| Miami Valley Institute of Food & Spirits |
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Current Member Count **88** Upcoming events
Events for the rest of the year can be viewed on our Events link.
EVENTS------------------------------------------- Engineer's Club Tour & Dinner
Dave Corcoran then led an engaging tour of the club, sharing its rich history and its important role in the legacy of Dayton. His insights gave us a deeper appreciation for the setting and its place in the city’s innovation story. DOWN ON THE FARM
Our recent Wine and Dine Down on the Farm was a wonderful experience, hosted at the beautiful Sparks Springs Farm in Spring Valley, OH. Over 60 members and guests gathered to enjoy a perfect spring evening filled with great food, lively conversation, and a unique look at agritourism in action. Owners Gregg and Lori Sparks shared their inspiring journey of building a self-sustaining farm modeled after those from 1880–1920. Attendees enjoyed the charming grounds and met baby piglets, goats, sheep, and chickens while learning how the couple raised their barn, built their farm, and now live off the land. A delicious meal, catered by Brock Masterson's, featured a pasta bar, fresh salad, and homemade rolls. Special thanks to Gregg and Lori Sparks for sharing their beautiful venue and to event coordinators Jayne & Bill McDougall and Missy & Tim Everman for organizing this memorable evening. | EVENTS---------------------------- A Night to Remember at Whisperz Speakeasy-Sep 2025 Dine Around
Inside, the mood was set with a smooth jazz trio playing live while guests sipped on crafted cocktails and shared delicious small plates. With wine at half price and conversation flowing easily among the 30 attendees, it was the perfect atmosphere for connecting, relaxing, and soaking in the speakeasy vibe. Whisperz isn't just a bar—it’s an experience. Whether you're a wine lover, a fan of old-school elegance, or just in search of something off the beaten path, this spot truly delivers a taste of the Prohibition era with a modern twist. Slideshow below: HAWAIIAN LUAU
Charlie and Ginnie McKenzie drew on their Hawaiian background to treat us to a wonderful evening at their 'Hale' last Saturday. Many guests arrived in colorful Hawaiian shirts and dresses, adding to the festive atmosphere. Bob and Jeanne Evans greeted everyone with delicious Mai Tais and Blue Hawaiian cocktails, and offered each guest a lei to wear — a lovely touch of island hospitality. Dinner featured a delicious spread of Kalua pork, Huli Huli chicken, steamed rice, Hawaiian mac salad, and purple poi. Everything was truly delightful. After dinner, Stacie and Adam Remaly led a lively dance lesson featuring the Hukilau. Following much laughter and practice, we held a fun competition — congratulations to our winners, Kathleen Wilson and Ed Olszewski, our visitor from Syracuse! Please enjoy pictures from our Hawaiian Luau event. Just click on a picture below and the slideshow with all 12 pictures will be available for viewing. Bourbon Tasting & Barbecue
Enjoy our event pictures below. Select any photo to open the entire slide show. | Friendsgiving Feast Brings Food, Fun, and Friendship to Stonehill Barn!
Fifty-five hungry (and happy!) friends gathered to celebrate friendship, gratitude, and of course—fantastic food! Charlie McKenzie and Bob Evans wowed everyone by deep-frying six golden, crispy turkeys, while members brought an incredible spread of Thanksgiving-inspired side dishes and wines to share. Our expert carving crew—Jim Steiger, Adam Remaly, Dennis Cassette, Jim Folck and Bill McDougall—made sure every plate was piled high with perfection. A big thank-you goes out to the Evans, McKenzies, Steigers, Gillands, Haywards, McDougalls, Remalys, Cassettes, Dave Cocoran, and Nancy Klingler for their help making it all run smoothly.
The afternoon was filled with laughter, great company, and holiday cheer. The event was such a hit, we’re already planning an encore Friendsgiving for November 2026! Champagne & Chukkas at the Polo Match - September 14, 2025 It was a picture-perfect day for an unforgettable outing to the Bryn Du Mansion Great Lawn and Polo Field in Granville, OH. A chartered party bus whisked 30 members and guests from Dayton to the event, where they were greeted with a welcoming glass of champagne under sunny skies. Before the match began, a few of the players—including Janet’s son, Matt—rode over on their ponies to share insights about the game and answer questions. Guests then enjoyed six exciting chukkas (periods), each lasting seven minutes, with the announcer offering lively commentary throughout. Between chukkas, many joined in the classic polo tradition of stomping the divots! After the final goal, everyone gathered for a delicious dinner prepared by Doris and Andy Rossi, featuring homemade crab cake sandwiches, potato salad, and coleslaw, followed by decadent chocolate fudge cake for dessert. The laughter and camaraderie continued on the bus ride home to Dayton, capping off a truly fun, elegant, and one-of-a-kind experience. MVIFS Summer Picnic at Paw Paw Pavilion - August 17, 2025
MVIFS members gathered on Sunday, August 17th, at the Paw Paw Pavilion in Hills & Dales Park for our annual summer picnic. A DLM box lunch, cool beverages, and plenty of conversation made for a relaxed and enjoyable evening together. It was a pleasant way to share good company and celebrate the season. June Dine Around-The Silos |
Farm to Table
Update from Oakview Elementary: 
July 2025 Update
On Saturday, April 26, we enjoyed a wonderful and informative evening at the historic Dayton Engineers Club, joined by many of our MVIFS friends and neighbors. The evening began with drinks and hors d’oeuvres, providing a lively opportunity to connect and mingle.
Step back in time—we did! Guests were transported straight into the glamour and intrigue of the Roaring ‘20s at the exclusive Whisperz Speakeasy, one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Once you entered the lobby, you could not go further until you shared the secret password—then, like magic, the wall slid open, revealing a world of velvet lounges, glittering chandeliers, and vintage charm.
Saturday, 14 June was a wonderful evening spent at Jane Mitakides’s beautiful home in Kettering. Jane readily admits that she bought such a huge home to entertain her friends, and she did exactly that for over fifty of her MVIFS friends and guests. We all enjoyed a guided bourbon tasting, featuring a carefully curated selection of five outstanding bourbons… four high end, and one super-top shelf. Joining us for the event was an expert on the history and making of bourbon, Ryan Burnette, of Pleasureville, Kentucky. His farm, on the heart of the bourbon trail, has been in his family since 1786 when his 4th great-grandfather bought it from Daniel Boone's brother. Following the tasting, a barbeque dinner featuring beef, pork, chicken, traditional sides. Our sincere thanks to Jane for hosting this great “Bourbon Tasting” event and to Katie Mitakides for her outstanding support. 
