Downtown Toledo eatery combines food and art for sophisticated dining experience
By Bev Berens
Chef Daryl Schmitz and Dr. Kenneth Cunningham
A spirit of hope, humor and charm arises from the eclectic mix of culture, art and cuisine at Fine Things Bistro. The downtown Toledo eating establishment opened May 31, 2011, and has a growing following. Owners Dr. Kenneth Cunningham, a psychotherapist, and Chef Daryl Schmitz describe their bistro as a “creative adventure.” Patrons will encounter in this restaurant in part atmosphere, cuisine and international flair. You might hear some German or some Spanish, maybe even some Italian!
“We are a place with a lot of fine art and sophistication. We have worked really hard to put together a creative menu. You can eat here in a very economical way and not diminish our sophistication. People see table clothes, they see art, they see fine glass and they assume we are costly. Actually, truth is, a lunch is under nine dollars,” said Dr. Cunningham.
Dr. Cunningham is a psychotherapist, published author and international lecturer who has collected art for years. Chef Daryl has a background in sales and culinary arts and worked primarily in cuisine in Palm Beach and Las Vegas. Fine Things Bistro is a canvas for their ideas and ingenuity, an expression of life in the form of food, art and lovely things.
Each menu item is unique and often comes with a story, like the afternoon Chef Daryl spent with an Old West End German woman learning to make authentic German potato salad, regularly served as a side dish. “Our coleslaw is also very unique, and sometimes ordered as a large take out.”
“Everything is made from scratch,” Chef Daryl said. “Our signature ‘Stuffers’ are sandwich sized breads, with filings baked inside the sandwich – Rueben, Philly Cheese Steak, Ham and Cheese.” Prime rib, a typical weekend splurge, is reserved as the Wednesday night special. Saturday is gourmet pizza night and Friday is set aside for a special meat entrée.
Chef Daryl described that if someone wishes a certain meal, he will be happy, within his kitchen capacities, to prepare it as Friday dinner for a party of four or more with dinner reservations. “We are considering preparing evening pick-up dinners after the work day, with advanced notice,” he stated.
Fine breads are a business mainstay. Each day brings batches of fresh bread showcasing a variety of cultures, textures and flavors. Whole loaves are available for purchase daily, and the restaurant would love to find a retail seller for their specialty.
The bistro is also a selling point for American Spoon products of Petoskey, Michigan, offering a variety of original jams, jellies and vinaigrettes. They have just begun serving Organo Gold Coffee, touted for its health benefits. German beer and wine, Irish Whiskey Hot Toddy, Spanish Cafe con leche con cognac, specialty martinis – all contribute to Fine Things Bistro international flair. You can also find a touch of New England and Vermont in their blackberry jam and maple syrup.
The establishment frequently hosts private parties. “The experience is just as significant as the food,” Dr. Cunningham said. Classical music is the backdrop during dinner, while contemporary music, 70s and 80s songs quietly fill the airwaves during the rest of the day.
Fine Things Bistro has begun bringing their food and atmosphere to local realtor, law, pharmaceutical representative and doctor’s offices, among others. “People are finding our home prepared foods very pleasant,” said Dr. Cunningham.
“The food is served very quickly from the kitchen,” Chef Daryl said. “However, people are welcome to linger, look and enjoy the atmosphere and experience. Many clients come in just to look at our collectibles, our Murano glass or our art collection.” The restaurant features many forms of art – from Saugatuck, Michigan to Montreal, Canada – all of which combined makes the dining experience very artful and pleasant to the pallet. The restaurant carries a line of scarves from around the world and a few fashioned by a local seamstress.
Reservations are requested but not required for upcoming Valentine’s Day; the menu will feature prime rib and chicken cordon bleu specials. Chef Daryl suggests pairing the meal with an elegant wine from their selection for an unforgettably romantic occasion.
Normal hours of operation are Tuesday through Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Friday 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Facebook is the best way to stay up-to-date with menu changes and to be included in a regular dialogue with the owners. Hours will expand as patrons continue to discover the locale.
Fine Things Bistro is a place to converge for food and art, for glass and sculpture, for coffee with friends, for charming laughter, for lunch and for dinner. Dr. Cunningham and Chef Daryl are hoping people enjoy a fun and hopeful atmosphere, “talking across the tables also happens in our quaint little place.”
If you have found this story interesting, informative or inspiring, please let Dr. Cunningham and Mr. Schmitz know! You can contact them at either 419-244-1651 or 419-771-7553; visit Fine Things Bistro at 38 South St. Clair, Toledo; email at FineThingsBistro@aol.com; or visit the website at www.finethingsbistro.com.
