invoke at 2nd Street Market

Autumn flavors take center stage in the latest menu offerings at invoke.

I finally stopped back in to the 2nd Street Market for another taste of  the utterly forgettable invoke. I had only been once last January and my busy schedule recently granted me a chance to eat there again-- the hours are Thursdays and Fridays 11am-3pm and Saturdays 8-3PM. I will be having my Thursdays off for a bit.

I ran into a local celeb, Mama Nozipo. I interviewed her years ago during my Dayton City Paper coverage of the Black Cultural Festival. So happy that she is still out and about in the city, continuing to be an RTA ambassador and a wonderful, inspiring elder for the young people. 

Circa 2019, the basil mayo drenched invoke zucchini basil sammie and raw Dayton Style Cheezcake. The latte was at Press Coffee.

I came to have the zucchini basil sammie again. However, it was gone, off the menu. Instead, in its place, the choice of a butternut squash sammie topped with caramelized onions, arugula, and almond cheez. Even with the carrot dawg tempting me (applewood smoked carrot "sausage" with lettuce, pickled onion, and romesco), the mood was on for the butternut squash. The brotherly owners, Larry and Lester Gates, are real sweethearts, having great conversations with customers whilst grilling fresh quality ingredients right in front of you. The food is excellent. Just humble, full of flavor, and natural.

A generous helping on top of yummy flatbread. 

I gifted the scrumptious Dayton Style Cheezcake with my mom and had the Pumpkin Cheezcake. The chocolate sauce froze en route, but tasted delicious as "candy."

I absolutely enjoy the incredible food here and will be back-- much sooner than later.

The First Dayton Vegan Food and Drink Festival

Los Angeles has Eat Drink Vegan (known as the Vegan Coachella). Vegandale is all the rage in Chicago, Toronto, and New York City.

Thus, I didn't know what to expect at the first annual Dayton Vegan Food and Drink Festival that happened this past Sunday. However, many questions raced through my head whilst aiding with volunteer set up in the pleasantly warm morning, high and alert from the Whole Foods Market vegan donuts and Trader Joe's blended orange juices that the DVFADF creator, Da'Ves Malone of Sprouting Dreams, LLC had gifted us all. Would there be a supportive crowd to show up and show out for veganism? Was this new downtown Dayton sensation conflicting with Dayton Art Institute's 41st Annual Oktoberfest some mere miles away? Would the weather be terrible? As vendors began unloading their trucks and setting up along Courthouse Square, tantalizing us by the way of their delightful aromas and unique presentations, the contagious happiness spread around infecting everyone.

Even my great uncle came out. I hadn't seen him in ages and it was wonderful to have a mini family reunion-- at a vegan festival too!

Once the hour struck one o'clock-- the festival start time-- the entertainment was alive and pumping hard. First, yoga lovers stretched by the gentle instructions of Ranjani Powers. DJ Mike Cooley and MC Picket Fence celebrated the roots of funk created right in our own backyard, spinning Heatwave, Zapp & Roger, the Ohio Players, Lakeside, and Faze-O. Molly Blackshear spoke compassionately on how veganism influenced and changed her perception of eating. The brilliant spoken word poet A. Slate roused the crowd with an utterly hilarious poem about the desire for the vegan foods on the menu. There was also activities for the kids, Katie Clark, the author of "I'm a Supervegan," jewelry and beauty products for sale, and various organizations like Cincy VegFest, Paw Patrol, and the Dayton International Peace Museum.

Food and drink vendors were of local and locations outside of Dayton including Billie Gold Bubble Tea, Power Plant Kitchen, Leerah's Vegan Treats, Fruitta Bowls Miamisburg, Sweet P's Icepops, Mana Ice Cream Co., Village Taco, Cabin Sweet Confections, and Pure Sweet Bakery.

Although I left prior to the heavy rain shower, it was good to hear that most of the food vendors sold out. The demand for vegan cuisine is certainly wanted here in Dayton and this first festival answered the call. Hopefully this great community building leads to more amazing vegan events to transpire in the future (another festival is a definite must). It is very obvious that the people crave delicious vegan options when presented to them, when vegan food is readily accessible. The amount of those donning vegan t-shirts, buying official festival vegan merchandise, and proudly displaying their foods and desserts showcase that there is a supportive underground being brought to the surface.

I look forward to the next big vegan happening and will always vouch for helping out in any way possible. I believe that it is possible for Dayton's new festival to be even bigger and better, that our small city has what it takes to make for an epic experience of veganism through eating and activism.

A Short Visit Home Part Two: Lucky's and Best Friends

Two artsy writing Libra best friends hang out on a cool Dayton evening in the heart of the Oregon District before one sadly departed hasty return to Philadelphia.

The fried seitan sandwich with vegan cheddar is an item (new to my eyes) that will get a hungry appetite sated for days, especially when topped with scrumptious vegan mayo, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles, seasoned French fries on the side.

Recreating an old pose....

Although things are much opposite with the knife and fork and the vegan cheese topped soy burger on the right hand side. Still, nearly five and a half years later, Lucky's has some of the yummiest bar scene vegan food.

Our amazing waitress took this pic of my bestie and I-- stuffed girls sadly about to resume leaving states apart again. I am most thankful to have such a kind, generous, thoughtful friend who is more like a kindred sister. I will always be gracious knowing that there was one person who wanted to be there, that showed up whether for emotional support or dinner company-- in which that happened for the two nights I was home. It felt wonderful to have an attentive ear allowing me to vent out my personal life's frustrations the previous night at Chipotle over burrito bols. Plus, I appreciated our love woes and geeky pipe dreams of Wizard Worlds and Walker Stalkers (a special con exclusively for The Walking Dead fans). What a pleasant honor to have found such a friend-- and since high school no less!

Dayton inspires? True more or less that you can physically take the hometown girl away from her hometown, but never take the emotive essence of the hometown spirit out of her......

A Short Visit Home Part One: Butter Cafe Goodies & Mom Love

Whenever in Dayton, a vegan's best bet is always a morning trek to Butter Café for delicious plant based dishes. I tried out the tofu scramble tacos (which was a special of the day) on a bed of mixed greens with a side of breakfast potatoes.

Tofu scramble tacos also featured slices of ripened avocado, corn, and black beans with a side of mild salsa.

After breakfast, I visited my mom who is in fine spirits. I thank everyone for their well wishes. She is doing great. I brought her my first watercolor still life that I completed in a continuing education class. Mom liked the piece so much, it's pinned to her corkboard alongside with a craft bunny she made on Easter.

Mom holding Butter Café's signature pink dessert box.

It was difficult to pick a cupcake. I love having many vegan options to pick from. Unfortunately, there were no lemon treasures and I hadn't had the time to find the raw vegan lady specializing in raw lemon blueberry cheesecakes. Yet Butter Café is no mere loser. In fact, I think we scored big with these pretty delights. I decided with the vegan trio-- strawberry kiwi, snickerdoodle, and banana.

As we watched Maleficent, we ate our delightful, yummylicious cupcakes, the beautiful yellow rose banana being a sweet surprise. Ma had the strawberry kiwi (which flavor wise was the best! with a fruity, citrus cake and light frosting).

The snickerdoodle cupcake was phenomenal, tasting like my favorite scrumptious cookie in a moist, fluffy cake with an irresistible cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

All in all, I enjoyed spending precious moments with my mom. I only see her once a year. Perhaps, I must change this habit. Time is a short, fickle thing that one cannot take lightly. The second I saw her smiling wide, sitting in her wheelchair waving from the window was a highlight of this trip back to Ohio.  I learned a lot: from talking a bunch about past and future, watching her undergo leg therapy, beating her old walking distance on the walker, retaining a happy spirit....
There are just some experiences a child (even at adult age) shouldn't miss out on when it comes to their parents. They are getting older, but also fragile too.

In Good Company At Leo Bistro, Butter Cafe & Thai 9

Welcome back to Dayton. This is the top of "Jain Shrine" at the Dayton Art Institute.

Leo Bistro

Every time I return to my roots, Butter Cafe and Thai 9 are the best vegan friendly local restaurants, but I was in for an astonishing venture at Leo Bistro, Dayton Art Institute's newly renovated contemporary lunch/brunch cafe.

The black bean wrap, ordered sans wrap, came with zesty corn and black beans with cilantro, onions, and lettuce. I had French fries, shoestring style and quite crisp, were a side choice.

The purpose of our trip was to see "American Sampler: Grandma Moses and the Handicraft Tradition." A pleasing survey looks back on the remarkable life of folk painter and embroidery wonder, Anna Mary Robertson Moses aka Grandma Moses. She worked with needle and thread most of her days until arthritis said to pick up a brush instead of dedicating herself to intricate needlework. 

After Grandma Moses, we traveled through Dayton Art Institute's prestigious Africa and Asia acquired collections. A kind gallery docent offered to take our picture in India.

Butter Cafe

On Saturday morning, I wanted to have breakfast at Butter Cafe and urged my brothers to try it out-- especially the delicious seasoned potatoes, a certain brother's favorite food. I was delighted that they enjoyed the little popular bunch spot-- more so when they expressed desires to return. Yes!!!!

The Tofu Scramble is my go-to choice with a side of vegan sausage, seasoned potatoes, and whole wheat toast with vegan butter.

Tasty, light, pliant powdered sugar sprinkled vegan pancakes with a side of vegan butter and oh so sweet maple syrup. I could only eat one pancake, but thankfully I split the other one.

Family bonding love: Bengals clad little bro, Pelle Pelle older bro, and I post breakfast. I pray that we all get together like this again someday. That was excellent!

Thai 9 Part I

On that same Saturday, I had a congenial evening get together with good long-time friends at Thai 9, one of the finest Asian cuisine joints in Dayton.

The delicious Mango Salad. Remember when I invented a version called Almost Raw Mango Side Salad?

Tofu Fried Rice with basil and tomatoes.

Dearest pals John, Nikki, and Kelli. I've known them for almost 18 years now. I'm honored to have such special, supportive people in my life. I love my other family.

Thai 9 Part II

On the sad departure day, my high school art teacher, having missed the Saturday get together wanted to eat at Thai 9 too. I can never deny eating Thai 9 twice. I love that place! Always excellent food and pleasant service! Definitely the perfect place to laugh, have wonderful conversation, and say goodbye-- temporarily.

Avocado rolls are always a splendid choice for a huge avocado aficionado!

Tofu Fried Rice with broccoli and a side of crunchy, irresistible peanuts-- no egg of course. Just yummy!

Never Forget The Roots

The one seed that never stops being watered. Growth doesn't end with age. I will breathe and live in art forever. That's my happily ever after.

I'm home in Dayton for holiday break-- a much needed reprieve from stressful strenuous situations that reached to a critical breaking point. After assigned readings of Bell Hooks and Adrian Piper and trying to discuss those readings, personal attacks on race misconceptions burst inside overly heated seminar classroom last Monday. I found myself lost and shamefully led astray, needing compass and true direction. Conflicts that I shall not write into. In fact, since last night's Ferguson verdict, my mind has been stewing in pain and numbness. A wicked spider weaved a manifestation of anger filled thread into brain, layering thickly upon my heart. To bear witness to photographic images of a distraught family not receiving justice blew world to shattered smithereens. This case brought out the best and worst in the anonymous humanity. Internet serves as both fundamental education and grisly horror. For behind cyber screens are either powerful passionate activists dedicated to obliterating our country's massive problems or obscenely dangerous villains wanting only steadfast segregation.
Thus, a trip to Belmont High School this afternoon soothed like a healing balm, an elixir caressing inner wounds. Inside my former high school art teacher's classroom, Mrs. Carol Rogers that is, was once second home, a refuge (when she taught at Colonel White High School for the Performing Arts). Sounds of laughter and Damian Marley play loud. Happiness soon impregnated doubt, especially conversations about former students turning to arts colleges, refusing not to let their talents diminish. In other words, they were not statistics. 
Today I watched diverse teenagers, this up and coming generation of all sorts of different backgrounds and minorities. They chatted together whilst printmaking, drawing still life, or painting banners. I wasn't thinking about world news or social media or what happened in that classroom last Monday.
As I observed and learned:
I didn't see monsters or demons.
I didn't see "things" or "its" to fear.
I didn't see "black eyes filled with hatred."
I didn't see 3/5 of a human.
I didn't see threats.
I saw truth and promise.
I saw light, laughter and goodness.
I saw so much hope for dreams fulfilled.
I saw future artists, inventors, teachers, geniuses, and whatever they choose.
Most of all, I saw flesh and blood peoples deserving a chance just to be. 

Students worked with renown local artist James Pate to create large scale black and white portraits of phenomenal leaders-- Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. They each had a section of the grid and used charcoal on white paper to successfully render amazing, realistic renderings. I hear that Mother Theresa will be next in line for such a prestigious honor.

Bison mural unveiled last year also led by Pate. Three panels combined of individual student portraits form traditional Belmont mascot. Charcoal and chalk with red and blue (school colors) acrylic paint mixed with Mod Podge create a captivating composition that hangs in the school's main hallway. It was quite wonderful to see this being created by a bunch of enthusiastic students and playing a small part. There's truly nothing like working with youth who enjoy art. Nothing.

Student rolling up a woodcut print.

Wood cut close up entails a hand clutched basketball diving into the net.

"Without value you couldn't see anything," says Pate to one of the special drawing group-- a group for advanced young artists during last period. "If everything were the same exact color, there would be no contrast and no way to draw it. You can cheat nature if you understand value."

Their composed seemingly simple still life was plastic fruit, a cup, and wine bottle.

Students in action with charcoal.

Another student cuts out New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony.

This print came out wonderfully all due to this incredibly intricate line work. Short lines verses long lines in varied direction. Thick lines and narrow lines build intriguing highlights. Lots of precise decision making reflected here. He captured facial gesture, the very essence of this famous basketball player.

No words for special bonds forming between an art teacher and her fellow students. Mrs. Rogers has been a monumental figure in my life for seventeen years now. She's one of my dearest, truest friends and loves each and every one of her students-- has a memory like one wouldn't believe. It's amazing to see her each year, activating classroom, sprinkling her witty, humorous charm into the kids. They all love her as much as I do.