Archives for January 2013

Food Adventures Gets Sauced at Woody’s Bar-B-Q + $20 Gift Certificate Contest

January 24, 2013 By Dayton937 24 Comments

The Ribs at Woody’s Bar-B-Q – Smoked to Perfection

Nothing says Food Adventure like good barbeque. Lip smackin’, bone suckin’, slathered, sauced or smoked, they have it at Woody’s Bar-B-Q. Ribs cooked to perfection, mouth-watering brisket, freshly sliced vegetable dishes, and homemade pies a mile high are just some of the treasures available at this restaurant in Beavercreek. Located at 3321 Dayton Xenia Rd, this family friendly eatery offers a place to bring the whole crew for Southern style meals, without breaking the bank.

The owners know something about Southern food. Raised in Tennessee around homestyle cooking, Michael and Sharon York moved to Dayton in 1966. For more than 20 years, Michael developed his skills at a meat processing plant and today he personally smokes every ounce of meat. Sharon makes every single pie at Woody’s , and they are masterpieces. From chocolate peanut butter, to banana creme, the pies are so tall that you need a small ladder to eat them.

Country Fried Steak Dinner – Creamy and Crisp

Technically Woody’s is a franchise, one of only two in Ohio. But the feel and preparation of food here is about as “mom and pop” as it gets. Since opening 3 years ago, practically every item has been prepared in-house. The formula of good food and friendly service works here. Woody’s is a place where regulars know the polite staff, and where owners mingle with the patrons from time to time. But make no mistake, the food is the main event here. The Food Adventure Crew has some killer recommendations to smoke your appetite.

There are a couple of appetizers that we feel are “must eats.” First the hand sliced, and twice breaded Fried Squash. This is one unique appetizer that we had never eaten before. The squash slices are a delicious and different way to start your meal at Woody’s. Ask for the “special sauce” for dipping instead of the ranch for a true Food Adventure experience (yeah, we know all the secrets).

Beef Brisket – Smoked Slow and Piled High

Another one of a kind appetizer attraction are the popular Smoked Chicken Wings. The flavor is deep and fulfilling. These wings are like nothing we have eaten before. Sure, you can get the wings with BBQ or hot sauce, but we suggest Cajun style or “Dallas” style which is a mix of sauces. You will just have to try them for yourself because the taste is tangy, peppered and indescribably good. Wings are just 65 cents each on Wednesdays. On Mondays kids eat free and every Sunday is all you can eat chicken and a side for just $8.99.

Now, on to the heavy hitters that will have you speaking with a southern drawl in no time. Chef House loves good brisket, it is one of her weaknesses. The Beef Brisket at Woody’s Bar-B-Q is done right. Smoked slowly out back and sliced up fresh, someone here knows what they are doing. You can see remnants of the smoke ring throughout the moist, shredded brisket. Grab a pint of a Great Lakes beer on draft to seal the deal.

Let’s talk pork. First of all, the Baby Back Ribs are fantastic. Coated with sweet bbq sauce, as the glaze hits your lips, the taste is a result of hours of wood-fired, smoker expertise. Even the half slabs of ribs served in the combo plates are big enough to share a bone. The added bonus is that the rib dinner prices are a few bucks cheaper than at other rib joints. Rather have your pork pulled? The Pulled Pork at Woody’s Bar-B-Q literally melts in your mouth. Prepared by hand, it is succulent and smoky. Here is where you can experiment with the various table sauces such as Southern Sweet, Carolina, Smokin’ Hot, Tangy Mustard and Carolina Style. Squirt it and work it. The Smoked Chicken is also worth mentioning. It is juicy, tender and full of great flavor. Not a BBQ fan? Try the Giant Haddock Fish Sandwich, Fried Shrimp or the Fried Catfish. The Big Ragu suggests you wash it all down Cincinnati style with a cold Hudepohl Beer on tap or stick with the traditional sweet tea. Still thirsty? Try the new Redd’s Apple Ale !

As for the many choices of southern sides, we have tried all of them during our visits. Our favorites were the Baked Beans, Fried Okra, and Onion Rings. Woody’s even offers Chili Cheese Fries with up to 3 meat toppings. The thing to do here is experiment. Mix and match from the large variety of choices. We led you to the promiseland, now you gotta find your favorites. Here are some more tips: Sunday is All You Can Eat Chicken for only $8.99, Monday Kids Eat Free, and Friday is their special price on Prime Rib dinners. Woody’s Bar-B-Q has a deep community involvement, so you may see them at various local festivals. They also have a full catering menu for any event. Woody’s also has an outdoor patio and from time to time hosts live music and parties there.

Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

Being two “foodies in our forties,” we appreciate the comfortable, casual, laid back atmosphere and great prices. This is one of those times where we say “You gotta try this place.” Bring yourself and your family to Woody’s for an affordable, delicious meal. Come get sauced, fried, smoked and ‘pie’d’ with the rest of us !

Dayton Most Metro is giving away a $20 gift certificate to one lucky person who comments on this story below. Your name will be chosen at random and announced on Monday. Comment and fill out the form belowfor your chance at some fantastic, free food at Woody’s Bar-B-Q in Beavercreek!

Be sure and “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE !

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Coming up in Dayton Theater: 1/25 – 2/3

January 23, 2013 By Sarah Caplan Leave a Comment

Welcome back, theatre lovers and seers and makers and doers! Time to once-again check in on our little corner of the theatre world here in Dayton, and see what the next fortnight shall bring!

Closing This Weekend!

Shrek! The Musical!

The Victoria Theatre

The Skinny: Based on the hilarious original movie, this family-friendly and crowd-pleasing musical includes music featured in the movie as well as wonderful original songs.

Dates: Closing on Sunday, 1/27

Tickets: Please visit Tickets Center Stage for all ticketing information; www.ticketcenterstage.com

Ghosts

The Dayton Theatre Guild

The Skinny: The ‘‘ghosts’’ in this play are taboo topics that cannot be openly discussed. This drama is one of Ibsen’s most powerful works, but also one of his most controversial. Family sins are revisited when a son returns home to dedicate an orphanage in his father’s name and becomes involved in a tryst that ends in the painful knowledge of long suppressed family truths.

Dates: Closing this weekend, on 1/27.

Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online at the DTG website, here.

Opening This Weekend!

The Importance of Being Earnest

The Dayton Playhouse

The Skinny: Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy of manners is both a romance, if tongue-in-cheek, and a sly personal commentary on the British class system. Also, it’s hilarious.

Dates: Opening Friday, 1/25 and running two weekends to close on Sunday, 2/3. On Saturday, 2/2, there will be a special “Afternoon Tea” performance including a high tea featuring treats from one of Dayton’s most-charming confectionery shoppes, Sweet Nothings (www.getsweetnothings.com).

Tickets: Tickets for all performances, including the special Afternoon Tea, are available online, here.

1913: The Great Dayton Flood

Wright State University

The Skinny: By W. Stuart McDowell and Timothy Nevits, inspired by the book A Time of Terror: The Great Dayton Flood by Allan W. Eckert, with recorded narration by Martin Sheen, Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee.

Dates: Opening Thursday, 1/24 and running three weekends to close Sunday, 2/10.

Tickets: Ticketing information is available at the WSU Theatre Dept website, here.

Steppin’ Out

Beavercreek Community Theatre

The Skinny: Steppin’ Out is the story of Mavis, a former professional chorus girl who tries her hardest to teach a group of bumbling amateurs some terpsichorean skills for an upcoming recital. But before the dancing begins Mavis must mediate the minor dramas that erupt among this motley but loveable crew on their way to triumph at their recital.

Dates: Opening Friday, 1/25 and running 2 weekends to close on Sunday, 2/3.

Tickets: For all ticketing information, please visit the BCT website, here.

Currently Running!

The Dixie Swim Club

La Comedia Dinner Theatre

The Skinny: An hilarious and touching comedy about five unforgettable Southern women, and the bond of friendships that last a lifetime.

Dates: Running through March 3rd. This production has no Wednesday performances.

Ticketing: Tickets are available at the La Comedia website, and include their well-loved dinner buffet. Visit lacomedia.com for further details.

Raise Your Brushes (and glasses) in a toast to a new concept in Centerville

January 23, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Many of us have been to art gallery hops where people wander about, looking at various works of art while sipping wine and discussing art with their friends and often the artists themselves. Sometimes you may even get to watch an artist in action – my artist friend Mike Elsass comes to mind. But it is typically a passive experience that demands little of the audience other than their attention (and for those with disposable income for buying art – their wallets). What if you went to an art studio and enjoyed the same cocktails, the same social interactions and the same inspiring art – but YOU and your friends (and fellow gallery hoppers) were the artists in action? Laura Carter, a UD grad and Dayton area native, imagined such a scenario after getting laid off from her art teaching job of twelve years in Vandalia due to a levy failure. Soon she and her husband Andy did some research and fell in love with this idea for a social art studio as a way to move on and do something different for their growing family (son AJ was on the way). While popular in the south, the concept did not currently exist in Dayton so they decided to open their own version in Centerville called RAISE YOUR BRUSH – opening next week!

As their Facebook page states, they “offer no-pressure, step by step instructed paintings and projects for an unique evening out with friends. Popular beer, wines, and drink of the day specials will be available to help get the creative juices flowing!” According to Laura, “we’ll have nightly events that are open to the public. Anyone can register for these through the calendar on the website. There is a featured painting for every evening session, and there will be step-by-step instructions that are very easy to follow. No experience is needed to paint at Raise Your Brush! Canvases are pre-sketched to make it simple for everyone, even beginners, to create a masterpiece.”

Raise Your Brush can host private parties – for a birthday, retirement party, wedding shower, or even just a girls’ night out. They do private parties for kids as well, minus the alcohol, that feature kid-friendly paintings.

“What makes us different from other paint and wine places,” Laura continued, “is that we will have crafting nights as well. Having taught art for so long, I realize the endless possibilities! There are also so many people who are into DIY, especially with the popularity of Pinterest. We want to help people get things off of their pin boards and into their homes!”

“Fundraising is what I am especially excited about. We want to have all sorts of groups come in, from non-profits to PTOs. Groups will get $10 donated to their organization for every person registered. You will have a great time, go home with a unique painting, and help out your community as well!”

“So many people are intimidated to do painting or crafting themselves because there is so much involved. You have to go to three or four stores to find all of the materials, you don’t know how to use the tools, there is no one there to answer questions, it’s difficult to set aside time… and the worst part: set up and clean up! We take care of all of those problems (all of the materials in these sessions are included), and we put a drink in your hand as well!”

When I asked Laura about their future plans, she said, “we want to offer more sessions as our business expands, and be able to hire additional artists. I would love to have ‘upcycle’ furniture for sale, as I enjoy reworking old chairs and other furniture into contemporary pieces. And we want to offer more crafting sessions as well. If our business takes off like we think it will, we would like to open another location somewhere in the northern Dayton suburbs.”

For those interested in checking out Raise Your Brush, be sure to go to their open house next Tuesday 1/29 at 5:30-8:30. They’ll have free appetizers for guests and the bar will be open for business, plus they’ll be giving away $10 coupons for any sessions in February. The official opening for Raise Your Brush is Thursday 1/31, and regular sessions run $30-$35.

SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK & HYDE PARK ON HUDSON Continue at THE NEON

January 23, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’ve had a tremendous start to 2013. Thanks to all of you who continue to support the films we bring to town. This past weekend was fantastic, and audiences are loving SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK. In fact, we’re going to hold both films. That said, this will be the final week for HYDE PARK ON HUDSON. Hurry down if you still need to see it! For remaining showtimes this week, visit our official site at www.neonmovies.com.

By now, I’m sure you’re aware of our upcoming screening of the new documentary directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon – THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE. We’re set to play it thanks to your support of a new distribution model called GATHR. Because 25 people have already purchased tickets to the screening, the date and time are secure. We’ll play the film on Thursday, February. 7 at 7:30. Tickets are $9 each. Visit our box office or the Gathr site to purchase advanced tickets (this is the LINK to the gathr site…enter “45402” for the zip code). Please help us spread the word…we would love to bring even more smaller films to town, but we have to make certain there’s adequate support before we bring them. Here’s a brief synopsis of the film – “In 1989, five black and Latino teenagers were arrested and chared with brutally attacking and raping a white female jogger in Central Park. News media swarmed the case, calling them a ‘wolfpack.’ The five would spend years in prison for a crime they didn’t commit before the truth about what really happened became clear…”

“January 1863 marked the first legal idea of freedom for slaves in the United States of America, but 150 years later there are more slaves and humans trafficked than ever before. Ohio is #5 in the nation for the most number of humans trafficked. Peace on Fifth presents a one-time movie screening of NOT MY LIFE in honor of Human Trafficking Prevention Month and as a part of Start Freedom Dayton, a local human trafficking awareness campaign. With a reported 27 million people enslaved in the world, many US Americans may think this is a global problem that does not touch the shores of the US. In fact, who would ever think that Dayton is at risk or involved? The film covers five continents and shows multiple forms of trafficking/slavery. You will hear from victims, advocates and abolitionists that are on the ground living and fighting for freedom every day. Come out and see about modern day slavery and learn how you can change the world…right now! Tickets at $10 at the door or $8.50 in advance at Peace on Fifth (located at 508 E Fifth Street).”

ThinkTV has once again offered to help us get a signal for our FREE Annual Oscar Party. Mark you calendars for Sunday, February 24. Ballots are now available in our lobby (though you must be present at the party in order to win prizes). 15 films that are nominated for Academy Awards have screened at (or are coming soon to) THE NEON. Between these 15 films, there are 34 nominations. We hope you’ll make plans to spend this fun night with us. We will begin seating for this party as close to 7pm as possible…which is when the Red-Carpet pre-show begins. (We will begin collecting ballots on Sunday, Feb. 24 at Noon…collected ballots (only one per person present) will result in our seating priority.)

Next week, we play to open RUST AND BONE…and incredible film with n amazing performance by Marion Cotillard. Check out the trailer.

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We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Jan. 25 – Thur, Jan. 31:

HYDE PARK ON HUDSON (R) 1 Hr 34 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Wednesday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:50
Thursday: 3:00, 5:15

SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK (R) 2 Hr 02 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:15, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

NOT MY LIFE (NR) 1 Hr 23 min + Discussion
Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Feb. 1 – RUST AND BONE
Feb ? – A ROYAL AFFAIR
Feb. 15 – AMOUR
Feb ? – QUARTET
Feb ? – WEST OF MEMPHIS
Late Winter/Spring – NO
Late Winter/Spring – THE GATEKEEPERS
Spring – ON THE ROAD

Enjoy A Taste of Liberia

January 22, 2013 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

In conjunction with the current exhibition, ‘Peacemakers: Women of Liberia,’ the Dayton International Peace Museum invites the public to ‘A Taste of Liberia’ on Saturday, January 26 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

It’s an opportunity to sample traditional Liberian foods and to hear Liberians speak of their personal experiences with the Liberian struggle for Peace. A silent auction will feature Liberian watercolors, oil paintings, fabric and wall hangings.

Reservations required by Jan 24th as space is limited. Call 937-227-3223 or send an e-mail to [email protected]

Academy Awards + Hansel Gretel + Movie 43 + Parker + TICKET CONTEST

January 22, 2013 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Hello Dayton! We will be having a Academy Awards watch party where you can come watch the ABC broadcast on the BIG movie screen…FREE! See below for details. There are still plenty of options for everyone to have the perfect movie weekend this week.

ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATIONS STILL PLAYING AT RAVE DAYTON SOUTH

Django Unchained—Nominated for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Christoph Waltz), Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Editing

Les Miserables—Nominated for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Anne Hathaway), Best Actor (Hugh Jackman), Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Production Design, Best Sound Mixing, Best Music—Original Song (“Suddenly”)

Lincoln—Nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor (Daniel Day Lewis), Best Supporting Actor (Tommy Lee Jones), Best Supporting Actress (Sally Field), Best Director (Steven Spielberg), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Music—Original Score, Best Production Design, Best Sound Mixing

Zero Dark Thirty—Nominated for Best Picture, Best Actress (Jessica Chastain), Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing

Silver Linings Playbook—Nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor (Bradley Cooper), Best Actress (Jennifer Lawrence), Best Supporting Actor (Robert De Niro), Best Supporting Actress (Jacki Weaver), Best Directing (David O. Russell), Best Film Editing (Jay Cassidy and Crispin Struthers), Best Writing—Adapted Screenplay (David O. Russell)

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey—Nominated for Makeup/Hair Styling, Production Design, Visual Effects

WATCH THE ACADEMY AWARDS LIVE ON THE BIG SCREEN! 02/24/13 @ 8pm

You saw the films on the movie screen, now come watch the awards on it!

This is the show that salutes the movies over the last year and awards them with little gold statues. Seth MacFarlene hosts this year and there will be a James Bond 50th Retrospective in the show as well. All on a LARGE movie screen! You could win a night out on us by competing in our show contest! We will have a host on hand doing trivia and other fun things as well!

Get your FREE tickets now!

THE BEST OF RIFFTRAX LIVE: MANOS THE HANDS OF FATE – 01/24/13 @ 730pm!

Torgo is back by popular demand in The Best of RiffTrax Live: “Manos” The Hands of Fate, in select movie theaters nationwide on Thursday, January 24. If you missed the show the first time around, or just want to relive the laughs, you’re in luck! Fathom Events, .START and RiffTrax.com are proud to present a re-broadcast the original theatrical event featuring the stars of Mystery Science Theater 3000 riffing one of the worst films of all time: ‘Manos’ The Hands of Fate. This one-night event will be your last chance to see Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett fire their wisecracking commentary at this cinematic gem on the big screen! Special Fathom Features: In addition to the main feature, the event consists of two shorts, including the introduction of that lovable loser Norman.

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ONE NIGHT STAND: OVERNIGHT MUSICALS – 01/30/13 @ 730pm!

Fathom Events and Overnight Musicals present One Night Stand – a look behind the scenes of one of NYC’s best kept secrets – the unique world of the 24 hour theatrical production. This one-night event offers theatre lovers a candid look at what it takes to write, cast, rehearse and perform four short musicals in just 24 short hours. You’ll experience what it’s like for writers, composers, lyricists and talent to pull an all-nighter to write a script, compose music, add lyrics and learn lines—because in just 24 hours—the show will make its one night open and close at New York City’s Gramercy Theatre. Audiences will also be treated to special behind the scenes footage and interviews with some of the actors in One Night Stand as they take us through their day-to-day lives. One Night Stand features some of New York and Hollywood’s top theatre, film and television actors, writers and directors including: Richard Kind (Argo, Spin City, Mad About You); Cheyenne Jackson (30 Rock, Glee); Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family); Rachel Dratch (Saturday Night Live); Roger Bart (Revenge, Desperate Housewives); Mandy Gonzalez; Capathia Jenkins; Theresa McCarthy; Nellie McKay; Marnie Schulenburg; Scarlet Strallen; Tracie Thoms; Tamara Tunie; Alicia Witt and more!* *Talent subject to change. Special Fathom Features: Exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with some of the actors in One Night Stand as they take us through their day-to-day lives.

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HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS – OPENS 01/24/13 @ 10pm!

“Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters” takes place 15 years after the siblings’ incident at the gingerbread house. The two are now specialized bounty hunters looking to put down the cackling black-hat set.

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MOVIE 43 – OPENS 01/24/13 @ 10pm!

From the twisted minds of producers Peter Farrelly (“Hall Pass,” “Shallow Hal”) and Charles Wessler (“There’s Something About Mary,” “Dumb & Dumber”), comes “Movie 43”– the outrageous new ensemble comedy starring some of the biggest names in Hollywood. “Movie 43” is not for the easily-offended and contains jaw-dropping, sometimes shockingly disturbing, but always entertaining intertwined storylines you’ll have to see to believe.

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PARKER – OPENS 01/24/13 @ 10pm!

Jason Statham and Jennifer Lopez team up to get their cut in the crime thriller, “Parker,” based on the series of bestselling novels by Donald E. Westlake.

Parker (Jason Statham) is a professional thief who lives by a personal code of ethics: Don’t steal from people who can’t afford it and don’t hurt people who don’t deserve it. But on his latest heist, his crew double crosses him, steals his stash, and leaves him for dead.

Determined to make sure they regret it, Parker tracks them to PalmBeach, playground of the rich and famous, where the crew is planning their biggest heist ever. Donning the disguise of a rich Texan, Parker takes on an unlikely partner, Leslie (Jennifer Lopez), a savvy insider, who’s short on cash, but big on looks, smarts and ambition. Together, they devise a plan to hijack the score, take everyone down and get away clean.

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RAVE CINEMA CLASSICS – $3 plus FREE popcorn and drink!

01/28/13 @ 1pm brings us a DOUBLE FEATURE!

First up is SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE VOICE OF TERROR (1942, 62min).

When Nazi saboteurs jeeringly predicts to the nation of new depredations via their radio Voice of Terror, the Intelligence Inner Council summons Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone)to help in the crisis

Second up is SHERLOCK HOLMES IN WASHINGTON (1943, 71min).

Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson travel to Washington D.C. in order to prevent a secret document from falling into enemy hands. Basil Rathbone

For showtimes…http://ravecinemas.com/theater.aspx?id=47

ENTER TO WIN TWO MOVIE PASSES!

Fill out the form below and leave a Facebook comment telling us you want to WIN MOVIE PASSES from RAVE CINEMAS DAYTON SOUTH, we will randomly draw a winner and notify same. Contest closes later this week. Passes awarded will be valid for 30 days from close date at Rave Cinemas Dayton South only and must be used by then or will be forfeited. Valid for any showing, except special events. Please bring ID to verify your name and just ask for a manager when attending informing them you won the Dayton Most Metro contest.

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to this week’s winner: Pam Livingston

Downtown’s Serendipity Bistro Opens For A Sneak Peak

January 22, 2013 By Lisa Grigsby 2 Comments

Owners Cammie & James Harris

Last night Dayton’s newest restaurateurs, James and Cammie Harris, hosted a small open house for their neighbors at the St. Clair Lofts (and me) to christen downtown Dayton’s newest business. Setting up a table of homemade baked treats that included an assortment of cheesecakes; a triple chocolate, lemon curd and apple strudle, as well as a spice crumb cake and strawberry whoopie pies. Tables and booths lined the south side of the business, with art from local artists adorning the walls. A large counter backed with shelves to be lined with home baked goods take up the northern side of the building, with the kitchen behind.

Over coffee and pizza, Cammie shared with us that when she and James lived in Evansville, she’d operated a wine bar and pastry shop and James shared that his first restaurant was a BBQ joint. The Harris family moved to Dayton when James got a job with Dayton Public Schools, but after leaving that job, James considered some east coast offers, but the family ultimately decided that they liked Dayton and the restaurant business and thus Serendipity Bistro was born. It’s evident that this will be a family business, as son Noah and daughter Ella were on hand to help great the guests and bus tables. James told us that at one of his previous restaurants Noah figured out that people would give him money for clearing plates and a young entrepreneur was born.

Serendipity will be starting out slowly, and will open this week at 25 S. St Clair Street just for lunch from 11am – 2:30pm serving :

Homemade Pizza’s

Fresh Spinach, Mozzarella & Mushroom
Margherita – Mozzarella & Tomato
Pepperoni
Cheese
Caprice – Olive Oil, Minced Garlic, Mozzarella-
Fontina Blend, Fresh Basil, Roma Tomato
Spinach, Feta, Olives, Sundried Tomato
BBQ Chicken with Caramelized Onion
Veggie Delight – Seasonal Selections
Goat Cheese, Bacon, Mushroom
Sausage, Red Onion, Mushroom
Spicy Pesto, Tomato, Mozzarella
Parmsean, argula and prosciutto.

Panini’s

Cubano
Tomato & Mozzarella
Turkey and Provolone
Ham & Cheese
Italian

Classic Bistro Sandwiches

Roast Pork with Provolone
Honey Ham and Swiss
Smoked Turkey with Paprika Mayo and Roasted Bell Peppers
Grilled Cheese
Homemade Chicken Salad
Southern Club
Turkey and Cranberry Chutney
Italian Hoagie

St. Clair loft resident Ashley enjoying a whoopie pie.

The menu lists 9 homemade soups, and Cammie shared with a laugh, “My husband didn’t consult me when he put all those on the menu, we may start with just a couple of soups, since I have to make all those.” She looks forward to when their wine license arrives in a week or so and they’ll be ableto invite guests to join them before or after the theatre or a movie. They’ll also host wine tasting, acoustic music nights and even poetry slams. While Cammie is the baker in the family, she said they’ll also be looking to work with other local bakers to help fill the retail shelves in the the store so customers can grab and go. Their first partnership is with Langford’s Gourmet Cookies, with a display retailing oatmeal walnut raisin. chunky chocolate chip and nutty peanut butter cookies as well as a sour cream poundcake.

For now Serendipity Bistro will be open for lunch, then eventually they’ll add early morning hours and eventually dinner. Stop by and welcome them to the neighborhood by grabbing a quick bite. To keep up with their progress, be sure and like their page on Facebook.

UPDATE- Tues 11:30am: Just spoke with James, he says they will actually open up at 7am Wed morning serving coffee, sweet rolls and muffins, followed up by lunch service until 2:30pm.

BEST OF VEGAN IN DAYTON

January 21, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

2012 was such a busy year for ***Vegans in Dayton*!** I couldn’t have anticipated the amount of good things that came to us this year. We have a lot to celebrate! We saw the opening of Fusian, the rise of Ghostlight Coffee and Thistle Confections (including the opening of the Second Street Market location), and businesses like Three Leee Cupcakery and Sweets by Ashley. Our favorite restaurants continued to excite us, such as the addition af vegan pancakes at Butter Cafe, and menu revisions from Lucky’s, Olive, an Urban Dive, and Sunrise Cafe.

In 2012, we said a sad farewell to Amici’s and their glorious pizza, and wished that Bombshell Bakeshop’s indefinite hiatus would end already! We suffered through intense sugar cravings at coffeehouses, and now have expanded options at Ghostlight Coffeehouse!(Press is slated to have Harvest Moon Creations treats sometime soon, but the date has not been set yet.)

2013 is promising to be a great year, with Linh’s Bistro (opened up Jan 1 and moved from the old location), Shish Wraps (opening sometime soon?), and Harvest Moon Creations working on opening a vegan bakery store-front in Xenia in Spring or Summer 2013! I may also get to weigh in on a new restaurant that may be opening in the Oregon District later this year!

Without any further ado, let’s review the best vegan experiences we had in Dayton in 2012!

BEST OVERALL RESTAURANT FOR VEGAN FOOD

Olive, an Urban Dive claimed the prize this year! People love their business ethics, their flair, and their dedication to delicious food. Of particular fanfare is the falafel burger, their weekend scrambled tofu brunch, and their socca-bread pizzas. They also do salads and soups quite well. They balance the art of local, fresh fare with dazzling flavors and exciting vegan protein. I give them major props for all the efforts they go through to serve the vegans in this town, especially as some of the menu items change from season to season. Our hats go off to the chefs and owners who dream up the great dishes that both vegans and non-vegans enjoy! (They also won second place in the Best Vegan Burger / Sandwich!)

BEST LOCAL VEGAN BAKERY

Cookies & Cream cupcakes from Harvest Moon Creations

This was the closest battle of them all, and I must declare a tie between Thistle Confections and Harvest Moon Creations! Both have a loyal following and have worked hard to ensure excellent ingredients and fresh, lovely baked goods that we feel great eating.

BEST PLACE TO GET LOCAL VEGAN BAKED GOODS

Butter Cafe easily landed this prize, with their always-stocked cases of Harvest Moon Creations cupcakes, twinkies, and cookies. Their hours are convenient, parking is easy, the hosts are super-friendly, and the cupcakes come in the cutest pink boxes!

BEST COFFEEHOUSE FOR DRINKS

I was extremely surprised to see yet another tie! This time, between Press Coffeebar and Ghostlight Coffee. Both have excellent ambiance, fantastic drinks, and are striving to meet vegan needs in 2013. As I love both and visit both regularly, I was actually very happy about this tie. Congrats!

BEST VEGAN BRUNCH

Butter Cafe blew everyone else away! Perhaps it’s the vegan breakfast burrito, or maybe it’s the vegan blueberry pancakes. Maybe it’s because vegan dessert (usually elusive) is just around the corner in a chilled case. I love Butter Cafe, and am very happy to see that they won!

BEST VEGAN BURGER / SANDWICH

Lucky’s landed this prize, probably for their house-made seitan sandwich. Pair that with their sweet potato or shoestring fries,made in their dedicated vegan fryer, or a house salad with vegan ranch, or any number of great sides and apps, as well as the best beer on tap selection in town (my opinion there). Congrats to Lucky’s for their continual improvement as well as being second place in the Best Overall Restaurant for Vegan Food!

BEST VEGAN FOOD IN AN ASIAN RESTAURANT

Thai 9 won this award hands down! Perhaps it’s because of all their vegan curries, or their choice of tofu, mock duck, or mock pork. Their sushi is excellent, and the decor is lovely. Service there is always charming as well. Linh’s came in second place, and I believe they hold a distinction of being the best non-Thai restaurant in town. In years past, I separated these two categories, and will do so in the future.

BEST VEGAN MEXICAN

Taqueria Mixteca won by a longshot yet again! Congrats to a great restaurant! I absolutely love their taco salad and their fajitas
(ask for no cheese or sour cream) and their guacamole.

Thanks to the hundreds of people who took the survey! I got a ton of great comments and suggestions. I’ll do my absolute best to get your comments to restaurants in the next month. Thanks for the kind words, and for making Dayton and the world a better place. You’re doing it right!

(This post originally appeared on the DaytonVegan blog run by Astrea Taylor )

The Barrel House – Coming Soon To Third And Wayne

January 20, 2013 By Lisa Grigsby 5 Comments

The future home of The Barrel House

There’s been a bit of a buzz starting downtown about what’s going on behind the stark exterior wall at 417 E. Third Street. It’s a building you barely take note of, being attached to the long beige, stucco expanse of the KK building. A storefront that once existed, has been completely stucco’d over and painted gray, just sitting there waiting, right across the street from the old Wympee Diner on Third… another building that just a couple years ago, looked just as abandoned and neglected.

Kimberly Collett had a vision for what that old greasy, empty diner could be and we followed her through eight months of gutting and remodeling before she finally opened Olive, an urban dive, inside it, leaving the exterior exactly as it’s been since 1938. Olive is just over a year and a half into their stride and it just keeps getting better… from the quality of the dishes, to the size of their following. And one day, in a flash of inspiration, while standing in a shop in South Carolina, Kimberly had an idea for the building just across the street, that has stood empty, for the last ten years. For the last seven months she’s been honing the concept, working with the city and the building’s owner, Mike Wenzler, to pave the way for The Barrel House. But knowing she had her hands full with Olive and her construction company, Dayton Tradesource, she had to bring in someone else to partner and manage this new idea and asked her cousin, Jeff Heater, a craft beer enthusiast, to come home from Maine and lead the charge.

Jeff signing the lease for the space.

They describe The Barrel House as, “a coffee shop for beer, no coffee… just beer”, though it’s really much more. Once complete, you’ll enter the new storefront and be immediately greeted by a ‘coffee shop feeling’ lounge, with deep couches and vintage furniture. As you move further in, the space transitions into a retail shop filled with shelves and custom displays of bottled beer and wine, there’s also space for local art, beer and wine related locally made gifts, party supplies, chips, salsas, and hot sauces. Then there’s the centerpiece on the back wall, 15-20 taps for popular and eclectic, craft micro-brews from around the world, that you can carry-out in growlers.

Originally, The Barrel House was just going to be a carry-out and community area, but with no carry-out beer licenses left downtown, The Barrel House will be applying for a full restaurant liquor license, marrying the two businesses together in a symbiotic relationship, where Olive will supply the food portion of light fare and desserts and The Barrel House will be an overflow and waiting space for Olive guests, as well as an old world style, community pub, where you can meet friends for a carry-out lunch from Olive, hold a client meeting over a pint of beer, or just sit in the sunbeams streaming through the windows with a good book and a glass of wine. There will be tastings, gathering events, and collaborations, with as many local vendors as possible

Early demolition stage of the space

If all goes well, Heater hopes to open The Barrel House in sync with patio season, but having just been through this two years ago, Kimberly smiles as she looks at Jeff and says, ‘I’ve learned not to say when and Jeff watched everything I went through with Olive, so…” and Jeff finishes the sentence with, “we’ll see!”

In talking with Jeff, it’s easy to hear the enthusiasm in his voice. He’s been working on site, doing the demolition, tearing down drywall and plaster down to reveal brick. He’s found three different electrical panels that reveal some of the history of the building, i.e. labels for a jukebox and bar in one and in another bar lights and a back bar. While tearing out some old shelving he even found a phone number for Heidelberg Distributing written on the wall. So while not the first bar that will inhabit this space, this rendition won’t be your average neighborhood bar either. Heater is looking forward to sharing his love of craft beer and expand the palate of his guests.

The most up-to-date picture of the building of The Barrel House

Jeff’s excitement when talking about Ohio beers is contagious. His knowledge of the Ohio beer scene was honed while spending 9 years living in Columbus and he is looking forward to being able to showcase some of the specialty brews from places like the Columbus Brewing Company and even some Cleveland breweries. There are still a lot of hoops to jump through, but soon enough, Jeff will be inviting us to grab a seat on the couch, dial up the wifi, sample a Saison (his favorite beer style) and become part of the casual, comfy community he and Kimberly hope to create on their little corner of Third and Wayne.

While you’re waiting for them to open be sure and like their Facebook page so you can watch the progress of the construction and be in the know for their opening plans.

ON STAGE DAYTON REVIEW: Shrek The Musical (Victoria Theatre Association) – Enchanting Delight

January 19, 2013 By Russell Florence, Jr. Leave a Comment

“Shrek The Musical” – January 15-27, 2013 – Victoria Theatre

The Victoria Theatre Association’s Premier Health Broadway Series supplies a highly entertaining local premiere of composer Jeanine Tesori and lyricist-librettist David Lindsay-Abaire’s 2008 Tony Award-nominated “Shrek The Musical,” based on the 2001 Academy Award-winning film of the same name and presented at the Victoria Theatre.

Fluidly directed by Stephen Sposito with lively choreography by Chris Bailey, “Shrek” arrives in Dayton with an appealing intimacy and a sharper connection to the source material, two elements enabling this refreshing tour to surpass the more opulent, excessive Broadway incarnation. In fact, Tesori and Lindsay-Abaire’s witty, tuneful score (wisely retaining “Welcome to Duloc” and “I’m A Believer” from the film) has an added bonus here thanks to “Forever,” a new Act 1 solo for the intimidating Dragon reminiscent of the 1960s R&B vibe permeating Tesori’s marvelous 2004 musical “Caroline, or Change.” A pure diva moment featuring terrific puppetry and awesome offstage vocals from Courtney Daniels, “Forever” replaces the bombastic “Donkey Pot Pie,” which proved problematic on Broadway. Still, “Shrek,” attractively visualized by scenic artist James Kronzer, costumer Austin K. Sanderson and lighting designer Paul Miller, is at its best when poking fun at musical theater conventions (paying homage to “42nd Street, “Gypsy,” “Les Miserables,” “The Lion King” and “Wicked” among others) in addition to conveying the humor and heart within the titular green ogre’s life-changing journey of love, friendship and acceptance.

Big, Bright Beautiful World with Perry Sook as Shrek. Shrek The Musical. Photo by LvR /Paparazzi By Appointment

Big, Bright Beautiful World with Perry Sook as Shrek. (Photo by LvR /Paparazzi By Appointment)

The amiable Perry Sook, a fine singer and charming presence, is perfectly cast as the funny, crude Shrek, whose solitary life is turned upside down when he’s asked to save a princess in order to reacquire his swamp. Sook, who manages to emote despite heavy makeup, effectively displays Shrek’s independent nature, the total exasperation of being attached to his endlessly fussy yet faithful sidekick Donkey (excellent Wright State University alum Jeremy Gaston) and the sudden feelings of romance that arises as he grows to care for the feisty yet fetching Princess Fiona (the amusingly first-rate Whitney Winfield, a lovely soprano). In winning fashion, Sook, Gaston and Winfield fully comprehend the meaningful bond between their engaging characters, particularly Shrek and Fiona’s shared sense of childhood abandonment.

Also, the flamboyant, audience-friendly Christian Marriner is an absolute hoot (and gives his knees an impressive workout) as the diminutively domineering Lord Farquaad, who ruthlessly rules the kingdom of Duloc. Schuyler Midgett (Gingy, Sugar Plum, Teen Fiona), Tony Johnson (Pinocchio) and Wright State alumna Tiffani Robbins (Ugly Duckling) are among the standout fairy tale oddballs who deliver wonderful renditions of “Story of My Life” and the exuberant, life-affirming “Freak Flag.” Musical director Kevin Casey leads a skillful orchestra.

By embracing individuality and true love as it is meant to be, “Shrek” strikes an endearing chord with children and adults alike.

“Shrek The Musical” continues through Jan. 27 at the Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St. Performances are Tuesday-Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Act One: 70 minutes; Act Two: 65 minutes. Tickets are $15-$86. Patrons are advised that the show is recommended for children 6 and up. For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com

There’s A New Food Truck In Town

January 18, 2013 By Lisa Grigsby 2 Comments

Chef Patrick Sartin started serving lunches out of his Harvest Mobile Cuisine just a couple of weeks ago. I spoke to him as he was parked at the Arrow Wine store in Centerville trying to drum up some customers for his new venture. He shared that his goal “is to get folks to think about what you’re putting in your bodies. I want you to feel full after eating, but also healthy. I want to show people it can be cost effective eating locally sourced food and they’ll feel physically feel better and be supporting the local economy.”

As a youngster he cooked at several local eateries before heading off to the Culinary Institute of America. After graduation in 2002, he cooked from Colorado to Maine, and he’s spent the last 7 years overseeing the daily operations in hotel kitchens and large catering facilities up and down the east coast.

With his new mobile venture, which he’ll use for street vending, catering, and exposure of flavor, Patrick hopes to spread the knowledge of cuisine he has gathered through his extensive travels and hopes to show how important it is to get back to the simplicity of cooking, using local ingredients. Patrick’s current menu- seen to the right here, is what he describes as hearty winter food. He hopes to change it up in March, when he’ll be able to source some local ingredients through an alliance with Patchwork Gardens in Trotwood.
For now he’s hoping to schedule lunch stops all across town and you’ll be able to track him down by the calendar he’ll post on his website about 10 days in advance.

Here’s where you’ll find him today and tomorrow:

Fri, Jan 18, 11:30am – 2pm Real Art Design Group – 520 East First Street, Downtown

Sat, Jan 19 11:30am- 3pm 4480 Indian Ripple Rd, Beavercreek

Pictured to the left her is the Chic-Nic: A vegetarian favorite! Freshly prepared falafel with tzatziki sauce and shredded vegetables, stuffed in a whole wheat pita and served with homemade chips.

If you’d like to schedule him to bring the truck to your office parking lot, he’ll even put together a lunch special- just for your employees. It could be soup, a sandwich and chips for $10. If he’s parked in your office complex, Patrick encourages folks to text in your lunch order from the office and can even have runners deliver it to you. You can reach Harvest Mobile Cuisine at 937-475-7423.

Chef Sartin shared his long term goal is to do catering for special events. Check him out and consider him when planning your company picnic, family reunion or next party!

Perking Up for National Gourmet Coffee Day

January 18, 2013 By Brian Petro Leave a Comment

Jules Winnifield is not a coffee connoisseur. While hiding a dead body in his friend Jimmie Dimmick’s garage in the groundbreaking 1994 Tarantino movie “Pulp Fiction”, Jules was offered a cup of coffee and was astonished at how good the quality was. “Mmmm! Goddamn, Jimmie! This is some serious gourmet s***! Usually, me and Vince would be happy with some freeze-dried Taster’s Choice right, but he springs this serious GOURMET s*** on us! What flavor is this?” Jimmie, being concerned about the contents of his garage, was not amused. “I don’t need you to tell me how good my coffee is, okay? I’m the one who buys it. I know how good it is. When Bonnie goes shopping she buys S***. I buy the gourmet expensive stuff because when I drink it I want to taste it. But you know what’s on my mind right now? It AIN’T the coffee in my kitchen.” His pressing concerns are not our pressing concerns, but one thing may have stuck out: how did he get gourmet coffee in a non-Starbucks cup? We celebrate National Gourmet Coffee Day on January 18 by exploring the evolution of the gourmet coffee scene.

Gourmet coffee in the United States is still relatively young. The first gourmet coffee store was Peet’s Coffee and Tea, started in 1966 by Alfred Peet in Berkely, Ca. He was an immigrant from the Netherlands, and was used to having good coffee available to him. European coffee was rich and crafted, with depth and flavor that Peet did not get out of American coffee. Peet’s set the table for other gourmet coffee shops in the United States. Coffee in America had been in a state of decline since the end of World War II. People had become used to an inferior brand of coffee through rationing. It carried on for a few decades until the 1970’s and the growth of Peet’s and the birth of another giant in the industry, Starbucks. These two companies began their growth as gourmet coffee roasters; it was not until the late 80’s when Howard Schultz bought the company and began to expand from Vancouver to New York.

It was the national growth of Starbucks that created a demand for espresso and other European-style coffees across the country. Gourmet coffee went from something only immigrants enjoyed in their own homes, and possibly some shops in local ethnic neighborhoods, to something everyone wanted. It became a very affordable luxury, and the demand was huge. The espresso machine was originally created to take the gallons of coffee that had to be brewed and reheated for each patron and turn them into individual cups of freshly made coffee. The coffee was delicately roasted and finely ground to make a delicious, dark coffee that would fit in a small cup. The espresso machine had an added benefit; not only did it make water piping hot in a rapid manner; it could also be used to make milk hot. Espresso became the base for a core group of coffee drinks: the café latte (hot milk is added to the espresso in a taller glass), café au lait (foamed or steamed milk poured over a shot of espresso in a shorter glass), the cappuccino (espresso, hot milk, and steamed foam layered on top), and the macchiato (espresso is added to warm milk, the coffee leaving a mark on the milk). The Americano was also created, which is a shot of espresso with hot water, for American soldiers that could not handle the richness of the espresso. These drinks became the base for the First Gourmet Coffee Movement. Looking closely at the menu of most gourmet coffees shops, those drinks are the base for all of the other drinks they created.

Like any good movement, people kept moving forward and discovered something else. Coffee could stand on its own in terms of flavor. It did not need to be something fancy, including multiple flavors and a long list of instructions to make. Coffee could be simple, just water and beans, possibly some cream and sugar. The information age has allowed us to really dig into where the coffee you drink comes from, down to the farmer. People have become fully invested in the whole process, from growing to roasting to brewing to tasting. Experts choose and roast the beans according to where they are from and what flavors they are looking to bring out. They are focusing more on the underlying tastes of coffee, from the berry and citrus flavors that emerge from Ethiopian coffee to chocolaty and sweet coffees from Central America. Classic brewing techniques have become more familiar, with French presses and vacuum pots coming back into vogue for their brewing qualities. Special coffees are selected to be prepared with certain dishes, similar to what you would expect from a wine tasting. Coffee shops and private individuals are conscious of the full range of flavor they can get out of the dark beverage, and the focus is now on the basics, enticing the natural essences of the beans out.

We are very lucky to have so many great coffee shops in Dayton to help us with this process. Winans Fine Chocolates and Coffees has been open since the 1961, serving chocolates with their coffees (which they have been brewing for about fifteen years). Boston Stoker was soon to follow, roasting beans and offering gourmet coffee since the early 70’s. The Ohio Coffee Co. has been doing a brisk trade in the coffee business as well, keeping downtown awake since 2009. The great places to get coffee downtown continue to open and offer incredibly well crafted coffees and foods. Ghostlight Coffee, Press, and Eclipse have all opened within the last two years, adding some great environments as well as some interesting coffee options.

Check out ALL of the best coffee shops across the region in our new Dayton Dining Guide!

From its beginning in the mid sixties, gourmet coffee has explored a wide range of meaning to a wide range of people. Some people look at it from a classic standpoint, embracing the espresso and its kin as what is gourmet. Almost as a reaction to the complexity Starbucks injected into upscale coffee, there has been a movement towards just embracing coffee as it is, enjoying the roast, the bean, and the process of enjoying a fine cup. If you have a favorite coffee shop we have not mentioned, feel free to add it in the comments. And if you need anything else, just chill out, enjoy a nice cup of coffee on National Gourmet Coffee Day, and The Wolf will be coming directly. Cheers!

New Franklin Historical Venue Wants To Host Your Special Events

January 17, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

Built in 1854 this Franklin mansion is a true masterpiece of its era, a paragon of architectural talent and fine materials. An adjoining yard and entertainment porch provide additional areas for guests to dine or dance. Rivers Edge Estate is ideal for wedding, rehearsals, reception or corporate events. Boasting of an elegant ballroom and enormous amount of outdoor space, the venue will specialize in weddings and receptions.

Owners Bill Crary and Stephanie Murphy and their staff of six event specialists invite you to atttend a Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Saturday, January 19^th from 10am to 3pm.

Directions from I-75 : Take exit 38 Franklin/Springboro/ St. Rt. 73. If coming North turn left off highway. If traveling south turn right on St. Rt. 73 also known as Second Street. You will travel 2 miles into downtown Franklin, OH. At the Lion’s Bridge turn left on River Street. Travel two blocks turn left on Fourth Street and Rivers Edge sits on the corner of S. River and Fourth Street.

Stubbie’s in Vandalia: Beer, Bands and Bites + $20 gift Certificate CONTEST

January 17, 2013 By Dayton937 27 Comments

Try the Fajita Bites at Stubbies

Our Food Adventures Crew is normally talking about restaurant menus. In this case, we are talking about a popular Ohio band called “The Menus” who will be performing on Jan 25th at Stubbies Bar . Located at 722 W. National Road in Vandalia, Stubbie’s is a popular spot to see local bands and cut loose with some libations. The venue is set up perfectly for live music, seating 200 people with additional standing room for 100 more. The open atmosphere is casual and has a sports bar feel to it as well. Who wouldn’t love to “rock out” with some of Dayton’s finest bands while grabbing some good bar food?

Stubbies has a small menu, with some highlights. We have some Food Adventure suggestions to help you “eat to the beat.”
Our first recommendation is one of the unique appetizers offered by Stubbies called Fajita Bites. These deep fried treats are essentially a small egg roll type wrapper filled with steak, onions, green peppers and gooey cheese. Think of them as a kicked up version of pizza rolls. They are so good, you will be craving more. Tasting somewhat like a cross between a cheeseteak and a steak fajita, these spicy bites were easily our favorite appetizer at Stubbies. They are served with dipping sauces of cream cheese and salsa. We found the cream cheese dip to be the perfect accompaniment.

Pepperoni Thin Crust Pizza

Wings are also a favorite at Stubbies. Served hot, mild or BBQ, the wings are cooked just right. For a zesty tang with just a little sting, we suggest the hot flavored wings. Place your order and relax. With many TV’s around the bar and dining area, it can be the perfect place to grab some wings while watching your favorite sporting events.

Got a hungry group at your table? Stubbies offers thin crust pizza. Baked in a stone oven to ensure a crunchy crust, the pie may be topped with any or all of these ingredients: pepperoni, onions, sausage, mushroom, green peppers, banana peppers. Not a bad pairing with a pitcher of beer. Stubbies also offers chicken tenders, nachos, and your typical fried appetizers.

The menu is an added benefit, but the big attraction here is great live music and drink specials. Some of the drink specials include Imports for $2.25 on Wednesdays, $4 pitchers on Thursdays and $4 bombs on Sundays.

The staff is super-friendly. We especially enjoyed visiting with part owner Dennis Dorko who made us feel right at home. He told us that Stubbies is part of an upcoming charity event called the “Bud Light Barstool Open” on Saturday Feb 23rd which benefits United Rehabilitation services of Dayton. You can sign up for the event at Stubbies. The Bud Light Barstool Open is a fun indoor, miniature golf outing through 9 bars in the North Dayton area. Teams of four golfers travel from bar to bar completing a total of 9 holes to raise money for children & adults with disabilities. For 14 years Stubbies has helped sponsor this event, and owners Dennis Dorko and Steve Skinner will continue to support this great cause.

Stubbies in Vandalia on 722 W. National Rd

Make sure you put Stubbies on your concert radar and check out some of the area’s best live bands. Don’t miss the hugely popular group, “The Menus,” on Friday Night Jan 25th. The stage setup, comfortable seating, full service bar and food offered, make Stubbies a perfect place to see this gig with some friends. Want to get your rock fix even sooner? Visit Stubbies this Saturday for the band Ithika and grab some fajita bites. Other upcoming bands include: Detrimental on Jan. 26, DJ Ryan on Feb. 1, Bad Mojo on Feb. 2, DC Connection on Feb. 8 and Loudhouse on Feb. 9.

Dont forget to “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE !

WANT TO WIN A $20 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO STUBBIES ?? Use the entry form below and comment below on this article to enter and tell us why you should win or why you love Stubbies. A winner will be chosen at random on Monday!

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Facebook’s Big Announcement? Graph Search is here.

January 17, 2013 By Michelle Ton Leave a Comment

As I’m sure many of you have heard by now, Facebook made a pretty big announcement yesterday – users will now be able to perform searches throughout the social networking site on people, places and things. Graph search is going to allow users to do more than just search for “Suzie Smith.” It’s going to let user ask questions like “what other friends of mine like the city of Dayton?”

Graph search also lets users search for things nearby – which can prove pretty useful when you’re in an unfamiliar city. That feature specifically puts Facebook more in line to start moving towards a “Yelp” like app – allowing it to serve a greater purpose than just status updates and photo sharing. Is that really the best use of Facebook though? I’m not sure.

Unfortunately, this new feature is still in the beta stage. The good news about that, is that it gives YOU the opportunity to clean up your online profile a bit before graph search hits a bigger audience. Venture Beat recently put out a good article about some things a user should consider and take action on.

Here are my takeaways.

Take a look at all the pages you like and groups you’re in. As VB states, saying that you like a band named something maybe inappropriate, might not be a major deal on a lower level – but when you aggregate that search using graph search – it could turn into something really inappropriate pretty quickly. If anything you think is questionable, it’s best just to delete, unlike, and leave.

Make sure you delete using your activity log. Deleting items from the news feed that you posted, or from your timeline profile – doesn’t really delete them. More or less, all that really does is hide them in Facebookland. You’ll want to go to the activity log on your profile and delete out of there and then it will no longer show up in search. EVER.

Check your privacy settings. It should be a no brainer by now that whenever Facebook updates something site-wide, that you should check your privacy settings to make sure nothing has changed. Luckily, with their last update, the privacy settings are easier than ever to find. Whatever your privacy settings are set as will be honored by graph search. So you if you only allow certain people to see your birthdate of February 2 – only those individuals will be able to see that you are included on a graph search for people born on February 2.

And again – this is still sitting in beta testing stage – so only a handful of users will have access to it at this point, which means you have plenty of time to start sifting through and prep yourself for what’s to come.

Elton John Comes to Dayton in April 2013!

January 17, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Tickets on sale: Jan 28, 2013 (Mon) 10:00 AM

Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, is one of the most highly acclaimed and successful solo artists of all time. With his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, Elton has written some of the greatest songs of our time including ‘Rocket Man’, ‘Your Song’, ‘Daniel’ and ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’. He has achieved 35 gold and 25 platinum albums, has sold more than 250-million records worldwide, and holds the record for the biggest selling single of all time.

Elton is the third most successful artist in the history of the American charts, behind Elvis Presley and The Beatles. He has had 56 top forty singles in the United States, a total second only to Elvis Presley. He achieved seven number one albums in a three-and-a-half-year period from 1972 to 1975, a period of concentrated success surpassed only by The Beatles.

Over the five decades since his career began in 1969, Elton has played more than 3,000 concerts worldwide. He continues to record and to tour the world, performing both solo and band concerts, and usually plays around 100 concerts each year. Currently he is on the ‘quest for 100 countries’ – aiming to play concerts in as many countries as possible.

Elton remains committed to his music and to touring, becoming more, rather than less, busy as time passes. Last year The Million Dollar Piano, Elton’s new production, opened at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. This production, which received fantastic reviews, is set to run for at least three years.

In 2012 Elton returned to the recording studio with producer T Bone Burnett, to record The Diving Board, an album scheduled for release in 2013. He then toured North, Central and South America, before heading to Europe, where his summer tour included an unforgettable appearance at The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace. 2012 also gave Elton a UK number album – his first in 22 years – with Good Morning To The Night, the remix project by Elton John versus Pnau. This album introduced Elton’s music to a new, young audience who sang along heartily to Your Song when Elton performed it at a summer festival in Ibiza.

Elton and his band will continue to tour throughout the coming year, and plans are now under way to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 1973 release of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road during 2013.

From http://www.eltonjohn.com