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Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Archives for July 2015

Dayton Has A New Beer! Champ

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Beer!!The 750 brew fans at yesterday’s second BEER! A Celebration of Dayton Brewing event at Yellow Cab cast their votes and declared Hairless Hare Brewery as Dayton’s favorite Brewery!  The Vandalia business beat out  last years champ, Fifth Street Brewpub, by just 7 votes.

Co-Owner Matt Harris says, “It’s very cool to be part of the growing beer scene in Datyon with so many great beers.  We appreciate that folks thought ours were the best brews of the day and we’re thrilled to bring home the trophy. ”  The beers they were serving up yesterday were Hoppicrisy Session IPA 5.2 ABV,  IBU 64 and Strawberry Saison ABV 7.7,  IBU 19.

Matt also shared that he was surprised by the number of people at the event that weren’t even aware they existed.   Open since  November of 2013, just across from the 11692800_10153591824603900_6452353095700107168_nairport at 738 W. National Road,  nestled between Stubbie’s and Amvets, you can belly up to the 20 seat bar, grab a table or enjoy a brew on the patio. Aside from award winning beer, they make handcrafted pizza’s, and homemade hummus and salsa, served up with chips.  Harris mentioned they are considered adding a smoker, so they can expand their menu. But for right now he’s pretty happy, “being a part of the beer world in Dayton, which is fast becoming the beer capital of Ohio.”

Hairless Hair will have the honor of displaying the trophy until July 8, 2016 when the 3rd annual BEER! event opens up the field for the next people’s choice award.

 

 

 

Summer Grilling Tips for Great Food Adventures !

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Italian Seasoned Salmon, and Shrimp with Montgomery Inn BBQ Sauce

 

Who doesn’t love a good cookout?  Most Daytonians are elbow deep in grilling season this summer.  From parties, to romantic dinners or family time, this is the time of the year to use that gas or charcoal grill.  The Food Adventures Crew is here with some helpful tips to make your grilling experiences a success.  The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House share our MUST EATS an MUST DO’s.. Grilling out version!

 

— PREPARATION IS KEY:  Prepare beforehand to make it easy on yourself.  Marinade your meats and pre-slice veggies ahead of time instead of fumbling on the grill table.  Ziplock bags work great to hold veggies doused in a bit of olive oil, and grill ready!

 

— MARINATE YOUR MEAT: A simple soaking can do wonders for tenderness and flavor.  

Hungry Jax says “Marinade chicken in buttermilk! It makes it so tender!”

Big Ragu loves using Soy Sauce, Worcester Sauce, and Minced Garlic mixture for a simple steak marinade.  For chicken, he uses a cheap bottle of Italian dressing or Olive Oil, Basil, Garlic Powder and Oregano.

 

Hand pressed patties from 80/20 Ground Chuck

— GET THE RIGHT TOOLS:  Make sure your tongs and flipper are long enough, and that they work correctly.  It will save you a few dropped sausages, or epic losses thru the grill grate.

 

— MEATS SHOULD BE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE WHEN GRILLING:  Take cuts of meat out of fridge 30 minutes prior to grilling, so they are not cold.  It won’t contaminate the meat! It will actually help you grill the meat more evenly.

 

— MAKE YOUR HAMBURGER PATTIES THINNER IN THE MIDDLE than the outside.  Always hand patty your burgers with fresh meat, and make them thinner in the center.   This is because the middle swells when you grill the burger.  This helps even the playing field, and prevents your burgers becoming undercooked meatballs.

 

— HIGH HEAT FOR STEAKS, ALWAYS:  Grill that steak and let it sit until that final flip.  The result is a juicy, seared steak with great grill marks.

 

Grilled Sausages with Beer Steamed Onions and Green Peppers

— FISH, THE LESS FLIPPING THE BETTER:   Cook fish about 75 percent then flip it once.  Let the grill do the work.  Wana see flipping seafood?  Go to Benihana…

 

— DRIZZLE LIME OR LEMON JUICE OVER SEAFOOD RIGHT AT THE END OF GRILL TIME:  This is always a  great finishing touch of flavor.

 

— GRILL SALAD:  Yes!  Chef House says, Grill salad! It doesn’t always have to be about meat.  Romaine, Belgium Endive and Radicchio are great together and hold up well on the grill. Wilt the greens and get some grill marks on there. Chop and toss with olive oil, vinegar and cheese.  Chef House suggests sherry vinegar or a sweeter white balsamic with bleu cheese. Fresh herbs are always a nice touch too.  Shout out to Miami Valley Spice Traders, who carries a great honey white balsamic vine

 

— GRILL PORTABELLA MUSHROOMS: 

     Chef House loves to marinate them overnight in orange juice, olive oil and garlic.  So easy, and her family’s favorite.

     The Big Ragu uses Worcester sauce, soy sauce and garlic powder for his Portabella Mushroom Grill Marinade.

 

— GRILL ASAPRAGUS: The Big Ragu uses Olive Oil and Garlic Salt when grilling these sticks of love.

Grilled Zucchini and Yellow SquashThe Big Ragu uses Olive Oil and Garlic Salt when grilling these sticks of love.

     Chef House marinates her asparagus overnight in her family favorite recipe of  orange juice, olive oil and garlic.  Is your mouth watering yet?

 

— GRILL PIZZA:  Hungry Jax loves this summer twist on the ole pizza pie.   Make sure you have a hearty crust.  Medium heat and inventive toppings are the key to pizza grilling  success !

 

— HAVE A LOCAL LUAU: Impress your family and friends this summer and have an entire grilled meal from local vendors.

Here are some supplier ideas from Chef House:

     Keener Farms, one of the the area’s best butcher blocks for grass fed burgers and brats.

     Ed Hill owner of Xenia’s HILL FAMILY FARMS has great Chicken available at Dorothy Lane Market.

     KJB PORK, available at the  2nd street market.

Fresh veggies from Homefull, Patchwork Gardens or Flying Mouse. All of these local brands are found at area farmer’s markets.

 

— LEARN TO MAKE GREAT SAUCES: We love sauces to go along with grilled meat.  Chimichurri is a huge favorite of Chef House and so versatile.   Here is another tip from Chef House… www.Epicurious.com is a great site for new sauce recipes.

 

NY Strip Steak with Bleu Cheese Crumbles

— GRILL CORN IN THE HUSK:  Here is a quick, fun idea the kids and adults will love.  Get some fresh corn still in the husk, cut it at the tip.  Peel back and take out the silks. Pull the husk back up and soak in water for 20 minutes.  Throw them on the grill wet and watch them steam the corn on the grill.  Flip until the husks are brown on all sides, peel back and serve rustic style with salt and butter.

 

— OVERESTIMATE YOUR MEAT: Chef House says cook more meat than you need, so you have leftovers!  Especially chicken, which can be easily made into some delicious tacos the next day.

 

— BEER ISN’T JUST FOR DRINKING ANYMORE:  Get a tin pan, and pour in 1/2 of a beer.  Add some sausages and sliced peppers and onions and let steam on the grill.  Touch up the grill marks on the sausages just before you serve it.  Serve it with the steamed onions and peppers too, with or without a bun !  Now you’re a hero.

 

Dogs, Asparagus and Salmon

— THROW LIVE CLAMS ON THE GRILL:  Wana impress your friends easily?  Throw a dozen live clams on the grill.  When they open, they’re done.  It is that simple, but your friends with think it is pretty darn cool.

 

— HAVE A GLASS OF WATER NEARBY FOR FLARE UPS:  Just in case your juices or grease catch on fire, this keeps you and the fire, in control.

 

— SPARE PROPANE TANK:  Make sure you have an extra, FULL, propane tank on hand.  Nothing says “oh Sh*t” like an empty propane tank during grilling.  You never know when you are gonna run out, so don’t!  Keep a spare, full tank near to your grill, in cae you have to pull the “old switcheroo.”

 

— PLACE GRILLED FOOD INTO SEALED PLASTIC STORAGE CONTAINERS:  Especially at a cookout, flies tend to swarm to open plates of cooked meat.  The answer is get some plastic lid containers and seal the cooked meats inside.  Trust us, it works much better than fumbling with open plates and aluminum foil with open cracks.

Veggie Shish Kabobs

These are the tips from the FOOD ADVENTURES CREW.   We hope they help you enjoy some summer cookouts by spurring some ideas.

Do you have some grilling tips you could share with us?  

Please feel free to let go some of your family secrets by commenting below.  We would be grateful, along with a lot of Dayton’s grilling gurus.

For more foodie news and Dayton restaurant scoop, please “like” FOOD ADVENTURES on FACEBOOK by clicking HERE .

Catch us every week, with a feature article here on Dayton Most Metro.

Follow us on Twitter, too: @food_adv

“We are not food critics, we just love to eat.”

Below are more photos from our Food Adventures by the grill.  Please feel free to browse them.

Mahi Mahi, Pineapple and Yellow Squash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marinated Steaks, ready for the grill

Grilling Pineapple, Mahi Mahi and Yellow Squash on a summer’s day

Squuezing Lime juice on the Mahi Mahi

Steaming Peppers and Onions in Beer with Sausages

Grilling out for Charity

Grilling Chicken

Salmon and Asparagus straight off the grill

Poolside Grilled fish and Veggies

Grilled Swordfish and Veggies

Burgers and Dogs

BBQ Chicken and Salmon

Charcoal Grilling

Grilled Wild Grouper and Grilled Endive

Grilled local veggies

Squash, Asparagus and Pork – grilled to perfection

Grilled Wahoo and Grilled Clams

The sky is the limit for our grill techniques

Poolside grilled meal

Grilled Corn in the Husk

Sausage bought downtown NYC

Grilled Asparagus and Corn

Black n Bleu Burger from the backyard

Grillin clams like a boss

Peel back the grilled corn

Grilled Zucchini and Tzatzi sauce

Full Grill – is how we do it

Start eating, it’s done !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greek Night at Boston’s

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GreekNight-DMMGreek Night is back at Boston’s Bistro! If you are in the mood for Mediterranean flair, delicious Greek food, wine and music, then stop by 7500 North Main Street between 7 and 11pm on Saturday July 11th. One of the treats of the evening is Middle Eastern belly dancing by the beautiful, Deniz with Caravan Workshops. Bouzouki music provided by George Karras and Themi. $5 cover gets you in the door. The authentic Greek Kebab dinners are an additional $14.95, and served from 6-8pm.

 

Where: Boston’s Bistro

When: Saturday July 11th

When: Dinner 6-8pm, Live Music and Dancing 7-11pm

How Much: $5 cover, $15 optional Greek dinner

 

 

Dayton Together – Initiative To Merge City & County Government

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daytontogetherDayton Together, a non-profit corporation, has launched an initiative to propose meaningful changes to the structure of our local government. Dayton Together believes Montgomery County’s recent economic successes, including Fuyao, General Electric’s Research Center and Procter & Gamble, afford an exciting opportunity to ask the question, “What can local governments in Montgomery County do the enhance and accelerate prosperity in the region?”

 

Using Louisville, Kentucky’s metro government as a model, the group will work to create a Montgomery County Charter and propose a ballot initiative to combine the City of Dayton and Montgomery County into a single metro government.

 

“The ultimate decision-making power rests with the people,” said Montgomery County Commissioner Dan Foley, also a member of Dayton Together’s steering committee. “There will be no change unless the majority of voters approve it.”

 

“This initiative responds to the growing realization that our County has been in continual economic decline for the past several decades with the major loss of jobs with livable wages,” said Bro. Raymond Fitz, S.M., former president of the University of Dayton and member of the Dayton Together steering committee. “This lack of good jobs has been a major roadblock to our families and young people.”

 

“The current county structure, comprised of 28 separate local governmental entities, is too fragmented to address and respond to our challenges and opportunities,” said Commissioner Foley. “It’s time to harness our talent for innovation and reinvent how we deliver local governmental services.”

 

Dayton Together studied broader use of shared services agreements, formation of a Council of Governments, and tax sharing agreements but concluded a unified governmental structure was needed to fully achieve needed improvements. “These types of agreements are valuable and are being used in our region already,” said the Honorable Walter H. Rice, U.S. District Court Judge and member of Dayton Together’s steering committee. “But we believe that they are not sufficiently comprehensive to solve our challenges. More dynamic change is necessary.”

 

Dayton Together has begun work through two committees to develop a proposed charter for the Dayton-Montgomery County Metro Government. The charter will allow for additional communities to participate in the future. A Charter Development Committee comprised of a diverse group of 15-20 people will lead the drafting effort with the support of a larger Charter Advisory Committee offering feedback and advice. Meetings excepting work sessions will be open to the public, and input will be sought.

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The Charter Development Committee is co-chaired by Paul Leonard, former Dayton Mayor and Lieutenant Governor, and Commissioner Dan Foley. Brother Ray will chair the Charter Advisory Committee.

 

“The proposed reforms reflected in the new County charter will improve our county-wide performance in attracting, retaining and growing jobs, responding to community-wide challenges, and capitalizing on opportunities,” said Phil Parker, President and CEO of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, and a Dayton Together steering committee member. “The reforms will free up and align resources for more effective investment in infrastructure and development initiatives, as well as increase our community’s visibility, voice and clout as we work to attract and retain both people and jobs.”

 

“As we look to the future of our communities, we know there is support for this type of bold, innovative measure,” said Judge Rice. We must reverse the declining trends in our county. We may not create a perfect government, but we can make improvements that will set the stage for success.”

 

For more information: www.daytontogether.com

Your 2nd Dozen Donuts Just 78 Cents On Friday

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donutlgFriday might be a great day to volunteer to bring the donuts to work, because as part of their 78th anniversary, Krispy Kreme is giving us a a  donut deal on July 10th.  Buy any regularly-priced dozen doughnuts AND bring in this Facebook group coupon , Krispy Kreme will throw in a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for only 78 cents more.

Krispy Kreme- The beginning:
Vernon Rudolph bought a secret yeast-raised doughnut recipe from a New Orleans French chef, rented a building in what is now historic Old Salem in Winston-Salem, NC, and began selling Krispy Kreme doughnuts to local grocery stores. The delicious scent of cooking doughnuts drifted into the streets, and passers-by stopped to ask if they could buy hot doughnuts. So, he cut a hole in an outside wall and started selling hot Original Glazed doughnuts directly to customers on the sidewalk.

15The lure of a freshly made hot Krispy Kreme dounut has become  so irresistible that in 1992 the stores added a red light that could be turned on when a new batch was made.

And now in keeping up with the latest technology there’s a  Hot Light App in response to customer requests to know exactly when our doughnuts are the hottest. Becoming wildly popular since it’s inception, it continues to evolve as it alerts Krispy Kreme fans when it’s the perfect time for hot, delicious doughnuts. Click to get the apps!

So happy birthday Krispe Kreme and thanks for the deal!

 

You Can Own A Piece Of Library History

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splash-1 As the Main Library prepares to shift to temporary quarters in its new Operations Center, and branch libraries undergo major renovation during the Libraries for a Smarter Future project, the Dayton Metro Library Foundation is auctioning pieces of the Library’s past to enhance its future. Furniture, file cabinets, card catalogs, tables, chairs and many other items are up for bid. All proceeds benefit the Dayton Metro Library Foundation, which in turn supports the Dayton Metro Library.

Bidding begins on Wednesday, July 8. All items are on display on the first floor of the Main Library, 215 E. Third Street in Dayton. Items up for auction include:cardcatalog_one
·         Oak library tables and chairs
·         Wooden file cabinets
·         Wooden card catalogs
·         Jadeite saucers and plates
·         Lounge chairs
·         Desks
·         Coffee tables

Bids must be made in person (bids on a limited number of Featured Collectibles will be accepted online until the morning the auction closes). Bidding on General Interest Items closes at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 23.  Bidding on Featured Collectibles closes at 8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 30. Payment must be cash or check only.

“Most items are early 1960s mid-century modern, but some pieces were from the original Library and appear to be early 20th century,” said Jayne Klose, Manager of Community Engagement. “Items that are especially unique or collectible are auctioned separately.” Manufacturers and designers represented include Gunlocke, Herman Miller, Jens Risom and Knoll.

Go to www.daytonmetrolibrary.org/foundation/auction for a listing of all items and an FAQ with auction details. For more information, call (937) 463-BOOK.

Filipino & Thai Food From Newest Food Truck

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FB_IMG_1436309475110Meet the next hot food truck, Asian Persuasion. They are having their debut night this Friday at the Night Market on July 10th at the Yellow Cab.

Just as the Urban dictionary defines the term Asian persuasion, these guys are full of swagger and confidence. They are stoked to introduce their creative blend of Filipino and Thai food.FB_IMG_1436309597396

The owners Jason and Scott have been friends for over 20 years and have been working on this food truck concept for nearly a year. Jason told us “The best part about starting this truck is I get to cook food passed down from generations of Filipino and Thai families. Every Filipino dish I cook was taught to me by my mother. Every Thai dish I learned from Scott and Inpanh who learned from their mothers. I look at this as an opportunity to share a little of our heritage with people and feed them the same things I feed my family at home. The food truck is just the beginning.”
FB_IMG_1436309470705You can expect to see the Filipino favorite Lechon this weekend. This is spit roasted pork that can be done boneless but still with the crispy skin everyone loves.

Food Adventures will also be at the Night Market. Come help them raise money for Homefull. You can buy a water balloon for $1 to throw at The Big Ragu, aka Steve Milano! Let’s hope it is hot outside!! Homefull is our local homeless advocacy group. They help find housing for individuals and families, learn life skills and job skills and even run a small farm with 150 raised beds. All proceeds will go to them.

This will also be the soft opening for Bad Dog. This is Dayton’s newest hot dog cart. Local grass fed beef from the Keener farm make up the dogs, buns from Ashley’s Pastry Shop in Oakwood and plenty of veggie toppings and sauces made by chef LeeAnne House. These are truly gourmet dogs!

The Night Market,  made up of farmers and locally made food, is held at the Old Yellow Cab building at 700 east Fourth Street. The market runs from 5-10pm,  under a large 60×40 foot tent. The rain won’t scare anyone away this weekend! There will be local beers available, live music and tons of local vendors for all kinds of shopping.

 

Roadtrip for Lego Lovers

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It’s not often that DaytonMostMetro is going to suggest you get in your car and head to the mall in Cincinnati, but if you’re a fan of history, Lego or visual arts, we’ve got to say, GO!  You’ve got until July 19th to head to Kenwood Towne Centre and catch The Lego® Americana Roadshow.   Featuring giant replicas of the nation’s most recognizable landmarks made from thousands of bricks, this display is truly amazing.

The Lego® Americana Tour is a highly visual, educational and free traveling installation of larger-than-life Lego® models. Replicas of iconic buildings and architectural structures will be on exhibit at various locations throughout the shopping center. Kenwood Towne Centre is the only venue in Ohio to host The LEGO Americana Tour.build-take-washington

Build and take home your own mini version of a Lego®
Washington Monument for FREE!*

7/11/2015 – 7/12/2015
Time: Noon – 4 p.m.
Macy’s Wing

*No purchase necessary. Offer good while supplies last. Open to participants aged 4 and older

The one-of-a-kind, large scale models of American landmarks made completely out of Lego® bricks by Lego® Master Builders will entertain customers with stunning visuals and fun facts. Featured landmarks include: U.S. Capitol Building, White House, Supreme Court, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Statue of Liberty, Independence Hall and Old North Church.

LegoKenwood Town Centre is located at 7875 Montgomery Road in Cincinnati.  From Dayton take I75 south about 35 miles then take exit 16 to merge onto I-275 E toward I-71/Columbus.  In 6 miles take exit 49 to merge onto I-71 S toward Cincinnati, then take exit 12 for US-22/Montgomery Rd/OH-3 and the mall will be towards your right.

Dayton Philharmonic Salutes Rock & Roll Guitar Legends

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Guitar-Heroes-bigOn Friday, July 10, 2015 at 8 p.m. in the Mead Theatre of the Schuster Center, the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, under the leadership of Artistic Director and Conductor Neal Gittleman, will present Guitar Heroes, featuring rock ensemble Jeans ‘n Classics, the first concert in the 2015 Summer in the City Musical Festival. The evening of classic rock will begin with a Summer in the City Street Party in front of the Schuster Center, beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Dayton Philharmonic fan favorites Jeans ‘n Classics return to kick off the summer music festival with Guitar Heroes, a salute to a diverse collection of guitar legends. This show will feature some of the best-known rock guitar hits made famous by Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, the Beatles and Carlos Santana as interpreted by guitar virtuosos Dave Dunlop, Peter Brennan and Bob McAlpine, all members of Jeans ‘n Classics.  They will be joined on stage by David Blamires on vocals, Don Paulton on keybards, Mitch Tyler on bass, and Jeff Christmas on drums.

Also on stage will be two local Dayton guitarists, Max Mobarry and Mike Craft.  Mobarry and Craft were winners of DPO’s Dayton Guitar Heroes Search held in June.  Ten finalists were chosen from among 37 online video entries showing each guitarist’s range and talent.  The ten selected finalists played live on June 12 at Dayton Beer Company in downtown Dayton in front of a panel of judges, including Peter Brennan of Jeans ‘n Classics, DPO Artistic Director and Conductor Neal Gittleman, local teacher and performer Jim McCutcheon, and local singer, songwriter and educator Denny Wilson.  Based on their performances at this live audition, the judges selected these two winners to play with Dayton Philharmonic and Jeans ‘n Classics for this Guitar Heroes Concert.

Born and raised in New Lebanon, Ohio, Mike Craft started playing guitar at the age of 14. Craft became a part of the Dayton music scene through his first band, Royal Guest. He is passionate about music, writing and recording numerous original instrumental pieces.  Max Mobarry received his first guitar at the age of 11 but did not start playing seriously until a few years later. He is currently in a band called “Others by No One,” with a passion to create original music that is both an experience to listen to and exciting to perform.  Each winner will take the lead role on a classic rock tune – backed by the full Dayton Philharmonic and Jeans ’n Classics – on stage at the Schuster Center during the Guitar Heroes concert. Both Craft and Mobarry are thrilled for the opportunity to play with the full power of the DPO behind them.

The musical line up of the Guitar Heroes concert includes such legendary guitar hits as “All Along the Watchtower,” “White Room,” “Hotel California,” “Sultans of Swing,” “Europa,” “Another Brick in the Wall,” “Sleepwalk,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “Crossroads,” “Last Train Home,” “Black Dog,” “Something,” “Hear That Guitar Ring,” “Samba Pa Ti,” and “Layla.”

Prior to the Guitar Heroes concert, Downtown Dayton Partnership, Victoria Theatre Association, and Dayton Performing Arts Alliance have joined forces to throw a Summer In The City Street Party, which kicks off at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 10, on Second Street between Main and Ludlow streets in downtown’s Arts District.  During the Street Party, Dayton Guitar Heroes Search runners-up Michael Baumann, Blaine Gordon and Kelly Bush will join The Fries Band on stage to show off their guitar chops as well.  “It’s been a lot of fun uncovering the phenomenal talent right here in our city,” said Dayton Performing Arts Alliance Director of Marketing and Communications Dave Bukvic.

The Downtown Dayton Partnership is collaborating with the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance to launch its new Summer in the City Concert Series, and the Victoria Theatre Association also will kick off its Cool Films series that same evening.  “We’re proud to partner with our performing arts groups to create a unique after-work happy hour experience,” said Downtown Dayton Partnership President Sandra Gudorf. The street party lineup includes food, beer, “Movie Buff Throwdown Trivia” and live entertainment, including some home grown acts.

There’s nothing quite like the sound of those big power chords, backed by the full DPO orchestra—not to mention all the high-quality shredding you’ll hear from Jeans ‘n Classics and Dayton Guitar Heroes Search winners Mike Craft and Max Mobarry. It will be an evening of classic rock not to be missed!

Tickets for Guitar Heroes are available at Ticket Center Stage (937) 228-3630 or online at www.daytonperformingarts.org. Senior, teacher and student discounts are available at the box office. For more information or to order subscriptions to the Summer in the City Music Festival or other flexible subscription types that include performances by Dayton Philharmonic, Dayton Opera and Dayton Ballet, visit www.daytonperformingarts.org

YS Kids Playhouse Fights Urban Sprawl in The Farm

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Yellow Springs Kids Playhouse is letting the animals do the talking in the world premiere of The Farm, a play commissioned by the company, now entering its 21st year. Sponsored in part by a $10,000 award by the National Endowment for the Arts and several grants from the Ohio Arts Council, The Farm uses masks, puppets, music and innovative props to bring the story of the importance and necessity of farm and land conservation to light.

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Photo by Tod Tyslan

Directed by, Y S Kids Playhouse’s Managing Artistic Director Ara G. Beal, The Farm, written by Joan Sand, will be YSKP’s 21st original musical. The Farm is inspired by Orwell’s Animal Farm and the 1999 auction Whitehall Farm outside of Yellow Springs. Can the wild animals, farm animals and human kids work together to save their beloved farm from developers? Our steampunk styled production will feature human characters played by puppets, animal characters played by actors, full-sized bulldozers and tractors made out of recycled materials, and lots of fun.

Performances are July 16-19th and 23-26th at 7:30pm at Antioch Area Amphitheater, 920 Corry Street, Yellow Springs Ohio. Tickets are available at the door and $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.

 

In addition, YSKP is proud to announce it is presenting its inaugural “Arts for All” performance on Friday July 24th at 7:30 pm at Antioch Amphitheater.  This altered performance is geared for those on the Autism Spectrum with special educators on site to help everyone navigate the experience of live performance.  Tickets for this special performance are $5 for all adults, students and seniors. More information is available by calling 937-767-7800.

 

To learn more about YSKP and get updates on The Farm, visit them on Facebook or email [email protected].
 

New York Weenies Invade Dayton

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John Kowalski Serving Upstate New York Style Hot Dogs

Reds, Whites and Burgs…

Timely colors for the 4th of July, yet these are the common call outs of the eats at Kowalski Hots, a Dayton area hot dog stand that sells hot dog brands, that are only found in upstate New York.

Only the Food Adventures Crew has the scoop on this unique, one of a kind, family owned business.. at least in Dayton it is unique.  In upstate New York, it would be a traditional and common favorite!

Do you know how tough it is to get these brands in Dayton, Ohio?  The answer, is you have to drive to Buffalo, Rochester or Syracuse, New York, yourself and get them, because that’s the only way they are coming here.

And that’s just what owner, John  Kowalski does.  He himself, or friends and relatives traveling back and forth get cases of his… well hot dogs in special casings… ironic, huh?  They even get the NY mustard too.  Authentic to the bone.  We have visited this hot dog cart at Menards on 741 or at area festivals a couple dozen times.  We are hooked.  We have even met his sister, Katrina, who was helping with the cart at various local festivals and food truck rallies.

In his upstate New York accent, John educates his customers about Red Hots, White Hots, and NY Coney sauce.  His long “aaa’s” are a distinct sound and make the experience even more authentic.  Now for the scoop on this Rochester native and his magical hot dog cart.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Hoffman’s White Hots on the Grill

— John Kowalski’s world was turned upside down by a stroke in March 2013.  Determined to make his Kowalski Hot’s vision come true, he persevered through 2013 and with God’s help, he was able to update the cart in 2014.  Today, he is in good health, and rockin’ the grill about 5 days a week.

— “HOTS” doesn’t mean heat or spicy, it is Upstate New York slang for Hot Dog… “BURGS” is short for hamburgers

— Kowalski’s hot dog cart can be found at Menards on 741 Wednesdays through Saturdays 11am – 2:30pm.  He is also at area festivals so make sure your check his Facebook page HERE.

— Using Evan’s Bakery and Dorothy Lane Market’s buns, Kowalksi Hots specializes in Hoffman brand hot dogs, Zweigel brand hot dogs and Sahlen’s brand from Buffalo.  He offers local burger meat and uses Jaworski brand, a Cleveland favorite for his Polish Kielbasa and Italian Sausages.

Let’s sort through the steaming weenies and find out which ones are the MUST EATS.. queue the fireworks…

 

MUST EATS:

— HOFFMAN’S RED HOT: Not hot or spicy, remember hot is just NY slang for hot dog.  These are German style hot dogs and more like the typical hot dogs we know here in Dayton.  Hoffman’s is a hot dog company out of Syracuse, New York since 1879 and is wildly popular up there.  These hot dogs use lamb casings.  This Red Hot is traditionally topped with Hoffman’s mustard (they have it) and onions… but make it your way, baby… Hot Dog !  Dont forget the bun is from Evan’s Bakery in Old North Dayton!

 

— HOFFMAN’S WHITE HOT: Nothing spicy – again hot means hot dog, but this is a white hot dog, and looks a lot like a skinny bratwurst.  The lamb casing on this gives a slight pop, when you bite into it.  It tastes a bit like a breakfast sausage, very mild.  The Big Ragu is weird with meat and even he likes it.  He doesn’t like brats and he eats this stuff.  In  Syracuse, they eat these with Hoffman’s Mustard, get some on the cart.

 

— SAHLEN’S BRAND FOOTLONG CONEY:  The footlong, oh yes.  This brand, Sahlen’s is famous and popular in Buffalo, NY.   Get one with coney sauce and load it up.  It will take you 2 hands to carry it around until you nibble to the halfway point.  Just a regularly flavored hot dog, but a damn good one.

 

Sahlen’s Footlong – just like they serve them up in Buffalo , NY

— KOWALSKI HAMBURG:  Served on a Dorothy Lane Market Kaiser Roll, this burger made our top list in Dayton.  A great burger, on a great bun, he even adds the “must eat” coney meat sauce on top of the patty.  Our secret – add relish and onions to the patty as well… result: AMAZING!

 

— ZWEIGEL’S RED HOT:  Plump and red in color, closer to what Daytonians know as a mild Metwurst. These are a little thicker and tend to split when you grill them.  Rochester native’s love that crunchy pop when you bite into them and traditionally serve them with Coney Meat sauce or just mustard, onion and relish.  You decide, we will take pictures.

 

Zweigels Red Hots and White Hots Splitting on the grill by themselves

— ZWEIGEL’S WHITE HOT: Most Dayton natives will think this is a Bratwurst.  Again, these split when you grill them and are typically served with meat coney sauce, or doctored up with mustard and other toppings. He serves them on the Evan’s Bakery rolls (Old North Dayton bakery).

Honorable Mention: THE WARRIOR PLATE:  Known as a “garbage plate” in some walks, this is a Rochester NY tradition.  It is macaroni salad, covered with either a burger or a red hot, and topped with coney meat sauce.  Are you hungry? Get one of these plates, named after John’s high school mascot.

A “Hamburg” at Kowalski Hots. Make sure you get the coney sauce on it !

COMING SOON:  You heard it here exclusively, they will soon feature a Beef on Weck with Au Jus.  

 

 

UPDATE:

You can catch Kowalski Hots in Benham’s Grove at Americana festival July 4, 2015 all day.  He will also be at Garlic Fest, July 19th from noon-8pm at Sons of Italy’s Bella Villa Hall on County Line Rd.

Make sure you try some of these incredible whites and hots, when you are near Menards in Springboro/Miamisburg, or at  local food truck rally or festival.  The hot dogs are an inexpensive treat and the burger is fantastic too.  Take the opportunity to get a taste of what many will never taste, true Upstate New York Coneys.  Now, how much better does it get than that old school experience?

Check out more photos below and like Food Adventures with Chef House, Hungry Jax and the Big Ragu by going HERE

 

Hoffmans White hot, the pride of Syracuse

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hoffman Red Hots

Hot Dogs outside of Menards.. in a “flash”

Rochester’s favorite hot dogs, Zweigels Red Hots and White Hots

Kowalski Countertop

 

 

 

Warrior Plate with a Hamburg

Bite a White Hot from Zweigels

Lily’s Bistro 4th of July Barbecue

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Lilys 4th WebThe beginning of July means fireflies, warm summer nights and most importantly, 4th of July barbecues! One local restaurant has you covered for all of your Independence day needs. “A lot of people go out of town for the holiday but there are still many people who have obligations here in Dayton. We are hoping everybody has the chance to celebrate the 4th with a BBQ, and we’ll be grilling rain or shine, although of course we hope to be cooking on one of our award-winning patios” Emily Mendenhall, Lily’s manager, said. “We’ll also be using the night to celebrate our two-year anniversary,” she continued.

When we think of a classic American BBQ we think of dogs and potato salad and after speaking with Amy Finch, a chef at Lily’s, it looks like all the favorites are covered. “At our BBQ, we’ll have dogs, brats, pulled pork, portobello burgers and a bunch of tasty sides like corn on the cob, mac and cheese, potato salad, watermelon, and desserts,” said Finch.lilys

Hosting your own BBQ at home? Well, Lily’s has that covered too. “We know it can be stressful getting the grill ready and preparing all the sides for your friends and family at your own BBQ.” Mendenhall said. “We are offering many of our popular sides for take out so that you can focus on the grill and have a little more time to enjoy the holiday” she continued. Sides can be ordered all this week and then picked up at the restaurant anytime between 11am and 3pm on Saturday, July 4th.

If you’re interested in attending the Lily’s 4th of July Bar-B-Que or preordering any of their sides for your home, more information is available on their Facebook page.  The BBQ is a ticketed event and tickets can be purchased online or at the restaurant. Lily’s will also be open Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5 for their weekend brunch from 11am-3pm.

Living The ‘Nerd’ Life: An Interview With Rapper K. Carter

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 Kevin Carter (who goes by K. Carter) revealed to me when we met up that his passion ultimately was to play football.  Growing  up in Dayton for a large portion of his life, Carter moved to Tallahassee, Florida for a short  period of time.  While attending high school, he participated on the football team; envisioning himself  attending college and possibly expanding his playing days to further notice.  When he wasn’t on the  gridiron, you found Carter working at the Tropical Smoothie shop down by where he lived.  The  manager at the business, Ali, was an exceptional poet and helped young Carter begin exploring his idea of  becoming a rapper on the side.  Ali overheard Carter riffing throughout shifts when they worked together, which impressed him deeply.  Once Carter agreed to take notes for Ali, the duo  started off by doing rhyming drills; concentrating on having the sense of expanding the mind.  An  example Carter gave me was a time when the duo drove down to Miami for a poetry slam that he  described as one of “the craziest and best atmospheres of my life”.

“We were driving to Miami, and he (Ali) would see a sign that would say ‘coffee’”, Carter stated.  “My  job is to say a different rhyme about coffee, but not use the word ‘coffee’.  I would use ‘he caught me’  as an example.”

The high cost of attending college forced Carter to reluctantly make the choice to  have his football days come to a close.  Choosing to go down another path lead him to another passion of sorts, Carter moved back to Ohio to attend Wright State University and major in computer science.  In 2007, he began performing with a local rock group.  The band wanted to enlist a rapper into one of their songs during a recording session, and allowed Carter to step in.  Carter walked into the booth for the first time ever when he worked with the ensemble; unaware of how the end result was going to turn out for both parties.

“I did the verse to their music, they didn’t switch nothing up…when I get it down I wanted to do over.  I looked up and all five of them were staring through the little window like ‘Oh my god!  Is that real?  Did that just happen?’” Carter said in an enthusiastic tone.  The success he had collaborating with the pop rock band seeped into having Carter performing with the band during a show at Madison Theater, located outside of Cincinnati.  Carter described the night of the show, pointing out that over 2,000 individuals filled the theater to see the ensemble play live.  The audience didn’t know that Carter was scheduled to come out at some point during the set and perform with the band.  As he stood behind the curtain, Carter came out onstage when he heard his cue.  Walking out, he examined the look that each and every single person was portraying.  Mostly siding on the area of confusion, no one knew what was going to happen next.  Much like the moment in the recording studio, Carter was ready to blow people’s minds.

“I started rapping and I’m telling you-it erupted,” Carter gleefully recalls.  “I’m out there and girls are putting their hands out wanting me to shake them.  When I got done, everybody was saying ‘Hey-what’s your name?’  That’s when I knew-I’m good.”

On July 4th, Kevin Carter’s debut album Revenge Of The Nerd will be released.  The rec10659389_10152264605161017_3617655663413250727_nord has been in production for some time now-dating back to all the way back to November 2013.  Wrapping up recording in February of this year, Carter worked tirelessly to make each song stand out to listeners.  “I’m not a perfectionist, but I want it to be right,” he declared.  Carter recorded fifteen songs that will make up Revenge Of The Nerd; highlighting his fun-natured personality that has infected all that have had the pleasure to meet and spend time with him.  Proclaiming himself as a “nerd” due to his occupation (cyber security specialist), Carter presents lyrics that at times include a humorous spin on a variety of topics.  For example, Carter pointed out that he has written some songs that dive into the world of computer programming, smoothly bringing in lyrics about everyday life.  As you listen to Revenge Of The Nerd, Carter utilizes skills garnered from his time spent with Ali-making people see what he is saying, as if he is telling a story.  “I try to be very descriptive,” Carter says.  “The Harry Potter books are always better than the movies.  There’s more information in the book.  I want my words, my music to be the book.  Not the movie.”

When Carter isn’t rapping poetically, you can catch him on most weekends performing on The David Michaels Stage that’s located inside Black Box Improv Theater.  When he starts or steps into scenes in progress, Carter’s  wittiness along with his undeniable charm are hard to resist.  You are glued to your seat, wiping away the tears that begin flooding your eyes when you watch Carter and the others performing.  Whatever it’s him thriving under those bright, searing lights that hang above the stage at Black Box or working towards emerging as an up and coming gifted rapper within the world of music, one thing is undeniable-Carter is destined to be special.

“I have a message…I feel it in my heart that I can’t change the world, but I change people’s minds to think; to make this world better.  Or just make it more positive.”

Revenge Of The Nerds can be released on July 4th. For more info, including getting a copy of the album on either CD, iTunes, or even on a flash drive-click onto K. Carter’s Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/KCarter/122546891016?sk=timeline