Dayton937

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

Lisa Grigsby

Pancake Sunday at The Cannery

By 1 Comment

images28The Cannery Art and Design Center (CADC) is hosting a free pancake breakfast this Sunday from 11am – 2pm. “Sort of a kick off to the holiday season..really just a gathering of friends for fun. We will be serving free breakfast, coffee and tea,” says Christy Jennewien, CADC Director. They will also be offering 20% off for holiday gift sales.

CADC is a not-for-profit, contemporary fine arts organization committed to enhancing the Dayton region’s visual arts culture by promoting and selling the work of local artists. The CADC gallery features more than 800 pieces of original ‘art for sale’ at a single location. A full range of traditional and contemporary paintings, ceramics, drawings, photography, jewelry, sculpture and much more is offered to the person looking for just the right unique piece of art or special gift.

Grand Opening of Deconstruction Depot

By 4 Comments

images-34Featuring more than 5,000 square feet of reclaimed building materials including doors, window frames, oak lumber, fireplace mantels, fixtures, The St. Vincent de Paul Deconstruction Depot will feature a diverse inventory of used building materials for architects, contractors and homeowners alike at bargain prices.

Deconstruction represents an attractive alternative to traditional demolition. If a bulldozer flattens a structure, the building materials can — at best — only be recycled. However, if a trained crew systematically dismantles it right down to the ground, many of the materials — not just the fixtures and finishes that typically are salvaged — can be returned to the marketplace.  The process is called deconstruction. And while selective salvaging and/or recycling have long been part of the demolition process, total deconstruction is the latest — and greenest — way to go.  In the United States, building construction consumes 60 percent of our raw materials and accounts for 40 percent of the solid waste stream. Deconstructing buildings rather than demolishing them allows these materials to be reused in other building and renovation projects, diverting waste, creating jobs and protecting natural resources.

Proceeds from the sales of the materials will fund the deconstruction of additional homes in the community. The Deconstruction Depot will be open for shoppers Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, and on Saturdays from 9am to 5pm. It’s is located at the St. Vincent de Paul Community Store at 945 S. Edwin C. Moses Boulevard in Dayton, next to The Job Center.

This new joint venture is a partnership between St. Vincent de Paul  and Dayton Works Plus.  Dayton Works Plus LLC is a partnership formed by East End Community Services, PowerNet of Dayton and Architectural Reclamation Company (ARC), a private architectural reclamation business. The goals of Dayton Works Plus LLC are to employ and train hard-to-place, entry level workers including returning ex-offenders and chronically unemployed persons, for on-going jobs — to divert materials from landfills and promote green practices — to create spin-off businesses (furniture, sheds, picnic tables, outbuilding construction) with
recycled materials — and to eventually establish related businesses including landscaping, asbestos and lead abatement, and weatherization
that will add employment opportunities in our community. The organization has hired 18 employees (15 laborers earning $9 an hour plus three crew chiefs at $12 per hour). On the job training will be provided.

Turkey Thursday’s at The Stockyard’s Inn

By Leave a Comment

bigred-1Enjoy an early Turkey Day dinner every Thursday in November.
Juicy, slow-cooked Turkey(your choice of white, dark meat, or mixed) and the trimmings, $7.95 during lunch, starting at 11am and just $9.95 for dinner, which is served until 9pm

The Stockyards Inn is Dayton’s oldest and most historic restaurant. Back in 1900, it was used as a place where cattlemen sold their livestock, renovated in 1970, it is now one of Dayton’s premier steakhouses with a Victorian atmosphere.  Located at 1065 Springfield Street.

Turkey not your thing?  Then perhaps these drink specials, served from 11am-9pm at the bar will make you smile:

Mon- Bud and Bud Light Longnecks-$1.29
Tues-Bartender’s Choice-$1.99
Wed- Bloody Mary-$1.99
Thurs- Margaritas-$1.99

History and a cocktail for under $2- sounds like a great price for a little nostalgia!

Art, Theater and Ideas at The Excelsior

By 3 Comments

images-33The Excelsior Building was all set to become the latest in luxury loft living- then the market crashed….

And like so often happens, artists helped transform the space into a new reality.  For the past year or so artist/entrepreneur Mike Elsass has been leading the charge to use the amazing open floor plan and window infused walls as a creative space.  The Elxelsior is gaining  quite a reputation for hosting innovative works of art in the Oregon District.

This weekend the building will be alive with multiple presentations.

The first floor will play host to the debut of Dayton latest theater group:

Serve    Enhance    Engage    Dare   =  SEED

The above action statement for this newly formed theater group  should be enough to tell you that this group plans to do things differently.  Adam Leigh, co-founder and Executive Artisitic Director of the The SEED Theatre project wants to “utilize theater as a transformative agent” for individuals and the community, Leigh said. Leigh is no stranger to Dayton theater, having taught the art at Stivers and Wright State and was formerly the director of the Dayton Playhouse.

wpa4b2ad77This weekend we’ll get a chance to see what they are all about as they debut their first show, a one man play: Circumference of a Squirrel – a riff with an inner tube by John Walch.  Playing Nov 6 & 7 at 8pm.

The snyopsis:  Meet Chester, a young man with many obsessions: his father, his mother, his ex-wife, the virology of rabies, and most importantly… squirrels.

The production will feature Resident Artist Alex Carmichal as “Chester” and all other roles necessary to bring this story to life.

On the same night the second floor will be hosting the sophomore presentation of Pechaimages-32 Kucha – a phenomenon that’s spreading across the globe. It started in Tokyo and is now held in hundreds of cities worldwide. It’s a way for designers and other creatives to present and discuss their work, their hobby or their passion in 6 minutes and 40 seconds (20 slides – 20 seconds each). Limiting the presentations to this format keeps the presentations concise, the interest level up, and gives more people the chance to share their ideas.

Before and after the presentations (sometimes during), you mingle, nosh and chit chat during musical interludes. At least eight local presenters are planned including architects, an interior designer, an urban planner, artists, a graphic designer and more.

Friday, Nov 6th at 7:00 – 11:00 PM The cost is $20 at the door.
RSVP to [email protected].

Show 3 BackTopping things off on the  third floor Space11 will host the opening reception for Show 3: Horizon, a multi-media event featuring New York artist William Lamson and new works  with Dayton’s  own Ian Breidenbach, Landon Crowell, and Ryan McCullough.

Friday Nov 6, 2009 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Ohio is Recruiting Amabassadors!

By Leave a Comment

ohioambassadorsSharing the story- that’s what Ohio is hoping it’s newly recruited advocates will do.  The Ohio Ambassador Program is a key initiative in the Ohio Department of Development’s Strategic Plan, Ohio Home of Innovation and Opportunity.

“In the midst of one of the most challenging economic crises that our nation and state has ever faced, a critical role Ohioans can play is promoting all of the assets of living and doing business in our state,” Lt. Governor Lee Fisher said. “Although we face great challenges, our ability to come together and tell the world what is great about Ohio will be key to ensuring prosperity and a bright future for our state.”

The state’s goal is to engage people across our state and around the world in
conversation about all the diverse opportunities available in Ohio. In these conversations, an Ohio Ambassador is expected to:

  • Share their Ohio experiences
  • Address misperceptions of Ohio
  • Avoid negatively positioning another state or location
  • Be supportive of all Ohio locations

In the four months since the Program was officially launched, we now have more than 1,065 Ohio Ambassadors and counting! What’s more,  Ohio Ambassadors include people from every corner of the state and friends as far away as Japan, China, and Germany. That means that not only is our Ohio Ambassador Program becoming an increasingly popular way for us to Share the Ohio Story, but we are also now reaching audiences on new continents.

Ambassadors must be at least 18 years of age, be supportive of Ohio and willing to share the Ohio Story, have a current or past connection to Ohio, and an interest in positively impacting the Ohio economy.

A Web site – www.Ambassador.Ohio.gov. – has been created to support the program. The Web site provides Ohioans with an in-depth look at the benefits of becoming an Ohio Ambassador. Resource materials on the Ohio Story, dramatic pictures of Ohio’s communities, and facts about the state economy are available online, providing Ambassadors with information about Ohio’s education
system, industry strengths, business climate, and social and recreational opportunities around the state. This information is designed to help Ohio Ambassadors more effectively share the Ohio Story with others.

I’m an ambassador, won’t you consider becoming one?

Beer Tastings This Week

By Leave a Comment

images-27UNIBROUE BEER TASTING @ The Caroline @ 7pm
5 south market street  .  troy, ohio 45373
$15 includes tasting & light appetizers
advance reservations call 552-7676 OR email  STEVE

Known for their Belgian sytled beers, Unibroue is a very unusual beer company.  First of all, they are not located in Belgium, but instead in the very French influenced city of Montreal. This brewery has been making Belgian style beers for nearly two decades, and they are most famous for their exceptional Belgian strong pale ale,  brewed using an old fashioned in-bottle refermentation.  Unibroue beers keep all their protein and part of the yeast, producing a genuine upscale beer. This method gives a very particular taste to the beer and provides a natural source of vitamin B. Given that the beers contain no chemical additives or preservatives, they require strict quality control. This all-natural brewing process also makes Unibroue beers  higher in alcohol content and can provide a rich flavour without the bitter aftertaste of conventional beers. Due to this process Unibroue beers are slightly more expensive than industrially produced beers in order to cover the cost of production

car-carolineOn the Tasting Menu at The Caroline:

RAFTMAN-Pouring a bright amber in color with a creamy white head, the nose of this beer teems with bright fruit and smoke. That smoke, from the whisky malt, becomes more pronounced upon tasting, complemented by some caramel.

Wed’s tasting will include:
LA FIN DU MONDE – a brilliant golden color with vigorously effervescent foam. It is midly yeasty with a complex palate of malt, fruit and spice notes followed by a smooth, dry finish.

TERRIBLE – pours a dark, nearly black color, with an effervescent head that tests your patience as it settles. As it hits your tongue, you can taste a little anise, a bit of caramel, and some fig like notes.

MAUDITE-a deep amber-red color with a rocky foam head and an appealing aroma of wild spices and floral hop notes.
It is spicy, vinous, and deliciously complex with a crisp hop finish.

EMPHEMERE – Éphémère apple has an alluring pale golden color, effervescent foam, and a mouth-watering bouquet of Granny Smith apples and spices. It is slightly sweet, slightly tart and refreshingly thirst-quenching.

BLANCHE DE CHAMBLY – has an alluring pale golden color, effervescent foam, and a subtle bouquet of spice and citrus notes. It’s mildly malty, slighty sweet and refreshingly thirst quenching.

If you’ve never been to The Caroline, this is a great excuse to go!  Their beer tastings are set up around a big table, appetizers are served family style and the
last tasting I attended, the crowd was very friendly and welcoming.

Unable to make Wed’s tasting in Troy?  Jungle Jim’s will host a Unibroue tasting on Fri, Nov 6th from 7-9pm for $25

jay'sJay’s Seafood hosts a Beer Dinner featuring Bell’s Brewery Beers 225 E 6th Street in the Oregon District
call for reservations: 222-2892

Bell’s Brewery,  located in Michigan,  stands as the oldest
craft-brewer east of Boulder, Colorado and currently distributes in just 15 states.

7 pm $55 including tax and tip
The four course menu will be:

Roasted Sesame Scallops with Red Coulis
Best Brown Ale and Winter White Ale

Blood Orange Salad with Feta
Third Coast Ale and Two Hearted Ale

Port Pomegranate Short Ribs with Fresh Vegetables
Bell’s Porter and Amber Ale

Double Dark Chocolate Flourless Cake topped with Cherry Stout Sauce
Double Cream Stout and Cherry Stout

trolleystopThe Trolley Stop hosts their first Wednesday of the month tasting party

from 7 – 8:45pm
520 E. Fifth Street in the Oregon District.
Call 461-1101 for more info

Hosted by Mike Schwartz from Belmont Party Supply.  $20 in advance gets you 9 decent samples, tasty snacks and beer knowhow (priceless- according to their website)

Be A Part of History

By Leave a Comment

If you have a special skill or talent, or if you love the history of the Miami Valley and want to share it with others, Dayton History would love for you to become a part of its volunteer team!

There are currently volunteer opportunities in the following areas:

Historical Interpretation297

Learn the history of the 30 buildings and exhibits at Carillon Historical Park and share that history with visitors. Work with school groups, military reunion groups, families and people from around the world. Enjoy interacting with the public?  This opportunity is for you!

298Photograph Digitization and Labeling Projects

Spend time with our collections at the Dayton History Archive Center, scanning photographs and entering them into a searchable database. Or help with labeling some of the thousands of NCR photographs!

2991930s Print Shop

Do you have letterpress skills? Are you interested in learning and preserving a craft that is fading quickly? Become part of the 1930s Print Shop by demonstrating how to operate printing machinery and creating publications for sale. All training is provided.

300Marketing and Publicity

Help tell the world about Dayton History by posting our upcoming events on online community calendars and message boards. Work alongside our development department at the Dayton History offices, or, if you have internet access, work in the comfort of your own home!

301Special Events

Turn the Kettering Family Education Center at Carillon Historical Park into a holiday wonderland! Help decorate during the weeks leading up to our annual Ringing in the Holidays event, which will take place on November 22.

To learn more about the available opportunities, please contact Andrea Green, Volunteer Coordinator at 937-293-2841 ext 102.

Wine, Witches & Weenies, A Halloween Super Saturday!

By Leave a Comment

images7Think the folks at Arrow Wine were drinking when then came up with the title for this one? And perhaps I’m a little jealous that they can drink at work!  Anyway, this Saturday’s wine tasting at the Arrow store on the corner of 48 and Dorothy Lane will be hosting a tasting of over 20 wines from 11am – 5pm.  Drop in any time, it’s very informal.  You’ll also be able to enjooy delicious grilled sandwiches from the Hearts Hot Dog Guys\

Some of the wines you’ll be able to sample:
2006 ROSENBLUM APARAICIO ZINFANDEL
2005 CHEVAL DES ANDES
2005 ROBERT MONDAVI OAKVILLE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2004 IL POGGIONE BRUNELLO
2003 TAYLOR FLADGATE L-B-V PORT
2008 PETROGNANO BIANCO
2007 CHATEAU CHATEAU SKULLS
2007 CHATEAU-FORTIA CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE
2007 DOMAINE LES GRANDS BOIS COTES DU RHONE

Little Art’s nonprofit status = FREE movie

By Leave a Comment

Yellow Springs movie house The Little Art just recently received it’s is 501(c)(3) NON PROFIT organization status from the government! While this won’t change much for the general public, what is does mean is that the Little Art can:

  • Allow donors a tax deduction for their contributions
  • … Seek foundation and government grants for special projects
  • … Offer a wider range of programs and events

According to owner Jenny Cowperthwaite for the past 8 years “THE FRIENDS OF THE LITTLE ART’s financial support” is what kept the doors open anyway.

taking_woodstockIn celebration of this momentous turning point in the Little Art’s 80-year history of showing movies in Yellow Springs this weekend all showings Ang Lee’s TAKING WOODSTOCK will be FREE! Of course, donations are welcome and now they are also a tax deduction.

Roger Ebert says, “TAKING WOODSTOCK” has the freshness of something being created, not remembered.” Director Ang Lee “distills the flavor of this transforming event and hints at how it transformed some who were there,” writes the Philadelphia Inquirer. The San Francisco Chronicle raves: “If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be there — to actually be there, man — this movie gets it.”

Bar Stool Open returns to Oregon District

By Leave a Comment

2917195100_8096fa749cCostumed foursomes of putt putt golfers will invade the bars of the Oregon District on Saturday, November 14th, as the 8th annual Barstool Open tees off at 11:30am up and down 5th street.  It’s 9 Bars (okay- really just 8 -the Trolley is sponsoring 2 holes this year), and teams will make the pub crawl from one indoor miniature golf hole to the  next.  In prior years the creativity of the course was only outdone by the outfits  of the participating teams!

Teams can register at any of the participating bars:  Blind Bob’s, Dublin Pub, Ned Peppers’s, Newcom’s, Oregon Express, Sloopy’s, Trolley Stop and Tumbleweed ($160 per team if registered by 11/9, $180/team after).  Proceeds from this sport/pub crawl will benefit local children and adults with disabilities through United Rehabilitation Services.  Cash prizes will be awarded for the top 3 team scores as well as best costumed team.

The after party will be hosted by Trolley Stop with snacks and door prizes for all participants. There will be a special raffle for “An Evening in the Oregon District”, courtesy of Wiley’s, Jay’s Seafood, Thai9, Coco’s, Blind Bob’s, Dublin Pub and Trolley Stop.

Pour Beer for a Cause?

By Leave a Comment

5808_105616992970_105606052970_2206409_7593852_nGarden Station has a chance to raise some money for the garden by working a beer tent at Hauntfest on Saturday but still need a few more workers! Can you help on Saturday, Oct 31st in the Oregon District?

If you can help email Garden Station ASAP!

Garden Station is a collaborative revitalization project spearheaded by the Dayton Circus Creative Collective, a group of local artists (www.daytoncircus.org).  We are transforming a  two acre lot on the northeast corner of Fourth Street and Wayne Avenue that was vacant for more than 40 years into a vibrant art park and community garden.

T

El Meson & The Human Race featuring Man of La Mancha

By Leave a Comment

MAN OF LA MANCHA logo

Oct 29- Nov 15th The Human Race presents:

One of the greatest stories of all time turns into one of the most beloved musicals of all time, as the imprisoned Miguel Cervantes spins the tale of Don Quixote and his quest, in this winner of five Tony® Awards. The audience of The Loft will be part of the setting as the Man of La Mancha becomes The Knight of The Woeful Countenance, dons the Golden Helmet of Mambrino, and leads Sancho Panza and Dulcinea as they dare to dream The Impossible Dream.

Click for ticket info to Man of La Mancha

To support the local production, El Meson, Dayton’s family owned and operated restaurant that features cuisine from Central and South America, Spain and the Caribbean,will offer a special “La Mancha” region menu from Oct 30- Nov 15th.  Guests can choose a Tapa from each category for a fixed price meal.

First Course – An appertif style Tapa (choose one)elmeson
1) Assorted Chorizos, Olives, Roasted Red Peppers, & Bread
2) Gambas al Ajillo – sautéed shrimp in garlic & olive oil
3) Tortilla a La Mancha – potato & egg omelet with fresh vegetables

Second Course – A Salad style Tapa (choose one)
1)  Sliced tomatoes with Manchego Sheep Cheese, & Basil
2) Pisto Manchego – sautéed zucchini, yellow squash, & eggplant
3) Sopa de Lentejas – Lentil Soup

Third Course – An Entree style Tapa (choose one)
1) Solomillo al ajo Tostado – Beef tenderloin topped with toasted
garlic & Manchego Cheese. Served over Saffron Rice with Pinenuts.
2) Marinated Pork Tenderloin served with Patatas Alioli (garlic potato salad)
3) Baby Lamb Chops served with a Zucchini & Cheese soufflé.

For all diners of the “ Man of La Mancha Menu”, a glass of Sangria, a Cappuccino, or a glass of Tropical Iced Tea is included.

$25.00 person tax and gratuity NOT included.  For dinner reservations call 859-8229.

Eco-Minded Gather for Green Drinks

By Leave a Comment

greendrinkGreen Drinks is an informal networking event where environmentally minded people meet over drinks. The first chapter began in London in 1989 according to wikipedia and there are now over 582 Green Drinks chapters worldwide. While most people attending are people working on environmental issues, anyone can come — people from environment groups, business, government, academia and as individuals. Each meeting has a featured speaker and appetizers sponsored by a different business each month.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 28 6-8pm at Pacchia
hosted by the Dayton Regional Green Task Force.

Pacchia’s Chef Rich will feature appetizers provided by Ed’s Heating & Cooling, and a CASH BAR will be available for you to order beverages.  Featured Speakers for Oct:  Lisa Grigsby & Billy Pote discussing DaytonCREATE

Dayton-born Writer Natalie Barney Recognized

By Leave a Comment

On Sun, Oct 25th the newest Ohio Historical marker will be dedicated in Cooper Park, adjacent to the Metro Public Library. The marker commemorates Dayton-born writer Natalie Clifford Barney.

images-7A noted writer, Natalie was born October 31, 1876 in Dayton, OH. From the age of 12, Natalie Barney knew that she was a lesbian and she was raised to appreciate the arts. By the age of 20, she had moved to Paris and published the first of her renowned feminist books. In the early 20th Century, when women writers were ignored and dismissed, Natalie Barney created and anchored a formidable leadership role in literary circles. She established her own literary salon which included women, and it quickly drew the leading western writers to her Paris home. For more than 50 years, prominent writers joined her literary circle each week, run according to her rules. Ms. Barney died in Paris on February 2, 1972.

The Ohio Historical Marker program, administered by the Ohio Historical Society since 1957, enables Ohioans to commemorate and celebrate local history as well as to learn more about the state. Designed to be permanent and highly visible, the markers are cast-aluminum signs that tell stories about all aspects of Ohio history.

To date, there are more than 1,300 markers statewide. Immediately follow the dedication ceremony, a presentation of Natalie Barney’s life and works will be held in the Library’s auditorium, Salon Style by Leon Bey. The presentation will include dramatic readings from Ms. Barney’s works, her epigrams and poetry. Refreshments are planned after the program, reminiscent of the food served in the Barney Salons held in her Paris home.

The public is invited to enjoy this presentation on the life of this Dayton-born literary giant and sample the recipes used in her famous Salons.

For more information about the marker dedication, contact John Zimmerman or (937) 313-7813.

For more information on the life and times of Natalie Clifford Barney, contact Leon Bey or (937) 274-4749.For more information about Ohio Historical Markers, visit www.remarkableohio.org.banner_left_ohs

Here’s A Club I’d Join – Chappys Beer Club

By Leave a Comment

Many of you know my favorite beer joint is Chappys. I love the beer flights they have- sample four beers for just $6 and they change all the time. And the food- some of the best comfort food I’d had anywhere. And now they’d added a beer club!

It’s $10 to join, and you’ll get a free appetizer when you sign up. The goal is to sip your way through 100 beers! At the 25 mark-you get a Chappys Glass, at 50 the Chappys Baseball hat and at 75 a Chappys T-shirt. They also promise other specials just for beer club members! The big reward comes when you make it through all 100 beers- you’ll receive lifetime happy hour prices ($1 off draughts and $2 off most appetizers) anytime you visit Chappy’s along with your name added to the Chappys Beer Club Wall of Fame!

The 100 beers is a mix of draughts, bottles and your choice of their rotating selections.

For more info- ask the bartender over a beer at Chappys!

All You Can Eat Chocolate Party

By 1 Comment

chocolateAs part of their 25th anniversary celebration Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe at Cross Pointe Centre in Centerville will host an “All You Can Eat Chocolate Party” on Sunday, Oct. 25th from 4-6pm, in the store’s kitchen, to benefit Breast Cancer Awareness. Enjoy all of the 95 varieties of chocolate made at the shop.  Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the Shoppe or by calling (937) 436-5066.  I’ll be the one there with my mouth full! 🙂

Owner Betty Blose attributes the popularity of her chocolates to the fact that they are handmade with her “signature” blend of milk and dark chocolate to create varieties that include creams, truffles, enrobed and molded items. It’s the only blend sold at the family’s Centerville store, and they use this rich chocolate to create everything from chocolate heart-shaped boxes filled with strawberries dipped in chocolate and cakes made of layers of shortbread cookies, iced with chocolate, to their Bellbrook pretzel, a pretzel rod dipped in caramel, rolled in toffee pieces and finally dipped in chocolate.

Chocolate is one of the most popular sweet-tasting treats in the world and has been for centuries. But part of the myth surrounding chocolate is that if it tastes so good, it must be bad for your health.

But the surprising news from the scientific community is that this reputedly decadent treat actually has some health benefits:

* Cacao, the source of chocolate, contains antibacterial agents that fight tooth decay. Of course, this is counteracted by the high sugar content of milk chocolate.
* The smell of chocolate may increase theta brain waves, resulting in relaxation.
* Chocolate contains phenyl ethylamine, a mild mood elevator.
* The cocoa butter in chocolate contains oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated fat which may raise good cholesterol.
* Drinking a cup of hot chocolate before meals may actually diminish appetite.
* Men who eat chocolate live a year longer than those who don’t.
* The flavanoids in chocolate may help keep blood vessels elastic.
* Chocolate increases antioxidant levels in the blood.
* Mexican healers use chocolate to treat bronchitis and insect bites.
* The carbohydrates in chocolate raise serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in a sense of well-being.