We’re all recovering from a very busy holiday weekend, so we thought we’d keep things a little lowkey when it comes to blog updates.  After the transition to work week vibes, we figured it would be fun to kick back and relax with a little YouTube video fun!  Check out our roundup of recent and interesting uploads to some of our favorite channels.

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It’s National Tailgating Day!  Whether you’re at the stadium or arena for a big pro ball game, or you’re hanging out with fellow parents at your kiddos’ local tournament, there’s never a bad time for a tailgate party. Get ready for the upcoming sports season with these fun car gadgets and travel worthy barbecue gear.

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We’re very excited to announce that today is National Skyscraper Day, and being as we live near one of the greatest cities in the US, we’re celebrating Chicago Architecture!  The world’s first skyscraper, The “Manhattan Building, was built in Chicago in 1888-1891 as designed by William Le Baron Jenney.  Although The Manhattan Building was but a mere 138 feet tall, it originally towered well above the rest of the city’s surrounding buildings.

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We’re back with the latest edition of Classic’s Community Calendar!  Whether you’re looking to occupy your Labor Day Weekend with fun-filled activities, or you’re planning ahead for weekend breaks from Back to School wackiness, we’ve got you covered!

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If you’re a Last-Minute Larry when it comes to vacation planning, you’re certainly not alone!  Today’s post is all about convenient weekend and day-trip getaways that you can book in a jiffy. You’ll find all manner of entertainment and excitement on today’s list, and of course, we welcome your own suggestions in the comments section on all our social media.  Check it out and be well on your way to rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation for this last blast of Summer fun!

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School is starting and many young drivers are taking their first steps to independence by driving to their classes and after school jobs, social events, sports games, etc.  If you’ve got multiple teens in your household, the car swap shuffle can get a bit tiring and hectic!  As a result, you may be considering buying an additional vehicle for the family, or for your young driver to have to themselves.

Like any other big family decision relating to your teen exploring the world, this can be a little overwhelming if you’re new to the process!  That’s why we’re here to help break it down into several easy-to-digest steps for wading through the waters of purchasing a first car for your teens.  Check it out and let us know if there are any other helpful hints and tricks your family has used, and we may included it in an updated column in the future!

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Freedom, versatility and exploration are words that can be associated with the new 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, a vehicle that gives passengers the opportunity to pursue adventures with the adaptability and durability of an SUV. While those qualities are befitting for the compact crossover, they are also consistent with dedicated artists and their creations. 

As an extension of the “Just Right” Corolla Cross campaign, Brooklyn-based artists Wade and Leta developed a series of art installations titled “Paint Your Own Path” in collaboration with Toyota to highlight the first-ever Corolla Cross. They took their creative lens and transformed the campaign with sculptures full of patterns and colors. 

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Today we’re covering some of the most interesting and exciting places to visit in nearby Fort Wayne, Indiana!  Did you know that in just a few short hours you can explore a whole new state and see gorgeous artwork, explore historical sites, take in natural wonders, and enjoy a night out on the town?  If you’re looking for an affordable road trip to take with family and friends, Fort Wayne has so much to offer.  Check out our latest Travel Guide and find some new destinations to visit and make lasting memories with your loved ones!

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Iconic American Restaurants day was founded in 2020 by Bob Matthews as a way to celebrate the iconic restaurants of America both past and present.  During the early months of the Covid-19 Pandemic, many restaurants and local eateries struggled to make ends meet and keep their employees safe.  The line cooks, chefs, prep staff, cleaning staff, and other service workers of the industry provided essential services and meals to so many of us!  It is our pleasure to highlight some of the most vital businesses of our community on this special day.  Remember to tip as much as you can whenever you go out to eat or order a delivery meal, because these folks are working hard to bring you delicious, fresh food because they care!

Let’s Explore Some of the Most Iconic Restaurants in the Country, Past and Present

Alinea in Chicago, IL – This restaurant has retained 3 Michelin stars for 12 years running, helmed by Chef Grant Achatz.  It features a multi-course tasting menu of New American Cuisine in the Lincoln Park neighbourhood of Chicago.

Gino’s East in Chicago, IL– If you’re looking for some of the Best Chicago Deep Dish style pizza in the area, Gino’s East on Magnificent Mile is the place to be!  This flagship location is located in the heart of the city’s bustling culture, and has a comedy bar with weekly performances as well as a third floor terrace.

St. Elmo Steak House in Indianapolis, IN – This steakhouse opened its doors in downtown Indianapolis in 1902 and has been an area staple ever since!  It’s the oldest steakhouse in town in its original location.  We recommend trying their St Elmo Steak House Sauce and St Elmo Cocktail sauce when you’ve finished your meal and you’re ready to hit the road.  And of course, some of that delicious Root Beer Glaze/

Momofuku in New York City, NY – Momofuku Ko has retained 2 Michelin Stars since 2009, and been placed on numerous Best Restaurants lists!  Momofuku Ko offers an 11 course tasting menu in the Japanese Kaiseki tradition featuring seasonal elements.  The Momofuku Restaurant group is run by Chef David Chang, who has produced and starred in several food related series and specials. 

Katz’s Deli in New York City, NY –  Katz is a legend in the culinary world for its absolutely iconic pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, and its plethora of Jewish Deli Classics.  Featured in many television series and movies, and of course a popular tourist destination, this is a can’t-miss eatery on your next visit to Manhattan.

Peter Luger Steak House in New York City, NY –  This steakhouse has stood the test of time and avoided succumbing to the ever-popular world of credit cards and checks, remaining a cash only setting since its inception.  This classy Brooklyn steakhouse now has a location in Great Neck Long Island, but tradition stands strong: Aged Top Quality Steak is served Old World German style with old-fashioned waiters and waitresses.

Mystic Pizza in Mystic, CT – Founded in 1973, and owned by John and Christos Zelepos, this small town pizza place became a household, world-famous name after the release of the movie of the same name, starring Julia Roberts.  And we’re very pleased to say that it’s not just a name, the food here is of the highest quality and the pizza really cannot be beat! 

Louis’ Lunch in New Haven Connecticut – A neighborhood staple since 1895, Louis’ Lunch has been service good ol’ fashioned american hamburgers to happy customers for decades.  In fact, they even claim the notoriety of having invented the hamburger sandwich, served on crispy, crunchy toast!

Husk in Charleston, SC – This iconic restaurant located in historic downtown Charleston specializes in elevated southern food with a farm to table concept and locally sourced heirloom ingredients. Housed in a 2-story 19th century southern home

The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, TN – With nearly 40 years in the business, Bluebird Cafe is a staple of Nashville culture.  The venue features up-and-coming musicians alongside hit musical performers, and combines that with an intimate setting of a gourmet cafe.  Nearly 70,000 visitors come through the cafe each year!

Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans, LA – Beignets and Cafe Au Lait may be a southern staple but they just can’t compare to the traditional fare served at Cafe Du Monde!  It’s an open air coffee shop in the French Quarter serving up mountains of fried dough doused in powdered sugar, and their signature chicory coffee.

Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, LA – The best of modern and traditional cuisine, Chef Meg Bickford is spicing things up when it comes to Cajun/Creole cuisine.  In the middle of NOLA’s Garden District, this unique restaurant is dishing out some delicious meals but most popular is their Turtle Soup.

The French Laundry in Yountville, CA – This iconic French and Californian restaurant in Napa Valley is legendary in the culinary world and foodie circuit, and it’s easy to see why: it has an incredible three stars from Michelin!  Surrounded by a gorgeous country garden, this two story stone-house turned restaurant serves an impressive menu featuring organic, oft locally sourced produce and proteins, and hand crafted ingredients and cocktails.

Manresa in Los Gatos, CA – Another exceptional restaurant on our list to be awarded three Michelin stars!  Chef David Kinch has curated a distinct menu with unparalleled hospitality, aesthetics, and inventive cuisine that reflects the refreshing palate of California’s food scene.

The Walrus and the Carpenter in Seattle, WA –  Named after two characters from “Alice in Wonderland,” this restaurant in the Ballard neighbourhood of Seattle is a top notch oyster bar and seafood restaurant with locally sourced, fresh ingredients.  The chefs here have married the best of both worlds with a classy seafood restaurant meets fishing pub.

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Toyota has long used its know-how to produce the quality vehicles seen on US roads for over 60 years. But in addition to well-built cars and trucks, Toyota crafts quality processes, and these processes are the “secret sauce” of Toyota’s success: just-in-time supply chain, LEAN manufacturing, Toyota Production System, and the foundational decision-making tool, Toyota Business Practices (TBP).

A valuable instrument for shaping any project, TBP is also a boon for helping to shape young minds and sharpening the critical thinking essential to successful problem-solving. Through an innovative mentoring project that challenges students to “start their impossible,” in a nod to Toyota’s inspirational global campaign, students in the Plano, Texas, ISD Academy Program learn to use TBP and supercharge their futures.

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