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Lucky New Year’s Traditions

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For many the start of a new year is all about making a fresh start.  For others it’s a time of tradition.  Either way, why not start your year with some of these foods considered to bring good luck and prosperity  for the new year.

Here’s a round up of some of the best know New Years Eve traditions from around the world:

Hoppin’ John—  A traditional southern New Year’s dish —black eyed peas and ham hocks. An old saying goes, “Eat peas on New Year’s day to have plenty of everything the rest of the year.”

Eating-12-GrapesGrapes – consume 12 at midnight. Each grape represents a different month, so if the 3rd
grape is a bit sour, March might be a rocky month.  This tradition hails from Spain in 1909 by grape growers who were trying to create a market for left over grapes.

Noodles– In Asia, eating long noodles is believed to bring a long life. The New Year’s Day tradition has the person eating the noodle without breaking it until it is all in your mouth.

Seafood –  In Japan, herring roe is consumed for fertility, shrimp for long life, and dried sardines for a good harvest

Open the Doors- It’s a common superstition that opening the doors and windows will let the old year out, and the new year in unimpeded.

Donuts – The Dutch love to eat a donut on New Year’s Day because they believe that the circular food item symbolizes the full circle of life.

Black Elucky-new-years-food-01-slyed Peas– The peas, since they swell when cooked, symbolize prosperity.

Greens – their leaves look like folded money, and are thus symbolic of economic fortune.  The tradition implies that the more kale, cabbage, collards and chard you eat, the larger your fortunes will be.

Pork– pigs symbolize progress & its rich fat content signifies wealth and prosperity.  Roast suckling pig is served for New Year’s in Cuba, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, and Austria and Austrians are known to decorate the table with miniature pigs made of marzipan.

Hanging Onions– No, this New Year’s Eve tradition has nothing to do with vampires. Rather, the Greeks believe that onions are a symbol of rebirth, and so they hang the pungent vegetable on their doors in order to promote growth throughout the new year. Greek culture has long associated this food with the idea of development, seeing as all the odorous onion ever seemingly wants is to plant its roots and keep growing.


Pomegranates – Eating pomegranate on New Year’s Eve is a great Brazilian tradition. It is believed that the pomegranate’s abundance of seeds is an analogy for abundance in your life. Some say that you have to eat the fruit and keep its seeds in your wallet to attract money all year round.

Roast suckling pig is served for New Year’s in Cuba, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, and Austria and Austrians are known to decorate the table with miniature pigs made of marzipan.

Citrus–  In China, oranges and tangerines are placed on the table for the New Years meal. This could be because “orange” and “tangerine” sound very much like “wealth” and “luck” in the Chinese language.

Sprinkling Salt – In Turkey, it’s considered good luck to sprinkle salt on your doorstep as soon as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s day. Like many other New Year’s Eve traditions around the globe, this one is said to promote both peace and prosperity throughout the new year.

lucky-new-years-food-05-sl

Cakes–  Round shaped cakes and breads are eaten all over the world on New Years day-  a symbol of coming full circle. In most countries, a coin or a trinket is hidden inside the cake. The recipient to get that slice is said to have good fortune all year long.

 

What Not to Eat:

Just as there are lucky foods, there are also some foods that carry the stigma of bringing bad luck, so be warned:

Lobster– they move backwards and could therefore lead to setbacks

Chicken– they scratch for food so those who eat poultry will “scratch” for food all year.

Winged fowl– because good luck could fly away!

White foods – The Chinese avoid eggs, cheese, and tofu, because white is the color of death.

 

This New Year’s Eve, it is almost inevitable that you will hear (and possibly try to sing) “Auld Lang Syne,” a song whose melody is synonymous with the new year (and the theme of change more broadly).  It is used traditionally to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new year at the stroke of midnight, or throughout the night, each New Year’s Eve. The song is also sometimes used on significant ceremonial occasions like graduations and funerals.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And days of auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll take the cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll take the cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

Wishing you a happy and healthy new year!

Dayton at Work and Play: Kate Huser Santucci

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For the last month Monday has been Buy Local day, where I’ve posted a brief conversation with someone selling goods or services in the Miami Valley.
This week my Buy Local conversation is with Kate Huser Santucci who is about to have her first exhibition of 2025. Kate uses as many as 30 layers of encaustic material on her pieces. That gives her work a sense of depth that draws viewers into the artwork.
Kate tells me she took up encaustic work just over 10 years ago. She was drawn to the ethereal feel of some encaustic work and the versatility of the medium. “You can be sculptural or really painterly, you can scratch parts off or draw lines on and do all kinds of other things” she told me.
“This exhibition is called Water Rising. I first started working on these pieces thinking about water and climate change but as time passed I realized these pieces meant other things to me on a personal level. They refer to trying to keep your head above water, trying to keep afloat. They’re about adapting to the added stressors of this time.”
“The show will be in the Dutoit Gallery (Front Street Warehouse, 1001 E 2nd St, Building 100, Door BC, Floor 3) all January. The opening is on First Friday, January 3 from 5 to 9 and after that the gallery is open every Saturday 12 to 4.”

Kawanzaa Starts Tonight

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The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili. Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way, but celebrations often include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal.

The candle-lighting ceremony each evening provides the opportunity to gather and discuss the meaning of Kwanzaa. The first night, the black candle in the center is lit (and the principle of umoja/unity is discussed). One candle is lit each evening and the appropriate principle is discussed.

Seven Principles

The seven principles, or Nguzo Saba are a set of ideals created by Dr. Maulana Karenga. Each day of Kwanzaa emphasizes a different principle.

Unity:Umoja (oo–MO–jah)
To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

Self-determination: Kujichagulia (koo–gee–cha–goo–LEE–yah)
To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.

Collective Work and Responsibility: Ujima (oo–GEE–mah)
To build and maintain our community together and make our brother’s and sister’s problems our problems and to solve them together.

Cooperative Economics: Ujamaa (oo–JAH–mah)
To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.

Purpose: Nia (nee–YAH)
To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

Creativity: Kuumba (koo–OOM–bah)
To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Faith: Imani (ee–MAH–nee)
To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

Seven Symbols

The seven principles, or Nguzo Saba are a set of ideals created by Dr. Maulana Karenga. Each day of Kwanzaa emphasizes a different principle.

Mazao, the crops (fruits, nuts, and vegetables)
Symbolizes work and the basis of the holiday. It represents the historical foundation for Kwanzaa, the gathering of the people that is patterned after African harvest festivals in which joy, sharing, unity, and thanksgiving are the fruits of collective planning and work. Since the family is the basic social and economic center of every civilization, the celebration bonded family members, reaffirming their commitment and responsibility to each other. In Africa the family may have included several generations of two or more nuclear families, as well as distant relatives. Ancient Africans didn’t care how large the family was, but there was only one leader – the oldest male of the strongest group. For this reason, an entire village may have been composed of one family. The family was a limb of a tribe that shared common customs, cultural traditions, and political unity and were supposedly descended from common ancestors. The tribe lived by traditions that provided continuity and identity. Tribal laws often determined the value system, laws, and customs encompassing birth, adolescence, marriage, parenthood, maturity, and death. Through personal sacrifice and hard work, the farmers sowed seeds that brought forth new plant life to feed the people and other animals of the earth. To demonstrate their mazao, celebrants of Kwanzaa place nuts, fruit, and vegetables, representing work, on the mkeka.

Mkeka: Place Mat
The mkeka, made from straw or cloth, comes directly from Africa and expresses history, culture, and tradition. It symbolizes the historical and traditional foundation for us to stand on and build our lives because today stands on our yesterdays, just as the other symbols stand on the mkeka. In 1965, James Baldwin wrote: “For history is not merely something to be read. And it does not refer merely, or even principally, to the past. On the contrary, the great force of history comes from the facts that we carry it within us, are consciously controlled by it in many ways, and history is literally present in all that we do. It could scarcely be otherwise, since it is to history that we owe our frames of reference, our identities, and our aspirations.” During Kwanzaa, we study, recall, and reflect on our history and the role we are to play as a legacy to the future. Ancient societies made mats from straw, the dried seams of grains, sowed and reaped collectively. The weavers took the stalks and created household baskets and mats. Today, we buy mkeka that are made from Kente cloth, African mud cloth, and other textiles from various areas of the African continent. The mishumaa saba, the vibunzi, the mazao, the zawadi, the kikombe cha umoja, and the kinara are placed directly on the mkeka.

Vibunzi: Ear of Corn
The stalk of corn represents fertility and symbolizes that through the reproduction of children, the future hopes of the family are brought to life. One ear is called vibunzi, and two or more ears are called mihindi. Each ear symbolizes a child in the family, and thus one ear is placed on the mkeka for each child in the family. If there are no children in the home, two ears are still set on the mkeka because each person is responsible for the children of the community. During Kwanzaa, we take the love and nurturance that was heaped on us as children and selflessly return it to all children, especially the helpless, homeless, loveless ones in our community. Thus, the Nigerian proverb “It takes a whole village to raise a child” is realized in this symbol (vibunzi), since raising a child in Africa was a community affair, involving the tribal village, as well as the family. Good habits of respect for self and others, discipline, positive thinking, expectations, compassion, empathy, charity, and self-direction are learned in childhood from parents, from peers, and from experiences. Children are essential to Kwanzaa, for they are the future, the seed bearers that will carry cultural values and practices into the next generation. For this reason, children were cared for communally and individually within a tribal village. The biological family was ultimately responsible for raising its own children, but every person in the village was responsible for the safety and welfare of all the children.

 

Excerpted from the book: The Complete Kwanzaa Celebrating Our Cultural Harvest. Copyright 1995 by Dorothy Winbush Riley.

Grounds For Hounds Fundraiser Returns For January 20255

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Grounds For Hounds, presented by Planned2Give, is a self-guided coffee tour that highlights shops throughout the Dayton region.  Buy a coupon book for $25 and you’ll receive a cup of coffee (up to a $5 value) at each of the 10 coffee shops in the month of January 2025.  You can buy your book online and it will be mailed to you or you can stop by SICSA (8172 Washington Church Rd.) to purchase a coupon book or they will also be available at Wright Dunbar Cigars  located at 1153 West 3rd Street in Dayton.

Participating Coffee Shops:

  • B-Side Coffee Bar (6178 Chambersburg Road in Huber Heights)
  • Boston Stoker (Centerville, Clayton, & Troy)
  • Curious Styles and Coffee Shop (16 S. Main St. in Miamisburg)
  • Gather By Ghostlight (37 W. Fourth St. in Dayton)
  • Ghostlight Coffee (1201 Wayne Ave.  in Dayton)
  • MidDay (800 S Patterson Blvd, Dayton)
  • Tastefully Roasted Coffee (6 Oakwood Ave. in Dayton)
  • This Guy’s Coffee (284 W Central Ave, Springboro)
  • Wholly Grounds (825 Wayne Ave. in Dayton)
  • Winans Coffee & Chocolates (5839 Far Hills Avenue in Dayton)

Planned2Give co-founder Lisa Grigsby says, “we love this opportunity to promote support local independent coffee shops and be able to donate to SICSA as well.  They are such a great community resource for our animals.  We encourage all caffeine lovers to grab a coupon book and visit all of these shops in the month of January.”

Grounds For Hounds will benefit SICSA in 2025.

Planned2Give is grateful  to our print sponsor Pet Butler.  

 

Meet Amy Beaver, owner of Butter Cafe

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Both of our daughters are here this Christmas. Whenever they are in town they take their mother out to Butter Cafe (1106 Brown Street) for breakfast or lunch. They like the gluten-free selections, which one of them needs, and they like the ambience. I mentioned that to the restaurant’s owner, Amy Beaver.


“I’m glad to hear that your daughters like the atmosphere here. We’re close to the University of Dayton, and this was once student housing. Even though we can seat 72 patrons the place has a homey feel because it’s divided into smaller spaces that used to be bedrooms or living rooms. We’ve also tried to add some things that add to the warm feeling – like the murals Tiffany Clark painted outside our windows.”


“We offer a broad selection of breakfast and lunch items including some gluten-free and vegan options. Whenever I come across an interesting new recipe I look for a way to tweak it to make it my own. I also think about whether I can do something similar that is vegan or gluten free.”
I asked how she came to open Butter Cafe.”When I was growing up Dad worked in resorts around Hilton Head. Now he and my mother have a restaurant in Michigan, so I’ve been around the food business my whole life. We have a large family and we all had to pitch in and help. Since I was 7 I’ve gotten a charge out of making people happy by giving them food I cooked. I still feel that way, which is why I run a restaurant.”
“A partner and I opened this place 15 years ago. The business has done well but it hasn’t been a smooth ride. I had to get through the sudden unexpected death of my partner, and then the Covid pandemic. I’m so glad my sister Amber moved here in 2020. She’s been a great addition to the restaurant. She does a lot of our baking, a job that my late partner did.”

Amy on the right and her sister Amber on the left.

Butter Cafe

1106 Brown St,
Dayton OH  45409

Hours
Monday–Friday
8am–2pm Saturday – Sunday
8am–3pm

Wanna Drive The Weinermobile?

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Oscar Meyer has opened up applications for new drivers for its iconic Weinermobile . If you’ve dreamed of driving a 27-foot-long hot dog up and down the roads of America, you’ve got until Jan. 31 to apply for the job.

It’s a paid gig, too! Hotdoggers, as the drivers are called, earn a base salary of $35,600 as well as a weekly allowance of $150 for meals and personal travel. They also get 18 days of paid time off, full health benefits and (naturally) 100% of all of their hotel expenses covered.

Think you can cut the mustard and stand above the competition? Here’s what you’ll need to be considered for the job. ( You can apply here .) 

You’ll need a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in public relations, journalism, communications, advertising, or marketing. It helps to be bilingual. And introverts need not apply.

You’ll also need a driver’s license  and be able to work major holidays. And you’ll need to clear a background check.

Not only will you drive the iconic vehicle all over the country, you’ll represent Oscar Meyer at more than 200 events throughout the year. That will involve handing out more than 250,000 Wiener Whistles to fans.

Just be warned: A a lot of people relish this job. Less than 1% of applicants are selected for the 12 openings. Oscar Meyer says that makes it harder to become a Hotdogger than it is to get into an Ivy League university.

This will be the 38 th round of Hotdoggers. The Wienermobile has been traveling the U.S. since 1936.

 

Troy Theater & Cocktail Bar Ownership Changes

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The historic Mayflower in downtown Troy is set to undergo a change in ownership and operation on January 1, 2025.
Following a year-long renovation that has transformed the theater into a restaurant, live music venue and retail store. The Mayflower has been operated by A.M. Scott Distillery since May 2, 2024. The last day of operations as The Mayflower by A.M. Scott Distillery will be December 31, 2024.
A.M. Scott Distillery is a spirits company led by Anthony Scott and housed at 214 S Mulberry Street in Troy. The company has decided to shift focus to its core revenue stream of manufacturing and distribution. You can continue to enjoy their spirits at Scotty’s Bottle Parlor located at the distillery.
“A.M. Scott Distillery and its team has thoroughly enjoyed its partnership with Martin and being an integral part of the Mayflowers development. We now look forward to our primary focus of creating and distributing quality spirits.” stated Scott.
Wes Martin, owner of Busted Brick Realty, LLC and Village Vantage, purchased the Mayflower building in 2022. Under the umbrella of Village Vantage, Martin and his partners will lead The Mayflower ownership and operations beginning January 1 2025. While the legal name and identity of The Mayflower is subject to change, the intent is that the nature of the entities remain.

Wes Martin

“I would like to thank the A.M. Scott team for their efforts towards this project. We now look forward to the future with the intent of creating an inclusive space rooted in entertainment and hospitality.” stated Martin.

2025 hours of operation and additional information regarding the future of The Mayflower will be announced in the coming weeks.

Foodie News In Review For 2024

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Some of our biggest stories  on Dayton937.com in 2024 have to do with food!

Whether it was breaking the news about new openings like when we announced the new Blueberry Cafe opening or the 2nd Tokyo Grill & Sushi Buffet at the Fairfield Commons in Beavercreek or Five Grains Noodle House opening in the former Chop Suey in Kettering.  The news of the reopening of The Ugly Duckling in St. Anne’s Hill and Hummus Mediterranean Cuisine opening in Springboro attracted a lot of  eyeballs. Mudlick Tap House‘s announcement of a Centerville location was huge news.  Red Bird Pizza opened in Miamisburg, Napoli’s opened a 2nd location in Beavercreek, Mun-O-Salwa brought Indian/Pakistani food to Riverside. Fairborn got a middle eastern BBQ joint and Mz Jade brought soul food to the W. Social Tap and Table while Scramble by Cafe 19 brought breakfast to Brookville and Sakura Sushi & Korean Cuisine opened in Beavercreek.

Over 70 new restaurants opened in the Miami Valley in 2024. The newest one Chicken Salad Chick  opened today in Centerville.

The selling of Franco’s to Jimmy’s Italian Cuisine, new ownership of Thai9,  the closing of  Flyboys Deli, Mad River Tavern and Moeller Brew Barn downtown also drew huge interest from our readers. Thai Table got new owners, while the previous owners opened Thai Village in Centerville after opening Honey Toast earlier this year.  Holly’s Home Cooking closed in West Carrollton allowing the Legacy Pancake House to find a new home after fire displaced them.  Frisch’s closings seemed to bring out fans and haters and put a lot of locals out of work.  They still have several more locations closing this month, yet talk of new ownership is giving long time fans hope.

We also celebrated the longevity of some of our local food establishments, like the 16th anniversary of Emily Collins owning The Root Beer Stande, Victor’s Taco Shops 14th location, Bellbrook Chocolate celebrated their 40th anniversary, The Dock celebrated 30 years of seafood.  Falb’s Restaurant, home to Dayton’s oldest lunch counter, is still serving up cabbage rolls on the third Friday of the month.

Brunch also seems to be a big interest as Table 33 reopened in a new location, Manna Uptown, The Foundry , The Florentine  & El Meson added a Sunday brunch to their menu, Huber Heights Sands started a monthly brunch and the Dublin Pub changed from a buffet brunch to off the menu offerings while  All The Best Delicatessen added breakfast. Miami Valley Meals hosted their 3rd Diced fundraiser with chefs from Grist walking away with the championship.

A viral video blew up Val’s Bakery, local Chef Dana Downs took on her former employee Matt Klum on Food Network’s “SuperChef Grudge Match“, announced a rebrand of Roost to Culina, then quickly took it back.  Archer’s Tavern headed to the National Buffalo Wing Festival and brought back some trophies.

Some restaurants continue to reinvent themselves, like DOZO at Tender Mercy,  Red Lobsters menu overhaul after emerging from bankruptcy, the El Toro family launched Vallarta Mexican & Seafood and Toasted Brunch Bar + Cafe, and Old Scratch Pizza opening on Mondays. Speaking of Monday’s, over 150 of our local eateries are open on Monday’s, something lots of folks didn’t know.

We gained several new coffee shops this year, including Kettering’s Socialite Cafe, MidDay Cafe opened in Mid-town,  Centerville’s Contempo Coffee got some national attention, there’s a new bakery in Yellow Springs while Lucy’s Pastry Palace opened at the 2nd Street Market.

Food Challenges, like TJ Chump’s burger battle, Submarine House’s Cheesesteak challenge and Glazed’s dirty 30  kept folks eating, while decks of foodie cards helped local diners save money.  Our own Bryan Suddith  quests to  find the best Cuban Sandwich as well as the best Baby Back Ribs seem to keep you all talking.  Some of our most viewed stories include places kids eat cheap or free, options for boxed lunches, our list of restaurants with private rooms.

No matter what’s happening in the Miami Valley food scene, DaytonDining will keep letting you know about it.

 

BREAKING NEWS: Kim Deal kicks off first-ever solo tour at The Brightside

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Photo of Kim Deal by Kristin Sollecito

The Brightside Music & Event Venue proudly announces that Dayton music icon Kim Deal will kick off her first-ever solo tour supporting her new album Nobody Loves You More right here in her hometown. This unforgettable evening will be held at The Brightside on Thursday, February 20, 2025. Tickets went on sale Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 11 am.

Kim Deal is a transformative force in the music industry. Known for her pioneering work with two legendary alternative rock bands, The Pixies and The Breeders, her influence spans four decades. She is also a cherished figure in the Dayton music community, inspiring countless artists and fans alike. This concert celebrates Kim and her place in Dayton’s vibrant musical history.

Her debut solo album, Nobody Loves You More, released last month to much acclaim. Its diverse influences are evident throughout, thanks to collaborations with the late Steve Albini, members of The Breeders, and other respected musicians. Most importantly, this album showcases Kim’s exceptional abilities.


After the exciting Dayton concert on February 20th, the tour will continue on to the vibrant cities of London, Boston, New York, DC, Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Barcelona, along with many other culturally rich destinations.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to get to host this show at The Brightside and add Dayton to the tour,” said Carli Dixon, co-owner of The Brightside. “And as a female-led venue, it’s a great joy for us to host Kim Deal, such a local female hero to all of us. We couldn’t be more excited!”

HOW TO GO?
Thursday, February 20, 2025.
The Brightside Music & Event Venue – 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, 45402
Doors open at 7pm / Show starts at 8pm
All ages (under 18 with parental supervision)
Tickets $30 General Admission here:
https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/kim-deal-nobody-loves-you-more-tour-2025-02-20-the-brightside-music-event-venue-dayton-389968

More information on the venue at thebrightsidedayton.com
More information about Kim Deal at kimdealmusic.com

Urban Elevation Accelerator Accepting Entrepreneur Applicants

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The Urban Elevation Accelerator  is now available to help Dayton entrepreneurs access critical resources to elevate in business.

The Urban Elevation Accelerator is a nine-month program to help entrepreneurs start or grow their business with the intention of creating positive profits and a strong business foundation for underrepresented and under-resourced entrepreneurs.

A mix of educators, subject matter experts, successful entrepreneurs, students and others will work with entrepreneurs at all stages of their business development.

Up to twenty entrepreneurs will be accepted into the program, which begins with a six-week bootcamp called the Elevation Academy on Saturdays from 10am – 2pm  starting February 1, 2025 – March 8, 2025. There is no cost to participate.

Program Benefits

  • Six weeks of business skill training through the Elevation Academy

  • Three months of free mentoring from business owners and entrepreneurs

  • Student consulting for a special project

  • Connections to community resources to help your business grow

  • Access to the Cultural Capital Micro-lending Program and other funding opportunities

  • Promotion of your business in on the GWDI website and social media platforms

  • Additional training and classes to support your business

  • Access to office and or co-working and meeting space at the Greater West Dayton Incubator at the Hub powered by PNC Bank

As an Urban Elevation Accelerator participant, you can take advantage of coworking space at The Hub powered by PNC Bank and at the GWDI while particpating in programs to help your business grow. All businesses are eligible to apply for the fellowship. Preference will be considered for GWDI clients who have participated in past programs, identify as underrepresented, under-resourced, and/or historically marginalized, and is located or serve customers in Greater West Dayton.

The deadline to apply for the program is January 10, 2025. Applicants will be notified of a final decision by January 20, 2025.  If you have any questions about the program, please contact Whitney Barkley, program facilitator at 614-772-9800 or [email protected]

From The Painting Studio To Her Own Gift Shop

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I met Shelly Massey at the studio she once had at Front Street and learned that before moving to Dayton she had taught at large art retreats all over the country.
When I heard she’d opened her own store – Luck Gallery and Gifts . I was curious what type of store an artist would have. I decided to stop by.
“After leaving my Front Street studio I had wanted to open a store for some time, but couldn’t find the right space” Shelly told me. “Then in September I visited my friend Holly at her store “Suburban Hippy.” She told me that the building next door to her was about to become vacant. I contacted the landlord right away, signed the lease in October and opened this store November 1.”
“Creating this new store has been as creative in its own way as painting. I’ve made a space here that I love to spend time in and I’ve filled it with a lot of gift items that make me happy. The reaction from customers has been great to hear. One woman told me “I’ve just been smiling the whole time I’m in your store.”
Luck Gallery and Gifts is filled with an interesting mix of things -puzzles, scarves, mugs, candles, coloring books, cards, bags, etc. I asked about the art on the walls.
“That’s all my art” Shelly said. “I hope to have more of my art up and for sale as soon as I get a handle on things. So the store will have a different look the next time you stop in. In fact, I want that to always be the case. I want to fill the store with a constantly changing mix of things that I love.”
Luck Gallery and Gifts
337 South Main
Springboro, OH 45066
 Tues –  Sat, 10am – 5pm

Is Your Burger Worthy of TJ Chumps Battle Of The Burgers?

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Get ready for the ultimate burger showdown that every foodie has been waiting for! TJ Chumps’ 6th Annual Battle of the Burgers is back, giving burger enthusiasts the chance to showcase their culinary creativity. Last year’s champion, Tim Franck, took the crown with his “Tim Chorizo Burger” — a USDA Angus patty topped with crumbled pork chorizo, creamy queso blanco, a fried egg, chipotle ranch, and sliced jalapeños, all on a brioche bun. Rumor has it this year’s competition is shaping up to be even more intense!

Tim Franck, with his winning“Tim Chorizo Burger”

From inventive takes on American classics to wildly creative new concepts, no topping is off-limits in the Miami Valley. Whether it’s fried pickles, noodles, or even fries, this competition is all about pushing boundaries. Participants will battle for a chance to not only earn bragging rights but also win an incredible prize: a $500 TJ Chumps gift card and the honor of having their winning recipe featured on the February menu.

Think you’ve got what it takes? Submit your burger masterpiece from December 13th to December 31st. The top 4 creations will enter live voting from January 3rd to January 12th, with the ultimate champion crowned on January 21st. So grab your apron, fire up the grill, and let the Battle of the Burgers begin!

Do you have what it takes to make the ultimate TJ Chumps burger? For more information, visit TJChumps.com/battle, and keep an eye out on our social media.

Nominations Open For 2025 Dayton Walk of Fame

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Wright Dunbar, Inc. announces that 2025 Dayton Region Walk of Fame nominations forms are now available online. They can be submitted online or mailed to Wright Dunbar, Inc., 1139 W. Third Street, Suite 200, Dayton, OH 45402.  Nominations must be typed and received by noon on Friday, February 28, 2025.

Individuals or groups from the Dayton region or who have spent a significant amount of time in the region and have made an enduring impact on the local community, the region, the nation and or world are eligible for nomination. Arts/Culture, Aviation, Business/Corporate Leaders, Community Service, Education, Entertainment/Media, Environment, Government/Military, Invention/Innovation, Law, Medicine, Philanthropy, Science, Significant Personal Achievement and Sports are the categories highlighted.  

2024 honorees were The Breeders, Clay and MaryAnn Mathile, Idotha “Bootsie” Neal, The Osborne Brothers, and G. Douglas Talbott, M.D. A list of past inductees is available at the above website.

The Walk of Fame is located on West Third Street in the historic Wright Dunbar Commercial District between Shannon Street and Broadway. Visitors are welcome to tour and see stones.

Sunset at the Market: Holiday Magic

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Events, vendor updates and highlights from downtown Dayton's favorite Market.

It’s Scallop Week at Lily’s

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Lily’s Dayton is featuring scallops on the menu from Wednesday, December 11-Sunday December 15
Scallop specials
Fennel & Orange Savory Pancake with pancetta lardons, seared scallops, and whipped chile-maple compound butter 17
Suggested pairing: Sparkling Coco Lily Creme de Violette cocktail 13
Irish Bay Scallop Bisque with Crème Fraîche and Crostini (*GF) 11
Suggested pairing: Pierre Sparr Cremant d’Alsace Brut Reserve Sparkling 13
Bacon Wrapped Scallops with fresh strawberry and asparagus relish (GF) 15
Suggested pairing:De Loach Organic Pinot Noir 13
Meyer Lemon Orzo with butternut squash, crispy brussel sprouts, and pan seared scallops with basil oil 16
Suggested pairing: Broken Dreams California Chardonnay 12
DESSERT TBD:
Suggested pairing: Cinnamon-Rosemary Whiskey Sour 12
BAR SPECIALS
Pierre Sparr Cremant d’Alsace Brut Reserve: notes of dried tropical fruits, toasted nuts, & lemon peel. Champagne-quality sparkling 13
Broken Dreams California Chardonnay: rich and ripe with balanced oak and lush fruit 12
De Loach Organic Pinot Noir: Bing cherry, strawberry, and red raspberry with soft spice 13
Sparkling Coco Lily: Blue Chair Bay Coconut Rum, orange curaçao, creme de violette, lemon juice, sparkling wine 13
Cinnamon-Rosemary Whiskey Sour: Old Granddad bonded bourbon, fresh lemon, rosemary-cinnamon syrup 12

Lily’s Dayton

329 E 5th St,
Dayton, OH, 45402
(937) 723-7637
Reservations suggested and can be made at: https://www.exploretock.com/lilys/

Southern Chicken Salad Eatery Sets Centerville Opening Date

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Chicken Salad Chick will open the first Dayton eatery on Wed, December 18th.  Hours will be 10 am to 8 pm Monday through Saturday. The first 100 guests will  receive free chicken salad for a year. Chicken Salad Chick will be located in the Shoppes at Cornerstone IV.

An early arrival is highly recommended for guests seeking to be counted as one of the first 100. Each guest will be assigned a number corresponding to their place in line when they arrive by a member of the Chicken Salad Chick team beginning at 8 a.m.
The first 100 guests must remain in line until the restaurant opens and download the Chicken Salad Chick app. Wi-Fi will not be available on site.
Once the restaurant opens, guests will make a purchase of “The Chick” or anything of greater value and enter a code in the Chicken Salad Chick app to officially secure your spot.

Many Miami Valley residents have gotten to know this  fast-casual chicken salad restaurant through their pop-up events, hosted at Goldies Soft Serve in Centerville.

“We’ve seen strong community support and enthusiastic adoption of our brand in Ohio, and we’re excited to continue our expansion in the state,” said marketing manager Hannah Verdun. “We believe Dayton’s vibrant community will enjoy our wide variety of delicious chicken salad options, and we look forward to becoming a part of this growing area.”

Chicken Salad Chick has more than a dozen flavors of chicken salad made fresh from scratch daily. Customers can get anything from traditional, savory or spicy chicken salad to fruity or nutty chicken salad. Th most popular is the Classic Carol featuring all white meat shredded chicken, finely minced celery, mayonnaise and the brand’s secret seasoning.

The restaurant also has fresh sides, soups, salads and desserts, including a white chocolate layer cake.

Chicken Salad Chick

5264 Cornerstone North Blvd,
Centerville, OH 45440

937-619-8550