Akron Life January 2023

GOOD EATS

U N T A P P E D

by Aaron Fowler

Town Branch Bourbonola Lexington, Kentucky

four-pack $13.99

award-winning and renowned makers of barrel-aged beers in the industry. It is also the only brewery on the world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Town Branch Bourbonola is a smooth Prohibition-style bourbon and cherry cola-based beverage at 12 percent alcohol by volume. Town Branch, a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, was crafted by Town Branch Distillery and is pro duced by Lexington Brewing. With a 2012 opening, Town Branch Distillery is the first distillery built in Lexington in the last century. Bourbonola takes Town Branch Kentucky straight bourbon and blends it with a proprietary cherry and vanilla cola as well as other natural ingredients to create an incredible drink that is distin guishably delicious. Meet Me At Irene’s House favorites include chili, omelets and daily specials. 264 Kent Ave. NE, Hartville, 330-877-6477 $ B, L, T Menches Bros. Restaurant Inventors of the hamburger and ice cream cone. In Akron since 1901. 4887 Tuscawaras St. W, Canton, 234-410-3444; 3700 Massillon Road, Green, 330-896-2288; 235 Lincoln Way W, Massillon, 330 832-6200 $$ B, L, D, A, T The Merchant Tavern With Owner Anthony Piscazzi’s family history running Akron’s beloved Wine Merchant restaurant, this new restaurant already has a great start. Retail wines

Thanks to the rise of canned cocktails over the last few years, breweries and distilleries alike have created some exceptional spirit-based options for the masses. Arguably one of the best on the mar ket from bourbon mas ters Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., Town Branch Bourbonola joins local shelves this month. Lexington Brewing dates way back to 1794. In 1922, the brewery was involved in one of Kentucky’s largest Prohibition seizures of higher alcohol bar rels of beer which was on its way to a local soda stand. In 1999, Lexington Brewing made its return to the public, and over the last two decades, it has become one of the most Luigi’s Restaurant An Akron icon. Open late. Serves superb Italian cuisine, salads and award-winning pizza. Voted best pizza and best Italian restaurant by Akron Life readers. 105 N. Main St., Akron, 330-253-2999 $$ L, D, A, T, No credit cards Magic City’s Remarkable Diner Chef-driven menu with surprising twists on diner classics, like the smoked salmon and Brie omelet. 451 Fairview Ave., Barberton, 330-983-9787 $$ B, L, T Maize Valley Winery & Craft Brewery Sample wine by bottle or glass, as well as craft beer. Taste 100-plus types of cheeses. Appetizers and sandwiches. 6193 Edison St. NE, Hartville, 330-877-8344 $$ L, D, A, T

Town Branch Bourbonola is available in four-pack cans at select Acme Fresh Market, Buehler’s Fresh Foods, Fishers Foods, Heinen’s and Giant Eagle locations, as well as craft beer stops such as Mustard Seed

Market & Cafe, 101 Bottles of Beer on the Wall and Winking Lizard locations.

[ Aaron Fowler is the key account manager at Cavalier Distributing. ] Comments? Email them to Kelly Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com].

Michael’s AM Casual, family-style dining. Full breakfast and lunch menu featuring daily specials. 1562 Akron Peninsula Road, Akron, 330-929-3447 $$ B, L, T, No credit cards Missing Falls Brewery Offering sixteen craft beers and a spacious taproom in a turn of the century piece of Americana. Oh, did we mention artisan pizza too? 540 S. Main St., Suite 112, Akron, 234-231-1000 $$ A Moe’s Restaurant Hip, intimate atmosphere featuring a diverse chalkboard menu that changes monthly. Martinis, cocktails and extensive selection of wines by the glass. 2385 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-6600 $$$$ L, D, A, T

Ms. Julie’s Kitchen Opened by Akron native and author of three vegan cookbooks. Specialties include salads, whole grain-foods and spelt flour waffles. 1809 S. Main St., Akron, 330-819-3834 $ B, L, D, T Mustard Seed Market & Cafe Mezzanine overlooking the Highland Square natural foods market. Menu reflects same strict standards as the market, with naturally raised meats, free-range poultry and foods free from artificial flavors, colorings and preservatives. Live music on weekends. Sun. brunch. 3885 W. Market St., Montrose, 330-666-7333; 867 W. Market St., Akron, 330-434 7333 $$$ L, D, T

available. 1824 Merriman Road, Akron, 330-865-9510 $$$ L, D, A, T

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