Ex-University of Toledo footballer and current NFL player Bruce Gradkowski has opened his culinary namesake, Gradkowski’s, in the Gateway plaza. The restaurant serves Italian dishes with a modern twist — think garlic brown butter mizithra (pasta with Mediterranean cheese), pesto fries and grilled rosemary lemon drummies. Yelp rumor has it that Gradkowski, a Cincinnati Bengals player, is known to visit tables to talk food and football with patrons.
Open 11:30am-10pm. 1440 Secor Rd. 419-725-2836. www.facebook.com/gradkowskis.toledo. —AO