I will DEFINITELY come down to Akron for this!

 

Hynde coming back to Ohio with plans for a restaurant, too

Friday, December 08, 2006

John Soeder

Plain Dealer Pop Music Critic

 

She went back to Ohio and her city was -- craving a decent tofu burger?

 

It's true: Chrissie Hynde plans to open a vegetarian eatery in Akron.

 

"I just want to have a restaurant where nobody gets hurt," she said.

I used to hate her because I thought she had forsaken AK-Rowdy. But it sounds like either I misunderstood or she had a change of heart.

 

Either way, a little bit of Akron, a little bit of London -- not too shabby ;) I figure all the people who left Ohio will one day come flocking back because we keep it real.

she hasn't went anywhere in a way. she's always been back regularly visiting her family.

 

the restaurant is a nice idea. maybe she can even change a few carnivore minds - certainly she knows quite a few veg recipies.

 

i'll tell you a fav of mine, ever try a marinated portobello mushroom sandwich? i swear it tastes just like steak. no kidding, it's fantastic.

any word on this restaurant?  I may be headed down to Akron in July and I'd guess it's too much to hope that this place would be opened already!

It's funny the way you make it sound like Akron is a journey.  It's all of a 45 minutes to get there.  "Yeah, I'm planning a trip for '08."

It's still on track, as far as I know. I know her nephew and I'll ask if he knows anything new, but I doubt anything will be open in July.

Also posted in the Northside Lofts thread.  From the 7/4/07 ABJ:

 

 

Chrissie Hynde's eatery named

VegeTerranean's opening to include free concert; event tied to arts festival

By Lisa Abraham

Beacon Journal food writer

 

It will be called VegeTerranean.

 

The signs went up Tuesday, and work is scheduled to begin next week on Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Chrissie Hynde's restaurant in Akron's Northside Lofts at the edge of downtown.

 

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/entertainment/dining/17453758.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news

 

Same info as above, but from the Northside Lofts site:

 

http://www.northsidelofts.com/story_detail.php?home_storiesid=17

Reason #8352 that I absolutely love and adore Chrissie Hynde:

 

From crainscleveland.com http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20070906/FREE/70906014/1096

 

Chrissie's new gig

 

By JOHN BOOTH

 

2:44 pm, September 6, 2007

 

Standing outside the work-in-progress that will soon be her new restaurant, Akron native Chrissie Hynde said little about her own venture at a news conference Thursday, but offered up an impassioned speech about revitalizing her hometown.

 

“My blood is Akron, and it courses through my veins,” said the leader of rock band The Pretenders. “I’m such a Buckeye.”

And now the PD version:

 

Chrissie Hynde lends hand to her hometown, Akron, opens restaurant

Friday, September 07, 2007

Laura Johnston

Plain Dealer Reporter

 

Akron- Decades ago, rocker Chrissie Hynde came back to her city. But, as the song goes, her city was gone.

 

"I stood at the corner of Main and Market," she said Thursday at a news conference touting her new vegetarian restaurant in downtown Akron, "and I just cried."

We were just there Saturday night to go to the Northside and I can't believe they are seriously saying they're going to open in 5 more days.  The space had absolutely nothing in it - no equipment, counters, nothing and had signs of major construction still going on - sacks of concrete, ladders, paint, etc.  Can you really construct a restaurant and have it fully staffed and ready to go in like 5 days?

"She'll cut the ribbon at VegiTerranean at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, but the restaurant won't officially open for another month"

Umm, what is the address of the new restaurant?  I hope it's near the towpath.  I could ride my bicycle up from CVNP, munch out, then roll back to the trailhead with a full belly.

From northsidelofts.com, looks like she's the first commercial tenant for them:

 

"It’s located just a five-minute walk from downtown and right across the street from the Cuyahoga Towpath, the area’s most popular biking/hiking trail and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway."

 

The address is 41 Furnace Street.

From northsidelofts.com, looks like she's the first commercial tenant for them:

 

"It’s located just a five-minute walk from downtown and right across the street from the Cuyahoga Towpath, the area’s most popular biking/hiking trail and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway."

 

The address is 41 Furnace Street.

Thanks, MayDay!  I rode my bicycle past that location last time I rode up to Akron.  Since then, a small portion of the Towpath Trail has been completed beyond the Mustill Store.  You can see the Towpath on North Street just west of Howard Street .

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=41+Furnace+St,+Akron,+OH+44308,+USA&ie=UTF8&t=h&om=0&ll=41.089921,-81.51613&spn=0.003453,0.005257&z=17&iwloc=addr

Umm, what is the address of the new restaurant?  I hope it's near the towpath.  I could ride my bicycle up from CVNP, munch out, then roll back to the trailhead with a full belly.

 

If you know where Luigi's pizza is, it's basically right there.

Hynde's VegiTerranean restaurant to aim for unexpected

Italian eatery to serve organic, meatless meals

 

By Lisa Abraham

Beacon Journal food writer

 

Published on Thursday, Sep 06, 2007

 

Akron native and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Chrissie Hynde is expected to hold a news conference today with city officials to talk about the opening of her new restaurant, VegiTerranean.

Anyone going?  I'll be there...one of my friends is a huge fan.  The lineup now includes Jerry Lee Lewis "Great Balls of Fire" AND "Square Pegs" The Waitresses!  I guess they do know what boys like.  Also includes:

 

The Diffi Cult

If These Trees Could Talk

Pat Sweany

Half Cleveland

The Bizzaros

The Numbers Band

 

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jerry Lee Lewis has been added to the bill for Chrissie Hynde's concert at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Akron Civic Theatre.

 

Also set to perform are 15 60 75 (The Numbers Band), the Bizarros, the Diffi Cult,Patrick Sweany and Half Cleveland, featuring members of Chi-Pig, Tin Huey and the Waitresses.

Proceeds benefit the theater at 182 S. Main St. in Akron. Tickets are $30 at the box office and Ticketmaster outlets, or charge by phone, 216-241-5555 (Cleveland), 330-945-9400 (Akron).

 

 

Did you ever see the local documentary called "It came from Akron"?  It documents the bands that emerged from the working-class bar/punk venue called the Crypt.

^I've never seen it, I'll have to look for it....sounds interesting.  I kinda remember a place Downtown called the Bank or the Vault maybe??  It was an old bank that I think was a punk club.  Don't remember the Crypt though, must have been before my time.  I see on Wikipedia that Devo played at the Crypt in 1976.  I was way too young then.

The ribbon cutting was cool.  Chrissie rode in on the back of a motorcycle with a group of others on motorcycles.  Then she got off, took off her jacket and had on a waitress looking top with "Chrissie" stitched on it.  She then proceeded to grab a tray of Hors Douvres from the new restaurant and walked around the crowd passing them out.

 

The head of PETA was in from VA, and spoke about being vegetarian.  The mayor of Akron also spoke.  Then she sang a few songs and sounded great. 

 

The concert was also good.  The only downside was a Christian rapper that was a little too religious and homophobic.  I guess Chrissie wanted some diversity and added him at the last minute.  A lot of people got up and walked out during the performance.  I saw the head of PETA later at the interbelt, and told him about the rapper...he said Chrissie did not know and would not have approved of his views.  He was going to let her know.

 

She was amazing and just a downright cool person....what a great asset for Akron.  While singing "My city was gone" she would occasionally insert commentary.... like she sang "The farms of Ohio, have been replaced by shopping malls" then stopped the song and said "Remember when the only thing in Montrose was the drive in theatre".  She also sang an old jingle from O'Neils dept store.

 

I also thought it was cool that she made Jerry Lee Lewis the headliner instead of herself.

As a non-Vegetarian, I am very much looking forward to trying this place out when I am in Akron. It's well-needed.

The ribbon cutting was cool.  Chrissie rode in on the back of a motorcycle with a group of others on motorcycles.  Then she got off, took off her jacket and had on a waitress looking top with "Chrissie" stitched on it.  She then proceeded to grab a tray of Hors Douvres from the new restaurant and walked around the crowd passing them out.

Thanks for the report on the concert.  Wish I could have been there, but, I had projects.  Like that XTC song: "I have a house that won't repair itself".

Ok, forgot to post this pic...

 

Continental Flight $99

 

Quaker Square Crown Plaza $125

 

Tickets to see Chrissie Hynde $30

 

Chrissie serving me an Hors Doeuvre...priceless

 

 

Also priceless...when leaving the ribbon cutting...a true one of a kind Akron moment:

 

 

probably should have started with this....but here is how she made her entrance

metrocity you rawk -- thx so much for those. just awesome.

 

very light-hearted and funny too (she is noted for being prickly at times).

 

oh yeah her brass is still firmly in pocket.  8-)

These a great Metro, thanks for sharing. The one of her smiling on the back of the bike is awesome.

fyi -- i saw this news on the cleveland.com food&wine forum:

 

15940.5. VegiTerranean opens Monday

 

by ClevePlus, 11/9/07 14:16 ET

 

Re: two quick questions by AlarmAlarm, 11/9/07

 

Soft opening... dinner only next Monday - Saturday,

lunch service added Nov. 19.

 

www.thevegiterranean.com

 

 

 

can anyone report how this restaurant's going?

 

 

fyi: pretenders tour tix just went on sale yesterday & homegirl is heading home in february

so vegiterranean will definately be the place to be 2/14/09!

 

we got ours for the 1/30/09 tour opener at roseland!

 

02/13/09 The Pretenders Taft Theatre Cincinnati OH

02/14/09 The Pretenders Akron Civic Theatre Akron OH

 

http://www.livenation.com/artist/the-pretenders-tickets

 

 

 

 

I've eaten there a couple times, the last being before the Black Keys show and it was quite bumping.  Its advised to have reservations on Fri and Sat nights. You can always slip in early to sit at the long bar though..  The food is flavorful and it comes out of the kitchen really fast.  Order to table can be as little as 5 minutes.  The reasoning is they don't have to hit higher temps of cooking if there were meats involved.

 

Another option is www.eatdrinkcrave.com if you're wanting a stylized high end atmosphere with gourmet food.  Its a sweet website too.

Don't know if there is enough demand for this, but why not start one?

 

Aside from "new" restaurants and bars, share your experiences in Akron establishments.

Downtown Irish pub to open Monday

By Ed Meyer

Beacon Journal staff writer

POSTED: 12:16 p.m. EDT, Jul 14, 2009

 

The serpentine bar — with seating for 40, dark-wood fixtures and hardwood floors — has rounded corners shaped like a four-leaf clover.

 

Twelve 50-inch plasma televisions are recessed into the walls above canopied wooden booths and paneled standing-room tables.

 

The high-tech audio system is connected to a touch-screen jukebox with thousands of online songs at your fingertips, like some gigantic iPod.

 

There could be a good argument that Chicago or Los Angeles has nothing on Akron now, at least when it comes to downtown Irish pubs.

 

The new Brubaker's Pub, a centerpiece entertainment stop in the 22 Exchange complex at Main and Exchange streets, is scheduled to open Monday, owner Scott Brewer said.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/50730452.html

10 still sizzling to be champs

Contest finalists offer recipes for favorites

By Lisa Abraham

Beacon Journal food writer

Published on Wednesday, Jul 15, 2009

 

Dozens of entries were received over the past six weeks in two categories — traditional beef burger, and nontraditional burger made with something other than beef, or with a combination of meats.

 

We've selected 10 finalists. Two have been in the contest before — one has even won it — while others are new to the burger battle.

 

All submitted recipes that the Beacon Journal decided were flavorful, balanced, interesting and inventive — as well as greasy, cheesy, caloric and fun.

 

http://www.ohio.com/lifestyle/50825057.html

Laaaaaaaaaaaaaawd that burger looks good.  I haven eaten any meat in 7 weeks, God that soooooooooooooooooo good!  I'm salivating!

I see why not!  Akron's has a wonderful restaurant culture!

Yes Akron does.. I like going downtown to luigis @ 2am at sometimes it hard to get a table..

 

From what I've noticed in the year or so that I've been a member here is that there not a lot of Akron Representation...

 

Show Rubber City some Love yall..

Cafe reopens at Akron museum

By Dorothy Shinn

Beacon Journal art and architecture writer

Published on Thursday, Jul 16, 2009

 

The Akron Art Museum has brought back summertime cafe service with the opening of Hattie's Cafe Express.

 

The returning amenity features fair trade coffees, fresh baked goods, sandwiches, soups and salads, and gourmet chocolate desserts. All foods are made fresh daily.

 

Next to the Beatrice Knapp McDowell Grand Lobby, Hattie's Cafe, a Hattie Larlham vocation program for area adults with disabilities, offers indoor and outdoor seating. Brown bag lunches also are available.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/50920017.html

 

Hattie's Café Express

Wednesday - Sunday: 11 am - 3 pm

Thursday: 11 am - 7:30 pm

Closed Monday and Tuesday

 

http://www.akronartmuseum.org/cafe/

Luigi's desrves it own thread.

The Taverne of Richfield has closed its doors less than two years after it reopened, amid a mire of workers' compensation lawsuits.

 

The restaurant is being sued separately by two former employees, both of whom claim they were fired after being injured on the job and filing workers' compensation claims. The cases are in Summit County Common Pleas Court.

 

http://www.ohio.com/lifestyle/50843237.html

 

Couple of the shady businessmen in Akron

 

Wine in Wadsworth

 

The Galaxy Restaurant in Wadsworth is holding a series of Friday wine tastings beginning July 24, with a Christmas in July featuring ''South Pole'' wines from countries south of the equator.

 

(See the URL for more.)

scrolling through some older articles, I have pieced this info together.

 

UPDATE Highland Square Eatery Coming

 

Plans for the reasonably priced wine bar and kitchen in Highland Square is closer to opening in the former Two Amigo's building.

 

Starting in August, the restaurant construction will begin, with the tentative opening date set for late-September or early-October of this year.

 

http://www.akronnewsnow.com/print.asp?ID=31319

That's great news.  I was in Akron and Cleveland for the past week on vacation and I spent some time in my old hood, Highland Square.  I was very disturbed by all of those empty storefronts, but it looks like they are in good hands.  This will add a lot of energy to the Square.

I will def give it a try once it opens... then Mary coyle for some naner/pb ice cream.. Yum

That's great news. I was in Akron and Cleveland for the past week on vacation and I spent some time in my old hood, Highland Square. I was very disturbed by all of those empty storefronts, but it looks like they are in good hands. This will add a lot of energy to the Square.

 

I wouldn't say they are in "good hands".  Word is that the developer for the new buildings wants to buy all the old buildings across the street and tear them down.  They already put a pizza place in the new retail when there has been a pizza place across the street for decades, almost like they are trying to run out the people who have built the area and gave it it's charm.

Not sure if this has its own thread yet anywhere else on this site, but this looks like an appropriate place for it as well, so:

 

While in Akron within the past fortnight, I heard that Ohio Brewing Co. may be planning to relocate, but not too far away ... just within downtown Akron.

 

P.S. If you stop in and are a fan of stronger fare (e.g., in the IPA class), the Twice Bitten Ale is worth it.

Akron native Chrissie Hynde is no pretender where civic pride is concerned

 

The Pretenders are in Columbus at the LC Pavilion tonight.  Today's Dispatch had a pretty nice article about Chrissie Hynde. 

 

Above is the link to the full article.  Its partly about the Pretenders.  But it touched upon a wide range of Akron/Chrissie Hynde related subjects.  From her VegiTerranean restaurant to her support for Akron's sales-tax increase to maintain weekend bus service last year to her support for Mayor Plusquellic in this year's recall vote.  I've been a fan of Chrissie and the Pretenders since the 80's.  It must be great to have her support her hometown of Akron in such a public and meaningful way.

Not sure if this has its own thread yet anywhere else on this site, but this looks like an appropriate place for it as well, so:

 

While in Akron within the past fortnight, I heard that Ohio Brewing Co. may be planning to relocate, but not too far away ... just within downtown Akron.

 

P.S. If you stop in and are a fan of stronger fare (e.g., in the IPA class), the Twice Bitten Ale is worth it.

 

Why would they relocate, that is one of the best locations in downtown? Are they trying to get into the 22 Exchange Bldg? Personally, I don't think a change of venue will make up for their sub-par beer.

 

 

 

Revival planned to celebrate grand opening of The River Brasserie & Bar

 

CUYAHOGA FALLS — The owners of The River Brasserie & Bar (formerly known as LeFever’s River Grille) will celebrate the grand opening of the restaurant...

 

http://akron.com/akron-ohio-business-news.asp?aID=6351

It's expensive, I imagine, and perhaps larger than they need, so they may be paying more in utilities than necessary.

 

I didn't think their beer was sub-par.  Then again, I've never claimed to be a real beer sophisticate. :-)

It's expensive, I imagine, and perhaps larger than they need, so they may be paying more in utilities than necessary.

 

I didn't think their beer was sub-par. Then again, I've never claimed to be a real beer sophisticate. :-)

 

That space is way bigger than they need.  I am still surprised Barley House is able to make it in that huge space.  Never been a fan of their beers, some are ok I guess.

^It really depends on what one is looking for in their beer.  If you are looking for something like a Natty light or even a shiner bock, you're probably not going to be too happy with the beer at Ohio Brewing. 

If you like Guinness, you'll likely appreciate the stout they have.  If you like hoppy beers you'll probably like the twice bitten or the regular IPA they have.  If you like Newcastle Browns, you'll probably really appreciate the Gold and the Cardinal Red.  They do have seasonal beers that might not "hit the spot" but I don't begrudge them for trying and pushing the taste envelope.