Division I regional track finals
Fenwick graduation 2012
Ponitz graduation 2012
Home > Blogs > The Lounge Lizards > Archives > 2008 > September
September 2008
Looking for a vodka substitute? Look no further.
Shochu has hit it big in big cities in the States where health conscious lounge lizards are looking for fewer calories and a little less alcohol. The clear distilled Japanese spirit is similar to vodka and can easily substitute for it.
According to a post on Zagat.com, “In Japan, shochu sales are booming, surpassing even that of sake. One reason for its popularity, some surmise, has to do with health. Shochu contains about one-third the calories of other liquors and less alcohol (usually 50 proof); because of that, and the purity of its ingredients, some imbibers claim it causes less of a hangover.”
Shochu, 3313 North Clark Street, between School Street and Buckingham Place (773-348-3313).
Cocktail Times writes, “Health conscious consumers prefer shochu than other types of beverage alcohol because of its low calories. (about 15 - 20 cal. per ounce) … There are two main types of shochus: Otsurui and Korui. Korui shochu is distilled several times and usually consumed in cocktails. Otsurui is distilled only once, leaving a distinctive smell of the source ingredient. This type of shochu is often enjoyed on the rocks and is becoming increasingly popular in Japan.”
It’s in big cities, but it’s word is spreading. This article out of Arizona shows the kind of innovative bartending that is happening thanks to the Shochu popularity.
I’ve not seen Shochu listed on the ingredients list of any cocktail lists of the restaurants around here. I have had it at a few Japanese restaurants and it is smooth and refreshing and worth trying if you get the opportunity.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: News
Date set for opening of TJ Chumps second location
ENGLEWOOD — TJ Chumps, a locally owned sports bar and restaurant, will open a second location next week on Thursday, October 2, at 559 Main St. in Englewood according to Mike Leigh, manager at the Miamisburg TJ Chumps location at 12 East Linden Ave.
The Englewood restaurant and bar will feature the same menu items that are currently served at the Miamisburg location with the addition of pizza. Leigh expects the atmosphere to be similar to their current location with 38 TVs, an outside patio and an outside patio bar.
Leigh said the new location presented a, “neat concept for us to join into because of the other stuff that was going on around it” referring to Main on Main, a strip of businesses focusing on entertainment and dining for families that includes Hothead Burritos, a music store called the BRD House and a family entertainment center featuring games and batting cages.
Hours of operation will be the same as the Miamisburg location according to Leigh.
11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday with a full menu being served until 10 p.m. and smaller appetizers available for order until 11:30 p.m.
11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday with a full menu being served until 11 p.m. and smaller appetizers available for order until 12:30 p.m.
Noon until Midnight Sundays with a full menu being served until 10 p.m. and smaller appetizers available for order until 10:30 p.m.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: News
14 coolest bars in the States? They are if you ask Gourmet Magazine
The October issue of Gourmet magazine has listed what it believes are the 14 coolest bars in the United States open before 1941. Seven bars get a write-up including Philadelphia’s McGillin’s Olde Ale House in Center City; Bemelmans Bar in New York City; Tujague’s in New Orleans; Tosca Cafe in San Francisco; the Green Mill in Chicago; Huber’s in Portland, Ore.; and Frolic Room in Hollywood.
Finishing up the list are Formosa Cafe in West Hollywood; Heinold’s First and Last Chance in Oakland, Calif.; Napoleon House in New Orleans; Pete’s Tavern in New York; Shinnick’s Pub in Chicago; Sultana Bar in Williams, Ariz.; and the Tap Room of the Griswold Inn in Essex, Conn.
Have you found a favorite bar in your travels that you’d recommend to folks traveling out of state? I wrote about one of mine at the very beginning of the year that’s only a couple of hours away and well worth a visit if you’re in the Indianapolis area. Let us know where you’d recommend and we’ll add it to our ever growing Lounge Lizards list thanks in part to the latest issue of Gourmet.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: News
Alarm grows over energy drinks
Do you know what’s in your energy drink? You should. It could be leading to caffeine intoxication or addiction and could raise the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
Some energy drink labels say they shouldn’t be mixed with alcohol and that no more than two cans (500 ml) be consumed a day and for good reason — some contain the caffeine equivalent of 10 cans of Coca-Cola.
An overview of the potential dangers of energy drinks and statistics about who is using them and and with what effect from Roland Griffiths, a professor of behavioral biology and neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, is published in the most recent issue of the journal of Drug and Alcohol Dependence.
According to a new article by Sharon Kirkey of Canwest News Service, “Scientists from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore are calling for prominent labels for energy drinks listing caffeine doses and warning of potential risks when used alone, or in combination with alcohol. They’re also recommending doctors get familiar with signs of caffeine intoxication, withdrawal and dependence in young people who might be using the beverages.”
She goes on to write that, “The combined use of caffeine and alcohol is “increasing sharply,” the researchers say. When mixed with alcohol, people feel less intoxicated, “so they misjudge the extent to which they are impaired,” and people may end up consuming more booze.”
Another article on Science Daily points out that this is a $5.4 billion in the United States and is expanding at a whopping rate of 55 percent annually.
Science Daily gives some insight into who’s spending the money — teens and young adults — writing, “In a 2007 survey of 496 college students, 51 percent reported consuming at least one energy drink during the last month. Of these energy drink users, 29 percent reported “weekly jolt and crash episodes,” and 19 percent reported heart palpitations from drinking energy drinks. This same survey revealed that 27 percent of the students surveyed said they mixed energy drinks and alcohol at least once in the past month. “Alcohol adds another level of danger,” says Griffiths, “because caffeine in high doses can give users a false sense of alertness that provides incentive to drive a car or in other ways put themselves in danger.” “
In June, Anheuser-Busch agreed not to sell Tilt and Bud Extra — popular energy/alcoholic drinks — in 11 states, including Ohio. Ohio Attorney General Nancy H. Rogers and attorneys for 24 other states called on MillerCoors to follow suit this month.
Symptoms of ingesting too much caffeine, called caffeine intoxication, include nervousness, anxiety, diarrhea, tremors, insomnia and a rapid heart rate. Here’s a quick guide on how much caffeine is in several popular energy drinks to get you started in educating yourself, your friends or if you have them, your kids.
Sample of energy drinks and their caffeine content as published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence:
Wired X505 (24 ounces): 505 mg of caffeine
Fixx (20 ounces): 500 mg
BooKoo Energy (24 ounces): 360 mg
Redline Power Rush (high concentration energy drink- 2.5 ounces): 350 mg
Redline RTD (8 ounces): 250 mg
No Fear (16 ounces): 174 mg
Monster (16 ounces): 160 mg
Rockstar (16 ounces): 160 mg
Full Throttle (16 ounces): 144 mg
Red Bull (8.3 ounces): 80 mg
Classic soft drinks:
Coca-Cola Classic (12 ounces): 34.5 mg caffeine
Pepsi Cola (12 ounces): 38 mg
Dr. Pepper (12 ounces): 41 mg
Mountain Dew (12 ounces): 54 mg
Permalink | Comments (8) | Post your comment | Categories: News
New beer discovery at Taste of Miami Valley
My new beer story comes to you courtesy of this weekend’s Taste of Miami Valley put on by the Miami Valley Restaurant Association. The latest creation from Anheuser-Busch (A-B) was available on tap a bit early of it’s actual street date. Budweiser American Ale was the brew in question and the first ale brewed under the Budweiser label.
I have to say it surprised me. It really wasn’t too bad. Slightly hoppy, slightly malty, the Amber ale would probably not work for those who are die-hard craft beer drinkers, but for those who want something more than Bud and something less than Sierra Nevada, this offers a calm taste solution. By no means did it blow me out of the water or come anywhere close to my favorites, but it was solid and could stand on it’s own.
Last we had heard A-B was planning on releasing the beer nationally in kegs on Sept. 15 and in bottles on Sept. 29. Have you tried it? What did you think?
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Products
Mexican brewery stirs up controversy
A controversy has erupted over a Mexican brewery’s decision to name a new beer after the “patron saint” of drug traffickers. Not the best choice or best time with the Mexican government currently battling it out with drug gangs across the region.
The article by Chris Hawley, posted at azcentral.com had this to say:
“Malverde Beer is named after Jesus Malverde, a Robin Hood-style figure who is revered by drug smugglers in the western Mexico state of Sinaloa. It debuted in April and has been spreading to bars around western Mexico. The brewer plans to sell it in the United States, too.
The beer has appeared as Mexico is reeling from a spike in drug-related murders and the United States prepares to pour about $465 million into Mexican anti-drug efforts. Civic groups in Sinaloa have criticized the beer, and Wal-Mart of Mexico has refused to stock it.”
“We’re just trying to honor a Mexican legend, that’s all,” said Jesús Briseño, Minerva Brewery’s general manager about the malty, European-style pilsner named after Malverde.
And while we’re on the subject of strange beer names, there is a Pennsylvania brewer making something called Butt Monkey Chimp Chiller Ale. I don’t know about controversy but it sounds awful and a visit to the beer advocate Web site only confirmed my suspicions. Anyone out there come across any new brews recently?
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: News
The 88 Club reopens in new spot today
The 88 Club will open its doors in a brand-new location today, Sept. 10, at 4 p.m. for a soft opening, according to co-owner Esther Keyes.
The night club, which closed at the end of May at its North Main Street location after its lease wasn’t renewed, has re-opened across from The Dragons Stadium at 219 N. Pattterson Blvd. downtown.
“This place was meant to be the 88 Club,” says Keyes. “We’re larger than what we were, and I think eventually it will be the spot to have anything celebratory in the Dayton area.”
The more than 7,000 square-foot space includes a large dance floor and stage, a lounge area toward the back, two pool tables, an outdoor patio space, new sound system and a 40-foot-long bar, Keyes said.
Keyes says that at some point next week, the business will open a cafe that will serve breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with the bar opening at 4 p.m.
The club’s grand re-opening celebration has been scheduled for Sept. 25 beginning at 4 p.m.
Keyes says to look for the blue palm tree on the patio for those seeking it out.
For more information, call the club at (937) 222-1188.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: News
Oregon Express celebrates 25 years
It’s a rare thing indeed for a bar in town to be able to celebrate 25 years under the same ownership.
The Oregon Express is one of the proud few that falls into this distinct category and will be celebrating accordingly next week offering free pizza with a drink order for patrons from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15, through Friday, Sept. 19.
The bar located at 336 E. Fifth St. in the Oregon District opened its doors with it’s current owners at the helm on Sept. 16, 1983. The story goes like this: When co-owner Joe Bavaro was laid off from General Motors, he decided to join forces with his brother-in-law, Terry Adkins, and wife, Susan.
In honor of this 25 year milestone here are 25 reasons the Lounge Lizards love the Oregon Express (or the “OE” as those familiar with refer to it).
Mmmmmm … Oregon Express pizza … Photo by Jim Noelker/Dayton Daily News
The pizza. This is some of the best pizza in town - the Reuben pizza is one of the Lizards very favorites.
The vision. As Bavaro states, “Back then [in 1983], there wasn’t much down here [the Oregon District], but we saw the potential and over the years, it has just kept getting better and better. We’re proud of the fact we’re still in the Oregon District.” We may not be proud, but we’re certainly happy the bar has stayed firmly grounded as one of the Oregon District destinations.
You never know who you’ll bump into. “Black Sabbath (minus Ozzy) once stopped in for a bite, Cheech and Chong dropped by following a gig at Wiley’s Comedy Club, and Jim Nabors, who played Gomer Pyle on the Andy Griffith Show, also has been sighted. One night in the mid-‘80s, Woody Harrelson made an appearance to hear a friend who was playing at the tavern, and ended up singing a few songs. And the Deal sisters, Kim and Kelly, played the Oregon Express’ stage before going on to fame with The Pixies and The Breeders.”
It’s the same bar we know and love. Resisting the temptation to remodel and possible ruin the bar’s vibe, the OE has the same worn-in comfortable feel that had folks coming in after it first opened it’s doors. Why change when what you have works?
The regulars. ‘Nuff said.
The entertainment. Karaoke on Monday evenings; live trivia on Tuesdays; live music on Wednesday through Saturday evenings, with Dayton’s longest-running blues jam on Thursdays and indie rock night on Saturdays. There’s always something to see and hear no matter what day or time of day you walk through the doors.
The stiff drinks. When you order a gin and tonic or anything else for that matter, there’s no doubt you’ve been served just that.
The staff. They’re friendly, accommodating and the kind of folks who check in with you right before you realize you wanted something. Now that’s service.
The train. If you don’t know what we’re talking about, plan a visit to the bar and see it for yourself.
The patio. The bar’s second-floor patio offers a view of the city and the Oregon District that we love to take advantage of whenever we’re passing through.
The theology. Although we’ve never been ourselves, the bar’s occasional “Theology on Tap” events have been going on for nearly eight years. Can you feel the spirit? As long as you’re looking for it, find religious inspiration wherever you can we say.
It defies description. Is it a bar? A restaurant? A music venue? A tavern? Yes, it’s all that and more.
The building. It’s over a century old and has great character and according to the bar’s MySpace page, “has been home to many different trades, including a corner grocery market, an optical shop, bootleg joint, various neighborhood pubs.”
The lunch. The OE is open for lunch starting at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday.
It’s unpretentious. It is what it is and that seems to happen with less frequency than ever now-a-days.
The beer’s cold. Just as it should be.
Did we mention the pizza?
Location, location, location. It’s in the Oregon District and within walking distance of shopping, art galleries, a movie theater, other restaurants, a coffee shop, other bars and a record store.
The bathrooms seem to have been there since the beginning, which — although not our favorite thing about the bar — helps the well-worn vibe along even further.
Bar eye candy. Have you seen that bar? It’s beautiful. If you haven’t take the time lately, look again. Now that’s what we call a bar!
Happy hour. Sure almost every bar has one, but we’re always happier that it’s there when we are.
Rest your feet. There’s a perfect ledge to park those barking dogs on if you choose to pony up to the bar, plus you’ll feel even classier when you look down and see it’s marble.
The “OE Favorites”: The Big Apple-tini, The Frenchy, The Bellisimo, The Bikini-tini, The Big Apple Caramel-tini and the Ultimate Margarita. What’s not to like.
Entertain friends. Where else could you play “I Spy” in a bar and keep people guessing … 25 neon signs (keep looking, count again), 30 bottles of beer on the top of the wall, one Corona parrot, one Bud Light Spuds MacKenzie which was probably obtained shortly after opening and more. There’s a lot to look at in this bar and a lot to like.
We love celebrating major milestones, especially when they happen to one of our favorite bars. Congratulations Oregon Express!
And for those, here’s a map and more information if you’re looking for it.
Permalink | Comments (20) | Post your comment | Categories: News
TJ Chumps to open second location
ENGLEWOOD — TJ Chumps, a locally owned sports bar and restaurant, will open a second location in late Sept. or early Oct. at 559 Main St. in Englewood.
According to Mike Leigh, manager at the Miamisburg TJ Chumps location at 12 East Linden Ave., the new restaurant and bar will seat around 220 and will feature the same menu items that are currently served at the Miamisburg location with the addition of pizza at the Englewood location. He expects the atmosphere to be similar to their current location with 38 TVs, an outside patio and an outside patio bar.
Leigh said the new location presented a, “neat concept for us to join into because of the other stuff that was going on around it” referring to Main on Main, a strip of businesses focusing on entertainment and dining for families that includes Hothead Burritos, a music store called the BRD House and a family entertainment center featuring games and batting cages.
Permalink | Comments (9) | Post your comment | Categories: News
Disc golf leads to new bar discovery
On a mission to sample all of the amenities our local MetroParks have to offer, my husband and I headed out to Englewood MetroPark to try our hand at the new 18-hole disc golf course that was installed in early July at the south end of East Park.
The course, which the Dayton Disc Golf Association had a hand in designing, was impressive and proved to be quite a good time. The game is like golf only instead of a ball and a club you use special discs to play (you can use a frisbee, but it will take you a lot longer to play through). The course is composed of “holes” which are five-foot basket structures with chains to help snare the discs flying at them and tee pads which designate the tee-off areas on each hole.
Englewood’s lastest outdoor recreation offering is terrific outdoor fun at the right price (free). For more visit daytondiscgolf.org. Here’s a list of 10 local parks to play disc golf at in case you go and get bitten by the disc golf bug. The only criticism I’d have of the Englewood park is that numbers on the tee-off mats would really help newbies (that or maps).
So while we’re headed back home, hubbie spots a new TJ Chumps location at 559 Main St., Englewood. For those not familiar, TJ Chumps is a great bar located at 12 East Linden Avenue in downtown Miamisburg. If you are not acquainted, go now — it has a really excellent patio space that soon will be a little too cold out to enjoy.
A call into manager Mike Leigh at the Miamisburg Chumps location confirms that an opening of a second bar that will seat around 220 to happen sometime at the end of Sept. or beginning of October at the Englewood location we spotted.
And you know what that means … another game of disc golf in 3-4 weeks. Stay tuned for more on this, will let you know more as we do!
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: News
Coors makes special brew, donates ethanol
OK, so this is after the fact, but still interesting none the less, and the best part? It comes with a video of a TV reporter tries 200 proof ethanol made at Coors brewery on air (warning, do NOT do this at home).
The MolsonCoors Brewery out of Golden, Colorado created a brand new limited edition New West Amber Ale made especially for the Democratic Convention being held in it’s rocky state.
From the process of brewing beer they also convert the yeast into ethanol that they donated to hybrid vehicles being driven at the convention by DNC staffers and others.
“This is drinkable and its 200 proof,” Rick Paine, the MolsonCoors co-products manager told reporter Mike Hooker. “And it tastes a bit like beer. There should be just a little hint of beer in there.”
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: News
Beer maker to market “Legal Weed”
Vaune Dillmann was locked in a dispute with federal regulators who ordered that his Northern California Mt. Shasta Brewing Co. stop using the slogan “Try Legal Weed” on bottle caps packaged with his beer.
It’s probably not what you’re thinking. The slogan is in honor of his town, not the stuff Bob Marley loved to smoke. Dillmann took the government to court and actually wound up winning on appeal. My favorite quote of the story is Dillman saying, “Weed fought the law, and Weed won!”
The lawyers and court costs were expensive, but the publicity has paid off with sales doubling in the six months since this story first began.
Here’s a link to the full story.
Here’s a link to Dillmann’s Web site which, not surprisingly, encourages visitors to celebrate Weed.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: News
Caption this picture
Is a picture really worth a thousand words? This one comes pretty darn close. The only thing you need to know about this photo is that it has not been retouched or altered in any way, shape or form. Enjoy!
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment | Categories: Entertaining
