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Dayton’s Party of Parties Takes On Fairytales

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mx-2013-theme-1 Dayton’s biggest party, ARC Masquerage, is just six weeks away! The signature event of AIDS Resource Center Ohio, held annually on the third Saturday of October, will take place October 19 in the Colesium at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds (1043 S. Main St., Dayton).

Thousands have attended the elaborate masquerade ball, billed as “Dayton’s party of parties,” since its 2002 inception, helping raise $1.1 million for HIV/AIDS treatment and awareness. This year, Masquerage is expected to bring in $160,000 in unrestricted funding for ARC Ohio, with $90,000 in corporate sponsorship alone. The funds raised will assist individuals infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Each year, Masquerage carries a theme which inspires the decor and costume choices. This year’s, “Once Upon a Time…,” puts an adult spin on childhood fairy tales.

A costume isn’t required to attend Masquerage, only a mask or disguise; among the elaborate costumes each year, one can also find attendees in t-shirts and jeans, pajamas, tuxedos and evening gowns, and, well, almost nothing at all. But dressing up is a big part of the fun, and this year’s storybook backdrop is a bottomless wishing well of great possibilities.

If you’re having trouble coming up with an idea, you’re either thinking too much, or not thinking enough. The first thing you should do is break your mind out of the Disney box. Fairy tales go much farther and wider than the Disney Classics. They can be a great foundation to build upon here, but by no means should they be a limit to your choices. Here are some suggestions that go above and beyond Cinderella and Snow White.

http://swoz.deviantart.com/art/Greek-Gods-Cosplay-Ohayocon-2012-284460981

Greek gods in action: a little mythological cosplay.

  • Each culture has its own fairy tales. Do some research into those. (Western culture is, for example, quite familiar with Rudyard Kipling’s stories from Colonial India.)

  • Many cultures also have their own mythologies. Think of the leprechaun tales of Irish lore. Remember Iron Man’s Loki? That character is based on Loki, the Norse god of war. Do some looking into the Norse gods, or the fables of West Africa’s Anansi, the spider god. And, of course, the entire Greek mythological universe is fair play here. People looking for a clever group costume could deck themselves out as the Gods of Olympus. (Extra points for a good centaur costume!)

  • American’s tall tales are frontier fairy tales. Johnny Appleseed, Pecos Bill and Sluefoot Sue, John Henry, Casey Jones: these are American fairy tale heroes.

  • Another classic American fairy tale is frequently told around Halloween: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

  • Rise to the challenge of being the Gingerbread Man, with a costume made of real candy!

  • Rumpelstiltskin is similar to a leprechaun. He shouldn’t be forgotten.

  • Think of the tales you were told as a child. Santa, Mrs. Claus, the reindeer and the elves. The tooth fairy.

  • Speaking of Christmas, there’s a whole world of characters right there. The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who. Herbie the Elf and Yukon Cornelius. The Abominable Snowman. Heatmiser and Snowmiser. Frosty. Rudolph. The entire cast of The Nutcracker. (How great would it be to see a Sugarplum Fairy and a Rat King?!) And, of course, Ebenezer Scrooge and his spirits. The Midwest loves to shove Christmas in people’s faces before Halloween’s even arrived. Double up your holiday value and get in the Yuletide spirit a little early!

    The Wizard of Oz is just one of many modern fairy tales.

  • Think of the urban legends from your childhood. Trolls under bridges. Bloody Mary. Candyman. The Boogeyman. When you imagined that monster that lived under your bed, what did it look like?

  • Think of our modern fairy tales that have become pop culture standards, like Edward Scissorhands and The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Wizard of Oz, E.T., Shrek, Toy Story, Mary Poppins, The Princess Bride, The Neverending Story, Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal, even Pan’s Labyrinth. If you stretch that just a little further, one might consider films like Ghostbusters, Beetlejuice, and even Pleasantville (extra points for gray-toning yourself into black and white!) as sources, given their fantasy elements.

  • Speaking of Tim Burton, let’s try be a little original. Do we really want a party with fifty Johnny Depp Mad Hatters? Do we really? Think about it.

  • Look past Disney at the animated films from other parts of the world. Japanese anime, for instance, is rife with fantasy elements.

    Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger in A Nightmare on Elm Street, perhaps the ultimate modern fairy tale.

  • The best horror stories are grown from the fairy tale concept of predators masking as safe authority figures who lure heroes into traps. Magical setups, moralistic endings, corruption of innocence, tests of character and strength. This page offers a brief, beautifully drawn presentation of A Nightmare on Elm Street as a dark modern fairy tale “where the enchanted forest is filled with cul de sacs and the gingerbread house looks like a boiler room.” Freddy Kruger haunts children in their dreams, for crying out loud! That’s as fairy tale as it gets.

  • The horror genre has given us many brilliant fairy tale characters, including Frankenstein and Dracula. They’re right at home within this theme. And following the vampire theme, True Blood, Dark Shadows, and the Buffy-verse (The Gentlemen!) fit as well.

  • There are, um, many adult possibilities for Pinocchio. (And remember, the Disney version also includes the wicked fox, the Blue Fairy, and Stromboli.)

  • Look to Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a wonderful fairy tale everyone knows.

  • Doctor Who cosplayers! Come on down!

  • Think of fantasy-related children’s series from the last few decades. My Little Pony, Mighty Max, Care Bears (bonus points if your group has a Mr. Coldheart!), The Smurfs, Sailor Moon, He-Man and She-Ra… Slutty Rainbow Brite and Strawberry Shortcake costumes are always popular this time of year. Here’s another occasion to wiggle into them!

  • A big-screen adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s fairy tale musical, Into the Woods, is currently in production starring folks like Meryl Streep, Chris Pine, Johnny Depp, Anna Kendrick, Tracy Ullman, and Emily Blunt in an epic story that weaves together the sagas of Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack the giant killer, Little Red Riding Hood, and many more. Look to that for inspiration.

  • Think about the video games you’ve played. The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros., the Final Fantasy series.

    Masquerage ’13: The geeks ARE the cool kids.

  • British author Roald Dahl wrote some fun, innovative stories that have been enjoyed for generations, including Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. 2013 will prove a disappointing Masquerage indeed without an Oompa Loompa sighting.

  • Sci-fi and fantasy geeks unite! The hallowed halls of Hogwarts, the ethereal Kingdom of Narnia, and the shadowy forests of Middle Earth shall be made one at Masquerage. (And it would just be so friggin’ cool to see a really well done team of Dementors…)

  • And finally, if you are thinking of Disney films, don’t forget the supporting characters. The three fairy godmothers from Sleeping Beauty, the mice from Cinderella, the Siamese cats from Lady and the Tramp, the Seven Dwarves, the Magic Mirror.

That’s an awful lot to digest at once, but it’s a great reminder that there are literally thousands of choices under the umbrella of this year’s theme. There’s also no shame in picking a popular, classic fairy tale character — it’s all about adding a personal touch and bringing your individual style into the costume. Putting a new twist on a famous character is a great way to stand out. What would your favorite Disney princess or villain look like in the modern world? As a zombie? In a steampunk setting? As a human/animal hybrid? In a horror setting? Last year’s “Villains and Vixens” Masquerage had no less than a dozen attendees in costume as The Joker (myself included), and each one differed wildly from the next.  Find the character that’s best for you, then make it your own. And, most important of all, have fun doing it!

As an added bonus, ticket buyers will find a 20% discount coupon for Halloween Express, on the back of their tickets.  As one of Masquerage’s newest sponsors, this year round costume shop which  recently opened on St Rt 741, north of the Dayton Mall, across from Applebees, understands the spirit of the event and will be happy to help you pull together your dream costume.

For more Masquerage inspiration follow them on Facebook and on twitter.com/ARC_Masquerage.

Homefull Set To Celebrate 25 Years With Gala Event

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255244_370683496331568_937263193_nToday two young children will be playing with their toys on their living room floor.  Their favorite cartoon will be streaming through the television.  The kids are laughing and sharing their toys with one another.  Later, they will go outside and run around the yard, letting their imaginations running as wild as free as any child’s mind should.  Their lives are completely free from any cares in the world.

Meanwhile, the parents of those same children are experiencing a different situation.  They just received a letter on their front door.  They have just two days to pack up all their belongings and leave their home.  A home that they have worked to build to provide those children playing outside a safe haven.  A home that has collected memories that would last a lifetime.  In a moment’s notice-it’s all gone.  The parents haven’t been able to pay rent in the recent months leading up to this day.  Both have been barely been able to keep food on the table.  They have had to make some difficult decisions.  Can they afford to pay the power bill?!  If so, what bill will they not pay?!  Is the gas bill going to be payed?!  How our they both going to get to work, because they aren’t able to afford to fill up their vehicles.  For many, including in the city of Dayton, these are everyday questions.  The uncertainty of everyday living is more stressful than most could ever imagine.  Luckily, there is support for those individuals who need it when the worst circumstances occur, like getting the evection notice on the door, or if some of the household bills need to be taken care of.   The support is called Homefull.

Homefull, located at Edwin C. Moses Blvd in Dayton, is a nonprofit organization that is working to end homelessness for people mentioned earlier by providing housing, services, advocacy and education.  Formally called The Other Place, Homefull is celebrating their 25th anniversary this year.  To honor the milestone, the 25th Anniversary Gala will be transpiring on September 19th at the Dayton Art Institute.

Homefull opened their doors to help those in need in 1988 at the Christ Episcopal Church in town.  Soon after opening, the organization started to slowly build their shelters to what they are today.  One thing has always been the same-to be the support for people who are or about to experience homelessness.  The group feverishly works to educate the community about how homelessness happens and what can be done to prevent it.  Homefull also works to help provide individuals who are struggling direct services, such as helping them find housing, paying bills and the mortgage by offering assistance.  By doing this, Homefull gives guidance to these folks by enrolling them in programs to get them back on their feet.  The programs include learning how to budget what you have money wise, providing job development, among others.  Homefull have this for their yearly goal:

  • 800 men, women, & children housed
  • 500 dedicated volunteers helping in their organization
  • 100 corporate partners being part of the organization
  • Accumulate $250,000 in financial support

The 25th Anniversary Gala being held at the Dayton Art Institute is going to be an evening that will be simply magical as the museum will provide the perfect backdrop for the event.  The evening’s mission will be asking one question-what will be possible?  To explore that question, chorographer Rodney Veal will be presenting a mind-blowing musical/theatre/dance/visual show that will have the attendees be blown away.  Veal’s astounding vision includes presenting a gown that will be completely made out of recycled newspapers.  Another featured outfit will have LED lights hanging over the gown.  These are just a few things that will be presented as you head to the dinner.  While enjoying your dinner you will be hearing great music from local musician Danny Voris along with a special treat that will surely make your evening.  Local artwork will be part of the silent auction.  Artists such as Amy Kollar Anderson, Erin Holscher Almazan, Mark Echtner, William Jones, Nick Stamas are just a few that will artwork presented, expanding the boundaries of elements from all angles that truly explore what is possible.

September 19th promises to be an evening that will show all who attend what is truly important-Homefull is doing extraordinary things in the fight against homelessness.  The volunteers that are part of the organization express how much of a joy it is to help their fellow neighbors who are of in need.   Last year, Homefull helped over 3500 people.  More recent success includes more than 400 units are available for supportive housing and chronic homelessness is down by 65%.  However, they are more than 1000 men and women a night aren’t able to be so fortunate.  By attending the Gala at Dayton Art Institute, you will be doing your part to help the cause.  To ensure seating, Homefull said that would like attendees to RSVP as soon as possible, but no later than September 3rd.

To register to attend, visit homefull.org, or call (937) 293-1945.

Special Events Indoors and Out Part of Sept. 6 First Friday in Downtown Dayton

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CACD is one of many locations that will display artwork during First Friday.

Warm up for Urban Nights by attending downtown Dayton’s next First Friday, held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6. Art exhibits, live music, dinner and drink specials, retail sales, and special events will be featured at a variety of downtown venues.

A complete list of what downtown businesses have on tap for First Friday is available on the DDP website. Highlights include:

Internationally known artist Robert Walker will display work at Clash Consignment (521 E. Fifth St.).

The monthly Courteous Mass Ride will meet for two rides this month at Don Crawford Plaza in front of Fifth Third Field, (220 N. Patterson Blvd.). The first will ride leaves at 5:30 p.m. and the second at 7 p.m. This month’s route will go through the heart of downtown and tour part of East Dayton.

The Dayton Visual Arts Center (118 N. Jefferson St.) will be exhbiting Music for Teacups: Colagiovanni and Haviland, a selection of video, artist books and original prints by two artists from Athens, Ohio. The gallery will be open until 8 p.m.

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Several restaurants, including Lily’s Bistro pictured here, will offer dining specials and a food truck rally also will be held during First Friday.

Garden Station (509 E. Fourth St.) will be offering an introduction to herbal remedies class at 6 p.m., a compassionate communication workshop at 7 p.m. and live music by Meghna & the Majority at 8 p.m. The Urban Farmer’s Market begins at 5:30 p.m.

The Great Dayton Flood Walk will start at 7 p.m. View vintage photos of the flood, visit buildings that made it through the flood, see high-water marks from 1913 and more. $10 per person. Call 937-274-4749 or email grantsguru501c3@yahoo.com for required reservations and meeting location.

Synergy Incubators hosts a food truck rally at 200 S. Jefferson St., featuring many popular local food trucks, music, children’s activities, Hope Foundation Motorcycle Raffle, Inside Out 11M Photobooth and a local artisan marketplace.

The Yellow Cab (700 E. Fourth St.) will feature exhibit “The Art of Music,” with artwork created by musicians and inspired by music. University of Dayton professor Al Carrillo will read his poetry, and an open mic will be available for anyone who wants to perform.

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Steel drummer Joseph Glenn, pictured here with saxophonist Tyrone Martin, will again perform on the street during First Friday.

First Friday is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership with support from the Oregon District Business Association and Rev. Cool’s “Around the Fringe” show that airs on Fridays from 8 p.m. to midnight on WYSO-FM 91.3. The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website has a complete list of downtown’s arts and cultural amenities, as well as a dining guide, parking map and much more. Download the Find It Downtown mobile search tool for smartphones at http://mobile.downtowndayton.org.

45 Seconds From Broadway Review – Dayton Theatre Guild – Scenes From a Polish Restaurant

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Updated 45 Seconds Photo

The cast of the Dayton Theatre Guild’s production of “45 Seconds From Broadway” (Contributed photo)

Three months ago playwright Tony Kushner and director George C. Wolfe, two Tony-winning masters associated with the acclaimed epic drama “Angels in America” and the musical gem “Caroline, or Change,” met for lunch at the Café Edison, a quaint Midtown Manhattan restaurant located inside the Hotel Edison. As Kushner and Wolfe’s intriguing powwow progressed, I couldn’t help but wonder if they were discussing separate projects or perhaps a new collaboration. But the notion of seeing or overhearing influential artists during a casual, pre-show lunch typifies the cozy, touristy, cross-generational appeal of the Café Edison, a former ballroom commonly known within the New York theater community as the Polish Tea Room. And as the attractive setting for Neil Simon’s funny but flawed 2001 comedy “45 Seconds From Broadway,” the restaurant, particularly its Theatre District ambiance and hospitality, has been favorably brought to life in the Dayton Theatre Guild’s entertaining, often hilarious local premiere.
Directed by Fred Blumenthal and transpiring in four seasonal scenes, “Broadway” could be easily regarded as much ado about nothing. People enter the Polish Tea Room. People leave the Polish Tea Room. Looking for a substantive plot? Not here. In fact, Simon doesn’t provide much closure or significant backstories for most of the characters, predominately consisting of one-dimensional stock characters seemingly inspired by industry folks he must have known over the years. All in all, this mindless, mildly offensive play is second or third-rate Simon. Even so, it remains a Neil Simon creation at its core. You are guaranteed hearty laughs at the mention of a grape. You are guaranteed to be in the company of a few delightful oddballs. You are guaranteed a good time.
The effortlessly jovial Saul Caplan, one of the best Simon interpreters in the Miami Valley, has a ball (without becoming crude or off-putting) as the talkative, wise-cracking Mickey Fox, a legendary comedian in the abrasive vein of Jackie Mason or Don Rickles. Mickey has been approached by a humble British producer (a genially understated K.L. Storer, also providing terrific sound design) to do a London engagement, but is ultimately taken aback by the arrival of his brother Harry (Steve Kantor, nicely paired with Caplan). Sibling disharmony has always been an enticing signature within Simon’s repertoire, particularly “Broadway Bound,” but here it shrivels with overlong tedium. Thankfully, there’s more to enjoy elsewhere in the play as ruminations on love, culture and showbiz are addressed from an assortment of colorful supporting characters.
Debra A. Kent and Debra Strauss are respectively wonderful as gossipy theater enthusiasts Arleen and Cindy, a tight-knit, opinionated duo so infectious I wish Simon would have structured the play around them. Kent’s description of Arleen’s attendance at a backer’s audition from hell is an absolute highlight. Patty Bell and John Spitler, another dynamic duo, are also winning as eccentric couple Rayleen and Charles. Bell, sophisticatedly aloof, will surely give you the giggles in Act 1 when she gingerly dictates Rayleen’s persnickety tea preferences. Spitler, primarily mute and remarkably restrained throughout, exudes hysterical stillness. Dave Nickel and Terry Larson hit the mark as humble married proprietors Bernie and Zelda. Marcus L. Simmons II, adopting a firm dialect, is an endearing presence as burgeoning African playwright Solomon Mantutu. Mary Mykytka as ingénue Megan Woods and Gail Andrews Turner as Broadway star Bessie are amiable in vastly underwritten roles.

Blumenthal’s vision is marred by pacing concerns, particularly stemming from the inability to allow conversations to credibly overlap as in any busy restaurant, but he scores points for dressing and designing one of the finest sets produced by the Guild since relocating to Wayne Avenue. The patrons of the Café Edison would be proud.

“45 Seconds From Broadway” continues through Sept. 8 at the Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton. Performances are Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 5 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. The performance runs 2 hours and 25 minutes with one 15 minute intermission. Friends of the Guild are also featured as extras in certain scenes throughout the course of the run. Tickets are $18 for adults; $16 for seniors; $11 for students. For tickets or more information, call (937) 278-5993 or visit www.daytontheatreguild.org

 

 

Laugh Strong: Tour de Comedy Rolls into Dayton

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comedy“Four comedians ride their bikes into a bar…” Not the set up for a bad joke – the first bicycle comedy tour will stop in Dayton for a show at Riff Raff on the Canal on September 8th. Dean Masello is a New York City-based comic who missed riding his bike. Looking for a way to combine his two loves, he hatched an idea to do a cycling comedy tour. “One of the biggest challenges was finding three other comics that were in good enough shape to pull off over 500 miles in 8 days”. Although he’s lived in New York City for years, Ohio is his home state, which is one of the reasons he arranged the first leg of the tour to run from Cincinnati to Cleveland. “I thought about riding through Pensylvania, but it’s hard enough to ride a car through it. Besides, Ohio is relatively flat.”

Partnering with local cycling advocacy groups for each tour stop, Dean worked with Bike Miami Valley (BMV) to promote a show in Dayton, and provide assistance with local logistics. With the mission to promote, advocate and create all types of cycling opportunities in the region, BMV couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be involved in the first leg of the tour. The recent opening of Riff Raff on the Canal provided a great venue for the tour stop in Dayton. Mike Schmidt has been working hard to get Dayton’s newest club up and running, and was excited to host such an unusual event. “It’s different! I love to support people who are doing something for a cause.”  Riff Raff is new to the local scene, but has already been recognized for serving some of the best tasting wings in the city.

Dean, and his friends Adam Sokol, Christian Polanco and Max Boyajian, will ride into town on the 8th, taking advantage of the extensive network Dean standupof paved cycling trails in southwestern Ohio. BMV will host a group ride with the four comics starting at 4:30pm. The ride will start at Riff Raff on the Canal, and roll through Dayton to the Wright Cycle Shop and Carillon Park. The comedy ride-along is free, and open to the public.  The ride will be done by 6:00pm, allowing time for riders to clean up and enjoy the menu at Riff Raff.

Working in stand up comedy leads to rough schedules, and leaves very little time for recreation. Dean found an ingenious way to work while getting a little fresh air. “This way, we get to see the country (get new material), promote sustainability (save money), get exercise (not die), and do what we love to do (use standup comedy to self-medicate rather than prescription drugs).”  Dayton has already been recognized by the League of American Bicyclists as a Bronze-level Bike Friendly City.  With the Laugh Strong: Tour de Comedy choosing a stop in Dayton? We’re on the way to Silver.

What: Comedy Show, featuring Dean Masello, Adam Sokol, Christian Polanco, and Max Boyajian.

When: Sunday, September 8, 2013
Comedy Ride-Along 4:30pm – 6:00pm
Show starts at 7:30pm

Where: Riff Raff on the Canal

130 North Patterson Blvd
Dayton, OH 45402
Tickets: $5 – tickets at door, or https://laughstrongday.eventbrite.com/

Food Adventures with Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzell

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Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzell Enjoying a Brew at Tank’s Bar & Grill

Everyone knows that Gary Leitzell is the mayor of Dayton, but did you know that he is a foodie ??   You may find him at Tank’s on Wayne Avenue with a mini pitcher of beer discussing the history of Dayton.   You may see him munching on pizza at the South Park Tavern, talking about some of the old homes in the neighborhood & who built them.   You may catch the mayor cutting a sandwich at the Top of the Market & Deli at Webster Street.

The Big Ragu often runs into Gary Leitzell at various community events.  We have had Food Adventures with the mayor at Ghostlight Coffee and even visited with his legislative aide “Gladgirl Shelly.‘  The mayor has spent time with us at the 2nd Street Market.    We have been with him at charity events like the AMBUCS Chili Cookoff.  And, who could forget our ‘must eats’ like Oktoberfest at the Dayton Art Institute or the World A’Fair at the Convention Center.

When we see Mayor Leitzell, he always takes a moment to talk with us about Dayton and the local government’s exciting plans for the city.  Practically everything about Gary is unique.  Most of his childhood was spent in England, he has no political affiliation and fancies himself an independent.

 

But this is not an article on politics.   It is an article on fun and food in the Dayton area, which is what Food Adventures are all about.

Speaking of fun, here are some things you ‘gotta know’ about Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzell:

— He eats every sandwich with a fork and knife.  – Yes, hot dogs and burgers too.  Call it a good manners habit from his days in merry olde England.

—He has a blog called ‘This Old Crack House’  – Mayor Leitzell is a cool character with a great personality.  His blog documents the refurbishing of his historic home, which went from a log house to a townhouse, to a crack house and now, his house.  You gotta love a guy that has a blog called “This Old Crack House.”  Check it out HERE.

— Mayor Leitzell has a scooter.  – What better way to get to  a Food Adventure?

—  He doesn’t own a cell phone. – Gary is a person who prefers to communicate face to face or by email.  Wait a minute, how does he order carryout food?  For a guy always on the move, we find it astonishing that he doesn’t own a mobile phone.  Maybe it is a lesson to us as well.

— His favorite rock band is ‘The Who.’  – Will they play a farewell show at Courthouse Square when his term as mayor ends?  We will have our people get with your people to coordinate that one.

If there is a lesson to be learned from Mayor Leitzell it is “Be yourself.”   The mayor has a positive passion for the Dayton area and the future of the city.  He is involved with many activities, from West Side Dayton volunteer projects to creative marketing for the city.  But, you won’t see that trumpeted in a paper or in a story online.  As his term expires in January, look for him to run for a Montgomery County Commissioner seat.

So be on the lookout next time you are eating out and around Dayton.  You just may be sitting next to the mayor !

What are your top 5 Dayton area restaurants?  Comment below so we can see how you stack up with the mayor !

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Leitzell may be the bossman, but Food Adventures are the Dukes of Facebook .   Like these “Dayton Foodies” on FACEBOOK by clicking  —–>HERE!

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Step back in time over 400 years at the Ohio Renaissance Festival **Ticket Contest**

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logoLive the legend in this authentically recreated 30-acre, 16th-century English village. Rub elbows with nobility and be entertained by hundreds of costumed performers in nearly 100 shows each day. Cheer your favorite knight to victory as he competes for the queen’s honor in the thrilling full-armored joust. The lanes are bustling with storytellers, strolling musicians, singers, dancers and villagers welcoming you to a festive day of living history. Feast like royalty on juicy roasted turkey legs, fresh-baked bread bowl stews, fish ‘n chips, steak-on-a-stake, and a variety of the finest beers and wines. The sprawling landscape is dotted with 12 stages and a unique open-air shopper’s marketplace with more than 130 merchants and demonstrating craftsmen. The many one-of-a-kind hand-crafted items make this a perfect place to shop for holiday gifts. Visitors of all ages will be amused by the games of skill and human-powered rides. Try your hand at archery and see if you’re a modern-day Robin Hood, or climb the castle tower and rescue the lovely damsel in distress.[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9rit-SRJk4′]

New this year!

Five pirate captains are competing for the ship and a Letter of Mark from Her Majesty but shhh! The Spanish cannot find out! Find out how the story unfolds as swords, rope swings, gunfire and comedy burst from the decks of the 65-foot pirate ship during the Pirate Comedy Stunt Show.

 Robyn Marks will amaze you with his cabinet magic tricks.

The Tartan Terrors are making special appearances for Irish and Highland Weekends. They will leave you in stitches with their unique blend of Celtic music a

Opening for the season  this Saturday,  Labor Day Weekend  has been deemed  Family & Friends Weekend.  Load up the car and bring the whole neighborhood! Adults are two for the price of one AND all kids 12 and under get in free! Request “two for one” at the Box Office to receive Royal savings Saturday, Sunday, and Labor Day!  Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 5-12 years old.  You can also purchase a season pass for $100. The festival is open weekend through October 20th.  Check their website for more info or to purchase tickets online.

DaytonMostMetro is giving away a family four pack of tickets to one lucky winner who fills out the registration below.  For additional chances to win, please tell us in the comments below why you should win tickets!

The contest if over and congratulations to Laura Thornhill, our winner!

 

 

Sew Dayton Approaches First Anniversary Announcing New Location

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sewdayton_logoSEW DAYTON, another success of the Activated Spaces program, has announced it will be moving into a larger storefront in the Oregon District at  26 Wayne Avenue.  The new location resulted from a collaborative effort between Randy Handler, the previous lessee and Midtown Development Corp. The parties were brought together through the efforts of Mary Kathryn Burnside, owner of CLASH retail at 519 E. Fifth Street.

SEW DAYTON’s new location is only a few steps from PRESS COFFEE, which has been ranked in the top 10 independent coffee houses in the United States.

The location holds significant promise from a streetscape renovation of Wayne Avenue in 2014 and a strategic mixed-use development plan for the northeast corner of Fifth and Wayne in the near future. The storefront in the 100-year-old Schaefer building at the corner of Fifth Street and Wayne Avenue previously housed notable occupants including Otis Elevator Co., Fleishman Yeast Co., and Dayton Industrial Supply.

SEW DAYTON is a fun fabric shop, specializing in sewing instruction, fun fabrics and custom orders. Owners Tracy McElfresh and Jesy Anderson instruct sewing classes to all ages and skill levels.

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Owners Jesy Anderson (left) and Tracy McElfresh (right).

They will be celebrating their first anniversary at their current 15 E. Brown Street location on Sat, Sept 14th from 11am -8pm with giveaways and special discounts on patterns, fabrics and even a chance to pre-register for sewing classes for 10% off.  There will even be a visit from the Zombie Dogz food truck.

Sew Dayton carries fabric that cannot be found anywhere else in the Dayton area, focusing on small independent designers and companies. Sew Dayton also provides light alteration services. For more information visit; www.sewdayton.com or call 937-234-SEW8.

The Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC Announces Future Plans

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535741_355776941219109_178054346_nWell, it’s been a while since you’ve heard from us last, most of it has been by design because we are serious about what we are doing and are quality focused and we want to be under the radar while we are still laying our foundation.  The last time I wrote a blog, we were in the midst of planning our “Fashion in the Mystic Garden” Launch Party and the debut of our Fashion and Lifestyle Magazine (DE-FI)ance which can be purchased at http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/606271?__r=435971!  With over 250 people in attendance, 70 models, 10 designers, a Native American drum group Chaske Hotain, the Soul fire Tribe, and the majestic settings of SunWatch Indian Village we let the world know that Dayton is here and we are weaving our pattern into the fabric of the Fashion Industry!!

With that being said, we are ready to give you a sneak peek into the future of (DE-FI), starting with our September 15, 2013 Casting Call taking place at the Shuttereye Studio located in the Entrepreneur Building at 714 E. Monument Ave., in downtown Dayton from 2p-4p!  We are in the need of about 20-30 additional models to add to our current roster of 60+ models.  This Casting Call will be open to both males and females age 4 and up, however we are putting additional emphasisevents on male models. (NOTE: ALL MODELS MUST BRING WITH THEM AN APPLICATION THAT CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE AT http://www.daytonemergingfashionincubator.com starting on Sept.1, 2013).  Models in attendance at this Casting Call will know the day of if they have been selected for a callback and should plan to stay for a model meeting taking place after the Casting Call at 5pm.

One of our long term goals was to open up an actual store front location via the Activated Spaces program in 2014—well, things have been moving along rather rapidly for us and we are excited to announce that on Friday September 20th  during Urban Nights, the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC will be officially opening the doors to a custom clothing design boutique featuring the designers that were showcased during our July 13th Launch Party at SunWatch and other independent designers from across the country!!  If you weren’t able to attend our Launch Party and you have no idea the level of talent and creativity that was showcased, please visit our Facebook page and check out our albums at http://www.facebook.com/daytonemergingfashionincubator.

While we ARE NOT going through the Activated Spaces program for the boutique, this will be a 3 month trial intended to help us get our feet wet in the retail industry!! We are looking for  additional designers, seamstresses, and those willing to learn to sew via our partners at Sew Dayton to help the designers produce their lines for us to sell in the boutique, interested individuals should email us at info@daytonemergingfashionincubator.com.  We are taking over the old American Pi location located in the St. Clair Lofts on St. Clair St., in downtown Dayton and we can’t wait to help these designers grow their brands! (NOTE: As of 8-28-13 we will not be opening our storefront in the St.Clair Lofts).

Mark your calendars for December 31st for an event that you won’t want to miss!!  We are going to be taking flight into the New Year with our “First Flight…Now Fashion” Couture Ball taking place at Commander Aero!  “First Flight…Now Fashion” promises to bring a fashion experience that will capture the world’s attention and have everyone talking!  More details coming soon!!

Finally, after much thought and consideration– we are ready to take on the challenge and we are excited to announce that we will be hosting a Fashion Week in 2014!!  While locations are still being secured we have set July 13th-20th of 2014 as the tentative dates for (DE-FI) Fashion Week.  Stay tuned for more details coming soon!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Join The Century Bar For A Nationwide Toast

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FRB-coaster-never-wantA special event will take place at the Century Bar (10 S. Jefferson St., Dayton) on Wednesday, August 28. At 7:30 p.m., the bar and its patrons will take part in a national “simul-toast” along with each of the nation’s top 55 Bourbon bars as designated by The Bourbon Review.

Each year for the last five years, the leading industry journal for bourbon aficionados has created its grouping of the United States’ best watering holes for Bourbon lovers, and on 2013’s list, TBR referred to Century as “what could be the most underrated Bourbon bar in the country,” and “the sort of place every Bourbon drinker should visit at least once in his or her life.”

The Bourbon Review has teamed up with Four Roses Bourbon for a nationwide “toast” to each of the bars included on their list. This coincides with Four Roses’ 125th anniversary, for which the label has dubbed 2013 “The Year of the Toast” with a national social media campaign.

Century general manager and bartender Joseph Head said, “We’re going to film the toast and put it online, and we’ll send it to Four Roses so they can put it out there as well. And Four Roses is appreciated in America, but it’s really huge in Europe and Japan, so the whole world’s going to see Dayton, Ohio.”

Participating patrons are encouraged to get involved by posting photos, tags, toasts, and check-ins from their favorite Bourbon bars on the Top 55 list with the hashtag #55toast; the toast selected by Four Roses as the best will be featured on their label in 2014.

 

Bringing Sour Back

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Sour Mix Image

This is the bottle that sank a thousand cocktails…

I was eating lunch with a couple other bartenders this week, and I told them that I was working on an article about sour mix. Both of them cringed, no doubt with bottles of sickly yellow, highly processed liquid floating through their head. This has been what most of our parents, and many of us, were used to getting when we asked for a drink that required sour mix at a bar. Long Island Ice Teas, margaritas, Lynchburg Lemonades, so many cocktails that were drenched in this stuff. August 25th is National Whiskey Sour Day, and the story of sour mix plays into the story of the cocktail quite nicely.  It was not always something people would raise their nose at.

“Sours” are a class of cocktails that was been revived with the craft cocktail movement. The first sours were introduced in a book that is on every serious bartender’s bookshelf, How to Mix Drinks, or the Bon Vivant’s Companion, by Jerry Thomas. These cocktails started simply, using only a base spirit (like whiskey), lemon, and simple or “gumme” syrup. This basic recipe was so popular it spawned a wide variety of other cocktails, switching ingredients in and out but maintaining the same basic formula. It became the work horse of the late 19th century, spawning classics like the sidecar, margarita and daiquiri are all examples of cocktails that are part of this group. Cocktail historian David Wondrich notes it was one of the most popular cocktail types for over a century, especially the whiskey version, from the 1860’s to the Mad Men era of the 1960’s.

Through the 20th century, two major events happened that sullied the reputation of these fine cocktails. The first was Prohibition, which drove out all of the professional bartenders in the country, and with it all of their knowledge. The second is the development of prepackaged and premade food and drink. We developed into a society that was not going to wait, as well as one that was thrilled with anything new that science could invent.  During the 50’s and 60’s, fresh squeezed juices were falling by the wayside in favor of premade juices that would last longer on the shelf. This included cocktail mixers that were easy to pour over a single liquor to make a drink. Who needs all of that tedious squeezing and mixing when you can just pour it out of a bottle?  It was faster for bartenders, but it did not taste as good or as fresh. Combine that with a distilling industry that was just getting back into the swing of things, and you had a rough time for cocktails.

Whiskey Sour in a cocktail glass

THAT…is a lovely whiskey cocktail.

At the beginning of the craft cocktail boom, a seed of hatred was planted into cocktails that used premade mixers. This seed grew, with sour mix and all cocktails made with sour mix: the focus of mixologist’s ire. Their simplicity was disregarded for more complex and exotic flavors. But that simplicity is what originally made this cocktail category, and the whiskey sour itself, so popular. You did not need many ingredients to make it, and the ingredients you did need were easy to get. Because many bars and restaurants are not making cocktails with fresh juices, it is far easier to enjoy these cocktail as they were envisioned about 140 years ago: liquor, some lemon juice, and some simple syrup.

When you are making a sour cocktail, you should keep in mind that the lemon and the simple syrup are going to overpower the liquor you choose. I would never recommend using something like Old Dan Tucker or Kentucky Gentleman, but there is no need to break out the Pappy Van Winkle. A nice Jim Beam or Maker’s Mark would do nicely. If you want a little more spice, you can use a rye whiskey as well.

Whiskey Sour

2 oz. bourbon
.75 oz. lemon juice
1 tsp. simple syrup

Pour all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake it well. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a cherry. You can make it look fancier by adding a lemon wedge. You can also enjoy it, as many people do, over ice in a non-chilled glass.

For any bartenders reading, or other cocktail enthusiasts, you may ask “Where is the egg white?” Many people will argue that a tablespoon or two of egg white should go into it, which would give the cocktail a smoother, thicker mouthfeel and add some foam when you shook it with the other ingredients. It is also a potential health hazard. It is disputed whether or not that ingredient should be added, but you may if you wish. Jerry Thomas did not add it, so neither will I.

Whiskey sours, and sours in general, are light and refreshing drinks that are about due for a major comeback. Simpler cocktails are making a comeback, and this is one of the simplest there is. Combine that with the bourbon boom that is happening, and soon the whiskey sour could be back among the most popular cocktails in the country. Ready to start the trend?

 

Dayton’s Newest Night Club Now Open: Riff Raff on the Canal

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riffIt’s been a long time coming, but for owner Mike Schmidt, the five years it’s taken to remodel the building, and wrestle with city  codes will be well worth it when he sees his Patterson Street Tavern filled with people enjoying the live blues music.

Mike credits his wife Bev for keeping him going when the rules and regulations of the zoning and the costs incurred to do things right became overwhelming. The bar is vintage, the original floor has been restored and Mike proudly calls his cook, Chef John Pope, the Pope of Riff Raff Village.  Just barely open, he’s already in competition for the best wings in town, up against longtime favorites Bunkers and Frickers according to DDNews Ken-yon Hardy.

Mike is quick to admit his food isn’t fancy, he calls it blue collar food, saying  it’s good and inexpensive.  The Tavern will offer burger baskets, ribs, sandwiches and of course wings.  No menu item is over $10.50.  And you can wash it down with $2 drafts specials every day.

Riff Raff Tavern on the Canal  will feature live music every Friday & Saturday without a cover charge, rb stoneexcept perhaps for some major special bookings.  The Hathaways are the featured opening band and Labor Day Weekend Nashville’s RB Stone will perform Fri & Sat night starting at 8pm.
Schmidt says he’s aligned himself with the Dayton Blues Society and plans to feature the best in local and regional blues and jazz.  But that’s not all- for football fans, starting Sept 8th, Sunday’s will be all about football, with the NFL Ticket allowing the bar to feature your favorite teams games.  As a Redskins fan I made need to be careful when Chef Pope’s Cowboys are playing, but hopefully by then the Sunday buffet they’ve planned will be the way to go.

The grand opening celebration for Riff R Raff Tavern on the Canal is this Friday night from 5-9pm.  You’ll be welcomed to the building, which is next to Southern Belle, by statues of the Blues Brothers.  Mike says he and his best friend from his Army days earned the nicknames Jake and Elwood, for their fun loving spirit and the pranks they used to pull.  He says that attitude is exactly what you’ll find at Riff Raff- great attitudes, fun and good times for all!

The hours of the tavern are still being worked out, but for now the plan is Wed – Sat, until football starts with lunches rolling out soon.  They’ll be open til midnight Wed & Thurs and til 2:30am on Fri & Sat.

 

 

 

 

 

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Favorite ‘Kids Eat Free’ Places in Dayton

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Still feeling it in the pocketbook from all those back to school clothes and supplies?  Then listen up, because we have some Food Adventure scoop for you.

We have compiled a list of The Big Ragu’s and Crew’s favorite “Kids Eat Free” places.  Gather up the gang, but make sure you know these basic guidelines:

— Generally each “free kid’s meal” is earned with 1 paying adult.  So if you are in the Brady Bunch, it looks like only Bobby and Cindy get free grub.  Well, unless you bring Alice and Sam the Butcher.

— Also, there are age limits on the “kids” (typically 10 and under).  Don’t expect your Senior Prom King son to get a zero cost meal anytime soon.  Make him mow some lawns or something.

Without further ado,  here are our favorite KIDS EAT FREE spots in the Dayton area.

Whether your kids are angels or brats, it won’t cost you a dime at these Miami Valley eateries:

STEAK THYME: Kids eat free Wednesdays after 5pm at this underrated restaurant in Kettering.  May we suggest a cheesesteak?  If not, how about a burger or gyro ?

LA PINATA:  Niño’s eat free every Sunday at this hot spot in Centerville.  Kids love the free chips and salsa.   It really doesn’t matter what they order, it will be a delicious combo of corn tortilla, beans, rice and cheese.  Great, cheap Mexican food here!

THE SUBMARINE HOUSE: Kids eat free everyday after 4pm at this East Coast style sub shop .  We don’t suggest they try the super duper cheesesteak challenge until they are 21.   Instead they will want to go with winners like the cheese pita pizza or the chicken tenders and fries.

FRICKER’S: Every frickin day, kids 10 and under eat free.  Wings, chicken chunks, boneless wings and burgers are the most popular.  Gourmet kids love the Frickin Chicken Pizza.

OINKADOODLEMOO: Tuesdays, kids eat free in the Oakwood restaurant.  That is a good deal, because good bbq isn’t cheap.

SKYLINE CHILI: Wednesday nights, kids eat free!  Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that this Cincinnati style chili place is an acquired taste.  Finicky kids will eat the plain hot dogs all day long !

DE’LISH CAFE: Kids eat free Thursdays until 8pm.   This is an upscale bistro, with some gourmet dishes.  Show your kids the great food photos on the website, before you go there.

FLYBOY’S DELI: Tuesdays and Thursdays 5-8pm, no cost for kiddos.   Like the marquee says, “Eat in New York City, without leaving historic Dayton.”  They offer 4 pizza choices and 4 panini choices.   From Buffalo chicken pizza to ham sandwiches, make sure you take them to the rooftop seating area for a fun Food Adventure.

Kids Eat Free every Frickin’ Day at Frickers

EARTH FARE: Thursdays 4-8pm, kids eat free.  The organic, gluten free and healthy food choices here are endless.

WG GRINDERS: Kids eat free everyday.  This Columbus based eatery has great sub sandwiches.  Some are colossal creations!

 

CHAIN FAVES:
QDOBA MEXICAN GRILL – Fun atmosphere at Qdoba where after 4pm on Sunday nights, you guessed it, kids eat free !!  Get the kids involved topping their own “lil burrito.”  Good, Mexican street food and it’s pretty healthy!
BEEF O’BRADY’S -Already a kid’s paradise, this place features a  ‘kids eat free’ night on Tuesdays from 4-8pm.   The chicken nuggets always score a touchdown with the little ones.

 

ALMOST FREE:
LAROSA’S – Kids get unlimited spaghetti dinners for 99cents on Mondays and Tuesdays !  Buddy LaRosa’s gang will make your kids smile with this deal.  We see sauce stained cheeks in your future.

Kids Eat Free at La Pinata on Sundays !

 

Nothing beats good free food.   It is a great money-saver for families on a budget.   So take advantage of these deals,  especially at the restaurants you may already frequent.    Maybe there is such a thing as a free lunch!

Want more food, fun and serious eats with couple of kids at heart?  Check out FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook, HERE !

Browse the photo gallery below from some food shots from our favorite KIDS EAT FREE places.  Did we miss one?  Which “kids eat free” spots are your favorites?  Comment below and let us know !

[flagallery gid=52]

Experience Wheat Penny at their Sneak Peek For Charity!

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wheat penny

DaytonDining has partnered with the brand new
Wheat Penny Oven & Bar
to present a truly unique opportunity for you to have a sneak peek of this cool pizza-centric restaurant featuring rustic, creative dishes and a bar that serves up fresh, handmade cocktails-brought to you by the culinary-minded folks at Meadowlark Restaurant!

Wheat Penny is opening their door to local charities, to allow them a  fundraising opportunity while working with their new staff to perfect their service.  If you’d like the opportunity to attend one of these nights, you can contact the charity’s listed below:

Tickets are $35/person of which $25 is tax-deductible.  Guests will be able to order pizza an appetizer (like a salad or eggplant fritters) and a pizza entrée (you’ll have your choice of hhite, wheat or gluten free dough).  Guests will also receive a special Wheat Penny dessert treat.   Tea and Coke products are included.  There’s a 90% chance the liquor license will arrive by Tues/Wed, so guests should be able to buy cocktails as well.  Servers will drop checks and collect at the end of the meal (gives them register practice).

 

Wed, August 21st    Artemis Center
Leading the community in its commitment to end domestic violence
For reservations email

Thurs, August 22nd     SICSA Pet Adoption Center

A limited admission animal shelter which strives to place adoptable dogs and cats in loving homes.
For reservations email   Kira Petrykowski

 

Friday, August 23rd The  Food Bank
Leading the charge to relieve hunger for our Miami Valley Neighbors
Sold Out – email Ann Roberts to be put on the waiting list.

Please do not contact Wheat Penny- each charity has their own reservation list and Wheat Penny will not have any information on open spots.

Urban Loft Could Be Your New Home

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loftsHave you ever thought about moving downtown Dayton?  The Sixth Street Lofts will bring 17 new residential units to the historical Oregon District and within walking distance to restaurants, the Dayton Dragons and the 2nd Street Market. The condos are sized from 900 to 1,500 square feet of living area and are priced at $125,000  on the first floor, with the priciest units going for around $225,000 on the third floor.    The condo development is complete new construction housed inside a nearly 100 year old building.   

This new development in the rennovated historical Excelsior Building offers two-bedroom, single-floor, loft-style units with exposed 11 -13 foot ceilings and poured concrete columns, energy-efficient windows and furnaces, available basement parking.   There will be passenger and freight elevators, as

541049_12well as off-street and even an amazing rooftop gathering area with wet bar and restroom. Corner units will have 180-degree views of the Oregon District.

The  building will be completely secure with cameras at the front door and an amazing roof top patio with wet bar and restroom.   Standard features  in each unit include granite in kitchens and baths with ceramic tile in the kitchens and baths, including tub surrounds.

 

541049_09With an estimated completion date of September 2013, there are still 7 units available  for purchase and all buyers will enjoy a 10 year tax abatement from the date the first unit is occupied. Realtor Denise Swick shares that a pair of the two bedroom units are eligible for $15,000 downpayment assistance program through Citywide Development, based on household income.

To arrange a tour you can contact Denise Swick at  937-432-2644.

 

 

Welcome to Dayton Beer Week 2013!

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Dayton Beer Week Logo

It is here! Who says there is nothing to celebrate in August?

Beer has flooded the country. In 2010, there were fewer than 1,800 breweries in the United States. And there were zero in Dayton. Fast forward to 2013, where there are over 2,500 breweries in the United States. Dayton is seeing its own brewing growth spurt, with the Dayton Beer Company, Fifth Street Brewpub, Toxic Brewing Company, Lock 27 Brewing, Yellow Springs Brewing, Eudora, Star City Brewing, and many others that I am sure are in the works. Beer tastings have also expanded all over the city. Brewtensils has been offering not only supplies, but classes in brewing everything from a traditional lager or pilsner to experiments on the far ranges of the flavor scale. This is the environment the 4th Annual Dayton Beer Week will be awakening to this weekend, inviting all of Dayton to step out and discover some of the beery goodness themselves.

There are going to be some big events celebrating beer this weekend as the party kicks off at Kitty Hawk Golf Course with the 3rd Annual Pints, Putters, & Pink Balls-2 Club Golf Scramble benefiting the Breast Cancer Foundation. Registration starts at 12:30 PM for a 1 PM start. Get out your beer gear on Sunday and join all the floats and fun for the 4th Annual Beer Pride Parade in the Oregon district, starting at 4:30 PM at Dublin Pub (of course). The good folks at 5th Street Wine and Deli will be having a pre-parade tasting starting at 1 PM, so you can get an incredible seat for the festivities. For those of you who are a little more health conscious, Widmer Brothers is sponsoring Biking for the Beer of It Tuesday night. It begins in West Carrollton and ends after a 10 mile ride at A Taste of Wine in Miamisburg. They are very considerate, making sure you are well hydrated with a selection of beers at the midway point. The last major event of the week will be AleFest at Carillon Park (who is also setting up a historic brewery). You can try out all of the Dayton breweries, explore the growing gluten-free beer offerings, and just generally enjoy over 375 beers from over 150 breweries. That is, of course, if you are not beered out by that point.

AleFest Dayton 2013

Beer weeks ends with a bang, celebrating over 350 craft beers!

It is not just the big events that make this week special. Restaurants all over the Miami Valley are going to be celebrating in some form or another.

Monday:

  • Rouge will take over the draughts beginning at 5 PM at Jimmy’s Ladder 11. They will be featuring the Double Chocolate Stout, Hazelnut Brown, and Imperial IPA. After you’ve had your beer, you can keep the glass!
  • From 6 to 9 PM, you can help South Park Tavern fight off the Dogfish Head invasion they are anticipating. Grab a pint and pitch in!

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Thursday:

Friday:

  • The Trolley Stop will be rolling out the red carpet on the second last night of Dayton Beer Week. They will be featuring rare beers like Bell’s Black Note, and good music that night from 7 PM to midnight.
  • Raise your glasses! From 6 to 7 PM, King’s Table will be featuring a stein hoisting competition featuring Sam Adam’s beers.
  • Are you still shy about craft beer? The Arrow Wine on Lyons Road will be having an Oskar Blues beer tasting from 5 to 7 PM. If you purchase a four or six pack of these very good brews, you will also walk out with a special gift.

This is not even remotely close to the full list of events for the week. Many restaurants and bars will be having specials on a wide range of beers.  Look over the full menu of events and plan your week accordingly.

A line up of different types of beer

This is a nice start to the week…

While you are out exploring Dayton, there are a few things you should remember while doing your tastings:

  • When you taste, it is very similar to tasting wine. You want a little foam on the top. You also want to look at and sniff the beer before you taste it, to see what aromas are coming off of it.
  • Do not hold the beer in direct light when you look at it. You get the best idea of color when you look at it in indirect light.
  • Give it a little bit of a swirl in your glass. This stirs up the carbonation a little, allowing more of the aromas to be released. Don’t underestimate the importance of scent when tasting your beer!
  • Hold the beer in your mouth a little bit, allowing it to roam all over your tongue. Enjoy the flavors that come out as it is in your mouth. Take a mental note on how thick the beer is. This is known as mouthfeel.
  • Allow the beer to warm up SLIGHTLY before you drink it. As with wine, a little bit of extra warmth unveils deeper flavors that may not be otherwise obvious.

And while you are going to Beer Week events:

  • Car pool. Parking is going to be very limited for some of these events, and the citizens are going to be out in force. Getting more people in one car is going to be helpful for everyone.
  • Get there early. You want to make sure you get there in enough time to get seats! Make sure you call the venue and check out the details.
  • Drink plenty of water. This is going to serve a twofold purpose. First, water will help cleanse the palate between each beer, giving you a better idea of how each beer tastes. Secondly, it will help you avoid a worse hangover than you might normally have.
  • Do not eat spicy foods before you go to an event. You do not want your taste buds to be still burning from the Nuclear Hot wings you just ate. Eat a little something; just tone it down.
  • Go to the dark side. If you are not at a pre-set beer tasting, start off with some of the lighter beers, and go to the darker ones. The darker beers tend to have heavier flavors and be thicker, which can linger a little longer.
  • Designate a driver. No explanation needed.

It has been a busy few years for the craft beer scene, and this is the year it looks like it is going to explode in Dayton. This is the time to go out and taste new beers, find new favorites, and meet new friends. There are so many events going on during the week we would love to know which ones you are most looking forward to. Leave a note in the comments, and we will see you around town. Cheers!