Dayton Dining

Holiday Beer Tasting To Benefit House of Bread

November 1, 2016 By Lisa Grigsby

The winter season holds many gifts for beer lovers in the form of big, bold ales designed to fend off the cold chill of a long winter’s night.

The 2nd Annual Beerry Christmas Dayton has gathered up a couple dozen of these winter warmers for a joyous holiday celebration on Saturday, November 5th to benefit the House of Bread, a non-profit community kitchen serving hot, nutritious, lunchtime meals to anyone in need 7 days a week to anyone hungry that shows us at their door between 11:30am and 1pm.

There are so many holiday ales, porters and stouts to choose from every holiday season, this event is perfect to sample many of them before you commit to buying your holiday stash!

Here’s how the event works:

Buy a ticket (just $25 in advance- buy online, or $30 at the door)
A sponsorship from Westminster Financial has helped us keep our ticket prices low.

Show up at Kettering Tower (corner of 2nd & Main St.) between 4-7pm

Get your Souvenir tasting glass and 15 tickets, each good for a 4 oz sample
Thank you to Iworks Laser & Vision Center for our adorable glassaware!

Choose from 25 beer, each paired with treats from Whole Foods that include

Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
Ginger Snaps
Yogurt Covered Pretzels
Butter Toffee Peanuts
Milk & Dark Chocolate Covered Marshmallows
Toasted Coconut Chips

Oh, and be sure and get your picture taken with Santa. Bonus- if the picture turns out great, you can use if for your Christmas Card this year- plenty of time to have them made! Our photo booth is run by Liftoff Entertainment and sponsored by the fine folks at Andrew Gaydosh & Asociates, the Real Estate Experts!

New Additions to the event this year include a Chinese Raffle. Buy tickets for $5, $3 for 10 or 8 for $20 and put them into the box corresponding with the prize you most covet. Some of the goodies include a deluxe beer cooler, Beer Advent Boxes, Restaurant Gift Cards and more.

Bonbright Distributors has donated lots of beer glassware and you can score some of these collectibles by bringing a donation for the House of Bread, from their most wanted list. Here’s what Executive Director Melody Bennett has told us they most need:

Coffee
Salad Dressing (Ranch & Italian)
Peanut butter and Jelly (in non-breakable jars)
Pancake mix and syrup.

Held in the heart of downtown, Beerry Christmas Dayton celebrates these winter ales created specifically to bring warmth and cheer to the holiday season. From Belgians and Barleywines to Stouts and Sours, these beers are rich, robust and full of complex flavors.

While the beer list is not complete, we’re waiting on arrivals, here’s what we can confirm:

Ballast Point Cinnamon Raisin Commodore
Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ale
Breckenridge Christmas Ale
Death by Coconut
CM Christkindl
Fat Heads Holly Jolly
Goose Island Festivity
Great Lake Christmas Ale
Great Lakes Ohio City Oatmeal Stout
Heavy Seas Winter Storm
Holly Jolly
Java Man
MadTree Thundersnow
Nutcracker Ale
Rhinegeist Dad
Sam Adams White Christmas
Southern Tier 2xmas Double Spiced Ale
Southern Tier Old Man Winter Ale
Thirsty Dog 12 Dogs
Thundersnow
Warped Wing Esther’s Li’l Secret
Winter Storm
60 Minute IPA

So come toast to the spirits of the season. We look forward to seeing you on Sat, November 5th…Cheers!
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Election Night 5 Course Vodka Pairing Event

November 1, 2016 By Dayton Most Metro

We first told you about brunch at the Blue Note in Miamisburg and now we’re excited to share with you an upcoming Five Course Absolut Vodka & Food Pairing event they will be hosting on Tuesday November 8th. While the nation is busy awaiting voting results you could be enjoying a leisurely evening of cocktails and great tastes.

Here’s Chef Anthony Balsamo menu:

Course 1: Taboo Martini paired with an assortment of European cured meats and artisan cheeses.

Course 2: Harvest Peach Cocktail paired with our one-of-a-kind Blue Note Salad.

Course 3: Apple Pear White Sangria paired with flaky Barramundi (Asian sea bass) with a traditional Spanish coastal sauce.

Course 4: Blood Orange Cosmo paired with Hungarian skewered chicken with potato dumplings.

Course 5: Mr. Goodbar paired with Gene’s Dark Chocolate dessert sampler.

The Blue Note Bistro and Lounge

23 E Central Ave, Miamisburg, Ohio 45342

$50 per guest – includes 5 handcrafted cocktails and food pairings for each. Space is limited for this event. Please book as soon as possible by contacting Gene Bowling by phone at (937) 247-3000 or by email at [email protected].

Boozy Cocktails From Halloween Candy

October 31, 2016 By Dayton Most Metro

You did all that work, bought the candy, opened the door for all the little tykes ringing your bell, told them all how adorable they where (even if you couldn’t figure out what half of them were dressed as) and now it’s time to enjoy some of that candy in some adult boo-zy treats! Cheers!

Almond Joy Cocktail

1 ounce Malibu Rum
1 ounce Amaretto or almond-flavored liqueur
1 ounce creme de cacao
2 ounces half and half (or 1 ounce cream and 1 ounce whole milk)
Almond Joy, for garnish
Coconut shavings, for garnish

Directions:

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Combine Malibu Rum, Amaretto, creme de cacao, and half and half. Cover and shake until well chilled.
Strain into a martini glass. Use a Microplane or cheese grater to garnish with Almond Joy shavings. Sprinkle a pinch of coconut on top.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Martini

1.5 oz. vodka
1 oz. Godiva liqueur
½ oz. white Cream de Cacao
1 oz. peanut butter simple syrup
Garnish: Reese’s peanut butter cup

For the simple syrup

1 C. sugar
1 C. water
½ C. creamy peanut butter

Make the simple syrup by combing sugar, water and peanut butter in small saucepan. Bring to boil, reduce and simmer a few minutes. Set aside and let cool. Store in refrigerator.

For the martini, combine ingredients in cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain in a chilled martini glass. Garnish with Reeses peanut butter cup.

Smarties Mojito

10 mint leaves
3 ounces Smarties Infused Vodka
1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
1 ounce simple syrup
3 rolls of Smarties
Club soda
Ice

Combine mint leaves, lime juice, simple syrup and two rolls of Smarties in a highball glass and muddle ingredients together. Add Smarties Infused Vodka and stir. Add crushed ice, top off with club soda and add a sprinkling of remaining Smarties.

Tootsie Roll Martini

Ingredients

3 oz. Vodka
1/2 oz. Chocolate Liqueur
1/2 oz. Grand Marnier

Instructions

Shake with cracked ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a tootsie roll

M&M Shooter

Sometimes you don’t want a full drink; that’s when a shooter is perfect. Same goes for chocolate – sometimes you don’t want a full bar of chocolate, but a couple of M&Ms really hit the spot. That’s why it’s only natural that this recipe involves a shooter AND M&Ms. You’re welcome.

Mix together 1/2 oz. Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur) and 1/2 oz. Creme de Cacao.

Serve in a shot glass and top with whipped cream and garnish with M&Ms.

The Quest For Dayton’s Best Taco!

October 31, 2016 By Bryan Suddith

There is only one way to determine Dayton’s Best Taco. Gather 10 or 12 of your closest friends and plan an epic Taco Tour. Stop at the 4 hottest taco spots in Dayton in one afternoon, try everything and take great notes.

Chiapas Pork taco al pastor

DaytonMostMetro.com joined up with Bryan’s Burger club and set out to find the best taco. The afternoon started at one of Dayton’s newest Taquerias, Chiapas Mexican. Located on St. Rt. 48 in Centerville, near Bill’s Donuts we easily found space for 10 on the patio.

We surprised them with 10 people so service was a little slow but the tacos were great. Soft and warm corn tortillas were filled and full of flavor. Chicken and beef were the favorites. Chiapas has a very nice Chorizo taco that is almost sweet behind the spice of the Mexican sausage. Beef tongue is a classic choice and was enjoyed by two members of the Taco Crawl team. These tacos are served with cilantro and onion. A salsa verde and red hot sauce are on the table as well. I like mine with a little of the house salsa and nothing more. Chiapas tacos are the real deal at were at the top of the price range at $2.75 each. If you are south of town, this is your stop.

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Chicken & Shrimp at Taquiera Mezteca

Our tour took us into the heart of downtown to the famed Taqueria Mixteca. Located on East 3rd St, Mixteca is a downtown staple. Located just east of Keowee a few blocks they serve a top-notch taco. I was impressed with the chicken taco. Great spice and cooked well. Other favorites of the group were the fish taco, Chorizo with some spice, and the ground beef. Again, cilantro and onions are standard. Tacos are $2.35 each, fish, tongue, and shrimp are in the $3.00 range.

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Chicken & Chorizo at Garcia Mobil Truck

We were in an out of Taqueria Mixteca in record time to catch the Taqueria Garcia Mobil food truck located a block away before it closed at 3pm. $2.00 tacos out of a food truck and this place was the crowd favorite. They serve a Chorizo/Chicken taco that has the best of both worlds in one fold. Spicy Chorizo and savory slow cooked chicken under some cilantro and onion with a squeeze of lime. Add their Salsa Verde and grab two napkins. We got there late so they were out of Tripe, the group tried the other offerings, the steak (Asada) and pork (Al Pastor). For the price and service, you can’t beat this food truck.

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Taco Loco chicken loco and pork taco

Tired with three stops under our belt, or over it, we made our way to Taco Loco located on Burkhardt near Spinning Road. By far the friendliest service by the nicest staff. 10 of us stopped in on what had become a cold rainy afternoon. The place was full with families enjoying full plates of Mexican fare. The quickly rearranged tables and set about getting us more tacos. Tripe is available on weekends and their steak and chorizo tacos were enjoyed. None of us has the nerve to try the gizard taco. The chicken was nothing to write home about and was the only low point of the day. The atmosphere and service made up for it. Prices as low as $1.90 for beef, chicken, pork, and chorizo, tongue and tripe tacos were in the $3.00 range. Great service and a great menu make this a place to return to.

Did we find the best? Positively. Our group agreed they loved each place and enjoyed tacos at every stop. The food truck won our hearts and stomachs. The staff at Taco Loco won us over with hospitality and patio dining at Taqueria Mixteca and Chiapas is a great way to spend an afternoon with friends. Go try them yourself and tell us what you think.

Here were some additional comments from our Facebook invite page:

-Garcia Mobil was the best taco of the day.
-Chicken and Chorizo combo taco at the truck is a real winner.
-Best onions at the truck.
-Chiapas had the best tortillas.
-The ladies at Taco Loco were the best!
-Al Pastor and Steak tacos at Chiapas were also quite tasty.

Halloween Dining Deals

October 30, 2016 By Lisa Grigsby

For years it’s been a Halloween tradition to dress up and get free food and these days that doesn’t just mean knocking door to door in your neighborhood. Ok, not all these are free deals, many just discounted, but hey -we still appreciate the treats!

1. Visit your local Chipotle restaurant, in costume, after 3 pm on Monday, Oct. 31

and you can chow down on $3 burritos, bowls, salads, tacos or kids meals. Proceeds, up to $1 million, will benefit the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to creating a more sustainable and healthful food system and to raising awareness about important issues in food.

2. Get a scoop of your favorite flavor from Baskin-Robbins. On Monday, October 31st, you can get any size scoop of ice cream for only $1.31! (Waffle cones and toppings are extra).

3. Bonefish Grill is offering $5 Martini’s on Halloween.

4. Sonic is doing $.50 corn dogs on Halloween though, crossed they’ll announce it soon! And don’t forget about half-priced drinks and slushies from 2-4pm for even more savings!

5. Got your costume picked out yet? If not there’s still time to get one together before Rapid Fired Pizza‘s Halloween special on Monday, which gets you a $5 pizza with a costume. ?

6. McAlister’s Deli -Kids 12 & under in costume eat FREE. You can get (2) kids meals with the purchase of (1) adult meal.

7. Cici’s Pizza -Kids 10 and under in costume eat FREE with the purchase of an adult meal.

8. Kids 12 and under get a FREE Scary Face Pancake at IHOP on 10/31
As part of the Halloween tradition, IHOP’s popular Funny Face Pancake will turn scary by way of a “design-your-own” Scary Face Pancake for children. Called the Count Spatula Scary Face Pancake, this will be a large buttermilk pancake with a creamy topping mouth, and a bright red strawberry nose, served together with a couple of mini OREO® cookies and some candy corn on the side using which kids will be able to create their own version of a Halloween hotcake. You can order the pancake any time in October, but it’s FREE on 10/31!

9. The Melting Pot: Kids 12 and younger eat free with each adult entree purchased on Halloween.

10. Wendy’s: Visit a participating Wendy’s through Oct. 31 and purchase a Halloween coupon book filled with 10 free Jr. Frosty coupons for just $1. Coupons are redeemable through Feb. 2016. Every book sold will benefit the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption helping children in foster care find permanent, loving homes.

11.Beef ‘O’ Brady’s – Kids in costume receive one free kid’s meal per purchase of adult entree on Halloween.

12. Noodles & Company – FREE Kids Meal = Print a coupon for a free kids meal with purchase of a regular entree.

And one for after Halloween:

Taco Bell: Two days after Halloween, all Taco Bell customers can get one free Doritos Locos Taco apiece. The giveaway, which kicked into effect thanks to a player stealing a base in the World Series, takes place from 2 pm to 6 pm on Wednesday, Nov. 2.

“Nite at the Races” is Back!

October 29, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Endless Beer? Endless food? Bet Cash? Win Cash? Pull Tabs? Raffle Prizes? And all for charity?? YES! This is one time you are encouraged to “horse around.”

The Greater Dayton Apartment Association‘s charitable arm, “The Rent Foundation,” is again hosting a “Nite at the Races” event on Friday night, November 18th.

For the first time ever, this year’s event is being held at the ARBOR HALL in Dayton.

You will be able to bet cash and win cash on horse races shown on the BIG SCREEN and so much more. Saddle up! Are you ready? Because ……

Dozens of Raffle Prizes

HERE’S THE SKINNY on “NITE AT THE RACES !”

—WHEN: FRIDAY NIGHT NOV. 18th from 6pm – 11pm

—WHERE: ARBOR HALL, 2150 Arbor Blvd, Dayton, OH 45439

—COST: **TICKETS are $15 at the door and includes all the food, draft beer and soft drinks you want.**

—FOOD: Wings, Pizza, Taco Bar, Hot Dog Bar and more.

Bring your friends and family! You must be 21 or older to attend.

4 WAYS YOU CAN WIN and HELP THE RENT FOUNDATION!

$15 includes all the beer and food you want

— BET CASH, WIN CASH – Bet on horse races that will be shown on the big screen, pick the winner!

— “OWN” A HORSE at AUCTION – Be the winning bidder on a horse that wins the race!

— PULL TABS – Cash prizes for pull tabs. Last year there was a $250 pull tab winner

— BUY A WINNING RAFFLE PRIZE TICKET: Liquor, Gift Baskets, Restaurant Gift Cards, Designer Purses, Electronics, massage certificates and much more.

What is the Rent Foundation? This charitable group helps prevent homelessness by paying rent for families who are in crisis. These are everyday families who are dealing with an unforeseen circumstance or a

family tragedy, and need some temporary help. By partnering with the Greater Dayton Apartment Association (GDAA), the money raised will help benefit people living in those apartments communities across the Miami Valley.

What better way to help real people in the Dayton area?

And what a deal for endless drinks, food and entertainment for such a low price. It is a no brainer! Please help, by attending this event for a great cause.

SEE YOU AT THE RACES !!!

The night will be a blast, and will help house families. Help support this worthy Dayton cause. See you Friday, at the races !

Raffle Prizes include this lottery tree !

Hot Dog Bar, and drinks – all included in admission price !

Beer, and Betting on Horses !

Hot Dog Bar with the fixings !

Wine Basket raffle prizes

Kegs and Horses

Lots of winners

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So many raffle prizes of all sorts

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Volunteers for the event

another winner

Treat Yourself to a $29.95 3-Course Dinner at Flemmings

October 28, 2016 By Dayton Most Metro

There’s no trick here, just a treat!

Enjoy a Halloween carving with a three course savory Prime Rib dinner for $29.95 valid through Oct 31st at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar at The Greene.

This meal includes one of our housemade salads, our savory Prime Rib entrée with a trio of sauces, your choice of side and your choice of dessert.

Start your meal with a choice of salads:

Fleming’s Salad

The New Wedge

Modern Caesar

Bloomsdale Spinach

Second Course

12 oz FLEMING’S PRIME RIB DINNER au jus, creamy horseradish & dijon sauces,
served with your choice of sides:

Fleming’s Potatoes our house specialty with cream, jalapeños and cheddar cheese

Baked Potato plain or loaded

Truffle-Parsley Mashed Potatoes

Double-Cut Shoestring Potatoes

Signature Onion Rings

Chipotle Cheddar Macaroni Cheese

Sauteed Mushrooms

Creamed Spinach

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Grilled High Country Asparagus

Choice of Dessert

Chocolate Lava Cake

Cheesecake

Creme Brulee

Walnut Turtle Pie

Carrot Cake

Fleming’s is located at 4432 Walnut St in The Greene. Reservations are required to take advantage of the prime rib special, please mention it when reserving at (937) 320-9548

Hours: Friday and Saturday 5-11pm, Sunday 11am – 9pm and Monday 5-10pm.

For the 3rd Year Warped Wing & Esther Price Brew A Beer

October 28, 2016 By Dayton Most Metro

From left, Doug Dressman, Esther Price vice president of operations, Jim Day, Esther Price President and CEO and John Haggerty, Warped Wing Brewmaster

What’s this year’s Esther’s Li’l Secret creation? Sorry, we’re not telling. It’s a secret. But there’s one way to find out. Come to the official ELS release party at the brewery. Rumor has it you won’t be disappointed.

Esther Price had a dream. To open a store. And share with the world her made-by-hand, made-with-love confections. So for 30 years, to the bliss of taste-testers, otherwise known as family and friends, she perfected a timeless selection of delectable confections. In 1952, the doors to her first store in Dayton, Ohio swung open. And the world rushed in. Esther’s chocolates quickly became, and remain, the Midwest’s most beloved. Her Secret? Some things are better sipped than said.

This partnership created a Scotch Ale in 2014, last year it was a milk chocolate brown ale and we’ll have to wait another week to see what this year brings.

To celebrate the 2016 release, Warped Wing will be kicking off a sweet spun event on November 3 rd at the brewery beginning at 5pm. The party will feature the release of this year’s secret beer along with a special Esther Price Candy pairing to compliment this year’s offering.

This is the first opportunity to taste the beer before it hits the retail market November 7th. The beer will be available on draft in select restaurants and bars. It will also be available in one-of-a-kind collectable 4-Pack 16oz cans in retail establishments’ as well as our taproom.

10 ?’s with Fifth Street Brewpubs Chef Brandon Travis

October 27, 2016 By Lisa Grigsby

Chef Brandon Travis has over 2700 owner/bosses, at the Fifth Street Brewpub. more than 11 years of food service experience. During that time, he worked in nearly every kitchen station and position, which allowed him to learn how to effectively run a kitchen to provide the highest quality of fare to customers. Chef Brandon specializes in obtaining the highest quality products available and focuses on responsible and sustainable sourcing. He strives to use locally grown and produced products in everything he creates. Chef Brandon attended Sinclair Community College’s culinary arts and hospitality management program. He’s worked at Fifth Street Brewpub since they first introduced their kitchen.

Just last week Chef Brandon introduced a new menu for the brewpub, which includes discounted prices for members and a Monday – Friday, 4 – 6 PM happy hour for all that offers $1 off drafts, and wine as well as all sharing plates, like the smoked salmon dip, Co-op Cheese curds, and the ever popular Henry Chips not have an option to add chicken, pork or braised beef. The entree menu includes a turkey avocado club, the best selling build your own burger, a vegan spinach wrap and 4 salads to choose from. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 10am -2pm with breakfast classics like french toast, steak and eggs and some specialty items like chicken and waffles and the over the top banana foster waffle. See the full menu here.

Chef Brandon took time out from the kitchen to answer our Chef’s 10 ?’s so we could get to know him a little better. We learned he’s a man of few words, preferring to let his food do the talking.

What is your favorite ingredient to cook with? Cilantro

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Spatzel Pork – A breaded pork tenderloin fried to perfection served on spatzel dumplings topped with caramelized onions and our housemade beer cheese.

What ingredient do you dread? Tamarind

What’s your favorite dish to make? Risotto

What’s your favorite pig out food? Chinese

What restaurant, other than your own do you like to dine at in the Miami Valley?
Thai 9

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weekly specials change frequently, pictured here: tequila lime shrimp tacos

What’s your best advice for home chefs? Practice, practice, practice.

If you could invite any 4 guests to a dinner party who would they be and why?
I would invite Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, and James Earl Jones to dinner because I’m a Star Wars nerd.

Who do you look up to in the industry and why? I look up to Tom Colicch

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Crabby Patty – A ½ pound handcrafted crab cake griddled to perfection served on a toasted brioche bun garnished with lettuce, tomato and a Cajun remoulade.

io, New York restauranteur, who is equal parts business and chef. He has five James Beard Awards under his belt.

What do you do in the Miami Valley on a day off? A day off starts with coffee at the Boston Stoker and a trip to Yellow Springs to hike with the dog and girlfriend.

Share a kitchen disaster, lucky break or other interesting story:
My best kitchen disaster story was when I tipped an entire storage rack over because I’m short and needed to climb it for a dish on the top shelf.

HauntFEAST, a “Ghoul-met” 4-Course Halloween-Themed Dinner

October 26, 2016 By Dayton Most Metro

Summon your courage and your appetite as Lily’s Bistro presents HauntFEAST, a “Ghoul-met” 4-course Halloween themed dinner on Thursday, October 27th at 6pm.

“The Oregon District knows how to celebrate Halloween and we wanted to add our own contribution the Thursday before the big weekend party,” said Owner Emily Mendenhall. “HauntFEAST will showcase the creativity of our kitchen and bar staff through unique Halloween themed offerings.”

In addition to Chef de Cuisine Amy Finch, Sous Chef James Burton, and Bar Manager Amber Brady, the evening will be presided over by special guest and
local horror host legend, Baron Von Porkchop.

“Baron Von Porkchop has hosted his Terrifying Tales of the Macabre on DATV for years now,” Mendenhall said. “He is the only person fit to guide us through such a terrifyingly fun evening.”

Though the menu is still being finalized, guests can expect such thrills as “The Creature from the Black Lagoon,” a squid ink seafood pasta, the “Twilight Special” of skewered rare steak with garlic sauce and a shot of silver bullet, roasted bone marrow, Sleepy Hollow-ed puff pastry filled with “Stephen A La King,” and a dessert of “Carrie’s Fried Ice Cream” with blood orange coulis, among others.

Fears, seasonal beers and spooky spirits like the Dellamorte Dellamore white negroni and Lily’s Skullpunch (a version of a classic Zombie cocktail) will also be provided from the bar.

“It’s an experience we hope will haunt and delight guests for the nights to come,” Mendenhall said.

For those interested in HauntFEAST, the 4-course dinner costs $40 and takes place on Thursday, October 27th at Lily’s Bistro on Fifth Street in the Oregon District. . The restaurant will be decorated specially for the event and costumes are encouraged. More details can be found at facebook.com/lilysbistro/ Tickets can be purchased at the restaurant or online through the link below: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/haunt-feast-a-ghoulmet-4-course-dinner-tickets-28338892390

The full menu for this event:

AMUSE
Evil Eye bruschetta: locally baked bread with whipped goat cheese, cipollini onion, balsamic reduction served with choice of Stoli vodka “Secret Ooze” or Homemade Scary-limeade soda
SECOND COURSE choose one
Rest In Peas soup: split pea soup with a tombstone crouton
Dem Bones: roasted bone marrow with fresh herb and grape salad
The Twilight Duo: skewered steak with a garlic sauce, accompanied by a shot of coors light Silver Bullet
Buried Alive: spiralized beets with goat cheese, walnuts, and dijon vinaigrette
THIRD COURSE choose one
Creature from the black lagoon: squid ink pasta tossed in a garlic sauce with calamari tentacles, head on prawn, and mussles
Beef tongue tacos: with refried black beans, rice, pico de gallo, hot sauce and cilantro lime crema
The Ribs of JAWS: Carolina reaper glazed paco fish ribs over chilled soba noodles, topped with apple, cucumber, and pea shoot salad
The Ring: rings of roasted acorn squash over a bed of basmati and wild rice with mushrooms, onions, celery
Stephen a la King: creamy local, free-range chicken in brown gravy with red peppers, mushrooms, potatoes, and carrots over “sleepy hollow-ed” puff pastry
FOURTH COURSE choose one
Carrie’s fried ice cream: deep fried red velvet ice cream with blood orange coulis
Monkey’s paw…paw bread: locally foraged paw paw fruits with bananas baked into a bread and drizzled with caramel

Duck-a-Palooza is back at Hawthorn Grill

October 26, 2016 By Dayton Most Metro

Chef Candace Rinke (read more about her here in our 10 questions interview) is featuring duck all week long on the dinner menu at her Kettering eatery in her annual Duck-A-Palloza celebration. The Hawthorn Grill, located at 1222 East Stroop Road is open nightly at 5pm and serves til 9pm during the week and 10pm on Friday and Saturday.

Here’s the Duck Menu:

DUCK CONFIT SALAD
Homemade Duck Confit, Arugula, Orange Vinaigrette, Butternut Squash, Ricotta & Dried
Cranberry Spring Roll, Green Beans, Apples, Pickled Red Onions & Beets,
French Green Lentils, Pomegranate Seeds. 12

CHARCUTERIE APPETIZER PLATTER
Duck and Pistachio Terrine, Sherried Duck Liver Mousse,
Toast Points, Cranberry Apricot Chutney, Dijon Mustard, Arugula Salad. 12

DUCK & SAUSAGE CASSOULET
Traditional French White Bean Stew with Root Vegetables,
Confit of Duck, Homemade Boudin Blanc, Homemade Pork Sausage,
Applewood Smoked Bacon, Herbed Bread Crumbs. 20

CONFIT OF DUCK LEG
Crispy House-cured Duck Confit, Ruby Port-Fig Sauce, Sweet Potato Puree,
Ricotta Gnudi, Sage Brown Butter, Crispy Onion Straws. 22

PAN ROASTED DUCK BREAST
Crispy Sautéed Duck Breast, Pomegranate Molasses, Duck Sugo with Pappardelle Pasta,
Sautéed Escarole with Garlic, Pomegranate Seeds. 22

Beer List for Dia De Las Cervezas Revealed + Ticket Give Away

October 25, 2016 By Dayton Most Metro

Ohio’s craft brewers are concocting frighteningly flavorful beers and the Ohio Craft Brewers Association is launching a haunting event to celebrate them. The inaugural Dia de las Cervezas, a costumes-encouraged beer tasting, will take place on Saturday, October 29 from 5:00 – 9:00 pm at the significantly-spooky Top of the Market in Dayton. Thirty-plus Ohio craft breweries will sample brews old and new at an event that will also feature live music, food trucks, a costume contest and more.

Schedule for Dia de las Cervezas
•4:00 p.m. – VIP and Enthusiast Member early entry and beer sampling begins
•4:00 – 9:00 p.m. – The Deli and food trucks open (Pa’s Pork and The Drunken Waffle)
•5:00 p.m. – General Admission entry
•5:00 – 9:00 – face painting, tarot card readings
•5:00 – 6:30 p.m. – music by Team Void
•6:45 – 8:45 p.m. – music by The AmpFibians
•8:00 p.m. – costume contest
•9:00 p.m. – Dia de las Cervezas ends…procession to Hauntfest on Fifth

General Admission: $40 advance, $50 at the door Includes 40 tickets for 2 oz. samples.

VIP: $60 advance, $75 at the door Includes the above, plus early admission at 4:00PM, access to a VIP-only area, and special beer.

Designated Driver Ticket: $20 (May enter with VIP or GA) Includes a non-alcoholic beverage and a food voucher. Sampling strictly prohibited.

You must be at least 21 years of age to attend. Buy tickets online.

DMM Giveaway: We’ve got a pair of tickets to giveaway- To enter our giveaway share this article on your Facebook Page and leave a comment below on why you should win these tickets! Winners: Tracy Hieatt & Power Skirt

Participating breweries include:
Black Cloister Brewing Company (Toledo): Barrel Aged True Scotsman Scotch Ale, Flapjack-O-Lantern Pumpkin beer made with Barrel aged maple syrup

The Brew Kettle (Strongsville): White Rajah, Strangeville, El Lupulo Libre

Carillon Brewing Company (Dayton): Sour Porter, Coriander Ale

Cellar Dweller Craft Beers (Morrow): Corporal Khaos Pale Ale, Eye Opener Hazelnut Coffee Cream Stout, Jeremiah Morrow IPA, Uncle Ronnie Pale Ale, Experimental Hop Ron Mexico.

Christian Moerlein Brewing Company (Cincinnati): Shiver Chai Porter, Bay of Bengal Double IPA
Crooked Handle Brewing Co. (Springboro): Roadside Peanut Butter Porter, Witcher Pumpkin Ale

The Dayton Beer Company (Dayton): Midnight Dream Russian Imperial Stout, Codebreaker DIPA

Eudora Brewing Company (Dayton): Oktoberfest, Mother Fuggle Brown Ale

Fat Head’ s Brewery (Middleburg Heights): Pumpkin Chucker, Alpenglow, Head Hunter, Sunshine Daydream

Fifth Street Brewpub (Dayton): Single Hop Amarillo, Jo-Jo’s Midnight Stout

Fifty West Brewing Co. (Cincinnati): Doom Pedal White Ale, Punch you in the EyePA, Shred Red IPA, 50W Lager

FigLeaf Brewing Co. (Middletown): Basmati Cream Ale, Saison Rouge (Red Saison), Isotrope (IPA), Ponderous (Porter)

Four String Brewing Company (Columbus): Brass Knuckle, Payback Pilsner, Switchblade IPA

Great Lakes Brewing Company (Cleveland): Nosferatu, Eliot Ness

Hairless Hare Brewery (Vandalia): Barrel Aged Brown Barrel Bomber, Barrel Aged Buckeye Nation,
Hoppocrisy Session IPA, Dusty Roads Imperial Wit, Rye The Hell Knot

Homestead Beer Co. (Heath): Pumpkin Ale, Snake Oil Super Pale Ale

Jackie O’s Pub and Brewery (Athens): Dark Appartion (Russian Imperial Stout), Meigs County Black (Black IPA)

Lineage Brewing (Columbus): Passion Fruit/ Guava Berliner Weiss, Golden Brett ale aged in wine barrels, Spaceship #6 IPA

Little Fish Brewing Company (Athens): Notes from the Understory (Paw Paw Brett beer),

Woodthrush (Biere de Garde), Double Harvey’s (Imperial Milk Stout)

Lock 27 Brewing (Centerville): Mouth Breather IPA, Oat Rodeo Stout, Mashie Niblick 90p (Scottish Ale)

Lucky Star Brewery (Miamisburg): Mucho Michelada, OjOs LoCoS (Mexican Lager)

MadTree Brewing (Cincinnati): Blood Orange PsycHOPathy, BBA YOBR, PSA

North High Brewing (Columbus): Pale Ale, Thunderkiss Milk Stout

The Phoenix Brewing Company (Mansfield): Mary Jane Chai Baltic Porter, Black Aggie Russian Imperial Stout, Undertaker Imperial Red Rye IPA, Santa Muerte Spiced Imperial Chocolate Stout

Pinups and Pints (Medway): Pinup Pale Ale

Platform Beer Company (Cleveland): Lair Slayer, High Brow, Esther (Belgian Dark Strong Ale), Speed Merchant, New Cleveland, Palesner

Seventh Son Brewing (Columbus): Wilderman (Autumn Farmhouse Ale), Proliferous DIPA

Thirsty Dog Brewing Company (Akron): Ol Choco (Milk Stout), 12 Dogs of Christmas, Citra Dog (American IPA)

Toxic Brew Company (Dayton): Toxic Blonde, Uno Mas Mexican Lime Lager

Urban Artifact (Cincinnati): Whirligig (Wild Blueberry Ale), Finn (Berliner Pale Ale), Pickle Gose (Pickle Gose)

Warped Wing Brewing Company (Dayton): Creepshow Smoked Porter, Irreverent Red IPA, Trotwood Lager, Gamma Bomb IPA, 10 Ton Oatmeal Stout, Barn Gang Saison

Yellow Springs Brewery (Yellow Springs): Captain Stardust (saison), Zoetic (american pale ale), Barrel Aged Bloodsmoke (imperial smoked red ale), S’more Handsome (variant of our american brown ale w/ marshmallow, chocolate & graham cracker), Andy Paxitup (fresh hopped IPA – VIP ONLY)

Corner Kitchen to Serve Pre-Hauntfest Brunch

October 25, 2016 By Lisa Grigsby

October 29th is Hauntfest in the Oregon District, the annual costumed celebration that closes down Fifth Street for the festivities. Because of that, Corner Kitchen, located at the intersection of Fifth and Wayne Streets, will be closed that evening, but will open up that Saturday for a Pre-Hauntfest Brunch from 11am – 3pm.

Owner Natalie Skilliter was excited to share plans for the day with DMM. “We LOVE Halloween. The staff is dressing up on Friday, Oct. 28 and for the Brunch on the 29th–it’s a lot of fun.

Croque Madam -a French twist on grilled ham, cheese and egg sandwich.

Last year, the kitchen dressed up as the Village People and broke out in dance to the YMCA. We had an Elvis that serenaded tables as well. It was a hoot!” We weren’t able to find out if a new group number is planned for this year, but we’re guessing there will be something special planned that is just as entertaining.

In traditional brunch style, the menu will be a mix of breakfast and lunch foods and according to Skilliter, “we’re still working out the details, but I know we’ll have steak & eggs, croque madam, pancakes, burgers and mussels. Plus, we will have a Bloody Mary bar!” Expect brunch entrees to be in the $9-$16 range.

Update: The brunch menu is now online.

Old Bank Becomes A Jazzy Joint in Miamisburg

October 22, 2016 By Nikki Nett

What do you get when you cross a history-filled but empty, old school bank with a vision for the future with a nod to the hey day of the jazz age?

The Blue Note Bistro and Lounge at 23 E. Ccntral Ave. in Downtown Miamisburg.

Owner Julie Delph, who you may know as the owner of Miami Valley Sports Bar, wasn’t content to just remodel that south suburb staple. She took on the task of creating a new business in historic downtown Miamisburg. Armed with an amazing shell of a building and a lot of ideas, Blue Note was born.

With a focus on live music and a jazzy ambiance, Julie + crew took on the detail enriched project of creating a vibe unlike any other in the Dayton area. Dim lights, cool tones and a lot of chill creates a feeling of stepping way back in time the second you walk in the door.

With sustainability being in the forefront of design decisions, you’ll be delighted to hear the back story of some of the permanent fixtures. The marble teller stations used as partitions, the wine cellar that was the actual safe, the antique pieces of furniture you find in the “speakeasy”, and all the way down to the brass light switches in the board room that has been buried under layers of paint for decades, each and every piece was well thought out to create a unique experience for customers in 2016 and beyond.

Ok, so it looks amazing, we all agree, but what about the food & service?

Let’s cut to the chase here, the food is ridiculous. I mean ridiculous as in “I could eat here every day”, *that* kind of ridiculous. Entrees are solid, drinks are well made and happily served. Apps are a treat- yes, you really DO want your Caprese Salad fried, you do, I promise.

If you have even a fraction of a sweet tooth, order light to save room for dessert. The truffles. THE DANG TRUFFLES!!! Seriously people, get the super-rich chocolatey decadence that are the Blue Note Truffles. No real words, just nom nom nom. Blue Note Bistro has the market cornered on desserts, thanks to pastry chef and general manager, Gene Bowling. If you have even the slightest enjoyment of cheesecake on any level, get it. Get it right now. You won’t be disappointed. The last one I had was a banana-strawberry concoction that I can’t fully describe but was amazing.

Their brunch is my new favorite, hands down, but to be brutally honest, I don’t want to tell you too much because I enjoy getting in quickly.

Ok, fine. First and foremost, reservations are appreciated. It’s a small business and we all want to set them up for success, so let’s just let them know in advance if we’re bringing a group. If you can agree to that, I’ll tell you about the good stuff.

Did we agree? Great!

YOU GUYS!!! BRUNCH IS THE BEST! It’s no real secret that brunch is the best meal of the week, but we’re going to move past that obvious fact for the purpose of this story.

Blood Orange Mimosas – amazing
Bloody Mary’s (extra spicy) – amazing
Their coffee (some crazy special blend, percolated the old fashioned way) – amazing
Eggs Benedict Oscar with asparagus – amazing
Quiche & Omelet of the day – yep, amazing
Biscuits & Gravy – I don’t know what the hell is in that gravy, but it’s legit the best I’ve had (though I do plan to do a Miamisburg side-by-side with Koffee Kup at a later date for confirmation)

But let’s talk about the chicken & waffles for a second. Yes, it’s trendy. Yes it’s popping up on a lot of menus lately. Yes, I know all of these things. But Blue Note is serving theirs with smoked chicken. You might not think it makes a difference but, wow. There’s this combination of the smokey & sweet that’s just… All together now… AMAZING.

I don’t even feel the slightest bit bothered by the amount of times I’ve used the word “amazing” here. Not even a little bit. It’s worthy. So worthy.

The upstairs parlor.

Here’s the deal, I’ve been there a few times now and I plan to be there regularly in the future. It’s my new spot. While I understand that it may be a bit off the beaten path, it’s worth checking out. It only takes one time. Their service has been on point every time, their food & drink is top tier, the music is unlike the norm, and the general coolness of the joint can’t be matched.

I am cordially inviting you to the coolest place to hit the Miami Valley recently. Come down to the Burg and experience this little gem…

… But don’t all come at once, because I’ll elbow you for a seat at the bar (in the nicest way possible, obviously).

Blue Notes Hours

Mon 8:00pm-1:00am – Blues Night
Tue 5:00pm-11:00pm
Wed 5:00pm-11:00pm
Thu 5:00pm-11:00pm
Fri 5:00pm-1:00am
Sat 5:00pm-1:00am
Sun 11:00am-4:00pm

Empty Bowls Fundraiser Benefits House of Bread

October 20, 2016 By Dayton Most Metro

Tonight’s 7th Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser offers a beautiful array of bowls handmade by local Girl Scout Troop #33101 at K12/TEJAS. Delicious soups, warm breads, and desserts from area restaurants await. For a minimum $25 donation, you will be able to select the bowl of your choice and have it filled with whatever soup you desire. The bowl is yours to keep!! The event runs from 5-7pm at UD’s River Campus Location on Patterson Boulevard across from Dayton History (the old NCR).

You may pre-register at the link included or bring cash, check or credit card to the event. Pre-registrations on the website will get you a free raffle ticket and will have a speedy check-in upon arrival. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 and raffle prizes include restaurant gift certificates or tickets to the upcoming Beerry Christmas Dayton holiday beer tasting, that also benefits House of Bread.

Soups will be provided by Chef George Sideras, Nestle, and area restaurants:

Christopher’s
Texas Beef & Cattle Co.
Lily’s Bistro
Corner Kitchen
Mamma DiSalvo’s
Scratch Foods
Coco’s Bistro
Jimmie’s Ladder 11
Amber Rose
Meadowlark
Mack’s Tavern
Mudlick Tap House
Brixx Ice Company
Dayton Racquet Club

Soup selections include vegetarian, vegan and Gluten Free options. Bread will be provided by Evans Bakery and Texas Roadhouse, desserts by Ashley’s Pastry Shop, and soda by the 7 Up Bottling Company. Many thanks to our sponsor Paramount Advantage.

100% of the proceeds from this event go to the House of Bread, a non-profit community kitchen located in Dayton. We serve a hot, nutritious, lunchtime meal to anyone in need 7 days a week. In addition, they offer personal hygiene and warm wear items, as well as referrals to other social services. Help and hope are always on the menu at the House of Bread.

Fall at Hidden Valley Fruit Farm

October 19, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Down south on Route 48, is a great little place

Hay! Hay! Hay! Food, fun and fall flavors await you at The Hidden Valley Fruit Farm. Just a few minutes south of Centerville on State Rout 48, Hidden Valley is the perfect place for a family Food Adventure, especially for little ones. You can find pies to petting zoos, and scarecrows to strawberry jams. They even have hay rides, pick your own apples and more. We have great memories of coming here as kids. This farm store is a perfect place to spend time with your loved onesand experience the sights and sniffs of the Fall season.

HERE’S THE SKINNY on HIDDEN VALLEY FRUIT FARM:

Caramel Apples, anyone ?

—For over 60 years, located at 5474 OH-48, Lebanon, OH 45036 just a few minutes south of Centerville.

—10am – 6pm Sunday through Wednesday and 10am – 7pm Thursday – Saturday

— Fun attractions include: Hayrides, pick your our pumpkin, pick your own apples, a gift shop in the 150 year old barn, an ice cream shop, and a petting zoo. There is “so much room for activities”

Pumpkins Galore

— The Country Store is in a 150 year old barn. It features a gift shop, a bakery, a produce area, grocery items and coffees.

— The small restaurant is open Wednesday to Saturday, and features an $8.99 lunch for a pulled-pork sandwich and two sides – choices are potato salad, corn-on-the-cob, or baked beans.

— They grow 38 different kind of apple varieties.

There are literally hundreds of choices, local squash, fruit jams and so much more. Over the years we have tried dozens of items. Here are some of our favorites that have lasted from the 1970’s. Without further delay.. we present our MUST EATS !

MUST EATS at HIDDEN VALLEY FRUIT FARM:

Fritters, Cider and Apples….

— GALLON OF APPLE CIDER: Hidden Valley Fruit Farm is one of the only farms in Ohio that still prepares its apple cider the old-fashioned way. Not from concentrate, their cider is pressed from select apples out of their own orchards. The cider goes from orchard, to press, to bottle, then straight to the refrigerators. Their is no homogenization, no pasteurization, and no additives or preservatives. The best cider ever in the Big Ragu’s opinion. Maybe it is the nostalgia, but he has never tasted anything like it.

— PUMPKIN DONUTS: Small, sugary and delicious. We have been enjoying these for decades. Get a few extra, they seem to disappear into hungry mouths on the way to the car.

Local Honey

— GALA APPLES: OK, so they have 38 different kinds of apples… One of our favorites is the sweet Gala apples grown on site. There are so many others, some good for baking, others good for eating. All of them local, right off the trees and delicious.

— APPLE FRITTERS: These are huge. They are sweet, glazed and delicious. So sweet in fact, that they are guaranteed to attract a bee or two if eaten outside. Made fresh, they melt in your mouth and go great with a glass of milk.

— LOCAL NATURAL RAW HONEY: There are so many uses for this wonderful product. From a drop in your tea, to drizzling over cereal, this honey is fantastic. On toast or a spoonful from the jar, it is a wonderful treat. Did you know that consuming local honey helps guard against allergies to local plants? It is true with all natural honeys and the area they are produced.

38 varities of apples

— CARAMEL APPLES WITH NUTS: Nice sized apples dipped in a thick caramel coating, with the bottom half rolled in chopped peanuts. The result is everything you could ever want from a salty and sweet treat. Sinful? You bet… If you want to go big, they have a “Thriller” apple which is the deluxe chocolate added treat. Although they are great, we stay old school here and prefer the original.

Honorable Mention: The Homemade Fudge. All flavors. It used to cause family squabbles in the car on our way back from Kings Island..

Gala apples – sweet things grown on their orchard

The Hidden Valley Fruit Farm is a throwback Food Adventure and a tribute to the old days. Rural America eats and treats, and simple pleasures like a fall Hay ride.

Find the peace and calm of a brisk Autumn day, and visit this local treasure. There is still time to grab a pumpkin before Halloween, and this is the perfect spot to scope one out. See you near the corn stalks, inside the barn….

Are you a Dayton Foodie? Then follow us on Facebook by clicking here, and find your paradise. The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax are just a click away.

Please enjoy the sights of Fall at Hidden Valley Fruit Farm by browsing our photos below.