Akron Life April 2022

GOOD EATS

U N C O R K E D

by Mike McKenney

Ranch Rider Spirits Co. Austin, Texas

four-pack $12.99

Other Ranch Rider options include the Buck, made with vodka, sparkling water, ginger and lime; Tequila Paloma, made with reposado tequila, sparkling water, grapefruit, lime, orange and sea salt; the Chilton, made with vodka, sparkling water, lemon and sea salt and Jalapeno Ranch Water, made with reposado tequila, sparkling water, lime and small-batch jalapeno. Whether you’re looking for a mule, a paloma or another thirst-quenching option, Ranch Rider can get you your cocktail fix without the guilt of a bunch of sugar. Ranch Rider Spirits are avail able in four-packs of 12-ounce cans for $12.99 at select Acme Fresh Market, Buehler’s Fresh Foods, Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, Giant Eagle and Discount Drug Mart locations, as well as at your favorite inde pendent beverage shop.

Food trucks can be for more than just a

celebration or a quick meal — they can also be a spot of innovation. Ranch Rider Spirits Co. started in the back of a food truck on The University of Texas’s campus in 2016. It eventually branched out to offer a variety of refreshing ready-to-drink spirit-infused hard seltzer bev erages, all low on sugar and inspired by the Southwest. Its first drink, Ranch Water, combines reposado tequila, sparkling water and lime, result ing in a drink that’s all-natural, 5.99 percent alcohol by volume and less than 1 gram of sugar. It tastes fresh, leaving behind drinks that taste artificial and overly sweet. Demand and sales skyrocketed for the healthy beverage, making Ranch Water the No. 1 tequila-based ready to-drink brand in 2021.

[ Mike McKenney is a manager at Heidelberg Distributing Co. ] Comments? Email them to Kelly Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com].

for a fun lunch, casual dinner or late snack. 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330 497-1000, ext. 5 $$ L, D, A D’Agnese’s at White Pond Akron Contemporary Italian food served in a classy yet casual setting. Live entertainment. Full service catering. 566 White Pond Drive, Akron, 234 678-3612 $$$ 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, 330 922-7540 $$$ L, D, A, T

Crave Creative comfort foods, slightly eccentric with bold tastes served up in a sensational setting. 57 E. Market St., Akron, 330-253-1234 $$ L, D, A, T, V Crave Cantina Latin fare meets global tacos at this modern, artistic eatery from the owner of Crave in downtown Akron. Pair your eclectic taco choices with a rum flight of your choice. 2097 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-940-2000 $$$$ 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

D.B.A., Dante Boccuzzi Akron Modern American food in a rock ‘n’ roll palace setting. Several menu items can be ordered in varied portion

Diamond Deli A local favorite with fat sandwiches and fresh soups. 378 S. Main St., Akron, 330-762-5877 $ B, L, A, D (Saturdays only), T Diamond Grille Akron’s oldest steakhouse, 1950s-style decor. All steaks are hand-cut, and seafood is flown in fresh. 77 W. Market St., Akron, 330-253-0041 $$$$ L, D, A, No credit cards Dontino’s Fine Italian Cuisine Homestyle Italian cuisine, popular community meeting place. 555 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-928-9530 $$ L, D, A, T

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 $$$$ D, A, T, V Desert Inn Family-owned since 1970. Specializes in family-style shish kebabs. 204 12th St. NW, Canton, 330-456-1766 $$$$ L, D, A

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