Dayton937

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

Archives for July 2018

Ghostlight Coffee Going Green

By

Ghostlight Coffee is partnering with GoZERO Services, GreenSpeed Products, and, hopefully, its customers, for a no-waste coffee shop experience. The coffeehouse is introducing a new composting system, all compostable single-use carry out items, and an affordable line of reusable mugs, tumblers and stainless steel straws.

New composting procedures made possible through GoZero’s commercial food waste services will encourage guests to discard waste into proper containers for collection. Shop employees and signage will educate and remind guests of the color coding system (blue for recycling, green for composting, and black for landfill trash). All hot and cold beverage cups, plates, and utensils will be from GreenSpeed Products, making them fully compostable ​— ​green ​bin, please!

With active participation, they estimate the effort can save 80,000-100,000 plastic utensils, cups, lids and straws, from being sent to local landfills this year. Ghostlight’s owner Shane Anderson has been working with Geoff Fansher of GreenSpeed Products for over a year to finalize the transition.

“Recycling restrictions didn’t leave us with too many effective options until we learned of GoZERO Services,” said Anderson. “Their compost collection, along with new compostable packaging products and commitment of our baristas & customers should make a considerable leap towards sustainability.”

In addition to it’s composting efforts, Ghostlight is encouraging frequent guests to purchase reusable items such as cold drink tumblers, travel mugs, and metal straws. The stainless steel straws, released earlier this summer, have been a promising early sign. Ghostlight has had to restock three times in the past month.

The coffee shop is working towards a goal of 90% of all service items being either compostable or recyclable by the end of the year.

“The key to this effort will be our staff and customers making the commitment to disposing items properly.” said Anderson. “​One easy decision can make a huge impact. It’s up to you!”

Ghostlight Coffee

Photo Credit: Shane Anderson

1201 Wayne Ave
Dayton, Ohio

hours:

Mon – Thu: 7a-5:30p
Fri & Sat: 7a-7p
Sun: 8a-5:30

COFFEE  12oz / 16oz

  • Morning Rush Machine Drip Coffee (Ghostlight Blend & South Park Blend, available until Noon) – $2 / $2.50
  • Cold Brew (Available Seasonally) – $3.40 (16oz)

ESPRESSO BAR

  • Double Shot – $2.25
  • Macchiato – $2.75
  • Cappuccino – $3
  • Gibraltar – $3
  • Latte – $3.25 / $3.75
  • Iced Latte – $3.75
  • Flavored Latte – $4 / $4.50
  • Iced Flavored Latte – $4.50
  • Cafe Con Miel (Local Honey Lattes) – $4.25 / $4.75
  • Mocha – $4 / $4.50
  • Iced Mocha – $4.75
  • Chai Latte – $3.25 / $3.75
  • Iced Chai – $4.25
  • Hot Chocolate – $3 / $3.50

Some of the terrific items  frequently offered at Ghostlight Coffee:

DLM Associate George Punter received Good Neighbor Award

By

The Vera & Calvin Mayne Good Neighbor Award recognizes a Dorothy Lane Market associate who goes above and beyond to better serve the DLM family or the community at large. We are proud to announce that George Punter, Wine & Beer Manager at DLM Washington Square, is this year’s recipient for his involvement with Camp Emanuel.

George Punter receives The Vera & Calvin Mayne Good Neighbor Award

Camp Emanuel hosts day and resident fun-filled camps aimed at integrating kids with and without disabilities through a number of activities, from arts and crafts to horseback riding, archery, and fishing. George first became involved with Camp Emanuel in 1996 as a board member upon his wife’s encouragement. She worked for 45 years as a special education teacher, but saw a connection to George since the camp’s chief fundraising efforts are done through wine silent auctions, often featuring collectors’ finds. After three years on the board, George learned that Camp Emanuel was in need of counselors, so he gave it a shot and has been doing it for nearly 20 years. “It was a life-changing experience for me,” says George.

In addition to assisting with the summer camp program, George is also instrumental in helping plan Camp Emanuel’s annual fundraiser in the spring. It’s a live wine auction that typically raises $35,000 within three hours and fuels Camp Emanuel’s mission to promote decision making, team building, positive self-esteem, and encourages understanding and acceptance between children.

This article originally appeared on the Dorothy Lane Market website.

Clash Oregon District Photography Challenge

By

Mary Kathryn Burnside is one of those people that just makes things happen in Dayton.  A business owner, her Clash boutique in the Oregon District will celebrate it’s 7th birthday this August.  Her shop is constantly morphing, carrying vintage and locally made clothing as well as artwork, locally made jewelry, art and so much more.  A true Patron of the Arts, Mary Kathryn says “ I have always been a very social person and getting creative types of all kinds under one roof has always been a passion for me.”

This summer, aside from being a new mom to 3 month old Freya Moon, she put together a fashion shoot competition and invited MostMetro to help expose the models and photographers work.  It was such a success, Mary Kathryn says,   “I think this way of bringing photographers together will stick for a while as a fall version is already in the works! If you would like to join in on the next one stop by the shop for details! All clothing you see in these photos is available at our shop in the Oregon District and some of it on our Etsy page. You can follow us on Instagram under Clash Dayton for random posts of some of the various things we carry and get involved with.”

 

THE CONTEST:

On a summer day, models and photographers met up in the Oregon District for a summer photo shoot.  Mary Kathryn recruited the models, acted producer and stylist and each group of models had a limited time with each photographer.  The photographers had complete creative control, deciding whether to shoot the models by themselves or in groups and were allowed to submit up to two pictures in each category.

We are asking you, the public to vote for your favorite photo’s in each category, but going to the MostMetro Photo Albums.  Look through each album and like the picture to actually record a vote.  You may vote for as many pictures in each category as you choose, but the winner will be the picture with the most likes.  Winning photographers will have their pictures on display at Clash on August First Friday

THE PHOTOGRAPHERS:

Brian Mikulski –  is a published photographer based out of Cincinnati with 10 years of experience. He has worked with international designers as well as local and regional creatives in the fashion industry.

Brooke France–  a wife and mother to four beautiful children. I am less than a year into the photography world and having an absolute blast.

Bruce Soifer – photographer and digital artist, lives in Dayton, Ohio. He received a Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, with a major in business and minor in painting. He took up photography and self –taught through books, periodicals, seminars, online classes, and other media; member of DVAC 5 years, Tri-Pod Camera Club 4 years, National Association of Photoshop Professionals 6 years and a member of Professional Photographers of America.

David Suter –  Photographer, whiskey drinker, lover, friend, wanderer. I sing love songs and carry steel.

Jennifer Taylor –  long estabablished as ‘Dayton’s rock photographer’, in this new collaboration with Clash, presents a range of imagery that invites viewers to see, with fresh eyes, the ecclectic style that Clash brings to the Oregon District. Jennifer is available for commissions.

Kimmi Lynn Gem City Pinup – is a pinup model turned pinup photog. Stepping on the other side of the lens has opened my eyes to the art of photography and what exactly goes into creating just the simplest of images. She’s learned so much in her short time behind the lens, not only about photography, but people. She says you get to see a different side of a person when you are up close and personal. That has been one of the best rewards!

Lori Montgomery Photography –  Shooting and capturing your dearest and most special memories is her biggest passion. She’s  been shooting for 5 years on her own and am looking forward to many more

Miranda Pennington – an artist, photographer, and musician working in Dayton Ohio. Her photography is focused on fine art and nature. Find her photography online at facebook.com/miranda.artphoto.

Patrick O’Reilly graduated from Sinclair Community College  as well as Defense Information School where he studied videography and photojournalism. He has over twenty years of experience in photography and as an Air Force photojournalist he has done work in various locations, most notably as a military advisor in Afghanistan.   Seeing art as a morphological vision from within, he believes that it should always provoke the viewer to new, incredible and uncultivated territories.  Instagram: OculusVivatus

Robert Parkey III RP3 Photoworks  – a portrait, fine art, pinup photographer. Photography is his full time passion but unfortunately he only get to indulge in his passion part time. He’s been behind the camera since 1982 You can find more of works @ Facebook/rp3photworks.com Instagram/rp3photoworks.com Pinterest/ rp3photoworks.com

 

THE  CATEGORIES:

Raven Bombshell  – click this link to vote on pictures 

We have carried Raven Bombshell clothing in our shop for several years, each piece is made by local designer, Andrea Benson. Her work is retro inspired and fits perfectly with our shop!

The models you will see in this category are:

Andrea Benson AKA Gretta Grenadine – The Raven Bombshell herself!  “I am a retro-inspired clothing designer and I also model under the name “Greta Grenadine”. I love that both of these hobbies have given me more avenues to participate in Dayton events and collaborate with other Dayton artists!”

Sheena Lou– Dayton native born and raised and currently live close by. My name is Sheena Lou, you can find me on the Facebook under Sheena Lou and on Instagram SheenaLou Pinup Model. I have been doing Pinup since 2011 and actually got into it by randomly talking to a photographer at a car show. My favorite Pinups are Vivien Leigh and Hedy Lamarr. My modeling ranges from the 1930’s to the 1950’s. She’s  an animal lover, and has a nutty Husky named Jet and 4 cats.”

Roxie Lee –  Springfield native and an avid animal advocate. She loves pinning up for vintage events, and running OH! Pinups, a hub of events and activities for pinup lovers in and around and Ohio, with some of her very best friends!”

Lindsay Mann –  is proud to say she’s born and raised in the Dayton area. She recently started modeling and love being able to use modeling as another way to support local designers, artists, and boutiques. She says “it is so much fun to dress up in fabulous clothes and work with amazing artists!”

Mary Snapp is a Dayton-bred actress and artist. She lives in Kettering with her husband, caring for an aging Corgi, mother-in-law, Mini Australian Shepherd, and one very fat cat.

Danielle  Andrews – “Dollface Zilla” 44, from Dayton, Ohio. She is an Artist, Model, Autism Advocate and Teacher Aide. “Sexy is all in the sway of her hips. Size 2 or 22.”

1980’s – click this link to vote on pictures

 

It was hard to pick what era to put in the shoot with all of the great vintage we have but with 80s fashion being in style again I figured why not go with it! The shoot was split between 80’s prom looks and everyday 80s clothing. Voting will still be who captured the 80s best overall.

The models you will see in this category are:

80’s Prom

Bailey is a 16 y/o visual arts student at Stivers. She is multiracial, Korean/Caucasian and has natural fiery red hair. Just over a year ago she started modeling for Clash for fun and is now expecting to walk a runway for New York fashion week! Her other passions include roller derby, dancing around in her kitchen and doodling.

Schuyler is 13 and will be starting her last year of junior high this fall. She is taking a year off from select soccer to pursue modeling. When she’s not swimming or playing sports she likes to volunteer with the kittens at SICSA.

Maris is seventeen years old and going into her senior year of high school. After years of admiring models featured online and in magazines, this year she has decided to pursue her desire to inspire, much like the many women she adores.

Everest is 22 years old and planning to graduate with an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences. She has been working at modeling professionally since 2014 and hopes to show others than even if you don’t fit the “norm” of what society expects you to look like you can still be beautiful and talented in your own way.

Ladies 80’s

Cady Gebhardt is a dog mom of two in her late 20’s who enjoys modeling for fun. She likes long binges of Netflix and thrifting for hours.

Ashley Morgan is a spoken word artist/poet who focuses on experimenting with abstract imagery, sensations, and just messing around with words. She loves modeling because it allows her to network with people from all different types of backgrounds and allows her to support local artists.

Kyanta Brown is currently studying Psychology at Sinclair Community College. During her free time, she enjoys spending time in nature, while playing music on her ukulele.

 

A Night on the Town – click this link to vote on pictures

A night on the town in Dayton is not complete without the Oregon District. The point of this category was to show you could get dressed up for a nice dinner or wear everyday clothes and get tattooed, go shopping, watch a movie or have a beer with your friends.

(This category ended up sharing a few models with the locally made due to a couple models not showing up for the shoot. )

Mercedes Franklin – a 21 year old art student and server from Dayton, OH. When she’s not serving at her job she enjoys painting, drawing, reading, going out with her friends, and spending time outdoors. You can follow her on Instagram at Lemonbenz.

Matthew Adams (Waiting on Bio)

Preston Kraft – Preston is relatively new to Dayton. He came here by way of NYC. He loves the city here especially the Victorian houses and that this city has an old school feel. In his spare time he pursues music and art and collect macabre antiques. He enjoys historic and darker fashion and is  also interested in philosophy and spirituality. He likes seeing Dayton’s resurgence and hope to see it become a trendy place in the future

Jacobee Rose Buchanan – the designer of The Rose And Thorn. A former dancer, she incorporates costume and theatrical elements into clothing that combines romantic period fashion with modern lines, industrial edge, and unusual fabrics.

The Wizard of OZ – click this link to vote on pictures

The Wizard of Oz has always been one of my favorite movies and costuming is one of my favorite hobbies, so I decided to look for things in Clash to create looks that imply characters of OZ once you see them all together. Our lion didn’t show up for the shoot that day and I was super sad about it!

Mileah Walker also known as MiMi is 25 years old and was born and raised right here in Dayton, Ohio. She’s always had a passion for fashion and also the beauty industry since she was young.  She’s now been modeling for about 6 years now.  She enjoys spending time with her daughter, practicing yoga, and skating. You can find me on Instagram at skyywalkr_ or on Facebook at MiMi Dejene’ Walker

Tabatha Wharton is a second-year graduate student, writer, mother, and occasional model from Dayton. When not busy with the demands of her life, she enjoys coffee, most food, and great conversation.

Rhiannon has been an active model and dancer for 8 years. Her dancing skills range from belly dance to burlesque and is now focusing on aerial arts at Femme Fatale. She has worked with several photographers with a focus on fashion and conceptual styles. Rhiannon has a passion for promoting local artist and designers.

Molly Stephens is a Dayton transplant that landed here recently from NYC. With a big passion for vintage clothing, she takes pride in looking like Marcia Brady on the regular. Her love for vintage has tossed her into the world of modeling where she showcases her favorite pieces in shoots.

Margot St. Claire is a model and actress who has performed in many theaters around the Dayton area. With a passion for vintage clothing, she especially enjoys sporting looks that reference the fashions of the past.

Arielle Ku’unani Bucio got into the modeling world as a young adult, working with talented local artists all around her hometown Dayton, Ohio. She’s always excited to get into a variety of styled shoots. Arielle loves to model authentic looks from all around the world as she comes from a multiracial back ground of Hispanic/ Pacific Islander.

Locally Made Clothing – click this link to vote on pictures

Having a locally made clothing category was very important to me to show how many and how diverse the Dayton designers are.  Clash hosts fashion shows and events each year showcasing these designers that we sell at our shop and we are looking forward to this new fun way of getting their work out in the public eye!

Laura Ess –  has enjoyed being part of the Clash Dayton community since her arrival in Dayton, OH. In her spare time, she frequents many of the businesses in the Oregon District, volunteers for local art events, and is always on the hunt for vintage clothing and antique furniture. Modeling clothing for Clash Dayton has provided her with the unique opportunity to combine her interests in vintage, fashion, art, and community all at once!  Wearing Tracy McElfresh

Kacie Bornheimer –  new to Dayton, having moved from Virginia Beach to be with her fiancé. She enjoys her job working with the homeless and intends to attend UD to get her Masters in Clinical Psychology.   Wearing Tracy McElfresh

Preston Kraft – Preston is relatively new to Dayton. He came here by way of NYC. He loves the city here especially the Victorian houses and that this city has an old school feel. In his spare time he pursues music and art and collect macabre antiques. He enjoys historic and darker fashion and is  also interested in philosophy and spirituality. He likes seeing Dayton’s resurgence and hope to see it become a trendy place in the future

Matthew Adams –Matthew Adams, Pittsburgh born, Dayton raised, seeks to expand his creativity in the realm of modeling. He specializes in alternative looks, as well as streetwear, formal, and vintage.  Wearing Etch Christopher Wyerich

Brett Bartlett – Bartlett is a sophomore at the University of Dayton. She’s currently studying International Studies and theatre, with an emphasis in Middle Eastern culture and dance.  Wearing Amy Kollar Anderson 

Amy Kollar Anderson creates surreal narrative paintings inspired by natural forms, the decorative arts and her love of animals. Recently, she has been designing fabric using her paintings and drawings, then sewing them into one-of-a-kind fashions. Her work can be viewed at Clash, KollarAnderson.com and MetotsArt.com.  Wearing The Rose and Thorn

Jacobee Rose Buchanan is the designer of The Rose And Thorn. A former dancer, she incorporates costume and theatrical elements into clothing that combines romantic period fashion with modern lines, industrial edge, and unusual fabrics. Wearing The Rose and Thorn

Asha Z – an artist, burlesque performer, and pastry cook in Boston MA.  Wearing Lady Tactic 

Weslie Wenzler  – 29, from Dayton, OH. Enjoys local artwork, photography, and fashion. Plays for Gem City Roller Derby and is a mom of 3 dogs. Wearing Amanda Wheatley

It’s Restaurant Week Again!

By

Twice a year, every January and July for one week Dayton restaurants put together a 3 course pre fixe meal deal as part of Miami Valley Restaurant Week.  In full disclosure, I created this event when I was the Board President of the local association.   We started recruiting for it in 2004 and we launched it in winter of 2005. The 3 course meal deal was offered by $20.05, to reflect the year and $1 of each meal was donated to a local charity and all participants were locally owned. At it’s peak we had about 60 restaurants participating.  Over the years it’s changed some, now offering  various price options: $20.18, $25.18, or $30.18 and chain restaurants are also taking part.

Now the trickiest part about this week,  even though it kicks off on Sunday night, many of the businesses are not open on Monday or Tuesday, so you’ll really want to make sure you’ve done your research on where to dine.  For the 40 participating eateries and menu’s check the MVRA website. Also please remember, many restaurants will be busier than usual, reservations are suggested and please be away that menu’s may change without notice.

Some of the restaurants who we suggest-  just based on their posted menus:

I can still remember trying to talk Wiley from Meadowlark into participating and her hesitation.  At the time she was located in the strip center on Miamisburg-Centerville Road and Wiley just didn’t think they could pull off the promotion.  Well she was wrong, she and her staff jumped into it with gusto, offering complimentary sparkling wine to guests while they were waiting and showing off the kind of hospitality that has made here business a hit.  Wiley got it!  Restaurant week is a marketing opportunity, to attract new guests and wow the regulars by sampling new dishes and testing potential new menu items.   It’s why reservations for Meadowlark are always a hot commodity during this promotion. As we’ve looked over the menu for this year, we appreciate that they’ve created a theme for the menu, always think about options for vegetarians  and even added a fourth course to the meal.
Here’s their menu:

Meadowlark

5531 Far Hills Avenue  Centerville, OH 45459

Theme: A Good Dinner, Southern-style.   Four courses for $28.18

Dinner from 5pm, Tuesday thru Saturday, July 24 thru July 28 

First Course

  • Watermelon Gazpacho with Peanuts, Mint, and Fried Pork Rinds

Second Course Choices

  • Charred Shishito Pepper Hushpuppies with Pimento Cheese
  • Warm Buttermilk Biscuit with Succotash Salad
  • Dave’s Fresh-baked Cheese Puffs filled with Ham Salad

Main Course Choices

  • Blackened Catfish with Sweet Corn Butter and “Hambalaya”
  • Smoked Portabello Mushroom with Cheese Grits, Collards, Garlic-braised
  • Local Tomatoes and Crispy Batter-Fried Onions
  • Chicken under a Brick with Alabama White BBQ Sauce, Corn Fried Rice, and Squash-Tomato Casserole
  • Chicken Fried Pork Steak with Country Gravy, Mashed Potatoes and Fresh Vegetables

Dessert Choices

  • Banana Pudding with Banana Caramel Jam and Whipped Cream
  • Sweet Tea Layer Cake with Lemon Butter Cream
  • Homemade Pecan Pie Ice Cream with Pie Crust “Cookie” Garnish

Sunrise Cafe


259 Xenia Ave. Yellow Springs, OH 45387

Dinner  Monday – Saturday  5-9pm

Grillin Cheese Caprese – Graetna cheese from blue jacket dairy in Bellefontaine grilled up to crispy outside and gooey inside to make a delicious topping on local tomatoes with fresh basil, olive oil and balsamic syrup. (gf)

Elote – Mexican grilled street corn. Local sweet corn grilled until golden then basted with a garlic-chili powder aioli topped with crumbled cotija cheese and served with a
lime wedge. (gf)

Spinach, Peach and Cucumber Salad – Bed of fresh Spinach with slices of Georgia Peaches and our Oma’s cucumber salad. Finished with a drizzle of balsamic syrup.(gf)

Entrees

Wagyu with Blueberry-Beet Reduction, Local Veggies and Pickled Beet Relish – A 5 oz cut of silky Wagyu Sirloin grilled to your desired perfection and finished with a reduction of local organic beets, local blueberries and aromatics. Served on a bed of goat cheese-roasted garlic mashed potatoes with grilled zucchini and green beans straight from the farms. Garnished with a complimentary pickled beet relish. 25.18 (gf)

Summer Bliss Salmon with Sweet Corn Risotto – Our perennial signature dish that just screams summer. Wild Alaskan sockeye is finally in. It’s seared skin on then roasted with an aromatic mix of local cherry tomatoes, fresh marjoram, garlic and olive oil. Served on a bed of our creamy risotto made with organic Arborio rice, local sweet corn, onions, peppers, Applewood bacon, parmesan and love. 30.18 (gf)

Vegan Sausage with Smoked Tomato-Basil Ragu and Polenta – Our house made vegan sausage made with oats, sage, flax, onions, peppers, mushrooms and carrots are seared until crisp on the outside. Served on a bed of local polenta with grilled local organic zucchini and topped with a heavenly ragu of local tomatoes smoked over hickory sautéed with fresh basil. 20.18 (gf)

Desserts

Michigan Tart Cherry Crisp – Michigan cherries in organic sugar syrup with a topping of oats, pecans and brown sugar. Topped with whipped cream.

(gf) Chocolate flourless Hazelnut Torte – Organic chocolate, Frangelica, amish butter, local eggs and ground hazelnuts in a fudgy torte with whipped cream.

(v,gf) Chocolate-Avocado Pudding – Avocado, organic cocoa, maple syrup and a touch of OJ is all this vegan pudding needs. Topped with a sprinkle of smoked sea salt.

Watermark

20 S. 1st Street
Miamisburg, OH 45342

Monday- Saturday 4-11pm

First Course:
Sweet Corn Bisque
creamy with fresh summer sweet corn, garnished with smoked Paprika
– or –
Buttercrunch Salad
buttermilk herbed ranch dressing, shaved parmesan, croutons
– or –
Crispy Zucchini w/Marinara
crispy Panko-breaded zucchini with house marinara for dipping

Entrée:
Caribbean Jerk Mahi Mahi – $30.18
with cilantro-lime rice, and topped with grilled pineapple salsa
– or –
Steak-frites – $30.18
Angus Reserve flat iron steak (served Medium) with crispy house fries, and green beans
– or –
Chile Relleño – $25.18
fire-roasted and cheese-stuffed Poblano, with salsa verde, charred corn relish, charro beans

Dessert:
Cannoli – with chocolate chip ricotta filling
– or –
Classic Southern Coca-Cola Cake

Wellington Grill

2450 Dayton Xenia Road Beavercreek, OH 45434

Sunday til 8pm, Mon- Sat 4:30-10pm

Italian Chopped Salad
Chopped Romaine Lettuce, Speck (Rare Italian Prosciutto), Black Olives, Tomatoes, Pepperoncini’s, Provolone Cheese in a Garlic White Wine Vinaigrette

Summer Melon Salad
Arcadian Spring Mix Greens, Honeydew and Cantaloupe, Craisins, Blue Cheese Crumbles, Toasted Almonds. Tossed in a Sherry Wine & Shallot Vinaigrette

Main Course

Buttermilk Crispy Fried Pork Loin $20.18
Roasted Garlic Redskin Mashed Potatoes.
Caramelized Sherry Onion Bacon Cream Sauce

Yellow Curry Marinated Filet & Jumbo Gulf Shrimp Skewer $25.18
Served over Sautéed Onions Peppers & Carrots with Jasmine Rice
Topped with a Fresh Pineapple Cilantro Relish

Pan Seared Speck Wrapped Jumbo Sea Scallops $30.18
Pan Seared and Wrapped in Speck (Rare Italian Prosciutto) Over Creamy Parmesan Polenta,
Roasted Asparagus with a Fire Roasted Red Bell Pepper & Basil Pesto

For Dessert

Fresh House Made Wild Berry Ice Cream
Fresh Strawberries, Blackberries, Raspberry, Blueberry and a Dash of Peach Schnapps

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar
House made Peanut Butter Bars topped with a Milk Chocolate Ganache

 

Based on pure value:

Nick’s Restaurants
1443 N. Detroit St.  Xenia, OH 45385

open every day

2 for $22.18

Meals Include The Following:

Appetizers To Share

Choice of one or a Combo of Three of Our Award Winning Deep Fried Vegetables:
MUSHROOMS
ONION RINGS
CAULIFLOWER
HOMEMADE PORK RINDS
w/ choice of Sriracha, Cajun, or Western BBQ Seasoning

Entrée Choices

USDA ANGUS NEW YORK STRIP
A Bleu Cheese Butter-Crusted USDA ANGUS STRIP Served on a bed of House-Made Onion Straws.Served with choice of one side and a dinner roll.
CAJUN ANDOUILLE & SHRIMP PASTA BOWL
House Prepared Linguine Pasta w/ Fresh Jumbo Shrimp and Louisiana Creole Andouille Sausage and seasonings- tossed with our White Garlic Cheese Cream Sauce and Summer Vegetables. Served with a salad and garlic bread.
SRIRACHA BOURBON GLAZED SALMON
Fresh Atlantic Salmon Grilled to Perfection! Topped w/ our House-made Special Sriracha Bourbon Glaze.Served on a bed of Rice Pilaf and your choice of one side and a dinner roll.

SIDES:

Grilled Green Beans
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Baked Potato
Broccoli
Dinner Salad
Coleslaw

DESSERT:

Decadent French Vanilla Ice cream and Nick’s Famous Homemade Cookies

 

There are plenty of great places participating and not all menu’s were posted when we put this list together, so please remember, these are just suggetions.

Local Baker Giving Away Free Cupcakes For A Year!

By

In the sweetest promotion we’ve heard about in quite a while, Cake, Hope and Love has just announced a contest that will give one lucky winner a years worth of cupcakes.  Announced today via Facebook Live, bakery owners Shannon & Mike Teague are challenging Cake Nation to take pictures of themselves all around the region with their new Cake Dealer bumper stickers.

To get one just stop by Cake, Hope and Love, buy a regular priced cupcake and ask for your free CAKEDEALER bumper sticker by next Friday, July 27th.  Then take your sticker to your favorite place in Dayton, and take a selfie with the bumper sticker.   Next post your selfie to facebook or Instagram or both, and be sure to tag your location and  #CHLTakesDayton.

For each picture you post, you get one entry. More pictures- more chances to win!  You’ll also earn bonus points if the bumper sticker is on your car (it doesn’t have to be) and if Shannon sees your car out and about with the sticker on it, she’ll post a picture and if you call and identify it- you’ll win a free celebration cake.

Pictures must be posted by the first weekend of August, at which point a winner will be announced.  The owners will select the winner and you’ll get a dozen cupcakes every month for a year, as well as one six inch celebration cake of your choice.  And stay tuned to CH & L’s social media, as you never know when they might add more chances to win.

Next week the bakery counter will be filled with all kinds of special treats for one of Shannon’s favorite holidays:  Shark ? week!

Cake, Hope and Love

1490 N. Fairfield Road, Suite B

Beavercreek, OH 45432

937-912-9253

[email protected]

Watermark hosts Tiki Night

By

Watermark in Miamisburg  has just announced it will be creating another of its famed theme dinners on Thursday, August 9th at 6:30pm.  This time around, you’re invited to experience a tropically warm summer night with a special Tiki Night Dinner.

Featuring foods inspired by the tropics, paired with classic Tiki drinks, this year Chef Maria has upped the ante, offering a five course feast as opposed to just 4 courses last year. Just in case you are not familiar with Chef’s specialty menu’s- she goes all out and this will sell out quickly- so don’t delay, make your reservation today by calling Watermark at 937-802-0891.  Tickets are $69 per person and here’s the menu:

 

Chef Maria’s Spammies

everyone’s a skeptic – until they taste them! grilled Spam, melted Swiss,
scallions, spicy mustard, toasted Hawaiian rolls

Paired with:
The Saturn
This beautifully balanced drink by ‘Popo’ Galsini features gin and passionfruit. Voted BEST by the International Bartenders Association in 1967. A Tiki classic!

Hawaiian Poké
the traditional island favorite, marinated in soy, sesame, and citrus

Paired with:
Trader Vic’s Mai Tai
From a base of rum and Orgeat, comes this minor miracle. Werewolves may be sighted in the vicinity.

Braised Pork Belly Tacos
With grilled pineapple-mango-jicama slaw

Paired with:
Three Dots and a Dash
Created during WWII by the godfather of the genre himself, Donn Beach. The name means “victory” in Morse Code. A spiced blend of rum and juices, it’s a winner!

Polynesian Fish Ribs
Crispy Pacu ribs in a sweet Pacific glaze with fried plantain chips

Paired with:
Zombie
The ultimate Tiki drink! A special blend of rums, fruit juices, and secret spices.
All hail Don the Beachcomber!

Coco Lopez Rum Cake
A Polynesian spin on Tres Leches, with cream of coconut and a rum soak

Watermark
20 S. 1st Street
Miamisburg, OH  45342

Hours:

Mon – Thu
4:00 – 11:00 PM

Fri & Sat
4:00 – Midnight

 (937) 802-0891
 [email protected]

Dayton To Host WGI World Championships Through 2024!

By

According to Jacquelyn Y. Powell, President & CEO of the Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau “The Bureau is pleased to announce that the WGI Board of Directors voted unanimously to continue to host their WGI World Championships in Dayton for an additional five years – 2020-2024. The CVB, along with our Montgomery and Greene County hospitality partners, aggressively competed against Orlando, Florida to win the bid to host the WGI World Championship events for the five-year timeframe.  Annually the WGI World Championship events, held over two long weekends in April, bring nearly 60,000 visitors to our area generating an estimated economic impact of $20 million in our community. This is an important win for the CVB and for the Greater Dayton region.  Tourism and conventions represent economic development and contribute significantly to the economic vitality of our area.”

The WGI World Championships include two long weekends of competition.  The Color Guard World Championships occur the first weekend and the Percussion and Winds World Championships occur the second weekend.  Competition venues include the University of Dayton Arena, Wright State University Nutter Center, the Dayton Convention Center, Hobart Arena, the Cintas Center at Xavier University, and the BB&T Arena at Northern Kentucky University.  In addition, a network of approximately 50 individual practice sites provide rehearsal space for the participating groups each April.  Hotels throughout Montgomery, Greene, Warren, Butler, and Miami Counties, are impacted by the WGI World Championship participants.

“We are proud to say that WGI, and the WGI World Championships, have become a part of the fabric of our community.  WGI has hosted 32 out of their 41 World Championships in Dayton.  We feel privileged to be the home of WGI’s world headquarters and their World Championship events and look forward to a partnership that will continue to grow for many years into the future” adds Powell.

WGI Sport of the Arts is the world’s premier organization producing indoor color guard, percussion, and wind ensemble competitions.  As a non-profit youth organization, WGI serves as the leading governing body of the winter guard and indoor percussion and winds activities.  It is called the Sport of the Arts because it brings music to life through performance in a competitive format.  WGI competitions combine the athleticism of an Olympic event with the pageantry of a Broadway stage performance (www.wgi.org).

The Dayton/Montgomery County Convention & Visitors Bureau, an independent, non-profit organization funded by a county-wide customer hotel/motel bed tax, serves as an economic catalyst by marketing and promoting the community as THE Ohio destination and providing services for tourism events, conventions, leisure and business travel and advocacy for destination development.

 

Over 30 Places to Score Free Food Using Your Phone

By

Do you like free food?  Did you know your phone can be a powerful tool to earn you freebies? Fortunately, many restaurants offer free food just for signing up for eClubs or downloading their apps.  Some rewards programs offer you free food or discounts for using mobile ordering  as well.

Just find your  favorite eateries on this list, then get busy downloading the apps on to your phone and  you’ll be able to access free deals and mobile rewards cards from:

  1. Applebee’s: Enjoy a free treat on your birthday when you sign up for this restaurant’s eClub.
  2. Arby’s: Get a free roast beef classic with the purchase of any drink.
  3. Auntie Anne’s: Enjoy a free pretzel after your first purchase.
  4. Baskin Robbins: Download and register via the Baskin Robins app for a free scoop of ice cream!
  5. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Register on this restaurant’s mobile app and receive a free mini Pizookie® or handcrafted soda.
  6. Blimpie: Get a free regular sub with drink purchase when you join the Blimpe eClub.
  7. Bucca di Beppo: Join this restaurants eClub and receive a free pasta!
  8. Burger King: Promises coupons on demand that will save you up to $30
  9. Captain D’s: Enjoy a free dessert every week for a month with email sign up!
  10. Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen: Sign up for free chips and homemade queso.
  11. Chick-fil-A:  Sometimes it’s an ice cream cone, other times a salad.
  12. Chilli’s: Get a free dessert on your birthday with a My Chili’s Rewards account.
  13. Culvers: Get a free scoop of custard plus buy one, get one free value basket.
  14. Dairy Queen: Join the Blizzard Fanclub for a buy one, get one free Blizzard coupon..
  15. Dunkin’ Donuts: Sign up for DD Rewards and receive a free beverage at signup and on your birthday.
  16. Firehouse Subs: Sign up for this restaurants email list, and you’ll get a free large drink with the purchase of any sub.
  17. Hardee’s: Get a free small fry and beverage with email signup and purchase of any 1/3 Thickburger.
  18. IHOP: Join the Pancake Revolution for a free full stack of Rooty Tooty Fresh ‘N Fruity pancakes and a free birthday meal.
  19. Longhorn Steakhouse: Sign up for this restaurant’s newsletter and receive a free appetizer with the purchase of one adult entrée.
  20. McDonald’s: Get a free sandwich when you download the app and use mobile pay on any order of $1 or more, free fries on Friday when you spend $1, free soda on Tuesday and Thursday when you spend $`
  21. Mimi’s Cafe: Get a free 2-pack of croissants or muffins with email signup.
  22. O’Charley’s: Get a free appetizer when you sign up for this restaurant’s O’Club.
  23. Olive Garden: Join the Olive Garden eClub for a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two adult entrées.
  24. Panera Bread: MyPanera Rewards gives free rewards to members for spending and just because
  25. Quiznos: Download the Quiznos Loyalty app and receive a free 4″ sub with any purchase.
  26. Red Lobster: Sign up for a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two adult entrées.
  27. Rita’s Ice: Download the app, which is a mobile loyalty card and get a freebie on your 8th visit.
  28. Ruby Tuesday: Get a free appetizer worth up to $10 with the purchase of one adult entrée plus get a free burger or salad bar on your birthday.
  29. Sonic: Create an account on the Sonic app, you receive a free medium slush.
  30. Steak ‘n Shake: Get a free milkshake after your first purchase with the app and earn $5 in credit for every $50 you spend.
  31. Starbucks Rewards: In addition to a free birthday surprise, you can get free in-store refills.
  32. Texas Roadhouse: Get a free appetizer when you sign up for this restaurant’s email list.
  33. TGI Friday’s: Sign up for your choice of a free appetizer or dessert on your next visit.
  34. Wingstop: Join The Club for a free order of fries on the house.

Note some email offers may arrive immediately while others could take a few days. Each rewards program works differently and can change at any time without notice. Be sure to read the fine print on the offer.  If you know of programs we missed, please add them to the comments below.

FilmDayton Scriptwriters Workshop Hosted By Hollywood Writer

By

FilmDayton is proud to bring back Marisha Mukerjee to teach a “Mini-Master Class” on pilot script writing.  Ms. Mukerjee was a FilmDayton board member and helped produce the first FilmDayton Festival in 2009 before she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her writing career.
Growing up in a dual religion household as a first generation American, Marisha aims to bridge the cultural divide through compelling characters and storytelling. She holds a Bacherlors of Arts in Art History from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland and a Masters in Writing from Northwestern University focused on Screen and Stage.  She co-produced the feature film The Grind as well as countless festival clad shorts. She is the co-founder of Relief Productions Theater Group and Madrina Films, where she has produced and directed various theatrical productions and short films during her eight years in Europe and India. While in Chicago, her play about the life of Thomas Paine was featured in a reading at the Goodman Theater. Her short film Open House, which she directed, was the 2015 LA Film Festival Short Comedy Winner. The award led her to direct the Funny or Die film It Knows.
Marisha has worked on the productions of Copper on BBCA (Cineflix Studios) and Justified on FX.  Marisha’s writer credits include the critically acclaimed FX series The Bridge, the NBC series Heroes Reborn, Quantico on ABC, and currently Titans for D.C. Comics. Recently her serialized crime show AGAIN, set in India, was picked up by Netflix. She splits her time between Los Angeles and India.
Ideal Candidates for this workshop will be working on drama/dramedy based tv shows who have a script – or at least a partial script started. Class attendees will send in their script, or at least the first 10 pages with a synopsis for Ms. Murkerjee to read prior to the first class session.

The first morning of class will focus on structure and writing tips, then will break into groups to work on what is missing, then back together to talk about what the pitch should look like, how to sell your script and more. You’ll leave with notes to work on revisions and by the end of the Second Saturday you’ll leave with a revised script.

Industry guest speakers and writers will address the class, both in person and by Skype

Classes: Sat & Sun July 28 & 29 from 9am-5pm and again on Sat, Aug 4th from 9am – 5pm. Limited to just 20 attendees!
Registration for FilmDayton members is $175 and $225 for nonmembers.

$40,000 in Grants Available for Montgomery County Artists

By

The Artist Opportunity Grant program, which is funded by the MCACD and administered by Culture Works, provides grants to help artists take advantage of specific, imminent opportunities for professional development and the creation or completion of new work. The $40,000 available in 2018 represents a significant funding increase—up from $30,000 in each of the first two years of the program.Culture Works and the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District (MCACD) are pleased to announce that $40,000 will be available for Montgomery County artists through the 2018 Artist Opportunity Grant program.

“MCACD understands the role artists play in the vibrancy of our community,” said Matt Dunn, MCACD Executive Director. “We want to see artists advance in their careers and continue to contribute to the community.” According to Dunn, this year’s funding increase is a result of careful planning and a decision to carry forward previous unspent funds in order to benefit as many artists as possible.

Awards given in the 2018 grant cycle will range from $500–$3,000. Artists can apply through the Culture Works website from August 1 through October 1, 2018. The project or opportunity for which an applicant seeks funding must take place between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019. Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel, and funding decisions will be announced later in the fall.

“Support for working artists is essential to creating vibrant communities,” said Lisa Hanson, Culture Works Executive Director. “The funding provided through Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District encourages artistic growth and creates opportunity for meaningful public engagement with the arts. Our community thrives when artists thrive.”

Montgomery County artists of all disciplines—including writers, painters, photographers, actors, musicians, dancers, sculptors, and film makers–are encouraged to apply. Past grantees have received funding to create public murals and exhibitions, record albums, attend international workshops and residencies, and more.

Learn more about the Artist Opportunity Grant program at cultureworks.org/artistgrants.

Shop For Treasure At South Park Annual Sale

By

40 households in Historic South Park have cleaned out their attics and garages and will be selling their treasures to thrifters, Saturday, July 21st from 9a-4p. Tons of housewares including a stackable washer/dryer, antiques, furniture, baby clothes, pet items, books, lawnmowers, bicycles, historic salvage and collectibles. Even a raffle for original art items at Hope Lutheran Church. You need to hit this sale!! To help plan your treasure hunt, yard sale maps will be available during the week prior. Download the map.

Or pick up a copy of the Yard Sale map at:
• Ghostlight Coffee (Wayne & Clover) Coffee up before you head out
• Hope Lutheran Church (Hickory & Perrine) Offering food, refreshments, and a rest stop during sale day
• South Park Tavern (Wayne & Oak) Adding a special coupon to your map
• Branch + Bone (Wayne & Bradford) Attaching a special offer to your map

There may even have a food truck to sustain you during the hunt.

About Historic South Park
South Park, a historic urban neighborhood in Dayton, Ohio, is known for its community spirit, its diverse architecture and its excellent location. Residents enjoy a pleasant walk from their front porch to a local pub or café, churches and shops, parks and parties. Yard Sale shoppers will find breakfast, lunch and dinner within walking distance.

Fairborn Helping Local Foodpreneurs Grow Their Business

By

Fairborn city manager Rob Anderson knew he needed to reinvigorate the downtown business corridor for his city to thrive.  One of his strategies was to buy four empty buildings on Main Street and hire Tonia Fish as the revitalization specialist.  Tonia wasted no time in creating a plan that would make the city of Fairborn a catalyst to creating specialty food businesses.

Opened last fall  the 1200 square foot Spark Gluten-Free “kitchen incubator” at 309 W. Main Street offered a shared kitchen space that allows specialty bakers, who previously have been cooking in their homes, to access a licensed commercial kitchen.  This space is a game changer that allows these small, mostly home based businesses, to produce products in large quantities without making a large, sometimes infeasible, investment for a new facility.  (Full disclosure – Tonia and I worked for several years to bring Synergy, a kitchen incubator to downtown Dayton).

The incubator is a unique asset to this region and is the only one of it’s kind located within an approximate 70 mile radius.  The kitchen is now full, with six small business tenants and a waiting list of future users.

Amber Tipton baking at Spark.

The first tenant was the Neighborhood Nest, run by dedicated gluten-free baker Amber Titpon. She created a following for her baked goods by selling at  local farmer’s market and several local shops in the greater Dayton/Springfield area. Tiption was a savory chef in culinary school, but after being diagnosed with celiac disease she diverted her focus to creating baked goods that tasted good and had great texture.  I was lucky enough to get to taste some of Amber’s baked goods and I have to tell you the nutella cinnamon roll (pictured) I tried was truly the best I’ve ever had.

Tipton shared with us that she often gets request from customers for foods they miss and the challenge of converting a recipe to be gluten free is what keeps her going.  She recently succeeded with a key lime pie, and donuts and next up are rye and pumpernickel breads.  You can get her gluten-free goodies at the 416 Diner, Lefty’s Eats & Espresso, order from her website or watch her facebook page for cash and carry days.  But the most exciting part of talking with Amber was hearing about the growth of her business that has come from being at Spark for not quite a year.  She’s been able to hire an assistant baker, and she’s now looking for a spot to open her very own bakery!

Also working out of Spark: Black Barn Creamery– creating vegan and dairy free ice cream; Ella Bella–  a gluten-free flour and cookie mix company; Stoney Creek Garden Center, creators of signature tea blends; and Seafood Goddess, a family-owned seafood seasonings business.

Next up for Fairborn, a second incubator.  Bilbrey Construction is helping to create this 6000 square foot space, which will consist of two kitchen lines, one that will cater to savory foods, the other being created with bakers in mind, but without the ingredient restrictions of the Spark space.  This facility is being created for multiple renters, with a co-working area for members to network and collaborate with other professionals within the industry, and a versatile space for instructional and educational series for members and the public. Members will also have the opportunity to participate in business and financial planning resources, helping them to eventually graduate out of the Incubator into storefronts of their own. The education and instructional series will not only be offered to kitchen members, but the community and nearby university students as well.  The opening of the 2nd space is planned for August.

Just today the city of Fairborn has announced a partnership with Rachel DesRochers to run both the Gluten-Free and Kitchen Incubators at Spark Fairborn. In every organization she works with, Rachel’s sole purpose is to spread gratitude and build community.

Rachel founded Grateful Grahams, an artisanal graham cracker company in 2010. Stemming from the success of Grateful Grahams, Rachel started the Incubator Kitchen Collective in 2013. The Incubator Kitchen Collective is a non-profit providing kitchen space, business support, and mentorship to food entrepreneurs in the Cincinnati, Oh. and Newport, Ky. areas. Rachel is also the founder of The Good People Festival, an annual free music festival; and Kitchen Convos, a podcast showcasing the personal stories of the regional food community.

Rachel has received numerous local awards and was a semi-finalist for Martha Stewart’s American Made Award and a finalist in Artworks Big Pitch. Rachel is a passionate believer in the power of gratitude and the role of food in the creation of community. Her mission goes beyond making a great cookie: she also wants to impact her community with positivity and action.

The City of Fairborn will manage the membership and programming aspect of the Coworking Space at Spark Fairborn. Rachel will manage the membership and programming of both the Gluten-Free and Kitchen Incubators at Spark Fairborn. Rachel brings with her a wealth of knowledge and resources gained from the successful guidance of sixty small businesses over the last five years through the Incubator Kitchen Collective.

Prospective Kitchen Members can contact Rachel DesRochers, Chief Gratitude Officer at The Gratitude Collective at [email protected]. 

Prospective Coworking Members and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Facilitators can contact Tonia Fish, City of Fairborn Downtown Revitalization Strategist at [email protected]. 

‘The Secret Garden’ Review – Epiphany Lutheran Church – The Girl Who Lived

By

If a young girl hadn’t survived a cholera outbreak, a grieving father and son wouldn’t have been able to reconnect and find ultimate joy and peace within The Secret Garden, the 28th annual summer musical of the Epiphany Players Drama Ministry of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Centerville.

(left to right) Marisha Oswoski (Ayah), Tommy Cole (Dickon), Liza Russ (Mary Lennox), Margo Russ (Martha), and Meredith Russ (Fakir) are featured in Epiphany Lutheran Church’s production of The Secret Garden. (Contributed photo)

Adapted in 1991 by librettist/lyricist Marsha Norman and composer Lucy Simon based on the 1911 novel of the same name by Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden offers a family reunion through a dark lens circa 1906. Upon the death of her parents in Bombay, India, headstrong 11-year-old Mary Lennox is sent to Yorkshire, England to live with her emotionally detached uncle Archibald Craven, whose life has been shaken by the death of his wife Lily who died giving birth to their sickly son, Colin, who is often hidden from sight. As Mary becomes more inquisitive about her new dwellings in haunted Misselthwaite Manor, she discovers a garden beloved by Lily which begins a rejuvenation process surpassing expectations.

Beautifully staged by Megan Wean Sears and David Brush, skillfully keeping Lily at the communicative heart of the action as she interacts with those she left behind, this splendidly sung presentation features a large, doubled cast of nearly 70 actors. Lily Nevers and Liza Russ bring great spunk and clear focus to their sprightly portrayals of Mary. David Sievers and Michael Shannon are in wondrously resounding voice as Archibald. Eric Pettit and Chavin Medina, equally expressive and very touching in the Come to My Garden sequence, shine as Colin. John Benjamin and Brett Greenwood are properly stern and dismissive as Dr. Neville Craven, Archibald’s brother assigned to Colin’s care. Rachel Woeste and Margo Russ are delightful as Martha, specifically providing wonderfully lyric-driven renditions of Hold On that cut deep as Martha passionately encourages Mary to remain positive despite adversity. Jack Issler and Tommy Cole proudly proclaim Winter’s On The Wing with vim and verve as the playful Dickon, Martha’s brother. The operatic Megan Rehberg and Kara Miller, strikingly costumed by Kim Harvey and Lori Watamaniuk, give Lily profound presence. Kean Petrello (Captain Albert Lennox), Mia Bridgman and Laura Jacobs (Rose Lennox), Sandy Schwartzwalder and Sophia LiBrandi (Mrs. Medlock), John Morgan and Brady Kress (Ben Weatherstaff), Martha Armstrong-Benjamin and Leighanna Hornick (Mrs. Winthtop), Meredith Russ (Fakir), and Marisha Oswoski (Ayah) are also noteworthy.

In addition to Sears filling her choreography with distinct Indian influences for Russ and Oswoski and energetic spirit for the aptly titled Come Spirit, Come Charm, the excellent artistic components include D. Tristan Cupp’s three-tiered, marvelously detailed storybook scenic design, Matthew Benjamin’s outstanding lighting bridging the present and past in stunning fashion akin to Stephen Sondheim’s Follies, and music director Kandis Gibson’s firm orchestra. However, diction and sound problems were an occasional distraction.
In its heartwarming account of acceptance, loss, forgiveness, healing, and remembrance, The Secret Garden opens our eyes to the power of miracles and the vital necessity of family and friends.

The Secret Garden continues through July 22 at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 6430 Far Hills Ave., Centerville. Performances are Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 pm, and Sunday at 2:30 pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors (60 and over), $5 for children (5 and under), and $20 for front row seating. For tickets, call (937) 433-1449 ext. 105. For more information, visit www.epiphanydayton.org or e-mail drama @epiphanydayton.org.

 

El Meson Celebrates 40 Years This weekend

By 1 Comment

El Meson celebrates 40 years this weekend

The Castro family started out 40 years ago as Pizza Queen International and soon gained a cult following in the West Carrollton area.  After years of success in the pizza industry, they used the earnings to transform the restaurant into their dream.  The result was “El Meson” the eclectic restaurant with the South American menu.  Since then the restaurant has transformed and grown into an excellent reputation of one of the highest quality restaurants in Dayton.  From drinks to appetizers, the menu is and always has been a Food Adventure.

Decades of success have led us today to this celebration.  It is a celebration of hard work and unique eats.  As you may know, El Meson has a base menu.  The last page of the menu is rotated weekly and features a certain country.

EL MESON’S 40th BIRTHDAY WEEKEND, FRIDAY JULY 20th and SATURDAY JULY 21st:

WHERE:

Inside or outside the El Meson will be packed !


903 E Dixie Dr, Dayton, OH 45449
Join them for two days of celebration with live music, street food, dancing and tons of fun outdoors!

WHEN:
July 20th and 21st – $5 cover for both days (cash preferred) – limited free advance tickets and V.I.P. tickets available online, all other tickets available at the door.

V.I.P. and Free Presale tickets available here

 

 

 

Live Music Schedule

Friday, July 20
4:30-7:30pm Ithika
8-11pm Nothing But Treble

Saturday, July 21
4:30-7:30pm Funky G & The Groove Machine
8-11pm Nasty Bingo

 

Customer Appreciation Happy Anniversary Hour
From 4 – 5:30pm, both nights, free entry and $5 margaritas in the street party lot!  Joe Head, from The Century Bar, will be on site serving some of his favorite bourbon and chatting with guest about varying notes. Rachel Jensen from Republic National Distributing will also be on site with the shot luge and Milagro and Titos!

 

EL MESON FOOD TRUCKS:

Inside the legendary eatery

El Meson will have a fleet of food trucks on site serving up a variety of El Meson favorites and specials!

One food truck dedicated to serving a throwback “Pizza Queen Menu” including favorites like Exotic Burrito, Mexican Pizza, Flame Broiled Chicken, and More!

 

VIP TICKETS
Want to celebrate our Anniversary in style? Consider purchasing one of our limited V.I.P patio seats for just $35 on Friday or Saturday. This area will be limited and give you access to a less crowded area, servers, and a great view of the bands. We are not accepting reservations for the restaurant this weekend and this will be the only reserved seating available. Please let us know if you would like to be sat with another party in the V.I.P. Area

 

DID YOU KNOW?
Every year the family goes on vacation to various countries in South America in search of great recipes.  They then pay the local restaurateurs for these recipes and bring them back to Dayton.   The result is that we get to enjoy authentic recipes from Peru, Argentina,

Calamari Appetizer

Venezuela and many more.

 

And finally this wouldn’t be a Food Adventure article if we didn’t share our MUST EATS !

HERE ARE A COUPLE OF “MUST EATS”

— WHOLE TILAPIA FRIED IN OLIVE OIL”
An absolutely amazing delicacy with a killer presentation

—ANY SEAFOOD TAPAS:
Tapas are little appetizer plates. They are perfect for sampling and sharing. The best and freshest ones are the seafood based ones here at El Meson. They tend to be the tasty and most exotic too. The free tableside tapa onion salsa never disappoints either.

Whole , Deep Fried Tilapia

— HOMEMADE RED SANGRIA:
They also gave white which is good, but we find the red one to be better. Get refreshed with this exotic drink! El Meson’s version is terrific.

There you have it – everything you wanted to know about the 40th anniversary weekend at El Meson but were afraid to ask.

See you at the birthday party!!! Celebrate with the Castro family ! The event has it all, throwback food, new food, drinks, music and food trucks.

Please browse the photos below and as always – if you are a Dayton foodie who cant get enough, join Food Adventures on Facebook HERE

Food Adventures is a local food blog with a feature article each and every week right here on Dayton Most Metro.

 

Red Sangria

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chicken Empanada Rellena

 

Rice and Beans

Tableside Tapa Dip – the best

When your dinner stares you down

Complimentary onion salasa tapa

Scallops and mango appetizer

Shrimp Tapas

Arepas

Delicious stuff

Chilean Salmon Stack

Fish Tacos

Presentation is key here

Mojito

Taco Del Dia

Tinga De Pollo Tapa

 

 

 

 

Enjoy Music & The Great Miami at Adventures Fest

By

Put some adventure into your summer with 12-hours of uninterrupted music at the first ever Adventures Fest, held on Saturday, July 21 at Adventures on the Great Miami in Tipp City, Ohio. Located along the banks of the Great Miami River, Adventures on the Great Miami occupies over 34 acres along two and a half miles of riverfront. The concert bowl sits right on the Great Miami, making for the perfect setting to enjoy a day of music, the river, and friends. Attendees can watch the bands, throw a few holes of frisbee golf, take a walk in the woods, or rent a canoe, kayak or SUP for a leisurely river trip.

If you’ve been waiting for a perfect summer music fest to enjoy the Dayton’s best original music, this is the lineup for you:

ADVENTURES MAIN STAGE:
12-1pm Neo American Pioneers
1:30-2:30 Sylmar
3-4 M Ross Perkins
4:30-5:30 Shrug
6-7 This Pine Box
7:30-8:30 Lioness
9-10 Young Heirlooms
10:30-12 Jessica Lea Mayfield

RIVERBANKS ACOUSTIC STAGE:
1-1:30pm Kyleen Downes
2:30-3 Charlie Jackson of Charlie Jackson and the Heartland Railway
4-4:30 Thaddeus Williams of The American Landscape
5:30-6 David Payne of The New Old-Fashioned
7-7:30 Andy Smith of Me Time
8:30-9 Age Nowhere Duo
10-10:30 The Neverly Brothers of Shrug & The Boxcar Suite

WHEN & WHERE:

Saturday, July 21. Gates open at 10am and music goes until midnight. (Optional Pre-Party the night before Great Miami River Parade)

Located at: 1995 E Ross Rd, Tipp City, Ohio

Jessica Lea Mayfield is among the highly anticipated musical acts to perform at the first ever Adventures Fest on Saturday July 21, 2018.

PRICING & TICKETS:

Tickets for this one-day event are $20 in advance or $30 at the gates. Kids four and under are free. Primitive camping and river trips are not included, but will be available at the event. Presale Tickets end on Friday July 20th at 11:30pm. Tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adventures-fest-tickets-45521070748?ref=estw

PRE-PARTY INFO:

On July 20, the Friday night before Adventures Fest, for a one-of-a-kind musical adventure as we host Max and Harold from The Repeating Arms for the Great Miami River Parade. From the stage of a 18-foot Stand Up Paddle Board, float alongside and listen to the sounds of music and nature. Wear a costume, make a flag for your boat, bring along your own instrument to join in the jam – it’s a River Parade! Please note that this event is not included in the cost of admittance to Adventures Fest and Adventures on the Great Miami boat rentals are $25 per person, $15 for personal craft transport, and primitive riverside camping for that night is available for $10 per person. More details to be announced as we get closer – come join us!

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

Food and beer sales will be offered at both events, featuring exclusive beers from Dayton’s Warped Wing Brewing Company and the Trotwood Trailer, featuring: Ermal’s, Liquid Picnic, Gamma Bomb, Trotwood, Golden Glow.
Primitive camping is not included with ticket, but available.

Please note that this event is not included in the cost of admittance to Adventures Fest and Adventures on the Great Miami boat rentals are $25 per person, $15 for personal craft transport, and primitive riverside camping for that night is available for $10 per person.

No RVs are permitted. No weapons, fireworks, glass, styrofoam or outside alcohol will be permitted.

Another Food Truck Opens A Restaurant

By

From food truck to bricks and mortar, another popular food truck is making the leap.  This Tuesday, July 17th at 11am The Vistro will open their doors at 3937 Linden Ave. This location has housed many ethnic restaurants in the past, most recently Al-Mandi, but before one of my favorite ethnic eateries Antojitos Criollos, which served Puerto Rican food.

The transition from food truck to restaurant was always the plan shares Owner Myger Nguyen.  He is very passionate about honoring his family recipes, keeping the Vietnamese dishes he serves authentic and using only the freshest ingredients.

Judging by the dishes we’ve sampled from his food truck, which include a great bahn mi- the traditional Vietnamese sandwich introduced by the French missionaries during the colonial period.  It is a thin, flaky and airy french bread served with grilled or roasted meats and fresh hers and vegetables.  The most popular is the barbeque pork, but you can also chose chicken, shrimp or beef.  Oh and be warned -this sandwich has a kick to it!

Also popular are their noodle salads – vermicelli noodles, cilantro, bean sprouts, onions, mint, pickled carrots, fresh cucumber slices, jalapenos served in a zesty sweet and spicy asian vinaigrette, with the option to add your favorite protein.  And of course they’ll have noodle soups aka Pho.

According to their Facebook page they will be “doing a limited menu for the rest of July but rest assured we will have everyone’s favorites Noodle Soups, Noodle Salads, Sandwiches and Rice Bowls!! Starting August 1st they will have a full menu!”

One more thing, the eatery is BYOB.  So bring your favorite adult beverage and enjoy your meal  at The Vistro: Modern Vietnamese!
And yes, the food truck will continue to be out and about.

The Vistro

3937 Linden Ave.
Dayton, OH 45432

Monday – Saturday 11am – 9pm

Sunday noon – 8pm