Akron Life November 2023

PAGES

RADAR

[ by Ashley Caudill and photo provided by Whiskers & Wine Cat Lounge ]

seen + heard

Cool Cats Even if you don’t have a feline of your own, experience heartwarming cat cuddles at Whiskers & Wine Cat Lounge. Book a half-hour or hour cuddling session to snuggle up to Just Cats Rescue adoptable cats, like shorthaired black cat Pogo who loves head scratches or shorthaired tabby Cherry who enjoys basking in sunlight. The Akron spot offers mocktails and a self-serve coffee bar, aiming to have wine available soon. Shop handmade organic catnip mouse toys in the bright, groovy atmosphere, and stop in for monthly events like a kid’s day with a drag story time. Consider a monthly membership or adopt a furry friend for all the sweet cat cuddles you want. 932 Kenmore Blvd., Akron, whiskersandwine.co

Punk Art Devo could have only come from Ohio. In the new book “The Beginning Was the End” (The University of Akron Press, $35.95), acclaimed Akron author David Giffels and Florida art gallery director Jade Dellinger make the argument that the industrial Midwest surroundings, the May 4, 1970, Kent State University shootings and more shaped the proto punk “Whip It” band that got its name from the concept of de-evolution. Take in over 80 never-before-seen images includ ing handwritten lyrics to “Be Stiff.” The authors delve into the band’s early Akron and Kent history and how it pioneered the use of music videos, defined the ’80s new wave era aesthetic, challenged soci etal norms and made history by merging music and visual art. uakron.edu/uapress

Top Table At one of the oldest street corners in downtown Akron — Main and Exchange streets — history was made in September when DeJuan’s opened in the former Bricco space and became the first Black-owned fine dining restaurant in Akron. With white tablecloths, exposed brick walls and a wraparound bar, the elegant spot serves refined steaks and seafood. Dine on presidential red snapper ($69), served with long-grain rice and sauteed julienned vegetables. Also find casual fare with an upscale spin, like the PB&J burger ($21) with wagyu beef served on Texas toast topped with a Thai peanut sauce, raspberry coulis and grape jelly barbecue sauce. 1 W. Exchange St., Suite 100, Akron, dejuansdining.com

8

akronlife.com | NOVEMBER 2023