Lisa Grigsby

Local Artist Creating A Cult Following For Little Billy Vampire

January 21, 2014 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Little Billy is a quirky, creepy little dude with a strange view on the world. Dayton artist Scott Edgar has been creating these cartoons since 2011 and just recently launched a website so you can follow the adventures of Little Billy and his friends.

Little Billy tells us about himself:

Being a vampire sounds exciting and fun filled – unless you are squeamish at the sight of blood. Then it is probably not the life for you. Well, the death for you. Depending on how you see it. Fortunately I see it through rose tinted glasses. Oh, wait…no, that was something red and sticky smeared all over my glasses. No idea what.

Anyway, so I am a vampire. Yes, I look sweet and innocent, rosy cheeked and freckled, but that’s because I was turned at a young age. My Cousin Lucretia and I both are stuck looking like kids, but in actuality, we are both over 500 years old.

Certain pop culture writings and movies like to make it seem like it’s a bad thing to turn kids and it would never be permitted, but vampires are “live and let live” kind of creatures. Unless we are hungry. Or a little bored. Thank god for X-box, right?

Centuries of boredom and repeating the fifth grade over and over have kind of warped our little predatory minds a bit. More in an eccentric, charming way than a scary, “I’m not cleaning that up” way. I think its given us a unique perspective. Maybe you will agree.

Billy’s friend Lucretia de Vampyre

What do you want to know? It’s probably none of your business anyway, but whatever. I’m like really old, though I don’t look it. Part of being immortal vampire, I guess. I am always stuck shopping in the girl’s section and repeating the fourth grade again and again. Don’t ask me how the teachers don’t seem to notice that. On their salaries I doubt they notice much. That and I think they try to block out any memory of having me as a student, which is kind of nice cause it saves me having to do it for them. Plus I get to slowly break them down over and over! Bonus!

When I grow up I intend to be a Supermodel Super Spy Illuminati Assassin. I am a bit vain, crazy, and violent so it seems like a good career choice. I thought about becoming a Hollywood Producer, but even vampires have a few morals.

After I do my homework, I like to practice magic and spells! Ha, no, I am just kidding. I don’t do my homework. That’s what the butler is for.

Boo is my pet ghost, a spirit I raised from the dead. He goes with me pretty much everywhere, even if people can’t see him.

That’s all you need to know for now. Other than to avoid me in dark alleyways. *evil grin*.

Zombey Bunneh

A science fair project gone wrong. It’s never a good idea to raise the dead – you just don’t know what you will get! A cute little bunny who now roams the earth as a vegetarian zombie. Well, he eats the brains of vegetarians. That counts, right?

To follow the adventures of Little Billy Vampire you can head to his website or follow him on Facebook.

Warped Wing Brewing Company Opens Saturday at Noon!

January 17, 2014 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

The industrial style tasting room, which will seat about 80, will be open from noon to 10pm this Saturday and Sunday noon to 6pm. Guests can sample the various beer offerings from Warped Wing while appreciating views of the downtown skyline or the cathedral of stainless steel. If you are on-the-go, they will sell growlers, package beer and kegs to share with friends off-site. They will also offer a rotating food menu from our tavern and restaurant friends in and around the Oregon District. Warped Wing is working closely with those establishments to select food items that will pair well with there beer offerings.

Tasting hours will be:
Wed thru Fri 4-10pm, Sat 12-10pm and Sun 12-6pm.

The new brewery is located at 26 Wyandot Street, former site of the Buckeye Brass & Iron Foundry, circa 1911. Warped Wing will brew and distribute its draught and canned beers to restaurants, taverns, and retailers throughout Dayton and surrounding markets.

Brewmaster John Haggerty, who was the Head Brewer of New Holland, brings two decades of commercial brewing expertise to WWBC. His career in brewing has spanned small and large breweries in the U.S. Haggerty states “As far as brewing philosophy goes we are essentially going to make well-balanced beers that show off the various ingredients when appropriate (i.e. hoppy when it is supposed to be hoppy and malty when it is supposed to be malty, etc., etc.) Additionally, we will follow sound production theory but will take liberties and break rules regarding process and recipe formulation when it makes sense and is appropriate to do so.”

Co-owner Joe Waizmann, best know for his annual AleFest, says their strategy from the beginning has been “all-in.” Warped Wing has already installed a canning line and will release their first production beer in a 4-pack of 16-oz cans. According to Waizmann, “the cans are a nod to the Dayton-invented pop-top cans as well as a way for their smaller customers with limited draught space to be able to deliver a true pint experience to their customers. Given all of the benefits that canning brings to the beer experience this one makes all kinds of sense.”

The company is operated by co-founders Joe Waizmann, John Haggerty, Nick Bowman and Mike Stover, pictured left to right here. “Our passion for craft beer coupled with our extensive industry experience will bring a unique approach to the local beer scene,” the co-founders said in a release. “We also share enthusiasm for local community development and are committed to bringing back well-crafted beers that Daytonians and Ohioans can embrace.”

Cheers to the 8th local brewery to call the Dayton region home!

Why You Should Only Buy Girl Scout Cookies From A Girl Scout

January 10, 2014 By Lisa Grigsby 1 Comment

Today is the start of Girl Scout cookie season. For almost 100 years, Girl Scouts, with the enthusiastic support of their families and communities, have knocked on doors, set up sales tables at stores and community events and hawked thin mints.The $700 million Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led business in the country and generates immeasurable benefits for girls, their councils, and their communities.

I admit I was a girl scout. And for those of you who know me, it will come as no surprise that I was determined to sell more cookies than any of the other girls. I went up and down my street, knocking on doors for orders. I called all my relatives and perfected my telemarketing skills. I asked my dad to get his co-workers to buy from me. And he said NO! But he did offer to take me to work so I could ask for the order. I worked hard and sold hundreds of boxes and was sure I’d win the Cookie title.

Well as it turns out, I didn’t. Some little girl named Susie did. She lived down the street from me and I never saw her ask any of our neighbors to buy cookies. I assked her how she did it and she said it was easy-her mom and dad got all the orders for her. I was mad and didn’t think it was fair and complained to my dad about it. He told me life wasn’t fair, never would be, but that I’d really won, and I’d appreciate it some day when I realized that I had gotten much more out of it than Susie had. Not what a 9 year old girl wants to hear. So I’m sure I sulked around for a while, until something else captured my attention.

But now many years later, I get it. My dad was right- I had won! I’d learned how to set a goal, prospect customers, perfect my sales pitch, work on my organizational skills, plan the logistics of delivery, handle money, make change and enjoy quite a few cookies, too!

And that’s why I implore you to only buy cookies from Girl Scouts. I know there are many well intentioned parents that want to help their daughters, and help support the troops so they can put on all the programs they have scheduled; but please help them by letting them sell!

In a recent study by the Girl Scouts Heart of the South, they documented skills the Girl Scout Cookie Program teaches, which girls can apply to everyday life:

85% increased their money management skills as they developed budgets, took cookie orders and handled customers’ money.
83% developed business ethics, learning to fulfill promises to customers and considering how best to contribute to their communities with their earnings.
80% set goals and created objectives to reach them.
77% made important decisions, learning to work as a team to develop a business plan, deciding when and where to sell cookies, and determining what to do with the money they earn.
75% developed people skills, learning to talk to, listen to and work with different kinds of people.

Many successful businesswomen and community leaders say they got their start selling Girl Scout Cookies. So when your local Girl Scouts come calling with this year’s best-selling cookies, remember you’re saying hello to tomorrow’s business leaders.

The Cookies:

COOKIE VARIETIES – $4.00/BOX

Thin Mints–Little Brownie’s extra thin, extra minty Thin Mints are covered in a luscious chocolaty coating and made with real, natural oil of peppermint, not artificial flavoring, to create the nation’s number one best-selling Girl Scout cookie.

Samoas–The original Samoas are of such high quality they sometimes outsell even Thin Mints in some councils. Little Brownie makes and mixes their own homemade caramel in copper kettles and uses sweet, crunchy toasted coconut. Bottom covered and striped in dark chocolaty coating, Samoas are truly America’s most deliciously different cookie!

Tagalongs–Tagalongs are made with a special blend of rich, creamy peanut butter completely covered in rich milk-chocolaty coating for a creative combination of America’s two most popular flavors. It’s no wonder Tagalongs never last long in many households.

Do-si-dos –Do-si-dos are oatmeal peanut butter sandwich cookies with a natural blend of wholesome ingredients. Little Brownie uses baby rolled oats, never flaked oats. Many customers fondly call Do-si-dos the “Official Breakfast Cookie.”

Trefoils–Little Brownie’s Trefoil cookies have a rich, buttery flavor and a classic shortbread aroma that delights Girl Scout cookie fans of all ages.

Savannah Smiles – This lemon wedge cookie is cool and crisp, with just the right number of lemon chips to deliver tiny bursts of flavor. And, when you hold it right, you’ll quickly be reminded of that world-famous “Brownie Smile.”

Did you know that Girl Scout cookies have?

No high fructose corn syrup
No trans fats
No hydrogenated oils in five varieties
100 percent real cocoa
Nutritious whole grain oats
Two nut-free varieties: Trefoils and Thin Mints contain no peanuts or tree nuts

Additional nutritional information about on the cookies is available here.

All of the proceeds from the cookie sale—every penny—stays within our community to benefit local girls. Girl Scout troops use the money for field trips and community service projects.

Money from Girl Scout Cookies helps the council:

Recruit and train volunteer adults to work with girls.
Provide the financial assistance needed to make Girl Scouting available for all girls.
Improve and maintain camp and other activity sites.
Keep event/camp fees for all members to a minimum.
Sponsor special events and projects.

2014 Dayton Fish Fry Schedule

January 10, 2014 By Lisa Grigsby 14 Comments

This month kicks off Fish Fry Season in Dayton – that hugely popular Catholic tradition that combines fish and chips, beer, silent auctions and blackjack to help raise funds for each respective parish/school. Here is a listing of the area’s Catholic Churches and Schools that will be hosting Fish Fry nights in the coming weeks, PLUS non-church-related Fish Fry nights (if you can help us fill in a few missing dates or know of one that is missing from our list, please let us know the details in the comments below so we can add it):

Holy Angels Church Fish Fry
1322 Brown Street
Dayton, OH 45409
Friday January 10, 2014 6:00pm-Midnight

Our Lady of the Rosary Fish Fry
22 Notre Dame Ave.
Dayton, Ohio 45404
Friday January 10, 2014 & Friday, Feb 14 2014 6:00pm-10:30pm

St. Albert the Great Fish Fry
3033 Far Hills Ave.
Kettering, OH 45429
Friday January 24, 2014 5:00pm-Midnight

St. Mary’s Fish Fry
310 Allen St.
Dayton, OH 45410
Friday February 7, 2014 6pm-11pm $15

St. Henry Monte Carlo Fish Fry
6696 Springboro Rd.
West Carrollton, OH 45449
Friday February 7, 2014 7:00pm-Midnight
$12 Advance; $15 Door

Carrolleer Fish Fry
4524 Linden Ave.
Dayton, OH 45432
Saturday February 22, 2014 6:00pm-Midnight
$13 Advance; $16 Door

Saint Peter Catholic Church Fish Fry
6161 Chambersburg Rd.
Huber Heights, OH 45424
Saturday February 8, 2014 5:30 – 11pm

Irish Club Fish Fry & Monte Carlo
6555 Dog Leg Road
Dayton, OH 45414
???? 2014 6:00pm-11:00pm
$10

Holy Trinity Fish and Sausage Fry
272 Bainbridge Street
Dayton, OH 45402
?????, 2014 7:00pm-12:00pm

Alter Knight Out Fish Fry
940 East David Rd.
Kettering, OH 45429
Friday February 28 2014 7:00pm-Midnight
$12 Advance / $15 Door

St. Francis of Assisi Fish Fry
6245 Wilmington Pike
Centerville, OH 45459
Friday March 1, 2013 (5pm – 11pm)

Corpus Christi Fish Fry
527 Forest Ave
Dayton, OH 45405
???? 2014 (5pm – ?)

St. Anthony Catholic Church Fish Fry
830 Bowen St.
Dayton, OH 45410
Friday March 28, 2014 6 – 11pm

Incarnation Church Fish Fry
55 Williamsburg Lane
Centerville, OH 45459
Friday March 14, 2014 7pm-Midnight

St. Charles Monte Carlo Fish Fry
4500 Ackerman Blvd.
Kettering, OH 45429
Friday March 21, 2014

Carryout from 4:30 to 6pm
Family Dining from 5 to 6pm
Main Event 7 to midnight

Dayton Rugby Club Fish Fry
IUE-CWA Local 755 Hall
1675 Woodman Drive
Dayton, OH 45432
Friday March 14, 2014 6:00pm-Midnight

CJ Fish Fry
505 S. Ludlow St.
Dayton, OH 45402
Saturday March 22, 2014 6:00pm-11:00pm

St Helen Booster Club Fish Fry
605 Granville Place
Dayton, OH 45431
Saturday January 25, 2014 6:00pm-11:00pm

Knights of Columbus Fish Fry
Christopher Club Banquet Hall
3150 S. Dixie Dr Moraine, OH 45439
Saturday February 1, 2014 7:00pm-11:00pm

Kettering American Legion
5700 Kentshire Drive Kettering OH
Saturday February 22, 2014 5:00pm-11:00pm

Partners Fish N Chips Fish Fry
Huber Heights Athletic Center
5367 Fishburg Rd. Dayton, OH 45424
Friday February 29th 6-11pm

St Christopher Fish Fry and Monte Carlo
405 National Rd., Vandalia
Saturday February 8th, 6 p – 11 pm

Good Luck Foods To Celebrate The New Year

December 31, 2013 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

On New Year’s Day, superstitious people all over the world prepare foods thought to bring good luck and a prosperous new year. Make sure these foods are included in your holiday spread to welcome the new year.

In Spain and Portugal, 12 grapes are eaten as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve—one grape for each chime of the clock and month of the year. Good luck will come to those who down the whole dozen before the final chime sounds. Each grape represents a different month, so if the 3rd grape is a bit sour, March might be a rocky month.

Fish is lucky for a couple of reasons. Its scales resemble money and fish swim in schools which invoke the idea of abundance. There are also plenty of nutritional benefits. Fatty fish (salmon and tuna) are filled with Omega-3s and leaner fish (tilapia and sole) are a great source of protein.

In many Asian countries, long noodles are eaten on New Year’s Day in order to bring a long life. One catch: You can’t break the noodle before it is all in your mouth. Noodles and grains (rice, quinoa, barley) are symbols of long life and abundance respectively.

In Germany, Ireland, and parts of the United States, cabbage and other greens are associated with luck and fortune since the leaves look like folded money and are thus symbolic of economic fortune.

Beans, like greens, also resemble money. More specifically, they symbolize coins. Whether you choose black beans, lentils or black-eyes peas, try some healthy fiber-filled beans to soak up that champagne.

Pigs are a lucky symbol because they root forward and are rotund, which symbolize wealth and prosperity. Pork, beans and greens are often combined in a dish called Hoppin’ John for New Year’s Eve.

Long associated with abundance and fertility, pomegranates are eaten in Turkey and other Mediterranean countries for luck in the New Year.

While these all symbolize prosperity, there are equally as many foods that don’t.

What Not to Eat:

Lobster, for instance, is a bad idea because they move backwards and could therefore lead to setbacks.

Chicken- they scratch for food so those who eat poultry will “scratch” for food all year. According to many cultures, anything with wings is a no-no for New Years cause it could fly away taking all your luck with it.
The color white is symbol of death in Chinese culture so avoid eggs, tofu and white cheese. Above all don’t clean your plate thoroughly— many cultures believe that leaving a little leftover food on your plate will usher in a year of plenty.

So now you know how to set your table to bring in the best in 2014 and that’s exactly what we wish you all in the new year! Cheers!

Santa Arrives At Woodland Lights Tonight Ticket Contest

December 6, 2013 By Lisa Grigsby 3 Comments

When the flashing lights and siren of a fire truck go zooming down St. Rt. 725 tonight, it will be Santa making his way to the Washington Township’s Woodland Lights! Celebrating their 21st year with the traditional lights and sights people have come to love, they’ve added some extra sparkle to their month long activities at 895 Miamisburg Centerville Road. There are movie nights, coloring contests and even nights to bring your dog.

Visitors to the nightly event can enjoy the beauty of lights sparkling along a half-mile wooded path and reflecting against a woodland pond. Along the trail, whimsical characters and illuminated critters prepare for the holidays, while a real-life Santa Claus visits with children inside an historic log cabin decorated as a candyland.

“Woodland Lights is a place that’s magical and enchanting. Every year, we do our best to stay true to that vision,” said Linda Madden, Woodland Lights coordinator. “The front area feels more like a festival with lighting and animation. The mood at the back of the park is quieter, more pristine, and emphasizes the park’s natural beauty.”

Nostalgia Nights on December 9, 10, 16, 17

View the lights, enjoy refreshments, and visit with Santa before Christmas in an historic log cabin. Musical entertainment in the cabin the day after Christmas.

COST: $3 Free for kids 2 and under

Festival Nights on All Other Nights (except Dec 24 & 25)
For visitors who want the most that Woodland Lights offers. Lights, Refreshments & Santa Visits PLUS carriage rides, amusement rides, costumed characters, live deer games, and activities musical entertainment after Christmas. Festival Nights offer all of the fun of Woodland Lights, plus a full range of festivities including carriage rides, live deer, amusement rides, costumed characters, games and extra activites such as face painting. Kids can play on a fun slide and enjoy seven amusement rides including a small train, Santa swing, twister and pony carts.

COST: $7 Free for kids 2 and under

Woodland Lights & Movie Nights

After walking the Woodland Lights path, head to the Rec West building at 7:30 p.m. to see a free holiday movie, Polar Express. All movies end by 9 p.m.
December 7 – Polar Express
December 14 – Santa Paws 2
December 21 – Jim Carrey’s Christmas Carol
December 28 – The Rise of the Guardians

For more information about their special events visit the Woodland Lights website.

A WARM AND INVITING PLACE TO VISIT SANTA

At Woodland Lights, it’s easy to find Santa. Just walk down a sparkling path until you see an historic log cabin decorated in lights.Turn right at the split rail fence and Santa will welcome you to his cozy cabin every night through December 23.

The setting is an inviting alternative to more commercialized visits with Santa. While young visitors whisper their wish lists in Santa’s ear, parents are invited to snap a picture. Photos also may be purchased for $5.

“This is a real, historic log home that originally was located in Hillsboro, Ohio,” says Woodland Lights Coordinator Linda Madden. “Everything about it is authentic – from the large beams over head to the old limestone fireplace.” A fire burns bright each night in a large hearth near Santa’s chair, greenery is draped across the mantle, and a tree is decorated in the corner.

After Christmas, Santa returns to the North Pole but his cabin stays open for visitors to stop and warm themselves by the fire until December 30th.

TICKET GIVE AWAY

Most Metro wants to treat some of our readers to a family night out to see the lights. If you’d like to be entered in our drawing for a family 4-pack of tickets, just like this article, and fill out the entry form below. Feel free to add a comment below, it might sway the judges when we pick a winner! We’ll announce a winner on Saturday.

And our winners are:
Lauren Olgiate
Joanna Soehner
Margie Rivera

Santa Claus & Friends Coming To Town To Benefit Toys for Tots

December 3, 2013 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

The 8^th Annual Santa Pub Crawl, benefitting the local chapter of Toys for Tots, will take place in the Oregon District on Saturday, December 14^th beginning with a pre-party at Fifth Street Brewpub.

This is the eighth year for this event where Santa Pub Crawl participants don their most festive holiday attire, anything from complete Santa Clause gear to elf ears and reindeer antlers and everything in between. To participate, attendees need to dress in festive holiday gear, which gets them into each participating bar for free and take advantage of drink specials. They must also bring one new unwrapped $10 toy as a donation to Toys for Tots. More than half a dozen Marines will be on hand to accept donations. In lieu of a toy, attendees may also make a $10 donation to Toys for Tots.

Festivities during the Santa Pub Crawl include a pre-party starting at 4:30 at Fifth Street Brewpub, seven additional participating bars offering drink specials to those dressed in holiday attire, a costume contest with prizes for first, second, and third place male and female, and best group. Prizes this year include mini fridges, large coolers, corn hole game, gift certificates to local restaurants and bars, and cash. Participants may also have their pictures taken with the Marines during the event.

Last year, the Santa Pub Crawl collected more than 600 toys along with $1,000 in cash donations, which was distributed by the Marines to local children in need. This event allows thecommunity to come together and ensure that children right here in the Miami Valley have something under the tree on Christmas Day. Santa Pub Crawl Chairperson, Brian Young, stated, “While last year was big, we anticipate over 1,000 people to participate in the event this year, double last year, and that translates to a lot of toys and cash donations for kids in our community. Because of the generous support of our sponsors, Budweiser, Buckeye Vodka, Folio Designhaus, and Monster Energy Drink, we have a much larger prize pool for the costume contest, which will be held at Blind Bob’s, and the extra advertising allows us to get the word out to that many more people.”

The route for the Santa Pub Crawl is as follows:

Fifth Street Brewpub (pre-party, located at 1600 E. Fifth Street – 4:00 – 6:00 pm

Dublin Pub – 6:00 – 7:30 pm

Trolley Stop – 7:30 – 9:00 pm

Tumbleweed – 9:00 – 10:00 pm

Blind Bob’s – 10:00 – 11:00 pm (costume contest)

Oregon Express – 11:00 – 12:00 am

Ned Peppers – 12:00 – 1:00 am

Newcom’s – 1:00 am – close

Toys can be collected wherever the Marines are posted, and also dropped off at Fifth Street Brewpub. Participants may join the pub crawl at any point in the night. Crown Plaza, located at 33 E. Fifth Street will have discounted rooms while they last for participants. Please call 937-224-0800 and ask for “Toys for Tots Santa Pub Crawl Rate” of $82.00. Be responsible: Don’t drink and drive.

For more information on the Santa Pub Crawl, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DaytonSantaPubCrawl

Photo’s by Peter Wine

The Show Must Go On- The Rubi Girls- One Night Only!

November 26, 2013 By Lisa Grigsby 2 Comments

Thanksgiving- the kind of holiday where you slave in the kitchen, spend time with the family, eat turkey for dinner, express thanks for the great people in your life, eat turkey sandwiches, shop, eat more turkey, watch football and start to really wonder how you are related to those people!

So lets face it, by Saturday night you’re going to need to get out! May we suggest you make plans to head downtown and catch The Rubi Girls as they make their traditional Thanksgiving appearance with The Show Must Go On. For those of you who haven’t seen one of their shows (gasp) we should warn you- they are a little risque (and sometimes as the night goes on they can get just downright nasty (but in a good way)!

Grown men dressed as women, dancing, singing and performing in a way that will have you laughing and screaming! Together over 25 years The Rubi Girls perform only to raise funds for AIDS related causes. Having to helped raised over $1,000,000 with their shows and calendars, The Rubi Girls have a cult following in Ohio.

Rumor has it that this may be the largest cast for a Rubi Girl Show ever! With over 14 Rubi Girls, who range from their 20’s to their 50’s, the “ladies” will perform to holiday classics as well as some of the latest pop hits. The costumes alone are works of art. and you always have to wonder what the newest version of The Rubi Dance will be…

VIP seating, which is the front 5 rows is already sold out, but you can reserve your general admission tickets online for just $10, they’ll be $15 at the door- if still available.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

UE-CWA Union Hall- doors open at 7pm, show begins at 8pm
313 S. Jefferson St., Dayton, OHBenefitting AIDS Resource Center Ohio

Restaurants Add Holiday Hours and Opportunities To Dine With Santa

November 25, 2013 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

A few of our local restaurants have added additional hours of service or special holiday events. When planning any large outings, we highly suggest you call the restaurant to check availability and make reservations. Enjoy:

Carvers Steaks & Chops

535 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Dayton, OH 45459

adds lunch Monday – Friday from 11:30am -2pm Dec. 2 -20

Reservations suggested 937-433-7099, private room available

Hawthorn Grill – will open Mondays in December from 5-9pm, reservations encouraged (937) 298-2222
1222 E Stroop Rd, Dayton, OH 45429

Dinner with Santa on Mon, Dec 2nd – Drop in and take a cozy seat by the fire for a great meal before you tuck everyone in for a ‘long winter’s nap’! RESERVATIONS ACCEPTED starting the day after Thanksgiving

Christmas Eve Dinner Service – Drop in and take a cozy seat by the fire for a great meal before you tuck everyone in for a ‘long winter’s nap’! RESERVATIONS ACCEPTED starting the day after Thanksgiving! Christmas Day – CLOSED to celebrate with our family and friends. New Year’s Eve 4-course Dining Extravaganza! – Join us to ring in another new year! We’ll again serve our delicious 4-course seasonal menu at 5:00 and 8:30 seatings by reservation only. They’ll start taking reservations after Thanksgiving.

Jay ‘s Seafood

225 E 6th Street, Dayton, OH 45402|
add lunch Monday – Friday from 11:30am-2pm from Dec. 2 – 23
Reservations suggested 937-222-2892, private room available

Rue Dumaine (937) 610-1061
1061 Miamisburg Centerville Road, Dayton, OH 45459

A note from Chef Anne Kearney: “While we are fully committed with private events at Rue Dumaine for this years’ holiday season it is never too late to find a evening to gather with friends or co-workers to break bread. While the RUE is normally closed on Sundays and Mondays we change it up every year during the last half of December opening for 4 additional shifts to be of service to you and your holiday celebrations. During each shift we are able to accommodate 2 parties with up to12 guests (select times). There is additional availability for smaller gatherings throughout each shift. If your company is dark on Sundays join us. Gather up a group of girlfriends for a Monday evening supper. Consider giving us a call to see what we can do to suit your needs. ”

2013 Holiday Schedule is as follows:

Open for dinner service.

Sunday, Dec. 22nd (5pm-9pm)

Monday, Dec. 23rd (5pm-9pm)

Sunday, Dec. 29th (5pm-9pm)

Monday, Dec. 30th (5pm-9pm)

There are many opportunities to have a meal with Sanat around the Miami Valley:

Bravo Cucina Italiano
Breakfast with Santa, Sat Dec 7 9am

Hilton Garden Inn
Breakfast with Santa – Sunday, Dec. 14th 10:30am – noon

Polen Farms
Breakfast with Santa – Sun, Dec 1st 9am

Rusty Bucket by the Dayton Mall 937-436-2426
Breakfast with Santa on Saturday Dec. 7th & 14th at 9am.

Uno’s Pizza with Santa

126 N. Main St., Dayton, OH 45402
December 7, 14, 21 & 22; 11 a.m.
December 9 & 16; 6:30 p.m.
Uno Chicago Grill, 126 N. Main St.
Have a special lunch with Santa and then visit the Tike’s Shop at the Schuster Center! Reservations required. Call for cost and reservations. 910-8000.

Yankee Trace Golf Club
Santa Claus Brunch- Reservations Required Sunday, Dec. 8th 1-a,- 2pm

Dayton R+R – Harvesting Historical Dayton For Reuse

November 22, 2013 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

In today’s economy, where it’s often easier to buy new and throw away items that need repairs, it’s refreshing to know that places like Dayton Reclamation and Restoration (Dayton R+R) exist. Jeff Wysong, a master carpenter who’s been working on historical restoration in the Dayton region for over 40 years, has announced that he will again be in the retail business. This Sat, Nov 23rd at 8:30am at 280 North Findlay Street in Dayton the architectural reclamation store will open with a stock of materials ranging from foundation stones to lumber, doors, windows, trims and vintage hardware. They will also have barn beams, siding and specialty items of interest!

With over 40 years of experience, Jeff and his team have reclaimed materials from over 300 houses,barns and schools.We have also restored and preserved many homes throughout Dayton’s historic districts since 1986.

Dayton Reclamation and Restoration believe in preserving historic architecture. When that is not possible,we believe in preserving the historic fabric and features that make those structures significant,and offering those items to you for the restoration of your home,and for your landscape and artistic needs as well! We believe in Dayton, it’s history past, present and future.

Marketing Manager Tyler Payne explains, “our approach is totally green. We will continue to harvest treasures from old buildings and we have a passion for deconstruction in a way that allows us to reuse quality building materials.”He shared that in the future they plan to hold educational symposiums for the public.

You can visit Dayton Reclamation and Restoration on Saturdays from 8:30am to 3:00pm, or call 937-477-4801 for more info.

Celebrate Gingerbread Day By Entering A Local Gingerbread House Competition

November 21, 2013 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Gingerbread can come in many forms – it can be hard or soft, baked as a loaf or as cookies, served with a lemon glaze or none at all, but in all cases it contains some form of ginger. Some recipes call for dried, powdered ginger, others for crystallized, and even some for fresh. The original gingerbread recipe is believed to have originated in England, around the 1640’s and by the 1800’s it had become very popular and was eaten on a regular basis. Other staples in most gingerbread recipes are honey, molasses or treacle. These typically take the place of honey.

Usually fashioned in the most commonly recognised shape of a gingerbread man with his arms stretched side-wards and wearing a huge smile. Gingerbread men have been a Christmas favorite over many years where they are baked in the oven and hung on the Christmas tree as part of the decoration, to be eaten at a later time. The Germans are well known for their gingerbread, which is called Lebkuchen which can either mean cake of life or loaf cake depending on how you say it. However, it is also very often made into gingerbread houses using slabs of baked gingerbread which is modelled and decorated to resemble a house and used to commemorate the Brothers’ Grimm story of Hansel and Gretel. Speaking of which, according to the Guinness World Records, the largest gingerbread house ever built was done so in 2006 by Roger Pelcher at the Mall of America in Minnesota. It was more than 45 feet long, 35 feet wide and 60 feet tall.

The Miami Valley celebrates the Gingerbread House with 2 holiday competitions:

The Dayton Holiday Festival 8th annual Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays Contest in conjunction with the 2013 Grande Illumination

Everyone is invited to participate. Entries will be displayed in the Old Court House at the corner of Third & Main Streets in Downtown Dayton.
Two $500 Cash Prizes Will Be Awarded! Categories include a professional division, and Amateur Adults, teens and kids 12 and under. First place in each category will receive a sweet prize package featuring a variety of prize items. Awards will also be given to second and third place in each category. One house out of all the amateur entries and one house from the professional category will be selected as the “Best House on the Block” and will each receive a $500 cash prize for being the best in show! Winners will be notified after judging is completed and will have an opportunity to be recognized on the Main Stage on Courthouse Square before the tree lighting ceremony on

Friday, November 29. Deadline for entry forms is Friday, November 22nd.

Contest Rules/Guidelines:

Each entry must be submitted on a wooden or plastic base.
The size of the structure’s base support shall not exceed 20”x20”.
The structure can be made from gingerbread, cardboard, or a purchased kit.
All exposed surfaces of the structure and all decorations must be covered with edible materials (with the exception of the base/foundation).
Battery operated lights are permitted; however they must be inside the structure and turned on by the entrant.
Designs may be any structure such as houses, public buildings, businesses, etc.
Judging will be based on overall appearance, neatness, creativity, and best use of materials.
Anyone who currently or previously has received payment for their cake/pastry skills or is a trained professional needs to enter the Professional category in this contest.
Cash prizes will not be awarded if judges decide that there is not an entry that qualifies as best in show.
Instructions on picking up your entry after the contest will be included in a confirmation letter.

For more information, visit daytonholidayfestival.org or call (937) 224-1518 ext. 227

The Washington Township Woodland Lights 13th Annual Collection of Gingerbread Houses

Entries for the Woodland Lights Gingerbread Art Competition are due on Monday, Dec. 2. Bakers can enter individually or in groups. Categories include: adults, youth 7 to 18, preschoolers, and groups such as families, community organizations and schools. Families especially are encouraged to submit entries, Madden said. “Working in the kitchen helps bring families together. Designing, baking and decorating a gingerbread house provides a wonderful intergenerational opportunity.”

Individuals who place first in their category will receive an Active 90 Pass which provides free entrance for 90 days to the recreation center’s aquatic activities, fitness center, running track, open gym and climbing wall and to Rec West’s gym, theater and game room. Second place winners receive five daily passes. Registered participants who win as part of a group will receive two daily passes.

Gingerbread house entries should be taken to the Stolz Building, behind the Washington Township Recreation Center, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2. Gingerbread judging takes place Thursday, Dec. 5. Rules, guidelines can be found here. Entering is free. Call 438-7985 for information.

World Famous Art Detective Appears At The DAI

November 19, 2013 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

The Dayton Art Institute’s visual arts theatre series, the Fifth Third Bank Arts Night Out series, continues on Thursday, November 21, with the real-life adventures of Robert Wittman – Art Detective!.

Robert Wittman spent more than 20 years in the FBI as the agency’s — and the nation’s — top art crime investigator, going undercover numerous times to recover $225 million worth of stolen art, ranging from $35 million Rembrandts to an original copy of the Bill of Rights. The London Times called him “the most famous art detective in the world” and The Wall Street Journal called him “a living legend.”

Known as the FBI’s Real Indiana Jones, Wittman is the author of The New York Times best seller Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World’s Stolen Treasures.

Wittman joined the FBI as a Special Agent in 1988 and was assigned to the Philadelphia Field Division. As a result of specialized training in art, antiques, jewelry and gem identification, he served as the FBI’s investigative expert in this field. During his 20-year career with the FBI, he recovered more that $225 million worth of stolen art and cultural property resulting in the prosecution and conviction of numerous individuals. In 2005, he was instrumental in the creation of the FBI’s rapid deployment Art Crime Team. He was named as the Act’s Senior Investigator and instructed the team members in how to conduct cultural property investigations. He has represented the United States around the world conducting investigations and instructing international police and museums in recovery and security techniques.

Wittman gives informational presentations for museums, collector groups, businesses and government agencies. He also gives informational sessions for collectors concerning due diligence, provenance research and fraud protection.

Robert Wittman – Art Detective! Takes place in The Dayton Art Institute’s NCR Renaissance Auditorium on Thursday, November 21, at 8 p.m. His 90-minute presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session and a book signing.

The Dayton Art Institute’s Leo Bistro will be open for dinner on November 21, 4:30-8:00 p.m., offering a special menu for the show. Advance reservations are recommended, by calling 937-512-0146. Go to http://www.leobistro.com for more information about the menu.

Tickets for Robert Wittman – Art Detective! are $30 for adults and $26 for seniors. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased by phone, at 937-223-4ART (4278), in person at The Dayton Art Institute’s Guest Services Desk during regular museum hours, or online at http://www.daytonartinstitute.org/artsnightout.

The Fifth Third Bank Arts Night Out series began in the fall of 2012 as a theatrical series where visual art and the stage meet for three one-night-only performances. All performances are held on Thursday evenings at 8 p.m. in the museum’s NCR Renaissance Auditorium. The 2013 series concludes with Spontaneous Fantasia on December 5.

For more information about this and other programs at The Dayton Art Institute, please visithttp://www.daytonartinstitute.org or call the museum at 937-223-4ART (4278). Be sure to also connect with The Dayton Art Institute on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for additional information, behind-the-scenes photos and exclusive offers.

Dayton Most Metro Wants To Drive You To Drink Local

November 17, 2013 By Lisa Grigsby 1 Comment

Want to take a tour of Dayton’s brewing companies and see where the good stuff comes from? There are now local beers available from Miamisburg to Vandalia and lots of stops in between. And if you’re drinking, we don’t want you driving, so we’ve come up with just the solution:
Dayton Most Metro Brew Tours!

Each tour will visit three local breweries. We will spend approximately 40 minutes at each location. We’ll set you up with a flight of beers at each brewery, so you’ll get a taste of what each brewery is doing. Feel free to order a pint of your favorite, or get a growler to go and we’ll keep it cold for you on the bus! Your ticket includes bus transportation, beer samples at each stop as well as snacks and water on the bus. Each of our tours will be on The Grove Machine Party Bus, Dayton’s newest party bus!

Here are our first four tours available, reserve your tickets online now!

Sat, 11/23 – The Dayton Beer Co, Yellow Springs Brewery & Toxic Brew Co.

Sun, 11/24 – Lock 27 Brewing, Eudora Brewing Company & Yellow Springs Brewery

Sat, 11/30 – Star City Brewing Company, Hairlees Hare Brewery, 5th Street Brewpub

Sun, 12/15 – Lock 27 Brewing, Eudora Brewing Company & Yellow Springs Brewery

More tour dates will be added, or gather your own group, pick a date and charter the bus!
Brew Tours make great gifts- why not give one to that special beer lover in your life?

For more tour dates and additional info, like the Brew Tour Facebook page.

Cheers!

Star City Brewing Company Opens Tonight in Miamisburg!

November 15, 2013 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Originally a sawmill on the Miami & Erie Canal in the 1828, The Peerless Mill in Miamisburg became a restaurant in 1929. After serving up food for over 8 decades, a major fire destroyed a good portion of the building in 2003. The stone floors and big ceiling beams survived and after a 2 year renovation, the restaurant reopened in 2005. Owner Gary Wiegle had taken out huge loans to rebuild and was faced with increased competition and touch economic times, which he wasn’t able to overcome. The restaurant fell into foreclosure and closed in 2008. After several misfires, it looks like the newest owners, brothers Justin and Brian Kohnen and Brian Yavorsky made have just the recipe to succeed at 319 S. Second St.

The Star City Brewery joins the explosion of microbreweries that are invading the Miami Valley. With their grand opening today (Friday, Nov 15th) at 4pm until 10pm with food catered in from TJ Chumps and Saturday from 1-10pm with a visit from the Harvest Mobile Cuisine Food Truck. There will be 4 beers on tap to start. I was lucky enough to attend a preview tasting last weekend and enjoyed a flight that included:

Belgian Blonde Ale (ABV 3.8%, IBU 21) reminiscent of the German style Kolsch. Light bodied and lager like. $4 pint/$10 growler
Bavarian Hefeweizen (ABV 4/6% IBU 10) an unfiltered wheat beer with a light banana and clove flavor $5 pint /$13 growler
IPA (ABV 7.4% IBU 56) deep golden in color hoppy with citrus and pine notes. $5 pint /$13 growler
Oatmeal Stout (ABV 5/2% IBU 28) and my favorite by far – with a slight sweetness and roasted hop flavor. $5 pint /$13 growler

Eventually there will be 8 taps, which according to Justin Kohnen will always include the standard four already mentioned and 4 seasonal brews that will rotate. Food will be catered in from local Miamisburg restaurants, but opening their kitchen is in the plans, “but that’s sometime in the future,” says Kohnen. He explained that there were a lot of renovations and repairs needed on the 14,000 square foot building and they concentrated on the tap room first. It is in the plans to continue renovating so they can start to open some of the banquet rooms for special event rentals.

Even before opening Star City began teaching home brewing classes including extract brewing, all grain brewing. There next class scheduled for Thurs, Nov 21st form 6:30 – 8:30pm will be about Understanding Flavor Profiles. This class is for aspiring craft enthusiasts and new home brewers who want to understand the many beer styles, origins and tasting profiles. And class attendees will receive 50 cents off of beer during the class. $25/person.

Star City offered membership and prior to opening already had over 60 members. Aside from declaring yourself a craft beer enthusiast, being a member of Star City Brewing comes with certain members only perks. A few such perks include being the first to sample some of our experimental brews and earning double loyalty points on select days.

The standard Level 1 membership includes:

A Star City Brewing Company bottle koozie
A Star City Brewing Company Pint Glass
$25 annual membership

Level 2 membership includes:

A Star City Brewing Company bottle koozie
A Star City Brewing Company Pint Glass
A Star City Brewing Company T-Shirt
$75 annual membership

The standard Level 3 membership includes:

A Star City Brewing Company bottle koozie
A Star City Brewing Company britannia mug
A Star City Brewing Company embroidered polo
2 Invitation(s) to “invite-only” private “Member Appreciation” parties when hosted.
- Catered Food provided.
Discounts on pints ($0.50 off per pint anytime you come in)
$125 membership

Follow Star City Brewing on Facebook for more updates or visit them from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. And look forward to another opening soon of their neighbors, Lucky Star Brewery, located a block away at 219 S. Second St. in Miamisburg.

Ghostlight Coffee Celebrates Second Anniversary With Second Location Announcement

November 14, 2013 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

In November of 2011, things changed in South Park. With the opening of a cozy coffee shop who focused on high quality, hand crafted beverages and snacks, suddenly the Dayton community began to flock to this Wayne Avenue location.

Owner Shane Anderson explains that Ghostlight Coffee is a “multi-roaster

Owner Shane Anderson

shop,” featuring a rotating selection of coffees from many of the best roasters in America, including Deeper Roots Coffee (Cincinnati), MadCap Coffee (Grand Rapids, MI), Handsome Coffee (L.A.), Bows & Arrows Coffee (Victoria, B.C.) and Sightglass Coffee (San Francisco). Ghostlight was voted “Best of Dayton – Best Cup of Coffee” in 2012 by the readers of ActiveDayton.com & Dayton Daily News.

Ghostlight Coffee has become a popular “community minded” coffeehouse, hosting many AfterHours events such as music and poetry and featuring local artists on it’s walls. It has gained popularity amongst touring musicians for it’s “listening room” atmosphere, different from most bar venues that these musicians frequently encounter. It also has become the home of the “Gem City Poetry Stage” and previously hosted the popular “Story Slamm” series until they moved to the larger Dayton Black Box theatre. Just recently they opened a meeting room which doubles as a quiet study space for it’s many university students and professors. The business will soon expand services to offer coffee & espresso bar catering for events and online ordering of coffees and gift boxes for individual and corporate orders.

But with their second anniversary comes another expansion: Ghostlight at Night in the Dayton Art Institute!

Ghostlight at Night will feature hand-poured, artisan roasted coffees by Ghostlight Coffee and hand-crafted signature cocktails by the Dayton Cocktail Co., as well as a small-plate menu of sharable snacks. Ghostlight at Night hours will be Tuesday – Friday, 3:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., beginning Friday, November 22 and continuing through January 3.

“The holidays are a busy time here at the museum, and this wonderful new partnership with Ghostlight Coffee allows us to offer guests a unique evening experience in Leo Bistro,” says The DaytonArt Intitute’s Associate Director Jane A. Black. “Ghostlight at Night will complement Elite Catering’s weekday lunch and weekend brunch service at the Bistro.”

Ghostlight at Night will host several evening events at the Leo Bistro location, including:

“The Art of Coffee” Tastings Events, including November 22nd…Tasting of the new Panama Geisha coffee, roasted by Deeper Roots Coffee. The roaster will be on hand to talk about this rare coffee varietal.

“The Art of the Cocktail” Events, hosted by The Dayton Cocktail Co., including December 5 Repeal Day Party, featuring prohibition era cocktails and punches.

Live Music at Leo Bistro, including December 6, featuring The Soucek Jazz Trio, a popular ensemble comprised of area music educators frequently performs at the Wayne Ave. coffeehouse to a packed house.

In addition to Ghostlight at Night, Leo Bistro will continue to offer full lunch service, powered bty Elite Catering. A full menu of soups, sandwiches, salads and entrees is available Tuesday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Leo Bistro also offers a weekend brunch menu, servedSaturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon – 5 p.m.

Ghostlight at Night is part of a host of holiday-related events and programs at The Dayton Art Institute. These include the special exhibitions Object of Devotion and Elizabeth Turk: Wings, now on view through January 5; the Hall of Holidays exhibition Marc Chagall: Jerusalem Window Lithographs, on view November 29 – February 23; an artist-decorated holiday tree and ornament silent auction, November 26 – January 5; holiday-themed Super Saturday Family Days on December 7, 14 and 21; the Fifth Third Bank Arts Night Out presentation Spontaneous Fantasia on December 5; and a special holiday Afternoon Musicale with David Wion & Friends on December 1.

10?’s with Rick Schaefer of Brock Masterson’s Catering

November 13, 2013 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

There’s rarely a festival in Dayton where you don’t find Brock Masterson’s hawking their “Down East” Blue Lump Crab Cakes, “Fatty” Reuben, Grilled Salmon and Brock’s Legendary 3-Potato Hash. There’s always a line, yet the food is so good it’s worth the wait. Brock Masterson’s Catering was founded in 1986 by Chef Rick Schaefer, and while catering is his main business, Brock Masterson’s can be found grilling out at over 20 festivals throughout Dayton region. But now you can also find Brock Masterson’s in your grocery store. “Customers have been asking for years about the special blend of spices that we use to season our grilled meats, so bottling the spices for the customers just made sense,” said Rick Schaefer, Owner & Executive Chef of Brock Masterson’s.

Brock’s Dust, cooking & grilling spices come in four varieties: Brock’s

Dust for Poultry, Beef, Seafood and Pork. Each one is specifically formulated to enhance that type of meat. Chef Rick suggests sprinkling the meat liberally before cooking, grilling or broiling, and then sprinkle Brock’s Dust again immediately before serving.

Brock’s Dust is available locally at all 3 Dorothy Lane Market locations, both Dot’sMarket locations, through our website www.brockmastersons.com or by visiting our booth at an upcoming festival.

And while we were talking with Rick about his new spice line, we insisted he do 10 question interview:

What is your favorite ingredient to cook with?

Butter, it just makes everything taste better and it’s God’s gift to the culinary universe.

The Big Fatty- Brock’s reuben Puff Pastry, it’s a pain to work with.

What ingredient do you dread?
Puff Pastry, it’s a pain to work with.

What’s your favorite dish to make?

Parmesan encrusted Sea Bass with Buerre Blanc Sauce

What’s your favorite pig out food?

Cheese Burgers of any kind.

What restaurant, other than your own do you like to dine at in the Miami Valley?

I make it a point to seek out and dine at local restaurants. Some of my favorites: Golden Nugget for breakfast, Amar India or Ajanta for lunch, and The Oakwood Club for dinner.

What’s your best advice for home chefs?

Recipes are over-rated, unless baking where exact measurements are critical; don’t be afraid to add your favorite spice or ingredient to make the dish your own. Plus, always have fun, some of our best dishes we serve were originally “failed science experiments”. Invite friends and family over to share your culinary creations; this is the perfect time for bonding. Food is the tie that binds and instills comradery among family.

If you could invite any 4 guests to a dinner party who would they be and why?

Well, at a fantasy table where we could intelligently discuss music, science, religion and social issues: I would invite: Albert Einstein, Mother Teresa, John Lennon, and Carl Sagan. The reality is that I would give almost anything to just have one more meal with my 4 grandparents. Some of my very best childhood memories were making and eating holiday meals with my grandparents.

Who do you look up to in the industry and why?

There are just too many to name, but I do have the utmost respect for anyone who can open a local restaurant/business and go through the daily grind of making it succeed.

What do you do in the Miami Valley on a day off?

Day off, what’s that?!? Just kidding. I love to drive, go for walks/bike rides on the local bike trails, eat out at local restaurants, and because it’s open 24 hours a day, I do find time to sneak away to the Horseshoe Casino to play Baccarat or throw some dice.

Share a kitchen disaster, lucky break or other interesting story:

Lucky Break: I have the very best employees and the greatest staff in Dayton and I love them all.

Disaster: Well, we were at a client’s home, and something almost too horrifying to mention happened. I went to the bathroom, just #1, I swear, flushed and much to my horror, the water started rising. I reached down below the toilet to turn off the water valve, but this was an older home and there was no shut-off valve. There was no plunger, coat hanger, nothing. As the water started spilling over the lid, the most horrifying thoughts were running through my head since the hosts were entertaining just a few feet away in the dining room. I grabbed the only thing I could, the host’s elegant, embroidered towels and sopped up the mess. I peeked around the bathroom door and flagged down one of my staff members. She thought it was strange that I wanted to see her in the bathroom, she walked over, peeked inside, looked up at me with wide eyes and ran to get paper towels and a trash bag. We cleaned up everything and threw the mess into the trash bag. Somehow in the midst of cleaning up we got the giggles and could not stop laughing. We were bent over laughing so hard at how ridiculous the situation was. I looked at my employee and told her we had to find the washing machine and pronto. While the guests continued eating, unaware of the scene in the nearby bathroom; I quickly threw the towels into the washing machine. Once they were cleaned and dried, I hung them back up in the bathroom. A gentleman had been in the bathroom right before I was and I blame this entirely horrifying situation on him.