Dayton

Cleaning House – 2 New Films & MOONLIGHT (aka Oscar Season) News at THE NEON!

November 8, 2016 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone!

We’re going completely international this weekend with two exciting, new films – both of which we didn’t think we’d be able to accommodate but many of you have been asking about. At last we’re able to move forward with a film based on the beloved, international bestseller A MAN CALLED OVE as well as the new film from Park Chan-wook – THE HANDMAIDEN (based on the British novel FINGERSMITH). If you still need to see CHRISTINE, CERTAIN WOMEN or KING COBRA, Thursday will be your last chance to see them at THE NEON.

Synopsis for A MAN CALLED OVE: “Stepping from the pages of Fredrik Backman’s international best-selling novel, Ove is the quintessential angry old man next door. An isolated retiree with strict principles and a short fuse, who spends his days enforcing block association rules that only he cares about, and visiting his wife’s grave, Ove has given up on life. Enter a boisterous young family next door who accidentally flattens Ove’s mailbox while moving in and earning his special brand of ire. Yet from this inauspicious beginning an unlikely friendship forms and we come to understand Ove’s past happiness and heartbreaks. What emerges is a heartwarming tale of unreliable first impressions and the gentle reminder that life is sweeter when it’s shared. One of Sweden’s biggest locally-produced box office hits ever, director Hannes Holm finds the beating heart of his source material and Swedish star Rolf Lassgard, whose performance won him the Best Actor award at the 2016 Seattle International Film Festival, affectingly embodies the lovable curmudgeon Ove.” (Music Box Films) THE NEW YORK TIMES called this film “cinematic comfort food,” and I think our audiences are going to love it!

Synopsis for THE HANDMAIDEN: “From PARK Chan-wook, the celebrated director of OLDBOY, LADY VENGEANCE and STOKER, comes a ravishing new crime drama. PARK presents a gripping and sensual tale of two women – a young Japanese Lady living on a secluded estate, and a Korean woman who is hired to serve as her new handmaiden, but is secretly plotting with a conman to defraud her of a large inheritance. Inspired by the novel Fingersmith by British author Sarah Waters, THE HANDMAIDEN borrows the most dynamic elements of its source material and combines it with PARK Chan-wook’s singular vision to create an unforgettable viewing experience.” (Magnolia Pictures) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

For descriptions and showtimes of any current attractions, please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com

The past 30 days have seen whirlwinds of visiting artists and amazing screenings. From The Dayton LGBT Film Fest to TORREY PINES and this Saturday’s incredible screening of SHORTBUS, I couldn’t be more happy with what we’ve been able to achieve right here in Dayton, Ohio. Many thanks to everyone who has supported these incredible events!

Don’t forget about this Thursday’s special screening. Dayton Tech Guide & Launch Runner are joining forces to bring GENERATION STARTUP to town for a one-time screening on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 5:30. “GENERATION STARTUP takes us to the front lines of entrepreneurship in America, capturing the struggles and triumphs of six recent college graduates who put everything on the line to build startups in Detroit…” Click this LINK to reserve your ticket on the official tugg website. If tickets remain on the day of the screening, we will be able to sell them at our box office starting one hour before the show.

Our friends at 4Mary.org are bringing APPARITION HILL to Dayton. “Join 4Mary.Org for a night at the movies! A few years ago, 4Mary.Org organized screenings of the independent film THE TRIUMPH, and it was a terrific success. Now, from the same director, comes the new feature film APPARITION HILL about an unlikely group of pilgrims who journey to the same little-known village of Medjugorje. Three screenings have been scheduled at THE NEON: Mon Nov 21 at 7:30pm, Thurs Dec 8 at 7:30pm, and Mon Dec 12 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $10 each and are only available online via this LINK. All proceeds benefit the 4Mary Youth Pilgrimage to Fatima in 2017. For more info, contact [email protected]” (taken from press notes) To watch a trailer for this film, click this LINK.

And now for some great news! MOONLIGHT is set to open on Nov. 18. This incredible film was one of my “Top 3” films at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival…and it is one of the absolute best reviewed films of the year. I think this film clearly marks the beginning of Oscar Season, and we’ve been able to secure a preview screening on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 7:40. Tickets will be on sale this weekend. Visit the film’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE to learn all about it.

It’s almost time for the Family Holiday Film Series. On Saturdays in December, we’ll present films that are suitable for the entire family…for only $2 a ticket (and FREE for children 12 and under). I’ll provide more details in next week’s newsletter.

Thanks so much for your continued support!

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Tuesday, Nov. 8 – Thursday, Nov. 17:

CERTAIN WOMEN (R) 1 Hr 47 Min
Monday-Thursday (Nov 8-10): 2:50, 7:30
FINAL DAY – Nov. 10!

CHRISTINE (R) 1 Hr 55 Min
Tuesday, Wednesday (Nov 8 & 9): 2:45, 5:20, 7:50
Thursday (Nov 10): 2:45, 7:50
FINAL DAY – Nov. 10!

KING COBRA (NR) 1 Hr 31 Min
Tuesday-Thursday (Nov 8-10): 5:20
FINAL DAY – Nov. 10!

GENERATION STARTUP (NR) 1 Hr 33 Min
Thursday (Nov 10): 5:30
One Screening Only!

A MAN CALLED OVE (PG-13) 1 Hr 56 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Nov 11-13): 12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (Nov 14-16): 2:45, 5:15, 7:40
Thursday (Nov 17): 2:45, 5:15

THE HANDMAIDEN (NR) 2 Hrs 25 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Nov 11-13): 1:00, 4:00, 7:00
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (Nov 14-16): 3:30, 7:15
Thursday (Nov 17): 3:30

MOONLIGHT (R) 1 Hr 50 Min
Thursday (Nov 17) – Preview Screening – 7:40

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Nov. 23 – LOVING
Dec. 21 – LION
TBD – EAGLE HUNTRESS
TBD – NOCTURNAL ANIMALS
TBD – LA LA LAND
TBD – MANCHESTER BY THE SEA
TBD – JACKIE

Mystery Monday – November 7, 2016

November 7, 2016 By Tom Gilliam

Welcome to Week 39 of Mystery Mondays. The answer to Week 38’s Mystery Photo is: The 5th Dayton Dia de Muertos parade procession going down Fifth Street in the Oregon Historic District on October 23, 2016.

We congratulate our randomly drawn winner Jeremiah of Englewood. Rapid Fired Pizza certificates are coming your way!

We challenge you to tell us where in the Dayton area this photo was taken by filling out the form below. We’ll do a random drawing from all those with a correct answer and the winner will get 2 pizzas from Rapid Fired Pizza.

Enter here:

http://goo.gl/forms/dyU55fzc48

We’ll post the winner next Monday with details about the photo as well as a new photo to challenge your knowledge of the Dayton area.

Thanks for playing and good luck!

Here’s our Mystery Photo for Week 39:

Photo by Tom Gilliam of DaytonGram & Tom Gilliam Photography.

Mystery Monday – October 31, 2016

October 31, 2016 By Tom Gilliam

Welcome to Week 38 of Mystery Mondays. The answer to Week 37’s Mystery Photo is: The pirate ship Halloween display on Main Street in Fairborn by Foy’s Halloween Stores.

We congratulate our randomly drawn winner Olivia of Fairborn. Rapid Fired Pizza certificates are coming your way!

Enter here:

http://goo.gl/forms/dyU55fzc48

We’ll post the winner next Monday with details about the photo as well as a new photo to challenge your knowledge of the Dayton area.

Thanks for playing and good luck!

Here’s our Mystery Photo for Week 38:

Photo by Tom Gilliam of DaytonGram & Tom Gilliam Photography.

Mystery Photo – Week 37

October 25, 2016 By Tom Gilliam

Welcome to Week 37 of Mystery Mondays. The answer to Week 36’s Mystery Photo is: The courtyard at the new Mother Stewart’s Brewing Co. in downtown Springfield. The brewery is named after Eliza Daniel “Mother” Stewart, one of the leaders of the temperance movement in Springfield and Xenia in the late 1800s. Historical photos from the prohibition era line the outside of the building near the beer garden.

We congratulate our randomly drawn winner Laura G of Springfield. Rapid Fired Pizza certificates are coming your way!

Enter here:

http://goo.gl/forms/dyU55fzc48

We’ll post the winner next Monday with details about the photo as well as a new photo to challenge your knowledge of the Dayton area.

Thanks for playing and good luck!

Here’s our Mystery Photo for Week 37:

Photo by Tom Gilliam of DaytonGram & Tom Gilliam Photography.

Fall at Hidden Valley Fruit Farm

October 19, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Down south on Route 48, is a great little place

Hay! Hay! Hay! Food, fun and fall flavors await you at The Hidden Valley Fruit Farm. Just a few minutes south of Centerville on State Rout 48, Hidden Valley is the perfect place for a family Food Adventure, especially for little ones. You can find pies to petting zoos, and scarecrows to strawberry jams. They even have hay rides, pick your own apples and more. We have great memories of coming here as kids. This farm store is a perfect place to spend time with your loved onesand experience the sights and sniffs of the Fall season.

HERE’S THE SKINNY on HIDDEN VALLEY FRUIT FARM:

Caramel Apples, anyone ?

—For over 60 years, located at 5474 OH-48, Lebanon, OH 45036 just a few minutes south of Centerville.

—10am – 6pm Sunday through Wednesday and 10am – 7pm Thursday – Saturday

— Fun attractions include: Hayrides, pick your our pumpkin, pick your own apples, a gift shop in the 150 year old barn, an ice cream shop, and a petting zoo. There is “so much room for activities”

Pumpkins Galore

— The Country Store is in a 150 year old barn. It features a gift shop, a bakery, a produce area, grocery items and coffees.

— The small restaurant is open Wednesday to Saturday, and features an $8.99 lunch for a pulled-pork sandwich and two sides – choices are potato salad, corn-on-the-cob, or baked beans.

— They grow 38 different kind of apple varieties.

There are literally hundreds of choices, local squash, fruit jams and so much more. Over the years we have tried dozens of items. Here are some of our favorites that have lasted from the 1970’s. Without further delay.. we present our MUST EATS !

MUST EATS at HIDDEN VALLEY FRUIT FARM:

Fritters, Cider and Apples….

— GALLON OF APPLE CIDER: Hidden Valley Fruit Farm is one of the only farms in Ohio that still prepares its apple cider the old-fashioned way. Not from concentrate, their cider is pressed from select apples out of their own orchards. The cider goes from orchard, to press, to bottle, then straight to the refrigerators. Their is no homogenization, no pasteurization, and no additives or preservatives. The best cider ever in the Big Ragu’s opinion. Maybe it is the nostalgia, but he has never tasted anything like it.

— PUMPKIN DONUTS: Small, sugary and delicious. We have been enjoying these for decades. Get a few extra, they seem to disappear into hungry mouths on the way to the car.

Local Honey

— GALA APPLES: OK, so they have 38 different kinds of apples… One of our favorites is the sweet Gala apples grown on site. There are so many others, some good for baking, others good for eating. All of them local, right off the trees and delicious.

— APPLE FRITTERS: These are huge. They are sweet, glazed and delicious. So sweet in fact, that they are guaranteed to attract a bee or two if eaten outside. Made fresh, they melt in your mouth and go great with a glass of milk.

— LOCAL NATURAL RAW HONEY: There are so many uses for this wonderful product. From a drop in your tea, to drizzling over cereal, this honey is fantastic. On toast or a spoonful from the jar, it is a wonderful treat. Did you know that consuming local honey helps guard against allergies to local plants? It is true with all natural honeys and the area they are produced.

38 varities of apples

— CARAMEL APPLES WITH NUTS: Nice sized apples dipped in a thick caramel coating, with the bottom half rolled in chopped peanuts. The result is everything you could ever want from a salty and sweet treat. Sinful? You bet… If you want to go big, they have a “Thriller” apple which is the deluxe chocolate added treat. Although they are great, we stay old school here and prefer the original.

Honorable Mention: The Homemade Fudge. All flavors. It used to cause family squabbles in the car on our way back from Kings Island..

Gala apples – sweet things grown on their orchard

The Hidden Valley Fruit Farm is a throwback Food Adventure and a tribute to the old days. Rural America eats and treats, and simple pleasures like a fall Hay ride.

Find the peace and calm of a brisk Autumn day, and visit this local treasure. There is still time to grab a pumpkin before Halloween, and this is the perfect spot to scope one out. See you near the corn stalks, inside the barn….

Are you a Dayton Foodie? Then follow us on Facebook by clicking here, and find your paradise. The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax are just a click away.

Please enjoy the sights of Fall at Hidden Valley Fruit Farm by browsing our photos below.

Pumpkins out front

Vintage Tractor

Chicken coop on site

Inside the Country Store

Butterfinger fudge – have you ever heard something so sweet?

Outside looking around

Stalk to you later

Activities and prices

No bake pies….

Indian Corn

Candy table

Pork in a can

Fresh from the orchard out back

Petting Farm and Playground

Scarecrows and Pumpkins out front

Apples – just picked….

Mystery Monday – October 10, 2016

October 10, 2016 By Tom Gilliam

Welcome to Week 35 of Mystery Mondays. The answer to Week 34’s Mystery Photo is: Garden Station in Downtown Dayton along with a special appearance by my late beloved Scottish Terrier (aka Scottie) Lucy. I took this photo on September 22, 2016 during our final adventure together, the morning I had to have her put down after a short but painful illness. She would’ve been 12 years old on November 1, 2016.

Lucy Scott Terrier Gilliam

November 1, 2004 – September 22, 2016

We congratulate our randomly drawn winner Like S of Beavercreek. Rapid Fired Pizza certificates are coming your way!

Enter here:

http://goo.gl/forms/dyU55fzc48

We’ll post the winner next Monday with details about the photo as well as a new photo to challenge your knowledge of the Dayton area.

Thanks for playing and good luck!

Here’s our Mystery Photo for Week 35:

Photo by Tom Gilliam of DaytonGram & Tom Gilliam Photography.

Bourbon Street Cafe: Oooh, That Chicken….

October 6, 2016 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Bourbon Chicken – Their signature dish and main draw

Bourbon Street is again on Brown Street, and has been for a while. The Bourbon Street Grill and Cafe is in a no frills dining room where the line can get long, but it goes fast. From UD Students, to locals, people come from all over. Whether for a work lunch, or taking dinner home, people are getting wise to this place. Why? It is simple – GOOD FOOD, GOOD VALUE! And …. oooooh that chicken, …. people go crazy over it !

This place is EXACTLY what Food Adventures is about… a locally owned spot where practically everything on the menu is a winner. We should know it, because in the 6 or 7 times we have visited, Bourbon Street Grill & Cafe, we have tried practically every menu item. And that’s what sets our blog apart.

Located at 1043 Brown Street

HERE’S THE SKINNY on BOURBON STREET GRILL & CAFE:

— Located at 1043 Brown St. in Dayton, they are open everyday from 11am-9pm, except Sundays when they are closed.

— Owned by Hassan Abdalla, who moved to Dayton as young adult from the Middle East. He always had the dream of being a pilot. His father passed away unexpectedly, forever prolonging that dream and Hassan found himself working in kitchens to make ends meet. He worked himself up

Blackened Salmon over Corn and Potatoes

to high end restaurants, like L’Auberge. He then decided to open his own business, for years doing catering and festivals. He opened a restaurant on W Second Street, then took an opportunity on a new location on Brown Street.

— They still cater and make several festival appearances during the year.

— Note that their chicken is grilled thigh meat, that is pulled and finished on the flat grill and cubed. The result is a one of a kind, almost melt in your mouth taste.

— Helpful and hard working staff, always busting their butts to fill orders.

We first were exposed to these guys at festivals, and after eating their food at Big Brews and Blues, then Garlic Fest, we have been hitting the brick and mortar location regularly. Over time, the Food Adventure Crew has developed a list of Bourbon Street Grill and Cafe’s absolute best dishes. Or as we call them, our patented “Must Eats.”

Spicy Chicken over White Rice

MUST EATS at BOURBON STREET GRILL & CAFE:

— BOURBON CHICKEN: The signature dish. The mother ship on a plate. We suggest white rice or spicy rice with this, although many enjoy lo mein noodles or steamed vegetables as a side. When they serve this chicken, they scoop it up, then get another scoop of sauce and drizzle it over top. We drool every time.

Sides served right out of the piping hot steamers

— BLACKENED SALMON: Cajun spices dust the pan seared salmon filet. Again we suggest it over rice, but there are so many choices from beans to corn to potatoes, the sky is the limit. But the Salmon… holy cow is it good.

— SPICY CHICKEN: This is the Big Ragu’s favorite dish. He sweated in the summer heat and got lit up at a couple of festivals but it was worth it. He likes the spicy chicken poured over white rice, to cool down some of the heat. But choose whatever side you want.

Havent had cornbread this good since Burbanks

— CORNBREAD: An incredible throwback to southern style cornbread. One slight problem, they do not have butter on site. So if you are eating in, byob – “bring your own butter.” We could eat a brownie pan of this stuff.

— THE CHEESEBURGER: A 1/3 pound burger patty loaded on a sturdy bun with all the fixins. They top it off right. A delicious mix of flavors, napkins recommended for this one.

Honorable Mention: — The PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SANDWICH is a nice surprise (get extra mayo). Also, the BLACKENED SEA BASS is delicious.

Even their Burger surprised us

From salads to beans, to edible fried tortilla bowl options, you have an open canvas. With so many good entrees and sides to choose from, you can get lost in their menu. One thing you wont lose, is a lot of money, because the menu is a great value.

Now you know about this stellar place on Brown Street. Go check out Bourbon Street Grill & Cafe and make your own combinations. It is a great place, with an incredible owners story behind it. A story of hard work and perserverence.

Make sure you browse the photos below in our picture gallery. Our food pics are incomparable.

Remember, we are not food critics, we are 3 people with a passion for food. Follow Food Adventures on our Facebook Page by clicking HERE. It is a foodie’s paradise. Also, catch our upcoming appearances on DaytonFoodies.com since 2008.

Philly cheesesteak

Lo Mein Noodles Option

The staff is one of the hardest working in town

Corn and Blackened Salmon

The Gyro

Spicy chicken and rice

Grilling Chicken

Dining Room

Potato side with salmon

Tilapia – edible bowl

Mystery Monday – October 3, 2016

October 3, 2016 By Tom Gilliam

Welcome to Week 34 of Mystery Mondays. The answer to Week 33’s Mystery Photo is: The Happy Day Statue at RiverScape MetroPark in Downtown Dayton along with a special appearance by my late beloved Scottish Terrier (aka Scottie) Lucy. I took this photo on September 22, 2016 during our final adventure together, the morning I had to have her put down after a short but painful illness. She would’ve been 12 years old on November 1, 2016.

Lucy Scott Terrier Gilliam

November 1, 2004 – September 22, 2016

We congratulate our randomly drawn winner Carolyn R of Beavercreek! Rapid Fired Pizza certificates are coming your way!

Enter here:

http://goo.gl/forms/dyU55fzc48

We’ll post the winner next Monday with details about the photo as well as a new photo to challenge your knowledge of the Dayton area.

Thanks for playing and good luck!

Here’s our Mystery Photo for Week 34:

Photo by Tom Gilliam of DaytonGram & Tom Gilliam Photography.

National Coffee Day Tipple: Irish Coffee

September 29, 2016 By Brian Petro

We all take coffee for granted as just part of the daily routine. Wake up, brew or buy a cup of coffee, then get to doing something productive with your day. Before it was grown, roasted, boiled, and consumed, first it had to be discovered. The story is that a shepherd in Mocha saw his flock frolicking about after eating berries from a certain shrub. He took the berries, then to make them palatable roasted them then boiled them. He found the drink gave him vast amounts of energy, and the technology spread through the Middle East and Africa. It had to fight various bans for its mind altering effects, as scholars debated on whether or not it counted as being intoxicated when you were hopped up on caffeine. It passed the test with Muslim imams and eventually the Catholic church. According to the story, Pope Clement VIII was charged by his followers with banning the drink of the Muslims. He tasted it before the ban and chose to allow the drink to spread, stating it should be baptized as Catholic to get it from Muslim hands. This is all around 1600.

Coffee has always warmed us up and given a little jolt of energy. It also encourages conversation and the spreading of ideas. From the coffee houses of Shakespeare’s time to Starbucks, people who were looking to connect with others came together under one roof. The chef at an airport bar in Ireland concocted the drink for passengers coming off a plane looking cold and miserable. He offered hem some coffee with a little shot of Irish Whiskey in it. The passengers loved it, and it became a menu item on at the bar in question. One of the travelers that eventually enjoyed the cocktail was Stanton Delaplane, who brought the drink to San Francisco with him and championed it to the city. It was first served at the Buena Vista Cafe in 1952, and embraced by the city. It has been served there, and anywhere else that had coffee and Irish whiskey, ever since.

This is the critical ingredient: Irish whiskey

Irish Coffee

1.5 oz./ 45 mL Irish whiskey
2 tsp. brown sugar
4-6 oz./ 120 – 180 mL hot coffee
Glass: Irish Whiskey
Garnish: Whipped cream
Ice: None

Prepare the glass by warming it with hot water. Empty the glass when warmed, then add the coffee and sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then add the Irish whiskey. Stir again. Evenly spread the whipped cream over the top of the coffee and serve.

I love this drink. It is delightful any time, day or night. It is just warm and inviting, the bite and sweetness of the whiskey just peeking through the coffee flavor. You may be tempted to stir the whip cream in, but don’t. The layer of cream on top gives you a little with each sip, and acts as a delicious insulator for the coffee. If you are looking for some caffeine to add to your liquor, I suggest this over vodka and Red Bull any day. And you get whipped cream!

This is day 27 of a series, #100DaysOfCocktails, being done by Smart Guy In A Tie Cocktails. You can follow along daily on my Instagram page on Facebook, and on Twitter.

What Does It Mean To Invest In Community?

September 27, 2016 By Nikki Nett

So, I’ve done some research and I should probably share it with you. Look, I know it may be shocking, but hear me out.

As it turns out, binge-watching Flipping Out With Jeff Lewis, HGTV, and Rehab Addict does not make one a real estate expert. No matter how much you love those sassy Joshes from Million Dollar Listing, they may not be the best teachers of success in the real estate market, though I sure do like their parties. Tarek & Christina, Jonathan & Drew, et. al are probably not the ones to consult about real estate in the Dayton Ohio market. There is no amount of Shark Tank that sets you up for financial security, right here, right now. Yes, I know, I am just as surprised and disappointed as you are.

Ok then, we’ve established that we’ve gotta do more than build our Pinterest boards while binge watching. Reality tv isn’t making me a professional investor, flipper or rehabber (for real, keep me away from the spackle & grout), I don’t know about the housing market, but I DO know about Dayton. I know about marketing and how that works a little differently here in the Miami Valley. Most importantly, I know that we are protective of our communities around here.

So why the hell is any of this connected or relevant??

Frankly, I didn’t think it was until recently. I just started working with Real Estate U in Beavercreek. I’ve been up to my eyeballs in their branding, mission statements, processes, classes and more for the last few weeks. The more I am immersed in all things REU, the more I begin to understand what similar companies from out of town do.

As someone who has spent the majority of my life in the Dayton area, that pisses me off. As someone who, over the years, has been involved in all the Daytonish things, that really really pisses me off. Why, though? Because their investment in Dayton is not a long term investment in the residents of Dayton. Because they breeze in, make some promises and breeze out with our assets. Nah, no thank you.

We’ve seen the lists that Dayton appears on, and we get a little braggy when we hear that people all across the nation are talking about how affordable it is to live here. This is amazing! Right???

Wellllllll….yes and no.

Dayton is prime real estate right now. But that means more than just high income creatives moving into all the cool, historic neighborhoods. It means that investors across the country are sweeping in and buying up foreclosures. It means that Joe & Suzy Suburbs from Nebraska are looking at some of the older areas and seeing opportunities for a DIY house flip. It means that available money going into these homes, is ultimately leaving the area.

But we want to keep it here. Locally. In the Miami Valley where it can benefit our entire community. How’s THAT for Return On Investment?

Cool. So now what?

If you are interested in learning about real estate investing, rehabbing, flipping, rentals, and beginning to build generational wealth, then you have to attend one of Real Estate U’s FREE Real Estate Investing classes. REU is a nationwide company headquartered here in Dayton. At their free classes, REU teaches you how to find great deals, what areas in Dayton to avoid, where the sweet spots are, and even coaches you through the day to day activities of flipping a house.

There are classes this Thursday & Friday night, and they have added 2 more classes for Saturday. I added the Eventbrite link below so you can choose your time slot.

Maybe this isn’t your thing, that’s fine, but if you know someone of any age (over 18) that would like a jump start into this market, feel free to pass this along. Everyone is welcome, you don’t have to be a Wall Street banker to make this work for you. You just have to want to work…for you.

RSVP to this weekend’s classes by clicking here.

Find REU on Facebook by clicking here.

Double tap on the ‘Gram here.

See what the heck REU is all about here.

Mystery Monday – September 26, 2016

September 26, 2016 By Tom Gilliam

Welcome to Week 33 of Mystery Mondays. The answer to Week 32’s Mystery Photo is: The ceiling of the Agriculture Building (aka Exposition Hall and/or the Roundhouse) at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Downtown Dayton. Built in 1874, the “Roundhouse” is listed on the National Register of Historic Places but is currently in danger of demolition since the fair will be changing locations after 2017. I took this photo on September 3, 2016 during the 164th Annual Montgomery County Fair.

We congratulate our randomly drawn winner Chad McCoy of Dayton! Rapid Fired Pizza certificates are coming your way!

Enter here:

http://goo.gl/forms/dyU55fzc48

We’ll post the winner next Monday with details about the photo as well as a new photo to challenge your knowledge of the Dayton area.

Thanks for playing and good luck!

Here’s our Mystery Photo for Week 33:

Photo by Tom Gilliam of DaytonGram & Tom Gilliam Photography.

Haunted Food Adventure at Amber Rose Oct 7th

September 21, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Rhinegiests & Poltergeists Returns Oct 7th to the Amber Rose

Sellout crowd expected again !!

FOOD, BEER, … GHOSTS

This is a post that many of you have been waiting for… Dayton Most Metro is kicking of the fall season with a “BOO!”

—October 7th, the popular “RHINEGEISTS and POLTERGEISTS” ghostly beer dinner returns! A brainchild of local bloggers, the Food Adventure crew, this popular scarefest looks to again to have a sellout crowd of over 100 foodies at the Amber Rose restaurant. There will also be a special presentation from a nationally known paranormal investigative group, ParaSense.

Pierogies and More on the Menu

HERE IS THE SKINNY ON “RHINEGEISTS and POLTERGEISTS”

WHEN: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7th at 7pm

WHERE: AMBER ROSE RESTAURANT at 1400 Valley St. in Dayton

WHAT: 4 COURSE DINNER from AMBER ROSE and 4 BEERS from RHINEGEIST BREWERY

Visit the Haunted Amber Rose for this Food Adventure

—COURSE 1: Sausage, Potato and Sauerkraut Pierogies and German Bier Cheese Dip

—COURSE 2: Beef Rouladen (rolled) with Roasted, Rustic Vegetables

—COURSE 3: Apple Cinnamon Smoked Pork Chop with German Potato & Bavarian Hash

—COURSE 4: Cherry Almond Bread Pudding

Each course will be paired with a Rhinegeist Beer:

—BEER 1: “ALICE” a Belgium Style Ale

—BEER 2: “EXUM” a Pale Ale

—BEER 3: “HUGH” an Oktoberfest brew

—BEER 4: “STEVE” a Dark Lager

Parasense – Paranormal Investigator Team – Alicia, Shelly and Kat

WHAT ELSE: A special presentation from a local paranormal investigative team with national exposure, called PARASENSE. ParaSense will be sharing their findings from numerous overnight ghost hunts from 2015 and 2016. NEW FINDINGS, NEW GOOSEBUMPS !

COST: $35 per person includes the tip ! Tickets are PRE-PAY and ONLY AVAILABLE at THIS LINK. This event has always sold out and will be limited to 100 people.

EACH ATTENDEE GETS A FREE RHINEGEIST PINT GLASS !

ALICE from Rhinegeist Brewery

*****The party continues after the event, downstairs at the bar with “Happy Hour” pricing*****

As many of you may know, The Amber Rose is supposedly a haunted venue. The ghost is believed to be the daughter of the former house owner. She is a playful ghost named Genevieve Ksiezopolski aka “Chickie.” Employees have many stories of glasses flying off of shelves, lights being turned on and even the appearance of a poltergeist. Take for example this case, where a cook claimed to see a full apparition of a lady in a long dress who walked into the room, then turned and walked away. When the frightened cook alerted the staff, they quickly pulled the security surveillance camera footage. What they saw at the same time the cook claimed to encounter the ghost was this: click to see video

Who is Haunting the Amber Rose? Some think it is this lady….

A local, three person “ghost hunter” crew will be investigating the Amber Rose facility in the weeks leading up to the dinner. They have appeared on on National Television! Their work has been featured in“America’s Most Haunted,” “My Ghost Story”, and Haunted Ohio VI. Independent Paranormal Investigators Kat Powell and Shelly Suittor met in 1999 as tour guides for the Ohio State Reformatory, Prospect Place, and Snow Hill Country Club. Teaming up with Alicia Soich in 2012, they’ve logged hundreds of hours of field research and private investigations across the state.

What will their findings be? Will they be contacted by “Chickie” or some other poltergeist? Join us and find out ! And stay for the Happy Hour after party at the bar !

BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE! TICKETS ARE PRE-PAY ONLY! LIMITED SEATING!

Browse the photos below…

“LIKE” FOOD ADVENTURES on FACEBOOK HERE !

Sausages Locally made

1400 Valley street – is it HAUNTED>>>

Bier Cheese Dip

Cut into a sausage with some sweet kraut

Staff at the Amber Rose make the whole experience

Beautiful upstairs area

wave hi

excellent food

Chef JT, Joe from Amber Rose and Trevor from Rhinegeist

Lucky guy

Pondering ghost evidence

Serving

Amber Rose Food

Bar upstairs

Happy Hour here “after party”

TIFF 2016 – Day #9 – Wrapping Up This Year’s Fest

September 17, 2016 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

My first film of my final day of screenings was PLANETARIUM – directed by Rebecca Zlotwoski and starring Natalie Portman and Lily-Rose Depp. This is the story of two sisters who are mediums living in France and their relationship with a film producer. Though the concept is intriguing (“sometimes you have to turn off the lights to see something” was an early quote that had promise) and I liked moments of the film, this was the biggest mess I saw at TIFF. I don’t know what happened, but about an hour in, I felt like there were several films happening at once – and not in a good way. There were also a couple moments where Portman let out laughs that seemed like she was becoming completely unhinged…not her character, but Portman herself. Attempts at “kinda sexy/kinda creepy” were in full swing – but the results were mostly just on the creepy end of the spectrum, and I eventually couldn’t wait for it to end. Here’s a trailer…but you’ll have no idea what’s in store.

THE SECRET SCRIPTURE, directed by Jim Sheridan, was my second film of the day. It was also Rooney Mara’s third film in this year’s festival. Though Rooney was the star of the film, it was Vanessa Redgrave who shined. This is the story of an older woman in a mental institution who has keep a journal in between the lines and in the margins of her Bible. One of the first quotes we get from her journal is “I did not kill my child.” Through a series of flashbacks, we see her as a younger woman in the 1940’s. A true beauty, she turns heads everywhere she goes, and people in the town are quick to call her a whore…including the town’s priest who is clearly infatuated with her. Though I felt the story got a little muddled, it’s ultimately beautifully told and will easily find fans. The Q&A with Jim Sheridan was a treat. With Irish accent seemed to forgive all of his foul-mouthed responses, and the stories of working with actors (Vanessa Redgrave and the children from IN AMERICA in particular) were fantastic and full of insight. There’s no trailer for this film yet, but here’s a still.

My last film of the fest was THE LIMEHOUSE GOLEM, directed by Juan Carlos Medina and starring Bill Nighy & Olivia Cooke (ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL). In Victorian-era London, a detective has been given his first murder case – a case that has the city on edge as a serial killer is performing more and more heinous acts. This beautifully styled period piece is a far cry from what you’d expect given the costumes and set-pieces. With lots of blood and gory details of the crimes, it’s at times unsettling but ultimately rather predictable. There are some moments that should be big…but the materials isn’t there…so the decision was to over-score them – which actually ends up detracting from the scenes in question. I wanted to like this film more, but I came out feeling it was really quite average. There’s no trailer for this film yet, so here’s a still. (Upon looking for images from the film, I found out that Alan Rickman was originally supposed to play the part of the detective – which would have added a different level of eeriness.)

And so my screenings have come to an end.

I saw 30 films (not counting the two I walked out of), I met several great folks in the industry, I saw numerous big stars and directors, and I ate a lot of poutine. In all, it was an incredible trip.

So here’s the wrap-up. (All categories have films listed in the order in which I saw them.) My 3 favorites were: MOONLIGHT, NOCTURNAL ANIMALS and LA LA LAND. Close behind were JULIETA, LOVING and SOUVENIR (BIRTH OF A NATION would be on this list, but I actually saw it several weeks ago and not at TIFF). Some really good films that are 100% worth viewing but didn’t make it to the very top of my list are MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, FRANTZ, LION, A UNITED KINGDOM, THEIR FINEST, MAUDIE, PATERSON, JACKIE, and UNKNOWN GIRL. For the other 15 films and how I felt about them, you’ll have to back-track through my blog.

Thanks so much for reading, and I appreciate your continued interest in THE NEON.

All the best,

Jonathan

TIFF 2016 – Day #8

September 17, 2016 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Loyal TIFF Followers,

Unfortunately, MostMetro has been experiencing quite a bit of trouble with their website…and that’s why you haven’t heard from me for a couple days. They’re working hard to iron out all the kinks, and I appreciate you coming back for more (some of you with multiple attempts).

My first film on Thursday was John Butler’s HANDSOME DEVIL. Though a little light, there’s certainly an audience for this crowd-pleasing film about an outcast with bright red hair at a boarding school in Ireland. The unlikely friendship he strikes up with his handsome roommate has them eventually entered in a talent night where they’ll sing and play guitar together…and it’s really charming. However, the focus at this school is rugby, and the behaviors of the new guy don’t fit in with the agenda of his rugby coach. DEAD POETS’ SOCIETY meets SCHOOL TIES meets SING STREET. If it doesn’t get released sooner, you can certainly look for this film at next year’s PRIDE screening in June. There is no trailer for this film, so you only get a still at this time.

Next up was THE UNKOWN GIRL – a film by the Dardenne Brothers (KID WITH A BIKE, TWO DAYS ONE NIGHT). The Dardennes are known for this social-realist style of filmmaking. Always commenting on class as well as economic and social justice, this film still fills that role…but goes in a bit of different direction. This is the story of a doctor who doesn’t answer the buzzer at her office door. It’s after hours, and she figures a person would buzz multiple times if it was an emergency. The next day, she finds out that the girl who buzzed has been found dead across the street…she was a prostitute who buzzed the door in a panic – looking for help. Driven by guilt, the doctor begins her own investigation to find the name of the unknown girl. Without any scoring to trigger emotions, this mystery feels all the more real. Though not embraced by critics like their previous two films, I found it very satisfying.

SOUVENIR, starring Isabelle Huppert and directed by Babo Defurne, this is the story of a woman who works in a pate factory. She used to be a famous singer, but her star faded early after coming in 2nd place during a televised European singing contest (ABBA took home first place that year). The opening titles for the film are beautiful bubbles floating through water. Bubbles, bubbles, more bubbles. It’s pretty and hypnotizing. It’s light, it’s airy, it’s effervescent…it’s alka-seltzer. Thus we get a joke right from the opening credits. This French gem – which becomes a December/May romance, won’t be embraced by everyone. But I really like it! There’s no trailer for this film, but here’s a clip.

After my three films, I met up with an old friend for dinner. Then I met up with a few more friends (film programmers, PR folks, etc.) for cocktails. This was by far the latest I stayed out…and I paid for it the next morning. (But it was worth it.)

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan

TIFF 2016 – Day #7

September 15, 2016 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

Thanks for coming back! Today was my last day during this trip when I have to wake up before 6am! I saw three more films (which takes me to 24 total), and I had a nice dinner. Though there was an invitation to meet up for late drinks, I had to turn it down. I’m simply too tired and getting more than 4 hours of sleep sounds much better.

My first film of the day was PATERSON, by Jim Jarmusch – who has a cult-like following. This film stars Adam Driver as “a working-class poet in a small New Jersey town who practices his craft amidst the quiet magic of everyday life.” (TIFF on-line catalog) As always, Jarmusch finds both humor and pathos in the idiosyncrasies and mundane routines of his characters. That said, I think this film is his most accessible. And though not a lot “happens,” I was engaged and liked peeking in on these rather charming characters. (There is not trailer available, but here’s a clip.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWHA1lcjUt4

JACKIE, the new film about Jackie O’ starring Natalie Portman, was next on my list. Directed by Pablo Larrain (who also has a film about Pablo Neruda at the festival), this film takes a look at the assassination of JFK through the point of view of Jackie. The film opens with Jackie greeting a journalist just a few days after the assassination. As she answers questions, we get her version of the story – both anecdotes about the making of the TV special when she led press through the White House as well as her account of what happened in Texas and preparing for the funeral. She is very candid, but she also makes quite clear that she’ll have the final edit on the piece that is written. When the journalist says that he just wants the truth, it is finally said that “I will settle for a story that’s believable.” That sentiment is the film in a nutshell. It took me a little while to buy Portman as Jackie, but eventually she won me over. Fox Searchlight picked up this film within the last 48 hours, and they plan to have it released in time for Oscar season.

My final film of the day was UNA – a new film based on the play BLACKBIRD, directed by Benedict Andrews and starring Rooney Mara & Ben Mendelsohn. This is the story of a young woman in her mid-20’s confronting a middle-aged man at his place of work. It’s been 12 years since they’ve seen each other…and that was when she was 13 and he sexually abused her. It’s my understanding that the play is just two characters…and adapting it for the screen seemed a bit forced to me. From ducking behind boxes and into bathroom stalls to hide from other workers, it seemed a bit of a stretch to buy the actions of the characters. I ultimately had really mixed feelings. The material is intriguing and bold, but I didn’t buy the set-up (trouble with the man’s position at work is a tangent that seems oddly tacked on). In addition, I feel like the material didn’t ring with honesty. SPOILER ALERT…don’t read more if you don’t want to know too much! The director spoke of each character having “unfinished desire” for one another. I’d be anxious to hear a true feminist read of this material/adaptation. By the end, I didn’t hate it, but I also can’t recommend it. There is no trailer for this film, but here’s a clip:

I’ve got three films tomorrow and I get to sleep in until 7:30! I also plan to meet an old friend for dinner – someone I met in line for Almodovar’s TALK TO HER back at the festival in 2002.

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan

TIFF 2016 – Day #6

September 14, 2016 By Jonathan McNeal

maudie-movie-poster-lg Hello!

Today’s schedule had me down for 5 films…and though I got into the fifth, I just wasn’t loving it enough to stick around (thus I won’t review it). Instead, I’ll go over the four films I screened in their entirety.

THEIR FINEST was my first screening at 9:30am, and it was packed in one of Scotiabank’s biggest venues. Lone Scherfig (AN EDUCATION) delivers a very solid film about the film industry in England during WWII. The story centers around a female writer who is initially hired to help write and flesh out the female voices just as the industry is also realizing that they need to make a picture that boosts morale on the homefront. Bill Nighy, who plays an egotistical old pro actor, is a scene-stealer…and the film will be an crowd-pleaser. Full of nostalgic winks and nods as well as colorful characters, this is an “acquisition title,” and I believe it will get picked up. There’s no trailer yet for THEIR FINEST…so a photo will have to do at this point.

Their Finest Hour and A Half
Directed by Lone Sherfig

MAUDIE, a biopic about Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis, was next on my list. With an outstanding performance by Sally Hawkins which is touching, physically demanding and full of hysterical funny moments that make Maud all the more endearing, the film is about Lewis’s relationship with her husband (played by Ethan Hawke) and her rise to fame in the art world. Challenged by childhood rheumatoid arthritis, everything from daily chores to even holding a brush look painful for Maud – but we fall in love with her desire to paint on just about any stationary object. Directed by Aisling Walsh (she’s done a lot of television work including FINGERSMITH with Hawkins), this is a slower character piece – but I think it could easily find an audience with Neon patrons. There’s no trailer for this film yet, but here’s a clip.

Once in a while at TIFF, I let myself see a big, splashy Hollywood movie. One that clearly won’t be coming to THE NEON, but one that’s receiving some critical buzz. A couple years ago, it was GRAVITY…this year, it was another sci-fi film – ARRIVAL, directed by Denis Villeneuve. Though I can rattle off a handful of sci-fi films that I greatly admire, this isn’t a genre that usually attracts my attention, and this alien film intrigued me because it wasn’t going to be full of explosions and battle scenes. Amy Adams plays a linguist who is hired by the government to attempt communicating with aliens who have landed 12 ships around the world. There’s some really lovely work happening in this film – from the central performance to terrific special effects. But there’s also some clunky ideas (especially in the third act) that keep me from embracing the film. I realize that many, many people will love this one…but it’s not for me.

My last full film of the day was THE SALESMAN, directed by Asghar Farhadi (A SEPARATION and THE PAST). The film opens with people needing to evacuate their building as it is beginning to crack and may soon crash. We follow a young theatrical couple (who are mounting a production of DEATH OF A SALESMAN) as they are displaced and soon find a new apartment that was formerly inhabited by a prostitute (though they don’t know that immediately). An incident in the new place leaves the couple forever changed, and the film then becomes a subtle thriller. With narrative elements and themes that I greatly admire, this film is well-done and solid – though not quite up to par with his previous two films due to a somewhat strained final act. There is no trailer yet for this film, but here’s a clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VcfinMasfw

I wrapped up the night by attending a low-key party for lgbt industry folks. I was glad to meet a few new people, and I’m crawling into bed before 2:00…so glad tomorrow is the last day I have to get up before 7:00.

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan