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Treasure Island Supper Club: It’s Like a 70’s Food Adventure

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Not a Restaurant, This is a Supper Club

A dimly lit dining room, 1970’s furniture, hustling staff and bustling patrons.  This is not a restaurant, this is a Supper Club.  Treasure Island is everything you could ask for in an old school eatery.  Located in the heart of Moraine, Ohio, it has great service, great food and classic ambiance.  This place is like a scene out of  the movies “Saturday Night Fever” or “Looking for Mr Goodbar.”  When you enter Treasure Island Supper Club, the carpeted lobby has a metal railing staircase that  leads to bathrooms and a party room on the second level.  What other place has that?  But it doesn’t end there, we are just getting started.  As you pass from the lobby into the eating area, you notice a room with lighting so low that you cannot tell if it is noon or midnight.  The bar area is a low seat bar with the bartender working in a “pit” even lower than the bar patrons.  The bar is adjacent to a walkway that leads to the dining room.  The walkway is lined with wooden spindles that were hand carved by the restaurant owner.  In fact his woodwork is throughout the supper club.   We were expecting to hear “bow chicka wow wow” music, but that did not happen.

Baskets of Butter and Lance Crackers at Every Table

 

A hostess greets you near the walkway and puts you on the waiting list, or seats you promptly.   You will be seated in a leather 70’s style booth or some old school table and chairs.    Even the water glasses are old school, and we love it ! On the table in a wicker basket, are various types of Lance crackers and butter packets.  We ate  a lot of melba toasts, crackers and captain’s wafers leaving our table strewn with Lance cracker wrappers.    Our Food Adventure Crew lives for unique places like this.  Our server who waited on us was fantastic.  She was a throwback to the days when waitresses were career waitresses for decades at the same restaurant.   She brought our salads and a basket of poppy seed bread that was still warm, so we put the butter packets to good use.

We were then served a shrimp cocktail appetizer that stayed in theme with the 70’s nostalgia.  The huge shrimp were served in a silver goblet lined with green decorative lettuce.  the shrimp were already partially dipped in the cocktail sauce inside the goblet.  These were some of the largest and best tasting shrimp we have ever eaten.   Make sure you don’t miss out on this old school shrimp cocktail or you will be squirming in your  red leather chair.

The Best Shrimp Cocktail Ever

We saw a customer being served a large corn fritter that looked good, so we decided to order one too… good move.  The homemade, handmade corn fritter is served with maple syrup packets and simply melt in your mouth.  We sat their enjoying the appetizer feeling like we were in an episode of “Starsky and Hutch.”   The fritter was cooked perfectly, nice and moist on the inside and golden brown on the outside.  In the restaurant lighting it looked like a brick of gold from Fort  Knox.

After stuffing ourselves with crackers, bread, butter, salad and appetizers, our main entrees arrived.  One of us had ordered the baked halibut dinner.  It was served old school style with dunking butter!  It also came with a baked potato, decorative parsley, and large sides of butter and sour cream.  Again 70’s additude toward cholesterol and fat!  The fish was firm yet fluffy and  absolutely delicious.  The baked potato was perfectly cooked as well.  The Big Ragu’s entree was the seafood platter.  How old school is the name of  that dish?  The dinner was served with frog legs, fried shrimp, crab cakes, fried scallops, and fried oysters.  The dinner was very rich, but tasted incredible.  It was served with a side of hash browns that didn’t disappoint.  After finishing  our meal, we thanked our waitress and  the assertive busboys.

Perfectly Baked Halibut

 

As we walked out of the restaurant we joked about coming back for a picture outside the restaurant dressed in 7o’s Afro wig, terrycloth shorts, and pulled up white socks with stripes.  It was  another successful Food Adventure!     Our visit here was fantastic, truly enjoy Treasure Island Supper Club and had one of our better Food Adventures here.  If you have not been here to try the great food you are missing out on a taste bud experience!  It is a fun place to dine with some of the tables hollowed out with golf or Vegas decor behind tabletop glass.   The Big Ragu and Crew highly recommend that you visit Treasure Island because they do things right, and have not changed their successful formula.     The simplicity of good food and good service is timeless, no matter what the decade.   If you visit this supper club and you see a couple of guys with cheesy 70’s mustaches, or Dirk Diggler haircuts, it just may be your Food Adventures Crew and the Big Ragu, incognito!

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Have you been to Treasure Island Supper Club?  If  so, did you get your 70’s groove on at this phenomenal spot?  Please leave your comments below !

Treasure Island’s menus for  lunch and dinner may be viewed  by clicking HERE.

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Getting Fresh and Organic with The Food Adventures Crew

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Green B.E.A.N Delivers Fresh Fruit and Vegetables to Your Door

Farmer’s Markets are more popular than ever in a time when our country has an increasing desire for organic food products. People are more aware now than ever of the food they put into their bodies and are striving to improve their dietary habits.  Food Adventures is always trying new things.

You have seen the word “organic” placed on food labels, but what does it mean? Conventional foods can carry harmful pesticides and are fertilized with synthetic chemicals. Organic foods use natural fertilizers, devoid of synthetic pesticides. If you buy organic, you are decreasing your families’ risk of exposure to harmful chemicals. Organic foods also help reduce the amount of agricultural chemicals that affect wildlife and water quality, and organic produce also protect one of our nation’s most valuable resources — top soil. It’s something to keep in mind the next time you are buying produce, and a reason why Farmer’s Markets have been so successful over the years.
Unfortunately, not everyone has access to them.  Food Adventures is grateful for the farm markets in Dayton.

We would like to introduce you to Green B.E.A.N. Delivery.  Sort of a “Farmer’s Market on wheels.” Green B.E.A.N. was started up by three college
friends from Indiana University in 2007, Matt Ewer, Beth Blessing, and John Freeland.  Their common goal is to provide healthy, local food and make it more convenient, accessible, and affordable. B.E.A.N. stands for: Biodynamic, Education, Agriculture, Nutrition(Try saying that fast three times fast!).  Green B.E.A.N. is a grassroots effort; a network of farmers and artisans providing customers with organic and locally made products. John Freeland is the Vice President of Green B.E.A.N. Delivery and contacted us to try out what they have to offer.

Orders are Delivered in Green B.E.A.N Coolers

We went to the Green B.E.A.N. Delivery website and set up our accounts. We found the website to be easy to navigate and place orders.  They have various
produce bins ranging in price from $35 to $49. They also have a ‘break-room bin’ which helps encourage healthy eating in the office.  You can also customize your order by choosing from forty different items that are in season. We decided to let Green B.E.A.N. send us whatever they wanted…..mystery is always more fun!

When the time came for our delivery, we were greeted at the door by a big green bin.  Food Adventure time !!!  This was exciting — like having a farmer’s market delivered right to the front door.  We both opened our bins like kids open up presents on Christmas Day.  Inside sits a cooler with an ice pack so your produce remains cool if you have to work a long day.  We ordered the $35 bin and were impressed with the amount of produce received.  Some of the produce we received included: broccoli, carrots, celery, mangos, avocado, grapefruit, apples, tomatoes, asparagus, potatoes, lemons, spinach, green beans, onions, and pears all fresh and ready to eat! Green B.E.A.N. Delivery also has an option to add groceries to the bins.  Some of the items offered include: dairy, meats, eggs, cupcakes, bulk foods, and beverages.

Lots of Fresh, Organic and Healthy Items to Choose From

When you sign up for Green B.E.A.N, you can choose to receive your bins either weekly or bi-weekly and you can cancel your membership at any time. The bins can either be delivered or you may choose to pick them up. Delivery areas include: Ft. Wayne, Indianapolis, Louisville, Dayton, Cincinnati, and Columbus. If you don’t see your location on the delivery map, give them a call at (513) 761-BEAN (Cincinnati-Dayton) or (614) 352-2845 (Columbus). Check out the website for membership information, recipes, and the online store.

We were very impressed with the quality of produce that we received and highly recommend Green B.E.A.N. Delivery. We would like to thank John Freeland of Green B.E.A.N. for allowing us to take part in a delectable delivery.  We received some incredibly fresh produce delivered right to our front doors without a glitch! Give Green B.E.A.N. Delivery a try by contacting them at www.greenbeandelivery.com or by phone.  Try going organic to improve your health and buy local to help out our communities!

Have you used Green B.E.A.N. yet?  If  so,  please comment below.

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The Big Ragu Gears up for the 2012 “A World A’Fair”

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Mark your calendars, local foodies !!! May 18th -20th, 2012 at the Dayton Convention Center is the “World A’Fair.”  For those who don’t know, this International Festival has been a Dayton tradition for over 40 years.   “A World A’Fair.”  features food, dancing, music, costumes, and cultural exhibits that represent the ethnic backgrounds and cultures of the residents of the Dayton area.  What better way to sample cuisine from around the world all by taking a few steps?

According to the World a’Fair Website,“Folklore Around the World” will be this year’s cultural theme.  All of the participating countries will present folk traditions at their booths.  Native American singing and dancing will be the Featured Entertainment. Spanish Flamenco dancers will be new entertainment for this year.

But you know your Food Adventurers visit this International Festival for one thing… FOOD !! In between hugging accordion players, and dancing with exotic women in traditional garb, we like to hit the booths for some international tastes.

 

The Food Adventures Crew would like to share some of our annual food favorites found at the “World A’Fair.”

The Creme Puffs at the South Slavic Booth are Incredibly Good

South Slavic Booth: The Creme Puffs here are to die for.  They have traditional choices as well as chocolate ones.

Germany Booth:  Everyone enjoys the Bratwurst here.   We prefer loading it up with sauerkraut and mustard for that perfect bite.  The soft pretzels are not bad either !

Scotland Booth:  Daring Food Adventurers should try the Haggis .. it is a traditional Scottish dish.  This version is ground liver meat served with crackers.  Can you handle the real deal?  Not your style?  Then try their “Bridie” meat pie for a more tame dish.

Ireland Booth: The Beer here is the main attraction, but kids love the Irish Pub Fries.

Dutch Booth:  Try the Appelflappen (fritters), and enjoy the women cooking in traditional outfits.

Greek Booth:  The Gyros are fantastic here.  They are the same group that makes the gyros and chicken gyros for the Greek Festival.  The onions on the gyros make it fun to breathe on your friends afterwards.

Mexican Booth:  The tacos and empanadas are made to order at this booth.  The prices are cheaper than most other booths.

The Italian Wedding Cake is a Must

Italy Booth:  Sure you can grab a freshly grilled Italian sausage with peppers and onions, but may we suggest their fabulous desserts?  The Italian Wedding Cake is phenomenal and filled with strawberries and whipped cream.  The Tiramisu and Cannoli are also top notch.

Korea Booth:  The Veggie Dumplings were incredible.  The dumplings

are huge and have a great, fresh taste.

Lebanon Booth: The Falafel is our favorite offering!  This veggie patty is served in a pita for a great tasting sandwich.

This festival is close to The Big Ragu’s heart.  We have some great childhood memories of coming to the World a’Fair with our parents and grandparents.  You may even see The Big Ragu volunteering at the Italy food booths!  This event is a true Dayton tradition, and May 18-20th is your chance to leave your mark on the legacy.

Veggie Dumplings from the Korean Booth

The secret to this festival is to visit many booths and try different food offerings.  You never know what you are going to discover.  A World A’Fair is a perfect excuse to take an afternoon, or an evening and escape everyday life for a couple of hours. and immerse yourself into different cultures and different foods.

All of the information can be found on  www.worldafair.org.   Tickets are $5 in advance, or $3 for children at any Kroger location.  Tickets are also sold at the door for a couple of dollars more.  You can also check out the website and find opportunities to volunteer for a country’s booth.  However you decide to participate, make sure you visit this festival, bring friends, or kids and create some memories.

Have some memories to share about A WORLD A’FAIR ???  Are you coming to the 2012 event??  Please comment below!

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Food Adventures at Dayton’s Best Chinese Buffets

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Big Ragu at Asian Buffet with a Rice Krispie Tower and Crab Leg on top

Gluttony.  Local Dayton Chinese buffets are the perfect place to feed this deadly sin.  Sure, The Big Ragu and Crew have reformed themselves and would rather visit North China Restaurant or China Cottage.  However, once in a great while, we feel the need to hit the troughs at a local Chinese Buffet.   Where else can you get all-you-can eat General Tso’s Chicken and stir fry green beans next to some pizza?  There are so many Chinese Buffets to choose from, and your Food Adventurers have hit almost all of them.  So let us share with you some of our favorite things about those local places with tin pans, large spoons, and some unidentifiable dishes.

Don’t spread bullcrap at trying to “keep it as healthy as possible” because you are trying to impress a nagging mom of two.  Instead, hit the crab rangoons, and dessert. We have also upset more than one buffet runner and cook by scooping up the last of the coconut shrimp.  This deep fried shrimp dish can be found at many of the buffets, and if you see it, you better make sure you get out of our way.

The Big Ragu goes for the fried shrimp and fish dishes, big surprise, huh?  But the Big Ragu is also known to put raw oysters, mussels, peel and eat shrimp, and crab legs into legendary piles on his plates.  He also shares the love of sushi, and has made many of those chefs earn their money.

Where are some of our favorite spots and their strengths?

Check out this Official Food Adventure Hit List for feasts as massive as the Great Wall of China:

Always Piles of Crab Legs at Asian Buffet

Asian Buffet on Miller Lane in North Dayton:

A huge complex that used to house a Ryan’s Buffet,  is one of our favorites.  First, they are the only buffet that we have been to that does not skimp their crab legs.  For us this is a sign of love.  They pile huge mounds of crab legs on the buffet and keep them coming during the feeding frenzy, when other buffets leave an empty pan of cloudy water.  Asian Buffet also has a pretty decent sushi bar.  We found many choices and they were decorative and true to form.  Someone here is a legit sushi chef.  We also love the hibachi grill offered here.  Pile up your favorite raw meats and vegetables, and watch the kitchen staff stir fry it in your favorite sauce.  Overall this is probably our favorite Chinese buffet in the Dayton area, and we always leave miserably full, yet satisfied.

 

Golden Dragon on 725 in Centerville:

One of our more popular places to overeat, this place is a little pricier than the others, but their overall selection is one of the best.  For some reason, we have seen the most interesting characters at this buffet, maybe it is because of the interesting food.  The Big Ragu loves the whole tilapia dish served in a ginger sauce with scales on and bones in.  Tastes great if you can stomach the appearance.  We load up on Coconut Shrimp here.  Sweet milky goodness, and it tastes pretty fresh.  The huge salad bar is one of the freshest, and also features large peel and eat shrimp.  Another bright spot is that they have raw oysters on the weekends.  We like to visit some of our favorite staff members here including “Cherry” and “Chin.”  Other highlights include a small sushi bar that tends to have raw fish choices,  and a full hibachi grill.  they also have the best stir fried green beans in Dayton.  But beware, sometimes they will substitute the avocado and celery in the sushi with green beans or peppers, which is just wrong.

 

 

Hibachi Grill and Buffet on Stroop Road in Kettering:

Mussels in Cilantro Sauce at Hibachi Grill & Buffet

Another former Ryan’s buffet restaurant this buffet has a few new items that deviate from the norm.  We noticed they have a big more “American” food than the other Chinese Buffets.  We assume it is to appeal to kids.  The main attraction here is the Hibachi Grill with bigger quality meat varieties than other places.   They stir fry your choices right in front of you, and offer homemade sauces to cover your raw choices.  Two other things we really liked here were the hand breaded sole fillets, and the mussels marinated in a cilantro sauce.  In fact, the Big Ragu would say the mussels here are one of the best items he has had on a Chinese Buffet.    This place gets busy and has one of the lower prices of the other buffets, because they do not offer crab legs.

 

Eastern Buffet on State Route 741 in  Moraine:

Crab legs here and butter galore.  They have decent desserts and have recently added a sushi and hibachi area.  The choices are pretty much what you can expect from the other buffets.  Nothing outstanding but a solid original that the other buffets may have copied.

 

China Garden Buffet on Woodman Drive in Kettering and on State Route 73 in Springboro:

The Woodman restaurant was the scene of the famous “Ung Ghaa” episode.   One of the waitresses said “ung ghaa” after watching The Big Ragu get a heaping plate of crab legs.  Needless to say, he was not their favorite table on that night.   The crab shells flew on this Food Adventure.  They have nice decor with some of the paintings looking like HD televisions.  The food is pretty good here and the soft serve ice cream is one of the better things when compared to the other restaurants.  But be careful, if you take the last crab leg in the dish, you may get a raised eyebrow from the staff.  We are pretty sure we earned legendary status on Woodman Drive after our food quantities consumed here.  The Springboro location has some of the lowest prices we have seen for buffets, and is a steal of a deal for food offered.  They have hand breaded fish at the Springboro location, which looks to be tilapia.

 

QQ Hibachi Buffet on Wilmington Pike in Bellbrook:

One of the weaker ones on our list, this restaurant is typical of what you would expect.  If you are in a pinch it will do.  The strong point here is it is a very clean and new environment and their hours seem to be later than other buffets.

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We want to hear your feedback on these buffets!  Have you been to these places?  Is there a good one on the list that we skipped? Please comment below !!

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Food Adventures Get Their Gameday On !!

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Homemade Reuben Rolls

Good sports, and good food go hand in hand, so if you need a spot to cheer or jeer your favorite team, have we got a place for you.  On the corner of 73 and 48 near the Springboro/Waynesville border lies Gameday Grille and Patio.  Local owners Todd Barrett and Tom Rentz studied other local menus and have tried to bring the “best of the best” to their sports bar.

Food Adventures would recommend one of their signature items, the Homemade Reuben Rolls.  These fresh bites resemble egg rolls but are filled with corned beef and cheese that would please any sports fan.  Trust us, they will melt in your mouth. 

The Big Ragu’s favorite menu item at Gameday is their wings.  He says try the “sweet heat sauce” and you can’t go wrong.  Lip smackin’ and finger lickin’ good, these non-breaded wings are the real deal.

Gameday Wings with “Sweet Heat” sauce

With summer fast approaching, the huge outdoor patio is a great spot to grab a day or evening beverage.  Other favorites of ours include the pizza, reuben sandwich, and their hamburgers.  Their prices are reasonable too with burger platters costing around $7.25.   Catch their happy hour and drink specials, as this bar does not disappoint.  Signed memorabilia by various athletes, hang on the walls, making the atmosphere fun and inviting.   HD TV’s around the restaurant make it easy to view sports from any seat in the house.  With the NFL Draft coming up, Gameday could be the perfect spot to see your favorite team “on the clock.”   Make sure your check out this cool Food Adventure spot with good sports grub !!

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Have you been to GAMEDAY GRILLE AND PATIO?  Tell us what you think and comment below !!!!

Food Adventures Crew Thai One on at Tik’s Thai Grille

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Our best Food Adventures often come when we least expect it, and some of these impromptu meals, end up being the most fun.  A perfect example of this was our visit to Tik’s Thai Grille which is located in a strip shopping mall on the Bellbrook-Centerville border.  The owner, Tik has been a successful restaurateur  for years.  Big Ragu stumbled upon this place on his way home and decided this was a spot that he and the Food Adventures Crew would have to try.  All he had to do was mention the words “Thai Food” and “Close to home” and our foodies were on their way.

Once inside the restaurant, we were instanty struck by the stunning interior.  The restaurant was spotless and beautiful artwork adorned the walls.  This would make a perfect date place.  We were greeted by Tik who showed us to our nice, “Romantic” table.  It was a late weeknight, so we had the rare opportunity to talk to Tik and the staff.

Before you can understand Tik’s Thai Grille on 725, you have to know what makes it tick.. whoops, we mean Tik.  Who is Tik?  She is a very animated person who is originally from Thailand.  Since her arrival in America, Tik has become a self taught chef who used to own a few restaurants including Yummy Burger and what is now House of Thai in Beavercreek.  An unlikely career for someone who as a child in Thailand, could not stand the chore of cooking.  Well, look at her now.  She currently owns and helps operate two Thai restaurants, Tik’s Thai Grille in Bellbrook and Tik’s Thai Express across the street from Wright State University.

The Spicy Tom Yum Soup was.. well, YUM !

Very proud of her menu, Tik was eager to share many dishes with us.  The kitchen offers traditional Thai food and lots of options for carnivores and vegetarians alike.    We decided to grab an appetizer and went with the Mango Fresh Rolls.  Tik brought out our appetizer, but also decided to accompany the mango fresh rolls with Tom Yum Soup, Fried Butterfly Shrimp, and Crispy Thai Spring Rolls.   We instantly noticed how beautifully the food was presented.  The Big Ragu immediately went for the fried Butterfly Shrimp and munched on the Mango Fresh Rolls.  This food was not only gorgeous, but delicious as well.  The Mango Fresh Rolls were incredible!  They are loaded with Avocado, Mango, Vermicelli Noodles, Carrots, Mint and rolled into Rice Paper.  The Big Ragu who is the “King of Fried Foods,” thinks that the Fried Butterfly Shrimp was one of the best appetizers that he has ever tasted.   This could be because of the spectacular Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce which accompanied the shrimp.  We enjoyed the Thai Cripsy Spring Rolls as well and our sinuses were pretty much drained because of the Tom Yum Soup.  We are still sweating from this flavorful soup!

Your Food Adventurers will admit that we were starting to feel a little full from the arsenal of appetizers, but out comes Tik with our entrees.  We decided to go with is usual staple of Chicken Pad Thai and also decided to try the Bourbon Chicken Noodles.  The Pad Thai was excellent…..full of big chunks of chicken, soft egg noodles, eggs, carrots, cabbage, and that wonderful Thai Peanut Sauce.  This dish did not disappoint!  The Big Ragu was equally impressed with his selection of Bourbon Chicken Noodles which contained Egg Noodles, Chicken, a mix of vegetables, egg, and the housemade Bourbon Sauce.  Our pants really started to feel quite a bit tighter due to all the food.  We moved slowly so we would not split any seams.

The Flavorful Bourbon Chicken Noodles

Thai people are known for their excellent hospitality and Tik is a perfect example of this.  When we were about finished with our entrees, she came into the dining room carrying a Tin Foil Statue that resembled a stork or bird of some sort.  We didn’t know what to expect.  If this was a film, this would the be the grand finale. Tik suddenly pulled out a giant butcher knife and carved into the tin foil.  She made this into an event and inside housed a wonderful Seafood, vegetable, and Jasmine Rice combination.  We would find out that this was called the Seafood Bouquet.  It was loaded with shrimp, scallops, mussels, pieces of fish, and squid.  We were so full that we wanted to take a nap, but we couldn’t let our graciuos host down.  We dug into the Seafood Bouquet and finished it off.  Surely we were finally done with the parade of tasty food, right?…Wrong..

At this point, the spirited Tik decided that we needed dessert.  We asked her “Do either one of us look like we need dessert?”  She brought out a sliced Mango on a bed of Sweet Sticky Rice and she wrote the words “Thank You, Tik” in Chocolate Sauce.  We decided to climb over the “Food Wall” we had hit and finish this dessert off.  It was absolutely amazing!  It was a wonderful way to top an excellent meal.

Tik sat down with us and explained to us how it took her a year to create this beautiful restaurant.  She wanted to get it just right and she succeeded!  Tik was especially proud of the beautiful artwork that hangs on the restaraunt walls that was created by her son.  Before we exited the restaurant, Tik brought out a framed article from the Dayton Business Journal showcasing her newest establishment.  This Food Adventure summed up why we love dining and supporting local restaurants……the owners take pride in what they do. 

Amazing Mango Dessert Served on Top of Sweet Sticky Rice

 

 

The restaurant also has a bar inside where you can use the line, “your pad(thai) or mine?”(groan).  Tik’s also has a drive-up carryout window!  Does it get much better than that?  The wonderful thing about this restaurant is that it can be a nice, casual place or a romantic, “Date Night” place.  The prices are reasonable, the decor is beautiful, the food is artfully created, and the owner is a pretty special person as well.  We highly recommend that you use your noodle and give Tik’s Thai Grille a chance.  Tell them the Food Adventure Crew sent you!

Have you been to Tik’s Restaurants?  Feel free to leave a comment below!

Tik’s Thai Grille

4459 W Franklin St
Bellbrook, Ohio 45305
(937) 310-1049
Mon- Thurs: 11am – 3pm, 4:30-9:30pm
Fri: 11am – 3pm, 4:30-10pm
Sat: noon – 10pm
Sun: noon – 9pm

Food Adventures Get Hooked at JJ’s Fish and Chicken

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Fried Tilapia and Perch Meal

You may have seen billboard signs in Dayton for JJ’s Fish and Chicken, calling fried food lovers like the “bat signal.”  As you know Deep Fried Foods have always had a special place in our heart.  Our fascination with such calorie busting meals took us on a little Food Adventure in North Dayton.  The destination was an old converted Taco Bell building which is the North Main Street location of JJ’s Fish and Chicken Drive Thru.  This place was brought back to life by a couple of brothers of Mediterranean decent.  Most of their business is drive thru or carryout, but we wanted the dine in experience to mingle with the staff and customers.  There isn’t much mingling as you are separated by plexiglass and an intricate spinning device where you pay and receive your food.  Let the Food Adventure begin…

JJ’s Fish and Chicken, North Main St, Dayton

We noted right away that they had some pretty good prices and a huge variety of fried seafood offerings.  Sure, they might offer some baked fish, but we were on mission of breaded pleasure.  They had some great specials for under $5, but we decided to go for a couple of the fish dinner offerings and a “pick 2 combo” of fried shrimp and chicken wings.  Your Food Adventure Crew also noticed a display case with dozens of containers of side dishes.  If there is ever a shortage of side dishes in the world, this case would feed North America for a week.  We ordered a personalMac n Cheese.  They nuked it and it was served so piping hot that we scorched our mouths and even after 5 minutes, we could still hardly take a bite of the mac n cheese.

Our eyes turned to a drink case that housed a bunch of Faygo pop, the pride of Detroit.  That’s all they have to drink, no water, no ice tea, just regular Faygo pop, the large 24 ounce bottles.  Your Food Adventurers dove in head first and grabbed 2 of them.  Already in a comical mood, a scalded and galded Big Ragu looked to take a seat.  With some of booths mysteriously missing, we decided to squeeze our petite frames into a front row seat on a couple of stools.  This allowed us to watch the cooks and customers interact like a breaded ballet.

Shrimp and Chicken Wing Combo

A bell rang and the plexiglass swivel device turned like a set of The Price is Right, to reveal a large brown bag.  Our feast had arrived.  We were fascinated with the glass separating the workers from the customers.  This is where all the action takes place.   There was a tender moment when we picked up our food, when the cook placed his palm against the bulletproof glass, and we put our hand directly against his, just like a prison scene….the walls cannot keep the man down!  The touching scene was halted when we smelled the aroma of freshly fried fish in the bags we were holding and realized we needed to eat now.

Inside the bag were 2 HEAPING white containers overstuffed with food.  The weight of each dinner alone required the use of a “spotter” to lift.  We heard angels singing as we opened styrofoam vessels of joy.  We noticed they served each meal with coleslaw, fries and a couple of slices of white bread.  We are talking old school stuff here.  Our meals were good, with the highlight being the fish.  The fried tilapia and fried perch were incredible.  We would also recommend fried walleye and the fried orange roughy.  We enjoyed the fish selections very much.  Meanwhile, The Big Ragu even downed some fried oysters which were fresh and juicy.    The Big Ragu did one of his patented “fat kid tricks”in which he made a po’ boy sandwich by putting perch, coleslaw, fries and hot sauce on the included bread slice.

The Mac N Cheese that scalded our mouth

We thanked the staff and left JJ’s stuffed to the gills.

If you love fried fish, you have to check this place out.  With such a huge variety of different fish and seafood choices, you cannot go wrong.  We had to chuckle at the menu saying zero grams of trans fat.  JJ’s Fish and Chicken is a national chain, with 2 other Dayton locations on N. Gettysburg and Salem Ave.  We noticed they do a brisk business.  Many hungry customers were in and out during our visit getting their “fried food on.”  So, we ask you, do you want a mountainous pile of fried food at a stunningly low price?  Then visit JJ’s Fish and Chicken Drive Thru and get hooked like us.

Food Adventures: Small Bites for 4/5/2012

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Food Adventures with the Big Ragu and Crew: Another installation of  “Small Bites.”

Here in “Small Bites,” we feature some of our favorite food items across the Dayton area.  We are not food critics, we love to eat.  Often imitated never duplicated, we set out to let you know about some of the better eats around the area that you may not know about !

Owners Rick “Voltzy” & Jack Sperry Want Your Vote to Decide!

THROWDOWN: VOLTZY’S vs. THE HAMBURGER WAGON, on  Saturday June 9, 2012

Our first small bite is actually a coming attraction.  Two of the most popular burger joints in the Dayton area are going to have an old fashioned “Throwdown!” at the Rock n’ Green Tomato Festival in Miamisburg, Ohio.  The Hamburger Wagon of Miamisburg will go toe to toe with Voltzy’s Rootbeer Stand of Moraine.  Get to this festival and cast your vote on Saturday June 9th.  Who will win this burger brawl to settle it all ??  We visited with Voltzy’s owner Rick Volz and the Hamburger Wagon owner Jack Sperry, and they both think they are going to win !  The Throwdown  is in the early stages, so there will be more details in the coming weeks.  Look for a follow up feature story from the Big Ragu in May right here on DaytonMostMetro, when we will cast our votes for the best burger!

 

THE SANDWICHES at JIMMIES LADDER 11:

The Ladder 11 Sandwich

Are you looking for a great, casual bar and grill that serves up top notch sandwiches?  Food Adventures recommends that you try Jimmie’s Ladder 11 on Brown Street.  Jimmie’s ladder 11 resides in an old renovated 1892 firehouse and is full of atmosphere.  They also make some amazing sandwiches.  One of our favorite sandwiches is the Ladder 11 which consists of Romanian Style Pastrami, Corned Beef, Hand Cut Cole Slaw, and House Russian Dressing on Rye.  The menu has a large variety of sandwiches, pastas, and some incredible appetizers.  Try the creole cheesecake…… you will not be sorry.  Jimmies Ladder 11 is located at 936 Brown Street across from Miami Valley Hospital.  For more information, check out jladder11.com.

 

 THE CREPES at CREPE BOHEME at the 2nd Street Market:

Veggie Crepe

From the crepes in Paris, France to a Chocolate Crepe from a street vendor.  We have been fans ever since!  Fortunately for us, we have Crepe Boheme located at the 2nd Street Market in Downtown Dayton. Today we even opt for for a Vegetarian Crepe rather than the crepes made with Nutella.  The Crepe-Master Sabine skillfully pours the thin layer of batter on the hot plate and the magic begins.  We suggest you try a create your own crepe you with:  Spinach, Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Brie and an incredible Red Pepper Sauce.  For the carnivores out there, you can always try the Black Forest Ham Crepe.  This crepe is packed with Black Forest Ham, Brie, and topped with Mushrooms.  Give Crepe Boheme a try and you will be hooked!

 

 

THE 2 FISH OR CHICKEN SANDWICHES FOR 2 BUCKS at RALLY’s:

Rally’s: 2 Nice Sized Fish Sandwiches for 2 Bucks

Two dolla to make you holla!  We don’t usually write about fast food chains, but every once in a great while, we will see something worth mentioning.  Such is the case with the current deal at Rally’s Hamburgers, the infamous double drive-thru place.  The Big Ragu’s obsession with fast food had him doing a double take.  Rally’s has a deal of 2 fish or chicken sandwiches for 2 bucks total.  The sandwiches aren’t tiny either.  The bang for your buck is great.  Satisfy your hunger for 2 dollars?  When is the last time that happened?  Other monster chains are charging around 4 bucks for the same thing, so make sure you stop in at Rally’s for this fantastic deal during the Lenten season.

 

 

 Look for our FOOD ADVENTURES every THURSDAY on DaytonMostMetro.com!

 

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Food Adventures visits Local Personality: Henrique Couto

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“Uncle Henny’s” Homemade Ginger Ale

Sometimes when we go on a Food Adventure, we meet someone that makes a big impression.  It is fair to say local talent Henrique Couto did just that.   About a year ago,  the Big Ragu randomly saw Henrique at a Chinese Buffet.  He was dressed in his trademark colorful pajama pants and a unique Hawaiian shirt.  His handlebar moustache was perfectly curled and he had rubber bands holding his beard tight.  Immediately, we knew we had to meet this interesting character.  After a couple of photos at the buffet, we went on our merry way, not even knowing his name.  Then, a few months later, we saw Henrique’s music CD’s at a local store and got in touch with him.

But who is Henrique Couto?  He is a filmmaker, musician and self described “raconteur” who finds any and all ways to express himself.  How does he fit into our Food Adventures? Well, he also makes some “Softened Drinks” which are available at unclehennys.com .  Being curious. we decided to check out these beverages.

We met Henrique at his home where he brews these special batches.  Couto shared with us how he got started in the beverage making business.  He told us that he had tried some incredible Ginger Ales from all over the country, yet there was nothing like this available in Dayton, Ohio.  Henrique decided to develop his own tasty sodas by cooking them himself in his kitchen, and people quickly took notice.  Henrique says, “I hope people to enjoy it, I hope they love the way it tastes, and I hope they buy lots more.  I like that level of validation!”

We each decided to buy a 6 pack of soda from Henrique.  We chose regular Ginger Ale, and the diet version.  The ginger ales are unique.  You have never tasted something quite like this.  They are made with pure cane sugar and real grated ginger root.  He shies away from using peppercorns and cayenne pepper, and instead adds habanero for a subtle heat.  Definitely a very individual taste.  Not for everyone, but we know he is going after the eclectic and adventurous soda seekers.

But, Couto does not only make beverages.  Henrique is a man of many talents.  He records music and has some of those videos online.  He plays an electric ukulele.  How cool is that?  He even has a website called UkeOrDie.com.  He also hosts a local game show on Wednesday nights at Milano’s Restaurant near University of Dayton called “Drink n Think.”   He is of Portuguese decent, and shares our love for food, like a good Pad Thai.

After swapping foodie stories, Henrique asked us if we would like to see his mausoleum.  That’s right, this horror film buff had set up a mini studio in his garage using his experience from his days in the film industry.  We also love horror movies, growing up with Dr. Creep and Shock Theater.  The 3 of us shared some laughs about our favorite creepy movie actors, then ended the visit with a few photos.

What is next for Henrique Couto?  He is currently developing a fruity root beer beverage that he intends to call “Froot Beer.”  We can’t wait to taste this, but it will not be available for a few weeks.

Henrique was very kind to take the time to invite The Big Ragu into his home for our Food Adventure.  We found out there is much more to him than the unforgettable outfits.   He is very witty with a great sense of humor. We will be seeing him around town and wish him much success in his “Softened Drink” endeavors, which you can check out HERE.  Whether being Dayton’s favorite electric ukulele player, game show hosting, or brewing his own beverages, we think Henrique Couto is an example of when nice guys finish first.

Have you met Henrique?  Have you tried one of  Uncle Henny’s Softened Drinks?  Have you seen his game show or been to one of his ukulele shows?  Then post you comment below !

Also, please visit FOOD ADVENTURES on FACEBOOK by clicking HERE and “like” us to become an official fan!!

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Food Adventures: Making History at Culp’s Cafe

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Culp’s Amazing Pot Roast

One of Dayton’s best kept secrets is Culp’s Cafe located at the Carillon Historical Park.  The original Culp’s Cafe was started in the kitchen of Charlotte Gilbert Culp who sold breads and baked good out of her West Third Street home.  When downtown Dayton boomed in the 1940’s, The Culps opened a cafe by the Arcade building serving homemade food to about 5,000 customers per day.  During the 1960’s, people began moving to the suburbs forcing the Culp’s to sell their beloved cafe due to declining sales.  Culp’s Cafe is alive again thanks in part to Carillon Park and Chef Jose Calzada who puts his modern touches on nostalgic home cooking.  If you are looking for good, homemade food set in a beautiful atmosphere, then Culp’s Cafe is the place to be.

Culp’s Cafe celebrated St. Patrick’s day offering a menu consisting of traditional Irish favorites.  As soon as we heard about this, we knew we had to attend as guest of Chef Jose and the Dayton Historical Society.  The menu included a three-course lunch for $11.75.  The entrees were Irish classics: Fish and Chips, Sheperd’s Pie, and Corned Beef with Cabbage.  The desserts were just as festive including such tasty treats as Irish Cream Chocolate Mousse Cake, Chocolate Guiness Goodness, and a White and Dark Chocolate Bread Pudding with Irish Cream Sauce.

Corned Beef with Cabbage

Our appetizers were brought to the table by a server decked out in a traditional 1940’s waitress uniform.  (Imagine a gray version of the uniform worn by Flo at Mel’s Diner.)  This really brings a nostalgic vibe to Culp’s Cafe!  We were served a simple, refreshing salad and a cup of hearty potato soup.  The soup was the tasty kind your mom used to make, but Chef Jose throws in a little bacon and cheese for added flavor.  We loved our appetizers and waited eagerly for our entrees to arrive!

Our friendly server, Carol, brought out our Fish and Chips and Corned Beef with Cabbage.  The Big Ragu is the known as the “King of Fried Foods” and naturally ordered the Fish and Chips served with a side of house-made Cole Slaw made with pineapple and poppy seeds.  We ordered the Corned Beef with Cabbage.  The dish consisted of three large pieces of Corned Beef that resembled the tongue of Kiss’ Gene Simmons.  (If you don’t understand that reference, we suggest that you Google ‘Gene Simmons Tongue.’)  The cabbage was tender and the Corned Beef was flavorful.  The Big Ragu even took a bite of the Corned Beef — an amazing feat if you’re familiar with the issues Ragu has with certain meat textures.  Too bad we didn’t photograph this part of our dinner…the facial expression was classic.  The Corned Beef with Cabbage was also served with boiled red potatoes leaving little room for dessert!

The Chicken Basil Sandwich is Mouthwatering

As we were waiting for our desserts, we thought we would entertain our fellow diners with our interpretation of “River Dancing”.  Fortunately, we left our tights and curly-haired wigs at home.  As the desserts arrived, our eyes got about as big as our bellies!  The Big Ragu ordered the Irish Cream Mousse Cake — a nice, light way to end the meal.  We ordered the Bread Pudding which we quickly devoured.  The Big Ragu makes pretty good bread puddings, but Culp’s Bread Pudding puts ours to shame.  Chef Jose took it to a whole new level by adding Dark and White Chocolate!  After all of this food, we were feeling “extra heavy”.  We feared the only way we could leave the cafe would be for someone to kindly roll us out to our car!

Incredible Bread Pudding

The Irish Feast was amazing and we appreciate Chef Jose and Elise Hafenbrack from Dayton Historical Society for inviting us to be a part of this great event.  Culp’s Cafe is open seven days a week from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  Some of the other dishes we highly recommend are the Reuben, Grilled Basil Chicken Sandwich, Original Culp’s Cake, and that amazing Pot Roast.  Culp’s Cafe takes you back to the long lost era of good, homemade comfort food set in one of the most scenic dining rooms in Dayton.  We encourage you to visit Carillon Historical Park and take pride in Dayton History and enjoy a great meal at Culp’s Cafe.

Have you had a chance to visit Culp’s Cafe in Historic Carillon Park?  Please leave your comments below !

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Food Adventure’s Small Bites for 3/16/2012

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Behold another Food Adventure’s  “Small Bites” article.  Here we feature some of our favorite food items in the Dayton area.  We are not food critics, we are just a couple of guys who love to eat.

With no further delay, let’s dive into Small Bites for 3/15/2012.

The HOT DOGS at UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON SPORTING EVENTS:

Best Sporting Event Hot Dog…EVER

Nothing goes with good sports better than good hot dogs.   In our opinion, the University of Dayton has the best hot dogs of any sports related venue.  Whether at Welcome Stadium watching football, or at University of Dayton Arena watching basketball, these dogs always hit the spot.  President Barack Obama even downed a U.D. hot dog in record time this week with British Prime Minister David Cameron on their visit to Dayton for the 2012 NCAA Basketball First Four games.  So you see, these hot dogs are world class.  Since we were kids, we have enjoyed these hot dogs which are wrapped in a Heiner brand “sunny” bun.  They cost about $3 at sporting events.  What kind of hot dogs are they?  They are Cincinnati’s own, Kahn’s hot dogs, made with turkey and pork.  They are regular sized hot dogs, not the huge sausage dogs that The Big Ragu hates.  We told you where the best sports hot dog is, all you need to do is choose your toppings: mustard or ketchup… or both.

 

THE GYROS at GYRO PALACE :

The Supreme Gyro at Gyro Palace

Let’s face it, it is hard to find a good gyro in Dayton, Ohio.   Some people wait for the annual Greek Festival to get their fix.  But The Big Ragu knows where you can get a fantastic Gyro, year round.  In a small shopping center near the corner of State Routes 725 and 741 in Miamisburg, lies the Gyro Palace.  For more than 10 years this family run business has served up heaping handfuls of giant gyros to happy customers.  The kitchen workers slice the gyro meat, place it in a pita, then top it with fresh tomatoes, sliced onions and Tzatziki sauce.  The regular gyro sandwich is $5, while a chicken gyro is $5.50.  Trust us, this sandwich will fill you up and is worth every penny.  Whether you eat in or carry it out, you will enjoy a Mediterranean Food Adventure here!

 

THE DEEP DISH PIZZA WITH TURBO CRUST at JETS PIZZA:

Deep Dish Pizza at Jets

Want a pizza that packs a hunger busting punch?  Then you have to try the Deep Dish Pizza at Jet’s.  Started in Sterling Heights, Michigan, this thick square deep dish pizza is loaded with tomato sauce and sliced into rectangles.  Strangely reminiscent (we would say almost identical) to the Noble Roman’s Siclian Style Pizza of the 70’s and 80’s, this pie is a blast from the past.  It is also one of most filling pizzas we have ever eaten.  The thick crust is topped as you wish, then finished with a mound of cheese.  We suggest to also ask for the Turbo Crust which means the crust is brushed with butter, garlic and romano cheese.  A great value for the size and taste, make sure you fly on over to the location near Whipp Road in Centerville.  From this point forward, we are no longer responsible for your addiction to Jet’s Pizza.

 

THE FIREHOUSE 5-WAY at GOLD STAR CHILI:

Gold Star Chili’s “Firehouse 5-way”

In 1965, Gold Star Chili entered into the Cincinnati chili wars, and has been heating things up ever since.  Your Food Adventurers also like to spice things up.  Gold Star’s “Firehouse Way” option of ordering any Cincinnati style chili classic allows anyone to do just that.
What makes up a Firehouse 5-way?  The dish starts with the standard spaghetti, chili, onions, beans and cheese.  Then the magic happens, as a roasted red pepper hot sauce is added around the dish.  The creation is then generously sprinkled with a unique 5-pepper spice mix.  The meal is a great twist on a regional dish.  The Big Ragu like to visit the Monroe store, or the restaurant in Lebanon.  No matter which location you are at, if you want to share in the hotness, then order the Firehouse 5-Way at Gold Star Chili. When it comes to heat, they just dont sing it, they bring it.

 

Have you had one of our favorite Dayton food dishes?  If so, please comment below !

Expect an article from FOOD ADVENTURES every Thursday on DaytonMostMetro.com

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Food Adventures’s Small Bites for 3/1/2012

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Welcome to the latest “Small Bites” feature from Food Adventures

Small Bites is our bi-weekly article that highlights of some of our favorite local food and menu items.

We are not food critics, we are just two guys that love to eat. Big Ragu and The Food Adventure Crew  check out places off the beaten path, mom and pop establishments, and little known dining spots of the Gem City and beyond.

This Small Bites installment features the following:

THE PIZZA AT SOFT ROCK CAFE:

Deluxe Pizza at Soft Rock CafeOk, so you would not think Dayton’s top karaoke bar would be known for its food.  However, this Centerville hot spot has customers talking about its great pizza.  Delivered to your table piping hot, the pizzas are heavy on taste, and light on your pocketbook.  Soft Rock Cafe owners Curt and Mark decided to streamline their menu to a handful of items, anchored by their thin crust pizza.  Soft Rock’s kitchen guru Lisa has perfected her pizza making, to the delight of many hungry karaoke fans.  We suggest you try the deluxe pie, the more toppings the merrier!  Trust us on this one, it is a pizza that will have you singing its praises!

 

THE FISH AT ALTER HIGH SCHOOL’s FISH FRY:

Fried Fish Topped with Tartar Sauce

In the lenten season of fish fry’s, this one stands out as a favorite.  Heck.. or should we say “Hecht,” because many local fish frys like this one are run by the famous Hecht family.  Besides the Alter Fish Fry, the family runs about 9 other fish frys, including St. Francis of Assisi Parish, St. Albert the Great Parish and Incarnation Parish events.  The Alter fish fry is said to crank out about 1,200 pounds of fish.  What is the secret to the great taste?  Is the the fresh Atlantic cod fillets? Maybe it is the batter recipe that includes an egg wash, then a mixture of cracker meal, corn meal, salt and pepper before hitting the deep fryers.  What’s not to love?  The once a year event ticket prices are $12 for all you can eat fish, fries, bread, cole slaw, 3 alcoholic beverage tickets, and free soft drinks.  The condiment tables feature cocktail sauce, malt vinegar, ketchup and a wonderful tartar sauce mixed with a hint of horseradish.  Next year don’t miss this event, or it will be the “big one that got away.”

 

THE GNOCCHI AT MAMMA DISALVO’S ITALIAN RISTORANTE:

Mamma DiSalvo’s Homemade Gnocchi

Gnocchi, say it with us folks, is pronounced “Nyaw-kee.”  This small pasta dumpling is usually the size of a large bean and made with potatos.  A filling dish for even the biggest appetites, this meal has been perfected by the kitchen staff at Mamma DiSalvos.  From Mamma’s homemade sauce, to Bobby and Nick DiSalvo’s added touch, the gnocchi dinner at DiSalvo’s is an event in itself.  The pasta is topped with an incredible marinara sauce and freshly grated Parmesean cheese.  The meal is served with meatballs or Italian sausage, uh-oh, The Big Ragu is the only Italian we know that doesn’t like meatballs or Italian Sausage.  Oh the shame!  Whether you eat or share this meal, you will be happy with the rich, full flavors.  This dinner is worth the wait and price, because some of life’s homemade treasures take time to create.   To see the rest of their amazing menu and  homemade authentic Italian meals, click here.

 

THE DAYTON DOG at CHICAGO GYRO’s and DOGS:

The One and Only “Dayton Dog”

Food Adventures loves a good hot dog.  On a whim, he went into a small eatery on Wilmington Pike and Irving Ave called Chicago Gyros and Dogs.  There he tried some of the best hot dogs he has ever eaten.   One of his favorite was the “Dayton Dog.”   This hot dog is a handful, and loaded with toppings.  The Dayton Dog starts with a poppyseed bun, and a Vienna Beef Frank.  It is then topped with relish, onions, the painfully hot sport peppers, and a mound of fries.  This hot dog will light you up with heat, but it delivers on taste.  For around $3 you too can try this original Dayton creation!  The menu also features some fabulous Greek Gyro sandwiches as well.  This is one restaurant that we are happy to say is “going to the dogs!”

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Please feel free to leave comments or suggestions below……

 

 

 

The Big Ragu and Crew, Rise & Shine at The Blueberry Cafe

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Mushroom Omelette and Toast

Do you know The Muffin Man?  He lives at The Blueberry Cafe !  We set out on a morning Food Adventure to check out this Bellbrook restaurant that has developed quite a loyal following, including some of our friends.  Nestled into a row of shops, not far from State Route 725 and main street lies this popular eatery.  What keeps people coming back?  The quaintness, the menu, and the Muffin Man!  Packed with personality, The Blueberry Cafe has a small dining room that stays fairly busy all year long.

Upon entering, customers are greeted by a hostess, who stands in the midst of a mini-country store filled with various knick-knacks from purses to homemade items.  As patrons are seated in the tiny dining room, one may realize this is not your ordinary breakfast joint.

Sure, the menu staples are the traditional French toast and Belgian waffles, but it is accented  by specialty quiches, fantastic bacon and Queen City Sausage.  They also feature “big as your plate” pancakes that are fluffy and tasty. A true Food Adventure.

One a side note, each serving plate in the restaurant is as unique as the food.  We recommend going for one of the signature breakfast platters, which range from four to nine dollars, and give a great value for your dollar.  For the whole menu including  lunch choices, click here.

The Strawberry Shortcake Muffin

Last but not least, is one of the biggest attractions at The Blueberry Cafe, …. the MUFFINS !   We told you this place has personality emanating from the menu to the employees.  One such employee is Tony the “Muffin Man.”

Almost like a superhero, he enters the dining room with his trademark chef’s hat.  He twirls from table to table with his display plate of muffins, dazzling the diners.  Excitement builds as he delicately describes the day’s specialty muffins in his deep, rich voice.  Appealing to the eyes and the mouth, the fresh homemade muffins are around $2.50-$3.00 and worth a try.

The Blueberry Cafe is open daily from 7am -2pm, and is open for dinner only on Friday evenings from 5pm-8pm.

Next time you wake up on a lazy day, with your stomach growling, take a trip to Bellbrook’s Blueberry Cafe.  When you see the muffin man, tell him Food Adventures sent you !

Have you been to see the muffin man?  Please comment below with your thoughts on The Blueberry Cafe.

Please visit FOOD ADVENTURES  on FACEBOOK and “like” us to become an official fan !

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Food Adventure’s Small Bites for 2/16/2012

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Banana Rum Crunch Crepe

Welcome to FOOD ADVENTURES‘ bi-weekly feature called

“Small Bites,” which is simply a quick take on some of our favorite local food items.

Here are our “Small Bites” for 2/16/2012:

 

THE BANANA RUM CRUNCH CREPE at BOULEVARD HAUS:

We appreciates fantastic food from German heritage.  Boulevard Haus in Dayton’s Oregon District is a favorite stop.  This German restaurant, with a contemporary twist, has developed one of the greatest desserts that we have ever eaten.    It is called the Banana Rum Crunch Crepe.  This monstrous crepe is $6.95 and can be shared among your entire table.  It is loaded with bananas, white chocolate, rum sauce, and is topped with pecan brittle and whipped cream.  This dessert is a MUST, and sticks out among the other amazing menu items at Boulevard Haus.  The crepe tastes so good that it is like an Oktoberfest in your mouth!

 

THE PEEL AND EAT SHRIMP at DUNAWAY’s BEEF and ALE:

Perfect Peel and Eat

Nothing beats a great appetizer to get your taste buds tingling.  Food Adventures has found one such joy at Dunaway’s Beef and Ale in Troy, Ohio.  Their Peel and Eat Shrimp are fresh, crisp, and spiced just perfectly.  This addicting menu item goes perfectly with a pint of beer, and Dunaway’s has a great selection of drafts.  These shrimp are definitely one of the best cold appetizers around.  The Cajun spice dust on the shells helps create the perfect flavor that will have you craving more.  The shrimp are large and can be ordered by themselves, or part of a full dinner deal.  Check the specials, and you may get to have this treasure at a reduced price.

 

THE BIG RAGU SUGGESTS:

99 Cent Hand Rolls at Saya

THE 99 CENT HAND ROLLS at SAYA:

In Fairborn, one of the best kept secrets is a restaurant called Saya.  Located on Kauffman Road, they have some of the freshest tasting sushi around.  Their most superb deal is the 99 cent hand roll.   Let’s face it, sushi can be expensive, so take advantage of this item’s bang, for less than a buck.  The Big Ragu prefers the spicy tuna hand roll.  Put Saya on your Food Adventure Hit List, and you wont be disappointed in their selection.

 

 

THE SUPER DUPER CHEESESTEAK CHALLENGE at THE SUBMARINE HOUSE:

16 Inches of Heaven

Let the Big Ragu suggest a tasty, food challenge for those with big appetites.  The Submarine House has held a yearly event called the Super Duper Cheese Steak Challenge.   Actually, it is going on right now until March 18, 2012.  If you can eat a 16 inch Super Duper Cheesesteak in 16 minutes,  it is FREE !  The “Super Duper” version of the cheesesteak means 3 times the meat and cheese as their normal 16 inch sub.  The cheesesteak must be topped with the “works,” which means mushroom, onion, hot peppers, mayo, lettuce and tomato.  If your time is good enough, you can move on to the finals at a later date!  The Big Ragu ate his sandwich in 6 minutes, but was nowhere near the champion’s time of 2 minutes.  The cheesesteak is fantastic and the event benefits Children’s Medical Center of Dayton.

 

Have you had one of our favorite SMALL BITES ?  Please feel free to comment below and let us know what you think !

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Food Adventures make Pizzas at Johnny’s Slice of New York

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Manhattan Splitsville: Any 3 Toppings on each half

A day in the life of a FOOD ADVENTURER may include using culinary skills from time to time.  When Johnny’s Slice of NY Pizzeria in Centerville approached us about being “Guest Pizza Makers” for a day, we jumped at the chance.  We have enjoyed Johnny’s food, from their pizza to their calzones, so we couldn’t wait to toss a few pies for fun.

Owners Johnny and Michelle Rivera asked us to develop our own special pizza that would be added to their menu.  We came up with the “MANHATTAN SPLITSVILLE” pizza, which is any 3 toppings on each half of the pie.  The event took place on Sunday, January 22nd. Friends, family and Johnny’s regular customers joined us for the festivities.  That day only, the 18inch versions of the Manhattan Splitsville sold for the special price of $15.

We showed up an hour before the event, ready for training.  We were greeted by the staff who had made us special t-shirts adorned with our names  and the Johnny’s Slice of NY logo.  We changed into our uniforms and the phones began to ring with orders an hour before they opened!  Johnny took the orders and opened early, so we had to train on the fly!

Food Adventures helped both in the kitchen and bringing orders to the crowded tables.  He also welcomed customers and explained the special of the day.  We were at the front of the house, mingling with new and old customers.

Also, the Big Ragu was putting cheese and toppings on the pizzas and loading them into the oven.  He even brushed the crusts with garlic butter, then sliced the pizza pies into those huge NY slices.  It was a blast and we are very thankful for the people who came to visit and support the event.  We got to serve up slices of love, Food Adventure Style.

Fresh Homemade Calzone – the Best !

Those who have not had a chance to visit Johnny’s Slice of NY Pizzeria, need to try this family-owned place.  Johnny, who grew up in the boroughs of New York City, learned to develop his own pizza sauce, with a terrific flavor.  Their dough is made fresh daily.  They have many  specials including two New York sized slices and a soft drink for 6 bucks which is popular with the high school students.   Not in the mood for pizza? Let us suggest the calzone or stromboli, which are the best we have ever tasted.  Another favorite is the stuffed pizza creation called the Brooklyn Brawler.  This huge pizza is sold by the slice or whole.  There is even a “Brooklyn Brawler Challenge” where if two people can eat the 18-inch, eight-pound pizza stuffed with pepperoni, sausage, ham, bacon, mozzarella, and provolone in 30 minutes, they get it for free!  Winning contestants also get a T-shirt and picture on the “Wall of Fame.”   If the pie doesn’t get finished, the photo goes on the “Wall of Shame.”

Johnny’s also offers subs, salads, breadsticks and pasta dishes as well. Visit them at 57 W. Franklin Street in Centerville for authentic New York Style Pizza and more.  Below are lots more photos from our “Guest Pizza Makers Event.”  Maybe you will see yourself in the photo album.  Please feel free to leave your comments below about the event or your experience with Johnny’s Slice of NY Pizzeria.

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Healthy Food Adventures at Flavor’s Eatery

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Flavors Eatery in Centerville

If you could use a little California sunshine in the midst of this cold Ohio winter, consider heading to Centerville ’s West Coast inspired FLAVORS EATERY.   Rich and Elaine LoRusso’s little eatery whose slogan is “LIVE, LOVE, LIFE,” has been a favorite dining spot in Centerville for several years.   Rich and Elaine had a successful string of restaurants in California , but decided to move back to Ohio to be closer to family.  Once they returned, they decided to open FLAVORS EATERY – a restaurant concept which provides diners with healthy menu alternatives in a fast-food-dominated world.  The concept worked and the restaurant has developed quite a following since its inception.

The Incredible House Garlic Sauce

The menu is dynamic and unique like the personalities of the charismatic owners.  The couple know their customers well and have developed many friendships with their returning clientele.  Once inside the restaurant, you are promptly greeted by the highly energetic Elaine LoRusso.

The atmosphere is casual and eclectic with music playing overhead and walls adorned with pictures of the owners with many legendary musicians.  The place has an artsy and relaxed West Coast vibe.

The food is totally unique and bursting with flavor. The menu consists of California-style wraps, homemade soups, subs, salads, smoothies, and burritos.  They even have ice cream and low-fat yogurt.  It is very easy to eat at FLAVORS EATERY if you are watching your weight!  Since both of us could be described as “husky”, this is one of our favorite dining spots.

Monterey Grilled Chicken

We have become addicted to the Weight Watcher friendly Monterey Grilled Chicken –a flatbread loaded with organic chicken and topped with fresh grilled veggies.  If you want a different flavor to your food, they will gladly accommodate your request.  If you love Thai food, ask Rich prepares his Chicken Monterey Grille with a little Thai sauce… delish!

The Big Ragu loves fish and always goes for the heaping Salmon Wrap.  They start off with a Honey Whole Grain Wrap and stuff it with salmon, black beans, organic brown rice, lettuce, and cheese.  The wraps also come with a side of tortilla chips that are topped with the House Garlic Sauce.  If you haven’t tried the House Garlic Sauce, then you are missing out!  We highly suggest you pick up a bottle to take home!  The house-made salsa is also very refreshing and unique as they change the vegetables with each batch!

If the large portions don’t quite fill you up, you can always try one of their many desserts. They offer espresso drinks, smoothies, baked goods, ice cream, and frozen yogurts. One of our favorite desserts is the large chocolate chip cookie warmed and topped with chocolate sauce and whipped cream.  Nothing beats a fresh, warm cookie!

Peanut Butter Cup Shake – click to enlarge

The Big Ragu goes the frozen route and orders up a milkshake.  His favorite is the Peanut Butter Cup Shake that is packed with huge chunks of peanut butter cups.  If you decide to try these desserts, you might want to spend a few extra hours in the gym to burn off the calories! Believe us, every drop of sweat will be worth it!

Flavors is open Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:15 p.m., Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and closed on Sundays.  A popular lunch spot, you might have to wait a little longer during the lunch rush, but the food is that good.  One taste of their unique food and you will be addicted too.  It’s easy to understand the loyal following FLAVORS EATERY has acquired. Check them out at www.flavorseatery.com or even better yet….stop in this restaurant and give them a try.  They are located at 865 East Franklin Street by Centerville High School in the Centerville East Plaza shopping center.

CLICK on any photo to enlarge, and get the true feel of this FOOD ADVENTURE !

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