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MCL Cafeteria: Not Just for Granny Anymore

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MCL Cafeteria, Not just for Grandma Anymore

“Hey you wanna join us for dinner?”

–Yeah sure…

“Ok meet us over at MCL Cafeteria..”

–MCL???? What ??

Yes it’s true.  There is a young movement underway.  Slowly, but surely, the nation’s seniors are sharing their well kept secret.  What secret?  They know that the

From Coconut Cream Pie to Pumpkin Pie, the desserts are where it’s at

food at MCL Cafeteria is actually pretty decent !  Sure it is a chain and we at Food Adventures conquer the local local local… but damn, Sam, take a lookie here.  Yes, there are walkers, people with dentures and mostly soft food.  But the comfort food is reminiscent of home made, family get-together dinners.

So, it is basically a senior place, and it is pretty cool .. think of it as “a Grandpa who uses SnapChat.”  You wanna hang out with that guy.  So is the case here.  This is no metamucil Food Adventure.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on MCL CAFETERIA:

See the colors of the rainbow on the assembly line of MCL Cafeteria

—In 1950, in Indianapolis, Charles McGaughey and George Laughner founded the first MCL Cafeteria. They took the first letters of their last names, hence the name MCL.

—The Dayton area MCL Cafeteria is located at 4485 Far Hills Ave, Kettering

—With 16 locations in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, their website says they maintain a family owned and operated company.

Roast Beef ready to be Carved

—They use local produce when in season, and offer catering, and have a special section for “to-go” orders, which is really busy.

—Their hours are shorter, because Granny needs her beauty sleep.  They close at 8:30pm. They open everyday at 11am, except Sundays which is 10:30am.

—You walk in and in assembly line fashion, get a tray, and pick your food “a la carte.”

—The daily deal is the “Blue Plate Special” is $8.95 and includes an entree and 2 sides, typically.  That’s blue plate, not blue hair special…

Salads and Fruits offered

 

With an empty tray and so many choices, what are you gonna do?  What are you going to get? Grandpa is nudging you in the ribs with his cane, to keep you moving along….  From our numerous trips over the past year to MCL, we got you covered with our patented “MUST EATS!”

 

She’s My Cherry Pie !

MUST EATS at MCL CAFETERIA:

—THE PIES:
 These are the highlight of the assembly line and placed at the end for good reason.  From Cherry Pie made with Michigan cherries to Chocolate Cream Pie.  Even the Peach Pie and Pecan Pie with fresh Georgia Pecans make outstanding choices.  Even better than that, they are delicious.  When in doubt, grab a piece of pie to guarantee a happy ending at MCL Cafeteria.

 

—THE FRIED WHOLE CATFISH:  
These babies are dipped in milk and covered with

Fried Catfish – one of our faves at MCL

seasoned cornmeal.  After frying, these crispy Louisiana fish give you a crunch, then melt in your mouth feeling.  The tartar sauce for dipping is the perfect finishing touch. Big Ragu’s Favorite !

 

—SWISS VEAL:  
When they say “try the veal,” they really mean it this time.  A fried veal cutlet, covered with Swiss cheese, then covered with a white

Swiss Veal – a cult favorite at MCL

gravy.  Probably one of the better choices, like many of these plates, it has that homemade, family feel, close to that of Thanksgiving.

 

—SALISBURY STEAK:
A good looking chopped steak, grilled up nice and juicy, then covered in gravy.  May we suggest mashed potatoes to take you back to your childhood?  Corn for the closer?  Sometimes the sides make all the difference in the entree.

 

—ACORN SQUASH SIDE:

The best side at MCL Cafeteria is the Acorn Squash

If you see this side, stop the line abruptly and grab one.  What a great deal this deliciously baked veggie is, with a buttery syrup juice in the cavity inside.   This is heaven on earth and a definite MUST EAT !

 

—FRIED CHICKEN:
One of the kings of comfort food, MCL serves it up golden brown with all the fixings. This is possibly their most popular item. Again the comfort food and southern feel of this entree with the sides, will have you dreaming of old family dinner days.

 

Chicken Parm

—CHICKEN PARMESAN:
A fresh chicken breast, hand-breaded with seasoned crumbs from their bakery, fried to the perfect shade of golden brown. They top it with mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce. Served with pasta and topped with more marinara sauce (optional).

 

HONORABLE MENTION:
The Salads are very good, and nice and fresh.  Also, the dinner rolls are amazing, with a dab of butter.  They have a variety of side breads to choose from, all made in their on-site bakery.

Fresh Salads

So now you know about the food, he on-site bakery and the glowing clientele, you may see MCL Cafeteria in a different light.  Give it a visit for your own family Food Adventure.  Kids love the assembly line and the looks and smells.  MCL is also a great place if you are alone and want a quick in and out dinner or lunch.  It is not cheap dining, and by the time you get a drink and dessert or bread side, you’re looking at $15-$17 per person, so be fair warned.  But the food is worth it.

The long walk to the cafeteria assembly line

This place isn’t just for grandparents anymore.  You cannot deny that they have some great home made items on the menu.  It is homestyle cooking the whole group can enjoy.  We are starting to notice more and more young people at the cafeteria.

What time do the 90 year olds go, typically?  Depends…

Want more fun spin on local eateries?  Visit Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here.  The Food Adventure Crew consists of the Big Ragu, Chef House, and Hungry Jax.  Bringing you perspectives of local food from a foodie bachelor’s, a locally obsessed professional chef and an Italian mom’s point of view.  Original events, photos, website and classes are just some of what we offer.

Please browse the food porn gallery below from our various visits to MCL Cafeteria.

Fried Chicken and more for the plucking

EARLY HOURS !

Fish and more

Dinner rolls

Peach friggin Pie

Sugar Pie and puddings

Stewed tomatoes

Roast Beef

Twice baked potato and Swiss Veal

More Salads

Chopped Steak, mashed potatoes/Gravy, Mac n Cheese

Closing the place down at 8:30pm

There’s always room for jello

Serving up Baked fish and Chicken Parm

Baked Chicken

Sausages and Kraut

We got the Beets

Fried chicken

Foccacia Rolls

Dont they know the damage Hungry Jax would do ??

Outside

Toss my salad

More salads

Chicken Croquette and baked fish

Getting the scoop

Pecan Pie

Hey Grandpa! Take us to MCL !!

Carved Turkey

Chocolate Creme Pie

Corn Bread

Salsbury steak

Chicken Parmesan

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall at Hidden Valley Fruit Farm

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Down south on Route 48, is a great little place

Hay! Hay! Hay! Food, fun and fall flavors await you at The Hidden Valley Fruit Farm.  Just a few minutes south of Centerville on State Rout 48, Hidden Valley is the perfect place for a family Food Adventure, especially for little ones.  You can find pies to petting zoos, and scarecrows to strawberry jams.  They even have hay rides, pick your own apples and more.  We have great memories of coming here as kids.  This farm store is a perfect place to spend time with your loved onesand experience the sights and sniffs of the Fall season.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY  on HIDDEN VALLEY FRUIT FARM:

Caramel Apples, anyone ?

—For over 60 years, located at 5474 OH-48, Lebanon, OH 45036 just a few minutes south of Centerville.

—10am – 6pm Sunday through Wednesday  and  10am – 7pm Thursday – Saturday

— Fun attractions include: Hayrides, pick your our pumpkin, pick your own apples, a gift shop in the 150 year old barn, an ice cream shop, and a petting zoo.   There is “so much room for activities”

Pumpkins Galore

— The Country Store is in a 150 year old barn.  It features a gift shop, a bakery, a produce area, grocery items and coffees.

— The small restaurant is open Wednesday to Saturday, and features an $8.99 lunch for a pulled-pork sandwich and two sides – choices are potato salad, corn-on-the-cob, or baked beans.

— They grow 38 different kind of apple varieties.

There are literally hundreds of choices, local squash, fruit jams and so much more.  Over the years we have tried dozens of items.  Here are some of our favorites that have lasted from the 1970’s.  Without further delay.. we present our MUST EATS !

 

MUST EATS at HIDDEN VALLEY FRUIT FARM:

Fritters, Cider and Apples….

— GALLON OF APPLE CIDER:  Hidden Valley Fruit Farm is one of the only farms in Ohio that still prepares its apple cider the old-fashioned way.  Not from concentrate, their cider is pressed from select apples out of their own orchards.  The cider goes from orchard, to press, to bottle, then straight to the refrigerators.  Their is no homogenization, no pasteurization, and no additives or preservatives.  The best cider ever in the Big Ragu’s opinion.  Maybe it is the nostalgia, but he has never tasted anything like it.

— PUMPKIN DONUTS:  Small, sugary and delicious.  We have been enjoying these for decades.  Get a few extra, they seem to disappear into hungry mouths on the way to the car.

Local Honey

— GALA APPLES:  OK, so they have 38 different kinds of apples… One of our favorites is the sweet Gala apples grown on site.  There are so many others, some good for baking, others good for eating.  All of them local, right off the trees and delicious.

— APPLE FRITTERS: These are huge.  They are sweet, glazed and delicious.  So sweet in fact, that they are guaranteed to attract a bee or two if eaten outside.  Made fresh, they melt in your mouth and go great with a glass of milk.

— LOCAL NATURAL RAW HONEY: There are so many uses for this wonderful product.  From a drop in your tea, to drizzling over cereal, this honey is fantastic.  On toast or a spoonful from the jar, it is a wonderful treat.  Did you know that consuming local honey helps guard against allergies to local plants?  It is true with all natural honeys and the area they are produced.

38 varities of apples

— CARAMEL APPLES WITH NUTS: Nice sized apples dipped in a thick caramel coating, with the bottom half rolled in chopped peanuts.  The result is everything you could ever want from a salty and sweet treat.  Sinful? You bet…  If you want to go big, they have a “Thriller” apple which is the deluxe chocolate added treat.  Although they are great, we stay old school here and prefer the original.

Honorable Mention:  The Homemade Fudge.  All flavors.  It used to cause family squabbles in the car on our way back from Kings Island..

Gala apples – sweet things grown on their orchard

The Hidden Valley Fruit Farm is a throwback Food Adventure and a tribute to the old days. Rural America eats and treats, and simple pleasures like a fall Hay ride.

Find the peace and calm of a brisk Autumn day, and visit this local treasure.  There is still time to grab a pumpkin before Halloween, and this is the perfect spot to scope one out. See you near the corn stalks, inside the barn….

Are you a Dayton Foodie?  Then follow us on Facebook by clicking here, and find your paradise.  The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax are just a click away.

Please enjoy the sights of Fall at Hidden Valley Fruit Farm by browsing our photos below.

Pumpkins out front

Vintage Tractor

Chicken coop on site

Inside the Country Store

Butterfinger fudge – have you ever heard something so sweet?

Outside looking around

Stalk to you later

Activities and prices

No bake pies….

 

 

Indian Corn

Candy table

Pork in a can

Fresh from the orchard out back

 

Petting Farm and Playground

Scarecrows and Pumpkins out front

Apples – just picked….

Food Adventures Takes Aim at Archer’s + $20 Gift Certificate !!

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You have driven by and seen the packed parking lot, so you know something is up.  Archer’s Tavern has just surpassed its 3rd year in business and is still cookin’ right along in more ways than one.  Owner’s Dan Apolito, Scott Dorsten and Mike Fullenkamp have a great formula for success.  Good food, good drink, and affordable prices.  The owners also immerse themselves in the community, donating to various churches, charities and youth organizations.  The belief is “If you do good things for people, it will come back to you.”  The menu, which is printed on newspaper, keeps customers coming back for sure.

Archer’sm, located at 9496 Dayton Lebanon Pike, is a family pub-style restaurant named after John Archer Jr.  who owned Centerville’s first tavern.  This nod to history is true to form with ownership’s belief in local involvement.

From Burgers and Pizzas, to Salads and Craft Beers, there is something for everyone at Archer’s Tavern.  Don’t forget the special events they showcase from time to time.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Family Friendly Atmosphere with a pub feel.  You could bring the kids here after a soccer game, or sit at the bar with some friends.

— Great Craft Beer selection on tap and in bottles.  Archer’s partners with regional breweries for some rare, delicious selections.  Their rotating selection is sure to please thirsty patrons.

The Brandon Burger features Zink’s Local Beef , a fried egg, and bacon on top.

— Affordable meals with most selections in  the $7-$10 range.  They even have a burger for under $4.

— Don’t miss their special events throughout the year.  Whether it is a crawfish boil to celebrate their anniversary or a beer/menu tasting featuring Goose Island beers, these events are worth checking out.  Stay tuned to their website and Facebook Page to keep up with the latest happenings.   Here is EXCLUSIVE SCOOP on the next upcoming event !

****EXCLUSIVE SCOOP !  YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST ! ***

Archer’s will feature a CHILI COOKOFF on Saturday, September 14th from 2pm-4pm.  Do you have a winning recipe?  Limited to 20 entrants, the winning person’s chili will be featured on the Archer’s menu for an entire year.  There is also a cash prize of $200.  To enter the contest, stop into Archers Tavern, but do it quickly as space is limited to the first 20 entrants.  Food Adventures will be celebrity judges and you can be a judge too!  Just show up the day of the event and pay $10 to sample the 20 chili entries and cast your vote.   Join us for this FOOD ADVENTURE !  The money collected will go to the Centerville High School Culinary Student fund or the Archer’s Scholarship Fund.  Again,  Archer’s is giving back to the community.  We love and respect that.

Archer’s Ale – a damn good craft beer

With so much going on in this place, we offer up our suggestions on some of the best.  As with all of our Food Adventures, we have been here numerous times and tried almost everything on the menu.

If you have not yet been to Archer’s, let Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax point you in the right direction.

MUST EATS:

— THE BRANDON BURGER:  This burger is a favorite.  It features a fried egg and bacon all on top of a fresh Zink’s Meat Market Burger.  It is quite simply one of the best burgers in town.

— ARCHER’S ALE:  An ESB (Extra Special Bitter), that is an original craft beer.  A quality brew to be appreciated by the beer connoisseur in you.  Smooth and easy, this is an enjoyable drink for those ESB lovers.

— CITRUS CHICKEN SALAD – Grilled chicken on a bed of fresh greens, mixed with a balsamic dressing.   Other toppings include mandarin oranges, cranberries, bleu cheese crumbles and almonds.  A healthy and tasty alternative!

—  THE MARGHERITA PIZZA:  Fresh Mozzarella and a smooth tomato sauce is the key to this pizza.  Fresh basil leaves and Roma tomatoes top off this vegetarian pie nicely.

— THE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK: A heaping sandwich filled with meat, peppers and melted provolone cheese.  You can also request cheese whiz on this monster.  We say, go for it.  This is how they do it in Philadelphia.  Your choice of ribeye steak or chicken for the meat.

— THE STICKY BURGER:  A burger with peanut butter on it? YES!  The result is a unique taste, reminiscent of a Thai Peanut Sauce.   This burger is the Big Ragu’s Favorite.  It also comes with bacon and smoked pepper jack cheese.  This is a curiously good burger that you won’t soon forget.

— CRAZY UNCLE JESTER’S HOT SAUCE:  Archer’s is partnered with a local hot sauce maker that really lights things up.  Make sure and ask your waitress to bring out some different flavored bottles of Crazy Uncle Jester’s Hot Sauce.   Add it to some wings, chili or whatever you want to pack a wallop of flavor.  Good stuff here, some of it isn’t for the squeamish.

Margherita Pizza – Savor that Fresh Mozzarella

Finally, this article would be incomplete if we didn’t talk about the servers.  Our many experiences have shown us that this friendly staff cares about the customers and shows commitment in offering good service.  The management instills this belief from the top down.  If you love decent prices for good food, then give Archer’s Tavern a shot.  This place is about relaxing in a fun eatery.  Our advice is, scan the beer selection, order a burger or one of our  ‘must eats’  and then… enjoy.   In  this Food Adventure, you can be sure that Archer’s will hit the bullseye !

Browse through our photo album of literally dozens of menu items and features from past special events.  Are you a Foodie?  Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook HERE !

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$20 GIFT CERTIFICATE CONTEST !!

Please register below  and tell us below in the comments why you should win a $20 Gift Certificate to ARCHER’S TAVERN, and a winner will be chosen on MONDAY ![form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

100,000 People Expected at Food Filled Americana Festival

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Look down the street, hungry people as far as the eye can see !

July 4th will mark the 40th annual Americana Festival in Centerville.  Wouldn’t you know that The Big Ragu & Crew are veterans of practically every single Americana Festival over the years.   We can’t think of a better way to celebrate America’s Independence that a brisk walk through the intersection of State Route 48 and Franklin Street, sampling food selections from various vendors.  With over 100 spots to eat, this is a perfect opportunity for a summer Food Adventure.   From typical festival fare like funnel cakes and to healthier choices like salads and grilled chops, there is something for every taste bud on hand.  The food tour stretches from the center of town, down through Benham’s Grove and the Activity Center Park.   French Fries, Deep Fried Snickers, Roasted Corn, Chinese food and Gyro Vendors are just some of our favorites on the yearly hit list.  We would be amiss if we didn’t mention the various icons that will be open along the street such as Bill’s Donut Shop, City BBQ and Graeter’s Ice Cream.  You can even enjoy a Marion’s Pizza near the classic car show in their parking lot.  Ohhh Americana, how we love thee!

Hey there, Pork Chop !

If you need the scoop on one of Dayton’s largest festivals, here you go:

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— July 4th events start at 7:30am with a 5k Run/Walk – Always a nice start to a guilt free Food Adventure

— Parade starts at 10am sharp near Centerville High School and typically lasts until 11:30am

— The Street Festival runs from 11am-4pm with over 300 vendors (many of them food booths)

— Festival ends with a Fireworks Display at Centerville High School Stadium at 10pm

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Now for the rumbling stomachs that sound like a fireworks grand finale, here are your Food Adventure MUST EATS !

MUST EATS:

— Nothing says independence like a mouthful of powdered sugar and fried dough, so get yourself a damn Funnel Cake

Nothing says Independence like Powdered Sugar and Fried Dough

— Grilled Pork Chops – Various vendors are serving up these chops that weigh as much as a small dumbell

— Roasted Corn – More than knee high by the 4th of July, don’t forget the brush and buttery dip option

— Gyro’s – The Greek vendors at this event never disappoint.  Grab a Gyro with the works, which sometimes includes some Caesar’s Salad lettuce on top

— Philly Cheesesteak – A little known secret of the festival is that some vendors fire up the grills as early as 9:30am.  We took advantage of this one year.  We also should have taken a tums.  Huge, mouth watering, stuffed sandwiches.  Just look for the banner “Italian Sausages & Philly Cheesesteaks”

— Deep Fried Snickers – Ok, so admit it, you have always wanted to try one.  If you like rich foods and gooey chocolate, give it a whirl.  It is like a small, powdered corndog with chocolate inside.  Everyone should try these just once.  Put it on your July4th bucket list.

— McDigger’s Pub – Go inside and grab a cold libation at the corner of Elm and East Franklin St.  They also grill burgers and sausages on the patio.  This is the only bar we know of where a round of drinks costs about the same as a local Moose Lodge.  Just aim your beer burps the other way, please.

Whether you grab a pretzel donut or a grilled chicken wrap with Uncle Sam on stilts, this shindig is as much a celebration of taste as a celebration of the stars and stripes.  So get yourself to the center of Centerville and see why this festival is one of the biggest in Dayton.  Are you a veteran of the event?  Then comment below and tell us your favorite bites from the Americana Festival!

Your hometown foodies Chef House, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu wish each and every one of you a happy 4th of July.  Enjoy the local street food and more on this warm summer’s holiday.  This festival definitely shows off “America the Beautiful !”

Browse through our photos below, they will light your firecracker !  “Like” Food Adventures on Facebook HERE !

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