Lisa Grigsby

Century Bar’s New General Manager

February 27, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Owner Diane Spitzig was so excited to share that the bar is back open again and she’s done a bunch of hiring in the past week. Keith Milligan, who was most recently the Beverage Manager at the Marriott of UD has taken on the managment roll and is bringing three bartenders wih him. He’s got 25 years of bar experience and an extensive knowledge of bourbon.

Diane also wants to thank all the other bars that reached out to her and offered support as she basically had to restaff the business after Joe Head and Kelli Nikanowicz resigned. And while she said she in shock for a few days, she feels really good about the new crew.

The bar is currently open from 5 p.m. to 1 am Sunday through Thursday and 5 pm to 2 am Friday and Saturday. Once the staff becomed fully trained they will begin opening daily at 3pm.

The Century Bar

18 South Jefferson St,
Dayton, OH 45402

There’s A New Food Truck in Town

February 25, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Hawgies Way Corn Dog

Tasty Bacon’s is the new kids on the block running an Americana style food truck serving up fresh smash burgers, hand dipped corn dogs, and our loaded potatoes. A couple of their specialty items are the smack burger (a double party smack burger, loaded with our house made mac and cheese, millionaires bacon bits grilled onions and our specialty smash sauce) and our tasty way corn dog ( a 1/4 pound hand dipped corn dog butterflied and loaded with mac and cheese, millionaires bacon bits and chives)

They are from the Fairborn/ Beavercreek area but are starting to expand our reach onto other parts of the Dayton area.

This weeks schedule is

Tuesday Beavercreek Home Depot for lunch from 10-6, or until they sell out.
Wednesday great @Blue Sky Coffee serving breakfast from 7-10am
Thursday Beavercreek Walmart from 11-6pm
Friday mikes motorwerks from 11-2 for lunch and then the game haven from 4-9pm

To book them for an upcoming event click here.

Local NonProfit Offers Free Laundry Facilities

February 25, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Have a Gay Day is offering free laundry facilities to those in our community who need to do a load of wash completely free.

This facility serves as a convenient and accessible space for members of the community to do their laundry. To ensure a smooth and efficient process, we have implemented an appointment system, allowing individuals to schedule their laundry sessions.

One of the key highlights of this initiative is that the laundry service will be completely free of cost. We understand that laundry expenses can be a burden for some community members, and we want to alleviate that stress by providing this essential service without any charges. Each person will have the opportunity to do two loads of laundry during their scheduled appointment.

If you’re in the Dayton Ohio area and you need to do a load or two of laundry please sign up on our website for our free community laundry service https://haveagayday.org/community-laundry-room/

In addition to the free laundry service, Have A Gay Day is also committed to gathering personal care items specifically for the laundry. These items will include laundry supplies such as detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets. By providing these necessary supplies, we aim to ensure that everyone who uses our service has access to a well-equipped laundry experience.

We are thrilled to be able to offer this Community Laundry Room as a resource for our community. It’s our hope that this initiative will not only provide a practical solution to laundry needs but also foster a sense of support and unity within our community.

Note: This service is designed to help someone with essentials. Like washing clothing to be able to get to work or to school or to make it through an emergency situation. This is not designed to do a whole household of laundry. This service is designed for clothing, not bedding, heavy coats, pet toys, or any items that are not wearable day to day garments.

Laundry Rules

No more than 12 pounds of laundry per load / please weigh

Please Check Your Pockets!

Detergent must be rated for a High Efficiency Washer please ask the front desk for a complimentary bottle.

Do not use powders, scent boosters

Please check washers and dryers before using them. We are not responsible for clothes damaged due to articles left by those before you.

Don’t overload the machines. Overloading machines with clothes as well as using too much detergent can damage the machines.

Be Clean. Keep the laundry room neat and clean of any spilled detergent or any mess. Keep clothes off the floor. Check to make sure you have all of your items before leaving.

Make sure you clean the lint trap after every use.

When leaving make sure the washer and dryer doors are kept open.

Be respectful.

If you need any help using the machines please ask.

Laundry Appointments are Once a Month.

Q@A

Question: Do I need to bring my own detergent?
Answer: No, we will provide detergent.

Question: If I have someone bringing me can we each do a single load of laundry?
Answer: Your appointment allows you the use of two stackable washer and dryers. You may use them as you wish within the rules set. If you have a friend or family member that you wish to share your appointment with you may, but it will not add to the time of your appointment.

Question: What if I’m running late for my appointment?
Answer: We allow for 10 minutes to arrive beyond your appointment. If you’re not able to make it in time or no-show you will need to wait until the next month to re-schedule. Please remember laundry appointments are only once per month at this time.

Have A Gay Day Inc
1902 Needmore Road
Dayton OH. 45414

Celebrate Fat Tuesday with Paczki

February 25, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Every year just before Mardi Gras — also known as Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday, it’s a day of feasting before the Christian fast known as Lent. While Carnival and Fat Tuesday are celebrated in many different ways worldwide, one festivity, in particular, is especially delicious: Paczki (pronounced as “pohnch-kee) Day. The tradition is Polish, but it’s honored in many different communities.Paczki is the plural form of the word, while the singular form is paczek, which is pronounced “pohnch-eck”. Paczki are spherical, deep-fried balls of dough that are filled with jam, curd, or custard. Once fried to a golden brown, they are traditionally topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, covered in granulated sugar, or enrobed in a clear glaze and topped with diced orange peels.

The difference between paczki and donuts is the ingredients in their dough. Paczki uses an extra amount of enriching ingredients, yeast, grain alcohol, and high-gluten flour. Together, these create a richer-than-brioche dough, but far chewier with little to no crumbs. The use of grain alcohol creates a less oily product as well because the grain alcohol evaporates as it fries in the oil, which prevents excess oil absorption in the dough.

Additionally, many types of donuts use cake or pastry flour, smaller amounts of enriching ingredients, and baking soda or baking powder instead of yeast. Therefore, donuts are more crumbly and less rich-tasting than paczki.

Baker Benji’s in Old NorthDayton are offering the following:

They HIGHLY recommend calling to pre-order your paczki for Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday! First day for paczki in the store front will be FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21st.

Call or text 937.228.4151 to order!

You can also find them at Dorothy Lane Market, Ashley’s Pastry Shop, and Central Pastry in Middletown.

Travel the World with Food & Wine

February 24, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Each station will feature a different bottle of Los Vascos, a food pairing, and a wine expert to tell the story behind the bottle.

For those who love the cultural history behind the cuisine, our Executive Chef, Micheal Inferrera, will be on hand to discuss the evening’s menu with you. Add color and context to your tasting as you learn about Chile and the history of Los Vascos in South America.

Menu and Pairing:

Palta Reina

jumbo lump crab stuffed avocado, citrus remoulade

paired with Los Vascos Sauvignon Blanc

Churrasco

grilled skirt steak, charred long bean, smoked manchego, chimichurri

paired with Los Vascos Gran Reserva Syrah

Cazuela

braised cod, shrimp, squid, coconut and tomato broth

paired with Los Vascos Chardonnay

Humitas en chala

corn leaf, sweetcorn, and cheese

paired with Los Vascos Gran Reserva Carmenère

Pastel de Choclo dulce

ground dry aged beef, onions, chicken, olives, hard boiled egg, dough made of fresh corn

paired with Los Vascos Gran Reserva Cabernet Franc

Empanada de Chocolate

fried dark chocolate turnover

paired with Los Vascos Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon

A cash bar will also be available for guests.

35th Annual Day of Caring Pancake Brunches This Sunday

February 18, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

From the first pancake brunch with 12 locations this event has grown to locations in over 7 counties. As in the past, churches, community organizations, and public foundations host, prepare, and serve the annual pancake brunch. “Each year, 500 volunteers get together to serve over 7,000 meals,” Day of Caring 365 Trustee Steve Pax said in a news release. “Those who are homeless or hungry find a generous support from our community during Thanksgiving and Christmas, however The Day of Caring Pancake Brunch takes the last Sunday in February to remind the needy that we don’t forget about them. We show that we care 365 days a year.” In 2012 the Simply Essential Hygiene Pantry was created and it currently serve 19 partner agencies in Greene, Miami, and Montgomery Counties in Ohio.

Brunches run on average $7 for adults and $5 for seniors (over 60) and children (under 12). Most brunches include pancakes and sausages, coffee and juice, but each location put their own spin on additional offerings.

Montgomery County

American Legion Post 598

5700 Kentshire Dr. Kettering OH, 45440 (937) 433-9327

10:00AM – 12:00PM

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

500 Belmonte Park North Dayton, OH 45405 (937) 224-0601

Honey Puffs in lieu of Pancakes

11:30AM

Community United Methodist

339 Meyer Ave Riverside, OH 45431 (937) 253-5169

9:00AM – 1:00P

Epiphany Lutheran Church

6430 Far Hills Ave Centerville, OH 45459 (937) 433-1449

9:00AM-12:30PM

Grace United Methodist Church

1001 Harvard Blvd Dayton, OH 45406. (937) 671-3065

10:00AM – 1:00PM

Omega Baptist Church

1821 Emerson Ave. Dayton, OH 45406 (937) 278-1006

8:00AM – 11:00AM

Polk Grove United Church of Christ

9190 Frederick Pike Dayton, OH 45414 (937) 890-1821

9:00AM – 2:00PM

Salem Church of the Brethren

6037 Phillipsburg-Union Rd. Englewood, OH 45322 (937) 836-6145

11:00AM- 2:00PM

Shiloh United Church of Christ

5300 Philadelphia Dr. Dayton, OH 45415 (937) 277- 8953

9:30AM-12:30PM

Zion Lutheran Church

5550 Munger Road Dayton, OH 45459 (937) 434-9422

9:00AM- 1:00PM

Greene County

Abiding Christ Lutheran Church

326 E. Dayton Yellow Springs Rd Fairborn, OH 45324 (937) 878-2888

9:30AM – 1:00PM

Xenia Adult Recreation Center

338 South Progress Drive Xenia, OH 45385 (937) 376-4353

9:00AM – 1:00PM

Mosaic Church

350 N. Fairfield Rd Beavercreek, OH 45430 (937) 426-6491

8:00AM – 1:00PM

Clark County

An-Nur Islamic Community Center

743 W. Liberty Street Springfield, OH 45506

11:00AM – 2:00PM

Warren County

St Augustine Catholic Church

5715 Lytle Road Waynesville, OH 45068

11:45AM – 12:45PM

2nd Street Market’s Chefs Featured on Top Vegan!

February 16, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Filmed in Columbus, Ohio, this all-vegan competitive cooking reality series delivered culinary excitement and fierce competition. Eight vegan chefs and home cooks will compete and at the end of each episode, one contestant will be eliminated Top Chef-style. Competitions will see the contestants make vegan spins on classic dishes, paying homage to veganism’s roots. Ultimately the winning chef is named Top Vegan.

In the shows first season Dayton Native Rhea Adkins of Vegan It IZ Eats, LLC, showed off her culinary skills for multiple episodes. Rhea adapted a plant-based lifestyle after going on a spiritual fast in 2017 and a cancer scare with her mother. While eating plant-based foods she noticed an increase in energy and overall health. She then began to research and pilot her plant-based food products. Rhea’s desire is to see everyone live their best life full of energy. She is also the author of the book “Plant-Based Jumpstart,” and the mother of two.

Larry & Lester of Invoke

In this second season for the show eight chefs competed in eight challenges for the grand prize of $20,000 and title of “Top Vegan.” One of those contestants was Dayton’s own Lester Gates, who is the owner and chef at INVOKE with his brother Larry, opened at the 2nd Street Market six years ago. Since then, the restaurant has gained traction, serving modern takes on classic favorites, along with vegan options. Some of its staples include grain bowls, cashew-based “cheese cake,” and vegan crab cakes.

The show was filmed at culinary facility located on the campus at Columbus State Community College. Produced and hosted by Chad Goodwin, owner of 4th and State, a vegan restaurant in Columbus.

Seaon 2 Contestants form left to right: Lester Gates, Sarah Martin, Candace Meredith, Jani Espinosa, Logan McMahan, Desireé Johnson, Elisa Vales, Matteo Silverman.

“We’re trying to make something that I think is severely lacking in the competitive cooking reality series as a whole,” said show director Logan Solana. “We want to show the world that going vegan is possible, and you don’t have to give up the things you love on an all-vegan diet.”

Chef Lester

Chef Lester said the 10 day experience “was amazing, exciting and a once in a lifetime opportunity. I enjoyed working with all the other contestants.”

Since the show, he’s been working on launching his Invoke Red Sauce which he featured in the business pitch of the final episode of the show, and getting it into stores.

You can watch the final episode of the show below:

Invoke at the 2nd Street Market
600 E 2nd St,
Dayton, OH, 45402

Hours:
Thu-Fri 11:00am-3:00pm
Sat 8:00am-3:00pm
Sun 11:00am-3:00pm

Thanks Joe Head For the Bourbon Education!

February 14, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

It’s the end of an era for Joseph Head and The Century Bar. I got the heads up last night and this morning he made it official by posting this on his Facebook Page:

“So it’s official I’ve left the Century. I leave with no anger or hatred. I’ve run my race. Time changes people change. I will never regret my 27 years there. I met my wife there. I became a Kentucky Colonel. I’ve grown to be a much better person. However the bar business behind the scenes is terrible and unhealthy. It’s just simply time for me to say goodbye no regrets. I’ve been preparing for this transaction in life for a bit. Edye (his wife) has been more than supportive in my decision. I love the Century. That being said, letting something you love go, some time is best for everyone. Thank you all for supporting me. I want nothing more for the Century to thrive.”

Once a rough-around-the-edges, long-haired arrogant youth, Head credits Diane Spitzig, The Century’s longtime owner, with taking a chance on him and eventually making him the bar’s manager. In 2011 Joe started to have a vision, and began researching bourbons and proposed the concept of changing the bar into a bourbon house. Together, the pair transformed the Century into one of the most raved-about bourbon houses in the nation for the past 13 years. Joe once described Th Century as a bar for professionals to enjoy a cocktail, with no tv’s, where you actually put your phone in your pocket and actually talk to people.

2012 was the first year The Century Bar was named to The Bourbon Review list of Best Bourbon Bars in America and it continued make the list year after year. In 2015 Men’s Journal magazine’s website declared The Century one of the “10 Best Bourbon Bars in America” describing it as “a small bar with a huge bourbon list, The Century is as devoted to the whiskey as any other place in America.”

Joe told me he’s been working at a farm in Carlisle and enjoys working the land. We wish him the best on his next chapter and thank him for educating so many of us about bourbon and for bringing Dayton so much attention in the national media.

An outpouring of wishes on his post include:

“Joe, you’re a Dayton Icon. Your contribution to our community will be cherished. I’ve grown up with the Century through the years, and you will be missed. I wish all the love and luck in the future. THANK YOU!! – Amy J

“Wish you all the best Joe, many great memories, and many nights I can’t remember from the old ‘dirty’ century!” – Kevin R

“Joe was made a Kentucky Colonel in 2016 for contributions to bourbon and Kentucky. He helped ring in new bourbon drinkers every year.” – Grant

“Respect, what you accomplished there is greatness!” Rob S.

“I am sure you will find a new “love” in you career change. If you ever find yourself in Louisville, please come by for a drink on the porch.” – Michael Veach, who nominated him for Kentucky Colonel.

Black Owned Food Businesses in the Miami Valley

February 13, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

The observance of Black History Month this year brings an opportunity for a much-needed focus on supporting Black-owned businesses. Black Americans make up about 12.4% of the country’s population, but Black business owners represented only 2.4% of all employer-firm owners according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Supporting Black-owned businesses goes beyond making a purchase. It is an investment in the economic empowerment of our community by contributing directly to job creation, wealth accumulation, and community development. We’ve highlighted a few of our locally black owned eateries. Please add your favorites in the comments below, so we can highlight them in a future post!

Chef Dane Shipp

CULTURE416 E. Fifth St, Oregon District
Tuesday – Saturday 2:30pm til 9pm

Featuring comfort food that is elevated, made with high quality ingredients,” Shipp says.” The menu changes every two to three months, but staples like the Drip Burger will remain.

Nood Bar Dayton

810 E. First St, The Silos

Tuesday – Thursday 4-10 PM
Friday 4 PM – Midnight
Saturday 11 AM – Midnight
Sunday 11 AM – 7 PM

A celebration of Asian cuisine featuring authentic noodles, bao buns, and dumplings.

Lester and Larry Gates

Invoke

600 E 2nd St, Dayton, 2nd Street Market

Thurs-Fri 11:00am-3:00pm
Sat 8:00am-3:00pm
Sun 11:00am-3:00pm.

Invoke serves up healthy food with options for all diets–whether you are vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, or sugar free! Lester was just named a finalist on season 2 of ‘Top Vegan.’

Sofi Kinde

Nanyea Restaurant Coffee house & Bar
6129 N Dixie Dr, Dayton

Tues – Thurs 11am – 8pm
Fri & Sat 11am – 9pm

Ethiopian food cafe happy to veganize many things on the menu with excellent Ethiopean coffee.

Co-0wner Jerrod Fisher

Alematic Artisan Ale & B-Side Coffee Bar
6182 Chambersburg Rd
Huber Heights, OH 45424

Opened the Dayton-area’s first Black-owned brewery, in February 2019, specializing in craft beers- ales, lagers and sours, and in March of 2023 added the coffee business next store allowing them to offer baked goods, bagels, breakfast sandwiches and more.

Carrie Johnson White & John Riley co-owners

Benjamin’s The Burger Master
1000 N. Main St.

Mon – Sat 10am – 7pm
Sun 11am – 4pm

For nearly four decades, they been serving up with of the best food around—including ribs, chicken and burgers—in a family friendly atmosphere with affordable prices.

Owner Darion Lewis

More Than A Apron rebranding to D’s Birria and More
1015 S. Main St., Miamisburg

Tues – Sat 11 am – 8pm
Sun noon – 6pm

They serve a variety of food including Lamb Mac, Beef Mac, Chicken Birria Fries, Supreme Chicken and the best birria tacos in town. Catering available as well. Order online for carryout!

Meshell & Paul jr. Palmer
The Palmer Place
4823 Salem Avenue suite B, Trotwood

Tues – Fri 11am – 8pm
Sat 2-8pm

The restaurant seats about 40 and guest can also do carry out. Their menu features salads and potatoes as the main stay.

Shafton Greene

SOCA

1100 W. Third St,
W. Social Tap & Table

Mon – Thurs 11am – 9pm
Fri & Sat 12 – 10pmShafton, originally from Trinidad & Tobago, uses his family recipes to create Caribbean food. Started as a food truck.

Naiyazcsia King-Thomason, aka“Mz. Jade

Mz. Jade’s Soul Food
1100 W. Third St,
W. Social Tap & Table

Mon to Sat 11 AM and 10 PM.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty lunch or a flavorful dinner, her salmon patties, fried catfish, breaded porkshop and seafood boils all made with love have created a loyal following allowing her to now expand to locations in Cincy, too. Save some room for her signature strawberry, banana pudding.

Chris & Quinya Sinclair

Taste of Jamaica
100 N. James H. McGee blvd

Monday-Saturday 1pm-8pm

Serves authentic Jamaican food, including jerk chicken, oxtail, and more. Meals typically come with rice, peas, and cabbage, but customers can also add baked mac and cheese, sweet potato corn bread, and more. Dine in or carry out.

Owner Eric Evans

just moved into Carrillon Brewing Company

featuring Dayton Barbecue Company

Soft opening WED — SUN 4-9PM, 3RD Week 11AM – 9

Featuring southern style barbecue, cooked low and slow. Customers can expect some of their favorite dishes from Dayton Barbecue Company such as pulled pork and brisket, the marketplace salad loaded with veggies and smoked chicken and crispy pork belly, mac & cheese, crispy brussel sprouts with balsamic glaze. They’re also planning to have sausages made locally that will be served on buns from Dorothy Lane Market. All sauces and dressings will be made from scratch.

Chef Centruela Collier
The Burger Bistro
810 E. First St, The Silos

Tuesday – Thursday 4-10 PM
Friday 4 PM – Midnight
Saturday 11 AM – Midnight
Sunday 11 AM – 7 PM

The Burger Bistro will offer a traditional American burger along with a buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, glazed salmon filet sandwich, black bean burger, sliders, wings, fried mac & cheese balls and of course fries – cheese fries with a house-made cheese sauceAnthony Head

Soft Opening for The Dayton Barbeque Co at Carillon Brewing

February 12, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Eric Evans

It’s a new era fro Carillon Brewing Co, powered by The Dayton Barbecue Company. Owner Eric Evans is know for southern style of barbeque- cooked low and slow. He established his business in 2021, doing pop-ups at breweries around town and in March of 2024 they found what he thought would be a permanent home at Hidden Valley Orchards in in Lebanon.

They were a huge success there, selling out of their brisket, pork, spare ribs most weekend. Their mac and cheese and collard greens became customer favorites. But in Dec of 2024 Evans announced he was looking for a new home, after HVO owners Randy and Robyn Lane shared some upcoming changes with him.

When Brady Kress, president and CEO of Dayton History, heard they were looking for a new home, he approached Evans about taking over the food service at Carillon Brewing and it seemed like a good match. Evans approached his buddy Chef Ashley Ashbrook, who may be familiar to many from his Oregon District hot dog cart, Blind Dogs, to come on as Executive Chef and run the kitchen.

Guests can expect a menu that celebrates barbeque and Evans shared his excitement about his new Marketplace Salad loaded with veggies and smoked chicken,and crispy pork belly and house made dressings. In additions to his mac & cheese, they’ll have crispy brussell sprouts with abalsamic glaze, house made pickles and onion straws and Carillon Pretzel twists with home made beer cheese. Down the road look for locally made sausage to be added to the menu. For dessert, you’ll be able to enjoy a smoked apple bread pudding with a butterscotch topping.

Carillon BrewingCo.
powered by The Dayton Barbecue Company

1000 Carillon Blvd
Dayton, OH 45409

937-371-3500

Soft Opening Hours
for at least the first 2 weeks

Wed – Sun 4-9pm

14 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

February 6, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

It’s one of the most romantic days of the year and also one of the busiest for restaurants, so be sure and make reservations ahead. Here’s someways you can celebrate with your sweetheart:

Feb 13, 5:30pm
Valentine’s Wine Tasting
Wheat Penny Over & Bar, Dayton
Wines paired with food $75/person, reservations required

Feb 13, 6-8pm
Vinyl & Vino Valentine’s Wine Sampling
Pipestone Golf Course, Miamisburg
sample red and white wines while listening to new and old favorite tunes. $25 each or $40/couple

Feb 14, 5-9pm
Valentine’s Dinner for Two
Brio Tuscan Grill, The Greene
Your choice of salad & entrée from a selection per person, plus a generous slice of Caramel Mascarpone cheesecake adorned with a chocolate heart to share for dessert. $69.99

February 14 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Valentine’s Day Beer & Cookie Pairing

Full Circle Brewgarden, Englewood
Your ticket includes two, 12 oz. beers of your choice, two homemade cookies (chocolate cherry & sugar), and two souvenir glasses. $20

February 14 @ 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Valentine’s Day Dinner
Loose Ends Brewing, Centerville

Couples’ Special ($99.99 prepaid | $109.99 walk-in):
1 appetizer to share, 2 entrées (Chicken Alfredo, Crab Crusted Salmon, Ribeye, or Eggplant Parm), Dessert + 2 drinks (beer, wine, cocktails, or non-alcoholic)$ 99.99 prepaid | $109.99 walk-in

February 14 & 15 @ 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Valentines Dinner for Two
Smith’s Boathouse, Troy
House salad, Surf & Turf, Dessert $155

February 14 @ 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Valentine’s Day Winery Dinner Experience

Brandeberry Winery, Enon

A flight of wine (sweet or dry), salad, choice of prime rib or turkey breast, two sides, glass of wine, and choice of cheesecake or chocolate mousse parfait. $75/person

February 14 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
4 Course Pre-Fix Menu
The Foundry, Dayton
Meal that starts with a glass of bubbly, amuse, salad, entree choice from 14oz t-bone, garlic shrimp, pan seared halibu, tuscan vegan gnocchi with vegan sausage and dessert – $80/person

February 14 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
5 Course Valentine’s Menu
La Embajada Underground, Miamisburg
Welcome glass of champagne, mixed green salad, North Atlantic Lobster Tortellini, Petite Sirloin Filet, Crispy Chicken Thight and classic tiramisu, $75/person

February 14 @ 6:00 pm
Valentine’s Wine Dinner
The Golf Club at Yankee Trace, Centerville
Classic Wedge Salad, Stuffed Meatball, Seared Scallps, Filet Mignon, Berry Pavlova paired with wines from Vanguard. $75/person

February 14 @ 7:00 pm
Murder Mystery Dinner
The Main House Events Center, Fairborn

Menu by Rich Tastes Catering: Chicken Marsala or Oven Roasted Salmon or Linguini with Garlic Cream Sauce with Roasted Vegetable Medley or Garlic Truffle Mashed Potatoes or Mushroom Risotto. $75/person

February 14 @ 7:00 pm
East Meets South- A Love Story
Alematic Artisan Ales
Enjoy a 3 course culinary journey by Chef Taren for $45/guest

Appetizers- Pulled Pork Spring rolls, Qual Eggs and Chicken Meatballs, Fried Green Tomato Bao Buns.

Mains – Sticky Bourbon Pork Belly, Crispy Fried Chicken with Sweet Chili Glaze, Crispy Tofu with Sweet Potato Corn Cake:

Dessert Buttermilk Pie or Grilled Peach

February 14 @ 7:30 pm
Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner
Penny Lane Art Gallery & Cafe, New Carlisle
5 course meal that starts with bacon wrapped shrimp, a caprese salad, ricotta dumplings crab cake and finally a champagne mouse raspberry coulis. $55/person

February 14 @ 8:00 pm
Top Secret’s Love & BBQ Show
Big A BBQ & Grill, Miamisburg
Love and BBQ with Top Secret playing live. Order from the menu

Feb 13-15
3 course Prix Fixe Menu
elé Bistro & Wine Bar, Austin Landing
Salad, choice of crab cake or ravioli, Entree choice: Barramundi, Beef Wellington, Herb Crusted Lamb, and dessert choice of red velvet cake or chocolate mousse parfait. $65/person with optional wine pairings for $20

New Thai and Japanese Restaurant in Miamisburg

February 6, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Last month Ariake Sushi Bar & Restaurant in Miamisburg was sold. The new owner Penn, is no stranger to Thai restaurants as she grew up in the family restaurant business. This will be her second restaurant as she also owns Penn’s Thai Grille in Bellbrook. The Miamisburg business has been renamed Thai Smile and Sushi Bar and will feature sushi, homestyle Japanese & Thai dishes, as well as sake. New signage will be coming soon.

The menu offers savory Pad Thai and creamy curries and there is a sushi bar where you can watch the creation of handcrafted sushi rolls.

I started my meal there with the Thai Appetizer Combo, which included 2 crispy spring rolls, 4 cream cheeses rangoon, 3 fried pot stickers, 1 egg roll served with sweet and sour sauce.

Penn shared that her favorite dish is pad thai, so of course I ordered it. It’s Rice noodles stir-fried with egg, green onion, bean sprouts, carrots, homemade Pad Thai sauce, which is sweet and tangy, garnished with chopped peanuts. You can order it with chicken, vegetables, tofu, beef or shrimp. I chose the beef, shrimp combo which ran $19.99

We also tried the Bourbon Fried Rice which was grilled marinated ghicken cooked with homemade brown sauce along with fried rice tossed with egg, white/green onions, brown sauce) and sprinkle of scallions.

They are currently running a Special Welcome Offer for new customers where you can get $5 off your first online order of $20 or more with the code First5 – available exclusively on their website!

You can also follow them on Facebook.

Open Monday – Saturday from 11:00am – 9:00pm.

Check them out and tell them Dayton Dining sent you!

Butter Cafe’s New Menu Has Arrived

February 5, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Butter Cafe has just dropped their new winter menu and it’s serving cozy, sweet, and a little flirty. Whether you’re there for winter comfort food, a bite for lunch, or Valentine’s treats, this Brown Street eatery has you covered.

Owner Amy Beaver explains that “protein pancakes have a high-quality protein powder to their house made pancake batter so you get more protein in every bite.”

Butter Cafe

1106 Brown Street
Dayton, OH 45409

937-985-9917

Hours:
Monday–Friday 8am–2pm
Saturday – Sunday 8am–3pm

Proudly served the Dayton community for over 14 years.

Rose Announces Two Shows: Bonnie Raitt & Buddy Guy

February 4, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Bonnie Raitt is heading back out for her fourth year on tour just months after being recognized for her lifetime of artistic achievements as part of the Kennedy Center’s 47th Class of Honorees in Washington, DC last December. Raitt and her world-class band will headline theaters and amphitheaters around the country performing songs from her enduring catalog, including Rose Music Center at The Heights on Saturday, September 6. Her tour has taken her across the U.S. and Canada with stops overseas in Australia, England, Ireland, Scotland and Europe since the release of her critically acclaimed, three-time GRAMMY Award-winning studio album, Just Like That… in 2022.

Raitt said, “I’m looking forward to having my longtime pal and one of my favorite artists, blues legend Jimmie Vaughan & The Tilt-A-Whirl Band be our special guests for the late Summer tour. We’ve shared many gigs and duets over the years but never as a ‘double trouble’ co-bill. Bound to be some good blues rockin’ going on – can’t wait to hit the road together!” Vaughan agrees,“Thrilled to play some shows with my talented friend Bonnie Raitt and her band! It’s been a long time coming! Myself and The Tilt-A-Whirl Band are excited to be part of this great tour.”

Raitt earned her 31^st GRAMMY nomination in December, Best American Roots Performance, for her contribution to the track “Nothing In Rambling,” a wonderful cover of Memphis Minnie’s song featuring Fabulous Thunderbirds founding member Kim Wilson, along with Bonnie, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal and Mick Fleetwood. The track appears on the Fabulous Thunderbirds’ latest album, Struck Down, also nominated for the GRAMMY Award for Best Traditional Blues Album.

Eight-time GRAMMY® Award-winning blues legend Buddy Guy is giving fans another chance to experience his electrifying live show with the newly announcedDamn Right Encore Tour. Extending his historic farewell run into summer 2025, the tour will feature headline dates across the U.S., including a return to Rose Music Center at The Heights on Saturday, June 14 with support by special guest Eric Gales.

As one of the last living legends of the blues, Buddy Guy has inspired generations of musicians, from Jimi Hendrix to Eric Clapton and John Mayer. His Damn Right Farewell tour has been a celebration of his extraordinary career, and the newly added Damn Right Encore dates give even more fans the opportunity to witness a blues master at work.

Tickets for both of these shows will go on sale to the public beginning at 10AM on Friday, February 7 at Ticketmaster.comand the Rose Music Center Box Office.

New Menu For Salt Block Biscuit Company

January 30, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Owner Justin Mohler, who opened the Salt Block Biscuit Company in the Fire Blocks downtown in September of 2020, has just announced some major updates will take place starting January 31st.

The Bodega that sells planks/tinned seafoods will be going away to make room for much needed seating.

The menu, which changes with the seasons will have a new Warm Bacon Cobb Salad, and you won’t have to wait for the weekend for biscuits & gravy- they’ll be available all day, every day. There will also be the addition of Maryland Lump Crab Dip with Cheddar Bay Biscuits.

Here’s a look at the new menu, which will start Friday at 10am:

Salt Block Biscuit Company
115 East Third Street
Dayton, OH

937-938-9079

Tues- Sat 10am -4pm

Dine-in, Carryout
Online Ordering

Spaghetti Warehouse Wednesday Pasta Deals

January 28, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Spaghetti Warehouse is bringing back their Warehouse Wednesday promotion back, starting at just $6. You can create your own pasta dish for lunch or dinner.

Here’s how it works: