Eat Local: Chrissie Hynde’s VegiTerranean

Celebrated Akronite Chrissie Hynde is a woman of many hats. Most know her as frontwoman for the legendary new wave band, the Pretenders. But two of her passions—veganism and animal rights—converge at her chic, modern-casual VegiTerranean, located in Akron’s hip Northside Lofts.

VegiTerranean’s aim is Italian-Mediterranean fusion, and the creativity, quality and captivating selection is anything but average. The “100 percent cruelty-free” menu is a crowd pleaser for diners of the vegan, vegetarian or dietary restriction persuasion, but likely to surprise even the most ardent of carnivores. Appetizers and entrées are robust, flavorful and (wait for it…) healthy. The salads are sundry, the sides savory and the selection of flatbreads and pizzas are a great compliment to the full-service bar within.

Don’t let the idea of Gardien chicken, Field Roast sausages or tofu approximations of ricotta and feta throw you—and whatever you do, don’t flee a vegan dessert. Executive Chef J. Scot Jones blends fashionable flavors with in-season local ingredients to great effect. Great for casual dining, friendly service, nightcaps and people watching, VegiTerranean does everything right. In this recession-busting era, the prices aren’t bad, either. Hynde’s fans might say her place leaves you with “Brass in Pocket,” which is definitely a good thing.

21 Furnace St, Akron. 330-374-5550. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Prices: $9 to $19 for entrees.

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