Home > Blogs > The Lounge Lizards > Archives > 2009 > July
July 2009
Do you have the best home brew? Enter contest
Attention all home brewers: Put your best creation before a panel of judges, and you could win some serious bragging rights, plus some other cool prizes.
In conjunction with Oktoberfest — Sept. 26-27 at the Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North — the DAI is sponsoring a Home Brew Beer Contest.
The contest is for home brewers of beer made with non-commercial equipment. Judging will be conducted by a panel of non-professional judges in three categories: Pale Ale/India Pale Ale, Wheat Beers (German or American) and Porter/Stout. The first place winner and runner-up in each category will compete for Best in Show, according to contest organizers.
Each category will also be judged for Best Label, with those winners taking part in the Best in Show judging.
The fee is $25 per entry. Prizes include:
Each first-place winner will receive a large Oktoberfest mug and qualify for the Best in Show tasting. Each runner-up will be eligible for the Best in Show tasting.
The winner of the Best Label in each category will receive a small Oktoberfest mug and qualify for Best in Show.
A Best in Show winner will be selected based on a second tasting of all first-place, runner-up and best label brews in each category (up to nine brews). Best in Show will receive a Warsteiner Glass Beer Boot (and bragging rights of course).
Contest rules, registration forms and more information are available at www.daytonartinstitute.org.
Permalink | Comments (14) | Post your comment | Categories: Contests
3 bar events you want to know about
You’re not bored. You just didn’t hear about these bar best bets yet. Check ‘em out.
Floorplay II at Club Aquarius
Two floors of sound featuring London’s Deekline, Chicago’s Keith MacKenzie, Atlanta’s DJ Mark Yurm, Sporty-O, Tony Desaro, Vacate and many more. Ages 18 and older welcome.
Where: Club Aquarius, 135 E. Second St., Dayton
When: 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 1
The bite: $15
Bourbon and cigar tasting at Vue
Stay classy Dayton. Join Vue Ultra Lounge for a bourbon and cigar tasting this Saturday. Swig samples of Bookers, Knob Creek, Makers Mark and Jim Beam’s Red Stag label.
Where: Vue Ultra Lounge, 1004 Ohio 725, Centerville
When: 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 1
The bite: Reservations are required. Call (937) 438-1155 for more information.
Party Crashers at Sharkey’s
The ActiveDayton.com Party Crashers will be grooving poolside at The Marriott when The Menus play Sharkey’s this Friday. Be there if you like prizes, getting your picture taken with hotties, and of course, if you enjoy live music by the pool.
Where: Sharkey’s Poolside at the Marriott, 1414 S. Patterson Blvd., Dayton
When: Concert starts at 7 p.m.; the Party Crashers will make their fashionably late appearance around 9:30 p.m.
The bite: Call (937) 223-1000, ext. 7712, for cover charge information.
Know of anything else going on at the bars this weekend?
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Best Bets, Events
It’s Tequila’s Day - are you celebrating?
We all get a birthday, so why can’t tequila have a special day?
I’m not sure who gets to decide all this stuff, but today, July 24, is National Tequila Day. Salt or no salt - lime or not - I’m just not a fan of drinking the agave based spirit straight.
Fastcompany.com reports that the “U.S. imported about $113 million of tequila in the first quarter of 2009.”
That said, what’s not to love about a great margarita?
Locally, Elsa’s Bad Juan margarita is often cited as the best margarita in the area and now can now be found as a bottled mix at many of your favorite beverage emporiums. Another personal favorite is the Fresh Lime Margarita found at El Meson.
While we didn’t do a local tequila tasting, be sure to check out our local Margarita taste test - it forever changed our love of the margarita.
If you have a favorite cocktail recipe that calls for Tequila, share it here - we’d love to give it a try.
And no matter how you choose to celebrate any liquor holiday… do it responsibly!
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Holidays
Lots of skin at the bars this weekend
Ladies, leave the clothes at home this weekend. All you’ll need to party in Dayton is an itty-bitty bikini. And you could win some sweet stuff for sporting it. Sorry guys, you can’t rock your man-kini in public, but the prospect of half-dressed women should be enough to get you off the couch this weekend.
Girls Gone Wild at South Beach
Girls Gone Wild is searching for the Hottest Girl in America, and they’re stopping in Dayton this Friday. If you think it could be you, or one of your girlfriends check out www.girlsgonewildmag.com/hgia for more information and make sure to show up this Friday. The winner will get amazing prizes like an all-expense-paid shopping spree in LA and a trip to Girls Gone Wild Island.
Because Fridays all summer are also Beach Bikini Fridays at South Beach, the best way to get noticed will definitely be swimwear. Ladies 18 and up welcome, with the first 50 wearing bikini tops in free.
Where: South Beach Nite Club, 729 Lyons Road, Centerville
When: 8 p.m. Friday, July 24
The bite: Ladies 18 and up, guys 21 and up only. First 50 ladies in bikini tops in free, call (937) 439-9040 for other cover charge information.
Hot Body Bikini Contest at Yellow Rose
Thursdays Yellow Rose are all about showing skin during the weekly Sexy Bull Riding and Hot Body Bikini Contest. There are cash prizes for the sexy female winners, and drink specials for everyone. Go to their Myspace page, www.myspace.com/yellowrosenightclub to print out a flyer for free admission.
Where: Yellow Rose NiteClub, 852 Watertower Lane, West Carrollton
When: 8 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. this and every Thursday
The bite: $3 21 and up, $7 18 to 20.
Luau weekend at The Dock
For a slightly more tame summer celebration, head to The Dock in Enon, where it’s a luau all weekend. Everybody will get free leis and can enjoy authentic Hawaiian dining specials served by hula guys and gals. Sip special Hawaiian drinks in coconut cups you can keep while enjoying live music from Steel Drum Dave and more.
Where: The Dock, 250 W. Main St. Enon
When: Friday and Saturday, July 24 and 25
The bite: Call (937) 864-5011 for specific hours and more information.
Mid-summer Mayhem at Vue Ultra Lounge
Vue is also celebrating the season with a mid-summer party this Friday. Wear your best swimwear.
Where: Vue Ultra Lounge, 1004 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Centerville
When: Friday, July 24; hours are 3 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.
The bite: Call (937) 438-1155 for more information
Anyone know of any other beach-themed parties coming up? What else is on the schedule this weekend?
Permalink | Comments (9) | Post your comment | Categories: Best Bets, Contests, Events
Tumbleweed Connection opens back up for business
A two-alarm fire that occurred on the evening of Thursday, Feb 19 this year at the Tumbleweed Connection caused the bar to shut its doors while the owner - James Atkinson - dealt with smoke and fire damage.
Here’s a link to the story the Dayton Daily News ran on the fire at the time. The end of the story reads:
Mike VanDerbosch, 47, of Dayton, who watched firefighters, said he’ll miss the bar until it reopens. “It’s one of the best bars in the District,” he said. “It’s way laid back and has a good mix of people — lawyers, construction workers, students. It was a good blue-collar bar.”
VanDerbosch and other fans of the bar now have reason to celebrate: The Tumbleweed Connection (454 E. Fifth St.) is back up and running with doors open for business. Last night our friendly bartender confirmed for the Lounge Lizards that the bar quietly opened its doors on Monday, July 13 and has been getting back to business relying on word of mouth for patrons to know that a drink awaits them should they choose to visit. She said that plans for a party to celebrate are currently in the works.
If you haven’t seen them, click here to see the unbelievable photos from the fire and the aftermath.
Visitors to the bar can see where the damage occurred, but all in all the familiar Oregon District watering hole is in really good shape considering what happened.
Permalink | Comments (24) | Post your comment | Categories: News
How are you celebrating National Daiquiri Day?
Cocktail lovers rarely need a reason to celebrate - but National Daiquiri Day, July 19th, is as good a reason as any.
While dozens of variations on the Daiquiri are possible, the basic recipe for a Daiquiri is straight forward - 1 part lime or lemon juice juice, sugar to taste and 1 part rum.
Ernest Hemingway was said to favor any number of cocktails especially those enjoyed at La Bodeguita del Medio in Havana, Cuba. The famous author is quoted as saying “A man does not exist until he is drunk.”
We’re not endorsing the idea of drinking until drunk - however we would raise our glasses to the Daiquiri!
So, how are you celebrating National Daiquiri Day?
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Holidays
Three best bets at Dayton bars this weekend
Three bar events to ensure a memorable weekend that you may not remember.
Masquerade Goth Ball at Vex
Grab a mask and a attend a Masque that’s not your grandparent’s “ball”. DJ Kris, Matt Freeman and special guest DJ Cap will be spinning EBM, Industrial, Gothic, Darkwave and Synthpop for the masked masses. Don’t have a mask? Vex will provide you with one.
Where: Club Vex, 101 S. St. Clair St., Dayton
When: 9 p.m. to 3:30 a.m., Friday, July 17
The bite: Ladies free before midnight, $3 for 21 and up, $5 for 18-20.
Air Show Party at Wings Sports Bar and Grill
Wings Sports Bar and Grill and Cork & Vine wine market are throwing their first ever Air Show block party. In addition to tons of food and beer, The Menus will perform twice, once at 7 p.m. and once at 9:30 p.m. The party is 21 and up only and proceeds will benefit “Clothes that Work.” Plus there is trolley car transportation from Air Show parking.
Where: Corner of North Dixie Drive and York Commons Blvd.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, July 17
The bite: $5 cover charge
Rock and Wrestling III at Aquarius
That’s right, the folks that brought you Rock and Wrestling, and the no-holds-barred sequel Rock and Wrestling II are at it again. See the stars of EGO Pro Wrestling battle it out while rocking out to music by Marijuana Johnson and SOK.
The main event will be Cody Hawk and Benjamin Kimera vs. Adrenaline X. Plus you won’t want to miss the Ladies match and the Hardcore Battle Royal featuring Dean Jablonski, Brian Beech, Tarek the Legend, Deja Vu and many more.
Where: Aquarius, 135 E. 2nd St., Dayton
When: 9 p.m., Saturday, July 18
The bite: Call (937) 223-1723 for more information
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Best Bets, Events
Rock concerts and outdoor drinking
What else is summer for, right? Three bar best bets for a hot summer weekend.
Marcy Playground at McGuffy’s
Yep, the band that brought us “Sex and Candy” will be headlining at McGuffy’s House of Rock this weekend. Opening acts will be Electric Smoke and Lascivious. Tickets are still available, so snag yours and party like it’s 1997.
Where: McGuffy’s House of Rock, 5418 Burkhardt Road, Dayton
When: Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m., Saturday, July 11.
The Bite: $12 in advance, $15 at the door; call (937) 256-3005 or visit www.mcguffys.net for tickets.
Summer tastings and specials at Boston’s
Lots to look forward to for beer lovers. This week, July 6-12, is Anniversary Ale Week featuring Boulder Flashback 30th Anniversary Ale, Avery 16th Anniversary ‘09 Ale and more on tap.
On Friday make sure to swing by for Boston’s Tea Party. Try newly released Firefly Tea Flavored Vodkas in the Bier Garten.
Plus all summer long, Boston’s is offering a Dragon’s game special you’ll want to take advantage of. Get two tickets (seats are third row along the third base line) and a 9-inch pizza for $24. They’ve got six tickets total available for most games. Call (937) 461-1002 or stop in to reserve seats.
Where: Boston’s Bistro and Pub, 7500 N. Main St., Dayton
When: Tea Party is 5 p.m. to midnight, Friday, July 10.
Seven Mary Three at J.D. Legends
If you haven’t made the trek to Franklin for a night at J.D. Legends yet this summer, this weekend is the perfect time to go. Seven Mary Three and Ambertone will be performing live on Saturday. Plus you can always check out the 24-lane bowling alley, or beach volleyball courts.
Where: J.D. Legends, 65 Millard Drive, Franklin
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, July 11
The bite: Ticket prices range from $10-$50; call (937) 746-4950 or visit www.jdlegends.com for tickets.
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment | Categories: Best Bets, Events, Music
Look for sparks at these holiday weekend bar events
These bar best bets are brought to you by staff writer Amelia Robinson.
A long holiday weekend means things will be cracking at area bars and clubs. Area hot spots will be celebrating the Fourth of July. When the fireworks are over, look for sparks at one of these best bets.
Cornhole at Brixx
Nothing says the Fourth of July like people tossing beanbags at holes. The wayward cornhole had better beware; Brixx Ice Company promises a backyard-like festival during its Independence Day cornhole tournament. Featured music includes Sawgrass and the Prescriptions.
Where: Brixx Ice Company, 500 E. First St., Dayton
When: 3 p.m. Saturday, July 4
The Bite: Registration fee for the tournament is $20 per team. Cash prizes will be awarded to the victors.
Heavy bash at Coyote’s Pub
Local heavy metal favorites TINJ and Sawed Off will make Fourth of July noise when they take the stage during Coyote’s Pub bash. TINJ is fronted by Middletown native John Price, who takes inspiration from some heavy-hitters: Geoff Tate of Queensryche, James Hetfield of Metallica and Phil Anselmo of Pantera.
Where: Coyote’s Pub, 5358 Springboro Pike, West Carrollton
When: 10 p.m. Saturday, July 4.
The Bite: $3 cover charge
Dirtybone at the Brig
Head out on the highway. The classic rock/southern rock act Dirtybone will help The Brig in Troy celebrate Bike Day. Take your bike and prepare to kick back.
Where: The Brig, 118 W. Main St., Troy
When: 3:30 p.m. Sunday, July 5.
The bite: Call (937) 335-3717 for cover charge information
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Best Bets, Events, Holidays
