Butter Cafe

Not only does this place have delightful food, but their cheery yellow walls and bright white furniture is bound to make your lunchtime a happy time. Don’t let the name fool you, there’s plenty of healthy options.

Here are some of my favorite things to get there:

• Mushroom burger: portabella, eggplant, mozzarella, pesto sandwich, on a kaiser roll.


• Veggie sandwich: peppers, eggplant, tomato, onion on your choice of bread.


• Their soups. For example I had some yummy bean soup (with beans I didn’t even know existed) that was heavily spiced with some very complimentary herbs.

I’m planning on trying the vegan burger next. If it follows the current trend, it’s bound to be tasty. Their sandwiches are served with diced potatoes (with skin on––my favorite) that are sprinkled with sea salt and rosemary. Delish!

Butter Cafe is on Brown Street right by the University of Dayton campus. Give it a whirl.

Dayton is delicious!

So Dayton isn't a bustling Metropolitan city, but it does have its fair share of fine cuisine. I think some are reluctant to try independent restaurants because they are unfamiliar; people know what to expect with chains. However, the majority of the time it's worth the risk to discover a great new place. Here are some of my tried-and-true favorites. Please share some of your favorite independent restaurants and coffee shops around the area, as well!

• Figlio (on Stroop Road in Kettering) Italian


• Thai 9 (on Fifth Street in the Oregon District) Thai


• Tanks (on Wayne Avenue in Dayton) Bar food


• El Meson (East Dixie Drive in West Carrollton)


• Press (on Wayne in the Oregon District) By far the best coffee shop in Dayton––try the home-brewed chai

These are little gems located somewhat outside of the Gem City. Nonetheless, they're worth the drive.

La Piazza (Market Street in downtown Troy) Great calamari
Greenfire Bistro (Main Street past downtown Tipp City)
Tavernette Inn (Main Street in Medway)

Heartless Bastards

Heartless Bastards: the name is very deceiving. Though their music isn't easy-listening, it also isn't hardcore. Their lead singer, Erica Wennerstrom, has a rare combination of a powerful voice and evocative lyrics.

Even better, they are proof that good things come from Dayton! After seeing them at Canal Street about a year ago, I became an even more devoted listener. Good news! They are coming back to Canal Street this December 27th.

Here is a link to their website:
www.theheartlessbastards.com

Here are the album covers so you know what to look for next time you're at the record store: