Tasty November events to kick off the holiday season

The end of November is home to the mother of all holiday meals. But there's more to look forward to this month.

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DOROTHY LANE MARKET FOOD AND WINE SHOW

WHEN: 7-9:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7

WHERE: Dorothy Lane Market, Springboro

Get this event on your radar for 2020, as this year's event is sold out. Taste wines from around the world and from some of the best producers, and talk to knowledgeable sommeliers all while sampling chef-driven food prepared by DLM's best. A ticket to the Food & Wine Show includes an opportunity to taste from a selection of nearly 200 fine wines and beer with hors d'oeuvres and food stations. More information: dorothylane.com

WINDS CAFE 30TH ANNUAL GARLIC DINNER

WHEN: 5-9:30 p.m., Nov. 12-14

WHERE: 215 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs

The years that I have attended this event have been one of the best meals I've had over the course of that particular year. This year’s dinner will be very special featuring the best dishes that have been made over the last 29 years. Last year featured beautiful varieties of garlic from Peach Mountain Organics. The dinner featured a garlic fondue cracker topped with beet and garlic cured and smoked salmon; a garlic oil poached halibut with clams, garlicscape broth, garlic schmear and fried capers; deconstructed duck and garlic cassoulet; garlic poached carrot salad with lavender, crunchy garlic chips, and roasted garlic vinaigrette; Kokoborrego Owl Creek tomme with fig garlic jam and Blue Jacket ludlow with garlic, hyssop, chive syrup and black garlic beignets with black garlic caramel. It's as impressive and flavorfully forward as it sounds. Call 937-767-1144 to reserve your place at the table as reservations fill up fast. Cost is $65 per person or $80 per person with wine pairings. Prices do not include tax or gratuity.

Pro tip: Bring mints. Lots of them.

WAFFLE SHOP

WHEN: 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Nov. 17-20

WHERE: Christ Episcopal Church, 20 W. First St. Dayton

Every fall, Waffle Shop at Christ Episcopal Church opens for a wonderful four consecutive days offering up homemade waffles, sausage, soups, sandwiches, salads, desserts and drinks. Now in it's 86th year, it is still packing in people, and for good reason — it's delicious. There's a craft bazaar, bake sale, raffle and much more. The church shares 75 percent of the funds raised with local charities and programs and the remainder goes to help the church. It's delicious food at a great price and definitely the best place to lunch downtown from Nov. 17-20. Lunch orders can be faxed in at 937-223-2416

Visit www.daytonchristepiscopal.com for more information.

Credit: E.L. Hubbard

Credit: E.L. Hubbard

33RD ANNUAL CHRISTMAS IN SPRINGBORO FESTIVAL

WHEN: Nov. 22-24

WHERE: Downtown Springboro

More than seven blocks of South Main Street (Central Ave. to Mill St.) will be taken over during the Christmas in Springboro event. The festival features heated tents filled with shopping from local craft and retail vendors, music and entertainment from local organizations and various children's crafts and activities. Join them Saturday at noon to watch the parade and see the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus. The streets will be lined with more than 30 food vendors fulfilling all your dining needs. Be on the lookout for your opportunity to hop on the horse-drawn wagon with pickup/drop-off locations at either end of the festival. For more information visit www.springborofestivals.org

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SUGARPLUM FESTIVAL OF TREES

WHEN: Nov. 22-24

WHERE: Dayton Masonic Temple, 525 W. Riverview Ave., Dayton

The Sugarplum Festival of Trees will showcase a spectacular array of trees on display open to the public Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. with boutique shopping, a kids shopping corner, and nutcracker sweets available. Friday night they will have a snowball cocktail party with heavy hors d'oeuvres and cocktails for $100 per person. Saturday they will have a special sugarplum tea for the whole family with finger sandwiches, scones, and more for $50 for adults and $20 for children. Sunday they will wrap up the weekend with a breakfast with Santa for $35 per adult and $20 per child. Visit www.childrensdayton.org/sugarplum2019 for more information on this special weekend of events coordinated by the TWIGS Auxiliary of Dayton Children's Hospital. All proceeds support transformed behavioral health services at Dayton Children's.

RINGING IN THE HOLIDAYS

WHEN: 6:30-10 p.m., Nov. 23

WHERE: Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton

Held the weekend before Thanksgiving, Ringing in the Holidays is Carillon Historical Park's annual holiday gala. Featuring live music, gourmet hors d'oeuvres, delicious desserts, specialty cocktails, a silent auction, and more, this festive occasion is the perfect way to, well, ring in the holidays. Ringing in the Holidays has become a longstanding tradition at Carillon Historical Park. The theme of the event changes year-to-year, and Dayton's Most Delicious Dessert contest is always a highlight. For reservations call 937-293-2841, ext. 127 or visit www.daytonhistory.org.

Cost: $75 for members, $85 for non-members

NOSHUP AT LA COSTENITA

WHEN: Seating 1: 4-5:30 p.m., seating 2: 6:30-8 p.m. on Nov. 24

WHERE: La Costeñita Mexican Restaurant, 2701 East 3rd St., Dayton

Ethnosh is heading to La Costeñita Mexican Restaurant for its second event. Celebrate Thanksgiving early with Ethnosh for a plate full of some great Mexican cuisine and a chance to meet the family and staff who bring so many tasty dishes to the Miami Valley. NoshUps are casual tasting events held at select restaurants featured by Ethnosh. These events bring people together from all walks of life to sample authentic international cuisine and meet the families that bring the deliciousness to their communities. The people, flavors, and stories come together to create uniquely rich and memorable experiences for patrons and restaurant families alike. Vegan and vegetarian plates are available. Please be sure to select your preferred option on your ticket order form. Cost is $18 plus a small processing fee. Visit https://ethnosh.org/location/us/oh/dayton to learn more.

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THANKSGIVING

WHEN: Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28

Several restaurants will be hosting Thanksgiving Day meals. We will be publishing a complete list, but in the meantime, here are two restaurants you can book early to now for reservations if you are inclined to plan ahead.

• El Meson, 903 E. Dixie Dr., West Carrollton City

Noon-6 p.m. Call (937) 859-8229 or visit www.elmeson.net for more information.

• The Florentine Restaurant, 21 W Market St., Germantown

Noon- 8 p.m. Call (937) 855-7759 or visit www.theflorentinerestaurant.com for more information.

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