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Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Lisa Grigsby

Dayton’s Premier Wine & Gourmet Food Festival returns

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The original “Party in the Park” was the brain child of two friends, Vail Miller Sr. of Heidelberg and Mike Frank of Arrow Wine.  With a mission of bringing wine out of just the wine cellars and homes of people to the general public, the idea of a wine festival was born.  Now 19 years later, Fleurs et Vin is the most anticipated, talked about and attend wine event in the Miami Valley.

On Sunday, May 23 from 1- 4pm, wine connoisseurs and novices alike will sample the best wines from around the world while enjoying culinary treats from top independent restaurants in the region-click here to see the lineup. The $60 advance admission ticket ($70 at the park) will allow you to to choose from hundreds of wines to samples, chat with winery owners like Amber Lee of J. Lohr Vineyards in San Jose, CA and enjoy the live jazz being played by JT Fedrick/Sax Groove.  Participating restaurants include:  Amber Rose, Carver’s, El Meson, Mamma DiSalvo’s The Oakwood Club, L’Auberge and fifteen more.  For the complete list, click here.

As you stroll through the tent, be sure and make some bids on the silent auction, which will feature gift baskets filled with art, theater tickets and restaurant gift certificates and even a weeks stay at a Lake Norris vacation cabin.  A live auction will get under way at about 3:45pm and some of the early highlights include a hideaway bar cabinet, donated by Bruning’s Wine Cellar, Chef Dinner’s and wine collectibles and verticals.

Not a wine drinker?  Then you may want to spend your time in the Beer Garden featuring Belgium favorites, Stella Artois, Leffe and Hoegaarden. Souvenir glasses will be available for just $2 each.

Proceeds from the event will benefit 13 arts organizations as well as individuals infected, affected and at risk of HIV/AIDS. This event is truly like none other in the Miami Valley.

One day, two causes, 300+ wines and over 1000 friends.

For more info or to purchase tickets, visit the Fleurs et Vin Website.
Tickets also available at area wine stores like Arrow Wine, Bella Vino, Bruning’s Wine Cellar, Dorothy Lane Market, Jerardi’s Little Store, Miami Valley Wine & Liquor,
Miami Valley Wine & Spirits, Rumblseat Wine and The Wine Gallery

UPDATE – TICKET GIVE-AWAY!!!

We’re giving away a pair of free tickets to Fleurs et Vin ($140 value) – just comment below and tell us your favorite place in the Dayton Region to drink or buy wine.  Be sure to include your email address (won’t be made public) so we can notify you if you win.  We’ll announce the winner on our Facebook Fan Page by 5pm Saturday 5/21.  Good Luck!

Wednesday Wine Dinner at The Stockyards Inn

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Join Ardie Bonnanno from 55 Degrees for a wine tasting dinner at the historic Stockyards Inn.

Sample five wines including two outstanding California Reds and Magnotta Vidal Ice Wine.

Wine List:

Ca’tullio Proseco Extra Dry
Mas de la Dame Rose
C.D. Diare Grand Pere Zinfandel Southern Exposure
Stuhlmuller Cabernet Alexander Valley
Magnotta Vidal Ice Wine

Dinner Menu:
Stockyards pub cheese spread with vegetables
Lebanese Garlic Salad
Salted Rye Bread Sticks
12 oz. Certified Angus New York Strip
Baked Yam with Sour Cream
Grilled Asparagus
Homemade miniature chocolate and key lime dessert.

Reservations are required and $60 covers your dinner, tax and gratuity.  Call The restaurant at 937-254-3576 for reservations.  Tasting begins at 6:3pm.


The Stockyards Inn
1065 Springfield St.
Dayton, OH, 45403

Burma VJ, A MUST SEE Film Saturday at FilmDayton Fest

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The following commentary was written  by Andy Valeri, when I asked him how by knew about Burma VJ and why he thought it was such an important “get” for the FilmDayton Festival:

“Burma VJ” (VJ standing for “video journalist”) is one of the most important documentary films to be produced in a number of years. Not simply
because of its filmmaking quality in telling a riveting story about the
“Saffron Revolution” which took place in Burma in 2007, but in *how* that
story was told through the use of citizen-based, grassroots media networks.

Ever since I first saw the film upon its initial release a year ago, I knew
it was a potential game-changer in the world of media and its relationship
to movements for political change. I was fortunate to get a chance to see
this film upon its initial release, when my friends filmmakers Steve Bognar
and Julia Reichert were lent a copy by one of their colleagues. Steve
called me up to tell me about this amazing new film which he had just seen,
and invited me over to watch it. Knowing of my ongoing work in media and
human rights, Steve thought I really should see it.

I was deeply moved by the film, again not only for the drama inherent
within the story itself, but what it represented as a harbinger of the
inherent power and potential in the future progress of community-based,
grassroots media networks as as the most important tool available to
confront the cruelty and injustice in our world. It brought to the fore
Gandhi’s principle that the key to confronting injustice was to make it
visible.

It also struck a personal note with me, as I myself was in the same town in
Thailand where the main figure in the movie was based during the time the
events portrayed in the film were exploding forth.  When I was there I
couldn’t help but be immersed in the goings ons just over the border. It
was a major concern amongst a number of the Buddhist monks that I would
talk with at the time, and no one was sure what was going to happen, since
nothing quite like this had ever happened before in Burma during the
decades of oppressive rule by the military junta in charge. The monks had
taken to the streets in mass organized protests against the legitimacy of
the government, and the government had resorted to actually shooting them.

And here it was all documented by courageous videographers risking their
very lives to show the world what was going on.

Thus began our interest in bringing the film to Dayton.  At first Steve and
I thought it was something that could be presented at the University of
Dayton as part of their groundbreaking Human Rights Studies program. It
certainly would serve as a direct example of my interest in seeing
communication studies incorporated directly into human rights work.

Though the timing for a UD screening wasn’t able to pan out, we are all
more than fortunate to be able to present it at the FilmDayton Festival
this year. And not only that, as the lattice of coincidence would have it,
Steve and Julia ended up meeting and befriending the film’s producer from
Denmark, Lise Lense-Møller at this year’s Academy Awards, in which both
were nominees in their respective documentary categories! And not only
that, but Lise’s husband is from Ohio, and used to be a truck driver, who
would do deliveries to the former GM plant in Moraine about  which whose
closing Steve and Julia’s film was nominated for an Oscar as well!

So, along with the Indian film “Kavi” showing at 12:30pm at Gilly’s on
Saturday, followed by Steve and Julia’s “The Last Truck,” and then with
“Burma VJ” running at 5pm at the Neon Movies, Dayton’s humble little film
festival will have THREE Academy Award-nominated films screening on the
same afternoon in the same festival.

For more on Burma VJ, here’s a good article from The New York Times…
“Democracy Now!” did a story this award winning film, which really gives
good insight into what the film is about, and  the extraordinary risks
citizen journalists take to get information out of the country.

Rev. Cool Arkestra & Dance Ensemble * True Nature/FilmDayton After-Party

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RUCKUS ROBOTICUS, SCORPIUS MAX & THE REV. COOL ARKESTRA & DANCE ENSEMBLE provide a night of high energy dance music in a benefit for FILMDAYTON and an after-party for the film TRUE NATURE.

Although the Arkestra event begins at 10 PM there is an entire evening of dance party entertainment at Gillys as a part of the FilmDayton Festival. A Red Carpet reception takes place from 8PM to 10 PM with the famed Scorpius Max providing the beats.

Following the Neon showing of True Nature the after party goes into full blast with the internationally acclaimed Ruckus Roboticus.The boy robot has recently tour England and Korea, creates soundtracks for Nickelodeon and has played sold out crowds at clubs like NYC’s Mercury Lounge.

At 11PM the REV. COOL ARKESTRA & DANCE ENSEMBLE hits the floor with the most exciting show anywhere with live DJs, horns, drums, Afrobeat, House and Electronic Dance music as well as the most amazing hip-hop dancers in the Midwest. Scorpius will continue the dance party with you even after the professional dancers have left the floor panting.

At 10 the cover drops to a mere $5 or FREE with a stub from TRUE NATURE or a all inclusive FilmDayton pass.

WEAR YOUR DANCING SHOES — DON’T MISS IT!!!

FilmDayton Festival goes international, doubles in size, is movie buff’s dream weekend

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Building on the success of the first FilmDayton Festival, the second 2010 edition will present a lively mix of screenings, filmmaking workshiops, parties and special events unlike anything else in town.

It starts Friday, May 14, on Urban Nights, but continues the downtown vibe throughout the weekend at several venues — the Neon, Gilly’s and at a brand new spot: The former Greyhound bus station, now cleaned up and turned into a special lounge area for filmgoers, filmmakers and guests.

The festival will blend Dayton-centric films by local filmmakers, or artists who were trained here in the craft, many from the Wright State Motion Picture program; student films from WSU seniors and talented
high-schoolers who are being trained by FilmDayton and the Muse Machine; international films and documentaries, along with top festival picks from around the nation, that can only be seen at the FilmDayton Festival; and unusual events such as the “Screenless Screening,” an audio-only
presentation by WYSO-FM.  This rare combination of films and events has been stirred together by
combining the talents and connections of the Dayton filmmaking community and pushing it outward.

The festival, of course, is just part of the work of FilmDayton. In the year since the first FilmDayton Festival, the two-year-old organization has worked with Wright State University’s Motion Picture program and the Muse Machine to teach student workshops and film classes; partnered with the Sundog Film Festival to boost young local filmmakers; brought local filmmakers together to network and share ideas at monthly “Film Connections” meetings; revamped filmdayton.com to better promote the area as a filmmaking
location; set up offices at the Dayton Convention Center and brought on a director, Eva Buttacavoli,.

The group’s goal is to establish the Dayton area as fertile ground for making movies, both by helping the filmmaking community that’s already here to flourish and by luring more film activity to town. The FilmDayton Festival showcases and pushes all that forward.


FILM DAYTON FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

As of May 10, 2010. Schedule and screening times are subject to change. Check www.FilmDayton.com for the most up-to-date schedule, as well as for a complete listing of workshops and special events.

FRIDAY, MAY 14

DAYTON ROCKS! (free event)
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. // FilmDayton Power Up Lounge
Shelly “GladGirl” Hulce, longtime Dayton music insider, digs into local attics, basements and cyber archives to showcase some of Dayton’s best past and present rock videos, skater films and more.

WSU BIG LENS FILM FESTIVAL ($5, free with WSU student ID)
7 to 9:30 p.m. // The Neon
Students from Wright State University’s award-winning motion pictures program screen their most recent productions in this event filled with compelling, contemporary work.

AFTER PARTY WITH THE LAB PARTNERS ($5 or free with Big Lens Film Festival stub)
9 p.m. to midnight // Gilly’s
Dayton spacerockers the Lab Partners always put on a unique, engaging listening and viewing experience ― which will be seriously amped when the band is joined by Springfield native Rod Hatfield’s ensemble, The Now Device, and their light and film performance.

THE BIG LEBOWSKI ($5)
10:15 p.m. // The Neon
Catch this comedy classic, starring Jeff Bridges as The Dude, on the big screen.

SATURDAY, MAY 15

ROPEWALK ($5)
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. // The Neon
What ties together prehistoric tools, Ben Franklin, trust busting, railroads, drug laws, plastics, nanotubes and space travel? Rope, of course. Learn about ropemaking’s forgotten effects on agriculture and industry in Xenia, Ohio, from the Civil War to the present ― and beyond. This award-winning historical documentary film was produced by The Engineers Club of Dayton.

CONVENTION ($5)
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. // Gilly’s
The story behind the mounting of one of the biggest events of the decade: the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Photography and sound by Daytonians Steve Bognar and Julia Reichert, who were nominated for a 2010 Academy Award for their documentary The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant.

WORKSHOP // KARRI O’REILLY DESTROYS YOUR RESUME ―
AND THEN HELPS YOU FIX IT SO YOU CAN GET A JOB ON A MOVIE (free event)
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  // FilmDayton Power Up Lounge
Karri O’Reilly has seen literally thousands of production resumes and most of them stink. Find out how to make your resume stand out ― in a good way ― and learn tips that will help you land a job on a feature film. Sign up for 15-minute appointments beginning at 10:30 a.m.

MUSE MACHINE & FILMDAYTON PRESENT STUDENT SHORTS ($5)
noon to 1 p.m. // The Neon
Students who participated in the 2010 48-hour Film Boot Camp and the Muse Machine Film Club at Centerville High School will show off their films.

MADRINA FILMS PRESENTS THE BEST OF INTERNATIONAL SHORTS ($5)
12:30 p.m.  to 2:30 p.m. // Gilly’s
Springfield filmmaker Marisha Mukerjee selects the best short films the world has to offer, including the documentary Last Supper for Malthus, winner of the European Independent Film Festival 2010’s audience award. With a billion of the world’s population going to be hungry at night, Last Supper for Malthus sheds light on our permanent food crisis.

RECORDING OF “FILMICALLY PERFECT” (free event)
1 to 3 p.m. // ThinkTV
J. Todd Anderson ― filmmaker and storyboard artists for such directors at the Coen brothers ― and George Willeman ― film archivist, writer and producer ― will record their WYSO 91.3-FM radio show “Filmically Perfect” in front of a live audience.  “Filmically Perfect,” hosted by Niki Dakota, WYSO music director, airs at 12:30 p.m. Fridays on the station, when Anderson and Willeman dissect classic films.

GIRL POWER SHORTS: SUNDAY SPIN / THE ACT / RITE ($5)
1 to 2:30 p.m. // The Neon
Girls with secrets is the theme in these short films. Sunday Spin, written and directed by former Daytonian Nichol Simmons, features a 100 percent Dayton cast and crew. First love, BFFs, lip gloss, barbecued carrots and that boy from eighth grade take Eloise on an unforgettable Sunday spin in this sassy take on the after-school special. The Act was written and directed by Pi Ware and Susan Kraker and filmed by former Daytonian Marco Fargnoli. Rounding out this trio of shorts is Rite, written and directed by Kettering native Alicia Conway.

THE 1ST ANNUAL WYSO SCREENless SCREENING ($5)
3 to 4:30 p.m. // The Neon
WYSO 91.3-FM Director Neenah Ellis and program director Juliet Fromholt present a celebration of Dayton stories, sounds and the art of listening. Hear radio magazine feature stories, such as those on NPR’s StoryCorps and Ira Glass’ This American Life, as you never have before ― in a dark movie theater.

THE LAST TRUCK: THE CLOSING OF A GM PLANT ($5)
3 to 4:30 p.m. // Gilly’s
Directed and written by Julia Reichert and Steve Bognar of Yellow Springs, The Last Truck was nominated for an Academy Award for best documentary, short subject. It tells the story of the workers of the General Motors Assembly Plant in Moraine, which opened in 1981 and closed on Dec. 23, 2008. While the workers are shocked they’ll be losing their jobs, the film shows they’re also losing much more: the pride they share in their work, the camaraderie built through the years and the shared concerns about what their collective futures will hold. The Last Truck offers a snapshot of a moment in America where we may be seeing the end of the blue-collar middle class.

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH SUNDAY SPIN (free event)
3:30 to 5 p.m. // FilmDayton Power Up Lounge
Nichol Simmons, writer and director of Sunday Spin, talks about how the film came to be.

MASTER CLASS // ACTING ($15)
4 to 5:30 p.m. // ThinkTV
This class will be taught by a trio of experts: Dave Gewertz, founder of MidwestExtrasDB.com, designed to be the go-to site in the Midwest for people who are interested in being extras in films, television and commercials; Marianne Porter, Wright State University graduate and one of the stars of feature film True Nature; and Stuart McDowell, chair and artistic director of Wright State University’s department of theatre, dance and motion pictures.

BURMA VJ ($5)
5 to 7 p.m. // The Neon
This 2010 Academy Award Nominee for best documentary feature is the true story of an anonymous collective of underground video journalists (VJs) who risked their lives to capture the dramatic 2007 Myanmar uprising, when 100,000 people (including thousands of Buddhist monks) took to the streets in protest. The producer, Lise Lense-Møller, will be in Dayton all the way from Denmark for a Q&A after the film.

FILMDAYTON’S SECOND ANNUAL PITCH-IT! ($5)
6 to 8 p.m. // Gilly’s
Think you’ve got a golden idea for a film? This is your opportunity to prove it. Drop $5 in the hat and pitch your movie in two minutes to a panel of industry experts. The winner takes home the cash and the championship belt, although this lively event is fun for audience and aspiring filmmakers alike. Hosted by Niki Dakota, WYSO 91.3-FM music director, with judges including Stuart McDowell, chair and artistic director of Wright State University’s department of theatre, dance and motion pictures; Nichol Simmons, writer and director of Sunday Spin; and Jennifer Sharp, director of I’m Through with White Girls.

TRUE NATURE MEMBERS ONLY SCREENING**
8 to 10 p.m. // The Neon
Part drama and part supernatural thriller, True Nature is the story of a family reunited when their college-age daughter is found after a year-long disappearance. Written, directed, produced and filmed in Dayton by Dayton’s own Pat Steele and Ann Rotolante. **This screening is for FilmDayton members and Reel Deal and All-Access pass holders only.

RED CARPET, REV. COOL, DJs AND DANCE PARTY DOUBLE FEATURE
8 p.m. to midnight // Gilly’s
Dance around the fringe with The Rev. Cool’s Arkestra & Dance Ensemble, joined by popular local spinmasters Ruckus Roboticus and DJ Scorpius Max.
• FilmDayton Fundraiser: From 8-10 p.m., enjoy themed martinis and catered bites while helping support Dayton’s nonprofit organization dedicated to local film and filmmakers. $15
• General admission: $5 after 10 p.m. or free with True Nature stub

INK & FLESH / FUN IN THE OLD TOWN TONIGHT ($5)
midnight // The Neon
Dayton favorite Andy Copp presents a world and local premiere double feature with classic ’70s era grindhouse trailers in between and a Q&A.

SUNDAY, MAY 16
BOOKSIGNING WITH JAMES GREER (free event)
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. // FilmDayton Power Up Lounge
James Greer will discuss and sign his most recent book, The Failure, and host a Q&A session about his current movie project, Cleo, a rock musical of sorts, about Cleopatra. Greer wrote the script for this film starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and directed by Steven Soderbergh, who describes the film asTommy meets Viva Las Vegas, with music by Robert Pollard of Guided by Voices. Greer has been a bassist for Guided By Voices, editor of Spin magazine, and is the author of Guided by Voices: A Brief History: Twenty-One Years of Hunting Accidents in the Forests of Rock and Roll and the novel Artificial Light.

SUNDOG FILM FESTIVAL ($5)
1 to 2:30 p.m. // The Neon
Originated in Yellow Springs in 2003, this juried competition is open to young filmmakers in grades 8-12.

PANEL DISCUSSION // FILMING UNDER DURESS (free event)
1 to 2:30 p.m. // FilmDayton Power Up Lounge
What happens when your cameras aren’t welcome or in danger zones? Lise Lense-Møller will discuss the perils of filming under less than ideal conditions. Lense-Møller is the producer of Burma VJ, a 2010 Academy Award Nominee for best documentary feature. It tells the true story of an anonymous collective of underground video journalists (VJs) who risked their lives to capture the dramatic 2007 Myanmar uprising, when 100,000 people (including thousands of Buddhist monks) took to the streets in protest.

FILM CONNECTIONS PRESENTS WORKS IN PROGRESS ($5)
1 to 2:30 p.m. // Gilly’s
Loose, informal and interactive, FilmDayton’s monthly networking program, Film Connections, moves to Gilly’s one time only for this special edition of local works in progress. Hosted by recent Wright State University grad and local filmmaker Rocky Smith.

WORKSHOP // INDEPENDENT FILMMAKING ($15)
1 to 2:30 p.m. // Dayton Convention Center
True Nature director Pat Steele and Ann Rotolante present “Beginning to End: A How-to of Local Independent Filmmaking.” From the big idea to opening night, learn how to create an independent film.

DIRECTING PANEL ($15)
3:30 to 5 p.m. // Dayton Convention Center
Jennifer Sharp, director of I’m Through with White Girls and Mike Webber, director of The Elephant in the Living Room, discuss the ins-and-outs of directing and give workshop attendees a director’s behind the lens view.

WINTER’S BONE ($5)
3:30 to 5 p.m. // The Neon
Get an exclusive first look at this winner of the 2010 Sundance Grand Jury Prize, which doesn’t open to general audiences until June. The film tells the story of a young woman who must fight her way through the Ozark wilderness and local criminal underworld to find her father and save her family.

WSU BIG LENS FILM FESTIVAL, TAKE TWO ($5, free with WSU student ID)
3:30 to 5 p.m. // Gilly’s
Missed this festival on Friday? No worries. This is your second chance to catch students from Wright State University’s award-winning motion pictures program screening their most recent productions in this event filled with compelling, contemporary work. The festival will be followed by a meet-and-greet from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

EXPLODING GIRL ($5)
5:30 to 7 p.m. // The Neon
This drama is the exquisite portrait of a young girl coming of age and finding a deeper kind of love in New York City. Kettering native Bradley Rust Grey directed this independent feature, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival last year. At Tribeca, its lead, rising indie star Zoe Kazan (Revolutionary Road, It’s Complicated, Me and Orson Welles), won the award for best actress.

I’M THROUGH WITH WHITE GIRLS ($5)
7:30 p.m. // The Neon
In this film, winner of the 2007 Block Buster Audience Award at the American Black Film Festival, Jay Brooks is on a quest to find the perfect woman ― but first he must deal with his commitment issues to win his love. Director and Yellow Springs native Jennifer Sharp will be on hand for a Q&A and discussion after the screening.

The FilmDayton Festival thanks its sponsors, without whom this festival would not be possible: DP&L, Cox Ohio Media/Dayton Daily News,activedayton.com, ThinkTV, WYSO 91.3-FM, The Now Device, Dayton City Paper, Wright State University, the Southern Ohio Council for Higher Education and The Ohio Coffee Co.

Stivers Choreographers Showcase Fundraiser

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Here is an opportunity for you to have an evening of entertainment and help a great cause.  Thursday, May 13, the Seedling Foundation is hosting a private preview at 7:30 pm in Stivers Centennial Hall to raise funds for the dance department.

• Meet the choreographers

•Hear about the creative process from idea to dance

• Learn how the dances are created, practiced and performed

Stivers School for the Arts
2010 Choreographers Showcase

The evening starts with a 6 -7:30 pm hors d’ oeuvre buffet served by Coco’s bistro
$30 for buffet and preview
(includes $15 tax deductible donation to the seedling Foundation)
Call 937.430.6402 for reservations

Another Spinoza’s Beer & Pizza Dinner

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Glen Brailey’s pizza parlor a the Mall of Fairfield Commons  is building a reputation for hosting phenominal beer dinners.  Spinoza’s will be doing it again Tuesday, May 25th  at 7:00 pm.  Lindsey Shafer from Goose Island Brewing Company, a craft  brewer located in Chicago,  will be on hand to talk about the unique Goose Island beers featured at this special event. For just $24.95 per person plus tax & gratuity, you’ll enjoy a five course dinner complimented with six brews from Goose Island.  Seating is by reservation only. Previous beer dinners have sold out quickly so you’ll want to call 937-426-7799 for reservations quickly to reserve your seats.
Goose Island Event Menu:
“Summertime” German-Syle Kolsch paired with House-made Soft Pretzel and Roasted Garlic Aioli

“312” Urban Wheat Ale paired with Bruschetta with Goat Cheese and Roasted Yellow Pepper-Cilantro Pesto
“Sofie” Belgian Style Farmhouse Ale paired with a salad of Mache Lettuce, Chilled Wild-Caught Sea Scallops, Honey Roasted Pecans, and Lemon Caper Vinaigrette

“Matilda” Belgian Style Pale Ale paired with Hearth Baked Pizza with Pesto, Lump Crab, Pine Nuts, Goat Cheese, and Roasted Chilies

“Pere Jacues” Belgian Style Abbey Ale paired with Strawberry Cheesecake with Belgian Chocolate Sauce
“Night Stalker” Imperial Stout- A heavily-hopped imperial stout, Night Stalker is a heavyweight of a beer. It delivers a formidable punch of hops and rich roasted malt notes to the nose in a silky body that’s as dark as night.

Where to Wine & Dine Mom

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It’s traditionally the busiest restaurant day of the year, so we highly suggest you make reservations for your celebration!  Here are some suggestions:

Amber Rose,
1400 N. Valley St., Dayton, (937) 228-2511, open 11 a.m. to 4pm.
Mom’s receive a $10 gift certificate for a subsequent visit

Amelia’s Bistro, 129 W. Franklin St., Bellbrook, (937) 310-3040, open 11
am – 3 pm.

Artisans Cafe, 8351 N. Main St., Clayton, (937) 832-1176, 11 am 8:30 p.m.
Four-course dinner special for $14.95; regular dinner
menu also available.


 L’Auberge: 4120 Far Hills Ave., Kettering, (937)299-5536. Noon – 7 pm
Three-course fixed-price meal with eight entree choices for $39.50; kids menu $12.

Barleycorn’s Restaurant & Bar: 6204 Wilmington Pike, Sugarcreek Twp.,
(937) 848-6999. Mother’s Day brunch 10 am – 2 pm; Adults:
$14.95, kids $5.95, kids under 5 eat free.

The Barnsider Restaurant, 5202 N. Main St., Harrison Twp., (937)
277-1332, noon – 7 pm

Boulevard Haus: 329 E. Fifth St., Dayton, (937) 824-2722. Mother’s Day
brunch from 11 am – 2:30 pm Cost: $19.99, children 5 to 12  $8.99, under 5 -free.

Caffe Anticoli, 8268 N. Main St., Clayton, (937) 890-0300. Open 11
am – 7 pm serving Mother’s Day specials and 15 selections from the regular menu.

The Caroline, 5 S. Market St., Troy, (937) 552-7676,
Mother’s Day brunch buffet from 10am –  2 pm  Adults $18.95, children 5 to 12 $8.95.

Carvers Steaks & Chops, 1535 Miamisburg-Centerville Road,
Washington Twp., (937) 433-7099.  Plated brunch menu 11 am
to 4 pm, full dinner menu available 11am – 8pm

C’est Tout, 2600 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood, (937) 298-0022. Noon to 8 pm

Champps Americana, 7880 Washington Village Drive, Washington Twp., (937) 433-2333.  Mother’s Day brunch and entree buffet from 9 am – 3 pm Adults
$16.95, kids $9.95.

Chappys Tap Room and Grille, 2733 W. Alex-Bell Road, Moraine, (937)
299-7427, 11 am  – 9 pm   Special $9.95 menu.

Coco’s Bistro, 515 Wayne Ave., Dayton, (937) 228-2626. Open 11 am – 2 pm

Culp’s Cafe, 1000 Carillon Blvd. at Carillon Historical Park (937) 299-2277. Old Fashioned Mother’s Day Brunch 11 am – 3 pm.Adults $17, children 12 and under $10.

Dublin Pub , 300 Wayne Ave., Dayton, (937) 224-7822, open 11 am -10 pm,
mothers get up to $10 off any one item on the menu with the purchase of one
or more meals at regular price.

El Meson, 903 E. Dixie Drive, West Carrollton, (937) 859-8229, Brunch buffet served
from 11 am -3 pm Adults $27, children 12 and under $12, 6 and under free.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 4432 Walnut St. at The
Greene,  (937) 320-9548. Special brunch menu 11:30am 3pm, regular menu through the evening. Brunch $29.95. Mothers
receive a $25 dining card to use on a subsequent visit to Fleming’s
from May 10 through June 14.

Fricker’s, all Dayton-area locations, open regular hours from 11 am through 2:30
am, mothers will receive a small box of chocolates while supplies
last.

Giovanni’s Ristorante Italiano, 215 W. Main St.,
Fairborn, (937) 878-1611, open 11am -6 pm  Mother’s Day buffet. Adults $14.95, children 11 and under $7.95.

Golden Jersey Inn, 6880 Springfield-Xenia Road (U.S.68) north of Yellow Springs, (937) 324-2050. Open 8am to 8pm No
reservations required.

Harrison’s, 106 E. Main St., Tipp City, (937) 667-5200, noon to 5 pm.

Jay’s Restaurant,
225 E. Sixth St., Dayton, (937) 222-2892. Open noon to 9 pm

Kohinoor Palace, 39 S. Springboro Pike across from the Dayton Mall  937-723-9014, Brunch buffet from noon -3 pm, dinner 5 pm -9 pm, mothers pay
half price when accompanied by family members. Brunch buffet is
$13.99.

La Piazza, 2 N. Market St., Troy, (937) 339-5553. Open 11 am -8 pm
Mother’s Day specials and regular menu.

Mamma DiSalvo’s, 1375 E. Stroop Road, Kettering, (937) 299-5831. Open
noon to 8:30 pm Mothers get 10 percent off of their meal and a free dessert.

McCormick & Schmicks, 4429 Cedar Park Drive at The Greene,
Beavercreek, (937) 431-9200, Brunch served 11 am- 2 pm, dinner menu
available all day.

Michael Anthony’s at the Inn, 21 W. Main St., Versailles, (937)
526-3020, brunch from 11am -3 pm, adults $22.95, children 3 to
10 $10.95, under 3 are free.

Paragon Club, 797 Miamisburg-Centerville Road,Washington Twp., 937-433-1234. Open 3 pm – 9 pm Serving Mother’s Day specials and regular menu. Reservations suggested for groups of five or more.

Savona Restaurant & Wine Bar, 79 S. Main St.,Centerville, (937) 610-9835. Open for Mother’s Day brunch from 11 am -3 pm Two-course meal for $22.99 or order off the menu a la carte.

Spinoza’s Gourmet Pizza & Salads, 2727 Fairfield’s Common Blvd. at the Mall
at Fairfield Commons, Beavercreek, (937) 426-7799. Open noon to 7
p.m. Moms receive a certificate for a free artisan salad valid on a
subsequent visit from May 9 through May 30.

Stockyards Inn, 1065 Springfield St., Dayton,
(937) 254-3576. Open noon – 8 pm Special Mother’s Day menu and
regular menu available.

Sweeney’s Seafood House, 28 W. Franklin St., Centerville, (937)
291-3474. Open 5 pm – 8:30 pm with regular menu plus Mother’s Day
specials.

Wellington Grille, 2450 Dayton-Xenia Road,
Beavercreek, (937) 426-4600, open noon – 7 pm

The Golf Club at Yankee Trace, 438-3585, 1st two seatings full, still room at 4pm seating, Adults 22.95 /12 and Under 12.95 5 and under Free!

Special thanks to Mark Fisher- check out his Taste column in the Dayton Daily News

Learn About The Wines of Tuscany at Rumbleseat

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Italian winemaker Julie Seder will lead a seminar on May 5th to introduce us to the wines of Tuscany. This very special Italian region produces some fantastic wines. The La Massa winery is in the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany, Italy.  One of their wines was #27 in the top 100 wines of Wine Spectator last year. Julie is planning to bring some of that wine with her as well as some of the other Top 100’s for guests to taste. There will be a variety of fantastic wines to tempt your palate!  Tasting seminar runs from 5 -7pm, no reservations required.

Rumbseat Wine 937-938-98901
5853 Far Hills Ave, Kettering

We hope you’ll join us for this seminar…no reservations required.

Wine Is For Drinking Not Worshipping

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winetasting1If you’ve ever been to the 5th Street Wine & Deli, you’ll realize that they are all about enjoying their beer and wine, without the snobbery often associated with wine shops.  So it’s no surprise that they would host a seminar  a down to earth, strip away the snooty facade, seminar for the wine beginner or any level enthusiast.  Hosted by Rob Barrows, Manager of the deli, the first of this 2 part series begins May 6th at 7:00 p.m. SHARP at the deli, rain or shine.

Part 1 will cover:

  1. 1. A brief history of wine

  2. 2. How to taste and recognize the subtle Nuances

  3. 3. Major red and white wines from the USA and France

  4. 4.Serving Guidlines

  5. 5.Proper opening and storage

Tasting:

  1. 1.Chardonnay

  2. 2.Pinot Grigio

  3. 3.Merlot

  4. 4.Cabernet Sauvignon

  5. 5.Red Zinfandel

Guest Speaker is Charlie de Armon from 55 Degrees Wine Distributor.  Charlie has 14 years experience as a wine representative and another 10 years in fine dining experience.

shapeimage_2Each seminar is $15 and must be paid in advance.  Space is limited, really we are not making that up.  You may sign up at the front counter at 5th Street Wine & Deli.  Any questions call Rob Barrows at 937-220-9333.

Part 2 is May 13th at 7:00 p.m. SHARP At the deli, rain or shine.

Part 2 will cover:

  1. 1. How to read wine labels

  2. 2. How to find great deals on retail wine shops

  3. 3.How to order in restaurants

  4. 4.Wine and food pairings

  5. 5.Looking for the great harvest years for certain wines

Tasting:

  1. 1.Reisling

  2. 2.White Bordeaux

  3. 3.Malbec

  4. 4.Pinot Noir

  5. 5.Red Blend

Guest Speaker is Joe Daniel from Jay’s Seafood Restaurant.  Joe has 10 years experience as the wine buyer for Jay’s which is annually awarded as having a world class wine list by Wine Spectator Magazine.

Crown Jewels “Derby Day Brunch”

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n388078255349_5434Get in the spirit of May 1st and run for the pink roses by attending the first “Crown Jewels Derby Day Brunch” at Brio Tuscan Grille at The Greene. Enjoy fun, fashions, a fabulous hat show, silent auction and of course, great food. Brunch includes all-you-can eat buffet and one mint julep. Ladies, wear the biggest hat you can find!!! Tickets are $40 with proceeds going to Kettering Medical Center Foundation’s Women’s Wellness Fund.

Call (937) 259-7927 or crownjewelsinc@sbcglobal.net for tickets or sponsorship information, today!!!  Brunch runs from 10am to 1pm.

Meet the NEW Dayton Dutch Lions FC

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n115763131772703_358The Dutch Lions Capital Group purchased the license to play professional soccer in the Premier Development League (PDL) of the United Soccer Leagues (USL) in Dayton. The club will also have a Youth Academy in order to develop youth players to professional players. This Academy is based on the Dutch youth development philosophy, ranked worldwide in category 1 according to FIFA.Dutch Lions FC brings an attractive, dominating style of professional soccer – based on the Dutch philosophy – to the community.

There are 18 million soccer players in the USA (the most in the world) and although the Americans dominate almost every sport, there are almost no US players performing at the world’s top level. The Dutch Lion’s feel this is due to a lack of tactical development, something the Dutch school is known for worldwide.

The Dutch Lions FC will start educating kids at the age of seven and develop them eight to ten years to prep them for a professional career in either the USA or Europe. And even if a professional career is out of reach, the quality education will more than likely contribute towards obtaining a soccer scholarship for a college career.
You can help welcome the owner and new players at the Dayton Racquet Club on Friday April 30th  for lunch and a ‘meet and greet’. The cost per person for lunch is $20. RSVP to Lori Luebben at 224-4381 .  Lunch will begin at 11:30am.

3rd Annual Hunks in Heels Event coming May 8th

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hunks_heels-1161An event created so that men in our community can honor the women in their lives and the balancing act they perform by racing around the track at the Greene on Saturday, May 8th at 2pm. While this sounds like great fun, and in fact is, what makes these hunks even more special is that they do all of this to support Clothes That Work. CEOs, community leaders, firefighters, and even that guy down the street are undeniably hunky when strapping on a pair of heels to help provide interview appropriate clothing and image training for those looking to enter or reenter the workforce. Swooning and giggles, guaranteed.  You can enter Hunks In Heels as an individual or a team, contact Lacie at 937-416.8503 for more information.

Last years Best Legs champ, Vince Corrado

Last years Best Legs champ, Vince Corrado

New this year is the online BEST LEGS competition. Nineteen of our true community leaders have let us turn them into eye candy  for a great cause.  With help from photographer Andy Snow, each of our hunks has two photo’s on line for your viewing pleasure.  Help us pick the winner with your votes!  Each vote is $5 and  benefits Clothes That Work. The cost to aid one job-seeker with wardrobe and image assistance is about $135, so vote early and often!

UPDATE!!

Here is a video of the event – special thanks to our friend Sherif Hedayat (always good for a laugh!)

2nd annual FilmDayton Festival coming May 14-16

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filmdaytonThe three-day schedule for the FilmDayton Festival is packed with everything from local rock videos to Academy Award-nominated films, parties to a story pitch session, a “screenless screening” to student films.

The festival will be held Friday, May 14, through Sunday, May 16, in downtown Dayton at The Neon movie theater, 130 E. Fifth St., and Gilly’s nightclub, 132 S. Jefferson St. Events also will be held at Think TV, 110 S. Jefferson St., and in the former Greyhound station on Fifth Street in the City of Dayton Transportation Center.

Pricing for individual tickets to films will be $5 and workshops will be $15. Weekend passes are available: The $35 Reel Deal pass includes access to all three days of films. The $75 All-Access pass includes the Reel Deal benefits, plus access to special parties on Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets and passes will be available soon at www.FilmDayton.com. In addition, discounts and special screenings are available to FilmDayton members. Visit the Web site for more information and to become a member.

The FilmDayton Festival will spotlight Dayton-centric feature and short films from around the world and the city’s own backyard, along with workshops, Q&A sessions and much more. A complete schedule follows, and highlights include:

• Winner of the 2010 Sundance Grand Jury Prize, the family drama Winter’s Bone will be shown exclusively at the FilmDayton Festival before it opens to the general public in June.

• WYSO 91.3-FM Director Neenah Ellis hosts the first “Screenless Screening,” a presentation of Dayton stories and sounds akin to Story Corps or This American Life ― and an unconventional listening experience in a dark movie theater.

• The producer of the gripping international documentary Burma VJ will be at the festival all the way from Denmark for a Q&A and discussion following the film.

• Convention features photography and sound by Daytonians and 2010 Academy Award nominees Steve Bognar and Julia Reichert.

• During the second annual Pitch It! session, festival-goers can take a stab at selling their film ideas to industry pros.

• Sunday Spin, written and directed by former Daytonian Nichol Simmons, features a 100 percent Dayton cast and crew.

• Wright State University’s popular Big Lens Film Festival will feature the most recent work by students in the university’s award-winning motion pictures program.

• Rev. Cool, longtime DJ of the popular “Around the Fringe” show on WYSO 91.3-FM, and his Arkestra Ensemble will take over Gilly’s with music and dance during a special Saturday night party.

“The FilmDayton Festival gives audiences a unique opportunity to see award-winning films and the work of young, emerging filmmakers ― all with a Dayton connection,” said Ron Rollins, FilmDayton board president. “This memorable three-day experience spotlights the creativity coming out of and inspired by our city.”

With twice as many films being screened in multiple locations, the FilmDayton Festival has doubled in size from last year. In 2009, the inaugural festival featured such award-winning films as 45365, which has gone on to win three film festival awards, and Blue Car, for which actress Agnes Bruckner was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award. In addition, last year’s festival sold more than 1,000 tickets to screenings and workshops, awarded 10 individual student films $1,000 each, and brought a larger audience to Wright State University’s Big Lens Film Festival.

“We expect this year’s festival to have an even further reach,” said Eva Buttacavoli, FilmDayton director. “It’s a chance to learn about the far-reaching scope of film in the Dayton community, which audiences really appreciate and enjoy.”

FilmDayton promotes the art, craft and business of filmmaking in the region; presents year-round events, including the annual FilmDayton Festival; and helps grow the next generation of filmmakers and film lovers. For more information, visit www.FilmDayton.com.

Wellington Grille Hosts Wine Tasting

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winepouringOn Thursday, April 22nd from 5-8pm you’ll have the chance to taste wines rare to Ohio.  They are all 2007’s from Tobias Glen , Meredith Estate, Coopersmith Vineyard and Flax Vineyard . These wine almost never make it to Ohio and there is a very limited amount available for tasting. Hosted by Mel Bonie.

2007 Tobias Glen Vineyards
2007 Meredith Estates
2007 Coopersmith Vineyards
2007 Flax Vineyards

The Wellington Grille
2450 Dayton Xenia Road
Dayton, OH  45343
937.426.4600

Email:  info@wellingtongrille.com

For directions and/or a map, please visit MaqQuest

Dayton Innovation Legacy reveals the stories and strategies of Dayton Innovators through multimedia.

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An inventor fails 999 times, and if he succeeds once, he's in. He treats his failures simply as practice shots. – Charles F. Kettering

Too many stories of unsung Dayton innovators are forgotten. Let’s bring to light our city’s technical heritage for the next generation—just when Dayton most needs to reinvent itself!

Dayton Innovation Legacy.org is a new website that uses oral history, video and other media to tell the stories of Dayton innovators, especially those less well known. This educational resource will feature local engineers, scientists, educators, aviators, mathematicians and medical professionals.

By bringing Dayton’s Innovation Legacy to light, the web site will help educate, recruit new members, and assist Dayton development. The website is sponsored by the Engineers Club of Dayton Foundation.

Dayton Innovation Legacy features separate multimedia web pages for each chosen innovator. Living subjects will be interviewed on video following best practices in Oral History. Original materials will also be archived for future researchers.

The first profiles are now online. Other features include historical films of the Wright brothers, Charles Kettering and Edward Deeds, archived biographies from the Engineers Club of Dayton and much more.  If you’d like to help fund future biographies, consider making a tax-deductible contribution to the “Engineers Club of Dayton Foundation – Legacy”.

Donations may be sent to:

Engineers Club of Dayton Foundation – Legacy

110 East Monument Avenue

Dayton, OH  45402