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Guns N’ Roses | To Kill A Mockingbird | Breaking Dawn + TICKET CONTEST

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Hello Dayton! We’ve still got plenty of Icee coupons for $1 off, so head over to Rave Cinemas Dayton South now to enjoy this special deal while watching a movie. Don’t forget, shows before noon are $5 for 2D and $8 for 3D! Clear your schedules for Thursday, there’s plenty going on at the movies that day!

GUNS N’ ROSES – THURSDAY NOVEMBER 15TH @ 7PM

One of the greatest rock bands of all time is back with the most anticipated tour of 2012. After selling out arenas around the globe in 2011, Guns N’ Roses – “the most dangerous band in the world” – are     storming the UK this spring. It all coincides with the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an honor they nabbed as soon as they were eligible. And, as with everything related to Axl Rose and his cohorts, this tour is guaranteed to cause a stir.  Never far from controversy, but always true to the music, G’n’R are still the most talked about hard rock band of the past 20 years. The band’s live shows are always hotly anticipated and demand for tickets is never less than overwhelming, showing that their longevity in the spotlight is by no mistake and is very-much deserved. Don’t miss your chance to witness the legendary Axl Rose and co. up close and personal now in cinemas worldwide in glorious HD!

 

TCM PRESENTS TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD- THURSDAY NOVEMBER 15TH @ 7PM

NCM Fathom Events, Turner Classic Movies and Universal Pictures will present the third event in the TCM Event Series by celebrating the 50th Anniversary of “To Kill A Mockingbird” starring Academy Award® Winning Actor Gregory Peck and the 100th Anniversary of Universal.

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THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 2- OPENING THURSDAY NOVEMBER 15TH @ 10PM

In the final Twilight movie, Bella is enjoying her new life and new powers, after the birth of their daughter, Renesmee. But things do not remain peaceful long when their family bliss is threatened again. Vampire Irina believes a child that is like Renesmee could challenge the power and existence of the Volturi. As Irina rallies the Volturi to destroy this potential threat, Bella and the Cullens – together with any allies they can assemble – are preparing to fight a crucial battle to protect their family and the ones they love most.

With a full opening on Friday, November 16th, The Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 2 has plenty of opportunities for audiences to be amongst the first to watch the films.

For those seeking an all-day event, check out the Twilight Marathon, where all the Twilight movies will be shown back to back, beginning at 11:30am.

For those who want to relive Breaking Dawn Part 1 followed immediately by Breaking Dawn Part 2, checking out the Breaking Dawn marathon at 7pm, which will feature both shows back to back with a small intermission in between.

For anyone who just wants to see Breaking Dawn Part 2, check out our early 10pm shows! We have shows that are still available at 10pm, 10:15pm, 10:30pm, and 10:45pm but filling up quickly.

 

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For showtimes…http://ravecinemas.com/theater.aspx?id=47

ENTER TO WIN TWO MOVIE PASSES!

Fill out the form below and leave a Facebook comment telling us you want to WIN MOVIE PASSES from RAVE CINEMAS DAYTON SOUTH, we will randomly draw a winner and notify same. Contest closes 11/9/12. Passes awarded will be valid for 30 days from close date at Rave Cinemas Dayton South only and must be used by then or will be forfeited. Valid for any showing, except special events. Please bring ID to verify your name and just ask for a manager when attending informing them you won the Dayton Most Metro contest.

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to this week’s winner: Julie Westwood!

Ice Skating Returns to RiverScape Nov 23rd

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The region’s largest outdoor ice skating rink open Friday, November 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Admission to MetroParks Ice Rink at RiverScape MetroPark (229 E. Monument Ave., Dayton) is just $7, which includes the cost of skate rentals.

Work off Thanksgiving indulgences on the ice and enjoy holiday music during the grand-opening weekend:

  • Friday, Nov. 25, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 26, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, Nov. 27, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

MetroParks Ice Rink will be open every day of the week—even special holiday hours—through Thursday, February 28, 2013. Patrons can take advantage of concessions at Café Vélo, which will be open during skating hours, serving snacks, such as hot pretzels and also featuring healthy fare, such as chicken wraps and salads. Visitors can warm up with seasonal favorites like hot chocolate and cappuccino.

Patrons who bring their own skates can skate for free Mondays through Thursdays when there is no admission to the rink. Rentals are available for $5 on these days. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays cost a $7 admission fee, which includes the cost of skate rentals.

MetroParks Ice Rink will be open during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays as well as several moreholidays and special events throughout the season. Visit metroparks.org/IceRink to find the complete schedule. Lessons and other skating programs also will be hosted at the rink throughout the season. On-ice dance parties, family skating, broomball and curling are among the available activities scheduled this winter. Visit metroparks.org/Skating or read the winter issue of ParkWays to learn more.

Season passes are available for purchase: $75 family passes cover admission and rentals for up to five people, and $40 individual passes cover the same costs. Visit the MetroPark Ice Rink page for a chance towin a family pass!

Private ice rink rentals are available. Rink rentals from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday and Thursday evenings include 50 pairs of ice skates and 50 cups of hot chocolate for $300. New this year: Bring Parker the Penguin mascot to your party for an additional $75. Call (937) 274-0126 for more information and available dates.

Smaller budget-friendly rink parties also make their debut this year. Parker Parties are priced at $150 and include 10 rink admissions plus skate rentals, 10 meal vouchers from Café Vélo (good for hot dog, chips and a drink), and two tables with chairs reserved onsite for the two-hour party.

Bring Parker the Penguin home: Plush toys featuring the MetroParks Ice Rink mascot are available for purchase for $10 at the ice rink rental office.

To learn more, visit the website or call the skating office at (937) 278-2607.

Piada: Fresh, Fast and Furious Food Adventure

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The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House are not food critics, we are Food Adventurers.  That’s like comparing Roger Ebert to Indiana Jones.  We always eat big, never use generic stock photos, and always hit a place multiple times.  If it is something we love, we write about it.  Piada is one such place.  Since the grand opening of this new spot, in our hometown of Centerville, the lines have been out the door.  So we bided our time, until the frenzy died down.  What is the excitement about?  This popular Columbus based franchise has capitalized on the “assembly line” serving style which has brought countless comparisons to the likes of Chipotle.

Here is the rundown, when you enter the place you pick your meal type.  You have four choices: A piada (a huge burrito), a pasta bowl, a chopped salad bowl or a select two in which you can choose mini versions of any of the items mentioned earlier.  After you pick your meal type, you pick your meat: calamari, grilled chicken, crispy chicken fritte , Italian sausage, steak, salmon or vegetarian.  Be forewarned that the grilled chicken is a mix of white and dark meat.  The crispy chicken is strictly chicken breast.

You are then asked to choose a sauce: pomodoro, diavolo(spicy tomato sauce), alfredo, red pepper pesto, basil pesto, or creamy parmesan.  After that, you are moved down the line to choose from a variety of vegetable toppings, including unique choices such as eggplant, sun dried tomatoes, and papadew peppers.

Hungry Jax liked the pick two two combo, but her recommendation is to go for the BIG chopped salad bowl instead of the smaller combo portions.  It is simply a better deal.  Fresh greens with your choice of veggie and meat toppings make this a healthy and flavorful choice.  The Big Ragu says go for the Calamari Piada or Salmon Piada, but don’t put any pasta in the “burrito.”  Instead, save room to stuff more kinds of veggies in there!

One thing we love are the artichoke piada sticks and the parmesan reggiano piada sticks.  They are cheesy, dusted with garlic powder and delicious.    Another attraction for us is that they have Peroni, on tap.  We always enjoy the crisp taste of this Italian import beer.  Other unique beverages included the Italian Teas and Sodas.  Our favorite was the raspberry soda.  Piada even offers Peach Bellini’s, which are made with sparkling wine.  Finally, we tried the of cannoli dip.  It is a bag of mini-cannoli shells and a side of cann0li filling for dipping.  An interesting concept for a dessert on the go.

Ragu’s Italian ancestors are not sure if this is authentic street food, but it tastes great.  Prices run $6 – $9 for your typical entree.  Check out our album below for lots of food photos.  Do you want a lunch that is a fresh, fast and furious?  Then visit Piada Italian Street Food and get some chow…. or should we say…  Ciao !

Often imitated but never duplicated, you can find Food Adventures HERE on Facebook.

Piada Italian Street Food is located at 1047 Miamisburg-Centerville Road.  Hours are 10:45 am – 10:00 pm every day.

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Family Appreciation Weekend | Wreck It Ralph | Flight | The Man With The Iron Fist | The Doors | Skyfall

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Hello Dayton! While the blog’s normally promote our special events, this week we will take a look at Friday’s opening movies. With movies ranging from family to action, there’s something for everyone at Rave Dayton South this week! And…don’t forget family appreciation weekend! From November 2nd to November 4th Rave Cinemas is proud to present another awesome family appreciation weekend. This week get $1 off an Icee and meet the Icee bear on Sunday from 11a-6p! The Icee bear will be giving out coupons and Wreck-it Ralph prizes. Come say hello!

THE DOORS: LIVE FROM THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL ’68 11/8 & 11/13 @ 7PM

For the first time ever in cinemas, the complete concert film from this legendary band digitally re–mastered in High Definition and 5.1 Surround Sound

The Doors Live At The Bowl ’68 is widely held as the band’s best performance ever captured on film. Now for the first time fans can watch the complete version in digitally re–mastered glory as the entire concert has been carefully restored from the original camera negatives to include the lost performances of Hello I Love You, Texas Radio and the Big Beat and Spanish Caravan. The film includes a special feature of interviews, prior to the concert, with the band talking about what it meant to perform at the Hollywood Bowl and the enduring significance of the concert. This one-of-a-kind concert film will be a hit with longtime Doors fans, as well as those new to this classic band.

Don’t miss this special event playing for two nights only!

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WRECK-IT RALPH- OPENING FRIDAY NOVEMBER 2ND

Wreck-it Ralph will be one of fall’s most lovable movies! Featuring John C. Rielly as Wreck-it Ralph, who is a video game villain who longs to be the good guy. When Ralph sneaks into the new video game with the intent to finally win a medal of his own, he accidentally unleashes a deadly enemy. Ralph then recruits help from Vanellope von Schweetz (voiced by Sarah Silverman), a young girl who is a “glitch” from a race car game. Can the two of them become heroes together? Come to Rave Cinemas and find out!

 

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FLIGHT- OPENING NOVEMBER 2ND

 

If a drama is something you’re interested in, Flight is the movie to watch this upcoming week! Denzel Washington is a pilot who saves countless lives when his maneuvers save a plane from crashing. However things take a turn when an investigation reveals a shocking revelation. 

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THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS- OPENING NOVEMBER 2ND

 

For those seeking more of an action movie, The Man with the Iron Fists is the perfect option. The movie, starring Russell Crowe, RZA, and Rick Yune, occurs when a band of warriors, assassins, and a rogue British soldier attack a Chinese village, and a quiet blacksmith takes it upon himself to save his village.

 

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SPECIAL SHOWING- SKYFALL- THURSDAY NIGHT @ 12:07AM.

Fans of James Bond can catch the movie before its official Friday, November 9th opening. Playing Thursday, November 8th at 12:07am (Thursday night into Friday morning). Featuring Daniel Craig as James Bond and Judi Dench as M, this James Bond pushes new limits as Bond’s loyalty to M is put to the test.

 

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For showtimes…http://ravecinemas.com/theater.aspx?id=47

 

Cityfolk & Missing Peace Art Space Present: El Dia de los Muertos – A Celebration of Life

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Cityfolk and Missing Peace Art Space have enjoyed a joyful collaboration of tradition, art-making and community building throughout the month of October. We’ve been preparing a celebration for all Daytonians in honor of our loved ones passed! Many religious traditions celebrate All Souls or All Saints Day. This is the secular Mexican tradition that honors the dead by imagining their presence back with us, just for a day, to laugh and enjoy together once again. Over 250 students have been a part of the residency through creative writing, papier mache, painting, music, building with bamboo and dance! The results are rich, poignant, beautiful memories expressed through art!

Cityfolk  has taken El Dia de los Muertos to schools and centers, with an exceptional team of artists: Gabriela Pickett, Michael Bashaw, Joy Levett and Rodney Veal, working with youth and youth leaders to bring life to All Souls.  The result will be a parade with a dance finale and generous donations for the event: food by Taqueria Mixteca and fresh marigolds provided by The Flower Shoppe.  This Community Ofrienda created by Dayton artists will open on Friday, after the parade. The exhibit will be open for the whole month at Missing Peace! Gabriela Pickett, owner of Missing Peace, and well-known painter MB Hopkins, have combined efforts to fill Missing Peace Art Space with tributes, honors, whimsy and delightful “soul art,” many pieces created by Dayton citizens, to honor loved ones for El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead.)

Let’s celebrate that day together on November 2nd, starting at 6:00pm with the El Dia de los Muertos parade! Everyone is welcome to join! You’ll need something festive to wear, in honor of a lost loved one!!! (This is NOT Halloween – that celebration will have already happened. This is a celebration of life.)  The parade will start at 5th & Patterson, traveling all the way to Missing Peace at 5th and Dutoit in St. Ann’s Hill.  There, parade participants and onlookers will enjoy a dance finale, great food and the opening of the community Ofrienda exhibit!!! Some items will be for sale, in particular – Skeleton Cookies by Gracie’s Baking. El Dia de los Muertos mugs are also available. All proceeds for mugs go to support Cityfolk! It will be a great night to share memories and celebrate life!!!

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Day of the Dead Celebration, Mural Unveiling, Holiday Gift Buying at November First Friday

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Pick up holiday items such as these festive ornaments at DVAC’s Art to Buy gift gallery, opening this First Friday.

Downtown’s next free First Friday art hop will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2.

Cityfolk’s Culture Builds Community program will host a Day of the Dead Community Ofrenda Celebration beginning at 6 p.m. with a parade in the Oregon District. The parade will begin on Wyandot Avenue, near Hauer Music, and will continue down East Fifth Street. The community is invited to participate in the parade, led by artist and musician Michael Bashaw and students from Chaminade-Julienne High School and Stivers School for the Arts. The parade will end around 6:30 p.m. at Missing Peace Art Space, 234 S. Dutoit St., just off East Fifth Street near Stivers School for the Arts. A reception will run until 10 p.m. at the art gallery with food provided by Taqueria Mixteca. The reception will feature an exhibit of community art created for the occasion.

Fair trade retail store Peace on Fifth will host its grand opening in its new location at 510 E. Fifth St., where it will share space with art studio and shop Gallery 510 Fine Art. Peace on Fifth will take over part of Gallery 510’s art gallery space at the front of the store, and the businesses will continue to operate as two separate stores coexisting in the same space. For First Friday, Peace on Fifth will host a fair trade food tasting in the store.

Peace on Fifth, a sucessful Pop Up Shop from the first round of Activated Spaces’ program, will move into a new space in Gallery 510 Fine Art and will host a grand opening during November First Friday.

With the holidays just around the corner, visit downtown retail stores and art galleries to pick up a one-of-a-kind gift.  The Dayton Visual Arts Center and CADC both will host openings of their holiday gift galleries, featuring unique gift items made by local artisans, and K12 Gallery for Young People/TEJAS will host a handmade arts and crafts event. Several other art galleries will host show openings, and retail stores will feature items for the holiday season.

A new series of murals along East Third Street will be unveiled, with a meet-and-greet reception with the artists held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the nearby studio of Hamilton Dixon, 811 E. Third St. This album of photos shows the mural project in progress. Look for the murals on East Third between Keowee and Webster streets.

A complete list of what downtown businesses have on tap for First Friday is available on the DDP website.

First Friday is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership with support from the Oregon District Business Association, the Ohio Arts Council and WYSO-FM 91.3. The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website has a complete list of downtown’s arts and cultural amenities, as well as a dining guide, parking map and much more. Download the Find It Downtown mobile search tool for smartphones at http://mobile.downtowndayton.org.

The Best Diner You Never Heard of: George’s

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On North Dixie, there is a restaurant that you may not have heard about.  In fact, Food Adventures agrees, it has some of the best casual food in the Miami Valley.  This no frills diner is called George’s Family Restaurant.  We say no frills because they concentrate on what is really important, great food and great service.  There are so many exceptional things to eat at George’s that it’s tough to decide where to begin.  From grits to Greek food, this menu is not quite your typical diner.  What is typical here is tasty entrees.

Let’s start with one of their specialties, Broasted Chicken.  This trademark cooking process involves placing marinated and breaded chicken in a pressure cooker.  Broasting uses less oil than conventional deep frying.   The chicken comes out cooked perfectly, with a taste that will leave you smiling.  George’s Family Restaurant also offers something we had never seen before, Broasted Fish !  In fact, they have a fish fry every Friday featuring broasted pollock.  The dinner includes fries and coleslaw for just $8.99.  You can even get broasted potatoes instead of fries.  Sometimes, there is nothing better than a good fish fry for a Friday Food Adventure.

George’s has also built its reputation on their burgers.  Fresh, handmade patties cooked just the way you like them.  We tried an incredible creation called the  Inside Out Mushroom Swiss Burger which has the swiss cheese and mushroom packed inside the burger patty itself.  The result is a juicy, cheesy beautiful burger that made us want to hug the cook.

A family run restaurant with Greek roots, George’s stays close to their heritage.  They offer a few Greek menu items including a Hot Greek Plate which includes Gyro meat, grilled chicken, pork slouvaki, spinach pie, peppers, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, pita bread and tzatziki sauce.  On the recommendation of the waitress, we tried the homemade spinach pie.  What we received was a fluffy, flaky, large slice of heaven.  We felt like Apollo after one taste.

Are you a breakfast food fan?  George’s Family Restaurant serves breakfast all day.  The breakfast menu is extensive and served up hot and fast, which are words sometimes used to describe our tastebuds  Lots of diners were eating breakfast during our dinner stint.  One young foodie even held up his pancake for us to compare it to Big Ragu’s head.

The desserts at George’s are seasonal.  That is because they are homemade and vary upon what the kitchen is preparing that day.   The menu has so many good items from golden fried onion rings, to Mac-n-Cheese, and hand dipped shakes.  So many good eats, so little time.

Our trip to George’s is yet another example of  why we seek Food Adventures.  It has all the hallmarks like family owned, relatively undiscovered, and unique, delicious food.  Even the waitresses were amazing.  Many of them had worked there for years, and were very accommodating.  So we ask our fellow foodies, do you want some fantastic diner style food? By George’s, you got it !

George’s Family Restaurant is located at  5216 N. Dixie Drive, you can take  exit 57  Wagner Ford Road off I 75, turn left on Wagner Ford and right on Dixie and the diner will be on the right.

Visit FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook and “like” the page by clicking HERE !

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Jesus Christ Superstar | Halloween | Cloud Atlas | Chasing Mavericks | Silent Hill 3d Revelation Special Showing

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Hello Dayton! Last week’s blog featured lots of scary movies just in time for Halloween. This week focuses on more special events as well as upcoming releases that should be sure to make a splash!

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR MONDAY OCTOBER 29TH & THURSDAY NOVEMBER 1ST @ 7:30PM

Experience Andrew Lloyd Webber’s newly staged rock opera sensation Jesus Christ Superstar in a whole new way, on the big screen. The theatrical production originally opened in the West End in 1972 and has been reimagined to capture today’s audiences with the classic musical numbers that you are sure to remember and love. The evening will begin with an exclusive historical retrospective on this iconic title including interviews with cast members from the past and present. This version features actor/singer Ben Forster as Jesus, Tim Minchin as Judas Iscariot, and Melanie Chisholm (aka Mel C from the Spice Girls) as Mary Magdalene.

Don’t miss this special event playing two nights only!

 

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HALLOWEEN TUESDAY OCTOBER 30TH @ 7:30PM

Celebrate the day before Halloween with one of Halloween’s best loved scary movies! The original movie from 1972 featuring Jamie Lee Curtis will be on the big screen for just one night at one time and it’s more terrifying than ever. A psychotic murderer institutionalized since childhood for the murder of his sister, escapes and stalks a bookish teenage girl and her friends while his doctor chases him through the streets.

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CLOUD ATLAS- OPENING FRIDAY OCTOBER 26TH

An exploration of how the actions of individual lives impact one another in the past, present and future, as one soul is shaped from a killer into a hero, and an act of kindness ripples across centuries to inspire a revolution. Beginning as far back as an 1849 diary of an ocean voyage and going as far into the future during a post-apocalyptic, this movie, based off a novel, has a stellar cast featuring Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugo Weaving, and Susan Serandon.

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CHASING MAVERICKS- OPENING FRIDAY OCTOBER 26TH

The inspirational true story of real life surfing phenomenon Jay Moriarty begins when 15 year old Jay discovers that the mythic Mavericks surf break, one of the biggest waves on Earth exists just miles from his Santa Cruz home. He enlists the help of local legend Frosty Hesson to train him to survive it. As Jay and Frosty embark on their quest to accomplish the impossible, they form a unique friendship that transforms both their lives, and their quest to tame Mavericks becomes as much about their bond as it is about surfing.

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SPECIAL SHOWING- SILENT HILL: REVELATION 3D THURSDAY OCTOBER 25TH @ 10PM

Heather Mason and her father have been on the run, always one step ahead of dangerous forces that she doesn’t fully understand, Now on the eve of her 18th birthday, plagued by horrific nightmares and the disappearance of her father, Heather discovers she’s not who she thinks she is. The revelation leads her deeper into a demonic world that threatens to trap her forever. This movie releases on Friday, October 26th but has a special early show Thursday at 10pm.

Click for showtimes…

ENTER TO WIN TWO MOVIE PASSES!

Complete the form and leave a Facebook comment telling us you want to WIN MOVIE PASSES from RAVE CINEMAS DAYTON SOUTH, we will randomly draw a winner and notify same. Contest closes 10/25/12. Passes awarded will be valid for 30 days from close date at Rave Cinemas Dayton South only and must be used by then or will be forfeited. Valid for any showing, except special events. Please bring ID to verify your name and just ask for a manager when attending informing them you won the Dayton Most Metro contest.

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to this week’s winner:

Brian Anzek

Entries Sought for Eighth Annual “Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays” Contest

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The Dayton Holiday Festival is looking for the area’s most creative confectionary decorators to compete in the eighth annual Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays contest on Friday, Nov. 23. Located inside the Old Court House at Third and Main streets in downtown Dayton, entries will be judged and displayed for public viewing that day only, during the Grande Illumination and Dayton Children’s Parade Spectacular in Lights from 4-9 p.m.

Visitors to the Dayton Holiday Festival check out a winning gingerbread house during last year’s competition.

Stir up your icing and your imagination! All ages and skill levels are invited to participate in this free contest by entering a gingerbread house in the youth (12 and younger), teen (13-17), adult (18 and older) or professional category. Entry forms and a complete list of contest rules are available for download at www.daytonholidayfestival.org.  Forms may be submitted to the Downtown Dayton Partnership at 10 W. Second St., Suite 611, Dayton, OH 45402 or by e-mail to [email protected]. Entry forms are due by Wednesday, Nov. 14.   

Get rolling and win dough! Traditional houses, replicas of buildings, a purchased kit or even cardboard entries are permitted (as long as all exposed surfaces are covered with edible materials). First place in each category will receive a prize package featuring a variety of items. Awards also will be given to second and third place winners in each category. In addition, one amateur and one professional house will be selected as the “Best Houses on the Block” and each will win a $500 cash prize.

The 2010 winner for “Best House on the Block.” The creator of the gingerbread house that wins this category will receive a $500 cash prize.

“The entries get more creative each year,” said Sandy Gudorf, president of the Downtown Dayton Partnership. “The imagination and skill that goes into creating each of these gingerbread houses makes for a really special exhibit ― it’s always a fun part of our holiday season kickoff.”

Contest entries are to be delivered to the Old Court House between 10 a.m. and noon on Friday, Nov. 23. They will be judged from 2-4 p.m., and the winners will be notified by telephone. All contest winners will have the opportunity to be recognized on the Main Stage in Courthouse Square before the Grande Illumination tree lighting ceremony at 7:45 p.m.

The Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays contest is supported by media sponsors Community News Group Dayton and Mix 107.7 FM, along with community sponsor the Downtown Priority Board. The contest is part of the month-long Dayton Holiday Festival, presented by OneMain Financial and sponsored by the Downtown Dayton Partnership, City of Dayton, Montgomery County and the Virginia W. Kettering Dayton Holiday Festival Fund. For more information on the contest and other activities that are part of the Dayton Holiday Festival, which this year is marking 40 years of kicking off the holiday season in the Dayton region, call 937-224-1518 or visit www.daytonholidayfestival.org.

Giovanni’s: The Fairborn Legend

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With Halloween approaching, many people are stopping at the costume shops in Fairborn.  But The Big Ragu suggests you make another stop, Giovanni’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant.  Located at 215 W. Main Street, this place has been a Fairborn icon for decades.   Since 1953, this local favorite has been serving up pizzas and pasta dishes that will make your mouth water.  Originally owned by Giovanni DiPasquale, the restaurant was purchased by Tony Spaziani in 1994.  Soon after the menu and dining rooms were expanded and they even started a full in-house bakery.  This bakery allows for fresh bread, pasta and dough to be made on premises.  It also allows for homemade desserts that are nothing short of amazing.  Many things at Giovanni’s are made from scratch, the way they ought to be, to guarantee fresh tasting food.

The restaurant is always bustling and the servers are friendly and caring.  In fact, our waiter was the pastry chef, who waits tables on Sunday to stay in tune with customer feedback while making some extra dough .. pun intended.

During our Food Adventures, we have tried the sandwiches and the pastas.   We especially liked the Chicken Parmesan and the Gnocchi.   You can really tell the sandwich bread and pasta is made on site, the taste is amazing and homemade.  The same can be said about their homemade cheesecakes, cannoli, and tiramisu, all produced at the in-house bakery.

However, all the locals know that the main attraction at Giovanni’s is their pizza.  A semi-thin crust pizza with a unique tasting sauce makes each pie simply scrumptious.  The fresh, delicious toppings offered are plentiful on each pizza.  They even have anchovies for the true Italian style Food Adventurer in you.  Of course, all the dough for the pizzas are made on site, which is noticed on each bite into the crunchy crust.  The prices are reasonable and the product is good.  They even offer 7 inch personal pizzas with up to 3 toppings for less than 6 bucks during lunch time.

The food speaks for itself so check out the photos and click on them to get a larger, tastier view.  Visit this mom and pop restaurant in Fairborn, and find out for yourself what the legend is all about.

Please “like” Food Adventures and follow The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House on Facebook by clicking  HERE ! 

 

 

Midwest Fashion Week Kicks Off Wednesday

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According to a recent article from TIME Magazine Midwest Fashion Week is the innovator for Fashion in the Midwest.  Founded in 2006 by Haitian born designer Berny Martin of Catou Designs, Martin began designing clothes at the age of 8 and gone on to open several store front locations nationwide and has been showcased during BET’s RIP the Runway and New York Fashion Week.

Midwest Fashion Week kicks off on Wednesday October 17 in Indianapolis and according to Martin this will be one of the most diverse shows ever with designers coming in from Europe, Pakistan, India, South America, the Caribbean, and of course from all across the Midwest! “We are proud to present the designers; they come from various cultures, ethnic backgrounds, religions, economical status, and more” said Martin in a statement.

Martin and Midwest Fashion Week has done it all from community work, helping small businesses, discovering Supermodels, and creating a connection between fashion and sports designing custom suites for players on the Indianapolis Colts, and yes even lending a helping hand right here in Dayton during the city’s first Fashion Week in July.

Here’s a look at Midwest Fashion Week line up and for ticket info please visit http://www.midwestfashionweek.com there will be no tickets sold at the door.

When: Wednesday October 17, 2012 doors open at 6pm

Where:  The Arts Garden, Indianapolis, 110 West Washington St., Indianapolis, IN

Designers:  Ali Robbins & Josie Wharton, Catou by Berny Martin, Jhanelle Baker,Lanae Monique by Lanae Stovall, and Poppy Seeds by Danisha Brown & Krista Alter

 

When:  Thursday October 18, 2012 doors open at 6pm

Where:  The Arts Garden, Indianapolis, 110 West Washington St., Indianapolis, IN

Designers: Ana Lyn by Carole Anne Housman, Electric Image by Carole Toole, Derek Hill, Gorgeous Ways by Parul Aneja, and Madame Couture by Securittee Brown

 

When: Friday October 19, 2012 doors open at 7pm

Where:  The Arts Garden, Indianapolis, 110 West Washington St., Indianapolis, IN

Designers:  Pesévérer (PRSVR) by Brandon Williamson, Anton Alexander by Anton Babich Ayesha Ibrahim, Gidi by Taneasha Prunty, Zathan Marcs,Perfection by Francesca Alejo, and Replica by Sharon Evans

 

When: Saturday October 20, 2012

Where: The Blue Lounge, 240 South Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46225

Event:  Fashion Industry VIP Reception

Story Of Levi Leipheimer + Frankenstein Double Feature + Rifftrax Live Birdemic + Poltergeist 30th Anniversary + Alex Cross + Paranormal Activity 4

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Hello Dayton! This week is jam packed with special events and new releases. It’s fall and Halloween is around the corner so Rave Dayton South is preparing by having some scary special events!

STORY OF LEVI LEIPHEIMER TUESDAY OCT 23RD @ 7:30PM

The first movie this week is not scary but inspiring. In the debut of his untold story, Levi Leipheimer, professional cyclist, will start with an introduction where he will set up the documentary. Immediately following the debut of this personal account, Levi will return with some of his friends for an in-depth panel discussion about the current state of professional cycling and what the future of the sport looks like. Panelists include actor Patrick Dempsey, filmmaker Frank Matson, and others. Professional cyclist Levi Leipheimer has been nearly silent in his efforts to impact the lives of those around him.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvAnqH0J7eE’]

FRANKENSTEIN DOUBLE FEATURE WEDNESDAY OCT 24TH @ 7PM

Just in time for Halloween, NCM Fathom Events, Turner Classic Movies and Universal Pictures will present a Halloween Double Feature in movie theaters nationwide in celebration of Universal’s 100th Anniversary. Don’t miss seeing Boris Karloff on the big screen as the original “Frankenstein” (1931) followed by Karloff and Elsa Lanchester in “Bride of Frankenstein” (1935). Frankenstein, about an obsessed scientist who creates a living being composed of disentombed body parts, is a horror classic.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWnfH9jcZNY’]

 POLTERGEIST 30TH ANNIVERSARY WEDNESDAY OCT 24TH @ 2PM & 7PM – only $5 dollars!

 Another spooky movie will be showing as part of our Rave Retro Series, which brings back the classics on the big screen again! Poltergiest, which originally came out in 1982, features a family whose home becomes taken over by ghosts. At first the ghosts seem to be friendly and the family doesn’t mind, but things quickly go downhill as the ghosts begin to torment the family.

DID WE MENTION BOTH SHOWINGS ARE ONLY $5 AND IT’S BEEN RE-MASTERED IN HIGH DEFINITION?

 [yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ytjaMfoF2M’]

 RIFFTRAX LIVE! BIRDEMIC THURSDAY OCT 25 @ 8PM

From the stars of Mystery Science Theater 3000, Birdemic is the story of Rod, a young software salesman on the brink of launching a solar panel business in Silicon Valley. Things really seem to be going Rod’s way, especially when he reconnects with beautiful high school classmate Nathalie. But their perfect world is shattered when murderous birds begin attacking the region, birds who mostly hover and shriek but can also explode like bombs. Rod and Nathalie find themselves on a terror-filled ride.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTd8a_SmcQu’]

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 4- SPECIAL SHOWING THURSDAY OCTOBER 18TH @ 9PM, 930pm, 10pm

The Paranormal Activity movies have thrilled and startled audiences for years, and again plans to terrify movie-goers in the newest installment of the movies. The fourth movie, which takes place five years after the original, takes place when strange and scary things begin happening to a family after a woman and a mysterious child move in close to them. The movie will have a full opening on Friday, October 19th with show times at  12:30, 3:00, 5:30, 8:00, and 10:35pm and a special preview on Thursday October 18th @ 9:00pm, 930pm and 10pm..

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7Xn2JqH5ng’]

ALEX CROSS- SPECIAL SHOWING THURSDAY OCTOBER 18TH @ 9PM

For those people who aren’t looking to be scared, or for fans of James Patterson’s books, Alex Cross is the perfect movie. Based on a best-selling book series, Alex Cross is a detective who faces tragedy when he is told that one of his own family members has been murdered. Alex Cross then vows to get revenge on the killer. Featuring Tyler Perry and Matthew Fox, this mystery crime thriller takes audiences for a ride where they will discover things are not as they seem to be.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tV_et8mrADI’]

For showtime click here

ENTER TO WIN TWO MOVIE PASSES!

Fill out the form below and leave a FB comment telling us you want to WIN MOVIE PASSES from RAVE CINEMAS DAYTON SOUTH – we will randomly draw a winner and notify same. Contest closes 10/18/12. Passes awarded will be valid for 30 days from close date at Rave Cinemas Dayton South only and must be used by then or will be forfeited. Valid for any showing, except special events. Please bring ID to verify your name and just ask for a manager when attending informing them you won the Dayton Most Metro contest.

Congratulations to this week’s movie pass winner: Carla Johnson!

Experience A Food Adventure with The Big Ragu & Crew: **CONTEST**

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Have you ever wanted to join The Big Ragu and the Crew on one of their Food Adventures?  Well, here is your chance !

You’ve seen all the mouth watering pictures, you’ve heard all the buzz.  Now be a part of the first ever DAYTON MOST METRO FOOD ADVENTURE.

This is an EXCLUSIVE opportunity, limited to 20 people picked at random who fill out the form below.

Come eat dinner with these larger than life personalities and mingle with other area foodies like yourself! Who knows, you may meet the love of your life, and if you do, we will sing at the wedding.

 

WHERE: Brixx Ice Company’s Private Party Room, 500 East 1st Street,  Dayton, OH 45402

WHEN: Saturday, November 3rd, 2012  at 7pm

All attendants of the event will have their name entered into a drawing that evening, and one lucky person will win  $25 gift certificate to Brixx Ice Company that they can use that evening or in the future.

Win a $25 Gift certificate to Brixx Ice Company !

GOOD LUCK in becoming one of the first 20 to signup this “Foodie Fest”, which promises to be memorable.

The Big Ragu will autograph all of the attendants napkins, garlic bread and underwear at no extra charge… as for food and drinks, you are on your own check!!

Please comment below on why we should choose YOU to attend our private Food Adventure !!

Want to schmooze us some more?  “Like” us on Facebook by clicking HERE !

 

[flagallery gid=5 name=Gallery]

[form 46 “Contest Entry – Brixx Food Adventure”]

Led Zeppelin + Merchants of Bollywood + Atlas Shrugged Part 2 + Argo + TICKET CONTEST

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Hello Dayton! This week mainly focuses on new openings for the week. Lots of new movies as well of special events this week, be sure to check it out!

LED ZEPPELIN: CELEBRATION DAY- WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17TH @ 7PM & 10PM

On December 10, 2007, Led Zeppelin took the stage at London’s O2 Arena to headline a tribute concert for dear friend and Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun. What followed was a two-hour-plus tour de force of the band’s signature blues-infused rock ’n’ roll that instantly became part of the legend of Led Zeppelin. Founding members John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant were joined by Jason Bonham, the son of their late drummer John Bonham, to perform 16 songs from their celebrated catalog including landmark tracks “Whole Lotta Love,” “Rock And Roll,” “Kashmir,” and “Stairway To Heaven.”

Although 20 million people applied for tickets, the band’s first headline show in 27 years was seen only by the 18,000 ticket holders who were fortunate enough to have secured seats through the worldwide lottery.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbusDxLekPQ’]

MERCHANTS OF BOLLYWOOD THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18TH @ 9PM

Bollywood a special event comes to the big screen captured live on stage in Digital HD and Surround Sound at the Tivoli Theatre in Barcelona. This smash hit theatre production been seen by over two million people during the sell out International Tours in London, Berlin, Hamburg, Vienna, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich and Geneva.

A theatrical musical spectacular, now captured live on HD Digital, The Merchants of Bollywood charts the enchanting history of the world’s largest and most prolific film Industry, and a dynasty of stars that have lit its way over generations. A fictional story, yet based on real life, the Merchant Family.

Featuring a cast of 40 performers direct from the Film City Mumbai, the home of Bollywood Cinema, The Merchants of Bollywood will entertain with all of the extravagance, escapism, and romance that is Bollywood. Bangles and beads, swirling colours in costumes and sets and high energy music, will excite the senses.

The Merchants of Bollywood has captured the essence of India, its rich and diverse culture, and its people in the world of technicolour brilliance acclaimed by patrons and reviewers alike.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqYH2yTMhYs’]

 

ATLAS SHRUGGED II- OPENING OCTOBER 12TH

With the global economy on the brink of collapse, Dagny Taggart discovers what might be the answer to a mounting energy crisis and races against the clock to prevent the motor of the World from being stopped for good.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rKBubmlrjQ’]

ARGO- OPENING OCTOBER 12TH

As the Iranian revolution reaches a boiling point, a CIA ‘exfiltration’ specialist concocts a risky plan to free six Americans who have found shelter at the home of the Canadian ambassador.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w918Eh3fij0′]

 

For showtimes click here

ENTER TO WIN TWO MOVIE PASSES!

Fill out the form below and leave a FB comment telling us that YOU want to win a pair of passes to Rave Cinemas Dayton South. We will randomly draw a winner and notify same. Contest closes 10/11/12. Passes awarded will be valid for 30 days from close date at Rave Cinemas Dayton South only and must be used by then or will be forfeited. Valid for any showing, except special events. Please bring ID to verify your name and just ask for a manager when attending informing them you won the Dayton Most Metro contest.

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to our winner: Cheryl Miller

Volunteers for Dayton!: Opportunities Oct. 9-16

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Your weekly round-up of ways to get involved in Dayton’s urban revival!

Downtowners and others helping with the Litehouse Community Garden this weekend. A few learned about it through our group and helped make lighter work of a big project!

Train and fund your neighborhood!

  • Nonprofit training: Though not always necessary, some of our urban neighborhood associations and revitalization groups areincorporated as tax-exempt 501(c)3 nonprofits. On Oct. 19, the WSU Nonprofit Leadership Alliance will present a daylong workshop on more effectively managing your nonprofit, with a keynote by the director of the Ohio Association of Nonprofit Associations, and presentations by our local United Way and FilmDayton. Sign up to help your group run as smoothly as possible!

  • $$$ for your ‘hood: If you do have your 501(c)3 status, you can apply for the next round of discretionary grants from the Dayton Foundation, but you have to attend their November 7th orientation to do so. Register by November 1.
  • Speaking of neighborhood 501(c)3s, since not all neighborhoods have them and they can be a lot of work to set up and maintain, I’m curious if establishing a city-wide fund/fiscal agent would be helpful – it’s something I might like to organize as part of a larger effort. Share your feedback in our group.
  • Public Space $ Awards: Do you know a Dayton public space deserving of a considerable cash award? Nominate them for the Rudy Bruner Award.
  • Take your social media promotions to the next level: A few years back, DMM Publisher Bill Pote and I led a training at City Hall on using social media for community groups and projects. We’ve come a long way from the few Facebook pages that existed back then, but there’s plenty of room for improvement. Neighborhood marketing gurus and others can register now for the SummitUp “Social Media Confab” at Sinclair Community College on October 16. Brian Petro and I will report back for Dayton Most Metro.
  • Need ideas for bringing your community together? I was recently reminded of two of my favorite lists out there, a poster I used to have on my wall, “How to Build Community” has been circulating around Facebook. Another similarly helpful list has been compiled by the Harvard Kennedy School, “150 Things You Can Do to Build Social Capital.” Give ’em a read and share with your neighbors!

Other opportunities

  • The all-volunteer Yellow Cab community art space needs more volunteers to join them! Specifically, they need people to serve refreshments at the Day-Con hackers’ conference after-party on Oct. 13, and staff to help drivers park in their lot during Hauntfest on the 27th. E-mail Jeff Opt for more info.
  • The Day of the Dead celebration that we mentioned last week is now seeking donations of supplies for papier-mache parade puppets, and I’m thrilled that they’ve already received some from our group members! Bring extra newspaper, flour, jugs of Elmer’s glue and fabric pieces in bright blue, orange, purple and yellow. Goods can be dropped off at Missing Peace Art Space, on Dutoit behind Stivers. Contact Cityfolk’s Jean Howat Berry for more info.
  • updayton’s Streetvivial team will be doing some initial preparations for our pocket park at Xenia & McClure this weekend. We’ll prep/prime the mural wall & plant trees Saturday, Oct. 13 at 10am (and probably get lunch together at the market after) and then come back Sunday at 1 to apply chalkboard paint. E-mail me to sign up.
  • Show your art on downtown streets! The new deadline for the last round of Activated Spaces artists installations is this Friday. As an artist, you’re undoubtedly putting a lot of time into your work – get it seen out on the streets and help bring some color downtown in the process!

http://www.visualartillery.net

 

Fashion Changing Lives

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On Saturday, October 6th   WDTN Channel 2’s Marsha Bonhart will Emcee the We Care Arts local celebrity fashion show.  We Care Arts provides manual arts therapy workshop experiences for physically, mentally and emotionally handicapped individuals to enhance self-esteem and learn job skills.

Some of the local celebrities from the community will include, Judy Dodge, Ohio State Senator Peggy Lehner, and Kettering Mayor Don Patterson.  Also modeling will be some of the We Care Arts clients.

Tickets are $30 for the lunch and style show and the event kicks off at 10am at the Mandalay Banquet Center and the theme for this years show is “Fashion Changing Lives”.  The fashions for the runway will be provided by Kohl’s of Centerville and their will be venders from Dove Chocolates, Mary Kay Cosmetics, HandZenFeet, Tastefully Simple, Pampered Chef, Savona Restaurant, and Party Lite.

For more information on We Care Arts please visit their website at http://www.wecarearts.org.