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An Adult Trick or Treat? Try Winans Chocolates

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Why should kids have all the fun on Halloween?

Why should kids have all the fun this Halloween season?  Adults around Dayton love chocolate and deserve to eat themselves into a sugar high as well.  FOOD ADVENTURES has been hitting Winans Fine Chocolates and Coffees for years, and think this is a perfect time to load up on some of their elegant chocolate specialties.  Go ahead, look at your diet for a day and go “BOO!!”

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Founded near Piqua, this business has been owned by the same family for four generations

— Specialties include chocolate and candy creations, coffees and even a decent wine selection.

— Relaxing, inviting atmosphere to have a glass of wine and some chocolates.  Some stores have decent  patio seating as well.

— These are fine chocolates, and with quality comes a price.  Don’t expect cheap deals, this is the good stuff.

— The candies are made locally with natural ingredients.   We love products made in the Miami Valley, and pure is good too!

— Three area locations:  6735 Miller Lane in North Dayton, 2806 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd(Dayton Mall) and 3510 Pentagon Rd. in Beavercreek.

Break open a Bourbon Cherry from Winans. You won’t be the same.

Winans Fine Chocolates and Coffees captures the elegance and decadence of chocolate in their stores.  The display cases and sitting areas allow for browsing in a rush, or a slow indulgence.  Speaking of indulgence, brace yourself for the “Must Eats” at Winans!

MUST EATS:

— BOURBON CHERRIES:  There is nothing quite like these chocolate covered cherries in Dayton.  Chef House, Big Ragu and Hungry Jax eat enough of these to get a hangover.

— MAINE BLUEBERRY COFFEE:  Yes, you read that right.  Food Adventures will tell you “Don’t knock it til you try it.”  He highly recommends this uniquely flavored coffee.

— WETZELS:  Winan’s chocolate covered pretzels are the perfect mixture of sweet and salty.  You simply cannot eat just one of these delicious treats.

— TRUFFLES:  Stick one on your tongue and let it melt.  The chocolate ganache in the middle is like finding the prize in a Cracker Jack box.   This is a Food Adventure in a bite.

Coffee lovers love Winans

— MINT JEWELS:  Rich, creamy and oh so dreamy.  White chocolate and the texture of the top from the nonpareils makes this a must eat.  More addicting than Candy Crush.

 

Slobbering yet?  Then turn the tables on the kids and have yourself a little Halloween Food Adventure at Winans fine Chocolates.  Just don’t wear a creepy costume and demand free candy, we wouldn’t want the Mall Police to get involved….

 

 Want more fun with the Dayton Originals, THE FOOD ADVENTURE CREW ?  Then click here and “like” them Facebook!!

Browse through the photo gallery below and tell us your favorite treats from Winans in the comment section.

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Dia de los Muertos Dayton!

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elegant skeletonAre you one of the 300+ people that made our first El Dia de los Muertos Dayton celebration a huge success last year? We’re doing it again on November 1st 2013!
Dia de los Muertos is a special day celebrated throughout Latin America, on which people remember loved ones who have died. The Dayton celebration will be in the Mexican tradition of celebrating with bright colors, imagery of calaveras (skulls) and more, but recognizes all Day of the Dead and All Saint’s Day traditions. This is a free and family-friendly event.

 

The centerpiece of this celebration is the month-long exhibit at Missing Peace Art Space, commemorating work that local artists have shared, in honor of their loved ones. The exhibit runs through December 1st at 234 Dutoit St. The gallery hosts many exhibits throughout the year, lifting up the human family and our yearning for peace!

 

Dia de los Muertos Dayton is the opening event for this exhibit, a community celebration of size, distinguished by a community parade through the Oregon District! This year, we are proud t be sponsored by Welcome Dayton, an Initiative of the City of Dayton’s Human Relations Council. Look for their float in the parade!

 

Our new event partner, Synergy Incubators, has jumped in big time, hosting the pre-parade party with Zombie Dogz, El Meson Mobile  and other food sunflower galtrucks, selling sustenance for your soul. Special beer tappings from Cavalier Distribuitn include Zombie Dust and Zombie Killer.   It is First Friday after all!

 

While you enjoy delicious food and brew, get your face painted for the parade! We might even have a few masks and t-shirts for sale! Plan on picking up one of Gracie’s cookies! They are works of art. And delicious!!!

The parade will line up on 5th St. in front of Synergy Incubators, stepping off promptly at 6pm! All are invited to join the parade!!! Lots of music, color, dancing skeletons, bicycles, motorcycles, floats and more!

 

The parade will end at the Missing Peace Art Space at 6:45pm where there will be more food for sale, performances in the street and the beautiful Community Ofrienda exhibit inside the gallery!

 

Huge thanks to all who donated online to make this event happen!!! What great community support!!! Special thanks to the Dia de los Muertos Committee for their hard work in planning this event!!! This event is proudly sponsored by: Welcome Dayton, Missing Peace Art Space, The Compassionary and Synergy Incubators.

 

Learn more:

 

bride-groomThe Day of the Dead is a Mexican tradition dating from Pre-Hispanic times. The Ancient Aztecs honor their Dead loved ones along with the goddess Mictecacihuatl. With the arrival of the Spaniards and Catholicism into Mexico, the ancient tradition became a syncretic form of celebrating All Saints Day.  Celebrating the Day of the Dead has transcended religion and has become a cultural tradition that honors the dualities of life and death, happiness and sorrow, day and night.

Indigenous Mexican homes are decorated with altars ornamented with flowers, photos of departed love ones, candles, and a variety of objects that our love ones enjoyed in life. The idea is to invite them to join us in a celebration of their life. The ancient Mexicans believed that for one day, the souls of our ancestors would come and visit and celebrate with us.

The Missing Peace Art Space will display a variety of altars with typical Mexican altars decorated by a multicultural array of Daytonians. Each altar will display items that tell a story about a love one and their special relationship with those who honors them.

In addition, the walls of the gallery will display artwork featuring artists Magda Bowen. Born in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico, artist Magda Bowen discovered a passion for painting  “Calaveras”.  “La Calavera Catrina” has become a staple of Mexican Day of the Dead celebration. Popularized by Mexican printmaker José Guadalupe Posada, the Catrina is the skeleton of an upper class woman. The Catrina or Calaca soon gained iconic status as a symbol of Mexican folk art. Inspired by José Guadalupe Posada, these paintings are festive skeleton characters with bright colored costumes representing a cheerful afterlife. They are properly dressed for a celebration. With their elaborate costumes, they joyfully parade with dignity leaving the physical world and embracing the afterlife. Death is not the end, but a new beginning.

 

For more information, contact:

Gabriela Pickett at Missing Peace Art Space, 369-1373

Jean Berry at The Compassionary, 369-8532!

 

 

Downtown Dayton Will Come Alive (While Celebrating the Day of the Dead) During the Nov. 1 First Friday

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The Dia de los Muertos parade was such a hit last year, organizers are again hosting the event during this year’s Nov. 1 First Friday.

By the time Dayton’s next free First Friday event hits the streets of downtown, Halloween will be over — but lots of people will still be costuming up. That’s because the Nov. 1 First Friday, which will take place from 5 to 10 p.m., includes the second annual Dia de los Muertos Parade. The event is based on the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead, during which friends and family gather to celebrate loved ones who have passed.

The parade will begin at 6 p.m. on the corner of Jefferson and Fifth streets. The parade includes life-size puppets, dancers, music and more. The public is invited to dress up and join the parade, which will proceed east on Fifth Street. In addition, the monthly Courteous Mass Ride will meet at 5:30 p.m. at Don Crawford Plaza (220 N. Patterson Blvd.) and will join the parade. Synergy Kitchen Incubators will host a pre-parade food truck rally at 200 S. Jefferson St. before the parade, which will end at the Missing Peace Art Space (234 S. Dutoit St.) with a reception and artwork created by local students.

DVAC gift gallery 4

The Dayton Visual Arts Center will celebrate the opening of this year’s ARTtoBUY Holiday Gift Gallery during the Nov. 1 First Friday.

But that is not all: As always, First Friday will include art exhibits, special events, live music and more throughout downtown. The Nov. 1 First Friday also will be an excellent time to start holiday shopping: For example, the Dayton Visual Arts Center (118 N. Jefferson St.) will celebrate the opening of its annual ARTtoBUY Holiday Gift Gallery, a great place to find a unique gift for anyone on your list. DVAC is open until 8 p.m. Call 224-3822.

A complete list of activities taking place during the Nov. 1 First Friday is available online. Many restaurants, taverns and retailers offer special discounts, host live music and offer other special activities during the event. Other highlights include:

Sew Dayton (261 Wayne Ave.), in collaboration with Telephone Weekly, will host a live T-shirt screen printing of exclusive “Sew Dayton” shirts. Each shirt is $20 and includes a free T-shirt re-design sewing class. The free sewing class is only offered to the first 40 T-shirt purchasers.  Call 234-7398.

Clash Consignment (521 E. Fifth St.) will feature artwork by John Knabe with live music from Matt Freeman and Mike Guidone. Visitors can browse pre-owned and vintage clothes in a lively atmosphere. Call 241-9434.

Grass Roots Enrichment and Wellness Center (400 E. Fifth St., Suite C) will host a “khafla” — a small gathering centered on food and belly dance. Works by artist-of-the-month Ron Rollins will be on view to enjoy.  Activities for families will be available, along with a free introduction to massage therapy and Reiki and light refreshments. Open until 8 p.m. Call 723-6747.

Artist Mike Elsass will be painting live at Color of Energy (16 Brown St.) New artwork by Elsass, including large-scale pieces, will be on display. Call 266-3491.

To celebrate its 75th anniversary, the Dayton Society of Painters and Sculptors (48 High St.) will feature the work of some of its most dedicated members. Light refreshments will be served as guests browse artwork on view. Open until 8 p.m. Call 228-4532.

Live music and artwork by Doug McLarty will be featured at CADC (45 S. St. Clair St.). Call 313-9883.

New artwork and gifts will be on view and for sale at Gallery 510 Fine Art (508 E. Fifth St.). Call 672-6717.

First Friday is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership with support from the Oregon District Business Association and Rev. Cool’s “Around the Fringe” show that airs on Fridays from 8 p.m. to midnight on WYSO-FM 91.3. The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website has a complete list of downtown’s arts and cultural amenities, as well as a dining guide, parking map and much more. Download the Find It Downtown mobile search tool for smartphones at http://mobile.downtowndayton.org.

The Fearsome 15: Top Guilty Food Pleasures in Dayton

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Frisch’s Hot Fudge Cake is Sinful

We all have them, we all need them… guilty pleasures.   As we get older, we try to eat healthier, but once in a while, you gotta splurge.  Dayton is a great place to do so.   Sure, there is fear in seeing the calorie count, and scary scale readings the following week… but sometimes you gotta have a ghastly, full blown Food Adventure.

So without further ado, we present present our list of the Top 15 Guilty Food Pleasures of the Dayton Area:

 

15) THE FOOTLONG CHILI DOG at THE ROOT BEER STANDE: Long and strong, we came to get the friction on.  This wiener is a mouthful of goodness and a ruined shirt waiting to happen.  Eat it in your car, roll up the windows so no one can see,.  But we know… this is one of your guilty pleasures.

 

14) FRICKER’S RIBS & WINGS DINNER:  This huge meal comes with a half rack of ribs, those famous fried chicken wings, cole slaw, roll and an side.  Finger lickin’ good, and a naughty belt buster for sure.

 

13) THE PEANUT BUTTER SUNDAE at JET FREEZE:  Homemade peanut butter sauce, ice cream, whip cream, nuts and a cherry on top.  The peanut butter sauce alone is so sinful that it catapults it onto the list.

 

12) THE BROOKYLYN BRAWLER PIZZA at JOHNNY’S SLICE of NY:  When you serve a giant, stuffed pizza as big as a spare tire, it has to be a guilty pleasure.  Big eaters of the Miami Valley come from far and wide not only to eat this giant creation, but to see if 2 of them can finish it in 30 minutes or less to get on the wall of fame.  Filled with various meats and cheeses, this guilty pleasure is for serious eaters.

 

11) THE SEAFOOD PLATTER at TREASURE ISLAND: Deep fried scallops, a cod filet, frog legs, fried shrimp and stuffed crab on a plate with 2 sides.  You can taste it all, but don’t test your cholesterol that day.  The over the top moment of this dinner is when they serve you some drawn butter for dipping.  Oh, behave !

 

10) ALL-YOU-CAN EAT FISH at the HASTY TASTY PANCAKE HOUSE:  For just $7.25, you can literally fill yourself to the gills.  Breaded and crispy, it is one of the best ‘bangs for your buck’ as far as sinful meals go.   The fish is Alaskan pollock, and when you add the sides, rolls and butter slabs, the wheels come off the diet train.

 

9) BROASTED CHICKEN at GEORGE’S FAMILY RESTAURANT:  Deep fried in a pressure cooker, this stuff is guilty fun for the while family.  Moist inside, the chicken is always cooked to perfection. Get some heavenly comfort food sides and complete this trip to dream street.

 

North China’s Crispy Shrimp: Rich, Spicy Flavor with a Touch of Sweetness

8) CRISPY SHRIMP at NORTH CHINA:  One of our favorite Chinese restaurants serves us a sweet sauced, deep fried shrimp dish that will knock you on your socks.  The taste, the crunch, the bites of sauce mixed with rice.  Overdone richness?  Guilty as charged.

 

7) POTATO SKIN CUPS at ANGIE’S FIREHOUSE:  Stuffed with chili, bacon, onions, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, green onions, jalapenos and sour cream they are a beautiful piece of work.  You will find yourself eating an entire plate of these and passing out in a food coma.

 

6) BISCUITS & GRAVY at TANK’S:  Delicious, artery clogging goodness.  Although this legendary spot on Wayne Avenue has many treasures, we find this to be our most guilty pleasure.

 

5)  THE HOT FUDGE CAKE at FRISCH’S:  We know, this is semi-local and more of a regional treat, but it deserves a spot on our list.  Hot, steaming fudge, hitting the cool cake and ice cream.  The feeling of the whip cream and hot fudge on your lips is worth every calorie.

 

4) THE PANZAROTTI at MAMMA DISALVO’S:  This is pretty much a calzone that is the size of a small kid.  Imagine an extra large pizza full of toppings and cheese, that has been folded in half.  Served with dipping sauce, it is like cutting into a turkey to begin eating.  Go all out and dip your forkfuls into marina or ranch.  It is absolutely delicious.

Click to Enlarge: Broasted Chicken from George’s Family Restaurant

 

3) THE HOG BURGER at VOLTZY’s:  Voltzy says he named the burger after his ex-wife.  All we know is that this mammoth 20 ounce burger melts in your mouth, and you find yourself saying “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing.”

 

2) CASSANO’S BIG CHEESE PIZZA:  Like Vic Cassano Sr said “It’s one heck of a pizza.”   That famous Cassano’s crust and sauce, loaded with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, olives and finished off with a m0und of cheese.  The proof is in the taste.

 

The Big Bo BJ Breakfast Sandwich from B&B Carryout

1) THE “BIG BO BJ” at B&B CARRYOUT:  Get your mind out of the gutter, this is a breakfast sandwich.  And it is one helluva guilty pleasure.  This craziness is a bun with sausage, a fried egg, a hash brown patty, American cheese,strips of bacon and hot pepper cheese.  You won’t feel that guilty, because the every bite is just so darn good.  A handful of greasy, gooeyness, with great flavor.  If you haven’t tried the Big Bo BJ, you need to grab yourself one.

 

Do you feel guilty yet?  Naughty nibbles indeed.  Honorable Mention to : Paragon Supper Club’s Paragon Supreme Dessert- a peanut butter and chocolate ice cream mousse, Marion’s Super Cheese Pizza – delicious, Tank’s Chili Cheese Fries-out of this world, and Submarine House’s Super Duper Cheesesteak– triple the meat and cheese & 16 inches long.

DID WE LEAVE ANY OUT?  WHICH OF YOUR FAVORITE GUILTY PLEASURES SHOULD WE HAVE INCLUDED IN OUR LIST??

Please comment below and let us know !

For more fun from Dayton’s one-of-a-kind foodies visit FOOD ADVENTURES with THE BIG RAGU, CHEF HOUSE and HUNGRY JAX on FACEBOOK and “like” us HERE .

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(DE-FI) Presents: A Time to Be Thankful

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535741_355776941219109_178054346_nWhen I decided to go ahead with the plans to create a new fashion organization for the Miami Valley, it was very important that Community Outreach was a priority.  Not only did we want to show our support for local organizations out to make a positive difference in our community on a financial level but I wanted to make sure that we were very hands on in the various activities; in fact it’s required that all models on our roster volunteer at least 40 hours a year in their respective communities to remain active within (DE-FI).

So with that being said, we’re excited to announce that on Friday November 22, from 7p-9p the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC is b04a4f_b0d802147117959e4a7a8da4e65ca242.jpg_srz_170_150_85_22_0.50_1.20_0sponsoring the Circle of Vision Keepers Annual A Time to Be Thankful Event at the Payne Recreation Center in Moraine.   Guest Speakers will include the Honorable Judge Walter Rice and Montgomery County Commissioner Debbie Lieberman. The Circle of Vision Keepers is the official non-profit for (DE-FI) and the programs Director is (DE-FI)’s Director of Community Outreach Khadijah Ali.  The organization’s main focus is to assist individuals who are battling substance abuse issues and/or are returning citizens looking to turn their lives around after being incarcerated.   The Circle of Vision Keepers provides toiletries, clothing, non-perishable food items, and bus tokens for participants and their families year round and helps them prepare to re-enter the job market.  The purpose of A Time to Be Thankful is to continue to build the esteem of the Circle of Vision Keepers participants by way of showing them the community does care about their well-being and growth as individuals from the Average Joe to our elected officials, in fact during our July 13th Launch Party, we did not serve alcohol at the event in an effort to foster a nurturing environment for the Circle of Vision Keepers participants who served as volunteers.

During A Time to Be Thankful there will be a Fashion Show produced by (DE-FI) using The Circle of Vision Keepers participants as models and they will be wearing clothing items from the Circles of Vision Keepers store, Gilmart & Co, Loralei’s Boutique, and (DE-FI) Designer Brenda Marone.   Participants will also be recipients of makeovers being provided by (DE-FI)ance Magazine’s Assistant Editor and Chief  Joshua Ladner, who is the owner of J Ladner’s Salon opening soon in the St. Clair Lofts and (DE-FI)’s Director of Beauty Lisa Scott, owner of Beaute Box.   A $20 donation is requested from attendees which will cover the cost of the dinner that will be served and catered by Maryanne’s Kitchen but no one will be turned away for a meal due to an inability to pay and rumor has it that Santa Claus may be making a special appearance as well! (But you didn’t hear that from us!!)  Tickets will be on sale Nov.1 and available at Beaute Box, J Ladner Salon and the Circle of Vision Keepers. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.

We are currently requesting donations of hats, gloves, scarves, toys, and non-perishable food items to be given to participants and those in need.  We are also giving away (10) Turkeys and food baskets to families in need!  Donations can be dropped off at Beaute Box which is located at 116 W 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402 and at the Circle of Vision Keepers located at 3401 Wood-man Dr. Suite 12, Kettering, Ohio 45429, please call the Circle of Vision Keepers to arrange a drop off of donations at 937-296-1077.  Also if you or someone you know of is in need of a Holiday Basket please send an email to circleofvisionkeepers@yahoo.com or to info@daytonemergingfashionincubator.com.  Special thanks to the City of Moraine and the Payne Recreational Center for donating their community room to us to hold the event!  We hope to see you on November 22!!

Downtown Dayton Partnership Wins National Award for Pop-Up Project

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pop up The International Downtown Association (IDA) awarded the Downtown Dayton Partnership a 2013 Downtown Pinnacle Award at the IDA World Congress, held in New York City earlier this month. The DDP received the award in the economic and business development category for Activated Spaces’ Pop-Up Project. The DDP supports the project, which is managed by volunteers from the young professional organizations UpDayton and Generation Dayton.

 

“The Activated Spaces volunteers, who represent the next generation of leaders in our community, have done an amazing job with the Pop-Up Project,” said Sandy Gudorf, president of the Downtown Dayton Partnership. “We are so very thankful for their hard work, which has made a significant contribution to making our downtown a more vibrant place.”

 

Since the inception of the Pop-Up Project in fall 2011, it has launched 11 shops (nine of which are still open), filled 11,326 square feet of previously vacant space and created 24 jobs. Two new retailers, Spice Paradise and Hicks’ Barber Shop, who share space at 16 Brown St. in the Oregon District, recently opened as part of the project’s fifth phase.

 

“The Downtown Dayton Partnership received this prestigious award for demonstrating excellence in downtown management,” said David Downey, IDA president and CEO. “Each year, the IDA Awards Jury honors the very best programs and projects in each category to recognize great work and set the standard for best practice in our industry.”

The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website, www.downtowndayton.org, has a complete list of downtown businesses, as well as a list of business resources, arts and cultural amenities, a dining guide, parking map, and much more. Follow the Downtown Dayton Partnership on Facebook to keep up with downtown events and news. Smartphone users can find places, events, parking and more with Find It Downtown Mobile: mobile.downtowndayton.org.

Food Adventures does “Dinner and a Ghost!”

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Is Snow Hill Country Club Haunted ? Have dinner and decide yourself

Ever had dinner with a ghost?   Well here is your chance, Ghost Hunters!   Snow Hill Country Club is haunted, and had been serving up “Dinner and a Ghost” nights on Fridays in October for the past 12 years.    In fact, the place is so legendary, that it was featured on an episode of the Biography channel’s “My Ghost Story.”  The country club is located just outside of Wilmington, on State Route 73.  The “Dinner and a Ghost” nights feature food, fear and even an overnight stay.

The Food Adventures Crew have eaten in many scary places, but this was our first “Haunted Food Adventure.”   The food is pretty straight forward.  On our two trips to the country club, buffet items included turkey and ham, while another night they featured ribs and salmon.   The meal is rounded out with salad, a couple of sides and a dessert plate shared by the table, or possibly some cake.

But we weren’t here for the food, we were here for the ghosts.  And Snow Hill delivered….

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— “Dinner and a Ghost” features appetizers in the bar and a buffet style dinner.    The menu has improved since the 1820’s and they wont be serving  rabbit, steamed onions, venison and beef tongue anymore. 

One of our dinners featured Ribs and Salmon

— After dinner, the hosts take you on a guided tour complete with historical information, sound recordings of unexplained voices, and even a couple of photos believed to be “supernatural.”  Tour gurus include historian Kathleen Madison and Ghost expert/Paranormal Investigator Shelly Suittor.   Supporting cast includes Ghost Hunters Kat Powell and Alicia Soich.

— After the tour, guests are encouraged to look around for about an hour and explore for themselves.  During this time a few notable unexplained “phenomenon” have been known to occur.

— Attendees may purchase alcohol at a full service bar on the main level.

— There are 6 guest rooms, and groups may make reservations to stay the night for about 100 bucks per room.   Included in the stay is “ghost hunting” all night, if you have the guts to roam the halls late at night.   Even golf may be arranged during good weather.

— Snow Hill Country Club is located in New Vienna, Ohio at 11093 New Vienna Rd (Daytonians know this as State Route 73).  Famous visitors have included Henry Ford, Eleanor Roosevelt, and legendary 1920’s golfer, Walter Hagen.

— Minimum groups for ‘dinner and a ghost’ are 12 people.  Cost of dinner and tour is $45 per person.

Click to enlarge: What you think of the “orb” in this photo. Is it the sign of a spirit ?

 

MUST SCREAMS:

— Snow Hill was built and owned by the Harris family in 1820.  It was a popular Inn and tavern up through the 1900’s.  One of the oldest running businesses in Ohio, the country club is said to be haunted by spirits of past owners, family members and past guests.

— Many stories abound from the 70’s and 80’s like a man whom believed he hit a pedestrian in the road, but noone was found.   Or records of police and firefighters responding to alarms and seeing unexplained light and movements throughout the house.

— The Food Adventures Crew had a few unexplained happenings during our two tours:

Big Ragu was taking photographs in the dark, damp cellar thought to be a passage for the underground railroad.   In some of the photos, some circular orbs appeared, one very prominently.  We were told that many ghost hunters believe these are tell tale signs of “spirits” in the room.   To be honest, we do not know what to think, other than the orbs were strange and not in photos taken of the same place seconds earlier.  The prominent orb in the photo had a distinct outline and almost looked to have “veins” running through it.  Odd indeed.  Is it a spirit?  You decide.

The Big Ragu was in the storage area of the basement, when the door next to him opened about an inch and then slammed quickly.  He looked around the room at the handful of people near him and they had that “oh crap” look on their face.  Ragu opened the door and saw a dark empty hall with a staircase, there was nobody there.  There was also a moment where the Big Ragu felt something grab his back pocket.  He was unsure if this was a  fan who liked his behind or a ghost.

Elegant, yet Spooky: Stay the night… if you dare

— During our 2nd visit to Snow Hill, one of our fellow guests took a photo of what appears to be an apparition in one of the bedrooms.   Again, unexplained and just plain weird.

— Employees tell stories of glasses shattering, chandeliers swinging violently, and various apparition sightings.

— Recordings of various unexplained voices gave us goosebumps, especially one particular ghost that whispered the word “Becky” as clear as day on the recording.  The voice was creepy like Golem from Lord of the Rings movies, or like someone who ate too much at Golden Corral.

— An 1880’s portrait photo of an man was found in a cupboard, and when locked away, would keep appearing in various open areas of the country club.  One of the tour guests recognized the photo as her ancestor Thomas Wilson, a Civil War vet.   Since being identified, it was found out that he was a former owner of the country club, purchasing it at auction in 1898.  Since being identified, his photo has ceased moving inexplicably.

— A candlemaker tool levitated and slammed to the ground on a couple of occasions in front of various dinner party guests a few years back.   The theory is that the ghost of the original owner, Mrs Harris, might not be keen on a “peasant tool” being allowed in her formal dining room as decor.

 

With Halloween around the corner, this is the perfect time for “Dinner and a Ghost” at Snow Hill Country Club.  We were skeptical going in, and realized after 2 visits, some things happened that we couldn’t explain.  Were they spirits from lives past?   Look at our photos, listen to the recordings in person.  Is the place haunted?  Did we see “ghosts?”  You decide…. and check it out for yourself,  but we suggest you don’t go alone.

Click to enlarge: On our 2nd trip to Snow Hill a fellow guest took this pic. Is is a ghost?

So you want to get spooked?  Want a frightening Food Adventure ??

Then contact Snow Hill Country Club and ask for a private Dinner and a Ghost Group (minimum 12 people).  Tell them Food Adventures sent you!

Don’t forget, you can book an overnight stay and/or a round of golf !

For reservations contact General Manager Katie Gephardt at katie@snowhillcountryclub.com or call her at 937-987-2491.

The  Dinner and a Ghost website can be found HERE –>http://www.snowhillcountryclub.com/dinner-and-a-ghost/

For scary images, haunting plates and funny faces, “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY BELOW FOR UNEXPLAINED AND DELICIOUS PHENOMENA !

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Fresh Food Adventures at Fresco!

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Do you you hear that rumble? It is your stomach craving affordable gourmet food.  The answer is one of Dayton’s best kept secrets, a little restaurant called Fresco.
World class dishes made from scratch with fresh produce from Chef Jenn DiSanto and her staff are what brings loyal foodies to this one of a kind eatery.  Located at 3141 Far Hills Ave  near the Dorothy Lane intersection in Kettering since 2010, Chef Jenn has been serving her “Mediterranean and eclectic global” menu.  The Big Ragu describes the menu as Food Adventure Central.
Hello .. what’s not to love?  Even the restaurant name is based on their commitment to fresh ingredients.

If you have not heard of Fresco, or have never been there, then this is your wake up call.  Great prices and knowledgeable sous chefs that have experiences cooking outside of Ohio, result in a kitchen that cranks out amazing, extremely delicious meals.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Chef Jenn DiSanto is the only rap-music loving area chef that has studied and worked culinary magic in Belgium, New York, Connecticut and Atlanta.  You can count on one hand the classically trained Dayton area chefs, and Jenn DiSanto is one of them.  So, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS PRECIOUS RESOURCE and her expertise for priceless dining experiences!

— Clean, casual, yet professional dining room seats about 20 for dine-in lunch or dinner.  Lots of regulars, and a personable staff provide and inviting atmosphere.

Chicken Tortilla Soup: Made from Scratch

— Practically all the dishes use Organic and Local ingredients, with a commitment to FRESHNESS.

— Salad Dressings made from scratch that will tickle your tastebuds.  Typically 5 or more choices on hand every day.

— Healthy menu with Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten-Free menu options.

— Daily specials feature one of a kind dishes.  For more info, visit frescofood.net or click HERE.

— Catering and meals-to-go are popular choices.  The menu even features the “feed a family of 4 for $28” section.  Food this good at those prices in unheard of in the Dayton area.

— Hours are Monday through Friday 11:30am – 7pm.  Remember, no weekend hours except catering or special private events.

 

In a place where EVERY menu item is spectacular, it is hard to nail down the best.  But like Fresco, Food Adventures never disappoints, so here are our “Must Eats !”

MUST EATS:

— HOMEMADE CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP:  Made from scratch using homemade chicken stock and fresh ingredients, words like “delicious” don’t do it justice.  The soup is garnished with sour cream, cheese tortilla strips.  Try this soup and you will understand why it is indescribable.  This soup is one of our favorites of all time.

Thai Chicken Sliders are a “Must Eat”

— KALE and CANNELLINI BEAN SOUP:  A perfect fix for the upcoming brisk weather.  This soup is so good, you will make ‘yummy” noises while eating.  The kale is trimmed and cooked to perfection.  It is the right partner to this incredible broth and bean combination.

— THAI CHICKEN SLIDERS:  The Big Ragu says these are the best sliders he has ever had in his life.  The sandwiches have an incredible Thai peanut sauce made from scratch that is added to a shredded chicken mixture.  Topped with lemon grass and ginger pickled cucumbers with basil and cilantro slaw for an addicting punch of flavor.

—ROASTED SALMON WITH MANGO CHUTNEY:  Before roasting, the salmon is seasoned with a house rub.  This is fresh salmon, not frozen and it is perfectly cooked for an amazing taste.  Finishing touches include a homemade mango chutney that is “to die for.”  Sides include potatoes and grilled veggies.  At $15.50, this dish is a steal.  You would pay up to double at fancy restaurants and still not touch the taste of this dinner.   The Big Ragu will go on record as saying this is the best salmon dinner he has ever had.

—SIDE SALADS:  Yeah yeah we know…you think it is just some crisp greens.. but not so fast my friend…  The real attractions here are the homemade dressings.  These “liquid must eats” are made from scratch.   One of our favorites is the White Balsamic Vanilla Bean Dressing.   Other incredible flavors of dressing include Lemon Sherry Vinaigrette, Onion Vinaigrette and a unique Bacon dressing (with no Bacon Fest

lines).    The Big Ragu recommends the Red Wine Vinaigrette as his favorite.  Eating healthy never tasted so wonderful.

Delicious Roasted Salmon with Mango Chutney. Served with crisp potatoes and grilled veggies

Honorable Mention: Grab some handmade Fried Green Tomatoes when they are featured.  They are great to share, but so tasty that we won’t share ours.   We also love the Fish Tacos every Friday.  Attention shrimp lovers, the Shrimp and Grits dinner is pretty good.  Polenta is used instead of  grits, and the combo of creaminess with the vegetables is amazing.   This article would not be complete without mentioning the great Arepas on the menu or the savory Grilled Panini Sandwiches offered.  Oh and did you know you can bring in your own alcohol when you dine in ????

Chef Jenn is one of our favorite local personalities, and her service is as “fresh” as the food.  This locally owned, family business is a must stop for anyone who appreciates homemade food, and culinary expert cooking at its finest.  Looking for a place to eat and want to change things up?  We got one for ya.. and now you know, it’s Fresco.

Want more foodie fun?  Check out Food Aventures on Facebook and “like” us by clicking HERE.  Over 2100 fans cant be wrong. Our first new like get a “free style rap session” with Chef Jen and ourselves.

Check out some of the most amazing photos we have ever posted in our gallery below from numerous Food Adventures to FRESCO !

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Everything From Soup to Crusts at Doubleday’s Restaurant

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The comforting French Onion Soup at Doubleday’s

In the late 1980’s TJ Cinnamon’s was located in Centerville’s Cross Pointe Shopping Center.   Success lead the owners to dive into another Food Adventure.  They rented a space across the parking lot and converted it to sports themed eatery.  They called it Doubleday’s as a tribute to baseball inventor Abner Doubleday.  The next 25 years would see packed parking lots practically every night.  Talk about cult following, the loyalists here come and munch down in droves.   Doubleday’s is a rarity in the restaurant industry, because the menu is huge, yet practically everything is delicious.   It is one of those places you could eat at every week for a couple of years and still need more time for menu items.  Like we said, “everything from soup to crusts” ..pizza crust that is ..

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Opened in the late 1980’s by a Greek family.  Future ownership has kept the menu the same and built a following on consistent quality.

— Huge selection of food items on the menu.  Keep in mind, this doesn’t even include the numerous specials each day.  Gordon Ramsey would have a fit over this length of this menu, but it has worked here for a quarter of a century.  To see the vast 16 page menu, click —>HERE

The refreshing “Chicken Summer Salad”

— This place is popular, so expect a short wait during peak dinner times.

— There is a connected pizza shop called “Monster Pizza,” which serves unique and creative pizza pies with exotic topping combinations.   Monster Pizza is some of the most delicious and underrated stuff out there.   Check out the Monster Pizza Menu —>HERE

— Doubleday’s is a great option for a quick lunch.  Trademark menu items like soups, salads and sandwiches ensure a good match.  Almost every item on the lunch menu is under $7

— Sunday brunch is held Sunday’s from 11am -1:30pm.  The attraction here is about 7 different kinds of omelets.

 

The Food Adventure Crew have tried almost everything on this extensive menu over the past 25 years.  We have earned our stripes, and therefore pass along to you, our patented “Must Eats.”

Stuffed Pretzel Bites: Watch out for squirting cheese

MUST EATS:

— STUFFED PRETZEL BITES:  Yeah, stuffed ! Inside each pretzel ball is jalapeno cheese, and if that’s not enough, you get a bowl of spinach queso for dipping as well.

— BBQ CHICKEN RANCH SALAD:  Doubleday’s is our favorite place to grab a salad.  In a menu highlighted by salads, this is one of our recommendations.  Diced BBQ chicken tops a wonderful iceberg and romaine salad. you have your typical toppings like onions & tomatoes.  But, what makes the salad is the tortilla strips, black beans and lime wedge to squeeze your way to that last touch of flavor.

— SUMMER CHICKEN SALAD:    A seasonal choice, this salad features romaine lettuce, feta cheese, fresh strawberries and pecans doused in a vinaigrette dressing that is to die for.  Of course the salad is topped with medallions of baked chicken.

— CHICKEN POT PIE SOUP: Comfort food in a bowl.  One spoonful will take you back to your childhood, but without all the homework.  Fantastic, creamy taste, with flaky pieces of crust mixed throughout.

— TURKEY CLUB SANDWICH:  Triple decker club sandwich stacked high and laid on its side.  You can’t go wrong with this classic combo of turkey, bacon, lettuce and tomato on wheat toast. Don’t eat the toothpicks holding the sandwich together.

The Chicken BBQ Ranch Salad is a Favorite

— “NIGHT OF THE LIVING MED” MONSTER PIZZA:  It is hard to pick just one Monster Pizza option, but we think this one is the best.  It is a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite.  IMPORTANT: We recommend you only order this Mediterranean pizza in the thin crust option.

— FRENCH ONION SOUP:  Gooey cheese and saturated bread in a flavorful onion broth.  You will burn your mouth every time waiting for it to cool down, but it tastes so good you can’t help it.  It is hot, like a volcano, but smooth and soothing.  Go ahead, make your day.

— “IT CAME FROM OUTER GREECE” MONSTER PIZZA:  A unique pizza that you won’t find anywhere else in Dayton.   Kalamata Olives, Grilled Chicken, Spinach and Tzatiki sauce (that white gyro sauce) top the pizza.  Also feta, tomatoes and onions adorn this pie.  So much flavor that, that you will feel Greek for a week.   Quite simply, we love it.

HONORABLE MENTION:  

Potato Soup – This creamy creation is probably their most popular soup.

Voodoo Veggie Monster Pizza:  Loaded, Your choice of red or white sauce.  ‘Nuff said.

Doubleday’s has great sandwiches. Even the grilled cheese is good

Chicken Burrito:  It is as massive as Big Ragu’s head and able to control Hungry Jax hunger!  

Mountain Salad:  This heaping salad was created by Doubleday’s regular,  New York Jets Center and Centerville native Nick Mangold.  A salad that satisfies protein and nutrient needs, it features iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, sauteed mushrooms, onions, cheese and jalapenos.  Topping options include blackened chicken or house sirloin steak.

 

We love Doubleday’s Grill & Tavern because of the quality and variety of food choices.  From healthy options to one’s that would fill Babe Ruth’s appetite, Doubleday’s has something for everyone.  Stop in this hot spot at E. 199 Alex Bell Rd, and see for yourself why there is always a crowd.

Check out our photos below from numerous Food Adventures to Doubleday’s Grill and Tavern.  This is not a drive bye .. eye eye eye eye..

***COMMENT BELOW***  Have you been to Doubleday’s?  Did we miss one of your favorite dishes?   Sound off below so other Food Adventure fans can benefit from your taste buds !

Want more from Dayton’s favorite Foodies on Facebook by clicking HERE !

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PFLAG Dayton Fundraiser to Support Scholarships

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Michael Curtner & Dave Broering won one of the top prizes at the 2012 "When the Stars Come Out!"

Michael Curtner & Dave Broering won one of the top prizes at the 2012 “When the Stars Come Out!”

Popular TV show “Dancing With the Stars” comes to Dayton this Saturday when PFLAG Dayton hosts its seventh annual fundraiser, “When the Stars Come Out!” Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Dayton Woman’s Club, 225 N Ludlow St. in downtown Dayton.

This year, most of the participating couples are training with local dance instructor Johnny Glaze, who has volunteered to teach participating couples dance moves since the event began. In between the couples’ dance performances, individuals will perform as part of the “Dayton’s Got Talent” portion of the event, which this year will have a Great Gatsby theme.

Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, which are available at the door, are $25 each. The winning couple is selected by the number of audience votes received. Each admission ticket includes five votes, and additional votes can be purchased for five votes for $20 and one vote for $5.

All proceeds from the event fund scholarships offered by PFLAG Dayton and the Greater Dayton LGBT Center. PFLAG Dayton awards at least two $2,000 scholarships annually (one for a straight ally and one for an LGBT student). The Greater Dayton LGBT Center awards at least one $1,000 scholarship for an LGBT student each year. Proceeds from the 2012 “When the Stars Come Out!” allowed both organizations to award additional scholarships this year.

“PFLAG Dayton’s mission is to promote the health and wellbeing of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, as well as their families and friends, through advocacy, education and support,” said Jan Couchman, PFLAG Dayton president. “This scholarship program allows us to meet all aspects of our mission while supporting the next generation of leaders — and this fundraiser is what allows us to do that important work.”

Brandon Booher and Gaston Herndon, 2012 best dance performance

Brandon Booher and Gaston Herndon received the best dance performance award at last year’s event.

The Dayton chapter of PFLAG is affiliated with the national organization. PFLAG chapters are located in more than 360 communities throughout the United States and in 11 countries. PFLAG Dayton offers avariety of programs to support the LGBT community, as well as their family and friends. The group holds monthly meetings at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at Harmony Creek Church, 5280 Bigger Rd. in Kettering. Each meeting offers both a program and a support group.

For more about PFLAG Dayton, visit http://pflagdayton.org, email pflag@pflagdayton.org or call 937-640-3333. For more about “When the Stars Come Out!” contact Jan Couchman at 937-248-8621 or janc1966@aol.com.

Oct. 4 Event to Feature Art Exhibits, Live Music, Shopping, Discounts

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SMAGmare once again will be a highlight of the October First Friday. SMAG Dance Collective, Deniz with Caravan Workshops and Funk Lab Dance Center will star in this ghoulish performance at 8 p.m. at 530 E. Fifth St. (next door to the Trolley Stop).

Dayton, Sept 30, 2013– What is a better way to kick-off the Halloween season than downtown Dayton’s free First Friday event on Oct 4, from 5 to 10 p.m? To put everyone in a ‘creepy’ mood, dancers from the SMAG Dance Collective  will roam the streets as ghouls, witches and other characters before the performance of SMAGmare at 8 p.m. at 530 E. Fifth St. (next door to the Trolley Stop). Deniz with Caravan Workshops and Funk Lab Dance Center also will be part of the performance.

Two Oregon District stores will be celebrating openings: Pop-up Shop Spice Paradise (16 Brown St.) will celebrate its grand opening while Sew Dayton (261 Wayne Ave.) will open its doors in a new, larger retail space.

Steel drummer Joseph Glenn, guitar player Todd the Fox and fire dancers Soul Fire Tribe will provide entertainment as they roam downtown.

As an encore performance from this past Urban Nights event, CADC (45 S. St. Clairwicker2 St.) will offer visitors another chance to try out Paint Boxing. Anyone is invited to create a unique piece of art or T-shirt at one of the Paint Boxing stations for $20. Call 313-9883.

Clash Consignment (521 E. Fifth St.) will feature artists Erica Blackstock, Craig Galentine, Josh Hydler, Liz Dearth and Robert Walker. This store will also offer 20 percent off all costumes. Call 241-9434.

The monthly Courteous Mass Ride will meet for one ride at 5:30 p.m. at Don Crawford Plaza (220 N. Patterson Blvd). This route will take riders on a 10-mile journey to the Midwest Outdoor Experience and back. Riders may choose to stay at the Experience. All tours are free and welcome any skill level.

Dayton Visual Arts Center (118 N. Jefferson St.) will continue its exhibit Music for Teacups: Colagiovanni and Haviland, a selection of video, artist books and original prints by two artists from Athens, Ohio. Showing through Oct 19. Open until 8 p.m. Call 224-3822.

Stainless steel artwork by Ryan Struve will be on display at Gallery 510 Fine Art (508 E. Fifth St.). Call 672-6717.

All are welcomed to Garden Station’s (509 E. Fourth St.) beginner’s cheesemaking class at 6 p.m. and a course on soaking and sprouting grains followed by live music at 8 p.m. by Stillwater Riverband. The Urban Farmer’s Market beings at 5:30 p.m. Call 610-3845.

Synergy Incubators hosts the First Friday Food Truck Rally, featuring many popular local food trucks at 200 S. Jefferson St.

Junkyard Dojo will be playing at The Yellow Cab, (700 E. Fourth St.) The completed works created during the live Urban Nights “Works in Progress” show will be showcased along with the creepy but intriguing exhibit “Squick.” Call 203-8175.

First Friday is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership with support from the Oregon District Business Association and Rev. Cool’s “Around the Fringe” show that airs on Fridays from 8 p.m. to midnight on WYSO-FM 91.3. The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website has a complete list of downtown’s arts and cultural amenities, as well as a dining guide, parking map and much more. Download the Find It Downtown mobile search tool for smartphones at http://mobile.downtowndayton.org.

ArtPrize 2013 Day 1 & 2

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imageAmway/Rick DeVos funded (1 prize $250k to 1 artist; 20k to most popularly voted venue, 560k in prize money total) + 1,524 artists and 168 venues who sign-up to partner via a to a “speed-date system + vibrant, walkable downtown who welcome an additional 500k visitors for 2 weeks (bringing an estimated 15m economic impact) + ANYBODY can vote for their fave, not once (“ugh, don’t make me feel dumb by asking me to pick the best work of art!”) but vote for as many things that float your boat + really high production value in graphics, wayfinding, “info hubs,” and apps (google Grand Rapids impact history of design) + a guiding principle to spark conversations about and around art = a one of a kind art experience / social experiment. That’s gotta be good right?

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But what about the art?

I arrive in Grand Rapids Thursday afternoon by driving up one of the main drags downtown that curves around right in front of the Grand Rapids Art Museum – a very modern multi-level glass and angled thing sprawled in the center of park, nestled with food trucks, a Maya Lynn public amphitheater and bustling small town/downtown city sidewalks. And I mean bustling. Folks with maps in their hands. Wait. With smartphones in their hands. Hundreds of “em. Voting via the geo-targeting ArtPrize app. Right there in broad daylight in the middle of the street.

And thus begins the adventure.

As a guest of my former colleague (read: my old boss invited me to tag along) I enter the staff side of the museum, intros all around and we’re off. Up the street we run, past many more Amway-funded entities to DeVos Hall – basically a convention center filled with art. Atrium, hallways, you name it. Hours. Hundreds of pieces. Hundreds of people voting. Everywhere.

On a Thursday afternoon. Some artists sitting near their works like at art shows/festivals, some with short list, top 25, popular and guest juror designee signage. All with clear, distinct signage, artist info (international but 90% of what I saw US/Midwest) artists statement, info about media. Some good art. Some bad art. Some artists I recognize. Or recognize what they are trying to do. I’m told the first few years works had to be no more than 1 year old to keep things fresh, contemporary.

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After a few enterprising artists re-purposed works year after year, organizers figured screw it and opened it up to any year by living artists. Nice dinner with a group of collectors and then a pub tour of sorts, including stops at a burning man type outdoor street party and a few brew pubs (note Dayton: GR calls it self the beer city). Did I mention hundreds of people voting? everywhere. After a walk back to the hotel, a nightcap and a slide show to complete strangers in the hotel bar of my top 40 of the day, I called it a night.

Friday began with a tour of GRAMs Top 25 ArtPrize show in which contenders were paired w notable works from the collection, a brunch with the artists and ArtPrize DirectorChristian Gaines (4 mos new from the LA independent film scene) and we’re off again. This time via trolley to Kendall College, a stop to see last year’s winner “Elephants,” a monumental graphite on paper allegorical “Peaceable Kingdom” type drawing (installed amidst a plethora of clever merchandising (My 2 cents about that maybe tomw)), to the sleek, expansive LaFontsee Galleries (good regional contemporary, framing and design-y merch and then to meld food and art culture at the Downtown Market (25 varieties of pink salt and almond biscotti ice cream).

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We finished our evening at the home of the city’s most eclectic private art collection. What can you say about collectors like this? Old masters hung salon style along side graffiti art above a custom case of Japanese netsuke, a Van Gogh drawing in the atrium a Wolf Kahn in the bedroom and rows upon rows of unknown, but compelling to the owners small, medium large, accomplished and a bit raw, paintings. My favorite kind of collector is what I say. Just a great reminder of living with art you love.

So. Wildly liberating to view art in museums, galleries, hotel lobbies, an auto-body shop, a few brew pubs, a yoga studio, cathedrals, community centers, sidewalks, Starbucks, pizza joints, a sports arena,

city parks, Buffalo Wild Wings, a courthouse, a presidential museum, a bank and a nice cream parlor, huh? And did I mention hundreds of people … you know.

Here’s a smattering of pics in no order. See what you thin and tom’w Ill tell you more about what the artists think of all this and how it all may benefit Dayton.image

 

Who’d You Rather.. FRICKERS or ROOSTERS ?? **$20 Gift Certificates**

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Boneless Wings at Fricker’s

Want to win a $20 Gift Certificate for your own Food Adventure to Fricker’s or Rooster’s?  Today these perennial sports bar favorites go beak to beak, feather to feather, cluck to cluck.  Which one do you like better?

You can’t deny local wing kings Fricker’s and Rooster’s have been enjoying success in the Miami Valley for decades.  Rumor has it that the Fricker brothers had a falling out.  As a result, one of the brothers went off on his own and opened Rooster’s restaurant as a result.  The family feud was Dayton’s gain.

So Food Adventure fans – we want to hear from you..  which of these saucy sports dives is your favorite?   Whether you like boneless or bone-in, whether you like breaded or grilled chicken, comment below and let your voice be heard.  Why? Because 2 people will be picked at random to win a $20 gift certificate to Frickers and Roosters respectively!  Oh and we wanna see which place has a more loyal following…

 

The Food Adventures Crew sound off on their favorites:

Wings at Rooster’s

Hungry Jax’s Take:  Rooster’s has a bigger salad selection, which is important to me.  I also like the fact that they have more pizza offerings and more sub options.  My vote is for: ROOSTERS”

The Big Ragu’s Take: ” To me it is all about the traditional wings and the sauces.   In my opinion Fricker’s runs away with it on those categories alone.  They have better burgers and better boneless wings as well.  My vote goes to: FRICKERS”

We know that both spots have their strengths like WINGS , BONELESS WINGS, and a great venue to watch sporting events, but lets recap our take on the differences between these two:

 

The Burgers at Fricker’s are surprisingly good

FRICKER’S STRENGTHS:

— Fricker’s offers Ribs.  And guess what, they aren’t bad for a casual sports bar!

— Fricker’s special’s are superior.  They have 40 cent boneless wing specials on Monday nights and 40 cent traditional wings on Tuesdays.   Fricker’s offers a sirloin steak for only $5 on Wednesday nights and $5 chicken chunks on Thursdays.  Also kids eat free everyday.  Saving money is good.

— The Brew City Fries, onion straws and fried zucchini are 3 decent appetizers only found at Fricker’s

— Cheaper beer prices at Fricker’s.  They feature the $2.42 large domestic drafts.  Nothing like a cold one and big screen football.

— The burgers at Fricker’s are bigger.  Quite frankly we think they are better as well.

 

ROOSTER’S STRENGTHS:

Asian Chicken Salad at Rooster’s

— Rooster’s has “Dumpster Fries” which we think is the best appetizer found on either menu.  Try them for a taste of awesome indulgence.

— Rooster’s has a better selection of Sandwiches.  More choices, more options, especially for those counting calories.

— The salad offerings at Rooster’s are more complete.  For those trying to eat healthy, you will have more options at Rooster’s.

— Rooster’s pizza’s are better.  Again, more options for toppings, etc.  If you haven’t eaten their pizza, you will be pleasantly surprised.

— Rooster’s gets the edge in soups.  Something you may not know is that both places have some incredible chili and pretty good New England Clam Chowder.  We have been eating those as a start to a Food Adventure for years.

 

Food Adventures with The Big Ragu and Crew gave their opinion -now it is YOUR TURN !  Who’d you rather get it on with: Frickers or Roosters?

COMMENT BELOW AND  SETTLE THIS BATTLE OF THE LOCAL WING SPOTS !!!

We will pick one winner from each restaurant for $20 Gift Certificates

Visit the often imitated, never duplicated Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking —> HERE !
We are not food critics, we are just foodies that love to eat !!

Browse our photo gallery below from our many Food Adventures to Rooster’s and Fricker’s !!

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Chop Suey Carryout: The Oldest Chinese Restaurant in Dayton

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Something is to be said for a restaurant that has been serving dishes for over 40 years.   Chop Suey Carryout at 1465 E. Dorothy Lane in Kettering has quietly done just that.  In fact, this eatery is the first place we ever tasted Chinese food.  They don’t have a website or even a Facebook page, but they have been cranking out Asian classics and we have been having Food Adventures here since Gerald Ford was President.   How has this place stayed in business for so long?  The answer is consistently good food and good prices.  Their recipes remain identical since the 70’s, and the result is generations of loyal followers.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Chop Suey Carryout was opened in 1973 by a family who had moved to the U.S. from Taiwan.  The same family owns the restaurant today, and have kept the location on E. Dorothy Lane for the entire run.

— As the name suggests, it is a great place for carryout.  If you must dine-in be prepared for the retro dining room.  We voted it “Best Dining Room for filming a scene from Kojak.”

— The prices are reasonable and all dishes come in size Regular or Large.  Do yourself a favor, get the regular, it is a good sized portion and will save you some cash.

— All the meals are served in those “little Chinese to-go boxes,” even if you dine-in.  It makes for a fun Food Adventure, just grab some chop sticks and go to town.

— Chop Suey Carryout is closed on Sundays, so make sure you hit them up Monday through Saturday til about 9pm.

Shrimp Chop Suey – The Best Chop Suey in Dayton

— Drink selection is very limited.  They have a couple of soda brands and maybe a tea.

 

Now, get ready to wok and roll as FOOD ADVENTURES gives you our…

****MUST EATS !!!****

— CHOP SUEY:  Of course !  How can you write an article about this place and not mention their specialty namesake?   Answer: YOU CANT !  Unless your a food critic who doesn’t know what they are doing.  Our favorite is the Shrimp Chop Suey, but you can get vegetable, pork, chicken or beef varieties.  This creamy mixture of cabbage and vegetables is the best chop suey in Dayton.  It is served over steamed rice and is very filling.

— CHOW MEIN:  This dish is identical to Chop Suey, except it is served over hard Chinese noodles.  Again you have vegetable or various meat options.   However, we have been eating this dish since we played t-ball and we say go for the Shrimp Chow Mein option (or Chicken if you need a substitute)!   The clear sauce on this dish has an amazing flavor and is how we remember it as kids.  It is the best chow mein in Dayton and never disappoints.

Fantastic Hot n Sour Soup – be careful, it is always Scalding Hot !

— HOT & SOUR SOUP:  Addicting, flavorful ..and SCALDING HOT !  Beware: this is served hot enough to burn your mouth for 20 minutes.  The 20 minute wait is worth it, as this hot and sour soup rivals the big name restaurants in town.

— SWEET & SOUR SHRIMP:  An old classic served up right by an old restaurant.  We don’t know why it is so good, but Big Ragu says it is the best Sweet & Sour dish in the Miami Valley.  Maybe it is the lightly crispy, deep fried batter on the shrimp.   Or maybe it is the classic, deep red, sweet and sour sauce unlike any other.  Secret:  we think it is the combination when the two mix.  Again, if you are a land lubber and hate seafood.. try the sweet & sour chicken option.

— SESAME CHICKEN:  A good flavored sauce covering deep fried, white meat chicken.  The sesame sprinkles are the finishing touch.  Pour over white rice for sheer heaven.

Sesame Shrimp & all entrees are served in Chinese “to-go” boxes. Easy Chopstick eatin’

Honorable Mention:  Egg Foo Young – Chop Suey Carryout is one of the few places in town that serves this dish and does it justice.  The same can be said for their Moo Goo Gai Pan.  Again, we have been ordering and eating this stuff before anyone twirled a rubix cube, so trust us.   Also, the Kung Pao Chicken is  great in a pinch.   Most recently we tried a dish we have only seen at Chop Suey Carryout called Wor Shue Gai.  It is a deep fried chicken dish, with a curious yellow sauce.  It needs some spiciness, so we say stick with the ‘Must Eat’ classics !

Some things like disco music and Laverne & Shirley didn’t survive the 70’s.   Chop Suey Carryout survived and is still stir frying and high flying today.   Wok, don’t run, to this Kettering icon, and try some of our favorites.  Discover why after four decades, Daytonians still stand in line for this takeout Food Adventure.

What is your opinion of Chop Suey Carryout?  Comment below and tell us your thoughts or menu recommendations.

Want more to take home?  Then check out FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook and “like” us by clicking —>HERE.

Browse through photos of numerous specialties we have sampled over the years.  Sorry, no smellivision included…

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Smash, Snap and Splash are the Sounds of This Fall’s Urban Nights

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Art galleries, retailers and other businesses will host special exhibits and other events during Urban Nights.

NOTE: Giant tents will cover downtown streets; more than 100 indoor venues participating in downtown Dayton’s Urban Nights, which takes place today (Sept. 20) rain or shine from 5 to 10 p.m. Follow Urban Nights on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UrbanNightsDayton for regular updates and any last-minute cancellations due to inclement weather.

Tents will cover the three Urban Nights Hotspots (listed below) and activity will take place as planned.

  • • International Street, Second Street between Main and Jefferson streets: Second Street will be closed to make way for dance performances from a variety of troupes, beer truck featuring import brews and a variety of food vendors.
  • • Arts Corner, St. Clair and Fourth streets: Fourth Street will be closed to make way for Paint Boxing, presented by CADC Art Gallery and Drake’s Downtown Gym — Home of Jab City Boxing. At 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., see boxing demonstrations in a ring in the middle of the street. Then, watch boxers dip their gloves in brightly colored paint and jab and punch a huge canvas to create a piece of art. In addition, enjoy a range of entertainment hosted by nearby businesses, including live entertainment, art exhibits and special sales.

• Live on Five, corner of Fifth and Pine streets in the Oregon District: Check out live music by some of Dayton’s best bands and a fashion show from Sew Dayton and Brim while enjoying a brew from the beer truck.

A map of participating venues and a complete list of their events and specials is available online at www.downtowndayton.org, at info tents located throughout the event area and at participating venues.

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Downtown is going to be a lively and noisy (in a good way!) place with all the events going on during Urban Nights from 5-10 p.m. on Friday, Sept 20. More than 100 businesses are participating to make this the best Urban Nights yet. With three hotspots scattered throughout downtown, the streets of our center city are going to be one big party.

Visitors who come to the Arts Corner hotspot on Fourth and St. Clair streets will see boxers fighting in the middle of the street — with a canvas, that is. CADC Art Gallery and Drake’s Downtown Gym—Home of Jab City Boxing  are partnering to put on an unusual performing arts event called Paint Boxing. Boxers will dip their gloves into brightly colored paint then “smash” it into a large canvas to create a one-of-a-kind artwork. Onlookers also will be invited to learn basic boxing techniques at Drake’s Gym or paint box a T-Shirt at CADC.

The cameras of many photographers went “snap” to capture fantastic photos of Dayton for the annual Downtown in Focus photo contest. The winners have been chosen, and all photos entries will be on display in the lobby of the Kettering Tower, including the best-in-show winners and the Dayton mayor’s pick for “Dayton Original.” Find out if your top picks match what the judges decided.

Some “splashes” will be heard at the Mini-Midwest Outdoors Experience in Courthouse Square. This event, presented by Five Rivers MetroParks , gives a taste of outdoors experiences offered in Dayton. Visitors can try stand-up paddleboating in the Square’s fountain and slacklining and a mountain bike course in the Square. Over the Edge, sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Miami Valley, also will be taking place in the Square. Brave adventurers will be rappelling over the side of the 27-story KeyBank Tower to raise money for the organization. Courthouse Square activities will run until 8 p.m.

Three hotspots will be located throughout downtown. Art vendors, live music, henna art and a special performance of select excerpts from Spamalot by Sinclair’s music and theater departments can be found at Arts Corner. International Street will feature cuisine and dance performances from around the world. Live on Five in the Oregon District will be the live music hub for the night, and downtown stores Brim and Sew Dayton will present a fashion show in between musical acts to celebrate their mutual one-year anniversaries. (A complete schedule for the hotspots is below.)

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Check out some of Dayton’s best bands and a fashion show by Brim and Sew Dayton at the hotspot Live on Five in the Oregon District.

More than 30,000 people come downtown to experience Urban Nights, a free event when more than 100 establishments showcase downtown’s numerous offerings. The best way to see as much as possible during Urban Nights is to walk, and Greater Dayton RTA also will provide free event busses to help visitors get around.

A map of participating venues and a complete performance schedule, including a listing of all participating locations’ events and specials, is available online. Follow Urban Nights on Facebook for regular updates and more information.

SEPT. 20 URBAN NIGHTS HOTSPOTS

International Street

Sponsored by Miller-Valentine Group: Celebrating 50 Years

Second Street between Main and Jefferson streets

Enjoy dance performances while you grab an import brew to go along with chow from one of many food vendors.

Dancing in the Street Stage Schedule

5-5:25 p.m.:        The Circle Nerdz

5:30-5:55 p.m.:  The Beseda Dancers

6-6:25 p.m.:        South Dayton Dance Theatre

6:30-6:55 p.m.:  Troupe Roja

7-7:25 p.m.:        McGovern Ceili Dancers

7:30-7:55 p.m.:  Vivian Zumba

8-10 p.m.:            Son del Caribe

 

Arts Corner

Sponsored by Sinclair Community College and DP&L

St. Clair and Fourth streets

Paint Boxing:

Fourth Street will be closed between St. Clair Street and Patterson Boulevard for this special activity, hosted by CADC Art Gallery and Drake’s Downtown Gym—Home of Jab City Boxing and funded by the DDP’s Urban Nights Grant. At 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., boxing demonstrations will be performed in the street.

Arts Corner Entertainment

Enjoy a range of entertainment hosted by nearby businesses, including live music, art exhibits, henna art and special sales.


Live on Five

Sponsored by Miami-Jacobs Career College, with media sponsor WYSO 91.3-FM

Corner of Fifth and Pine streets in the Oregon District

Grab a draft brew from the beer truck and rock out to a variety of live bands.

Entertainment Schedule:

5-5:40 p.m.:        Yvette “Diva” Williams, featuring Premium Blend

5:40 p.m.:            Molotov: Stupid Human Tricks

6- 6:40 p.m.:       Seefari

6:40 p.m.:            Molotov: Stupid Human Tricks

7-7:40 p.m.:        The Eric Jerardi Band

7:40-8 p.m.:        Fashion show from Brim and Sew Dayton celebrating both stores’ one-year anniversaries

8-10 p.m.:            Meghna & the Majority

Christopher’s Restaurant: Saintly and Sinful

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Mushroom Bisque one of many homemade soups

Some say the food at Christopher’s Restaurant is like a religious experience.  That would make sense because the eatery is named after St. Christopher, the patron saint of travel.  Owner/Chef Chip Pritchard and his staff have developed a cult following with the locals, and a favorite stop of foodies who are passing through town.  Why?  Because it is comfort food.  It is not pretentious, just good solid food.  We met the owners at a farmer’s market and it has been a favorite Food Adventure stop ever since.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Known for their extensive, fresh menu it is a salad, soup and sandwich lovers paradise.

— Vegetarian and Vegan friendly choices make it a favorite healthy dining spot.  Many gluten free menu items to choose from as well.

The Black Bean Burger: not just for vegans anymore

— Breakfast menu that rivals anyplace in Dayton.   Most overheard quote at Christopher’s  “you gotta come back for breakfast.”  Tasty indeed.

— Christopher’s employs two bakers who make the desserts from scratch twice a week.  Check the revolving choices and make sure you don’t miss out on these sinful offerings.

— Thursday nights are “theme nights.”    Probably our favorite time to visit Christopher’s.  Guaranteed great foodstuffs in a fun, inviting atmosphere.  Most recently, we went to Caribbean Theme Night on September 12th.

— Christopher’s uses local farms, local produce, naturally raised beef, organic salmon (from Foremost Seafood), local free range eggs, and organic coffee and teas.

Speaking of which, The Big Ragu and crew have to tell you about …. the MUST EATS at CHRISTOPHERS

Many organic items like Ice Teas served with fresh, local mint sprigs

— THE CHRISTOPHER SPECIAL:  A bacon sandwich with avocado, tomato, Neufantel cream cheese and bean sprouts. We crave this and get nights sweats thinking about this specialty sandwich.

— THE MEZZA PLATE:  House Hummus, falafel, feta cheese chunks, kalamata olives, tomato slices, cucumbers and carrots surrounded by pita chips.  This ain’t your grandparents vegetarian menu…

— BUFFALO CHICKEN SOUP:  Phenomenal homemade soup with a kick better than Pelé.  Eat some and become a Buffalo Soldier like The Big Ragu.

— THE BLACK BEAN BURGER: Even if you are not a vegetarian, you gotta try this delicious and filling burger.

— MUSHROOM BISQUE: One of our all time fave soups is simply divine.  Creamy goodness in every spoonful.

— CARROT CAKE:  The homemade icing will have you saying “dude, seriously?”  Try it, your tummy will thank us.

— BUMBLEBERRY PIE:   Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.  Yes, 3 berries, one pie.  Served cold or hot, you can’t lose with this fresh, local creation.  Big Ragu approved !

— TWO GOOD BREAKFAST: Two eggs, two pieces of bacon, two pieces of sausage and two pancakes or French toast.

Delicious, Fresh Breakfast Choices

Honorable Mention: Bacon & Tomato Omelette, Honey BBQ Chicken and The “Decent Breakfast” which features choices of fruit or home fries, choice of meat, 2 eggs and a biscuit, toast or English muffin.

This quaint dining establishment is a great place for a date, or a visit with your grandmother.  Expect great service, as the staff is friendly and very knowledgeable.  The eclectic menu at Christopher’s Restaurant is a great place for a serious eater.  From healthy, to vegan, from ethnic to good old fashioned American comfort food, they have it all.  It fits the bill for practically any occasion.  Best of all, many ingredients are fresh and local.    Give it a try next time you are near the corner of Woodman Dr and Dorothy Lane. They are open Monday – Saturday: 7:30am – 9pm.  They use organic to make meals that are fantastic.

Browse the many dishes in our photo album below from our many meals at Christopher’s.

Love Facebook?  Want some more from your favorite “foodies in their forties?”  Then check out Food Adventures on Facebook   —> HERE

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