Downtown Akron Restaurant Week is celebrating its third year by including a second week and adding 10 new restaurants to its lineup.
Mark your calendars for Sept. 9-12, and Sept. 16-19, for lunch and dinner deals at downtown restaurants. During the eight days, 21 restaurants, bars and food establishments will offer specials deals on food and drinks.
Downtown Akron Restaurant Week is sponsored by the Downtown Akron Partnership’s Emerging Leaders to encourage residents to explore downtown’s restaurant scene.
Downtown spots taking part are: 3 Point, the Barley House, Baxter’s, Bricco, Brubaker’s Pub, Cilantro, dba, Diamond Deli, House of Hunan II, Insomnia Cookies, Lockview, Luigi’s, Paolo’s, Schumacher’s at Quaker Square, Urban Eats, 69 Taps Pub & Eatery, Jimmy’s, Karma Kafe, Tear-EZ, Uncorked Wine Bar and ZAR.
Reservations are encouraged. Menus for participating restaurants can be found at www.downtownakron.com/restaurantweek.
Both Mondays of restaurant week will kick off with special lunch and happy hour events co-hosted by Young Professionals of Akron, and will include entertainment, free appetizers, drink specials and networking with other young professionals.
On Sept. 9 the lunch spot is Baxter’s from noon to 1 p.m. and the happy hour spot is Bricco from 5 to 7 p.m. Another happy hour is from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 16, at 3 Point.
Reservations are requested for the three kickoff events at 330-376-7676 or info@downtownakron.com.
Get a punch card at any participating restaurant or bar, and visit three or more participants for a chance to win gift certificates and other prizes.
Al’s is not closing
Al’s Quality Market in Barberton is not closing, and neither is Al’s Corner Restaurant.
Denny Gray, who owns both, said his landlord has put the building where the market is located up for sale, and the “for sale” sign is causing some confusion among customers.
It is possible the market may have to move if the building is sold, but Gray said his lease is not up for another 18 months and he plans to stay put until then.
“Tell everyone I’m not closing,” he said.
Tickets for chocolate event
Tickets are now on sale for Anastasiades Exclusive Chocolates’ sixth annual All You Can Eat Chocolate Night on Sept. 28 and 29.
Tickets are $12, and $1 from each ticket is donated to the Big Brothers-Big Sisters program. Purchase at the retail store, 6656 Wise Ave. NW, North Canton, or over the phone at 330-494-5500, with a credit card. No refunds or exchanges will be given.
The event dates and times are Sept. 28 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. or 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. or Sept. 29, from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Raise a glass of beer here
The German Family Society is hosting its annual Oktoberfest celebration Sept. 6-8 at the society’s picnic grounds, 3871 Ranfield Road, Brimfield Township.
There will be lots of food made by society members, including schnitzel dinners, cabbage rolls, sausage, chicken, bratwurst and pastries. Of course, there will be plenty of beer, as well as wine, soft drinks and other spirits.
Each day has a schedule of polka bands for dancing, performances by folk dancers, and games and attractions for kids on Sunday.
Hours are 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, 4 p.m. to midnight Saturday, and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5, children 12 and younger are free. Parking is free. Call 330-678-8229 for more information.
Tea program in Hudson
Certified tea specialist Angela Strach-Gotthardt will give a presentation on tea at the Hudson Library & Historical Society on at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 9.
The talk will focus on tea and tea culture with an emphasis on the appropriate vessels and accessories for making and serving tea.
Bring your own teacup to taste a wide variety of teas that Strach-Gotthardt will offer.
The program is free, but registration is required at www.hudsonlibrary.org/home.html under the Adult tab. For more information call the Reference desk at 330-653-6658, ext. 1010, or email askus@hudson.lib.oh.us.
Anniversary wine dinner
D’Agnese’s at White Pond, 566 White Pond Drive, Akron, is hosting a wine dinner featuring all of the restaurant’s favorites at 6 p.m. Sept. 11.
The menu is five courses with wine pairings, including burrata with heirloom tomatoes, artichokes and shrimp D’Agnese, pan seared scallops with braised fennel, white beans and sausage, veal and chicken saltimbocca, and vanilla bean and lavender panna cotta with peach curd.
The dinner, part of the restaurant’s third anniversary celebration, is $35. Seating is limited to 40. Phone 234-678-3612.
Now open for lunch
Vaccaro’s Trattoria, 1000 Ghent Road, Bath Township, will begin serving lunch again on Sept. 4. Lunch will be offered Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Lisa Abraham can be reached at 330-996-3737 or at labraham@thebeaconjournal.com. Find me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter @akronfoodie or visit my blog at www.ohio.com/blogs/lisa.