Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More
Jollity
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:
CAST:
George Woodhouse (Michael Fassbender)
Kathryn St. Jean (Cate Blanchett)
Meacham (Gustaf Skarsgärd)
Freddie Smalls (Tom Burke)
Stokes (Regé-Jean Page)
Dr. Vaughan (Naomie Harris)
Clarissa (Marisa Abela)
Stieglitz (Pierce Brosnan)
Vadim Pavlichuk (Daniel Dow)
Andrei Kulikov (Orli Shuka)
DIRECTOR: Steven Sodebergh
WRITER: David Koepp
THE PLOT: George Woodhouse (Michael Fassbender) is a top intelligence agent in the UK. He is married to Kathryn (Cate Blanchett), a top spy in her own right. The definition of opposite attracting, the tightly wound George loves his seemingly carefree spouse. Given his nature and attention to detail, it is understandable why after he is alerted to a mole in the agency’s ranks, George becomes highly concerned once he starts noticing signs that point to Kathryn as being the culprit. Make no mistake, George loves his wife, but he is a man of principle and dedicated to his country; the man did surveillance on his own father, for goodness’ sake.
So, as things begin to intensify and become a matter of international security, George has to determine who the mole is – even if it means putting his own marriage at risk.
THE REVIEW: Ever watch a movie that is well done in terms of what it wants to accomplish with taut direction and performances dedicated to bringing their characters to life … yet at the same time feels a bit pretentious and doesn’t make a strong enough impression where you will think about it months later? In the case of Black Bag, the latest aspiring to be dramatic thriller from writer David Koepp and director Steven Soderbergh, that is exactly what you get in a 90-minute package.
Fassbender’s character’s OCD-level of attention to detail is interesting … Yet his portrayal of George, a man torn between trusting his instincts or his wife, isn’t at all turns. It’s more of a vehicle to keep the story moving forward rather than something that inherently makes you interested in him as a character. The same can be said for Blanchett’s fashionable and overly confident Kathryn, who’s too-cool-for-school – and certainly George – feel as well matched as Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck at this point. While the film’s trailers and marketing may give the tease of a MR & MRS. SMITH situation, the one between Blanchett and Fassbender fails to have either the sexual energy of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s pairing nor the tension, character depth and intrigue of Amazon’s recent entry.
It is Tom Burke’s portrayal as Freddie Smalls and Marisa Abela’s turn as Clarissa Dubose, however, that are the far more interesting co-workers/couple in the film that steal the show, Regé-Jean Page’s and Naomi Harris’ turns as a third couple/agency co-workers serve up more intriguing interplay with their obvious dislike of one another. Yes, they are possibly meant to be juxtaposed to George and Kathryn, but the fact they are more interesting to watch hinders the film’s overall enjoyability. There is no moment that showcases how much more interesting the other characters are than an extended interrogation scene, Abela getting the best lines – or perhaps, delivering them just that well – to steal the scene.
Likewise, the red herrings meant to make the audience feel like they are one step ahead of George feel more like a prank on them once the film reaches its apex. Unfortunately, the overwrought complexity of the explanation to what is truly happening feels like it is complex for the sake of Koepp flexing his screenwriting muscle – there are FAR simpler ways all the characters could have arrived at their final destination (and ultimately, more enjoyable, too).
The best way to determine whether or not you’ll like BLACK BAG is to ask yourself a question: If you don’t like sushi and a friend took you to a restaurant where they make the best sushi in the city, are you going to say, ‘OK, I like this’ or will you simply get there only to realize while it’s well made, it’s just not something for you based on your previous experiences with sushi?” If the answer is the latter, you’ll be better served letting BLACK BAG might not be one you will cinematically fashion.
The Blue Berry Cafe is going to celebrate their Golden Anniversary – FIFTY YEARS of owning and operating restaurants in the Miami Valley!!!
They have put together a 6 course meal, paired with 5 wines (optional) for Sunday, April 27th at The Blueberry Cafe in Bellbrook.
IT’S JUST AROUND THE CORNER, STIVERS SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS COMMUNITY! Come in from the cold and warm up with delicious soup donated by some of Dayton’s most talented chefs! Join us on Friday, March 14th for SOUP DRESSED UP 2025! Ten dollars buys you a ceramic bowl of your choice handmade by one of our incredible students, a serving of soup, bread, a dessert and a drink! All proceeds benefit the wonderful ceramics department at Stivers. Don’t forget to bring extra money with you! There will be MULTIPLE raffle prizes ranging from gift cards to exciting experiences to pieces of art. Won’t you be a part of supporting our burgeoning artists? It will be an unbelievable evening of art, food, fun and music! We’ll see you there!
Call 937-542-7448 for more info
No meat during Lent on Fridays?Maybe you thought Lent was just giving up one food like chocolate or, we hope not, coffee. But there are more rules surrounding food you eat during Lent than that, it’s just that it’s becoming less common to follow the fasting and abstinence rules associated with the time leading up to Easter. These fasting and abstinence practices are part of the Catholic celebration of Eastertide, with churchgoers foregoing meat and all foods containing “flesh meat” products on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and every Friday during Lent. Fish is not included in this and is allowed on Fridays, which is why you see so many fish frys between now and Easter.
Here’s a round up of menu’s created just for those of you who are honoring the no meat on Friday’s tradition.
If you know of others we should add to the list, either put in the comments below or drop us an email.
130 Main Street, Brookville
Bob Evans
Bob Evans’s Lent-friendly menu features wild-caught Alaska Cod, shrimp platters and more.
The restaurant said the menu is high-quality, natural, and sustainable. It will be offered daily at all locations and there will be kid’s portions available, to include the entire family. The restaurant chain considers the annual recipes a core staple of its menu. It will offer a Fish Fry Platter for $12.99, a Fish Fry Sandwich for $12.49 and a Fried Shrimp Dinner for $14.19.
6024 Rip Rap Rd, Dayton
We received this press release this afternoon:
“With heavy hearts, Corner Kitchen announces that this will be their final week of service. For the past three years, we have poured our passion and dedication into creating memorable dining experiences, and it has been an absolute honor to serve this community. We are incredibly grateful for the amazing customers who have celebrated life’s moments with us. Your support, laughter, and shared meals have meant the world, and we will truly miss each and every one of you.
As they prepare to close, their focus remains on our incredible team. They are working diligently to assist our staff in finding new opportunities and ensuring a smooth transition for them. Their talent and dedication have been the heart of Corner Kitchen, and we are committed to supporting them through this change.”
Their final service will be Sunday brunch.
Final week:
Tuesday – Thursday: 5 PM – 9 PM Friday: 5 PM – 10 PM
Saturday: 11 AM – 3 PM | 5 PM – 9 PM Sunday (Final Service): 11 AM – 7 PM
We remain hopeful for the future of the Oregon District and for the businesses that continue to call it home. It has been heartbreaking to witness the decline in foot traffic and the impact on so many of our neighbors. We sincerely hope to see this beloved community thrive once again.
Additionally, if you are interested in purchasing furniture, equipment, or the liquor license, please contact us at [email protected].
From the bottom of our hearts thank you, Dayton. We love you and will cherish the memories we’ve made together.
Owner Diane Spitzig was so excited to share that the bar is back open again and she’s done a bunch of hiring in the past week. Keith Milligan, who was most recently the Beverage Manager at the Marriott of UD has taken on the managment roll and is bringing three bartenders wih him. He’s got 25 years of bar experience and an extensive knowledge of bourbon.
Diane also wants to thank all the other bars that reached out to her and offered support as she basically had to restaff the business after Joe Head and Kelli Nikanowicz resigned. And while she said she in shock for a few days, she feels really good about the new crew.
The bar is currently open from 5 p.m. to 1 am Sunday through Thursday and 5 pm to 2 am Friday and Saturday. Once the staff becomed fully trained they will begin opening daily at 3pm.
18 South Jefferson St,
Dayton, OH 45402
Hawgies Way Corn Dog
Tasty Bacon’s is the new kids on the block running an Americana style food truck serving up fresh smash burgers, hand dipped corn dogs, and our loaded potatoes. A couple of their specialty items are the smack burger (a double party smack burger, loaded with our house made mac and cheese, millionaires bacon bits grilled onions and our specialty smash sauce) and our tasty way corn dog ( a 1/4 pound hand dipped corn dog butterflied and loaded with mac and cheese, millionaires bacon bits and chives)
They are from the Fairborn/ Beavercreek area but are starting to expand our reach onto other parts of the Dayton area.
Have a Gay Day is offering free laundry facilities to those in our community who need to do a load of wash completely free.
This facility serves as a convenient and accessible space for members of the community to do their laundry. To ensure a smooth and efficient process, we have implemented an appointment system, allowing individuals to schedule their laundry sessions.
One of the key highlights of this initiative is that the laundry service will be completely free of cost. We understand that laundry expenses can be a burden for some community members, and we want to alleviate that stress by providing this essential service without any charges. Each person will have the opportunity to do two loads of laundry during their scheduled appointment.
If you’re in the Dayton Ohio area and you need to do a load or two of laundry please sign up on our website for our free community laundry service https://haveagayday.org/community-laundry-room/
In addition to the free laundry service, Have A Gay Day is also committed to gathering personal care items specifically for the laundry. These items will include laundry supplies such as detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets. By providing these necessary supplies, we aim to ensure that everyone who uses our service has access to a well-equipped laundry experience.
We are thrilled to be able to offer this Community Laundry Room as a resource for our community. It’s our hope that this initiative will not only provide a practical solution to laundry needs but also foster a sense of support and unity within our community.
Note: This service is designed to help someone with essentials. Like washing clothing to be able to get to work or to school or to make it through an emergency situation. This is not designed to do a whole household of laundry. This service is designed for clothing, not bedding, heavy coats, pet toys, or any items that are not wearable day to day garments.
Screenshot
No more than 12 pounds of laundry per load / please weigh
Please Check Your Pockets!
Detergent must be rated for a High Efficiency Washer please ask the front desk for a complimentary bottle.
Do not use powders, scent boosters
Please check washers and dryers before using them. We are not responsible for clothes damaged due to articles left by those before you.
Don’t overload the machines. Overloading machines with clothes as well as using too much detergent can damage the machines.
Be Clean. Keep the laundry room neat and clean of any spilled detergent or any mess. Keep clothes off the floor. Check to make sure you have all of your items before leaving.
Make sure you clean the lint trap after every use.
When leaving make sure the washer and dryer doors are kept open.
Be respectful.
If you need any help using the machines please ask.
Laundry Appointments are Once a Month.
Question: Do I need to bring my own detergent?
Answer: No, we will provide detergent.
Question: If I have someone bringing me can we each do a single load of laundry?
Answer: Your appointment allows you the use of two stackable washer and dryers. You may use them as you wish within the rules set. If you have a friend or family member that you wish to share your appointment with you may, but it will not add to the time of your appointment.
Question: What if I’m running late for my appointment?
Answer: We allow for 10 minutes to arrive beyond your appointment. If you’re not able to make it in time or no-show you will need to wait until the next month to re-schedule. Please remember laundry appointments are only once per month at this time.
Have A Gay Day Inc
1902 Needmore Road
Dayton OH. 45414
Every year just before Mardi Gras — also known as Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday, it’s a day of feasting before the Christian fast known as Lent. While Carnival and Fat Tuesday are celebrated in many different ways worldwide, one festivity, in particular, is especially delicious: Paczki (pronounced as “pohnch-kee) Day. The tradition is Polish, but it’s honored in many different communities.Paczki is the plural form of the word, while the singular form is paczek, which is pronounced “pohnch-eck”. Paczki are spherical, deep-fried balls of dough that are filled with jam, curd, or custard. Once fried to a golden brown, they are traditionally topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, covered in granulated sugar, or enrobed in a clear glaze and topped with diced orange peels.
The difference between paczki and donuts is the ingredients in their dough. Paczki uses an extra amount of enriching ingredients, yeast, grain alcohol, and high-gluten flour. Together, these create a richer-than-brioche dough, but far chewier with little to no crumbs. The use of grain alcohol creates a less oily product as well because the grain alcohol evaporates as it fries in the oil, which prevents excess oil absorption in the dough.
Additionally, many types of donuts use cake or pastry flour, smaller amounts of enriching ingredients, and baking soda or baking powder instead of yeast. Therefore, donuts are more crumbly and less rich-tasting than paczki.
Baker Benji’s in Old NorthDayton are offering the following:
Each station will feature a different bottle of Los Vascos, a food pairing, and a wine expert to tell the story behind the bottle.
For those who love the cultural history behind the cuisine, our Executive Chef, Micheal Inferrera, will be on hand to discuss the evening’s menu with you. Add color and context to your tasting as you learn about Chile and the history of Los Vascos in South America.
Menu and Pairing:
Palta Reina
jumbo lump crab stuffed avocado, citrus remoulade
paired with Los Vascos Sauvignon Blanc
Churrasco
grilled skirt steak, charred long bean, smoked manchego, chimichurri
paired with Los Vascos Gran Reserva Syrah
Cazuela
braised cod, shrimp, squid, coconut and tomato broth
paired with Los Vascos Chardonnay
Humitas en chala
corn leaf, sweetcorn, and cheese
paired with Los Vascos Gran Reserva Carmenère
Pastel de Choclo dulce
ground dry aged beef, onions, chicken, olives, hard boiled egg, dough made of fresh corn
paired with Los Vascos Gran Reserva Cabernet Franc
Empanada de Chocolate
fried dark chocolate turnover
paired with Los Vascos Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
A cash bar will also be available for guests.
From the first pancake brunch with 12 locations this event has grown to locations in over 7 counties. As in the past, churches, community organizations, and public foundations host, prepare, and serve the annual pancake brunch. “Each year, 500 volunteers get together to serve over 7,000 meals,” Day of Caring 365 Trustee Steve Pax said in a news release. “Those who are homeless or hungry find a generous support from our community during Thanksgiving and Christmas, however The Day of Caring Pancake Brunch takes the last Sunday in February to remind the needy that we don’t forget about them. We show that we care 365 days a year.” In 2012 the Simply Essential Hygiene Pantry was created and it currently serve 19 partner agencies in Greene, Miami, and Montgomery Counties in Ohio.
Brunches run on average $7 for adults and $5 for seniors (over 60) and children (under 12). Most brunches include pancakes and sausages, coffee and juice, but each location put their own spin on additional offerings.
American Legion Post 598
5700 Kentshire Dr. Kettering OH, 45440 (937) 433-9327
10:00AM – 12:00PM
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
500 Belmonte Park North Dayton, OH 45405 (937) 224-0601
Honey Puffs in lieu of Pancakes
11:30AM
Community United Methodist
339 Meyer Ave Riverside, OH 45431 (937) 253-5169
9:00AM – 1:00P
Epiphany Lutheran Church
6430 Far Hills Ave Centerville, OH 45459 (937) 433-1449
9:00AM-12:30PM
Grace United Methodist Church
1001 Harvard Blvd Dayton, OH 45406. (937) 671-3065
10:00AM – 1:00PM
Omega Baptist Church
1821 Emerson Ave. Dayton, OH 45406 (937) 278-1006
8:00AM – 11:00AM
Polk Grove United Church of Christ
9190 Frederick Pike Dayton, OH 45414 (937) 890-1821
9:00AM – 2:00PM
Salem Church of the Brethren
6037 Phillipsburg-Union Rd. Englewood, OH 45322 (937) 836-6145
11:00AM- 2:00PM
Shiloh United Church of Christ
5300 Philadelphia Dr. Dayton, OH 45415 (937) 277- 8953
9:30AM-12:30PM
Zion Lutheran Church
5550 Munger Road Dayton, OH 45459 (937) 434-9422
9:00AM- 1:00PM
Abiding Christ Lutheran Church
326 E. Dayton Yellow Springs Rd Fairborn, OH 45324 (937) 878-2888
9:30AM – 1:00PM
Xenia Adult Recreation Center
338 South Progress Drive Xenia, OH 45385 (937) 376-4353
9:00AM – 1:00PM
Mosaic Church
350 N. Fairfield Rd Beavercreek, OH 45430 (937) 426-6491
8:00AM – 1:00PM
An-Nur Islamic Community Center
743 W. Liberty Street Springfield, OH 45506
11:00AM – 2:00PM
St Augustine Catholic Church
5715 Lytle Road Waynesville, OH 45068
11:45AM – 12:45PM
Filmed in Columbus, Ohio, this all-vegan competitive cooking reality series delivered culinary excitement and fierce competition. Eight vegan chefs and home cooks will compete and at the end of each episode, one contestant will be eliminated Top Chef-style. Competitions will see the contestants make vegan spins on classic dishes, paying homage to veganism’s roots. Ultimately the winning chef is named Top Vegan.
In the shows first season Dayton Native Rhea Adkins of Vegan It IZ Eats, LLC, showed off her culinary skills for multiple episodes. Rhea adapted a plant-based lifestyle after going on a spiritual fast in 2017 and a cancer scare with her mother. While eating plant-based foods she noticed an increase in energy and overall health. She then began to research and pilot her plant-based food products. Rhea’s desire is to see everyone live their best life full of energy. She is also the author of the book “Plant-Based Jumpstart,” and the mother of two.
Larry & Lester of Invoke
In this second season for the show eight chefs competed in eight challenges for the grand prize of $20,000 and title of “Top Vegan.” One of those contestants was Dayton’s own Lester Gates, who is the owner and chef at INVOKE with his brother Larry, opened at the 2nd Street Market six years ago. Since then, the restaurant has gained traction, serving modern takes on classic favorites, along with vegan options. Some of its staples include grain bowls, cashew-based “cheese cake,” and vegan crab cakes.
Seaon 2 Contestants form left to right: Lester Gates, Sarah Martin, Candace Meredith, Jani Espinosa, Logan McMahan, Desireé Johnson, Elisa Vales, Matteo Silverman.
“We’re trying to make something that I think is severely lacking in the competitive cooking reality series as a whole,” said show director Logan Solana. “We want to show the world that going vegan is possible, and you don’t have to give up the things you love on an all-vegan diet.”
Chef Lester
Chef Lester said the 10 day experience “was amazing, exciting and a once in a lifetime opportunity. I enjoyed working with all the other contestants.”
Since the show, he’s been working on launching his Invoke Red Sauce which he featured in the business pitch of the final episode of the show, and getting it into stores.
You can watch the final episode of the show below:
Invoke at the 2nd Street Market
600 E 2nd St,
Dayton, OH, 45402
Hours:
Thu-Fri 11:00am-3:00pm
Sat 8:00am-3:00pm
Sun 11:00am-3:00pm
It’s the end of an era for Joseph Head and The Century Bar. I got the heads up last night and this morning he made it official by posting this on his Facebook Page:
“So it’s official I’ve left the Century. I leave with no anger or hatred. I’ve run my race. Time changes people change. I will never regret my 27 years there. I met my wife there. I became a Kentucky Colonel. I’ve grown to be a much better person. However the bar business behind the scenes is terrible and unhealthy. It’s just simply time for me to say goodbye no regrets. I’ve been preparing for this transaction in life for a bit. Edye (his wife) has been more than supportive in my decision. I love the Century. That being said, letting something you love go, some time is best for everyone. Thank you all for supporting me. I want nothing more for the Century to thrive.”
Once a rough-around-the-edges, long-haired arrogant youth, Head credits Diane Spitzig, The Century’s longtime owner, with taking a chance on him and eventually making him the bar’s manager. In 2011 Joe started to have a vision, and began researching bourbons and proposed the concept of changing the bar into a bourbon house. Together, the pair transformed the Century into one of the most raved-about bourbon houses in the nation for the past 13 years. Joe once described Th Century as a bar for professionals to enjoy a cocktail, with no tv’s, where you actually put your phone in your pocket and actually talk to people.
2012 was the first year The Century Bar was named to The Bourbon Review list of Best Bourbon Bars in America and it continued make the list year after year. In 2015 Men’s Journal magazine’s website declared The Century one of the “10 Best Bourbon Bars in America” describing it as “a small bar with a huge bourbon list, The Century is as devoted to the whiskey as any other place in America.”
Joe told me he’s been working at a farm in Carlisle and enjoys working the land. We wish him the best on his next chapter and thank him for educating so many of us about bourbon and for bringing Dayton so much attention in the national media.
“Joe was made a Kentucky Colonel in 2016 for contributions to bourbon and Kentucky. He helped ring in new bourbon drinkers every year.” – Grant
The observance of Black History Month this year brings an opportunity for a much-needed focus on supporting Black-owned businesses. Black Americans make up about 12.4% of the country’s population, but Black business owners represented only 2.4% of all employer-firm owners according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Supporting Black-owned businesses goes beyond making a purchase. It is an investment in the economic empowerment of our community by contributing directly to job creation, wealth accumulation, and community development. We’ve highlighted a few of our locally black owned eateries. Please add your favorites in the comments below, so we can highlight them in a future post!
Chef Dane Shipp
CULTURE
416 E. Fifth St, Oregon District
Tuesday – Saturday 2:30pm til 9pm
Featuring comfort food that is elevated, made with high quality ingredients,” Shipp says.” The menu changes every two to three months, but staples like the Drip Burger will remain.
Lester and Larry Gates
600 E 2nd St, Dayton, 2nd Street Market
Thurs-Fri 11:00am-3:00pm
Sat 8:00am-3:00pm
Sun 11:00am-3:00pm.
Invoke serves up healthy food with options for all diets–whether you are vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, or sugar free! Lester was just named a finalist on season 2 of ‘Top Vegan.’
Sofi Kinde
Nanyea Restaurant Coffee house & Bar
6129 N Dixie Dr, Dayton
Tues – Thurs 11am – 8pm
Fri & Sat 11am – 9pm
Ethiopian food cafe happy to veganize many things on the menu with excellent Ethiopean coffee.
Co-0wner Jerrod Fisher
Alematic Artisan Ale & B-Side Coffee Bar
6182 Chambersburg Rd
Huber Heights, OH 45424
Opened the Dayton-area’s first Black-owned brewery, in February 2019, specializing in craft beers- ales, lagers and sours, and in March of 2023 added the coffee business next store allowing them to offer baked goods, bagels, breakfast sandwiches and more.
Carrie Johnson White & John Riley co-owners
Benjamin’s The Burger Master
1000 N. Main St.
Mon – Sat 10am – 7pm
Sun 11am – 4pm
For nearly four decades, they been serving up with of the best food around—including ribs, chicken and burgers—in a family friendly atmosphere with affordable prices.
More Than A Apron rebranding to D’s Birria and More
1015 S. Main St., Miamisburg
Tues – Sat 11 am – 8pm
Sun noon – 6pm
They serve a variety of food including Lamb Mac, Beef Mac, Chicken Birria Fries, Supreme Chicken and the best birria tacos in town. Catering available as well. Order online for carryout!
Meshell & Paul jr. Palmer
The Palmer Place
4823 Salem Avenue suite B, Trotwood
Chris & Quinya Sinclair
Taste of Jamaica
100 N. James H. McGee blvd
Monday-Saturday 1pm-8pm
just moved into Carrillon Brewing Company
featuring Dayton Barbecue Company
Featuring southern style barbecue, cooked low and slow. Customers can expect some of their favorite dishes from Dayton Barbecue Company such as pulled pork and brisket, the marketplace salad loaded with veggies and smoked chicken and crispy pork belly, mac & cheese, crispy brussel sprouts with balsamic glaze. They’re also planning to have sausages made locally that will be served on buns from Dorothy Lane Market. All sauces and dressings will be made from scratch.
Chef Centruela Collier
The Burger Bistro
810 E. First St, The Silos
Tuesday – Thursday 4-10 PM
Friday 4 PM – Midnight
Saturday 11 AM – Midnight
Sunday 11 AM – 7 PM
The Burger Bistro will offer a traditional American burger along with a buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, glazed salmon filet sandwich, black bean burger, sliders, wings, fried mac & cheese balls and of course fries – cheese fries with a house-made cheese sauceAnthony Head
