Dining out Fresh Meets Fast at Downtown

By Laurie Bertke

Nestled at the edge of Promenade Park in downtown Toledo, City Egg is a fast-casual restaurant serving made-to-order breakfast and lunch seven days a week.

City Egg is affiliated with the Scramblers family franchise that originated in Toledo with a shared commitment to making fresh food from scratch. All eggs are cracked by hand, pancake and french toast batter is mixed on site using seven simple ingredients and the salsa is prepared in house. General Manager April Murra explains the restaurant receives three deliveries of fresh vegetables each week, all of which are diced by hand. There are no deep fryers or microwaves in the kitchen.

The two chains differ as City Egg is an express version of the full-service experience offered at Scramblers, Brandon Buerk, vice president in charge of restaurant operations and a member of the founding family behind Scramblers, said, “It’s Scramblers food, Scramblers quality, but fast. Lots of guests want fast food but they don’t want garbage — they don’t want the stuff they get at the drive through.”

All City Egg orders are either placed online or through one of three kiosks that greet customers at the

City Egg 202 N. Summit St., Suite 101, Toledo 419-214-0174 cityeggrestaurants.com

Hours

Monday - Friday, 6:30 am to 3:00 pm

Lighting: Very good

Cleanliness: Very clean

Accessible: Yes

Kid Friendly: Yes (kid’s menu)

Noise: Light

Price: Inexpensive counter. The system is user-friendly, with large print and full color images on the bright touch screen. Entrees are easy to customize, and once an order is submitted, guests can watch the order progress on one of several screens in the restaurant.

Parking: Limited metered street parking, with public parking garages nearby. On weekends, public parking is available in the adjacent parking garage at The Depot, accessible from Jefferson Avenue.

Walking into a restaurant and ordering from a computer terminal was a newer concept in this region when the spot opened about five years ago near the Promedica Headquarters campus, but the model became more common in the wake of the pandemic. Paper menus are still available to peruse prior to ordering and Murra says employees working behind the counter are always happy to assist customers who do not feel comfortable using the kiosk to order. The ordered drinks are ready within a few minutes and the food is served not long after. The eggs in the Wisconsin Scrambled are cooked just right, the pancakes are fluffy and the bacon is crisp.

City Egg features a full coffee bar, with espresso, lattes and other caffeinated concoctions, and a juice bar with fresh-squeezed OJ and a variety of tasty non-alcoholic cocktails.

For those who like a sweeter drink, Buerk recommends the Metro Mango with its combination of orange, pineapple and mango juices. For a more tart beverage, the C Bus features a mix of orange, grapefruit, peach and lime. Another option is the Urban Berry Detox, which is a delicious cocktail of orange, blueberry, pomegranate and cranberry juices. While the restaurant does a brisk business on weekdays, Murra says its biggest crowds come from weekend traffic associated with special events. Guests can dine in and enjoy the natural light and views through floor to ceiling windows, or order a meal to go and find a nice spot to eat along the Maumee River in the adjacent park.

City Egg is a convenient spot for breakfast or lunch in conjunction with an outing to Imagination Station, the National Museum of the Great Lakes, the newly opened Glass City Metropark or one of the other attractions along the river.

FRIDAY 4

This is the premier food and wine event of the year. There will be wines from Ohio wineries, food, cooking school demonstrations, two stages of live music entertainment, artisans and shopping. $37. 12 pm - 9 pm. Wood County Fairgrounds, 13800 W. Poe Rd., Bowling Green. ohiowines.org

FRIDAY 11

Cool off with some ice cream and fun toppings, while playing games, chatting with others, or checking out the Library's newest offerings. 11:30 am - 12:30 pm. Holland Branch Library, 1032 S. McCord Rd., Holland. toledolibrary.org

TUESDAY 1

[dance]

Summer Party Series: Polynesian Dancers

Genesis Village’s 3rd annual Summer Party Series. The series kicks off with Polynesian Dancers. Additional performances by acoustic musician Kerry Patrick Clark (Aug. 8) , singer songwriter Gene Zenz (Aug. 15), and Two For The Show (Aug. 22). 5:30 pm. Genesis Village, 2429 S. Reynolds Rd. facebook. com/Genesis.Village Free

WEDNESDAY 2

[birdwatching]

Coffee with the Birds

Enjoy a birding stroll while enjoying your favorite morning beverage. Registration is required. 8:30 am - 10:30 am. Otsego Park, 20000 W. River Rd., Bowling Green. Wcparks.org. Free

[fitness]

Woodlawn Walkers

Whether you’re interested in a stroll or a power walk, join in each Wednesday on a two mile path around Woodlawn. Walk among the beautiful arboretum and the historical architectural features. Each Wednesday morning through Aug. 30. 9 am. Woodlawn Cemetery and Arboretum, 1502 W. Central Ave. historic-woodlawn.com. Free

[visual arts, festivals & fairs]

Sylvania Plein Air Festival

Plein Air is the open air painting made famous by the French Impressionists. Plein Air artists will be painting at various locations. Walk-in registration is available at The Art Supply Depo July 30 through Aug. 4. The Sylvania Plein Air Festival runs Wednesday, Aug. 2 through Saturday, Aug. 5. An opening exhibition of Plein Air paintings will be at Hudson Gallery, Fuller Art House, and The Art Supply Depo on Friday, Aug. 4 and Saturday Aug. 5. Downtown Sylvania, Main St. redbirdsylvania.org

THURSDAY 3

[visual arts, automotive]

Homage to Willys

Toledo School for the Arts' first public exhibit featuring classic Willys-Overland vehicles. Toledo Jeep Fest and Toledo School for the Arts will also present Fragile/Not Fragile, a collaborative fine art project. Also on Saturday, Aug. 4 and Sunday, Aug. 5. Noon - 7 pm. Martin D. Porter Gallery, 1401 Adams St. ts4arts.org/martin-d-porter-gallery

FRIDAY 4

[games]

Game Gathering

Play board games or cards, while enjoying a cup of coffee at this meet up for older adults. 10 am - noon. Reynolds Corner Branch Library, 4833 Dorr St. toledolibrary.org

SATURDAY 5

[picnics, choral]

Inaugural Northwest Ohio

Barbershop & Barbecue Festival

Presented by Voices of Harmony Chorus. BBQ platters, barbershop quartets, and cash bar. Free parking. Tickets available on Eventbrite. $10 - $35. 12 pm - 5pm. Oak Shade Grove, 3624 Seaman Rd., Oregon.

SUNDAY 6

[festivals & fairs]

Festival of India

Enjoy a variety of Indian food and drinks, shopping, jewelry and art, dancing, live music, dance, temporary henna tattoos and activities for children. Free admission and parking. 11 am - 8 pm. Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial Rd., Sylvania. Festivalofindiatoledo.org

TUESDAY 8

[police department}

40th Annual National Night Out

This event brings police officers and the members of our community together in a fun setting and gives them the opportunity to get to know the officers and ask questions. 3 pm - 7 pm. Frederick Douglass Community Center, 1001 Indiana Ave.

[visual arts, festivals & fairs]

Barrio Latino Art Festival

The Barrio Latino Art Festival celebrates diversity, innovation, and achievement with live music, dancing, visual arts, food and more. 3 pm - 11:45 pm. Nuestra Gente Community Center, 1411 Broadway St. facebook.com/BarrioLatinoArtFestival

WEDNESDAY 9

[caregiving]

(Virtual) Caregiver Coffee : The Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Would you like to talk with other caregivers about their experiences?

Join MemoryLane Care Services for a (virtual) coffee every Wednesday at 2 pm. Learn from others who face the same challenges on a variety of topics.. Join by videoconference or phone. Contact MemoryLane Care Services to enroll 419-720-4940 or cconley@memorylanecare.org. 2 pm - 3 pm. Virtual. areaofficeonaging.com

THURSDAY 10

[aviation history]

CAF Airpower History Tour

The CAF AirPower History Tour is coming to Toledo. Experience the sights, smells and sounds of historic World War II aircraft. Visitors will have the opportunity to get up close and touch the aircraft, tour the cockpit, talk to the crews and see the planes fly. $20 adults, $10 children 10-17, free children under 10. 9 am - 5 pm. Also on Thursday, Aug. 10 from 9 am - 5 pm. Federal Aerospace Institute (FAI), 11371 W Airport Service Rd., Swanton. Airpowersquadron.org

[talks & lectures, health & wellness]

Can You Hear Me Now?

Five Questions to Ask During a Hearing Exam

Presented by Christopher Cremean from Caregiver Resource Group. The Boomer Resource Networks hosts Lunch & Learn talks about a variety of topics relevant to Baby Boomer interests. 11 am - 12:30 pm. The Original Pancake House, 3310 W. Central Ave. lakeerieboomers.com

FRIDAY 11 [nature & wildlife]

Fridays at Forest Cemetery

Tree and Tombstone

Join OSU Extension Educator Amy Stone to explore the trees of Forest Cemetery, along with Forest Cemetery historians to hear family stories contained within its gates. Meet at the main gates. 11 am - noon. Forest Cemetery, 1704 Mulberry St. historic-woodlawn.com

SATURDAY 12 [outdoor concerts]

Glass City Jazz Fest

Family-friendly, open-air festival with a full day of live acts exploring various genres of jazz; including Traditional, Latin, Fusion, Smooth Jazz and more. Hosted by Toledo’s own, The H-Factor Jazz Show; this year’s line-up of artists includes John Cunningham, Sammy DeLeon, Ramona Collins, Four80East, Jeanette Harris & David P. Stevens and Jeff Lorber. 12 pm. Glass City Metropark, 983 Front St. glasscityjazzfest. com. Free

[maritime history]

Ship & Shore: The Ultimate Great Lakes History Day - Explore Great Lakes history at the National Museum of the Great Lakes and view the Port of Toledo aboard the Sandpiper river boat. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. $40. 1 pm - 3 pm. National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St. nmgl.org/ event.

SUNDAY 13 [automotive]

Toledo Cars and Coffee

Casual car enthusiast meetup. 9 amnoon. Shoppes at River Place, 2611 N. Dixie Hwy., Perrysburg

MONDAY 14 [cooking classes]

Tea Infused Treats Class

Learn to make delicious tea-infused gelato, ice cream, granita, and sorbets with the Summer Kitchen Girls. $30. 6 pm - 7:30 pm. Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green. Woodcountyhistory.org

WEDNESDAY 16 [wine]

Zonta Club of Toledo Wine Tasting Event

Come enjoy delicious food and wine with the Zonta Club of Toledo. Funds raised from this event will support local women's services and empowerment initiatives. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. $75. 6 pm - 8:30 pm. Stone Oak Country Club, 100 Stone Oak Blvd., Holland. zontatoledo1.org

[concerts]

The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys have become synonymous with the California lifestyle and summer. The Beach Boys are led by Mike Love, who, along with many others, continue the legacy of the iconic band. $29.50 - $99. Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial Rd., Sylvania. Centennialterrace.org

THURSDAY 17

[talks & lectures]

What is C.O.P.E.?

Presented by Cheryl Conley, MA, LSW, Social Services Director from MemoryLane Care Services. COPE stands for “Coalition of Organizations Protecting Elders” – Learn who makes up this organization and how they protect our seniors. 11 am - 12:30 pm. The Original Pancake House, 3310 W. Central Ave. lakeerieboomers.com

[farmers markets]

Farmers Market at the Health Department

Accepting SNAP, WIC Farmers' Market Coupons, Senior Nutrition Coupons, Produce Perks and cash. 11 am - 2 pm. Toledo-Lucas County Health Department, 635 N. Erie St. lucascountyhealth. com

SATURDAY 19

[health & wellness, social causes]

The Walk to Save Black Men's Lives

Free health screenings, vendors, live entertainment, and free family-friendly fun.

7 am. Warren AME Church, 915 Collingwood Blvd. toledo.oh.gov/events.

[computer classes, safety & preparedness]

Senior Safety: Scam Awareness

Come get your questions about scams answered by the Better Business Bureau, after a brief presentation on best practices for protecting yourself. 10 am - 11 am. Heatherdowns Branch Library, 3265 Glanzman Rd. toledolibrary.org

SUNDAY 20 [automotive]

11th Annual Wreaths Across America Toledo Metro Chapter Car Show

Annual Car Show, with donations benefiting Wreaths Across America Toledo Metro Area Chapter's efforts, to honor the Veterans laid to rest at Toledo Memorial Park. Opening ceremony, with the playing of our National Anthem, is at noon. 10 am - 2 pm. Toledo Memorial Park & Mausoleum, 6382 Monroe St., Sylvania.