Kent, Ohio, is becoming a culinary hotspot, and at the heart of it, right on Erie Street, you’ll find a taste of the South that’s hard to resist. Erie Street Kitchen, nestled within the beloved Venice Cafe, is bringing a fresh and exciting dining experience to downtown Kent. This isn’t just another restaurant; it’s a chef-driven eatery focused on delivering the finest Southern cuisine, crafted with locally sourced, farm-fresh ingredients. Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable journey into the world of hot chicken, unique side dishes, and delightful seafood creations, all in a welcoming atmosphere perfect for families and impressing your guests.
Erie Street Kitchen: A Taste of the South in Downtown Kent
Erie Street Kitchen is more than just a name; it’s a destination. Located at 163 W. Erie Street, Kent, OH 44240, within the iconic Venice Cafe, this restaurant is easily accessible and ready to serve up a storm of flavors. You can reach them at (330)-593-5928 for any inquiries. Their doors are open from Tuesday to Thursday, 11:00 am to 9 pm, and on Friday and Saturday, extending until 9:00 pm, making it an ideal spot for lunch, dinner, or a weekend treat.
What exactly can you expect from Erie Street Kitchen? Imagine Southern Fried and Nashville Hot chicken tenders cooked to perfection, alongside a variety of one-of-a-kind side dishes that complement the main courses beautifully. Seafood lovers will rejoice at the selection, and for those seeking something different, the Po Boy and Banh Mi sandwiches offer a unique twist. The menu is designed to cater to diverse palates, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Locally Sourced Ingredients: The Heart of Erie Street Kitchen
The commitment to quality at Erie Street Kitchen goes beyond just recipes. They pride themselves on using farm-fresh, local produce sourced directly from artisan suppliers and farmers in and around Kent. This dedication to local sourcing not only guarantees the freshest ingredients but also supports the local community. Among their valued partners are:
- Busy B Bakery: For delectable desserts to round off your meal.
- Black Dog Acres (Kent): Providing fresh, local produce.
- Oak Tree Hydroponic Farms (Akron): Supplying fresh, locally grown greens.
- Goodell Family Farm (Mantua): Offering high-quality maple syrup.
- Tierra Verde Farms (Kent): Contributing to the burger ingredients and honey.
- Pettit’s Green Thumb Farm (Ravenna): Providing a variety of fresh produce.
- Mushroom Harvest Provisions: For a selection of gourmet mushrooms.
- Mason Kissamore: Supplying cage-free, locally raised eggs from Black Dog Acres for dishes like deviled eggs.
- Haymaker’s Farmers Market: A source for diverse and seasonal produce.
This network of local suppliers ensures that every dish at Erie Street Kitchen is made with the freshest and highest quality ingredients, reflecting the true essence of farm-to-table dining.
Meet Chef Jeff Crowe: Bringing Southern Culinary Expertise to Erie Street
The culinary vision behind Erie Street Kitchen comes from Chef Jeff Crowe, a native of Atlanta, Georgia. With an impressive background operating restaurants and catering companies in culinary hotspots like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Nashville, as well as Akron, Chef Crowe brings a wealth of experience and passion to Kent. He has been a part of the Kent community for 20 years, with close ties to the area through his wife, a KSU professor, and his daughters who grew up in the Kent school system.
Chef Crowe’s expertise is evident in the authentic Southern flavors that define Erie Street Kitchen. From perfectly cooked chicken tenders to flavorful jambalaya, gumbo, Po Boys, and even fried green tomatoes, the menu is a celebration of Southern cuisine. Seafood options like lobster rolls, perch, and shrimp dinners, along with rotating specials, keep the menu exciting and diverse. Understanding dietary needs, Erie Street Kitchen also offers a range of vegetarian and gluten-free options, ensuring inclusivity for all diners.
Erie Street Kitchen and the Revitalization of Downtown Kent
Erie Street Kitchen is not just a restaurant; it’s part of the exciting resurgence of downtown Kent. By choosing to locate within the Venice Cafe, a long-standing and cherished establishment, Erie Street Kitchen contributes to preserving the historic charm of downtown Kent while simultaneously boosting the local economy. The area around Main, Franklin, Erie, and Water Street is evolving into a vibrant hub for arts, entertainment, and dining. Erie Street Kitchen and Venice Cafe are proud to be at the forefront of this growth, fostering a small-town community feel while establishing Kent as a regional destination.
Whether you’re a Kent local or a visitor, Erie Street Kitchen on Erie Street promises a delightful dining experience that celebrates Southern flavors, local ingredients, and community spirit. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that connects you to the heart of Kent’s culinary scene.
