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Homemade Goodness at Sunrise Cafe

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In order to retain our sanity, Food Adventures must leave the “bubble” of the suburbs and get back to food basics.  The village of Yellow Springs, Ohio is the perfect destination to achieve this feat.  Yellow Springs has scenic parks to hike, eclectic shops to explore, and some of the tastiest eateries to fill a belly.  One of our favorite places to eat is the Sunrise Cafe.  Located at 259 Xenia Avenue, Sunrise Cafe offers a full service menu which also includes a kid’s menu.  The quality of food is exceptional due to the fact that they use local produce and don’t own a deep fryer or microwave.  The small dining room is usually pretty packed, so the virtue of patience might have to be drawn up.  Keep in mind…….homemade food takes time to prepare and it’s worth it!

 

We decided to try the Huevos Rancheros which can be ordered in a half or full size portion.  Corn tortillas, black beans, two eggs (with the yolks intact!), salsa, and sour cream.  There is nothing better than breaking the yolk and opening the flood gates onto the black beans for a tasty combination.  The other dish  we tried was the breakfast sandwich which contained local eggs, cheese, and sausage on a homemade english muffin.  No fast food restaurant’s breakfast sandwich can compare!  Higher quality produce and your hands are not dripping with grease!  The sandwich also came with a side of breakfast potatoes which complimented it perfectly.

 

 

Breakfast Sandwich with local Eggs, Cheese, & Sausage on a homemade English Muffin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Try the Sunrise Cafe the next time you venture to Yellow Springs, Ohio and taste the difference of good, local produce!

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Check out the full menu and weekly specials from Sunrise Cafe by clicking here![album: http://www.daytonmostmetro.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/SunriseCafe/]

 

Treasure Island Supper Club: It’s Like a 70’s Food Adventure

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Not a Restaurant, This is a Supper Club

A dimly lit dining room, 1970’s furniture, hustling staff and bustling patrons.  This is not a restaurant, this is a Supper Club.  Treasure Island is everything you could ask for in an old school eatery.  Located in the heart of Moraine, Ohio, it has great service, great food and classic ambiance.  This place is like a scene out of  the movies “Saturday Night Fever” or “Looking for Mr Goodbar.”  When you enter Treasure Island Supper Club, the carpeted lobby has a metal railing staircase that  leads to bathrooms and a party room on the second level.  What other place has that?  But it doesn’t end there, we are just getting started.  As you pass from the lobby into the eating area, you notice a room with lighting so low that you cannot tell if it is noon or midnight.  The bar area is a low seat bar with the bartender working in a “pit” even lower than the bar patrons.  The bar is adjacent to a walkway that leads to the dining room.  The walkway is lined with wooden spindles that were hand carved by the restaurant owner.  In fact his woodwork is throughout the supper club.   We were expecting to hear “bow chicka wow wow” music, but that did not happen.

Baskets of Butter and Lance Crackers at Every Table

 

A hostess greets you near the walkway and puts you on the waiting list, or seats you promptly.   You will be seated in a leather 70’s style booth or some old school table and chairs.    Even the water glasses are old school, and we love it ! On the table in a wicker basket, are various types of Lance crackers and butter packets.  We ate  a lot of melba toasts, crackers and captain’s wafers leaving our table strewn with Lance cracker wrappers.    Our Food Adventure Crew lives for unique places like this.  Our server who waited on us was fantastic.  She was a throwback to the days when waitresses were career waitresses for decades at the same restaurant.   She brought our salads and a basket of poppy seed bread that was still warm, so we put the butter packets to good use.

We were then served a shrimp cocktail appetizer that stayed in theme with the 70’s nostalgia.  The huge shrimp were served in a silver goblet lined with green decorative lettuce.  the shrimp were already partially dipped in the cocktail sauce inside the goblet.  These were some of the largest and best tasting shrimp we have ever eaten.   Make sure you don’t miss out on this old school shrimp cocktail or you will be squirming in your  red leather chair.

The Best Shrimp Cocktail Ever

We saw a customer being served a large corn fritter that looked good, so we decided to order one too… good move.  The homemade, handmade corn fritter is served with maple syrup packets and simply melt in your mouth.  We sat their enjoying the appetizer feeling like we were in an episode of “Starsky and Hutch.”   The fritter was cooked perfectly, nice and moist on the inside and golden brown on the outside.  In the restaurant lighting it looked like a brick of gold from Fort  Knox.

After stuffing ourselves with crackers, bread, butter, salad and appetizers, our main entrees arrived.  One of us had ordered the baked halibut dinner.  It was served old school style with dunking butter!  It also came with a baked potato, decorative parsley, and large sides of butter and sour cream.  Again 70’s additude toward cholesterol and fat!  The fish was firm yet fluffy and  absolutely delicious.  The baked potato was perfectly cooked as well.  The Big Ragu’s entree was the seafood platter.  How old school is the name of  that dish?  The dinner was served with frog legs, fried shrimp, crab cakes, fried scallops, and fried oysters.  The dinner was very rich, but tasted incredible.  It was served with a side of hash browns that didn’t disappoint.  After finishing  our meal, we thanked our waitress and  the assertive busboys.

Perfectly Baked Halibut

 

As we walked out of the restaurant we joked about coming back for a picture outside the restaurant dressed in 7o’s Afro wig, terrycloth shorts, and pulled up white socks with stripes.  It was  another successful Food Adventure!     Our visit here was fantastic, truly enjoy Treasure Island Supper Club and had one of our better Food Adventures here.  If you have not been here to try the great food you are missing out on a taste bud experience!  It is a fun place to dine with some of the tables hollowed out with golf or Vegas decor behind tabletop glass.   The Big Ragu and Crew highly recommend that you visit Treasure Island because they do things right, and have not changed their successful formula.     The simplicity of good food and good service is timeless, no matter what the decade.   If you visit this supper club and you see a couple of guys with cheesy 70’s mustaches, or Dirk Diggler haircuts, it just may be your Food Adventures Crew and the Big Ragu, incognito!

“Like”Food Adventures  on Facebook by clicking here!

Have you been to Treasure Island Supper Club?  If  so, did you get your 70’s groove on at this phenomenal spot?  Please leave your comments below !

Treasure Island’s menus for  lunch and dinner may be viewed  by clicking HERE.

[album: http://www.daytonmostmetro.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/TreasureIsland/]

 

Pedals 4 Pancakes: How bicycle commuting can change your life

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Join Five Rivers MetroParks for the annual Bike to Work Day Pancake Breakfast, 6-9 a.m. Friday, May 18, at RiverScape MetroPark. Details at www.metroparks.org/biketowork

Who’s got two thumbs and can help save the world while saving some dough and burning calories? This girl! And that guy, and that girl, and that girl, and especially that polydactyl guy. That’s right, anyone can accomplish this earth-friendly laundry list simply by biking to work. Celebrate your two-wheeled liberation on Friday, May 18, with a free pancake breakfast at RiverScape MetroPark, compliments of your outdoorsy pals at Five Rivers MetroParks.

Since gaining status as a bronze-level bike-friendly berg, Dayton’s cycling population has grown. New initiatives include the City of Dayton’s program that will place 100 new bike racks in strategic downtown locations. Following in the footsteps of other cities that have proven the “if-you-build-it-they-will-come” strategy is effective, the bike racks should provide ample parking to some of downtown’s coolest spots. Bonus—no more circling the block like a parking space vulture or endless see-sawing as you attempt to squeeze your four-door sedan into a parallel spot that could barely accommodate the recently vacated Geo Metro.

Besides ample parking right next to your destination, swapping your car for the bike has myriad benefits. Let’s talk economics. Let’s say you fill your 14-gallon tank once every two weeks. If gas prices were to stay at a reasonable $3.50 per gallon (maybe there’s no turmoil in the Middle East because everyone went on vacation?), you spend about $1,274 a year on gas. Reduce that cost by putting your foot to the pedal instead of the pedal to the metal. Studies show us that 25 percent of all trips are made within a mile of the home, 40 percent of all trips are within 2 miles of the home, and 50 percent of the working population commutes 5 miles or less to work—yet 82 percent of these trips made that are 5 miles or less are made by motor vehicle!

Photo by Elzora.com Photography

What if you used a bike for those short trips? Even if you start small—one trip 2 miles away or less once a week for a year—you can still save some money. In my beautiful hypothetical world where gas prices hover at $3.50, you could save about $50 a year! If this doesn’t seem like a lot of money to you, please send all your extra cash my way because I’d love an extra $50 a year. I’d stop in the middle of the street to pick up a quarter!

If the wallet surplus isn’t enough motivation, how about the health aspect? Steady cycling burns approximately 300 calories per hour. If you cycle for 30 minutes every day you would burn 11 pounds of fat in a year. (This solves the mystery of how those bike commuters pack away thousands of flapjacks at our bike to work event every year and manage to avoid stretching out their spandex.) Bad knees you say? Pish posh! The Mayo Clinic suggests adding exercise like cycling to increase your mobility if you suffer from arthritis or other types of joint pain. Any way you slice it, using your bike is beneficial.

What? Being rich and fit don’t rank high on your personal goals? What if I told you cycling could make the world a better place? Recent studies reveal big payouts for bike-friendly cities. Researchers reviewed the effects of using a bike instead of a car in 11 different cities around the upper Midwest. Combining data on air quality, medical costs, mortality rates, car accidents and physical fitness, the research team discovered that if residents of the sample cities used bikes for just half of their short trips (less than 5 miles), they’d create a net societal health benefit of $3.5 billion annually from reduced air pollution, and net $3.8 billion in health care savings from those Midwest denizens being so trim.

Find a bikeway near you: www.metroparks.org/cycling

Of course because this is a Five Rivers MetroParks initiative, there is another ecological angle here. Those who drive 5 miles to work daily produce roughly 1860 pounds of greenhouse gases (CO2) into the atmosphere each year. It would take 133 fully matured trees per year to absorb those yearly emissions. Think about that for a second. Imagine planting 133 trees for your car alone. Now think about how many of your fellow commuters you see each day. We need another 133 trees to off-set the carbon from all those vehicles, and unless we’re willing to grow trees on a Cambrian-era level, we’re going to have to find ways to reduce our pollution.

If you think you have what it takes to start bike commuting but you’re not confident enough in your skills to make it to this Friday’s pancake breakfast, try taking the bike commuting class from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 23. This program will include bike terminology, commuting equipment and trip and bike preparation. You’ll also get an overview of traffic laws, potential hazards, safe-riding skills and proper route planning.

Use the bike instead of the car. Start small—commute one short trip once a week and see how you like it. Uneasy about traffic rules? Check out the monthly Courteous Mass rides. This group-led ride will orient you to the rules of the road (Rule #1: Bikes are recognized as “vehicles” in the eyes of the law, so not only is it your right to ride on the road, it’s your legal obligation) in a safe environment. The group meets around 5:30 p.m. at Fifth Third Field on the first Friday of each month. Get in gear for your health, your finances and the environment!

Dayton Fashion Week Gives Back

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When you think of the Fashion Industry as a whole, the first thoughts that probably come to mind are the vain egotistical plots and twist of the hit movie The Devil Wears Prada. Though bits and pieces of that movie may be true for some but in actuality behind that thin veneer of superficiality is one of the most philanthropically known industries in this country.  Whether it’s Ralph Lauren’s Pink Pony Fund to fight breast cancer, to Ken Coles AmFar Foundation for AIDS Research, to Gucci’s partnership with UNIECF, giving back has always been a key component of the Fashion Industry.

If you’ve ever visited the Facebook page of Dayton Fashion Week you’ll notice that we are listed as a Community Organization.  When I first came on board at DFW in October 2011, Junda and I both emphasized the importance of not just giving back but reaching out to the people of the Miami Valley.  For me it was second nature to be active in the community, I’ve been a volunteer since the age of 12, volunteering for such organizations as The Buckeye Trails Girl Scout Council as a Camp Aide, to the Anpo O Project which delivers school supplies the Standing Rock Reservation in S.Dakota where the dropout rate for students is 85%, to The Action Youth Outreach Program which teaches entrepreneurial skills for inner city and “at-risk” youth using STEM Curriculum, to being a Guest Speaker for the My Beauty is Priceless Seminars which teaches young girls tools of empowerment from spirituality, cooking,  education, and personal appearance,  not to mention I sign up to volunteer for almost every event that takes place in the City of Dayton!

For Junda, who is new to the area this would serve as her opportunity to see just how great the people of the City of Dayton and surrounding areas are.  Since word of Dayton Fashion Week broke Junda has been blown away by all of the hospitality, support, and encouragement that everyone has shown towards our Inaugural event!  During our first two casting calls, we collected can goods for the Dayton Food Pantry and doesn’t stop there–we are very happy to present Dayton Fashion Week Gives Back!   On Saturday May 19 we will be launching the first of many outings geared towards giving back to the community and raising awareness for important causes starting with our models and staff taking part in a build for Habitat for Humanity http://www.daytonhabitat.org.

Dayton Fashion Week Models pose for pictures during Urban Nights

As a producer for 91.3 FM WYSO’s Community Voices, I’ve been working on a story about The Vision Keepers and The Circle of Courage  re-entry and recovery program which is a local non-profit organization that provides clothing, bus tokens, emergency toiletries and support groups.  Founded by the late Dr. Robin Herman, the organization is now headed up by the 2011 Justice Award recipient Khadijah Ali and falls under the 2011 Dayton’s Ten Top Women Award recipient MaryAnn Angel’s Two Tree organization, http://www.twotreesinc.org/vision_keepers.shtml.  Dayton Fashion Week will host a fundraiser for this organization in August of 2012. More details will be announced soon.

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m very cautious of the company that I keep and I apply those same life rules to DFW and I’m honored to be amongst such good company.  I’ve heard several models refer to Dayton Fashion Week as a family and I can honestly say that we probably have the most amazing team filled with positive, caring and supportive people who aside from our love for fashion we are also into building each other up and building lasting bonds and friendships.

Since our Pre-Launch Party in March the models have been asking us to get together for a fun outing sp that we can spend more time getting to know each other and it was suggested that we form a team and be a part of the Mud Volley for Epilepsy.  So when I called the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio to inquire about what was needed to form a team I was a surprised when the Director asked us to do more than just form a team she wanted us to form a partnership–after all we’re both very small organizations, and both heavily dependent on volunteers so we came up with a couple of ideas about how we can help each other out we will be providing more details soon but in the meantime be sure to sign your team up at http://www.daytonmud.com.  We hope to see you all on July 14!!

July 24 will mark the official start of Dayton Fashion Week and we will be kicking things off with Fashion for a Cause!  This event will consist of a silent auction, live entertainment, and a local celebrity fashion show.  Proceeds from this event will go to our charitable partners Clothes That Work http://www.clothesthatwork.org and Hospice of Dayton http://www.hospiceofdayton.org .  This event will take place from 6pm-9pm at the Dayton Masonic Temple located at 525 W. Riverview Ave., Dayton OH 45405.

July 28 does not mark the end of Dayton Fashion Week’s activities for 2012.  We are 100% committed to being a part of the revitalization of Dayton and the entire Miami Valley year round. For more details about how you can help out with these worthy causes please click on the links provided and for more information on Dayton Fashion Week Gives Back please “Like” our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/daytonfashion.

 

 

 

 

 

A Limitless View at DVAC

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"Distance In Itself Invisible" - by Stefan Chinov

Selected from over 100 exhibiton proposals received from our its 2010 Biennial Call for Exhibitons, DVAC brings it close to home for it’s fourth and final exhibiton of the season. The two-person exhibition features painting, photography, sculpture and painting by Dayton-based artist Stefan Chinov and Cincinnati painter Craig Lloyd.

Titled Limitless View, artists Chinov and Lloyd explore different methods of understanding and re-thinking limitless landscapes—both real and imagined.

Primarily a sculptor and draftsman, Stefan Chinov’s new work was inspired by his recent residency on the Bulgarian, Chilean, Spanish and Russian bases of Antarctica. Chinov imprints the Antarctic landscapes with sculptural installations in ice and volcanic ash and documents its untouched vastness in photographs and video that underscore its mythic presence. Additionally, Chinov plays with the lines of landscape in his geometric studies rendered in three-dimensions in two large floor sculptures; and in two-dimensions in three large scale drawings. Chinov, born in Bulgaria, lives in Dayton and is currently an Assistant Professor at Wright State University.

Craig Lloyd

Craig Lloyd’s paintings of landscapes in central and southern Ohio and northern Kentucky capture the sensation of stopping to take in a more careful and contemplative view. Working in the field or developing images further in the studio, Lloyd optimizes light, atmosphere and seasonal changes to create an idealized version of contemporary frontiers where open space has become a commodity. His fine brushwork captures a clear summer day’s perfect puffy clouds as they perch above a vast expanse of rolling hills, densely-leaved trees, and storybook curves in the road. Lloyd lives in Cincinnati and is an Associate Professor at the College of Mount St. Joseph.

Together, these artists make for a remarkable exhibiton.

“Limitless View”
May 11 – June 16 at DVAC
118 N. Jefferson – Dayton, OH 45402
Opening Reception: May 11 5-10pm
Gallery Talk: May 17 6:15pm
 

 

Getting Fresh and Organic with The Food Adventures Crew

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Green B.E.A.N Delivers Fresh Fruit and Vegetables to Your Door

Farmer’s Markets are more popular than ever in a time when our country has an increasing desire for organic food products. People are more aware now than ever of the food they put into their bodies and are striving to improve their dietary habits.  Food Adventures is always trying new things.

You have seen the word “organic” placed on food labels, but what does it mean? Conventional foods can carry harmful pesticides and are fertilized with synthetic chemicals. Organic foods use natural fertilizers, devoid of synthetic pesticides. If you buy organic, you are decreasing your families’ risk of exposure to harmful chemicals. Organic foods also help reduce the amount of agricultural chemicals that affect wildlife and water quality, and organic produce also protect one of our nation’s most valuable resources — top soil. It’s something to keep in mind the next time you are buying produce, and a reason why Farmer’s Markets have been so successful over the years.
Unfortunately, not everyone has access to them.  Food Adventures is grateful for the farm markets in Dayton.

We would like to introduce you to Green B.E.A.N. Delivery.  Sort of a “Farmer’s Market on wheels.” Green B.E.A.N. was started up by three college
friends from Indiana University in 2007, Matt Ewer, Beth Blessing, and John Freeland.  Their common goal is to provide healthy, local food and make it more convenient, accessible, and affordable. B.E.A.N. stands for: Biodynamic, Education, Agriculture, Nutrition(Try saying that fast three times fast!).  Green B.E.A.N. is a grassroots effort; a network of farmers and artisans providing customers with organic and locally made products. John Freeland is the Vice President of Green B.E.A.N. Delivery and contacted us to try out what they have to offer.

Orders are Delivered in Green B.E.A.N Coolers

We went to the Green B.E.A.N. Delivery website and set up our accounts. We found the website to be easy to navigate and place orders.  They have various
produce bins ranging in price from $35 to $49. They also have a ‘break-room bin’ which helps encourage healthy eating in the office.  You can also customize your order by choosing from forty different items that are in season. We decided to let Green B.E.A.N. send us whatever they wanted…..mystery is always more fun!

When the time came for our delivery, we were greeted at the door by a big green bin.  Food Adventure time !!!  This was exciting — like having a farmer’s market delivered right to the front door.  We both opened our bins like kids open up presents on Christmas Day.  Inside sits a cooler with an ice pack so your produce remains cool if you have to work a long day.  We ordered the $35 bin and were impressed with the amount of produce received.  Some of the produce we received included: broccoli, carrots, celery, mangos, avocado, grapefruit, apples, tomatoes, asparagus, potatoes, lemons, spinach, green beans, onions, and pears all fresh and ready to eat! Green B.E.A.N. Delivery also has an option to add groceries to the bins.  Some of the items offered include: dairy, meats, eggs, cupcakes, bulk foods, and beverages.

Lots of Fresh, Organic and Healthy Items to Choose From

When you sign up for Green B.E.A.N, you can choose to receive your bins either weekly or bi-weekly and you can cancel your membership at any time. The bins can either be delivered or you may choose to pick them up. Delivery areas include: Ft. Wayne, Indianapolis, Louisville, Dayton, Cincinnati, and Columbus. If you don’t see your location on the delivery map, give them a call at (513) 761-BEAN (Cincinnati-Dayton) or (614) 352-2845 (Columbus). Check out the website for membership information, recipes, and the online store.

We were very impressed with the quality of produce that we received and highly recommend Green B.E.A.N. Delivery. We would like to thank John Freeland of Green B.E.A.N. for allowing us to take part in a delectable delivery.  We received some incredibly fresh produce delivered right to our front doors without a glitch! Give Green B.E.A.N. Delivery a try by contacting them at www.greenbeandelivery.com or by phone.  Try going organic to improve your health and buy local to help out our communities!

Have you used Green B.E.A.N. yet?  If  so,  please comment below.

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Dayton Fashion Week and Urban Nights Presents: Ambush Makeover!!

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Dayton Fashion Week will be participating in Urban Nights This Friday

Dayton Fashion Week will be making its Urban Nights Debut this Friday and of course it’s going to be one of the most fashionable events of the evening!  Our sponsors at The Downtown Dayton Partnership have asked the DFW Team to give the patrons of Urban Nights a unique and fun experience– and of course we don’t want to disappoint!!  So with that being said, DFW staff, along with our models, team of makeup artist, hair stylist, and photographers will be out and about at various locations downtown during Urban Nights scouting for individuals to be a part of our first ever Ambush Makeover!

That’s right, the lucky individuals will receive super model treatment during Urban Nights, they will have their hair and makeup done, treated to a professional photo shoot by our amazing photographers, and will receive lessons on how to rip the runway by DFW models right there on the spot!  The individuals selected by our scouts will also be appearing in Dayton Fashion Week’s fashion and lifestyle print magazine which will be debuting in July—just in time for our big event!

The Makeovers will be taking place from 6p-9p at our table located in Court House Square!  Though we are finished holding Casting Calls for this year’s event—I’ve been known to approach random strangers and do some scouting!  So make sure you stop by and say hi because you never know you just may get discovered!

Get Out & Give Back Day Improves Community, Engages YPs

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Thanks to Carly Short Photography for covering last year's event!

They’re coming. On Friday, May 4, a sea of blue shirts will roll through downtown Dayton, leaving a wake of good karma in its path. That’s right, the annual Get Out & Give Back Dayton day has returned! The event is hosted by Generation Dayton but young professionals from all walks of life and varying professional organizations are participating. More than 100 volunteers will take up their shovels, hammers, dust mops, work gloves and other tools of do-goodery to spruce up the area. This event is important because it not only connects young professionals directly to the Dayton area, it reminds local residents of the positive attributes young professionals have and the amazing contributions we make to the city. In other words, us whipper-snappers do more than prop up the economy via beer and taco sales.

This is my second year participating in Get Out & Give Back Dayton day, and the aspect I enjoy most about this event is the opportunity to meet other YPs in a non-professional setting. How many networking events have you attended where you sit through one lame, Internet-template elevator speech after another? I like to loosen the ol’ corporate necktie every now and then and get to know someone on a more intimate basis. You find out a lot about someone when you have to trouble-shoot trash hauling or develop a synchronized mulch distribution strategy! OK, the happy hour at the end also helps meet new people, but we earned it, gosh darn it!

Volunteers will be mulching, planting, scrubbing, wiping, sweeping and digging their way across nearly 30 locations in the greater Dayton area. The event kicks off with lunch at the Excelsior Building (off Sixth Street in the Oregon District behind Jay’s Seafood), and later the mottled motley crew will convene at The Vault for well-deserved refreshments and regaling the day’s events.

***Updated with new rain date: Can’t make it to Get Out & Give Back Dayton day? You can participate in another cool project, this one by updayton’s Unifying the Divide bridge painting project taking place this Sunday, May 6. This service group is working to connect two adjacent neighborhoods—South Park and the Oregon District—via a pedestrian bridge that goes over U.S. 35. Sign up online for a shift.

Get Out & Give Back Dayton day is about more than donating a few hours of your time to a worthy cause. For lots of YPs, this is an introduction to many of these organizations and for some, their first foray into downtown Dayton. Engaging this group of people is an investment in Dayton’s future. Retaining young talent isn’t about members of any single professional organization—it’s everyone’s prerogative. What better way to help retain people than giving them a reason to care about their community? Now each time they walk past that landscaping (or drive past that overpass), they’ll remember the personal investment they made in Dayton. They’ll tell their friends about this cool place they visited for the first time (“yeah, it’s called the Dayton Visual Arts Center and they have some really cool exhibits right now. Want to check it out tonight?”). Most importantly, they’ve got one more reason to stay.

I can’t wait for Get Out & Give Back Dayton day; it’s a reminder for me that, even though I feel inundated with bad news about terrible people, I can and will make a difference in my little corner of the universe. I can fix something, I can make it better, and it feels great to know I have a couple hundred people who are on my team.

The Big Ragu Gears up for the 2012 “A World A’Fair”

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Mark your calendars, local foodies !!! May 18th -20th, 2012 at the Dayton Convention Center is the “World A’Fair.”  For those who don’t know, this International Festival has been a Dayton tradition for over 40 years.   “A World A’Fair.”  features food, dancing, music, costumes, and cultural exhibits that represent the ethnic backgrounds and cultures of the residents of the Dayton area.  What better way to sample cuisine from around the world all by taking a few steps?

According to the World a’Fair Website,“Folklore Around the World” will be this year’s cultural theme.  All of the participating countries will present folk traditions at their booths.  Native American singing and dancing will be the Featured Entertainment. Spanish Flamenco dancers will be new entertainment for this year.

But you know your Food Adventurers visit this International Festival for one thing… FOOD !! In between hugging accordion players, and dancing with exotic women in traditional garb, we like to hit the booths for some international tastes.

 

The Food Adventures Crew would like to share some of our annual food favorites found at the “World A’Fair.”

The Creme Puffs at the South Slavic Booth are Incredibly Good

South Slavic Booth: The Creme Puffs here are to die for.  They have traditional choices as well as chocolate ones.

Germany Booth:  Everyone enjoys the Bratwurst here.   We prefer loading it up with sauerkraut and mustard for that perfect bite.  The soft pretzels are not bad either !

Scotland Booth:  Daring Food Adventurers should try the Haggis .. it is a traditional Scottish dish.  This version is ground liver meat served with crackers.  Can you handle the real deal?  Not your style?  Then try their “Bridie” meat pie for a more tame dish.

Ireland Booth: The Beer here is the main attraction, but kids love the Irish Pub Fries.

Dutch Booth:  Try the Appelflappen (fritters), and enjoy the women cooking in traditional outfits.

Greek Booth:  The Gyros are fantastic here.  They are the same group that makes the gyros and chicken gyros for the Greek Festival.  The onions on the gyros make it fun to breathe on your friends afterwards.

Mexican Booth:  The tacos and empanadas are made to order at this booth.  The prices are cheaper than most other booths.

The Italian Wedding Cake is a Must

Italy Booth:  Sure you can grab a freshly grilled Italian sausage with peppers and onions, but may we suggest their fabulous desserts?  The Italian Wedding Cake is phenomenal and filled with strawberries and whipped cream.  The Tiramisu and Cannoli are also top notch.

Korea Booth:  The Veggie Dumplings were incredible.  The dumplings

are huge and have a great, fresh taste.

Lebanon Booth: The Falafel is our favorite offering!  This veggie patty is served in a pita for a great tasting sandwich.

This festival is close to The Big Ragu’s heart.  We have some great childhood memories of coming to the World a’Fair with our parents and grandparents.  You may even see The Big Ragu volunteering at the Italy food booths!  This event is a true Dayton tradition, and May 18-20th is your chance to leave your mark on the legacy.

Veggie Dumplings from the Korean Booth

The secret to this festival is to visit many booths and try different food offerings.  You never know what you are going to discover.  A World A’Fair is a perfect excuse to take an afternoon, or an evening and escape everyday life for a couple of hours. and immerse yourself into different cultures and different foods.

All of the information can be found on  www.worldafair.org.   Tickets are $5 in advance, or $3 for children at any Kroger location.  Tickets are also sold at the door for a couple of dollars more.  You can also check out the website and find opportunities to volunteer for a country’s booth.  However you decide to participate, make sure you visit this festival, bring friends, or kids and create some memories.

Have some memories to share about A WORLD A’FAIR ???  Are you coming to the 2012 event??  Please comment below!

“Like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE !!

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The Entrepreneurial Genius behind Meadowlark

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When you hear the name Meadowlark, does a sweet little, Snow-White-esque chirping bird come to mind?  Well fun fact—did you know this yellow-breasted, song bird is the state bird of Kansas?  Did you also know that a very chic restaurant located on Far Hills Avenue dons this same name?  The owner of the restaurant, Wiley as she likes to be called, is originally from Kansas, and felt this name was just perfect for her restaurant (learn more about Wiley from her 10 ? interview). She originally opened Meadowlark in September of 2004 on Miamisburg-Centerville Road, but a year ago this May, they made the move to a larger, more central location at 5531 Far Hills Avenue.  Meadowlark was able to take this step to a better location and bring in more clientele because of the hard work of Wiley and her best friend, Liz.  After hearing the story of Meadowlark’s development, I was truly inspired by Wiley’s entrepreneur smarts.

 This will be my last article for DaytonMostMetro, and when my amazing editor, Lisa, suggested that I should focus this article on the entrepreneurship aspect of a restaurant, I was a little worried.  At the University of Dayton, I don’t study business.  I have some general ideas of the business world, but I did not feel confident enough, at first, to tackle this task.  So after much research, I finally met with Wiley to discuss how she built her restaurant from scratch.  Hearing the entire story was truly moving, but before I jump to the details of this journey, I must thank Lisa.  Because of this article, I was pushed past my comfort zone.  By her pushing me to achieve more through this experience, I have gained so much knowledge and a different angle on the restaurant business.  So thank you, Lisa.  You have been the best editor I could have hoped for.  I am truly blessed to have been given this opportunity to learn so much.

This article has enlightened me to how many small details go into building a dream from nothing.  Wiley engineered the menu, the design, and the working dynamics of Meadowlark, which all contribute to the success of the restaurant, today.  During our interview, she explained how she’s mostly responsible, but it is also developed through collaboration.  One of the neatest things Wiley touched on was her sincere interest in her employees’ ideas.  She really emphasized how she loves letting the staff have input: “we’re always trying to improve.”  And one of the ways they accomplish this is in their staff meetings, where staff members are fully involved in the discussion.

Meadowlark’s menu is the same way: the eats really embody who Wiley is, but through the staff’s group effort, they have continually improved upon their selection.  “It’s really a reflection of my personal style. The menu is the whole point of having your own restaurant,” explained Wiley.  She’s a cook by trade, having first developed her culinary interests when she was given free range to make dinner as a child.  Her mother worked, so her aunt helped her in the kitchen and allowed her to develop her own culinary skills.  “It really wasn’t a thing to go to culinary school,” she pointed out, but some might even say her cuisine surpasses those who did attend school.

Wiley describes the design of Meadowlark’s new location as having “just evolved.”  She didn’t hire a designer, but rather trusted her own instincts.  They kept the same colors of the old location “for continuity,” including an array of red, yellow, and green.  With some luck, they tore down the dark-colored dry wall to find a beautiful brick wall that is still exposed today.  With the new space, they were also able to add a bar, which is illuminated in a beautiful, eye-popping blue.  Wiley made sure to tackle the simple issues, such as eliminating the noise problems by buying rubber flooring that looks wooden.  (I would have never known if she had not enlightened me to this fact!  It looks so real.)  With the addition of a couple of rustic doors and a few culinary touches (like frying pan lights!), the design was unique and complete.

Due to her success in the restaurant business, Wiley was able to offer some insightful advice.   First off, she really emphasized how it takes commitment to make the best food, environment, and service possible.  As an entrepreneur, she made this dream into a reality, but not without a lot of time and effort.  Wiley, herself, is one of the best examples of her second piece of advice: “strive to always improve.”  Through her commitment to hearing what others have to say, Meadowlark has grown tremendously, incorporating different interests of their employees, as well as the tastes of their customers.  Wiley’s last two pieces of advice apply to entrepreneurship, but also to life in general: “be generous and be nice, and support things you care about.”  Once more, Wiley provides a stellar example through her restaurant.  Meadowlark helps support public radio and local publications, and any donation request of the restaurant receives a gift.  While Meadowlark cares for the community, it is obvious that Wiley cares for this restaurant, her dream-made-reality.  With a lot of care, effort, and commitment on Wiley’s part, Meadowlark has become a success.

I would even deem the working dynamic of her staff as unique and truly special.  Through our interview, I could really tell she cared about her staff members.  She frankly stated, “I’m not looking to create an empire, just a good work environment.”  She emphasized how it’s truly important to her that her staff and customers want to come to Meadowlark every day.  “It’s important to create more opportunities for them, and it’s fun to figure out something new.”  Recently, Wiley helped incorporate their floor manager’s interest in beer into their bar menu; “it keeps me on my toes and them invested in their job.”  Their next project?  Wiley’s best friend, Liz, is really interested in pizza.  Meadowlark actually helped send her to pizza school!  So to test out the success of these pizzas with their customers, they have begun to open Meadowlark on Monday nights as a pizzeria!  Wiley’s plan is to test this for three to four months through the summer and occasionally serve a couple as a lunch special, in order to gather some feedback from their customers.  Who knows—maybe another restaurant will be born from Wiley’s will to help a best friend.

Thank you—Wiley, for this truly educational interview; Lisa, for providing this learning experience; and for all you Daytonians whom have read my articles this past school year.  It has been a pleasure writing for you all.

 

This is Mariah Douglas, signing off.

 

 

Meadowlark Restaurant

5531 Far Hills Avenue

Dayton, OH 45429

(937) 434-4750

Hours

Sunday: 10AM-3PM

Monday: 5PM-9PM (Pizza time!)

Tuesday-Thursday: 11:30AM-9:30PM

Friday-Saturday: 11:30 AM-10PM

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(Editor’s Note:  It’s been our pleasure to have Mariah as a DaytonDining intern this year, and help her explore the world outside of UD Campus.  We wish her much success in her future). 

Downtown Dayton’s Biggest Street Party Returns May 11

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Approximately 30,000 people come downtown for Urban Nights.

On Urban Nights, downtown will be teeming with activity and people ready to enjoy the dining, nightlife, art, music, shopping and housing that can be found only in Dayton. The next free Urban Nights will be held 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 11, in downtown, the Oregon Arts District and Wright-Dunbar Business Village.

Click here for a complete performance schedule, map of participating venues, and list of all participating locations’ events and specials.

The Green Street Project, designed to celebrate all things green and promote environmental sustainability, will include interactive and art-making activities for the whole family, exhibits on green technology, games, and more on Main Street, which will be closed between Second and Third streets. The Green Street Project is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership, Montgomery County Solid Waste District and PNC Bank. Activities include:

• The Dayton Regional Green 3 Initiative will host fun and educational activities and booths to promote greener and more sustainable practices in the Dayton region.

• The Montgomery County Solid Waste District’s two mascots, Curby the Cardinal and Lucky the Ladybug, will be on hand, as well as its Extreme Recycling trailer.

• The Dayton Art Institute will lead a community art mural-making project using recyclable materials.

• Zoot Theatre Company will demonstrate its larger puppets and visitors will have an opportunity to create masks out of reused and found materials.

• Visitors can ride a segway, courtesy of Dayton Segway Tours; chalk the street; have their picture taken in an open-air photo booth, courtesy of Lift-Off Entertainment; and check out an eco-friendly bus from Greater Dayton RTA and the eco-friendly Buick LaCrosse eAssist, courtesy of Bob Ross Buick.

• The Victoria Theatre Association will provide activities inspired by the Broadway musical Wicked.

Urban Bikes @ Urban Nights is a ride through the event’s action ending at Courthouse Square.

Urban Nights visitors can get around the event by participating in Urban Bikes @ Urban Nights, a community ride through downtown that starts at 6 p.m. at Don Crawford Plaza in front of Fifth Third Field. The best way to see as much as possible during Urban Nights is to walk, and many of the destinations are just a short distance from each other. Greater Dayton RTA also will provide free event trolleys to help visitors get around.

As visitors make their way through the Urban Nights action, those locals who are professional and amateur photographers and videographers are encouraged to capture some shots or footage to submit in the 2012 Downtown in Focus photo contest and a new video contest, Downtown on Film. This year’s photo contest will include a category highlighting downtown festivals and events, and the theme for the video contest will be “Summer in the City.” Details for both contests will be announced in early summer, with deadlines in August and winners announced at the Sept. 14 Urban Nights.

Live Entertainment on Six Stages

Roaming performers will entertain visitors throughout downtown and the Oregon Arts District, and stages will be set up throughout the Urban Nights area. A performance schedule follows:

Main Stage: Courthouse Square, sponsored by DP&L
5 to 5:50 p.m.                     Al Holbrook Band
5:50 to 6:10 p.m.              Circle Nerdz (breakdance crew)
6:10 to 7 p.m.                     Wheels
7 to 7:20 p.m.                    The Dropbacks (juggling duo)
7:20 to 8:10 p.m.              Hey There Morgan
8:10 to 8:30 p.m.               Soul Fire Tribe (fire dancers)
8:30 to 10 p.m.                   TOUCH

A variety of entertainment can be found on the Urban Nights stages.

Spotlight on Sinclair: Second and Jefferson streets by the Kettering Tower
5:30 to 5:50 p.m.               Sinclair Chamber Choir
6 to 6:20 p.m.                     Sinclair Opera & Musical Theater Ensemble
6:30 to 6:50 p.m.               Sinclair “Classical Café”
7 to 7:30 p.m.                     Sinclair Men’s & Women’s Ensembles
7:30 to 8 p.m.                     Sinclair Chorale
8 to 8:30 p.m.                     Sinclair Chamber Choir
8:30 to 9 p.m.                     Sinclair Gospel Ensemble
9 to 9:30 p.m.                     Sinclair Men’s Ensemble
9:30 to 10 p.m.                  Sinclair Gospel Ensemble

Community Stage: Corner of Third and Jefferson streets
Special thanks to Harvey Lehrner, owner of Don’s Pawn Shop, for use of the parking lot.
5 to 7 p.m.                           Performances by people from the community
7 to 10 p.m.                        Open call karaoke

MetroParks Pavilion at RiverScape MetroPark: Monument Avenue and Patterson Boulevard
5 to 5:30 p.m.                     Funklab
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.              Okay Lindon
6:30 to 7 p.m.                     Party Pleasers (DJ)
7 to 8 p.m.                            Son del Caribe
8 to 8:30 p.m.                     Party Pleasers (DJ)
8:30 to 10 p.m.                  Mojo Flo

Live on Five: In the historic Oregon Arts District next to the Trolley Stop 
6 to 6:45 p.m.                     David Burris
7 to 7:45 p.m.                    White Rabbit Band
8 to 8:45 p.m.                     Nasty Bingo
9 to 9:45 p.m.                     Ape the Ghost

Wright Dunbar Entertainment: Third and Williams streets
The Plaza Stage:
5:30 to 9 p.m.                     Tribute bands featuring the music of Jimi Hendrix, Santana and Bob Marley
The Lounge:
6 p.m.                                    Cyrstal Echols and line dancing
7:30 p.m.                             Big Gil and his Funky All Stars featuring Valeria
Grillin’ & Chillin’ Tent:
5 to 10 p.m.                        Master G spinning music for the dance tent
Gospel Karaoke Cafe:
5 to 8 p.m.                           Open mic with music by DJ Jerry Sanders

Art and More for Everyone

Art is at the heart of Urban Nights and often can be found in unexpected places.

In addition to the Green Street Project, several Urban Nights venues will host activities fun for the young and young at heart. Visitors can get their hands dirty at K12 Gallery for Young People/TEJAS,510 E. Third St., by working on the community art project the Xenia Avenue Mosaic Mural. Participants will have their name added to a plaque dedicated to the volunteers who helped with the project.

Garden Station on the corner of Fourth and Wayne will host a Rock Band challenge and an urban putt-putt golf course made of pallets and old tires. The CADC, formerly the Cannery Art and Design Center, will celebrate its grand re-opening in its new location at 35 S. St. Clair St. with art, games and more. My Father’s House Childcare and Learning Center,35 S. Jefferson St., will host entertainment by a clown and offer balloon animals for children and free snow cones. The Dayton Metro Library,215 E. Third St., will offer arts and entertainment for adults and children. At the Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North, visitors can enjoy free parking and family activities.

Tour some of downtown’s historical places during Urban Nights, including The Dayton Woman’s Club,225 N. Ludlow St., a landmark Victorian home circa 1848, and the 107-year-old First Lutheran Church,138 W. First St. Of course, lots of history can be found in the Wright-Dunbar Business Village. Hop on the Wright Flyer trolley and celebrate Dayton’s rich cultural legacy at multiple locations in this historic area along West Third Street between Broadway and Williams streets. Visit the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park and the Wright Bros. Bicycle Shop; visit business open houses; and experience art, poetry, food and live entertainment.

Visitors also can tour Activated Spaces’ Street Level Art Competition. Check out local artists’ displays of works focused on the theme “Naturally Dayton” in windows throughout downtown. Vote for your favorite artist by scanning the QR code in the respective storefront window. The Urban Nights People’s Choice winner will receive gallery space for an exhibition of his or her work at a local gallery or restaurant. Artwork can be viewed at:

• 100 E. Third St.: Bethany Ramsey, Robin Dakin and Amanda Sue Allen
• Talbott Tower, 131 N. Ludlow St.: Philipe Payne, Talia Shade and Spire Arts/Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities Services
• Main Street Garage, corner of Main and First streets: Mikee Huber and John Murphy
• The Biltmore, 210 N. Main St.: Dayton Creative Syndicate

While you’re touring about, check out some of downtown’s living options. The following housing units will be open:

• The Cannery Lofts,500 E. Third St.
• First Place,330 W. First St.
• The Landing,115 W. Monument Ave.
• Litehouse Living at Canal Block,135 N. Patterson Blvd.
• Patterson Square Townhomes,237 E. First St.
• St. Clair Lofts,35 S. St. Clair St.

Grown-Ups’ Night Out

Visitors never know what they might see during Urban Nights.

For those families who’d rather drop off the kids before exploring Urban Nights, Mini University at Miami Valley Hospital, 28 Hill St., and Montgomery County’s Mini University, 40 Vista View Dr., will offer discounted childcare. Care will be offered from 6 to 11 p.m., which includes dinner, for $30 per child or $50 for two children. All teachers have been fingerprinted and have completed background checks. Children must be pre-registered; call and reserve a spot at 224-3916.

And for those who’d like to get an early start on Urban Nights ― or stay late ― several venues will host events that fit the bill. The Crowne Plaza Hotel’s Stars Lounge will host “Start and Finish,” a dinner event to bookend Urban Nights, in the rooftop restaurant and lounge. From 4 to 6 p.m., enjoy a happy hour buffet of hors d’oeuvres, free to all bar guests. Join the “10 O’Clock Cast Party” from 10 p.m. to midnight for half-priced light dinners, including burgers, sandwiches and wings. In addition, the bars, restaurants and nightclubs in the Oregon Arts District and throughout downtown will keep the Urban Nights party going past 10 p.m. Click here for a complete list of downtown’s nightlife hotspots.

A weekend-long event also will open during Urban Nights and continue after the event ends. The Dayton Circus Creative Collective will host its seventh annual multimedia arts event, Sideshow 7, at the Yellow Cab building, 700 E. Fourth St. This two-day multimedia arts and music extravaganza includes an event after-party until 1 a.m.

Shop for a variety of one-of-a-kind items, such as original artwork; used and vintage clothing, furniture, records and books; gift items and much more. More than 20 stores downtown will offer sales and special events. Be sure to visit the new Pop-Up Shops:

• American π, 37 S. St. Clair St.: This gift and accessories boutique carries items made in the United States, including handbags, greeting cards, candles and food items.
• Arin 27 S. St. Clair St.: Shop owner and jewelry designer Brooke Medlin collaborates with Dayton’s creatives to showcase beautifully designed goods for self and home, along with Medlin’s line of jewelry. Visitors will be able to watch the creation process in action at Arin’s on-site studio.
• Vintage Barbershop 110 W. Fifth St.: This old-school, classic barbershop offers haircuts, hot steam towel shaves, facials and more.

Of course, all this running is bound to make a person hungry ― and thirsty. More than 30 downtown restaurants, taverns, coffee shops and nightclubs will get into the Urban Nights spirit by offering themed drinks and menu items, special discounts, hosting arts events, and more. For example, look for volunteers from the City of Dayton’s Sister Cities outside Boulevard Haus, 329 E. Fifth St.; check out brewing demos at Press, 257 Wayne Ave.; try one of the more than 60 bourbons and view an exhibit of sculptures by artist Ron Hundt at The Century Bar,10 S. Jefferson St.; try a pint from a firkin of craft beer at Lucky’s Taproom & Eatery,520 E. Fifth St.; and enjoy music by Puzzle of Light at Jay’s Seafood, 225 E. Sixth St.

Urban Nights is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership, Montgomery County and the City of Dayton, with additional support from PNC Bank, Montgomery County Solid Waste District, DP&L, Greater Dayton RTA, Bud Light Lime, the Downtown Priority Board, Sinclair Community College, Mix 107.7-FM and the Ohio Arts Council.

Follow Urban Nights on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UrbanNightsDayton for regular updates and more information or call 937-224-1518.

Food Adventures at Dayton’s Best Chinese Buffets

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Big Ragu at Asian Buffet with a Rice Krispie Tower and Crab Leg on top

Gluttony.  Local Dayton Chinese buffets are the perfect place to feed this deadly sin.  Sure, The Big Ragu and Crew have reformed themselves and would rather visit North China Restaurant or China Cottage.  However, once in a great while, we feel the need to hit the troughs at a local Chinese Buffet.   Where else can you get all-you-can eat General Tso’s Chicken and stir fry green beans next to some pizza?  There are so many Chinese Buffets to choose from, and your Food Adventurers have hit almost all of them.  So let us share with you some of our favorite things about those local places with tin pans, large spoons, and some unidentifiable dishes.

Don’t spread bullcrap at trying to “keep it as healthy as possible” because you are trying to impress a nagging mom of two.  Instead, hit the crab rangoons, and dessert. We have also upset more than one buffet runner and cook by scooping up the last of the coconut shrimp.  This deep fried shrimp dish can be found at many of the buffets, and if you see it, you better make sure you get out of our way.

The Big Ragu goes for the fried shrimp and fish dishes, big surprise, huh?  But the Big Ragu is also known to put raw oysters, mussels, peel and eat shrimp, and crab legs into legendary piles on his plates.  He also shares the love of sushi, and has made many of those chefs earn their money.

Where are some of our favorite spots and their strengths?

Check out this Official Food Adventure Hit List for feasts as massive as the Great Wall of China:

Always Piles of Crab Legs at Asian Buffet

Asian Buffet on Miller Lane in North Dayton:

A huge complex that used to house a Ryan’s Buffet,  is one of our favorites.  First, they are the only buffet that we have been to that does not skimp their crab legs.  For us this is a sign of love.  They pile huge mounds of crab legs on the buffet and keep them coming during the feeding frenzy, when other buffets leave an empty pan of cloudy water.  Asian Buffet also has a pretty decent sushi bar.  We found many choices and they were decorative and true to form.  Someone here is a legit sushi chef.  We also love the hibachi grill offered here.  Pile up your favorite raw meats and vegetables, and watch the kitchen staff stir fry it in your favorite sauce.  Overall this is probably our favorite Chinese buffet in the Dayton area, and we always leave miserably full, yet satisfied.

 

Golden Dragon on 725 in Centerville:

One of our more popular places to overeat, this place is a little pricier than the others, but their overall selection is one of the best.  For some reason, we have seen the most interesting characters at this buffet, maybe it is because of the interesting food.  The Big Ragu loves the whole tilapia dish served in a ginger sauce with scales on and bones in.  Tastes great if you can stomach the appearance.  We load up on Coconut Shrimp here.  Sweet milky goodness, and it tastes pretty fresh.  The huge salad bar is one of the freshest, and also features large peel and eat shrimp.  Another bright spot is that they have raw oysters on the weekends.  We like to visit some of our favorite staff members here including “Cherry” and “Chin.”  Other highlights include a small sushi bar that tends to have raw fish choices,  and a full hibachi grill.  they also have the best stir fried green beans in Dayton.  But beware, sometimes they will substitute the avocado and celery in the sushi with green beans or peppers, which is just wrong.

 

 

Hibachi Grill and Buffet on Stroop Road in Kettering:

Mussels in Cilantro Sauce at Hibachi Grill & Buffet

Another former Ryan’s buffet restaurant this buffet has a few new items that deviate from the norm.  We noticed they have a big more “American” food than the other Chinese Buffets.  We assume it is to appeal to kids.  The main attraction here is the Hibachi Grill with bigger quality meat varieties than other places.   They stir fry your choices right in front of you, and offer homemade sauces to cover your raw choices.  Two other things we really liked here were the hand breaded sole fillets, and the mussels marinated in a cilantro sauce.  In fact, the Big Ragu would say the mussels here are one of the best items he has had on a Chinese Buffet.    This place gets busy and has one of the lower prices of the other buffets, because they do not offer crab legs.

 

Eastern Buffet on State Route 741 in  Moraine:

Crab legs here and butter galore.  They have decent desserts and have recently added a sushi and hibachi area.  The choices are pretty much what you can expect from the other buffets.  Nothing outstanding but a solid original that the other buffets may have copied.

 

China Garden Buffet on Woodman Drive in Kettering and on State Route 73 in Springboro:

The Woodman restaurant was the scene of the famous “Ung Ghaa” episode.   One of the waitresses said “ung ghaa” after watching The Big Ragu get a heaping plate of crab legs.  Needless to say, he was not their favorite table on that night.   The crab shells flew on this Food Adventure.  They have nice decor with some of the paintings looking like HD televisions.  The food is pretty good here and the soft serve ice cream is one of the better things when compared to the other restaurants.  But be careful, if you take the last crab leg in the dish, you may get a raised eyebrow from the staff.  We are pretty sure we earned legendary status on Woodman Drive after our food quantities consumed here.  The Springboro location has some of the lowest prices we have seen for buffets, and is a steal of a deal for food offered.  They have hand breaded fish at the Springboro location, which looks to be tilapia.

 

QQ Hibachi Buffet on Wilmington Pike in Bellbrook:

One of the weaker ones on our list, this restaurant is typical of what you would expect.  If you are in a pinch it will do.  The strong point here is it is a very clean and new environment and their hours seem to be later than other buffets.

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We want to hear your feedback on these buffets!  Have you been to these places?  Is there a good one on the list that we skipped? Please comment below !!

Check out HUNGRY JAX, CHEF HOUSE AND THE BIG RAGU on FACEBOOK and “like” us by clicking HERE !!!

 

New Businesses Popping Up Downtown

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Peace on Fifth in the Oregon Arts District is a success story from the pilot phase of Activated Spaces' Pop-Up Project.

Peace on Fifth in the Oregon Arts District is a success story from the pilot phase of Activated Spaces' Pop-Up Project.

Three businesses will be up and running by May 4, the next First Friday art hop downtown, as part of the second phase of the Pop-Up Project, part of an initiative to fill downtown Dayton storefronts called Activated Spaces. The businesses selected for the second phase of the project are:

• American π, 37 S. St. Clair St.: This gift and accessories boutique will carry items made in the United States, including handbags, greeting cards, candles and food items. The store will be open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Arin, 27 S. St. Clair St.: Shop owner and jewelry designer Brooke Medlin will collaborate with Dayton artists and other creatives to showcase beautifully designed goods for self and home, along with Medlin’s line of jewelry that includes rings, earrings, personalized necklaces and more. Visitors will be able to watch the creation process in action in Arin’s on-site studio. Rotating guest artists will set up mini-studios in the store and spend two weeks working on a collection of products to be launched at every month’s First Friday art hop. The store will be open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call 937-640-0117.

• Vintage Barbershop, 110 W. Fifth St.: This old-school, classic barbershop will offer haircuts, hot steam towel shaves, facials and more. Haircuts will be $12 and shaves and facials will be $16, with special pricing for seniors. “Our goal is open a classy, professional barbershop while doing our part to make downtown a better place and trying to influence other businesses to follow suit,” owner Ron West said. The barbershop will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 937-321-6165.

The women who participated in the pilot phase of the Pop-Up Project.

The entrepreneurs who participated in the pilot phase of the Pop-Up Project. Lisa Scott (far right) of Beaute Box extended her lease, as did London Coe (second from right) of Peace on Fifth.

These businesses have three- or six-month leases, although the hope is the business owners will extend those leases ― as happened in the pilot phase of the Pop-Up Project. Indeed, the second phase of the project builds on the success of its pilot, launched in November 2011 for the holiday shopping season. Two of the three business owners in the pilot extended their leases: Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St., and Peace on Fifth, 519 E. Fifth St. In addition, Amore! Designer Consignment Boutique, 16 Brown St., which opened at the same time as the Pop-Up pilots, plans to remain open on a long-term basis, and Basho Screen Printing and Apparel, 521-523 E. Fifth St., opened in a space occupied by a Pop-Up retailer after becoming interested in the location due to the buzz surrounding the project.

Activated Spaces’ Pop-Up Project, which helped fill 2,300 square feet of retail space during its pilot phase, is led by volunteers from the young professional organizations Generation Dayton and updayton. The project is a strategic effort to fill vacant street-level space and spur interest in opening a business downtown that’s part of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, a strategic blueprint for the future of downtown.

“The Pop-Up Shops have helped enliven downtown while building on growing momentum for the center city,” said Tom Razauskas, who owns the building housing Beaute Box and the Vintage Barbershop. Razauskas and other participating downtown property owners have supported the project by providing reduced rental rates. “It has been refreshing to work with volunteers and business owners who really believe in downtown and are excited about its future.”

A kickoff event for the Pop-Up Shops will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 18. It will start at Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St., and end at Peace on Fifth, 519 E. Fifth St., with stops at all the Pop-Up Shops in between.  Raffle tickets will be sold that night $5 each, with all proceeds benefiting Activated Spaces, and prizes will be drawn at each stop. Additional details will be available soon at www.activatedspaces.org.

Basho Apparel

Basho Apparel was attracted to open a downtown location in part due to the buzz surrounding the Pop-Up Project. (Photo courtesy of Carly Short)

“The Pop-Up Project provides a low-risk, low-cost, flexible way to showcase local businesses while adding vibrancy to downtown,” said Shanon Potts, past chair of Generation Dayton and Activated Spaces volunteer. “The long-term goal of the project is to convert temporary leases into traditional leases, while establishing downtown as a regional destination for shopping for one-of-a-kind items and retail services.”

“This project also supports local, creative entrepreneurs as they take a risk and test out their business concepts while bringing renewed life to downtown storefronts,” said Scott Murphy, immediate past chair of updayton and Activated Spaces volunteer. “Visitors who support these pop-up shops will help to spur a more permanent retail environment in our downtown ― the next step in downtown revitalization.”

Visit www.activatedspaces.org or e-mail [email protected] for more information about Activated Spaces.

Dayton Fashion Week Introduces Marlene Haute Couture

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Marlene Thomas Designer of Marlene Haute Couture

The very first time that I saw a design by Marlene Haute Couture, I was ready to run out, grab the first guy that I saw, and marry him just so that I could wear one of her wedding dresses.  There are no words that come to mind that can describe the amount of detail and creativity that she puts into every piece.  Originally from South Africa Marlene Thomas affectionately called Marli has traveled the world living in various places from Australia to Italy, and she describes her designs as “very feminine and soft with intricate detailing”.

Over the past couple of months Marli and I have become good friends, we’ll call each other up and talk for hours from fashion to just life in general.  She’s been one of our biggest supporters, cheerleaders, and motivators. She’s even shared with me several of her confidential sketches—which I’m going to go ahead and say are Oscar Red Carpet worthy.  There’s not a week that hasn’t gone by that she has not called either myself or Junda to share some big news about her work and her appearances.  In recent months Marli has been highly sought after by the Sundance Channel, her designs have been recruited for the Grammy’s, most recently she’s been approached by the PR Staff of Vogue Magazine, and in July she will be the headlining designer for Dayton Fashion Week.

Model: Kendra Leigh Designs by Marlene Haute Couture

Since a child Marli has been a fan of fashion and upon enrolling in Linea Fashion Academy in South Africa she was advised that her designs and work were too advanced, she had natural skills and was told that she should go to Italy to study fashion design.  According to Marli, she does sketch but very rarely will she find it necessary to sketch out a final look.  “I usually have an idea which fabrics to use, then when I start working with the fabrics I make additions to the base design… It’s all about the fabric, especially the soft fabrics like chiffons, voiles, and silks”

Marli and I at the Dayton Fashion Week Pre- Launch Soiree. I'm so glad that I averted the Animal print "no no"

If I had to describe Marli style of design in one word, it would be impossible because her style ranges from business professional to avant-garde. She doesn’t follow style trends she believes that every person has their own style and they should follow it.  She does have some fashion pet peeves—a big no no for Marli is people who wear animal prints from head to toe—“if you’re going to wear an animal print, please don’t wear animal print shoes.”  Another fashion no no according to Marli is over accessorizing, “I always say LESS IS MORE” so don’t wear huge earrings with a huge necklace and finally a big no no for Marli is clothing that clings to all of the wrong areas!

The Marlene Haute Couture line has been on the rise and one of Marli’s major goals is to have a ready to wear production line.  “I would love to see my designs at a very high end fashion boutique and of course land a major celebrity to wear my designs”

The thing that I love and respect most about Marli is the fact that she uses models of all sizes and in fact she will have a size 18 model in her show for Dayton Fashion Week.  “We all love fashion, big, small, tall and petite.  Women of all sizes want to wear beautiful fashions and designs.  Although thin models are often used on the runway, it is also good to have plus sized models, and for me to see them on the runway, is almost a “must”!  It is important for me to know that a model is healthy and has never had an eating disorder or losing weight just because they want to be that perfect fit on a runway.  I do not like to use model at all who are sizes 0 – 4 anymore because the facts are the ones wearing my designs in the end are sizes 6 – 10.”

Marli also has some advice for those seeking to enter the fashion industry—“It’s hard work– nothing happen instantly.  You have to develop the business side for it to be a viable company.  You always hear people say “That is my passion” but I go a step further by saying put effort into your passion to become successful.   And forget being a copycat of someone else’s designs, do your own thing, use your creativity!”

Marli, has also let me in on a few secrets and a surprise for her appearance during Dayton Fashion Week  including a one of a kind design to be auctioned off during DFW’s Silent Auction for Hospice of Dayton and Clothes That Work.  As far as the other surprises are concerned– my lips are sealed and you’ll have to be in attendance to find out!! “This will be my highest couture line ever!  I am very grateful that Dayton Fashion Week has given me this opportunity to design “out of the box” which of course I love.”  Marlene Haute Couture is well known for the one of a kind, very high fashion, avant-garde pieces for the person who wants to make a fashion statement. “Those in attendance during Dayton Fashion Week will not be disappointed!!”  For more information about Marlene Haute Couture please visit http://marlenehautecouture.com.

 

Dayton Fashion Week Announces Final Open Casting Call For Models

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This Saturday April 28 area models will have their final chance to to strut their stuff in front of Dayton Fashion Weeks scouting panel!  The casting call will take place in the Town Square at The Greene from noon-4pm  come RAIN OR SHINE–even though it’s looking more like rain–the show will go on!!  Please note that if you plan on attending this casting call you MUST BE REGISTERED AND IN LINE BY 1PM SHARP or you will not be seen– no exceptions will be made.

We will be looking for models who are at least 5’8 and taller, female models must bring with them a pair of 3″ heels to walk in.  There are no size restrictions involved in fact we are seeking additional plus sized models and we are in need of more male models as well.  All models must be at least 15 years of age and models under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to participate.  Here is the link to the application that must be filled out completely to participate .  Models must also bring 2 recent photo’s a head shot and full body shot and the photo’s do not need to be professional.

There will also be some guest on our scouting panel this go round, we are pleased to welcome fashion blogger Sarah Tyrchniewicz of Pretty In Dayton on board and we will also have  a couple of designers who are presenting their work during Dayton Fashion Week as guest.  For more information about this casting call and Dayton Fashion Week please visit our website and “Like” us on Facebook.

Food Adventures Get Their Gameday On !!

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Homemade Reuben Rolls

Good sports, and good food go hand in hand, so if you need a spot to cheer or jeer your favorite team, have we got a place for you.  On the corner of 73 and 48 near the Springboro/Waynesville border lies Gameday Grille and Patio.  Local owners Todd Barrett and Tom Rentz studied other local menus and have tried to bring the “best of the best” to their sports bar.

Food Adventures would recommend one of their signature items, the Homemade Reuben Rolls.  These fresh bites resemble egg rolls but are filled with corned beef and cheese that would please any sports fan.  Trust us, they will melt in your mouth. 

The Big Ragu’s favorite menu item at Gameday is their wings.  He says try the “sweet heat sauce” and you can’t go wrong.  Lip smackin’ and finger lickin’ good, these non-breaded wings are the real deal.

Gameday Wings with “Sweet Heat” sauce

With summer fast approaching, the huge outdoor patio is a great spot to grab a day or evening beverage.  Other favorites of ours include the pizza, reuben sandwich, and their hamburgers.  Their prices are reasonable too with burger platters costing around $7.25.   Catch their happy hour and drink specials, as this bar does not disappoint.  Signed memorabilia by various athletes, hang on the walls, making the atmosphere fun and inviting.   HD TV’s around the restaurant make it easy to view sports from any seat in the house.  With the NFL Draft coming up, Gameday could be the perfect spot to see your favorite team “on the clock.”   Make sure your check out this cool Food Adventure spot with good sports grub !!

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Have you been to GAMEDAY GRILLE AND PATIO?  Tell us what you think and comment below !!!!