Dayton937

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

Lisa Grigsby

Food Truck Spotlight: Hunger Paynes

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Andrew Payne got started cooking at 15 years old at the Officer’s Club at WPAFB.  After that he moved on to cooking at Quaker Steak and Lube and Cracker Barrel.  He went to Culinary School at Hocking College and worked as a kitchen manager at a fine dining restaurant until he graduated top of his class.  He came back to Dayton in 2008, worked at NCR Country Club and numerous hotels until he landed the Sous Chef position at the Dayton Convention Center.  Within a few years he moved up to Executive Chef at both the Nutter Center and the Convention Center.

When asked about what inspired him to start a food tuck he told us, “I wanted the freedom to cook the dishes I wanted to cook and personally see the gratification from my customers instead of sitting back in the kitchen somewhere.  I wanted to create a truck where I could offer many different types of cuisine in a way that most people aren’t used to seeing while keeping a central theme, serving Croquettes checked all the boxes,” and thus in June of 2013 be launched  Hunger Paynes.
 
Andres tell us that his best seller is the Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with  Garlic Sour Cream sauce and Green Onions (most people add his Aged Cheddar Cheese sauce and Bacon too).
The second best seller is probably his Reuben Croquette. They also offer cajun salmon, chipotle arancini and buffalo chicken croquettes, as well as an apple chicken wrap, buffalo chicken blt wrap, pretzel bites and beef sliders. You can also pick up some homemade chips and pork rinds, or spurge a little on the black truffle french fries.
Andrew is especially proud to share that he make everything from scratch.  “All of our sauces are one of kind, we make our Pretzel Bites from scratch using an early 18th Century recipe, we cut and fry our signature Potato Chips, and we utilize all raw ingredients in our Croquettes.  We are also certified by the United States Department of Agriculture and we strive to serve one of kind dishes with great customer service.”  As a classically trained Chef, he’s also a great caterer for your next special event. They offer catering for small parties, corporate events, and weddings up to 250 people. You can find a full catering menu available on their website.

Where to find Hunger Paynes:

March 26 – Carriage Trails (neighborhood), 5pm-7pm 9403 Lakeside St, Tipp City, OH 45371
March 27 – Mother Stewart’s Brewing Co, 4pm-8pm 102 W Columbia St, Springfield, OH 45504
April 3 – Mother Stewart’s Brewing Co, 4pm-8pm 102 W Columbia St, Springfield, OH 45504
April 9 – Yellow Springs Brewery, 4pm-8pm 305 Walnut St, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
April 10 – Southern Ohio Brewery, 12pm-9pm 818 Factory Rd, Dayton, OH 45434
Fo a  list of more  locations, current menu, and order online visit their website.
More information available on our Facebook Page as well as Twitter and Instagram. @HungerPaynes937

Giovanni’s Tuesday Take Out Dinner

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This Tuesday, March 30th Giovanni’s of Fairborn is offering a special
take-out dinner! You’ll need to place your order by calling at 937.878.1611
by 2pm on Sunday 3/28/21.
Orders will  for pick-up between 4-6pm on March 30th.
Appetizer Choice:
-Garlic Chicken Soup
-Spring Mix Salad with Gorgonzola & Blueberry Vinaigrette
Entrée Choice:
-Roasted Chicken Ravioli with sun-dried tomato & spinach garlic cream sauce
– Chicken Puttanesca over Angel Hair.
Dessert Choice:
– Cannoli
– Pear Crumble with Vanilla Ice cream
215 W Main St,  Fairborn
(937) 878-1611
Hours:
Wednesday – Sunday 

11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Foodtruck Spotlight: Underdogs Mobile

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We asked Scott from Underdogs Mobile how he got started in the food truck business.  He shared with us he was was “very unhappy working in the corporate world and my wife actually came up with the idea. We felt there was room in the Dayton market to succeed if we could find our niche.”  He’d worked at a few restaurants while growing up in the Chicago area and he says with ” Dumb luck, some planning and a lot of hard work” they launched Underdogs Mobile.
Being from the Chicagoland area, he was inspired by traditional street vendors. “People ask if our Chicago Dog is legit and I just laugh and give a look. It’s the real deal- a dog- an all beef dog, dill pickle spear, tomato, relish, onion, mustard, poppy seeds, celery salt and sport pepper.”
This hot dog is one of their best sellers, along with the Home Run dog (topped with mac & cheese and crumbled bacon) and they rock A LOT of their now famous tots.
Our season will kick off Mid-March and run into the Fall. Since we’re on wheels we keep the truck moving so following us is best. We are always looking to add new events, companies and locations to serve at. No fans only friends!
Find Underdogs at:

Wed, 3/24 11am-1:30pm – Bell Elementary Bellbrook, 4122 N Linda Dr
Fri, 3/26 11am-2pm – Kettering at Governor’s Place, 3120 Governor’s Pl Blvd

For booking inquiries contact [email protected]
Follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter is @UnderdogsMobile we also use the StreetFoodFinder app.

Twist Cupcakery Named Best in State!

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Dayton’s own Twist Cupcakery was just recognized for having the best cupcake in the state by MSN and Eat This Not That in their Best Cupcake in Every State article!

According to their write up:

“You would be hard-pressed to find anything less than a five-star review on Twist Cupcakery’s Yelp page, and for good reason. Located in downtown Dayton, this unassuming joint churns out unique flavors like peanut butter Oreo and the popular apple pie cupcake.”

Owner Kate River opened downtown’s only bakery in 2015, after a 3 year run operating as a home based bakery. A successful kickstarter campaign and the doors were open.  The bakery has earned a reputation for amazing sweet treats and during the pandemic their line of cupcakes in a jar became a big hit, allowing folks to send “Happiness in a jar, wherever you are.” Each jar includes 2 full size cupcakes and all the toppings packaged in a re-usable half pint glass jar. Treats will be mailed via USPS Priority service or UPS for $9/jar. Kate says the cupcakes are best eaten within  two days of arrival, but will last up to a week in the refrigerator or frozen for several months.

Don’t let the name fool you, Twist also makes cakes, brownies, chocolate covered strawberries and even wedding cakes. Place an order for cupcakes, cakes and other treats via phone, online, email, or stop by their shop.

Twist Cupcakery

25 S St Clair Street
Dayton Ohio 45402

937-771-4099

Fri : 12:00 pm – 5:00pm
Sat: 11:30am – 3:00pm
937-771-4099

Foodtruck Spotlight: Kona Ice

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Molly and Brad Eaton began Kona Ice of Dayton in 2016. We loved the product and the colorful trucks! We love being involved in the community and schools. Kona Ice has allowed us the opportunity to be at as many fun events as we can! This photo was taken when they brought our first Kona Ice truck home in 2015. Their daughters were only 18 months and 4 years old, and Molly says, “like most great adventures in life, we didn’t really know what we were doing, but just started figuring it out as we went along.”

When asked what people should know about Kona, Molly says “We’re mobile. We’re fun. We’re stocked with the most delicious flavors you’ve ever tasted.” Their most popular seller is Blackberry Mojito in a Kona Ice color changing cup!

Need a moment of pure bliss? Kona Ice has you covered. Molly invites you to “come visit us, let our sweet tunes sweep you away to an island in the middle of the ocean. And while you’re there, kick up your feet and enjoy a nice cup of our premium shaved ice.”

A HUGE part of what they’re doing at the moment is making sure that their trucks and updated serving procedures are 100% clean and safe before they head out to events.

Nationally, Kona Ice has even partnered with a company called MicroShield360. They’ve applied their product to every surface in their trucks. It lays down a barrier that kills germs, viruses and more, instantly on contact for an entire year! As they say, we want our customers’ experience to be completely clean and safe.


Look fo a Kona trucks at parties and festivals near you in  2021! To book them for an upcoming event reach out to Molly at [email protected].

Where To Get Deals on Pizza For National Pi Day!

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Sunday, March 14, 2021, is National Pi Day in the United States! The holiday honors the mathematical constant known as pi (π). According to Scientific American, pi is the “ratio of the circumference of any circle to the diameter of that circle.” No matter how big or small the circle is, the ratio will always equal pi.

Technically speaking, the value of pi is 3.141592653589793238 (that’s a lot of numbers!), but when shortened to 3.14, it becomes clear why we celebrate National Pi Day on March 14 every year.

The thing we love most about Pi Day (besides the cool math facts) is that it inspires local and nationwide deals on pizza pies!

  • Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen – Celebrate Pi Day by enjoying the restaurant’s signature menu item, Homemade Chicken Pot Pie, for only $9.99.  Available for dine-in or to go.
  • Junior’s Pizza and Wings & Subs: any and all medium pizzas $12.99 each pickup or dine in
  • Kroger: Through March 16, Kroger will be selling 8-inch bakery-fresh pies for just $3.14 each. You can use this coupon to get a discounted pie at a location near you.
  • Marco’s Pizza: Buy one large pizza and get another for $3.14 on Sunday, March 14, 2021 with promo code “PIDAY.”
  • MacKenzie River Restaurant– Enjoy 20% OFF your subtotal when you order a pizza pie online this Sunday, March 14th (3.14). Just use code PIDAY at checkout.
  • Papa John’s: $12 Large Epic Stuffed Crust Pizza Deal On March 14, 2021
  • Pot Belly Sandwich Shop: Awarding 314 lucky Perks members free Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Potbelly will randomly pick 314 Potbelly Perks loyalty members and drop the freebie in their accounts to use.
  • Rapid Fired Pizza–  Sunday March 14 order online or stop in for your choice of a personal cheese pizza for $3.14, or a build your own with your choice of toppings for only $5.00. It’s that easy. No coupon or calculator required! *Not valid with any other offers. Offer good March 14, 2021. Excludes 14″ pizzas. Gluten free crust and extra cheese available for an additional cost.
    May be an image of pizza and text that says 'HAPPY π DAY! GET PERSONAL CHEESE PIZZA FOR $3.14* OR BUILD YOUR OWN HARGE REXTRA CHEESE AND LUTEN FREE CRUST. EXCLUDES14" PIZZAS. OFFER GOOD 3/14/21 BUILD YOUR OWN OWN'
  • Uno Pizzeria & Grill: Offering $3.14 Individual Thin Crust Cheese Pizza Deal On March 14, 2021

How To Win Hashbrowns For a Year

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Waffle House has  partnered with Heinz to bring you a sweepstakes for your chance to win free hashbrowns for a year* and 10 others can win a $100 Waffle House gift card!

Share a picture that show  how you #HeinzYourHashbrowns by posting to Twitter or Instagram of how you enjoy your Waffle House meal with Heinz Ketchup or other sauces! Be sure to use the hashtag #HeinzYourHashbrowns #Sweepstakes and tag Waffle House and Heinz to qualify.

*Fulfilled in a $1000 Waffle House Gift Card Ends 03/31/21. All participants must be 18+. No purchase necessary. For more information visit this link.

Twitter: @wafflehouse & @heinztweets
Instagram: @wafflehouseofficial & @heinz

Lily’s Oyster Happy Hour Starts Today

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Lily’s in the Oregon District will be offering discounted oyster happy hour from Tuesday through Sunday from 5-7pm until March 21st for dine in only. According to owner Emily Mendenhall, “we had so much fun at this year’s 2-week oyster fest and we’ve been brainstorming what we’d like to do for a revamped happy hour.  We’ll run this for 2 weeks and then evaluate it to see if it’s well received enough to make it a permanent thing.”

They’ll be serving up  oysters on the half shell, oyster shooters, fried oysters, oyster po boys, and Vietnamese baked oysters- “which are a Cochon (a NOLA restaurant owner Emily once worked at) inspired baked oyster in a garlic, lemony compound butter with red pepper flakes,” according to Chef Don Warfe,  who also shared that it was one of the big hits during their Oyster Fest.   There will also be specials on glasses of wine, beer, and cocktails!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oyster lovers are encouraged to arrive early, as they will start each day with a limited quantity to ensure freshness, and when they are gone they are gone.  Warfe shares they will have both east coast oysters, which are generally saltier, a bit bigger, chewier, and have a longer, paisley shape. as well as  west coast oysters that seem to have a  signature cucumber or melon note, they’re mild in salt and tend to be smaller overall.

 

Reservations are suggested, make them by  calling 937-723-7637, walk ins welcome as well.

Lily’s Dayton

329 E 5th St
Dayton, OH 45402

Tuesday- Thursday  5 – 9pm
Friday: 5 – 10pm
Saturday: 10am – 2pm, 5 – 10pm
Sunday: 10am – 2pm, 5 – 9:30pm

Beers Brewed by Women To Celebrate International Women’s Day

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International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day is a worldwide annual event that takes place on March 8th of every year in conjunction with International Women’s Day.

It is an event open to all women working in or interested in beer to learn, network, and make friends—so join in, collaborate, enjoy brewing, enjoy the produce and try and get as many women involved as possible!

According to a Brewers Association benchmarking survey, women make up only about 7.5% of professional brewers. In order to help women advance careers in the craft beer industry, several Ohio breweries have encouraged their employees to participate in women’s brew days.

Here’s a list of beers created and brewed by women in celebration of International Women’s Day in the Miami Valley:

 

Alematic Artisan Ales

6182 Chambersburg Rd, Huber Heights, OH 45424
(937) 813-8901
Alematic hosted their first guest brewer, Andrea from Nocterra Brewing in Powell OH, to create a blueberry pale ale called Blue Ocean Floor. The beer will be available on draft at the Huber Heights taproom on Sunday, March 7.

Branch & Bone Artisan Ales

905 Wayne Ave, Dayton, OH 45410
937.723.7608

For their third annual International Women’s Day brew, the women of Branch & Bone Artisan Ales chose to make a mai tai IPA with lime, cara cara orange, tangerine, almonds and vanilla. Thanks, It Has Pockets Vol. 3 was also dry hopped with the Pink Boots hop blend. Cans are available for pickup and shipping today, with a draft release coming on Friday, March 5.

Carillon Brewing Co.

1000 Carillon BlvdDayton, Ohio  45409

On Monday, March 8 from 11am – 7pm they are holding a Women’s Brew Day where the female  staff of Dayton History take the helm on a batch of our historical Carillon Coriander Ale.  This special Monday opening  is to share the  educational standpoint as the brewery is usually closed on Monday. The public  is invited to come in on Monday, enjoy our ales, and engage with our female staff members and brewing team as they brew this historic Coriander Ale recipe.  The recipe comes from an 1831 publication entitled “Receipts For the Husbandman and Housewife” , essentially a guide on how to properly raise a family, emphasizing the brewing of beer by the housewife as an essential role in maintaining the health and wellbeing of the family.  The female role as the primary brewer that dominated most history waned with the advent of the industrialization of the beer brewing process, but Dayton has boasted several female brewery owners in its past, and that has carried over into present day.

Crooked Handle Brewing

760 N Main St, Springboro, OH 45066
(937) 790-3450

This Springboro brewery will hold a women’s brew day for their staff on Monday, March 8, making a pale ale with the Pink Boots hops blend.

Lucky Star Brewery

219 S 2nd St, Miamisburg, OH 45342
(937) 866-2739

The Mayor of Miamisburg, Michelle Collins will be joining joining as they brew a be brewing a Saison; Ball & Chain that day.

 

N.E.W. Ales

1521 First Avenue Middletown, OH 45044
(937) 823-9716

A women majority-owned brewery, N.E.W. Ales is making a West Coast Style IPA with pineapple, and calling it “Hoptaschick”! The IPA is 7.5% ABV. Born from the idea that women enjoy a mouthful of hoppy bitterness, Hoptaschick delivers just that. Featuring heavy doses of Strata and Topaz hops, then splashed with 11 pounds of pineapple per BBL, you’ll find notes of citrus and pine in perfect balance. To spread the work about women’s brew day, and to give back to the community, they had a local, female artist, Liz Paulson, draw up a design to sell as a sticker, with parts of the proceeds going to the Women’s Hope House in Middletown. They will start selling Hoptaschick when their Biergarten reopens March 26th and then they will be open Fridays 5-10 and Saturdays 4-10.

Roundhouse Depot Brewing

217 W, Chillicothe Ave.,Bellefontaine, OH 433115
540-323-1295
Owner Kathy Troyer brewed Hopped the Tracks, a hoppy brown ale, for release around International Women’s Day. More of Kathy’s small batch brews will be released throughout the month of March.

 

Southern Ohio Brewing

818 Factory Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45434
(937) 705-6690

Their Pink Boots Brew is occurring on Sunday. The Brewery has a strong woman’s presence. With the help of the head brewer, all the women of the brewery have worked on developing the recipe for the brew.

 

Star City Brewing

319 S 2nd St, Miamisburg, OH 45342
(937) 701-7827

In honor of International Women’s Day the ladies of Star City Brewing have made a Spicy Honey Brown Ale which we’re calling “Honey, I’m feeling spicy.”  They are going to tap their beer on Saturday the 13th, because it’s a longer, busier day and $0.50 of every pint sold on the 13th will be donated to the Artemis Domestic Violence Center of downtown Dayton.

Yellow Springs Brewery

305 N Walnut St Ste B, Yellow Springs, OH 45387

(937) 767-0222

They brewed Little Dancer Wheat Ale with Ginger and Blueberries- This complex and refreshing wheat ale was brewed on International Women’s Day by the amazing ladies that work at our brewery. The recipe was designed by one of their brewers, Rebekah Little, who also led the brew day.! They will  be tapping it on International Women’s Day, Monday, March 8th at 3pm in the  taproom. They’re also donating a portion of sales to Pink Boots Society for educational scholarships and programming.

Fish Fry Season Kicks Off in the Miami Valley

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Tonight is the official start of fish fry season in the Miami Valley! More than just a meal – it’s a Friday night tradition, but for the 2nd year in a row the pandemic has put a crimp in this beloved Lenten staple.

In an effort to assist you in getting your fix, we’ve pulled together a guide of some of the best fish fries around town and beyond. Whether you choose to dine-in or carry-out, we hope you find a bit of joy in the observance of the time-tested tradition.

Remember: Be safe. Be kind. Wear your mask. And tip generously.

Grab some fish at these spots tonight:

 

Carry Out Fish Fry

St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church 519 Liscum Dr, Dayton

Fish: Whiting or Tilapia Sides(2) French Fries or Baked Beans or Cole Slaw Dessert: Assorted Cakes Dinners $10, Sandwiches $8…

Antioch Shrine Center Fish Fry

Antioch Shrine Center 107 E. First St, Dayton

$10 per plate and $15 for all you can eat. Desserts are available for a donation and a cash bar will…

$10 – $15
For our full list of upcoming Fry events, please click here.  We will continue to update our list as we hear from organizers, but we have heard that Incarnation is not doing their fry this year. Yankee Trace has done a Friday Fish Fy in the past, but their dining room is getting a remodel and won’t be open until April.

Restaurants Offering Friday Fish Dinners:

THE BISON AND THE BOAR

3377 US 35 E, West Alexandria, OH

All You Can Eat Codfish yet, tomorrow is your chance! Only $16 for All You Can Eat Codfish – comes with fries and your choice of salad!
SLYDER’S FISH FRY: 
836 Watervliet Ave., Dayton
Three pieces of walleye for $7.75. Served with fries and slaw.

GEORGE’S FAMILY RESTAURANT:
5216 N Dixie Dr, Dayton
$9.99 gets you Endless Pollack fish, fries and cole slaw offered year round on Fridays after 4pm.

COMPANY 7 BBQ
1001 S. Main St., Englewood, OH 45322

Friday Lent Specials: 7oz Yuengling Battered Haddock Filet Sandwich w/2 Sides or as an entree w/2 Sides & Corn Bread. Cheddar or American cheese is available for all sandwiches for just .50 cents…..$12.25

 HASTY TASTY PANCAKE HOUSE:
3509 Linden Ave, Dayton
Endless fish fries and cole slaw offered 52 weeks a year on Fridays. What a deal!  The fish is delicious, light, huge pieces cooked with a perfect crunch.  $9

Photo credit: The Big Ragu

 

TEDxDayton 2020 Videos Now Available For Viewing

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The videos of TEDxDayton 2020’s first virtual event are now available to view on YouTube.com.

TEDxDayton 2020 streamed in one-hour segments the evenings of November 10, 12, 17, and 19. The event featured local speakers delivering talks covering topics such as labor trafficking, opioids, hazing, mentorship, and much more. Local performers prepared recorded segments and a new Q&A session was introduced to explore one topic further on each night of the event.

“We are so glad that despite the pandemic we were able to hold the Signature Event in 2020,” shared Ron Rollins, co-chair of the event. “Now with the videos being available to view on YouTube, attendees as well as anyone who missed any of the streamed event will be able to enjoy them.”

In what was a challenging year for the Dayton community, the organizers of TEDxDayton determined that an in-person event would not be prudent and elected to virtually host TEDxDayton 2020 for the first time in its seven-year history. Since 2013, the annual Signature Event has historically taken place in October of each year with a live audience of around 1,000 ticket holders.

Here’s who the 2020 speakers were:


Charlie Campbell
Retired College Professor
Sharing his personal story about downsizing and how to say “good-bye.”

 

Conor Crippen
TBI Survivor (Traumatic Brain Injury)
Speaking alongside his aunt, Conor will share his personal story of releasing the burden of trauma.

Anne Marie Romer
Writer, Aunt
Speaking alongside her nephew, Anne Marie will share her personal story of releasing the burden of trauma.

Daj’za Demmings
Hope Dealer
Sharing her thoughts on the power and importance of intergenerational mentorship.

Ronald L. Fletcher, MD
Former Ohio Health Commissioner
Sharing lessons from the HIV pandemic and thoughts on how those lessons can be used to inform our response to COVID-19.

Subhashini Ganapathy, PhD
Industrial Systems Engineer
Sharing her thoughts on how engineering can be fun.

Jodie Mader
Old School Techie
Sharing how she’s surviving the pandemic as a Luddite.

Joshua Montgomery
Computer Science Professor
Sharing his excitement about teaching with droids.

Elijah Muhammad
Labor Trafficking Survivor
Sharing his personal story of labor trafficking and how we can be more aware of this silent issue.

Timothy Nevius
College Athlete Advocate
Sharing his findings on the exploitation of college athletes.

Jacquelyn Wright Palmer
Educator, Genealogist
Sharing her journey of finding pride in her family’s history of enslavement.

Shomari Payne
Educator
Sharing his personal experience on the inheritance of poverty.

Ann Puckett
Lifelong DIY’er
Sharing her thoughts on why DIY isn’t really about doing it yourself.

Amy M. Riegel
Housing Advocate
Sharing her thoughts on why housing matters and how our zip code defines our life experiences.

Kathleen Wiant
Anti-Hazing Advocate
Sharing her personal experiences on the dangers of hazing.

Christopher Wyatt, PhD
Associate Professor of Neuroscience
Sharing his findings on the connection between opioids and breathing.

 

Videos are available on the TEDx YouTube channel playlist here.

 

Vandalism & Destruction Closes Chicken Head’s

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Store front of The Chicken Spot

In the early hours of Valentines Day 2021, Chicken Head’s, restaurant which is more than symbolically located in the “heart” of the NorthWest Shopping center, suffered damage  (vandalism) to critical equipment forcing the immediately closure of the restaurant.

Owner Anthony Head shared this post on facebook:

“While our streak of making every payroll will remain intact, we will not be able to resume operations open until we replace it and ultimately relocate.

What started out as a “love letter” to our city has become, in just two short years, a destination fried chicken spot in Northwest Dayton.  As one of the few black owned restaurants in the area, we  were just beginning to hit our stride.  Our community collaborations were treating our legion of local fans to creative takes on classics as well as supporting many other small business vendors.  We continued to win fans as recently as last night (2/13/21) while others have sung our praises and given us fuel to keep firing up the peanut oiled filled pressure cooker everyday.

After besting every challenge presented to our operation during these pandemic times, we fell victim to the “only ship that won’t sail.”  While all legal remedies will be pursued, our community goes without what has become a gem in the resurgent west side of Dayton and our employees without work (for the time being).

While our story has been temporarily “paused” we are reaching out to those who have supported us in the past to reopen better, get working folks back to work, and continue to build the next great chicken spot.   The unique flavor profile and experience of our crispy, juicy chicken  relied most on a pressure fryer that retails new for 12,842.50 :(.  We will more than likely be relocating and purchasing new cooling and cooking equipment and had been in talks to start a food truck (sooner than later 🙂

Regardless of the outcome of this campaign, we are so very grateful to have served Dayton some of the “best damned chicken” and plan on doing more in the very near future!”

 

If you’d like to support the Chicken Head’s Restaurant Relief and Rebuild Fund a go-fund me page has been set up.

Dayton Family Creates Yardi Gras House Float

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Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler!
Covid-19 shut down Mardi Gras parades & celebrations in New Orleans – but the city didn’t want to give up the traditional celebration, so the city created Yardi Gras & House Floats!
NOLA’s KREWE OF HOUSE FLOATS encouraged everyone to create house floats – and so THE FREAKSHOW KREWE found a house in Dayton, Ohio to have one!
You’re encouraged to drive by the house at 1326 Ruskin Rd in Dayton and enjoy the view and and find a little bit of New Orleans culture for Mardi Gras.
THE FREAKSHOW KREWE’s House Float – themed “Better Days Ahead” – will be fully lit for the final weekend of Carnival, and into Lundi Gras & Mardi Gras! We will also be playing parade & celebration music!!
There are FREE BEADS for all revelers hanging on the fence (help yourself). Drive by or walk up and enjoy. Take pictures, shoot video – and please remain masked & keep social distancing.

Grist Grand Opening This Friday

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Opening this Friday, at the corner of 5th and Ludlow, Grist Provisions will bring back hand-made pasta, breads and specialty provisions to Dayton.

Casey Van Voorhis and her husband Patrick originally opened at the District Provisions space on Wayne Ave, but they were outgrowing their space, their lease was ending and then Covid-19 happened.  During the pandemic they had a chance to really evaluate what they wanted in their new space and Casey shared with us that her dream was to be on a corner with great big windows where people could watch their pasta and bread creation.  And it just so happened that the ideal space was available.

Photo courtesy Natalie Vella Skilliter.

So after many month of remodeling the former Third Perk location, building a kitchen with a three door oven for baking breads, and lots of prep space, Grist will open it’s doors to the public this Friday, February 12th with a ribbon cutting at 10am.  Filling the display cases will be up to 15 types of pasta, including papparedelle, tagliatelle, raviolli and tajarin, 7 different sauces and freshly baked breads like focaccia, ciabatta, baguettes and sour dough loaves.

You’ll be able to dine in for a sandwich, salad or dessert or pick up a grab and go meal – pasta, sauce and bread for two for about $25. You can even order online for easy pick up.  You’ll find a wall filled with specialty treats, like their  house pickled veggies, amazing condiments and more.  There’s even a wine nook in the new space (liquor license is pending- the state is backlogged and predicts it may take a couple of months to be issued) that will be perfect for food and wine pairings.

They’ll be hosting their  third Cooking Together collaboration with The Ronald McDonald House Chairities of  Dayton on March 20th , where they  guide you through cooking a three course meal. They provide a majority of the ingredients and the recipe packet for you to follow along. .

Also on the future agenda- cooking classes.  Casey explains that providing education and knowledge about cooking is a part of their mission.  Casey and Patrick met years ago at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. They started dating just before their 8 month externships where they flew to opposite ends of the country, Patrick at the Greenbrier in West Virginia, Casey at Bouchon in Yountville, California. They were fortunate to move up the ranks at Michelin starred restaurants like Quince and Acquerello as well as at Jane Bakery. Several years later they had the opportunity to be co-executive chefs together at Spoonbar restaurant in Healdsburg, California, focusing on hand-made pasta and refined but relatable cuisine.

Deciding where to go next, they explored Asheville, NC and other cities, checking  websites to see what was available.  Casey said when they saw how much Dayton had to offer, compared the affordability and the support for the entrepreneurs, it just made sense to make Dayton home.  Growing up in Greenville and being near family was another important factor.  Her mom was working the counter, they are using eggs from the family farm and Casey’s sister helped with the new shop, even painting the mural on the wall.

So they’re back, with the intent to provide provisions for the down to earth home cooks and to give them the tools they need; to be a grist for the mill.

Grist

46 W. 5th Street
Dayton, OH 45402

(239) 293-6135

Hours:
Tuesday through Friday 8 am to 7 pm
Saturday 10 am to 7 pm
Sunday 10 am to 5 pm

Dayton’s First Donut Fest

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Planned2Give, a local event planning business that hosts fundraising events for nonprofits in the Miami Valley, has really struggled, as the pandemic has truly shut down most of their events. But they’ve decided to launch a new event, that can be successfully executed during the pandemic.
Dayton Donut Festival on Tour! is a self-guided tour of the Miami Valley’s  locally owned donut shops, which kicks off this Friday, Feb 12th and runs through Sunday, Feb 21st.   Purchase a coupon booklet for just $25 and you’ll get a coupon that can be redeemed for 3 donuts at each of the 10 stops on the tour, during each shops regular hours (a couple are even open 24 hous), which are noted in the booklet.  According to P2G co-founder Jeff Jackson, “it feels good to create an event that will draw traffic to these small independent shops at a time when business is slower due to the pandemic.”
Participating donut shops include:
  • Ashley’s Pastry Shop – Oakwood
  • Bear Creek Donuts – Miamisburg
  • Bill’s Donut Shop – Centerville
  • Donut Haus – Springboro
  • Donut Palace – Huber Heights & Trotwood
  • Duck Donuts – Dayton
  • Evans Bakery –  Old North Dayton
  • Jim’s Donut Shop – Vandalia
  • Neighborhood Nest- Fairborn
  • Stan The Donut Man- Kettering
Ticket sales benefit Miami Valley Meals, who serve those who are affected by food insecurity, by providing bulk nutritious chef-prepared meals to organizations that feed the hungry. In March of 2020 Miami Valley Meals began work to support a project addressing pandemic needs. Co-founded by Chef Matt DeAngulo, Bill Evans and Amanda DeLotelle, the mission was to employ pandemic furloughed culinary professionals to quickly and efficiently bulk prepare frozen meals from recovered food for distribution through organizations that feed the hungry.  By “serving those who serve the hungry,” we hope to support efforts of existing operations through food, freeing up their resources to focus on their missions and outreach.  This community organization is making such a huge difference in our community, currently serving over 5000 meals each week.