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Dayton Dining

McDonald’s New McValue Menu Offers Lots of Options

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In 2025 customers can get even more than they expect with McDonald’s new McValue™ menu, which features all-day savings, every day at U.S. restaurants nationwide. The new McValue platform offers more variety, choice and flexibility – for every occasion. Fans can mix and match with the new Buy One, Add One for $1* offer and fuel up for less with the popular $5 Meal Deal**.  

Plus, they’re dropping even more offers in the App courtesy of McValue – including free medium fries with a $1 purchase every Friday in 2025 and a free McCrispy TM chicken sandwich for new App users.

Hungry for more?  McDonald’s celebrating this major news by partnering with lifelong McDonald’s fan John Cena. From iconic movie roles to impromptu motivational riffs, Cena is always delivering more than what fans expect, making him the perfect McValue ambassador.

“I always talk about ‘earning my sunset’ and there’s nothing like heading to McDonald’s after completely crushing your day,” Cena says. “I’ll admit – it’s tough to choose between some of my favorites sometimes, but now I don’t have to. The fact that fans can mix and match with the new McValue menu to get great deals on the food they love is going to be an absolute game-changer.”

Cena is ready to show you the McValue ropes – follow along on McDonald’s social channels to see how he gets the most out of McValue and his go-to Buy One, Add One for $1 combo (spoiler: it’s a Sausage McMuffin and Hash Browns). 

McValue at McDonald’s is all about getting more than you expect, so we’re celebrating the launch of the platform by offering fans MORE all month long. During the first few weeks of 2025, they’re partnering with 16 different brands to roll out more than $3 million in promotional offers. From $1 subscriptions to YouTube TV to 20 minutes of free wi-fi on American Airlines to a Tinder Gold Premium Access subscription, fans can go big with a McValue mindset for a limited time – our treat! Simply interact with McValue ads when you spot them on your favorite platforms for the potential to unlock free credits, upgrades and ad-free entertainment while supplies last.  

So, if you’re manifesting savings this year, watch out for our content on your favorite platforms and head to your local restaurant to see how much more you can get with McValue, today.

 

 

Oyster Fest Returns to Lily’s

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Oyster Fest 2025 is back this month at Lily’s!  Now in its ninth year you can enjoy oyster specials from Wednesday, January 15th, through Sunday the 31st, during dinner service only.
“I had my first oyster ever when I worked at a Japanese fine-dining restaurant in Chicago starting in 2005. I have to admit, it was not love at first slurp. It took me until I moved to Louisiana where oysters are a way of life for me to become a convert and now I love them any and all ways, though the Oyster Shooters we do with choice of bloody mary mix and vodka or sake and ponzu sauce are a tribute to that first way I ever had an oyster are a favorite for sure,” said owner Emily Mendenhall.

Mendenhall says the Lily’s kitchen team works to create and serve a variety of oysters, some raw, some fried, an oyster po-boy and of course oyster shooters. Here’s what you’ll find on the menu:

Lily’s Dayton
329 E. 5th Street
Dayton, OH 45402

937-723-7637

Lunch
Wed- Fri 11am – 2pm

Dinner
Wed, Thurs & Sun 4:30pm – 9:00pm
Fri and Sat 4:30pm – 10:00pm

Brunch
Sat & Sun 10am – 3pm

Reservations are highly suggested! Walk-in parties are still welcome.
Please give us a call or book your reservation through Tock or on our website.
937-723-7637

Local Deli Celebrates National Hot Pastrami Day All Week Long

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Get ready to celebrate a deli classic in style! All The Best Deli, Dayton’s destination for authentic New York-style fare, is marking National Hot Pastrami Day (Tuesday, Jan 14th) with a weeklong special. From January 13 to January 19, 2025, enjoy $8 off every pound of their premium, hand-sliced pastrami, the perfect excuse to indulge in this savory favorite.

Renowned for its tender, flavorful pastrami, All The Best Deli combines traditional recipes with high-quality ingredients to deliver a taste that’s second to none. Whether you’re crafting the ultimate sandwich, adding a flavorful twist to your recipes, or simply snacking on its smoky, spiced goodness, this deal is a must for pastrami enthusiasts.

“National Hot Pastrami Day is the perfect occasion to showcase one of our signature items,” said Lee Schear, owner of All The Best Deli. “Our pastrami has always been a customer favorite, and we’re thrilled to offer this deal as a thank you to the community that supports us every day.”

This limited-time deal is the perfect opportunity to stock up and savor the unmistakable flavor of All The Best Deli’s pastrami. While you’re there, don’t forget to explore their full menu of deli classics, from hearty soups to piled-high sandwiches, and everything in between.

All The Best Deli
5940 Far Hills Ave
Dayton, OH 45429

937.999.4204

Open 7 Days a Week
7:00 AM to 8:00 PM

It’s BOGO time at Buffalo Wild Wings

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According to a press release we received on behalf of Buffalo Wild Wings, we know that for a limited time, the restaurant will be offering four days of BOGO deals every week. Mondays through Thursdays, the chain will be offering different deals to satisfy our cravings and our taste buds.

So what exactly are the BOGO deals that we can expect at Buffalo Wild Wings?

B-Dubs  offers Buy One, Get One 50% off traditional wings on Tuesdays and Buy One, Get One Free boneless wings on Thursdays. The deals are available for dine-in, takeout or delivery to give guests four- straight days of deals

 

New BOGO Burgers at Buffalo Wild Wings added to weekly deals

“On Mondays and Wednesdays, Buffalo Wild Wings burgers are now Buy One, Get One Free for
a limited-time only – that’s two burgers for the price of one, twice a week!

 

BOGO Burgers_with text
New BOGO Burgers at Buffalo Wild Wings added to weekly deals

Depending on what day you go to Buffalo Wild Wings, you will be able to save some money on some menu favorites.

 

 

 

$5 Bowls from KFC are Back

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To kick off 2025, KFC has decided to bring back the bowls. So if you want tasty chicken, delicious sides and meals that combine both of these things, then these  chicken loaded bowls are gonna be your jam.

First off, we have to start with the newest addition to the bowl lineup. In this case, it is their new Nashville Hot Loaded Fries Bowl. If that sounds delicious, that’s because it is. This bowl features, crispy fries, pickles, their iconic coleslaw, the Original Recipe chicken nuggets, and of course a Nashville hot sauce on top. If you like a kick with your chicken, this is the bowl to try.

Of course, that’s not the only bowl they have on the menu to keep you warm this winter. There’s also a Nashville Hot Mac & Cheese Bowl, a Nashville Hot Famous Bowl, a classic Mac & Cheese Bowl and finally their iconic Famous Bowl.

Nashville Hot Loaded Fries Bowl
Bowls are Back: KFC Launches New Nashville Hot Loaded Fries Bowl + Five Bowls for Just $5

While the Nashville Hot Loaded Fries Bowl features fries (obviously), the other bowls are either mac & cheese or mashed potatoes as the base carb. Fans have picked the Mac & Cheese Bowl as the ultimate favorite. But if you want a kick of heat, then giving that Nashville Hot mac & cheese bowl a try is a must.

Even more exciting than the fact that we have these five bowls to fall in love with is the fact that they are just $5 each. Yes they will only be around for a limited time, but KFC is  excited for these bowls to be part of thei winter menu.

Popeyes New Louisiana Garlic Wings

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Rolling out just in time for playoff season, Popeyes bold new flavor is tossed in a buttery, garlic sauce with its Cajun flavors of New Orleans.

The 6-piece chicken wing flavor is marinated and tossed in a garlic-infused buttery sauce inspired by the Cajun flavors of Louisiana, bringing this bold new flavor from the tailgate to the couch nationwide.

“Sticking to our New Orleans roots? Now that just makes sense!” Amy Alarcon, VP of Culinary Innovation. “Especially in a year where such a big event is happening in our back yard, we needed to make sure our distinct Cajun flavor was tied to one of our signature wings, so that whether you attend the big game in Louisiana or watch from your house, you can get a real taste of New Orleans.”

Louisiana Garlic joins an already stacked lineup of Wing Flavors, both bone in and boneless, including Ghost Pepper, Sweet ‘N Spicy, Honey BBQ, Roasted Garlic Parmesan, Signature Hot, and Honey Lemon Pepper. The Louisiana Garlic flavor can be ordered for Popeyes’ classic boneless wings or spicy bone-in wings. Like all other flavors, it can also be ordered as an à la carte side dipping sauce.

 

Taste of Belgium To Shutter Bistro at The Greene

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Taste of Belgium’s bistro at The Greene, 10 Greene Boulevard in Beavercreek, OH, will permanently close this Sunday, January 12, at 8 p.m.

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The Beavercreek bistro, which opened in June of 2023, was Taste of Belgium’s first expansion outside of its established footprint in the Cincinnati market, receiving an outpouring of support and excitement from the Dayton-area community. “The evolution of full-service casual dining and changing consumer habits around dining out have significantly impacted the way we do business. As difficult as this decision is, we’re taking this opportunity to return to our roots and our original vision,” said Taste of Belgium founder Jean-Francois Flechet. “We expected a much stronger shopping season at The Greene during the holidays, but we just did not see the influx of people we had hoped for. We’re committed to ensuring the survival and sustainability of our business.”

Taste of Belgium has notified all Beavercreek team members of the closure. “The General Manager and the entire team at The Greene have been incredibly dedicated to the success of this bistro. From a focus on hospitality to ensure our customers feel valued and appreciated, to developing creative events and promotions to engage the community, they have truly gone above and beyond,” he added. The Greene bistro will be open normal business hours through Sunday, January 12.

 

Roost Closes After 13 Years in the Oregon District

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Roost, an Oregon District staple since November of 2011 operated by owner/Chef Dana Downs, showcased a menu of Italian dishes with a modern approach. This past August they rebranded as Culina, offering a small plates with a “fine casual” service model.

After just 3 months Downs announced November 14th  “While the change to the Culina concept from Roost has been well received, our loyal customers have spoken -So much so, that the decision has been made to return to the Roost Italian offering classic Roost entrees and sneaking in some of Culina’s most popular small plates.”

Fast forward to January 2025, the restaurant closed for a week long winter break.  Then suddenly the social media presence for Roost/Culina disappeared, reservations were turned off on the website and posts on the Instagram accounts were taken down and then the entire site was taken down.  We reached out to Chef Downs, but have heard nothing back.

Just a bit ago we were able to confirm the following communication was sent to Roost staff from owners Dana & Katherine Downs:

“Thank you all for your hard work and dedication during the holiday season. We deeply value the effort each of you has contributed to Roost, and it has been a privilege working alongside such a talented an committed team.  

After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to terminate al employment relationships at Roost, effective immediately….We are currently engaged in discussion with potential buyers for the restaurant, and they have expressed interest in retaining the current staff.”

The email continued with info about final paychecks and W2’s and wished them the very best in their future endeavors.

After so many years of great food and service, we hate when a restaurant goes out like this and we hope the entire staff lands on their feet quickly.

 

New Menu Just Released at Centerville Eatery

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Chef Adrian Madrigal Mendiola, the executive Chef at Meridien Uptown, has over 25 years in the culinary arts, training in Europe, South America, and is a graduate of  Le Cordon Bleu France.  He’s perfected the techniques of classical and multicultural cuisine. He  has just released a new menu for the Centerville eatery.

Meridien Uptown
28 W. Franklin St,
Centerville, OH 45459

(937) 723-6687

For those who love a reservation and want a guaranteed seat, we take reservations for about 60% of our regular tables.

If you can’t get a reservation, we absolutely take walk-ins. With 30 seats at our community bar and 20 seats at our regular bar, we can generally accommodate most people each night.

Wed & Thurs  4pm – 10pm

Fri: 4pm – Midnight

Sat: 11am – Midnight

Sun: 11am – 8pm

Note: Kitchen closes at 9pm on Wednesday and Thursday & 10pm on Friday and Saturday night.

$1 Bottomless Coffee Deal at All the Best

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Attention coffee enthusiasts and breakfast lovers: All The Best Deli is brewing up something extraordinary to jumpstart your day! Starting today, the iconic New York-style deli is offering $1 bottomless coffee every morning from 7 AM to 11 AM. That’s unlimited refills of rich, freshly brewed coffee for the unbeatable price of just one dollar!

Why settle for a single cup when you can sip to your heart’s content? This caffeinated offer is more than just a deal—it’s a morning revolution. Whether you’re gearing up for a busy day or easing into the weekend, All The Best Deli has you covered with high-quality coffee brewed from premium beans. Bold, smooth, and endlessly satisfying, each cup is crafted to pair perfectly with their standout breakfast menu.

“We wanted to give our customers something special—a way to say thank you for their loyalty and to make their mornings brighter,” said [Lee Schear], owner of All The Best Deli. “Great coffee at an unbelievable price just felt like the perfect way to start the day.”

Pair your bottomless brew with fan favorites like:

  • Corned Beef Hash – A hearty classic that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

  • Challah French Toast – Indulgent, golden, and perfect for a sweet start to the day.

  • Potato Pancakes – Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and made to perfection.

  • And so much more!

Whether you’re a savory breakfast devotee or have a sweet tooth, the menu offers something for everyone. And with bottomless coffee at your side, there’s no better way to kick off your day.

 All The Best Deli
5940 Far Hills Ave
Dayton, OH 45429

Open 7 days a week
7:00am – 8pm

Girl Scout Cookie Season Has Begun

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How to order Girl Scout cookies this year:

The way the young ladies sell cookies has changed.  Rarely do they go door to door anymore. But technology has helped them make videos asking for the sale, or send emails or texts with a link to an online order form.

Ordering Girl Scout cookies always seems like a mad scramble (don’t put it off like I always do and miss out), so if you want to snag a few boxes, you have a few options. First off, you can always order them directly through a locally registered Girl Scout. If you don’t know any offhand, you can either check in with your local Girl Scout council, or use this handy Girl Scout Cookie Finder to locate an active booth near you.
Starting February 21, you can also pop your zip code into the Girl Scout Cookie Finder and have boxes shipped directly to your home. If you really want to stay on top of things, you can text the word “COOKIES” to 59618, and you can keep up with the cookies and other Girl Scout news that way.

Enter your information here  to be notified when cookie booths open near you! Girl Scout Cookie booths in the area starting starting February 14.

 

Dayton at Work & Play: All The Best Delicatessen

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Carin Solganik

This week’s Buy Local Monday conversation is with Carin Solganik of All The Best Delicatessen.

When my wife and I moved to Dayton from Cleveland we found many things here that we loved, but we missed our regular visits to Corky and Lenny’s delicatessen. When I learned that Corky and Lenny’s was one of the inspirations for this Dayton restaurant I knew I had to try it.
Owner Lee Schear says he’s always wanted to bring an authentic New York deli to Dayton. He recruited Carin to set it up after she retired from Heinen’s Grocery store in Cleveland. “Before starting this restaurant I went to New York, Cleveland, Chicago, Houston, Las Vegas and elsewhere” she said “and I learned something at every stop about how to run a deli and how to source the best ingredients. I got lots of recipes from the delis I visited and had Lee taste them all. We ended up using all the best, which is where the restaurant’s name comes from.”
I tried their Ruben, and loved it. This will be definitely be one of my regular lunch stops. I’m looking forward to trying their cheesecake and comparing it to the cheesecake I loved at Corky and Lenny’s. Carin said she went through a lot of versions before choosing a cheesecake recipe. It’s made to their specifications by Sweet Butter Bakery in Cincinnati. They also carry baked goods from Cleveland’s Davis Bakery.
I tasted two of their soups and thought they were great. Carin told me they make their soups using stock they make themselves. They also make their own deli salads and even their own mustard. Carin says they’re doing everything they can to bring the best possible New York style deli food to Dayton.

All The Best Delicatessen

5940 Far Hills Ave
Dayton, OH, 45429
937-999-4204
Open 7 Days a week
7:00am to 8:00pm

Have You Gotten Your King Cake Yet?

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Troni Bros. Bella Bistro Opens Today in Troy

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Today is the soft opening of Troni Brothers Bella Bistro from 4- 9pm. You can be among the first to experience their authentic Italian delights—fresh pasta, crispy New York-style pizzas. Owner Dave Keen first got involved with  Troni Brothers Pizza when he was selling them a cash register system. Seeing they were overwhelmed with business, he volunteered to help.  He eventually brought his son Riley to work with them as well and over time they agreed to buy the Wilmington Pike location in May of 2022. In July of 2023 Keen and his family opened Troni Brothers Italian Restaurant in Xenia and now the Troy location will be their 3rd restaurant.

The menu is pretty much the same at all 3 locations.  Here’s a quick look:

There are no liquor licenses available in Troy currently. They are working with their attorney to try to obtain a beer and wine license soon.

Troni Brothers Bella Bistro
2311 W Main St
Troy, OH, 45373

Tues –  Sat 11am to 9pm
Sun 12pm to 4pm

10?’s with Chef Adrian Madrigal Mendiola

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Chef Adrian

Meridien Uptown’s  Executive Chef Adrian Madrigal Mendiola has over 25 years in the culinary arts, training in Europe, South America, and is a graduate of  Le Cordon Bleu France.  He’s perfected the techniques of classical and multicultural cuisine. As an Executive Chef and Saucier, Chef Adrien specializes in elevating familiar meals into modern cuisine, using unique herbs and spices, and fresh ingredients. His attention to detail and passion for food are what set his dishes above the rest. In his spare time, you can find Chef Adrian watching or playing soccer!
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What is your favorite ingredient to cook with?


My favorite ingredient is always cooking with fresh herbs and fresh products. He grows many of these in his own garden and hand picks them for service every day.

What ingredient do you dread?

I don’t enjoy working with processed meats.  I find it difficult to a create a solid  dish to serve the customer.

What’s your favorite dish to make?

bayou crab crostini

My favorite dish is anything using fresh seafood.  It challenges my creativity, preparation and plating skills.
What’s your favorite pig out food?
I like eating all kinds of fresh bread.

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

I enjoy going to different restaurants in the Miami Valley, whether old school dining or getting to try something new.  It keeps my own cooking energized.
What’s your best advice for home chefs?
Don’t be afraid to try new things. You only get better by challenging yourself, taking risk and practicing.

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

This would be my son, daughter and two best family friends because they’re not afraid to give me honest feedback and criticism.  They also are intolerant to certain products which challenges me to cook something different and full of flavor they can fully enjoy.

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

Chef Adrian’s FISH & CHIPS!

I have followed the career of Erin French, an American Chef residing in the
state of Maine.  Her unique focus on fresh ingredients and farm to table has created a waiting list of customers seeking a unique dining experience at The Lost Kitchen.  Her story is inspiring, and has earned recognition as a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Best American Chef in 4 times.  Dining here is truly a goal of mine in the future.

What do you do in the Miami Valley on a day off?
I enjoy going to used book stores looking for interesting and unique collections of international recipes.  I enjoy shopping and a good cup of coffee – there are a
         number of unique places to try in our city.
Share a kitchen disaster, lucky break or other interesting story:
 I had the opportunity to meet Charlie Chloe when he was opening a new business at the Greene.  It was the first time I was able to fully experience and work with all types of Asian foods, something I truly enjoyed and often still find  inspiration in my cooking today.

Experience Chef Adrian’s cuisine at
Meridien Uptown
28 W. Franklin St
Centerville, OH 45459

(937) 723-6687

Hours:

Wed & Thurs  4pm – 10pm
Fri 4pm – Midnight
Sat 11am – Midnight
Sun 11am – 8pm

Note: Kitchen closes at 9pm on Wednesday and Thursday & 10pm on Friday and Saturday night.,

Star City Open Homebrew Competion Registration Now Open

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Celebrate Craftsmanship & Community: Bring your best brew and be part of an event that celebrates passion, creativity, and skill.  All contestants will get recognition and expert feedback from Certified BJCP Judges. The Best of Show winner will have their beer brewed at Star City Brewing and featured at next year’s competition.
There are 90 beer categories you can enter, and 2 bottles are required for judging. Entry registration deadline is 3/15/2025 at 10:00om

The Awards Ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025 2:00pm at Star City Brewing. Places will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category/table. The 1st place entry in each category will advance to the Best of Show (BOS) round with a single, overall Best of Show beer selected. Additional prizes may be awarded to those winners present at the awards ceremony at the discretion of the competition organizers.

Rules

This competition is American Homebrewers Association (AHA) sanctioned and open to any amateur homebrewer age 21 or older.

This is a charity-benefit competition and all net proceeds will be donated to The Artemis Center of Dayton, Ohio.

All entries must be received at the drop-off/mailing location by the deadline. Hand-carried entries will only be accepted on the day of competition by out-of-town judges/stewards by prior request. Please allow adequate shipping time for any mailed entries.

All entries must be handcrafted products, containing ingredients available to the general public, and made using private equipment by hobbyist brewers (i.e., no use of commercial facilities or Brew on Premises operations, supplies, etc.).

The competition organizers are not responsible for mis-categorized entries, mailed entries that are not received by the entry deadline, or entries that arrived damaged.

The competition organizers reserve the right to combine styles for judging and to restructure awards as needed depending upon the quantity and quality of entries.

Qualified judging of all entries is the primary goal of our event. Judges will evaluate and score each entry. The average of the scores will rank each entry in its category. Each flight will have at least one BJCP judge.

Brewers are not limited to one entry in each category but may only enter each subcategory once. There is a $10.00 fee per entry.

The competition committee reserves the right to combine categories based on number of entries. All possible effort will be made to combine similar styles. All brews in combined categories will be judged according to the style they were originally entered in.

The Best of Show judging will be determined by a Best of Show panel based on a second judging of the top winners. The winner of the Best of Show beer will be brewed at Star City with the winning brewer if available, at a later date to be served at the following year’s competition..

Bottles will not be returned to entrants.