December 2024

330 FLAVOR AWARDS

VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 12 | DECEMBER 2024

SEASONED CHEFS Seven culinary stars mix things up in The 330

CHECK OUT 235 WINNERS

TH YME2’S POR K CHOP

photo by Talia Hodge

DEC. 2024 $4.95

GIFT LOCAL SHOP SMALL AT 8 UNIQUE SPOTS

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ARTISTIC AGING SENIORS GET CREATIVE

HOLLY JOLLY 3 CHRISTMAS POP - UP BARS

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PAGES

DECEMBER 2024 | VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 12

Pages start here

On The Cover

| 18 Flavor Awards | photo by Talia Hodge

[ FEATURE ]

18 SEASONED CHEFS From Cleveland Cavaliers player Max Strus’ private chef to a “Nightline” top chef national finalist, these culinary stars add flavor to The 330’s dining scene.

Plus, check out 235 readers’ picks for the sixth annual 330 Flavor Awards.

Vue chef and co-owner Anthony Scolaro photo by Talia Hodge

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UNTAPPED

AGENDA

KENT & STOW

Holiday Pairings

[ the essential social digest ]

Local Gifts

[ DEPARTMENTS ]

0' MAIL BONDING 07 FROM THE PUBLISHER Food For Thought

08 RADAR [ seen + heard ]

10 AGENDA [ the essential social digest ] 10 Entertainment listings

+ Calendar of events

34 GOOD EATS [ notable food + drink ] 3& Restaurant listings 3' Uncorked:

Special Sections 44 KENT & STOW Find wonderful local gifts in the Tree City.

&0 FOREVER YOUNG Learn how to get creative as you age.

Kuleto Estate 40 Untapped:

09 UPFRONT Easy Does It

Holiday Pairings

&& PARTING SHOT Akron Zoo’s Wild Lights

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PAGES MAIL BONDING

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Don Baker Jr. [ 1940-2018 ] PUBLISHER

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O R AT T E N D A V I R T U A L E V E N T,

DECEMBER 2024 | VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 12 (ISSN No. 74 470 5787 1)

33 0 T IX O F F E R S BOTH EASE AND E N T E R TA I N M E N T .

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akronlife is published monthly by Baker Media Group, LLC, 1653 Merriman Road, Suite 116, Akron, OH 44313. Copyright 2024©

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PAGES FROM THE PUBLISHER

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

Food For Thought Although my taste is always changing, my passion for flavor is constant.

My daughter recently asked me something compelling: If I had to choose my last meal, what would it be? The question came from an online survey, and I thought I had the answer right away — my grandma’s buckwheat pancakes. But I soon realized that, throughout my life, my taste in food has always been in flux.

My family stays loyal to restaurants we like, patronizing them until I get tired of the food. Although, sometimes I’ll try something new and wonder why I didn’t give it a shot sooner.

When I go to a new restaurant and explore its menu, I find myself caught somewhere between wanting to stick to the familiar — so I don’t waste my money — and feeling an odd dread, as if the meal might be my last. Chances are it’s not — but someday it will be. There’s something about making the wrong choice when ordering a meal, then looking over at someone else’s plate, saying, I should have gotten what you got.

(Like the time I said, Soft-shell crab sounds good, not knowing I’d be eating the crab shell and all. Yes, that was a waste of money — I couldn’t eat it with those beady eyes looking at me.)

Right now, I’m on a kick of Japanese, Indian, Thai and Mexican food. I might want to add other flavors to the mix, but we have to please three people in my family

— one of whom is 4 years old.

We go to Sakura in Montrose several times a month — the waitress recites our orders on sight. Five boiled shrimp and rice for the little one, and Spicy Killer sushi and a crab salad. It’s either great service, or we’re there quite a lot (or perhaps both). Another favorite is Saffron Patch in the Valley, where we’ve discovered a custom dish that isn’t on the menu — tikka chana masala.

The dish is comprised of tikka sauce, which is cream based, over chickpeas. The level of spice varies — sometimes, a medium spice level can blow your head off, and other days it’s weak.

That’s just part of what I like about Indian restaurants: It’s all about how the chef feels that day.

As for Thai food, I like Taste of Bangkok,

by The University of Akron, and Rice Paper Thai Cuisine in Fairlawn. I’m always looking for new places, but my favorite Thai dish has to be tom kha gai soup, a blend of coconut milk and lemongrass. The first time I had it, I thought, I have never tasted flavors like this before.

When it comes to Mexican food, I can eat just about anywhere. We recently started going to Casa Del Rio Express in Fairlawn, and it’s really good. I also like the taco truck El Taconazo, which pulls up in Highland Square in front of Walgreens. I’m always up for street tacos.

got old — until it did. I still like it, but my taste for it has waned. There are other places, like Swensons Drive-In, where I could eat all the time — but I only occasionally splurge on fast food. Find Swensons and other winners of the 330 Flavor Awards on pg. 18.

Food trends come and go, but the memories that meals bring tend to linger. When I think back on some of my favorites, like my grandma’s pancakes, I realize that the foods I enjoy today will someday be nostalgic in the same way. Maybe I’ll still be raving about tikka chana masala or tom kha gai soup. Or perhaps my tastes will have moved on to some other cuisine entirely.

But the next time my daughter asks me, What would you pick for your last meal? I might have a more thoughtful answer.

Knowing me, all these tastes will change.

They always do. I used to go to Aladdin’s Eatery several times a week, and it never

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

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PAGES RADAR

by Sean Rubin, photo provided by Blitzen’s

seen + heard

+3 Holiday Pop-up Bars Blitzen’s This over-the-top pop-up, located inside Hudson’s Restaurant, is truly a Christmas wonderland — it’s even known to snow! Santa themed chair covers offer festive seating, while a shiny bulb ornament feature wall and a Candy Cane Lane hallway make for perfect photo-ops. For a holly jolly good time, order Santa’s cookies and the Chocolate Candy Cane cocktail ($12), featuring vodka, peppermint and chocolate liqueurs, vanilla cream and a candy cane. Plus, buy a souvenir leg lamp glass to take home cheer. Through Jan. 4, Monday-Saturday, 80 N. Main St., Hudson, hudsonspopupbar.com

Mele Kalikimaka

NOSTALGIC NIGHT For many, watching “Home Alone” is a sign that Christmas has arrived. From star Macaulay Culkin’s iconic scream, as he slaps aftershave on his cheeks, to Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern as the Wet Bandits — nailed by a blowtorch and an iron — the comedic, heartwarming film is unforgettable. Relive it with a

screening of “Home Alone” Dec. 10 at the Akron Civic Theatre. After the movie, Culkin shares behind-the-scenes stories during a moderated interview and audience Q&A. Upgrade to a VIP ticket for a once-in-a-lifetime photo with the actor. 182 S. Main St., Akron, akroncivic.com

Add tropical vibes to your holiday season with Tiki Underground’s Hawaiian Christmasthemed Mele Kalikimaka Holiday Pop Up bar.

Full of themed crossover decor, such as skulls in Santa hats and snowman Tiki mugs, the islandstyle atmosphere is one of kitschy Christmas fun. Try themed cocktails, such as the Reinkiller ($13). Made with rum, eggnog, pineapple and orange juices, cinnamon and a mini candy cane garnish, this drink will keep your spirits high.

Through Jan. 4, Monday-Saturday, 1832 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, tikiunderground.com

That Christmas Bar & Kitchen

BIG PICTURE The summer after high school concludes is a pivotal point in our lives. With her film “Escaping Ohio,” Akron native writer, director, producer and actor Jessica Michael Davis explores this coming-of-age moment while starring alongside Collin Kelly-Sordelet, Adam Pascal and Emily Bergl. Shot in familiar locales, such as Swensons Drive-In and the former Rubber Bowl, the Akron-set film is described as “nostalgic, wonderful and empowering” by MovieMaker magazine. Released on streaming platforms last month, it explores the tension of whether to leave the place and people you love to pursue your dreams — or to stay with the familiar.

Davis dubs the film a love letter to her hometown. Available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime and other platforms now, escapingohio.com

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Sip themed cocktails ($12), like a Tinsel Tiki, served in a grass skirt-wearing Santa mug, a Snowglobe Sparkler, served in a snow globe, or a Melted Snowman martini — complete with a smiling marshmallow face — at the rotating That Christmas Bar & Kitchen. New this year, nosh on nibbles such as Grinchy grilled cheese and Christmas in the Caribbean shrimp tacos.

Merry signs, presents, snowflakes and ugly sweaters create a festive atmosphere. Through Dec. 23, Tuesday-Saturday, 1649 N. Main St., North Canton, thatpopupbar.com

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PAGES UPFRONT

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

Easy Does It Local chefs show o! their skills in dishes we can enjoy. talent local chefs have. They skillfully multitask and have the experience to judge so much by eye. It’s admirable. For our annual 330 Flavor Awards feature, on pg. 18, we spotlight standout 330 chefs. Learn about what shaped them and the processes behind crafting dishes you can order on your next night out. Plus, find a list of 235 winners chosen by readers — and make it your guide to dining this winter.

Vue photo by Talia Hodge

In about four and a half minutes, Vue chef and co-owner Anthony Scolaro whips up an iteration of a new squash dish from prepped ingredients. To create the warm, hearty meal, he’s using a roasted acorn squash and other elements that have been roasted and chopped.

Scolaro shakes around butter, garlic and shallots in a pan. Then, by eyeballing the correct amount, he throws in chopped Granny Smith and gala apples, golden raisins, dried cranberries, roasted cauliflower, chopped sage, salt, roasted pumpkin seeds and farro. Scolaro deglazes the mixture with white wine and vegetable stock, shaking the pan as a gas burner flames up. Finally, he empties the mixture into the squash, finising everything with fresh sage.

Scolaro makes preparing the squash meal look effortless and does it all while plating and finishing a pork dish — cooking on the flattop and in three pans. Watching him work made me more aware of how much

Unlike the chefs we profile, I struggle in the kitchen. Scolaro worked so smoothly because everything was prepped, but I don’t take the time to prepare ingredients.

My oversight often ends up with me chopping while another ingredient burns on the stovetop. I’ve ruined a few pans that way, and set off the smoke alarm more times than I can count. Eggs are my most common casualty. I tend to batch cook, so my family often eats leftovers.

Dining out is a big treat for us. Last winter, my husband, Tony, and I had a great night out with an engaged couple that started at Crave in Akron. I had a special cocktail with a Pop Rocks rim, which crackled in my mouth as I sipped it, and a delectable burger special. Tony had the airline chicken, which I wrote about in January 2024. Each element is scratch-cooked and requires so much effort — at the time, the dish included a blood orange-achiote-marinated winged piece of chicken, Peruvian potato salad, black bean-and-chorizo chili and salsa criolla.

friends about their upcoming wedding and travels. It was a bright spot during a cold winter.

Scolaro mentioned that he loves how restaurants can be a strong point of connection for family and friends.

“There’s not many things in the world that can bring people together the way food can,” he says. “Knowing that we provide a place for people to do that and facilitate those memories — that’s a pretty special thing.”

Those moments are made even more special at local spots. In this issue, we feature Moe’s Restaurant, which opened in 1998 and was one of the early independent spots in downtown Cuyahoga Falls. The city is now a thriving local dining destination.

“I feel like I changed the landscape of Cuyahoga Falls,” says chef and owner Maureen “Moe” Schneider. “Left to its own devices, every town would look like Montrose, Chapel Hill or Macedonia with a whole bunch of franchise restaurants.

Independent restaurants give personality to a city.”

After the holidays, the winter can be dull.

Use this list to find vibrant local restaurants. Brighten your season by making special memories — and perhaps even save a few pans!

Next, we stopped at Tiki Underground, where I had the Cheetah Chrome — a cocktail that includes lychee cordial, pineapple rum, orgeat, lemon and tropical bitters. It was so yummy that I slowly sipped it, savoring its fruity flavor. We stayed out unusually late and had fun talking with our

[ Managing Editor Kelly Petryszyn is an adventure seeker, forever a dreamer and an avid supporter of #TeamFiona. ] DECEMBER 2024 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA

DECEMBER 2024 | VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 12

Agenda the essential social digest

Previous production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” photo by Dale Dong Photography

THROUGH 12/22 “JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT” Watch the 20th mounting of one of the most consistently popular Weathervane Playhouse productions — “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Based on the biblical tale of Joseph, this show is a rockin’ take on a classic story. Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron. Select times. $16 and up. weathervaneplayhouse.com

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

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

THROUGH 12/6 “STUDENT & FACULTY EXHIBITION” See an exhibit of works from students

and faculty members at the Cuyahoga Valley Art Center.

This show, which has been hosted for decades, showcases local talent and artists. Cuyahoga Valley Art Center, main gallery, 2131 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls. Monday & Tuesday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Wednesday 1-6 p.m., Thursday & Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. cvart.org

THROUGH 12/13 “HEART GALLERY” Powerful portraits of children waiting to be adopted — created by local artists — are on display at this new show, installed at Malone University. A!er Dec. 13, the exhibit moves to the Canton Museum of Art from Dec. 20 to Jan. 10, Massillon Museum from Jan. 25 to Feb. 16 and the North Canton Public Library from March 24 to April 11. Malone University, Johnson Center, Malone Art Gallery, 2600 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton. starkcountyohio.gov THROUGH 12/14 “FALL EXHIBITIONS” Take in five shows from Summit Artspace, including “Kaleidoscope,” a juried exhibition, works by Greg Caudill and Lindsay Martin Gryskewich and more. Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. Fridays noon-7 p.m. & Saturdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. summitartspace.org

ISSUE 12 | VOLUME 22 | DECEMBER 2024

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THROUGH 12/15 “NANCY CROW: ON MY MIND CONSTRUCTIONS / RIFFS/DRAWINGS/ MONOPRINTS” A figurehead in the world of

THROUGH 12/30 WILD LIGHTS This holiday season, see animal and wildlife-themed lighting displays at the Akron Zoo on select dates! Sip hot chocolate, coffee or beer, enjoy photo-ops and see lights in the shapes of armadillos, deer, birds and more. There are more than 1 million lights around the zoo, and choirs from local high schools and organizations are singing on select nights. For those with different abilities, a special Zoothing Wild Lights event is set for Dec. 12. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron.

5-9 p.m. Tickets required. akronzoo.org

THROUGH 12/22 “JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT”

THROUGH 1/12/25 “BROWN’S TOWN: ARTWORK INSPIRED BY OHIO’S FOOTBALL HERITAGE” Behold a statewide juried exhibit

contemporary quilt-making and fiber arts, Nancy Crow now resides and works near Baltimore, Ohio. View some of her works, selected from the previous two decades, at this exhibit. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent. Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, staff & all on Sundays, otherwise $10 general public. kent.edu/museum

Watch the 20th mounting of one of the most consistently popular Weathervane Playhouse productions — “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Based on the biblical tale of Joseph, this show is a rockin’ take on a classic story. Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron. Select times. $16 and up. weathervaneplayhouse.com

THROUGH 12/29 “WHERE WE LIVE: PHOTOGRAPHS OF HUMAN SPACES” This

photography exhibit explores the meaning of human spaces through work from multiple artists. Sourced from the collection of Fred and Laura Ruth Bidwell, the pictures on display allow visitors to take in representations of houses, skyscrapers, storefronts and more — and reflect on their value. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron.

Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Adult general admission $12, free Thursdays. akronartmuseum.org

spotlighting Ohio’s football culture. Featuring a wide variety of mediums, this show honors Paul Brown, the father of modern football. Massillon Museum, Paul Brown Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. massillonmuseum.org

THROUGH 1/12/25 “STARK COUNTY ARTISTS EXHIBITION” For over 30 years, the Massillon Museum

has held a juried exhibition of Stark County artists. Visit the museum to see a collection of works from some of the area’s best local creatives. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org

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AGENDA

DECEMBER 2024 | VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 12

THROUGH 2/17/25 WINTERBLAST Recently renovated, Lock 3 is celebrating winter with beloved activities — including ice skating, breakfast with Santa Dec. 14 and 21, ice bumper cars, igloo rentals and visiting Archie the Snowman. Take part in a holiday tradition at the revamped gathering space. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. akronohio.gov

THROUGH 3/23/25 “WINTER WONDERLAND” Greet chillier weather with

a wintry exhibit. See coats, board games, sleds and more from the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum collection. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton. Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. & Sunday noon-4 p.m. $15 adults, $14 senior adults, $13 students and children 3-18, free children 2 and under. mckinleymuseum.org

THROUGH 5/25/25 “THE HEPBURN STYLE: KATHARINE AND HER DESIGNERS” Browse a showcase of actor

Katharine Hepburn’s style with this immersive exhibit. It includes examples of Hepburn’s personal wardrobe, costumes worn by the actor and items from the Kent State University Museum collection made by designers she admired. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent.

Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday noon4 p.m. Free, students, staff & all on Sundays, otherwise $10 general public. kent.edu/museum

THROUGH 7/28/25 “SHANNON RODGERS AND JERRY SILVERMAN: DAZZLING DAY AND NIGHT” Celebrate the legacy of the Kent State University Museum’s founders, Shannon Rodgers and Jerry Silverman, with this exhibit of their company’s clothing.

Famous throughout the 1960s and ‘70s, these outfits are certain to stun. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent. TuesdaySaturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday noon-4 p.m.

Free, students, staff & all on Sundays, otherwise $10 general public. kent.edu/museum

12/1, 12/7 & 12/8 BALLET THEATRE OF OHIO PRESENTS “NUTCRACKER” This classic show is an Akron must-see. On select dates, take in the tale of Clara, a young girl who imagines her Nutcracker as a character in a sweetand magic-filled world. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. Dec. 1 & Dec. 8 2 p.m., Dec. 7 2 & 7 p.m. $35 and up. akroncivic.com

12/4 VINO VERSITY AT THE CAVE Learn more about wine — and the Gervasi Vineyard portfolio — with Vino Versity. This hands-on, interactive experience includes three sparkling wine samples. Participants learn about their creation. Gervasi Vineyard, the Cave, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 6:30 p.m. $29. gervasivineyard.com

12/4 WASSAIL! AN IRISH! APPALACHIAN CHRISTMAS Follow the story of America’s Irish immigrants with this Christmas-centric story of resilience and the immigrant experience, presented by Apollo’s Fire.

Irish singer Fiona Gillespie is joined by instruments such as fiddles, harps and hammered dulcimers.

United Church of Christ, the Bath Church, 3980 W. Bath Road, Akron. 7 p.m. $10 and up. apollosfire. org

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ISSUE 12 | VOLUME 22 | DECEMBER 2024

12/5 MISTLETOE MARKETPLACE TRUNK SHOW Browse festive items from brands carried by

Gervasi Vineyard, including meditation rings, handbags and accessories. All guests receive a $10 voucher to use during the event. Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 6-8 p.m. $5. gervasivineyard.com

12/5 LIGHT UP DOWNTOWN Travel down 14 blocks of attractions, including ice skating and sleigh rides. See dancers, Santa and fireworks. Downtown Canton. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free. cantonchamber.org 12/5!12/29 “EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (AND THEN SOME!)” Tired of

seeing the same production of “A Christmas Carol” each year? Try something new and lighthearted with the Ohio Shakespeare Festival’s production of “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!).”

As its name implies, this 90-minute show takes viewers on a whirlwind of various stories, carols and tales. Greystone, 103 S. High St., Akron. $5 and up. ohioshakespearefestival.com

12/6 HOLIDAY PARTY OPEN HOUSE See the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum decked out for the holidays at this fun event. Grab complimentary cookies and punch, then visit Santa himself. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton. 6-8 p.m. Free for members, $8 for guests. mckinleymuseum.org

12/6!12/8 E.J. THOMAS CHRISTMAS ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW Find the perfect, unique gi!s for your loved ones at this annual holiday market, featuring more than 100 professional artists and cra!speople, in its 44th year. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. Friday noon-7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. & Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. General admission $5, $4.50 for those 62 and over, kids 12 and under free. downtownakron.com

12/6!12/22 “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” See a

production of a Christmas classic presented by Boom Theater. The tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly man who learns the true meaning of the holiday, this musical features a score by Alan Menken. Akron Civic Theatre, the Knight Stage, 182 S. Main St., Akron. Select times. General admission $25. akroncivic.com

12/7 SANTA CLAUS AND FURRY PAWS Snap pictures with Santa, take part in cra!s and activities and enjoy light concession offerings at this animal-centric event. Don’t miss a fireside story at 4:30 p.m. and a musical performance at 5 p.m. Bring donations for animals at the Wildlife Conservation Center. Sippo Lake Park-North, 5712 12th St. NW, Canton. 5-8 p.m. Free, train rides are an additional cost. starkparks.com 12/7 HOLIDAY WREATH MAKING Make a gorgeous wreath for your home in this workshop. A naturalist teaches participants about which evergreen trees are native to Ohio, as well as about other native plant materials — such as winterberries, vines and dried grasses — that look great in wreaths. Make a wreath and

AGENDA

take one home. Register in advance. Liberty Park, nature center, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg. 10 a.m.- noon. $20. summitmetroparks.org

12/8 “’TIS THE SEASON” Allow holiday

music from The University of Akron’s choral, jazz and brass programs to ease you into the spirit of the season! First Congregational Church, 292 E. Market St., Akron. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free, donations accepted. uakron.edu/music

12/10 “HANDEL’S MESSIAH” The music of Handel washes over you at this stunning performance of “Messiah.” Jeanette Sorrell and the Apollo’s Singers, of Appollo’s Fire, present this masterpiece during a two hour-and-15 minuteshow. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1361 W. Market St., Akron. 7 p.m. $10 and up. apollosfire.org 12/10 “A NOSTALGIC NIGHT WITH MACAULAY CULKIN FOLLOWING A SCREENING OF ‘HOME ALONE’$” See

one of America’s favorite holiday movies, “Home Alone,” on the big screen at the Akron Civic Theatre! Following the nostalgic screening, audience members have the unique opportunity to hear an exclusive live interview and audience Q&A with the film’s star, actor Macaulay Culkin. He offers insights from the making of the film, behindthe-scenes stories and more during this can’t-miss evening. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 6:30 p.m. $39-$250. akroncivic.com

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AGENDA

DECEMBER 2024 | VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 12

12/12 CIRQUE MUSICA: “HOLIDAY WONDERLAND” The wonder of the holidays

mixes with fabulous music, acrobatics, singers and storylines at this circus-inspired show. See aerial feats and exciting costumes as you experience a new holiday tradition. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. $25 and up. akroncivic.com

12/13 UGLY SWEATER NIGHT HIKE Wear

your most unappealing sweater and join other winter enthusiasts for a night walk through the woods. This good-natured holiday outing takes participants on a half-mile saunter. Then, enjoy a campfire, s’mores, hot chocolate and games. This event is fun for those of all ages. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, campfire area, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 5:30-7 p.m. Free. summitmetroparks.org

12/13 “HOLIDAY POPS 2024” Hear holiday

favorites with a performance from the Akron Symphony! This locally beloved concert is holly-jolly.

E.J. Thomas Hall, Hill St., Akron. 7:30-9:30 p.m. $7 and up. akronsymphony.org

12/13 HOLIDAY DINNER IN THE STREET OF SHOPS Dine in the McKinley Museum’s Street

of Shops and travel back in time to see life in the early 1900s. The East Canton Echoes Choir is performing, and the gi! shop is open. Make sure to reserve your spot by Dec. 2. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton.

5:30-8 p.m. $55 per person for members, $60 for nonmembers. mckinleymuseum.org

12/13!12/22 DECK THE HOLLOW AT QUAIL HOLLOW PARK On select nights, wander through a park decorated in holiday lights during this festive self-guided walk. Tour the grounds and the decorated Stewart Manor House. This year’s theme is “Lights, Camera, Christmas.” Concessions such as hot chocolate, a fire and a photo op with Santa are available as well. Quail Hollow Park, 13480 Congress Lake Ave., Hartville. 5-8:30 p.m. $10 per person or $30 per car, cash only. Kids under 2 free. starkparks.com

12/14 ALL THE CREATURES: AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY MARKET Looking

for something slightly less mainstream this holiday season? Find it at Missing Falls Brewery. Vendors and artisans sell wares, including horror-inspired items!

Missing Falls Brewery, 540 S. Main St., Akron. 2 p.m.-7 p.m. Free. missingfalls.com

12/20 & 12/21 CHRISTMAS AT THE PALACE Presented by Vocal Fusion, this extravagant celebration of all things Christmas takes over the Canton Palace Theatre for two fun nights! Enjoy a cappella music from Vocal Fusion, including collaborations with the Canton Ballet. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 7 p.m. $20 adults, $18.50 students, $15 children ages 3 to 10. cantonpalacetheatre.org

12/21 SCIENCE SATURDAY: “HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS” Make your own Christmas

ornaments, enjoy some hot chocolate and listen to holiday tunes at this fun cra!ing event. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Included with admission to the museum. mckinleymuseum.org

12/21 NEIL ZAZA’S ONE SILENT NIGHT Internationally celebrated local guitarist Neil Zaza presents a holiday show like no other: One Silent Night. Jam to mashups of classic carols, rock anthems, orchestral arrangements and more as you welcome Christmas with a bang! Goodyear Theater, 1201 E. Market St., Akron, 8 p.m. $25 & up. goodyeartheater. com 14

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AGENDA

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Based in Michigan, Community Choice is dedicated to supporting Ohio businesses with secure, flexible and convenient services, keeping your cash accessible and protected every step of the way. Brent Burkhard, a Stark County resident and financial advocate, is here to support Ohio businesses. As Community Choice’s business development manager, he’s dedicated to building strong relationships with local businesses.

Ready to streamline your banking? Contact Brent to learn how Community Choice can help your business succeed.

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DECEMBER 2024 | VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 12

THROUGH 1/12/25 “STARK COUNTY ARTISTS EXHIBITION” For over 30 years, the Massillon Museum has held a juried exhibition of Stark County artists. Visit the museum to see a collection of works from some of the area’s best local creatives. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. TuesdaySaturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org

“Time Well Served,” Lou Camerato

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

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AGENDA

THROUGH 12/30 DECK THE HALL On select nights,

visitors to Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens can see the estate decorated in 1.4 million holiday lights. Experience a favorite Akron Christmas event at this gorgeously decked-out property.

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 3-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday: $20 adults 18 and over; $9 youth (317). Friday-Sunday: $24 adults 18 and over; $11 youth (3-17). All dates, children 2 & under free.

12/21 TUBACHRISTMAS Hundreds of festively decorated tubas play you into the holiday season at this 44th annual concert. Conducted by Tucker Jolly and Chris Blaha, the jolly tones of these instruments are the perfect accompaniment for Christmas. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. Noon & 2:30 p.m. $10 for performers, free for audience members. uakron. edu/music

12/22 S’MORES AND SNOWFLAKES CAMPFIRE Families with small kids can gather around a campfire with a naturalist to learn more about snowflakes and make delicious s’mores. Listen to the reading of a book too. Make sure to bring a blanket! F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, campfire area, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 2-3 p.m. Free. summitmetroparks.org

12/28 BREW AT THE ZOO: HOLIDAY SPECIAL Sip beer and wine as you enjoy the decorations for Wild Lights at the Akron Zoo. Your ticket purchase includes eight sample tastings. Make sure to check out the food trucks on-site! This event is for those 21 and over only. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron. 6-9 p.m.

Tickets purchased before Dec. 21 at 9 a.m.: Members $43, non-members $48, member designated drivers $25, nonmember designated drivers $30.

General admission: Members $48, non-members $53, member designated drivers $30, nonmember designated drivers $35. akronzoo.org

Soprano Sonya Headlam

12/30 FROSTY FAMILY FLICK Escape the winter weather and watch a classic film with your family. Summit Metro Parks is screening “The Princess Bride,” and providing chairs and light refreshments. Bring snacks, additional chairs and blankets.

Firestone Metro Park, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. 1-3 p.m. Free. summitmetroparks.org

12/31 ZOO YEAR’S EVE Kids can join a New Year’s Eve party of their own at this familyfriendly celebration. Welcome 2025 with a noon ball drop, activities, music, cra!s and more. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Included with general admission, or free for zoo members. akronzoo.org

12/10 “HANDEL’S MESSIAH” The music of Handel washes over you at this stunning performance of “Messiah.” Jeanette Sorrell and the Apollo’s Singers, of Appollo’s Fire, present this masterpiece during a two hour-and-15 minute-show. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1361 W. Market St., Akron. 7 p.m. $10 and up. apollosfire. org

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THE SIXTH ANNUAL 330 FLAVOR AWARDS

by Cameron Gorman and Kelly Petryszyn photos by Talia Hodge

SEASONED CHEFS

ME ET SE VE N CU LINARY S TARS M IXIN G T HING S UP I N TH E 330. FROM CLEV EL AND CAVA L IER S PL AY ER M AX S TRU S ’ PRIVATE CHE F TO A “NIGH TLINE” TOP CH EF N ATI O NAL FINA L IST, T H ES E CH EF S ADD FL AVOR TO TH E 330’S DINING S CENE. PLU S, CH ECK OU T 23 5 R E A D ER S’ P IC KS F OR TH E S IXTH ANN UAL 3 3 0 FL AVO R AWARDS.

Vue chef and co-owner Anthony Scolaro with pork rib-eye 18

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M y Fav o ri te L o c al B i t e C a s a D e l R i o ’ s c h i c ke n b u r r i t o a n d c usto m j a l a p e n o m arg ar i t a “It’s one of those places that I like to go to on my d ays off. I get to relax. I love the staff,” says Vue chef and co-owner Anthony Scolaro.

“When I walk in, they have my margarita pretty m uch made by the tim e I s it do wn .”

NEW VIEW All at once, Vue chef and co-owner Anthony Scolaro is cooking five elements of a new pork dish. He’s working the stove, braising cabbage, heating chicken stock and cooking down an apple chutney, while simultaneously manning a flattop grill — searing a salted, prime-cut pork rib-eye steak and three sauerkraut pierogies from Pierogies of Cleveland.

“We want to make sure we get some color, and honestly, that adds texture too,” he says of the pierogies. “We like to do them with a little bit of sear, so you get some crunch. Then the inside is soft.”

A centerpiece of Vue’s new celebration-themed menu, the dish ($25) is a twist on a traditional pork-and-sauerkraut New Year’s Day meal. The plate features savoy cabbage — a more delicate, flavorful variety — that’s braised with chicken stock, garlic and shallots. To make a jammy chutney, Scolaro cooks down gala apples with cider, vinegar and sugar. The topping is slathered on the pork, which is garnished with parsley and finished with housemade sour cream — crafted by culturing heavy cream with buttermilk.

“The sauerkraut should help cut through the richness of the pork and pierogi. The cabbage adds a really nice earthy element to balance it out,” says the University of Akron culinary graduate. “The chutney will have

some sweetness and acidity. It will help round out all the parts of the dish.”

Scolaro opened 111 Bistro in Medina in 2014, spotlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients, and opened Vue with Brian Dolgowicz in November 2023.

The restaurant brings fine dining to downtown Wadsworth, the city Scolaro calls home.

“We’re trying to up the game,” he says.

What makes Vue so unique is chiefly its menu: Every 10 weeks, it features new dishes with a new theme — such as delicate and Pacific Asian. With an early November start, the celebration theme honors the holidays — and Vue’s one-year anniversary — with dishes like green bean

casserole arancini, braised short rib and a giant confetti cupcake.

The menu also features roasted acorn squash ($21) overflowing with Granny Smith and gala apples, kale, dried cranberries, roasted cauliflower, chopped sage, roasted pumpkin seeds, farro and cider maple gastrique.

Scolaro’s diners are willing to go on culinary adventures with him, turning to his restaurants for casual and special occasions alike.

“We want to be a part of people’s lives. We give them an opportunity to celebrate, to escape,” he says. “That’s the best part for me.” // KP 102 High St., Wadsworth, 330808-6347, thevuewads.com

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T h y me ² executive chef and owner John

Kolar with mussels and fire-roasted pork chop

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M y Fav o r i t e L o c a l B i t e : L u i g i ’ s R e s t a u r a n t ’ s p e p p e ro n i p i z z a a n d h o u s e s al ad “My wife grew up in Copley … and she went to Akron U, so Luigi’s [Restaurant] was her favorite spot that she turned me on to,” says Thyme ² executive chef and owner John Kolar. “So, we’ll still go have lunch there once a month or so.”

THYME AFTER THYME Around age 12, John Kolar caught a glimpse of something spectacular.

His father, a meat-cutter, had brought his family to Johnny’s Bar for dinner.

As they stood outside, they saw light pour from its windows, illuminating the Cleveland night.

“That’s the glow that got me hooked into the restaurant business,” Kolar says.

After getting sober in 1994, Kolar applied to the Culinary Institute of America, becoming a student in 1998 at age 32. In 2000, he took a job under Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten in New York City, learning about sourcing ingredients, using spices and working in a high-intensity kitchen before returning to Ohio around 2003.

“By the time I was 40, I wanted to have my own restaurant,” he says. “It was the scariest thing I’ve ever done, but it was definitely very fulfilling.”

Serving experimental fare like frozen blue cheese croutons, his Medina restaurant, Thyme, became a hit. In 2012, Kolar moved to a dual-floor location in the same city: Thyme² was born, with both elevated fine dining and pub-style menus.

Thyme²’s menu shifts seasonally.

One of Kolar’s most personal dishes is the fire-roasted pork chop ($32), served with a sweet potato souffle, braised green cabbage, roasted local Honeycrisp apples and an apple-pork jus.

Created as a tribute to his parents, who often made pork chops at home, iterations have been on Kolar’s menus for nearly two decades.

“We put it in a brine of apple cider and bourbon and mustard for a couple days, and then we cook it right in the pizza oven,” says Thyme² executive chef and owner Kolar of the pork. “It gets this little char on the outside and still is soft and juicy on the inside.”

Also try unique chipotle cream steamed mussels — inspired by Kolar’s time with Vongerichten.

When first coming up with a recipe for the dish, a colleague suggested a classic preparation for the shellfish: sun-dried tomatoes and white wine. Kolar suggested cream.

The resulting dish, made with onions, garlic, chipotle peppers, double-thick cream, andouille sausage and diced tomatoes, has been a staple since — now served with house-made focaccia to soak up sauce.

“There’s nothing better than looking over and seeing someone take a bite … and their eyes lighting up,” Kolar says. “You gotta find your passion. I was lucky enough to find mine.” // CG 113 W. Smith Road, Medina, 330-764-4114, thyme2restaurant.com

“He goes, Cream? You can’t put cream with a mussel. And I said, Yeah, you can,” Kolar recalls.

“Jean-Georges did coconut milk with a curry with his mussels. We could do it.”

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M y Fav o ri te L o c al B i t e Brea k f a st at Tif f ani ’s C afe & Cateri n g’ s th ree - t i e re d p l at t e r “ They hav e pancake s, h ash bro wn s on it, s aus ag e, biscuit s an d gravy,” s ays Edg ar’ s execut ive ch e f an d owner Glenn Gillespie . “In cre dible .”

GLOBAL COMMUNITY Glenn Gillespie grew up eating cachupa stew — the national dish of Cape Verde, an African island nation where Portuguese is spoken. It’s where his grandfather is from.

“We had a lot of Cape Verdean dishes,” says the Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts graduate. “Those changed the way I looked at food.”

International flavors are at the forefront of Edgar’s in Akron, where Gillespie is the executive chef and owner. Caribbean and Mediterranean influences are prominent. Italian dishes are inspired by his time working at renowned restaurant Piatto, while Southern and Creole offerings are inspired by Gillespie’s visits to his brother in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Smoke and heat appear in many dishes — includ-

ing the vegetarian pasta ($21.50).

Gillespie roasts acorn, butternut and spaghetti squashes to make a sweet veloute sauce. He then smokes and grills peppers and asparagus, tossing them with linguini, crispy spinach, sauteed mushrooms, goat cheese, pine nuts and scallions to complete the plate.

risotto, made of roasted sweet potatoes, chicken stock, Parmesan and more, as well as Creole spinach — which features garlic, olive oil, mixed julienned peppers and sauteed spinach.

and local skilled workers helped redesign the restaurant — painting the walls pearl white and the ceiling black, adding stylish seating, switching in globe lighting and installing a new wooden bar.

“It’s clean food that has layers of flavor, savory, citrus,” says Gillespie.

“You want to have the smokiness from the grilled, smoked vegetables, so you have a hearty, rich, smoked flavor,” says the 2010 “Nightline” top chef national finalist, who has worked with Michael Symon.

Located at J.E. Good Park Golf Course, Edgar’s got a reboot in two “Restaurant: Impossible” appearances on the Food Network, which aired in 2020 and 2021.

Edgar’s and Gillespie are celebrating 20 years next spring. He credits the community’s support. The international menu has helped bring in a diverse clientele who hunger for a cultural bite.

The lemon pepper salmon presents spice. The star is lemon pepper, made by grating, drying and chopping lemon — and grinding it with pepper. Along with Cajun seasoning, it coats Sixty South salmon before it’s grilled. The fish is served with a sweet potato

“I learned how to run a restaurant more efficiently, narrow down my menu,” he says.

The slimmer menu features dishes from the show — including shrimp quesadillas and smoked fried chicken — alongside bar-friendly and fine dining options. Community members

“We have one of the most diverse restaurants in Northeast Ohio because politicians come here, doctors, lawyers, neighborhood people,” Gillespie says.

“Everybody’s welcome.” // KP At J.E. Good Park Golf Course, 530 Nome Ave., Akron, 330-8693000, edgarsrestaurant.com

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330 FLAVOR AWARDS M y Fav o ri te L o c al B i t e B l u e D o o r C afe & B a ke r y ’ s c ro q ue m ad am e “Been going there for years. They’re always delicious. They always have fun specials,” says Stirling executive chef David Tigelman. “I always get s om ething dif feren t t h e re , but t h e croque m adam e i s my fallback.”

PEAK PERFORMANCE In 2023, chef David Tigelman arrived for his culinary tryout, pans in tow. New Cleveland Cavaliers player Max Strus was auditioning private chefs, and Tigelman came prepared to make a salmon dish. He figured Strus would have oil — but he’d just moved in and hadn’t purchased any yet.

Tigelman was left without the key ingredient.

“I basically basted it with the sauce and glaze and made it that way, without any oil,” he says. “I got the job.”

Tigelman prepares dieticianapproved meals, such as collagenand protein-infused pancakes and from-scratch maple turkey sausages, to aid in Strus’ recovery (the guard-forward sustained an ankle injury in October). His cooking also helps fuel Strus’ playing — such as a face-off in which he scored five three-

pointers in the game’s final four minutes.

“At the very end of the game, he launches that [59-]foot shot, and it goes in, and we win,” recalls Tigelman, who has also cooked for former Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry. “It was pretty crazy.”

Tigelman’s path to success was challenging. After graduating from the Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts, he struggled with his mental health. He was fired from his first post-graduation restaurant job, later experiencing loss with the death of a chef colleague. Ultimately, he discovered he had severe sleep apnea.

“Not getting oxygen into your brain … you’re not as healthy, mentally or physically,” Tigelman says. “Once I started using that machine, it really opened up almost an entire new side of me.”

After beginning to work as a private chef, he started his own

catering company, Slice, in 2020 — re-entering the scene as the executive chef at fine dining restaurant Stirling this year.

Opened in summer 2024, Stirling presents an intimate take on fine dining, boasting a rotating menu based on themes such as holiday classics.

In December, diners can order a hanger steak with braised oxtail risotto. Served with roasted baby carrots, English peas, Worcestershire butter and a black garlic-and-mushroom puree, it’s the perfect dish for a winter day.

“I like to get a nice caramelization on a lot of my vegetables,” Tigelman says. “The risotto is going to be nice and creamy, and it’s going to have some more richness to it, just from the oxtail.

That’ll be braised and kind of pulled apart.”

is served over smoked cheddar grits with braised collard greens.

As a cheat meal, it’s one of Strus’ favorites.

“You’re able to take that leftover braising liquid and reduce it down to a sauce,” Tigelman says.

“It’s sweet, tangy, spicy, and a lot of savory notes from the actual meat and the beef broth itself are in there. … It’s going to have a nice kind of mellow heat.”

Balancing his dual jobs means long hours for Tigelman — but he can’t see himself doing anything else.

“When you’ve done it for so long, it’s a part of your identity,” he says. “It’s not like, What does being a chef mean to me — it is me.” // CG 1288 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330-701-9303, stirlingakron.com

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S é ré n i t é Re s t a u r a nt & Culinary Inst i t u t e e xe c u t i v e chef Todd W hi t m a n w i t h Ch i l ean s ea bas s

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330 FLAVOR AWARDS M y Fav o r i t e L o c a l B i t e : C o o l B e a n s C afe ’s h o u s e m e d i u m ro a s t c of fe e a n d b re a k f a s t sa n d w i c h “I love their coffee and breakfast sandwiches,” says Todd Whitman, executive chef at Sérénité Restaurant & Culinary Institute. “I’m a big coffee drinke r.”

SECOND COURSE Todd Whitman knew his life was on the line. After his 2015 release from a two-year sentence at Lake Erie Correctional Institution, he spiraled out of control again — and overdosed.

“I’m like, I’m gonna die this way if I don’t change,” says Whitman, now the executive chef at Sérénité Restaurant & Culinary Institute in Medina.

Whitman, now a married father of eight, has intermittently served over five years in correctional institutions for charges such as driving under the influence. For around nine years, Whitman, his wife and his kids struggled with homelessness, couch surfing after numerous evictions.

In July 2015, he pleaded with his parole officer. “I said … You

could keep locking me up,” he recalls. “The real problem is my alcoholism, addiction. Can you get me help?”

Whitman completed programs at the Community Assessment & Treatment Services center and Edwins Leadership & Restaurant Institute, in which formerly incarcerated adults receive culinary training. Edwins led to a line cook job under acclaimed chef Andrew Gorski at Parker’s Downtown, where Whitman cooked for LeBron James, Matthew McConaughey and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

“It was really exciting, changing my life and devoting so much energy into food,” he says.

In 2018, Whitman began working at Sérénité as a sous chef.

Now the executive chef, he made the expensive French menu more approachable — with dishes such

as chicken Marsala, cassoulet and a braised pulled pork sandwich for December. That month marks the debut of the restaurant’s pistachio-crusted Chilean sea bass ($60) as a regular menu item.

The dish starts with mixing emulsified, clarified butter with crushed pistachios to create a crust. The fish is baked in white wine, salt, pepper and olive oil.

Whitman crafts a key lime beurre blanc by reducing white wine vinegar, shallots, lime zest and lime juice and emulsifying butter and cream into the mixture, separating out the shallots. It’s served with baked rice pilaf and blanched asparagus.

“It’s been a smash hit,” he says.

Sérénité hosts a six-month training program for those in recovery from addiction. The restaurant shares a property with

the Recovery Center of Medina County and offers a 12-step program that Whitman established.

He shares his story regularly, including at the Medina County Jail every six weeks. Several program graduates work at Sérénité, including Rick — its first student, he’s now Sérénité’s general manager.

“I get to help people. I’ve been in their shoes,” Whitman says. “It’s life-changing for students.”

Whitman has been sober for nine years. Asking for help saved his life — and cooking has been an immense motivator for his recovery.

“God put me in this position to be here for a reason,” he says.

“Food is so exciting. It heals people.” // KP 538 W. Liberty St., Medina. 330952-2611, sereniterestaurant.com DECEMBER 2024 | akronlife.com

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Scratch Steakhouse and Lounge chef and owner Demond Germany with chili, signature pasta and Champagne chicken and shrimp

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M y Fav o ri te L o c al B i t e Ta b l e S i x K i t c h e n & B a r ’ s s h o r t ri b sl i d e r s “ They’re the model of consistency,” s ays Dem ond Ge rman y, ch e f an d owner at Scratch S t e akh o use an d Lounge. “Every time you go there, the food’s the same. They do a great job of staff ret e n t io n . ”

FROM SCRATCH At age 14, Demond Germany went from washing dishes to preparing them. La Dolce Vita, an established Italian spot in Cleveland’s Little Italy, was busy — and down one cook.

“I offered to jump in … next thing they know, I’m splashing white wine and flaming up sauces and everything,” Germany recounts. “From that night on, I was no longer a dishwasher.”

By 15, Germany was accepted into the Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts. In his 30s, he tried to open a carryout spot, but it failed to launch.

“I got a bar next,” he explains.

“We would be booked solid with reservations every Thursday night for steak night. … I found this place down here in Louisville,

and I turned steak night into a steakhouse.”

Opened in 2019, Scratch Steakhouse and Lounge makes original seasoning blends and sauces for its house-cut meat and inventive, seasonal dishes — adding personal touches to meals like a hefty 45-ounce tomahawk rib-eye steak ($160). Half-off on Tuesdays, it’s enough to feed three. A dry-aging machine gives customers a peek into its creation — the unit has a glass door, allowing them to watch the meat tenderize.

“We pull it on the 28th day.

We cut it, and if we don’t use it within a day or so, we grind it up, and we turn it into chili,” says Germany, Scratch chef and owner. “We don’t throw any protein away.”

Also try Scratch’s Champagne chicken and shrimp ($28). Made with fresh lemon puree instead of just lemon juice, this rich, creamy dish features an innovative take on an Alfredo sauce.

“I added Champagne to it,” he says. “That was probably my Mona Lisa moment.”

Germany’s trademark dish — Scratch signature pasta ($27), crafted with house-made fettuccine, grilled chicken, sauteed shrimp, mushrooms, spinach and roasted red pepper Alfredo — was created while cooking for his kids.

Germany has created over 450 recipes. Scratch’s elevated-yetaccessible dishes and atmosphere make it a destination for date nights and anniversaries.

“I want people to have that more intimate feel when they come to dine here,” he says. “When you’re driving home, you’re just like, Wow. We can’t get that anywhere else.” // CG 108 E. Main St., Louisville, 234252-1219, scratchsteakhouseandlounge.com

“We roast the red peppers here in house, right before we make the sauce,” he says. “It’s a special blend of spicy seasoning, but it’s not overpowering. It’s just enough to give you that warm feel.”

DECEMBER 2024 | akronlife.com

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330 FLAVOR AWARDS

Moe’s Restaurant chef and owner Maureen “Moe” Schneider with grilled rack of lamb

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M y Fav o r i t e L oca l Bit e P a p a J o e ’ s Iacomini’s e g g p l ant P ar m e s a n “It’s easy and co mfo r t a b l e , ” says Moe’s Restau r a n t c h e f a n d owner Maureen “M o e ” S c h n e i d e r.

“I love eggplant . I l i ke t h e i r wine list. They ha v e c a r b o n at e d [ C arme n e t ] ch a rd on n a y. ”

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330 FLAVOR AWARDS

RE ADERS’ CHOICE BEST RESTAURANT IN THE 330

1.

2.

3.

Dean Martin’s Lanning’s The Bistro of Green Luigi’s Restaurant

BEST NEW RESTAURANT IN THE 330 (SINCE JANUARY 2023)

1.

2.

3.

Valley’s Edge Stirling Circle of 5ths / Vicious Biscuit

BEST RESTAURANT IN DOWNTOWN AKRON

ALL IN As a Peninsula Nite Club server in the late ‘70s, Maureen “Moe” Schneider, then 19 years old, hung around the kitchen with Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Bernard Mullady. She posed a question: How come you don’t have a trash can in here?

“He says, There’s never a trash can in a French kitchen. You use everything. You use the eggshells for stock, the vegetable peelings, you roast that off with bones to make demi[-glace],” says Schneider, now 66 and the chef and owner of Moe’s Restaurant in Cuyahoga Falls.

That use-it-all principle stayed with Schneider when she opened Moe’s in 1998. The restaurant boasts a from-scratch menu that rotates every six to eight weeks.

“If I have leftover Italian sausage — we can have the best Italian sausage with peppers and onions, two different kinds of cheese, and I’ll turn it into bread pudding,” says Schneider, who learned on the job and by taking cooking classes from teachers like acclaimed Cleveland chef Zack Bruell.

While she’s had several executive chefs at Moe’s, Schneider recently realized she was the one writing the menus. Now, she takes on the role of chef as well, crafting menus and whipping up soups and sauces. Moe’s has a casual tavern menu — offering fare such as

lobster pierogies ($18) and a chicken pesto sandwich ($15) — as well as a seasonal finer dining menu. For December, it includes beef Wellington and coq au vin, both dishes she learned from Mullady, as well as a grilled rack of lamb ($44). The recipe came to Schneider as she snacked on figs, realizing they’d be delicious in a sweet-and-salty risotto. To craft the dish, chicken stock, heavy cream and dried figs are added to risotto — goat cheese is incorporated last, so the flavor is more prominent. The lamb is topped with bacon jam, made by cooking down bacon, vinegar, brown sugar and cayenne pepper until syrupy. The dynamic plate gets served with fresh green beans.

“You got the sweet, salty, tang from the goat cheese, you’ve got the fat from the bacon jam.

It all plays nice together,” Schneider says.

“The figs give it little chunks of texture.”

Leading Moe’s for over 25 years has been Schneider’s calling. She has no plans to retire.

Food is everything to her.

“It’s my love language. Everybody does that one thing that shows how much you appreciate someone or something else,” Schneider says. “That’s what I do — I cook.” // KP 2385 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-9286600, moesrestaurant.com

1.

2.

3.

Diamond Grille Luigi’s Restaurant Crave

BEST RESTAURANT IN MEDINA COUNTY

1.

2.

3.

Thyme² House of Hunan Gandalf’s Pub & Restaurant

BEST RESTAURANT IN SUMMIT COUNTY

1.

2.

3.

The Bistro of Green Luigi’s Restaurant Divine Food Spirits Wine

BEST RESTAURANT IN PORTAGE COUNTY

1.

2.

3.

Bistro on Main The River Merchant Restaurant & Wine Market Ray’s Place

BEST RESTAURANT IN STARK COUNTY

1.

2.

3.

Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery Lucca Downtown Bender’s Tavern

BEST CHEF IN THE 330

1.

2.

3.

Eric Wright, Kingfish Eric Henninger, 35° Brix Beau Schmidt, Beau’s Grille and Beau’s on the River

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RE ADERS’ CHOICE

330 FLAVOR AWARDS

BEST RESTAURATEUR

1.

2.

3.

Beau Schmidt, Beau’s Grille, Beau’s on the River and Beau’s Bar & Bistro George Schindler, Hospitality Restaurants Dante Boccuzzi, Dante Boccuzzi Restaurants

BEST SERVICE STAFF

1.

2.

3.

Kingfish Beau’s Grille Divine Food Spirits Wine

BEST SANDWICHES

1.

2.

3.

Diamond Deli Beau’s Bar & Bistro D&M Grille

2.

3.

BEST A.M. ADULT DRINKS

1.

2.

3.

Caston & Main Brew Yard Rosewood Grill Jilly’s Music Room

1.

2.

3.

Swensons Drive-In Rosewood Grill D&M Grille

1.

2.

Menches Bros.

Divine Food Spirits Wine 35° Brix

BEST VEGGIE BURGER

1.

2.

3.

Rosewood Grill Wally Waffle Oak and Embers Tavern / The Blue Door Cafe & Bakery

Mustard Seed Market & Cafe Panini’s Bar & Grill Swensons Drive-In

1.

2.

3.

BEST BARBECUE

1.

2.

3.

Mission BBQ Jimmy’s Backyard BBQ Big Eu’es BBQ

1.

2.

3.

1.

2.

3.

The Blue Door Cafe & Bakery Wally Waffle Rosewood Grill

BEST WINGS

1.

2.

3.

Winking Lizard Tavern Gionino’s Pizzeria White House Chicken

Diamond Grille Rosewood Grill Alexander Pierce Restaurant

The Farmer’s Rail Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery The Blue Door Cafe & Bakery

BEST GASTROPUB

1.

2.

Downtown 140 Darby’s on Fifty-Nine Lager & Vine Gastropub & Wine Bar / Ido Bar & Grill

BEST TACOS

1.

2.

3.

El Fogon Mexican Grill La Loma Hermosillo Taco & Tequila Bar

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

1.

BEST BENEDICT

2.

3.

2.

3.

El Fogon Mexican Grill Tito’s Mexican Grill El Mesón Mexican Restaurant / Wholly Frijoles Mexican Street Food

Gionino’s Pizzeria Fiesta Pizza and Chicken Mark & Philly’s Pizza / Rizzi’s Ristorante & Pizzeria

BEST TO-GO FOOD

1.

BEST FARM-TO-TABLE

BEST REUBEN

Diamond Deli Beau’s Grille The Blue Door Cafe & Bakery / Magic City’s Remarkable Diner

1.

2.

3.

1.

2.

3.

Gionino’s Pizzeria Kingfish / Belgrade Gardens Rizzi’s Ristorante & Pizzeria

BEST JOJOS

BEST STEAKHOUSE

BEST SPECIALTY BURGER

BEST CHICKEN & WAFFLES

1.

2.

3.

2.

BEST CLASSIC BURGER

BEST BRUNCH

The Blue Door Cafe & Bakery Wally Waffle Rosewood Grill

1.

3.

3.

1.

BEST FRIED CHICKEN

3.

Beau’s Bar & Bistro Lucky Star Restaurant Chinese Carry Out Umami Noodle / Kingfish

BEST DRIVE-IN

1.

2.

3.

Swensons Drive-In Skyway Drive-In Restaurant Doodle Drive-In

BEST SAUERKRAUT BALLS

1.

2.

3.

Dontino’s Fine Italian Cuisine Divine Food Spirits Wine Skyway Drive-In Restaurant

SPICIEST FOOD IN THE 330

1.

2.

3.

BEST COCKTAILS

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2.

3.

Jilly’s Music Room Kingfish 35° Brix

BEST HAPPY HOUR

1.

2.

3.

Kingfish Jerzee’s Sports Grille Beau’s Grille / Divine Food Spirits Wine

BEST MARGARITAS

1.

2.

3.

El Fogon Mexican Grill Tres Potrillos Casa Del Rio

BEST MULES

1.

2.

3.

Beau’s Grille Kingfish Rosewood Grill

BEST APPETIZER MENU

1.

2.

3.

Beau’s Grille Kingfish Jerzee’s Sports Grille

BEST RESTAURANT BEER SELECTION

1.

2.

BEST CHARCUTERIE

1.

2.

3.

Cashmere Cricket, The Ktichen on Front Street Galaxy Restaurant DBA, Dante Boccuzzi Akron

3.

Winking Lizard Tavern The Basement Sports Bar & Grill / The Lockview Galaxy Restaurant

BEST BREWERY

1.

2.

3.

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Golden Dragon Saffron Patch in the Valley El Mesón Mexican Restaurant / Rice Paper Thai Cuisine

Eighty-Three Brewery Ignite Brewing Co. Fat Head’s Brewery

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RE ADERS’ CHOICE BEST WINERY

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2.

3.

The Winery at Wolf Creek Gervasi Vineyard Sarah’s Vineyard

BEST COFFEE

1.

2.

3.

Akron Coffee Roasters Yada Yada Coffee Nervous Dog Coffee Bar / Magic City’s Remarkable Diner

BEST COFFEE SHOP ATMOSPHERE

1.

2.

3.

Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea Yada Yada Coffee Angel Falls Coffee Co./Nervous Dog Coffee Bar

BEST INDIAN FOOD

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2.

3.

BEST MEDITERRANEAN FOOD

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2.

3.

1.

2.

3.

T-Bubbles Maki House Ming’s Bubble Tea / Bubbles & Puffles

BEST SUSHI

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2.

3.

Kasai Japanese Restaurant Golden Dragon House of Hunan / Sakura

Continental Cuisine Aladdin’s Eatery The Desert Inn

BEST ARTISAN FOOD SHOP

1.

2.

3.

The Farmer’s Rail Mustard Seed Market & Cafe DeVitis Fine Italian Foods

1.

2.

3.

Bill Hwang Restaurant Lucky Star Restaurant Chinese Carry Out Golden Dragon

BEST THAI CUISINE

1.

2.

3.

Rice Paper Thai Cuisine Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant Lemongrass Grill

2.

3.

Divine Food Spirits Wine Rockne’s Pub 35° Brix

1.

2.

3.

BEST VEGETARIAN / VEGAN FOOD

1.

2.

3.

Mustard Seed Market & Cafe Aladdin’s Eatery Square Scullery

BEST HOUSE-MADE WHITE FRENCH DRESSING

1.

2.

3.

Papa Joe’s Iacomini’s Beau’s Grille Divine Food Spirits Wine

2.

3.

Luigi’s Restaurant Gionino’s Pizzeria Foster’s Tavern of Hinckley

1.

2.

3.

The West Side Bakery Kingfish Sweet Mary’s Bakery

BEST CAKE

1.

1.

2.

3.

2.

3.

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

BEST CUPCAKE

1.

2.

3.

Divine Food Spirits Wine Umami Noodle D’Agnese’s at White Pond Akron

1.

2.

3.

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

BEST DOUGHNUTS BEST SEAFOOD

1.

2.

3.

Kingfish Beau’s Grille Chowder House Cafe / Valley’s Edge

1.

2.

3.

Jubilee Donuts Peace Love & Little Donuts North Hill Donuts

Hartville Chocolate Factory Malley’s Chocolates Pallotta’s Pastries

1.

2.

BEST SPORTS BAR

1.

2.

3.

Winking Lizard Tavern Jerzee’s Sports Grille The Basement Sports Bar & Grill

BEST PLACE TO EAT & WATCH A LIVE PERFORMANCE

1.

2.

3.

Jilly’s Music Room Blu Jazz The Piazza at Gervasi Vineyard

MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT

BEST CATERER

D&M Grille Jimmy’s Backyard BBQ Magic City’s Remarkable Diner

1.

2.

3.

The Bistro of Green Dean Martin’s Lanning’s Ken Stewart’s Grille

BEST FOOD TRUCK

1.

2.

3.

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Luigi’s Restaurant SantoSuossos Pizza Pasta Vino D’Agnese’s at White Pond Akron

3.

BEST CHEESECAKE

1.

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

BEST CHOCOLATES

3.

BEST PIZZA

BEST NOODLES BEST CHINESE TAKEOUT

1.

BEST FROZEN DESSERT

2.

1.

BEST BUBBLE TEA

Saffron Patch in the Valley Singh Biryani Bombay Sitar

BEST SALADS

330 FLAVOR AWARDS

D&M Grille Jimmy’s Backyard BBQ Wholly Frijoles Mexican Street Food

BEST DINING WITH A VIEW

1.

2.

3.

The Twisted Olive Beau’s on the River Gervasi Vineyard / DBA, Dante Boccuzzi Akron

BEST PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS

1.

2.

3.

BEST FOOD OR DRINK FESTIVAL

1.

2.

BEST PLACE TO EAT AT THE BAR

1.

2.

3.

Kingfish Jerzee’s Sports Grille 35° Brix / Crave

Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery Spaghetti Warehouse Totally Baked Pizza / Winking Lizard Tavern

3.

Rib White & Blue Festival, Akron Italian American Festival, Akron Cuyahoga Falls Oktoberfest

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GOOD EATS

DECEMBER 2024 | VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 12

Restaurants

Go t

w to vie aurants st e r a . a re ents e & v

[ notable food & drink ]

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

Please call ahead to verify location, hours and events.

Akron Family Restaurant Neighborhood meeting place, homey atmosphere, reasonable prices. 250 W. Market St., Akron, 330-376-0600 $$ B, L, D, T, W Aladdin’s Eatery Outdoor dining area, tasty Mediterranean cuisine. 782 W. Market St., Akron, 330-535-0110; 1991 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-4640; 44 Park Lane, Hudson, 330-656-0560; 3895 Medina Road, Fairlawn, 330-665-3102 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Al’s Corner Restaurant Old World comfort food served cafeteria style. Cabbage rolls and sausage made locally are a favorite. 155 Second St. NW, Barberton, 330-475-7978 $$ L, T, W Alexander Pierce Restaurant Fine dining menu of steaks, house-made pastas, calamari misto and cavatelli alla vodka in an intimate speakeasy-style atmosphere. 797 E. Market St., Akron, 330-529-2003 $$$ D, A, P Arcadia Grill Authentic Italian cuisine with pasta and chops. Brunch served Sun. A local favorite for more than 85 years. 321 Court Ave. NW, Canton, 234-214-8940 $$ B, L, D, A, W Arnie’s West Branch Steak House Casual dining, specializing in steak, ribs and seafood. 5343 state Route 14, Ravenna, 330-297-1717 $$$ D, A, T Barley House Hot and cold deli sandwiches, gourmet pizzas, hot dogs and more. 222 S. Main St., Akron, 330-374-0925 $$ L, D, A, T, W Basil Asian Bistro Menu features Thai, Chinese and Korean dishes, as well as sushi and Vietnamese specialties.

585 Market Ave. N, Canton, 330-4523888; 145 W. Liberty St., Wooster, 330-601-0885 $$$ L, D, A, T, W The Battleground Authentic Mexican food in an aesthetically pleasing

atmosphere. It specializes in tortillas and salsa that are made fresh daily. Guests can enjoy tacos, elote, carnitas and delicious flan for dessert. 425 Cherry St., Kent, 330548-9019 $$$ B, L, D, T, A, P Beau’s Grille Well-regarded, innovative menu at the DoubleTree by Hilton Akron/Fairlawn. 3180 W. Market St., Akron, 330-867-5218 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T, W, P Beau’s on the River Stunning views of the falls with floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary decor. Fusion eclectic cuisine and Sun. brunch.

Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls, 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-7530 $$$ B, L, D, A, T, W Belgrade Gardens Famous for fried chicken and homestyle cooking. 401 E. State St., Barberton, 330-745-0113 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders Known for grinders, pizza, pasta and fresh salads. Full bar, patio and banquet room with dance floor. 3657 Fishcreek Road, Stow, 330-678-3000 $$ L, D, A, T, W Bender’s Tavern Largest restaurant wine selection in Stark County. Menu features seafood. 137 Court Ave. SW, Canton, 330-453-8424 $$$$ L, D, A, T Bianca’s Ristorante Italiano Traditional Italian, juicy steaks and fresh seafood. 4284 Beverly Hills Drive, Brunswick, 330-225-0927 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Big Eu’es BBQ Known for delicious barbecue meals and Kool Aid pies.

The takeout spot also has a small dining area. 1730 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-706-6700 $$ L, D, T Big Eye Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar Menu o!ers a variety of sushi as well as salads, soups, appetizers, cooked entrees and veggie options to suit everyone at your table. 2965 W. Market St., Fairlawn, Suite L, 330-8364433 $$$ L, D, A, T, W The Bistro at Gervasi Vineyard Situated on a 55-acre estate in a renovated historic barn that overlooks a beautiful lake. Serving rustic Italian fare using fresh and seasonal ingredients. 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330-497-1000 $$$ L, D, A The Bistro of Green An upscale dining

o

om life.c re n o r ak mo

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 o!ers 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 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Block 7 Bar & Grill Fresh-ground burgers, unique sandwiches, deep fried pickles and more. 524 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton, 330-745-7677 $$ L, D, A, T, W Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern Creative American fare with global influences.

On select dates, Sun. brunch bu!et.

8960 Wilcox Drive, Twinsburg, 330486-2583 $$$$ L, D, A, T, W The Blue Door Cafe & Bakery Chef-driven sandwiches, quiche, crepes, housemade pastries and rotating specials made using local ingredients. Voted No. 1 brunch in Ohio. Drive-thru available. 1970 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-926-9774 $$$ B, L, T, A Berlin Farmstead Enjoy regionallyinspired homestyle meals including the all-you-can-eat Barn Raising Bu!et with mashed potatoes and a salad bar. 4757 Township Road 366, Berlin, 330-893-4600 $$ B, L, D, W, T Bob’s Hamburg Classic family diner since 1931. A!ordable favorites include the Bonanza Cheeseburg. 330-253-2627; 1351 East Ave., Akron; Inside Ray’s Pub, 801. W. Market St., Akron $ B, L, D, W, T Boiling House Authentic seafood boils with king crab legs and lobster tail.

A unique sushi menu diversifies the o!erings. 1 W. Exchange St., Suite 150, Akron, 234-571-9692 $$$$ L, D, T Bombay Sitar Fine Indian cuisine. Food is natural and prepared fresh daily.

5111 Fulton Drive NW, Canton, 330305-0671 $$ L, D, T, W Bricco West This menu is a smaller version of the one at the original Bricco location downtown, located inside of the Holiday Inn. 3150 W. Market St., Akron, 330-835-2203 $$$ L, D, A, T Brew Wall Sample a vast amount of

pour-it-yourself beers and wines while you nosh on wood-fired pizza and more from the crew behind Antonio’s Pizza. 3161 Heritage Center Drive, Copley, 330-576-6880 $$$ L, D, A, W, T Brubaker’s Pub Specialty sandwiches, wraps, flatbreads, appetizers and a full bar. 4005 Medina Road, Montrose, 330-666-8021; 5823 Darrow Road, Hudson, 330-650-9401; 3939 Massillon Road, Green, 330896-8803; 4141 Bridgewater Parkway, Stow, 330-475-1525 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Burntwood Tavern This restaurant’s menu features steaks, sliders, smoked, planked and wood-grilled food. 2291 Riverfront Parkway, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-794-7085; 4320 Everhard Road NW, Canton, 234-209-9746; 3750 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 234-466-7372 $$$$ L, D, A, T, W The Cabin Upscale Italian within the Mario’s International Spa and Hotel complex. 35 E. Garfield Road, Aurora, 330-562-9171 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T Cafe Tandoor Casual atmosphere, Indian cuisine. 96 Barrington Town Square Drive, Aurora, 330-562-5334 $$$ L, D, A, T Cana Valley Winery Check out this winery’s 14 wines or grab a bite to eat. 5665 Waterloo Road, Atwater, 330-596-3017 $$$$ D, A Casa Del Rio Mexican dining. 839 High St., Wadsworth, 330-335-4001; Express location, 2927 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-849-5160 $$ L, D, A, T Caston & Main Brew Yard This cozy, casual gastropub with a fireplace and two outdoor patios with fire features o!ers 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 o!ers house-made flatbreads, sandwiches and beer cheese, as well as Sun. brunch. 5010 S. Main St., Akron, 330-882-2275 $$$ L, D, A Cellar 59 Wine Bar & Wine Shop The menu in this renovated 19th-century farmhouse features small plates, desserts, bottles of wine and craft beer. Closed Sun. and Mon. 3984 Kent Road, Stow, 330-688-2684 $$$ L, D, A, T

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UNCORKED

by Eric Van Sant, photos by Cameron Gorman

Kuleto Estate Napa Valley, California Kuleto Estate sits on the eastern edge of Napa Valley, California. The estate covers over 700 acres of land — most of which is still wooded — and is comprised of 82 vineyard blocks. These vines are planted at multiple elevations, between 800 and 1,450 feet above sea level.

The property’s wide variation in elevation, soil type and other environmental factors provides an impressive selection of fruit.

The property was purchased in 1992 by restaurateur and entrepreneur Pat Kuleto — then surveyed, analyzed and mapped.

Planting started in 1993 in micro-blocks of different varietals such as cabernet sauvignon, Sangiovese and pinot noir.

Construction of the winery began in 1999 and was finished in 2001, creating a 17,000-plus square-foot state-of-theart facility. It includes a gravity flow for pressed juice, as well as a subterranean barrel cellar.

In 2009, the winery was purchased by private wine entrepreneur Bill Foley, of Foley Family Wines & Spirits — adding Kuleto Estate to a portfolio that also includes Chalk Hill Estate Winery, Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery,

Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery and Silverado Vineyards, among other renowned properties.

FROG PRINCE Named after a section of the Kuleto Estate that is home to many croaking frogs, this red blend ($14.99) includes malbec, merlot, petit verdot, syrah and cabernet sauvignon. Garnet in color, notes of spice and raspberry are present in this wine — which is full and round on the palate, with a balanced acidity. Enjoy it with grilled meat and goat cheese.

INDIA INK With an inky color, India Ink ($14.99) is a fusion of petit sirah and cabernet sauvignon. A Rhone-style blend, this wine is dark and rich on the palate, with notes of blackberry and boysenberry. It finishes with subtle notes of smoke and tobacco. Best with cured or barbecued meats.

NATIVE SON Named as a tribute to Indigenous peoples who once crossed the Kuleto Estate property, Native Son ($14.99) is a blend that includes merlot and petit sirah.

With soft notes of peppered plum and black cherry, this wine is rich and round.

The petit sirah provides a grounding element, with soft tannins and acidity.

Serve with a chocolate dessert.

Find these wines at select Giant Eagle and Heinen’s locations.

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

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DECEMBER 2024 | VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 12

Chameleon Cafe With a variety of co!ee flavors and drinks, it’s a great stop for some ca!eine or a quick bite.

Features vegan grilled cheeses like the “Not Yo Daddy’s” grilled cheese.

The cafe also o!ers breakfast sandwiches, appetizers, lunchtime options such as power bowls and mu!ins. 23 S. Main St., Akron, 234334-3603 $$ B, L, T, P China City Traditional Chinese cuisine in an elegant setting. 156 Cherry St., Kent, 330-673-6566 $$ L, D, A, T Chin’s Place Voted the best Cantonese food in Akron by the Akron Beacon Journal, it o!ers Chinese cuisine with a large selection of vegetarian and vegan options. The menu includes entrees of chicken, beef, pork and seafood, along with a large list of chef specialties. 474 W. Market St., Akron, 330-434-1998 $$ L, D, T Chowder House Cafe Salads, seafood dishes, crab cakes and clam chowder.

1244 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330794-7102 $$$ L, D, A, T, P Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant Upscale Asian and Thai, extensive menu, fresh ingredients, hand-selected sushi. 326 S. Main St., Suite 1204, Akron, 330434-2876 $$$ L, D, A, T Circle L Steakhouse at the Galaxy Its menu o!ers a wide selection of steak cuts, and the atmosphere provides an upscale, rustic feel. Sun. brunch and live entertainment. 201 Park Centre Drive, Wadsworth, 330-334-3663 $$$$

B, L, D, A, T Cool Beans Cafe Try a peaches and cream frappe for breakfast, a chicken ranchero wrap for lunch or take home a warm quart of soup for dinner at this community staple on the Medina square. 103 W. Liberty St., Medina, 330-723-7174 $$ B, L, D, T Corkscrew Saloon Specializes in fresh seafood, steaks and chops, prepared by executive chef Ryan Marino. Live entertainment select nights. 811 W. Liberty, Medina, 330-725-0220 $$$$ L, D, A, T Crave Creative comfort foods with bold tastes served up in a sensational setting. 156 S. Main St., Akron, 330253-1234 $$ L, D, A, T, V, P 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 rum of your choice. 2097 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-940-2000 $$$$ L, D, A, T The Crush House at Gervasi Vineyard A modern industrial building that houses a state-of-the-art winery facility, wine bar and eatery. Perfect for a fun lunch, casual dinner or late snack. 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330497-1000, ext. 5 $$ 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 $$$ L, D, A, T, P Danny Boy’s If you love the Rat Pack, you’ll love this menu. Try the Old Blue Eyes Mac & Cheese or the Chairman of the Board Calzone. 6081 Dressler Road NW, Canton, 330-499-3726; 10 Tallmadge Circle, Tallmadge, 330633-7844 $$$ L, D, A, T Darby’s on Fifty-Nine Rustic dining with an assortment of dishes, including crispy calamari and filet mignon sliders, complemented by craft beer.

2764 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330922-7540 $$$ L, D, A, T, P Dave’s Cosmic Subs Sign the walls at this sub shop, featuring psychedelic and music memorabilia. 186 N. Main St., Hudson, 330-342-5666 $$ L, D, T DBA, 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, P Dean Martin’s Lanning’s 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 Deli Ohio Fresh deli sandwiches made with all-natural products from throughout Ohio. 328 Walnut Ave. NE,

GOOD EATS

Canton, 330-453-7777 $$ L, D, T Desert Inn Family-owned since 1970.

Specializes in family-style shish kebabs. 204 12th St. NW, Canton, 330456-1766 $$$$ L, D, A DeVitis Fine Italian Foods Has used traditional recipes to bring fresh Italian food to the Akron area for the last 40 years. O!ers six varieties of pasta sauce, including original, four cheese, meat and creamy pancetta.

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 Dewey’s Pizza Family-friendly pizza joint has o!ering gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free and vegan versions of all pizzas, so that everyone can get in on the fun. Try specialty items such as the candied walnut and grape salad.

At Summit Mall, 3265 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-873-4444 $$$ L, D, A, T Diamond Deli A local favorite with fat sandwiches and fresh soups. 378 S. Main St., Akron, 330-762-5877 $$ B, L, A, T Diamond Grille Akron’s oldest steakhouse, 1950s-style decor. All steaks are hand-cut, and seafood is brought in fresh. 77 W. Market St., Akron, 330253-0041 $$$$ L, D, A, No credit cards Divine Food Spirits Wine Casual and upscale American fare, a scratch DECEMBER 2024 | akronlife.com

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kitchen and a wide drink selection.

2752 Hudson Drive, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-334-4400 $$$$ D, A, T Dominic’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant Since 1987, Dominic Carrino has been using the finest products available for his pizzas, as well as burgers, paninis and other lunch and dinner options.

Carrino is also the owner of JoJo’s Sports Bar, located directly behind the Italian restaurant. 221 S. Jefferson St., Medina, 330-725-8424 $$ L, D, T, P Dontino’s Fine Italian Cuisine Homestyle Italian cuisine. Popular community meeting place. 555 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-928-9530 $$ L, D, A, T Downtown 140 New American cuisine using as few ingredients as possible to make an impact and keep clean flavors on the menu at this finedining establishment. 140 N. Main St., Hudson, 330-655-2940 $$$$ L, D, A Driftwood Modern American Bistro Upscale casual dining featuring salads, sandwiches, seafood and more.

Inside Embassy Suites by Hilton Akron-Canton Airport, 7883 Freedom Ave. NW, North Canton, 330-305-0500 $$$ D Eadie’s Fish House Bar & Grill All kinds of seafood, including calamari, steamed clams and shrimp. 6616 Wise Ave. NW, North Canton, 330-494-4000 $$$ L, D, A, T Eddy’s Deli and Restaurant Try the banana split waffle, a corned beef sandwich or chicken paprikash. 2655 Oakwood Drive, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-7489; 4581 Kent Road, Stow, 330-346-0551 $$ B, L, D, T Edgar’s Serves a variety of entrees, such as smoked fried chicken, along with homemade soups, salads and starters. 530 Nome Ave. at J.E. Good Park Golf Course, Akron, 330-8693000 $$$ D, A, T El Campesino Restaurante Mexicano Authentic Mexican cuisine. Carryout or delivery available at Stow location.

4360 Kent Road, Stow, 330-686-5561; 9169 state Route 14, Streetsboro, 330626-9777 $$$ L, D, A, T El Fogon Mexican Grill Traditional Mexican fare. Full bar and weekly margarita specials. 1080 Interstate Parkway, Green, 330-644-7700 $$ L, D, A, T El Rincon Authentic Mexican cuisine.

1485 S. Arlington St., 330-785-3724 $$ L, D, A, T Emidio & Sons Since 1957, the familyowned Italian restaurant has been serving house-made pastas and specialty pizzas. 636 N. Main St., Akron, 330-253-4777; 3204 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-4282 $$ B, L, D, T Erie Street Kitchen The chef-driven food counter inside the historic Venice Cafe in downtown Kent serves up authentic Southern comfort food with a twist, including a Nashville hot chicken banh mi and chevre goat 38

cheese balls. 163 Erie St., Kent, 330593-5928 $$$ D, A, W, T The Eye Opener Diner-style menu features jams and jellies from Crooked River Herb Farm. Upscale decor includes photos of historic Akron. 1688 W. Market St., Akron, 330-867-1114 $$ B, L, D, T Farmer Boy Restaurant House specialties include Greek souvlaki, broaster chicken and delicious desserts. 1324 Canton Road, Akron, 330-784-4052 $$ B, L, D, T The Farmer’s Table With a full fromscratch menu, fresh food comes from the farm to your table. Choose from small plate favorites like charcuterie, or if you’re feeling hungrier, try the buttermilk chicken dinner or applewood smoked beef brisket prepared out on the smoker. Inside Exchange Market, 320 S. Court St., Suite 100, Medina, 330-952-2079 $$$$ L, D, T, A, P Fat Head’s Brewery A brewpub with wellknown beers, sandwiches as big as your head and hearty appetizers like fried pickles, pepper jack bites and big barbecue wings. 3885 Everhard Road NW, Canton, 330-244-8601 $$$ L, D, W, A, T Fiesta Pizza and Chicken It continues to be named a best pizza shop in the Akron area. Pizzas are sold in small, large and sheet sizes with a variety of toppings to choose from. 1860 Newton St., Akron, 330-733-2201 $$ L, D, T Firehouse Grill & Pub Watch sports and enjoy steaks and Buffalo wings. 10 Tallmadge Circle, Tallmadge, 330634-9967 $$ L, D, A, T Fisher’s Cafe & Pub American cuisine.

1607 Main St., Peninsula, 330-6572651 $$ L, D, A, T Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Aged beef, chops, fresh seafood, salads and more than 100 wines by the glass. 4000 Medina Road, Akron, 330-670-5200 $$$$ D, A, T FlipSide Gourmet, Ohio-raised beef burgers with chef-crafted condiments, toppings and sides; freerange chicken breast sandwiches; and market fresh salads. Craft beer on tap. 49 Village Way, Hudson, 330655-3547 $$ L, D, A, T Foundry Social Have some nostalgic fun with games like duckpin bowling or electric go-karts. Enjoy craft cocktails, elevated pub sandwiches and shared plates. 333 Foundry St., Medina, 330333-9000 $$ L, D, A Franklin Square Deli Quality sandwich shop with a racing theme. 108 S. Water St., Kent, 330-673-2942 $$ L, T Fred’s Diner Well-known North Hill stop for breakfast and lunch. 930 Home Ave., Akron, 330-535-3733 $ B, L, T Fresco Mexican Grill and Salsa Bar Mexican cuisine including big burritos, tacos, warm soups, quesadillas and more.

Known for its beer selection and extensive salsa bar. 100 E. Erie St., Kent, 330-677-2588 $$ L, D, A, T Fronimo’s Downtown Located within the Canton Arts District, it prides itself on serving creative food. The menu features small plates such as swordfish bites or tempura cauliflower, salads, sandwiches and entrees. 315 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, 234-640-8665 $$ D, A The Galaxy Restaurant Diverse selection of dishes in a creative building.

Fantastic desserts. 201 Park Center Drive, Wadsworth, 330-334-3663 $$$ B, L, D, A, T Gio’s Italian Oven Weekday lunch salad and pizza buffet, Italian specialties, chicken and sandwiches. Daily specials, lunch specials, kids’ menu.

1186 Canton Road, Akron, 330-7337586 $$$ L, D, A, T Girves Brown Derby An Akron favorite since 1941. Hardwood-fired freshcut steaks, seafood, wine, craft beer and full-service bar. 5051 Eastpointe Drive, Medina, 330-721-1731; 9230 state Route 14, Streetsboro, 330-6262171; brownderbyusa.com $$$$ L (only on weekends), D, A, T, W Golden Dragon Chinese fare. Also offers traditional Japanese cooking and sushi. 1634 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-1109 $$ L, D, A, T Green Diamond Grille & Pub Upscale dining without upscale pricing. Specializes in steaks, chops, baby back ribs and seafood. 125 Second St. NW, Barberton, 330-745-1900 $$$ L, D, A, T Grinders Above & Beyond Family restaurant. Grinders, burgers, dinners, appetizers and pies. 1671 N. Main St., North Canton, 330-497-4800; 3114 Whipple Ave., Canton, 330-477-5411; 1212 W. Maple St., Hartville, 330-5874280; 1820 W. State St., Alliance, 330821-6665; 404 E. Lincolnway, Minerva, 330-868-7824; 500 W. Main St., Louisville, 330-875-9700 $$ L, D, A, T Guiseppe’s Pizza Family-owned pizzeria known for its Sicilian-style square pizza. 14 E. Caston Road, Akron, 330-644-8842; 5642 Wales Ave. NW, Massillon, 234-258-4800 $$ L, D, T H2 Huth & Harris Wine Merchants With a selection of over 200 wines, this Medina-based winery serves up a sizable selection in a rustic, cellarlike atmosphere. Also offers large selection of craft beers, ciders, kombucha, meads and a large selection of tapas. 221 S. Court St., Medina, 330-805-3212; 427 Tuscarawas St. E, Canton: 330-8154959 $$$$ L, D, A, T Hamad’s on Main A local family-owned eatery that serves healthy breakfast and lunch that is made daily from scratch. Features a variety of unique soups, salads, sandwiches and wraps, like the cucumber hummus wrap. Also does catering. 1826 E. Market St., Akron, 330-733-8381 $$

B, L, T Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery Serving homestyle meals since 1966, it’s known for its 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 $$$ L, D, T, W Henry Wahner’s Restaurant An old favorite near Kent State University. Complete German menu. German-style bar with beers served in ice-cold steins. 1609 E. Main St., Kent, 330-678-4055 $$$$ D, A, T, No credit cards Hibachi Japan Steak House Japanese hibachi-style cooking, great steaks and sushi. 1803 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-3333 $$$ L, D, A, T HiHO Brewing Co. Former educators and co-owners Ali and Jon Hovan plate up fresh pizza with house-made dough and sauce along with myriad draft beers brewed in house. 1707 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 234-3347564 $$$ L, D, A Honeymoon Grille Check out its new building: It even has patio seating!

Portage Lakes neighborhood gathering place since 2013 that features made-to-order breakfast, lobster bisque, organic salads, handcut steaks, specialty sandwiches, fresh-ground burgers, colossal onion rings, hand-battered mushrooms and more. Catering menu and private room rental available. 3458 Manchester Road, Akron, 330-6444355 $$$ B, L, D, A, T, P Hopocan Gardens Barberton-style chicken. 4396 W. Hopocan Ave., Barberton, 330-825-9923 $$ L, D, A, T, No credit cards House of Hunan Common favorites to spicy specialties. 18 Public Square, Medina, 330-722-1899 $$ L, D, A, T Hudson’s Restaurant Neighborhood restaurant and bar serving fresh, chef-driven dishes. Family-friendly atmosphere. 80 N. Main St., Hudson, 330-650-1955 $$$ B, L, D, A, T The Howlin Bird Features a menu full of chicken comfort food entrees as well as a salmon salad and house burger.

Brunch is served on weekends. 123 S. Main St., North Canton, 234-714-9000 $$$ B, L, D, T, A, P Ido Bar & Grill Home of the beloved Ido burger. Also known for its fish fry. An Akron tradition since 1923. 1537 S. Main St., Akron, 330-773-1724 $$$ L, D, A, T, P Jerzee’s Sports Grille From salads and pizza to wings smothered in awardwinning 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.

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1019 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Road, Akron, 330-896-9464; 2531 Fulton Drive NW, Canton, 330-456-9977; 5260 Dressler Road, Canton, 330-497-4100; Centennial Plaza, 330 Court Ave. NW, Canton, 330-366-9800 $$ 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. Open seasonally.

1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330920-7544 $$$ L, D, T, A, P Jilly’s Music Room All gluten-free menu of creative American tapas in a sophisticated setting. Live music, concerts and events Wed. through Sat. 111 N. Main St., Akron, 330-5763757 $$, D, B (weekends), 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 $$ L, D, T Jimmy Bigg’s Grille Burgers, Italian subs, Reubens, wings, Philly cheesesteak, BLTs, hand-breaded onion rings and more. 1927 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-2444 $$ L, D, A, T 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 steaks and seafood. 1970 W. Market St., Akron, 330-867-2555 $$$$ L, D, A, T, V, P 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, P 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 the North Coast. Dress is business casual.

Reservations recommended. 115 Montrose West Ave., Copley. 330-7772005 $$$$ D, A Kozmo’s Grille Stone-hearth pizzas, upscale pasta dishes, fresh seafood and steaks. 37 First St. SW, Massillon, 330-832-8807 $$$ 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 $$$ L, D, A, T Lager & Vine Gastropub & Wine Bar Great service, scratch food and a bar that has o!ered a comfortable atmosphere since 2012. Try small entrees like the grilled vegetable ravioli or larger plates like double bone pork chop. 30 W. Streetsboro St., Hudson, 330-650-1717 $$$ L, D, T, A, P 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 $$ L, D, T, A Laziza High-end Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare, plus steak and seafood dishes and a full bar. Acorn Alley, 195 E. Erie St., Kent, 330-6777000 $$$ L, D, A, T 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

GOOD EATS

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, Copley Township, 330-644-1782 $$ D, A, T Lock 15 Brewing Co. Favorite bites with beers. Try kimchi kraut balls, smoked chicken wings, baked Brie and white chicken chili. 21 W. North St., Akron, 234-900-8277 $$$ L, D, A, T, P The Lockview Traditional American favorites. Fresh menu with spotlight on gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. 207 S. Main St., Akron, 330-252-5128 $$ L, D, A, T, P Luca’s New York Style Pizza Pizza, calzones, stromboli, cheesesteaks and subs. 3451 Darrow Road, Stow, 330-688-9595 $$$ D, T Lucca Downtown Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Tuscan Italianinspired menu. Now managed by Tony Ly, who also owns Basil Asian Bistro. Call for reservations. 228 Fourth St. NW, Canton, 330-456-2534. $$$$ L, D, A, T Lucia’s Steakhouse Fresh seafood, signature garlic butter-topped steaks, Italian favorites and Lucia classics, like house-made lump crab cakes or cubanella and long, hot peppers.

4769 Belpar St. NW, Canton, 330-4929933 $$$$ D, A Lucci’s Voted best pizza in Portage DECEMBER 2024 | akronlife.com

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UNTAPPED

by Aaron Fowler

Festive Fusions This holiday season, pair comfort food with delicious brews.

HONEY - GLAZED HAM & JACKIE O’S SEE FOAM The ideal pairing for this classic main course is a hoppy beer. Our choice is a new year-round offering, See Foam IPA ($12.99, six-pack cans), from Athens’ Jackie O’s brewery. The soft-yet-juicy tropical fruit flavors of See Foam, a hazy India pale ale, dance a tango on your palate — and complement the salty-sweet profile of honeyglazed ham.

SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE & BREWERY HUYGHE’S DELIRIUM NOËL

APPLE PIE & BOULEVARD BREWING CO.’S BOURBON BARREL QUAD

The perfect accompaniment for your grandmother’s famous sweet potato casserole may seem like a tough choice — but we’ve got you covered. Put a spicy Belgian ale on your shopping list. Try the highly acclaimed, limited-edition Delirium Noël ($26.99, four-pack bottles) from Brewery (Brouwerij) Huyghe, located in Belgium.

Noël’s dark fruit flavors mix with a piquant kick to the taste buds. Savor cinnamon, brown sugar and toasted marshmallow notes — flavors also found in most sweet potato casseroles.

No festive family gathering can conclude without a homemade pie. While some may say a rich, sweet stout pairs best, you can also impress your family with the choice of a complex quadrupel. Pick up a pack of Boulevard Brewing Co.’s Bourbon Barrel Quad ($15.99, four-pack bottles) to enjoy with your dessert. This abbey-style bourbon barrel quadrupel from Kansas City explodes with flavors of toffee, vanilla and even cherry, bringing out the best of the pie’s caramelized apples and sugary, crumbly goodness.

GREEN BEANS AND CORN & BITBURGER PREMIUM PILS

Find these beer selections at select Giant Eagle, Acme Fresh Market, Heinen’s, Mustard Seed Market & Cafe, Buehler’s Fresh Foods and Fishers Foods locations.

For some families, Christmas dinner wouldn’t feel complete without green beans and corn. Together, they embody both earthiness and sweet, juicy flavors. A crisp pilsner is an excellent addition to this side dish, so enjoy a stein of Germany’s Bitburger Premium Pils ($8.99, four-pack 16.9-ounce cans). This balanced and refreshing pilsner highlights the flavors of the vegetables, thanks to its malty, clean body and subtly bitter finish.

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 o!ers wings, chicken tenders and fries, stromboli and breadsticks and pretzel bites.

2457 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-571-0053; 405 E. Main St., Kent, 330-673-9833 $$ L, D, T Luigi’s Restaurant An Akron icon. Open late. Serves superb Italian cuisine, salads and award-winning pizza.

Voted best pizza and best Italian restaurant by Akron Life readers. Party trays and sheet-pan pizzas available with 24-hour notice. 105 N. Main St., Akron, 330-253-2999 $$ L, D, A, T, No credit cards 40

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, 330-9839787 $$ B, L, T Maize Valley Winery & Craft Brewery Sample wine by bottle or glass, as well as craft beer. Taste 100-plus types of cheeses. Appetizers and sandwiches. 6193 Edison St. NE, Hartville, 330-877-8344 $$ L, D, A, T Mandarin House Chinese and South Asian entrees. 3201 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-8157 $$ L, D, A, T

[ Aaron Fowler is the key account manager at Cavalier Distributing. ] Comments? Email them to

Kelly Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com].

Mavis Winkle’s Irish Pub Large, eclectic menu, cozy atmosphere and live music. 8870 Darrow Road, Twinsburg, 330-405-3663 $$$ L, D, A, T Meet Me At Irene’s House favorites include chili, omelets and daily specials, such as Swiss steak, beef tips and tuna melts. Breakfast served all day. 264 Kent Ave. NE, Hartville, 330-877-6477 $ B, L, T Menches Bros. Inventors of the hamburger and ice cream cone. 4887 Tuscawaras St. W, Canton, 234-4103444; 3700 Massillon Road, Green, 330-896-2288; 235 Lincoln Way W, Massillon, 330-832-6200 $$ B, L, D, A, T The Merchant Tavern With owner Anthony Piscazzi’s family history running

Akron’s beloved Wine Merchant restaurant and chef Sam Hunt in the kitchen, this restaurant brings atmosphere and flavor. Retail wines available. 1824 Merriman Road, Akron, 330-865-9510 $$$ L, D, A, T, P Missing Falls Brewery Located in the historic BF Goodrich factory, Missing Falls Brewery is a welcome addition to Akron’s craft brewery scene.

O!ering about 16 craft beers, a spacious taproom, an open brewery concept and a warm atmosphere in a turn of the century piece of Americana. 540 S. Main St., Suite 112, Akron, 234-231-1000 $$ P, L, D, A Moe’s Restaurant Hip, intimate atmosphere featuring a diverse

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chalkboard menu that changes every six to eight weeks. 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.

Kid-friendly. 518 Canton Road, Akron, 330-784-4711; 493 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron, 234-312-9351 $$ B, L, T Mr. Zub’s Deli & Bar Hot and cold sandwiches named after movie characters, salads and sides. Plus, pizza and draft beer. 795 W. Market St., Akron, 330-252-0272 $ B, A, P, L, D, T Mulligan’s Restaurant & Pub Antique decor, award-winning ribs, extensive menu.

4118 Belden Village St. NW, Canton, 330-493-8239 $$$ L, D, A, T, P, B New Era Restaurant A mainstay of the Akron area. Heavenly paprikash and other Hungarian favorites. 10 Massillon Road, Akron, 330-784-0087 $$ L, D, A, T Niko’s Sandwich Board Cafe Menu of fresh salads, small-batch soups and handcrafted sandwiches, including several veggie, vegan and glutenfree selections. Also offers espresso drinks. 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 $$$ D, A, T, P Nomz Cafe Provides customers with farm-fresh, local eats that showcase favorites like the ham and cheese breakfast sandwich and the chicken sandwich marinated in Thirsty Dog Brewing’s Citra Dog beer that are made from scratch inside the Northside Marketplace. 21 Furnace St., Akron, 330-286-1315 $$$ B, L, D, T, A, P 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, B, A, P 111 Bistro House manager Meghan Pender and 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. 2736 Medina Road,

Medina, 330-952-1122 $$$$ D, A One Red Door Decadent menu featuring gourmet pizzas, share plates such as bacon-wrapped roasted dates and burgers. Sun. brunch. 49 Village Way, Hudson, 330-342-3667 $$$$ L, B, D, A On Tap Grille & Bar Relaxed atmosphere, great gyros and Greek food. 3263 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-9220464; 2736 Medina Road, Medina, 330-725-1972 $$ L, D, A, T Open Door Coffee Co. This cafe is housed in the landmark Saywell’s building, across from the Hudson green.

Coffee, smoothies, pastries, music and art. 164 N. Main St., Hudson, 330653-5900 $ B, T Pad Thai Elegant restaurant, extensive menu of traditional Thai dishes. 3545 Brookwall Drive, Fairlawn, 330-6689981; 5657 Darrow Road, Hudson, 330-650-9998 $$$ L, D, A, T Papa Gyros Greek Grill Authentic Greek fare, wine and beer. 3939 Massillon Road, Green, 330-899-0707; 4760 Everhard Road, Canton, 330-4971100; 320 W. State St., Alliance, 330823-7773; 2045 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, 330-456-9000; 1 N. Hawkins Ave., Akron, 330-247-2475 $$ 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. Limited takeout. 959 E.

GOOD EATS

Waterloo Road, Akron, 330-724-9375 $$$ L, D, A, T The River Merchant Restaurant & Wine Market Kent’s riverfront restaurant offers guests a beautiful dining experience with a chef-inspired menu, a wood-fired oven and a wine and beer market. Try favorites like the Nashville hot chicken gyro or the smoked salmon flatbread. Guests can also sip cocktails like the PB Banana Split or a selection from its extensive beer, wine and spirits menu. 911 N. Mantua St., Kent, 330-968-6376 $$$$ B, L, D, T, A, P Rose Garden Restaurant Authentic Indian and Nepali meals include curry and gulab jamun, a sweet deep-fried cheese dessert, in the space that was formerly Everest Restaurant. 2033 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-7066630 $$ L, D, W, T Rosewood Grill Seasonally inspired. Fresh appeal of a local farmers market. 36 E. Streetsboro St., Hudson, 330-6562100 $$$$ L Fri/Sat only, D, A, T Russo’s Unique cuisine featuring Cajun and Italian influences. Fine dining atmosphere. 4895 State Road, Peninsula, 330-923-2665 $$$$ D, A, T, P Saffron Patch in the Valley Fine Indian cuisine including tandoori chicken, ginger-seasoned yellow lentils and garlic naan. 1238 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330-836-7777 $$$ L, D, A, T Sakura Fresh sushi. Wide selection of

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GOOD EATS

DECEMBER 2024 | VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 12

Nuts for the Holidays!

Hartville Kitchen Restaurant

The Peanut Shoppe of Akron specializes in fresh roasted peanuts, deluxe nuts and party mixes, oldfashioned candies and holiday treats. Raw nuts are also available. Perfect for entertaining and corporate gift-giving. Gift packaging available.

Since 1966, Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery has delighted guests with homestyle favorites and 21 varieties of scratchmade pies. Enjoy hearty meals in its welcoming dining room or opt for convenient carryout. Hartville’s bakery crafts delectable treats daily, while its concert venue and event space provide unforgettable experiences. Discover unique finds in its 25,000-square-foot gift shop — featuring clothing, jewelry, toys, candy and more. Come for warm, homestyle cooking, friendly service and cherished memories.

The Peanut Shoppe of Akron 203 S. Main St., Akron 330-376-7020 facebook.com/peanutakron

specialty rolls. 3900 Medina Road, Akron, 330-670-0288 $$$ L, D, A, T Samantha’s on Portage 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, 330-499-9700 $$ B, L, D, A, W, T Sammie’s Bar and Grill Dave DeLapa’s restaurant menu features burgers, sandwiches, comfort food and appetizers. 498 South Ave., Tallmadge, 234-678-8334 $$ L, D, A, T, P 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 $$$ L, D, A, T Sam Sylk’s Chicken & Fish Satisfy cravings with a large menu of chicken, fish or a combo dishes. 1400 S. Arlington Road, Akron, 234-571-0802 $$$ 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, P Sérénité Restaurant & Culinary Institute 42

3'$ /$ -43 2'.//$ Specializing in Fresh Roasted Peanuts, Deluxe Nut & Party Mixes, Old-Fashioned Candies and raw nuts. Gift packaging available!

Fine French dining includes oysters,

escargot, duck confit and smoked $ 'RZQWRZQ $NURQ 6WDSOH 6LQFH salmon. Socially conscious mission

6 0DLQ 6W $NURQ 2+ with a staff made up of people in

recovery from addiction. 538 W. Liberty St., Medina, 330-952-2611 $$$$ L, D, A, T Social at the Stone House Welcoming guests with craft cocktails and a global menu in a pre-Civil War mansion. Enjoy a relaxing dinner of dishes like the prosciutto arugula flatbread or the Sriracha Caesar salad in a themed rooms or the Overlook lounge featuring a view of Massillon. Be sure to order an artfully garnished cocktail like the JD Manhattan or gimlet. 824 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, 330-809-0461 $$$$ L, D, A, P Spennato’s Italian Ristorante Seafood, chicken, pasta and pizza, as well as attentive service and a casual dining atmosphere. 10446 Northfield Road, Northfield, 330-468-8688 $$$ L, D, A, T 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.

Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery 1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville 330-877-9353 hartvillekitchen.com hartvillekitchen.com/app

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, 330928-8515; 40 S. Hawkins Ave., Akron, 330-864-8416; 4466 Kent Road, Stow, 330-678-7775; 40 Brookmont Road, Montrose, 330-665-1858; 5815 Wales Ave., Massillon, 330-833-5454; 1558 N. Main St., North Canton, 330-4999494 $ 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 $$$ L, D, W, A, T , P Taco Tontos Funky, college atmosphere featuring authentic Mexican cuisine made from scratch. Good selection of vegetarian dishes. 123 Franklin Ave., Kent, 330-677-0223 $$ L, D, A, 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 dessert.

Homemade soups, salads and sandwiches. Kids’ menu and vegetarian options. 1401 Fulton Road NW, Canton, 330-452-6844 $ 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 $$ L, D, A, T, P Taste of Bangkok Menu includes curries, noodle dishes and hand-rolled sushi. Variety of lunch specials. 514 E. Exchange St., Akron, 330-252-2270 $$ L, D, T 3 Palms Pizzeria Gourmet Neapolitan pizzas baked in an authentic Italianbuilt wood-burning oven, plus other Italian specialties. 60 Village Way, Hudson, 330-342-4545 $$$ L, D, A, T, P Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. Named Ohio Brewery of the Year at the 2016 New York International Beer Competition, this brewery received medals for several of their brews. These medals included gold for Siberian Night aged in Bourbon Barrels, silver for Rail Dog Smoked Black Lager and bronze for Cerasus Dog. Come and enjoy a cold one in their tasting room. 529 Grant Street, Akron,330-252-2739 $$ L, D, A Thyme2 Contemporary cuisine with worldly influences, served in an upscale, modern setting. 113 W. Smith Road, Medina, 330-764-4114 $$$$ 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

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chicken and pasta entrees, along with weekly specials like Monday’s 39 cent wings. 2823 Bailey Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-1530 $$$ D, T, A, P Timber Lodge Steaks are hand-selected from the finest USDA Prime and Choice aged beef. Seafood is flown in daily to assure the peak of flavor and freshness. Prime rib is slow roasted rotisserie-style and handcarved to your taste. Famous for its No. 1 giant lobster tail. 2809 Pearl Road, Medina, 330-725-6288 $$$$ D, A, T Tip Top Restaurant & Catering Pleasant atmosphere with homestyle menu.

Perfect for family dining. 3428 Darrow Road, Stow, 330-688-3171 $$ B, L, D, T Tito’s Mexican Grill Dining room features wooden chairs and tables hand-carved in Mexico. Run by the owners of El Rincon on South Arlington. Great meals and even greater margaritas. 25 Ghent Road, Fairlawn, 330-835-9801 $$$ 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, 330-745-6063 $$ L, D, A, T Tomato Grill Wide array of entree choices. Catering available. 106 First St., Hudson, 330-342-3771 $$$$ L, D, A, T Tong-Tong First Chinese restaurant in Hudson and Stow area. Familystyle dining. 1646 Norton Road, Stow, 330-655-2550 $$ L, D, T Trecaso’s Mary Coyle Highland Square carryout Italian fare spot known for several ice cream parlor and soda fountain options. 780 W. Market St., Akron, 330-253-1511 $$ L, D, T Twiisted Burgers & Sushi Sushi and traditional Japanese food, with gourmet burgers and steaks, salads, appetizers, desserts and a full bar. 985 Boardman Alley, Medina, 330-661-0606 $$$ D, A, T Twisted Citrus The daytime eatery o!ers breakfast and lunch dishes with a twist. It puts unique spins on classics like French toast, with its Maui Waui French toast featuring a pina colada compote or the breakfast nachos with chorizo, black beans, nacho cheese, pico de gallo and avocado. 1649 N. Main St., North Canton, 330-305-9680 $$ B, L The Twisted Olive Casual classic Italian-American fare grilled or baked wood-fire ovens. Indoor and outdoor seating. 5430 Massillon

Road, Green, 330-899-0550 $$$ L, D, A, T, P Vaccaro’s Trattoria Traditional Italian cuisine with a twist on nouveau.

Famous since 1957. An Italian and Akron classic. 1000 Ghent Road, Akron, 330-666-6158 $$$ L, D, A, T Valley Cafe Owned by a five-star gourmet chef. Features friendly service, dishes made from scratch and famous cabbage soup. 1212 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330-865-0101; 101 High St., Wadsworth, 330-331-7555 $$ B, L, D (Wadsworth only), T Valley’s Edge A fresh take on savory seafood and wood-fired steaks, including a variety of wine and spirits located inside of MGM Northfield Park. 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield, 330-908-7602 $$$$ D, A Vinifera Wine-to-Whiskey Extensive beverage list with an enomatic wine dispenser system of more than 60 wine selections, more than 80 whiskey and bourbon options and food. 3236 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-5710233 $$$ D, A Virtues Signature foods such as a tempura calamari appetizer, specialty pizzas, filet mignon and other gourmet items with high nutritional values on Summa Health System Akron Campus.

525 E. Market St., Akron, 330-3757444 $$$ B, L, A, T, V Waterloo Restaurant Eclectic menu.

Famous for the Waterloo Big Apple and French onion soup. 423 E. Waterloo Road, Akron, 330-7735158 $$ B, L, D, T Water Main Grille Sandwiches, soups and dinner platters. 339 Main St., Wadsworth, 330-331-7757 $$ L, D, T West Ave Tavern Comfort food, sporty atmosphere and full bar. 67 West Ave., Tallmadge, 330-630-2888 $$$ L, D, A, T The West Side Bakery Specialties include cakes, pastries and cookies. Breakfast items include scones, mu!ins and yogurt parfaits. All sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups are made from scratch. 2303 W. Market St., Akron, 330-836-4101 $ B, L, T The Wine Mill Open daily for wine, craft beer and bites made from fresh, local ingredients. The rustic Wine Mill serves salads, sliders and cheese boards, along with Mason jar desserts. The Wine Mill is available for weddings and private events. 4964 Akron Cleveland Road, Peninsula, 234571-2594 $$$ L, D, A, V, P Winking Lizard Tavern Enjoy an extensive beer selection and food.

3634 Center Road, Brunswick,

GOOD EATS

330-220-9944; 5710 Fulton Drive NW, Canton, 330-497-1133; 79 Springside Drive, Copley, 330644-1780; 5111 E. Aurora Road, Macedonia, 330-467-6200; 2175 E. Maple St., North Canton, 330-4706460; 1615 Main St., Peninsula, 330-467-1002 $$$ L, D, A, T Wise Guys Lounge & Grill Located in the former Nick Anthe Restaurant, this spot, owned by Tom Procaccio, features steaks, seafood and pasta dishes. 1008 N. Main St., Akron, 330-922-3006 $$$$ L, D, A Wolf Creek Tavern Housed in the former Loyal Oak Tavern, this restaurant serves craft beer, wine, salads, wraps, burgers, pasta, steaks and house-made pie. Kids menu. 3044 Wadsworth Road, Norton, 234-571-4531 $$$$ L, D, A, T Yours Truly This award-winning restaurant is family-owned and operated, with an emphasis on customer service and familyfriendly dining. Try the burgers and breakfast items. 36 S. Main St., Hudson, 330-656-2900; 3725 Medina Road, Medina, 330-7225800 $$ B, L, D, A, T Please send any changes or corrections to kpetryszyn@ bakermediagroup.com.

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KENT & STOW { words and photos by Kelly Petryszyn }

Nice Save Excess is upcycled into fashionable pieces at Sun in Leo.

When Justine Gallo came across a woven Peace on Earth blanket — featuring a snowy holiday village, carolers and a sleigh — the Kent State University fashion design graduate envisioned it as a cozy pair of pants.

She cut the fabric up, sewing it to create blanket pants ($133).

Trimmed with fringe on each side and cinched by a drawstring waist, blanket pants are available at her Sun in Leo boutique in Kent. Gallo’s artful, upcycled pieces draw in customers — one even wore a blanket dress to New York Fashion Week.

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“I never know what I’m going to make until the fabric tells me,” says Gallo, the store’s owner and a New Jersey native.

After being selected as one of six design innovators for Teen Vogue’s Generation Next program in 2022, Gallo opened Sun in Leo in 2023, offering a mix of vintage pieces, artisan accessories and upcycled, one-of-a-kind designs. The shop operates off of a circular economy model, where clothes are repurposed instead of being thrown out.

“You’re responsible for where things go. It’s not just end of a life cycle for clothes anymore,” says Gallo. “It’s secondhand source, responsibly source, it’s donations and then it’s upcycling it, fixing

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KENT & STOW

it, repairing it, washing it, turning it into something else.”

Customers donate unwanted pieces to Gallo — who either upcycles them, gives them back to the community through free periodic clothing swaps or sends them to the Branded In Kent vintage apparel shop for recycling or donation to charity.

“The clothing swaps are so helpful in getting some stuff out,” Gallo says. “Even if I don’t have a purpose for it, it doesn’t mean somebody else doesn’t.”

Find graphic tees, vintage jeans and layered necklaces at her eclectic shop. For her upcycled collection, Gallo is working on “grandma-core” items — taking plain misses tops and styling them up with embroidered sayings, such as a maroonand-pink-polka dot turtleneck that states, “Home is Where the Sewing Machine is” ($44). Check out a white skirt ($55), which Gallo has punched up with patches that are upcycled from a black shirt.

“I added stars to it to give it some more love and life,” she says.

Gallo thrifts jewelry and disassembles it into chains, charms and more to create new items. Recently, she added a watch face to complete a chunky necklace ($66). She also filled a locket ($33) with a black-and-white magazine clipping and added a black jeweled charm to craft a striking pendant.

“I’ll look up inspo, but I find that I create something entirely different based off the pieces I have,” she says.

Customers get free alterations and repairs for any clothing or jewelry item bought at Sun in Leo. Gallo asserts that you feel more confident when a piece fits well.

“Our brand here is inclusivity and demolishing the idea that one size fits all because that’s not true,” she says. “That’s why we do alterations.”

Gallo hopes that Sun in Leo’s fresh, unique designs inspire customers to find new styles that bring out their individuality.

“It’s a safe place to experiment,’” she says.

“It’s a safe place to mix up your style, find new aesthetics.”

154 E. Main St., Suite C, Kent, 330-8055837, suninleo.shop Sun in Leo owner Justine Gallo DECEMBER 2024 | akronlife.com

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KENT & STOW

{ by Cameron Gorman, photos provided by Hazelmade and Flourish Plant Mkt. photos by Alicia Hall }

Gift Local Shop small for everyone on your holiday list.

Flourish Plant Mkt. Give a gift that keeps on growing with a plant from Flourish Plant Mkt. An airy nursery that also offers workshops, Flourish stocks greens such as monsteras, philodendrons, alocasias and succulents. Clean your indoor air with the waxy leaves of a hoya variety or crown your bookshelf with the marbled foliage of a Polynesian ivy plant. Beyond greenery and flora, Flourish also offers accessories such as macrame hangers, pots and propagation stations. Gift This: Moss art kit, starting at $35. 113 S. Water St., Kent, 330-548-9261, flourishplantmkt.com

Better Plays Gaming From role-playing games to party-pleasing board games, find a nerdy paradise at Better Plays Gaming.

Fans of Magic: The Gathering, Warhammer, Dungeons and Dragons and more can find everything they need at this local shop — including accessories like deck boxes, miniature painting supplies, books and dice. Get in on the fun with imaginative games such as Catan, Betrayal at House on the Hill and more. Better Plays also hosts events, including tournaments, painting classes and showdowns. Gift This: The Red Dragon Inn game, $41.99. 4958 Darrow Road, Stow, 234-2848182, betterplaysgaming.com

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KENT & STOW

The River Merchant Restaurant & Wine Market

The River Merchant 911 N. Mantua St., Kent 330-968-6376 therivermerchantkent.com

Passionate About Food and Community Nestled in the heart of Kent, Bistro on Main is more than just a restaurant — it’s a three-generation family legacy that’s built on a love of food and a passion for community. The journey that led to the restaurant’s creation began with a long line of local entrepreneurs. Raised in Kent, the family members behind Bistro on Main have deep connections to the local business scene — and their entrepreneurial spirit forms the foundation of the restaurant’s success. Monday, 4-10 p.m., Tuesday, 4-10 p.m., Wednesday-Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 4-10 p.m., Sunday, closed, happy hours: 4-6 p.m.

Bistro on Main 1313 W. Main St., Kent 330-673-9900 bistrokent.com

illustration by Zoe Neely

The River Merchant Restaurant & Wine Market combines crafted food and beverages with upscale hospitality. Kent’s riverfront restaurant features beautiful views of the Cuyahoga River and a wine market with over 350 selections. The River Merchant is the place for business lunches, date nights, family gatherings and friendly get-togethers.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Heron Springs Heron Springs is a retreat for those who want it all: Choose from one-, two- or three-bedroom apartment homes with convenient features and desirable amenities. Heron Springs is designed around your lifestyle — to complement the way you work, play and relax. Join us, and find your comfort zone!

Heron Springs 911 Heron Springs Parkway, Stow 330-929-5600 heron-springs.com

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KENT & STOW

Hazelmade Starting as hand-drawn sketches, Hazelmade’s beautifully illustrated goods brighten winter days. The creation of former logo and brand designer Susan Hazel Rich, these botanically-inspired patterns are themed after winter branches, pomegranates, winter citrus fruits and more. The designs are splashed over useful, ecofriendly everyday items — including notepads, tea towels, napkins, sticker sheets and recipe cards. Select a gift set — such as a towel, mini notebook and notepad, all decked out in a dogwood print — and pair it with a matching card for the perfect present.

Gift This: Winterberry gift set, $50. 154 N. Water St., Kent, 440773-0797, shophazelmade.com

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KENT & STOW

Metis Construction Services Metis Construction Services is both an EDGE- and NWBOC-certified female-owned commercial general contractor in Kent. Metis tailors expert construction services to diverse industries, including facilities’ maintenance agreements, interior and exterior renovations, building additions and ground-up projects.

Metis Construction Services 175 E. Erie St., Suite 303 330-677-7333 metisconstruction.com

The Healing Cave Salt Room & Spa Offer a loved one time to unwind with a gift card or package from the Healing Cave Salt Room & Spa. They can re-center with a sound bath, in which calming frequencies surround the participant, or relax in a float tank — this silent, dark pod is filled with a solution of water and Epsom salt, allowing for a meditative session. The Healing Cave also has aqua massage, in which jets of water massage the user through a membrane-lined bed, an infrared sauna cocoon, which uses radiant heat and infrared lamps to warm the body, and more. The center’s salt cave, a softly lit room filled with both solid salt and salt microparticles, helps those with respiratory and skin conditions.

Gift This: Ultimate trio package, including aqua massage, infrared sauna and float, $99.

96. S. Main St., Munroe Falls, 234-2088985, the-healing-cave.com

Midnight Fairy Jewelry Tap into your inner woodland sprite at Midnight Fairy Jewelry. Opened in June, the hip hideout — adorned with gold mirrors and celestial accents — is filled with a plethora of handmade jewelry from owner Tasha Kardos. Midnight’s statement pieces utilize organic materials like natural bones, selenite and quartz — try on ethereal chokers, gemstone rings and one-of-a-kind necklaces.

Gift This: Crystal star choker, $33.33. 154 E. Main St., Suite D, Kent, 234-233-4750, instagram.com/midnightfairyjewelry

Red Letter Days Bestow a beloved creative with the perfect art tool, notebook or witty gift from Red Letter Days. In addition to ample writing supplies, find humorous pencil pouches, entertaining cocktail guides and other unique gifts — like an essential compilation of the world’s worst dad jokes. A seven-year pen will last writers nearly a decade, while socks that proclaim “go away, I’m introvert-

ing” say it all.

Gift This: Bob Ross secular saint candle, $13.99. 144 E. Main St., Kent, 330-4741330, redletterdayskent.com

Tiger Rae Boutique With items in sizes small to 3X, Tiger Rae Boutique has all the elements to create a perfect outfit — from shirts and sweaters to necklaces and dresses. Shop patterned tops, such as a black-and-white checkered sweater, trendy hats, colorful bags and surgical steel body jewelry. Tiger Rae also offers room essentials, including candles and diffusers. For the Golden Flash in your life, the boutique often sells Kent-themed goods, such as sweatshirts and T-shirts. Gift This: Handmade knit winter headbands, $12. 164 E. Main St., Suite D, Kent, 330-554-4716, tigerrae.com

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FOREVER YOUNG

{ by Cameron Gorman, photos provided by Akron Art Museum }

Aging Artistically At the Akron Art Museum, the Creative Aging Institute inspires older adults.

Only a few weeks after retiring, Medina resident Regina saw something compelling on the Akron Art Museum’s website: an interactive series of art classes called the Creative Aging Institute. The workshops were specifically designed for adults age 55 and up.

“Seeing the word aging immediately piqued my interest,” she recounts. “It was kind of serendipity.”

Regina, an arts enthusiast, has always admired the museum. Smaller and more intimate than other nearby institutions, its community outreach impressed her.

“I knew that if they were putting on a program, it would be quality, and I knew I would be meeting other persons in my situation,” she says. “That was also something that was important, because [retirement’s] such a huge life change.”

Regina’s first week as a workshop participant focused on textiles and fabric-dyeing techniques, such as shibori and batik. She found the work to be rewarding and engaging.

Regina soon took other classes through the institute — including those involving colored pencil and marker portraiture, papermaking and sculpting techniques. Through them, she got to know other students, as well as instructors.

“We’ve had the most wonderful experiences with the loveliest artists,” she says. “Everyone is supportive. Everyone helps each other.”

Regina’s experience is precisely what the institute aims to provide for its students — community building, expression and ageism-free creativity. The first year of the program, which ran from 2023 to 2024, was made possible through a Vitality Arts program grant 50

from E.A. Michelson Philanthropy. It’s now in its second year — thanks to funding from Michelson, the GAR Foundation, ArtsNow and others.

“The mission of the Vitality Arts program for museums is to support creativity in people 55 and better, shine a light on ageism and to nurture connections and build community,” says project manager Merry Petroski.

Students in the program try a myriad of multimedia methods. The workshops are very popular. With more time for recreation, those in their golden years can focus on their interests.

“I’m working with folks who have been, throughout their lives, the supporters and the cheerleaders,” Petroski says. “What I’m really focused on is supporting those people in discovering the transformative qualities of creating art themselves.”

For some, getting creative is a brand-new venture. One student, the husband of a woman participating in the series, initially planned only to accompany his wife to the museum.

“He didn’t plan to stay, but he did, and he had never really done any fine art experimentation at all,” Petroski says. “He got a lot of praise for the work that he did.”

The artistic processes utilized in Creative Aging workshops are taught by local artists such as Steve Ehret, Aaron Williams and ChiIrena Wong — and are meant to challenge students. Part of combating ageism, Petroski says, is dispelling the notion that older adults can’t or don’t want to attempt novel things.

“We all age one day at a time,” she says.

“Nobody’s aging faster or slower. I just refuse to allow people to put a negative spin on living life.”

As part of an additional art project, students assembled and installed a wheat paste mural outside the Akron Art Museum in October.

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FOREVER YOUNG

Themed for Ageism Awareness Day, it reads: “Aging isn’t the problem. Ageism is the problem” — a message meant to spark community dialogue about the issue. In other institute workshops, they worked with glass, cyanotype print photography and more.

“We are doing anything and everything that anybody else would want to do,” Petroski says. “It’s about adventuring and doing something that you may not ever get a chance to do, like casting an aluminum plaque or using refuse plastics to create a sculptural work of art.”

For Regina, the institute has provided positive mental exercise — and a social outlet.

“I’ve met wonderful ... friends,” she says, “that I am so grateful for.”

in spring 2025, offering subjects such as mosaic art, puppet making and risograph printing. They will culminate, as previous workshops have, with a reception — in which the resulting work is displayed at the museum.

“We’re not here to make a masterpiece. … We are being creative, we’re being free, we’re making mistakes, we’re experimenting, and we’re just getting into that creative state,” says Petroski. “To show their work that they have done at the Akron Art Museum, and have the public come and see it, and friends and family come and see it — it’s just one of the most wonderful experiences.”

1 S. High St., Akron, 330-3769186, akronartmuseum.org/ creative-aging-institute

The institute will hold the latter half of its second-year workshops DECEMBER 2024 | akronlife.com

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FOREVER YOUNG { by Sean Rubin }

New Lease Brier Creek Senior Independent Living helps older adults live vivaciously.

For 22 years, John and Jane Warmus have owned and run the well-respected GreenView Senior Assisted Living community. Also custom home and commercial builders, the Warmuses have been known for decades for their hands-on involvement in commercial and beautification projects in their community.

So when families in the area wanted a more independent and local senior living alternative, the Warmuses established and built their new living community, Brier Creek Senior Independent Living, in 2017.

“A lot of families weren’t ready for assisted

living,” says Jennifer Jesser-Ringer, executive director of GreenView Senior Assisted Living and director of business development for Brier Creek Senior Independent Living.

Brier Creek Senior Independent Living is not just another senior living community — the Warmuses have made sure to foster a welcoming, inclusive environment to suit the needs of their residents, offering a mix of apartments in the Lodge at Brier Creek and ranch homes on a scenic 75-plus-acre property.

“Brier Creek is a generational neighborhood with a lot of activities, clubs and events. We are the only locally- and family-owned senior independent living community in Green,” says Jesser-Ringer.

How many living options do you have at Brier Creek Senior Independent Living?

Jennifer Jesser-Ringer: We opened in 2017

with 58 apartments in the Lodge. This July, we completed another 30 apartments. We have one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, as well as two ADA-accessible studio apartments. We also have 46 beautiful ranch homes that are part of the Brier Creek rental independent community; those are full. Our ranch homes are beautiful: two bedrooms, almost 1,400 square feet, deluxe and quality homes.

What amenities are offered at Brier Creek Senior Independent Living?

JJR: The Lodge includes dinner, laundry services, housekeeping, utilities, cable and Wi-Fi in the rent. For ranch residents, maintenance, lawn care and housekeeping are all taken care of. All residents have access to amenities in the Lodge, such as a fitness center. [The Lodge at] Brier Creek also offers transportation to and from physician appointments within 10 miles.

We do cultural, physical, social activities and outings. We have different clubs and organizations. For example, there is a newspaper residents edit and compose, we have a book club, a language club, a walking club, a cooking club, we have a men’s group and a women’s group.

What makes Brier Creek Senior Independent Living unique?

JJR: There are so many reasons, but the main reason is about 90 percent of Brier Creek is filled with people who are referred by someone who lives in a John Warmus custom home or a family that lives in GreenView. Past and existing members of Brier Creek also like to refer people. Nowhere else is the owner of a senior living community as involved as John; he isn’t just there, he works in the building — you can’t find that anywhere.

Limited apartment availability, 4020 Brier Creek Parkway, Green, 330-896-0400, briercreekcommunity.com

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FOREVER YOUNG

SPONSORED CONTENT

Ohio Living Rockynol Ohio Living Rockynol recently received a deficiency-free survey from the Ohio Health Department — and earned an overall five-out-of-five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Ohio Health Department surveyors observed operations in the community’s assisted living and skilled nursing facilities to ensure proper care, regulations and requirements were met. Performance on the health inspection survey, staffing and quality measures resulted in the overall five-star rating.

“These survey results are a testament to all of the hard work and effort this incredible team has put in,” says Tom Durbin, executive director of Ohio Living Rockynol. “Achieving a perfect annual survey is almost unheard of with all of the increased rules and regulations, and we are very proud to have received one.”

Ohio Living Rockynol truly appreciates the hard-working staff members who provide excellent care to its patients and residents daily.

Ohio Living Rockynol, 1150 W. Market St., Akron, 330-867-2150 ohioliving.org/communities/ohio-living-rockynol

DECEMBER 2024 | akronlife.com

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PARTING SHOT

by Vivian Brown, photo provided by Akron-Summit County Public Library/ Summit Memory

“

Wild Wonderland Akron, circa late 1980s

When his sleigh was out of commission, Santa took the Metro RTA! In the late ‘80s, Saint Nick suited up and boarded a bus, bound for the Akron Zoological Park’s Holiday Lights event. This crowd-pleasing annual celebration began around 1987 — illuminating the zoo with twinkling lights and festive decorations. Santa was often present to greet guests with his jolly smile.

Today, patrons can experience the same magical fete under a different name. The

”

Akron Zoo’s Wild Lights event — which debuted in 2016 — glows on select dates through Dec. 30. Wild Lights guests can marvel at the zoo’s scenery — aglow with over 1 million dazzling lights, including those shaped like animals, as well as light shows synchronized to music — sip hot cocoa, meet Santa Claus himself through Dec. 23 and snicker at the Grinch’s mischief through Dec. 29.

DECEMBER 2024 | akronlife.com

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