Lisa Grigsby

Red Velvet Cupcakes For A Cause!

February 13, 2011 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Need a treat for your office for Valentine’s Day? Why not order up something sweet that can help others as well?

Butter Cafe on Brown Street in Dayton is raising money for AIDS awareness, with a RED VELVET CUPCAKE and delicious Frosted SUGAR COOKIE sale. (Having sampled these, I can tell you the generous topping of cream cheese frosting is finger licking good!)

One of the co-owners, Sarah, will be riding the AIDS/LifeCycle bike ride 545 miles from San Francisco to LA on June 5th – 11th. To raise money for the ride, Butter Cafe got creative and decided to use their goodies to gain the necessary funds. They will also be partnering locally with AIDS Resource Center Ohio (ARC Ohio) to keep some of the proceeds here in the Miami Valley.

Cupcakes $2.99 – buy a dozen and save $6

Cookies $1.50

Butter Cafe also delivers, so why not give them a call at 937-985-9917
and order up some today?!

Hey Hop-Heads – This One’s For You!

February 10, 2011 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

The Hoptimum was created during on of Sierra Nevada’s “Beer Camps,” a new program where people — usually beer distributors, retailers and others — spend two days at the brewery’s pilot brewhouse learning about the brewery and making their own small batch of beer. After the success of the single batch, beer camp Hoptimum, Sierra Nevada tweaked the formula for a commercial release, which they describe as follows:

Hops, hops, and more hops are the stars of this big, whole-cone Imperial IPA. Resinous “new-school” and exclusive hop varieties carry the bold and aromatic nose. The flavor follows the aroma with layers of aggressive hoppiness, featuring notes of grapefruit rind, rose, lilac, cedar, and tropical fruit — all culminating in a dry and lasting finish.

Hoptimum: the biggest whole-cone IPA we have ever produced.


alcohol content 10.4% by volume	BITTERING hops German Magnum
beginning gravity 22.8 Plato	AROMA hops Simcoe & New Proprietary Variety
ending gravity 4.5 Plato	DRY hops Simcoe & New Proprietary Variety
bitterness units 100	TORPEDO hops Citra & Chinook
yeast Ale	malts Two-row Pale, Golden Promise, Munich & Wheat
Get your Hoptimum fix at at: Chappy’s – keg tapping at 7pm on Thurs, Feb 10th Spinoza’s – keg tapping at 6pm on Fri, Feb 11th

Goodbye Tiger, Hello Rabbit

February 2, 2011 By Lisa Grigsby 1 Comment

According to the Chinese Almanac, tonight at midnight the tiger leaves us and makes way for the Year of the Rabbit. Each year of the 12-year cycle is named after an animal. Each animal has a different personality and different characteristics that are believed to be the traits of a person born in that year, and which determine their success and happiness. The rabbit largely represents tranquility and calm. In Chinese astrology, the rabbit sign is further divided into subcategories: metal, water, wood, fire and earth. The year 2011 falls under the metal category. ChineseZodiac.com says metal “gives Rabbits more strength, resilience and determination.” As a result, the site says, metal rabbits are “more intense in their actions, whether they’re work-related or romantic.”

What that all really means to me is that there are usually some incredible meals served up at our local Asian eateries to celebrate the New Year! So here’s a quick round up of what’s available:

China Dynasty

9142 Dayton Lebanon Pike (Ohio 48), Washington Twp, OH (937) 433-1212
Will host an 11 course meal for $29.95 on Fri, Feb 4th and Sat Feb 5th. Reservations required

Kabuki Korean & Japanese Restaurant

848 S. Main St., Centerville (937) 435-9500

A special dinner-for-two menu for $25.95 and special new-year dishes that incorporate Korean rice cakes, a traditional new-years specialty. Available all day Wed, Feb 2nd – Sat, Feb 5th.

The Nanking Inn

2627 S. Smithville Road, Dayton (937) 256-8555
Offering a special menu that will include soup, appetizer, multiple entrees designed to share, and dessert for $30/ guest on Thurs, Feb 3rd – Sat, Feb 5th.

Pho Mi

8900 Kingsridge Dr, Miami Township 937-438-7388

Will offer the following items in honor of the New Year through Feb 11th:

Appetizer
Xoi Tau Xanh – Sticky Rice with Yellow Bean	$3.50
Banh Tet Man – Sticky Rice with Pork	$3.50
Main Course
Suon Xao Chua Ngot – Sweet & Sour Pork Rib	$10.50
Ga Xao Chua Ngot – Sweet & Sour Chicken	$9.50
Thit Hap Khoai Mon – Roast Pork with Toro	$9.50
Desert
Banh Tet Ngot – Sticky Rice Cake	$2.50
Sam Bo Luong – Sweet Lotus Seed Drink	$3.00

Sima Korean & Japanese Restaurant

1771 Woodman Dr, Kettering (937) 258-7040

Will offer 1/2 off Chef’s Special Rolls from 7-10pm Wed, Feb 2 & Thurs, Feb 3rd

As always, if you know of others restaurants offering up some specials, just let us know in the comments below and may your New Year be prosperous – Kung Hei Fat Choi!

AIDS Resource Center Ohio Looking for Young Adults with A Passion To Be An Ambassador For Their Mission

February 1, 2011 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Why be a part of the ARC Ohio Associate Board?

Young adults are disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that as many as half of all new HIV infections in the U.S. occur among those aged 25 years and younger. As a result, AIDS Resource Center Ohio (ARC Ohio) has formed an Associate Board as a method of engaging young adults in the fight against the epidemic.

What kind of members are we looking for?

Young adults between the ages of 21 and 40 who have—or are willing to gain—an extraordinary commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS transmission. In addition to this commitment, we are looking for members who complete a matrix of characteristics including skill areas, employment and demographics. The information gained from completing the next two pages will help us best fill the ranks with people who are not only committed to the cause, but fill the gaps we are looking for to achieve a well-rounded Associate Board.

What is the Value to me as a Joiner?

●   Enhances résumé-building with important community service while gaining a sense of philanthropy.
●   Increases knowledge about ARC Ohio’s vital work including advocacy and the art of fundraising
● Develops leadership skills and the potential to join the ARC Ohio’s Board of   Trustees in the future.
● Be part of a group of people that has fun and does interesting activities together.

Interested?

Please take a moment to read the Associate Board Responsibilities and the Time Commitment. Then, if you still think this is a fit for you, fill out the application in full. Someone will be in touch with you as soon as possible. If you have questions or would like more information about the Associate Board or AIDS Resource Center Ohio, please contact Nora Vondrell or 937.461.2437 ext. 2027.

Savor Your Sundays & Support Stivers

January 27, 2011 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

For the third year in a row Coco’s Bistro will open in February for Sunday Brunch to benefit Stivers School for the Arts. This unique fundraising event is food for the spirit – and stomach!

A different group from Stivers will perform each Sunday:
Feb. 6: Jazz Trio
Feb. 13: String Ensemble
Feb. 20: Chamber Choir
Feb. 27: Concert Pianists

Each Sunday will feature two seatings the first at 10 am to 11:30 a.m. and the second begins at noon t0 1:30pm. Brunch runs $30 per person; $15 of this is a tax-deductible donation to the seedling Foundation, which supports the arts at Stivers. Gift certificates also are available.

All funds raised during the Sunday brunches will support arts instruction at the school.
Advanced reservations are required; seating is limited. Call 228-COCO (2626), or reserve online.
Coco’s is located at 515 Wayne Ave just south of Fifth Street in the Oregon District.

The Most Delicious Week of Winter Returns!

January 23, 2011 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Choose from over 50 restaurants and enjoy a prix-fixe meal for $25.11. Winter Restaurant Week is the perfect time to get out to that restaurant (or restaurants) you’ve been dying to try at a discounted price! Experience cuisine that delights your palate and defines the art of dining in the Miami Valley. For a list of participating restaurants and sample menu’s click here. Notice that there are quite a few less expensive eateries that are offering 2 meals for $25.11 and The Melting Pot is opening for lunch to celebrate Restaurant Week. You’ll also notice that there are several places that are offering a bonus 4th course. There’s no doubt that the restaurants really use this week to show off and lure customers, so enjoy it!

Originally started in 2005, Restaurant Week has become a twice a year phenomenon that will have the Miami Valley eating out all week long. And for each meal served $1 will be shared with local nonprofits. This winter the chosen charity’s are the Foodbank, For the Love of Children and The Dayton Alzheimer’s Association.

Tips For A Successful Restaurant Week Experience

Reserve Ahead– many restaurants are already booked

Be Adventurous– Try new things- many Chefs love to show off new items during this week, trust them

Expect Changes– Menu’s are published a few weeks ahead, often availability changes, roll with it

Try Add Ons– Many restaurateurs will have wine suggestions to go with each course, experience the pairings

Splurge– You’re getting a deal on the meal, go ahead and order an appetizer or dessert to share

Plan Ahead– Franco’s & L’Auberge are running this promotion for 2 weeks, so plan on dining there the 2nd week and you’ll have 2 more nights open during Restaurant Week to explore

Tip Well– As a former server, I can’t say this enough! 20% is the standard, up or down based on experience

We’d love to know which restaurants your planning to experience. Just leave a comment below and tell us about your Restaurant Week Experience.

Dayton’s Newest Discount Dining Deals

January 14, 2011 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

First there was Groupon, then Living Social, and now Rewards Magazine has just introduced their discount dining certificate program- Double Take Deals. An advantage this program has: when you purchase these deals you’ll get a pdf email certificate back- so no waiting for the mail! If you like any of the offers, you must act quickly. DoubleTakeDeals.com offers are typically only available for ten days — or until the maximum quantity of discount savings certificates are sold. Certificates are NOT valid during Restaurant Week or on holidays. Listed below are the latest deals

Happy Dining!

Amelia’s Bistro

$20 For $40 Worth Of Fine Dining And Drinks At Amelia’s Buy Now

We serve what we call Rustic Comfort Food. Try our NEW CAB (Certified Angus Beef. ) They now offer a 16oz bone-in rib eye, a fabulous veal chop that will melt in your mouth, and you should also try one of their vegetarian choices like the vegetable lasagna or margherita pizza. They also have barbequed chicken pizza and offer many designer salads, delectable appetizers and sandwiches. For more flair, order thei table side Caesar Salad and Bananas Foster.

129 W. Franklin St. Bellbrook, OH 45305 937-310-3040

Lunch Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 11:00 am – 2:00pm
Dinner Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 4:00 – 9:00pm Friday & Saturday 4:00pm – 10:00 pm
Closed Sunday

C’est Tout – A French Bistro Featuring American & French Entrees

$25 For $50 Worth Of American & French Bistro Cuisines Buy Now

Step inside C’est Tout and you will feel as though you are somewhere in the south of France, with the cheery yellow of the faux plaster walls, the white woodwork, brass railings, tapestried chairs, and the framed posters and paintings, C’est Tout will envelope you in an ambiance that is relaxing, glowing with charm and welcoming. On a sunny day, the tables on the terrace make a fine perch to watch the world go by. In the evening, the lighting becomes more dramatic and the bar takes on a cosmopolitan feel.

Chef/Proprietor Dominique Fortin wouldn’t have it any other way.

LUNCH: Mon-Sat 11-2:30 DINNER: Mon-Thurs 5-10; Fri & Sat 5-11
ENJOY OUR “BAR MENU” 5 UNTIL LATE NIGHT
CLOSED SUNDAY’S -EXCEPT FOR LARGE PARTIES

The Grub Steak Restaurant

$20 For $40 Worth of Fine Family Dining Buy Now

The Grub Steak’s secret of success is no secret. Steaks cut by on-premises meat cutters, hot bread made from scratch and homemade salad dressings all contribute to the food quality of the Grub Steak. Years of experimentation have led to the development of the house specialty: “Royal Ribs.” This barbeque-flavored treat is made from prime cut of the finest pork loin and served on wooden skewers, the great taste of barbecue ribs without the mess!

2098 South Alex Rd. West Carrollton, OH 45449 937-276-4193
Mon.-Thur. 4pm-9pm, Fri. 11am-10pm, Sat. 3pm-10pm, Sun. 12pm-8pm

The Hawthorn Grill

$15 For $30 Worth Of Eclectic American Dining Buy Now

American cuisine with a twist. Offering everything from appetizers, soups and salads to delightful white wine-braised pork and chicken-n-biscuits entrees. Walk into the warm, inviting atmosphere and you will feel right at home in front of the fireplace. Chef Candace Rinke‘s attention to detail is evident in both entrees and side dishes. “Like mom made, but better.”

1222 East Stroop West Kettering, OH 45449 937-298-2222
Tues – Thurs 5pm-9pm Fri. 11:30am – 10pm Sat. 5pm-10pm

Jeet India Restaurant

$20 For $40 Worth Of Indian Cuisine Buy Now

Aesthetic decor, delicious food, and unparalleled service: come taste the authentic sounds of India. Delicious cuisines are prepared by our world-renowned chefs, who have created mouthwatering masterpieces sure to delight your taste buds.

2632 Colonel Glen Hwy. Fairborn, OH 45324 937-431-8881

Lunch: Mon.-Thurs. 11am-2:30pm Fri & Sat. 11am-3pm · Sun. 11am-3pm
Dinner: Mon.-Thurs. 5pm-9pm Fri. & Sat. 5pm-10pm · Sun. 5pm-9pm

Savona Restaurant & Wine Bar

$20 For $40 Worth Of American Cuisine With Mediterranean Influence Buy Now

Chef Keith Taylor creates Modern American cuisine with Mediterranean influence, using only the finest local ingredients. An inspirational wine list has been created with the philosophy; that food and wine are not just intended to complement one another, but to inspire, as well. Complement your food!

79 S. Main St.Centerville, OH 45459 937-610-9835

Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday 5pm – 9pm Friday – Saturday 5pm – 10pm

The Dock

$20 For $40 Worth Of Boathouse Dining Buy Now

A unique seaside-style restaurant, land-locked in Enon, Ohio. It is reminiscent of so many waterfront restaurants from the Bahamas to Key West and north to Maine. Outdoor dining by beautiful ponds with old dry-docked boats and indoor dining by a charming waterfall help to create the vacation atmosphere you are looking for year ’round. The free live entertainment is an added bonus for all ages.

The Dock features fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks, pastas, chicken and prime rib, slow roasted on the outdoor grill. Terrific evening and weekend dinner specials round out an extensive menu of reasonably priced entrees.
250 West Main Street Enon, OH 4532 937-864-5011
Open Tues.-Fri. 4pm-9pm and Sat. 3pm-10pm

Young’s 142nd Birthday Celebration means $1.42 Deals!

January 13, 2011 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

The red barn was built in 1869 by relatives of the Young Family in Yellow Springs.

The Original Barn at Young's

Shortly after World War II Hap Young bought the 60 acre farm and he and his three sons Carl, Bob, and Bill, farmed the 60 acres, plus up to 500 additional rented acres. They grew grain, raised hogs, and milked cows.

In 1958, the Young Family decided to try to sell our Jersey milk directly to the public. The customer would drive up, open the refrigerator, get his gallon of milk, leave an empty jug and the money, and drive away. As this became successful they built their first real dairy store in 1960. They began dipping ice cream, and slowly added chesese and additional snack foods. This building is attached to the big red barn and is where they make ice cream still.

The first store built in 1958

They added onto this building twice over the next 8 years. In 1966 they added a small bakery. By 1968, they were running out of room. It was time to start over in another building. So they added a building, started the bakery, then came sandwiches, then full meals. And they kept building!

Now Young’s includes Udders & Pudders, an 18 hole miniature golf course, driving range, batting cages, a 2nd restaurant- The Golden Jersey Inn and Barnabe’s Walnut Grove– which serves groups from 50 – 3500 for company functions and family reunion picnics. Corwin’s Kiddie Corral is the latest addition and features a cow theme bounce-house, little tractors that can be pedaled around a wooden track, little slides, hay bales, a ‘cow’ to milk and more. In 2002 The Food Network “discovered” Young’s and fcatured them on a “Best of” episode:

But enough of the history- how about the bargains?

Starting Fri, Jan 14th and continuing through Mon, Jan 18th, Young’s will celebrate its 142nd Birthday with the following deals:

Young’s Farmstead Cheese Specials:
Special sampler package of four kinds of Young’s Farmstead Cheese $1.42

Dairy Store Specials:
One dip waffle cone $1.42
Young’s Farmstead Deep Fried Cheddar Curds is $1.42
Cheeseburgers $1.42
Kid’s Meals $1.42

Golden Jersey Inn Specials:
Young’s Farmstead Deep Fried Cheddar Curds is $1.42
Kid’s Meals $1.42
Special Celebration Souvenir Sundae $3.00

Udders & Putters Specials:
Game of miniature golf $1.42
Medium bucket of golf balls $1.42

Celebration Special:
3 dips, 3 toppings, $3.00. Get one of the Limited Edition Young’s Reusable Glass with 3 dips of homemade ice cream and 3 toppings for $3.00.

Young’s Jersey Dairy is located on Route 68, one mile north of Yellow Springs, Ohio, or eight miles south of Springfield, Ohio.

6880 Springfield-Xenia Rd
Yellow Springs, OH 45387

Click here to get directions via Google Maps

A New Friday Lunch Option

January 6, 2011 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Chef /owner Candace Rinke has just announced she’ll be serving up Friday lunch at The Hawthorn Grill, The eatery, which opened this past June, will open at 11:30am with a lunch menu best described as eclectic American. To learn more about Chef Candace, check out her 10 questions she did with us this past summer.
The restaurant is located at the corner of Stroop and Marshall Roads. For more information check out their website or follow them on Facebook.

Here’s the Friday lunch menu:
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup, Maple Cream, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Spiced Pecans, 6

Traditional French Onion Soup, Crispy Croutons, Melted Gruyère, 6

House Salad
Appetizer, 4 Entrée, 850
100% Pure Maple Vinaigrette, Spinach, Spiced Pecans, Red Onion, Dried Cranberries

Caesar Salad
Appetizer, 5 Entrée, 9
Romaine, Parmigiano-Reggiano, House-made Croutons, Caesar Dressing

Add Ed Hill Grilled Chicken Breast Tenders to Any Salad, 3
Add Sautéed Shrimp to Any Salad, 6

Chicken ~N~ Biscuits
Ed Hill Farms Chicken Stew, Homemade Thyme Biscuits, 10

French Dip
Thinly Sliced Rosemary~Garlic Crusted Prime Rib, Zingerman’s Hoagie, Horseradish Mayo, Au Jus, Fresh Potato Chips, Pickle,
Roasted Corn ~ Red Pepper Slaw, 10

8 oz. Tavern Burger
Applewood Smoked Bacon, NY cheddar, Lettuce, Tomato, Caramelized Onion, Mayonnaise, Toasted Brioche Roll, Fresh Potato Chips, Pickle, Roasted Corn ~ Red Pepper Slaw, 10

The Hawthorn Grill Panini
Salami, Spicy Capicola, Pepperoni, Ham, Provolone, Olive Tapenade Mayonnaise, Zingerman’s Grilled Rustic Bread, Fresh Potato Chips, Pickle, Roasted Corn ~ Red Pepper Slaw, 10

Help save a life during National Blood Donor Month!

January 3, 2011 By Lisa Grigsby 1 Comment

January has been designated National Blood Donor Month to raise awareness during a time of year when blood supplies often fall to their lowest levels. Donations traditionally decline during the post-holiday season because of busy schedules and inclement weather, which can prevent people from keeping donation appointments. At the same time, the need for blood remains constant in the early months of the year.

Those who register to donate at most Community Blood Center (CBC) blood drives and all branch locations January 3 through January 29 will receive a free limited edition Honor. Duty. Donor. Army green t-shirt!

It is essential that CBC has 350 donors a day
CBC serves 24 hospitals in 15 counties in Indiana and Ohio
Over 40,000 local patients benefit from blood products donated by local blood donors

Donors are required to provide a photo ID that includes their full name. Past CBC donors are also asked to bring their CBC donor ID card. Donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 years old with parental consent: form available at www.givingblood.org or at CBC branch & blood drive locations), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be in good physical health. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changes blood donor eligibility guidelines periodically. Individuals with eligibility questions are invited to email [email protected] or call 1(800)388-GIVE. Make an appointment at www.DonorTime.com.

Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Servicesâ„¢, an independent, not-for-profit organization, is registered to ISO 9001:2000. Community Blood Center provides blood products to 24 hospitals in the Miami (Ohio) and Whitewater (Indiana) Valleys. For more information about Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Services visit www.givingblood.org.

Ever Thought About Being A Wine Critic?

January 1, 2011 By Lisa Grigsby 3 Comments

Well here’s your chance to take a class that will teach you everything you need to know. A Taste of Wine in downtown Miamisburg is offering a 4 week class starting Jan 11th. The class will be taught by wine expert Lauren Wiethe of Cutting Edge Selections. You’ll learn the qualities a wine critic looks for in judging a wine. As you taste wines you’ll explore ageability, terrior, screwcaps vs corks and wine ratings. By the end of the class, you too will be a Wine Critic.
Class meets on Tuesdays at 7pm on Jan 11, 18, 25 and Feb 1st. Registration is $10, plus a weekly tasting fee of $15. To Sign up call 247-1120

A Taste of Wine
90 South Main Street | Miamisburg, OH 45342 (Get a map!)
937.247.1120 | [email protected]

Vietnamese Cuisine Comes to Dayton Mall Area

December 30, 2010 By Lisa Grigsby 1 Comment

I’ve been watching the remodeling of the building on Kingsridge Drive over the last several months as I waited at the drive- thru at McDonald’s for my morning Diet Coke. Major renovations, including the addition of much needed windows have been slowing taking shape. Then while I was away for the holidays it happened.

Pho Mi Vietnamse Restaurant opened earlier this week and while I haven’t been yet, I’ve spent some time exploring their menu’s on their website.

The lunch menu offers over 80 items, including 16 meal sized soups with either egg or rice noodles. A 1/2 a dozen salads costing between $5 and $7, a section of stir-fry’s that are all in the $6 range, served with crag rangoon and soup and another section of Vietnamese specials are making me anxious to get there.

The dinner menu includes over 130 items most within the $7- $10 range, with another 30 or so vegetarian offerings and four Pho Combo Meals for parties of 4 or more that range from $34- $49.

Pho Mi is running a grand opening special with 10% off all meals until Jan 31, 2011. Owners Tho Pham and Mui Pham are the former owners of Wah Fu, the restaurant that was recently torn down after they were bought out by Miami Valley Hospital. Their son Phu Pham and his wife Liam will be handling daily operations at this new location.

Pho Mi Vietnamse (937) 433-7388
8990 Kingsridge Drive Dayton, OH 45458

Lunch Hours: Mon – Fri 11am – 3pm

Dinner Hours : Mon – Fri 3 – 9pm Sat – Sun noon – 9pm

Leaders Wanted for Dayton Neighborhoods

December 28, 2010 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Applications are now being accepted for the 29th annual Neighborhood Leadership Institute, sponsored by the City of Dayton. The Neighborhood Leadership Institute is a 12-week program designed to educate Dayton residents about local government, City resources, and community leadership.

The 2011 program is scheduled to kick-off on Tuesday, March 15, 2011. It is comprised of workshops, skill-building components, and a day-long bus tour of Dayton neighborhoods. Participants hear presentations from community, business, and government leaders on topics such as Dayton’s history, the role of City government, the criminal justice system, and cultural diversity. Class members also complete field assignments and a practicum requiring development of a grassroots project within their community.

Anyone interested in participating should submit a completed application no later than Thursday, February 10, 2011. Application forms are available at the Division of Citizen Participation (6th floor, City Hall, 101 W. Third Street), at
www.daytonohio.gov/departments/pcd, or by calling 937-333-3670.

Adoration Winter Ale debuts at Chappy’s

December 23, 2010 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Not far from the birthplace of baseball, in Copperstown NY, is one of our countries most unique microbrewery’s. Set on a former hop farm in upstate New York, Brewery Ommegang was born with the philosophy that truly unique ales must be built from the ground up. Brewery Ommegang is the place where brewing is an art and partaking is a passion.

And just in time for some holiday swilling, Ommegang Adoration, brewed in the authentic style of Belgian winter, or noel beer, is dark, strong, malty and assertively spiced, will make it’s debut at Chappy’s Tap Room & Grill.

At 10% abv Adoration is not a lightweight beer, and is best sipped before a roaring fire, or on a sleigh ride over the hills to Grandma’s house. (But let someone else drive.) Even at the strong abv, the beer is well-balanced and not at all hot or fiery. The dark malts give it lush, malty flavors and aromas, strongly complemented by the five spices, including coriander, cumin, mace, cardamom and grains of paradise. Hopping is modest, as befits such a beer.

According to the brewery’s Larry Bennett, “The idea was to do a traditional, Belgian-style winter/Noel/Christmas beer in the US. Few breweries here attempt to make one in the traditional Belgian style. It’s malty, spicy and dry. It’s 10% abv but has no obvious alcohol burn.”

And here’s a head’s up, next Wed, Dec 29th at 7pm Chappy’s will tap Ommegang Chocolate Indulgence. I’ll be there, will you?

Dining Out on Dec 25th

December 22, 2010 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

For all those folks who may not celebrate Christmas, or just don’t want to cook that day, there are indeed a few restaurants that will be open for your dining pleasure. Of course you can always dine at Waffle House- they never close, but no matter where you dine out, please remember that the staff of these places have given up their holiday to serve you, so please tip generously. (And the former server in me feels compelled to explain to you that 25% would be what I mean!)

(937) 439-9005 open 2 – 6pm
2759 Miamisburg Centerville Road, across from Dayton Mall

We will have a free buffet featuring Indian and American foods and desserts. While the dinner is free, they will be accepting donations for Family Services, WPAFB.
(Family Services assists troops and their families in a time of need)

All proceeds from the day will be donated.

937-433-2333 open 5 – 12pm
7880 Washington Village Dr.
Centerville, OH 45459

Huge burgers made fresh by hand. Crisp salads piled high. Turkey and chicken roasted in our own rotisseries. Ribs slowly basted for hours until they’re falling off the bone. And decadent desserts that just might be worth the trip all by themselves will be served up from 5

7 area locations open 5pm – 2am

Specializing in chicken, they even have salads, pasta, ribs and a one pound Porterhouse steak on the menu.

(937) 431-9200 11am – 8pm
4429 Cedar Park Drive (at The Greene) Beavercreek, OH 45440

Featuring their signature “Fresh List” highlighting an impressive number of fresh seafood varieties, in addition to aged steaks, poultry, entrée salads and pasta. McCormick & Schmick’s commitment to local freshness is apparent in the seasonally inspired dishes and regionally inspired preparations offered.

(937) 898-3860 open noon – 10:30pm
7580 Poe Ave Dayton, OH 45414 (off Miller Lane exit of 75)
Chef prepares each meal with a blend of texture and color, as well as flavor and temperature to achieve overall harmony in the tradition of Ying and Yang. Excellent sushi, too.

(937) 723-9015 open noon – 3pm

39 S. Springboro Pike Miamisburg, OH 45342 (across from Dayton Mall)

Richly varied menu of fresh, natural ingredients, wholesome sauces which are prepared at premises everyday with flavorful spices with no additives such as MSG or any other preservatives.

As always, if you know of a place we missed, feel free to add it in the comments!