Color me corrected. The weather was much warmer this afternoon than I expected.

We spent part of the afternoon shopping for groceries. First stop was The Andersons, where we browsed the trees and plants (we have some tree needs) and picked up vegetables, pasta and more. Next was a totally spur of the moment visit to Sofo Foods Il Mercato, which smelled amazing first step in the door. More veggies were picked up along with a still-warm-from-the-oven loaf of Italian bread. Our last stop was Claudia’s and we left with tofu, seitan, peanut butter that we ground fresh ourselves and some non-toxic cleaning supplies.

What do all three have in common? They’re local. And they aren’t the only local groceries around… so more to come on that.

The Andersons | 4701 Talmadge Road | 419-473-3232

Sofo Foods | 5400 Monroe Street | 419-882-8555

Claudia’s | 5644 Monroe Street | 419-534-3343

ps. I love The Anderson’s logo and their liberal use of Futura (typeface). Well done.

I’m sorry to have been gone for the week but it’s much colder here right now than I’d like, so maybe that worked out for the best. Looking at the forecast I see the next few days won’t be much warmer. Rather than spending free time outdoors this weekend, I might re-watch “Two Toledos” — a documentary by Jacob David and Joel Washing.

Toledo, Spain and Toledo, Ohio were the very first Sister Cities relationship in the world (1931). Both cities host thriving arts communities. “Two Toledos” tells the stories of contemporary artists living in both Toledos, highlighting well-known locals Richard Reid, Ann Tubbs, Robert Garcia and others.

Learn more about this great documentary and score a copy at TwoToledos.com.

I’m off for Sarasota tomorrow so I’ll be missing another great weekend in Toledo. But no worries… I’ll be enjoying some sun and the company of family.

Friday night’s dinner was steak diane at Mac & Tong’s. This is a hidden gem. Mostly white hairs getting tipsy at the curvy bar while some dandy plays tunes on the piano. Mac seats us at the usual table and Tong’s cooking is deeelish as always. Choose the dill/cottage cheese dressing for your salad, try the teriyaki vegetables, order a Mac-a-rita (or two), and admire the photo of Mac sporting a falcon on his arm.

Mac and Tongs | 4330 West Central Avenue | 419 531-3103

At Central and Talmudge.