A bounty of craft culinary offerings are nestled inside our city. Ever wonder what ties our independent businesses together? Take a bite out of this historic landscape with the mother-daughter duo behind Toledo Flavors Food Tours, a business that highlights the Glass City’s eclectic art and food.
Tasting the culinary landscape
After taking a food tour in Las Vegas, Mallory and DiAnn Guerrero were inspired to bring the concept back home and opened the food tour company in June of 2014. The tours, typically led by daughter Mallory— who mother DiAnn says is an outspoken foodie— are leisurely trips to infamous businesses, like Tony Packo’s, and local favorites, like Grumpy’s, that show off culinary curiosities and the heart of Toledo.
Toledo Flavors Food Tours’ delicious concept brings attention to the city’s history and art in a fun, unique way, that helps newcomers learn about the area while also satisfying any hunger pangs. Even born-and-bred Toledoans benefit from historical trivia, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks and culinary tips rarely served to diners.
Bite-sized history
From dinner dates to the nostalgia brought on by tasting your mom’s famous spaghetti, we all know food is more than just substance— it’s a crucial part of growth and development. So it’s no surprise that the Warehouse District has benefited from similar progress with thanks to culinary delights. Discover the area’s advancement during the Toledo Warehouse District Tours, where no more than twelve guests will enjoy an intimate, in-depth learning experience while noshing on plenty of hearty food.
A group touring The Warehouse District enjoys a pit stop at a locally-loved lunchroom— the ironically named Grumpy’s.
Along the way, view local art and historical landmarks, and soak up the culture of home-grown pubs, like The Blarney. The three-hour tour winds through to the Toledo Mud Hens Fifth Third Field, offering plenty of time to play ball in the chic Hensville area, where you can quench your thirst with one— or more— of the 48 beers on tap at the new Fleetwood’s Taproom
Of course, no taste of the Warehouse District is fully flavored without a visit to the Farmer’s Market. The colorful market offers fresh fruits and veggies from local vendors, artisan cheeses and other surprises, like All Crumbs Artisan Bakery’s mouth-watering baked goods, Holey Toledough doughnuts. Once you’re finished, wash down the tasty treats at Maddie and Bella Coffee Roasters, where locals come to get their morning cup of Joe.
For a small-scale event to suit a family or gathering of friends, the Toledo Flavors Food Tours offer a cooking experience with Chef Drew Ruiz, the former executive chef of the Toledo Museum of Art, featuring the chef’s preparation of a meal and conversations about shopping and meal planning. DiAnn is thankful for the supportive locals, stating, “We truly would not be successful without the support of our Warehouse District business owners… Oh, and their food, too!”
Good food, all year round
As vendors pack up for chillier months, the Warehouse District Food Tours wind down for the off-season in September. For the Guerreros, the warm weather leaving signifies that cravings for warm coffee, hot cocoa and delicacies are ready to be satisfied, so they offer up the Downtown Delights Dessert and Art Tours during November and December.
This two-hour tour through quaint St. Clair village offers artisan sweets, coffee and popcorn, as well as inspirational accounts from an array of business owners. Their stories about trial and error bring out the troubles, and the successes, involved with self-operating. There’s also time allotted for attendees to get their holiday shopping done at each stop. Tours fill up fast, but larger groups are accommodated for private party tours.
Toledo Flavors Food Tours:
866-736-6343 | toledoflavors.com
Toledo Warehouse District Food Tours:
11am Thursdays & Saturdays through September | $42/adult | $30/child
Downtown Delights Dessert & Art Tour:
5:30-7:30pm | Thursdays & Saturdays | November & December | $40
Cooking With Chef Drew Ruiz:
Schedule varies, visit website. $50/person.