Best Local Foodie
Dustin Hostetler
Whether you know Dustin as manager and co-owner at Grumpy’s, as something of a local music celebrity, as a blogger or just as “that one guy with the cool moustache,” you know that he’s always got something to say. And if you’ve actually eaten at Grumpy’s, you know that when it come to the culinary arts, he knows his stuff.
Runner Up / Joshua Wagy
delaneysmonkey.com/wordpress
Best Local Celebrity Dinner Companion
Chrys Peterson, WTOL 11 news anchor
Oh, you know you love her. She's been the face of local news for 17 years now, and some of us have spent more time with her in our living rooms than we have with much of our family. And she's done so much good work in the community, you know she'd have plenty to talk about, right?
Runner Up / Jerry Anderson, WTOL 11 news anchor
Most Skilled Bartender
John Jacob at Mancy’s Italian
5453 Monroe St.
419-882-9229
www.mancys.com
Maybe the Mancy's name alone would be enough to draw Toledo crowds — but John Jacob has won a loyal following of his own. Don't miss your chance to kick back and savor a martini, or John's own barrel-aged rye whiskey Manhattan.
Runner Up / Christina Simon at Avenue Bistro
Best Barista
Sara Kear at My Daily Grind
Gabe Garcia at Star Bar & Grille
120 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg
419-872-9400
The person behind the coffee shop counter is a kind-of saint, what with all those grouchy morning people in needof caffeine (never us, of course). The Daily Grind baristas are always ready with your morning brew, and there’s no friendlier face than Sara. She’s there serving up your latté or red-eye with a smile — even if you are a little grumpy in the AM.
Runner Up / Stephanie Wandtke at Bleak House Coffee
Best Chef
Matt Gustafson at The Rose & Thistle
203 Lousiana Ave., Perrysburg
419-874-3947
www.roseandthistlepub.com
Ohio native Gustafson is thrilled to be in downtown Perrysburg, partnered with his friend Lee Tebbetts. Don’t miss his sumptuous take on fine- dining classics like beef Wellington and rack of lamb. He prepares gourmet cuisine with the approachable, un-stuffy attitude Toledoans love.
Runner Up / Rob Campbell at Revolution Grille