Last weekend’s weather was perfect for a BBQ in the Old West End–or anywhere in Toledo for that matter. And it looks like the skies are going to be great this weekend as well? *crosses fingers*
So might I suggest hosting a BBQ in your own back yard!
The plan was meeting everyone on the patio at Manhattan’s and later riding our bikes to the Art Walk. We showed up, bicycles in-tow. And that’s where we remained. Subsequently, we missed the Art Walk. All of us! Oh well… next month.
Manhattan’s | 1516 Adams St | (419) 243-6675
A few minutes before this photo was taken I was shown the little guy above, moving about in a bucket of water. I did not eat this guy, leaving that task to D. and M.–which they enjoyed quite a bit. The Attic on Adams (above Mano’s Greek Restaurant) hosts a Cajun night on Wednesdays, complete with seafood gumbo and everything Creole. And it’s a great spot for cocktails with Old West End locals.
Just thought you should know.
The Attic on Adams | 1701 Adams St. | (419) 243-5350
Saturday was the Toledo Bicycle Extravaganza, a Toledo Green Drinks event helping promote bikes as an alternative to the gas-guzzling norm. Groups of people in neighborhoods all over the city met up in differing spots and rode their bicycles to the Toledo Farmer’s Market downtown. A bunch of Old West Enders met in The Commons.
Most of our route was straight down Monroe Street, as it’s probably the smoothest ride to get Downtown.
Upon arriving at the Market we shopped for local veggies, cheese and bread.
It’s still pretty early in the year, yet there were some great finds.
There was an eccentric collection of bicycles, as well…
Including this little yellow number…
And one powered by electricity for when the owner tires on long rides.
At the noon hour we hopped back on our bikes and headed to Manhattan’s, where a lunch buffet was hosted and accompanied by live music.
I really enjoyed the “Fairly Handsome Band” which played what I would somewhat expect to hear at a luau. There was a little bit of rain at that point so the ride home was damp. But our spirits were far from dampened. Great afternoon!
Toledo Farmer’s Market | 525 Market St | Downtown
Manhattan’s | 1516 Adams St | (419) 243-6675
OWE/OTT was great fun. A group met up in the Old West End for a bicycle ride down to the Ottawa Tavern.
M. brought Z. and they rode a tandem!
It was an easy ride for the most part, so we kept riding… past the OT, through Downtown, down to the river, and back.
At Ottawa Tavern we all had something to quench our thirsts. And were met by friends sans bicycles. Jeff Stewart, local musician extraordinaire, was performing when we arrived.
May is National Bike Month, but events like this will be happening throughout the Summer and I will make sure to attend as many as possible.
Upcoming:
This Saturday, May 16th — Bike with your neighbors and friends to the downtown Toledo Farmer’s Market. Around Noon there will be a group ride from the market to Manhattan’s for a lunch buffet and live music! A group of Old West Enders are meeting at The Commons [Bancroft & Robinwood] at 9:30 am. Check out this PDF flyer and map for more details.
We grabbed some coffee at the new Ground Level Coffeehouse today on our way home from errands. It was the former “Brewed Awakenings” and you can read more about the transformation of the space in an Independant Collegian story here.
The coffee was great–likely because it’s Flying Rhino Coffee, another local Toledo gem of a business. Check out the Ground Level website for hours and events calendar. They are hosting some pretty epic poetry readings and the like. Ground Level also offers great sandwiches options, making this a choice lunch spot.
The Ground Level Coffeehouse | 2636 W Central | (419) 671-6272
While out and about today we dropped by Wersell’s to pick up a new addition to the family.
There was a good deal to choose from.
In the end, there could only be one.
There remain plans to build another bicycle “from scratch” at the Toledo Bike CO-OP. In the meantime, D. has something to ride that is a bit faster than our cruisers.
Wersell’s Bike and Ski Shop | 2860 W Central Ave | (419) 474-7412
Toledo Bicycle CO-OP | 2272 Collingwood (St. Mark’s Episcopalian Church) | (419) 386-6090
While I was in the garden today D. attended an opening for new works of Dan Hernandez at that Madhouse gallery. He’s kindly written the below for us:
Tonight I swung by Mad House’s new gallery (in uptown) for Dan Hernandez’s opening. They are showcasing his recent works.
I’m constantly blown away by the artistic output of Toledoans and it’s always exciting to discover new artists. I first saw Dan’s work at Artomatic 419, and was excited to see more.
This show is not to be missed! Hernandez mixes pop culture on so many levels–it’s an inspiration to see someone local making work very suitable for a national stage.
Do yourself a favor and check out Mad House’s new spot. They are a fantastic design agency that has truly invested in Toledo. Their new gallery is instantly one of the best in the city and they deserve your support!
Thank you, D., for the post! And thanks to Madhouse for creating a great space for local art of note.
Dan Hernandez at Madhouse Gallery | 1215 Jackson Street | (419) 873-0538
This afternoon I got the first plants of our 2009 garden in the ground. We built two raised beds this weekend and had soil put in a couple days ago. We haven’t had time to plant shop yet but thanks to some totally awesome Old West End neighbors we already have a bunch of plants ready to go. Courtesy M. down the street are a bunch of greens and cabbage. This morning I opened the door to our neighbor across the street, M., who handed me some tomatoes, pumpkins, a gourde, and peppers he’s been growing. And later in the afternoon A., on the next block, brought over some cherry tomatoes. Thanks, everyone!
This is just another example of why I love living in this neighborhood–OWE people are really friendly and always looking out for each other. That and having a program like the Old West End Private Security Co. during tough times like these is a total plus. If you live in the OWE and aren’t a subscriber, do look into it. I’ve been seeing more and more patrols over the past week–and that’s a good thing.
It’s still a little chillly out, but not so much that a couple drinks and bar appetizers on the patio of Manhattan’s is out of the question. We shared chicken strips paired with some spicy mustard and a plate of chicken quesadillas that were fantastic with jalepenos.
Be sure to check their website for an event calendar full of local entertainment gems and what looks to be a delectable Scotch Whiskey Dinner on the 13th.
Manhattan’s | 1516 Adams St | Uptown District | (419) 243-6675
Lunch was had at The Original Sub Shop today. I love the typography of their sign painted on the windowfront.
But what I love even more are the subs. I tend to order a turkey and provalone with all the regular fixings–hot peppers, please!
D. ordered a corned beef on rye and although it wasn’t a sub he seemed to really enjoy it. Spot the bottled red substance in the above photo? That’s the famous Sub Shop hot sauce–one of my favorite hot sauces ever, second only to Tabasco®. It packs a punch and has a great taste and I probably use way too much of it… I can’t help myself.
The Original Sub Shop has been around for what seems forever. It’s owned/run by our good pal J.’s parents, who are always super nice when we come in. One last note: free wireless!
The Original Sub Shop | 402 Broadway St | (419) 243-4857
