Akron Life July 2023

READERS’ PICKS

BEST YOGA STUDIO 1. Li’l Yoga Shop 2. Roots Yoga 3. Harvest Yoga & Wellness Studio BEST PATIO DINING 1. Gervasi Vineyard 2. Beau’s Grille 3. Jerzee’s Sports Grille BEST DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT 1. Swensons Drive-In 2. Skyway Drive In 3. B&K Rootbeer BEST CHINESE TAKEOUT 1. Bill Hwang Restaurant 2. Lucky Star 3. A-Wok Restaurant BEST FOOD TRUCK 1. D & M Grille 2. Swensons Drive-In 3. Zydeco Bistro Mexican Grill 2. Bomba Taco & Bar 3. Tito’s Mexican Grill BEST PIZZA 1. Guiseppe’s Pizza 2. Luigi’s Restaurant 3. Dontino’s Fine Italian Cuisine BEST BARBECUE 1. Big Eu’es BBQ 2. Old Carolina 3. Swine BBQ BEST TACO 1. El Fogon

BEST COCKTAIL BAR 1. Jilly’s Music Room 2. Ken Stewart’s Grille 3. Cashmere Cricket BEST BREAKFAST 1. Fred’s Diner 2. The Blue Door Cafe & Bakery 3. Farmer Boy Restaurant BEST BURGER 1. D & M Grille 2. Swensons Drive-In 3. Ray’s Place

BEST SUSHI 1. Kasai

Japanese Restaurant

2. Wasabi

Japanese Steakhouse 3. Sushi Katsu BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT 1. Kasai Japanese

BEST SURPRISE LUXURY LEGEND & LAURYN’S PERFECT LITTLE PICNIC

It’s like walking into a fantasy. A couple celebrating an 11th anniversary came upon a lavish pop-up picnic in a park with a low table adorned with a white rose vine, light-up “LOVE” letters, formal place settings with gold silverware and candlesticks surrounded by royal blue velour pillows, photos of them, an instant camera, a cigar, bourbon, games and more. “They’re surprised. Most people don’t know their partners have set this up,” says Tamika Thompson, CEO of Fairlawn-based Legend & Lauryn’s Perfect Little Picnic, which started in 2020. “It makes people feel like this person really cares.” Two-hour personalized picnics pop up in backyards, Portage Lakes State Park and more spots. Bring food or get it made by

chef Dion Millender, who works with the Cleveland Cavaliers, including a hibachi meal with a restaurant-worthy show. Dream up an extravagant movie night with a projector and pop corn and cotton candy machines or the ultimate birthday party with a bounce house and ball pit. Heat up romance with an inflat able hot tub in a hotel room with a floating wine caddy, rose petals and chocolate-covered strawber ries. Setups are often ensconced in a plastic bubble, netted tent or teepee, creating an intimacy that can be hard to find. “You get a chance to enjoy each other because there’s not much distraction,” Thompson says. “It brings out a lot of conversation.” instagram.com/llpicnic

Restaurant 2. Evelyn’s Co ! ee & Banh Mi 3. Golden Dragon BEST BREWERY 1. Hoppin’ Frog Brewery 2. Missing Mountain Brewing Co. 3. MadCap Brew Co. BEST CRAFT BEER SELECTION 1. Hoppin’ Frog Brewery 2. Lock 15 Brewing Co. 3. Magic City Brewing Co.

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akronlife.com | JULY 2023