Dayton937

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

Lisa Grigsby

The Oakwood Club Celebrates 50 Years with $19.62 Meals

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Nestled in the streets of Oakwood, in a very unassuming building, one of Dayton’s most successful family run restaurants will be celebrating their 50 years of service all week long.  The Oakwood Club will be giving back  to the community that has supported them since 1962  with incredible dining deals tonight through Saturday for just $19.62.  Owner Lance Stewart says these represents favorite menu items of their guests:

Shish Kebob– Soy marinated Filet Mignon, red and green bell peppers, Vidalia onions, tomato wedge, portabella mushroom, served on a sizzling platter of grilled pineapple rice.

Salmon in Puff Pastry– complemented with shrimp sauce laced with brandy

Lemon Sole with Maryland Lump Crabmeat – baked in white wine, lemon and parsley

Owner Lance Stewart with Chef Nate Young

Oakwood Club Famous Hot Brown– roasted breast of turkey, apple wood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese sauce and button mushrooms

All menu items served with salad and a choice of side for just $19.62

Live music will add to the festivities with jazz guitarist Time Berens playing Mon – Wed, guitarist Tom Downs will play Thursday and the 4 piece jazz band WindJammer will play on Fri & Sat night.  a 1962 Cognac tasting will be offered Mon – Sat  and special commemorative wines will be offered from the Rodney Strong vineyards.

The restaurant is open for dinner Mon – Sat at 4:30 and serves until 11:30pm Mon – Thurs and reservations are accepted.  On Fri & Sat they’ll serve  until 1am and you can make reservations for parties of 5 or more by calling 293-6973.   While The Oakwood club is always pretty busy, expect record crowds this week.  But sometime the best part of the night is the conversation you strike up at bar, where your always sure to see the who’s who of Dayton.

  The Oakwood Club is located at 2414 Far Hills Ave.

See you there!

 

Dining Deals for Dad’s

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Father’s Day is celebrated on the  3rd Sunday in June in many parts of the world. The idea for creating a day for children to honor their fathers began in Spokane, Washington. A woman by the name of Sonora Smart Dodd thought of the idea for Father’s Day while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909. Having been raised by her father, Henry Jackson Smart, after her mother died, Sonora wanted her father to know how special he was to her. It was her father that made all the parental sacrifices and was, in the eyes of his daughter, a courageous, selfless, and loving man. Sonora’s father was born in June, so she chose to hold the first Father’s Day celebration in Spokane, Washington on the 19th of June, 1910.

In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. President Nixon, in 1972, established a permanent national observance of Father’s Day to be held on the third Sunday of June. So Father’s Day was born as a token of love and gratitude that a daughter cherishes for her beloved father.

There are an estimated 70 million father’s in the United States and the most common  Father’s Day gifts include ties, sporting items, electronic gadgets, outdoor cooking supplies and tools.  The most frequent celebrations of Father’s Day include a family cookout, but if you’d prefer to take Dad out here are some deals just for Dad:

 

Treat Dad this Sunday to a great Lasagne or Spaghetti & Meatballs meal at Spaghetti Warehouse! While you are there, take a photo and upload it to our 40th Anniversary Photo Wall and get a chance to win. We are giving away over $10,000 in free food, gift cards and cash prizes. Plus, dads born in 1972 get a FREE brownie sundae!

 LaRosa’s Pizzeria is offering dad’s a free  calzone all day long on
Sunday, June 17th at any of these locations:

Beavercreek- 2453 Esquire Drive
Kettering – 2801 Wilmington Pike
Centerville – 291 East Alex Bell Road
Hujber Heights – 7375 Old Troy Pike

Caribou Coffee will send you a Buy One, Get One Free coupon if you text DAD to 70626, they’ll send you back a coupon to your cell phone.

 

Quizno’s is letting Dad’s eat free for Father’s Day when you purchase a Q kidz club sub and  print the couponat this link

Beef O’Brady’s will treat Dad to a free meal (valued up to $10)  with the purchase of another meal of equal or greater value.  Valid at either Dayton location:
Centerville –  953 South Main Street
Beavercreek – 3347 Seajay Drive in Beavercrek

 

Denny’s wants you to send a Father’s Day e-Card and you’ll both receive a coupon for a free Pancake Puppies Sundae when you purchase an entrée.


Take Dad to a brunch or dinner at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar on June 17, and he’ll walk away with a free $25 gift card to use on a later date.


Know of other deals, feel free to add them in the comment section below.

 

Farmers’ & Artisans Market to open in Huber Heights

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The Heights Cafe and The Huber Center are collaborating to bring a new Farmers’ Market to The Huber Heights Community.  The Heights Farmers’ and Artisans Market will be located at the Huber Center 6178 Chambersburg Road. The market will be open to the public every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm starting on June 16th. And will run until October. 27th  rain or shine.

Market Manager Jeff LaFollette, of The Heights Farmers and Artisans Market, said the market has three initial goals:

1.  To help increase access to fresh, locally grown produce in Huber Heights and surrounding neighborhoods

2.  To promote local, talented Artist, Artisans, Civic Organizations.

3.  To create an enjoyable, safe event that brings people in the community together.

The market expects to feature  vendors, artist and artisans who produce and sell vegetables, fruits, baked goods, prepared foods, plants, flowers, honey, seeds or Artisan homemade crafts. “During this initial season, we’ll collect information from customers to determine if there is a demand for more market days in the future”.

Could You Be The Next Tater Tot Eating Champ?

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Bar Louie at The Greene will host their 5th Annual Rock the Tot contest this Thursday, June 7th at 8pm. According to GM Justin Steel, all 68 Bar Louie restaurants across the country will be hosting the chow down.  The rules are quite simple, you have 6 minutes to eat as many tater tots as you can. Steel says he expects that about 15 folks will compete in the annual eat off.

Defending champ Jeff Dunn from Centerville, a former employee of Bar Louie, ate 3.5 pounds of tots to claim his 3rd consecutive championship last year.  The Tot champ will claim a trophy, a $250 Bar Louie gift card, a tot T-shirt and free loaded tots for a year!  If the winners time puts them in the top 5 nationwide, the winner will be flown to the Championships in Cleveland, where they can compete for $500 and free tots for life!

To enter you must be at least 18, sign a waiver and be ready to eat!  There’s still room to enter, it’s free to compete aand you can still sign up here.   Contestants will need to check in by 7:30pm

New this year is a 4 Person Team Tot Relay.  The first team member eats a pound of tots, then tags off to the next, until all each of the 4 has consumed their pound.  The team that finishes first will win a $200 bar tab for the team , Tots T-shirts  and FREE loaded tots for a year for all!

Contact Bar Louie Beavercreek if you are interested in joining  or want more info at 937-427-3900.

 

 

 


 

Greater Dayton LGBT Center Celebrates 25 Years of PRIDE

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The Greater Dayton LGBT Center is celebrating  Dayton’s 25th PRIDE weekend with the annual PRIDE Dinner this Friday night at Sinclair’s Pontiz Center followed by  a Parade and an expo on Courthouse Square on Saturday.  Friday’s 80’s themed festivities begin at 5:30pm with a cocktail hour and business expo highlighting many gay friendly business in the area. In a bold move of support, LexisNexis,a leading global provider of content-enabled workflow solutions designed specifically for professionals in the legal, risk management, corporate, government, law enforcement, accounting, and academic markets. has signed on as the 2012 Pride Presenting sponsor.  Earlier this year, LexisNexis was recognized by The Human Rights Campaign with The Corporate Equality Award, which recognizes a company each year for outstanding efforts in promoting equality for LGBT people in the workplace.

Alyce Clark, Vice-President of Human Resources at LexisNexis and PRIDE President, stated, “Reed Elsevier and LexisNexis Executive leadership strongly support all LexisNexis Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), including our PRIDE group which was established in 2010. This is a key reflection of the company’s commitment to build a culture that embraces diversity and fosters an inclusive environment in which all employees can contribute to their fullest potential in the workplace and in their communities.”

Kevin Mabrey at the Pride booth on Courthouse Square

For LN Pride Community Outreach Chair, Kevin Mabrey, the Pride Celebration is all about “allowing me to be who I am, because I spent so many of my early years hiding who I was.  I’m glad I can finally be who God made me!  To have the support of my employer and know that we’ll have over 50 co-workers and their families walking in the parade is powerful.”  Mabrey shared that the LexisNexis Pride ERG has members in New York City, Atlanta, North Carolina, Amsterdam and is continuing to grow.  As a company LexisNexis has offered domestic partner benefits for years and the open arms they’ve given the Pride ERG has been encouraging and makes Kevin want to help recruit his other gay friends to work in an openly inclusive environment.  Their presence at Dayton’s Pride will be the first time the company has officially participated in a Pride parade.   Kevin credits their ERG sponsor, Doreen Tyburski from their New York corporate headquarters as the executive that is helping their group gain visibility.

Mabrey also shared that LexisNexis has declared June pride month at the company and will present educational messages and seminars throughout the month.  On June 21th LexisNexis will present a bullying conference, that will help educate their employees on the effects of bullying, how to tell if your children are being bullied or if they are the bully.
This was especially exciting to Kevin, as he shared he was that kid who was thrown against the lockers in school and made fun of for being gay. He’s proud to be part of company that is working to prevent that for future generations.

Kris Jackson

Kris Jackson, Development Director for the Greater Datyon LGBT Pride committee says ,” the whole focus of the Pride weekend is to celebrate our lives in an open atmosphere.  Corporate sponsors like LexisNexis and American Family Insurance prove we’ve come along way. Dayton unanimously approving the domestic partnership registry is another big win we’ll be celebrating. We’ve worked through so much adversity in the past 25 years that we can finally celebrate in an open,  family friendly atmosphere.  On Friday night we’ll be honoring Sue Spiegel with our Frontier Award  for outstanding support for our community.  As the ARC Ohio RED Gala chair in 2010 and 2012, she’s helped to raise over  $875,000 for education and prevention of HIV/AIDS  and support of those infected or affected by the disease.”  Jackson also shared that other awards will include the Impact Award which will go to City of Dayton employee Kery Gray, a Lifetime Achievement award to  local historian and former Gay Center Board Member, Leon Bey and the Celebrating 25 years award to John Zimmerman.

Parade Grand Marshall, Sue Spiegel

On Saturday Sue Spiegel of  Dayton Bag and Burlap,  will be the Grand Marshall of the Pride Parade, which steps off at noon lfrom the Natalie Clifford Barney Historical Marker in Cooper Park on Saint Clair Street and travels through the streets to end with a celebration at Courthouse Square for a fabulous festival of entertainment, food, and frivolity. Food, beer, and craft vendors alike will be on hand until the festivities end at 5:30pm.  Which allows you just enough time to go home and freshen up before the Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus big show at 8pm at the Victoria featuring the music of Abba.

With so much to celebrate this year, be sure to show your Dayton PRIDE this weekend!

Meet Culp’s Cafe’s Chef Jose

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Chef Jose Calzada is originally from Chicago.  He graduated with a culinary degree from Kendall College and spent a lot of his early years in the kitchen at Italian and French eateries. He took over as Executive Chef  at Culp’s Café at Carillon Park last year. The historic restaurant was originally opened in 1902 by Charlotte Gilbert Culp, a young widow with six children, began baking and selling bread, cakes and rolls by having her children go door to door in their West Third Street neighborhood. Soon they had a stand at the South Main Street market with the “Culp’s Cake” being a best seller. Her eldest son, Howard Gilbert Culp, leased space in the Arcade, and expanded the business selling poultry, eggs, cheese, and dill pickles at three lunch counters where downtown workers could purchase a complete lunch for 35 cents!

 

In the 1930s, the Culps opened a cafeteria in the Arcade across from Keith Theater. The cafeteria specialized in home-

Chef Jose and his wife Carol

cooked food and was famous for its pies and pastries. Dayton’s population boomed in the 1940s and Culp’s cafeteria served as many as 5,000 customers a day. Culp’s was the first restaurant in Dayton to have air conditioning and the first electric Hammond organ in the area.  As the downtown area changed due to the development of suburbs and the popularity of television, the Culp family reluctantly sold the business in 1960.

The spirit of this family-operated restaurant lives on at Carillon Historical Park with Chef José Calzada managing Culp’s Café 7 days a week and working daily with his wife Carol. Starting June 2nd Culp’s Cafewill be serving up breakfast, Sat – Mon from 7:30am-3:00pm. They are also open for lunch Tues- Fri 11am – 3pm.  Culp’s is located at 1000 Carillon Blvd, at Carillon Park.

DaytonDining wants to treat one of our readers to a FREE breakfast at Culp’s Cafe.  Just leave a comment below telling us why you’d like to have breakfast at Culp’s and a random winner will be drawn on Friday from the commenters.

And now Chef Jose answers DaytonDining’s 10 questions:

 What is your favorite ingredient to cook with?

I love to cook with fresh herbs, like Oregano, Thyme, Rosemary and  especially Basil – I love the taste and the smell of it. Using fresh herbs brings out a better flavor on soups, meats and sauces.

What ingredient do you dread?

I really dread working with kale I don’t like the taste and the smell. If I had to use it I would only use it as a garnish.  No offense to kale lovers.

What’s your favorite dish to make? 

I love to make soups, a nice chicken noodle soup or corn chowder on a cold day or a chilled avocado soup with fresh crab meat on a  hot summer day .  10 or 15 years  ago I would have said pates or terrines . When I first started cooking I used to love making duck liver pate and vegetable or meat  terrines.

What’s your favorite pig out food?

I love cheeseburgers, here in Dayton I like to go to Smashburger. My favorite place to go for a burger is Illinois Bar and Grill in Chicago , their one pound burgers are the best I have ever had.

What restaurant, other then your own do you like to dine at in the Miami Valley?

My wife and I love to go to Tony’s Italian Kitchen on North Main Street in Englewood, it is a very small neighborhood  restaurant with great food, but most of all authentic. We have tried everything on the menu and we are always satisfied.

What’s your best advice for home chefs?

Have fun doing what you love!  Like one of my chef instructors would always say  “It is not rocket science, just have fun and enjoy it!”

If you could invite any 4 guests to a dinner party who would they be and why?

I wouldn’t know were to start there are a lot of people to choose from like by brother who passed away 12 years ago, my mentors Chef John Hogan and Chef Mike Greagson. There are also my chef instructors, my collies, my favorite athletes and actors and actresses . It would be very hard to just pick 4 guests.

Who do you look up in the industry and why?

I look up to a lot of people in this industry, from a chef I have had the pleasure to know like, Priscilla Satkof, who has been one of the top female chefs in Chicago for over 15 years, Michel Coatrieux who is a chef instructor for over 25 years,  Georges “Kiki” Cuisance who has been in the restaurant business for over 35 years and still doing a great job. To the celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay, Emeril Lagasse who have educated  many people about food.

 What do you do in the Miami Valley on a day off ?

In my day off I like to spend as much time with my family as I can,  in this business you don’t have many days off.  So we go to the movies, out to dinner or just to the park.

Share a kitchen disaster, lucky break or other interesting story.

The best time I had ever had in the kitchen was when we cooked a dinner for Julia Child  and a group of friends. I was working at Kiki’s Bistro as a sous chef  at the time. The chef and I prepared a 5 course dinner for them with the main entrée of Roasted Squab ( that’s what she order in advance). After the dinner the waiter came to the kitchen and said that she wanted to meet the chefs who prepared  the wonderful meal. That was one of the best feelings I ever had as a chef  – cooking and meeting  someone I idolized growing up, and a person I watched on TV.  It was an experience I will never forget.

 

Dayton Beer Company Now Open!

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John from Centerville was the first guy in line today at 4:30pm for the opening of The Dayton Beer Company.  He says he’s a  craft beer fan, who used to brew in the 90’s and has passed his passion on to his daughter who now brews in Knoxville. He says he’s never had a bad beer yet and upon sampling his first brew at the new Kettering Brewery he proclaims the Broken Trolley Blonde Ale as “wonderful.”

Kevin trying out the sampler

Kevin Kreig of Centerville is also a big fan of craft beers and he started his experience off with a flight of beer, which is four 4oz samples for $5.  Pints run $4 and growlers are $17 with refills available for just $13.  On it’s opening day, the intimate tasting room was at capacity with about 40 folks standing inside and a line out the door, with a few groups enjoying their beers on the small patio.

John from Miami Township says he’s “not a chemist or a brewer, but I know what I like and I’m proud to support an Alter grad.  Peter Hilgeman, the 25 year old Daytonian who founded The Dayton Beer Company says he’s always been interested in beer, but working at The Party Source in Covington, KY  during his college days at University of Cincinnati really peaked his interest. “I really wanted to restore the brewing tradition,” Dayton once had.  He spent five months traveling through Europe educating his pallet before returning home to create great tasting beers.

Jon, Dan & Mike enjoying opening day

In naming his beers, Pete pays homage to Dayton history with brews like Patterson Pale Ale,  Hawthorn Hill Hefeweizen and the Inventors IPA, which was a favorite of Kettering resident Dan, who is just happy to support a Dayton Brewery for the first time in 62 years!

Mike, who’s vising from Durham, North Carolina truly enjoyed the Rising River Porter, and was surprised at it’s lightness, but proclaimed it “perfect for summer.”  Coming tomorrow a Stout and a Smoked Ale will be added to the menu.  Speaking of menu, according to a price list on the table chips, soda’s,  Red Bull, bottled water, pretzels and beer nuts will be available, but on opening day it was all hands on deck to just get the beers out.

If you plan on frequenting the brew pub, you might be interested in joining the Flying High Club.  Basic membership is $20 and offers 50 cents off tastings, pints and 6 packs as well as a 10th free option and mailings.   The intermediate level adds a DBC Pint Glass, t-shirt and 2 koozie’s and everything from the basic package.  For you big rollers out there, you’ll think nothing of dropping $125 which lets you sport a DBC Polo shirt, 2 DBC Pint Glasses, 2 koozies and the basic benefits, too.

The Dayton Beer Company is located at 912 E. Dorothy Lane and will be open Wed – Saturday 5-10pm.

 

 

 

Fleur et Vin

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Vail Sr, Vail Jr, Mif and Mike Frank

Twenty years ago Vail Miller, Sr of Heidelberg Distributing and Mike Frank of Arrow Wine got together to plan an event that would make drinking wine more fun and less formal.  They figured if they could convince folks to have a glass of wine with dinner at home they’d both make more money.  They also agreed that the event should benefit their local community and that’s how Fleurs was created.  The event has continued to flourish and now the 2nd generation of Vail Miller, Jr and Mif Frank are at the helm of Dayton’s Premier Wine and Gourmet Food Festival.

On Sunday, May 20th from 1- 4pm at Carillon Park, 24 restaurants will be on hand to compliment the over 300 wines that will be served up by local distributors. Restaurants scheduled to participate include: Amber Rose, Brock Mastersons, Carvers, Central Perc, Christopher’s, Culp’s Cafe, Dark Horse, De’Lish, Dewey’s Pizza, Giovanni’s, Hawthorn Grill, Jay’s Seafood, LeDoux’s, Louisiana Grille, Mamma DiSalvo’s, Meadowlark, Neil’s Heritage House, Oakwood Club, Sa Bai, Scratch Event Catering, Thai 9, The Dock, Top of the Market and The Wine Loft,

As you arrive you’ll be handed a plate and souvenir Fleurs et Vin wine glass.   The tent is set up so you can

Photo by Teesha McClam at 2010 Fleurs et VIn

grab a plate, and then cross over to the middle where the wines are and match up  wine to compliment your food.   Wine will be poured by area distributors,  as well as  VIP’s from Firelands Winery, E & J Gallo, Easley Winery, St Michelle Wines, Veleta Winery, Treasury Wine Estates and perhaps a few more. Take advantage of these experts knowledge to learn about their wines and ask for recommendations.

Several years ago a Belgian Beer Tent was added to the event, and this year you’ll be able to sample Leffe- sweet and silky beer with aromas of clove, vanilla and smoky caramel, Hoegaarden-a Belgium white, Stella Artois- a European-style pilsner, Duvell- a strong golden ale, Ommegang Hennepin- a hoppy, farmhouse-style ale and  Chimay Triple- the first Trappist Triple beer.  While supplies last, you ‘ll be able to take home a souvenir glass from your favorite beer.   Jump’s Gourmet Peanuts have donated their  nuts for snacking on, while  in the beer tent.

This years musical entertainment will be provided by The Eric Jerardi Band.  Jerardi has a long affiliation with Fleurs, for many years serving up treats from his Little Store on Peters Pike.   New this year, the Wall of Wine – for only $20,  guests will get to choose a mystery bottle of red or white.  Stocked bottles will range from a value of $10 – $85.  If you’d prefer to know what you’re getting, you’ll want to check out the silent auction that will feature art, theater tickets, restaurant gift certificates and much more.  At 4pm the live auction will begin, with an array of wine collectibles, chef dinners and more.  Even if you don’t plan on bidding, you’ll want to stick around and watch this- it’s always a high energy, competitive, fast moving part of the fest.

Tickets are  and are $60 in advance, available online or at your favorite wine store: Arrow Wine , Bella Vino, Brunning’s Wine Cellar, Cuvee,  Rumbleseat , The Wine Gallery,  Jerardi’s Little Store, Miami Valley Wine & Spirits , A Taste of Wine and The Wine Loft.   Proceeds from the day will benefit AIDS Resource Center Ohio and Dayton History.

Ticket Contest

As a media sponsor for Fleur et Vin, Dayton Most Metro has two pairs of tickets to give away to this very popular event!  Justthis article (to help us spread the word on FB), fill out the form below and then comment below and tell us what your favorite wine is – even if it is just “Red” or “White”.  And if you are a non-drinker, then tell us which of the participating restaurants you are most looking forward to trying.  We’ll draw two lucky winners on Tuesday May 15 after 2pm – GOOD LUCK!

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to Jenna Johnson and Bill Tatalovich – they each won a pair of tickets to Fleur et Vin!  CHEERS!

 

Big Brews & Blues (Ticket Contest)

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National Craft Beer Week is May 14 – 20 and the 3rd annual All Draught Beer Tasting hosted by Diabetes Dayton is the perfect way to celebrate.  It’s an evening of craft beers, and local blues at Carillon Park.  Starting at 5pm on Friday, May 18th brews from  Akron’s Thirsty Dog and  Ohio Brewing Companies, Columbus based Elevator Brewing, Mount Carmel and Riverton from Cincinnati. Also on site will be  Wooden Shoe Brewing Company of Minster,who began in 1860, survived prohibition and became one of the most desired brews of it’s era.  In all there will be over 30 craft beers to select from.

Purchase your early bird ticket for Big Brews and Blues for  just $30 until May 15th, which includes event entry and 20 beer sampling tickets with a commemorative tasting glass. On May 16th ticket price increases to $35.  If you are there just for the music, you can purchase a $5 entry ticket and beer will be available by the pint for $5.  This event happens rain or shine and ticket are nonrefundable.  Tickets can be purchased online.

General Admission Ticket: $35 available from may 16-18 includes event entry and 20 beer sampling tickets with a commemorative tasting glass buy your ticket online: click on the shopping cart at the bottom of the page! tickets are nonrefundable and the event will go on- rain or shine just want to come check out the event

Noah Witherspoon

The Silver Kings Blues Band will start the night out at 5pm, Uptown Blues Players  hit the stage at 6pm, Miss Lissa and Company begin at 8pm and the  evenings headliner, Noah Witherspoon will come on at 8pm and the event concludes at 9pm.

In honor of American Craft Beer Week  Dayton DRAFT  will be on hand demonstating the craft of homebrewing up close and personal throughout the evening of Big Brews and Blues.

Attendees will be able to dine on offerings from Boston’s Bistro & Pub, Brock Masterson’s Catering, Hickory River Smokehouse and Kaimelsky’s.

Providing camps for children living with diabetes is one of the most important programs at Diabetes Dayton. Their goal is to offer a safe, fun filled week of resident camping under the supervision of medical staff.  100 % of the funds raised at thisevent are used so that any child living with diabetes can attend camp, regardless of their ability to pay. Camp for these kids means making friends with other children living with diabetes, becoming more independent, receiving the best medical care 24/7, and enjoying all the fun camp can offer.

Ticket Contest

Dayton Most Metro has TWO PAIRS of tickets to give away to Big Brews & Blues!  Simply fill out the form below and comment below with your favorite craft beer.  We’ll draw two winners this Friday May 11 Saturday May 12 at 2pm – good luck!

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to Troy Lindsey and Tamera Geesling – they are both winners in our ticket drawing for the Big Brews & Blues Festival! We do hope to see most of the rest of you there – there will be awesome beers, music, and DMM will be there pouring beers! CHEERS!

A Lawyer Walks Into A Comedy Club…

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Many of you may know that for years I owned a comedy club here in town.  Folks are always asking me who’s funny and to tell them when someone good is coming to town.  That’s hard for me to do, for a couple of reasons.  One- after 20+ years of seeing comic’s I became very jaded, what makes me laugh tends to be the obscure or the sick deviant stuff.  Another is that I really prefer to know what you like before I recommend someone.  I can send you to see  a squeaky clean show, political satire or  silly song parodies, but not every show is for everybody.  Every now and then there’s an act that I think is pretty all encompassing and this week the Funny Bone at The Greene has him, Paul Mecurio.  He’s an emmy winner for his work on The Daily Show!

Here’s what the Huffington Post has to say about Paul:

Paul Mecurio took an interesting route to becoming a comedian, beginning his career on Wall Street as a mergers and acquisitions lawyer and moonlighting in the clubs. Now he headlines comedy clubs around the country. Most recently, Paul launched Got No Game with Paul Mecurio, a new web series on HBOSports.com which tackles the world of sports with a comical look at the compelling stories and outrageous events away from the field through original sketches and one-on-one interviews. New episodes of Got No Game with Paul Mecurio will post each Friday through September 4.
[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JHDaq1yU9U&feature=relmfu’]
Mecurio has been featured on his own “Comedy Central Presents” half-hour special and has made numerous TV appearances including Late Night with Conan O’Brien,The Late, Late Show with Craig Kilborn, CNN, MSNBC, and many others. For his work as a writer on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, Paul won both an Emmy Award and a Peabody Award (the Pulitzer prize for broadcast journalism). When he’s not on the road, Paul frequently opens for live tapings of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and Who Wants to Be A Millionaire? Paul can also be heard on the nationally syndicated Bob & Tom Radio Show. As the “Image Makeover Guy” on Bob & Tom, Paul doles out advice on how public figures can improve their images. Paul’s “Consumer Man” pieces about life as a frequently aggravated consumer have been featured on Bob & Tom and in The New York Times Magazine.

You probably  know I do an interview with local Chefs called 10 ?’s.   Paul wanted to know if I could interview him to help get the word out that he’d be here, so  I sent him my 1o ?’s.  Here ‘s what he shot me back in 2 minutes.  And that’s a record for quickest answers!

What is your favorite ingredient to cook with?

Bob Costas interviews Paul as an "asterisk"

OXYCODONE–IT TRANSPORTS THE FOOD … AND YOU!

What ingredient do you dread?

URANIUM, VERY DIFFICULT TO WORK WITH AS A REDUCTION SAUCE

What’s your favorite dish to make? 

CHEF BOYARDEE RAVIOLI … NOW IF I CAN JUST FIND SOMEONE TO OPEN THE CAN FOR ME, IT WOULD BE PERFECT

What’s your favorite pig out food?

PIZZA, ICE CREAM AND CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES, ALL AT ONCE … I;M A BUSY MAN

What restaurant, other than your own do you like to dine at in the Miami Valley?

THERE’S S A GREAT DUMPSTER AT FIFTH STREET & WAYNE AVE

What’s your best advice for home chefs?

FLAME RETARDANT JOCK STRAP.

If you could invite any 4 guests to a dinner party who would they be and why?

3 GANG MEMBERS AND DONALD TRUMP, SO I COULD WATCH THEM BEAT UP DONALD TRUMP WHILE I EAT — DINNER AND A SHOW.

Who do you look up to in the industry and why?

THE COLONEL –COME ON ELEVN HERBS AND SPICES?  ELEVEN!  THE MAN’S A GENIUS

What do you do in the Miami Valley on a day off?

READ THIS BLOG POST AND WEEP.

(though I seem to remember some nights we spent at Diamonds with the Jokers staff…)

Share a kitchen disaster, lucky break or other interesting story:

I WAS COOKING PASTA AND FORGOT TO PUT WATER IN THE POT-THE PASTA WAS A LITTLE UNDERCOOKED.
So go check Paul out this week at Funny Bone, make reservations, shows do sell out and tell ’em Lisa sent you!  But remember there’s a 2 item minimum and don’t heckle, you’re never gonna be as funny as the pro’s and Paul is one of the best!

Architecture Week 2012 – Dining by Design

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AIA Dayton, a chapter of the American Institute of Architects, has been celebrating Architecture Week with 2 full weeks of events and invites the public to join them for 2 events this week that will highlight the urban culture of some of our favorite bars, restaurants and galleries.

Join a historic Bar Hop on Tues, May 8th from 6-9pm. You’ll Laugh and Learn as your tour guide, Terry Welker, AIA and Alexis Larson (former culture writer for the DDN and now with the Dayton Art Institute) give you a history of some of

Dayton’s oldest bars, artifacts, brewing and distilling history.  Tour will start at The Century with a history of the bar, bourbon history and tasting. Next you’ll

go to Jay’s for more Dayton bar history and the new Dayton Beer Company tasting.  Lastly we’ll head to the Oregon Express to see the famous train bar and relax on the upper deck as we watch the sunset with some craft beers and OE Pizza. Cost: $45/person. RSVP with form located  here.

 

Perhaps you’d prefer to “Sustain that smile” as your local art guides give you the highlights of Dayton’s art scene, give insights on collecting art and help you tap into the creative side of life over a private dinner at the acclaimed “Olive – an Urban Dive” whose locally sustainable food sources are magically transformed into seasonal masterpieces on Thurs, May 10th.  This tour will start at DVAC with the opening of Art & Arias where we see the new show and connect with the Dayton Opera over a glass of wine.  Next you’ll head to the New CADC and the Oregon District for a short stop at the Color of Energy on the way to Gallery 510 where gallery owner Loretta Puncer shares her insights on collecting for beginners and long standing patrons over a glass of wine.  Finally, we’ll stop briefly by Press, a coffee house gallery on our way to Olive for a relaxing private dinner party starting at 9:00pm.

 

Time: 6:00 – 10:00 PM

Leaders: Terry Welker AIA and Eva Buttacavoli (Executive Director for the Dayton Visual Arts Center)

Tour Maximum: 28 + 2 guides

Venues: DVAC, Color of Energy, CADC, Gallery 510, Press, Olive

Charge: $58 per person

Includes wine and appetizers, dinner at Olive

 

These events require a fee and this registration form sent via fax (937‐698‐6153) or email to the AIA Dayton office at [email protected].

 

Volunteer For Dayton’s Premier Wine & Gourmet Food Fest

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On Sunday, May 20th over 1000 folks will converge on Carillon Park for one of Dayton’s most anticipated wine festivals, Fleurs et Vin. Now in it’s 20th year, the fest has proved to be a spectacular party in the park.  This years event will benefit AIDS Resource Center Ohio and Dayton History.

To pull off this event, that features over 300 wines and 25 of Dayton’s finest independent restaurants,  hundreds of volunteers are needed.  From helping to direct parking, checking ID’s, handing out glasses and plates, distributing ice and water, helping in the beer garden and monitoring the live and silent auctions, there are lots of jobs to do.

And one of the fringe benefits for volunteers at this event, free tasting.  That’s right, once you’ve completed your work, you can get a glass and enjoy!    Of course all voluteers do need to be 21 or over.  So grab your friends and sign up today.

Pony Parties & Cinco de Mayo Celebrations

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Cinco de Mayo falls on Saturday this year, the same day as the Kentucky Derby, a happy coincidence that has many restaurants and bars planning cross-cultural celebrations.  That sounds like something worth raising a glass for, doesn’t it?

 

I’m not really sure it lives up to it it’s billing as “the greatest two minutes in sports,” but I do know that the traditions and parties that it inspires make The Kentucky Derby one of the most anticipated days of the spring.

The Derby is frequently referred to as “The Run for the Roses,” because a lush blanket of 554 red roses is awarded to the Kentucky Derby winner each year. The tradition is as a result of New York socialite E. Berry Wall presenting roses to ladies at a post-Derby party in 1883 that was attended by Churchill Downs founder and president, Col. M. Lewis Clark. This gesture is believed to have eventually led Clark to the idea of making the rose the race’s official flower. However, it was not until 1896 that any recorded account referred to roses being draped on the Derby winner.

The Drink:  No Derby party would be complete without Mint Juleps- an iced drink consisting of bourbon, mint and a sugar syrup.  Check out DMM Mixologist Brian Petro’s article  for more info.

The Song:  If you’ve had enough juleps, at some point you may feel the inspiration to burst into the song. Since 1936, My Old Kentucky Home has been performed by the University of Louisville Marching Band as the horses make their way to the starting gate.  I’ve never been to a party where folks knew all the words to the song, so as a favor to all- here they are:

My Old Kentucky Home

By Stephen Foster

The sun shines bright in the old Kentucky home,
Tis summer, the people are gay;
The corn-top’s ripe and the meadow’s in the bloom
While the birds make music all the day.

The young folks roll on the little cabin floor
All merry, all happy and bright;
By’n by hard times comes a knocking at the door
Then my old Kentucky home, Good-night!

Weep no more my lady. Oh! Weep no more today!
We will sing one song for my old Kentucky home
For the old Kentucky home, far away.
The Hat:  On the Kentucky Derby website they state: “Part Southern tradition, part spectacle, the Kentucky Derby hat parade is much of what makes “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” one of the greatest people-watching events in the world! From the fantastic to the sublime, there are no rules or limits when it comes to choosing your Derby hat. Whether to make a statement or just keep the sun at bay, Kentucky Derby hats are part of the tradition and the pageantry that make a trip to the Derby an unforgettable experience.

 

Ways to Celebrate Derby Day in Dayton:

Start your day with a Derby Dash at Riverscape to benefit Life Essentials at Riverscape.

This annual event starts at 9am, with registration at 8am.  From fun runs for the kids to a 5K walk run for the adults, costumes and teams are encouraged to join this festive fundraiser.  Prizes are awarded for participants in various age categories, farthest distance traveled, and best hat!

3rd annual Derby Day Brunch at Brio 11am – 1pm
This fundraiser for the Women’s Wellness Fund include a “Hat Strut”,  a silent auction & roaming models from merchants at The Greene.

 

What is Cinco de Mayo?
While often mistaken for Mexican Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo  commemorates the Mexican Army’s astonishing triumph over the French that took place on May 5, 1862. The Mexican Army was greatly outnumbered by the French, who had also not lost a battle in over fifty years!

There are various Cinco de Mayo traditions that are celebrated around the world. In Mexico, most of the Cinco de Mayo celebrations that take place occur in the town of Puebla (where the battle took place). There are large parades that feature people dressed up as Mexican and French soldiers.

In the United States and some parts of Canada, people often host Cinco de Mayo parties with their friends and family.

The Colors:  Red, white and green, representing the Mexican flag often appear in costumes and party decorations. People decorate for Cinco de Mayo with balloons, streamers, and flowers.

The Music:  Mariachi bands or other Mexican folk music is also played at these celebrations and there is often traditional Mexican dancing.

The Food:  A feast of traditional Mexican dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, and salsa and tortilla chips.

Other parts of the world also have their own Cinco de Mayo traditions, though they are not as notable as the traditions in Mexico and the United States. In Vancouver, Canada there is an annual skydiving event and in the Cayman Islands there is an air guitar competition that takes each year on May 5.

Where to celebrate in Dayton:

 

 

TJ Chumps Cinco de Mayo Party
Featuring $3 Corona’s & Dos Equis and shot specials all day at all 3 locations

El Meson Cinco de Mayo Lunch Buffet
Enjoy a true latin feast featuring empandas, fajitas, frijoles fritos and a kids tac bar, too. Noon to 4pm

Cincdo de Mayo Spanish Wine Tasting at Jungle Jim’s
Celebrate the great Mexican victory by tasting some of Spain’s Best 2009 and 2010 vintage wines

Cinco de Moustache at Quaker Steak & Lube
Celebration featuring facial-hair themed carnival games and a best moustache contest (both real and fake).

Dayton Arab American Forum Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Yankee Trace
Spring hafli featuring a catered Middle Eastern dinner and entertainment by Zein and his Detroit based band.

Salsa Saturday at Therapy Cafe
Dance Contest, Hot Chili Pepper Eating Contest, free Mexican Buffet 

Todd the Fox celebrates Cinco de Mayo at Taste of Wine
Wine tasting and live music in downtown Miamisburg

Cinco De Mayo With Funky G at Trolley Stop

 

10?’s with Chef Matt Hayden of Scratch Event

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Chef Matthew Hayden

Chef Matthew Hayden credits his mom as being his first mentor in the kitchen.  Being a “sick kid” Matt missed many days of school and spent a great deal of time with his mother. She taught him to cook and how to channel his creativity into other useful skills. Matthew’s father Phillip travelled the world extensively and introduced Matthew to the cultures, customs, and cuisines of many different countries. His father instilled in him a strong work ethic, a sense of pride in his community, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

He graduated from Ohio University with a psychology degree, worked as a “smoke tester,” climbing smoke stacks and performing technical services for the EPA and local Engineering firms. He then spent time as a studio musician, and still writes and performs original music, in his spare time.  In the late 90’s Matt and his family purchased and operated the Centerville Pourhaus Tavern. Hayden’s next venture took him to Miamisburg, buying the old TW’s and reinvented it as The Chimney’s Inn.  Matt spent  eight years building his catering business while running the restaurant.  Last year he sold that building  to the Anticoli family, who now run Giuliano’s Tavern there.  This allowed Matt to open his next venture, which he calls his dream business: Scratch Event Catering.

 In the short time since he founded Scratch, Matt has earned a reputation in Dayton as a creative, forward-thinking chef and business-owner. He proudly offers his talents to his native city and devotes a great amount of time to his community. He serves in numerous non-profit capacities in Montgomery County: he is a trustee on the board of Dayton Opera, a member of Centerville Noon Day Optimists and Generation Dayton, and acts as a foodservice consultant for Aids Resource Center Ohio and numerous other non-profit organizations.  Matt is optimistic for Dayton’s future and will continue to offer his talents and creativity to the city that gave him the opportunity to succeed.

 

What is your favorite ingredient to cook with?
At this moment, a common Indian spice blend called garam masala. For a chef that is compelled to explore new flavors continuously, a spice mix such as garam masala represents a stepping stone to endless possibilities. Because it contains numerous spices that are considered both savory and sweet to a western tastes, it can be substituted for cinnamon, traditional curry, clove or even cumin to tremendous effect. Imagine a apple with hints of cardamom and cumin or chicken salad with hints cinnamon and star anise….

What ingredient do you dread?
Im not sure I can say that I dread any ingredient. But if I did, I imagine it would be the ingredient that could only be prepared one way.

Seafood Gumbo with Crab Claws, Mussels, Shrimp, Chicken & Andouille Sausage!

What’s your favorite dish to make? Probably Seafood Soups and Stews – They are festive in nature and are indigenous to nearly every culture. E.g. New Orleans Gumbo, Ciopinno, Brazilian Moqueca, She Crab Soup, Clam Chowder, Bermuda Fish Chowder…. They all make my mouth water, and are an occasion in and of themselves.

What’s your favorite pig out food?
Chicago Hot Dogs and Pizza to name a few

What restaurant, other than your own do you like to dine at in the Miami Valley?
Real Mexican at Taqueria Mixteca, Un Poco de Todos at Las Piramides, Numerous Slices from Flying Pizza, Massaman Curry and Rangoon Sticks at Bahn Mai Thai, Brie Flatbread Pizza and Gnocchi at Savona’s , Whole Wheat Calzone at Ha Ha Pizza, Anything with Submarine House Pepper Relish on it, Tapas until I am blue in the face at El Meson and Anything that has been touched by Elizabeth Wiley, Jenn Disanto, Anne Kearney or my Mother in Law.

What’s your best advice for home chefs?
No one has a monopoly on good food, so get crackin !

If you could invite any 4 guests to a dinner party who would they be and why?

dressed up deviled eggs


Led Zeppelin – background music whilst I cook.

Who do you look up to in the industry and why?
Anthony Bourdain for telling it like it is; Heston Blumenthal and Ferran Adria for thinking way-ass outside the box; Alton Brown for unearthing so much information and Rachel Ray for irritating me.

What do you do in the Miami Valley on a day off?
Be with my wife!

 

You’ll be able to sample Scratch Catering at the upcoming Fleurs et Vin Festival on Sun, May 20th  at Carillon Park!

Food Deals Take The Bite Out Of Taxes

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It’s become a spring tradition and it seems even more chains than ever are jumping on the tax day discounting bandwagon.  So after you’ve rushed around getting all your paperwork together and made yourself crazy trying to read the government instructions and get it right, you might as well take advantage of these tax relief freebies.   There’s something quite relieving about eating discounted food while you wait for your refund, and if you had to pay, it ‘s even more satisfying to get something for your pain.  If you know of others I’ve missed, please feel free to add them in the comment section below.

 

Arby’s – Free Curly Fries on Tax Day on 4/17 Only
Auntie Anne’s – Buy Any 1 Pretzel Get 1 Signature Pretzel Free (exp. 4/25)
Champps Americana – 2 Burgers or Sandwiches for $15 or Any 2 Entrees for $25 on 4/17 Only
Chili’s – Free Appetizer or Dessert with coupon
Cinnnabon – 2 Free Cinnabites on Tax Day 4/17 Between 6 – 8pm
Gold Star Chili – $10.40 for 2 Regular Three-Ways & 2 Drinks Starting 4/15 – 4/16
Hooters – Enjoy 20 Boneless Wings for only $9.99! 4/17
McCormick & Schmick’s – Extended Happy Hour on 4/17 (3:30 – 11:00pm)
Mimi’s Cafe – Free Lunch or Dinner entree with/purchase of 2nd and 2 drinks thru 4/20 with coupon
McDonald’s – Buy a 1/4 pounder or Big Mac, get a 2nd one for 17 cents
P.F. Chang’s – 15% Off Entire Purchase on 4/17 Only
Schlotzsky’s – Free Chips & 20 oz. Fountain Drink
Sonic – All Day Happy Hour on 4/17
Quizno’s – Like them on  Facebook – get a coupon for a BOGO  sub with purchase  of fountain drink
White Castle – 15% off your entire order (exp. 4/17)

 

 

A Monday Night Pizzeria at Meadowlark

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On Monday nights starting April 9th the Kettering eatery of Far Hills Avenue will turn into a Pizzeria joint.  From 5- 9pm you’ll get to enjoy a special menu featuring pizza’s  (sorry no regular menu that night).   Meadowlark owner Wiley says, “we’re going to use our Monday nights as a test kitchen and see how this evolves. We’ll for sure do it through August, menu’s will change and we’ll see how it goes.”

 

Chef Liz Valenti actually just returned from the International School of Pizza, where she

Meadowlark's own Liz Valenti with Chef Elizabeth Faulkner making pizzas

studied the craft of pizza from 9 Time World Pizza Champion and Master Instructor Tony Gemignani.  She excelled in class and was selected  to assist  Germignani at the Las Vegas Pizza Expo and competition, where he again places first.  The dough Meadowlark will be using is a 2 day dough and all pizza’s will be 15″, big enough to share.  Wiley says she just got a bunch of to go boxes for pizza’s, so think about them fort ake out on Monday nights.

Monday Nights Menu:

Appetizers:
Eggplant Fries  with a crispy rice coating, yogurt sauce

Meatball, Greens and Pastina Soup made with ground chicken, savory broth, mirepoix

Salads:
Romaine Heart – Smoked Maine shrimp, green goddess dressing, cherry tomatoes and dill

House Salad- Chopped romaine, spinach, cabbage and your choice of vinaigrette—
Mustard-caper, sesame lime or blue cheese

Pizzas:
Italian Sausage, Caramelized Onion and Mushrooms

Bacon, Ricotta Cheese and Blistered Grape
Spicy Capocolla and Broccolini with Herb Mayo

White Pizza with Smoked Provolone, Fontina and Fresh Thyme

Dry-cured Black Olives, Aleppo Pepper and Chickpeas

Zucchini, Roasted Peppers, Feta Cheese and Lemon

Sides:
Sauteed Spinach  in Olive oil and garlic

Roasted Cauliflower with Almonds, raisins and capers

Desserts:
Italian Cornmeal Scone “Shortcake”
Lemon curd and sliced strawberries

Monday Sundae
Housemade marshmallow sauce with “wet nuts” on your choice of ice cream—

(and yes I asked, wet nuts in just an old fashioned soda fountain term for nuts seasoned in syrup.)