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Food Adventures SMALL BITES for 1/6/2012

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Every couple of weeks, your humble FOOD ADVENTURERS will give you “SMALL BITES,”   a quick feature of some restaurant items that we love.

SMALL BITES – 1/6/2012 includes these favorite cravings in the Dayton Area:

Click Here to Enlarge the Perfect French Fries

THE FRESH CUT FRIES at PENN STATION EAST COAST SUBS:

Freshly cut, and just out of the fryer, there is something about these “skin-on” french fried potatoes.  Maybe it is because the potatoes are fried in cholesterol-free peanut oil.  Whether you dip them in ketchup, splash some vinegar on them, or eat them plain, these tasty treats always hit the spot!  There is one problem, they always give you that small white  holder of ketchup, and you have to fill up like 4 of them.  Want to learn a “fat kid trick?”  Use a beverage lid and turn it upside down and squirt the ketchup on that.  Problem solved, Big Ragu style..

 

THE POT STICKERS at CHINA COTTAGE:

Pan Fried Potstickers from China Cottage

Huge on taste and huge on size, you have to try the pot sticker appetizers at China Cottage.  They are the best anywhere in the Big Ragu’s opinion.  Want an appetizer that will awaken your tastebuds and satisy that pre-dinner hunger?  Trust us on this one, you cant go wrong.  These dumplings are filled with pork and garlic spices.   The magnificent creation is then pan seared and brought to your table.  It is served with a soy based sauce and scallions.  Definitely the most memorable appetizer we have had at a Chinese restaurant in a while.

 

 

THE CHICKEN WINGS at ELSA’s:

The Big Ragu’s Favorite Place for Wings in Dayton is.. Elsa’s !

Wings at Elsa’s?  HECK YES !  In a place known for their Bad Juan margaritas and their Mexican food like the Super Mini burrito, you would not think to try the wings on their menu.  But let the Big Ragu tell you, they are his favorite wings in the Dayton area.  Another trick is heading out to eat these wings while watching your favorite NFL game and you will not have to fight the typical Sunday sports bar crowd.  The order will definitely fill up the biggest appetites with 10 nice sized wings.  Your humble Food Adventurers suggest the following sauces: either Jamaican Jerk, or Regular BBQ.  You cannot go wrong with these wings in such an unlikely place.   Order them with the sauce on them, or order the wings plain with the sauce on the side for dipping.  you choose, but please save a couple of wings for us !

 

THE BRANDON BURGER at ARCHER’s TAVERN:

The Brandon Burger comes with Bacon, and Fried or Scrambled Eggs

Our Food Adventures crew enjoy a good burger now and then.  One of his favorites is the Brandon Burger found at Archer’s Tavern in Centerville.  This big burger starts with fresh meat from local Zink’s Meat Market and is loaded with toppings, including bacon and a fried egg.  At a price of $8.64 for the platter, we think it is a pretty good deal.  We also like the taste, which is a juicy, explosion of flavors and defintely worth a try.  With a parking lot full of customers at Archer’s everyday, they must be doing something right!

 

 

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The Bruery – 4 Calling Birds review

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The Bruery 4 Calling Birds

I know, the holidays are over. But it is still the Winter season, and there’s still plenty of beer to be enjoyed! This one was consumed on Christmas Eve 2011.

4 Calling Birds from The Bruery is a Belgian Strong Dark Ale, and is 11% ABV. This is part of the 12 Days of Christmas series. The Bruery will release a beer every year, and started with A Partridge in a Pear Tree. This is the fourth in the series. Each beer is made to be aged until the 12th year of the series (12 Drummers Drumming).

From The Bruery’s website:

Spiced Strong Dark Ale. The Twelve Days of Christmas series continues! We took inspiration from the traditional winter warmer for our fourth verse, integrating gingerbread spices into a robust dark ale. Notes of licorice & banana bread mingle with dark fruit, molasses and bitter chocolate for a perfect cold weather sipper!

APPEARANCE

The beer pours a deep, dark reddish brown – almost black. It had a mocha head with large bubbles, and disappeared quickly. As I drank, there was no head and no visible carbonation. Large alcohol legs grab the edge of the glass. Not a bad looking brew. [Read more…] about The Bruery – 4 Calling Birds review

Get a Fresh Food Adventure at Voltzy’s

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Upon entering Voltzy’s Rootbeer Stand, we heard a gruff voice say “Where the Hell you been?”  We said you must have us confused with someone else, this is our first time here.  Voltzy himself looked at us and said.. “I know! I have been here for 21 years waiting for you, where the hell have you been?”  It is fresh service like this and fresh hamburgers that have made Voltzy’s a Dayton original, and the owner a local icon.  His “shtick” for a good natured ribbing of his new customers is part of the whole experience.  But make no mistake, people come here for the food, and you arent around 21 years in the restaurant business if you dont deliver on taste. Click here to see a video of Voltzy asking where you have been.

Voltzy at the Grill

Located at 4668 Springboro Pike in Moraine,  Voltzy’s has been serving up their special hamburgers that are ground fresh every day, so their hamburger meat is never frozen.  He uses 80/20 chuck and it is just the right combo for a juicy mouthful.  All sandwiches are cooked to order.  He also steams the onions on the flat top grill with his burgers.  Oh but dear fellow foodies, you must know this, Voltzy’s has more than burgers.  His menu is extensive and unique, with many sandwiches, sausages, and hot dog creations named after special people in his life.    They even have a 17 pound hamburger on the menu called the “Bill Clinton Divorce Finale” at the great price of just $40.

In the wintertime, Voltzy prepares soups from scratch for his hungry customers who want to warm up.  Customers like them so much that last winter he sold 900 gallons of soup!  While we were visiting the restaurant, two customers ordered a gallon of the stuff! Being soup connoisseurs, we were very impressed with Voltzy’s homemade creation of “Cream of Vandalia Onion Soup.”  Yes, that spelling by Voltzy is done on purpose as a shout out to the Dayton suburb.  We also loved Voltzy’s homemade  Cream of Potato Soup, and some would tell you his favorite menu items at Voltzy’s are the soups.

Voltzys Burgers are #1

The Big Ragu loves Voltzy’s fresh burgers like “The Murph” which is a double cheeseburger with onions and peppers.  We also thought the Patty Melt was incredible.  Your Food Adventurers had a couple of Root Beers too, which were some of the best we have ever tasted.  Want Value? then try Voltzy’s “10 burgers for 10 bucks deal,” which could feed 2 or 3 people… or one Ragu.

During the summer, Voltzy drops the soups and features “Slaw Dogs,” which are said to be out of this world.  Voltzy told Ragu, “Wait til you try the slaw dogs, I’m gonna feed you till you explode.”  Aww that’s sweet, and would be a Food Adventure first.

Voltzy’s is a unique place, and was a perfect stop on our list of Food Adventures.  In fact, we had to come back twice to try more menu items.  We sampled the burgers and even tried a wrap called the “Fazio” that had sausage, ham, peppers, onions, cheese and 2 fried eggs.  This wrap was huge, and trying to finish it was a Food Adventure in itself.  Other interesting food items were the fried mac n cheese, deep fried pickles, and the philly cheesesteak.  We also saw some nice looking coney dogs leaving the kitchen.

Voltzy making his Cabbage Roll Soup

Like the owner,  Ft. Wayne Indiana native Rick Volz, Voltzy’s Restaurant has personality.  They are proud of their menu and even proud that they have a bathroom at the new facility.  The restaurant is literally a lobby and an outside patio that they have enclosed.  We love the place and when we sat down with Voltzy, we saw that he is a good, hard working, regular guy.

Want some tips about Voltzy’s? Make sure you bring cash because they do not take credit cards!  Voltzy’s can get busy, so we recommend that you call ahead with your order.  Please remember Voltzy’s hours of operation are Monday -Saturday from 11am – 2pm.

Big tastes come out of this small kitchen, which in the future hopes to open up a covered car-port and extend their hours.  Get yourself to Voltzy’s in  Moraine, and when you come in, prepare to hear some of Voltzy’s unique humor.  Do not be surprised if he asks “Where the hell have you been?”  Tell him you were reading about him on Food Advetures, Dayton’s favorite food blog on DaytonMostMetro.com!

 

 

Please leave comments and thoughts about Voltzy’s below.

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Also check out FOOD ADVENTURES on FACEBOOK HERE.  Please “like” us to become an official fan of these “Foodies in their Forties” !

 

Dining Out Options on Dec 25th

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For all those folks who may not celebrate Christmas, or just don’t want to cook that day, there are indeed a few restaurants that will be open for your dining pleasure. Of course you can always dine at Waffle House- they never close, but no matter where you dine out, please remember that the staff of these places have given up their holiday to serve you, so please tip generously. (And the former server in me feels compelled to explain to you that 25% would be what I mean!)

 

(937) 429-9000  open noon to 8pm reservations suggested
72 Plum St at The Greene in Beavercreek
Mediterranean fusion cuisine and an affordable and creative selection of wine and specialty cocktails.

(937) 439-9005 open 2 – 6pm
2759 Miamisburg Centerville Road, across from Dayton Mall

 

(937) 293-4000 open from 7am til about 5pm, management suggests calling to confirm closing time- which they’ll determine by how the customer flow is that day.
4090 Wilmington Pike near Stroop in Kettering

 

937-433-2333 open 4pm – 1am
7880 Washington Village Dr. Centerville, OH 45459

Huge burgers made fresh by hand. Crisp salads piled high. Turkey and chicken roasted in our own rotisseries. Ribs slowly basted for hours until they’re falling off the bone. And decadent desserts that just might be worth the trip all by themselves will be served up from 5

7 area locations open 5pm – 2am

Specializing in chicken, they even have salads, pasta, ribs and a one pound Porterhouse steak on the menu.

 

(937) 431-9200 11am – 8pm

4429 Cedar Park Drive (at The Greene) Beavercreek, OH 45440

Featuring their signature “Fresh List” highlighting an impressive number of fresh seafood varieties, in addition to aged steaks, poultry, entrée salads and pasta. McCormick & Schmick’s commitment to local freshness is apparent in the seasonally inspired dishes and regionally inspired preparations offered.

(937) 898-3860 open noon – 9pm
7580 Poe Ave Dayton, OH 45414 (off Miller Lane exit of 75)
Only dinner menu will be served all day.
Chef prepares each meal with a blend of texture and color, as well as flavor and temperature to achieve overall harmony in the tradition of Ying and Yang. Excellent sushi, too.

(937) 439-3743  2022 Miamisburg Centerville Road  near Dayton Mall
(937) 236-3200 7777 Troy Pike in Huber Heights
both locations are open from 3-11pm

If you know of others places that will be serving on Christmas, please feel free to add them in the comment section below.

 

 

Rue Dumaine Offers Goodies-To-Go Market

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This Wednesday, Dec 21st the Rue Dumaine open house market will take place from noon until 3pm!  The success of Rue Dumaine’s booth at the Centerville Farmers Market was the inspiration for these open house markets.  I missed the pre-thanksgiving open house and from what I hear, your best bet is to call ahead and pre-order, because the goodies go quickly.

According to Chef Anne Kearney you should look over the list below, and give Bonnie a call at 610-1061 with your order  to secure your items. Bartender Evan and co-owner Tom have selected and priced for retail 1 sparkling, 1 red and 1 white wine perfect for any holiday party drop-in or to sip on as you tackle the pile of gifts. Pick up a bottle to share with your lovelies on Christmas Eve or to take over to mom’s house on Christmas Day, see details below.

Just a few of the items they are offering:
• Cured ruby red trout sides-6-9oz sides sold to you cyro-vaced- $9/#
• Brian’s house smoked ham-1#-3# pieces, Brian is very proud, it is good stuff. Purchase a piece to slice for sandwiches or cube up for your New Years Day black eyed peas $10/#
• Butterscotch blondies with caramel, peanuts and pretzels, YUM! I believe this is the perfect balance of salty and sweet. Sold in four piece packs $3.5.
• Peppermint chocolate brownies, great for the office or your sweet aunt Patti. Sold in four piece packs $3.5
• Tom’s GraNOLA of love, good and good for you! $7 per bag
• Peanut butter with flax seed and local honey-start you year off right- protein, omega 3 fatty acid and it taste great too! 7oz.-$3.5 or 15oz.-$6.5
• Apple dumplings-honestly buy one to eat after you have wrapped the last gift…warmed with a scoop of gelato. 2 large dumplings-$4
• Bar mix-spiced pepitas, cheese nips, rosemary lavash and oat bundles- great hostess gift. $5
• Brian’s awesome truffled cheesy dip with mushrooms and spinach…A few friends stop by to say happy holidays and this will save your ass as far as on-the-fly good eats. 12oz. of some really tasty stuff. $5.5 • Hot cocoa mix made with awesome French extra brut cocoa. Santa and the kids will love it, mom too. $4/8oz.
• Blue cheese-walnut pave $5/6oz. • Apple-thyme chutney $5/8oz.
• Country pate, YUM! $6/ 6oz.
• French bread croutons, brushed with olive oil, seasoned and toasted until golden brown. Pick up a bag to take over to moms for the cheese tray to make a few canapés with the pate for you. $2.5/ 6oz. bag • If you are interested in some of our fiery Dijon or whole grain mustard, we can make you up a container for you. $6./ 8oz
• Almond-raspberry coffee cake- $6/serves 6-8
• Chocolate whoopie pies with Italian mint buttercream $4/ 4 pieces (2” each) per pack
• Cranberry pop-tarts with orange scented frosting, YUM again!! $3 each
• Spiced pecans, spiced but not spicy. $10/#
• Roasted butternut squash** soup $4.5/16oz., $8/32oz.
• White bean-Arugula smear $3.5/8oz.
• Balsamic vinaigrette $3.5/8oz., $6/15oz.
• NV Gruet Brilliant New Mexico Sparkling wine- A wonderful fine bouquet dominated by green apple and grapefruit flavors. A truly classic house style sparkling with ultra fine bubbles! Priced for retail sale.
• Cameron Hughes Chardonnay Lot 220-This wine shows classic buttery qualities with subtle sorbet notes on the finish. On the palate, this wine is rich and full with a bold mid-palate of Meyer lemon and nuances of baking spice. Priced for retail sale.
• 2009 Rock & Vine, Cabernet Sauvignon-Medium bodied, with a solid core of blackberry and dark cherry fruit and hints of tobacco notes followed by great texture, sweet tannins, and dense weight. This wine is very drinkable. Priced for retail sale.
• Possibly a few more items will appear, it is simply a matter of time before we think of something else, thanks.

Rue Dumaine Restaurant and Bar is located a half mile east of I-675 on OH 725, at 1051 Miamisburg- Centerville Road.

Comfort Food on Wheels!

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Who says gourmet restaurants have to stay stuck in one place? Fressa, the newest traveling food-truck to hit the streets of Dayton, pleasantly proves that home-cooked entrees, fresh sides and tantalizing desserts needn’t be located in a sit-down restaurant in order to be delicious. “Fressa” by definition means, “to chow down” or “stuff oneself”, which, the owners Matt and Lisa Halpin encourage lunch-breakers to partake in during every Fressa-filled meal.

I spoke with Matt Halpin about his intriguing “comfort-food” truck and he explained,  “Comfort food means a lot of different things to different people… It’s about what you had growing up and what reminds you of that. We want people to experience new things and see that comfort food can mean more than what they think it does.”

But… comfort food, on wheels? Matt and Lisa explained that having a restaurant-truck instead of a stagnant, unmoving restaurant allows Fressa to “take that great tasting, gourmet food to the streets.” The mobility of Fressa also allows the restaurant to offer lunchtime deliveries to businesses, catering to all kinds of events and easier accessibility to more locations around Dayton. Matt elaborated, “There is a lot of potential for Dayton to be a real foodie town and since Dayton is looking to attract more people and businesses downtown, trends like food trucks are a great thing.”

Let’s talk about the food: Fressa stands out from the likes of greasy lunch-break options, instead housing a menu bursting with local ingredients, seasonal offerings and of course, hot-from-the-kitchen comfort food. The menu spotlights on the kind of food that reminds you of home, warms the soul, and just flat-out makes you feel happy. Matt explained, “The idea of modern, gourmet comfort food lets us have a lot of freedom when it comes to what we serve. But no matter what, it has to make people feel good.”

Where can you find the bright orange Fressa truck? Matt says, “We are at the Sugarcreek Farmer’s Market and we also do lunches for local businesses. Facebook and Twitter let our followers know that we’re there.” Fressa wants to be able to gain more parking locations to spread the Fressa-love throughout the city, but because the city of Dayton is still working out regulations for food trucks and parking rules, they’ve had a few set-backs. Hopefully by May, Fressa will be perfectly parked at the Courthouse Square for lunchtime.

Matt said, “At this point we are trying to be the best food truck that we can be. It’s hard to picture Fressa being a sit down restaurant but I will admit I would like to have a brick and mortar restaurant of my own some day… Who knows, we could always have both.”

Well, what should you order? Comfort food of course! Matt and Lisa recommend the Apple Bacon Grilled Cheese and Chocolate-Covered Homemade Potato Chips, topped off with a Pumpkin Crème Brule for dessert.

So keep an eye out for this bright orange restaurant-on-wheels, Fressa has pulled into Dayton!

Food Adventures – Small Bites 12/15/11

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Welcome to our new Food Adventure feature called “Small  Bites.”

Every other week or so, The Big Ragu and Crew will give you a quick rundown of some of his favorite things.

Some of our’s  SMALL BITE:

— The Grilled Cheese Sandwich from Meadowlark Restaurant

Grilled Cheese at Meadowlark – click to enlarge

The grilled cheese sandwich has a reputation for being a simple, inexpensive and tasty sandwich.  We have died and gone to grilled cheese heaven!  We recently visited Meadowlark Restaurant in Centerville, Ohio and tried the White Cheddar and Apricot Chutney Grilled Cheese Sandwich.  Arguably, this is one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches ever!  Imagine slices of White Cheddar with house made Apricot Chutney blanketed between two slices of Dorothy Lane Market Artisan Bread.  Have we gotten your attention yet??

 

— The Pizza at South Park Pizza Tavern

One of our Favorite Pizzas – Click to enlarge

Pizza has got to be one of America’s favorite foods and one of our favorite pizzaa is made at the South Park Pizza Tavern in Dayton, Ohio.  They have traditional and gourmet pizzas on your choice of white or wheat crust. We are hooked on the Seafood Blanc pizza on the whole wheat crust.  Along with great tasting pizza, they also offer a variety of good beers on tap and some of the areas hottest local bands.  This place is the real deal!

Try it on a Monday night, because it is buy one pizza, get one free night, but you can be sure the place will be packed.

 

 

THE BIG RAGU’s  turn to CHOMP:

— Whopper or Whimper?

Have Whopper’s Gotten Smaller?

Is it us, or is the Whopper Sandwich from Burger King smaller than it used to be??  The Big Ragu has a hard time believing that the sandwich they serve today is the same size as the mammoth sandwiches he remembered from the 70’s and early 80’s…  Same great taste, he just feels it is a smaller version.  What are your thoughts?

 

 

 

— The Breadsticks at McGillicutty‘s

Click to enlarge this picture of the Greatest Breadsticks Ever

The Big Ragu says absolutely, without a doubt, the best breadsticks are at McGillicutty’s restaurant in Kettering.  If you want them with a little salt on them, then you need to say “Pretzel Sticks” when you order.  These steaming hot, buttery and fluffy breadsticks never disappoint.  Each basket is served with 2 dipping sauces, and they have a large variety to choose from.  May we suggest the nacho cheese dip, the cream cheese dip, or the garlic butter dip to accompany the perfect breadsticks.

 

Please Check out FOOD ADVENTURES  on FACEBOOK by clicking here.

“Like” us to become an official fan!  Look for our posts on DaytonMostMetro.com every Thursday !!

What are your thoughts on this week’s “Small Bites.”  Please comment below….

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Boulevard Haus Dining Benefits Ronald McDonald House

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Boulevard Haus, located at 329 E. Fifth Street in the Oregon District, is getting into the holiday spirit and invites you to join them to celebrate the German Way. House specialties include  sauerbraten, gulasch, galettes, beef rouladen, sausages and other traditional German fare, complimented by a selection of German beers and wines.

When you dine at Boulevard Haus through December 16th, 10% of your food bill will be donated to the Ronald Mc Donald House  in honor of St. Nicholas.
Owner Eva Christian explained that St. Nicholas is celebrated in Germany on December 6th, the anniversary of his death.  St. Nicholas dedicated his life to serve God and used his entire inheritance to assist the needy, sick and suffering, in particularly children.

RMHC of the Miami Valley Region, Inc. provides a temporary home-away-from-home for families of critically ill, hospitalized children and supports efforts that improve children’s health within our region.

Boulevard Haus Hours:
Lunch Wed through Fri 11:30 am to 2 pm
Dinner Mon through Sat starting at 5pm

A private party room can accommodate groups of up to 35. Party Trays are also available to cater your offsite  events. Call 824-2722 for more information.

A Simply De’Lish Experience

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 Some would consider honesty within a business’s practice an important component, and as a customer, you want what you were promised, right? So what if I told you that this downtown Dayton café and bar fulfills the promise it holds within its title? That this restaurant literally holds true to its name? Well, let me enlighten you. De’Lish is both the description of this venue, as well as the cuisine they serve as part of their entire dining experience. And “experience” may not even do justice to what really happens behind those lovely curtained front doors of De’Lish on the corner of Main and First. After having their doors open FOR A WHOLE YEAR, they are ready to throw a royal celebration! Details to come…

            On a recent chilly Friday, I had the opportunity of sitting down (in front of their gorgeous bar) with Jasmine Brown, one of the co-owners of De’Lish along with Tawana Knight. “My fiancé and I had always wanted a lounge and bar,” described Jasmine, and when they came across the space downtown, they fell in love with it immediately. Jasmine explained that running your own restaurant is like everyone warns: “it is a very demanding business, but it’s worth it for the look on people’s face when they taste the food. And then you see your first repeat customers and eventually, you see regulars, and you just know you’re doing something good.” They started business last December, and this Saturday, December 3, marks their one year anniversary! Congratulations are in order.

This venue is known for their dining experience, in every sense of the word. While enjoying their wide selection of cuisine, De’Lish also provides the entertainment. They host poetry readings twice a month, from local poets. Local comedians even had a chance at the stage just a few Sundays ago for their second comedic night. They have even hosted a night full of Reggae musicians, where groups from Columbus traveled over to Dayton to share an evening with the guests at De’Lish. When discussing this, I could really feel Jasmine’s emphasis on supporting local people. Even all the art within the room was unveiled specifically for De’Lish by a local artist named Amanda Sue Allen. As much as possible, the wonderful staff at De’Lish tries to incorporate people within the surrounding community into their events. They feature a variety of local talents, as well as serving up their own variety within an average week. Below is a map to the endless celebration taking place within this relaxed, yet elegant setting:

Monday: Monday Night FootballTuesday: A very laid back evening
Wednesday: “Wind down” with 50 cent wings and wine specials
Thursday: Another relaxed evening
Friday-Saturday: When the party is happening!! Live entertainment begins at 9 PM
Sunday: Delicious brunch, where the chefs feature different food than usually on the menu
Bonus: Complementary Valet ParkingWednesday-Sunday

De’Lish is known for its dining atmosphere. It is fine dining, but by no means has that stuffy feeling some restaurants carry. The setting is close enough that you can get to know your neighbor and interact with those around you if you so choose, but is also private enough that it’s the perfect date night. Jasmine commented about how she has had the privilege to observe complete strangers build relationships over dinner or coordinate business transactions from the table across the way. It truly is a community, where every member is welcome and invited in with welcoming smiles. Numerous customers have commented on De’Lish’s “ambiance” and the live entertainment allows the guests to see a show while they enjoy their meal. So it’s pretty obvious that these folks like to have a good time, right? And now you must be wondering what’s “under the table” for their anniversary this Saturday.

A celebration for their guests. That’s what Jasmine and her lovely crew at De’Lish have decided to cater to for this celebration of the anniversary of their opening, one year ago on December 3rd. The main purpose of this celebration is “to give back to the customers”. So what’s on tap? A radio station will be broadcasting at De’Lish from 5 PM to 7 PM. Hor’deurves will be passed throughout the celebration and a medley of local bands will also be performing, each having an hour set. “We have some really great bands coming in,” gleamed Jasmine, who should definitely be excited for the anniversary of a truly beautiful lounge and bar. Interviewing her, I could really see her passion for the success of this restaurant and for the relationships she holds with her customers. The guests represent all parts of Dayton—all ages, all demographics. “There is such a wide spectrum of guests from day to day, and I have been told by many of them, ‘I just feel so comfortable here.’” I definitely could feel that same level of comfort as I sat with Jasmine in the elegant lighting of De’Lish, conversation flowing as if we were old friends. I asked what knowledge this one year has bestowed upon her, and she responded, “I have learned to be patient, to wait for things. Also, I cannot please everyone.” These words of wisdom most definitely apply to our everyday lives, too.

 On to the eats? Now that we have been welcomed into such a dazzling venue, feel at home with the friendly faces around us, and a show is available for our entertainment, it’s time to discuss the real reason you came to De’Lish. It is a restaurant—so what about their menu? When I asked Jasmine her favorite item, she genuinely had a hard time picking just one, because she “absolutely love[s] so much on the menu.” She finally narrowed it down to three, still teetering among their delicious Lamb Chops, the best Turkey Burger, and the great seafood De’Lish offers (they have served Sea Bass three different ways, all of which have wowed taste buds of countless guests over this past year). And their roasted hummus, made in house and served with crispy pita bread is a must-try. Honestly, with De’Lish’s “pretty awesome team,” including celebrity Chef Mark Brown and “Chef of the Year” sous chef Anthony Head, it’s not surprising their wide selection is nothing but spectacular.

So why De’Lish? Think back to when TV dinners started taking the nation by storm. Dinner + a show = a pretty good time. The major negative thing about these TV dinners were that they took away important bonding time for American families during dinner. De’Lish offers even better entertainment than any television show would be able to cook up and thrives on the bonding and interaction between its guests over a most delicious meal. A sense of belonging ensues from such a dining experience, and the fact that there’s great cuisine is the kicker. Such a variety is embodied within the menu; no one will be disappointed. All in all—it’s great food, a chance to get involved in the Dayton community, and entertainment all comfortably placed within this bar and lounge on First and Main. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience waiting for you, especially ushering in De’Lish’s new year this Saturday, starting at 5 PM.

All that’s left to do is get your party hat on!

 

Address: 139 N. Main Street Downtown Dayton, Dayton, OH 45402

Hours: Tues: 11AM – 7PM

Wed-Thu: 11AM – 10PM

Fri: 11AM – 2AM

Sat: 5PM – 2 AM

Sun: 11AM – 4PM

Reservations and Catering: (937) 461- CAFE (2233)

Carvers Celebrates Anniversary With $15 Gift To You

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It’s been 15 years since Carvers Steak & Chops opened their doors at 1535 Miamisburg-Centerville Road (Rt. 725) in Washington Township.  Originally part of a California based chain, in 2008 that company dissolved after filing bankruptcy and this location was taken private.  As an independent, the 220 seat restaurant has continued to grow their reputation, winning the “Best Steak” title on the local ActiveDayton poll in both 2010 and 2011.  Whether you’re a fan of the Ribeye, New York Strip filet or just prefer Prime Rib, Carvers is happy to serve you up a midwest aged steak, hand cut daily by Chef William Pence.  All entrees are served with your choice of French onion soup, clam chowder, spinach, chopped or caesar salad as well as a side selection of a potato dish or vegetable.  I highly recommend their au gratin potates!

To compliment their extensive beef and seafood menu, Carvers wine list includes over two hundred selections, as well as the largest selection of Single Malt Scotch’s in the Miami Valley.  The lounge has live musical entertainment every Friday and Saturday night and there is a private dining room available for groups of up to 60.

Carvers is offering a $15 off dinner for two deal to celebrate their 15th anniversary Sat, Nov 26th through Mon, Nov 28th. Just show your server this story on your mobile device or print a copy and present it. Reservation are not required, but you can make them by calling (937) 433-7099.

The Wrath of Grapes

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People toasting

It all begins here…

You went to the family meal at about noon, and popped a beer because the game was just starting. Then another, because dinner was not going to be done for another hour or two (and the Matt Stafford was killing your fantasy team). You had another one during dinner, and then left to go hang out with your friends at the local watering hole, where all of the serious drinking was going to take place. That is when the shots came out, the whiskey flowed, and great times were had by all.  And of course, the designated driver was able to get everyone home safe. You have the day off today…why not have a good time on Thanksgiving? Well, because Black Friday may be named for all of the shopping that is going to be done today, but it would best describe how you are feeling. It may be better for your head to explode, because it would at least stop the pounding that is going on right now. You are not entirely sure what is causing your stomach to squirm all over like it is doing, but you would love for it to stop. And your tongue feels like someone dried it out, and then wiped their feet on it. Your Black Friday is the hangover you earned from the night before.

Hangovers, as we all well know, are caused by drinking too much alcohol, flooding your well balanced system with impurities. “Too much” in a moderate drinker is four to seven cocktails over an evening out. So we are all on the same page, a drink is considered as 1.5 ounces of liquor, 6 ounces of wine, or 12 ounces of beer. That is not saying you get drunk after that many drinks. That is saying your body chemistry starts to do bad things after that many drinks. Some people are so sensitive to alcohol that one drink could trigger hangover-like symptoms. Those symptoms include nausea, headaches, dehydration, fatigue, diarrhea, sensitivity to light and sound, aversions to smells and tastes, trouble sleeping, and difficulty concentrating. All of these things you may (unfortunately) be familiar with.

Niagara Falls

This. This is what you need right now.

Ethanol is the chemical impurity that is a major culprit in you feeling like this. The most damaging thing it does is dehydrate you by causing you to produce more urine. It also makes you a little more lightheaded and thirsty, which makes you want another drink. While you are going to the bathroom, not only are you depleting the water in you, you are getting rid of vital salts, potassium, and other nutrients you body needs to function. This vicious circle keeps going all night long, draining your body of things it really needs. Where does all of this water you have to expel come from? Your organs have to start pulling out sources of water from anywhere they can get it, and that includes the brain. Cue the headache that is going to hit you the next morning. To make room for the alcohol it has to break down later, the liver tosses out stores of sugar (through potty breaks) making you hungry and a little weak. Meanwhile, the stomach is also having some issues with all the alcohol you have consumed. It is irritated, and to get rid of the irritant, it makes more stomach acid. If it gets irritated enough, it decides that breaking down the alcohol is not the best way to clean up this mess; vomiting is.

Other chemistry is also going on in a glass of alcohol. Congeners are byproducts in the creation of alcohol, which give most alcohols their distinct flavors. Vodka is distilled so many times to try and get rid of all the congeners, while rum and whiskey are distilled in such a way to keep the appropriate congeners in. Red wines and whiskeys tend to have the most, while gin and vodka have the least. It is also an impurity, another one the body had to break down and deal with. The cheaper the liquor you are drinking, the more impurities you are going to have to eventually break down. That does not mean if you drink better liquor you can drink more of it. But, it may mollify the level of hangover you have the next day. Studies have also been done that the severity of the hangover may be linked to the purity of the alcohol (fewer congeners) in your drink. There is also a quite complicated dance that your enzymes do to break down and clean up the alcohol in your system, which may be the worst part.  The “Beer before liquor, never sicker” wives tale? It turns out it may not be that much of a tale. Carbonation in beer helps the body absorb alcohol faster, which makes it harder for the body to process it. That hard work to keep up may give you a worse hangover.

Egg breakfast

Good morning! Here is something you should be considering.

However, all this may be cold comfort. There are plenty of ways to make sure you can avoid the serious effects of a hangover, either through preparation or damage control. If you want to do some prep work, make sure you eat a good meal before you go out drinking. You may not want to go all out Thanksgiving each time, but put something in your stomach. Greasy food may mix poorly with alcohol, so don’t go too crazy on it. You want a buffer for the lining of the stomach, not another sparring partner. Drink lots of water, since dehydration is going to be your biggest enemy. This is also a good strategy to stick with while you drink, mixing in a glass of water for every drink or two you have. This may also have the added side bonus of filling your stomach a little and causing you to drink less, or at least slower. You also want to take some vitamins or load up with sports drinks. Again, adding a few more vitamins and minerals than you usually have in you will help when your chemistry goes haywire. While you are drinking, try to limit yourself to one drink an hour. If you do this, your liver can keep up with your alcohol consumption, possibly avoiding the hangover all together.

If you are in damage control mode, drinking water is still going to help. Your body is craving water, and the best thing you can do is provide as much of it as you can. Make yourself a nice plate of eggs, have a glass of orange juice, and peel a few bananas. The bananas will replenish the potassium your body has been stripped of, and the eggs have chemicals that can help break down the toxins that are making you feel so awful. Orange juice has vitamin C in it, which will give you a boost of energy. You can wash a multivitamin down with that juice or water, to replenish the B vitamins you may have lost as well. Do not drink coffee! Coffee will make you a more awake drunk, but it will not make you feel better. Coffee, like alcohol, is a diuretic. It will also have to make you go to the bathroom more, pulling more water from the body. If you are going to take something for the headache in the morning, stick to aspirin or ibuprofen. Do not take acetaminophen, which is found in Tylenol, because it may mix poorly with the alcohol in your system. Hair of the dog also does not help; while it may push off some of the symptoms, it is just delaying the pain. And possibly making it worse. If you are not feeling too delicate, take a walk. Increasing your metabolism will help the body process the toxins faster, and some studies show that an increased oxygen flow can also help.

Any hangover remedies you may encounter are just ways to reduce the symptoms. The only real way the hangover goes away is through time. Giving the body time to recover and taking care of it is the best way to get over all the shots, beers, and wines you consumed the night before. Remember, if you take some preventative measures before, watch what and how much you drink, and know your limits, you may be able to avoid a hangover completely! Unfortunately, the drunken texts and pictures on Facebook will take a little longer to go away. Cheers!

CJ Chan: Embodying the True Trifecta of a Quality Dining Experience

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“CJ Chan provides delicious food with a smile and serves the best sushi in Dayton,” testified Alex DeJulius, a University of Dayton senior studying Finance and Economics, who definitely can be considered a regular at this venue since its opening last November. From the outside, it may appear like your typical take-out Chinese restaurant, but step inside their doors, and you realize this experience is anything but typical.

CJ Chan has been open for exactly one year this month. This cozy little restaurant is owned by Him Chan and Juan Zhang; I had the pleasure of sitting down with Juan this last Friday to get some behind-the-scenes perspective. The couple is very hospitable and truly cares about providing for the customer’s needs. Because of this, their restaurant focuses on three main aspects: the best selection, the in-house dining experience, and affordable prices. All three of these things bundled into one enjoyable meal makes for some pretty good eats.

ONLY THE BEST—that’s what you can expect from the selection at CJ Chan. This restaurant is both Chinese and Japanese. Juan explained to me that the name CJ Chan actually stems from this: C for Chinese, J for Japanese, and Chan for Him’s family name. In offering this dual cultured cuisine, CJ Chan stands apart from any other restaurant in the Dayton area. The couple decided their restaurant needed to offer the customer with more choice. Their menu offers over eighty dishes “ranging from the traditional Chinese favorites and innovative specialties to classic from across Asia.” The kitchen at CJ Chan also prides themselves on using only the freshest, most natural ingredients, which further enhances the quality of their selection. The menu also gives customers the option to create-your-own dish, ensuring satisfaction. Located up the hill from the University of Dayton, the owners’ choice to include beer and wine on the menu was also very intuitive. Their food—arguably the most important part of a restaurant—is only complemented by the dining atmosphere this eatery provides.

QUALITY SERVICE—CJ Chan’s in-house dining experience offers you just that, the second key to running a successful restaurant. Juan and Him didn’t want a typical Asian restaurant; they wanted to provide unbeatable service in a setting that is comfortable and enjoyable for the customer. CJ Chan is mainly a sit-in restaurant, though they do provide call-in and pick-up service for those with busy lifestyles. Okay, who am I kidding? We all have busy lifestyles nowadays, but the festive wooden furniture and Chinese and Japanese decorations that line CJ Chan’s walls, as well as the employees’ smiling faces, coax you to sit down and stay a while; and believe you me, you won’t regret it. When I had the chance to sample some of CJ Chan’s selection, I was amazed at how quickly the food was brought to our table. The presentation, by no means, looked rushed, either. Their timely service, as well as accommodating staff make you feel at ease and satisfied, which quite frankly makes it a lot easier to truly enjoy their food. Sure, it may be nice to go to a fast-food restaurant where you can get your grub and go, but those restaurants only care about that one thing: fast service. Wouldn’t it be more worth your time and money to be able to have timely service at a restaurant where the quality of their cuisine is just as important as the time it takes for your meal to be placed in front of you?

AFFORDABLE PRICES—The last of the trifecta embodied at CJ Chan. The owners wanted their customers to be fully satisfied, and this really wouldn’t be possible if they were being offered the best service and best food, but their wallets were still being torn to shreds. So CJ Chan focuses on providing affordable prices for quality meals. Juan emphasized how they specifically focused on making sushi affordable, it being something that many people love but can’t afford to eat on a regular basis. For busy families and the average poor college student, CJ Chan’s prices won’t rob your piggy bank and the food and service will be more than worthy of the price.

As is expected of any business, competition is present for CJ Chan, but “within this first year, the business has been pretty good,” explained Juan. As the word spreads about the whole package this cozy eatery is offering, their consumer base continues to grow. Juan mentioned how they are hoping to expand their restaurant to include the next door property sometime next year; this would offer more dining space for customers and allow their kitchen to grow as well. I’m excited to watch the size of this restaurant grow in the upcoming years, but it is questionable if it is even possible for CJ Chan’s physical size to match the size of the amount of care that truly goes into this business.

Many say, “Good things happen in three’s.” This holds true for CJ Chan, but the only true way to understand the excellence of this trifecta is through experience. So next time you’re craving Asian cuisine, stop on in and stay awhile. They are located conveniently on Wilmington Avenue, and their healthy, affordable Chinese and Japanese concoctions are sure to put a smile on your face and keep some green in your pocket.

In the words of my wise father—“That’s all I got to say, and I’m stickin’ to it!”

CJ Chan is located at 536 Wilmington Ave Dayton OH 45420.

Buckeye Vodka Nabs Gold Medal In National Tasting

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The Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) awarded a Gold Medal to Buckeye Vodka this week. The tasting occurred in BTI’s Tasting Room in Chicago, IL, on November 1, 2011.

Buckeye Vodka actually received two awards. The first was a Gold Medal with an “Exceptional” rating, earning 92 points out of 100 on BTI’s rating scale, as well as a “Best Buy” award, indicating it to be of extraordinary value. Buckeye Vodka is priced under $20 per 750ml bottle across the state. In its review, the BTI praised Buckeye Vodka as “an exceptional smooth and clean vodka for every application.”
“The Buckeye Vodka family could not be happier with the rating,” said Jim Finke, CEO of Crystal Spirits LLC. He continued, “Our team spent countless hours perfecting Buckeye Vodka and to get national recognition for our Ohio brand is just wonderful.”

Finke hopes the Gold Medal will translate into continued success as far as sales are concerned. Last week, the company reported that sales during its first six months of operations tripled expectations. Buckeye Vodka sold 2,000 cases of product between April and October, contributing nearly $500,000 to the Ohio economy.  “We certainly welcome the “Exceptional” rating from BTI and expect it will resonate with Ohio consumers who have not yet tried Buckeye Vodka,” said Robinson C. Cooper, Vice President and General Manager of Southern Wine and Spirits of Ohio, distributor of Buckeye Vodka. He added, “We intend to promote Buckeye Vodka as a gold standard for spirits crafted in Ohio.”  Finke also believes Ohioans will take notice, saying, “The Gold Medal proves that people here in the heartland know good vodka. Our fans have served as our most important ambassadors, consistently promoting and endorsing Buckeye Vodka aone of the best vodkas they’ve tasted. Now, they’ve been proven right.”

The BTI recruits a panel of industry experts to award its annual ratings. The panel blindly tastes each spirit in a controlled environment under identical circumstances. The ratings are then determined by a statistical method relying on the mode, or most frequent score, instead of the mean, the average score. The BTI credits this method for creating ratings closer to the panelists’ true feelings and reducing the
impact of maverick scores.

Buckeye Vodka was one of three Ohio vodka brands receiving Gold Medals from the BTI, the others being Crav Spirits of Avon Lake and Middle West Spirits of Columbus.
About Buckeye Vodka:
Capping its first batch by hand in spring, 2011, Buckeye Vodka is a family-owned artisanal vodka company with a vision of bringing an ultra-premium vodka to consumers at a price that reflects Ohioan sensibilities. Handcrafted in the rolling hills of the Miami Valley, Buckeye Vodka utilizes water sourced from The Crystal Water Company, which has been supplying the Miami Valley with a better water option
since 1919. Its state-of-the-art distillation process ensures an extraordinary purity and exceptional taste. We invite you to make Buckeye Vodka part of your next great Ohio celebration. To learn more, visit us online at www.BuckeyeVodka.com.

Homemade Deliciousness and Genuine Care: The Perfect Recipe

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The warmth of the sun’s rays kissing my cheek, the smell of homemade goodness embracing me as I push open the entryway, and the friendly smile of the woman behind the counter all contribute to my gentle coaxing into this cozy shop in the middle of Oakwood. This woman, Theresa as I will come to know her, is the owner of Ashley’s Pastry Shop, and located all around her is heaven on earth—homemade pastries.

Now, I’ve always been blessed with a very intense sweet tooth (…or is it a curse?), so as you can imagine I was more than overjoyed to have the chance to “do my homework”, as we shall say, in order to write this article. But it wasn’t only the sweet treats that will bring me back to this bakery in the future; it’s also the people. The friendly environment and observable relationship between their customers and workers contribute to the little shop’s homey character. I felt like I wasn’t just another dime in the bucket, but an actual person whom they were excited to treat with the most satisfying treat possible. Once I arrived, Theresa very kindly offered me her most recommended pastry—a cheese Danish—which I can honestly say is the best I have ever tasted. It didn’t have that pre-packaged quality we have all experienced when biting into a mass-produced name-brand goodie. This Danish was the real deal. And shortly after I found out exactly what the secret is to the decadent sweets made exclusively in house at Ashley’s Pastry Shop.

The owners, Greg and Theresa Hammons opened this shop twenty-nine years ago and named the bakery after their first daughter. Greg’s family had owned bakeries throughout his life and when the opportunity arose for the Hammons to open their own in Oakwood on Park Avenue, they jumped at the chance. “It has allowed us to bake, be creative, and show our passion for the love of baking, while being part of the community,” explained Theresa. And over the years, this cute little shop has definitely become sewn into the fabric of the community. Ashley’s Pastry Shop now supplies many surrounding restaurants with pastries, such as the delicious bread at The Pine Club and Old Hickory Bar-B-Que. Ashley’s also gives all of their unsold bakery items to Catholic Social Services daily. This bakery may be little, but it has the biggest heart. When I spoke to Theresa, she emphasized how she believed we all have an obligation to give back to the community: “it is much better for a lot of people to do little things, because when it comes down to it, we may not have the means, time, or talent to do one big thing if we wait.” And let me tell you, these gifts that Ashley’s is giving to deserving charities and non-profit clubs are no little thing—a lot of time and effort goes into each pastry made in their kitchen.

Ashley’s Pastry Shop is very fortunate to have a great group of employees, most of them considered family now after being together over twenty-five years. A crew comes in at 11 o’clock each night and begins to bake for the next day. There are no cake mixes or prepackaged crescents behind those kitchen doors. Every item in their display cases and every wedding cake that appears on that couple’s special day are baked from scratch on site. Now that’s an amazing, and delicious, feat. Ashley’s is one of the few remaining bakeries that offer such a large homemade selection, ranging from Danishes to cookies to wedding cakes to donuts—anything catered to the customer’s desire. That’s another wonderful thing about this quaint, cozy shop; they are more than willing to work with the customer to fill any need, just itching for the opportunity to put their creativity to use. They are truly at your service, and trust me, you really can’t go wrong with any pastry you choose.

So next time you have a special occasion, or maybe you need something sweet to brighten your day, or hey, maybe it’s just a Tuesday, I highly recommend meandering over to Ashley’s Pastry Shop.  You could have the pleasure of sinking your teeth into a sand-tart cookie—a classic favorite that was actually shipped to three different coasts just last Friday! Or you could start your morning off right with a breakfast treat, like their cheese pocket (I know…I’m getting hungry, too). With the season being fall, Ashley’s is also featuring a lot of homemade pumpkin pastries. I assure you whichever you end up choosing will be pristine and truly a treat. Really, your taste buds might not be able to take the deprivation much longer, which is truly what it is considered if you haven’t yet savored a pastry from Ashley’s. It’s homemade goodness away from home, baked with love and care, and probably even a hug if that’s what the customer needs.

Doesn’t it just make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside?

Ashley’s Pastry Shop
21 Park Avenue
Dayton, OH 45419
937.293.1719

Hours
Tuesday-Friday 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday  7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday-Monday  Closed

Murder on The Menu every Monday

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Looking for a fun and mysterious way to spend your Halloween evening? Dress up in your best Halloween costume and head to Dayton’s Spaghetti Warehouse to enjoy Mayhem & Mystery’s hilarious and interactive dinner theater show.  Guests will enjoy a full meal while getting involved in a spooky yet humorous murder mystery that is sure to entertain family members of all ages.

Mayhem & Mystery is an Ohio-based acting company that was founded about 12 years ago. The actors perform an improv show while guests enjoy a salad, a main course, and dessert. It is a very interactive experience – actors never break character, even while having individual conversations with the audience members. The audience participates in games and contests throughout the show and are asked to solve the murder mystery at the end. Three winners are chosen and each receives a certificate and a prize. Each show is themed for the season and runs for two months, allowing time for six different productions each year. It is now operated by Tamra and Jerry Francis, who have been with the company since it began. Tamra and Jerry write all the scripts themselves while also participating in the shows, and rotate the rest of the cast between four or five actors.

“We’ve never repeated a script,” says Tamra.

I attended the Halloween-themed show entitled “Costume Carousing,” where guests were invited to Morana Toggery’s annual costume party and encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. We were seated at long tables in a back room, giving a true party-like atmosphere to the experience.

Guests were enjoying their salad when a tall woman dressed entirely in black entered the room and welcomed all of us to her Halloween costume party. Morana Toggery, continued on to introduce herself and inform us about her dark family history and hidden family fortune. We were soon joined by her neighbor, Dolorous Peacock, who wasted no time in showing us her dark and dry sense of humor and love for all things eerie and weird. A loud, obnoxious woman entered the party, belting out country tunes and introducing herself to everyone as Ethel Mae Chatman. The actors bantered back and forth with each other and with the crowd, decorating each table and guest with cobwebs and dust in order to set the Halloween mood. Morana’s husband – a tall, Frankenstein look-alike named Frank – joined the party and provided endless comic relief with his corny jokes and loud, entertaining demeanor.

After introducing themselves to the audience, the actors exited while dinner was served. The cast returned later and wasted no time in making the guests feel right at home – guests were chosen at random to participate in games such as a costume contest, and were constantly interacting with the actors. The dark and witty humor entertained the audience and kept us laughing throughout our meal, while also introducing a mysterious storyline and prepping the audience for what was to come. The actors played off each other and the guests, bouncing back and forth from well-rehearsed lines to on-the-spot jokes and conversations. I do not want to give away the end of the show, but as is custom for Mayhem & Mystery, one of the actors was “murdered” and guests were asked to solve the crime. I was one of the three winners for the night! I received a Comedic Criminology certificate signed by the cast and a free ticket to attend another show later this year.

“It’s a part time fun job and hobby,” says Tamra. “It’s still a production, we still have a script, but it’s a different show every night.” All shows are written to be family friendly, and audience members of all ages are welcome.

The next Costume Carousing Halloween-themed show is on October 31st at 7 p.m., at the Spaghetti Warehouse in downtown Dayton. The cost of a ticket is $25.95 and covers the meal and the show. Mayhem & Mystery perform their shows in Dayton on Monday and Friday nights and perform in Columbus on Tuesdays. They perform these public shows and also at hotels, catering companies, and corporate events.

The holiday show, Forties Yuletide Frolics, will begin on November 7th and run through New Year’s Eve. Tamra says the holiday show is her favorite show of the year, and the cast puts in a little something special for the show on New Year’s Eve. Wednesday night performances at the Dayton Spaghetti Warehouse are added in December, but Tamra warned me that tickets sell out quickly during this time, so hurry and make your reservations while they’re still available!

If you’re interested in booking Mayhem & Mystery for an event, attending a show, or auditioning for the cast, contact Tamra Francis at [email protected] or check out the website at www.mayhemmystery.com.

Yuengling Comes To Dayton Bars First, Stores Later

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Many Dayton beer lovers have had Oct 31st circled on their calendar as the day Yuengling debuts in Dayton.  The billboards and bus signs have been hyping the arrival for months.  And for draught lovers, many local bars and restaurants will be  treating folks to a glass of beer on Mon, Oct 31st.  But there is a trick to the debut as well, according to Kathryn Oakes, Director of Marketing for Heidelberg Distributing, the demand has been far bigger than we expected.  We’ll have enough kegs on hand to service our market, but the retail packages will be delayed until Nov. 14th.”

“I thought that this launch was going to make history for Yuengling and set the standard for future state launches, and Ohioans are going to make that happen,” said Patrick Noone, the brewery business development manager overseeing the move into Ohio. “It’s crazy. I’ve never seen anything like this.”

The family-owned brewery, which promotes itself as “America’s Oldest Brewery,” is based in Pottsville, Pa. Despite being in a neighboring state, Yuengling had never sold its brands in Ohio, blaming the reason on a lack of production.

Yuengling recently expanded one of its breweries to make the push into Ohio.

The beer has a major cult-like following, and there are plenty of stories about Ohioans making special trips to Pennsylvania to stock up. Its arrival has elicited comparisons to Coors, which for years wasn’t sold on the East Coast.

Rob VanMetre, the local Yuengling brand manager, shared with us that the Lager, Light Lager and Black & Tan ( a mixture of Yuengling Premium Beer and Dark-Brewed Porter) will be available at the roll out.  Other Yuengling brands, such as Porter and Lord Chesterfield Ale, are expected to arrive sometime next year.

He goes on share that “Yuengling is a fantastic beer with a great following and moving the release date back for retail and convenience stores is really so we can service all our customers and be fair.”

Many local bars will be opening early to host special tasting parties.  The Dublin Pub is opening at 5:30am to our $3 pints to Yuengling fans. Stop in for kegs and eggs and get a great start to your week!  Archer’s Tavern in Centerville will open up at 6am and TJ Chumps is promoting $2.50 22oz Yuenglings the entire month of November.

If you know of other special events, feel free to add them in the comments below.

And then two weeks later look for the stores to roll out a round of welcome parties. Cheers!

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