If you think a typical menu in the midwest consists of meat-and-potatoes, fried foods, and homestyle cookin’, you’re sort of right. But luckily there are some exceptions like BAM Healthy Cuisine in North Canton. BAM is one of the only restaurants of its kind in this area – a locally owned, made-to-order, all things fresh, often organic, health food cafe. Continue reading
A long-standing establishment serving All-American bar food classics, for breakfast, lunch and dinner is John’s Grille on Cleveland Avenue, not too far from downtown Canton. While the interior of the restaurant appears that it hasn’t been updated since circa 1970, it still has that certain something. When you walk in, you feel comfortable, people are smiling, welcoming, friendly, and you want to stay. Not to mention the fact that on a Friday night, it’s wall-to-wall crowded, both bar and restaurant side. The bar kid of reminds me of the set of cheers – dark, heavy finishes and big wood furniture. But still, everyone is happy to be there. And so am I.
It’s not often that on a random Tuesday evening I discover a hidden gem like this one. Cafe Gelato sits on Main Street in North Canton and has a little downtown storefront kind of look, despite the fact that it’s located in what looks like a large old house. The only reason I mention this is because I’ve literally driven by the place dozens, maybe hundreds of times, thinking ‘oh yeah, I need to stop there sometime’ – but it just never materialized. Well, never judge a book by its cover, because if you did you would miss out on this adorable spot. Continue reading
I wouldn’t be a true Akronite (or Cantonian) if I didn’t take a moment to sing the praises of Swenson’s. If you grew up in Akron, have lived in Akron, or even visited a time or two, you know about Swenson’s. It’s legendary, almost as much for the nostalgia as for the burgers and shakes. Swenson’s has been around since the 1930’s, and in many ways it still feels like an “old school” drive-in, especially the West Market location in Akron (the original store). Growing up I have the fondest memories of many fine high school boys running up to the car to take our order, literally seconds after we pulled in. Luckily my dad is Swenson’s lover from way back (he’s been in Akron longer than Swenson’s), so he’s been taking me there for as long as I can remember. By the way, the boys still run to your car, but there are some girls now too (sigh).
So onto the food. First of all, it’s not hype, these really are the best (fast food/takeout) burgers. (In-and-Out, take note. You are forever second to Swenson’s, although I do love you, animal style.) I personally order a regular cheeseburger because I always must have a shake and a side too, but most people go for the famous Galley Boy. The Galley Boy has two beef patties, cheese, and two “special sauces.” My belief is that there are two main ways that these burgers pull apart from the competition. First: the meat. It has been a love-standing unconfirmed rumor that they put sugar in their beef patties. Is it true? I would tend to say yes – they are a bit sweet and taste unlike any other burger I’ve ever had. (Side note, my boyfriend bastes honey on his burgers as they’re finishing up on the grill, and that little bit of sweetness is killer.) The second way that these burgers shine rests in the bun. I do not know what they do to these wonderful buns, but they are flaky and crusty, but also soft, buttery, and perfect at holding all the flavors together and letting the ingredients “marinate”.
Apart from the burgers, the next big draw is in the milkshakes. Hands down, best milkshakes around. And they have just about any flavor you can imagine, including my two weaknesses: Chocolate peanut butter and banana. I thought about asking them if they could marry the two, still haven’t done that – it might just be too much to handle. My mom loves the malts because virtually nobody serves malts anymore. Too good, too good I tell you.
On the side they have an awesome assortment of fried deliciousness as well. In the picture above you see potato teezers, which are basically breaded and fried hash browns with cheese and jalapeno inside. YUM! Other favorites: fried zucchini, potato puffs, and onion rings. C’est magnifique! You’d be crazy not to check the website for one of the eight locations if you’re in the Cleveland-Akron-Canton area.
I have to break my “no chain” rule to talk about Canton Ohio’s greatest Philly cheesesteak sandwich. After experiencing the real deal last year at Geno’s in Philadelphia, I was a bit disheartened to learn that “real” cheesesteaks typically contain grilled onions and “whiz” – cheese whiz, that is, instead of provolone. They also frown upon mayonaise (are they insane?) but offer typical condiments you might find on a hot dog, like ketchup, mustard, and peppers. Don’t get me wrong, it was delicious – a real treat to finally partake in an authentic version of this awesome sandwich. However, I would argue that we have (dare I say) a tastier version right here at Penn Station.
Penn Station seems to nail every single detail of the cheesesteak, from the meat, grilled mushrooms, onions, and banana peppers, to the gooey melted provolone on a toasty homemade roll. And they don’t pass judgement if you want mayonaise (and frankly, who doesn’t?) This sandwich is a piece of heaven, no joke. It’s something about the way the ingredients meld together, then infuse their flavors directly into the bun. It’s insanity.
Being in land-locked Ohio as you might imagine does not always lend itself to authentic ethnic cuisine. Admittedly this is one of the main things I miss about San Diego – the almost endless options if you’re craving anything Asian – Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, and of course Japanese. Sushi bars are on every corner, literally, its crazy. Also Indian is a west coast favorite, and having been to a number of great Indian restaurants, it is exciting to tell you that little ole Canton Ohio has an exquisite Indian restaurant: Bombay Sitar near Belden Village.
Photography is easy here because everything is beautiful and tastes even better than it looks. These sauces are to die for, and while I don’t pretend to be an expert on Indian, they do serve dishes from several regions, and every dish is thoughtfully prepared with the freshest ingredients. Let me tell you, this is a great place to experiment too, since every item on the menu is fabulous. We are lucky enough to have a friendship with the beautiful Miss Summer Whitman, who does an amazing job running the front of the house, while her boyfriend, Ragu, owner and executive chef makes sure everything in the kitchen is running flawlessly.
You have to start somewhere, and I’m starting two miles from home at local favorite, Samantha’s. Yesterday, I started off my birthday there with a delicious breakfast, which I have to say is my favorite meal of the day at this spot. Lunch is good too (I can’t get enough of the lobster bisque and chicken enchilada soup), but their breakfast offers a delicious and reasonably priced alternative to this area’s popular chain restaurants like Cracker Barrel, IHOP, and midwest classic, Bob Evans.
I opted for trying something new and went all in (it was my birthday after all) for the bacon waffle. And yes, as the name implies, they add the bacon right into the batter (and probably a little grease too), and man is it tasty! I probably would have tried this already (had I noticed in the menu)…reminds me of Hash House in San Diego, probably my all-time favorite breakfast joint, period. They also serve up a bacon waffle and it is do die for. You can’t go wrong there, and I got mine loaded up with fresh blackberries on top. Sounds a little odd, but the mix of savory and sweet is pretty cool. And again, since it was my birthday, I wasn’t shy with some extra butter, maple syrup, and some more bacon on the side! Bon appetite!
dreaming of the next bite. 