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Dayton Food Trivia, Rumors & Secrets You Don’t Know

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“Read my lips, I want a damn steak from the Pine Club !”

Today we release some secrets, and Dayton Dining will never be the same again.  Call it  “Dayton Babylon: Little known trivia relating to Dayton Food and Restaurants.”

Sit back and enjoy, as Food Adventures gives you our favorite foodie trivia of the Miami Valley:

1) THE INVENTOR OF MARION’S PIZZA USED TO BE AN EMPLOYEE OF CASSANO’S:
Yes it is true.  Marion Glass was once an employee of Cassanos.   After leaving, he opened up a sandwich shop, then later his own pizza place.

 

2) IN 1988, THE PINE CLUB MADE VICE PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH SR. WAIT 45 MINUTES FOR A TABLE:
Oh, this happened alright.  As the story goes, the Vice Prez was forced to wait in his limo until the table was ready.  That’s one popular steakhouse !

 

3) HOUDINI ESCAPES FROM A BARREL OF DAYTON BEER:
The date was December 11th,  1916.  The place was at Keith’s Theater downtown, near E. Ludlow Street.  Harry Houdini performed the Chinese Water Torture trick with a Dayton twist.  He escaped from a 60 gallon barrel filled with Olt’s Beer, a Dayton brewed lager.  Maybe Dayton Most Metro can do something similar with Big Ragu on their Brew Tours

 

Houdini Escaped From Inside a Barrel of Dayton Brewed Beer in 3 minutes

4) TOTENKO SERVES ROACHES TO FOOD CRITIC: 
In the late 1970’s, Dayton Daily News Food Critic Ann Heller was writing one of her first articles on the Asian restaurant near the Dayton Mall called “Totenko.”   When they served her meal, she noticed there were dead roaches in the food on her plate.  The restaurant closed for a few days with the intent to re-open, but it never did.  The business would later become Chi Chi’s on State Route 725.

 

5) THE WRIGHT BROTHERS WERE FOODIES WHO HOSTED HOLIDAY DINNER PARTIES:
The Wright Brothers were known for hosting extravagant dinners at their homes each holiday.  They would invite friends and family for these tremendous feasts.  Nothing like the food served by today’s airlines…

 

6) IN 1842,  FAMOUS ENGLISH AUTHOR, CHARLES DICKENS, VISITED THE GOLDEN LAMB WEARING A BEAVER HAT AND COMPLAINED BECAUSE THE HOTEL DID NOT SERVE ALCOHOL. 
Evidently, he asked for some brandy and was refused due to it being a “temperance hotel” (no alcohol).  He even wrote a pissed off passage in his American memoirs about the experience.  Sorry Charlie …

 

7) MIKESELLS IS THE OLDEST POTATO CHIP FACTORY IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE WRIGHT BROTHERS HELPED:
Dayton is home to the oldest potato chip company in the USA, 104 years old and still counting! The kettle cooked Mikesells are pretty much the same chips DW Mikesell peddled in 1910.  Speaking of which, when he first starting delivering chips by bicycle, his bike needed repair.  The Wright Brother’s bicycle company came to the rescue and DW Mikesell was back delivering chips in no time !

 

8) THAI 9 USED TO BE A PEANUT FACTORY:
Love the spacious dining room with the wooden floors and upstairs area?  That’s because the place used to be a peanut factory.  That’s what we were told by management when the restaurant first opened.

 

Charles Dickens Normally Doesnt ask to Drink Brandy in a Beaver Hat, But When He Does, it is at The Golden Lamb

9) ESTHER PRICE CANDIES USES LOCALLY PRODUCED MILK AND BUTTER IN ALL OF THEIR CANDIES:
How about that, Esther Price was being organic and eating local, before it was cool.  You go girl.  No wonder we love these chocolates so much!  Get on with your bad, creamy self.

 

 

 

10) THE BAR AT JAY’S SEAFOOD HOUSE WAS MADE IN 1882 for JAMES RITTY’S PONY EXPRESS RESTAURANT IN DAYTON:
If you have had a beer or cocktail at the Jay’s Seafood bar, then you have experienced a piece of Dayton history.  This huge mahogany bar was made from 5400 pounds of wood.  That makes it the coolest bar in town … bar none.

 

11) IN 1970, PONDEROSA APPOINTED DAYTONIAN JERRY OFFICE to CEO.   HE GREW COMPANY REVENUE FROM $42 MILLION to $490 MILLION in the 1980’s:
Oh yes, wide ties, and aerobics with leg warmers couldn’t stop Jerry from bringing the supreme salad buffet to America!  Check him out in this 1984 Ponderosa Commerical.

 

The owners of Pizza Queen dumped anchovies for deep fried tilapia

El Meson used to be Pizza Queen International. Click to Enlarge.

12) THE BAR AT SWEENEY’S SEAFOOD HOUSE IS THE OLD BAR FROM TEQUILA WILLIES BY THE DAYTON MALL:
A little known fact is that this decorative bar, now at Sweeney’s, was the bar at the Tequila Willies Restaurant near the Dayton Mall.  The story goes, the previous tenant at Sweeney’s got it at auction and had it installed.

 

13) THE OWNERS OF PIZZA QUEEN CLOSED THEIR STORE TO OPEN THEIR DREAM RESTAURANT, EL MESON: 
Yes, The Castro family decided to dump pizza toppings for tapas.  Some Daytonians might have been disappointed at first, but now El Meson is a staple for bringing exotic South American eats to the Miami Valley.

 

14) THE HOT HEAD BURRITO FRANCHISES STARTED IN DAYTON:
Cynthia Wiley and Raymond Wiley from Kettering came up with the concept, and opened their first store in 2007.  It has been a hot commodity since, and they haven’t let it go to their “heads.”

 

15) THE OLDEST ACTIVE CHINESE RESTAURANT IN DAYTON is CHOP SUEY CARRYOUT:
Since 1973, this oldest active Chinese Restaurant in the Dayton area has been slinging New York style stir fry and Cantonese cuisine.  Try the Chop Suey, it will knock your Aunt Connie’s socks off.

 

16) THE PULL TAB CAN and POP TOP CAN WERE INVENTED BY DAYTON INVENTOR,  ERMAL FRAZE:
Ermal’s company, Dayton Reliable Tool Company started making his invention in 1959.  When  people worried about the sharp edges of the pull tab, he then invented the pop top on today’s cans in 1977.   Think of all the beer buzzes and caffeine fixes he made possible.  He is obviously the namesake for Fraze Pavillion and the tribute in Warped Wing’s Ermal Beer.

 

Pull tab - thanks Mr Fraze

The pull tab was invented by Ermal Fraze of Dayton

17) DAYTON WAS THE 2nd U.S. CITY TO IMPLEMENT THE FOOD STAMPS PROGRAM:
Dayton takes care of it’s impoverished residents.

 

18) INVENTOR OF THE ICE CREAM SCOOP WITH ANTIFREEZE INSIDE WAS THE OWNER OF THE RED WING ICE CREAM COMPANY IN DAYTON:
Ever use one of those ice cream scoops with antifreeze in it, so the hard ice cream is easy to scoop?  According to the owner’s daughter, that scoop was invented in Dayton.  Red Wing Ice Cream used to be located near the arcade. Now you know the “scoop.”

 

19) FOOD NETWORK CHEF MING TSAI’S FAMILY USED TO RUN A RESTAURANT IN THE 1970’s CALLED “THE MANDARIN KITCHEN”:
This restaurant was a pioneer in bringing gourmet Asian Food to Dayton.  The Mandarin Kitchen had a cult following.  Our memories include the restaurant having this amazing aroma throughout the dining room.

 

20) THE HAMBURGER WAGON IN MIAMISBURG STARTED BECAUSE OF THE GREAT DAYTON FLOOD OF 1913:
Sherman “Cocky” Porter served his own recipe of hamburgers to the victims of the flood out of a wagon.  They were served with no condiments, just pickle, onion, salt and pepper.  101 years later, the wagon is still a Miamisburg and Dayton icon, and the recipe is still the same.

 

Orville at a dinner party

“Ain’t No Party Like a Wright Brothers Party, cuz a Wright Brother’s Party Don’t Stop “

21) CULP’S CAFE IN THE ARCADE WAS THE FIRST DAYTON RESTAURANT TO HAVE AIR CONDITIONING:
People like the sweaty Big Ragu appreciated this.  The restaurants hayday was in the 1940’s when they served 5,000 customers a day.  Yes, we said each day.  The “new” Culp’s Cafe is in Historic Carrillon Park.  It is also a ‘cool’ place to hang out ..

 

22) ORVILLE WRIGHT USED TO TEACH HIS NIECES AND NEPHEWS HOW TO MAKE FUDGE AND HARD CANDY:
Nothing like keeping the kids occupied with a little foodie fun.  If things had went differently, he could have been Dayton’s version of Willy Wonka !

 

23) BRIXX ICE COMPANY IS NAMED BECAUSE THE BUILDING WAS ACTUALLY AN ICE COMPANY THAT SUPPLIED DAYTON IN THE LATE 1800’s:
The restaurant across from the Dayton Dragon’s stadium, used to be an ice company that supplied most of Dayton with ice.  They were singing “Ice, Ice, Baby” back in the day!

 

 24) ICE CUBE TRAYS AND FREON REFRIGERANT WERE BOTH DAYTON INVENTIONS.
Ice cube trays were invented in 1959 by Arthur Frei, while Freon Refrigerant was invented by Thomas Midgley Jr. in 1928.

 

Ice Cube Tray - invented in Dayton

Bet Ya Didnt Know That the Ice Cube Tray Was Invented in Dayton…

25) THE TROPICS, AN ICONIC RESTAURANT ON NORTH MAIN STREET, BROUGHT IN CHEFS FROM CHICAGO.
Now we know how they made their one of a kind cuisine.  Luring “windy city chefs” in with lucrative deals.  This restaurant seated 700 people at it’s peak during the 60’s and 70’s.  At that time it was one of America’s top rated restaurants.

 

That’s it, thats the list .. hope you found some fun facts ,a and interesting conversation pieces you may not have known.  Dayton has a great history of food, and now you know a little more about it!

Did you like our story on Dayton Food Trivia?  Then make sure you “like” Food Adventures with Big Ragu and the Crew on FACEBOOK by clicking HERE !!

Check out the gallery below of funny photos relating to Dayton food trivia !

 

 

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Seeking The Greatest Bloody Mary in Dayton – The Bloody Mary Showdown

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Tomato juice.

Humble tomato juice. The blank canvas for a cocktail masterpiece.

There is a reason people love brunch on the weekends. It is a nice, long, leisurely meal with friends and family. All of the best food options are there, from Eggs Benedict to thick burgers, Belgian waffles to savory paninis, every food option you can think of is available. To top it all off, it is perfectly acceptable to have a few cocktails with the meal, either as a way to kick off the day or to shake off the night before. Brunch is not a meal as much as it is an event, and one of the long running stars of brunch is the classic Bloody Mary. It is a hearty cocktail to anchor this event. Much like brunch it is delicious, flexible, and has benefits that go beyond the obvious.

The concept of a hearty, late morning meal started in Britain with hunters and traveled to the United States in the early 20th century. While Hollywood and New York had a role in popularizing a late morning meal, it was really Chicago where the idea of brunch in the U.S. caught on. Transcontinental flights were not popular yet, making trains the most convenient way to get from coast to coast. Chicago was where you stopped in between on the long journey to refresh and relax for a little while. Movie stars and business men stopped and enjoyed this mid-morning meal. The iconic Pump Room was one of the big players in the early days of the brunch movement, hosting many of the stars of the day. As the new meal built steam over the decades, it became a substitute for Sunday dinner as women entered the workplace. They had to get ready for Monday morning too, and wanted some time on Sunday night to rest. Brunch became a social ritual to replace that dinner.

Bloody Mary

Finished! A spicy and delicious brunch treat. It looks like it is missing something…

Brunch is a blend of breakfast and lunch, coined by Guy Beringer in Hunter’s Weekly, a short lived hunting magazine.  Fruit juice is just good is popular to have with breakfast, and society deems lunch as a fine time to start drinking lighter beverages like wines and beers. If you are going to combine the two meals, why not start combining their drinks! It makes a mimosa or a Bellini a perfect selection for a brunch treat. They add a little bit of fruit juice (or puree) to the traditional wine the British drank with their brunches. Those were well known cocktails in the 1940’s and 50’s, when brunch was becoming better known in society, but not as popular as a new star on the scene: The Bloody Mary. The fruit-juice-and-alcohol combination is there, but the proportions are flipped. That is not just good for a brunch cocktail, it is good for a hungover brunch patron.

Despite any debates, the tomato is a fruit. Tomatoes are an excellent way to fight a hangover as well. When you are hungover, you are dehydrated and hurting for vitamins. You liver is unhappy because it is busy trying to get glucose to the brain, but first it has to get rid of all the toxins you just put in your body. Tomato juice to the rescue! Tomatoes help in the rehydration process, considering they are mainly water. Being hydrated helps the body process what happened after you hit the third bar and thought shots were a good idea.  They also add sugar back to the body, helping replenish the glucose stores the liver has been burning through. If you believe a little hair of the dog helps the next day, the low levels of vodka in the drink can will help tame the bite. There is a little something of everything in a Bloody Mary.

Crazy Bloody Mary Garnish

There! A proper garnish, demonstrated by O’Davey’s Irish Pub in Wisconsin.

Everyone has the best Bloody Mary. Everyone. At least, that is what they are going to tell you when they ask. The concept behind the cocktail is simple: tomato juice with a kick. The liquor is there to showcase the flavors you are building in some way. The spirit can be able to enhance the flavors you are adding to the juice, or is a blank canvas that gives some punch at the end. In this modern world, the range of what you can do with the tomato juice is boundless. As food culture expands to find new dishes and spices from every corner of the world, they are all ending up as experimental ingredients in a Bloody Mary. A Chicago style hot dog Bloody Mary? Maybe one inspired by the favors of the Mediterranean Ocean? Maybe some other fruits in your Bloody Mary mix? The possibilities are endless. And then there are the garnishes. Everything from a simple celery stick or olives to, well, this. The Bloody Mary is open to interpretation. And that is something to be celebrated.

And celebrate it we will! On October 11, join Dayton Most Metro, Lion and Panda, and somebloodyMaryPoster.v2-03 of the best bartenders in the city for a Bloody Mary Showdown at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. From 11am to 2pm, our mixologist contestants will be preparing their most unique versions of this brunch staple for you to sample. Brunch itself will be provided by Chef Matt Hayden and Meals from Scratch. The spirited base will be provided by American Harvest vodka, who is sponsoring Masqerage. Proceeds will go to help ARC Ohio and their fight to educate people on HIV, and provide help to those wrestling with it. It is open to everyone to show off their talents in adding the right blend of spices to make the perfectly balanced Bloody Mary. Sleep in a few hours on Saturday, then enjoy a delicious meal with the people that are close to you. Or come in and find a cure for the common hangover. Either way, we look forward to seeing to there!

 

 

New Owner Breathes Life Into Dog’s Breath Tavern

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Gary Leasure, New Owner of Dog’s Breath tavern

Been chasing your tail looking for a good watering hole?

New things are happening under the woof, err. roof at Dog’s Breath Tavern on Whipp Road in Kettering.  New owner Gary Leasure has already set some of his vision in motion.  Keeping with the dog theme, he has revamped the menu and promises even more improvements and innovations.

As for drinks, he is focusing on having beer available from every Dayton Brewery.  You could literally do a brew tour without leaving your bar stool.  He is working out distribution with some of the breweries, and has some Dayton beers on tap already.  Right now they have Toxic, Warped Wing, and Yellow Springs Brewery beer on draught.  Dog’s Breath will feature Ohio Breweries on tap as well.  Click HERE for full beer list.

Gary has owned bars before and he hopes to use his experience to make some big changes.  Some things to look for are pool leagues, dart leagues, karaoke,  NFL game specials, new HD TV’s, and bands every week.  The huge restaurant provides a great venue for live music, and a fun atmosphere for watching sports.  Unofficially, one area could be called the “Dawg Pound” and another the “Jungle.”

“Shed” what you knew about this place and let us “retrieve” the scoop on this revamped spot.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

 — The tavern is located at 1912 E. Whipp Rd in Kettering,

— Hours are:  Mon – Thurs: 3pm – Midnight,   Fri – Sat: 11am – 2:30am, Sun: 11am – Midnight

— FREE POOL on Tuesday nights

Homemade “Bones” like this Ham and Cheese Roll

— Wednesdays are Warped Wednesdays, $1 off Warped Wing pints,  and open mic night

— Thursdays Trivia Nights and $1 off all bottle or draft IPA’s

— Fridays is karaoke and Saturday they have live bands !

 

MUST EATS:

— HAND ROLLED “PULLED PORK BONE” (Egg Roll): The pulled pork bone is served with cole slaw for “dipping.”  They hand roll their homemade egg rolls. Let us tell you, this is their signature appetizer, and some good stuff.  If you don’t like pulled pork, you gotta try the Ham n Cheese rolls, the Turkey Club rolls or the Reuben rolls.  They are all fantastic and made in house !

— DEEP FRIED PRETZEL BITES: Yes deep fried..  This twist on a familiar favorite will make  you “roll over and beg for more !”  The taste is a bit crispier and the pretzels are dusted with a cinnamon spice and some soft of  hot spices.  The bites are served with a honey mustard for dipping that is essential.

Yellow Springs Beer, Warped Wing and more on tap NOW at Dog’s Breath Tavern

— THE DOUBLE BUTTER BURGER: 2 burgers and a mountain of a sandwich.  Here’s the secret: before they cook the burgers on the tabletop fryer, they slap each side with some butter.  You can taste the difference. And cheesey?  OMG they put a ton of American cheese on this one to hold it all together.  Top it how you want it and go town like a hungry Rottweiler.

Honorable Mention: The Buffalo Wings aren’t bad, and go great with a local beer.

The owner promises even more good things to come.  Look for the menu and kitchen to expand, and for some more unique food items and local beers.

So don’t bark, just take some bites at Dog’s Breath Tavern soon.  It is a heck of a place to enjoy some adult beverages, watch some football, shoot pool or take in a live band.  We won’t “hound” you any more.

Speaking of a howling good time, make sure you “LIKE” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE !  Over 3,000 loyal fans can’t be wrong !

Check out our photo gallery below from our visits to Dog’s Breath Tavern !   You won’t see this anywhere else…. Dog Breath’s Full Menu —>  Page 1      Page 2

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TIFF 2014 – Day #9

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MV5BMjEwMDczOTU3Nl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMDYyMDU0MjE@._V1_SX214_AL_Friday, September 12, 2014

Hello.

Thanks for coming back to check out my last day of screenings at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.  Even though I didn’t see as many as I have during some years, I had a great time and managed to see 30 films, visit with lots of people in various aspects of the industry, and attend a couple fun parties.

My first film today was Susanne Bier’s A SECOND CHANCE.  I was first introduced to Bier’s work at my first TIFF back in 2002.  That’s where I saw OPEN HEARTS (her film from the Dogme Movement) and I fell in love…BROTHERS, AFTER THE WEDDING, the Oscar winning IN A BETTER WORLS – all great films.  Bier is truly a gifted storyteller, but this new film is just too over-the-top for me.  A veteran police officer and his wife are new, proud parents…but when the baby dies in the night of SIDS, the cop decides to swap his dead child with a mistreated baby from an ill-kept apartment to help nurse back his terribly depressed wife.  This film is like a more cinematic, 2-hour episode of LAW & ORDER: SVU.  Though the craft is there, the story and the script seem too big and even trite at times.  Though I was engaged and wanted to see what happened, I was ultimately disappointed.  (The lead actor, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, is from GAMES OF THRONES.  I’m sure there will be added appeal due to his presence.)

I usually only name films that I finish.  If I walk out early, I don’t feel a review is warranted.  That said, I watched the first 20 minutes of a movie today to kill some time.  My plan was to leave early because I needed to get to a different screening.  The movie was X + Y, and I was truly engaged (Sally Hawkins is in it, so that adds to the allure). I wish I could have finished it, but I wanted to get to ST. VINCENT in time.

ST. VINCENT is Bill Murray’s most recent film.  It’s the story of a grumpy, older man who ends up babysitting his new next door neighbor’s kid when he gets home from school.  Murray takes the kid to the race tracks, teaches him to defend himself on the playground and adds a few new colorful words to his vocabulary.  Though a little “easy” sometimes, this film is a crowd-pleaser.

 

My last film of this year’s fest was LEARNING TO DRIVE – a film starring Patricia Clarkson and Ben Kingsley.  What a perfect way to end the fest!  This is a film about a middle-aged woman who has just been left by her husband.  Feeling even more trapped in her life by not being able to pick up and go visit her daughter, she finally takes the driving lessons she needs in order to get a license.  Clarkson is luminous in this film, and her chemistry with Kingsley is spectacular.  Clarkson attended the Q&A, and she told this audience that this is a film she’s been trying to make for 9 years.  It’s touching, it’s very funny, and it’s a liberating film in regards to finding and taking control of yourself.  I hope it finds distribution!

learning-to-drive-ben-kingsley-patricia-clarkson

After the screening, I met up with a childhood friend who now lives in Buffalo.  It’s been 5 years since I saw him last, and it was so great to catch up.

Thanks so much for checking in on my TIFF experience.  It’s been a great year, and I’m going to miss this wonderful city.

In the next few days, I’ll try to upload a few photos I took on my phone and come up with a mini-recap.

All the best,

Jonathan

TIFF 2014 – Day #8

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movies-benedict-cumberbatch-the-imitation-game-filming-3Thursday, September 11, 2014

Welcome back!  Thanks for checking out my Day #8 blog of my TIFF adventures.

This morning was so different than the others.  I slept in!  Because I didn’t need to be in line by 7:00, I woke up at 9:15 instead of 6am.  It was glorious!

My first film of the day was LOVE IN THE TIME OF CIVIL WAR – a French-Canadian film about a 20-something guy with a crack problem.  An alternate title for this film could be DON’T DO CRACK.  I’ve never seen such a gruelingly monotonous film about drug use.  The lead character smokes to get high, has some sex (in what is generally very unsexy footage), buys some drugs and gets high again.  Sometimes, he has to find money – so he robs someone, gets paid for sex and then buys more drugs and gets high.  This film could essentially be a 2-hour PSA about the horrors of crack.  As much as I wanted to go, I felt like I needed to stay.  I didn’t make the right decision.

There is no trailer available for this film.  Below is a picture.

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I went into my next film with a qualifier in place.  If the film failed to reel me in within the first 12 minutes, I would leave to go to a different selection.  It failed and I walked.  The next selection was worse.  Including eye-rolling situations with characters that were much too twee or playing on archetypal stereotypes, I failed to see the backbone of good storytelling…so I left that screening and got lunch instead.

After a 30-minute nap, I was off to AN EYE FOR BEAUTY – the new film from Denys Arcand (director of BARBARIAN INVASIONS, JESUS OF MONTREAL and more).  It’s the story of a married man and how he’s both interested in another woman and dealing with the mental instability of wife.  This film is full of stunning landscapes, the changing seasons, and well-written dialog.Though fully engaged, I felt the film fell flat with a lack of focus.

There is no trailer with English subtitles, but take a look at this anyway.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1QO8SXywHs

THE IMITATION GAME was my final film for the day.  I am quite certain that this film will be nominated for “Best Picture.”  I’ll bet the farm on it! Based on the story of Alan Turing and the breaking of the Enigma codes, this film is filled with familiar NEON favorites Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley and Matthew Goode.  The art direction is superb, the story is touching and suspenseful with quite a few laughs, and the packed 1200+ audience was truly engaged.  Though I wasn’t as emotionally attached to this film as I was to THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING, I still think this film will play very well.  (For those who know the story, NCR was only mentioned once very quickly. No other mention of Dayton was made.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5CjKEFb-sM

A last-minute decision for a late-night cocktail in the neighborhood where I’m staying ended up creating a nice evening.  I ran into some old and new friends and was able to talk about highlights of the festival before wrapping it up for the night.  More than likely, I’ll see at least 3 films tomorrow…and I head home Saturday.

More soon!

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan

“Scratch Food” Caters the Suzy Pender Memorial for the 14th year

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BBQ Baby Back Ribs from Scratch Event Catering

In all of our Food Adventure articles, we feature extraordinary people doing extraordinary things. And even then some people stand out among the rest.  Take Chef Matt Hayden for example, owner of Scratch Event Catering.  He has owned bars, eateries, and learned to hone his culinary skills. Whether it is  taking an egg to whisk it, or smoking brisket, he is on top of it all.  He donates times to various charities, and never boasts or asks for recognition.  Matt does it for his love of the cause, and his love of pleasing people with good food.

One such event is the Suzy Pender Memorial Golf Outing.  This annual event will have its 14th golf outing this Saturday at Jamaica Run Golf Course.  Suzy was a Centerville native who had a love for golf and children.  She passed away unexpectedly in 2001,  at the age of 30.  She was an absolute angel, who was taken from this world, way too soon.  The golf outing honors her memory and helps causes that were close to her heart.  The purpose of the event, is to raise money to buy stuffed animal Teddy Bears.  These bears are given to hospitalized children to help comfort them.  Tens of thousands of bears have been given to children at Miami Valley Hospital over the past 14 years.

Matt Hayden has also been there over the past 14 years donating his food, time and resources to make this event what it is today.  Matt’s wife Carey along with a committee of Suzy’s friends, run the benefit without a hitch.  Saturday’s event  has already sold out the maximum  # of golfers.  Again, we can’t say enough good things about the committee that organizes this golf outing each year.  The door prizes and fun times are second to none.

Scratch Event Catering typically makes and incredible BBQ buffet spread featuring all you want baby back ribs, pulled pork, roasted chicken and some tasty southern style soul sides.  It is nothing short of a great Food Adventure !  Every year we see Matt running around, serving hot food, and providing a delicious and filling meal.  He and his staff work hard, and it shows in the end product.

Chef Matt Hayden, a Dayton Native who gives back to the Community

Today we recognize Matt’s dedication of 14 years and counting to this charity.  We also say THANK YOU, for giving back to the community, year after year.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Want to donate to the Suzy Pender Memorial Fund ?  Email Debbi  at [email protected]

Do you need a catering company with some savory food or a healthy menu?  Contact Scratch Event Catering at (937) 567-7850.  Learn more about Chef Hayden in his DMM 10? interview.

Please feel free to browse some photos of the last 14 years of the Suzy Pender Memorial Outing, catered by Scratch Food.

 

Want to stay on top of the best food happenings in Dayton?  Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook HERE !  All food, all Dayton, all the time !

 

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TIFF 2014 – Day #7

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out-of-nature-posterWednesday, September 10.2014

Hi Again!

I only saw three films today, but I also attended a pretty great, intimate party.

First off, I saw OUT OF NATURE – a Norwegian film about a man who decides to spend the weekend hiking in the mountains…away from his job, his wife, his son.  In film school, you’re taught to – “Show.  Don’t Tell.”  This simply means that an audience should be able to figure out what someone is thinking by their strong performance…not by what a narrator or bad dialog is telling us.  This film is a rule-breaker – but it’s also the point.  As the protagonist is getting ready for his trip and as he’s hiking up the mountain, we get his interior dialog and realize exactly what he’s thinking, what he’s feeling.  In earlier scenes, we understand that he has issues connecting with people, and through the voice-overs, we understand that his thoughts are mostly of sex and breaking free from the routine of his current life.  Ultimately, I liked this film…but it’s a tough sell.  Including everything from a naked jogging scene to masturbation and urination, we truly live with this character over the course of the weekend.  It’s an inner journey we take with this character, and though you may not be on the same page with his thoughts, you can certainly empathize with the idea of an interior monologue.

Because this trailer contains graphic content, you’ll have to follow the link to find it on youtube.

MAPS TO THE STARS was next up.  It’s the new, darkly satirical film about “Hollywood-types” from David Cronenberg (that said, it could be about any “types” where greed and narcissism play a role in success).  Julianne Moore won “Best Actress” this year at Cannes for this film (but I think her performance in STILL ALICE is even stronger).  If you’re familiar with Cronenberg’s work, you know you’re in for a non-traditional ride in MAPS TO THE STARS.  It’s unsettling, it has awkward moments when laughter seems imminent but also wildly inappropriate, and the stellar cast is committed to the long, crazy ride.  Not a favorite…but not bad.

ELEPHANT SONG was the big treat today.  I went to see this film because I wanted to see Xavier Dolan in a film that he didn’t direct…and one in which he’s speaking English.  Though this film certainly shows its roots of being based on a play, I didn’t mind.  The performances (Dolan, Catherine Keener, Bruce Greenwood), the set design, the screenplay – they are all terrific.This is the story of a young man in a mental institution who may know the whereabouts of a doctor who has recently disappeared.  Taking place mostly in the doctor’s office, the film has a claustrophobic feel…and Dolan at times channels a young Jack Nicholson.  I went on a lark to this screening, and I’m so glad I did.  I hope this film find distribution!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMjQ9i6J5B0

At the end of the evening, I was invited by a friend to attend a party being thrown for Ethan Hawke’s new documentary called SEYMOUR: AN INTRODUCTION.  It was a small party at the Trump Hotel, and it was lovely.  I ran into a couple folks from indiewire as well as got to hang out with a festival programmer I met several years ago.  Hawke was in attendance, but I never felt like interrupting him.  On my way out, someone whispered, “Did you see who just walked by you?”  “I didn’t,” I responded.  “That’s Mike Tyson.”

More tomorrow – including one of the most talked about/buzzed about films of the festival season – THE IMITATION GAME.

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan

Girls High School Tennis Tourney Honors Missing 84′ Grad

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Jennifer Schmidt ,1984 Carroll HS Grad

Carroll High School has decided to turn a tragedy, into a celebration of a past student’s life.

Some of the area’s best high school, girls tennis players will be facing off in the Jennifer Schmidt Memorial Tennis Tournament this Saturday.

The annual event is held in the memory of 1984 Carroll HS graduate, Jennifer Schmidt.  Schmidt went missing her freshman year at Purdue, and was never seen again.  The tournament is hosted each year by Carroll High School in her honor.

Eight area high school teams will be competing at this tournament.

As a special treat, the Dayton Most Metro’s own Food Adventures crew will be guest GRILL MASTERS at the event!

 

Eat burgers & dogs grilled by The Big Ragu, watch tennis Saturday at Thomas Cloud Park!

HERES THE SKINNY:
Date: 9/13/2014
Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Thomas Cloud Park, Huber Heights

 

MUST EATS:

— Donuts and Coffee will be available at the concession stand for breakfast

— Lunch Concessions will include Hamburgers and hot dogs grilled by The Big Ragu and crew !

Come support this charity event and watch some of the Miami Valleys girls tennis stars !

Please feel free to check out more foodie fun on Food Adventure’s Facebook page.  “Like” them HERE !

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TIFF 2014 – Day #6

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phoenix-posterTuesday, September 9, 2014

Hello.  Thanks for coming back!

STILL ALICE was my first film today.  Based on a famous novel, this is the story of a linguistics professor who is dealing with early onset Alzheimer’s.  We learn in the film that diagnosis can come late in highly educated people – as they learn to have tricks to help retain their memory.  Julianne Moore plays the lead in this film, and she’s terrific.  This is a sad story due to the fact that we’re watching the terrible effects of a hideous disease…but Moore brings such humanity to the role that you can’t let go.

There’s no trailer for this film yet, but you can hear Julianne talk about the film below.

 

With a screenplay by Nick Hornby (who attended the screening), WILD is based on the true story of Cheryl Strayed’s hike up the Pacific Crest Trail.  Played by Reese Witherspoon (Oscar buzz is well underway), the story starts at the middle of her hike and circles back to the beginning…but the beginning of the hike isn’t the beginning of the story.  Through a series of flashbacks, we fully begin to understand why she’s taking this grueling journey.  For the first 15 minutes of this film, I was skeptical…but then it reeled me in.  The real Cheryl Strayed attended this screening, and had a lot of eloquent things to say about her journey – both physical and emotional.

PHOENIX was next.  This is the story of Nelly, a concentration camp survivor who has reconstructive facial surgery upon coming back into society.  After she recovers, she begins the search in post-war Berlin for her husband – who may have betrayed her to the Nazis.  Upon finding him, he doesn’t recognize her, and they begin a tension-filled game that is bound to reveal the truth.  The concept of this film is a little hard to believe initially.  Really?  He didn’t recognize her? But if you let that go, everything else is spectacular.  The production design, the tension and the performances.

Sorry…no subtitles trailer yet.

 

My last film of the day was TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT – the new film from the Dardenne Brothers.  This gem stars Marion Cotillard as Sanda – a mother and wife who has just found out that her job is in jeopardy.  Other employees have been given the decision to chose between getting bonuses or retaining Sandra’s position at the factory.  Majority rules…and the vote will be taken Monday morning.  Over the course of the weekend, she attempts to visit the other employees and plead her case – even though doing so seems degrading and hurtful to an already fragile state-of-mind.  In true Dardenne fashion, the film is truly a piece of realism with keen insights to what makes us work.

 

More tomorrow!  Thanks for checking in!

Jonathan

Dayton’s Best Fish Fry Opens the Fall Season This Friday

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Freshly Breaded Icelandic Cod at Our Lady of the Rosary’s Fish Fry

The #1 Fish Fry as ranked by Food Adventures is kicking off their first Fish Fry of the season on Friday Night !!

The place is OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY CHURCH in Dayton who has been hosting these events for over 54 years !

We are the only ones with the scoop on this incredible deal and fun night !!

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— WHERE: Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 22 Notre Dame Ave. in Dayton

— WHAT: Fish Fry  – **21 and over only !**

—NEXT: Friday, October 10th  & Friday, November 14th 

Click to Enlarge these Sausages

— COST: $13 if you pre-pay at the Parish Office, or $15 at the door the day of the event.

 

— INCLUDED: Freshly fried Icelandic Cod, Fresh Mild Sausage, Hot Polish Sausage, Chicken Strips, French Fries, Baked Beans, Salad, Cole Slaw, Homemade  Cakes, Cabbage and Noodles, Ice Cream, Popcorn, Soft Drinks, and Beer.

— WHEN: 5:30pm – 10:30pm 

— WHAT ELSE:  Gamble on pull tabs and raffle prizes!

 

 

MUST EATS:

— THE FRESHLY MADE MILD SAUSAGE: Made locally, with an old recipe that has been used for 50+ years.  Some of the best stuff we’ve had !

— THE FRESHLY BREADED COD: Made in large “sticks,” you can have all you want of these !

— HOMEMADE CAKES: Chef Joe makes these himself on site !  

Our Lady of the rosary Church – 22 Notre Dame Ave.,  Dayton, Ohio

 

What makes this event great is the friendly volunteers.  The staff are kind, dedicated and have been doing this for years.  The party is all inclusive and you are not “nickel and dimed” for extra beers, etc..  For these reasons, this is the best fish fry in the Miami Valley area, in our humble opinion.  There are old folks, young folks and ages in between.

So now you know about this little known secret.  Will we see you on Friday?  No better place for a Food Adventure !

Browse the photos below of the food and offerings at the event!

Are you a Dayton Foodie?  Then “LIKE” Food Adventures on Facebook HERE !

 

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TIFF 2014 – Day #5

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Noah+Baumbach+While+Young+Premiere+Arrivals+aA14qv9ZudIlMonday, September 8, 2014!

Hello!

It was another late night…and another early morning…but the first film I saw after waiting in line for Wednesday’s public tickets was the new comedy from Noah Baumbach – WHILE WE’RE YOUNG.  I loved it!  Unfortunately, most of the films I saw today do not have trailers yet, so still photos will have to do.

Full of keen observations on generational differences between 40-somethings and 20-somethings, WHILE WE’RE YOUNG is one of the funniest, most charming comedies I have seen in years!  In its third act, the film goes into some deeper territory, but it was all material that I found directly relatable…and I loved it. The film stars Ben Stiller, Naomi Watts, Adam Driver, Amanda Seyfried, and Charles Grodin.  It hasn’t been picked up yet American distribution, but I’m certain it will!

4b2799cb7cea82ca7d571653c9095213

OCTOBER GALE is a new thriller starring one of my favorite actresses – Patricia Clarkson (directed by Ruba Nadda, who directed Clarkson in CAIRO TIME).  It’s the story of a woman, while still getting over the death of her husband, visits her Autumn, remote island cottage.  While there, a mysterious man with a gunshot wound washes onto her shore, and it’s quickly made clear that someone will soon arrive to finish the job.  I liked the tone and pacing of this film quite a bit…until a single moment when I thought the script took a ridiculous turn.  Clarkson saves this film to some degree…but saving it completely would have required a rewrite.

75

I have bad news for the folks who are terribly anxious for THE LAST FIVE YEARS.  This is a film version of the off-Broadway musical by Jason Robert Brown.  Though the adaptation is quite faithful, it’s also quite uncinematic.  The lead performances by Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan are beautifully sung and full of charisma, but the film failed to get off the ground for me until there was a fun, playful song about working summer stock in Ohio (it was the first time that the camera work came alive and played with location, etc.).  All this said, the people who are terribly anxious about it will love it regardless – as the director barely played with any of the material (it’s as straight-forward as possible – aka hardly exciting on screen at all).

LAST5

PASOLINI is a film about the famous director’s last days starring Willem Dafoe, directed by Abel Ferrara.  Dafoe is incredible in this film, and the material with Pasolini commenting on his feelings about humanity and  our drive for materialism were quite compelling (so much so that I want a copy of the screenplay).  That said, I found the film to be a little jumbled (and even slightly confusing sometimes…as Ferrara made a decision not to give us subtitles during some rather difficult moments).  We get to look at  the film Pasolini wanted to make next and hear about the novel he never published – all before his murder by a hustler.  It’s a tough film, but I think people who give it a chance may be inspired to learn more about this iconic filmmaker.

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

Thanks for checking in.  I’m looking forward to the new Dardenne Brothers film tomorrow – TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT.

More tomorrow!

Jonathan

TIFF 2014 – Day #4

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The-Theory-Of-Everything-PosterSunday, September 7, 2014

Hello Again.

Last night was a late night again…so this morning started with a drag…but I don’t regret staying out until 2:00.  I had dinner with an old friend (I met Bill in line for Almodovar’s TALK TO HER back in 2002) and then met a couple other friends for cocktails.  It was a great night.

This morning started in line like all the other mornings.  I managed to get the tickets I want for Tuesday public screenings (including WILD – the buzz for Reese Witherspoon is quite big), and I was then off to my first P&I screening.

TOUR DE FORCE was first.  It’s a German film about a group of friends getting together for their annual bike ride.  This year, the protagonist has chose Belgium as the destination – much to his friends’ consternation.  Within the first act, it is revealed that he has chosen Belgium because physician assisted suicide is an option there.  He has ALS, and his body is reacting worse and worse each day.  The chemistry of the friends is quite good, and I liked a lot of the film, but I think it lost its way a couple times.  Ultimately, I think there’s a really strong 80 minute film here.  Unfortunately, the 95 minute version isn’t the best.

FACE OF AN ANGEL was my next selection.  It’s the new Michael Winterbottom film that uses the murder of an American student traveling in Italy (the Meredith Kercher case is clearly the inspiration) as the jumping point for the film.  This movie is about a filmmaker who has been offered the chance to write a screenplay and direct the film version of the murder and court proceedings.  As he gets deeper into understanding the dynamics, he decides he’d rather create a film that speaks to the murder but isn’t actually traditional telling of the story.  Daniel Bruhl, who I first fell in love with in GOODBYE, LENIN, plays the director, and Kate Beckinsale plays the journalist who has written extensively about the case.  Sadly, I think the film becomes a self-reflexive jumble – with dream sequences and drug-induced hallucinations that create a frenzy of a film that ultimately doesn’t work.  Though I like that the film makes us question the idea of “truth,” I wasn’t up for all the antics of this story.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zbWCcSBva4

I was quite excited to see MISS JULIE – the new Liv Ullmann adaptation of the classic play by Strindberg, starring Jessica Chastain and Collin Farrell.  This is the story of a daughter of a count who is enamored by a well-spoken valet.  What initially seems like flirting becomes a cat and mouse game for control of affections and desire – and certainly an examination of class. The production elements are divine, and Chastain’s performance is absolutely incredible, but I ultimately felt that the adaptation was rather arduous.  There’s something to be said for honoring the text of a classic play, but I think this film needs tightening.

And then I saw the world premiere of  THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING – the story of Stephen Hawking, his relationship with his wife and his battle with ALS.  I love this film! The photography is lovely, the evolving period aspects are perfect, and the performances are out of this world.  I didn’t sense a false note in any moment, and I think numerous awards will follow.  Eddie Redmayne was in attendance and spoke quite eloquently of the process of creating his body movements – which involved doctors and a choreographer.  In addition to all the folks from the film (many of whom participated in the Q&A), there were several stars in attendance for the screening – including Andrew Garfield, Jon Stewart and Julie Taymor.  THE NEON has tentatively put this film on the schedule right around Thanksgiving!  (Look at this photo comparison…I’ve only just seen it, and it makes the film all the more impressive.)

Stephen-Hawking-Jane-Wedding

Thanks again for checking in!

Jonathan

TIFF 2014 – Day #3

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Pride-posterSaturday, Sept. 6, 2014

Hello Again,

THE RIOT CLUB was my first P&I screening of the day.  It’s the new film from Lone Scherfig – director of AN EDUCATION (the “Best Picture” Oscar nominee that made Carey Mulligan a full-fledged star).  This is a film about a “posh” club of young men at Oxford.  They’re a terribly attractive, elite group (the limit for the club is 10) who are  and smart, charismatic, “well-bred,” and quite self righteous.  The movie is about their search for 2 new members and their annual dinner that allows them to indulge in debauchery.  There’s underlying tension during the whole film that truly becomes terrifying in the third act.  Overall, the film is a well done look at class and abuse of privilege.

THE NEW GIRLFRIEND is the new film from one of my favorite filmmakers, Francois Ozon (UNDER THE SAND, 8 WOMEN, SWIMMING POOL, TIME TO LEAVE, IN THE HOUSE).  Ozon, like Woody Allen, has a new film almost every year.  Some are brilliant (see all of the films listed above) and some are not (though even ANGEL, RICKY and HIDEAWAY have their merits).  THE NEW GIRLFRIEND is about a woman who has become depressed after the death of her best friend.  After working through some pain, she summons the courage to visit her friend’s husband only to discover some secrets that will change her life (I don’t want to give away too much.)  This story is based on a novel by Ruth Rendell, and her work has been adapted by other favorite filmmakers like Pedro Almodovar and Claude Chabrol.  Sadly, this film has some major tone issues…but I was intrigued enough to stick around and see what happened.

Sadly, there’s no trailer with subtitles yet, but here’s the French trailer:

PRIDE was my only public screening for the day, and it has already been booked for THE NEON this Fall.  With a stellar cast of British NEON regulars (not to mention thematic elements that interest me), it was a film I had to put on my list.  Just look at this cast: Bill Nighy (BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL, NOTES ON A SCANDAL), Imelda Staunton (VERA DRAKE, ANOTHER YEAR), Paddy Considine (IN AMERICA).  The movie, based on a true story, is about a coal miners’ strike in the UK in 1984 – and how a group of gay and lesbian people began collecting money for the cause.  From watching the trailer, I thought I’d be in for a fun, charming ride…but the trailer doesn’t do the film justice.  Instead I got a moving, inspiring, uplifting and heartbreaking film.  There weren’t many dry eyes in the house.  I think this film could go on to win the audience award – as 1000+ people in today’s audience were on their feet cheering for quite a while.  When the curator introduced not only the cast but some of the real life people on whom the film is based, the crowd went wild.  A truly, truly wonderful film!  (Below is a little pic I snapped of the Q&A.)

photo-2

Thanks for checking in,

Jonathan

 

 

TIFF 2014 – Day #2

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Friday, September 5, 2014

Hello Again,

After getting the tickets I desired for Sunday (which include THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING and MISS JULIE – 2 films I can’t wait to see), I scurried to a screening that I ended up leaving after 20 minutes.  I had been up in the air about seeing it, but when it wasn’t working for me, I decided to scurry across the hall and see GEMMA BOVERY – and I’m glad I did.

GEMMA BOVERY is a modern take on the Flaubert novel MADAME BOVARY (which is next on my list) – but actually based upon a graphic novel by Posy Simmonds (known for her FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD update TAMARA DREWE).  The film was directed by Anne Fontaine  (COCO BEFORE CHANEL), and the male protagonist (NEON regulars will recognize Fabrice Luchini from POTICHE and IN THE HOUSE) is a baker who narrates the film and is quite familiar with the Flaubert novel…in fact he interferes and attempts to change the course of actions for the title character Gemma Bovery (which is close to Emma Bovary).  This might all sound a little confusing, but it’s actually quite fun (despite its melancholy shadow).  Luchini is hysterical, and Gemma Arterton (who plays Gemma Bovery) is sexy and delightful.  (I could see Sony Classics, Cohen Media or Music Box films picking up this film for distribution.)

Sadly, I can’t find a trailer with subtitles…below is all I could find.

Next I saw the latest adaptation of MADAME BOVARY. Like ANNA KARENINA and JANE EYRE, MADAME BOVARY has been translated to film numerous times.  This version stars Mia Wasikowska in the title role, and thoughthe production values are sturdy, I ultimately think it fell a bit flat.  That said, I may be hyper-critical…as I do think there’s an audience that will embrace this adaptation.  For me, Emma never really came to life.  We see her rack up debt, we see her bored in her marriage, we see her flinging herself into affairs, but she never had that spark that really made me care.  I was intrigued enough to stay through the end, but I wasn’t moved to tears.  (Though I’m not trying to draw comparisons, I prefer Huppert & Chabrol.)

Sadly, there is no trailer for yet for this film…but here’s a production still.

madame-bovary

GUIDANCE is the feature directorial debut of Pat Mills (he also stars in it).  In 2009, The Dayton LGBT Film Festival played one of Pat’s hysterical short films – PAT’S FIRST KISS, and I got to meet him here at TIFF a couple weeks before our festival.  I’ve kept up with him over the years, and I was happy I could snag a ticket to the world premiere of his first feature.  This film is about an out-of-work, alcohol-dependent, delusional actor who lies on his application and applies for a job as a high school counselor (he figures he can play the part).  The material is wildly inappropriate (the counselor does vodka shots with students to loosen them up), but there are moments of genuine honesty and tenderness.   This combination creates a rather interesting comedy with some wonderful one-liners.  I’m quite proud of Mills for seeing this project through and for his upcoming distribution deal (it has yet to be announced, but it’s gonna happen).

Now I’m off to bed.  I’ll wake again in less than 6 hours to do it all over again.

More soon.

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan

TIFF 2014 – Day #1

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Mommy-by-xavier-dolan-cannes-posterHello Everyone,

I got back on track rather quickly this morning. After a couple hours of waiting in lines, I still managed to get the tickets I wanted for the next couple days. (Each day, my pass allows me to get 2 tickets for public screenings that occur 2 days later (i.e. on Friday morning, I’ll get 2 tickets for public screenings on Sunday). My pass also allows me to see an unlimited number of screenings that are designated for press & industry.)) After I got my tickets, I went to see a press/industry screening of MOMMY – the Cannes-Award-Winning film from Xavier Dolan.

MOMMY is a film about a volatile teenage boy who has come back home to live with his mother after a stint in a group home. The film’s protagonist – Steve – is a good-looking, foul-mouthed powder keg, and the film is at times truly terrifying.  Dolan’s love of creating music montages (almost music videos within the narrative) is back in full-force with this film.  The film has some very powerful moments and the performances are mostly quite strong – in particular, Dolan favorite Anne Dorval, who plays Steve’s mother.  (Dorval was also in the Dolan films I KILLED MY MOTHER, HEARTBEATS, and LAURENCE ANYWAYS.)  Though I feel the film could still use some trimming (much like I did with LAURENCE ANWAYS), I ultimately think it’s a solid film with some dark Oedipal themes.  The small aspect ratio is also exciting (its such a narrow frame that there’s barely ever room for more than one person in a shot – much like “Mommy’s” life).

After MOMMY, I ran into some folks I know…different people who play a variety of roles in the industry – PR, distribution, press.  It’s fun to just randomly stumble into folks from across the country all in the same place.  I grabbed a bite with a friend from NYC and then I headed to my next P&I screening.

’71 – a period military thriller set in Belfast during a rather scary time – is a tense film with strong performances and great editing.  Though I rarely like films with lots of gun play, I was quickly enamored by the main character.  It’s the story of a British soldier, who during a scuffle with vocal and eventually violent townspeople, is separated from his unit in IRA-controlled territory.  Once his unit discovers that he’s missing, the film becomes a manhunt – both from his fellow soldiers who want to bring him back and from the IRA who want him dead.

For my last screening of the day, I went to the Opening Night Film – THE JUDGE.  This is a film that will open wide (aka – at multiplexes everywhere…not THE NEON).  This was my first time attending Opening Night festivities (Glenn Kiser, a director who visited The Dayton LGBT Film Festival with his short film SABBATICAL, invited me to be his guest).  Director David Dobkin and stars Robert Duvall, Robert Downey Jr., Vera Farmiga, Vincent D’Onofrio and others introduced the film.   It’s the story of a sleek, big city lawyer who returns home to the midWest for the funeral of his mother.  Long-estranged from his father, the trip isn’t meant to last long.  But the revelation that his father has been involved in an accident which resulted in the death of a former defendant has him sticking around to defend his father in court.  For the first 20-30 minutes, I thought I was in for a truly terrible ride…but eventually the film found its sometimes-stable footing and managed to have a few honest, wonderful moments (Duvall was the reason for any of these scenes).  Ultimately, the film is too, too long and full of contrived moments – with lots of terribly underused great actors.

After the film, Glenn and I attended the Opening Night Party.  Hundreds of beautiful, well-dressed people filled the TIFF Bell Lightbox – with music booming, dancers on scaffolding and appetizers and cocktails swirling around the various rooms and levels.  It was fun to people watch for a while, but eventually we left to grab dinner…and I got back to my apartment by 1:30am.  At 6:10am, my alarm will go off and I’ll be running out the door by 6:30.

More tomorrow!

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan

30 Dayton Foods, You Gotta Try Before You Die

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The Chicken Monterey at Flavors

Now that Labor Day weekend is over, here are some of OUR labor of loves.. tastefully speaking, of course.  That is the theme of this week’s Food Adventure Article   They are the 30 best foods of the Miami Valley that you probably haven’t tried.

Little known Dayton Foods that are underground classics.   

Now that you know the skinny, let’s get down and dirty with our Thirty. 

 

These are the are the 30 DAYTON MUST EATS You gotta Try, Before You Die:

1) THE SPLIT FILET SERVED WITH DRAWN BUTTER at THE PARAGON:  This steak isn’t on the menu, so you have to request it.  It is a little known secret that will melt in your mouth.  Perfectly cooked, the sinful act of dipping the steak in drawn butter is something for royalty.  Try it and see why the Paragon Supper Club is a fixture in Centerville.

 

2) CHICKEN MONTEREY from FLAVORS: Healthy meets savory in this dish.  Honestly, one of our favorite meals in the Dayton area.  The food is consistent.  Why? Quality, fresh ingredients.  Chicken Monterey is a solid dish every time.  It is served with a side of tortilla chips and the amazing garlic sauce (now available at Dorothy Lane Market).  And guess what, it is a healthy meal.  What more can you ask for ?

The Caroline Steak, at The Caroline Restaurant in Troy

3) SPRING ROLLS WITH VERMICELLI NOODLES at LITTLE SAIGON:  The best $8 you will ever spend.  Dip into the giant bowl with a pair of chopsticks and enter a Food Adventure.  Vermicelli noodles, topped with diced, vegetarian spring rolls.   Under the noodles, is a surprise of bean sprouts and lettuce.  Served with a side of vinegar sauce and topped with chopped peanuts, this little know Dayton gem is your go to for Vietnamese Food.. Trust Us ….

4) THE CAROLINE STEAK at THE CAROLINE RESTAURANT:  You will be in awe of the special, stainless steel knife served with the meal, but don’t take it home like some others have… Choose the handmade sweet potato fries as a side dish and an appetizer of whiskey or bourbon mushrooms, and this will be one of the best meals you will ever have.  We have to mention that the great staff makes The Caroline a perfect places for a date, party, or special occasion.

5) BLACK BEAN BURGER at CHRISTOPHER’S RESTAURANT: We have never been black bean burger fans, until we met Chef John at the Centerville Farmer’s Market.  We tried one that was being grilled at the market, and was converted.  We respect the black bean now.  The burger is large, hearty and filling.  We recommend adding a slice of cheese.  It satisfies your carnivorous cravings.

6) 10 EGG OMELET FROM TANKS: One of the things we learned growing up in Dayton, is that there aren’t many late night eateries.  Thank God for Tanks.  If you love breakfast, they serve it any time of the day.  This is a delicious omelet that will bust your gut, and you wont eat the potatoes or toast that comes with it.  If you have a normal appetite, we recommend the 6 egg girly omelet.  The omelet has a multitude of ingredients, and whatever Tanks decides to throw in that day.

The Cheese and Onion Sandwich from Central Perc in Oakwood

7) GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH with WHITE CHEDDAR and APRICOT CHUTNEY from MEADOWLARK: One of the most simple sandwiches, is one of the most satisfying.  Ohio Northern Cheddar and apricot chutney make this incredible cheese sandwich.  Served on Dorothy Lane Market Artisan Bread, you have a guaranteed winner here.  After you it it, you will find yourself trying to replicate it at home.  

8) CHEESE AND ONION SANDWICH from CENTRAL PERC:  For the adventurous, we give you a British Sandwich. How do you get one?  Ask the owners who grew up in a small village in England to make it they way they way grew up with..ahem.. the “proper” way.  They will probably throw some butter  and Branston Pickle on there (you may want to google this pickle).  Your breath will be horrendous, but you will be happy.  On a side note, Rosie the pastry chef is insanely talented.  An incredible sandwich and tea room that is open limited hours, and accepts Cash Only.

9) BLACK N BLEU BURGER from SEAJAX: The new kid on the block, this burger is a symphony for your taste buds.  We have been all over like Terry’s Turf Club which was supposed to be the best Ohio burger per Guy Fieri, but we think this one is better.  Spend $8 and get a “corporate hamburger” (thank you Michael R Hawk), or spend $10 and get a handmade hamburger with swirled bleu cheese that will knock your socks off.

Summer in a Bowl Salad from Olive, an Urban Dive

10) THE BOURBON BURGER from BRIXX ICE CO.: This is one of our favorite burgers in the world.  It is a burger with bourbon glaze on it that makes you cry “hell yes.”  Great patio for the divas, but we prefer the bar stool seats and chowing down.  Thanks to childhood friend, owner/chef Chris Bhai for the developing a sauce that makes this burger a “must eat.”

11) HUEVOS RANCHEROS from SUNRISE CAFE:  We crave this incredible breakfast dish from the best kept secret in Yellow Springs.  The dish is corn tortillas, topped with eggs, and a black bean sauce, garnished with fresh salsa and sour cream.  Dont go hiking, instead, grab breakfast here.  They trumpet the fact that they have no deep fryers, no microwaves, just kick butt food.  Worth the trip to organicville.

12) SUMMER IN A BOWL SALAD from OLIVE, an URBAN DIVE:  Local freshness, local ingredients.  We absolutely love it.  If an artist made a salad, it would be “Summer in  a Bowl.”  We can’t put the ingredients on here, because the ingredients are seasonal.  Olive, only uses top quality materials.  Open your mouth and prepare to be dazzled.  It wont bust your budget or your pant line.

 

13) CALAMARI APPETIZER at FRANCO’S: Get the deep fried option dusted with Parmesan cheese and olive oil.  The Big Ragu, the king of fried food, usually says “Oh my god” in a over dramatic tone when they are served.  This is a tradition, when preparing for a big Italian meal at Franco’s.  Stay hungry my friends…The deep fried whole tilapia from Taco Loco

14) THE PAELLA from EL MESON: Watching them prepare it is half of the fun.  Listening to owner Bill Castro explain his passion for food and the pivotal role food plays in life is a great experience in itself.  Chef’s sprinkling rice and seafood shells while walking around the huge paella pan and flirting with the crowd.  By the time the dish is served we have teased our eyes and the aroma is amazing.  We love this family and their food.  Try this place out, if you haven’t, you aren’t experiencing Dayton.  

15) WHOLE, DEEP FRIED TILAPIA at TACO LOCO:  You can go to another restaurant and get this dish for $30 or you can get it for $8 at Taco Loco.  The dish that will freak your friends out, but leave you one happy foodie.  If you can stomach a whole fish on your plate looking at you, then this one is worth the stares… literally.  It is delicious and simple.

16) THE GRILLED PEACHES with GOAT CHEESE at LILY’s BISTRO: A seasonal treat that should be on the menu every month.  A stellar dish that steals the show at any meal.  Drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette dressing, this memorable side will blow your mind.  Thank you Lily’s for making us crave this on a daily basis….

Sweeney's Seafood House has the Best Raw Oysters in the USA !

Sweeney’s Seafood House has the Best Raw Oysters in the USA. Click to enlarge

17) THE RAW OYSTERS at SWEENEY’s SEAFOOD HOUSE:  The Big Ragu has tried oysters from coast to coast and north to south.  He concludes that the best raw oysters on the planet are at Sweeney’s Seafood.  Served on the half shell, these are chokers, not for the squeamish.  Grab a bottle of hot sauce and one of their micro brews and sling em back like a champ!

18) SPINOZIAN DELUXE PIZZA from SPINOZA’S: Homemade, fresh dough with Italian sausage, pepperoni, black olives, bell peppers,mushrooms and fontina cheese.  The pizza is always good here.  The crust is exceptional.  Pair it with one of their great salads and listen to a live band and sip on some local beer.  Not many people know about this place, but the ones that do, love it!

19) THE LAND AND SEA BLT at HARVEST MOBILE FOOD TRUCK:  This sandwich kick so much azz, that it won $10,000 for best dish at a Food Truck Rally.  Applewood bacon, smoked salmon and a ciabatta roll.  Then Harvest adds a sauce that is the money shot.     Follow this truck and see why poeple track them down all over town.  Chef Patrick continues to blow us away with cluinary creations.

 20) LOX & CHEESE CREPE at CREPE BOHEME: An ingredient list so simple, so good.  Salmon, capers and cheese all wrapped into a handmade crepe right before your eyes.  One of the reason we go to 2nd St. Market is to savor the crepes at Crepe Boheme.  Sabine is the ultimate crepe master, and her works of art will never let you down.  This is the real deal, a chef making the crepes.

21) THE PARIS OMELET at BUTTER CAFE: Love breakfast?  Love mushrooms? We suggest a spin using egg whites, goat cheese, a bit of onion and lot of mushrooms.  You haven’t lived until you take a bite of this omelet while overlooking Brown Street.  Guess what?  It is affordable and a protein powered breakfast.

The Ruck Sandwich from Dublin Pub

22) SHRIMP and SCALLOP NEWBURG at THE DOCK:  A creamy alfredo dish, with penne pasta.  This is like a pasta bake.  It is rich and delicious.  Can’t afford a trip to Florida?  Escape to The Dock in Enon and buy yourself a dinner dream, just like being on a pier.

23) THE RUCK from THE DUBLIN PUB: This is a dense beef brisket sandwich that is simply incredible.  The brisket is steamed in Guinness Beer. Topped with glob of cheese and onions, it is delicious.  It is a filling, guilty pleasure.  After eating this, you may want to call Richard Simmons to chase you around the yard in his ball hugging shorts and burn off the calories.  Or go hiking for his physique.

24) THE GYRO at CHICAGO GYRO’S and DOGS: Forget the fries, the sandwich is all you need. Loaded with meat, perfectly seasoned, it is a master piece as-is.  The atmosphere used to be sketchy at the old location, but the new location is kid friendly.  The gyros and dogs are still the same .. good food.  This place flies under the radar, and is an unsung Gyro..get it ?

Cow Patty Ice Cream even cures PMS.. that’s no Bull !

 25) DEL MAR TRIO at EL RANCHO GRANDE:  Want a great dish, at an unsuspecting place?  The order the Del Mar Trio at El Rancho Grande.  It consists of grilled lobster, tilapia and shrimp sprinkled with cheese on a hot fajita plate.  Served with tortillas.  Orgasmic.. yeah we said it..  Order one of these dishes and tell us we’re wrong.

 26) COW PATTY ICE CREAM from YOUNG’S JERSEY DAIRY:  We love this chocolate amazingness, and our friend Caryn Snyder says it is “the ultimate cure for PMS.”  It is dark chocolate ice cream, chocolate cookie pieces, chocolate covered toffee pieces and mini chocolate chips.  The cones are piled high and worth the drive to hippie Utopia.

27) THE PIZZA at SOFT ROCK CAFE: Yes, a karaoke bar has some decent pizza.  We don’t know if it is the thin crust, the cheese, or the toppings, but the pizza is addicting.  Our tip is to get at least 3 or more toppings, and try not to burn your mouth, the pies come out HOT!   Also, *** please note their kitchen is only open Thursday through Saturday at 8pm for weekend indulgence.

28) FISH WITH CHILI SAUCE at THAI9: This huge filet of golden fried fish is topped with a spicy chili sauce, and plated with a small amount of sauteed veggies.  The taste is slightly fiery and incredible.   The chili oil soaks into the fish, yielding the flavor, but keeping the crispiness.  A little known dish, off the beaten path, at a restaurant with a very extensive menu. Try it !

The Greatest Soft Pretzels EVER are at K & R Pretzel Bakery on Flesher St.

29) THE PLAYBOY ROLL at KABUKI:  Nothing says fun like a couple of grown adults trying to blow out a flaming sushi roll.  The roll contains Shrimp Tempura, Spicy tuna, and asparagus topped with cooked shrimp and a sweet glaze sauce.  It is then “barbecued” at your table, by being served on fire, inside an aluminum pouch.  The spectacle is one thing, but the best thing is whats inside the fiery roll of foil.  The answer is a scrumptious taste of Japan, right here in Dayton.

30) THE PRETZELS from K&R PRETZEL BAKERY:  These should be a Dayton Icon, but not many people know of this secret place at 1700 Flesher Ave.  Like a scene from Willy Wonka, the pretzel machine is fed a hand twisted raw dough pretzel, the dough is mechanically dipped in water, then hand salted before it is baked on a conveyor belt.  The machine is as long as a limousine, and it is fun watching the finished product come out at the end.  It is even more fun to eat the results:  A soft pretzel, that is the best we’ve tasted.

These are our 30 DAYTON MUST EATS, You gotta try before you die.  Little known secrets, and favorite hidden gems.   DID WE LEAVE OUT ONE OF YOUR FAVES?  WHICH ONE?  Is there one on the list you disagree with?  Are some of these items, your favorite too?  Please comment below!

Please check out our gallery below and “like us on FACEBOOK HERE !  We have some big things coming up this fall !  Hungry Jax, Chef House and the Big Ragu thank you !

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