Record shop owner Luke Tandy shares ideal ‘last meal’ in Dayton

For some people, music feeds their soul. That’s true for local record store owner Luke Tandy.

Luke recently opened up Skeleton Dust Records in the new Fireblocks District of Downtown Dayton. Since he is an fan of eclectic music, Luke decided to open a store that reflects a wide variety of tunes, from rock to reggae, electronic to metal, Skeleton Dust Records will carry it on vinyl, cassette tape or CD.

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“Even if you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for, you can be sure to walk away with something new and interesting,” he said.

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So when Luke isn’t feeding his soul with experimental tunes and eclectic art, he’s gotta fill his stomach with something satisfying too. I sat down with Luke to find out what he likes to eat in Dayton, and should he have just one dish to end all dishes, which would he choose?

His pick: a twist on a classic, the BLT toast at Corner Kitchen. With thick slices of Nueske's smoked bacon, perfectly toasted challah bread, a spread of tomato jam and black pepper mayo.

“It’s a divine intersection of sweet and salty flavors, and soft and crunchy textures. You truly can’t understand how tasty bacon can be until you’ve had it in his context. Just give me a whole plate of it and I would be content to have it as my last meal,” Tandy said.

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It’s Corner Kitchen’s quality food in an unpretentious atmosphere that Luke loves about Dayton. It’s affordable, yet eclectic with tons of art and music offerings to stimulate your mind, and lots of great dining options. But there’s only one small gripe about Dayton’s food scene: “Can someone explain to me why there is not a single Indian restaurant in the downtown area?!?!”

I hear you on that, Luke.

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With long hours he put into getting his new record store open, I asked Luke what and where he likes to drink to unwind. As a beer drinker, Crafted and Cured is his favorite place to grab a pint.

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Credit: Mark Fisher/Staff

Credit: Mark Fisher/Staff

“They have the most specialized menu of beer, offering mostly rare beers and styles that are not normally featured in other places,” he said. “It is an absolute destination if you consider yourself a craft beer nut.”

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Variety is key for Luke. He seeks it in his drinks, his dining, his art and definitely his music.

At Luke’s new record store Skeleton Dust Records, not only is there music from every genre, but also rotating shows of sound and visual art. In other words, something for everyone.

And if his eclectic taste in food is any indication of his record collection, well then, Skeleton Dust Records might just be Dayton’s coolest new spot.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tess is a restaurant professional, home-baker and downtown Dayton dweller. When she's not mixing drinks for restaurant patrons, she's drinking champagne, buying shoes, or writing her blog, Ciao Vella. You can read about her home recipes, party planning tips, and more at www.CiaoVellaBlog.com.

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