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Rock N Green Tomato Festival Set for Sat. July 23rd

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A 14 piece Elvis Tribute band will play a FREE concert

Green Tomatoes, Elvis Impersonators, Cornhole Contests and Food Vendors are just some of the sights to be seen at the Rock n Green Tomato Festival.  Due to park construction, the normally June event will be held on  Saturday, July 23rd this year, in Riverfront Park in Miamisburg, behind Ron’s Pizza.   This will mark the 5th year of this popular, annual celebration.

Get ready Dayton, there is so much in store at this festival we have compiled a list for it.  And the best part, ADMISSION IS FREE !!

 

Green Tomatoes

HERE’S THE SKINNY: 

WHAT: The 5th Annual Rock n Green Tomato Festival

WHEN: Saturday July 23rd, Noon – 11pm

WHERE: Riverfront Park in Downtown Miamisburg, 3 North Miami Ave.

Ron’s Pizza will be selling Green Beer

MUST DO’S:

TIMELINE OF EVENTS:

— 5 K WALK/RUN – 8:30AM  Register online at www.keysports.net

— CORN HOLE TOURNAMENT:  11:30am Check In – $250 First Place Cash Prize – CLICK HERE to sign up

— FOOD AND CRAFT VENDORS:  Fried Green Tomatoes, Green Tomato Salsa, Burgers, BBQ Pork, Ice Cream, Green Tomato Pizza and much more! 

                    IMPORTANT NOTE *** We are still signing up vendors, CLICK HERE to register ***

— KIDS PLAY AREA WITH BOUNCE CASTLE !  Noon – 10pm

— HAMBURGER EATING CONTEST : Time to be determined

$250 First Prize Cornhole Tournament !!

— HULA HOOP CONTEST: Time to be determined

— GREEN TOMATO PIE CONTEST, 5 pm– CLICK HERE to enter your pie here win a big trophy !
Contest judged by lovable food bloggers from FOOD ADVENTURES !
Big Ragu, Hungry Jax, and Chef House will be on site judging!

— LIVE MUSIC FEATURES:

          B-CAGED: Middletown Band singing Classic Rock and Classic Country

          NIGHT MAGIC: Miamisburg band with good harmonies, and a mix of Oldies, Rock & Roll, Pop, Blue Grass & Country.

         

Live Music All Day — FOR FREE !

COMEBACK SPECIAL:  
— Vegas era, 14 piece, Elvis Tribute Band with Ryan Roth as Elvis.
— A dynamic horn section, back up singers (just like his Sweet Inspirations).
— Take a trip back in time and enjoy this taste of nostalgia.  Don’t miss Comeback Special!

The concerts are FREE !  What more could you ask for?  Don’t forget, Ron’s Pizza Patio will be open with Green Beer and a full menu !

Fried Green Tomatoes

Also, special event host and emcee is Jim Bucher, Dayton’s funny TV guy.  Join “Buch” for laughs and fun at the festival!

We are also expecting appearances from ABC 22 / Fox 45 On-Air Personalities.  Look for a Celebrity Dunk Tank as well.

This is definitely a family event and there will be some seating, but concert listeners, you should plan on bringing your own lawn chair for a more comfortable experience.  Mark your calendar now for the one and only, Rock N Green Tomato Festival!

Do you like local area food, restaurants, festivals and fun?  Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.  You can also follow us on Twitter, where we keep the fun conversations going !

There is a Green Tomato Pie Baking Contest – ANYONE can enter !!

LOGO

Green Tomato Pie with Bacon

Walt’s Green Tomato Salsa

Ice Cream

Miamisburgs Favorite

Ron’s Deluxe

103 Year tradition – get a double !

Ron’s Mascot, a friend, Ron Holp, a friend

Coney Dog

Cheers Green Beers

Sticky Buns?

Deluxe Gyros

Friendly Service !

Green Tomato Pizza

Hamburger Eating Contest

In the building

Green Tomato Sliders

Jack from Burger Wagon with burger eating winner

Judging the tomato pie

French Fries

One of the top 3 Pie winners

Deluxe Gyro

Pepperoni and Anchovies from Rons

Face painting

Fried Green Tomatoes

All day live music

Cheese Fries

Mystery Monday – May 23, 2016

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Welcome to Week 17 of Mystery Mondays. The answer to Week 16’s Mystery Photo is: The John Henry Patterson Memorial Monument at Hills & Dales MetroPark. I took this photo on April 10, 2014.

Processed with VSCOcam with c1 preset

John H. Patterson, co-founder of the National Cash Register Company (NCR), donated the land to create Hills & Dales Park and hired world famous landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, the architect responsible for Central Park in New York City to design the park, which opened in 1907. The monument to Patterson was built in 1928, six years after his death. For more information about the history of Hills & Dales MetroPark, visit history.metroparks.org/parks/hills-dales.

We congratulate our randomly drawn winner Tessa of Centerville! Rapid Fired Pizza certificates are coming your way!

We challenge you to tell us where in the Dayton area this photo was taken by filling out the form below.  We’ll do a random drawing from all those with a correct answer and the winner will get 2 pizzas from Rapid Fired Pizza.

Enter here:

http://goo.gl/forms/dyU55fzc48

We’ll post the winner next Monday with details about the photo as well as a new photo to challenge your knowledge of the Dayton area.

Thanks for playing and good luck!

Here’s our Mystery Photo for Week 17:

DMM Mystery Monday-17

Photo by Tom Gilliam of DaytonGram & Tom Gilliam Photography.

Dayton’s Bocce Classic: Respect the Balls

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John Pirelli Lodge President, Jim Balsamo at the Sons of Italy Bocce Courts

One of America’s biggest Bocce Ball tournaments is coming to Dayton, and it is all about respect, capeesh?  Respect the balls, the court, the tradition and a game where anyone can play and be competitive.  The Food Adventures Crew will be a big part of this weekend which also includes a Friday food truck rally and Sunday’s Garlic Fest.

The John Pirelli Lodge/Sons of Italy will be hosting the 2016 Bocce Classic from July 15th – July 17th this year, and they are looking for players!   This annual event draws young and old from many states.  Even players from Canada drive down to attend, and you can participate too ! 

Which one is closer?

Teams of 4 will descend upon the bocce courts behind the Bella Villa Hall and will be rolling balls from morning ’til night.  Some of you may know this site as the same spot of Dayton’s Italian Festival aka the “Fall Festa.”   2015 Bocce Classic Champions, The Doepker Family and Scott Davis look to defend their title, in what promises to be a fun-filled tournament weekend.

Not sure how to play bocce ball?  It is easy to start.  It is a mixture of bowling and shuffleboard.  The object of the game is to roll your four bocce balls as close to the little “pallino” ball as possible, while preventing your opponents from doing the same.  It is that simple.  Many players develop their own strategies and rolling styles.  Want to learn the rules of Bocce ?  Then click here for the Dayton’s  Bocce Classic Rules Page.

 

Brian Andzik is a Bocce Regular

Want to know more about The Bocce Classic, one of the feature Bocce Ball Tournaments in the United States?

HERE IS THE SKINNY: 

WHAT: THE BOCCE CLASSIC, a BOCCE BALL TOURNAMENT

WHERE: 2625 County Line Rd, Dayton, Ohio

WHEN: 3 day tournament starts evening of July 15th, and ends in the Championship Game, Sunday Evening July 17th

HOW: CLICK THIS LINK to SIGNUP YOUR TEAM 

COST: $270 per team, includes a steak dinner Saturday night, beer cups, and discounted drink prices during Sons of Italy’s Food Truck Rally July 15th and Garlic Fest, July 17th.   Sounds like a Food Adventure, so The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax will be there.

Bocce Ball

WHY:  A significant portion of the proceeds go to local scholarships and local charities

They are expecting about 60-70 teams of four to participate in this year’s event.  There is even a BEGINNER BOCCE BASH Friday night hosted by UpDayton, 5pm-9pm.

 

HISTORY OF BOCCE BALL IN DAYTON:

Thirty years ago the Bella Villa Hall had 2 bocce courts.  The floors of the courts were sand and limestone dust.  They would have to bring out a rug and a rope, and drag it up and down to smooth the court between matches.  Now the courts are made from artificial turf.

Then in 1995, the John Pirelli Lodge in Dayton Ohio, decided to host a tournament  to promote the game and their Italian heritage. There were five clay courts and 40 teams.  Orignal Bocce Classic Founders Ed Guerriero, Pat Mosconi and Mike Longo grew the tournament and it is now the unofficial “Ohio State Championship of Bocce”

Now, The Bocce Classic is a 3 day event played with over 60 teams and attended by thousands of spectators. There are now six partially covered bocce courts that even have night lighting.  The Italian lodge looks to keep the feel of the original tournament while introducing bocce ball to more people in the Miami Valley. Pasta, steak dinners, and authentic Italian food help make a great bocce tournament.

 

2016 may be the “Year of the Bocce Ball” in Dayton, with all of this added interest.  But for some, it has been a tradition for decades.  Let’s meet some of Dayton’s bocce legends and purists.

DAYTON’S BOCCE’S “MUST MEETS”

— EDDIE “BOOM BOOM” GUERRIERO:  This mild-mannered fixture at the Sons of Italy love the bocce and food as well.  One of the founding members of the tournament, he is still active in bocce and lodge committees.  We don’t know why he is called “boom boom.”  We will leave that up to your imagination.

Rinaldo Stolfo with Kevin Sorice, Bocce Classic Chairman

— RINALDO STOLFO:  This active 86 year old has played in the bocce league for 10 years and is an avid ping pong player with his partner who, get this… is 94 years old.  He likes bocce because you meet a lot of new friends. Many of you Rinaldo as the former owner of his famous Dayton bakery which he retired last year.

— JIM BALSAMO:  Current President of the lodge and bocce enthusiast who tells us his father got him into the game.  Jim loves bocce ball because anyone can play, “16 years old to 86, male, female, it doesn’t matter.”  Jim also says just because you have experience, sometimes is doesn’t matter.  Games can take twists and turns.  Jim says “One minute you think you’ve got it figured out and the bocce gods look down on you and that’s all she wrote.”  Jim also notes that sometimes you gotta teach the players to add the scores correctly, even the veterans forget.

Bocce Classic Coming July 15- July 17th

— BRIAN ANDZIK:  Bocce League veteran who has not missed one game in 17 years.  He even played a season on crutches.  Now that’s dedication, folks.  Brian has also been a leader on the lodge council.  He got to play on one of the original teams with the legendary DiPasquale brothers.

— TONY CICERO:  From Racine, Wisconsin has played bocce his whole life.  Tony has won bocce classic twice.  He says playing helps, as he grew up with a bocce court in back yard.  It is a game of strategy.   A feel comes naturally, he says.. Tony’s wife plays in the women’s league and was the MVP of her team.

— NICK D’AMICO:  Nick has been helping out with the Special Olympics Bocce Ball for 20 years.  Last year they had 78 athletes

Championship Roll – John Doepker 2015 Bocce Classic Champ

with special needs play bocce ball in the Olympics.  Nick has been playing bocce ball all of his life.  He remembers playing in alleys as a kid on Stone Mill Road.

— THURSDAY is WOMENS LEAGUE at the John Pirelli Lodge – and we will have a full report on them, soon !

So now you know a little more about Dayton area bocce and its tradition.  Come out and watch the Bocce Classic , or enter the tournament.  They would love to have you.

Want to join the Italian Club?  You must have Italian lineage in your family, and the cost is $40 per year.  Club members are eligible to play in a bocce league that costs $40 a year.

 

Measuring for accuracy

All ages love bocce

Throwing the stones

86 year old Rinaldo Stolfo playing Bocce

Mr. D’Alessandro

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Talkin bocce

Bocce Court

Ready to roll

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Susan Sarandon in THE MEDDLER, SING STREET Continues + MADONNA at THE NEON!

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The_Meddler_-_PosterHello Everyone,

If you still need to see CITY OF GOLD, it won’t be at THE NEON much longer. It will only screen for one matinee per day over the weekend. On Friday, we will open a film that many of you will adore – THE MEDDLER – starring Susan Sarandon, Rose Byrne and a great supporting performance by J.K. Simmons. SING STREET is going to stick around for one more week! (If you’ve already seen this gem, please help us spread the word!)

Synopsis for THE MEDDLER: “With a new iPhone, an apartment near the Grove, and a comfortable bank account left to her by her beloved late husband, Marnie Minervini (Susan Sarandon) has happily relocated from New Jersey to LosAngeles to be near her daughter Lori (Rose Byrne), a successful (but still single) screenwriter, and smother her with motherly love. But when the dozens of texts, unexpected visits, and conversations dominated by unsolicited advice force Lori to draw strict personal boundaries, Marnie finds ways to channel her eternal optimism and forceful generosity to change the lives of others – as well as her own – and find a new purpose in life.” (Sony Pictures Classics) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

I can hardly believe it, but the documentary TRUTH OR DARE is now 25 years old! Take a Holiday with Madonna and her entourage as we celebrate the film’s anniversary on the big screen…one of the great concert films of the past 30 years…and an incredibly important film to me when I first saw it at age 17! “This documentary chronicles Madonna’s controversial 1990 ‘Blonde Ambition’ international tour (which ROLLING STONE has recently called “the best concert tour of the 1990’s”). The film is a behind-the-scenes look at Madonna’s relationships with her dancers and crew, her then-boyfriend Warren Beatty, and her family and friends, achieving an intimate glimpse into the boundary-pushing singer’s drive and individuality.” Gene Siskel said it was “One of the best and most entertaining films of the year.” Come dressed as Madonna or wear your favorite Madonna T-shirt for discounts at the Concession Stand! Tickets are now on sale. TRUTH OR DARE will screen this Thursday, May 19 at 7:30 and Saturday, May 21 at 10pm.  Watch the original (“scandalous” albeit censored) trailer from 25 years ago:

“Massie Creek Paddlers and Tomfoolery Outdoors are pleased to announce the Dayton screening of THE REEL PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR. The festival is an international adventure film tour presenting the world’s best paddling films of the year – categories include: whitewater, sea kayaking, canoeing, SUP, action and lifestyle. Audiences will see hairy whitewater action, sea kayakers exploring remote coastlines, northern river canoe expeditions, international river travel films, motivating environmental documentaries, grueling kayak fishing battles and hilarious short films capturing the lighter side of paddling life. Join us on May 25 at 7:30 for the best paddling films of the year.” Tickets are $10 in advance and are only available at this LINK. If tickets remain on the day of the show, they will be $15 each and available at our box office one hour before showtime.

“LUNAFEST, a national festival of women’s films, comes to Dayton for the 7th time Sunday June 5 at 3:00 at THE NEON. The program features six award-winning short films that are international in scope, plus a short film by local filmmaker Aisha Ford. The films examine women’s stories told through the lens of women filmmakers in places ranging from Dayton, Ohio to the Philippines, Cuba and Iran. The diverse, thought-provoking stories for 2016 include challenges facing a woman boxer, a deaf woman dealing with cancer, the effects of drug addiction, raising a transgender child and more. Funds raised by this event will go to the Breast Cancer Fund and to Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region. Tickets are $10.00 ($5.00 for students) and donations over this amount are gratefully accepted. The event is sponsored nationally by Luna and locally by Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance & the Dayton chapter of the American Association of University Women. Tickets can be purchased in advance at THE NEON.” (taken from press notes) To read about each of this year’s films, visit this LINK. And here’s a trailer for Aisha Ford’s film WREN:

https://vimeo.com/149449892

Eric Totel has partnered with Tugg to hopefully bring the film RANGE 15 to town on Wednesday, June 15 at 7:30. As of this posting, they still need to sell 17 tickets in order to make the screening a reality. Here’s a synopsis: “A group of veterans wake up after a night of partying to find out that the zombie apocalypse has spread across the United States. Together, they must fight their way across the country in order to find a cure for the outbreak and restore freedom before it’s too late.” To watch a trailer and/or secure your ticket, visit this screening’s OFFICIAL PAGE. (If not enough tickets are reserved, the screening will not take place and your card will never be charged.)

If you were at THE NEON this weekend, you’ve already seen a sample of the chairs we’re hoping to purchase and install this September. Because we’re not a non-profit, I don’t like to seek or accept donations…but for this big project, we are going to ask for some assistance. (Interestingly, a couple people have approached me over the past year and asked how they might be able to help us financially – this is the way!) This June, I’ll start a campaign to help us raise a bit of extra money in order to make our auditoriums more comfortable for everyone – finally including our guests in wheelchairs. Stay tuned for updates!

Next week, we will bring Whit Stillman’s LOVE & FRIENDSHIP to town. This film is based on the novella LADY SUSAN by Jane Austen, and it is currently rated “100% Fresh” on rottentomatoes.com – a score that almost never happens! We will have a special sneak preview screening of the film on Thursday, May 26.

Thanks for your continued support.

See you soon!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Tuesday, May 17- Thursday, May 26:

KRISHA (R) 1 Hr 23 Min
Tuesday – Thursday (May 17-19): 5:15
FINAL DAY – May 19!

CITY OF GOLD (R) 1 Hr 36 Min
Tuesday & Wednesday (May 17 &18): 3:00, 7:15
Thursday (May 19): 3:00
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (May 20-22): 12:30
FINAL DAY – May 22!

SING STREET (PG-13) 1 Hr 46 Min
Monday – Thursday (May 16-19): 3:10, 5:30, 7:50
Friday (May 20): 2:50, 5:10, 7:20, 9:40
Saturday – Wednesday (May 21-25): 2:50, 5:10, 7:20
Thursday (May 26): 2:50, 5:10

MADONNA: TRUTH OR DARE (R) 2 Hrs
Thursday (May 19): 7:30
Saturday (May 21): 10:00

THE MEDDLER (PG-13) 1 Hr 40 Min
Friday & Saturday (May 20 & 21): 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday (May 22): 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Monday & Tuesday (May 23 & 24): 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Wednesday (May 25): 3:00, 5:15
Thursday (May 26): 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

LOVE & FRIENDSHIP (PG) 1 Hr 32 Min
Thursday (May 26) – Preview Screening – 7:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
May 27 – LOVE & FRIENDSHIP
TBD – A BIGGER SPLASH
June 10 – MAGGIE’S PLAN
June 17 – DARK HORSE
TBD – HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE
TBD – SWISS ARMY MAN
TBD – CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
July 22 – ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS
July 29 – CAFE SOCIETY

Here Comes Big Brews and Blues!

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Drink up and help Dayton Diabetes

Big Brews and Blues for Diabetes, is back!  2016 marks the  7th annual fundraiser, and it is going to be bigger and better than ever.  The event features incredible blues music, and dozens of beers to taste.    Dayton Most Metro will host one of the booths and will be pouring beers into the night…  Food Adventures is proud to again be participating in the event.

Chef House, The Big Ragu and Hungry Jax love this event because 100% of the proceeds go to Dayton Diabetes.  This is the blues and beer festival you want to support, because of where the money goes and because it is for a great cause.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

—WHEN: Big Brews and Blues is Saturday May 21st from 5-9 PM with a VIP hour from 4-5pm

 

—WHERE: Five Rivers MetroPark’s RiverScape Pavillion

Funky Blues, with a Horn Section

— WHY: To raise money for Dayton Diabetes while having a great time.

— COST: $35 presale

      $40 at the door for regular admission

      $50 for VIP admission, which gets you in one hour earlier, plus some additional tasting tickets.

Tickets are available on-line at www.bigbrewsandblues.com

 

THE BLUES:

4p-6pm  Jimmy D. Rogers

6:15p-7:15p  Micah Kesselring

7:45p-9p  Shake n’ The New Senders

And emceed by Earl “Southside’ Hayes

 

 

THE BREWS:

— ALL BEERS ARE DRAUGHT BEERS

— ALL BEERS ARE AMERICAN CRAFT BEERS

— ALL OF THE LOCAL BREWERIES WILL BE REPRESENTED !

Rain or Shine – we will be pouring !

— There will be multiple CASK BEERS and LIMITED RELEASE BEERS

 

MUST EATS:

— BOSTON’S BISTRO and PUB: We have never had anything here we didnt like…

— BOURBON STREET GRILL: Get the Bourbon Chicken

— HEART’S HOT DOGS:  The Chicago Style Hot Dog and The Steak Burger

— PITA POCKETS:  Get the Gyro !

— THE ORIGINAL PIZZA FACTORY:   Whether you get the Pepperoni or the Deluxe, you will have a nice thick slice on your hands.

Saturday’s Big Brews and Blues not enough for you??

Then get your thirsty mug to these related events for

American Craft Beer Week in Dayton (We love Craft Beer)

Tuesday, May 17th: It’s Taco Tuesday at Pour Haus.  Starts at 5 pm.

Wednesday, May 18th: The American IPA Showcase at The Barrel House.  Starts at 5 pm.

Thursday, May 19th: Ohio Beer Spotlight at Dayton Beer Company featuring MadTree, FatHeads, Jackie O’s, Dayton Beer Company, and others. Starts at 5 pm.

Friday, May 20th: Big Brews and Blues Pre-party at Boston’s Bistro & Pub, featuring Hungarian food. Starts at 6:00pm.

 

Brew it up with Food Adventures each and every day by “liking” us on Facebook by clicking here.  No rules, no food critics, just serious eats and original photos!  We leave no plate unturned!

Chef House serving up a thirsty customer

The Big Ragu Welcomes you to Fantasy Island

Chef House and the Big Ragu

The Goose is loose !

wasssup

Sold out of beer !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is like the Olympiad, but for ,music and beer

We have been goin for years !

He’s got those blues !

Dogs, diabetes, Dayton

BBQ

Thank you Dave Boston !

cincy brew

MostMetro #1 –

Whippet good

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So Good

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pins and Beers

Try em all

this guy was loving life

Blues Live

Clowns allowed

Matt Harris – and friend

Mystery Monday – May 16, 2016

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Welcome to Week 16 of Mystery Mondays. The answer to Week 15’s Mystery Photo is: The grotto on the Dayton V.A. (Veterans Affairs) Medical Center campus. I took this photo on May 5, 2016.

DMM Mystery Monday-15

The grotto was built in 1867-1868 when it was known as the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers and later the Dayton Soldiers Home. Signed into legislation by President Abraham Lincoln on March 3, 1865, the home was established in 1867.

Tours of the grotto will be available during the American Veterans Heritage Center’s 12th Annual Patriot Freedom Festival this Memorial Day weekend on Saturday & Sunday, May 28-29, 2016 from 11 AM to 6 PM on both days. This year’s festival theme is Honoring Women in the Military. The event is family friendly including free admission and free parking with food trucks, craft vendors, free live music & entertainment! Festival activities include: honoring ceremonies, historical military reenactors, guided historical tours, children’s activities, barrel train, kid’s corner, gardening, equestrian team, Miami Valley Military History Museum and more.


We congratulate our randomly drawn winner Charles Dickerson of Kettering! Rapid Fired Pizza certificates are coming your way!

We challenge you to tell us where in the Dayton area this photo was taken by filling out the form below.  We’ll do a random drawing from all those with a correct answer and the winner will get 2 pizzas from Rapid Fired Pizza.

Enter here:

http://goo.gl/forms/dyU55fzc48

We’ll post the winner next Monday with details about the photo as well as a new photo to challenge your knowledge of the Dayton area.

Thanks for playing and good luck!

Here’s our Mystery Photo for Week 16:

Processed with VSCOcam with c1 preset

Photo by Tom Gilliam of DaytonGram & Tom Gilliam Photography.

2 New Gems – CITY OF GOLD & KRISHA – Open Friday + Madonna’s TRUTH OR DARE Turns 25!

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getmovieposter_city_of_goldHello Everyone,

I just got back from a short, revitalizing vacation, and we’re ready to tackle the next several weeks (which are currently overbooked). If you still need to see MILES AHEAD or A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING, you only have until Thursday to see them at THE NEON. Though audiences are loving SING STREET, I’m sad to say that it didn’t perform nearly as well as I had hoped. Though it will stick around, it won’t be here for long. On Friday, we will open 2 films that will likely only play for one week. First is a film that foodies and doc lovers will devour – CITY OF GOLD. Second is a film that won big awards at SXSW last year (and also played as part of the FilmDayton Festival – one of the best reviewed films of the year) – KRISHA.

Synopsis for CITY OF GOLD: “In this richly penetrating documentary odyssey, Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic Jonathan Gold shows us a Los Angeles where ethnic cooking is a kaleidoscopic portal to the mysteries of an unwieldy city and the soul of America. Combing through colorful neighborhoods in his green pickup truck, Gold is sniffing out his next strip-mall discovery-whether Oaxacan grasshopper soup, hand-cut tonkotsu ramen, or a particularly unctuous pad see ew. As piping-hot platters are served up, so are stories of immigrants whose secret family recipes are like sacred offerings pledged for the opportunity to build their American Dream. With eternal curiosity, razor-sharp intellect, and existential longing, Gold is a culinary geographer taking us where no critic has gone before.” Click this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

Synopsis for KRISHA: One of the best reviewed films of the year and a big winner from last year’s SXSW Film Festival! ONE WEEK ONLY! “When Krisha shows up at her sister’s Texas home on Thanksgiving morning, her close and extended family greet her with a mixture of warmth and wariness. Almost immediately, a palpable unease permeates the air, one which only grows in force as Krisha gets to work cooking the turkey and trying to make up for lost time by catching up with her various relatives, chief among them her nephew, Trey. As Krisha’s attempts at reconciliation become increasingly rebuffed, tension and suspicion reach their peak, with long-buried secrets and deep-seated resentments coming to the fore as everyone becomes immersed in an emotionally charged familial reckoning.” Click this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

It’s almost time for our Madonna celebration. I can hardly believe it, but the documentary MADONNA: TRUTH OR DARE is now 25 years old! Take a Holiday with Madonna and her entourage as we celebrate the film’s anniversary on the big screen…one of the great concert films of the past 30 years…and an incredibly important film to me when I first saw it at age 17! “This documentary chronicles Madonna’s controversial 1990 ‘Blonde Ambition’ international tour (which ROLLING STONE has recently called “the best concert tour of the 1990’s”). The film is a behind-the-scenes look at Madonna’s relationships with her dancers and crew, her then-boyfriend Warren Beatty, and her family and friends, achieving an intimate glimpse into the boundary-pushing singer’s drive and individuality.” Gene Siskel said it was “One of the best and most entertaining films of the year.” Come dressed as Madonna or wear your favorite Madonna T-shirt for discounts at the Concession Stand! Tickets are now on sale. TRUTH OR DARE will screen Thursday, May 19 at 7:30 and Saturday, May 21 at 10pm.

“Massie Creek Paddlers and Tomfoolery Outdoors are pleased to announce the Dayton screening of THE REEL PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR. The festival is an international adventure film tour presenting the world’s best paddling films of the year – categories include: whitewater, sea kayaking, canoeing, SUP, action and lifestyle. Audiences will see hairy whitewater action, sea kayakers exploring remote coastlines, northern river canoe expeditions, international river travel films, motivating environmental documentaries, grueling kayak fishing battles and hilarious short films capturing the lighter side of paddling life. Join us on May 25 at 7:30 for the best paddling films of the year.” Tickets are $10 in advance and are only available at this LINK. If tickets remain on the day of the show, they will be $15 each and available at our box office one hour before showtime.

“LUNAFEST, a national festival of women’s films, comes to Dayton for the 7th time Sunday June 5 at 3:00 at THE NEON. The program features six award-winning short films that are international in scope, plus a short film by local filmmaker Aisha Ford. The films examine women’s stories told through the lens of women filmmakers in places ranging from Dayton, Ohio to the Philippines, Cuba and Iran. The diverse, thought-provoking stories for 2016 include challenges facing a woman boxer, a deaf woman dealing with cancer, the effects of drug addiction, raising a transgender child and more. Funds raised by this event will go to the Breast Cancer Fund and to Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region. Tickets are $10.00 ($5.00 for students) and donations over this amount are gratefully accepted. The event is sponsored nationally by Luna and locally by Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance & the Dayton chapter of the American Association of University Women. Tickets can be purchased in advance at THE NEON.” (taken from press notes) To read about each of this year’s films, visit this LINK. A trailer for Aisha Ford’s film WREN can be viewed below.

https://vimeo.com/149449892

Eric Totel has partnered with Tugg to hopefully bring the film RANGE 15 to town on Wednesday, June 15 at 7:30. As of this email, they still need to sell 22 tickets in order to make the screening a reality. Here’s a synopsis: “A group of veterans wake up after a night of partying to find out that the zombie apocalypse has spread across the United States. Together, they must fight their way across the country in order to find a cure for the outbreak and restore freedom before it’s too late.” To watch a trailer and/or secure your ticket, visit this screening’s OFFICIAL PAGE. (If not enough tickets are reserved, the screening will not take place and your card will never be charged.)

Next week, we plan to bring Susan Sarandon’s new film THE MEDDLER to town – a film that Rex Reed called “Charming, Insightful and Funny.”

Thanks for your continued support.

See you soon!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Tuesday, May 10- Thursday, May 19:

MILES AHEAD (R) 1 Hr 40 Min
Tuesday – Thursday (May 10-12): 5:10
FINAL DAY – May 12!

A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING (R) 1 Hr 37 Min
Tuesday (May 10): 2:50
Wednesday (May 11): 2:50, 7:30
Thursday (May 12): 2:50
FINAL DAY – May 12!

SING STREET (PG-13) 1 Hr 46 Min
Tuesday – Thursday (May 10-12): 3:10, 5:30, 7:50
Friday & Saturday (May 13 & 14): 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday (May 15): 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Monday – Thursday (May 16-19): 3:10, 5:30, 7:50

CITY OF GOLD (R) 1 Hr 36 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (May 13-15): 12:50, 3:00, 7:15
Monday – Wednesday (May 16-18): 3:00, 7:15
Thursday (May 19): 3:00

KRISHA (R) 1 Hr 23 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (May 13-15): 5:15, 9:30
Monday – Thursday (May 16-19): 5:15

MADONNA: TRUTH OR DARE (R) 2 Hrs
Thursday (May 19): 7:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
May 20 – THE MEDDLER
May 27 – LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP
TBD – A BIGGER SPLASH
TBD – THE CONGRESSMAN
June 10 – MAGGIE’S PLAN
June 17 – DARK HORSE
TBD – HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE
TBD – SWISS ARMY MAN
TBD – CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
July 22 – ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS
July 29 – CAFE SOCIETY

Mystery Monday – May 9, 2016

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Welcome to Week 15 of Mystery Mondays. Many of you guessed this was at The Masonic Center, but the answer to Week 14’s Mystery Photo is: The library inside the Engineers Club of Dayton on Monument Avenue across from RiverScape MetroPark in Downtown Dayton. I took this photo on November 16, 2015.

DMM Mystery Monday-14

The Engineers Club of Dayton was founded in 1914 by Colonel Edward A. Deeds and Charles F. Kettering. The club’s current building was dedicated on February 2, 1918 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

We congratulate our randomly drawn winner Muthanna of Fairborn! Rapid Fired Pizza certificates are coming your way!

We challenge you to tell us where in the Dayton area this photo was taken by filling out the form below.  We’ll do a random drawing from all those with a correct answer and the winner will get 2 pizzas from Rapid Fired Pizza.

Enter here:

http://goo.gl/forms/dyU55fzc48

We’ll post the winner next Monday with details about the photo as well as a new photo to challenge your knowledge of the Dayton area.

Thanks for playing and good luck!

Here’s our Mystery Photo for Week 15:

DMM Mystery Monday-15

Photo by Tom Gilliam of DaytonGram & Tom Gilliam Photography.

Won’t You Be Our Neighbor? … Again?

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Downtown Housing Tour takes place 1-5 p.m. Saturday, May 7.

Downtown Housing Tour takes place 1-5 p.m. Saturday, May 7.

It’s the start of the downtown event season! This week includes the kickoff for The Square Is Where as well as First Friday and the first in the DP&L Summer in the City signature series. In preparation for the May 7 Downtown Housing Tour, the Downtown Dayton Partnership is pleased to present two more resident profiles. The “typical” downtown resident is anything but — with ages spanning from young professionals to families to empty nesters, people are turning to downtown living not as a rite of passage but as a lifestyle choice. Residents choose urban living for its density and proximity of amenities, entertainment, and vibrant scene. Here are the profiles of two types of downtown residents, one at the beginning of his career, and a couple heading into their golden years. One rents an apartment in the bustling Oregon District, and the other is one of the first buyers of the new Monument Walk high-end townhomes nestled next to downtown’s performing arts district. You can see both locations on the free housing tour on May 7. Download the map and brochure online, or pick up a copy at participating tour locations and downtown businesses.

“There Comes a Time,” by Burt (and Alice) Saidel

Alice and I are Daytonians. We love Dayton and have made a great life raising our children, contributing professionally and civically, and relishing the rich arts life that surrounds us.

Burt and Alice SaidelI am a Dayton native. I left after graduating Fairview High School to attend Haverford College, graduate school at Western Reserve University, and military service in the Air Force in Turkey and Italy. I returned to practice dentistry for 50 years, much of that as a partner with my father, Dr. Jack Saidel. That was always my intention and I have fulfilled it happily.

Along the way, I met my beautiful wife as a Smith College co-ed and convinced her to marry me. We did just that in Athens, Greece. After Turkey, we spent an idyllic year in northern Italy. These experiences have carried us since those halcyon days.

We designed and built our home on Nottingham Road in Oakwood. It is, to us and to many, a truly beautiful creation. We embodied much of the architectural beauty we loved in Europe and our French country-style home has been an inspiration to us.

MonumentWalk_Elevation_RevNow, we have entered the age when down-sizing is becoming a cogent decision. Both of us have dealt with the concept of a smaller residence. We realized that Dayton’s arts are the center of our life’s activities. This made downtown Dayton a major choice for us. Our move downtown puts us at the epicenter of the arts, music, dining and friends.

We had requirements to match our new lifestyle. I am a major woodworker contributing many works of my art as donations to synagogues, churches, schools, symphony orchestras. I need a workroom, a wood shop.

Monument Walk sitting roomWe also need space for our relatives and children. We regularly fill our big home with their presence for family events. We also host many artists performing here for the opera, Vanguard concerts, etc.  We knew a two- or even three-bedroom apartment would be too confining. Many visits to condominium-type dwellings yielded nothing that came close to our needs. We came upon an interesting concept, vertical rather than horizontal, that was advanced by Charles Simms in his design for Monument Walk.

The multi-floor aspect made a workroom, adjacent to the garage, an answer to the work space. Some rooms are possibly multi-purpose for visiting sleep-over guests. An elevator, planning for our inevitable infirmities of age, answered another forecasted need.

Monument Walk kitchenWe know the Simms family well. Charlie, as the younger member, and his father Charles are experienced builders and good friends. And we know with Ann Simms looking over their shoulders, everything will be perfect.

Many of our friends now living downtown have rushed to greet and pre-welcome us. All are enthusiastic about the joys of central urban living. More amenities are needed and will be coming downtown. More fine dining options are a definite addition.

We hope we both live longer, love-filled and healthy lives in the core of our beloved city. Come and see us — but not for a while yet!

 

 

 

Making the Most of Live-Work-Play: Jon White

Jon WhiteCincinnati native Jon White wasn’t happy stuck behind the wheel of his car. When the 31-year-old landed a job in Dayton, he initially tried to commute from his new job in Dayton back to his home in Cincinnati. But spending hours on the road took its toll on Jon, and he decided to find a new home that offered more freedom and flexibility. “I didn’t feel healthy commuting like that every day. I wanted to live close to work and close to entertainment,” Jon said. The location at Dayton Towers apartment complex Access to entertainmentchecked off Jon’s requirements for proximity for 9-to-5 and 5-to-9 activities. “I bike to work just about every day,” he said. “and I still have easy access to the highway if I need to travel somewhere, and it’s a quick trip to access the bike trails for recreation.”

Jon said he doesn’t miss yard work and home maintenance his Cincinnati residence required. The city planner for the City of Dayton also enjoys a more sustainable, eco-friendly way of life. “I have about a mile-radius carbon footprint,” Jon said. “I bike to work, I walk to bars and restaurants, my grocery store is just a mile away; you could live downtown without owning a car. I’ll go for a while without getting in my car. I fill my gas tank maybe once a month. It’s a simpler lifestyle for sure.”

Jon said one of the initial surprises he experienced upon his move to Dayton Towers and the downtown environment was the volume and diversity of people he met, both in his own apartment complex and his new downtown neighborhood. “It’s a change of pace if you’re used to a suburban environment where you drive everywhere, pull into your garage, and call it a night,” he said. “Here where the IMG_0739-HDRpopulation is more dense, you’ll see more people, and when you walk or bike instead of drive, you have more interactions.” Within his own apartment building, Jon said he has met a wide range of ages and backgrounds of people who choose the convenience and excitement of downtown living. “There are families with kids, senior citizens, University of Dayton and Sinclair College students, young professionals like myself — people from all walks of life live here,” he said. “There’s a real sense of community.”

Link bikes provide transportationMingling with other Dayton Towers residents is how Jon met his group of friends, who enjoy Dayton Towers’ proximity to Oregon District businesses as well as theaters, art galleries, recreational activities, and other amenities within easy walking or leisurely bike riding distance. Of course hanging out on the patio or balconies is a popular choice with the amazing city views. Regardless of how he now spends his additional free time as a downtown resident, Jon said he’s happy with his choice to ditch the commute and dive into the live-work-play environment his downtown address provides. “It’s a lifestyle I prefer to have.”

Audiences & Critics Love SING STREET – Opening Friday at THE NEON!

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-132434-poster-xlarge-resizedHello Everyone,

We had a really nice weekend at THE NEON. Folks in the packed house on Saturday night really loved the screening of PURPLE RAIN…so we’re bringing it back one more time this Saturday at 10pm (last week’s screening sold out, and numerous people were disappointed not to get tickets). In addition to holding both MILES AHEAD and A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING, we’re opening a brand new film that is currently rated “97% Fresh” on rottentomatoes – SING STREET. This charming, uplifting and funny film is a complete gem, and it’s from John Carney – director of ONCE.

Synopsis for SING STREET: “In 1980s Dublin, 14-year-old Conor is looking for a break from a home strained by his parents’ relationship and money troubles, while trying to adjust to his new inner-city public school where the kids are rough and the teachers are rougher. He finds a glimmer of hope in the mysterious, uber-cool and beautiful Raphina, and with the aim of winning her heart he invites her to star in his band’s music videos. There’s only one problem: he’s not part of a band…yet. She agrees, and now Conor must deliver what he’s promised – calling himself ‘Cosmo’ and immersing himself in the vibrant rock music trends of the decade, he forms a band with a few lads, and the group pours their heart into writing lyrics and shooting videos.” Click this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_YqJ_aimkM

Don’t forget about this Thursday, May 5th’s special screening! Stivers School for the Arts is coming back to THE NEON with a new edition of student work – THE SHOWCASE. “This eclectic compilation of short films includes comedies, documentaries, animations, music videos, as well as experimental work. Some of these films have won national and regional awards. Following the show we’ll have a Q & A with the student filmmakers. All proceeds go towards updating equipment in the film and animation studio. Tickets will be $5.00 during the pre-sale and $7.00 day of the screening. Tickets are now available at THE NEON’s box office. Our students thank you for your continued support!” (taken from press notes)

“The Dayton International Peace Museum invites you to save Sunday, May 8, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. for HIP-HOPERATION. In conjunction with our ‘Invent Peace’ theme, this funny documentary follows the Journey of Seniors from New Zealand as they not only learn to dance Hip Hop, but attend a World Hip Hop Dance Championship in Las Vegas. Enjoy their delight in discovering a new world. Suggested Donation: $10 (includes popcorn!) More info at: daytonpeacemuseum.org or call Jerry at 937-999-7314.” (If you liked YOUNG AT HEART – the documentary about seniors singing rock songs – you’ll love this film.) Check out the trailer by clicking this LINK.

Mark your calendars! I can hardly believe it, but the documentary TRUTH OR DARE is now 25 years old! Take a Holiday with Madonna and her entourage as we celebrate the film’s anniversary on the big screen…one of the great concert films of the past 30 years…and an incredibly important film to me when I first saw it at age 17! “This documentary chronicles Madonna’s controversial 1990 ‘Blonde Ambition’ international tour (which ROLLING STONE has recently called “the best concert tour of the 1990’s”). The film is a behind-the-scenes look at Madonna’s relationships with her dancers and crew, her then-boyfriend Warren Beatty, and her family and friends, achieving an intimate glimpse into the boundary-pushing singer’s drive and individuality.” Gene Siskel said it was “One of the best and most entertaining films of the year.” Come dressed as Madonna or wear your favorite Madonna T-shirt for discounts at the Concession Stand! Tickets are now on sale. TRUTH OR DARE will screen Thursday, May 19 at 7:30 and Saturday, May 21 at 10pm.

“Massie Creek Paddlers and Tomfoolery Outdoors are pleased to announce the Dayton screening of THE REEL PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR. The festival is an international adventure film tour presenting the world’s best paddling films of the year – categories include: whitewater, sea kayaking, canoeing, SUP, action and lifestyle. Audiences will see hairy whitewater action, sea kayakers exploring remote coastlines, northern river canoe expeditions, international river travel films, motivating environmental documentaries, grueling kayak fishing battles and hilarious short films capturing the lighter side of paddling life. Join us on May 25 at 7:30 for the best paddling films of the year.” Tickets are $10 in advance and are only available at this LINK. If tickets remain on the day of the show, they will be $15 each and available at our box office one hour before showtime.

“LUNAFEST, a national festival of women’s films, comes to Dayton for the 7th time Sunday June 5 at 3:00 at THE NEON. The program features six award-winning short films that are international in scope, plus a short film by local filmmaker Aisha Ford. The films examine women’s stories told through the lens of women filmmakers in places ranging from Dayton, Ohio to the Philippines, Cuba and Iran. The diverse, thought-provoking stories for 2016 include challenges facing a woman boxer, a deaf woman dealing with cancer, the effects of drug addiction, raising a transgender child and more. Funds raised by this event will go to the Breast Cancer Fund and to Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region. Tickets are $10.00 ($5.00 for students) and donations over this amount are gratefully accepted. The event is sponsored nationally by Luna and locally by Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance & the Dayton chapter of the American Association of University Women. Tickets can be purchased in advance at THE NEON.” (taken from press notes) To read about each of this year’s films, visit this LINK. A trailer for Aisha Ford’s film WREN can be viewed at this LINK.

Next week, we plan to bring a film that will absolutely delight foodies – CITY OF GOLD. If we have room, we’ll also open the big SXSW winner KRISHA.

Thanks for your continued support.

See you soon!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Tuesday, May 3- Thursday, May 12:

MILES AHEAD (R) 1 Hr 40 Min
Tuesday & Wednesday (May 3 & 4): 3:00, 5:10, 7:30
Thursday (May 5): 3:00, 5:10
Friday (May 6): 12:20, 5:00, 9:30
Saturday (May 7): 12:20, 5:00
Sunday (May 8): 12:20, 5:15
Monday – Thursday (May 9-12): 5:10

A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING (R) 1 Hr 37 Min
Tuesday-Thursday (May 3-5): 3:10, 5:20, 7:40
Friday & Saturday (May 6 & 7): 2:45, 7:15
Sunday (May 8): 7:30
Monday (May 9): 2:50, 7:30
Tuesday (May 10): 2:50
Wednesday (May 11): 2:50, 7:30
Thursday (May 12): 2:50

STIVERS FILM & ANIMATION – THE SHOWCASE (NR)
Thursday (May 5): 7:30

SING STREET (PG-13) 1 Hr 46 Min
Friday & Saturday (May 6 & 7): 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday (May 8): 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Monday – Thursday (May 9-12): 3:10, 5:30, 7:50

PURPLE RAIN (R) 1 Hr 51 Min
Saturday (May 7): 10:00pm

HIP HOP-ERATION (NR) 1 Hr 33 Min
Sunday (May 8): 3:00

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
May 13 – CITY OF GOLD
May 13 – KRISHA
May 20 – THE MEDDLER
May 27 – LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP
TBD – A BIGGER SPLASH
TBD – THE CONGRESSMAN
June 10 – MAGGIE’S PLAN
June 17 – DARK HORSE
TBD – HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE
TBD – SWISS ARMY MAN
TBD – CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
July 22 – ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS
July 29 – CAFE SOCIETY

Help us Pick a Fight with Cancer!

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Even pacifists agree that cancer needs its butt kicked. More and more people realize how cancer affects family members, friends, co-workers etc. It’s hard to find someone that cancer hasn’t touched in one way or another. So we are asking you to help us Pick a Fight with Cancer.

This Thursday, May 5th at the Engineers Club of Dayton, Mike Nichols will be hosting the Pick a Fight with Cancer Wine tasting from 6 – 9 pm. 1695573135-wine-tasting

This great event is to celebrate those who have survived cancer, those angels cheering on from heaven and to support the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.

Mike Nichols states: “Wine tasting event honoring the FIGHTERS. What better venue to lead the charge to support blood cancer research than the historic Engineers Club of Dayton. This historic venue was founded by innovators such as Edward Deeds and Charles Kettering whose inventions changed our world. We ask you to join us for an evening of hope to help render this disease powerless.  With every sunrise there is hope and a world of possibilities.”

Along with food and delicious wines to sample, craft beer will also join the party. Giveaways and auction items will attend as well to help round out this wonderful soirée. Dr. James Budde from the Rahn Dental Group has provided a zoom whitening gift for one of our attendees. Square One Salon has graciously donated an Aveda Gift basket, Elsa’s South will provide several treats, dance lessons from Arthur Murray, skin creams from Tel Aviv, Israel and gifts from Rodin and Fields have been donated as well.

Boxing-Fisticuffs-Kensington-Park-Toronto-01Tickets are available at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pick-a-fight-with-cancer-tickets-22797351492 or if you would rather pay at the door, tickets are $30 for one person or $50 for couple (couple meaning significant other, family member or bring a friend!)

 

So come out, join us and the FIGHTERS as we celebrate their triumphs and lend our support in picking a fight with cancer!

The New Archer’s Tavern in Kettering

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Inside the cleared out dining room

EXCLUSIVE! Drywall is being demolished.  New equipment is being installed.  Things are just beginning to take shape at Archer’s Tavern’s second location, soon to be opened in Kettering.  The new restaurant will be where the old Tumbleweed restaurant was located on Dorothy Lane.   Food Adventures has the first peek inside the renovations, you won’t see anywhere else.   And one thing is for sure… this restaurant is gonna be big, both in size and excitement.

The ownership team of Dan Apolito, Mike Fullenkamp and Scott Dorsten are bringing their winning formula across town, but for now, they have been putting some sweat equity into the project.  Most of the work so far has been done in the kitchen area. Hammering and tossing of scrap material can be heard on any given day, and the owners aren’t shy on grabbing tools themselves, and diving in on the teardown.

It isn’t hard to imagine the new location being packed with new fans of their burgers, pizza, wings, beer selection and so much more.  Being across from Delco Park, “Archers’s 2” is a perfect place for that “after softball game” dinner and drinks.  Archer’s Tavern’s reputation is good food and reasonable prices, from their salads to their chili, the menu is delicious.

Want the scoop on the new location?  ONLY FOOD ADVENTURES HAS THIS EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEEK!

Dan Apolito & Mike Fullenkamp taking Archers to a new level

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— ARCHER’S KETTERING will be located at 2030 E Dorothy Lane

— The new location will bring that same signature menu that the crowds in Centerville have grown to love over the past 5 years.

— The restaurant will feature 24 draft beer taps, and an eclectic selection of local, familiar and rare beers.

— Archer’s will continue to feature Buckeye Vodka in many of its cocktails and special events.

— The seating area will be much larger than the Centerville restaurant

— The owners plan to open the eatery in July, given that the permits and construction finish on schedule.

 

MUST EATS:

—SWEET and SEXY WINGS:  You wont hear about these on any other food site, because they aren’t on the menu… it is a special request.  Sweet and Sexy Wings are wings with Dry Rub spice, drizzled with Spicy Garlic sauce, then tossed in Sweet BBQ sauce.  The result is tangy and slightly hot taste of joy.  Probably the best wing sauce we have ever tasted.

The assembled Sticky Burger

 

— THE STICKY BURGER:  A burger with peanut butter on it? YES!  The result is a unique taste, reminiscent of a Thai Peanut Sauce.   This burger is the Big Ragu’s Favorite.  It also comes with bacon and smoked pepper jack cheese.  This is a curiously good burger that you won’t soon forget.

 

— THE CHILI – They have a chili cookoff each year, and the winner gets their chili on the menu.  In other words, it is the best of the best.  You gotta get a cup of this chili,  great flavor and zing guaranteed !

 

—  THE TACO PIZZA: Muey Bueno ...They use enchilada sauce for the pizza sauce.  They add taco beef, cheddar and Monterey cheeses, onion, tomatoes, jalapenos and cilantro.  Hot, spicy and ooh so nicey!

 

—  THE MARGHERITA PIZZA:  Fresh Mozzarella and a smooth tomato sauce is the key to this pizza.  Fresh basil leaves and Roma tomatoes top off this vegetarian pie nicely.  We cant believe we ate the whole thing!

 

— THE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK: A massive, heaping sandwich filled with meat, peppers and melted provolone cheese.  You can also request cheese whiz on this monster.  We say, go for it.  This is how they do it in Philadelphia.  Your choice of shaved ribeye steak or sliced chicken breast for the meat.

 

— ARCHER’S BREAD PUDDING:  Made with Bill’s Donuts… need we say more?

 

Honorable Mention: The Gourmet Grilled Cheese – omg… the dijon mustard is brilliant and makes the sandwich, as does the buttery bread and chewy cheese combo.

 

Food Adventures is excited for this next chapter in the lives of Archer’s ownership.  They give a lot back to the community, and we wish them continued success.

SPEAKING OF HELPING THE COMMUNITY, TOMORROW WE FOLLOW UP THIS STORY WITH A CHARITY EVENT THAT ARCHER’S HAS HELPED ORGANIZE THAT NEEDS YOUR HELP !!

Do you know the Food Adventures Crew?  The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax would like to take a minute and invite you to “like” them on Facebook by clicking HERE.  From food photos, to restaurant events around Dayton, our blog is a foodie’s paradise.

Sweet & Sexy Wings – special order them – they arent on the menu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opening in July 2016, Archer’s Kettering !

Clearing out the old Tumbleweed decor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kitchen prep/ Office area

Transformation

Taco Pizza , Senorita !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gourmet Grilled Cheese

Redecorating

“Sexy Wings” – Dry rub with Spicy Garlic Sauce !

Chili – always a winner here

Sticky Burger – see the peanut butter ??

Boarding up the kitchen areas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Big Ragu and a Sticky burger

A Philly done right !!!

The Margherita Pizza

Taco Pizza – Archers does it hot and good

More Cheesey than a Soap Opera !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mystery Monday – May 2, 2016

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Welcome to Week 14 of Mystery Mondays. The answer to Week 13’s Mystery Photo is: The entrance door of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church (built in 1868) on Wayne Avenue outside the Oregon Historic District in Downtown Dayton. I took this photo on February 26, 2015.

DMM Mystery Monday-13 We congratulate our randomly drawn winner Violet Johnston of Xenia! Rapid Fired Pizza certificates are coming your way!

We challenge you to tell us where in the Dayton area this photo was taken by filling out the form below.  We’ll do a random drawing from all those with a correct answer and the winner will get 2 pizzas from Rapid Fired Pizza.

Enter here:

http://goo.gl/forms/dyU55fzc48

We’ll post the winner next Monday with details about the photo as well as a new photo to challenge your knowledge of the Dayton area.

Thanks for playing and good luck!

Here’s our Mystery Photo for Week 14:

DMM Mystery Monday-14

Photo by Tom Gilliam of DaytonGram & Tom Gilliam Photography.

Grover Plays Free Show at Trolley Stop

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Screen Shot 2016-04-26 at 7.32.21 PMInsider tip! There is a FREE show at Trolley Stop this Friday April 29th, 2016 with two incredible bands, Grover and Common Center. Plus that fabulous patio? It’s a no brainer for Friday night fun!

On the fringes of the jam band scene, local rock quartet Grover, blend funk, soul, and jazz, in a down and dirty rock band that comes across unpolished and “garage” as much as they do highly-skilled, almost veteran.

Common Center is a group of individuals from Covington, Kentucky that gather to form a collection of sonic exploration. Their all-original material arises from a vast array of influences morphing together to create a unique sound previously unheard, but longed for, by the ear. They combine powerfully upbeat as well as tranquil themes with mystic, other-world intertwining melodic elements from instrumental and vocal harmonies.

Enjoy a beautiful evening with some of the region’s funkiest talent!

Performance Schedule: 
Common Center – 9:30pm
Grover 11:30pm

Grover performs free at the Trolley Stop (Photo by Dayton Music Connection)

Grover performs free at the Trolley Stop (Photo by Dayton Music Connection)

Dive Bar Tuesday – Diplomat Lounge

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Welcome to the Diplomat Lounge!

Welcome to the Diplomat Lounge!

After an extended hiatus, we are back! Of course, that is one of the best things about any good dive bar you go to. Any bar, really. They become more than a place to just get a drink after work; you get to know the bartenders. You start to discover that other patrons are from a town near yours, or enjoy Game of Thrones as much as you do, or weep quietly every Sunday after a Browns loss. Whether you go to the best wine bar in town or a venue where their craft beer is Budweiser Lime-A-Rita, you are going for more than the product they are offering. You are going for the comfortable feeling it provides. Of all the bars my friends and I have gone to so far, the Diplomat Lounge has felt the most comfortable.

The Diplomat Lounge (2766 Wilmington Pike, Kettering, OH., 45419) was located a little further down the road on Smithville Rd., just past where it splits from Wilmington Pike. There was some major construction in the mall area they were located, changing an old Kroger and the surrounding stores into a small neighborhood. The Diplomat moved down the street and has been there since. Where many of the other bars we have gone to were more focused on pool, this is a place where darts appear to be king. They offer BYOP dart tournaments once a month on the second Saturday of the month (the next one will be May 14, 2016), and Luck of the Draw tournaments on Sunday nights. Have no fear, pool players. There are a couple of tables for you in the back half of the bar. But there are darts on both sides.

Diplomat Lounge Pool Tables

Back room pool tables, and the doorway to the “secret patio”.

When I say both sides, the bar cuts the space in half. If you are not familiar with the space, you may think that it is a little small, until you realize there is this great space on the other side of the bar as well. This is where the pool tables are, and it is a slightly darker, more intimate space. You are tucked away from the storefront windows and people coming in and out of the bar. Service was on both sides, which would be great on a busy Friday or Saturday night when you are trying to get a beverage while tossing darts or warming up your pipes for karaoke. The weekends may have all the action, but there are liquor and beer specials all week. Every night there is a liquor with a little discount and a beer that is just a dollar. My personal choices are fifty cents of tequila on Tuesday and $2 cans on Monday. Feel free to drop in and check out their other daily specials.

If you are looking for a menu, this is not the place. They do have a menu for their specials on their Facebook page, but that is the one menu we found. Their food options are limited to pizzas and chips (perfect fuel for long nights of drinking), but there are plenty of other food options nearby if you want to eat before you show up or stop somewhere after you leave. There was not a cocktail menu to be seen, and if you ask the bartender they will share the beer list with you. It offers little in the way of craft beers or cocktails, but it that really why you are going here? No, no it is not.

Diplomat Lounge Liquors

They have a few bottles for you to choose from…

Two things to note when you plan on making the trip to the Diplomat. The first is that motorcycle riders are welcome here. If you have been looking for a place to stop with your bike on a ride around town, we have found another place for you. Though you most likely knew it already. It is about three miles from 675 or 35, just a hop, skip, and jump. The other thing to note is that once you have discovered the back room, keep going because there is a patio! It is a great enclosed space that has a cozy feel to it, the outside world being held at bay by a wooden fence. One other thing I have found in every bar we have gone to is that each has a little surprise inside.

The Diplomat Lounge is a great place to hang out for a few hours, enjoy a few drinks on a quiet patio, and leave the world behind. If you are so inclined, they are creating summer dart leagues right now! What are you doing Tuesday nights that is more important? And who knows, maybe this is the comfortable after work spot you have been seeking. You know there will be some dart fans or motorcycle riders there to meet.

The Diplomat Lounge is located at 2766 Wilmington Pike, Dayton, OH 45419. They are open 1 PM to 2:30 AM Monday through Friday, and 12 PM to 2:30 AM Saturday and Sunday. You can visit their Facebook page for more information, or call (937) 293-2508.

Mystery Monday – April 25, 2016

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Welcome to Week 13 of Mystery Mondays.  The answer to Week 12’s Mystery Photo is: The Hartman Rock Garden in Springfield. I took this photo on November 2, 2015.

DMM Mystery Monday-12

We congratulate our randomly drawn winner Tricia Orihood of Dayton! Rapid Fired Pizza certificates are coming your way!

The Hartman Rock Garden is an American Folk Art site located on 1905 Russell Avenue in Springfield. Open 365 days a year from dawn until dusk, admission is free but donations are encouraged to maintain this work of art. The garden is one of the nation’s most intriguing and revered works of in situ folk art, an outsider art phenomena where self-taught artists construct fascinating worlds out of concrete, metal, stone, and whatever else they can find. Harry George “Ben” Hartman started work on the garden in 1932 during the Great Depression when he was laid off from his job as a molder. He worked on the project for 12 years until his death in 1944. Learn more about the history behind the Hartman Rock Garden by visiting hartmanrockgarden.org.

We challenge you to tell us where in the Dayton area this photo was taken by filling out the form below.  We’ll do a random drawing from all those with a correct answer and the winner will get 2 pizzas from Rapid Fired Pizza.

Enter here:

http://goo.gl/forms/dyU55fzc48

We’ll post the winner next Monday with details about the photo as well as a new photo to challenge your knowledge of the Dayton area.

Thanks for playing and good luck!

Here’s our Mystery Photo for Week 13:

DMM Mystery Monday-13

Photo by Tom Gilliam of DaytonGram & Tom Gilliam Photography.