Dayton937

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

Lisa Grigsby

Doubleday’s Home Plate Opens Feb 14th

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After several weeks of carryout only, the doors will open Wed at 11am for guests to dine in or order via doordash at this new Doubleday’s location. They explain that this concept “is a  slimmed down offering of Doubleday’s favorites as well as some exciting exclusive items. However, this is not a full service restaurant, but quick service geared to be quick, easy, and take home well. We hope to offer superior food quality and value without having to go through full service experience.”

Here’s a peek at the menu:

 

Click here to order online.

Doubleday’s Home Plate
ddays_homeplate - Copy.png998 Miamisburg Centerville Rd
Centerville, OH 45459

Hours:

Daily 11am – 9pm

Feb 10th Rings in the Year of the Dragon

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The Lunar New Year celebration is centered around removing bad luck and welcoming all that is good and prosperous. Red is considered an auspicious color to ring in the new year. In many Asian cultures, the color symbolizes good fortune and joy. People dress up in red attire, decorate their homes with red paper lanterns. Gambling and playing traditional games is common during this time across cultures.

The Year of the Dragon is anticipated to bring auspicious opportunities and exciting advancements for all. Those born under the dragon sign are reputed for their innovative thinking and inquisitive nature, and often flourish in their professional pursuits.

 The holiday is a time for togetherness, when family members travel from near and far to exchange well wishes for the coming year. Traditional Lunar New Year foods include:

Chinese people believe that what you do at the beginning of a new year will affect your luck in the coming year. Staying up on Chinese New Year’s eve (February 9th, 2024) and saying good words to your family/friends like Happy New Year after the clock strikes 12 will certainly bring good luck.

In western culture, we say “Happy New Year” and make resolutions. But in eastern cultures, the new year is welcomed with wishes of luck, health and good fortune. In Mandarin, typically you would say “Gong Xi Fa Chai,” which means “Wishing you prosperity and wealth.”

Other greetings include sayings like:

  • May wealth come pouring in
  • May you have abundance every year
  • Good luck and fortune
  • May everything go as you wish

It’s a tradition to give your friends and family bright red envelopes filled with money. But it’s not about the money — it’s all about the envelopes. They symbolize good wishes and luck for the year ahead. With today’s technology, many people have exchanged digital red envelopes instead of the traditional paper ones.

The tradition comes from an old story about a demon, Sui, who would terrorize children on New Year’s Eve. Parents would try to keep their children awake by giving them eight coins to play with. Inevitably, many of the children would fall asleep, and the coins (eight immortals in disguise) would light up and drive the demon away. The envelope is now symbolic of the coins.

The amount of money never includes the number 4 because the Chinese pronunciation of “four” sounds like the word for death.

Besides, decorating your house with kumquat trees (symbolizing wealth & good luck), wearing your lucky color (yellow, red), and eating lucky food like rice dumplings (family togetherness), fried flour-coated peanuts (vitality), walnut cookies (happiness), etc. are popular ways to get lucky. Each year, the date of Lunar New Year changes. But no matter the date, each culture that celebrates has its own historically rich customs, traditions and beliefs.

For a true Chinese New Year Feast may we suggest Hua Mei, the restaurant by the Fuyao Glass factory. They have three different special banquet menus for parties of 10. They also have specials listed. Unfortunately the special menus are only in simplified Chinese.  Check this post on Dayton Foodies for more info.

A New Seafood Concept From The Owners of El Toro

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When El Toro moved across the street to The Greene, they took advantage of their old location to launch a new concept.  They invite guests to dive into Vallarta, your local paradise!

With a seaside decor, neon palm trees and a ceiling of waves, you might actually believe you are in a tropical location.  On a recent lunch visit I was served up a cevche (cooked fish, lime, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro)  served with tostadas and crackers, instead of the usual chips and salsa you’d expect from a Mexican Restaurant.

The menu, inspired by dishes from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is large and broken into appetizers, shareables, soups, seafood specials with some traidtional Mexican classics as well.

I tried the lunch portion of the Pasta Vallarta,  which contained a healthy portion of shrimp and scallops, served with a piece of garlic toast. The creamy Nayarit-style sauce it was tossed in made it pretty tasty dish.

Can’t wait to go back and try some of their other dishes and some cocktails from the bar.

 

 

Vallarta Mexican & Seafood

4448 Indian Ripple Rd
Dayton, OH, 45440
Mon – Fri 11:30am – 10pm
Sat 11:30am  – 10:30pm
Sun 11:30am – 9pm

Heart Shaped Foods For Valentine’s Day

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As the most romantic day of the year, Feb. 14 marks a time for people to show their love and appreciation for their significant other. This is often through heartfelt cards, bouquets of roses, and  dinner reservations. However, just because you want to make someone feel special doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot of money. Check out these deals:

Cassanos: Large or Extra large pepperoni heart shaped pizza.

SAVE $3

Use code XLG for the Extra Large Pepperoni Pizza. Use code HEART for the Large Heart Shaped Pepperoni Pizza (with cutter) to redeem.

Papa John’s heart shaped pizza

Donatos Pizza: Donatos’ fan-favorite heart-shaped pizzas will be available again this year February 10 to 18. The create-your-own one-topping thin-crust pizzas can be ordered online, by phone or in-store; will cost the same as a medium pizza, which varies by location; and will be served uncut “because Donatos Pizza won’t break your heart,” the brand says.

Marco’s Pizza: Marco’s is bringing back its heart-shaped pizza deal for Valentine’s Day 2024. Available from February 9 to 14, the pizzas start at $9.99
Papa Johns: As it has in years past, Papa Johns will offer a one-topping, thin-crust, heart-shaped pizza. You can snag the limited-time-only “be-loved” pizzas for $11.99 at all U.S. locations from Monday, February 5 through Wednesday, February 14.

Dunkin’: The donut chain has two limited-time heart-shaped donuts available: the Brownie Batter Donut, which is filled with buttercreme filling, and the Cupid’s Choice Donut, filled with Bavarian Kreme and topped with strawberry-flavored icing and red and pink sprinkles. There’s also other classic donuts available in heart shapes with pink, red and white sprinkles. Also available: the seasonal Pink Velvet Macchiato and Frosty Red Velvet donuts.

 

Popeyes: The Louisiana Kitchen is serving up some sweetness with the return of its heart-shaped strawberry biscuits. Available until Feb. 25, these buttery treats feature strawberry bits and a creamy icing drizzle.

Each biscuit costs $1.79, though pricing can vary by location. On Valentine’s Day, Popeyes will donate $1 from each heart-shaped biscuit purchase to the Popeyes Foundation’s Serving With Love initiative. These funds are allocated to national and local nonprofits that provide food to those who need it.

 

hardee's limited-time heart shaped biscuits

Hardees: Known for its scratch-made buttermilk biscuits, Hardee’s is now dishing out heart-shaped versions until Feb. 14. To make this limited-time offering even sweeter, the chain is holding a buy-one-get-one biscuit deal, which My Rewards members can redeem in the mobile app. Biscuit sandwich options include the Super Bacon Biscuit, Super Sausage Biscuit, Monster Bisc

 

3rd Chiapas Now Open in Miamisburg

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The third areas Chiapas Mexican Grill opened this past weekend on  Kingsridge Drive in Miami Twp. They took over the space that was once Thai Kitchen, and enlarged it into the space next door.  There are 2 brightly colored dining rooms and this family owned business describes themselves as “a vibrant slice of Mexico right here in Miamisburg.”

The restaurant offers a similar menu to the Moraine and Centerville locations, featuring tacos, enchiladas, burritos, fajitas.  Their lunch menu is served Monday – Saturday until 3:30pm.  The bar serves up 4 different margaritas, beer, wine and daiquiri’s.

 

Chiapas Mexican Grill

8971 Kingsridge Dr,
Miamisburg, OH 45342
(937) 802-5406

Hours:
Mon – Thurs 11am -10pm  Fri & Sat 11- 10:30

Sun 11am – 9:30pm
Delivery available
via DoorDash

 

Dayton’s Best Bloody Mary Has Been Decided

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Today at Top of the Market over 300 people came together to taste and judge the Bloody Mary’s put up by local bars and restaurants! This event was first started by Planned2Give at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in 2017.  For the 8th edition of this event the cocktails were quite varied. Some  were spicy, some were bold, some were even good for you, as they were chocked full of juiced vegetables.

We welcomed back Mack’s Tavern, which was the winner of our very first showdown. Her cocktail placed 3rd.  Also back was Scott Conrad, who tied for the win the 2nd year with Mack’s.

Scott   then when on to win the 3rd year.  He has since launched and markets Rad’s Bloody Mary Mix at the retail level so was there for tastings, not competition.

Meridien Uptown, one of Centerville’s newest businesses won the Best Garnish award and placed 2nd in the Best Bloody Competition.

And for the 2nd year in a row L oose Ends Brewing Companywalked away with best booth decor and Dayton’s Best Bloody Mary, which came with a $500 cash prize and bragging rights for another year!

The crew from Loose Ends dedicated their win to Kent Loose, the owner of Loose Ends Brewery who passed away this past October.  They said he really loved Bloody Mary’s and pushed for them to enter last year.

 


It’s Now “Ghostlight Coffee & Bagels” in Midtown

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The midtown Ghostlight was closed for a couple of days so they could make a few changes.  Midtown now offers a bagel shop concept. Whether you need bagels toasted & topped, bagged by the dozen or as a sandwich, you will fall in love with their freshly-baked bagels.
Their handcrafted bagels are made from scratch, hand-rolled and boiled in local beer. The result? Perfectly chewy crust and soft, delightful inside. They toast up to perfection!
photo Credit to Alexis Gallo
Join them this weekend to experience the ✨🥯✨ magic. Explore the refreshed menu with our much-loved classic sandwich creations served on our incredible bagels — or you could treat a crowd by grabbing a bagful & some  unique schmears.

Ghostlight Coffee + Bagels

800 South Patterson
Dayton, OH 45410

Mon – Fri 6:30a-2p
Sat & Sun 8a-2p

$10 Lunches At El Meson

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El Meson in West Carrollton has just released a new lunch menu featuring 10 options for just $10 each.  They serve lunch Wed – Fri  from 11am – 2pm. Lots of options, including choices for vegetarians.

Here’s the menu:

El Meson

903 E Dixie Dr,
West Carrollton, OH 45449
937-859-8229

Lunch Hours:
Wed – Fri 11am – 2pm

Dinner Hours:
Wed – Sat  4 – 9pm

Coco’s Savor Your Sunday Brunches Back For February

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Savor Your Sunday Brunches are returning to Coco’s Bistro this February.  Each Sunday the Stivers School for the Arts performing arts magnet students will perform, while the kitchen at Coco’s serve up brunch from 10am – 1pm

The brunch runs $40 per person, $15 of which is donated to The seedling Foundation of Dayton Ohio to support the unique needs of the students at Stivers School for the Arts.

Reservations are highly suggested, as these brunches have historically sold out quickly.

Feb 4th – Strings

Feb 11th – Piano

Feb 18th Jazz orchestra

Feb 25th Dance & Choir

Art donated by Stivers School for the Arts Adjunct faculty and local artists will bon on view and available to win throught the purchase of raffle tickets.

Entrees available will be:Steak and Eggs, Empanadas, Smoked Salmon, Chicken and Waffle, Shrimp and Grits, Eggs Benedict,  Short Rib Hash, and Bourbon Salad.

For an additional cost you can order from the Dessert menu:

Panna Cotta, Chocolate Cake, Apple Galette, Cookie Sandwich…Little Ava or Blood Orange-Pomegranate Sorbet

Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas are available for  $11

Coco’s Bistro

250 Warren St,
Dayton, OH, 45402
937-228-2626

Pop-Up Steakhouse at Hollywood Gaming

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For 3 days only at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway Final Cut Steakhouse will take over the Skybox restaurant.

Jennifer Woffindale, director of marketing shares they had done this for a private event once and “everyone seemed to really enjoy it”  so they are bringing it back  for the whole weekend  before Valentine’s Day. Here’s what the menu will look like:

 

“We expect to fill up,” Woffindale said. “Please make reservations early and don’t forget to ask for the wine list as we are bringing some different bottles in for this special event.”  To reserve a table, call 937-235-7592.

Dayton937.com Giveaway:  Check out our Dayton Dining Page for your chance to win a dinner for two.

Final Cut Steakhouse PopUpat Hollywood Gaming

777 Hollywood Blvd
Dayton, OH 45414
Steakhouse Hours:

Fri & Sat 3-11pm
Sun 2-8pm

8th Annual Bloody Mary Showdown – The Quest for Dayton’s Best Bloody Mary

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Bartenders from Dayton’s bars and restaurants will compete, bringing their own bloody mary mix and garnishes to the table. Guests will have a chance to sample the different cocktails and then vote for their favorite.

Bartenders from Dayton’s bars and restaurants will compete, bringing their own bloody mary mix and garnishes to the table. Guests will have a chance to sample the different cocktails and then vote for their favorite.

In 2020 the winning cocktail was “Papi’s Sassy Bloody Mary” by Vicki Wedworth of Papi Joe’s Tennessee Pepper Sauce Company.

Then that pesky pandemic hit and we took a couple years off.  We came back strong in 2023 with  Loose Ends Brewing Company walking away the winner!

The event takes place this year from noon – 2pm on Sun, Feb 4th at Top of the Market on Webster Street.  There are two options to purchase your judging credential:

There are two options to purchase your judging credential:

VIP Tickets: Include a buffet breakfast of eggs, bacon & sausage, and toast and an exclusive VIP hour from 11:00 AM and 12 Bloody Mary sampling tickets and judging credentials for $75.

General Admission: Includes 8 Bloody Mary sampling tickets and judging credentials for $30. Doors open for GA at noon, and the event concludes at 2:00 PM.

Purchase your tickets here.

Guests will also vote for the best garnish and best table decor. Best Bloody Mary walks with bragging rights and a $500 cash prize!

Bartenders- think your Bloody Mary has what it takes? PROVE IT!
To enter, click here. There is a $25 entrance fee and we will provide you with  Vodka, sample cups, ice and a covered table. You bring your own bloody mary mix and any special garnishes you’d like. Winning bartender walks with bragging rights and $500 cash.

6.99 Big Box Back At Popeyes

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Popeyes has brought back its popular $6.99 Big Box deal as a digital offer available for redemption via the brand’s app and online.
Popeyes Welcomes Back $6.99 Big Box Deal

Each $6.99 Big Box includes two pieces of signature, bone-in chicken, two regular sides and one biscuit.

To redeem the deal, simply open the offers tab when placing your order online or via the Popeyes app and select the $6.99 Big Box offer from the options available in your area. Just be aware that the offer is limited to one redemption per order.

You can find the $6.99 Big Box deal at participating locations nationwide through February 11, 2024.

Other deal currently featured at Popeyes includes a buy one 6-piece wings and get another 6-piece wings for $1 more.

Flyboy’s Deli 11th Anniversary

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I was at the ribbon cutting for Flyboy’s Deli on Far Hills Ave inOakwood eleven years ago today.  Owner Steve Cranell shared key points that would differentiate Flyboys Deli.  First their concept-  they’d be a traditional New York style deli, where you order from the menu, as opposed to table service He was also quick to point out that the prices would be affordable and the menu much more extensive.

Fast forward 11 years later, a Beavercreek location that opened in 2018 and closed in 2019, and in June of 2021 they opened up downtown on Patterson Blvd.  In the summer of 2023, owner Steve Crandall, endured a life-altering stroke.  His left side of his body is unresponsive and he recently has been moved to a nursing home and his son- in law shared with us that he is very slowly regaining a bit of movement. His wife Eunice is  recovering from cancer and a broken leg. Due to those circumstances they made the decision to close the downtown location.

Due to the owners health concerns, son-in-law Shaun, who is running the place said they really weren’t planning any celebration.  But he certainly invites you to join them for lunch or dinner.

Flyboy’s Deli Oakwood
2515 Far Hills Ave.
Dayton,OH 45419

(937) 723-6135

Hours:
Monday-Thursday (11am – 9pm)
Friday (11am -10pm)
Saturday (11am -10pm)
Closed Sunday

Final Auction For Tanks Memorabilla, Tables & Glassware

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This is your last chance to purchase items from Tanks.  The restaurant which opened in 1987 closed for good in June of 2023. The auction will start closing at 6PM on January 29th. The removal for this auction will be on Monday, February 5th from 2-6PM at 2033 Wayne Ave. in Dayton.

Some of items up for auction include:

Shelving, baskets, flatware, scales, prep table, pot & pans, shelving, ladders and  more.  Here are a few of the listings:

Wooden Table Top w/Metal Base and Tank’s Bar and Grill Logo

Misc Glass Barware Incl Martini, Daiquiri, Margarita Glasses and More

Set of Five Rubber Bar Mats

To view the auction site, click here.

New Breakfast Burrito at Wendy’s

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Wendy’s new Breakfast Burrito features eggs, seasoned potatoes, applewood-smoked bacon, American cheese, and Swiss cheese sauce all wrapped in a soft, flour tortilla. The burrito comes served with two Cholula Hot Sauce packets on the side.

“With our new Breakfast Burrito, we’ve carefully balanced taste and convenience to create a portable masterpiece,” said John Li, Global Vice President of Culinary Innovation at The Wendy’s Company. “Our newest breakfast innovation serves up all the best parts of Wendy’s breakfast rolled up into one delicious burrito.”

You can find the Breakfast Burrito at participating locations nationwide for a limited time.

Nutritional Information – One Breakfast Burrito

  • Calories: 720
  • Fat: 41g
  • Sodium: 2200mg
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 32g

Winter Restaurant Week Kicks Off Today

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I started Restaurant Week in 2005 when I was president of the Miami Valley Restaurant Association as a way to help our local eateries during the slowest month of the year. The promotion offered a 3 course meal for $20.05, playing off the year, with $1/meal going to a local charity.  At one point we had over 50 independent restaurants participating and over 10,000 meals served over the week.  2024 Restaurant Week kicks off tonight, Sun, Jan 21st and runs through next Sun, Jan 28th.

Our tips for making the most out of restaurant week:

*Check the days restaurants are open
*Make reservations when applicable
*Indulge in a great bottle of wine to compliment your meal
*Ask for the Restaurant Week menu if it’s not offered
*Know that menu’s may change based on product availability

Now almost 20 years and while the premise is the same, the costs have certainly changed.  This year three course meals are being offered at about 30 restaurants.  Several of them are still offering meals at $20.24, like Greek Street.  There you can enjoy a Mediterranean Platter -Choice of Chicken or Braised Lamb, Lemon Rice, Village Salad, 2 Keftedes, 2 Dolmades, Tzatziki and a piece of Baklava.  Condado Tacos at The Greene also has a $20.24 meal deal.  Nick’s in Xenia is offering a meal for two for $40.24. One dollar of each meal is donated to the Food Bank and the MVRA Education Foundation.

Coming in on the high end, Manna in Uptown Centervile has 2 of the higher priced offerings  at $60.24
for a Ponzu Salmon or Arrachera de Peru skirt steak. It’s sister restaurant Salar, in the Oregon District has a choice of Grilled Skirt Steak or Seared barramundi 3 course meal for $55.24.  The price range these 3 course meals for 2024 is $20.24-$60.24. Each meal donates $1, which will be split between The Food Bank and the

Participating Restaurants include:

Agave & Rye
Amber Rose
Archer’s Tavern
Bock Family Brewing
Bunkers
Carvers
Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers
Chappy’s
Coco’s Bistro
Condado Tacos
Corner Kitchen
Cowboy Sallys
El Meson
Figlio
Firebirds
Franco’s
Greek Street
Hickory River Smokehouse
Jay’s Seafood
Little Fish Brewing
Loose Ends Brewing
Manna
Nick’s Restaurant
Pasha Grill
Primo Italian Steakhouse
Rip Rap Roadhouse
Roost
Salar
Silas Creative Kitchen
Smith’s Boathouse
The Chop House
The Florentine

To see the menu’s, visit the Restaurant Association website here. Know that you can’t get to all of the participating eateries, but Restaurant Week happens again in July!