Dayton937

It’s A Farmers Market At Night, With Beer!

April 24, 2015 By Dayton937 4 Comments

Local Vendors will light up the “Night Market” Saturday Night

This Saturday the place to be is the Yellow Cab building. Tucked back on fourth street between Garden Station and the Dublin Pub is a community art space that hosts all kinds of events, most notably the Food Truck Rallies, art shows, concerts, movie showings and even farmers markets.

This weekend the Night Market is happening. Night Market is a night time farmers market with craft beer, food trucks and entertainment. This is a fun way to fill your table full of local goods, drink some craft locally brewed beer, grub on some of the best food trucks around and listen to some tunes from DJ Etch. All ages are welcome for this party atmosphere market.

With spring time here our farmers will be selling their veggies. Brickel Creek will be bringing her organic goodness. Flying Mouse will have maple syrup. Homefull will be bringing items from their 150 raised beds.

Look for popcorn, both sweet and spicy from Caramel Cravings, and gluten free baked items from Neighborhood Nest including spicy cheese crackers! Also featured are vanilla extracts, jams and jellies, spice blends, granola, cookies, and cinnamon rolls from Baker’s Vegetable Market & Greenhouse. Baker’s will also have hand pies, sprouts, lettuce and baby vegetable plants, so you can get your own garden started.

HouseMade will have their sriracha, hot honey, salts and rub. Simpleman Beef Jerky will be coming down again from Columbus with their all natural and amazing beef jerky. My Artisano Foods from Cincinnati will be making their first appearance with their gourmet cheeses.

Spices, Veggies, Non Food Items, Beers, and much, much more

There will even be non-food items to look out for. Travis Eads from Oakwood will be selling his handmade items for the kitchen and the home. Ludic Soap will be returning with her amazing smelling handcrafted soaps. Also, Gem City Tee Shirts will have all kinds of Dayton designs on hand.

You will have four food trucks to look forward to for the night. New on the scene is the Drunken Smoker Food Truck featuring Waffles. The Shakery, Fronana and Sweet P’s will also be there.

This event is rain or shine. If this rain passes by for the weekend this event will be held outside. If not there is plenty of space inside for everyone. The hours are from 5-9 pm Saturday the 25^th of April.

Featured breweries for this weekend are Toxic, Yellow Springs and Warped Wing.

This is a perfect, intimate market for those of you who enjoy eating local and buying local. What better way to spend a Saturday evening then at the Night Market? It is a perfect time to create your own local, organic Food Adventure, and celebrate what Ohio has to offer.

Come down to eat, drink, shop and meet some new Dayton peeps!

Check out our photo gallery below for Night Market highlights. For more Dayton food scoop, please “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE! Join the 5,000+ fans following Chef House, Hungry Jax and the Big Ragu !

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Volunteers Needed at Seedling Saturdays To Help Save Local Forests

April 23, 2015 By Dayton937

As part of Five Rivers MetroParks’ reforestation efforts, more than 60,000 seedlings have been planted during the past four years on land Five Rivers MetroParks manages. Now, volunteers are needed during upcoming Seedling Saturdays to ensure these seedlings can grow — and improve our local environment. These free events will be held from 9 a.m. to noon:

Saturday, Apr. 25 — Carriage Hill MetroPark, 7800 E. Shull Rd. in Dayton
Saturday, May 2 — Germantown MetroPark, 7101 Conservancy Rd. in Germantown
Saturday, May 9 — Carriage Hill MetroPark, 7800 E. Shull Rd. in Dayton
Saturday, May 16 — Sugarcreek MetroPark, 4178 Conference Rd. in Bellbrook
Saturday, May 30 — Germantown MetroPark, 7101 Conservancy Rd. in Germantown

Participants will join Five Rivers MetroParks staff to check on seedlings and provide some TLC, such as mulching, straightening protective tubes and clearing competing vegetation. These family-friendly events are a great way for kids to explore the outdoors and learn about nature — all while protecting the region’s natural heritage by rebuilding forests stressed by the Emerald Ash Borer, invasive species, climate change and more.

“With more than 15,800 acres of land to protect, Five Rivers MetroParks staff rely on volunteers’ help to protect our environment,” said David Nolin, Five Rivers MetroParks director of conservation. “Human beings have manipulated the world around us so much, it needs some help. We’ve found in MetroParks, we can greatly increase forest diversity with a little bit of effort.

“We’re stewards of the land, not absentee landlords,” Nolin added. “It is up to us to protect our natural areas not only for future generations, but for the future of the wildlife within our region as well.”

Registration is requested, but not required. Register for Seedling Saturdays online or by calling 937-275-PARK (7275). For additional volunteer opportunities to help Five Rivers MetroParks protect native trees and forest ecosystems, contact volunteer coordinator Yvonne Dunphe at [email protected] or at 937-275-PARK (7275).

The Greatest Donuts in the World + Win a Dozen of Them !

April 16, 2015 By Dayton937 267 Comments

Owner Lisa with a Young Customer

Every glazed must kneel, every jelly must bow…. Dayton, Ohio is home to many things, including the World’s Best Donuts since 1960. Bill’s Donut Shop is no doubt a Miami Valley icon, located at 268 N. Main Street in Centerville. They have won countless local awards, and have been featured nationally in Saveur Magazine, USA Today, and even recently on the Ellen Degeneres Show. We think it is not a big step to proclaim these the “World’s Greatest Donuts.” If you don’t believe it, let the Food Adventures Crew edify you.

***** Want to win a dozen of the WORLD’S GREATEST DONUTS? ***** All you have to do is comment on the story below and one winner will be chosen at random next week (one comment per person please).

Local celebs like ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit, WHIO’s Mike Hartsock and University of Dayton legend, Don Donaher have named Bill’s as their favorite. Even national talk show host Phil Donahue, Congressman Mike Turner and singer Chet Atkins have given the donut shop accolades. We have also found many Daytonians who have moved away, always take time to stop at Bill’s Donuts and get their fix. Many who come in form out of town introduce their spouses or kids to the donuts, so the next generation can worship the legend. The shop has a cult following of regulars, some sit at the coffee bar, others in booths, One notable patron Kevin, who is also called “Dewey” is a friendly man who has been a fixture there since the 80’s.

The Pretzel Donut – Click to Enlarge the Flaky Goodness

This place is popular… like grass roots popular. Even without the celeb endorsements. For example, this Saturday Bill’s Donut Shop is hosting the annual Superhero 5k run for A Special Wish Foundation. The 5k had room for 500 runners and it sold out a week in advance. We think the 5k’s “donut after party” had something to do with the sellout.
So, with all the press, popularity and endorsements, why is Food Adventures writing an article on Bill’s Donut Shop? The answer is simple, we dig deeper. We dig into not only which individual donuts are the best of the best, but we ask “WHY?” What is the secret that makes these the most delectable donuts on earth?

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Original owners Bill and Faye Elam opened Bill’s Donuts in 1960. In 1995, they sold the business to two of their children, Lisa and Jim Elam.

— One of the biggest attractions is that the donut shop is open 24 hours a day, except for certain holidays.

— The best donuts in the world run about 80 to 85 cents each. There are 2 different types of donuts the yeast ones (glazed) and the cake donuts, but in recent years they have added some delicious danish, creme horns, muffins and more. All of them live up to the delicious standards of Bill’s, especially the huge chocolate brownies with chocolate icing.

— Also known for their coffee, typically Boston Stoker, they also offer milk, juices and hot chocolates and a mini cappuccino bar.

— The booths are old and tight, the coffee bar seating is definitely a throwback style. Warning – you may find long lines on Saturday and Sunday mornings, but the lines go fast. It is worth it for the magic inside the display cases. Another thing.. we call it one of our “fat kid tricks.” If you have the donuts a day or two later, pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds. It makes them taste brand new again.

The Round Donuts with Chocolate Icing and Cream Filling are Hungry Jax’s Favorite !

— Bill’s Donut Shop is also a huge supporter of local causes. They donate to dozens of charities and have been sponsoring local sports teams for many decades. They have a strong family belief in giving back to the community, which is deeply ingrained in their corporate philosophy.

— The Secret to the “Best Donuts in the World”, according to owner Lisa Elam is in 3 parts:

1) Bill’s uses only the purest, top quality oil to fry their donuts.

2) Top quality sugar and flour go into the donut recipes. Only the best ingredients have been used since 1960.

3) Cooking expertise from decades of experience. There is something to be said for experience and knowledge of workers who have been employed for 20 years or more. They know their craft, they know their industry and have developed a skill and a style. Most of the workers are truly seasoned veterans and expert donut makers overseeing the operation, not someone who has been working there a few months.

We now explore the ultimates in donut world.. which ones are the best? Which ones are the MUST EATS… The Food Adventures Crew has done their homework on this one. The King, Hungry Jax, Chef House and The Big Ragu have literally eaten dozens and dozens of these donuts over the years. Probably enough to fill up Vin Diesel’s car trunk. So here is the result of our years of research….

MUST EATS:

—THE PRETZEL DONUT: A huge pretzel shaped, glazed monster you have to twist to pull apart. Some parts of the donut are gooey and fresh, while other parts have the cooked glazed crust. This is the Big Ragu’s favorite donut of all time. It is a melt in your mouth delight.

—THE CHOCOLATE ICED ROUNDS WITH CREME FILLING: A simple round donut, iced with chocolate icing and injected with light cream.
Hungry Jax points to these as her favorites. The creme texture mixed with the icing and one of a kind Bill’s Donut flavor will put you on Dream Street.

—THE PEANUT BUTTER FILLED LONGJOHNS WITH CHOCOLATE ICING: Chef House’s favorite donut from Bill’s is one of their most sought after. This large rectangle pastry is iced with chocolate and stuffed with peanut butter creme. It’s one of those treats you bight into and say with a full mouth, “are you kidding me?”

—THE BUTTERY TWISTS: Are resident sweets expert, The King, will tell you that this is the best choice in Bill’s display case. A big donut that is buttery glazed and big on taste. Melt in your mouth delicious.

An Apple Crisp Muffin – Better Get Some Milk !

— THE CHOCOLATE GLAZED: WARNING! A glass of milk must be within 3 feet of you when eating these. These devilsfood cake donuts are the cats meow. We could eat a dozen of these ourselves.

— THE PERSIAN WITH NUTS: Huge cinnamon buns with peanut butter icing and crushed peanuts on top. Rich, filling and sinful, what a great way to start a morning.

— THE SOUR CREAM DONUT: It tastes nothing like it sounds. this is an old fashioned style, almost crunchy donut made with a bit of sour cream. The result is the inside is a lightly fluffy, vanilla flavor. The outside is a nice crunchy brown coating with a glaze.

— APPLE CRISP MUFFINS: How did they fit an apple pie into a muffin? This is the dark horse of the whole place and a rare sight. So grab ’em when you can. Thank us later, it will bring tears to your eyes.

Honorable Mention: The Blueberry Donuts are amazing. Also, you cant go wrong with a Jelly Donut with Vanilla Icing or a Powdered Donut filled with Cream. They also have a few donuts that are Custard Filled. The Big Ragu says the custard filled donuts will knock your socks off. There are so many others like the Apple Fritters and the Crullers, which when you say it sounds like you are gurgling salt water. Even the “Doughnut Stix” kick butt.

Again we say, every donut hole must kneel, every Long John must bow. Sprinkles or not, you have now experienced the upper echelon of the breakfast / dessert world. You have experienced the pinnacle of pudding in a glazed bun. You are lucky to live in Dayton, Ohio.. for you have experienced Bill’s Donut’s… The Greatest Donuts in the World.

Want scoop on all of Dayton’s greatest food stops? THEN LIKE FOOD ADVENTURES ON FACEBOOK HERE !

Check out our gallery below and see all the wonderful, magical donuts that Bill’s Donut Shop has to offer !

***** ALSO, DONT FORGET TO COMMENT BELOW FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A FREE DOZEN DONUTS FROM BILL’S DONUTS !! *****

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All You Can Eat “Sushi Club” Hits Dayton + win free sushi

April 10, 2015 By Dayton937 329 Comments

The Alaska Roll up front, Raw Pepper Tuna and Raw Salmon in the back

Attention sushi lovers, you aren’t gonna believe this. For the first time ever, an all you can eat sushi restaurant has opened in the Gem City.

This special place, called the “Sushi Club” has been open for a couple of weeks in West Carrollton. Now, before you start thinking of the side sushi at a Chinese buffet, let us stop you, because you’re wrong. This place is more like a Brazilian Steakhouse setup, but for sushi. Actually, it is just a sushi restaurant, with an option to pay $16.99, and order sushi rolls until you are full. That’s how it works. And the quality is great !! Your humble Food Adventure Crew have already visited the place a handful of times, and we are hooked!

***Contest*** Want to win a free all you can eat sushi experience???

Comment below on why you should win and one lucky person will be chosen at random and will win dinner with the Food Adventures Crew at the Sushi Club!

Click to enlarge this roll called “Sexy on the Beach”

You certainly don’t have to get the all you can eat option, but it’s the best deal in the place. So get ready to grab some chopsticks, pour some soy sauce and stir in some wasabi. It is time to indulge to your hearts content! Time for your own Japanese Food Adventure !

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The Sushi Club is located at 2098 S. Alex Rd in West Carrollton

— The best deal is the all you can eat sushi rolls, for $16.99, available all day long. There are 47 different sushi rolls for you to choose from. You can order 2 at a time, and the waitress will bring out your order and you can place another order and so on until you are done. The meal is served with salad, soup and an orange for dessert. The salad is an amazing lettuce and mango salad with creamy dressing. Sometimes, edamame is also served on the house.

— If you want to order Ngiri sushi slices or sashimi raw slices, the fee is and additional 25cents per piece. But it is totally worth it to try 4 or so pieces each visit. The raw sushi pieces are fresh and delicious.

— The staff couldn’t be friendlier. They are very helpful, and always willing to explain the menu with a smile.

— Not a sushi fan? No problem! The menu features Hibachi Steak, Chicken, Shrimp and Lobster too !

With so many choices, let’s just say you can’t go wrong. From mango topped to tuna topped, from yellow tail to salmon roe, whatever you like, Sushi Club will deliver a roll that will blow your mind and your mouth!

After trying nearly 40 rolls, we give to you our patented MUST EATS at the Sushi Club !!

MUST EATS:

The Incredible Roll

— THE ALASKA ROLL: Raw salmon, cucumber and avocado . A simple roll, highlighting fresh salmon.

— SPICY YELLOWTAIL ROLL: This roll is a rarity in the sushi world. Raw yellowtail tuna is chopped and mixed with spicy mayo. The result is a creamy, fresh, raw taste.

— SEXY ON THE BEACH ROLL: We don’t know if they meant to name it the drink name and messed up or what. But we don’t care, it’s that good. Spicy yellowtail on the inside, topped with tuna and salmon

— THE INCREDIBLE ROLL: Shrimp Tempura and avacado, topped with spicy crabmeat, eel and sweet chili sauce. A huge blend of flavors in this one promises to become one of your favorites.

— THE TUNA AMAZING ROLL: Crabmeat, cucumber and cream cheese, topped with pepper tuna, eel and spicy mayo. Whoever named this roll, got it right. Its amazingly naughty.

The Fancy Roll

— THE SOUTH ALEX ROLL: A deep fried roll with smoked salmon, avacado and cream cheese. It is topped with scallions, eels sauce and spicy mayo. Very filling, this one will put a dent in your all you can eat plans.

—THE FANCY ROLL: Tuna, Salmon and avacado, topped with whitefish, miso, and spicy mayo sauce. A nice, big mouthful or flavor.

— THE TUNA ROLL: Raw tuna, and avacado, back to the basic melt in our mouth sushi on this one.

Honorable Mention: A couple of items here are worth mentioning because they are good and because we have not seen them in other sushi place before. Try the raw “Pepper Tuna” Nigiri. It’s lightly coated with black pepper. Also try the Fish Tempura roll. We have never seen these before and it’s not bad. Finally, they offer Raw Tilapia sushi. We again have never seen this anywhere before, and it was very much like yellowtail sashimi. We also love the fact that they have a nice sake selection, and we enjoyed a beer we had never seen on draft before, Kirin Ichiban, one of our fave bottled beers since the early 90’s.

Tuna Roll and Tuna Sashimi

Now… about the free sushi..

***** WIN A FREE ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI DINNER ! *****

Put a comment in the story below and 1 lucky person will win an all you can eat sushi feast with the Food Adventures Crew. One winner will be chosen at random next week !

If you come to the Sushi Club, you won’t ever have the “I just spent $20 on sushi and I am still hungry” problem. Instead, satisfy your sushi cravings and treat yourself! Tell them the Food Adventures Crew sent you ! You won’t regret giving this place a try. Roll on !

Speaking of rolls. We literally have ordered every sushi roll on the menu, so please check out our gallery below for killer pictures on what to expect.

Also – visit Chef House, The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and The King on Facebook by clicking HERE. 5,000 fans can’t be wrong.

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Simply Hyacinth is Simply Amazing

April 8, 2015 By Dayton937

Hyacinth at Lakme fashion week.

Dr. Hyacinth Paul spent her career as a Chemist; 10 years into retirement, Hyacinth took a bold step towards starting a new career in a world that she knew nothing about…the world of fashion!

After hearing of a friends financial struggles and seeing the high economic devastation left by General Motors closing its doors served as motivation for Hyacinth to be a part of positive change in the Dayton and Miami Valley area. “I wanted to make a platform for American made products and handmade products in Dayton.” And that’s how Simply Hyacinth boutique came to become one of the HAUTEST new shops in Dayton. I have dresses made in the USA for $29.99 and most of my gowns are no more than $129.99. Local designers can sell their products through Simply Hyacinth as well.

Located in the village area of the Dayton Mall, Simply Hyacinth offers a variety of unique accent furniture, artwork, apparel, handmade jewelry, and accessories from Dayton, OH and around the world that is guaranteed to add a spark to any look or decor. “I want my customers to feel comfortable and enjoy the beauty of Made in the USA products and other merchandise that is sourced from socially responsible companies. It is our mission to provide a great shopping experience.”

“Fashion should make you feel good regardless of your size” according to Hyacinth. On Friday April 10 from 6p-7p and on Saturday April 11, 12p-2p Simply Hyacinth will be hosting a Casting Call in her boutique with the assistance of the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC. The casting call is for a fashion show that Simply Hyacinth will be producing on April 24^,2014. Free to the public, Simply Hyacinth will be showcasing their affordable luxury line that fits all sizes.

Influenced greatly by her parents; Hyacinth credits her mom for teaching her the value of education and her Dad for making her fearless. All of which have helped to prepare her for some of the struggles that she faces as a new boutique owner. “I have invested my retirement savings into the venture, I traveled for six months around the US to find made in America products and I went to China to study the competition”

Hyacinth, is not only limiting her new career as a small business owner, she is also looking to become a designer as well. “It was refreshing for me to find out great products that are affordable are made right here in the USA. Most of these companies are located in Los Angelas. I know New York and Detroit are gearing toward a lot of manufacturing in the USA. I have found great products made in the USA by women owned companies in Alabama, Massachusetts and Georgia. Cincinnati used to be a leader in the Fashion industry and we need to find companies that will manufacture in in the tri-state region of Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus.”

“Buying and creating American made products will certainly create jobs; there is no reason why our developed nation should have poverty levels in the high 20% . If everybody just bought something handmade and something Made in the USA I think there will be a demand for it and we could make an impact in our world.”

There are so many misconceptions about products being made in the USA, the biggest myth is Made in the USA products are expensive– NOT! Come to my store and find out.” One of the biggest hurdles for Made in the USA products is store owners marking up their prices, which in turns hurts the competitiveness of the products and struggling families opt to purchase cheaper products made overseas.

As far as fashions place in Dayton; Hyacinth says it’s a representation of our culture. Dayton is a place of self-made and proud people. I want people to bring back the 20’s when everybody was fashionable and made it a priority in their lives. I want people to create a fashion statement in what they wear and support the budding talents in the area.”

Brixx Adds New Menu Items in Time for Dragon’s Season

April 2, 2015 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

New “Brixx IPA” brewed exclusively by the Dayton Beer Company fro Brixx Ice Co.

A Soft Pretzel as big as a steering wheel? That’s just one of the new “Must Eats” that Brixx Ice Co. has added to their new menu this week, Dont worry, Brixx kept all of your old favorites like the Build your own burger, meatloaf and more. They have just branched out and are experimenting with some new choices, to see if they become favorites.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Owner Chris Bhai and his staff have been in training and are ready with their newest menu.

— Some of these items are so new, they weren’t available for ordering at press time… these specialties were…

The Spicy Chicken Sandwich – Free range chicken breast with spicy sauce, on a kaiser roll

The Hawaiian Chicken – Chicken breast served with a grilled pineapple

Braised Beef Burger – 1/2 pound burger with beef shoulder and gravy on top

Pork Pleaser Burger – 1/2 pounder topped with pulled bbq pork and bacon

Italian Beef Sandwich – with peppers and all

Deep Fried Turkey and Bacon Sandwich – The bacon may be deep fried too

Deep Fried Turkey Hot Shot Sandwich – open faced with the works !

Turkey and Waffles – Brixx’s take on a Southern classic

Food Adventures was however, able to get their mouths on some of the new specialties Brixx is trying out.

We found some delicious choices that are simply, MUST EATS !

Hand Breaded Mac n Cheese Bites, as Big as Baseballs

MUST EATS:

— BRIXX IPA: The first must eat, is a must drink. It is the house IPA, brewed for Brixx exclusively by The Dayton Beer Company. The beer appears milky and cloudy, but tastes true to the form of a mild IPA. In other words it is slightly “hoppy” if you like that groove.

— THE GIANT SOFT PRETZEL: This thing is as big as a steering wheel. It is served with a cold beer cheese made with Dragon’s Milk Beer, which really makes the whole appetizer. It is one of those food items that you can’t stop eating. We could drink the beer cheese dip as a soda.

— MASHED POTATOES and GRAVY SIDE ITEM: New item, but the homemade stuff we have come to expect from Brixx. You won’t see people leaving this side dish on their plate.

— SRIRACHA GINGER BBQ DRAGONS TOES: Whether you get boneless or traditional, this sauce is incredible. You feel the heat up front, then the sweet ginger taste smolders by. Nothing says wings like a mouthful of this flavor. Wow this stuff is good, and packs a small explosion of heat!

Sriracha Ginger BBQ Dragons Toes, Hot and Delicious !

— MAC N CHEESE BITES: These aren’t bites, these are snowball-sized spheres of hand breaded mac n cheese. Leave it to Chris Bhai and Brixx to push the envelope with this sinful menu item. These appetizers are rich, creamy and crunchy all at the same time. This appetizer is our bet to become a fan favorite.

There you have it Food Adventure fans. Now it is your turn to step up to the plate. Whether it’s the new IPA or the new appetizers, Brixx gives you even more reasons to take a swing at their menu with your taste buds. Spring has sprung, and the Brixx’s new menu has begun.

Please check out our gallery below with original photos of the new menu items. No stock or contributed photos here !

Are you a foodie? Want more fun info about dining spots in and around Dayton? Then join the 5,000+ fans who “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE. Don’t forget to check us out each and every week with a feature article here on Dayton Most Metro.

This is Hungry Jax, The King, Chef House and The Big Ragu saying “See ya at the Brixx.”

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Living with Less: Organization for Small Spaces

March 30, 2015 By Dayton937

Professional Organizer and Owner of Designed to Organize, LLC, Kim Metter, shares some tips on how you can organize your small space.

Sustainability is a mainstream concept that many people are embracing with open arms. Reusing, recycling, buying less and living in smaller homes are becoming the norm. The question is: how does a family live in a smaller space with the pressure to buy more? These tips can help you live a fuller life with less.

Some overall tricks for making a space look larger: use the right paint colors. Choosing sharp colors can trick the eye and create more space than is actually there. In addition, using smaller furniture in smaller spaces ensures that you are maximizing the square footage and gives you more clearance around items. Also, using furniture that is lower to the ground will make the space seem larger. Finally, using room dividers can help to create the look of defined space without sacrificing the open feeling.

Whenever possible, create spaces that are used for several purposes. A kitchen can be used for cooking, crafts and homework. Proper organization of these items ensures that you can use this space multiple ways effectively. Command hooks are great for adding places to keep utensils, towels, coffee mugs, really anything that hangs. You can also use them to hang wire or plastic baskets, allowing for even more storage. Additionally, wall space is rarely utilized to its potential. Hanging things on walls can add more storage, i.e. baskets, bookcases, floating shelving, etc. There is always an emphasis placed on horizontal square footage, but if you think vertically, you are maximizing each space to its fullest.

For the kitchen, using a wire basket shower caddy can double as a produce rack. You can glue magnets onto plastic containers to add storage to the sides and front of your refrigerator. Adding baskets underneath kitchen cabinets can give you more storage without sacrificing counter space. Placing peg boards inside of cabinets or doors can add ample hanging storage for various sizes and shapes. Using stacking shelves in cabinets and pantries can help you double your storage space. No room for an eat-in kitchen? Mount a fold up table to the wall and bring down for meals, then fold back up when done. This application can be used for any space that needs a table.

For bedrooms, adding bed risers can add more storage space underneath. Then, by using rolling flat bins under the bed, you can dramatically increase your storage capability. Drawers are usually not used to their potential. If possible, place rarely used items on the bottom of the drawer and place a box lid or flatter plastic organizer to keep items neat on the top. i.e. blanket on the bottom and T-shirts on the top. This will ensure that you are using the maximum amount of drawer space. It is a good idea to write down the items that are in the drawer and place it on the inside of that drawer. This way, those items not easily seen won’t be forgotten when needed. Remember that there are tools that you already have in your home that can be used for organizing such as using shoe boxes or cardboard to create your own drawer organizers. There’s no need to spend money when you can skillfully reuse other items that you already have!

Closets are spaces that are rarely fully used. Using plastic organizers with drawers will help you maximize the bottom of your closet space. Space under shelving in closets and cabinets are unused real estate. Hang baskets from the top shelf to add more storage. Under the shelf racks can also be used. Baskets or plastic storage bins with holes are great for storing kids clothes or clothing made of thinner fabrics. Finally, hanging organizers used on the back of doors and cabinets will add even more storage space. If by chance you have a closet that is rarely used, transform it into a multiple use space such as an office, craft space or office.

Living spaces can offer many opportunities for storage as well. Bookcases are a great way to add storage and display areas in tights spaces. By using baskets or cloth organizers, you can hide items that you do not want to be visible. They can be hung horizontally as well for kids rooms or for use in displaying items. Furthermore, using corner shelving can help add storage and use maximum space. Just like under the bed, there is also storage space under sofas. (Those that do not recline) Flat items such as board games or flat organizers can be used to increase your storage space. Small ottomans can double as seating and storage.With the world’s population increasing exponentially, the small home trend is one that will continue to grow. By learning how to maximize your space now, you will ensure that you and your family can meet the growing need to live sustainably and comfortably.

Centerville Icon to Close after 36 Years

March 27, 2015 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Tilton’s Marathon Gas station, a Centerville Icon for 36 years, will close on March 29th forever. Known for car repairs and a convenient fuel stop at 199 N. Main Street, it has been a Centerville fixture in the community. The gas station and car repair bays are located across the street from Benham’s Grove on State Route 48.

A sign thanking customers for their patronage was placed in the window a couple of weeks ago. Also pasted to the window is a personal letter from Ted Tilton, the owner, explaining that he has decided to retire. It also states that he had tried to sell the business recently, with no success. Ted again thanks his loyal customers and hints that he and his wife will continue to live in town.

We wish Ted and his family the best in his retirement. We will miss having our cars fixed at this iconic little shop.

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Preview of Chuy’s Tex-Mex Restaurant at Austin Landing

March 27, 2015 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Chuy’s Tex Mex is coming to Austin Landing in April with Homemade Mexican Food & Sauces with Signature Drinks

High energy music filled the air Thursday night at Austin Landing. Inside a huge party tent, Chuy’s Tex Mex Restaurant was hosting a bash and giving Daytonians their first taste of this Texas based chain.

Chuy’s managers and promoters were in from Austin, Lexington and Cincinnati to host the celebration of the new store. Even the mascot “Chuy the Redfish” was on hand. Raffle tickets were sold and all monies raised went to benefit Dayton Children’s Hospital.

The crowd was spoiled with margaritas. Mexican beers and a few drink samples. Also featured was a full blown nacho bar. This nacho bar featured a house cheese sauce, meat, refried beans and of course the homemade tortilla chips.

Also on the bar was a homemade salsa, an incredible house made guacamole, and a uniquely delicious creamy jalapeno sauce. Of course we topped our nachos with everything, including sliced jalapenos. The crowd ate and drank and learned about the new Tex Mex player in town. We share with you the highlights.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Chuy’s Tex Mex has over 60 restaurants nationwide, with its corporate headquarters in Austin, TX

— Tentative opening date is slated sometime in the 3rd week of April, 2015.

The Preview Party Spoiled Guests with a Deluxe Nacho Bar

— The management told us nothing is frozen here except ice cream and the kids french fries.

— The full menu can be seen HERE, but the preview tent featured a sample of the Nachos they have been serving up for nearly 33 years.

— Restaurant hallmarks include hand rolled tortillas, homemade guacamole, homemade house sauces and fresh lime juice on most dishes. Also big in their philosophy is community involvement.

— Check out Chuy’s signature drink menu HERE

All in all, the bash was a big success. Chuy’s staff kept it simple, fun and inviting. We will be back soon for a full blown Food Adventure. The King, Chef House, The Big Ragu and Hungry Jax are already scouring the menu for early favorites. Want more FOOD ADVENTURES of the Dayton area? Then “Like” them on Facebook HERE !

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Local Food Event to Feature “Rhinegeists and Poltergeists”

March 26, 2015 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Amber Rose Restaurant hosts “Rhinegeists & Poltergesists” one night only on April 17th

What do you get when you mix 4 courses of great food, 4 great beers, and ghosts? The answer is at The Amber Rose Restaurant on Friday night, April 17th. The beer and dinner pairing is called “Rhinegeists and Poltergeists,” and is the brainchild of Food Adventures food blog and Dayton Dining. The one-night-only event will feature beers from the Cincinnati Brewery, Rhinegeist, paired with the unique tastes of The Amber Rose Menu. There will also be paranormal investigators on hand with new 2015 study findings on the “haunted” restaurant. Tickets are on a pre-pay basis and only available online through DaytonMostMetro.com.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

WHERE: THE AMBER ROSE RESTAURANT – Dayton’s premiere restaurant for European comfort food, in a historic building built in 1912. Practically every menu item is made from scratch, with Lithuanian influences. The Food Adventure will be held in the upstairs private party room.

WHEN: APRIL 17, 2015 at 7PM

COST: Tickets are pre-pay only, $35 per person, and includes tip! TICKETS CAN BE BOUGHT at THIS LINK

FOOD MENU: Owner Joe Castellano and his stellar staff have come up with this 4 Course meal offering:

Course 1: Garlic Chicken & Gouda Flat-bread, Smoked Salmon & Dill Flat-bread

Course 2: Shiitake Mushroom Angel Hair Pasta

Course 3: Roasted Pork Tenderloin topped with Major Grey’s Chutney and served with Cheesy Grits

Course 4: Chocolate Pecan Pie

4 Course Dinner, Served with 4 Beers !

RHINEGEISTS:

Here are the beers that will be featured from the Rhinegeist Brewery in Cincinnati

Course 1: Rhinegeist Rakau: an American Pale Ale

Course 2: Rhinegeist Fool: a Saison Farm House Ale

Course 3: Rhinegeist Zen: a Session Pale Ale

Course 4: Rhinegeist Hustle: a Red Rye Ale

POLTERGEISTS:

As many of you may know, The Amber Rose is supposedly a haunted venue. The ghost is believed to be the daughter of the former house owner. She is a playful ghost named Genevieve Ksiezopolski aka “Chickie.” Employees have many stories of glasses flying off of shelves, lights being turned on and even the appearance of a poltergeist. Take for example this case, where a cook claimed to see a full apparition of a lady in a long dress who walked into the room, then turned and walked away. When the frightened cook alerted the staff, they quickly pulled the security surveillance camera footage. What they saw at the same time the cook claimed to encounter the ghost was this: click to see video.

“Chickie,” one of the ghosts believed to haunt The Amber Rose

A local, three person “ghost hunter” crew will be investigating the Amber Rose facility in the weeks leading up to the dinner. They have appeared on on National Television! Their work has been featured in “America’s Most Haunted,” “My Ghost Story”, and Haunted Ohio VI. Independent Paranormal Investigators Kat Powell and Shelly Suittor met in 1999 as tour guides for the Ohio State Reformatory, Prospect Place, and Snow Hill Country Club. Teaming up with Alicia Soich in 2012, they’ve logged hundreds of hours of field research and private investigations across the state.

What will their findings be? Will they be contacted by “Chickie” or some other poltergeist?

This promises to be the biggest and baddest Food Adventure to date. Get your tickets HERE before they are all gone. We are expecting a sellout crowd of about 100 foodies, beer lovers and fans of the supernatural. We will stick around for some cash bar drinks after the event and discuss beers and hauntings !

Join The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax, The King and Chef House for an unforgettable night of food, fun, and spirits.. literally and figuratively.

For more fun on Dayton’s best places to eat, “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

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Ponderosa…. and then there was ONE + win a FREE DINNER

March 20, 2015 By Dayton937 26 Comments

The Classic Baked Potato and Chopped Steak from Ponderosa complete with 1980’s garnish

Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

In the 70’s and 80’s you would have had a dozen of Ponderosa Steakhouse restaurants to choose from in the Dayton area. Now there is only one left. The closing of Ponderosa on Airway Rd, means the only location left in Dayton, is in Englewood. We had been to the Airway restaurant a few times, and decided to trek up into Englewood, holding on to those food memories from the past.

So here we go with our tongue-in-cheek look at Ponderosa. A nostalgic Food Adventure, without much expectations, other than a walk down memory lane, and some laughs.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Located at 602 Taywood Rd, The next closest Ponderosas are at Tri County Mall in Cincinnati, and South High Street in Columbus. There are 9 Ponderosas within a 500 mile radius of Dayton. They are located in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.

— Known as a family friendly steakhouse, this place is a throwback to the 1970’s, but is pretty much a buffet today. Now, before you cross your arms and frown like a spoiled brat, only child over the word buffet, give it a chance. There are even sneeze guards, a taco bar, and a couple of soups. Oh, and the wings on the bar are reminiscent of KFC.

The only Dayton area Ponderosa left is this location in Englewood

— The menu still remains mostly unchanged from the 70’s and 80’s, even the salad and dessert bar. See this 80’s commercial: click here. or how about this commerical with Centerville resident Jerry Office.

— What you wont see are the metal plates and metal rails in the cafeteria style of yesteryear. Also gone are the bumpy top signature dinner rolls. They have been replaced with soft dinner rolls.

— The food is better than you would think. It is a good deal for the money, but the people watching is priceless. Also, the food per dollar ratio is high. People at this location are polite, we didn’t have to sword fight like Indigo Montoya with tongs at the food troughs. However, the place gets a little crowded and noisy.

There are a couple “MUST EATS” and you need to get the salad bar and dessert bar with your meal. We think this is a forced choice anyways. So, if your calorie counter spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend starts whining, tell them they aren’t exactly in good shape or athletic enough to give you grief.

MUST EATS:

— RIBEYE STEAK MEAL: The most popular item on the menu is a classic from back in the day. It’s not the Pine Club, but it’s not like the meat has jockey marks on it. We found the steaks to be almost exactly the same as the 70’s and 80’s. Which means you might have to deal with some grisle, valley girl. All in all, not bad.

The Seafood Feast with Salmon was a pleasant surprise

— CHOPPED STEAK MEAL: Big Ragu’s favorite is this classic adult meal, which is really a “kiddie meal.” Let’s be honest, it is just a burger without the bun. But it’s not bad, especially if you use some A1 or Ponderosa Steak sauce, which is strangely close to Heinz 57 steak sauce. Another tip: You may want to get the Cheeseburger meal which is almost the same thing, except the bun, cheese and bacon option. “The King” tore it up, and liked it.

— SEAFOOD FEAST WITH SALMON: This meal came like a bat outta hell from nowhere and surprised us. The salmon tasted good, and the fried shrimp was respectable. The shrimp skewer has that Ponderosa grill flavor as well. Definitely the dark horse of the menu.

In the mood for a throwback? A nostalgic walk down memory lane, and are you starving? Then consider Ponderosa, the dying breed of buffet steakhouses with only one location hanging on. Hanging on for 50 years that is. They have over 40,000 fans on Facebook, so somebody loves this place.

Dessert bar anyone ????

The restaurant stays busy, from humming seniors with walkers to unsupervised kids, it is never a dull moment. But actually… the food may surprise you a bit.

*** Let’s celebrate Ponderosa’s 50th year in business.. If you comment below on why you love Ponderosa, one lucky winner will win a romantic dinner with the Food Adventures Crew at the Englewood location. Good luck, one winner will be chosen next week at random, one comment only per person, please. See you at the ranch…

Want more Food Adventures from the crew that leaves no plate unturned? Follow the daily antics of Dayton’s favorite foodies Chef House, The King, The Big Ragu and Hungry Jax on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Make sure you check out our photo gallery below, from our trips to the magical world of Ponderosa Steakhouse.

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Drive Thru Pizza Hits Dayton

March 12, 2015 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Brew & Brews Drive Thru, now serves Fresh, NY Style Pizza

You may have seen the new Brew & Brews Drive Thru that popped up on 741 across from Home Depot. They have the usual drive thru fare, such as beer, wine, pop, chips and candy. But did you know there is now a full blown pizzeria inside as well? Yes ! The addition is called B & B Slices. Now you can get whole pizzas or slices on the go. Whether customers call ahead or just swing by, B&B is sure to have something freshly made to please your pizza cravings.

Yes, a Food Adventure in your car !

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The drive-thru joint is called B & B Slices and is located at 326 N. Springboro Pike in Miamisburg.

— B & B Slices owners are Johnny and Michele Rivera former owners of Johnny’s Slice of NY Pizza. So, if are fans of that place, you can expect the same New York style pizzas.

— Other items available include 3 ingredient calzones for $6 and subs for $6.50.

— Everything is produced with fresh dough, made daily by Johnny himself.

— They have not set firm hours yet, but we assume roughly 11:30-7pm is when you can expect the saucy, cheesy goodness of B&B Slices.

MUST EATS:

New York Style Slices – We prefer Pepperoni or Cheese

— SLICE OF PEPPERONI PIZZA: The hallmark, the flagship if you will. These New York Style slices are a great bite on the go, and a match made in drive thru heaven. The slices are big enough to curb your hunger, but wont stuff you. Fold the slice, take a bite and get your craving in a drive-by.

— CALZONES: Homemade, handmade and perfectly made with fresh dough. Pick your favorite 3 ingredients, and get afork for some marinara dipping action. One of the best in the land.

— WHOLE PIES: Load up the toppings or keep it simple with just cheese, you can’t go wrong with a B & B pizza. If you are feeling really hungry, order one of their signature Brooklyn Brawler Pizzas, which is a mammoth stuffed crust style pizza.

Our Food Adventures Crew love fresh, original ideas like this one. The dough is just as fresh as the concept, and Chef House, The Big Ragu, The King & Hungry Jax are suckers for fresh dough. So the next time you are driving down 741 with a little hunger pain, you might want to drive through Brew and Brews for a slice of paradise.

Hungry for more Dayton eats? Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here! Is your preference food porn? Hit us up on Instagram HERE.

Remember, we are not food critics, we just love to eat !

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New Bar Opens in Centerville to Rave Reviews !

March 5, 2015 By Dayton937 6 Comments

The Barnyard Pizza: Pepperoni, Bacon, Ham and Sausage

Bars are bars right? Well, one new spot that just opened in Centerville’s Normandy Square Shopping Center on 725 next door to Big Lots, aims to prove that theory wrong. Mack’s Tavern owner, Mackenzie Manley, will distinguish her place with unique eats, and an old school, laid back atmosphere, that feels like home. Mack’s Tavern has only been open for a few weeks, but since the VIP soft opening, the buzz and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Food Adventures has already visited the bar a few times, and each trip we notice the beer taps keep rotating, and the menu keeps growing. We have also noticed that the crowds have been steady.

Our Food Adventures Crew is always on the hunt for new and exciting killer food items on Dayton menus. It is our “thang,” if you will. Mack’s impressed us with some kitchen creations, causing us to say her trademark tagline .. “it’s better than expected.” Let’s get to it …

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Mackenzie Manley, Owner of Mack’s Tavern in Centerville

— MACK’S TAVERN first gained attention by winning The Bloody Mary Showdown, in October, 2014 a few months before their doors even opened. Mack’s came out of nowhere to beat the field of competition and have their drink named the best Bloody Mary in Dayton.

— Owner Mackenzie Manley, is using her previous bartender experience, to create a friendly atmosphere, even for families. Mackenzie said kids are welcome, and asks parents to use discretion on how late they stay (she says before 9 pm seems to be the typical time for kids to head home).

— Hours are 2pm-11pm weekdays and 2pm-2am on Fri and Sat nights. This spring she looks to expand hours to opening at 11am for those wanting lunch Food Adventures.

— They have 12 beer taps and currently are featuring some unique beers like Sweetwater Blue and Konig Ludwig Weissbier Hell. Mack’s Tavern also features a IPA named after her dog, Haze. It is called “Haze’s IPA” and is brewed by RedHook Brewery.

— Mack’s features some wildly inventive cocktails. The Angry Orchard Ale with Oak Heart Spiced Rum is just one of them. It is called “Chewys Hogtail” named after the stuffed boar above the bar she has nicknamed Chewbacca. Other drinks include the “Kitty on a Triscuit” with Bombay Sapphire Gin, Watermelon Pucker and orange juice. Or how about the drink named after her dog, Haze. A “Sweet Haze” is a mix of Corzo Silver Tequila, Blue Curacao and pineapple juice.

All these drinks need to be soaked up by some food. Here we go the patented section of the article, where we display our MUST EATS for Mack’s Tavern.

“Chewy’s Boar Bombs,” are Pork Niblets tossed in a delicious glaze sauce

MUST EATS:

— THE BLOODY MARY: Our first must eat is a “must drink.” Come on, if you win Dayton’s best Bloody Mary contest, your drink kicks some serious butt. No brainer here.

— MACK’S SIGNATURE MAC N CHEESE: Served piping hot in a casserole dish, small or large this is cheesey goodness at it’s best. We love the bread crumb toppings for a perfect crunch. They have a few variations, but our favorite is the CHICKEN PARM MAC n CHEESE.

— BROWN BOTTLE CHEESE DIP and PRETZEL STICKS: This is all about the dip, bout the dip, no pretzel. This thick beer cheese dip will melt you. The Food Adventures Crew could drink a glass of this stuff. The flavor is out of this world.

— CHEWYS BOAR BOMBS: They look like wings at first, but they are pork ‘riblets.’ These bites are on the bone and tossed in an amazing glaze sauce. This was the Big Ragu’s favorite menu item of them all. The pork is cooked perfectly, and the sauce will have you licking your fingers like a kid.

Chicken Parm Mac N Cheese, one of Mack’s Signature Dishes

— NOT YOUR GRANDMA’s BREAD: Naan bread topped with feta cheese, spicy sauce, and drizzled with spicy sour cream. The whole thing is toasted, until the toppings are melted. We have never had anything like this in a bar, that’s for sure. Creative and delicious. A Food Adventure on Naan Bread.

— THE BARNYARD PIZZA: Pepperoni, Bacon, Ham and Sausage toppings. Hint: all their pizzas are good. Take the veggie pizza called the “Tree Hugger.” for example which has black and green olives on it with mushrooms, onions, banana peppers and green peppers. Our our favorite name , The “PMS” Pizza. It has Pepperoni, Mushroom and Sausage.

Honorable Mention goes to the Salsa served with chips. It is a smoky tasting salsa, made from scratch and is the secret recipe of Mack’s brother, Jacob. It is addicting !

Mack’s Tavern has plans to expand the menu even more to include a Bourbon Bacon Pulled Pork that will be smoked on site. Also look for burgers to be added to the menu in the near future.

Mackenzie’s dog, Haze, has his own IPA

So you can see, Mack’s Tavern is not your typical bar. Sure they have dart leagues and pool tables. We want to mention that they have some of the friendliest bartenders in town. Mackenzie of course, and Gabby, Stacy and Tiffany always have a smile on their face. Good food, good drink, good people, good times. Check out Mack’s Tavern for yourself and tell Haze and Chewy that the Food Adventures Crew said “woof.”

Want more foodie fun from The Big Ragu, Chef House, The King and Hungry Jax ? Then follow FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook by clicking HERE and “liking” their page. Be sure to browse our gallery below for the sneak peek into MACK’S TAVERN’s food and atmosphere.

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The Wright Brothers Brand Seeks Models

March 5, 2015 By Dayton937

We all know that Dayton is the Birthplace of Aviation thanks to our favorite siblings Wilbur and Orville; but did you know that for the first time ever, The Wright Brothers Family Foundation has given licensing rights to a local startup company to market products using the Wright brothers’. name and image? That’s Wright! 😉 From watches to bikes Wright Brothers brand has been working with precision and dedication over the past couple of years to produce quality products for aviation enthusiast and collectors from around the world and they are based Wright here in Dayton, OH!

But their largest project to date has been the launching of a high end aviation fashion line that includes bomber jackets, aviation sunglasses, and travel cases; a concept that they made public during the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC’s #FirstFlightNowFashion event in May 2014. Now nearly a year to the date of going public, Wright Brothers brand is set to debut select products from the line during an exclusive invite only premiere on May 5 and they are looking for models!!

On Saturday March 28, 2015 from 12p-2p, with the assistance of the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC, The Wright Brothers brand will host a Casting Call for models at their office located at 123 Webster St., Dayton, OH 45402 in Suite 1A. “We’re looking for that distinguished man to be the face of the brand and appear in some editorial print work, ideally this person would be in their thirties or older. We’re also looking for both male and female models ages 18 and up to assist with some promotional work during our premiere event in May” according to Doug Knopp of The Wright Brothers Brand.

There are no height or size restrictions, no experience is needed, models attending the casting call DO NOT need to have professional images; there will be a photographer on location to take your pictures. The dress code for this casting is business casual no jeans or tennis shoes will be permitted. There will also be compensation for selected models. All questions should be directed to [email protected]. #WhatDoYouDEFI #FirstFlightNowFashion

Hungry Jax Shares A Recipe From Her Hometown: Utica Greens

March 3, 2015 By Dayton937 2 Comments

“Utica Greens” is a spicy Italian dish from Upstate NY.

The Food Adventure Crew have come up with a brand new feature that you’ll will see in upcoming months called “KITCHEN ADVENTURES.” Here we will list some of our favorite all time recipes that will release the inner foodie in you. We are also hoping these recipes will impress your family and friends. Don’t worry, we won’t tell them where you got it. It will be our little secret.

Our inaugural installment comes to you from our resident foodie mom, Hungry Jax. May we present to you…

KITCHEN ADVENTURES: UTICA GREENS

Hey all! “Hungry Jax” here. About 9 years ago my husband and I relocated to the Dayton area from our hometown of Utica, NY. Nestled at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, Utica is a culinary treasure that is slowly, but surely making it’s name as one of the most delicious places to eat in the US. It is a city rich in Italian culture and cuisine! Upon relocating, I was homesick, not just for family, but for the culinary creations that are unique to the Utica area. So my kitchen became a laboratory with weekly experiments to recreate these hometown dishes that I love so dearly (talk about a Food Adventure!). I find that these dishes are ones that I love to share with my new friends here in Dayton. Sharing with them not just a great dish, but part of who I am and where I have come from. I’d like to share with you all one of these special dishes and I hope that you enjoy this recipe and maybe even take a stab at making them!

So my dear fellow Food Adventurers, I give you: “Utica Greens“.

I know what you’re asking yourself: “What’s a Utica Green?” “Utica Greens” is a spicy Italian dish made up of escarole, garlic, pancetta, hot peppers, cheese and breadcrumbs. Typically served as a side dish but can easily become a meal with a hunk of Italian bread! I also like to mix these in with penne to make a fun pasta dish, or even cook up with eggs in an omelet or frittata!

Hot Cherry Peppers

It should be noted that the peppers for this dish, Hot Cherry Peppers, are hard to find around here. I have found them fresh at Jungle Jims, as well as at Meijers from time to time. You can find them jarred, but typically those are sweet and not hot. Mild will work fine and if you want to spice thing up, just add more red crushed pepper. I have my brothers mail me these peppers when I am not back north to stock up on them myself!

For this dish you will need:

3 heads Escarole chopped and cleaned well. This type of green can be very “gritty” so I have found it best to let the chopped leaves soak in a sink full of cold water to allow for any dirt on the leaves to sink to the bottom. Rinse once more and then you should be good to go!
One small bag baby spinach
3 cloves of garlic, minced
3-5 chopped Hot Cherry Peppers
3/4 cup Italian Bread Crumbs
1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan – I use a mixture of both)
1/8lb Prosciutto or Pancetta chopped
Olive oil
Salt, pepper and red crushed pepper to taste
Mix together an additional ¼ cup bread crumbs and ¼ cup cheese, set aside

Cut and thoroughly clean the escarole. Add the greens to a large pot of salted water. After water comes to a boil, cook the greens for about 4-5 minutes. Do not cover pot as it will turn your greens brown. Remove and drain.

In a frying pan add olive oil and heat. Fry Pancetta until crispy. Remove from pan and let sit on paper towel to drain.

The Finished Product. Mangia!

Next, add garlic and hot cherry peppers. Cook for just about one minute.

Add the greens and cook just until heated through. Make sure to stir often. Add the spinach a handful at a time until wilted. Add salt, pepper and red crushed pepper to taste.

Take off heat, stir in breadcrumbs and cheese . Top with extra breadcrumbs and cheese and broil for a few minutes to crisp! If the greens look too “wet” don’t hesitate to add more breadcrumbs. You will find that they are crucial for flavoring the dish. Same with the cheese. So add and taste as you go.

Now tear yourself off a big piece of crusty Italian bread and go to town! This will serve about 4 people (or just me).

These also freeze great which makes it easy for me to grab a batch out of the freezer for holidays or unexpected dinner guests!

I hope you enjoy these as much as my family and I do. Let me know if you give it a try!

Mangia!

~ Hungry Jax

Want more Food Adventures and scoop on local eateries?

Follow Hungry Jax, Chef House, The King and The Big Ragu on Facebook HERE !

Buttercream Bliss at The Cakery

February 26, 2015 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Classic Cakery: Chocolate Cake with Buttercream Icing

DISCLAIMER: You may need a tall glass of milk in order to read about our latest Food Adventure.

When the Big Ragu asked Hungry Jax to name one of her favorite places to eat in the Dayton area, she didn’t even hesitate to yell out “THE CAKERY!” She went on and on about their buttercream frosting and how it reminded her of a bakery back in her hometown. So when an opportunity arose to highlight this local bake shop for an article, Hungry Jax about bit off Ragu’s hand claiming this mission! Sure, Chef House, Big Ragu and The King have had a delicious Cakery cake here and there at Birthday Parties, and have even picked up a cake, but our stops have mostly been drivebys. Not the case with Hungry Jax, who’s obsession with the greatness of the Cakery has made her a mini-expert. So on a cold and snowy day, the Food Adventure’s crew ventured out again to see what Hungry Jax was so hyped up about. And we were not disappointed with this full blown Food Adventure!

From buckeyes to wedding cakes, The Cakery can satisfy any craving big or small! This family owned business has been around for almost 20 years, and once you taste their products, you’ll see why! The Cakery opened in July of 1995 (located at 140 Woodman Drive). In 2008, Tom and Karla Kennedy became the third and current owners. Their daughter, Jamie Burchfield, had started working at The Cakery in 2002 after graduating from pastry school. Jamie started out as a cake decorator and most recently has taken on the role of Office Manager after the birth of her second son last year. After seeing a rising need to serve their loyal customers from Jamie’s hometown of Troy, OH and the areas north of Dayton, the Kennedy’s expanded the business. In May of 2013, the Troy location opened (1875 W. Main St.) and has been going strong ever since. We had the privilege of sitting down with Jamie to learn some delicious and fun facts about their crafty creations.

This is our kind of 6 pack!

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The Cakery prides itself on baking all of their goods “in house” and they have the grocery list to prove it. At 1,000lbs of powdered sugar and 200lbs of butter per week, The Cakery ensures that each and every creation is of the best quality and taste!

— There are three main traditional frostings offered for their cakes and cupcakes: Buttercream, Chocolate Buttercream, and White Vanilla Cream. Each week they go through 25 five-gallon buckets of the traditional Buttercream, 8 buckets of their Vanilla cream, and 3 of the Chocolate! But the flavors don’t end there. You’ll also find cupcakes topped with snickerdoodle frosting, lemon, strawberry, peanut butter, caramel, orange cream and more!

— The peak season for weddings tends to be from May-October. During this time, The Cakery averages anywhere from 6-10 Wedding cakes per weekend! And don’t worry Brides, Jamie will ensure that your vision for the cake of your dreams is met. The artists behind the scenes, have made cakes taller than Kindergarteners with all different types of embellishments from fondants and fresh flowers, to pearls and candles. Check out the gallery on their webpage to see some of their amazing creations!

— Zagat.com voted their buckeyes as “The Best in Ohio” and most recently honored as Dayton Magazine’s “2014 Best in Dayton” bakery, beating out other top local confectioneries!

MUST EATS:

— CHOCOLATE CAKE with TRADITIONAL BUTTERCREAM FROSTING: Keep it classic Dayton. You can’t go wrong with indulging in this mainstay. The chocolate cake is moist but not too dense. And the creamy buttercream frosting has just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering. This is an annual combination for Hungry Jax’s birthday cake! The Big Ragu has enjoyed these at many parties. For The King, it was love at first bite.

Chocolate cupcake with buttercream frosting!

— SNICKERDOODLE CUPCAKE: Yes, you read that right. The beloved cookie has been transformed into a cupcake that will leave you wanting more! This cinnamon sugar cupcake is topped with an equally delightful cinnamon frosting.

— ICED BUTTER COOKIES: A soft cake-like sugar cookie topped with the traditional buttercream frosting. You can buy these strait out of their display cases or order them to be decorated for a special occasion!

— BUTTER CREAM SHOTS: Fan of frosting? Well here you can buy a shot-sized dollop of buttercream to indulge in. Be aware though, side effects include an immediate rush of pure joy and contentment that will leave you wanting more! We love crazy foodies who do butter cream shots with us.

—CREAM PUFFS These little puffs of joy are filled with a light and creamy mousse. Absolutely terrific, The Big Ragu and The King claimed these as their favorite.

— Somewhere over the the “RAINBOW CAKE“: This cake is a layer cake sold by the slice. The layers are actually the tops of cakes that the bakers shave off when leveling out a cake prior to decorating. Instead of wasting these perfectly delicious cake shavings, the bakers created a layered cake out of them, alternating the cake layers with strawberry preserves and buttercream frosting. This cake varies slightly from day to day depending on what types of cakes are being made.

Rainbow Cake: No pot of gold is necessary at the end of this rainbow!

— FLAVORED CUPCAKES: Along with the traditional cupcake flavors of chocolate and white cake, you’ll also find a large variety of specialty cupcakes. Orange cream, strawberry lemonade, strawberry cream, peanut butter and jelly, almond, and banana are just a few. Each of these are topped with unique frosting s to complement the fun flavors of the cake.

— FILLED CUPCAKES: In addition to the tasty flavors, The Cakery also creates cupcakes that are filled with frosting, mousse, or custards. Some flavors are cookies and cream, key lime and chocolate truffle.

— BUCKEYES: Zagat.com got it right! These peanut butter filled bites of delight are truly some of the best around! The King could have eaten a couple dozen of these things.

Honorable Mention: Gourmet cakes that deserve mention are the Carrot Cake, Spice Cake, and Humming Bird Cake (tropical cake made with pineapple and coconut with an apricot filling). The King, loved the carrot cake. Also, don’t forget the Layer cakes, which can be filled with a variety of fruit preserves, fresh fruit, custards, mousse and more!

The choices and combinations of cakes and desserts are endless! Cakes start around $17 and cupcakes at $1.50. If you have a special order to place, be sure to give them at least 2-3 days notice to ensure that the bakers can meet your needs.

If you’re a bride, it’s highly recommended you book them once you have a sate set as their schedule fills up fast. They also have a variety of goodies you can order, such as brownies, tarts, pastries, cookies, and other treats that you can indulge in.

Shots are on us !

So, the next time you have a sweet craving or need a cake to celebrate a special event, let the creative team at The Cakery meet your needs. Stop in and try some of these tasty treats and let us know what you think! Check out their website for more information, or follow them on Facebook!

The next time you are hosting a party, and need some desserts, stand up on your chair and announce to the family.. “LET THEM EAT CAKERY !”

Please browse of photo gallery below, and leave your comments about The Cakery. We would love to hear your take!

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We are not food critics, we are just four people that love to eat !

You can check out our weekly feature articles here on Dayton Most Metro every Thursday.

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