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Archives for June 2012

Cinematic Gem – THE KID WITH A BIKE – Starts Friday

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Hello Everyone,

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL continues to be a hit at THE NEON. Unfortunately, SOUND OF MY VOICE underperformed this weekend. If you still need to see this new thriller, hurry down. Thursday will be its last day. Because VOICE is leaving so quickly, we now have room on our schedule to bring a cinematic gem to town…but only for one week! THE KID WITH A BIKE, the new film from the Dardenne Brothers, is one of the last films from my list of favorites at last year’s Toronto International Film Fest. (It was right at the top with THE DESCENDANTS and THE ARTIST.) Numerous critics have given the film a 100% rating – The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly & more! Unless you were at THE NEON this past weekend, you may not have seen the trailer. If that’s the case, please take a moment to check it out below.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jfz-IGE66vg’]

Synopsis for THE KID WITH A BIKE: “Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at last year’s Cannes Film Festival and a Golden Globe nominee for Best Foreign Language Film, the deeply moving new film by the Dardenne brothers delves into the emotional life of troubled 11-year-old Cyril. When his father abandons him, Cyril obsessively searches for his bicycle – placing his last bit of hope in this symbol of their relationship. Almost by accident, he becomes the ward of a kind hairdresser, who seems surprised to find herself so determined to help him. With his wild, unpredictable behavior and his disastrous search for father figures, Cyril risks losing her – though she refuses to give up without a fight.” (IFC Films) THE KID WITH A BIKE is only slated to play for one week!!

Don’t forget about WSU’s BIG LENS FILM FESTIVAL this Thursday (a second show at 9:30 has just been added). Details about it and other films for this week are on our website at www.neonmovies.com

On June 28 at 7:30, The Greater Dayton LGBT Center and The Miami Valley Pride Partnership will present a screening of the new documentary VITO. This wonderful new film is about the life of Vito Russo – author, film lover, leader and activist. In addition to being educational and enlightening, I found the movie to be utterly inspiring. I’m anxious to see it again. Tickets, just $8 each, are available at our box office.

“Allow yourself to be immersed in a world where perception is redefined by a mysterious drug called I Razor. Dr. Gregory Fleer, a once brilliant scientist and the creator of I Razor, is transformed by his own experiment, along with a portion of the male population, into a band of telekinetic freaks who must negotiate their way through a world twisted beyond all recognition by their altered perceptions… Circus Devils (Robert Pollard of GUIDED BY VOICES and Todd Tobias) present: I RAZOR a New Film directed by Todd Tobias, starring Steve Five, Cory Race, and Brad Visker – with music by Circus Devils. Saturday July 14th at 12:30pm. Tickets are $5 (available at THE NEON’s box office beginning June 8) and are first come first serve and open to the public. Buying a ticket will enter you into a raffle to win cool I Razor/Circus Devils stuff (I Razor Movie T Shirts, posters) before the movie, and I Razor tickets for this event will be specially made and collectable.” (taken from press release)

And don’t forget that your movie ticket gets you 15% off your food order at Sa-Bai…located directly behind THE NEON.

Thanks for your continued support.
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. June 8 – Thur. June 14:

THE KID WITH A BIKE (PG-13) 1 Hr 27 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 5:20, 7:30

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL (PG-13) 2 Hr 4 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:30, 4:15, 7:00, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:00, 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
June 15 THE INTOUCHABLES
June 29 MOONRISE KINGDOM
July 6 TO ROME WITH LOVE
July 13 YOUR SISTER’S SISTER
July 27 BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD
TBD WHERE DO WE GO NOW?
LOLA VERSUS

THROWDOWN ! June 9th: Voltzy’s vs. The Hamburger Wagon

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Legend vs. Legend… Icon vs Icon .. At the Rock N Green Tomato Festival in Miamisburg on Saturday, June 9th, their will be a battle of epic proportions.  Two Dayton burger favorites will battle it out in an Old Fashioned Throwdown, and Dayton will never be the same.   The match up is VOLTZY’s vs THE HAMBURGER WAGON !  They will go toe to toe in a brawl to settle it all, and each burger joint is depending on your vote!

To vote in this clash of the burger titans, you have to go the Rock N’ Green Tomato Festival, which is in downtown Miamisburg, near Ron’s Pizza.  The contest begins June 9th at 1pm.  Buy a burger from both places and cast your vote.  The winner will be announced sometime around 8pm.

The first three votes cast will be Hungry Jax, Chef House and The Big Ragu, here they are….

HUNGRY JAX VOTE:    THE HAMBURGER WAGON is the best !  “The Hamburger Wagon” is a great display of simplicity in its finest form.  It doesn’t need to be masqueraded in sauces.  This crispy little burger is topped with pepper, a pickle, and an onion slice the size of a car’s hubcap.  The Hamburger Wagon has been serving up the best burgers for almost 100 years.  The Hamburger Wagon gets my vote !”  —Jax

THE BIG RAGU’S VOTE:   VOLTZY’S is the best !  “Voltzy’s melts in your mouth.  I love a burger that has good condiments and cooked onions.  Voltzy’s burgers are ground fresh everyday and never frozen, so it is a great tasting burger.  In fact, Voltzy’s is the best burger I have ever eaten!  Plus, you have to love the fact that each burger is cooked by the master himself, Voltzy!  I love them both, but VOLTZY’S gets my vote !!”— The Big Ragu

 

CAST YOUR VOTE  at the Rock  N Green Tomato Festival on Saturday, June 9th and be there when Voltzy’s and The Hamburger Wagon collide .

For more details on the festival, please visit rockngreentomato.com.

Feel free to leave your comments and thoughts below about this THROWDOWN!!

Become an official fan of CHEF HOUSE, HUNGRY JAX and THE BIG RAGU by visiting our FOOD ADVENTURES page on FACEBOOK and  “liking” us !!! Click HERE to do so !!

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Take A Hike- Win A Car!

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You could win this Honda Insight hybrid!

This summer, Five Rivers MetroParks has teamed up with The Nature Conservancy in Ohio and Honda of America Mfg. Inc. to help Ohio residents experience the outdoors in a new way with Natural Treasures of Ohio contest. Now through August 8, Ohioans can enter for a chance to win a 2012 Honda Insight hybrid at www.nature.org/naturaltreasuresohio or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ohionatureconservancy.

As part of the challenge, Ohio residents must visit one or more specially selected natural areas and upload a photo of themselves with that site’s designated landmark. Participants can locate nearby treasured areas and site-specific details online. One grand prize winner will receive the 2012 Honda Insight hybrid and five second-place winners will receive $500 REI gift cards.

Englewood MetroParkis one of the eligible landmark locations. “Martindale Falls has long been a fun hiking

photo by Jeffrey Patrick

destination for visitors to Englewood MetroPark,” says Executive Director Becky Benná. “We hope this contest will encourage those who haven’t visited this park—or the other Natural Treasures locations—to explore their local parks and really enjoy the simple beauty of nature.”

To find the location, access the park from the entrance at 4361 National Road (U.S. Route 40) and park near the trailhead at Patty’s Shelter. From there, visitors can customize their hiking experience to find Martindale Falls. Taking the yellow trail north to the green trail will be the shortest hike, or visitors can make a longer hike using any of the connecting trail loops. Maps are available online or at the trailhead. Downloadable apps also will help visitors navigate Englewood and other MetroParks.

While at Englewood MetroPark, visitors can partake in disc golf, picnicking, fishing, kayaking or canoeing, biking and horseback riding. Englewood also is the site of the new Venture Quest GPS game.

Other Natural Treasures of Ohio southwest locations include Charleston Falls, Edge of Appalachia, Clifton Gorge, Mt. Airy Forest and Ault Park.

For more information visit www.metroparks.org or call (937) 275-PARK (7275) weekdays.

 

 


Why Wicked Makes Me Happy

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Hi.

How are you?

I think after these last weeks of writing for you and telling you what’s coming up and going down in Dayton theatre, I feel like I can trust you.

Can I trust you?

Because I’m gonna tell you a secret.

I don’t like Wicked.

Shh! Wait, don’t freak out! It’s ok. I’m not alone. I have a support group (they declined to be publicly named, fearing for their safety.) We help each other, after our opinion draws stares and exclamations of horror and disbelief from other theatre-goers. Also? I’m happy for you if you like Wicked. Not everyone has to like all the same stuff.

Thing is? I’m really really glad that Wicked is here.

I know that might sound a little crazy considering what I just said. And you’d have a point. I mean, have you tried parking downtown the last few days? Ridiculous! All those cars? All those people! What about trying to eat somewhere? Uno’s, across from the Schuster Center, has almost all their tables reserved for people coming from or going to the show. Citilites is packed. This madness even spills into the sanctity of the Oregon District, where non-regulars throng to the bars and restaurants. People from places with weird, exotic names like “Centerville” and “Troy” and “Urbana”.

So, why, again, am I so happy?

Read that paragraph above, and then think about it in terms for what it does for the Gem City.

Here’s a hint: We’re talking about a little thing called revenue. Economy. Lucre. Money.

According to Kristin Wicker of the Downtown Dayton Partnership (and, of course, a columnist for Dayton Most Metro), who cites the Victoria Theatre Association, Wicked‘s visit will have an impact on Downtown to the tune of 15 to 18 million. Can you think of any city that wouldn’t benefit from something like that? Especially our beloved (but at times beleaguered) Downtown?

The Downtown Dayton Partnership has even partnered with business downtown to offer what they’re calling some “Oz-some Wicked Deals.” Businesses like Blind Bobs and the Dublin Pub are offering special Wicked-themed drinks and appetizers on their menu, as well as offering certain percentages off your bill when you present your ticket stub. A full list of businesses participating, and what they’re offering, can be found on the here.

See, stuff like that is good. Stuff like Wicked is what brings people to the city, to one location. Stuff like these deals are what bring people to other locations. And what bring them back. They’ll remember the great dinner or post-show drinks they had somewhere. That brings in money. Even more importantly, it raises people’s opinions and awareness of Downtown.

Again, from Wicker, “…a big show like this is terrific for downtown because it brings more than 73,000 people from throughout the region – and outside the Dayton area – to downtown to experience the best it has to offer. It’s really an opportunity to showcase downtown Dayton.”

Follow the yellow brick road... to Downtown Dayton.

That it is. And Downtown Dayton has been at its best these last few days. We had First Friday, and then Pride Saturday. Saturday was also the Annual Zombie Walk through the Oregon District. People who came to see Wicked last night also saw crowds heading into the Loft Theatre to see Band Geeks, or into the Victoria Theatre to see the Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus perform songs by ABBA. If they then decided to go have a drink at one of the District’s bars and saw the fun and vibrant night life there, including several hundred zombies, what great things might they have to say to their friends?

Sure, on Monday morning they’ll be gushing about the show, and the amazing effects. But at some point they’ll begin talking about the experience as a whole. Maybe not right then, but next time someone mentions coming in to Dayton for something, they’ll say, “Y’know, when Brad and I went to see Wicked a while back, the parking was way better than it had been. Then we went to a bar and it was the craziest thing! They had some Zombie party. We took pictures, here, let me show you this one guy…” or “You know, Cyndi and I had the best time down there when we saw, honey what was that show? With the witches? Wicked, yeah. We even walked around for a bit afterwards. They have this park area just a couple blocks from the theatre, by the river? It was really nice.”

And then maybe next year, when the VTA announces its (always really solid) Broadway series, they’ll come see something else. Something that might not have normally had the name recognition of a Wicked or a Phantom.

So, I’m ok with that. I’m ok if this brings 73,000 people to town to see Wicked and, by extension, experience Downtown. I think we should all be willing to put up with some traffic, some crowds and, yes, even stump for a show we don’t like all that much, if that’s what it takes to make Dayton “Popular”.

Editor’s Note: Here are some other local articles done on Wicked – now playing through June 24th 2012 at The Schuster Performing Arts Center.

“Wicked wowing audiences” – Dayton Daily News 6/4/2012

“Wicked blows into Dayton” – Dayton Examiner 5/30/2012

There are still good seats available at TicketCenterStage.com.

A Hint of France

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The Sidecar. Simple, elegant, and delicious.

Cognac is a drink that conveys class. It is rich, deep, and complex in flavor, and only produced in a small territory in France. As a society, we see it as something that rich old men sit around in smoke filled rooms and enjoy while making business deals. It enjoyed immense popularity in Europe, and the popularity was brought over to the United States. After a fairly steep fall near the end of the 19th century, it was revived in the 1980’s by an emerging Chinese taste in the drink, and then in the 1990’s by the rap community. It has returned to some small prominence, enough to have it in bars, but not a wide selection.

When people think of cognac, the one thing they usually do not think of is a mixed drink. Cognac has been in mixed drinks for a very long time, and has created some very iconic drinks. Cocktails that have lasted for decades, and have inspired the creation of others.  If you have heard of one, it is most likely the Sidecar.

Sidecar

1.5 oz. cognac
.75 oz. Cointreau
.75 oz. lemon juice
Sugar, for frosting the rim of the glass
Lemon wedge for a garnish

Run a lemon wedge around the edge of a cocktail glass. Lightly run the damp rim through the sugar to lightly coat it. Combine the cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice in a glass with ice and shake. Strain the drink into the prepared glass, and garnish with the lemon.

Prohibition was not kind to the United States. Any drinks that came out of this era generally were created to hide the taste of the liquor, which was awful. Except for the Sidecar. This is a well balanced drink, emphasizing the sweetness of the congac through the Cointreau (an orange liqueur), but balancing it with the tartness of the lemon juice.

Between the Sheets

1 oz. white rum (Bacardi or Appleton Reserve)
1 oz. Cointreau
.5 oz. lemon juice
1 oz. cognac

Chill a cocktail glass. Combine the rum, Cointreau, lemon juice, and cognac in a glass with ice and shake. Strain the drink into the chilled glass.

Between the Sheets is another cocktail that comes out of Prohibition. It is a brother to the Sidecar, just with addition of the rum. It takes away some of the smoothness of the drink, but adds some kick that the Prohibition set was looking for. If you are drinking on the sly, you want cocktails that have the biggest kick in the shortest time, and this one fit the bill.

These guys knew how to create a government...and drink. Probably at the same time.

Fish House Punch (single serving)

1.5 to 2 oz. of superfine sugar (depends on your taste)
2 oz. water
1 oz. lemon juice
2 oz. dark rum
1 oz. cognac
.125 oz. peach brandy

First dissolve the sugar in just enough water to do the trick. Once it is dissolved, stir the lemon juice in. Stir the rest of the ingredients into the water, and serve over ice.

This was good enough for the Founding Fathers, and it had better be good enough for us. It is said to have been created in Philadelphia in 1732, and present through the Revolutionary War and most of the wrangling of the Constitution. It is refreshing and tasty in the warm summer months, yet has oomph. There are recipes where you can make larger batches for parties. Fourth of July is coming. What would be more patriotic than a drink that the signers of the Declaration of Independence enjoyed?

Incredible Hulk

1.5 oz. cognac
1.5 oz. Hpnotiq

Combine the ingredients into a glass with ice and stir. Strain the drink into an old fashioned glass over ice.

The Avengers movie is doing so well; it seemed good to mention one of them. (Come on hundreds of millions!) Hpnotiq, a vodka based liqueur with fruit juices and cognac blended in, was introduced at a launch event. The people who organized the event noticed that the women loved the bright blue drink, but the men were not too enthused by it. One of the bartenders, Victor Alvarez, mixed some Hennessy into the Hpnotiq to cut the fruity and bump up the strength, and it was a hit.

Some people like him better when he is greener.

French Connection

1.5 oz. cognac
.75 oz. amaretto (or Grand Marnier)

Combine ingredients into an old fashioned glass over ice.

The standard version involves amaretto, but you can substitute Grand Marnier an orangier flavor. Both add sweetness to the cognac which makes it a perfect after dinner drink or night cap. You can even add it all to coffee for a warm dessert drink.

June 4th is National Cognac Day, and it is perfectly fine to enjoy this exquisite liquor on its own in a snifter. However, there are a plenty of classic cocktails you can experience that have cognac as part of them. These are just a few. If you are looking for some suggestions and more information about cognac itself, this article will help you find what you are looking for. I highly suggest you try the Sidecar. It is delightful. Cheers!

Downtown Dayton’s River Run Project About To Become Reality

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Low dam removal

Less than one year after fundraising efforts began, the RiverScape River Run Project is almost fully funded.

The public and private sectors ― including businesses, foundations and individuals ― have contributed a combined $3.8 million to date to support the $4 million project, the next phase of development at RiverScape MetroPark.

“After a huge community input process, RiverScape River Run emerged as one of the priorities of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, and this project will create a long list of benefits for downtown Dayton and the region,” said Dr. Michael Ervin, co-chair of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan and Downtown Dayton Partnership. “Downtown Dayton’s economic development strategy is focused on strengthening the core of our entire region. This strategy hinges on creating an exciting downtown environment that will attract and retain the young, talented workforce needed to build Dayton’s new economy.”

Now, the community can be part of River Run. The public portion of the River Run fundraising campaign began June 1. To make a tax-deductible contribution in any amount, click here or call the Downtown Dayton Partnership at 937-224-1518 to receive a contribution form.

View from RiverScape

“Rivers always have been the lifeblood of great cities,” Ervin said. “RiverScape MetroPark has been so successful in bringing people to the river. Now, River Run will get people into the river. And it is only the first step in a comprehensive plan for future river development in our community. After we finish this project, we plan to look at further development of the entire length of our downtown river.”

Many cities across the country have invested in their waterfronts as a fundamental revitalization strategy and have seen a significant return on that investment. Those cities include ones that resemble Dayton, such as Oklahoma City, Okla.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; and Hartford, Conn. For example, Oklahoma City invested $54 million along the Oklahoma River and, according to city officials, has received a $700 million return on that investment. In Dayton, $38 million already has been invested in the riverfront since 1999. RiverScape River Run is the next step in Dayton’s investment.

RiverScape River Run includes the removal of a dangerous low dam and construction of two boulder-like structures spanning the Great Miami River. Each structure will have two passageways: one still water passageway for canoes and one whitewater passageway for kayaks. The project will create a regional recreation destination that also will allow people to fish, sunbathe and enjoy the river downtown. Construction on River Run is expected to begin in 2013, with completion in 2014. The remainder of this year will be spent finalizing designs, engineering and the permitting process.

Fundraising for RiverScape River Run began last summer with a $1 million challenge grant from the James M. Cox Foundation. Contributors to RiverScape River Run to date are: The CareSource Foundation, The Connor Group, Cox Media Group Ohio, The Dayton Foundation, Dr. Michael Ervin, Greater Dayton RTA, Heidelberg Distributing Company, Jacob G. Schmidlapp Trust ― Fifth Third Bank Trustee, Kettering Health Network, KeyBank, Mrs. Judy Lumby, The Meadwestvaco Foundation, Miami Conservancy District, Montgomery County, PNC, Premier Health Partners, The Schiewetz Foundation, Sinclair Community College, Thompson Hine, The Vectren Foundation and The Virginia W. Kettering Foundation.

Proposed Improvements (click to view full size)

The Greater Downtown Dayton Plan is a multipronged economic development initiative and strategic blueprint for Dayton’s center city launched in May 2010. Greater Downtown is one of two regional centers of economic activity for the Dayton region, with approximately $5 billion a year in regional economic impact. A vibrant, thriving center city is crucial to the prosperity of the City of Dayton and Dayton region. The Greater Downtown Dayton Plan calls for building on downtown’s strengths to create the type of vibrant, bustling city increasingly in demand today.