Dayton

KINGS OF SUMMER & Great News at THE NEON!

July 18, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

If you’ve been to THE NEON recently, you’ve more than likely seen the trailer for the Ohio-made film THE KINGS OF SUMMER. It will open on Friday, and it’s a gem. That said, it will only play for one week! If you still need to see MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING or KON-TIKI, tomorrow will be your last chance. 20 FEET FROM STARDOM will stick around for a 2nd week, but it will also wrap up on July 25. I’m delighted to announce that we have 2 new films cemented to begin on July 26 – FRUITVALE STATION (a powerful true story that was a big winner at Sundance this year…and it was art directed by Hannah Beachler – a WSU Motion Picture alum...stay tuned for more details about special Q&As with Beachler during opening weekend) and THE WAY WAY BACK (a comedic & touching hit at Sundance). For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com.

ONE WEEK ONLY!! Synopsis for THE KINGS OF SUMMER:
“Premiering to rave reviews at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, THE KINGS OF SUMMER is a unique coming-of-age comedy about three teenage friends – Joe, Patrick, and the eccentric and unpredictable Biaggio – who, in the ultimate act of independence, decide to spend their summer building a house in the woods and living off the land. Free from their parents’ rules, their idyllic summer quickly becomes a test of friendship as each boy learns to appreciate the fact that family – whether it is the one you’re born into or the one you create – is something you can’t run away from.” (taken from CBS Films) This film, shot in Ohio, was produced by Tyler Davidson – producer of TAKE SHELTER! Be sure to check out the really fun website by clicking this LINK. ONE WEEK ONLY!!

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“Roger Brown — the greatest basketball player Dayton has ever known — will be inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame on Sept. 8. Without the love and sacrifice of 84-year-old Daytonian Arlena Smith, it wouldn’t be happening. Join us at THE NEON on Aug. 15 at 7:30 for a benefit screening of the acclaimed documentary UNDEFEATED: THE ROGER BROWN STORY, with all proceeds going toward Arlena Smith’s trip to Springfield, Mass., for Brown’s Hall of Fame induction. Arlena and her late husband Azariah could not have children of their own, so they regularly welcomed troubled teenagers into their modest West Side home. One of those was Roger Brown. Among the greatest young basketball players in New York City history, Brown in 1961 had been unfairly implicated in a gambling scandal just as he was finishing his freshman year at the University of Dayton. Though never charged with a crime, he was kicked out of school and banned for life by the NBA. The Smiths came to the rescue. They opened up their home, found Brown a job, gave him the strength to move on. And finally, Brown bloomed anew. In 1967, he became the first player of the ABA’s Indiana Pacers. He led them to three championships, and became an Indianapolis City Councilman. All along, until his death at age 54 of cancer, Brown credited the Smiths — his ‘second parents’ — for making it possible.” (taken from press notes) Mark your calendars now! Tickets, just $10 each, will be available soon.

I’ll hopefully have some details for you next week about an upcoming screening of the documentary FARMAGEDDON – slated for August 8 and hosted by the Libertarian Party.

Hope to see you this weekend!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. July 19 – Thur. July 25:

THE KINGS OF SUMMER (R) 1 Hr 35 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:15, 7:30

20 FEET FROM STARDOM (PG-13) 1 Hr 31 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday: 3:15, 5:30, 7:45
Tuesday: 3:15, 5:30
Wednesday & Thursday: 3:15, 5:30, 7:45

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
July 26 – THE WAY WAY BACK
July 26 – FRUITVALE STATION
TBD – FILL THE VOID
TBD – FROM UP ON POPPY HILL
TBD – IN THE HOUSE
Aug. 2 – I’M SO EXCITED
Aug. 23 – BLUE JASMINE

Harvest Mobile Cuisine: Fresh, Local, & Affordable

July 11, 2013 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Harvest Mobile Food Truck

The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax are no different than other Daytonians. We have full time careers, love our family, and we chase Food Trucks around town. As you know, mobile food cuisine is currently ‘all the rage’ in the Miami Valley.

One of our favorites, Harvest Mobile Cuisine is a Dayton food truck owned by Patrick Sartin, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. After working in various kitchens across the country, Patrick bought a food truck with the goal to offer comfort foods that use local produce at an affordable price.

Harvest Mobile Cuisine is one of the most popular food trucks in Dayton and has a legion of loyal customers. Follow them on Facebook and check out their website harvestmobilecuisine.com to find out where they are gonna be rolling off to next. Its a local Food Adventure on the “go” ..

Must Eats:

Nothing better than a Local Wrap in one of the best dining rooms in Dayton… Five Rivers Metro Park

Harvest Fries– These are not your average fries! They are a mixture of white potatoes & sweet potatoes, seasoned with fresh herbs and served with Sriracha ketchup.

Humble Farmer– A salad made with Patchwork Greens, a variety of seasonal vegetables, creamy goat cheese and tossed in Harvest Vinaigrette. One of the reasons we love this salad, is that it’s constantly changing! Order it one time and your salad might be made with fresh picked strawberries and asparagus…..the next time it might contain sugar snap peas. You can count on the fact that it will always be fresh!

Local Wrap– Our favorite rendition of this wrap so far consisted of Hill Family Farms Chicken, Jackson’s local Strawberries, Asparagus, & Goat Cheese on a Whole Wheat Tortilla Wrap. This tasty offering is also served with your choice of fruit or Patchwork Greens. We highly suggest the Patchwork Greens!

Harvest Burger– We love Harvest Mobile’s take on America’s favorite sandwich! It consists of a Turkey Burger, Roasted Garlic aioli, White Cheddar and Patchwork Greens on a warm bun.

Please browse through our photo album below for some killer pics. Harvest Mobile Cuisine, one of the best Food Adventures on four wheels !

Want daily food fun? “Like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE,

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20 FEET FROM STARDOM Opens at THE NEON

July 10, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’re gonna keep on movin’ at THE NEON. If you still need to see LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED, tomorrow will be your last chance (7/11). On Friday, we will open the documentary that audiences are adoring – 20 FEET FROM STARDOM. In addition, we will hold MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING and KON-TIKI for another week. For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for 20 FEET FROM STARDOM: “Millions know their voices, but no one knows their names. In his compelling new film 20 FEET FROM STARDOM, award-winning director Morgan Neville shines a spotlight on the untold true story of the backup singers behind some of the greatest musical legends of the 21st century. Triumphant and heartbreaking in equal measure, the film is both a tribute to the unsung voices who brought shape and style to popular music and a reflection on the conflicts, sacrifices and rewards of a career spent harmonizing with others. These gifted artists span a range of styles, genres and eras of popular music, but each has a uniquely fascinating and personal story to share of life spent in the shadows of superstardom. Along with rare archival footage and a peerless soundtrack, 20 FEET FROM STARDOM boasts intimate interviews with Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Mick Jagger and Sting to name just a few. However, these world-famous figures take a backseat to the diverse array of backup singers whose lives and stories take center stage in the film.” (Taken from TWC-Radius) Currently at “98% FRESH” on rottentomatoes.com Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

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“AMU is the story of Kaju, a twenty-one-year-old Indian American woman who returns to India to visit her family and discover the place where she was born. The film takes a dark turn as Kaju stumbles against secrets and lies from her past. A horrifying genocide that took place twenty years ago turns out to hold the key to her mysterious origins.” The India Foundation will present this special screening of AMU this Saturday, July 13 at Noon. Tickets will be $5 each.

Hope to see you this weekend!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. July 12 – Thur. July 18:

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (PG-13) 1 Hr 49 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:40, 7:30, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 7:30

KON-TIKI (PG-13) 1 Hr 36 Min
Friday: 12:30, 5:15
Saturday: 5:15
Sunday: 12:30, 5:15
Monday – Thursday: 5:15

20 FEET FROM STARDOM (PG-13) 1 Hr 31 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:15, 5:30, 7:45

AMU (NR) 1 Hr 36 Min
Saturday: Noon

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
July ? – KINGS OF SUMMER
July 26 – THE WAY WAY BACK
TBD – GINGER AND ROSA
TBD – FILL THE VOID
TBD – FROM UP ON POPPY HILL
TBD – IN THE HOUSE
Aug. 2 – I’M SO EXCITED
Aug. 23 – BLUE JASMINE

Annual Downtown Dayton Photo Contest

July 8, 2013 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Amateur and professional photographers are invited to participate in Downtown in Focus, a photo contest aimed at finding new and distinctive shots of our downtown. The City of Dayton, Downtown Dayton Partnership, Kaplan College and Dayton Daily News are sponsoring the contest.

One amateur winner and one professional winner will be selected in each of the following categories:

Downtown Living: You know that place you and your friends go to every Saturday night downtown? Now is your chance to win some money for being a regular! Take photos showing off Dayton’s vibrant dining and nightlife scene, urban housing or anything else unique to living and playing downtown.
I Heart Downtown: The architecture of one of the historic buildings you have always admired. Your favorite spot along the river. That coffee shop where you buy your morning brew — this category is wide open to photograph anything and everything you love about downtown Dayton.
Skyline: It’s hard to single out the best thing about Dayton, so why not just capture the whole city? Show us your best shot of our downtown Dayton skyline!

A panel of judges ― consisting of professional photographers, photography editors and instructors, and arts community leaders ― will select the winners in each category and award a $250 cash prize to the Best in Show winner in each division. Honorable mentions also will be awarded at the discretion of the judges. In addition, City of Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzell will select one photo that best represents the City’s “Dayton Originals” motto. This photographer will receive a gift basket from the City of Dayton. Contest winners will be recognized at the Sept. 20 Urban Nights, and all entries will be displayed in a special exhibit during Urban Nights.

From approximately 8 to 11 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 2, during First Friday, many of downtown’s buildings will be lit for photographers who would like to capture night shots of the city.

The deadline to submit photos is 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, 2013. There is no fee for application or participation.

Photographers are not required to be Dayton-area residents, but winners must be age 18 or older. Photos must have been taken in Greater Downtown ― which includes the Central Business District, Oregon Arts District, Webster Station and the ring of neighborhoods that surrounds downtown ― within the past calendar year. Official contest guidelines and entry forms are available at www.downtowndayton.org and www.daytonohio.gov.

For more information, contact:

Kristen Wicker: 937-224-1518, ext. 228, or [email protected]

Courtney Deutsch: 937-224-1518, ext. 231, or [email protected]

For contest submission details and entry forms: www.downtowndayton.org

Podcasting in the City

July 2, 2013 By Tiffany Shaw-Diaz Leave a Comment

Podcasts are undeniably popular, and they are also astoundingly diverse. Take a quick peek through the iTunes store, and you’ll find podcasts about any topic that you imagine including news, comedy, art, food, natural living, and science, among other categories.

Thankfully, there is now a podcast exclusively about Dayton—its culture, people, businesses, politics, and lifestyles–to add to that burgeoning roster.

Launched just a few months ago, the Gem City Podcast is the brainchild of Eric Ruiz, a native of Tampa and Austin. While Dayton is his adopted city, he feels a strong impetus to connect and grow with it. “Dayton is my home; therefore, I feel obligated to make it an oasis of great people,” he stated.

Inspired by the popular comedy podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, Eric set out to create a show that was equally expressive and candid, all with the aim of boosting Dayton’s morale and promoting peace and good vibes. He attributes this to a radical inner transformation that he had a few years ago, which changed his perception of this world in and his place in it. “My motivation is to take whatever place I’m at and set up a beacon of positivity,” he offered. “From there, I want to help promote that and push away all the negativity I see in this world.”

To help him with the show’s production, he teamed up with Chris Jones, Russ Cope, and Chad Wells. Ruiz notes that they all bring different strengths and perspectives to the table. “I believe that with the four of us contributing and putting love into the show, we can only get better,” he offered.

Their teamwork is evident. Even though the weekly podcast began in early May, they have landed some impressive guests, including business owners and Tommy Jones of The Dayton Scene. They plan to add even more notable Dayton denizens to their line-up as they continue to reach out to Dayton’s multi-faceted community.

“I’m really excited about the amount of people we will be meeting and interviewing,” commented Chris Jones, the podcast’s tech guru. “I love meeting and conversing with people who may have a different perspective than me. I feel that when you see the world through someone else’s eyes, it makes you a more diverse person. Even better, we get to share those stories and emotions with our listeners.”

Added Russ Cope, their producer, “Gem City Podcast’s goal is to connect our audience with the individuals who are making Dayton this unique blend of creativity, ingenuity, moxie, and tenacity. We want to support and promote Dayton’s journey from a grassroots perspective, one interview at a time.”

The Gem City Podcast crew leisurely conducts each interview, often spending up to an hour with each guest, all with the intent to give him or her the opportunity to open up and share their thoughts. While the program has an explicit rating on iTunes (where you can download episodes for free), the content is mostly tame, although the team doesn’t shy away from discussing mature topics or employing adult, albeit good-natured, humor.

Because it is a weekly production, there is an incredible amount of behind-the-scenes work that goes into designing the show. This includes researching potential guests, securing interviews, and uploading episodes to various sites. The team also maintains Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages with the latest podcast updates and city news.

Considering the impressive amount of work that is involved in making the program a quality product, Ruiz noted that he is always looking for people to help share the load with their talents. “We are a family, so anyone who has something to offer is welcome to do so, and together, we can accomplish more.”

Even though the Gem City Podcast is still in its infancy, it has cultivated quite an active following with both social media followers and downloads. In fact, their first episode was so popular that they encountered some interesting complications as a result.

“The response has been more then we had expected,” said Ruiz. “We overloaded our server, which was bad, but really great, too, in the sense that we found out people really are listening. This makes me feel obligated to give them the best show I can.”

Given the outpouring of support, the Gem City Podcast is on the path to making an indelible mark in the Dayton community. When asked about his plans for the show, Russ Cope, the producer, is adamant about the podcast’s role in promoting Dayton’s significance to a larger audience, especially its scientific and artistic impact.

Ruiz shares Cope’s admiration for Dayton, as well, and aims to change people’s perception of his chosen city, “I hope the podcast makes people more aware,” he said. “Getting more positive thinking is my goal.”

Jimmie’s Ladder 11 Beer & Menu Pairings for July 13th Food Adventure Event! Limited Tickets Available

July 2, 2013 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Jimmie’s Ladder 11 is hosting an Exclusive Food Adventure Event July 13

If you are a Dayton foodie, then listen up…

The Big Ragu & Crew would like to share this EXCLUSIVE Food Adventure news with you.

The Jimmies Ladder 11 Staff has finalized the menu for the one-time-0nly event, slated for SATURDAY, JULY 13th at 7PM in the Ladder 11 Private Party Loft!

5 COURSES, 5 BEER PAIRINGS, 1 HOT TIME ! The fiery event will be called “JIMMIE’s in JULY,”

Abita Beers will be paired with the food courses

ABITA Brewing Company will be partnering with Dayton Most Metro and Jimmie’s Ladder 11 for this one of a kind night featuring live music from the Stillwater River Band.
There will be door prizes and gift certificate giveaways.

WARNING: Seating is limited, so get your tickets, HERE before they sell out !

Tickets are Pre-Pay only, no refunds.

$30 per ticket INCLUDES THE TIP ! What a deal !

Here is what to expect from the menu tasting :

The event promises to TURN UP THE HEAT by featuring some hot tastes. Then, we will hose you down with the cool Abita Beer Pairings!

COURSE 1: New Orleans Style Gumbo paired with Abita Amber Beer

COURSE 2: Cornerstone Salad paired with Abita Strawberry Harvest Beer

COURSE 3: Paisano Pasta Chips with an Abita Seasonal Beer called Satsuma

COURSE 4: Vodka Chicken Riggies (Pasta dish) paired with Abita Turbo Dog Beer

COURSE 5: INTRODUCING THE NEW HOUSE CHEESECAKE ! Paired with Abita Purple Haze Beer

There is even a rumor that The Big Ragu will be passing out sample bites of Jimmie’s Creole Cheesecake which is and incredible, quiche-like, no wait souffle pie with shrimp, andouille sausage, smoked gouda cheese.. heck, it cant be described, it just has to be tasted. Don’t Miss this this Food Adventure.

It is going to be a hot time in the old firehouse on July 13th !!

TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE BY CLICKING HERE ! Get them now, so you don’t get burned when they sell out!

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100,000 People Expected at Food Filled Americana Festival

June 27, 2013 By Dayton937 3 Comments

Look down the street, hungry people as far as the eye can see !

July 4th will mark the 40th annual Americana Festival in Centerville. Wouldn’t you know that The Big Ragu & Crew are veterans of practically every single Americana Festival over the years. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate America’s Independence that a brisk walk through the intersection of State Route 48 and Franklin Street, sampling food selections from various vendors. With over 100 spots to eat, this is a perfect opportunity for a summer Food Adventure. From typical festival fare like funnel cakes and to healthier choices like salads and grilled chops, there is something for every taste bud on hand. The food tour stretches from the center of town, down through Benham’s Grove and the Activity Center Park. French Fries, Deep Fried Snickers, Roasted Corn, Chinese food and Gyro Vendors are just some of our favorites on the yearly hit list. We would be amiss if we didn’t mention the various icons that will be open along the street such as Bill’s Donut Shop, City BBQ and Graeter’s Ice Cream. You can even enjoy a Marion’s Pizza near the classic car show in their parking lot. Ohhh Americana, how we love thee!

Hey there, Pork Chop !

If you need the scoop on one of Dayton’s largest festivals, here you go:

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— July 4th events start at 7:30am with a 5k Run/Walk – Always a nice start to a guilt free Food Adventure

— Parade starts at 10am sharp near Centerville High School and typically lasts until 11:30am

— The Street Festival runs from 11am-4pm with over 300 vendors (many of them food booths)

— Festival ends with a Fireworks Display at Centerville High School Stadium at 10pm

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Now for the rumbling stomachs that sound like a fireworks grand finale, here are your Food Adventure MUST EATS !

MUST EATS:

— Nothing says independence like a mouthful of powdered sugar and fried dough, so get yourself a damn Funnel Cake

Nothing says Independence like Powdered Sugar and Fried Dough

— Grilled Pork Chops – Various vendors are serving up these chops that weigh as much as a small dumbell

— Roasted Corn – More than knee high by the 4th of July, don’t forget the brush and buttery dip option

— Gyro’s – The Greek vendors at this event never disappoint. Grab a Gyro with the works, which sometimes includes some Caesar’s Salad lettuce on top

— Philly Cheesesteak – A little known secret of the festival is that some vendors fire up the grills as early as 9:30am. We took advantage of this one year. We also should have taken a tums. Huge, mouth watering, stuffed sandwiches. Just look for the banner “Italian Sausages & Philly Cheesesteaks”

— Deep Fried Snickers – Ok, so admit it, you have always wanted to try one. If you like rich foods and gooey chocolate, give it a whirl. It is like a small, powdered corndog with chocolate inside. Everyone should try these just once. Put it on your July4th bucket list.

— McDigger’s Pub – Go inside and grab a cold libation at the corner of Elm and East Franklin St. They also grill burgers and sausages on the patio. This is the only bar we know of where a round of drinks costs about the same as a local Moose Lodge. Just aim your beer burps the other way, please.

Whether you grab a pretzel donut or a grilled chicken wrap with Uncle Sam on stilts, this shindig is as much a celebration of taste as a celebration of the stars and stripes. So get yourself to the center of Centerville and see why this festival is one of the biggest in Dayton. Are you a veteran of the event? Then comment below and tell us your favorite bites from the Americana Festival!

Your hometown foodies Chef House, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu wish each and every one of you a happy 4th of July. Enjoy the local street food and more on this warm summer’s holiday. This festival definitely shows off “America the Beautiful !”

Browse through our photos below, they will light your firecracker ! “Like” Food Adventures on Facebook HERE !

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July 5 Event to Feature Dance Lessons, Classic Movies, Contests, and Live Music

June 24, 2013 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Downtown’s next free First Friday event will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 5. To celebrate the holiday weekend, many restaurant and stores are offering a variety of activities and entertainment for downtown visitors to enjoy. Events include art exhibits, live music, dinner and drink specials, retail sales, and special events will be featured at a variety of downtown venues.

Some of the highlights for the July 5 First Friday are listed below. A complete list of what downtown businesses have on tap for First Friday is available on the DDP website.

Food Truck Rally – 200 S. Jefferson St. (near the Dayton Convention Center): Synergy Incubators hosts the July First Friday Food Truck Rally, featuring Zombie Dogz, Go Cupcake, Ringo’s North Star Mobile Eatery Caribbacanas,Fressa Truck, G’s CUE BBQ Horseless Buggy Eatery, Tik’s Thai Mobile, @The Monchon, Kona Ice and Missouri Avenue BBQ from 5:00pm – 9:00pm

American Pi (37 S. St. Clair St.) is celebrating a new collaboration with “Life in Letters,” a local handcraft décor store. Visitors can create unique and personal pieces using photos taken in the Dayton area that resemble letters. For First Friday, the owners of “Life in Letters” will be at the store to meet with anyone who comes by. The store is open until 8:30 p.m. Call 937–938-7890.

Cincinnati artist Gregory Sitg will be showing light paintings at Clash Consignment (521 E. Fifth St.). Call 937-241-9434.

The Collaboratory (33 N. Main St.) will feature an exhibition by artist and designer Misty Thomas-Trout that is a visual representation of her personal journey into self-awareness. Enjoy drinks and food with while getting to know the artist. The Collaboratory will be open until 8 p.m. Call 937-732-5123.

The monthly Courteous Mass Ride will meet for two rides this month at Don Crawford Plaza in front of Fifth Third Field, (220 N. Patterson Blvd.). The first will ride leaves at 5:30 p.m. and the second at 7 p.m. The July ride will include a tour of the McPherson, Grafton Hill, Five Oaks and Santa Clara District neighborhoods.

As part of the First Friday Salsa Music Series, Latin band Cla’ve Son will play live music from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at RiverScape MetroPark (111 E. Monument Ave.) on the MetroPark Pavilion Stage. Visitors can learn some salsa steps while listening to great music. Call 937-274-0126.

Sew Dayton (16 Brown St.) will offer treats from the PNC 2nd Street Market and showcase work by fiber artist Pat Weaves. Those who stop by are encouraged to partake in a DIY “Make It Work” contest. Participants will be given three pieces of textiles and given the challenge to create something new from them. The contest will run through the end of July. Call 937-234-7398.

Kicking off the Cool Film Series at Victoria Theatre (138 N Main St.) is the classic comedy “The Apartment” starring Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine and directed by Billy Wilder. Free popcorn and soda are offered in the lobby and an old-fashioned sing-a-long begins 30 minutes before show time. Tickets are $5. Call 228-3630.

First Friday is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership with support from the Oregon District Business Association and Rev. Cool’s “Around the Fringe” show that airs on Fridays from 8 p.m. to midnight on WYSO-FM 91.3. The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website has a complete list of downtown’s arts and cultural amenities, as well as a dining guide, parking map and much more. Download the Find It Downtown mobile search tool for smartphones at http://mobile.downtowndayton.org.

Summer Sipping

June 21, 2013 By Brian Petro Leave a Comment

Summer is here…and look what it brought with it!

The unofficial beginning of summer has become Memorial Day weekend. It is a long weekend, the weather has turned warm for the season, and pool and festival season kicks off during the extended break from work. The official first day of the season is June 21, during the summer solstice and the longest day of the year. When summer hits, everything changes. Fresh fruit is much more available, and you can get VERY fresh fruit at local farmers markets and Second Street Market downtown. This is also a perfect excuse to change up what you are drinking.

The craft beer distilleries have been summer beers for a month or two now, adding berries, peaches, melons, and citrusy flavors to provide some light flavors more in tune with the season. People are turning to lighter cocktails, looking to all flavors of mojitos, margaritas, or any other light drink. And of course, you need to hit the patio wherever you are at. The season to relax on a patio with friends does not last forever, so get while the getting is good. But what to drink while you are out there? That is the real question. Here are some answers.

BEER

Shandies

Beer of your choice, typically a lager
Lemonade or lemon lime soda

Fill half a pint or other tall glass half way with your beer of choice. Fill the rest of it with the lemonade or lemon lime soda. Enjoy!

Shandies have been around for about a century, starting in Europe and spreading across the pond. Different places around the world use different regional mixers, but the general idea is the same. It is a drink with a little bit of an alcoholic punch, but mild enough to sip it all day long. Any beer can be used, but a good witbier can make a really tasty pairing.

COCKTAILS

Lynchburg Lemonade

1.5 oz. Jack Daniels (it can be any whiskey, but seriously…)
.5 oz. peach liqueur
1 oz. lemon juice (about lemon)
.5 oz. simple syrup
Club Soda

Pour the whiskey, peach liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker. Shake well (10-15 shakes), and pour into a glass filled with ice. Top off with about an ounce of club soda.

The Lynchburg Lemonade has fallen on hard times. It has a bad reputation of being overly sweet, fizzy, and generally frowned on in this world of craft cocktails and more available ingredients. Jeff Lucas, a contributor to Serious Eats, worked out this upgraded version. It allows the whiskey to come forward, with the rest of the flavors there for support. This is one you can make in the comfort of your own house.

Paloma

1.5 oz. tequila (I have been enjoying Avion lately)
4.5 oz. grapefruit soda
A splash of lime juice

Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour the tequila in first, then the grapefruit soda and lime juice. Stir and enjoy!

While we like to drink margaritas to celebrate Mexican culture, Mexicans like to drink this very refreshing tequila cocktail. It is simple to make and perfect for a hot day out with friends.

Floridita (Or Hemingway Daiquiri)

2 oz. rum
.5 oz. lime juice
.25 oz. simple syrup
.25 oz. maraschino liqueur
.5 oz. grapefruit juice

Pour all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until cold, and pour into a cocktail glass. Enjoy!

Hemingway needed to take a bathroom break. A charming little bar in Havana, the El Floridita, was on his way, so he pulled in there to use their facilities. He saw the bartender mixing up a batch of daiquiris. The bartender noticed the famous writer and offered him a glass. Hemingway liked it, but he wanted his a little stronger, and without the sugar. A little maraschino liqueur and a lot of rum later, this delicious summer cocktail was born.

Strawberry Sorbet

.75 oz. vodka
.75 oz. strawberry schnapps
4 oz. milk

Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until cold, and pour in a tall glass filled with ice.

What is summer fun without a little ice cream? This is a richer drink you may want to consider as a dessert or a sweet treat. You can switch out any flavored schnapps you would like to make the ice cream your preferred flavor. You can even reduce the amount of milk to 2 oz., add 4 oz. of ice cream, and turn it into an actual shake. Add two or three fresh strawberries while you are at it!

WINE

White Wine Berry Sangria

1 750 ml bottle of white wine that matches your taste
.75 cup white rum
.5 cup sugar, less if you choose
.5 cup blueberries
.5 cup blackberries
.5 cup raspberries
.5 liter of ginger ale

Pour the wine, rum, sugar, and all of the fruit into a large pitcher and mix well. Put into the refrigerator for two hours, or until you are ready to serve. Just before you serve it, add the ginger ale to the mix.

Summer is a great time for berries. It is also a great time for white wine. It seems only natural to mix the two together for a light wine cocktail. You can up the tartness of the sangria by getting rid of the rum and switching it to .5 cup of limoncello (Italian lemon liqueur).

This is the season where families spend more time together and people go out and relax more. It is time to add some fresh flavors to the typical drinks you are enjoying. Where is your favorite patio to hang out on in Dayton during the summer? We would love to hear about it in the comments! There is a little extra daylight to burn today. Get out there and start enjoying it.

Al’s Smokehouse: Ribs at 4am? YES !!! $20 Gift Certificate Contest

June 20, 2013 By Dayton937 10 Comments

Ribs that make you say “DAMN!”

You’re tipsy. You are out late with your friends at the Oregon District or downtown, and you need some food. Well, Al’s Smokehouse and Cafe is the word on East Third. Open until 5am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, it is the perfect spot to satisfy your late night hunger pains. This little known Dayton secret serves up tasty, soulful selections from Ribs to Burgers at incredibly cheap prices. Located at 140 E. Third St, Al’s Smokehouse is also a great place to catch a quick lunch. A Food Adventure is in order here ANY time.

Owner Al Shamburg learned cooking from his father who was from Treasure Island, Jamaica. Al honed his culinary and catering skills over the past 20 years, building quite a reputation in Dayton and Springfield for incredible tasting food. Through the years, this self-made-man worked hard to buy his equipment and finally open his own restaurant. He has hired a great staff like his sister Stephanie, and head cook Tyrone, who worked in Dominic’s kitchen for 17 years. The result is a delicious, affordable menu, with consistent quality.

HERE’s THE SKINNY:

Owner Al Shamburg & Head Cook, Tyrone

— Al’s Smokehouse Menu features fantastic BBQ, and delicious soul food like bourbon chicken and collared greens

— Open LATE on weekends til 5am for all you fellow Food Adventurers

— Breakfast served ALL DAY

— Prices so cheap, you won’t believe your eyes

— Friendly servers, veteran cooking staff and a no frills, casual atmosphere

MUST EATS:

— Banana Pudding: We are going to start with a homemade dessert that knocked our socks off. Deliciously sinful, this is the real deal. No canned stuff here! Don’t expect us to share !

— The Smoked Pork Chop – Smoked and drizzled with secret marinades, it is almost like a steak. The Big Ragu says this is the best pork chop he has ever tasted.

— The Ribs: They are smoked for 8 hours, they are brushed with a signature bbq sauce. Meaty and moist, they pack a wallop of flavor and the namesake of this restaurant. Only problem is, they are so good that sometimes, they sell out!

“The Shamburger” – hand made, fresh patty

— “The Shamburger”: Hand packed and never frozen, the juicy burgers are good deal at 4 bucks. Want to go full out? Get the “Cry Baby” which is the Shamburger with a fried egg and cheese.

— Baked Mac n Cheese: Homemade and so good you will flip. Somebody in the kitchen knows what they are doing at Al’s Smokehouse!

— The Wings: Big and juicy, but the secret is in the tangy sauce. Get the BBQ wings and be ready to lick your fingers. You can try the other sauces later, like Jamaica Jerk or OMG Hot wings. On Monday night the 50 cent wing deal is a steal !

— The Shrimp Cheesesteak: A seafood version of the famous sandwich. Resembling a Shrimp Po’ boy, it is one heck of a sub. Delicious!

Honorable Mention: The Pulled Pork Sandwich is a solid choice. Also, we like the homemade Greens for an authentic soul food side. Want to know a secret? Al’s has a killer Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, and it isn’t even on the menu. Ask for it by special request.

Food Adventures has found yet another unique spot for good food at reasonable prices . We are serious eaters. We don’t do a “drive-by” one time visit to a restaurant and then write our articles. Instead, we visit a place multiple times before it is worthy of a Food Adventures share on Dayton Most Metro. Al’s Smokehouse in no exception. We have eaten almost everything on their menu. From the Fish and Grits to the Pancakes and Home Fries. The popular Bourbon Chicken has a honey and spice flavor with hint of Jerk seasoning. You get a slight touch of Al’s Jamaican roots with this dish. Al explained to us that his Bourbon Chicken is made with ‘small hen meat.’ He feels they taste superior to regular chickens.

Who else in Dayton makes Fish and Grits???

The story of this restaurant is simply a hard working family, who is putting their heart into this locally owned eatery. So what are you waiting for? If you are anywhere near downtown, or want a casual trip to the city for some grub, check out Al’s Smokehouse. It isn’t fancy, just some tables and chairs. But the FOOD.. aw the FOOD.. is some great decor, for the stomach!

Want to see more of Food Adventures? “Like” them HERE on Facebook !

Who wants a $20 Gift Certificate to Al’s Smokehouse? One lucky fan who comments below will be chosen at random. Please tell us your comments about Al’s Smokehouse, below! Let us know why you love Al’s, why you would like to try Al’s, or why you want that gift certificate ??? GOOD LUCK !!

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Apply Now for Activated Spaces’ Pop-Up Fall Project

June 11, 2013 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

For those who have dreamed of opening their own business, now is the time to give it a try and the place to try it is downtown Dayton.

Activated Spaces, an initiative to fill downtown storefronts, is accepting applications for temporary retail and service businesses to open downtown this fall as part of the fifth phase of its Pop-up Project. The project matches business owners and entrepreneurs with downtown property owners who have first-floor storefront space available for occupancy.

Interested retailers should fill out an application, which can be downloaded at www.activatedspaces.org, and email it to Jen Cadieux at [email protected]. The application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, July 19. Tenants will be selected the week of July 29, and retailers must be ready to open no later than Friday, Sept. 20, in time for the fall Urban Nights.

Lease lengths will range from three to six months. The spaces will have varying lease rates, but will be leased below market value. Activated Spaces volunteers will connect retailers with commercial property owners, help make the space move-in ready, and promote the business during such events as First Friday and Urban Nights. Selected businesses will negotiate leasing terms directly with the selected property owner, but flexibility for the tenant is a priority.

Activated Spaces volunteers hope to build on the success of the Pop-Up Project’s first four phases. Six of the businesses that have opened as part of the Pop-Up Project are still open: Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St.; Peace on Fifth, 508 E. Fifth St.; American Pi, 37 S. St. Clair St.; Vintage Barbershop, 110 W. Fifth St.; Sew Dayton, 16 Brown St.; Green Baby, 31 S. St. Clair St.; and All Pilates, 27 S. St. Clair St.

Commercial property owners interested in offering space to Pop-Up Shop owners should contact Jen Cadieux at 937-224-1518. Participating property owners are on the Activated Spaces website. Once a match is made, a limited amount of money is available to be distributed at the discretion of the Activated Spaces team for such purposes as offsetting utility costs, making cosmetic improvements to the space or other necessities for making the space operational.

Activated Spaces, a volunteer-led initiative spearheaded by young professional organizations Generation Dayton and UpDayton, has three main goals:

• reactivate and beautify vacant storefronts with creative displays

• encourage entrepreneurs, artists and community groups to occupy space for short- and long- term uses

• showcase downtown properties and increase interest and investment in available space

Activated Spaces is part of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, a strategic blueprint for the future of downtown. Those interested in volunteering with Activated Spaces should e-mail [email protected].

China Cottage: A Food Adventure Favorite + GIFT CERTIFICATE CONTEST

June 6, 2013 By Dayton937 28 Comments

Chef Tiger Wang, Owner of China Cottage

This week, The Big Ragu & Crew grab a Tiger by the tail. Your humble Food Adventurers have been dining at China Cottage restaurant since it opened in 1987. Hairstyles and music have changed since then, but China Cottage’s menu has stood the test of time and remained one of our favorites. Locally owned by Chef Tiger Wang, this popular eatery has four locations including Wilmington Pike in Kettering, State Route 48 in Centerville, Springboro Pike and Trotwood.

How did this Dayton original get its start? In the mid-eighties, while working as a cook at Keeng Wha restaurant in Kettering, Tiger realized he wanted to start his own eatery. A couple of years later, he opened China Cottage, with the help of his brother. Tiger’s style of cooking is from Southern China and he was the first to feature General Tao’s chicken on a Dayton menu. Three restaurant expansions later, China Cottage is still one of the most popular destinations in Dayton, to get your Chinese fix.

Medallion Scallops: only at China Cottage

So after a quarter of a century, what are some of the little known secrets of China Cottage? The answer is in the Chef’s Specials section of the menu. These are original dishes created by chef Tiger Wang, that you will not find anywhere else.

HERE’s THE SKINNY:

— Elegant dining atmosphere and gourmet dishes with a Southern China influence.

— Like most Chinese places, the best prices here are at lunch time, where you also get a soup choice

— Locally owned for 26 years and still operated by the same chef.

— The Chef’s Specials are the highlight of the menu, with original meals found only at China Cottage.

— Chinese New Year dinners are hosted annually and include some incredible culinary creations within this 10 course meal. Stay tuned to http://www.chinacottagerestaurant.com for information.

With so many great options, our list of favorites are as long as the Great Wall of China, but here are some highlights….

Fire Cracker Shrimp – an original China Cottage appetizer

MUST EATS:

— Fire Cracker Shrimp – Jumbo shrimp sauteed in a spicy sauce that features cilantro, lime juice, scallions, red pepper flakes and herbs. It is served with 3 toasts for dipping. Are you kidding? Order this and thank us online later. There is no appetizer like this in Dayton.

— Pot Stickers – Giant, deliciously meaty and perfectly seared. That is pretty much all you need to know about these magnificent creations and the best pot stickers in the area.

— Hot and Sour Soup – The best in Dayton, hands down. A spicy mixture of pork, tofu and vegetables make this a peppery soup a great way to wake up your taste buds.

— Medallion Scallops – Large, lightly breaded scallops in a slightly spicy brown sauce that will make your mouth water. Tiger has a masterpiece with this original dish.

— Golden Calamari – Another signature appetizer from Chef Tiger. Deep fried calamari, tossed in a ginger, chili pepper and scallion sauce that is beyond tasty.

— Rock Salt Prawns – Don’t like a lot of sauce? Then this dish is for you. Shrimp tossed is a dusty, pepper and flour mix with scallions. The result is a smoky tasting, seared shrimp that was charred at high heats in the wok during frying.

Inside the best Pot Stickers in Dayton

Honorable mention menu items include the one-of-a-kind Creamy Chicken soup, the spicy Mala Pork, and the Happy Family combination of meats, vegetables and seafood served on a sizzling plate. We would also be amiss if we did not mention the unique Sesame Shrimp dish with a very rich, sinful cream sauce.

All of these wonderful dishes are enhanced by great service, not to mention the fancy, contemporary Asian decor. China Cottage is a great dining experience, and dare we say romantic place to take that special someone.

The Big Ragu is speaking from experience here, as China Cottage has always been a “go to” place for a great Food Adventure. Take our advice, try something new and exotic. Steer away from your standard, tired sweet and sour entrees and go for the menu section that says Chef’s Specials. Here is another secret. China Cottage maintains their quality because Chef Tiger splits his time each week between the four locations. His continuous training of employees and supervision ensure that high quality standards are maintained. If you have never stopped in China Cottage, give it a shot. If you you visit this establishment frequently, then you know what we are talking about. Just like the sign says at the Centerville location, this spot is “One of the Best.” Chef Tiger, you have definitely earned your stripes as a Miami Valley culinary superstar!

Dayton Most Metro along with Food Adventures are GIVING AWAY A $20 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO CHINA COTTAGE ! To be eligible, you must comment below and fill our the entry form, too Tell us your favorite China Cottage menu item, or why you deserve the gift certificate. Winner will be chosen on Monday!

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For more photos and Food Adventure fun, “like” Chef House, Hungry Jax & The Big Ragu HERE on Facebook !

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Fleurs Et Vin: A Great Success at Carrillon Park

May 31, 2013 By Dayton937 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 !

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Your Chance at an EXCLUSIVE, One-of-a-Kind Food Adventure Event at Jimmies Ladder 11

May 28, 2013 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

It is time to turn up the heat at Jimmie’s Ladder 11. The summer months can be scorchers, and SATURDAY July 13th promises to be a hot time at the old firehouse. There are limited spots available for this private pre-pay event, and tickets go on sale TODAY.

Jimmie and the Ladder 11 family have put together a one night only, 5 course menu tasting meal that hits on the essence of this great locally owned eatery. The first 4 courses will be paired with beer samplings. The final course, will feature an unveiling of an old classic! Jimmie’s is bringing back the Upper Krust Cheesecake for dessert!! This is the original recipe used for years when Jimmie managed the Upper Krust in Dayton.

Not only do you get all this, you get to light up the night with other foodies including The Big Ragu ! There will be door prizes, giveaways, and after dinner music entertainment. Don’t miss this great deal on some great food. Never been to Jimmies Ladder 11? Then this is your chance to see if where there’s smoke, there is fire! Are you a Jimmies Ladder 11 fan? Then you wont want to miss this spectacular one of a kind, menu event!

PLEASE NOTE: THE EVENT IS PRE-PAY ONLY, no tickets will be sold at the door.

WE ARE SELLING A LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS TO THIS EVENT. CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR TICKETS !

WHAT: An EXCLUSIVE FOOD ADVENTURE Event brought to you by DaytonMostMetro.com and Dayton Dining

WHERE: JIMMIE’s LADDER 11 Restaurant: Private Event to be held in the upstairs Party Loft area at 936 Brown St., Dayton, Ohio

WHY: A chance for you sample 5 courses of food selected specifically by Jimmie that characterize his menu

WHEN: Saturday, July 13th at 7pm

COST: $30 per person, this includes gratuity! What a deal! Tickets will include 5 course dinner, 4 beer pairings, an acoustic/band after party with happy hour drink pricing for attendees. Tickets are only available online at DaytonMostMetro.com by clicking HERE. Limited spaces available, so don’t miss out !!

Recap: Big Brews & Blues.. and FOOD !

May 23, 2013 By Dayton937 3 Comments

Big Brews & Blues – one terrific event

Drinking craft beers while listening to a regional blues man hum away on his harmonica. What better way to raise money for Diabetes Dayton? The annual Big Brews & Blues event was held last weekend at Carrillon Park and hundreds of attendees enjoyed dozens of craft beers. There were Big Brews, there were Blues, and of course, there was food. We were on hand for another Food Adventure supporting a local charity. Pouring beer in full force were the staff of Dayton Most Metro and Lisa Grigsby with Dayton Dining. Tickets were $30 in advance or $35 at the door. The event went from 5pm – 9pm and each guest received a souvenir beer tasting glass. Full pint tickets were also available for a special price.

The crowd danced and drank. They ate and socialized. They sipped and quipped. So which brews were our favorites? What food items blues.. (ahem) blew us away? All that is coming, but first a summary.

If you didn’t attend Big Brews & Blues…

HERE IS WHAT YOU MISSED:

—Endless samplings of almost 50 craft beers from local and national breweries. A detailed list of the beers may be found HERE.

—Blues acts with roots from Chicago, Tennessee, Detroit, Cincinnati and Columbus. It was an incredible night of good blues music. Groups included Joe and Jack Waters, Them Bones, Johnny Mack & the Heavyweights, and finally Big Joe Blues.

—Food Vendors. This is our thing, so we enjoyed the likes of Brock Masterson Catering, Hickory River Smokehouse, Fressa Food Truck and Kaimelsky’s Food Cart.

— Breweries Represented:

Dayton Beer Company, Yellow Springs Brewery, Valley Vineyards, Weasel Boy, Listermann, Mt Carmel, Rivertown, Christian Morlein, Hoppin Frog, Barley’s, Ohio Brewing Company, Jackie O’s, Great Lakes, Erie Brewing, Thirsty Dog, Triton, Anderson Valley, Hinterland, Fathead’s, Revolution, Two Brothers, Stone Brewing, Brew Kettle Taproom, Bell’s, Southern Tier, Founders, Troegs, Ommegang, Uinta, 21st Amendment, Atwater Brewery, Elevator, Finch’s Beer Company, Anchor Brewing, Kona, Redhook, Shocktop, Widmer Brothers, Goose Island, Boston Beer Co., Leinenkugel, Harpoon, and Ace Premium Hard Ciders.

What goes better with beer than a Nathan’s hot Dog from Kaimelsky’s Food Cart?

There were so many good beers and decent food, that we were pressed to pick just one favorite, but here we go…

OUR FAVORITES FROM THE FESTIVAL:

HUNGRY JAX’s FAVORITE BIG BREW: The Sam Adam’s Honey Queen Braggot was her top pick. It is made with 3 types of honey, and had a nice hoppy flavor. They tapped the keg right in front of her, and she was in heaven. It was one of those “Damn, this is good!” moments.

HUNGRY JAX’S FAVORITE FOOD OFFERING: What goes better with beer than a Nathan’s hot dog from Kaimelsky’s Food Cart? This hot dog was topped with spicy mustard, onions and Sriracha sauce. It was worth it.

THE BIG RAGU’s FAVORITE BIG BREW: Whippet Wheat from Thirsty Dog Brewery gets his vote for its crisp taste with touch of banana flavor. It was the first time we had a Thirsty Dog beer on tap since the mid 1990’s. It was like a flashback, so we put on some MC Hammer pants and danced in the tent until security showed up.

THE BIG RAGU’s FAVORITE FOOD OFFERING: Hickory River’s Pulled Pork Sandwich is Ragu’s pick. The slow cooked pork was great, but the real secret was the incredible BBQ sauce. Choices of topping were Sweet, Hot or Mixed sauce on your sandwich. We chose mixed, and that made all the difference.

This was a fun filled night. We poured a few beers for MostMetro. We had delicious crab cakes from Brock Masterson’s catering, and some tasty buffalo chips with blue cheese dip from Fressa Food Truck. We talked at length with the owners and managers of Star City Brewery, which will be opening in the former Peerless Mill site before the end of 2013. Event photographer Sarah Browning, also chatted with us, while snapping a few pics of The Big Ragu.

We even had an ‘America’s Got Talent’ moment, when we were getting our groove on near the stage with the blues band. We even snapped a photo of the lead singer during one of the blues sets. You won’t see that anywhere else, unless they copy our soulful dance moves.

Here’s to not having to hear about hiking and heartburn anymore ! Brews & Blues is a blast

The best part of this event is that it benefits Diabetes Dayton each year. Proceeds from the Big Brews & Blues help uninsured local residents with diabetes. Funds pay for desperately needed supplies. Diabetes Dayton also educates people in the Miami Valley who are suffering from diabetes, as well as paying for summer camp for diabetic children who just want to lead a normal, active life. Thank you to Diabetes Dayton Executive Director Susan McGovern for welcoming us as special guests to this benefit. Canned Soft Drinks and Bottled Water were for sale benefiting the Dougie Apple Tree Memorial Scholarship Fund. Dougie was a local resident, who passed away from diabetes at just 26 years old.

If you missed Big Brews & Blues, make sure you catch it this time next year. Stay tuned to Dayton Most Metro for info! The Big Ragu will be there in 2014, at this Food Adventure for a good cause. It will be another ‘blast in a glass.’ We promise not spill any beer or BBQ sauce on you.

BROWSE THROUGH THE PHOTO ALBUM BELOW FOR ALL THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS of BIG BREWS & BLUES !!

BREWERIES REPRESENTED INCLUDED:

Want more Food Adventures? “Like” us on Facebook by clicking HERE !

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AT ANY PRICE and STARBUCK + 2 Hold-Overs…And Please Vote NEON.

May 23, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

2 new films are heading to THE NEON for the holiday weekend – AT ANY PRICE and STARBUCK. That said, we’ll hold onto THE SAPPHIRES and MUD for another week. (NO screened for the last time on Thursday (May 23).) Please pay close attention to showtimes for the upcoming week (which are listed below). Due to the holiday, they change around a little more than usual.

Every year, The Dayton Daily News holds a contest for “Best Movie Theater.” Last year, we forgot to remind you, but we still ended up with quite a few votes. This year, I put it on the calendar. Please visit the site below to enter you vote. You can only vote once from each computer…and we won’t bribe you or bother you again for votes (unless of course you’re on facebook…where we’ll put a couple reminders throughout the week). Here’s the LINK. Thank you!

Synopsis for STARBUCK: “At 42, David lives the life of an irresponsible adolescent. He coasts through life with minimal effort and maintains a complicated relationship with Valerie, a young policewoman. Just as she tells him she’s pregnant, David’s past resurfaces. Twenty years earlier, he began providing sperm to a fertility clinic in exchange for money. He discovers he’s the father of 533 children, 142 of whom have filed a class action lawsuit to determine the identity of their biological father, known only by the pseudonym Starbuck.” (taken from EOne) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site. I think the trailer will make you want to see this film!

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Synopsis for AT ANY PRICE: “In the competitive world of modern agriculture, ambitious HENRY WHIPPLE (Dennis Quaid) wants his rebellious son DEAN (Zac Efron) to help expand his family’s farming empire. However, Dean has his sights set on becoming a professional race car driver. When a high-stakes investigation into their business is exposed, father and son are pushed into an unexpected crisis that threatens the family’s entire livelihood.” (taken from Sony Pictures Classics) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site. This film was directed by one of America’s most well-received, young directors.

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Film #4 in Start Freedom Dayton’s film series – CALL + RESPONSE – is scheduled for next Thursday, May 30 at 7:30. “Organized by Justin Dillon, an artist, public speaker, abolitionist, founder and CEO of Slavery Footprint, CALL + RESPONSE is a documentary about human trafficking that combines musicians, celebrities, national abolitionists and political figures to shine a light on human trafficking concerns in the US and abroad. Tickets are $10 day of show at THE NEON or advance tickets are $8 (available exclusively at Peace on Fifth – 508 E. 5th – 937.367-7215). For information about Peace on Fifth or Start Freedom Dayton visit the official site. CALL + RESPONSE is sponsored by Fairly Simple.” (taken from the press release)

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Only 50 seats remain for our upcoming special screening of GIRL RISING. For more about this film, click this LINK. This is the site where you can watch the trailer, read about the film and reserve your ticket. The screening is set to take place on Wednesday, June 5 at 7:30. Advanced tickets are only available on the website listed above. If tickets remain, we will be able to sell them at the door on the night of the show. Watch the trailer…this film looks terrific!

On Thursday, June 20 at 7:30, we will host a special screening of the new film I DO. (I saw this film at The Cleveland International Film Festival, and the audience adored it!) “A gay Brit living in New York is deprived of his immigration status, and risks losing his family and life in the U.S. He marries his lesbian best friend to remain in the country and stay with his family, but things get complicated when he meets the love of his life and is forced to make an impossible choice.” This one night only screening is part of Dayton’s PRIDE festivities. Tickets are $9 for General Admission. Members of The Greater Dayton LGBT Center get in for $7 (with valid membership card). Tickets are on sale now at THE NEON’s box office.

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Thanks for your many well-wishes during my European holiday. I had a magnificent time in Germany (visiting old friends & “family” from my time as an exchange student) and Spain (visiting one of my dearest friends in Barcelona). As I anticipated, Diana and Mike did a great job holding down the fort at THE NEON. Many thanks to them…their work makes it possible for me to escape now and then.

See you soon!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. May 24 – Thur, May 30:

MUD (PG-13) 2 Hr 10 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:30, 7:10, 9:45
Monday: 1:30, 7:10
Tuesday & Wednesday: 2:30, 7:45
Thursday: 2:30

THE SAPPHIRES (PG-13) 1 Hr 43 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday: 4:30
Tuesday – Thursday: 5:10

STARBUCK (R) 1 Hr 49 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday: 12:30, 5:15
Tuesday – Thursday: 5:15

AT ANY PRICE (R) 1 Hr 45 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:50, 7:30, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 7:30

CALL + RESPONSE (PG-13) 1 hr 26 Min + discussion

Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.

May 31 – RENOIR
June 7 – LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED
June 14 – BEFORE MIDNIGHT
June 28 – THE EAST
July 26 – THE WAY WAY BACK
TBD – GINGER AND ROSA
TBD – KON TIKI
TBD – FROM UP ON POPPY HILL
TBD – FRANCES HA
TBD – IN THE HOUSE
TBD – TO THE WONDER