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Archives for September 2014

TIFF 2014 – Day #6

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phoenix-posterTuesday, September 9, 2014

Hello.  Thanks for coming back!

STILL ALICE was my first film today.  Based on a famous novel, this is the story of a linguistics professor who is dealing with early onset Alzheimer’s.  We learn in the film that diagnosis can come late in highly educated people – as they learn to have tricks to help retain their memory.  Julianne Moore plays the lead in this film, and she’s terrific.  This is a sad story due to the fact that we’re watching the terrible effects of a hideous disease…but Moore brings such humanity to the role that you can’t let go.

There’s no trailer for this film yet, but you can hear Julianne talk about the film below.

 

With a screenplay by Nick Hornby (who attended the screening), WILD is based on the true story of Cheryl Strayed’s hike up the Pacific Crest Trail.  Played by Reese Witherspoon (Oscar buzz is well underway), the story starts at the middle of her hike and circles back to the beginning…but the beginning of the hike isn’t the beginning of the story.  Through a series of flashbacks, we fully begin to understand why she’s taking this grueling journey.  For the first 15 minutes of this film, I was skeptical…but then it reeled me in.  The real Cheryl Strayed attended this screening, and had a lot of eloquent things to say about her journey – both physical and emotional.

PHOENIX was next.  This is the story of Nelly, a concentration camp survivor who has reconstructive facial surgery upon coming back into society.  After she recovers, she begins the search in post-war Berlin for her husband – who may have betrayed her to the Nazis.  Upon finding him, he doesn’t recognize her, and they begin a tension-filled game that is bound to reveal the truth.  The concept of this film is a little hard to believe initially.  Really?  He didn’t recognize her? But if you let that go, everything else is spectacular.  The production design, the tension and the performances.

Sorry…no subtitles trailer yet.

 

My last film of the day was TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT – the new film from the Dardenne Brothers.  This gem stars Marion Cotillard as Sanda – a mother and wife who has just found out that her job is in jeopardy.  Other employees have been given the decision to chose between getting bonuses or retaining Sandra’s position at the factory.  Majority rules…and the vote will be taken Monday morning.  Over the course of the weekend, she attempts to visit the other employees and plead her case – even though doing so seems degrading and hurtful to an already fragile state-of-mind.  In true Dardenne fashion, the film is truly a piece of realism with keen insights to what makes us work.

 

More tomorrow!  Thanks for checking in!

Jonathan

Dayton’s Best Fish Fry Opens the Fall Season This Friday

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Freshly Breaded Icelandic Cod at Our Lady of the Rosary’s Fish Fry

The #1 Fish Fry as ranked by Food Adventures is kicking off their first Fish Fry of the season on Friday Night !!

The place is OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY CHURCH in Dayton who has been hosting these events for over 54 years !

We are the only ones with the scoop on this incredible deal and fun night !!

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— WHERE: Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 22 Notre Dame Ave. in Dayton

— WHAT: Fish Fry  – **21 and over only !**

—NEXT: Friday, October 10th  & Friday, November 14th 

Click to Enlarge these Sausages

— COST: $13 if you pre-pay at the Parish Office, or $15 at the door the day of the event.

 

— INCLUDED: Freshly fried Icelandic Cod, Fresh Mild Sausage, Hot Polish Sausage, Chicken Strips, French Fries, Baked Beans, Salad, Cole Slaw, Homemade  Cakes, Cabbage and Noodles, Ice Cream, Popcorn, Soft Drinks, and Beer.

— WHEN: 5:30pm – 10:30pm 

— WHAT ELSE:  Gamble on pull tabs and raffle prizes!

 

 

MUST EATS:

— THE FRESHLY MADE MILD SAUSAGE: Made locally, with an old recipe that has been used for 50+ years.  Some of the best stuff we’ve had !

— THE FRESHLY BREADED COD: Made in large “sticks,” you can have all you want of these !

— HOMEMADE CAKES: Chef Joe makes these himself on site !  

Our Lady of the rosary Church – 22 Notre Dame Ave.,  Dayton, Ohio

 

What makes this event great is the friendly volunteers.  The staff are kind, dedicated and have been doing this for years.  The party is all inclusive and you are not “nickel and dimed” for extra beers, etc..  For these reasons, this is the best fish fry in the Miami Valley area, in our humble opinion.  There are old folks, young folks and ages in between.

So now you know about this little known secret.  Will we see you on Friday?  No better place for a Food Adventure !

Browse the photos below of the food and offerings at the event!

Are you a Dayton Foodie?  Then “LIKE” Food Adventures on Facebook HERE !

 

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Run, Swim, Splash, Crawl Your Way Along The River

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river_rampage_1-02Tomfoolery Outdoors challenges you to the River Rampage this Sat, Sep 13, at 5:00pm.  Run, swim, splash, crawl and slide your way through the beautiful riverfront property at Adventures on the Great Miami.

This isn’t your ordinary mud run or obstacle race! This is one part trail run, one part river swim with an epic slip n slide finish. Throw in food, live music, beer, bonfire, and camping and we have the recipe for a memorable finish line celebration. Not to mention, a great place to share stories from the race. Set up camp before the race and make it an overnight adventure.

River Rampage Course includes

  • 1.5 mile trail run through the woods and Adventures on the Great Miami Campground.
  • .75 mile Great Miami river swim, run, crawl, splash downstream.
  • 50 yard downhill slip n slide finish

Little Rampage Course includes

  • .75 mile trail run through the Adventures on the Great Miami Campground.
  • .25 river swim, run, crawl, splash downstream
  • 50 yard downhill slip n slide finish

**Competitors must wear shoes and be able to swim in water over their head for 25 yards.

**Floatation devices are acceptable but you must wear/carry them on the trail run. i.e. – water wings, pool noodles,

Pre-Registration

  • Everything Package: $35 includes River Rampage t-shirt, camping and finish line celebration
  • $10 Little Rampage: race and finish line celebration

Race Day Registration

  • $45 includes camping and finish line celebration. T-shirts may NOT be available on race day!
  • $15 Little Rampage: race and finish line celebration
**Celebration includes FREE beer, food, live music, and camping. Music starts at 6:30 featuring Andy Mustang, music 8:45pm-10pm TBA

Taste of Troy This Saturday

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taste_of_troy_poster_2014_for_web_240xTroy Main Street, Inc. presents the 2014 Taste of Troy on Saturday, September 13th from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  The event is held annually in downtown Troy to showcase local restaurants in the picturesque town square.

Visitors can sample the culinary delights of thirteen hometown restaurants, listen to live music, shop at the Downtown Farmers Market, participate in beer and wine tastings, and visit dozens of downtown shops.

Expect to taste a wide range of food from a variety of independent restaurants including Italian, Mexican, classic American fare, locally grown and raised, and more.  New participants in this year’s Taste of Troy are Brittney’s Cakes, Little York Tavern, and Basil’s on Market.

“Tastes” for sale include a diverse array of menu items featuring up to three different offerings from each participating restaurant.

To satisfy a hunger for entertainment, several musical performances are scheduled for Prouty Plaza throughout the day. Slated to perform are A Sweet Sound, Megan Osman, Colin Richards, and Southbound.

“Troy is unmatched in the quality and quantity of independent restaurants for a city of its size,” observes Andi Trzeciak, director of Troy Main Street.  “The Taste of Troy provides an opportunity for people to sample signature dishes from a wide variety of restaurants while enjoying live music.”

Two downtown establishments, La Piazza and The Caroline, will offer wine and beer tastings on their respective outdoor patios.  The Downtown Troy Farmers Market will extend its hours until2:00PM.

Admission to the Taste of Troy is free and open to the public thanks to the generosity of Gordon Orthodontics, the Miami Country Visitors and Convention Bureau, WYSO, and the Troy Tribune.

Tickets for food tastes and drinks can be purchased at the Taste of Troy. For additional information, contact Troy Main Street at 937-339-5455.

TIFF 2014 – Day #5

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Noah+Baumbach+While+Young+Premiere+Arrivals+aA14qv9ZudIlMonday, September 8, 2014!

Hello!

It was another late night…and another early morning…but the first film I saw after waiting in line for Wednesday’s public tickets was the new comedy from Noah Baumbach – WHILE WE’RE YOUNG.  I loved it!  Unfortunately, most of the films I saw today do not have trailers yet, so still photos will have to do.

Full of keen observations on generational differences between 40-somethings and 20-somethings, WHILE WE’RE YOUNG is one of the funniest, most charming comedies I have seen in years!  In its third act, the film goes into some deeper territory, but it was all material that I found directly relatable…and I loved it. The film stars Ben Stiller, Naomi Watts, Adam Driver, Amanda Seyfried, and Charles Grodin.  It hasn’t been picked up yet American distribution, but I’m certain it will!

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OCTOBER GALE is a new thriller starring one of my favorite actresses – Patricia Clarkson (directed by Ruba Nadda, who directed Clarkson in CAIRO TIME).  It’s the story of a woman, while still getting over the death of her husband, visits her Autumn, remote island cottage.  While there, a mysterious man with a gunshot wound washes onto her shore, and it’s quickly made clear that someone will soon arrive to finish the job.  I liked the tone and pacing of this film quite a bit…until a single moment when I thought the script took a ridiculous turn.  Clarkson saves this film to some degree…but saving it completely would have required a rewrite.

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I have bad news for the folks who are terribly anxious for THE LAST FIVE YEARS.  This is a film version of the off-Broadway musical by Jason Robert Brown.  Though the adaptation is quite faithful, it’s also quite uncinematic.  The lead performances by Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan are beautifully sung and full of charisma, but the film failed to get off the ground for me until there was a fun, playful song about working summer stock in Ohio (it was the first time that the camera work came alive and played with location, etc.).  All this said, the people who are terribly anxious about it will love it regardless – as the director barely played with any of the material (it’s as straight-forward as possible – aka hardly exciting on screen at all).

LAST5

PASOLINI is a film about the famous director’s last days starring Willem Dafoe, directed by Abel Ferrara.  Dafoe is incredible in this film, and the material with Pasolini commenting on his feelings about humanity and  our drive for materialism were quite compelling (so much so that I want a copy of the screenplay).  That said, I found the film to be a little jumbled (and even slightly confusing sometimes…as Ferrara made a decision not to give us subtitles during some rather difficult moments).  We get to look at  the film Pasolini wanted to make next and hear about the novel he never published – all before his murder by a hustler.  It’s a tough film, but I think people who give it a chance may be inspired to learn more about this iconic filmmaker.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOVDmHmisQw

Thanks for checking in.  I’m looking forward to the new Dardenne Brothers film tomorrow – TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT.

More tomorrow!

Jonathan

We’re Giving Away Tickets To SICSA’s Creole Shrimp Boil Fundraiser

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120509020721-cat-in-garden-story-topFor 40 years, the Society for the Improvement of Conditions for Stray Animals (SICSA) has been dedicated to  place adoptable dogs and cats in loving homes.  They have over 1,400 dog and cat adoptions annually and spay and neuter over 2,000 dogs and cats each year for the community. As a nonprofit, they rely on donations from the community, hosting many fundraisers like their Red Dog Auction, Holiday Bazaar  and their annual pet calendar.annematt

 But this year, they’ve planned a brand new event for Friday, Sept 12th and they’ve enlisted the help of James Beard award-winning chef and restaurateur Anne Kearney of Rue Dumaine and Chef Matt Hayden from Scratch Event Services to pull off  The Cat’s Meow.   Guest will arrive at Benham’s Grove in Centerville  to enjoy a 1920’s Creole style garden party featuring a shrimp boil like Dayton’s never seen.  

Here are the event details:

10534774_10152680409622351_4320369670234624424_n5:30-7:00 – Era-specific appetizers and spirits, dancing to the beat of Dave Greer and the Classic Jazz Stompers, a themed photo booth, and an exciting silent auction made up of unique and enticing packages. If this lineup doesn’t keep you entertained while you visit with 249 other guests and enjoy our garden party Creole ambiance, we need to check your vitals!

7:15-8:30 – A shrimp and Andouille sausage boil, Creole-style. What’s that mean? It means we boil up those bad boys with corn, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, Chef Anne’s special spice mix and lots of love! We then serve it up piping hot to your table family style, with a side of Chef Anne’s Grandma’s famous cornbread. Not a fan of shrimp or meat, no worries. We also have a red beans and rice dish which will be sure to please. We will round out the main course with homemade pickled vegetables made just for you! Then we finish it up with banana-pecan trifle garnished with pecan praline while you bid on our five special live auction items. You will swear you have been transported back to a 1920 Louisiana back yard.

8:30-10:30 – The party doesn’t stop just because the bidding has! Dave Greer and the Classic Jazz Stompers will turn up the heat and get you going on the dance floor. Not into the swing, we dare you not to do some chair dancing, toe tapping or finger snapping to these cool cats!

Individual Tickets are $150 each and tables of 8 are $1200.  Tickets may be purchased on the SICSA website.

DMM Ticket Contest:
We’ve got a pair of tickets for a lucky winner who’d like to enjoy this Creole Garden Party.  To be entered in the drawing you must like &  share this story and fill out the entry form below.    Congratulations to Theresa from Huber Heights, who will be our guest at The Cats Meow!

TIFF 2014 – Day #4

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The-Theory-Of-Everything-PosterSunday, September 7, 2014

Hello Again.

Last night was a late night again…so this morning started with a drag…but I don’t regret staying out until 2:00.  I had dinner with an old friend (I met Bill in line for Almodovar’s TALK TO HER back in 2002) and then met a couple other friends for cocktails.  It was a great night.

This morning started in line like all the other mornings.  I managed to get the tickets I want for Tuesday public screenings (including WILD – the buzz for Reese Witherspoon is quite big), and I was then off to my first P&I screening.

TOUR DE FORCE was first.  It’s a German film about a group of friends getting together for their annual bike ride.  This year, the protagonist has chose Belgium as the destination – much to his friends’ consternation.  Within the first act, it is revealed that he has chosen Belgium because physician assisted suicide is an option there.  He has ALS, and his body is reacting worse and worse each day.  The chemistry of the friends is quite good, and I liked a lot of the film, but I think it lost its way a couple times.  Ultimately, I think there’s a really strong 80 minute film here.  Unfortunately, the 95 minute version isn’t the best.

FACE OF AN ANGEL was my next selection.  It’s the new Michael Winterbottom film that uses the murder of an American student traveling in Italy (the Meredith Kercher case is clearly the inspiration) as the jumping point for the film.  This movie is about a filmmaker who has been offered the chance to write a screenplay and direct the film version of the murder and court proceedings.  As he gets deeper into understanding the dynamics, he decides he’d rather create a film that speaks to the murder but isn’t actually traditional telling of the story.  Daniel Bruhl, who I first fell in love with in GOODBYE, LENIN, plays the director, and Kate Beckinsale plays the journalist who has written extensively about the case.  Sadly, I think the film becomes a self-reflexive jumble – with dream sequences and drug-induced hallucinations that create a frenzy of a film that ultimately doesn’t work.  Though I like that the film makes us question the idea of “truth,” I wasn’t up for all the antics of this story.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zbWCcSBva4

I was quite excited to see MISS JULIE – the new Liv Ullmann adaptation of the classic play by Strindberg, starring Jessica Chastain and Collin Farrell.  This is the story of a daughter of a count who is enamored by a well-spoken valet.  What initially seems like flirting becomes a cat and mouse game for control of affections and desire – and certainly an examination of class. The production elements are divine, and Chastain’s performance is absolutely incredible, but I ultimately felt that the adaptation was rather arduous.  There’s something to be said for honoring the text of a classic play, but I think this film needs tightening.

And then I saw the world premiere of  THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING – the story of Stephen Hawking, his relationship with his wife and his battle with ALS.  I love this film! The photography is lovely, the evolving period aspects are perfect, and the performances are out of this world.  I didn’t sense a false note in any moment, and I think numerous awards will follow.  Eddie Redmayne was in attendance and spoke quite eloquently of the process of creating his body movements – which involved doctors and a choreographer.  In addition to all the folks from the film (many of whom participated in the Q&A), there were several stars in attendance for the screening – including Andrew Garfield, Jon Stewart and Julie Taymor.  THE NEON has tentatively put this film on the schedule right around Thanksgiving!  (Look at this photo comparison…I’ve only just seen it, and it makes the film all the more impressive.)

Stephen-Hawking-Jane-Wedding

Thanks again for checking in!

Jonathan

TIFF 2014 – Day #3

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Pride-posterSaturday, Sept. 6, 2014

Hello Again,

THE RIOT CLUB was my first P&I screening of the day.  It’s the new film from Lone Scherfig – director of AN EDUCATION (the “Best Picture” Oscar nominee that made Carey Mulligan a full-fledged star).  This is a film about a “posh” club of young men at Oxford.  They’re a terribly attractive, elite group (the limit for the club is 10) who are  and smart, charismatic, “well-bred,” and quite self righteous.  The movie is about their search for 2 new members and their annual dinner that allows them to indulge in debauchery.  There’s underlying tension during the whole film that truly becomes terrifying in the third act.  Overall, the film is a well done look at class and abuse of privilege.

THE NEW GIRLFRIEND is the new film from one of my favorite filmmakers, Francois Ozon (UNDER THE SAND, 8 WOMEN, SWIMMING POOL, TIME TO LEAVE, IN THE HOUSE).  Ozon, like Woody Allen, has a new film almost every year.  Some are brilliant (see all of the films listed above) and some are not (though even ANGEL, RICKY and HIDEAWAY have their merits).  THE NEW GIRLFRIEND is about a woman who has become depressed after the death of her best friend.  After working through some pain, she summons the courage to visit her friend’s husband only to discover some secrets that will change her life (I don’t want to give away too much.)  This story is based on a novel by Ruth Rendell, and her work has been adapted by other favorite filmmakers like Pedro Almodovar and Claude Chabrol.  Sadly, this film has some major tone issues…but I was intrigued enough to stick around and see what happened.

Sadly, there’s no trailer with subtitles yet, but here’s the French trailer:

PRIDE was my only public screening for the day, and it has already been booked for THE NEON this Fall.  With a stellar cast of British NEON regulars (not to mention thematic elements that interest me), it was a film I had to put on my list.  Just look at this cast: Bill Nighy (BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL, NOTES ON A SCANDAL), Imelda Staunton (VERA DRAKE, ANOTHER YEAR), Paddy Considine (IN AMERICA).  The movie, based on a true story, is about a coal miners’ strike in the UK in 1984 – and how a group of gay and lesbian people began collecting money for the cause.  From watching the trailer, I thought I’d be in for a fun, charming ride…but the trailer doesn’t do the film justice.  Instead I got a moving, inspiring, uplifting and heartbreaking film.  There weren’t many dry eyes in the house.  I think this film could go on to win the audience award – as 1000+ people in today’s audience were on their feet cheering for quite a while.  When the curator introduced not only the cast but some of the real life people on whom the film is based, the crowd went wild.  A truly, truly wonderful film!  (Below is a little pic I snapped of the Q&A.)

photo-2

Thanks for checking in,

Jonathan

 

 

Whoo Cooks for You – The Region’s Top Chefs- That’s Who!

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whooTablesIn what has become an annual tradition, on Sun, September 14th from 4-8pm under the trees of  Glen Helen  local chefs join together to create a  culinary adventure to benefit The Glen Helen Raptor Center. These chefs from the area’s top restaurants will provide a bountiful six course feast sourced from local area growers.

Prior to dinner, in true raptor fashion, devour mouth watering charcuterie from “Smoking Goose” and sip a signature cocktail; Raptor’s Delight, while you tour our Raptor Center. Then, move on to our fine dining tent, refill your beverage and bid on our themed “Birds of Prey Silent Auction”. Further support our programs by choosing to “Adopt a Raptor”.

 Here’s the 2014 Menu:

Chef Elizabeth Wiley

Meadowlark – Wiley 
Hors d’oeuvres on the lawn of the Raptor Center
Stuffed Mushrooms, Chinese Dumpling-style
Peaches and Belletoile Cheese wrapped in Fennel-Peppercorn Salami
Celery Sticks stuffed with Green Chile Pimento Cheese
Fried Green Tomatoes with Chowchow Mayonnaise

Fresco – Chef Jenn DiSanto
Sweet Corn and Chevre Flan with Summer Succotash,
Arugula and Basil Pesto and Za’atar Marinated Prawns

Carr

Chef Carrie Walters

DLM – Carrie Walters
Thai Chilled Melon Soupwith Ginger,
Chili and Fresh Herbs

Roost – Dana Downs
Butter-poached Lobster and Fulton Farm Wild Mushroom Tortelloni with Lemon Burro Bianco Sauce

Wheat Penny – Liz Valenti
Porchetta with Double Corn Polenta and Fresh Fennel and Olive Salad

Ann_Kearney_Rue_Dumaine

Chef Anne Kearney

Seasons –  Doug McGregor
Cheese Course:
Blue Jacket Dairy Feta in a filo cup, drizzled with White Mountain honey
Seasons’ own housemade Rosemary Queso Fresco and heirloom cherry tomatoes with corn tortilla chips
Yellow House Sheep’s Milk Blue Cheese with apples and raspberries

Rue Dumaine – Chef Anne Kearney
Dessert:
Café au lait pot de crème,
bittersweet chocolate ganache,
Mississippi crackle cookie

Enjoy great music, a silent auction, Ohio wine and beer, and close encounters with our education raptors, Glen Helen Naturalists and Director of our Raptor Center, Betty Ross.

End your evening with an exceptional decadent dessert that will melt your senses and send you home with the satisfied feeling that you have indeed made a difference in the rehabilitation and care of Raptor’s at Glen Helen.

Limited seating available, purchase your place at the table for $150 now by visiting www.glenhelen.org or call Ann Simonson at 937-769-1902 ext. 1103.

 

TIFF 2014 – Day #2

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Friday, September 5, 2014

Hello Again,

After getting the tickets I desired for Sunday (which include THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING and MISS JULIE – 2 films I can’t wait to see), I scurried to a screening that I ended up leaving after 20 minutes.  I had been up in the air about seeing it, but when it wasn’t working for me, I decided to scurry across the hall and see GEMMA BOVERY – and I’m glad I did.

GEMMA BOVERY is a modern take on the Flaubert novel MADAME BOVARY (which is next on my list) – but actually based upon a graphic novel by Posy Simmonds (known for her FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD update TAMARA DREWE).  The film was directed by Anne Fontaine  (COCO BEFORE CHANEL), and the male protagonist (NEON regulars will recognize Fabrice Luchini from POTICHE and IN THE HOUSE) is a baker who narrates the film and is quite familiar with the Flaubert novel…in fact he interferes and attempts to change the course of actions for the title character Gemma Bovery (which is close to Emma Bovary).  This might all sound a little confusing, but it’s actually quite fun (despite its melancholy shadow).  Luchini is hysterical, and Gemma Arterton (who plays Gemma Bovery) is sexy and delightful.  (I could see Sony Classics, Cohen Media or Music Box films picking up this film for distribution.)

Sadly, I can’t find a trailer with subtitles…below is all I could find.

Next I saw the latest adaptation of MADAME BOVARY. Like ANNA KARENINA and JANE EYRE, MADAME BOVARY has been translated to film numerous times.  This version stars Mia Wasikowska in the title role, and thoughthe production values are sturdy, I ultimately think it fell a bit flat.  That said, I may be hyper-critical…as I do think there’s an audience that will embrace this adaptation.  For me, Emma never really came to life.  We see her rack up debt, we see her bored in her marriage, we see her flinging herself into affairs, but she never had that spark that really made me care.  I was intrigued enough to stay through the end, but I wasn’t moved to tears.  (Though I’m not trying to draw comparisons, I prefer Huppert & Chabrol.)

Sadly, there is no trailer for yet for this film…but here’s a production still.

madame-bovary

GUIDANCE is the feature directorial debut of Pat Mills (he also stars in it).  In 2009, The Dayton LGBT Film Festival played one of Pat’s hysterical short films – PAT’S FIRST KISS, and I got to meet him here at TIFF a couple weeks before our festival.  I’ve kept up with him over the years, and I was happy I could snag a ticket to the world premiere of his first feature.  This film is about an out-of-work, alcohol-dependent, delusional actor who lies on his application and applies for a job as a high school counselor (he figures he can play the part).  The material is wildly inappropriate (the counselor does vodka shots with students to loosen them up), but there are moments of genuine honesty and tenderness.   This combination creates a rather interesting comedy with some wonderful one-liners.  I’m quite proud of Mills for seeing this project through and for his upcoming distribution deal (it has yet to be announced, but it’s gonna happen).

Now I’m off to bed.  I’ll wake again in less than 6 hours to do it all over again.

More soon.

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan

REVIEW: Hollow, Damaged Soul Play Oddbody’s

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Hollow (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Hollow (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Hollow, Dayton’s tribute to dual era Alice in Chains and Damaged Soul a tribute to the music of Black Sabbath and Ozzy played the newly reopened House of Rock now known as Oddbody’s on Saturday August 23rd. The place slowly filled with local fans and musicians showing up supporting the new venue and showing respect for the stage and appreciation that a long time live music staple was back again.

Alice Cooper probably did it first but Alice in Chains took the name bringing their dark, dismal, murky but incredibly catchy and moody metal from the Seattle rainfall to the world. Vocalist Greg Smith brought the spirit of Layne Staley and the continuing saga of William DuVall to the room with a career spanning set of favorites and obscure tunes from Facelift to The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here.

They started, digging up the Dirt on Them Bones and Dam That River then gave those unfamiliar, the first dose of DuVall era from Black Gives Way to Blue, the deep opening guitar note drag of Check My Brain. The Dirt continues to fall Down in a Hole followed by album mid-number Junkhead. The Dinosaurs return on Stone.

We finally got a loud, uncomfortable Facelift that’s somewhere between Love, Hate, Love sticking around for seconds. We could say it was sloppy but It Ain’t Like That. We got factory sludge in the face then went to Jar of Flies to get cracked open like a Nutshell. They played their namesake tune then went out and snuffed the Rooster, in a Sea of Sorrow.

AIC’s biggest hit was next, and he’s still bur-ied in his s**t. They finished with the instantly recognizable seductive bass line.  If I could Would you? There were no angry chairs and heaven wasn’t beside us but still the goods were delivered.

Damaged Soul (Photo by Mike Ritchie)

Damaged Soul (Photo by Mike Ritchie)

Damaged Soul came up to play two sets from the Sabs and the prince of darkness. They started at the beginning… of Ozzy’s solo career with I Don’t Know. Go backwards to the early days of Paranoid, watching those Fairies Wear Boots in the park. Fast forward to the mid- eighties and relive Ozzy’s silver sparkle jacket and life sized stage Buddha with Shot in the Dark. They went back to Sabbath with a winter’s offering from Vol 4. Snowblind: a type of temporary eye damage caused by snow reflecting UV light, or……

The legendary drum beat began as the guitar dragged/wrenched out the pioneering first notes of Iron Man. Electric Funeral fire flared up next then they finished with the song ‘penned’ about Wards beard and widely interpreted as about the nativity.

They return for set 2 with a happy birthday tribute to Tim and Dimebag Darrell Abbott. Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law. With that in mind they invite in Mr. Crowley. As much as he enjoyed rum soaked tobacco, the Birmingham boys loved their Sweet Leaf. We’re all Believer(s) in Ozzy and the power of metal that compels us. The rest of the band took a break while Tim and bassist Norm Lilly of WTUE took us all through some Changes. We got mixed up in a Suicide Solution of lyrical misunderstanding.  We got the old school version of the walking dead on Children of the Grave. We took a few more hits off the leaf and went Flying High Again just in time to climb aboard the Crazy Train ay, ay, ay, ay… It’s enough to occupy anyone’s brain making them Paranoid.

They finish with the dance of the War Pigs and Kent Martin ends a Damaged Soul show with a damaged guitar string. Crazy, yeah, but that’s how it goes.

Photography by Mike Ritchie 

TIFF 2014 – Day #1

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Mommy-by-xavier-dolan-cannes-posterHello Everyone,

I got back on track rather quickly this morning. After a couple hours of waiting in lines, I still managed to get the tickets I wanted for the next couple days. (Each day, my pass allows me to get 2 tickets for public screenings that occur 2 days later (i.e. on Friday morning, I’ll get 2 tickets for public screenings on Sunday). My pass also allows me to see an unlimited number of screenings that are designated for press & industry.)) After I got my tickets, I went to see a press/industry screening of MOMMY – the Cannes-Award-Winning film from Xavier Dolan.

MOMMY is a film about a volatile teenage boy who has come back home to live with his mother after a stint in a group home. The film’s protagonist – Steve – is a good-looking, foul-mouthed powder keg, and the film is at times truly terrifying.  Dolan’s love of creating music montages (almost music videos within the narrative) is back in full-force with this film.  The film has some very powerful moments and the performances are mostly quite strong – in particular, Dolan favorite Anne Dorval, who plays Steve’s mother.  (Dorval was also in the Dolan films I KILLED MY MOTHER, HEARTBEATS, and LAURENCE ANYWAYS.)  Though I feel the film could still use some trimming (much like I did with LAURENCE ANWAYS), I ultimately think it’s a solid film with some dark Oedipal themes.  The small aspect ratio is also exciting (its such a narrow frame that there’s barely ever room for more than one person in a shot – much like “Mommy’s” life).

After MOMMY, I ran into some folks I know…different people who play a variety of roles in the industry – PR, distribution, press.  It’s fun to just randomly stumble into folks from across the country all in the same place.  I grabbed a bite with a friend from NYC and then I headed to my next P&I screening.

’71 – a period military thriller set in Belfast during a rather scary time – is a tense film with strong performances and great editing.  Though I rarely like films with lots of gun play, I was quickly enamored by the main character.  It’s the story of a British soldier, who during a scuffle with vocal and eventually violent townspeople, is separated from his unit in IRA-controlled territory.  Once his unit discovers that he’s missing, the film becomes a manhunt – both from his fellow soldiers who want to bring him back and from the IRA who want him dead.

For my last screening of the day, I went to the Opening Night Film – THE JUDGE.  This is a film that will open wide (aka – at multiplexes everywhere…not THE NEON).  This was my first time attending Opening Night festivities (Glenn Kiser, a director who visited The Dayton LGBT Film Festival with his short film SABBATICAL, invited me to be his guest).  Director David Dobkin and stars Robert Duvall, Robert Downey Jr., Vera Farmiga, Vincent D’Onofrio and others introduced the film.   It’s the story of a sleek, big city lawyer who returns home to the midWest for the funeral of his mother.  Long-estranged from his father, the trip isn’t meant to last long.  But the revelation that his father has been involved in an accident which resulted in the death of a former defendant has him sticking around to defend his father in court.  For the first 20-30 minutes, I thought I was in for a truly terrible ride…but eventually the film found its sometimes-stable footing and managed to have a few honest, wonderful moments (Duvall was the reason for any of these scenes).  Ultimately, the film is too, too long and full of contrived moments – with lots of terribly underused great actors.

After the film, Glenn and I attended the Opening Night Party.  Hundreds of beautiful, well-dressed people filled the TIFF Bell Lightbox – with music booming, dancers on scaffolding and appetizers and cocktails swirling around the various rooms and levels.  It was fun to people watch for a while, but eventually we left to grab dinner…and I got back to my apartment by 1:30am.  At 6:10am, my alarm will go off and I’ll be running out the door by 6:30.

More tomorrow!

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan

Win Tickets For Human Race’s “Miracle on South Division Street”

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Fans of The Human Race’s 2008 production of Tom Dudzick’s national hit Over the Tavern will rejoice at the regional premiere of the playwright’s “rollicking” Miracle on South Division Street, directed by Human Race Resident Artist Richard E. Hess (Race, Red, Doubt). 60 years ago, Grandpa Nowak had a vision of the Virgin Mary in his Buffalo, New York barbershop and had an unusual statue of her made to commemorate the miracle. For decades, his family has faithfully tended to his quirky shrine—a source of hope and inspiration in an otherwise run-down part of town. That is until a deathbed confession knocks them for a loop in this hilarious hit comedy that proves when it comes to local legends, there’s more than meets the eye.  Opening night  for Miracle on South Division Street  is Friday, September 5.

MOSDS Press Photo 1 - low res

 

Dudzick calls the play a work of “pure fiction, based on a ‘true’ local legend” as he created the Nowak family to explain the unknown origins of an actual 20-foot-tall brick shrine to the Blessed Virgin Mary in Buffalo built many decades ago by a now-deceased local barber. And while the neighborhood around the shrine has fallen into disrepair, a promise from City Hall has spared the shrine from destruction as it is maintained by local residents.

 

 

CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM

Director Hess, a native of Buffalo raised in a large Catholic family, firmly identifies with the blue-collar Nowaks and their devotion to their faith and history. For his four-member Nowak family, he has cast Wendy Barrie-Wilson (All My Sons and Our Town on Broadway) as mother “Clara,” Human Race Resident Artist Jennifer Joplin (Other Desert Cities, God of Carnage) as older daughter “Beverly,” Kyle Nunn (King Lear and The Three Musketeers at Hudson Valley Shakespeare) as son “Jimmy” and Lauren Ashley Carter (Lewis Black’s One Slight Hitch, film Jug Face) as younger daughter “Ruth.” Barrie-Wilson joins Joplin on The Loft Stage for a second time, having costarred in Hess’s 2009 production of Doubt, a Parable. Miracle on South Division Street marks the first appearance with The Human Race for Nunn and Carter, both graduates of University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where Hess was their professor.

 

The scenic designer is Human Race Head Carpenter and Charge Artist Eric Moore (Footloose and The Music Man at the Springfield Summer Arts Festival), making his Loft Stage design debut, the costume designer is Kathie Brookfield (Suessical, Jr. and Annie, Jr. at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati) also with her first design for The Human Race, Resident Artist John Rensel (Play It by Heart, Fiddler on the Roof) is the lighting designer and Brian Retterer (Play It by Heart, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play) is the sound designer. Kay Carver is the production stage manager. Human Race Executive Producer Tara Lail is the show’s producer.

 

Biographies on the cast and creative team can be found on The Human Race Theatre Company’s website.

 

Performance and special event information

For all performances September 4 – 21, single ticket prices are $45 – $35 for adults, $41 – $32 for seniors and $22.50 ­– $17.50 for students. Prices vary depending on the day of the week and seating location. Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more. The Human Race is offering a pair of discount ticket opportunities. Side-area seats are available at all performances for $25 each, on sale two weeks prior to performance. The Sunday, September 7 7:00 p.m. performance is “Sawbuck Sunday”, when any available seat can be purchased in person for just $10 at The Loft Theatre box office two hours prior to the show. Discounts are subject to availability and some restrictions apply.

 

All performances are at the Metropolitan Art Center’s Loft Theatre, located at 126 North Main Street in downtown Dayton, Ohio. Show times for Miracle on South Division Streetare 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday evenings. Performances on Sunday and Tuesday evenings begin at 7:00 pm and at 2:00 pm on Sunday matinees.  “Lite Fare at the Loft” with food and drink provided by Citilites begins in The Loft Theatre lobby at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9. The “While We’re on the Subject” post-show talkback is on Sunday, September 14, immediately following the 2:00 p.m. performance.  Tickets and performance information on Miracle on South Division Street are available at www.humanracetheatre.org or by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630, and at the Schuster Center box office.

 

 

We’ve got 2 pairs of tickets for some lucky DMM readers.  Just “Like’ this post, fill out the entry form below and leave a comment about why you should win tickets to see this show below.

Congrats to ticket winners Harvey & Michael- check your email for info on how to claim your show tickets!

30 Dayton Foods, You Gotta Try Before You Die

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The Chicken Monterey at Flavors

Now that Labor Day weekend is over, here are some of OUR labor of loves.. tastefully speaking, of course.  That is the theme of this week’s Food Adventure Article   They are the 30 best foods of the Miami Valley that you probably haven’t tried.

Little known Dayton Foods that are underground classics.   

Now that you know the skinny, let’s get down and dirty with our Thirty. 

 

These are the are the 30 DAYTON MUST EATS You gotta Try, Before You Die:

1) THE SPLIT FILET SERVED WITH DRAWN BUTTER at THE PARAGON:  This steak isn’t on the menu, so you have to request it.  It is a little known secret that will melt in your mouth.  Perfectly cooked, the sinful act of dipping the steak in drawn butter is something for royalty.  Try it and see why the Paragon Supper Club is a fixture in Centerville.

 

2) CHICKEN MONTEREY from FLAVORS: Healthy meets savory in this dish.  Honestly, one of our favorite meals in the Dayton area.  The food is consistent.  Why? Quality, fresh ingredients.  Chicken Monterey is a solid dish every time.  It is served with a side of tortilla chips and the amazing garlic sauce (now available at Dorothy Lane Market).  And guess what, it is a healthy meal.  What more can you ask for ?

The Caroline Steak, at The Caroline Restaurant in Troy

3) SPRING ROLLS WITH VERMICELLI NOODLES at LITTLE SAIGON:  The best $8 you will ever spend.  Dip into the giant bowl with a pair of chopsticks and enter a Food Adventure.  Vermicelli noodles, topped with diced, vegetarian spring rolls.   Under the noodles, is a surprise of bean sprouts and lettuce.  Served with a side of vinegar sauce and topped with chopped peanuts, this little know Dayton gem is your go to for Vietnamese Food.. Trust Us ….

4) THE CAROLINE STEAK at THE CAROLINE RESTAURANT:  You will be in awe of the special, stainless steel knife served with the meal, but don’t take it home like some others have… Choose the handmade sweet potato fries as a side dish and an appetizer of whiskey or bourbon mushrooms, and this will be one of the best meals you will ever have.  We have to mention that the great staff makes The Caroline a perfect places for a date, party, or special occasion.

5) BLACK BEAN BURGER at CHRISTOPHER’S RESTAURANT: We have never been black bean burger fans, until we met Chef John at the Centerville Farmer’s Market.  We tried one that was being grilled at the market, and was converted.  We respect the black bean now.  The burger is large, hearty and filling.  We recommend adding a slice of cheese.  It satisfies your carnivorous cravings.

6) 10 EGG OMELET FROM TANKS: One of the things we learned growing up in Dayton, is that there aren’t many late night eateries.  Thank God for Tanks.  If you love breakfast, they serve it any time of the day.  This is a delicious omelet that will bust your gut, and you wont eat the potatoes or toast that comes with it.  If you have a normal appetite, we recommend the 6 egg girly omelet.  The omelet has a multitude of ingredients, and whatever Tanks decides to throw in that day.

The Cheese and Onion Sandwich from Central Perc in Oakwood

7) GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH with WHITE CHEDDAR and APRICOT CHUTNEY from MEADOWLARK: One of the most simple sandwiches, is one of the most satisfying.  Ohio Northern Cheddar and apricot chutney make this incredible cheese sandwich.  Served on Dorothy Lane Market Artisan Bread, you have a guaranteed winner here.  After you it it, you will find yourself trying to replicate it at home.  

8) CHEESE AND ONION SANDWICH from CENTRAL PERC:  For the adventurous, we give you a British Sandwich. How do you get one?  Ask the owners who grew up in a small village in England to make it they way they way grew up with..ahem.. the “proper” way.  They will probably throw some butter  and Branston Pickle on there (you may want to google this pickle).  Your breath will be horrendous, but you will be happy.  On a side note, Rosie the pastry chef is insanely talented.  An incredible sandwich and tea room that is open limited hours, and accepts Cash Only.

9) BLACK N BLEU BURGER from SEAJAX: The new kid on the block, this burger is a symphony for your taste buds.  We have been all over like Terry’s Turf Club which was supposed to be the best Ohio burger per Guy Fieri, but we think this one is better.  Spend $8 and get a “corporate hamburger” (thank you Michael R Hawk), or spend $10 and get a handmade hamburger with swirled bleu cheese that will knock your socks off.

Summer in a Bowl Salad from Olive, an Urban Dive

10) THE BOURBON BURGER from BRIXX ICE CO.: This is one of our favorite burgers in the world.  It is a burger with bourbon glaze on it that makes you cry “hell yes.”  Great patio for the divas, but we prefer the bar stool seats and chowing down.  Thanks to childhood friend, owner/chef Chris Bhai for the developing a sauce that makes this burger a “must eat.”

11) HUEVOS RANCHEROS from SUNRISE CAFE:  We crave this incredible breakfast dish from the best kept secret in Yellow Springs.  The dish is corn tortillas, topped with eggs, and a black bean sauce, garnished with fresh salsa and sour cream.  Dont go hiking, instead, grab breakfast here.  They trumpet the fact that they have no deep fryers, no microwaves, just kick butt food.  Worth the trip to organicville.

12) SUMMER IN A BOWL SALAD from OLIVE, an URBAN DIVE:  Local freshness, local ingredients.  We absolutely love it.  If an artist made a salad, it would be “Summer in  a Bowl.”  We can’t put the ingredients on here, because the ingredients are seasonal.  Olive, only uses top quality materials.  Open your mouth and prepare to be dazzled.  It wont bust your budget or your pant line.

 

13) CALAMARI APPETIZER at FRANCO’S: Get the deep fried option dusted with Parmesan cheese and olive oil.  The Big Ragu, the king of fried food, usually says “Oh my god” in a over dramatic tone when they are served.  This is a tradition, when preparing for a big Italian meal at Franco’s.  Stay hungry my friends…The deep fried whole tilapia from Taco Loco

14) THE PAELLA from EL MESON: Watching them prepare it is half of the fun.  Listening to owner Bill Castro explain his passion for food and the pivotal role food plays in life is a great experience in itself.  Chef’s sprinkling rice and seafood shells while walking around the huge paella pan and flirting with the crowd.  By the time the dish is served we have teased our eyes and the aroma is amazing.  We love this family and their food.  Try this place out, if you haven’t, you aren’t experiencing Dayton.  

15) WHOLE, DEEP FRIED TILAPIA at TACO LOCO:  You can go to another restaurant and get this dish for $30 or you can get it for $8 at Taco Loco.  The dish that will freak your friends out, but leave you one happy foodie.  If you can stomach a whole fish on your plate looking at you, then this one is worth the stares… literally.  It is delicious and simple.

16) THE GRILLED PEACHES with GOAT CHEESE at LILY’s BISTRO: A seasonal treat that should be on the menu every month.  A stellar dish that steals the show at any meal.  Drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette dressing, this memorable side will blow your mind.  Thank you Lily’s for making us crave this on a daily basis….

Sweeney's Seafood House has the Best Raw Oysters in the USA !

Sweeney’s Seafood House has the Best Raw Oysters in the USA. Click to enlarge

17) THE RAW OYSTERS at SWEENEY’s SEAFOOD HOUSE:  The Big Ragu has tried oysters from coast to coast and north to south.  He concludes that the best raw oysters on the planet are at Sweeney’s Seafood.  Served on the half shell, these are chokers, not for the squeamish.  Grab a bottle of hot sauce and one of their micro brews and sling em back like a champ!

18) SPINOZIAN DELUXE PIZZA from SPINOZA’S: Homemade, fresh dough with Italian sausage, pepperoni, black olives, bell peppers,mushrooms and fontina cheese.  The pizza is always good here.  The crust is exceptional.  Pair it with one of their great salads and listen to a live band and sip on some local beer.  Not many people know about this place, but the ones that do, love it!

19) THE LAND AND SEA BLT at HARVEST MOBILE FOOD TRUCK:  This sandwich kick so much azz, that it won $10,000 for best dish at a Food Truck Rally.  Applewood bacon, smoked salmon and a ciabatta roll.  Then Harvest adds a sauce that is the money shot.     Follow this truck and see why poeple track them down all over town.  Chef Patrick continues to blow us away with cluinary creations.

 20) LOX & CHEESE CREPE at CREPE BOHEME: An ingredient list so simple, so good.  Salmon, capers and cheese all wrapped into a handmade crepe right before your eyes.  One of the reason we go to 2nd St. Market is to savor the crepes at Crepe Boheme.  Sabine is the ultimate crepe master, and her works of art will never let you down.  This is the real deal, a chef making the crepes.

21) THE PARIS OMELET at BUTTER CAFE: Love breakfast?  Love mushrooms? We suggest a spin using egg whites, goat cheese, a bit of onion and lot of mushrooms.  You haven’t lived until you take a bite of this omelet while overlooking Brown Street.  Guess what?  It is affordable and a protein powered breakfast.

The Ruck Sandwich from Dublin Pub

22) SHRIMP and SCALLOP NEWBURG at THE DOCK:  A creamy alfredo dish, with penne pasta.  This is like a pasta bake.  It is rich and delicious.  Can’t afford a trip to Florida?  Escape to The Dock in Enon and buy yourself a dinner dream, just like being on a pier.

23) THE RUCK from THE DUBLIN PUB: This is a dense beef brisket sandwich that is simply incredible.  The brisket is steamed in Guinness Beer. Topped with glob of cheese and onions, it is delicious.  It is a filling, guilty pleasure.  After eating this, you may want to call Richard Simmons to chase you around the yard in his ball hugging shorts and burn off the calories.  Or go hiking for his physique.

24) THE GYRO at CHICAGO GYRO’S and DOGS: Forget the fries, the sandwich is all you need. Loaded with meat, perfectly seasoned, it is a master piece as-is.  The atmosphere used to be sketchy at the old location, but the new location is kid friendly.  The gyros and dogs are still the same .. good food.  This place flies under the radar, and is an unsung Gyro..get it ?

Cow Patty Ice Cream even cures PMS.. that’s no Bull !

 25) DEL MAR TRIO at EL RANCHO GRANDE:  Want a great dish, at an unsuspecting place?  The order the Del Mar Trio at El Rancho Grande.  It consists of grilled lobster, tilapia and shrimp sprinkled with cheese on a hot fajita plate.  Served with tortillas.  Orgasmic.. yeah we said it..  Order one of these dishes and tell us we’re wrong.

 26) COW PATTY ICE CREAM from YOUNG’S JERSEY DAIRY:  We love this chocolate amazingness, and our friend Caryn Snyder says it is “the ultimate cure for PMS.”  It is dark chocolate ice cream, chocolate cookie pieces, chocolate covered toffee pieces and mini chocolate chips.  The cones are piled high and worth the drive to hippie Utopia.

27) THE PIZZA at SOFT ROCK CAFE: Yes, a karaoke bar has some decent pizza.  We don’t know if it is the thin crust, the cheese, or the toppings, but the pizza is addicting.  Our tip is to get at least 3 or more toppings, and try not to burn your mouth, the pies come out HOT!   Also, *** please note their kitchen is only open Thursday through Saturday at 8pm for weekend indulgence.

28) FISH WITH CHILI SAUCE at THAI9: This huge filet of golden fried fish is topped with a spicy chili sauce, and plated with a small amount of sauteed veggies.  The taste is slightly fiery and incredible.   The chili oil soaks into the fish, yielding the flavor, but keeping the crispiness.  A little known dish, off the beaten path, at a restaurant with a very extensive menu. Try it !

The Greatest Soft Pretzels EVER are at K & R Pretzel Bakery on Flesher St.

29) THE PLAYBOY ROLL at KABUKI:  Nothing says fun like a couple of grown adults trying to blow out a flaming sushi roll.  The roll contains Shrimp Tempura, Spicy tuna, and asparagus topped with cooked shrimp and a sweet glaze sauce.  It is then “barbecued” at your table, by being served on fire, inside an aluminum pouch.  The spectacle is one thing, but the best thing is whats inside the fiery roll of foil.  The answer is a scrumptious taste of Japan, right here in Dayton.

30) THE PRETZELS from K&R PRETZEL BAKERY:  These should be a Dayton Icon, but not many people know of this secret place at 1700 Flesher Ave.  Like a scene from Willy Wonka, the pretzel machine is fed a hand twisted raw dough pretzel, the dough is mechanically dipped in water, then hand salted before it is baked on a conveyor belt.  The machine is as long as a limousine, and it is fun watching the finished product come out at the end.  It is even more fun to eat the results:  A soft pretzel, that is the best we’ve tasted.

These are our 30 DAYTON MUST EATS, You gotta try before you die.  Little known secrets, and favorite hidden gems.   DID WE LEAVE OUT ONE OF YOUR FAVES?  WHICH ONE?  Is there one on the list you disagree with?  Are some of these items, your favorite too?  Please comment below!

Please check out our gallery below and “like us on FACEBOOK HERE !  We have some big things coming up this fall !  Hungry Jax, Chef House and the Big Ragu thank you !

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