The Toledo Museum of Art hosted a wonderful party in the Peristyle for the Kentucky Derby last week.

There were several local restaurants donating bites to eat and serving up their own versions of the hot brown while mint julips flowed from every crevice–thanks in part to Woodford Reserve Bourbon.

Both women and men were in their Derby Best.

And the hats were breathtaking!

When it was time for the race, a sea of bonnets rushed into the Peristyle.

It was an exciting race. Congrats to “Animal Kingdom!”

As the party began to end many Derby revellers were found on the front steps of our beautiful museum. It was a grand to-do… and one I hope happens again next year.

Toledo Museum of Art | 2445 Monroe Street | (419) 255-8000

This Saturday was the Vertical “Mix”, an annual fundraising party for The Arts Commission held this year at the top of the O-I/Fifth Third Bank building. Each year this party gets better and better, with amazing food and cocktails, live entertainment, and the best art auction in the city. As we arrived we were given complimentary binoculars so we could enjoy the amazing view to the fullest which included a “super moon”! The party was packed all night long with Toledoans in fancy attire. A big congrats to all the event chairs, volunteers, and to The Arts Commission!

The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo | 1838 Parkwood Avenue | (419) 254-ARTS

We started out the night with dinner and drinks at Ice. It was our first visit to the “somewhat new” Downtown establishment. Next, drinks at our friend M.’s apartment. And the night ended at The Ottawa Tavern with shows by “Science of the Big Machines” and “The Dirty Damn Band”. Everything about the night was pleasant–except when they ran out of ice at the OT!

Hope you had a great night and 2011 treats you right!

The Ottawa Tavern | 1817 Adams Street | Uptown | (419) 725-5483

Ice Restaurant and Bar | 405 Madison Avenue | Downtown | (419) 246-3339

…choose local!

“When needs are met locally by locally owned enterprises, people have greater control over their lives, money is recycled in the community rather than leaking off into the global financial casino, jobs are more secure, economies are more stable, and there are the means and the incentives to protect the environment and to build the relationships of mutual trust and responsibility that are the foundation of a community.”

Visit the business directory of Toledo Choose Local, or simply just patron the businesses you know to be locally-owned. Our local economy and the environment as a whole will thank you later! Happy 2011!

xoxo!

I have been to Fifi’s on special occasions in the past, but it had been a while. Years, to be honest. I recently visited with my good friend J. and was pleasantly surprised. Not at the quality of the food, which has always been top-notch. I was surprised at the prices–they seemed much lower than I remembered. Not low as in cheap, but low enough to compare with some of the “high-end” chains and low enough that the next time someone suggests a chain I will scoff.

J. enjoyed scallops and I absolutely loved the boeuf au fromage (tenderloin medallions topped with semi-melted roquefort cheese). The pâté as an appetizer is a must.

Also, no longer is there a jacket-requirement. And there is a quaint little outdoor smoking patio in the front. But remember, smoking is a terrible habit. :/

xoxo, Enjoying Toledo.

Fifi’s | 1423 Bernath Parkway (off Airport Highway) | (419) 866-6777 | Reservations recommended – just in case.