Top 100* from Mimi

So here's the Top 100 from the Mimi newspaper (voted by readers) that I get in the mail. I've been to some of these already and I'm not sure if some on the list would be beneficial to review - but I'm going to use this list as a guide in my selecting a new place to go!

If you have any recommendations, shout them out. Personally, I surprised to see some places (ahem Gasoline Alley) missing from the list, while others I'm just as surprised to see them on the list.

Gasoline Alley

Place:  Gasoline Alley

Web-site: Not Available

Location:  870 North Cleveland Massillon Road, Akron, OH 44333-2165

Quick Blurb:

I think, no, I know that everyone needs to try a sandwich from here. We had been meaning to try Gasoline Alley for some since we heard so much talk about their sandwiches – I don’t know why we waited so long, but I’m glad that it finally is over. The menu is extensive and I can’t wait to work my way through it. Delicious!

Review:

Appearance:

The outside doesn’t look like much and the parking lot is a bit of a free-for-all, but once you’re inside, you feel better. I think every inch of the wall is covered in some sort of memorabilia and/or decorations – even the ceiling has old-school bicycles hanging from it. A mix of tables and high-tops, seating is limited and it is slightly cramped, but it never bothered my claustrophobic side (that said, I’ve been told since that we were very lucky to not have to wait 30+ min).

Staff:

Down to earth, helpful, attentive and smiling. Service was prompted even though we sat down at the only free table in the place.

Meal:

Appetizer:

We went for the fried zucchini and onion rings. I’ll give the onion rings a thumbs up, but the zucchini was just OK, if that. I liked that they sliced the zucchini long-ways instead of small circles, but that’s about it. The breading fell off quickly and there wasn’t much flavour in the breading nor in the ranch dipping sauce.

Entrée:

I went for a sandwich with: a breast of chicken, fried mortadella, and a giant slice of Havarti cheese. Sounds fairly simple, but oh my gosh was it ever delicious. The saltiness of the fried mortadella along with the buttery, creamy, and deliciously melted Havarti cheese topped the juicy, grilled  chicken breast, which had no fat at all (don’t you want to eat that right now?). I was cautious about the chicken as usually there is always a piece of fat somewhere when you go to some restaurants – not the case here. I added a little Frank’s hot sauce for a kick and I was on cloud nine.

My wife ordered the Tenderloin sandwich – which, naturally came with beef tenderloin (cooked to her desire mind you), lettuce and tomato. She too made a point to compliment the quality of the meat.

We ordered a side of fries to munch on – our eyes were hungry when we arrived and, for some reason, a sandwich doesn’t mentally fill me up. But, I would like to point out that the sizes are perfect. They aren’t obnoxiously large, but they don’t leave you going home for something to snack on. I think they’ve got this down. Oh, and the fries, freshly cut and not laden in oil – I had to stop myself from eating the whole basket.

Desserts:

Passed on deserts, although we did notice people ordering deserts to go. They had a display of their cakes and pies when you walked in – I think a tasting is in the cards next time we go.

Drinks:

A great selection of draft beer (lots of craft choices). The bar looked fully stocked, but it is definitely a beer type of place.

Prices:

Sandwiches run you about $8-11 and the pizzas aren’t much more than a Donato’s.

Overall Experience:

I’m going to have a hard time going back – It’s going to be impossible deciding what to order next time! Reviews that I have read mention the pizzas as being amazing – well I’m a pizza guy. But, that chicken sandwich was just so good. And then I wonder what all the other combinations are like…I think this may be a multi-visit place until I try out everything!

The Saffron Patch

Place:  The Saffron Patch

Web-site: www.thesaffronpatch.com

Location:  1244 Weathervane Lane, Akron, OH 44313-5102 Google Maps

Quick Blurb:

Fresh ingredients, pleasant staff and stiff drinks keep us coming back! The Saffron Patch is one of the better Indian restaurants I’ve been to and so far the best in Akron. 

Review:

Appearance:

Located in “The Valley”, the restaurant has a charming outer appearance. It feels as if you were walking into someone’s house for dinner.

Inside, you have a bar to your left with some small tables for two, and then on the right you have the main dining area. The tables are a little too close together in some places, but otherwise the dim lighting and good background music give a great ambiance.

Staff:

We’ve never had a problem any time we’ve been here. Once, they had three dinner parties of 10+ ppl. Needless to say, service was slower, but they apologized continuously and knowing how they usually are very prompt, I didn’t mind at all. They are more than willing to make recommendations in terms of both dishes and ‘hotness’.

Meal:

We tend to stick to the same Indian dishes – what can I say? We have our favourites!

Appetizer:

We go for the Vegetable Pakroas and Samosas. Both are delicious and nicely spiced. While they are both fried, they never come out dripping in oil. We usually ask for additional ‘dipping’ sauce – the flavours are hard to describe – they’re simply yum! Give them a try and you wont be disappointed.

Entrée:

While it’s not on the menu, we go for the Shrimp Tikka Masala. The shrimp are extremely fresh, and this is one of the main reasons I like The Saffron Patch – in a lot of restaurants the shrimp can have an ammonia taste to them – I cannot stand this. This isn’t the case here, they are cooked perfectly and the tikka masala sauce is delicious – creamy with flavours of cumin and ginger. I can’t get enough of this dish. Pair it with their rice and you’ll be set.

We also go for the Okra – Bhindi Masala. Okra is a vegetable that you don’t see often on restaurants’ menus, which is one of the main reasons we get it. Cooked with the “Chef’s special spices”, the okra holds its own, I say rice is optional. Oh, and don’t worry about it being overcooked and mushy like any member of the squash family can get sometimes –it still has substance to it.

Our final selection is the Baingan Bhartha – sautéed eggplant that has a distinct smokey flavour from fire roasting. In another restaurant, they call it the “Smokey Eggplant”. Again, the spice combination is incredible and I enjoy pairing it with some rice as we do with the tikka masala.

Don’t forget ordering some Naan – the garlic is pheonomenal, but then again I’m a huge garlic fan. Oh, just don’t plan on kissing anyone afterwards.

Desserts:

We pass on dessert as we always order too much. One great thing about the food is that it heats up great! People at work may look at you strange, but who cares? You’re lunch is a million times better than their PB&J.

Drinks:

They make some great drinks. I shy away from my usual martini and go for a gin and tonic and switch to Singah during the meal. My wife usually gets their drink special of the day, which never disappoints her. Usually includes passion fruit and/or limoncello – how could you go wrong?

Prices:

Their main dishes run from $12-20 – not cheap, but not crazy either. Personally, I think it’s well worth it. We get a variety of dishes and have a lunch or two with the leftovers.

Overall Experience:

I hear of other Indian restaurants opening up, but I’m hesitant in trying them. I have been to others in the area and none match this place, in my opinion. Make reservations so you’re assured of a seat and if you’re not sure what to order, the servers are more than happy to suggest something.
One thing that I would like to note - go for dinner. I wasn't impressed with their lunch buffet. Sure, you can sample a variety of simple dishes, but there wasn't anything that excited me.