Lisa Grigsby

10?’s with Chef Jacob Rodibaugh

September 20, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Chef Jacob Rodibaugh is the Executive Chef at Bistecca, a Tuscan-style steakhouse in Dayton’s Hotel Ardent. He has more than 25 years of experience leading kitchens and teams to culinary excellence. His notable roles as Executive Chef for Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse and Longboat Key Club solidified his reputation as a master in fine dining, and his time spent consulting for Excellence in Restaurants LLC refined his leadership skills. Now, Chef Jacob brings his wealth of knowledge, creative flair, and dedication to fresh, flavorful cuisine to the Midwest. He is excited to showcase his passion for cooking and inspire the culinary scene in the heart of Dayton.

Raised with a deep connection to the land, Chef Jacob has always been passionate about cooking with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. He integrates this love for quality produce into his professional kitchens and personal life, sharing it with his close-knit family. Chef Jacob graduated with honors from the prestigious Indiana University of Pennsylvania Academy of Culinary Arts.

Crustymcg, Chef and his sous chef, a student in Sinclair’s culinary program.

Most recently he was voted the People’s Choice Winner at Miami Valley Meals DICED event.

Chef Jacob took some time out of the kitchen to answer our Chef’s 10?’s:

What is your favorite ingredient to cook with?

Thyme-this herb can be bold and go with red meat or be subtle and used in fresh fish or seafood

What ingredient do you dread?

Usually it is any hot chilis, it doesn’t matter how you prepare for these, your hands/fingers always burn.

What’s your favorite dish to make?

I would have to say anything wild game

What’s your favorite pig out food?

Wings, something about this simple/comfort food that I just love.

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

Honestly, my family and I do not eat out. My wife always says, “that’s why I married a chef, so we do not have to go out and eat, he brings the restaurant home!”

What’s your best advice for home chefs?

Chef’s delicious potato rosti topped with a blackberry glazed sausage polpette (meatball) and okra-corn relish. Photo courtesy WeDoVids.com

Purchase a correct and comfortable pair of shoes. Your feet and back will thank you later for this.

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

My wife and all 3 of my kids. Because there is nothing better than bringing joy to your loved ones and enjoying my time with them all.

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

Anthony Bourdain-his intelligence and knowledge, the way he writes is like no other, tells it like it is

Wylie Dufresne- his restaurant WD50 was so inventive and nothing like it

Tomas Keller-he has set so many standards in the industry; he is one of the best there ever way and will be.

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

My family and I enjoy being in nature with all the trails, waterfalls, and hiking in the area. Plus, my kids love Kings Island

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

When Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse opened in Sarasota Florida, before we even opened, I had a disaster. I turned all the equipment on for the first time to get everything on and unfortunately, they didn’t put in the correct linkage for the hood system. As soon as everything turned on, I was under the hood when I heard it! The linkage snapped and released all the green chemicals on my head and down my clothes. My corporate chef immediately grabbed me and pulled me into the ally and said “STRIP!” I was confused and asked why, it was all the chemicals all over my skin. So, I ended up stripping down to my birthday suite in the alley behind the restaurant, during lunch hours, man was that ever embarrassing!

Bella Sorella Pizza Opens in Clayton This Weekend

September 12, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Owners Elizabeth & Gail

Tonight the doors open in Clayton for guests to enjoy an authentic, Italian wood fired pizza meal at Bella Sorrella Pizza Co. In Italian Bella Sorella means beautiful sisters and Elizabeth and Gail are indeed just that. The idea for the business came from a wood fired pizza oven Elizabeth and her husband built at their farm 20 years ago. They had friends and family over most weekends and made pizza; everyone raved about it and wanted more. Gail had been a chef in the San Francisco area for over a dozen years, but wanted to move back closer to family. So the mobile pizza truck was created 14 years ago. The business was a success and they added a 2nd truck and became in high demand for weddings and special events.

Elizabeth told us they’d talked about opening a restaurant for so many years and looked at many locations, but having to move from their current kitchen made it a necessity. They “also want to grow Bella Sorella, be a staple in the community, bring jobs and a cozy family place for people to come and have a great pizza or a fantastic salad and side for lunch. It’s so difficult to find a home grown meal in this area (Northmont).”

On Feb 20th they broke ground for the restaurant under the guidance of Ferguson Construction. I had a chance to enjoy the beautiful building, featuring 2 red pizza ovens a warm dining room and great patio. Gail told us she’s “excited to be able to present more than just pizza on the menu”, while Elizabeth shared that “it’s really nice to cook inside and not fight the elements. They’ve cut back on food truck events, but after the restaurant settles in they’ll continue to be out in the community with the mobile ovens.

Here’s a look at the opening menu, and they have a full bar offering, beer, wine and cocktails.

Tonight and tomorrow they’ll be open from 5 -10pm, Saturday from noon – 6pm and then beginning on Monday,Sept15th they’ll begin there permanent hours.

Last we heard they are still in need of the following:
-front of house shift manager, must have experience
-servers; who can work lunch shifts,18 and older with some experience, confidence, and can lead a team.

Please contact Rae if you are interested.

Bella Sorella Pizza

1405 Esther Price Way
Clayton, OH,

(937) 503-3482

Hours staring Sept 15th:|Mon, Wed & Thurs 11am – 9pm
Fri & Sat 11am – 10pm
Sun 11am – 7pm

Deals For National Cheeseburger Day Sept 18th

September 11, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Get ready to sink your teeth into one of America’s most iconic creations—because September 18th is National Cheeseburger Day! From backyard grills to gourmet gastropubs, this juicy classic has earned its place as the king of comfort food. Whether you like it piled high with toppings, smothered in melty cheese, or kept simple and traditional, today is the perfect excuse to indulge.

The cheeseburger’s exact origins are debated, but most food historians credit Lionel Sternberger, a 16-year-old fry cook in Pasadena, California, who supposedly topped a sizzling hamburger with a slice of cheese back in the 1920s. That simple addition transformed a good sandwich into a legendary one. Since then, cheeseburgers have grown into a cultural staple, with countless variations around the world.

Restaurants across the country often celebrate with special deals, making it the ultimate time to try something new—or stick with your tried-and-true favorite. So gather your friends, bring your appetite, and honor the timeless marriage of beef and cheese. After all, nothing brings people together quite like a perfectly cooked cheeseburger. Here are the deals we’ve found:

Applebee’s – This National Cheeseburger Day, enjoy any of 3 Classic Burgers: Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Classic Cheeseburger, or Classic Burger – served with fries for just $8.99!

Buffalo Wild Wings -All Blazin’ Rewards members can snag buy one, get one free burgers all day long.

Burger King – order through the BK app, you can score a free cheeseburger with a purchase of $1 or more.

Dairy Queen is offering fans a free Double Original Cheeseburger Stackburger with any app or online order of $1 or more between September 15 and 19, exclusive to DQ rewards members.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers – Guests with the reward app can snag a free Freddy’s Original Double Steakburger with a $10 minimum purchase between September 18 and 21

McDonald’s is offering a 50-cent Double Cheeseburger on Sept. 18 to celebrate National Cheeseburger Day – offer will be available exclusively through the McDonald’s app

Rally’s – From September 16 to 18, customers can enjoy the signature Big Buford for just $3 at participating locations nationwide, while supplies last.

Red Robin – Get the Big Yummm Burger Deal for $9.99, with a Red’s Double Tavern Burger, bottomless side and bottomless beverage at participating locations.

Smashburger – any single for just $4.99 on September 18 at participating locations.

Sonic Customers can enjoy buy-one-get-one-free Double Smasher burgers when purchasing through the Sonic app.

Wendy’s – Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger for $0.01 (App only, Sept. 18–22)

White Castle- Get one free slider with the promo code SAYCHEESE at checkout online or in-app from Sept. 18 to 21.

Miami Valley Meals Diced Fundraiser Crowns New Champion

September 10, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Last night at the Schuster Center thirteen chefs took on the challenge faced by Miami Valley Meals team on a daily basis, how to create a tasty dish from donated food for over 4000 meals/week.

Each chef got a mystery box of four ingredients a few days before the friendly competition so they’d have time to compose a winning dish. They were asked to prep 300 portions to be tasted by a sold out crowd of over 300 guests for the 4th annual DICED fundraiser. All 4 ingredients most be featured in the dish and they were also given a gift card to the Gem City Market to pick up additional items for their dish.

There were 4 different boxes randomly given to this years competing culinarians:

Box A: breakfast sausage, yukon gold potatoes, okra, blackberry glaze

Blueberry Cafe created a Midwest Tartiflette

Box B: brisket, lentils, turnips, sweet pickles

Box C: tofu, bell peppers, ketchup, farro

Chef Jay Jones dish from the plant based box

Box D; whole turkeys, kohlrabi, corn on the cob, cabbage

Guests at the event visited each Chef’s table and sampled their dish, eventually casting their vote for the people’s choice winner.

A panel of 5 judges also rated each dish based on use of ingredients, creativity, taste and presentation. Judges from left to right: Liz Valenti, Chef/owner Wheat Penny, Rick Schaefer, Chef and former owner of Brock Masterson’s Catering, Keith Taylor, Executive Chef Table 33, Chef Laura Cotton of Miami Valley Meals and Dustin McGillivray, aka crustymcg- digital content creator.

The judges selected Chef James Blythe from Otterbein’s fresh corn tamale, filled with shredded turkey, and wrapped in a fresh corn husk, topped with candied red and green cabbage and cilantro as their top dish, while the people’s choice was Chef Jacob Rodibaugh from Bistecca’s sausage meatball with with blueberry dijon glaze over a potato a potato rösti, served with a charred fresh corn and okra salsa.

Both were presented with a new mystery box of ahi tuna, watermelon radish, pickled ginger and couscous and given 20 minutes to create their final dish.

Here were the final dishes, Chef James on the left -wild mushrooms, watermelon and couscous topped with crushed cashews. Chef Jacob on the right served a veggy couscous with an Ahi tuna salad, pickled watermelon chips with toasted sesame seeds.

And the Diced Champion for 2025 is Chef James Blythe from Otterbein
Senior Life.

Upon being named the winner Chef James shared he “had a great time creating his dishes and was happy to be part of such a great cause.” He was also quick to thank his sous chef Pam Hayes and invites the public to visit the 3 restaurants at Otterbein, the 1912 Dining Room, Great Wave Cafe and outdoor dining at Terrace Place.

Diced finalists and judges

Miami Valley Meals Executive Director and co-founder Amanda DeLotelle was overjoyed with the success of the event, ““Celebrating service during Hunger Action Month with such amazing local culinary talent and community support is what Miami Valley Meals is all about. The awareness and funds raised tonight uplift meals made with love, creating a ripple effect that nourishes and supports our neighbors who need it most. Thank you to the many sponsors, volunteers, guests, donors, partners and my board and team for making the event a success and our work possible”

Last night’s event worked with the Food Bank and are “excited to share that thanks to all of the great volunteers and folks who helped plan and use the composting stations, we were able to divert 365 pounds of compostable items from going to the landfill, says Courtney Curtner, the Garden Lead at the Food Bank.

While they are still calculating the numbers the early estimate is a gross of $70,000, which will allow MVMeals to continue to feed nourishing meals made with love that honor and dignity to the people in our community that need of assistance. That’s currently about 4000/meals a week, distributed by 50 nonprofit partners.

Red Lobster’s New Shrimp Deal Delivers Big Value

September 8, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Red Lobster, great value never comes at the expense of an exceptional dining experience. Ultimate SpendLESS Shrimp is the kind of value that only Red Lobster can deliver with quality seafood you trust and flavors that you love.

“Since stepping into this role, I’ve gotten questions about Endless Shrimp – ‘Is it coming back? ‘What really happened with the promotion?’ ‘How much shrimp is too much shrimp?’ And it’s time we officially turn the tides,” said Damola Adamolekun, Chief Executive Officer of Red Lobster. “We’re starting a new chapter here at Red Lobster, one that’s smarter, more sustainable and still packed with the unbeatable value and delicious flavors our guests have come to expect. Ultimate SpendLESS Shrimp is a celebration and I’m looking forward to our diners enjoying great shrimp dishes this season for a great price. It may not be endless, but you’ll definitely spend less.”

That’s not all guests can expect this fall. As the world’s largest and most-loved seafood restaurant company, Red Lobster is serving up even more reasons to celebrate by officially adding its fan-favorite line up of Seafood Boils to the permanent menu for consistently bold flavors and an unforgettable experiential dining experience.

Additionally, Red Lobster is introducing a limited-time lineup of fall-inspired cocktails perfect for pairing with your favorite dish or enjoying for happy hour this season:

Caramel Dream – Absolut Vodka, butterscotch, caramel and cream, garnished with a sea salt chocolate caramel
Apple Harvest Punch – Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, cranberry, lemon and apple juice, topped with an apple slice and cinnamon stick
Gold Rush – Maker’s Mark Bourbon, honey, and sparkling gold shimmer, garnished with fresh mint

To view the complete menu or find a restaurant location, visit Red Lobster’s website.

Area Red Lobster Locations:

8200 N Springboro Pike
Miamisburg, OH 45342

6500 Miller LN
Dayton, OH 45414

2803 N. Fairfield Road
Beavercreek, OH 45431

7 Oktoberfest Celebrations

September 1, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Oktoberfest, the world-famous German festival best known for its overflowing steins, lively music, and hearty Bavarian fare, is something of a seasonal trickster. Despite its name, the festivities kick off in September! Why? Tradition and weather. The original Oktoberfest began in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration in Munich for Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. Over the years, it evolved into an annual folk festival featuring parades, horse races, and, of course, beer. To take advantage of longer days and milder weather, organizers gradually shifted the start date into late September, ensuring revelers could enjoy outdoor tents and beer gardens without shivering through chilly October nights. So while it ends in early October, most of the merrymaking actually happens in September—a perfect excuse to raise a glass before autumn truly sets in. Prost to a festival that’s as much about community and culture as it is about clinking mugs!

Local Oktoberfest Celebrations:

Sept 5 @ 6:00 pm – 11:59 pm

Sept 6 @ noon – 11:59 pm

Sister Cities of Vandalia Oktoberfest

Vandalia Sports Complex
1101 Stonequarry Road, Vandalia

Sept 5 @ 6:00 pm – 11:59 pm

Sept 6 @ 11:00 am – 11:59 pm

𝗢𝗸𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗼 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

Springboro United Church of Christ
5 West Mill Street, Springboro

Looking for a fun, unforgettable local event this fall? Don’t miss Oktoberfest Springboro—a must-attend celebration at Springboro United Church of Christ, happening Friday and Saturday, September 5–6!

𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙖𝙥:

Classic beer hall favorites

German-style food & live music

Family-friendly attractions and community fun

Festival atmosphere right in the heart of Springboro

This event captures community spirit, great food, and shared experiences. Whether you’re a longtime local or just passing through, Oktoberfest Springboro feels warm, authentic, and full of heart.

Sept 13 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Oktoberfest

Branch & Bone Artisan Ales
905 Wayne Ave, Dayton

Sept 26 @ 11:00 am – 1:30 pm

Lederhosen Lunch @ DAI Oktoberfest

The Dayton Art Institute
456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton

Friday, Sept 26, 7–11 pm

Oktoberfest Preview Party 2025

Dayton Art Institute
456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton

Sept 27 @ 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Sept 28 @ 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm

DAI Oktoberfest

The Dayton Art Institute
456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton

The DAI Oktoberfest features all the things the community has come to love about the festival and some new additions for 2025!

Advance Tickets: $12 adults; $8 seniors (60+) & youth (7-18); $20 Weekend Pass
At the Gate: $15 adults; $10 seniors & youth; $25 Weekend Pass
Children 6 and under admitted free. Keep the party going by purchasing a Weekend Pass! The Weekend Pass allows you access to the festival all day Saturday and all day Sunday! *Preview Party not included in the price of a Weekend Pass.Greater Dayton RTA will also provide free shuttles from downtown Dayton to Oktoberfest on Saturday and Sunday, as well as to Friday’s Lederhosen Lunch.*Oktoberfest is held rain or shine. No refunds. No rain checks.*

October 2025

Oct 3 @ 6:00 pm – 11:59 pm

Oct 4 @ 10am – 11:59 pm

Oct 5 8am – 8pm

Minster Oktoberfest

Minster Oktoberfest
E. 4th St, Minster

The MINSTER OKTOBERFEST was started in 1975 by the JC’s (The Minster Journeyman’s Club) and the Kiwanis (Minster Service Club). It is estimated that over 80,000 people come to Minster during the weekend of Oktoberfest.

This fun filled festival provides delights for all. Come sing and dance to GERMAN MUSIC . Taste the hearty GERMAN FOODS . Watch the wonderful OKTOBERFEST PARADE featuring numerous colorful floats, area marching bands and celebrities. See the many events taking place in the Gazebo and the Spass Platz. Take part in the BEER TRAY RELAY , the OKTOBERFEST 10K RUN , and numerous other games. Visit the large ARTS & CRAFTS area.

Oct 4 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 pm

OKTOBERFISH

Little Fish Brewing Co.
116 Webster Street, Dayton

Join us October 4 for this year’s OKTOBERFISH FESTIVITIES!

With German-inspired food, drinks, games, music, and COSTUMES, this year will be the most fun yet!

Once again, we will have live traditional German folk tunes by Die Musikmeisters of Appalachia from 3:00PM-6:30PM, interlaced with a German-inspired playlist ALL DAY while the band is not playing!

-The Stump Game! The trademarked hammer & nail drinking game. Check out this video for an example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfWKTTlv-j8
-Stein Hoist Competition at 6:00PM! Test your arm strength against your fellow beer enthusiasts! Check out this video for an example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3H1gFD4N_9c

We will have, at a minimum, these lagers & German-style ales:
-Abseil Pilsner
-Dimple Stein Czech Dark Lager
-Karmanfest Malty Amber Festbier
-Ohio Weizen 100% Ohio-Grown Hefeweizen
-PawPaw Weizen German-Style Hefeweizen w/ PawPaw Fruit

FOODS
Both traditional and inspired German fare! Menu by Executive Chef Zach Morgan coming soon- expect to see small snacks, big meals, and HUGE shareables!

GARB
Our staff will be decked out in traditional Oktoberfest costumes, and you should too! While not required, it’s undeniable that costumes always make these events more!

Oct 10 @ 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Oct 11 @ 11:00 am – 9:00 pm

Lebanon Oktoberfest

mulberry street plaza
Lebanon
free to attend

Pumpkin Spice is Back at McDonalds

August 29, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Fall menu items have arrived at McDonald’s with the return of beloved pumpkin-flavored treats that capture the essence of fall.

Beginning August 29, the McCafé® Pumpkin Spice Latte makes its seasonal comeback. This crafted beverage combines freshly brewed espresso with steamed milk, enhanced by warm pumpkin and cinnamon notes that deliver the quintessential taste of autumn. Customers seeking a refreshing alternative can opt for the iced version – perfect for warmer late-summer days.

Complementing the signature latte is the returning Pumpkin & Crème Pie, a delightful handheld dessert that showcases McDonald’s bakery expertise. This unique turnover features a flaky, golden crust with a distinctive dual filling: creamy pumpkin pie on one half and smooth crème on the other, finished with a delicate sugar glaze.

These seasonal offerings create an ideal combination for fall enthusiasts looking to embrace the changing season. Available at participating McDonald’s locations nationwide, both items will be served for a limited time while supplies last.

Yellow Springs Smokehouse To Close

August 28, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

You’ve got until Sept 7th to enjoy the craft BBQ being served up at the Yellow Springs Smokehouse at 1535 Xenia Avenue. Opened in Nov of 2024 the eatery serves up brisket, pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, boiled peanuts and more. Owner Brian Rainey says,”I’ve spread myself way too thin for way too long. Im tired of the stress defining my persona. I just want to love and nurture Sunrise. I just want to like my job again.”

Prior to it’s run as the smokehouse, the location was home to Calypso Grill from March of 2018 to 2024. After a six year run, he put the business for sale, and when it didn’t sell he decided to transform it into the smokehouse with Chef Gavin St. Denis.

Rainey still owns and runs Sunrise Cafe in Yellow Springs, which he took over in 2004 and is open seven days a week from 7:30am – 9pm. He is looking forward to concentrating on just the one eatery, while having more time to spend with his wife and four children.

New Lunch Option Downtown

August 20, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

There’s a new lunch spot downtown. Bistecca, located inside Hotel Ardent is now open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11 am – 1:30 pm.

The lunch menu features items like Smoked Salmon Bruschetta, Tuscan Chicken Salad Croissant, a Tuscan Burger, and flavorful salads and soup. You can take a peek at the menu here.

Bistecca

137 N. Main Street,
Dayton, OH 45402

937.637.0465

Breakfast

Weekday
(Mon-Fri): 6:30am – 10:30am

Brunch
Saturday & Sunday: 7:00am – 1:30pm

Lunch

Monday – Friday: 11:00am – 1:30pm

Negroni Hour

(Mon-Sat): 4:30pm – 6:30pm (bar only)

Dinner

Weekday (Sun-Thurs): 4:30pm – 10:00pm

Weekend (Fri & Sat): 4:30pm – 11:00pm

Noodles & Company Combo Duo Meals starting at $9.95

August 19, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Noodles & Company has launched a duo meal that offers guests a small entrée and a side starting at $9.95. Whether it’s an early lunch, afternoon refuel or evening meal, you can Duo on your own schedule. Choose any small Noodle or Mac bowl with Duo-sized protein + Side for a bundled price.

Small Entree Choices include:

Creamy Cheddar Mac
Rigatoni Roni With Parmesan Chicken
Buttery Parmesan Noodles
Pad Thia
Crispy Bacon Chicken Alfredo
Buffalo Chicken Ranch Mac
Pulled Pork BBQ Mac
Japanese Pan Noodles
Basil Pesto Cavatappi
Spicy Korean Steak Noodles
Spaghetti & Meatballs
Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scamp
Pasta Fresca
Roasted Garlic Cream Tortelloni
Chipotle Chicken Cavatappi
Bulgogi Steak Mac & Cheese

Side Choices Include:

Caesar Salad
Garden Salad
Chicken Noodle Soup
Lemon Parmesan Broccoli
3 Piece Potsticker
Baguetts
3 piece Cheesy Garlic Bread

Noodles & Company

Austin Landing

3400 Rigby Road
Miamisburg, OH 45342

The Greene

11 Greene Blvd
Beavercreek, OH 45432

10:30 AM to 10:00 PM

Graeter’s Ice Cream Releases Final Summer Bonus Flavor!

August 15, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Graeter’s Ice Cream, America’s oldest family-owned and operated craft ice cream maker, wraps up its summer of nostalgic indulgence with the release today of its sixth and final limited-time Bake Shop Bonus Flavor: Caramel Pecan Cheesecake.

Rich, creamy mascarpone ice cream meets buttery praline pecans, gooey caramel truffles, and soft cheesecake pieces for a flavor that’s equal parts crunchy, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth indulgent. Every bite brings the perfect balance of caramel sweetness, nutty crunch, and cheesecake richness.

Caramel Pecan Cheesecake is now available by the scoop and in pints at all Graeter’s scoop shops. Pints are available online for nationwide shipping at Graeters.com.

The Bake Shop Collection is Graeter’s homage to summertime nostalgia and oven-fresh baked goods featuring six flavors – all handcrafted in ultra-small batches using the brand’s signature “French Pot” method. Each limited-time flavor is announced and celebrated across Graeter’s scoop shops, online store, mobile app and social media. Once a flavor is gone, it’s retired for the year, so fans are encouraged to try it while it lasts. Stay tuned to Graeter’s social media channels or join the Graeter’s email list for future flavor announcements.

Wingstop Initiates Weekly “Wingstop Drops”

August 14, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Update: Wingstop is doubling down on flavor with the next Wingstop Drop – and this time, it is all about tenders. Starting today, August 18, through Sunday, August 24, fans can score Wingstop’s newest menu innovation (and more of it) with Buy-One-Get-One free 4-piece tenders*.

That’s 8 tenders – hand sauced-and-tossed in any 12 bold, distinctive flavors to choose from.

From sneaker drops to surprise albums to pop up shops, drop culture runs on hype and heat. And now, Wingstop is getting in on the drop action, bringing that same anticipation and craveability to the world of flavor, launching Wingstop Drop – a series giving fans access to irresistible offers, flavors, merch collabs and limited-run releases that fans are craving.

Each drop is a new reason for our fans to pull up – debuting each week through the start of football season for flavor that only Wingstop can deliver. The first Wingstop Drop? Buy-One-Get-One free chicken sandwiches* now through Sunday, August 17, with Wingstop challenging guests to try all 12 bold flavors on the Wingstop chicken sandwich. Fans won’t want to miss the next drop, and Wingstop promises to bring the heat.

“Wingstop Drop is our way of bringing drop culture into our world of flavor,” said Wingstop’s Chief Revenue Officer, Mark Christenson. “It’s made for the trend setters – the flavor cravers, the culture creators and the fans who know what’s hot and want it first. Summer is almost over, but Wingstop is bringing nothing but heat for the start of football season, starting strong with BOGO chicken sandwiches, and setting the tone for what’s to come: bold, can’t-miss moments.”

Fans can claim their BOGO free chicken sandwich with promo code BOGOSAMMY when they add an a la carte sandwich or sandwich combo on Wingstop.com or the Wingstop app – but only for a limited time.

Saturday Brunch Begins at Meridien Uptown

August 14, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

They did a rehearsal last Saturday, but this Saturday is the official launch for brunch at this Centerville eatery from 11am – 2pm .

Here’s what they’ll be serving:

And of course the bar will be open serving up bloody mary’s, mimosa’s and more.meridien

Meridien Uptown

28 W Franklin St
Centerville, OH 45459

(937) 723-6687

Taco Bell Brings Back Cheesy Street Chalupas

August 14, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Back by overwhelming fan demand, Taco Bell is bringing back the Cheesy Street Chalupas. Following last year’s bold debut as one of the best-selling innovations and this year’s Toasted Cheddar Street Chalupas innovation, the OG Cheesy Street Chalupas are back for fans to bite into and savor. Taking inspiration on distinct interpretations of the taco from the creativity of Hispanic and Latino culinary pioneers, Taco Bell reimagined its iconic Chalupa to deliver an entirely new flavor experience.

Taco Bell brings back one of the most popular innovations of 2024, Cheesy Street Chalupas, for a limited time.

The Cheesy Street Chalupas are street-sized and served as a bundle of two, featuring traditional street taco ingredients — like fresh cilantro and diced onions — paired with your choice of premium protein. Fans can enjoy either slow-roasted chicken or grilled, marinated steak, all topped with a creamy Jalapeño Ranch sauce and wrapped in Quesalupa-inspired shells stuffed with melted mozzarella and pepperjack cheese. Get yours for $5.49* at participating locations nationwide for a limited time, while supplies last.

Chalupas Luxe Box

And for those craving more, order the $9* Luxe Cravings Box which includes two Cheesy Street Chalupas, a Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito, chips and nacho cheese sauce, and a medium fountain drink.

Adult Happy Meals Now at McDonald’s

August 12, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Nostalgic McDonald’s characters are making a comeback with the launch of a new limited-edition adult Happy Meal. For the first time in more than 20 years, Ronald McDonald, Grimace, Birdie, Hamburglar, Mayor McCheese and the Fry Friends are officially taking the trip out of the group chat. Fans are invited to visit the Golden Arches to grab the all new McDonaldland Meal, starting Aug. 12.

The meal features a new, limited-edition Mt. McDonaldland Shake – an ode to one of its major landmarks – that offers a secret concoction as enchanting as the world itself. It’s up to you to discover the surprise flavor. It also comes with your choice of a Quarter Pounder® with Cheese or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets®, fries and a mystery-flavored Mt. McDonaldland Shake, a nod to the fictional universe’s volcano and its blue lava and pink clouds, the announcement noted.

“There’s an entire magical world of McDonaldland filled with characters, places and lore,” Jennifer “JJ” Healan, vice president of brand, content, and culture at McDonald’s USA said in a statement. “We are taking fans on a trip to McDonaldland with an immersive experience that taps into the past to create the future.”

Ronald McDonald, Grimace, Birdie, Hamburglar, Mayor McCheese and the Fry Friends are reuniting for the meal.

The meal will include a new, limited-edition Mt. McDonaldland shake, a choice of a Quarter Pounder with Cheese or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, fries and a collectible souvenir.

Each order will include one of six collectible tins featuring postcards, stickers and more, inspired by the various characters.

As for the limited-edition shake, the release states it was “inspired by the vibrant blue ‘lava’ and pink clouds of Mt. McDonaldland.”

7 Local Cooking Classes

August 11, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Taking a cooking class is more than just learning recipes — it’s an experience that builds confidence, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned home cook, classes offer hands-on guidance from skilled instructors who share tips and techniques you can’t always pick up from a cookbook or video. You’ll expand your palate by trying new ingredients, sharpen your knife skills, and discover time-saving tricks that make cooking more enjoyable. Plus, it’s a fun, social way to meet people, share laughs, and leave with a delicious sense of accomplishment (and maybe even some leftovers). In short, a cooking class feeds both your stomach and your soul.

August 13 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

The Limitless World of Flatbread

Dorothy Lane Market Culinary Center

August 16 or September 14 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Traditional Pierogi Making Adventure

Cheese Studio
3401 Southdale Drive #4,Kettering

Create your own Pierogi’s with custom cheese, potatoes and onions under the guidance of guest Chef Dominika. $35

August 17 & Sept 7 @ 4:00 pm

Fresh Mozzarella Class

Grist 46 W. 5th St, Dayton

$128

August 21 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Buttermaking Food Adventure

Rosebuds Real Food 473 E. Troy Pike C., Covington

August 22 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Hands-On: Steakhouse/Cooking with a Partner

Cooking School at Jungle Jim’s 5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield

August 24 @ 11:00 am

Grist Class: MEATBALLS & POMODORO!

46 W 5th St, Dayton

You’ve asked for the secret to our meatballs—good news, we don’t keep secrets! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to make tender, flavorful meatballs from scratch, just like we do.

Working in teams of four, you’ll prepare a fresh seasonal salad and meatballs simmered in pomodoro sauce. While you cook, the chef will handle the pasta and serve it alongside your meatballs for a complete, comforting meal. To finish, enjoy a classic cannoli for dessert—our treat.

This is a fun, approachable class that’ll leave you with a go-to recipe perfect for any night of the week $128

August 31 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Filled Pasta Class

Grist 46 W. 5th St, Dayton

Lisa Grigsby

Entertainment

October 2025

Schedule of Events

The Greene

Meridien Uptown 28 W Franklin St Centerville, OH 45459

Meridien Uptown

28 W Franklin St
Centerville, OH 45459