Distinctly Downtown: Damascus Road Coffee

Damascus Road Coffee
106 S. Main St.
Hours: Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
www.damascusroadcoffee.com

For three years, Rob and Deb Stertz have served fresh roasted coffee, food and friendly service to Downtown Akron. Damascus Road Coffee provides a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere that many corporate employees enjoy during their breaks. All coffee is custom roasted, using only the finest quality coffee beans in their roasting process. Accessed both from the Arcade Level and Mill Street in the FirstMerit Tower in

Stop in for a variety of hot and cold drinks or a roasted coffee drink of your choice, and pair it with a sandwich or soup. All of the Damascus sandwiches are hearty and made to order to suit your favorite flavors. Try a Turkey Pastrami or an Angus Roast Beef with your choice of cheese, bread and condiments.  Damascus offers daily fresh baked cookies and brownies, as well as fruit cups of assorted fresh produce.  Specialty drinks include hot chocolate, chai tea latte, steamers and mocha. With over 10 a la carte flavors, Damascus provides plenty of variety to choose from.

Don’t be discouraged if you see a line already formed as you walk in, it’s just other regulars, ready to pick up their favorite items.  A woman who works in the Cascade building said that she is a frequent customer and always gets the egg salad. “It’s always fresh,” she explained. “It’s the best egg salad I’ve had other than my own!” An employee from FirstMerit declared that the cinnamon muffins were his favorite item, and said, “Damascus Road Coffee is always a friendly atmosphere.”

Damascus Road Coffee by the pound and tea by the stash is now available for purchase. Enjoy a premium tea like Fusion Green and White Tea or English Breakfast Black Tea at home. Coffees by the pound include the Ethiopian, bold in intensity with a sweet aftertaste, Organic Colombian, a smooth coffee with creamy chocolate tones, Breakfast Blend, a mild coffee with blends of chocolate and mild citrus, and many others!

Owners Rob and Deb intentionally pursue friendly relationships with their customers and know the majority of them by name. From noticing a new outfit, to asking how a project is coming along, the customers have an established relationship and seem happy to be there and catch up. A FirstMerit employee remarked that he comes in for “A dark roast coffee and good conversation.”

Distinctly Downtown: The Beauty Lounge

The Beauty Lounge
70 E Mill St        
www.thebeautylounge.net

The Beauty Lounge is a great location for Downtowners to beautify and enjoy the overall salon experience! New owner Erin Blackiston, previously employed with RUSK Hair International for six years, strongly believes in continued education for her stylists and the best customer service for her clients. New décor of classic pictures projecting a clean and modern feel makes The Beauty Lounge experience enjoyable for all. With a new owner and new look, you’re promised a fresh experience.

At this laid back salon, each artist will feel like your friend, not just your stylist.  The salon is ideal for busy clientele due to their flexible scheduling options and late evening hours. The non-traditional hours are perfect for anyone with a demanding work schedule. Pick a day to stop by at The Beauty Lounge to wind down after your hectic day, or stop in during your lunch hour for a swift beauty touch up. The Beauty Lounge provides beauty services that suit a variety of requests. Erin explained that her salon does modern, clean cuts as well as easy to manage every day styles. From a sophisticated, classic bob to an asymmetrical fashion forward style, The Beauty Lounge embodies diversity in their hair cuts. The stylists also demonstrate expertise in gray coverage and color correction which they frequently perform.

Get ready to celebrate the Grand Reopening of The Beauty Lounge on Saturday, May 5 from 6-9 p.m.! SKYBIRDKREATIONS Photography will be displayed throughout the salon, featuring black and white photos of Downtown Akron. The Grand Reopening, which takes place during the Artwalk, will give newcomers a chance to meet the staff and talk hair! Look out for a raffle of beauty products that will be announced over wine and appetizers. Even if you don’t win, all Kevin Murphy products will be discounted 25%!

Artist Sonya Rookstol described her work place as ideal. She discussed how she gets to show her expertise through a variety of clientele. “It’s fun, creative and a positive atmosphere,” she said. Knowledge of hair trends and treatments have lead Erin’s stylists to offer popular hair styles such as ombre, a color treatment that gives a natural look of cascading color from darker to light.

The Beauty Lounge is a convenient location to get your hair styled on a regular basis, or just for a special occasion. Make an appointment, or walk-ins are always welcome!  New clients receive 10% off with Erin or Austin.

Distinctly Downtown: The Stew Pot Kitchen

The Stew Pot Kitchen
23 S. Main St.
www.thestewpotkitchen.com

Open 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. on weekdays this spring and summer, The Stew Pot Kitchen offers Downtowners sensational soups, delicious lunches and pleasing prices! Owner Scott Malensek made a personal goal when he opened this family-owned business to make it a place where everyone can afford a cup of soup and a drink to brighten up their day. He sees purpose in providing the best prices to everyone in the community.

The Stew Pot Kitchen offers a variety of different soups from subtle but savory flavors to powerful, spicy ones. These homemade soups and stews are full of flavor and taste superior in a bread bowl! The Stew Pot Kitchen also now offers a cup of soup and ½ a panini for only $5, a frequent request from regular customers.

The menu changes weekly, but during the week of April 30 you’ll find:

BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Soup, Chicken Soup w pears in a homemade broth with ginger and white Zinfandel, Italian Meatball Sub Sandwiches, Chicken Noodle Soup, Blue Moon Wheat Ale Beer Cheese Soup, Civil Union (wedding) Soup, Loaded Baked Potato Soup, Spicy Beef n Bean Chili, paninis, the $5 soup/panini special, salads and more!

For the weekly menu, check out www.thestewpotkitchen.com.

The Stew Pot Kitchen, which has been open two years, moved to 23 S. Main St. this past fall where many new customers have access to the delicious food. Employees from First Energy say they are glad that business moved closer to them because they love the variety it provides during their lunch break. Malensek’s regular customers take a sense of pride and ownership in the restaurant when they introduce it to their friends. The new location is double the capacity of the old location and has a relaxing back room furnished with black leather seats and handsome woodwork that projects a homey feel. A large quilt hanging in the entrance signals the warm atmosphere you’ll experience while enjoying your steamy soup!

Malensek is sincere in maintaining his objective to provide great food at affordable prices! His vegetable garden, shopping at local farmers markets, and nine years of cooking experience on a budget, help make the food at The Stew Pot Kitchen affordable. The owner’s children (ages 7 and 9) love to learn and help out with the family business and are enthusiastic about making sure that their father’s customers are happy! “They get to see all the elements of the business,” Malensek explained.

At The Stew Pot Kitchen you’re guaranteed to get your money’s worth. It’s the perfect place for students, Downtown visitors and employees, offering soups made with real ingredients at a price to fit any budget. Every soup is homemade and tastes like it! “The soups evolve over time which is what makes them so personal,” said Malensek.

Enjoy your favorite classics like chicken noodle or tomato, or try something new! Next time you’re in, be sure to ask about the story behind The Prisoner’s Plight Hot Soup!

Distinctly Downtown: Totally Cooked To Go

Totally Cooked To Go
388 S. Main St. #202
http://totallycooked.publishpath.com

Located in the second floor atrium lobby of the AES building, Totally Cooked To Go is the latest hot spot to grab a tasty breakfast or lunch during your busy day! Totally Cooked To Go is easily accessible for employees on the south side of Downtown, but a guest parking lot at the AES building makes it accessible for everyone.

Totally Cooked To Go provides seasonally influenced menus and daily/weekly specials, ranging from healthy salads and sushi, to weekly specials such as pizza and mac and cheese! The variety includes:

• A delicious assortment of hot and cold breakfast items
• Handcrafted sandwiches made-to-order
• A wide selection of fresh salads and wraps
• Hearty homemade soups
• Hot signature sandwiches, including four different Reubens
• Features from the Totally Cooked BBQ Co.
• An array of Totally Cooked side dishes
• House made kettle cooked potato chips
• Mouthwatering desserts

As you sit and enjoy your meal at one the tables dispersed throughout the lobby, take a moment to admire the AES building, once owned by the BF Goodrich tire company. Reclaimed by the City of Akron in the 1990s, the AES building is now known for revitalized office spaces, and serves as the new home of Totally Cooked To Go!

The chef-inspired creative cuisine at Totally Cooked To Go will have you coming back to try something new each time! Open Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

This spring, Totally Cooked To Go will venture outside with the mobile Totally Cooked BBQ Co. Chuck Wagon, allowing Downtown diners to experience live action cooking and the taste of authentic, hickory smoked barbecue. Starting in May, Friday celebrations will take place from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. under the Cedar Ave. bridge, on the AES Campus next to the Towpath trail. The celebrations will feature interactive BBQ cooking with live blues, support from 91.3 The Summit, and picnic style seating.

Join the Totally Cooked To Go email list and receive weekly menus and specials, including $5 lunch specials every Wednesday!

Distinctly Downtown: Jane Startzman, Volunteer Coordinator

Jane Startzman, the volunteer coordinator for Lock 3, Akron Civic Theatre and First Night^® Akron has it all figured out as far as volunteering goes. Over the past five years, Jane has learned how to manage volunteers, ensure they are having a good time while doing their projects, and make sure they feel valued for their work. No stranger to the volunteer circuit, she knows how hard it can be to retain volunteers, but she does so by making sure she offers incentives, and assigning volunteers to projects that they want to do and will enjoy.

“If they’re not happy, they won’t come back,” Jane said of her experiences with volunteers who do not return.

With almost 700 volunteers across three organizations, ranging from ages 13 to 91 years old, one would think it would be difficult to apply such a personal approach to a large number of people. Jane does it by using the creative skills she learned from her many years in the performing arts.

Some of Jane's volunteers hard at work at the Akron Civic Theatre.

And creative she is! Jane, who was one of the first eight students to attend the dance department when it was formed at The University of Akron, has been dancing since she was very young. Trained in ballet, she was a dancer in Heinz Poll’s company, Ohio Ballet for twenty years, dancing works by master choreographers including George Balanchine, Laura Dean and Paul Taylor. She later went on to become the artistic administrator and company manager for Heinz Poll and Ohio Ballet and more recently, the director of the City of Akron’s Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival. Jane’s favorite piece to perform was “Untitled” by Pilobilus, a company she describes as a precursor to Cirque De Soleil.

Working as a volunteer coordinator, Jane has grown to enjoy each volunteer project for different reasons. Lock 3 projects allow her to be outside in the beautiful summer weather, and she describes First Night as “magical.” She also takes advantage of the many things to do in Downtown Akron, such as dining at Cilantro and viewing shows at the Akron Civic Theatre. Jane likes that fact that there is so much activity in Downtown Akron, adding, “There’s always something to do!”

Jane enjoys her job as volunteer coordinator and stated, “This city has a lot of heart!”

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Downtown Akron…Twice!

Parade and Festivities
Saturday, March 10, Noon

Bands, floats, drill teams and color guards, mascots, Irish dancers, horses and clowns! John Deere farm tractors, bicycles, Ohio Infantry Civil War Reenactors, girl scouts, the Akron Zoo and Buckeye Corvettes; this is just a fraction of what you will experience on Saturday, March 10 in Downtown Akron!

Get a head start on St. Patrick’s Day this Saturday with the 31^st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade that steps off at noon. The parade, which is organized by the Mark Heffernan Division and the Margaret Judge Ladies Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, will make its way down Main Street from Spaghetti Warehouse to Bowery Street. More than 100 units are expected to participate this year. Don’t miss Summit County’s Bicentennial Bell, weighing a staggering 250 pounds! After the parade, continue your festivities by visiting Downtown businesses serving “green” specials in the spirit of the holiday.

March 10 Specials:

Jimmy’s- Open at 9 a.m. and will serving green beer and Irish Style Coffee. Visit Jimmy’s after the parade to see Macconmara Academy of Irish Dance.

Brubaker’s- Open at 10 a.m.
Serving Specials with Coors Light: $3 Pints and $8 Pitchers
$5.50 Guinness
$4 Miller Lite Green Aluminum Pints

Paolo’s- Bloody Mary Bar
$5 20 oz. Imperial Pints
$4 Irish Car Bombs

3 Point-
$ 3 Guinness
$4 Jameson

St. Patrick’s Day Festivities
Saturday, March 17

Downtown Akron’s second St. Patrick’s Day celebration happens on the actual holiday with specials throughout Downtown all day long!

Check out the festivities at Barley House where the street will be closed to accommodate heated outdoor tents with two beer trucks to kick start the festivities. Enjoy “Kegs and Eggs” from 6-11 a.m. with a $9.99 buffet breakfast including green eggs and green beer!

March 17 Specials:

The Lockview- Enjoy traditional Irish corned beef and cabbage paired with a large selection of Irish whiskeys and beer!

Brubaker’s- Tapping green beer at midnight starting March 17 and re-opening at 5:30 a.m.! Serving Specials with Coors Light: $3 Pints and $8 Pitchers
$5.50 Guinness
$4 Miller Lite Green Aluminum Pints

Wing Warehouse- Drink specials all day!
Serving “Kegs and Eggs” until 1 a.m.
Monster RC Car Charity Raffle

Paolo’s- Open at 9 a.m.
Bloody Mary Bar
$5 20 oz. Imperial Pints
$4 Irish Car Bombs

3 Point-
$3 Guinness
$4 Jameson

Primo’s Deli and Club- Happy Hour Specials between 4-7 p.m.
$5 Pizzas
Special on corned beef reuben sandwiches!

Distinctly Downtown: Hattie’s Cafe & Gifts

Hattie’s Café & Gifts
60 S. High St. (Hattie’s Library Café is located on the Akron-Summit County Public Library first floor. Visitors can enter the café through the library gift shop or from High Street.)
www.hattiescafe.org

Located on the Main St. Level of the Akron-Summit County Public Library, Hattie’s Café & Gifts is easily accessible to library patrons as well as the general public Downtown.

Stop by Monday-Friday, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., to grab a quick, convenient and healthy lunch. Hattie’s offers a variety of health conscious, delicious options including hot soups, hummus and pita, fresh fruit, self serve salads and more!

Hattie’s demonstrates community consciousness by serving only fair trade coffee. Stop by for a cup of house blend coffee or splurge on a latte, cappuccino, espresso, mocha, americano or red eye (coffee mixed with espresso).

Need a mid-day pick-me-up that won’t haunt your conscience? How about a guilt-free smoothie? Many of Hattie’s smoothies are made with low fat products and can be made with soy milk at no extra charge. A few of the countless flavors to choose from are Blueberry Bomb made with green tea ice cream, blueberries and vanilla yogurt, or Citrus Twist made with raspberries, lime sherbet and lemon juice – yum!

Pair your health conscious beverage with a great sandwich or wrap. The menu changes each week, but you might find selections such as The Courthouse or The Library. The Courthouse is made on a wheat wrap with cherries, almonds, chicken strips, dried cranberries, parmesan cheese, almond slivers, lettuce and a sweet fruity dressing. In honor of the location of the café try The Library, a chicken fajita roll-up made with grilled chicken strips, grilled veggies, ranch salsa and cheddar cheese.

Hattie’s recently remodeled and added a brand new salad bar stocked with community conscious organic and locally-sourced vegetables and herbs that have been grown at Hattie’s very own garden and other local vendors! Grab a to-go container to create your perfect salad. If you’re still hungry, add a bowl of hot soup to your order.

Hattie’s Garden is a vocational training program for adults with developmental disabilities, located at Crown Point Ecology Center in Bath, Ohio. The garden grows organic produce year-round. According to a 2005 study by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, spinach can lose up to half its nutritional value just getting to your plate because it travels an average of 2,086 miles from farm to table in the U.S. The distance from Hattie’s Café and Hattie’s Garden is only 11 miles, ensuring a higher quality and concentration of the nutrients your body needs to lose weight and stay healthy!

Hattie’s provides both goods and services that connect us to our community in a meaningful way. Hattie’s Café & Gifts is a group of coffee and sandwich shops owned and operated by Hattie Larlham. Each café provides vocational training and employment to people with developmental disabilities. All proceeds benefit Hattie Larlham, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating opportunities and improving the lives of more than 1,500 children and adults with developmental disabilities in Northeast Ohio.

Distinctly Downtown: Cilantro

Cilantro
326 S. Main St
www.cilantrothai.com

Cilantro, located near the intersection of Main and Exchange, is recognized for its interesting menu, quality service and eclectic atmosphere. You’re likely to see Charlie Somtrakool, the energetic owner, greeting guests and managing the restaurant, dedicated to ensuring a wonderful experience for all.

When you enter you’ll notice the unique décor including Jigsaw Lights imported from Thailand, orchids that represent the origin of the authentic food that is served, and a wine cellar wall that gives the dining room a big city feel.

Cilantro’s menu features specialties from Thai and Japanese cuisines with a variety of exotic spices. A few popular selections include:

Panang Salmon

Fresh Grilled Salmon topped with Panang curry sauce, garnished with kaffir lime leaves and steamed asparagus.

Cilantro Special Sushi Role

Spicy tuna topped with tuna and crunchy flake and special sauce.

Chicken Teriyaki

Strips of chicken breast and vegetables dipped in tempura batter and fried. Served with tempura sauce on the side.

Spicy Fried Noodles: Pad Khlee Mao

These white rice noodles take their delectable flavor and aroma from fresh basil, along with egg, onion, and red & green peppers.

Crab Rangoon

Fresh wonton wrappers surrounding crab, cream cheese, onions and scallions. Fried and served with sweet and sour sauce.

The lunch menu provides generous portions and prices ranging from $7.50 to $15. Dinner prices range from $10.95 to $20. Lunch delivery is available in Downtown Akron with a minimum $15 order.

Enjoy the variety Cilantro offers with Vegetarian Flavors, Thai Noodles, Fried Rice, Stir Fry, Curry and The Cilantro House Specials. For an authentic sushi experience, take a seat at the Sushi Bar and watch the chef create your delicious meal!

Stop in for a drink at the end of your work day at Cilantro’s bar and enjoy a half price martini between 5-7 p.m., Monday – Friday! The bar also has a selection of beer, wine and flavored ice teas. Find a seat at one of the cheetah accented stools and admire the eagle emblem that is a throwback to the bank that once filled this repurposed storefront.

With a spacious dining room and banquet room that allow for business meetings as well as celebratory events, Cilantro is the perfect pick for exceptional dining on any occasion.

Introducing “Distinctly Downtown”

The staff members at Downtown Akron Partnership come into contact with a wide variety of people when we are out and about in the community visiting businesses, participating in community events, making connections between stakeholders, and promoting Downtown Akron. We continually hear from residents, employees, students and visitors who are inspired by the positive energy in Downtown and the revitalization that has happened here in the last several years. We love telling the story of Downtown and talking about all of the businesses, organizations and people that make Downtown so welcoming and vibrant.

DAP’s new “Distinctly Downtown” feature is a way for you to find out about all of the wonderful things going on in Downtown Akron. Each week we’ll shine a spotlight on the places and faces that make Downtown Akron unique!

What makes Downtown Akron so distinct? Find out here!

We hope to see you soon in Downtown Akron!

NOTO
51 E. Market St.
www.zelionoto.com

Located on Maiden Lane in the same building that houses Musica and Urban Eats, NOTO is a charming boutique that offers a selection of chic women’s clothing and accessories, all offered at a price to suit any budget! Stop by and visit the infamous blue couch, take a seat and talk fashion! An array of vintage shoes priced under $20, blouses and dresses made from great fabrics and colors, and a variety of trendy accessories are just a few of the reasons to explore NOTO. The fresh spirited style of owner Lauren Ward radiates through NOTO and makes it the boutique to find original fashion Downtown.

Purchase an outfit that provides comfort and style to embody a busy schedule or a fabulous piece for your next night out and you’re sure to receive praise from admirers!

Keep up to date with NOTO’s blog at http://zelionoto.blogspot.com/, where trend reports and fun new items are posted regularly. Keep an eye out for details about NOTO’s yearly fashion show featuring items that may be purchased in the boutique!

Downtown Akron is for Lovers

Looking for something special to do with your Valentine tomorrow night or still need to pick out a unique gift? Check out a few of the options available in Downtown Akron!

Dining Specials:

3 Point
www.3pointrestaurant.com

This Valentine’s Day, enjoy a 14 oz. Prime Rib for $25.99 and a bottle of House Chardonnay or Cabernet for only $10 (while supplies last)!

Cilantro
www.cilantrothai.com

Diners at Cilantro will enjoy a $40 Dinner for Two with the option to purchase any wine at 50% off. Live music will be performed by the Calvin & Hopp Jazz Project from 6-8 p.m.

Check out one of the many fabulous spots in Downtown Akron to have dinner with your Valentine: www.downtownakron.com/enjoy/dining/dinner

House of Hunan
www.houseofhunan.net

Valentine’s Day diners will enjoy dinner for two for $49.95! Each person gets a glass of wine or saki, an appetizer, choice of soup, salad or spicy crab salad, an entree and a dessert!

Unique Gift Options:

Akron Aeros Valentine’s Day Ticket Package
www.akronaeros.com

Looking for the perfect gift for the sports fan in your life? The Akron Aeros are offering a special ticket package complete with four tickets to Opening Night (April 12), a 10 ticket flex pack, an Aeros travel mug filled with candy, and the choice of a his or hers Aeros hat (pink or blue). This package, a $145 value, is only $95! Contact the Aeros at 330-253-5151 to place your order.

Akron Glass Works
www.akronglassworks.com

Give your sweetie something special for Valentine’s Day! Akron Glass Works has a great variety of hand made gifts such as blown glass, stained glass, jewelry, photography and more! There are also still a few spots left in the hands-on Heart Paperweight workshop on Sunday, February 19…a great date idea!

If sending flowers is more your style, you can order from Downtown businesses Akron CitiCenter Florist, Klaus Wildflower or Neil Lesson Floral!

Happy Valentine’s Day!