Quiet down and take your seats, folks — the moment is finally here. Ballots have been cast, votes have been counted, and the winners of the 2008 Best of Toledo awards are ready to be unveiled. Within these pages, you'll find the people, places and things that keep the heart of our city beating; the things that make us proud to call the Toledo area our home.
Thank you for your votes and for giving us plenty of reasons to keep saluting the successes of this city. We hope to see you all in celebration at the Best of Toledo party on Wednesday, February 4, from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. at The Annex at the Omni.
And now, without further ado, let the festivities begin!
LOCAL COLOR
Way to improve Toledo
Get rid of Carty
Runner Up: Add more shops
Do-gooder
Jon Stainbrook
Runner Up: Ben Konop
Troublemaker
Carty Finkbeiner
Runner Up: Ben Konop
Local sex symbol
Katie Holmes
Runner Up: Tony Shamas
High school
Central Catholic High School
2550 Cherry St.
419-255-2280
www.centralcatholic.org
Runner Up: Whitmer High School
College
University of Toledo
2801 Bancroft
800-586-5336
www.utoledo.edu
Runner Up: Bowling Green State University
County commissioner
Ben Konop
Runner Up: Pete Gerken
Toledoan to exile to Wasilla, AK
Carty Finkbeiner
Runner Up: Joe the Plummer
Person who should never run for mayor but should
Mike Bell
Runner Up: Jim White
COOL PROS
Bank
Fifth Third
Runner Up: Huntington National Bank
Dentist
Dr. Rick Hires
Hires Dental Studio
3951 W. Sylvania Ave.
866-376-1296
www.hiresdentalstudio.com
Runner Up: Dr. Jonathan Frankel
Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Frank Barone
2000 Regency Ct. #204
419-720-2008
www.frankbaronemd.com
Runner Up: Dr. Craig Colville
Lasik eye surgeon
Dr. William Martin
OptiVue
419-693-4444
For locations, visit www.optivue.com
Runner Up: Dr. Stephen Reed
Chiropractor
Dr. Mark Engel
Engel Chiropractic
26597 N. Dixie Hwy., Suite 159
419-874-9744
www.engelchiropractic.com
Runner Up: Dr. Greg Davis
Veterinarian
Bob Esplin
Sylvania Veterinary Hospital
4801 N. Holland Sylvania Rd.
419-885-4421
www.sylvaniavet.com
Runner Up: Reynolds Road Animal Hospital
Real estate agent
Barb Jacobs, Sulpher Springs
419-479-2227
Runner Up: Nancy & Tom Kabat
Plumber
Mr. Plumber
For numbers and locations, visit www.emergencymrplumber.com
Runner Up: Mike Petrie
Place to get alternative healthcare
Dr. Nick Dumas, Chiropractor
4157 Sylvania Ave.
419-474-6500
Runner Up: University of Toledo Medical Center
Local nonprofit
Paws and Whiskers Cat Shelter
38 Hillwyck Dr.
419-536-1914
www.pawsandwhiskers.org
Runner Up: Planned Parenthood of NW Ohio
IN THE NEWS
Print journalist
Roberta DeBoer
The Blade
Runner Up: Ryan Smith, The Blade
Sportscaster
Rob Powers
13 ABC
Runner Up: Dan Cummins, WTOL Channel 11
TV news anchor
Diane Larson
13 ABC
Runner Up: Jerry Anderson, WTOL Channel 11
Investigative Reporter
Zach Ottenstein
13 ABC
Runner Up: Greg Bazarian
Local TV station
13 ABC
Runner Up: WTOL Channel 11
Radio station
WVKS 92.5 Kiss-FM
Runner Up: 106.5 The Zone
Morning radio show
Andrew Z in the Morning, WVKS 92.5 Kiss-FM
Runner Up: Shores and Steele, K100
Local TV commercial
Appliance Center
321 Illinois Ave., Maumee
419-893-3374
www.appliancecenterdirect.com
Runner Up: Car Stereo One
Local blog
Glasscityjungle.com
Runner Up: Swampbubbles.com
SHOPPING & SERVICES
GETTING GRUB
Bakery
Bakery Unlimited
4427 Secor Rd.
419-472-7098
6636 W. Bancroft
419-720-7565
Runner Up: Wixey Bakery
Grocery
Kroger
For phone numbers and locations, visit www.kroger.com
Runner Up: The Andersons
Ethnic food store
Sofo Foods
5400 Monroe St.
419-882-8555
www.shopsofos.com
Runner Up: Tiger Lebanese Bakery
Natural food store
Claudia’s Natural Food Market
5644 Monroe St., Sylvania
419-534-3343
Runner Up: Bassett’s Health Foods
Butcher shop
House of Meats
For phone numbers and locations, visit www.houseofmeats.com
Runner Up: Meats and More
WHAT TO WEAR
Shoe boutique
DSW
Westfield Franklin Park
419-472-1706
Runner Up: Shi by Journeys
Locally-owned men’s clothier
Damschroders’s Suit Connection
5333 Monroe St.
419-841-5034
Runner Up: Neil’s Men’s Shop
Locally-owned women’s boutique
Bella Brie
4204 W. Sylvania Ave. #103
419-475-2293
Runner Up: Red Envy Boutique
Resale clothing store for adults
Plato’s Closet
9822 US 20, Rossford
419-873-8600
1510 Spring Meadows, Holland
419-861-8336
www.platosclosetcolumbus.com
Runner Up: CJ’s Closet
Jewelry store
Harold Jaffe Jewelers
4211 Talmadge
419-472-4480
www.haroldjaffe.com
Runner Up: David Fairclough Fine Jewelers
PLACES TO GO (SERVICES)
New local store
Bumble
5693 Main St., Sylvania
419-517-5552
www.bumbleonmain.com
Runner Up: Cake in a Cup
Mall/shopping area
Westfield Franklin Park Mall
www.westfield.com/franklinpark
Runner Up: The Shops at Fallen Timbers
Furniture store
Banner Mattress & Furniture
6004 Hill Ave.
419-865-6164
2521 W. Alexis Rd.
419-472-0220
www.bannermattress.com
Runner Up: Value City Furniture
Locally-owned home boutique
Honey I’m Home (Unfortunately, Honey I’m Home closed its doors at the end of January)
Runner Up: Loft and Home
Paint store
John’s Color Concepts
6725 W. Central Ave.
419-843-5600
Runner Up: Sherwin Williams
Book store
Barnes & Noble
4640 Monroe St.
419-472-6164
3100 Main St. #1400, Maumee
419-878-0652
www.barnesandnoble.com
Runner Up: Borders Books
Hotel/motel
Holiday Inn French Quarter
10630 Fremont Pike, Perrysburg
419-874-3111
www.hifq.com
Runner Up: Toledo Hilton Garden Inn
Liquor store
Joseph’s Beverage Center
4129 Talmadge
419-472-1421
www.josephsbeveragecenter.com
Runner Up: Marino’s Beverage Depot
Smoke/cigar shop
Cigar Affair
323 Conant St
Maumee, OH 43537
(419) 891-0109
www.thecigaraffair.com
Runner Up: La Casa de la Habana
Adult book/video store
Airport Adult Video
9410 Airport Hwy., Monclova
419-866-0750
www.airportvideo.com
Runner Up: Cirella's (formerly Priscilla’s)
Photographer
Shutter Love Studio
419-654-0411
www.shutterlovestudio.com
Runner Up: Grand Lubell Photography
Florist
Bartz Viviano Flowers & Gifts
For locations and phone numbers, visit www.bartzviviano.com
Runner Up: Ken's Flower Shop
Place to buy a car
Yark Automotive
www.yarkauto.com
Runner Up: Brown Motors
Motorcycle shop
Signature Harley
1176 Professional Dr., Perrysburg
419-873-2453
Toledo Harley-Davidson
7960 W. Central Ave.
419-843-7892
www.signaturehd.com
Runner Up: Honda East
Place for cool eyewear
Optical Arts
2934 W. Central Ave.
419-535-7837
Runner Up: The Optical Shop
Garden store/nursery
Black Diamond Garden Center
1964 Tremainsville Rd.
419-473-1409
12320 Eckel Junction Rd., Perrysburg
419-874-3060
www.blackdiamondtoledo.com
Runner Up: The Andersons
Antique store
Maumee Antique Mall
1552 Reynolds Rd., Maumee
419-893-2468
www.maumeeantiquemall.com
Runner Up: Wildwood Antiques
Place to worship
Cedar Creek
29129 Lime City Rd., Perrysburg
419-661-8661
www.aroundthecreek.com
Runner Up: United Methodist Church
Psychic/astrologer
Janet Amid
6600 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania
419-882-5510
Runner Up: Kimmie Rose Zapf
Computer service/repair
Virtual PC's
3550 Executive Pkwy.
419-531-1170
www.vpc-toledo.com
Runner Up: Stone Computer
Design firm
Maxx Grafx
311 ½ Conant Street, Maumee
419-868-6688
www.maxxgrafx.com
Runner Up: Madhouse Creative
LOOKING GOOD, FEELING GORGEOUS
Best Facial/skin care
Shamas
6407 Monroe St. Sylvania
419-882-1220
102 W. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg
419-872-9908
www.shamas.com
Runner Up: Beauty Bar
Place to get a haircut
Reve Salon & Spa
5633 N. Main St., Sylvania
419-885-1140
www.revesalonandspa.com
Runner Up: Attitudes
Day spa
Shamas
6407 Monroe St., Sylvania
419-882-1220
102 W. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg
419-872-9908
www.shamas.com
Runner Up: David Broadway
Tanning salon
Electrick Beach
2104 W. Laskey
419-473-3333
Runner Up: Tan Pro
Tattoo/piercing shop
Infinite Art
3930 Secor Rd.
419-292-1990
www.iatattoo.com
Runner Up: Perfectly Pierced & Permanently Scarred
Yoga/pilates studio
Lotus Yoga Center
3307 N. Holland Sylvania Rd. #15
419-885-1055
Runner Up: Zen In the District
Massage therapist
Massage Envy
3305 W. Central Ave.
419-535-3689
www.massageenvy.com
Runner Up: Rachelle Sikora
Personal Trainer
Dale Sheppard, Quick Fit
7601 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania
419-517-5035
www.quickfitohio.com
Runner Up: Cindy Fisher
Athletic club
Wildwood Athletic Club
2865 N. Reynolds Rd. #100
419-539-0235
www.wildwoodathleticclub.com
Runner Up: Lifestyles for Ladies Only
STUFFIN’ YO FACE
Burger
Bergers Olde Tyme
1742 W. Laskey Rd.
419-473-9541
Runner Up: Nick & Jimmy's Bar & Grill
Steakhouse
Mancy's Steakhouse
953 Phillips Ave.
419-476-4154
www.mancys.com
Runner Up: Ahmed’s
Calamari
Real Seafood
22 Main St.
419-697-5427
www.realseafoodcorestaurant.com
Runner Up: Poco Piatti
Sushi
Kotobuki
5577 Monroe St., Sylvania
419-882-8711
Runner Up: Sakura Japanese Steak House
Hot dog
Rudy's Hot Dog
For locations and phone numbers, visit www.rudyshotdog.com
Runner Up: Tony Packo’s
Fried pickles
Tony Packo's
For locations and phone numbers, visit www.tonypackos.com
Runner Up: Jed’s Barbeque & Brew
Wings
Frickers
For locations and phone numbers, visit www.frickers.com
Runner Up: Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar
Chili
Tony Packo's
For locations and phone numbers, visit www.tonypackos.com
Runner Up: Big Apple Deli
Ribs
Shorty's Bar B Que
5111 Monroe St.
419-841-9505
www.mancys.com/shortys
Runner Up: Famous Dave's Barbeque
Ice cream
Handel’s Ice Cream
5908 W. Sylvania Ave.
419-882-1118
5655 Secor Rd.
419-474-8861
www.handelsicecream.com
Runner Up: Cold Stone Creamery
Supermarket fried chicken
Kroger
For locations and phone numbers, visit www.krogers.com
Runner Up: The Andersons
Supermarket potato salad
Sautters 5-Star Market
5519 Main St., Sylvania
419-885-3505
Runner Up: Churchill’s
Diner
Star Diner
6026 Glendale
419-724-8300
3067 W. Alexis
419-472-5103
6710 W. Central Ave.
419-841-0250
Runner Up: Monroe St. Diner
Italian restaurant
Mancy's Italian Grill
5453 Monroe St.
419-882-9229
www.mancys.com
Runner Up: Ciao Ristorante
Chinese restaurant
New Empire Restaurant
6540 Centers Dr., Holland
419-868-6565
Runner Up: Jing Chuan Chinese Restaurant
Middle Eastern/Mediterranean restaurant
The Beirut Restaurant
4082 Monroe St.
419-473-0885
www.beirutrestaurant.com
Runner Up: The Grape Leaf Diner
Mexican restaurant
El Camino Real
2500 W. Sylvania Ave.
419-472-0700
www.elcaminorealoh.com
Runner Up: Ventura's
NIGHT LIFE
Best bar
The Blarney Irish Pub
601 Monroe St.
419-418-2339
www.theblarneyirishpub.com
Runner Up: Six Pack Bar & Grill
Beer selection at a bar
Easy Street Cafe
822 Washington St.
419-255-0010
www.easystreettoledo.com
Runner Up: Bier Stube
Last call bar
Doc Watson's
1515 S. Byrne Rd. #110
419-389-6003
www.docwatsonstoledo.com
Runner Up: Chuck's
Hole-in-the-wall
Village Idiot
309 Conant St., Maumee
419-893-7281
www.villageidiotmaumee.com
Runner Up: 19th Hole
College bar
Mulvaney's Bunker
4945 Dorr St.
419-534-9830
Runner Up: Chasers
40-and-over crowd hangout
Club Soda
3922 Secor Rd.
419-473-0662
www.clubzone.com
Runner Up: Avenue Bistro
Gay/lesbian hangout
Bretz
2012 Adams St.
419-243-1900
www.myspace.com/bretzthebar
Runner Up: Ceasar's Showbar
Place to meet someone you'd never take home to mom
Platinum Showgirls
5801 Telegraph Rd. #24
419-476-6640
www.platinumshowgirls.com
Runner Up: Frankies
Place to meet someone you would take home to mom
Toledo Museum of Art
2445 Monroe St.
419-255-8000
www.toledomuseum.org
Runners Up: The library, church, a bookstore
Karaoke bar
Delaney's Lounge
309 W. Alexis Rd.
419-476-2883
www.delaneyslounge.com
Runner Up: Bier Stube
Recurring weekly event
It's Friday at the Toledo Museum of Art
Runner Up: The Pop Explosion at Wesley's
Live music venue (touring acts)
Frankie's Inner City
308 Main St.
419-691-7464
www.frankiesinnercity.com
Runner Up: The Village Idiot
Live music venue (local acts)
Frankie's Inner City
308 Main St,
419-691-7464
www.frankiesinnercity.com
Runner Up: Murphy's Place Jazz Club
Late night dining
Nick & Jimmy's Bar & Grill
4956 Monroe St.
419-472-0756
www.nickandjimmys.com
Runner Up: Free-Way Drive-In
EAR CANDY
Rock band
Against Time
Runner Up: Empire Drift
Blues/jazz band
Dooley Wilson
Runner Up: Voodoo Libido
Hip-hop group/MC
My Family Needs Food
Runner Up: E-mune
Singer-songwriter
Sarah Cohen
Runner Up: Nathan Cogan
Cover band
The Bridges
Runner Up: Noisy Neighbors
Club DJ
Old School Fridays Trio
Runner Up: Dj Ghost
Most underrated local band/artist
Empire Drift
Runner Up: We Are The Fury
Most overrated local band/artist
We Are The Fury
Runner Up: Josh Boyd
Best band name
Bush League
Runner Up: Stirred Not Shaken
Open mic night
Mickey Finn's Brewery (Wednesdays)
602 Lagrange St.
419-246-3466
www.mickeyfinnsbrewery.com
Runner Up: Manhattan's Restaurant
Most knowledgeable record store staff
Culture Clash
4020 Secor Rd. #1
419-536-5683
www.thecultureclash.com
Runner Up: Allied Record Exchange
Non-chain music store
Culture Clash Records'
4020 Secor Rd. #1
419-536-5683
www.thecultureclash.com
Runner Up: Ramalama Records
Recording studio
Firefly Studios
P.O. Box 241, Haskins
419-350-6454
www.firefly419.com
Runner Up: Ape Studios
Local equipment retail/rental
Prodigy Music Co.
3434 W. Sylvania Ave.
419-473-9993
Runner Up: Peeler Drum Center
Music teacher
Gene Bohland (Northview High School)
Runner Up: Jean Holden
EYE CANDY
Gallery
Toledo Museum of Art
2445 Monroe St.
419-255-8000
www.toledomuseum.org
Runner Up: Space 237
Studio space
Space 237
237 N. Michigan
419-255-5117
www.space237.com
Runner Up: Secor Studios
Local art event
Crosby Festival of the Arts
www.toledogarden.org/content/crosby
Runner Up: Artomatic 419
2D artist
Mr. Atomic
Runner Up: Jay Jay
Sculptor
George Carruth
www.carruthstudio.com
Runner Up:
Joe Ann Cousino
Glass artist
Matt Paskiet, Firenation
www.firenation.com
Runner Up: Baker O’Brien
Fine photography
Stevie Grand, Grand Lubell Photography
5101 Harroun Rd., Sylvania
419-882-1984
www.grandlubell.com
Runner Up: Scott Hall
Filmmaker
Above the Shop Studios
425 Jefferson Ave.
419-754-0305
www.abovetheshopstudios.com
Runner Up: Cap Averill
Ballet/dance company
Toledo Ballet
5001 Monroe St. #R20
419-471-0049
www.toledoballet.net
Runner Up: Cassandra School of Ballet
Local theatre group
The Village Players
2740 Upton Ave.
419-472-6827
www.thevillageplayers.org
Runner Up: Toledo Repertoire Theatre
Live theatre venue
The Valentine Theatre
400 N. Superior St.
419-242-2787
www.valentinetheatre.com
Runner Up: The Village Players Theatre
Place to hear spoken word
Brewed Awakenings
2636 W. Central Ave.
419-474-5939
www.mybrewed.com
Runner Up: The Collingwood Arts Center
Fine art gift shop
Toledo Museum of Art
2445 Monroe St.
419-255-8000
www.toledomuseum.org
Runner Up: American Gallery
JOCK STOP
Local sports team
Toledo Mud Hens
www.mudhens.com
Runner Up: UT Rockets
Team logo/mascot
Muddy
Runner Up: Walleye
Bowling alley
Southwyck Bowling Lanes
5255 Heatherdowns Blvd.
419-865-8815
www.southwycklanes.com
Runner Up: Imperial Lanes
Golf course
Ottawa Park Golf Course
2315 Walden Pond Dr.
419-472-2059
www.ottawaparkgc.com
Runner Up: Inverness Club Golf Course
Martial arts
Martial Arts Center
5122 Heatherdowns Blvd.
419-385-1000
www.ohiomartialarts.com
Runner Up: John Penny's Black Belt Academy
Bike shop
Wersell's Bike and Ski Shop
2860 W. Central Ave.
419-474-7412
www.wersellsbikeandskishop.com
Runner Up: Reggie's Bike Shop
Bike path
University Trail
Runner Up: Wabash Cannonball Trail
Skateboard/ski/snowboard shop
Mountain Man Sports
2735 Reynolds Rd.
419-536-0001
www.mountainmansportsonline.com
Runner Up: Red Sky Surf and Snow
Dive shop
Aqua Hut
2543 N. Reynolds Rd.
419-531-4655
www.aqua-hut.com
Runner Up: Diver's Paradise
Paintball
Bull Creek Paintball Range
178 S. Main St., Bowling Green
419-353-2176
www.bullcreekpaintball.org
Runner Up: Toledo Paintball Coliseum
CHILLIN’ OUT
Place to shoot pool
Miss Cue
1720 S. Reynolds Rd.
419-865-3792
www.misscuetoledo.com
Runner Up: Davey K's
Public space (indoor/outdoor)
Wildwood Preserve Metropark
5100 W. Central Ave.
419-535-3056
www.metroparkstoledo.com
Runner Up: 577 Foundation
Date night destination
Toledo Museum of Art
2445 Monroe St.
419-255-8000
www.toledomuseum.org
Runner Up: The Melting Pot
Free Wi-Fi
Panera
For locations and phone numbers, visit www.panera.com
Runner Up: Biggby's
Ethnic/neighborhood festival
German-American Festival
Runner Up: Greek-American Festival
Summer activity
Wildwood Preserve Metropark
5100 W. Central Ave.
419-535-3056
www.toledometroparks.com
Runner Up: Toledo Zoo
Winter activity
Zoo Lights Before Christmas
www.toledozoo.org
Runner Up: Sledding at Ottawa Park
ALL ABOUT US
City paper writer
Johnny Hildo
Runner Up: Ryan Bunch
City Paper story/column
“Taking it to the Streets: Local organizations help restore girls and women exploited by prostitution” (Gina Sares, November 12 – 18, 2008)
Story idea City Paper hasn't covered
Failing charter schools
Reason to love City Paper
It's free
Place to pick up TCP
Biggby Coffee
For locations and phone numbers, visit www.biggby.com
Best use for City Paper after you've read it
Recycle
