Best of Toledo 2006

Cover Story Image

published January 24th 2007

Man, 2006 was a crazy year. We endured Carty’s first full year of office (it could’ve been worse), watched the Hens once again take home the pennant (it couldn’t have been better) and we added a slew of new categories to our ‘Best of’ poll … and our readers’ voting couldn’t have been more surprising.

First of all, Toledo, you have complicated feelings about our mayor. You elected Mayor Finkbeiner as both ‘person you love to hate’ and ‘person you hate to love.’ We were baffled by this contradiction, so we brought in a few local psychologists to see if we can figure out your true feelings about our mayor.

We added quite a few tongue-in-cheek categories like “Best name for Tom and Katie’s next baby” and “Toledoan most likely to picket The Blade,” resulting in some answers that had us cracking up. Believe me, when you have more than 2,000 ballots to count, you need all the levity you can get.

We had some serious fun this year with our ‘Best of Toledo’ issue and we know, dearest of readers, that you will feel our enthusiasm and pride. We appreciate that most of you obeyed our rules about not voting for chain restaurants and businesses (buy local, people!) and we also thank Verso Group for putting together the most creative ballot-stuffing campaign we’ve ever seen. Somehow we’re not sure that Myspace’s “Tom” would approve of their 'fill-in-the-rest-of-the-ballot' tactic. Thanks for participating!

Quick Links

Best of Credits

Ballot stuffers of the year

Congrats to the Verso Group for showing ingenuity, craftiness and a deft use of Myspace bulletins and email lists in attempts to rig the vote in favor of them and their friends. Guys, we certainly appreciate you bringing GWAR to Headliners and we certainly enjoy hearing Rob Croak go off on one of his Baby Herman-like rants ... but you earn a boobyprize in addition to some ‘Best of’ certificates.

Tired slogans

OK, people. That's it. We're officially retiring this 'Best Motto for Toledo' category permanently. This marks the umpteenth year in a row that "Holy Toledo" has won the top prize and once again, "Glass City" shatters as the runner-up.

Here are some more creative, feel-good slogans pitched by readers who clearly give a damn about their city.

And our wackiest slogans...

Local Color

Lie back on the couch, Toledo...

Toledo, we have to talk. Seems you have some decidedly mixed feelings about Mayor Finkbeiner. You voted him in as both the Toledoan You Love to Hate and the Toledoan You Hate to Love. We don’t get it. Aren’t you the same voters who bestowed a landslide mayoral victory upon Hizzoner just a little over a year ago? To find out what this apparent contradiction means, we consulted local psychologists to give City Paper voters a quick evalution.

Wayne Graves, Ph.D.
I don’t see them as particularly contradictory. Love and hate are closely aligned—you have to be invested in somebody to do either with. My suspicion is that (Carty) is both someone they wouldn’t want to hang around too much and makes a great figure that could become symbolic of difficulties in the community. He makes himself a great target. He evokes strong feelings and Toledo is apparently highly conflicted about him.

Dr. Barbara McIntyre
Love and hate are two ends of the same continuum. The opposite would be indifference; love and hate both require people to arouse or generate passion. Carty certainly does that — he’s not boring. You either love him or hate him. Bill and Hillary Clinton and Pres. Bush fit the same bill. They arouse passion. They can be short-lived, but it’s always intense. Love is contradictory — it often mixes tenderness, happiness, disappointment, power, lust. The more we love someone the more we are easily hurt or disappointed by them. People have put their faith in Carty and the more they do, the more prone they are to hating him if they feel he betrayed their trust. But good or bad, it is attention and if you’re in public office, that’s a good thing. Better than being ignored — that means you just don’t matter.

Cool Pros

Best Plastic Surgeon: Frank Barone, M.D.

Yes, Frank Barone MD gets the "Everybody Loves Raymond" jokes all the time. At least twice a week, someone asks him, "Hey, I thought you passed away," referring to the recent death of actor Peter Boyle, who played the character of Frank Barone on the popular Ray Romano sitcom.

"I've actually never seen the show," says Barone. "But from what I hear, he was a mean, bald-headed guy, so we're obviously not the same man. I do feel a sense of loss (over Boyle's death) because I got the name jokes all the time."

Barone's celebrity connections link up to another popular entertainer you may have heard of named Michael Jackson. Barone personally knows the plastic surgeon who did Jackson's very first nosejob back in the late '70s.

“His name is Steve Heflen; he’s in California,” says Barone, from his Reynolds Road office. “If you look at the first (rhinoplasty) Michael had done to his nose, it looks very natural. But Michael wanted to push it way beyond the boundaries of naturalness.”

If that statement qualifies as the biggest understatement yet of 2007, here’s another nominee: Barone knows plastic surgery. The St. John’s High School/ Medical University of Ohio alumnus has worked in private practice since 1988, performing thousands of surgeries, ranging from reconstructive procedures following skin and breast cancer to cosmetic work such as liposuction, breast augmentation and other operations you see performed on “Dr. 90210” (a doctor, by the way, who isn’t board-certified, according to Barone).

“I understand why plastic surgery is portrayed the way it is in the media; it sells,” says Barone. “But (those shows) don’t give the public an accurate idea of what it’s all about or the impact it will have on someone’s life. Plastic surgery is not a quick fix. Recovery can take weeks. But you wouldn’t know that to watch some of these TV shows.”

Barone usually performs up to 20 surgeries a week, some of which take only 15-30 minutes, some of which last all day. Barone comes from a long line of prominent Toledoans; his father John Barone was a U.S. magistrate and Toledo attorney who practiced law for more than 40 years. His mother Rose is the namesake of popular bistro Rosie’s Italian Grille. Barone is also an active member of philanthropic organization Operation: Smile, an international group of plastic surgeons who travel to foreign countries to perform cosmetic surgery on children suffering from birth defects such as cleft palates. And sorry, “Fight Club” fans — Barone’s office has never been raided by bandits in search of liposuction fat to make soap (“People have tried to steal lab equipment, though,” he says).

Runner-up: Dr. Craig W. Colville

Media

Shopping and Services

Best Shoe Boutique: Scarpe, Ladies Fine Footwear

If you’re looking for a new love, baby blue patent leather J’Adore Miss Sixty pumps or other haughty heels, Scarpe, the 2006 winner of Toledo’s Best Shoe Boutique, aims to satisfy your sole desires. Co-owner Meg Monagan described her sexy salon’s success as a mixture of chic shoes and customer familiarity. “We keep on point with the newest trends, but we keep Toledo in mind,” said Monagan. “Women don’t have to be walking in Manhattan with a pair of $600 Manolo Blahniks to feel sexy.”

No stranger to midtown Manhattan, Monagan worked in a variety of high fashion New York City venues, including a hip SoHo boutique and a startup denim company, before moving back to Toledo to be near her family. "I wanted to be close to my nieces and nephews. Sure, there's times, like Christmas, when I keep reminding them to 'use your indoor voices,' but I'm so happy to be home."

When Jacobson's closed down, she noticed the need for trendy treads in Toledo. While Scarpe’s downtown digs aren’t in the heart of the Big Apple, the extensive selection of Seychelles, Ted Bakers, Kenneth Coles, Cole Haans and others give Toledo women a stylish slice. "There's tremendous opportunity for change in Toledo," said Monagan. "I'm bringing my out of town experiences back into town."

Almost four years ago, Scarpe opened their doors and fashion and friendship have proved to be a perfect fit. Monagan attributes the store’s popularity to the tranquil yet upscale atmosphere; here, patrons can sit on a contemporary and comfy white sofa and prop up their feet. “We’ve set up a relaxed area, it feels like a living room,” said Monagan. “Women get to talking about shoes, about family, and we get to know our clients on a personal level ... It builds community."

Customers feel at home, often seeking Monagan's advice in person and on myspace.com/scarpe.

This type of "Sex and the City" sentimentality is especially near and dear to Monagan's heart. "I've had a serious ‘Sex and the City’ addiction," she confessed. "Sarah Jessica Parker's character is crazy and grounded." True to her TV counterpart's shoe obsession for the latest styles, Scarpe’s owner keeps current, evolving the stock each season — expect new eye-catching styles in mid-February. "I'm excited about spring," said Monagan. "There'll be a lot of patent leather, turning even more girly, feminine and flirty."

The Davis Building, 135 N. Michigan St. 419-244-6002
Mon, Tue, Wed and Fri: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Thu: 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Runner-up: Tootsies

Best Home Boutique: Honey, I’m Home

"It's your house. I go home to my own so you need to have your own style," said John DuVall, owner of Honey, I'm Home. While DuVall doesn't force his style on his customers, he's dedicated to helping them figure out the unique touches to express individuality and enhance life, not muck it up. "My mantra is clean living through less clutter — scale down the accessories," he says. "I try to keep that flavor in the store while focusing on quality and price points."

Almost three years ago, when he couldn't find that flavor locally, DuVall opened Honey, I'm Home. "When I was ordering furniture [for my home] I had to leave Toledo," said DuVall. "There just wasn't anything in Toledo that was fun and had clean lines." Since then, this multi-talented Maumee native has fused his background in visual displays, upscale flower design and interior design to handpick casual, contemporary and affordable art, lamps and furniture. He offers Toledo an alternative to one-size-fits all, cookie-cutter design. "If I see it (the same item) at Target, I definitely get rid of it," said DuVall. "I try to get zip code exclusivity."

Exclusivity, the usual euphemism for expensive, doesn't apply at Honey I'm Home. One of DuVall's personal favorites is the collection of hand blown La Tee Da! effusion lamps. There are 76 different styles ranging from vibrant Moroccan mosaic to low-key earthy elements to suit any taste. Besides omitting a pleasant fragrance, these artistic pieces also remove germs and allergens. Combining fashion with function, simplicity emerges. While DuVall raves about the lamps, he's equally excited about everything he carries. "Personally, I love everything in the store, or else, I wouldn't buy it," he said.

The current store focuses mainly on accessories and gifts while temporarily nestled in the National City Bank building on Sylvania Ave. near Talmadge, but DuVall is anticipating a grander design when he moves to his adjacent, newly-constructed 2500 square foot permanent digs in early to mid March. "It's been difficult trying to educate people where we are," he said. But once you get there, honey, you’re home.

4210 Sylvania Ave. 419-531-9200
Tue-Fri: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat: 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Sun: noon- 5 p.m.

Runner-up: Loft & Home Essentials

Best Adult Book/Video Store: Airport Adult Video

Call it whatever you like: smut, filth, porn, adult entertainment. Airport Adult Video once again takes home the prize for ‘Best Adult Book/Video Store.’ When we were printing up the certificate heralding the company’s win, it occurred to us, “Who are these people behind the red curtain?” We called up the owner of Airport Adult Video to talk (porn) shop. The owner requested anonymity — understandable considering the strong opinions we have heard from this community regarding what we’d consider barely racy topics — so we’ll call him “Mike.”

How long has Airport Adult Video been around?
The store has been around since 1990. The corporation that owns it — Kibbey Corp. — has been around for 35 years and has always been involved in adult entertainment.

You’ve been around since the golden age of porn. Who is your favorite adult film star?
Seka. She was a sharp lady and a great performer. She was also all natural, that’s the difference between then and now. Those were really different times. Marilyn Chambers was another neat lady.

Adult bookstores come under attack from fundamentalists. Do you still get complaints from the religious right?
Yes. At one time, we had quite a few billboards [advertising the store] out this way; this was back before all the big billboard and media companies came into the area. A lot of people were complaining ... saying, “When you come into Toledo, all you see is porn advertised.” There’s all kinds of things you run into.

Have you ever had the store get vandalized or damaged by protesters?
None of my stores, but I know a few other stores over the years have been torched. We went to being open 24 hours for our own security. We kept having to hire security guards, so I just said, “Let’s keep the place open 24 hours.”

Have you run into trouble with obscenity laws?
I went through a lot of hell during the ‘70s and had a lot of indictments. I went to the U.S. Supreme Court once and the Ohio Supreme Court three times (for obscenity). Last time I was there was in the ‘80s. (To aid our defense) we did phone surveys of local residents and 9 out of 10 people said “Leave it alone. It fits the community standards. Even if we don’t frequent it, we want it available.” When we were in the U.S. Supreme Court, none of the judges could determine what was obscene, so they left it up to the community to decide.

It’s been reported that back in the ‘60s and ‘70s, the adult industry was linked to the Mafia. Is that still the case?
Oh, no. It’s all run by big business now.

Does Airport Adult Video stock any movies featuring sploshing (the erotic act of dumping food all over your body)?
I haven’t seen any of that on the shelf, but I’ll talk to my guys and see if anyone has come in asking for that.

Runner-up: Priscilla’s

Night Life

Best Bloody Mary: Mad Anthony’s Tavern

In a little, unassuming, hometown tavern just off the Anthony Wayne Trail in Waterville, City Paper readers’ favorite Bloody Marys can be found. Mad Anthony's Tavern — Waterville's original tavern, according to the staff — occupies a quaint, historic building on the town's charming Third Street. According to our readers, the tavern's unique take on a cult-favorite cocktail is the best in the area.

So, what makes their Bloody Mary so good? Without revealing too much about the recipe, they were willing to disclose the most important of the secret ingredients: A-1 Steak Sauce. According to a former bartender who developed the recipe, "A-1 has all of the other seasonings in it that you'd normally put in a Bloody Mary, and it adds an extra 'zing.' You wouldn't think it would be good, but it is." (After sampling it personally, this writer can confirm that yes, it is very, very good. The flavor is well-balanced, with just the right amount of kick, and goes well with the meaty olives and pickle spear that garnish the drink.)

Besides the Bloody Mary, Mad Anthony's offers another popular specialty item: the "pudding shot." For those unfamiliar with the concept, it's similar to a Jell-o shot, but made with pudding and liqueurs; flavors include Cherry Cheesecake and The B-52. This laid-back tavern, while offering more traditional activities like DJs, karaoke, flat-screen TVs, an inviting pool table and a happy hour from 3-7 p.m., also hosts some unusual events and specials. On Sundays, drafts are $1, accompanied by a free sloppy joe for each customer; euchre tournaments are held on the second Saturday of every month; and an open-mic night with Laurie Swyers begins February 11.

A sign over the bar at Mad Anthony's reads, "There Are No Strangers Here, Just Friends We've Never Met." So, the next time you're in Waterville, stop in to find some new friends, and a new favorite cocktail.

21 N 3rd St, Waterville
(419) 878-8900

Runner-up: Easy Street Café

Best Karaoke Song List: Premiere Karaoke, LLC

Karaoke has come a long way since it first hit the United States from Japan. No longer is it simply a tipsy uncle singing "Celebration" by Kool & the Gang at your wedding. For many people, it's a weekly tradition, a chance to shine and impress a crowded room while celebrating a huge spectrum of music. TCP asked Doug Richardson about the karaoke empire he's built with Micki Greenburg to get some insight into what made Premiere Karaoke our readers' choice for Best Karaoke Song List.

How long has Premiere Karaoke been around?
To us it doesn't seem that long, but Premiere Karaoke will be celebrating our 10th anniversary this October. We got our "start" at Buster Brown's Lounge in Maumee. Our second year there, Buster Brown's won "Best Karaoke Bar" in the City Paper's ‘Best Of Toledo’ poll, and since then, several of the clubs that we do, or did at that time, have been honored with that award (Jalapenos, JaK's Press Box, and Mutz; Mutz & Bier Stube were winner and runner-up last year, respectively).

What are some of the places that Premiere services?
We currently provide karaoke services to the following clubs (in alphabetical order): Bier Stube, Buster Brown's, Jalapenos, Mutz, Southwyck Lounge, Old Roadhouse and T-Zers Sports Bar. And yes, we have actually done karaoke wedding receptions.

What is your favorite thing about being in the karaoke business?
This is a difficult question for me to answer. Other than my love of music (I'm one of those people for whom the music drowns out the voices in my head), I think we enjoy the ability to interact with people of all ages — we've had singers ranging in age from six to over 60. I personally like designing and building the sound systems that we use, and (this may sound crazy) I get a rush from fixing them when they malfunction ... Yeah, that's right, I'm a geek! Fortunately, we rarely have any major problems at the shows.

What sets Premiere apart from other karaoke companies?
There's really no big secret on how to be sucessful in the karaoke business. Just like any other business, you provide your customers a high quality product when they want it. Aside from our vast song selection and unequaled sound systems (everyone in the business claims to have that), we've recently integrated music videos, together with the karaoke and music tracks, to create a complete entertainment experience. Keeping a fair karaoke rotation is also key. We've also been very fortunate to find some very good karaoke hosts to run our shows over the years.

Have you noticed any trends (in people's music choices, etc.)?

To find out more about Premiere Karaoke LLC, visit them online at premiere-karaoke.com.

Runner-up: Liberation Mobile Music

Food

Best Indian Restaurant: Tandoor Cuisine of India

Maybe your first thought is to say "bless you" when someone says "aloo chaat," but don’t let the exotic name of this potato and chickpea appetizer and other Hindi-named Tandoor dishes scare you away. This family-run Indian restaurant has won the Best of Toledo award for Indian food for four years in a row, and with good reason. Whether you prefer your meals spicy or mild, meaty or veggie, the Tandoor is the perfect avenue for exploring the wonders of Indian cuisine.

On any given night, the Tandoor’s clientele is diverse. In one booth, art students might debate the merits of Frida Kahlo’s eyebrow-grooming habits as businessmen loosen their neckties over a beer nearby; meanwhile, a church group casually talks theology around a lengthy dining table. The comfy booths, atmospheric lighting and umbrellas hanging whimsically from the ceiling make for a casual place to unwind and let your imagination play. Nevertheless, it’s the food that truly sets Tandoor apart.

Every dinner begins with crisp papadum with mint and tamarind chutney (the Indian equivalent of chips and salsa). Grab a cup of masala tea ($1.25) or a 22-ounce bottle of Indian beer, Taj Mahal ($5.50), as you study the menu — be a little adventurous. For a traditional appetizer, go for the vegetable samosas ($1.95), pastries filled with a mixture of potatoes, peas and herbs, best dipped in chutney. For a spicy treat, request the onion chutney ($.95), a strong condiment with extra bite.

"Sometimes people are afraid when they see the word ‘curry,’" says Rajwinder Kaur, manager and middle-child in the owners’ family. "But just because it’s a curry, doesn’t mean it’s hot. Most dishes, we can prepare mild."

Hot or not, tandoori chicken (or pork) is the specialty of the house ($8.95). The savory dish is marinated in yogurt and spices, then broiled in the tandoor, a charcoal-fueled oven used in traditional cooking from Punjab, a northern Indian state. The oven is also used to bake naan, a flat bread that accompanies the meal. The garlic naan ($2.50), stuffed with garlic and cilantro, is perfect for dipping in chutney or curry dishes.

Vegetarian curries like aloo mattar ($7.95) often have exotic-sounding names. The translation of these, however, is straightforward: alloo mattar means, simply, "potatoes and peas." Of course, this filling dish is far from bland, as the vegetables arrive in a fragrant red masala sauce flavored with ginger, cardamom and fenugreek and served with basmati rice. The sophisticated blend of tastes is perfect for cold days as every mouthful at once surprises and satisfies.

No Indian meal is complete without dessert. Gulab jamun ($1.95), fried balls of sponge cake soaked in honey and rosewater, accompany black masala coffee ($1.25) nicely and end the meal as sweetly as any tiramisu.

Once you’re full and satisfied, you’ll truly understand that 4th grade history lesson when you learned Columbus wanted to sail to the other side of the planet for Indian spices.

2247 S. Reynolds Rd.
(419) 385-7467
Tue – Fri 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., 5 – 10 p.m.
Sat and Sun 12 – 10 p.m.
Closed Mondays

Runner-up: Indian Jewel of Toledo

Looking Good, Feeling Gorgeous

Best Day Spa: Shamas Urban Retreat

When our readers need to chill out, the first place they go is Shamas Urban Retreat. This year's Best Day Spa has been relaxing and rejuvenating clients for eleven years at their Perrysburg location, and 3 years in Sylvania. Besides a full line of salon services, Shamas offers more than 60 spa services — ranging from massages and wraps to Chinese Herbology, in a calming, soothing environment certain to help wash your stress away before a treatment has even begun.

What is the secret to Shamas' success? Owner Tony Shamas cites the careful attention his staff pays to customer service. A good deal of focus is upon the front desk, the first point of customer service contact. And as Shamas Urban Retreat continues to grow, Shamas tries to ensure that it still maintains the feel of a small organization. Everything is personally tailored to the client; in fact, Shamas says, some clients buy time in a room versus buying a pre-set service package, and assemble their own personalized spa experience.

Another facet of good customer service is paying attention to shifts in what clients want. "The more elaborate, 'West-Coast style' services aren't that popular now," says Shamas. "People are more price-conscious ... they want to get a lot for their money." While many people still indulge in more luxurious wraps and facials, the classic massages, manicures and pedicures take center stage — with a trend toward anti-aging treatments in particular.

6407 Monroe St., Sylvania; 419-882-1220
102 W. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg; 419-872-9908

Runner-up: David Broadway Salon/Spa

Best Hair Salon and Best Facial/Skin Care and Best Manicure/Pedicure: David Broadway Salon/Spa

If you go to a hair show in Las Vegas, New York, Paris or L.A., try dropping the name “David Broadway.” It’s all but guaranteed that everyone there knows and respects the name.

In a change in winners from previous years, The Broadway Salon and Day Spa took three categories in this year’s ‘Looking Good, Feeling Gorgeous’ section of our reader survey. An appropriate win, considering the Broadway following is Northwest Ohio’s most award-winning beauty team. Founder David Broadway won his first international prize at the World Hairdressing Championship in Brussels in 1977 and since that time has focused his energies on passing the torch of excellence to his team members, many of whom have won top prizes at national and international hair shows. Take stylist Lesley Maidlow, who took first place at the 2005 Intercoiffure: The Next Generation show, or Connie Roehl who, along with Leslie, had photos of their hair designs shot on Fifth Avenue in New York and printed in a multitude of national hair magazines.

The hair salon team has made over many celebs and politicians including Joan Rivers, Regis Philbin, Al Gore and John Glenn. Katie Holmes regularly stops by the salon when she’s in town. The nail and skin care teams, voted by City Paper readers as being the best in town, undergo rigorous training to be kept up-to-date on the latest trends and beauty breakthroughs. Looking good, Broadway!

Runner-up: Shamas Urban Retreat

Chillin' Out

Best Romantic Getaway: Belamere Suites

Tucked behind Perrys-burg's industrial and business parks on Williams Road might be the last place you'd expect to find "the bed and breakfast of the 21st Century." But that's how owner John Kranjec describes his Belamere Suites, Toledo's choice romantic hot spot for the last 3 1/2 years. Once you enter one of their spacious suites, it's easy to see why.

Kranjec describes Belamere as a "boutique hotel," which he says means "it's a little more upscale and a little more personalized. Our standards are higher than franchise standards."

For example: the jacuzzis are huge, the biggest in the Toledo area. Anyone who's been disappointed to discover the word "jacuzzi" means "tiny tub that blows bubbles up your butt" at an ordinary chain hotel will be pleasantly surprised by the 6 foot by 5 foot pools Belamere offers inside their Ultimate Jacuzzi Suites ($119 - $189). There's plenty of room for two people to sprawl out and relax. From the tub, you've got a view of the gas fireplace and the TV where in most hotels, the toilet tends to dominate the jacuzzi view.

And if that's not enough luxury for you and your sweetheart, check out a Presidential Suite ($219 - $310), where you can take a dip in your own private 18 foot by 11 foot heated pool. Other amenities include the overstuffed king-sized bed with a fluffy synthetic down comforter, plush cotton bathrobes and a CD player.

For truly special occasions or that close-to-home honeymoon, Belamere offers extra surprises. Kranjec says couples sometimes arrive, then go out to dinner, and while they're out, Belamere's staff arranges rose petals in the shape of a heart on the bed or lit candles around the room. Additionally, the hotel offers in-room massages from masseuses from Elements Day Spa ($65) and, if you'd prefer to dine in, delivery from over a dozen local restaurants, from Tony Packo's to Gianno's Itialian Bistro.

"We've even done engagements, where we'll bring in champagne and glasses -- and one glass has a ring in it." With an average nine honeymooning wedding couples a weekend, Kranjec has plenty on his plate. "We've even had people get married here" he says, "though we haven't heard about any children named 'Bela' yet."

What the experience comes down to is taking time away from everyday annoyances. "For your sanity, you could hire a psychologist, or you could stay here and be pampered for a night," says Kranjec. "It's worth it."

12200 Williams Rd, Perrysburg
(419) 874-2233
belameresuites.com

Runner-up: Maumee Bay State Park

Sports

Best Coach: Tom Amstutz, Toledo Rockets

Right now, Coach Tom Amstutz is busily traveling around the country recruiting players for '07 Rockets season. As Rocket fans know, the former offensive guard served as assistant coach for 21 years before becoming head coach in 2000. With a dazzling Mid-American Conference record of 31-8 and four MAC West Division titles under his belt (not to mention his likeness immortalized in bobble head form), it's hard not to like the always down-to-earth Amstutz. After returning from Florida, the Coach took a time out to talk to TCP's writer with the biggest sports handicap, Rick "how many quarters are in a down?" Claypool ...

Have you had much time to relax in the off-season?
No. We recruit pretty much all through February, so we always are working hard.

Have the college games changed much since you were a player?
Oh, yeah. Definitely. Athletes are bigger, faster and stronger, and the style of football has changed a lot. Everything's gone up a whole other level since my days in football.

I heard a former Rocket is going to be inducted into the hall of fame ...
Yeah, Chester Taylor. I'm really proud of him. He's done some great things since leaving Toledo, and he's had a great year with the Minnesota Vikings. I'm really, really proud of him.

Has UT's merger with MUO helped at all? I figure it's good to have extra medical staff on hand in case two guys knock their heads together a little too hard.
(Laughs) I've had some of the medical students try out for football, but they don't run as fast when they're wearing their stethoscopes!

Any message you'd like to send our readers who voted you best coach?
I look at it as a real privilege to be the football coach in the school I love in our home town. It's an opportunity I worked hard for a lot of years as assistant coach, and now I'm really enjoying the years as head coach. Our football team I know is always gonna be out there on the field, giving great effort and playing with all their heart. I'm sure we're gonna continue to make Toledo proud of us.

Runner-up: Larry Parrish, Toledo Mud Hens

Music

Best Rock Band and Most Underrated Local Band: Against the Fire

Against the Fire hasn’t been together long, but longevity doesn’t always equal quality. Belting out high-energy power-pop a la all your rock radio favorites, the quintet has quickly made a name for themselves around T-town with well-crafted songs and passionate delivery. According to vocalist/key player Joshua Russell, it’s the live show that has earned the band their most significant claim. "Something we have that a lot of bands don’t is energy. People come to our shows and love going crazy because we’re up on stage just having an awesome time," he says.

Motivated back in March of 2005 to move from a friendly, casual jam group to a structured band, Russell says that the guys share a passion for music and that’s what continues to drive them. "We all have this huge passion for music," he says, "We realized once we started getting on stage and having a good time that we wanted to take it more seriously and try to make a career out of it."

As for their sound, there aren’t any direct influences, but Russell says that the band is inspired by a lot of music. "For the most part we all listen to the same genres of music, but it’s a lot of random stuff which we sort of piece together to create our own style that’s a little different."

The band kickstarted that effort in 2006 by releasing their debut EP "Great Demands" and is currently cutting a new record that should be out in February.

As for being the Best Rock Band in Toledo, Russell says he was stoked. "It feels good. It’s really exciting," he says.

Catch Against the Fire February 10 at Howard’s Club H and February 13 at Headliners with Breaking Benjamin. MySpace.com/AgainstTheFire

Runners-up: We Are the Fury and Big Tom both tied

Our Paper

Staff Picks

Rieale Loveridge: Staff Writer
Best Sushi: Taruman Sushi take-out (7430 W Central Ave. 419-842-1013). When talking sushi, affordable is rarely coupled with delectable in the same sentence, and rightfully so, in all cases except when dishing about Taruman Sushi Take-out. I often soothe my spicy tuna roll ($3.50) craving in this cozy joint that exudes a personable in-the-kitchen ambiance. Who can resist getting stuffed on mouth-watering nigiri and still having cash to spare?
Best Computer Service/ Repair: Computer Discount (1705 W. Laskey Rd. 419-475-9888). After I've floor-matted my hard-drive, I prefer to stick with local guys to piece it back together. I pride myself on being PC geek chic, but when the problem is over my head, I turn to these friendly and knowledgeable folks. They've never jacked me on cost or advice and are up to chatting about my latest MMORPG addiction.

Amanda Wolfe: Contributing Art Director
Person Most in Need of a Reality Show: It's not a person, but an organization — the Toledo City Paper (1120 Adams St. 419-244-9859, and also, you’re reading it). We're real, but we're just far removed enough from traditional "reality" to qualify for network broadcast. If you need proof, check out the mockumentary we'll be showing at the ‘Best Of’ party.
Best Bloody Mary: This is a great town for Bloody Marys, actually ... but the two that stand out above the rest are those created by Rob Borer (of the Rocket Inn, 3534 Dorr St. and the soon-to-open Frankie's) and Peaches (of the Village Idiot, 309 Conant St., Maumee). I never liked tomato-based drinks until they showed me the light.
Best Chiropractor: Snap, crackle, pop... not my breakfast cereal, but my crappy spine. And when I'm all out of joint, Dr. Timothy Trax (2955 W. Sylvania Ave. 419-474-9019) sets me straight and gives me a new lease on life. He and his staff not only make spinal care relaxing, but I swear I walk out of there two inches taller.

Eric Lilje: Account Executive
Best Locally Produced Food Product: Garlic Expressions started as something for me to dip my vegetables in. It has turned into a bottle-a-week habit. Seriously, this stuff is like crack. If the makers of Garlic Expressions would like to help feed my addiction, feel free to send me a case care of the Toledo City Paper. I ran out yesterday and can already feel the shakes coming on.
Best Seafood: A recent trip to Mancy's Bluewater Grille (461 West Dussel Dr. Maumee; 419-724-BLUE) solidified their position as the numero uno in this department. The salmon is to die for (I actually died a little, it was that good.) My wife, not a seafood eater, enjoyed the lobster spring rolls. I'm telling you, get out there and try it.

Robin Armstrong: Accountant
Best Rock Band: My favorite would absolutely be Boogie Matrix Mechanism, because I can't get enough of that hippie-hop jam rock!
Best Downtown Dining Spot: A Garbage Salad at Grumpy's (34 S Huron St. 419-241-6728) is definitely worth scraping up some money for!

Erin Swartz: Distribution Manager
Best Place to Worship: Cornerstone Church. (1520 S Reynolds Rd. 419-725-5000) Why? It's simple. God is in our house, and he continues to rock my spirit every week!
Best Locally Owned Women’s Boutique: Diversity Boutique. (101 N. Main St. 419-353-7259) It may be located in downtown Bowling Green, but the trends are literally out of the scorchin' hot Los Angeles fashion district!
Best Hair Salon: Visualize This. Peaceful and refreshing with warm-hearted hair stylists. Plus I have to keep it real, my girls know how to hook it up!

René Welling: Calendar Coordinator
Best Middle Eastern Restaurant: A new market/eatery, Salaam, (2017 Glendale Ave.) is waiting for you to discover it. The items on their extensive Middle Eastern and American menu are made fresh with ingredients available in their market as well as Turkish coffee, fresh fruit smoothies, pizzas and more. Located in the old Lark's Grocery building and across the street from Wixey Bakery, Salaam is easy to find right at the corner of Glendale and the Anthony Wayne Trail. Try the Mediterranean Pizza!

Ryan Bunch: Arts & Entertainment Coordinator
Best Cup of Coffee at a Restaurant: Uncle John’s Pancake House (3131 Secor Rd. 419-536-9442). It’s only fitting that place with some of the best pancakes in town has the best cup o’ Joe too. The coffee at Uncle John’s isn’t some sort of Starbucks caramel toffee vanilla nut bastardization, and I’m glad. On Sunday afternoon when I wake up hung over, the old-school aesthetic and the good, rich, honest cup of plain old coffee is just what I need to get me going again. Give it a sip, you won’t be disappointed.
Best Bar at Midnight: Pub St. George, (1701 Adams St., above Manos; 419-246-0828). If you’ve ever been up to The Pub on a Friday Night when DJs Folk, APB and N. Mattimoe are rockin’ the dance floor, you know that there is no hotter place to be in Toledo at midnight. With a staff of smokin’ hot bartenders (and Dustin) and a cesspool of some of the most beautiful, talented and downright coolest people in Toledo just hangin’ around, this Old West End hang out has quickly established itself as a front-runner in a new era of Toledo’s long too mangy club scene. And the best part, the Pub is ready when you are, Wednesday – Saturday, it’s an all-out party!
Best Bowling Alley: Imperial Lanes, 5505 W. Central. 419-531-5338. King Pin Lanes, 1124 W. Sylvania, Toledo. 419-478-7123. If I’m looking for a wild night at the lanes, complete with rock videos and a laser show that rivals Pink Floyd, I’m going to Imperial Lanes. Owner Bret Boniminio is one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet and he runs one of the most fun bowling complexes in the city, complete will all your classic alley grub, cold beer and an arcade. However, sometimes I feel like stepping back in time and concentrating on my roll. In that case, King Pin Lanes is the only place to go. This old school, eight lane alley has only the essentials to entertain, great bowling alleys, a killer juke box and friendly staff behind a well-stocked cheap bar.

Jeff Glick: Food Writer
Best Pizza: Papa's Ultimate at Rosie's Italian Grille (606 McCord Rd. 419-866-5007). Hand tossed, hand-picked ingredients and hands down the best, especially the crispy cheese on the undefined edge of the crust. This pizza, allegedly the favorite of the Barone Brother proprietors' late father is loaded with bacon, sausage and delectable cheese. A real treat.
Best Garlic Dip: Tucked into a strip center nestled amidst the confluence of Monroe and Sylvania, The Shish Kabob (3606 W. Sylvania Ave. 419-472-0278) has the best whipped garlic spread, served to each table with fresh pita as a warm up. Oh, and make sure that everyone in the party partakes. Rumor has it that it is garlic and a little pure olive oil, but there must be a secret ingredient and they're not telling.
Most Trustworthy Car Repair: Brian and Roger at Warren Street Garage. (1924 Warren St. 419-246-0885). Located in an alley between Franklin, Adams, Warren, and Woodruff, these guys are not just knowledgeable and qualified to fix anything (and I do mean anything) but they are so darn nice. Their standard answer to any car problem related question is "Shouldn't be a problem" How often have you heard that from your mechanic?

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