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3 Tips for Menu Planning Your Next Party

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That’s me on the left with my sister.

Derby Day is just around the corner and I obviously don’t care about horse races, but I do care about booze and accessorizing, which means I am throwing a Derby party.  I’vevorite parts of throwing a party.  Keeping a few of my menu planning tips in mind, you are sure to plan a seamless soiree, where you might actually be able to (gasp!) enjoy yourself got a hat picked out and my bar is stocked with bourbon, so I’m halfway there to planning the perfect party.  The only thing I have left to do is plan a menu.  Menu planning is one of my favorite parts of throwing a party.  Keeping a few of my menu planning tips in mind, you are sure to plan a seamless soiree, where you might actually be able to (gasp!) enjoy yourself!

 

  • Factor In The Clock

What type of party are you trying to throw?  If you’re planning on an evening event and want your friends to come over at 7:00, then you better plan for them to be hungry for dinner.  Not sure you want to serve them a full meal?  Plan an 8:30 start time instead.  My upcoming party starts at 2:00, so I’m past the lunch hour and can plan for smaller snacks rather than hearty, filling treats.  The fact of the matter is, if there is food laid out, people will eat.  However, you can control the time you spend prepping, and the amount of money that you spend on food by booking your party outside of regular meal time hours.  At the risk of sounding cheap, I often plan parties outside of typical hours.  If you’re buying some pre-cut cheese and sandwiches, then by all means, throw a noon-time party.  But if you’re like me, and you’re cooking and prepping every single item,  starting outside the lunchtime box means you can cut yourself some cooking slack.

  • Variety is the Spice of…well, your party

Make sure you make a broad range of snacks to suit all tastes and dietary restrictions.  My guest list consists of more than a few vegetarians, so I want to make sure I have snacks that are enjoyable and satisfying.  You can’t go wrong with a cheese board, but also, how many parties have you been to with a cheese board?  How about a smoked salmon board or a roasted veggie platter instead?  I like to switch it up once in awhile, keeping seasonality in mind.  Asparagus is popping up all over, so how about a chilled orzo pasta salad with grape tomatoes, asparagus and ricotta salata?  Your favorite fruit is in season?  Toast some baguette, spread mascarpone cheese across it, throw on those berries, a wisp of honey and a slice of prosciutto.  Get your assembly line going, it’s easy and different…and different is good for you.

  • End On a Sweet Note

No matter what time of the day you host your party, you should have something sweet to end the meal.  As Julia Child once said “A party without cake is just a meeting.”  I’m not suggesting you HAVE to make a cake (although, I’ve been working on mastering one, recipe to come later!)  but it’s nice to have something sweet for your guests.  If you’re not a baker, don’t stress about it.  You could honestly throw some peanut M&M’s in a bowl and call it a day.  Just make sure you keep that bowl filled!  In my opinion there are two ways to celebrate, with chocolate or with champagne, so don’t let your party go without either.  This is another great way to work with the seasons.  In winter think peppermint, in fall deep dark chocolatey flavors, but in spring and summer, I like to go with citrus.  I rarely come across a person in life who doesn’t like lemon bars, and my favorite recipe is from the New York Times made with olive oil and sea salt.  It has the delightful bite of lemon curd, and doesn’t cover it up with confectioners sugar.  Instead, the salt enhances and balances the tart lemon.  It’s a sophisticated twist on a classic, and the perfect last bite at a party.


Obviously, there is more that comes with planning a menu, but these are a few simple tips to get you started.  Then you get to make your shopping and prep lists (which the ODC part of my lives for!)  The more you plan, the easier each party gets and the more time you get to enjoy the company of your friends.  Cheers and Ciao!

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

 

 

Who’s Your Boo? Boosalis Baking & Cafe !

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Matt Boosalis, the friendly owner

Where is it? What’s the name again?  It is Boosalis Baking and Cafe and it is in the shops of Cross Pointe Center in Centerville.  If you go there once, you won’t forget this place.  We have been spreading the word for weeks now about this cafe.  Not only do they have delicious, sophisticated baked goods, but their sandwich menu is excellent as well.  It is the perfect place for a Food Adventure.

We were first introduced to the friendly owners of  Boosalis Bakery  at the “Night Market” at 700 East 4th St. at the old “Yellow Cab Building.”   They were selling delicious breads and gave us a great “end of the night deal.”  The breads were delicious and we never forgot them.

The Cranberry Turkey – the best turkey sandwich ever

Then as fate would have it, our new friend and American Idol star, Alexis Gomez asked us to meet her there for lunch… and the rest is a love story.  Boy meets croissant, and girls meet pastries.  Alexis was right, this place is unbelievable.

So let’s get the scoop on this little-known spot for scones and more…

 

The Pecan Roll

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— This bakery opened 8 years ago, but has been at 175 E Alex Bell Rd #280, in Cross Pointe Center since August 2014.

— Boosalis Baking & Cafe is open Tues – Fri 7am – 4pm and Sat. 8am-5pm

— Owner Matt Boosalis gets up at 3am each day to prepare the bakery’s old world menu.  He is very knowledgeable and constantly taking new classes and traveling to learn European pastry techniques.

The Kouign Amann Pastry – you dont know what youre missing

— The bakery prides itself on doing things the traditional way, from scratch. They are a throwback to the times of local neighborhood bakeries around the corner, using family recipes and time-honored baking traditions.

— The only fat they use in their recipes is from butter.

 

It is obvious that the people in this organization know what they are doing.  The clean atmosphere, is a welcoming invite to the

The Cross Pointe Chicken Panini – (tip: we substitute Turkey instead)

fantastic food.  But which foods are the best?

Food Adventures has the list in our “MUST EATS” for Boosalis Bakery ….

We have put in our research over the many trips to this Cross Pointe eatery, and here are the results:

 

 

MUST EATS:

— THE CRANBERRY TURKEY SANDWICH:  The Big Ragu will go on record saying this is the best turkey sandwich in town.  The

Strorefront in Cross Pointe Center off Alex Bell

bread makes all the difference.  Sliced turkey, piled high with lettuce and mayo.  Simple, yet remarkable.  The home made cranberry bread make the sandwich taste like a fluffy dream.

 

— THE KOUIGN AMANN PASTRY: You are going to start hearing about these “up and coming” trendy pastries soon.  Pronounced “Queen amann,” they are  a buttery croissant served like a cupcake.  Popularized in Breton, France, these delicate morsels pack a buttery, flavorful punch.  These pastries are one of the best things we have ever tasted.

 

Incredible Croissants and Cinnamon Rolls

— THE CROSS POINTE CHICKEN PANINI:  Warm, cheesy, toasted goodness with turkey, mozarella, and red peppers with a zip of pesto mayo.   At $6.95 it is a great deal and a very filling portion.  We found ourselves very quiet, as everyone ate this sandwich.  It is the kind of panini that you take a bite and it is so good you close your eyes. ** Here is a secret tip, substitute TURKEY for chicken, we think it is better .. just sayin…

 

— THE CROISSANTS: We could eat 6 of these huge croissants.

Food Adventure Lunch with American Idol Star Alexis Gomez and her family !

Very French, very old school, they remind us of the croissants we have eaten in Toronto,  Canada.  Curiously buttery tasting and delicious, these are definitely a nod to traditional croissants.

 

— ARTISIAN BREADS: We loved the French Bread and the Ciabatta most.  Amazing what a slice with a little butter and 10 seconds in the microwave can do to your tastebud’s world.  Great stuff, great prices and made from scratch.

 

We wish they all could be California … salads ….

— THE CALIFORNIA SALAD:  Healthy does of greens with madarin oranges and cranberries.  A truly unique and refeshing salad if there ever was one.  the balsamic vinegarette dresing is the perfect topping and the feta cheese is the perfect finish.  California here we come !

 

— PECAN ROLL:  Owner Matt Boosalis says these are best fresh, but we found a couple days later, 10 seconds in the microwave

Some of the best breads in the biz

and they taste fresh again.  At any rate, they probably wont last a couple days, they are that good.  A sticky, nutty taste that is finger licking material.

 

— THE TUSCANY PANINI:  It starts with homemade French bread.  Then they add Salami, Ham, Mozzarella, Roasted Red peppers and Basil Mayo.  Served toasted as a gooey, specialty panini.  Are you

The Tuscan is full of meat for you carnivores

kidding me?  A huge sandwich for around 7 bucks.  Get your butt to Boosalis Baking & Cafe, you wont regret experiences like these.

 

All in all, we were very impressed with Boosalis Bakery.  The staff is super friendly and the atmosphere is a small deli, with limited seating.  Still it is a fun, cozy place.  Most importantly the food is this incredible homemade menu and the prices are right.  We hope to see more people discover them like we did.  We know we will be back again and again,

Who is your boo? Boosalis of course !

and you will too !  This is what Food Adventures is about at its core.  Finding little known gems, and exposing them to the masses.

Look for our feature articles right here, every week, on Dayton Most Metro.  Food info you can take as legit, because we are so thorough.

For daily food updates, visit our incredibly popular Facebook page here where 7,000 foodies follow Chef House, The Big Ragu and Hungry Jax each day.

 

Just anothr rock start lunch at Boosalis !

Cookies too? oh yeah ….

Scones

Chocolate almond Croissant

Cakes for the taking

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dress it up

French Bread Loaf

Good Stuff – Euro style

Cross Pointe Turkey – close up

Cranberry Turkey

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