Things are looking pretty lively. We have been eating various peppers, lettuces, and herbs. Tomatoes are looking pretty great so I’m excited about that. Grilled a couple yellow squash last week…

How is your garden doing?

Our friends S. & A. invited us to the Toledo Club’s 4th of July party on the Willis B. Boyer, which was retired in 1980 and opened as a museum in ‘97.

There was food and a bar, but the most fun came from being able to tour the ship on our own. The river hosted “boatloads” of people waiting for the fireworks.

The sunset was beautiful from the prime spot we carved out for ourselves.

We were on the tippity top of the Boyer facing downtown and only meters from where the fireworks would happen. While waiting, maybe not so patiently, we took photos of the (what I am assuming were) non-legal fireworks happening within the inner-city.

And then… BOOM!

D. took video of the fireworks and then sped the 20-something minute footage up to fit into 3 minutes. It’s disorienting. But great.

Baseball. It’s the most all American of ALL American sports.

When I asked if there was to be a “half-time” and “dancing girls” I *really* should have been deported right there and then. Luckily there was a darling little girl singing (see above) and my transgression was either forgotten or dismissed as simply being in the moment. SO! MUCH! AMERICA!

YEAH!!!

Toledo Mudhens | Fifth Third Field | 406 Washington Street | (419) 725-4367

This is Charlie aka “Cat-attack Charlie”. He was saved from a murderous cat by a kid in the neighborhood. He brought him over to me and I went straight into action by calling R. & M. for advice on where to bring him.

Nature’s Nursery in Whitehouse, Ohio was where I ended up. It was about a half-hour drive but pleasant, with lots of farmland.

The volunteers were very nice and helpful. It turns out Charlie is a baby robin. He had a leg injury but they didn’t think it was broken and assured me the little champ would be okay. So, what could have been a very sad incident was turned around by that great organization. Big thanks to Nature’s Nursery!

Nature’s Nursery | Whitehouse, Ohio | (419) 877-0060

While on a search for brunch this Sunday, D. and I came across this little diner unexpectedly. It was clean and decorated with flowers and outdoor tables so we thought we’d give it a try…

We weren’t the only ones–as we walked in the door our friend’s M. and T. were already seated at the counter, ordering. The four of us grabbed a table and enjoyed an entirely delicious brunch. And it was cheap! D. ordered some eggs and french toast…

…while I fed on their self-proclaimed “Best Burger in Toledo”. I have to say, it was pretty great tasting burger.

The onion rings were a hit with everyone at the table. We were all amused by M.’s onion ring coffee trick.

My House Diner | 4704 North Detroit Ave. | (419) 478-6525

It was one great weekend. Favorite OWE fest ever, regardless of the weather. Above is some of the video D. shot during festival.

Toledo’s Historic Old West End Association

On Memorial Day Weekend we spent Sunday on the water with J. and C. Our first stop was a visit to The Toledo Lighthouse. My dream plans are to someday live on that little rock!

After picking up some friends at The Docks, we went down the river to “Ski Alley” and soaked up some sun. When we first arrived there were several boats and jet ski’s zooming about. Later, when the sun began to set and the other boaters left, some of our party swam to the sandbar.

You can see the S.S. Willis B. Boyer to the far right in the above picture. Have you ever visited? I have added it to my list of things to-do in Toledo.

The lights on the I-280 bridge were a nice reminder of what the weekend was all about. Hope you had a great one.

Oui Oui!

For some reason I thought a “Pu Pu Platter” was a joke. But “Pu Pu” is real! And it includes ribs, wings, fried shrimp, egg rolls, and the wholey “American” crab rangoon. Cream cheese? Sure, I’ll take it.

Long Island iced teas were enjoyed.

My crispy tofu with scallions and cilantro was great. The greens lent a fresh, crisp taste against the warmth of the tofu and rich sauce. I don’t remember what D. ordered–pictured at left–but he loved it. He’s playing a video game right now, so I don’t want to bother him about it.

We returned a week or so later with C., J., and Q. The large shrimp sauteed with garlic was a huge hit.

Note: Although dim sum is proudly posted on the overhanging signs outside, they do not serve dim sum. Shame. They do, however, serve the rarely offered geoduck clam–of which I have no experience and cannot say yay nor nay. But it’s uncommon and therefore mentionable.

Wei Wei | 1202 North Reynolds Road | (419) 531-1117

Disclaimer: I’m not much into candy. I’m not much into sugar. And, I’m not much into chocolate.

But I am into nostalgia, and as a child I loved all of the above. We’ve passed this “retro candy store” many times but only stopped about a week ago. Recommended. If only for the kind help from the sweetly dressed man who helps you out with your choices and the darling baskets you get to shop with.

I was able to toss out old sweets in my neglected candy dish from Christmas for some watermelon lollypops, licorice, swiss fish, and jelly beans. Almost all of them I haven’t come across since I was a wee lass.  Cinnamon toothpicks? Check. Pop Rocks? Check. Chick-O-Stick? Check. Single packaged Swedish Fish (WHAT?). Check. Those spaceship disc shaped pods of peanut-packing-material that contained little balls of sugar? Yeah, check. They even have Sen-Sen and Choward’s scented gum (time to employ the use of Google).

They also have a couple coolers of soda that beer connoisseurs might call “craft” sodas. I picked up a strawberry soda that remains in the fridge–again, I don’t like sugar but maybe, someday, I will try it. More likely though, I will give it to a friend.

Boyd’s Retro Candy Store | 954 Phillips Avenue | (419) 720-7387

My good friend F. came into town via the train from NYC on the same Friday morning that the Crystal Bowersox/American Idol parade was scheduled. His cab driver enthusiastically told him all the details.

Neither of F. nor myself actually watch American Idol but this being his third visit to Toledo, and my love of giving all of my visitors a truely Toledo-centric time, we walked to Summit Street after breakfast to enjoy the parade. Having a mayor on a motorcycle is as good a draw as any.

There were quite a few mascots, and aside from the baseball team and the hockey team I was unable to identify for F. the other, silly tube-shaped characters. Any clues?

The Toledo School for the Arts had a good deal of pride during the parade. And they should have! Crystal Bowersox is an alumni of that fantastic school located in uptown Toledo.

And at the end of the parade, there was Ms. Bowersox. As I post this we know that she is 2nd in place for American Idol. Congrats to you, Crystal! You have a great career before you and Toledo (and all of America) loves you!

Crystal is a positive ambassador for Toledo and the TSA.

Toledo School for the Arts | 333 14th Street | (419) 246-8732

A couple weekends ago, the Toledo chapter of the AIGA hosted a design educators conference at the Crowne Plaza, downtown, for national members of the AIGA. Great for them and great for Toledo for all the visitors!

The opening event was a talk by Joshua Onysko, the CEO and  founder of Pangea Organics.

“Throughout Pangea’s growth, from its inception in 2000, Onysko, 32, has retained private ownership of his company, never straying from its vision.”

His talk, held at the Glass Pavilion at the TMA was open to the public for a small fee, and free to conference attendees.

Joshua’s life story and the story about his company’s commitment to human health as well as the health of our environment was inspirational, compelling, exposed his passion for dedicating oneself to a brand that he built, continues to prune and 100% believes in. All without having to exchange that passion for superficial and “unsustainable” business decisions.

Again, I applaud our young chapter of the AIGA for bringing in the business insights of the founder of Pangea, along with many other heavy hitters over the weekend, like Rick Poyner (”He never jumps the pond!”—in reference to how lucky Toledo is to get an internationally-known designer, so respected, over much larger American cities) and Rick Valicenti (Our own midwest design illuminati).

AIGA Toledo | AIGA National

I’m going to keep this short and sweet. Thin crust. Thin. Crust.

Royal Pizza | 4843 North Detroit Avenue | (419) 478-8101

After lunch today, we wandered into a storefront that we’ve been passing for years without stopping in. Shameful that it took so long. Uptown Antiques has been on Monroe Street, in the Uptown District, for 6 or 7 years now. It’s perfect for a little shopping for yourself or for gifts!

The shop is full of wonderful collectibles and curiosities… at very reasonable prices. I picked out a pretty antique pin, a silver-plated candy dish, a tiny alabaster platter, and some original bags from Tiedtke’s that would have been used to hold their own coffee and teas–they will be perfect framed in the kitchen. Dustin grabbed a metal topiary frame on the way out. I think in all we spent less than $35. Nice!

Uptown Antiques & Collectibles | 1900 Monroe Street | (419) 241-9350
Hours: Wed. – Fri. 11-4:30, Sat. 10-4, Sun. 12-4, Closed Mon. & Tues.

My weekend included dirt under fingernails and the planting of lettuces, tomatoes, bell peppers, jalapeno, cayenne, hungarian wax peppers, broccoli, leeks, onion, thyme, oregano, basil, yellow squash, parsley, cilantro, mint, chives… am I missing anything?

What are you planting this Spring?

A little over an hour south of Toledo lives the little town of Lima. And in Lima lives three (3) of the five (5) remaining Kewpee Hamburger joints left in America. According to legend (ie. Wikipedia), Kewpee is the second fast-food hamburger chain in America and many claim the predecessor to Wendy’s.

Our friend, C., hails from Lima and after sharing with us stories of these amazing burgers whose namesake comes from a somewhat-creepy plastic doll, was able to convince a group of us to jump into a borrowed van and head south. We got into downtown Lima at the cocktail hour, so a quickie at Roxy (or was it Stormy’s?) preceded our hamburg pilgrimage.

This location was opened in 1928.

Hamburg pickle on top, makes your heart go flippity-flop!

The interior is a small diner with seemingly little updates over the years and according to a sign on the wall, “Your grandpappy ate here”.

D. and I picked out some burgers, chili and iced tea to share.

And this is what D.’s burger with “everything” looked like as it was unwrapped. Looks great, right? I can attest that it tasted even better.

There were no complaints from us, nor our fellow travelers. So, here’s a daytrip idea for your next lazy day off.

Kewpee Hamburgers | 111 N Elizabeth St. | Lima, Ohio | (419) 228-1778

Here’s something fun and useful. The Anderson’s in Maumee has a deli kiosk near the entrance. If you are in a rush, place your order for the deli at this kiosk and your coldcuts, cheeses, and specialty items (from Oasis, Tiger Bakery, etc.) will be waiting for you by the time you get to the deli! No “Please take a number” and no wait!

The Anderson’s | 530 Illinois Ave. | Maumee | (419) 891-2700

Last month was 2010’s first Gallery Loop, presented by The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo.

Approximately fifteen (15) Toledo galleries opened their doors to the public with free bus shuttles linking them all together. The venues were packed with area folk enjoying arts, entertainment, yummy nibbles and wine. Chilly weather did not keep people away!

There was something for everyone. Like the beautiful diorama above…

…or this curious piece.

I enjoyed the tiny dresses crafted of paper floating in this corner.

Keep an eye open for the next Gallery Loop, as they happen twice a year.

The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo | 419-254-ARTS (2787)

Here’s one. Go pick up your favorite proteins and veggies at your local Anderson’s (or Schorlings, or House of Meats, or Monette’s…) and grill out.

Be sure to pick out something exotic to drink.

And finish the night off by lighting stuff on fire.

Meatloaf and vino? Last week we enjoyed sampling a mix of meatloaf from House of Meats (buffalo, pork, gyro, etc.) and “blends” from the vast wine section in the Talmadge Road Anderson’s. I discovered a very nice wine from Washington, Cascade Clifts Goat Head Red, and brought a bottle home.

The Talmadge store hosts these tastings on Thursdays from 6 to 8pm, but the other stores do these as well… I believe on other days so check the website for event information.

Coming up… “What is Malbec?” on April 15th (tomorrow); “What is Cote du Rhone?” on April 29th; “Seafood & Wine” (with House of Meats) on May 15th; and “Last Great Cabernet Tasting Before Summer” on June 10th.

The Anderson’s | 4701 Talmadge Road | (419) 473-3232

Following the Quest for Fire opening at the TMA, we checked into the Ottawa Tavern for another of their amazing FREE shows. The Black Atlantic are from Holland and were fresh off a stint at South by Southwest (SXSW). Sangsara are a heavily-lauded group local to Toledo. But, Big Kitty (video above) were my favorite of the night.

Big Kitty hail from Chattanooga, Tennessee and were simply precious.

The Ottawa Tavern was PACKED. I love how successful the bar has become, yet I hope this level of attendance subsides for the sake of the regulars! And the staff, for that matter.

Ottawa Tavern | 1817 Adams Street (Uptown) | (419) 725-5483

Friday night was the Quest for Fire opening at The Toledo Museum of Art’s Community Gallery.

The show featured works from Toledo-area artists that reinterpreted art in the permanent collection of the museum. The above is based upon this piece of art.

The gallery was packed with guests enjoying the really fantastic show, curated by Jerry Gray of Bozarts Gallery (which I’ve posted about a couple times over the past year) and Kerry Krow.

It was great to see how local artists re-think and re-mix works from greats like Picasso and Rosenquist.

Mediums include painting, photography, sculpture and digital works. Many of the artists are exhibiting additional personal works for context, providing a glimpse of where they are coming from.

This show is up through May 2nd, so I highly suggest you check it out (if you weren’t one of the many in attendance this weekend) as a gentle reminder of how much talent this great city has to offer. Congrats to Jerry Gray, Kerry Krow, and The Museum staff for allowing this to happen.

The Toledo Museum of Art | FREE | 2445 Monroe Street | (419) 255-8000

I’ve never seen fresh almonds before! The Middle East Market on Dorr is pretty epic. The food is amazing and the new location is great.

Question: What do you actually *do* with fresh almonds?

Middle East Market | 5303 Dorr Street | (419) 531-3999