New owners John, Kevin, and J.J. Altomare bring with them a wealth of restaurant savvy: Papa John is former senior veep for concept development with Red Lobster, and brothers Kevin and J.J. are 2005 graduates of the Culinary Institute of America. But while the menu got a makeover, the concept hasn't strayed far from Mary & Ted's family-friendly roots: At breakfast, simple pleasures like two eggs and corned-beef hash will set you back just $3.99; for dinner, jerk-seasoned pork loin in banana-curry sauce, with rice pilaf and veggies, goes for $12.95. Meantime, just down the street, the vintage fixtures, stools, and cabinetry from the former Saywell's Drugstore now shine as the centerpiece of Hattie's Café (164 North Main Street, 330-655-0044), a coffee shop, soda fountain, and gift store operated by the nonprofit Hattie Larlham organization. Hattie's all-day menu includes soup, salads, and sandwiches, along with freshly baked muffins, fair-trade coffee -- and of course, sodas, sundaes, and shakes. Not only has the café rescued a piece of Summit County history, but it provides sheltered employment for workers with developmental disabilities.
Small bites . . . There's still time to snap up a gourmet vegetarian dinner at Parker's (2801 Bridge Avenue) before it closes on December 31. Upcoming five-course feasts are set for Wednesday, November 8, and Thursday, November 30, at 6:30 p.m. Price is $35; call 216-771-7130 for reservations . . . Eat and drink cheap at Lolita (900 Literary Road) during the Greek-accented bistro's new happy hours. Among the five-buck noshes, find Greek fries and barbecued rabbit flatbread; wash 'em down with drinks like Sierra Nevada Pale Ale ($2) or macho margarita martinis ($5). Get happy from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. till close Tuesday through Thursday, 5:30 to 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. till close Friday and Saturday, and 4 p.m. till close on Sunday.
