How you conduct your life is your business. I firmly believe that. Your likes, dislikes, preferences and lifestyle is something I do not judge. Though I have to admit I was taken back a bit by an acquaintance a few years ago.
In the winter of 2004, not long after moving from Newark to Canton, I found a local watering hole to spend some time after leaving work every now and then. My shift was 3pm to 11:30pm, and not having cable, led me to finding a place to make some friends and have a beer or two. This ended up being Harmon's Pub at West Tuscarawas and Arlington in Canton.
Harmon's is a very cool place. Not big, but not really that small, great food and inexpensive beer ($2 Miller Lite, ALWAYS). This is a great place to sit and watch Sportscenter or an Ohio State game whenever possible. It is friendly and the patrons are equally as appealing. It was maybe the third or fourth time I had stopped by and I a was amazed that one of the bartenders who had seen me in line to buy a beer had a Miller Lite opened and waiting for me. I was able to skip the line, slap down my two bucks, take a seat and relax. Cool! It was like I was a regular on an episode of Cheers. They knew me without really knowing me. It made me feel good and, of course, I'm sure that's how successful businesses are run.
One night after work when summer rolled around I was nursing a beer and watching baseball when a group near me started a conversation. Shortly there after I joined them. When the night was coming to a close I exchanged phone numbers. I had found some friends, guys and girls who I could run around with in my new hometown.
One of them, Rocko ( I'm not sure if this was a nickname or not), was usually the one to drop me a line when they were going out. Throughout that summer I tagged along and we had some good times. I never thought anything more of it.
Maybe I should have.
One night we are all hanging out at Harmon's (a good Irish bar) and as the night was winding down our crew dwindled. Soon it was just Rocko and I, shooting the bull with the bartenders and wasting time. When I finally decided to call it a night Rocko asks me to hold one for a minute or two. As those near us seem to be out of earshot he tells me, with a sheepish look, that he's bisexual. "Uhh..well..okay. I have no problem with that," I say. I'm thinking its cool he's confided in me, but I'm not sure WHY he's telling me. He goes on to say the rest of our crew doesn't know and he'd like to keep it that way. I reply, "I can do that."
Before I say farewell for the night Rocko drops another bomb. He's told me this piece of information about him because...get this...he finds me attractive?! He's curious to know if I would be interested in making more of this "friendship". I'm not freaked out, though I'm definitely stunned. He could see from my blank stare that I did NOT see this coming.
He apologizes. I gather enough thoughts to utter a sentence or two and tell him he doesn't need to apologize. He was curious and needed to know, so naturally he had to ask (I think). I kindly tell him I'm flattered (sort of), but I'm heterosexual and don't waver from that. He wonders if he's just ruined a friendship and I tell him I don't hate him, I just don't "go" that way. He's satisfied that I'm okay with his lifestyle, though I'm still trying to make sense of what happened. At this time I had not had a real date in sometime and had been turned down for such activity by a few woman couple of weeks prior. I'm even thinking, "Do I look gay?" or "Am I giving off homosexual signals?"
Stupid I know, but all of us tend to over think somtimes.
We part ways and nothing comes of it as our group continues to hang out.
About a month later lightning struck a second time. Nearly the same scenario, Rocko again asks if I'd like to make more of our friendship. I'm thinking, "Dude, there's no magic potion that's going to make me change my mind!" I tell him, again, I don't roll that way. If that's his choice, cool, its his choice. But it is not mine, I'm sorry. This kind of ticked me off. Not because he "liked me", but because he had me thinking I was doing something (unbeknown to me) that was attracting men.
That was the last time we hung out. He and the rest of the group never called me again & vice versa. I was frustrated...I was having a hard time getting a date and meeting women, but I apparently had no problem attracting men! I kept looking for the a sign that was hidden somewhere telling people I was gay. It must have been a helluva hiding place. I couldn't find it.
A female friend of mine, after hearing this story, relayed to me that it is widely considered that if homosexual men find you attractive that is a very good indication that women, too, find you attractive. I don't know if she was feeding me load of crap, but if this were true I wanted to know who these women were and why I couldn't find them. Or, at least, why they were avoiding me.
I continued to swing by Harmon's every once in awhile, though I never did see Rocko and the others again. Now that I think about it, there may have been a reason why I was invited to hangout with them to begin with. And it had nothing to do with the fact they found me to be good company. It was just a ruse to get introduced to someone who was "interested". Whatever.
I did end up getting a date few weeks later and Heather, I think was her name, and we dated for a couple of months. It was nice. When that ended it wasn't long before I met another woman. And my initial thoughts were affirmed, I AM heterosexual and I do enjoy the company of women. Guys are cool...but only for sports, beer, road trips and running from police (on occasion).
This is a funny story now, but four years ago I was definitely frustrated. Not with Rocko or his sexual preference, but with my lack of a social life. There are phases we go through and we have to deal with them. How we handle those phases is up to us. Just don't do anything drastic that you will regret down the road. I didn't and I'm better for it.
Rocko, I hope you and your friends are doing well with whatever you chose to do and thanks for making my move to Canton eventful.
I'll never look at drinking a beer & watching Sportscenter at an Irish pub in the birthplace of professional football with a gay man the same ever again.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
BBQ Is Life
If you aren't a Canton native it looks like an old building waiting for someone to give it new life, but if you are a Hall of Fame city resident, it is a hidden treasure.
I'm talking about Kennedy's BBQ at 1420 7th Street NW. You will find it just to the east of the William McKinley Monument, right across the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad tracks. Upon your initial glance the thought to keep moving on and find a better establishment may arise, but trust me when I say this...BIG MISTAKE.
Kennedy's, a family run Canton staple since 1922, kept me in the dark for the better part of three years. I passed it a thousand times and it never looked open. Then suddenly, a little over a year ago, I was wasting time in Monument and Stadium Park when I noticed several cars in the lot next to it. Its not flashy, doesn't grab your attention and (in all honesty) is not easy on the eyes.
Curious to see what the deal was I parked my dented Honda Accord and decided it was time to shed some light on this mystery. Ladies and gentleman I walked into heaven! You step in to a couple of booths on the right, two or three tables in the middle and an old-fashioned lunch counter on the left. That's it, nothing more. It could give someone with claustrophobia a run for their money. Rubbing elbows with others is literally what you do.
Kennedy's serves smoked ham, pork, beef & turkey that is prepared in their own smokehouse -- which is attached to the small restaurant! The sandwiches go for about $3.75, but they are stuffed to the gills with whatever meat you choose. One would be more than enough for a normal person, which means I tend to force down two before my stomach starts begging for mercy.
You can have these plain or with BBQ sauce, or this spicey-tangy-sinus clearing relish. You are asked if you would like relish on it at the time you order. If you are so inclined, they will slather it on your mountain of smoked goodness. It is hard to tell exactly what the relish consists of but if you are a no-holds barred foodie...you'll love it. If you are not an all out foodie, you should just ask for it on the side. You can also buy this in bulk and makes a great weapon in the arsenal of those who enjoy entertaining at home on a regular basis. (Shhh..your secret is safe with me!)
Aside from the sandwiches, Kennedy's offers their Delicacies in bulk. The meat comes chipped or sliced and ranges from $6.50 a pound to $7.00. I can't tell you how cool it is to find a small, neighborhood eatery that smokes and prepares their own BBQ just feet away from where you actually order it. Family owned and run business are the best I tell you.
Along with the sandwiches, the BBQ is also used as the main ingredient in a couple of soups that can melt any nasty NE Ohio fall and/or winters day away. The bean soup has a smokey flavor provided by the big slivers of the ham that swim along side flavorful beans in a savory broth. Very simple ingrediants, but with superior taste. Adding a sandwich to this at lunch will make you forget the doldrums of working for living.
The chili is just as tastefully prepared as the bean soup. Thick, chunky and just spicey enough to wake you from that mid-afternoon slumber. Feel like taking it home to for the family? You got it! The soups come in the 1/2 pint, pint and quart varieties at $2.50, $5.00 and $10.00.
If you just want to cool off with a malt or shake an old-time malt mixer will make sure you are not disappointed. Also, the Amish made pies sit within eyesight and mock you as you attempt to finish lunch. Don't stare or you will be hooked!
Looking for that holiday party surprise? Kennedy's has you covered. You have to order in advance since they smoke it for you (on the premises...awesome!!). The traditional holiday hams are cooked in their "pit". You have the option of selecting a semi-boneless ham (14-20 lbs), boneless tavern whole ham (14-20 lbs), 1/2 boneless tavern ham (7-10 lbs), whole spiral sliced ham (14-20 lbs) and 1/2 spiral ham (7-10 lbs).
I ordered a 14 lb semi boneless for a party last Christmas and I was more than impressed. Even more impressed were the guests my girlfriend and I were hosting. The best part? Plenty of left overs for whatever your heart desires. Christine made a ridiculously good spicey bean soup with our remnants. The ham was even better the second time around.
You may notice I keep referring to "lunch" at Kennedy's. Well, that's about all you are going to get when you arrive and you have to be there at just the right time. Why? Because they are open Monday through Friday...for just 3 1/2 hours at a time! From 10:30am to 2:00pm.
In the 17 1/2 hours a week they are open they, apparently, make enough profit to stay in business (and have done so for the past 86 years) and they have a laundry list of regulars. A friendly staff who seems to recognize you, no matter how many times you have been there, helps with it's mystique. I could kick myself for not getting to know Kennedy's when I first moved to Canton from central Ohio in 2004. At least I made my way there before moving to Akron last December, but that's just one more reason to travel to Canton every so often.
The establishment's walls are littered with newspaper articles from over the years featuring the eatery. The articles, my friend, don't do it justice. It is a piece of americana hidden deep in the heart of Canton.
Meat and BBQ lovers...no need to thank me. Thank the wonderful world of simplicity.
I'm talking about Kennedy's BBQ at 1420 7th Street NW. You will find it just to the east of the William McKinley Monument, right across the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad tracks. Upon your initial glance the thought to keep moving on and find a better establishment may arise, but trust me when I say this...BIG MISTAKE.
Kennedy's, a family run Canton staple since 1922, kept me in the dark for the better part of three years. I passed it a thousand times and it never looked open. Then suddenly, a little over a year ago, I was wasting time in Monument and Stadium Park when I noticed several cars in the lot next to it. Its not flashy, doesn't grab your attention and (in all honesty) is not easy on the eyes.
Curious to see what the deal was I parked my dented Honda Accord and decided it was time to shed some light on this mystery. Ladies and gentleman I walked into heaven! You step in to a couple of booths on the right, two or three tables in the middle and an old-fashioned lunch counter on the left. That's it, nothing more. It could give someone with claustrophobia a run for their money. Rubbing elbows with others is literally what you do.
Kennedy's serves smoked ham, pork, beef & turkey that is prepared in their own smokehouse -- which is attached to the small restaurant! The sandwiches go for about $3.75, but they are stuffed to the gills with whatever meat you choose. One would be more than enough for a normal person, which means I tend to force down two before my stomach starts begging for mercy.
You can have these plain or with BBQ sauce, or this spicey-tangy-sinus clearing relish. You are asked if you would like relish on it at the time you order. If you are so inclined, they will slather it on your mountain of smoked goodness. It is hard to tell exactly what the relish consists of but if you are a no-holds barred foodie...you'll love it. If you are not an all out foodie, you should just ask for it on the side. You can also buy this in bulk and makes a great weapon in the arsenal of those who enjoy entertaining at home on a regular basis. (Shhh..your secret is safe with me!)
Aside from the sandwiches, Kennedy's offers their Delicacies in bulk. The meat comes chipped or sliced and ranges from $6.50 a pound to $7.00. I can't tell you how cool it is to find a small, neighborhood eatery that smokes and prepares their own BBQ just feet away from where you actually order it. Family owned and run business are the best I tell you.
Along with the sandwiches, the BBQ is also used as the main ingredient in a couple of soups that can melt any nasty NE Ohio fall and/or winters day away. The bean soup has a smokey flavor provided by the big slivers of the ham that swim along side flavorful beans in a savory broth. Very simple ingrediants, but with superior taste. Adding a sandwich to this at lunch will make you forget the doldrums of working for living.
The chili is just as tastefully prepared as the bean soup. Thick, chunky and just spicey enough to wake you from that mid-afternoon slumber. Feel like taking it home to for the family? You got it! The soups come in the 1/2 pint, pint and quart varieties at $2.50, $5.00 and $10.00.
If you just want to cool off with a malt or shake an old-time malt mixer will make sure you are not disappointed. Also, the Amish made pies sit within eyesight and mock you as you attempt to finish lunch. Don't stare or you will be hooked!
Looking for that holiday party surprise? Kennedy's has you covered. You have to order in advance since they smoke it for you (on the premises...awesome!!). The traditional holiday hams are cooked in their "pit". You have the option of selecting a semi-boneless ham (14-20 lbs), boneless tavern whole ham (14-20 lbs), 1/2 boneless tavern ham (7-10 lbs), whole spiral sliced ham (14-20 lbs) and 1/2 spiral ham (7-10 lbs).
I ordered a 14 lb semi boneless for a party last Christmas and I was more than impressed. Even more impressed were the guests my girlfriend and I were hosting. The best part? Plenty of left overs for whatever your heart desires. Christine made a ridiculously good spicey bean soup with our remnants. The ham was even better the second time around.
You may notice I keep referring to "lunch" at Kennedy's. Well, that's about all you are going to get when you arrive and you have to be there at just the right time. Why? Because they are open Monday through Friday...for just 3 1/2 hours at a time! From 10:30am to 2:00pm.
In the 17 1/2 hours a week they are open they, apparently, make enough profit to stay in business (and have done so for the past 86 years) and they have a laundry list of regulars. A friendly staff who seems to recognize you, no matter how many times you have been there, helps with it's mystique. I could kick myself for not getting to know Kennedy's when I first moved to Canton from central Ohio in 2004. At least I made my way there before moving to Akron last December, but that's just one more reason to travel to Canton every so often.
The establishment's walls are littered with newspaper articles from over the years featuring the eatery. The articles, my friend, don't do it justice. It is a piece of americana hidden deep in the heart of Canton.
Meat and BBQ lovers...no need to thank me. Thank the wonderful world of simplicity.
Friday, July 18, 2008
I'd Like A Life-bek With My Order Please
I stopped by the neighborhood Robeks, the fruit smoothie and healthy eats joint, on Friday on my way to work to get something tasty and cool since it was 7,000 degrees with ultimate humidity in Ohio at the time. I ordered my usual Raspberry Romance (raspberries, raspberry juice, strawberries, bananas, non-fat yogurt and ice) and, as usual, I was asked what kind of free nutritional boost I'd like with it. Funny, I honestly think these nutritional boosts are load crap but I tend to entertain them and choice one. I selected the Intelli-bek and I didn't feel much smarter or felt that I was able to concentrate more after sucking the fruity goodness down in about 15 minutes. At least it was fun to order, right?!
Robek's: http://www.robeks.com/
Though, it got me thinking. Robeks has other boosts like Immuni-bek & Cardio-bek, but what if they could offer something the actually worked and dealt with more immediate or specific problems?
For example, what if on a certain day in the future I ordered my Raspberry Romance and asked or the GetOutOfDebt-bek? I could be getting my daily nutritional balance of fruit and vitamins, and at the same time, be easing the burden of owing on college loans or my car payment or next month's cable bill!! Tell me that wouldn't be a money maker and saving money would be a cinch...all just buy doing what we do best...eat!!
How about the Relationship-bek? You could settle arguments with your significant other just by spending $4.50 on a tall glass of Pomegranate Passion! No more having to conjure up a way to apologize or make-up! You would be able to keep your dignity and manhood without bruising your pride. And she, or he, would instantly receive a feeling of gratification and closure and would be able to move on to better things. She, or he, would owe you! Awesome!
Oh...imagine IgnorantCo-worker-bek! Those dolts who make your work life miserable would be no match for your superior smoothie downing abilities with a loaded Strawberry Swirl! Those who never listen, ignore the obvious and ask you asinine questions would melt away and become ideal members of your office. Imagine how much stress would be relieved and hair it could save?! Ahh...dreamland!
I think I'm on to something here, but it may be a few years before such things come to fruition. Though the sooner we get working on it, the sooner we can all live much happier lives. I'm getting excited just thinking about.
Anyway, the Intellig-bek that was included in my Raspberry goodness didn't seem to change anything about my progress at work on Friday. Hmm...but I did get quite a bit accomplished? Maybe there is something to it?
Wow, imagine what would have happened if I had added the ChangeMyJob-bek! I'd be in Cincinnati right now helping the Reds hammer the Mets...or at the nearest kinkos asking if you want those copies in high resolution.
Oh well, it was a nice thought. ;)
Robek's: http://www.robeks.com/
Though, it got me thinking. Robeks has other boosts like Immuni-bek & Cardio-bek, but what if they could offer something the actually worked and dealt with more immediate or specific problems?
For example, what if on a certain day in the future I ordered my Raspberry Romance and asked or the GetOutOfDebt-bek? I could be getting my daily nutritional balance of fruit and vitamins, and at the same time, be easing the burden of owing on college loans or my car payment or next month's cable bill!! Tell me that wouldn't be a money maker and saving money would be a cinch...all just buy doing what we do best...eat!!
How about the Relationship-bek? You could settle arguments with your significant other just by spending $4.50 on a tall glass of Pomegranate Passion! No more having to conjure up a way to apologize or make-up! You would be able to keep your dignity and manhood without bruising your pride. And she, or he, would instantly receive a feeling of gratification and closure and would be able to move on to better things. She, or he, would owe you! Awesome!
Oh...imagine IgnorantCo-worker-bek! Those dolts who make your work life miserable would be no match for your superior smoothie downing abilities with a loaded Strawberry Swirl! Those who never listen, ignore the obvious and ask you asinine questions would melt away and become ideal members of your office. Imagine how much stress would be relieved and hair it could save?! Ahh...dreamland!
I think I'm on to something here, but it may be a few years before such things come to fruition. Though the sooner we get working on it, the sooner we can all live much happier lives. I'm getting excited just thinking about.
Anyway, the Intellig-bek that was included in my Raspberry goodness didn't seem to change anything about my progress at work on Friday. Hmm...but I did get quite a bit accomplished? Maybe there is something to it?
Wow, imagine what would have happened if I had added the ChangeMyJob-bek! I'd be in Cincinnati right now helping the Reds hammer the Mets...or at the nearest kinkos asking if you want those copies in high resolution.
Oh well, it was a nice thought. ;)
Friday, July 11, 2008
Why I Hate Politics
Okay, I understand those are strong words. I have to cover politics on a weekly basis and do it to the best of my abilities, but that does not mean I have to like it. Anyway, what gets on my nerves is the childish bickering and you-scratch-my-back-I'll-scratch-yours attitude taken by too many of our legislators
How about just doing what's right for your constituents and forget the fact your fellow politicians may not like it. Bipartisan politics is fictitious...no matter what most legislators will tell you. Most of them always have another agenda in mind when conducting business.
Don't get me wrong, politics is a necessary evil. Its just that most politicians are only working for themselves. Its annoying.
The worst is the campaign season....don't tell me how bad your opponent is....tell me about you. I don't want to know what the challenger did to get detention in high school, about their not-so pretty driving record or the fact he (or she) was arrested for public nudity during spring break in Cancun in 1989. We ALL have some ugly marks in our past, get over it!
Also, can you please campaign like adults. What exactly do I mean? Be patient and read the following...
Originally posted on www.akronnewsnow.com
Area Congressional Candidates Mixing It Up
7/10/2008 7:45:02 PM | Craig Simpson
The race for Ohio's 16th Congressional District is heating up and the candidates are none too happy with one another.
On Thursday Senator Kirk Schuring (R - Canton) accused Senator John Boccieri (D - Youngstown) of having his campaigners storm into Schuring campaign headquarters. Schuring Campaign Manager P.J. Wenzel says, "Their purpose was to challenge us to a debate on energy issues and to do it in a very intimidating fashion." He says they came in without warning and started taking photos.
Apparently each side claims their opponent's ideas on energy and Ohio's gas tax are hurting residents.
Senator Boccieri says Schuring is just attempting to make some noise, "They want to know about storming? I'll let them fly a mission with me into Baghdad. Quite frankly, what we did was deliver a letter requesting that we have a debate on energy policies." He says his staffers walked in cordially, handed over a letter and took one photo.
"These tactics are kinds that usually come from folks who run campaigns in Youngstown," says Wenzel of the Boccieri campaign's actions.
"Sending out a press release about a campaign staffer handing a letter asking for a debate is somewhat laughable. He is just intending to focus on these issues rather than the issues important to the people of these districts," claims Boccieri.
Boccieri says he wants a debate to tell the real truth about his energy ideas and policies, but did not do it in a forceful fashion. Schuring's camp says a debate is already in the works and Boccieri's actions in his office Thursday were unwarranted.
Ohio's 16th Congressional District covers Stark, Medina, Wayne and Ashland County. Schuring and Boccieri are vying for the seat vacated by the retiring Ralph Regula.
On the web:
http://www.johnforcongress.com/
http://www.schuringforcongress.com/
*************************************************************************************
I rest my case, ;)
How about just doing what's right for your constituents and forget the fact your fellow politicians may not like it. Bipartisan politics is fictitious...no matter what most legislators will tell you. Most of them always have another agenda in mind when conducting business.
Don't get me wrong, politics is a necessary evil. Its just that most politicians are only working for themselves. Its annoying.
The worst is the campaign season....don't tell me how bad your opponent is....tell me about you. I don't want to know what the challenger did to get detention in high school, about their not-so pretty driving record or the fact he (or she) was arrested for public nudity during spring break in Cancun in 1989. We ALL have some ugly marks in our past, get over it!
Also, can you please campaign like adults. What exactly do I mean? Be patient and read the following...
Originally posted on www.akronnewsnow.com
Area Congressional Candidates Mixing It Up
7/10/2008 7:45:02 PM | Craig Simpson
The race for Ohio's 16th Congressional District is heating up and the candidates are none too happy with one another.
On Thursday Senator Kirk Schuring (R - Canton) accused Senator John Boccieri (D - Youngstown) of having his campaigners storm into Schuring campaign headquarters. Schuring Campaign Manager P.J. Wenzel says, "Their purpose was to challenge us to a debate on energy issues and to do it in a very intimidating fashion." He says they came in without warning and started taking photos.
Apparently each side claims their opponent's ideas on energy and Ohio's gas tax are hurting residents.
Senator Boccieri says Schuring is just attempting to make some noise, "They want to know about storming? I'll let them fly a mission with me into Baghdad. Quite frankly, what we did was deliver a letter requesting that we have a debate on energy policies." He says his staffers walked in cordially, handed over a letter and took one photo.
"These tactics are kinds that usually come from folks who run campaigns in Youngstown," says Wenzel of the Boccieri campaign's actions.
"Sending out a press release about a campaign staffer handing a letter asking for a debate is somewhat laughable. He is just intending to focus on these issues rather than the issues important to the people of these districts," claims Boccieri.
Boccieri says he wants a debate to tell the real truth about his energy ideas and policies, but did not do it in a forceful fashion. Schuring's camp says a debate is already in the works and Boccieri's actions in his office Thursday were unwarranted.
Ohio's 16th Congressional District covers Stark, Medina, Wayne and Ashland County. Schuring and Boccieri are vying for the seat vacated by the retiring Ralph Regula.
On the web:
http://www.johnforcongress.com/
http://www.schuringforcongress.com/
*************************************************************************************
I rest my case, ;)
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Veggies: The New Steak!
I will never be mistaken for a vegan but I have to say Chrissie Hynde has a way with food that doesn't come from a blood pumping organism.
You may remember last fall's grand opening of the Akron rocker's eatery in the Rubber City, The VegiTerranean. Having covered this event and interviewing Chrissie (lead singer for The Pretenders) was quite humorous as her chip-on-shoulder attitude and straightforward demeanor shined. I'm not complaining, that's just Chrissie.
Anyway, for something different my girlfriend and I stopped by The VegiTerranean last Saturday. Its located at 21 Furnace Street, inside the Northside Lofts just north of downtown. I really did not know what to expect and didn't have some preconceived notion about what the food would be like. Christine (how ironic is that?!) and I were generally curious.
The decor was modern and the atmosphere comfortable. You even get a view of the North Hill area, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Depot and the All-American Bridge in the distance as you dine. Look hard enough and you can almost see Cuyahoga Falls and Mayor Don Robart waving back at you. If you are calling for reservations, be sure to request the table near the back window for the best view.
A typical restaurant goer may feel a bit overwhelmed with what's offered on the menu, but if you know what you like it isn't hard to navigate. On this night I had the: Mediterranean Stuffed Tomatoes with Grilled Veggies: Roasted Garlic Orzo over a Fresh Pan Tomato Sauce & Braised Arugula. That's a mouthful, but believe me when I say WOW!
I didn't expect it to taste like feet or have the texture of packaging peanuts, but I was definitely impressed. The pan sauce was the best. Flavorful with a savory roasted taste. The orzo wasn't overpowering, it had just enough of a garlic hint. The arugula wasn't over done and still had the distinct leafy green texture & tang. Once the bulk of my entree had disappeared I continued to scrape the plate and spoon away at the pan sauce. Yes, it was that good.
As for Christine, she had the Italian Fritto Chicken: Herbed battered & fried Gardien Chicken served with a side of Chrissie fries. This was also more than up to par. And you'd have to think the fries were at least half way decent since they're named after her, right? She even claims on the menu that they will be, "The best you've ever had." Well being a connoisseur of fries Christine gave them the thumbs up. This was followed by her signature eyebrow raise which means they are worth ordering a second time. I, too, was more than happy with them. Are they best I've ever had? I honestly would have to say no, but they aren't far off. They come with a tofu ricotta and balsamic ketchup.
Our meal began with an appetizer of Fried Green Tomatoes. First of all, in my book, anything fried is worth ordering and they did not disappoint: crispy, hot, juicy and robust. I would have liked to have had more than the three or four that were offered, but again it was an appetizer. More than what he had would have been too many for the purpose they served. These may have been a special on this particular night, but if they are a regular menu item...have at it.
We had selections from the Great Lakes Brewing Company to quench our thirst, but if you are a wine person...prepare to meet your match. The wine list will make your head spin. You name the winery and the country, they have it.
It was an overall excellent experience for both the eyes and the pallet. It is an eatery worth a second and third trip.
You know I will never be a vegan. I enjoy steak, chicken & milk too much to cut them out of my life. But Chrissie Hynde definitely knows a thing or two about animal byproduct-free food that's worth your while. What I had showed no signs of tasting like it was a vegan meal.
And Chrissie has be doing something right. A second Vegiterranean is expected to open in Columbus' Short North neighborhood soon.
For those of you who are still unnerved and skeptical about it, so be it. No one is judging you. Though if you are dragged to The VegiTerranean and still have a hankering for meat, don't worry. Luigi's Pizza and Pasta is just across the street. It has been there for about 60 years and is the best pizza & pasta this side of Italy. The photos and autographs of celebrities who have stopped there dot the walls and stand as a testament to the level of goodness they serve.
Chryssie Hynde may rub some people the wrong way and say things that would make you want chuck her cd's into the nearest river, but I have to hand it to her. She has proved that Vegan is not culinary suicide...or at least...it doesn't have to be.
On the web: http://www.thevegiterranean.com/
Previous coverage: Hynde Is A Vegetarian And That's YOUR Problem
You may remember last fall's grand opening of the Akron rocker's eatery in the Rubber City, The VegiTerranean. Having covered this event and interviewing Chrissie (lead singer for The Pretenders) was quite humorous as her chip-on-shoulder attitude and straightforward demeanor shined. I'm not complaining, that's just Chrissie.
Anyway, for something different my girlfriend and I stopped by The VegiTerranean last Saturday. Its located at 21 Furnace Street, inside the Northside Lofts just north of downtown. I really did not know what to expect and didn't have some preconceived notion about what the food would be like. Christine (how ironic is that?!) and I were generally curious.
The decor was modern and the atmosphere comfortable. You even get a view of the North Hill area, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Depot and the All-American Bridge in the distance as you dine. Look hard enough and you can almost see Cuyahoga Falls and Mayor Don Robart waving back at you. If you are calling for reservations, be sure to request the table near the back window for the best view.
A typical restaurant goer may feel a bit overwhelmed with what's offered on the menu, but if you know what you like it isn't hard to navigate. On this night I had the: Mediterranean Stuffed Tomatoes with Grilled Veggies: Roasted Garlic Orzo over a Fresh Pan Tomato Sauce & Braised Arugula. That's a mouthful, but believe me when I say WOW!
I didn't expect it to taste like feet or have the texture of packaging peanuts, but I was definitely impressed. The pan sauce was the best. Flavorful with a savory roasted taste. The orzo wasn't overpowering, it had just enough of a garlic hint. The arugula wasn't over done and still had the distinct leafy green texture & tang. Once the bulk of my entree had disappeared I continued to scrape the plate and spoon away at the pan sauce. Yes, it was that good.
As for Christine, she had the Italian Fritto Chicken: Herbed battered & fried Gardien Chicken served with a side of Chrissie fries. This was also more than up to par. And you'd have to think the fries were at least half way decent since they're named after her, right? She even claims on the menu that they will be, "The best you've ever had." Well being a connoisseur of fries Christine gave them the thumbs up. This was followed by her signature eyebrow raise which means they are worth ordering a second time. I, too, was more than happy with them. Are they best I've ever had? I honestly would have to say no, but they aren't far off. They come with a tofu ricotta and balsamic ketchup.
Our meal began with an appetizer of Fried Green Tomatoes. First of all, in my book, anything fried is worth ordering and they did not disappoint: crispy, hot, juicy and robust. I would have liked to have had more than the three or four that were offered, but again it was an appetizer. More than what he had would have been too many for the purpose they served. These may have been a special on this particular night, but if they are a regular menu item...have at it.
We had selections from the Great Lakes Brewing Company to quench our thirst, but if you are a wine person...prepare to meet your match. The wine list will make your head spin. You name the winery and the country, they have it.
It was an overall excellent experience for both the eyes and the pallet. It is an eatery worth a second and third trip.
You know I will never be a vegan. I enjoy steak, chicken & milk too much to cut them out of my life. But Chrissie Hynde definitely knows a thing or two about animal byproduct-free food that's worth your while. What I had showed no signs of tasting like it was a vegan meal.
And Chrissie has be doing something right. A second Vegiterranean is expected to open in Columbus' Short North neighborhood soon.
For those of you who are still unnerved and skeptical about it, so be it. No one is judging you. Though if you are dragged to The VegiTerranean and still have a hankering for meat, don't worry. Luigi's Pizza and Pasta is just across the street. It has been there for about 60 years and is the best pizza & pasta this side of Italy. The photos and autographs of celebrities who have stopped there dot the walls and stand as a testament to the level of goodness they serve.
Chryssie Hynde may rub some people the wrong way and say things that would make you want chuck her cd's into the nearest river, but I have to hand it to her. She has proved that Vegan is not culinary suicide...or at least...it doesn't have to be.
On the web: http://www.thevegiterranean.com/
Previous coverage: Hynde Is A Vegetarian And That's YOUR Problem
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