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Esther Price

Win a Tour of the Esther Price Factory By Finding the Golden Ticket!

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Throughout the holiday season, customers just might find a golden ticket in their box of chocolates. Fifteen lucky customers will win the chance to tour the Esther Price factories in production on January 11, 2020 and taste the freshly-made chocolates hot off the production line. This event marks the first time the company has opened the factory doors to the public and the winners will get an exclusive behind the scenes tour.


The company has placed fifteen tickets within their one-pound boxes of mixed, milk, and dark assorted chocolates across their 8 stores. Esther Price will be releasing clues of the remaining tickets’ whereabouts to those who follow them on Instagram or Facebook. The campaign will take place November 1st, 2019 through January 11,2020 or until all tickets are claimed.

According to Esther Price’s Barbara Dressman, district manager, the company can’t wait to meet some of their fans and share the brand’s process with them. “This is just such a fun way for us to meet some of our customers and share our love for candy. We are so excited to meet the winners who find the golden tickets and take them on a chocolate tasting tour!”

To cut down on forgeries, customers will have to present the ticket at the start of the tour for entrance and are asked not to post a photo of the back of the ticket on social media. Those lucky few that find the tickets are instructed to contact the company on social media and redeem the code on the back.

For the 3rd Year Warped Wing & Esther Price Brew A Beer

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From left, Doug Dressman, Esther Price vice president of operations, Jim Day, Esther Price President and CEO and John Haggerty, Warped Wing Brewmaster

What’s this year’s Esther’s Li’l Secret creation? Sorry, we’re not telling. It’s a secret. But there’s one way to find out. Come to the official ELS release party at the brewery. Rumor has it you won’t be disappointed.

Esther Price had a dream. To open a store. And share with the world her made-by-hand, made-with-love confections. So for 30 years, to the bliss of taste-testers, otherwise known as family and friends, she perfected a timeless selection of delectable confections. In 1952, the doors to her first store in Dayton, Ohio swung open. And the world rushed in. Esther’s chocolates quickly became, and remain, the Midwest’s most beloved. Her Secret? Some things are better sipped than said.

This partnership created a Scotch Ale in 2014, last year it was a milk chocolate brown ale and we’ll have to wait another week to see what this year brings. warped-wing-cans-new-holiday-beer

To celebrate the 2016 release, Warped Wing will be kicking off a sweet spun event on November 3 rd at the brewery beginning at 5pm. The party will feature the release of this year’s secret beer along with a special Esther Price Candy pairing to compliment this year’s offering.

This is the first opportunity to taste the beer before it hits the retail market November 7th. The beer will be available on draft in select restaurants and bars. It will also be available in one-of-a-kind collectable 4-Pack 16oz cans in retail establishments’ as well as our taproom.

Esther Price & Warped Wing Have A New Secret

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11371242_169229076758458_914102986_nSo maybe it’s not such a secret anymore. Last year Warped Wing Brewing Company introduced a collaboration with another Dayton Original, Ester Price Candies. Using their signature caramel, Warped Wing introduced a Scotch ale, and it was a big hit. Big enough that they decided to do it again!

This year’s Secret is a Brown Ale. With twists and turns through tones of chocolate. And sweet whispers of toasted malt.  Wanna try it?   Warped Wing is throwing a release party to celebrate, featuring Esther’s Li’l Secret Milk Chocolate Brown Ale in draught and cans!

Starting at 5pm on Thursday, Nov 12th at  you can enjoy a beer and some of Esther Price’s brand new Esther’s Li’l Secret Beer Brittle. We’ve tasted it and it’s pretty darn good!  

 

 

 

Five for Drinking…Chocolate

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Chocolate in a box

So much delicious, delicious chocolate…

Pink and red hearts, dinner, flowers, cards…all of the trappings of the perfect Valentine’s Day. The only thing that is missing is the chocolate. Last year, people bought 48 million pounds of chocolate, spending somewhere around $1.6 billion dollars on the sweet confection. Local favorites like Esther Price, Winan’s, Pure Madness, and Signature Confections look forward to this holiday, as it is the third largest holiday for buying chocolate of the year.

It is a little hard to believe that chocolate candy has only been around for 400 years.

Chocolate, while having a history that reaches back to the Aztecs, was enjoyed mostly as a bitter beverage by the ancient people of Mexico. It was not until the Spanish got a hold of it that it gained its sweet characteristics by adding milk, sugar, and a little cinnamon. That is what Europe fell in love with. Chocolate candies were made, but not common on incredibly good. The process to turn cocoa into the chocolate we enjoy by the heart shaped box was developed by John and Richard Cadbury (yes, of the crème egg fame) in the late 19th century.

That box of chocolate you have? Why not add a nice cocktail to it? Here are five options for you to explore:

Alexander

1 oz. gin
1 oz. crème de cocoa
1 oz. light cream

Pour all of the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice. Shake well, then strain into a rocks glass.

The Alexander (and its cousin the Brandy Alexander) is a popular classic cocktail, first seen in 1915 in Recipes for Mixed Drinks by Hugo Ensslin. Gin was hugely popular at the time, and this delightful mixture uses the sweet chocolate and cream to balance the spices in the gin.

Chocolate cocktail

Candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker…

Oaxaca Chakas

4 oz. tequila
1.25 oz. agave nectar
2 cups whole milk
1/4 cup good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cinnamon stick
A pinch of salt
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

In a medium saucepan, heat milk with cocoa powder, cinnamon stick, agave nectar and salt, whisking constantly until it comes to a full boil. Remove from heat and add the chocolate, whisking gently until it’s completely melted. Remove cinnamon stick. Whisk until smooth. Spilt the tequila between two mugs, then fill the mugs with the chocolate mixture. Garnish it with whip cream and enjoy.

Tequila and chocolate have very similar histories; both started out as native drinks in Mexico, and both were altered by the Spaniards using European technology to better reflect European tastes. This is a rich and spicy treat perfect to warm up with on a cold night. Or to make with someone special.

Chocolate Strawberry Martini

1 oz. vanilla vodka
1 oz. strawberry liqueur
1 oz. chocolate liqueur
Cocoa powder, for garnish

Set a cocktail glass into the refrigerator to chill. Pour all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake briefly. Spread the cocoa powder on a small plate. Moisten the rim of the glass, and gently run the rim through the powder. Pour the mixture into the chilled cocktail glass and enjoy.

This is a cocktail with many, many, many variations, from the very simple to the incredibly complex. I would suggest Godiva Chocolate Liqueur and strawberry schnapps for an incredible flavor and mouth feel.

Classic cocoa grinding techniques

Cocoa during the roasting and grinding process.

From Russia with Love

1/2 ounce Dark Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
1/2 ounce raspberry liqueur
Champagne
Coco nibs, for garnish, optional

In a Champagne flute, pour the Godiva and the raspberry liqueur (Chambord is a great choice). Top with chilled Champagne. Sprinkle on a couple of nibs if you like.

What is Valentine’s Day without a little something special? Champagne is perfect for any celebration, and adding a little chocolate and raspberry can only enhance the enjoyment. It is an original from the famous Russian Tea Room in New York.

 Liquid Snickers

1 oz. dark creme de cacao
1/2 oz. Irish cream
1/2 oz. Frangelico® hazelnut liqueur
1/2 oz. light cream
Pour creme de cacao, irish cream and frangelico liqueur over ice cubes in an old-fashioned glass. Top with light cream, stir and serve.

Sometimes you don’t want fancy chocolate. You want something comforting, nutty, and satisfying.

Author Karl Petzke once commented that “Chocolate symbolizes, as does no other food, luxury, comfort, sensuality, gratification, and love.” Is there a better sentiment to describe this Valentine’s Day staple? Cheers!

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED Now At THE NEON!

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OR_Love Is All You Need 2012 movie Wallpaper 1600x1200Hello Everyone,

We’re moving right along at THE NEON. Though we’re holding both of our current attractions (BEFORE MIDNIGHT and THE EAST), we also had room to open a new romantic comedy that I saw at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival – LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED. It’s directed by Academy Award winner Susanne Bier and stars Pierce Brosnan and Trine Dyrholm. For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com.

Several of you have been asking…and I’m excited to announce that the new adaptation of Shakespeare’s MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, directed by Joss Whedon, is slated to open next Friday!

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Synopsis for LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED: “Philip (Brosnan), an Englishman living in Denmark, is a lonely, middle-aged widower and estranged single father. Ida (Dyrholm) is a Danish hairdresser, recuperating from a long bout of illness, who’s just been left by her husband for a younger woman, Thilde. The fates of these two bruised souls are about to intertwine, as they embark for a trip to Italy to attend the wedding of their children. With warmth, affection and confidence, Susanne Bier has shaken a cocktail of love, loss, absurdity, humor, and delicately drawn characters that will leave only the hardest heart untouched. It is a film about the simple yet profound pains and joys of moving on – and forward – with your life.” (taken from Sony Classics) Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

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On Saturday, July 6, THE NEON will host the premiere of Meladi McNair’s new film THE OMISSION. “Marissa tries to hide from her friends that she is in an unfortunate, yet common situation that afflicts many young adults. A violent, controlling relationship. Three flashbacks paint her birthday bash as the platform for a series of unfortunate events in which five long-time friends learn of her situation, and turn on each other… THE OMISSION, a dark, abuse awareness film debuts at 3 pm on July 6. The film was written and directed by Dayton’s own Meladi McNair; a Journalist and social-conscious author, artist and filmmaker. She is also the author of the anti-bullying book, ‘The Vexing.’ Tickets are $5 each.” (taken from press notes)

Here’s a note from American Pi, a store just a block from THE NEON: “Victory Film Group and Made in the USA Films present a 90 minute documentary that explores the rise and fall of U.S. manufacturing. Josh Miller sets out on a journey in which he attempts to live off of USA made products for 30 days. Can he do it!? During Josh’s journey he talks with locals to find out if ‘Made in the USA’ really means anything anymore. If not, what does that mean for the future of our country? Come find out when you join us on the MADE IN THE USA: THE 30 DAY JOURNEY. To obtain tickets online, visit the site. Our site says they are $10 but for a they are FREE. TICKETS MUST BE RESERVED via the website, at our location or via phone (click this LINK for the site). FREE price will reflect during checkout. We do have a VIP package so that viewers can get DVD and photos with Josh etc. and that price is $20.” Check out American Pi’s official site.

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

There’s another potential Gathr screening on the horizon. Once again, 50 tickets need to be reserved in order for the screening to be locked down. The movie is BACK TO 1942, and it’s an epic film set during a drought in China’s Henan province in 1942. The tentative screening is scheduled for July 17 at 7:30. Check out this LINK to watch the trailer and reserve your ticket. There’s only about a week left to reserve a ticket in order to secure the screening…and right now, it doesn’t look like it’s gonna happen. Hurry and share these details if this is a film you’d like to see!

See you soon!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. June 28 – Thur. July 4:

BEFORE MIDNIGHT (R) 1 Hr 48 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 5:00, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:20

THE EAST (PG-13) 1 Hr 56 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:30, 4:00, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 7:45

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED (PG-13) 1 Hr 57 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 7:15, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
July 5 – MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
July 12 – 20 FEET FROM STARDOM
July ? – KINGS OF SUMMER
July 26 – THE WAY WAY BACK
Aug 2 – I’M SO EXCITED!
Aug 26 – BLUE JASMINE
TBD – GINGER AND ROSA
TBD – KON TIKI
TBD – FROM UP ON POPPY HILL
TBD – IN THE HOUSE

Walking Dead Food Adventure & Zombie Dogz at Horror Hound Weekend

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‘Juan of the Dead’ Zombie Dog

Here is something you will not see anywhere else.  The Big Ragu and Crew had a VIP experience at last weekend’s Horror Hound convention in Sharonville.  We had a Food Adventure with Merle & Daryl Dixon from The Walking Dead (Norman Reedus and Michael Rooker)!  Featured along with the Cast of the Walking Dead and many celebrities was a Dayton’s own,  Zombie Dogz.  Typically a food truck, it was a little different this time for the gourmet hot dog masters.   They operated out of a catering booth inside the convention center.     Owners of  Zombie Dogz,  Lee and David VanArtsdalen and Horror Hound Magazine’s Eric Crowley personally invited us to the event and set us up for an unforgettable Food Adventure.

The Big Ragu and Crew shared some iconic Dayton foods with the celebrities:

We had a Zombie Dog with a Reservoir Dog.  That’s right, we dined and joked with Michael Madsen.  Michael was a great sport, and he didn’t carve our ear off.   He shared some good Hollywood stories and laughs with us.  We also learned he was telling other celebrities about his time with us and the Zombie Dogz.

Legendary horror film director John Carpenter also enjoyed one of Dayton’s Zombie Dogz with us, while he was wearing some pretty sweet black velvet sweat pants.  It was almost as scary as his film “Halloween.”   Meeting this giant of the film industry was priceless.

We gave a hungry Twisted Sister Frontman Dee Snider some Mikesell’s Good n Hot Potato chips.  In fact, the whole cast of his show “Holliston” shared the bag.  What does Dee wanna do with his chips?  ‘He wants them hot, HOT !’   This Celebrity Apprentice star loved the taste of Mikesells, and we were not ‘fired’ in the boardroom.

Dee Snider from Twisted Sister & Celeb Apprentice loves Mikesells Chips

The star of the scary Candyman movies Tony Todd, loved the box of Esther Price Candies we gave him.   He enjoyed them so much, he gave us a high five the next day.   Even movie stars like the Candyman love Esther Price Candies !

Remember the classic 60’s TV show The Munsters?  Well, we ate Muenster cheese with Eddie Munster, thanks to Murray’s Cheese from Kroger in Centerville.  Eddie, played by Butch Patrick, appreciated it so much, he signed a photo for us!

The  Big Ragu and Crew ate lunch with Bengals Defensive Tackle Domata Peko .  We enjoyed some LaRosa’s Pizza while sitting with his family.  Domata is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.  He is also a horror movie fan like us,  and was excited to meet the various celebs.

Where else can you see this kind of stuff?  Only here, only Food Adventures and Dayton Most Metro.  Often imitated, never duplicated.

The Big Ragu also shared French Bread and Perrier Sparkling Mineral Water with 80’s babe Diane Franklin from the movie “Better Off Dead.”  If you saw the movie, you get the significance of the food items, ‘and to drink…. Peru’ .  These days Diane is promoting her new book “Diane Franklin: The Excellent Adventures of the Last American, French-Exchange Babe of the 80s.”  You can buy the book here on Amazon.com.

We hung out with other famous horror actors including Lew Temple, Sid Haig, Tom Savini,  Irwin Keyes, Robert Mukes and many other costumed monsters.  The original car from the movie Christine was there, we wanted to take it to the Root Beer Stande Drive in but she turned us down.  Special mention to our friends at S.T.A.R.S Cincinnati, a costumed fan group of the movie “Resident Evil.”  They do charity appearances and their slogan is “We kill zombies for charity.”  Speaking of Zombies….

The “Calling in Dead” Zombie Dog has Mac N Cheese on top

About Zombie Dogz:

Have you tried a Zombie Dog?  These hot dogs are so big, that they almost look like kielbasa sausages.  The menu at Zombie Dogz is pretty simple.  It all starts with large, juicy all beef hot dog.    The hot dog is placed into a wonderful sandwich roll, strong enough to hold the hot dog and ingredients intact.  What makes a zombie dog special is the choice of toppings.  Each Zombie Dog has a creative name based on those toppings.  The menu is constantly evolving with new creations, but The Big Ragu and Hungry Jax ate these hot dogs all weekend and want to share our favorites.

Zombe’ Grande – The all beef hot dog is topped with cheese queso sauce, lettuce, cilantro sour cream, jalapeno bacon bits and crushed corn chips.  The mix of the cheese sauce and crushed corn chips are a gooey, tasty combination that won us over.  This was definitely one of our favorites

Juan of the Dead – An all beef frank topped with Swiss cheese, homemade bbq pulled pork, sweet and tangy mustard and pickles.  The pulled pork and pickles really make this gourmet hot dog.  The Big Ragu say this is a must eat!

The Nibbler – This time they wrap the hot dog in bacon, then smother it in spicy chili.  The zombie dog is then topped off with diced red onion, sweet & tangy mustard, and shredded muenster cheese.  This one really woke up our taste buds and is a Food Adventure in your mouth.

Owners Dave and Lee VanArtsdalen of Zombie Dogz, with Co-founder/Marketer Michael Whitaker

Calling in Dead  – This over the top creation tops the hot dog with homemade mac n cheese.  The creamy mac n cheese is cooked in truffle oil for a magnificent flavor.  The final touch in this hot dog is a sprinkle of truffle salt and cracker crumbs.  This hot dog was so rich, we could hardly finish it.  It packed a powerful punch on our appetites, but we couldn’t stop eating it.

Brain Daddy – This was the most Caribbean style hot dog that we tried.  The all beef dog is topped with slow roasted mango habanero pulled pork.  It was also topped with pineapple-cherry salsa.  The final dash of white and black sesame seeds finishes this masterpiece.  This gourmet dog promises to have your taste buds dancing the mambo.

The Horror Hound Weekend was incredible. We got to meet Dayton horror film makers like our pals from Concept Media Films.  We even bought a couple of their Dayton-made DVD’s!  Meanwhile The Big Ragu was distracted by the Jersey girls over at GorgeousAndGory.com.  Supporting local people and making new Food Adventure fans seemed to sum up this fantastic experience.

This Zombie Dog is called “The Nibbler”

Miami Valley foodies should keep their eye open for events featuring the Zombie Dogz Food Truck and their unique creations.  The hot dogs will satisfy your hunger at the not so bad price of $6.50 per dog.  There are even have veggie dog options.  Want to catch Zombie Dogz Food Truck’s next event?  Then visit Dayton’s Crafty-Con on April 5th.  The event will be held from 5pm to 11pm at the Yellow Cab Building on 700 East 4th St.   Tell the zombies that The Big Ragu sent you !

 

Feel free to comment on the Zombie Dogz Food Truck below.  Also share any thoughts about Horror Hound Weekend as well.

“Like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here, unless you are scared of zombies and good times.

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Food Adventures Crew Offers Some Last Minute Gift Ideas

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SMALL BITES for 12/22/2011:

When it comes to Christmas, do you procrastinate like The Food Adventures Crew??  Need some last minute gift ideas??

Your humble and favorite Dayton foodies offer up some food related suggestions to fix your problem in this edition of  SMALL BITES!

Winan’s White Mint Jewels

WINAN’S CHOCOLATES:

One of our favorite items to give to friends at Christmas time is chocolate and he feels nobody does chocolate better than Winan’s Candies.  There are many gift sets to choose from or you can create your own.  We love the White Chocolate Wetzels, Bourbon Cherry Cordials, and the their staple….the White Mint Jewels.

 

 

TROPHY NUT:

Got Nuts?

For those shopping for the extremely picky……buy them some nuts!  Who doesn’t like nuts?  (Excluding those who are anaphalactically challenged.)  We feel that nuts from Trophy Nut make an excellent Christmas gift.  Purchase a prepared tin of nuts or bust your nuts and create a personalized tin.  Either they will love them or “re-gift” them.

 

 

 

Boston Stoker’s Most Popular Coffee Flavor: Highlander Grogg

BOSTON STOKER:

For the coffee lover on your list or someone who fancies a high quality cigar, Food Adventures recommend heading over to the closest Boston Stoker store.  They offer a variety of whole bean coffees, cigars, sweets, and gift baskets from which to choose.  They also have coffee makers, french presses, coffee grinders, and espresso machines with a knowledgeable and friendly staff to assist shoppers. We love the Highlander Grogg!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Flavors Upon Flavors of Popcorn available

WHAT’S POPPIN’:

Gourmet Popcorn at its best!  Located in the Washington Square shopping center in Centerville on State Route 48, this place has a variety of gifts and treats.  Their popcorn comes in a multitude of flavors ranging from different cheeses, to different kinds of spices, and even chocolate covered creations!  These bags or tins make perfect gifts and guess what.. they will ship them anywhere!!  Oh, there is more than popcorn at this store.  They also have a nice selection of fudge, buckeyes, jellybeans, shaved ice and soft pretzels.  The staff is attentive and very welcoming.  If you have not tasted their items, you are missing out !  Check out their website for more info.

 

 

Esther Price’s Chocolate Covered Mikesells’ Potato Chips

ESTHER PRICE CANDIES:

The Big Ragu has always thought Esther Price has the best chocolate, and he likes the variety of gifts available at their stores.  From light and dark chocolates to chocolate covered potato chips, they have you covered.  They even offer diabetic friendly candies for your sugar free family members and friends.  You can get a great box of candy for around 15 bucks.  If your special someone lives outside of the Dayton area, they can ship your order nationwide.  Their candies are also conveniently located at many local grocery stores.  In Ragu’s opinion, you just cant beat the taste.

 

DOROTHY LANE MARKET:

Another legendary Dayton place offers great gifts for the people on your Christmas list.   Food Adventures thinks the

Killer Brownie Tray

“Killer Brownies” at Dorothy Lane Market are to die for.  We recommend the “original” kind, because we are old school.  Another tip is that you can get a platter of brownie bites that are cut into fourths so you can stretch your dollar for more small bites.  The display tray prices make it a decent option for a party or gift idea.  The bakery also offers a ton of exclusive desserts, unique items and flavors that are definitely worth checking out.

We hope these ideas may help out with a last minute gift need, or give yourself a special treat and make your own personal FOOD ADVENTURE.   Enjoy the photo album associated with this story, below.  Click on any image to enlarge and get a true taste of Christmas!

Check out FOOD ADVENTURES  on FACEBOOK and “like” our page to become an official fan.

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