Archives for June 2013

Al’s Smokehouse: Ribs at 4am? YES !!! $20 Gift Certificate Contest

June 20, 2013 By Dayton937 10 Comments

Ribs that make you say “DAMN!”

You’re tipsy. You are out late with your friends at the Oregon District or downtown, and you need some food. Well, Al’s Smokehouse and Cafe is the word on East Third. Open until 5am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, it is the perfect spot to satisfy your late night hunger pains. This little known Dayton secret serves up tasty, soulful selections from Ribs to Burgers at incredibly cheap prices. Located at 140 E. Third St, Al’s Smokehouse is also a great place to catch a quick lunch. A Food Adventure is in order here ANY time.

Owner Al Shamburg learned cooking from his father who was from Treasure Island, Jamaica. Al honed his culinary and catering skills over the past 20 years, building quite a reputation in Dayton and Springfield for incredible tasting food. Through the years, this self-made-man worked hard to buy his equipment and finally open his own restaurant. He has hired a great staff like his sister Stephanie, and head cook Tyrone, who worked in Dominic’s kitchen for 17 years. The result is a delicious, affordable menu, with consistent quality.

HERE’s THE SKINNY:

Owner Al Shamburg & Head Cook, Tyrone

— Al’s Smokehouse Menu features fantastic BBQ, and delicious soul food like bourbon chicken and collared greens

— Open LATE on weekends til 5am for all you fellow Food Adventurers

— Breakfast served ALL DAY

— Prices so cheap, you won’t believe your eyes

— Friendly servers, veteran cooking staff and a no frills, casual atmosphere

MUST EATS:

— Banana Pudding: We are going to start with a homemade dessert that knocked our socks off. Deliciously sinful, this is the real deal. No canned stuff here! Don’t expect us to share !

— The Smoked Pork Chop – Smoked and drizzled with secret marinades, it is almost like a steak. The Big Ragu says this is the best pork chop he has ever tasted.

— The Ribs: They are smoked for 8 hours, they are brushed with a signature bbq sauce. Meaty and moist, they pack a wallop of flavor and the namesake of this restaurant. Only problem is, they are so good that sometimes, they sell out!

“The Shamburger” – hand made, fresh patty

— “The Shamburger”: Hand packed and never frozen, the juicy burgers are good deal at 4 bucks. Want to go full out? Get the “Cry Baby” which is the Shamburger with a fried egg and cheese.

— Baked Mac n Cheese: Homemade and so good you will flip. Somebody in the kitchen knows what they are doing at Al’s Smokehouse!

— The Wings: Big and juicy, but the secret is in the tangy sauce. Get the BBQ wings and be ready to lick your fingers. You can try the other sauces later, like Jamaica Jerk or OMG Hot wings. On Monday night the 50 cent wing deal is a steal !

— The Shrimp Cheesesteak: A seafood version of the famous sandwich. Resembling a Shrimp Po’ boy, it is one heck of a sub. Delicious!

Honorable Mention: The Pulled Pork Sandwich is a solid choice. Also, we like the homemade Greens for an authentic soul food side. Want to know a secret? Al’s has a killer Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, and it isn’t even on the menu. Ask for it by special request.

Food Adventures has found yet another unique spot for good food at reasonable prices . We are serious eaters. We don’t do a “drive-by” one time visit to a restaurant and then write our articles. Instead, we visit a place multiple times before it is worthy of a Food Adventures share on Dayton Most Metro. Al’s Smokehouse in no exception. We have eaten almost everything on their menu. From the Fish and Grits to the Pancakes and Home Fries. The popular Bourbon Chicken has a honey and spice flavor with hint of Jerk seasoning. You get a slight touch of Al’s Jamaican roots with this dish. Al explained to us that his Bourbon Chicken is made with ‘small hen meat.’ He feels they taste superior to regular chickens.

Who else in Dayton makes Fish and Grits???

The story of this restaurant is simply a hard working family, who is putting their heart into this locally owned eatery. So what are you waiting for? If you are anywhere near downtown, or want a casual trip to the city for some grub, check out Al’s Smokehouse. It isn’t fancy, just some tables and chairs. But the FOOD.. aw the FOOD.. is some great decor, for the stomach!

Want to see more of Food Adventures? “Like” them HERE on Facebook !

Who wants a $20 Gift Certificate to Al’s Smokehouse? One lucky fan who comments below will be chosen at random. Please tell us your comments about Al’s Smokehouse, below! Let us know why you love Al’s, why you would like to try Al’s, or why you want that gift certificate ??? GOOD LUCK !!

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3rd Annual Mad Hatter Bar Crawl This Saturday

June 20, 2013 By Lisa Grigsby 1 Comment

Don’t miss out on an epic pub crawl in the Oregon District this Saturday featuring beers from New Holland Brewing. In an Alice in Wonderland inspired theme, attendees are encouraged to come in costume or at least hats, and there will be prizes and treats along the stops for participants. It all begins at 2pm at Thai 9 where the featured beer will be Michigan Hatter, a beer that celebrates local agriculture with its Michigan-grown Cascade hops from the Itelanau Peninsula. Bright and aromatic, with delicious malt notes underneath a citrusy showcase of hops.

Around 3pm the groups heads to Blind Bob’s for a light and refreshing Beligan style pale ale, Farmhouse Hatter, is the featured pour. By 4pm the group will meander on down to Lucky’s for some Oak Aged Hatter, and I.P.A. aged in Kentucky Barrels. which gives the beer a smooth wood character brining a new dimension to dry-hopped, aromatic hoppiness. Sometime around 5ish the crawl will arrive at Trolley Stop to try the Black Hatter, a version of Mad Hatter brewed with black malt for a dark, roasty sweetness that finishes with a strong Centennial hop character from dry hopping.

Wrapping up the pub crawl at South Park Tavern, around 6ish, guests can experience the Rye Hatter. This beer showcases it’s grain-bill, made up of rye and barley malt. The rye adds a slight spiciness to the caramel-malt base, while also creating a creamy texture. with dry-hopping creating a fresh citrus finish.

Guests are welcome to join the crawl at any stop along the way, but the first 106 guests will get an official New Holland Beer T-shirt and there will be a prize awarded for best costume somewhere along the trail.

Dayton Habitat for Humanity ReStore Celebrates Grand Opening in New Facility

June 19, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Dayton Ohio Habitat for Humanity kicked-off the grand opening celebration of the new location for its ReStore retail outlet at 115 West Riverview Ave. in Dayton to better serve local families. The ReStore is a discount store that sells building materials, home improvement products, appliances, furniture and home decor to the general public. Find unusual, discontinued, new and gently used products at a great discount. Whether you are looking for that special bathroom sink, kitchen cabinets, doors, windows, paint, lighting fixtures or anything else for your home or rental property… shopping at the ReStore is a must. New inventory arrives daily. Customers save at least 66% off normal retail prices and many products are recycled, keeping them out of the local landfills. ReStore is open Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm and Sat 9am – 3pm.

“We are so excited to open a bigger store with more inventory in our new space,” said Dayton Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Diane Graham. “We have always had a great selection of products and a solid customer base, but now our store is much more consumer-friendly and we have more items and can now accept additional donations. If you haven’t seen our new facility, you are in for a treat!”

Founded in 1983, Dayton Ohio Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, volunteer-driven Christian ecumenical housing ministry dedicated to providing decent, affordable housing to families in need throughout Montgomery County.

Habitat for Humanity serves as a hand up, not a hand out, for qualified low income families. Families apply to earn a home of their own. Once accepted into the program, our “Partner Families” work alongside our many volunteers to build their house. They put in 275 to 550 hours of “sweat equity” and take approximately 40 hours of classes to prepare for responsible homeownership before earning their home. Partner families make a down payment toward the purchase of their home, which is then sold to them through an affordable, interest-free mortgage held by Dayton Habitat for Humanity. Mortgage payments are put into a revolving fund to build future homes. For more information, visit www.daytonhabitat.org.

Coming Up in Local Jazz – June 19 through July 2

June 19, 2013 By Ron Gable Leave a Comment

What’s happening at the Schuster?

As a rule, I try to cover the local Jazz scene in the Dayton, Cincinnati area but this article is another one of my deviations because of an upcoming Jazz event too significant to ignore. G.A.B. Productions is presenting their second Summer Breeze Jazz Tour concert featuring Joe Sample, Peter White and Alex Bugnon at the Schuster Center on Friday, June 28 at 7:30pm. Their first presentation was on April 28 at the Schuster featuring Will Downing, Gerald Albright and Pieces of a Dream and was sold out. It’s my understanding that G.A.B. is working on their next production for sometime next September.

Joseph Leslie “Joe” Sample (born February 1, 1939) is an American pianist, keyboard player and is one of the foremost composers and artists in the country. He is one of the founding members of the legendary “Jazz Crusaders,” the band which became simply “The Crusaders” in 1971, and remained a part of the group until its final album in 1991 – Peter White and Alex Bugnon are well known in our area and are national contemporary Jazz artists who have performed individually and with some of the world’s Jazz Greats.

This G.A.B Production is in conjunction with the Victoria Theatre Association and tickets can be purchased at ticketcenterstage.com or at their box office, which you can call at (937) 228-3630 for additional information.

We in Dayton are so fortunate to have a venue like the Schuster Center and we in the local Jazz community are equally fortunate to have shows of this caliber come to Dayton. Having said that, I would like to emphasize the fact of the many World Class Jazz Artists right here at home and stress they deserve our support as well. Good jazz is all around us and you can certainly find if you look!

Jazz Calendar

Here are some (not all) of the upcoming jazz events for the next couple of weeks:

Today Wednesday, June 19 – The Eleven piece Different Hats Band is at The Dayton Event Connection – great music and dance floor and the attendance continues to build in Dayton.

Thursday June 20 – The Generations Big Band is at Jazz Central in Dayton and Lee Stolar Trio is at Dee Felice in Covington, KY.

Friday June 21 – There’s a Friday Night Jazz Show at the Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant in Cincinnati and The Shawn Stanley Trio performs every Friday at Carvers Steaks & Chops in Centerville, Ohio.

Saturday June 22 – Jack Hart and Michael Kotur are going to heat up Jazz Central with a special night on the B3 organ and guitar and Stanley Gorden is at the Blue Wisp in Cincinnati.

Sunday June 23 – The Jazz Jam Session w/ Kenny Baccus and John Hampton Wagner continues at Jazz Central in Dayton.
Sunday, June 23 –

Monday June 24 – The John Taylor Trio is at Brio Tuscan Grille in Beavercreek and Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra is at the Clintonville Woman’s Club in Columbus.

Tuesday June 25 – Ed Moss & the Society Jazz Orchestra is at Schwartz Point Jazz Club in Cincinnati and the Part St. Tavern Jazz Jam is going on in Columbus.

Wednesday June 26 –The Blue Wisp Big Band is at the Blue Wisp and Todd Hepburn is at Arnold’s Bar & Grill in Cincinnati.

Thursday June 27 – The 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant presents the Rick Brunetto Big Band in Columbus.

Friday June 28 – Joe Sample, Peter White and Alex Bugnon are at the Schuster Center and Dave Greer’s Classic Jazz Stompers are at Jay’s Seafood Restaurant in Dayton.

Saturday June 29 – James & Moore are at the C’est Tout Bistro in Oakwood, OH and the John Von Ohlen Trio is at Dee Felice in Covington, KY.

OH.Sunday June 30 – Dayton’s longest running Jazz Jam Session w/ Kenny Baccus and John Hampton Wagner continues at Jazz Central in Dayton.

Monday July 1 – Mark Flugge, Derek Dicenzo & Jimmy Castoe are at Due Amici and Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra is at the Clintonville Woman’s Club in Columbus.
Tuesday July 2 – Dave Greer’s Classic Jazz Stompers is at Jimmie’s Ladder 11 in Dayton every first Tuesday.

More info and jazz listings can be found at JazzAdvocate.com

Mythbusters: Behind the Myths + TICKET CONTEST

June 18, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

This all-new, live stage show stars Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage, co-hosts of the Emmy®-nominated Discovery series, “MythBusters.” Get ready for an unexpected evening of on-stage experiments, audience participation, rocking video and behind-the-scenes stories. For the first time ever, fans will join Jamie and Adam on stage and assist in their mind-twisting and not always orthodox approach to science. MYTHBUSTERS – BEHIND THE MYTHS brings you face to face with the curious world of Jamie and Adam as the duo matches wits on stage with each other and members of the audience.

One of the Discovery Channel’s most highly regarded and watched series, “MythBusters” is now in its ninth season. Co-hosted by Hyneman and Savage, “MythBusters” mixes scientific method with gleeful curiosity and plain old-fashioned ingenuity to create its own signature style of explosive experimentation–and the supporting or de-bunking of urban myths that we live with day to day.

AGE RECOMMENDATION:
Ages 6 and up. MYTHBUSTERS – BEHIND THE MYTHS is family friendly and appropriate for all ages, but parents should only bring young children if they can sit through a two hour theatrical show. For the consideration of all patrons, children on laps and/or babes in arms are not permitted at Victoria Theatre Association Star Attraction presentations.

YMCA Hosting Socks & Underwear Drive For Crayons to Classrooms

June 18, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Through Friday, June 28th, a sock and underwear donation drive will be held at the YMCA of Greater Dayton branch locations in collaboration with Crayons to Classrooms.

Crayons to Classrooms is a nonprofit teacher resource center that helps under-funded teachers from low-income schools in the Dayton region obtain free school supplies and basic clothing items at no cost to the teachers, families or schools. Many students and families in our Greater Dayton area are unable to afford basic necessities such as socks and underwear.

A large collection bin will be available at each of the ten area YMCA of Greater Dayton branch locations to gather new socks and underwear for Dayton area boys and girls from pre-kindergarten to 4th grade.

For more information or to make a donation, please contact Jennifer Mueller at 937-223-5201, ext. 1023.

Fifth Street Brewpub’s Birthday Bash on June 22 to Celebrate One Year as a Co-Op

June 18, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

Fifth Street Brewpub (FSB), the first co-operatively owned brewpub in Ohio and the second to open in the nation, announced today that they will be celebrating their first birthday on Saturday, June 22 from noon to 12PM. The event will be open to both member-owners and the general public.

Fifth Street Brewpub’s birthday bash will include a variety of craft beers on tap, a raffle fundraiser, live music by local musicians, food provided by Dayton’s own food trucks, cupcakes made with beer and so much more.

Money raised via the raffle will go toward the purchase of the brewpub’s custom seven-barrel brewing system. “Tickets will be sold for $1 each or 6 for $5” said Membership Director Maureen Barry. “We are also asking attendees to bring in a new baby item if possible that will be donated to Catholic Social Service’s Teen-Parent Link Program. The first 100 people to donate a new item will receive a baby cupcake provided by High Spirits Cupcakes, a local business owned by our members-owners Roxanne and Mark Gabbard.” Attendees can bring in any of the following items: baby wipes, baby shampoo, baby lotion, and diapers (size 4 or larger).

FSB’s birthday bash will be a great celebration where anyone can eat, drink, socialize, catch a game on any of the HD TVs and listen to live music provided by local artists Ally Lewber and Dustin Vincent. FSB-branded apparel will also be available for purchase. The Brewpub will be open to the public and members Thursday, Friday, and Sunday as well, but the big party is Saturday… our birthday! For a detailed schedule of events, visit Fifth Street Brewpub’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FifthStreetBrewpub. “This may be the last chance for non-members to join the brewpub at the one-time fee of $100 and own a share of the co-op before the price goes up to $125 and still take advantage of the membership gift set: one Fifth Street Brewpub-branded pint glass and four coasters” Barry stated. For more details visit www.brewpubgifts.com.

The grand opening of the brewpub is set for July 13^th, but may be open a couple weeks prior to that for training and fine tuning. Co-founder and president Brian Young stated, “We are very excited to open in July and hopefully be brewing our own beer by late July. It’s been a long time coming! In the end, Fifth Street Brewpub is a community built by community. Our motto is ‘building a community… one beer at a time.’ It’s an exciting time in Dayton!”

REVIEW: Hanzel und Gretyl Born to be Heiled in Columbus.

June 17, 2013 By Mike Ritchie Leave a Comment

On Friday May 10th, a dark-fairytale tag team duo of Uber German industrial techno noise came to the Columbus stage. Trekking through their native land on the Born to be Heiled US tour, the fire red haired beauty, German smack-talking booted vixen Vas Kallas and the helmeted, skull faced, beer swilling guitarist Kaizer Von Loopy brought the Euro party to the Alrosa Villa. Phantom 13, Eyes Stained Black and The Last Rise came to join the Uber Death Party.

Phantom 13 (photo by Mike Ritchie)

What do you get when you combine misfit hangouts from a forgotten decrepit graveyard and the final sender of souls to the great out-west beyond? Columbus’s answer to a Halloween party on punch drunk absinthe fueled wheels, Phantom 13. With mic stands stacked with skullduggery and everyone dressed to scare and/or kill, the horror punk shock rock group of grisly goons from unmarked tombs were ready to consume all living souls willing to sacrifice for the cause. A tall top hatted shape in black emerged from the darkness as the funeral directing old school undertaker Sutter Cain opened his mouth of madness, breathing still life into the evening’s first song. Bassist Chuck Black’s shirt was ribbed for your pleasure. Jerry Sinn, Rob Evil, keyboardist William Grimm sporting cool night vision glasses and Branden B. Evil all looked like creatures of nightly habits. Cain talked shop on Dust Filled Veins resembling a cloaked combination of Marilyn Manson and the unholy shock rock godfather himself, sweet Alice. It’s quite certain Cain’s Danzig infused vocals have sent a few post mortal souls to earn their black wings. As living, breathing steady paced walkers, we humans can’t get enough of the living dead, whether at movie conventions or AMC, and Phantom 13 are happy to oblige our hunger for a meaty musical meal of un-human noise and movement. The wolves howl an attack signal in the night as you walk swiftly across the foggy moor after midnight trying not to look behind you. We get a slow, dark, black lipstick seduction kiss from every man’s long haired beautiful fantasy queen and pleasant scary dream, the dominatrix of the nocturnal guilty suffering conscience, the Demon Girl. They pour hellfire’s octane on the devil’s eyes and speed off like a Beast. We get a house tour from beyond the grave by the little girl that can hear the Voices of the Dead. Out for Blood’s off their new CD, and it’s a haunting nursery rhyme about nasty dead things you shouldn’t play with. Sutter shared a not so funny thing that happened on the way there, a near death story as their tire almost came off the tour bus. So they were VERY happy to be there tonight. The Dark Riders race and gallop on steads with red eyes fuming on power chug as Lilith commands the charge waging her eternal war and curse on the earth. They brought Transylvania to Columbus tonight for a high stakes showcase.

Eyes Stained Black (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Next is the thrashy gravel throated entrenched ambiant atmospheric melancholy experience for the ears that is Eyes Stained Black. It’s Skinny Puppy meets dark-wave playing over grainy electronica graveyard footage. They play Dead, conjuring up atmospheric surroundings fitting for a victim’s quiet walk through the woods at night. Anima thrashes out with angry gritty guitars, an operatic siren singing out black tears of sorrow and pain with an eerie tranquility. Amidst all the swirling mood doom, there was Something Beautiful to be destroyed with an intertwining of weaving keyboards, hard hitting guitar and robotic trans-electronica. Singer Josh M is the deranged puppet master on the screen controlling this musical scrap iron assembly. They’re a surrealistic emotive whirlwind of creative dark depressive dirge sounds, imagery and musical mood swings from the parts of the mind that most people keep locked away. From the Inside Out is the closer

The Last Rise brings some down and dirty garage/basement metal up from where all bands begin and future rock stars emerge. It’s pretty, pretty f——g metal! Lonely Cradle starts out with a slow high pitched creepy childlike crawl along into a dingy chug dance. On The Last Goodbye, Chris Wolfe’s voice ranges from tearful controlled agony to fierce screaming. They played tribute to the knotted masked men with Spit it Out.

Hanzel und Gretyl (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Our favorite American Neue Deutche Harte duo, Hanzel und Gretyl, was formed by members Kaizer Von Loopy and Vas Kallas in February 1993. Deutschland’s answer to the fabled nursery rhyme of what would Hansel and Gretel be like if they were from Rammstein country. Dapper in a marching helmet, skull mask and Ohio State shirt that would be beer drenched letztendlich, Hanzel shredded through a set of HUG classics from acht records to be heiled with Gretyl growling/marching along in strict military order, throbbing bass for all to see. The smoking skull faced demons straddled their hogs as Blitzkriegerz und Hellriderz got ready to ride out the gates of hell. HUG are Number One in Deutschland for a reason, and anyone who says different gets Das Boot up the arsch. One lucky fan dressed for the occasion got some bonding stage time but had to earn it the old fashion way. A full boot-leg of tonight’s sponsor Pabst Blue Ribbon was the price and prize of an up close HUG experience. Downing the brew with the added sweaty, socked leathery aftertaste, what does any Hanzel fan do after chugging it down? Why, asks for more of course. Der Furor seems to approve or maybe he just gets all choked up because the songs are too damn loud and fluchtig to handle. Kaizer shares the beer belt of love with the assembly. Breaking out the strong stuff at 100 proof plus, the Deathschlager is poured free for every member of the crowd and every member of the Third Reich from the Sun. It was time to get More German than German and have a dance party. Whatever side of the line you’re on, tonight we’re all Uber Allas.

From the planets, to Europe, to the SS Deathstar we are Heiled from the darkside. HUG can rock any house they march into and bring the Uber Death Party with them, and for tonight they’ve moved to/invaded Columbus.

Ohio Hip Hop Awards Summer Showcase Tour Stops in Beavercreek

June 15, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Eight years ago, the founders of the Ohio Hip Hop Awards & Music Conference came together with a mission to recognize those making a contribution in the Ohio urban music industry. This ground breaking event has since grown to span a three day weekend every September, bringing together thousands of industry professionals, artists and fans for networking socials, talent showcases, expert panels and industry parties. The finale of the weekend is the red carpet awards show that recognizes Ohio’s best of rappers, singers, DJ’s, models, dancers, media outlets and numerous other contributors to a growing Ohio music scene.

The Ohio Hip Hop Awards board takes special pride in their several month process in which they directly interact with urban music scenes across the state to accurately represent the who’s who of each market and give credit where it is due. This is done through the website www.ohiohiphopawards.com where fans can nominate and vote in many different categories, such as best live venue, best college radio show, best club DJ, best album, best video and many, many more. In addition, every June the board members travel to eight different cities with the Ohio Hip Hop Awards Summer Showcase Tour, allowing local artists to compete in live performance showcases.

This year, the Dayton stop of the Ohio Hip Hop Awards Summer Showcase Tour will take place Saturday, June 15 at the live music venue One Eyed Jacks. Local artists are given the chance to compete for several valuable prizes that benefit their music career and exposure. The winner of the showcase will be given the chance to perform at either the Ohio Hip Hop Awards Show or Pre-party, an automatic nomination in the best live performance category, and inclusion in the Ohio Hip Hop Awards promotional material. The winner in the best live performance category will also headline the entire 2014 Ohio Hip Hop Awards Summer Showcase Tour.

The Dayton stop of the Summer Showcase Tour is hosted by local entertainment resource company Razdabar Sound & Management in conjunction with the Ohio Hip Hop Awards. Dayton’s very own nationally known DJ SKNO of the Core DJ’s will spin for the event, keeping the party live at all times. Urban music enthusiasts and supporters are warmly invited to come out and see the best that the Dayton music scene has to offer this Saturday. One Eyed Jacks is located at 2638 Colonel Glenn Highway in Fairborn, across from Wright State University. Doors open at 8pm, live performances to begin at 9pm. Admission is $10 at the door.

Garden Station Sunday Market To Launch This Sun, June 16th

June 14, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

Garden Station Sunday Market will start this Sunday as the only local produce outlet in Montgomery County which is open on a Sunday. It will start in a more compact version until more urban farmers and artists join us and consumers create more demand. It will run 11am to 2pm and will start with one booth combining produce from the Greater Dayton Urban Farmer’s group, including produce from the NEW market/demonstration farm at Garden Station.

Garden Station feels that demand for local, organically grown produce is increasing and are encouraged by the turn out of over 1000 people for our EarthFest and almost 300 for the local March against Monsanto, but we need more individuals to step forward who are committed to help us work towards a more vibrant local food system. Please comment below if you’d like to help Garden Saation.

Our famers have too many family and other work commitments that need to take priority this year so our larger market events will occur for First Fridays this year for “Local Day at Garden Station”. Local Day will feature at least 2 free sustainable living workshops every month as well as live local music and our Greater Dayton Urban Farmer’s Market. Local Day will run from 5:30pm to dusk on the First Friday of every month through October. The Sunday Market will run weekly from June 16th through mid October on Sundays from 11am-2pm.

The AARP is supporting the production of local produce at Garden Station by helping fund our market/demonstration gardens and arranging for a portion of the produce grown at Garden Station to be donated to seniors at Jaycee Towers, just a block from the gardens.

Please show your support for our local farmers and local, organically produced foods by shopping local!

This information originally appeared on Garden Station’s Facebook event page.

Bridgett from Savings Lifestyle Shares Father’s Day Deals

June 14, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Our guest post today is from Bridgett Thaxton Miller, publisher or Savings Lifestyle ~ Dayton. She is married with 2 boys, ages 9 and 6. Bridgett has a BS in Business and Marketing and worked for Mead paper (now NewPage) in customer service for several years. She is passionate about saving money because she likes being able to stay home with her boys. Bridgett saves where she can so the couple doesn’t depend on a second salary. Also, she doesn’t like having any debt!

Today she shares some great deals that local Dayton Area restaurants and businesses will be offering for Father’s Day. What do you have planned for Dad on Sunday?

Cake, Hope, Love – Free Cupcake for Dad
Valid 6 pm – 9 pm on 6/15/2013

Cincinnati Zoo – Free Admission for Dads
Valid 6/16/2013

Penn Station – Free 6″ Sub with Sub Purchase
*be sure to print coupon*
Valid 6/16/2013 only

Poelking Lanes South – 3 Free Games for Dad
Valid from 1pm – close on 6/16/2013

Skateworld of Kettering: Free Admission for Dad w/paying child
*I saw this while we were there yesterday*
Valid 6/16/2013

The Magic Castle – Free Round of Miniature Golf w/paying son or daughter
Valid 6/16/2013

Yankee Trace Golf Club – 25% off Golf Apparel for Dad in Pro Shop
Valid through 6/16/2013

Be sure to check out National Father’s Day’s Deals along with Gift Card Promotions!

New Centerville Brewery, Lock 27 Set to Open June 21st + Gift Certificate Contest

June 14, 2013 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Owners Steve & Michelle Barnhart with Lock 27 Chef Aimee Saling

Here is something you will not see anywhere else, at least not this early. A super exclusive, sneak peek at the brewery coming to Centerville called Lock 27. The Big Ragu & Crew are not “Grand Opening ” hoppers. In this case we are making an exception, because the person opening Lock 27 is a friend of ours. Owner Steve Barnhart and his wife, Michelle are currently putting the finishing touches on the new brew pub located at 1035 S. Main Street in Centerville, not far from the new Kroger. With plenty of buzz circulating around Dayton through word of mouth, and online, this brewery promises to be a popular spot for some good craft beer. With the addition of Chef Aimee Saling, the food offerings will be a highlight as well.

Shrimp and Polenta: a Must Eat !

For the past 15 years, Steve Barnhart has literally been brewing beer as a ‘driveway hobby.’ His craft and interest grew into offering what now will be Centerville’s only “Gastro Tap Room.” Fashioned after the pubs in London, this true mom and pop establishment will feature a rotating choice of in-house brews, hard to find bottled beers, and some popular craft brews on tap from other breweries. It will be a relaxed atmosphere slanted towards adults, with good background music. The front patio will eventually feature a communal table where patrons are able to enjoy drinks and bites outside.

Why the name Lock 27? It is a tribute to Dayton. Essentially at the turn of the century, Dayton was a river town, with traffic from the Erie Canal running right through the Miami Valley. Lock 27 was an actual stop on the river near Miamisburg. The rich history and river life of Dayton is mostly forgotten today. Instead, inventions of flight are most often associated with the Gem City.

History lesson over, now back to the Food Adventure and what you need to know about Lock 27.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

The Bar area inside Lock 27

— London Style Gastro Tap Room that will feature 5 in-house brews, 5 out-of-house beers on tap, unique bottled beer and wine selections. Bottled and tap selections will focus on an eclectic mix of regional and national brewers.

— The menu will consists of 15-20 items including tapas and paninis. Lock 27 will feature many “sharable” plates for a communal feel of a European Pub.

— Craft Beers, made in-house will rotate seasonally. They will be brewed 1 or 2 barrels at a time. With small batches, there are no commitments and this will allow for a constantly changing, and evolving brewery. IMPORTANT !! – Since the inspections and liquor licenses have just been approved, in-house beers are being brewed now, and will not be served until approximately 3 weeks after opening.

— Hours will be 4pm-Midnight on weekdays, and 11am-Midnight on weekends

MUST EATS:

House Wheat Beer – In this case a must drink. This wheat beer is a white ale instead of a traditional hefeweizen. This brew is made with California common yeast, for a different flavor. Refreshing never tasted so good.

The Salumi Plate – A unique, appetizer featuring exotic cold cut meats of Prosciutto, Coppa, Gin & Juice Pepperoni, and Dodge City Fireball salami. This plate is perfect for sharing. It is also served with glazed walnuts, almonds and miniature gherkin pickles. The slightly salty and spicy tastes of the meats match perfectly with any alcoholic beverage.

Cuban Sandwich – This delicious panini style creation features ham and pulled pork . It also has Emmenthaler cheese, which is a superior Swiss cheese from Switzerland and France. What makes the sandwich is the crunchy bread and the spicy garlic, aoili mustard. It is served with a side of chips tossed in spices.

The Salumi Plate: Unique cold cuts, enough to share

Shrimp and Polenta: This dish is big on taste. The spicy shrimp with serrano pepper and beschamel sauce, contrasts perfectly with the creamy polenta. We could have eaten this stuff all day. Chef Aimee has captured simplicity and bold flavors with this offering.

Honorable mentions include bottled beers that are off the beaten path like Fullers ESB and La Fin Du Monde.

IN-HOUSE BEERS

On the beer front, Lock 27 plans to be broad in coverage, as opposed to genre specific. It is their intention to celebrate all beer styles, not just be known for specific subgroups like “IPA” or “Belgian”. Lock 27 will brew to a seasonal rotation, so the first beers will be geared for summer. What beers will be the first offerings? Expect to see a “Summer Stout.” They have worked hard on this recipe, so that it is appropriate for warmer weather. It’s not heavy, rather a lighter body thirst quencher, that still maintains stout characteristics. It is a cross between traditional English & Irish stouts, and not a big Russian Imperial.

Wheat Beer and its Creator

Also , they will be brewing 3 other beers. A house British ESB (Extra Special Bitter), a Saison, and a Pacific North West inspired Session IPA should all be available in the next 3-4 weeks. They even have a nickname for their brew kettle. It is called Scarlett Brewhansson, please give her a visit.

So get your taste buds prepared and get ready to quench your thirst, because Lock 27 promises to be a hot spot this summer. The addition of this restaurant just may make South Dayton the new Craft Beer headquarters of the Miami Valley.

Thank you to the management of Lock 27 for giving Food Adventures access to this EXCLUSIVE scoop. Make sure you tell the management, The Big Ragu” sent you !” Good drink and good food is what you can expect from Centerville’s newest restaurant. Unique styles as opposed to the standard fare. The spread of craft and high quality imports on tap alone will be an attraction, not to mention the brewery itself. Will it be successful? We think it’s a lock !

***CONTEST*** Please register below and comment on the story below and tell us why you want a $20 Gift Certificate to Lock 27. One winner will be chosen at random on Monday !![form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

Want more brew and chew than you can handle? Visit Food Adventures on Facebook and “like” us HERE !

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BEFORE MIDNIGHT – Best Reviewed Film of the Year – Opens at THE NEON!

June 13, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

For those of you who haven’t seen RENOIR yet (or those of you who need to see it again), we’re going to hold the film for one screening per day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Sunday will be its last day…so hurry down. On Friday, we will open the best reviewed film of the year…and in my opinion, the best film I’ve seen all year – BEFORE MIDNIGHT. In addition, we will hold the new Noah Baumbach comedy FRANCES HA. For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for BEFORE MIDNIGHT: BEFORE MIDNIGHT is the best reviewed film of the year – with current scores of 98% on Rottentomatoes.com and 96% on Metascritic.com (check out all the 100% reviews by clicking this LINK). Don’t miss this honest, relatable, and touching film on the big screen. “In this follow-up to Before Sunrise and Before Sunset, we meet Jesse and Celine nine years later in Greece. Almost two decades have passed since their first meeting on that train bound for Vienna.” (taken from Sony Classics) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site. This film is rich with intelligent dialog and great performances, and it works whether you’ve seen the 2 previous films or not.

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There are still tickets available for our special screening of I DO – taking place on Thursday, June 20 at 7:30. As the Supreme Court decides on civil rights issues that will effect thousands of US Citizens, this film couldn’t come at a more important time. (I saw this film at The Cleveland International Film Festival, and the audience adored it!) “A gay Brit living in New York is deprived of his immigration status, and risks losing his family and life in the U.S. He marries his lesbian best friend to remain in the country and stay with his family, but things get complicated when he meets the love of his life and is forced to make an impossible choice.” This one night only screening is part of Dayton’s PRIDE festivities. Tickets are $9 for General Admission. Members of The Greater Dayton LGBT Center get in for $7 (with valid membership card). Tickets are on sale now at THE NEON’s box office.

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“Start Freedom Dayton is at it again – this time with a screening BORN INTO BROTHELS, the 77th Oscar winner for Best Feature Documentary. Come see the movie and stay for the post-screening discussion led by Melinda Haggerty, Ohio’s Director of Children’s Initiatives, the juvenile justice arm of the Office of Mike DeWine. Advance tickets are available at Peace on Fifth for $7.50 (located at 508 E. Fifth Street). Tickets on the day of the show will cost $10 at THE NEON.” (Peace on Fifth press notes.) Born into Brothels is the chronicle [of two documentary filmmakers and] their time in Sonagchi, Calcutta and the relationships they developed with children of prostitutes who work the city’s notorious red light district.

On Saturday, July 6, THE NEON will host the premiere of Meladi McNair’s new film THE OMISSION. “Marissa tries to hide from her friends that she is in an unfortunate, yet common situation that afflicts many young adults. A violent, controlling relationship. Three flashbacks paint her birthday bash as the platform for a series of unfortunate events in which five long-time friends learn of her situation, and turn on each other… THE OMISSION, a dark, abuse awareness film debuts at 3 pm on July 6. The film was written and directed by Dayton’s own Meladi McNair; a Journalist and social-conscious author, artist and film maker. She is also the author of the anti-bullying book, ‘The Vexing.’ Tickets are $5 each.” (taken from press notes)

See you soon!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. June 14 – Thur. June 20:

BEFORE MIDNIGHT (R) 1 Hr 48 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:20, 7:45

RENOIR (R) 1 Hr 51 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40

FRANCES HA (R) 1 Hr 26 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Wednesday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Thursday: 3:00, 5:15

I DO (NR) 1 Hr 31 Min
Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
June 21 – THE EAST
June 28 – LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED
July 12 – 20 FEET FROM STARDOM
July 26 – THE WAY WAY BACK
Aug 2 – I’M SO EXCITED
Aug 23 – BLUE JASMINE
TBD – GINGER AND ROSA
TBD – KON TIKI
TBD – FROM UP ON POPPY HILL
TBD – IN THE HOUSE

Friends of the Dayton Arcade Claim There’s A New Deal and Restoration Will Start Soon

June 13, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro 3 Comments

The following email was sent out yesterday, and promises more news will be revealed soon….

Dear Patient Friend of the Dayton Arcade,

It is with the greatest joy and excitement that we share with you the news from Dayton Arcade LLC-Gunther Berg which we received this morning. This is truly an historic day for Dayton!

An agreement between Gunther and the newly formed Dayton Arcade Development Group (DADG) has been reached which will allow the Arcade plan to move forward. The partners and members will be named in the next few days.

An additional agreement concerning the unpaid property taxes on the Arcade Complex has been reached between the Dayton Arcade LLC and Montgomery County.

A timeline for work on the Arcade complex has been developed and it is anticipated that the long awaited restoration will begin soon.

Because of your interest in the future of the Arcade, your past support and great patience, Gunther wanted you to be among the first to hear this important news!

We anticipate more activity for Friends and will keep you as aware as possible as the project develops.

With great appreciation for your loyalty,

Sincerely,

Joanne Granzow, Maribeth Graham, Susan Gruenberg and Leon Bey, Founder and President

Coming Up In Dayton Theatre, 6/14 – 6/23

June 13, 2013 By Sarah Caplan Leave a Comment

There are a lot of things closing, opening and running this weekend. Plenty of things to see and even some good fare to take the family, including Dad! Theatre tickets make an awesome Father’s Day gift. Does he like humor? Music? Laughing? Everything Dayton offers up this weekend features all three! Check it out!

Closing This Weekend!

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum

The Dayton Playhouse

The Skinny: Something familiar, something peculiar. Something for everyone! A comedy tonight! Come see the Dayton Playhouse take on one of Stephen Sondheim’s funniest and best loved pieces. A farcical love story taking place in a fictionalized idea of Ancient Rome. A father-son dynamic is at the heart of this piece! Perfect for Father’s Day! So take your dad to see the matinee and then buy him Chinese Buffet for dinner afterwards! Or maybe that’s just my family tradition?

Dates: Closing Sunday, 6/16

Tickets: Please visit the Dayton Playhouse website at www.daytonplayhouse.com

Currently In Production!

Avenue Q

The Human Race Theatre Company

The Skinny: Don’t let the puppets and the “Sesame Street” skin tones confuse you; THIS IS NOT FOR KIDS. Avenue Q is a riotously funny, politically incorrect and downright raunchy Tony Award-winning musical about recent college grad Princeton and his funny, sometimes furry, friends who live at the very end of New York’s (in)famous Alphabet City. Featuring songs like, “Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist,” “It Sucks To Be Me,” and of course that battle cry of the internet age: “The Internet Is For Porn!” seriously this show is NOT FOR KIDS. But it is for adults who like to laugh really hard.

Dates: Through June 29th.

Tickets: Please visit the Human Race Theatre Company website at www.humanracetheatre.org. Have we mentioned that this production is NOT FOR KIDS?

The Sound Of Music

La Comedia Dinner Theatre

The Skinny: Ok, this one is safe for all the family…unless they’re offended by cherubic singing siblings and Nazi-fighting nuns! This is the well-loved classic, and a perennial crowd pleaser. Join The Captain, Maria and all 7 children as they sing, dance and, eventually, cross the Alps.

Dates: Through 6/30

Tickets: Please visit the La Comedia website at www.lacomedia.org

Opening this Weekend!

Legally Blonde The Musical

Beavercreek Community Theatre

The Skinny: To quote its opening number: “Oh my god, oh my god you guys!”, it’s another production of Legally Blonde! This charming and enjoyable musical (based on the movie) takes the stage now at Beavercreek Community Theatre. Come join the plucky Elle Woods as she follows her “true love” to Harvard Law. There she gets a taste of hard work, the real world, and maybe learns to rely on her smarts more than her, well, blondeness.

Date: Opening 6/21 and running through 6/30

Tickets: Please visit the Beavercreek Community Theatre website at www.bctheatre.com

FutureFest Update:

Just a heads up, all the shows for FutureFest weekend have been cast and have begun, or will be soon be beginning, rehearsal! Exciting! For more information about the shows and about Dayton’s own FutureFest, a nationally known festival of new works, go to www.daytonplayhouse.com and click the “FutureFest” tab.

Don’t Call It A Comeback

June 12, 2013 By Rodney Veal Leave a Comment

I was very fortunate this weekend to bear witness to two ladies visibly demonstrating that their potency and relevance have not been forsaken or diminished, but rather laying dormant waiting to rise again. One lady on a red clay court being scrutinized by the world and the other, a dance company, performing on a stage on a late Saturday afternoon; both are stories that illuminate the power of perseverance and talent.

While some may consider comparing a tennis great like Serena Williams and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company to be a stretch. However it works when individuals and institutions approach their respective moments in the sun, be it on a tennis court or a proscenium stage with a preternatural focus and ability to fully engage you as a viewer in a visceral and intellectual whirlwind as to leave us positively giddy. I was delightfully connected and grateful to be present to observe it all.

With “Urban Impulse” , DCDC concluded the 2012-2013 season with energy and vitality and a hopeful promise of an even more solid renaissance in the future. In this day and age of a wildly uncertain socio-economic landscape, the arts are still a far cry from being removed from the endangered species list. With museums, dance companies and symphonies folding every year; this type of promise is worth its weight in gold.

With the revival of “Jacobs Ladder”, a potently engaging work that incorporated video projections/imageries and street dance vernacular infused modern proved worthy of revival. The audience was transported to the post -New Jack City streets that easily stands up to comparison with the genius of Jerome Robbins and his choreographic ability to vividly evoke the sights , sounds and energy of that uniquely urban terrain that we call NYC.

A novelty that could have easily backfired for the company, turned out to be the exact opposite. DCDC held a competition to select a local community group or individuals to perform with the company at this concert. Chenaulte Dancers were the lucky dance crew selected. “Shall Not Be Moved” was joyous opportunity to showcase the talents of a local company of young dancers. While it could have been a few minutes shorter, it was danced with an incipient flair.

The second showcase of local dancers came with “Hype”, a boisterous and wildly entertaining romp. This work was a testimony to the talents of the team of choreographers and their agile adeptness at integrating the dancers to the point of beautiful seamlessness. Major congratulations to Christina Perry, Zachary Scott Jr., Emily Stamas, Maddie Welsh and Taylor Young for clearly demonstrating their skills and embrace of this wonderful opportunity of a lifetime.

The concert culminated in a choreographic work that was an amalgamation of everything that is great about this current manifestation of the company.The solid ensemble has been given an incredible gem of a ballet in “Shed.” The choreographer Kiesha Lalama displayed her ample skills as a generator of mood, intensity and movement. Just like watching the incomparable Serena Williams, you marvel at the mysterious x-factor that manifests itself in such a championship as well as the alchemy of Ms. Lalama artistic genius. The dancers were clearly up to the challenge and that is what gives this work the jolt of vitality. This should be a part of the burgeoning new repertoire that is helping to define the quality of DCDC in the 21st Century.

Because of the majesty on display at “Urban Impulses”, I believe that the line from the ultimate king of urban swagger, LLCool J , applies to both Serena Williams and DCDC, “Don’t call it a comeback,” Because they never really left the throne of greatness. They just quietly and regally re-invented themselves for the future.