Lisa Grigsby

Name: Dayton Poetry Slam Open Mic
Start: 2020-09-24T21:30:00-04:00
End: 2020-09-24T21:30:00-04:00
Location: online

About Lisa Grigsby

Lisa Grigsby is a Special Events Director with over thirty years experience in promotions, event coordination and public relations.

Owning Jokers Comedy Cafe for 20 years taught Lisa to maintain a sense of humor under pressure. She credits Leadership Dayton for exposing her to the amazing assets of the region and Clothes That Work for being her reason she stayed in Dayton. Her proudest accomplishment as a past president of the Miami Valley Restaurant Association was creating Restaurant Week, a twice a year tradition that continues to grow and benefit local charities as well. As a foodie, it's only natural that she continues to promote local restaurateurs with DaytonDining.

As a Dayton Catalyst, her desire to have ONE community calendar and advocate for the amazing assets of the region helped create the vision for the relaunch of DaytonMostMetro.

DubPub to Celebrate 1/2 Way to St Patrick’s Day

September 17, 2020 By Lisa Grigsby

It’s officially halfway to St. Paddy’s Day and we checked in the the Grand Poobah of St Patrick’s Day in Dayton, Dublin Pub owner Steve Tieber to see wheat he’s got planned. He shared that they are celebrating all day on Saturday the 19th.

Dublin Pub will have live music all day starting at 1 PM in their parking lot on a stage donated by Matt Miller from Carl’s Body Shop and as part of the DORA district, you can grab a beer or cocktail and cruise through the Oregon District as well.

Half Way to St. Patrick’s Day Entertainment Line Up:

1-3pm Paul Cullen

4-7pm Scott Houchens

7-11 Jameson’s Folly and the Celtic Academy of Irish Dance
Although it is not required we will be asking for five dollar donations and all the money will go to support the musicians and dancers.

Of course we know their will be plenty of Guinness and Jameson’s flowing and you can’t go wrong with some of their Irish inspired food. Here are a few of our favorites:

HUNTSMAN – Brisket, onions, cheddar and whiskey mustard served on pretzel roll 11.99

COUNTY CORK CLUB – Smoked turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on toasted sourdough 8.99

FIVE POINTS REUBEN – Corned beef, slaw, and 1000-island layered with salt & vinegar fries on grilled marbled rye 10.99

GUINNESS BEEF STEW – Beef tips, celery, potatoes, and onions in Guinness gravy served with a roll 13.99

And of course a trip to the DubPub is not the same if you don’t get an order of their award winning Pub Fries!

Sign Ups Now Open For Free Levitt Songwriting Fall Program For Students

September 16, 2020 By Lisa Grigsby

Know a student interested in music? Tell them about the Free Levitt Songwriting Fall Program: five inspiring and interactive workshops that guide students through writing songs, collaborating, recording, and music-video making. Everything it takes to be an artist in the real world, no prior experience necessary. There will be five inspiring and interactive workshops that get the next generation of songwriters creating original works, collaborating on their ideas, making music videos, and experiencing what it takes to be an artist in the real world. The workshops begin Oct 3 and will run through Dec 1, 2020 aimed at youth ages 10 – 17.

Using Zoom, students meet with artist mentors in five workshop sessions over the fall semester that focus on the skills it takes to have a career in the arts: musicianship, songwriting, recording, collaboration, content creation, and releasing music. Students also become part of the Levitt Virtual Songwriter community on Discord, where they stay in contact with mentors, receive weekly writing prompts, share their songs, and can receive 24/7 support during the program. Sign up here.

Session Description & Dates

Sat October 3 | ameri’kana rhythms – 2 hours

Workshop with Grammy nominated artist and educator Federico Zuñiga Jr. that teaches the foundational rhythms found in music across the Americas

Sat October 17 | the beat lab – 2 hours

Dayton funk star and educator Deron Bell and rapper/producer Duncan Burnett challenge the group to write and collaborate in a lightning fast hip-hop production session

Sat November 7 | arcade session – 2 hours

Play with creativity by learning and using an online recording software, song production, and mix a song together with educator George Garza Jr.

Mon November 30 | evening dress rehearsal – 1.5 hours

The group gathers to polish and finalize their work from the program ahead of the final showcase

Tue December 1 | student showcase with a special guest TBD – 1 hour

Virtu

It’s Dayton’s Black Restaurant Week

September 14, 2020 By Lisa Grigsby

Jamila Briscoe, a self-proclaimed foodie who runs an Instagram page entitled Dayton Food Diaries, noticed recently during Restaurant Week that not a lot of black owned businesses were represented. So she decided to launch Dayton Black Restaurant Week, which starts today and runs through Sunday, September 20th.

As the founder of Dayton Restaurant Week in 2005, I reached out to her, excited to help her promote and offer some tips I learned the hard way. We laughed together over the effort it takes to coordinate all of these independent businesses. Jamila’s event is a little different than the traditional semi-annual 3 course meal deal hosted by the local restaurant association. Not all of the businesses included offer full meals, but all are excited to be a part of this first time event. Jamila describes her event as a “week is intended to showcase the delicious offerings we have in the City, from restaurants, to catering companies, food trucks, product owners, and the like!”

Here are the local black owned businesses participating and their offers:

Bless Me Sweets 937-520-6883
Vegan Cookies will be BOGO half off (prize is per dozen) – using code BOGO

A bakery that specializes in custom cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and more for any special occasion. Take a bite out of something sweet!

IG: https://instagram.com/blessmesweets

Web: https://www.blessmesweets.com/

Cuisine: Bakery/Sweets

Features: Delivery, Online Ordering, Gluten-Free Options, Vegan/Vegetarian Options

Check out their new vegan cookie flavors in The Entreprenuers Shoppe (1109 W 3rd St Dayton, Ohio 45402)!

Nayana Eateries 937-367-8957

Entrees available for $20.20 and $40.20 for delivery

For $20.20

- Mandarin Orange and Chili Glazed Pork Chops
- Hickory Bacon and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

For $40.20

- Shrimp and Lobster Grits
- Blackberry and Mint Lamb Chops

All dishes are served with a Rustic Red Skin Potato Mash and Nayana Eateries Signature Haricot Vert (excluding the Shrimp and Lobster Grits, which are paired with a fresh mixed green salad).

A private chef and catering service dedicated to the health of food. Serving to feed your soul, providing meals that are packed with flavor for every lifestyle!

Email: [email protected]

IG: https://instagram.com/nayana_eateries

Cuisine: American, Fine Dining, and Catering

Features: Carryout, Delivery, and Private Bookings

Hours: Mon-Sun 9:00am to 5:00pm (Special hours for events)

The Grind House Coffee and Tea Company 937-260-8153
10% off entire order

The best coffee in the Miami Valley! Their great-grandfather spurred the passion for coffee and now they are sharing family secrets with the rest of the world!

Web: http://www.Grindhousecoffeeandteacompany.com

IG: https://instagram.com/grindhousecoffeeco

Cuisine: Cafe/Coffee Shop

Features: Carryout Only, Online Ordering, Wi-Fi

Hours: Mon-Fri 7:00am to 6:00pm, Sat & Sun 8:00am to 6:00pm

Address: 7150 Executive Blvd, Huber Heights, Oh 45424

Located INSIDE Meijer!

Taste of Jamaica 937-210-9175
10% off entire order

Known for Jerk Chicken and Jerk Tacos.

Authentic Jamaican food.

IG: https://instagram.com/tasteofjamaica937

Cuisine: Caribbean

Features: Carryout Only

Hours: Tues-Sat 2:30pm to 7:30pm

Address: 4324 Salem Ave, Dayton, Ohio 45416

Twist Cupcakery – 937-771-4099
10% off with coupon code DBRW2020 for cupcakes in a jar. Must place order online.

Known for Cupcakes in a Jar.

Twist Cupcakery is located in Downtown Dayton and has been baking the area’s most delicious cupcakes and cakes since 2015! From beautifully decorated custom cakes to scrumptious gourmet cupcakes they are always delighted to be a part of your special events!

Web: http://www.twistcupcakery.com

IG: https://instagram.com/twistcupcakery

Cuisine: Bakery/Sweets

Features: Curbside pick up only

Hours: Curbside pick up on Fri 12:00pm to 5:00pm and Sat 11:30am to 1:30pm

Address: 25 South St Clair Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402

For those out of the Dayton area but still looking for amazing cupcakes… they are shipping their Cupcakes in a Jar Nationwide! Order today at www.twistcupcakerydayton.com!

Taste-T-Love Baby Food 937-718-3189
Taste T Love Baby Food will offer 15% any menu item for Dayton Black Restaurant Week.

Specializes in custom baby food.

A baby food prep business. They provide natural baby food made with organic ingredients to parents who prefer homemade food but don’t have the time, patience, or know-how to make it themselves.

Web: https://www.tastetlove.com

IG: https://instagram.com/tastetlovebabyfood

Cuisine: Baby food puree

Features: Delivery, Online Ordering

Hours: 24/7

SOCA Food Truck 937-838-1902
10% off any menu items totaling 5.00 or more dollars

Known for Jerk Rolls (Vegan and Chicken).

A Dayton based food truck bringing authentic Trinidad and Tobago food — and not just food, they’re serving up a vibrant culture with every dish!

IG: https://instagram.com/soca_food_truck

Cuisine: Bakery/Sweets, Caribbean, Catering, Juice/Smoothie, Vegan/Vegetarian

Features: Vegan/Vegetarian Options

Hours: Typically 11:30am to 4:00pm, various days

Address: Varies, To be announced

Sprouting Dreams LLC
$5 off orders over $30

Known for all things Vegan but tasty.

Sprouting Dreams is a 100% vegan food company offering unique creations. They offer fresh and high quality vegan/plant-based dishes with gluten-free free options.

IG: https://www.instagram.com/Sproutingdreamsllc

Cuisine: American, BBQ, Soulfood, Southern, Vegan/Vegetarian

Features: Gluten-Free Options, Vegan/Vegetarian Options

Hours: Typically 2nd and 4th Tues 12:00pm to 6:00pm; Sat 12:00pm to 6:00pm; Sun 4:00pm to 9:00pm

Address: Varies, To be announced

Rich Taste Catering 937-524-5103

Family Meal Special Thursday, September 17th (feeds 6)

$50 Option- Oven Roasted Chicken, Cavatappi Mac and Cheese, and Southern Style Green Beans w/dinner rolls

$60 Option -Pan Seared Salmon, Garlic Roasted Mashed Potatoes, Fresh Balsamic Green Beans w/dinner rolls and garden salad

Pre-Orders due by Wednesday, Sept 16th. Call 937-524-5103. Delivery available for $5.

Rich Taste Catering (RTC) is a full service catering company specializing in corporate catering including individually packaged meals. RTC also offers weekly traditional, low carb, and kids meals.

Cuisine: American

Features: Carryout, Delivery, Low-Carb

Web: www.richtastecatering.com

IG: www.instagram.com/richtastecatering

Address: 141 W Third Street Dayton Ohio 45202

The Cookie Joint

Fresh baked cookies

www.getbaked.shop

Cookies come in a 9 pack for $20.20 (3 of each).

Black on Both Sides – Chocolate cookie with Chocolate Chips

Busta-Nut – Browned Butter Pecan cookie

Peachy Mama – Peach Cobbler Cookie

Phone: 937-930-9367

Web: Getbaked.shop

Features: Curbside pickup only

Hours: Tues-thurs 4:20pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 4:20pm-3am

Address: 1106 Brown Street operating inside of Butter Cafe

Wholly Grounds 937-349-5807

10% off: Chai Spiced Cider, Carmel-Apple Nitro brew, or a Green Tea Infused Hot Chocolate OR 10 percent off any food items

A super chilled coffee bar.

Web: https://whollygrounds.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/whgrounds/

Cuisine: Cafe/Coffee Shop

Features: Delivery, Online Ordering, Gluten Free Options, In-Person Dining, Vegan/Vegetarian Options, Wi-Fi

Hours: Mon 8:00am to 2:00pm, Tues: 8:00am to 3:00pm, Wed – Fri 8:00am to 3:30pm, Sat 8:00am to 3:00pm, Sun 9:00am to 3:00pm

Address: 825 Wayne Avenue, Dayton, OH 45410

Celebrating Life’s Stories® Virtual Event Supports Mission of Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton

September 12, 2020 By Lisa Grigsby

Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton is hosting its first-ever virtual fundraising event, Celebrating Life’s Stories®, on Thursday, Sept. 17, at noon via zoom. The event will feature highlights about the services and programs available to the patients and families Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton has the privilege to serve.

“This event supports our mission of celebrating the lives of those we have the privilege of serving by providing superior care and superior services to each patient and family,” said Lori Poelking-Igel, executive director of the Hospice of Dayton Foundation. “Because of the generosity of the community, we are able to provide exceptional support services to our patients and families.”

Funds raised through the virtual event will help support patient care through 2020 and beyond. Community support enables Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton to:

· Provide superior care and superior services to anyone in the community facing end-of-life illnesses, regardless of their ability to pay.

· Provide individualized grief support at no cost to anyone in the community.

· Provide complementary services, such as massage, music and art therapy.

· Provide palliative care to patients whose chronic disease compromises their quality of life.

To learn more about the Celebrating Life’s Stories® virtual event on Sept. 17, which begins at noon, visit https://hospiceofdayton.org/cls2020.

10?’s With Chef Aimee Plesa

September 11, 2020 By Lisa Grigsby

Aimee Plesa is a 34 year industry professional. She started her culinary career at the age of 14 at the K&W in Springboro before moving on to her first management position at Hot Sam’s in the Dayton Mall and eventually the executive chef at Ollie’s Place, kitchen manager at Bargos Grill & Tap and the executive chef at Hammel House Inn Bed & Breakfast. She is a self taught chef who has participated locally in the Dayton Chef Showdown, Bloody Mary Showdown and AleFeast. She is also a food writer for Warren County Online News and Tastes of the Tri-State as well as being the owner of Thyme After Thyme Gourmet.

While she’s been getting ready to open the restaurant at Hammel House in Waynesville, she took a few minutes to answer our 10 question interview:

What is your favorite ingredient to cook with?

Overall, I have to say tomatoes are my favorite ingredient to work with. There are so many ways to use them, the possibilities are virtually endless. My current tomato obsession is working with heirlooms. The flavor is unmatched and I can get lost in the colors as I prep them.

What ingredient do you dread?

I’m not sure “dread” is the right word, but I always flinch a little when I have to work with seafood of any kind. I’m allergic to any water dwelling creature, so I can’t taste any of the recipes I create that use them. I fly by the seat of my pants and rely that my intuition is right when it comes to pairing flavors and textures. And pray to the kitchen gods that my coworkers are completely honest when they taste test.

What’s your favorite dish to make?

Soups! They are so warm and comforting and can make any meal feel a little more special. Plus, they can be a true test of creativity when you’re met with a random assortment of ingredients that need to be used up.

What’s your favorite pig out food?

This is probably the hardest question on this list LOL My favorite pig out food really depends on what kind of mood I’m in and what time of the year it is. Some of my favorites include Taco Bell Doritos los Tacos, DLM Killer Brownies and the peanut butter chocolate chip oatmeal cookies from Big Sky Bread Company. Special shoutouts for pumpkin spice lattes, Ghiradelli peppermint chocolate squares and Reese peanut butter eggs.

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

For Italian food, hands down Mama DiSalvo’s! The Eggplant Parmesan is simply to die for. And nobody beats the chicken tenders at Bargos! Bentino’s 4 cheese pizza also keeps me coming back for more.

What’s your best advice for home chefs?

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Some of the weirdest sounding combinations can be absolutely delicious.

If you could invite any 4 guests to a dinner party who would they be and why?

I don’t need 4 guests to answer this question, I just need one. My father. He passed away when I was 24, well before my culinary career took off, and I would love to have him sample my cooking. One of my happiest memories from my childhood was cooking for him and I think he would be pleasantly surprised at what I can cook now.

If I absolutely had to include 3 more people, I would choose former President Obama because I think it would be a great experience to break bread and share a drink with him; Keanu Reeves because he is the epitome of non-chalant celebrity cool. Number four would have to be a package deal-Neil Peart, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush. They have been my favorite band since I was in grade school for so many reasons.

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

To be honest, I don’t closely follow the people of the industry-locally, nationally or globally. I loosely follow the trends and local news but I’m not really invested in it as a whole.

What do you do in the Miami Valley on a day off?

I am on the verge of opening a new kitchen, what is a day off? LOL

I love visiting Jungle Jim’s. I can literally spend an hour in the cheese section alone. My close friends Cathy and Megan can confirm this. I also enjoy walking the trails around Caesar’s Creek, shopping for carnival glass in Waynesville and playing music trivia at Heather’s. Scott Hall IS the trivia host with the most. I have also recently accepted a writing position with Warren County Online News, so a good chunk of my free time is spent sharing recipes on there.

Share a kitchen disaster, lucky break or other interesting story:

The biggest “lucky break” I have gotten in this industry led me to my current position at Hammel House. One night I had to work late and open early at my former position, so I just got a hotel room for the night. Once I checked into my room, I opened my Facebook messenger and had a random message pop up. A business owner in Waynesville was asking if I was the Aimee that used to work at Cobblestone Cafe (I was one of two), and if I was that Aimee, the new owners at Hammel House would like to speak with me. I followed up on her message the following morning and through a series of texts, emails, phone calls and in-person meetings, I was offered the job. Jona-thank you!!!

Zac Pitts Leaving TV Show To Coach Others

September 9, 2020 By Lisa Grigsby

Many have you may have heard that Zac Pitts will be leaving Living Dayton in October. We’ve spent many hours visiting with him on the set between appearances on the show to promote events over the years, but we still had some questions for him:

After 5 years on Living Dayton- what have you learned?

The last 5 years of Living Dayton taught me the power of collaboration and creativity. The Living Dayton team is made up of some of the hardest working people I’ve ever met. It’s a small, but mighty team. Producing an hour’s worth of live content 5 days a week requires a great deal of efficiency and planning. However, the most valuable thing I learned from Living Dayton is how to truly connect with people through a screen. I love meeting people who watch the show that say…”Oh, you’re the same guy in person that I watch on tv”. Living Dayton taught me the power of authenticity.

Favorite Memories from the show?

Let’s be real…I got paid to have fun every day and meet some really cool people! I had the opportunity to interview some of my favorite celebrities like, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rob Schneider, Steve-O and the list goes on. But the one thing that really stands out is when my photographer (and really good friend) Phil and I drove to Perfect North and spent the whole day shooting stories for the start of ski season. We literally spent the day getting paid to ski and have fun talking to people. I remember thinking “damn, this is cool!”

What won’t you miss?

Touring Mikesell’s Snack Food Company

Simply put…a 9 to 5. When I started my professional career, I would wake up at 2:30am to do the morning news and sometimes get home around 2pm. When I started the 9-5 schedule I loved it! However, 3 years into it I started feeling like every day was predictable. Don’t get me wrong, I love structure and order to my day, but I want my day to start and end differently every day!

What’s Next?

Earlier this year I started creating Passion2Profession. My team and I will focus on helping our community transition into the new digital economy, teaching them how to profit from their personality, knowledge, passions and expertise through video content. Passion2Profession will help entrepreneurs and small business owners build courses, content membership communities as well as producing live virtual workshops and events. My driving force behind this company is to create jobs and financial opportunities for anyone willing to put in the work to build a better future for themselves and others.

What gave you inspiration for Passion2Profession?

Years ago when I was a reporter in Cincinnati I was covering a story about a career workshop for high school students. Somewhere in the presentation the speaker told the crowd of students that no matter what career they pursued, to find a way to make their passion their profession. It was such a profound statement that’s stuck with me ever since.

A few years into hosting Living Dayton I started developing terrible anxiety and having panic attacks on live tv! I had dealt with them before when I worked in news. It was really embarrassing. Though I loved my job I kept struggling with the question of “Is this what I’m really meant to do?” What helped me snap out of the funk was focusing 100% on making the guests feel comfortable and confident on camera! Often times Living Dayton would be people’s first experience going on live tv. Understandably, they were nervous! They’d say, “What if I freeze up?” “What if I stumble?”. I’d coach them before going on air and let them know I wouldn’t let them fail! I loved hearing “Wow, you made that really easy!” “Thanks, you really helped me calm down.”

That’s when I realized my true calling is to give people the confidence to get their message out into the world! I believe the point of life is to grow and to give. So I figured if I can help someone become confident on camera and show them how to monetize their knowledge, expertise or experiences through video content I could help them develop a new revenue stream for their business.

The 2 in Passion2Profession is meant to highlight the concept that it takes at least 2 people working together to make something great. Life should be a series of collaborations, not competition.

What kind of classes can we anticipate?

We’re kicking things off with “The On Camera Switch”. This introductory course is ultimately designed to help people be more confident on camera and develop their message. But it really goes into the fundamental framework of growing your personal brand on social media and how you can become a person known for a particular skill or expertise. This course will really help people start wrapping their heads around the knowledge business and how to get started. You can pre-order the course now through September 27th at Passion2ProfessionDayton.com.

As we continue to grow we’ll partner up with different clients and experts to help them scale their business by helping them with all the technical and production aspects of growing their online channel. We want to have programs that cater to personal and professional development, but leave plenty of room for content that’s just fun!

Who do you envision as your perfect customer?

The ideal Passion2Profession client is someone who’s not only driven, but is also “a giver”. We want to work with people who are hungry to make an impact serving others with their knowledge, passions and experiences! We want to work with people who are open to new ideas and want to grow personally and professionally.

What else should we know?

My goal is to create jobs and revenue streams for people passionate about their calling in life. Every one has a story and life lesson that could help someone else. As I mentioned before, I think the meaning of life is to grow and to give. The more we can grow and learn from our experiences, the more insight we can give to others to help them along their path!

Dayton Mall To Host Drive-In Gospel Concert

September 8, 2020 By Lisa Grigsby

Jeff and Sheri Easter

Dayton Mall invites families to enjoy a special social distancing concert event on Sept. 20. The concert is sponsored by Mosaic Church, and will feature their own band as the opening act. Headlining the concert are Jeff and Sheri Easter. Jeff and Sheri travel with a live band, have garnered many awards and chart topping songs, and appear regularly on the Bill Gaither Homecoming Series on TV, radio, and live concerts. Also featured is the Cincinnati based Derrick Loudermilk Band, bringing their blend of Southern Gospel and worship style of music to the concert.

Cars will be admitted starting at 1pm, concert starts at 1:30pm and guests can secure their free tickets in advance through Eventbrite starting Friday, Sept. 11^th.

“This will be our fourth outdoor concert this summer, and our third drive-in event,” said Dave Duebber, General Manager, at Dayton Mall. “We are excited to continue to provide our community with a safe way to enjoy music.”

When guests arrive, cars will be directed to a spot safely spaced from other visitors where they can tune their radio to a designated station for audio streaming. With health and safety as the top priority, teams will ensure community members stay inside or within arms-length of their cars while they have a fun afternoon out.

Food and beverages will be available from a variety of food trucks as well as great options from the mall food court and outside restaurants. Restrooms and hand-washing stations will be available at the event site.

The concert is free to the public, and guests are required to reserve one ticket per vehicle. Please visit daytonmall.com for all the details.

Dayton Mall remains focused on providing a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. In the continued need to address COVID-19, the town center has proactively implemented additions to the Code of Conduct, effective immediately and until further notice.

These additions include the following guidelines:

Practice social distancing and stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people.
Covering your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover in accordance with state and local guidelines.
Do not gather in groups.
Adhere to each individual tenant’s COVID-19 policies.
Adhere to all federal, state and local regulations, recommendations and mandates regarding COVID-19.

The Code of Conduct is posted at the Center and available online.

Dayton Mall’s already rigorous disinfectant and cleaning practices will also continue many times per day, including periodically disinfecting areas most susceptible to the spread of germs. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer dispensers are located in highly trafficked areas and walkways for public use.

10 ?’s with Chef Xtine Brean

September 4, 2020 By Lisa Grigsby

Chef Xtine Brean is well known within the Miami Valley vegan circle. She’s been cooking up some amazing plant-based meal for years, first out of a pop up truck at various festivals, then from her food truck, the
Om Nom Mobile Cafe . Most recently she has served as food-services coordinator at Central State University. Her dream has always been to make her food accessible to everyone, and awakening omnivores to the tasty food she can make using 1000’s of plants. This Saturday, Sept 5th, she will open the doors to Cafe 1610, located in the District Provisions Building at at 521 Wayne Ave with partners Molly Blackshear and Cathy Mong.

Hours:

Wed- Fri 8am- 2pm

Saturday: 10am – 4pm

Sunday: 10am – 4pm and 5-9pm with Guest Chefs

While she was busy prepping to open her new restaurant, Xtine made time to answer our Chef 10?’s.

What is your favorite ingredient to cook with?

Trumpet Mushrooms

They are so wonderful and “meaty”. The fact that they shed so perfectly means you can use them as ‘pulled pork’. Saute them, roast them, delicious. The other thing their known for its vegan scallops, perfect texture

What ingredient do you dread?

Jackfruit

So labor intensive to break down and not terribly excited about the flavor although I was talking to another chef earlier who suggested rinsing it before cooking.

What’s your favorite dish to make?

Chili This has been my signature dish for over 8 years. I served it at LARP events to meat eaters and forgot to tell him that it was vegan and they never complained and in fact ask for more every single time. plus I can make a megaton of it at a time, put it in Ziploc bags and freeze it in portions that I can use later

What’s your favorite pig out food?

I will kill a bag of chips! it’s unfortunate that the chip world seems to think you need a milk products to make flavor stick. Standing around in the chip aisle reading ingredients people think I’m crazy but so many of them hide whey. And besides I just like a good Ripple chip that’s nice and salty….. Goes great with a nice michelada!

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

Melt in Fairborn, love that place. They have so many vegan versions of their classic menu items that they had to create a whole separate menu for them! And although their mac and cheese is not quite as good as mine they have plenty of mix-ins that can make it really fun

What’s your best advice for home chefs?

Don’t be afraid of fresh herbs! They can take a dish from okay to oh wow. I feel like parsley is particularly underrated. it will brighten up so many dishes if added at the end

If you could invite any 4 guests to a dinner party who would they be and why?

My 2 business partners, my bestie and my boyfriend

I like to break bread with people I can relax with, eat, drink and laugh with….and who will be glad to do the dishes afterward!

Who do you look up to in industry and why?

Isa Chandra Moscowitz, the most innovative and creative vegan chef out there. She took her career from influencer to restaurateur!

What do you do in the Miami Valley on a day off?

I’m a big history fan. I like to stroll through Carrillon Park as often as I can

Share a kitchen disaster, lucky break or other interesting story:

I remember a grand opening 7 or so years ago that caught us completely off guard. Over 100 people showed up, we had no hostess, the ticket time was over an hour in some cases, complete chaos BOH. That’s the only time I’ve ever wanted to cry in a kitchen. Knowing what can go wrong will for sure make this new opening as smooth as possible!

Fleming’s Rolls Out Three Course Filet Meals

September 2, 2020 By Lisa Grigsby

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar at The Greene is welcoming fall with a new three-course menu featuring filets, starting at sixty dollars, for a limited time. Available for service in their dining room, or paced to-go for your dining room.

The meal starts with a seasonal Harvest Salad- arugula, hearts of romaine, toasted pistachios, herbed goat cheese, crispy prosciutto, dates & fig vinaigrette.

Then chose your Filet:

Petite Filet Mignon & New Orleans Barbeque Shrimp | 65
8oz filet mignon topped with a trio of sautéed shrimp in a spicy worcestershire sauce

Petite Filet Mignon & Wild Mushroom Ragout | 60
8oz filet mignon topped with a gruyère au gratin mushroom medley & parmesan crisp

Petite Filet Mignon & Blue Cheese Crust | 60
8oz filet mignon topped with danish blue cheese & fig demi-glace

Guests may substitute for 11oz Main Filet Mignon for an additional seven dollars

And end your meal with STICKY DATE PUDDING – a spiced cake, warm caramel served with honeycomb brittle & chantilly cream.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

4432 Walnut Street
Dayton, OH 45440
937-320-9548

Labor Day Family Value Weekend at Young’s Jersey Dairy

September 2, 2020 By Lisa Grigsby

Take advantage of a special Family Value wristband good for all day, unlimited family fun at Young’s Jersey Dairy.

Play Udders & Putters miniature golf, batting cages, driving range, Moovers & Shakers, Cowvin’s Fast Slide, Cowvin’s Kiddie Corral, Cowvin’s Corny Maze, and Wagon Ride on the Farm.

Each wristband is good for all day fun on the date purchased. Cost is $15 (ages 12 & over) $9 (ages 11 & under). Wristbands can be purchased at Cowvin’s Corny Bin.

Cowvin’s Corny Maze Playland

Opens for weekends for now, then daily starting September 21st – 11am-6pm

Cowvin, the baby of the Cow Family, has created a family fun maze at Young’s Jersey Dairy. The maze is created from more than 3½ acres of cornfield and has over one mile of paths.

The maze is open 11am everyday (weather dependent) to around 6pm to give the last group at least an hour before it starts getting dark to find their way out.

Cowvin’s Corny Maze goes through our cornfield and has many twists, dead-ends and tricky twists. It’s an adventure!

The price is $7.50 a person age 5 and older. Age 4 and under are free. Children age 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Price includes a wagon ride to and from the maze.

Tickets can be purchased at Cowvin’s Corny Bin or in The Marketplace in The Dairy Store. Are you up for the challenge?