Dayton937

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

Archives for May 2017

The Real Deal Chinese Food at CJ Chan

By

Introducing Jon Hung

I get a lot of people asking me what the best Chinese food in Dayton is. Until today, I would recommend Flying Tiger in Fairborn.

Flying Tiger has fantastic Chinese food. It’s food is always good, always quality, and always served promptly. In the dozens of times I’ve been there, I’ve never had a bad time. Ever. It’s the place we’ve always gone on Christmas Eve, and it’s the place you want to go when you have 12 people on a Saturday at 5:30 PM. Good luck getting into TGIF.

I have nothing but good things to say about Flying Tiger. But CJ Chan’s is, simply, a step above.

Some background: I was born and raised on the outskirts of Toronto. My family and extended family have toured Toronto for the best Chinese food joints, specifically Cantonese. I’ve had my fair share of crappy places, as well as superlative experiences. So, if you’re looking for a place that is or is not genuinely Cantonese? I’m your guy.

In the Dayton area, you basically have Cantonese-influenced American Chinese food. General Tso’s isn’t named for a famous general; kung pao isn’t named after a martial artist; beef and broccoli is beef and broccoli; but none of these dishes are traditional Cantonese or Chinese food. Not even close. In fact, you’re hard-pressed even finding the simplest of Cantonese food staples — barbecue pork — around here. (It’s actually not difficult to make, but the spice combo is tricky and the coloring is hard to mimic.)

But CJ Chan is different.

It serves the traditional American Chinese food, but it is clearly influenced by Cantonese cooking. My parents found out why: the chef is from Hong Kong. So the food is hot, quickly-fried at an extremely high temperature, and served crisp and delicious, unlike what you usually get from other places: a sauce-soaked mess. For example, the beef-and-broccoli dish has the expected beef and broccoli, with carrots and water chestnuts; however, it does not have a “brown” sauce, but, instead, soy sauce mixed with corn starch — which is what “brown” sauce is supposed to be, //but isn’t//.

I had the Singapore Mai Fun, a soft, rice noodle dish with shrimp, the aforementioned BBQ pork, and enough spicy heat to make you eat it nice and slow. My father had the House Special Lo Mein, which came with soft noodles that were perfectly fried //in soy sauce//, and not soaked in //brown sauce//.

The kicker is that the place also serves sushi. Honest, good, old-fashioned sushi. My wife loved it, and so will you. But the real clincher is this: the gyoza aen’t gyoza, and the shumai isn’t shumai.

Why is this important? Any good Cantonese boy will tell you that the two most important things to get at dim sum are har-gow (shrimp dumplings) and siu-mai (pork dumplings). Period. We used to wait an extra 15 minutes just to get these when I was younger. Well, at CJ Chan’s, the gyoza are har-gow, and the shumai are siu-mai. That means that there is honest-to the-Lord dim sum dishes on the menu, if you know where to find them.

Fresh. Genuine. Not bloody soaked in sauce. You can find the real deal Chinese food at CJ Chan’s, as well as real deal Japanese sushi as well. And it’s bloody reasonable, price-wise. Located between Irving and Shroyer on Wilmington Pike, the restaurant holds about 30-35 people. My hope is, with this preview, you — the reader — will check it out and spread the word.

 

CJ Chan
536 Wilmington Ave, Dayton OH 45420
(937) 259-9866
*this is the location featured.

2nd Location:

2747 W Alex Bell Rd, Moraine OH 45459
(937) 259-8882 
Mon – Thu: 10:30AM–10PM
Fri – Sat: 10:30AM–10:30PM
Sun: 11:30AM–10PM

Rescued Bald Eagle Finds Home at Wild Hearts African Farm

By

A young bald eagle that was injured over a year ago that never regained the ability to fly has been looking for a forever home. The answer came last month when Amanda Badger, owner of Wild Hearts African Farm & Petting Zoo in Lewisburg made the journey to pick up the eagle that was recovering at Treasure Coast Wildlife Center in Florida.


The three-year-old eagle was injured after colliding with a car. Although the eagle underwent surgery the wing never healed well enough for her to fly again. Amanda heard about the eagle and reached out to Cabela’s and The Home Depot (Centerville) to request assistance in building the eagle an aviary. Both stores chipped in and have been eager to help every step of the way. Others chipped in to help the eagle too. Erica Keener, a local artist from West Alexandria, Oh painted a mural inside the aviary. Wysong Stone Company in Lewisburg donated the gravel for the aviary floor. A local farm donated meat rabbits to help feed the eagle. “It was wonderful how so many people offered to help her” said Amanda . She named the eagle Eleanor after her favorite Roosevelt quote “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

In order to home and care for the eagle, Amanda had to follow a complex application process meeting the strict criteria of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “I’m so glad we were able to help Eleanor, she will be a wonderful educational ambassador.” Although the African Farm plans to have pastures with livestock typically seen in Africa, they want to be able to help native wildlife too. Their farm currently has Nigerian dwarf dairy goats and they plan to add camels, guinea fowl, ostrich and other small wildlife. Goats milk cheese and soap products, along with duck eggs will also be available for purchase and those funds will help care for the animals.

The eagle’s new aviary home is in the petting zoo area of their 31 acre farm. You can see the eagle plus there are goats and ducks to feed, tortoises and guinea pigs to pet, as well as other non-releasable hawks and owls for viewing. Wild Hearts plans to open the petting zoo to the public later this summer. “Eleanor is very special, I can’t wait for the community to meet her!” Over the next two years Eleanor will mature and the hallmark white head and tail feathers will grown in.

You can help support the bald eagle care fund by making an online donation. Visitors can get up-close and personal with a variety of farm animals, raptors, reptiles, and other mammals by appointment. You can also  book their  Mobile Teaching Zoo for Education Programs! For more information, visit WildHeartsAfricanFarm.org or call 937-416-5520

Dayton Bar Stars – Molly Peppo

By

Dayton Bar Star Dayton Funny Bone

Dayton Bar Star Molly Peppo!

When people ask “How do you become a bartender? Do you go to school?”, I tell them that what you really need to do is start working in the industry in the front of the house and work your way up from there.

Many of the bartenders I speak with have a similar story. They were not fully formed behind the bar, like a clay sculpture brought to life with Jägermeister and some citrus. They were forged in the industry, spending years learning the industry before they were placed behind the bar. There was a big shift at the Dayton Funny Bone in 2014. Their two long-standing bartenders, within months of each other, were getting ready to depart for new ventures. This meant the Funny Bone needed a new bartender that had almost a blank slate to work with. Fortunately for them, Molly Peppo was waiting in the wings.

Molly had come to the Dayton Funny Bone when it first opened in 2006. She was looking for a little extra money on the side, and serving at a comedy club was the right fit for her. As a working mom, it gave her time with her family during the week. Over time, she started to develop an interest in becoming a bartender. Before Molly made the transition, she was one of the senior servers on the staff. Her training for bartending was a slow process, and she picked up a few shifts behind the stick when one of the other bartenders was out for a night.

After years on the floor, she became a full-time bartender. Then, in rapid succession, the bar manager for the club. She went right to work on the huge task she was given, making sweeping changes to the menu. She cleaned house, switching up many of the liquors and beers that had been behind the bar for years. There was a greater focus on building the craft beer selection, knowing that many of the people coming through the doors were beer drinkers. The cocktail menu was also redeveloped over time as the old spirits flowed out and the new spirits flowed in. It was developed to handle the speed of a comedy show, which typically hits fast and early and then dies off. This wonder woman then started training a few other bartenders to build out the rest of her team.

Dayton Bar Stars Molly Peppo

She’s right next to Fluffy!

The look of the bar has also been updated. Gone are the shelves of liquor showing off the selection. Molly preferred a clean look, and that is what she created. The craft beers of the month are displayed at the front of the bar for all to see. She is continuing to improve her craft, diving into the craft beer scene while learning more all the time about cocktails. Molly’s path to becoming a bartender was something she was used to; hard work and patience to get where she wanted to be. She built the bar she wanted to create and brought it to life.

How did you get into bartending?

After working as a server for seven years at the club, I decided to learn how to make the drinks I was selling.

What is your favorite drink to make?

This is tricky. If it’s a not crazy busy night I enjoy making cosmos or flavored martinis. However, if it’s a sold out show give me any other drink to make aside from those!!

Which drink makes you internally cringe?

I give this award to the Old Fashioned.

Dayton Bar Star Molly Peppo

Sometimes you need a break…

Do you have a favorite spirit you like to work with?

Anything Jameson.

When you go out for a drink in Dayton, where is your favorite place to go?

I’d have to say any of the local breweries. I love the patrons there, the bartenders are super knowledgeable & the atmosphere is always fun.

Who is the most famous person you have served?

I’d have to say Dave Chapelle or Charlie Murphy.

What do you do when you are not bartending?

I’m out taking mini road trips to new breweries or busy being a full-time mom.

What are your favorite trends from the last year?

Possibly the usage of craft beers in some cocktails.

What advice do you want to give bartenders just getting into the business?

The adrenaline rush is crazy addictive!!

Dayton Bar Star Molly PeppoWhat do you love most about Dayton?

I love there are so many cool little local places to hang out right in my own backyard.

Most interesting thing you have seen from behind the bar?

Sheryl Underwood, Stand Up Comedian and co-host of “The Talk,  spent $1000 on shots for a room full of her fans.

How has bartending changed in the time you have been in the industry?

I think people are finally realizing there is more to life than a Rum & Coke or a plain domestic beer.

What do you wish customers knew that helped you do your job?

When ordering a drink with no ice doesn’t mean more liquor. When a customer asks me to “hook it up” makes me do just the opposite! Trust me if you’re nice to me I will take care of you.

If you were not a bartender, what career would you be pursuing?

Becoming a nurse.

It’s Art Museum Day!

By

The DAI will waive its suggested admission and offer free general admission to the permanent collection on Thursday, May 18, 11:00 am – 8:00 pm, as part of the celebration of the Association of Art Museum Directors’ (AAMD) Art Museum Day, coinciding with International Museum Day.

Free Meet the Museum tours will be offered at 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. (meet in the Entrance Rotunda). From 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., guests can sample art studio programs in The Lange Family Experiencenter studio.

The DAI will also offer $10 off the purchase of a new Individual, Duo or Family Membership on May 18.

In addition, special pricing of $5 will be offered for that evening’s Curatorial Conversations gallery talk, which will look at the focus exhibition Red: Endless Attraction in Gallery 218. The talk begins at 6:00 p.m. and is limited to 20 people; advance reservations are recommended by calling 937-223-4278.

The theme of this year’s Art Museum Day is Art Museums Foster Vibrant Communities. AAMD members across the United States, Canada, and Mexico will offer programs and initiatives to celebrate the arts and the important role art museums play in their communities. In addition to bringing the best of human creativity to people across North America, museums serve as engines for the creative economy, partners with school systems and civic organizations, and anchors for public spaces and neighborhoods, making their regions better places for everyone who lives and works there.

Share your experiences on Art Museum Day via social media, using the hashtags #ArtMuseumDay and #DAIselfie.

Quest For The Best: Cuban Sandwich

By

Suddith with children at a church in Pedro Betancourt, Matanzas Pr. Cuba

13 years ago, after a long wait in Miami, and longer wait in Havana, I stepped out of the Jose Marti airport into the sweltering heat of Cuba in the summer. A friend was waiting for me with a cold Coca-Cola and pulled me around the crowd. I was the last of the team freed from the security detail and he had found our lunch. A little food stand on the curb serving sandwiches. The only item on the menu, roasted pork, and ham with cheese. The Cuban served with plantain chips and a can of the national cola, Tu Cola, for less than $2.00 American.

The classic Cuban sandwich doesn’t come with lettuce and tomato, or mayo or a relish. It’s simple. Like the way Cubanos live. Pork is in abundance in Cuba and alongside chicken, is the main protein consumed on the island. Beef and seafood are still quartered off for tourists and elites. The french bread is picked up daily in the market with a ration card and is perfect when a day or two old. The sandwich is normally pressed to help heat the day old meats through and melt the cheese. Cheese quality on the island varies, but a version of the sharp swiss we know here is used most often. The Cuban is a staple in open air markets and is called “Sandwich mixto”. The combining of two types of meat on one sandwich. Most often roasted pork and ham, occasionally it can be found with salami.
 
My love affair with Cuba started that day, under a tree, eating that sandwich and drinking a soda. I’ve returned 3 times since then and will be back later this summer. In between trips I perfected my espresso making and have searched Dayton looking for that sandwich on crunchy french bread, the right mix of meat, cheese, pickle, and mustard. In my quest for the best, I found these.

 

El Meson in West Carrolton.
It should come as no surprise that El Meson, specializing in Spanish, Caribbean and South American fare should have the area’s best Cuban sandwich. The Pork is seasoned perfectly with spices I can only describe as uniquely Cuban. Oregano, cumin, parsley, black pepper, all together smells of a Cuban country kitchen. They layer the pork alongside pickle, mustard, and swiss. Finished in a press, the roll comes back with a crunchy exterior ready to handle the juicy pork. Order it with a side of black beans. Sit on the patio, enjoy the sunshine, imagine you are in a Havana cafe all for under $10.00.

 

Don’t send angry letters. I get it. It’s not local. It’s not genuine. But trust me here. Buried deep in the voluminous menu there’s a hidden gem or two. My favorite is the Cuban sandwich. The Factory has done their research and their Cuban is on point. French roll pressed flat, pickle and mustard only. Nothing special. They make it the classic way, with roasted pork and a portion of thinly sliced ham under the swiss. It tastes just like the food cart outside Jose Marti. Skip the sides, they pale in comparison.
 
For the most authentic experience, skip the waiters, forks and nice table service. A roaming food truck is the best way to go. For a Cuban sandwich in Dayton, find McNasty’s. It has all you need. Perfectly pork, sweet ham, swiss cheese melted, that pickle and mustard in between a crusty pressed french roll.  It is no frills, just the way you might get it in Havana Viejo.
Annie’s at Second Street Market
The Second Street Market always impresses me. The Cuban at Annie’s is no exception. Pork, ham, swiss, mustard and pickle, pressed and wrapped to go just like on the Island. Annie’s pork is a bit more shredded than I normally like. This changed things for me, but the flavor is still there. Equal pickle, mustard, and pork is balanced by the swiss. Every bite was a memory.

 

Where do you find a great Cuban sandwich? Let us know is the comments or on our Facebook page at Facebook.com/mostmetro
Instagram photos used with permission by @mle_m

Bike To Work Day Is Friday!

By

Crowd at Bike to Work Day

btwd-mvrpc-logoWhether you’re a seasoned cycling commuter or a first time bike rider, unite with us to share the culture and the fun of biking to work! Just one of many reasons Dayton, OH is a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community!

Join us at RiverScape MetroPark on May 19 from 7-9 AM:

Schedule

Ride to RiverScape MetroPark for National Bike To Work Day Pancake Breakfast, presented by MVRPC
 PRE-EVENT
7-9 AM
  • FREE Chris Cakes Flying Pancake breakfast available
  • Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee provided by Boston Stoker
  • Scoop of Fronana with every plate and gluten-free pancake option
  • Register your ride. If pre-registered, go to the pre-registry line to check-in. The first 500 riders to register & check-in onsite will get a free giveaway

You Can Join The Burger Club of Dayton

By

Hamburgers are big business.  Nearly 60 percent of all sandwiches sold worldwide are actually hamburgers.  In America alone, 50 billion burgers are eaten in one single year!  If all Hamburgers eaten by Americans in a year are arranged in a straight line, it would circle our Earth 32 times or more!  Beef is also the most common meat used in burgers worldwide. Hamburgers, along with cheeseburgers, account for 71 percent of beef served in American eateries. Cheddar cheese is the most popular choice of cheese on burgers followed by American, blue cheese and Swiss.

Burger is actually the shortened name of Hamburger. The term, Hamburger, was derived from Hamburg steaks introduced in the US by German immigrants.  During World War I, the US government and soldiers referred hamburgers as ‘liberty sandwiches’ to avoid its German connection.

With so many fans of the beef patty, it’s no surprise that it has a fan club.  The  Burger Club of Dayton meets up each month at a different eatery, on a quest to find the region’s best burgers.  We found the club on Facebook and asked the Founder Fletch to tell us about the club:

How did the Burger Club begin?
  I started the Burger Club in August of 2016. I was watching Jeopardy and one of the contestants had mentioned that she was a member of a Burger Club where she lived.  I thought is was a Genius idea.

Who can attend your meet ups?
We welcome everyone. No age minimum or maximum. We’re definitely family friendly.

What happens at your meet ups?
We get together and socialize, order food and typically share food we think others in the Club might like.

How do you pick your burger spots?
 We keep it local.  We want to go to restaurants that are not a national chain,  We choose local businesses within 25 miles of Dayton. 

Bennett’s Burger

Where’s your favorite burger joint?
Some of the places that have stood out, so far, are Bennett’s Publical in Miamisburg, EO at the Greene and Bunker’s in Vandalia. 

What else should we know?
We’re a friendly group, averaging around 15 people each month.  You don’t have to eat a Burger, we don’t judge.  Come out and join us.

The next meeting of the burger club is  Tuesday, May 23 from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM at Sea Jax Tavern on Bigger Road in Kettering.

Hamburger Harley

And if that doesn’t fulfill your burger cravings, perhaps you should plan a visit to the Hamburger Hall of Fame in Seymour, Wisconsin, which claims to have the World’s Largest Collection of Hamburger-Related Items, or The International Hamburger Hall of Fame, aka The Hamburger Museum,  in Daytona Beach, Florida.

DLM Culinary Center to feature 8 Course Food Adventure Class

By Leave a Comment

Patio Party Foods class !

Dorothy Lane Market’s School of Cooking in Washington Township has a few tickets left for this Thursday’s (May 18, 2017)  Food Adventures Cooking Class, called “Party on the Patio.”

This fun theme features 8 great tastes.  From grilled items, to party foods these features are great for patio or poolside parties.  With the upcoming warm weather, it is a perfect time to get some new recipes and help fine tune your skills when you entertain.

We are expecting a big crowd, but some tickets are still left !

The Food Adventures Crew is a Dayton blog with 3 foodies from different backgrounds and tastes.

Hungry Jax  – The Italian Foodie Mom, who brings an upstate New York  flare to the table.  Her kitchen is an experiment of constantly evolving recipes, and she uses her family as taste tasters regularly.

Chef House  – Classicly trained chef with lifetime experience in the restaurant industry.  Known for her Housemade Hot Sauces, farm fresh veggie obsession and love of craft beer.

The Big Ragu – The bachelor foodie view.  A no rules approach to simple, good food.  Seafood, Grilling and Italian food are his fave cooking items.

Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax

Their one thing in common is their undeniable passion for local eats !  They host dinner events at local restaurants, post weekly feature articles on Dayton’s MostMetro.com.  They also host cooking classes and help run some local festivals.

Join the excitement this Thursday May 18th from 6pm to 8:30pm.  Here is a link to get a ticket.

 

The class will include beer, wine and these 8 tastes, with recipe sheets for you to keep.

Chimichurri Spiced Lemon Hummus, Feta, Fresh Herbs and Sriracha

Jackie Talking Wine and Food

 Grilled Zucchini Skewers with Fresh Mozzarella and Pistachio Arugula Pesto

Grilled Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad with Basil Lemon Ricotta;

Grilled Spicy Hawaiian Pizza

Grilled Carrots with Lime Juice

Italian Style Grilled Salmon

Grilled Clams

Boozy Peanut Butter Milkshakes

See you at the

Dorothy Lane Market Culinary Center 

6161 Far Hills Avenue
Dayton, OH 45459
Call (937) 535-5696 with questions

 

For more on Food Adventures, follow them on Facebook HERE

 

 

 

 

The Book Fair Roundup- Donate Your Books* Now

By

The Book Fair Foundation is comprised of a group of civic-minded people who work together collecting books to support community charities, carrying on the good works the group began in 1970. They  work all year collecting books, media and findings and resell those during their annual Book Fair held during the second weekend in November at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds.

Money raised from the sale of books is donated to selected Dayton-area nonprofit organizations. In 2017, proceeds from the sale will benefit the Artemis Center, Caesar’s Ford Theatre and Discover Classical -Dayton Public Radio.

 

Through the generosity and cooperation of Grismer Tires they are extending Round Up at every Grismer location in the Miami Valley, Springfield and Troy from Monday, May 15th through Monday, May 22nd. Just bring your books inside to the barrel in the waiting room– don’t forget to get your receipt and new bookmark from the Grismer staff while you’re there.

On Saturday, May 20th, they’ll  also be at all their regular locations as well, from 10 am to 1 pm, and at our Book Loft Location, 2181 Embury Park Road, Dayton at least ’till 3 pm and probably longer.

Please note that we will not be collecting at Montgomery County Fairgrounds this spring, even though it said so in the ad– but we WILL be at Fairgrounds for our annual sale, this year September 8 -September 11, 2017.

The Book Fair Foundation is a 501c3 registered charity, and your donations are tax-deductible. Proceeds from this year’s sale benefit Artemis Center, Caesar’s Ford Theatre Company and Dayton Public Radio.

*They welcome donations of books, vinyl records, VHS, DVD, CDs, puzzles, board games, prints and maps.

And if you can’t manage to bring your donations to them, give them a call to ask about their free pick-up service at 937.999.4491.

Pecha Kucha presents Hack Your City

By

Art by Kelley Booze

Hack Your City Returns!

Thursday, May 18, 7:30pm at 33 Barnett Street
Dakota Center – one block south of W Fifth

Shayna, Matt & Jill

Pecha Kucha (PK)   was devised in Tokyo in February 2003 as an event for young designers to meet, network, and show their work publicly. It has turned into a massive celebration, with events happening in 455 cities around the world, inspiring creative people worldwide. Drawing its name from the Japanese term for the sound of “chit chat,” PK rests on a presentation format of 20 images x 20 seconds. In 2009, Jill Davis started Dayton’s PK Nights, partnering with Matt Sauer and Shayna McConville and presenting these nights of quarterly presentations and rotating locations.  Over the years we’ve heard about creative candy making, illegal trips to Cuba, Evel Knievel and and how lunches are delivered in India.  The beauty of these nights is for 6 minutes and 40 seconds you’ll be exposed to a presenters world and then another and another.  
For this month’s PK night head to the Dakota Center for a special welcome and a night of knowledge hosted by  Yvette Kelly-Fields of Wesley Community Center. Come be inspired!  Topics will include:

  • Amaha Sellassie – Building a cooperative grocery in a food desert
  • Bryan Stewart – Improving race relations
  • Jared Grandy – Reducing gun violence
  • Charlie Setterfield – Auditing Dayton architecture with students
  • Elizabeth Koproski – Voices of immigrants
  • Dot Schnering – Revitalizing a neighborhood
  • Trudy Elder – Creating equitable housing and homeless solutions
  • Nick Christian – Taking action against the opioid epidemic
  • Amy Lee – Promoting community democracy
  • Lela Klein – Enabling worker-owned manufacturing

PARKING: The Dakota Center has a small lot, so expect to use the plentiful free street parking nearby. There’s also public parking at W. 4th and S. Broadway behind Chase Bank. (You are just steps away from Texas Beef + Cattle if you’d like to eat before PKing)

Mac-n-Cheetos Are Coming Back!

By

Burger King’s Mac n’ Cheetos were originally introduced in June of 2016 and were an instant hit.  These sticks of mac n’ cheese deep fried in orange Cheetos dust were the perfect answer for late night munchies.   The portable little box contained five pieces and was served with ranch dressing.

You either loved them or you never tried them.  According to Alex Swerdloff of Munchies, “Fox News took to the streets of New York and did a taste test. Most of the people they polled seemed to be pleasantly surprised by the orange snack, gushing the likes of, “Oh my god, this is so good!”  Others pointed out pointed out that people are eating the  Mac ‘N Cheetos, their fingers were clean and not orange—a big win.

Alex Macedo, president for Burger King inNorth America, called the Mac n’ Cheetos a “triple threat” for combining Burger King, Cheetos and mac and cheese. The snack has been brought to “satisfy guests’ cravings,” he said in a statement.  But just as quickly as they captured the attention of the public, they disappeared.  On the market for just eight weeks and poof- gone.

And just as suddenly, Burger King is brining them back its “Mac n’ Cheetos” for a limited time at participating restaurants starting May 18.  You’ll get 5 pieces for $2.69, 20 cents more than they sold when they were available last summer.

 

 

Tedeschi Trucks Band Taps Local Breweries For ‘CRAFT FOR CAUSES’

By

Craft For Causes, a non-profit dedicated to bringing together the booming craft brew industry with live music in support of charitable causes, today announced its first full-scale, national initiative. This summer, Tedeschi Trucks Band will roll its Wheels of Soul tour into 20 cities across America including a stop at PNC Pavilion in Cincinnati, OH on Friday, July 21 and Rose Music Center in Huber Heights, OH on Saturday, July 22. Craft For Causes has involved 41 of the nation’s craft beer makers to develop some creative cool brews especially for the hotly-anticipated shows.

In the month preceding the Wheels of Soul date, Hairless Hare Brewery (Vandalia, OH) and Fifty West Brewing Company (Cincinnati, OH) will feature a limited-edition beer in their tap rooms specifically themed for TTB’s annual summer run.

TAP LAUNCH BREWERY LIMITED EDITION BEER
June 1 Hairless Hare Brewery Pineapple Session IPA
June 21 Fifty West Brewing Company Butch Brown Ale with Vanilla Wood Note

Hairless Hare Brewery and Fifty West Brewing Company will assist in fundraising and promotion of the special brews contributing to the charitable efforts of the collaboration with the goal of providing musical instruments for underprivileged youth in each host city.

Craft for Causes founder John Nichols is thrilled to spotlight this potential lasting philanthropic alliance between the band, brewers, and their community.  “We’re excited to announce this during American Craft Beer Week,”said Nichols. “I wanted to create something where everybody wins, and we will leave behind, literally, a trail of musical instruments for children in these cities.”

Modeled after the PGA’s similar event/host charity partnerships, Nichols hatched the idea during last year’s Wheels of Soul tour, inspired by tour-themed concoctions from Marble Brewery in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This year’s unique collaboration aims to raise $100,000 which will benefit a charity that Tedeschi Trucks Band has supported in different ways over the years, Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation (MHOF).  The national non-profit organization donates high-quality musical instruments to deserving under-funded music programs in schools across the country.

This third annual edition of Wheels of Soul will feature the Grammy-winning rock-and-soul powerhouse, Tedeschi Trucks Band, joined by guests The Wood Brothers and Hot Tuna.  For a complete list of participating breweries, date and times for brewery tap parties, and more information about Craft For Causes, visithttp://craftforcauses.org

 

Tickets for the Cincinnati and Huber Heights shows are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com. *Ticket prices include parking and are subject to applicable Ticketmaster fees.  Dates, times and artists subject to change without notice.

Mystery Monday for May 15th

By

Last weeks winner, Rob Strobel of Dayton had no problem identifying these beautiful stained glass windows in the Oregon District.  Free Rapid Fired Pizza is coming his way.

Located on the corner of Clay and Cass streets, this  church built in 1888  had been condemned and set for demolition.Until Dayton native Karl Williamson decided that it would be the perfect space for an urban climbing center.  After much restoration The Urban Krag Climbing Center opened in November of 1996 with  eight thousand square feet of vertical courses ranging in heights from twenty-eight to fifty-six feet, including options for all levels of expertise.

 

Now let’s see who can identify this weeks Mystery.   If you know the location of this photo enter it here:  http://goo.gl/forms/dyU55fzc48.  We’ll let you know next Monday if you got it right!  Good Luck!

 

Dayton Gets A Pedicab!

By

Kicking off on National Bike to Work Day on May 19, First Through Fifth will be providing free pedicab service – with tips encouraged – throughout downtown Dayton.

“From the Wright Brothers’ shop to the two new brewery peddling buses, Dayton has a long history with cycling,” Earl Hatmaker, operator of First through Fifth said. “With all of the great development going on across downtown too, we wanted to get out there and help connect the dots for people. There’s a lot of stuff that’s closer together than you might think. It’s a chance to park your car and go experience all that the city has to offer.”

For National Bike to Work Day, First through Fifth will operate in the morning out of RiverScape MetroPark for their pancake breakfast and then later on in the day out of Yellow Cab for the Yellow Cab Food Truck Rally. The service is free, though tips for the drivers are encouraged.

“Summertime is always fun in the city,” Hatmaker said. “We want to be out there peddling people around from everywhere from festivals, to Dragons games, to just a nice weekend of patio hopping.”

For those interested, First through Fifth free pedicab service begins operations on National Bike to Work Day on May 19. Private bookings, advertising opportunities, and following engagements can be found on their Facebook page.


Graeter’s Bonus Flavors: Orange & Cream Debuts today

By

 

 

Graeter’s, the ice cream company known for its indulgent, handcrafted flavors, rich chocolate chips and Old World French Pot process, is preparing for its annual Bonus flavor launch.  In all, nine new Bonus Flavors will be launched in scoop shops across Graeter’s Midwest region.  A secret that remains under lock and key until the day of launch, guests will be made aware of the new flavors on the day of launch only – via new media, social media, in-store scoop shops and the Graeter’s online store.

 

Each flavor is considered a Limited Time Only flavor, for once the flavor is gone from scoop shops and online, the flavor is retired for the year. Consumers are encouraged to visit a scoop shop near them, or Graeter’s online store, to try each Bonus Flavor for themselves.

Graeter’s first Bonus Flavor will be revealed on May 15, 2017.  Others will be announced every two weeks, culminating with the last announcement on August 21, 2017.

 

$35,000 Budgeted For Artist Proposals

By

Washington-Centerville Public Library RFP for Artwork Woodbourne Library Renovation & Expansion Project:

 

Art Speaks Volumes

 

Open To: Artists with ties to the Greater Miami Valley

Commission Amount: $35,000 is budgeted for artwork at Woodbourne Library Entry Open Date: May 15, 2017

Entry Deadline: July 7, 2017

Commissions Announced: August 1, 2017

Projection Completion: June 1, 2018

Project Summary: Washington-Centerville Public Library seeks to commission site-specific pieces of artwork for four spaces within the renovated and expanded Woodbourne Library slated to reopen in the Summer of 2018.

Artists are invited to propose newly created artworks, of any medium, that reflect the communities of Centerville/Washington Township and the Modernist tradition of the building. Artists may propose more than one work if they so choose. Proposed artworks should resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds and contribute to the inviting, engaging and stimulating library environment. The committee welcomes, but does not require, submissions that relate to the Washington-Centerville Public Library’s mission to be the community’s connection to diverse opportunities for education, enrichment and entertainment.

From the submissions, a committee of local citizens and Library Trustees will select the winning artists. Winning artists will meet with Library staff, architects and construction representatives to confirm plans for the commission and will be required to sign a Letter of Agreement by September 2017 and complete the work by June 2018.

Centerville/Washington Township Community Background: Centerville/Washington Township is a well-educated suburban community of approximately 53,000 people. Known for its strong school district, parks and library system, it is an attractive community for families with children.

 

Centerville has the largest collection of early stone houses in the state of Ohio. They are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Downtown Centerville, also known as “The Heart of Centerville”, is an Architectural Preservation District that reflects the “Main Street” downtown era that shaped American towns and cities in the early 1900s. Many of the downtown buildings were built prior to World War I and represent diverse architectural styles rich in craftsmanship and detail.

Woodbourne Library Background: Woodbourne Library is an elegant, metal-frame building with perimeter posts supporting a roof overhang that shades set-back glass walls. Originally constructed in 1965 as a bank branch, the building is considered one of the most significant and beautiful Mid-Century Modernist buildings in Southwest Ohio.

The building was designed by Woodford (Woodie) Garber, one of Cincinnati’s most original Modernist architects. Garber designed some of the region’s most innovative buildings but over time his buildings have suffered considerably from neglect and demolition. The Woodbourne Library is now one of his rare buildings that survives intact and in good condition, despite its change in function over time.

Beginning in 2015, the Woodbourne Library began a transformation to take three separate parcels of land, owned by the Library, and make a unified campus that will serve more than 70,000 library cardholders. As part of this master plan, more parking and green spaces will be added; the existing Library will be completely renovated; and a 10,000 sq. foot expansion will be added. When finished, the Library will be approximately 30,000 sq. feet and have active and quiet zones that meet the needs of all library users. New amenities will include conference/meeting spaces in a variety of sizes, larger spaces for teens and children’s collections, and a creativity space.

 

Practical Considerations: The artwork must be durable, safe and easy to maintain. Potential locations for artwork include vaulted ceiling space near front entrance, a wall outside the Children’s Room, a ‘nook’ in the central marketplace and a wall in a quiet reading area. Some locations for artwork will be accessible to Library patrons. Renderings from LWC Architects can be found at the end of this RFP that illustrate these potential locations with their dimensions. Architectural plans are still subject to revision.

Submissions: Proposals will only be accepted electronically, in the form of a single pdf of no more than 10 pages and no more than 10 MB. Proposals for each art submission must include the following and be organized in the order below:

1. A sketch and narrative explanation of the proposed artwork

2. An explanation of the relationship between the proposed art and the community/building

3. Size range and suggested location for each proposed artwork

4. Four- six images of completed artwork, preferably of similar scale and material

5. Budget range for each proposed artwork

6. Brief artist CV or bio (1 page maximum)

Proposals and questions should be emailed to: [email protected]

Additional Information: The Library will hold a pre-proposal meeting for artists on June 6th, 4 PM at Centerville Library, 111 West Spring Valley Road, Centerville OH. LWC architects and Library representatives will be on hand with building plans and to answer questions.