Beer

Happy New Beer!

April 7, 2014 By Brian Petro Leave a Comment

This bar was about to become really busy…

December 5^th, 1933 is the official day that liquor flowed back into the very dry veins of the United States. No more sneaking whiskey across the frozen Detroit RIver, no more gin made of questionable liquor, no more rum runners sneaking hooch into the country through Florida. This country could get back to the business of distilling and selling liquor, creating jobs and giving a financial shot in the arm during the long dark days of the Great Depression. Before that day there were some cracks in the dam. Trickles of legal liquor started to flow from wineries, which was not a big surprise. The religious leaders of the country made sure that communion was not interrupted by social change. Brewers, on the other hand, were able to clean out the tanks and fire up the bottling machines for the first time in over a decade earlier in the year.

Representative Thomas Cullen (D-NY) and Senator Pat Harrison (D-MS) put together a bill that allowed the brewers to stop making ice cream and malt syrup and get back to brewing. The Cullen-Harrison Act was signed into law on March 22^nd, 1933 by FDR, and allowed breweries to brew alcohol at a strength of 3.2%. Still very low by our standards, but at the time it was a glass of water after a long trip to the desert. This law went into effect on April 7, 1933, and tavern owners could not have been happier. Ever since that initial celebration, every year we as a country have come together and celebrated that day as National Beer Day, or New Beer’s Eve.

If you are paying any attention, you may have noticed that there are a few new breweries in Dayton. One, two…maybe about nine that are in operation. We are going to celebrate National Beer Day by taking a look at these outstanding new breweries and asking them about their favorite brews and most popular beers.

You don’t have to drink them all today, but here are some suggestions.

Hairless Hare Brewery: The brewery of the north, working their magic in Vandalia, is drawing fans from all over the Miami Valley. Their fans are raving about the Hoppin’ Hare IPA, and they have just recently started to serve delightful food you can wash down with their beers.

Eudora Brewing: Located in Kettering on Wilimington Pike, their space contains some big flavors. They are working towards allowing members of the community to use their space to brew, but in the meantime are creating their own outstanding brews. Their Boomerang IPA is one of their best sellers, with the Thunderball Stout coming right behind it. The brewer I spoke with suggested the easy drinking Bee’s Knees Pale Ale. It is a light, crisp beer brewed with local honey.

Star City Brewing: This group of local Miamisburg brewers saw some potential in the old Peerless Mill Inn. They set up shop and the beer started to flow. They have a core group of four taps that have been pleasing the crowds. And those crowds are drinking down the Oatmeal Stout and Bavarian Hefeweizen the quickest. On their rotating tap, their Milk Stout gains quite a bit of interest.

Lock 27 Brewing: The brews here rotate on a regular basis, but there are a few that people make sure they follow. Their Map Reader IPA is a big hit with the people who seek it out, and the Bear Trap brown ale is high on the list of beers to keep an eye on. Fortunately Lock 27 makes it easy to follow what they have on tap through BeerMenus, who will email you when their taps rotate. Try their food while you are there. We hear it is as good as the beer.

Toxic Brew Company: Celebrating your one year anniversary is great for any business. This new Oregon District staple just celebrated theirs, and they show no signs of stopping. They offer an incredibly wide selection of beers, but a few rise to the top of the menu. Abby’s Cure, a Belgian Tripel, is one of them that rises, as well as Porn or Pawn Pepper Pale Ale, named after an old Oregon District drinking game (which I will someday learn). Another staff recommendation? The Practice Yoga IPA, named after another local business and a gentle introduction into the world of IPAs.

Warped Wing Brewing Company: Let’s stay in downtown Dayton and welcome the newest addition to the local beer community! Their following has been growing, and they can see some great things coming in the near future for their brewery and the local craft brewing scene in general. The Flying Rye has received excellent reviews (and is a top seller), as well as Ermals. Keep a look out for the return of the Red IPA, which was released in a limited batch and could come back soon.

This one is for you Dayton. Cheers!

Yellow Springs Brewery: Surrounded by nature and also to the north, this brewery has been growing at a rapid pace. Not only are their great beers available in their tap room, you can find them in bars and restaurants all over the city. What to choose from on their extensive list? Their most popular requests are the Captain Stardust saisson and Wyatt’s Eviction English-style pale ale. Fans of hop may also look for their Wobbly Wheel or Breaking Edge IPAs. They also have an award winning smoked brown ale, Smokin’ Handsome, which makes special appearances. You just have to be on the lookout.

Dayton Beer Company: The first one to the party is the anchor of our list. Right on Dorothy Lane in Kettering, they were the first new brewery in the area. They have been building their small batch magic into some award winning palette-pleasers. Their Mad River Milk Stout has been a hit with their patrons, as well as the Investor’s India Pale Ale. Their influence continues to expand, spreading out to local hot spots in Dayton and Columbus.

The craft beer boom keeps growing, with even more great beers on the way from Fifth Street Brewing Coop getting ready brew, and Carillon Brewing Company getting ready to open later this year. There has been such a boom of breweries in the Gem City, you can even take a tour of them via Dayton Brew Tours! These are what the brewers and bar tenders of these establishments know are their best beers, but what about you? What beers do you think are the best local ones in Dayton? Let us know in the comments! Take some time tonight to celebrate your right to drink a great craft beer. Maybe two. Cheers!

Greater Dayton Derby Slated for Friday May 9th ! TICKET CONTEST

April 4, 2014 By Dayton937 5 Comments

How can you help support a local charity, have a blast, and even get a chance at winning some cash and prizes? Then get a ticket to the Greater Dayton Derby being held May 9th at 7 pm at the IUE/CWA Hall on Woodman Dr..

The Greater Dayton Apartment Association’s charity The Rent Foundation is hosting this extravaganza. You can tell your friends that you helped house a family. Dont’ miss your chance to help real families in the Miami Valley.

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE RENT FOUNDATION.

What is the Rent Foundation ? Founded in 1993, it is a charitable organization that helps families pay their rent during times of crisis. This charity settles apartment debt for families who
through unforeseen tragedies or illness are unable to pay their monthly rent. Won’t you help them prevent homelessness, one family at a time?

WHAT: THE GREATER DAYTON DERBY (Bet Cash/Win Cash on Horse Races on the Big Screen)

WHEN: FRIDAY NIGHT, MAY 9th at 7pm

WHERE: IUE/CWA Hall at 1675 WOODMAN DRIVE (2 doors down from the Root Beer Stande)

WHAT ELSE: Pull tabs, and Dozens of Raffle Prizes to be won !

COST: $15 for admission includes endless beer, food and soft drinks – call (937) 293-1170 to buy tickets, or buy them at the door – OVER 21 event !

Our Food Adventure guys, The Big Ragu & the Crew are donating 2 tickets to this event for one lucky winner !

To have a chance at the 2 free tickets, please comment on this story below. One winner will be chosen at random next week. SEE YOU AT THE FINISH LINE !!

Food Adventures Crew to Bartend at Fifth Street BrewPub

March 4, 2014 By Dayton937 1 Comment

OK, this is a MUST drink … we have a cure for your next Monday doldrums!!

Mark your calendar for a charity event, Monday March 10th … at the Fifth Street Brewpub

Dayton Most Metro’s own Food Adventures Crew, will be tapping and pouring beers, while working the bar.

ALL of their tips will be donated to Dayton’s Ronald McDonald House Charity.

The Brewpub has 12 taps of craft beers.. Want to know a secret? One of them will be Conway’s Irish Ale from Great Lakes Brewing Co. A Food Adventure favorite and will be on special with $1 off pints.

Not only do they have beer, but the menu features soups, salads, beef on weck, Salmon BELT (bacon, egg, lettuce, tomato), saratoga chip specialties and more. So have your own little Food Adventure on March 10th !

Come drink, come eat, come harass The Big Ragu for a great cause !! For more great stuff, “like” FOOD ADVENTURES on Faceboook HERE !!

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

WHEN: MARCH 10th, 6pm – 10pm

WHERE: Fifth Street Brew Pub,
at 1600 E. Fifth St, Dayton Ohio

WHAT: Food Adventure Crew are guest bartenders for a night

WHY: All tips they receive will benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Dayton

WHAT ELSE: $1 off Bumbleberry beer pints (Ragu’s Fave) and $1 off Conaway’s Irish Ale (because we love Great Lakes’ Beers)

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Food & Beer Pairings Announced for Moose & the Goose Dinner Event, Feb. 22

February 3, 2014 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Dont Miss the ‘Moose and The Goose’ event on Sat Feb 22

BULLWINKLE’S TOP HAT BISTRO and GOOSE ISLAND BREWING CO. have announced the 5 courses to be paired with 5 beers at the one-night-only Food Adventure event on Saturday Feb 22nd called “The MOOSE AND THE GOOSE.” The extravaganza will be held at Bullwinkle’s in Miamisburg at 7pm (tickets are pre-pay only).

Dayton Most Metro’s own THE BIG RAGU & The Crew are helping sponsor the event with the help of Heidelberg Distributing, Dayton Dining, Goose Island Brewery, and of course Bullwinkle’s Top Hat Bistro.

The Food Adventure courses are as follows (subject to change):

Course #1: HOUSE SALAD with homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing paired with Goose Island’s TEN HILLS PALE ALE

Course #2: Homemade CLAM CHOWDER paired with Goose Island’s Beer called ‘SOFIE’

Course #3: REUBEN DIP / MOOSE TATERS CASSEROLE paired with Goose Island’s HONKER’S ALE

Course #4: BABY BACK PORK RIBS, PULLED PORK, GREEN BEANS, RED SKIN POTATOES paired with Goose Island’s beer called ‘MATILDA’

Course #5: BANANAS FOSTER prepared table side, with an option for CARROT CAKE substitute paired with Goose Island’s ‘PERE JACQUES’ Beer

Ribs are one of the featured courses

TICKET COST IS $30 and that INCLUDES GRATUITY !

****Please note: Tickets for this event are PRE-PAY ONLY and can be purchased only through THIS LINK at DAYTON MOST METRO.

SEATING IS LIMITED, get your tickets to this event before it SELLS OUT !

**There will be DOOR PRIZES, GIVEAWAYS, SOUVENIRS, SURPRISES, and an appearance by the GOOSE ISLAND GIRLS !

We may have some Goose Island 312 URBAN WHEAT Beer samples floating around and an AFTER PARTY Keg Tapping with Beer Specials.

This promises to be once heck of a FOOD ADVENTURE EVENT !! This is a one-time-only gig, so take advantage of this incredible deal !

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The MOOSE & THE GOOSE: Exclusive FOOD ADVENTURE EVENT Feb 22nd !!

January 29, 2014 By Dayton937 5 Comments

Get your tickets now, because THE BIG RAGU & Crew have done it again. Along with DaytonMostMetro they have put together another one-of-a-kind, one night only extravaganza called “THE MOOSE and THE GOOSE.” This time we team up BULLWINKLES TOP HAT BISTRO and GOOSE ISLAND BEER COMPANY for and incredible 5 course dinner with 5 beer pairings !

WHAT: 5 Course Dinner and 5 Beer Pairings = one heck of a Food Adventure night

WHERE: BULLWINKLE’S TOP HAT BISTRO in MIAMISBURG (19 N. Main St., Miamisburg, OH 45342) in the upstairs private party room

WHEN: Sat, Feb 22nd 7pm – 9:30pm with a special “after party keg tapping” from Goose Island with drink specials

COST: $30 per ticket -INCLUDES GRATUITY !!
Purchase your tickets online now!
Tickets are limited, and once they are sold out, THEY ARE SOLD OUT !

WHAT ELSE: DOOR PRIZES, SOUVENIRS, GIVEAWAYS, and the GOOSE ISLAND GIRLS ! Who knows what other surprises are in store !!

TICKETS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE HERE AT THIS LINK and WILL BE WAITING FOR YOU AT THE FRONT DESK the night of the event !

Don’t miss this exclusive FOOD ADVENTURE EVENT with THE BIG RAGU & CREW !!

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The Beer Can rEvolution

January 24, 2014 By Brian Petro 3 Comments

In honor of Beer Can Appreciation Day- we are rerunning this story from 1/24/13.

When I was a kid, I remember taking a sip of my dad’s beer, right out of the can. I am fairly sure it was the worst thing I have ever tasted. It tasted like a wet bread and metal sandwich. I did not actually drink another beer until I was legal to do so, thinking if all beer tasted like that, I was better off without it. In retrospect, drinking Old Milwaukee out of a can is a poor choice on quite a few levels. And for the most part, people will agree that beer out of a can is about as low as you can get on the beer spectrum. That was not always the case. On January 24, 1935 the first canned beer from the Kreuger Brewing Company hit the market, and the world of beer was transformed forever.

Canned beer snuck into the market in 1935, offered by a little known brewing company looking to make a big name for itself. The writing was on the wall for Prohibition by the late 1920’s; everyone knew the end was near. Especially a company named the American Can Company, who already dominated the canned food industry, and were looking to expand into canned beer. They had been doing some experiments with canned beer on a request from the Olympia Brewing Company in 1909. Their biggest problems were making a can strong enough to hold up to the heat of pasteurization and stress that off gassing would have on the can as well as keeping the beer from absorbing a metallic flavor. This was all put off with the passage of the Volstead Act and the march towards country wide temperance. American Can did not give up. The developed a tin and steel based can which could resist all the pressure it was going to be put under. They also coated the inside with something called brewer’s pitch, which kept the beer from interacting with the metal of the can.

This new can had some big advantages over bottles. Two of the main enemies of beer, light and oxygen, would be kept completely away from the liquid. This ensured the product inside would be as fresh as it was when it was first brewed. This extra insurance of freshness would allow brewers to ship their beer further than they currently were. Most beers at the time did not ship much further than the state they were in, maybe an adjacent state if they could. This would allow them to ship beer to be consumed at home all over the country. Bottles often broke while they were being shipped. The ones that finished the journey had to be returned and reused by the brewer. This added extra expense to the beer. Cans would be disposable; no expenses for cleaning, returning, and reusing the bottles. The American Can Co. experimented with cans that were in the shape of traditional bottles, to allow factories already set up for bottles to use the cans without having to invest very heavily into it. Now that they had a working can, all they needed was a brewer to use it.

Prohibition was hard on breweries, and they were not going to jeopardize getting their product back to a thirsty market in an experimental package. After trying the major breweries, the Kreuger Brewing Company out of New Jersey agreed to take American Can up on their offer of paying for all the materials up front. They sent out some samples, and they were a hit. Their test market, Richmond, VA, also bought the cans of beer in such quantities that Kreuger was cutting into the major brewing companies market. Pabst was the first of the major brewers to buy into the use of cans, and started to modify the overall design. They discovered you could ship more cans than bottles if they were shaped like the food cans that were more commonly shipped. Miller Lite’s punch can idea is not really a new idea; the first beer cans had a flat top, so you had to punch holes into it yourself to get to the delicious liquid inside. Pabst also made a change to the lining of the can, switching out the brewer’s pitch for a consistent plastic lining called Vinylite. These can were engineering masterpieces, and also very short lived. World War II cut into the steel supply. It was not until 1958, when Coors introduced the aluminum can that the can started to rise again. The lighter metal made the can easier to open, and the addition of the pull tab by Schlitz in 1963 made the can a solid seller.

By 1968, the can was the beer container of choice. This beer can was not lined, as their older steel counterparts were, and the metal flavor of the can began to heavily leech into the beer. The decline in the quality of the cans matched a decline in beer in general in the United States. The country was shedding breweries at an astounding rate, and by the early 1980’s most of the beer in the country was being provided by only a hand full of brewers. Over 90% of the beer in the country was being provided by Anheuser-Busch, Miller, Pabst, Schlitz, and Coors. Not what most people would call a fine selection of beer. This environment would last until the late 80’s, and the beginning of the microbrewing revolution. Microbreweries would be the engine to get the beer industry back from the brink of being completely obsolete. They made beer interesting again, and people began to come back to drinking, and appreciating, good beer.

Can technology began to improve as well, but with one small drawback: most canning machines were designed for the Budweisers and Millers of the world. It was not until the Canadian company Cask Brewing Systems developed a canning system that was good for small breweries that the smaller craft brewers even had an option to can their beer. Cans had also returned to being lined with a thin, more modern plastic, which meant the beer was no longer in contact with the metal. The Craft Beer in a Can revolution began only ten years ago, with the Oskar Blues Brewery in Colorado. They put their first beer, Dale’s Pale Ale, in a can and never looked back. 21^st Amendment Brewing Company also puts their beers in cans, and makes some incredibly good beers such as their Back in Black IPA, Allies Win the War, and Hell or High Watermelon. Revolution Brewing Company out of Chicago and Anderson Valley Brewing Company in California also make quite a few canned beers. More and more small breweries with great beers are seeing cans as an economical and environmentally friendly way to get their beers into more markets for more people. According to CraftCans.com, there are currently 740 canned beers made by over 200 different breweries across the country.

If you have not had a can of beer in a while, do yourself a favor and check out the selection of canned beers that are now available. Even if your beer of choice has always been in a can, give that beer another chance. In fact. many of my favorite beers come in cans. What will you find when you crack open a craft cold one on the birthday of the beer can? Cheers!

It’s A Mad, Mad Tree – Welcome MadTree Brewing!

January 3, 2014 By Brian Petro Leave a Comment

Welcome to Dayton Mad Tree Brewing Company!

People who love good beer will find each other. They will frequent the same beer tastings, see each other at beer weeks and festivals, and share all of the best beers they are finding among the blogs, tweets, and Facebook posts they read. Some start Beer of the Week clubs where they will create their own tastings. It was at one of these Beer of the Week groups in Cincinnati that Brady Duncan, Jeff Hunt and Kenny McNutt, all home brewers, discussed creating their own brewery. That was in 2009; the seed that was going to grow into MadTree Brewing was planted.

“I bought them a few too many beers and forced my way in!” laughs Brady Duncan. A graduate of the University of Dayton, he spent a brief time in Alabama getting an MBA before returning home to run analytics for Proctor and Gamble. He remembers his time in Dayton “eating French bread pizzas at Milanos and drinking beer”. He discovered craft beers in Alabama, and has been a disciple of them ever since. That beer club idea was turned into a plan, and over the course of the next three years the three men worked on the financial structure, finding a place to brew, buying the equipment, and the most important part, brewing the beer. “We brewed each beer about thirty to forty times to make sure we had the right flavor,” Duncan said. Axis Mundi, their Russian Imperial Stout, was the exception. “Jeff and Kenny only brewed that a few times before they got it right. I think it was a recipe even before I got on board.”

Things had to change once they brought it to a larger scale. They started in Cincinnati with the capacity to brew ninety barrels and rapidly discovered it was not enough. “The demand here was much stronger than we thought,” mused Brady. “All of the accounts that we had were on allocation. Each account could get 3-5 cases max, and it sold out quickly. They would have to wait two weeks before they were able to get another shipment.” It is a good problem to have, especially when you are brewing a quality beer. The first batch of their beer went to Arthur’s, a Hyde Park staple famous for their burgers, in February of 2013. They were also able to get PsycHOPathy, a delightfully crisp IPA, into Great American Ballpark for opening day of the 2013 Reds’ season. It was a hit. Draft Magazine rated the beer 97 out of 100 making the list for their top 14 rated beers of 2013.

All these people heading to GABP just for a Mad Tree…

What makes their beer so popular in a craft beer scene that includes such stalwarts as Mt. Carmel, Moerlein Lager, Rivertown Brewing, Blank Slate and 50 West? “We have a good water source,” states Kenny. “There is a deep well on the site where we get our water. We take it from there and soften it, use a UV filter, then put the water through reverse osmosis. Each beer not only has its own malt and hop recipe, it has its own water recipe. The right water enhances the hops and gives the beer a good finish.” Another element that makes MadTree a hit is their brewing philosophy. “We brew our beers to flavors, not to styles. It is hard to put our beers into a category for that reason.” This adds some approachability to their brews.

They planned on bringing their beer to Dayton much earlier than January 6. They had to add more capacity to their brewery, 240 barrels since they opened, for a beer scene that he states is as good as the one in Cincinnati. “The only difference is that the breweries in Cincinnati brew at a higher capacity,” says Duncan, Dayton will be treated to an initial run of:

Gnarly Brown – Brown Ale/Porter
Happy Amber – Amber Ale
PsycHOPathy – IPA
Thundersnow (Seasonal)
Lift – Kolsch-style Ale

At the end of the month Dayton will also see Axis Mundi, Galaxy High Imperial IPA, and a few other surprises. February will see the release of Rubus Cacao, a chocolate raspberry stout in the area. Towards the end of February is when we will see Lift in cans and Sprye, a pale ale to get us ready for spring.

They are one mustache away from being the ZZ Top of brewers.

When you are searching the shelves for these beers, don’t look for bottles. MadTree Brewery is the first brewery in the state to use cans for their beers. Jeff Hunt noted several reasons for the decision, the biggest one being the beer itself. “It is better for the beer. No light gets in to change the chemistry of the beer and skunk it. The seal on a can of beer is also better, keeping the product inside fresher for longer.” Cans are better for the planet (and trees); they are 50% more likely to be recycled. They take up less room in a truck, meaning less fuel is required to move more beer.

Brady Duncan is looking forward to the expansion in Dayton. “We are approaching Dayton as a local market. We know people in the Dayton beer scene, and look forward to being a part of it. We want to get as involved in the Dayton community as we are in our own. And they need some good beers around UD!” MadTree willbe kicking off in Dayton with a Launch Week of events. Come out to celebrate a new local addition to the growing selection of beers in Dayton. Cheers!

Launch Week Events:

MONDAY, JAN 6

Kings Table 5pm Release Party
PsycHOPathy IPA, Gnarly Brown, Thundersnow

Chappy’s 6pm Tap Takeover
PsycHOPathy IPA, Gnarly Brown, Happy Amber,Thundersnow, Relegation, Lift

Tuesday, Jan 7 5:30pm Craft Beer Pub Crawl

Thai 9 Lift

Blind Bobs Happy Amber

Lucky’s Taproom
Psychopathy IPA, Identity Crisis, Relegati Gnarly Brown firkin with vanilla beans and coffee

Trolley Stop Thundersnow, PsycHOPathy IPA, Gnarly Brown, Happy Amber, Proper Session Ale

South Park Tavern Relegation, PsycHOPathy IPA, Gnarly Brown, Happy Amber, Lift, Thundersnow

Wednesday, Jan 8

Trolley Stop 6pm Meet the Brewer
Relegation, PsycHOPathy IPA, Gnarly Brown, Happy Amber, Lift, Thundersnow

Thursday, Jan 9

Spinoza’s 6pm Tap Takeover
PsycHOPathy IPA, Gnarly Brown, Relegation, Happy Amber, Thundersnow

Kroger’s Austin Landing
sampling event

Friday, Jan 10

Milano’s 5pm Flight Night
PsycHOPathy IPA, Gnarly Brown, Relegation, Lift, Happy Amber, Thundersnow, PSA, Identity Crisis

*UD, Beavercreek, and Miamisburg-each account has 4 beers

Don’t despair if you can’t make these events, there are also upcoming events coming to Taggarts, Rumbleseat, Brunings Wine Cellar, Bunkers, Beef O’Brady’s in Beavercreek, Peachs in Yellow Springs and we’re sure, many more! Or you can pick up MadTree Brews at The Market, Kroger, Halls Corner Carryout, Speedzone, Vandalia Carryout, Liquor Wine Warehouse, Valero, Bee Gees, and the Beer Barn. We want to thank the fine folks at Cavalier Distributing for making this happen and we know that they are probably adding more locations as we type, so if you don’t see your favorite beer stop listed, just ask them to carry MadTree!

New Year’s Eve (Or Any Big Gathering) Check List

December 27, 2013 By Brian Petro Leave a Comment

If only it was this easy to get a party ready.

Are you ready for the last big party night of 2013? New Year’s Eve is fast approaching, and you get a chance to do a little more last minute shopping. This list is going to be different; before it was fighting your way through the mall at the last minute for some good deals and to get that one last present. This time you are hitting the liquor and grocery stores to make sure no one runs out of their favorite beverage at the big soiree. How much is enough? What are you going to need to keep the cocktails flowing and the champagne bubbling until 2014? Have no worries, we spent some time doing some leg work to provide you some useful tools. Some things to consider:

1. Set up some expectations for the party. Is it BYOB? Will you be providing beer and wine? If people come in knowing a little bit about what to expect, they can be prepared for the evening. They’ll be enjoying what you are providing, or bringing the special beers, wines, or liquors they enjoy.

2. How many guests? This is the biggest thing you need to consider. This will help set up all of the other items you need to get ready rather nicely. A head count, even an approximate one, will help you buy the proper quantities of liquor, beer, wine, and mixers you are going to need for the party. When you go out any buy supplies, you always want to buy for a few more guests than you think you will have. You never know when someone is going to bring a friend, maybe three.

3. What type of guests? If this is a family affair, you need to make sure you have a wide range of beverages, and not all of them should be alcoholic. Having soda, juices, and water is a good idea for any party, but you should make sure you increase the amount you buy when the kids are over. You may even consider making a few special mocktails for them, so they are not limited to just sodas. That may also involve buying a few special syrups, which are easiest to find in any place they sell coffee or coffee supplies. Da Vinci has an excellent collection of syrups.

4. What do they like to drink? There are plenty of charts out there that will tell you how much liquor to buy when you are throwing a party. And they all give an excellent idea of how much is a good amount. What many do not tell you is that you also need cater it to the people that are coming over. If my family comes down to visit me from Cleveland, I make sure I have a bottle of Jim Beam and a bottle of Buckeye Vodka handy. I also make sure there is a six pack of quality beer in the house. Having a great deal of any particular type of beverage that no one likes, or that is not part of another cocktail, is a bad idea. You are not going to need nearly as much gin and tequila as you will need rum, vodka and wines.

5. Plan your bar. There are plenty of ways you could get your bar ready. You could go for the basics, and only provide beer and wine for your guests, and invite them to bring any special liquor that they may want to enjoy. You could create a theme, and have drinks that all relate to that specific theme. You can also be very ambitious, and shoot for a full bar (see the link to the chart above). No matter what sort of bar you have planned, don’t forget the proper mixers and garnishes, and make sure you have plenty of them. The one thing you do not want to run out of is the main attraction. Even if you are expecting people to bring their own, you want a good selection of juices and sodas for them to mix their drinks with, as well as plenty of ice to keep it all cool. Juices and sodas are also perfect for designated drivers, non-drinkers, and children.

So. Much. Liquor.

6. Have a cocktail ready to go. Making something simple and pre-mixed to offer guests as they come in is a great idea to make them feel welcomed. You can do a punch, so people can serve themselves while you are still welcoming guests. You can also have a simple bar set up that people can help themselves at; liquors, mixers, ice, and a few recipes. If you plan on bar tending for the night (or have someone to bar tend for you), have a simple drink menu available for people to choose from.

7. Keep an eye on your guests. People will hit the bar pretty hard when they first get there. Most guests will have a couple drinks in the first hour or so, then one drink per hour after that during the party. You are going to want to spend the first couple hours making sure that the bar stays well stocked with beer, wine, liquor, mixers, and ice. Towards the end of the night, you are going to want to make sure that your guests are not drunk. Talk with them before they go, to make sure their words are not slurring and they have the ability to focus. Hand them something to see how they reach for it. Is it a strong, direct grab or is it wavering, like the person is trying to find it? If they start getting loud or out of control during the party, make sure you cut them off. It is not comfortable, and it is best that you enlist the help of other guests to make sure their drinking is reduced. And if they are drunk, make sure they are not driving home, or you can get them a ride. Having guest bedrooms is ideal, but you can also call a taxi service.

It is very possible that you are going to one of the multitude of events on December 31^st in the area. Have a lovely time, but make sure you have a designated driver or the number for a cab company handy. If the party is at your house, make your check list and head out to get your party supplies ready. After all, we don’t want a repeat of Christmas Eve, do we? Cheers!

Gift Ideas For The Beer Geek In Your Life

December 10, 2013 By Jeff Heater Leave a Comment

Surely at some point, you’ve been trolling Facebook and seen the snarky e-card that says;
If you think I’m hard to buy for, you don’t know where the liquor [beer] store is.

Well, frankly, it’s simply not that easy. As anyone with a true Beer Geek in their life can probably tell you, It can be a slippery slope. Beer? Which beer, what style, barrel aged, steeped over vanilla beans, a special cross over collaboration with three different locally produced yeast strains?!? What if they’ve already had it? What if someone’s brother said it wasn’t good?!

What if, indeed. With Christmas hot on our heels, I would like to offer a few suggestions for Beer Geek gift giving. Some are blatantly obvious, while others are quite specific. Still, getting those gears turning is sometimes half the battle.

This time of year there is always the packaged set with beer and glassware. Who doesn’t like their glassware?! But seriously, how many Mad Elf glasses does one need? While these boxes are nice, the selection is typically limited. Note: My Mother in Law gave me a box set of Triple Karmeliet last year, and I could not have been more satisfied.

While any good Geek will appreciate a wide variety of solid craft beers, let’s look past the beer and into the wider picture. Let’s accessorize that beer!

Nothing complements a good beer quite like good food. There are several great, local, places that offer the best of both. Chappy’s, Lucky’s, Spinoza’s,…, the list is long and often reported about. A few new chain stores have popped up in the area; BJ’s, Pies and Pints, and The Yard House in Cincinnati. Who doesn’t like a nice gift card?

Okay, on to specifics;

Hermetus Bottle Opener & Resealer

This bottle opener is all the rage within the local homebrew club. This opener is specifically designed to reseal the bottle (temporarily). Some geeks want more than one. It’s perfect for any tasting session, or that quiet night with a bomber of suds for one.

One-Handed Bottle Opener

This opener is my personal favorite. It removes the cap without any wear or tear. Which, I must add, also means the cap can be reapplied to the bottle. But that’s not what goes thru most beer geeks minds! Those caps are little treasures. Whether they become refrigerator magnets, part of a mosaic coffee table top, or simply tossed into cigar box, they are mementos.

The United States of Beer: Unique Beer Tasting Map

While there are a number of tasting journals out there, this one will be certain to attract attention. With apps like Untapped I don’t see a lot of traditional note taking these days.

So why not step up the game and offer a new challenge? Give your geek the task of logging a brew for all 50 States. The fine people at 33 Books offer a journal for just about everything. In the event that Santa is reading this…, you know, add it to my list.

Neoprene 6 Pack Bottle Tote

The Neoprene six pack holder. What better way to, recycle, reduce, and reuse?! I certainly can’t speak for anyone else, but it’s a rare thing for me to buy a whole four or six pack of anything. With stores like Belmont Party Supply, and the Liquor and Wine Warehouse, having the option of buying single bottles, I’m more apt to build my own sixer.

Of course there are several nationally published beer-centric magazines. There’s a whole section…, okay, shelf in any new or used book store devoted to beer. One can find some serious gems in a used book store. It’s always at the end of the food section, nestled warmly between the wine and cocktail bibles. Just in case you don’t want to walk in the book store asking for the beer section.

Last but not least, don’t forget those local breweries! It seems like every week there is something new in the Miami Valley. There are bus tours sprouting up. Explore that local beer. I know one geek that would be happy with an empty growler from Yellow Springs Brew Co. I won’t name any names…

Whatever you do, do not assume that your beer geek wants to be a home brewer! If they have mentioned it in passing, great! Beer geeks know how to drop hints. Not all who love good craft beer desire to make their own. Please don’t find yourself at Bed Bath and Beyond staring blankly at the Mr. Beer kits. If your geek is a brewer, go straight to Brewtensils!

In the end, it’s all about good beer and all that goes with it. There’s always that 750 of Chimay that no one will refuse. They’ll simply question why the White and not the Blue? Which, of course, is why they provide the handy little box set with the glass.

And I swear, if one of those Corkcicle things finds its way into my stocking…, well, look for my name on this year’s Oscar list for Best Actor.

Cheers!

Loose Meat: The Mystery of MAID-RITE Sandwiches

December 5, 2013 By Dayton937 5 Comments

Maid-Rites with a Little Kings: Click on photo for full effect

Usually when someone says “loose meat” it has never been a compliment, until now. On the outskirts of the Miami Valley, in the town of Greenville, a legendary burger joint has existed since 1934. It is called Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe.

Over the years it has developed a cult following. People drive miles, and even come from out of state to taste their ‘burgers.’ They aren’t even burgers, they are “loose meat sandwiches” or “Maid Rites.” Why are so many people coming to eat these sandwiches and why are they so good ?? The Big Ragu and Crew set out to solve the mystery.

We have a had a handful of Food Adventures to Maid Rite either after the Darke County fair, or on a whim, or to satisfy an insatiable craving.

Over the years we realized that there are 2 types of people, those that have never tried Maid Rite Hamburgers, and those who have tried it and cant figure out how they make them.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The main attraction is the maid rite loose meat sandwich. The sweet taste of the meat has developed three major theories of how they are prepared 1) Some think they are steamed in pepsi or coke 2) Some claim they are steamed in beer 3) Others say that sugar is added to the meat before cooking.

A Greenville Icon Since 1934

— The eatery is a small, no frills, brick building located at 125 N. Broadway St. in Greenville, Ohio and worth the trip. Locally owned they claim no relation to the MAID-RITE sandwich shop franchises in Iowa etc…

— Limited menu with 4 sandwich choices which include loose meat, chicken salad, egg salad or ham salad sandwiches. Shakes, sundaes, beer, soft drinks and chips are available too.

— The employees are very protective of the recipe and process of the sandwiches. We were unable to get the secret recipe after badgering the employees and managers. We were threatened with spatulas and told we would be picking shards of Little Kings bottles out of our rumps for a week. Sorry for the letdown, folks.

— For some unknown reason, it is now customary to stick your gum on the outside of the building. Literally thousands of wads of chewed gum have been stuck on every outside wall of the establishment.

— Bathrooms are located in a separate building around back, adding even more uniqueness and oddness to this place. They also have a drive up window for a quick meat fix.

How do they make the meat so sweet ???

MUST EATS:

— THE CHEESE RITE SANDWICH: This is the classic maid rite sandwich with cheese. What is a Maid-Rite Sandwich? Think of it as a sloppy joe but with no sauce. It is served on a soft bun, slapped with meat and toppings, and wrapped tightly in wax paper. The meat has a sweet taste to it. This sandwich is topped with a squirt of mustard, a couple of pickle slices and a slice of cheese. They run about $1.95 and the average person could eat 2 or 3 of them. You can get the Big Jim version which adds ham, but we prefer the original Cheese-Rite. Eating one is a unique experience, and you have to try it. Warning: once you unwrap one, we hold no responsibility for future addiction.

— CHOCOLATE MALT: Creamy, sinful and made just for you. You cant go wrong with this delicious, cool classic.

— LITTLE KINGS CREAM ALE BOTTLES: Oh come on , you gotta make it a full blown Food Adventure and wash it down with a icon from Schoenling Brewery. Ok, wanna be a snob? Then grab a Heineken instead.

— MIKESELLS POTATO CHIPS: No fries in this establishment, so choose your hometown chip instead. They have a nice selection of Dayton’s favorite potato chip. It is a good pairing with the simple, classic sandwich.

Click to enlarge: Partial shot of the Gum Wall outside Maid-Rite

A couple of sidenotes: Make sure you bring cash, because that is the only form of payment they accept. Also, hours are 10am-10pm except Fri and Sat when they stay open until 11pm.

Amazing isn’t it? A formula for success being a squished, sloppy joe like sandwich served in a small diner with people sticking gum to the walls outside. But people come back every day in droves. WHY?? It is the curiously sweet tasting, delicious loose meat sandwiches. The workers feverishly tossing the ground meat, stuffing buns, wrapping it quickly, and tossing across the counter. It is the personality of the place. If you have never visited this spot, make sure you put it on your “Food Adventure hit list.” Maid Rite is one-of-a kind.

Want more One-of-a-Kind foodie fun? Then “like” FOOD ADVENTURES on FACEBOOK BY CLICKING HERE !

Lebanon Raceway to Close Saturday, After 65 Years

December 2, 2013 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

End of an Era: Lebanon Raceway will close Saturday Dec 7th at midnight

Like many of you saw in our RESTAURANTS CLOSED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN ARTICLE, all good things must come to an end. Today, The Big Ragu & Crew add another name to this list .. sort of. Some of our favorite Food Adventures have been at sporting events. It is with sadness that we announce that one such place, Lebanon Raceway, will be closing this Saturday after 65 years of harness horse racing. The reason for the closing is to make way for a new racetrack and casino in Monroe. We are going to miss this place and the years of memories it gave us.

Last week at the track, we said our goodbyes. We savored the sights and the memories. We bought a program and a pen (superstition), and sat in the front row behind the glass, cheering for our horses to come in. It takes some dexterity to hold a beer, hot dog, and program while watching the race and hollering. The crowd was sparse, but enthusiastic. We had some winners, and some losers, but loved every minute of the 13 races that night.

Click to enlarge this must eat: Tenderloin Sandwich

We have placed bets to win, place and show. We even knocked out a daily double or a trifecta here and there. But, to us, the live horse racing was just half of the story. We also loved the cheap food and beer. From must eats like hot dogs and pork tenderloin sandwiches to popcorn and hamburgers, Lebanon Raceway had more than just concession stands. They had some good sporting event eats that became a tradition for us over the past 20 years. The characters that serve the food are also a big part of the experience. The bar area was always interesting, with the bartenders pouring bottled beers into a plastic cup, sometimes two or 3 at a time. Foam? …sometimes, just deal with it…

Opened in 1948, the race track facility is showing its age a little, but there is something special about this place. Maybe it is the sound of the horses whizzing past, or the trumpets before each race. Lebanon Raceway is known as the “cradle of drivers,” having produced some of the best harness racing jockeys in the nation. Their other motto is “pace baby pace,” referring to the trotting horses. This place is full of personality from the announcers to the bet window workers. We wanted to share our Food Adventure memories and let people know that this Friday and Saturday are the final days of live racing at Lebanon.

Yes it is true, this weekend is your last chance to experience Lebanon Raceway, so saddle up and visit this Dayton area icon one last time. Races will be Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 6:30pm. Literally – “down the stretch they come !!” Need directions? CLICK HERE. Want more horsing around with THE BIG RAGU, CHEF HOUSE and HUNGRY JAX? Then ‘like’ FOOD ADVENTURES on FACEBOOK by clicking HERE !

Check out our photos and memories from Lebanon Raceway in our gallery below:

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What a Gas! AMBUCS Chili Cookoff Winners Announced

November 27, 2013 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Ladder 11 was the People’s Choice Winner (served with a jalapeno muffin) Click to Enlarge

The people have spoken at the 27th Annual Charity Chili cookoff and Casino Night for AMBUCS. And they were tooting more than their horns the next day!

For the 2nd year in a row, JIMMIES LADDER 11 was the people’s choice for best chili. BUT NOT SO FAST MY FRIENDS ….. THE FOOD ADVENTURES CREW with THE BIG RAGU have their takes on the chili contest and it may surprise you.

Your humble Food Adventurers were asked to be special celebrity guest judges and we ate every station, every bowl and left no pot unturned. We also had hot dogs, coney dogs, wine, beer and soft drinks. The frigid evening was PERFECT for chili tasting.

There was spicy chili, mild chili, chicken chili, no bean chili, .. there was even a gumbo ! Topping options were cheese, onions, hot sauce some had sour cream ! … So Poopsie, how do you like your chili ?

THE BIG RAGU’S WINNER: Tie between THE BRUNCH CLUB and THE TROPICS

The Brunch Club had an amazingly sweet chili that was delicious. The Tropics entry was just as addicting. It was a with a hearty, traditional chili with great flavors.

Honorable Mention to the other great chili’s: Longhorn Steakhouses’ Brisket chili, and of course the chili from Jimmie’s Ladder 11. The Spiciest chili was Harrigan’s chili. Other great, hearty traditional chili’s included Elsa’s Restaurant and Slyder’s Tavern. Buckin Donkey Grille’s traditional chili was great, and they even served chicken sausage gumbo that was to die for. Even amateur entries like Chef Daddy’s Firehouse won hearts with their chicken chili.

The real winner here was the AMBUCS charity who raises money to help disabled children and adults in the Miami Valley. It is a local chapter and the funds stay local to help those in need in the Dayton area. If you have never attended this event, it is a complete blast. There was chili, beer, hot dogs, wine and pop (all you can eat). There were casino games like blackjack, showdown, dice games and spin the wheel games. The upstairs area even had a Bingo area !

Chef Daddy’s Firehouse White Chicken Chili (click to enlarge)

It was a true Food Adventure and Gamblers paradise! You have 12 month to get your gastro-intestinal tract in shape for this one. Don’t miss this event next year, it truly was a gas !

Want more photos and tongue in cheek fun from the one and only FOOD ADVENTURES CREW? Then “like” us on FACEBOOK by clicking HERE.

We are not food critics, we are two “foodies in our forties” who love to eat ! This is not our job, this is our hobby, so we don’t have an agenda ! That’s why our stuff is original! Often imitated, but never duplicated you can find us every week right here on Dayton Most Metro !

As always, check out our gallery photos below for some amazing food shots !

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Welcoming More Brew Goodness To Our Community – Eudora Brewing Company

November 11, 2013 By Brian Petro 1 Comment

Welcome to the community Eudora Brewing!

Eudora, a nymph from Greek mythology, is a bringer of water. She is part of a larger group called the Hyades, daughters of Atlas and nicknamed “the Rainy ones”. Their brother, Hyas, was killed in a hunting accident, and their tears became the rain. They were afterwards turned into a cluster of stars that we can still see in the head of Taurus, also called the Hyades. The water that they bring is one of the four critical ingredients in beer, along with yeast, hops, and barley. The owner and head brewer of the soon-to-open Eudora Brewing Company, Neil Chabut, knows the importance of water to the brewing process, and has integrated water awareness, and a few other surprises, into the fabric of the business.

Neil has been brewing his own beer for over three years, but it was not until about a year ago that he started considering starting his own brewery. He did his research, working at Brewtensils and learning the craft there while speaking to other breweries in the area. He also spoke to many of the other developing breweries in the area, learning about the business side of it and elements he needed to consider as he was going to go into business for himself.

The building itself, located at 4716 Wilmington Pike in Kettering, is very intimate. The brewing vats are in clear view from wherever you are sitting in the room. The brewery offers its five beers that they brew on site, as well as some seasonal beers that will be developed as the business moves forward. The beers they are initially offering are their year round beers:

Sundowner Blonde: This is a very refreshing, lightly flavored beer. It has a hint of summer mixed into the caramel undertones.
Boomerang IPA: This National Homebrew Competition finalist beer has all the hops you could possibly want, and then some. The hoppiness hides some other nice spice notes, offering a great flavor even if you do not like aggressive IPAs.
Bee’s Knees Honey APA: A balance between the Blonde and the IPA. The honey adds a light sweetness, and the hops in the pale ale add some bite. A delightful beer from start to finish.
Mother Fuggle Brown Ale: A tasty, well roasted brown ale. It has a combination of nutty, chocolately, and roasted flavors that make this a complex and flavorful ale.
Tunderball Oatmeal Stout: Deep, dark, roasted, smooth excellence. Oatmeal adds some thickness, and the dark chocolate flavor does the rest.

A little something for everyone…which will you try first?

They sell flights of the beers they have on tap, as well as growlers so you can take home your favorites. They are currently working on the ability to offer customers the opportunity to brew their own Eudora beer recipes in five to ten gallon batches. It is still a few months away, but Neil is looking forward to offering some hands on learning AND the chance to take home and enjoy beer you created! The initial food offering is going to be light snacks and hot dogs, but Neil is looking to partner with local food trucks while working on building out their kitchen offerings.

Helping local brewers and looking to work with local businesses are not the only ways Eudora is looking to give back to the community. They are also a partner with charity:water, an organization that is working hard to bring clean water to the ends of the earth.Three percent of all profits at Eudora will be going to this charity, and they use all of that money to fund their efforts. Neil knows that water is the biggest ingredient in beer, and that they can make sure some of the beer we enjoy brings water to people that need it.

The Eudora Brewing Company is looking to become another of the big stars in the Dayton brewing scene. Their pro-community attitude and warm atmosphere are going to go a long way to making this a great place to stop for a beer in Kettering. The real draw is going to be the incredible beers Eudora Brewing Company will be creating. Neil has already proven he can make beers that earn national recognition. Starting at the grand opening on November 15^th and 16^th, from 4 to 11 PM, Dayton is going to get an incredible taste of what one person can do with all the water the Hyades are raining down on us. Go out and welcome them!

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Food Adventures does “Dinner and a Ghost!”

October 21, 2013 By Dayton937 3 Comments

Is Snow Hill Country Club Haunted ? Have dinner and decide yourself

Ever had dinner with a ghost? Well here is your chance, Ghost Hunters! Snow Hill Country Club is haunted, and had been serving up “Dinner and a Ghost” nights on Fridays in October for the past 12 years. In fact, the place is so legendary, that it was featured on an episode of the Biography channel’s “My Ghost Story.” The country club is located just outside of Wilmington, on State Route 73. The “Dinner and a Ghost” nights feature food, fear and even an overnight stay.

The Food Adventures Crew have eaten in many scary places, but this was our first “Haunted Food Adventure.” The food is pretty straight forward. On our two trips to the country club, buffet items included turkey and ham, while another night they featured ribs and salmon. The meal is rounded out with salad, a couple of sides and a dessert plate shared by the table, or possibly some cake.

But we weren’t here for the food, we were here for the ghosts. And Snow Hill delivered….

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— “Dinner and a Ghost” features appetizers in the bar and a buffet style dinner. The menu has improved since the 1820’s and they wont be serving rabbit, steamed onions, venison and beef tongue anymore.

One of our dinners featured Ribs and Salmon

— After dinner, the hosts take you on a guided tour complete with historical information, sound recordings of unexplained voices, and even a couple of photos believed to be “supernatural.” Tour gurus include historian Kathleen Madison and Ghost expert/Paranormal Investigator Shelly Suittor. Supporting cast includes Ghost Hunters Kat Powell and Alicia Soich.

— After the tour, guests are encouraged to look around for about an hour and explore for themselves. During this time a few notable unexplained “phenomenon” have been known to occur.

— Attendees may purchase alcohol at a full service bar on the main level.

— There are 6 guest rooms, and groups may make reservations to stay the night for about 100 bucks per room. Included in the stay is “ghost hunting” all night, if you have the guts to roam the halls late at night. Even golf may be arranged during good weather.

— Snow Hill Country Club is located in New Vienna, Ohio at 11093 New Vienna Rd (Daytonians know this as State Route 73). Famous visitors have included Henry Ford, Eleanor Roosevelt, and legendary 1920’s golfer, Walter Hagen.

— Minimum groups for ‘dinner and a ghost’ are 12 people. Cost of dinner and tour is $45 per person.

Click to enlarge: What you think of the “orb” in this photo. Is it the sign of a spirit ?

MUST SCREAMS:

— Snow Hill was built and owned by the Harris family in 1820. It was a popular Inn and tavern up through the 1900’s. One of the oldest running businesses in Ohio, the country club is said to be haunted by spirits of past owners, family members and past guests.

— Many stories abound from the 70’s and 80’s like a man whom believed he hit a pedestrian in the road, but noone was found. Or records of police and firefighters responding to alarms and seeing unexplained light and movements throughout the house.

— The Food Adventures Crew had a few unexplained happenings during our two tours:

Big Ragu was taking photographs in the dark, damp cellar thought to be a passage for the underground railroad. In some of the photos, some circular orbs appeared, one very prominently. We were told that many ghost hunters believe these are tell tale signs of “spirits” in the room. To be honest, we do not know what to think, other than the orbs were strange and not in photos taken of the same place seconds earlier. The prominent orb in the photo had a distinct outline and almost looked to have “veins” running through it. Odd indeed. Is it a spirit? You decide.

The Big Ragu was in the storage area of the basement, when the door next to him opened about an inch and then slammed quickly. He looked around the room at the handful of people near him and they had that “oh crap” look on their face. Ragu opened the door and saw a dark empty hall with a staircase, there was nobody there. There was also a moment where the Big Ragu felt something grab his back pocket. He was unsure if this was a fan who liked his behind or a ghost.

Elegant, yet Spooky: Stay the night… if you dare

— During our 2nd visit to Snow Hill, one of our fellow guests took a photo of what appears to be an apparition in one of the bedrooms. Again, unexplained and just plain weird.

— Employees tell stories of glasses shattering, chandeliers swinging violently, and various apparition sightings.

— Recordings of various unexplained voices gave us goosebumps, especially one particular ghost that whispered the word “Becky” as clear as day on the recording. The voice was creepy like Golem from Lord of the Rings movies, or like someone who ate too much at Golden Corral.

— An 1880’s portrait photo of an man was found in a cupboard, and when locked away, would keep appearing in various open areas of the country club. One of the tour guests recognized the photo as her ancestor Thomas Wilson, a Civil War vet. Since being identified, it was found out that he was a former owner of the country club, purchasing it at auction in 1898. Since being identified, his photo has ceased moving inexplicably.

— A candlemaker tool levitated and slammed to the ground on a couple of occasions in front of various dinner party guests a few years back. The theory is that the ghost of the original owner, Mrs Harris, might not be keen on a “peasant tool” being allowed in her formal dining room as decor.

With Halloween around the corner, this is the perfect time for “Dinner and a Ghost” at Snow Hill Country Club. We were skeptical going in, and realized after 2 visits, some things happened that we couldn’t explain. Were they spirits from lives past? Look at our photos, listen to the recordings in person. Is the place haunted? Did we see “ghosts?” You decide…. and check it out for yourself, but we suggest you don’t go alone.

Click to enlarge: On our 2nd trip to Snow Hill a fellow guest took this pic. Is is a ghost?

So you want to get spooked? Want a frightening Food Adventure ??

Then contact Snow Hill Country Club and ask for a private Dinner and a Ghost Group (minimum 12 people). Tell them Food Adventures sent you!

Don’t forget, you can book an overnight stay and/or a round of golf !

For reservations contact General Manager Katie Gephardt at [email protected] or call her at 937-987-2491.

The Dinner and a Ghost website can be found HERE –>http://www.snowhillcountryclub.com/dinner-and-a-ghost/

For scary images, haunting plates and funny faces, “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY BELOW FOR UNEXPLAINED AND DELICIOUS PHENOMENA !

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Big Hearts, Beers, and Barleywines – A Chat with Peter Roll

September 27, 2013 By Brian Petro Leave a Comment

Break out the tasting glasses one more time, and help out Daytonians in need!

Dayton is the proud home of multiple, exceptional beer festivals. They kick off in March with AleFeast, pairing fine craft beers with some of the best local cuisine in Dayton. Dayton Beer Week is the big week of beer love in the Miami Valley, with most of the restaurants in town participating in some way. It starts with a beer parade, and ends with AleFest, a day filled with amazing beers from over a hundred breweries. Many of you may even be going to Oktoberfest this weekend at the Dayton Art Institute, another great downtown festival in celebration of German culture, including their fine selection of beers. All of the fans of barley and hops need to save a little room for one more beer festival. Big Beers and Barleywines will be coming up on October 5th, and there are two very particular reasons to support this great event.

One huge reason is how unique the beers will be. This is the event for the craft beer fanatic. Many of the other events showcase a wide variety of beers and breweries, giving patrons an extensive range of popular beers to sample. Big Beers takes a different path, focusing on some of the biggest flavored and rarest beers that can be found in the country. There are 150 beers to choose from, with more unique beers being released on the Facebook page all the time. Some recent releases are Oskar Blue’s Ten Fidy imperial stout, aged for nine months in Four Roses bourbon barrels, Bell’s Black Note, Goose Island Halia, a saison with peach and aged in wine barrels, and Elevator Bar Bar Barleywine. All of these beers are not just delightful to try, but are hard to come by outside of their region or festivals like this one.

Resident Home Association helping people in Dayton

These are some of the many faces the Resident Home Association helps in our city.

The other compelling reason is the charity it supports. The Resident Home Association has been helping adults in Dayton with developmental disabilities since 1966. They provide everything from housing and trips to work to cookouts and ladies pampering classes. They have not just developed a community focused non-profit; they have developed a family that helps each other. Five years ago Peter Roll, the Executive Director of the RHA, was offered an opportunity to partner with old friends of his. Mike and Donna Schwartz, longtime supporters of the RHA and owners of Belmont Party Supply, wanted to have a beer tasting to help raise funds for the non-profit. That beer tasting grew into what we now call Big Beers and Barleywines. Mr. Roll went into greater depth about the organization and what it provides in a conversation I had with him.

Brian Petro: Tell me a little of your background. Are you a Dayton native? Where did you go to school? What did you go to school for?

Peter Roll: I am a native Daytonian. I graduated from Chaminade Julienne High School in 1974-the first graduating class after the merger of Chaminade and Julienne High Schools. While sorting my way through college I worked at the Dayton Children’s Psychiatric Hospital and the St. Josephs Treatment Center. After Graduating from the University of Dayton I was hired by Sally Young at the Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disability Services as a Case Manager. It was in my role as a case manager that I became aware of RHA. I knew that if I was to leave the county and work in residential services, Resident Home was the only place I would consider.

BP: What brought you to the Resident Home Association?

PR: As a case manager for the county I had the opportunity to see many residential programs and Resident Home clearly stood out as the best residential provider organization in the area if not the State of Ohio. In 1987 the directors of RHA, Shirley Fowler and Brenda Whitney recruited me and convinced to come to Resident Home. The push for quality services and a well trained and experienced work force were already in place when I arrived in October 1987 and made my decision an easy one. I gave up job security with public benefits to come to a place that puts the care of its residents above everything else. In retrospect I could not have made a better decision and I hope I have contributed to the success of the agency.

BP: How has the RHA changed over the last four decades? Have there been any social developments that have impacted how the organization has grown?

PR: When I arrived we had the capacity to serve 72 people in 9 different locations. We now have the capacity to provide residential services to 80 people in 13 locations. We had some of our more independent people living in an apartment complex in Kettering when I arrived, but because of aging issues, we moved those residents into 2 homes to better look after their health and safety needs. That move occurred in 2007. We also moved 2 homes off of East Third Street. One in 2005 and the other in 2010. Both of these moves were made to provide safer neighborhoods for our residents and to provide homes that were more accessible. In addition to those significant changes we have added new services such as adult day services, transportation services and we are still one of the few agencies providing respite care services. Even as we expanded the number of people served and the types of services offered, we will not put expansion ahead of the quality we strive to provide. Our feeling is that you have to serve within your means and sometimes bigger and more is not always best.

BP: In 2001, the RHA became part of Partners for Community Living. What was the impetus for that move? How has it benefitted all parties involved?

PR: Partners for Community Living is a partnership between the Resident Home and Choices in Community Living that grew out of a philosophy that sometimes it’s easier and more efficient to manage resources in certain areas together that you may not be able to do well or at all, if you attempted to do so individually. It was with this mindset that Partners for Community was formed. Each agency maintains its own identity but we also share resources in such areas as establishing an endowment, having a shared volunteer program, utilizing the same staff to put out newsletters, participate in fund raising events and provide wish lists and “fun raising” events for residents of both agencies. We are now in our 11th year and this venture has been extremely valuable to us as it greatly adds to the quality of life for those we serve.

Peter Roll, Executive Director of the Resident Home Association of Dayton

Peter Roll, (left) Executive Director of the Resident Home Association and enjoyer of fine stouts.

BP: What projects is your organization currently working on?

PR: Right now we are in the midst of a technological transformation. All of our homes have had computers for years but we were not using our electronic capabilities to the point where we could store information. For the past few summers we have been scanning paper records to our servers (in a three week period 50,000 documents) but even as we were doing this our paper continued to grow. We are now evaluating systems that will help us electronically document our daily services and store our information. We are investing in new servers, time systems and electronic medication administration record keeping. This sounds pretty dry but it is very important for us to convert to systems that help us manage and retain our records while at the same time make us more environmentally efficient.

BP: Your organization has over 5,000 hours of volunteer work done each year. What are you looking for in your volunteers? Any skill sets you are in need of or just people willing to help?

PR: We need people of all types to help us out and volunteers are very much appreciated regardless of their skill sets. Everyone has something to offer and we many programs they could choose from that would benefit our agency and those we serve. We have Friends by Choice which is our version of Big Brothers/Big Sisters. We have Adopt–A-Home where an individual or group could pick a location and help with activities, landscaping, etc. We always need help with our events, newsletter mailings and grounds clean-up. Nutritionists, exercise and healthy living, music and art appreciation are other examples of volunteers we could use.

BP: What are the biggest challenges you see for the RHA in the future?

PR: Funding and workforce development. As it stands now our funding sources barely keep pace with our expenses. With new rules, unfunded mandates and the pending impact of the federal healthcare law, we will find it very difficult to make ends meet. We also have an aging workforce especially in the management area and we really need to have some of our folks assume leadership positions. This is also a funding issue. Right now our funders expect quality but don’t want to fund adequate levels of supervision. In addition wages for direct service workers are not what they should be and the push to increase minimum wages has a detrimental effect on us as we are competing for some of the same workers but our expectations are some much higher than the typical minimum wage jobs yet our pay scales our similar. This causes some potential workers to take positions that are less demanding at a similar level of pay.

A large crowd at Big Beers and Barleywines

All of these people will be enjoying the magic of rare craft beers. Will you be one of them?

BP: What is your favorite part of the event?

PR: For me my most favorite parts are the way Mike and his employees, especially Natalie Phillips, embraces the festival but more importantly our mission. They really care about what we do and the people we serve. Their desire to obtain the finest products available to support our cause is sometimes overwhelming. I also like to see the pure enjoyment of the patrons. The smiles, laughter and goodwill gestures are very endearing.

BP: What are your favorite beers to enjoy?

PR: I’m certainly not a great beer connoisseur but I have grown to appreciate porters and stouts.

Dayton has a long history of supporting original industrial and business pursuits as well as creating a strong community that lifts up those that need it. For the price of one ticket, you get to sample some of the best beers in the country as well as help a great local organization. The event itself takes place at the Roundhouse in the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, October 5th from 4PM to 8 PM. All of the proceeds generated by Big Beers and Barleywines go to the RHA, to help them continue to provide the outstanding service that the community has come to expect from them to an even wider range of adults in need. It is a once a year opportunity that is not to be missed.

Smash, Snap and Splash are the Sounds of This Fall’s Urban Nights

September 14, 2013 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Art galleries, retailers and other businesses will host special exhibits and other events during Urban Nights.

NOTE: Giant tents will cover downtown streets; more than 100 indoor venues participating in downtown Dayton’s Urban Nights, which takes place today (Sept. 20) rain or shine from 5 to 10 p.m. Follow Urban Nights on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UrbanNightsDayton for regular updates and any last-minute cancellations due to inclement weather.

Tents will cover the three Urban Nights Hotspots (listed below) and activity will take place as planned.

• International Street, Second Street between Main and Jefferson streets: Second Street will be closed to make way for dance performances from a variety of troupes, beer truck featuring import brews and a variety of food vendors.

• Arts Corner, St. Clair and Fourth streets: Fourth Street will be closed to make way for Paint Boxing, presented by CADC Art Gallery and Drake’s Downtown Gym — Home of Jab City Boxing. At 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., see boxing demonstrations in a ring in the middle of the street. Then, watch boxers dip their gloves in brightly colored paint and jab and punch a huge canvas to create a piece of art. In addition, enjoy a range of entertainment hosted by nearby businesses, including live entertainment, art exhibits and special sales.

• Live on Five, corner of Fifth and Pine streets in the Oregon District: Check out live music by some of Dayton’s best bands and a fashion show from Sew Dayton and Brim while enjoying a brew from the beer truck.

A map of participating venues and a complete list of their events and specials is available online at www.downtowndayton.org, at info tents located throughout the event area and at participating venues.

*****

Downtown is going to be a lively and noisy (in a good way!) place with all the events going on during Urban Nights from 5-10 p.m. on Friday, Sept 20. More than 100 businesses are participating to make this the best Urban Nights yet. With three hotspots scattered throughout downtown, the streets of our center city are going to be one big party.

Visitors who come to the Arts Corner hotspot on Fourth and St. Clair streets will see boxers fighting in the middle of the street — with a canvas, that is. CADC Art Gallery and Drake’s Downtown Gym—Home of Jab City Boxing are partnering to put on an unusual performing arts event called Paint Boxing. Boxers will dip their gloves into brightly colored paint then “smash” it into a large canvas to create a one-of-a-kind artwork. Onlookers also will be invited to learn basic boxing techniques at Drake’s Gym or paint box a T-Shirt at CADC.

The cameras of many photographers went “snap” to capture fantastic photos of Dayton for the annual Downtown in Focus photo contest. The winners have been chosen, and all photos entries will be on display in the lobby of the Kettering Tower, including the best-in-show winners and the Dayton mayor’s pick for “Dayton Original.” Find out if your top picks match what the judges decided.

Some “splashes” will be heard at the Mini-Midwest Outdoors Experience in Courthouse Square. This event, presented by Five Rivers MetroParks , gives a taste of outdoors experiences offered in Dayton. Visitors can try stand-up paddleboating in the Square’s fountain and slacklining and a mountain bike course in the Square. Over the Edge, sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Miami Valley, also will be taking place in the Square. Brave adventurers will be rappelling over the side of the 27-story KeyBank Tower to raise money for the organization. Courthouse Square activities will run until 8 p.m.

Three hotspots will be located throughout downtown. Art vendors, live music, henna art and a special performance of select excerpts from Spamalot by Sinclair’s music and theater departments can be found at Arts Corner. International Street will feature cuisine and dance performances from around the world. Live on Five in the Oregon District will be the live music hub for the night, and downtown stores Brim and Sew Dayton will present a fashion show in between musical acts to celebrate their mutual one-year anniversaries. (A complete schedule for the hotspots is below.)

Check out some of Dayton’s best bands and a fashion show by Brim and Sew Dayton at the hotspot Live on Five in the Oregon District.

More than 30,000 people come downtown to experience Urban Nights, a free event when more than 100 establishments showcase downtown’s numerous offerings. The best way to see as much as possible during Urban Nights is to walk, and Greater Dayton RTA also will provide free event busses to help visitors get around.

A map of participating venues and a complete performance schedule, including a listing of all participating locations’ events and specials, is available online. Follow Urban Nights on Facebook for regular updates and more information.

SEPT. 20 URBAN NIGHTS HOTSPOTS

International Street

Sponsored by Miller-Valentine Group: Celebrating 50 Years

Second Street between Main and Jefferson streets

Enjoy dance performances while you grab an import brew to go along with chow from one of many food vendors.

Dancing in the Street Stage Schedule

5-5:25 p.m.: The Circle Nerdz

5:30-5:55 p.m.: The Beseda Dancers

6-6:25 p.m.: South Dayton Dance Theatre

6:30-6:55 p.m.: Troupe Roja

7-7:25 p.m.: McGovern Ceili Dancers

7:30-7:55 p.m.: Vivian Zumba

8-10 p.m.: Son del Caribe

Arts Corner

Sponsored by Sinclair Community College and DP&L

St. Clair and Fourth streets

Paint Boxing:

Fourth Street will be closed between St. Clair Street and Patterson Boulevard for this special activity, hosted by CADC Art Gallery and Drake’s Downtown Gym—Home of Jab City Boxing and funded by the DDP’s Urban Nights Grant. At 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., boxing demonstrations will be performed in the street.

Arts Corner Entertainment

Enjoy a range of entertainment hosted by nearby businesses, including live music, art exhibits, henna art and special sales.

Live on Five

Sponsored by Miami-Jacobs Career College, with media sponsor WYSO 91.3-FM

Corner of Fifth and Pine streets in the Oregon District

Grab a draft brew from the beer truck and rock out to a variety of live bands.

Entertainment Schedule:

5-5:40 p.m.: Yvette “Diva” Williams, featuring Premium Blend

5:40 p.m.: Molotov: Stupid Human Tricks

6- 6:40 p.m.: Seefari

6:40 p.m.: Molotov: Stupid Human Tricks

7-7:40 p.m.: The Eric Jerardi Band

7:40-8 p.m.: Fashion show from Brim and Sew Dayton celebrating both stores’ one-year anniversaries

8-10 p.m.: Meghna & the Majority