Rob Wilkerson

the Gumbo Shop doesn't receive as much fanfare as some of the other great restaurants in the city - and there are more than a few - but the food is outstanding. There is often a wait (it's a smallish place) and sometimes noisy once you're inside, but the food is worth it. The service I've received has always been first-rate as well.

The Creole platter is a great choice for those looking to sample the local cuisine, but ironically, the filet mignon is the best steak I've ever had.

It may be in Toledo, but the Toledo Zoo is one of the better zoos in the country, I think. Very much on par with larger cities that have high profile zoos. There's also a terrific lights display during the holiday season if you can deal with the cold weather that usually accompanies that season. Well worth a trip down the Anthony Wayne Trail.

If you're looking for the charm of a B & B in an urban setting, the Inn at 2920 is a great choice. As a Canton resident with little extra room for guests, I refer my guests here. Modern, quiet and charming, but in close proximity to some of the best Canton bars & restaurants.

The Inn at 2920 is just a block off of O'Donnell Square, the "center" of the Canton neighborhood. It's two blocks from the water and Canton's Waterfront Park.

Nestled in Greenwich Village, Philip Marie is off the tourist path in a very good way. The service is great and the food is better. The Maine Lobster Black Ravioli is worth the trip all by itself.

It looks a little sketchy (read: dirty) and the truth is, it just might be. That said, I had the best shrimp dumplings I've ever tasted here. The skin is so paper-thin that it's transparent. Literally. The Kung Pao chicken was above average, too.

The service was also a little dicey, but if you can get past the ambience and focus on the food, I don't think you'll be disappointed.