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

Archives for January 2020

Quest For Dayton’s Best: Falafel

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It was five years ago I unexpectedly found myself in Istanbul for a few days. This was a great opportunity to eat some new foods. I tried the breads, some street foods, Turkish Delight, and a range of Pistachio pastries. But..it was a sidewalk cafe near a rug vendor where I first had falafel alongside a plate of hummus. I was no stranger to hummus, but falafel, a middle eastern hushpuppy that I come to love.

Five years later and still crave Falafel. Lucky for me Dayton is full of Middle Eastern descent restaurants who are serving great Falafel. Falafel is basically a chickpea hushpuppy. Basically ground dried chickpeas, parsley and cilantro, garlic, onion, other spices and balled together and deep fried. Eat it with tzatziki or a side of hummus. This is where I get the best in Dayton.

Carmens Deli
Address: 40 N Main St, Dayton, OH 45423

The Falafel Gyro. Think traditional Gyro but with fried falafel balls that are crumbled up in the pita alongside onion, feta, olives, lettuce and tzatziki. It’s basically a greek salad with falafel crumbled atop all sitting on a warm soft pita. I have one of these every month. No lie. Every month. Ask Haitham at the register. If you are feeling extra Greek, grab a piece of his baklava for good measure. This gyro is so big and full you won’t need a side dish, as good as the side salads and fries are, you won’t need them. Grab an extra tzatziki though. You’ll be wanting more of this tart, tangy, and creamy condiment for sure. $7.50 for lunch.

Mudlick Taphouse
Address: 135 E 2nd St, Dayton, OH 45402

The Falafel Burger. Yes. Burger. Think Veggie burger but with flavor and substance. This falafel is pattied and fried and fills the bun. Topped with chipotle hummus, fresh greens and a tomato jam that would taste good on shoe leather. This entire sandwich is an experience. The falafel has a distinct punch of cumin and I like it. $12 and it’s worth every penny.

Olive Mediterranean
Address: 44 W Third St, Dayton, OH 45402

The Falafel Platter. This platter is complete with rice, a salad with feta, olives and tomato, warm pita and a pile of 5-6 falafel fritters. Deep green, crunch on the outside and Dayton’s best tzatziki served alongside. I love the crunch of the salad and it’s red wine vinagrette dressing accompanying the crunchy and creamy falafel. For $11 its a great lunch any day of the week.

The Gyro Palace (Dayton Mall location)
Address: 57 N Springboro Pike, Miamisburg, OH 45342

These guys know Falafel. They call it a wrap, but its basically a falafel gyro and I love it. There is something different about their version. It’s fried perfect and deep green color that comes from all the cilantro and parsley that is blended in. Calling it a Gyro suggests you can eat it politely with two hands, the truth is that it is overstuffed and you are gonna need a fork and extra napkins. At $6.50 its hard to beat the service, taste and price of the Palace south of town. They’ve recently opened up a Brown St. location as well.

Side note: I once had great Falafel from Trolley Stop. It’s not on the menu anymore sadly.

However, on my short list to try is:
Cedar Land Bakery
Address: 4515 Linden Ave, Dayton, OH 45432

Meadowlark
5531 Far Hills Ave Dayton, Ohio 45429

Just yesterday they introduced a new menu item- this Falafel Salad!

 

Where do you go to get Falafel? Have a recipe for your own? Share it in the comments below.

Muse Machine presents “In The Heights” with bonus Pre-Show Celebration!

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One the Dayton’s most valuable assets is its robust arts community, from visual art, music, and all forms of performing arts. We cultivate that talent in our youth, through innovative programs like Muse Machine, which serves over 75,000 students in southwest Ohio.

Every January, Muse Machine presents a musical that features more than 100 young people from across the Miami Valley. I was re-introduced to these musical performances last year, and I was simply blown away by the talent these teenagers display. There is no doubt, several . are bound for Broadway!

This year Muse Machine presents “In the Heights“, a musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda (creator of Hamilton). The story explores three days of the characters’ lives in the NYC Latino neighborhood of Washington Heights. On the brink of change, friends and family bring their hopes and dreams to life. The score features hip-hop, salsa, meringue and soul music.

The Muse Machine musical has been praised by The Dayton Daily News as “a performing arts all-star effort,” while The Oakwood Register has called it “an evening of true theatrical joy… ” You can see it for yourself Thursday January 16th through Sunday January 19th at the Victoria Theatre in Dayton, Ohio, January 16-19, 2020. Tickets available now through Ticket Center Stage.

Of course attending the performance is a fantastic way to support the organization. If you want to go above and beyond, and have some pre-show fun with fabulous people, consider attending Muse Machine’s annual Social & Show from 5:30 – 7:30 on Friday, January 17, 2020.

There you’ll enjoy cocktails & heavy hors d’oeuvres at Table 33. Each ticket will include food and two drink tickets with choice theatre seating.  It’s an evening you won’t want to miss!  Ticket sales for the Social & Show end January 11, 2020, so don’t delay!

HOW TO GO?

Social & Show Pre-Show Party / Fundraiser

Friday, January 17, 2020

5:30 – 7:30pm
Cocktails & heavy hors d’oeuvres
Table 33 (130 W 2nd St, Dayton OH 45402)

Muse Machine presents the hit musical
IN THE HEIGHTS at 8pm
From Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of HAMILTON
Victoria Theatre (138 N Main St, Dayton OH 45402)

Each ticket includes food, two drink tickets and deluxe theatre seating (seats will be assigned on a first come, first served basis). $45 Ticket for Social only / $100 Social & Show

For info and registration: http://musemachine.com/social/

In the Heights performances:

Thursday January 16, 2020 7pm

Friday, January 17, 2020 8pm

Saturday, January 18, 2020 3pm

Saturday, January 18, 2020 8pm

Sunday January 19, 20020 2pm

Tickets start at $27 and can be purchased here:  https://my.ticketcenterstage.com/overview/6144?fbclid=IwAR04TtWvd-b5JrnGUPpTueUuNmU0tlgtFZOS2nboT3JzjTZBIG_wUJYA77w

Free 10 Week Class to Help you Launch Your Business

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The Early Risers Academy pre-accelerator program, designed to take participants from business idea to launch within 10 weeks, will kick back off in January 2020.

There are six cohorts slated for 2020, three of which are industry agnostic — any team or individual with an idea for a business can apply. Two of the cohorts will focus on entrepreneurs with ideas for tech-based businesses. The final cohort will be for students who are in between their senior year of high school and their freshman year of college.

One graduate from each cohort will win $1,000 to infuse into their business.

“2020 is the beginning of a new decade, and in this new decade, we are intentionally carving out space for minority founders and business owners to access resources that help build solid foundations and provide hands-on support in order to create successful businesses,” program manager KeAnna Daniels said. “We are committed to reaching non-tech and historically under-represented founders who haven’t always felt seen in Dayton’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

The dates for each cohort are as follows:

• Jan. 14 – March 17, 2020 — general
• Feb. 5- April 8 — tech-based
• April 7 – June 9 — general
• June 3 – Aug. 5 — student
• Aug. 26 – Nov. 4 — general
• Oct. 6 – Dec. 8 — tech-based

The Early Risers Academy pre-accelerator application will be open on a rolling basis. Applicants should indicate which cohort they want when they apply. Up to six places are available in each cohort.

Cohorts will meet for 10 weeks, with in-person meetings on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings from 5:30-8:30p in the Nucelus Coworking Space in the Kuhns Building, 15 W. 4th St, Dayton. Applicants should be able to commit at least 4-6 hours per week to coursework for the duration of the academy.

“Our ideal applicants are aspiring entrepreneurs with solid ideas that they have given some real thought to and have begun to asks themselves the hard questions regarding its feasibility,” Daniels said. “We particularly want to know that they have skin in the game and are committed to making their idea work, even if they have to pivot. We are looking for aspiring founders who are looking to take action.”

Participants will spend those 10 weeks moving from idea to founding a business through coursework from the Kauffman Foundation, the country’s preeminent entrepreneurship-building organization. Aspiring founders will receive pitch coaching and hands-on mentoring, weekly discussions with successful entrepreneurs and experts, access to Dayton’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, & alumni support after graduating the academy.

Graduates who pursue business launch will also have a chance to pitch for a $1,000 grand prize at the conclusion of their cohort’s programming. Pitch events will be organized with Launch Dayton, a collaborative effort to connect entrepreneurs to peers, resources, and supporters, and to tell the stories of our region’s thriving startup community.

Apply here.

This pre-accelerator is supported by The Entrepreneurs Center & Wright State Research Institute, collaborators on the region’s Entrepreneurial Services Provider (ESP) grant which is funded by Ohio Third Frontier.

TEDxDaytonSalon | Women Announces Speakers

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Tickets are now on sale for TEDxDaytonSalon | Women which will be held on Saturday, February 29th
from 9:00-11:45 am at the Dayton Metro Library, downtown branch.

This is the first TEDxDaytonSalon event of 2020, starting the second year of the new TEDxDayton series. The half day program will include eight local Speakers and a Moderator who have prepared talks for everyone – not just women.

“As we embark on the historic anniversary of the 19th Amendment, it is fitting that we assemble a prestigious group of women that honor and represent ideas, insights, and inspiration that will propel us forward toward a deeper sense of self and community.” Said John Farrell, TEDxDaytonSalon Committee Chair.

Speakers for the February 29th event include:

    1. David Bodary, PhD – Dept. Chair at Sinclair Community College
    2. Jennifer Cruz, PhD  – Professor of Piano at Central State University
    3. Andrea Walker Cummings – Artist
    4. Joni Fedders – President, Aileron
    5. Lisa Hess, PhD – Professor, United Theological Seminary
    6. Thomas Lasley, PhD – CEO, Learn To Earn Dayton
    7. Jeri Ward – Development Director, American Heart and Stroke Association
    8. Vanessa Ward – President, Omega Community Development Corporation

The event will be moderated by Sierra Leone, past TEDxDayton Speaker, and President and Artistic Director of OFP Theatre Company.

Tickets for the event are just $21 and can be purchased only online at: http://bit.ly/salonwomen

Indigo Girls Coming to Victoria Theatre Stage!

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Grammy®- winning duo, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, also known as the INDIGO GIRLS will perform in Dayton on March 3rd at the historic Victoria Theatre.

Twenty years after they began releasing records as the Indigo Girls, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers have politely declined the opportunity to slow down with age. With a legacy of releases and countless U.S. and international tours behind them, the Indigo Girls have forged their own way in the music business. Selling over 14 million records, they are still going strong. Amy & Emily are the only duo with top 40 titles on the Billboard 200 in the ’80s, ’90s, ’00s, and ’10s.

 

In 2012, Saliers and her Indigo Girls partner Amy Ray embarked on a bold new chapter, collaborating with a pair of orchestrators to prepare larger-than-life arrangements of their songs to perform with symphonies around the country. The duo found an elusive sonic sweet spot with the project, creating a seamless blend of folk, rock, pop, and classical that elevated their songs to new heights without scarifying any of the emotional intimacy and honesty that have defined their music for decades. Now, after more than 50 performances with symphonies across America, the experiences have finally been captured in all its grandeur on the band’s stunning new album, ‘Indigo Girls Live With The University of Colorado Symphony Orchestra.’

 

The power of unity, both in music and in life, has been an Indigo Girls calling card ever since they burst into the spotlight with their 1989 self-titled breakout album. Since then, the band has racked up a slew of Gold and Platinum records, taken home a coveted GRAMMY Award®, and earned the respect of high-profile peers and collaborated from Michael Stipe to Joan Baez. NPR’s “Mountain Stage” called the group “one of the finest folk duos of all time” while Rolling Stone said, “they personify what happens when two distinct sensibilities, voices, and worldviews come together to create something transcendentally its own.”

 

The duo has balanced their long, successful musical career by supporting numerous social causes – the Indigo Girls don’t just talk the talk; they walk the walk. Both on and off the stage, Emily Saliers and Amy Ray have secured their spot as one of the most legendary musical acts of this generation.

Tickets for the March 3 performance go on sale Friday, Jan. 10 at Ticket Center Stage, by phone at 937-228-3630, (toll-free) 888-228-3630 or online at ticketcenterstage.com.

 

Could You Be the Next Wienermobile Spokesperson – Hotdogger?

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Oscar Mayer is looking for someone to drive across country in the Wienermobile and represent the brand.

 

The position is a Full Time, Paid, 1-Year Assignment with travel to many states.  The ideal candidate will need to be outgoing, creative, friendly, enthusiastic, graduating college senior with  an appetite for adventure and are willing to see the country through the windshield of the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. Applicants should have a BA or BS, preferably in public relations, journalism, communications, advertising, or marketing, though applicants are not limited to these degrees.

The job is to represent Oscar Mayer as a brand ambassador through radio and television appearances, newspaper interviews, grocery retail and charity functions. To “meat” and greet people from coast to coast. To maintain company car (Oscar Mayer Wienermobile). To work with internal and external consumer promotions, marketing and sales professionals. To manage your own traveling public relations rm; organizing promotions, contributing to brand social content and pitching TV, radio and print media.

Anyone interested can send a cover letter to: Oscar Mayer, Attn: Hotdogger Position, 560 E Verona Ave, Verona, Wisconsin 53593 or email to [email protected].

Dayton Artists United: Yetunde Taiwo Rodriguez

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Yetunde Taiwo Rodriguez is a textile artist and designer. Her medium of choice is block printing. She says “this work is directly connected to who I am as a person. I would design blocks, carve, print, and sew even if I never sold another piece.

My work arose from a desire to see my aesthetic reflected in a way I had not previously seen it. At the time I started creating textile prints, I saw a limited scope of African inspired design represented in home decor. As a lover of color, I wanted lots of joyful color in eclectic combinations!”

 

Visual artist Yetunde Taiwo Rodriguez sat down with Dayton Artists United at Reza’s Coffeehouse on Wayne Avenue to talk about creativity, Dayton and making it as an artist.

DAU: Thanks for meeting. Tell me about yourself.

YTR: I was born in Nigeria and came to the states when I was 13. I was in the Navy for five years. I lived in Virginia until 2007 when we moved to Dayton.

DAU: Have you always been an artist?

YTR: Yes. No. I have a degree in graphic design, but when I got out of college, I took the first job I was offered, in customer service, and it kind of put me in a path I didn’t plan. I haven’t ever held a “graphic design job.” Over the years I have done a variety of creative things, like made and sold soaps, but I didn’t call myself an artist until later. I have always seen patterns, and everything I do has to be visually pleasing to me. I started making my own print designs, indulging my passion for home décor and incorporating African designs. I had not seen that aesthetic anywhere, especially not in home décor textiles, at that time. I started block printing and screen printing as a way to bring my ideas to life. I make designs that draw on who I am as a person, and pulling in all the color I loved.

DAU: And now you are creating and selling textiles?

YTR: Yes, and I love it. The printmaking evolved from my artist side. I love seeing things in my hands that I imagined. I like asking myself “what if” and following that curiosity.  And I feel like I’ve come around to what I am supposed to be doing. I am an artist. I claim this work and it has claimed me. Its work I love doing. But it is work.  It takes a lot of work for an artist to make it. I have a web page, an Etsy shop, an Instagram page and sell stuff at events like the Craftin Outlaws show in Columbus. I teach workshops too, and am teaching at Midwest Craft Con. February 28 to March 1, 2020. As an artist, if you want to sell your work, you have to keep up on posting and reaching out for opportunities to share your work.  To be successful as an artist, to earn your living from your work , discipline and hard work are more important than talent.

DAU: Talk to me about being an artist in Dayton.

YTR: I moved here with my family in 2007, and it took me awhile to love Dayton. It’s not an easy city to know. It’s a good city for artists, there are lots of arts events and it’s central to the arts events all over the state. I live on the west side and am excited to be part of changes happening there. I was artist-in-residence at the Northwest Branch Library in the summer of 2019. I am working with architects Matt Sauer, Alexandra Bohler, and Hannah Peterangelo on designs for the Gem City Market. I am working on decorative pieces for inside and a mural on the exterior of the market. I am really excited about this project. I think the west side needs development and investment.

DAU: I agree! I drive around the neighborhood and imagine what I would do for us if I won the lottery.

YTR: One of the things I love about the Gem City Market project is how the input of the people who live in the neighborhood have been actively sought. I worry that someone will just come in and tear down and replace the things we have. I want to live in a nice neighborhood. Everybody wants to live in a nice neighborhood, but I think we’re all afraid of what will happen if too much development comes in.  I don’t want to be driven out by gentrification. 

DAU: I love my neighborhood too. I live in the University Row district, not far from you. I am so excited that I will be able to walk to the grocery!

YTR: I think Gem City Market will make a big difference to the west side. I have just been looking at the city. I drove a woman around, an architect who just moved here. I was showing her the city, talking about the different neighborhoods and all that Dayton has to offer. I think showing the city to someone else really helps me appreciate what we have. You go on day to day, working, running from one thing to the next and you don’t think about the impact of things you’ve done, like a mural or a design. Artists make such a difference to this city. I am glad to be part of that.

DAU: Talk to me more about Dayton. What is your favorite thing to do here? 

YTR: There is so much to do here. I love all the coffeehouses. I like Reza’s, Wholly Grounds and Ghostlight. I am really sensitive to spaces, its part of the whole design thing, I think. I like how these spaces invite me to be part of them. I like that the owners include local art. My family and I just went to the Dayton Art institute, and I think we’re lucky to have such a beautiful museum. Dayton has a lot to offer. My family has been granted some wonderful opportunities here that we might not have had so easily in a bigger city. I want to help other people see that. I advertise classes on Airbnb for visitors and locals. When people visit Dayton, they can book a workshop where they make their own textiles with block printing . Its really fun to connect with visitors and make art. I will also be giving a series of talks at the Dayton Metro Library between February and March. Check out the most recent Library Highlights publication, you just might see me there!

DAU: So, what’s next?

YTR: I am going to network with more artists this year. I want to help grow our artists community.

  

Gem City Roller Derby Open Recruitment

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Open Recruitment is to welcome brand new skating athletes, skating officials (referees), and non-skating officials (NSOs) to the wonderful world of women’s flat track roller derby!

Skaters should be able to stand, roll, and stride on quad skates (you can get even more practice in during public skating sessions). Interested recruits do NOT need any derby skills or knowledge because we’ll teach you those!

Santa Clara Juicery to Close

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Husband and wife owners Elizabeth and Dave Furst of the Santa Clara Juicery just posted this message announcing the closing of the juice bar  business they opened in June of 2018 at 1912 N. Main Street.

“Daytonians, we are sad to announce that the store front for the juice bar will be closing as of this Monday January 6. We have loved serving this community and the gem city!• Don’t worry, We will still be making that good juice and expanding in new ways with plant milks!

You can book juice orders and more online after Monday for delivery or message us for pick up time. We will also be at 2nd st market on Saturdays! • Although sad, this move is important for bringing balance in our family and to bring more focus on the things we do best- making & delivering the best, pressed, organic juice in the gem city! Stay tuned and keep booking your juice!”

 

All You Can Eat Pancakes are Back at IHOP!

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IHOP ® is celebrating the start of a new decade by bringing back its beloved “All You Can Eat Pancakes” tradition, available with any Breakfast Combo*. For a limited time, enjoy as many of IHOP’s signature Buttermilk pancakes as you want with eggs any style, golden hash browns and the choice of ham, pork sausage links, hickory-smoked bacon or more.

To kick it up this year, IHOP is also serving “All You Can Eat Pancakes” with any 2x2x2 order, Monday through Friday only, for just $4.99. The popular 2x2x2 combo is served with two eggs and either two crispy strips of hickory-smoked bacon or two savory pork sausage links, making for a hearty meal and unlimited pancake stacks at an incredible value. Both golden deals are available now through March 1 at participating IHOP restaurants nationwide*.

“What better way to celebrate the start of a new decade than with our world-famous, ‘All You Can Eat Pancakes’ offer?” said IHOP Chief Marketing Officer, Brad Haley. “And, for the first time, we’re giving our guests an even better deal with the opportunity to enjoy one of our most popular breakfast combos during the week – with as many pancakes as they can eat – for just $4.99. So, now is a great time to ring in 2020 and enjoy IHOP pancakes, pancakes, pancakes.”

For those looking for a great deal for the entire family, IHOP is also offering The Great Gameday Feast, so game day will be more delicious than ever. Available via to-go and delivery now through February 2, this family-sized value meal serves four, and includes 16 pieces of Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Breast Strips; a choice of either 8 Buttermilk Pancakes, 12 Belgian Waffle quarters or a basket of French Fries; plus a basket of mini Churro Bites served with cupcake icing dipping sauce for dessert. The Great Gameday Feast is exclusively an IHOP ‘N Go® offer and is not available for dine-in.

The “All You Can Eat Pancakes” deals, including the 2x2x2 offer for just $4.99 (Monday through Friday only), are available for a limited time, dine-in only, at participating IHOP locations nationwide now. The offers are valid on Buttermilk Pancake orders and do not include any fruit-topped or other specialty pancakes. For more information or to find the nearest location, visit IHOP.com.

*Dine-in only Jan. 2-Mar.1, 2020. All You Can Eat offer valid per person, per order, and is not valid for 55+, Omelette or Kids Menu items. All You Can Eat pancake refills are served two pancakes at a time upon request. Available for a limited time at participating restaurants only. Only applies to Buttermilk Pancakes.$4.99 2x2x2 with All You Can Eat Pancakes available Monday-Friday at participating restaurants. No substitutions. Not valid with other discounts or promotions.All You Can Eat offers not valid on National Pancake Day Tuesday, February 25.

IHOP

6930 Miller Lane
Dayton, OH 45414

937-387-9106

Legal Aid Gets $350,000 Grant to Support Tornado Recovery Assistance

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Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO) will receive $350,000 from the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) to support individuals and client communities seeking to rebuild and recover from the tornadoes that devastated the community on Memorial Day 2019.

Legal aid is essential in helping survivors of the tornadoes get back on their feet. Survivors need help with the legal issues involved in securing temporary housing, filing insurance claims, replacing important legal documents, negotiating with landlords to make necessary repairs, and more.

LSC’s grant will support LAWO’s Tornado Recovery Project to identify and contact all survivors potentially eligible for legal aid. The project will provide information on legal rights and available assistance, conduct client intake, offer comprehensive legal help, and work with affected communities to help rebuild housing and restore stability.

“We greatly appreciate receiving this grant from the Legal Services Corporation. This funding will allow us to work with individuals, neighborhoods, and community partners to support those affected by the tornadoes,” said LAWO Executive Director Kevin Mulder. “Much work remains to be done, and we look forward to assisting with the long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.”

The funding comes as part of the $15 million LSC received to support the delivery of legal services to those impacted by natural disasters. That funding was part of the $19.1 billion Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019.

“Legal services providers are a critical component of comprehensive disaster relief for survivors facing wrongful evictions, denials of insurance claims and benefits, and consumer scams,” said LSC President James J. Sandman. “We are grateful to Congress for providing funds to ensure that low-income disaster survivors get the help they need in the aftermath of a disaster.”

Members of the Ohio congressional delegation applauded the grant.

Senator Sherrod Brown: “Every Ohioan should have access to the legal services and representation they need during financial hardships, especially those caused by natural disasters. These funds for Legal Aid of Western Ohio will help ensure Ohioans have the legal assistance to secure housing, file insurance claims, replace important legal documents and make repairs they need to get back on their feet.”

Representative Bob Latta (OH-5): “Communities across western Ohio have yet to recover from the tornadoes that devastated homes, schools, and businesses earlier this year. Ohioans need relief, and I am proud that thanks to the Disaster Supplemental Relief Act that I supported in the House, the Legal Aid of Western Ohio will be able to create the Tornado Recovery Project. This project will help restore stability to impacted communities by ensuring survivors are granted the legal resources they need in order to rebuild their lives.”

DAI 2020 Special Exhibitions

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The Dayton Art Institue special exhibition season begins with Samurai, Ghosts and Lovers: Yoshitoshi’s Complete 100 Aspects of the Moon, on view February 22–May 3, 2020, and continues with New Beginnings: An American Story of Romantics and Modernists in the West, May 30–September 12, 2020 and Picasso to Hockney: Modern Art on Stage, October 17, 2020–January 17, 2021.

“We are excited with our lineup of exhibitions for the coming season,” states Dr. Jerry N. Smith, DAI Chief Curator. “We close our 2019-2020 Centennial celebration with the opening of an exhibition organized by the DAI around our recent acquisition of a rare, complete set of Yoshitoshi’s 100 Aspects of the Moon, one of the greatest achievements in Japanese woodblock printmaking. We follow this up with a look at the diverse and colorful art of the American Southwest, drawn from the Tia Collection, one of the most extensive private collections of art of the American West in the world. We close out the year with a look at what happened when major artists like Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Henri Matisse, David Hockney and many others designed sets and costumes for the stage. In short, it will be a bold and colorful year of major, internationally recognized art offerings in 2020 at the DAI.” 

Samurai, Ghosts and Lovers: Yoshitoshi’s Complete 100 Aspects of the Moon

February 22–May 3

The Dayton Art Institute will be the exclusive venue for this exhibition, organized by the

DAI from a recent acquisition of a complete set of Tsukioka Yoshitoshi’s 100 Aspects of the Moon. The series is one of the outstanding achievements in the history of Japanese woodblock prints and is a tour-de-force, combining striking designs with dramatic stories from Japan’s past. The prints depict heroism and humor, love and loss, mystery and magic, with the linking motif of the presence of the moon. This exhibition will provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see all 100 prints on view together, and it is a fitting conclusion to the museum’s centennial celebrations.

New Beginnings: An American Story of Romantics and Modernists in the West

May 30–September 13

This major traveling exhibition is drawn from the internationally admired Tia Collection. New Beginnings: An American Story of Romantics and Modernists in the West offers the dynamic story of art of New Mexico in the early 20th century through bold colors and dramatic compositions. This exhibition features more than 110 works by 72 artists, including painting, sculptures, photographs and prints. It highlights the evolution of art in the Southwest, from the late Romantics and Classicists to the advent of early Modernism.

Picasso to Hockney: Modern Art on Stage

October 17, 2020–January 17, 2021

Picasso to Hockney: Modern Art on Stage is a traveling exhibition drawn from the McNay Art Museum’s renowned Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts. It features more than 120 objects of set and costume designs and offers fresh insights into artists and movements, from Cubism and Constructivism to Surrealism and Pop Art. This exhibition contains works by some of the most celebrated artists of the 20th century, including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Fernand Léger, Natalia Gontcharova, Joan Miró, Louise Nevelson, Robert Indiana, Jim Dine, David Hockney, and many others.

In addition to the slate of Special Exhibitions, the DAI will present a series of smaller Focus Exhibitions, highlighting a diverse range of art.

Focus Exhibitions planned for 2020 include The Roaring (and The Quiet) ‘20s, which draws from the DAI collection and looks at the dramatic decade of the 1920s. Bukang Y. Kim: Journey to the East is an immersive installation of recent scroll paintings by the Cincinnati-based Korean artist. Archiving Eden: Dornith Doherty Photographs features images by the internationally recognized photographer of seed banks and the global preservation efforts by agriculturalists who are working to assure stable food sources despite climate change and decreased agricultural diversity. Preserving the Pure Land: The Art of Japanese Painting Conservation, will feature the DAI’s recently conserved, 400-year-old painting Thirteen Buddhist Figures, which will be shown for the first time in more than 40 years. The Focus Exhibition season will close the year with The Art of Norman Rockwell (working title), a DAI exclusive exhibition with paintings and drawings by America’s most beloved artist and illustrator. Additional Focus Exhibitions will take a deep dive into the DAI’s extensive collection to feature highlights of photography and works on paper. Watch the DAI’s website and social media for dates and more information.

“2020 will be a busy year for exhibitions at the DAI. We look forward to complementing our lineup of Special Exhibitions with a variety of Focus Exhibitions, which provide our guests multiple offerings during any visit,” added Smith. “These are visually and intellectually stimulating installations that might look at a single artist, like Norman Rockwell, or a theme, like the conservation of centuries-old scroll paintings. There will be plenty to see and enjoy throughout the year.”

“Our curatorial team has put together an outstanding selection of diverse exhibitions to kick off our second century,” said DAI Director & CEO Michael R. Roediger. “It’s the perfect time to become a member and enjoy a full year’s worth of amazing art experiences at your Dayton Art Institute.”

The DAI’s centennial exhibition season is currently concluding with the Special Exhibition Maker & Muse: Women and Early 20th-Century Art Jewelry, on view through January 19, as well as the Focus Exhibitions William Preston Mayfield Photographs, on view through January 5, Mona Lisa Today, on view through January 12, and Art of Ernest Blumenschein, on view through February 23.

For more about exhibitions at the Dayton Art Institute, visit www.daytonartinstitute.org/exhibitions.

Membership to the DAI starts at just $40 and offers free admission to the museum’s collection galleries and all exhibitions, as well as discounts on many events and programs. For more information about membership, go to www.daytonartinstitute.org/membership or call 937-223-4ART (4278).

Next Stop on the Ethnosh Tour- Prems Chennai Delight

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Located in the bustling Washington Park Plaza shopping center off Lyon’s Road in Centerville, you will find Prems Chennai Delight. The restaurant is cozy and inviting, filled with natural light coming from the front wall made of glass. Your mouth will likely already be watering at this point, filled with the smells of warm spices and tomato sauce.

Lunch hours will be over soon, but the restaurant is still filled with happy conversations and eating. I am directed to a small table near the kitchen and kindly offered a mango lassi while I wait for customers to finish being served. The yogurt drink is thick, creamy, and sweet, a perfect afternoon treat.

Everything settled now, I get a chance to sit with Lavanya Premkumar, manager of the front of the house for Prems, and wife of the owner and head chef Premkumar Nagarathinam. Lavanya and Prem are from Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu in South India. Both are trained engineers, Lavanya a software engineer and Prem a mechanical engineer, but that was never enough. Speaking for her husband, “Although he’s an engineer, his passion was towards food.” That is why they opened their first restaurant back home, seating over 90 people, and operating for more than 11 years. It was important for them to have a space that served traditional Southern Indian cuisine. Surprisingly, this was unique for the restaurant scene in Chennai. Lavanya explains the city, with a population of over 7 million residents, has become known for fusion food influenced by the melding of varying cultures residing within the city.

chilli parotta

Lavanya’s career as a software engineer meant that she spent more time traveling than at home. She had contracts globally, including Europe and the U.S., often working in areas of New Jersey and New York. Settling down in the United States was never the intention, but after landing a 5-year contract at Lexis Nexis in Miamisburg, it made the most sense to make herself a home here. Prem would visit on vacation, but eventually, they decided it was best to be together. After a while, running the restaurant in Chennai from another country became more difficult, so they made the tough decision to hand it over to friends.

One thing they couldn’t leave behind was their heart for hospitality. The calling to cook and serve others was still undeniable. Jointly, they opened a personal catering business cooking out of their kitchen with Prem as the sole chef. They catered numerous events for 6 years building a loyal customer base that would return again and again to get a taste of their delicious food. In 2017, Prem opened Prems Chennai Delight, the name selected to pay homage to their roots back in India.

Combo Uttapam

The Miami Valley area has no shortage of Indian eateries, but Prems stands out from the rest because of its South Indian offerings. Lavanya has a personal mission to share with people what Southern Indian food is. “Everybody was thinking about the tikka masala and the samosas. If I talked about Indian (food), they would just say this is what it is.” There is much more to Indian food than just these well-known dishes. At Prems Chennai Delight, they have four exceptionally trained chefs in addition to Prem himself. One is a dedicated curry chef because each curry includes a unique blend of spices. Every curry has a distinctive flavor. It isn’t simply a protein and a creamy tomato sauce, which is more common in North Indian cuisine. In South India, many recipes use blended nuts to achieve a creamy taste. “More dried spices, more garlic and ginger, onions, tomatoes to get the gravy.” Seafood is a popular protein in South India and can be found on the menu, as well as Halal chicken, goat, and plenty of vegetarian options.

Lavanya excuses herself to box up some leftovers for a patron when Prem steps over to greet me. He graciously offers to cook some food for me. Being a lover of Indian food, I tell him to surprise me. He asks me a few questions about my preferences, and heads towards the kitchen, stopping only to give a gentle high five to a young child smiling at him.

Lavanya returns, continuing to explain about their chefs. They have one chef primarily in charge of making dosa, a thin flatbread made from a blend of rice and other ingredients. It is fermented overnight, then cooked quickly, coming out almost crepe-like. Dosa is a staple in South India and is served with most meals. Each chef has an important, yet separate role. “Our primary strength is our chefs”, Lavanya boasts.

Paneer Butter Masala

“We try to keep everything more natural. No canned food or preservatives.” This commitment to freshly-made, cooked-to-order food not only makes a difference in flavor, but it also helps keep things lighter and healthier. This does mean that when you come to dine at Prems, you can expect to wait longer than at some other establishments. Prems is not meant to be a fast-food style Indian restaurant. It takes time to develop the flavors. “I will tell them it will be 30 minutes or sometimes more”, or on a busy afternoon like today, the wait times are longer.

On our table, a young man sets down a basket of warm naan bread, a bowl of rice, and a dark-colored chicken curry adorned with fresh green herbs. Prem had chosen to make me Chettinad chicken curry, which is something I had never tasted. The bold flavors of garlic and chilies mixed with tender chicken pieces make for one delightful and spicy meal.

Chicken 65

Lavanya has a bowl of food herself, as she tells me of a recent article she read, stating that India has over 120,000 known dishes. “Everybody makes different dishes, and we have different weather conditions in our country. Some places it snows, and some places it’s like Florida. So, the grains we grow in each place varies.” Each area is known for its own set of traditional meals. Prems Chennai Delight strives to honor the five states of South India by including customary dishes from each region. “Our elders, especially Grandparents, they always teach us if we keep everybody’s stomach happy, we will also be blessed.” A wonderful sentiment that can be tasted in every bite of the food.

 Prems Chennai Delight

725 Lyons RoadWashington Township, OH 45459
(937) 949-3850
Join the Nosh Up at Prems on Tuesday, January 21.
Seatings are 5:30 and 7:30 PM. Space is limited to 54 per seating. Regular, Vegetarian and Vegan options are available.

Citilites To Close- New Concept to Be Revealed Fall of 2020

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Victoria Theatre Association has announced that Citilites Restaurant & Bar will close Jan. 2, 2020, for renovations and a concept change. The space will undergo a nine-month renovation with plans to reveal a new concept in the fall.

Located in the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, Citilites opened in 2003 and has served an average of 28,235 patrons for business lunch and pre-performance dinners each year, totaling 451,760 patrons over its 16 years.

 

“It’s high time for a makeover,” comments Ty Sutton, President & CEO for Victoria Theatre Association which owns and operates the Schuster Center and the restaurant. “Very few upgrades have been made over the past 16 years. We’re excited to completely renovate and unveil a brand-new food & beverage option for performance patrons.“

 

VTA has engaged The Idea Collective, a Dayton-based design group, to assist with the new concept and renovation.

 

“Whenever we are approached to collaborate on a revitalization project in downtown, we ask a single question: ‘Does this matter to Dayton, and why?’,” stated Chris Dimmick with The Idea Collective. “The opportunity to work with VTA’s incredible team and reimagine the Citilites concept certainly checks that box for us.  We’re thrilled to help elevate the Schuster Center experience not only for our fantastic arts community and theater-goers but for Dayton as well.”

 

The new concept will be unveiled in the fall of 2020. Any patrons with upcoming dinner reservations will be contacted by management. The restaurant will not be open for lunch during the week or for any pre-performance dining until after the renovation is completed. Previously planned events will continue with Elite Catering handling all catered events. Questions on events should be directed to Elite Catering at 937-503-1715.