Spotlight on Toledo’s Food Scene: Savoring Local Flavors

Toledo’s culinary scene is a feast for the senses, offering a delicious blend of innovation and tradition. From hidden gems to iconic staples, the Glass City is home to chefs, bakers, and food artisans who pour their passion into every bite. At BCAN, we’re dedicated to uncovering the stories behind the dishes that bring our community together.

The Craft of Local Cuisine

Every great dish begins with inspiration. Toledo’s chefs draw from diverse influences—Midwestern comfort food, global flavors, and fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Take Chef Sarah of Riverbend Bistro, for example, whose menu is a tribute to her grandmother’s recipes, elevated with a modern twist. Her signature dish? A smoky, slow-cooked short rib served with a side of creamy polenta that keeps diners coming back for more.

Hidden Gems Worth Discovering

Toledo is full of culinary surprises, and part of the adventure is uncovering them. Have you tried the homemade pierogis at Mom’s Kitchen Deli, tucked away in a quiet neighborhood? Or the decadent lavender honey latte at Bean & Blossom Café? These small, family-owned spots are the heart of Toledo’s food culture, creating memorable experiences one plate or cup at a time.

The Rise of Food Artisans

It’s not just about restaurants—Toledo is home to an ever-growing community of food artisans who are putting their unique stamp on the local scene. From craft chocolate makers to microbrewers, these creators are redefining how we think about food. Take Urban Crust, a bakery that specializes in sourdough bread with flavors like roasted garlic rosemary. Their commitment to quality and tradition has made them a favorite at farmers’ markets and beyond.

Events That Celebrate Toledo’s Food Culture

If you’re a foodie looking to connect with others who share your passion, Toledo has you covered. Events like the Toledo Night Market and Taste of the 419 Festival showcase the best of the city’s food scene, from innovative dishes to classic favorites. These gatherings are more than a chance to eat—they’re a celebration of community and culture.

Join Us on the Journey

At BCAN, we believe that every dish tells a story. Through our coverage of Toledo’s food scene, we’ll introduce you to the chefs, artisans, and hidden gems that make dining in this city an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a curious visitor, let us guide you to your next great meal.

Hungry for more? Follow BCAN for exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes looks at local kitchens, and updates on upcoming food events. Let’s celebrate Toledo, one bite at a time.

Tim Mcmahon

Tim McMahon

Tim McMahon

Tim McMahon’s enthusiasm for adventure and exploration is only matched by his hunger for new and diverse foods!

Born and raised in Northwest Ohio, Tim currently resides in Perrysburg, where he is often found jogging the streets of the historic downtown, walking his dogs Boomer & Cooper, or hitting up local eateries.

A worker bee by nature, and foodie by trade, Tim puts his heart, soul (and belly) into hosting and producing  Four One Nosh and One Tank Travel with Tim McMahon.

Tim is a three-time Regional Emmy Award winner and nine-time nominee through the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Central Great Lakes Chapter. He also received Touchstone Awards – courtesy of the Press Club of Toledo – for his work in the arts & entertainment field in 2022 and 2023.

Outside of his work with BCAN, Tim serves on the board of directors for Toledo Animal Rescue, and he dabbles in local theater and improv. He’s passionate about supporting animal welfare, senior care, outdoor exploration, public radio, performing arts, and equality and inclusivity in our community. 

Rickayla Berry

Rickayla Berry

Rickayla Berry

Hi, my name is Rickayla Berry. I was born in Toledo, Ohio and I am 23 years old. I am currently a sophomore majoring in communications at the University of Toledo. I am also a Jessup W. Scott high school graduate where I participated in TPS’s career tech program in broadcasting and communications.

I am currently a member of the U.S Army National guard where I’ve been in service for 5 years. In those 5 years I earned 2 medals. I earned two leadership roles(in basic training) and also became lead motivator in (Advanced individual training), where I am now currently working on taking more leadership roles here in Toledo at the 323rd MP company. Outside of school and military, I like participating in the performing arts, such as dance, rap, singing and djing. My junior year of high school I won first place dancing to a mix put together by me and some friends.

Outside of those things I like to hang out with my family, go to the gym, swim, hang out with friends and I also love working with kids. Currently, I am working as a substitute teacher for Toledo Public Schools where I love working with students. In the future, I aspire to be an audiologist with a bachelors in communications and a masters in audiology.

As a host for BCAN’s Trading Up, Rickayla gets to dive into her natural curiosity and not only learn about the skilled trades, but also educate young learners about opportunities in these fields.

Charles Welch

Charles Welch

Charles Welch

Charles Welch is a proud native Toledoan. “Charlie,” as many people affectionately call him, loves what the area has to offer!

Following a few years living in Atlanta, GA, he moved back home to join his father in starting the new family business – The Juice 107.3 FM.  

After losing his daughter, Sydney, to leukemia at the age of 11 months he began volunteering at The Toledo Children’s Hospital where Sydney’s Playroom is now located in her honor.

Charles joined the BCAN team in 2021 as the host of UNTOLD: Hidden Stories of NW Ohio.  Charles’ passion for learning about local history runs deep and he’s always intrigued – and amazed – with how many interesting stories are left undiscovered in the Glass City!   

Besides focusing on his career as a Real Estate Agent and television host, Charlie is also a Minister, a husband, and a father. He and his wife Melissa have 7 children together and enjoy family time.

Haylie Robinson

Haylie Robinson

Haylie Robinson, aka Hayliestory, is most known for her love of travel and passion for storytelling.

As a Northwest Ohio native, Haylie has always had a love for travel since her youth. While exploring the countryside every summer with her grandparents, she learned early on that travel is less about the distance from home and more about the experiences collected long her journey.

After serving her hometown as a festival queen in her teens the importance of community became clear. It is now Haylie’s mission to showcase stories throughout the region and beyond. For the last decade Haylie has brought her online audience alongside her adventures and shared her love for tradition, culture, and celebration.

In 2022 Haylie was voted favorite media personality in The Blade’s Readers’ choice and by 2023 her first independent production, Finding Festivals, debuted on Toledo PBS affiliate WGTE. The 13-episodic travel genre series explores various annual events throughout the Midwest from harvest to music festivals and everything in-between.

Outside of BCAN Haylie mentors a youth through SMYL, sings at her local church, and can be found curled up with a good fantasy book with her Cavalier King Charles puppy on her lap. She is passionate about creating pathways for the next generation to be successful in their endeavors.

Toi Creel

Toi-Creel

Toi Creel

Toi Creel is a journalist turned content creator whose bubbly personality extends beyond the camera.

Hailing from Flint, Michigan, but growing up in Metro Detroit, Toi received a Bachelor’s degree from the historically black Kentucky State University.

Starting her career in 2015 as a news reporter, Toi has worked for various NBC and ABC affiliates before making the move to Los Angeles to cover a range of duties such as fashion and wardrobe, multimedia journalism, street reporting, and finally red-carpet correspondence.

Upon returning to the grit of the Mud in 2022, Toi became the Host of NBC24’s What’s Going On, before shifting into the world of content creation and developing a youth smartphone videography program called Content Camp.

Toi is a creative at the heart and is excited to tell the stories of the people that live and work in NW Ohio. Toi is thrilled to contribute to the BCAN legacy as a Talent/Producer.

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