Dayton937

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

Brian Sharp

Soft Opening for Culina in the Oregon District

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Wednesday (today) at 4pm Culina will soft open with the new concept while protecting the favorites we have all grown to know and love from the former Roost at 524 E 5th Street, in the Oregon District.

When life gives us lemons – some people make lemonade but Chef Dana Downs makes Limoncello!

Culina unveiled a menu that features everything from $7 snacks to a $23 striped sea bass. The menu that contains things like Truffle Fries, Stuffed Olives – Salads like the Gorgonzola Wedge (that Roost was known for), or a Grilled Romaine Caesar – Shared Plates  of Mussels (another Roost favorite), Grilled and Roasted Artichokes, Chicken Scallopine, New York Strip with Salsa Rosa (remember the bread dip from Roost), and Sweets like a Lemon Ricotta Cookie or even a Biscoff Gelato Affogato.

The cocktail menu has been updated with features like a Catamaran, Paradisi, Spice Spice Baby, La Sera Spritz or the Golden Hour – all of these might require a taste!

Soft opening hours are 4-9pm today; 4-10 Friday and Saturday – closed Sunday.
Next week – Monday thru Thursday 4-9 Friday and Saturday 4-10. More on hours coming!

You are not going to want to miss this twist on FINE CASUAL DINING!

 

Oregon District Eatery to Rebrand

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Roost Modern Italian – to get a new approach for Dayton! Roost is going through more than a name change, but also a concept change to include lunch hours. Dana Downs owner and Executive Chef of Roost Modern Italian announced today that the name will be changing to Culina, and the concept shifts from fine dining to an upscale casual small plate approach. After 13 years, Chef Dana believes that Dayton is ready for a new concept and another option for lunch as well as dinner. 

The ‘fine casual’ service model is defined by a commitment to exceptional quality and a chef-driven approach, focusing on superior ingredients and culinary artistry. Guests can expect a more refined atmosphere that surpasses traditional fast casual dining, while still enjoying a relaxed and approachable environment. “Guests can customize their experience to suit their preferences for their visit. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick salad for lunch or planning to celebrate a special occasion with a group, Culina is here to cater to your needs.” Downs went on to clarify that while Culina will not be taking reservations, accommodations can be made for groups of 8 or more. “Offering a ‘small plate’ service makes it challenging to accommodate small reservations, as this casual style differs significantly from the previous fine dining and structured meal service approach.”

Chef/Owner Dana Downs

Culina will offer Italian-inspired small plates, akin to what Americans would consider ‘tapas style’. Small plates will on average be priced between $14 and $26, allowing guests to enjoy fresh pastas, seafood and steaks & chops. Culina will also continue on Roost’s focus of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan offerings. Downs commented “As a chef, my goal is to provide inventive dishes that cater to special dietary needs, particularly gluten-free options.”

When asked about the casual service Downs replied “We are excited to provide our guests with a unique dining experience that celebrates the best of Italian cuisine.”

 
All Roost gift cards will be honored at Culina. Roost will remain open until Culina is ready to launch in a few weeks.

Culina

524 East Fifth Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402

Mon -Thurs  11am to 9pm
Fri & Sat from 11am-10pm

Local Chef Settles A Grudge on Food Network

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Local Chef Dana Downs was contacted by the Food Network early this year regarding being on a program.  That program was Guy Fieri Grocery Games.  Downs traveled to Santa Rosa, California in February for a 17-hour filming of Grocery Games.  Downs stated that she had no idea of the ingredients available or the challenge.  Chef Downs says this was both exciting and terrifying all at the same time. 

Downs goes on to stress that it is a real supermarket (with no customers) and all of the products and food are real. While it’s nice, Chef Downs states this is NO Dorothy Lane Market. Downs mentions that the food from the program is donated to the local food banks of Santa Rosa.  

After the filming of Grocery Games, Chef Downs was contacted again and asked if she had any kind of grudge against another chef.  Quickly she recalled situations with Matt Klum,  who worked for Downs at her restaurant in Kettering.  Downs gave her story to the Food Network and both she and Klum were asked to settle the grudge on TV as part of Super Chef Grudge Match, produced by Guy Fieri and hosted by Darnell Ferguson a three-time contestant on Guy Fieri’s Tournament of Champions.  Ferguson has ties to both Louisville, KY, and Columbus, OH where he grew up. 

Super Chef Grudge Match was filmed at Warner Brothers and took about 13 hours.  The match airs on the Food Network at 9pm tonight (December 26, 2023) but will re-air 12 times. Chef Downs episode of Grocery Games will air on January 3, 2024, at 9pm on the Food Network. 

Downs stated that working with Guy Fieri was impressive.  He is down to earth and truly one of the sweetest humans she has met.  He is a mentor and friend and helps all along the way. 

Chef Downs is honored to have been contacted and cast in two shows.  Downs states this is a huge honor for Dayton Ohio and speaks to the extensive food scene in Dayton and the quality of the chefs. The Food Network states that over 20,000 applicants reach out annually for involvement in their productions.  Chef Downs did not apply. She was contacted by the Food Network. Chef Downs is unaware of how they found out about her but is truly honored and says this was one of the best experiences of her life. 

Locally you can find Chef Downs at Roost Modern Italian in Dayton’s historic Oregon District.  Matt Klum is now a District Sales Representative at Premier ProduceOne.

There’s a new treasure at Treasure Island

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There’s a new treasure at Treasure Island

It’s one thing to get a new management group, another to get a new manager and quite another to get a new chef! 

What does all of this mean? There’s a very bright future for this mainstay on the Dayton Food scene. Dana and Katherine Downs (of Roost Modern Italian fame) have taken over leadership of this unassuming supper club. Dana has strong roots in the Dayton food scene and has been a part of some of Daytons greats. 

They have added to the ranks Cindy Murray who has most recently served as General Manager of the Florentine and previously with The Hickory Bar-B-Q on Brown Street. Murray will serve as General Manager. 

As if that’s not enough to ensure great future success for Treasure Island, there’s more! Taking over as Executive Chef is Chef Nate Young who has been a mainstay at The Oakwood Club for years. 

Katherine stated that lunch and dinner will remain as currently scheduled, and that they hope Dayton will enjoy the changes that are coming to this part of their portfolio of restaurants. 

Nobody does it like Chef Dana – so it will be fun to watch the enhancements to this gem of our dining  community. 

Lunch and dinner services will remain as currently scheduled,” said Chef Dana, “however being Chef managed, slight menu modifications will be developed by myself and our staff to ensure the efficiency and success of the restaurant.

“We are very excited about this new chapter in our portfolio of restaurants” said Katherine, “and are confident that the loyal diners of TI will continue to support and enjoy this change of management.

4250 Chief Woods Lane
Moraine, OH 45439
937-299-6161
Hours:
Mon – Thurs 11am – 9pm
Fri & Sat 11am – 10pm

Brian Sharp Shares His Impressions of Dining at Manna

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Manna – As we’ve heard over the years means “a substance or food miraculously supplied”. It would seem that Manna Uptown is just that! Spectacular food that seems to have been miraculously supplied. In the heart of historic Centerville there haven’t been a ton of food options certainly not at this caliber.

When you park behind the building you see just a glimpse of the tremendous work that has gone into getting this property ready for business. A beautiful entry, a lovely patio are just a taste of what is inside. Walk in an find a restaurant that appears to have been whisked out of a city like Paris or New York. A host stand is just inside the door and we were greeted with friendly excited hosts.  A large bar with ample seating and access to the patio. Then you get to experience a different feel in every room. From golden velvet banquette seating in the first dining room to the upstairs dining room and a separate meeting room equipped with audio visual equipment and perfect for private meetings or small dinner groups.
We were seated and started looking at the cocktail and wine list as well as the appetizer options. As the server offered bottled or tap water. After much discussion we selected drinks called A Walk Through Provence and a Wright of Flight and an appetizer of seared scallops. Cocktails were served as we awaited the scallops. The lavender and gin made for a perfectly sweet start to a great evening. The bourbon drink included mulled bitters and egg white.
Salads were selected – Mark chose a chopped charred caesar full of flavor and topped with house made croutons.
I chose a spring salad of baby spinach house made dressing and orange sections. A flavor sensation.
With our entrees on the way we started taking in the surroundings – the wallpaper is spectacular – even on the ceiling like a French fresco. You won’t believe that you’re in Dayton!
I chose a roast pork served with brussel sprouts pickled slaw roasted perfectly to fall apart with your fork. Mark had a halibut steak with fingerling potatoes and creamed spinach. The halibut was flaky and seasoned perfectly.
The pastry chef has outdone himself with the dessert menu. From profiteroles with chocolate to puff pastries with lemon icing and more.
Management was checking on every detail – service was exceptional.
The elegance and comfort of the restaurant means this is going to be a frequent stop for dinner, drinks or an evening on the patio. Lunch will be added soon after the grand opening which will give Centerville a great lunch option!

“Charcuterie it’s not just for cocktail hour”

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I am always on the hunt for a great brunch spot.  This weekend we found a gem.  Tucked in a shopping plaza in Troy, just a short drive from downtown Dayton is redBERRY.  Its name gives homage to the love of the red berry in Troy, home to the Strawberry Festival.  I was in Sidney for work, and was just driving back home and googled places for brunch near me.  redBERRY came up in the search and I am so glad it did.  There was a short wait when we arrived so we added our name to the list and started looking over the menu.  Things seemed just too good to be true.  This is a very diverse menu.  Everything from typical breakfast items to great sandwiches a salads.  Bloody Mary’s and even a Mimosa flight.  Well, I knew where I was starting!
We we taken to a booth and offered drinks.  We chose the Mimosa Flight – which included traditional orange, pineapple, cranberry and grapefruit. They come served in mini mason jars with a garnish and clearly labeled.  Not only is it a cute offering – it’s delicious.  We also ordered a starter of the skillet cinnamon roll.  I have said for years that I’ve never met a cinnamon roll that I didn’t like.  However, my favorite cinnamon roll comes from Ann Sather’s in Chicago…this certainly gave Ann a run for her money.  Full of flavor, perfectly cooked in the iron skillet and topped with homemade vanilla bean cream cheese frosting (yes you can see the vanilla in the icing).  Let’s just say, I would go back for the cinnamon roll alone!
We then ordered our brunch.  While there were so many options it was hard to choose.  We had to try the pancake charcuterie board.  It is enough for two or maybe three people to share.  It included healthy options like berries, fruit and nuts.  It also included silver dollar pancakes, sausage and bacon, fried eggs, and toppings (peanut butter, syrup, jam).  This was a culinary delight.
Other menu options include things like: Grilled PBBB&J – mini masterpieces of peanut butter, redBERRY jam, sliced banana, bacon with local honey on toasted wheat bread.  Hangover Chips – kettle chips covered with sausage gravy, bacon, red onion, pepper, american cheese and topped with two over easy eggs. Chicken and Waffles, Omelettes, Skillets, Three different Benedicts, Brisket and Eggs, redBERRY parfait and even Avacado Toast. There drink menu has mimosas, a redBERRY mary, and even Happy Coffee.
redBERRY is busy and clearly popular with the locals.  However, this not so local guy will be back!  Take the short drive to Troy…it’s worth it!
Tuesday – Sunday
6:30am – 2pm

Brian Sharp’s First Visit to The Twist Indian Grill

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On a chilly day we were looking for something fun and new for lunch. I suggested the Twist Indian Grill – only to be told “you know I don’t like Indian food” – I said, “I’ve heard great things we are going”

I am so glad we did!
Twist is where Chipotle meets Indian. In fact, if you’re like my sidekick it’s the perfect way to introduce yourself to great Indian street food. There are extensive menu options like curry bowls, salad bowls, naan tacos and even naandillas (think quesadillas made with naan).
The process is much like you’re used to at chipotle. Choose your entree, choose your rice (there are multiple options), choose your curry, choose your protein, and choose your toppings.
I opted for the Tandoori chicken and Mark opted for a naandilla with masala pulled chicken. We also enjoyed some street food – samosa (potatos and peas mixed and put in a pastry and fried served with sauce. They also have seasoned and nacho fries.

My tandoori chicken bowl was full of flavor and spice. I added some masala rice and even some jalapeños and cilantro. This was a taste sensation. Different from traditional Indian with a twist toward street food. Mark’s naandilla was served with a side of ranch and the naysayer had to admit that it was delicious and that he would definitely be back!
The restaurant located on Smithville just south of Watervliet was busy…and service was swift and friendly.
We definitely want to go back and try some other items and maybe even Paani Puri they looked spectacular!

Jollity Still Winning After 1 Year

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Opening a restaurant post pandemic may have seemed ridiculous to some, but after one year they are still going strong! Situated in the Fire Blocks district is this big city shotgun style restaurant with a small bar in front, seating at the platform kitchen and tables along one wall.

The three owners (2 chefs and 1 front of house manager) are present and involved. The menu changes regularly so you need to visit regularly!

We stopped in tonight after a reception downtown. We shared a couple appetizers to start. Curry cream corn (a vegetarian option) served warm with tarragon pickled tomatoes, Thai basil oil and rice cracklings. Smooth flavor with a hint of curry at first taste and a little kick at the end. Fried brussel sprouts (a gluten free option) served with fermented barbecue sauce, mustard aioli and Koji salt.

For dinner we chose Chicken Fried Duck and Swordfish. The Chicken Fried Duck fall off the bone served with Izakaya Japanese potato salad – DELICIOUS – bacon pickled mustard seed and house hot sauce. The swordfish(another gluten free option) is served seed crusted with edamame purée, roasted radish, eggplant, asparagus and chili crunch. The entrees seemed to disappear from our plates.

In spite of being fully satisfied – we still needed to consider desserts. We chose a perfectly sized Pineapple Upside Down Pot De Creme (yet another gluten free option). This taste sensation served in layers starts with pineapple jam, cherry cake crumble and whipped topping. In true pot de crème style you must take the spoon all the way to the bottom to experience all of the layers of this perfectly flavored (not too sweet) dessert.

If you’ve not been to Jollity, you need to visit…and go back often. The menu changes often and I know I cannot wait to experience more. I love all of the options we have in downtown Dayton and this is certainly one of the best!

Jollity

127 E. 3rd Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402

937-938-9089

Tues-Thurs 5:00-9:00 PM
Fri-Sat 5:00-10:00 PM

Gifting Santa’s Strike Again!

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Blessings come to us in many ways. Today I experienced one of those blessings.

For the past few years I have been lucky enough to be part of a group called Breakfast Santa’s. The mission of the group is to spread some surprise joy during the holiday season.

I want to be clear about this – our way is NOT the only way! My hope would be that someone reading this says maybe I can find a group of friends and do this on a scale that works for us. The point is spreading the blessings!

Our group has some of the most amazing, giving people in it. Typically, we try to visit a few restaurants and spread the joy. Last year was tough with the pandemic and this year has still had its limitations. However, today a group assembled at a restaurant in Greene County for lunch (I know it’s not breakfast). Some members of our group couldn’t make it but sent contributions to the organizers through Venmo, check or other payment apps.


Those funds were collected, and placed in a gift bag. After our group ordered, enjoyed lunch and paid – the server was called over and given the gift bag – and told this group wanted to share a tip. The bag contained roughly $3000. The server, wearing a Santa tshirt that said “Believe” opened the bag and teared up. She said that this came at a perfect time.

It’s moments like this that remind you of the joys of the season! We have an amazing group of friends that are Breakfast Santa’s and you and your friends can do this too – in your own way!

Spread the joy!

Sueño Doesn’t Disappoint

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Free valet parking as you pull up on Third Street in the Webster Station area of downtown Dayton and enter the doors of the newly opened Sueño. Once inside you immediately feel like you’ve left Dayton and arrived in a hip dining establishment in a large city! The atmosphere is impressive as soon as you enter.

Greeted by a lovely staff and escorted to our table we pass a busy bar. Across the dining room from our table is a platform kitchen with wood fired open flame oven.
We are greeted by Jade our informed server and her assistant Marie. Jade took us on a tour of the menu with answers to all of our questions and fabulous suggestions.
From the Botonas (snacks for sharing) menu we chose guacamole and sikil p’ak (pumpkin seed hummus) both served with house made chips topped with a little cumin and acid(lime juice). Both were amazing and delicious!
Then it came time to choose entrees – Jade was careful to suggest just how to place the order so that everyone’s food arrived at the same time. From the platos pequeños (small plates) menu my friend chose Taco de Cochinita – three tacos with Adobe marinated pork, salsa tamulado and pickled red onion.
From the Hearth menu another friend selected Carne Asada. Beautifully seasoned steak bavette with chimichuri and frijoles charros. I chose the pork al pastor with grilled pineapple, caramelized onion and morita salsa. These dinners are large enough to share – but we didn’t! Two of us also ordered from the Verduras (vegetables) menu a dish of charred corn mixed with cascabel spice, cilantro, queso fresco and crema mixed together and served cold. This was a great balance to the dishes that were a taste explosion.
As if that wasn’t enough…we had to have something from the Postres (dessert) menu – there are two options so we chose one of each. A scoop of Mexican chocolate (house made) ice cream topped with pieces of spicy pepita (pumpkin seed) brittle and arroz con leche – rice pudding with roasted summer peaches and marscapone.
This is a dining experience and one that lends itself to a fabulous date, celebration or just a Wednesday night dinner – in a place that takes you away!
Do yourself a favor and make reservations now!

Sueño

607 E 3rd St.
Dayton, OH 45402

(937) 453-0008

Click for online reservations

Breakfast Santa’s

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Some days rolling through Facebook can be unnerving.  Then there are the days where something catches your eye.  You open the post, read the story and think – what a great idea!  Someone should do that. Well, recently there was a story just like that.  One of those stories that touch the heart.  It was the story about a group of friends that get together and go out to breakfast.  On the surface that may not sound so touching or special.  However, this group was different.  In this group each person was willing to make a $100.00 investment.  But an investment or breakfast?  Both! 

In this group once they arrive at the selected location – they each put their $100.00 in a gift bag or envelope.  They each order breakfast (everything on one check) – and then pay the bill out of that bag.  What is left is roughly $1500.00 which this group of Breakfast Santa’s gives to the server, as a tip. 

I read this and thought what an amazing idea in the true spirit of giving. 

So, unbeknownst to me, my friend Vicki had read the same article and posted the story with the message…” who’s in?” – I just had to be a part!  And so, the planning begins.  Where to go, how many will respond?  In our community, where we have suffered this year, there are plenty of places to go to make an impact where tornadoes have had a devastating effect.

Today was the day.  Seventeen Facebook acquaintances and friends converged on a local restaurant and made it happen.  There were two servers (one who was called in to cover a shift) and another.  Both gave excellent service.  Taking great care of us without ever knowing what was in store.  At the end of breakfast, the bill was paid, and the servers called over to the table.  They were presented with “the bag”.  Through teary eyes they realized this wasn’t a joke, but a gift. 

While our group set out to touch the lives of a server or two, and we did.  It was our lives that were touched.  We have been blessed and were able to be a blessing.  Through our tear-filled eyes, we hugged our servers wishing them a very Merry Christmas…and then we hugged each other, grateful for being a part of such amazing holiday fun.  Thanks for posting Vicki, and for being the kind of person that always finds ways to give back and help others.  Thanks for including all of us!