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BOGO Star Wars Offers at Fairborn Bakery for May 4th

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Amber Tipton, owner of The Neighborhood Nest in Fairborn, is a big Star Wars Fan.  So she couldn’t let May 4th pass with out making some  light saber cupcakes and Star Wars cookies as well as a few of her other gluten free treats. She says she has baked over 800 cookies, approx. 300 cupcakes, we have obnoxious brownies, blue milk cupcakes and green milk cupcakes, and chocolate Chewbacca cupcakes! Butter cookies in vegan, DF, and regular. Sugar cookies in DF and regular.
A galaxy back-drop complete with light saber and R2D2 will be set-up for Star Wars fans to take photos. The shop hours on  Tuesday, May 4 will be from 12-5 PM
If customers come dressed in Star Wars apparel and take a selfie out front of the Neighborhood Nest w/the logo in the back ground and post to their social media, they will get a buy one / get one offer on Star Wars specialty goodies. If customers don’t have social media, they can bring a friend and each customer can take advantage of the buy one / get one offer.
The BOGO does not apply to coffee or mixes.  The Neighborhood Nest offers Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Vegan, Soy-free, Corn-free, Tree-nut free, KETO-friendly products.

The Neighborhood Nest

313 N. Main St.,
Fairborn, OH 45324
Current hours during Covid:
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:  10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

St. Anne The Tart To Add Greenhouse Seating

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St. Anne the Tart has just announced that they will be adding a 20ft by 30ft greenhouse in their parking lot this weekend.

“A team of 11 from as far away as Ft. Collins, Colorado will construct a large 20ft by 30ft greenhouse in our parking lot with COVID grant funds provided from Montgomery County’s CARES Act. The greenhouse kit arrived this week from a small family owned business in Ozark, Missouri and will be assembled throughout the day on Saturday during our normal operating hours. 

This greenhouse will allow us to safely expand our seating in the cold months and give us the chance to host (COVID-guideline-appropriate) small gatherings and events once again. ❤️”

All are invited to cheer on the work and enjoy coffee and pastries from 7am – 3pm.
“We feel so humbled to have this team dedicating their gorgeous Saturday to this huge effort and want them to feel loved. Feel free to contribute some change to the tip jar we’ll have out…funds used to buy beer and snacks next door at @fifthstbrewpub for the volunteers throughout the day.”

St. Anne the Tart

1500 E Fifth Street
Dayton, OH 45403
(937) 259-8663
Mon – Sat: 7 am – 3 pm

St. Anne the Tart Now Open

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Owner Megan Smith

After much anticipation, St. Anne the Tart officially opens its doors for business today at 1500 E. Fifth Street, just across from the Gem City Catfe.  Their is a small off-street parking lot for about 6 cars.   Owner Megan Smith choose this 1878 building in St Anne’s  to showcase her sweet and savory pastries due to the energy of the neighborhood. Smith, who grew up in Columbus, is a serial entrepreneur who previously ran a bakery in Lexington, KY and created Cake & Whiskey. a magazine that hosted events from Baltimore to California

Her menu offerings at the bakery will include an array of teas and coffees including a full service espresso bar as well rustic tarts, southern biscuits, farmhouse granola and cakes and pastries. The menu at the baker will change with the seasons, with many of the ingredients sourced locally.  Smith will also host guest chef kitchen takeovers, artisan pop-up shops, book and brand launches, and sentimental celebrations. The 2nd floor of the building is available for rent as an event space.

Their is also a philanthropic arm of the business, The Tart With Heart is 6h4 non-profit arm of St. Anne the Tart. According to their website donations to the fund will support initiatives around the city.

 

St. Anne the Tart
500 E 5th Street
Dayton, OH 45403

937-259-8663

Monday – Saturday: 7 am – 3 pm

 

 

 

Maui Mae’s Bakery, Offering Tastes of Paradise

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Owner Anna Borchers (right) on Living Dayton TV

Owner Anna Borchers (right) on Living Dayton TV

Anna Borchers may be new to Dayton, Ohio, but she is an old pro at baking.  Our Food Adventure Crew is excited to introduce you to the owner of Maui Mae’s Bakery and tell Anna’s story.

Have you ever tasted paradise? Look no further.  We are in love with her chocolates, pralines and macadamia nuts.  If you like to give locally made gifts, she might have just what you are looking for this holiday season.  Get ready to learn about one of the “up and coming” businesses in the Miami Valley.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on MAUI MAE’S BAKERY:

Raw Chocolate and Macdamia Nuts

Raw Chocolate and Macadamia Nuts

—Maui Mae’s began in, as you would guess, in Maui, Hawaii in 2011.   Anna had her first child and realized she didn’t want to go back to work.  From there, a business was born.

—Anna comes from a family of natural cooks.  Her mother made everything from scratch and was an excellent baker. Baking runs in this family! Not only Anna’s mother, but her great grandmother on her father’s side (whose name was Mae) and all three of her great grandmother’s daughters were great bakers as well.  Of course Anna’s children already like to bake with her and be official taste testers.  Her husband is a Dayton native and Chaminade Julienne graduate.  It is definitely a family business.

Maui Mae's Logo

Maui Mae’s Logo

— When Maui Mae’s was in Hawaii, the baking first started in a friend’s restaurant at night while the restaurant was closed. Anna made cookies, breads, torts, brownies and much more.   Now in Dayton, she focuses on Hawaiian pralines, raw coconut chocolates (they melt in your fingers and are so amazing) along with Hawaiian grown macadamia nuts.

— The company logo is Anna’s daughter, hula dancing.

 

WHERE TO FIND MAUI MAE’S “MUST EATS”:

You can find her products in quite a few local stores: Arrow Wine on Far Hills, all three Dorothy Lane Markets, the Centerville Whole Foods and both Jungle Jim’s.

Hawaiian Pralines

Hawaiian Pralines

— Maui Mae’s phone number for special orders is (808) 268-8021 or mauimaes@gmail.com

—If you want to meet Anna Borchers in person, come check out one of the many events she sells at. She will be at the Night Market on December 16th.  This market is held at the Yellow Cab Building at 700 E. 4th street from 5pm-10pm.   The Night Market features free entry, lots of local vendors and local beer on tap.

Maui Mae's Bakery has some delicious options

Maui Mae’s Bakery has some delicious options

—You can also catch her at the Oakwood Farmers Market holiday event on December 11th from 11am-5pm at 1947 Far Hills Ave.

—Throughout the year she frequents the 3rd on 3rd, and The Grandview Farmers Market. She also does the Cyclops Festival in Yellow Springs, Dayton Most Metro’s Sweet Treats Festival, and the Chocolate Festival.  She is a busy lady!

 

MORE ABOUT MAUI MAE’S OWNER, ANNA BORCHERS:

Chef House took some time to ask Anna a few of our favorite questions, of course many about food.

Macadamia Nuts, in fresh from Hawaii

Macadamia Nuts, in fresh from Hawaii

 

Q1 – What is Anna’s favorite food and dessert?

***Eggplant Parmesan and chocolate cake.

 

Q2 – Anna, do you cook at home regularly, and if so what is your favorite cuisine?

***Yes, she loves to cook at home, loves to cook dinner for the family and her fave cuisine is Italian.

 

Santa gives Maui Mae's A thumbs up for Christmas Gifts !

Santa gives Maui Mae’s a thumbs up for Christmas Gifts !

Q3 – Can Maui Mae’s do special orders for holiday parties and gifts?

***Yes! She has a variety of trays available and Christmas tins. She will even deliver orders over $30.

 

Q4 – Do you have any local collaborations?

***Yes! She buys her cocoa from Fairly Simple, uses Twisted River Coffee and is hoping to use Chef JC’s Hawaiian vanilla very soon.

 

Food Adventures cannot stress enough, our fondness for the sweet tastes of Maui Mae’s Bakery, and charming nature of the owner, Anna.

Beer Pralines !

Beer Pralines !

 

Be the hit of this year’s Christmas, and spread the love from this local business.  Hurry and place your orders at (808) 268-8021 to ensure you have your piece of paradise, in time for the Holiday Season.

Please browse the photos below for more photos of Maui Mae’s goodies.  Try not to drool all over the computer.  These one of a kind, mouth watering creations will do that to you.  Make sure you get to taste this stuff.  It is a true, local Food Adventure !

Are you a foodie with love for local restaurants?  Then join the 7,000 Dayton area foodies on Food Adventure’s Facebook Page CLICK HERE.

 

 

A perfect Christmas Gift - GIVE LOCAL !!

A perfect Christmas Gift – GIVE LOCAL !!

Raw Chocolate with Macadamia nuts

Raw Chocolate with Macadamia nuts

Special Creations form Maui Mae's

Special Creations form Maui Mae’s

More Macadamia Nuts over Raw Chocolate

More Macadamia Nuts over Raw Chocolate

Anna and her family all participate in the business

Anna and her family all participate in the business

 

 

Food Adventure with American Idol Star, Alexis Gomez

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Alexis Gomez is a Food Adventures Fan !

Good things happen to good people. So is the case with local musician and national American Idol Star, Alexis Gomez.  Hard work and success has paid off for this fun natured, family loving young woman.  She is one of the nicest, down to earth people you could meet.  It isn’t every day that you get to go on a Food Adventure with a music star!

You may remember when she first stole America’s heart with her memorable TV debut, the audition scene where she “made it to hollywood”  HERE IS THE VIDEO.

Alexis took time out of her busy schedule to have lunch with us at one of her favorite spots, Boosalis Bakery in Crosse Pointe Center, Centerville.  Recently, she has been traveling to Nashville and Dayton to write and record music.  Alexis is also gearing up for a slew of concerts this summer ranging from Dayton area venues to the House of Blues, Cleveland!  Food Adventures sat down with Alexis, her mom and sister and of course we wanted to talk .. FOOD

But before we dive into that, let’s get to know one of Dayton’s upcoming stars and 2015 Amercian Idol Finalist..

Hand Tossed Cheese Pizza from Flying Pizza is a favorite

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON ALEXIS GOMEZ:

— She is a Dayton native who has been playing music and singing with her family her whole life.  She has many photos on her Instagram of early years playing shows, or rehearsing with her family.

— Very involved in her church, Alexis and her family believe in giving back to the community.  She has a strong spiritual upbringing, that has made her humble and well grounded, with a refreshing appreciation for life.

Food Adventure at Boosalis Baking & Cafe

— Alexis is definitely a foodie, and told us of her American Idol visits to some cities where she got to sample the area foods.  But many times, the contestants were served a strict diet, some of which included limited selections.   She laughed, telling us she doesn’t like mushrooms for breakfast.  But sometimes that was all they had to offer, so she was grateful when traveling and getting some “outside food.”

— How do you get her music?  EASY! Go to her ITUNES Page Here or her website AlexisGomezMusic.com

 — What’s next for Alexis? Look for more music from her and a busy 2016 tour scene, all over Ohio with a stop in Nashville and even the country of Poland.

From Dreams to Dreems & back again!

The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House, talked food and took some yummy advice from this talented young lady…

Being in the top group for the 2015 American Idol, we thought it would be great for Alexis to tell us about her top 10 favorite places to eat in the Miami Valley, bar none ! SO without further delay…. here are her picks!

 

ALEXIS GOMEZ’ TOP 8 DAYTON FOOD PLACES:

1) DON PABLOS – Yes, we know it is a chain, but her Mexican roots call out to her current obsession – Don Pablo’s Prairie Fire Bean Dip.  There is a location near the Fairfield Commons Mall.

2) FLYING PIZZA:  She loves the hand tossed classic cheese pizza, a Dayton original!  Alexis also finds their breadsticks and cheese sauce irresistable.

Alexis Gomez  having lunch with some young fans

 

3) MI BURRITO MEXICAN GRILL:  Located at 8374 Princeton Glendale Road in Mason, Ohio, this place is a little known secret to Daytonians.   Alexis says it is worth the short drive for some amazing burritos, nachos and more Mexican specialties

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4) AREPAS and CO.:  Sweet Choclo Arepas are her fave at this Columbian restaurant with 2 popular locations in the Dayton area
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5) CITY BBQ:  Her “go to” is the Chicken Tenders with the

City BBQ, Centerville

Brushfire BBQ sauce!  Alexis hits up the downtown Centerville location, but there is another location in Beavercreek/Fairborn at 2330 N Fairfield Rd. for foodies in that area.


6) BOOSALIS BAKING and CAFE: Alexis told us about an incredible trademark menu item here, and she was right!  The Cranberry Turkey Sandwich served with homemade cranberry bread is one of the best sandwiches Food Adventures has ever eaten.  Also those Kouign Amann pastries, pronounced “Queen Amann,” are delicate, delicious buttery pastries, that are reminiscent of a croissant in a cupcake shape.  You gotta try this place in Cross Pointe Center!

 

Lock 27, home of an incredible Keener Burger made with local beef

 

 

 

 

7) LOCK 27 BREWING:  Alexis says the Keener Burger is the best bet here.  Chef House agrees !

8) DIXIE DAIRY DREEM: This iconic ice cream stand in Moraine is a local favorite.   Alexis grew up on the chili dogs and blue raspberry slush floats, which says are some of the best in the world.
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9) DEWEY’S PIZZA:   Great pizza, started in the Oakley neighborhood in Cincinnati.  Alexis suggests this custom combination to top your pizza: White Sauce, Ricotta Cheese, Banana Peppers and Roasted Red Peppers.

Arepas and Co. is on of Alexis’ favorites too

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10) ELE CAKE CO. BISTRO and WINE BAR:  Alexis frequents this bistro at Austin Landing for their Ratatouille dish.  It is a friendly and fun atmosphere at this little shop
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WHEW ! What a list ! We cannot thank Alexis enough for taking time out of her busy schedule to have a Food Adventure with us.
We wish her all the success in the world, and are grateful to have a such a sweet, local superstar in our midst!  Best wishes to her and her family, and we are sure that we will see her out and about and be able to share some foodie talk again soon.. until then, we told you where to find her good music, and now you know some good eats to have while listening to it!
For more about Dayton best eats, follow FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook by clicking HERE.  Come back here weekly for our featured local food articles.

Here are her top 10 !

Alexis was right! Boosalis Bakery Turkey Sandwich on Cranberry is the best turkey sandwich EVER !

Inside Lock 27

Dough throwing at Deweys

Kouign Amann pastry – to die for !! thanks for the tip Alexis !

Hungry Jax’s kids were starstruck by Alexis, who was so nice to them

Hard or Soft ? K & R Pretzel Bakery asks… + win $20 worth of Pretzels

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Second Generation owners of K & R Pretzel Bakery, sister and brother team of Pattie & James Glaze are now serving Hard Pretzels too !

For the first time in 10 years, the K & R Pretzel Bakery is offering Hard Pretzels, made on site.  Yes, it is true, you can have them hard or soft now.

We are also giving away $20 worth of product from this bakery, just comment below for a chance to win.

Have you been to this bakery?  It is in a neighborhood, near the corner of Patterson and Woodman Dr.  It is one of the most interesting Food Adventure spots we have ever encountered.  And we discovered, there is a lot to love about this place.

K & R reminds many Daytonians of their childhood elementary school days, and 10 cent pretzel Tuesdays.  These exact pretzels were the ones we ate as kids.  We are very happy to have found the place where they make these soft bites of heaven.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Tucked into a neighborhood at 1700 Flesher Avenue in Kettering,  is a humble building with a great products and a great prices.  They are open Tues – Fri 10am – 4pm, and Sat 11am-4pm.

— K & R Pretzel Bakery is a family owned business and the entire operation is based on a huge soft pretzel making machine, and a hard pretzel stone oven.

The Hard Pretzels now being served at K & R Pretzel Bakery on Flescher Ave, near the Woodman and Patterson intersection

— Started in 1967 by Karen & Ralph Glaze, hence the K & R name, Ralph learned pretzel making from a German pretzel maker.  In their heydey, they manufactured 7,000 pretzels a day.

— Today the bakery is run by the next generation, siblings Pattie and James Glaze.  The friendly duo have carried on the tradition of their parents.  If you have not been here, you are missing out on a piece of Dayton nostalgia.

— The machine which cooks the tremendous soft pretzels on a conveyor belt method.   Simple huh?  Make good pretzels,  and they will come.  They have perfected the treat, and K & R’s Soft Pretzels, are some of the best we have ever eaten. (Although Chef House is a die hard fan of Smales Pretzel Bakery)

 

GET THEM HARD-  Here’s how they get them hard at K &R Pretzel Bakery:

— The old brick oven is heated up, and the soft pretzels and dried out until hard.  The oven is about as big as a closet, and looks very old fashioned. (Did you know hard pretzels were discovered by accident when a baker fell asleep and cooked the pretzels too long?)

They have fired up the old brick oven and started making Hard Pretzels again after over a decade !

— The hard pretzels are packaged into bags of 20 each, and sold for $4.00

— WARNING! When we say “hard,” these babies are hard!  Great for dipping in all kinds of dips, cheese, mustard, or even beer!

 

GET THEM SOFT-  Here is the process K & R uses to make some of the world’s most delicious soft pretzels:

— First, they brought a tray of already twisted pretzels out and laid them on the metal conveyor belt at the front of the machine.

— The pretzels get a water bath then they are hand salted before they enter the machine’s oven.

— The pretzels then make their way through oven part of the machine and come out piping hot at the end.  In  fact, they are so hot you can barely hold on to them.

The whole process takes about 10 minutes, and you can choose with salt, without salt or light salt.

The Big Ragu will go on record as saying “K & R has the best Soft Pretzels in the world.”

Watching this machine work is a mini-event in itself.  It is a great place to bring kids, as it has a slight, old Willy Wonka feel to it, and it is a memorable place with lots of personality.

Our important tip on the soft pretzels: The fresher these pretzels are, the better they taste.  It is better to eat them now than later.  They even sell various packaged sauces for dipping your pretzel, but we like them plain or with mustard.

Oh but wait, there’s more …. K & R Pretzel Bakery also has one of the most extensive offerings of “old time” candies we have seen recently.  Hungry Jax, The Big Ragu and Chef House share some of their favorites below.

Win $20 worth of pretzels by commenting below, we will pick a winner at random next week.

 

OTHER MUST EATS:

— CANDY CIGARETTES:  Where else on earth can you corrupt your nieces or nephews with some candy cigarettes for only 25 cents a pack?  At that price, the candy cigarettes are a steal.

Who remembers Candy Buttons on paper ?

— CANDY BUTTONS:   As a kid, do you remember candy buttons on a piece of paper?  They have the exact same candies as K & R Pretzel Bakery.

— SWEDISH FISH: Chewy and flavorful, just like you remember them.  They might pull out a filling or a loose tooth, but the taste is worth it.

— BUBBLE GUM CIGARS: Green, yellow, pink and other colors, the gum cigars were always  favorite.  Your jaws will be sore after taking this trip down memory lane.

— CHOCOLATE COVERED PRETZELS:  White or milk chocolate covered pretzels.  You can’t go wrong here with this treat.  Best served around the holidays, or tucked into a bag somewhere so you can indulge yourself.

 

Honorable Mention: K & R Pretzel Bakery has popcorn for sale too.  The popcorn, popped on site are in little or large bags.

Hard to find, Nostalgic Candy like “Sugar Babies”

They even have a cooler with cold soft drinks.  

The bakery is old and unique.  It is different and some may say odd, but we love this place.  They maintain their roots and the pretzels have the same great taste with a recipe that is unchanged for decades.   Every time we are in the area, we try and stop by for a pretzel or three.

Now, how do like them Hard or Soft?  Get down there and find out.  Order your pretzels today!

Please browse even more photos of the bakery below.

WANT A CHANCE at $20 WORTH OF PRODUCTS at K & R PRETZEL BAKERY?

JUST COMMENT BELOW AND ONE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM NEXT WEEK.

Like this article?  Food Adventures writes feature articles, every week, right here on DaytonMostMetro.com , highlighting local eateries, festivals, food stops and more.  Join the more than 5,000 fans following us on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Soft Pretzels

Bags of Hard Pretzels for Sale

Bubble Gum Cigars

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Big Ragu getting some pretzel goodness

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pattie takes fresh pretzels from the machine and bags them up

The machine that makes the pretzels

Mustard with that?

Bakery at 1700 Flescher Ave

Candy cigarettes for 25cents

Incredble

Satellite Wafers

Popped on site

Chocolate covered

Size comparison

Old oven with Hard Pretzel Racks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signage

Swedish fish

Soft or Hard? SOFT on this one

Hand thrown salt

Up close

Dogs and Burgs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kookabura lives in the old gum tree

Slices

Soft Pretzels since1967

 

 

Pretzel Bath

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Say It Ain’t So, Rinaldo !

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Rinaldo’s Bakery – 45 years comes to a close

One of Dayton’s Iconic bakeries is closing September 14th.  No more huge elephant ears, half moon cookies, Italian wedding cake, tiramisu, or “adult” birthday cakes.  Rinaldo’s Bake Shoppe, located just north of downtown at  at 910 Fairview Ave., plans on closing its doors forever in less than 2 weeks.

The Food Adventure is over for Rinaldo and Anna Stolfo, who came to Dayton from Italy and have been making baked goods for 45 years.  The bakery has been a staple for local Italian specialties and Kosher items.    The closing will come a day after the Dayton Italian Festival weekend aka “Fall Festa,” which depends on Rinaldo’s Bakery for many dessert items.  The date of closing also coincides with  the first day of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

Rinaldo and Anna’s son, John had taken over most of the operations of the bakery, but John’s health concerns and the work load proved too much for the family to keep bearing.   Daytonians will miss this one of a kind bakery.

We at Dayton Most Metro and Food Adventures would like to congratulate the Stolfo family on the success of their life’s work, since opening the bakery in 1970.  Every time we visited we were met with a smile, and treated like family.  We have enjoyed spending time with the family at the Bella Villa Hall as club members, and appreciate all the specialty cookies they made for us and each specialty cake that made our party a success.

Want more scoop on local food places in Dayton?  Are you a foodie?  Then like Food Adventures here on Facebook.

Italian Wedding Cake

Half Moons

Florentine Cookies

Pizzelles

Inside the bakery

Pinwheels

Wedding Cakes

Ginger Bread Men

Cookies, Cookies

Bakery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local Small Business Fights Back Against Big Chain: Plans Strategic Expansion to National Market Through Online Sales

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bakehouse_toplogoAfter 17 years in business, Bakehouse Bread & Cookie Company is planning to expand beyond their current Miami County market with the addition of online sales as their lead component for growth.

A small, mom & pop artisan bakery located in the small rural town of Troy Ohio, Bakehouse Bread & Cookie Company has enjoyed years of consistent growth and local success. Established in 1997, the company moved to their current location in 2000 which boasts 3,800 square feet of bakery space in which they produce artisan breads, pastries and gourmet cookies for sale in their storefront café as well as to wholesale customers.

“Despite our success,” says Steve McLain, co-owner, “like many small businesses, we‘ve definitely felt the pressure of the large chain restaurants and bakeries popping up around us.  As a small, artisan producer, we knew we had to be strategic about our continued growth and find a way to expand beyond our current market in order to ensure longevity. The addition of online sales to our current revenue was the obvious first step. “

Bakehouse recently engaged a professional firm to help elevate the company’s brand presence to ensure it would not only be well received by a national market, but would stand strong when placed beside large chain competitors.

“Very often, small businesses reach a plateau after a number of years. They want to grow, but are afraid to invest in the tools that will help them reach that next level,” says McLain. “We knew that in order to continue to compete, we couldn’t stand in the shadows of the big chains. We had to refresh and not only come out swinging, but shining brightly as well.”

Bakehouse Bread & Cookie Company invested in a complete redesign of their brand and web presence to feature high-impact photography of their artisan products and the ability to order products online. “The ultimate goal was to show customers outside of the local area who might not frequent our brick and mortar location the quality of our products and give them the ability to order online,” says Margaret Begg, co-owner and master baker.“This allows us to share the craft of artisan baking with folks all around the country and bolster our growth at the same time.”

Bakehouse Bread & Cookie Company is now a small business poised for growth and expansion. Their new web presence features six of their most popular artisan bread staples:  Sourdough, Cranberry Poppyseed, Raisin Walnut, New York Rye, Seven Grain and a special collaboration with a local famer and miller, Organic Spelt. They also offer seasonal products and gift boxes online, as well as their famous Bakehouse gourmet cookies.

All of Bakehouse Bread & Cookie Company’s products are created by hand using all natural ingredients in their Troy Ohio bakery. No emulsifiers, artificial fillers, preservatives or other “shortcut” additives are ever used. Every ingredient that goes into creating Bakehouse products are completely natural and whenever possible, locally sourced.

“Yes, there might be a faster way or cheaper way to create a loaf of bread,” says Begg,  “but the nourishment of a nation is no place to cut corners. We believe it is our responsibility as food producers to keep the health of our community at the forefront of every decision. So every ingredient we use in the creation of our products or the delicious food in the Bakehouse café is selected with this in mind.”

Bakehouse Bread & Cookie Company’s artisan breads and gourmet cookies are now available to the public via their online storefront at www.bakehousebread.com. Shipping is available within 2 days to anywhere within the continental United States.

Bakehouse Bread & Cookie Company creates handmade artisan breads and gourmet cookies for lovers of great food around the world. For additional information about Bakehouse Bread & Cookie Company, contact them at937-339-8100 or info@bakehousebread.com. For the most up to date information about Bakehouse Bread & Cookie Company s products, follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bakehousebread.

Local, Legendary Food Adventures at 2nd Street Market – Part 1

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Some of the Best of Dayton, all in one place !

How about one building that combines some of the best cooks in Dayton and lines them up along the wall in their own vendor booths?  It’s not a dream, it’s reality in downtown Dayton.

This is the first of 2 Food Adventure  installments over the next few days, and both cover Dayton’s 2nd Street Market.  What a shocker, the first one focuses on FOOD !

The Big Ragu & Crew have become semi-regulars at the market over the past few years.  Some of our tastiest excursions have been in this treasure trove of great eats.

Variety is the spice of life, and this is true for the market located on the corner of Webster and 2nd Street.  If you have never  stopped in, then you haven’t had some for Dayton’s best.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— A great place to grab a bite to eat and a unique place to do some Christmas shopping !!!  The official address is 600 E. Second St.

— The market is open 3 days: Thursday & Friday 11am-3pm,  and Saturday 8am – 3pm.   The great offerings are overwhelming and coming here has become one of our Food Adventure addictions.

— Many vendors offer fresh fruit & vegetables.  Others offer freshly baked desserts and breads.  You want more?  How about cheeses, meats, spices, canned goods and more.  There are more local, fresh and organic choices here than anyplace we know of in Dayton.

The best tasting side you never heard of: Sweet Potato Quinoa from Chef Case

 

MUST EATS:

— THE SMOKED SALMON CREPE at CREPE BOHEME :  The Big Ragu will tell you this is the best place in Dayton to get a crepe.   Crepe master Sabine combines the smoked salmon with goat cheese, capers and grilled vegetables.  It is a symphony in your mouth.  Her secret is using the freshest ingredients around and flavor combinations that will knock your socks off.    Not a salmon fan? No worries..  choose one of the menu items or “make your own” crepe with various ingredients.  Prepare to be blown away.Honorable Mention: The crepe with Nutella, marshmallows and blackberries.  All the taste of guilty pleasure with not so much guilt.

— FAMOUS CHICKEN PANINI from THE CHEF CASE : Chef Joe Fish believes that using local ingredients promotes fresh flavor.  Here he works some magic with a whole herb grilled chicken breast and Artesian Basil Pesto.  The panini is made on fresh bread and pressed, thereby melting provolone and Parmesan cheese into gooey deliciousness.   The chef is a Culinary Institute of America graduate and creates some of the best tastes in town.  In fact, there are so many delicious menu items here that we have to give honorable mention to two more of them.  First, make sure you try a serving of the Sweet Potato Quinoa.   It is a healthy, flavorful side dish that not many people know about.  Trust us on this !  Lastly the MONTE CRISTO PANINI is a sandwich you need to get your hands on.  It is ham, turkey and swiss cheese finished with a pure maple syrup drizzle.  Give your taste buds a good value for around 7 bucks.

Peanut Brittle Cupcakes from Purely Sweet Bakery (click to enlarge)

 — THE DISTINGUISED DARBY at CHEEKY MEAT PIES: Who doesn’t love tasty meat and spices in a flaky crust?  Forget about calories, the taste is worth every mouthful.  This original take on New Zealand Street food is gaining a bit of a cult following in the Miami Valley.  “The Darby” verison is ground beef mixed with spices for a delicious combo.  The meat pies are hand held and made to be mobile.  Be careful when taking a bite, they are hot inside !  A friendly staff makes the experience that much more fun.  Honorable Mention:  The Dirty Bird Meat Pie is a tasty treat and a perfect bite “on the go” at the market.  It features chicken and a delicious sauce.  We can’t describe these fantastic meat pies, you just gotta try them !

— THE WASABI PEAS at THE SPICE RACK:   The Big Ragu can’t help himself.  He craves these, and you will too.  Dried peas, dipped in wasabi and sold by the box for only 2 bucks.  Perfect for snacking at home, but we warn you.. ADDICTIVE !  The spice rack has some many incredible items from Amish butter to incredible spice rubs.  Check this place out for some hidden treasures for the foodie in you.

— POLLO GUISADO at AREPAS and CO. : Braised chicken thigh (although we ask for the shredded white meat chicken instead), mixed with tomatoes, red peppers, onions and green beans.  All of it is served over rice and plantains.  Finally pick from one of various sauce toppings drizzled on top.  We pick two (garlic and hot sauce) !  Get a friend to help you lift this plate and eat it.  HUGE PORTION !

The best crepes in Dayton are at Crepe Boheme

— THE SHRIMP WITH HOT CHILI SAUCE at BAAN THAI NOI:  We are always pleasantly surprised with Baan Thai Noi’s dishes.  Our favorite is the Shrimp with Hot Chili Sauce.  Two skewers of grilled basil shrimp are served over fried rice with a side of shredded cabbage and a delicious spring roll.  The key to this dish is the sauce we choose to top the shrimp. The hot chili sauce is so sweet, with some heat and a whole lot of taste.  Don’t knock it til you try it, this one is  a sleeper !

Is your mouth watering yet?  Well the good news is, the weekend is here and they are open !  Get yourself down there and stroll around the grounds and soon you’ll be tastin’ Dayton.

More Honorable mentions include:

The Cupcakes at Purely Sweet Bakery,  The Cabbage Rolls at Kolbs Bakery, The Jumbalaya at All Souped Up,  The Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna) at Azra’s, and some good coffee at Caffeine by Carl.

We would be remiss if we didnt mention that their are numerous other fantastic farm vendors with fresh vegetables, honey, fresh maple syrup and organic milk.  Check them all out while you are there.

The 2nd Street Market is truly Food Adventure  paradise !!

In the market for some more from the “Miami Valley foodies ?”  Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE !

Check out some of our best photos yet  in the gallery below from our numerous trips to the 2nd Street Market over the years !!!

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Dayton’s First Ever Sweet Treats Festival

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SwtTreats pcard frontGet ready to satisfy your Sweet Tooth at the  inaugural  Sweet Treats Festival presented by Dayton Most Metro!    Guests will have a chance to  indulge in   cupcakes, candies, and cookies on Sunday, January 27th.   This epicurean adventure will showcase over 20 of the area’s top bakeries, chocolatiers, pastry artisans or home-based businesses known for creating decadent desserts.  Attendees will be asked to help  select Dayton’s Best Sweet Treat by voting for their favorite at the event.  The line up for treats so far includes cookies,  cupcakes, candies, truffles, whoopie pies, biscotti, chocolate dipped fruit, fudge, toffee, peanut brittle cake pops, brownies, baklava and so much more!

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Whoopie Pies from Thistle Confections

Held at Commander Aero,  located just south of  Austin Road on St Rt 741 in Miamisburg, the event will run from 1 – 4pm.   Tickets will be sold for $25 in advance, $30 at the door.  There is even a special group ticket deal- buy a bakers dozen (13) for the cost of just 10 tickets ($250).  Admission covers a taste from each vendor, a bottle of Aquafina water and insights and lessons from the vendors on the Kroger Demonstration Stage.  Tim Horton’s will be on hand serving up coffee as well.

Sweet Treats  was originally conceived as  an opportunity to showcase the growing number of small independent cup cake shops that have popped up in the Miami Valley in the last couple of years.  As Dayton Most Metro started researching possible participating bakeries, we were amazed that there were well over 50 locally owned shops in the area.  We quickly reached and exceeded our goal to have 20 participating vendors and already have a waiting list and a number of entrepreneurs asking to be kept in the loop for next year.  We’ve got bakers that will be offering up sugar free treats, gluten free goodies and even vegan  sweets like the whoopie pies pictured to the right at Sweet Treats.

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Cupcakes from Cake, Hope & Love

 

Sweet Treats is made possible with support from Tim Hortons and Austin Landing.  Part of our mission in creating this festival is to give back to our community. As our first charity partner we’ve chosen  A Kid Again.

Their mission is  enrich the lives of children with life threatening illnesses and their families by PageServerproviding healing times of respite through our fun-filled group activities and destination events, which we call adventures. They offer  year round adventures  that foster laughter, joy, normalcy and supportive networking opportunities. Their goal is to  offer our children, siblings and parents a cost free occasion to enjoy quality time together and to create lasting memories.  Representatives from A Kid Again will be on hand at the festival to share more about their program and ways you can help.

 

Tickets available online at www.SweetTreatsFestival.com   and will be available at participating vendors by 1/12/13.

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Moore Dessert Please award winning cupcakes as seen on the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars.

 

Can’t make the festival?     Dayton Most Metro’s Food Adventure team, SuperFry and The Big Ragu will be on hand to taste on your behalf and will be sharing their votes for best Sweet Treats in a wrap-up article on the fest.

For those of you who are trying to keep that New Year’s get in shape resolution, but still want to support this event, you can make an online donation on the Sweet Treats website.