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Micheal “SUGAR” Ray Richardson- The Bitter and The Sweet

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Micheal Ray Richardson was known for many things. He was known for his quick-witted tongue, his killer defense, his controversial ban from the NBA and his incessant drug use.

No matter what you remember of Richardson’s stead in the NBA, you can’t deny he was and still is a champion, the king of comeback and arguably one of the best to ever play at his position.

Micheal was given the nickname “Sugar” for his sweet moves on the court. He was a four time NBA All Star — twice with the New York Knicks and two times with the New Jersey Nets — and made All Defensive First Team twice. His ability to burn a hole in the net with his wicked jump shot was second to none.

Micheal played in the NBA from 1978-1988 along with other legendary players such as Magic Johnson, Julius Erving, Larry Byrd, Michael Jordan and Artis Gilmore.

When critics squawked at what was considered Richardson’s unruly behavior, he simply responded with putting up undeniable stats averaging 16 points, seven assists, and five rebounds per game.  To the naked eye it may have seemed as if he was winning the battle with his impeccable talent, but he was no match for the war on drugs that the late 1970s and early 1980s brought to the community and the professional game of sports.

In spite of Richardson’s plausible career in the pros, Richards found himself caught up in the fast life and quickly spinning out of control. He began to habitually do drugs and as a result, his addiction caused him to be banned from the NBA permanently after failing three consecutive drug screenings.

For most, being banned from professional basketball, having a controversial personal brand, and a lingering drug addiction, would have destroyed more than just a career in the pros, but possibly even life itself; however, Richardson showed resiliency throughout his personal trials and battles with drugs and got his life back on track.

Richardson would eventually end up quitting drugs in 1988, had a successful 13 year career overseas after his 10 year stint in the NBA, clinching 3 championships while in Italy and another in South France, obtained a job working for the NBA in London, and would become the Community Ambassador for the Denver Nuggets in 2001 teaching children about the negative effects of drugs.

Richardson coaches a minor league basketball team called the Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry in Lawton, Oklahoma, which he led to three championships in the Premiere Basketball League and was a strong contender to clinch a fourth during the 2011 basketball post season play.

He contributes his success as a coach to his passion for the game and being able to communicate with his players.

Richardson stated, “It’s not always about the X’s and O’s, but having the players believe in me as a coach and having effective communication with my players on and off the court.”

Richardson attributes his ability to redirect the once grim forecast on his life to Jesus Christ, personal mentors, his strong belief in himself and his don’t quit mentality.

Richardson stated, “Lots of people have problems and they don’t see a way out so they quit. The difference with me was I did not give up. When you have an addiction you have to change the people, places and things that surround you to achieve the change you want to have in your life. I did just that. I believe leaving the league [NBA] and playing basketball overseas not only saved my career, but my life.”

Micheal continued by stating, “A major eye opener for me at the time was the passing of the number one draft pick, Len Bias of Landover, MD who passed away from a drug overdose. That made me further realize that I had a second chance at life and I needed to make a change.”

Richardson is a father of two, which one of his children is studying at Virginia Tech and will be a doctor in the upcoming year. Richardson also holds basketball camps nationwide teaching children basketball and life skills while empowering them to have greater self-esteem.

Richardson closed the interview by stating, “I share my story because some people want to get out [war on drugs] but cant. I’m  not talking about stuff I read in a book, but actual stuff that has happened to me. When you are doing it [drugs] you can’t tell its affecting you, but it is. I made an example of myself and I got caught. In life you have to be responsible for your own actions.”

Micheal “Sugar” Ray Richardson is not only the king of controversy, comeback, and a man of character, but a living testament that in life, you have to sometimes take the bitter with the sweet.

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Jane’s Best Bets (8/17 – 8/21)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

With several schools starting back up this week, it means the end of summer for many.  However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t still have fun!  Here are a few options!

On Wednesday after a long day of work, enjoy a beverage at one of these great establishments:   Archer’s for their A.Y.O.B., in which they tap a new beer each Wednesday; The Wine Gallery for their Weekly Wine Tasting; or Rumbleseat Wine for their Beer Tasting with Beer Guru Charles.  If the weather is nice, then listen to Jazz on the Green at Yankee Trace or watch the Dayton Dragons play the Great Lakes Loons at Fifth Third Field.

On Thursday, take a lunch break and head to Courthouse Square for The Square Is Where featuring the Raks Devi Belly Dancers.  Support local farmers by making a stop at the Centerville Farmers Market.  Listen to live music at the Dayton Art Institute for their Twilight Concert or at RiverScape for their Big Band Nights featuring the Bob Gray Orchestra.  Support a great cause (United Rehabilitation Services) by attending the URS Wine Tasting at the Dayton Racquet Club.  I love their amazing views!  Test your hand at cornhole with the Weekly Cornhole Tournament at Wings Sports Bar & Grille.  And rounding out the lineup for Thursday…make a trip to Fifth Third Field to watch the Dragons play the Great Lakes Loons.

On Friday, there will again be entertainment during the lunch hour at Courthouse Square with The Square Is Where, featuring the Steven Gregory Trio.  Beer lovers have a few options, including the Beer Tasting at Arrow Wine (Centerville location) or the AugtoberFest Craft Beer Tasting at Taj Ma Garaj.  If wine is more your thing, then sip a glass or two (or three) at the Wine Tasting at Belmont Party Supply.  If you want to head to Vegas but don’t have the funds, consider playing Texas Hold ‘Em or Black Jack at the Dayton Rugby Club’s Monte Carlo Grill Festival.  Listen to live music for the Teen Music Slam competition at RiverScape.  Right around the corner at Fifth Third Field you will be able to see the Dragons play the Great Lakes Loons.  In Yellow Springs, check out the gallery openings, shops, and restaurants, all the while listening to live music and watching fire dancers as part of Fling in the Springs.  And if you enjoy Alfred Hitchcock movies, then make your way to Victoria Theatre to see Rear Window as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series.

On Saturday, enjoy the nice weather with Zumba in the Park at RiverScape.  If you’re corny like me, then make your way to the Fairborn Sweet Corn Festival or to Ele Cake Company in order to decorate your own corn on the cob cupcake.  I assure you…both of these events are no joke!  If you’re a man and have a best friend, then take him/her to the Doggie Dash ‘N Splash Fest at the Greene County Fairgrounds.  Speaking of animals, if you like crabs, then you can enjoy them at Jay’s Seafood for their Crabfest Wine Luncheon.  Support breast cancer awareness by participating in Pints, Putters & Pink Balls at Kittyhawk Golf Center.  And remember…real men wear pink!  Or support the American Cancer Society by attending the Dayton Cattle Barons Ball, which will feature dancing, auctions, gourmet Tex-Mex cuisine, and much more!

Also on Saturday…beer lovers should attend The Greene’s Beer Tasting in preparation for AleFest next weekend.  And there is also something for wine lovers – Jungle Jim’s will be hosting 90 Point Wines under $15.  Plus, A Taste of Wine and T.J. Chumps in Miamisburg will be having Dancing in the Street for all you wine, food, dancing, and/or live music lovers.  For a family friendly event, make your way to Fifth Third Field for Donato’s Pizza Family Movie Night, where the movie How to Train Your Dragon will be shown.  Get out your grass skirts and coconut bras and make your way to the Miami Valley Fair Housing Center’s Waikiki Party at Sinclair’s Ponitz Center.  All you groovy dudes should be sure to get your tickets to Hippiefest at the Fraze.  And if you’re up in Yellow Springs, Fling in the Springs will still be going on!

On Sunday, once again make your way to the Fraze for WTUE’s Breakfast with The Beatles and Beatlemania Magic.  Bring your kid/s to the Dayton Convention Center for the Barber and Stylist Cut-Off for a free back-to-school haircut (just be sure to pick up a voucher in advance).  At Victoria Theatre, watch Rear Window as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series.  You will be able to catch live music at RiverScape with 91.3 WYSO’s Concert or at Stubbs Amphitheater to see the band Legend.  And finally, help kick off Dayton Beer Week with the Beer Pride Parade in the Oregon District!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Two hydrogen atoms walk into a bar. One says, “I’ve lost my electron.” The other says, “Are you sure?” The first replies, “Yes, I’m positive…”

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Food Adventures takes on “Little Saigon” Restaurant

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Ragu with Nga, owner of Little Saigon Restaurant

When most people think of Vietnam, they think of war, Nixon, and hippies.  FOOD ADVENTURES, however, immediately think of food.   In 1980, a few years after Communism took over Vietnam, Little Saigon’s owner fled to the United States.   She jumped into a crowded boat with 85 other people and sailed for 12 days with little food or water until arriving in a free area of the Philippines and eventually to America.  Her name is Nga, pronounced “na,” and she is running the family owned restaurant that her sister started 19 years ago.   We are blessed to have her fine cooking in the Dayton area.

Recently, Little Saigon did some interior design changes.  No longer haunted by the scary restrooms, we now enjoy the newly remodeled restaurant atmosphere.  The outside appearance of the restaurant, at 1718 Woodman Drive in Kettering, leaves a lot to be desired, but the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” applies here.

Our favorite menu item: The Soft Shrimp Roll

Vietnamese food is mostly known for being healthy and for fresh ingredients.  The options at Little Saigon stay true to this philosophy.  The menu stays true to terrific taste as well.  For you vegetarians out there, Little Saigon’s menu has 2 pages filled with vegetarian options.

Your Food Adventurers  love the appetizers at Little Saigon.  We are currently addicted to the simple, yet perfect, soft shrimp roll.  This menu item is pretty much an egg roll with a burrito type sea through wrapper.  Inside the roll are vermicelli noodles, shrimp, pork, lettuce and cilantro.  The soft shrimp rolls are served with an addicting brown peanut sauce that is like a hoisin sauce.  Ragu loves this sauce so much he wanted to order a glass of it to drink.  Our other favorite appetizer is the combo platter for two, which has a lemongrass pork kabobs, spring rolls, butterfly chicken, and shrimp cakes.  We were completely blown away by this plate.

The Combination Appetizer Plate for Two was incredible

Little Saigon’s menu has a page of typical Chinese Food entrees, but we recommend you stick to the other pages of Vietnamese menu items.  One of the attractions at Little Saigon is their “Pho,” or meal sized soups.  These soups may be ordered with various meats,  and most come with vegetables.   You also get to choose the type of noodle you want from the traditional egg noodles and vermicelli noodles, to the more advanced and strange clear rice noodles that are as thick as a pencil.   We love the thick rice noodles, but love the egg noodles as well (thinner like angel hair).  The prices are right too, with many dinner soups ranging from $6.50 to $8.  Great meals, great deals.  We would recommend two special soups.  First, the duck noodle soup.  We were so impressed with the duck meat, that it quickly became a favorite dish.

The Tasty Duck Noodle Soup – Click to Enlarge

The duck was very flavorful, and the egg noodles in the good, clear broth make your taste buds dance.  The bowl of soup is so big that most can not finish it.  The other special to try is the shrimp and pork soup with rice noodles.  It is healthy, flavorful and very filling.

There are also meal sized bowls of noodles with vegetables on the menu that are not soups.  These bowls have bean sprouts and lettuce covered by noodles, then topped with your choice of meat and sauteed onions.  Ragu loves these, especially the lemongrass shrimp with vermicelli.  He indulges on the vegetarian spring rolls over vermicelli as well.

This place is truly a gem.  There are lots of options and the choices encompass over 200 menu items.  Do you want some good, fresh, unique food at one of the rare Vietnamese restaurants in the Dayton area?  Then you have to go on your own Food Adventure to Little Saigon, “Pho”-sure!

Please visit FOOD ADVENTURES  on FACEBOOK by clicking here and “like” our page to become an official fan!

We want to hear from you!  Want to give us your thoughts on Little Saigon?  Please comment below!

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“Road to the Pro’s- From the Locker Room to the Main Stage.”

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The Journey: The journey to become a professional athlete is not necessarily a straight and narrow one. Few are called and even fewer are chosen. The road less traveled is often the key to success in this game. Hard work, strong ethics, character, and charisma on the court combine for an explosive combination to rise above the competition.

The Triumphs: Test and trials in life are designed to make us stronger. We must be iron like, unable to be penetrated, standing firm and able to hold up against intense heat and pressure. Even setbacks can be the predecessor of major comebacks. One must remain as tough as steel and remember what brings us closest to our breaking point is what will be the motivation to see us through the eye of a troubling storm.

Passion: Passion is what pushes us through the hard times, reminds you of the great times, keeps you focused on making the most of your time and allows you to remain optimistic that the best times are yet to come. Passion oozes from the very guts of a champion; their potential is actualized through the blood sweat and tears it took to make it to the “Main Stage.”

For a champion, making it to the “Main Stage” is never enough. A true victor pushes past expectancy to clinch a championship title, hence making it official that all their hopes, dreams, goals, and affirmations have materialized in spite of the mayhem it took to arrive at that very moment.

The Article series, “Road to the Pro’s- From the Locker Room to the Main Stage,” is a collection of stories from pro athletes, coaches, scouts, pro hopefuls and others surrounded by the game of professional basketball, who will share stories that unveil the good, bad, ugly and the indifferent sides of what it takes to succeed on the professional level. Some of the individuals featured in the Road to the Pro’s series are Micheal Ray Richardson, former NBA New York Knick and New Jersey Net, Mickey Perry, former University of Dayton Flyer and pro hopeful, Sid Sharma, Bio Mechanical Engineer and Personal Trainer to Advanced Athletes as well as more surprise guest to come.

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Jane’s Best Bets (8/10 – 8/14)

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Guest Bartending Last Week at The Moraine Embassy!

There are lots of great things going on this week in Dayton, so let’s jump right into it!

On Wednesday, support DATV by attending the DATV Fishing Derby at Gettysburg Fish Lake.  If you’re like me and can only draw stick people, then you may want to attend the Drawing Studio with Loretta Puncer at Gallery 510 Fine Art.  Head to Courthouse Square to see the Blue Sky Project ‘Artists without Borders’ Solo Exhibition.  No matter what you’ve been thinking about the national debt crisis, you will be able to share your opinions at ThinkTV with their Citizens Forum on the National Debt.  Over at Chappy’s, participate in their Southern Tier Creme Brulee Tapping…sounds delicious!  There are also some great musical options for Wednesday!  You can see Muse Machine in Concert as they perform ‘Tonight’ at Victoria Theatre, Alien Ant Farm at McGuffy’s House of Rock, or Miranda Cosgrove at the Fraze.

On Thursday, make your way to Courthouse Square for the The Square Is Where featuring Beseda Folk Dancers.  Enjoy fresh local produce at the Centerville Farmers Market.  If you have young kids, consider taking them to Story Hour at Cooper Park or to the Salvation Army Kroc Center for the Shoot! Score! Success! Back2School Family Event.  Both are FREE!  If you enjoy good food, you will not want to miss The Taste of The Greene, which will feature great food from The Greene’s wonderful restaurants.  And be sure to get your tickets in advance in order to get the discounted price!  Meet some great young professionals at Generation Dayton’s Thirsty Thursday at Milano’s on Brown Street.  If you Muse Machine in Concert - TONIGHT: The Songs of West Side Story & Moredidn’t get to see the Muse Machine’s ‘Tonight’ performance on Wednesday, then tonight is definitely the night!  Or catch live music at the Dayton Art Institute for their Twilight Concert, at RiverScape for Big Band Nights featuring the Hal Harris Orchestra, or at the Fraze to see Willie Nelson.

On Friday, during your lunch hour, head to Courthouse Square for The Square Is Where featuring Mindy Galvin Band…just don’t be a square and not attend.  If you see food and then enjoy eating it, you’ll want to attend the Seafood Extravaganza at The Dock.  And if seafood is not your thing, then make your way to Oregon Express for their amazing Half-Price Happy Hour Pizzas.  Although the end of summer is drawing near, you will be able to see A Midsummer Night Dream which is being presented by Free Shakespeare at the University of Dayton’s ArtStreet.  Make your way to Fifth Third Field for Friday Night Fights.  At Victoria Theatre, see The African Queen as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series.  And finally, get a brat (the food kind) and drink some German beer at the Germanfest Picnic, which is being held at Carillon Park.

On Saturday, get fresh local produce with City Beets at the Market at the PNC 2nd Street Market or at the Troy Farmers Market.  I don’t know how to say the name of this wine, but if you like Sauvignon Blanc, then make your way to Jungle Jim’s for their Sauvignon Blancs of the World tasting.  Speaking of wine, the Fraze will be hosting the Festival of the Vine, which will feature fine wine and cool jazz.  Help make history by bringing a canned good to Brixx for their Canned Food Drive and possibly setting a new Guinness World Record for the most food collected in a 24 hour period.  Head up to Boston’s Bistro for their 10th Semi-Annual Greek Night or to the Dayton Visual Arts Center for the High-Rise Harmony Artist Palate Party.  At Carillon Park, join the many Germans (and wannabe Germans) drinking German beer and eating German food as part of the Germanfest Picnic.  At Stubbs Amphitheater, listen to the Centerville Community Band.  Watch Free Shakespeare’s presentation of A Midsummer Night Dream at the University of Dayton’s ArtStreet.  And finally, enjoy the summer weather and head to Fifth Third Field as the Dragons play the Lake County Captains.

On Sunday, all arts and crafts lovers should make plans to attend Art on the Commons, which will take place at Civic Commons Park in Kettering.  The Germanfest Picnic will still be going on over at Carillon Park.  If you didn’t get to make it to the 2nd Street Market earlier in the weekend, then perhaps you should go to the Garden Station Sunday Market.  Sit in the air conditioning at Victoria Theatre in order to see The African Queen as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series.  At the University of Dayton’s ArtStreet, you will still be able to see A Midsummer Night Dream presented by Free Shakespeare.  Catch the Dayton Dragons as they play the Lake County Captains.  And finally, there are a few opportunities for live music – Pizzazz in the Park Summer Concert Series: Jake & Elwood Blues Revue at Riverfront Park in Miamisburg, The Sauerkraut German Band at Stubbs Amphitheater, and The Charlie Daniels Band at the Miami County Agricultural Society.  Their show may be “the best there’s ever been.”

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

What do you call a bear with no teeth?  A gummy bear.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

New trail connects Miami, Montgomery counties

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CELEBRATION, GROUP RIDES PLANNED

Photo by Elzora.com Photography

The Miami Valley’s regional bikeway system keeps getting better. Construction has finished on a portion of trail connecting Montgomery and Miami County’s bikeways together. The public is invited to attend grand opening festivities in Kyle Park in Tipp City. Group bike rides leaving from Troy and Vandalia will take place at 9:00 and 9:30 a.m., respectively, and meet in Kyle Park for the 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, August 12.

The 2.5-mile trail connector is part of a regional plan created to make the region even more bike friendly. Cyclists and others using the trail no longer have to use the road and share their space with cars. “It opens up access to new, exciting rides and to the larger regional bikeways system, giving more people a chance to establish an active lifestyle and have more fun on bikes,” says Outdoor Connections Director Greg Brumitt. “This connector opens a key corridor to connect Miami County, Tipp City and Troy to Montgomery County’s bikeways.”

This initiative—a combined effort of Five Rivers MetroParks, Miami County Park District, Monroe Township, and Tipp City—was funded by a congestion/mitigation air quality grant from the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission.

Miami and Montgomery counties are now linked by a continuous bikeway.

Bikeways have demonstrated a positive economic impact on the region, a trend Brumitt says he hopes will continue. “A 2009 economic impact report found our regional bikeways system generated  $13 million of economic activity annually by local and visiting walkers, hikers, runners, skaters and cyclists,” he says. “This trail opening represents continued progress in implementation of the Local/Regional Comprehensive Bikeways Plan adopted by MVRPC board of which Five Rivers MetroParks help fund and was a founding steering committee member. Both connecting trail systems are part of an even larger network of trails—the 1,440-mile Buckeye Trail state-wide loop and the 4,600-mile North Country National Scenic Trail, which passes through seven states, 10 national forests and more than 150 public lands as it winds from New York to North Dakota. “We are proud to be able to have this trail opening during the North Country Trail Conference, taking place this week right here in the Miami Valley, as trail enthusiasts from across the country get introduced to the great things happening in the Dayton region,” Brumitt says.

On Friday, August 12, the Miami County group bike ride will leave from Troy at the Hobart Arena parking lot near the levee gazebo at 9 a.m. The Montgomery County ride departs from the Tadmor parking lot at Taylorsville MetroPark at 9:30 a.m. Both groups will meet at Kyle Park for the 10 a.m. event. Five Rivers MetroParks Executive Director Rebecca Benná, Miami County Board of Park Commissioners President John Wannemacher, Monroe Township Trustee Ron Thuma, and Tipp City Mayor Dee Gillis will give a brief presentation before cutting the ribbon, officially opening the new trail connecting Miami and Montgomery counties.

“Where do you think we should go for a Food Adventure?”

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We need your help.  Do you have a favorite restaurant that we need to visit for a Food Adventure?  If so, please tell us, and post a comment below.

 

We look forward to hearing from you.  We are ready to try some new places !!!

We need your help, please post a comment below!

Please visit Food Adventures on Facebook. Check back every Thursday for a new “Food Adventure” article on DAYTONMOSTMETRO.COM

Food Adventures recalls “Lost Food Gems of Dayton”

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Do you have any favorite food places that went out of business, and you still miss them to this day ?  Yeah, we do too.   How cruel to take a fantastic restaurant away from an addicted foodie.  This week, Food Adventures take a trip down memory lane and talk about some restaurants we miss in the Dayton area.  Please join us in this of recollection of Forgotten Food Adventures.  Feel free to comment and add some places of your own that you crave from time to time.

Here is our list of places that we wish had never closed.  Our “Lost Food Gems of Dayton”

BILL KNAPPS – We loved the chicken on a biscuit meal, also known as the elephant on the kids menu.  We also remember their au gratin potatoes as the best ever, served in a crock pot with browned cheese on top.  Ragu loved the clam dinner and chocolate cake.  We never forgot their incredible chocolate chip cookies.  There was a Bill Knapps on 48 near Loop Rd. in Centerville, and one by the Dayton Mall, and another near what is now The Greene.

Who else misses Rax?

RAX ROAST BEEF – We loved the salad bar.  We fondly remember the “BBC” (the beef bacon and cheddar).  The “BBC” proved the rule that bacon makes everything better but the cheese sauce made sandwich.  We frequented the 725 store that is now a Tim Horton’s

ROY ROGERS – We remember sitting in the little saddle chairs, and being addicted to the apple cheese crisp menu item.

WOODY’S GROCERY – The Big Ragu would tell you the bakery and seafood department was the best part of this West Carrollton icon.  Some however loved the deli with shaved fresh Corned Beef and Swiss on hard rolls with poppy seeds on top.  There was a cashier named Don Baker who had hair like Elvis that never changed for years.

WESTERN SIZZLIN STEAKHOUSE – We miss their beef tips

JED’S STEAK AND RIBS – Ragu remembers the salad bar had croutons that tasted like crayons, and their steak burger and ice cream bar were great childhood memories.  Jed’s was located on 725 in Centerville and is now a Goodwill store.

ROCKY ROCOCO’S PIZZA– We loved the chunks of roma  tomatoes on their pizzas.

JOE BISSETT’S GRUB STEAK– Remember the Princess Steak and a salad with blue cheese crumbles on top?  We also rocked the “kiddie cocktail” on North Main St, Dayton.

Free Ice Cream on your birthday

FARRELL’S – Across from Tri-County Mall in Northern Cincinnati, this place had a sundae on a stretcher. The staff  would sing happy birthday to people on kazoos.

GIRVE’S BROWN DERBY– a place where Big Ragu loved the salad bar, and kiddie cocktails.  Ragu also loved the kids fish dinner. .  Ironically, the Brown Derby on Bigger Rd. is now a gym.

COZYMEL’S –  They had great margaritas and you got lots of food at a great price.  This place was located on 725 near McEwen Rd. in Centerville.

RIKES DOWNTOWN– Childhood memories of the snack bar in downtown Dayton.

This timeless restaurant in Miamisburg, is now a “lost food gem”

PEERLESS MILL– The Miamisburg Restaurant with the old fashioned and old school menu was like Thanksgiving everyday.

 

LUM’S – One of our favorites.  They had hot dogs cooked in beer.  Lum’s was located where Marion’s Pizza is now, in Town and Country shopping center.

PEASANT STOCK – We loved the peasant salad.  Ragu loved the atmosphere at the restaurant in the Town and Country Shopping Center.  We also visited the Peasant Stock Café in Dayton mall

THIRSTY DOG – A great microbrewery restaurant on the corner of Alex Bell Rd and 48 in Centerville that served homemade chips in dog bowls.  Ragu loved the Raspberry Light Beer, while Jax used to enjoy the Robinson’s India Pale Ale served warm.

Shuckin Shack on N. Main in Dayton, Ragu misses you the most

SHUCKIN’ SHACK – Ragu’s all-time favorite place on North Main St. in Dayton.  They would bring steamed clams out in golf ball baskets.  They also had a bar you could sit and eat raw oysters and clams, and throw your shells into a trough.  Another thing Ragu loved was their peel and eat shrimp and fried smelts.

KEENG WHA – This Chinese restaurant used to be on the corner of Woodman and Dorothy Lane.  They served Ragu’s favorite Chinese dish of all time: “Princess Prawns.”

ELDER BEERMAN RESTAURANT –  They hosted breakfast with Santa and the Easter bunny at this place located upstairs in the Centerville store on State Route 48.  Ragu’s memories are going to the Friday night buffet with his grandparents.  This was a place where the waitresses were “real” waitresses and they had the same staff for years.

HUNAN GOURMET – A long gone gem that was on 48 near Whipp Rd.  Ragu loved this place, especially their dry braised shrimp and sizzling rice soup.  It is now a Caribou Coffee.

NOBLE ROMAN’S – We miss the real Noble Roman’s, the new restaurants are completely different.  We miss the hand tossed pizza in the window, monster pizza and the hand rolled breadsticks with nacho cheese.

Sambo’s was like a weird version of Denny’s

SAMBO’S – Ragu loved their pancakes served with boysenberry syrup.  This place was located at 48 near Loop Rd in Centerville.

ARTHUR TREACHER’S FISH & CHIPS – It was fried fish, so Ragu could live here.  The Jersey Mikes on 48 in Centerville is where one of the Arthur Treacher’s used to be.

CHICKEN LOUIE’S – This 24 hour chicken wing place is sorely missed on North Main Street in Dayton.  Ragu would risk life and limb by ordering through the bullet proof glass.  The related “Lou’s Broaster Hut on 3rd st had a special place in our heart.

FOUR’S COMPANY – After the Arthur Treacher’s closed on 48 near Whipp Rd in Centerville, this short lived place served up giant beer battered onion rings.   They were so full of beer you almost got buzzed by eating a few.

TOTENKO – This place on the corner of 725 and 741 near the Dayton Mall was like a 70’s verison of PF Changs.  A great restaurant until it closed because a food critic found roaches on her plate.  Ragu learned to use chopsticks here while wearing his “toughskin” pants.  This place turned into a Chi Chi’s which has since gone out of business too.

MARK PI’s CHINA GATE –The fried rice was addicting at the Town and Country location.

GROUND ROUND– Throw your peanut shells on the floor.  Ragu loved their all you can eat Friday night fish fry.  Remember the scale at the Wilmington Pike site where the cost of a kid’s dinner was a penny for each pound they weighed?

BAJA FRESH – The Big Ragu still craves their fish tacos at the now defunct Dorothy Lane and Kettering Blvd location.

Burger Chef was one of our childhood favorites

DOMINIC’S – The iconic location on South Main Street in Dayton whose manicotti was incredible.  The real attraction here was the house salad dressing with so much garlic flavor that you breathed fire for 2 days afterward.

PHIL AND JERRY’S FOOD-A-RAMA –  Legendary Centerville grocery that had annual anniversary parties where a hot dog and a coke were around 20 cents.

BURGER CHEF- To this day, Ragu craves the Big Chef sandwich and their “works” bar where you could load up your burger!

D’LITES- Healthy fast food!  We loved their burgers and smoothies at the location of 48 and Whipp Rd.

WESTWARD HO – South Main Street cafeteria style restaurant that had drink glasses as big as your head.

PO’ FOLKS – Fried food all over the menu, made this one of Ragu’s faves.  The fried clams and fried okra were so good.  The one we frequented was on the corner of Wilmington Pike and Dorothy Lane.

What places do you still think about? Casa Lupita? Joe’s is a Fish House? Tequila Willie’s?  Kettering Village Inn?  Let us know any and all of them !

Please visit FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook. Check back every Thursday for a new “Food Adventure” article on DAYTONMOSTMETRO.COM

What restaurants do you miss? Please comment below !

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Tomatoes, knitting, scrapbooks all welcome at the county fair

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As you may have imagined, the Montgomery County Fair is an important event to a farm family like mine. And while it isn’t practical to invite all our friends from DaytonMostMetro.com to visit us on the farm or accompany us to the Ohio State Fair, we CAN encourage you to visit us at the Montgomery County Fair—happening Aug. 31 – Sept. 5 in downtown Dayton.

And guess what! You don’t have to be a farmer to participate in the fair and even earn some blue ribbons.

The Montgomery County Fair is currently accepting entries for everything from cakes and pies to giant pumpkins; antique collections to photography; crocheting to quilts. Entries are a bargain at $1 each (although, if you get ambitious like me, the one-dollar entries start to add up) and pay out premiums for first through fourth place (this varies by category).

So even if you don’t have three barrows (boy pigs), two gilts (girl pigs) and two dairy heifers (girl cows) to enter, you can still take on the Michael family with a scarecrow, decorated cupcakes or photos.

Visit the Montgomery County Fair website to download the fair book PDF. Mail-in entries are due by August 15. Walk-in entries are accepted August 11, 12, 15, & 16, 9 am – 5 pm. NOTE: you don’t actually take your goods to the fairgrounds until fair time—see the book for details.

If you are a regular fair-goer or have never checked it out, try making an entry this year. The fair is an important part of downtown Dayton and nothing beats the thrill of seeing your chocolate cake take the top prize (trust me, I’ve done it!).

Jane’s Best Bets (7/27 – 7/31)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Happy Restaurant Week! Hopefully you have already started taking advantage of some of the great deals at our area’s fabulous restaurants.  In addition to Restaurant Week, here are a few other options of things to do in Dayton.

On Wednesday, celebrate the Submarine House’s One Year Anniversary (Beavercreek Bar and Grill), where they will have great specials, as well as prizes and raffles.  During your lunch hour, listen to Frequency, an a’capella group who will be performing at Courthouse Square as part of The Square Is Where.  Wish you could be like Tiffany’s and make your own jewelry?  Consider heading to the Cannery Art and Design Center for Art by the Glass.  Learn about how to shop at farmers’ markets and what questions to ask, all the while consuming a tasty beverage as part of Dayton Green Drinks at Company7 BBQ.  Flock to Pasha Grill for their FLOC (For the Love of Children) Charity Dinner, which will help to support children who have been neglected, abused, or are in foster care.  And if it’s not too hot, consider listening to music as part of Jazz on the Green at Yankee Trace or watching the Dragons play the Fort Wayne Tincaps.

On Thursday, utilize what you learned on Wednesday at the Dayton Green Drinks event and pick up some fresh local produce at the Centerville Farmers Market.  If you love wine but don’t want to break the bank, stumble your way to Arrow Wine in Centerville for a wine tasting featuring wines under $20.  You will be able to drink wine AND exercise as part of Grape and Lotus: A Wine and Yoga Practice at Metropolitan Arts Center.  For some live music, make your way to Dublin Pub to see Nick Mitchell or to RiverScape for their Big Band Nights featuring the Dayton Jazz Orchestra.  In addition, the Dragons will continue their series against the Fort Wayne Tincaps.

On Friday, be sure to be downtown, as that is where all the best bets are.  Listen to another concert at Courthouse Square during your lunch hour for The Square Is Where, where Minions of Fate will be performing.  If you are a beer lover, you are in luck, as there will be an Epic Brewery Welcome to Ohio Party at Lucky’s.  At Victoria Theatre, watch Young Frankenstein as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series.  At Fifth Third Field, catch the Dayton Dragons as they once again play the Fort Wayne Tincaps.  And finally, whether you are Irish or not, you will not want to miss the Dayton Celtic Festival!

On Saturday, take the kids to the 2nd Street Market for Kids Day.  I told you not to miss the Dayton Celtic Festival on Friday, but if you did, you must put it at the top of your list for Saturday.  And if you already went on Friday, you can still go as well!  In addition to the many festivities already going on, there will be 5K Run/Walk in order to burn off the calories from all that Irish beer!  Also at RiverScape, you will be able to take part in the Dayton River Ride.  Over at Wegerzyn Gardens, watch A Midsummer Nights Dream, presented by Free Shakespeare.  If you feel like catching a movie in an ultra cool place, then be sure to head to Victoria Theatre for the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series, where Blazing Saddles will be shown.  Art lovers should plan to attend DVAC’s 20th Birthday Bash.  After all, who doesn’t love a birthday party?  And if you’re caught up in good 80s music, then be sure to get your tickets to see 38 Special at the Fraze…and hold on tightly to them!

On Sunday, start your day off right with the Dayton Celtic Festival Breakfast at RiverScape, followed by their Bike Ride.  Then enjoy the rest of the Festival’s festivities.  You will also be able to listen to live music at Stubbs Amphitheater in Centerville by the Sound Body Jazz Orchestra or at Riverfront Park in Miamisburg for the Pizzazz in the Park Concert Series featuring Chazz. And if you prefer to stay indoors, watch The Producers as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series at Victoria Theatre.

Plus…don’t forget that this week is Restaurant Week, so be sure to make reservations at your favorite restaurants all week long!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

What’s the definition of a farmer?  One who is outstanding in his field.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

‘Let’s Do The Time Warp Again’: ‘Rocky Horror’ to be Revived at Wiley’s

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Daytonians will get the chance this weekend to put on fishnet stockings, scream unabashedly at a projector screen and pelt strangers with handfuls of rice.

"The Rocky Horror Picture Show"

July 29, 2011 Show Poster

The local variety show group Dirty Little Secrets wants attendees to take a walk on the wild side at its special screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” from midnight to 3 a.m. Friday, July 29, at Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub, 101 Pine St.

The event is a rare opportunity for audience members to view the R-rated feature length film, while also enjoying a full service bar offering movie inspired drink specials, according to J.T. Ryder, who is responsible for the booking and promotion of the event.

“As with the creation and concept of Dirty Little Secrets itself, the screening of ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ started with that small, still voice in my head,” he said. “ … This voice always begins our conversations with, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if … ?’”

The public screening comes a decade after The Neon stopped showing the film in spring 2001, when the theater underwent a renovation, according to Ryder.

“The clean up and raucous nature of the movie and the attendees definitely go a long way in explaining why most theater owners are loathe to run the movie on a regular basis,” he said.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” first released on film in 1975, parodies science fiction and horror flicks of the 1940s to 1970s, and is noted as one of the most well known movies of all time, attracting the attention of an international audience. A criminologist narrates the story of a newly engaged couple who stumbles upon a strange mix of people at an annual Transylvanian convention and soon becomes immersed in the world of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite who created a creature he calls Rocky Horror. The film is full of musical performances — including the Transylvanians’ famous dance to “The Time Warp.”

Sean Sandefer, one of the two directors of The Dayton Affair, the Dayton area’s “Rocky Horror” shadow cast, said some of his cast members will take part in the film screening at Wiley’s, acting out certain scenes on stage in costume. The group’s technical crew also will lead the audience in participation callbacks.

According to Sandefer, the show appeals to a wide range of people, which has been key to sustaining its popularity for more than 30 years.

“‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ is a timeless classic with a little bit of something for everyone,” he said. “It’s also a unique experience, where the audience is encouraged to participate by yelling during the movie and throwing things. If you’ve never seen the movie before, this would be a great first experience.”

One of the reasons the film has experienced ongoing popularity is in its ability to build a strong community of fans, according to Ryder.

“There is a commonality between the people who identify with this movie in much the same way as motorcyclists or tattoo aficionados identify with each other,” he said. “A lot of people think that it is the sexual ambiguity of the movie that draws people, but I think that only plays a small portion of it. There is an underground, cult-like presence that draws people whose everyday life could be very mundane, but this experience gives them a chance to delve into their wild side a bit.”

The tight-knit community is exactly why April Pope and her boyfriend Ronald Lynch remain die hard “Rocky Horror” followers. Pope and Lynch met at a showing in 1998, and have been together ever since.

Pope has attended more than 300 performances by The Dayton Affair, and said she used to never miss a show.

“I think ‘Rocky’ continues to thrive because it’s a place where you can go and fit in,” she said. “I come from Preble County, and when I was younger, unless you were into derby cars and tractor pulls, there isn’t a lot for you here. I know a lot of Preble County ‘misfits’ have ended up at ‘Rocky.’ We fit in there. It’s one of the first places I felt comfortable and no one judged me.”

Ryder said he expects a packed house of fans Friday. Attendees must be at least 18 years old, and are welcome to come dressed as one of the characters in the movie, or as “any other combination of outrageousness that is legal to be seen wearing in public,” he said. Those who attend are allowed to bring any of the standard “Rocky Horror” items with them, including hot dogs, newspapers, toilet paper, squirt guns and toast.

Tickets for the event can be bought at the door for $5. Individuals are encouraged to make reservations ahead of time, especially if they are attending with a group, by going to the Facebook event page titled “Dirty Little Secret Sweet Transvestite Screening” or by calling (937) 224-JOKE (5653).

According to Ryder, audience members should come expecting, in the words of Frank-N-Furter, “erotic nightmares beyond any measure, and sensual daydreams to treasure forever,” in a show that changes with every viewing.

“The only mission that Dirty Little Secrets is on, that I can discern, is to create a sense of community, as well as presenting the most unique entertainment available,” Ryder said. “In that fashion, the screening of this movie is right on target.”

Read Ryder’s DaytonMostMetro.com piece titled “Maybe You Understand Me Now” for his take on the philosophy behind the show.

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Food Adventures says: Godfather’s Pizza is the REAL DEAL !!

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When Noble Roman’s reopened a few years ago, we rushed over only to be disappointed by a pizza that was NOTHING like the product of the 80’s and breadsticks that were NOTHING like the hand rolled ones we had as kids.  Equally awful, Ragu had tried a Godfather’s Pizza in a gas station in another state. The gas station Godfather’s was more like Speedway Pizza than the Godfather’s of the past.  So needless to say, we were skeptical about the new Godfather’s Pizza. Was it going to be the same taste we remembered from the late 70’s and early 80’s?

The buzz about the Huber Heights Godfather’s Pizza was that it was the real deal.   So Food Adventures grabbed a couple of foodie friends and headed out Brandt Pike to solve the mystery for ourselves.

We entered the restaurant with our entourage of El Jefe and Gene Genie.  The new store works like this, you order first, they give you a number, then you sit down and they bring you your pizza.  Our party of four ordered, we decided to go BIG.  We ordered 2 jumbo deluxe pizza’s.  Hey if we are here, we got to do it right.  First of all, Godfathers is not cheap.  The sizes come in small, medium, large and jumbo.  The large specialty pizzas are $21 and the jumbo ones are $25.  However, the place was very busy, so we knew something was up.

That is not crust, it is a gateway to love

We could hardly stand the anticipation as we waited to try the pizzas.  We saw a packed restaurant of happy customers enjoying what looked like the same Godfather’s pizza we remembered as kids.  Ragu had to order a salad bar to help distract himself from the anticipation.

What followed could not have been better.  They brought out 2 huge, thick pizzas piled with toppings and mounds of melted cheese.  The cheese even had those brown burnt spots we remembered from the old days.  Your Food Adventurers were having a moment.  We kept looking at each other using words like incredible and awesome to describe the taste of the pizza.  Of course, we finished their pie with no leftovers.  El Jefe and Gene Genie on the other hand, had to ask for a to go box.  We left the restaurant humming early 80’s tunes and grateful for the chance to have truly re-lived a childhood food experience.

Exactly how we remembered it ! Click on the picture to enlarge and see for yourself!

A few months later, a Godfather’s opened up on Wilmington Pike near Feedwire Rd in Kettering/Bellbrook.  We had to make sure this was the same legit product and not one of the gas station Godfather’s pizza that resembles a frozen pizza.

Again, Godfather’s delivered as promised.  We ordered a small pizza this time, but still received the same great quality.  The small pizza was by no means cheap  at $14, but definitely worth it.  This pizza had anchovies on it and was very tasty.  It was also loaded with toppings like onions, green peppers and mushrooms.  We saw that the Wilmington Pike store had a small dining area and a “To Go” window as well.

Thick pizza – click on this photo to enlarge and see

Are you someone who misses that pizza taste of the early 80’s?  Then your Food Adventurers suggest you change into some terry cloth shorts and rock the 70’s afro to put you in the mood for some throwback Godfather’s Pizza.  Believe Food Adventures when we tell you: “It’s a pizza you can’t refuse!”

Click on this photo to enlarge. It will knock your knee high striped 70’s socks off

Please visit Food Adventures on Facebook. Check back every Thursday for a new “Food Adventure” article on DAYTONMOSTMETRO.COM

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Centerville Market Walk

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Last week I met up with Chef Anne Kearney of Rue Dumaine Restaurant at the Centerville Farmers Market. I talked with Anne about whats in season at the market and finding its way on to her menu. Anne has always been committed to using the freshest superior ingredients. Right now Rue Dumaine’s menu features local peaches, plums, and apples from Downing Fruit Farm’s; salad greens from Hungry Toad Organic Farm; Morning Sun Farm’s eggs and spelt; Tim Downing’s tomatoes; and Brickel Creek Organic Farm’s raspberries, gold beets, and blackberries – just to name a few! What summer crops does Chef Kearney most look forward to? She can’t choose just one: “Beets, tomatoes, greens, beans, oh, the list is long!”

There are countless reasons to shop farmers markets: freshness, flavor, nutrient content as well as economic, environmental, and social reasons. You can simply taste the difference; produce is ripe and fresh because it’s bred for flavor whereas supermarket produce has been bred for shelf life, picked green and gassed to ripen slowly.  Supermarket shopping has become a confusing minefield of GMOs, pesticides, and preservatives. When you visit a farmers market answers are just a question away – all you have to do is ask the farmer. If you commit to eating what is in season locally, you’ll learn to handle new ingredients and you may find some new favorite flavors. Supporting the local economy is easy to understand at a farmer’s market, your hard earned dollars stay in our community, with people who support the community. I first met Anne when she and my Husband Joe both cooked for the March of Dimes Celebrity Chef Auction. When it comes to the environment, we can feel a sense of contribution buying local produce since it traveled far fewer miles to get to your plate than supermarket produce. A study in Iowa found that a regional diet consumed 17 times less oil and gas than a typical diet based on food shipped across the country.

Dayton area chefs are doing their part as well; local food is a major new trend but it isn’t anything new to Anne Kearney. “Year around I create daily specials that feature our local harvest. Check out the website to see what is being offered every day. Throughout the year I have many local greens and mushrooms that are featured on the core menu.” More and more chefs, like Anne and my Husband, are participating in farmers’ markets. On the second Thursday of each month Anne offers a selection of seasonal artisan soups, salads, and sandwiches to Centerville market patrons.

This year has been brutally hard for our area farmers. Heavy spring rains delayed planting for so long that some crops just didn’t make it into the ground. That rain is still having an impact on the produce at the Market and it will affect the entire season.  Despite the spring’s weather-related setbacks, area farmers’ markets are open this summer rain or shine. Remember to make an effort to shop a farmers market even when it’s raining – those are the days our farmers really need support. Make time to shop the market before heading out to those fairs and festivals this summer too. And when choosing where to dine out, consider the area restaurants and eateries that feature local products. Supporting them also supports our area farmers!

I talked with Robert Downing of Downing Fruit Farm and his pride in the quality of their produce was evident. Mr. Downing told me that his apple cider won first place for all of North America in 1999. I tried some of his peaches and the flavor and sweetness were truly remarkable, it’s easy to see why chef’s are selecting them.  “We are working hard every day to produce a quality product for our guests while utilizing our community’s bounty. Our clientele knows of the effort it takes and appreciates it.” –Anne Kearney

Don’t miss Rue Dumain’s study of pig, “Tour de Swine” this August. Anne is creating a pork special utilizing a few of the more obscure piggy parts!

As promised, Chef Kearney has written a special recipe for you to try out with some local raspberries and peaches:

Click to enlarge!

The Centerville Farmers’ Market, located at 829 S. Main Street, is open Thursdays throughout the summer from 2:30-6:30 and hosts ten regular vendors. In addition to Anne’s goodies, I saw wonderful tomatoes, peaches, plums, green beans, potatoes, zucchini, summer squash, lettuce, cucumbers and much more. Visit Our Ohio to view a list of what is in season this summer.

Market Walk looks forward to talking with more area chefs to see what local ingredients are sparking their imaginations this summer. Every week The Chef Case Facebook page highlights local ingredients from farmers at the 2nd Street Market and look forward to the next issue of Market Walk which talks with Chef Wiley about Meadowlark’s recent move to 5531 Far Hills Avenue and the farmers from the Yellow Springs Farmers Market that she works with.

See you at the Market!

Photo Credits: Ardently Ohio Photo

Jane’s Best Bets (7/20 – 7/24)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

As you may have figured out, in the summer, Dayton is a hot place to be…in more ways than one!  So get your hot self out of the house, take the air conditioned car, and enjoy some of these fun events, as things will be buzzing!

On Wednesday, enjoy $5 Bang Bang Shrimp at Bonefish Grill.  Wear your green and watch the Dragons play the Peoria Chiefs at Fifth Third Field.  Or wear your tap shoes and head to Archer’s in Centerville for their A.Y.O.B. where they will be “tapping” a new beer.  And in Kettering, watch The Fries Band as they put on a wonderful (and free!) show at the Fraze Pavilion.

On Thursday, take your kids out to Cooper Park for Story Hour, which is sponsored by Five Rivers MetroParks and the Dayton Metro Library.  Enjoy a performance by the Muse Machine as well as a delicious lunch at the Dayton Woman’s Club.  If you work downtown, then consider heading to Courthouse Square during your lunch hour for The Square Is Where… McGovern Ceili Dancers.  At El Rancho Grande, enjoy 1/2 price Ladies Night.  Or sing your heart out at Champps for Karaoke Thursday.

On Friday, head to RiverScape for their Try Kayaking event, which is completely free!  If you’re a kayaking newbie, it’s definitely something worth checking out.  At Victoria Theatre, enjoy their Michelob Ultra Cool Film Series where the movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest will be shown.  If you’re frequently late, be sure to arrive early this time to enjoy the Cool Film Series Beer Tasting!  At Oregon Express, enjoy Half-Price Happy Hour Pizzas, which are absolutely delicious.  It’s mid-summer, so consider watching A Midsummer Night’s Dream presented by Free Shakespeare at Antioch Amphitheater.  Or watch ‘The Sound of Music’ at Epiphany Lutheran Church.  And if you’re a macho man and would prefer to be at a sporting event, then head to Fifth-Third Field as the Dragons take on the Peoria Chiefs.

On Saturday, you will not want to miss the annual Dayton Air Show.  If you enjoyed learning about kayaking and didn’t flip out like I did when I went kayaking the last time (literally!), then consider renting a kayak at RiverScape and Ride the River.  Take the entire family to the Warren County “Fair” if you appreciate equality.  At the Dayton Art Institute, they will be having Sound Bites: Short Talks About Art.  One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest will still be shown as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series at Victoria Theatre.  Again, they will have the Cool Films Series Beer Tasting prior to the show.  Please don’t drink too much beforehand or you may actually feel like you’re going cuckoo during the movie.  If you would rather catch a live performance, then check out ‘The Sound of Music’at Epiphany Lutheran Church.  Join Noah and two of each kind of animal at RiverScape as part of their Free Summer Concert Series featuring The Ark Band.  And if you don’t feel like things are buzzing around town, then you’ll just have to go over to Fifth Third Field to see the Dragons take on the Burlington Bees.

On Sunday, you will still be able to enjoy the Dayton Air Show.  At Antoich Amphitheater, watch A Midsummer Night’s Dream…just don’t fall asleep because that would be rude.  You can also listen to music at Miamisburg’s Riverfront Park with their Pizzazz in the Park Concert Series featuring Phat Like Dad or at Centerville’s Stubbs Amphitheater as The Lebanon Grand Opry House Band will be performing.  And finally, don’t miss your opportunity to get a buzz at Fifth Third Field as the Dragons once again play the Burlington Bees…with some buzzing really going on at the plaza as part of their Charity Cuts!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Where does a bee sit?  On his bee-hind.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Food Adventures heat things up at the Kickin’ Chicken Wing Fest at Fraze

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Stepping out of our Sebring convertibles on a humid summer day in front of the crowd, we knew we were in for a hot time.   The Big Ragu, with horrendous windblown hair, sniffed the aroma and approached the festival.  Make no mistake, Ragu loves wings, well done wings cooked all the way through.  Some prefers boneless chicken wings and all was unleashed at the fest.

Your Food Adventurers arrived at the first ever KICKIN’ CHICKEN WING FEST at Fraze Pavillion in Kettering right at the fest opening time of 2pm.  A crowd had already formed in the 90 degree heat.  Eleven restaurants offered their take on the almighty chicken wing.    Some offered other menu items in addition to wings, and most booths offered wings in 5 or more sauces.

Little did we know, the first wings we tried were going to be our favorites.  A place called Nick’s Restaurant from Xenia, had our favorite wing flavor of the day.  We had never heard of this place, but their Spicy Garlic Wing was our vote for best chicken wing.  Great taste, great kick and there was Parmesan cheese in the sauce.

Nick’s Restaurant’s Spicy Garlic Wings were our favorite flavor at the fest

As we walked from vendor to vendor we saw familiar favorites and some unfamiliar restaurants.  There were BW3, Rooster’s, Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers, Beef O’Brady’s, and Buffalo Wings and Rings, all which we have had often.

We also saw McGillicutty’s restaurant out of Kettering who offered baked chicken wings, a tasty alternative to the fried fare.   Your Food Adventurers really enjoyed the hottest wings offered by Romer’s Sports Bar & Grill from Bellbrook.  They were scorching hot and turned on the waterworks for an already sweaty Big Ragu.

Romer’s Hot Wings Really Lit Us Up !

The prices of the wings were reasonable, 3 wings for $2. The cold beer sold for the regular inflated price of 5 bucks, which did not seem so bad on this steamy day.

We visited the Brixx Ice House Booth for Chicken Skewers with Bourbon Sauce and Vegetable Shish Kabobs.  Not bad for only 2 dollars a skewer.

We enjoyed the hot wings at the Archer’s  Tavern booth, which featured fiery sauces from Crazy Uncle Jesters.  We also tried the whole wings from Paradise Key which were a little undercooked for our taste, but they had the most customers in line for food.

Other sauces that we enjoyed were Buffalo Wings and Rings Parmesan Garlic,  Sweet n Sassy wings from Cold Beer and Cheeseburgers along with their Chipotle wings.  More favorites were the Rooster’s Killer sauce, Romer’s Asian Persuasion wings, and Archer’s wings with Crazy Uncle Jester’s Louisiana Firestorm or Jamaican Hellfire sauces!  We love BW3’s Teriyaki sauce while Ragu hit some of their Carribean Jerk wings.

The Sweet n Sassy wings from Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers were wickedly tangy

The heat and the spices took their toll this Food Adventure.  At the end our our tasting, we looked over and laughed at the messy Big Ragu.  With sauce on his face and hands, Ragu had to take a time out to wash up with cold water in the bathroom sink.  What emerged was a sopping wet Ragu, with his hair slicked back and bloodshot eyes.  His  chapped lips were still burning, but he managed a smile.  Sure some lines were long, but there was a “hot time in the old town tonight!”  We loved the first annual Kickin’ Chicken Wing Festival, it definitely didn’t lay an egg!

Please visit FOOD ADVENTURES ON Facebook. Check back every Thursday for a new “Food Adventure” article on DAYTONMOSTMETRO.COM

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Jane’s Best Bets (7/13 – 7/17)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

First off, I would like to say congratulations to the Dayton Dragons on setting the national record for sports sell-outs this past weekend…what an accomplishment!  We do truly live in a great city!  And I’d like to prove it once again by letting you know about some of the great things going on here this week!

On Wednesday, take a break from work and head to The Square Is Where… Yoga Class from Practice Yoga at Courthouse Square.  If you haven’t been getting enough beauty sleep lately, consider going to La Comedia to see Sleeping Beauty.  Listen to music at Yankee Trace with Jazz on the Green or at Veteran’s Park Amphitheater with The Dark Star Orchestra.  And if you’re in need of a good laugh, then head to Wiley’s for their Dirty Little Secret Superhero Show.

On Thursday, there are several great happy hour options so you are going to have some tough decisions to make!  If you are an enthusiastic young professional, join Generation Dayton at El Meson for Thirsty Thursday.  It’s Thursday Night Live at the Moraine Embassy, so let DaytonMostMetro.com’s very own Bill Pote and Lisa Grigsby help take care of you, as they will be the celebrity bartenders on hand.  Grab dinner and drinks at one of the fabulous restaurants at The Greene such as McCormick & Schmick’s and then sit on the green (literally) to watch as Ed Kowalczyk, the lead singer of Live performs.  Check out three of the Oregon District’s new businesses as part of their Progressive Open House, where each business will have live performances by jazz and classical musicians, as well as raffles!  Bring the whole family to see Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at The Salvation Army Kroc Center – tickets are FREE!  Or help support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by getting your tickets to see ‘The Sound of Music’ at Epiphany Lutheran Church.  And finally, listen to live music at the Dayton Art Institute for a Twilight Concert or at RiverScape for their Big Band Nights featuring the Eddie Brookshire Orchestra.

On Friday, bring your kids to the PNC 2nd Street Market for Pasta Making for Kids…afterall, wouldn’t it be nice if they made you dinner for a change?!?!  If you love biking, consider taking part in the Greene Trails Cycling Classic at the Greene County Fairgrounds Recreation Center.  Although this is a four-day event, you are able to “Design-A-Ride” that fits your schedule.  Art lovers should make plans to attend the 20th Annual Open Members’ Show: Light at the Dayton Visual Arts Center.  Head to the Beavercreek Kroger for their Wine and Food Extravaganza.  Once again, you will be able to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by going to Epiphany Lutheran Church for The Sound of Music’.  Have a nerds night out at Xenia Area Community Theater as part of Nerd Comedy Night.  If you prefer to be cool, head to Victoria Theatre to see “Some Like It Hot” as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series.  And if you actually do like it hot, then make your way to Bella Villa Hall for the The Bocce Classic XVI.

On Saturday, if you enjoy seeing beautiful irises (the flower kind), then you will want to be at the PNC 2nd Street Market for their Iris Sale.  At RiverScape, get in shape with Zumba in the Park or participate in their Kayak Float.  Support A Special Wish Foundation by attending Fajita Fest at the Polish Club.  Listen to the sounds of  Michael Bashaw & Puzzle of Light and the Rippingtons at Veteran’s Park Amphitheater, the Bob Gray Orchestra at Stubbs Amphitheater, Son Del Caribe as part of the Free Summer Concert Series at RiverScape, or Trace Adkins at the Fraze Pavilion.  Over at

Trace Adkins at the Fraze

Fifth-Third Field, the Bob Ross Classic will be going on, which is an All-Star Baseball Game for local high school baseball players.  And if you would like to watch some great fights, head over to Drake’s Downtown for Fight Night…just be sure you don’t get into one yourself!

On Sunday, the Fraze will be having WTUE’s Breakfast with The Beatles and The Beatleburys.  Baby you can drive your car there…sorry I’m not going to let you drive mine!  If you would rather ride a bike, then participate in the Greene Trails Cycling Classic, which will still be going strong.  Watch belly dancers and fire jugglers, listen to live music, and MUCH more at the Fling in the Springs (downtown Yellow Springs).  A trip to Dave Hall Plaza for the Downtown Summer Music Series – Michelob Dayton Blues Festival is a must for all blues fans out there!  You will also be able to listen to music at Stubbs Amphitheater in Centerville (The Termites) and at Riverfront Park in Miamisburg (Pizzazz in the Park Concert Series: Paragon Quartet).  And if you’re not the outdoors type, then you can go to Victoria Theatre to see “Some Like It Hot” as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series or to Epiphany Lutheran Church for The Sound of Music’.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Why did the coach kick Cinderella off the baseball team?

Because she ran away from the ball.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!