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By Riley Runnells

The Hollywood Casino prides itself on partnering with local entrepreneurs as part of its food, beverage and entertainment offerings. A recent partnership the Casino has initiated is with a new restaurant, Shobu by Kengo.

Shobu, an upscale sushi restaurant, is housed in a beautiful space with excellent staff and phenomenal food. Whether you are looking for a quick bite during a respite from gambling, or you want to experience a complete “Omakase” chef-selected meal, Shobu is a great addition to the Casino.

The energy and impetus behind Shobu is Kengo Kato, owner and the creative culinary mastermind behind downtown Toledo restaurants Kengo Sushi and Kato Ramen. Though Kengo has established his restaurant reputation, he is thrilled to add Shobu to the mix.

“Partnering with Hollywood Casino and opening Shobu by Kengo is a great honor and a dream come true,” Kengo explains. “I am excited to expand my culinary vision and to bring a unique brand to a new audience.” The menu at Shobu will vary from day to day, but there will always be Kengo treats available like negitoro rolls, bacon-wrapped tomatoes, wagyu beef, a variety of teriyaki selections and other small plates, grilled treats on skewers and a unique selection of drinks.

Although Kengo sees opening and managing a third restaurant as a bit of a challenge, he is excited about the opportunity to showcase his family’s legacy – particularly that of his father, a renowned chef who is credited with bringing sushi to America and whose artwork proudly adorns Shobu’s walls.

Kengo’s family has a distinct commitment to creating jobs and contributing to the community through the three restaurants, as well as creating strong partnerships with local businesses and organizations, like the Casino. Kengo, himself a father of two and husband to Amanda, has a dedication to his restaurant that is all the more admirable as he juggles work and home life.

“I am incredibly proud of Kengo and all he has accomplished, and it’s a privilege to be part of his journey,” his wife Amanda said. “Though the road has been long, the experience of working together to create something special in Toledo has been deeply gratifying.” Amanda said sharing in Kengo’s love for food and hospitality within the community has been the greatest honor, and she is particularly inspired watching how his culinary art touches the hearts and souls of customers.

Shobu by Kengo

Hollywood Casino

1968 Miami St.

Toledo, OH 419-661-5200 hollywoodcasinotoledo.com/ dining/shobu-by-kengo

HOURS

Monday - Closed

Tuesday - Closed

Wednesday - 5PM-10PM

Thursday - 5PM-10PM

Friday - 5PM-11PM

Saturday - 4PM-11PM

Sunday - 4PM-9PM

Lighting: Well-lit

Parking: Plenty of Casino parking

Accessible: Yes

Kid Friendly: No

Noise: Light to moderate

Price: Moderate

Kengo encourages sushi lovers and open minded first timers alike to come to Shobu and receive a warm “Irasshaimase,” or welcome, from himself and the staff. “I am grateful for the chance to collaborate with my partners at the casino and to be part of the vibrant food scene in Toledo,” Kengo said.

There will be vintage paper dolls and modern doll stencils on display by Julie Nutting along with a demonstration of how to make them into cards or gift tags for those who are interested. There will be supplies available in the MakerSpace during Dinner DIY in April from 4-7pm for those who would like to make their own special dolls. Reservations for tea are needed to kate@ stpaulstoledo.org. $30. 11:30am. HeArt Gallery, 428 N. Erie St. heartgalleryandstudios.com

Award-winning jazz performer, saxophonist, vocalist, pianist, arranger, composer and world-renowned orchestra Pops conductor Matt Catingub headlines the Toledo Jazz Orchestra.$12.50-$45. 8pm. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St. toledosymphony.com

The National Museum of the Great Lakes will be reopening the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and Museum Tug Ohio for the season to the public beginning Monday, May 1. 10am-5pm. Museum and boats admission free-$17. See website for details. 10am-5pm. National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St. nmgl.org

This brilliant cardinal painting class will be taught by local talent and artist, Rebecca Booth. The price includes all materials. A professional grade acrylic paint will be used to paint on an 8x8 birch wood panel. $50. 6-8pm. Schedel Arboretum & Gardens, 19255 W. Portage River S Rd., Elmore. schedel-gardens.org

SUNDAY 2

[choral]

Toledo Choral Society: Song of the Shadows

Join The Toledo Choral Society in this intimate church setting as they perform a powerfully emotional piece in honor of Palm Sunday. Free will donations are appreciated. 3pm. St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 1690 Sterns Rd., Temperance, MI. toledochoralsociety.org

WEDNESDAY 12

[volunteers]

Volunteer Orientation

Join Volunteer Services staff in learning more about opportunities throughout the district, how to get involved, and what you can do to make a difference. Registration is required. Questions regarding volunteering at Metroparks should be directed to 419-407-9700. 6-8pm. Glass City Metropark, 983 Front St. metroparkstoledo.com

THURSDAY 13

[book sales]

Friends of the Library Used Book Sale - Start stocking up on summer reads with the FOL Used Book Sale. 4-7pm, also Friday, Apr. 14, 9am-4pm and Saturday, Apr. 15 9am-4pm. FOL Book Center, 1301 N. Reynolds Rd.

FRIDAY 14

[talks & lectures]

Bring Your Lunch & Learn: Long & Winding Phone

Freelance writer Helen Marketti shares stories and anecdotes from her most memorable telephone interviews with famous musicians and former television celebrities. Registration is required. Noon1:15pm. Holland Branch Library, 1032 S. McCord Rd., Holland. Toledolibrary.org Free

SATURDAY 15

[civic benefit}

Human Library

The Human Library™ is literally a library of people. Difficult questions are expected, appreciated, and answered. It is a global initiative and hands-on learning platform designed to foster conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue. The City of Toledo Human Relations Commission, Owens Community College and Toledo Lucas County Public Library invite the entire community to check out the Human Library. Noon-3pm. Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St. toledolibrary. org. Free

SUNDAY 16

[visual arts, floristry]

Spring Arts Festival

This unique event pairs original artwork by Athena Art Society members with tablescapes from local Garden Clubs. RSVP is requested to kate@stpaulstoledo.org. 4pm. Also on Thursday, Apr. 20 at noon. HeArt Gallery/St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 428 N. Erie St. heartgalleryandstudios.com

THURSDAY 20

[talks & lectures]

Tea & Talk Series: You Can’t Play Ball in a Skirt

Join a discussion about Alta Weiss, and how she put herself through medical school playing professional baseball on a men’s team in the early 1900s. Each monthly tea & talk starts with a catered luncheon, warm tea and a unique presentation over a topic of interest. Reservations are required and are due the Friday before each tea. $25-$30. 2-4pm. Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green. Woodcountyhistory.org

MONDAY 24

[tai chi]

Tai Chi for Beginners

Connect to the natural energy flows around you as you learn Tai Chi in this five week series from April 17th through May 22nd in the unique setting of Glass City Metropark. Poses can be accomplished in seated or standing positions. Registration is required. 5-6pm. Glass City Metropark, 983 Front St. Free

TUESDAY 2

[book clubs, drinks]

Wine & Words | Beer & Books with Author Anastasia Ryan

Join Gathering Volumes for a book club to discuss a great book with each other, the author and a glass of wine or beer! The meeting on May 2 will discuss You Should Smile More with author Anastasia Ryan!

SATURDAY 6

[personal finance]

Better Business Bureau’s Annual Shred Day Event

Shred Day is a free yearly service to the public, designed to help local residents and small businesses protect themselves against identity theft by providing a drop-off site for the secure destruction of identitysensitive documents and devices. The first three bags or files of document shredding are free, with additional bags shredded for a fee of $3 each. 9am-1pm, Westgate Sears Parking Lot, 3450 Central Ave. bbb.org

FRIDAY 12

[markets & shopping]

Night Market in the Garden

Stroll the beautiful gardens, shop from artisan vendors and explore the Artists Village. Food trucks, live music and more. 4-9pm. Toledo Botanical Garden, 5403 Elmer Dr. @toledonightmarket

SATURDAY 13

[genealogy]

Beginning Genealogy

Want to start your family history journey? Learn the basics of genealogy research. Explore the process of researching, plus resources, tips and tricks. Register online. 11am-noon. Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St. toledolibrary.org

TUESDAY 16

[law]

Free Legal Clinic | Consumer

Law

Services are provided on a first come, first served basis. Please bring all required documentation. This event is done in partnership with the Ohio Justice Bus, the Lucas County Law Library, and the Toledo Bar Association. 10am-noon.

Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave. toledolibrary.org

THURSDAY 18

[lunch, talks & lectures]

Reliving Lighthouse Memories

Lunch & Learn

Learn about the lives of those who operated Great Lakes lighthouses until their automation in the 1960s. Lunch by donation. RSVP requested to kate@stpaulstoledo.org. HeArt Gallery/St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 428 N. Erie St. heartgalleryandstudios.com

SATURDAY 20

[festivals & fairs]

Oregonfest

Oregon Fest is a celebration that brings families and community together to highlight the City of Oregon, Ohio, through a variety of activities including exhibits and business booths, entertainment, contests, foods and a Grand Parade. 8am-midnight. Also on Sunday, May 21, noon-6pm. City of Oregon, Dustin Rd., Oregon. oregonfestoh.com

[boats]

Hard Hat Tours: Behind the Scenes of our Museum Vessels Visit spaces typically off-limits to visitors in an exclusive, behindthe-scenes tour of the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, Museum Tug Ohio and St. Marys Challenger Pilothouse. During this 2-hour experience you have the ex-

ƒ Transport to and from grocery stores, every other Saturday and Sunday.

ƒ Pick up passengers at their homes at a designated time.

ƒ After shopping is completed, passengers will be dropped off at their homes, including assistance with groceries to the door.

ƒ The price for this service will be $15 per passenger.

For more info and registration visit: agoodlifeservices.com

CALL TODAY! 419.214.9371 clusive opportunity to take a deeper dive into the ships’ inner workings and visit “hard-hat” only locations. Register online. 10am-5pm. National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St. nmgl.org

THURSDAY 25

[health & wellness]

“Early Stage” Memory Cafe

Are you looking for a social event you can share with the loved ones you care for? Enjoy good conversation and delicious food & beverages with caregiver friends and your loved ones who have memory loss / dementia. For additional information contact Deb, dfbrad@ juno.com. 2pm. PLATE 21, 3664 Rugby Dr.

WEDNESDAY 31

[author events]

Meet & Greet with Round Barns of America author Robert Kroeger

Round Barns of America features 75 round barns in 32 states –from the east coast to the Wild West – along with their paintings and stories. There are 11 Ohio round barns in the book. Free for members, $7 for non-members. 9am-1pm. Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green. woodcountyhistory.org