FORAGE

Pizza? Pasta? Thai? French? Whatever you cr ave, it’s on the menu her e.

Experience Akron-Canton (EAC) and Katie Byard, former food writer at the Akron Beacon Journal chat about the Akron and Canton Food Scenes.

EAC: What three adjectives would describe the restaurant scene here and why?

KB: Diverse, evolving and resilient. There are platefuls of diff erent types of eateries—from steakhouse icon the Diamond Grille at the edge of downtown Akron—a landmark that dates to 1935—to old-school favorite hamburger joints, including Swensons and Skyway (Both are drive-ins with multiple locations in the area.) to Nepali Kitchen, founded by Southeast Asian refugees in the city’s North Hill neighborhood.

There’s Edgar’s in West Akron, with an eclectic mix of eats—from frog legs to ribs to (my fave) smoked chicken. It gained national attention when it was featured in an episode of “Restaurant Impossible.” Big Eu’es BBQ, in Cuyahoga Falls and with a menu that includes some soul food, is among barbecue places that have cropped up in the past several years.

Unpretentious diners abound. A fave with my family is Julian’s in Akron’s Goodyear Heights area. Owner Dan Julian makes tomato sandwiches in season, and he uses homegrown peppers in his stuff ed green pepper soup.

Want to pretend you are dining in Italy? Head to the Tuscan-inspired Gervasi Vineyard in Canton, which features a piazza, a spring-fed lake and casual as well as fi ne dining.

There are so many examples of the diversity.

The indie scene continues to grow and evolve. Chefs and chef-owners are upping their game.

Meanwhile, despite the pandemic, new places have opened and existing ones have invested in expansions. Louis Prpich, for example, expanded his seafood favorite, the Chowder House, last year, moving it to larger quarters in Akron’s Merriman Valley.

The Merchant Tavern, known for its burgers, as well as its array of starters and entrees, added a distillery. Now you can fi nd the Merchant’s Towpath Vodka featured in its cocktails. area chef Ernie Cornelius gets to show off his skills in what he dubs a “100% scratch kitchen.” Newer entrants also include Vinifera Wine and Whiskey Bar in Cuyahoga Falls, which off ers a lot more than alcohol, including crostini with a variety of toppings. Katie Byard Crave, which just moved to the new Landmark Building, off ers a diverse array of eats—everything from fried alligator tail bites to chicken and waffl es. Its sister eatery in Cuyahoga Falls, Crave Cantina, boasts a lineup of tacos. Moe’s Restaurant in the Falls is known for its eclectic dinner menu that changes monthly. Bricco, also with a diverse menu, has locations in Akron’s Merriman Valley and Kent. Also in Kent, the Bistro on Main continues to off er meals prepared with fresh ingredients and tasty martinis.

Opening shortly before the pandemic began, The Battleground Taproom and Mexican Kitchen in Kent continues to draw fans of its craft beer and lineup of Mexican eats.

In Wadsworth, DOLCE at the Strand serves up gelato, pastries coff ee and wine and cocktails in a renovated former theater.

EAC: What are some of the “musts” for newcomers wanting to experience the food scene?

KB: There are the icons—such as the aforementioned Swensons and Skyway driveins. B&K drive-ins (hot dogs and more) in Cuyahoga Falls and Akron are beloved.

Also, there’s the Diamond Grille steakhouse (you also can get seafood) in Akron. It’s a favorite of pro golfers when competing in the area.

COURTESY OF CILANTRO

Cilantro, Akron

PHOTO BY SHANE WYNN

is a family-friendly family Italian place. Its simple salads topped with a mound of mozzarella cheese are locally famous. DeVitis Italian Market in Akron’s North Hill is a gourmet grocery with ready-to-eat foods and a deli, perfect for a quick lunch.

In Canton, Bender’s Tavern, in a building constructed in 1899 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is an old-school spot off ering seafood, pasta and more.

Fred’s Diner is a small breakfast-andlunch diner in Akron. It’s more than three decades old. Bacon fans rave about the hefty portions of bacon.

The Blue Door in Cuyahoga Falls also off ers breakfast and lunch, but its menu is not diner fare. The kitchen of the well-regarded cafe boasts 20 burners where cooks prepare the fresh, adventurous fare for which the place is known—everything from steak and eggs featuring grass-fed USDA prime New York strip to New Zealand king salmon.

Customers of the Mustard Seed Café in Akron’s Highland Square neighborhood can eat natural/ organic fare on the outside deck of the grocery’s second story deck overlooking West Market Street. (It has another location in Montrose.)

At the decades-old Strickland’s Frozen Custard in Akron you can enjoy your treat while taking in a view of a hulking hanger where blimps were built. Only in Akron.

Luigi’s Pizza, Akron Foodies also might want to visit One Eleven Bistro in Montville Township, D.B.A. (Dante Boccuzzi Akron) in the city’s downtown. Square Scullery in Akron’s Highland Square features “indie comfort food.”

EAC: What are some places for special milestone celebrations?

KB: Those include the Diamond Grille steakhouse and Lanning’s Restaurant, a longtime steak and seafood spot that has a lovely view of Yellow Creek in Bath. Ken Stewart’s Lodge, also in Bath, features an Adirondack-style lodge setting. Next door is its sister restaurant Tre Belle, which serves Italian fare. Ken Stewart’s Grille in Akron has been open for 30 years.

Papa Joe’s, in Akron’s Merriman Valley, while not as fancy as Lanning’s, is one of my go-to places for celebratory dinners. It off ers Italian dishes, as well as prime rib and other fare.

Trattoria Vaccaro in Bath and D’Agnese’s at White Pond in Akron also off er Italian eats—traditional, as well as fi sh with a modern fl air.

In Portage Lakes, LaLa’s in New Franklin off ers roasted quail and blackened scallops.

In downtown Canton, Bender’s historic atmosphere and lineup of seafood dishes including lobster, scallops, and halibut, make it a great place for special meals.

Also in Stark County, there’s The Bistro at Gervasi Vineyard’s in Canton, which features Italian dishes served in a renovated barn. Open Table named it one of America’s most romantic restaurants. Its sister restaurant in Green, The Twisted Olive is also in

Chicken fans will want to check out one of more of the four Barberton chicken houses: Village Inn Chicken (formerly known as Milich’s and actually in Norton; Belgrade Gardens, White House and DeVore’s Hopocan

Gardens.

COURTESY OF LUIGI’SCOURTESY OF NORTHSIDE CREAMERY

Northside Creamery

a lovely setting. More casual than The Bistro at Gervasi Vineyard, it’s in a sprawling remodeled home that overlooks two small lakes. Green also is home to The Bistro of the Green and 35˚ Brix—also among spots fi t for celebrations.

At the opposite end of Summit County in Twinsburg is the Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern. The building, boasting cedar logs, cathedral ceilings and multiple fi replaces, was inspired by grand lodges found in some of the country’s national parks.

One Eleven Bistro in Medina County’s Montville Township is a more casual place than some of these, but the chef-owner, Anthony Scolaro is serious about good, interesting eats. He competed on Food Network’s “Beat Bobby Flay” in 2019.

And there’s yet another eatery with “bistro” in its name. This one is the Bistro on Main, a clubby spot in Kent near Stow. Bricco, also in Kent, off ers a more fi ne-dining experience than many of the college town’s eateries.

Rosewood Grill in Hudson is in an historic mill. Also in Hudson, there’s Downtown 140, an elegant place in an 1800s cellar.

As with any of these questions, I could go on.

EAC: What’s a good place to go with kids in tow?

KB: The Workz on the Riverfront is a new place in Cuyahoga Falls. In a renovated old movie theater, it’s a restaurant/arcade/entertainment

COURTESY OF LOCK 15 BREWING COMPANY COURTESY OF TAGGART’Slandmark. Along with sweets you can get soups, salads and sandwiches. Check out the vintage soda fountain and marble countertops.

Lock 15 Brewing Company, Akron Taggart’s Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant, Canton

center. Duck pin bowling anyone? (It also has a bar.) Also on Front Street in the Falls is Pav’s Creamery, a sister operation to the Pav’s ice cream in Green. Off ering a wide range of ice cream treats, their menus include “adult milkshakes” that include booze. There’s also a seasonal Pav’s ice cream stand in Coventry.

Menches Brothers in Green (and with locations in Canton and Massillon) is a burgers and more spot from the family that lays claim to inventing the burger.

At Dontino’s, in Akron’s North Hill, you and the kids can indulge for a very reasonable price.

At the edge of North Hill, not far from Luigi’s, is Lock 15 Brewing Co., one of the many area brewing companies to spring up in the past several years. Take the kids to this buzzy place (with a kids menu) before or after exploring the nearby picturesque canal lock and the Ohio & Erie Towpath Trail.

Diamond Deli in downtown Akron features a wide array of sandwiches and yummy desserts.

An in-house bakery is part of the operation at Waterloo Restaurant in Akron. The place also has a huge menu and serves breakfast all day and night.

Trecaso’s Mary Coyle in the city’s Highland Square neighborhood off ers ice cream, spaghetti and pizza in an old-timey atmosphere.

Introduce the kids to diners with Fred’s Diner, open for breakfast and lunch. Service is quick at this tiny place. Employees wear T-shirts that read “Eat. Pay. Get Out.” Also in Akron, the Ido Bar & Grill is a cozy family friendly place with burgers and a lot more. Louie’s Bar & Grille, a neighborhood joint in North Hill, with its hefty burgers, has been a fave destination for my family for years. Ditto for Ray’s Place in Kent, a staple dating to 1937. Also in Kent is Mike’s Place with a big menu and quirky decor inside and out, including a Star Wars movie X-Wing Fighter you can see from the road.

Winking Lizard off ers wings, burgers, wraps and pizza at its more than a dozen spots in Northeast Ohio. The one in picturesque Peninsula—in a redone old nightclub—is my favorite because of its surroundings. It’s a quick walk to the Towpath Trail and a Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad train station in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Gasoline Alley, a Bath eatery with deli sandwiches and more, is a lively spot with old-style station decor.

In Medina, there’s Dan’s Dogs, known for its dogs, fresh cut fries and milkshakes. House of Hunan, with a little stream that runs through it, opens up to the sidewalk in warm weather and has a great view of the gazebo on Medina’s historic square.

Foundry Social in Medina is a newer food and entertainment center, with arcade games, go karts and ping pong. At West Side Bakery in Akron and The Bake Shop In Ghent (Bath) you can get soups and sandwiches in addition to treats. Copley is home to longtime Tiff any’s Bakery, which also sells carryout lunches. There’s Stacked Akron Bakery, not far from Springfi eld Township, and Great Lakes Baking Company in Hudson. Waffl e O Waffl e in Medina is a new place selling sweet and savory waffl es.

Cuyahoga Falls is rich with sweet spots, including Kifl is Bakery & Cafe, which also boasts a European grocer. Vincent’s Bakery bakes up Italian and other treats, and Pallotta’s Pastries sells homemade soups.

In downtown Akron, Sweet Mary’s Bakery has gained a following for her fun iced cookies and other goodies. In downtown Wadsworth, Ann’s Pastry Shop is a longtime business that is under new ownership.

Area coff ee shops, including Artisan Coff ee in Akron’s Ellet neighborhood and Angel Falls Coff ee Company in the city’s Highland Square, sell baked goods that pair well with their java.

MORE LOVE

89 In Akron, the unmistakable scent of roasting nuts wafts down Main Street from the Peanut

Shoppe, a downtown Akron stalwart since the 1930s. If you’ve never had fresh warm cashews on a cold day, you haven’t lived.

90 Sauerkraut balls are to Greater Akron what wings are to Buff alo or cheese steaks are to Philly.

91 Other Greater Akron-Canton treats include:

♥ Strickland’s frozen custard ♥ Barberton chicken ♥ Luigi’s cheese-smothered salad ♥ Skyway’s SkyHi burger ♥ Bender’s turtle soup ♥ Swensons’ Galley Boy (Voted Best

Ohio Burger 2022) ♥ Norka Soda

EAC: What about sweet treats?

KB: Many of the previously mentioned places have yummy treats. But I’d defi nitely make a stop at Taggart’s Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant, which dates to 1926 and is a Canton