The Featured Articles

Hardee’s Maple-Inspired Lineup

January 30, 2025 By Dayton937

Maple makes everything better. Biscuits. Bacon. Even burgers! Hardee’s® announces guests can sweeten their day at participating locations with the smooth taste of maple featured in its new lineup, including the Maple Bacon Super Biscuit and the Sausage Maple Biscuit. For more goodness all day long, the Maple Biscuit with maple flavoring is available in a two or four pack, along with the Maple Bacon Frisco Burger and Maple Bacon Snack Pack, for a limited time while supplies last.

“No matter the time of day, Hardee’s is all about goodness, and this is an opportunity to launch a new year with some new flavors that are nothing short of delicious,” said Sarah Breymaier, vice president of brand marketing at Hardee’s. “In the heart of winter, we hope our maple lineup of signature biscuits, burgers and bacon feels like a warm, nostalgic hug.”

Available for breakfast, guests can enjoy the Sausage Maple Biscuit, which features a baked in-house, warm and fluffy maple flavored biscuit topped with a sausage patty. The Maple Bacon Super Biscuit features a Made from Scratch™ Biscuit topped with cherrywood-smoked bacon, caramelized maple, sugar and spices, topped with American cheese and a fried egg. The Maple Biscuit is baked in-house and infused with maple flavor and drizzled with icing.

For lunch and dinner, the Maple Bacon Frisco features a 100 percent Angus beef patty, topped with four strips of crispy maple bacon, Swiss cheese, tomatoes and mayo, served on sourdough bread.

For guests on the go, the Maple Bacon Snack pack is available, featuring cherrywood-smoked bacon prepared in-house with caramelized maple, sugar and spices, loaded into a portable pack to travel with ease.

Named 2024 Best Food and Beverage Loyalty Program by Newsweek, guests can enjoy goodness and value by downloading the Hardee’s app here. Through March 4, all My Rewards members can earn Double Stars (20 Stars for every $1 spent) on maple lineup purchases that can be redeemed for free menu items, and new members can enjoy a FREE Maple Sausage Biscuit with minimum of $1 purchase.

McCoy on Movies: You’re Cordially Invited

January 30, 2025 By Tabari McCoy

“Did you touch my drum set?” Jim Caldwell (Will Ferrell, left) talks with Margot (Reese Witherspoon) in a scene from writer/director Nicholas Stoller’s YOU’RE CORDIALLY INVITED. © 2023 Amazon Content Services. All Rights Reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Will Ferrell, Reese Witherspoon, Geraldine Viswanathan, Meredith Hagner, Jimmy Tatro, Leanne Morgan, Stony Blyden, Celia Weston, Jack McBrayer and Rory Scovel

DIRECTOR: Nicholas Stoller

THE BACK STORY: Jim Caldwell (Will Ferrell) is a widower who loves his only child, his daughter Jenni (Geraldine Viswanathan). So when she returns home to tell him that she’s engaged to her boyfriend Oliver (Stony Blyden) instead of that she’s moving back home, he is taken aback to say the least. Once the initial shock is gone, he decides to celebrate the occasion by booking their wedding at the same island resort he and his late wife got married.

Margot (Reese Witherspoon) is a successful reality TV producer living in LA who misses her baby sister (Meredith Hagner) dearly since she is kind of her best friend, daughter and husband all in one. But when she arrives on the scene with Dixon (Jimmy Tatro) in tow, she is ecstatic to learn they are also engaged and – surprise – pregnant – to boot. Wanting to ensure nothing but the best for her little sister, she books the same place they used to spend so much time as children having fun with their late grandmother.

But as hotel manager Leslie (Jack McBrayer) is soon to learn, his mother forgot to inform him that both Jim had already booked the same wedding date that Margot has. (Let’s just say she was indisposed – permanently.) And since the island can only accommodate one wedding per weekend, the two headstrong would-be wedding planners are going to do whatever it takes to ensure the special day for the bride to be.

Even if it results in near disaster.

THE REVIEW: YOU’RE CORDIALLY INVITED is a movie you can tell the cast had a lot of fun making. The characters are likable enough, the run time isn’t excessive and it’s got a few decent guffaws in the mix to keep you watching till the end.

And that’s about all you really need to know about the latest film from Nicholas Stoller, which is streaming now on Amazon Prime. Because if you already have the service, it’s a nice way to kill about an hour and 40 minutes of a Friday night in or a Saturday afternoon. But given the generally silly nature of the affair, it’s not going to be the movie that makes anyone sign up for added benefits from Jeff Bezos’ studio arm.

Witherspoon is at her best when she plays the woman coming to grips with her situation and realizing things about herself after interacting with others. Ferrell is at his best when he’s allowed to go fully goofy while being genuine yet stupid in the process. That’s why sometimes when the jokes feel a little forced and the situations too outrageous, the likable nature of the actors is called upon again – and again – to keep things going. There are times when the film feels like it would be better served going into more a focused tone with other moments feeling like it would be better going for the full joke instead of feeling restrained. Celia Weston adds a nice amount of balance to the mix with Leanne Morgan subtly stealing each scene she’s in, but the film feels like a diet version of some of Ferrell’s better work while trying to delve into some positive messages about family dynamics, but few people will remember that with the silliness preceding it.

In short, YOU’RE CORDIALLY INVITED is fine for a short stay, but more than one viewing will be enough to convince most it has overstayed its welcome.

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

2025 Dunkin’ Valentine’s Menu Returns This Week!

January 29, 2025 By Dayton937

Love has arrived at Dunkin’! The chain, which has 9,748 Dunkin’ Donuts stores in the U.S, has announced the return of its Valentine’s Day-inspired product line, so you can celebrate this special day in a sweet and unique way with your loved ones.

dunkin valentine's day menu 2025 | Dunkin'

The rest of Dunkin’s donut lineup will be getting a Valentine’s Day makeover, too! Through February 18, all of their filled donuts will be handed off to you in a lovely heart-shaped shell.

And if the returning donuts aren’t enough to fill your Dunkin’ Valentine’s Day menu cravings, the coffee chain is pairing up with New York-based artist and muralist Corey Paige Designs for a super cute merch capsule collection. Launching January 29 at 9am ET, you’ll be able to shop two adorable crewnecks ($45), a hat ($25), socks ($16), and a heart-shaped tote bag ($25)!

The Fab Four – The Ultimate Beatles Tribute Return to Rose

January 28, 2025 By Dayton Most Metro

If you want to experience the best Beatles tribute ever, you won’t want to miss The Fab Four – The Ultimate Beatles Tribute when they return to Rose Music Center at The Heights on Friday, June 27. The 2025 tour brings their all-new show to the stage, celebrating The Beatles’ first visit to the USA, with performances from the Ed Sullivan show and the Meet The Beatles album played in its entirety with a few greatest hits from every era. Hear your favorites including “I Want To Hold Your Hand”, ”I Saw Her Standing There”, ”All My Loving”, and so many more!

The Emmy Award-Winning Fab Four is elevated far above every other Beatles Tribute due to their precise attention to detail. With uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of Beatles’ classics such as “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “Yesterday,” “A Day In The Life,” “Twist And Shout,” “Here Comes The Sun,” and “Hey Jude”, the Fab Four will make you think you are watching the real thing.

Their incredible stage performances include three costume changes representing every era of the Beatles ever-changing career, and this loving tribute to the Beatles has amazed audiences in countries around the world, including Japan, Australia, France, Hong Kong, The United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico and Brazil.

Tickets will go on sale to the public beginning at 10AM on Friday, January 31 at Ticketmaster.com and the Rose Music Center Box Office.

Reserved Seating: $54.50* – $34.50*

The Rose Music Center box office will be open on Friday, January 31 from 10am – 3pm for The Fab Four on sale.

While supplies last. Ticket prices include parking and are subject to price increase based on demand and applicable Ticketmaster fees. All events are rain or shine.

Sunday Brunch At Coco’s For February

January 28, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Every Sunday in February Coco’s Bistro will host “Savor Your Sunday,” a special brunch series featuring performances by young musicians from Stivers School for the Arts. The restaurant will be open from 10am – 1pm and Coco’s chefs have crafted a special menu for the brunches:

Brunch will be served with music, as each week the talented musical student performers will be on hand each week to perform:

Feb 2 – Strings
Feb 9 – Piano
Feb 16 – Jazz Orchestra
Feb 22 – Dance & Choir

Advance reservations are required and fill up quickly! So call CoCo’s Bistro at 937.228.CoCo (2626) to book a table for you and your family, friends, co-workers, colleagues for one or MORE Sundays in February! $45 per guest, with $15 being a tax-deductible donation. Price does not include gratuity.

Coco’s Bistro

250 Warren St.
Dayton, OH 45402

937-228-2626

HOURS:

Mon-Thurs 11:30am – 9pm
Fri 11:30am – 10pm
Sat 5 – 10pm
Sun 10am – 1pm Feb only

Bonefish 3 Course meals for $17.90 or $22.90

January 27, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Enjoy a 3-course meal Bonefish Grill starting at only $17.9. Scroll down to see all your delicious choices. Don’t miss this limited-time special valid for dine-in only. Excludes tax and gratuity.

BANG BANG SHRIMP® TACOS WITH FRIES, HALF-POUND BFG BURGER WITH FRIES, SAUCY SHRIMP CAVATAPPI PASTA

$17.90 Options:

CHOOSE A SALAD

SIDE HOUSE OR CAESAR

CHOICE OF ENTRÉE

BANG BANG SHRIMP® TACOS WITH FRIES

HALF-POUND BFG BURGER WITH FRIES

SAUCY SHRIMP CAVATAPPI PASTA

INDIVIDUAL TOPPED BROWNIE

$22.90 Options

KUNG PAO SHRIMP BOWL, BOURBON CHICKEN & TEMPURA SHRIMP, CHIMICHURRI MAHI-MAHI

CHOOSE A SALAD

SIDE HOUSE OR CAESAR

CHOICE OF ENTRÉE

KUNG PAO SHRIMP BOWL

BOURBON CHICKEN & TEMPURA SHRIMP
WITH GARLIC WHIPPED POTATOES AND SEASONAL VEGETABLE

CHIMICHURRI MAHI-MAHI
WITH JASMINE RICE AND SEASONAL VEGETABLE

INDIVIDUAL TOPPED BROWNIE

Restaurant Week Starts Tonight- Feb 2nd

January 26, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the creation of the winter version of Dayton Restaurant Week, the three course dinner meal deals kicks off tonight and runs through Sun, Feb 2nd. It also happens every July. The original was priced at $20.05 with $1 of each meal being donated to a charity partner each time. The meal would go up a penny a year, but the economics of the restaurant industry changed all that some years ago. Full disclosure, I was president of the Miami Valley Restaurant Association when this started.

The 3 course meal concept is still the basis for most of this promotion, but the price pint is all over the place now with meals being offered from $20.25 to $65.25.

$20.25 Meals*:

All The Best: cups of soup, chicken cutlet, brisket or meatloaf & cheesecake

The Barrel 2 garden salads and a 3 topping 14″ pizza

CBCB Bar and Grill: appetizer, choice of burger, fish & chips or wings & fries and a dessert

Carvers Steaks and Chops: soup or salad, Basil & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta, chocolate truffles or lemon bars

Crooked Handle: soup or salad, loaded mac & cheese, a cuban sandwich or pulled braised beef on a toasted sub roll

El Meson: cup of soup or salad, Spicy Battered Cauliflower Tacos and Tres Leche Cake

Greek Street: soup or greek fries, chicken or veggie gyro, baklava and a fountain drink

Hickory River Smokehouse: fries, onion rings or okra, BBQ dinner plate w/ 2 sides and cornbread and dessert

Little Fish Brewing: an appetizer and choice of-noodle bowl, grilled cheese melt, falafel plate, sausage plate

Loose Ends Brewing: Crab rangoon, deluxe side salad, classic smashburger

The Famous Restaurant: burger, fries & drink or 10 wind with salad and drink or fish dinner, drink & dessert

*many of these eateries also have other options.

Meals for Two*:

Bunkers Restaurant: Choice of appetizer to share and Two orders of Chicken Chunks or two quesadillas $25.25

Dublin Pub– appetizer, 2 sandwiches and one dessert $35.25 or appetizer, 2 entrees one dessert $40.25

Kabuki: soup or salad, edamame or goyza and choice of Dol Sot, Oragne Chicken $35.25, Sushi for two $45.25

Nick’s: appetizer to share, NY Strip, Mahi Mahi or blacken Chicken Caesar salad, and dessert to share $40.25

Other Participating Restaurants:

Agave & Rye, Amber Rose, Archer’s Tavern, Chappy’s, Chop House, Coco’s Bistro, Condado Tacos, Corner Kitchen,
Crooked Handle, El Meson, elé Bistro & Wine Bar, Figlio, Jay’s Seafood, Loose Ends Brewing, Manna Uptown, Pasha Grill, Primo Italian Steakhouse, Rip Rap Roadhouse, The Florentine, The Foundry, The Melting Pot and Treasure Island.

Restaurants are traditionally busy for this week, so reservations are suggested where appropriate. Menu’s are subject to change. Not restaurants are open each night, so please check hours before you head out. To check out full menu’s, click here.

The Quest For Dayton’s Best Bloody Mary Continues!

January 26, 2025 By Dayton937

The very first Bloody Mary Showdown was held in 2014 at the old Montgomery County Fairgrounds. The winning cocktail was created by MacKenzie Manley and it was called Mack’s BBQ Burger Mary- a smokey, hearty, beefed up BBQ bloody mary with a spicy sriracha salted rim and garnished with a sweet lil smokey wrapped in a caramelized bacon slice. This win was big for Mackenzie, as it was a great way to get the word out about her bar, Mack’s Tavern, that opened several weeks later.

Bartenders from the first Bloody Mary Showdown in 2014

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.

For the last two years Loose Ends Brewing Company has walked away with the $500 first prize and bragging rights. Their award winning Bloody Mary was garnished with a celery stock, olive, lime wedge, pickled green bean, Chef Adrian’s house brined pickle, and a bacon salt rim. They’ll be back this year to go for the 3peat!

The quest for Dayton’s Best Bloody Mary is back again for the 9th edition on Sunday, Feb 2nd at Top of the Market from noon – 2pm. Produced by Planned2Give, co-founder Lisa Grigsby says, ” I love this event that highlights the creativity of our local bartenders and you’ll experience the range of flavors, spices and garnishes that make each bloody mary special.” Competing bars/restaurants include: Blind Bob’s, Entropy Brewing Company, Fifth Street Brewpub, Lily’s Dayton, Little Fish Dayton Station, Loose Ends Brewing, Meridien Uptown, Mudlick Tap House, Sparky’s Lounge, SushiNero, Table 33, The Oregon Express, Trolley Stop. Scott Conrad will be back as a special guest, showcasing his award winning RAD’s Bloody Mary Mix.

Want to judge the entries? Your opinion counts, participants will get one vote for Dayton’s Best Bloody Mary as well as a vote for best garnish and best table decor. There are two options to purchase your judging credential:

VIP Tickets: Include a buffet breakfast and an exclusive VIP hour from 11:00 AM and 12 Bloody Mary sampling tickets and judging credentials for $75.

General Admission: Includes 8 Bloody Mary sampling tickets and judging credentials for $35. Doors open for GA at noon, and the event concludes at 2:00 PM.

Purchase your advance tickets here. General admission tickets (if available) will be$40 at the door.

The Silos Food Hall & Beer Garden Now Open

January 25, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

The Silos, Dayton’s newest food hall and beer garden, is now open at 810 E. First Street, just down the road from the 2nd Street Market. The original plan for owners Wes Hartshorn, Shannon Thomas and Scott Johnson, was to open in the summer of 2024, but it took a lot longer to jump through all the hoops of construction, zoning and permitting for the 1.5-acre property. Seeing the results, it sure was worth the wait!

When I arrived for my first visit, I got lucky and parked on the street right in front of the building, which is easy to find since the Silos stand out from a couple blocks away.

As you enter you’re greeted by the central bar, which seemed to service the guests pretty quickly. All beverage service is handled at the bar. You can start a tab if you’ll be there for a bit.

With 16 tap handles and a full liquor license, you’ll have no problem finding something that quenches your thirst! The House beer has been created for them by Warped Wing, it’s a pilsner called Load Lifter, which is named after the huge crane at the brewery’s headquarters. Plenty of craft beers and Hartshorn says they’ll always have $2 PBR’s. Nonalcoholic options include kombucha, THC beverages and and sodas.

Here’s a look at the opening offerings:

An eclectic mix of table and sofa seating is scattered around with seating for a couple of hundred with the 2nd floor atmosphere is jungle/industrial with a very cozy feeling with all the plants and some couch seating for about 80 upstairs, you can take the stairs or the elevator to get upstairs. Garage doors and plenty of outdoor seating will expand the food hall, once spring weather arrives.

Located on the perimeter of the building are the four food vendors each created in a shipping container. Each vendor pays a flat monthly rent and all decisions about their business are up to them. The food options include:

Kung Fu BBQ – a family owned eatery that serves worldly-inspired cuisine with a unique American BBQ smoked interpretation. They draw influences from the Philippines, Japan, Hawaii, Mexico and more. Think Birria tacos made with Smoked Brisket and Filipino Pork Belly Adobo with garlic rice

Screenshot

Indigo– 100% gluten and dairy free , plant forward dishes like salads, grain bowls and burritos

The Burger Bistro by Cece’s Kitchen– featuring elevated burgers and sandwiches that includes traditional American burger along with a buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, glazed salmon filet sandwich, black bean burger, sliders, wings, fried mac & cheese balls and of course fries – cheese fries with a house-made cheese sauce. Be sure and check them out and tell them DaytonDining sent you!

Nood Bar– asian inspired food with a twist that includes noodle dishes, bao buns and dumplings by Chef Dane Shipp

On my visit today the place was bustling, with lots of families and friendly folks willing to share seating and talk about what they ordered and liked best. The staff were hustling, keeping tables clean and the trash emptied. It was a great first experience and I’m sure it will get event better as they all get into a rhythm.

The Silos

810 E 1st, Downtown Dayton

Free street parking is available on Meige, Taylor, East First, Pond, and East Second Streets

Tuesday – Thursday 4-10 PM
Friday 4 PM – Midnight
Saturday 11 AM – Midnight
Sunday 11 AM – 7 PM

Timely ‘Avenue Q’ lights up Dayton Playhouse!

January 24, 2025 By Joshua Stucky

The best part of any job is getting to meet new people! I was so excited to get to learn about the director of Avenue Q at DPH, Ray Gambrel.

937: Thank you for taking time to tell us about a musical we all know, love and BOY is it timely! But first….let’s hear about you! I know we would all love to know a little bit about your theater life!

RG: Thank you for this opportunity! Actually, in Jr. High I saw our High School production of, Annie Get Your Gun. I loved it! I rushed to the library and got the original Broadway cast recording on vinyl and listened to it over and over. I was hooked! I went to Sinclair Community College and studied Theater-Performance. I quickly realized that acting may not be the best fit for me, so I took a Directing class taught by Marsha Hanna. She became my idol. I had the wonderful opportunity to help stage manage a production at Sinclair, and I really got to see her work. She really became my inspiration and I think about her every time that I direct. I then got involved with, at the time, Playhouse South (now Springboro Community Theatre), both, as an actor, and as a director.

937: I love Annie get Your Gun…hokey as it is. And actually Marsha inspired MANY of us! How did you make the DPH connection?

RG:I got involved with Dayton Playhouse years ago through FutureFest (as a director). FutureFest is such a wonderful theater experience, and have been lucky enough to direct several shows for the event. My first production for Dayton Playhouse outside of the Fest was last year’s play, The One Act Play That Goes Wrong. It was a great experience.

937: FutureFest is a treasure! So, why Avenue Q?

RG: First of all, I grew up, like many others, watching Sesame Street and The Muppet Show (as well as the movies). I’ve also always been fascinated by puppets. How they seem to just come to life. I used to direct little puppet shows for my friends and family. God love them for putting up with some of that. Avenue Q just had that great puppet aspect, with wonderfully catchy songs. And the story is hilarious, with a bit of heart. The “adult material” aspect also caught my eye.

937: It is such a ‘hoot!’ So, with this production, what can the audience expect?

RG: First, you will see a wonderful set, designed by Sean Mayo that looks like a rundown version of Sesame Street. That gives you a hint of what you could be in for. There are many puppets among a cast of 3 humans, so you’ve got a bit of fun stuff going on with that. Our Music Director, Lori Topping, is amazing and has truly added so much to this production. The band that she has brought together sounds phenomenal Just the best. And then you throw in the adult humor (that may shock you and make you blush for laughing at it). I wouldn’t recommend to those that are easily offended. This is for an adult audience.

937: A little insight Ray, most of my readers are not easily offended! HA HA!! And with that said, what a timely musical! Do you feel people are in need of more of this kind of comedy?

RG: Yes. We definitely need this kind of show to laugh at, and also to make us think. Especially in a time where there are many people that are upset and scared with everything going on in this country, and the world. It’s not the best of times, but this show can help you take a moment and relax. You’ll laugh a lot, maybe even shed a tear or two. Underneath all of the adult, sometimes crude humor, this is a show with heart.

937: And, what are you hoping the audience walks away with after the show?

RG: I hope that audiences walk out of the theater feeling not only happy, and that they had a great time, but that they also have more hope. That maybe there is a chance that with all of our differences, we can still come together as a community and support each other. I know that’s what I hope for. I I think that it’s there in this show.

937: Love that! And so, so hopeful that we can find common ground in this world. Any last thoughts for us Ray?

RG: The entire cast and crew have worked so hard on this production. Many cast members spent hours helping to build and paint the set. Many of the actors came up with some wonderful ideas that really added to the show. One cast member, Emily Christine, even stepped up and choreographed many of the numbers (which is awesome by the way). The cast, like many shows, really pulled together and became a family. They truly care about this show, and each other. And I do believe that you will see all of this come through in their performances.

937: Thank you so much, again. I know, I know folks, cue jingle…. ‘Can You Tell Me How to Get, How to Get to Avenue Q?’ Details Below. Break a leg DPH….wait do puppets have legs?

Avenue Q (R)

Fri Jan 24, 2025 – Sun Feb 9, 2025

Tickets and info at https://daytonplayhouse.thundertix.com/events/224850

Friday and Saturday Shows at 8pm, Sundays 2pm.

Another Downtown Eatery Closes

January 24, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Having just celebrated their 4th anniversary earlier this month, the 1 Eleven Flavor House, owned by Demetrius Wright and Joey Williams and located at 111 W First St in Dayton has announced that Jan 31st will be their last day of service.

Here’s the official announcement:

The Flavor House Event Center‘s indoor occupancy is 125, larger events up to 150, utilizing the FH Patio. They have a complete food menu. No outside caterers are allowed. You may bring in your own desserts.

Miami Valley Meals Has Served One Million Meals

January 23, 2025 By Dayton937

This week Miami Valley Meals sent out the one-millionth meal out the door and is on its way to make someone’s day.

Founded in 2020 by furloughed culinary and hospitality professionals seeking to help their city during the pandemic, MVM has grown into a vital resource for addressing food insecurity in Greater Dayton, currently producing over 4,000 meals weekly.

This million meal milestone is something the MVMeals team is incredibly proud of, but it’s also a stark reminder of our community’s ongoing need for food.

This remarkable milestone is a testament to MVM’s mission of “Chefs transforming donated food into nutritious meals.” By collaborating with a network of nonprofit partners, MVM provides free, chef-prepared meals to those experiencing food insecurity while connecting them with additional supportive services through their partners.

Amanda DeLotelle

“Although reaching the one-million-meal mark speaks volumes to the talent and dedication of our team — and the incredible support of our volunteers, donors and grantors — it is a stark reminder that 1 in 7 in our community are not sure where their next nutritious meal will come from. There is much work to be done,” said Amanda DeLotelle, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Miami Valley Meals. “We remain committed to creating nutritious and convenient chef-prepared meals for those who need it, and we invite our community to help sustain this impactful work through volunteerism and donations.”

Founding Board Members Stan Troha and Daryl Adkins

Since its inception in 2020, MVM has grown its operations to distribute meals through 129 nonprofit partners, using approximately 90% donated or rescued food. As Miami Valley Meals approaches its 5th anniversary on March 25th, 2025, the organization continues to address two critical challenges: ensuring access to nutritious meals for individuals and families facing food insecurity and reducing food waste. MVM’s meals typically contain a protein, starch, vegetable and dessert. The organization also shares “direct donate” food items in times of surplus or when certain ingredients cannot be utilized in the meals, all of which contribute to the one-million-meal milestone.

Jollity Debuts Winter Menu

January 22, 2025 By Dayton937

Founded in 2016 Jollity was conceptualized by 3 cheffs and friends, Zach Weiner, Brendon Miller and Nathan Heil, who met while attending Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC). Jollity opened its doors with 60 seats in 2021 in Dayton’s Fire Blocks District.

Brendon Miller (left) and Zackary Weiner.

As they do each season, yesterday they dropped a new winter menu. Check it out below:

Winter 2025 Menu

Veg

Meat

Seafood

Sweets & Finales

Jollity
127 E. 3rd St.
Dayton, OH 45420

Tues- Sat 5 -10pm

The String Cheese Incident Coming to the Rose in May

January 21, 2025 By Dayton937

The String Cheese Incident has announced a new run of tour dates for 2025. Joined by special guest The Wood Brothers, the tour includes a stop in Huber Heights, OH for a performance at Rose Music Center on Sunday, May 18.

The past three decades have written a story packed full of surreal experiences, epic moments, groundbreaking involvement and huge accomplishments. The String Cheese Incident has been recognized for their commitment to musical creativity and integrity, for their community spirit, philanthropic endeavors, and for their innovative approach to the business of music.

When The String Cheese Incident’s growth first started gaining momentum in the 1990s, as the Internet was just beginning to take hold and the major-label business model was failing, the band decided to make music on their own terms.

Since then, The String Cheese Incident has gone on to carve out a completely unique approach to the business of music; they are truly pioneers of a new way of “making a band.” With the Internet as their tool, SCI was among the first artists to disseminate information online, such as tour dates, release information, and other news, to their growing fan base. Rather than doing business on such terms as “the bottom line,” SCI put their music and their fans first, opening companies of their own, including a ticketing company, a merchandise company and a fan travel agency, to best serve their community. The band’s record label, SCI Fidelity Records, has always operated under the same ideals. Even early on, SCI Fidelity embraced downloadable music and file sharing, delivering SCI’s “On The Road” series, where every show the band plays is made available for download on the Internet. Whether they realized it at the time or not, The String Cheese Incident was inventing grassroots band development. Today, literally hundreds of bands are using some version of this same approach to build their brand.

The String Cheese Incident’s commitment goes well beyond their immediate community, and even beyond the music community as a whole. Early on, the band took a serious interest in giving back to the communities that they visited, and they were among the first performers to encourage “Green” shows and tours. SCI’s support has helped give rise to such not-for-profit organizations as Conscious Alliance and HeadCount. All the while, The String Cheese Incident has stayed committed to music as a creative endeavor, not just in their recordings but also in their live performances. The list of SCI’s special guests and collaborators is long and diverse. Their annual events such as Electric Forest and Hulaween, and holiday shows such as New Year’s Eve, have helped redefine the concert experience and have garnered the band a reputation as live music vibe innovators.

Tickets will go on sale to the public beginning at 10AM on Friday, January 24 at Ticketmaster.com and the Rose Music Center Box Office.

Soup Season is Here!

January 20, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Craving some soup to warm you up? From the first steaming spoonful, to that little bit of liquid left in the bottom, these are the best bowls of chow that the Miami Valley has to offer. So, all you serious eaters, get a spoon, get some crackers if need be, and check out our list of MUST EAT soups.

With some help from our Dayton Foodies group, we’ve pulled together some recommendation for Dayton tastiest soups:

FRENCH ONION SOUP
Any one of Doubleday’s soups could make this list. In a restaurant known for their homemade soups, this one is a favorite. Dayton regulars have stuffed the restaurant for decades, and many have felt the hot, gooey dripping flavor of the french onion soup. Other top mentions for French onion include The Oakwood Club, Buckhorn Tavern and The Paragon Super Club.

THE NEW ORLEANS STYLE GUMBO

New Orleans Gumbo from Jimmie’s Ladder 11

Hearty, rich and just the right spiciness, this soup is one of those “OMG” moments when you take a bite. Known for a strongly flavored stock, meat or shellfish (or sometimes both), a thickener, and the Creole “holy trinity”: celery, bell peppers, and onions. Gumbo is often categorized by the type of thickener used, whether okra or filé powder (dried and ground sassafras leaves). It’s been said that Jimmie’s Ladder 11 has the best gumbo outside of the big easy, but Sands ands Seafood and Sports is fast gaining on them. For a different take on gumbo check out DiSalvo’s Deli for their chicken gumbo. Perfectly carved, generous chicken pieces, line a delicately light broth. The bowl is filled with a treasure trove of vegetables and tremendous flavor.

CLAM CHOWDER

Jay’s Clam Chowder, a Dayton original

This is a soup with cream or milk mixed with ingredients such as potatoes, sweet corn, smoked haddock, clams and prawns, etc. Some cream-style chowders do not use cream, and are instead prepared using milk and a roux to thicken them. The creamy broth, the chunks of fresh clams, and the perfect dash of pepper make this soup. Seajax, Club Oceano, Smith’s Boathouse, Bullwinkles and Jay’s Seafood all have raves for their New England Clam Chowder.

HOT & SOUR SOUP
It happens to be one of the healthiest mushroom soup recipes in the world! A Chinese restaurant favourite, it’s hearty, savory, sour – and as spicy as you want it to be. Filled with mushrooms, tofu and silky egg ribbons, Hot and Sour soup is thickened with cornflour/cornstarch so the broth is beautifully glossy. Fu Mon Lau – hot and sour soup is packed with veggies, low in calories and low in fat. Authentic Chinese hot and sour soup is considered medicinal as it combines healing chicken broth, circulation improving fungus (mushrooms), and antioxidant packed ginger and vinegar. Flavors Eatery in Centerville offers an original house hot drop which combines the heat of hot and sour with a more traditional egg drop soup.

POTATO SOUP
A creamy soup primarily made with cooked potatoes, broth, mil or cream and ofen includes aromatics like onion, celery and garlic. It’s often topped with bacon bits, cheese, and green onions depending on the recipe. Local favorites include The Famous, Salt Block. Biscuit Company, Bullwinkles, Grist, The Dublin Pub and Corner Kitchen, Try Tony & Pete’s for a sweet potato version.

CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP
This comforting soup is usally made with with shredded chicken, black beans, and corn and topped with tortilla strips its full of flavor, and very filling! Some of the place you’ll find it are Charlie’s Deli, Mi Lindo Jalisco Mexican Restaurant And Bar, Big Sky Bread Company, Mamacitas Cantina and El Meson.

POZOLE
A traditional soup or stew from Mexican cuisine. It is made from hominy and typically chicken or pork), and can be seasoned and garnished with shredded lettuce or cabbage, chilivpeppers, onion, garlic, radishes, avocado, salsa or limes. It’s time-consuming to make, so restaurants will usually only serve it on the weekends. The owner of Chiapas Mexican Grill tells us he uses grandmother’s recipe for a chicken and hominy soup. The broth is soothing yet spicy. The chicken is tender and shreds of it soak between hominy corn. Radishes float on top of this beautiful looking soup. One of the most unique soups on this list, it is authentic Mexican fare. You can also find it at Taqueria Mixteca, El Vaquero Mexican Restaurant in Franklin and La Michoacana Mexican Market & Restaurant

El Meson

BLACK BEAN SOUP

This flavorful and hearty soup is a staple in Latino cuisine, made with black beans, onion, garlic, pepper, ham hock, olive oil and a bit of vinegar. Pictured here from El Meson, also check it out at Jorrge’s Reataurant Cantina, Nelly’s A Taste of Bolivia and Elsa’s .

TOM KAI SOUP (Coconut Soup)
Rich and creamy yet tangy and salty, this Thai coconut chicken soup recipe is filling but light and positively bursting with flavor from Coconut milk soup, mushroom, galangal root, citrus leaves, lime juice. You can get it made with chicken or veggies or the Seafood Combo (Shrimp, Scallops, Squid) Also availaable from rom Massaman Thai Cuisine, also popular at Penn’s Thai Grille, Thai Table, Sky Asian Cuisine, Singa Thai and White Lotus.

SPECIALTY SOUPS:

THE TURTLE SOUP at THE AMBER ROSE:

Amber Rose Turtle Soup

This soup is exotic, thick and hearty. It is an old recipe, passed down by Elinore, the previous owner of the restaurant. This is one of those things that you eat and immediately want more. Visit Joe Castellano and his chefs and try it for yourself as an appetizer to one of their Eastern European meals.

THE PICKLE SOUP from BLIND BOB’S:
Don’t be fooled by the sound of it, don’t judge a book by its cover. This is one of the best soups in Dayton. The flavor isn’t sharp, it is surprisingly mild and rich. If you like cream of broccoli soup, this is an even better spin on it. This is a great warm up right before you try one of their burger selections!

THE SIZZLING RICE SOUP FROM CHINA COTTAGE:
For decades they have been serving this white meat chicken, fresh vegetables and steaming rice kernels in an unforgettable broth. The flavor is a perfect balance of mushrooms, carrots, other vegetables and rice in a white meat chicken and broth mixture. North China also has a good one.

SEAFOOD PHO from Pho Mi in Miamisburg
Pho is a veitnamese soup made with broth, rice noodles and herbs and is know asthe national dish of Vietnam. The seafood version is loaded with shrimp, crab meat and squid, and is simply delicious.

SPICY VEGETABLE SOUP from KABUKI. This soup is a fantastic mix of spicy pepper broth, bean sprouts and onions. This can clear your sinuses and make your cold feel better all at the same time. It is the perfect tune up for a sushi feast. Enjoy the color and aroma of the soup, it tastes as good as it looks.

Also don’t forget to check out Dorothy Lane Market for a daily selection of housemade soups. They usually have four or five featured soups, including vegetarian and gluten free options. Check here to check out the soup of the day selections.

Have we missed your favorite soup? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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Jollity 127 E. 3rd St. Dayton, OH 45420

SPECIALTY SOUPS:

Jollity
127 E. 3rd St.
Dayton, OH 45420