It rained on and off most of the day, but a couple of raincoats and a dash of determination remedied that. We got breakfast (or nachos for me) at the Dorr Street Cafe, then scored a great parking spot for the festival. I recognized many of the artists and crafts-folk from last year. In fact, we ended up leaving with a bench and basket from the same gentleman who sold us a table the year before.

Look at that crazy monkey atop the camel, atop the chaise. Whaaaat!

Toledo Botanical Garden | 5403 Elmer Dr. | (419) 936-2986

We had such a great time at Harissa that we had to go back. This time we brought our good friends, M. & K. Harissa has moved from the dim first floor up to the second (inside the Oliver House), so the room was much brighter. Again, the food was incredible.

Dinner was followed by wine on the porch and and an odd 80′s party. I’ll end this post with: get a friend with a red convertible Cadillac. Today.

Did you know you can get pitchers of margaritas at Manhattan’s? Neither did I!

Manhattan’s | 1516 Adams St. | (419) 243-6675

This is our first year attempting to grow our own veggies. I was super inspired by M. down the street who thoughtfully brought us an eggplant last year from her garden. I think she’s got the best garden in the whole Old West End. We are starting out small. Above, middle, is our very first tomato of the 2 plants we have. It’s so tiny and cute.

We are also growing bell peppers, cucumbers (which seem to want a lot more room than we initially suspected), and herbs — including 2 nice basil plants. So far we’ve only been able to use the herbs… everything else is still growing but I’m thinking positively.

Pretty soon — I’m thinking a matter of days — the cherry tree will be ready for “harvest”. I can’t take credit for it though… came with the house! Have a great cherry pie recipe? Let me know.

M. & K. asked us out for sushi last night… which worked out well because I had been craving sushi for the past week. Sori Sushi, it was. As we walked in we were greeted by a cheery sign stating “Beer and Sake 1/2-off Wednesdays”. Nice.

That fried mess on the bottom right is vegetable tempura, which is always yummy. Our server was Sori, the restaurant’s co-owner and namesake. It’s her wonderful mixed media art that adorns the walls and menu designs. She has a super cute personality so stop in — the food is always excellent and the prices are even better, and remember Wednesdays for the drink special.

Sori Sushi | 5236 Monroe St | (419) 720-7674