Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Top of the Market

Bar & Bistro Evolving Into Event Space

By

Top of the Market, a Dayton-based event and banquet center, located on the corner of Webster Street and Third Street in Downtown Dayton, has been part of the Dayton landscape since 2005.

The company also manages The Gourmet Deli, a staple in the Webster Station community and The Bar & Bistro, a casual dining restaurant open to the public, that are both contained within the primary facility. Following a business analysis in the fourth quarter of 2022, Top of the Market management, the Mendelson Family, will modify the business model in 2023.

The event and banquet operation and The Gourmet Deli will remain in its current form, and The Bar & Bistro will modify to become an event space opportunity.

The current 2022 Bar & Bistro operation is a four-day week, casual dining experience open to the public. Frequently, this operation was reduced in days-open to accommodate the overwhelming requests for private events to be held in the stunningly designed transformed dining space, which opened in 2021.

A 2022 analysis lead to the decision to  modify the current model to a private event space, which can host about 70 guests,  seven days weekly to complement the existing two event spaces (The Warehouse and The Loft) whose popularity grew exponentially in 2022.

John Capobianco

According to Director of Operations, John Capobianco this modification will better meet the needs of our customers and support the growing demand for additional private event space in Downtown Dayton. In addition, the event spaces will now offer the opportunity for outside catering companies to utilize the event spaces, in addition to our existing in-House catering.

They are very excited and welcome all to come in and tour our event spaces for all your small or large business meetings and private celebratory special events.

The Bar & Bistro would like to thank customers for their loyalty and patronage and hope they understand our business decision.

Bloody Mary Showdown Returns!

By

Last held in 2020, the pandemic prevented this annual event from happening for 2 years, but on Sunday, February 5th the competition for Dayton’s Best Bloody Mary resumes in 2023! Produced by Planned2Give, co-founder Jeff Jackson shared, “we are so please to be able to bring this event back, it’s a fun easy way to raise funds for a local nonprofit each year.”

Bartenders from Dayton’s bars and restaurants will compete, bringing their own bloody mary mix and garnishes to the table.  Guests will have a chance to sample the different cocktails and then vote for their favorite.

At the very first Showdown, held in  MacKenzie Manley took the title.   She described her winning cocktail as Mack’s BBQ Burger Mary- a smokey, hearty, beefed up BBQ bloody mary that has a spicy sriracha  salted rim and garnished with a sweet lil smokey wrapped in yummy caramelized bacon slice.

The next year MacKenzie tied with Scott Conrad, from The Vue Ultralounge. In year 3 Scott took the undisputed  top prize. Since then Conrad has gone on to launch a commercial business selling his award winning RADS Bloody Mary Mix.

In 2019 bartender Jenn Elsass from TJ Chumps in Miamisburg took home top prize thanks to an impressive garnish that included a large shrimp, a deviled egg and a shot of beer back.

In 2020 the winning cocktail was “Papi’s Sassy Bloody Mary” by Vicki Wedworth of Papi Joe’s Tennessee Pepper Sauce Company.

The event takes place this year from noon – 2pm on Sun, Feb 5th at Top of the Market on Webster Street.  There are two options to purchase your judging credential:

VIP Tickets: Include a buffet breakfast of eggs, bacon & sausage, and toast and an exclusive VIP hour from at 11am and 12 Bloody Mary sampling tickets and judging credentials for $75

General Admission: Includes 8 Bloody Mary sampling tickets and judging credentials for $30. Doors open for GA at noon and event concludes at 2pm.

Guests will also vote for best garnish and best table decor. Best Bloody Mary walks with bragging rights and a $500 cash prize!

Purchase your tickets here.

Bartenders- think your Bloody Mary has what it takes? PROVE IT!
To enter, click here. There is a $25 entrance fee and we will provide you with  Vodka, sample cups, ice and a covered table. You bring your own bloody mary mix and any special garnishes you’d like. Winning bartender walks with bragging rights and $500 cash.
The charity beneficiary for this event is The Castle– a safe haven for adults with with mental disorders in Centerville. Their representative will be on hand to share information about their program and host a fundraising auction as well.

SUNDAY ‘TEA’ WILL BE SPILLED….so DRINK UP!

By

The Bar and Bistro at the ‘Top of the Market’ will be lit Sunday, May 1st, as Dayton takes a sip of it’s very own SUNDAY TEA DANCE!

Centered around the ancient idea of ‘having tea’ from 4p-7p, the Bistro will kick off their own version with Drinks, Drag Queens and Dancing! Gaining popularity around the country, these ‘daytime’ parties feature high energy dance music (by DJ ALVAREZ) and a chance to have a Sunday Funday throughout the summer.

 

The premiere show features a stellar cast….Dayton royalty JACKIE O, The smoldering hot JESSICA MARIE JONES, ever deranged DANA SINTELL and the return of a Dayton Favorite, CARRIE J SUMMERS! On deck are Chasity Marie and other locals! Show director (Sintell) was overjoyed when the girls agreed that this could be something amazing! ‘I have always thought a TEA DANCE had potential in Dayton. You see them in Saugatuck, NYC, MIAMI….why not here! Who doesn’t want to see a show, hear some great tunes, dance with friends and be in bed by 8:30pm!’ he says with a smile. ‘I know the Bistro is the place. You can sense it when you walk in. It’s setup perfectly for a show, and there will be space to just kick back and have some fun together!’

‘I’m excited to do local drag again!’ Jackie O interjects. ‘I miss it. And look at this group. I mean…it has everything!’ The Sunday kick-off show is only the beginning of summer filled with TEA DANCE parties. And the cast will change weekly. ‘You will see one of the original 4 bopping around every Sunday, but we want to make it fresh weekly! So much fun!!’

For Carrie J Summers’ fans, this is a real treat! ‘I called Carrie, told her the concept, told her to let us know what she felt would work…and she said YES! I was thrilled.’ says Sintell. ‘People miss her…and they will love seeing her back in action.’ Action will be plenty…along with great cocktails at the Bistro. John Capobianco, the manager of the space sees the potential for growth. ‘We have a warehouse we can open up when we get the crowd. This space. is perfect for TEA and I think we are all on to something!’

In recently years, the idea of dancing at local bars has dwindled with the closing of some longtime clubs. Here is a chance to get back into the groove. ‘The drag show part of this is unique. Dayton always has to do things a little differently, and adding Drag seems the perfect partner to TEA DANCE.’ says Sintell. There will likely be food trucks at the event for those needing a little fare! In sticking with Dayton Drag’s ongoing desire to ‘help others’ the Queens at Tea (the BISTRO BABES!)  will donate tips from their third (final) number of each week to a local charity! “This really worked when we did brunches in the past’ says Summers. ‘It feels good to help area charities.’

The excitement builds for the big premiere. Make sure you grab your tickets! TEA will BE SPILLED…and YOU Don’t want to MISS IT!

SUNDAYton TEA is coming to the Bar and Bistro at 32 Webster St. Dayton.

Kick-Off Show is Sunday, May 1st, 4p-7p.

Advance Seating sold by the table can be purchased online. Single tickets can be purchased at the door for just $10.

 

 

 

Back on Top (of the Market!)

By

For Bonnie Mendelson and her two children, the excitement of seeing  the Top of the Market‘s Renaissance comes at a bittersweet time.   Since the passing of Dayton Icon, Sandy Mendelson, the family has been moving his dream for the deli and event space forward. It has gained traction and attention in recent weeks…and it’s just getting started.

 

“The place has a renewed electric energy. The community has been so supportive of our recent changes. It feels so great!” says Heather Mendelson-Goodrich.”We are feeling the uptick in business, and people are talking about the changes.” And there have been plenty. In recent months, a new menu, an added cocktail bar and a change in hours have highlighted the Top of the Market. “It is becoming the place to once again be seen.” Says Bonnie Mendelson. “We are having some great events here and our new team is outstanding.”

Heading up that ‘new’ team is New York Transplant, John Capobianco. With his vast experience in hospitality and restaurant ownership, Capobianco brings new eyes and ideas to the space. “It’s really exciting to be part of this. In a very short time we have been able to construct a comfortable lounge area, create a  comprehensive new menu and open a nice bar area…All New and Just For You!” Capobianco smiles as he delivers the new motto! But it hasn’t all been smiles for the Top of the Market. Changes take time, and there are inevitably bumps a long the way. Staffing changes, ordering new furnishings and get the ‘word out there’ are just a few of the challenges.

“We’re getting there.”  says Capobianco, who has found Dayton the friendliest of cities. “People are so happy for us, which means so much.” The Market employs around 20 workers and features a new Executive Chef, Will Campollo. “Everyone’s getting on-board. Events are up!” There are two main event spaces, the Warehouse which accommodates 350 people and the Loft which accommodates 170. Both spaces have all the necessary parts and pieces for meetings, weddings and other large get-togethers.

The Bar and Bistro, which will have a Happy Hour from 4-7pm (closing at 10pm), will also feature some signature cocktails, including the ‘Stacked’ Paloma (Tequila, Mexican Ginger Ale, Jarritos and Fresh Lime juice) and the Dayton Rubi (Grey Goose, Prosecco, St. Germaine and Cranberry Juice). The Bar and Bistro will begin it’s soft-opening around 11/8.

The Gourmet Deli, which is already a go-to for downtowners, is now open Monday-Saturday 10-7pm. New items are being rolled out as we speak…tacos, stir-fry, various bowls and the much-loved Bowl and a Half (Bowl of soup and half a sandwich.) “We recently added Saturdays and they are picking up. There is also patio seating for the bar and deli! We are really looking forward to enhancing our deli by adding local retail, grocery items and the likes. (Think local eggs, dressings, honey…etc…). What makes it even more convenient to our customers is the amount of free parking we offer on the south side of the building. There is so much going on in the Webster Station area, it’s good to be involved in it and with the support of Harlan, Bonnie and Heather, the sky’s the limit!” Capobianco added.

“We really appreciate John,” says Bonnie Mendelson, “and all he has brought to the market,”  It’s always good to be back on TOP!

The Top of the Market, Gourmet Deli and The Bar and Bistro are located at 32 Webster Street in Dayton. For more information call (937) 224-3663.

 

 

 

 

 

Food Adventures with Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzell

By 1 Comment

Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzell Enjoying a Brew at Tank’s Bar & Grill

Everyone knows that Gary Leitzell is the mayor of Dayton, but did you know that he is a foodie ??   You may find him at Tank’s on Wayne Avenue with a mini pitcher of beer discussing the history of Dayton.   You may see him munching on pizza at the South Park Tavern, talking about some of the old homes in the neighborhood & who built them.   You may catch the mayor cutting a sandwich at the Top of the Market & Deli at Webster Street.

The Big Ragu often runs into Gary Leitzell at various community events.  We have had Food Adventures with the mayor at Ghostlight Coffee and even visited with his legislative aide “Gladgirl Shelly.‘  The mayor has spent time with us at the 2nd Street Market.    We have been with him at charity events like the AMBUCS Chili Cookoff.  And, who could forget our ‘must eats’ like Oktoberfest at the Dayton Art Institute or the World A’Fair at the Convention Center.

When we see Mayor Leitzell, he always takes a moment to talk with us about Dayton and the local government’s exciting plans for the city.  Practically everything about Gary is unique.  Most of his childhood was spent in England, he has no political affiliation and fancies himself an independent.

 

But this is not an article on politics.   It is an article on fun and food in the Dayton area, which is what Food Adventures are all about.

Speaking of fun, here are some things you ‘gotta know’ about Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzell:

— He eats every sandwich with a fork and knife.  – Yes, hot dogs and burgers too.  Call it a good manners habit from his days in merry olde England.

—He has a blog called ‘This Old Crack House’  – Mayor Leitzell is a cool character with a great personality.  His blog documents the refurbishing of his historic home, which went from a log house to a townhouse, to a crack house and now, his house.  You gotta love a guy that has a blog called “This Old Crack House.”  Check it out HERE.

— Mayor Leitzell has a scooter.  – What better way to get to  a Food Adventure?

—  He doesn’t own a cell phone. – Gary is a person who prefers to communicate face to face or by email.  Wait a minute, how does he order carryout food?  For a guy always on the move, we find it astonishing that he doesn’t own a mobile phone.  Maybe it is a lesson to us as well.

— His favorite rock band is ‘The Who.’  – Will they play a farewell show at Courthouse Square when his term as mayor ends?  We will have our people get with your people to coordinate that one.

If there is a lesson to be learned from Mayor Leitzell it is “Be yourself.”   The mayor has a positive passion for the Dayton area and the future of the city.  He is involved with many activities, from West Side Dayton volunteer projects to creative marketing for the city.  But, you won’t see that trumpeted in a paper or in a story online.  As his term expires in January, look for him to run for a Montgomery County Commissioner seat.

So be on the lookout next time you are eating out and around Dayton.  You just may be sitting next to the mayor !

What are your top 5 Dayton area restaurants?  Comment below so we can see how you stack up with the mayor !

****************************************************************************************************

Leitzell may be the bossman, but Food Adventures are the Dukes of Facebook .   Like these “Dayton Foodies” on FACEBOOK by clicking  —–>HERE!

[flagallery gid=54]

 

Fleurs Et Vin: A Great Success at Carrillon Park

By Leave a Comment

Each Guest Received Souvenir Glasses

Did you miss it?  Endless wine tasting and all the food samplings you wanted were featured at the 2013 Fleurs et Vin Festival held at Carillon Park on May 19th.  The Big Ragu was on hand with Dayton Most Metro’s staff, greeting the massive crowds and sample the various offerings.  It was a Food Adventure paradise in the heart of Dayton, and a must eat on our list of events.

If you were not able to make it to this annual benefit for the AIDS Resource Center Ohio, then check out our recap, below.

Here’s the Skinny:

— FLEURS ET VIN is Dayton’s Premier Wine and Gourmet Food Festival, typically held each year on a Sunday in May from 1-4pm under the tents at Carrillon Historical Park.  It is an all-you-want tasting event with a loyal following.

— ALL of the food and wine was donated by locally owned restaurants, allowing 100% of the proceeds to benefit AIDS Resource Center of Dayton.  A Food Adventure with a cause

— Admission price allowed you access to over 400 wines from around the world and taste menu samples from 20 local restaurants, along with a Belgian Beer Garden area !

— Live and Silent Auction areas allowed even more funds to be raised for this worthy cause that focuses of prevention and education about AIDS, along with service programs that help those in need with HIV/AIDS.

— Live music filled the air and added to the warm ambiance.

With so many good wines and so much good food, below are our picks for the best of the best from this spectacular event!

Crab Rangoon from Thai 9.  Our Favorite Rangoon in Dayton.

OUR FAVORITES  (THE FOOD):

Thai 9’s Crab Rangoon and Chicken with Rice:  In our opinion, the best crab rangoon in the Dayton area were these incredible samples from Thai9.  Stuffed full and deep, and served with a sweet side of Thai sauce, we found ourselves returning to this line often.  The Thai chicken dish was also incredible at this station.  It was a Thai pepper chicken, served in a brown, curry house sauce over a bed of white rice.  We told them we loved it, but our mouths were so full that they couldn’t understand us.

The Dock’s Crab Cakes:  Slowly seared on their portable flat top grill, these were flavorful, hand-packed circles of love.  The sauce that topped the crab cakes was the secret ingredient that kept us coming back for more.  The staff of The Dock probably wanted to file a restraining order against us for hanging out by their grill as much as we did.  We could not resist seconds of these scrumptious bites of crab heaven.

Hawthorn Grill’s  Sorbet and Strawberry ShortCake: All of the desserts at Hawthorn Grill are homemade by Chef Candace and her staff.   Her sorbet was a perfect, refreshing break during this hot event.  The bite size piece of cake, topped with a strawberry sauce also hit the spot.

Scratch Catering’s Beef Brisket and Carmelized Onion Bruschetta:  When doesn’t Chef Matt Hayden please the hungry crowds?  This delicious, slow-cooked sampling was just as pleasing to the eye, as it was to our taste buds.  The hits from Scratch Catering just keep on coming ….

OUR FAVORITES (THE WINES):

Canella Blood Orange Mimosa:  Talk about refreshing!   This tasty, bottled mimosa was the perfect drink, on this hot day.  The server at this booth had to be tired of us by the end of the event.   Probably our favorite offering from the Vintage Wine Distributor.  This Italian wine cocktail is made from grape wine and the juice and pulp of blood oranges from Sicily.

Heron Chardonnay:  A crisp, white wine made from 22 year old grape vines.  The winery is a female owned, family vineyard run by Laely Heron.   One of the few American women who made wine in France, Heron’s products are also produced in California.

Spreitzer Riesling 101:  This German Riesling comes from a winery owned by two brothers who have been honing their craft since 1997.  It was a cold, refreshing sip of sparkling goodness in the warm weather.

The Belgian Beer Garden: Although this was a wine festival, Heidelberg Distributing distracted us with some great beer selections.  Food Adventures enjoyed a couple of  Stella Artois beers in a souvenir pint.  The Big Ragu went for some Hoegaarden beer and an Ommegang Witte Beer.

All in all, this is Dayton’s “Wine me and dine me” Festival.  We loved being a part of a wonderful event, that supported a locally based AIDS charity.  Good local food and world class wines, what more could one ask for?   So let us end this Food Adventure, by raising our glass with a toast.. “Whether you love Merlot or Chardonnay, here’s to seeing you at Fleurs et Vin, next May!!”

For more wine, and no whine, visit Food Adventures on Facebook and “like” them by clicking HERE !

[flagallery gid=40 name=Gallery]