Yes, the Rocker’s Restaurant Rocks
Considering the Feast in Akron, starting with Hynde’s VegiTerranean

You may be hesitant to travel south of the Cleveland border and into Akron territory, but some things are definitely worth the ride. Rocker Chrissie Hynde’s VegiTerranean restaurant is such an example. A 2005 Rock Hall inductee and the Pretenders’ bandleader, Hynde has long been a supporter of animal rights, and a devout vegetarian since 1969. Returning to her hometown roots, Chrissie’s vegetarian restaurant opened September of last year in the Akron art district known locally as OZ.

No one has had more trepidation about meatless meals and soy burgers than me, but the news is out all around town...VegiTerranean is a whole new level of fine dinning without the health and factory farm issues that get served up at traditional chain restaurants. My friend and I decided to give our skepticism a turn at bat and headed out with empty bellies and wry smiles.

The plain exterior of VegiTerranean deceives the upscale dinning area of crome, glass and polish. On our recent trip, the restaurant was still lit with winter holiday décor. In the candle lit ambience, the reflection of white throughout the entire restaurant gave the room a mystical glow of simple, modern elegance.

We started our dinner with the Tiesenbunner Pinot Grigio. Bread and an olive oil based dip were served first. The richness of the oil and the blend of herbs was a delicious accompaniment for the wine. A different dip is served with warm bread each day. I chose the Warm Field Greens Salad, and Gardein “Chicken” Picatte’, my friend decided on the Fresh Linguini with Portabella and Wild Mushroom Ragout. The salad was a delight. The tangy balsamic vinegar dressing was just the right touch of sweet and tart with cranberries, toasted walnuts and a mild cheese.

Honestly, you could make a meal on just this, and the bread.

Fortunately, I ordered the Gardein Picatte with a light lemon sauce and an abundance of capers. This was splendid. Although the “meat” presented in this dish was obviously not, the tender chewiness, and slightly crisp outside would be enjoyed by even the most hardened skeptic. The Fresh Linguini with Portabella and Wild Mushroom Ragu, was rich and creamy. The full flavor of mushrooms could be tasted in each bite, the pasta done to al dente tenderness.

VegiTerranean is located at 21 Furnace St. in the Northside Lofts, just north of downtown Akron. For reservations, call 330-374-5550 or visit http://www.thevegiterranean.com. I am eager to return and try the rest of the menu. This was a wonderful dinner. The prompt but leisurely service makes this a relaxing evening. Servers Shaun and Alexander will be my request again. While it's true that Akron might seem a light year away -- especially at the end of a long work week -- I have charted an easy course for Cool Cleveland readers with a few stops on your way that will definitely make a Saturday trip to Akron a memorable one. Check it out:

Consider coupling your visit to VegiTerranean with the exhibition, American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell currently at the newly expanded Akron Art Museum, just blocks from VegiTerranean, and the Akron Art District. Although Rockwell was an illustrator, his artistic abilities were uncanny. His work in large scale is moving, transcendent, and a part of Americana that should not be missed. View more on this once in a lifetime event here: http://www.akronartmuseum.org.

First off, start relatively early, then let me make easy work of getting to these two worthwhile venues and have some fun on the way.

I suggest taking the Route 18 East exit off 77 South. This dumps you right onto Route 18 East, locally known as West Market Street. Let us stop first at The Mustard Seed Market. This family owned and independently run Natural Market supports locally grown foods and farmers. Live music, a cooking school, café, extensive organic wine selections as well, as bulk foods, bakery and deli make this a great stop. Check with Jamey in the Vitamin and Herbal Department for wise assistance and excellent service. This Mom and Pops hometown business will make other similar chain stores pale in comparison. On the left side just off the 77 exit in the West Market Plaza. For more information: http://www.mustardseedmarket.com.

Continuing east on Market St., pass the chain restaurants and the Starbucks…better things lie ahead. Just a short four miles, on the left you will run into The West Point Market. This is the ultimate gourmet store for gourmets. Nationally recognized for it’s fine selection of meats, wine, and cheeses this bakery is to die for! One of the few places I have found Black Jewel popcorn. Well worth the stop. Find out more here: http://www.westpointmarket.com.

A couple blocks east of West Point Market make a slight curve right on to Hawkins Ave., and you will run straight into Swenson’s…arguably some of the BEST burgers on planet Earth. Another locally owned drive-in that rates top burgs in the city consistently. Lunch here and you won’t be sorry. Legend has it the olive on the top of The Galley Boy represents the olive in a Martini, the founders favorite drink. Get the teasers with that burg a crispy on the outside cheesy on the inside treat. The real American deal. Legends, lore, and more get the scoops here: http://www.swensonsdriveins.com.

Come on out of Swenson’s with your full belly and make a quick left back on to Market St. I’m going to head you east again on Market (right) a couple miles down to Highland Square. This is the Akron version of Cleveland’s Coventry. When you see The Highland Theater on the right, you know you’re there. A small but eclectic group of shops can be foraged here, including Revival Clothes and Square Records. Hip retro music and gear will keep you captive here for a brief encounter. Mosey down the street to Angel Falls Coffee Co. for a breather in a “Friends-Like” atmosphere with sofas and quiet. If your sweet tooth is aching, head a block down to Mary Coyle’s to visit an old fashioned soda bar and ice cream shop. Highland Square is a tight knit neighborhood and has a website guide to enjoying your stop. Check it out here: http://www.rubberbuzz.com/highland-square.

Okay, you’ve had some adventure. Let me get you to Norman Rockwell, and the gorgeous, newly expanded Akron Art Museum for that fabulous exhibition. Stay east on Market Street you’ll pass Tangier’s and St. Vincent’s Church and school, alma mater to Cavaliers star LeBron James. Go on past St. V’s to Main St., one block past Main you’ll see High St. and there on the corner is The Akron Art Museum make a right here and a quick left and you’re in the museum parking lot. Stay as long as you like, but remember, you are just a few blocks from VegiTerranean, and the arts district, so there is still some exploring to do. Finished at the museum? Come out of the parking lot and make a left (High St. is one way) at the first St., East Mill make a right and the first Street is Main.

Make a right and stay in the right lane. Crossing over Market and one block down you will bear to the right and 500 feet to Furnace St., make a right and you are in OZ, the Akron Arts District. VegiTerranean is at the top of the short hill on the left. You can hear some jazz and have a drink at Northside, and get ready for that great finale at Chrissie’s place. Enjoy!

From Cool Cleveland contributor Deb Dockery dddockeryATaol.com
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