Dayton937

Food & Beer Pairings Announced for Moose & the Goose Dinner Event, Feb. 22

February 3, 2014 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Dont Miss the ‘Moose and The Goose’ event on Sat Feb 22

BULLWINKLE’S TOP HAT BISTRO and GOOSE ISLAND BREWING CO. have announced the 5 courses to be paired with 5 beers at the one-night-only Food Adventure event on Saturday Feb 22nd called “The MOOSE AND THE GOOSE.” The extravaganza will be held at Bullwinkle’s in Miamisburg at 7pm (tickets are pre-pay only).

Dayton Most Metro’s own THE BIG RAGU & The Crew are helping sponsor the event with the help of Heidelberg Distributing, Dayton Dining, Goose Island Brewery, and of course Bullwinkle’s Top Hat Bistro.

The Food Adventure courses are as follows (subject to change):

Course #1: HOUSE SALAD with homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing paired with Goose Island’s TEN HILLS PALE ALE

Course #2: Homemade CLAM CHOWDER paired with Goose Island’s Beer called ‘SOFIE’

Course #3: REUBEN DIP / MOOSE TATERS CASSEROLE paired with Goose Island’s HONKER’S ALE

Course #4: BABY BACK PORK RIBS, PULLED PORK, GREEN BEANS, RED SKIN POTATOES paired with Goose Island’s beer called ‘MATILDA’

Course #5: BANANAS FOSTER prepared table side, with an option for CARROT CAKE substitute paired with Goose Island’s ‘PERE JACQUES’ Beer

Ribs are one of the featured courses

TICKET COST IS $30 and that INCLUDES GRATUITY !

****Please note: Tickets for this event are PRE-PAY ONLY and can be purchased only through THIS LINK at DAYTON MOST METRO.

SEATING IS LIMITED, get your tickets to this event before it SELLS OUT !

**There will be DOOR PRIZES, GIVEAWAYS, SOUVENIRS, SURPRISES, and an appearance by the GOOSE ISLAND GIRLS !

We may have some Goose Island 312 URBAN WHEAT Beer samples floating around and an AFTER PARTY Keg Tapping with Beer Specials.

This promises to be once heck of a FOOD ADVENTURE EVENT !! This is a one-time-only gig, so take advantage of this incredible deal !

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Sleep Fleet Celebrates Release of New EP

January 30, 2014 By Dayton937 1 Comment

So far the new year in Dayton has brought great music around town for us all to enjoy! This weekend is no exception!

On Saturday, February 1st, Sleep Fleet returns to Dayton after six months – a time far too long for music fans. The Sleep Fleeters are releasing their brand shiny and new EP, Hudson & High, at a show at Blind Bob’s in our fine city. The album courtesy of the fine folks at Brain Candy Records is available at the band’s bandcamp page and is not to be missed.

Sleep Fleet is joined by the dynamic new trio Brat Curse! Their new self-titled record is another great new release for 2014! These ex-Pharohs musicians play a pop-tinged punk that is a reminder of the excitement of the D-I-Y and post-punk movements before alternative became commercial!

Dayton’s own Dear Fawn will be playing their first set with their all new five-person line up! You can hear some of Dear Fawn’s fine songs from their terrific CD, I Played the Queen on the band’s Soundcloud page! This is another new band that promises to be another great addition to our music scene.

Track List for Hudson & High

	1.	I Wanted It All 02:04
	2.	I’ll Stay 02:49
	3.	Happy Alone 02:55
	4.	Chief 02:10
	5.	Three Sides 02:18
	6.	Why Don’t You Want Me? 02:39

Cross-posted at Your Tuesday Afternoon Alternative

Looking Forward to Days To Come

January 30, 2014 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

There are bands that become successful because of intense and expensive record company promotion that repeatedly tell us that this entertainer is a musician, regardless what your ears may tell you. There are bands that dominate the radio, the ‘net stream, and iTunes because they have a look. There are bands that become well known because of the producer that records the music, even before we hear that first chord. And there are bands that become successful for the simple reason that they are good, they successfully write music that captures the often ignored inner need we all have for a great song. Dayton’s own Motel Beds are one example of a band that is simply a good band that consistently delivers great songs.

With the Misra Records recent release of their recent collection, These Are The Days Gone By, PJ Paslowsky, Tommy Cooper, Ian Kaplan, Derl Robbins, and Tod Weidner remind us that even without the music industry machine, without some hypoallergenic created look, great music can not only be consistently created – it can be created in your home town.

Days starts with the eponymous album track, a rocking reminder that art and commerce should connect when the time is right. And for this band, the time is right with every song you hear on this collection. These are the Days Gone By – a standout track from the ‘Beds Tango Boys album – demonstrate the way that the guitars-bass-drums approach of rock and roll can still be made fresh and exciting. If you do not start to sway when you hear the twin guitars of Cooper and Robbins, you should check your pulse; and if the bass does not make you dance… “Well, how you feeling right now? Are you still with us?”

The next song Ocean Flows from the ‘Beds 2009 EP Go For A Dive connects the listener to the best in high intensity yet rocking lofi-ish sound. Songs such as this recall the early and best of bands like R.E.M. when the vocals did not have to be so highly mixed as to over-power the music. While this lesson is repeatedly ignored by Top 40 radio, The ‘Beds are able to make the most out of a mix that encourages the listener to feel the different instruments of the song. It is important to note that the current arrangement of Ocean Flows illustrates the impressive drop-your-jaw drumming of Ian Kaplan that becomes a full out attack on later ‘Beds recordings such as Sunfried Dreams and Dumb Gold. And live, wow… you will wonder how Kaplan can lift his arms after a show.

With Skymade Suit and Cactus Kiss the band reveals early ideas that will be more fully realized on later work. Skymade Suit was the first track on the ‘Beds 2003 EP Hasta Manana and show a different side to the band. Suit was recorded with only Paslosky, Cooper and Kaplan before being joined by current members Derl Robbins and Tod Weidner. The evolution of the band is demonstrated when comparing songs such as Skymade Suit and more recent work such as Surfjerk, Smoke Your Homework, and Valentimes. Cactus Kiss originally appeared on the 2007 collection Local Losers – a release to benefit WWSU radio — and then on The ‘Beds Moondazed album and more importantly helps place The ‘Beds into a constant evolving swirl of Beach Boys influenced rock psychadelia.

The alternative version of Sunfried Dreams is a welcome visit into the creative process of the band. It is one of only two songs on the album to include keyboards; the alt version of Dreams has a different all around feel than the version that ended up on the album of the same name. One has to wonder if this alternative version is a glimpse of a band that would have moved along a different path than the road taken.

Standouts on the record include Tropics of the Sand that include the vocals of the always terrific Kelley Deal (R. Ring, The Breeders), Surfjerk, Lights On and Smoke Your Homework – Songs that have long been featured on local radio, all four songs in rotation on WUDR. It is impressive how Paslosky and Deal wrap their vocals around the song. They sing and sound as if they have been singing together for years! When their cascading vocals hit the song title together, you believe that they are yearning for a tropic somewhere together. You feel it. With Lights On and Surfjerk you hear the welcome addition of Tod Weidner (Shrug and heck too many projects to list here). The additional strength on bass and on vocals on other tracks greatly strengthens the overall sonic texture of The Motel Beds. And if you have seen the band live, you know firsthand how much Weidner adds to the performance!

One of the best discoveries on the album is the cover – and it is the only cover on the album – of Matthew Sweet’s I’ve Been Waiting, an often overlooked track from his terrific album Girlfriend! The ‘Beds demonstrate their understanding of indie-college music by tacking the song and infusing urgency in the song that Sweet’s focus on classic indie-pop melody understates. The Motel Beds make the song feel more immediate and more plaintive than Sweet ever could. And considering that Matthew Sweet once had an indie hit with a song called Sick of Myself – that is really saying something.

Throughout all twelve tracks on this album you almost miss noting the captivating vocals of PJ Paslosky. Instead of grand standing and singing in some strange grandiose manner, Paslosky extends his voice in ways that draw the listener into the songs. Whether listening to an early song by the band or something from their latest album of new material, Dumb Gold, you find yourself drawn to him. Drawn not because of an industry manufactured buzz or some odd notoriety, but a gravity that a gifted vocalist creates.

Do not miss this collection – part retrospective, part review, and part exploration – consider this a road map of good songs for your music loving soul.

Information about the band can be found at motelbedsmusic.com and misarecords.com.

Track List for These are the Days Gone By:

1. These are the Days Gone By
2. Ocean Flows
3. Skymade Suit
4. Cactus Kiss
5. Surfjerk
6. Valentimes
7. Lights On
8. Western Son
9. Tropics Of The Sand
10. Sunfried Dreams (alternate version)
11. I’ve Been Waiting
12. Smoke Your Homework

Cross posted at Your Tuesday Afternoon Alternative

The MOOSE & THE GOOSE: Exclusive FOOD ADVENTURE EVENT Feb 22nd !!

January 29, 2014 By Dayton937 5 Comments

Get your tickets now, because THE BIG RAGU & Crew have done it again. Along with DaytonMostMetro they have put together another one-of-a-kind, one night only extravaganza called “THE MOOSE and THE GOOSE.” This time we team up BULLWINKLES TOP HAT BISTRO and GOOSE ISLAND BEER COMPANY for and incredible 5 course dinner with 5 beer pairings !

WHAT: 5 Course Dinner and 5 Beer Pairings = one heck of a Food Adventure night

WHERE: BULLWINKLE’S TOP HAT BISTRO in MIAMISBURG (19 N. Main St., Miamisburg, OH 45342) in the upstairs private party room

WHEN: Sat, Feb 22nd 7pm – 9:30pm with a special “after party keg tapping” from Goose Island with drink specials

COST: $30 per ticket -INCLUDES GRATUITY !!
Purchase your tickets online now!
Tickets are limited, and once they are sold out, THEY ARE SOLD OUT !

WHAT ELSE: DOOR PRIZES, SOUVENIRS, GIVEAWAYS, and the GOOSE ISLAND GIRLS ! Who knows what other surprises are in store !!

TICKETS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE HERE AT THIS LINK and WILL BE WAITING FOR YOU AT THE FRONT DESK the night of the event !

Don’t miss this exclusive FOOD ADVENTURE EVENT with THE BIG RAGU & CREW !!

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Annual Music Festival Returns to Dayton: An Interview With Dayton Does Dayton’s Louie Wood Jr.

January 26, 2014 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

February 14^th and 15^th mark the fourth anniversary of the Dayton Does Dayton showcase, this year at Gilly’s. We sat down with the organizer of the D-does-D Fest, Louie Wood Jr., a life-long Daytonian at an area restaurant to talk about the event, the history of Dayton Does Dayton, and plans for the future.

Starting as a club dj and music fan inspired by underground dance shows and nightclubs in Dayton and Columbus, Louie was moved to start his own event where music, avant-garde performance, and creativity combined in a gestalt of music-inspired experience. “Dayton has always been a fertile ground for music. People love the underground in Dayton.” Following the influence of Tony Wilson with the 24 hour Party People movement that led to Factory Records and so many alternative bands and music, Louie followed the example of building community in the city of Dayton. “If we bring people who love music, dancing, and new experience, then we are really building something that matters.”

Given a lack of progressive music opportunities in the city, like many Dayton music fans, Louie contributed to the effort in Dayton to establish more opportunities for bands and musicians. The Do-It-Yourself attitude and aesthetic common to the post-punk movement of the ’80s alternative music scene nationally (The Smiths, The Cure, Depeche Mode) and locally (GBV, The Breeders, Branniac) led to such innovations as the Dayton Dirt Collective, Canal Street Tavern, and Dayton Does Dayton.

“We were trying to do something that was more than just something to do,” Louie told DaytonMostMetro on a sunny yet all too cold January 13^th, “we brought like-minds together from around the area to create a music experience.” And people appreciate the effort, Louie noted: “Even in a middle of a blizzard, we can have 100 people show up.”

Without resources several years ago, a collective of musicians, performers, and people looking for something more from the music scene came together. In the beginning this started as a band-focused tribute show. “Our first tribute show was for The Smiths – our very first show was a Smiths/Morrissey tribute we called Every Day is Like Sunday, and the project grew organically from that idea of trying to introduce music lovers to indie, local and new music.” The theme of covering other bands was used purposely as a creative device to introduce people to music that was not offered in the shrinking number of music shops and the increasing dominance of malls and the alienating and haphazard experience of online music shopping. “We discovered that you could use songs and bands that people were familiar with to also introduce them to new songs, new music.” So, the idea of a combination of covers and originals became central to the Dayton Does Dayton approach as a way to bring people together in community through music. The Dayton Does Dayton experience had from the beginning only original bands performing both their own music and doing covers in the band’s own style. This is an important part of the experience, doing covers as a way to introduce the bands and their sound, not being cover bands.

In true punk rock style, people contributed time and energy to build an event that while keeping a format that includes both originals and covers, still remains true to the original idea of creating a space for new music. Louie recalled the development of what becomes known as Dayton Does Dayton: “Jay Madewell worked as a stage manager and contributed his drum kit and bass for the weekend so that set changes between bands could be fast. Rich Reuter helped organize this first event.” As Louie told us about the coalescing around his idea, he noted that Chris Wright made posters that captured people’s attention — all of this in order to fill an untapped need in the city. “People pulled together.” He went on to note that the effort, several years later remains focused on the community-focused organizing approach. “This is not a show built on a single crowd, we avoid cliques, and we want to remain true to the idea of bringing bands that people may not have heard of together alongside established bands and musicians. People come to these shows for the music. And that is the reason for Dayton Does Dayton.”

In order to present so many bands in a short time – the fifth festival has over twenty acts – “we ask bands to practice two to three months before the show. We keep things tight. Each band has the same amount of time thirty to thirty-five minutes with a short ten minute switch in-between bands.” “Bands understand. Musicians understand. They know – and they need to know and understand the process that we are following. We want to show as much music as we can in a short amount of time.”

And the approach has worked. Many bands, estimates range to over thirty percent of original area bands have found opportunities to play at the Dayton Does Dayton show which creates connections between music lovers and bands doing original and creative music. Bands like Broken Lights, Gathering Mercury, Sleep Fleet, and many more have found that Dayton Does Dayton is an opportunity to make connections to the community. Louie noted that fact is one of the key to the longevity of the festival. “Every band is different. Lots of genres are represented in what we do.” This is not just an accident but remains part of the purpose of the festival. “If we are trying to introduce great music and bands to the city, we need to create an opportunity for bands that sound different. We cannot just have one band after another play who all sound the same. Originality, creative differences between bands, sounds… that is important.”

If this sounds like a demanding opportunity for bands, it is not. Most of the bands who are contacted stay on the bill. “Most of the bands stay with us. Very few bands will drop off the bill. And that is important. We get general public interest in the bands. They bring their friends to the show and they not only see their friends play but they see other bands. Even musicians become introduced to something new.”

Thinking about the event in February, Louie noted that there are several new and important changes for the Dayton Does Dayton show: “this is our first time playing Gilly’s. For the past five years we have been at the Canal Street Tavern. So, this show marks a change for us. We have a new venue, several new hosts [Niki Dakota, Rev. Cool, the Dean of Dayton music Mr. Don Thrasher] and even a secret guest MC.” Louie noted that the secret master of ceremonies, “if you are there it will blow people’s minds.” This effort to evolve is as central to Dayton Does Dayton, as to the music performed itself. Louie also noted that this is the only festival that has since it started incorporates a full array of experiences. He noted that Dayton Does Dayton will not only have 20 bands but also belly dancing — courtesy of The Fire Lillie’s — and burlesque featuring Miss Theresa Burlesque Presentation with Veronica Laine as part of the show. “We can’t just do the same thing each show with the same bands. We have to evolve. It like the saying that people not from here [Dayton] say about us: ‘They keep truckin’ in Dayton.”

When asked about the future of Dayton Does Dayton, Louie noted that he is organizing an R.E.M. tribute tentatively titled ‘What’s the Frequency, Dayton?’, more 80s rewind shows, more local tributes (The Breeders, Guided by Voices, Branniac, The Ohio Players), and seeking out the mix of creative music, performance, and experience that have been a hallmark of the D-does-D experiences of the past. “We are the only show that I know who has belly dancers, MCs, so many different bands, and more.” In summing up the Dayton Does Dayton experience, Louie noted that “We want to continue to provide a unique opportunity for bands. The Gilly’s show demonstrates that fact. “The upcoming show at Gilly’s is the first time some bands will have performed in that space. If we can help create those connections, then that helps move the level of the music experience in Dayton.”

“The reason to come to the show is simple. Experience the bands.”

Dayton Does Dayton Fourth Anniversary Show

Gilly’s, downtown, 132 S Jefferson Street in downtown Dayton
Friday and Saturday Feb 14th and 15th, 2014
$7 per night, with free parking.
The show begins 8:00pm sharp on both nights.

Dayton Does Dayton is presented by Louie wood Jr aka DJ MisterKid/MidWest Promo, and Mick Montgomery/Canal Street Concerts.

Approximately thirty minute set per band/musician, with a short ten minute wait in between each band/performer. Dayton Does Dayton will be hosted by Rev. Cool, Niki Dakota, Don Thrasher, and a SECRET GUEST MC for this show.

Dayton Ohio bands at this event will be doing their originals, and unique covers/spins of other Dayton Ohio bands that have influenced them, both from the past and present. The covers include international hit songs, local hits, and local favorites. Louie noted that: “We have the taste and styles of all kinds of Dayton music at this show. It is the only show like it in the world, literally.”

Featuring live band performances and more by:
Gathering Mercury
Cinder Home
The Repeating Arms
William The Accountant
The Broken Lights
Dark Backward
The Leap Years
Free Fall Theory
GEM CITY
Libby Gill
Emma Woodruff And The Ruffians
the Curious Sound
Reyna with Dana Farley
Paradijm Shift
Curse of Cassandra
Paige Beller
Dave Frickin Berry with Adam West
Kevin Heider and band.
The Fire Lillie’s Belly Dancing Presentation (Friday)
Miss Theresa Burlesque Presentation with Veronica Laine (Friday)
This is a DJ Mister Kid Presents MidWest Promo/Mick Montgomery/Canal Street Concerts Annual Event

Concept by Rich Reuter
Direct correspondence about Dayton Does Dayton to djmisterkid@gmail.com

More information can be found on the Dayton Does Dayton webpage!

Sponsored by:
Marion’s Pizza
Thai 9
Fifth Street Deli
Go Cupcakes
Hauer Music
Sound Force
LONDON
Amanda Barbosa Photography LLC
DaytonMostMetro.com

The 2014 Food Adventure GUIDE to Dayton’s Fish Frys

January 17, 2014 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Fish fry season is upon us, so look no further than Dayton Most Metro.
For the schedule of local fish frys click here.

The Food Adventure Crew never does anything half baked (or fried in this instance).

Food Adventures has got you covered with a full breakdown of every Catholic Fish Fry in the Miami Valley, 16 of them in all !! No cut and paste event info here, we walk the walk, and chowed down at every event!

You know the drill, all-you-can-eat fish dinners, beer, condiment tables, silent auctions, raffle tickets and casino games. So which ones are the best ??

Answer: They all have their appeal, and special draw, but FOUR of them really stood out.

Ladies and Gentlemen, here are the “SWEET SIXTEEN,” our guide to Dayton’s 2014 Catholic Fish Frys:

Our Lady of the Rosary, Our Favorite Fish Fry

Food Adventures jumps at any chance to support Dayton causes, and with Big Ragu being Catholic, we bought tickets to every fish fry in town. We will list our favorites aka the “FANTASTIC FOUR FISH FRYS”, then list the others in random order and what makes each fish fry special.

THE FANTASTIC FOUR FISH FRYS:

1) OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY–22 Notre Dame Ave.

This one was the grand daddy of them all and our favorite fish fry. For the past 52 years they have held fish frys, making this probably the oldest one in Dayton, This church holds fish frys from Sept – February before the Lenten season. The staff is wonderful and our friend Amy even took us on a tour of the church. A friendly cook named Joseph makes all of the delicous, homemade desserts himself. We know because we tried them all. This church has a heavy influence of Polish, Lithuainian, Hungarian, and German parishioners. These events have a loyal following of regulars like our pal Ron who drove all the way from Wilmington, Ohio to attend. The Monte Carlo was fun and food was great. We especially like the fact that the draft beer is unlimited in the 12 dollar price, along with fresh sausages, Icelandic cod. In our book, this fish fry is Dayton’s best.

Holy Trinity, Great Hospitality and Delicious Food

2) HOLY TRINITY CHURCH – 272 Bainbridge St.

This was a fish fry where everyone seemed to know each other. The crowd was small, but friendly and tight knit. The food was absolutely amazing. The cod was cooked to perfection and hand cut on site. One of the attractions is they use the Old Focke’s Meats recipe for Waldorf sausages. We enjoyed the old church located near the Oregon District, downtown. One unique part of this event is that this church offered an alcohol free family fish fry from 4pm-5:30pm for kids, then had the adult party after. Three beer tickets are given with paid admission. The atmosphere, great food and hospitality makes this one of the best fish frys in the Miami Valley.

Vic Woeste, 87 year old icon of St Mary’s Church

3) ST MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH: 310 Allen St.
Here we find the best story told at a fish fry. We sat near 87 year old Vic Woeste, an icon of the St Mary’s community who has been dealing casino games at the fish frys for the past 36 years. His entire family is involved in the church down to 3 generations. He told us he remembered a fish fry in 1960 where funds were used to buy the nuns a Ford Fairlane car who lived in the convent across the street. Oh the memories! Vic is looking forward to his 70th class reunion at Chaminade this year. He said it will be held in a telephone booth, since not many classmates are left. Vic also said he was baptized and married at St Mary’s. He recalls Father Ken Henz telling parishoners decades ago that he hatches, matches and dispatches loyal parishoners. Vic was a great man to talk to, indeed. This church group is so charitable that even the volunteers buy tickets as they enter. to help raise money for the boiler fund, beers were sold for 25cents and an extra 1 dollar donation got you a dessert. Again this event saw over 3 generations working the fish fry and over 300lbs of fish cooked and eaten.

4) CORPUS CHRISTI CHURCH – 527 Forest Ave.

The Corpus Christi Fryers Charitable Organization

This event was another fantastic fish fry for $15. It included all you want food and draft beer, we like those rules. The crowd was very friendly and it was obvious that many in attendance were close friends. This fish fry offered a healthy alternative of baked fish, along with the fried fish choices. The bustling atmosphere included 3 different dining areas. This particular fish fry has been going on for 25 years. The event is partially run by the “Corpus Christi Fryers.” They are a charitable group that donates time, manpower and money into running this event to help the church’s cause. The fish fry workers could not have been nicer, and the food was terrific. It was great to see a diverse group from all walks of life coming together for a good cause.

St Peter’s offered Onion Rings and Hot Dogs on their Saturday night Fish Fry

Here are the rest in random order, and what we loved about each Fish Fry!
ST PETER’S CHURCH – 6161 Chambersburg Rd

This event was $15 at door, and was packed. The line wrapped around the gym, but the wait was worth it. The food was delicious and the offerings were not only beer battered codfish, but onion rings, chicken wings, and huge hot dogs. What was even more amazing, is that one or two women seemed to be stocking the whole table for the hundreds of hungry people. The casino area featured unique games such as horse races. We also loved the fact that they offered Yuengling Black and Tan Beer. This was a fun and well attended event. Tip: come early and avoid the huge crowds.

The decor at St Charles’ Fish Fry was Beautiful

ST CHARLES BORROMEO – One of the area fish fry’s run by the Hecht family volunteers. The fish was hot and fresh. highlights included the fantastic Saint Patty’s day decor theme. Some people really put some hard work into those decorations. Along with the tasty fish, a few beer tickets were included in the $15 price. Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy beer was available on tap. This fish fry also offered a “pre-event” that was family friendly and where kids were allowed to attend until 6pm. The eating area was offered in the school cafeteria while the casino games were in the gym.

Cold Beer at the Carrol Fish Fry

CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL – Located at 4524 Linden Ave

This event was $16 to attend and included 5 beer tickets. The unique thing about this fish fry was the sheer choices of fish. They offered 3 kinds of fish. Choices were regular fried, Cajun fried, or baked fish. There were no fries in sight at this fish fry. Instead menu items included baked beans, cole slaw and potato salad. There was a huge choice of desserts at this event. A couple of long tables were filled with homemade pies, cakes, brownies and more. This event was steady and the environment was immaculately clean.

ST LUKE’S CHURCH – 1440 N. Fairfield Rd.

This fish fry was entirely kid friendly. The cost was 9 dollars for adults and $3.50 for children. No alcohol was served. The event was run by the Knights of Columbus a charity organization that benefits local families. The fish that was fried was cod from local distributor Foremost Seafood. There was also no gambling at this event. It was obvious that this fish fry was more about the family experience. They actually hold two fish frys, one in February and on in March. It should also be mentioned that the Ladies Auxillary made all of the desserts which were fantastic!

CHAMINADE JULIENNE HIGH SCHOOL – 505 S. Ludlow St.

Holy Angels Fish Fry Volunteers

This fish fry held at the High School, had a pretty good attendance. The fish was great and there were huge sheet cakes and brownies as well. We even saw one of the cooks bring out some nice cupcake pastries. Although a fairly new fish fry, this one is run with efficiency.

HOLY ANGELS CHURCH – 1322 Brown Street
This fish fry is in its 12th year. The volunteers Matt, Ruth, Denise, Leila were very friendly and greeted the crowds with a smile. Prices were 15 bucks at door and included soft drinks and all the beer you wanted as well. Get there early for this event, because parking is limited and you may get stuck parking across the other side of State route 48. Delicious haddock was the fried fish served to the hungry visitors. We really loved the fact that the beer was unlimited, and we didn’t have to fool around with drink tickets.

ST ALBERT THE GREAT – 104 W. Dorothy Lane

Three Generations of the Hecht/Sierschula Family helping work the St Albert Fish Fry !

This event was $15 advance or $20 at door. They served some tasty, fried Icelandic cod. Like other fish frys, they had a carryout option for 9 bucks. This event had a ton of volunteers, mostly we saw in kitchen. We saw the raw fish being thawed, cut, dredged then deep fried by the Hecht Family, who runs a few of the area fish frys. In fact we saw that there were at least 3 generations of the family at the event. this event, casino earnings and raffle money all benefited the athletics. It helps to buy uniforms and keep students cost to participate as low as possible. We were told that for 40 years this event has been held and many run by the Hecht family. Attendance price included 5 beer tickets.

ST ANTHONY’S CHURCH– 830 Bowen St.

The church was celebrating it’s 100th year anniversary in 2013. The fish fry has not been around more than a decade or 2, but the place was packed. The entrance showed off a silent auction area and the casino games. Lines formed to get the fish and the cafeteria served as the eating place. The fish was so fresh and hot, that you had to let your plate cool. the staff was working hard and feeding the hungry event attendees. It was obvious that the workers took pride in this event and made it a fun and friendly atmosphere.

ST HENRY’S CHURCH– 6696 N. Springboro Pike

Event was held in the “Father Stretch Center.” The cost at the door was 15 bucks. The head priest Father Tom was greeting the attendees in the dining area. The fish served was large pieces of fried Haddock. The volunteers were friendly and the fish was light and flaky. Some of the better fried fish around was served here. The event also featured a large silent auction area.

INCARNATION PARRISH– 55 Williamsburg Ln.

Mounds of Fish Ready for Breading at the Alter Fish Fry

This event gets packed. The crowds are big, so get there early. Like many fish frys they offer a carryout option, but with no discount. There was a large silent auction area, and many signs hung in the gymnasium featuring sponsors of the fish fry. Admission was 15 dollars and the fish served was fried Icelandic cod. Again, we saw some familiar faces of the Hecht family preparing the food for the masses. There is also a large choice of casino games at this well attended Parrish.

ALTER HIGH SCHOOL – 940 E. David Rd.

This fish fry draws the biggest crowds of all the area fish frys. Sometimes the line can be an hour wait. Our tip, get there early and plan on making an evening of it. The casino games are crowded, but there are many to choose from. There is even a high limit gambling area! Admission is 15 bucks and comes with 3 beer tickets. they have amped up the event recently by offering some craft beers for sale. This event usually has a huge silent auction, and you may even see current NY Jets Center Nick Mangold among the attendees. Again the Hecht family is responsible for the fish here, so you know you can expect big pieces of freshly cooked fish.

ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI -6245 Wilmington Pike

This was a very organized fish fry put on dozens of volunteers from the church. We liked the fact that they had baked fish as a choice as well as the typical fried fish. The dining area was crowded, so get to this one early. This was simply a beautiful church with a fun atmosphere at the fish fry.

NOW YOU KNOW !

Only here, can you see the most comprehensive Dayton fish fry summary known to man. Food Adventures knows because we ate it all!

Make sure that you scroll through the photo album below featuring every single fish fry.
On a side note, some of the church websites do not have the greatest information about the fish frys. For that reason, make sure you stay tuned to DaytonMostMetro and Dayton Dining for all the dates and times of future fish frys.

The bottom line here is that each Lenten season, Daytonians should take advantage of the great events and support some local churches. The fish frys are friendly and welcome all denominations of faith. It is about fun times and good causes. all-you-can eat So swim on to the next Food Adventure !

WHICH AREA FISH FRYS ARE YOUR FAVORITE? DID WE MISS ANY ? PLEASE COMMENT BELOW !

For more Fish fry photos from Food Adventures, click HERE ! link to [flagallery gid=34 name=Gallery]

Introducing (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week

January 14, 2014 By Dayton937 2 Comments

Image by Lamar Pacley of Shutter Eye Photo

Mark your calendars for May 6-10, 2014, as the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC is set to make its mark on the Fashion Industry!! The mission of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week is to raise money to help support area and independent fashion designers and fashion professionals launch and/or grow their brands. Funds made from (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week will go to establish and support the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund. The Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund will be used to help designers purchase materials such as fabrics to produce their lines, pay entrance fees into influential Fashion Weeks such as Midwest Fashion Week where they will be in front of buyers, as well as helping to pay for some travel expenses!!

After working one on one with area designers over the past year (DE-FI) has discovered that in order to fulfill its ultimate mission of serving as a launching pad for area designers and models into the Fashion Industry as well as giving the local retail community a boost, these services are needed. According to Springfield based designer Misti Leigh the fabrics alone to produce one line for a fashion event can cost at least $1,200. That doesn’t even include the fees for entry into a Fashion Event which can range anywhere from $250-$6,000 and given the fact that most fashion weeks or events will not even consider allowing you to show pieces that have already been seen, being a Fashion Designers can cost tens of thousands of dollars a year. Needless to say there are very little kickbacks for even participating in these events outside of gaining a few fans most fashion related events don’t even allow for the designers to sale their products at the event.

So, how will (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week be different? Well, for starters there will be NO entry fee for designers to participate in (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week! In return we are asking participating designers to volunteer their time at least once in 2014 teaching participants of the My Beauty is Priceless and Sons of Solomon Youth Empowerment Seminars the art of sewing and design. The participants of both seminars will then take what they have learned from the designers and produce their own fashion show in December 2014, featuring their own designs, with an issue of (DE-FI)ance Magazine dedicated to their work.

Fashion In the Mystic Garden. Image by Reginald Worthen, Designer: iii Design by Misti Leigh, Model: Aube

Another benefit for designers participating in (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week will be just as we did at our Launch Party in July of 2013, designers will have the opportunity to sale their products via vending space the entire week in what is considered a Trunk Show. Trunk Shows give the designers a chance to come face to face with the customer, the customer gets to see up close and personal samples of a design much like shopping at the mall, however unlike shopping at the mall, the customer can have the design customized to their exact measurements. All (DE-FI) ask in return from the designers is that we receive 20% of the sales to cover venue and supply cost.

A third benefit for designers participating in (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week is simple, at (DE-FI) we don’t just do “fashion shows” we give our audience, models, and designers a FASHION EXPERIENCE that they will not soon forget. We are an outside of the box organization; we hold our events at locations where most people wouldn’t think to have a fashion event or even if the venue has hosted fashion events, we guarantee that it won’t be anything like a (DE-FI) event. We like to call it the snow flake affect, meaning yeah we’ve all seen snow or a fashion show before but when you look closely at a snow flake you’ll see that each flake or event is never the same, they are each uniquely different!!

So without further ado, here’s a look at what (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week has in store!

Date: Tuesday May 6, 2014

Event: Fashion Mixer and Trunk Show

Location: Dayton Visual Arts Center

Time: 5:30pm -9:30pm

Event Description: This will be the official kick off for (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week. The Fashion Mixer and Trunk Show will be a Happy Hour style event held at the DVAC. Guest will have the opportunity to unwind with a drink and do some therapeutic shopping during the Trunk Show. This event will also serve as an opportunity to meet and greet with the participating designers, models, sponsors, and the entire team behind the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC. Proceeds for this event will go to the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fund which benefits local and independent Designers.

Cost: $10 Tickets go on sale March 8 at Salon J Ladner located at 37 S. St.Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402, American Pi Dayton located at 39. S. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402 Beaute Box located 116 W. 5^th St., Dayton OH, 45402, American Pi Lebanon located at 748 E. Columbus Ave., Lebanon OH.

Fashion In the Mystic Garden, Image by Reginald Worthen, Designer: Berny Martin of Catou, Model: Erica

Date: Wednesday May 7, 2014

Event: Couture Hair Show

Location: The Dayton Masonic Temple

Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm

Event Description: Day 2 of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week will take a look at a side of fashion events that are often over looked and that’s the behind the scenes hair and makeup team that work closely with designers to help them complete their runway look or photo shoots! Eight of the top hair stylist and salons will be featured during this themed Hair Competition with a cash prize. Proceeds for this event will go to the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund which benefits local and independent Designers.

Cost: $20 Tickets go on sale March 8 at Salon J Ladner located at 37 S. St.Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402, American Pi Dayton located at 39. S. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402 Beaute Box located 116 W. 5^th St., Dayton OH, 45402, American Pi Lebanon located at 748 E. Columbus Ave., Lebanon OH.

Taste of (DE-FI)ance, Image by Lamar Pacley, Designer: iii Design by Misti Leigh, Model: Amber

Date: Thursday May 8, 2014

Event: Stylish Mom Runway Show

Location: The Packard Museum

Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm

Event Description: Day 3 of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week will highlight fashions from some of the area’s top boutiques!! But unlike our other fashion shows, we aren’t using models for this event…We’re using some of Dayton’s and the Miami Valley’s most deserving and inspirational Moms to rip our runway!! Paired with two of the Midwest’s most well-known Fashion Stylist Jennifer Link of Dayton and Sheree Alexis of Columbus the moms will be rocking designs and looks from eight of the area’s top boutiques.

The top looks will be featured in the December 2014 Issue of (DE-FI)ance Magazine and of course we will be using the Moms once again as the models along with their children. (DE-FI) is currently accepting submissions from moms who would like to participate in this event, if you’re a mom, mom-to-be, a Glam-Mom aka Grandma and you think that you have what it takes to rip the runway during the Stylish Mom Runway Show, please send your bio 500 words or less along with (2) images of you and your children to info@daytonemergingfashionincubator.com. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 28, 2014. Proceeds for this event will go to the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund which benefits local and independent Designers.

Cost: $30 Tickets go on sale March 8 at Salon J Ladner located at 37 S. St.Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402, American Pi Dayton located at 39. S. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402 Beaute Box located 116 W. 5^th St., Dayton OH, 45402, American Pi Lebanon located at 748 E. Columbus Ave., Lebanon OH.

Date: Friday May 9, 2014

Taste of (DE-FI)ance, Image by Lamar Pacley, Designer: Brenda Marone of B. Marie, Model: Ellie

Event: Fashion In the Mystic Garden

Location: SunWatch Indian Village

Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm

Event Description: Day 4 of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week will take us back to where it all began for us in 2013– SunWatch Indian Village for Fashion In the Mystic Garden 2.0! Merging the Culinary Skills of Chef Anthony Head and the creativity of the Taste of (DE-FI)ance which took place on Jan.3, 2014, Fashion In the Mystic Garden will feature Ready to Wear designs and dinner by candle light in the majestic setting of the Village area at SunWatch. For those not familiar with the concept behind the Taste of (DE-FI)ance, Chef Head will work one on one with the designers to develop a menu based on the origin of the fabric used, the theme of the collection, and color schemes to produce a multi-course meal that compliments and resembles the looks on the runway. Proceeds for this event will go to the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund which

Taste of (DE-FI)ance, Chef Head created a menu for B.Marie Designs that accompanied the red backless dress consisted of Orange Duck Tart with Blood Orange Sauce, Roasted Tomato Shooter with Maldon Slated Rim, Black Bean Salsa with Hawaiian Black Sew Salt and Cream Cheese Canape

benefits local and independent Designers.

Cost: TBA Tickets go on sale March 8 at Salon J Ladner located at 37 S. St.Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402, American Pi Dayton located at 39. S. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402 Beaute Box located 116 W. 5^th St., Dayton OH, 45402, American Pi Lebanon located at 748 E. Columbus Ave., Lebanon OH.

Date: Saturday May 10, 2014

Event: First Flight…Now Fashion Vintage Couture Ball

Location: Commander Aero Airport

Time: 8:00pm-12:00am

Event Description: The 5^th and final day of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week will culminate with a unique celebration of all things Dayton—from aviation, innovation, and of course FASHION!! We’re taking a step back in time with Roaring 20’s attire social event featuring heavy appetizers, a cash bar, dancing, networking, performances, and a Couture Fashion Runway Experience like no other. Set in an Airplane Hanger the proceeds from the First Flight…Now Fashion Vintage Couture Ball will go to the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund which benefits local and independent Designers.

Cost: $55 Tickets go on sale March 8 at Salon J Ladner located at 37 S. St.Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402, American Pi Dayton located at 39. S. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402 Beaute Box located 116 W. 5^th St., Dayton OH, 45402, American Pi Lebanon located at 748 E. Columbus Ave., Lebanon OH.

Taste if (DE-FI)ance, Image by Lamar Pacley, Designer: Sonya Mills of Kerapa Klothing, Model: Megan

Casting Calls for models will be held on Saturday March 8, 2014 at the St. Clair Lofts, located at 35 S. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH, 45402 from 12p-2p. This Casting Call is open to males and females ages 4 & up, models under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. All models must bring with them (2) images current images a head shot and a full body shot. If you are a business owner interested in becoming a sponsor for (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week or taking out an ad in (DE-FI)ance Magazine, (DE-FI) offers affordable packages to fit all budget sizes. Please send all inquiries to info@daytonemergingfashionincubator.com.

Motel Beds ‘These are Days Gone By’ Vinyl Pre-Release show

January 13, 2014 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

The fantastic Motel Beds are presenting a rare opportunity for Dayton and Miami Valley music fans on January 18th (doors open at 7pm and show starts at 8pm sharp — so get there early)!

In conjunction with We Care Arts and Misra Records, The Motel Beds invite you to join them as they review their musical career with friends and musical allies Smug Brothers and Good English at an All Ages show at the Yellow Cab building on Saturday, January 18!

The ‘Beds are doing what we call a soft, limited release of a retrospective that they are titling after one of their best songs, “These are the Days Gone By.” 500 hand-painted LP covers will be available at the show. The artists at We Care Arts who will receive a portion of the proceeds — created the unique and distinctive covers (some of which you can see on the poster to the right). This is a soft, pre-release — meaning you cannot get this anywhere else — for the first 500 LPs and only the first 5oo; they’ve all been hand-painted by the artists at We Care Arts (“changing disabilities into possibilities”) you can learn more about WCA at their website – http://www.wecarearts.org/. The album will be released internationally later in 2014 on Misra Records.

According to the band, “These are the Days Gone By” is a collection of Motel Beds singles, outtakes, and live favorites that represent the history and development of the band. The songs have been remastered by Carl Saff (Dinosaur Jr, GBV, etc) and include added bass parts by local Dayton music legend, Tod Weidner. This is a musical experience not to be missed!

BIO FOR MOTEL BEDS “THESE ARE THE DAYS GONE BY” (courtesy of The Motel Beds)

MOTEL BEDS are a rock & roll band from Dayton, Ohio – a delightfully detached underdog city nestled in the heart of The Heartland. Seasoned veterans, Beds have worked alongside local music advocates Kelley Deal (Deal duets on the lusciously hushed “Tropics of the Sand”) and Robert Pollard (guitarist Derl Robbins has recorded Guided By Voices). Allies aside, when it comes to rock & roll, The Motel Beds speak for themselves.

“These Are the Days Gone By” reveals the fruits of Beds’ labor these latter years. The album is an electrifying collection of “hits,” remastered by Carl Saff (GBV, Dinosaur Jr., etc.) and featuring added bass parts by new(est) member and local ace Tod Weidner. Over a 12-song cycle, the proficiency with which Tommy Cooper and P.J. Paslosky (Motel Beds’ core songwriting duo) augment a solid hook is clearly set on display.

While “Days” largely finds Ian Kaplan at work as one of the finest rock drummers around today (not an embellishment), Beds demonstrate their versatility with two never-before-released tracks: a poppier version of 2011’s “Sunfried Dreams” and a beautiful acoustic cover of Matthew Sweet’s “I’ve Been Waiting”; the latter proving Paslosky to be much more than a rock vocalist. In addition to recording Motel Beds in a visionary manner, guitarist Derl Robbins adds his own unmistakable style and sound.

True to Dayton (see GBV’s “Propeller”), the first 500 LPs are all one-of-a-kind. Each cover was individually hand-painted by the artists at We Care Arts: a non-profit dedicated to “changing disabilities into possibilities.” A portion of the proceeds from these first 500 will go to benefit WCA.

In his glowing review of “Dumb Gold” (2012), AllMusic Senior Editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine noted, “[This] is an album that deserves to break them out of the Rust Belt and onto the larger stage; it’s one of the best straight-ahead indie rock records of 2012.” “Days” takes all of “Dumb Gold’s” assets – song writing, hooks, musicianship, energy and ups them ad infinitum. It’s a remarkable rock record and one that finds Motel Beds carrying the torch for Dayton, Ohio’s independent music scene.

Track List:

Cross posted at Your Tuesday Afternoon Alternative

Crooks on Tape Show on January 30th

January 12, 2014 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Misra Records artist Crooks on Tape will be in Dayton on January 30th with Swim Diver, Bearer of Bad News and Swarm at Rock Star Pro Arena.

CROOKS ON TAPE is John Schmersal (Enon, Brainiac), Rick Lee (Enon, Skeleton Key, Butter 08) and Joey Galvan (Mannheim Steamroller, Anthrax). The band was created out of a simple idea of discovery and musical creation – in their own words: “convene, improvise, and record every moment.” You can listen to their record Fingerprint at The A.V. Club website. Crooks on Tape have been described by this columnist as an exciting and rocking John Cage and Philip Glass sound experiment! Do not miss this opportunity to see them in the area.

Swim Diver is an exciting new band featuring members of Brainiac, Captain of Industry, Oh Condor, Me & Mountains, Human Reunion, The Dirty Walk, and Vinyl Dies. Swim Diver’s music is based on appreciation of the grand and glorious Dayton music tradition. If you are a fan of rock and roll that appreciates your intelligence, than this band is for you.

Bearer of Bad News— one of Dayton’s finest hard rock outfits is also on the bill for that evening with music that melts the rusted fields of the Miami Valley into a sonic attack that is cathartic and empowering at the same time. Swarm plumbs the noise-metal-thrash adrenaline rush of 80s and 90s punk into an organic cacophony of sound with social, cultural and political criticism.

This show promises to be an exciting evening of musical exploration. This is an opportunity to see some terrific bands! Go here to check on PRESALE TICKETS!

Cross posted at Your Tuesday Afternoon Alternative.

Restaurants Closed But Not Forgotten – Part 2

January 9, 2014 By Dayton937 17 Comments

The Upper Krust Centerville Location

As the new year dawns, we ask “Should old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?” Well not when it comes to Food Adventures! In this week’s installment, The Food Adventures Crew take you on a trip of years gone by. We call it “Restaurants Closed But Not Forgotten.”

IMPORTANT: This article is a follow up to one posted last year. Before you comment saying “you forgot this place,” please make sure it wasn’t mentioned in our very popular “CLOSED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN RESTAURANTS PART 1” (click here to view).

Let’s dive right into some of “Dayton Restaurants that are Closed but not Forgotten” (part 2).

THE UPPER KRUST – Legendary sandwich shop with locations on North Main Street and in Woodbourne Village in Centerville near 48 and Whipp Rd. Who can forget the “Tom Turkey” sandwich or the choice of beets, chips or apple sauce.

TALL TIMBERS – This old style “supper club” on Troy Pike in Huber Heights, was known for steaks. It was actually in an old building built by Benjamin Van Cleve in 1916. Approximately 25 years ago, a fire closed the restaurant once and for all. We remember dining there as kids and using the “Entertainment” coupon for a free entree.

LAWSON’S – These milk stores/convenient stores were all over the Dayton area in the 70’s, and even had delis inside. Lawson’s was a Cleveland based company.

SAMPAN – On Webster Street, this oriental restaurant was one of the first ones in Dayton. They had those cool 70’s style, steel serving plates.

Remember Lawson’s Convenient Stores??

TONY’S DUNKER’S DELIGHT DONUTS – Near the corner of Stroop and Marshall Rd in Kettering, this place had a cult following.

PEKING INN – This spot was known for their signature dish “Peking Duck” and serving dinners in hot metal covered dishes. Peking Inn was located on 725 near the middle of Centerville and is now “Las Piramedes” Mexican restaurant.

PONDEROSA STEAKHOUSE – They used to be all over the place in the 70’s and early 80’s. Who could forget the metal topped wooden plates and the damn buttery rolls! Sliding your tray down the cafeteria line, watching them cook steaks, and visiting the trough salad bar. You can still visit one on Airway Rd. for old times sake.

CHIN’S ORIENTAL CAFE / CHIN’S GINGER GRILL – A fixture in downtown Dayton and in Tipp City, It was hard to see these 2 locations go. For decades, Daytonians enjoyed these restaurants that were definitely ahead of their time. Facility issues and lack of business, as well as an owner who wanted to retire, led to the closing of the Downtown Dayton location in 2003. The Tipp City eatery would follow in the next few years.

THE COLONY CLUB – Old school supper club, full bar, but we got “Shirley Temples.”, They were known for their hopping atmosphere as well as steaks and seafood. The Big Ragu took a dinner date there during school dances in the mid 80’s.

Muscle Cars & Good Burgers at Hamburger Heaven on Woodman Dr.

URBAN SUBURBAN TAVERN: Remember the Butcher paper signs on the wall with the weekly specials written on them? Owned by Dayton icon Urban Goeke, this spot was a popular destination in the early 80’s. Located near Marshall Rd and Stroop, specialties included, steaks, seafood and burgers. Good prices and great values, this establishment was bought out by the owners of Elsa’s and converted to a Kettering Elsa’s location. Not many people know that Urban Suburban was the first Dayton restaurant to serve buffalo style chicken wings.

HAMBURGER HEAVEN: This spot was a popular oldies car drive in destination on the weekends on Woodman Dr in a converted Red Barn restaurant. They were known for their burgers, especially a huge creation called “The Galaxy Burger” which we loved.

BOBO CHINA – Little spot on Bigger Rd that used to be a Burger Chef and a Chucks Burgers and Stuff. They had great egg rolls and one of the first buffets in town.

BOSCO’S / THE OAKS – Dart throwing, beer swilling, and live band watching pubs located at the corner of Bigger Rd and Hewitt Ave. Big volleyball events and summer parties were also hallmarks here. The spots were vacated and made way for the latest restaurant to close at the same location, Italian eatery, Arthur’s.

THE MANDARIN KITCHEN – Formerly located at S. Ludlow, this restaurant was owned by celebrity chef Ming Tsai’s parents. This restaurant was known for its “Yu Shang” dishes and twice cooked pork.

TALEGATORS – Freshly demolished to make way for a new McDonalds, this place had some stellar wings, especially the sweet chili wings. The sauce would make you smack your lips and smack your momma too. Known for their live music and bar specials as well, this place had a cult following.

Talegators: Incredible wings ! Gone but not Forgotten…

THE SAVORY – An underrated steakhouse at 2335 Smithville Rd. that was in an old “A” frame building that was obviously an IHOP or Howard Johnson’s. Cozy atmosphere, good food… The spot later became the first Cadillac Jacks !

PIZZA QUEEN INTERNATIONAL – Opened in 1978, by the Castro family, this place served pizzas from locations in West Carrollton and on Marshall Rd in Kettering. In the earl 1990’s, the family decided to close the pizza shops and turn the West Carrollton location in into El Meson Restaurant which is still operating today under the same ownership. Even though we love El Meson, we still miss Pizza Queen to this day!

SCOTTY’S HAMBURGERS – This place was very similar to White Castle, but with a diner feel inside. The Big Ragu specifically remembers eating at the location on N. Fairfield Rd that would later become Bud Frantz’ Fairfield Inn and BR Scoteses’s.

BUD FRANTZ’ FAIRFIELD INN – Family restaurant known for big portions and decent prices. Chicken and steak were the specialties. This spot later became BR Scotese’s.

B. R. SCOTESE’S – Chef David Glynn opened this restaurant as a tribute to his grandfather. The place had some terrific Italian specialties, but unfortunately went out of business in the 90’s.

Daytonians Loved Parkmoor Chicken in the 60’s

LAI LAI – Chinese restaurant near Woodman and Dorothy Lane intersection. They were one of the first Chinese restaurants to use coupons to lure customers and lunch crowds.

BOB’S FOOD WAREHOUSE – This grocer on Woodman Dr. in Kettering was a pre-cursor to Sam’s club. They had great prices and bulk items, but you had to bag your own stuff in their boxes. Kind of a local GFS … Wrestling magazines and pulled pork were among the items sold.

THE PARKMOOR – Dixie Style Chicken, this drive-in diner was a popular Daytonian stop in the 50’s and 60’s. To this day, people talk about their chicken. Miss that taste? Well, the rumor is that Hasty Tasty Pancake House still offers the original Parkmoor Recipe Chicken today !

DUKE’S GOLDEN OX – When the owner of the place is a fixture at the bar, you know this is a special eatery. Duke’s was original from the A-frame architecture to the drink menu. Known for their steaks and ribs, we loved the bbq sauce that was almost sweet and tomato like. The ambiance was an old school supper club mixed with a palm readers lair. It was spooky, yet cool inside, and you didn’t know what time of day it was outside, as we don’t remember the place having any windows.

WAREHOUSE BEER DRIVE-IN – The first chain of Dayton drive-thru’s with incredible Soft Pretzels. Many drive-ins around the area today are just old Warehouse Beer Drive-ins.

STEVE KAO’S – An early, local version of PF Changs, this restaurant was very popular in the 80’s. Unfortunately inconsistent food quality led to diminishing business causing this spot to close. Their Kung Pao choices were terrific and they had some great appetizers too.

DRIFTWOOD BOWLING LANES – You wouldn’t think that a Bowling Lane would have good food, but this one did. This place even had waitresses! The cabbage rolls and Hot Shot sandwiches drew good lunch crowds.

PIETRO MAURO’S ITALIAN DELI – Located on Bigger Rd across from the Victoria’s Secret call center, this family owned Italian deli had great breads, cheeses and old world specialties. From desserts, to stuffed peppers, to great sub sandwiches, we were sorry to see this place go out of business.

THE DUTCH PANTRY – We like to describe this as an old time, Amish version of Bob Evans. Dayton had a few locations including Springfield and Englewood. Food Adventures enjoyed the waitresses’ old fashioned, Dutch outfits.

RYANS STEAKHOUSE – The moist bread rolls and the deep fried okra first stole the heart of Daytonians in the 80’s. The closest ones left are in Columbus and Marion, Ohio. So you can still grab yourself a fork and enter the trough !

VITO’S – An Italian restaurant located on Dorothy Lane near Delco Park. They were known for their simple pasta dishes and quality, family owned feel. We miss the manicotti !

SHADES OF JADE – The huge “Pu Pu Platter” appetizer sampler was a signature dish of this Chinese restaurant across from Wright State. Fun decor including running fountains added to dining experience here.

MYUNG SUNG – This Huber Heights Chinese restaurant was memorable with a seating area where you could sit on the floor.

THE BBQ HUT – The 298-RIBS phone number, the Broasted Chicken, potatoes and BBQ Specialties made this place a fixture on Wilmington Pike in Kettering. They gave you that little dinner roll with each meal, that for some reason with a slab of butter was absolute heaven.

When a place had RIBS in their phone number, you know it was good

THE VENETIAN – Great pizzas in this small spot on Stroop Rd. which is now Mama DiSalvos Restaurant! The stepped up area in the back of the dining room housed a pool table. They had great french fries too !!

DANIELS PARK ROW – They had the best shrimp scampi on earth. This restaurant on Patterson Rd. was a throwback to the 50’s supper clubs where women would wear mink coats to dinner. Good food, dark atmosphere.

AL & JOE’S FOODTOWN – Grocery store that was your typical 60’s grocery. No frills, and the place always smelled like freshly sliced deli meat.

LATITUDE 49 – Centerville eatery where the Melting Pot is now. Latitude 49 had some of the best calamari in the world. We loved the aquarium decor and miss that place to this day.

BAYOU CAFE – The first Cajun restaurant in Dayton was a late 80’s venture. This was the first place that your Food Adventurers tried alligator ! The spicy, cajun shrimp was fantastic too. This site was most recently a Fox n Hound and Harrigans South, as well as a BBQ place.

There was a York Steakhouse inside the Dayton Mall

GARTSKA’S – This Greek based eatery was a fixture in Bellbrook for many years. Though the restaurant is gone, we haven’t forgotten their diverse menu and many incredible dishes.

ALEX’s CONTINENTAL INN – Dancing and music accompanied great food. They had a couple of streaks, but finally closed within the last couple of years. The first time Big Ragu ate lobster in a restaurant was here.

CAMBRIDGE INN – Old style English cafeteria in Centerville, very reminiscent of Neil’s Heritage House.

YORK STEAK HOUSE – Located inside the Dayton mall, this cafeteria style steakhouse served items “a la carte.” From Steaks to Seafood, this national chain was a staple in the Dayton Mall for many years, and was located just inside the entrance.

EMPIRE FAMILY RESTAURANT – Popular family spot on the corner of County Line Rd and Dorothy Lane. After closing in the early 90’s it became a great Chinese restaurant called “China House” which also closed a few years later.

CHINA HOUSE – They served one of the best dishes we have ever tried called Walnut Shrimp. Surprisingly, the location closed unceremoniously a few years ago, without warning. It was located very close to The Greene.

SUTTMILLER’S – An old school supper club on N. Main. This Dayton icon’s standard was 70’s food and 70’s hairstyles.

We miss Chmiel’s, a Family Owned Grocery in Centerville

THE MEAT HOUSE – Where’s the beef? Everyone at the corner of Stroop and Marshall Rd in Kettering knew this was the meat house. Whether chicken, pork or steaks they had it all here. Also, this was one of the first places in Dayton where you could buy pre-formed hamburger patties.

SWEETHEARTS – Ice cream and video game place that we visited as kids. These were some of our first Food Adventures alone.

GRINDSTONE CHARLEY’S – One of the casualties of the TGI FRIDAYS type restaurant wars. We guess they couldn’t compete with the clones like O’Charley’s.

CHMIEL’S – Family grocery store in Centerville with a fantastic bakery. Located on 725, it is now a “Big Lots” store.

The Dayton area had so many good restaurants that are gone, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN ……. Being lifelong Miami Valley residents, our memories of these places will live in our stomachs forever.

DID WE MISS A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS STORY or OUR FIRST INSTALLMENT LAST YEAR (click here to see).????? WHICH ONES DID WE LEAVE OUT ???

Please comment below with your memories of these places, or any other you would like to mention!

Want more fun with The Food Adventures Crew? Then check out their Facebook page and “like” them HERE !

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Looking Back At The Best In Visual Art For 2013

January 3, 2014 By Dayton937 1 Comment

It’s not too late to look back at the best in visual art for 2013. Here are some of my favorites

Longing: Sculpture and Photography, curated by Francis Schanberger, Dayton Society of Painters and Sculptors (DSPS)

I wanted to somehow use the terms languid, languorous and louche to describe the photos in this show paired with coy, clever sculptural counterparts. And just lovely in the elegant setting of the recently gussied-up High Street Gallery.

Jud Yalkut: Visions and Sur-Realities, curated by Jeanne Phillip, Gallery 249, Roesch Library 1st & 2nd floor Galleries, and Art Street Gallery, University of Dayton

Almost too much to take in. Heady.

Meme: Culture in Transition, curated by Dennie Eagleson and Susan Byrnes, Herndon Gallery, Antioch College

“Artists coming as close as one can to grasping such a speeding concept.”

Works on Paper 2012, juror Robert Robbins, Rosewood Arts Centre

Ongoing proof of the region’s artististic mastery of watercolor, drawing, printmaking and photography. Oceans of achingly good lines.

Construction of Space: Tess Little and Jennifer Rosengarten, self-curated, Dayton Visual Arts Center

Enveloped by swirling jewel and pastel-toned flowers, grasses, weeds and scribbles embedded in a forest of earth, stone, metal. Preternatural.

The Fixed Shadow: Camera–less Photography, juried by Carol Panaro-Smith and James Hajicek, The Robert & Elaine Stein Galleries at WSU

How do I love thee, let me count the ways: photograms, scanograms, lumen prints, chemigrams, and photogenic drawings. Mysterious and beautiful.

Storm: Paintings by April Gornik, curated by Jane Black, Dayton Art Institute

Spectacular. Too few of these roaring waterscapes by this underappreciated Cleveland-born nationally recognized painter.

Jack Earl: Modern Master – A Retrospective, curated by Charlotte Gordon, Springfield Museum of Art

A keen sense of humor, magical tableaus, regional references, family values. In porcelain. Turned this painting snob into a ceramic stalker.

Your Turn: A collaborative exhibition by Bridgette Bogle and Francis Schanberger, self-curated, organized by Peter Benkendorf and Mark Chepp, The Collaboratory

Obvious and not-so-obvious quietly trippy photo and explosive painting pairings by this husband-wife team that made you so fascinated by their shared visual vocabulary that you poke your significant other and say [insert random snarky spousal barb here] as a reality check.

TODT: Heartland, presented by Gallery 249 and ArtStreet, University of Dayton

A retrospective of the Cincinnati-born, globally exhibited anonymous artist collective of works depicting a futuristic world controlled by science and government. Possibly on this list for the mere fact that it surprised the students that such bad-ass work was happening in the 90s.

Where is the Love I Playing for Change, Video, produced by CityFolk, Music by Puzzle of Light, various Dayton performers.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cABVKIPk_u0

Warm, dance-like-nobody’s-watching, beautifully shot.

Stanley Lewis: Works on Paper, self-curated, The Robert & Elaine Stein Galleries at WSU

A beautiful mess of the best kind of sure-handed mark-making. Like peering at the world through a “sketchbook” filter. Wonderous.

Streets of Dayton, Video, Reinvention Portraits, Steve Bognar, Julia Reichart and the Reinvention Team, Dayton Art Institute and www.reinventionstories.org.

A riveting looped video that merged three perspectives of travelling up and down the city streets. Literally unraveling and then raveling the city up again and again. Heartpulling. Spectacular.

The Bad Juan: A Dayton Legend

December 26, 2013 By Dayton937 5 Comments

Click to enlarge: Mr. Bad Juan

Hey Gringo, looking to tie one on during the holidays? Then take a sip of a true Food Adventure in a glass. Oh yes, the legendary Bad Juan margarita served exclusively at Elsa’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantinas around town. Whether on the rocks or frozen, salt or no-salt, every Daytonian has a “Bad Juan” story about themselves or a friend. The Food Adventures Crew are no different. We have had to push stumbling pals into backseats of cars, or help lift some hotties into the back of an SUV after a couple of these drinks. We have felt the wrath of Juan ourselves, having numb lips and the buzz that suddenly creeps up on you with this devilish drink.

Let’s be candid, Bad Juans are a Dayton icon. This badass drink even has its own website, badjuan.com. Here is some more on the man, the myth, the legend.. BAD JUAN !

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Since 1981, Bad Juans have been served frozen or on the rocks. They also come in a few flavor variations, but the original Bad Juan remains the most popular.

Elsa’s has various locations in Centerville, Kettering and Dayton

— Rumors have swirled about the ingredients. People have been trying to figure out the recipe for years. Food Adventures believes they have some inside scoop on the recipe, and although we can’t post it here, we can give you some info. Our inside source tells us that the Bad Juan is made up of only 3 secret ingredients: Triple Sec, Tequila and Lime Juice. We cannot tell you the brands used or the amounts. We can, however, confirm that Mountain Dew is NOT an ingredient, so lets finally put that rumor to bed.

— We believe the secret to the great taste is not only in the ingredients, but in the preparation. The Bad Juan’s are constantly mixed in those plastic, see-through drink machines you are used to seeing at convenient stores or food counters. The thorough mixing of ingredients in these machines blend the drink into that perfect drunken mixture.

— Elsa’s does limit the amount of Bad Juans that a customer can consume (usually 2 or 3 depending on your server). However, urban legends and tall tales have surfaced about people drinking a couple mini pitchers of Bad Juans, or somehow downing a half dozen of them unbeknownst to their waiter or waitress.

— You can even buy them by the bottle in liquor stores from as far away as Covington, Kentucky’s famous Party Source store. The bottled drink is 21 percent alcohol, or 42 proof. We believe that the in-house version mixed at the restaurants is a little higher than that. Heidelberg Distributors stats confirm that Bad Juans hold the all-time distributor record for the fastest selling new product.

Blue Juan – Tasty Twist on an Iconic Drink

MUST DRINKS:

— BAD JUAN on THE ROCKS: Simple, pure and lethal. This is for the heavy hitters who like to get down to business and gulp ’em down. They are however served with a tiny straw and a lime wedge for those who like to sip these slowly and savor the experience.

— FROZEN BAD JUAN: The chilled, traditional version of the legend are just as strong as the ones on the rocks. Served with a lime, it is curiously tasty when the mixture begins to melt. If you drink these too fast, beware of ‘brain freeze’ or a condition known as drunky pants.

— STRAWBERRY FROZEN BAD JUAN: Not big on tequila or margaritas? This flavored Bad Juan masks the alcohol taste, and is probably our favorite version of the iconic drink. Give it a try, we bet you like it! It is also available on the rocks for you purists.

Strawberry Frozen Bad Juan – Delicious !

— BLUE JUAN: This holiday season is a good time to give one of these a try. You may have a blue Christmas without it. It has a great taste and is available on the rocks only.

Honorable Mention: The Raspberry Bad Juan, the Watermelon Bad Juan and the calorie conscious “Skinny Juan”

Miami Valley residents have long debated whether Bad Juans are better frozen or on the rocks. For the most part, guys tend to have them on the rocks, while girls seem to prefer the frozen margaritas. But we say…. hell, try them all and get a designated driver.

DO YOU HAVE A GOD BAD JUAN STORY?? PLEASE COMMENT BELOW! Have an opinion on Bad Juan? Be heard and post it below !

After more than 30 years Elsa’s is still having fun, and this drink is “Still the Juan.”

ARE YOU A DAYTON FOODIE ?? Then “like” FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook by clicking HERE !! Over 2200 fans can’t be wrong !

Don’t forget to browse our photo album below for some incredible pics of Dayton’s legendary drink !

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Avoid Mall Crowds, Find Gifts at 2nd Street Market!

December 18, 2013 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Walt’s Salsas and Sauces: Great Local Gift Idea

Are you tired of wrestling a redneck for the latest xbox at Wal-Mart? Behind on Christmas shopping? Sick of long checkout lines at the mall or department stores? The Food Adventures Crew feels your pain. Have you thought about shopping for unique Christmas Gifts at Dayton’s 2nd Street Market? We think it is the perfect place to find unique Christmas Gifts, birthday gifts or any gift occasion for that matter. This is part 2 of our market series (last week was FOOD, CLICK HERE to view).

Follow our advice and you’re sure to be a hit with the family, with some of the best local gifts around.

Consider this The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House’s, Gift Giving guide to the 2nd street Market with a Food Adventure twist.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The 2nd Street Market is located near downtown at 600 E. 2nd Street and is open 3 days: Thursday & Friday 11am-3pm, and Saturday 8am – 3pm.

Some of the Best Toffee on Earth: Click to enlarge this local treasure

— Dozens of local vendors from crafts to wine, and of course, local foodstuffs.

MUST GIFTS:

— THE TOFFEE from SWEET NOTHINGS : Our favorite flavor is the Dark Almond Sea Salt Toffee. Actually, all of the toffees use sea salt. Other great flavors are Milk Chocolate Macadamia Nut and Dark Chocolate Cashew. A great gift for the chocolate lovers in the family. The Big Ragu considers Sweet Nothings his favorite toffee of all time.

— THE OLIVE OILS from THE OLIVE TREE : Have friends or family that love to cook ? Here is a perfect gift idea. This vendor has some amazing, flavor infused olive oils. May we suggest our favorite, the Sundried Tomato Parmesan Garlic Olive Oil. You can actually sample all of the olive oils and choose your favorite from the many unique flavors. We also love the Basil Flavored Olive Oil and the Strawberry Peach Balsamic Vinegar Olive Oil.

— SALSA and SAUCES from WALT’S HOMEMADE SALSA : Family owned operation, selling jars of salsas in various styles and spiciness. Some extra hot, some medium and some mild, their products are extremely tasty. You can even sample Walt’s new lines of BBQ Sauces that are also available by the jar. Their gift baskets make a fun Christmas present with a local twist !

— HOMEMADE ITEMS from MONCO INDUSTRIES: Monco is a local company that provides jobs for special needs people or local residents with disabilities. The result is a win-win for the community. Great gifts made by a great organization. Our favorite gifts here are the pet treats and the stuffed animals. Make sure you stop by and get a gift from this company, and share the true meaning of Christmas.

— HANDCRAFTED BELTS and LEATHER CUFFS from VINTAGELIZ 1974: We say, “these gifts are pretty kick ass.” Timeless, leather accessories, made by hand in Dayton. Take some time to check out this cool vendor.

— SCARVES from NEW WORLD ALPACA TEXTILES: Perfect winter gift! They have various items made with fleece from alpaca animals that are raised in a local farm in Brookville. The also sell socks and beautiful artisan rugs ! Great gifts this time of the year.

Must Gifts: The Specialty Olive Oils at The Olive Tree

Honorable Mention: The Wine Gallery also has some good deals on unique wines, and a friendly service staff. Want unique? How about Maria’s Unique Foods, with wild selections like jars of pickled eggs in various flavors. They also have great gift basket ideas.

For all of us that love to buy local when we can, the 2nd Street market is a great place to ‘put your money where your mouth is. ‘ We have mentioned some of our favorites, but there are many more vendors with great gift ideas. Avoid the crowds SHOP LOCAL!

FOOD ADVENTURES would like to take this time to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May the Holiday Season bring you joyous times with friends and family. We are sincerely grateful with the overwhelming feedback received with our blog and have some exciting plans in store for 2014. We appreciate each and every one of you for taking the time to read and comment on our social media outlets.

Call us if you need a Santa, We don’t even need padding. Happy shopping !!

Did you know that FOOD ADVENTURES have a loyal following on Facebook? CLICK HERE TO “LIKE” THEM and join the party !

Please comment below on our photo albums, no borrowed stock photos or copied pinterest pics here! All photos are original, like us!

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Sundried Tomato Parmesan Garlic Olive Oil

Local, Legendary Food Adventures at 2nd Street Market – Part 1

December 13, 2013 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Some of the Best of Dayton, all in one place !

How about one building that combines some of the best cooks in Dayton and lines them up along the wall in their own vendor booths? It’s not a dream, it’s reality in downtown Dayton.

This is the first of 2 Food Adventure installments over the next few days, and both cover Dayton’s 2nd Street Market. What a shocker, the first one focuses on FOOD !

The Big Ragu & Crew have become semi-regulars at the market over the past few years. Some of our tastiest excursions have been in this treasure trove of great eats.

Variety is the spice of life, and this is true for the market located on the corner of Webster and 2nd Street. If you have never stopped in, then you haven’t had some for Dayton’s best.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— A great place to grab a bite to eat and a unique place to do some Christmas shopping !!! The official address is 600 E. Second St.

— The market is open 3 days: Thursday & Friday 11am-3pm, and Saturday 8am – 3pm. The great offerings are overwhelming and coming here has become one of our Food Adventure addictions.

— Many vendors offer fresh fruit & vegetables. Others offer freshly baked desserts and breads. You want more? How about cheeses, meats, spices, canned goods and more. There are more local, fresh and organic choices here than anyplace we know of in Dayton.

The best tasting side you never heard of: Sweet Potato Quinoa from Chef Case

MUST EATS:

— THE SMOKED SALMON CREPE at CREPE BOHEME : The Big Ragu will tell you this is the best place in Dayton to get a crepe. Crepe master Sabine combines the smoked salmon with goat cheese, capers and grilled vegetables. It is a symphony in your mouth. Her secret is using the freshest ingredients around and flavor combinations that will knock your socks off. Not a salmon fan? No worries.. choose one of the menu items or “make your own” crepe with various ingredients. Prepare to be blown away.Honorable Mention: The crepe with Nutella, marshmallows and blackberries. All the taste of guilty pleasure with not so much guilt.

— FAMOUS CHICKEN PANINI from THE CHEF CASE : Chef Joe Fish believes that using local ingredients promotes fresh flavor. Here he works some magic with a whole herb grilled chicken breast and Artesian Basil Pesto. The panini is made on fresh bread and pressed, thereby melting provolone and Parmesan cheese into gooey deliciousness. The chef is a Culinary Institute of America graduate and creates some of the best tastes in town. In fact, there are so many delicious menu items here that we have to give honorable mention to two more of them. First, make sure you try a serving of the Sweet Potato Quinoa. It is a healthy, flavorful side dish that not many people know about. Trust us on this ! Lastly the MONTE CRISTO PANINI is a sandwich you need to get your hands on. It is ham, turkey and swiss cheese finished with a pure maple syrup drizzle. Give your taste buds a good value for around 7 bucks.

Peanut Brittle Cupcakes from Purely Sweet Bakery (click to enlarge)

— THE DISTINGUISED DARBY at CHEEKY MEAT PIES: Who doesn’t love tasty meat and spices in a flaky crust? Forget about calories, the taste is worth every mouthful. This original take on New Zealand Street food is gaining a bit of a cult following in the Miami Valley. “The Darby” verison is ground beef mixed with spices for a delicious combo. The meat pies are hand held and made to be mobile. Be careful when taking a bite, they are hot inside ! A friendly staff makes the experience that much more fun. Honorable Mention: The Dirty Bird Meat Pie is a tasty treat and a perfect bite “on the go” at the market. It features chicken and a delicious sauce. We can’t describe these fantastic meat pies, you just gotta try them !

— THE WASABI PEAS at THE SPICE RACK: The Big Ragu can’t help himself. He craves these, and you will too. Dried peas, dipped in wasabi and sold by the box for only 2 bucks. Perfect for snacking at home, but we warn you.. ADDICTIVE ! The spice rack has some many incredible items from Amish butter to incredible spice rubs. Check this place out for some hidden treasures for the foodie in you.

— POLLO GUISADO at AREPAS and CO. : Braised chicken thigh (although we ask for the shredded white meat chicken instead), mixed with tomatoes, red peppers, onions and green beans. All of it is served over rice and plantains. Finally pick from one of various sauce toppings drizzled on top. We pick two (garlic and hot sauce) ! Get a friend to help you lift this plate and eat it. HUGE PORTION !

The best crepes in Dayton are at Crepe Boheme

— THE SHRIMP WITH HOT CHILI SAUCE at BAAN THAI NOI: We are always pleasantly surprised with Baan Thai Noi’s dishes. Our favorite is the Shrimp with Hot Chili Sauce. Two skewers of grilled basil shrimp are served over fried rice with a side of shredded cabbage and a delicious spring roll. The key to this dish is the sauce we choose to top the shrimp. The hot chili sauce is so sweet, with some heat and a whole lot of taste. Don’t knock it til you try it, this one is a sleeper !

Is your mouth watering yet? Well the good news is, the weekend is here and they are open ! Get yourself down there and stroll around the grounds and soon you’ll be tastin’ Dayton.

More Honorable mentions include:

The Cupcakes at Purely Sweet Bakery, The Cabbage Rolls at Kolbs Bakery, The Jumbalaya at All Souped Up, The Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna) at Azra’s, and some good coffee at Caffeine by Carl.

We would be remiss if we didnt mention that their are numerous other fantastic farm vendors with fresh vegetables, honey, fresh maple syrup and organic milk. Check them all out while you are there.

The 2nd Street Market is truly Food Adventure paradise !!

In the market for some more from the “Miami Valley foodies ?” Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE !

Check out some of our best photos yet in the gallery below from our numerous trips to the 2nd Street Market over the years !!!

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The Dayton Visual Art Center Presents Close to the Edge: Paintings by Vera Scekic

December 8, 2013 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Although some critics argue that painting is an obsolete art form, artists like Vera Scekic are demonstrating that contemporary work can reference 2D works on canvas yet encapsulate the physicality of other media; it can challenge traditional applications propelling it into new territory. Scekic’s inventive manipulation of this fluid medium allows her to explore textures and a vibrant palette of “unnaturally natural” colors in assemblages that become sculptural. Her interest in biology finds form in metaphoric images evoking cells, the fundamental building blocks of all nature.

Scekic pours viscous acrylic paint onto prepared surfaces and then either air-dries the wet layers to create cracks and fissures or waits for natural processes to dry the paint into smoother finishes. After the pours have dried, she cuts and layers shapes to compose new combinations of color and form that she affixes to wood panels, canvases or walls. She juxtaposes nature’s hues with chromatic, chemically-produced colors to reference the endemic condition of our environment in which we accept that organic and manufactured exist side-by-side, seamlessly intermeshed; whether it is in the food we eat, the dye-infused flowers we buy, the pharmaceuticals we ingest, or the genomes we alter in labs.

Imagery from the biology lab fuels Scekic’s work. She states that she is “interested in not only what is presented (cells and their constituent parts) but how that information is presented: in isolation from the whole organism, magnified, backlit, colorized, on a monochromatic background and typically framed by a clean circle or square. This act of isolating and framing irregularly shaped, highly particular contents generates a compelling visual and conceptual tension. Cells have been analyzed and manipulated extensively, and they are at the forefront of recent developments to synthesize novel life forms.”

DVAC is thrilled to present Scekic’s paintings as form and content in her explorations are fused so deftly to express ideas at the confluence of representation and abstraction; painting and sculpture; science and art; natural and synthetic; traditional and contemporary.

Vera Scekic’s work is a 2012 Biennial Call for Submissions juried selection.

This exhibit will be on display through December 21st.

Contributed by Lesley Neufeld, Guest Essayist

Loose Meat: The Mystery of MAID-RITE Sandwiches

December 5, 2013 By Dayton937 5 Comments

Maid-Rites with a Little Kings: Click on photo for full effect

Usually when someone says “loose meat” it has never been a compliment, until now. On the outskirts of the Miami Valley, in the town of Greenville, a legendary burger joint has existed since 1934. It is called Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe.

Over the years it has developed a cult following. People drive miles, and even come from out of state to taste their ‘burgers.’ They aren’t even burgers, they are “loose meat sandwiches” or “Maid Rites.” Why are so many people coming to eat these sandwiches and why are they so good ?? The Big Ragu and Crew set out to solve the mystery.

We have a had a handful of Food Adventures to Maid Rite either after the Darke County fair, or on a whim, or to satisfy an insatiable craving.

Over the years we realized that there are 2 types of people, those that have never tried Maid Rite Hamburgers, and those who have tried it and cant figure out how they make them.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The main attraction is the maid rite loose meat sandwich. The sweet taste of the meat has developed three major theories of how they are prepared 1) Some think they are steamed in pepsi or coke 2) Some claim they are steamed in beer 3) Others say that sugar is added to the meat before cooking.

A Greenville Icon Since 1934

— The eatery is a small, no frills, brick building located at 125 N. Broadway St. in Greenville, Ohio and worth the trip. Locally owned they claim no relation to the MAID-RITE sandwich shop franchises in Iowa etc…

— Limited menu with 4 sandwich choices which include loose meat, chicken salad, egg salad or ham salad sandwiches. Shakes, sundaes, beer, soft drinks and chips are available too.

— The employees are very protective of the recipe and process of the sandwiches. We were unable to get the secret recipe after badgering the employees and managers. We were threatened with spatulas and told we would be picking shards of Little Kings bottles out of our rumps for a week. Sorry for the letdown, folks.

— For some unknown reason, it is now customary to stick your gum on the outside of the building. Literally thousands of wads of chewed gum have been stuck on every outside wall of the establishment.

— Bathrooms are located in a separate building around back, adding even more uniqueness and oddness to this place. They also have a drive up window for a quick meat fix.

How do they make the meat so sweet ???

MUST EATS:

— THE CHEESE RITE SANDWICH: This is the classic maid rite sandwich with cheese. What is a Maid-Rite Sandwich? Think of it as a sloppy joe but with no sauce. It is served on a soft bun, slapped with meat and toppings, and wrapped tightly in wax paper. The meat has a sweet taste to it. This sandwich is topped with a squirt of mustard, a couple of pickle slices and a slice of cheese. They run about $1.95 and the average person could eat 2 or 3 of them. You can get the Big Jim version which adds ham, but we prefer the original Cheese-Rite. Eating one is a unique experience, and you have to try it. Warning: once you unwrap one, we hold no responsibility for future addiction.

— CHOCOLATE MALT: Creamy, sinful and made just for you. You cant go wrong with this delicious, cool classic.

— LITTLE KINGS CREAM ALE BOTTLES: Oh come on , you gotta make it a full blown Food Adventure and wash it down with a icon from Schoenling Brewery. Ok, wanna be a snob? Then grab a Heineken instead.

— MIKESELLS POTATO CHIPS: No fries in this establishment, so choose your hometown chip instead. They have a nice selection of Dayton’s favorite potato chip. It is a good pairing with the simple, classic sandwich.

Click to enlarge: Partial shot of the Gum Wall outside Maid-Rite

A couple of sidenotes: Make sure you bring cash, because that is the only form of payment they accept. Also, hours are 10am-10pm except Fri and Sat when they stay open until 11pm.

Amazing isn’t it? A formula for success being a squished, sloppy joe like sandwich served in a small diner with people sticking gum to the walls outside. But people come back every day in droves. WHY?? It is the curiously sweet tasting, delicious loose meat sandwiches. The workers feverishly tossing the ground meat, stuffing buns, wrapping it quickly, and tossing across the counter. It is the personality of the place. If you have never visited this spot, make sure you put it on your “Food Adventure hit list.” Maid Rite is one-of-a kind.

Want more One-of-a-Kind foodie fun? Then “like” FOOD ADVENTURES on FACEBOOK BY CLICKING HERE !

Dayton937

Mon 19

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Kings Island Military Days

Kings Island Military Days

2025 Midwest Record Store Crawl

2025 Midwest Record Store Crawl

Kings Island Military Days

Kings Island Military Days

Kings Island Military Days

Kings Island Military Days

2025 Midwest Record Store Crawl

2025 Midwest Record Store Crawl

$1 Oysters

Freakin Ricans Food Truck

Wine Tasting & Charcuterie

Mommy and Me Yoga

Monday Trivia Night

Chess Club!

LGBT AA group

Sunset Yoga at the Mound

Ralph’s Mystery Food Truck