Keep cozy with carbs… I mean pasta! The next few days are going to be chilly, unlike the past couple of AMAZING weeks. My suggestion for keeping warm? A dinner with your best friend and a cocktail or two to start the night off right.

D. and I enjoyed dinner at La Scola a couple weeks ago. While writing this post I asked him about his Veal Saltimbocca, and D. replied “I Looooooooooved it!”

I chose Butternut Squash Ravioli which was the perfect bit of warm and savory goodness needed on that brisk evening. A spinach salad — that wasn’t disgustingly sweet (sadly too common) — was a great way to begin dinner.

This locally-owned Toledo gem deserves your support… as does your tummy! Warm and delicious. Pro-tip: make a reservation on weekend nights.

La Scola | 5375 Airport Highway | (419) 381-2100

If you simply MUST eat in the Westfield Franklin Park Mall food court, do yourself a favor and get something healthy… that tastes great! On a recent shopping trip, D. and I found ourselves a bit peckish and in need of a bite. I ordered a veggie plate that involved a little of this and a little of that–all surrounding several perfect falafel. And all of it deeeeeeelicious. The best part? Locally-owned!

Kabob It | Franklin Park Mall Food Court | (419) 720-7899

I met up with A. for dinner and a drink last night. We had forgotten how often they host live music (mostly jazz & blues). Nice surprise!

Manhattan’s | 1516 Adam’s Street | (419) 243-6675

D. and I spent a great Friday night with new friends last week. Recent transplants from NYC, K. & C. accompanied us to dinner at The Frog Leg Inn (a short drive North of the Old West End) and an opening at The Toledo Museum of Art.

We shared some appetizers (escargot & roasted garlic with cheese), glasses of wine, and I particularly enjoyed the pasta special with cippolini onions and a brown butter sage sauce.

The TMA opening was great… all local artists, curated by Jerry Grey of Bozarts. The piece above, by Dan Hernandez, was one of my favorites. At first look it looks hardly modern…

Looking closer you realize the scene is peppered with figures from video games. Smart!

The paintings by Josh Byers were striking.

I loved his version of The Death of Marat.

The Community Gallery was jam-packed that night with Toledoans enjoying art, live music, and socializing. Take a stroll through the community gallery next time you are at the TMA! The show is up for a few more weeks.

Toledo Museum of Art | 2445 Monroe Street | (419) 255-8000
Frog Leg Inn | 2103 Manhattan Street | Erie, MI | (734) 848-8580

A new Asian grocery opened this month, in between Cricket West and Westgate. It’s large, clean, and full of delicious treats. We have been having a great time grabbing random things and bringing them home to dine. Like the above shrimp shumai/shu mai/shuumai — I guess it depends on the copywriter!

Everyone loves dumplings, right?

Here’s a suggestion: Host your very own dim sum brunch! Make a visit to Lai Lai, buy a smattering of everything, and invite your best foodie friends over. Make sure your guests bring healthy and adventurous appetites.

Lai Lai Asian Mart | 3205 W Central Ave. | (419) 725-3563