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SKY Asian Celebrates 8th Anniversary With 3 Course $39.99 Meal Deal

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SKY Asian Cuisine celebrates their 8th anniversary by offering a 3 course meal including a drink for $39.99.  The special will run July 1-August 15.  The  upscale Kettering restaurant offers sushi & popular Chinese, Japanese & Thai stir-fries & noodle dishes.

As of today, they also have new business hours, they’ll be open 11am – 9pm each day with extended hours til 10pm on Friday and Saturday.

Their happy hour is from 3-6pm Monday – Saturday.

 

SKY Asian Cuisines

4090 Wilmington Pike
Kettering, OH 45440

 937-949-9883

Panera’s New Panera Breakfast Items

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Panera BreadFrom savory to sweet, Panera Bread is bringing the “Cinna-mmm”  as it continues its menu transformation with a suite of new and limited-edition breakfast items sure to wake up any morning meal.

Now available at bakery-cafes nationwide, the new breakfast responds to guest preferences, bringing more bacon, new proteins and offering creative spins on popular bakery items.

“We’re thrilled to introduce exciting new breakfast items to our bakery-cafes nationwide as part of our ongoing menu transformation,” Alicia Mowder, Panera’s senior vice president of product strategy and insights, said in a statement. “These delicious offerings will feature sweet, savory and protein-packed options to kickstart your day, including options that feature our signature cinnamon rolls – a customer favorite that are baked for guests in our cafes. This is just the beginning of our commitment to providing an even more delightful breakfast experience for our guests.”

New Breakfast Sandwiches Deliver Crave-Worthy Flavor
Panera Bread’s commitment to delicious and satisfying breakfast options continues with the introduction of new breakfast sandwiches.

  • Bacon Double Take: We heard our guests wanted more bacon, and this sandwich delivers! This sandwich boasts double the bacon of a traditional Panera breakfast sandwich, along with two types of cheese for an extra layer of flavor. it’s also pretty affordable being priced at $7.69.
  • Steak & Wake: This limited time, premium offering features marinated, thin-sliced steak served on Panera’s artisan Ciabatta bread. Be sure to try this limited-time option before it’s gone!
  • Rounding out the new breakfast offerings is the Ham Egg & Cheese, providing a new protein option for those who enjoy a more classic breakfast sandwich experience.

Savory and Sweet Collide with All-New CinnaScrambles
Panera Bread is shaking up the breakfast menu with the introduction of CinnaScrambles. This innovative offering combines classic breakfast sandwich ingredients with the chain’s beloved warmed cinnamon roll for a unique and delicious sweet and savory experience. Available starting at $5.39*, CinnaScrambles come in two varieties:

  • Sausage CinnaScramble: Featuring savory sausage, scrambled egg, and melty American cheese, all nestled on a warm cinnamon roll and finished with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This option can be customized with bacon for those who prefer a different twist.
  • CinnaScramble: For those who crave a sweeter start to their day, this CinnaScramble features fluffy scrambled eggs and melty American cheese on a warm cinnamon roll, finished with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Summer Just Got Even Sweeter with Limited Time CinnaTops
The menu Cinn-ovation doesn’t stop there – The brand has taken also its iconic cinnamon roll to the next level with the introduction of CinnaTops. These abundant, over-the-top treats feature a delicious cinnamon roll base topped with icing and your choice of an iconic Panera bakery item – there’s a variety for every sweet tooth including Candy Cookie, Choco Chipper Cookie, or Fudgy Brownie.

Starting at $4.79*, CinnaTops are a limited-edition summer treat, so don’t miss out! Guests will love this rich and flavorful new way to experience some of Panera’s most popular bakery items.

“We’re thrilled to introduce exciting new breakfast items to our bakery-cafes nationwide as part of our ongoing menu transformation,” said Alicia Mowder, SVP of Product Strategy & Insights, Panera Bread, “These delicious offerings will feature sweet, savory and protein-packed options to kickstart your day, including options that feature our signature cinnamon rolls – a customer favorite that are baked for guests in our cafes. This is just the beginning of our commitment to providing an even more delightful breakfast experience for our guests.”

 

Local Fireworks annd Independence Day Celebrations

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Star Spangled Heights

Thomas Cloud Park 4707 Brandt Pike, Dayton, OH

10:00 AM – City of Huber Heights Parade – Chambersburg Road/Brandt Pike to Nebraska Avenue/Brandt Pike 11:00 AM – Historical…

Waynesville Independence Day Fireworks

Waynesville Bicentennial Park 837 Dayton Rd, Waynesville, OH

Come and enjoy a small town 4th of July Celebration on Main Street on Saturday, June 29, 2024 starting at…

Fairborn July 4 Parade & Fireworks

Fairborn Community Park 691 E Dayton-Yellow Springs Rd, Fairborn, OH

The two-day celebration is organized by the Fairborn Fourth of July Committee.

July 3rd Block Party

We kick things off on July 3rd at 4pm with a family-friendly block party at Community Park with various food, craft, and game vendors which lasts until 10pm.

Parade and Fireworks on July 4th

The July 4th parade at 10am from Central Avenue to Main Street featuring many civic groups and community floats. This is a fun event for the entire family.

After the parade, we move the party to Community Park!

After the parade, the party continues at 4pm back at Community park with food trucks, vendors, concerts, and fireworks presented by Rozzi.  Fireworks display at approximately 10pm

Lebanon Independence Day Celebration

Downtown Lebanon Lebanon, OH

Celebrate our Nation’s independence with a family-friendly parade in Downtown Lebanon!  Parade at 4pm

Independence Day Fireworks in Lebanon

LightUp Lebanon starts at 6 pm in Colonial Park West! LightUp Lebanon is a free family-fun event that features a petting zoo, balloon animals, games and bounce houses, and live music from The Bourbon Road Band. LightUp Lebanon parking is available at the Warren County Fairgrounds, right across from Colonial Park West. Handicap parking is available at the park. Fireworks show to launch at 10 PM.

Free

Centerville Americana Fireworks

Centerville High School 500 E. Franklin St., Centerville, OH

Centerville-Washington Township Americana Festival Fireworks July 3 at Centerville High School. Gates open – 6 PM; entertainment begins 8:30; fireworks at 10.

Come Celebrate Centerville’s annual Americana Festival that begins with a bang on July 3rd, the night BEFORE the Festival, at the Centerville High School Stadium, 500 E. Franklin Street.

Gates open at 6 p.m. The Miami Valley Hospital South Fireworks show lights up the sky at 10 p.m. and is synchronized to music provided by Jack FM 92.9.

F

Lights in Flight

Kettering Field Complex 444 North Bend Blvd, Dayton, OH

There will not be a street festival at Riverscape in Dayton for 2024, but the annual “Lights in Flight fireworks are scheduled for July 3 at Kettering Field

Lights in Flight, the Dayton region’s most spectacular fireworks display, returns to Dayton on Wednesday, July 3.

The annual fireworks show produced by the City of Dayton Department of Recreation will take place at Kettering Field, just north of downtown Dayton in the McCook Field neighborhood.

Fireworks will take flight on July 3 at 10 p.m. 

A viewing area will be available at the northern and eastern sections of Kettering Field.

The following streets will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning at 6 p.m.

  • East Helena Street (Riverside to Keowee), will be open to pedestrian traffic
  • North Bend Blvd. (Helena to Webster)

Riverside Drive (northbound, White Allen to Helena), will be open to pedestrian traffic

  • Brennan Drive (Helena to Keowee)
  • Hall Avenue (south of Keowee)
  • All of Deeds Park Drive.

Recreation trails in nearby parks and along river corridors will be also be closed to users by 6 p.m. The Great Miami River will be closed to boaters and paddlers in nearby areas.

Fairborn July 4 Parade & Fireworks

Fairborn Community Park 691 E Dayton-Yellow Springs Rd, Fairborn, OH
Get ready for the Fourth of July Celebrations in Fairborn!

Fairborn – Independence Day parade and fireworks celebrations with a variety of entertainment, food, and fun for the entire family.

Fairborn has one of the largest July 4th parades and celebrations in the Miami Valley, and we would love to see you there.

The two-day celebration is organized by the Fairborn Fourth of July Committee.

July 3rd Block Party

We kick things off on July 3rd at 4pm with a family-friendly block party at Community Park with various food, craft, and game vendors which lasts until 10pm.

Parade and Fireworks on July 4th

The July 4th parade at 10am from Central Avenue to Main Street featuring many civic groups and community floats. This is a fun event for the entire family.

After the parade, we move the party to Community Park!

After the parade, the party continues at 4pm back at Community park with food trucks, vendors, concerts, and fireworks presented by Rozzi.  Fireworks display at approximately 10pm.

 

Yellow Springs’ Fourth of July parade at 2pm. Fireworks at sunset

Our community parade will start at 2:00pm behind the fire station at Xenia Ave and Herman St and make its way down Xenia Avenue to Corry Street. We ask that anyone who wants to be in the parade register as a participant so we know how many we should expect. We would love for any community organization to showcase themselves!

GAUNT PARK FIREWORKS:
The Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce is also hosting the annual Fourth of July celebrations, returning to Gaunt Park. The fireworks are scheduled at sunset (estimated at (9:07 p.m.), and community members are invited to show up early to setup lawn chairs, enjoy the community band, and have dinner via the local food trucks.

Go 4th!

Delco Park 1700 Delco Park Drive, Kettering, OH
Go 4th! Reimagined
Thursday, July 4, 2024: 6 – 10 p.m. at Delco Park
Here’s what you need to know:
Get Ready for the Region’s FIRST DRONE SHOW!
The highlight of the night will be our incredible drone light show – a 12-plus minute performance synchronized with the fireworks display that will create lasting memories for all!
And A New & Memorable Experience With:
• More Fireworks
• Double the Bounce Houses
• Additional Food Trucks
• Entertainment with Roaming Performers
• A DJ Pumping Music Throughout the Park
Viewing Area Changes
To ensure safe launching of the fireworks, the layout of the event at Delco Park has been re-imagined and viewing areas of the event updated to align with updated Ohio fire code standards. Adjustments have been made to enhance safety while delivering the same phenomenal quality fireworks show our guests have treasured for years!
View the reimagined Go 4th! layout, view example drone show photos and more at: playkettering.org/go4th

The City of Beavercreek will be celebrating Independence Day in 2024 at Rotary Park.

The celebration will take place Thursday, July 4, and will include a parade, live entertainment, food trucks, and a spectacular firework show.

All the fun will kick off with a parade at 6 pm. The parade route will begin along Meadowbridge Drive, continue east on Dayton-Xenia Road, and will end at Beavercreek High School.

After cheering on the parade, the excitement will continue at Rotary Park, located at 2260 Dayton Xenia Road, with more activities, including food trucks, live entertainment, and of course, a firework show, scheduled to start at 10 p.m.

4th of July Schedule of Events

  • 6pm – 4th of July Parade
  • 7pm – Food Trucks & Inflatables
  • 8pm Live music
  • 10pm Fireworks

Spend your evening at Wax Park for our Star Spangled Boom event and take part in a variety of special activities, starting at 6pm!

Times:

  •     6:00 p.m. Food Trucks, kids zone, inflatables, games
  •     7:30 p.m. Nashville Crush – https://www.nashvillecrush.com
  •     10:00 p.m. Fireworks (best spot to view is Wax Park and listen live on Dayton’s New Country 103.9 for the firework soundtrack)

Boro Boom!

SPRINGBORO HIGH SCHOOL 1675 S Main Street, Springboro, OH

Reel2Real will be providing the music for Springboro’s July 4th Celebration! You’ve got food trucks, you’ve got bouncy castles, you’ve got all your favorite friends and family, you’ve got colorful loud patriotic explosions in the sky, and now you’ve got the greatest Pop, Rock, and R&B hits of all time too!

Englewood July 4th Fireworks Celebration

Centennial Park 205 Union Rd, Englewood
Englewood’s annual fireworks celebration at Centennial Park. The Civic Band will perform beginning at 7:00 pm.  Fireworks begin at approximately 10:00 pm.

Englewood’s annual fireworks celebration is held on July 4th beginning at 10 p.m. at Centennial Park.

  • Filling the air with patriotic tunes, the Englewood Civic Band kicks things off at 7:00 p.m.
  • Children will be aglow with excitement as the Englewood Fire Association will sell glow rings.
  • Join us as we celebrate Independence!
  • Rain date: July 5

July 4 @ 10:00 pmFree

North Market Street will be closed from Water Street to Staunton Road from 9:00 p.m. until the fireworks are over and the crowd has dispersed (approximately 10:45 p.m.).   The bike path will be closed east from the Senior Citizens Center and at Rutherford Drive starting at noon on July 4.

The Market Street Bridge, both sides and the top of the levee, and the seating area at the North Market Street ballfield are all excellent locations to see the fireworks.

Red Robin’s Massive 18-ounce Gold Medal Burger

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Red Robin Gold Medal Burger
The Gold Medal Burger and Star-Spangled Spritzer (📷: Red Robin)

Inspired by the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics that will kick off on July 26 through August 11, The Gold Medal Burger features three layers of American cheese in between three juicy burger patties on a bed of pickles, Red’s relish, and onions, topped with mayonnaise, tomato, and lettuce. It comes with unlimited refills of crispy Steak Fries (or Bottomless Yukon Chips, Bottomless Steamed Broccoli, or a Bottomless Side Salad).

The $19.79 Gold Medal Burger is about 18 ounces in weight, making it the perfect summer challenge for anyone up to the task. The burger chain has already hosted a competition internally, daring participants to finish the huge Gold Medal Burger, as well as the tall Star-Spangled Spritzer. However, only a few managed to finish the challeng.

The chain says that they are excited to see who else is up to take on this fun summer feat. Those who are brave enough to try will get a chance to become a Gold Medal Burger Hall of Famer, which will be posted online on Red Robin’s official website. To see if you are one of those who might conquer this challenge, simply pay your local Red Robin a visit and place an order for the Gold Medal Burger. To make your entry official, you must submit your name via the brand’s website.

Plus, you can keep the patriotic vibes going by ordering Red Robin’s limited-time Star-Spangled Spritzer. The delicate mix of Sprite, raspberry syrup, and blue cotton candy served in a light-up cup that’s yours to keep. While supplies last.

This limited-time combo is available now. The Star-Spangled Spritzer is limited to dine-in purchases, and the Gold Medal Burger is available only at select U.S. locations until August 11.

RED ROBIN

6404 Miller Lane
Dayton, OH 45414

2671 Fairfield Commons
Beavercreek, OH 45431

Thai Table Sold, Owners Announce New Restaurant

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Kiel and Suwapat Whited have just announced they’ve sold Thai Table, the restaurant they opened in 2021 on Far Hills  Avenue.  Their last day will be this Sunday and the new owners, who are also Thai who are will take over Thai Table and announce their opening date soon.  For those of you who have Thai Table gift cards, rest assured that you can still use them at Thai Kitchen and Hello Thai.
But the journey doesn’t end here. They’ve just announced their new restaurant, Thai Village! They hope to open Thai Village by the end of August at the former Corelife Eatery building in Centerville, just off Wilmington Pike.
They posted this on their facebook page to describe the new concept. “Thai Village will be a warm, inviting, and family-friendly place where you can enjoy authentic Thai dishes, sushi, and a full bar. Our goal is to create a charming and traditional atmosphere that feels like home, and we can’t wait to welcome you all to experience it.”
Then ended with “We encourage you to continue supporting the new owners of Thai Table. Your loyalty and patronage have been invaluable to us, and we hope you extend the same warmth to them as they embark on their journey.”

Branch & Bone Adds Wine, Mead, and Cider

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Branch & Bone Artisan Ales is now offering its newest creations to patrons for on site consumption or in bottles to go.  Under the brand of “Branch & Bone Cellars,” the Brewery located in the Historic South Park neighborhood of Dayton is releasing its first foray into Wine, Mead, and Cider.  

“Having developed a passion for wine, mead, and cider along this journey, our hope is to share this passion and bring the same quality present in our beer to everyone.  We want all who visit to find something for them among our hand-crafted and varied offerings.” -John Joyce, Co-founder.

Among the first offerings are two wines, Red and White – both grape blends, a Tart Cherry Mead, and our dry Harvest Cider which features an all Ohio grown blend of apple varieties.  All products are created on-site in small batches here in Dayton, Ohio and available while supplies last.  New batches and more offerings are currently under way in tanks and barrels as well.  More information on these products can be found on our website at branchandboneales.com.

About Branch & Bone 

Founded in 2018, Branch & Bone Artisan Ales is an independently owned brewery located in the Historic South Park neighborhood of Dayton, OH. Constantly striving for perfection through experimentation, Branch & Bone Artisan Ales combines the ingredients of earth and the work of humankind to craft subtle, yet flavorful ales and lagers.  Inspired by European traditions and modern American eccentrics, we brew a range of beer that will encourage exploration.

905 Wayne Ave
Dayton, OH
937-723-7608

Dunkin’s New Summer Menu

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Dunkin’ locations across the country brought out their new summer menu items today.

“As summer heats up, we’re excited to introduce these innovative flavors to our guests,” Beth Turenne, the vice president of category management at Dunkin’, shared in a statement provided to Food & Wine. “Whether you’re cooling down with S’mores Cold Brew, turning up the heat with our Hot Honey Bacon Sandwich, or fueling up with a $3 Tornado Twist Sparkd’ Energy, we’re delivering the beloved tastes of summer that our customers crave.”

Dunkin’ S’Mores Menu Items:

  • NEW! S’mores Cold Brew: Cold brew with S’mores syrup, topped with marshmallow cold foam and a sprinkling of graham crumble.
  • NEW! Bonfire S’mores Frozen Coffee: A frozen coffee treat blended with S’mores syrup, a vanilla flavored shot, mocha drizzle, whipped cream, and graham crumbles on top.
  • NEW! S’mores Specialty Donut: A donut with marshmallow filling, dipped in chocolate icing, and rolled in graham and chocolate bits.

Dunkin’ Hot Honey Flavored Items:

  • NEW! Hot Honey Bacon Breakfast Sandwich: Savory smoked bacon with hot honey, egg, and white cheddar on a brioche bun.
  • NEW! Hot Honey Bacon Wake-Up Wrap: A wrap filled with hot honey seasoned bacon, egg, and white cheddar inside a flour tortilla.
  • NEW! Hot Honey Snackin’ Bacon: Eight slices of bacon seasoned with hot honey syrup.

Dunkin’ Summer Drinks

  • NEW! Tornado Twist Sparkd’ Energy: An energy drink that mixes Berry Burst and Sunshine Syrups for a refreshing flavor.
  • NEW! Iced Tea Lemonade: A classic blend of iced tea and sweet, tart lemonade.

CSU Offering Free Scholarships

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Central State University is providing free tuition scholarships for students from the following public-school districts: Dayton Public Schools, Trotwood-Madison City Schools, Xenia Community Schools, and Springfield City Schools.
Applicants must be new first-time freshmen applying for the fall 2024 term. Graduate, transfer, readmits/previously enrolled, transient/visiting, non-degree seeking, and currently enrolled students are not eligible. All students are required to live on campus for the first year.
QUALIFYING SCHOOLS:
Belmont High School
Dayton Digital Academy
Dayton Early College Academy
Dayton Regional STEM Academy
Horizon Science Academy
Meadowdale Career Technology Center
Mound Street Academy
Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School
Ponitz Career Technology Center
Springfield High School
Springfield STEM Academy
Stivers School of the Arts
Thurgood Marshall High School
Trotwood Madison High School
Xenia High School
Students will receive up to $5,000 for two consecutive terms of free tuition only. This grant will not cover fees or room and board.
A FAFSA must be submitted, and students will not be eligible to receive any additional institutional aid during this award period.
For more information, email Ja’Channa Simpson at [email protected].

McDonald’s $5 Meal Deal

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McDonald’s is hooking us up with a $5 meal and free fries on Fridays.
-The $5 Meal Deal – Starting June 25th for a limited time, the meal includes your choice of a McDouble, or McChicken sandwich, small Fries, 4 Piece Chicken McNuggets and a small soft drink, all for just 5 bucks.
-‘Free Fries Fridays’ every Friday nationwide – exclusively in the McDonald’s App. Snag a free medium fry with any $1 minimum purchase through the end of 2024.
And in honor of National French Fry Day on Saturday, July 13th, get free fries of any size in the app – no purchase necessary.

Opening Today at W. Social Tap & Table

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Mz Jade is bringing her homemade southern dishes, including salmon patties, seafood, smothered pork chops, fresh homemade side dishes, desserts, and more to the W. Social Tap & Table in Wright Dunbar. Mz Jade’s Soul Food opens today at 2pm. Mz. Jade says she makes authentic soul food seasoned with love and flavors.

Naiyozcia King, aka Mz Jade, learned to cook from her grandmother while growing up in Detroit.  In 2018 she set up a tent and started to serve up her soul food. In Jan of 2022 she opened a full service restaurant in Middletown. She now cooks with with her family by her side and is excited to bring her food to Dayton.

Here’s a peek at the menu:

Mz.Jade’s SoulFood

W. Social Tap & Table
1100 W. Third Street
Dayton, OH 45402

Mon – Thurs 11am 10pm
Fri & Sat 11am – 11pm

Middletown Location:
131 Central Ave
Middletown, OH 45044


 Tues – Thurs 4-9pm
Fri & Sat 1-9pm
Sun 1- 6pm

Local Deli Celebrates First Anniversary

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This  New York-style deli right here in Dayton, Ohio,marks its first anniversary with a week long celebration.  Since opening its doors, All The Best Delicatessen has become a cornerstone of the community. Owner, Lee Schear, believes it’s a mix of great food and good service, “At All The Best Deli, we’re more than just a place to eat; we’re a restaurant where every meal is a celebration,” says Schear.
To celebrate, from June 22nd – June 30th bring the entire family for our KIDS-EAT-FREE dine in special, where children 12 and under eat free, up to 5 kids per adult. While you’re there, make sure to congratulate our “original 9” employees. These 9 have been with ATB since they first opened our doors, so come out and experience all the exciting things happening at All The Best Delicatessen.

Since opening they’ve continued to add to their menu, with five salads to choose from inluding  classic garden greens to international inspirations. The newest addition to the menu, the ultimate sandwich squad: ‘The Besties’ are here!  Whether you choose pastrami, corned beef, or brisket, on a soft, buttery challah roll, you’ll be sure to say these are the best.

In January they added breakfast service from 7-11am seven days a week.  They even have an express menu, where you pick up at their drive-through window.

They’ve also rolled out a loyalty program that awards points for each dollar spent. At 50 points you’ll receive a $5 off an order and you’ll also get a special birthday treat.

More than just a sit down eatery, All The Best has a deli counter where you can pick up smoked meats, cut meats, pickles, olives, kosher cheese, salads and desserts.  They also offer catering service.

All The Best Delicatessen
5940 Far Hills Ave
Dayton, OH, 45429
937-999-4204
Open daily 7am – 8pm

McCoy on Movies: The Bikeriders

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Butler, Comer and Hardy lead Jeff Nichols’ motorcycle-driven snapshot of masculinity in THE BIKERIDERS


WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

 

THE BACK STORY: Inspired by Danny Lyon’s book of the same name, THE BIKERIDERS stars Jodie Comer as Kathy, a woman living in/around Chicago in the mid 1960s. She is the paramour of Benny (Austin Butler), a rebellious young man who only cares about two things: His Harley-Davidson motorcyle and The Vandals, the bike club of which he is a member. The Vandals are essentially his family as he spends the majority of his time with its various members doing whatever it is they wish to do at any given moment. 
 
The Vandals are led by Johnny (Tom Hardy), a stoic figure who’s presence is understated, yet fully commanding in as much as he doesn’t say compared to what he does. This is why he is rarely challenged, both on decisions and for leadership of the club, making him an inspiration to members like Cockroach (Emory Cohen), Zipco (Michael Shannon), Wahoo (Beau Knapp), Brucie (Damon Herriman) and Corky (Carl Glusman). They live life as they ride: Free and uninhibited with their brothers – and the occasional lady – at their side. 
 
But as The Vandals begin to rise in prominence, they also begin to rise in notoriety, leading to run-ins with the law, townspeople and other bike clubs. But as Danny (Mike Faust) – a college student who interviews Kathy and documents the club’s activities, the goal being to produce a book one day – Kathy and The Vandals will come to learn that all good things must eventually come to an end …
 
THE REVIEW: Did you catch wind of that recent social media debate about which would a woman choose if she was stuck in the middle of the woods with the option of a bear or a man? Watching THE BIKERIDERS, the reasoning behind what would seem to be the ludicrous choice becomes clear from one scene to the next. For in presenting a masterful depiction of the rise of the American motorcycle club and its eventual demise from its glory days, writer/director Jeff Nichols and company have created a definitive 120 minute visual showcase of two words – toxic masculinity – inadvertently. 
 
This is not to suggest by any means that the film is quote-unquote “bad” by any means; instead, in creating a tribute to the men (and women) that have been romanticized in popular culture, THE BIKERIDERS – whether intentionally or unintentionally as it seems – exposes the pitfalls and trappings of what is supposed to define masculinity (being “cool,” “macho” and rebellious) for what they really are: Broken men looking for a sense of family, belonging, self-worth and purpose that have perpetuated from their origin to the 21st century.
 
While his turn as Elvis Presley may not have made him the true household name he surely sought to become, THE BIKERIDERS should help propel Austin Butler to the forefront. Coming with the standard issue teen idol/boyband heartthrob visual presentation, Butler shows that he can work a leather jacket, motorcycle and sideburns and not the other way around. While his character could easily come off as one note (and at times, almost does through no fault of his own due to the circumstances around him), Butler commands attention in each scene he in which he appears.
This in turn plays well off of Hardy’s stoic, Tony Soprano-like performance as Johnny, a man who despite what should be considered the perfect family life for his era, desires something different, something animalistic, something more – his bike club allowing him to enjoy the king of the jungle status so many men crave.  This makes he and Butler’s character two peas in a proverbial pod, the old lion with his young apprentice, both of whom desire to be free of anything (except possibly each other) in an “us against the world” manner for the ages.
In turn, this makes the various members of their club – Army burnouts, blue collar workers who wouldn’t stand out from the pack – look up to them, aspiring to be what they believe they are (true men) and unable to see their faults and flaws. This in turn is reflected in Toby Wallace’s pivotal character, the classic product of a 1960s broken home who sets out to be the opposite of what he feels – trapped, lacking power and unable to become his own man. This is why he sets out on such a destructive path which, of course, leads to pivotal (if not predictable) moments in the film. Yes, there is brotherhood and camaraderie with certain times that reflect the “live free” spirit that THE BIKERIDERS seeks to celebrate … But it’s extremely hard to ignore the cost that comes with it.
This is why the film being narrated by Comer’s character makes for the most interesting component of the film. In Kathy, we don’t get so much of a woman discussing her wild times with her man, but almost more of a mother discussing her children, hoping that all of her prodigal sons will one day return home safely even though she knows they won’t. (Maybe that’s why a friend who is also a parent left an advance screening of the film, the moments of violence and profanity aside? Then again, this isn’t exactly her “type” of movie to begin with, but I digress …)
In a world where ideology is constantly evolving, THE BIKERIDERS, for some, will seem like a breath of fresh air, showcasing a time when “men were men” and how one should look to set their own path as opposing to bowing to society’s standards. For others, it may seem like a documentary of the Cro-Magnon mindset seemingly responsible for all the world’s current major problems – and who’s to say which is right?
As a film, however, THE BIKERIDERS is entertaining – and maybe just leaving it as an intriguing piece of cinema versus the inspiration for a way of life is where it would best be served.

 

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

 

 

 

Big Boys, Big Macs and the Tootburger from Dixie Diner

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I remember my first Big Mac. 8th or 9th grade. Wrestling team bus ride to an away match. My bestie, also named Brian, ordered one. I ordered one. It was amazing. Shortly after I learned that a Big Mac was McDonald’s take on the Big Boy. You could get a Big Boy in my town at Frisch’s. I had been a Buddy Boy guy before this life changing revelation.

Since that time, 1987, I have been a Big Boy guy. Big Mac’s are great in a pinch but the Big Boy is the OG. Here’s the story.

The original double-deck hamburger with two “never frozen” burgers, lettuce, cheese, mayo and our special red relish was invented at Bob’s Pantry in 1936. The Big Boy brand and sandwich, a double decker hamburger, only existed in Burbank at the 4 Big Boy diners. It wasn’t until the 1940’s the Big Boy brand was franchised to Frisch’s in Cincinnati and to EatNPark in Pittsburgh.


At one time the Big Boy name and burger was franchised to dozens of operators covering hundreds of restaurants including Bob’s Big Boy, Frisch’s Big Boy, Shoney’s Big Boy (they still exist but don’t feature the OG Burger on their menu any longer). At one time Marriott owned the brand. Somewhere along the way it was adapted and the red relish disappeared and variations of thousand island and tartar sauce were swapped in for the sauce we know today.

A McDonalds guy in Pittsburgh introduced the idea of a Big Mac in the late 60’s trying to compete with Pittsburgh’s EatNPark Big Boy and Bob’s Big Boy both of which were popular in Western PA. The first Big Mac was served in Uniontown PA in one of Jim Delligatti’s McDonalds locations (he owned quite a few McDs).

My favorite version here in Dayton can be found at the Dixie Diner in New Lebanon. They call theirs the Tootburger, an homage to an old New Lebanon Ohio drive in, the Toot, that served a Big Boy like sandwich back in the day. It was a 1960’s hot spot for cruising and old fashioned fast food.

The Tootburger is everything you wish you got with a Big Mac. Two great beefy patties and a housemade sauce, cheese and three fresh buns holding it together. Start with an extra napkin or two on hand.

My second favorite is the Whizzburger at the Dizzy Whizz between 2nd and 3rd in Louisville’s Old Lou neighborhood. This place has the feel of old drive in and the burger never disappoints.

So if we are skipping the Golden Arches, and it’s tough to find a Frisch’s anymore, where do you go for this all-American double patty, triple bun, sauced up burger? Tell us in the comments, and if you make it out to the Dixie Diner in New Lebanon, tell them that Bryan from Dayton Dining sent you.

595 W Main St
New Lebanon, OH,
937-687-3004
Mon- Sar 7am – 9pm
Sun 9am – 7pm

What to Know to Enjoy the Air Show

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2024 is a very special year for the CenterPoint® Energy Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger as they celebrate 50 years of air shows in the birthplace of aviation – Dayton, Ohio! This year they  welcome the U.S. Navy Blue Angels at Dayton International Airport.

The Blue Angels will headline a jaw dropping lineup of performers and aircraft ground displays in what will be one of the biggest and most special air shows in Dayton history.

The Vandalia-Butler Chamber of Commerce Dayton Air Show Parade is generally the Friday of “air show week”. While the parade officially steps off at 7 p.m., preparation begins as early as 3 p.m. and can create traffic congestion in the parade staging area. Don’t miss this great community event through downtown Vandalia. The route begins at St. Christopher’s parking lot (on U.S. 40 near I-75), travels west to the historic Crossroads of America, turns north on North Dixie and finishes at the Delphi plant on Northwoods Blvd. Motorists should exercise great caution and patience in the area because of the increased pedestrian traffic.

On Saturday and Sunday gates open at 9am and close at 6pm. Flying will start at 11:15am. Planes in the sky, aircraft on the ground, Kids Zone and STEM areas, and plenty of food and drinks available – you don’t want to miss all of the action.

TICKETS:

General Admission – 3 Options $42.00 – $99.00
Tickets good for (1) entry. NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN. This is a rain or shine event. General Admission Tickets admit ages 6+ (ages 5 & under are free) Tickets will be good only for the day for which they are purchased (Saturday OR Sunday). All Guests are encouraged to stay hydrated, bring sunscreen, and wear a hat. All ticket sales are final.
Flight Line Hangar – 3 Options $109.00
Tickets for this seating area are being sold individually. Your ticket includes: • Admission to the show • Open air tent with six umbrella tables for shade, plus open air theater-style seating right on the show line. Tables and chairs are not reserved. • Free Parking Pass (1 per 2 tickets) P-lot • Free, air-conditioned shuttle service to and from the chalet area • EVERYONE, regardless of age, entering the Flight Line Hangar area requires a Flight Line Hangar ticket Ticket will be good only for the day for which it is purchased (Saturday, June 23 or Sunday, June 24). **All ticket sales are final, no refunds, no rain checks.
Family 4 Pack for $99 which includes:
  • 4 General Admissions tickets
  • 1 General Admission parking pass
  • 1 official Souvenir Program

Up to 70% savings over regular prices!

Saturday 4-packs sold out, still available for Sunday, June 23.

Parking Info:

 

or more info check out the Air Show Website.

Candy or Protein Bar- We Say Both

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Before working out or after, many people search for some form of protein to energize them.  ONE Brands has collaborated with Hershey’s to make this dream a reality with two unique flavors.

The partnership features Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme and Reese’s Peanut Butter flavors, each containing 18 grams of protein and 3 grams of sugar.

“Many peanut butter flavored protein bars exist in the world, but only ONE Brands can do it with real ingredients of Reese’s peanut butter,” said Bo Jones, ONE Brands brand manager via a press release provided to Guilty Eats.

If peanut butter isn’t your thing, there is also the Cookies ‘n’ Creme one mentioned above. Like the Reese’s bar, it offers the iconic taste that Hershey fans across the nation will remember with one bite. And it doesn’t come with the guilt that occurs when buying a sugary chocolate bar at your local Walgreens or wherever you may purchase candy.

That said, the new collab helps those with a sweet tooth to find a new alternative. Instead of going straight to the shelf to grab a candy bar after a workout — a protein bar inspired by the candy can replace energy while providing the taste you love.