Division I regional track finals
Fenwick graduation 2012
Ponitz graduation 2012
Home > Blogs > The Lounge Lizards > Archives > 2007 > December
December 2007
Last minute drink ideas for New Years’
Drinks by the pitcher
Good party planning is all about options. The more options you have, the more likely you and your guests are to enjoy the party. If your party includes a large number you might consider making your drinks by the pitcher, which can help in preventing traffic jams. There are several advantages of making your drinks this way. First, much of the work can be done ahead of time, allowing you to spend more time with your guests. Second, you can better estimate how much of everything you’re going to need — hopefully, eliminating that embarrassing moment when you run out of something. Third, preparing your drinks ahead of time gives you more options. Just like a mixer, the beverage you’ve created in your pitcher can be used as a base for cocktails or mocktails (alcohol-free cocktails).
Tip: Notice in each of the recipes below we used parts rather than ounces. This allows you to easily scale your recipes up or down based on the number of guests you are anticipating.
Here’s one way this scenario could play out:
Let’s start with the basic punch recipe …
Party punch
1 part cranberry juice
1 part grapefruit juice
Add to the pitcher and stir.
Fill a rocks or highball glass with ice cubes and then fill glass with punch.
Glass: Rocks or highball
Garnish: Optional
Tip: Cut fresh fruit into small pieces, pat dry. Spread fruit out across a cookie sheet and place on sheet in the freezer for several hours. Remove from freezer and use as ice in your party punch.
Want some fizz?
Fill a glass with ice cubes and then add punch about 2/3 of the way up. Top off with ginger ale or sprite.
Want to make a cocktail?
How about a classic — the Sea Breeze
3 parts party punch
2 parts grapefruit flavored vodka
Add ice, vodka and party punch to a drink shaker. Shake gently and pour into ice filled glass.
Glass: Collins or rocks glass
Garnish: Lime
How about a Cosmo?
1 part vodka
1/2 part Cointreau/Triple Sec
1 part party punch
1 splash lime juice
Add ice, vodka, Cointreau, party punch and lime juice to a drink shaker. Shake and pour into chilled martini glasses. Garnish and serve.
Glass: Martini
Garnish: Orange twist
Starting with our basic party punch recipe and just a few variations, we were able to make three additional drinks. And that’s the tip of the iceberg — the possibilities really are endless, both for the base punch and for the cocktails made with it. Sound easy? That’s because it is. So carry on with your party planning — we raise our glasses in a toast to you as we’re sure your future guests will also do. Cheers!
If you’re looking to set-up a bar - click here.
Permalink | | Categories: Recipes
Puff Daddy’s New Years Tips
Because Sean “Diddy” Combs, P. Diddy, Puffy, whatever he’s calling himself these days, isn’t spokesman for enough brands, he’s added Ciroc vodka (a Lounge Lizard favorite) to his laundry list of products he fronts. Yes, the cool, crisp vodka with a clear strong finish that’s made from grapes is focusing this year on the “Art of Celebration,” taking cues from the Mr. Luxury himself.
Without further delay, here are Diddy’s top ten ways to have the ultimate New Year’s celebration:
Your party spot has to set the tone for the night … It creates the blueprint for the entire evening.
A great bartender … Bad drinks aren’t sexy … Also beautiful wait staff are also key …
Food should never interrupt your swagger … Small, tapas or finger foods that aren’t too messy tend to work well.
Music should be the soundtrack to the night … It should match the theme … It should match the flow.
Preserve the sexy … my oldest and truest party rule. If it’s about furs and diamonds, don’t show up in jeans.
The right party people … Your tried and true friends that know how to get your party started mixed with a few new characters to keep things exciting … but everyone has to be sexy.
You need a great pair of shades … because the best New Year’s Eve party doesn’t stop until well into the New Year
You need a great host … like me … Someone who is a master in the art of celebration.
Ciroc … The world’s best ultra-premium vodka … Enough said. (Lounge Lizards note: he gets paid to say that)
It’s never sexy to be sloppy, know your limits and drink responsibly.
So for this New Year the Lounge Lizards wish you luck preserving the sexy (our favorite of Diddy’s tips), finding a good bartender, not getting your swagger or your soundtrack for the night interrupted and just having some good old fashioned fun with those you hold dear, but not too much fun (see No. 1).
And in case you’re interested, Diddy has a cocktail called, not surprisingly, The Diddy. We’ll warn you, it’s fairly pedestrian for the holidays, but in case you’re interested: Ciroc vodka (he gets paid to say that), cranberry juice, a splash of orange juice served over ice in a rocks glazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz ….
Sorry I dozed off, but the recipe is all there … told you it was boring. Anyway, wishing you exciting times, great beverages, small tapas (preserve the swagger) and most importantly, a very Happy New Year!
See you in ‘08, the Lounge Lizards
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Holidays, Music, What do you think?
Bar Talk: Charity in, Paris Hilton out …
So does anyone else feel a holiday wish has come true with the announcement that Barron Hilton — grandfather to Paris and Nicky Hilton — will give 97% of his estate to the family’s philanthropic foundation? Now that’s hot. Read more here …
Permalink | | Categories: News, What do you think?
Way to make a liar out of me YouTube!
I never would have ever in a million years thought “Africa” by Toto could be molded into Christmas music, but apparently I was totally wrong. This video is a little long but the end is so totally worth it. Merry Christmas!
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Holidays, YouTube
Champagne Chair Contest uncorks design
So if you’ve never ever heard of the furniture company Design Within Reach, here is a quick primer: clean, simple reproductions of mid-century modern classics that have been authorized by the original license holders including Herman Miller, Knoll, Cassina, Fritz Hansen, Stua, Vitra, Kartell, Emeco, Artek, Objekto, Flos and Cherner Chair Company. And each year this company holds a Champagne Chair Contest for folks to use their right brain and create an original miniature chair using only the foil, label, cage and cork from no more than two Champagne bottles. A cool new twist is that this year in an effort to eliminate waste they are doing digital submissions … bravo!
All entries must be received, via e-mail, by 5 p.m. on Jan. 7. So if you’re looking for something to do with the trash left over from the New Years party you’re planning, look no further. Click here for further details and good luck! Stay tuned to the blog to see the Lounge Lizards entry which we will post in early ‘08.
Permalink | | Categories: Contests
Making music is on the rise
In a growing trend, more and more Americans are making and recording music right now than they were doing 10 years ago. And the trend is only growing. Check out these stats:
2006 Music USA: NAMM Global Report
More than one-half of U.S. households (52%) has at least one person, age 5 or older, who currently plays a musical instrument - a total of 156 million people
40% of U.S. households have two or more musicians - that’s 120 million people
The fastest growing segment of music makers is between the ages of 18 and 34; an increase of 5% percent since 2003
The U.S. market accounts for 42.7% of musical instrument purchases
MySpace has six million artist sites and growing.
At its peak, MP3.com had 25 million registered users and sent out four million audio files a day.
The home recording market alone has increased by over 700 percent since 2001 - from $40 million in 2001 to $300 million in 2006.
Now if that’s not bar talk I don’t know what is ….
One last thing … if one or more of the above applies to you, a Web site I recently discovered - TuneCore.com - can help you with posting your MP3’s onto different music retailers Web sites including iTunes. And if you do try it out let us know how it goes.
Permalink | | Categories: Music
Are Ladies’ Nights Discrimination?
Here’s something to talk about at the bar… Are Ladies’ Nights a form of discrimination?
Many bars in the area and around the country set aside a night of the week or a time of the day when Ladies get in free or get special discounts on cover charges just to get them in the door. But who say the discounts on drinks and cover charges just be for the ladies? What about us guys? When do we get a break?
Well it appears a man in NY is fed up with ladies’ getting all the breaks and is suing several clubs in the city charging discrimination.
In his lawsuit, Hollander said he sought to represent all men over age 21 who had entered one of the nightclubs since June 21, 2004, and been subjected to policies that provide discounts to women of the same age.You can read the whole thing here.He asked a judge to conclude that the policies violated the Constitution and to assess minor damages against the clubs.
Permalink | | Categories: What do you think?
Hibiscus Flowers best garnish of 2007!
I came to one of my favorite new cocktail garnishes of the year a little late (last week in fact), but it was just in time for me as I hope it will be for you. Edible wild Hibiscus flowers in a syrup that tastes like a blend of rhubarb and raspberries (its crazy delicious) are a great host/hostess gift, or - if you’re hosting a party this year, next year or beyond - treat for guests that they’ll not soon forget. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner it could also work perfectly in a festive beverage for that special someone.
There are many uses for them, not just in cocktails, but in cooking as well. Placed in glasses of champagne or sparkling wine with a little syrup can dress up a cheaper bottle, both in flavor and in a classy appearance that takes virtually no time to do. The visual effect of the flower dancing around the streaming bubbles is dramatic and impressive and it really can make a lesser bottle of bubbly taste much better than it actually is. The jars which come 11 to an $11 container or a “party pack” of 50 for $35 dollars can be ordered on the company’s Web site - http://www.wildhibiscus.com/ which also boasts some truly terrific cocktail recipes as well as recipes for those who would prefer to cook with them instead (I recommend the cocktail first, dinner second).
Here’s a guy demonstrating how this works - in this case, it really is as easy as it sounds. Cheers!
Permalink | | Categories: Holidays, Products, Recipes
Casey Calvert autopsy results released
MTV.com is reporting on it’s homepage that Hawthorne Heights guitarist Casey Calvert, who was found dead in the band’s tour bus outside of a Washington D.C. night club on Nov. 24 died, “of an accidental mixture of medications.”
The post written by James Montgomery says that the “autopsy lists ‘acute combined effects’ of prescription medications and unspecified opiate, possibly Vicodin; expert says, ‘This kind of death is one in several million.’ “
The article says the autopsy lists Calvert’s death as accidental. A statement from drummer Eron Bucciarelli to MTV said: “From the time of the incident, we suspected a possible drug interaction as the cause … Casey wrestled with depression for as long as we knew him. He saw numerous doctors and took an ever-changing array of medicines to get better. He finally had his depression under control.”
Stay tuned on developments and go here to read the full report from MTV.com.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Music, News
10 drinks men should never order
OK, so there are several links going around the Web stating that a Dave Jacobson, the manager at Restaurant Miami (that looks from it’s Web page to be located in Minneapolis - go figure!) has a list out making the rounds of the 10 drinks that men should never, ever order. Not sure if this is real or not, but the list is interesting enough to share and this is what it had to say:
Anything blended unless you’re on a beach.
Jello shots (which he wisely points out have about as much alcohol in them as a juice box).
Anything sporting an “obscene amount of garnish.”
Cosmopolitans, which he says are downright girly (I TOTALLY disagree with this one, but besides sharing that much I’ll wait to chime in when the list is over).
Anything that requires a straw.
Any drink that is served with whipped cream as an ingredient or garnish.
Anything that ends with “tini” but isn’t a true gin or vodka and vermouth concoction.
Malt beverages that don’t come in a 40-ounce bottle (specifically fruity malt beverages that are often referred to as “alcopops”).
Any kind of alcohol, besides scotch, ordered “neat” as it could suggest you’re a frequent drinker.
White Zinfandel.
A few of these I kind of sort of agree with (Nos. 1 — except if it’s blended whiskey, 2, 3 — except mojitos and a handful of others where excessive garnish works), but for those three I would say when it applies that it applies to men AND women. And besides, who wants to wait in line behind anyone that’s ordering something blended (in a blender) at a bar, it’s annoying and it’s fussy unless you’re at a restaurant in which case I say go for it. I think men can look very cool sipping on a cosmo or something ending in “tini” that isn’t a clear vodka or gin served with an olive or onion garnish … although I will say, James Bond wouldn’t look quite the same if he was holding an appletini shaken, not stirred. But still, I do not agree at all with Nos. 4 and 7 — they encourage bad cocktail stereotypes and I say enough already!
Questions: What do you think about the list? What’s the craziest cocktail you’ve sipped on and if you were to add or take away something from the above list, what would it be? I say, if a cocktail speaks to you, order it and forget what anyone else thinks. If they do take notice of your over-garnished, blended, cosmopolitan daiquiri crowned with whipped cream and served with a straw they’re thinking way too much about it to begin with. Cheers!
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: What do you think?
Charlie Brown wishes you a happy Friday
There are so many terrific videos on YouTube right now staring the Peanuts gang … here’s one starring the characters of NBC’s “the Office” that cracked me up. I just love Steve Carell and Rainn Wilson on that show.
There’s a heavy metal Charlie Brown Christmas and another one staring the cast of “Scrubs” that are also worth tuning in to. This video made the rounds last year and it still cracks me up. What says Friday is finally here better than OutKast’s “Hey Ya” and it’s delivered for the holiday by the Peanuts gang. Have you seen any funny holiday video on YouTube lately or been sent any funny e-mails? Share them here.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Holidays, YouTube
Madonna gets Rock and Roll Hall of Fame pass
Today Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced it’s inductees for 2008 joining an exclusive club that includes The Who, B.B. King, The Beatles, Queen, REM, Prince, U2, The Clash, Blondie and loads of others. This 2008 class is … drum roll please …
Leonard Cohen
The Dave Clark Five (Dave Clark, Lenny Davidson, Rick Huxley, Denis Payton and Mike Smith)
John Mellencamp
The Ventures (Bob Bogle, Nokie Edwards, Gerry McGee, Mel Taylor, Don Wilson)
and Louise Ciccone, better known to her fans as Madonna — to those who really know her, Madge. When I think of Madonna I think of pop music, not rock and roll, but then the Hall of Fame runs the gamut of musical genres, so the nomination and win are not surprising. It was the first year she was even eligible for entry into the exclusive club and many equally important, talented groups have been eligible for a long time without ever grabbing even a nomination. What do you think about this year’s winners?
Groups that were nominated but didn’t make the cut: Donna Summer, Afrika Bambaataa, Chic and the Beastie Boys. Does anyone else think the Beasties were totally robbed? So who do you think is worthy of induction? I’ll start things off: Rush, Genesis, Kiss, Cheap Trick and Tom Waits. Thoughts?
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Music, News
Sky Lounge comes to Hammer Jax this Friday
Reggie Beas, 41, a DJ currently living in Miamisburg, originally from Chicago, has a vision for Dayton nightlife: “There’s no place in Dayton that caters to the African American community on an upscale level,” says Beas.
Beas along with promoter Jessie Patterson and several others is bringing a Friday night event to Dayton’s Hammer Jax nightclub, 111 E. Fourth St. called Sky Lounge that he hopes will fill the void. On Fridays the third floor of the club will be transformed for, “an evening that caters to the urban professional” with a blend of R&B, jazz, hip-hop, drink specials and giveaways.
The Friday night events will have a dress code (in other words, dress up if you want to get in) and will involve procuring a special wristband at the door. From 10-11:30 p.m. entry will set you back $5 at the door after which, until the 2:30 a.m. close, it will cost $10.
Permalink | | Categories: Events
What do the other 7% use for toliet paper?
Here’s something to chat about at the bar. The Neilsen company released a list for the Top 10 Consumer Packaged Goods purchased by U.S. Homes.
Most of the items make sense. That is, until you get to number 3, toilet tissue. I’m a little worried about the other 7%.
Percent of homes who purchased each category within past year
Rank Category
1 Fresh Bread 97%
2 Refrigerated Milk 95%
3 Toilet Tissue 93%
4 Fresh Eggs 93%
5 Cookies 93%
6 Ready-to-Eat Cereal 92%
7 Canned Soup 91%
8 Chocolate Candy 91%
9 Potato Chips 88%
10 Batteries 86%
Source: Homescan(R) Consumer Facts, a service of The Nielsen Company Note: The percentage of U.S. households who purchased at least once during 52-weeks ending June 30, 2007. Prepackaged, UPC items only.
Thoughts anyone?
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: News, What do you think?
iTunes releases its best-sellers for 2007
So, was the best selling music of the year the best that 2007 saw? You decide, but I’m going to weigh in and say no.
iTUNES BEST-SELLING ALBUMS OF 2007
Maroon 5 “It Won’t Be Soon Before Long”
Amy Winehouse “Back To Black”
Kanye West “Graduation”
Daughtry “Daughtry”
Colbie Caillat “Coco”
Linkin Park “Minutes to Midnight”
Various Artists “High School Musical 2 (Original Soundtrack)”
Timbaland “Shock Value”
John Mayer “Continuum”
Various Artists “Hairspray (Soundtrack to the Motion Picture)”
iTUNES BEST-SELLING SONGS OF 2007
Fergie “Big Girls Don’t Cry (Personal)”
Gwen Stefani “The Sweet Escape”
Plain White T’s “Hey There Delilah”
Avril Lavigne “Girlfriend”
Fergie “Glamorous”
Kanye West “Stronger”
Maroon 5 “Makes Me Wonder”
Akon “Don’t Matter”
Timbaland “The Way I Are (feat. Keri Hilson & D.O.E.)
Shop Boyz “Party Like a Rock Star”
And now a few questions … Maroon 5 is really iTunes top selling album of the year? Really?!?!?? Are you surprised at all by this or did you buy a copy helping it get there? The other surprise on that list for me was the Hairspray soundtrack at No. 10 … did more folks buy the soundtrack than saw the film? What do you think of the list? I realize this isn’t national sales, but knowing the demographic that uses iTunes, the results are still interesting regardless. Most important question of the day: What were your favorite discs for 2007? Anything that flew under the radar? Share, share away.
My No. 1 is Radiohead’s “In Rainbows.” Here’s one of the tracks (“Jigsaw Falling Into Place”) to listen to as you scan other blog entries. Enjoy! Or not, this could turn into one of your least favorites from 2007, but that’s the beauty of music now isn’t it?
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Music, News
What’s your favorite Mocktail?
Celebrations around the holidays often include cocktails. But what about the designated drivers of the world - don’t they need some holiday sizzle?
A mocktail is a cocktail made without the liquor. The alcohol isn’t just omitted it was never to be included in the drink creating flavor profiles to be enjoyed for what they are - not for what they are missing.
Most local bars and clubs will make an offering without alcohol when asked… but again something is missing.
Earlier this summer I picked up a bar book packed with mocktail ideas and was thinking of trying a few when I thought it would be fun to ask y’all if you have any favorites you’ve tried
So, share away.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Recipes, What do you think?
Make your own Cranberry Vodka
Sure, it’s easier to scurry off to the store and pick up a flavored vodka. But Cranberry Vodka is so easy to make.
I found this recipe last year (I didn’t write down where it came from - sorry) and loved the results.
Ingredients
1 pound cranberries 1 cup sugar 1 vanilla bean, split (you can use 2 teaspoons of Vanilla Extract)
Put cranberries, sugar and vanilla in a saucepan. Place pan over medium heat and stir. Simmer until the berries burst, about 5 to 6 minutes.
Add mixture to a large glass container (an ice-tea container works great). Now add a bottle of Vodka (750ml) to mixture. Let rest for one week. After one week, strain cranberries and store infused vodka in fridge.
You can save the strained cranberries in a small glass container to use as a garnish for your beverages.
Your newly minted infused vodka is ready to use in all your favorite holiday cocktail recipes.
One suggestion - Cranberry Vodka Tonic
In a rocks or Collins glass pour 2 jiggers of cranberry vodka over ice and fill with tonic. Garnish with cranberries or lime.
Other suggestions?
Permalink | | Categories: Recipes
Chappys Tap Room offers inviting list of beers, food
What do a sheik, a Rolls Royce, 30 beers on tap and 75 more in bottles have in common? Sounds like one of those nutty jokes with an awful punch line your grandfather might have told you.
But make no mistake, Chappys Tap Room and Grille is no punch line. Named after the Rolls Royce driving grandfather of co-owner Dave Camplin who was a friend to all — yes, including a sheik — Chappys Tap Room and Grille has all the ingredients that legends are made of.
The newly opened restaurant is located in the former location of Taste of Thailand, formerly a Bill Knapp’s site, but with the smart improvements you would never know it. The interior is separated into two distinct spaces — a dining area and a traditional bar. The dining room is decorated in warm, welcoming hues complemented by rich leather seating. A combination of tables and booths are available to accommodate a table for two or the intimate group of 20. Take away the TVs playing the sports channel du jour and you have an upscale bistro.
The soft mood lighting for both areas is punctuated with glaring reflections after the sun goes down — the dining room from the parking lot lights, the bar from bright, blinding fluorescents from under the work areas and surrounding the coolers - one of our few complaints.
Chappys boasts a well-rounded, solid menu, but it pales in comparison to the outstanding beer selection - both on tap and bottled . The array of choices focuses heavily on microbrews and Belgian ales, elevating it to one of the best beer bars here in town. For those not interested in the beer (how could you?), a wine list and full bar is available.
After asking a few questions of the server, she brought us the “beer book” — a comprehensive list of all of the beers — seasonal and otherwise that’s currently available — complete with terrific descriptions and supplementary information for each. Spotting a Chimay White Belgian Trappist ale draught ($8) - the only tavern to offer this within 200 miles according to our guide — Alexis began the evening’s exploation. Wading through the list Craig chose a Magic Hat #9 ($4.50), a refreshing pale ale brewed in South Burlington, Vermont. Feeling refreshed, the Lounge Lizards set about to pair brews with the perfect bar food.
Our evenings food choices included the BBQ Rib Teaser ($7.95), the Burger Bites ($6.95) Jumbo Chicken Wings ($7.95) and a New Orleans Style Po Boy ($7.95).
Chappys Rib Teaser was just as advertised — smoky and tender, but perhaps a little too light on the sauce. The Jumbo Chicken Wings were plump, juicy and perfectly sauced. The evening’s winner by a pint-sized margin were the Burger Bites. The two plump juicy fresh burgers made with quality, flavorful ground beef were topped with cheese and pickle and served up nearly perfect. Those feeling particularly famished may want to opt for the charcoal grilled half pound version (pictured above) for just a dollar more. The New Orleans Style Po Boy was our least favorite of the group, while the chicken had a zesty, full overall flavor, the dish was just too bready, a common problem many Po Boy platters suffer from.
Instead of a traditional desert, the Lizards opted to let the beer book be our guide. Craig went for the more unusual fare, ordering an Aecht Schlenkeria Rauchbier Urbock ($8) German smoked beer and Alexis went for an Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock ($6) — a malty, sweet but still very strong lager. A warning … smoked beer is not for everyone, but Craig’s little smoked German gem lived up to the description and reminded him, “of the smell of a glazed ham baking.” The beer tasted like a lot like it smelled. Craig enjoyed it, but drinking ham isn’t for everyone — Alexis in particular.
On a second trip, the Lizards found Chappys buzzing with activity. Apparently, word had hit the street about this new beercentric destination. Our table was right in line of the side door and we offer these words of caution as winter sets in: wear layers. The numerous exits and entrances by customers and staff made it a little too chilly. This time around new beer choices were in order and once again, the Lounge Lizards were not disappointed in the impressive selection of fresh draught beer choices. Alexis went with a Rogue Dead Guy Ale ($4.50) while Craig opted for a Southern Tier Unearthly IPA ($6).
Looking to sample more of Chappys menu, we tried the Campy’s Chili ($4.25), fresh fish sandwich ($8.95), the loaded chips ($7.95) and the crispy fried chicken four-piece dinner ($12.95) among others. The company was engaging as always so the slightly longer wait times, likely due to the crowd, was bearable. The chili garnished with cheese and onions and the chips, covered in a generous helping of cheese, bacon, tomato, sour cream, green onions and jalapenos, arrived at the same time.
The thick chili was robust, rich and packed with flavor. The chips were crunchy … too much so, and slightly charred, even for those of dark us who look for the crunchy castoffs hidden at the bottom of a potato chip bag. The fried chicken, marinated 24 hours and prepared to order was near on this visitly too salty to finish - much different than a nearly perfect version we sampled on a separate outing. The beer battered fish sandwich was a standard preparation and flavor.
Being Lounge Lizards, a trip to the bar area is a must. On a different night, what could have ended up in a beer tragedy was averted by head bartender Eric Cannon. Alexis ordered a Berliner Kindl 1809 Weisse German style wheat beer ($8). The bottle and glass arrived and after several bitter beer faces, she pushed the beer away. Seeing this, Eric came to the rescue with Himbeer Getrankesirup — an authentic German raspberry syrup that should be served with it, transforming it into one of the best raspberry flavored beers we’ve had in ages. Eric is worth seeking out for his extensive bar knowledge — be sure to ask him to point to a few of his favorites in the “beer book” to get some more ideas if you’re in doubt.
With an alluring combination of beers and tempting food creations at reasonable prices, Chappys Tap Room and Grille is sure to be a legend in its own right for beer and food, but especially beer.
how to go
WHAT: Chappys Tap Room and Grille
WHERE: 2733 W. Alex-Bell Road, Moraine
MORE INFO: (937) 299-RIBS (7427) or www.chappystaproom.com/
HOURS: 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11-2 a.m. Friday and Sat., 11-1 a.m. Sundays. Closed Mondays. The kitchen closes at 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 p.m. Friday and Sat.,10 p.m. Sundays
VIBE: Dress to your comfort level at this beer mecca — the warm, rich interior and flat panel televisions will draw attention away from any fashion faux pas you may be committing at the time
LOUNGE LIZARDS RECOMMEND: Chimay White Belgian draught ($8) or any other beer from the extensive list that floats your boat. Burger Bites ($6.95), Campy’s Chili ($4.25). Chappys BBQ Ribs ($18.95 for a full slab, $12.95 for a half slab). When done right, the crispy fried chicken four-piece dinner ($12.95) is an excellent choice, but will take up to 30 minutes to prepare.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: Reviews
The Breeders are back in 2008!
Yes, Dayton’s fantastic Deal sisters — Kim and Kelley — will be releasing a Breeders album in 2008 and I for one can not wait! I am a huge Kim fan from way back from her time playing bass with the Pixies and have always loved the Breeders who are best known for the 1993 album “Last Splash.” As an aside, the band turns 20 in 2008 … (it formed in 1988 and released their first album “Pod” in 1990).
Anyway this is all according to a blog post yesterday on the Breeders MySpace page and confirmed on the 4AD Web site. Here’s what it says:
“THE BREEDERS NEW ALBUM - MOUNTAIN BATTLES - SET FOR RELEASE ON 4AD APRIL 8, 2008 IN US AND APRIL 7, 2008 IN REST OF WORLD!
4AD is pleased to announce the forthcoming world-wide release of Mountain Battles, the new album from The Breeders on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 (April 7 outside of North America).
The Breeders released their last album - Title TK - back in 2002. Since then, of course, Kim Deal has been part of one of the most highly successful and warmly received music reunions of all time, getting back together with the rest of The Pixies for a series of exhilarating live shows in 2004 and 2005. After that, Kim headed back to Dayton, Ohio to start writing a new record.
Mountain Battles is the result. It’s an album which captures all the bittersweet electricity of classic Breeders records like Pod and Last Splash, and which breaks new ground at the same time; classic sounding, yet as relevant and exciting as ever.
Mountain Battles was recorded by Steve Albini at Electrical Audio in Chicago, Erika Larson at Stagg Street, Manny Nieto at Manny’s Studio, at Refraze in Dayton and by Ben Mumphrey in the Basement.
The Breeders are : Kelley Deal, Kim Deal, Jose Medeles and Mando Lopez; Jose and Mando are both veterans of the Title TK campaign.
The Breeders will be playing live all over the world in 2008. Their schedule includes performances at Canadian Music Week and SxSW and Coachella, plus full tours in the USA and in Europe.
The Breeders are also set to play a full UK tour in April to mark the release of the album.”
My question is will the US tour include a Dayton performance? A girl can dream …
Heard any music news worth sharing? Have a favorite new band? A Breeders story to share? Consider this blog open for business …
I end with this video of my favorite Breeders song. I don’t know about you, but I have April 8, 2008 marked on my calendar.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Music, News
The Attic to hold Hawthorne Heights memorial
According to an e-mail sent by Attic manager Elizabeth Kilby, The Attic Teen Center in Kettering will be holding a memorial for Hawthorne Heights guitarist Casey Calvert on Dec. 6. She writes in the message, “We’ll open the doors at 6 p.m. for people to come in and mingle. We’ll have a wall set up where they can write notes, a table for writing a letter, and probably a table with some candles for reflective time. Around 6:30 we will call everyone together for a more formal presentation and open mic time. We’ll remain open until 8 p.m.”
The free event has not been posted yet on the Web site. Kilby is not sure if the band will be there for the, “informal gathering to remember Casey” but they know about the memorial and she says and “have given their support.” Over the years Hawthorne Heights had a good relationship with the Attic, playing the club more than other local venues.
Here’s a clip of the band performing part of “Ohio Is For Lovers” at the Attic on March 11 this year.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Music, News
New meaning to the words “Christmas tree”
In this case, I think it’s best to let the image speak for itself …
and here’s a close up ….
I can only assume this amazing display is the work of a beer lover.
Speaking of trees, this years Rockefeller Christmas tree marks the first time energy-saving bulbs are being used. The LED lights will use less than 40% as much electricity — saving enough energy each day to power a 2,000 square-foot home for an entire month! Is it just me or is that figure absolutely mind boggling? Can you imagine the energy bill on that sucka? Are you planning on doing anything green (read: Earth friendly) this year for Chrismas? Are you planning to drink a tree instead? I’d suggest finding some friends to help if you are. Happy December 1st!
Permalink | | Categories: Entertaining, Holidays, What do you think?
