The parking lot to El Camino Real was packed last night… and so was the restaurant. I had a bean burrito with guacamole and D. had a taco and a couple of those chili relleno things he loves so much. And, we shared a pitcher of margaritas — my favorite reason to visit. It’s apparently a fave of a lot of Toledoans because there were some pretty tipsy folks out last night… like falling down on the ground tipsy.

El Camino Real | 2500 W Sylvania Ave | (419) 472-0700 | There’s one on the east-side too… google it.

P.S. Don’t drink and drive, K, thanks, bye.

Looking to skip the queue and long waits on election day? In-person early voting is quick, easy and centrally located downtown at Jefferson and 22nd Streets. We voted last week shortly before lunch and while a lot of people were voting but there was basically no wait. Of course, there is a *certain* thrill of voting on election day… but if you are time-challenged take advantage of this and VOTE EARLY.

Click here for a PDF from the Lucas County Board of Elections for days, hours and a map to the location.

Lucas County Board of Elections Early Voting Center | EMS Training Center 2127 Jefferson St. (Across from Mercy Medical Center)

Hungry? Hungary? We just got back from our first visit to The Budapest. Open for lunch and dinner this little time-capsule of a restaurant is really something. A blast from the past, from the rotary phone and the old-fashioned cash register, to the antiquated music in the background. Even the waiter seemed like he had just stepped out of a time machine with a vintage vest and bow tie… even his watch and spectacles. I was too shy to ask him to pose for a photo.

The menu was on the board. I had pork chops and D. had the special — a ribeye steak with sauteed peppers. Both came with small salads, potato and noodles. The portions were way too much for me and I brought home most of my dinner but the food was good. Very “comfort food”… comforting like the atmosphere where everyone seemed like a regular.

Suggestion: call ahead to make sure they are open.

The Budapest Restaurant | 3314 Monroe St | (419) 241-1513

This weekend was very relaxed and casual and at one point we just decided to take the doggie down to the river for a walk. It was perfect weather, plenty of parking on Water Street, boats going up and down the Maumee, and a couple guys passing the time by fishing…

World, meet Daphne, the dog.

Pretty soon (or too soon) the streets will be covered with snow, sleet and ice. Take advantage of the weather while it lasts and visit downtown on your bicycle. Did you know Toledo used to be the bicycle capital of the world? Well… if not capital of the world it certainly was very important in the late 1800s taking credit for a good deal of modern bicycle innovation. The everyday metal wheel spoke was invented in Toledo! Ride your bike downtown after 5pm, when all the worker bees have gone home, enjoy the quiet streets, and own the city.