Asian cuisine and spicy dishes.

Find Ferrante wines at select Giant Eagle, Acme Fresh Market, Heinen’s and Discount Drug Mart locations.

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

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GOOD EATS UNTAPPED

by Aaron Fowler

WarPigs Brewing Munster, Indiana

Three Floyds Brewing finally unleashes its side project, WarPigs Brewing, to Ohio this month. What began as a collaborative project in 2015 with Copenhagen’s Mikkeller brewery is now WarPigs, a fullfledged U.S. brand owned and operated solely by 3 Floyds. Not unlike 3 Floyds’ lineup, WarPigs has found its calling with some exceptionally hoppy brews along with traditional American and European styles found all over the globe.

This month craft beer fans can sample these WarPigs selections on local shelves.

FOGGY GEEZER This hazy India pale ale ($12.99, six-pack) comes in at an approachable 6.8 percent alcohol by volume and will ignite your taste buds with citrus and tropical aromas and flavors that connoisseurs of New England-style IPA have come to cherish over the years.

BLINDING LIGHT SHOW For those looking for an IPA with a twist, search no further than this IPA ($12.99, six-pack) brewed with orange and lemon peels. Sneaking in at 7 percent alcohol by volume, this offering smacks you with a blast of vibrant fruit flavors leaving you thirsty for more.

A LIGHT IN THE BLACK This German-style pilsner ($10.99, six-pack) will warm your heart and tame your palate with its soft, crisp lager characteristics that any true admirer of the style will appreciate. At only 5.5 percent alcohol by volume, you will be on to another sixpack sooner than you think.

VARIETY PACK The best way to sample a handful of these beers at a great price is with a variety pack ($20.99, 12-pack). The inaugural variety pack features three cans each of the Foggy Geezer and Blinding Light Show, as well as two beers exclusive to this pack — Nemesis Divina, a dry hopped porter, and Ominous Portent, a German-style dunkel.

Throughout the year, this set

will change, with two rotating core beers as well as two brews only available in this pack.

WarPigs Brewing selections are available 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].

Driftwood Modern American Bistro Upscale casual dining featuring multiaward-winning chili, handmade pasta and more crafted in an open kitchen. Save room for made-fromscratch desserts, including our cinnamon roll cheesecake. Inside Embassy Suites by Hilton Akron Canton Airport, 7883 Freedom Ave. NW, North Canton, 330-305-0500 $$$ D 46

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Edgar’s Restaurant Serves a variety of entrees, such as chargrilled grouper, along with homemade soups, salads and starters. 530 Nome Ave. at Good Park Golf Course, Akron, 330-8693000 $$$ D, A, T Franklin Hotel Bar An upscale downtown Kent bar featuring craft cocktails, share plates and small plates. 176 E. Main St., Kent, 330-676-1000 $$ D, A

Franklin Square Deli Quality sandwich shop with a racing theme. 108 S. Water St., Kent, 330-673-2942 $$ L, T Fred’s Diner Well-known North Hill stop for breakfast and lunch. 930 Home Ave., Akron, 330-535-3733 $ B, L, T Fresco Mexican Grill and Salsa Bar Mexican cuisine including gig burritos, tacos, quesadillas and more. 100 E. Erie St., Kent, 330-677-2588 $$ L, D, A, T

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

GOOD EATS

Gasoline Alley Eclectic menu featuring pizza, sandwiches and sauerkraut balls. 870 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330-6662670 $$$ L, D, A, T George’s Lounge Handcrafted food made from fresh ingredients and house-made 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, 330-452-0029 $$ B, L, D, T, A Girves Brown Derby An Akron favorite since 1941. Hardwoodfired fresh-cut steaks, seafood, wine, craft beer and full-service bar. 4670 Everhard Road, Canton, 330-494-4413; 5051 Eastpointe Drive, Medina, 330-721-1731; 9230 state Route 14, Streetsboro, 330-6262171; brownderbyusa. com $$$$ L (only on weekends), D, A, T, W Golden Dragon Chinese fare. Also offers traditional Japanese cooking and sushi.

1634 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330929-1109 $$ L, D, A, T Greatness Cafe Healthy and delicious options — smoothies, paninis, salads with housemade dressings and juices all paired with positive affirmations and a welcoming atmosphere — in the Massillon Museum’s lobby. 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. $$ 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, 330-7451900 $$$ L, D, A, T Grinders Above & Beyond Family restaurant.

Grinders, burgers, dinners, appetizers and pies. 1671 N. Main St., North Canton, 330-497-4800; 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, 330-875-9700 $ L, D, A, T Guiseppe’s Pizza Familyowned pizzeria known for its Sicilian-style square pizza. 14 E. Caston Road, Akron, 330-644-8842 $$ L, D, T H2 Huth & Harris Wine Merchants With a selection of over 200 wines, this Medinabased winery serves up a sizable selection in a rustic, cellar-like atmosphere. Also offers large selection of craft beers, ciders, kombucha, meads and a large selection of tapas dishes. 221 S. Court St., Medina, 330-805-3212; 427 Tuscarawas St. E, Canton: 330-815-4959 $$$ L, D, A, T Hamad’s on Main A local family-owned eatery that serves healthy breakfast and lunch that is made daily from scratch.

Features a variety of unique soups, salads, sandwiches and wraps, like the cucumber hummus wrap. Also does catering. 1826 E. Market St., Akron, 330733-8381 $$ L, 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.

German-style bar with beers served in

ice-cold steins. 1609 E. Main St., Kent, 330678-4055 $$$$ D, A, T, No credit cards Hibachi Japan Steak House Japanese hibachi-style cooking, great steak and sushi. 1803 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-3333 $$$ L, D, A, T HiHO Brewing Co. Former educators and coowners Ali and Jon Hovan plate up fresh pizza with housemade dough and sauce along with myriad draft beers brewed in house. 1707 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 234-334-7564 $$$ 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, hand-cut 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, 330-644-4355 $$$ B, L, D, A, T Hopocan Gardens Barberton-style chicken. 4396 W. Hopocan Ave., Barberton, 330-8259923 $$ 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, 330722-1899 $$ L, D, A, T Hudson’s Restaurant Neighborhood restaurant and bar serving fresh, chefdriven dishes. Familyfriendly atmosphere.

80 N. Main St., Hudson, 330-650-1955 $$$ B, L, D, A, T The Howlin Bird Features a menu full of chicken comfort food entrees as well as an apple spinach salmon salad

and house burger.

Brunch is served on weekends. 123 S. Main St., North Canton, 234-714-9000 $$$ B, L, D, T, A, P Ido Bar & Grill Home of the beloved Ido Burger. An Akron tradition since World War II. 1537 S. Main St., Akron, 330773-1724 $$$ L, D, A, T Jerzees Sports Grille From salads and pizza to wings smothered in award-winning Erie Island rub, its offerings make it one of the best spots for food, sports and fun. With ultrahigh-definition TVs and a complete lineup of sports packages, it’s a great place to watch the game and grab some dinner or listen to live music. Jerzees has locations in Canton, Green, Belden and Centennial Plaza.

1019 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Road, Akron, 330896-9464 $$ L, D, T, A, P 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, 330920-7544 $$$ 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, 330576-3757 $$, D, A, T, W Jimmy’s Backyard BBQ A family-friendly restaurant known for award-winning baby back ribs. 526 Graham Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-349-6949; 1338 N. Chapel St., Suite 1, Louisville, 330-8710006 $$ L, D, T Jimmy Bigg’s Grille Burgers, Italian subs, Reubens, wings, Philly cheesesteak, BLTs, hand-breaded onion rings and more. 1927 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-2444 $$ L, D, A, T

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GOOD EATS 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. 330777-2005 $$$$ D, A Kosar’s Wood-Fired Grill Award-winning steakhouse offering aged steaks, fresh chops and expertly prepared seafood tastefully in an upscale space decorated with beloved former Cleveland Browns player Bernie Kosar’s own authentic memorabilia.

At the MGM Northfield Park casino.

21 and over only. 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield, 330-908-7602 $$$$ D, A Kozmo’s Grille Stone-hearth pizzas, upscale pasta dishes, fresh seafood and steaks. 37 First St. SW, Massillon, 330-832-8807 $$$ L, D, A, T LagerHeads BBQ Smokehouse and Brewing Co . Try the ribs, smoked wings and beer cheese soup, made with Barnburner lager. For dessert, taste the fruit crisp made with grains used to brew their signature beers. 2832 Abbeyville Road, Medina, 330-7251947 $$$ L, D, A, T Lager & Vine Gastropub and Wine Bar Great service, scratch food and a bar that has offered a comfortable atmosphere since 2012. Try small entrees like the grilled vegetable ravioli or larger plates like double bone pork chop. 30 W. Streetsboro St., Hudson, 330-650-1717 $$$ L, D, T, A, P 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 48

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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 $$$ L, D, A, T The Leopard Eclectic menu with American, Asian, French and Italian influences. Features seven-course chef’s table. 600 N. Aurora Road, Aurora, 330-562-2111 $$$$ D, A, T, V Leo’s Italian Social Nosh on comfort food Italian favorites with a chefdriven twist. With everything from wood-fired pizza to certified angus beef strip steaks, it’s a great spot for groups to dine inside or on the large patio with bocce. Also take in live music. 2251 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-400-4427 $$$$ B, L, D, T, A, P Lizardville Large selection of draft and bottled beers, whiskey and cigars to enjoy on site or take home. Try the Wild Western burger and a glass of Weller Antique Winking Lizard Edition. 21 and over only. 79 Springside Drive, Akron, 330-6441782 $$ 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. $$$$ L, D, A, T Lucia’s Steakhouse Fresh seafood, signature garlic butter-topped steaks, Italian favorites and Lucia classics, like house-made lump crab cakes or cubanella and long, hot peppers. 4769 Belpar St. NW, Canton, 330-492-9933 $$$$ D, A Lucci’s Voted best pizza in Portage County. The family-owned shop has been serving New York-style pizza with house-made sauce, freshly made dough and a variety of toppings for over 30 years. Also offers wings, chicken tenders and fries, Stromboli and breadsticks and pretzel bites. 2457 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-571-0053, 405 E. Main St., Kent, 330-673-9833 $$ L, D, T Luigi’s Restaurant An Akron icon. Serves Italian cuisine, salads and awardwinning 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; 4199 Belden Village Mall Circle NW, Canton, 330-494-4604 $$ L, D, A, T Menches Bros. Restaurant Inventors of the hamburger and ice cream cone. In Akron since 1901. 4887 Tuscawaras St. W, Canton, 234-410-3444; 3700 Massillon Road, Green, 330-896-2288; 235 Lincoln Way W, Massillon, 330832-6200 $$ 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 Moe’s Restaurant Hip, intimate atmosphere featuring a diverse chalkboard menu that changes monthly. Martinis, cocktails and

extensive selection of wines by the glass. 2385 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-6600 $$$$ L, D, A, T Molly Brown’s Country Cafe Big breakfasts and South of the Border menu items.

518 Canton Road, Akron, 330-7844711; 493 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron, 234-312-9351 $$ B, L, T Mr. Zubs Deli Hot and cold sandwiches named after movie characters, salads and sides. 795 W. Market St., Akron, 330-252-0272 $ L, D, T Ms. Julie’s Kitchen Opened by Akron native and author of three vegan cookbooks. Specialties include salads, whole grain-foods and spelt flour waffles. 1809 S. Main St., Akron, 330-819-3834 $ B, L, D, T 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, free-range 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 $$$ L, D, T Nauti Vine Winery Known for its brick oven baked artisan-style pizza and house-made wines with a scenic view of Portage Lakes. 3950 S. Main St., Akron, 330-644-5444 $$$ D, A 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

GOOD EATS 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 T Open Door Coffee Co. This cafe is housed in the landmark Saywell building, across from the Hudson green.

Coffee, smoothies, pastries, music and art. 164 N. Main St., Hudson, 330-653-5900 $ B, L, D, T The Overlook Grill Fine dining in a mansion overlooking the Twin Lakes.Menu classics like chicken piccata and Delmonico steaks. 1519 Overlook Road, Kent, 330-984-4730 $$$ D, A Pad Thai Elegant restaurant, extensive menu of traditional Thai dishes. 3545 Brookwall Drive, Fairlawn, 330-6689981; 5657 Darrow Road, Hudson, 330-650-9998 $$$ L, D, A, T Pancho & Lefty’s Popular neighborhood cantina. 3254 Kent Road, Stow, 330686-6781 $$ L, D, A, T Papa Bear’s Authentic, house-made Italian food. 4990 Dressler Road NW, Canton, 330-493-0090 $$$ L, D, A, T 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 $$$ L, D, A, T Parasson’s Good pasta. Great family dining. 959 E. Waterloo Road, Akron, 330-724-9375; 3983 Darrow Road, Stow, 330-688-3650; 364 Wooster Road N, Barberton, 330-753-2264 $$ L, D, A, T

Park Street Pizza Locally grown and raised ingredients are used to make regular and gluten-free pizzas, salads, wings, sandwiches and desserts. 215 Dover Road, Sugarcreek, 330-852-2993 $$$ L, D, T Pick’s The massive 16,000-square-foot complex right on the Portage Lakes includes the Table 530 finer dining surf-and-turf restaurant and more casual Locals burgers and beer bar. At the latter, jam to live music and nosh on wings, coastal tacos, coconut shrimp and boozy frozen bushwhacker cocktails. 530 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron, 330-794-5157 $$$ L, D, T, A, P Poke Fresh Create your own poke bowl by choosing your protein like chicken, tofu and a variety of seafood. Then pick from toppings ranging from edamame to pineapple, before adding your finishing touch with sauces like big island barbecue or crunches like crispy onion or tempura flakes. Or choose from Poke’s signature bowls.

2022 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-217-1017 $$ L, D, T Primo’s Deli An Akron mainstay since 1979. Try their famous corned beef sandwich or spicy Italian sub, and finish with a slice of house-made carrot cake. 1707 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, 330-745-9056 $$ 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 $$ L, D, T Rockne’s Pub Notorious for huge sandwiches and pub food at a great price. Try Rockne’s Terminator Sub with shaved beef, grill-seared and covered in cheese and fries, topped with lettuce, mayo and Rockne’s dressing on a buttered, grilled long bun. Children’s menu available. 7 Merriman Road, Akron, 330-762-7555; 1203 Bailey Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-922-3663; 2914 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-836-7662; 1450 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-0904; 155 Lincoln Way W, Massillon, 330-833-8800; 5000 Portage St., North Canton, 330244-4212; 4240 Hudson Drive, Stow, 330-922-9960; 9406 state Route 14, Streetsboro, 330-422-8010 $$ L, D, A, 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 $$ L, D, A, T Russo’s Unique cuisine featuring Cajun and Italian influences. Fine dining atmosphere. 4895 State Road, Peninsula, 330-923-2665 $$$$ L, D, A, T Saffron Patch Fine Indian cuisine including tandoori chicken, gingerseasoned yellow lentils and garlic naan. 1238 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330-836-7777 $$$ L, D, A, T Sakura Fresh sushi. Wide selection of specialty rolls. 3900 Medina Road, Akron, 330-670-0288 $$$ L, D, T Samantha’s Restaurant Canton staple known for its substantial menu featuring many varieties of eggs Benedict, like the California with spinach, asparagus, portobello mushrooms, red onion and feta. 4954 Portage St. NW, North Canton, 330499-9700 $$ B, L, D, A, W, T

Sammie’s Bar and Grill Dave DeLapa’s restaurant menu features burgers, sandwiches, comfort food and appetizers. 498 South Ave., Tallmadge, 234-678-8334 $$ L, D, A, T Samosky’s Homestyle Pizzeria Winner of the American Pizza Championship, Chef Jason Samosky creates unrivaled pies and calzones, like the No. 1 award-winning Philly Cheese Steak pizza. 6738 Center Road, Valley City, 330-483-2000 $$$ L, D, T Sam Sylk’s Chicken & Fish Satisfy cravings with a large menu of chicken, fish or a combo dishes. 1400 S. Arlington Road, Akron, 234-571-0802 $$$ L, D, T, W Sarah’s Vineyard Sample high-quality wines, appetizers and desserts in the tasting room, on the deck or in the butterfly garden. 1204 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330929-8057 $$ 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 $$$ L, D, A, T Shale Brewing Co. A menu focused on flatbreads and handhelds. Unique entrees like the Jonnie flatbread made with double pepperoni, Dioguardi’s hot Italian sausage and shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano. An extensive selection of alcoholic beverages that feature craft beertails like the beer margarita and the blackberry bramble. Also has another location in Oakwood and a coffeehouse in Canton that showcases craft coffee and breakfast sandwiches. 7253 Whipple Ave. NW, North Canton, 330-776-8812 $$ L, D, T, A 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, 330836-2806; 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, 330-809-0461 $$$ L, D, T, A, P MARCH 2023 | akronlife.com

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GOOD EATS Spennato’s Italian Ristorante Seafood, chicken, pasta and pizza, as well as attentive service and a casual dining atmosphere. 10446 Northfield Road, Northfield, 330-468-8688 $$$ L, D, A, T Steinly’s Down-home breakfasts are a mainstay. 235 E. Waterloo Road, Akron, 330-773-6422 $ B, L, D, T Stricklands Frozen Custard Founded in 1936 and run by the third generation of the Strickland family. 1809 Triplett Blvd., Akron; 2629 Bailey Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-8498; 3465 S. Arlington Road, Green, 330-899-9477; 9070 state Route 14, Streetsboro, 330-626-2750 $ T Sushi Katsu Award-winning sushi spot in the Merriman Valley. 1446 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330-867-2334 $$$ 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, 330-928-8515; 40 S. Hawkins Ave., Akron, 330-864-8416; 4466 Kent Road, Stow, 330-678-7775; 40 Brookmont Road, Montrose, 330665-1858; 5815 Wales Ave., Jackson Township, 330-833-5454; 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 $$$ L, D, W, A, T Taco Tontos Funky, college atmosphere featuring authentic Mexican cuisine made from scratch. 123 Franklin Ave., Kent, 330-677-0223 $$ 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 50

akronlife.com | MARCH 2023

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 $$$ L, D, T Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. Named Ohio Brewery of the Year at the 2016 New York International Beer Competition, this brewery received medals for several of their brews. These medals included gold for Siberian Night aged in Bourbon Barrels, silver for Rail Dog Smoked Black Lager and bronze for Cerasus Dog. Come and enjoy a cold one in their tasting room. 529 Grant Street, Akron,330-252-2739 $$ A Thyme2 Pub & Fine Dining Contemporary cuisine with worldly influences, served in an upscale, modern setting.

113 W. Smith Road, Medina, 330-7644114 $$$$ L, D, A, T Tim’s Pizzeria and Pub Split specialty pizzas like the ranch with bacon and green pepper along with traditional pies. The menu also has sub sandwich options, roasted chicken and pasta entrees, along with weekly specials like Monday’s 39 cent wings.

2823 Bailey Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-1530 $$ L, D, T, A Timber Lodge Steaks are hand-selected from the finest USDA Prime and Choice aged beef. Seafood is flown in daily to assure the peak of flavor and freshness. Prime rib is slow roasted rotisserie-style and hand-carved to your taste. 2809 Pearl Road, Medina, 330-725-6288 $$$ 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, 330-835-9801 $$ L, D, A, T Tokyo Hibachi and Sushi Hibachi meals cooked at your table, entrees from the kitchen, as well as sushi and sashimi. 1132 N. Court St., Medina, 330-952-2818 $$$$ 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

Town Tavern A finer take on bar food in an upbeat atmosphere that sets the tone for a fun night or weekend brunch. 3900 Medina Road Unit J, Akron, 330-666-1191; 1840 Town Park Blvd., Uniontown, 330-896-4433, $$$ B, L, D, T, A Trecaso’s Mary Coyle Strong pasta selection. Six-time winner of Pasta Yule’s best red sauce. Highland Square spot known for several ice cream options. 780 W. Market St., Akron, 330-253-1511 $$ 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 $$$ D, A, T Twisted Citrus The daytime eatery offers breakfast and lunch dishes with a twist. It puts unique spins on classics like French toast, with its Maui Waui French toast featuring a pina colada compote. 1649 N. Main St., North Canton, 330-305-9680 $$ B, L Twisted Meltz Nestled in Acorn Alley, this restaurant serves gourmet grilled cheese, salads and ice cream. 164B E. Main St., Kent, 330-968-4104 L, D, T 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 $$$ L, D, A, T Valley Cafe Owned by a five-star gourmet chef. Features friendly service, dishes made from scratch and famous cabbage soup. 1212 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330-8650101; 101 High St., Wadsworth, 330331-7555 $ B, L, D (Wadsworth only), T Vasili’s Greek Cuisine A welcome addition to Akron’s restaurant scene, Vasili’s provides big flavors and huge portions at a reasonable price with excellent customer service. The moussaka is excellent, and the baklava is decadent. 1702 Merriman Road, Akron, 330-864-0722 $$ 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, filet mignon and other gourmet items with high nutritional values on Summa Health System Akron Campus. 525 E. Market St., Akron, 330-375-7444 $$$ B, L, D, A, T, V Wally Waffle Breakfast served all day. Try the Elvis Waffle, loaded with bacon and peanut butter chips and topped with honey and sliced bananas. 845 W. Market St., Akron, 330-374-4915; 100 North Ave., Tallmadge, 330-6337400; 3997 Medina Road, Bath, 234466-0155 $$ B, L, T Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse Hibachi steakhouse and sushi bar. Chefs prepare food right before your eyes.

150 Montrose West Ave., Copley, 330666-5522; 6338 Strip Ave. NW, North Canton, 330-966-8866 $$$$ L, D, T 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 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 Whitehouse Chicken A Barberton tradition. 180 Wooster Road N, Barberton, 330-745-0449; 4195 Massillon Road, Uniontown, 330896-5644; 199 Great Oaks Trail, Wadsworth, 330-335-6000 $$ L, D, T Wild Goats Coffee & Cafe Offers light entrees, vegan and vegetarian soups, and exceptional coffee. 319 W. Main St., Kent, 330-677-2326 $$ B, L, D, T The Wine Mill Open daily for wine, craft beer, and bites made from fresh, local ingredients. Available for weddings and private events. 4964 Akron Cleveland Road, Peninsula, 234-571-2594 $$$ L, D, A, V Wise Guys Lounge & Grill Located in the former Nick Anthe Restaurant, this spot, owned by Tom Procaccio, features steaks, seafood and pasta dishes. 1008 N. Main St., Akron, 330922-3006 $$$$ L, D, A, T Wolf Creek Tavern Housed in the former Loyal Oak Tavern, this restaurant serves craft beer, wine, salads, wraps, burgers, pasta, steaks and house-made pie. Kids menu. 3044 Wadsworth Road, Norton, 234-5714531 $$$$ L, D, A, T Please send any changes or corrections to kpetryszyn@ bakermediagroup.com.

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

PARTING SHOT

by Kelly Petryszyn, photo provided by Summit Memory/Akron-Summit County Public Library and Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

“

Play Time Akron area, circa 1920s

”

The son of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. co-founder F.A. Seiberling snapped this photograph at a local playground. Possibly taken during a Goodyear company outing, Willard Penfield Seiberling captured children waiting on ladders for giant slides. Penfield Seiberling worked for Goodyear and Seiberling Rubber Co. but had many passions. He competed in the 1921 National Balloon Race, in which he rode in a balloon called “City of Akron.” He added a darkroom to Stan Hywet, where he developed photos of iconic Akron buildings, the estate, his family and other Akron rubber and tire families. He captured his father horseback riding and playing croquet at Stan Hywet as well as shots of shotput and high jump events at a 1917 Goodyear field day at Seiberling Field in Akron. His photos helped record Stan Hywet’s and Akron’s rich histories.

MARCH 2023 | akronlife.com

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