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Archives for December 2014

‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ Review – Sinclair Community College – Holiday Joy

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One of the finest seasons at Sinclair Community College continues with an absolutely adorable local premiere of “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Eric Schaeffer’s enjoyably by-the-book adaptation of Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson’s funny, meaningful and touching 1965 Emmy Award-winning holiday cartoon of the same name by “Peanuts” creator Charles M. Schulz.

You know the drill. Charlie Brown, bothered and bewildered as ever, can’t seem to get into the holiday spirit because he feels the season has become too commercial. He even turns to his ever-reliable therapist Lucy (a.k.a. the Christmas Queen) for help. But everything changes when Lucy pulls Charlie out of his doldrums by asking him to direct the school play. He unfortunately takes his plum assignment too seriously, but ultimately comes to understand the true meaning of Christmas thanks to the Gospel of Luke and a peculiar tree in need of a little love.

woodyasCB

Woody Hieb as Charlie Brown in Sinclair Community College’s production of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” (Contributed photo by Patti Celek)

Director Gina Kleesattel, with impressive assistance from scenic designer Terry Stump, costumer Kathleen Hotmer and lighting designer Gina Neuerer, terrifically brings the cartoon to life in 30 swift minutes with the same playfulness and vibrancy we’ve grown accustomed for generations. Her totally engaging 11-member cast has carefully studied their animated predecessors to the tee. In fact, try not to smile when these committed actors, choreographed by Rodney Veal, dance in classic “Peanuts” fashion to Vince Guaraldi’s toe-tapping “Linus and Lucy” complete with overgrown bass for Pig Pen. Even so, the cast doesn’t merely take the stage as copycats. Although their dialogue and actions may be familiar, they’re still able to find a path into these relatable if occasionally snarky characters and make them their own whether overtly or with gentle, humorous nuance.

The very endearing Woody Hieb brings great honesty and sensitivity to worrisome Charlie, whose reflective journey remains impactful. Audience favorite A.J. Breslin displays outstanding physicality and comedic timing as colorful, energetic and mischievous Snoopy. Anna Sheldon is fittingly sharp and sassy as bratty Lucy. As the kindhearted Linus, Greyson Calvert specifically injects warmth and tenderness into the aforementioned biblical recitation, the poignant hallmark of the cartoon and this production. Matt Poliachik (Pig Pen), Sade Oyeyemi (Frieda), Austin DeVaughn (Schroeder), Sha-Lamar Davis (Violet), Haven Bradem (Sally), Rebecca Henry (Patty), and Naman Clark (Shermy) distinctively connect to their roles with personable flavor. DeVaughn in particular hilariously glares at Sheldon when Schroeder becomes exasperated with Lucy’s inability to correctly identify Christmas carols.
After nearly 50 years, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” delightfully concluding with wintry atmospherics and sing-a-long, still resonates as a charming look at the power of friendship and goodwill.

 

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” continues through Dec. 20 in Blair Hall Theatre, Building 2, of Sinclair Community College, 444 W. Third St., Dayton. Performances are Friday at 7 p.m., and Saturday at 2, 4 and 7 p.m. The production is performed in 30 minutes. Tickets are $8. For tickets or more information, call (937) 512-2808 or visit www.sinclair.edu/tickets. Also, a special “shadowing” ASL performance is slated for the Friday performance (interpreters follow actors onstage while interpreting instead of being located off to the side of the action); In addition, Sinclair’s regular house policy stating “no children under 6” has been lifted for the show’s run.

Restaurants Open On Christmas Day

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url-1For all those folks who may not celebrate Christmas, or just don’t want to cook that day, there are indeed a few restaurants that will be open for your dining pleasure.  Of course you can always dine at Waffle House- they never close, but no matter where you dine out, please remember that the staff of these places have given up their holiday to serve you, so please tip generously, as working on a holiday is never fun, but should at least be profitable for those away from their families.

As always, if you know of a place we missed, feel free to add it in the comments

Amar India Restaurant      (937) 439-9005
2759 Miamisburg Centerville Road
1 – 7pm

 

Dad’s Family Restaurant     (513) 423-0022
3131 S. Main St., Middletown
7am – 9pm

CJ Chan     937-259-9866
536 Wilmington Ave. Dayton, OH 45420
10:30am – 10pm

 

Fairborn Family Diner & Restaurant     (937) 879-9454
419 N. Broad St.
7am – 7pm

 

Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet       937-643-3333
1760 E Stroop Rd   Kettering, OH 45429
11am – 7pm

 

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks     (937) 431-9200
4429 Cedar Park Drive (at The Greene) Beavercreek, OH 45440
10am – 9pm

 

Neil’s Heritage House      (937) 298-86111
2323 West Schantz Avenue, Dayton OH
3 -7pm

 

Shen’s Szechuan & Sushi      (937) 898-3860
7580 Poe Ave Dayton, OH 45414
11am – 10pm

 

TGI Fridays    
2022 Miamisburg Centerville Road  Washington Township   (937) 439-3743
2799 Centre Drive, Fairborn     (937)429-0019
7777 Old Troy Pike,  Huber Heights (937) 236-3200
3pm – 11pm

 

Fricker’s
7 Area Locations
5pm – 2am

Merry Shish-mas ! Who wants a $20 gift Card to Shish Wraps?

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You Spin Meat, Right Round Baby right Round, like a record baby, right round, round round

Twas the night before Shish-mas, and all through the house, stomachs were growling, even your spouse.  The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that Shish Wraps Gift Cards, soon would be there.

Food Adventures has your chance to win a $20 Gift Card to Shish Wraps, and check out their fairly new menu.   All you have to do is comment on the story below to be entered in the contest. A winner will be drawn next week at random.

Shish Wraps took a hiatus earlier this year to completely revamp their menu.  We took this opportunity to write another article about one of our most beloved Dayton places.  A second helping of shish for you all, if you will.

They have stayed true to the traditional essence of their food, keeping old favorites and expanding the Mediterranean choices to include more delicious items.

 

 

 

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

The Gyro meat is freshly shaved, like Big Ragu’s back

— Shish Wraps restaurant is located at 1200 Brown Street near the University of Dayton.  It is owned by 2 brothers Simon and Tony Abboud, who are Univ. of Dayton graduates who grew up in Centerville.

— The food is fresh and practically everything is made from scratch, from the sauces to the hummus.  We are talking the real deal here, with freshness you can taste in every bite.  Along with freshness, they promote healthy eats.

— There are now 2 ways the meats are cooked at Shish Wraps:

        1) On a spindle called a vertical broiler.  This is how the gyros and shawarma are cooked

        2) Over flame, on rotating kabob skewers for a char-grilled taste.  This is how the Chicken Kebobs and Kafta (ground beef strips) are cooked.

— Affordable cuisine, with meals averaging 6 to 8 bucks.

 

MUST EATS: 

SHISH HAPPENS at Food Adventures: The King, Shish owner Simon, and Hungry Jax

— CHICKEN SHAWARMA:  This is the wrap that hooked Hungry Jax on Shish.  The chicken breasts are marinated for 24 hours with 7 secret spices.  It is then stacked on the vertical cooker and away we go …  When someone orders this wrap, they freshly shave the meat off of the rotating spindle.  The wrap is filled with french fries, pickles and more.  Simon tells us this is the traditional way they eat it in the Middle East.  Not only do we love eating it too, we just like saying the word shawarma, .. shawarma,… shawarma, sha, warm, a…  Little drummer boy, if you are going to bang the independent restaurant drum, come here instead of eating that dark meat chicken mix crap at Chipotle every week.  No rice filler, just good shawarma.

 

— TRADITIONAL GYRO:  Freshly shaved gyro lamb meat, off the spindle is the main muscle for this sandwich. Served in a traditional gyro pita, with tomatoes, onions and house tzatziki sauce.  Filling and addicting, this flavor packed gyro has a future brighter that Rudolph’s nose.  The King loved his so much, he is craving another one now !  For those who are fowl fans, the chicken gyro is almost as amazing.

 

Baba Ganoush, All I Want For Shish-mas … is You !

— HOUSE MADE HUMMUS: Only 4 ingredients in this hummus.  The biggest ingredient is crushed chick peas.  This is real authentic hummus.  Shish owner, Simon tells us the store bought stuff is flavored so much, and so much junk is added, it isnt even hummus anymore.  Stick with the expert.  Try this appetizer, that is light and airy like Santa’s sleigh across the winter sky.  An appetizer that is simple, yet authentic.

 

— BABA GANOUSH: The base is pureed eggplant and Big Ragu’s favorite.  Trust us, it is beyond amazing.  It is a smoky, hummus like dip, served cold or at room temperature.   The appetizer is accompanied with pita chips. This is another item at Shish Wraps that we like to say as much as we love to eat, especially while watching Wedding Crashers.. or A Christmas Story.  Baba Ganoush, ba ba gaaa noush

 

— SHISH CRISPS: Deep fried pita chips, tossed in cinnamon and sugar.  Right now they are served plain, but they are toying with serving them drizzled in a caramel sauce, or side of chocolate dipping sauce.  Stay tuned for improvements on this delicious dessert.

 

We also have to stress that the staff is friendly, helpful and informative on the nutritional value of the ingredients.  A big thanks to Simon Abboud who is always welcoming when we visit.

Honorable Mention Foods:  Tabouli – a healthy choice of parsley dashed in olive oil and garlic, that is freshly chopped in-house.  Spices right off the vine, and no canned tomatoes here!  It is seasoned with the perfect amount of lemon juice.

Click to enlarge this juicy Kafta, cooking on an open flame

The Kafta Plate – Kafta roasting on an open flame, Jack Frost nipping at your nose.  Served with 2 sides, it is delicious.  Or try Kafta Wrap which is pretty much a beef shawarma, with a kafta beek link for the meat.  Deliciousness on the go.

Speaking of which, it is time for us to go, but before we do….

 

Chef House, The King, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu wish you and your family a safe and wonderful holiday season….

And the Food Adventurers exclaimed as they drove out of sight “Merry Shish-mas to all, and to all a good bite !”

 

Sink your teeth into more Food Adventures HERE ON FACEBOOK !

Check out our photos below from our many trips to Shish Wraps.. If you havent been there, you gotta try it, you won’t believe this shish …

[flagallery gid=126]

Tea and Scones in Belmont

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dawnDawn Thomas has always dreamed of having a tea room.  Earlier this month, that dream became reality.

She has created a place that Dawn believes “is a perfect place for celebrations, classes and the exchange of ideas, dreams and laughter. I hope to involve a ‘community’ of people  that frequent my small business.”

Located at 100 Watervliet Avenue in Belmont, CommuniTea can host about 30 people for lunch, dessert  or just tea.  The cozy eatery is just the right place to host a book club, bridal shower or just have high tea.  They serve soups, salads and cold sandwiches and Thomas is especially proud of their homemade sconces with are served with homemade 3 berry jam and  imported authentic clotted cream.  Enjoy their daily lunch special for $9.95, which includes soup du jour, a small salad or sandwich and a pot of tea.

If you prefer to visit for HIGH TEA , you’ll get the more traditional service of a 3 tiered display brought to your table which will includeafternoon-tea-at-mrs

Savories – Tiny pimento cheese, chicken salad or cucumber and dill  sandwiches

Scones – Served with housemade 3 berry jam and imported clotted cream

Pastries – Cakes, cookies, shortbread and sweets

 and of course a bottomless pot of tea.  High tea runs $14.95/person and Dawn shared that she is running a holiday special, you can purchase a gift card for high tea for two for $25.     Dawn shared with us that also special in children’s birthday parties, where small groups of  8-10 children, and a special party hostess can have a princess, ballerina or Frozen themed tea party.  But she is also quick to share that other than the children’s parties, which are held in a separate room, children are welcome, but each child must be accompanied by an adult, which with the china and hot tea around, makes perfect sense .

tea

Open Tues through Friday from 11am – 4pm and will stay open until 7pm on Thursday’s and from 11am -3pm on Saturday.    Look for the addition of some special events like spa night, which may include herbal teas, and 10 minute head and neck massages as well as some craft and painting classes to be announced.

DaytonDining will be featuring a giveaway to Comunitea in our 12 Days of Giving soon, so keep an eye on our facebook page.

WILD – Starring Reese Witherspoon – Opens Friday + More About IMITATION GAME, TOMMY LEE JONES Yogananda & More

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wild-reese-witherspoonHello Everyone,

We’re going to end the year at THE NEON with some very high profile films. On Friday, we will open WILD – the new film based on the #1 Bestseller by Cheryl Strayed. I saw this film in Toronto, and I immediately knew that Witherspoon would receive nominations galore for this role. She’s a shoe-in for an Oscar nomination! Next Thursday (Dec. 25), we will open THE IMITATION GAME – a film that was on the top of the list to see in Toronto. This is one that will undoubtedly get a “Best Picture” nomination. It’s a really terrific film, and I know Daytonians are going to love it!

If you still need to see THE HOMESMAN (starring Hilary Swank and Tommy Lee Jones – directed by Jones) or THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING (do not miss Eddie Redmayne in this incredible performance), they will stick around until Wednesday, Dec. 24! And due to high demand, we are playing AWAKE: THE LIFE OF YOGANANDA two more times this weekend (Friday and Sunday only).

Remaining showtimes for this current week can be found on our website at www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for WILD: “After years of reckless behavior, a heroin addiction, and the destruction of her marriage, Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) makes a rash decision. Haunted by memories of her mother Bobbi (Laura Dern) and with absolutely no experience, she sets out to hike more than a thousand miles on the Pacific Crest Trail all on her own.” (taken from Fox Searchlight) Reese Witherspoon is absolutely incredible in this film. WILD was directed by Jean-Marc Vallee – director of DALLAS BUYERS CLUB. Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

To read more about AWAKE: THE LIFE OF YODANANDA, click on this LINK.

The Annual Family Holiday Film Series, presented by The Dayton Holiday Festival, The Downtown Dayton Partnership, Channel 99.9 and THE NEON, only has one film left. Admission is FREE for kids 12 & under and only $2 for general admission. The Cary Grant classic THE BISHOP’S WIFE will play this Saturday, December 20 at Noon. Tickets will only be available starting 45 minutes before each screening, and children must be present in order to claim free tickets.

KRW Cycles is attempting to bring another motorcycle-inspired film to town. “ON ANY SUNDAY: THE NEXT CHAPTER is an exploration into the pursuit of excitement, passion and life in the two-wheeled world of motorcycle riding. Experiences that are as relatable to a rider as a day with friends, others that explore human triumph and overcoming fear, and some which occur once in a lifetime. One moment of riding a motorcycle – On Any Sunday.Critically acclaimed director Dana Brown (“Step Into Liquid” and “Dust to Glory”) teams up with his father, Academy Award Nominee Bruce Brown (“The Endless Summer” and “On Any Sunday”) to journey deeper into the humanity, thrills and excitement of the global culture of motorcycle riding; those who are bonded by their passion for the race, the love of family and friendship, and on a deeper level – their quest for the thrill of the next ride.” This is a tugg event. The movie is scheduled to screen on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 7:30. If not enough reservations are made by Jan. 2, the event will be cancelled. Visit this LINK to reserve your ticket.

Don’t forget that we sell gift certificates in $5 and $10 denominations at our box office. They make perfect holiday gifts for the film lovers in your life…or for people who have never experienced THE NEON. Diana also ordered some delicious 2-pack biscotti from Tastes of Nostalgia – they’d make a perfectly sweet pairing to our certificates.

Thank you for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Dec. 19 – Wednesday, Dec. 24:
Please note: These showtimes are only good until Wednesday!
A New Schedule (due to the holiday) Will Begin on Dec. 25!

THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING (PG-13) 2 Hr 3 Min
Friday & Saturday: 5:00, 9:55
Sunday: 5:00
Monday – Wednesday: 5:30
Final Day – Dec. 24!

THE HOMESMAN (R) 2 Hrs 2 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:30, 7:30
Monday – Wednesday: 3:00, 8:00
Final Day – Dec. 24!

WILD (R) 1 Hr 55 Min
Friday, Saturday: 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:45
Sunday: 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15
Monday – Wednesday: 2:45, 5:15, 7:45

THE BISHOP’S WIFE (NR) 1 Hr 49 Min
Saturday: Noon

AWAKE: THE LIFE OF YOGANANDA (PG) 1 Hr 27 Min
Friday & Sunday: 12:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Dec. 25 – THE IMITATION GAME
Jan. 9 or 16 – FOXCATCHER
TBD – FORCE MAJEURE
TBD – MR. TURNER
TBD – STILL ALICE
TBD – OSCAR SHORTS
TBD – TWO DAYS ONE NIGHT
TBD – LEVIATHAN
TBD – THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

‘The Breakfast Club’ Review – Playground Theatre – This Is Our Youth

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Playground Theatre arrives on the local arts scene with an entertaining, emotionally honest production of John Hughes’ iconic 1985 dramedy “The Breakfast Club” at Rosewood Arts Centre.
Breezily directed in vignette style by co-founder/artistic director Jenna Burnette, who also adapts the witty if dated script, “Breakfast Club” grabs hold without letting go because it remarkably mirrors our own lives in its thought-provoking message of tolerance. This delightfully funny and occasionally poignant character study of teenage stereotypes circa 1984 provides an engaging, soul-searching opportunity to look back at our youth. It allows us to question who we were and perhaps what we could have done differently when meeting others whose appearance, views or personality were vastly different than ours.

breakfast club

Photo caption Playground Theatre’s production of “The Breakfast Club” features (top row l to r) Titus Wolverton, Jason Antonick, Christopher Hahn, (front row l to r) Lisa Glover, Timothy Walling-Moore, and Kirsten Johnson (Contributed photo)

Symbolically bound together during a nonchalant Saturday detention at Shermer High School overseen by Assistant Principal Richard Vernon (Jason Antonick, fittingly stern and agitated) with occasional assistance from trusty janitor Carl Reed (Rick Burnette, amiably observant), outspoken rebel John Bender (co-founder/artistic director Christopher Hahn), popular and privileged Claire Standish (Lisa Glover), brainy Brian Johnson (Timothy Walling-Moore), athletic Andrew Clark (Titus Wolverton), and oddball Allison Reynolds (Kirsten Johnson) despise and disagree until they realize how much they have in common from peer pressure to family dysfunction. It’s no surprise how fast they release their emotional baggage, but Hughes, a master of adolescent angst, absolutely understood that each character’s evolution was paramount. The feeling of not living up to their true potential, the constant search for acceptance, or better yet, the inability to become their own person due to parental expectations become key concerns, especially as this fascinating group attempts to gel in their pursuit of maturing into well-rounded, confident individuals with a better understanding of their purpose.
Burnette, who makes fine use of the space and often refreshingly brings the action right into the audience, quickly establishes a nostalgic tone (“Don’t You Forget About Me” opens the show). However, there are times when she sticks too closely to the film. Although I specifically like her handling of the gang’s humorous hallway chase, Bender’s gym confrontation with Vernon in particular is an exact replica right down to the fake throws and basketball roll. By and large, more originality would have been greatly beneficial throughout. Even so, her direction is firmer in the quieter, reflective moments when character development takes precedence.

Burnette’s principals are uniformly terrific. Hahn, displaying intimidating bravado, purposefully commands attention with overbearing arrogance, but doesn’t discount the vulnerability permeating within Bender’s dark despair and hopelessness. Glover, pretty in pink, strongly breaks Claire’s emotional shell when she opens up about her isolation and mindless social circle. Wolverton, tough yet approachable, is compelling during Andrew’s confession of bullying a classmate in a locker room simply to please his father. The wonderfully pleasant Walling-Moore charms with comedic timing. Johnson, a newcomer who delivers a sharply kooky breakthrough performance, notably shines when Allison confronts Andrew about his shortcomings and ultimately admits the pain of being ignored by her parents.
Thanks to its enjoyable debut, Playground Theatre is a company to watch.

 

“The Breakfast Club” continues through Dec. 20 at Rosewood Arts Centre, 2655 Olson Dr., Kettering. Performances are Thursday at 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. The show is performed in 75 minutes without intermission. Playground Theatre is asking for a $10 suggested donation at the door. For more information, visit www.theplaygroundtheatre.org. Patrons are advised the production contains adult language and themes.

Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle In Town Friday

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page-photo-274445Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle is a Cincinnati based, 4 piece Americana/Folk band that blends the tradition of heroes like Woody Guthrie and Mississippi John Hurt w/ contemporary flavor. In its short existence, the band has grown its fan base by getting out in front of folks.  Whether it’s the great variety of local shows or their regional touring, they always bring high energy onto every stage on which they perform.

Buffalo Wabs (aka Matt Wabnitz) spearheads this group, playing guitar and taking most of the vocal duties. Casey Campbell,Ian Mathieu, and Scott Risner comprise The Price Hill Hustle side of the equation. The group is deeply rooted in the tradition of Old Time pioneers; however, the energy they bring to a live performance could burn down the rowdiest honky-tonk in town.

 

Presidential Proclamation — Wright Brothers Day, 2014

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WRIGHT BROTHERS DAY, 2014

——-

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATIONOrville-and-Wilbur

The United States has always been a land of exploration and innovation. Determined to build a Nation where all things were possible, our country’s Founders crossed a vast ocean and launched an improbable experiment in democracy. Early pioneers pushed west across sweeping plains. Dreamers toiled with hearts and hands to build cities, lay railroads, and power an automobile revolution. And on December 17, 1903, two brothers from Dayton, Ohio, would write their own chapter in America’s long history of discovery and achievement.

After years of painstaking research and careful engineering, Orville and Wilbur Wright accomplished what was once unthinkable: the world’s first powered flight. Above the sand dunes of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, they revolutionized modern transportation and extended the reach of humanity. Their inspiring feat opened the door to more than a century of progress and helped spark a new era of economic growth and prosperity. Today, we celebrate those 12 seconds of flight that changed the course of human events, and the determination and perseverance that made that moment possible.

America has always succeeded because as a Nation, we refuse to stand still. As heirs to this proud legacy of risk takers and dreamers who imagined the world as it could be, we must constantly work to empower the next generation of inventors and entrepreneurs. That is why my Administration is investing in programs that encourage science, technology, engineering, and math education, especially for traditionally underrepresented groups. And we are fighting to ensure that innovators and startups have the resources and opportunities they need to build the future they seek.

urlOur Nation brought the world everything from the light bulb to the Internet, and today — in laboratories and classrooms across America — our scientists and students carry forward this tradition as they work to develop new sources of energy and code the computer programs of tomorrow. Less than seven decades after Orville and Wilbur’s flying machine lifted into the air, American ingenuity brought us to Tranquility Base — and as the lunar module touched down on the surface of the Moon, it carried with it pieces of the brothers’ historic airplane. Today, the Wright brothers’ spirit lives on in the aspirations of a resolute people — to cure disease, walk on distant planets, and solve the biggest challenges of our time.

On Wright Brothers Day, we lift up the scientists, entrepreneurs, inventors, builders, and doers of today, and all those who reach for the future. Let us recommit to harnessing the passion and creativity of every person who works hard in America and leading the world through another century of discovery.

The Congress, by a joint resolution approved December 17, 1963, as amended (77 Stat. 402; 36 U.S.C. 143), has designated December 17 of each year as “Wright Brothers Day” and has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation inviting the people of the United States to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 17, 2014, as Wright Brothers Day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.

BARACK OBAMA

REVIEW: Bobaflex Rocks Oddbody’s

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They avoided or skipped the chaos of Black Friday in Dayton this year but West Virginia’s hardest working band Bobaflex brought the diesel fumed rock as only they could as the black leathered bad men hit the Dayton stage once again on Saturday December 5th.

Desalitt (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Desalitt (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Locals Desalitt brought a unique blend of grunge, punk and metal, and the long haired/dreadlocked blokes from across the sea October Rage brought their version of hard rock bordering on metal to the heartland.

Created in 2008 in Xenia, Desalitt plays rock with a grungy metal twist. They played a few originals with heavy covers mixed in. The dual vocals of the leather and spiked clad, green haired, mic fisted in your face Shug played a nice opposite to the ‘calm, long sleeved but not flannel, and collected’ guitar playing “more serious” Greg Crawford. A ten song set of originals and covers included a mix and match of punk, rock and grunge as the “Bodies” hit the floor. They had a little bit of rage to get out before the Aussie’s had their turn with “Bulls on Parade.” It was time to Take a Look in the Mirror with Korn “Right Now.”  Original “Broken Strings” carried a melancholy atmospheric mood in the guitars with a mix of Scott Stapp and Scott Weiland vocals. “Insane” had a swampy guitar attitude digging deep into the Sabbath blues. “Want Me to Be” had Eddie Vedder invading on vocals with Pearl Jam’s angst riddled creed behind him.

Dubbed one of the “hardest working bands in rock” on their seven month USA Outrage Tour racking up over 70,000 miles and 120 shows traveling across the country spreading their October Rage to America, the brother’s and co. have brought their metal tinged Aussie rock to Yankee ears.

Formed by brothers Nick (vocals, guitar) and William (bass) Roberts in late 2008, they’re from the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia and quickly gained notoriety supporting Bon Jovi on their Circle Tour at sold out shows in Sydney.

With their 2011 debut Outrage and this year’s Fallout, Dust and Guns release under their belts they’ve played with Steel Panther, Saliva, Sevendust among others.

Bobaflex (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Bobaflex (photo by Mike Ritchie)

The rage began with “Wayside” with Nick and William’s hair and locks flying around the stage like Rob Zombie whiplashing the post at a roadhouse back porch witch burning. “Valkyrie” hits a little harder with some dirt under the wheel riding by with rebel thunder. Beware of the “White Walkers,” you can feel them “Coming in the Air Tonight.” They add in a little acoustic charm with the rock on “Silver Line” floating close to Skillet territory and ‘dangerously’ close to Nickelback. They turn the rock back up on “Set You Free” finishing with the slow bluesy sing along “Reign of Fire”, adding a bit of Skynyrd to the mid-section jam, prompting a lighter tribute, once thought extinct in the era of the cell phone glow.

With hell in their hearts the men in leather and black started with “Low Life.” It was George Thorogood on steroids as they cruised down the “Chemical Valley” screaming loud and proud before crashing and burning with style with the help of some sweet liquid sin. Charlatan’s deadly venom made its first appearance with the loving neck caress of “Strangle You.” The camera does strange things to the “Pretty Little Things” next door. Sweet and innocent turned addicted media queen. From all of us to you, with true sincerity, “I’m Glad you’re Dead.” Can’t you hear me laughing as I dance on your grave? Break out the bubbly.

The life of the trailer park says come back to me but the pleasures and excess of touring say never. It’s so hard to resist the seductive sharp kiss of the “Vampire.” She’s a blood boiler, life sucker. Exorcise her demons with the back of your hand, “Bad Man.” Simon and Garfunkel along with Depeche Mode enjoy “The Sound of Silence.” Bringing a bit of the 60’s hippie folk vibe rocked up with some guitar rev.

They’re losing their minds on motor fuel, decibels and live octane doing it on stage their way. Don’t fall in love and get hurt, they just want a meaningful one night romance, enough time for a “Rogue” dance. They brought the hands up with the ultimate West Virginian rebel rouser anthem. Members of Desalitt and October Rage came out to jam the way any road weathered rock star wants to go out. Die with your boots on so they’ll “Bury Me with My Guns On.” Hey!  Sending the crowd home happy, they encored with an attitude on “Better than Me.”

www.theofficialbobaflex.com

www.oddbodys.com

 

Jackie O’s Tap Takeover Wed at Fifth Street Brewpub

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JackieOs_Tap_Takeover-300x388A fire on Nov 16th  on Union Street in Athens damaged a host of businesses, including the Union Bar & Grill and Jackie O’s Public House. Other businesses damaged or destroyed include the women’s clothing store Kismet, a real-estate office, Campus Sundry, Smoke Zone Smoke Shop, all on Union between Court and Congress streets.

Most of the affected businesses were in buildings built around 1900, according to the Athens County auditor’s website. Three of the burned buildings included student apartments.

Heather Thornton, human resources director for Jackie O’s, said the staff was planning to open the Brew House as soon as possible, though restoration emergency cleaners ServPro had been clearing the area for smoke damage a day before.  Roughly 20 servers had to be laid off with the closure of the Public House, she said.

Luckily, Jackie O’s production brewery is several block away in downtown Athens. So, Mystic Mama IPA, Firefly Amber Ale and Chomolungma will still be flowing to customers throughout the state.

Fifth Street Brewpub is hosting a Jackie O’s Tap Takeover starting at 4pm on Wed, Dec 17th . Join them for a night of outpouring support! The FSB community is coming together on December 17th to help the Athens community recover, and we’re going to do it one beer and raffle at a time. $1 of every Jackie O’s sold will be donated to the Athens Union Street Fire Employees Relief Fund in addition to all raffle proceeds. *A Grand Raffle will offer several collections of highly sought-after craft beers generously donated by the Dayton Community *A Supporting Raffle will offer various craft beer related items. *Tickets available at FSB. Need not be present to win. Cash donations to the Relief Fund may also be made at FSB.

Beers on Tap will be:IMG_3973-480x360

Jackie O’s Bourbon Barrel Brick Kiln Barleywine
Jackie O’s Dark Apparition
Jackie O’s Really Nelson IPA
Jackie O’s Barking Pumpkin
Jackie O’s Mystic Mama IPA

Join The Massive Mob of Santas on Bikes

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Tradition! Without it, our lives would be as shaky as a Santa on a roof. But it’s 2014, and we gotta start gettin’ on with the times Daytonites, and time is calling for a new tradition in the Gem City.
 
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Through these many years, Dayton has undergone many technical innovations. First it was the radio, then black-and-white TV, Technicolor, standard-def, UHF, VHF, VCR, DVD, LOL, WTF, OMG, BBQ, you name it, we had it. But now, we finally have our very own DSR, Dayton Santa Rampage.

Dayton? Santa? Rampage? What is this strange combination of words you speak of?

It’s pretty simple actually and can be boiled down to an easy-to-follow three-step process.

Step 1: Put on your Santa suit/gear/hat/union suits/accouterments.

Step 2: Get on your bike.

Step 3: Ride down to Warped Wing at 3:30 PM on Saturday December 13th.

From there around 4 PM, after enjoying a fine brew or two, we will take our Christmas cheer and good tidings to the streets of Dayton and ride around town for a few miles, making our way to Fifth Street Brewpub for a final pit stop before heading down to the Santa Pub Crawl in the Oregon District. We will end the ride at the Dublin Pub.

Though this is not officially affiliated with the Santa Pub Crawl, we highly encourage that you join in the festivities post-ride. After all it is for a great cause. Details on the Pub Crawl can be found here:https://www.facebook.com/events/1506195059624714/

So why should you attend the Santa Rampage?

You see, eventually the Santa Rampage will help put an end to war and poverty. It will align the planets and bring them into universal harmony, allowing meaningful contact with all forms of life, from extra terrestrials to common household pets. And, it’s excellent for dancing. And a massive mob of Santas on bikes is strangely erotic. Enough said.

A few logistical thingys/da tails

1.) Like other informal group rides, this is ride at your own risk.

2.) Please follow all rules of the road, including no riding on sidewalks, ride with lights (other than Christmas ones), ride no more than two Santas abreast, and please wear proper headgear.

3.) If you don’t have a bike and/or lights, contact Andy and he can help set you up.

Ride Right and Rampage On!

Beer & Dinner Event Gives Chance to Meet Brewery Owners

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Six Ohio Beers, Four Dinner Courses, One Night Only

Ever wanted to meet the owner of your favorite local or regional brewery?  December 18th may be your chance.

Big Ragu and the Crew and Dayton Most Metro are teaming up again to bring you another EXCLUSIVE, one of a kind, Food Adventure.  The result is a “craft beer lovers dream come true.”  They are  partnering with some of the areas best breweries and restaurateurs for a unique experience.

Stone House Tavern in Waynesville is hosting this first ever, IPA HOLI-DAZE Beer Tasting and Dinner Course Pairing.  The ONE-NIGHT-ONLY event is an educational celebration of Ohio beer and some of the best India Pale Ales.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Dan Apolito, part owner of Stone House Tavern, and his staff have coordinated with 6 breweries.  The result is a once in a lifetime showcase of the region’s stellar IPA’s, paired with Stone House Tavern’s popular menu.

— The Food Adventure event will be held Thursday evening, December 18th, 6:30-8:30pm at Stone House Tavern, in Waynesville.  Many attendees will stay after the event mingling for a meeting of the “beer minds.”

— The intimate setting will allow each brewery owner and/or brewmaster to explain the origins of their brewery, and the various steps in creating their distinct beers.  There will also be a chance to ask questions and mingle with the masters.  When else will get you get a chance to give input, ask questions or pick the brain of Ohio’s best brewers?

— Each attendee will be treated to 6 beers and 4 dinner courses, for the price of $30, which includes the tip!  A great deal for an opportunity of this kind.

— Door prizes, souvenirs and giveaways will be provided by Food Adventures, Dayton Most Metro, Dayton Dining, Stone House Tavern, and the breweries.

— Tickets are pre-pay only and seats are limited (no refunds). Get yours before it sells out.  Tickets may only be bought online BY CLICKING HERE   Makes a great, unique Christmas Gift!! As of Friday afternoon 12/12/2014, less than 20 seats were available…

 

THE SHOWCASED BREWERIES THAT WILL BE ON HAND INCLUDE:

 

*** YELLOW SPRINGS BREWERY, YELLOW SPRINGS, OHIO:
       NATE CORNETT, Owner and Brewmaster will be at the tasting presenting his India Pale Ale.

 

*** RIVERTOWN BREWERY, CINCINNATI, OHIO:stone
       JASON ROEPER, Owner and Brewmaster will be sharing info on his nationally recognized beers.

 

*** DAYTON BEER COMPANY, DAYTON, OHIO:
PETE HILGEMAN, Owner and Brewmaster is going to be at the event, with his special take on brewing.

 

*** LOCK 27 BREWING:
STEVE BARNHART, Owner and Brewmaster will explain his journey into beer making, and his philosophies on craft beer.

 

*** WARPED WING BREWERY, DAYTON OHIO:
       One of their Brewmasters will be on hand to interact with the crowd and discuss their popular product.

 

*** MADTREE BREWING COMPANY, CINCINNATI, OHIO:
       One of their special Brewmasters will be at the event, informing attendees about their Ohio brewed IPA.

 

THE PLANNED MENU PAIRING IS AS FOLLOWS (subject to change)

What is better than beer and wings ?

*** COURSE  # 1: Stone House Tavern Spinach Salad with a special homemade, house dressing

*** COURSE  # 2: White meat, Boneless Wings tossed in a Signature Spicy Garlic house sauce

*** COURSE  # 3: Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich with sauteed onions and peppers

*** COURSE  # 4: Homemade Cinnamon Bread Pudding from scratch

 

This event is an informative, fun setting which promises to be a blast.  Do you love craft beer?

If so join the Food Adventures crew of Chef House, The King, Hungry Jax, and The Big Ragu and enjoy an unforgettable night of celebrating Ohio’s best India Pale Ales, and learning insider scoop on some of the regions most popular breweries!

For more insider scoop on Food Adventure events, “LIKE” Food Adventures at www.facebook.com/foodadv

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Dayton Dining Kicks off 12 Days of Giving

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giving collageIt’s with great pleasure that DaytonDining kicks off our holiday tradition for the third year- Holiday Giving.  The Miami Valley has some amazing food businesses that truly are the flavor of our community.  We love promoting our locally owned eateries and take much pleasure in introducing our readers to some of the newest, best and favorites in our town.  So for the next 12 days we’re giving you a chance to win a gift certificate to the places we love to dine!

This year there are two ways you can win.  Each day we’ll post an image on our DaytonDining facebook page and you can just share that to enter that day’s drawing.  (Check your setting  to make sure you are sharing it publicly so we can see that you shared).

The second way, is to fill out the form below and and we’ll enter you into the  drawing with those that have shared, and yes for all you gamers out there, you do increase your odds of winning by doing both.

We’ve recently joined instagram, so we may do an occasional drawing on our instagram account, so be sure you are following us at instagram.com/daytondining.

 

Good luck and happy holidays!

[form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

 

Holiday 2014: Give the Gift of DAYTON FOOD !

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New Flavor from Boston Stoker: Killer Brownie, available at Dorothy Lane Market

Stumped on Christmas gifts this year?  Tired of the same old, same old?

Today, the Food Adventures Crew offers up some unique Holiday Gift ideas, guaranteed to please any foodie on your list.  Heck, it will please anyone on your list who eats.

The King, Hungry Jax, Chef House and The Big Ragu have gotten their list of foods and they’ve checked it twice.

So without further delay, check out the new styles on display as Food Adventures presents the….

 

** 2014 CHRISTMAS “MUST TREATS” – Our favorite Dayton Food gifts for the Holiday season.** (and even a couple gifts just outside Dayton)

 

— BOSTON STOKER’S KILLER BROWNIE FLAVORED COFFEE:  Two Dayton originals collide to form a chocolaty, caramel flavored coffee that is brand spanking new.  Grab some at your local Dorothy Lane Market’s Boston Stoker coffee desk, where is it flying off the shelves.  At $15 bucks, the 12 ounce bag should last into the new year, without breaking the bank.  With that being mentioned, we all agree, you cant’ go wrong with ANY coffee gift from our hometown favorite, Boston Stoker.  Speaking of Killer Brownies….

 

Killer Brownie Tray at Dorothy Lane Market

— KILLER BROWNIE TRAYS FROM DOROTHY LANE MARKET:  They cut the brownies into fourths for tiny bites of the most rich, delicious brownie on earth.  And you can ship this sinful treat nationwide. Have a family member that doesnt like chocolate?  Ship them some Blonde Killer Brownies.  Hungry Jax ships her mom some of these every year.  Dorothy Lane can be the mecca of local gift food ideas.. like our next item for example.

 

— LAURA’S COOKIES at DOROTHY LANE MARKET:  Yes, there is a Laura and she has been baking her recipe cookies at Dorothy Lane Market since 2000.  Eat them local, or ship them nationwide.  Discover why DLM sells 40,000 of these cookies each December.  Laura’s Cookies are sugar cookies with almond flavoring, and topped with icing.  Icing designs can be Christmas and holiday trademarks, or even animals and sports themed.  While you are at it, get something for the party.  Just go a few yards across the store and get some DLM Spinach Dip for the crowd pleaser in you.

 

 

url—PIG OF THE MONTH BBQ:  Local entrepreneur Lea Richards cooks up  perfectly smoked barbecue ribs, award winning pulled pork, specialty sausages, gourmet bacon, BBQ sides, and lip-smacking Award Winning BBQ sauces— and they’ll ship them right to your loved ones .  Their Pig  Starter kit includes a rack of ribs, Pig of the Month Jerky, a pound of bacon and a pound of pulled pork- what meat lover wouldn’t want to open up that package?  For real decadence, their chocolate covered bacon is a must!  And speaking of holiday giving- check out the DaytonDining facebook page as we kick off our 12 Days of Giving for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Pig of the Month!

— GROWLERS FROM ARROW WINE: Arrow Wine has a great little growler station where you can fill up a bottled gift for your local friends or family.  It typically features local beers, Ohio beers and other regional ‘hard to get’ favorites on taps.  As you may know, many of the local breweries and restaurants also offer growlers to go.  Chef House says Toxic Brewery and Boston’s Bistro in North Dayton are on top of her list for growler choices.   Opening today, Germantown’s Mudlick Tap House is just one of the 35 places in the region to fill a growler.  

You can ship Cassano’s Pizza’s nationwide for Christmas gifts

 

— CASSANO’S HOME EDITION PIZZAS:  Yes, the frozen version of Cassano’s Pizza makes a  great gift for that thin crust lover.  They have 3 pizza types available: Cheese, Pepperoni and Deluxe.  Call ahead a day or 2 and they will have your order ready at the Stroop Rd Headquarters Location.   These pizzas are 80% cooked and you just need to warm them in the oven for that great Cassano’s taste.  You can give this gift to any local foodie, or have these pizza’s shipped nationwide in dry ice.  Get your order in by Dec 15th ton ensure delivery by Christmas.  For more info go to Cassanos.com

— GLAZED CROISSANTS FROM ASHLEY’S PASTRY SHOP IN  OAKWOOD:  Want heaven in a pastry?  These croissants are amazing and the perfect treat for Christmas Morning.  Wrap them up for a present, or keep them for yourself.  Go ahead and be selfish, we won’t tell Santa.

 

 — DAVE’S DAWG SAUCE: The mustard sauce that is made in Centerville is sweeping the area.  The stadium mustard style sauce comes in “Spicy Hot” or “Mild Medium”.  It is fantastic on, of course, hot dogs. It is tangy and delicious.  But why limit it there?  Try it on Reubens, or hot ham and cheese sandwiches during the winter months. There are so many applications for this.  Heat up someone’s winter with a squirt of Dave’s Dawg Sauce.  Give the gift of Dayton in a bottle !  There is a reason the domain name is theworldsgreatestsauce.com

 

Dave’s Dawg Sauce – Made in Centerville, Ohio

— DISALVO’S DELI & ITALIAN STORE: An incredible array of Italian wines, meats and cheeses.  This is a perfect place for that gourmet gift you are looking for.  They will custom make Christmas Baskets for you, or you can buy one of their pre-assembled ones.  Uniqueness points here, for sure.

 

— WARPED WING BREWERY’S CANNED BEERS: Any local grocer has these 4 pack cans of beer in three flavors: Ermal’s Belgian Style Cream Ale, Flyin’ Rye IPA, and 10 Ton Oatmeal Stout.  This gives you a variety of choice for the gift recipient.  Does the person like hoppy beer? Go for Flyin’ Rye.  Do they like lighter beers, hit them up with Ermal’s.  Dark beer lover? That calls for a 10 Ton Stout.  All of these beers are brewed and canned in Dayton.  That is something that hasnt happened in the Gem City for many decades.  In fact, this is the first Christmas since 1950, that canned Dayton beer is available for Christmas.

 

Custom, Hand Made Boxes of Candy from Esther Price lets you Customize Your Gift

 — CUSTOM MADE BOXES OF CANDY FROM ESTHER PRICE: Ok, we know Esther Price anything is a big Christmas hit, but did you know you can create your own custom made box for $18.  The candy box is the typical size you see in grocery stores, not the small one, but not the big one either.  Hate coconut creams, or always wanted to throw out certain candies form the assorted pre-made boxes?  Where here is your chance to make a box of candy tailored to your loved one or a friend.  Maybe they love milk chocolate covered cherries and turtles, or the dark creams and peanut butters best.  Whatever the combination, you will be their new hero when they see that familiar red bow, and realize it is a custom made pack tailored to their tastes!

 

 

Hot Honey Sauce from Housemade Sriracha – Perfect gift for your foodies friends

— HOUSEMADE HOT HONEY SAUCE and HOUSEMADE SRIRACHA SAUCE: These sauces are the hottest thing in Dayton, and we mean popularity wise.  Stores can hardly keep these sauces in stock, so you better grab some where you can. THIS LINK will help you find the sauces.  The Sriracha won a hot sauce contest in Louisiana, and the honey sauce won 1st place at Jungle Jim’s Weekend of Fire, so the reputation is there.  Let us be honest, we loved this sauce before Chef House was a part of the Food Adventures crew.  Now, we just are more on top of new products and sauces!  Are the Housemade sauces hot?  Yes, but not crazy, so you can control the heat in any circumstance.  What will steal your heart is the taste. Flavor is everything, so give the gift of Dayton’s hot sauce, this cold winter.

 

— DAYTON GIFT BASKETS FROM DOROTHY LANE MARKET:  The baskets are typically made up of Montgomery Inn Sauce (yeah we know it is Cincinnati), Jump’s Peanuts, an Esther Price box of candy, Pine Club House Dressing and some Dorothy Lane Market Potato Chips.  These run about $40 or you can make a custom basket, and prices would vary.  The good news is it is already wrapped and you can ship them anywhere.  Check with a DLM staff member for details.

 

Now for Honorable Mention, we have a couple of ideas just outside of Dayton, that still make great gifts…

 

— THE SPICY OLIVE in WEST CHESTER:  This is a quaint olive oil and vinegar shop in a northern suburb of Cincinnati, and it is worth the trip.  It is a perfect place to find gifts, and our friends and family treasure these gifts as some of their favorites.  Click here for their website and address.
 

Dayton Gift Basket – customizable or pre-made at Dorothy Lane Market

—BROTHERS DRAKE  APPLE PIE MEAD:  Take a trek to Columbus to visit this Meadery.  They make their products using local honey, and the result is a one of a kind spin on wine making.  It is a Food Adventure in a glass.  They never use sulfites and pride themselves on premium ingredients.   Check out their website here for address and more info.  While in Columbus, you might want to stop by….


 
— MIDWEST SPIRITS‘ OYO WHISKEY:  Here is a little known secret to Daytonians that is an hour away.  Love Whiskey?  Why drive south to a distillery, when you can get the good stuff in Ohio?  Looking for a perfect gift for that boozehound on your list?  Look no further.  Your Christmas shopping just got a whole lot easier.  So smooth you will crave it, so good you will obsess over it.

 

One last suggestion, and this one comes from “The King.”  Don’t get your loved ones a fruitcake under any circumstances .. at least not until we find a good local one that will set your world “a glow.”

There are many more places to find great food gifts in Dayton.  From the 2nd street market, to gift certificates to many locally owned, incredible restaurants.  This article could go on for days.  But these are a few of the holiday suggestions we have at a glance.

Do you have any suggestions for great Dayton Food Xmas Presents?  Please comment below!

NOW, GIVE US A CHRISTMAS GIFT – “Like” us on Facebook by clicking HERE.  You can also follow us on Instagram at #dayton_foodies

Browse the photo gallery below for more Food Adventure fun.  As always, these are our original photos.

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The Long, Cold Fermentation of Beer – National Lager Day

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Classic Budweiser Ad

The lager boom in America started with this company.

No one would mistake Budweiser as a craft beer. With over 50% of the market share of beer sales in the United States, it is anything but a small brewery. Jim Koch, head of Samuel Adams Brewery, has famously said that Anheuser Busch spills more beer in a year than Sam Adams brews. It was not always that way. In the 1860’s, all beer in the U.S. was craft beer. It was local, it was fresh, and as you went further west, it was German. After the Civil War, German immigrant and Civil War veteran Adolphus Busch bought into his father in law’s brewery, Anheuser and Co. It was one of roughly 3,700 breweries in the country at the time. The Germans brought their own style of beer with them when they came to this country. It was that style of beer, the lager, which Busch envisioned as a national beer. Through hard work, vision, and a passion for quality, Busch was able to make that vision a reality. His competitors, Pabst, Miller, Schlitz, and many others brewed lagers as well, making the style the dominant one in the country until the Craft Beer Era began in the late 1980’s. Craft beer focused more on ales, turning the lager style into a pariah with its yellow fizziness and lack of flavor. December 10th is National Lager Day, and a perfect time to reacquaint yourself with a delicious style of beer.

Lagers are the new kid on the block. Ales have been brewed for over 7,000 years, but lagers did not hit the beer scene until the 16th century. They were brewed in Bavaria, and spread all over Eastern Europe. They would brew beer in the fall and store it in caves with lake ice through the winter. It became known as lager, the German word for “to store” or “to camp”, and they discovered it would ferment through the winter months. The longer, cooler fermenting time created a popular beer with a smoother finish. Ales ferment at warmer temperatures for shorter times, making them less stable in general. That instability lead to beers souring more often than not, requiring other herbs and spices to mask the awful flavor. The Reinheitsgebot, the German Purity Law, was put into effect to combat this, requiring beer to be made with only three ingredients: hops, water, and malt. It required beer to be better, which lagering aided. The lower temperature and longer fermenting time creates a much more stable beer, not needing the extra spices to cover any souring or changes in flavor. This stability also allowed it to beer to travel further, exposing it to a wider audience. The stage where lagers truly took off was the city of Pilsn, where the pilsner was born.

Castle in Bavaria

Bavaria: Home to Cinderella’s castle and the birthplace of lager.

Ales and lagers are created with the same basic ingredients, save one: the yeast. Ales are top fermenting, utilizing the Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast and temperatures around the 60 range. Lagers use the yeast strain Saccharomyces pastorianus, a South American strain that takes longer to break down the sugar. It does this at lower temperatures (roughly 40 º F) as well, making the lagering process a perfect fit. Lower temperatures lead to other changes in the beer. Esters, which give ales their wide range of flavors, do not form in the same quantities in the colder environment. This limits the flavors that can be developed naturally in the beer, requiring changes in the ingredients themselves to create the range of lagers that sit on the shelves. If you talk to a brewer, they may mention the yeast strain Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, a strain discovered by Emil Christian Hansen at the turn of the 20th century while working in the Carlsberg brewery. It was later discovered that this strain is the same as S. pastorianus, and now that name is used for all lager creating yeasts.

Most people associate lagers with Adolphus’ Budweiser creation. Light, highly carbonated, and lacking much flavor. There are a wider range of beer that falls into the lager category, not all of them are pale gold in color. Lagers are generally best enjoyed at colder temperatures to maintain their crispness. There are four very general categories that lagers fall into.

  • Pale Lager

    This is what most people think of when they think of a lager. It is golden in color, carbonated, and had a crisp flavor. When you think of big, national beers, this is the style that comes to mind. Pilsners were the founders of this feast, blending pale ale brewing philosophies with lager science. German responded with Helles (“bright”) lagers, and the style caught on. Budweiser, Corona, Molson, and Sapporo are all examples of a pale lager.

  • Amber Lager

    The more common style before Pilsner took the world by storm was a darker, sweeter version. It did not take on the same hop profile as its lighter companion, instead leaning on malty sweetness to carry the flavor load. This style becomes insanely popular during the fall with Maerzen (Oktoberfest) beers, but many craft brewers in the United States have embraced the style as well. Samuel Adams’ Boston Lager, Yuengling, and Great Lakes Brewing Company’s Elliot Ness all fall under this category.

  • Bock

    German Bock Ad.

    Goats are frequently seen in bock ads in Germany due to a bad translation.

    If you are looking for a lager beer, but want a little extra muscle in it, the bock is where it is at. Brewed by monks as early as the 14th century, it was made heavier to become a source of nutrition during times of fasting. Monks tended to fast around holidays, and it became a beer associated with those holidays. Bocks were traditionally dark beers, but developed a range from lighter copper to a deep brown. Shiner Bock may be the most popular version in the United States, and local Christian Moerlein’s Emancipator Dopplebock is an award winner. Eisbocks and Dopplebocks are versions of this beer.

  • Dark Lager

    The darkest of the lagers, it has all the characteristics of the pale lager but with a richer, deeper flavor. The bitterness does not come from roasting, but from adding more hops to the brew. The malt is where it gets the deeper flavor, not from a darker roast like porters and stouts do. Guinness and Warsteiner make well known versions of a dark lager.

You may also find some lagers that add flavors to the beer, like fruits, chocolate, or smokiness.

The Dayton Beer Company has a Pilsner release today!

Where can you get local lagers, you might ask? That is an excellent question! The Dayton Beer Company is releasing their Pilsner-style beer today, but finding other lagers are difficult. Fifth Street brewery has a smoked Oktoberfest-style beer called Frau Blücher (insert horse sound here) for the fall, and Eudora Brewing Company is planning on releasing a Pilsner for their summer seasonal beer, and offers a delightful Oktoberfest in fall. Warped Wing has offered BrassPunk Pils, but that is also on a seasonal/rotating basis. Most of the beers being brewed by the local craft brewers are ales. If you know of any other good local lagers, please drop me a line!

Lager is not just the yellow fizzy beer that Adolphus Busch turned into the biggest seller in the country. Lager beer is a whole different brewing style, offering a stable flavor profile on which to build a wide range of different beers. It is not a coincidence that the biggest brewery in the country (Budweiser), the longest running brewery in the country (Yuengling), and the largest craft brewery in the country (Samuel Adams) all have a lager as the mainstay of their empires. Today is a day to celebrate the malty, simple goodness that lagers offer. Cheers!