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Archives for June 2016

Who’s Your Boo? Boosalis Baking & Cafe !

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Matt Boosalis, the friendly owner

Where is it? What’s the name again?  It is Boosalis Baking and Cafe and it is in the shops of Cross Pointe Center in Centerville.  If you go there once, you won’t forget this place.  We have been spreading the word for weeks now about this cafe.  Not only do they have delicious, sophisticated baked goods, but their sandwich menu is excellent as well.  It is the perfect place for a Food Adventure.

We were first introduced to the friendly owners of  Boosalis Bakery  at the “Night Market” at 700 East 4th St. at the old “Yellow Cab Building.”   They were selling delicious breads and gave us a great “end of the night deal.”  The breads were delicious and we never forgot them.

The Cranberry Turkey – the best turkey sandwich ever

Then as fate would have it, our new friend and American Idol star, Alexis Gomez asked us to meet her there for lunch… and the rest is a love story.  Boy meets croissant, and girls meet pastries.  Alexis was right, this place is unbelievable.

So let’s get the scoop on this little-known spot for scones and more…

 

The Pecan Roll

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— This bakery opened 8 years ago, but has been at 175 E Alex Bell Rd #280, in Cross Pointe Center since August 2014.

— Boosalis Baking & Cafe is open Tues – Fri 7am – 4pm and Sat. 8am-5pm

— Owner Matt Boosalis gets up at 3am each day to prepare the bakery’s old world menu.  He is very knowledgeable and constantly taking new classes and traveling to learn European pastry techniques.

The Kouign Amann Pastry – you dont know what youre missing

— The bakery prides itself on doing things the traditional way, from scratch. They are a throwback to the times of local neighborhood bakeries around the corner, using family recipes and time-honored baking traditions.

— The only fat they use in their recipes is from butter.

 

It is obvious that the people in this organization know what they are doing.  The clean atmosphere, is a welcoming invite to the

The Cross Pointe Chicken Panini – (tip: we substitute Turkey instead)

fantastic food.  But which foods are the best?

Food Adventures has the list in our “MUST EATS” for Boosalis Bakery ….

We have put in our research over the many trips to this Cross Pointe eatery, and here are the results:

 

 

MUST EATS:

— THE CRANBERRY TURKEY SANDWICH:  The Big Ragu will go on record saying this is the best turkey sandwich in town.  The

Strorefront in Cross Pointe Center off Alex Bell

bread makes all the difference.  Sliced turkey, piled high with lettuce and mayo.  Simple, yet remarkable.  The home made cranberry bread make the sandwich taste like a fluffy dream.

 

— THE KOUIGN AMANN PASTRY: You are going to start hearing about these “up and coming” trendy pastries soon.  Pronounced “Queen amann,” they are  a buttery croissant served like a cupcake.  Popularized in Breton, France, these delicate morsels pack a buttery, flavorful punch.  These pastries are one of the best things we have ever tasted.

 

Incredible Croissants and Cinnamon Rolls

— THE CROSS POINTE CHICKEN PANINI:  Warm, cheesy, toasted goodness with turkey, mozarella, and red peppers with a zip of pesto mayo.   At $6.95 it is a great deal and a very filling portion.  We found ourselves very quiet, as everyone ate this sandwich.  It is the kind of panini that you take a bite and it is so good you close your eyes. ** Here is a secret tip, substitute TURKEY for chicken, we think it is better .. just sayin…

 

— THE CROISSANTS: We could eat 6 of these huge croissants.

Food Adventure Lunch with American Idol Star Alexis Gomez and her family !

Very French, very old school, they remind us of the croissants we have eaten in Toronto,  Canada.  Curiously buttery tasting and delicious, these are definitely a nod to traditional croissants.

 

— ARTISIAN BREADS: We loved the French Bread and the Ciabatta most.  Amazing what a slice with a little butter and 10 seconds in the microwave can do to your tastebud’s world.  Great stuff, great prices and made from scratch.

 

We wish they all could be California … salads ….

— THE CALIFORNIA SALAD:  Healthy does of greens with madarin oranges and cranberries.  A truly unique and refeshing salad if there ever was one.  the balsamic vinegarette dresing is the perfect topping and the feta cheese is the perfect finish.  California here we come !

 

— PECAN ROLL:  Owner Matt Boosalis says these are best fresh, but we found a couple days later, 10 seconds in the microwave

Some of the best breads in the biz

and they taste fresh again.  At any rate, they probably wont last a couple days, they are that good.  A sticky, nutty taste that is finger licking material.

 

— THE TUSCANY PANINI:  It starts with homemade French bread.  Then they add Salami, Ham, Mozzarella, Roasted Red peppers and Basil Mayo.  Served toasted as a gooey, specialty panini.  Are you

The Tuscan is full of meat for you carnivores

kidding me?  A huge sandwich for around 7 bucks.  Get your butt to Boosalis Baking & Cafe, you wont regret experiences like these.

 

All in all, we were very impressed with Boosalis Bakery.  The staff is super friendly and the atmosphere is a small deli, with limited seating.  Still it is a fun, cozy place.  Most importantly the food is this incredible homemade menu and the prices are right.  We hope to see more people discover them like we did.  We know we will be back again and again,

Who is your boo? Boosalis of course !

and you will too !  This is what Food Adventures is about at its core.  Finding little known gems, and exposing them to the masses.

Look for our feature articles right here, every week, on Dayton Most Metro.  Food info you can take as legit, because we are so thorough.

For daily food updates, visit our incredibly popular Facebook page here where 7,000 foodies follow Chef House, The Big Ragu and Hungry Jax each day.

 

Just anothr rock start lunch at Boosalis !

Cookies too? oh yeah ….

Scones

Chocolate almond Croissant

Cakes for the taking

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dress it up

French Bread Loaf

Good Stuff – Euro style

Cross Pointe Turkey – close up

Cranberry Turkey

Corner Kitchen Adds Grab & Go Lunch

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-4The Oregon District’s hottest new eatery launches lunch to go today. It’s a clever way to extend Corner Kitchen’s audience, without having to deal with service, scheduling and other challenges of lunch at a fine dining restaurant.  Lunch will be available Tuesday through Saturday from 11am – 2pm.
Glancing at the menu, there are a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches and sides items to choose from in a very affordable $6-8.50 price range.   Beverages including soda’s, tea  and Elderflower Tonic are also available. According to their website, they’ll even  deliver box lunches to businesses and organizations downtown and nearby, though there is no mention of cost for delivery.

While the entrance to the restaurant is on the corner of Fith and Wayne, lunch boxes will be served out of a side entry on Wayne Avenue, next to Sew Dayton.  Looking forward to picking up lunch soon! Here’s a look at the menu, an art piece of its own, created by Marysa Justine.

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You Don’t Know What You’re Doing

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A guy walked into my gym the other day and asked me if I offered memberships. “No,” I told him. “This is a personal training and private yoga studio.”

“Oh, because I don’t need a personal trainer,” he said. “Do you offer any quick bootcamp style classes? I just want to get rid of my belly. I already know what I’m doing.”

“Well,” I replied, “your belly is probably more about what you’re eating than anything else. A bootcamp isn’t necessarily the answer.”

“I’m a vegetarian,” he said, “and I already eat clean.”

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At that point I just wanted him to get out of the gym as quickly as possible.

I like when neighbors pop in and ask questions. I like to give as much information away for free as I can. And I especially love the idea of people in Dayton seeing my place as a resource. Personal training is expensive, but I’m confident that there are enough people who see the value in my services that I can give away information as a sort of good neighbor policy. I do it all the time.

But nothing annoys me more than when people ask me questions to which they already pretend to know the answer.

Especially when they’re so, so, so wrong. I just don’t understand walking into someone else’s place of work with that level of arrogance.

Believe it or not, there are people who spend a lot of time figuring out how to get specific body compositions.

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Here’s where my rude visitor went wrong. There are a few issues tangled up into his presumptive line of questioning.

1.) “Abs,” or body composition: One can be weak and have visible abs. One can be strong and have visible abs. One can be healthy and have visible abs. One can be unhealthy and have visible abs. One can eat vegan and have visible abs. One can eat Paleo and have visible abs. If your goal is abs–you can tell it’s not my favorite goal in the world–then telling me that you’re a vegetarian doesn’t do much to help me get you there.

2.) “Eating clean”: I’ve written before that people often tell me they’re eating clean when what they’re really doing is not eating enough to sustain their activity level. These people often have trouble achieving their body composition goals because they’re constantly catabolizing muscle just to stay alive.

3.) “Bootcamps” are the answer: Think about the logic of a bootcamp for a second, and think about where the terminology comes from. When a military recruit goes to bootcamp, they’re reporting to a purposefully challenging entry point to a career in which they will be asked to fight and possibly die with their brothers and sisters. Meeting at the park for abs exercises and calling it a bootcamp sort of misses the point.

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Aside from the nomenclature, the real issue with a bootcamp style class is that you’re throwing twenty people into a group of varying skill levels, fitness, and injury histories and asking them all to do essentially the same thing. Sure, a good teacher will suggest modifications, but it’s difficult to ensure that five people are on point with their form, let alone twenty.

I’m not against all classes. We live in an area rich with them led by really good coaches. I’m against the idea of a class built upon the false and potentially dangerous notion that hard work alone–not programming, not form, not nutrition, not sleep, and not recovery–is the pathway for an unfit person to achieve abs or a “summer ready” body.

Use Your Eyes and Ears, Not Your Mouth

I’ve said before in this space that you don’t need a personal trainer or a coach. That’s true, but only if you’re willing to admit that you don’t know what you’re doing and you’re willing to put the time in researching, asking questions, and listening.

I’ve been doing this for a long time now, and I continue to research, ask questions, and listen. I can’t imagine training people now the way I did even five years ago, which means I’ve learned a lot in that time, discarded some techniques I once thought were sound, and added new ones. If you’re a lawyer or an architect with only a passing interest in fitness, why would you think it would be any different for you? So just shush for a moment and listen to the strong man or woman wearing the shorts. They might just know a little more about you when it comes to fitness.

10 ? With Chef Maria from Nibbles

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sxou03rnqvukicxc_400After 20 years as a dental hygienist, Maria Walusis decided it was time for a career change.  So she began to apprentice with accomplished chefs from L’Auberge and  Cumin in Cincinnati, restaurants that have since closed.  She launched her catering business about 6 years ago and then in Jan of 2015 she opened the intimate  800 square feet fine dining eatery Nibbles at 105 S. Second Street, which is the former Hamilton Hotel building in historic downtown Miamisburg.  Seating just over 30 guests inside, patio seating doubles the occupancy when weather permits.

Chef Maria shares that she customizes her menus “each season so you can have a unique food experience and not the same old thing you see all the time.”  With the start of summer, she introduces her 11th menu starting with a shrimp roll, fried green tomatoes and lobster hush puppies.  Entrees include her amazing chile relleno, jerk chicken or a tomahawk pork chop. See the full menu here.

 

Chef Maria agreed to take a break from cooking long enough to answer our 10 ?’s interview:

 

Vodka-cured Salmon with Soy Cubes, Yuzu Gelee

Vodka-cured Salmon with Soy Cubes, Yuzu Gelee

What is your favorite ingredient to cook with?    Hard to pick just one!  I love all seafood and there is always a variety of seafood items on our menus!  The current menu has lobster hush puppies!  I am already craving some.

What ingredient do you dread?
Artichokes are a pain in the butt.  They are prickly, and quickly turn a yucky shade of gray. I love to eat them but hesitate to work with them.

What’s your favorite dish to make?
I have a thing for braised meat of any kind. It’s some comforting and homey and smell amazing when cooking and just falls apart with a fork.

What’s your favorite pig out food?
Definitely pizza!  Pizza is amazing and when you want something late at night it’s the way to go!

What restaurant, other than your own do you like to dine at in the Miami Valley? There are so many great places and great chefs here in Dayton!  I like to support all the chefs as much as I can. Favs are Rue Dumaine, Meadowlark, Wheat Penny and Salar!  Very excited about some of the new places coming to Dayton soon like Basils!

Brown Sugar Shortcake with Rhubarb and Candied Ginger

Brown Sugar Shortcake with Rhubarb and Candied Ginger

What’s your best advice for home chefs?  Cook! Cook! Cook!   Read cookbooks and study and just cook. Try  new things and have fun creating.

If you could invite any 4 guests to a dinner party who would they be and why?
I would invite all the local chefs who could get away from their restaurants!  We all work so hard and its difficult to actually get together for any sort of social time, so to be able to get us all together and cook some great food and kick back together would be awesome, and spoil them a little bit with some great food.

Who do you look up to in the industry and why?
I have had some mentors who have encouraged me along the way to becoming a chef and are a source of support, and answers to my sometimes silly questions.  Chef Anne from RueDumaine has taught me a lot along with Chef Michael from Michael Anthony’s at the Inn in Versailles.  Two amazing chefs with different styles and strengths who have both influenced my cooking and how I run my restaurant.Nibblesoutside

What do you do in the Miami Valley on a day off?  Well, since I haven’t had a “day off” in weeks I’m not sure!   We go out to dinner/drinks when we can to enjoy someone else cooking for us!  WE enjoy spending time with family and friends, our daughters and parents.

Share a kitchen disaster, lucky break or an interesting story:
I was running a private party for another chef as a favor, a private party in a home. As I was trying to get the filet cooked to temp it was taking forever and I finally realized the oven wasn’t working. I opened the door to the pro-viking range and the entire door literally fell off the oven into my arms! I was completely horrified and had to figure out how to finish cooking steaks for 60 guests with no oven!!

Wednesday is Free Frappe Day!

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The folks at Winans Chocolates + Coffee have declared  Wed to be FREE frappe day.  We don’t know why, and quite frankly we didn’t ask- all we know is Wed, June 22nd is going to be a good day when you stop in anytime, and receive a free SMALL ICED, OR BLENDED beverage!

Offer valid at any of these Dayton Area Winans:

Miller Lane
6735 Miller Lane
Dayton, Oh 45414

Dayton Mall
2806 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd
Dayton, OH 45359

Dayton – The Greene Town Center
45 Plum Street
Beavercreek, Ohio 45440

Beavercreek
3510 Pentagon Blvd
Beavercreek, OH 45431

Maineville
49 E US 3-22
Maineville, OH 45039

Far Hills Avenue
5839 Far Hills Avenue
Dayton, Ohio 45439

TEDxDayton Tickets On Sale for Oct 14th Event

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tedx-dayton-marvOrganizers of TEDxDayton have announced that tickets are on sale today for the event scheduled to take place from 9am to 4pm Friday, Oct. 14, at the Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St. in downtown Dayton. Patrons should visit the Victoria Theatre Association’s official ticketing agent, www.ticketcenterstage.com for prices and purchase. Following three consecutive sell-out events, the theme chosen to challenge featured speakers and the audience in the program’s fourth year is “SEARCH.”

There will be a few changes to this year’s event. First, to reduce impact on attendees and volunteers, tickets will be available immediately rather than only offering on-site registration the day of the event. “This year, in order to expedite the registration process, tickets will be mailed or sent electronically once registered,” said TEDxDayton co-chair Diane Farrell. “We want guests to be engaged the minute they walk in the door, and this will help people feel more relaxed as they enter the theater.”

Another new element allows registering groups up to five people. Businesses and organizations wishing to register greater amounts should contact the Victoria Theatre Association’s group sales office.

 

Additionally, speaker auditions have concluded; the lineup will be announced at the end of the summer.  “We are extremely proud of the lineup of speakers this year, as well as the expansion of the TEDxDayton experience into the community,” said Ron Rollins, TEDxDayton co-chair. “We are grateful for all of the hard work and thought the committee has put into this and can’t wait to experience TEDxDayton on October 14.”

TEDxDayton will have a student ticket, general admission ticket and a patron ticket; proceeds will cover the costs of the signature event and other TEDx programs like TEDxYouth@Dayton and TEDxDaytonWomen. To learn more about ticket prices and applying to attend, visit the TEDxDayton website.

TEDx is a global program of independently organized events licensed by TED. Visit www.tedxdayton.com or the TEDxDayton Twitter and Facebook accounts for the most up-to-date details on the 2016 event. Videos of talks from the 2013–15 TEDxDayton events can be viewed on the website, as well.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)

About TED
TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or fewer) delivered by today’s leading thinkers and doers. Many of these talks are given at TED’s annual conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, and made available, free, on TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Nandan Nilekani, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Sal Khan and Daniel Kahneman.

TED’s open and free initiatives for spreading ideas include TED.com, where new TED Talk videos are posted daily; the Open Translation Project, which provides subtitles and interactive transcripts as well as translations from thousands of volunteers worldwide; the educational initiative TED-Ed; the annual million-dollar TED Prize, which funds exceptional individuals with a “wish,” or idea, to create change in the world; TEDx, which provides licenses to thousands of individuals and groups who host local, self-organized TED-style events around the world; and the TED Fellows program, which selects innovators from around the globe to amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities.

Follow TED on Twitter at http://twitter.com/TEDTalks, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TED or Instagram at https://instagram.com/ted.

Amanda Dalton & Her Animal Ambassadors On The Road

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11034193_10203740069407055_6930270950593460704_n1-300x300Wild Hearts Zoological Park began as a vision to offer a unique and personal wildlife experience within the community. Amanda Dalton, zoo founder, began pursuing her dream by caring for wildlife at a small animal sanctuary, working in the education department at a well-known zoo, and earning her master’s degree in Zoology. She now has several years of zoo experience and aims to launch this new educational organization in the coming year with the help of dedicated staff and volunteers.

Wild Hearts will be a community-oriented organization striving to provide low-impact educational experiences of nature, ecology, and conservation through an interactive approach.  Amanda is taking her vision on the road, and you’ll be able to meet her and some of her animal ambassadors around town.

In order to raise visibility for Wild Hearts Zoo, Amanda is out on “tour” raising friends and funds to support her vision.

 

Thurs, June 23rd 5-7pm     Birds & Brews with Wild Hearts Zoo at Warped Wing Brewery!
Stop by Warped Wing Brewery to meet and learn about the raptors from Wild Hearts Zoo! Her “warped wing” ambassadors cannot be returned to the wild due to wing injuries, so now they help educate the public about bird of prey ecology. Also meet Orville and Wilbur, “The Rat Brothers”.  Have a pint, make some friends and help some animals!

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Catch her at libraries around town where her program is  open to all ages who want to learn about hawks, reptiles and mammals as the zookeeper discusses their significance in our environment and their protection through conservation:536771_435536679871928_1963346290_n

June 25th – 10am: Burkhardt Branch Library
June 27th – 6:30pm: West Carrollton Branch Library
July 9th – 11am: Vandalia Branch Library
July 14th – 6:30pm: Madden Hills Branch Library
July 16th – 10am: Temporary Main Branch Library
July 26th – 6:30pm: East Branch Library
August 6th – 10am: Electra Doren Branch Library
August 13th – 10am: Trotwood Branch Library

 

She’s also got an upcoming event on June 25th – 12:30 – 2:30pm at  Cabela’s Centerville.

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Get a FREE Taco This Tues at Taco Bell

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1779076_10154087090319697_2553296908979305782_nLeBron James and the rest of the Cleveland Cavaliers may be celebrating their win in the seventh and final game of the NBA finals on Sunday night over the Golden State Warriors, but fast-food lovers can enjoy FREE tacos on Tuesday (June 21).

The Warriors had won game 4 in Cleveland, and Taco Bell promised that if either team won a game on the other team’s court, Taco Bell would give away one free Doritos Locos Taco to everyone in America.

Taco Bell will be giving away one free taco per person from 2 to 6 pm this Tuesday, no purchase necessary.  Find the Taco Bell nearest you here.  Thanks Golden State!

Rubi Girls & Wheat Penny Partner to Raise Funds for Orlando Victims.

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13445663_1416730748353277_7119764655102639518_nWheat Penny is  looking to fill the dining room all day and evening on Tuesday to help raise funds to donate to victims and their families in Orlando! 10% of all sales, all day Tuesday will be sent to Equality Orlando, in support of victims and their families.

The fantabulous The Rubi Girls will be slinging food and drinks and enticing you to open your wallets from 7-9pm. Not only will they be displaying their beauty and comedic wit, they will be matching the 10% Wheat Penney is donating to Orlando!   So show up hungry; spend lots and share your love !

Wheat Penny is located at 515 Wayne Avenue and is open from 11am – 10pm Tuesday.
Reservations are suggested for large groups.  Call (937) 496-5268 for more information.

Libraries For A Smarter Future Announce Newest Plans

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WCF-Aerial1The Dayton Metro Library announced today that a location has been selected for a new branch in West Dayton. The West Branch Library consolidates the current Madden Hills and Westwood Branches into one new, larger facility which will be located adjacent to the historic Wright Airplane Factory at Rt. 35 and Abbey Avenue.
“We received valuable input from the community at three public forums,” said Tim Kambitsch, Dayton Metro Library Executive Director. “Through consensus, this site was one of the community’s top preferences. That it is equal distance from both current branches gave us greater interest in this site.”
The seven-acre site is part of the larger Dayton Aviation Heritage Redevelopment site. In addition to the historical Wright Brothers buildings, plans call for an Aviation Heritage museum to be located there.

“There’s an exciting synergy with the National Aviation Heritage Alliance,” said Kambitsch. “A beautiful new Library will be a catalyst for additional investment and development in West Dayton.”

Design work on the four branch construction projects in Segment Three of the system-wide facilities upgrade will begin in July. Shook/Wise will serve as Construction Manager for the projects, which are scheduled for completion mid-year in 2018. The public is invited to forums with the architects to give input on the design process.

WEST CARROLLTON (renovation and expansion at current location)98133456a69fec1636e38354167435141636741
15,000 sq. ft. (current branch is 10,000 sq. ft.)
Total project costs $6.5 million
Levin Porter Associates – Architect of Record
Public Forum: Thursday, July 7, 7:00 p.m. West Carrollton Civic Center Meeting Room

WEST BRANCH (new facility)
Consolidates the Madden Hills and Westwood Branch Libraries
To be located adjacent to the historic Wright Airplane Factory at Rt. 35 and Abbey Avenue
24,000 sq. ft. (combined total of current branches is approximately 12,000 sq. ft.)
Total project costs $10 million
LWC, Inc., a minority-owned business in Dayton, is the Architect of Record
Public Forum: Tuesday, July 12, 7:00 p.m. Wright Dunbar Meeting Room, 1100 West Third Street

WILMINGTON-STROOP (new building at current site in Kettering)
21,000 sq. ft. (current building is 13,600 sq. ft.)
Total project costs $8.9 million
Ruetschle Architects – Architect of Record
Public Forum: Wednesday, July 13, 7:00 p.m. Library Meeting Room, 3980 Wilmington Pike, Kettering

SOUTHEAST (new facility)
Consolidates the East and Belmont Branch Libraries
Agreement with Dayton Public Schools to build at the corner of Wayne and Watervliet Avenues (near Belmont High School)
24,000 sq. ft. (combined total of current branches is less than 13,000 sq. ft.)
Total project costs $10 million
Levin Porter Associates – Architect of Record
Public Forum: Wednesday, July 20, 7:00 p.m. (location to be announced)

Construction continues at the Brookville, Kettering-Moraine, Miamisburg, New Lebanon, and Vandalia Branches as well as the Main Library in downtown Dayton. The Electra C. Doren, Miami Township and Northwest Branch Libraries have been completed.  Site selection continues on the four remaining projects in East Dayton/Riverside, Englewood/Clayton, Huber Heights and Trotwood.

1058330530“It’s exciting to see the beautiful finished Libraries, those in progress and those that are just beginning,” said Jayne Klose, Community Engagement Manager at the Library. “It’s a massive undertaking that will result in state-of-the art Libraries in all our communities, with larger spaces, flexible community rooms and new technology too.”

In November 2012, Montgomery County voters passed a $187 million bond issue to improve Dayton Metro Library facilities. The plan, known as Libraries for a Smarter Future, calls for updates, expansions or new construction at all Dayton Metro Library locations across Montgomery County.

For updates or more information, visit the Facilities page at DaytonMetroLibrary.org or call 937-463-BOOK.

Toxic Brew Company Throws Three Year Anniversary Block Party

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The city of Dayton’s first brewery turns three this June and they’re doing it the only way they know how, with a Toxic Brew Company Jackson Street Block Party!

“It’s so fun. We basically look for any excuse we can get to shut down the street for a block party,” Shane Juhl, Toxic Owner said. “The Three Year birthday party is going to be special too. We’ll have one-off tappings in the brewery and under the tent outside, and music and food trucks and games. I think it’s safe to say that it’ll be the most fun you’ve had at a three year birthday party.”

In addition to great beers, there will be live DJs, street art done by the Mural Machine, food trucks and the return of street four square.

“The four square tournament was a big hit at the Dayton Brew Day Block Party,” Juhl said. “Like our shuffleboard league in the Fall, no one’s really a pro, but we’re all just out and having fun. The way it should be.”

The Three Year Anniversary Block Party also marks the completion of the draft expansion from 20 taps to 40 taps and the installation of a new tap sculpture created by local artist, Shon Walters.

“We’ve been working on the tap lines for awhile so it’ll be exciting to be able to get more beers and cocktails available,” Juhl said. “The bar back itself is the real show stopper though. Shon did an amazing job with it.”

For those interested, Toxic Brew Company’s Three Year Anniversary Block Party will be held June 26 from 1-9pm at the brewery and on the north side of Jackson St. in the Oregon District.

Downtown Walking Wednesdays

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13254856_1024318354272572_5131783942266573999_oLooking for a great way to get out of the office, get some exercise, and meet new people on your lunch break? Join us each Wednesday this summer for Downtown Walking Wednesdays!

These fun, self-guided walks feature a different downtown route each week, taking you past a variety of landmarks and parts of our city while introducing you to other downtown workers who like to walk. Start your walk at one of two locations: Courthouse Square or RiverScape MetroPark.

Meet Olympians, Try Rowing on June 25

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rowingLearn more about Dayton Regional Rowing, the nation’s only Community Olympic Development Program for the sport, at this inaugural event.

A new event, Try Rowing Olympic Day, will be held from 10 am to 4 pm Saturday, June 25, at Eastwood MetroPark Lake, 1401 Harshman Road. The event marks the first time Five Rivers MetroParks has participated in the national Olympic Day.

After a brief lesson about rowing, safety and boats used, participants will join experienced rowers and give the sport a try on the lake. On land, participants also can practice rowing on ergometers and learn about the difference between a sweep boat and a sculling boat, who a coxswain is, and why Dayton was selected as home for the nation’s first Community Olympic Development Program (CODP) for rowing. Members of the Dayton Boat Club and Greater Dayton Rowing Association will help youth and adults, regardless of skill level, try rowing.

Also at Try Rowing Olympic Day, participants will get psyched for the 2016 Summer Olympics by meeting an Olympian, who will talk about what it’s like to be a professional athlete who’s participated in the games:
Anna Goodale competed with the rowing team in the 2008 summer Olympics and won a gold medal in the women’s eight. She has won prestigious awards in numerous competitions, including gold medals in the World Rowing Championships and the Rowing World Cup. She served on the National Rowing Team for six years and currently coaches at The Ohio State University. Note: Anna is available for phone interviews in advance of the event.
Heptathlete Chantae McMillan made the Olympic team in 2012 and will again participate in this summer’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Born in Tennessee, this self-described “Army brat” now trains year-round in Ohio with her coach Lynn Smith. McMillan graduated from the University of Nebraska as the best heptathlete in the university’s history with two records.

Participants also can grab a bite from McNasty’s food truck and enjoy a variety of presentations:
11 am — Chantae McMillan
11:30 am — Learn more about Dayton Regional Rowing and how you can joinrowers
Noon — Learn from a sports medicine expert about athlete injury prevention
1 pm — Anna Goodale
1:30 pm —  Learn more about Dayton Regional Rowing and how you can join
2 pm — Learn from a nutritionist about how to properly eat while training
3 pm — Learn more about Dayton Regional Rowing and how you can join

“We’re excited to host this first-time event that will give our community a chance to meet elite athletes and learn about Dayton Regional Rowing,” said Amy Dingle, director of outdoor connections for Five Rivers MetroParks. “Receiving the Community Olympic Development Program designation in July 2015 was a great complement to the Dayton region’s status as the Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Midwest. It also offers Five Rivers MetroParks and its rowing partners additional opportunities to serve the community by connecting people to nature, our rivers and promoting healthy lifestyles.”

The mission of Olympic Day, which commemorates the birth of the modern Olympic Games in 1894, is to promote fitness, well-being, culture and education, along with the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect.

While this is a free, drop-in event, advanced registration is encouraged and available at metroparks.org/olympicday. Participants should bring socks and dress to get wet.

Eastwood MetroPark Lake will be closed to the public during the event.

Cheddar’s in Centerville Opens Today

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CheddarsToday’s the day the Cheddar’s chain opens its first Dayton area restaurant to open.  Starting lunch service at 11am, the 356 seat eatery, located in the Cornerstone development in Centerville, this family-friendly restaurant serves up American comfort food with a Texas twist.

The chain, which recently changed it’s official name to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen,  started in 1979 now has over 160 locations. Founders, Aubrey Good and Doug Rogers, believed that when a meal is prepared and cooked fresh just for you, it not only tastes better, it makes you feel good. So that’s why they start their slow-cooked meats early in the morning. And they’re constantly chopping, whisking, sautéing and stirring, so they’re ready whenever you’re ready to eat. This explains why they have twice as many cooks as other restaurants.

Hours will be:

  • Sun – Thur: 11:00 AM-10:30 PM
  • Fri – Sat: 11:00 AM-11:30 PM

 

Check out their menu:

cheddarsmenu

 

 

Mystery Monday – June 20, 2016

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Welcome to Week 21 of Mystery Mondays. The answer to Week 20’s Mystery Photo is: The Tree Tower at Cox Arboretum MetroPark. I took this photo on April 24, 2016.

DMM Mystery Monday-20

From metroparks.org:

Adults and kids alike won’t want to miss the magical Tree Tower at Cox Arboretum MetroPark, where they can climb 81 steps for a panoramic view of the Miami Valley. The tower, constructed from a massive Douglas fir, rises 46 feet above the conifer collection, providing breathtaking views of the Arboretum grounds and collections. The tower is anchored by an inviting terrace, where visitors can gather to enjoy the shade and tranquility provided by the surrounding evergreens.

The tower is part of the master plan designed for us by renowned Belgian landscape architect Francois Goffinet. The master plan was created to ensure that Cox Arboretum is a spectacular destination for future generations.

We congratulate our randomly drawn winner Chris of West Carrolton! Rapid Fired Pizza certificates are coming your way!

We challenge you to tell us where in the Dayton area this photo was taken by filling out the form below.  We’ll do a random drawing from all those with a correct answer and the winner will get 2 pizzas from Rapid Fired Pizza.

Enter here:

http://goo.gl/forms/dyU55fzc48

We’ll post the winner next Monday with details about the photo as well as a new photo to challenge your knowledge of the Dayton area.

Thanks for playing and good luck!

Here’s our Mystery Photo for Week 21:

DMM Mystery Monday-21

Photo by Tom Gilliam of DaytonGram & Tom Gilliam Photography.

Father’s Day 2016 Dinners & Deals Round-Up

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fathersdayprintrestaurant-stockOn July 19, 1910, the governor of the U.S. state of Washington proclaimed the nation’s first “Father’s Day.” However, it was not until 1972, 58 years after President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official, that the day became a nationwide holiday in the United States.

Father’s Day is a celebration honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society.
If you’re looking to treat Dad to a great meal, check out these restaurants for some special meals created with Dad in mind.  We’ve also included some meal deals and freebies being offered to celebrate the special men in your life.

 

Rue Dumaine  5 – 9pm rue-dumaine

Iceberg wedge, AWS bacon, oven-roasted tomatoes, Jaime’s blue cheese buttermilk dressing

Running Free Farm Porchetta** (pork loin wrapped in the belly of the pig), BG’s baked beans, broccoli** slaw (whole mustard vinaigrette)

Cornbread

Chocolate –peanut butter Ice Box Pie

$45++  $20 children under 12

 

Texas Beef & Cattle Co.  4 – 7pm

See what all the hype is about – Dayton’s ONLY Co-op Style Smokehouse!!

$20 Per Person for a buffet style dinner in the coolest smokehouse in Dayton. We’ll fix you a to-go plate if you can’t stay or we’ll send you packin’ with meat by the pound instead – Either way you cut it, you wont find a better dinner for Dad!

 

13483081_825220904274918_801215148874164913_oChappy’s Tap House 11am – 9pm
Chappy’s Social House  11am – 9pm

Big Poppa’s Pork Platter – $18.95 – includes generous portion of Pulled Pork, 1/3 Slab of BBQ Ribs and Beer Brined or Char-Grilled Pork Chop with choice of 2 sides and Chappys Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake for Dessert.

 

Young’s  Golden Jersey Inn Father’s Day Buffet

Breakfast: 8am-11am: $11.95 (age 11+) $5.95 (ages 4-10)
Scrambled eggs, Pancakes, French Toast, Pork Sausage, Turkey Sausage, Biscuits & Gravy, Bacon, Hash Brown Casserole, Fresh Fruit and donuts.

Brunch: 11am-2pm: $16.95 (age 11+) $8.95 (ages 4-10)
Scrambled eggs, Pancakes, French Toast, Pork Sausage, Turkey Sausage, Biscuits & Gravy, Bacon, Hash Brown Casserole, Fresh Fruit, Sweet Chili Chicken, BBQ Meatballs, BBQ Beef Brisket, BBQ Baked Beans, Pulled Pork BBQ, Green Beans, Sweet Potato Bread, Corn on the Cob, Young’s Farmstead Fried Cheese Curds (all varieties) and a salad bar.

Dinner: 2pm-Close: $16.95 (age 11+) $8.95 (ages 4-10)
BBQ Brisket, Pulled Pork BBQ, Sweet Chili Chicken, BBQ Meatballs, Brats and kraut, Au Gratin Potatoes, Baked Potatoes, Home Fried Potato Chips, Sweet Corn Bake, BBQ Baked Beans, Corn on the cob, Sweet Potato Casserole, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Sweet Potato Bread, Young’s Farmstead Fried Cheese Curds (all varieties), Salad Bar and a Dessert Bar.

Buffet only on Father’s Day. Our regular menu will not be available. No reservations.

 

Fleming’s  at The Greene  3 course Father’s Day Brunch  10am- 3pm Screen-Shot-2015-09-11-at-2.22.03-PM
 The cost is $39 a person and includes the choice of appetizer: lobster bisque, Modern Caesar or fresh seasonal fruits; select sides and a choice of entree: Signature Eggs Benedict, baked brioche french toast, blue crab omelet, prime rib with a trio of sauces or porcini-crusted Filet Mignon and choice of desserts: white chocolate bread pudding, cheesecake and walnut turtle pie.

 

Beef O’Brady’s   Beavercreek   11am – 9pm
Dad’s eat free with purchase of equal or greater value
Serving a traditional breakfast, flat bread pizza’s, burrito’s wraps and of course burgers

Spaghetti Warehouse Restaurant840-5601-SW-Dads-Day-Slider-2
On Father’s Day  they’ll be serving Dad a FREE Lasagne or any Original Recipe Spaghetti Entree!– no coupon needed! Please note that there is a limit of 2 FREE meals per party.

First Watch is offering  Dads  a free small bag of premium coffee if they dine in on Sunday

McAlister’s Deli -all  Dad’s get a free dessert (no purchase necessary)

Several national restaurants are handing out promotional cards with a meal purchase this weekend:

  • BJ’s Restaurant: Get a free $10 bonus card with the purchase of $50 in e-gift cards by Sunday, June 19. The bonus card is valid June 20 through July 10. On Sunday, dads also get a free commemorative pint glass and free VIP card good for 20 percent off their next visit.
  • Bonefish Grill: Get a free $10 bonus card for every $50 you spend on gift cards by Sunday. The bonus card is redeemable on your next visit by July 15.
  • Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Get a free $10 bonus card for every $50 you spend on gift cards by Sunday. The bonus card is redeemable on your next visit by July 15.
  • Outback Steakhouse: Get a free $10 bonus card for every $50 you spend on gift cards by Sunday. The bonus card is redeemable on your next visit by July 15.