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

Bryan Suddith

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

Quest for the Best Latte

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My dad, who was an over- the-road truck driver,  was a simple black coffee kind of guy. Donut shop, diner, or an exit ramp truck stop was his go to for breakfast and a thermos refill of coffee. His coffee usually came in a styrofoam cup from a driver’s break room or from an abandoned Mr. Coffee in the corner of the warehouse by the loading dock where he waited on the truck to be loaded. (bills photo)
Like my dad I am no coffee snob. I’m as loyal to Speedway as I am Starbucks. Both are convenient and fill my belly with warmth and varying degrees of caffeine. Dayton however has grown a more sophisticated taste for good coffee and good company. A recent boom of coffee shops has provided room for everyone here in town.  For fun, I took a tour drinking Latte’s in all the coffee shops in my part of town.
If I am not drinking a black coffee, I am probably enjoying a latte. I like it from a big mug. The kind that requires two hands to lift and tip. The latte is entirely Italian and kinda fancy. Often confused with a cappuccino, the latte is espresso with steamed milk and a little foam on top. Technically speaking, 1/6 espresso, 4/6 steamed milk and 1/6 foamy milk providing a frothy head. Perhaps more than you need to know. I like mine straight. No flavored syrup added.

Here is where you can get a great latte in Dayton:

Ghostlight

1201 Wayne Ave.
Latte: 16 oz $3.75
Drip: 16 oz $2.50
Everyone’s favorite. It’s comfy and familiar. This is where the Wayne Ave Coffee Trail begins. Check out this latte out. Shane has created a space akin to your favorite aunt’s living room. You will hear a great story, meet someone new and probably share a table with a stranger. Baked goods grace the counter and the baristas are in the know and will help you decide among a flavored latte, a cold brew or something unique just for your taste.

Wholly Grounds

825 Wayne Ave
Latte: 16 oz $3.00
The newest show on Wayne Avenue. Just a scone’s throw north from Ghostlight. Wholly Grounds is the most economical. Just $3.00 for the latte and the baked goods equally priced. My barista was one of the friendliest and the room the quietest on a weekday morning at 8. Plenty of room for a small meeting, friends enjoying cards or grabbing a chair in by the window and enjoying a good book alone.

Press

257 Wayne Avenue
732 Watervliet Avenue

Latte: 16 oz $4+
I stopped into the Watervliet location right after they opened. The latte was perfect. Perfect. Almost a bit too perfect. The room is minimalist in design. Not really cozy and the drink is made away from the counter. One the most expensive lattes, but the most technically correct of them all. Baked goods were few and limited to croissants and few scones.

Epic

22 West Stroop Rd. Kettering
Latte: 16oz $4+
Coffee, ice cream, sodas and the most expansive menu that included toast and bagels with a variety of toppings. This place is super comfy and I like being there. I always see someone from Kettering when I am there and it has real local feel. Uniquely Kettering somehow.  The one draw back is the unsolicited advice and history of your drink. I don’t need to know that you don’t offer a specific size of latte. Or why my latte is not a cappuccino or a variety of other tidbits you get when you order. I watched 5 customers in a row order and receive this chat about the drink they asked for. However, their latte was among my favorite. It tasted as if they used a ristretto shot, or a short shot of espresso and let the steamed milk carry that flavor. Currently my favorite for flavor, texture and beauty.

Boston Stoker

34 W Second St.,Downtown Dayton
Since 1973 Boston Stoker has been elevating Dayton’s coffee scene. Originally roasters, Boston Stoker has locations throughout the region for a great latte. Perhaps best known for the Highlander Grogg with its sweet syrup, bourbon flavor and whipped topping, these guys know how to pull a shot of espresso and will leave you dazzled with their latte art. The Downtown location features plenty of room for a meeting and quiet corners for taking a break with a book or podcast.
Side note: I really miss their old Centerville location and have been visiting their downtown 2nd St. location more often.

St. Anne the Tart

1500 E 5th St Dayton

16 oz $4+
Two words. Get there. Delightful unpretentious service. A great shot of espresso and a near perfect latte. Which was a surprise in a location billed as a bakery. Did I mention the service? My visit was disrupted only by some kids unattended and making a ruckus. That didn’t even turn me off to this quaint addition to the St. Anne’s neighborhood. Besides the coffee, service, and humble vibe, they have biscuits and jam, tarts and a list of baked goods I will go back for.
Visit the tag wall. Folks buy a treat or drink and leave it for a specific person. What a great way to share a smile with a stranger.

Gem City CatCafe

1513 E 5th S. Dayton
16 oz $4+
I am allergic to cats. My wife doesn’t really love coffee shops. We loved CatCafe. I get a great latte and time with a book, and for a few dollars more my wife enjoyed some cat therapy in the adjoining room. She had an iced tea and we shared a sweet treat. Don’t let the cats fool you, this is a legit coffee stop with baristas that can pull a shot and brew great tea.

3rd Perk

46 W. 5th St. Dayton,
16 oz $3.50
3rd Perk is oddly enough found on 5th Street and joins Wholly Grounds as the most warm and welcoming of coffee shops. This location is a great spot for early meetings and parking is easy to find on 5th or Ludlow. Pretty sure I saw the owner/barista delivery a drink curbside to a regular who just pulled up outside. This kind of service catches my attention every time.

Quest for the Best Pho

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Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup

Pho is a traditional Vietnamese soup made with a slow simmered broth and noodles. The noodles are rice noodles and the dish is usually served with slices of beef or chicken that cook in the hot broth, leaving the proteins tender and full of flavor from steeping in the broth.

I love Pho. Pho is pronounced Fuh by the way. Making possible a ton of puns. What the Pho? Pho me? Pho you! It is also a fun food to eat. To me eating a bowl of Pho is akin to eating good barbecue. There are plenty of parallels here.
First, it’s a soup with chopsticks. This is automatically fun. Second, Pho is served with a side plate of herbs, lime, and sprouts. Pho like BBQ is unique to each chef/cook. Broth recipes vary from region, family and here in Dayton restaurant to restaurant. Also like BBQ, the broth is a labor of love and the recipe usually protected. The food is tactile, it requires getting your hands involved.
Part of the Pho experience is determining how you like your bowl. Tearing the leaves of cilantro and basil, adding sprouts, choosing two or three or more slivers of pepper to the bowl. Deciding to add Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce, Hoisin or Siracha?
I like mine with a fair amount of cilantro and basil. I add hoisin if available and as many of the sprouts and peppers as possible. A dash of soy finishes my bowl. I like to eat broth first, letting the noodles soak up the herbs and peppers. I usually finish my bowl with chopsticks picking the noodles and sprouts from the shallow broth that remains. Everyone has their way.
When I want Pho I have two standbys that are the best of the best. There are other options if you are on the upper northeast side of town or south of town for good Pho. Here’s where my Quest for the Best took me:
Address: 5532 Airway Rd, Dayton, OH 45431
Hours: 11AM – 9PM
Phone: (937) 252-1857
This was my first Pho in Dayton. It opened back in 2007 and quickly grew as a favorite in the East Dayton/Riverside/WPAFB area. This is where I learned to team chopsticks with the deep soup spoon. Where you crowded in tight and stood between tables waiting on your table. The broth here is full of flavor, not spicy, but deep in aromas.  The bowl is huge and plenty for lunch or dinner. The plate with sprouts, cilantro and peppers are generous as well. The “new” location is huge in comparison and the wait time is nearly non-existent these days. I find myself adding a fair amount of Siracha and Hoison to my bowl here. Linh’s also has a wide selection of Chinese dishes as well. Perfect for any companion who is less than adventurous, the chicken fried rice is a filling dish for your +1.
For the PHO. I get the beef, but the chicken is great too.
Address: 1718 Woodman Dr, Kettering, OH 45420
Hours:11AM –  2PM ⋅ 4:30PM – 9:00 PM
Phone: (937) 258-8010

No secret here, this is my favorite. The broth has a slight kick to it. If you ask, there is a spicier Pho offered. I usually go that route. No additional sauces are necessary. They soft shrimp rolls are top notch and come two to an order, no matter what the menu might suggest. This is a small shop but you’ll feel welcome. The menu isn’t easy to under
stand, so tell your server what you want and they’ll guide you.
Bonus points here for Vegetarian friends: Tofu is made fresh every day and is available in the Pho, stir-fried noodle dishes and fried rice entrees. It takes less than 2 visits to feel like a regular who is dining in a friend’s home. Little Saigon is a family run operation and has been serving authentic Vietnamese food for more than 30 years.
Address: 8990 Kingsridge Dr, Dayton, OH 45458
Hours: 11:00AM –  9PM
Phone: (937) 433-7388
I had to try this spot. As a kid, this building was a little Mexican food joint (late 1970’s and early 80’s) and my mom loved going there. The Pho here is the mildest of the four in this article. Took a fair amount of Siracha and Fish sauce to kick up the flavor. Plenty of beef, soft noodles cooked perfect and the addition of Thai Basil on the plate next to sprouts and cilantro was a nice touch.
The Shrimp Spring rolls here are among my favorite, rivaling that of Little Saigon. Pho Mi had plenty of seating, a menu that includes a Bánh mì lunch special. I’ll have to return and try the famous sandwich next time. The menu sticks to its Vietnamese roots and are full of noodle dishes beyond Pho and the Banh mi sandwiches.
Address: 3464 Pentagon Blvd C, Beavercreek, OH 45431
Hours:11:00AM – 8:30PM
Phone: (937) 956-6060
I was most skeptical about this spot. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the newest spot here in Dayton out by the Fairfield Mall. I was surprised. First note, the Pho comes in a smaller lunch portion. It was still plenty when paired with the Shrimp Spring Rolls but cost the same as their competitors bigger bowls.
The decor was modern and new as you might expect in a strip near a big mall, lacking the old world charm and character of Little Saigon but the service was fast, the Pho tasty and rolls adequate. I found the roll rice wrappers a bit chewy, perhaps from not being as fresh. I arrived for a later than normal lunch after the crowd had thinned a bit.
Prices here are the highest of all 4 spots. Linh’s, Little Saigon and Pho Mi you can have Pho, Shrimp Roll, and a tea for $10-$12 total. What Da Pho was up over the $14.00 range before gratuity which was well deserved.
My “to visit” list:
Xuan Vietnamese Cuisine, 4770 Airway Rd, Dayton, OH 45431
Where do you go for Pho in Dayton? If your spot isn’t here, tell us in the comments. You can’t go wrong at these spots, but if you make it to Little Saigon, tell them Bryan and Most Metro sent you.

Learn How To Tell A Great 5 Minute Story

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Dayton’s open mic storytelling group, Story Slam Dayton, kicks off their 3rd season at Wiley’s Comedy club with a workshop on August 21. The regular season kicks off on Tuesday, September 18 at 7:00 at Wiley’s Comedy Club in the Oregon District.
Aspiring storytellers and experienced veterans alike are invited to take part in this workshop. Story Slam Dayton producers Shelly Hulce and Bryan Suddith will share their experience from both sides of the stage with the workshop attendees.
Bryan and Shelly will cover the basics of crafting a story for the stage, basic storytelling structure, editing for time and will allow storytellers a chance to try out the stage in front of a small audience.
Bryan will share his method for shaping stories for the Story Slam stage. Stories in this format are 5 minutes in length, are told in the first person and have to relate to each month’s theme.
Shelly will lead the group on stage, overcoming the bright lights and how to command the stage at the mic.
Shelly has been leading the local Story Slam community for more than 10 years. Bryan is two-time Moth Storytelling GrandSlam participant and can be found telling stories on and off stage frequently.
Interested Storytellers can RSVP via Facebook.
The workshop is $5.00 and every participant will receive one (1) free admission to a future story slam. To learn more about Story Slam Dayton, visit us at Facebook.com/StorySlamDayton

Dayton’s best burger. I found it.

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It is hard to get a bad burger in Dayton. Immediately I can list almost 10 great spots for a good burger. Tanks. Meadowlark. Pine Club. Oakwood Club (that black and bleu is to die for). Slyder’s Tavern. Abners on East 3rd. Foys in Fairborn. Zink’s. Voltzy’s. Burger Master (my go-to for soul food).

Back in 2009 I began my search for the best burger in Dayton and  I have found it:

There is one spot that stands above the rest. Disalvo’s Deli. Rinaldo “Ron” Disalvo is grinding his own blends of choice cuts of beef. Filet. Sirloin. Trimmings from brisket. Chuck. Whatever he has on hand he is mixing to perfection.

One day a week. These custom creations are only available on Thursdays at his spot on Stroop Road in Kettering. The flavor and the makeup of the burgers fluctuate weekly with the cuts he uses and the toppings he piles on.

Here’s what you will notice. It’s cooked perfectly on the flat-top. Smashed with a sear, cooked just under medium and juicy throughout. It’s a loosely packed patty. The crispy edges give it a nice texture to offset the tender bite of a freshly made patty.

I have had the burger with onion, tomato and lettuce under a buttery brioche bun with nothing else. Rinaldo has a custom spice blend that flavors the beef perfectly while negating the need for ketchup or mayo. One time, I swore I could taste a hint of A-1. When I asked Rinaldo, he laughed and went back to the kitchen. Whatever it is, it’s delightful and doesn’t overpower the flavor of the top shelf beef.

Recently his burger came dressed with crispy Neuske’s bacon, provolone, sauteed onions and mushrooms with a dollop of his homemade bbq sauce. (Ron is pretty adept at the smoker and his bbq is equally as famous.)

The deli case at Disalvo’s is full of deli salads. Coleslaw, potato salad, greek and Mediterranian dishes with olives and artichokes, skip them all on Thursdays. Your burger is always accompanied by a basket of crispy fries tossed in Truffle Oil and Parmesan cheese. Finish the burger and the fries and you may have the willpower to skip the cannoli by the register. Probably not.

Since my days blogging at Dayton’s Diners and Dives, I’ve always enjoyed my burger and fries with a Coke. These days I have a diet Coke, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying a beer over lunch.  Crooked Handle has created a special Italian brew for Disalvo’s or grab a can of Warped Wing’s Ermal’s.

This isn’t your typical burger. Depending on the week and the toppings this burger and fries range from $9.95 to $12.95 for the recent bacon/provolone/mushroom/onion and bbq burger. Worth every cent. Grab an extra napkin. Make it two. You are gonna need it. Remember. Thursday’s only, Disalvo’s Deli, tell them Bryan sent you.
Visit them online at http://www.disalvosdeli.com/menu/daily-deli-1/ for their daily specials.

DiSalvo’s Deli & Italian Store 

1383 E Stroop Rd
Kettering, Ohio
 (937) 298-5053
Monday – Saturday 10am – 7pm

closed Sunday

Yousuf Karsh: American Portraits at DAI

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The Dayton Art Institute opens the Yousuf Karsh: American Portraits exhibit Saturday. 48 black and white portraits comprise the exhibit on loan from the Smithsonian’s American Portrait Gallery.
Yousuf Karsh is perhaps the most prolific portrait photographer of the 20th century. Coming to age following the Armenian Genocide he landed in Ottowa Canada as a refugee from the Ottoman Empire, now modern-day Turkey.
From Canada, he built his career and legacy after his 1941 photograph of Winston Churchill made the cover of Time Magazine. Yousuf’s portraits would grace the cover of Time Magazine 19 more times over his career.
Like many photographers of that period, Yousuf was involved in every aspect of the portrait session, including the development of the film and printing of the images. The images feel personal and that comes the relationships and rapport Yousuf built with each subject he photographed.
Visitors to the exhibit will be struck by the absolute clarity of each photo. These are not digitally retouched images, but photographs made 40, 50, 60 and even 70 years ago. Painstakenly lit, posed, developed and printed by hand. Most all of the images feel personal as well. His photos of Hemingway and Martin Luther King are iconic and easily recognizable, but the intimate photo of Helen Keller and her assistant give you a glimpse into her life.

This exhibit is focused on American portraits. Innovators, personalities, celebrities, and artists, but also includes the whimsical with Colonel Sanders and Andy Warhol finishing the walk of portraits. Look for Grace Kelley, Edward Murrow, Muhammad Ali, Niel Amstrong, Walt Disney and dozens of others that shaped America in the 20th century.
The exhibit opens June 23 and will return to the American Portrait Gallery in September.
Keep an eye out for the one portrait in the collection that is not of an American icon.

A number of related events and programs are planned in conjunction with the special exhibition, including a Trivia Night at The DAI hosted by Dana Sintell of The Rubi Girls! Scheduled programs include:

  • Trivia Night, July 13, 6:30–9 p.m.
  • ARTventures: Clay Portraiture, July 14, 1–3 p.m.
  • Curatorial Conversations: Exhibition Tour, July 19, 6–7 p.m.
  • ARTventures: Celebrating Celebrities, July 28, 1–3 p.m.
  • Teen/Adult Studio: Charcoal Portraiture, July 29, 1–2 p.m.
  • Talk: What’s in a Portrait? The Art of Photography and Portraiture, August 4, 1–2 p.m.
  • The Language of Art, August 8 & August 11, noon–2 p.m.
  • ARTventures: Creative Collages, August 25, 1–3 p.m.
  • Behind the Scenes Talk: Yousuf Karsh and Jane Reece, September 6, 4–5 p.m.

For more about Yousuf Karsh: American Portraits and Jane Reece Photographs, as well as related programs, visit www.daytonartinstitute.org/americanportraits. 

Admission to Yousuf Karsh: American Portraits is free for museum members. Non-member admission is $14 adults; $11 seniors (60+), students (18+ w/ID), active military and groups (10 or more); $6 youth (ages 7-17); and free for children (ages 6 & under). Prices include admission to Yousuf Karsh: American Portraits and Jane Reece Photographs, as well as the museum’s collection galleries. As a special thank you to the community, admission to the exhibition will be free to all on the first four Sundays in July: July 1, 8, 15 & 22.

Dayton’s Best Storytellers Compete for GrandSlam Title

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Jackie Andrews

Dayton’s Story Slam will host their second annual Grand Slam storytelling event on Tuesday, June 19th at Wiley’s Comedy Club in the Oregon District. For more than 10 years Dayton Story Slam has hosted these “Moth” inspired evenings, attracting a wide variety of storytellers and stories.

The open mic story nights welcome all tellers to the stage. The rules are simple. Stories told from the Story Slam stage must be true, told in the first person, given without notes and must be centered on the theme of the night. Stories are limited to five minutes and the night is hosted by Shelly Hulce and Bryan Suddith.

Bryan Suddith with 2017 Grand Slam Winner Bridget Flaherty,

The June 19 Grand Slam event welcomes back 6 winners from the last year as well as two of our most popular runners-up. Each of the storytellers are coming prepared with a personal true story on the theme of Finished.
Bridget Flaherty returns to defend her title from last year alongside a few other familiar names in Dayton storytelling. Sandra Combs, Nathan Collier, Jackie Andrews, Becky Koop, Melissa Muncie, Faith Robertson and Jude Walsh will all take the stage with their story.
Doors open on the 19th at Wiley’s at 6:30. Stories start at 7:00. Tickets are only $5, payable online or at the door.  Drinks and a menu of appetizers and desserts are available for purchase. For more information check out the Story Slam Dayton Facebook page.

MostMetro.com Ticket Giveaway:
For your chance to win a 4 pack of tickets for Tuesday’s show, leave a comment below on why you should get the tickets and we’ll pick a deserving commenter.   We’ll announce our winner Sunday night and leave the tickets at will call for you, to be claimed by showing a valid ID.

Quest For The Best BBQ

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BBQ is personal. BBQ is communal. BBQ at its core is primal. Meat slowed cooked over smoke. Simple. But not easy to do correctly.

 

BBQ is the only food that has a definition codified in Federal Law. Title 9 of The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) defines it this way in Chapter III, Subchapter A, Part 319, Subpart C, Section 319.80

 

“Barbecued meats, such as product labeled “Beef Barbecue” or “Barbecued Pork,” shall be cooked by the direct action of dry heat resulting from the burning of hard wood or the hot coals therefrom for a sufficient period to assume the usual characteristics of a barbecued article, which include the formation of a brown crust on the surface and the rendering of surface fat. The product may be basted with a sauce during the cooking process. The weight of barbecued meat shall not exceed 70 percent of the weight of the fresh uncooked meat.”

 

I love BBQ and have traveled thousands of miles eating the best of Memphis, Alabama, St. Louis and Kansas City. I have learned a few things about BBQ. It is intensely personal. Whenever a chef or pitmaster spends 8, 10 or even 15 hours preparing a cut of pork or beef, you are eating the real fruit of labor. The rub, the mop, the sauce, all come from family recipes tested and tasted and tweaked over time.

 

BBQ is best enjoyed with family. Splitting plates. Telling stories. Savoring time around the table. Slow. Just like the preparation.
I’ve done some research and found that you don’t have to drive far for authentic BBQ. We have some great ‘cue right here in Dayton Ohio. Let me tell you about them. These are my favorites and if you like slow cooked smoky meat, they will be yours too. There are another 1/2 dozen places to get bbq in Dayton (that doesn’t count some remarkable food trucks). These folks are smoking ribs, brisket, pork, chicken and sausage over a real fire with real smoke. That’s the standard.

 

Hickory River BBQ (Regional Chain 6 locations Illinois and Ohio)
135 S Garber Dr, Tipp City, OH 45371
Hickory River in Tipp is worth the drive. Its a big family place and reminded me of the bigger Kansas City joints I have visited in recent years. By far the friendliest of my visits. My son and I split 4 ribs, brisket, a pulled pork sandwich and a 1/4 pound of the smoked sausage with two sides and drinks for under $30 dollars. My favorites here were the ribs and sausage. The pulled pork had a good amount of bark full of smokey flavor. My son says the mac and cheese was as good as he ever had. The slaw was fresh and made in-house.
Did I mention the prices and friendliness? I can’t wait to get back there. Tuesday’s are buck a bone rib nights.
Gotta Try: Smoked Sausage

 

1101 W Third St, Dayton, OH 45402
Texas Brisket and Texas attitude. By far the best brisket I have had in Ohio. Peppery, slow cooked, sliced right. Smoke ring and it had a good pull to it. Tender, but not pot roast falling apart. The sauce is kept behind the counter, ask for samples of both offerings. The sausage was great and the pulled pork sandwich was full of smoke and tender. Careful ordering the menu here. It get’s pricey fast. Pulled pork, sausage and a portion of brisket with two sides set me back almost $40 bucks. Ribs are sold by the slab and 1/2 slab only so we didn’t get to try them. Wings need to be ordered ahead by 20-30 minutes. Drink offerings are limited but beer is an option.
Gotta Try: Brisket

 

1334 Linden Ave, Dayton, OH 45410
Fatbacks is my go-to. It’s set up like the smaller joints in Memphis, which I love. His brisket is always tender and the best pulled pork is found here. His ribs have a sweet finish which I prefer. He also has a thing he calls a pig pop. It is the lower shank smoked slow and covered in a sweet sauce that almost candies on the rendered skin. Get one. No. Get two. Sides here are always great, from greens to slaw to beans.
PS. This guy is building smokers like the pros use when he isn’t feeding lunch to locals on Linden Ave.
Gotta Try: Pig Pop

 

OinkADoodleMoo (4 locations and WPAFB)
912 E Dorothy Ln, Dayton, OH 45419
I’d put Oink’s ribs against anyone in Dayton. I wish I could figure out the rub he uses there. The founders of Oink studied BBQ in Kansas City brought their newfangled smoking technology back home to Dayton and we benefit from that. Their ribs are never overcooked and always have a great smoke. I find their brisket to be a bit overdone and falling apart. Still tasty on a bun though! Wings. Get the wings. Smoked tender and soft and full of flavor. Not like your normal bar wings. The corn pudding should be a mandatory side. Brisket, wings, pulled pork and a few ribs and sides under $30 again. Perfect for a date or father/kid outing. Oink is also making burnt ends. A Kansas City invention.
Gotta Try: Ribs and get a side of the smoke potatoes

 

 

Combs BBQ Central
2223 Central Ave, Middletown, OH 45044
I really can’t say enough about this place. It’s out of range for lunch during the week but it quickly becoming my favorite on Saturday’s.
This laid-back spot is part of Downtown Middletown’s rebirth. These ribs are legit, always cooked perfect and the pulled pork has texture, great flavor and that spicy bark you want in every bite. Brisket doesn’t happen every day. Recently I was there when they had smoked an entire pot roast. Delicious on a bun with a touch of sauce. Prices are good and the service is tops and fast.
Gotta Try: Pulled Pork and Ribs
1001 S Main St, Englewood, OH 45322
Brisket. Check. Ribs. Check. Pulled pork. Check. The best wings in Dayton? Yes. You’ve got my word on it. They smoke wings in a marinade (a wet smoke) then cool them and deep fry them when you order. If you’ve never had them, get up there today. Crunchy outside with a soft smoky interior the wing is in a class all its own. The team of Company 7 is pushing the envelope with lunch specials and a drive-thru. That’s right. A bbq sandwich from a drive-thru. I’ve not timed it from Kettering, but I am considering it.
Bonus at Company 7…beer. More than 20 craft beers in cans and bottles and always a few Company 7 Brews on tap.
Gotta Try: Smoked Wings
I’m always looking for a new spot for great BBQ!  Tell us where yourgo-too place is for great ribs, brisket, pulled pork or barbecued chicken.
Speaking of BBQ- MostMetro.com and Bryan Suddith, a certified Kansas City Barbeque Society Judge are teaming up for a Dayton BBQ Tour! 
Join us this coming Saturday, Aug 4th at 1pm as we board the 937 Party Bus and we’ll visit OinkADoodle Moo, Fat Backs and Texas Beef and Cattle Company for this mobile meat feast.  We’ll make sure you get plenty to eat and  in between spots we’ll share a few brews on the bus and talk BBQ.  This tour  will be limited to just 12 people. $60 covers the bus transportation, beers and BBQ. Get your ticket here.

Quest for Dayton’s Best: Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

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When I worked on the West Side of Dayton 15 years ago there was a place in Drexel, an old-fashioned Root Beer stand that had the best fried Pork Tenderloin. It came on an undersized bun with pickles, onions, and mustard. For a few bucks, this slice of fried breaded pork could keep you satisfied until way past dinner. It was reminiscent of the Fried Tenderloin you could only get at the county fair when I was a kid.
Locally I could guess that the Fried Pork Tenderloin is some kind of adaptation of a  traditional German-Austrian schnitzel but didn’t have much of the traditional veal. Here in the Midwest, they had pork and that works for me.
I began to search for the best Fried Pork Tenderloin in Dayton and this is what I found:

 

Hasty Tasty
Address: 3509 Linden Ave, Dayton, OH 45410
Hours: Open today · 5AM–10PM
Phone: (937) 254-8431
The Pork Tenderloin is thicker and not as wide as I am used to. A light breading that is crisp and still juicy on the inside. Hasty Tasty, known to most as a great breakfast diner, is also the defacto standard for the meat plus two dinner plate. I get the Tenderloin for lunch and they serve it with tomato, lettuce, onion, and mayo. It was a departure from my normal mustard, pickle, and onion but it worked. It really worked. I almost didn’t finish my fries, or the chili I had alongside it.
$4.50 and for $2.50 you can add two sides like I did. Skip the salad, get the fries and a cup of the chili.

 

Address: 836 Watervliet Ave, Dayton, OH 45420
Hours: Open today · 11AM–2:30AM
Phone: (937) 258-1222
I know, I know. Go to Slyder’s get the burger they said. I did that. Then I got the Reuben, and then I had the Pork Tenderloin. I am glad I did. At this rate, I’ll never get to their famous wings and that is okay with sandwiches and chips for under $7.00. This tenderloin is thinner, the way I like, served with lettuce, tomato, pickle, and onion. I left the pickle and onion, added mustard and we were headed down memory lane. Hot, crispy, then, hanging way over the bun like old times. Used three napkins and I am not even ashamed to say I wore some back to the office on my shirt.

 

Address: 936 Brown St, Dayton, OH 45409
Hours: Open today · 11AM–2:30AM
Phone: (937) 424-1784
I will freely admit that Jimmies is my go-to for a Shrimp Po-Boy. They make it like I remember from my days living in Baton Rouge. Man can not live on Fried Shrimp alone and for those days there is a huge slice of deep fried pork at Jimmies. It true Ladder 11 style, this thing is huge, like all their other sandwiches and comes with Dayton’s famous Mike Sells chips. They serve it with mayo as well and I always ask for mustard. Deep fried and crispy, thin and more meat than bun it’s a great spot for lunch. Too many beers on tap to name, you can get this lunch for $8.00.

 

Rootbeer Stand 

photo courtesy of Trip Advisor

Address: 1727 Woodman Dr, Dayton, OH 45420
Hours: Open today · 11AM–8PM
Phone: (937) 640-1114
This is my secret spot I am sharing with you. For only $4.29 you get the nostalgia of eating in the car, curbside one of the best sandwiches in town. Get a frosty mug of Rootbeer and thank me later.

 

Here’s my list to visit for this delightful sandwich in the coming weeks:
Their Tenderloin is a meal. Breaded, deep fried, topped with cheese, poppins bbq and slaw on a bun. What more do you need than a cold beer over lunch with this?
Who would you add to this list?

National Bologna day is Tuesday the 24th.

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There is a short list of foods that defined my childhood. My father was born and raised in Alabama and my mother is a native Ohioan with roots in Appalachian Southeast Ohio. I grew up on beans and cornbread (Alabama influence) and midwestern staples like Meatloaf, Salsbury Steak, and Tuna Casserole.
 
However, for a quick lunch, nothing hit the spot like a good Fried Bologna sandwich.  We ate them two ways. Fried with mustard on white bread or with breakfast on toast with a fried egg. We never had it with cheese. If we had cheese we just ate a cheese sandwich. Fried bologna eaters fall into two camps. Those that cut the bologna halfway across the diameter and those that don’t cut. The Suddith’s are solid no cut people. Of course, the bologna curled up into a big dome and the edges got a bit more done than the middle, but that is how we do it. We are split on toppings. No cheese ever, but we waffle back and forth between mayo and mustard. Always on white bread, never a bun.
This week I am celebrating and I invite you to as well. Hasty Tasty is my go-to for fried bologna on sandwich bread. Georges on North Dixie does it really well and they dress it up with lettuce, tomato and make it a bit prettier.
I have also found a good sandwich in the least likely of spots, and that is local wing joint Frickers.
Here are the details. Celebrate responsibly and let us know in the comments, cheese or no cheese, mustard or mayo.
or as the old timers call it, Bunny’s.
3509 Linden Ave, Dayton, OH 45410
5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily
Bologna as a side for breakfast. One of the few in Dayton. Off menu, ask for the bologna sandwich. Trust me. They’ll make it.

 

5216 N. Dixie Dr. Dayton, OH, 45414 (937) 275-0705
Monday – Thursday 7AM-8PM
Friday and Saturday 7AM-9PM
Sunday 7AM-3PM
It is located low on the menu, dressed with lettuce and tomato, and comes with cheese, chips and a pickle, $5.75. Hard to beat this classic sandwich in a classic American diner.

 

Locations across Dayton
Open daily 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.
Yes. The Wing and Beer place.
Yes. Fried bologna on a bun. You can add a special sauce but I opt for mustard. The bun is nice and holds up well to the thick slab of bologna.

Quest for the Best Biscuits and Gravy

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Since this column launched back in May I am often asked where I go for certain foods. Recently I was asked about biscuits and gravy. Here in Dayton, we are fortunate to have a good list of options for this breakfast delight.
I’ll be honest, it’s hard to beat my late Grandma Suddith’s scratch biscuits and sausage gravy she made in a cast iron skillet.  My aunt Jody makes the best bacon gravy I have ever had but she is 400 miles away on a hilltop outside of Phil Campbell Alabama. So when I need good biscuits and gravy I stop into these places to get my fill.

 

1111 William C. Good Blvd.   Franklin, Ohio

Mon -Fri 5am-7pm
Saturday 5am-1:30pm   &   Sunday 6am-130pm

The lady that runs the place and makes the gravy. Her name is mom. I’ve been eating at her place since I was a little kid. Used to be over in Red Lion, which is the place where Ohio State Routes 122, 123 and 741 all cross between Hunter, Springboro, and Lebanon. It’s a diner homage to Kentucky and those who came from there and settled in Warren County. She offers a full menu all day but I’ve only ordered two things in my nearly 40 years of eating there. Biscuits and gravy and the Cheeseburger.
The biscuits are fresh and not from the freezer and the gravy has enough pepper and sausage that a side of meat is never needed. Eating there is like eating with family. They are located on St. Rt. 123 at I-75 (Franklin exit) by the truck stop a 1/4 east of the interstate. Side note: One of the few places to find Fried Bologna on the menu. Doesn’t get more southern than that.

 

4480 Powell Rd. Huber Heights (Old Troy Pike. Rd 202) 45424
Tues thru Sun 7am-3pm
Sweet Home is always a welcome spot for a home-cooked meal while surounded by good people.

A full order of biscuits and gravy is only $4.99 and it will fill you up. The breakfast menu is complete and I add home fries and a scrambled egg.

The biscuits are fresh and the gravy full of sausage. I add some hot sauce for a little kick and save 1/2 a biscuit for some jelly. It is not fancy, but you will feel at home with this breakfast spot.

 

2229 Dryden Rd    Moraine, Ohio
Mon – Fri 6am -8pm
Closed Sat & Sun
What was Gus’ Bar and Carryout is now Vinny’s. I mean. Since 2004. This spot is best known by the blue-collar crowd in Moraine. Located on the north end of Dryden Road Vinny’s is often overlooked as a lottery/beer/cigarettes/pop carry out kinda place. It is way more. It is one of the best quick breakfast joints in town and classic bar and grill at night.
Back when I worked in Jefferson Township on the west side of Dayton, I’d stop into Vinny’s for a biscuit and gravy to go with a cup of coffee. Sure you can grab a breakfast sandwich, bacon, egg, and cheese, but why skip the hearty biscuits and gravy? They do it right. Slow-cooked gravy, freshly baked biscuits and they keep a pepper shaker handy to add that extra fresh cracked spice on top. A small order is $2.75, but go ahead and get the full size (2 biscuits and gravy) for $3.75.
A bonus here: They break up the biscuit for you before topping with gravy. Makes it easier to eat on the run, or in the car like I do.

 

1150 W. Main Street, Tipp City, OH 45371
Best known in Tipp City for homemade dinners and classic American restuarant atmosphere, Tipp O’ does a great breakfast. Don’t let the decor deter you. Sit, meet your server and enjoy some of the best home cooked food north of town. A large order only sits you back $3.99 and leaves room for a couple of eggs or home fries.
Sure you can get a Filey Mignon and eggs for breakfast, but why pass up the Biscuits and gravy? Breakfast is served all day and has never left me wishing I had gotten the burger or club. (Both really good choices for lunch though).

 

I’m always looking for a new spot north of town and south of town for a great biscuits and gravy. Tell us where you go to find yours. Bonus points if they are served all day!
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Quest For The Best: Gyro

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I had my first Gyro in a mall in Paducah Kentucky. It was a lackluster affair. We made the 30-minute drive from campus with a fraternity brother who happened to be from Greece. Finding a Gyro in our little west Kentucky college town was not a possibility in 1993.
According to Wikipedia a gyro (Greek: γύρος, gyros, literally ‘turn’) is a Greek dish made of meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, traditionally pork, or chicken, and outside of Greece with beef, veal or lamb, and usually served wrapped in a flatbread such as pita, with tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce.
There are a few variables to the Gyro and its success. First is the meat and the seasoning. A good Gyro is a mixture of lamb or veal and beef. Seasoned with marjoram, garlic, rosemary and black pepper it is roasted on a spit continuously. Carving off the crunchy outer layers and soft moist inner for each Gyro. Secondly is the tzatziki sauce. A yogurt and cucumber based sauce that can make or break a great Gyro. Olive oil, yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and dill. A pinch of salt and a dash of lemon and you have the perfect light topping to the Gyro.
When I worked downtown the old Pug’s Hot Dog joint on Wayne was the place for a great Gyro. They moved to Indian Ripple Road out by the Greene and live now as Chicago’s Gyros and Dogs.  Dollar for dollar this is the best in town. Fresh pitas are hardy and light, it’s a big job to hold all the gyro meat they pile on. A combo comes in at $10.00 with fries and a drink. I love how there is a great mix of the crunchy bits and soft meat in the Gyro. Their tzatziki has a tang to it and I always get an extra for my fries.
ProTip: Order an extra pita, you can split your Gyro into two smaller ones for easier handling.
When I worked out near Wright State, my go-to was Gyro Palace on Airway. It was in the shopping center on the corner of Woodman and Airway/Colonel Glenn. You can now find them at 57 South Springboro Pike near the Dayton Mall. The Greek menu is deeper here and includes stuffed grape leaves, salads, and Moussaka. I’ve never strayed from the oversized Gyro here. The meat is seasoned heavier here and the flavors are bolder in every bite. The tzatziki is creamy and carries a bit more garlic and lemon. Perfect to balance the Gyro meat. I skip the fries and get the Greek salad with olives and feta. The prices here are the lowest on my list, a Gyro platter with two sides is under $7.00. Take your time, sit down and soak it all in. Save room for a piece of baklava.
Honestly, with these two spots in your rotation, you will never have a better Gyro in town. Unless you run into the Greek Street Food Truck. These guys have taken the Gyro to a whole nother level. Find these guys parked near you soon.
The traditional Gyro is tops, but they’ve gone the extra step. Try the Greek Street Gyro, tomato jam and pickled red onion join fresh parsley giving this signature Gyro an upscale feel and flavor. Don’t let the confines of a food truck fool you, they offer your other Greek food favorites as well. Fries, Spanakopita, salads, and stuffed grape leaves are also on the menu. The Lamb gyro will set you back $8.00 but you won’t regret a bit, no one else is carving lamb streetside for your Gyro. For something different, try the shrimp gyro.
A quick Google search brings up more than a dozen joints serving a classic Gyro. I omitted Arby’s and Subway from consideration. There is no shortage of Greek spots to get a good pita besides the ones mentioned here try Gyro Delight on Wilmington, or the Greek Isle Deli in Page Manor Shopping Center.
UPDATE:  The Gyro Room closed in Jan 2018
However, the new kid on the block is The Gyro Room on Brown near UD. Tucked in across the alley from Butter Cafe the Gyro Room is a nice spot for a quick Gyro. Sides are limited to a rice dish and no fries are available. This made me a little sad. The service was fast. Real fast. Which is nice. Unless you like the art of the making of the Gyro. The slicing of the meat off the rotisserie. The Gyro room had 3-4 pounds of meat already sliced and resting in a warming tray to make assembly more efficient. This is good for time, but not so good if you are wanting those crusty and crunchy edge pieces off the spit. They are generous with portions and I opted for the extra pita and split my gyro in two. The flavors didn’t impress me like the friendliness of the staff or the quickness of the service, but it’s still a great stop if you are near campus.
I’m always looking for a new spot north of town and south of town for a great Gyro. Tell us where you go to find yours. Chicken? Beef? Lamb? What’s your Gyro choice and where do you go to get it?

Quest For The Best: Cuban Sandwich

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Suddith with children at a church in Pedro Betancourt, Matanzas Pr. Cuba

13 years ago, after a long wait in Miami, and longer wait in Havana, I stepped out of the Jose Marti airport into the sweltering heat of Cuba in the summer. A friend was waiting for me with a cold Coca-Cola and pulled me around the crowd. I was the last of the team freed from the security detail and he had found our lunch. A little food stand on the curb serving sandwiches. The only item on the menu, roasted pork, and ham with cheese. The Cuban served with plantain chips and a can of the national cola, Tu Cola, for less than $2.00 American.

The classic Cuban sandwich doesn’t come with lettuce and tomato, or mayo or a relish. It’s simple. Like the way Cubanos live. Pork is in abundance in Cuba and alongside chicken, is the main protein consumed on the island. Beef and seafood are still quartered off for tourists and elites. The french bread is picked up daily in the market with a ration card and is perfect when a day or two old. The sandwich is normally pressed to help heat the day old meats through and melt the cheese. Cheese quality on the island varies, but a version of the sharp swiss we know here is used most often. The Cuban is a staple in open air markets and is called “Sandwich mixto”. The combining of two types of meat on one sandwich. Most often roasted pork and ham, occasionally it can be found with salami.
 
My love affair with Cuba started that day, under a tree, eating that sandwich and drinking a soda. I’ve returned 3 times since then and will be back later this summer. In between trips I perfected my espresso making and have searched Dayton looking for that sandwich on crunchy french bread, the right mix of meat, cheese, pickle, and mustard. In my quest for the best, I found these.

 

El Meson in West Carrolton.
It should come as no surprise that El Meson, specializing in Spanish, Caribbean and South American fare should have the area’s best Cuban sandwich. The Pork is seasoned perfectly with spices I can only describe as uniquely Cuban. Oregano, cumin, parsley, black pepper, all together smells of a Cuban country kitchen. They layer the pork alongside pickle, mustard, and swiss. Finished in a press, the roll comes back with a crunchy exterior ready to handle the juicy pork. Order it with a side of black beans. Sit on the patio, enjoy the sunshine, imagine you are in a Havana cafe all for under $10.00.

 

Don’t send angry letters. I get it. It’s not local. It’s not genuine. But trust me here. Buried deep in the voluminous menu there’s a hidden gem or two. My favorite is the Cuban sandwich. The Factory has done their research and their Cuban is on point. French roll pressed flat, pickle and mustard only. Nothing special. They make it the classic way, with roasted pork and a portion of thinly sliced ham under the swiss. It tastes just like the food cart outside Jose Marti. Skip the sides, they pale in comparison.
 
For the most authentic experience, skip the waiters, forks and nice table service. A roaming food truck is the best way to go. For a Cuban sandwich in Dayton, find McNasty’s. It has all you need. Perfectly pork, sweet ham, swiss cheese melted, that pickle and mustard in between a crusty pressed french roll.  It is no frills, just the way you might get it in Havana Viejo.
Annie’s at Second Street Market
The Second Street Market always impresses me. The Cuban at Annie’s is no exception. Pork, ham, swiss, mustard and pickle, pressed and wrapped to go just like on the Island. Annie’s pork is a bit more shredded than I normally like. This changed things for me, but the flavor is still there. Equal pickle, mustard, and pork is balanced by the swiss. Every bite was a memory.

 

Where do you find a great Cuban sandwich? Let us know is the comments or on our Facebook page at Facebook.com/mostmetro
Instagram photos used with permission by @mle_m

Dayton Story Slam wraps up Season with Last Open Mic

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Sandra Combs, Story Slam regular

Story Slamm Dayton is set to host it’s 8th Open Mic Storytelling event on Tuesday the 18th at Wiley’s Comedy Joint in the Oregon District. The Story Slamm hosts tellers from all walks of life and uses The Moth Storytelling format.  

Stories told at Slamms are all told live and in the first person. Stories are personal, true and are told around each month’s theme. April’s theme is “Something Old, Something New”.

November Story Slamm winner, Nate Washington!

The public is welcome to attend and contribute a story. Storytellers are encouraged to prepare a 5- minute story relating to the theme and place their name in the hat. Tellers are drawn at random and the best story of the night, as voted on by judges selected from the audience, wins $50 and an invite to the Grandslamm event to be held on May 23!

Doors open at 6:30pm, $5 gets you in and stories start at 7:00pm.   Cash bar and appetizer menu available.

DMM TICKET GIVEAWAY
If you’d like to be DMM’s guest at this show just leave a comment below about why you we should pick you and we’ll select 2 winners to be added to our guest list for a pair of tickets each.

Whose Reuben Rules?

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A year ago I would have told you that I don’t even like Reubens or Melts at all. Generally I do not like rye bread. I have never ordered corned-beef on purpose and swiss cheese ranks nearly last on my list of preferred cheeses. However, a year ago, without reason I ordered the Reuben over lunch. It wasn’t bad. Since that day I’ve been searching for Dayton’s best!

During this time I’ve come to love this sandwich and this is where you can find the best of the best. 

The Reuben is a melt by definition and a modern deli staple. Having worked in a deli in college I was no stranger to the sandwich but it seemed to be stacked against my preferred taste. The Rye, Russian/Thousand Island dressing, corned beef and kraut all work together, each ingredient made better as part of the whole.

Before I give you my list, let me tell you where not to stop.  Stay clear of the chain delis. I have been to both Schlotsky’s and Subway as a point of comparison. There are too many great restaurants in Dayton creating these works of art from scratch to settle for a $4.99 fast food version. Do yourself a favor and hit one of these spots I’ve visited for you.

6)  Archer’s Tavern in Kettering and Centerville does it all. I love their wings, my kids love the burgers, but their Reuben deserves some consideration. Nicely sliced corned beef, generous sauerkraut and lots of cheese made theirs a real contender. Their sauce wasn’t anything to write home about, but it was grilled perfectly making the sliced Rye a bit crunchy the way I like. Get the fries. They are double fried, fresh cut, a nice addition to this sandwich. The grilled Reuben and fries are just a bit over $8.00.

5) The most expensive on my list and with the best dressing is Christopher’s in Kettering. Christopher’s is often overlooked on Dayton food lists and their Reuben stands out like the restaurant itself. They start with great Rye bread toasted perfectly, with a homemade dressing and plenty of kraut atop of the sliced corned beef. I asked for extra dressing for my chips and that was no mistake. Go ahead and get the half sandwich. The full size was 3 napkins big and I needed a nap back at work 2 hours later. The half sandwich is plenty and easier on the wallet. The half is $5.95, whole sandwich is $9.95 and stick with chips and extra dressing for dipping. 

4) Zinks Meats and Fine Wine in Centerville makes their own Corned Beef and slices it in house. They cook the sliced beef and cheese on the flattop before assembling the sandwich. A thick toasted marble rye held the 1/3 pound of beef and supported the saurekraut well. No complaints. Zinks had the right amount of dressing and the cheese melted a got that nice cheese crust on the edges, giving the sandwich additional texture. The meat didn’t fall apart and came with full flavor and chew. With chips and pickle, you are in for $8.99. Knowing that beef and dressing is made in house, makes it worth the price. 

3) The Dublin Pub. The Irish know corned beef and Dub Pub delivers a couple of versions of the Reuben. I stick with the original with extra dressing for my fries. The Dub Pub has more of a shaved slice to their beef which ensures every bite is easy and tender. The Pub offers an Uptown version of their Reuben that adds cole slaw and pastrami to an already hearty sandwich. At 8.99 with fries, this Reuben is a great lunch, grab a Guinness while you are there, call the boss, you’re gonna be late getting back to the office.

2) FlyBoy’s Deli. Contrary to popular belief, the Reuben is not a New York Deli original. Folklore suggests that the Reuben originated in Kansas City. FlyBoy’s doesn’t care about folklore and makes a sandwich tough enough for NYC. The Rye bread holds up after being buttered and crisped in a Panini press. The Corned Beef is tasty and tender like you’d expect from a big city deli. It’s a big sandwich and worth every penny. $7.99 and I would recommend the New York potato salad as a side. 

1) DiSalvo’s Deli. Ronnie Disalvo is doing something right. I’ve had the Reuben two ways and both were tops. Order it with Pastrami or Corned Beef. Get there early for lunch, the corned beef goes fast. Secret to their success? It’s the butter and grill press they used to really get a great crust on the bread while melting the swiss to perfection. The corned beef is prepared in house and the Rye is the best in town. Grab the Reuben, a deli side and a Coke and you are out the door for $10.00. 

Where am I headed next for a Reuben? Great question. Two stops are in my near future. Tanks on Wayne, famous for breakfast, chili and burgers is rumored to have a Reuben worth writing about. Corner Kitchen has also rolled out a Reuben that has a spicy slaw in place of Kraut and a fried egg. That is moving the Reuben to another level.

You’ve seen my list, now you tell us Dayton, where do you go for the perfect Reuben?