Food
The most efficient way to get from the ground floor up in any culture is through the food. In some 20 countries I have bought my way into to what's going on with street food, elite food, sidewalk beer and roof champagne. From 2010-2012 I developed and ran the One2 Lounge, a jazz bar and gallery, in Treo Restaurant & Bar in Sylvania, Oh. (It has since sold and is slated to become Inside The Five Brewing Co.) In 2013 I returned to journalism and I have been writing for The Blade about food since 2015.
Cheap Eats
This series ran successfully for 4 years, winning awards from the Toledo Press Club and the Toledo City Paper for best locally produced food show.
Hosted by Blade Food Editor Mary Bilyeu, the series showcases local purveyors’ best stuff — either by quality or quantity — for $10 and under.
©Toledo Blade
PLates & People
This lovely little vignette series features one great food or drink item to try in the Toledo area and the people behind it. On camera, I introduce the segments, then the subject takes us through whatever we are having and how they make it (secrets are kept secret ;) in their kitchen. My favorite moments then come at the end where I and the subject sit together and dine or sip on the creation. We get to the person really participate in their own recipe. I develop, write and co-direct the segments, while The Blade's videographer Andy Morrison edits and produces entirely the finished video.
Below are some of my favorites.
Restaurant Reviews
I do this in part for The Blade's anonymous Bill of Fare series and that's about all I can tell you ;)