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Thyme for a Food Adventure

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The Cheesesteak at Steak Thyme

Have you tried Steak Thyme on Wilmington Pike in Kettering?  If not, you are missing out on a sub shop and so much more.  As you may know, The Food Adventure Crew are not food critics, we are just people who love to eat, and we found a gem of a place.  This family owned restaurant has been cranking out good food for the past 8 years.  Steak Thyme’s menu features various Philly cheesesteak style sandwiches.  These sandwiches start with 100 percent pure angus beef and are cooked with a special thyme seasoning from which the eatery gets its name.  The tasty subs are then topped with fresh toppings depending on what was ordered.  Not a steak lover?   Steak Thyme offers ham, chicken, or turkey as your meat substitute instead of angus.  Types of subs range from the Greek Chicken Philly, topped with feta and olives, to the BBQ Cheddar Steak.  Fresh cut fries or onion rings add the perfect side to these comfort food specialties.Thyme Seasoning on the Angus Burgers

Steak Thyme’s menu also offers 100 percent certified Angus Burgers sprinkled with the special Thyme Seasoning.  In fact, many of the menu items have this Thyme Seasoning infused in them.  Gret tastes and we love the great values that really stretch your dollar!  Looking for a great deal?  The current special is the Gyro combo for only 6 bucks!  Additional lunch or dinner choices include salads, wraps and Cincinnati Style Chili Cheese Dogs that melt in your mouth.

Steak Thyme is a little known secret, but regulars realize it is a great place to get a quick, delicious meal.  They even have a convenient drive thru. The Big Ragu is a big fan of Steak Thyme.  It is a great place for certified Food Adventure!  If you have not tried this casual dining spot, it’s thyme you went there!

Their Chili Cheese Dogs are Big !

Have you had a chance to eat at Steak Thyme? 

What are your thoughts on this “mom and pop” place?

Dont forget to “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.  Stay tuned to DaytonMostMetro.com for more Food Adventures from these Dayton Foodies

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The Food Adventures Crew Dive Into “Olive” + DMM CONTEST

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Incredible Tasting Seared Ahi Tuna over Noodles

(Contest details below the article)

For over a year, a new, popular, and  locally immersed gourmet restaurant has generated a lot of buzz.  The Big Ragu wanted to see what all the excitement was about.  We knew a Food Adventure was imminent, but we decided to wait until the dust settled.

The name of this trendy spot is  Olive, an Urban Dive and is located on East Third Street in the refurbished former Wympee building .  The Big Ragu first experienced the brilliance of Owner Kim Collett and the staff of Olive at the “Dayton’s Most Delightful Dessert” contest at Carrillon Park.   Olive won critics choice and peoples choice awards for best dessert, essentially sweeping the event.

First off, this place is unique.  The outside decor is a cool retro vibe, while the interior is a warm inviting modern atmosphere.  Olive even has a patio with fresh herbs growing on the perimeter. The friendly serving staff is knowledgeable.  They know a lot about the food and enjoy eating at Olive themselves.  The menu has a grass roots flair and offers many choices to vegans and gourmets alike.

Food Adventures like places that keep things local.  Olive, an Urban Dive does this by using local produce and meats whenever possible.  Supporting local farmers is a good thing!  Olive make’s their hot chocolate using Esther Price chocolate. The restaurant offers wedding cake every day for dessert! They serve grass fed beef and only use free range chickens or as Olive’s advertising says “we chase chickens.”  Something to be aware of: they do not serve alcohol or syrup drinks, but have a BYOB policy so you can bring in your own favorites.

Our tip: visit them for lunch to get the best bang for your buck.  Weekday lunch hours are 11am-3pm and they have a popular brunch on Saturdays from 10am-3pm.  Olive only serves dinner Thursday – Saturday from 5-10pm.

The Urban Burger – Local, Grass-Fed Beef

The best way to see what Olive has to offer is to look at each of the pictures we have posted in the albums.  Our favorites were the mozzarella cheese bites, seared ahi tuna, fried leeks, grilled tuscan cheese and the summer squash soup.  Make sure you click on each picture and browse our photo album, the food speaks for itself.

 Have you been to Olive, An Urban Dive?  Please comment below and tell us about your experience!

Don’t forget to “like” FOOD ADVENTURES on FACEBOOK by clicking HERE !!

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 Dayton Most Metro Contest

We have a $20 gift certificate to give away to a lucky winner – simply fill out the form below and then leave a comment telling us if you’ve ever tried Olive, An Urban Dive.  We’ll pick a random winner some time over the weekend – GOOD LUCK!

Contest Closed

Congratulations to Hunter Johnson – he is our winner!

Chipotle vs. Qdoba: Who’d You Rather ?

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Fajita Ranchera Burrito at Qdoba

In the world of Food Adventures, we rarely hit the chains.  But once in a while, we give our spin on some familiar favorites.  How about some feedback from the thousands of Dayton Foodies out there?  That’s right, The Big Ragu and the Crew want to know what DaytonMostMetro fans think.  What do you like better, Chipotle or Qdoba and why?

Jax’s take: For me it is Qdoba for the simple fact that there are more choices.  More options mean a better variety in my effort to be more health conscious.  The tastes are similar but there are more soups, quesadillas, etc. at Qdoba.  This discussion makes me miss the Baja Fresh restaurant !

The Big Ragu’s take:  I would rather go to Qdoba for two reasons.  First, Qdoba offers a ground beef meat option, while Chipotle does not.  Also the chicken at Qdoba is white meat, while the chicken at Chipotle is a white/dark mix.  Since I am “weird” when it comes to meat, the decision is a no brainer for me.

A Burrito Bowl at Chipotle

We are not food critics, or journalists.  We are just passionate foodies that love to eat! Visit us at www.DaytonFoodies.com, your source for Dayton food since 2008.

Check out FOOD ADVENTURES on FACEBOOK and “like” us by clicking HERE !!!

Everyone has an opinion and we want to hear yours.  Please comment below and let us know your thoughts…

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Nick’s Restaurant in Xenia, a Must Eat !

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Nick’s French Onion Soup -one of the best, ever

One of our goals is to inform Dayton Foodies about fantastic dining spots that they may not be aware of.  One of the best examples of a Mom and Pop place that is off the beaten path, featuring incredible menu items, is Nick’s Restaurant.  Located  in Xenia, it is a place with a style all it’s own.  Style is one thing, but Nick’s also has irresistible, addicting food throughout the menu.  The restaurant was started in the 1940’s by the late owner Nick Malavazos and was formerly called “Say How Do.”  Since Nick’s passing, the local ownership has changed the restaurant name, but kept the tradition alive with great eats and friendly service.

How good is their food?  At the recent Kickin’ Chicken Wing Festival at Fraze, Nick’s won 5 out of the 6 awards, including Best Side, People’s Choice Award, Best Wing, Best Sauce, and Best Booth.   The Big Ragu loved their wings and would recommend their “Secret Sweet Hot Damn Sauce.”  Wings are only a small portion of their offerings, and this was just the start of our menu exploration. Nicks has a full bar and has that type of watering hole atmosphere that spills into the dining area.  The drink offerings are vast, but we were here for food.

The Award Winning “Sweet Hot Damn Wings”

We tried some unique appetizers including fried smelts.  For those who do not know, smelts are small fish about the size of sardines that are fried whole, but headless.  They are usually served with tartar sauce.  The Big Ragu loves smelts our guests took a bite of the little fish and liked them so much that we had the waitress sit down and try them as well.  Food Adventure accomplished!  Nick’s Restaurant has another spectacular appetizer, the hand breaded deep fried mushrooms.  Light and crispy, our mushrooms were cooked perfectly.  The waitress then  brought out one of the best french onion soups we have ever eaten.  We also enjoyed some freshly cut potato chips.  There are a ton of good appetizers to choose from! Your Food Adventurers were already very impressed, and we had not yet tasted an entree.

The staff then brought out our dinners which were piping hot.  The Big Ragu ordered Pan Fried Walleye.  The piece of fish was huge and overlapped the plate like Ragu’s belly on his belt.  The walleye was superb and served with freshly hand breaded onion rings.  This dinner will satisfy big appetites and we loved every bite.  We tried an entree of Filet-Mignon.  The large steak was grilled to perfection and wrapped with bacon.   Ragu smiled after trying a bite of the steak and devouring a plate of smelts.  Obviously the kitchen knows what they are doing, and it shows in each and every entree.  We upped the ante by trying a unique side of purple pickled eggs and beets.  It was pretty tasty!

What’s a Food Adventure Without Purple Pickled Eggs?

Our meals, menu sampling and Food Adventure was a complete success.  We love this place!  The staff and owners of the restaurant could not have been more attentive.  Good restaurant service is an art, and you will find assertive waitresses and waiters here.  Nick’s has a reputation for great food, and we discovered why they have such a loyal following.  When  you go Nick’s, it is obvious they take pride in what they bring to diner’s tables.  The variety is there, and the taste is there.  Can you think of another restaurant that has purple pickled eggs, beets AND smelts on their menu?  It is truly a unique eatery! Nick’s is another perfect example of why Food Adventures exists, and we are happy to shed light on this unbeaten stairway to taste heaven.   We were very impressed and now we understand why Nick’s website is gotonicks.com.  It is because you HAVE to go there !  It is American style pub food with a gourmet twist.  Trust us on this one, a jaunt down North Detroit Street is your ticket to a meal that will fill you up and have you raving.

“Like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE !! 

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Have you been to Nick’s Restaurant in Xenia?  Then tell us what you think below !!

Food Adventure to Benjamin’s the Burger Master

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The namesake of Benjamin’s the Burger Master

Who is the master of making burgers and other things in Dayton?  The answer is Benjamin’s the Burger Master on North Main Street in Dayton.  This unique restaurant is in old building that used to be a “Red Barn” in the 1970’s.  The menu not only has burgers, but they have some Southern, soul food offerings.  The Big Ragu loves to stop in for lunch and it is worth fighting the busy crowd for a taste of some good home cooking.

Skillet Cornbread

The burgers are nice and juicy and never frozen.  They are hand pressed, made to order, and the meat melts in your mouth.  However, many people are finding out that Benjamin’s the Burger Master offers incredible southern cooking that is just as good, if not better than their burgers!   Want authentic  soul food?  They have perfectly cooked Southern fried chicken and skillet cornbread.  Other sides like fried okra, white beans and collared greens put the exclamation point on a great lunch or dinner.

Southern Fried Chicken Dinner, 2 sides and cornbread

The homemade menu does not stop there.  Benjamin’s the Burger Master offers a Fried Fish Platter every Friday.   They also sell BBQ Beef Ribs everyday by the rack or by the bone, in either sweet, spicy, or smoky sauce.  How is that for Southern cooking?  The meals are very reasonably priced, which keeps us coming back for more.

Benjamin’s the Burger Master is another Dayton Food Adventure opportunity, that cannot be missed.  Eateries like this is why our blog exists.  We love informing foodies about locally owned places, that they may not know about.   Get to Benjamin’s the Burger Master for some good grub on North Main Street.  Now you know, they have mastered more than the burger!

Please leave a comment below if you have been to Benjamin’s the Burger Master !

Food Adventures has a Facebook page here, so “like” us !!

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Third Shift Beer Now Available in the Dayton Area

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Third Shift Lager available on Draft in Dayton

A new draft beer has come to town and is available at local Dayton eateries.  The beer, called THIRD SHIFT, and is an amber lager that is 5.3 percent alcohol by volume.  Third Shift is the first beer released on a large scale in series of gold medal award winning beers brewed by ” Band of Brewers.”

Why the name Third Shift?  Because the brewers’ love of beer, and passion for brewing doesn’t stop when the day shift is over.  Third Shift describes their beer as  “an amber lager that is complex, yet well-balanced with a sweet maltiness that dominates slightly over a clean, hop bitterness.”  Sounds good, right?

The Rig Ragu loves the term foodie and craft beer. He has a passion for tasty brews that spills past our normal work shifts, so we had to try this lager.  We first tasted Third Shift on tap at Brixx Ice Company in Dayton, and we loved it. Third Shift, noticed our mention of their beer in the Brixx story and kindly sent us some bottles of the product.

Hungry Jax’s Take on Third Shift : It definitely has a bold taste and I am a fan of amber lagers.  It will be interesting to see if this beer makes a mark in the “craft beer” industry.

The Big Ragu’s Take on Third Shift :  It is a light, refreshing, smooth and easy drinking lager that packs some flavor.  I prefer lighter beers, and this beer is a perfect start to a Food Adventure meal during these summer months.  It also has a beautiful color.

The Big Ragu Workin’ the Third Shift

Food Adventure fans can now find a limited-release introduction of this well balanced lager at local bars, pubs and restaurants.   We think you will like it’s toasted character with subtle hops taste.  According to their website, Third Shift has been also been introduced on draft in limited quantities in other cities such as  San Francisco, Reno, Sacramento, San Antonio, Austin, Houston and Dallas.

Make sure you try this tasty new draft offering at your local restaurant or watering hole.  It gives new meaning to the phrase “workin the third shift.”

Visit www.thirdshiftbrewing.com for more information on this two-time gold medal winning beer and where it can be purchased.

Have you tried THIRD SHIFT AMBER LAGER ?  Please post your thoughts below about this new beer on the scene.

Also, please visit Food Adventures on Facebook and “like” our page by clicking HERE !!

 

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Coopers’s Deli: The Big Apple Comes to Dayton

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Want to have a taste of the NYC in the DYT?  We know a Food Adventure spot that lights up our appetites like a sign on Broadway.   Cooper’s Deli recently opened in the Shoppes of Oakwood and is creating quite the buzz.  The restaurant specializes in New York Style deli sandwiches as well as  homemade soups, salads, a kids menu, and desserts.  In addition to top notch food, the restaurant offers delivery within a two mile radius, an incredible rooftop patio, beer, wine selections, wheelchair accessibility, and two levels of indoor seating.

The Pastrami Sandwich may be the star of the deli

The Big Ragu spoke with, co-Owner Dan Apolito who traveled to New York City on a “Deli” tour in 2011, tasting various meats and securing the best for Cooper’s Deli.  New Yorkers take pride in their deli’s and Apolito is bringing that mindset to Dayton.  Cooper’s Deli uses the same corned beef and pastrami that is used in the world famous Stage Deli in New York City.  The meats are shipped directly to Dayton from New York City.  The Corned Beef and Pastrami served here are not your typical run of the mill deli meats.  The proof is in the taste.

The Cooper’s Salad is loaded with everything under the sun, pulling no punches.

The pastrami melts in your mouth…you won’t get that at your local $5 sub shop.  Other sandwiches that we tried included: The Reuben which is quite possibly the best reuben that Dayton has to offer.  The Corned Beef is flavorful, plentiful and further proof of the quality of food that Cooper’s Deli is serving.  The Turkey sandwich is basically a mound of turkey breast stuffed between a layer of herbed goat cheese and cranberry-orange chutney on Challah bread.   Vegetarians may enjoy the Garden Grilled Cheese, which consists of four cheeses, artichoke, tomato, and spinach.  We would highly recommend all four sandwiches.

Every menu has a monster dish and Cooper’s is the “New Yorker Sandwich.”  This big sandwich sells for $15.50 and is large enough for two people, like most of their sandwiches.  The “New Yorker” consists of 12 ounces of pastrami and corned beef, sharp cheddar cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing, all on fresh marble rye bread.  For deli connoisseurs, this is the promise land.  How lucky we are to have the taste of Manhattan, Brooklyn, or the Bronx shipped fresh to Dayton via Cooper’s Deli.   These sandwiches are not only fresh, they are piled high and thick.  Be careful not to unhinge your jaw biting into one of these marvelous deli features.  Click here to view their entire menu.

The Huge “New Yorker Sandwich”: 12 ounces of NY Pastrami and Corned Beef

Make sure you get to Cooper’s Deli and dine on the patio overlooking downtown Oakwood, or take a taste of  Big Apple “to go.”   Either way, there is no place like Cooper’s Deli in Dayton, or in Ohio for that matter.

Have you been to the unique Cooper’s Deli ?  If so, please leave your Food Adventure feedback below !

CLICK HERE to “like” Food Adventures on Facebook !

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Food Adventures Invades the “Taste of Centerville”

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The 2nd annual “Taste of Centerville” happened on June 15 in the Heart of Downtown Centerville from 6-9 pm.  The event benefited Food4Summer, which is a charity started by partnerships between Centerville churches.  Food4Summer  furnishes nutritious meals to low income children in the Centerville area when school is out for the summer.

The Taste of Centerville started at the registration booth where we paid $20 each to sample items from various Centerville eateries.  Many local businesses opened their doors and offered discounts to participants of the event.  Centerville is the home of The Big Ragu, so we had to check out this event.  It was a classic Food Adventure, and the photos tell the story on this one.

Key Lime Pie Cupcakes from Sweet Dot’s Cupcakes in Cross Pointe Center.

 

It was a hot evening, but it did not stop us from hitting every food booth along the “Taste of Centerville.”   We walked the four corners of the event, emotionally eating our way through warm and cheerful Centerville.  There were a slew of vendors, but The Food Adventures Crew is here to sort them out for you.

Meadowlark Restaurant ‘s Hot Dogs with Slaw & a Spicy Relish .. Amazing taste!

Below is a list of each restaurant and our favorite food selections from each booth:

Meadowlark – Chef Wiley wowed the crowds with her spin on a Classic Slaw Dog.  A filling, refreshing taste at one of our favorite places on earth.

Sweet Dot’s Bakery Cafe – The friendly manager of this establishment gave us small Key Lime Cupcakes with Icing.  These tiny bites were terrific, with the homemade taste of love in every morsel.

Murray’s Cheese – This New York company sells its cheeses in Kroger.  We enjoyed the Aged Cheese Plate with 3 pieces of savory and delicate cheeses.  Great stuff !

Graeter’s served up samples of their light and refreshing Peach Ice Cream.

Savona – Offered a gourmet Grilled, Stuffed Free Range Chicken Skewer appetizer.  The chicken on the skewers were rolled in a way that it was like Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu on a stick.

LaRosa’s Pizza – We were pleasantly surprised with their fantastic Boneless Wings.  They had 3 great sauces that tickled our tastebuds.

Graeter’s Ice Cream – Refreshing Peach Ice Cream cooled us off on this evening.  Always busy, this Cincinnati company has a good following in Centerville.

Horton’s Hoagies – New family owned restaurant with fresh hoagies and subs.  We loved their Sub Samples, and are eager to visit this place !

The Melting Pot – They offered Chocolate Fondue with Strawberries and Rice Crispie Sticks.  Irresistible treats at this booth!

DiBella’s Old Fashioned Subs – Huge samples of Turkey and Ham Subs on various types of buns were stacked at this booth.  Big mouths needed for these big sandwiches.

Louisiana Grill’s Bourbon Chicken over Rice

Louisiana Grill – The friendly staff served out sample tastes of Bourbon Chicken Over Rice.  It was a rich and flavorful combination.

Johnny’s Slice of NY Pizza – Of course we loved another chance to taste a small slice of New York.  Owner Michele and her daughter served up delicious sample squares.

 

Unhinged – Not a food store, but they hand fed us tasty treats and told us home baked goodies are in the lobby from time to time.  Definitely a place to visit again!

City Barbecue – The Pulled Pork and Pulled Chicken station was phenomenal.  They had each of their BBQ sauces out, so you could drizzle your own topping to the slow cooked goodness.

Panera Bread – We enjoyed the Pastry and Cookie Display, and sampled some tasty homemade items.

Mama Disalvo’s – One of our favorite stops had a Salmon Rigatoni in a Creamy Tomato Sauce.  It was amazing how our samples were cooked to perfection.

Pulled Pork Sliders from Archer’s Tavern.. everything they serve is good!

Unique Celebrations Tea Room – Hospitality was second to none, and they had some Homemade Light Desserts that were simply dreamy.

Archer’s Tavern – Pulled Pork Sliders Topped with Slaw gave festival goers a great taste of a great eatery.  Even owners Dan Apolito and Mike Fullenkamp were on hand.

Sam’s Club – This station passed out bottled water, so we wouldn’t pass out from dehydration!

Sweeney’s Seafood – We tasted the wonderful Grilled BBQ Shrimp on the patio and met the new chef.  We could have eaten the entire display.

Smoothie King – The samples of Strawberry Smoothies were so good, that The Big Ragu dribbled some down his shirt.

Buffalo Wings and Rings – They walked around handing out samples of Garlic Parmesean Boneless Wings and Hot Buffalo Boneless Wings too.

The Hot Sex Roll from Kabuki. We ate a lot of these hoping to reap some kind of benefit.

Kabuki – Earlier in the month, we received a personal invite to the festival from Kabuki’s management, for which we are grateful.  This station was one of our favorite stops of the night.  The Hot Sex Sushi Roll and Playboy Sushi Roll were so good that it caused us to do erotic dance moves on the spot.

The Water Store – Ionized Water with a unique, fresh taste.  We loved the friendly staff and the great tasting ionized water that you can have in your home by purchasing their attachment.

Caribou Coffee – No coffee, but instead they gave out Sparkling Teas and Juices.  A most refreshing station on this night, so we went back for seconds.

The Big Ragu devoured this Jimmy John’s Turkey sub in record time

Jimmy John’s – Freshly wrapped Turkey and Ham Subs were given out by the friendly greeters.  The freshly shredded lettuce gives their sandwiches a nice crunch and flavor.

Whew!  What a FOOD ADVENTURE !!  It was nice to see a community get together for a great cause and enjoy some wonderful food.   THE BIG RAGU is looking forward to next year’s “Taste of Centerville.”

Were you at the June 15th event?  If so, please leave your thoughts and comments below!

Did you know Food Adventures has a Facebook page?  Click here to “like” the page

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Brixx Ice Company’s Menu is a Grand Slam

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Brixx Ice Company is much more than “that place across from the Dragon’s Stadium.”   Locals may be aware of their good beer tap selections and drink deals before the baseball games.  What most Dayton foodies don’t know, is that this place has a strong menu.  Brixx’s owner Chris Bhai keeps striding to bring fantastic food selections to go along with his restaurant’s fantastic patio view.  A self taught chef, Chris brings his spicy spin to traditional favorites, and hits a few home runs of his own with innovative menu items.    These meal selections are being gobbled up by hungry patrons and with summer in full swing, this eatery gets quite crowded.

Homemade, Hand Rolled Philly Cheese Steak Egg Rolls

 

The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax enjoyed a peaceful, sunny, Saturday afternoon recently on Brixx’s patio.  We sampled some Summer Shandy and the  newly acquired Third Shift Brewing Company draft choices.  Also sipped, was the new Angry Orchard Hard Cider by Sam Adam’s breweries.  As we enjoyed the day we ordered an appetizer that has become one of Brixx’s calling cards, gourmet egg rolls.  Egg rolls??  Yes, egg rolls.  Brixx hand wraps these homemade beauties in forms of interesting twists such as cheese steak egg rolls and vegetable curry egg rolls.  We went for the cheese steak egg rolls, which blew us away.   Served fresh and piping hot, the cheese and steak inside melted in your mouth.  They even served a side of cheese queso for dipping and it was pure cheese steak utopia.

” Mom !!! The Meatloaf !! “

Our special moment was interrupted by the owner and server telling us that we have to try the Kobe Meatloaf sandwich.  Meatloaf ??? Yes, meatloaf.  We took the leap of faith, and also decided to try another unique dish, Chicken Korma.  Chicken Korma is Brixx’s spin on an Indian dish and was inspired by the owner’s  father.  Both dishes were very tasty.   The incredible meatloaf sandwich has a glaze sauce that is sweet and spicy and it made the dish even more superb.  It tasted like an incredible burger.  We are hooked!

The Chicken Korma was a colorful and tasty dish.  It is thinly sliced chicken breast tossed in a curry masala.   The colorful dinner also includes corn, green beans and onions over a bed of rice.  It is flavorful with the perfect amount of heat.  It was also served with a few small pieces of naan bread.

Other Food Adventure favorites include Fire Bites (deep fried jalapeno slices), and of course the “Build your Own Brixx Burger.”   Hungry Jax  also enjoys the Chicago Beef Sandwich, homemade waffle fries and the breaded mushrooms.

A fantastic Indian dish called Chicken Korma

Brixx Ice Company has live music on Friday and Saturday evenings and some pretty good drink specials.   Who doesn’t love a great deal?  They have a pretty extensive cocktail menu, and of course one of the best patio dining areas in town.  Now you know, location is not Brixx’s only strength.  The owner has presented a new take on familiar menu items, and hit them out of the park!  Slide into Brixx Ice Company, a true Dayton original and check it out yourself.

Have you had a chance to visit Brixx’s Ice Company ?  Please leave your input below !

Click here to visit FOOD ADVENTURES  on FACEBOOK and “Like” us to become an official fan !!

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The Root Beer Stande, Dayton’s Essential Part of Summer

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Every summer has a “must do” activity.  When it comes to food in the Dayton Area, one such tradition is The Root Beer Stande.  It has everything you could want in a Food Adventure.  There is nostalgia, fun, good eats, and great drink.  Located at 1727 Woodman Drive, this restaurant has been a Dayton summertime staple since at least the 1960’s.  Originally an A&W Root Beer Stand, it changed to The Root Beer Stande decades ago, delivering great, casual food ever since.  Gone are the rollerskating waitresses, but much has remained the same over the decades.

A Dayton Summer Tradition – The Root Beer Stande

This place is  a “Drive-in” where patrons drive up, park and are served in their vehicle by “car-hops” who work on tips, just like waitresses.  There is  car port parking where oldies tunes are heard overhead on a speaker system.   Parking is also available in various uncovered spots around the building.  It is a great dining experience, and the young staff is very friendly.  When they are busy, you may have to wait a little bit to get your food, so don’t go there if you are in a hurry.   The fun begins when you pull in, and one of the cute servers slaps a small plastic sheet on patron’s windshields with a serving number.  After your order is taken, make sure you roll your window up a third, so they can place the tray with your food on the window as an overhang.  One little known tradition is that putting your car headlights on lets the server know that you are ready to leave and need to have your tray removed.

Happiness in a Mug

The Big Ragu have been frequenting this establishment since 1973 and has some recommendations.  First and foremost, nothing beats one of their cold root beers on a hot summer’s day.  In our opinion, this is the star of the menu and of course their namesake.  Homemade root beer with an original taste is why we love it.  Our tip here is to make sure and order the root beer in a glass mug, because it just doesn’t taste as good in paper “to go” cups.  The root beer here is so good, that your Food Adventurers have been known to order a second mug during the meal.

The Big Ragu loves a good hot dog and The Root Beer Stande serves up some decent “short dog” and “footlong” options.  We usually get the footlong hot dog.  It is simple and the taste is a great memory from our childhood.   Various topping choices include mustard, relish, chili, ketchup, onions and more.  Grab one and enjoy the view.

The Big Ragu loves their hamburger options and usually grabs a “Ladyburger.”  Yes, we realize the name of this smaller hamburger may be a bit embarrassing, but The Big Ragu is in touch with his feminine side from time to time.   The Big Ragu also recommends that you try the deep fried mushrooms.  Beware, these breaded mushrooms are made to order and served hot, so do not scald yourself by biting into one of these crispy, yet juicy treats.

Nothing fancy – just an irresistible footlong topped with chili and onions

Other favorite menu items include Root Beer Floats and Onion Rings.  The two page menu can be viewed by clicking here for page 1 and here for page 2.   The Root Beer Stande is not just for summer anymore!  The owners have extended season hours, making this spot on Woodman Drive available almost year-round!

Take some time to make The Root Beer Stande your destination this summer.  Kids love this place, and the family, fun atmosphere promises to produce memories that will last a lifetime.   Summer may heat up, but you can always cool down at The Root Beer Stande with a mug of Root Beer!

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Have you been to Dayton’s favorite “Drive-In” Restaurant, The Root Beer Stande?  Please share some memories below!

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Sweeney’s Seafood House: Ocean Paradise!

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Grilled Blue Marlin

Sweeney’s Seafood House is revamping some things, while keeping old menu favorites.   Food Adventures spoke with one of the managing partners, Lisa Long, and learned Sweeney’s will be redecorating and even changing serving plates in the near future to keep up with the times.   Located in the heart of Centerville at the intersection of State Routes 725 and 48, Sweeney’s is one of the jewels of the Gem City.

Hungry Jax, Chef House and The Big Ragu absolutely love this dining spot for many reasons.  Hungry Jax enjoys their flounder and other fresh fish dinners which are baked, deep fried, grilled or broiled.  Fresh seafood in Dayton, Ohio?  You bet!  The new kitchen chef is bringing in whole fresh fish, which he then carves into fillets for a fresher tasting product.  Chef House is also excited to try some of the daily specials such as the recently featured grilled blue marlin and homemade soups like lobster bisque.  The Big Ragu can also be found sampling the handful of unique draft beers like Bell’s Oberon Ale which are rotated regularly.

The Best Raw Oysters in America

The Big Ragu prefers to sit in Sweeney’s bar area for some appetizers and the before mentioned draft beers.  The Big Ragu says the best raw oysters he has ever had in his life are the “Raw Chokers” at Sweeney’s Seafood House.  Ragu has had oysters at Emeril’s restaurant.   Ragu has eaten oysters from Rhode Island to Florida and high scale places in Vegas, but these are the best.  These gigantic Chesapeake Oysters are served over ice, on the half shell for $2.49 each, and worth the price for an incredible treat.  The Big Ragu also recommends that you try their fried calamari.  It is hand cut into strips and hand breaded.  The calamari is some of the best you will ever eat and sometimes so large that you could mistake a piece for a chicken strip!  The bartenders Doug and Sam are fantastic and very attentive.   Some little known trivia is that the bar at Sweeney’s and the connected cabinets were purchased from the old Tequila Willie’s restaurant that was near the Dayton Mall.

Located in Centerville

There is definitely a buzz of energy in this place over the new owners with a fresh attitude.  The Big Ragu is excited to see what the new chef will be offering in the coming months.   We were also happy to learn that many of the favorite menu items will remain unchanged.  Sweeney’s remains an inviting place, with friendly service.  For the feel of a New England Seafood House right here in Dayton, give Sweeney’s a try.  Take our tips, or explore the menu as part of your own Food Adventure!

BREAKING NEWS!! Extended Hours !!  Sweeney’s will now be open every night of the week.  Restaurant hours will be 4pm – close Monday-Saturday and Sundays 11:30am – close.  The dinner menu each day will be accompanied by special features throughout the week.

You can check out Sweeney’s entire menu here, but it won’t have their daily specials which are too fresh to print!

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PLEASE COMMENT BELOW AND TELL US YOUR THOUGHTS ON SWEENEY’S SEAFOOD HOUSE!!!

 

 

THROWDOWN ! June 9th: Voltzy’s vs. The Hamburger Wagon

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Legend vs. Legend… Icon vs Icon .. At the Rock N Green Tomato Festival in Miamisburg on Saturday, June 9th, their will be a battle of epic proportions.  Two Dayton burger favorites will battle it out in an Old Fashioned Throwdown, and Dayton will never be the same.   The match up is VOLTZY’s vs THE HAMBURGER WAGON !  They will go toe to toe in a brawl to settle it all, and each burger joint is depending on your vote!

To vote in this clash of the burger titans, you have to go the Rock N’ Green Tomato Festival, which is in downtown Miamisburg, near Ron’s Pizza.  The contest begins June 9th at 1pm.  Buy a burger from both places and cast your vote.  The winner will be announced sometime around 8pm.

The first three votes cast will be Hungry Jax, Chef House and The Big Ragu, here they are….

HUNGRY JAX VOTE:    THE HAMBURGER WAGON is the best !  “The Hamburger Wagon” is a great display of simplicity in its finest form.  It doesn’t need to be masqueraded in sauces.  This crispy little burger is topped with pepper, a pickle, and an onion slice the size of a car’s hubcap.  The Hamburger Wagon has been serving up the best burgers for almost 100 years.  The Hamburger Wagon gets my vote !”  —Jax

THE BIG RAGU’S VOTE:   VOLTZY’S is the best !  “Voltzy’s melts in your mouth.  I love a burger that has good condiments and cooked onions.  Voltzy’s burgers are ground fresh everyday and never frozen, so it is a great tasting burger.  In fact, Voltzy’s is the best burger I have ever eaten!  Plus, you have to love the fact that each burger is cooked by the master himself, Voltzy!  I love them both, but VOLTZY’S gets my vote !!”— The Big Ragu

 

CAST YOUR VOTE  at the Rock  N Green Tomato Festival on Saturday, June 9th and be there when Voltzy’s and The Hamburger Wagon collide .

For more details on the festival, please visit rockngreentomato.com.

Feel free to leave your comments and thoughts below about this THROWDOWN!!

Become an official fan of CHEF HOUSE, HUNGRY JAX and THE BIG RAGU by visiting our FOOD ADVENTURES page on FACEBOOK and  “liking” us !!! Click HERE to do so !!

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Food Adventures visits The Market on Wilmington Pike

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The Market on Wilmington Pike

Summer is a great time to have a cold beer or glass of wine on a deck or patio.  It is also a time of enjoying a good cigar while outside golfing with friends or just relaxing.  We found a nice little Food Adventure spot where you can get wine, beer, cigars, Greek specialties and more.  It is called The Market and is a family owned and operated shop on Wilmington Pike in Kettering, not far from Rahn Rd.  The place is not huge, but it is packed with a wide variety of beer, wine and cigar selections.
Owner George Karras says the best way to check out their special offers is to visit their website here.  We saw some interesting things that were “off the beaten path.”  We also discovered that this Mom and Pop place can help place special orders for  “hard to find items!”

Beer at The Market: Too many brands to choose from?  The Market has mix and match specials.  Certain unique beers this month are $4.99 for each 6-pack and $3.99 for each 6-pack if you order a case.  There are beers in almost every nook and cranny of this store.  There is also a walk-in “Beer Vault” keeping brews ice cold at 33 degrees.   The Big Ragu picked up a rare treat in a 32 ounce Sol Beer Bottle from Mexico for only $1.99.

Wine at The Market:  Through buying various close-out specials, The Market is able to offer good wines at good prices.  Again, it is all about selection here.  The staff is knowledgeable and can help sort out the various offerings.

Cigars at The Market:  Want variety? There are 400+ cigar choices in the walk-in humidor.  There are also close-out bundles, and specials that made us do a double take.  We even found a few good stogey choices for under $2 each!  Any of your cigar questions are easily answered by longtime employee Russell, who will bend your ear about his favorites and steer you towards some good “sticks.”

Greek Specialties at The Market:  The Karras family is very involved in the Dayton Greek Festival, and you may recognize George from the festival band.  The Market gives George a chance to showcase some Greek Specialties that are rare finds in the Dayton area.  First off, there are Gyro Kits for under $10.  The Market also has homemade tzadziki sauce for sale that is  made with goat’s milk-yogurt.  Other Greek goodies include Mytzithra, Kefalotiri, Kefalograviera, and Kasseri which are all cheeses made with sheep or goat’s milk.  This  is definitely Food Adventure material.

The Market is a great place to run in and out, or to take a half hour and explore.   It is a unique place with unique offerings.   Grab a gallon of milk, or a Hefeweizen beer.  There is no other place like it in Dayton.  What impresses us most about The Market is the affordable selection.  Good deals on good products throughout the store.  This Market is definitely one worth checking out.

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Have you been to The Market?  Tell us about your experience by commenting below!

 

BW3 Introduces Breaded Chicken Wings to Dayton Area

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NEW ! Breaded Wings at BW3

Hey Food Adventure fans, we have a tip for you!  For a limited time only, in the Dayton area, Buffalo Wild Wings (formerly BW3) has added a breaded wing option to their menu.  Chef House, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu took a moment to try them, and we think they are great !  They are a cross between KFC’s hots wings, and BW’3 boneless wings.  Curiously, these wings have only one bone, not only the “drums” but the “flappers” too!  This makes for easy eating.

Breaded wings may be ordered in any sauce, or ordered dry with a side to dip.  Any way you fry them up, we think they are pretty good.   According to Buffalo Wild Wing’s Website, the breaded wings will not be a permanent menu item, and are only available in a few select cities.  Try them out for yourself, and let us know what you think.   May we suggest a large draft beer to help tune up your taste buds, or put out that spicy fire on your tongue.  Are you unfamiliar with Buffalo Wild Wing’s sauces?  Food Adventures recommend the Spicy Garlic, Sweet BBQ or Asian Zing sauces as our three favorites.

If you have tried the breaded wings option at BW3, please comment below and tell us your opinion.

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Kabuki: Colorful Plates, IncredibleTastes

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Sushi is probably one of the most beautiful foods that you will ever eat.  Whether cooked or raw, nothing beats the taste of freshly made sushi.  Chef House, Hungry Jax, The Big Ragu know two types of people, those who love Kabuki Korean & Japanese Restaurant in Centerville, and those who have not been there.  In a small, stand alone building on 848 S. Main St, Kabuki offers up Korean and Japanese specialties with an extensive and inventive menu.  They make great fresh food, and they do it right.

The Rock n Roll Sushi Roll, beautiful and delicious

Jax loves to indulge in the “Rock n Roll” sushi roll.  This colorful display consists of flying fish roe, shrimp tempura, crab, & cream cheese deep fried then topped with three kinds of sauce.  Definitely one of the most flamboyant and tasty dishes you will ever have.  Chef House enjoys the “Boston Roll.”  This is a simple sushi roll combining the tastes of cooked shrimp, lettuce, avocado and cucumber with Japanese mayo sauce.

The Spider Roll at Kabuki Korean and Japanese Restaurant

The Big Ragu would recommend you try the “Spider Roll”, which is made with Soft Shell Crab for an extremely delicate and a rare tasty treat.  Is fresh raw sushi your gig?  If so the Big Ragu would recommend the salmon, tuna or any sashimi listed on their menu.

This restaurant serves miso soup or spicy noodle soup with entrees and sushi dinners.

Kabuki has much more than just sushi or soup. They offer a Japanese Dinner menu with Teriyaki dishes and many more entrees.  Kabuki also features a Korean Menu with noodle specialties and other dinners like Hue Dup Bop.   Sounds like a Hanson song, but instead it is mixed raw fish and vegetables over steamed rice served with Korean sweet & spicy sauce.

The common denominator of the menu items is that they are fresh, tasty, and presented well on your plate.  Every time we have been to Kabuki, the servers were friendly and attentive.  Check out this family owned restaurant for a romantic date, or a fun culinary experience.   It may be a small place in size, but Kabuki delivers big on flavor.  We cannot think of a better place for a true  FOOD ADVENTURE!

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Have  you been  to Kabuki?  Please  share your opinions below !!

 

Homemade Goodness at Sunrise Cafe

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In order to retain our sanity, Food Adventures must leave the “bubble” of the suburbs and get back to food basics.  The village of Yellow Springs, Ohio is the perfect destination to achieve this feat.  Yellow Springs has scenic parks to hike, eclectic shops to explore, and some of the tastiest eateries to fill a belly.  One of our favorite places to eat is the Sunrise Cafe.  Located at 259 Xenia Avenue, Sunrise Cafe offers a full service menu which also includes a kid’s menu.  The quality of food is exceptional due to the fact that they use local produce and don’t own a deep fryer or microwave.  The small dining room is usually pretty packed, so the virtue of patience might have to be drawn up.  Keep in mind…….homemade food takes time to prepare and it’s worth it!

 

We decided to try the Huevos Rancheros which can be ordered in a half or full size portion.  Corn tortillas, black beans, two eggs (with the yolks intact!), salsa, and sour cream.  There is nothing better than breaking the yolk and opening the flood gates onto the black beans for a tasty combination.  The other dish  we tried was the breakfast sandwich which contained local eggs, cheese, and sausage on a homemade english muffin.  No fast food restaurant’s breakfast sandwich can compare!  Higher quality produce and your hands are not dripping with grease!  The sandwich also came with a side of breakfast potatoes which complimented it perfectly.

 

 

Breakfast Sandwich with local Eggs, Cheese, & Sausage on a homemade English Muffin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Try the Sunrise Cafe the next time you venture to Yellow Springs, Ohio and taste the difference of good, local produce!

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Check out the full menu and weekly specials from Sunrise Cafe by clicking here![album: http://www.daytonmostmetro.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/SunriseCafe/]