Dayton937

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

Coco's Bistro

Brunch & A Show Returns to Coco’s Bistro

By

Savor Your Sunday Brunches are returning to Coco’s Bistro this February.  Each Sunday the Stivers School for the Arts performing arts magnet students will perform, while the kitchen at Coco’s serve up brunch from 10am – 1:30pm

 

 

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

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

Menu has not been published yet, but these pictures have been shared:

Coco’s Bistro

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

Coco’s Reveals New Menu

By

In 1996 the original Coco’s opened on 5th Street in the Oregon District (the building is now home to Lucky’s). In 2005 Coco’s Bistro opened at 515 Wayne Ave (where Wheat Penny is now). In 2011 they moved to their current location at 250 Warren Street.  With each move they’ve grown the business and continued to evolve their menu.  They currently describe their business as approachable, delightful food in an elegant atmosphere. Keeping up with their desire to change, they’ve just introduced their newest menus. And don’t worry their grilled cheese and tomato bisque is still on the menu.

Lunch is served Monday through Friday starting at 11:30am.

Dinner service is offered Monday – Saturday beginning at 5pm.

Also don’t forget Coco’s has 2 patio’s for dining al fresco, a private dining room that seats up to 64 and a special events space “The Plate” upstairs that can seat up to 80 guests. Their private event spaces are all equipped with wifi and projection capabilities.

You can make dining reservations online via their website or by calling the restaurant at (937) 228-2626.

Coco’s, an independent bistro near Downtown Dayton. Extensive but affordable wine list and plenty of free parking.

 

 

Coco’s Brunches are Back for February

By

Every Sunday in February, brunching becomes beautiful! It’s time for “SAVOR YOUR SUNDAYS,” the only time of the year you can experience a specially curated brunch menu of delicious entrees at CoCo’s Bistro benefitting Stivers School for the Arts!

If you’ve ever been, you already know how WONDERFUL these Sundays are! And if you haven’t, 2019 is the PERFECT year to make it a new family tradition!

Limited seating available and each Sunday features talented performing arts students from the different music magnets. ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 
There is also a signature silent auction of one of a kind works of art ? ?by Stivers adjuncts and area artists!

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED, so call ☎️937.228.COCO (2626) TODAY!

 

New Chef For The New Year at Coco’s Bistro

By

The new year will bring an exciting new change for Dayton’s own Coco’s Bistro.

The restaurant has hired Chef Bryan Ondre to take the helm of its kitchen team and infuse his unique outlook into the restaurants menu beginning January 2.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to prepare the food I like to cook and to be downtown at Coco’s,” he said. “Coco’s has such a great and supportive environment, and I am excited to bring my own take on food to the community through this opportunity.”

Ondre has an extensive career in the Dayton community, having worked in the kitchens of Pacchia, Salar and most recently Coldwater Cafe. He also spent five years at Serato in Portland, Oregon.

“I feel like I learned something from every chef I worked under,” Ondre said. “But then I took it and made it my own style, and I can’t wait to bring that to Coco’s.

Coco’s has built a strong reputation in the community for being a classy and approachable community destination, and have a longstanding reputation in the region. The Executive Chef is a meaningful piece in making it all come together. This team needs a leader in the kitchen that is creative, driven and enjoys developing skills among a passionate team and Ondre is eager to take on that role for Coco’s.

“The people who dine here are our friends and neighbors,” said Proprietress Karen Wick-Gagnet. “People come to Coco’s to create memories and have meaningful, authentic experiences, and we are looking forward to sharing new experience with them in 2019 when Bryan comes on board.”

Stivers Savor Your Sunday Brunches Are Back at Coco’s

By

Each Sunday in February, Coco’s Bistro will have different student performers from Stivers School for the Arts serenade you as you enjoy a tasty brunch, and support the premier arts school in the region.

These Sunday’s sell out quickly, so be sure to reserve for one or more Sundays ahead of time so you won’t miss out.

 

SAVOR YOUR SUNDAY  E N T R E E S    

FILET & EGGS

chargrilled filet, sunny side up eggs, house made demi glace, & home fried potatoes, english muffin

FRITTATA

fresh eggs, asparagus, carmelized onions, gouda, chive creama, home fried potatoes, English muffin

ITALIAN GRILLED CHEESE

panko breaded sourdough, four cheese blend, & our creamy tomato bisque

SPINACH SALAD                                                                     

blackened chicken breast, baby spinach, granny smith apples, french burnt walnuts, gouda, maple molasses vinaigrette, lemon zest

CHICKEN & WAFFLES

buttermilk fried chicken, belgian waffle, ohio maple syrup, house hot sauce

SHRIMP AND GRITS

Red chili butter, gorgonzola grits, white cheddar biscuit

THE BIG BREAKFAST

Local savory sage sausage, cracked black pepper gravy, white cheddar biscuit, home fried potatoes, over easy eggs, Applewood bacon

Tickets are $30 per guest. [$15 is tax-deductible] includes cinnamon focaccia bread.  Price does not include tax and gratuity.   Reservations are available  from 10am to 1:30pm. Tickets are $30 per guest [$15 is tax-deductible],  Bloody Mary’s & Mimosa’s are available for $5.  Full bar also available.

  • Feb. 4th
    The Stivers Jazz Group
  • Feb. 11th
    The Stivers Chamber Choir
  • Feb. 18th
    The Stivers Concert Pianists
  • Feb. 25th
    The Stivers Strings

Coco’s Bistro is located at 250 Warren St, Dayton, OH 45402 and can be reached at (937) 228-2626.

Savor Your Sunday Brunch Benefits Stivers

By

For one month each year Coco’s Bistro, located  downtown at 250 Warren Street,  serves up a Sunday brunch to support Stivers School for the Arts.  This nine year tradition features a different group of student artists performing while you enjoy a scrumptious meal and fifteen dollars from each $30 brunch served goes directly to the school.

The Henri Rousseau painting, “The Sleeping Gypsy” was the inspiration for this years  promotion as wll as 14-ft-high by 21-ft-wide rendition that was painted live on stage by Stivers visual artists at the 2016 Stivers Celebrates, the school’s annual holiday performance.

Past brunch  menus have included fillet and eggs benedict with a house demi-glace,  Huevos Rancheros,  and a Mexican-inspired dish of tortillas with eggs and green chili sauce a vegetarian frittata,  French toast, Italian grilled cheese, Coco’s famous burger, bourbon shrimp salad and a winter spinach salad.  Look for a similar menu this year.

Brunch runs from 10am – 1:30pm  and reservations are suggested.  You can call  (937) 228-2626 for more information or to reserve your table.  The entertainment for each week  is:

Feb 5  The Stivers Jazz Group

Feb 12 The Stivers Strings

Feb 19  The Stovers Chamber Choir

Feb 26 The Stivers Concert Pianists

Here Comes the FLEURS ET VIN Festival!

By Leave a Comment

“Fleurs et Vin” Festival will feature over 400 wines for tasting !

Get ready to raise your wine glass this Sunday at Carillon Park , because Dayton’s premier wine and gourmet food festival arrives!!

That’s right, the one and only shindig known as “FLEURS ET VIN” (flowers and wine in French) takes place this weekend!

This is a Food Adventure and Wine extravaganza that you don’t want to miss.  The Big Ragu will be there in full force!

 

WHAT:  FLEURS ET VIN FESTIVAL

WHERE: At Historic Carillon Park,  1000 Carillon Blvd.  Dayton, Ohio 45409

WHEN: SUNDAY MAY 18th from 1pm – 4pm

WHY: To benefit AIDS Resoruce Center of Dayton Ohio

MUST DRINKS:  Over 400 wines available for tasting and a Beer Garden !

MUST EATS:  Local restaurants providing samples of menu specialties.

Restaurants Include: Amar India, Carvers Steaks & Chops, Central Perc European Cafe, Chappys Tap Room and Grille, Coco’s Bistro, El Meson, Figlio, Giovanni’s, Jay’s Seafood, Kohler’s Catering,  Lock 27 Brewing,  Mamma DiSalvo’s,  Neil’s Heritage House,  The Oakwood Club, Salar Restaurant and Lounge The Dock, The Deli at Webster Street & Top of the Market and Thai 9.

WHAT ELSE: Live Music during the festival by J.t. Fedrick and the Sax Groove, a silent auction that ends at 3pma and a Live Auction that starts  at 4pm 

COST: $70 in advance, $75 at the door  click HERE for more ticket info

Just in Case: Don’t drink and drive- Divine Services will be on hand if you and your car need a ride home.

Fleurs Et Vin is something you must experience as a true Daytonian.  Experience the best wines in the world, paired with Dayton’s Best Restaurant offerings.  It is for charity, which makes getting a ticket a no brainer.  Support Dayton, support the AIDS Resource Center, and join the fun at Carillon Park.  Treat yourself to a Food Adventure !

We raise our wine glasses high and say “Here’s to Fleurs Et Vin, the toast of the town this Sunday!”  See you under the big tents!

Are you a Dayton foodie?  Then join us for more fun Food Adventures by “liking”us on Facebook.

Check out our photo gallery below from last year’s event!

 

 [flagallery gid=87]

 

The Art of Brunch Returns To Coco’s To Benefit Stivers

By Leave a Comment

1555545_486463691464553_423040199_nIt’s happened every February for the past six years.  On Sunday’s in February Coco’s Bistro opens up for a fabulous musical brunch.  Each Sunday a different group of Stivers artists will entertain you as you dine at the fabulous Coco’s Bistro.

Reserve your Sunday(s?) in February:
Feb 2 The Stivers Singers
Feb 9 The Stivers Strings
Feb 16 The Stivers Jazz Group
Feb 23 The Stivers Concert Pianists

Reservations from 10am to 1:30pm.
Tickets are $30 per guest ($15 is a tax-deductible donation).  Brunch is ordered off the menu which hasn’t been finalized yet. If it follows previous formats,  you will probably have about a half dozen choices including  traditional breakfast meals, salads and entrees, as well as vegetarian options.  Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s will be available for an additional charge

Call (937) 228-Coco (2626) to make your reservations. These fill up very quickly.

This year, the Marc Chagall painting, “I and the Village” is the featured art. This 12-ft-high-by-9-ft-wide rendition was painted live in 7 minutes by 12 Stivers visual artists while on stage at Stivers Celebrates, the school’s annual winter performance.  The Stivers Philharmonic Orchestra accompanied the painters with Led Zelppelin’s “Kashmir” in front of a sold out house.

It takes a village to support arts education. Make your reservations today and everyone wins.

Fleurs Et Vin: A Great Success at Carrillon Park

By Leave a Comment

Each Guest Received Souvenir Glasses

Did you miss it?  Endless wine tasting and all the food samplings you wanted were featured at the 2013 Fleurs et Vin Festival held at Carillon Park on May 19th.  The Big Ragu was on hand with Dayton Most Metro’s staff, greeting the massive crowds and sample the various offerings.  It was a Food Adventure paradise in the heart of Dayton, and a must eat on our list of events.

If you were not able to make it to this annual benefit for the AIDS Resource Center Ohio, then check out our recap, below.

Here’s the Skinny:

— FLEURS ET VIN is Dayton’s Premier Wine and Gourmet Food Festival, typically held each year on a Sunday in May from 1-4pm under the tents at Carrillon Historical Park.  It is an all-you-want tasting event with a loyal following.

— ALL of the food and wine was donated by locally owned restaurants, allowing 100% of the proceeds to benefit AIDS Resource Center of Dayton.  A Food Adventure with a cause

— Admission price allowed you access to over 400 wines from around the world and taste menu samples from 20 local restaurants, along with a Belgian Beer Garden area !

— Live and Silent Auction areas allowed even more funds to be raised for this worthy cause that focuses of prevention and education about AIDS, along with service programs that help those in need with HIV/AIDS.

— Live music filled the air and added to the warm ambiance.

With so many good wines and so much good food, below are our picks for the best of the best from this spectacular event!

Crab Rangoon from Thai 9.  Our Favorite Rangoon in Dayton.

OUR FAVORITES  (THE FOOD):

Thai 9’s Crab Rangoon and Chicken with Rice:  In our opinion, the best crab rangoon in the Dayton area were these incredible samples from Thai9.  Stuffed full and deep, and served with a sweet side of Thai sauce, we found ourselves returning to this line often.  The Thai chicken dish was also incredible at this station.  It was a Thai pepper chicken, served in a brown, curry house sauce over a bed of white rice.  We told them we loved it, but our mouths were so full that they couldn’t understand us.

The Dock’s Crab Cakes:  Slowly seared on their portable flat top grill, these were flavorful, hand-packed circles of love.  The sauce that topped the crab cakes was the secret ingredient that kept us coming back for more.  The staff of The Dock probably wanted to file a restraining order against us for hanging out by their grill as much as we did.  We could not resist seconds of these scrumptious bites of crab heaven.

Hawthorn Grill’s  Sorbet and Strawberry ShortCake: All of the desserts at Hawthorn Grill are homemade by Chef Candace and her staff.   Her sorbet was a perfect, refreshing break during this hot event.  The bite size piece of cake, topped with a strawberry sauce also hit the spot.

Scratch Catering’s Beef Brisket and Carmelized Onion Bruschetta:  When doesn’t Chef Matt Hayden please the hungry crowds?  This delicious, slow-cooked sampling was just as pleasing to the eye, as it was to our taste buds.  The hits from Scratch Catering just keep on coming ….

OUR FAVORITES (THE WINES):

Canella Blood Orange Mimosa:  Talk about refreshing!   This tasty, bottled mimosa was the perfect drink, on this hot day.  The server at this booth had to be tired of us by the end of the event.   Probably our favorite offering from the Vintage Wine Distributor.  This Italian wine cocktail is made from grape wine and the juice and pulp of blood oranges from Sicily.

Heron Chardonnay:  A crisp, white wine made from 22 year old grape vines.  The winery is a female owned, family vineyard run by Laely Heron.   One of the few American women who made wine in France, Heron’s products are also produced in California.

Spreitzer Riesling 101:  This German Riesling comes from a winery owned by two brothers who have been honing their craft since 1997.  It was a cold, refreshing sip of sparkling goodness in the warm weather.

The Belgian Beer Garden: Although this was a wine festival, Heidelberg Distributing distracted us with some great beer selections.  Food Adventures enjoyed a couple of  Stella Artois beers in a souvenir pint.  The Big Ragu went for some Hoegaarden beer and an Ommegang Witte Beer.

All in all, this is Dayton’s “Wine me and dine me” Festival.  We loved being a part of a wonderful event, that supported a locally based AIDS charity.  Good local food and world class wines, what more could one ask for?   So let us end this Food Adventure, by raising our glass with a toast.. “Whether you love Merlot or Chardonnay, here’s to seeing you at Fleurs et Vin, next May!!”

For more wine, and no whine, visit Food Adventures on Facebook and “like” them by clicking HERE !

[flagallery gid=40 name=Gallery]

Savor Your Sundays at Coco’s Bistro for Stivers School for the Arts

By Leave a Comment

"The Goldfish" - Stivers Visual Art Students

“The Goldfish” – Stivers Visual Art Students

Here is a great way to enjoy a delicious lunch at Coco’s Bistro that will also help Stivers School for the Arts – come to one of the “Savor Your Sunday” events on any Sunday in February and for $30 you will not only feast on some delectable food but you’ll also enjoy entertainment by Stivers student musicians!  Plus, an 18 foot high rendition of the original masterpiece “The Goldfish” by Henri Matisse that was recently painted live in under nine minutes by 22 Stivers visual artists will be on display (pictured).

Stivers School for the Arts is a public arts magnet school in the St. Anne’s neighborhood of the City of Dayton that has been nationally recognized as one of the country’s top high schools.  Built in 1908, Stivers went through several changes, mergers and moves before opening back up in its current 7th-12th grade format in 2008.  Students must audition in order to attend and the arts are an integral part of the overall learning experience, with focuses on Visual Arts, Creative Writing, Orchestra, Band, Dance, Theatre, Choral Music and Piano.  The Stivers Jazz Band won the national championships at the Berklee College of Music High School Jazz Festival in 2004, 2008 and 2011.

It takes significant resources to keep the high-quality programs continuing at Stivers, and as with the rest of the Dayton Public Schools (and many suburban school districts), securing funds continues to be a challenge.  The seedling Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission it is to support arts and academic programs at Stivers through various fund-raising efforts such as Savor Your Sundays, and it continues to work on ways to raise money AND tell the story of Stivers to the local community and the entire world.

I have the privilege of serving on the Stivers Community Advisory Board and hope to be able to share more amazing stories that come out of this school here on Dayton Most Metro. Until then, I hope that some of you will enjoy a fabulous Sunday lunch at Coco’s this month and help support the many arts programs that have already helped many talented students at Stivers to reach their goals and dreams.

Open seating is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Sunday in February but seating sells out quickly! Call 937.228.Coco (2626) to make your reservation today! Those who reserve by January 24 will be entered into a drawing for dinner for four at Coco’s
Bistro.  $15 of the cost is a tax-deductible donation that goes to Stivers.

February 3: Stivers Strings
February 10: Stivers Singers
February 17: Stivers Jazz Quartet
February 24: Stivers Concert Pianists

SLEEPWALK WITH ME at THE NEON + Big Benefit News!

By Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Huge changes are just around the corner for THE NEON. Before I get to the source of my anxiety, let’s talk movies. If you still want to see THE MASTER, Thursday will be your last chance to see it with us. On Friday, we will open a film that has had the most requests this year – SLEEPWALK WITH ME. ARBITRAGE had a solid opening weekend…so it will stick around.

Synopsis for SLEEPWALK WITH ME: From the producers of THIS AMERICAN LIFE, this is the film that Ira Glass has been talking about! “When an aspiring stand-up fails to express his true feelings about his girlfriend and his stalled career, his anxiety comes out in increasingly funny and dangerous sleepwalking incidents.” (IFC Films)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9tRN7bok4o’]

This weekend is the last chance to see movies via 35mm film at THE NEON. On Sunday evening, we will close our doors for 4 days as we make the transition to digital projection (the new industry standard). Our “Things To Do” list is jam-packed. Over the past 11 years, we’ve opened our doors for business every single day…while we’re closed, we’re going to take advantage of the opportunity and do some major cleaning, lay some new carpet and add some fresh paint to floors and walls.

And speaking of this weekend, Sunday marks the day for our big Digital Conversion Benefit featuring AMELIE. (If you missed Sunday’s nice article from Dayton Daily News, you can check it out here.) The festivities will start at 4:00 with delicious appetizers provided by Meadowlark, Roost and Coco’s Bistro. Around 5:00, everyone will head to the large auditorium for our “Dayton Meets Hollywood” auction (more details below) We’ll plan to begin our 35mm presentation of AMELIE by 5:30. Tickets are still available! 100% of the proceeds will go toward helping us make the switch to digital. They can be purchased at our box office or by visiting this link.

To check out all the items in our auction, we’ve listed each item (along with a picture below).  Here’s the skinny:

If you’re unable to attend the benefit but would like to place a bid on one of the auction items, you can send me an email with your name, phone number, and your highest bid. I will need this e-mail by Saturday at noon. send to: [email protected] (If you’d like to see one of the items in person, you can schedule an appointment with me for this Saturday.)

We hope to see you this weekend.

Thanks so much for your ongoing support!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Oct. 12 – Sun. Oct. 14:
(We will be closed Mon, Oct 15 – Thu, Oct 18)

ARBITRAGE (R) 1 Hr 47 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday: 12:30, 8:30

SLEEPWALK WITH ME (NR) 1 Hrs 30 Min
Friday, Saturday: 1:00, 3:10, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday: 1:00, 8:30

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear
Oct. 19 SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN
Nov. ? SAMSARA
TBD LIBERAL ARTS
TBD THE SESSIONS
TBD KILLER JOE
TBD NEIL YOUNG JOURNEYS
TBD ANNA KARENINA
TBD HYDE PARK ON HUDSON

AUCTION ITEMS:

Screenplay from the Pilot episode of THE WEST WING – Signed by Martin Sheen & Allison Janney.  Includes signed Martin Sheen Photograph.  Starting Bid: $75

Screenplay for THE WEST WING, Season 1, Finale – Signed by Martin Sheen + Signed Photograph.  Starting Bid: $50

THE WEST WING Lot of Call Sheets and Script Changes with Signed Martin Sheen Photograph. Starting Bid: $50.

 

THE BIG LEBOWSKI Storyboard Print.  Hand-signed by The Coen Brothers’ storyboard artist and Oakwood resident J. Todd Anderson.  Includes $25 gift certificate from Patterson Chase – perfect to use toward framing your storyboard.  Starting Bid: $50.

3 DVDs from local filmmakers Julia Reichert, Steve Bognar & Jim Klein.  Emmy-Winning A LION IN THE HOUSE, Oscar-Nominated THE LAST TRUCK and recently inducted into The National Film Registry – GROWING UP FEMAL.  It’s incredible that all these award-winning films were born right here in the Miami Valley.  These films will be personalized by the filmmakers for your collection.  Starting Bid: $75.

THE RUBI GIRLS documentary on DVD & Poster (which will be kissed and signed by The Rubi Girls before THE NEON’s benefit).  This award-winning documentary has played at numerous film festivals around the world…but has not yet been released on DVD.  Starting Bid: $50.

 

2 Original Chairs from THE NEON.  These chairs, with their original upholstery, are 27 years old.  Though they have slight imperfections, they still are quite cozy and would make a perfect addition to you screening room.  (As a note of caution, these chairs require being bolted to the ground.)  Starting Bid: $50.

Naming Rights to our Small Auditorium.  Our small auditorium seats 74 people.  The name you chose (perhaps your name, your company name or the name of your favorite director) will be placed on a plaque above the door to the auditorium.  (The name is subject to approval from THE NEON’s Board…vulgarity or insensitive language will not be permitted.)  Starting Bid: $100.

THE NEON Announces Benefit with AMELIE

By 5 Comments

Hello Everyone,

In October, THE NEON plans to shut down for a few days in order to install new digital projectors. Though we’d love to keep our 35mm projectors running, we’re being “forced” by the industry to make this change in order to stay in business. Within the coming year, bigger distributors will stop making 35mm prints, and their titles (like THE KING’S SPEECH, THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL, MOONRISE KINGDOM, etc.) keep us in business…and subsequently allow us to play smaller gems like THE KID WITH A BIKE and I AM LOVE.

In addition to exploring the options and trying to obtain an understanding of the new technology (this has been a big learning curve for me), there comes the challenge of paying for this new equipment. The cost will be approximately $140,000. We will be able to borrow some of this, and we have some money saved…but we have about a $25,000 gap.

The multiplexes are obtaining financial assistance from distributors to make these costly changes, but for us to maintain our community-driven mission (which includes film festivals, assisting local artists and organizations with special screenings, etc.), these programs don’t work for us.

On October 14, we will have a benefit at THE NEON to assist with the transition to digital projection. We will screen the film AMELIE on 35mm, and 3 of Dayton’s best restaurants will provide appetizers – Meadowlark, Coco’s Bistro & Roost and Heidelberg Distributors have given us a couple cases of wine.   In addition, we’ll hold a small auction of film-related items with Dayton roots. (Martin Sheen has given us some fun items, Allison Janney is on-board to provide us with something, and J. Todd Anderson will donate a storyboard from one of the Coen Brothers’ films to auction. And there’s more to come!)

Here’s our benefit announcement that you might start seeing around town:

Though we’ll be sad to see our 35mm projectors go away, we’re excited about some of the changes that will come along with our new equipment. THE NEON will finally be able to offer hearing assisted devices! We’ll also be able to occasionally offer screenings with closed captions for the hearing impaired (and I know some of our customers prefer subtitles when accents are hard to discern). We’ve got lots of options, and we’re looking forward to the new opportunities.

Within the next couple weeks, we will have a live website for purchasing tickets to our benefit…but I wanted you to know that tickets will go on sale at our box office on Wednesday, August 22.
THE INDIE LOVER Ticket is $100 – This ticket gets you your first beer or wine, appetizers from 3 great restaurants, and the screening of AMELIE.
THE EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Ticket is $150 – This ticket comes with unlimited beer and wine, delicious appetizers, the screening of AMELIE and 1 Entry into our drawing for Naming Rights of our large auditorium. We think it will be a fun night!

Thanks for taking the time to read through the lengthy post!

My regular newsletter will arrive later this week.

We’ll see you soon at the movies.
All the best,
Jonathan

Lion King’s The Ticket To A $20.11 3 Course Meal

By 2 Comments

Coco’s Bistro is tempting theater goers to visit  their restaurant for a fantastic pre-show 3 course meal deal.  From June 14 to July 10 they will be offering a Lion King 3 course meal for $20.11.

Start with a house or Caesar salad, then choose from one of their Entree specials:

Beef Filet Skewers
Char-grilled beef filet skewers with BBQ spice, melted bleu cheese, drizzled with a Worcestershire syrup and cabernet reduction and tobacco onions, served with a chived potato cake

Creole Chicken
Cajun grilled chicken breast topped with andouille sausage, sautéed onions, diced tomatoes and melted Monterrey Jack on a bed of roasted tomatillo Spanish rice and finished with a scallion crème fraiche

Crab Crowned Tilapia
Oven-baked Tilapia topped with lump blue crab stuffing, served with sour cream and chive mashed and finished with our zesty scampi butter

Vegan Stir Fry
Variety of stir fried seasonal vegetables and roasted cashews tossed in a spicy orange glaze, served over ginger scallion rice and drizzled with a soy lime syrup. Choice of protein optional.

Finish with a selection of Mousse of the day.

Special wine pairings will be available for $5 a glass.

Just show your ticket or stub for that evenings show to be eligible for these specials.  We highly recommend making reservations early to take advantage of this dining deal.  Call 228-2626 and tell them DaytonDining sent you!

Jane’s Best Bets (2/16 – 2/20)

By Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

You may or may not have been with the love of your life this Valentine’s Day, but hopefully it was a great one!  Guys…now with the pressure off, hopefully you’ll be able to relax and have some fun at some of these events!

On Wednesday, all you writers can head to Books & Co. for their Second Sunday Free Writers’ Workshop.  Is your bike just collecting dust in the garage or are you going to try cycling for the first time?  If so, you’ll want to participate in Five Rivers MetroParks’ Introduction to Bicycle Maintenance.  It may not be such a secret that this is going on, but over at Wiley’s, you will be able to see the opening night of Dirty Little Secret, which is co-presented by DaytonMostMetro.com’s very own J.T. Ryder.  (There is also a DMM article on this show, so if interested, check out the following link!)  And finally, for some good beer, check out the Sam Adams Beer Samplingat Heathers Coffee & Café or Green Flash Brewing Beer Tasting at The Caroline.

On Thursday, if you’re in the doghouse because you totally forgot about Valentine’s Day, try to make it up to your significant other by arranging flowers for him/her at PNC 2nd Street Market as part of February Flowers.  Or take that special someone to Spinoza’s for their Dinner and a Movie Package.  Even if your boyfriend’s/husband’s name is Scott, Fred, or Sam, you can still have a Romantic Dinner for 2 at Christopher’s and not get into trouble.  Over at Thai 9, attend their Tapping Firkin of Bell’s Hopslamand eat some of their delicious food.  I LOVE that their food can accommodate a diverse group of people in terms of spice preferences…and they don’t make you feel badly if you order a level zero like me!  Over at Hara Arena, catch the Dayton Gems as they take on the Quad City Mallards.  Even though it may be a little too cold to have an outdoor picnic, you can see the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award–winning play, Picnic at Wright State.  Also, if you love live music, head to South Park Tavern to see Ryan Roth and the Grand Plan with Seryn.

On Friday, if you feel like having a home cooked meal but are lacking Rachael Ray’s or Emeril’s cooking genes, head to the Dorothy Lane Market in Springboro for their  DLM Family Style Dinner.  Down in the city (RiverScape), head to Gone Country, where you will be able to ice skate while listening to country music.  All you graffiti artist wannabes should branch out to Olive for their Graffiti Party.  Hopefully you are fortunate to have a ticket to the sold out 6th Annual Valentine’s Dance for Special Wishat the Schuster Center.  If not, I encourage you to support this great cause by purchasing raffle tickets or making a donation.  I know a child whose wish was sponsored by Special Wish and I am so impressed by the work that they do!  If you prefer to have dinner and see a show all in the same place, go to the Spaghetti Warehouse for their Mayhem & Mystery Dinner Theatre ‘Tragedy in the Theater’.  Head to Cedarville University to watch High School Musicians Showcase Their Talent.  And for additional theater options, be sure to get your ticket to Fat Pig at the Dayton Theatre Guild, Picnic at Wright State, or The Foreigner at Sinclair.

On Saturday, start your day off at the Yellow Springs Winter Farmer’s Market.  If you became engaged on Valentine’s Day, then you’ll want to head to the DRC Bridal Show.  For some live music, go to the University of Dayton for their Jazz Ensemble, Shiloh Church for the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra Concert, or Omega Baptist Church for their Omega Black History Celebration: Song, Dance & Praise.  However, if you prefer to add a little “boogie-ing” to your music (the dancing kind, not the nose kind), check out the band Crooked Style at Talegators or head to Alex’s to listen to the band Off the Hook.  Some theater options for Saturday include Fat Pig at the Dayton Theatre Guild, Forbidden Broadway: Dances with the Stars at Victoria Theatre, Picnic at Wright State, and The Foreigner at Sinclair.  I know it’s not a Friday, but you will still be able to join in the fun and food at the Carroll High School – Carrolleer Fish Fry.  And finally, be sure to check out the UD Flyers as they take on Duquesne…we are definitely due for a victory!

On Sunday, start your day off right by eating great food and supporting a great cause as part of the Savor Your Sunday & Support Stivers event at Coco’s Bistro.  Some musical options include Afternoon Musicales at the Dayton Art Institute, the Dayton Philharmonic’s The Symphonic Beethoven at the Dayton Masonic Center, the University of Dayton Jazz Band’sperformance at the University of Dayton, and Omega Black History Celebration: Song, Dance & Praiseat Omega Baptist Church.  At the Dayton Marriott, all you brides will want to attend The Dayton Bridal Expo.  Those poor guys…I have yet to hear about a Groom Expo or Groom Show!   Or perhaps they might actually be the fortunate ones because it gets them off the hook!  Over at RiverScape, participate in Fundamentals of Skating if you have yet to learn how to skate.  Also, some Sunday theater options include Fat Pig at the Dayton Theatre Guild, The Foreignerat Sinclair, and Picnic at Wright State University.  And finally, if you are stressed out and don’t know what to do about it, make plans to attend the Introduction to Mindful Meditation Workshop at Practice Yoga on Fifth.

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

The wise never marry…and when they marry they become otherwise.

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 (2/2 – 2/6)

By Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Hello February…and hello icky weather!  If you’re reading this, that means you still have power, which is a great thing!  I hope you also have the power to get up off the couch and enjoy some of these events!

On Groundhog Day (a.k.a. Wednesday), eat lunch at Smokey Bones for their $5 Lunch Special.  Over at the Schuster Center, check out the Visual Voices Art Exhibit:  Dayton Skyscrapers 2011, which celebrates “women and men who stand tall as role models in the Dayton African-American community.”  There will be a sea of food at Dorothy Lane Market as part of their Oyster Bar Happy Hour, as well as at Bonefish Grill for their Bang Bang Shrimp Wednesday.  If you are a fan of environmental causes and would like to know more about the lives affected by the water industry as well as public water rights, then you will want to attend the Environmental Film Series: Tapped at Cox Arboretum.  Enjoy an adult beverage at The Wine Loft for their Happy Hour, The Wine Gallery for their Weekly Wine Tasting, or Bruning’s Wine Cellar for their Taste the Wines of Frog’s Leap event.  If you’re downtown, head to the Schuster Center to see 9 to 5: The Musical (I’m looking forward to it after my 9 to 5 job!) or to The Loft Theatre to see Twelfth Night.  Over at Clark State Performing Arts Center, watch Fiddler On The Roof…I’m hoping he doesn’t fall down with it being icy!  And finally, support the UD Flyers as they play St. Bonaventure at UD Arena…and hopefully get a victory!

On Thursday, celebrate the Chinese New Year with dinner specials at both The Nanking Inn and Kabuki.  Have you always wanted to dance, but keep putting it off?  If so, boogie your way to Michael Solomon Pavillion for International Folk Dance Lessons.  Over at the Dayton Racquet Club, attend the Go Red for Women/American Heart Month Kickoff.  At The Neon, check out Pecha Kucha Night Dayton, Volume 6, in which there will be several short presentations by noteworthy people around the city about their creative endeavors.  The presentations will be followed by a screening of the documentary DIVE, which is based on the topic of food waste at L.A. supermarkets.  For more information about Pecha Kucha, click here.  If you like meeting new people, head to Cedarville University to meet Dolly… be sure to tell her Hello, Dolly! Also, at the Schuster Center, you will be able to see 9 TO 5: The Musical, and at The Loft Theatre, you can catch Twelfth Night.

On Friday, after you get out of the shower, be sure to put on your red for the National Wear Red Day, in honor of the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” Movement.  If you wish, you can continue to celebrate the Chinese New Year at China Dynasty, The Nanking Inn, or Kabuki.  Get out your dancing shoes and head to the Michael Solomon Pavilion for the Contra Dance Party – Cityfolk.  If you love a good fish fry, head to either the Ascension or the St. Mary Fish Fry.  All you art lovers will want to participate in First Friday, the fabulous art hop which happens the first Friday of each month downtown.  There will also be many wonderful shows going on in our great region, including 9 to 5: The Musical (Schuster Center), The Octette Bridge Club (Beavercreek Community Theatre), The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee (Dayton Playhouse), Twelfth Night (Loft Theatre), The Berenstain Bears Onstage; A Bear Country Musical! (Town Hall Theatre), and True West (University of Dayton-Kennedy Union Boll Theatre).  And finally, listen to The Rocket Man, The Eagles, Diana Ross, and The Beatles as you skate at RiverScape for their event, Peace, Love, and Skate: 60s and 70s.

On Saturday, bring your Valentine and go to the wonderful El Meson for their Cooking Class for Lovers.  For all you techies, head to the Dayton Diode Open House which has been called a “YMCA for nerds”…perhaps I should go then!  When tragedy strikes, it is important for a community to join together.  Over at St. John’s Lutheran Church, bring your friends and participate in the Dodgeball Tournamnet to benefit the Suzanne Waughtel Hopper fund.  In the evening, there are opportunities to support other great causes.  You can attend the 21st Annual Artemis Center Gala ‘Be a Star, a Purple Carpet Event’ at Sinclair or Sing your Heart Out For A Good Cause (the American Heart Association) at The Wine Loft.  All you “pasghetti” lovers (as many kids call it!) will want to go to the American Legion Post 598 for Franco’s FAMOUS Spaghetti.  Over at RiverScape, participate in the Star-Late Skate.  Also on Saturday, there will be a plethora of theatre options, including 9 to 5: The Musical, The Berenstain Bears Onstage; A Bear Country Musical, The Octette Bridge Club, The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee, Twelfth Night, and True West.

On Sunday, consider going to Alex’s for their Jazz Brunch.  Or you can Savor Your Sunday & Support Stivers at Coco’s Bistro.  If it’s not too cold, perhaps you’ll want to learn the Fundamentals of Skating at RiverScape.  Sundays are a great day for the arts, so consider checking out the Wright State University 2011 Faculty Exhibition, Visual Voices Art Exhibit; Dayton Skyscrapers 2011 at the Schuster Center, Folk Art from the Collection of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP at The Dayton Art Institute, or A Student of People Exhibit at Troy-Hayner Cultural Center.  Or check out one of the many theatre productions going on around town.  If you still haven’t done so, be sure to check out DMM’s onStageDayton, where Shane, Katherine, and Russell keep you up to date on the Dayton theatre scene!

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

How many pessimists does it take to change a lightbulb?

Nevermind.  Nobody would get the joke anyway.

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!

Savor Your Sundays & Support Stivers

By Leave a Comment

For the third year in a row Coco’s Bistro will open in February  for Sunday Brunch to benefit Stivers School for the Arts.  This unique fundraising event is food for the spirit – and stomach!

A different group from Stivers will perform each Sunday:
Feb. 6: Jazz Trio
Feb. 13: String Ensemble
Feb. 20: Chamber Choir
Feb. 27: Concert Pianists

Each Sunday will feature two seatings the first at 10 am to 11:30 a.m. and the second begins at noon t0 1:30pm.  Brunch runs $30 per person; $15 of this is a tax-deductible donation to the seedling Foundation, which supports the arts at Stivers.  Gift certificates also are available.

All funds raised during the Sunday brunches will support arts instruction at the school.
Advanced reservations are required; seating is limited. Call 228-COCO (2626), or reserve online.
Coco’s is located at 515 Wayne Ave just south of Fifth Street in the Oregon District.