Anthony Parasson started making pizza in the back of his mother’s tavern, the Superior Cafe, in Barberton in the late 1950s, because he didn’t like the bar business and felt that pizza would be a better way to make a living.
His restaurant chain, which grew to four Akron locations, has been run by his son, Tony, since his death in 1982.
But now Anthony’s other son, Mickey Parasson, is following in his grandmother’s footsteps by opening a bar in the Merriman Valley.
Mickey Parasson said his family has come full circle. “My dad wanted out, and I wanted in,” said Parasson, 44, of Akron.
In the fall he purchased the former Nuthouse Bar in the Liberty Commons area and renovated it into Mickey’s, which opened in October at 1310 Weathervane Lane.
“My father hated working the bar and hated the bar business,” Parasson said. “He asked his mother if he could remove a pool table and try selling pizzas. He was 18 at the time and selling pizzas in his mom’s bar turned into what is now Parasson’s.”
Previously, Mickey Parasson worked in home remodeling, and has updated the place, including the addition of an oak bar. There’s no kitchen, but Parasson said he is getting food from local establishments to serve for free as happy hour appetizers, including meatballs from DeVitis Market, pizza bread from Ninni’s Bakery and baba ghanoush from Tangier.
Events at Ms. Julie’s
Julie Costell, owner of Ms. Julie’s Kitchen, an organic vegan cafe at 1809 S. Main St., Akron, will be hosting a series of events.
On Jan. 16, she will offer a vegan cooking class for $30, which includes dining on the food made in class. Participants can pay at the door with advance reservations.
On Jan. 23, Phil and Mindy Bartholomae of Breezy Hill Farm in Homeworth will talk about their organic growing methods and sell produce from their farm. The event is free.
In conjunction with the Akron Peace Project Film Series, the restaurant will show the film Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead on Jan. 27. The film, a documentary about using fasting and fruit and vegetable juice to lose weight, will kick off a five-day juice feast and fast for interested participants.
On Feb. 22, the film Forks Over Knives, which examines the issue of controlling degenerative diseases through a diet free of animal products and processed foods, will be shown. The film is free.
All events begin at 6:30 p.m. Call 330-819-3834 to reserve.
Catch the train for fun
The Sugartown Express rolls into town on Jan. 27 at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn, 3180 W. Market St.
This is the 36th year for the fundraiser for the American Diabetes Association in Greater Akron. The party from 4:30 to 7 p.m. features local celebrities serving pizza, hot pretzels, fresh vegetables and beverages. The event raises money for diabetes research.
It includes music, dancing, door prizes, raffles and auctions. The dress code is casual. For tickets at $35, contact Jennifer Knechtel at jknechtel@diabetes.org or 216-328-9989, ext. 6741.
Seeing red wine event
West Point Market will host its annual Best Buy Reds wine tasting on Jan. 20 and 27.
The tasting is from 7 to 9 p.m. each Friday and includes 50 red wines for sampling, all of which sell for $15 or less per bottle. Tickets are $35 and include appetizers.
These tastings sell out quickly and reservations are required. Call 330-864-2151 to reserve. West Point is at 1711 W. Market St., Akron.
Lisa Abraham can be reached at 330-996-3737 or labraham@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @akronfoodie and read her blog at http://lisa.ohio.com.
