Porch of the Maidens was located on the northwest corner of Central and Warner Avenue. Formerly Michael Angelo’s and Imperial Coffee Shop (“Home of the Imperial King Hamburg”).
“Before the building became the [ancient Greece and Roman themed] Porch, it was [Italian themed] Michael Angelo’s, where Chef Henk Vandersteen was best known for his lasagna and chicken cacciatore. Now, Chef Henk is back in the kitchen, to assist the head chefs, Deiphino Martinez and Dave Pelow, and the Italian dishes have been given fanciful names. The cacciatore is listed on the menu as polio petro cacciatore for $7.95 and the lasagna is lasagna a la milanese, $6.95. For the latter, the sauce will be heated at the table. The gazpacho has given way to cream of potato with sherry and the complimentary chocolate-covered strawberries are being replaced with mini-chocolate cups holding custard.” – Blade food editor Mary Alice Powell, December 7, 1978.
Michael Angelo’s and “The Porch” was owned by Gale H. Astles from 1969 to 1988. John Vaughn was partner on the Porch venture. The name change from Michael Angelo’s to The Porch of the Maidens took place between 1977-78.
“On Thursday dining was elegant in matching surroundings at the posh Porch of the Maidens…West Side, Central Avenue at Holland-Sylvania Road” – Blade food editor Mary Alice Powell, December 7, 1978.
“The Porch is one of the most attractive restaurants in the city, directed toward dining comfort in high-backed armchairs and upholstered banquettes, in subtle earth tones.” – Blade food editor Mary Alice Powell, February 6, 1981.
“The Porch remains one of the most attractive restaurants in Toledo, with lush wing-backed dining chairs, crystal chandeliers and a gathering of Greek statues in the foyer.” – Blade food editor Mary Alice Powell, February 3, 1984.
The Porch of the Maidens was sold to Jim Yark in March of 1989. After some remodeling the former Porch building opened as Yark Mitsubishi. Currently Yark Mazda.
Gale H. Astles was also the president and chief executive of State Aerial Farm Statistics, the South Toledo aerial photography business he bought in 1962.
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