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Dayton Dining

Uno’s Pizza with Santa

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Treat your kids to a very special lunch with Santa Claus as Uno’s Pizzeria santabrings Santa in to hear holiday wish lists from deserving boys and girls. From 10:30 -11am the man in the red suit will mingle with the little ones, followed by your lunch ordered from the menu.  There is no extra charge for this, but reservations are required.

Santa will make appearances Sat, Dec 5th, 12th and 19th at the restaurant at 1900 Main Street, downtown. Call Uno’s at 910-8000 to make your reservations.  And don’t forget your camera!

10?’s with Savona’s Keith Taylor

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1p3Chef Keith Taylor graduated from the culinary program at Sinclair Community College in 1997 while working as a sous chef at L’Auberge with Dieter Krug. In 2000, Taylor left L’Auberge to work at Pacchia, an Italian-American restaurant in the Oregon District under then owner Glen Brailey. After four years there, Taylor worked for a year at the Schuster Performing Arts Center until Citilites changed into a buffet-style arrangement. Taylor then went on to  work at Country Club of the North, before finally deciding to open his own place in 2007.  Savona Restaurant originally started out old world Italian, but has evolved over the years, the menu has broadened and the wine list is filled with French, Italian and American vintages.  The menu changes a couple of times a year, but is often supplemented with specials, inspired by locally grown ingredients.   Chef comes off a little shy when you first meet him, but over time I’ve learned he’s a great story teller, with a mischievous laugh and a sarcastic outlook on life.  After much harassing, he reluctantly agreed to answer my 10 questions:

What is your favorite ingredient to cook with?
Beer- that way I can have a little nip while I prepare. Bud is my standby, but I also like dark porters and stouts.

What ingredient do you dread?
The best part of owning a restaurant is I no longer have to cook things I dread! Really what I dread is the monotony of making simple dishes over and over, like salads, vinaigrettes… I really need a challenge. Another thing I dread is cooking for people who are vegan or have things like celiac disease in the middle of a rush. That’s such a responsibility to make sure you do not have any ingredient that can affect someone’s well being, I really don’t want to screw that up!

What’s your favorite dish to make?
Whatever I’m hungry for! At home it’s probably Sloppy Joes. At work I really like braising- it’s a slow process that infuses layers of flavor. I’m really into complex flavors and meat. Often the starch and veggie are last minute afterthoughts to the meals I plan!

What’s your favorite pig out food?
Pizza – Hand tossed pizza with everything- meat, cheese, mushrooms and onions. If you put tropical fruit on your pizza, I wanna slap you-that’s an abomination.

What restaurant, other than your own, do you like to dine at in the Miami Valley?
Who’s picking, me or my wife? If it’s up to me we’re going to C’est Tout or Meadowlark. It’s got to be an independently owned restaurant for me. If my wife’s picking, we’ll end up at Don Pablo.  If the kid’s are with us, McDonald’s- I can eat a Big Mac with the best of them. I’m also trying to get my son into sushi.

What’s your best advice for home chefs?
Eat out!

If you could invite any 4 guests to a dinner party who would they be and why?
My Mom, Barack Obama- so I could find out what he really thinks,
Chef Dieter –but he’d be mad if I make him sit with Barack and my wife- because she and I bickering would be entertaining for all.

Who do you look up to in the industry and why?
keith&dieter,jpgChef Dieter (and it’s obvious by the quieting of his voice and the slow tilt of his head, he’s still mourning the recent loss of his mentor) Dieter taught me to make Bouillabaisse. It’s a labor of love. Fresh stock, rich flavors and customers really seem to enjoy it. He also instilled in me a great work ethic.

What do you do in the Miami Valley on a day off?
Take my kids to school, ok I do that every day, then I like to cook for my family and have family time. The kids set the table and we sit down for dinner, just like I did when I was growing up. And I can’t wait to take my son to the Air Force Museum – it’s probably the coolest thing around here and I remember going when I was a kid.

Share a kitchen disaster, lucky break or other interesting story:
We were getting ready for a busy night and I asked a dishwasher to drain the stock. He poured the stock down the drain and kept the bones. After a few choice words and throwing a few things at him, I had to make stock, again…. I don’t explode like I used too. I’m not saying it doesn’t happen, but it’s a lot less often… (Savona’s Sous Chef Trevor agrees- there’s never a dull moment with Keith- and he should know, as he’s worked with him as far back as Pacchia, and followed him to Schuster, Country Club of the North and came along to open Savona with him. Buy him a beer sometime and maybe he’ll tell you about the flying knife blade….)

Savona Restaurant is open for dinner Tues- Thurs from 5-9pm, Fri  & Sat 5-10pm.  Reservations are suggested- call 937-610-9835.  Located in Centerville,  at 79 S. Main Street, just south of St Rt 725, the restaurant seats 74 and features a wine tasting on the 2nd Wed of each month.

Savona will start serving lunch between 11am and 2pm on Fridays starting December 4th through the month of December.

Champagne & Sparkling Wine Tasting

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images3Join The Winds Cafe and Bakery in Yellow Springs for  this very special afternoon tasting on Sat, Dec 5th at 3pm.  You’ll get to taste some authentic, grower Champagnes, but we’ll also taste some very affordable sparkling wines from around the world. See how beautifully sparkling wine pairs with a wide variety of dishes.

Cost is $50 per person. For information and reservations call 937-767-9441.  Events like this at The Winds always sell out, so be sure and reserve early!

Eat at Chili’s and benefit Children’s

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images-50Stop in for a delicious lunch or dinner at either (or both!) of the Chili’s locations November 23-25 and 10% of your purchase will be donated to Dayton Children’s.

You will need to bring a voucher along with you. Vouchers are available at www.childrensdayton.org/fundraisers under the Chili’s Pepper Profit program area.

Addresses for the Chili’s locations in the Dayton area:
2762 N. Fairfield Rd., Beavercreek
1110 Miamisburg Centerville Rd., Dayton

Dayton’s Most Delightful Desserts

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The festivities begin Sunday, Nov 22, 5-8pm, at the Kettering Family Education Center in Carillon Historical Park. Start with an assortment of heavy Hors d’oeuvres … finish with the anticipated “Dayton’s Most Delightful Dessert” Contest.

Dessert Contest Participants:

Bellyfire Catering
Chocolate Slice of Heaven
Sliced chocolate mousse with butter cookie crunch and
mouth-watering raspberry sauce.

Benham’s Catering
Hazelnut Caramel Dessert Roll
White sponge cake filled with hazelnuts, apricots, golden raisins, and Frangelico-flavored whipped cream. Iced with caramel butter cream and served with Frangelico caramel sauce.

Brock Masterson’s Catering & Events
Eggnog Mousse with Irish Crème Anglaise
Eggnog mousse complimented with pecan short bread and drizzled with Irish coffee crème anglaise.

Dayton Marriott
Marriott’s Traditional Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce
Rich, flavorful, and delicious- a magical bread pudding
to enchant the senses.

Dayton Woman’s Club
Sweet Escape Chocolate Cake
Delectable chocolate cake infused with raspberry, caramel,
and chocolate sauces.

Karen’s Culinary Creations
Pumpkin Cheesecake Petites
Luscious pumpkin cheesecake made with fresh homemade graham crackers.

Relax and enjoy live entertainment with family and friends. Visit the open bar, serving up martinis, select beers, wines or non-alcoholic drinks. Or warm up to our premium coffee bar while bidding on enticing silent auction packages.

Tickets

Dayton History Members – $45 per person ($15 tax deductable)
Non-Members – $55 per person ($25 tax deductable)

Reservations

For reservations call 937-293-2841 or click here to download, print and mail the event RSVP card.

Share The Harvest Dinner

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chinsOn Tuesday, Nov 17th Chin’s Ginger Grill in Tipp City will host a a special buffet dinner featuring Aullwood Audubon Farm’s healthy meats — free-range organically certified chicken and turkey and all natural, hormone-free beef and lamb. Chin’s will donate 20% of all sales, including alcohol, to support Aullwood’s education programs for children. A raffle with wonderful prizes will also benefit Aullwood.

The dinner will begin at 6:30 PM. Appetizers include Lamb Spring Rolls,Tempura-Battered Boneless Wings and a Baby Greens Salad. Entrees feature Roast Turkey and a Beef Tenderloin Kabob. Sides include Stir-fried Vegetables, Garlic- Smashed Potatoes and Toasted Sesame Fried Rice. Dessert features a Jasmine Rice Pudding with Gala Caramel Apples. (Menu may be subject to change).

The cost is $30/person and does not include drinks or tip. Seating is limited to 50 people and reservations are required. RSVP at 937-667-6664. Chin’s is easy to get to, just head north on I 75 to exit 68 Tipp City, turn right off the ramp, they  are located 100 yards on the left in a small strip center.

A Taste Of Wine Holiday Tasting

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images-45Thursday, Nov 19th is  Beaujolais Nouveaus Day, and a great reason to host a holiday tasting, and that’s exactly what the ladies who run A Taste Of Wine in Miamisburg have planned.

In the wine world the third Thursday of Novemeber is Beaujoulais Nouveau Day– a quasi-holiday for many wine aficionado’s.  This is a young wine (only 6 weeks old), grown from the Gamay grape, and is very fruity, light-bodied, and virtually tannin-free making for an extremely easy-to-drink red wine. It is best served chilled to really bring the fruit forward and is a popular complement to Thanksgiving dinners, in part due to its annual release date and in part due to its food-friendliness.

They’ll  have many of the Beaujolais Nouveaus for you to taste along with other wines perfect for your party plans, and gift giving. Paired with the perfect food, just in time for your  holiday party planning.

They would really appreciate RSVPs by calling 937-247-1120. $20 includes tasting, food, and atasteofwinea fun time.  A Taste of Wine is located at the corner of Main & Linden in downtown Miamisburg and has a very homey, comfortable atmosphere.

Proprietors Bonnie Nolan and Kim Broomhall wanted “a shop where people could come and enjoy a taste, a glass or a bottle with fiends and family…a place for special gatherings  where wine, food and fellowship and passions could mix” and they’ve created it!

Dogfish Beer Tasting

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ncoastbrewingOakwood’s Dorothy Lane Market will host their monthly tasting on Wed, Nov 18 from 5:30 to 8:30pm with special guest John Bisson of North Coast Brewing Company. This California brewer is a pioneer in the craft beer movement, started in 1988 as a local brewpub in the historic town of Fort Bragg, located on California’s Mendocino Coast.

Featured beers will include Old #38 Stout, Blue Star Wheat, Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout, Old Stock, PranQster Belgian Style Ale, Red Seal Ale, and Scrimshaw Pilsner.

No reservations necessary, a nominal tasting fee will be charged.

Harvest Dinner Buffet @ El Meson

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elmesonThis year instead of the annual Holiday cooking class before Thanksgiving, they’ve decided to do all the work and offer an El Meson Holiday Dinner.  So you can enjoy their holiday spread this Fri, Nov 13th or Sat, Nov 14th from 5-10pm.

Including Tequila Turkey, Crandberry Salad, Three Root Mash, Pumpkin Muffins, Chino Latino Fried Rice, and Brussell Sprouts Cassarole

Cost $25 per person plus beverage, tax and gratuity. Call 859-8229 to reserve your space.

Restaurants Salute Veterans with Free Food!

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images-40This U.S. holiday stretches back to the end of World War I and commemorates the nation’s thousands of combat veterans who fought in the service of their country.
It is estimated that there are 23.2 million military veterans in the United States and local restaurants have found a way to say thanks and generate traffic for their restaurants by doing so.

So for all that served, Thanks and enjoy some free eats!

Applebee’s
free meal

Barbie’s Bistro
50% off with valid military ID

Bar Louie
complimentary lunch or dinner

Krispy Kreme
free doughnut

Outback Steakhouse
free blooming onion and a beverage

Rue Dumaine
20% off to Veterans and Active Duty Military

Golden Corral
Mon, Nov 16th 5-9pm free Meal to all who serve

20th Annual Garlic Dinner @ The Winds

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windscafeLong before themed dinners became the staple of restaurants, Mary Kay Smith started offering a Garlic inspired dinner.  Folks flocked to Yellow Springs for those garlic inspired dishes, and now 20 years later, the same thing will happen this Tues, Nov 10th – Thurs, Nov 12th.

The menu for the 10th Annual Garlic Dinner at the Winds Cafe & Bakery:

Garlic Fritter with Tangerine Garlic Aioli

Garlic Roasted Shrimp with Spanish Black Rice

Garlic Rubbed Grilled Duck Breast with Mostarda di Frutta

Winter Greens with Roasted Garlic Shallot Vinaigrette

Cheeses

Profiterole with Jeni’s Lemon Yogurt Ice Cream, Fresh Raspberries and Lemon Verbena Syrup
And because The Winds are also good neighbors, they serve altoids after the meal, so you won’t offend on your way out.  Enjoy the above meal with coffer of tea for $55/person or order it with the suggested wine pairings for $65.

Wine Dinner @ Sweeney’s Monday

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sweeneysThis Centerville seafood house, run by Ron & Christy Sweeney, is best known for its laid back atmosphere,  friendly service and reasonable prices.  Voted Dayton’s Best Seafood on ActiveDayton.com they don’t do many wine dinner’s so when they do, expect a really special evening.  And that’s exactly what they have planned for Monday, Nov 9th starting at 6pm.  So call  291-FISH to get your reservations quickly! 

Here’s the menu for Sweeney’s fall wine dinner:

RECEPTION AT 6:00
COMPLIMENTARY HORS D’EUVRES

SEATING AT 6:30

1st course: PUMPKIN SOUP TOPPED WITH CINNAMON CREME FRAICHE &
TOASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS
BRIDLEWOOD VIOGNIER

2nd course: FENNEL, FRISEE AND ESCAROLE SALAD TOPPED WITH A SHALLOT DRESSING AND
SMOKED RUBY RED TROUT
HOPLER GRUNER VELTLINE…

3rd course: BLACKENED WAHOO TOPPED WTIH A CRAWFISH ETOUFFEE
CRUZ DE PIEDRA GARNACHA

4th course: STUFFED PORK TENDERLOIN TOPPED WITH RED WINE REDUCTION SAUCE SERVED WITH WILD RICE and BAKED CANDIED APPLE
MARQUES DE CASA CONCHA MERLOT

5th course: BERRY FILLED MINI CAKE TOPPED
WITH A WHITE CHOCOLATE GRENACHE
NICH FEUILLAIT ROSE BRUT

$55.00 PER PERSON
DOES NOT INCLUDE TAX AND GRATUIlY

Pancake Sunday at The Cannery

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images28The Cannery Art and Design Center (CADC) is hosting a free pancake breakfast this Sunday from 11am – 2pm. “Sort of a kick off to the holiday season..really just a gathering of friends for fun. We will be serving free breakfast, coffee and tea,” says Christy Jennewien, CADC Director. They will also be offering 20% off for holiday gift sales.

CADC is a not-for-profit, contemporary fine arts organization committed to enhancing the Dayton region’s visual arts culture by promoting and selling the work of local artists. The CADC gallery features more than 800 pieces of original ‘art for sale’ at a single location. A full range of traditional and contemporary paintings, ceramics, drawings, photography, jewelry, sculpture and much more is offered to the person looking for just the right unique piece of art or special gift.

Turkey Thursday’s at The Stockyard’s Inn

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bigred-1Enjoy an early Turkey Day dinner every Thursday in November.
Juicy, slow-cooked Turkey(your choice of white, dark meat, or mixed) and the trimmings, $7.95 during lunch, starting at 11am and just $9.95 for dinner, which is served until 9pm

The Stockyards Inn is Dayton’s oldest and most historic restaurant. Back in 1900, it was used as a place where cattlemen sold their livestock, renovated in 1970, it is now one of Dayton’s premier steakhouses with a Victorian atmosphere.  Located at 1065 Springfield Street.

Turkey not your thing?  Then perhaps these drink specials, served from 11am-9pm at the bar will make you smile:

Mon- Bud and Bud Light Longnecks-$1.29
Tues-Bartender’s Choice-$1.99
Wed- Bloody Mary-$1.99
Thurs- Margaritas-$1.99

History and a cocktail for under $2- sounds like a great price for a little nostalgia!

Beer Tastings This Week

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images-27UNIBROUE BEER TASTING @ The Caroline @ 7pm
5 south market street  .  troy, ohio 45373
$15 includes tasting & light appetizers
advance reservations call 552-7676 OR email  STEVE

Known for their Belgian sytled beers, Unibroue is a very unusual beer company.  First of all, they are not located in Belgium, but instead in the very French influenced city of Montreal. This brewery has been making Belgian style beers for nearly two decades, and they are most famous for their exceptional Belgian strong pale ale,  brewed using an old fashioned in-bottle refermentation.  Unibroue beers keep all their protein and part of the yeast, producing a genuine upscale beer. This method gives a very particular taste to the beer and provides a natural source of vitamin B. Given that the beers contain no chemical additives or preservatives, they require strict quality control. This all-natural brewing process also makes Unibroue beers  higher in alcohol content and can provide a rich flavour without the bitter aftertaste of conventional beers. Due to this process Unibroue beers are slightly more expensive than industrially produced beers in order to cover the cost of production

car-carolineOn the Tasting Menu at The Caroline:

RAFTMAN-Pouring a bright amber in color with a creamy white head, the nose of this beer teems with bright fruit and smoke. That smoke, from the whisky malt, becomes more pronounced upon tasting, complemented by some caramel.

Wed’s tasting will include:
LA FIN DU MONDE – a brilliant golden color with vigorously effervescent foam. It is midly yeasty with a complex palate of malt, fruit and spice notes followed by a smooth, dry finish.

TERRIBLE – pours a dark, nearly black color, with an effervescent head that tests your patience as it settles. As it hits your tongue, you can taste a little anise, a bit of caramel, and some fig like notes.

MAUDITE-a deep amber-red color with a rocky foam head and an appealing aroma of wild spices and floral hop notes.
It is spicy, vinous, and deliciously complex with a crisp hop finish.

EMPHEMERE – Éphémère apple has an alluring pale golden color, effervescent foam, and a mouth-watering bouquet of Granny Smith apples and spices. It is slightly sweet, slightly tart and refreshingly thirst-quenching.

BLANCHE DE CHAMBLY – has an alluring pale golden color, effervescent foam, and a subtle bouquet of spice and citrus notes. It’s mildly malty, slighty sweet and refreshingly thirst quenching.

If you’ve never been to The Caroline, this is a great excuse to go!  Their beer tastings are set up around a big table, appetizers are served family style and the
last tasting I attended, the crowd was very friendly and welcoming.

Unable to make Wed’s tasting in Troy?  Jungle Jim’s will host a Unibroue tasting on Fri, Nov 6th from 7-9pm for $25

jay'sJay’s Seafood hosts a Beer Dinner featuring Bell’s Brewery Beers 225 E 6th Street in the Oregon District
call for reservations: 222-2892

Bell’s Brewery,  located in Michigan,  stands as the oldest
craft-brewer east of Boulder, Colorado and currently distributes in just 15 states.

7 pm $55 including tax and tip
The four course menu will be:

Roasted Sesame Scallops with Red Coulis
Best Brown Ale and Winter White Ale

Blood Orange Salad with Feta
Third Coast Ale and Two Hearted Ale

Port Pomegranate Short Ribs with Fresh Vegetables
Bell’s Porter and Amber Ale

Double Dark Chocolate Flourless Cake topped with Cherry Stout Sauce
Double Cream Stout and Cherry Stout

trolleystopThe Trolley Stop hosts their first Wednesday of the month tasting party

from 7 – 8:45pm
520 E. Fifth Street in the Oregon District.
Call 461-1101 for more info

Hosted by Mike Schwartz from Belmont Party Supply.  $20 in advance gets you 9 decent samples, tasty snacks and beer knowhow (priceless- according to their website)