Valentine’s Day is traditionally known for flowers and chocolate, but this year you might consider gifting a special meal.
>> The cutest locally-made sweet treats for that special someone to order now
With Valentine’s Day coming up, there are some food events you can opt to gift alongside something more traditional.
Better yet, show yourself the love and buy that ticket for your No.1 — you.
In some of these cases your money lives on to help support other worthy causes in town and that’s something to really love.
SUNDAYS IN FEBRUARY: COCO’S BISTRO SAVOR YOUR SUNDAY BRUNCH
Coco’s Bistro has been putting on “Savor your Sunday” brunches benefiting Stivers School for the Arts in February for well over a decade.
It’s one of the only times during the entire year that the popular restaurant is open for brunch.
The special meals are a way to celebrate art, food, education, community and the opportunity to give back, according to co-owners Karen Wick-Gagnet and Jim Gagnet.
Scheduled performances begin Feb. 2 featuring Stivers Strings and continue Feb.9 featuring The Stivers Chamber Choir; Feb. 16, The Stivers Jazz Group; Feb. 23 Stivers Concert Pianists.
Some of the most popular items from past years include filet and eggs, a frittata, an Italian grilled cheese, shrimp and grits, a spinach salad, and buttermilk fried chicken and a Belgian waffle with Ohio maple syrup and house hot sauce.
The popular brunches sell-out quickly bringing in 150-200 people per brunch, for a total of about 800 meals served. The cost is $30 per person with $15 donated back to Stivers. Reservations can be made from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and are highly recommended as seatings fill up quickly.
“The Stiver’s model is truly amazing and an asset to the Dayton community. The foundation for any good community is the public school system, and we believe firmly that education is not a privilege but a right. This is one way we choose to give back because we love Stivers and what it represents,” said Wick-Gagnet. “(It’s) good food in a lovely environment prepared with good intention.”
What: Coco's Bistro Savor your Sunday brunches to benefit Stivers School for the Arts
Where: 250 Warren St., Dayton
When: Reservations are available from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. for the four Sundays in February
Cost: $30 per person with $15 donated back to Stivers
More info: www.228coco.com or 937-228-2626
Credit: File photo
Credit: File photo
FEB. 13 AND FEB. 22: MARGARITAS AT EL MESON
El Meson knows how to throw a party and with National Margarita Day falling in February, the restaurant is going to be mixing up plenty of drinks.
>> 40 things to know and love about El Meson
On Feb. 13, El Meson is hosting a "Madly in Love with Margaritas" event from 7-9 p.m. The event will include three different styles of Margaritas paired perfectly with three gourmet street tacos for $35 a person plus tax and tip. Tickets are available at http://elmeson.net/madly-in-love-with-margaritas-feb-13th-2020
On Feb. 22 from 4:30-10 p.m., El Meson will celebrate National Margarita Day with a one-day special on the restaurant’s signature Margarita for $6.
What: Margaritas at El Meson
Where: 903 E. Dixie Drive, Dayton
More info: 937-859-8229 or www.elmeson.net
FEB. 23: ETHNOSH DAYTON VISITS SALAR RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
Ethnosh Dayton is on a roll, and it’s showing no signs of stopping.
It’s not even been a year since this event series launched locally and it’s already selling out seating for its dining events — including the most recent a few weeks ago at Prem’s Chennai Delight in Washington Twp.
Ethnosh, an organization that plans monthly dining events called “NoshUps” at immigrant-owned restaurants in Dayton, will be putting the spotlight on a popular Oregon District restaurant when it visits Salar Restaurant & Lounge.
>> Ethnosh to offer monthly ethnic restaurants in Dayton
Diners are sure to be in for a treat when they sit down to hear Chef/Owner Margot Blondet’s stories about her food and her culinary journey including her time studying at Le Cordon Bleu, where she graduated first in her class.
The NoshUp at Salar is planned for Sunday, Feb. 23. The first seating is 2 to 3:30 p.m. The second seating is 4 to 5:30 p.m. The third seating is 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The meal is $18 per person plus a small processing fee. There is an option to select regular (meat), vegan or vegetarian meals at checkout. Visit ethnosh.org/location/us/oh/dayton.
What: NoshUp at Salar
When: 2-7:30 p.m. with three seatings on Sunday, Feb. 23.
Where: 400 E. 5th St., Dayton
Cost: $18 per person plus a small processing fee. Visit ethnosh.org/location/us/oh/dayton.
More info: For additional information contact DAY@ethnosh.org or call 937-476-1321.
FEB. 27: 10TH ANNUAL EMPTY BOWLS BENEFITING HOUSE OF BREAD
There’s no better time to enjoy a bowl of hot soup than during winter, and House of Bread has an event that works each year to capitalize on that fact helping to raise much-needed funds to support House of Bread.
For a minimum $30 donation, you will be able to select a ceramic bowl of your choice and have it filled and re-filled and re-filled and re-filled with whatever soup you desire. The soups are made by well-known chefs and restaurants in Dayton. The bowl is yours to keep after the event. Register in advance at the House of Bread website — https://houseofbread.org/upcoming-events.
All of the proceeds go to the House of Bread, a non-profit community kitchen located in Dayton that serves hot, nutritious, lunchtime meal to anyone in need seven days a week. In addition, they offer personal hygiene and warm wear items, as well as referrals to other social services, so it’s a terrific cause that you can feel good about supporting.
What: 10th Annual Empty Bowls benefiting House of Bread
When: 5-7:30 p.m. Feb. 27
Where: The Marriott by University of Dayton, 1414 S. Patterson Blvd., Dayton
Cost: $30
More info: www.houseofbread.org
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