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

Archives for September 2024

Enjoy Good Food At A Discount with Too Good To Go App

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I love the whole concept of Too Good To Go.  It’s an app that discounts surplus food from restaurants and grocery stores.  The free mobile app invites anyone to save delicious meals and groceries for ⅓ of the retail price. The content of each Surprise Bag purchased through the Too Good To Go app varies and users can expect to get a range of products, always at 1/3 of the retail value. The businesses pay an annual fee 0f $89, only after they’ve sold that much and $1.79 transaction fee from each bag to use the service.  According to the website about 160,000 businesses are part of this food rescue program.

When you log in you can see the offers around you and you can click to purchase paying on line through the app.  Within a couple of minutes you’ll get a confirmation email telling you when you can pick up your bag. When at the shop you’ll swipe your pickup through the app and get your goodies.

Last week was the first time I used it and I got bags from Boosalis Baking and Barry Bagels. I was asked to arrive at Barry Bagels on Far Hills Avenue in Kettering between 3:50 and 4:10pm.  They close at 4pm, so one of the staff let me in and my bag was waiting on the counter.  My bag contained 8 assorted bagels and a container of cream cheese.  Checking their menu the value was about $15 and I paid $4.99 for this.  Bagels were fresh and I felt like this was a great value.

My next pick up was from Boosalis Baking and Cafe at 175 E Alex Bell Rd #280, Centerville. I pulled up in the parking lot and saw three other folks sitting in the car waiting for the 4:30pm pick up time.  We all entered and were handed our bags quickly and efficiently.  The bag was heavy and contained a couple doughnut, two pastries and two blue berry muffins. I payed $5.99 for what would regularly have been about $18.

 

 

Other local businesses I’ve seen on the app include Whole Foods, Hummus Mediterranean Food in Springboro,  Tea for U Bubble Tea in Centerville and Coffee Hub, Xenia, Purely Sweet Bakery in Beavercreek.

If you have a lot of food allergies or intolerances, this app may not be for you since you don’t know what you are getting. But if you’re an adventurous foodie, we think you’ll enjoy this app.  But you will need to check the app frequently to find out what’s available and buy before they sell out.

Free Boot Camp with The Unit

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oin The Unit Mondays and Wednesdays  thru October for an exciting boot camp workout that will take you through RiverScape in a whole new way. Whether you’re running the stairs, doing push ups near the reflecting pools, or stretching along the levee, this effective workout will keep you moving. Combined with the uplifting support of the community members that make up The Unit, this is a workout you will want to make part of your weekly routine.
All fitness levels welcome and encouraged!
No equipment or registration needed, but please bring water!

Hairborn in Fairborn

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Get ready for Hairborn 2024! We have performances from Lätter and JUMP “America’s Van Halen Experience.” We can’t wait to listen to the best 80’s rock, drinks some brews, and enjoy food from our food trucks. This is a FREE event. Bring your own chair, seating is limited.
Band Schedule:
🤘 5:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. Lätter
🤘 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. JUMP “America’s Van Halen Experience”
Food Trucks:
🚛 The Family Spoon
🚛 Eaton Ice Cream
🚛 What the Taco
🚛 Freddie’s Franks and Burgers
🚛 Spicey Rooster BBQ
🚛 Philly Pretzel Factory
🚛 Bourbon Bayou

CO-OP DAYTON’S FOODSTORMING

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Have dinner with a living legend Dr Jessica Gordan Nembhard author of the book Collective Courage which documents the history of Black cooperative development . Her book has started what is known as the 4th wave as cities across the country are now organizing towards greater self determination!
Come join us for a dinner and dialogue!

TIFF Day #9 – 2024

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Hello NEON Community.

Today was my last day of screenings, and I officially passed the “30 films” mark.

My first film of the day was one I was eager to see – QUEER, dir Luca Guadagnino (Italy, USA) “Brilliant, audacious author, meet brilliant, audacious director: it takes risk to translate the work of William S. Burroughs for the screen, but Oscar-nominated filmmaker Luca Guadagnino’s (Call Me by Your Name, TIFF ’17) spin on the Beat legend’s autobiographical novel matches its source material in vulnerability and taboo-smashing adventurousness. Starring Daniel Craig and featuring supporting turns from Jason Schwartzman and Oscar nominee Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread), Queer is a hallucinogenic odyssey bathed in desire.” My first Guadagnino film at TIFF is one of my favorite memories…it was a screening of I AM LOVE – which is still one of my favorite films for the 17 years I’ve been attending the festival.  On top of that, other Guadagnino films have played very well for us at THE NEON – CALL ME BY YOUR NAME and CHALLENGERS are among them.  This story is told with magical and drug-induced imagery in wonderful ways, and the Craig’s performance is really quite wonderful.  The film is a slow burn, and I think it might grow on me in time…but about half way through, I was feeling underwhelmed (though I thought the last 20 minutes were very strong).  I had been told by some industry folks that the sex scenes were more than theater-goers could handle – so I was prepared…but in the end,  they weren’t as risqué as I’d thought they might be.

Next up was a complete surprise.  I like Tom Hiddleston & Chiwetel Ejiofor, so I decided to try THE LIFE OF CHUCK, dir Mike Flanagan (USA) “Mike Flanagan takes a detour from the macabre with this adaptation of a uniquely structured Stephen King novella that unravels a seemingly ordinary accountant’s world. The world feels like it’s ending and everybody’s saying goodbye to Chuck. Wherever Marty (Chiwetel Ejiofor) goes, he can’t get away from Charles Krantz (Tom Hiddleston). His face is showing up on billboards, window signs — even TV commercials. What’s so special about this seemingly ordinary accountant and why does he warrant such a sendoff?” (taken from TIFF catalog) This is told in three parts, and Part 3 is where we start.  It’s inventive and plays with genre in an interesting way (Part 3 is a scary end-of-days sci-fi genre (but seeming more like real-life these days) and Parts 2 & 1 are origin story dramas.  At the end of the day, it’s a film about memories and how we’re shaped as adults. Some may say it’s a little too saccharine, but I absolutely adored this film – and it is definitely in my Top 5 of this year’s festival!

My last film of the festival was from the “Midnight Madness” category – THE SUBSTANCE, dir Coralie Fargeat (United Kingdom, United States of America, France) “Demi Moore portrays a fading Hollywood star feuding with the manifestation of her younger self (Margaret Qualley) in this award-winning body-horror satire from writer-director Coralie Fargeat (Revenge)” (taken from TIFF catalog) This film has a lot to say about beauty and age standards for television and film (and even the general public), and it’s hyper-stylized.  It’s a kind of DEATH BECOMES HER directed by Cronenberg, and it’s very fun (and rather grotesque).  For the first 90 minutes, I wished we had booked it at THE NEON next week…but then it jumped the rails and became a full-on gore fest…I’m glad we didn’t. (I think a large part of our regular customers would revolt…plus it will be playing at the multiplexes.)  Overall, I personally liked it – but it absolutely not for everyone.

So that’s that!
32 Films (33 screenings overall – I saw 1 film 2 times), 2 sit-down interviews with a big star and a big director, lots of connections with other people in the business, 1 star-studded party and a couple good meals.  Thanks for coming along on this ride with me.  I hope to see you soon at THE NEON.

Take care,
Jonathan

 

National Cheeseburger Day Deals

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Wednesday, Sept. 18 is National Cheeseburger Day, and chain restaurants across the country are celebrating with deals on cheeseburgers. Wendy’s is offering 1 cent cheeseburgers, McDonald’s will sell 50 cent cheeseburgers and more.

Here are all the best deals on free — or cheap — cheeseburgers for National Cheeseburger Day.

Applebees

In honor of National Cheeseburger Day, Applebee’s is rolling out a classic burger deal, which for $8.99 includes a classic hamburger of choice and a side of fries, per Applebees. The meal deal will only be offered on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buy one cheeseburger, get a second one free at Buffalo Wild Wings on National Cheeseburger Day, per Buffalo Wild Wings. To get the deal, you must have a Blazin’ Rewards account.

Burger King

Royal Perks members can get a free cheeseburger when they spend $1 or more on National Cheeseburger Day. Burger Kind had additional deals all week as well.

“While a free cheeseburger is always great, Burger King will also offer a full week of Royal Perks deals,” Burger King said, per People.

Here are all the Burger King deals during the week of Sept. 16 to Sept. 22:

  • Monday, Sept. 16: Free Whopper Jr when you spend $1 or more.
  • Tuesday, Sept. 17: Free original chicken sandwich when you spend $1 or more.
  • Wednesday, Sept. 18: Free cheeseburger when you spend $1 or more.
  • Thursday, Sept. 19: Free 4-piece order of Mozzarella sticks when you spend $1 or more.
  • Friday, Sept. 20: Free Croissan’wich which you spend $1 or more.
  • Saturday, Sept. 21: Free 4-piece order of chicken fries when you spend $1 or more.
  • Sunday, Sept. 22: Free beverage of any size when you spend $1 or more.

Dairy Queen

Through the Dairy Queen app, customers can get a 2 Double Original Cheeseburger Signature Stackburgers for $8, an order that would typically cost about $15, per Dairy Queen.

In addition to National Cheeseburger Day celebrations, Dairy Queen is offering a buy one, get one free deal on blizzards through Sunday, Sept. 22. Buy one blizzard at full-price, get any blizzard free for through the app.

Frisch’s Big Boy 
BOGO Burgers is back 9/18!🍔
Valid at participating locations.

McDonald’s

On National Cheeseburger Day, McDonald’s is selling double cheeseburgers for 50 cents each, per McDonald’s. The deal is available through the McDonald’s app only on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

Red Robin is offering customers $10 gourmet cheeseburgers (860 calories) with bottomless sides to celebrate the 2024 edition of National Cheeseburger Day. The offer will be available exclusively to dine-in customers at participating locations, so interested guests should make sure to plan their visits accordingly.

Smashburger

 

Customers who use the code, BURGEDAY, can purchase a Classic Smash from Smashburger for $5 on National Cheeseburger Day, per Smashburger. The promo code can be used for in-store and online orders only on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

Sonic Drive-in: The fast-food restaurant offers half-priced Sonic cheeseburgers every Tuesday after 5 p.m. For a limited time only, Sonic will also offer $1.99 Quarter-Pound Double Cheeseburgers.

Wendy’s

Wendy’s is celebrating National Cheeseburger Day all weekend! Starting on Wednesday, Sept. 18, customers can buy a Wendy’s Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger for 1 cent — with any purchase, per Today. The deal is available from Wednesday, Sept. 18 through Sunday, Sept. 22. Access to the deal is available through the Wendy’s app.

White Castle is running a buy one cheese slider, get one free deal on National Cheeseburger Day. To score the deal, simply use the code SAYCHEESE in the restaurant’s app. In addition, customers can buy a sack of 10 cheese sliders for $7.99

2024 RIVER RIDE – Miamisburg-Franklin

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Ride, skate, run, or walk! Join us September 14 between 11:00AM and 1:00PM, for the 2024 RIVER RIDE celebrating the 6.7-mile trail section that connects Miamisburg to Franklin and the Great Miami River Recreation Trail.

This year’s RIVER RIDE is a great way to enjoy cycling along the scenic Great Miami Riverway. These rides are great for individuals, families, scout groups, team building, date night, or exercise.

The Miamisburg-Franklin connection of the recreation trail is approximately a 13-mile round trip. You ride at your own pace.

First 100 people registered will receive a goodie bag. On-site registration day of the event also available.

You will START your ride at either location:
– Riverfront Park Miamisburg (1 Water St, Miamisburg) OR
– Franklins First Log Cabin Post Office (River Street, near intersection of 5th & River).

Staggered start between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and finish by 2:00 p.m.

Before or cycling the trail, visit Miamisburg or Franklin for great community activities!

In Miamisburg: Riverfront Park is a short walk to the shops and restaurants of downtown Miamisburg, the park covers 7 acres of green space along the Great Miami River. The park hosts many events including concerts, carnivals, and seasonal events. Ample parking and bike racks make the park very accessible with easy access to the Great Miami River Recreation Trail. Don’t miss the Children’s Performing Arts of Miamisburg presents Seussical at Riverfront Park!

In Franklin: The Downtown Franklin Farmers Market is held at the Franklin City Building (1 Benjamin Franklin Way) during the summer on Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. This is the 11th season of our outdoor Farmers Market which features fresh, local produce,  wonderful baked goods; cookies, jams and jellies; fresh flowers; nut brittles; farm-fresh eggs, beef, chicken, and pork; handcrafted soaps and body butters; local, raw honey; and so much more!

Families are welcome – Participants 12 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

TIFF Day #8 – 2024

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Hello NEON Community.

Things are winding down at TIFF.  Lines are shorter and energy is dwindling (especially mine)…but today had a couple nice surprises in store!

Nobody plays tormented better than Sarah Paulson…so I went to see HOLD YOUR BREATH, dir Karrie Crouse, Will Joines (USA) “Sarah Paulson returns to her home in genre work in this supernatural and psychological film from Karrie Crouse and Will Joines…In dust bowl Oklahoma of the 1930s, a mother (Paulson) nears the breaking point as she tries to protect her daughters from deadly windstorms and the impact of her own harrowing past. ”  (taken from TIFF catalog) Though the set-up was great and the photography is lovely (sometimes almost sepia-toned), this film didn’t trust its own material enough.  The addition of jump scares just for the sake of jump scares cheapened the experience.  Though this film is not without some wonderful, haunting moments (like when Sarah is sewing late at night and sews the fabric to her skin without realizing it), I can ultimately see why Searchlight has decided to move this one directly to the Hulu streaming platform instead of giving it a theatrical release.

The next film on today’s list was fantastic! WILL AND HARPER, dir Josh Greenbaum (USA) “This heartfelt documentary from director Josh Greenbaum (Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar) follows Saturday Night Live alumni and close friends Will Ferrell and Harper Steele as they traverse the US by car following Steele’s announcement of her transition.” (taken TIFF catalog). This roadtrip doc is full of friendship, laughter, and a desire to better know a friend…it also deals with some emotional truths that many Americans have never faced.  We were told at the beginning of the screening that we would be joined by special guests for a Q&A afterward…and it was delightful to process the film with the director, producer as well as Will Ferrell and Harper Steele!  Harper right away addressed the fact that many people who transition don’t have the resources or the support that she has had.  That said, the inner struggle and turmoil when deciding to come out was just as strong for her.  I highly recommend this film. It works! (the photo below is one that I snapped during the Q&A)

My last film of the day was an unsettling and transfixing period piece. THE GIRL WITH THE NEEDLE, dir Magnus von Horn (Denmark, Poland, Sweden) “In Magnus von Horn’s stylish and audacious blend of true-crime drama and expressionist nightmare, a young seamstress trying to survive in post-WWI Copenhagen makes a fateful connection with one of the era’s most infamous figures.” (taken from TIFF catalog) At the end of the day, this is a horror film.  That said, it’s not what you think of for today’s horror market.  It’s beautifully shot, the script is terrific, the score is inventive…yet there’s something upsetting and potentially sinister at most every turn.  It’s hard to say I “like” this film, but I do think it’s quite brilliant.

Tomorrow is my last day of films…and it’s likely going to be a short day.  I’ll at least hit 30 films by tomorrow – and I’m very anxious to see Luca Guadagnino’s new film QUEER – starring Daniel Craig.

Thanks for checking in,
Jonathan

Kick off to Hispanic Heritage Month with The Iguanas

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A fixture of the New Orleans music scene for over two decades, The Iguanas’ music is an infectious mix of America’s musical heritage – Tejano and Conjunto sounds from the Texas/Mexico border region, as best exemplified by the accordion and bajo sexto, the American South’s Blues, Jazz and New Orleans R&B, and passion of the music of the Caribbean and Mexico. Taking their cues from all of these influences and then some, The Iguanas redefine the notion of Americana, crossing cultures, styles, eras… and even languages.

TIFF Day #7 – 2024

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Hello NEON Community!

My first movie of today was from the director of our highest grossing documentary ever PIECE BY PIECE, dir Morgan Neville “The life of singer and producer Pharrell Williams is told through LEGO pieces in this animated feature debut from Morgan Neville, featuring the voices of Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, and Jay-Z.” Neville is responsible for WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR – so I trusted his instincts and went to see this animated doc about Pharrell.  This creative and thoughtful piece is meant for the whole family – and I hope cinemas and PR folks work with lots of school-aged kids to get them to see this movie so it can inspire them.  We were told that Morgan Neville would join us after the screening for a Q&A…but we were surprised by Pharrell also joining him.  Their talk of equating legos with creating art – assembling layers of existing pieces – was all very intriguing, and Pharrell seems to be in a very grounded place regarding the “grace [he’s] been shown despite years of arrogance.”

Next up was a narrative film about the creation of the first episode of the groundbreaking sketch comedy show – SATURDAY NIGHT, dir Jason Reitman (USA) “Director Jason Reitman captures the frenzied lead-up to the very first episode of Saturday Night Live as a motley bunch of then-unknown and untrained young comedians prepare to step into a revolutionary spotlight that will change history and make them all stars.” (taken from TIFF catalog) This frenetic film is so much fun and full of iconic characters, and it was nice that we got it introduced by Jason Reitman – who was both charming and funny.  I know our audience would love it!

My last film of the day was determined by one of the leads – Tilda Swinton. THE END, dir Joshua Oppenheimer (Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, United Kingdom, Sweden) “Joshua Oppenheimer, known for his groundbreaking documentary The Act of Killing (TIFF ’12), makes his fiction debut with this sombre musical about a family in denial at the end of the world, starring Tilda Swinton, Michael Shannon, George MacKay, and Moses Ingram.” This ambitious movie has a lot to say about our ability to lie to ourselves.  And though I understand this is really just an allegory, I found myself questioning so many details about the film. Though there were many details I admired, I was ultimately not fond of this very long film.

Thanks for checking in again!
I’ve got three films set for tomorrow!

Jonathan

Nothing Bundt Cakes Taste of Autumn Collection

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Nothing Bundt Cakes Unveils the Tastes of Autumn Collection
The Tastes of Autumn Collection features four flavors (📸: Nothing Bundt Cake)

The Pumpkin Spice was released on September 2, 2024. st.

Nothing Bundt Cake’s new Tastes of Autumn Collection also includes the following:

  • Caramel Apple Cider Pop-Up (to be released on September 16, 2024)
  • Coffee Toffee Crunch Pop-Up (to be released on October 7, 2024)
  • Oreo Dirt Cake Pop (to be released on October October 28, 2024)

The Tastes of Autumn Collection will be available while supplies last at all Nothing Bundt Cake bakeries nationwide.

The Modern Launches Two New Degree Programs

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The Modern College of Design in Kettering has launched an exciting new campaign to encourage students to design their path to a creative future. They introduced new Career and Degree Pathways, Learning Styles, and Programs to prepare students for the most in-demand creative careers.

Through The Modern’s 2023 institutional assessment and improvement process, the management team identified opportunities to update its popular Design Program and expand two elective course sequences into programs focused on User Experience Design and Motion Graphics and Video Design. After reviewing employer demand and feedback, they found that the new programs would help students build stronger skills and portfolios in each area. These opportunities for improvement were incorporated into The Modern’s 2024 Institutional Assessment and Improvement Plan.

In January 2024, President Jessica Barry and Chief Academic Officer Korinne Toadvine developed a plan to update the Design Program and create new programs. Korinne worked with instructors, Program Advisory Committee members, which includes employers and alumni, and Director of Career Services Katie Looney to identify specific employer needs in each area and developed curricula to address those needs. Through this process, The Modern developed three programs that lead to an Associate Degree in Applied Business (AAB):

• Graphic Design AAB Program

• Motion Graphics and Video Design AAB Program

• User Experience Design AAB Program

Each program’s curriculum includes The Modern’s Core courses, where students develop a strong foundation in design and skills in the Adobe Creative Suite, design fundamentals, and photography; Career Pathway courses that prepare students for their specific design career; and General Education courses aligned with the design curriculum. Students will study professional development, develop a professional portfolio and personal brand, and gain industry experience through The Modern’s Externship course.

The Ohio State Board of Career Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, and US Department of Education approved the new programs earlier this year, allowing The Modern to offer residential, hybrid, and online options.

In preparation for the launch, The Modern promoted two full-time instructors to lead the new programs. Tess Cortés leads the Motion Graphics and Video Design Program. Tess is an award-winning digital media artist with more than 20 years of experience in higher education. She joined The Modern as an adjunct instructor in 2018 and was promoted to full-time instructor in 2022, teaching motion graphics and art courses. Paul Garcher is leading the User Experience Design Program. Paul’s professional experience spans user experience design, branding, art direction, and project management. He joined The Modern as a full-time instructor in 2020, teaching user experience design courses.

This fall, The Modern hired two user experience design adjunct instructors, Jelly Cramer and Carlos Portis. Carlos Herriott joined The Modern as an adjunct motion graphics and video design instructor. Korinne Toadvine intends to add a full-time instructor position to each program as the programs grow.

Offering multiple Associate Degree programs is new to The Modern, so President Jessica Barry and Creative Director Justin Morter developed a platform that makes selecting a program an easy 3-step process. First, students choose a Career Pathway that fuels their passion. Next, they select a Degree Pathway that aligns with their goals. Then, they pick a Learning Style that works best for them. Justin visualized the process and collaborated with User Experience Design Program Director Paul Garcher and Adjunct Instructor Chris Beach to design and launch a new website.

The Modern is now accepting applications for classes starting on January 8th, 2025. Please visit themodern.edu to learn more about these exciting new programs or to apply.

“Our future is bright because we continue to focus on what is most important–preparing students for the most in-demand creative careers in our region,” said President Jessica Barry. “Adding new program options will improve student portfolios and expand career opportunities.”

TIFF Day #6 – 2024

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Hello NEON Community,

I want to make sure I send a big THANK YOU to Dayton937 for allowing me to use their platform for daily postings while at TIFF.  It’s a great way to stay in touch with all of you while’s I’m on the road.

My first movie today was a BIG one.  It’s a musical set in many cities around the world (produced by France) – but mostly set in Mexico. EMILIA PEREZ, dir Jacques Audiard (France) “Featuring fearless performances from Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and the amazing Karla Sofía Gascón, the latest from director Jacques Audiard (Rust and Bone, TIFF ’12) audaciously merges pop opera, narco thriller, and gender affirmation drama.” (taken from TIFF catalog) I didn’t quite know what I was in for, but this musical, gangster melodrama took me for quite a ride.  I was a huge fan of RUST AND BONE over a decade ago, so I was intrigued to see what Audiard would do with a musical.  It’s big and bold and whirlwind of styles and voices – and it ultimately works in its sometimes frenetic style…and the three leads are really wonderful (Saldaña really shines).

Next on my list was RIFF RAFF, dir Dito Montiel (USA) “With an all-star ensemble that includes Ed Harris, Gabrielle Union, Jennifer Coolidge, and Bill Murray, the latest from director Dito Montiel (Man Down, TIFF ’15) is a pitch-black comedy about family, loyalty, and murder.” (taken from TIFF catalog) I 100% know there’s an audience for this film…It’s just not me.  Back in college, all of my classmates loved Tarantino.  He made a joke out of violence..and it was widely copied and embraced by numerous filmmakers.  I wasn’t interested.  The screenwriter for RIFF RAFF noted that several years ago, people read his script and told him “people don’t make movies like this anymore”…he then noted that the director fought to get it made and now people are loving it – he said, “it’s like the new old-fashion.”  The comedic use of shooting people – seeing their brains splatter on the wall..watching someone get their head bashed in…all surrounded by dialog that’s meant to evoke laughter – it’s all here.  It’s just not my thing.  (In addition – There’s some really bad idiot dialog in the beginning of the film to set everyone up…and then the use of bad voice overs – so even more reason for me not to like it.) The one aspect of the film I did like?  Jennifer Coolidge!  From her first entrance on screen to some key moments of droll delivery, she’s gold.

After meeting Jake at the train station, I scurried to my next screening – MISERICORDIA, dir Alain Guiraudie (France, Spain, Portugal) “The latest feature by acclaimed French writer-director Alain Guiraudie (Stranger by the Lake, TIFF ’13) is a deliciously twisted tale of sexual repression in a small town marked by death.” (taken from TIFF catalog) This quirky, sexually repressed, dark and funny tale is set in a very small, pastoral town (it seems to be populated by about 8 people), and it’s a slow burn.  With unsettling occurrences throughout, this story is a quiet treat.  The director was sadly not in attendance because the film is currently getting a release in France – and he had obligations to make appearances at many of those screenings.

My last film of the night was one I was excited to see – BABYGIRL, dir Halina Reijn (USA) “Nicole Kidman is captivating as a high-powered executive who risks everything when she starts a sexual relationship with an intern (Harris Dickinson) in this thrilling erotic drama from writer-director Halina Reijn (Bodies Bodies Bodies).” Sadly, I found this one to be a disappointment.  The audience was laughing and gasping at every turn…but I found myself quite often rolling my eyes and shaking my head.  Though Kidman’s performance is very good, I questioned a lot of the material and thought if felt repetitive.  It’s being billed as an erotic thriller, but I found very little thrilling or fresh material here.

Only three days of movies left!

Thanks for checking in,
Jonathan

Chipotle Brings Back Smoked Brisket

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Chipotle announced the return of its Smoked Brisket at all participating restaurant locations in the U.S. and Canada. This comeback is happening three years after it has been removed on the menu. Even when it was out of sight, the Smoked Brisket remained the top item requested to bring back. Chipotle heard their fans and so the brand is offering again what they love. According to Chris Brandt, Chipotle’s Chief Brand Officer, guests will be impressed by the restaurant’s way of preparing its brisket. It’s how they stand out in the competition.

Vice President of Culinary, Nevielle Panthaky, also has a suggestion for those trying the Smoked Brisket for the first time: get the Smoked Brisket Burrito Bowl. It offers a flavor adventure where guests can enjoy the juicy and smoky brisket along with white rice and black beans. The cheese and fresh tomato salsa makes the meal tastier and more refreshing.

Chipotle’s Smoked Brisket is back for a limited time only, so be sure to get yours today! It might just be the brunch option that you need after some Taco Bell locations decided to discontinue the breakfast menu. To stay in the loop about the latest food news, keep an eye on our future articles.

Chipotle only uses Responsibly Raised beef for its smoked brisket. Various and effective culinary techniques are then used to bring out the rich flavors of the brisket. Of course, the dining experience wouldn’t be complete without pairing the protein with other fresh ingredients. The brisket is chopped in small, juicy bites and smothered in a brisket sauce made using chili peppers. The reason why the brisket is so tasty? It’s also seasoned with more spices and seared on the plancha. Every bite gives powerful smoky flavors. To keep the freshness of this menu item, it is prepared in small batches throughout the day.

Chicken Al Pastor is Also Back for a limited time. It’s made with freshly grilled chicken flavored with a marinade of ground achiote and seared morita peppers. It has the right level of acidity as well, thanks to the addition of pineapple and lime. The bold flavor of Chicken Al Pastor can be enjoyed in a salad, quesadilla, burrito, or burrito bowl. Top it off with fresh Guacamole for a Mexican dining experience like no other!


Chipotle has also added some  new beverages. They’re what the brand calls “better-for-you” offerings. For years, the brand has stood by its mission to deliver meals that are better for you, better for people, and better for the planet. The launching of these drinks is part of that mission:

  • Poppi: The restaurant has partnered with Texas-based Poppi to offer prebiotic soda in two refreshing flavors: orange and strawberry-lemon. These drinks have more or less 25 calories per can and five grams of sugar.
  • Open Water’s Still Water: In an attempt to remove all plastic water bottles in its U.S. restaurants, Chipotle is also offering water contained in recyclable and climate-neutral bottles. A portion of Open Water’s revenue in Chipotle restaurants will be donated to agriculture projects focused on improving coastal waters.
  • Organic Watermelon Limeade: This seasonal drink features the refreshing flavor combination of real lime and watermelon from Tractor Beverage Co. It’s made with all-natural ingredients with no preservatives added. Additionally, 5% of profits from sale of this beverage will benefit causes that support farme

McDonald’s Introduces Mini McFlurry & New Packaging

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The McFlurry you know and love is getting a makeover, with a craveable new size and updated packaging. Because it’s true what they say: good things come in small (and more sustainable!) packages.

Starting Sept. 10, McDonald’s is rolling out the Mini McFlurry – a mini serving of everyone’s favorite sweet treat – to participating restaurants across the U.S. Whether classic OREO® is your go-to, you’re more of an M&M’S® loyalist, or you love to try our limited-time special flavors… this is one more delicious way to enjoy the McFlurry.

Got a friend who always wants “just a bite”? Instead of grabbing an extra spoon, you can grab them a Mini McFlurry of their own. Or maybe you’re looking for a quick afternoon pick-me-up… the Mini McFlurry is perfect for you, too.

McDonald’s is also stepping up their commitment to sustainability by phasing out plastic McFlurry cup lids. Both the Mini and Regular McFlurry will now be served in a more environmentally friendly four-flap cup, which will help reduce waste and advance our goal of sourcing 100% of primary guest packaging from renewable, recycled or certified materials by the end of 2025.¹

“Packaging updates like this matter,” said Michael Gonda, SVP, Chief Impact Officer of North America for McDonald’s. “Not only is this a fun new way for our U.S. fans to enjoy the McFlurry; we’re also moving one step closer to fulfilling our packaging and waste commitments.”

The four-flap cups are currently available in several other international markets like Canada and Indonesia – and this month, it’s finally time for U.S. fans to try them out. So, get ready to head to your local McDonald’s, choose your size and your favorite McFlurry flavor, and know you’re making a more sustainable choice with every bite.

Dairy Queen BOGO Blizzards

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Dairy Queen is celebrating its fall menu with a BOGO free blizzards offer for two weeks only. Dairy Queen Rewards members get a one-time use coupon in the DQ app to get BOGO free Blizzard treats. It’s free to join their rewards program and you’ll get various deals throughout the month. If you sign up for DQ Rewards specifically for the BOGO Blizzard offer, be sure to sign up before Sept. 20, because it can take up to 24-hours for deals to populate in the DQ app. Blizzards start at $4.

The Fall Blizzard Treat Menu will have fans falling at first bite with the all-new Caramel Java Chip Blizzard Treat, while classic favorites like the Pumpkin Pie Blizzard Treat and French Silk Pie Blizzard Treat – emerging from the DQ® FREEZER – help fans celebrate fall with flavors of the season. The must-have lineup includes:

  • IT’S BACK! Pumpkin Pie Blizzard Treat : Real pumpkin pie pieces blended with DQ world-famous soft serve to Blizzard® Treat perfection and garnished with whipped topping and nutmeg.
  • IT’S BACK! French Silk Pie Blizzard Treat : Choco chunks, pie pieces, and cocoa fudge blended with DQ world-famous soft serve to Blizzard® Treat perfection and garnished with whipped topping.
  • NEW! Caramel Java Chip Blizzard Treat : Coffee, choco-espresso crunch pieces, and caramel topping blended with DQ world-famous soft serve to Blizzard® Treat perfection.
  • OREO® Fudge Brownie Blizzard Treat : OREO® cookie pieces, brownies, and cocoa fudge blended with DQ world-famous soft serve to Blizzard® Treat perfection.
  • Salted Caramel Truffle Blizzard Treat : Salted caramel truffles, toffee pieces, choco chunks, and cocoa fudge blended with our world-famous soft serve to Blizzard® Treat perfection.
  • REESE’S PIECES® Cookie Dough Blizzard Treat : REESE’S PIECES® candy, chocolate chip cookie dough, and peanut butter topping blended with DQ world-famous soft serve to Blizzard® Treat perfection.
  • Royal NY Cheesecake Blizzard Treat : Cheesecake pieces and graham blended with DQ world-famous soft serve to Blizzard® Treat perfection then filled with a perfectly paired strawberry topping center.

Hurry! The new Fall Blizzard Treat Menu is available starting today at participating DQ locations nationwide for a limited time only.