Dayton937

Top Dog: Zombie Dogz Food Truck Still Leading the Pack

October 16, 2014 By Dayton937 4 Comments

“New Dog #2” Zombie Dogz Latest Pup!

Who waits in a line 70 yards long for a hot dog? The answer is a lot of people in the Dayton area, as long as they are waiting for a Zombie Dog. In fact, with over 16,000 “Likes” on Facebook, this food truck is nothing short of a phenomenon! Since Food Adventures with Big Ragu and the Crew are frequent visitors to this traveling delight, we decided to spread the word amongst our foodie readers! Hungry Jax even marked this territory as one of her “Top Five Eats in Dayton” so no one has had more Zombie Dogz than us …

With Halloween approaching and The Walking Dead Zombie show starting back up, it is the perfect time for a Zombie Dogz Food Adventure article!

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Zombie Dogz is a food truck that takes hot dogs to a gourmet level with their unique toppings and handcrafted side dishes.

— Mom and pop establishment founded in 2012 by David and Lee Ann Van Artsdalen. They recently welcomed the newest member of their family this spring, baby Barrett Axel!

— Budget friendly at only $6/dog, you’ll be able to feed your own pack a hot dog that’s been grilled, tucked into a grilled bun and topped with combinations that will make you howl in delight!

The Van Artsdalen Pack” – Lee Ann, David and Baby Barrett Axell

— Not a carnivore? No worries! They offer tofu dog’s as a substitute.

— In the “ZD” logo, you’ll see the silhouette of David and Lee Ann’s dog, “Gauge”! He even has a Zombie Dog named after him, the “Killer Gauge”.

Zombie Dogz offers up hot dogs that will surely make you salivate! You can find a full menu on their website, however they rotate it weekly to offer a wide variety. To see what Specialty Dogz are offered this week, and to stay on top of their latest creations, tune into their Facebook page HERE. They have so many delicious dogz, that it’s hard to nail it down to a few faves….. but we did. Here are our top dogz aka Must Eats !!

MUST EATS:

— CALLING IN DEAD: There’s nothing dead about this dog. An all beef hot dog topped with a creamy homemade white truffle mac & cheese and finished off with crumbled crackers. It’s your childhood in a bun…. but better.

— THE DEAD DIXIE: This pup is covered in diced green apples, applewood smoked bacon, blue cheese crumbles and their signature bbq sauce! A great way to eat all of your food groups in just one bun!

— THE GERMANATOR (DAYTON OKTOBERFEST SPECIAL): Topped with a braised beef brisket, crispy fried onions and a homemade beer cheese. This dog would surely satisfy the appetite of a former Governor of California!

“Calling in Dead”: Your childhood in a bun.

— NEW DOG #2: It’s not uncommon for one of their new masterpieces to debut nameless. Zombie Dogz enlists their Facebook followers to take part of the naming process! This dog debuted at Oktoberfest as well. Topped with apple cider braised carnitas, spiced apples, arugula, butternut squash puree, and a sage crumble. It is simply Autumn deliciousness, with toppings Chef House can appreciate.

— THE NIBBLER:- An American classic turned Zombie! This is their take on a coney is topped in homemade chili, diced red onions, mustard, and muenster cheese. The King likes to tear into these like a dead walker into fresh meat!

— KILLER GAUGE – Named after their beloved dog, this hot dog is topped with a buffalo chicken dip, celery bits, blue cheese and ranch.

Honorable Mention: THE GRANDE ZOMBE: Pronounced “Grand-ay, zom-bay,” this spicy little number includes queso sauce, shredded lettuce, cilantro sour cream, and crushed corn chips. We like to heat up the night with this graveyard favorite. Also, check out Big Ragu’s favorite, the dessert Zombie Dog called the “RED ROCKET” which is a banana in a bun covered with peanut butter powder, stawberry jelly, white chocolate chips and pop rocks !

**** IMPORTANT: Not every one of these Zombie Dogz are offered all the time. They typically offer a few choices and rotate those throughout the year. David and Lee Ann are always coming up with new flavors, so stay tuned.

“Dead Dixie”: Bacon, Apple and Blue Cheese Bliss.

From festivals, to food truck rallies, horror conventions, Oktoberfest or special single appearances, Zombie Dogz delivers the goods. Our advice when they are around .. GET THERE EARLY, because this food truck is anything but dead. They are easily the most popular food truck in Dayton. Is it the Zombie Name? Is it the one of a kind, unique toppings? Is it the reasonable prices? The great customer service? For us, it’s all of the above!

The question we hear most is “Where can I find a schedule of where they are going to be?” The answer is to stay updated through the Food Truck link on Dayton Most Metro or follow Zombie Dogz on their Facebook page.

Speaking of Facebook, follow our new Food Adventure Crew with Hungry Jax, Chef House, The King, and the Big Ragu on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Cant get enough Zombie Dogz? Then check out the photo gallery below for our huge collection of pictures. Food Adventures has some fantastic photos of many of their offerings!

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El Herradura Restaurant: Great Mexican Seafood Dishes & More

October 9, 2014 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Seafood Dishes like “Mariscos Acapulco” are ‘Must Eats’ at El Herradura Restaurant

Whether you like the authentic Taqueira style Mexican food, or the somewhat Americanized Tex-Mex food found around town, you can find both options at El Herradura Restaurant.

Food Adventures with Big Ragu and the Crew have visited this spot on Upper Valley Pike in Springfield a couple of times. We have been there when it is packed, been there when they had Mariachi Bands, and been there on a quiet Sunday afternoon. One night Dayton Most Metro’s own Lisa Grigsby from Dayton Dining even joined us! So this article takes all angles into account.

The menu is extensive, and we’ve tried many dishes. Sure, we can give honorable mention to their delicious queso and salsa, but let’s dig deeper. We discovered some secret offerings that you can take advantage of everyday. But, in our opinion, when it comes to this menu, seafood is king !

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Located at 1236 Upper Valley Pike in Springfield and open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

— They have a large outdoor patio deck with decorative umbrella tables, and a fun atmosphere

If you get a Taco, get it “Paul’s Way”

— Mom and Pop Restaurant owned by husband and wife Paul and Yadira DePuy. Yadira is a native of Mexico, while Paul grew up in Springfield. The menu reflects some of Yadira’s family recipes and some of Paul’s food loves.

— Large Bar area that is perfect for happy hour or “just drinks” nights.

— HD TV’s throughout the Dining Room for Sporting Events !

We made our way through the literally hundred options on the El Herradura menu and now we point you toward the best stuff on the menu ..

Get ready Dayton foodies, here is your “Must Eats!”

MUST EATS:

— BLUE CADILLAC MARGARITA: This is actually a “must drink,” that packs a powerful punch. We found this to be our favorite margarita. In fact “The King” loved it. His expertise in Margaritas goes back to his Air Force days in Texas! The berry flavor is delicious. Beware: this potent potion is a served in a big margarita glass. Make sure if you order it, that you eat something, or you will be run over by the Blue Cadillac !

“Tilapia Cancun” at El Herradura Restaurant: You gotta try it !

—CANCUN TILAPIA: Grilled, Whole Tilapia served with rice, beans. One of the Big Ragu’s favorite’s. Exotic, delicious and the fish is very tender and delicate. The filet meat slides right off the bone. Sure, you have a whole fish on your plate, but are you a Food Adventurer or not ? Impress your amigos, by ordering this eye catching plate. The taste will have you hooked, pun intended.

— MARISCOS ACAPULCO: Grilled scallops, grilled shrimp, and pan seared imitation crab served on a hot fajita plate with mango, Mexican rice, lettuce, pico de gallo and guacamole. It is creamy and delicious. One of those meals you can’t stop eating, even when you are full.

— TACO’ S PAUL’S WAY: This is a little known secret that is not on the menu. It is how many of the employees and owners eat their tacos.. the authentic way. Paul’s Way Taco’s are served on soft corn tortillas, with your choice of meat, chopped onions, cilantro and fresh limes. There is no cheese on this one. Listen Gringo, these tacos are the real deal, and it is how they serve ’em up South of the border. We suggest the chorizo meat or chicken meat in the tacos. Get an authentic taste of Mexico City, and you don’t need a passport.

— SEAFOOD CHIMICHANGA: Pan seared scallops, shrimp, and a cheese sauce, rolled inside a tortilla. The Chimichanga is not huge, we could have ordered two of them. Your friends will have a fork in your plate looking for a taste, but tell them to scram, Vamoose ! They can get their own. This seafood chimichanga ranks among the top of all time.

Owners Yadira and Paul, DePuy, a true “Mom and Pop” Restaurant !

— SEAFOOD MOLCAJETE: Fish, Scallops, and shrimp served in a bowl with red, yellow and green bell peppers. onions, cheese, rice, tomato, lettuce and sour cream. The pile of seafood is delicious and they’re tagline is “more shrimp than you can eat.” This is a Food Adventure dish for sure !

— FRIED BANANA BURRITO: Banana lovers will crave this sweet dessert. It is like bananas foster in a blanket. Pan seared bananas, wrapped in a tortilla then fried. It is finished with drizzles of chocolate, caramel and cinnamon. Not a large burrito, the size is just perfect for a delicious end to your meal, muchacho.

Springfield has a new El Hefe (boss) in town. Take our lead, hit up the seafood dishes and the Paul’s way Taco’s. Our list of Must Eat’s won’t disappoint. Whether you live in the Springfield area, or are passing through, make El Herradura your destination for a meal, soon. Have a cold Dos Equis on tap for us!

As we leave Springfield and get back on the road, we say to you .. ADIOS AMIGOS, see you next week…

Want more food photos and insight on Dayton’s best Food Adventures?? Then shake your maracas, and “like” Food Adventures with Big Ragu and the Crew HERE !

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Design Modifications To RiverScape River Run To Create New Benefits

October 7, 2014 By Dayton937

In the process of developing final engineering plans, RiverScape River Run partners discovered new opportunities to improve the project, including improved access to the Great Miami River, a better experience for whitewater paddlers and stronger ties to the riverbank. Many of these opportunities weren’t available when the initial concepts for RiverScape River Run were being developed due to other downtown construction projects, such as I-75.

The improvements will require some modifications to the project design. As before, RiverScape River Run will feature two structures that span the Great Miami River, each with two passageways: one smooth water passageway for novice paddlers and one whitewater play feature. The first of these structures will be located, as previously planned, at RiverScape MetroPark. The second structure will be located where the low dam now exists, closer to the Dayton Art Institute and Dayton’s west side. The low dam still will be removed.

These project improvements will alter the project’s construction schedule. However, the project partners determined the improvements are significant enough to be worth the extra time required to develop and implement them.

Permit-level engineering of the new, improved final design will be completed later this fall. Final engineering will be completed later this year, and project partners anticipate bidding construction of the project in February 2015 and beginning construction of the in-river structures in July 2015, which is when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit allows construction in the river. (The Corps does not allow construction in the river during fish spawning season, which runs from April 15 to June 30.) A specific construction timeline will be developed after U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ final approval of the modified design and after the construction contractor has been hired.

The RiverScape River Run partners are Five Rivers MetroParks, Downtown Dayton Partnership, Miami Conservancy District, City of Dayton and Montgomery County.

The improvements to RiverScape River Run include:

Improved access to the river: Recent reconstruction of the Monument Avenue bridge provided a stairway, an accessible ramp and a vehicular ramp that can be used on the downtown side of the river by livery vehicles with trailers. On the opposite shore, an accessible ramp will be constructed at the conclusion of the I-75 construction. In addition, free parking is available for paddlers and spectators under the I-75 overpass on the downtown side of the river, adjacent to the stairway and ramps
Improved whitewater play feature performance: Both kayak play features will have a greater hydraulic drop, which means improved quality of the wave, providing kayakers better conditions to perform cartwheels, flips and other aerial moves in the surf created by the drop.
Stronger integration of the grade control structures into the existing bank: At each point, the new structures will tie to a concrete bank, ensuring Dayton’s excellent flood control protection remains at the highest standard.

“The new location of the second structure further downstream also allows the benefits of the project to be more broadly spread in the community,” said Carrie Scarff, Five Rivers MetroParks Deputy Director. “This location ties more strongly to the west side of Dayton, strengthening the river’s role as a uniting force in our city. RiverScape River Run will provide a way for everyone in our community to enjoy the river and experience the outdoors.”

In addition, new river access points will be established along both sides of the downtown riverfront and existing ones will be improved.

New access points already have been developed on the east side of Dayton at Eastwood MetroPark.
With construction of RiverScape River Run, additional improvements will be made on the east side to ensure access, including livery access, from Webster Street.
Improved access on the north side of the river at the McPherson Town neighborhood is now being completed with two new stairways, and a new ramp to the top of the levee will be built near the neighborhood on Riverside Drive as part of the current I-75 reconstruction.
On the west side of downtown, two new ramps have just been built at Fifth Street, one on each side of the river.
As part of the RiverScape River Run project, new ramp access to the river will be constructed at Third Street on the west side of the river.

“The Dayton community is ahead of the trend in implementing an in-river whitewater feature,” Scarff said. “In-river construction does not provide the assurances of building on land, and Dayton’s commitment to uncompromised flood control requires that the excellence of the RiverScape River Run exceed standards required by most cities. While the project has presented some unique challenges, those challenges have presented unique opportunities to improve the project and its benefit to the community.”

Project partners have worked closely with the consultants, who have been recognized by their peers as industry leaders, to ensure a successful River Run. The consultants, Recreation Engineering and Planning (REP), specialize in dam modification, whitewater parks, and riverside design and restoration. The firm has 27 years of experience and has worked on more than 80 in-stream design projects — accounting for more than 80 percent of all the whitewater parks in North America. REP also was selected for its expertise in designing whitewater parks that integrate the river with the surrounding community and use natural-appearing engineering solutions, along with its expertise in designing parks that combine public safety, recreation and environmental improvement.

“RiverScape River Run remains among the most impactful projects planned for our region,” Scarff said. “River Run was identified as a high-priority project in the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan because of its potential to improve economic vitality and help regional businesses attract and retain top talent. Motivated by this potential, the greater Dayton community raised $4 million to fund this project, with funding coming largely from the private sector.”
Indeed, it’s anticipated RiverScape River Run will experience the same success as similar projects elsewhere in the United States. Reno, Nevada; Missoula, Montana; and Golden, Colorado; have seen tremendous positive impact to their downtowns as a result of building whitewater play parks.

Dayton Food Trivia, Rumors & Secrets You Don’t Know

October 2, 2014 By Dayton937 1 Comment

“Read my lips, I want a damn steak from the Pine Club !”

Today we release some secrets, and Dayton Dining will never be the same again. Call it “Dayton Babylon: Little known trivia relating to Dayton Food and Restaurants.”

Sit back and enjoy, as Food Adventures gives you our favorite foodie trivia of the Miami Valley:

1) THE INVENTOR OF MARION’S PIZZA USED TO BE AN EMPLOYEE OF CASSANO’S:
Yes it is true. Marion Glass was once an employee of Cassanos. After leaving, he opened up a sandwich shop, then later his own pizza place.

2) IN 1988, THE PINE CLUB MADE VICE PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH SR. WAIT 45 MINUTES FOR A TABLE:
Oh, this happened alright. As the story goes, the Vice Prez was forced to wait in his limo until the table was ready. That’s one popular steakhouse !

3) HOUDINI ESCAPES FROM A BARREL OF DAYTON BEER:
The date was December 11th, 1916. The place was at Keith’s Theater downtown, near E. Ludlow Street. Harry Houdini performed the Chinese Water Torture trick with a Dayton twist. He escaped from a 60 gallon barrel filled with Olt’s Beer, a Dayton brewed lager. Maybe Dayton Most Metro can do something similar with Big Ragu on their Brew Tours

Houdini Escaped From Inside a Barrel of Dayton Brewed Beer in 3 minutes

4) TOTENKO SERVES ROACHES TO FOOD CRITIC:
In the late 1970’s, Dayton Daily News Food Critic Ann Heller was writing one of her first articles on the Asian restaurant near the Dayton Mall called “Totenko.” When they served her meal, she noticed there were dead roaches in the food on her plate. The restaurant closed for a few days with the intent to re-open, but it never did. The business would later become Chi Chi’s on State Route 725.

5) THE WRIGHT BROTHERS WERE FOODIES WHO HOSTED HOLIDAY DINNER PARTIES:
The Wright Brothers were known for hosting extravagant dinners at their homes each holiday. They would invite friends and family for these tremendous feasts. Nothing like the food served by today’s airlines…

6) IN 1842, FAMOUS ENGLISH AUTHOR, CHARLES DICKENS, VISITED THE GOLDEN LAMB WEARING A BEAVER HAT AND COMPLAINED BECAUSE THE HOTEL DID NOT SERVE ALCOHOL.
Evidently, he asked for some brandy and was refused due to it being a “temperance hotel” (no alcohol). He even wrote a pissed off passage in his American memoirs about the experience. Sorry Charlie …

7) MIKESELLS IS THE OLDEST POTATO CHIP FACTORY IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE WRIGHT BROTHERS HELPED:
Dayton is home to the oldest potato chip company in the USA, 104 years old and still counting! The kettle cooked Mikesells are pretty much the same chips DW Mikesell peddled in 1910. Speaking of which, when he first starting delivering chips by bicycle, his bike needed repair. The Wright Brother’s bicycle company came to the rescue and DW Mikesell was back delivering chips in no time !

8) THAI 9 USED TO BE A PEANUT FACTORY:
Love the spacious dining room with the wooden floors and upstairs area? That’s because the place used to be a peanut factory. That’s what we were told by management when the restaurant first opened.

Charles Dickens Normally Doesnt ask to Drink Brandy in a Beaver Hat, But When He Does, it is at The Golden Lamb

9) ESTHER PRICE CANDIES USES LOCALLY PRODUCED MILK AND BUTTER IN ALL OF THEIR CANDIES:
How about that, Esther Price was being organic and eating local, before it was cool. You go girl. No wonder we love these chocolates so much! Get on with your bad, creamy self.

10) THE BAR AT JAY’S SEAFOOD HOUSE WAS MADE IN 1882 for JAMES RITTY’S PONY EXPRESS RESTAURANT IN DAYTON:
If you have had a beer or cocktail at the Jay’s Seafood bar, then you have experienced a piece of Dayton history. This huge mahogany bar was made from 5400 pounds of wood. That makes it the coolest bar in town … bar none.

11) IN 1970, PONDEROSA APPOINTED DAYTONIAN JERRY OFFICE to CEO. HE GREW COMPANY REVENUE FROM $42 MILLION to $490 MILLION in the 1980’s:
Oh yes, wide ties, and aerobics with leg warmers couldn’t stop Jerry from bringing the supreme salad buffet to America! Check him out in this 1984 Ponderosa Commerical.

El Meson used to be Pizza Queen International. Click to Enlarge.

12) THE BAR AT SWEENEY’S SEAFOOD HOUSE IS THE OLD BAR FROM TEQUILA WILLIES BY THE DAYTON MALL:
A little known fact is that this decorative bar, now at Sweeney’s, was the bar at the Tequila Willies Restaurant near the Dayton Mall. The story goes, the previous tenant at Sweeney’s got it at auction and had it installed.

13) THE OWNERS OF PIZZA QUEEN CLOSED THEIR STORE TO OPEN THEIR DREAM RESTAURANT, EL MESON:
Yes, The Castro family decided to dump pizza toppings for tapas. Some Daytonians might have been disappointed at first, but now El Meson is a staple for bringing exotic South American eats to the Miami Valley.

14) THE HOT HEAD BURRITO FRANCHISES STARTED IN DAYTON:
Cynthia Wiley and Raymond Wiley from Kettering came up with the concept, and opened their first store in 2007. It has been a hot commodity since, and they haven’t let it go to their “heads.”

15) THE OLDEST ACTIVE CHINESE RESTAURANT IN DAYTON is CHOP SUEY CARRYOUT:
Since 1973, this oldest active Chinese Restaurant in the Dayton area has been slinging New York style stir fry and Cantonese cuisine. Try the Chop Suey, it will knock your Aunt Connie’s socks off.

16) THE PULL TAB CAN and POP TOP CAN WERE INVENTED BY DAYTON INVENTOR, ERMAL FRAZE:
Ermal’s company, Dayton Reliable Tool Company started making his invention in 1959. When people worried about the sharp edges of the pull tab, he then invented the pop top on today’s cans in 1977. Think of all the beer buzzes and caffeine fixes he made possible. He is obviously the namesake for Fraze Pavillion and the tribute in Warped Wing’s Ermal Beer.

The pull tab was invented by Ermal Fraze of Dayton

17) DAYTON WAS THE 2nd U.S. CITY TO IMPLEMENT THE FOOD STAMPS PROGRAM:
Dayton takes care of it’s impoverished residents.

18) INVENTOR OF THE ICE CREAM SCOOP WITH ANTIFREEZE INSIDE WAS THE OWNER OF THE RED WING ICE CREAM COMPANY IN DAYTON:
Ever use one of those ice cream scoops with antifreeze in it, so the hard ice cream is easy to scoop? According to the owner’s daughter, that scoop was invented in Dayton. Red Wing Ice Cream used to be located near the arcade. Now you know the “scoop.”

19) FOOD NETWORK CHEF MING TSAI’S FAMILY USED TO RUN A RESTAURANT IN THE 1970’s CALLED “THE MANDARIN KITCHEN”:
This restaurant was a pioneer in bringing gourmet Asian Food to Dayton. The Mandarin Kitchen had a cult following. Our memories include the restaurant having this amazing aroma throughout the dining room.

20) THE HAMBURGER WAGON IN MIAMISBURG STARTED BECAUSE OF THE GREAT DAYTON FLOOD OF 1913:
Sherman “Cocky” Porter served his own recipe of hamburgers to the victims of the flood out of a wagon. They were served with no condiments, just pickle, onion, salt and pepper. 101 years later, the wagon is still a Miamisburg and Dayton icon, and the recipe is still the same.

“Ain’t No Party Like a Wright Brothers Party, cuz a Wright Brother’s Party Don’t Stop “

21) CULP’S CAFE IN THE ARCADE WAS THE FIRST DAYTON RESTAURANT TO HAVE AIR CONDITIONING:
People like the sweaty Big Ragu appreciated this. The restaurants hayday was in the 1940’s when they served 5,000 customers a day. Yes, we said each day. The “new” Culp’s Cafe is in Historic Carrillon Park. It is also a ‘cool’ place to hang out ..

22) ORVILLE WRIGHT USED TO TEACH HIS NIECES AND NEPHEWS HOW TO MAKE FUDGE AND HARD CANDY:
Nothing like keeping the kids occupied with a little foodie fun. If things had went differently, he could have been Dayton’s version of Willy Wonka !

23) BRIXX ICE COMPANY IS NAMED BECAUSE THE BUILDING WAS ACTUALLY AN ICE COMPANY THAT SUPPLIED DAYTON IN THE LATE 1800’s:
The restaurant across from the Dayton Dragon’s stadium, used to be an ice company that supplied most of Dayton with ice. They were singing “Ice, Ice, Baby” back in the day!

24) ICE CUBE TRAYS AND FREON REFRIGERANT WERE BOTH DAYTON INVENTIONS.
Ice cube trays were invented in 1959 by Arthur Frei, while Freon Refrigerant was invented by Thomas Midgley Jr. in 1928.

Bet Ya Didnt Know That the Ice Cube Tray Was Invented in Dayton…

25) THE TROPICS, AN ICONIC RESTAURANT ON NORTH MAIN STREET, BROUGHT IN CHEFS FROM CHICAGO.
Now we know how they made their one of a kind cuisine. Luring “windy city chefs” in with lucrative deals. This restaurant seated 700 people at it’s peak during the 60’s and 70’s. At that time it was one of America’s top rated restaurants.

That’s it, thats the list .. hope you found some fun facts ,a and interesting conversation pieces you may not have known. Dayton has a great history of food, and now you know a little more about it!

Did you like our story on Dayton Food Trivia? Then make sure you “like” Food Adventures with Big Ragu and the Crew on FACEBOOK by clicking HERE !!

Check out the gallery below of funny photos relating to Dayton food trivia !

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Introducing NEW Food Adventures Crew & Fried Chicken at Lily’s Bistro ($25 Gift Card)

September 25, 2014 By Dayton937 7 Comments

Food Adventures Just Got More Adventurous !

Food Adventures just got a whole lot more adventurous….. and you can benefit by winning a $25 gift certificate to Lily’s Bistro in the Oregon district.

*** FOOD ADVENTURES WITH BIG RAGU and THE CREW ***

Blazing the trails in the foodie forums since 2008, Food Adventures has developed a large following…

Today, we add some big players to the mix. They include Chefs, Foodie Fanatics, royalty and an appetite for Dayton that has never been bigger. Although we have a couple of new faces, FOOD ADVENTURES with BIG RAGU and THE CREW, is still the same FOOD ADVENTURES you have come to love. We will continue to have the MUST EATS, killer food photos that make your mouth water, and multiple visits to a place before we write an article. Will continue to give you “THE SKINNY” on our favorites. Follow our relentless pursuit of the best eats in the Miami Valley!

Together, your humble Food Adventurers will seek out locally owned restaurants, unique places off the beaten path, and even give our slant on some familiar favorites. Whenever we visit a place, we call it a “Food Adventure.” You can expect pictures of each Food Adventure we embark on. You can expect us hugging waiters, visiting mom & pop establishments, posting nostalgic blogs, tongue-in-cheek comments and emotionally eating our way through life. We don’t take ourselves seriously, enjoying the adventure all the way. “We are not food critics, we just love to eat!” Food Adventures won’t limit ourselves, we try it all – NO RULES ! We will leave no plate unturned.

You already know The Big Ragu

We will continue to set the trends, host Food Adventure dinner events, and give our unique spin on Dayton’s best “Mom and Pop” places in the Miami Valley. Food Adventures with Big Ragu and the Crew will continue to attend and support numerous local food and charity events. We eat it all, and the photos are ours. No stock pics here. We aren’t a share and click site. We are Dayton Originals, so all of our stuff is original content. Often imitated, never duplicated, accept no substitutions.

You can find us here:

Facebook Page: Facebook.com/foodadv

Website: DaytonFoodies.com

Twitter: @food_adv

Instagram: Instagram.com/Dayton_Foodies

Our recent “Meeting of the Mouths” happened last Sunday at Lily’s Bistro on Chicken Dinner night. We will get into the Must Eats from that night shortly, but first…,

Ladies and gentlemen, it is time to MEET THE NEW CREW !

LEEANNE HOUSE aka “CHEF HOUSE”:

Chef House or “The Sriracha Mamma” is all about the heat. Lover of all things spicy she is constantly in the kitchen coming up with fun new ways to whip up veggies and add a little spice. She is a Dayton native, with lifelong experience in the restaurant industry, working with some of the best chefs in the Miami Valley. She loves to keep it local especially in the summer when beautiful produce is plentiful. She is a true foodie who knows we have a lot to offer in Ohio!

Chef House’s Top 5 Favorite Local Places for a Food Adventure :

(in no particular order)

1) Meadowlark (they do veggies right!)

2) Rue Dumaine (it never disappoints)

3) Fresco (best chef hands down)

4) Oregon Express (favorite pizza since I was a kiddo)

5) My kitchen ! … duh!!!!

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JACLYN SCANLAN aka “HUNGRY JAX”:

Jackie relocated to the Dayton are in 2006. This Italian from Upstate NY found herself in a very different culinary atmosphere than what she was used to back home in Utica, NY. However, different proved to be good a she fell in love with not only this “gem” of a city, but also the food and foodies within it! Cooking is a passion of Jackie’s. She loves to use her husband, John, and two daughters, Coraline and Ashlyn, as her lab rats to test recipes out. Some of her recipes have even been published in National Food Magazines! But as much as she loves to cook, she also loves to take a night off from her kitchen and enjoy eating out and letting someone else do all the work (and the clean up)! Other foodie interests include years of volunteering at the Dorothy Lane Market School of Cooking and being an Alton Brown fan since way back when he wore bowling shirts. Jackie is excited to be part of the Food Adventures team and is looking forward to experiencing some new eats!

Jackie’s Top 5 Favorite Local Places for a Food Adventure:

1) Lock 27

2) The Cakery

3) Sweeney’s Seafood

4) Dorothy Lane Market

5) Zombie Dogz

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And our final Food Adventurer…

BLAKE KING aka “THE KING”

After hopping the globe with the Air Force, The King recently touched down in Dayton with his wife and daughters. Flying recon for great local food, the Big Ragu has set the course for his newest wingman, and he is logging some serious mileage. The King is a dessert FREAK! There is no shake too shaky, pie too flakey, nor cake to…cakey for this lunatic. He wants to find the best dessert in Dayton. Please help him. He needs it, a lot.

The King’s Top 5 Favorite Local Places for a Food Adventure:

1) Taco Loco

2) Jet Freeze

3) Bill’s Donut Shop

4) Hasty Tasty Pancake House

5) Submarine House

Now to the food of the day .. not a typical article for us, this is just about one dinner …. The Sunday Chicken Dinner at Lily’s Bistro

Get your hens ready….

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The dinners go from 5pm – 9pm on Sundays only

— The menu is pretty much fried chicken, with the sides, appetizers, and desserts changing from week to week.

— The prices are $9 for a 2 piece dinner, $16 for a 1/2 chicken dinner, and $28 for a whole chicken

— Sides are $3, good prices, no clucking around

Now we ruffle our feathers and give you our patented.. Must Eats!

Johnny Cakes at Lily’s Bistro. Click to Enlarge the Goodness

MUST EATS:

— JOHNNY CAKES: It might have been chicken night, but the appetizers and sides stole the show ! We couldn’t stop talking about the Johnny cakes. Pancakes, as an appetizer? This was right up our alley. The King wished he could have bottled the scent to keep by his pillow at night. Made with jalepeno, for just enough contrasting kick to the sweet buttery mapleness. These cakes were slathered in butter and syrup and simply amazing. Who would have thunk it? Crispy, sweet and spicy made for a perfect combination, and Chef House’s favorite dish of the night.

— SMOKED SALMON DIP: Another great appetizer of the night, served with bagel “nuggets.” We started out polite, then found ourselves thumb wrestling for the last bits. Addicting, and addiction is an ugly thing.

— HOMEMADE MASHED POTATOES: We are talking the real deal, mashed with decent sized chunks in them. We wondered why conversation stopped, it was as if all the Food Adventurers discovered these at the same time and were very quietly stuffing their faces.

— COOLDADDY COCKTAIL: This spicy cocktail is a must. Who could pass up a drink that features Chef House’s Sriracha sauce? Tequila, handmade pepper syrup, strawberries, cilantro are also among the ingredients.

— BEIGNETS: Pronounced “Ben-yays.” Known in some circles as “pizza frite”, “zeppole” or fried dough, these puffs of dough are a perfect end to a rich dinner. Ever so slightly covered with sifted powdered sugar, Big Ragu had white on his “man bib vest” in no time.

Smoked Salmon Dip with Bagel nuggets - a must eat

Smoked Salmon dip, made in house, with Bagel Bites

Honorable Mention: The mac n cheese and hand breaded, fried okra deserve a nod!

Thank you for reading our special Food Adventure with Big Ragu and the Crew!

We always visit a place multiple times before we write a story, so we are ready for a trip back to Lily’s.. want to join us? COMMENT BELOW on the story for a chance to win!

**** CONTEST **** WIN a $25 Gift Certificate to LILY’S BISTRO WITH BIG RAGU AND THE CREW !! Just comment on the story below for a chance to win. One entry per person, please. A winner will be chosen at random. We will revisit this restaurant for an another Food Adventure and you are welcome to join us !

Follow Food Adventures by giving us a like on Facebook.

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Shop Owners Plan Grand Openings On October’s First Friday

September 20, 2014 By Dayton937

Two new downtown businesses are preparing to host grand openings in conjunction with the October 3rd First Friday event in downtown Dayton.

• Ambition Magazine, 131 N. Ludlow St., Suite 319 (Talbott Tower): Ambition Magazine is an all-encompassing magazine for the young, urban professional. In addition to being the headquarters of the magazine, the offices will be used for meetings, events, and weekend training sessions on building websites to help young entrepreneurs develop a web presence at a reasonable cost.

• Scavenger, 31 S. St. Clair St. (St. Clair Lofts): If you are looking for something unique and different then you don’t need to scavenge other cities to do so. Scavenger sells everything from timeless vintage to rugged American handcrafted jewelry, accessories, home décor and apparel. In addition to designing their own products, Scavenger has uncovered an eclectic collection of items from the local area and abroad that will be available in their store.

The new shops are part of the seventh phase of the Pop-Up Project, part of an initiative to fill downtown storefronts called Activated Spaces. This program builds success of the first six phases of the Pop-Up Project, launched in November 2011, to provide potential business owners the opportunity for shorter leases at below-market rates as a way for them to jump-start their businesses and contribute to the vibrancy of downtown Dayton. Since it was started, the project has launched 16 shops (12 of which are still open), filled around 13,000 square feet of previously vacant space and created 29 jobs. Unique to this round of Pop-Up Shops is Ambition Magazine, which is the second Pop-Up Office Space project. “The Pop-Up Shop program was so successful for the retail shops that we are quickly running out of move-in-ready, street-level spaces,” explained Pop-Up project leader, Elise Huelskamp. “Now we are including vacant, move-in-ready office space in downtown Dayton. We’re confident Activated Spaces can showcase the available amenities and potential for business owners to thrive downtown alongside hundreds of other businesses.”

Pop-Up Shops from the previous phases of the project include Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St.; Vintage Barber Shop, 110 W. Fifth St.; Peace on Fifth, 234 Dutoit St.; Green Baby, now located at the 2nd Street Market; two stores at 16 Brown St., Spice Paradise and Hicks’ Barber Shop & Shave Parlor, Catapult Creative, 133 N Ludlow St.; Confetti, 42 W. Fifth St. In addition, two shops have expanded to new locations at least twice the size of their original Pop-Up Shop locations: American π, 41 S. St. Clair St., andSew Dayton, 261 Wayne Ave.

The Pop-Up Project is driven by volunteers from the young professional organizations Generation Daytonand UpDayton with support from the Downtown Dayton Partnership, the City of Dayton, the City of Dayton Neighborhood Mini-Grant program and community volunteers. Activated Spaces is part of theGreater Downtown Dayton Plan, a strategic blueprint for the future of downtown.

E-mail [email protected] for more information about Activated Spaces.

New Owner Breathes Life Into Dog’s Breath Tavern

September 18, 2014 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Gary Leasure, New Owner of Dog’s Breath tavern

Been chasing your tail looking for a good watering hole?

New things are happening under the woof, err. roof at Dog’s Breath Tavern on Whipp Road in Kettering. New owner Gary Leasure has already set some of his vision in motion. Keeping with the dog theme, he has revamped the menu and promises even more improvements and innovations.

As for drinks, he is focusing on having beer available from every Dayton Brewery. You could literally do a brew tour without leaving your bar stool. He is working out distribution with some of the breweries, and has some Dayton beers on tap already. Right now they have Toxic, Warped Wing, and Yellow Springs Brewery beer on draught. Dog’s Breath will feature Ohio Breweries on tap as well. Click HERE for full beer list.

Gary has owned bars before and he hopes to use his experience to make some big changes. Some things to look for are pool leagues, dart leagues, karaoke, NFL game specials, new HD TV’s, and bands every week. The huge restaurant provides a great venue for live music, and a fun atmosphere for watching sports. Unofficially, one area could be called the “Dawg Pound” and another the “Jungle.”

“Shed” what you knew about this place and let us “retrieve” the scoop on this revamped spot.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The tavern is located at 1912 E. Whipp Rd in Kettering,

— Hours are: Mon – Thurs: 3pm – Midnight, Fri – Sat: 11am – 2:30am, Sun: 11am – Midnight

— FREE POOL on Tuesday nights

Homemade “Bones” like this Ham and Cheese Roll

— Wednesdays are Warped Wednesdays, $1 off Warped Wing pints, and open mic night

— Thursdays Trivia Nights and $1 off all bottle or draft IPA’s

— Fridays is karaoke and Saturday they have live bands !

MUST EATS:

— HAND ROLLED “PULLED PORK BONE” (Egg Roll): The pulled pork bone is served with cole slaw for “dipping.” They hand roll their homemade egg rolls. Let us tell you, this is their signature appetizer, and some good stuff. If you don’t like pulled pork, you gotta try the Ham n Cheese rolls, the Turkey Club rolls or the Reuben rolls. They are all fantastic and made in house !

— DEEP FRIED PRETZEL BITES: Yes deep fried.. This twist on a familiar favorite will make you “roll over and beg for more !” The taste is a bit crispier and the pretzels are dusted with a cinnamon spice and some soft of hot spices. The bites are served with a honey mustard for dipping that is essential.

Yellow Springs Beer, Warped Wing and more on tap NOW at Dog’s Breath Tavern

— THE DOUBLE BUTTER BURGER: 2 burgers and a mountain of a sandwich. Here’s the secret: before they cook the burgers on the tabletop fryer, they slap each side with some butter. You can taste the difference. And cheesey? OMG they put a ton of American cheese on this one to hold it all together. Top it how you want it and go town like a hungry Rottweiler.

Honorable Mention: The Buffalo Wings aren’t bad, and go great with a local beer.

The owner promises even more good things to come. Look for the menu and kitchen to expand, and for some more unique food items and local beers.

So don’t bark, just take some bites at Dog’s Breath Tavern soon. It is a heck of a place to enjoy some adult beverages, watch some football, shoot pool or take in a live band. We won’t “hound” you any more.

Speaking of a howling good time, make sure you “LIKE” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE ! Over 3,000 loyal fans can’t be wrong !

Check out our photo gallery below from our visits to Dog’s Breath Tavern ! You won’t see this anywhere else…. Dog Breath’s Full Menu —> Page 1 Page 2

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“Scratch Food” Caters the Suzy Pender Memorial for the 14th year

September 11, 2014 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

BBQ Baby Back Ribs from Scratch Event Catering

In all of our Food Adventure articles, we feature extraordinary people doing extraordinary things. And even then some people stand out among the rest. Take Chef Matt Hayden for example, owner of Scratch Event Catering. He has owned bars, eateries, and learned to hone his culinary skills. Whether it is taking an egg to whisk it, or smoking brisket, he is on top of it all. He donates times to various charities, and never boasts or asks for recognition. Matt does it for his love of the cause, and his love of pleasing people with good food.

One such event is the Suzy Pender Memorial Golf Outing. This annual event will have its 14th golf outing this Saturday at Jamaica Run Golf Course. Suzy was a Centerville native who had a love for golf and children. She passed away unexpectedly in 2001, at the age of 30. She was an absolute angel, who was taken from this world, way too soon. The golf outing honors her memory and helps causes that were close to her heart. The purpose of the event, is to raise money to buy stuffed animal Teddy Bears. These bears are given to hospitalized children to help comfort them. Tens of thousands of bears have been given to children at Miami Valley Hospital over the past 14 years.

Matt Hayden has also been there over the past 14 years donating his food, time and resources to make this event what it is today. Matt’s wife Carey along with a committee of Suzy’s friends, run the benefit without a hitch. Saturday’s event has already sold out the maximum # of golfers. Again, we can’t say enough good things about the committee that organizes this golf outing each year. The door prizes and fun times are second to none.

Scratch Event Catering typically makes and incredible BBQ buffet spread featuring all you want baby back ribs, pulled pork, roasted chicken and some tasty southern style soul sides. It is nothing short of a great Food Adventure ! Every year we see Matt running around, serving hot food, and providing a delicious and filling meal. He and his staff work hard, and it shows in the end product.

Chef Matt Hayden, a Dayton Native who gives back to the Community

Today we recognize Matt’s dedication of 14 years and counting to this charity. We also say THANK YOU, for giving back to the community, year after year.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Want to donate to the Suzy Pender Memorial Fund ? Email Debbi at [email protected]

Do you need a catering company with some savory food or a healthy menu? Contact Scratch Event Catering at (937) 567-7850. Learn more about Chef Hayden in his DMM 10? interview.

Please feel free to browse some photos of the last 14 years of the Suzy Pender Memorial Outing, catered by Scratch Food.

Want to stay on top of the best food happenings in Dayton? Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook HERE ! All food, all Dayton, all the time !

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Girls High School Tennis Tourney Honors Missing 84′ Grad

September 10, 2014 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Jennifer Schmidt ,1984 Carroll HS Grad

Carroll High School has decided to turn a tragedy, into a celebration of a past student’s life.

Some of the area’s best high school, girls tennis players will be facing off in the Jennifer Schmidt Memorial Tennis Tournament this Saturday.

The annual event is held in the memory of 1984 Carroll HS graduate, Jennifer Schmidt. Schmidt went missing her freshman year at Purdue, and was never seen again. The tournament is hosted each year by Carroll High School in her honor.

Eight area high school teams will be competing at this tournament.

As a special treat, the Dayton Most Metro’s own Food Adventures crew will be guest GRILL MASTERS at the event!

Eat burgers & dogs grilled by The Big Ragu, watch tennis Saturday at Thomas Cloud Park!

HERES THE SKINNY:
Date: 9/13/2014
Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Thomas Cloud Park, Huber Heights

MUST EATS:

— Donuts and Coffee will be available at the concession stand for breakfast

— Lunch Concessions will include Hamburgers and hot dogs grilled by The Big Ragu and crew !

Come support this charity event and watch some of the Miami Valleys girls tennis stars !

Please feel free to check out more foodie fun on Food Adventure’s Facebook page. “Like” them HERE !

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Dayton’s Best Fish Fry Opens the Fall Season This Friday

September 9, 2014 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Freshly Breaded Icelandic Cod at Our Lady of the Rosary’s Fish Fry

The #1 Fish Fry as ranked by Food Adventures is kicking off their first Fish Fry of the season on Friday Night !!

The place is OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY CHURCH in Dayton who has been hosting these events for over 54 years !

We are the only ones with the scoop on this incredible deal and fun night !!

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— WHERE: Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 22 Notre Dame Ave. in Dayton

— WHAT: Fish Fry – **21 and over only !**

—NEXT: Friday, October 10th & Friday, November 14th

Click to Enlarge these Sausages

— COST: $13 if you pre-pay at the Parish Office, or $15 at the door the day of the event.

— INCLUDED: Freshly fried Icelandic Cod, Fresh Mild Sausage, Hot Polish Sausage, Chicken Strips, French Fries, Baked Beans, Salad, Cole Slaw, Homemade Cakes, Cabbage and Noodles, Ice Cream, Popcorn, Soft Drinks, and Beer.

— WHEN: 5:30pm – 10:30pm

— WHAT ELSE: Gamble on pull tabs and raffle prizes!

MUST EATS:

— THE FRESHLY MADE MILD SAUSAGE: Made locally, with an old recipe that has been used for 50+ years. Some of the best stuff we’ve had !

— THE FRESHLY BREADED COD: Made in large “sticks,” you can have all you want of these !

— HOMEMADE CAKES: Chef Joe makes these himself on site !

Our Lady of the rosary Church – 22 Notre Dame Ave., Dayton, Ohio

What makes this event great is the friendly volunteers. The staff are kind, dedicated and have been doing this for years. The party is all inclusive and you are not “nickel and dimed” for extra beers, etc.. For these reasons, this is the best fish fry in the Miami Valley area, in our humble opinion. There are old folks, young folks and ages in between.

So now you know about this little known secret. Will we see you on Friday? No better place for a Food Adventure !

Browse the photos below of the food and offerings at the event!

Are you a Dayton Foodie? Then “LIKE” Food Adventures on Facebook HERE !

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30 Dayton Foods, You Gotta Try Before You Die

September 4, 2014 By Dayton937 68 Comments

The Chicken Monterey at Flavors

Now that Labor Day weekend is over, here are some of OUR labor of loves.. tastefully speaking, of course. That is the theme of this week’s Food Adventure Article They are the 30 best foods of the Miami Valley that you probably haven’t tried.

Little known Dayton Foods that are underground classics.

Now that you know the skinny, let’s get down and dirty with our Thirty.

These are the are the 30 DAYTON MUST EATS You gotta Try, Before You Die:

1) THE SPLIT FILET SERVED WITH DRAWN BUTTER at THE PARAGON: This steak isn’t on the menu, so you have to request it. It is a little known secret that will melt in your mouth. Perfectly cooked, the sinful act of dipping the steak in drawn butter is something for royalty. Try it and see why the Paragon Supper Club is a fixture in Centerville.

2) CHICKEN MONTEREY from FLAVORS: Healthy meets savory in this dish. Honestly, one of our favorite meals in the Dayton area. The food is consistent. Why? Quality, fresh ingredients. Chicken Monterey is a solid dish every time. It is served with a side of tortilla chips and the amazing garlic sauce (now available at Dorothy Lane Market). And guess what, it is a healthy meal. What more can you ask for ?

The Caroline Steak, at The Caroline Restaurant in Troy

3) SPRING ROLLS WITH VERMICELLI NOODLES at LITTLE SAIGON: The best $8 you will ever spend. Dip into the giant bowl with a pair of chopsticks and enter a Food Adventure. Vermicelli noodles, topped with diced, vegetarian spring rolls. Under the noodles, is a surprise of bean sprouts and lettuce. Served with a side of vinegar sauce and topped with chopped peanuts, this little know Dayton gem is your go to for Vietnamese Food.. Trust Us ….

4) THE CAROLINE STEAK at THE CAROLINE RESTAURANT: You will be in awe of the special, stainless steel knife served with the meal, but don’t take it home like some others have… Choose the handmade sweet potato fries as a side dish and an appetizer of whiskey or bourbon mushrooms, and this will be one of the best meals you will ever have. We have to mention that the great staff makes The Caroline a perfect places for a date, party, or special occasion.

5) BLACK BEAN BURGER at CHRISTOPHER’S RESTAURANT: We have never been black bean burger fans, until we met Chef John at the Centerville Farmer’s Market. We tried one that was being grilled at the market, and was converted. We respect the black bean now. The burger is large, hearty and filling. We recommend adding a slice of cheese. It satisfies your carnivorous cravings.

6) 10 EGG OMELET FROM TANKS: One of the things we learned growing up in Dayton, is that there aren’t many late night eateries. Thank God for Tanks. If you love breakfast, they serve it any time of the day. This is a delicious omelet that will bust your gut, and you wont eat the potatoes or toast that comes with it. If you have a normal appetite, we recommend the 6 egg girly omelet. The omelet has a multitude of ingredients, and whatever Tanks decides to throw in that day.

The Cheese and Onion Sandwich from Central Perc in Oakwood

7) GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH with WHITE CHEDDAR and APRICOT CHUTNEY from MEADOWLARK: One of the most simple sandwiches, is one of the most satisfying. Ohio Northern Cheddar and apricot chutney make this incredible cheese sandwich. Served on Dorothy Lane Market Artisan Bread, you have a guaranteed winner here. After you it it, you will find yourself trying to replicate it at home.

8) CHEESE AND ONION SANDWICH from CENTRAL PERC: For the adventurous, we give you a British Sandwich. How do you get one? Ask the owners who grew up in a small village in England to make it they way they way grew up with..ahem.. the “proper” way. They will probably throw some butter and Branston Pickle on there (you may want to google this pickle). Your breath will be horrendous, but you will be happy. On a side note, Rosie the pastry chef is insanely talented. An incredible sandwich and tea room that is open limited hours, and accepts Cash Only.

9) BLACK N BLEU BURGER from SEAJAX: The new kid on the block, this burger is a symphony for your taste buds. We have been all over like Terry’s Turf Club which was supposed to be the best Ohio burger per Guy Fieri, but we think this one is better. Spend $8 and get a “corporate hamburger” (thank you Michael R Hawk), or spend $10 and get a handmade hamburger with swirled bleu cheese that will knock your socks off.

Summer in a Bowl Salad from Olive, an Urban Dive

10) THE BOURBON BURGER from BRIXX ICE CO.: This is one of our favorite burgers in the world. It is a burger with bourbon glaze on it that makes you cry “hell yes.” Great patio for the divas, but we prefer the bar stool seats and chowing down. Thanks to childhood friend, owner/chef Chris Bhai for the developing a sauce that makes this burger a “must eat.”

11) HUEVOS RANCHEROS from SUNRISE CAFE: We crave this incredible breakfast dish from the best kept secret in Yellow Springs. The dish is corn tortillas, topped with eggs, and a black bean sauce, garnished with fresh salsa and sour cream. Dont go hiking, instead, grab breakfast here. They trumpet the fact that they have no deep fryers, no microwaves, just kick butt food. Worth the trip to organicville.

12) SUMMER IN A BOWL SALAD from OLIVE, an URBAN DIVE: Local freshness, local ingredients. We absolutely love it. If an artist made a salad, it would be “Summer in a Bowl.” We can’t put the ingredients on here, because the ingredients are seasonal. Olive, only uses top quality materials. Open your mouth and prepare to be dazzled. It wont bust your budget or your pant line.

13) CALAMARI APPETIZER at FRANCO’S: Get the deep fried option dusted with Parmesan cheese and olive oil. The Big Ragu, the king of fried food, usually says “Oh my god” in a over dramatic tone when they are served. This is a tradition, when preparing for a big Italian meal at Franco’s. Stay hungry my friends…

14) THE PAELLA from EL MESON: Watching them prepare it is half of the fun. Listening to owner Bill Castro explain his passion for food and the pivotal role food plays in life is a great experience in itself. Chef’s sprinkling rice and seafood shells while walking around the huge paella pan and flirting with the crowd. By the time the dish is served we have teased our eyes and the aroma is amazing. We love this family and their food. Try this place out, if you haven’t, you aren’t experiencing Dayton.

15) WHOLE, DEEP FRIED TILAPIA at TACO LOCO: You can go to another restaurant and get this dish for $30 or you can get it for $8 at Taco Loco. The dish that will freak your friends out, but leave you one happy foodie. If you can stomach a whole fish on your plate looking at you, then this one is worth the stares… literally. It is delicious and simple.

16) THE GRILLED PEACHES with GOAT CHEESE at LILY’s BISTRO: A seasonal treat that should be on the menu every month. A stellar dish that steals the show at any meal. Drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette dressing, this memorable side will blow your mind. Thank you Lily’s for making us crave this on a daily basis….

Sweeney’s Seafood House has the Best Raw Oysters in the USA. Click to enlarge

17) THE RAW OYSTERS at SWEENEY’s SEAFOOD HOUSE: The Big Ragu has tried oysters from coast to coast and north to south. He concludes that the best raw oysters on the planet are at Sweeney’s Seafood. Served on the half shell, these are chokers, not for the squeamish. Grab a bottle of hot sauce and one of their micro brews and sling em back like a champ!

18) SPINOZIAN DELUXE PIZZA from SPINOZA’S: Homemade, fresh dough with Italian sausage, pepperoni, black olives, bell peppers,mushrooms and fontina cheese. The pizza is always good here. The crust is exceptional. Pair it with one of their great salads and listen to a live band and sip on some local beer. Not many people know about this place, but the ones that do, love it!

19) THE LAND AND SEA BLT at HARVEST MOBILE FOOD TRUCK: This sandwich kick so much azz, that it won $10,000 for best dish at a Food Truck Rally. Applewood bacon, smoked salmon and a ciabatta roll. Then Harvest adds a sauce that is the money shot. Follow this truck and see why poeple track them down all over town. Chef Patrick continues to blow us away with cluinary creations.

20) LOX & CHEESE CREPE at CREPE BOHEME: An ingredient list so simple, so good. Salmon, capers and cheese all wrapped into a handmade crepe right before your eyes. One of the reason we go to 2nd St. Market is to savor the crepes at Crepe Boheme. Sabine is the ultimate crepe master, and her works of art will never let you down. This is the real deal, a chef making the crepes.

21) THE PARIS OMELET at BUTTER CAFE: Love breakfast? Love mushrooms? We suggest a spin using egg whites, goat cheese, a bit of onion and lot of mushrooms. You haven’t lived until you take a bite of this omelet while overlooking Brown Street. Guess what? It is affordable and a protein powered breakfast.

The Ruck Sandwich from Dublin Pub

22) SHRIMP and SCALLOP NEWBURG at THE DOCK: A creamy alfredo dish, with penne pasta. This is like a pasta bake. It is rich and delicious. Can’t afford a trip to Florida? Escape to The Dock in Enon and buy yourself a dinner dream, just like being on a pier.

23) THE RUCK from THE DUBLIN PUB: This is a dense beef brisket sandwich that is simply incredible. The brisket is steamed in Guinness Beer. Topped with glob of cheese and onions, it is delicious. It is a filling, guilty pleasure. After eating this, you may want to call Richard Simmons to chase you around the yard in his ball hugging shorts and burn off the calories. Or go hiking for his physique.

24) THE GYRO at CHICAGO GYRO’S and DOGS: Forget the fries, the sandwich is all you need. Loaded with meat, perfectly seasoned, it is a master piece as-is. The atmosphere used to be sketchy at the old location, but the new location is kid friendly. The gyros and dogs are still the same .. good food. This place flies under the radar, and is an unsung Gyro..get it ?

Cow Patty Ice Cream even cures PMS.. that’s no Bull !

25) DEL MAR TRIO at EL RANCHO GRANDE: Want a great dish, at an unsuspecting place? The order the Del Mar Trio at El Rancho Grande. It consists of grilled lobster, tilapia and shrimp sprinkled with cheese on a hot fajita plate. Served with tortillas. Orgasmic.. yeah we said it.. Order one of these dishes and tell us we’re wrong.

26) COW PATTY ICE CREAM from YOUNG’S JERSEY DAIRY: We love this chocolate amazingness, and our friend Caryn Snyder says it is “the ultimate cure for PMS.” It is dark chocolate ice cream, chocolate cookie pieces, chocolate covered toffee pieces and mini chocolate chips. The cones are piled high and worth the drive to hippie Utopia.

27) THE PIZZA at SOFT ROCK CAFE: Yes, a karaoke bar has some decent pizza. We don’t know if it is the thin crust, the cheese, or the toppings, but the pizza is addicting. Our tip is to get at least 3 or more toppings, and try not to burn your mouth, the pies come out HOT! Also, *** please note their kitchen is only open Thursday through Saturday at 8pm for weekend indulgence.

28) FISH WITH CHILI SAUCE at THAI9: This huge filet of golden fried fish is topped with a spicy chili sauce, and plated with a small amount of sauteed veggies. The taste is slightly fiery and incredible. The chili oil soaks into the fish, yielding the flavor, but keeping the crispiness. A little known dish, off the beaten path, at a restaurant with a very extensive menu. Try it !

The Greatest Soft Pretzels EVER are at K & R Pretzel Bakery on Flesher St.

29) THE PLAYBOY ROLL at KABUKI: Nothing says fun like a couple of grown adults trying to blow out a flaming sushi roll. The roll contains Shrimp Tempura, Spicy tuna, and asparagus topped with cooked shrimp and a sweet glaze sauce. It is then “barbecued” at your table, by being served on fire, inside an aluminum pouch. The spectacle is one thing, but the best thing is whats inside the fiery roll of foil. The answer is a scrumptious taste of Japan, right here in Dayton.

30) THE PRETZELS from K&R PRETZEL BAKERY: These should be a Dayton Icon, but not many people know of this secret place at 1700 Flesher Ave. Like a scene from Willy Wonka, the pretzel machine is fed a hand twisted raw dough pretzel, the dough is mechanically dipped in water, then hand salted before it is baked on a conveyor belt. The machine is as long as a limousine, and it is fun watching the finished product come out at the end. It is even more fun to eat the results: A soft pretzel, that is the best we’ve tasted.

These are our 30 DAYTON MUST EATS, You gotta try before you die. Little known secrets, and favorite hidden gems. DID WE LEAVE OUT ONE OF YOUR FAVES? WHICH ONE? Is there one on the list you disagree with? Are some of these items, your favorite too? Please comment below!

Please check out our gallery below and “like us on FACEBOOK HERE ! We have some big things coming up this fall ! Hungry Jax, Chef House and the Big Ragu thank you !

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A Second Helping of … North China Restaurant

August 22, 2014 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Mu-Shu Pork before it goes into the “burrito wrapper”

The best deserves a second mention. Our feature article spinoffs, called “A second helping of “ are made for such occasions. You may recall our article over 3 years ago where Food Adventures proclaimed to the world that “North China Restaurant has the best damn egg rolls ever!” We decided North China is worthy of our “Second Helping” feature. So hop on on our Food Adventure and grab some chopsticks, as we break through the Great Wall. Let’s dive into a second helping of one of our favorite places in the Miami Valley, NORTH CHINA !

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Things have not changed a at North China a bit since our 2011 article, and that’s how we like it. We have visited North China dozens of times since the last article. Whether carryout or dine-in, we are never disappointed. The food quality is still amazing and so is the consistency.

— The service remains top notch. Your water glass is never empty, and you will never have that “where is our server” look on your face.

— This Centerville eatery is closed every Monday. Also, every year during July, they take a family vacation and close the restaurant for about 10 days.

— Family owned for almost 30 years, you get to know the family when you come here. They are friendly and the place is full of regulars who have been visiting for decades.

The Big Ragu happens to be one of those regulars, and we have eaten almost every item on their extensive menu since 1987.

So now, it is time to list the one-of-a-kind, earth shattering, ground breaking… MUST EATS for North China !

MUST EATS:

— MU-SHU PORK: Like little crepes from the heavens. These delicacies are made table side and are the Chinese version of burritos. First, the tortilla like wrapper is primed with a plum sauce. Then, a stirfry mix of pork, cabbage and veggies are loaded and wrapped. Be careful eating these. The burrito wrapper can also double as a water slide, shooting soy sauce and goodness down your shirt. Big Ragu has a closet full of stained shirts that have been”touched” by his North China Mu-Shu Pork adventures.

— ZHA JIANG MIAN: Say what? We just call this #7 on the Korean Menu. It is “lo mein” type noodles served with a sauce of black bean paste and stir fried pork. This is a special dish that you must ask for. One of the “secret tips” at North China is that they have a Korean Menu by request only. In the mood for an exotic and authentic Food Adventure? Get the Zha Jiang Mian, but make sure you ask them for hot sauce and the dry hot pepper too. Being authentic, it is a little bland but a couple of spoonfuls of hot sauce brings this dish alive !

— THE EGG ROLLS: Handmade, freshly made, every day. The killer ingredient is the peanut dust or peanut paste used in these egg rolls. Dip them in a mixture of soy sauce and sweet and sour, or mustard sauce. The Big Ragu has such a strong addiction to these that we have written letters to Dr. Phil about it.

The Mongolian Chicken is beyond amazing.

— MONGOLIAN CHICKEN: A honey-like glaze sauce on shavings of white meat chicken, over a bed of crispy noodles. You can ask for it “spicy” like the Big Ragu does. It is a perfect mixture of sweet and heat.

— ORANGE BEEF: Lightly fried strips of beef that curl when cooked. This mouth watering dish is made with fresh orange peels, and a homemade brown sauce. The incredible taste of this entree, makes it a favorite.

— CRISPY SHRIMP: A deep fried dish that Big Ragu dreams about every other night. This sweet concoction has a sauce with a yellow tint, and a tiny hot pepper kick. If you wanna play naughty, get this offering over some white rice and go downtown to China Town.

— CRAB RANGOONS or CRAB ANGLE: Hand made every day by the owners. If you order them, you will be fighting over the last one.

Honorable Mention:

Chicken Wings – Those damn chicken wings they serve you at lunch are so deliciously sticky, but you only get one served with a small crab rangoon. Don’t fear friends, you can actually order a plate of these tremendous, sweet wings. Or you just be a pain in the azz and ask for two wings and no crab rangoon with your lunch.

Pot Stickers – Yet another incredible appetizer from scratch. They are steamed, then pan fried for that brown crisp edge. The special soy sauce served with them is the secret to bringing out the pork flavor.

North China’s Korean Menu is by Request Only. Our favorite is this dish, #7 Pork Noodles with Black Bean Sauce (tip: add hot sauce to this dish to enhance flavor)

House Noodle Soup – We have been enjoying this masterpiece since the late 1980’s. It is a huge portion at a cheap cost. The big soup bowl is filled with noodles, shrimp, beef, scallops and a few veggies. Such a large serving that The Big Ragu always takes about half of it home. We suggest you get the “spicy” version, but you have to ask for it.

Szechuan Chicken or Shrimp – The best in Dayton, hands down. Deep fried and a comforting mix of hot and sweet tastes.

Sizzling Rice Soup – The only kind like it in Dayton. Been serving it since 1987. Chicken, broth, light veggies and rice. Makes you feel warm inside.

It was hard for us to just name a few of the menu items, because everything is so good here. But we gave you a decent map to the dishes “you gotta try.” Explore the menu, we have for almost 30 years! So please, head to North China and as we always say .. “Wok dont run.”

A little note on what makes Food Adventures unique:

As our fans know, we don’t go to a place, get a couple of entrees and an appetizer, then write an article. No, no, no.. we are different, we are Food Adventurers. That means we visit a restaurant many times, different days, different times and eat practically everything on the menu before it becomes a feature story on Dayton Most Metro. That’s what’s needed to get a feel for a restaurant. That’s the difference when you are reading Food Adventures. No drive-by visits or shared photo from a restaurant’s Facebook page. Fanatical foodies appreciate the little known secrets and the inside scoop. We do things you won’t see anywhere else: original stories, original events, and original ideas. No stock photos here. This philosophy isn’t something we ripped off or started yesterday. We have been doing this since 2008. Food Adventures isn’t our job, it is our hobby and passion, so there is no agenda. We can be honest about what restaurants we love without worrying about advertising or if they belong to a local club. We are independent and free to write about whatever foodstuffs we want. That being said, please LIKE US ON FACEBOOK if you haven’t already !

Also, check out our photo gallery below of all things good at NORTH CHINA restaurant in Centerville.

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Dayton’s Housemade Sriracha Craze Continues !! Bottle Giveaway !

August 16, 2014 By Dayton937 14 Comments

Food Adventure in a Bottle – Housemade Sriracha, a Dayton Original

We had to follow up on our own Chef LeeAnne House and her Sriracha sauce, because it has really taken off since our first article–>read here. Want a bottle of her amazing sauce for free?? Then comment on the story below and you will be entered into the contest. One name will be chosen at random next week.

The locally made Housemade Sriracha Sauce is a “must eat” and must have condiment. It has popped up at various vendors all over town, and is now stretching to Cincinnati, Columbus and beyond.

Haven’t tried it yet? Well this Sunday, is a perfect time.

— RELEASE PARTY FOR THE NEW SRIRACHA BEER at TOXIC BREW this SUNDAY, AUGUST 17th at 1PM.

Two popular Dayton brands collide as Toxic Brewery releases their Sriracha Beer made with Housemade Sriracha Sauce. It is a Food Adventure in a pint.

Get to 431 E. Fifth St., and enjoy some beer and food samples made with Housemade Sriracha.

Other events include, a couple of weeks ago, when the DOROTHY LANE MARKET SCHOOL OF COOKING CLASS featured, HOUSEMADE SRIRACHA.

Toxic Brew Launches Sriracha Beer Sunday, Aug. 7th at 1pm couple of weeks ago,

Attendees got to learn from the best, Chef Jenn DiSanto, but they were also able to meet and greet Chef LeeAnne House, the owner and producer of the Housemade Sriracha Sauce. Keep yourself updated with DLM School of Cooking as another class may be popping up soon. Even a Food Adventure class.

Chef LeeAnne will also be at the Toxic Brewery event on Sunday, so make sure you visit and say ‘Hi.’

What’s next for Housemade Sauces? Well since they have entered many major Ohio cities, look for them to expand vendors in those cities, and look for them in Indianapolis in the coming weeks. So keep your eyes peeled for this sauce at a vendor near you!

We are proud of a true Dayton Original, LeeAnne House and her hot sauce! So proud that Food Adventures wants to give a lucky fan a free bottle !

******* FREE BOTTLE GIVEAWAY *******

Just comment below and you will be entered to win a bottle of Housemade Sriracha. One winner will be chosen next week at random.

Want even more heat? Then add FOOD ADVENTURES to your Facebook by clicking HERE.

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MikeSell’s Introduces “Beer Can Chicken Flavor” & More…

August 15, 2014 By Dayton937 2 Comments

New “Beer Can Chicken” flavor hits shelves August 22nd

Dayton’s hometown potato chip has done it again. Mikesell’s has released two new, unique flavors in their line of snacks! And Daytonians are the beneficiaries of the great taste.

Looks like you Food Adventurers have a couple more MUST EATS on your list. We were lucky enough to sample a couple of bags before they are out in stores. Here are Food Adventure’s take on the new flavors.

— BEER CAN CHICKEN FLAVORED POTATO CHIPS: We love the name and the idea is unique. The flavor is very muted and soft. Mikesells lovers will find not much variance of flavor from the regular groovy chips. The chips are almost a “Chicken Broth” flavor, so it is very subtle. Eatability factor is a 10 out of 10. We could munch on these all night and day. These are Mikesells for sure! This chip would great with some french onion dip.

— SOUTHWESTERN QUESO CHEESE CURLS: The puffs with no husk are back with a bold flavor. These have a little kick from the jalapeno flavor, but not too much. The perfect amount of zestiness and heat make these cheese curls eatable by the handfuls. Grab a bag of these for a party pleaser snack. Your sassy Food Adventure in a bag

Mikesells two new flavors are definitely a tale of two contrasts. One flavor is fairly subtle, and the other is fairly bold. The one thing that they have in common is they are tasty and addicting. We will be munching these up all over town. Hope you grab a bag and try these Dayton Originals for yourself. They will be available in stores AUGUST 22nd !

Want more Dayton Originals? Then “like” the often imitated, never duplicated “Food Adventures” on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Check out our photos below of the new products from Mikesells !
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Road Trip Food Adventure? Seafood Fest in Cincy Starts Tonight!

August 13, 2014 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Delicious, Whole Steamed Lobsters for $10.95

Whole lobsters for $10.95??

WHAT? .. No, the proper comment is YES! YES! YES! Wanna take a drive? It is time for a fish, mollusk, and crustacean FOOD ADVENTURE!

The Great Inland Seafood Festival takes place this Thursday through Sunday on the banks of the Ohio River. More specifically, the fest is at Newport Landing in Newport, KY.

The Food Adventures Crew are the only ones in Dayton with the full scoop on this road trip !

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The Great Inland Seafood Festival runs THURSDAY, AUG. 14 – SUNDAY, AUG. 17th.

— The event is on Newport Landing, in Kentucky, literally behind the Newport Aquarium, in a parking lot, on the banks of the Ohio River

— Admission is FREE ! We suggest getting there EARLY, whatever day you plan to go, to avoid crowds/lines.

Make sure you try one of the HUGE crabcakes

— Festival Hours are:

THURS 5pm-11pm

FRI 5pm-11pm

SAT: Noon-11pm

SUN: Noon-9pm

Now, pay attention, because we are gonna tell you something most important. We are gonna share with you our favorite things, because we are not ‘shellfish!” (groan)

MUST EATS:

— WHOLE MAINE LOBSTERS FOR $10.95: Need we say more? Served with drawn butter, these are the tastiest items and best deal at the festival. We usually eat 2 or 3 each. Yeah …. Food Adventure problems. They sell thousands of lobsters each year, so you don’t have to worry about clawing your way to the top to get one.

— THE COLOSSAL CRAB CAKES: Delicate enough to be delicious, but huge enough to curb your hunger, you gotta try one of these pan seared babies.

What about the other stuff? Well the world is your oyster.. There are fried seafood platters galore, and combos too. Not all the food is fried, there are some steamed items like tilapia and other grilled items.

Be warned, seafood is expensive, so some of the sampler and combo plates can be $20. So don’t be “crabby” when you see a few price tags.

Take it from us, eat some seafood, enjoy some free live music, check out the view, and even visit some watering holes at Newport Landing afterwards… Bring some friends, now is not the time to “clam up.”

In fact you can do what we like to do. Go to the festival early, then explore Newport, and hit the festival again on your way to the parking garage at night. Nothing says Food Adventures like live, whole lobsters at 10:00pm ! Hope to see you there if you make the drive.

There is something fishy going on here, but that’s how we like it at the Great Inland Seafood Festival.

Do you like seafood? Want to SEE more FOOD? Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE. It is a foodie’s paradise, and we aren’t just “fishing” for compliments.

Check out the photo gallery below for some incredible pics of all angles of the festival !

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Get Up Close With Bats

August 12, 2014 By Dayton937

Step into the exciting and mysterious world of bats with the Organization for Bat Conservation (OBC) at Possum Creek MetroPark Farm Saturday, Aug. 16, from 7:30 to 9pm during the Live Bat Experience. The event includes an exploration of the importance of bats, habitat and conservation, as well as of the amazing adaptations bats have made to navigate their nocturnal lifestyle. Attendees will get a chance to meet African fruit bats, a local insect-eating bat and a Jamaican leaf-nosed bat.

In addition, attendees will investigate the many amazing features of bats — including echolocation, flight and feeding habits — and explore the unique roles these nocturnal mammals play in our world. Staff from the OBC also will discuss how to help these local mosquito eaters. Afterward, attendees will take a short hike in search of bats in the wild.

“We are excited to sponsor OBC’s rescued bats and bring these misunderstood creatures to Five Rivers MetroParks,” said David Kugler, president of Propestmen of Ohio Inc. “Many nature centers are struggling with the effects of the economy, and we feel that the OBC’s programs bring a necessary component to the community because they inspire children to learn about science. We hope to get a lot of attendance from the public to help support MetroParks.”

Reservations are required and limited for this free program: Visit metroparks.org to register or call 937-275-7275.

ABOUT PROPESTMEN CRITTER CATCHERS

Founded in 2005, the Ortonville, Michigan-based Critter Catchers Inc. was formed by David Kugler, an Oakland University graduate holding a bachelor of science in biology and a master’s degree in environmental engineering from Wayne State University. Propestmen of Ohio Inc., a branch of Critter Catchers, provides wildlife control services in Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton and surrounding areas and specializes in humane bat removal and other attic pests. Visit the website at www.propestmen.com or call 614-344-4278.