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Oakwood

Little Exchange Hosts Bourbon Tasting & Raffle

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The Little Exchange Fine Gifts is a nonprofit boutique at 45 Park Ave. in Oakwood that has been operating since 1950.   Staffed by almost 90 volunteers, the shop has donated nearly $1.7 million to Dayton Children’s Hospital over its 70+ years of existence. The Little Exchange is known for perfect bridal and baby gifts, infant clothing, unique décor for the home, and men’s and women’s gifts for all occasions. The shop also offers complimentary gift wrap and free local delivery. Shop hours are Monday – Friday from 10am – 5pm and Saturday from 10am – 3pm.

The Little Exchange is doing a bourbon raffle to help raise additional funds for Dayton Children’s.  The winner will walk away with eight bottles of hard to find Blanton’s Bourbon.   Each bottle top is mounted with a horse and jockey in a progressive horse race. They come in 8 different varieties that, when arranged in succession, spell out BLANTON’S. You may purchase your $50 ticket for a chance to win 8 bottle’s of Blanton’s online or at the shop.

 

 

Just prior to drawing the winner on September 16th, at 5:30pm, The Little Exchange will host a bourbon tasting with 4 whiskeys to taste, set up in stations around the shop. The tasting list is not public yet, but we were told that Blanton’s will not be one of the options.  There is no charge for this tasting, but an RSVP is requested at 937-299-1561.  At the conclusion of the tasting the winner will be drawn on at 7pm.

Luminaries of Dayton: August Becherer

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August Becherer was born in Germany. He served as a Captain in the Fourth Ohio Cavalry during the Civil War. He was a member of nearly every soldier’s organization in the city of Dayton at the time of his death.

John B. Wager, August Becherer and Henry Hilgefort opened the Lager Beer Brewery about 1854. It was located on the southeast comer of Hickory and Brown Streets. In 1859, August decided to try it alone and bought out his partners. In 1861, Becherer took on Henry Hussmann as a partner and changed the name to Ohio Brewery. Three years later Hussmann had had enough and left to open a grocery store. August tried again, taking on Phillip Ritter as a partner in 1868, but it only lasted two years. He finally found a lasting partner in Frank Becherer, who became part owner in 1870 and stayed with the company until it was sold to Michael Seubert and Otto C. R. Wilke in 1879. August went on to open the Oakwood Brewery that same year and Frank went to work for August.

August Becherer died at his home on Brown Street on May 11, 1885 at the age of 50. He is located in Section 111 Lot 2324.

Luminaries of Dayton: Joseph W. Green

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Joseph W. Green was born in Dayton, Ohio and worked for his father’s cracker company, the Green & Green Co. It was famous for supplying 6.5 million pounds of cracker-like bread, known as hardtack, to American military forces in WWI. The company custom-designed machinery to make special soldered tins that would ensure the product remained fresh and palatable in the worst of conditions.

After the war, the Green family moved into their Oakwood home across from Hawthorn Hill. Soon the company’s Edgemont cracker was its most popular cracker, a product similar to a saltine. Today, Green & Green Co. is best remembered as the originator of a small, square cracker – a cracker. Its orange color and unique flavor comes from paprika and it is the leading selling cracker in the United States. Can you guess its name? Yep! … It’s Cheez-Its.

So where are Cheez-Its made today? In 1931, Joseph Green was president of the American Manufacturing Company, and manager of Loose-Wiles, which later became the Sunshine Biscuit Company. The Sunshine Co. identified itself with the sun symbol and with bringing sunshine into people’s lives. In 1996, Keebler bought Sunshine Biscuit. Today Cheez-Its are made  by Kellogg, which acquired Keebler in 2000, but the company still uses the iconic sunshine trademark on every box.

 

Joseph and Eleanor Green are located in Section 105 Lot 2231 at Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum.

Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum is located at 118 Woodland Avenue off of Brown Street near the UD 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. The Mausoleum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Fore more information call 937-228-3221 or visit the Woodland website.

 

 

 

 

Ashley’s Pastries: Rob Lowe & Martin Sheen Love ’em Too!

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The Sandy Tart Cookie was a favorite on the set of the “West Wing” TV show

“A” list celebrities like the Martin Sheen, Rob Lowe, and of course the Food Adventures Crew, love Ashley’s Pastry Shop in Oakwood.

A small but bustling shop, this family business has developed a loyal following through quality baked goods of all kinds.  From cookies and cakes, to pastries and specialty items, this place is a treasure trove for a good Food Adventure.  Our own Chef House has been visiting Ashley’s Pastry Shop for decades, and introduced The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and The King to this place.  Now, after a couple months, we are hooked too!  It seems the secret to the pastry shop’s success is hard work, friendly service, and the most delicate and delicious pastries in the Dayton area.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Owners Theresa Hammons and her husband Greg, opened the shop in 1982 and named it after their newborn daughter, Ashley.  The place is always busy with patrons dropping in and leaving quickly with their bag of goodies, and a smile on their face.

— Ashley’s Pastry Shop has lots of trademark items that are available year round, but they also have an endless array of custom made items.  Also, some of the pastries available, change to fit the particular season of the year.

 

 

— Professional service and quality foodstuffs make them an easy “go-to” for personalized cakes and cookies for any occasion.  They also make homemade pies, dinner rolls and breads in-house!

Owner Theresa Hammons Ships her goods from Hollywood to Broadway

Theresa Hammons has sent her pastries from Hollywood to Broadway

— The company prides itself on community involvement, and supports many local charities.

— The quaint storefront is located at 21 Park Ave, in Oakwood, and also offers catering, delivery and wedding cake services.

 

With the literally hundreds of items at this pastry shop, it can be hard to sort through favorites.  It will take months of visits before you hone in on your faves.  There are so many original items, and that’s one of the reasons that we love this place so much.  They set the trends, no copycat stuff here.

Let’s explore those one-of-a-kind items that surpass the best of the best.  We present our patented, “MUST EATS !”

 

MUST EATS: 

 — GLAZED CROISSANTS:  Hands down, the best croissant we have ever eaten.  It is part croissant, part doughnut.  Light, yet filling, this is a sinful take on the French pastry.  Ah, Mon dieu !! Oui, Monsieur.  We have never had anything like it anywhere else.   Made fresh daily, they produce a ton of them, but they go fast !  Grab one and then thank us later, because this is the “piece de resistance.”

 

— “YUM YUMS”: A Dayton original.  A doughnut folded inside itself, is the only way we can explain it.  It is a rich glazed doughnut with a unique design.  It pulls apart from your hand to your mouth like a  string of cheese pizza sometimes.  It is a masterpiece of glazed magnificence, and a MUST EAT on any Food Adventure visit to Ashley’s Pastry Shop.

 

"Yum Yums" - A Dayton Original at Ashley's Pastry Shop in Oakwood— SANDY TARTS:  A unique twist on a sugar cookie.  Cinnamony (is that a word), with a touch of chocolate mousse-like, creamy topping make the cookies irresistible.  The cookie is another Dayton Original, like no other.   These are the cookies that the TV Show the WEST WING would have delivered to the set on a weekly basis during the show’s run.  The cookies were known to be favorites of Martin Sheen, Rob Lowe and Allison Janney, who, of course, are all Dayton natives.  We don’t know if  “Scrawny Arms Rob Lowe,” ” Hairy Rob Lowe,” or “Creepy Rob Lowe“ like the cookies too.

 

— THE PECAN SLICES:  A Pastry that is part danish and part pecan pie.  Again, We have experienced nothing like this breakfast dessert.  The pastry is drizzled with icing and topped with pecans.  We believe there may be a slight touch of caramel involved too.  Original in design and big on flavor, it is a melt in your mouth, flaky slice of love.  It is sturdy enough to dip in your coffee.  Go for it, the worst that could happen is you knock a little pecan flavor into your cup.

 

The Glazed Croissant is the best croissant you will ever sink your teeth into

The Glazed Croissant is the best croissant you will ever sink your teeth into

— CARROT CAKE CUPCAKE:  There is a reason we give you must eats.  Because you might not have never tried this one.  Are you a lover of carrot cake?  Well this is the flavor and richness of an entire cake in the confines of a huge cupcake.  Iced on top with a decorative carrot, the inside is a perfectly moist creation.  It is one of those food that when you eat, and try to tell people how good it is, but you just get out a mumbled “oh my gaaaa.”   A glass of milk is the perfect compliment to this delicious dessert.

 

— THE BLUEBERRY DANISH:  Made from scratch by people who know the craft.  Not an original idea, but one of the sweetest, and flakiest slices of deliciousness we have ever eaten.  As you take a bite, the pastries delicate fluff yields to the gobs of blueberry filling staring you right down the pike.  Truth be told, we could each probably eat 4 of these.  All the flavors of danish are insanely good here.  Just keep away from our pile, ok ?

 

We wanted to throw out a quick “thank you” to the attentive staff who is always so friendly and helpful when we visit, even though they are extremely busy.

There are so many other amazing items at this bakery, that you must see it for yourself.  From gingerbread houses, to packed display cases of cookies and cakes, it is a sight to behold.  The Food Adventures Crew loves to see places like Ashley’s Pastry Shop thriving after 32 years in Dayton.  Stop by the little shop in Oakwood and see how originality, hard work and friendly service has produced magical results.

Please check out our HUGE PHOTO GALLERY below of pastries and more from Ashley’s !

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Flyboys Reinvent Oakwood Deli

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293685_114449392060790_347998910_nSteve Crandall and his wife Eunice Kim are giving new life to the restaurant at 2515 Far Hills Ave that closed at Cooper’s Deli back in October.  Oakwood Mayor Bill Duncan welcomed the small crowd of community leaders at the official ribbon cutting ceremony, sharing that Oakwood needed Flyboys Deli.  Duncan  pointed out that downtown Oakwood is really working at helping assist small  businesses succeed.  He shared with enthusiasm that they’ve added new parking, not only with the public lot across the street, but there are added spots on the side of the building as well as parking behind.

Mr Crandall then acknowledged Dan Apolito and Mike Fullenkamp for getting the deli started, and his banker for helping him to buy the deli from them.  He explained that changes he’ll be making will make them more successful then their predecessors.  He shared  3 key points that will differentiate Flyboys Deli.  First their concept-  they’ll be a traditional New York style deli, where you order from the menu, as opposed to the table service Coopers tried.  He was also quick to point out that the prices will be about 30% less and the menu much more extensive.  They’ll also be open Mon – Sat at 7:30am so you can start your day off with a bagel, breakfast sandwich and Boston Stoker coffee.   He then pointed out that as a newcomer to Dayton, he’s realized in his four years here, that Dayton is a city of invention and innovation.  He’s been inspired by the history of the town and loves to share those tidbits with former Air Force buddies.  Crandall is a retired Colonel and currently works as a VP at SAIC, a firm that specializes in national security, health, energy and cybersecurity.

messagepart-2He points out the “Did You Know” wall in the deli that will highlight many of the region’s inventions.   He said “the deli is a work in progress, we have some empty walls on purpose. We want the community to bring us more innovative things to help fill in the blanks on the walls and help us build on the success of Dayton. I never realized how much small business plays into a community’s success and I sure want to be a part of that.”  Many of the items on the menu are named after area inventions, like The Starter – a shareable plate of cheeses, pastrami, salami and crackers or the Liberty Reuben- named  after the Statue of Liberty as well as the Liberty engine develop8PePozwed right here in Dayton.  He then explained that the entire second floor decor will celebrate the region’s aviation heritage.

Crandall then beamed as he mentioned the other key to Flyboys success will be his wife.  Eunice’s experience as a restaurateur goes way back.  She used to own a Blimpie’s franchise and together they also currently own Akashi Sushi Bar, which may explain the the California roll on the menu.  Eunice said that The Flyer Roll, with ham, turkey, cheese, cucumber, carrot, green pepper, avocado, sprouts and lettuce is her favorite.   She went on to say that she’s “excited to share her own idea’s and recipes after years of following the franchise rules of Blimpie.”  Many of their sandwiches will be served on bread baked for them by neighborhood favorite Ashley’s Pastry Shop.   Ms. Kim suggested that the Hot Paninis should be on our must taste list.  She also told us  to expect  some international nights, celebrating her Korean heritage, Sushi nights to bring in their other restaurant, and even Mexican nights, inspired by one of the cooks she hired.   She also envisions family fun nights, perhaps showing aviation inspired films on the second floor party room and even puppet shows.  You’ll  be able to reserve the second floor for private parties (it seats about 35) with a minimum food purchase.  Flyboys Deli has 15 employees and hopes that business will demand they hire more.  For more info or to find out what beers are on tap or what the daily specials are follow them on Facebook or Twitter.

 

 

Coopers’s Deli: The Big Apple Comes to Dayton

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Want to have a taste of the NYC in the DYT?  We know a Food Adventure spot that lights up our appetites like a sign on Broadway.   Cooper’s Deli recently opened in the Shoppes of Oakwood and is creating quite the buzz.  The restaurant specializes in New York Style deli sandwiches as well as  homemade soups, salads, a kids menu, and desserts.  In addition to top notch food, the restaurant offers delivery within a two mile radius, an incredible rooftop patio, beer, wine selections, wheelchair accessibility, and two levels of indoor seating.

The Pastrami Sandwich may be the star of the deli

The Big Ragu spoke with, co-Owner Dan Apolito who traveled to New York City on a “Deli” tour in 2011, tasting various meats and securing the best for Cooper’s Deli.  New Yorkers take pride in their deli’s and Apolito is bringing that mindset to Dayton.  Cooper’s Deli uses the same corned beef and pastrami that is used in the world famous Stage Deli in New York City.  The meats are shipped directly to Dayton from New York City.  The Corned Beef and Pastrami served here are not your typical run of the mill deli meats.  The proof is in the taste.

The Cooper’s Salad is loaded with everything under the sun, pulling no punches.

The pastrami melts in your mouth…you won’t get that at your local $5 sub shop.  Other sandwiches that we tried included: The Reuben which is quite possibly the best reuben that Dayton has to offer.  The Corned Beef is flavorful, plentiful and further proof of the quality of food that Cooper’s Deli is serving.  The Turkey sandwich is basically a mound of turkey breast stuffed between a layer of herbed goat cheese and cranberry-orange chutney on Challah bread.   Vegetarians may enjoy the Garden Grilled Cheese, which consists of four cheeses, artichoke, tomato, and spinach.  We would highly recommend all four sandwiches.

Every menu has a monster dish and Cooper’s is the “New Yorker Sandwich.”  This big sandwich sells for $15.50 and is large enough for two people, like most of their sandwiches.  The “New Yorker” consists of 12 ounces of pastrami and corned beef, sharp cheddar cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing, all on fresh marble rye bread.  For deli connoisseurs, this is the promise land.  How lucky we are to have the taste of Manhattan, Brooklyn, or the Bronx shipped fresh to Dayton via Cooper’s Deli.   These sandwiches are not only fresh, they are piled high and thick.  Be careful not to unhinge your jaw biting into one of these marvelous deli features.  Click here to view their entire menu.

The Huge “New Yorker Sandwich”: 12 ounces of NY Pastrami and Corned Beef

Make sure you get to Cooper’s Deli and dine on the patio overlooking downtown Oakwood, or take a taste of  Big Apple “to go.”   Either way, there is no place like Cooper’s Deli in Dayton, or in Ohio for that matter.

Have you been to the unique Cooper’s Deli ?  If so, please leave your Food Adventure feedback below !

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Moon Over Buffalo – and FREE TICKETS!

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Moon Over Buffalo

PLAYHOUSE SOUTH

Playhouse South: And Never Been Kissed

Playhouse South: And Never Been Kissed

George and Charlotte Hay are an acting couple (well, theirs is not quite the Lunt-Fontanne partnership) on tour in Buffalo in 1953, performing a repertory of Cyrano de Bergerac and Private Lives. Just after their relationship is threatened when George dallies with a young ingénue, they learn that famed director Frank Capra is coming to Buffalo to see their matinee performance – and possibly star them in his movie remake of The Scarlet Pimpernel. Unfortunately, it seems like everything that could go wrong does, and hilarious misunderstandings ensue.

This and next week, Playhouse South presents that story in the farce Moon Over Buffalo, written by Ken Ludwig (famed author of Lend Me a Tenor). The original production marked Carol Burnett’s return to Broadway and opened in 1995; since it’s been described as a combination of Waiting for Guffman and Noises Off, the show’s humor and success are not surprising.

A common element to Moon Over Buffalo, Waiting for Guffman, and those other shows I mentioned is the community aspect of theatre, which aligns well with PHS’s mission and goals. Actor Megan Cooper, who is new to PHS but very involved in other Dayton theatres (and in leadership with jumpstART), observed that every person in Moon Over Buffalo has a different reason for being in the show and brings a different level of experience, yet are brought together by their common passion for the collaboration and art of theatre. She added, discussing her positive experience with the show,

“People who have that much passion are great to work with.”

PHS considers itself a theatre that hinges on both the passion of participants and audience members, and strives to “get people involved in our love of theatre” (Rob Breving, Publicity).

Cooper (Roz Hay) and Breving (Paul Singer) are both cast members in this production, along with Geoff Burkman (George Hay), Joanne Augenstein (Charlotte Hay), Brad Bishop (Howard), Lisa Carter (Eileen), Terry Lupp (Ethel) and Rick Johnson (Richard Maynard). Dayton theatre veteran Jim Lockwood (2008 inductee into the Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame) directs, and Dawn Roth-Smith produces. Not only are those involved in the production a community, but audience members will find one in this show as well. Breving said,

“Being theatregoers, the audience will relate with the characters or know people like them,”

which promises to make the show even more entertaining for those who come.Playhouse South

Alongside of that “community” emphasis, PHS is really working to move forward in quality and talent, and therefore recently named Dawn Roth-Smith and Human Race resident actor Alan Bomar Jones as co-artistic directors. The theatre hopes that Moon Over Buffalo will engage and connect with audience members and be one step towards achieving those goals.

Those things aside, this show promises to be funny and enjoyable. Breving described,

“The cast has worked very hard and is truly having so much fun… It’s a show for anyone that needs a good laugh and a reminder not to take ourselves too seriously.”

WIN TICKETS TO MOON OVER BUFFALO!

Playhouse South: Rent

Playhouse South: Rent cast

Playhouse South & onStageDayton on DaytonMostMetro.com have teamed up to give you a chance to win tickets to this fun show!  We will be giving away up to three pairs of tickets! All you need to do is:

  • Share this post on Facebook or Twitter…we’ll give away a set of tickets for every 10 ’shares’ on FB/Twtr, up to 3 pairs of tickets.  Just click on the appropriate button below, it’s that easy!
  • Leave a comment, answering the following question…WHERE IS THE MOST UNIQUE PLACE YOU HAVE EITHER “MOONED” SOMEONE….OR BEEN THE UNFORTUNATE VICTIM OF A “MOONING”?
  • The deadline to enter is MIDNIGHT on SUNDAY, October 17th; tickets will be made available for the second weekend of the show.

    • (creativity counts in this forum…but we’ll be selecting winners randomly Monday morning when Bill rolls into the office!)

    Performance Information

    Moon Over Buffalo runs from October 15 – 23, with performances at 8:00 on Fridays/Saturdays and 2:00 on Sunday. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (over 60) and $7 for students. For more information and reservations, please call the Box Office at 888-262-3792 or visit http://www.playhousesouth.org.

    SUBMITTED PRESS RELEASE

    Would you like to submit theater news for DaytonMostMetro.com’s onStageDayton features?  Email Shane, Dave & Katherine at onStageDayton@gmail.com

    ~KN

    onStageDayton on DaytonMostMetro.comKatherine Nelson is a senior theatre major at Cedarville University who focuses on performance, playwriting, and stage management. She’s the Literary Intern with locally based Encore Theater Company, where contributors Shane Anderson and David Brush also work. The local theater company recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon Arts District, along with Zoot Theatre Co & Rhythm In Shoes. Encore Theater Company has a mission to help develop new works of musical theater, most recently Next Thing You Know and The Proof, two new musicals in development.