AROUND TOWN

Sylvania restaurants in the spotlight

Privy to a taste of what's in store at the Savour Sylvania restaurant week that started Monday and runs through Saturday were those who attended the kickoff party Aug. 17 at the Historic Village in Sylvania.

The 240 plus attendees who paid $35 per person or $65 per couple, perused the area as Straight Up! Trio played tunes. Sylvania Mayor Craig Stough welcomed everyone and thanked them for their participation.

Chef Wes Wright of Revolution Grille holds one of his Pansoti, or handmade ravioli stuffed with grilled chicken, spinach, and ricotta cheese during the pre-party.

Gadding about were Lisa and Allan Sattler, Susan and Raj Kanwal, Bill Sanford, Mary and Bob Westphal, and Lynne and Dan Saad.

The pre-party, presented by the Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce and Heidelberg Distributing Co., featured several domestic and international wines and grazing provided by Sylvania area restaurants.

Providing tasty tidbits were Charlie's Restaurant, Ciao!, Element 112, Eston's Bakery, Mancy's Italian Grill, Max & Erma's, Memphis Pearl, the Next Sweet Thing, Revolution Grille, Spud Budley's, Treo, and Tony Packo's.

Also participating this week are: Avenue Bistro, Burger King, City Barbeque, Andy & Barney's Sports Bar, Barrys Bagels on North Holland Sylvania Road, Biggby Coffee on Monroe Street, Buffalo Wild Wings on Central Avenue, Chandler Café, Executive Diner, Fricker's on Monroe Street, Jet's Pizza at Monroe and McCord roads, Jo-Jo's Original Pizza in Mayberry Square, Marco's Pizza on Monroe Street, Papa G's Pizza 'n Grill, the Original Gino's Pizza on Monroe Street, Tim Horton's on Alexis Road, Ventura's on Bancroft Street, and Vito's Pizza on Sylvania Avenue.

Chris Bloomheart, Amanda Romijn, Ashley Romijn, and Ben Drake sample foods during Savour Sylvania kick-off party.

Sponsors included: Edward Jones, ProMedica Flower Hospital, Paramount ProMedica, Heidelberg Distributing Co., Farmers & Merchants State Bank, Walker Funeral Home, The Blade, 101.5 the River, Toledo City Paper, Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce, Sylvania Township, and the city of Sylvania.

Nearly $10,000 has been raised so far from the kickoff and restaurant week which funds scholarships for culinary arts students.

Donnetta Carter, Cheryl Slack, and Janice Huffman aboard the Detroit Princess.

The annual Detroit Princess Riverboat Cruise Fund-raiser presented July 12 by Donnetta Carter of Adventurous Travels was a beautiful night as the summer breeze sailed the boat from Detroit to Canada.

The more than 200 attendees feasted on a full buffet and danced the night away to the Motown tunes of the Prolifics.

This year's beneficiary was for the Josh Project Inc., founded by Wanda Butts to teach children how to swim. Ms. Carter said $500 was raised for the cause.

Charles Love, Wilbert McCormick, and Jerome McCormick attend the Detroit Princess Riverboat Cruise fund-raiser.

There were more than 200 in attendance and vendors on board with merchandise.

Sponsors included the Sojouner's Truth newspaper, Dale-Riggs Funeral Home, A-1 Bail Bonds, OMG Production, Lakefront Lines, Family Express Shuttle, and Travis Grant.

In response to my patio page published Aug. 17 for dining al fresco, a reader told me about one of his favorite places. Firepit Grille on Airport Highway in Springfield Township has a large covered patio so even when it's raining you can be outside. When it's dark, folks can sit around in rocking chairs by the fire pit. And no worry about cool nights since there are heaters, and sports enthusiasts can watch their teams on televisions, too.

Contact Blade Society Writer Barbara Hendel at 419-724-6124 or at bhendel@theblade.com