Superfry & Big Ragu meet the Muffin Man

Do you know The Muffin Man?  He lives at The Blueberry Cafe !  Superfry and the Big Ragu set out on a morning Food Adventure to check out this Bellbrook restaurant that has developed quite a loyal following, including some of our friends.  Nestled into a row of shops, not far from State Route 725 and main street lies this popular eatery.  What keeps people coming back?  The quaintness, the menu, and the Muffin Man!  Packed with personality, The Blueberry Cafe has a small dining room that stays fairly busy all year long.

Upon entering, customers are greeted by a hostess, who stands in the midst of a mini-country store filled with various knick-knacks from purses to homemade items.  As patrons are seated in the tiny dining room, one may realize this is not your ordinary breakfast joint.

Mushroom Omelette and Toast

Sure, the menu staples are the traditional French toast and Belgian waffles, but it is accented  by specialty quiches, fantastic bacon and Queen City Sausage.  They also feature “big as your plate” pancakes that are fluffy and tasty.

One a side note, each serving plate in the restaurant is as unique as the food.  We recommend going for one of the signature breakfast platters, which range from four to nine dollars, and give a great value for your dollar.  For the whole menu including  lunch choices, click here.

The Strawberry Shortcake Muffin

Last but not least, is one of the biggest attractions at The Blueberry Cafe, …. the MUFFINS !   We told you this place has personality eminating from the menu to the employees.  One such employee is Tony the “Muffin Man.”

Almost like a supehero, he enters the dining room with his trademark chef’s hat.  He twirls from table to table with his display plate of muffins, dazzling the diners.  Excitement builds as he delicately describes the day’s specialty muffins in his deep, rich voice.  Appealing to the eyes and the mouth, the fresh homemade muffins are around $2.50-$3.00 and worth a try.

The Blueberry Cafe is open daily from 7am -2pm, and is open for dinner only on Friday evenings from 5pm-8pm.

Next time you wake up on a lazy day, with your stomach growling, take a trip to Bellbrook’s Blueberry Cafe.  When you see the muffin man, tell him Superfry and The Big Ragu sent you !

Have you been to see the muffin man?  Please comment below with your thoughts on The Blueberry Cafe.

Please visit FOOD ADVENTURES of SUPERFRY and THE BIG RAGU on FACEBOOK and “like” us to become an official fan !

View Photo Album

Black Note Stout from Bell’s Brewery, Inc. is a blend of their Expedition Stout and Double Cream stout. It is then aged in retired bourbon barrels for months. I was lucky enough to try this beer on tap at Chappy’s Taproom. This beer was recently released in bottles in extremely limited quantities for the first time.

From the Bell’s website:

One of the most sought-after stouts in Bell’s history, Black Note Stout blends the complex aromatics of Expedition Stout with the velvety smooth texture of Double Cream Stout and ages the combination in freshly retired oak bourbon barrels for months. The resulting harmony of flavors captures the finest features of all three components: malty notes of dark chocolate, espresso & dried fruits, all buoyed by the warmth and fragrance of the bourbon barrel. Aimed squarely at the stout and bourbon aficionados, Black Note makes a grand statement about the art of the dark.

Alcohol by Volume: 11.5%
Original Gravity: 1.112
Shelf Life: N/A

APPEARANCE

Well, what do you expect? It’s black as night, and sat under a mocha-colored head that dissipated quickly. There was no lacing, but the beer had some pretty apparent alcohol legs. There wasn’t any light coming through on this one. With a name like Black Note, would you expect anything else?

SMELL

This is heavy on the bourbon in the nose, which brings notes of vanilla and toasted coconut. There is a lot of nice complexity that ranges from sweet to slightly boozy. A hefty amount of chocolate and licorice comes through, and brings a bit of coffee and roasted malt with it. This is the type of beer that you get full from by just smelling – there is a LOT going on!

TASTE

First off, this beer is remarkably smooth. The bourbon is not as strong as it was on the nose, but it is definitely present. With it, the bourbon brings notes of vanilla, licorice, and toasted coconut come out. Surprisingly, the alcohol is very well hidden. The beer starts off milky sweet, with smooth caramel and toffee characteristics, then finishes with a nice hoppy bitterness. The bourbon lasts a long time after the swallow, making this beer have an absolutely amazing after taste.

MOUTHFEEL

This beer drinks like a pillow – it’s smooth! It has a velvet-creamy mouthfeel, sort of like melted chocolate. There isn’t much carbonation, which adds to the creaminess. The beer has a nice big body which makes it a sipper. The intense aftertaste lingers for an extremely long time.

OVERALL

This beer is incredible. It can hang with the big boy bourbon barrel aged brews and hold its ground. It’s a special beer from a brewery that is arguably one of the best brewers of stouts. I wouldn’t say that this is the barrel-aged stout to end all barrel-aged stouts, but it is absolutely incredible and worth seeking out.

Cheers.

SCORE: ★★★★ 4/5

This review can also be found at Snobby Beer.

We think that ALBERT NOBBS still has a little business in it, but we really need to get moving.  Therefore, we will hold ALBERT for one screening a day through Sunday…but Sunday will be the film’s last day.  Now that we’re exclusive on THE ARTIST, our ticket sales flew back up this weekend…so we’re going to continue hodling it steady.  On Friday, we open one of my absolute favorite films of the past few years - PINA.  PINA is stunning and lovely, and it’s also Oscar-nominated.  We hope you’ll hurry to see it before our Oscar Party on Sunday night.  (PINA will be presented at THE NEON via traditional 35mm, 2D projection.)

Synopsis for PINA: “In his exhilarating new film, German master Wim Wenders (WINGS OF DESIRE, THE BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB) captures the brilliantly inventive dance world of legendary choreographer Pina Bausch. Wenders had conceived with Bausch a dance film like none seen before, one which would put the viewer deep inside Bausch’s playful, thrillingly unpredictable pieces. After her untimely death in 2009, Wenders continued with the project, turning it into the most exciting tribute he could imagine. Sensual and visually stunning, PINA takes the audience into Bausch’s work in her imaginative sets (a gliding monorail, a bare stage covered with chairs, a towering man-made waterfall) and powerfully rendering the beauty and sheer physicality of the dances and dancers of her Tanztheater Wuppertal ensemble.”  (Taken from Sundance Selects)

On Saturday, The Junior Leaguers Club, Inc. will host a benefit screening of THUNDER SOUL.  ”THUNDER SOUL follows the extraordinary alumni from Houston’s storied Kashmere High School Stage Band, who return home after 35 years to play a tribute concert for the 92-year-old “Prof,” their beloved band leader who broke the color barrier and transformed the school’s struggling jazz band into a world-class funk powerhouse in the early 1970s.” (taken from press notes)  Adult tickets (which include a glass of wine as well as soda & popcorn) are $30 each.  Student tickets (which include soda and popcorn) are $15 each.  For more information, please call (937)219-7501.  Proceeds from this event will go to The Junior Leaguers Scholarship Fund.  To check out more about THUNDER SOUL, visit the official site.

In regards to the Oscars, we’re getting set for our annual party this Sunday!  Once again, our friends at ThinkTV will help us to get a strong signal for the broadcast, and our friends at Square One Salon & Spa will give us a nice gift basket for our grand prize.  In addition, we’ll be giving out dvds, screenplays and soundtracks throughout the evening for randomly drawn correct guesses.  You must be present to win any prizes, and seating will begin at approximately 7pm – admission is FREE!  Ballots are already available in our lobby.  Here’s the new twist:  At any time on Sunday, you can personally drop off your ballot at THE NEON (you can’t drop off ballots for numerous people – only one per person).  Your ballot will be numbered in the order in which it is collected (ON SUNDAY).  When we begin seating at approximately 7:00pm, we will begin seating in numerical order.

Green Earth Outdoors has rented our space for a special screening of GREEN FIRE on Thursday, March 1 at 7:30.  “GREEN FIRE explores the life and legacy of famed conservationist Aldo Leopold and the many ways his land ethic philosophy lives on in the work of people and organizations all over the country today. The film shares highlights from Leopold’s life and extraordinary career, explaining how he shaped conservation and the modern environmental movement. It also illustrates Leopold’s continuing influence, exploring current projects that connect people and land at the local level.  Green Fire proceeds will support Five Rivers MetroParks ‘Leaf’ a Legacy Reforestation program that aids in the protection of native trees and local forest ecosystems damaged by non-native invasive species.”  (description taken from press release)  Tickets are $5 each and are currently available on the official site or by calling (502)558-8970.  Remaining tickets will be available at THE NEON’s box office on the night of the event.

Last week, I announced that we would start selling biscotti again at THE NEON – this time from a local baker, Thistle Confections by Hilary.  I’m now pleased to announce that customers are loving it!  We ordered twice as much this week, so we hope you’ll keep ordering it!

For remaining showtimes for this week, please visit www.neonmovies.com.

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

P.S.  We now have TWITTER.  If you use this application, we hope you’ll follow us @neonmovies

SHOWTIMES for Fri. February 24 – Thur. March 1:

ALBERT NOBBS (R) 1 Hrs 53 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday:  12:20

PINA (PG) 1 Hr 43 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:45, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30

Mon – Thur: 2:45, 5:00, 7:20 

THE ARTIST (PG-13) 1 Hr 40 Min

Friday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:30

Saturday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:30

Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:10

Monday – Wednesday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

Thursday: 2:50, 5:10

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.  Many of these dates will change.

In some rare cases, titles may disappear.

TBD   THE HEDGEHOG 

TBD   SHAME

TBD   PARIAH 

March 9   A SEPARATION 

March 23   IN DARKNESS

March ?   WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

April ?  FOOTNOTE

…NEW THIS WEEK

Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical

The Victoria Theatre Association / Human Race Theatre Company

The Story:   The Victoria Theatre Association’s Premier Health Partners Broadway Series presents the world premier of Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical. Produced by the Human Race Theatre Company, this engaging new musical features beloved and classic songs as it follows the highs and lows of the career and personal life of this legendary singer.
Tenderly.

Dates:  February 21st and runs through March 4th, with performances at 8 pm Tuesday to Friday, Saturday at 2 pm and 8 pm and Sunday at 2:00 pm and 7:30.

Tickets and More Information: Victoria Theatre Association | On Stage Dayton Preview | On Stage Dayton Review

Children of Eden

Playhouse South

The Story: Don’t want to wait til May for your Stephen Schwartz fix? Don’t worry! Playhouse South will be producing the stirring and entertaining musical Children Of Eden starting February 24th and running through March 10th. Act I of this Old-Testament treat introduces us to Father, Adam, Eve and a chorus of Story-Tellers, while Act II spins the tale of Noah, his family and their ark. Familiar themes made fresh again.

Dates: February 24th – March 10th

Tickets and More Information:  Playhouse South Website

…CONTINUING

Almost, Maine

Sinclair Community College

The Story: Like finding a leftover piece of Valentine’s Day candy a week later, Sinclair keeps the love alive by bringing Almost, Maine to the Blair Hall stage. This series of vignettes about love and life are set in the fictional town of Almost, Maine, where the aurora borealis sheds its ethereal light over hearts that are broken and, maybe, mended.

Dates: February 24th – March 3rd

Tickets and More Information: Sinclair Website

…COMING SOON

Wicked

Victoria Theatre Association

The Story:  Having finished the hugely successful run of Jersey Boys, The Schuster Center stage will be dark (for theatre performances at any rate) for a little while as they await the triumphant return of Stephen Schwartz’s mega-blockbuster musical Wicked which storms back into Dayton on May 30th. If you’re interested, mark your calendars that tickets will go on sale May 19th, and are bound to sell quickly once again.

Dates: May 30 – June 24 (Tickets will go on sale May 19th)

Tickets and More Information: Victoria Theatre Association Website

Gem Of The Ocean

The Human Race Theatre Company

The Story: Next up on the Loft Theatre stage is August Wilson’s Gem Of The Ocean. Each of the 10 plays in Wilson’s renowned “Pittsburgh Cycle” takes place in a different decade in an urban, African American neighborhood. Gem Of The Ocean, set in 1904, is first chronologically despite having been one of the last pieces Wilson wrote. Gem opens March 29th and runs through April 15th and features several well-known Dayton-based actors including Human Race Theatre Company Resident Artists Alan Bomar Jones and Scott Stoney.

Dates: March 29th – April 15th

Tickets and More Information: Human Race Theatre Company Website

Bus Stop

The Dayton Playhouse

The Story: A small, Midwestern town in the grips of a snowstorm is the unassuming setting for Dayton Playhouse’s next offering, the gripping Bus Stop by William Inge. A group of strangers stranded by the storm prove that a lot can happen in just one night. Bus Stop opens Friday, March 16th and runs two weekends, closing Sunday, March 25th.

Dates: March 16 – March 25

Tickets and More Information: Dayton Playhouse Website

Incidentally, The Dayton Playhouse just closed the crowd-pleasing musical comedy Nunsense, but isn’t quite done with singing Sisters yet this season. Auditions for the (rightly) classic musical The Sound of Music will be held on Monday and Tuesday, February at 27th and 28th at 7 pm. Those auditioning should prepare a song (an accompanist will be provided) and will be asked to read from the script.

The Big Picture

Beavercreek Community Theatre

The Story: BCT is hard at work preparing another world premier, this one of an original musical from Dayton-area writers David Brush and Jim Farley. The Big Picture takes us back to the summer of 1962 in Pine Springs, Illinois, where a college freshman learns that coming home is never as simple as you think it will be.

Dates: March 2 – March 11

Tickets and More Information:  Beavercreek Community Theatre Website

Urinetown

University Of Dayton

A city in the grips of a devastating, decades-long water crises that forces the government to impose bans on that most private of experiences, our bathroom time? Sounds dramatic, no? No! As you’ll learn when UD brings us Urinetown, a truly delightful piece of musical theatre about what happens to this city and its citizens. When water is at a premium, a lot of dirty laundry can get aired.

Dates: March 21 – March 30

Tickets and More Information: UD Theatre Program Website

That about wraps it up for now – mark your calendars for all this great stuff and feel free to comment here if I forgot something or shafted your favorite theatre!

This year over 20 groups will be serving up a pancake and sausage brunch with all proceeds benefiting local Hunger and Housing Coalitions. Locations, times and more information can be found on Day of Caring’s website.

Not all sites will serve pancakes, The Greek Orthodox Church conducts a Honey Puff Sale every year on the day of the brunch to benefit Day of Caring; the Dayton Jewish Federation serves kosher food and in what may be the most interesting menu,  the Dayton Arab American Forum (DAAF) be will be serving up a traditional Middle Eastern style Brunch at the Miami Valley School.    Most brunches run just $6 and due to underwriting by area businesses like CareSource, DP & L, Cargill, Lamar Advertising and Bob Evans and foundations including Levin Family Foundation and Iddings,  products have been donated and all costs of the event are covered by the sponsors.

For  more information please contact the Day of Caring office at 937-320-1687 or via email at dayofcaring@dayof-caring.us.  See you at brunch on Sunday, Feb 26th!

Or, you’re in a restaurant, and a person that you used to know 15 years ago from the Ice Age, approaches you.
They look at you and just start talking.
No, they don’t say “hello, I’m Jane Doe.
We used to do advertising together.”
What they DO is say “You don’t remember me, do you?”  You nervously fumble and then the hot flashes immediately take over.  You can feel your face getting red.  To make it worse, they
say very slowly and condescendingly “J…a…n…e…?” and stare at you,
waiting for you to remember the name.   Then they finish it off with “D…o…e…”

If you’re wondering if the Jane Doe story is real, it is!

Here are a few Remembering names and protocol tips:

• Never be a Jane Doe.  If someone doesn’t remember your name, come to their rescue immediately. Extend your hand, smile and say your name.
  Never say “You don’t remember my name, do you?”
• If you can’t remember someone’s name, put him or her at ease rather than focusing on your
  own embarrassment.  Shake their hand, smile and say your name.  The other person will then say his or her name.
• Use the person’s name in conversation.  Use it often.  Repetition builds memory.  “So, Terry, how long have you been in your current position?  It was nice to meet you, Terry.  Hope to see you again soon.”  Also, people like to hear their name.  It puts a personal touch on your
  conversation.
• Use a personal connection.  If their name is Jane Doe, do you have someone close or related to you named Jane?  It’s a great remembering names technique.
• Focus more on the other person than yourself.  Pay close attention when you meet them and when you say goodbye.  Again, use their name.

Just in case, my name is L…e…a…h…?  ——— H…a…w…t…h…o…r…n.

Enjoy!

FOR COLORED GIRLS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE WHEN THE RAINBOW IS ENUF

Miami University

The Story: The lives of seven women are rolled into one expressive voice in this unique and triumphant tale. From the agony of self-awareness to overcoming love loss, these women search for self through music, dance, laughter and pain. This highly acclaimed, award–winning play promises to excite, inspire, and transform the spirit.
Dates: Feb. 22-26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Miami University | BTC listing

GOOD BOYS AND TRUE

Mad Anthony Theatre Company

The Story: The privileged life of a brilliant, athletic, popular and charming prep-school senior threatens to collapse when a disturbing videotape is found on campus. As the resulting scandal takes unexpected turns, his mother must sort fact from fiction and confront unsettling truths about her son, herself and their life. Contains adult themes and language.
Dates: Feb. 22-26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Mad Anthony Theatre Company| BTC listing

DOG SEES GOD: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead

Xavier University Players

The Story: CB begins to question the existence of an afterlife when his dog dies from rabies. His best friend is a burn-out; his sister has gone goth; his ex-girlfriend has recently been institutionalized; and his other friends are too inebriated to give him any sort of solace. Rated R.
Dates: Feb. 23-26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Xavier Univeristy Players | BTC listing

A COUPLE OF BLAGUARDS

Irish American Theater Company

The Story: Follows the trials of the young McCourts in poverty-stricken Limerick, Ireland, to their journey to the U.S. and Brooklyn, New York, where the young men learn to incorporate the day-to-day lessons of their hard Irish past.
The Dates: Feb. 24-26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Irish American Theater Company | BTC listing

…NEW THIS WEEK

Chris Blem as The Baker, Victoria Cook as The Witch, Michelle Rombola as the Baker's Wife in CCM's INTO THE WOODS.

INTO THE WOODS

UC CCM Musical Theatre

The Story: Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical follows the journey of a Baker and his Wife on their quest to reverse a curse put on them by the Witch next door, forcing them to face the consequences of their actions. As the fairy tale characters work to fulfill their greatest wishes, they learn a heartwarming moral of the importance of family and community.
The Dates: Feb. 23-March 4, 2012
Tickets and More Information: UC CCM | BTC listing

ST. NICHOLAS

New Edgecliff Theatre

The Story: A burned-out theatre critic becomes infatuated with a young actress. Leaving his wife and children in Dublin to pursue his obsession, things become complicated in London when he finds himself in the employ of a coven of vampires.
The Dates: Feb. 23-March 10, 2012
Tickets and More Information: New Edgecliff Theatre | BTC listing

…CONTINUING

COLLAPSE

Know Theatre of Cincinnati

The Story: In 2007, the Mississippi River Bridge in Minneapolis collapsed, killing 13 people and injuring another 145. Hannah’s husband David was driving one of the cars that went off the bridge. He is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, but refuses to attend a support group. Hannah’s life is falling apart. She can’t get pregnant, she’s one step away from losing her job, and she thinks her husband, who hasn’t been to work for months, may be an alcoholic. COLLAPSE is an uncomfortably funny exploration of the crumbling structures that undergird our bridges, our economy, and our most intimate relationships.
The Dates: Through March 3, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Know Theatre | BTC listing

RENT

Footlighters, Inc.

The Story: Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer-prize winning Broadway musical based loosely on Puccini’s opera “La Bohème.” RENT follows a year in the lives of seven friends living the disappearing Bohemian lifestyle in New York’s East Village.
The Dates: Through March 3, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Footlighters | BTC listing

Sara Clark as Marianne Dashwood, Giles Davies as Colonel Brandon, Kelly Mengelkoch as Elinor Dashwood & Brent Vimtrup as Edward Ferrars. Photo by Jeanna Vella.

Jane Austen’s SENSE & SENSIBILITY

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

The Story: When a lack of luck makes for difficult marriage prospects, the Dashwood sisters set sail on the volatile seas of courtship. The sisters soon discover that neither reserved Elinor’s common sense nor impulsive Marianne’s passion offer the key to happiness. Scandalous secrets, burning betrayals, and suave (and some not-so-suave) suitors line the path to true love in this fresh adaptation.
The Dates: Feb. 17-March 18, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | BTC listing

Bruce Cromer as Pete & R. Ward Duffy as Leon in PIP's SPEAKING IN TONGUES. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

SPEAKING IN TONGUES

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

The Story: Love, sex and deceit create the emotional labyrinth in this stylish, noir thriller. This theatrical jigsaw puzzle of parallel stories explores the betrayals of two married couples and the unexpected links among five isolated strangers
The Dates: Through March 4, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | BTC listing

…ENDING THIS WEEK

The cast of Falcon Theatre's THE 39 STEPS. Donnie McGovern, Dan Doerger, Mike Hall & Elizabeth Molloy.

THE 39 STEPS

Falcon Theatre

The Story: What do you get when you combine the genius of Alfred Hitchcock,the zany humor or Monty Python and the boundless energy of four incredibly versatile actors? You get one hysterical parody of all the great Hitchcock film thrillers.
The Dates: through Feb. 25, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Falcon Theatre | BTC listing

ADAPTATION and NEXT

Oxford Area Community Theater (OxACT)

The Story: An evening of two one-act plays. ADAPTATION is a contest in which players advance through the seven ages of man. The play creates a picture of man from birth until death, with all its madness, familiarity, and nonsense. NEXT is set in an Army Induction Center, where an overweight, overage and overwrought draftee has reluctantly reported for his physical after being mistakenly called by the draft. A battleof-wits is waged between Marion Cheever, determined to avoid military service, and the career officer, just as determined to sign him up.
Dates: Through Feb. 26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: OxACT | BTC listing

COME BACK TO THE 5 AND DIME JIMMY DEAN JIMMY DEAN

Village Players

The Story: In a small town store in West Texas, the Disciples of James Dean gather for their 20th reunion. Now middle aged women, they were teenagers when Dean filmed Giant two decades ago. One of them has a child whom she says was conceived by Dean on the set. The ladies’ reminiscences mingle with flash backs to their youth
The Dates: Through Feb. 17-25, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Village Players | BTC listing

Buz Davis as Gus, Rachael Christianson as Valentine, Micheal Bath as Lubbock, Adam Marzheuser as Alex & Reggie Willis as Mr. Barcroft in The Clifton Players' DISGRUNTLED EMPLOYEES.

DISGRUNTLED EMPLOYEES

The Clifton Players

The Story: A comedy set in a single branch of the United States Postal Service along “Tornado Alley” in Oklahoma. These characters are the sorters, handlers of each letter, parcel, and package on route to its destination. It is an endless task. It takes guts, determination and SELF DELUSION. The moment leaves you wondering who could go “postal” first.
The Dates: Through Feb. 26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Clifton Performance Theatre | BTC listing

THE DIXIE SWIM CLUB

Sunset Players

The Story: Five Southern women, whose friendships began 33 years ago on their college swim team, set aside a long weekend every August to recharge their relationships. Free from husbands, kids and jobs, they meet at the same beach cottage on North Carolina’s Outer Banks to catch up, laugh and meddle in each other’s lives.
The Dates: Through Feb. 25, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Sunset Players | BTC listing

Lauren Hayes, Zak Schneider, Chandler Taylor Wesley Carman, Katharine Moser and Jordan K. Pruitt in NKU's THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION

Northern Kentucky University

The Story: Philo Farnsworth, a boy genius from Rigby, Idaho who, at age 22, invented television only to become involved in an all-or-nothing legal battle with David Sarnoff, the young president of RCA and America‘s first communications mogul. In this classic tale of little guy versus the corporate machine, Farnsworth not only fights for his rights but for his slice of the American Dream.
The Dates: Feb. 16-26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Northern Kentucky University | BTC listing

THE ODD COUPLE (Female Version)

Fairfield Footlighters

The Story: Neat-nick and soon-to-be-divorced Florence Unger moves in with her housekeeping-challenged friend Olive Madison in Neil Simon’s feminine take on his classic play.
The Dates: Through Feb. 26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Fairfield Footlighters | BTC listing

…COMING SOON

THE BIG PICTURE

Beavercreek Community Theatre

The Dates: March 2-11, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Beavercreek Community Theatre | BTC listing

BLACKBIRD

The Dates: March 2-11
Tickets and More Information: Official page | BTC listing

BLITHE SPIRIT

Troy Civic Theatre

The Dates: March 2-10, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Troy Civic Theatre | BTC listing

THE DINING ROOM

Stagecrafters

The Dates: March 3-11, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Stagecrafters | BTC listing

THE LARAMIE PROJECT

SSCC Theatre

The Dates: March 2-4, 2012
Tickets and More Information: SSCC Theatre | BTC listing

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

The Dates: March 3-31, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | BTC listing

TALLEY & SON

The Drama Workshop

The Dates: March 2-10, 2012
Tickets and More Information: The Drama Workshop | BTC listing

VISITING MR. GREEN

Falcon Theatre

The Dates: March 3-11, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Falcon Theatre | BTC listing

WEST SIDE STORY

Broadway in Cincinnati

The Dates: Feb. 28-March 11, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Broadway in Cincinnati | BTC listing

Pairing well with their unique selection of food, J. Gumbo’s also has a very unique story.  John Krabacher, manager and chef, was able to sit down with me last Friday to give me a history lesson, including that of himself and the company. John grew up along Brown Street, having his first Cheese Steak from Milano’s when it still occupied J. Gumbo’s present location. He even had his first beer at Timothy’s! He and his friends lived among these college parts and even developed a weekend routine, which included sneaking past the cops who always used to wait in Arby’s parking lot. After some growing up, John has become a chef, helped run Kanoe Cafe, and shared recipes through his blogs; John’s latest adventure is managing this newest baby of the J. Gumbo’s franchise. Whilst speaking to me about it, he said, “If you told me two years ago I’d be here, I’d tell you that you were nuts. I don’t like franchises.” So naturally I wanted to know why he decided to dive into this franchise. Usually a chain like this wants to stick to certain recipes, which, in John’s opinion, takes away from the creativity of the food. But John’s great ideas, knack for taste, and personal relationship with the founder has given him the ability to tweak recipes, and now he proudly claims his J. Gumbo’s houses the best food of the franchise. This was only possible with the help of his right-hand lady, Erin. “Erin’s really good at what she does,” which consists of a whole slew of things, including perfecting their bread pudding recipe; baking their corn bread, bread pudding, and apple cobbler from scratch; and the daily task of keeping John in line. They complement each other brilliantly, both fully understanding what is needed for their Store Number Thirty-Nine to succeed.

Store Number One was founded by a thoroughbred jockey, named Billy Fox. He was getting tired of

Jambalaya with Garlic Bread

the stable food, so he started cooking Cajun. After his career as a jockey, he retired to Louisiana, where he started Gumbo A Go-Go. Eventually, after some hard work, the company evolved to what we have today on Brown Street—J. Gumbo’s. Their gumbo has evolved along with them, which can now only be described as none other than delicious. Considered by John to be the restaurant’s must-have item, their gumbo has improved a lot over the years. If you’re interested in more of a sweet dish, J. Gumbo’s offers a vegetarian entrée, entitled Bumblebee Stew, which happens to be my absolute personal favorite. Pair that with their Jambalaya, and you’ve got my ultimate Southern combination. Want to dive into something with a little more zing? Their Voodoo Chicken, tomato-based and spicy, might just be what you’re craving. Billy Fox actually started the company on only two recipes: the previously mentioned Voodoo Chicken and what they call Drunken Chicken—made with black pepper and pepper corn seasoning, marinated for 24 hours in beer. College students, let me repeat that—BEER! And don’t worry, not Natty.

Bumblebee Stew

On that note, John was very excited to tell me they will be getting their liquor license very soon and plan to house an assortment of Louisiana brews, the perfect way to top off this Southern meal. If you’re still a bit hesitant to try something completely new, J. Gumbo’s offers free samples to first-timers. Try it out this Tuesday, the twenty-first of February! And once you realize you love it, you will be happy you chose to come to J. Gumbo’s on Fat Tuesday. ‘Why?’ you ask. Because this Mardi Gras, J. Gumbo’s is having ALL YOU CAN EAT for only $12! You get a stamped card once you pay, and you can come back for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if you so choose. This is the ultimate gift for your taste buds, whether you’re just seeking flavor or hoping to get a little spicy on Mardi Gras!

And to keep us all coming back, J. Gumbo’s is dishing out the deals every week. Mondays are Kid’s night, where Looney Ballooney, a local balloon artist, makes balloon figurines for the families, giving dinner a whole new dimension of fun. Tuesdays, in general, college students can save 10% all day by showing their ID to the cashier. On Wednesdays, municipal workers get 10% off all day, and J. Gumbo’s is just waiting to hear of other specials in which we, as customers, would like to partake. Eating there will satisfy our taste buds; why not satisfy our wallets, too?

J. Gumbo’s casual, down-home Southern cuisine and atmosphere, complete with music of the South, is sure to win you and your taste buds over. I’ve always ventured to have my readers try something new. I haven’t steered you wrong before, and I’m not planning to now. Cajun and Creole food may be completely new to you, as it was for me, or it may be a trip down memory lane of your last trip down South. Either way, J. Gumbo’s is definitely worth a visit. Especially this Mardi Gras!

So grab your beads and meet down on Brown in front of the Crawdaddy sign. And have a happy, flavor-filled Mardi Gras!

J. Gumbo’s

1822 Brown Street

(937) 522-0704

Mon-Sat 11AM-10PM

Sun 12PM-9PM

www.jgumbos.com

I believe that this balance, or mixture of older repertory works and newer works in the life of any dance company, depends on the commitment to the “ why” of presenting the historically significant choreographic works. In the case of The Donald McKayle’s masterpiece Rainbow ‘Round my Shoulder would have significantly benefited from the consideration of this essential question. Many dance companies struggle in dealing with this responsibility. New York City Ballet and Alvin Ailey are two organizations that deal with the weight and burden of said responsibility of performing iconic historical works of revered dance titans. The difficulty often lies in the lack of context for the audience of the importance and significance that it might possess. So the burden falls on the artist to present the work as potent and fully measured as possible.

Rainbow ‘Round My Shoulder was first premiered in 1959, a time period in America’s cultural history in which the depiction of the deeply rich source material of African American life was not always being represented on our artistic stages. The chain- gang imagery of incarcerated black men is a powerful image that served its intended purpose to expose and generate a dialogue on race relations. As I was watching the work I immediately thought of an exhibition of James Pates visual art that is being presented at Bing Davis’s Ebonia Gallery (Check it out if you can), a powerful tour de force collection that conjures up these similar questions of identity and representation.

Donald McKayle

The opening imagery of the five men linked hand in hand speaks to the invisible bind that connects all of us as human beings. It is meant to jolt us and transport us to an unfamiliar cultural and psychological landscape. While this performance did not initially possess that power, it grew to possess it by the end. While the men performing possessed an impressive physicality. I felt as if something was missing on a spiritual/psychological level that this piece inherently possesses and requires. The literal primal cries of incarceration/ entrapment still provoked a response, which speaks to the artistic mastery of Donald McKayle’s choreography.

Os Padröes (Portuguese for “The Standards”), a quirky –pop fizzy, Pan-African, world mélange of music and imagery inspired by the works of Willis ”Bing” Davis, was an absolute delight. While I am not familiar with his previous work, Robert Priore brought a unique movement vocabulary that revved up the energy of both the audience and the dancers. I believe that the greatest strength this company possesses lies in its ability to attract fresh choreographic voices. I felt this performance was no exception. Using the bold geometric patterns of Mr. Davis’s painting as a blueprint, Mr. Priore was able to fully integrate his aesthetic into that of his chief inspiration. By having a rotating slideshow of Bing’s paintings projected on the scrim, we were allowed to be lost in the connection between these two artists. While I was watching this performance I was reminded of a portfolio of photographs by Daniel Tamagni, Gentlemen of Bakongo, that I recently reviewed. The photos and accompanying text brought to life the vivid colors and texture of this particular segment of Congolese society that dresses in vibrant and colorful tailored menswear. Juxtaposed against the backdrop of a region still reeling from the effects of civil war. The power of the photographic imagery was jolting and invigorating, much like this choreography. The jittery rhythmic pulses and clever transitional segments were a complete joy. I am sending specific kudos to Kimberly Jones and Jarel Waters for the lovely pas de deux that was a nice humanizing moment in the midst of this energetic work. This was just pure fun.

Common Threads, a world premiere by artistic director Debbie Blunden-Diggs, primary charm lied in its old school choreographic construction and intentions. Here we were presented with a contextual moment in the concert that allowed us to the examine contractions and weighted movement modern dance technique at its purest and most direct usage. A solo male figure dancing against a black background led us through a pretty much straightforward choreographic enterprise that enveloped us into a opaque narrative thread with three women joining him in the proceedings. This was not a work rooted in innovation but rather the significance of how modernism is represented by this mostly Horton technique driven company. This ultimately provides the answer to the question of “why” DCDC can and should matter.

The concert concluded with a re-staging of Children of the Passage, a collaborative work by Donald McKayle and Ronald K. Brown. This piece went through a similar evolutionary performance process that Rainbow ’Round My Shoulder went through earlier in the evening. What brought this rollicking, and what could be very mesmerizing piece into a clearer focus was the presence of Sheri “Sparkle” Williams. I marvel at what a true and mature artistic presence can do to elevate any artistic performance. What Ms. Williams brought to this work goes beyond technical skill, which she still has in abundance. It goes to what I can only describe as a transcendent ability to invigorate even the most sketchy of works with a joyous artistry. Leaving the theatre after witnessing her performance still inspires hope for what this company can and should be.