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a taste of wine

Jane’s Best Bets (5/4 – 5/8)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Since it is May, you may be asking the question, “Is there anything fun going on this week in Dayton?”  The answer of course is an enormous “YES!”  This week, there are so many things from which to choose that you may have some very difficult decisions ahead of you!

On Wednesday, join Dayton Creative Syndicate as they welcome Guest Speaker, Jack Supple at Brixx Ice Company.  Taste some wine as part of the Weekly Wine Tasting at The Wine Gallery.  Not yet prepared to make your bets for the Kentucky Derby?  Be sure to attend the Derby Preview Party at Color of Energy Gallery where John Engelhardt from River Downs and other horse racing experts will give you some great tips…and don’t forget to have a mint julep!  Plus, there will be a live horse outside the art gallery AND live music!  Afterwards, please carefully walk to Fifth Third Field to watch the Dragons as they play the South Bend Silver Hawks.  And finally, give those vocal folds a workout by heading to Blind Bob’s for Karaoke.

On jueves (Thursday), start the day at the Presidential Banquet Center for the 2nd Annual Voices for Kids Benefit, which helps CHOICES, an organization that provides a support system for youth, their families, and foster parents.  Over at Sinclair, attend the 2011 Go Red For Women Luncheon.  Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style at one of these great restaurants:  (1) The Caroline, which offers some great Cinco de Mayo specials; (2) El Meson – starting at 3PM, they will have $1 Tequila shots and free tapas until 5:30PM…plus amazing food, music, and dancing; or (3) El Rancho Grande (or the “E.R.” as my friend Lynne calls it) for 1/2 Price Ladies Night.  Or Join the Dayton Ballet Barre for their 1st Annual Cinco de Mayo ‘Barre’ Crawl which will take place at a variety of bars in the Oregon District.  If Mexican food does not appeal to your taste buds, no problem.  You can attend the Beer & Burger Tasting at A Taste of Wine in downtown Miamisburg.  Some other possibilities for Thursday evening include listening to the Hal Melia Quartet as part of the Vectren Just Jazz Series at the Dayton Art Institute, Space Night at the Air Force Museum, Dayton Theology on Tap at Oregon Express, or watching the Dragons as they play the South Bend Silver Hawks.

On Friday, ALL young professionals should without a doubt participate in Generation Dayton’s Get Out, & Give Back Dayton! The day will consist of a lunch, followed by a variety of service projects at area non-profits, and finally a wonderful after-party at Oregon Express!  Get registered today and bring a friend!  Afterwards, attend the First Friday art hop downtown.  Also downtown, you can participate in the Courteous Mass Ride, watch the Dragons play the South Bend Silver Hawks, listen to the Paul McKenna Band at the Dayton Art Institute, or attend ‘Byron Stripling: Satchmo, Fats & The Duke’ (Dayton Philharmonic) at the Schuster Center (click here to find out how you can get discounted tickets, courtesy of jumpstART!).  And if you’re brave enough to venture outside of downtown, head to the Dayton Mall Chick-fil-A for a Free Chick-fil-A Sandwich from 4-7PM, the Baum Opera House for The Wizard of Oz, or the Centerville Performing Arts Center for Hello, Dolly!

Hopefully you spent your Friday night downtown so you can wake up and gallop your way to the Derby Day Dash 5K and Kids Fun Run at RiverScape.  Then head to PNC 2nd Street Market to Make Your Own Crepe.  Over at Garden Station Community Garden/Art Park, share your food, art, music, or whatever else you want as part of the Really Really Free Market.  Wear your favorite hat (the bigger, the better!) and support women’s wellness by attending the 2nd Annual Crown Jewels Derby Day Brunch at Brio.  I hope to see you there!  Keep that hat on so that you will be able to attend the Junior League of Dayton Derby Party at The Wine Loft.  In order to support a couple other great causes, attend the House of Bread Silent Auction at the Dayton Mall Holiday Inn or the American Red Cross’s Putting on the Glitz event at the Hope Hotel and Conference Center.  If your doctor wrote you a prescription for laughter, be sure to get your tickets to Cocktails with Larry Miller at Victoria Theatre.  Although I’m not an accountant, I don’t think this would qualify as a medical expense under your H.S.A.  Listen to the Dayton Philharmonic’s performance – ‘Byron Stripling: Satchmo, Fats & The Duke’, which takes place at the Schuster Center.  Other musical options include listening to the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra’s Spring Concert at Shiloh Church or the The Primo Trio at the Dayton Art Institute as part of the Vanguard Concert Series.  Catch “Saturday Night Football” at Hara Arena as the Dayton Silverbacks play the Indianapolis Enforcers.  And finally, if you feel like catching a show, both The Wizard of Oz (Baum Opera House) and Hello, Dolly (Centerville Performing Arts Center) will still be running strong!

On Sunday, if you do nothing else, be sure to honor your mother!  If you don’t mind (and if you do mind, sorry, I just don’t care), I’d like to give a quick shout out to mine – Thank you mom for being the best mom ever…and thank you for not just putting up with my dumb jokes, but actually laughing at them!  I love you bunches and bunches! Thanks for letting me do that, although you really had no choice.  Anyways, whatever you’re doing, I hope you will be able to have the opportunity to spend Sunday with your mother.  And don’t worry because you won’t have to cook breakfast or lunch, as many restaurants are offering Mother’s Day Specials!  Some places that are offering brunch include The Barnsider, Hilton Garden Inn, Carvers, Blind Bob’s, Boulevard Haus, Dublin Pub, and Fleming’s.  Don’t forget to take your wallet…it would be bad news if your mom had to pay!  And if your mom likes music, take her to Kettering Fairmont High School for the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert.  Or take her to see Honk! Jr. at Town Hall Theatre.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Why was the racehorse named Bad News?  Because Bad News travels fast.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Class Explores Wine in the Movies

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Wine and culture seem to go hand in hand. Many  movies feature wine as key plot elements or scene builders.  A Taste of Wine is hosting a 4 course series of wine tastings, beginning May 4th,  that will focus on wine being poured in the movies.  Lead by fine wine specialist, Laruen Wiethe of Cutting Edge, guests are encouraged to do their homework by watching the following movies:

Bottleshock – In 1976, Steven Spurrier, a sommelier in Paris, comes to the Napa Valley to take the best he can find to Paris for a blind taste test against French wine. He meets Jim Barrett, whose Chateau Montelena is mortgaged to the hilt as Jim perfects his chardonnay. There’s strain in Jim’s relations with his hippie son Bo and his foreman Gustavo, a Mexican farmworker’s son secretly making his own wine. Plus, there’s Sam, a UC Davis graduate student and free spirit, mutually attracted to both Gustavo and Bo. As Spurrier organizes the “Judgment of Paris,” Jim doesn’t want to participate while Bo knows it’s their only chance. Barrett’s chardonnay has buttery notes and a Smithsonian finish **Watching Sideways  – A wine tasting road trip to salute Jack’s final days as a bachelor careens woefully sideways as he and Miles hit the gas en route to mid-life crises.

Sideways– Miles is a failed writer living a meager existence in San Diego as an English teacher. With his career seemingly fading and the fate of a book hinging on a publisher’s decision, Miles is depressed with himself and what he hasn’t achieved. Jack is a television actor whom some recognize but not many do, as if he were a minor actor who got a taste of success. With his best friend Miles, the two embark on a road trip through California’s wine country. Miles wants to give his friend a nice sendoff before married life, while Jack simply wants to have a fling beforehand. As they’re both nearing middle age with not much to show for it, the two will explore the vineyards while ultimately searching for their identities.

Advance registration for this class is required and class will meet each Wed starting May 4th through  May 25th from 7- 8:30pm at A Taste of Wine in downtown Miamisburg. Class costs $10 and each week there is a $15 supply fee payable to the instructor.  Please refrain from wearing perfumes, colognes, or after shaves as this does affect the tasting of the wines.

Jane’s Best Bets (3/9 – 3/13)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Daylight Savings Time is this coming weekend.  As we spring forward, we’ll all have one less hour to have fun, so that just means you’ll have to be more efficient in packing as much fun as you can into the week!  To help save some time, I’ve done some of the planning for you!

On Wednesday, find out what Skype is by heading to Welcome to the World of Skype at The Learning Center at Miami Valley Research Park.  This is a perfect way to connect with a friend or loved one who lives far away.  Speaking of connections, if you work or volunteer for a non-profit, you will want to attend 19 Ways to Use Social Media to Connect With Your Donors at the Dayton Metro Library’s main branch.  Sick of cooking the same old meatloaf?  Attend the Cooking Class: Small Plates From Around the World at the Greene County Career Center to “spice” things up!  Or, learn the basics at UD’s ArtStreet for Basic Cooking Skills with Jim Owens.  It’s only $10 for community members!  At the Trolley Stop, be sure to not drink too liberally for the Drinking Liberally – Dayton event, in which you will be able to discuss politics with others who are interested in the topic.  If drinking makes you drowsy, then get some caffeine and make your way to the Victoria Theatre to see The Drowsy Chaperone.

On Thursday, head to the PNC 2nd Street Market for the Fresh Summer Wrap Demo.  Afterwards, you will be able to fix your own for lunch.  Make reservations to attend the Mardi Gras Creole Wine Dinner over at the delicious McCormick & Schmick’s.  At A Taste of Wine, attend their 2 Cheeses & A Chocolate Fondue Wine Tasting.  Join other young professionals in the Dayton region at the Generation Dayton Thirsty Thursday at Harrigan’s in Kettering.  And if you would like to see some very talented young dancers, head to Wright State for their Dance Concert 2011.

Carroll Fish Fry

On Friday, eat some of the amazing pizza at Oregon Express as part of their Half-Price Pizzas.  Attend the first fish fry that is officially in Lent – the Carroll High School 26th Annual Alumni Irish Fish Fry.  Looking for a historically accurate, multi-course dinner from the 19th century?  Attend the Tavern Dinners: End of Winter Feast at Carillon Historical Park…I’m hoping that “historically accurate” does not mean that the food itself is well over a hundred years old.  If you find that you’re tickled pink, head to Pinkalicious-The Musical at Town Hall Theatre.  Other theater options include the Xenia Area Community Theatre’s Old Time Radio Show II at the Kettering Health Network Theatre, Beyond Therapy at the Dayton Playhouse, Little Women at Wright State University, Mid-Life, The Crisis Musical at Beavercreek Community Theatre, and The Drowsy Chaperone at Victoria Theatre.  All you Celtic music lovers should make plans to see the band Solas as they perform at Kuss Auditorium.  And if you love the Dayton Philharmonic, be sure to get tickets to see Russian Giants at the Schuster Center.

On Saturday, there will be great things going on at the PNC 2nd Street Market.  Take the kids so they can enjoy the Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss celebration.  Also, while there, join in the festivities as it is also St. Patrick’s Day at the Market!  There will be live Irish music as well as Irish dance demonstrations.  While you’re downtown, be sure to head to Fifth Third Field for the Dragons Box Office Opening so that you can get the best tickets for the season!  For all those who would like to learn how to sew, register for the Workshop: Do-It-Yourself Sewing at the Dayton Art Institute.  I definitely would benefit as I can’t sew worth a darn!  All you artist wannabes will want to attend the Saturday Art Classes at K12 Gallery for Young People.  If you know a teenager, encourage him/her to attend the Boonshoft’s shamROCK 2011, for an evening of live music, dancing, laser tag, prizes, and much more!  There are a wide variety of theater options, including The Drowsy Chaperone (Victoria Theatre), Pinkalicious, The Musical at Town Hall Theatre, Old Time Radio Show II at the Kettering Health Network Theater, Beyond Therapy at Dayton Playhouse, Little Women at Wright State University, and Mid-Life, The Crisis Musical at Beavercreek Community Theatre.  If you love black tie events, you will want to attend the Opera Guild of Dayton’s 2011 Opera Ball, whose theme this year Come Fly with Me.  The event will take place at the Wright Brothers Airport.  Have a wonderful time at Cars & Cabernet, a fundraiser to benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio.  It will be an evening of fine wine, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and exquisite automobiles!  If you’d prefer a more low-key evening that will support a “God” cause, attend the Holy Trinity Fish Fry.  Some musical options for Saturday include The Bluegrass Blowout featuring The Special Consensus at Centerville Schools Performing Arts Center and the Dayton Philharmonic’s Russian Giants at the Schuster Center.  And if you love dance, be sure to attend the Dance Concert 2011 at the Schuster Center.

On Sunday, make time to catch one of the shows you didn’t have an opportunity to see earlier in the weekend:  Beyond The Drowsy Chaperone - Victoria Theatre Associaiton / Human Race Theatre Co. - March 8-20, 2011Therapy (Dayton Playhouse), Little Women (Wright State), The Drowsy Chaperone (Victoria Theatre), Mid-Life, The Crisis Musical (Beavercreek Community Theatre), Old Time Radio Show (Xenia Area Community Theatre at Kettering Health Network Theater), or Pinkalicious, The Musical (Town Hall Theatre).  Want to get out in the great outdoors?  Learn the Fundamentals of Skating at RiverScape.  If you’re a write and prefer to stay indoors, attend Books & Co.’s Second Sunday Free Writers’ Workshop–How To Break Into Publishing.  And finally, watch some amazing dance performances at Wright State’s Dance Concert 2011.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

A seamstress went to the doctor.  The doctor asked her, “How are you feeling?”  She replied, “Ah, so so.”

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (1/5 – 1/9)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  I hope that 2011 has many great things in store for all of you!  Hopefully some of these events can help to make it that way!

On Wednesday, for a tasty dinner at a reasonable price, head to the Bonefish Grill for Bang Bang Shrimp Wednesdays, Sammy’s El Pueblo for their Fajita Dinner for 2 for $19.99, or Champps for their 9.99 Fajitas.  If you really wanted to eat fajitas and save money, you should go to Champps since you could get two fajita dinners for a whole penny cheaper…just sayin’.  Help promote the Five Rivers MetroParks’ Outdoor Recreation Department by attending their Volunteer: Street Tream Training.  And if you are environmentally conscious, attend the Environmental Film Series: End of the Line at Cox Arboretum…which is absolutely free!

On Thursday, enjoy a glass or two of wine along with your dinner at the delicious Coco’s Bistro where they have 1/2 Price Wine Bottles.  If you are in downtown Miamisburg, head to TJ Chumps for their Three Course Thursday-All Day and/or A Taste of Wine (which is right across the street) for their Wine Tasting.  Sorry, I may not be helping your New Year’s resolution to lose weight.  And in the evening, all you Dancing with the Stars fans will want to see Mark Ballas as he performs at McGuffy’s.

On Friday, after perhaps your first full week of working in a little while, head downtown for the First Friday Art Hop!  If someone asks you about the Riverscape ice rink, say “I’ll be there” so that you can enjoy the thrill of ice skating as part of the King of Pop Skate.  For a different style of music, join the Dayton Philharmonic as they perform ‘Titanic Brahms, Vibrant Liebermann’ at the Schuster Center.  Over at the Dayton Theatre Guild, see the show Ravenscroft.  And finally, up in Yellow Springs, head to Emporium Wines/Underdog Café for a Wine Tasting accompanied by live music.

On Saturday, head to the Yellow Springs Winter Farmer’s Market – just don’t tell any secrets because remember…a corn has ears!  While you’re there, bring some items that will help you de-clutter your house, items you would like to share with others, or an unwanted Christmas gift as part of the Really Really Free Market at Emporium Wines/Underdog Café in Yellow Springs.  I have never participated in anything like this, but it sounds like an awesome idea!  For more info, check out this link.  If you got engaged over the holidays and are trying to navigate your ways through all the wedding planning, head to the Dayton Bridal Expo at the Dayton Convention Center.  With the amount of food allergies on the rise, consider attending Dorothy Lane Market’s Gluten-Free Food Lovers’ Club: How to eat your way throughout the year.  And in the evening if you are downtown, head to RiverScape for their Star-Late Skate, the Dayton Theatre Guild for Ravenscroft, or the Schuster Center for ‘Titanic Brahms, Vibrant Liebermann’.  And if you decide to head over to McGuffy’s, you’ll be swinging, sliding, and perhaps doing a little bit of monkey barring as the 90s band Marcy Playground performs.

On Sunday, chase those winter blues away by heading to the Mu Crew Pool Party at the Holiday Inn Dayton Mall.  Over at the Dayton Art Institute, participate in the two T’s – Tour and Tea.  If you love to write, get a little help by heading over to Books & Co. for their Second Sunday Free Writers’ Workshop.  And finally, over at the Dayton Theatre Guild, if you haven’t already done so, be sure to check out Ravenscroft.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

“Doctor!  Something’s wrong!  I’m shrinking!”

“Take it easy, sir.  You’ll just have to be a little patient.”

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Ever Thought About Being A Wine Critic?

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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 | atasteofwine@gmail.com

Jane’s Best Bets (12/15 – 12/19)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

If you had one, I hope you enjoyed your 2-hour delay or day off due to the snow this week!  If not, I’m sorry!  There are again lots of things to do this week, so even if jackfrost is nipping at your nose, don’t make it a big deal…bundle up and get out of that house!

On Wednesday, start the day at Taco Bell for Free Breakfast Wednesday. At lunchtime, there are several events going on downtown.  You will be able to hear yuletide carols being sung by a choir if you attend the Dayton Holiday Festival’s Noontime Entertainment or the Noonday Carol Singat Westminster Presbyterian Church.  If you work or volunteer for a non-profit, you’ll want to attend Results Now for Nonprofits at the main branch of the Dayton Metro Library.  The colors of Christmas are red and green, so get in half of that spirit by attending the ‘Green’ Social Networking event at Franco’s.  For you winos, attend the Wine Tasting at Dorothy Lane Market or the Weekly Wine Tastingat The Wine Gallery.  If you’re a beero, attend the Mt Camel Beer Tastingat A Taste of Wine in Miamisburg.  At the Spaghetti Warehouse, attend their Mayhem & Mystery Dinner Theatre ‘Hollywood Holiday’…if it’s too scary, you will find it hard to sleep tonight.  For you corny folk like me, attend the Customer Appreciation Christmas Partyat Barleycorn’s, where it will be happy hour all day and there will be visits and gifts from Santa. And finally on Wednesday, at The Loft Theatre, attend 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s or catch The Wonder Bread Years at Victoria Theatre.

On Thursday, visit Santa at the PNC Second Street Market.  Again at your lunch hour, attend the Dayton Holiday Festival’s Noontime Entertainment going on downtown.  If you are a young professional who lives/works north of town, join HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Emerge) at The Caroline as part of their Third Thursday.  In order to try a new beer or two, attend the Sierra Nevada Celebration at Spinoza’s or the Christmas Beer Dinner at Thai 9.  I’m talking to you about beer, so I’m offering this simple phrase:  Don’t drink and drive.  Over at the Dayton Art Institute, watch as the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company Presents African Americans in American Life.  While there, take advantage of their Free Third Thursdays.  Or crank out some tunes by attending Karaoke with DJ Carlat Therapy Café.

On Friday, there are many options for your lunch hour.  If you would like to have lunch with an awesome group of young professionals, RSVP to the wonderful Andy Hickey and attend Generation Dayton’s 4th Friday lunchat Rue Dumaine (it’s actually the third Thursday this month because of Christmas!).  Or, attend Bach’s Lunch feat. Carillon Brass, a band of brass instrument musicians, whose members are all part of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra.  Plus, the concert is absolutely FREE!  According to my schedule, fish fry season doesn’t officially start until the Holy Angels fish fry in January, but you don’t have to wait that long for a little fish as you’ll be able to have an All You Can Eat Fish Dinnerat Romer’s Bar and Grill. For those of us who still need to finish our Christmas shopping, we’re in luck as there is a Holiday Bazaar at Valeria’s Beauty Center and Day Spa.  Don’t feel like cooking?  Attend the Christmas Candlelight Dinner at the Dayton Woman’s Club.  Or attend the December Wine and Food Extravaganzaat Kroger Fresh Fare.  I looked at the menu and it sounds absolutely amazing, as there are many foods whose names I don’t know how to pronounce!  To burn off all those calories, grab your ice skates and head over to RiversScape for their DJ Skate: Holiday and Top 40.  Or if you feel like just kicking back, consider purchasing tickets to one of the many shows going on in the area, including Junie B. Jones; Jingle Bells, Batman Smells at Town Hall Theatre, The Nutcrackerat the Schuster Center, 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s at The Loft Theatre, Christmas Belles at the Dayton Playhouse, the The Wonder Bread Years at Victoria Theatre, or Irving Berlin’s White Christmasat La Comedia.

Plan to make Saturday a day with your kids…or at least part of it.  And if you’re like me and don’t have any kids, you can just act like one, or perhaps give somebody’s parents a break and borrow one.  (My mom said she wished somebody would borrow me.  Yep, she actually said that…luckily followed by a just kidding!)  So with kid/s in tow, attend Breakfast with Santa at Carillon Park or stop by the PNC 2nd Street Market as Santa Visits the Market, where he has probably loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh!   While there, drop off your non-perishable items for Food for Friends.  In addition to helping those who are less fortunate, you’ll also be setting a great example for the little ones!  You can then visit the Wonderland Windows and do a little shopping at The Tike’s Shop, which are both at the Schuster Center.  At Kettering Tower, check out Virginia Kettering’s Holiday Train Display.  A little later, take those kiddos to The Neon to watch ‘The Grinch’ as part of their Family Movie Series.  Looking for a pet?  Consider attending the Iams Home 4 the Holiday Pet Adopt-a-thon Event.

There are many other options for Saturday as well!  If you’d like to see a show, consider seeing Christmas Belles at the Dayton Playhouse, The Wonder Bread Years at Victoria Theatre, The Nutcrackerat the Schuster Center, Junie B. Jones; Jingle Bells, Batman Smells at Town Hall Theatre, or 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s at the Loft Theatre.  Help to make the season bright by attending the Musica! Christmas Seasonal Concertat Fairhaven Church.  I have heard that Musica! has been working hard to put on a great performance!  All you “Flyer Faithful” will want to be at the UD Arena as the Flyers take on Western Carolina.  And although I have never been to one, you can also attend The Mu Crew Christmas Drag Showto benefit the AIDS Resource Center…there might not be folks dressed up like eskimos, but I am sure they will be wearing some interesting clothes!  I didn’t mean for it to, but that sort of rhymed…I guess I’m a poet and didn’t even know it.

On Sunday, have a Victorian Christmas Brunch at the Dayton Woman’s Club. You will also have the opportunity to take your child to the Schuster Center to have Some-Fun, see the Wonderland Windows display, and shop at The Tike’s Shop…I’m sure there will be lots of tiny tots with their eyes all aglow!  If you love architecture, then you will definitely want to attend the Architectural Church Tour which will take you through four different churches built in the late 19th/early 20th century.  This shuttled tour is 100% free!  If you didn’t get a chance to see Musica! perform on Saturday night, consider checking them out at the Lutheran Church of our Savior for their Christmas Seasonal Concert.  And for some theater options, go to the Dayton Playhouse to see Christmas Belles, the Victoria Theatre for The Wonder Bread Years, the Schuster Center for The Nutcracker, Town Hall Theatre for Junie B. Jones; Jingle Bells, Batman Smells, La Comedia for Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, or The loft Theatre for 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s.  And if you would like somebody to hit your funny bone, see Latin Kings of Comedy- Alex Reymundo at Dayton Funny Bone.  I have two funny bones, but I think Dayton only has one.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Why does Santa have three gardens?

So he can hoe hoe hoe.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Although it’s been said many times, many ways, have a GREAT week Dayton!

Finding Wines to Pair With Your Turkey

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Thanksgiving- it’s a time to celebrate with friends and family, yet at this time of year you often hear people asking what wine pairs well with Turkey? If you’ve been asked to bring the wine or have people coming to your house for holiday dinner, no need to stress about what to serve. The good news is there is no correct answer. Turkey pairs well with red wine or white wine depending on what you and your guests like. Turkey is adaptable and the way it’s prepared as well as other dishes to the meal really dictate what wine to pair it with.

If you are a red wine drinker, try a Pinot Noir. It’s a nice flavored red wine that will pair well with turkey. Pinot Noir has very little tannins which means it won’t overwhelm the meal. Putting the Pinot Noir in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before serving it will bring out the fruit and will take away the ‘bite’ that alcohol can give when served at room temperature.

If you like white wines, try a Chardonnay or even a Pinot Gris.  Almost any good white will work, but stay away from the sweet dessert style whites. Light and crisp Chardonnay’s  along with most Sauvignon Blanc’s will work.  Sparkling Wine also works  and brings a festive note to the meal. There are some powerful, yet affordable brut Champagnes that have sufficient weight and structure to stand up to a rich meal. Again, stay away from the sweeter Champagnes.

Still want more help? Many of our local wine stores have events that will help you find the combination you like best:
Arrow’s Annual Holiday Tasting!
Sun, Nov 14th, 5:30 – 7:30pm at the Centerville Store
Over 75 wines, great appetizers and live music!
$50/person, pre-paid reservations required by Nov 10th
Call 433-6778 to make your reservations!

A Taste of Wine Holiday Show- Thurs, Nov 18th, 7 – 9pm
Food, Fun and Fabulous wine pairings.  Taste wines for your holiday feasts & gift giving.
$20 Please RSVP by phone 937.247.1120

Bella Vino’s Wine & Food Pairing Dinners
Wed, Nov 10th – 7pm
Sat, Nov 20th – 5pm
Tues  Nov 23rd – 7pm

Dinner includes:
turkey dinner – with mashed potatoes & gravy, sweet potato casserole, green beans, and cranberry sauce.
4 wines specially selected to pair with Thanksgiving dinner.
An open-ended discussion about wine & food pairing with  resident Wine Enthusiast, John Feltz.

Dinner is $30 per person and seats are limited.  These dinner sold out last year, so reserve early

Coco’s Bistro 30 for $30
Wed, Nov 10th, 6 – 8pm

Special holiday flavored appetizers to make it easy to pick which wine to go with the Turkey, Ham, Roast or for the Toast on New Years Eve.
Wine vendors on hand, to help you choose- and we’ll have special pricing on wines by the case as well.  Limited seating, so reserve your place online, or call 937-228-2626 (coco) and we’ll save you a seat.

Cork & Vine presents Wines That Make Your Turkey Happy
Wed, Nov 17 · 7- 9pm
(hey- I tried to get more info- but was told to call back when a manager is in – they didn’t know anything about it).

If we’ve missed any, please feel free to add them in the comments below!  Cheers!

Jane’s Best Bets (10/13 – 10/17)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Did you know that in addition to being the month for pumpkins, costumes, and corn mazes, October is also a good time to remind us to wear ear plugs when we’re out enjoying those loud festivals and concerts, or perhaps when we’re using one of those annoying leaf blowers, as it is National Audiology Awareness Month!  I hope you don’t mind me putting in a plug for this cause!  Speaking of plugs, I’ve been plugging away trying to find some good things for you to do.  I’ve realized there are many ways to support wonderful causes this week AND have fun at the same time!

On Wednesday, learn how to help raise funds for your non-profit board at the presentation Building Your Best Board at the Main Branch of the Dayton Metro Library.  If you would like to know how this year’s political candidates plan to make Dayton an even better place, consider attending the Updayton Candidates Forum downtown.  And if you’d prefer to just relax, put on some pink lipstick and make your way over to A Taste of Wine in Miamisburg  for their ‘*Pink Sips for the Cure’*, which will include wine tastings, light appetizers, and music.

Moving on to Thursday…If you are a M*A*S*H fan, you’ll definitely want to head over to the Schuster Center for A Cigar, a Dress and a Hairy Chest, where the Junior League of Dayton’s Town Hall Lecture Series will be welcoming Jamie Farr, who played Corporal Max Klinger on the show.  If you want to make a difference in our community, skate your way to the 10th Annual Ribbon of Hope Luncheon to benefit the Women’s Wellness Fund, where Olympic gold medalist Peggy Fleming will be the keynote speaker!  And in the evening, be sure to empty your bowl at the Empty Bowls Fundraiser for House of Bread in order to raise funds for this community kitchen that serves food seven days a week to the needy.   Finally, if you’re a young professional looking to network with other young professionals in the area, be sure to attend Generation Dayton’s ‘Thirsty Thursday’ at SideBar.  At this point in time, I’m not sure at which side of the bar we’ll be located, but if you attend, be sure to say hi!

On Friday, support the fight to end domestic violence in the Miami Valley by attending the Artemis Center’s Annual Peacekeeper Awards Luncheon at the Mandalay Banquet Center.  If you work or volunteer for a non-profit, be sure to attend the American Humanics Fall Workshop entitled, The Nonprofit Toolbox, which will take place at the Boonshoft Museum.  This workshop will help you take advantage of the many modern resources available (e.g. social media) to promote your nonprofit.  Plus, Lisa Grigsby from DaytonMostMetro.com will be one of the speakers!  If you love to read, make your way to Hara Arena for the Dayton Metro Library Book Sale, which will also be happening on Saturday and Sunday.  In the evening, if you are into haunted houses and other fall-related activities, check out Salem’s Lot Haunted Carnival at the Old Salem Mall, Haunted Wagon Rides at Young’s Jersey Dairy, or the The 2010 MAiZE @ Meadow View.  And if you enjoy musicals and are looking for an island get away without the cost, check out Once On This Island at Sinclair.

Hopefully you went to bed at a decent hour on Friday night so you’ll be able to start off Saturday with the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Fifth Third Field or the Miami Valley Pet Therapy Association’s 5th Annual Happy Howl-O-Ween Dog Walk at Indian Riffle Park in Kettering.  I wonder if there will be any weiner dogs there.  Afterwards, bring out the entire family for the Fall Family Fun Day at the PNC 2nd Street Market, where there will be pumpkin decorating, musical entertainment, and more.  If you enjoy seafood and wine, head to the Bella Vino Wine Merchants for their Clam Bake.  Or if you are a Star Trek buff, you’ll want to trek your way to the Victoria Theatre to see Star Trek Live!

Also on Saturday…If you’re a hockey lover, your goal is to be in attendance at the Dayton Gems’ opening night where they will take on the Evansville Icemen at Hara Arena.  If you’re a young professional who enjoys the arts, then Jump into Dance with JumpstART & DCDC at Stivers School for the Arts.  Although I have never seen the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC), I have heard wonderful things about them so I am sure they will put on an amazing performance!  And, if you love to party, people watch, dance, and in general just have a fabulous time, then you don’t want to miss Masquerage at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds!  In addition to being a very entertaining evening of “heavenly pleasures and sinful delights,” you will be helping to raise money for people infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS.  Partying for a great cause…I love it!

On Sunday, take part in the National Kidney Foundation Walk at The Greene.  Or, take the kids out to Windmill Farms Fall Festival for hayrides, pumpkins, face painting, and much more!  If you didn’t get the chance to see Star Trek Live on Saturday, you still have another opportunity to check it out.  If you are a book worm who loves a good bargain, wiggle your way over to the Dayton Metro Library Book Sale where books will be reduced to all you can carry for a dollar!  And in the evening, if you are in need of a good laugh or if you want to try your hand (or really your feet) at stand-up, invite a friend and go to Wiley’s Comedy Club for their Open-Mic Night!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Why shouldn’t you tell secrets in a cornfield? 
Because corn has ears.
(Courtesy of my Grandma Krebs!)

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!   And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

A Taste Of Wine Holiday Tasting

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images-45Thursday, Nov 19th is  Beaujolais Nouveaus Day, and a great reason to host a holiday tasting, and that’s exactly what the ladies who run A Taste Of Wine in Miamisburg have planned.

In the wine world the third Thursday of Novemeber is Beaujoulais Nouveau Day– a quasi-holiday for many wine aficionado’s.  This is a young wine (only 6 weeks old), grown from the Gamay grape, and is very fruity, light-bodied, and virtually tannin-free making for an extremely easy-to-drink red wine. It is best served chilled to really bring the fruit forward and is a popular complement to Thanksgiving dinners, in part due to its annual release date and in part due to its food-friendliness.

They’ll  have many of the Beaujolais Nouveaus for you to taste along with other wines perfect for your party plans, and gift giving. Paired with the perfect food, just in time for your  holiday party planning.

They would really appreciate RSVPs by calling 937-247-1120. $20 includes tasting, food, and atasteofwinea fun time.  A Taste of Wine is located at the corner of Main & Linden in downtown Miamisburg and has a very homey, comfortable atmosphere.

Proprietors Bonnie Nolan and Kim Broomhall wanted “a shop where people could come and enjoy a taste, a glass or a bottle with fiends and family…a place for special gatherings  where wine, food and fellowship and passions could mix” and they’ve created it!