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Archives for December 2018

Favorite Films of 2018!

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Usually writing about local theater for DMM, this time I turn to the movies and share my year end review:

10. The Hate U Give

Incredibly timely and relevant. Perhaps the most urgent, necessary film of the year in its ability to capture the frustration and anger of how many Americans feel today.

9, Widows 
It’s special when a movie can be so full of shocking twists and turns you immediately strike up conversations with those around you to play detective. Brutal yet empowering and sharing a few similarities with The Hate U Give, Widows was pure edge-of-your-seat entertainment.

8. Boy Erased
Genuinely heartbreaking and particularly powerful in flashback. Lucas Hedges (kind enough to snap a photo with me when he appeared off-Broadway in Yen in 2017) continues to amaze and evolve as one of my favorite actors. And I hope Nicole Kidman’s parking lot epiphany will be a part of every lifetime achievement award montage she’ll have in the future.

7. A Star is Born
There was a time when everyone said Gaga was finished when her underrated Artpop tanked. Now, thanks to Bradley Cooper, she’s on the verge of an unstoppable, she-really-pulled-it-off-like-Jennifer Hudson-in-Dreamgirls march to the Oscars. And if that happens, in my heart, it’ll be because of her Liza Minnelli-in-Cabaret-esque rendition of “La Vie en Rose” and selling every single bit of her Whitney Houston-esque rendition of “I’ll Never Love Again” (and what a final close-up!)

6. BlackKklansman
Simply one of Spike Lee’s finest. The Charlottesville footage alone was an inspired touch and will likely help secure his first (and overdue) best director Oscar nomination.

5. Vice
Incredibly disturbing but walking the delicate balance between serious drama and full-throttle mockumentary with fluid finesse thanks to the terrifyingly believable Christian Bale and Amy Adams. And nothing beats the film’s bedtime Shakespeare salute and “fair and balanced” focus group!

4. Roma
Gorgeous storytelling featuring a department store reunion that managed to be one of the most frightening scenes of the year, conveying enormous history between two people in a matter of mere seconds.

3. The Favourite
What a darkly comedic romp! There’s always been talk of certain actors or actresses winning Oscars for the wrong films. An argument can be made for adding Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone to that list.

2. Won’t You Be My Neighbor? 
Wasn’t it a good feeling, a very good feeling, to be reminded of how great kindness can be? As someone who grew up watching Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, this tear-jerking documentary was an undeniable treat, especially the moment everyone paused to think about one person who made a difference in their life.

1. Black Panther
All the stars aligned for this pop culture milestone that truly transcended cinema and surpassed Hollywood’s expectations. It also has the potential to receive at least 13 Oscar nominations thanks to its strengths in the technical categories. We shall see!

Honorable mentions: 
A Quiet Place
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
Bohemian Rhapsody
Can You Ever Forgive Me?
Crazy Rich Asians
Eighth Grade
Every Act of Life
First Man
First Reformed
Green Book
Leave No Trace
Love, Simon
Mary Poppins Returns
The Miseducation of Cameron Post
Mission Impossible: Fallout
RBG
White Boy Rick
The Wife
Wildlife
You Were Never Really Here

2018 titles I look forward to seeing in early 2019: 
If Beale Street Could Talk
Ben is Back
Mary Queen of Scots
On the Basis of Sex

What were your favorites?

Next-Generation” Dunkin Now Open on Far Hills

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While the grand opening is scheduled for  January 8th the high tech new concept store located at  5901 Far Hills Ave is doing a soft opening this week. The spot most recently housed Clark’s Pharmacy and before that was a Wendy’s restaurant.   I stopped in at the new Dunkin’ today and was greeted by a painter, still doing some last minute touch ups on the newly renovated building.

Tuesday’s Grand Opening Celebration will run from 7-11am and  will include gift card giveaways , the Dunkin’ pink carpet, the official ribbon cutting at 10am, photo opportunities with the Dunkin’ mascot and  a chance to spin the prize wheel for sweet giveaways.

The 2,000 square foot space in Washington Township  is the first new concept store in the Dayton market and just the 3rd in Ohio.  With a crisp, clean look, gone is the plastic pink and orange decor of the old shops.  Speaking of gone, so to is the “Donuts” part of the business name.  Moving forward with just the “Dunkin” moniker, they will keep the familiar “DD” as still part of their company branding.

Inside a very friendly staff  were proud to show off all the new equipment and innovations in the shop run by General Manager Gaston Herding,   The highlight of which is the new innovative tap system allows them to consistently serve eight cold beverages such as coffees, iced teas, cold brew coffee and nitro infused cold brew coffee.

Josh(pictured right)  talked me into sampling the Nitro Cold Brew with an added pump of Thin Mint flavoring and I have to admit as a now coffee drinker, I could see myself  getting used to this little sweet caffeine buzz.  One of the other great things about Dunkin’ is they serve their breakfast sandwiches all day long!  No having to race the clock to make the cutoff time for breakfast like at some other fast food joints!

They showed off the new soft heat brewers, which they explained do a better job of keep the coffee at exactly the right temperature, which allows them to offer a fresh product more consistently. Something else they shared is that the new concept stores small coffee will now be 12 oz, vs the 10 oz that is served up at all the other locations. Each cup of coffee is now labeled when you order, which should help with accuracy on orders, especially when they are busy. All furniture is also moveable, so it’s easy to pull together seating for a coffee meeting.  And staying with the high-tech concept, there is even a high top wireless charging table for your phones.

One of the other big changes is the chain’s double drive-thru, with one lane dedicated exclusively for mobile ordering, allowing customers who order ahead via the company’s mobile app to go straight thru the order ahead lane for quick pick up.  The second lane is the traditional drive-thru, where you’ll order via a speaker.

Two large glass containers showcase the donuts and there is also an expanded grab and go section, allowing you to grab a drink or some coffee beans to go. You can pick up a box of Jo-to-Go for just $14.99, which holds a gallon of coffee, which is about 10 cups.  I also found out that there is a Dunkin’ happy hour, from 2-6pm each day, where you can pick up a medium cappuccino or latte for just $2.  Dunkin’ also offers a 20% military discount and a 10% senior citizen discount on all orders.

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Dunkin 

5901 Far Hills Ave.
Dayton, OH 45429

Hours

Monday – Saturday 5am – 8pm
Sunday 6am – 8pm

 

 

Franchise owner Pat Gilligan expects to open 5 more shops in the Miami Valley this year.

Dayton At Work and Play: Brett Smith

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I met Brett Smith when I stopped by Branch & Bone Artisan Ales (905 Wayne). Brett is the founder and head brewer. I had never visited Branch and Bone before, but a lot of other people have already found this brewer that opened in June. I arrived just fifteen minutes after they opened one day and the place was already packed.

I visited to try a new beer called Pretzel Queen, which was made in partnership with Smales Pretzel Bakery. “I wanted to make a Kvass style beer,” Brett told me. “Traditionally, in Central Europe, that type of beer is made with rye bread. We made this one with rye malt and the famous Smales pretzel.”

Behind Brett you can see 12 taps. Each holds a different beer brewed at Branch and Bone. The offerings change regularly, Brett told me, as he tries new beers. My favorite beer name the day I visited was “Last Week’s Was Better.”

Dayton Diners Show Support for “Flavors Eatery”

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The Pacific Smoothie

Here is a good story for your Holiday.

What a difference a few weeks makes.  After having a slump in winter sales, the Centerville Flavors Eatery put out a lifeline.  On their Facebook page they said they were struggling and asked for regulars and new patrons to visit them for a boost.  The result was overwhelming.  People from all over the Miami Valley have been grabbing a bite, or placing to go orders.  So many in fact, that the eatery had a record-breaking week recently.

Nearly 6 years ago, ownership of this location was sold.  Business continued to hum with meal plans to go.  It was early in December that the drop-off in patronage put the restaurant in jeopardy.  While the family has publicly thanked local foodies for their Christmas Miracle,” they also asked for continued support in 2019, so they aren’t out of the woods yet.

The Food Adventure Crew took the opportunity to visit the eatery a couple of times in December and wow is there a buzz in town.  Both times we stopped in customers continued to stop in, some as they were closing and had to take to go orders.

Have you been to Flavors Eatery? Wanting to try for the first time or revisit the place? Here is some information you will find useful.

 

HERE IS THE SKINNY ON FLAVORS EATERY:

The Outside of Flavors Eatery in Centerville

—HOURS. – A unique schedule for he dining room is as follows:
MON: – 11am -8pm
TUES – THURS: 11am -3pm
FRI: 11am – 8pm
SAT: 11am- 3pm
—Located in Centerville in a small strip mall at 865 E. Franklin St.

Let us help you out, from years and dozens of trips to this eatery, we know the menu fairly well.  Here are there “must eats.”

 

“MUST EATS” FOR FLAVORS EATERY:

Don’t forget Flavors has another location in Lebanon.  That location is run by the original owners of Flavors, who opened the Centerville store years ago.  The food offerings are very similar and feature that California style eatery menu we have grown to love.  And of course they invented that incredible garlic sauce.

 

Chicken Artichoke Spinach Wrap a Rito

—THE PACIFIC SMOOTHIE:
Banana, strawberries, mixed fruit and mixed berry concoction with kiwi-strawberry juice. This shake will wake you up and give you an energy boost from the natural ingredients. Refreshing, and delicious, this one is worth a try.

 

— CHICKEN SPINACH ARTICHOKE WRAP-A-RITO:
This was Jackie’s favorite. It is a large burrito, stuffed with artichokes, chicken, spinach, apple slaw, mozzarella cheese, feta cheese and house garlic sauce on top. Jackie suggests ordering it with extra house garlic sauce. She could drink that stuff !

 

— PORTABELLA CHICKEN QUESADILLA:
This was the Big Ragu’s favorite of the menu. A Warm quesadilla with lots of flavor with chicken and portabella mushrooms, tomatoes, apple slaw, mozzarella cheese and topped with the incredible house garlic sauce. This was a perfect balance of healthy and filling.

 

— TERIYAKI CHICKEN FLAKY BAKE:
A delicious take on chicken. The teriyaki sauce was subtle and the chicken was cooked perfectly. All of it on a flaky tortilla and served with chips and salsa. Drizzled with Garlic sauce, it is a crisp flaking mountain of happiness.

Portabella Chicken Quesadilla

 

—CAJUN CHICKEN WRAP-A-RITO:
Take a chicken burrito and add green and red bell peppers. The result is the beginning of greatness. Brown rice, apple slaw, yellow onions and beans are also filled inside with garlic sauce on top. The multiple levels of flavors and spices make a cajun flavored treat. Subtle, and not overpowering, the burrito maintains that healthy, natural taste.

 

—AVOCADO CHOCOLATE COOKIES:
The most interesting menu item in the eatery. It is a dark, dark cookie made with avocados. Go guilt free and eat one of these bad boys. It is an absolute treat.

 

—BOTTLES OF HOUSE GARLIC SAUCE TO GO:
Turn your kitchen into a mini-flavors. Not only is the sauce amazing, it is Gluten Free, Dairy Free, no MSG, with No High Fructose Corn Syrup. Try it on Salads, Chips, Pretzels, Meats, Pizzas and veggies!!! The sauce is also sold at Kroger and Dorothy Lane Market Centerville in the salad dressing aisle.

 

Teriyaki Chicken Flaky Bake

HONORABLE MENTION:

— THE HUMMUS PLATE:
This appetizer is fresh and a display of dipping vegetables that is just perfect. The hummus is freshly ground and delicious. This is a very healthy appetizer option, and none of the flavor is sacrificed.

If you are wondering about the house apple slaw, it contains a mixture of carrots, cabbage, radicchio, cucumber, apples, celery and green beans. It is a garnish found with most of their meals.

 

That sums it up it for our Food Adventure recap and feel good story of the season. Flavors Eatery in Centerville still asks for your continued support in 2019, but the Dayton faithful have been their guardian angel and saving grace this Christmas.

If you haven’t been there this winter, now you know what to order, so you have a head start on the rest …. see you at the tables, covered in garlic sauce!

For more Food Adventures, follow us on FACEBOOK HERE.

We have a feature article right here each week on Dayton Most Metro.   Food Adventures has no rules, and leave no plate unturned.  Join Jessie, The Big Ragu and Jackie in our treks for great Miami Valley food.

Cajun Wrap A Rito

Hummus Plate

Garlic Sauce on Chips

Dining Room

Garlic Sauce

Avocado Cookie

Inside Flavors

Chicken Flaky Bake

Cajun Wrap a rito

Dining Area

Lunch is served

Chicken Portabella Quesadilla

Cajun Burrito

The flaky bake – chicken teriyaki

chips, salsa and a burrito

 

 

Wedding Shows in the Miami Valley

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Did you get engaged over the holidays?  If so after you’ve  shared pictures of the ring and been congratulated by all your friends then next thing your being asked is “have you set a date” or “have you started planning”.

It can be rather overwhelming, but there are lots of upcoming wedding shows that will help you plan your special day.  So grab your girlfriends, your mom and your future mother-in-law and attend one of these upcoming bridal extravaganzas:

January 2019

A Bridal Affair

Hilton Garden Inn at Austin Landing
January 3, 2019 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Free

First Show of 2019 An intimate elegant bridal show that is not overwhelming.    Meet the area’s premiere wedding professionals.…

Find out more »

 

Wedding Show & Expo

Wright State University Nutter Center

January 5, 2019 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

|Recurring Event (See all)
$8

Meet Face to Face with over 100 of the Area’s BEST Wedding Professionals! – this show has it all -…

Find out more »

 

Wedding Show & Expo

Wright State University Nutter Center

January 6, 2019 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

|Recurring Event (See all)
$8

Meet Face to Face with over 100 of the Area’s BEST Wedding Professionals! – this show has it all -…

Find out more »

 

Fairytales and Cocktails: A Marriott Wedding Experience

Dayton Marriott
January 9, 2019 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Free

Join Marriott at University of Dayton for a wedding experience to remember! Our dream team and preferred partners will treat…

Find out more »

 

A Bridal Affair

Manor House
January 20, 2019 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Free

An intimate elegant bridal show that is not overwhelming.  Meet the area’s premiere wedding professionals. See the latest wedding trends.…

Find out more »

 

Wedding Showcase

The Event Connections
January 27, 2019 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Free

Visit us at our home at The Event Connections for an opportunity to see meet with many of our 75+…

Find out more »

 

February 2019

Dayton’s Premier Bridal Showcase

February 17, 2019 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Feb 17, 2019 | Dayton’s Premier Bridal Showcase Sunday at 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM Marriott at the University of Dayton,…

Find out more »

 

March 2019

Bridal Open House

Prime Time Party Rental
March 9, 2019 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Free

Meet over 50 wedding vendors at Prime Time Party Rental, your premier event decor company. Vendors and Prime Time Party Rental will assist…

Find out more »

 

April 2019

Annual Hashtag Wedding Bridal Show in Clayton!

Meadowbrook at Clayton
April 7, 2019 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Free

Join #Wedding Bridal Shows for their Second Annual Clayton Bridal Show! The first show brought wedding planners, photographers, DJs, florists, catering, cakes,…

Find out more »

Dayton’s 2018 Top Ten Visual Arts

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Dayton’s visual arts scene is abundant with compelling exhibitions and activities; selecting ten was a challenge.  Enjoy this review of my top ten favorite visual art exhibitions in 2018!

Connie Campbell, Archetypes
Rosewood Gallery
November 26 – December 28, 2018

Connie Campbell’s sculptures are created through mathematical references to the golden ratio, with intricate formulas to create each shape, curve, and line. Made with aluminum, copper, and wood, the sculptures echo animal skeletons and snares. Learn more about the exhibition and the artist here.

Kei Ito and Migiwa Orimo, Nuclear Fallout: The Bomb in Three Archives
Herndon Gallery, Antioch College
September 20, 2018 – December 7, 2018

Detail from Migiwa Orimo’s Souvenirs installation

This incredibly moving exhibition featured the work of Migiwa Orimo and Kei Ito, both reflecting on the 1945 atomic bombings of Japan. Orimo’s body of work, Proofs of Burden, is a reflection of the elements of destruction, censorship, constructed narratives, and reflections on popular culture through her research. Artist Kei Ito explores the 1945 bombings through personal narrative. Kei’s grandfather survived the destruction of Hiroshima, witnessing the horrors of radiation effects on his loved ones.  Learn more about the exhibitions here.

Drawing from Perception
Robert and Elaine Stein Galleries, Wright State University
January 16 – February 25, 2018

Abel Dolby, “L & G,” Graphite on paper

Drawing from Perception featured sixty artists with a focus on the tradition of observational renderings. Sometimes there is nothing better than admiring a beautifully rendered drawing! Stand outs included Bradley Mulligan’s still life; Abel Dolby’s studies of quiet domestic moments; Mark Lewis’ collaged cut paper scenes of Americana; and Amy MacLennan’s richly textured streetscape.  See more about the exhibition here.

Kim Rae Taylor, Rendered Complete Equals
Virginia Kistler, Fungal Impressions
Rosewood Gallery
April 16 – May 18, 2018

Rosewood Gallery was host to two excellent solo exhibitions featuring work by Kim Rae Taylor (Cincinnati) and Virginia Kistler (Gahanna, Ohio). Kim Rae Taylor’s exhibition Rendered Complete Equals explored materiality, process, relationships in mixed media paintings. Virginia Kistler’s Fungal Impressions documented the natural world through photographic processes. Learn more about these exhibitions here.

Muse: Mickalene Thomas Photographs and tête-à-tête
Dayton Art Institute
October 20 2018 – January 13 2019
Mickalene Thomas: I Can’t See You Without Me
Wexner Center for the Arts
September 14, 2018 – December 30, 2018

Mickalene Thomas, la leçon d’amour, 2008, c-print

Ohio lucked out with two important Mickalene Thomas exhibitions this fall – large scale painting and collage works at the Wexner Center for the Art’s, and photographs at the Dayton Art Institute. Thomas’ work is monumental in scale and examines representations of the female body in contemporary subject matter to art history. Both exhibitions reflect on the dual influence of photographs with her paintings and collage that initially brought her acclaim in the contemporary art world. Learn more about the Dayton Art Institute exhibition here.

Edmund Merricle, Recent Paintings
Dutoit Gallery
May 2018

Martyr, 2018, oil on linen

It was great to see the quirky color palettes, focused nautical content and joyful painting of Edmund Merricle at Dutoit Gallery. Learn more about the exhibition here.

Julia Oldham, Dogs of Future Earth
Blue House Gallery
October 13 – 31, 2018

Oldham is a prolific artist, with fascinating artwork and travels on her resume. Oldham’s recent series was part of an artist residency in Chernobyl, where she documented the feral dogs that roam the seemingly empty town, descendants of those that survived the nuclear disaster.  Blue House featured her large-scale fantastical collages, as well as videos, allowing a glimpse into a reality blended with science fiction.  Learn more from the Blue House website.

Akram Zaatari, The Fold – Space, time and the image
October 05, 2018 – February 10, 2019
Cincinnati Contemporary Art Center

The photo-based work of Akram Zaatari represents sometimes haunting narratives, but his work extends beyond his own studio – Zaatari is also the co-founder of the Arab Image Foundation, which preserves a history of photographic images from the Middle East. This exhibition impressively balances his artistic vision and preservation work. Learn more here.

Juan-Sí González, Displacement: Collective Practice to Recover Memory
Rosewood Gallery
October 15 – November 16

In Displacement, Juan-Sí González digs deep into his own personal archive, from his youth in Cuba, to his political asylum which eventually led him to Dayton, Ohio.  This exhibition was a dense, emotional, and significant telling of an artist’s story, as well as his connections to his present-day community. Learn about González exhibition’s here.

Ashley Jude Jonas, it’s likely in front of you
Dutoit Gallery
November 2018

Jonas’ thoughtful artwork can be highly conceptual, but always is deeply intentional and sensitive to various aspects of material, dimensionality and balance. Her work is most successful when viewers the time to understand the relationships each piece puts forward, both formally and theoretical.  A truly beautiful exhibition.  Learn more here.

BONUS PICKS

Joel Whitaker, When Things Go Missing
Dayton Visual Arts Center
September 7, 2018 – November 3, 2018
Whitaker’s beautiful, quiet photographs documented of sites of trauma, including locations of tornado touch-downs in the American South and “photographs that explore the idea of losing things—the transitory nature of all things.” An incredibly poetic exhibition. Learn more here.

Ann Kim, Time Cycles, but Never Back to Now
Dutoit Gallery
July 2018
Featuring work made from the artist’s experience living in two locations at opposite points on the globe, Kim’s intimate mixed media paintings echo the movement of the tides and a feeling of standing simultaneously between night and day.  The exhibition includes photographs documenting the locations, and sand samples carefully labeled with the latitude, longitude and date of each collected unit. Learn more here.

Stratum: New Work by Amy Kollar Anderson & Kate Huser Santucci
February 22 – March 24, 2018
Dayton Visual Arts Center
In this unexpected and fun exhibition, the artists documented their collaborative process of creating new works, with the result a richly layered, textured, and sometimes colorful play on each other’s aesthetic tendencies and techniques.  The creative process was documented with notes and photos displayed alongside the finished work. Learn more here.

The Woods in Color: Works by Jean Koeller
Springfield Museum of Art
July 28, 2018 -January 6, 2019
Koeller’s incredible use of color and her perception of what some would call the mundane – like piles of wood – transcend to masterful compositions of abstraction, tonality, surface tension and quiet moments of reprieve.  A must see exhibition; learn more here.

Your Guide to Fine Dining for New Year’s Eve

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New Years Eve is just  five days away- have you made plans yet?

December 31st  is a night that should be spent out on the town. DMM has compiled lists of restaurants that will be celebrating the end of the year in style. Some may serve a multi-course meal with dancing to follow, while others may offer a more intimate setting to share a  Champagne toast with someone special.  All of the events we’ve listed here end well before midnight, which will let you make plans to pop by another party or if you prefer, make it home in plenty of time to toast the new year in your pj’s.

Looking for a place to ring in the new year?  We’ve got a list of those for you on our MostMetro.com calendar.

 

 

Mudlick Tap House
December 31 @ 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm

They say the way you spend New Year’s Eve is the way you’ll spend the rest of the year so make it one to remember and join us at Mudlick Tap House for an evening of sensational food  with a very special New Year’s Eve menu!

Festive Libations:
Glass of Champagne $7
Bottle of Champagne $24

Santa’s Little Helper
Cranberry Smash
Jingle Balls Nog
Starters:
Beets Meat Salad-  Golden and ruby beets, watercress, mache greens, roasted walnuts, local capriole goat cheese, pomegranate vinaigrette 19French Onion Soup- Thyme, sherry, beef broth, onions, crostini, Jarlsberg cheese
4 cup  7  bowlShareables:
Seared Scallop in the Shell-  Pan Seared Jumbo (U7) Scallop, asparagus mousseline, romanesco, osetra caviar 20$Parsnip and Yukon Gnocchi- Large parsnip shaped gnocchi, pan seared, finished with golden and ruby beet syrups, lardons, local chive microgreens. 16$

Pork and Plant-  Shredded plantain cakes topped with pan seared pork belly and sunny side up quail eggs, leek puree. 22$

Entrees:
Pan Seared Free Range Chicken Breast-  Ed Hill Airline Chicken Breast, dusted with cajun spice, pan seared, sweet and spicy balsamic sauce, jersey sweet potato hash, roasted cippolini onions, romanesco 32$

Slow Roasted Prime Rib of Beef- 10 oz cut served au jus horseradish cream, loaded baked potato (cheddar, scallions, lardons) baby tri-colored carrots. 35$

Petite Filet of Beef with Crabcake-  5 oz Prime filet steak with sautéed trumpet royale mushrooms and truffle butter, pan seared crab cake, sautéed wax beans, roasted fingerlings. 39$

Pan seared Duarade- Fresh Duarade filet pan seared, roasted heirloom tomato, lemon roasted asparagus almondine 28$

Encore:
Tuxedo Lava Cake-  Fluffy White cake with a dark chocolate “molten” center, Luxardo cherry cream, Luxardo cherries, Marcona almonds.  12$

Peanut Butter Cookie Sundae  9
Warm Ashley’s Pastry Shop peanut butter cookies with vanilla bean gelato, chocolate curls, and peanut butter whip!
**GLUTEN FREE

Gelato flight- Killer Brownie gelato, pumpkin amaretto gelato, chocolate gelato, Vanilla bean gelato 10$

Jag’s New Year’s Eve Celebration

Jag’s Steak and Seafood
December 31, 2018 @ 4:00 pm – January 1, 2019 @ 1:00 am
$85 – $110
After you’ve opened your gifts, you won’t want to miss the region’s biggest New Year’s Eve bash! Get here at 4:00 p.m. and stay past dinner to ring in 2019 with 3-Piece Revival and a special menu to make it a night you won’t forget. Entry is $85 per person, which gets you a four-course meal and live music until 1:00 a.m. Wine pairings are included for just $25 more.

A NOLA New Year’s Eve Dinner

Lily’s Bistro
December 31 @ 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm     $59

Roll into 2019 with our New Orleans-Inspired five course dinner! There will be sparkling wine specials all night long, a champagne toast at midnight and with dinner seatings from 5-11pm we’ll be keeping the bar open for all your new year’s revelry! *Vegan or Gluten Free options available for each course

First Course
-Fried green tomato with housemade fresh ricotta cheese, tomato pepperjelly, and local microbasil greens

Second Course (choose one)
-Oysters on the half shell with Belle of Dayton ‘gin & tonic’ mignonette
-Pumpkin bisque with crema and toasted pumpkin seeds
-Local lettuces with roasted mirliton squash, pomegranate seeds, beemster aged goat cheese, and jalapeno-honey vinaigrette

Third Course (choose one)
-Alligator croquettes with rosemary oil and remoulade
-Pork terrine with local-bread crostinis, onion jam, and creole mustard
-Grilled cauliflower medallions over red bean gravy topped with roasted shallot ‘chips’

Fourth Course (choose one)
-Bouillabaisse with tomato and lobster fumet, gulf shrimp, whitefish, and mussels, served with grilled bread and rouille
-Butternut squash risotto with roasted local carrots in saffron cream sauce
-Cabernet and port braised lamb shank with parsnip purée and fried leek

Fifth Course (choose one)
-Beignet with bacon-praline crumble and root beer reduction
-Vegan chocolate pudding pie with raw date and coconut crust topped with coconut drizzle
-Bananas foster upside down cake with citrus whipped cream, orange marmalade, and bourbon-maple glaze

New Year’s Eve 5 Course Dinner

Watermark
December 31 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm     $89 includes a glass of Champagne

NEW YEAR’S EVE Dinner in Five Courses

CHEF’S AMUSE BOUCHE – house-made beet ravioli filled with Herbes de Provence goat cheese, topped with mint caviar

SALAD – radicchio, cabbage, carrot purée, toasted sesame oil, red wine reduction with cayenne foam

SOUP cream of celery, red pepper oil, mint foam

ENTRÉE – choice of one
Rosemary Pork Medallions- Beeler Farms pork sous vide, foie gras mashed potatoes, sour apple kimchi, finished with tart cherry jus
Dover Sole – charred Dover Sole, pea and tarragon salad with pea shoots, roasted beets with fennel vinaigrette

DESSERT – buttery tart crust filled with rich hazelnut caramel, topped with chocolate espresso ganache and cocoa nibs


6 Course NYE Dinner

Meadowlark
December 31 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm     $80

Please join us for 6 festive courses on New Year’s Eve! Monday, December 31  First Seating 5, 5:30 and 6pm , Second seating at 8pm.  They will only be serving this 6 course menu. Beverages, tax and gratuity are extra.

First Course – Fresh-shucked Oyster with Crème Fraiche, Red Caviar and a shot of Sparkling Wine

Second Course – Cheese Arancini with Nduja Vinaigrette

Third Course – Mushroom Bisque with Fried Mushroom and Truffle Oil Garnish

Main Course  (choose one)

  • Grilled Double-bone Lamb Chops with Caper-Mint Salsa Verde, Creamy Garlic Potatoes and Sauteed Brussels Sprouts
  • Fish and Shellfish Risotto with Halibut, Clams, Shrimp and Bay Scallops
  • Seared Beef Tenderloin with Bearnaise, Fried Potatoes and Sauteed Brussels Sprouts
  • Vegetables Wellington with Green Peppercorn-Brandy Sauce and Winter Vegetable Garnish

Cheese Course – Blue Cheese Sable with Apple Onion Compote

Dessert Course  – Chocolate Mousse Tart with Hazelnut Crust, Goat Cheese-Fig Ice Cream and Burnt Caramel

NYE Dinner

The Winds Cafe and Bakery
December 31 @ 5:30 pm     $65 does not include tax or gratuity

New Year’s Eve Menu is a four course meal.

Amuse Bouche–  Local Pumpkin Fritter with Pumpkin Romesco with a glass of Bianca Vigna Spumante Rosato

Starter – choose One:
Oyster Pot Pie

Carrot tied Arugula Bundle with Roasted Multicolored Carrots, Forage Foulette Schemer and Crunchy Grains

Sausage Stuffed and Roasted Quail, Picada, Bittersweet Chocolate and Cocoa Nibs

Entree- choose one

Creekstone Grilled Beef Filet, Belletoile Compound Butter and Potato Pavé

Provencal Duck Leg and Breast Two Ways with Chestnuts and Warm Rustic Grain Salad

Vegetable Tagine with Saffron Broth, Couscous and Apricot Vinaigrette

Grilled Swordfish Pangratta with Pistachio and Prosecco Risotto

Ohio Cheese Plate

Dessert – Tarte Tropézienne with Bittersweet Chocolate and Caramel Poached Clementine

Corner Kitchen
December 31 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Join us this New Year’s Eve!  We’ll be popping this delicious Haute Couture French Bubbles and offering a limited version of our regular menu as well as a decadent 3-course Prix Fixe for $49.

 1ST COURSE  (select one)

LOBSTER BISQUE or NEW YEARS’ SALAD or FOIE GRAS

ENTRÉE . (select one)

FILET MIGNON or TRUFFLE POLENTA or RACK OF LAMB or LOBSTER RAVIOLI

DESSERT (select one)

TIRIMISU or CHOCOLATE CAKE OR BUTTERSCOTCH PUDDING

 

Find out more »

Year End Mediterranean Tour

Glasz Bleu Oven
December 31 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm    $85

The menu crafted by Glasz Bleu Oven is an all-inclusive pinchos, cicchetti, tapas and hors d’oeuvres style service highlighting specialties from various regions around the Mediterranean. Cost is $85/person.

FRANCE |
Glasz Eggs “Deviled” on brioche toast, caviar optional
Oysters shucked, raw, half shell, champagne mignonette, meyer lemon
Endive Salad, candied walnuts, roquefort, citrus
Oak-fired Ribeye Roast, carved, horseradish creme, arugula, fried shallot, sweet red onion rings

SPAIN |
Octopus + Prawn Ceviche, corn tortillas, avocado salsa
Spanish-style “Noodle Bowl” crispy vegetable salad, spicy chiliés

MOROCCO |
Charred Vegetable Curry + “fried” cous cous, crispy parsnips
Moroccan Mussels, focaccia, anchovy, herb butter
Wood-fired Oysters, harissa butter ciabatta crostini

GREECE |
Grilled Lamb Chops, mint pesto, laffa, tzatziki
Roasted Mediterranean Salad

ITALY |
Cappellini Pasta, duck egg yolk, bottarga, parmigiano reggiano
Red Snapper Crudo, citrus + chiliés, Sicilian olive oil, sea salt
Whole “Fried Fishes” grilled citrus, umami tomato

SUCRÉ |

Gelato, Belgian Waffles, Ricotta Beignets
Roasted Stone fruits, chocolate + caramel sauces, confectioners sugar, French sea salt

33rd Annual Resolution Run

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Race with the 2018 Women’s Cross Country State Champions!

5k Awards: Top 3 male and female in each division, 13 & under, 14-19, 20-29,30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+

Dine In and Take Home a 2nd Meal for $10

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Dine at Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Washington Township this week through Sunday, December 30th  and and take home your choice of a complete meal, including entree, soup or salad for just $10.  Choose from favorites like Chicken Bryan or sauteed-to-order pastas. Carrabba’s offers a  gluten-Free Casarecce pasta with many offerings for those with dietary restrictions.

Take home entree must be of equal or lesser value. No coupon needed, just mention this offer to your server.

 

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

937-438-9690

900 Miamisburg Centerville Rd
Washington Township, OH 45459-6554

GET DIRECTIONS

Daily 4:30 PM – 10PM
Happy Hour: 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm

 

It’s Great In Dayton – Santa Edition

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Boston Stoker is excited to throwing The Christmas Eve Golden Ticket Giveaway with buy two get one free 12oz bags of coffee on Monday. 
 
Kwanzaa Celebration 2018, December 26 to December 31, 6pm to 8pm. Inviting the community to attend Kwanzaa celebrations by observing learning and participating with the Seven Principles each day.
 
At the Yellow Cab Tavern is the second annual Remnant Family Jam with performances from Adam Remnant and his band, Jesse Remnant in Human Cannonball.; Saturday, 12/29, 8pm.
 

The founder of a beloved Dayton Halloween tradition has died. Thousands have visited the annual pumpkin glow on Stoddard Avenue.
 
Holiday recipes. This year take your baking skills to new heights with these Pinterest-inspired dishes. There are over 60 to choose from with a variety of healthy options and a few not so healthy because, well, it’s always good to indulge just a little, right?!?
A Healthier Diet, A Healthier You.With more and more research uncovering the best foods for health, people are learning how important it is to focus on food quality to prevent weight gain and live longer.

Boston Stoker Christmas Eve Golden Ticket Giveaway

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Boston Stoker throw The Christmas Eve Golden Ticket Giveaway
Boston Stoker is excited to throw The Christmas Eve Golden Ticket Giveaway with buy two get one free 12oz bags of coffee on Monday, December 24. Hidden within a 12oz bag of direct trade coffee at each of their shops, this Golden Ticket entitles its finder to a $100 gift card and a private tour of the Boston Stoker roasting facility in Vandalia.
“With beans coming in from around the world, we wanted to give a glimpse into how they make it into the bags in your cupboards,” Henry Dean, President of Boston Stoker said. “Each bean we source is unique with it’s own peak roast and treatment.”
To help hunters on their Golden Ticket search, all 12oz bags of beans will be buy two get one free for the day.
“With family and friends coming in for the holidays, whether you find the ticket or not it’s a great way to stock your shelves or their stockings,” Dean said. “The hunt is on!”
For those interested, the Boston Stoker Christmas Eve Golden Ticket Giveaway takes place on Monday, December 24. Each Boston Stoker shop will have their own Golden Ticket hidden within a 12oz bag of direct trade coffee. All shops will also be offering buy two, get one free for all 12oz bags of coffee for that day.

See The Fries For Free

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The Fries Band is excited to announce that we’ll be playing indoors at Dayton’s own Hollywood Gaming from 8pm-midnight. We’re very excited to play our first indoor show here and our last show of the year here. And it’s FREE! Come gamble a bit & listen to the soothing harmonies of The Fries Band.

McCoy on Movies: AQUAMAN

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Jason Momoa brings credibility, fun to D.C. Comics longstanding fish-out-of-water hero

“My Crossfit instructor is going to be so proud!” Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa) makes his way through a sea (pun intended) of would-be submarine pirates in a scene from director James Wan’s take on the D.C. Comics iconic character best known to fans as AQUAMAN. Credit: Jasin Boland/ ™ & © DC Comics.  © 2018 Warner Bros. Entertainment. All rights reserved.


WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:





KEY CAST MEMBERS: Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson, Temuera Morrison, Willem Dafoe, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Dolph Lundgren with Nicole Kidman, Graham McTavish, Michael Beach and Randall Park

DIRECTOR(S): James Wan
THE BACK STORY: Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa) was born of parents never meant to meet. For his mother Atlanna (Nicole Kidman) escaped the underwater kingdom of Atlantis to forgo an arranged marriage, which is why she fell in love with Tom Curry (Temuera Morrison) and gave birth to a young son. But since she knew the only way to keep him safe was to eventually return, she left young Arthur in Tom’s care, her young child never getting to know the mother he so desperately wished to be able to do. That’s why she made sure to charge Vulko (Willem Dafoe) with raising him in her place, teaching young Arthur the ways of Atlantis to make sure he knows part of where he came from.
 
Problem is, while Arthur may never meet his mother, he will meet Prince turned King Orm (Patrick Wilson), his vengeful half-brother who is tired of all the pollution and attacks from the “surface world.” That’s why, with the aid of King Nereus (Dolph Lundgren) and his daughter/soon to be Orm’s wife Mera (Amber Heard), he plans to take the war to the surface world and let mankind know their time is up. But since only a true king can stop Orm and his evil ways, Mera seeks out Arthur to stop him before it is too late for both of their worlds. 
 
Then again, since the pirate who will become known as Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) is after Arthur for what he did – or should that be didn’t do for – his father (Michael Beach), it seems like our hero is going to have his hands full.
 
THE REVIEW: Of all the members of the D.C. Comics world (Marvel kind of has that Universe thing on lockdown), none have been more ridiculed, scrutinized and generally made fun of more than Aquaman. I mean, he was the long-running source of material on the show Entourage (link language NSFW), Robot Chicken has skewered him for years and even the god-awful abomination that was the Justice League movie even poked fun at one of his most well-known abilities. Like Wonder Woman before him (language NSFW), there was no shortage of jokes about his costume, his skills and, in general, the very idea that someone would want to watch a full-length movie about him.
Then came 2017’s Wonder Woman film – and all the jokes stopped. Now, just in time to round out 2018, Aquaman finds itself in a similar boat (pun intended) … And just like his female predecessor,  Arthur Curry is going to get the last laugh since D.C. Comics’ latest solo superhero cinematic adventure is non-stop fun from start to finish.
Momoa, possibly the ultimate bro among leading men right now, brings all the swag Aquaman has never had as a character to life and then some as the film’s lead. Confident and cool, he proves to be more than brooding brawn and massive muscle as he flexes his thespian talents throughout the film. Of course, being a hulking human being certainly doesn’t hurt as every time he thrashes, bashes and/or generally mashes an enemy, it’s never not believable.
Of course, having a pretty solid cast doesn’t hurt matters, which is why Heard does her best to not just to be a pretty (and extremely) redheaded face throughout the film as Mera. In line with Natalie Portman as Thor’s former love interest Jane Watson in the Marvel Universe, Heard displays a nice Harrison Ford/Kate Capshaw Raiders of the Lost Ark-like chemistry with Momoa, a niche that definitely helps the movie move forward with a balance of antagonistic humor and heart. Wilson is likewise solid as the villainous King Orm; Abdul-Mateen II does seem to be channeling his best Michael B. Jordan/Erik Killmonger rage as secondary villain Black Manta, although one would hope (should the inevitable sequel come to light) he will get to do much more than just huff and buff and try to blown Aquaman’s sea house in. 
 
Throw in Dafoe and Lundgren as the solid veteran male support with Kidman getting throw in a nice bit of physicality to go with the standard long-lost mother role and you get what most comic book movies should be: fun and energetic with just enough heart to make them last for more than one bucket of popcorn. That’s not even including director James Wan’s work with the rest of his team to create this most fascinating and visually-appealing world in a superhero movie this side of Wakanda and the film brings it in nearly every scene.
 
Now, as long as Warner Bros./D.C. can get that whole two-Joker movies thing together by the time 2019 starts, maybe D.C. can keep things going in swimming fashion – Aquaman has already done its part to get them there.

 

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 

Hike in the Woods & Hot Chocolate

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Join us for a Hike in the Woods on “Christmas Eve” morning, December 24th AND hot chocolate, coffee, tea and light snacks afterwards at Great Miami Outfitters in Centerville. As part of our Winter Hiking Series, we want to encourage you to get out, AND we want to get outside with you!
FREE EVENT