Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Bryan Suddith

Quest for $10 Lunch Downtown

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Affordable housing. That’s the supposed guarantee that redevelopment doesn’t become gentrification.  It’s a promise that there will be affordable housing so normal people can live in or near the newly redeveloped hip spaces that cost more than the suburbs.

I want that for food.

Affordable dining. With the introduction of “nicer” dining in downtown, Jollity, the Biscuit place, Sueno, and others, the hunt for a good lunch under $10 downtown are becoming scarce. Even that little Chinese buffet is almost $10 now for what is a less than stellar lunch buffet.

So, in good faith, here is my list of best lunches downtown for under $10.

Carmen’s Deli  (Stratocache Tower)
Carmen’s Deli Falafael Gyro for $7.95. I eat this at least once a month. No sides are necessary. With all the fresh veggies on top of that pita and crumbled Falafel, you can skip the chips or salad.

 

Benjamin’s The Burger Master  (North Main)
Beans and Cornbread with a wing or two at Benjamin’s Burger Master. If southern/soul food isn’t your thing, you can score a burger and fries well south of $10 there. It’s on Main street and delightful every time.

 

Blind Bob’s  (Oregon District)
Blind Bobs for a BLT and chips. Again, no-frills, just a great sandwich for a great price. When it’s colder I go for the Grilled Cheese with a cup of chili (or the pickle soup). You are still out the door for under $10.

 

Taqueria Garcia Mobil
7 Huffman Ave, Dayton, OH 45403 (937) 554-8196 (calling ahead speeds things up)
Tacos are $2.50 each now, but three will fill you up, leaving room for a can of cola and you’ve just had the best tacos for under $9.00. I like the chicken and chorizo mix or I get the steak. Get the street taco with cilantro and onion, skip the cheddar, lettuce, and sour cream. This ain’t Taco Bell.

Falb’s Restaurant (Over by Children’s Hospital)
If you have a minute for a short drive out of the business district, and you want a burger, or breaded pork tenderloin, with onion rings and a Coke for less than $8, get to Falb’s. Eat like a king for under $10 there. Check their daily specials.

Canal Street Arcade and Deli 
My final go-to when I can’t break the bank is the Club sandwich, half size, at Canal Street Deli. Grab a bag of chips and lunch is completed for about $9.00. My bar tab usually ruins this. A beer while you wait, a beer with lunch, cancel your one o’clock, and get another beer while you play a quick round of Golden Tee while heading to the door. Allegedly.

Where are you finding a bargain for lunch? Let us know in the comments.

Fair Food Elevated

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Visitors to the Montgomery County Fair are going to have some choices to make when it comes to lunch and dinner.

Grumpy’s BBQ and their chopped brisket!

Sure, you can find funnel cakes and all manner of fried foods and frozen drinks, but did you know that Gourmet Corndogs are a thing? I found awesome bbq today with Grumpy’s BBQ. They are local, came down from Greenville and they are serving up some awesome chopped brisket, more than the bun could handle. With a half dozen sauces, pickles, peppers and onions, you can top it the way you like. Big sandwich, big dring and slaw, $10.00.

Two soft tacos from Taco Depot

Tacos at a fair? Yes indeed. Taco Depot from Bellefontaine (pronounced Bell Fountain) Ohio are serving up pretty loaded soft tacos for $3.00. A great lunch that won’t break the bank. They invited me back for a wet burrito. Imagine a burrito made with beef and beans, then rolled, then covered in nacho cheese sauce? Get an extra napkin and carry that thing to a picnic table to eat with a fork.

Back to that gourmet Corndog. I’ve got my eye on the Reuben corndog from Bite Me, find this yellow truck and go fancy with your next corndog. No matter what you want, you are sure to find it. Soul food, fried pork tenderloins, deep fried desserts, you’ll find it all at the fair. Now through Saturday night!

 

Bite Me

 

Dayton’s Newest Food Celebrity

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People often assume it is all about the food when I travel for bbq or to judge barbecue competitions. I will stipulate that the food is good, but the people I meet are more interesting than the food.

This past weekend was no exception. I was in Franklin Indiana for the Hoosier BBQ Classis, a KCBS sanction Master Series competition. This two-day competition brought more than 50 teams from across the midwest to a small town in South Central Indiana. I was most excited to see a few of my favorite teams, like Ale Yeah from Columbus Ohio, and the BBQ Bus father-son duo from Chicago.

Photo from instagram.com/bluesmokeblaire

Then I learned that Dayton Ohio’s own Erica Blaire, team Blue Smoke Blaire, would be in attendance with her mom for the contest. Still relatively unknown to most of Dayton, she has been the subject of lots of talk in Dayton’s online foodie community in recent weeks.

It only took one minute and I was able to find her among the dozens of other teams cleaning up after Saturday’s contest. Every team knew exactly who she was and where she was set up. One knock on her RV door and were sitting by her cooling smoker on Saturday afternoon chatting all things BBQ.

First of all, she is not like the other competitors on the KCBS circuit. Most of the field looks like me. Late 40’s, early 50’s, caucasian, a little overweight, and mostly male. Erica is none of the above. Dark skinned, decidedly prettier than the field, Law School grad, and formally trained as a sommelier. And. And. She’s featured on the current season of Food Network’s BBQ Brawl, Season 2.

Erica is not a caterer, she is not a seasoned competitor, but just like those other teams set up around her, she is passionate about perfecting the art and science of barbecue. And just like those other teams, she is generous with her time, stories, and her hospitality overflows. That is why the other teams have so quickly come to admire her and have welcomed her to the BBQ competition family.

Her journey is not the story I’ve heard from a hundred teams. Like her brand of BBQ, it is uniquely Erica. She holds a Psychology Degree from Wright State and attended Law School at Rutgers, followed that by practicing criminal defense in Miami Florida. Looking for a new challenge, she moved to Napa and pursued additional training as a Sommelier. That training further fueled her love for all things food and drink taking her to San Diego California putting that training to work in the finest SoCal resort hotels.

It was her return back home to Ohio where the bug for BBQ hit. As she told me, it was her dad that encouraged her to pursue BBQ. So she did. She jumped right into the deep end in the midst of the pandemic entering virtual and in-person contests.

Photo from instagram.com/bluesmokeblaire

While still a practicing attorney and new mom, it was her contribution to The Pitmaster’s Cookbook that put her on the map. This award-winning cookbook was a project that grew from a social media pitmaster group. Soon after, one thing leads to another, and she finds herself in Austin Texas cooking for Bobby Flay, Michael Symon, and Eddie Jackson for the 2nd Season of BBQ Brawl.

My love for BBQ has put me in the pits and kitchens in Austin, KC, and Memphis. I’ve met Tootsie and Clay, Aaron Franklin, Miguel Vidal of Valentina’s, Joe from SLAP’s, and chatted with Flora Payne in Memphis, but they were all BBQ famous before I ever met them. Erica is just getting started and soon you’ll hear her name and you’ll know that means Blue Smoke Blaire BBQ and Dayton Ohio.

Join me in following Erica’s journey on the Food Network, bluesmokeblaire.com, or at instagram.com/bluesmokeblaire.

Catch Season 2, Episode 2 of BBQ Brawl on Food Network this week. I’ll be watching and rooting for Erica, one of Dayton’s own, telling everyone I know, that I know her.

Quest for The Best Soul Food

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I grew up just south of Dayton. In between Springboro and Lebanon and I grew up eating beans and cornbread on Sundays. The cornbread was made in a cast-iron skillet, and the beans were cooked all day on the stovetop. Sometimes the beans, or peas, would have a piece of ham, most times not. My little brother and I ate them with a wedge of onion. Fried potatoes were cooked in an electric skillet in lard or Crisco.

At my grandma’s apartment in Alabama fried okra, canned tomatoes that she put up, and a “mess” of greens were always part of Saturday dinners. She never cooked on Sunday. I always classified these foods as southern. A roasted chicken, a ham bone in a pot of peas, and that cornbread, white cornmeal, no sugar, baked in a skillet with lard. I now can make that cornbread and will sometimes buy a quart of buttermilk so I can eat soak the cornbread in a glass of the buttermilk and eat it with a spoon like my dad did.

It wasn’t until I was older that I learned in the north this is called soul food. Soul food scholar, author and fellow BBQ Judge Adrian Miller, says this about soul food:

“My contention is soul food is really the interior cooking of the Deep South that migrates across the country. I think of soul food as an immigrant cuisine and ultimately a national cuisine, because black folks just landed in all parts of the country.” -Adrian Miller

My grandma was born in Georgia, poor, lived in Alabama for the last 75 years of her life and worked in cotton fields, factories, and kept house for an old rich guy in the little city where she raised 7 kids on her own.

Like many others, she took the cheapest and least desirable foods and made created meals that created some of my favorite memories with my cousins and Alabama family. After her death, I began to search out the foods that reminded me of her table and the recipes my mom took from her mother-in-law’s kitchen. I have found two places that fit the bill perfectly here in Dayton.

Benjamins The Burger Master
1000 N Main St Dayton, OH 45405

When I need some beans and greens, my first stop is Benjamin’s Burger Master on Main. Most of you go there for the burger, but I go for the cornbread, collard greens, and pintos, or soup beans they always have on the line for lunch. There are always bbq ribs, made like my mom did in the crockpot, and fried chicken wings as well. But I am there for the memory of those soup beans poured over a piece of cornbread with a dash of hot sauce. When I close my eyes I can taste and smell the memories of that little eastside apartment where my cousins gathered in the tiny kitchen.

Huffies BBQ
925 McArthur Ave Dayton, OH 45417

Recently my work has me working on Edwin C Moses and that means Huffies BBQ is around the corner. This family-owned spot has been there forever. Literally. Their menu has it all. Black-eyed peas, pinto beans, fried okra, collard greens, ribs, and chicken. I had the greens, peas, and bbq ribs recently and the flavors were all there. There’s more to the menu, including burgers and fries, but that’s not what I am after when I am there.

I think southern food, soul food, is a lot like bbq. It takes a lot of time and love to create something special from foods that are often overlooked as cheap or difficult.

There has been a bevy of places that create some amazing food that gets close. Eden Spice in West Carrolton has the best fried cabbage. Stuffed Enuff on North Dixie didn’t survive the pandemic- but is still doing pop-ups,  and Fat Boyz BBQ hits all the right notes as well if you find them around town.

Where do you go for soul food and when can we meet for lunch?

Fatbacks 2.0

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No one is more excited about the return Fatbacks Barbeque than me. For more than five years this little spot on Linden Avenue has been my favorite go-to barbecue spot. Today would’ve been the eighth anniversary of the restaurant formally owned and operated by Larry “Bub” Britton.

There has been a passing of the keys (and pit) to the new proprietor Curtis Fackler. Curtis is a friend and former student of Bub’s. Curtis is a New Carlisle native who has big plans for Fatbacks while keeping the charm and menu the same as it was under Bub’s ownership.

Curtis took the keys it recently and I had a chance to sit down with him to  talk BBQ and specifically the future of Fatbacks.

Curtis told me he has already began to make some tech upgrades including new point of sale system that will allow online ordering and is investigating adding Uber Eats to increase local awareness of this locally known and adored bbq spot.

Curtis said there are no changes planned for the menu and mentioned that he is looking into more local sources for the beef and pork. Curtis is also coaxing as many of the staff back as possible. The longtime pitmaster has already agreed to return. That kind of knowledge and skill isn’t easy to come by.


Curtis lives just blocks away from the Linden Ave address where the restaurant operates and is home base for the popular Fatbacks Catering business.

During our chat I learned that the he and his partners are waiting on final health department inspections and certifications. Red tape can take time but the kitchen and smoker are ready to go on short notice. Under Larry’s coaching they have started ordering food and supplies for the upcoming grand re-opening.

Curtis Fackler

I asked Curtis if folks will be seeing Bub around the shop in the coming weeks. He said that Bub is committed to a successful hand off and will be around for an undetermined amount of time but will always have a seat at FatBacks.

I did learn a few more facts about the owner and what we can expect in 2021.

1) He’s a big Red’s fan and we may see some sports memorabilia among the Pig Hall of Fame collection that adorns the walls

2) He’s working to finishing the Fatbacks food truck that Bub started (he estimated its 90% ready)

3) Pending approval from the health department we can expect to be eating brisket, ribs and those famous pig pops in Mid-March.

Happy 8th Anniversary to Fatbacks and best wishes for a great year ahead.

Bryan’s Quest for the Perfect Superbowl Menu

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Superbowl Sunday is like Thanksgiving for me.  I love to cook for a holiday and the Superbowl is one of the top 5 foodie holidays for me. Instead of an entree and sides, its a day dedicated to small bites and appetizers.

I got a note today from Brock Mastersons with their Superbowl Party pack. They listed all their favorites bundled up for one price. Meatballs, stuffed mushrooms, veggie tray, charcuterie, mac and cheese and a bacon wrapped shrimp app. Feeds 6 fans and all for less than $90.00

That has me thinking. This Sunday it’s just me and the missus and she hates when I call her the missus, how would I spend $90 for the perfect Superbowl meal.

This is how I would roll:

Wings from Lock 27 Centerville
I’ve written about these and declared them the best in Dayton. My favorite in Dayton. Smoked. Deep fried. Peach habanero sauce. Ridiculously perfect. $14

Spinach Crab Dip from Christopher’s in Kettering
This Spin dip is next level. Spinach artichoke dip, claw crabmeat and baked, served with fried naan bread chips. $9

Chips and Dip.  From the Trolley Stop in the Oregon District
Maybe COVID has me jonesing for patio time and beer at Trolley at sunset on warm summer’s evening. Or that dip is just a wonder of culinary creativity. Either way. Its on the menu along with their nacho’s. The chorizo and queso blanco, not the veggie kind. $5.5 for Mike Sell’s and dip, $8.5 for the Macho Nachos.

So we’ve knocked out wings and plenty of dips and chips and we are only $38 dollars in.

Adding a pizza to this menu would be gluttonous, but what if one of our college kids showed up with a friend? Be prepared, that’s the Boy Scout way. So I’d go with Junior’s Pizza on Wilmington Pike in Kettering.  His pizza is a Dayton style, but heftier like Ron’s in Miamisburg or Joe’s in Riverside. I keep it classy, Pepperoni and extra cheese.
A medium two topping only sets you back $15, so add the fried pickles. They can’t be beat for $6.50 more.

We are at $60 and the only thing missing are beverages and some veggies.

Kettering’s Eudora Brewing Company is how we wrap this up.
I like the Bees Knees. Its kinda hoppy. Not too strong and has a slight sweet finish and I like that. A growler for two, the hummus plate and the fabulous Grape and Goat salad comes in at about $30.


That’s a good day and a menu to please all ages, all palates and we got some veggies in there too.

Bryan’s Favorites for 2020

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Confession: I am 8 weeks overdue for an article here at Dayton Most Metro.

I’ve been working on my latest piece in my Quest for the Best series. See past Quests here. I just can’t pull the trigger. Calling a place the best is hard to do. Too much drama from the local foodie scene when you label it the best.

My Quests started a long time ago. 5-6 or 7 years ago I created a Pad Thai crawl. My group ponied up $50 and we ate Pad Thai 5 times in one afternoon. Eat. Rest. Drive. Eat again. Repeat. Started at noon at the Greene and finished at Thai 9 at 5:00. A while later I wrote it up as my quest to find the best Pad Thai in Dayton. I don’t recommend that volume for anyone in a day.

I repeated that same format with a taco crawl, four stops, three hours. I’ve done epic 8 or 10 restaurant crawls in Kansas City in 48 hours. Same in Memphis. Austin. Once did 4 BBQ places in one day here in Southwest Ohio.

In case you are wondering, my favorite BBQ in all of Southwest Ohio is either Just Q’in (Walnut Hills) or Combs BBQ in Middletown. Here in Dayton I like most all, City, Oink, Smokin, Fat Backs, and FlyBy are all legit and doing good stuff with BBQ here. If I didn’t list a local brick and mortar store in Dayton just now, that was on purpose. Either I don’t like it, or it doesn’t count as a BBQ spot for me.

Bryan tackling the beef rib at Franklin BBQ, Austin Texas

I later wrote about the best Reuben in Dayton. I had Reuben sandwiches at 17 restaurants over an 8 week period. That’s two a week or more for two months. I thought I found the best. I really just found my favorite.

All this to say, in recent weeks and months I have seen the worst in foodies when the subject of “Wheres the Best?” arises in a conversation.

If I have learned anything its that best is subjective. There are no standards for  best Pad Thai and when you factor in regional tastes or the chef putting it together its impossible to decide on the standard for best. Same with biscuits and gravy. Or tacos. Tacos people! Tacos are more regional in Mexico than pizza in the US.

What people are asking, when they ask for the best, is this: What is your favorite?

Asking that question takes away the debate. My favorite my not be your favorite. But no matter what the sauces are, or the cut of meat, my favorite is still my favorite.

In third grade, Jennifer Whitley quietly smoked the rest of Mrs. Hopkin’s class in the 50 yard dash. She was not the best runner. She was simply the fastest runner in the class that day. And for many days and years ahead. There’s a difference. Best. Fastest. Favorite. That is also the day I learned I would never be on the track team.

When we say best, we say favorite, and when we say favorite, we often mean personal or nostalgic. I am an unabashed Skyline Chili guy and Cassano’s pizza guy. I love them both. Unashamed.  Those two places were a big deal in the small town I grew up in. I have close personal memories of dining with my family at the Lebanon London Bobby’s and later Cassano’s pizza. Up here, closer to Dayton, Marion’s is an institution. For many of the same reasons.

Recently I had the best service and the best complete dinner I’ve had this year. It was at Jay’s Seafood in the Oregon district. I had never been there. My tastes tend more to Abners, Taco trucks and low brow BBQ, not fine dining.

But. Jay’s did not disappoint. If I shared the menu with you, someone would tell me how they got better scallops or white fish or spinach salad somewhere else in town. Maybe the fried oyster was not the best. But it was perfect for me. Delightful crispy fritter with a well cooked tender oyster tucked inside. Having lived in Florida on the coast and in Louisiana near the coast, it was as good as I ever had. If I called it the best, someone would call me out for knowing nothing about fried oysters. If there was a technical error, it was never observed under the lighting of perfect and attentive service, a romantic dining room and gorgeous dinner partner.

I’ve had similar perfect nights at Mamma Disalvos, Treasure Island, Oakwood Club, Pine Club, and Thai 9 has never let me down. Some will comment and disagree with my experience, saying theirs wasn’t the same. Your experience and my experience don’t have to be the same for them both to be true.

So, for my best of list this year I offer this instead, my favorite foods and where to get them:

Italian – Mamma Disalvos
Deli – Zink’s Centerville (Pork tenderloin is ridiculous)
Burger – Disalvo’s Deli (Thursday’s only)
Taco – Garcia Mobil truck (3rd and Huffman)
Pizza – Cassano’s or Old Scratch
Pad Thai – House of Thai (Beavercreek)
Cuban Sandwich – El Meson (best con gris too)
Biscuits and Gravy – Tanks or Mom’s (if you know you know) (Franklin Ohio)
Falafel – Carmen’s Deli
Reuben – FlyBoys Deli
Fried Chicken – Krispy Krunchy Chicken, Gas station, Stroop and Far Hills
Bakery – Big Sky
Chili – Slyder’s Tavern
Wings – Lock 27
Patio – Trolley Stop (I can’t wait to be there again)
Bar – Lily’s

I know what is going to happen. People are gonna see this list. They are going to comment, sure that is good, but have you had…..? The chances are I have. I probably really have tried your spot. So let’s remember. I’m not saying the best. I am saying this is my favorite.

Falb’s tenderloin and rings.

For the record, Zink’s makes a fantastic burger, always cooked perfect. Carmen’s Deli makes a great Reuben. FlyBoy deli has a reuben pizza that will have you rethinking your life. It’s that good. Tank’s burger and those fries. Killer. Thai-9 has my favorite Red Curry and their sushi is top notch. Yummy Burger has great Pad Thai if a burger isn’t your thing. Company 7 has great wings and bbq too. Jimmy’s Ladder 11 has a shrimp po’ boy that reminds me of Baton Rouge. For a burger and beer, its hard to have a better experience than Blind Bob’s and their wings are legit too.  Fastest lunch under $10? Falbs.

My favorite calamari ever was at Oakwood Club, my most memorable black and bleu burger came from there too, same night. That night was a celebration. Friends. Drinks. War stories. The food just came and we shared and ate. I remember the people as much as the calamari, cocktails and that burger that arrived just as the kitchen was closing. Are there better burgers? Maybe, but that night, well that can’t be done again. You see, the calamari was just one part. It was the experience as much as the perfect cut, tasty tempura or the accompanying sauce. Favorite. Not best.

So, tell me your favorite, leave a comment and tell me yours!

Dayton Story Slam Champ To Be Heard On The Moth

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Over the last four and half years Story Slam Dayton has welcomed more than 100 storytellers to the stage. A few have found themselves on bigger stages in bigger cities telling stories for The Moth. The Moth hosts open mic storytelling events across the US and abroad. Dayton tellers have racked up wins in Pittsburgh, Detroit, Chicago, Louisville and Ann Arbor.
Perhaps the biggest testimony to Dayton storytellers was the The Moth Mainstage that filled the Victoria Theater in April of 2019. One of the tellers that night was Jackie Andrews. Jackie is a Dayton Story Slam regular and frequent winner of the Dayton open mic events. This weekend The Moth Radio hour will be presenting the April 2019 show in its entirety featuring Jackie’s story.

Photo courtesy of themoth.org

The Moth airs weekly on Dayton’s very own WYSO. Find it Saturday at 2:00 or Wednesday evening at 11:00.  For more details or to find a station near you, visit https://themoth.org/radio-hour/live-from-dayton
If you enjoy the Moth Radio hour like we do,  join Dayton storytellers and story fans for Story Slam Dayton’s December virtual slam. Visit Story Slam Dayton for details. This free Zoom event makes room for all storytellers and fans. December’s story theme is Good Food, Good Friends. We hope to see you there.

Mamma DiSalvos- Authentic Italian Family Owned Restaurant

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Far too often the end of the year brings a notable list of our favorite restaurants that have gone away.

Dayton is famous for these lists. Every year we create them. We applaud the new ones and mourn the old ones. For some of us, reminiscing the old spots is akin to showing everyone our old baseball cards. Talking about the old days. The better days.  Dayton is especially fond of these lists. I have stories from my early days in politics from Dominic’s on South Main. When I worked for the county it was long lunches at Grubb Steak on North Main where friendships and memories were made.

Everyone has a spot to add to this list. Maybe for you, its the The Parkmoor, Chin’s, or Duke’s Golden Ox.

These places were vintage Dayton and tons memories were made in these spots.  That is how I feel about Mamma Disalvo’s today.  For more than 4 decades, Mamma and her sons have been serving up Dayton’s best Italian cuisine from a little spot in Kettering.

Mamma’s is a date night place for us. We go there for Valentine’s and anniversaries and those occasions when we have time to sit and enjoy the pace of appetizers and a drink, salad, then dinner and a quiet dessert, all while never feeling rushed.

Mamma’s is a comfort place. The food is homemade, by family, and served like you are family. We keep going back and encouraging our friends to go for two reasons. The first, we don’t want it on the year-end memories list. Second, it’s just really good food and what Vinny, Mamma’s grandson, is doing in the kitchen just feels natural and right.

Vinny recently returned from six months in Italy where he studied his craft, learning to cook authentic Italian food.  He trained close to wear his family, generations before, called home. He studied in Italian, taking a crash course upon arrival so he could learn the recipes and techniques in the native language. He returned with a new confidence, new recipes, and some serious bread making skills.

Recently I sat down with friends and enjoyed a chef’s dinner served by Vinny himself. It was if the baton had been handed off insuring Mamma’s was set for another generation. It was course after course of his best stuff, minus the famous meatballs.

We shared end of season tomatoes, with fresh mozz and basil underneath a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic. This came alongside Mamma’s antipasto platter with shaved Parm, olives and an assortment of cured meats and prosciutto. Dishes like this are for sharing, for talking, reaching and passing, and taking your time. The creamy prosciutto just melts on the tongue and when followed by a flake of the parm, you experience a near perfect bite.

The main courses followed, a carbonerra with peas, panchetta, tomatoes, broccoli and an egg sauce that was perfect. Tossing hot pasta with egg is no easy task and Vinny executed flawlessly. My favorite dish made the list and that is the Rigatoni with Vodka sauce. I’ve asked for this sauce to be bottled and sold like Mamma’s marinara and salad dressing to no avail. I just keep ordering.

Vinny surprised us with fresh bread and plate of shrimp scampi. You could smell the butter and garlic 10 feet ahead of the platter. Cooked perfect and balanced with a hint of the white wine added some acidity to cut the rich butter that coated the shrimp.

And then there was dessert and I am thankful he brought half slices. The tiramasu is killer with real espresso and dark chocolate working together in a bitter sweet balance. A great evening, full of sharing, conversation and a meal prepared by family. Mamma’s family. It felt like home.

 

Small side note: Their pizza is fantastic. Call ahead and pick it up or stop in and enjoy a glass or two of wine with your pizza. You won’t be disappointed.

The search for authentic Italian, in a local, family-owned and prepared, restaurant is over. Mamma’s is it.

Hours:
Wed-Sat  4 – 9pm
Sun 4 – 8pm

Wing Zone Worth Checking Out!

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Ratna and Amit

Almost two years ago I wrote here about my Quest for the Best Wings in Dayton.

Over those two years, I have had some stellar wings. Recently stumbled upon some bad ones, and always end up back at my go to. Elsa’s or Fricker’s are my regular.

Then I found a little spot in West Carrollton. A locally owned franchise of Wing Zone. This little joint is tucked inside an old Taco Bell building on South Dixie in the heart of West Carrollton. Ratna and Amit are a husband and wife team who chose Dayton for their franchise, coming here from Chicago.

Wing Zone is more than wings. But I was there this week to eat the wings and that is what I did.

I tried the traditional and boneless variety. Both were spot on and good sized. These are a lightly breaded wing and settle in or call ahead. These are made to order. There were no heat lamps spotted in the kitchen holding food.

I had the Thai Chili and the Garlic Parm (which was buffalo ish in nature). Both had great flavor and heat, but enjoyable. We also tried the Tame (a mild buffalo flavor) and that was my favorite. All the buffalo flavor without unnecessary heat.

The menu is full of surprises beyond wings. Tenders are a big seller and so are the Thigh Wings! Yes. Thighs. Imagine a cut down chicken thigh, deep friend and sauced. Its a dark meat wing!

I tried the Cajun Burger too. Spicy! Great all beef patty, again cooked to order, blackened and topped with bacon and a spicy sauce. Liked the fact that the lettuce, tomato and onion are packed separately so they burger bun doesn’t get soggy.

I skipped the salads, wraps and quesadillas, but made note of these items for a future visit. There are even a few dessert options including Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks, Funnel Cake Fries and Oreo Churros.Pricing beats most other competitors and the service is top notch. Ill be back for a carryout order again soon.

Here are my tips:

  • Try a few sauces.
  • Call ahead for pick up at their drive-thru window
  • Or…order for delivery if you are south of town.

Get a side of fries or the wedges, these were great dipped in ranch like we do here in Ohio.

 

Wing Zone (West Carrollton)

654 E Dixie Drive
West Carrollton City, OH 45449

(937) 660-5267

Sun – Thurs 11am – 11pm
Fri and Sat 11am – midnight2I

Find their entire menu on their website or on their Facebook page.

Story Slam is Back for a 5th Season!

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If you are fan of The Moth radio hour then you’ll love Story Slam.

Story Slam stories are 1st person true stories told live and are all centered on monthly theme.

Teller from our Feb 20 Slam

The first Slam of the season is October 20th, 7pm at Wiley’s Comedy Club.  Seating will be socially distanced and we do ask that you wear masks upon entry.  Once you are seated at your table you are welcome to remove your mask as you enjoy food and drinks. Tickets are just $5 for the show.  The theme for the October slam is Escape.

Dayton’s own Story Slam event is starting back with a two hour workshop on October 6. The workshop, that takes place at Wiley’s Comedy Club from 7-8:30pm,  will cover the basics of constructing your story for the Story Slam stage. This is perfect for both first timers and experienced storytellers looking to improve their skills creating and telling true stories in front of an audience.

Workshop participants will cover the basics of creating a 5 minute story for the stage, practice delivery at the mic and go home equipped to return with a story for the Story Slam event.

The Story Slam Workshop is only $10.00 and is taught by Bryan Suddith, Story Slam Producer and 4 time Moth winning storyteller, register online.  Each registration also comes with a ticket to a Story Slam.

Quest for the best of Black Owned Eateries

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I know my way around the Dayton food scene. At least the affordable food scene. I am not one for fancy dinners or $30 lunches, but I like to eat and I like to see and eat what Dayton has to offer.

People ask me all the time, where are the best wings, best burgers, best this, best that. I always have an answer.

Until recently. People started asking me about Black owned restaurants. I only knew of the two immigrant owned spots I frequent Nanyea Cafe (North Dixie) and Eden Spice (Central Ave in West Carrolton) as well as a food truck I hit up downtown on occasion (Courtland’s Mobile Grill).

So I had to ask, poke around Facebook a little and what I found is a bit surprising. There aren’t as many as I had thought. Also, one place I thought was Black-owned wasn’t. Still a favorite but not what I was looking for this time.

Here are the six Ill be visiting in the coming days!

The Chicken Spot
This place is more than chicken. Salads and a variety of sandwiches are on the menu. Pulled chicken thighs on a bun with mac and cheese as a topping? Yes. The Back Yard Medusa is an entire backyard bbq in one bite. This joint will add Collard Greens as a topping to the sandwich! I am not one for crazy sandwiches, but this one has my attention. Located on Siebenthaler near Philadelphia. Give them a follow on Facebook for hours and specials.

Twist Cupcakery
One of the sweetest spots in the Fireblock District is Twist. My afternoons are always made better with one of these cupcakes. Located on St. Clair, just south of Third Street. $2.50 wont buy you happiness, but it will buy you a cupcake, and that is pretty darn close. They have curbside pickup and deliver a “CupCake in a Jar” nationwide. Brownies, cookies and other treats can be found as well.

Fat Boyz BBQ

Today’s BBQ popularity can be attributed to African Americans solely. From Texas to Kansas City to Memphis, BBQ history starts with African Americans turning the less desirable cuts of meat into something delicious.

Their menus is pure bbq and they do something that few BBQ spots do, ribs by the bone. Pork Spare Ribs and Beef Ribs on the menu as well as something they call a Turkey Rib. I have to try it. Burgers and a turkey burger also make the menu. Southern sides round the menu, mac and cheese, collard greens, yams and grilled corn are great accompaniment to any entree.

Find them on Kipling Dr in Dayton Wednesday through Saturday. Check Facebook for weekly specials.

Stuffed Enuff

Soul Food joint doesn’t do them justice. With wraps and stuffed burgers on the menu, Stuffed Enuff is more than soul food. This is legit home cooked food with something for everyone. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all accounted for here

You gotta check out the stuffed breakfast burger! Imagine waffles or pancakes as the bun and let your imagination run wild.

Located on N Dixie, Stuffed Enuff is on my must eat list.

Alematic Artisan Ales

Dayton is a brew town, but did you know up north in Huber Alematic Brewery is Dayton’s only Black owned brewery? With 7 creations on tap, there is sure to be something you’ll like. Ive got my eye on the Hawaiian Passion Fruit Wheat, I like a good Wheat beer and this one sounds delightful. A few IPA, Stouts and Pale Ales round out the list. Grab food from from TJ Chumps delivered right to your table.

Alematic can be found at 6182 Chambersburg Rd. in Huber.

 

Grind House Coffee and Tea

Dayton has no shortage of coffee shops, but few have a legacy and history like Grindhouse. Bill Miller took his families passion for coffee and tea and made it a reality by importing single source coffee and tea from around the world. His shop is located inside the Meijer department store in Huber and is not to be missed. Grind House has iced coffee, teas, lemonades and every drink is hand crafted.

Grind House also leads the way in flavored coffees. My wife prefers something with a little sweetness, so their Apple Pie, Blueberry Muffin and Creme Brulee coffee blends really hit the spot. Check them out and all their merch at Meijer, 7150 Executive Blvd in Huber.

Making this list, and finding these hidden Dayton Gems isn’t easy for a white guy from the Suburbs. But, you can tell that these are spots and menus not to be missed. I follow Te’Jal on Instagram and YouTube for her show What’s The Biz. Whats the Biz is a web series that highlights the stories of black entrepreneurs. Check it out!

This episode tells the story best: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnL12Ai10ME

Check her out on Instagram too: Instagram.com/whatsthebiz_

Bryan

One Of A Kind Bourbon at Dewberry 1850

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Maker’s Mark Distillery

Attending college in Kentucky introduced me to bourbon before beer. Bourbon and whiskey was prolific in far western Kentucky where I spent 5 years in the early 90’s before bourbon became trendy. In dry Calloway County bourbon was popular in frat houses and backyard parties before there were release parties and long lines for the latest small batch.

I took a liking to Maker’s Mark. For my palette the nearby Maker’s Mark was a great fit. Smooth and caramel sweet on the front, a slow spice finish. It was my go to. By 2005 I had become an official Maker’s Mark Ambassador. Telling the world about Maker’s Mark.

That brings me to Dewberry 1850 and their new bar and restaurant. To my delight they have created and bottled their own Maker’s Private Select recipe and it is tasty. This one of a kind bourbon is only available in the contemporary and well appointed bar in the lobby of the Dayton Marriott hotel.

Unlike everyday bottles of Maker’s 46, Dewberry’s Private Select isn’t as sweet up front, heavier notes of vanilla and chocolate with a smooth yet peppery finish. I liked it alongside one of their Red Velvet cupcakes. The warm spice played well against the sweetness of the cupcake. Who doesn’t love cake and bourbon at lunch?

Here is their Makers Private Select recipe: 5 Seared French Cuvee, 2 Maker’s 46, 2 Roasted French Mocha and 1 Toasted French Spice. The staves are flavored via the amount of toasting or searing the oak pieces get from a flame.

In response to the growth of bourbon and the need to further differentiate themselves from a dozen other distilleries Maker’s Mark brought the world Maker’s 46.

Maker’s Mark 46™ was created in 2010 by Bill Samuels, Jr., In order to create something new, aged Maker’s Mark was re-barrelled and 10 seared French oak staves were added to the barrel and aged for an additional nine weeks. The product was a more robust and unique Maker’s. 46 represented the number of recipes (variations of seared and toasted staves) used to find the right combination.

Recently Maker’s opened up the “46 process” to bars and restaurants under the Private Select Product. The opportunity to create a unique version of Maker’s Mark 46. This recipe is created by altering the combinations of the wood staves added to the barrel.

While you can’t buy a bottle of Dewberry’s Private Select, you can grab it neat, over ice or in a cocktail at their bar in Dayton’s Marriott at UD. Beyond some delicious Maker’s Mark, they have their own barrel of Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve. Aged 9 years and really small batch (one barrel) it will be hard to find an exact replica of this bourbon anywhere else.

The Dewberry 1850 is the perfect spot for an after work drink with small plate and happy hour specials all week. Bring your laptop and stay late as the bar is equipped with an espresso machine with great coffees (and wifi) for those needing a place to plug in for late night work after the other coffee shops have closed. Bar is open until midnight.

Check out their bar specials, cocktails, small plates and more at https://dewberry1850.com/

Quest For Dayton’s Best: Falafel

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It was five years ago I unexpectedly found myself in Istanbul for a few days. This was a great opportunity to eat some new foods. I tried the breads, some street foods, Turkish Delight, and a range of Pistachio pastries. But..it was a sidewalk cafe near a rug vendor where I first had falafel alongside a plate of hummus. I was no stranger to hummus, but falafel, a middle eastern hushpuppy that I come to love.

Five years later and still crave Falafel. Lucky for me Dayton is full of Middle Eastern descent restaurants who are serving great Falafel. Falafel is basically a chickpea hushpuppy. Basically ground dried chickpeas, parsley and cilantro, garlic, onion, other spices and balled together and deep fried. Eat it with tzatziki or a side of hummus. This is where I get the best in Dayton.

Carmens Deli
Address: 40 N Main St, Dayton, OH 45423

The Falafel Gyro. Think traditional Gyro but with fried falafel balls that are crumbled up in the pita alongside onion, feta, olives, lettuce and tzatziki. It’s basically a greek salad with falafel crumbled atop all sitting on a warm soft pita. I have one of these every month. No lie. Every month. Ask Haitham at the register. If you are feeling extra Greek, grab a piece of his baklava for good measure. This gyro is so big and full you won’t need a side dish, as good as the side salads and fries are, you won’t need them. Grab an extra tzatziki though. You’ll be wanting more of this tart, tangy, and creamy condiment for sure. $7.50 for lunch.

Mudlick Taphouse
Address: 135 E 2nd St, Dayton, OH 45402

The Falafel Burger. Yes. Burger. Think Veggie burger but with flavor and substance. This falafel is pattied and fried and fills the bun. Topped with chipotle hummus, fresh greens and a tomato jam that would taste good on shoe leather. This entire sandwich is an experience. The falafel has a distinct punch of cumin and I like it. $12 and it’s worth every penny.

Olive Mediterranean
Address: 44 W Third St, Dayton, OH 45402

The Falafel Platter. This platter is complete with rice, a salad with feta, olives and tomato, warm pita and a pile of 5-6 falafel fritters. Deep green, crunch on the outside and Dayton’s best tzatziki served alongside. I love the crunch of the salad and it’s red wine vinagrette dressing accompanying the crunchy and creamy falafel. For $11 its a great lunch any day of the week.

The Gyro Palace (Dayton Mall location)
Address: 57 N Springboro Pike, Miamisburg, OH 45342

These guys know Falafel. They call it a wrap, but its basically a falafel gyro and I love it. There is something different about their version. It’s fried perfect and deep green color that comes from all the cilantro and parsley that is blended in. Calling it a Gyro suggests you can eat it politely with two hands, the truth is that it is overstuffed and you are gonna need a fork and extra napkins. At $6.50 its hard to beat the service, taste and price of the Palace south of town. They’ve recently opened up a Brown St. location as well.

Side note: I once had great Falafel from Trolley Stop. It’s not on the menu anymore sadly.

However, on my short list to try is:
Cedar Land Bakery
Address: 4515 Linden Ave, Dayton, OH 45432

Meadowlark
5531 Far Hills Ave Dayton, Ohio 45429

Just yesterday they introduced a new menu item- this Falafel Salad!

 

Where do you go to get Falafel? Have a recipe for your own? Share it in the comments below.

Bryan Suddith’s Favorite Downtown Lunch Spots

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After 10 years working in the Suburbs 2019 brought a new job downtown in the Fireblocks district. I was excited to be downtown for work again, after a decade of being gone, the race was on to find a new set of regular lunch spots. Downtown is on fire and I wasted little time getting acquainted.More than dining, I was pleased to find my bank branch in walking distance, a barber just blocks away and new spots to eat alongside some longtime favorites.

Here’s my regular lunch list. Regular meaning, at least once a month and a few a little more often.

Benjamin Burger Master

1000 N. Main Street

937-223-8702

Known for burgers, but I go for the home cooking. Beans, greens, cornbread, slow cooked ribs and the best fried chicken on North Main. Bring cash. I’ve been coming here for almost 15 years and now its a short drive, I get there more often. I still have yet to get a burger. It’s home-cooked food and cafeteria style gets you in an out pretty quick.

Olive Mediterranean

44 W. Third Street

937-221-8399

This place is located just west of the Arcade on 3rd. Gyros and Kabobs, as well as great hummus plates and salads. It is hard to find better service or friendlier faces behind the counter. For less than $10 you can get a serving of Baba Ghanouj, veggies, pita and a salad for a great vegetarian lunch.

Carmen’s Deli
Corner of Jefferson & 2nd  Inside of the Stratocache Tower

(937) 610-9999

Nicest place to have lunch downtown. Unparalleled service. The only place with service that goes above Olive. I’ve yet to order anything that disappointed. Two or three times a month I find my way to Carmen’s for the Reuben or Falafel Gyro. The Falafel is bright green, full of flavor and crumbled atop lettuce, tomatoes, olives, tzatziki and feta. This is another Veggie only meal that never disappoints. Stop by Carmen’s located in the Kettering Tower.

Garcia Mobil Taco Truck

1914 E. 3rd Street

(937) 554-8196

This place. I probably visit 3 times a month or more. Call ahead, have cash ready. $2 street tacos are my go to, but my office mates have ordered the Quesadilla (its a monster full of chicken, cheese and veggies) as well as the burritos. Street tacos are soft corn tortillas, meat, onions, and cilantro. I usually get three for lunch and like the steak as well as chorizo and chicken mixed in one taco. It’s a killer combo. A touch of hot sauce and a touch of the green salsa and you’ve got taco bliss. The wait can get long if you don’t call ahead. The truck can be found on East 3rd and Huffman.

Canal Street Arcade Deli
308 E. First Street
937–220–9333

If there is a better club sandwich in Dayton, I’ve yet to find it. Boars Head meats and cheese on Rahn’s bread is the answer to most lunch hour problems. Take a few office mates, split a pitcher of beer, they have 12 taps featuring local craft beers, and make it a long lunch.  The Reuben and Monster are also in my lunch rotation.

Pita Pit
1047 Brown St
(937) 723-6884

Not downtown, it’s on Brown Street but…the new free Flyer Express runs down Main Street to Brown like clockwork. Buses come by every ten minutes making a quick ride to Brown Street easy for downtown folks to expand their lunch option. Our affinity for Pita Pit has meant that we’ve ordered Pita Platters for office lunchs more than a few times this year. I like the traditional pita but the Thai Chicken and Buffalo Chicken Pitas are worth your attention.

Not Often Enough
Lock 27 at the Dragon’s Stadium never disappoints for long lunches. Its a longer walk but the wings, soups and salads make it worth it. The beer does too. This place is easy to get in and out of for lunch and there’s always room.If you work downtown, where are you getting lunch?

Quest For The Best: Hot Dog

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Springtime means the return of baseball, the opening of local ice cream and concession stands and the first firing up of the backyard grill. For me, its the return of the hotdog.
This uniquely American treat came here from Germany and quickly gained prominence on carts and at hot dog stands. Mostly associated with baseball and youth concession stands, the hotdog has made its way to menus across Dayton and we are happy about that.
Here’s where you can find the best hotdogs in Dayton:

Zombie Dogz

1200 Brown St #150, Dayton

Photo Cred: Yelp user Brett P (trio of dogs)
No one has done more to elevate the lowly hotdog than Zombie Dogs. I am not a Zombie guy. The entire genre confuses me. The menu at ZD does not confuse me. If it’s your first time here are a few reminders:
Get the tots. Trust me.Get a a few of the mini dogs. It is too hard to settle on just one dog. But. If you must choose just one. I’d suggest the Calling in Dead. It is their 1/4 all beef dog covered in Truffle Mac and Cheese with a Parmesan breadcrumb on top. It sounds heavy. Its not. Still get the tots. I’d also suggest the Chicago style, just ask for it. Juan of the Dead is popular as well, the big dog covered in pulled pork and bbq sauce. Crazy good. These are not concession stand, overly cooked mystery meat dogs. This is hotdogs on a whole ‘nother level.
Get the tots.

Rootbeer Stande

1727 Woodman Drive Dayton
Footlong hotdogs for under $5.00. You may remember I mentioned this place in my quest for the Best Pork Tenderloin, but when I want a good old school hotdog, the Stande is my go to. Here’s why.
Sauerkraut. Yes. Sauerkraut. Few places you can get a hotdog with it. They also serve Nathan’s all beef dog in a Chicago style, the Hound Dog with bacon and bbq sauce, and the Uncle Reuben. This one is made like a Reuben. Kraut, Swiss Cheese and 1000 Island dressing. Don’t wear your dress shirt for this one. The Dirty D. Bacon wrapped and deep fried. Don’t tell your doctor. Just order it with a Rootbeer and thank me later. Final two words. Onion Rings. Hot and fresh for you always at this drive up stand.

Gibbs Ole-Tyme Hamburgers

535 E Dixie Dr West Carrollton

Some would call this is cheap imitation of the Miamisburg Hamburger Wagon. Don’t listen to those negative people. This place has a similar burger, yes. But they also have one of the best hotdogs I’ve ever had in town. The Southern Dog. Deep fried along side the cast iron burgers, toped with mustard, chili, onion, mustard and slaw. Yes. AND SLAW. Its a big messy bite but perfectly balanced with hot and cold, sweet and savory. A perfect lunch is two sliders, one hotdog and a cold Coca Cola. If the Southern Dog is too much, go with the more familiar Coney Dog, coney sauce, onion and cheese.

Trolley Stop

530 East 5th Street Dayton
I’ve been known to say things like…Trolley..best patio in Dayton. Best chip dip in Dayton. Best Veggie burger.
However, the Double Dogs, a fork and knife kinda deal, should not be overlooked. Two beef hotdogs, chili (house made), onions, cheese and it comes with MikeSells chips and Herbie dip. I mentioned the dip earlier. Its worth mentioning twice. They’ve taken the hotdog to a new level here. It feels almost fancy.

Chicago Gyro and Dogs

3979 Indian Ripple Road, Beavercreek
Chicago Authentic
You’ve seen this place on my quest list before. They rank high in my book for Dayton’s best Gyro. For friends who ask for the best Chicago style dog, I send them here. Vienna Beef dogs are brought in from Chicago along with that neon green relish and sport peppers. They even have the poppy seed bug and celery salt on top like they do in the Windy City. Where else can you get an authentic Chicago style dog with authentic Chicago ingredients, made by a guy who hails from Chicago? Hint. This is the only place in Dayton and it’s only $3.00. They have a Cincy dog too, chili, cheese and onion and they are serving some of the best fries in town.
Where do you find a great Cuban sandwich? Let us know in the comments.
Check Bryan’s other quests:

Quest For The Best: Cuban Sandwich

Quest for the Best Biscuits and Gravy

Quest for Dayton’s Best: Pork Tenderloin Sandwich