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Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

The Featured Articles

The Quest For Dayton’s Best Bloody Mary Continues!

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

Bartenders from the first Bloody Mary Showdown in 2014

The next year MacKenzie tied with Scott Conrad, from The Vue Ultralounge. In year 3 Scott took the undisputed  top prize. Since then Conrad has gone on to launch a commercial business selling his award winning RADS Bloody Mary Mix.

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


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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

The Silos Food Hall & Beer Garden Now Open

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The Silos, Dayton’s newest food hall and beer garden,  is now open at 810 E. First Street, just down the road from the 2nd Street Market.  The original plan for owners Wes Hartshorn, Shannon Thomas and Scott Johnson, was to open in the summer of 2024, but it took a lot longer to jump through all the hoops of construction, zoning and permitting for the 1.5-acre property.  Seeing the results, it sure was worth the wait!
When I arrived for my first visit, I got lucky and parked on the street right in front of the building, which is easy to find since the Silos stand out from a couple blocks away.
As you enter you’re greeted by the central bar, which seemed to service the guests pretty quickly.  All beverage service is handled at the bar. You can start a tab if you’ll be there for a bit.
With 16 tap handles and a full liquor license, you’ll have no problem finding something that quenches your thirst!  The House beer has been created for them by Warped Wing, it’s a pilsner called Load Lifter, which is named after the huge crane at the brewery’s headquarters.  Plenty of craft beers and Hartshorn says they’ll always have $2 PBR’s. Nonalcoholic options include kombucha, THC beverages and and sodas.
Here’s a look at the opening offerings:
An eclectic mix of table and sofa seating is scattered around with seating for a couple of hundred with the 2nd floor atmosphere is jungle/industrial with a very cozy feeling with all the plants and some couch seating for about 80 upstairs, you can take the stairs or the elevator to get upstairs.  Garage doors and plenty of outdoor seating will expand the food hall, once spring weather arrives.
Located on the perimeter of the building are the four food vendors each created in a shipping container.   Each vendor pays a flat monthly rent and all decisions about their business are up to them. The food options include:
Kung Fu BBQ – a family owned eatery that serves worldly-inspired cuisine with a unique American BBQ smoked interpretation. They draw influences from the Philippines, Japan, Hawaii, Mexico and more. Think Birria tacos made with Smoked Brisket and Filipino Pork Belly Adobo with garlic rice

Screenshot

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


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

Nood Bar– asian inspired food with a twist that includes noodle dishes, bao buns and dumplings by Chef Dane Shipp
On my visit today the place was bustling, with lots of families and friendly folks willing to share seating and talk about what they ordered and liked best. The staff were hustling, keeping tables clean and the trash emptied.  It was a great first experience and I’m sure it will get event better as they all get into a rhythm.

The Silos

810 E 1st, Downtown Dayton

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

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

Timely ‘Avenue Q’ lights up Dayton Playhouse!

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

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

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

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

RG:I got involved with Dayton Playhouse years ago through FutureFest (as a director). FutureFest is such a wonderful theater experience, and have been lucky enough to direct several shows for the event. My first production for Dayton Playhouse outside of the Fest was last year’s play, The One Act Play That Goes Wrong. It was a great experience.
937: FutureFest is a treasure! So, why Avenue Q?
RG: First of all, I grew up, like many others, watching Sesame Street and The Muppet Show (as well as the movies). I’ve also always been fascinated by puppets. How they seem to just come to life. I used to direct little puppet shows for my friends and family. God love them for putting up with some of that. Avenue Q just had that great puppet aspect, with wonderfully catchy songs. And the story is hilarious, with a bit of heart. The “adult material” aspect also caught my eye.
937: It is such a ‘hoot!’ So, with this production, what can the audience expect?
RG: First, you will see a wonderful set, designed by Sean Mayo that looks like a rundown version of Sesame Street. That gives you a hint of what you could be in for. There are many puppets among a cast of 3 humans, so you’ve got a bit of fun stuff going on with that. Our Music Director, Lori Topping, is amazing and has truly added so much to this production. The band that she has brought together sounds phenomenal Just the best. And then you throw in the adult humor (that may shock you and make you blush for laughing at it). I wouldn’t recommend to those that are easily offended. This is for an adult audience.
937: A little insight Ray, most of my readers are not easily offended! HA HA!! And with that said, what a timely musical! Do you feel people are in need of more of this kind of comedy?
RG: Yes. We definitely need this kind of show to laugh at, and also to make us think. Especially in a time where there are many people that are upset and scared with everything going on in this country, and the world. It’s not the best of times, but this show can help you take a moment and relax. You’ll laugh a lot, maybe even shed a tear or two. Underneath all of the adult, sometimes crude humor, this is a show with heart.
937: And, what are you hoping the audience walks away with after the show?
RG: I hope that audiences walk out of the theater feeling not only happy, and that they had a great time, but that they also have more hope. That maybe there is a chance that with all of our differences, we can still come together as a community and support each other. I know that’s what I hope for. I I think that it’s there in this show.
937: Love that! And so, so hopeful that we can find common ground in this world. Any last thoughts for us Ray?
RG:  The entire cast and crew have worked so hard on this production. Many cast members spent hours helping to build and paint the set. Many of the actors came up with some wonderful ideas that really added to the show. One cast member, Emily Christine, even stepped up and choreographed many of the numbers (which is awesome by the way). The cast, like many shows, really pulled together and became a family. They truly care about this show, and each other. And I do believe that you will see all of this come through in their performances.
937: Thank you so much, again. I know, I know folks, cue jingle…. ‘Can You Tell Me How to Get, How to Get to Avenue Q?’ Details Below. Break a leg DPH….wait do puppets have legs?
Avenue Q (R)
Friday and Saturday Shows at 8pm, Sundays 2pm.

Another Downtown Eatery Closes

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

Here’s the official announcement:

 

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

M&M’S Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich

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Just in time for National Peanut Butter Day (January 24), M&M’S® Ice Cream, proudly part of Mars, is launching its newest innovation: the first-ever M&M’S Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich! This new treat is a nod to the enduring popularity of peanut butter, which continues to reign as the No. 1 nut flavor for Gen Z and millennials in ice cream.

M&M’S Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich delivers a delightful multi-texture flavor experience that combines the crunch of M&M’S Milk Chocolate Minis, the melt-in-your mouth sweetness of “home-baked” style sugar cookies and the rich, creamy goodness of 100% real peanut butter ice cream. Leaning into the popularity of peanut butter, this innovation joins the colorfully fun M&M’S Ice Cream portfolio with a sweet-and-salty creamy peanut butter twist.

“National Peanut Butter Day just got a whole lot sweeter with the launch of our M&M’S Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches,” said Chanel Gant, Mars Ice Cream Marketing Director. “Peanut butter is the Gen Z and millennial flavor of choice when it comes to ice cream pairings. With this new creation, we’re bringing that beloved flavor to the freezer aisle in a way that perfectly matches their cravings, offering a nostalgic yet innovative treat, creating moments of everyday happiness for our consumers.”

The M&M’S Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich is the latest addition to the popular M&M’S Ice Cream’s Cookie Sandwich lineup, which already includes Vanilla, Chocolate and Cookies & Cream varieties. Now available at retailers nationwide, M&M’S Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches come in single serve (3.5 oz.) and 4-packs (14 oz.) to share the joy with others or enjoy for yourself.

Miami Valley Meals Has Served One Million Meals

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This week Miami Valley Meals sent out the one-millionth meal  out the door and is on its way to make someone’s day.
Founded in 2020 by furloughed culinary and hospitality professionals seeking to help their city during the pandemic, MVM has grown into a vital resource for addressing food insecurity in Greater Dayton, currently producing over 4,000 meals weekly.
This million meal milestone is something the MVMeals team is incredibly proud of, but it’s also a stark reminder of our community’s ongoing need for food.

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

Amanda DeLotelle

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

Founding Board Members Stan Troha and Daryl Adkins

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

Jollity Debuts Winter Menu

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

Brendon Miller (left) and Zackary Weiner.

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

Winter 2025 Menu

Veg

Meat

Seafood

Sweets & Finales

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

Tues- Sat 5 -10pm

The String Cheese Incident Coming to the Rose in May

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

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

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

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

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

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

Soup Season is Here!

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

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


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

THE NEW ORLEANS STYLE GUMBO 

New Orleans Gumbo from Jimmie’s Ladder 11

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

CLAM CHOWDER

Jay’s Clam Chowder, a Dayton original

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

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

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

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

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

El Meson

BLACK BEAN SOUP

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

 


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

SPECIALTY SOUPS:

THE TURTLE SOUP at THE AMBER ROSE:

Amber Rose Turtle Soup

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

 

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

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


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

 

 

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

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

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

 

Old Scratch Pizza’s Newest Menu Additions

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Old Scratch Pizza has just released several new menu items.

The vegan twister pizza has been run as a special before but has just been added to the menu on a permanent basis.

Next they’ve added their flare to a classic greek salad.

And finally, their take on a  BLT sandwich? Paired with our housemade Ranch and melty provolone cheese in a wrap.

For their full menu, click here.

Old Scratch Pizza Locations:

812 S Patterson Blvd
Dayton, OH 45402

937-331-5357

440 Miamisburg Centerville Road
Centerville, OH 45458

937-886-4513

2450 Dayton Xenia Road
Beavercreek, OH 45434

937-956-6025

19 East Race Street
Troy, OH 45373

937-552-7283

Bill Franz’s Buy Local Spotlight: Pink Moon Goods

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This week’s Buy Local conversation is with Kathleen Hotmer of PinkMoonGoods. My wife suggested her. She likes the store’s unique items and likes being on the store’s email list. She said the emails don’t come too often and they are interesting to read.
Kathleen liked hearing this. “People say you need email marketing, but I get so annoyed with the flood of emails I get. I wait until I have something to say and then write a blog post for my website. Then I take part of that blog post and send it out as an email. Finally I make an even shorter version for a social media post. That keeps my workload manageable.”
“The blog increased traffic to our website, which helped us get some online sales. Most of our sales are from the local community, but on a cold day like this when people are bundled up at home it’s nice to be getting some online business.”
I asked how she would describe her store. “We sell home goods that are beautiful, practical and ethically manufactured. In fact this store location itself fits that same description. The owners took a building that had been abandoned for years and made it beautiful. It also works on a practical level and giving new life to a building built in 1900 is as ethical as it gets.”
I asked her to tell me about a few products. “The print in the window is by two sisters. All of their art deals with a love of nature and a rejection of a throw-away mentality. This print shows a poem that the two use as a prayer whenever they eat together.”
“Those are Iris Hantverk brushes on that shelf. Since the firm was first founded they have been handmade by visually impaired craftsmen.”
“The towels you looked at are Imbari towels. I’ve used them for years. They are the softest and most absorbent towels imaginable. When I opened this shop they made me their only distributor outside of Japan. The towels are a popular gift item. Then people often come back and buy one for themselves.”

Kathleen has many more products.

You should drop by and see if she has an interesting story to go with each one.

 

 

PinkMoonGoods

Historic Huffman Neighborhood
2027 East Fifth Street
Dayton, Ohio 45403

937-999-4231

Shop Hours:
Tuesday – Friday 11am – 6pm
Saturday 12 – 5pm

Taste of Jerusalem Opens 2nd Location

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Mohammed

Babylon Mediterranean Cuisine in Miamisburg has been bought and converted into the 2nd location for Taste Of Jerusalem. 

The Miamisburg restaurant opened a couple of weeks ago, according to one of the owners, who are all family.  The original location in Fairborn has been open about 4 years. They serve up some of  the  most authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavor you’ll find in the Miami Valley. For  Mediterranean lovers, their cuisine is guaranteed to please the taste buds with authentic Jerusalem food.   

I ordered their lamb bowl, which was served over rice with tzatziki, onion, parsley and hummus. They offered me a taste of the chicken schwerma, which was juicy and flavorful. 

The menu is the same at both locations. And don’t worry; if it’s your first time trying something, they’ll be happy to offer you a taste of something.

Mixed Grill Kabob

Stop by and experience the Taste of Jerusalem and tell them DaytonDining Sent you!

Taste Of Jerusalem

9656 Springboro pike, Miamisburg

3800 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Fairborn

Hours:

Mon – Sat 11am – 8pm
Sun noon -8pm

 

Jack Pohl Moves To Anchor Desk on 2 News

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WDTN-TV has named Jack Pohl as evening co-anchor of 2 NEWS.

“For three decades viewers have seen Jack on the sidelines with a camera covering local sports and we’re excited to see him expand his talents to the news side of the anchor desk,” said Melissa Jones, WDTN-TV & Dayton’s CW Vice President & General Manager. “Jack was born and raised in the Miami Valley, like many of our on-air talent and we know he’ll take great pride in delivering the news each night in the place he’s called home.”

Pohl was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio and is an alum of Centerville High School.  He went on to attend Wright State University.

Pohl joined the 2 NEWS team in 1995 as a reporter and anchor and has been the 2 Sports Director since 2002.

Pohl will be joined by Brooke Moore and Storm Team 2 Chief Meteorologist Brian Davis to co-anchor 2 NEWS First at 4. He’ll also co-anchor 2 NEWS at 5, 6, 10 and 11.

“After years of covering sports in every corner of the Miami Valley, I have always felt completely connected to this community and look forward to delivering the news alongside Brooke Moore,” said Pohl. “This is my hometown, I’m proud of it and appreciate all the support from our loyal Channel 2 viewers.”

Pohl, a father of two, enjoys skiing and biking in his spare time. He’s also been blessed with five grandchildren.

BaconFest Is Back at Dorothy Lane Market

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Nearly everyone loves bacon and there’s no better way to seize the sizzle (and day) than with a few crispy strips! Make every bite count and join DLM  for  BaconFest as they celebrate DLM Uncured Bacon, lifetime free of antibiotics and always without added nitrates/nitrites. From its mouthwatering aroma to its crave-worthy flavor, this skillet superstar has inspired us to create a sizzling selection of bacon-centric creations throughout our stores and online. BaconFest runs through Jan 21st at all three Dorothy Lane Market locations.

Don’t miss the chance to savor all of their seasonal bacon treats, from breakfast to dinner (and even dessert) don’t miss a bacon beat: Smoked Maple “Bacon” Latte, Bacon Cheddar Focaccia, Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops, Encrusted Mac & Cheese with Bacon, Maple Bacon Baby Cake, Cajun Bacon Cheddar Sausage, and so much more!

They are even featuring over 25 bacon inspired recipes on their website to inspire you and have a section where you can send a bacon gift to a friend.

Here’s a checklist of all the bacon goodies being featured:

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Dayton Battle of the Bands kicks off at The Brightside!

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The 5th annual Dayton Battle of the Bands kicks off on January 16, 2025 at The Brightside Music & Event Venue. This exciting music series, presented by the venue along with Venus Child Productions and Sound Valley, highlights up-and-coming original bands across a variety of genres.

The series runs for 6 weeks, every Thursday from January 16, 2025 through February 27th (skipping Feb 20th for sold out Kim Deal concert). The winner of each week moves onto the Finale, held in the Brightside’s Ballroom on Sat, March 8th.

The playoffs result from a 50/50 mix of audience and judges’ votes. Every attendee receives a ballot upon entry and utilizes ranked-choice voting to select their top three favorite bands. Each week, music industry insiders and special guests serve as judges, with their votes carrying greater influence.

“Despite the ‘battle’ name, this series has been such a fun way to discover so much of the creative talent brewing in Dayton,” organizer Libby Ballengee shared with us. “Maybe you’ll find your new favorite band!”

The participating bands get professional photos to add to their press kit and the chance to audition for bookers from around the city including Levitt Pavilion, Blind Bob’s, Oregon Express, and more! This year, Dayton Battle of the Bands is partnering with Concert Archives to offer bands consolidated feedback from judges.

Photo by Jordan Lynn Freshour

For the Finalists who perform in the Finale, they all receive a video of one of their songs performed live, which is provided by Sound Valley. This is such an awesome asset for the band’s press kit. They also receive cash prize, free pizza for rehearsals from Dayton Pizza Factory, among other perks.

For the grand prize winner – they get all above plus an EP recording session with Dayton Sound Studios, a spot on Levitt Pavilion Dayton’s summer schedule, free t-shirts from Little Monster Printing, and $1000.

Past winners include: The Katawicks, Bohemian Funk, crabswithoutlegs, and Freakquency.

More details about Dayton Battle of the Bands can be found at their website: daytonbattleofthebands.com

HOW TO GO:

The Brightside Music & Event Venue (905 E 3rd St. Dayton, OH)

  • Jan 16 – Week 1 – Alternative / Rock
  • Jan 23 – Week 2 – Singer-Songwriters
  • Jan 30 – Week 3 – Hip Hop / Rap / R&B
  • Feb 6 – Week 4 – Hard Rock / Metal / Punk
  • Feb 13 – Week 5 – Americana / Bluegrass / Folk
  • Feb 27 – Week 6 – Funk / Jam / Reggae / Ska
  • March 8 – Finale featuring the winners from each week

7pm doors open / Music 7:30pm – 10pm

All ages

$10 advance, $15 at the door

Tickets & information available at
https://www.daytonbattleofthebands.com
Or https://www.thebrightsidedayton.com/

White Castle opens reservations for Valentine’s Day

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Reservations are now available via Open Table at the more than 300 participating White Castle locations nationwide for Feb. 14, from 4 – 9pm.

The increasingly popular QSR dinner, which launched in 1991, features hostess seating, tableside service and Valentine’s Day decorations.  The chain encourages not just couples, but friends and families to join in the festivities as well. Per the brand, “tens of thousands” of customers join the chain on the holiday each year.

“Everyone can enjoy love at White Castle … without the inflated price tag,” said Jamie Richardson, vice president at White Castle in a release. “Our Castles go all out to make Valentine’s Day dinner special.”

In addition to the regular White Castle menu, on Feb. 14 guests will also have a choice of a $5 Sloppy Joe Combo, which consists of two Sloppy Joe Sliders, small French fry and small soft drink, or a $6.99 Sloppy Joe Six Pack, which consists of any combination of six Sloppy Joe Sliders.

Members of the chain’s loyalty program Craver Nation will also have access to special deals beginning on Feb. 14, including BOGO free dessert on-a-stick, $5 Sloppy Joe Combo upgrade, BOGO French Toast Sliders and BOGO Breakfast Sliders. Customers with the Craver Nation app can participate in a “Bonus Quest” by placing an order Valentine’s Day, which will earn a BOGO Free Combo Reward.