AMBUCS

The 2017 Vote for Dayton’s Best Chili is …

November 19, 2017 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Beer and Hot Dogs were available at the chili cook off

Dayton’s biggest chili cookoff was Friday night and we have the loving spoonfuls. A charity that helps disabled Miami Valley residents was given an annual budget boost from the 31st annual event.

There were 17 restaurants and amateur cooks vying for the title of BEST CHILI at the AMBUCS Chili Cookoff this weekend, and the results are in. For the first time ever, the people’s choice top 3 matched The Food Adventures top 3 picks. THE WINNERS ARE…..

The winner – Buffalo Chicken Chili from Christophers

#1 CHRISTOPHER’S RESTAURANT’S BUFFALO CHICKEN CHILI:
Delicious, melt in your mouth flavors of simmered chicken and the heat of a buffalo sauce, all in a creamy chili. We topped our bowl with a light sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. This recipe was a risk going off the beaten path of traditional chili’s but in this case, it paid off. Chef John always takes time to talk to the Food Adventures Crew, and we congratulate him and Christopher’s on the big win.

2nd Place – The sweet chili from The Brunch Club

#2 THE BRUNCH CLUB’S SWEET CHILI:
Big Ragu was loving the cute servers in Bengal’s attire, but the chili stole Hungry Jax’s stomach. An interesting twist on a traditional chili, this one was sweet and thinner than most chilis. The result was a chili that really grows on you with each bite. We found ourselves with raised eyebrows craving more of this sweet stuff. A definite stand out in our book, and second place in the competition.

Meadowlark’s Chili with Pita chips was 3rd place out of 17 chili entries !

#3 MEADOWLARK’S CHILI with PITA CHIPS:
A traditional chili served with pita chips made in house, and a dab of sour cream. We also sprinkled a bit of shredded provolone cheese on top. This was fantastic. The flavor was so good and it was obvious this was a top contender. Perfectly seasoned and simmering, the chili was one of the best we tasted. In the end, we put them in 3rd place in this tough field of amazing chili.

Other contenders:

The Food Adventure crew wanted to give and Honorable Mention to a couple of restaurants that we feel, rounded out the top 5. They were #4 LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE and #5 SLYDER’s who were close to the top 3. Both versions were meaty chili’s with beans and the traditional Tex-Mex type hearty chili that Americans have grown to love.

Rita(left) and a friend from Longhorn Steakhouse, keeping Bob Medlin’s memory alive.

Please understand, every single booth had some good chili. The trick was to have your chili be absolutely incredible to stand out in a field of good cooks. The competition was intense, the meat, sauce and beans were flying. Hot sauces, cheeses, jalapenos, crackers, draft beer and more made for a filling night.

Other Restaurants and Amateur Cooks that participated were in alphabetical order:

BILL’S AMAZING CHILI:
A hearty chili with slices of beef. This was a dark and flavorful chili and our first taste of the day.

BRIXX ICE CO:
Always a contender, they had a delicious shredded chicken chili, that was almost like a soup.

Buckin Donkey Grill is back and serving up great food !

BUCKIN DONKEY GRILL:
We are so excited this awesome restaurant is back. Their chili entry was a tomato based chili with lots of huge sausage chunks.

BULLWINKLES:
A meaty chili with good flavor, this restaurant knows what they are doing. This one is great too, like all of their menu soups.

CLASHMORE MIKE’S:
A Tex-Mex classic chili with beans and the traditional sauce. Good stuff and one of the “prettiest” chilis in the bowl.

DARK HORSE TAVERN:
A good traditional chili with beans, meat and great flavor. We are so glad this restaurant is back again on Byers Rd.

EATON KENNEDY’S CHILI:
Another chili with beans in the traditional sense. They served it with tortila chips,and it was good stuff, from a local cook.

EL RANCHO GRANDE:
A Mexican twist, this chili had a swirl design in it from lots of cheddar cheese. The meat was grind down a lot and the chili had a yellow tin to it. We think it was from spices and cheeses.

FLANNIGAN’S:
A different dark and meaty chili. This was a gamble as the chili had a a very rich deep flavor. Points for uniqueness on this one.

GEORGE’S FAMILY RESTAURANT:

Big Ragu with some attendees raising money for charity

A solid traditional looking chili, with beans. It had some Greek seasoning that made the chili taste unique. The entry was good and ingenious that they passed out their restaurant menus to the tables beforehand.

HARRIGAN’S:
This was a thinner chili and almost like a soup. The flavor was good and the meat was ground down very well. Many of you know that Harrigan’s is know fro their beefy burgers.. so you know the beef chili tasted good.

All ages loved the event

LOS REYES MEXICAN RESTAURANT:
Almost like a “Dayton dip” this thick chorizo chili was very very cheese filled. The result was a yellow colored chili with chunks of meat. It was mild tasting and very different than other entries.

The decision to pick the best entries was a daunting one. All of the chilis were tasty, and went for a great cause. Please visit these fine restaurants that give back to the community. It was a great time and benefited handicapped kids in this area.

Casino games and other fun contests filled the Colosseum.

The night also was filled with BEER, WINE and SOFT DRINKS. Did we mention HOT DOGS? Oh boy the AMBUCS charity hot dog booth was serving up some good ones. We indulged in all the drinks and food we could until we were stuffed.

Food Adventurer Jax gives the event a thumbs up !

The event benefits AMBUCS of Dayton. It is a charity that helps handicapped residents of the Miami Valley lead a more mobile life. Special walkers. bikes and mobile devices are donated to the families of those children and adults in need. The effect is a priceless improvement for their quality of life.

Next year’s chili cookoff will be FRIDAY NOVEMBER 16th, 2018:
Do you want to enter your chili? We are also looking for blackjack dealers and volunteers for next year. To get involved, go to BESTCHILI.ORG or call Paul Jankovich at 937-438-0345

The champ – Chef John from Christopher’s in Kettering

Halfway through the night you have people digesting !

Bullwinkles Chili

El Rancho Grande

Gambling Area

Overlooking the event before it opens

Bills Amazing Chili entry

Christopher’s Vegetarian Chili entry

Harrigan’s chili

Beer truck – endless drats

The Hot Dog Lady

Slyders serving up

Flannagans Chili

El Rancho Grande Chili

Bullwinkle Booth

Volunteers helped make the event a success

Los Reyes Chili

George’s Restaurant

Clashmore Mikes Chili

YES ! THEY ARE BACK !

Bucking Donkey Grill

Brixx Ice Co.

Dark Horse Tavern

Testing each and every chili

Critic says – that one was just ok

Games of Chance

Serving up Bills amazing chili

Longhorn Steakhouse entry

Slyders Chili

Flannigans

Eaton Kennedy’s Chili

Dayton’s Biggest Chili Cookoff Wants You!

October 31, 2017 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Nov. 17th is Dayton’s Biggest Chili Cookoff

Friday Night, November 17th promises to be a gas!

That’s the night were Dayton’s restaurants and amateur cooks face off in the largest Chili cook-off in the Miami Valley. Each year Dayton’s AMBUCS charity hosts this event and 2017 marks the 31st year for this Food Adventure.

Is your chili the best in Dayton? Do you have what it takes to turn heads and tempt taste buds?

If so, you’re cooking skills are needed!

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON ENTERING THE CHILI COOKOFF:

Beer, Chili and Hot Dogs – All you want

—AMBUCS is looking for area restaurants, bars, caterers, and taverns that want to enter the contest. It is also open to amateur cooks. The sign-up sheet is HERE under the REGISTRATION tab.

—You must register by NOV 10th – Again use the link above or go to www.bestchili.org

—You must provide at least 5 gallons of chili (you can make more).

—Chili should be brought to the Montgomery Fairgrounds Colesium warm or hot, AMBUCS will provide heating trays. You can bring advertising papers/menus etc, and you can serve the chili or have a volunteer serve it.

Casino Games !

—People’s Choice awards will be given to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.

—The Food Adventures Crew – the Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House will be on hand representing Dayton Most Metro as “Special Judges” and will be giving their “Critics Choice” for best chili. Although, they aren’t food critics, they just love to eat.

The AMBUCS CHILI COOKOFF IS A MUST EAT !!!

So you dont’ wanna cook, but you want to come eat and drink ?

Want to learn more about the event?

White Chicken Chili

We have the scoop…

HERE IS THE SKINNY ON THE 2017 AMBUCS CHILI COOK OFF

WHEN: FRIDAY NOV 17th, 6pm – 11pm

WHERE: The Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 1043 South Main Street Dayton, Ohio 45409. Event is held inside the building labeled Coliseum.

AMBUCS Charityhelps local handicapped people be mobile

WHAT: Chili cookoff – All you can eat chili, hot dogs, all you can drink draft beer, pop and more. Casino and Monte Carlo Games will be going where you can bet cash and win cash! Blackjack, poker, dice games and more!

WHY: All proceeds go to AMBUCS Dayton, a charity that provides specialty wheel chairs and bike for handicapped local residents, so they can have mobility in their lives.

COST : $17 per person pre-sale, $20 at the door

—There are volunteer spots available do deal blackjack, deal poker and serve chili. Go to bestchili.org for contact info.

HERE ARE THOSE ENTERED SO FAR IN THE CHILI COOKOFF!!!

Slyders is one of the Restaurants attending

Rowdy Boys Chili – Young local firefighters who won the people’s choice last year !

Meadowlark – Chef Wiley and staff ar sure to bring a delicious gourmet chili to town

Atrium Grille – The Kettering Health Network restaurant is a perennial favorite. This tangy chili is always a must eat.

Flannagan’s – Local iconic pub bringing the chili heat

Christopher’s Restaurant – Kettering restaurant with cult following for vegan and white chicken chili

Tricia’s Delicious Catering – Sort of new kid on the block, came in 2nd last year !

Dice Games

Bullwinkle’s Top Hat Bistro – Will John Foreman and John Sizemore take the crown this year with their delicious, meaty, chili?

Harrigan’s Tavern – Kettering Pub with a reputation to uphold for great grub.

Eaton Kennedy’s (amateur cook) – Longtime competitor and past award winner

Longhorn Steakhouse Moraine – Who says a chain can’t show local love? These charitable guys always bring the goods.

The Brunch Club – One of our favorites, we love the friendly staff

Slyder’s – Amazing burgers means, amazing chili meat !

Good Crowd

Bill’s Amazing Chili (amateur) – Time to taste amazing stuff

Los Reyes – Mexican Chili, throws a sombrero in the ring

El Rancho Grande – Another Mexican style chili for consideration

That’s the list with more being added every day – they only have room for 24 chili participants, so get your entry in NOW!

Well fellow foodies..

There you have it … everything you wanted to know about the cookoff , but were afraid to ask.

BEAN UP !! See you at the fairgrounds November 17th !

Check out Food Adventures here on Dayton Most Metro each and every week for a fresh article on Dayton area eats. Follow us on Facebook HERE.

Information

And Dayton’s #1 Chili is ….

December 6, 2015 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Meadowlark’s Squash and Brisket Chili. Smoky with a good amount of kick!

The local AMBUCS charity hosted Dayton area’s biggest chili cookoff last month at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. More than 20 area restaurants and cooks battled it out, head to head and vote to vote. The Food Adventures Crew was on hand again to sort through the winners.

Today, we are here to share the winning bowls, and find out “WHO HAS THE BEST STEAMING CHILI IN DAYTON?”

But first, why is everyone cooking and for what cause ?

WHAT IS AMBUCS CHARITY?
AMBUCS stands for “American Business Clubs.” The organization’s mission is to provide therapeutic tricycles to children and adults with disabilities. It is a a nonprofit charity with a diverse membership dedicated to creating mobility and independence for all people with disabilities.

AMBUCS Members put the mission into action in their own community by:

Providing Amtryke therapeutic tricycles to individuals unable to operate a traditional bike
Awarding academic scholarships for therapists
And performing various other forms of community service for people with disabilities.

Currently, there more than 5,000 AMBUCS members spread throughout over 140 chapters in 30 states and growing.

Food Adventures has been a proud supporter of the AMBUCS event since 2010, judging, dealing blackjack, gambling and getting our drink on for a great cause.

Christopher’s Restaurant had 2 entrants: Venison chili and White Bean

Now on to the food…..

WHO HAS THE BEST CHILI IN DAYTON ???

Now without further delay, let’s announce the Food Adventure’s final “Critic’s Choice” selection of best chili and compare them to the public’s votes !

Hungry Jax took the roll of lead taster this year, tried every chili and liked them all. Some incredible cooks were in the house…. But we have to pick the best so, here is our undeniable list of the 5 best chili’s of Dayton !!

#1 CHRISTOPHER’S RESTAURANT‘S CHICKEN AND WHITE BEAN CHILI: A great balance of chicken, broth and the mild bean flavors. Comfort food at its finest.

#2: MEADOWLARK RESTAURANT‘S SQUASH AND BRISKET CHILI: Smoky, with just the right amount of kick! Chef Wiley knocked this outta the park.

#3 SCRATCH EVENT CATERING: A delicious chili with tender brisket. It was served with sweet cornbread, and followed with a dollup of jalapeno sour cream. Chef Matt Hayden, you are a flavor master !

#4 MURPHY’S IRISH PUB: Made with an Irish Stout beer, which was a great, unique flavor.

#5 HARRIGAN’S TAVERN: Awesomely Spicy! This one lit up our tastebuds!

Honorable Mention: Flanagan’s Chicken Chili, Christopher’s Venison chili, Deer Slayer’s chili and Eaton Kennedy’s chili which was some sweet heat!

Let’s see how the public voted as compares to the Food Adventures picks !

Congratulations to SCRATCH EVENT CATERING for the top spot as people’s best choice for chili. The event was fantastic and the table games were a blast. Congrats to AMBUCS on another great year. The real winners as always at the local residence who are helped to be more mobile and therefore live a more fulfilling life.

Make sure you mark your calendars and come out next November, to see them defend the title against Dayton’s finest cooks.

Browse the photos below of the 2015 AMBUCS Chili cookoff . Want more local Food Adventures? Then “like” Hungry Jax, Chef House and the Big Ragu on Facebook HERE.

Do you agree or disagree with the chili choices? Comment below and be heard below and tell us who has the best chili in Dayton !

Deer Slayers Chili ! Super tender venison, mild but flavorful!

Raffle prizes for charity !

The Deer Slayer and his wife, with a bowl of their famous chili

Some of the past Entrants

Murphy’s Irish Pub made with stout beer!

Harrigan’s Tavern Chili – Awesomely Spicy !

Wine up for winning by disk toss

Eaton Kennedy’s chili – Sweet heat

Scratch Catering: chili with sweet corn bread, tender brisket, followed by jalapeno sour cream

Flanagan’s Chicken Chili

AMBUCS 2015 Chili cookoff is about to being !

Chefs from Christopher’s Restaurant in Kettering

AMBUCS also served their own chili dogs !

National Becomes Local: Longhorn Steakhouse in Moraine

July 13, 2014 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Bob Medlin & Jordan Frank of Longhorn Steakhouse, volunteer time & resources to many Dayton charities

We just had to tell you. We just had to tell you about something happening in your community that you have no idea about.

As you know, 95% of our weekly Food Adventure articles feature local mom and pop establishments serving up great food.

But sometimes, there is a need to mention something that is going on at a Nationally owned restaurant. In this case, no one is more deserving than Bob Medlin, the manager of Longhorn Steakhouse in Moraine, located at 1921 West Dorothy Lane.

We know,we know…. ” the dreaded chain restaurant,” but there is one thing you local purists can’t ignore. It is the constant donation of resources and volunteering that Bob Medlin and his staff give to the Miami Valley. The Big Ragu and Crew volunteer at a lot of charity events, and we notice that Bob Medlin and Longhorn Steakhouse in Moraine are involved in almost every charity group that we support. The staff believes in not only serving quality affordable food, but they go an extra step in volunteering for many charitable organizations.

Food Adventures joined forces with Longhorn Steakhouse Moraine, to support the March of Dimes Walk for Babies. We ate at their pancake breakfasts that supported the Sandy Hook Elementary victims, and the Mobley Family who endured terrible losses in a local fire. The Big Ragu and Crew have also run into the Longhorn staff at the annual AMBUCS Chili cookoff, that benefits Dayton citizens with various disabilities, by providing them equipment to become more mobile.

After talking with the management and the staff, we realized, this was just the tip of the iceberg. Just some of the charities helped by Longhorn Steakhouse in Moraine, either directly or indirectly through volunteering staff, or donating resources, food or supplies, are the following organizations:

Food For Kids (Vandalia)

Dayton Hospice Walk

Snuggled Up Inc. – bedding for Dayton area kids

The Greater Dayton Apartment Association’s Rent Foundation – prevents homelessness in Dayton, by paying rent for families in crisis.

Shoes for the Shoeless and Brief Blessings – helping Dayton area children with basic needs such as shoes and underwear

Ronald McDonald House of Dayton – Staff volunteered to rake leaves, clean up yard

Dayton Circles – dedicated to ending poverty

Back2Back Ministries – Helping local orphans and abandoned children

Kiser Elementary– helping educate refugee children who have settled in Dayton.

Christ’s Church of Bellbrook’s – various charity programs

Relay for Life Charities from American Cancer Society– pancake breakfasts to raise money

Bob & the Longhorn Steakhouse Staff volunteering at the March of Dimes Walk for Babies, and giving out cake

Apex Church charity Rib Dinner to benefit Relay For Life Charities

Donated supplies for Apex Church missionary charity support of 6 Mexican orphans, and 1 orphangirl in India

Big Brothers Big Sisters program of the Greater Miami Valley – Helping Dayton children reach their potential

Dayton Life Enrichment Center – providing groceries and meals to needy families of Dayton

Target Dayton Ministries – serving meals to Dayton’s homeless and poor

Miami Valley Womens Center – helping new moms and dads with loss of an infant

Harvest House – helping rehabilitate females who have been abused, or dealing with depression

Victory Project – helping Dayton youth in the Juvenile system rebuild themselves and stay crime free

Miracle League of Dayton – providing special needs children a baseball field where they can play

These are just some charities off the top of the staff’s heads. The thing is, they don’t toot their own horn, they just help out the community in so many ways. And it is contagious. As we talked to the staff, we realize they all want to help and get involved, because they see how their company has affected lives for the positive.

And so many lives have been affected by the Longhorn Steakhouse staff. We have yet to mention donations to local elementary schools, or events for the Fairmont track football, basketball , and volleyball teams! They even had volunteers help cater a prom dinner.

Longhorn Steakhouse in Moraine, holds Pancake Breakfasts for various charities, here is one of our delicious plates that we devoured

Longhorn Steakhouse of Moraine events have benefited local pet adoption companies and local cancer survivors. There have been Dayton Demonz hockey team charity work, volunteer staff car washes for charities. Bob Medlin and his co-workers have helped donatefor benefits for cystic fibrosis and leukemia. They have helped local feeding centers, local food banks, and helped organize local clothing donations.

Although they have a full staff supporting and volunteering for many of these events, there are 3 managers at Longhorn who have instilled and lead this philanthropist philosophy with their employees. The first person we have already mentioned, is manager Bob Medlin. The other two, are managing partner Jordan Frank and Rita Hayworth, fundraising specialist. Together they provide a great, caring work atmosphere of giving back to the community.

So the next time you are in the mood for some steakhouse type food, you may want to mosey on over to the Longhorn Steakhouse in Moraine and keep paying it forward. You may even get to see Bob Medlin, and tell him thank you for their community support. Let him know you saw his charity work “shout out” on Food Adventures. Bob and his staff are very humble, and the staff never boasts about their charity work. They participate enthusiastically and take pride in helping various needs in the Dayton area. We are grateful for fellow citizens like this and want them to know, we greatly appreciate all you do. Thanks for making a local difference with a national company.

Please view our gallery below of photos inside Longhorn Steakhouse and the staff volunteering at various events.

Also, make sure you become a Food Adventure fan on Facebook, by CLICKING HERE TO “LIKE” US.

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What a Gas! AMBUCS Chili Cookoff Winners Announced

November 27, 2013 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Ladder 11 was the People’s Choice Winner (served with a jalapeno muffin) Click to Enlarge

The people have spoken at the 27th Annual Charity Chili cookoff and Casino Night for AMBUCS. And they were tooting more than their horns the next day!

For the 2nd year in a row, JIMMIES LADDER 11 was the people’s choice for best chili. BUT NOT SO FAST MY FRIENDS ….. THE FOOD ADVENTURES CREW with THE BIG RAGU have their takes on the chili contest and it may surprise you.

Your humble Food Adventurers were asked to be special celebrity guest judges and we ate every station, every bowl and left no pot unturned. We also had hot dogs, coney dogs, wine, beer and soft drinks. The frigid evening was PERFECT for chili tasting.

There was spicy chili, mild chili, chicken chili, no bean chili, .. there was even a gumbo ! Topping options were cheese, onions, hot sauce some had sour cream ! … So Poopsie, how do you like your chili ?

THE BIG RAGU’S WINNER: Tie between THE BRUNCH CLUB and THE TROPICS

The Brunch Club had an amazingly sweet chili that was delicious. The Tropics entry was just as addicting. It was a with a hearty, traditional chili with great flavors.

Honorable Mention to the other great chili’s: Longhorn Steakhouses’ Brisket chili, and of course the chili from Jimmie’s Ladder 11. The Spiciest chili was Harrigan’s chili. Other great, hearty traditional chili’s included Elsa’s Restaurant and Slyder’s Tavern. Buckin Donkey Grille’s traditional chili was great, and they even served chicken sausage gumbo that was to die for. Even amateur entries like Chef Daddy’s Firehouse won hearts with their chicken chili.

The real winner here was the AMBUCS charity who raises money to help disabled children and adults in the Miami Valley. It is a local chapter and the funds stay local to help those in need in the Dayton area. If you have never attended this event, it is a complete blast. There was chili, beer, hot dogs, wine and pop (all you can eat). There were casino games like blackjack, showdown, dice games and spin the wheel games. The upstairs area even had a Bingo area !

Chef Daddy’s Firehouse White Chicken Chili (click to enlarge)

It was a true Food Adventure and Gamblers paradise! You have 12 month to get your gastro-intestinal tract in shape for this one. Don’t miss this event next year, it truly was a gas !

Want more photos and tongue in cheek fun from the one and only FOOD ADVENTURES CREW? Then “like” us on FACEBOOK by clicking HERE.

We are not food critics, we are two “foodies in our forties” who love to eat ! This is not our job, this is our hobby, so we don’t have an agenda ! That’s why our stuff is original! Often imitated, but never duplicated you can find us every week right here on Dayton Most Metro !

As always, check out our gallery photos below for some amazing food shots !

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Food for Thought: Charitable Food Adventures

November 8, 2013 By Dayton937 1 Comment

As the holidays approach, many charity functions are in full swing. Food Adventures is honored to participate in and support over 40 local charities, all of them are close to our hearts. Three of these special events are coming up in November, and we would like to share them, because they need your help and support. So please if you can, take some time to attend these functions for people in need.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 8th – RENT FOUNDATION’s “NITE AT THE RACES” at the IUE HALL at 1675 WOODMAN DR.

—What is this charity? Helping families in crisis since 1995, the GDAA Rent Foundation pays rent for needy families who are facing temporary hardships. Whether an illness, death in the family or some other tragedy, this charity helps prevent homelessness by helping real people locally who are living in apartments. This charity is administrated through the Greater Dayton Apartment Association and could use your support.

Event Website click HERE Charity Website click HERE

—What is this event? Event features 10 horse races on the big screen, endless beer, soft drinks and food for $15. Bring extra money to bet cash and win cash on the races, also raffle drawings, pull tabs and more. Dayton Most Metro’s own Big Ragu is the emcee for this event! Lots of good eats and drink for a Food Adventure !

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 17th – MIAMI VALLEY ADAPTED SPORTS WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL EXHIBITION at the NUTTER CENTER:

—What is this charity? Miami Valley Adapted Sports provides recreational and competitive sporting opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities. MVAS has programs that promote physical fitness, character building and friendship. One of the goals is equal opportunities for disabled individuals through education, training and networking.

—What is this event? A wheel chair basketball game where the Miami Valley Adapted Sports kids take on the staff of Children’s Medical Center

Event Website click HERE Charity Website click HERE

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 22nd – AMBUCS CHILI COOKOFF at the MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS COLESIUM:

—What is this charity? The South Dayton chapter of AMBUCS is a charitable service club, and one of 4 chapters in the Dayton area. They provide free-of-charge, specially built tricycles called AmTrykes to facilitate therapy of disabled children and adults. AMBUCS also provides ramps for families in need of mobility help and pays scholarships for physical therapy students.

—What is this event? Various local restaurants put their chili to the test and you vote for the winner! Price includes all the beer, soft drinks, wine, hot dogs and chili you want! Also try you luck at casino games located around the fairgrounds coliseum. You want a Food Adventure for a good cause? This charity event is just the ticket.

Event Website HERE Charity Website: HERE

AMBUCS chili cookoff includes beer and hot dogs too !

We love calling Dayton our hometown and we are grateful to be a part of these worthy charities. The people involved and the organizations are first class. Remember, life is an adventure (sometimes a Food Adventure), so please give back to the community and support these noble causes.

For our foodie friends who were expecting a typical Food Adventure article with succulent pics this week, we are throwing you a bone below with a photo of our waiter Julio bringing us a “Thurman Burger from the Thurman’ Cafe in Columbus.” Make sure you check out the gallery below for various photos from the 3 charity events featured in this article.

Want more from Dayton Dining’s serious eaters? Then “like”Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE

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Food Adventures with Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzell

August 29, 2013 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzell Enjoying a Brew at Tank’s Bar & Grill

Everyone knows that Gary Leitzell is the mayor of Dayton, but did you know that he is a foodie ?? You may find him at Tank’s on Wayne Avenue with a mini pitcher of beer discussing the history of Dayton. You may see him munching on pizza at the South Park Tavern, talking about some of the old homes in the neighborhood & who built them. You may catch the mayor cutting a sandwich at the Top of the Market & Deli at Webster Street.

The Big Ragu often runs into Gary Leitzell at various community events. We have had Food Adventures with the mayor at Ghostlight Coffee and even visited with his legislative aide “Gladgirl Shelly.‘ The mayor has spent time with us at the 2nd Street Market. We have been with him at charity events like the AMBUCS Chili Cookoff. And, who could forget our ‘must eats’ like Oktoberfest at the Dayton Art Institute or the World A’Fair at the Convention Center.

When we see Mayor Leitzell, he always takes a moment to talk with us about Dayton and the local government’s exciting plans for the city. Practically everything about Gary is unique. Most of his childhood was spent in England, he has no political affiliation and fancies himself an independent.

But this is not an article on politics. It is an article on fun and food in the Dayton area, which is what Food Adventures are all about.

Speaking of fun, here are some things you ‘gotta know’ about Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzell:

— He eats every sandwich with a fork and knife. – Yes, hot dogs and burgers too. Call it a good manners habit from his days in merry olde England.

—He has a blog called ‘This Old Crack House’ – Mayor Leitzell is a cool character with a great personality. His blog documents the refurbishing of his historic home, which went from a log house to a townhouse, to a crack house and now, his house. You gotta love a guy that has a blog called “This Old Crack House.” Check it out HERE.

— Mayor Leitzell has a scooter. – What better way to get to a Food Adventure?

— He doesn’t own a cell phone. – Gary is a person who prefers to communicate face to face or by email. Wait a minute, how does he order carryout food? For a guy always on the move, we find it astonishing that he doesn’t own a mobile phone. Maybe it is a lesson to us as well.

— His favorite rock band is ‘The Who.’ – Will they play a farewell show at Courthouse Square when his term as mayor ends? We will have our people get with your people to coordinate that one.

If there is a lesson to be learned from Mayor Leitzell it is “Be yourself.” The mayor has a positive passion for the Dayton area and the future of the city. He is involved with many activities, from West Side Dayton volunteer projects to creative marketing for the city. But, you won’t see that trumpeted in a paper or in a story online. As his term expires in January, look for him to run for a Montgomery County Commissioner seat.

So be on the lookout next time you are eating out and around Dayton. You just may be sitting next to the mayor !

What are your top 5 Dayton area restaurants? Comment below so we can see how you stack up with the mayor !

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Leitzell may be the bossman, but Food Adventures are the Dukes of Facebook . Like these “Dayton Foodies” on FACEBOOK by clicking —–>HERE!

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The Big Ragu Releases the AMBUCS Chili Cook-off Votes!

November 21, 2012 By Dayton937 2 Comments

Cold beer and hot chili is a recipe for a Food Adventure. Last Friday night, a large crowd enjoyed all the chili, adult beverages and gambling action they wanted at the 26th Annual AMBUCS Chili Cookoff and Casino night at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. All the proceeds went to benefit Dayton AMBUCS, a charity service organization that is creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities. The Big Ragu and the Food Adventures Crew was lucky enough to be asked to be “Special Judge” for the event. We had a blast, hung out with Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzel, and ate some terrific chili.

First off, we tried each and every chili offered. We loved the traditional chili from Flannigans, Atrium Grille, Buckin Donkey Grille, Miami Valley Golf Club, Jimmie’s Ladder 11, Elsa’s and Slyder’s. Our taste buds enjoyed unique meat twists on chili from Smokin BBQ, Vinny’s Bar & Grill, Christopher’s, and Longhorn Steakhouse . Things heated up with the spicy chili from Scratch Catering and Harrigans Tavern. Unique tasting chili from The Tropics and Cafe Mexico were nice surprises, too. There were even great entries from individual cooks like “Deer Slayer” and “Chef Daddy’s Firehouse Chili!”

We loved and finished them all, from white bean chili, to every piece of venison, and every jalapeno. But, we had to pick our favorites, and here were our choices:

Food Adventure’s Top 3:
1) Deer Slayer
2) Jimmie’s Ladder 11
3) Smokin’ BBQ

After trying all of the chili we ate some hot dogs then tried our luck at Bingo, Blackjack and Dice games. Most importantly, we donated to a great organization, AMBUCS. It was great to see local people helping a charity that reaches out to all sorts of people with physical disabilities. We were honored to be a part of this special event and this was a Food Adventure that will always remain close to our heart. See you next year !

If you were not there, but want to help out a great cause, visit ambucs.com, and see how you can get involved.

“Like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE !

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All The Chili You Can Eat!

September 8, 2010 By Lisa Grigsby 1 Comment

This Friday the South Dayton Chapter of AMBUCS, a national charity that helps people with disabilites, will host it’s 25th annual Chili Festival and Casino Night at Polen Farms in Kettering. Your $16 ticket includes as much chili as you can stomach, $8 in drink tickets, live music by Corky’s Old Time Rock and Roll and Las Vegas style casino games, bingo and door prizes, too!
Local eateries serving up chili include: