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Dayton

Get cultured at Fine Art Final Fridays at new downtown gallery

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We hear a lot about First Fridays downtown, but less so about Final Fridays. Edward Dixon who owns a new independent gallery downtown is celebrating Fine Art Final Fridays and I am here for it!

The Edward A. Dixon Gallery is a hidden gem on Ludlow, just show of 3rd St and Courthouse Square. On Final Fridays you’ll find lots of local and international art for your viewing pleasure, along with light appetizers and beverages and live music. Bringing music and visual art together, is absolutely one of my favorite things!

Senior Art Majors from Central State University will also be at the gallery with Professor Erin Smith-Glenn. Students will be gaining experience at a commercial art gallery, interacting with the public as emerging artists and being interviewed by the gallery owner.

Artwork from several local and international artists will be on display and available for purchase. The special exhibit this month features glass mosaic art from Philip Payne and abstract photography from Bill Franz. Entertainment provided by pianist & keyboardist, Denzel Hollis.

Also, look for other great events on Ludlow Street during Final Friday including Something’s Afoot at The Arts Collaboratory (2nd & Ludlow), Latin Dance at Hannah’s and music and spirits at Third Perk Coffee House.

How To Go?

Fine Art Final Fridays at Edward A. Dixon Gallery

The gallery is located at 12 South Ludlow Street – Dayton, OH 45402 near the corner of  Third and Ludlow.

Occurs final Friday of each month from 5-9pm (April 26 – June 28)

NOTE: Free parking after 6pm at meters!

The gallery is available by appointment most days including weekends by calling 937-985-2115 or emailing info@eadgallery.com.

Enjoy an early evening of folk music with Ellis Paul!

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Enjoy an early evening and intimate performance with the one and only, Ellis Paul at Brightside Music Room this Sunday April 14, 2019. It’s going to be a true Sunday Funday with doors opening at 5pm with food from Twisted Taco food truck, and music from 6-8pm. Cozy, early evening that is perfect for Dayton music fans!

Ellis Paul is a renowned troubadour, singer/songwriter, folky, and storyteller. He’s been inspired by the likes of Woody Guthrie, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and James Taylor, and their spirits seem to occasionally grace his work. With an acoustic guitar in hand, he weaves intimate, provocative, and romantic tales of lives that were obviously witnessed by a most-talented voyeur.

Based in Massachusetts, Paul has been called the quintessential Boston songwriter more than a few times and has garnered the recognition and awards to back up that claim, including a shelf full of Boston Music Awards. Since coming onto the scene in 1993 with his independent debut, Say Something, Paul hasn’t slowed or weakened as a performer or a writer.

Spending two-thirds of most years on the road has helped him perfect both crafts, with a lot of practice on-stage and a lot of people whose stories he retells in song.  Over the years and albums, his songs have gotten more personal. Paul is on tour celebrating his 20th and latest studio album, The Storyteller’s Suitcase.

How to Go?

Sunday April 14 at Brightside Music & Event Venue (903 E 3rd St).

Doors 5pm. Show 6-8pm. Tickets $20 each (available online and at the door).

Rockin’ out to support Ronald McDonald House of Dayton!

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This weekend, April 12-13, 2019, you can rock out to a 2-night music event and fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House. Come for one or both nights of this special event at the new Brightside Music & Event Venue!

Friday night serves as the pre-party for Saturday night’s main event. There you’ll enjoy an extra special Happy Hour, which kicks off at 4:30pm, featuring a tasting from Cutwater Spirits and food available from Godfather’s Pizza. Music starts at 6pm with Last Call Trio, featuring special guest Danny Voris. At 8pm you can witness the 6 year old piano sensation Avett Ray (as seen on CBS News, Good Morning America, People, Inside Edition). At 8:30pm, the Kerry Smith Band rehearses for their big show on Saturday. Tickets are $10 advance, $15 at the door. VIP ticket $30 (includes Saturday night ticket too + reserved seating) More info here.

Saturday night is the main event! Doors open at 6pm. Harvest Mobile Cuisine will be here and have food available for purchase. Avett Ray is back with another performance at 7pm. At 8pm, the Kerry Smith Band takes the stage for this rare reunion show. General admission tickets for Saturday are $15 advance, $20 at the door. VIP ticket $30 (includes Friday night ticket too + reserved seating.) More info here.

This is going to be a fantastic weekend for rock’n’roll fans, and a fabulous way to support Dayton’s Ronald McDonald House!

Celebration of liFe at Blind Bob’s on Saturday

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One of the things I admire most about the Dayton music community, is its ability to bring everyone together and to lift each other up. This Saturday April 13th is no exception with the Celebration of liFe concert at Blind Bob’s Bar.

Organizers explain: “One year ago, our community lost a beacon of light. In memory of our dear friend Fe Meier, please join us for Celebration of liFe. To honor her smile, kindness and memory, all proceeds will be donated to NAMI Montgomery County Ohio. NAMI is dedicated to providing peer support, education and advocacy to individuals and families affected with mental illness.”

The night’s lineup includes local rock bands Abertooth Lincoln, Kelly Renea Hanus, Weathervein, VICE ON VICTORYandSmall Words. The show is $5 at the door, although additional donations are gladly accepted! This is a 21+ event. Doors 9pm. Music till 2am.

Want to donate but can’t attend? Please visit www.nami-mc.org. Want to help but can’t donate? Call a friend or loved one and tell them five amazing things about themselves. Give someone a hug. Make sure that YOU are taking care of your mental health and reaching out to others when you need to. You are never a burden. You are never too much. YOU ARE LOVED.

Learn about the Dayton Podcasting community at Podfest!

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Photo from the first Dayton Podfest in 2017. CONTRIBUTED.

Are you curious about podcasts or a current podcast listener? Interested in creating your own podcast? Already podcasting and want to connect with other area podcasters? If you are anywhere on that spectrum, you are welcome to join The Gem City Podcast for their upcoming event Dayton Podfest at the Brightside Music & Event Center on Saturday March 30, 2019. This is a celebration of local podcasts and the ever growing world of podcasting.

What is a podcast? A podcast is essentially talk radio, but on demand. You can listen for free on websites and podcast platforms like iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, among others. Gem City Podcast is the first podcast dedicated to Dayton Ohio specifically. The GCP crew has been highlighting area stories since 2013 and over 700 episodes, and was recently voted “Best Dayton Podcast.”

Beyond creating 3 podcasts weekly, the GCP crew is also enthusiastic about creating a sense of community among area podcasters. They’ve started a monthly meet up on the second Tuesday of the month, and organized Dayton Podfests, where they host a workshop for newbies, a networking hour, and a host of live Dayton podcasts.

Even if you can’t attend the event, purchasing a pre-sale ticket for $10 or $20 is a great way to make a donation to the Gem City Podcast crew and the great work they’ve been doing for the Dayton community! To do so, click here.

How to Go:

Dayton Podfest

Saturday March 30, 2019

Brightside Music & Event Venue

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dayton-podfest-tickets-58450995501

$10 for Podfest / $20 Podfest + Workshop

Schedule

2:00-4:00pm: Podcasting Workshop hosted by The Izzy Rock. This workshop is $20 (This also pays for your entry into Dayton Podfest) During the workshop, Izzy will be joined by fellow Dayton podcasters to walk you through the various stages of creating and maintaining a podcast, share tips & tricks to grow your audience, along with a Q&A session.

4:00 -10:30 pm: Dayton Podfest $10

Women of Woodland: Marj Heyduck

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Marjorie Irene Heyduck: Columnist and Journalist

Dayton Journal Herald
October 7, 1969
Page 23

Marj Heyduck, The Journal Herald’s nationally known columnist and a journalist since 1936, was found dead September 15 at her home hear Greenville in Darke County. Mrs. Heyduck, who was 56, was found by a neighbor, and died of coronary insufficiency.

Marj was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Evers of Dayton. She graduated from Stivers High School in 1931 and majored in journalism at Ohio State University.

Marj got her start in the newspaper business in the women’s department of the old Dayton Herald in 1936. Leaving that job, she worked for the Dayton Press, a weekly newspaper, and broadcast a daily human interest and woman’s feature program over WING radio from 1939 to 1941.

She rejoined the Herald as a general assignment reporter in 1943 and began her regular column which later gained fame as “Third and Main” a year later.

It was at that time that she began a feature column on wrestling for the Herald’s sports department. Tales of her escapades as a reporter covering wrestling matches in Southern Ohio entertained hundreds of women at regular “Tea With Marj” occasions throughout the Miami Valley.

Marj was named editor of the Herald’s Women’s Department in 1948 and became women’s editor of The Journal Herald when the two newspapers were merged in 1949.

She gave up her title as women’s editor in 1966 and was named assistant to the editor, an honorary title, but she continued her daily “Third and Main” column for The Journal Herald’s Modern Living section.

Marj was best known for her sense of humor and devotion to anecdotes. She spun her tales from the thin thread of the most common, everyday occurrences, embroidering them with a bit of fancy and securing them in a bright burst of hilarity.

Marj’s affairs with hats were almost as legendary as her anecdotes. She seldom appeared in public without a hat and made a great fuss over them at her teas and in her column. She also demanded whenever possible that the picture that ran with her column be changed daily, each day with a different hat – a practice that left Journal Herald photographers sometimes fearing for their sanity.

Marj’s journalism prizes were numerous and her reputation as a columnist was nationwide. She won more than 75 prizes over the years in annual contests of the Ohio Newspaper Women’s Association; she won a National Headliners Award in 1946; was given the best column in Ohio award by United Press International in 1963; and her women’s pages won first place in the University of Missouri’s Penney Award for Excellence in 1964.

Marj was a regular discussion leader at women’s editor seminars at the American Press Institute at Columbia University appearing there

23 times between 1952 and 1968. She also was invited to lead similar discussion for the Ottoway Papers and the Press Associations of California, Tennessee and Pennsylvania.

Marj married Emerson C. Heyduck, an insurance sales man and also a native Daytonian in 1934. Mr. Heyduck died in 1953. They had no children.

Charles T. Alexander, editor of The Journal Herald, had this to say of Marj: “She was as comfortable as home. She was as much a part of The Journal Herald as its masthead. The regard from all who knew her and read her column for her is inestimable. The depth of our personal loss is inestimable.”

Said James M. Cox Jr., chairman of the board of Dayton Newspapers, Inc.: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Marj Heyduck, Dayton’s best loved newspaperwoman.

“Her ‘Third and Main’ column brought good cheer and warm human sentiments daily for a quarter of a century. To thousands of Journal Herald readers, Marj was a welcome morning visitor. We share with them a feeling of great loss. Marj was truly an outstanding journalist, but even more a great lady.”

As a columnist, Marj traveled widely. Many of her columns were written from the scenes of national political conventions and inaugural balls where she found anecdotes and other material overlooked by thousands of other correspondents.

She also wrote her column from the decks of riverboats bound for New Orleans; from international fashion shows on New York’s Fifth Avenue, and from her stateroom aboard the SS Independence cruising in the Mediterranean.

But perhaps her best columns were written from tips and anecdotes exchanged over the phone with friends who called her regularly and strangers who overcame their awe and phoned nervously with a good story.

She also wrote frequently about her beloved Darke County and the small Ohio city of Greenville near her home at Wayne Lakes Park where she lived alone following her husband’s death.

Marj was a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, a Dayton Corps Trustee and a member of the Dayton Stivers Foundation.

Her three books, published by The Journal Herald, are The Best of Marj, published in 1962; The Anniversary Marj, 1964; and The Third Marj, 1966.

Marjorie Irene Heyduck died on September 15, 1969. She is located in Section 126 Lot 2. Unfortunately, no headstone was put in place for either her or her husband. The photo shows the area where Marj and Emerson are buried.

Woodland Cemetery, founded in 1841, is one of the nation’s oldest rural garden cemeteries and a unique cultural, botanical and educational resource in the heart of Dayton, Ohio. Visit the cemetery and arboretum and take one of the many tours Woodland offers free of charge. Most of Dayton’s aviation heroes, inventors and business barons are buried at Woodland.

Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum is located at 118 Woodland Avenue off of Brown Street near the University of Dayton Campus. The Woodland Office is open Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm and Saturday 8 am to 12 pm. The Cemetery and Arboretum are open daily from 8 am to 6 pm and until 7 pm during Daylight Saving Time. The Mausoleum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. For more information, call 937-228-3221 or visit the Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum website.

Meaty in Miamisburg: Rivertown Chili

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Owner Brian Walusis (right) with one of his sons

We have found our first 2019 hidden food gem, Rivertown Chili in Miamisburg.   This restaurant is a true family run organization, with a dad and his 2 sons on staff, and recipes passed down from a 3rd generation.

Owner Brian Walusis may sound familiar.  His brother Eric id married to  Chef Maria and they runWatermark Restaurant nearby.  He has another family member who owns the critically acclaimed chocolate shop in Oakwood called Madame Delluc Artisan Chocolatier.  But Brian’s bread and butter is a chili place, that also specializes in comfort breakfast foods.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on RIVERTOWN CHILI:

John’s Dayton Style Chili

— Located at 105 S. Second Street, parking is available in the front and the back of the establishment.  It can be slightly tricky if crowded.

— Hours are limited to Breakfast and Lunch:
Tue – Thu, 11am – 2pm 
Fri – Sun, 8am – 2pm

— The quaint dining area seats about 30 in a cozy, split dining room.  The service is personal, friendly

Clashmore Mike’s Chili – Texas Style

— There is a small bar with beer choices including Star City Brews.

— The prices are VERY reasonable with entrees averaging about 7 or 8 bucks.

 

After visiting the restaurant numerous times, and trying nearly every item on the menu, we have formulated our patented “MUST EATS for Rivertown Chili.”  We have been using this bullet point format for 11 years, now setting the trends …

Let’s start with the meat of the menu — THE CHILI !

 

THE “MUST EATS” of RIVERTOWN CHILI:

— They offer 3 delicious and distinctive chili types everyday.

The Vegan Chili offering is amazing

ALL OF THEM ARE “MUST EATS”…

1) JOHN’S DAYTON STYLE CHILI-
This is the kind of chili that we are used to in Dayton, Ohio.  It has beans, meat, and some tomato influence.  When they serve it get the option of adding onions, cheese and sour cream.  This was the best thing we have had on their menu to date.  The chili is so reminiscent of what we grew up with our mom and grandmothers making that it brought a tear to our eye.  The recipe is passed down from John Walusis and is a shout out to the city’s namesake, Jonathan Dayton, a captain in the American Revolutionary War who signed the U.S. Constitution.

 

KIm’s Street Tacos

2) CLASHMORE MIKE’S CHILI-
This is a Texas style chili which has no beans, and has slices of steak like beef as the meat.  More reddish in color, this chili has a bit more of a spicy kick than the other chilis served. We came across this chili at the AMBUCS chili contest in 2017.  Named after the original mascot of Notre Dame College (Clashmore Mike), Owner Brian has fulfilled a life long dream of using that name in his restaurant.


3) KOKO’s FAVORITE VEGAN CHILI-
This is a fantastic choice, even meat lovers like.  You don’t miss any of the flavor, and this vegetarian option is as delicious as any chili as you will have.  We were very surprised how much we loved it and suggest you try it sometime for a change.  It has a nice little kick.

 

Cannoli Stuffed French Toast

— KIM’S STREET TACO’S:
Possibly the best soft taco we have had in years.  This is a special, but lately they have been offering it every day.  It is a chili soft taco with your choice of chili.  A raw jalapeno slice and onions and tomatoes round out the tacos.  Please try one of these.

 

—CANNOLI STUFFED FRENCH TOAST:
This sinful entree is often available during normal business hours.  Cannoli filling is stuffed between 2 warm pieces of French Toast.  The powdered sugar topping is the finishing touch.  Drizzle the maple syrup and you are in heaven.  Definitely a creamy must eat, and our favorite breakfast offering on the menu.

Chili Cheese Coney with Everything

— THE CHILI CHEESE CONEY:
Ok they have 2 versions, one with a brat sausage, or one with a weiner.  We prefer the hot dog version.  You get your choice of chili on a bun with onions and cheese.  It is topped with a raw jalapeno slice that gets us every time with the heat.  It’s a little messy, but sooooo worth it for the taste.  We love this little chili parlor !!

 

There are other good menu items, from the BLT to the Pancakes and Bacon, but the above items are our MUST EATS.. the best of the best …

BLT

 

 

In summary, this chili parlor is one of our new favorite “go to” spots.  Great, affordable casual food with personal service.  We love the menu and we love the family story behind the restaurant.  We think you will enjoy this little eatery as well.  Tell the Food Adventures sent you !!!

Feel free to browse more photos below from our visits to Rivertown Chili in Miamisburg.

Thanks for visiting our food blog articles here each and every week.  Please remember, we aren’t food critics, we just love to eat.  We are Food Adventurers.  It’s the difference between hanging out and eating with Roger Ebert or Indiana Jones.

Are you a Dayton Foodies like us ?  Then come where you belong and “like” us on Facebook by clicking here.  Join the 8,000 foodies who are discussing and loving Dayton’s food scene with us.

Pancakes

Sausage Gravy

Bacon and sausage

Street Taco

Breakfast bowl without the eggs

Scythian warms up the Celtic Crowd!

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For all those missing Celtic Festival, there’s a fantastic event happening this weekend that’s just for you! One of the beloved annual headliners, Scythian, is making a winter stop in Dayton, to warm up our hearts and souls, and get us in the mood for St Patrick’s Day!

Scythian is crowd pleaser for many reasons, primarily because they are so energetic, and get people literally bouncing on their feet! The other reason is their undeniable talent, and clever interplay between musicians. If you’ve never seen them perform, this is the perfect show to see and hear them up close!

The upcoming March 8th performance is extra special for a couple of reasons. First off, the band is performing at one of Dayton’s newest venues, The Brightside Music & Event Venue. Dayton has been in need of a 400-600 person indoor room where national acts can perform during the colder months especially. Secondly, Scythian is joined by The Hussey Brothers (Indiana) & our beloved Celtic Academy of Irish Dance for this show!

When I spoke with this band about their upcoming show in Dayton, they said: “For every band that tours, there’s always a few cities that have a special place in their heart: places that have opened their doors, their hearts to them and given them the unconditional support to take risks and grow as musicians. For us Dayton is such a place and we can honestly say it feels like a home away from home – an oasis. During this 3,500 mile St. Patrick’s Day tour we’ve all been keeping our eye on March 8th. We’re excited to come home and are looking forward to introducing our Dayton family to the Hussey Brothers an brand new band on the Americana scene that will be turning heads this coming year. So be sure to come out early to hear these Indiana boys play and come ready for a great night of musical entertainment!”

The Hussey Brothers perform with Scythian at the Brightside Music & Event Center on Friday March 8, 2019. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO.

How to Go?

Friday March 8, 2019. Doors 7pm. Show 7:30-10:30pm.

The Brightside Music & Event Venue – 905 E 3rd St Dayton OH 45402

Tickets $20 – purchase here.

All Ages!

A Look At This Year’s Oscar Nominees

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Hello Most Metro!

I love good cinema.  And for all of my college years and days in retail, Oscar season was a time for speculation and preparation for watching (and cheering and jeering) the event on the big night.  But for most of the last 18 years, I have been so consumed with preparing for THE NEON’s Annual Oscar Party, I’ve hardly stopped to think who would win and who would lose.  That is until Dayton Rotary stepped in.  For the last four years, I’ve been asked to give a short presentation regarding the upcoming Academy Awards.  This forces me to reflect on the year’s nominees and to think about who will take home Oscars.  Below are some of my thoughts regarding this year’s big contenders.

Amy Adams – 6th Oscar nomination (5 supporting, 1 lead).

Marina de Tavira – 1st Oscar nomination, lots of accolades in Mexico.

Regina King – 1st Oscar nomination…lots of TV accolades.

Emma Stone – 3rd Oscar nomination…won for LA LA LAND.

Rachel Weisz – 2nd Oscar nomination…it’s been 13 years since nomination for CONSTANT GARDNER.

WHO WILL WIN?  This year’s “Best Supporting Actress” Oscar will almost certainly go to Regina King.  Her performance in IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK is heartbreakingly wonderful.  I recently heard King speaking on NPR’s “On Point” about how she rarely watches her own work…but a friend convinced her she had to see this film on the big screen.  Within the first five minutes, she knew this Barry Jenkins film was something special…and it turns out that I was just a few rows behind her at The Toronto International Film Festival.  (If King doesn’t get it, Adams is a good second bet.)

 

 

Mahershala Ali – 2nd Oscar nomination…won for MOONLIGHT!

Adam Driver – 1st Oscar nomination…has won awards for GIRLS on TV.

Sam Elliot – 1st Oscar nomination EVER.  Hard to Believe!!

Richard E. Grant – 1 Oscar nomination (though years of brilliant work).

Sam Rockwell – 2nd Oscar nomination…won for THREE BILLBOARDS…

WHO WILL WIN?  Mahershala Ali appears to be the favorite at this time, but Sam Elliott could sneak in and get it.  (That said, I’m rooting for Richar E. Grant.)

 

Yalitza Aparicio – 1st Oscar nomination, 1st film role ever!

Glenn Close – 7th Oscar nomination (4 leads, 3 supporting)

Olivia Colman – 1st Oscar nomination (lots of TV accolades and will be the Queen in next season of THE CROWN)

Lady Gaga – 1st Oscar nomination

Melissa McCarthy – 2nd Oscar nomination (1st was for BRIDESMAIDS)

WHO WILL WIN?  It’s Glenn Close’s turn.  The nominations show a diverse canon of work (DANGEROUS LIAISONS, FATAL ATTRACTION, ALBERT NOBBS, WORLD ACCORDING TO GARP, THE BIG CHILL)…but the brilliance doesn’t stop there – what about 101 DALMATIANS, PARADISE ROAD and more!  The upset in this category would be Lady Gaga…who does have a lot of fans and support in the business (but I think it would be a posthumous “slap in the face” to Judy Garland – who did not win for her incredible work with this role).

Christian Bale – 4th Oscar nomination…won for THE FIGHTER

Bradley Cooper – 7th Oscar nomination (3 of these nominations are for this film)

Willem Dafoe – 4th Oscar nomination…recent nomination was for last year’s FLORIDA PROJECT, 1st nomination was in 1987 for PLATOON

Rami Malek – 1st Oscar nomination (lots of accolades for TV’s MR. ROBOT)

Viggo Mortensen – 3rd Oscar nomination

 

WHO WILL WIN?  This is a tough one.  Many folks are banking on Christian Bale (think of that range – from EMPIRE OF THE SUN as a kid to THE MACHINIST to BATMAN to Dick Cheney).  The other big contender is Rami Malek – who has garnered a lot of love this award season.  I’m going with Bale.

 

ROMA has one big thing going against it.  Netflix!  Will the Academy be kind to a film that has been released by a company that wants to completely change the way films are consumed by the public?  Netflix knew they had to get this film into cinemas in order for it to get serious Oscar consideration…and we played it at THE NEON because I consider it the best film of the year.  But Netflix rarely wants cinemas to play their films…they want consumers to subscribe to their service.  They are not team players and the integrity of how a film is viewed is low on their list of priorities.  Big corporate profits over artistic integrity seems to be the order of the day…even when filmmakers ask for their films to get more theatrical exposure.  So we’ll see what happens…do members of the Academy care about all of this…or will they base their votes on the power of this film?

THE FAVOURITE divided our audience at THE NEON like no other film this year.  We had people see it numerous times and we had people complain that the film was “pornographic” or “stupid” or “wasn’t funny at all.”  It’s my opinion that this very dark comedy has a lot to say about the lengths people will go to gain power…and it also speaks about the disconnect by many of those in power and the people they represent.  I think it’s a brilliant film (although one with a very grim worldview).

A STAR IS BORN – this is the 4th version of this story.  The 1937 version won a special award for its use of color and also won a “Best Screenplay” Oscar.  The 1954 Cukor version (with Garland) did not win any Oscars (and is the strongest version of this story).  The 1976 version with Streisand won “Best Song”…and this latest version will also win Gaga an Oscar for “Best Song.”

One special note about the other nominees is that Hannah Beachler, a woman who grew up in Centerville and attended Wright State University for Motion Picture Production, is the first ever African American to be nominated for “Best Production Design.”  BLACK PANTHER has broken a lot of barriers this season, and it’s exciting to see Beachler get such wonderful recognition (she’s had an incredible career – working on such wonderful films as FRUITVALE STATION, MOONLIGHT and many more…including Beyonce’s LEMONADE).

A couple quick notes:

It’s hard to believe that this is Spike Lee’s 1st Oscar nomination!

Alfonso Cuaron is nominated for 4 Oscars this year…not only did he write and direct ROMA, he also shot and produced it.  All four of these roles have received recognition.

Foreign films have received a lot more love than usual this year.  In addition to ROMA’s 10 nominations,  COLD WAR received 3 nominations (WARNING…BIG PLUG AHEAD…COLD WAR is currently playing at THE NEON), NEVER LOOK AWAY has two nominations, and BORDER is nominated for “Best Makeup.”  And speaking of foreign films (ANOTHER BIG PLUG), CAPERNAUM, one of my absolute favorites of 2018, opens this Friday at THE NEON.

WHO WILL WIN?  The only way ROMA won’t win this year would be for “political” (aka Netflix) reasons.  I feel pretty confident that it will win regardless.  But if it doesn’t, the Oscar could go to GREEN BOOK – a film that despite some controversy, has received a lot of awards and admiration this season.

Neon Movies on Fifth Street. Photo by Lew Hann

As for our Oscar Screening Party...as always, it’s FREE!  The Academy Awards will be screened in our large auditorium this Sunday, February 24 – and you could win awesome prizes throughout the night…including our grand prize from our friends at Square One Salon & Spa. Ballots are available in our lobby and must be turned in before the first award is presented.  We hope you’ll join us!  We’ll be seating as close as possible to 7:00pm for the pre-show.

Hope to see you soon at THE NEON,

Jonathan

Hamburger Wagon Owner’s Plea for Help

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Jack Sperry and his daughters

Sometime life throws you curveballs.  For Jack Sperry, owner of the Hamburger Wagon he has thrived on meeting challenges head on and through hard work has typically achieved success.  He is now facing a new challenge, that is out of his control.

The Food Adventures Crew has known Jack since he was a standout football player at Centerville High School in the early eighties.  Jack is a supporter of Centerville and Miamisburg Schools and also helps run the Rock N Green Tomato Festival in Miamisburg, among other charitable events.

Jack is that prideful guy you know, who never asks anyone for help.  As irony would have it , he was was diagnosed 15 years ago with a kidney disease called “Berger’s Syndrome.”  The illness eventually damages kidney function, until the person needs a transplant.  That’s where Jack is at today.  His kidney function has fallen below a critical level, and dialysis and a transplant are eminent.

Jim Bucher left and Jack Sperry joke around the Hamburger Wagon

This is the passing along of a plea for help.  A plea from a lifelong Daytonian, in his time of need. We were going to write this article and explain the situation, but his brother Hank Sperry posted a Facebook message that was a perfect reach out for help.  Here it is:

“My name is Henry Sperry and I’m sending this message out on my brother’s Facebook account. I’ll get right to the point. I am looking for a hero to save my brother’s life. Please don’t turn away now. This won’t take much of your time to read. You may be the key to preserving the life of a man who is very much worth saving.

Jack recently got engaged

My brother is Jack Sperry. He is a beloved brother and the father of two beautiful teen-aged daughters, Alex and Emma Sperry. He is engaged to be married. He is an honorable man, a loyal friend to legions of people who are fortunate to know him. He is the proprietor of the famous Miamisburg, Ohio Hamburger Wagon.

15 years ago, Jack was diagnosed with Berger’s Syndrome (IgA Neuropathy), a kidney disease that occurs when a specific antibody lodges in one’s kidneys. THERE IS NO CURE. The disease slowly progresses over years until eventually, the kidneys cease functioning. When Jack was diagnosed, the hope was that the disease would progress so slowly that medical intervention would not be required in his lifetime.

Sadly this is not the case. His kidney function is below the critical threshold. It is time for serious medical intervention. Last fall, Jack’s local Nephrologist referred Jack to both the University of Cincinnati and Ohio State University transplant centers. I am pleased to report that after thorough and comprehensive medical evaluations, Jack has been approved by both centers for organ transplant.

Ron Holp of Ron’s Pizza with pal Jack Sperry of the Hamburger Wagon

Jack has three options, but only one which offers the promise of a normal life expectancy. Option 1 is kidney dialysis. While this option does extend life expectancy, it is burdensome and for someone Jack’s age, the average life expectancy on dialysis is 10 years. Option 2 is a kidney transplant from a deceased donor. But the wait for such a donor can be up to 5 years. The average useful life expectancy of a deceased donor transplant is 10 – 15 years.

By far the most favorable option is the third one, live donor transplant. Live donor transplants can last 20 – 25 years (even longer). Such a transplant would carry Jack into his late 70’s or even his 80’s, allowing him the joy of walking his daughters down the aisle, sharing love and life with his grandchildren, continuing to cherish his friends and family, and giving him the opportunity to pay forward the generosity of the hero who saved him.

Jack in front of the Hamburger Wagon with friend Gary.

I, as well as my other brother, Bob Sperry, would give up a kidney in a minute. Unfortunately, our own health issues have prevented us from being candidates.

That’s why we are turning to you. We realize this is a BIG ASK. But this is literally a chance for you to save the life of at least one – and perhaps two – human beings. That’s because you don’t have to be a direct match to Jack. Both medical centers are part of a national sharing chain whereby a non-matching kidney is donated and then Jack would receive a matching kidney immediately, no waiting.

I am not ready to write an obituary. There is so much life ahead for Jack, if someone is willing to answer the call. PLEASE consider making this gift. Think about the magnitude of this opportunity! You have the chance to give a decent, loving, honorable man the ability to share and experience a full life! We are looking for a hero and an angel.

Recent photo of Jack and his kids

This quest has obviously raised a number of questions. People ask me how Jack is doing now. Other than very poor kidney function, he is doing fairly well. He is not yet on dialysis but certainly headed there. He still works every day and other than fatigue from time to time, life is fairly normal and routine for him currently. People ask me how kidney donors do post transplant . The surgical/medical teams we’ve spoken with say kidney donors do just fine after transplant. As a rule of thumb, a healthy person with 100% kidney function will see their overall function drop to around 80% post transplant and should continue that level of function for the remainder of their lifetime. Jack’s current kidney function is less than 20% and he currently has no discernible symptoms.

Jack and his fiancee

Finally, people have asked how to go forward if interested in being a potential donor for Jack with either the University of Cincinnati or Ohio State University transplant centers. The process simply begins with a phone call or going on-line. For both Medical Centers you will need Jack’s legal name which is John P. Sperry and his birthdate which is March 4, 1963.

For the Ohio State Program:
Call 1-800-293-8965 Option #3

For the University of Cincinnati Program:
Log into: www.uchealth.com/Transplant or you can call UC Health’s waitlist coordinator, Beth Sanders, at (513) 584-0784.

Father / Daughter event

As mentioned earlier, I know this is a HUGE ASK and understandably perhaps too big of one for many of you. That’s okay. My intention is not to give anyone a guilt trip. My goal is simply to get the word out to as many as people as possible so that a potential hero for my brother can be found. Even if you aren’t interested in being a donor, would you mind sharing this with your contacts in some shape or form so that the word can be spread?

From all of us who love Jack Sperry, God bless you.”

 

From all of us at Food Adventures, we hope someone sees this who can save the day.   With a new fiancee, and 2 daughters, Jack is still very active and community involved.  We are staying positive that things will work out for him and his prayers will be answered.

Jack and his family need a hero, could it be you ?

 

Jack, working at the Hamburger Wagon

 

 

 

 

 

Where Do We Go Now?

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Columbus Alive this week featured an article detailing the sexual assault of one of our local craft beer mavens. The community rallied around her, supporting a woman that showed incredible courage confronting a known and prevalent issue in the alcohol and hospitality community. Over the last year and a half, what was once an issue that was only shared privately has become a public topic of conversation. Behaviors that were dismissed as “boys being boys,” or that were simply ignored, now are being addressed and dealt with. And it has been a long time coming.

The problem of sexual harassment and mistreatment of women and other minorities is not new in the industry. A report that was done in 2014 shows that roughly 90% of women that work in restaurants have been sexually harassed, with half of them being harassed on a weekly basis. It is thought to be just as bad in the alcohol industry, but no studies have been done. This is years before the allegations against Harvey Weinstein emerged, bringing the much-needed conversation about sexual harassment into the public. After that New York Times article came out, a steady flow of articles addressing the issue in the industry emerged.

Many of the women that work in the industry have, over the years, just accepted the harassment as part of the environment. The unwanted comments, touches, and innuendos were something that was endured to be part of the industry. Until the cocktail boom hit in the 2000’s, bartending and hospitality were seen as a transient job choice. Something that you did while waiting for a “real job.” The growth of specialty cocktails, craft beer booming into over 7,000 breweries, and distilleries sprouting up all over the country have turned what was once something temporary into a career choice. It is easier to ignore the sleaziness you have to go through to do your job when you can tell yourself it is a temporary condition. What happens when it becomes the place where you want to plant your flag?

You have to start cleaning it up. There are few mechanisms in the industry to address sexual harassment. Some have popped up, like the efforts made by Collective Actions for Safe Spaces to build Safe Bars training about sexual harassment, but they are difficult to find. Only five states require training for harassment in the workplace. It is a monumental task to address, especially in an industry where males hold most of the positions of power and confronting them could impact your career. An unbalanced power dynamic is not unique to this industry, but it is in the early stages of being addressed. Small steps are being made as women rise up and show they are not going to accept a workplace where they are under the constant threat of sexual assault. Or when that threat becomes a reality.

It is too easy to write off, as many have, that this is a result of the free flow of alcohol through every corner of the business. As reported in a story by SevenFifty Daily, San Franciso lawyer Richard Curiale commented that “60 percent of the complaints I get wouldn’t have happened if there hadn’t been drinking.” This is a convenient excuse, but not an acceptable one. Cleaning up the industry also requires cleaning up the constant party atmosphere that surrounds it. Many bartenders and hospitality professionals have been focusing on taking what has been a generally toxic environment for workers and turning it into a healthier, safer one. This focus on a more positive environment is starting to include how women and minorities are treated in the business.

Where do we go from here? The hospitality that establishments provide to customers that walk through the door has to extend to the people that work there. Creating that safe environment for all of the people they interact with, from sales representatives to bartenders, is critical to building an inclusive, diverse industry. The generally permissive, male-dominated culture that has existed in hospitality for decades needs to change. It is going to be a slow change, requiring the efforts of everyone in it to make that shift. Women are going to have to be bold and stand up for what is right, and men are going to have to support those women in any way they can. It is going to take a long time and incredible effort. But if the support that has happened in Dayton can happen more often in other cities, the future for women in the industry looks brighter and safer.

Engineers Club Teaches Merit Badges to Local Scouts

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Boy Scout Merit Badge Work

Talking about science in the English Room.

Once again the Engineers Club of Dayton has taught technical Merit Badges to 12 different troops from Montgomery, Greene and Clark Counties represented by 27 Scouts BSA members. Since 2012 we have taught such subjects as Astronomy, Aviation, Composite Materials, Digital Technology, Electronics, Electricity, Energy, Engineering, Environmental Science, Inventing, Nuclear Science, Space Exploration, and Sustainability along with Geology, Robotics, Radio, and Weather which have been taught in previous years.  All in all, we have taught over 150 scouts and they have earned nearly 300 merit badges. We are proud of the fact that in previous years we have had scouts from Kentucky and West Virginia to earn Merit Badges here because they were not offered at their troop’s location.

Engineers Club Boy Scout Rocket Merit Badge

Working on the Space Exploration Badge with a view of Dayton.

While the Club typically teaches in the building at 110 East Monument Avenue, we have gone to various sites around the Dayton Area such as the local Rocket Club’s site on a farm in Greene County for a rocket launch required by Space Exploration Merit Badge, the National Museum of the Air Force for the Aviation Merit Badge.  We typically teach over 6 weeks starting in late October and ending the weekend after Thanksgiving.

We have worked with the Miami Valley Council BSA, representing the Sunwatch and Wright Brothers districts, north and south of Dayton.  The Council has notified the troops of our ability to teach the technical merit badges.  Our Merit Badge leader is Dr. Charles Bleckmann who has had many meetings and conversations with the Council making sure we meet all the Scouts requirement for teaching the merit badges as well as having interactions with the scouts.

Sunday Brunch at the Engineers Club!

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Engineers Club Dining RoomOnce a quarter, the Engineers Club of Dayton offers an all-you-can eat brunch in their dining room that is open to the public. For the first part of 2019, that date is February 3! Start your Sunday with a delicious meal in our century-old, historic building right next to Riverscape.  Chef Laura and the staff serve brunch from 11 AM to 2 PM, preparing an amazing meal for all of our members, guests, and potential members. 

The buffet-style meal features an omelet station, country ham, bacon, hash brown casserole, biscuits & gravy, seasoned beef, seared salmon, wild rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, and salad bar. With such a large selection of food and drink, everyone can find something they will enjoy on our menu!  Brunch runs $15.95/member and non-members can enjoy for $17.95. 

Engineers Club of Dayton

(937) 228-2148
110 E. Monument Ave.
Dayton, OH  45402

 

800 Gallons of Soup at Voltzys!

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Rick Volz Steams Cabbage for his famous Cabbage Roll Soup

800 Gallons of Soup ????  That is the amount of soup that Voltzys Rootbeer Stand sells each winter … because they are just that damn good.

All of the soups are personally made by the owner…. from scratch.

The burger expert known for his sharp insulting wit, is also becoming our own local version of Seinfeld’s “Soup Nazi.”

If you don’t get razzed at Voltzy’s by the owner Rick Volz, then you might feel left out.  He is known for his one liners, verbal jabs, complaints, zingers and humor, all of which take a couple trips to get used to …

Homemade Cabbage Roll Soup has a bit of spiciness

From our Food Adventures with Voltzy over the past 10 years we have learned this about Voltzy’s
1) Know that he loves when you eat on his patio during the summer months.
2) He loves when you call your orders in ahead of time …. and
3) He will give you grief if you stray from his menu on how the sandwiches come, condiments etc,, but he grudgingly abides.. eventually.

Rick, a Ft. Wayne, Indiana native, is making winter a bit warmer with his hot soup choices that he has been selling for over 25 years.
He usually features ONE SOUP AVAILABLE PER DAY.

What are they you ask?

VOLTZY’S SOUPS

****Note all soups are 3 bucks****

Sign outside Voltzys

— CABBAGE ROLL SOUP:
The most popular and the best soup… it is also available for $45 a gallon with 4 days notice . It is worth it. A perfect cross of spicy, sweet, cabbage and mix of veggies and crumbled meat.

—CHEESEBURGER SOUP:
His famous burger meat simmered with tomatoes and onions, and secret spices. Goodness in a cup.

—POLISH VEGETABLE SOUP – KALUSHKA
Kalushka?? It is a Polish soup! It has a chicken broth base, ham, potatoes, butter, cabbage and get this…the kicker is BACON and BEER! How can you go wrong with that?

Cream of Vandalia Onion

—CREAM OF VANDALIA ONION:
He uses Vidalia onions, but this wise guy calls the soup Cream of Vandalia as a play on Dayton. It is creamy, the onions are soft and sweet. It is an amazing soup and a perfect winter “pick me up.” The best named soup in Dayton.

—CHICKEN TORTILLA:
He shreds chicken and adds Mexican spices. This isn’t your typical tortilla soup. All of Voltzy’s soup have his unique touch and taste.

—CHILI:
A meaty, slightly spicy chili with onions and beans. He also will put this over fries for “Sammy’s Chili Cheese Fries Order”

 

Chili on the fries at Voltzys

WHAT ELSE TO EAT AT VOLTZY’S

If you have never been to Voltzy’s you are not only missing out on these fantastic soups, but you are missing out on the best cheeseburgers in town.  He gets the meat ground fresh every day, never frozen.  From there the magic of the grill and the ingredients speak for itself.

May we suggest these two “ MUST EATS ”

Try the Sliders with the soup

  1. Get the 10 SLIDER CHEESEBURGERS for $12 deal.  Each slider has grilled onions, cheese and sweet heat mustard.
  2. “THE HOG” a delicious, monstrous 20 oz CHEESEBURGER with grilled onions, grilled onions, cheese and sweet heat mustard.

The burgers are so fresh, they melt in your mouth.  It is really a one of a kind recipe, he has going.

Cup of Cabbage Roll Soup

Get to Voltzy’s and get an original taste of one of Dayton’s finest..

ADDRESS:
4668 N Springboro Pike
Moraine, OH 45439
Call in your order :  (937) 299-1440

The hours are sparse, so get there and get there early !!  Sometimes they sell out, so you have been warned.  We are currently getting a petition with signatures to force him to stay open longer…

HOURS:
MON 11am-2pm
TUES 11am-2pm
WED11am-2pm
THUR 11am-2pm
FRI 11am-2pm
SAT 11am-2pm
SUN CLOSED

Call in your order ahead of time !!
Phone: (937) 299-1440

The food is great, the prices are great, and as always,  INSULTS ARE FREE !

Feel free to browse the gallery below.

Are you a Dayton Foodie?  Then Food Adventures is your home !  Look for our column here each and every week tackling everything edible about Dayton.  Follow us for daily photos on Facebook by clicking HERE and liking our page.

The 20 ounce Hog Cheeseburger

Empty soup

Cabbage Roll Soup – freshly made

Cup of Cabbage Roll Soup

Storefront

Cabbage Roll Soup

His food is #1

A pot of Cabbage Roll Soup

Stirring a pot of Cabbage Roll Soup

Dayton’s 2019 Fish Frys by Date!

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Holy Angels Fish Fry

BOOKMARK THIS PAGE to make finding fish frys easy this year.  This year we list the 2019 fish frys in order by date.  We even separate them out by month!  The Food Adventure Crew has been to more fish frys than any other Dayton food blog.  Each year we hit a couple dozen and each year we seem to add a new site.  Whether just eating or also volunteering dealing blackjack, we enjoy every  Lenten season.  So this year, join us at as many events that you can – we will save some tartar sauce for ya !  Must be 21 to attend, except for the fish frys that are family events.

Without baiting you further, here are the 2019 FISH FRY’s BY DATE… Let this be your “go to” guide!  At the end we put our favorite restaurant fish frys.

We even have scoop on a “Do it yourself Fish Fry”at home !  Read this article and be the smartest fish in your school.

 

 

******JANUARY 2019******

 

FRIDAY JAN 11th – 5:30pm – 10:30pm

Our Lady of the Rosary will have Sausages Pre-Lent

—OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY FISH FRY: 
22 Notre Dame Ave.  Dayton
Arguably the best fish fry in Dayton history.  $17 gets you endless food and beer, they don’t nickel and dime you here.  This is a fun, laid back party. All you can eat Icelandic cod, chicken strips, fresh sausage (hot and regular), French fries, salad, cole slaw, cabbage and noodles, chocolate cake, apple crisp, popcorn, beer and soft drinks, and Chef Joseph, you get us with that peanut butter sheet cake every year.  Talk about religious experience… but the secret is out – get there early or the line will be around the cafeteria.  The fish here is different than other fish fry, they are big fish stick cubes.

 

SATURDAY JAN 12th – 6pm-11pm
—HOLY ANGELS FISH FRY:
1322 Brown Street, Dayton
Near the campus of U.D., the workers here are welcoming.  A nice hot batch of fish hits the pan every few minutes.  The line is not bad, if you get there EARLY and the cafeteria area is where you dine and look at raffle prizes.  Check out the goods and the beer is CHEAP. Around the corner are come casino table games.If prices stay the same, $15 bucks for a delicious fish fry cooked by the “Corpus Christi Fryers” will be had by all.

 

St Albert the Great Volunteers

SATURDAY JAN 12th – 6pm-9pm
AMERICAN LEGION POST 675
31 Chambers St, Dayton
$12 for Endless Fish and  Sausage.  The beer runs endless too! Whats this? They have door prizes and games like their famous “Whiskey Wheel !  We have ye to try this one, but our friends love it.  See you there this weekend !  You’ve got some Tartar Sauce on your face …

 

FRIDAY JAN 18th – 7pm – midnight
—ST ALBERT THE GREAT FISH FRY: 
3033 Far Hills Ave, Dayton
$20 at the door gets you a full, endless fish dinner.  In the past the Hecht family has run this fish fry.  Nice, big pieces of fish, breaded and cooked perfectly.  You should get a couple of beer tickets with admission as well.  Extra beers you must purchase on your own.

 

FRIDAY JAN 18th – 6pm -9pm all ages

Hushpuppy action at Knights of Columbus

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FISH FRY: 
4293 Powell Road, Huber Heights
The menu includes beverages, both fried and baked fish, sausage, chicken nuggets, beans, corn, macaroni and cheese, and all the fixings. The price is $14 for adults.  Kids price is much cheaper.  Families are welcome.  There is no alcohol at this event.

 

SATURDAY JAN 19th – Noon- 4pm (ALL AGES)
—THE MENS MINISTRY OF BELIEVERS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CHURCH:
3010 McCall Street, Dayton
The family friendly event features $10 per dinner. You get endless fish and 2 sides. Beverages and dessert will be available for purchase.

 

FRIDAY JAN 25th  – 6pm – 10pm
—EMMANUEL ST VINCENT DEPAUL CONFERENCE FISH DINNER / MONTE CARLO
Bainbridge Hall – 267 Bainbridge St, Dayton
$15 per person for this event. Features are Silent Auction-50/50 – Horse Race – $1000 Raffle – Showdown – Poker – Bingo.  Proceeds Benefit the Saint Vincent DePaul Food Pantry. Please bring a food item for the pantry. Price includes fish dinner, adult beverages and pastries.

 

Beer at St Christophers flowing

SATURDAY JAN 26TH – 6-11pm
—ST CHRISTOPHERS FISH FRY:
435 East National Road, Vandalia
$15 cost to enter and it is being run by the Corpus Christi Fryers, so you know it is gonna be great. Free refills on everything including beer, short lines and great food make this one of our favorite fish frys. It is in the top 3 easily.

 

SATURDAY JANUARY 26th – 6pm – 11pm
—ST HELENS FISH FRY:
605 Granville Pl, Dayton
Riverside’s best fish fry.   $20 at the door includes pop, beer tickets and full fish dinner.  Menu will include: fish, french fries, slaw, and homemade hush puppies, snacks and beverages. Since it is on a Saturday, they are also having sausages and chicken !  This is a comfortable crowd, not too busy, and not too empty.  It is just right.  Lots of chances for casino games as well.   Try your luck at Blackjack, Texas Hold’em, or 7 Card Stud, Beat the Dealer, Showdown, Instants, 50/50, LRC or Raffles. Door prizes too!

 

 

******FEB 2019******

 

Cutting up fish in the St Marys kitchen

FRIDAY FEB 1st – 6PM
—ST MARY’S FISH FRY: 
310 Allen St, Dayton
All you can eat dinner in the basement of the church.  Historically it is always the first Fri in Feb and the first Friday in November.   There is a fun circus atmosphere for the raffle prizes and of course the casino games.  This is one of the best bangs for your buck.  The cost is $15 and you get fish dinner with all the trimmings.  You can buy beers on draft for about 50 cents.  And a dessert table for extra $1 per item will knock your Aunt Connie’s socks off.  Get there early, it has gotten more popular and sold out last year.  Nice volunteers and a comfortable atmosphere.  

 

FRIDAY FEB 8th  6pm-11pm
—ST. HENRY’S FISH FRY:
6696 Springboro Pike, Dayton
They have a live auction and Texas hold em too !  Price is about 16 bucks for the all you can eat typical fish dinner with fries and slaw.  Have fun and gamble.  The atmosphere is very relaxed and jovial at this fun fish fry.  They are the only fish fry in town that has a fish eating contest during the event.  Stuffing your face has never been so much fun.

Our plate at St Henrys

 

FRIDAY FEB 8th – 5:30pm – 10:30pm
—OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY FISH FRY: 
22 Notre Dame Ave.  Dayton
The second fish fry of the season for this church. And one of the best … $17 gets you endless food and beer – Don’t miss this one .  Best bang for your buck, but word is out -now there is a long line.

 

SATURDAY FEB 9th
—HUBER HEIGHTS ROTARY FISH FRY: 
5384 Fishburg Rd., Huber Heights (Huber Heights Athletic Club)
$15 tickets include food and drink. There will be raffles, door prizes, cards, instants and Monte Carlo games. All funds raised benefit “Needy Family Christmas Program.”

 

Brick City Tickets to the Fish Fry !

SATURDAY FEB 16th – 6pm-11pm
—9th ANNUAL —BRICK CITY BLAST BASEBALL  FISH FRY
5367 Fishburg Rd, Dayton
Held at the Huber Heights Activities Center, presale is $12 with $15 tickets at the door. Price includes beer/pop and all you can eat Fish, Chicken, Polish Sausage, French Fries, Baked Beans and Coleslaw.  Games will include: Poker, Showdown, Chuck A Luck, and more!  Proceeds to the Brick City Sports Club.

 

SUNDAY FEB 17th – 8am -5pm
—9th ANNUAL BRICK CITY BLAST BASEBALL  FISH FRY
5367 Fishburg Rd, Dayton
Held at the Huber Heights Activities Center, presale is $12 with $15 tickets at the door. Price includes beer/pop and all you can eat Fish, Chicken, Polish Sausage, French Fries, Baked Beans and Coleslaw.  Games will include: Poker, Showdown, Chuck A Luck, and more!  Proceeds to the Brick City Sports Club.

.

 

FRIDAY FEB 22nd 6pm – 11pm
—ST PAULS CATHOLIC CHURCH FISH FRY: 
 1000 Wenger Rd, Englewood
A delicious fish fry that’s not too crowded. So many of these events are spent standing in line, this one is an exception. You have a nice choice of fish, sides and desserts.. Of course you get beer and pop included as well.  The crowd is older and the laid back atmosphere is a nice change from the hustle and bustle at some of the busier fish frys.  Cost is around $15 for fish dinner and a couple of drink tickets.  If you want a relaxing fish fry, this one will leave you full, happy and you wont feel corralled into a long line.

 

St Pauls is serving up sausages

FRIDAY FEB 22nd  5:45pm-10pm
DAYTON COUNCIL 500-KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FRY
Bainbridge Hall -267 Bainbridge St, Dayton
Dinner will include fried cod, french fries, cole slaw, baked beans, rolls and butter. Cost is $15 and includes the meal, adult beverages and pastries. Food serving will commence at 6PM and conclude at 8PM. Doors open at 545PM.  They ask as part of the admission to bring a can/box of food for the food pantry. Guest  wishing to make an additional donation of a pastry is a welcome gesture. Games of chance will commence at approximately 6PM with showdown, a horse race game and 50/50. Raffles will be also be  available thru the event.  Contact Dayton Council 500 Grand Knight at 937-558-9311, leave a message,  for tickets or email [email protected] requesting a rsvp and purchase of tickets. All are welcome

 

FRIDAY FEB 22nd 6pm – 11pm

Alter HS Fish Fry Prep

—ALTER HIGH SCHOOL’S FISH FRY: 
940 E David Rd, Kettering
The Dayton area’s largest fish fry, it is a sight to behold.  Located at Alter High School gym and cafeteria, it is a huge display of casino games and a gigantic amount of silent auction prizes.  $15 gets you all you want fish, sides and pop.  Beer and wine, is extra.  This event always promises to draw a big crowd. If you want the big, Grandaddy of them all fish fry .. this is it … Say hi to the Big Ragu who will be dealing blackjack.

 

FRIDAY FEB 22nd 6pm -11pm
—ST ANTHONY’s FISH FRY: 
830 Bowen St., Dayton
Great atmosphere, great fish.  Plenty of blackjack tables for afterwards fun.  Cost is $15 and includes fish dinner, sides and a couple of beer tickets. The lines can get long, so get there early for this one.  Good Food, fun crowd, and nice big pieces of Alaskan pollack.  We love to see this classic church get some love, so please consider supporting this event.  It means a lot to the school and church.

 

Friendly volunteers at St Anthony

SATURDAY FEB 23rd  6pm-11pm
WARRIOR FISH FRY and MONTE CARLO
5367 Fishburg Rd, Dayton, OH
The Food Adventure Crew have not tried this fish fry yet, but it looks promising and is on our hit list for 2019.  $20 at the door gets Sausages, Fish and Chicken Nuggets. This Fish Fry & Monte Carlo Fundraiser benefits Roadwarriors Fastpitch Softball Club.  Games will be 7 card stud, Showdown, pull tabs, Chuck O Luck, door prizes, great food and more!!  Food will be from 6-9PM  Being held on a Saturday, they are able to feature chicken during Lent.  Venue is the Huber Heights Athletic Center, with plenty of room for good seating and gambling..

 

 

******MARCH 2019******

 

FRIDAY MAR 1st  6pm – 11pm

Dayton Rugby Fish Fry features the only Panko Bread Crumbs

—DAYTON RUGBY CLUB FISH FRY: 
 IUE @ 1675 Woodman Dr, Dayton, OH 45432
This ranking is because the fish is so good.  Chef David Glynn in the past has turned this into a fantastic event with his volunteers.  Big lines, but the fish is worth it.  It is the only Dayton fish fry with Panko fish crumbs for breading.  Go for seconds and pass out in a food coma like we do.  A fun boisterous crowd.  Lots of food, laughs and fun. They  will be serving Warped Wing beer exclusively on tap.

 

SATURDAY MAR 2nd  6pm -11pm
JIMMY STRONG FISH FRY  
1675 Woodman Dr, Dayton
$20 at the door. There are Food-Beer-Raffles-Games-Pull Tabs-Jello Shots -Music and MUCH MORE!
100% of all proceeds to go to Jimmy Miller and his family to help during his battle with Leukemia.   This fish fry is different from the others because it is helping one family in crisis.  Please consider supporting this cause at the ABS enter on Woodman Drive, formerly the IUE CWA hall.

 

Incarnation in the Casino area

SATURDAY MAR 2nd  (TENTATIVE) 6pm
—OUR LADY of GRACE/OUR LADY of MERCY/CORPUS CHRISTI FISH FRY: 
249 Squirrel Rd, Dayton
Just $15 gets you into this fantastic party and fish fry.  The lines are not long and the food is good.  Fish Fries Sausage, Cole Slaw, Baked Beans, and Beer included! The Corpus Christi Fryers will be serving up some lovin’ spoonfuls.   This is one of the best deals of the season.

 

 

SATURDAY MAR 2nd  6pm -11pm
HUBER HEIGHTS YOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB FISH FRY
5367 Fishburg Rd, Dayton
Obviously supporting local youth athletics is important.  This will be another fry held in the Huber Heights Athletics Center.  We will try and attend this one to get more information for next years preview.

 

FRIDAY MAR 8th 6pm – 11pm
—INCARNATION PARISH FISH FRY:
55 Williamsburg Ln, Centerville
Known simply as “The Fry,” This event has tents, and it has the biggest craft beer selection of all the fish frys.  Also a BIG casino after party, with lots of folks. Big Ragu deals blackjack here from time to time, so please come, eat, drink and be merry.  This event gets extra points for decor and silent auction.  Typically the cost is about $18 and includes all you can eat fish, sides and soda pop.  Craft beer for sale too, the biggest selection of the fish frys.

 

 

FRIDAY MAR 8th  6pm – 11pm

Carroll HS typically has baked options

—CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL’S ST PAT’S FEST FISH FRY: 
4524 Linden Ave.  Dayton
Everyone is Irish for this fish fry celebration.  $18 is admission gets you fish, sides and some draft beers. Held in the cafeteria and gymnasium, they have a baked fish option and lots of desserts.  A friendly staff, with tons of silent auction items, raffle prizes and of course some games of chance.  Will you hit the luck of the Irish at this party?(March 11th is a free family event).

 

SATURDAY MAR 9th  6pm -11pm
—HOLY TRINITY FISH FRY: 
272 Bainbridge St, Dayton
Points for the friendliest staff of volunteers and parishioners.  They treat you like family.  At a cost of about $15 you get 3 beer tickets and food.  The lines are not long, and the casino games in the adjacent room are a blast.  This is a real fun event that captures the essence of a fish fry.

 

Monte Carlo Games at Holy Trinity

SATURDAY MAR 9th – 6pm – 11pm
—ST PETER’S FISH FRY: 
6161 Chambersburg Rd, Huber Heights
Since it is on a Saturday, they offer fish, sausages, wings and much more.  There is enough food to line the length of a basketball court.  The entire gym is decked out from horse races to blackjack.  The price is about $15 and includes a couple of drink tickets.  The line is a big one so get there EARLY.  They usually surprise with one craft beer at the coolers.  Big crowd, good times.

 

FRIDAY MAR 15th  430pm -11pm
—ST CHARLES FISH FRY:
4500 Ackerman Blvd. Kettering 
Kid friendly until 6pm.  This fish fry gives you a chance to bring the whole family from 4:30pm -6pm.  After that it goes to over 21.  Great fish, short lines and a lot of fun.  We suggest getting there about 5-530pm to get a good seat. Tickets are about $16 and include a couple of beer tickets, as well as fish, slaw and fries.

The Crowd at St Peters

 

 

FRIDAY MAR 22nd  6pm
—.ST. BRIDGID FISH FRY: 
312 Fairground Road, Xenia
Sounds like besides a great fish fry, they will have lots of casino games like Black Jack, Texas Hold’em, Horse Races, Beat the Dealer, Instant Bingo.  Tickets are $15 for this one.

 

 

SATURDAY MAR 23rd  6pm
CHAMINADE JULIENNE’S FISH FRY: 
505 South Ludlow Street, Dayton 
Cost is $20 at the door includes all the beer and food you want.  We love this all-inclusive approach and the fish is good so this one is the best up and coming fish fry.  Held in the school they get a great crowd, get there early as lines are a tradition! We can’t think of a better way to help this Dayton iconic school than a fun fish fry on the school grounds.  They have amazing desserts on display here.  Some of the best desserts in all the fish frys.

 

 

 

Fresh Fries at St Charles !

FRIDAY MAR 29th  6pm
—ST. FRANCIS of ASSISI‘s FISH FRY: 
6245 Wilmington Pike, Bellbrook
If you get there early, you will be having round 2 of food before most people have even gotten into line.  This is a big fish fry held in the cafeteria and the seating gets full.  The fish is filling and they offer some other sides besides just slaw and fries.

 

 

******APRIL 2019******

FRIDAY APR 5th
—PARTNERS FOR COMMUNITY LIVING FISH and CHIP FRY: 
5367 Fishburg Rd, Huber Heights
Highly acclaimed fish fry.  Tickets are $20 at the door, and the buzz is nothing but good about this event.  We can’t wait to sink our teeth into their fish!

FRIDAY April  5th  5pm – 11pm

Dayton Rugby Fish Fry features the only Panko Bread Crumbs

—DAYTON RUGBY CLUB FISH FRY: 
 Advanced Business Properties Hall @ 1675 Woodman Dr, Dayton, OH 45432
This ranking is because the fish is so good.  Chef David Glynn in the past has turned this into a fantastic event with his volunteers.  Big lines, but the fish is worth it.  It is the only Dayton fish fry with Panko fish crumbs for breading.  Go for seconds and pass out in a food coma like we do.  A fun boisterous crowd.  Lots of food, laughs and fun. They  will be serving Warped Wing beer exclusively on tap.

 

Oh those desserts at Chaminade Juliennes fish fry!

 

 

DATE TO BE DETERMINED
—ST LUKES FISH FRY: 
1440 N. Fairfield Rd, Beavercreek
This one is run by the school and is a delicious dinner, not all you can eat.  You are offered baked and fried fish, slaw and fries.  They have one of the biggest dessert selections we had run into.  Plenty of soda available.  This is a FAMILY fish fry, so no beer or alcohol is served.  Cost is about $10 for adults, $5 children 4-12, 3 and under free.  

 

What about …

 *** RESTAURANT FISH FRYS ***

 

HERE ARE THE BEST 8 FISH FRYS at DAYTON AREA RESTAURANTS EVERY FRIDAY – some Lent only

Georges Pollack all you can eat $9.99

1) GEORGE’S FAMILY RESTAURANT:
5216 N Dixie Dr, Dayton
$9.00 gets you Endless Pollack fish, fries and cole slaw offered year round on Fridays all day. A great deal!  The fish is amazing and the servers are very attentive on refills.  Diner atmosphere with oldies music.

 

2) HASTY TASTY PANCAKE HOUSE:
3509 Linden Ave, Dayton
$9.00 – endless fish fries and cole slaw offered 52 weeks a year on Fridays. What a deal!  The fish is delicious, light, huge pieces cooked with a perfect crunch.  Excellent food, old school atmosphere, nuff said.

 

3) YANKEE TRACE GOLF CLUB:

Hsty Tasy’s Fish is 9 bucks all you can eat on Fridays year round

10000 Yankee St, Centerville
Endless fish, cole slaw and fries for $15 per person.  This goes every Friday through April 14th.  Delicious, filling, and ooohh is that fish good and crunchy!

 

 

4) K.J.’S RESTAURANT:
35 W Center St, Germantown
This Germantown restaurant features all you can eat farm raised ocean catfish,  swai, 2 sides, for $9.99.  What a price!  The catfish is rumored to be nice and flaky and not “fishy.”  We can’t wait to check this one out !

 

5) GAMEDAY GRILL and PATIO:
7576 OH-48, Waynesville, OH
Popular spot at the edge of Waynesville/Centerville.  Their fish fry runs every Friday during lent (Ash Wednesday to Easter).  It is not all you can eat.  The price is $12.95 for Alaskan Pollock includes 2 big pieces, fries and slaw and extra filets are +$3 each. These guys know how to cook good food.  Try it for some of the best around.

 

 

Yankee Trace Fish Fry $15 all you can eat

6) SLYDER’S FISH FRY: 
836 Watervliet Ave., Dayton
Every Friday, is the deal. Three pieces of walleye (not all you can eat) for $7.75. Served with fries and slaw.  This is the only time you will not get a burger here.

 

7) CRACKER BARREL FRIDAY FISH SPECIAL:
5770 Wilmington Pike, Centerville,  and 7171 Miller Ln, Dayton
Fried Cod on Friday for $9.99.  Add the best sides in show business like the dumplings or okra and you’ve got a cure hitting your hunger.  They start serving at 11am and you can choose from Cod or Catfish.  We’re HOOKED ~

 

8) WHOLE FOODS FRIDAY FISH SPECIAL:
1050 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd., Centerville 
Fish dinner by the pound.Beer Battered Cod, every Friday in the hot plate area sold with french fries at $8.99 a pound.

Freshest fish in town- Foremost Seafoods outlet store

 

**** DO IT YOURSELF FISH FRY AT HOME ****

One last thing to consider….an option of having your very own fish fry….


— FOREMOST SEAFOOD‘S “DO IT YOURSELF FISH FRY AT HOME”:  Here is an option you wont see anywhere else.  How about hosting your own fish fry party?  Foremost Seafood, off of Woodman Drive, sells everything you need to make sure you have the perfect party.  And you can pick which type of fish you want.  From Catfish, Walleye, Haddock, Perch, Pollack, to Tilapia and much more.  Call (937) 298-1986, ask for Tom to talk about your fish fry.  It will be the freshest fish fry you will ever taste, with the fish usually being about 3 days out of the water !

WHEWWWWWW !  That’s it !  Hook, line and sinker….

Find Food Adventures weekly articles right here EXCLUSIVELY at DaytonMostMetro.

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Chaminade

Knights of Columbus offered baked fish

Foremost

GAMEDAY GRILLE !

Hasty Tasty with Big Ragu

Holy Trinity

Our Lady of Rosary

Dayton Rugby Club

SLYDERS !

St Francis Fish Fry

St Helens Fish Fry had chicken !

St Anthonys Fish Plate

St Charles Fish Fry

St Helens Pouring gold

St Henrys about to open

Date to be determined

One of the best fish frys ever

St Pauls Plate

St Peter Fish Fry plate

Yankee Trace

Alter

Carroll

Cracker Barrell

Holy Trinity Plate

St Albert- made a fish sandwich

St Christophers is one of the best around

St Francis had baked fish too !

Sierra Nevada’s Fundraising IPA Hitting Local Breweries

By

Brewed for a special cause by brewers all over the country.

The Camp Fire wildfire started on November 8, with a combination of high winds and dry grasses. These two events, combined with the initial difficult to reach location of the fire, turned a small incident into one of the deadliest fires in United States history. It covered 239 square miles, destroyed over 18,000 structures, and caused an estimated $8 billion dollars in damages. Families were displaced, businesses were destroyed, and Paradise, CA has rebuilding to do.

One of the businesses affected by this fire was the Sierra Nevada Brewery. One of the grand old breweries of the craft beer scene, they are located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains and fifteen minutes from where it began. Sixty employees, including founder Ken Grossman, were evacuated from the area. Fifty of those employees ended up losing their homes. Their brewery was spared, but Ken Grossman, founder and owner of Sierra Nevada, knew they had to something to help the community that has supported them for decades.

The need went well beyond what this brewery could handle, so Ken went beyond the walls of his brewery for a solution. A brewery they have a good relationship with, Russian River Brewing, worked with other local brewers to raise funds for a fire that hit their community. After a brief conversation with Russian River, Ken contacted friends in the craft beer community and asked them to help. 

And help they did.

After the initial social media and email push, 200 breweries had signed up to brew Resilience Butte County IPA. Through word of mouth and the power of social media, that number currently sits just shy of 1,500 brewers. The planned amount of beer brewed will add up to 4.2 million pints, possibly raising over $15 million dollars. Suppliers donated malt and hops, brewers donated labor and fermenter space, and retailers offered to put it on their shelves. They did it all to help Butte County recover; 100% of the proceeds earned will go to a special fund started by Sierra Nevada. It is an overwhelming effort that was started on Giving Tuesday (November 27) and will culminate over the next few weeks in breweries around the country.

Resilience is based on another of their popular beers you can find this time of year, Celebration. Resilience utilizes the same Chinook, Cascade, and Centennial hops that Celebration does, but without the dry hopping and extra conditioning of its big brother. It was described as “a fresher form of Celebration.” We all know how IPA fans love a fresh hopped IPA, and this one has the added benefit of helping their community rebuild from the Camp Fire blaze.

Local Dayton breweries are donating their time and efforts to help Sierra Nevada in their quest to help the Chico/Paradise area recover. Community-owned Fifth Street Brewpub is one of the brewers lending their fermenters and labor to brew this special IPA. Keep an eye on their website and social media to see when it will be tapped. The other local brewery to put this on their tap is Crooked Handle Brewing Company in Springboro. They have it listed in their fermenter and plan on releasing it sometime during the week of January 7. Don’t want to wait that long? Sierra Nevada is sending out a limited run of cans all over the country. Those twelve packs should be hitting local stores during the week of Christmas.

Sierra Nevada designated December 20 as Resilience Night, when many brewers tapped Resilience IPA in their tap houses. Some breweries added it to their menu as early as December 15, and they tapping will go on through the month of January. You can find all of the places that will be serving it through Sierra Nevada’s website. You can even earn a special badge for trying this beer out through Untappd. With every pint and can you responsibly enjoy, know that you have made a donation by enjoying a West Coast style IPA that is helping a community recovering from a devastating natural event. Cheers!