I dragged D. out to the mall parking lot for some haunted house fun last weekend. It was scary enough to make me scream but not scary enough that I wasn’t also laughing through all four (4) of the tents. A little pricey at $20 per adult, but there are more options in the area (see below). Hope your weekend is frightful!
Terror Town — Lucas Co. Fairgrounds
Hells Gate Haunt — Alexis Road
Chainsaw Creek — Franklin Park Mall (parking lot)
The Summer months were kind to our garden. Above is only a fraction of the gastronomic delights produced. Note the odd, round, yellow “thing” in the very left of the above picture–apparently it’s a pumpkin (I failed to recognize). I put it back outside where it has turned color into a pretty orange, my poor little preemie pumpkin.
I made numerous batches of tomato sauce over the past few months. Once cooled, I packaged, dated them, and placed them in the freezer where they will rest until being devoured this chilly Winter. I’ve also made some delicious pesto… which is incredibly simple and fresh-tasting over linguini.
There remain tomatoes, peppers both hot and mild, leeks, onion, and a ton of herbs–but it’s getting colder and colder and it will all be gone sooner than I’d like.
This Summer was full of great festivals, but due to travel D. and I missed many of them. Luckily we were able to visit to the Birmingham Festival on the East Side of Toledo. We were treated to a tour from resident superstar B. R. U.–her family has been in the neighborhood for generations. She showed us all the hotspots and cute churches while relaying stories of dancing during hot sweaty summer fests as a child.
The festival is one of Hungarian roots and featured some really amazing foods. Foods that D. and I had never tried before, let alone heard of, like the “hunky turkey”.
Hunky turkey is sliced bread topped with bacon drippings, tomato, onion and green peppers. Pretty epic. But, my favorite dish of the day would have to be the cabbage and egg noodles that came in a little styrofoam bowl at the VFW–best 2 dollars I have ever spent.
Next Summer do not miss out on this festival. Great people watching (like woah), music, dancing, drinking, and food. AND, a hilarious Tony Packos pickle-eating contest.
Birmingham Ethnic Festival | Consaul and Front Street on Toledo’s East-Side
D. has been talking about Soul food for a while now. Both of his favorite soul-spots have shut down over the past 2 years and he thought he was out of luck. But the other day D. spotted a thread on a local Toledo message board mentioning a place called Ruby’s. We decided to check it out! More from D…
The atmosphere of Ruby’s was unexpected. It sits inside an unassuming strip mall on Door street in a quiet part of town. As we walked inside, we immediately felt as if we might be in someone’s home. The lighting was just right, everyone seemed happy, and diners were watching Jeopardy on the television.
The menu offered so many choices we were a bit overwhelmed with what to pick. J. ordered a hot “polish” sausage sandwich, and I ordered the catfish dinner. Let me tell you something… that catfish was some of the best fish I’ve ever had in Toledo and I’ve eat a lot of fish. The cornmeal crust was crispy and the fish was perfectly cooked–hot and flaky. I ordered fried okra as a side and it was unbelievable. I normally steer clear of okra, but I had a feeling it was going to be good and boy-oh-boy was I right.
All the side dishes were as expected… from the home-style mashed potatoes to mac & cheese. The only disapointment was the corn bread. It tasted as if it was made with bad buttermilk, or maybe spoiled shortening. But, with all of the regulars coming in and out, I assured myself that it must be a rare mistake and something we shouldn’t experience again.
Toledo, I’m happy to report that Soul-Food is alive and well.
Ruby’s Kitchen | 4933 Dorr St | (419) 578-5388
This weekend began with an opening party at The Bozarts Gallery for the “B” Collective. It’s the first group show at this new-ish Downtown spot.
The “B” Collective works include paintings, drawings, ceramics, and mixed media by Adam Russell, Har Simrit Singh, Yusuf Lateef & Kelly Lever.
The show runs through Saturday, October 17th–when there will be another party for the closing. Bozarts was started by local artist Jerry Gray and I think he’s done a really great job with the space.
After leaving the gallery we drove by the Art Tatum Memorial at the Arena to see it at night, finally. The changing lights inside the Arena are pretty nice.
Last night, we met up with friends at the Ottawa Tavern for drinks and a few bands. The closing band was The Falling Spikes, a Velvet Underground cover band complete with a girl drummer ala Mo Tucker and projections while they played. Well done.
Bozarts Gallery | 151 S St Clair Street | (419) 464-5785
Ottawa Tavern | 1815 Adams Street | (419) 275-LIVE
It’s been a busy summer of work, travel and we’ve been enjoying Toledo in between. Fall is officially here (brrrr) and there are only a few days of outdoor dining left, so I thought it would good to get this post in on Pepe’s…
The margaritas are best had on the back patio… where there’s a mountain!
D. and I had burritos with lots of jalapenos last week.
Everything–including the guacamole–was pretty great. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays are $2 Margarita Nights–with 15 flavors.
Consider this spot recommended, and a good way to switch up the regular Mexican spots (El Camino, etc.) Quick note: they are closed on Sundays.
Pepe’s Mexican | 1540 W Sylvania Ave | (419) 478-5488
