Big Ragu

“Santa, We’ve Been Naughty with Food”

December 20, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Has this face been nice?

Dear Santa,

“You see us when we are sleeping, and know when we’re awake. /We know we better be good, but some shortcuts we just had to take.”

The Food Adventures Crew admits it. We made the naughty list. Today we come clean about our secret shortcuts we use from time to time while in our kitchens.

THE BIG RAGU HAS BEEN NAUGHTY:
The Big Ragu has a secret. It is a blemish on his Food Adventure career… Yes it is true, sometimes he fakes it. Sometimes, when in a pinch and he needs some marinara sauce, he turns to a locally jarred sauce. It is one of the only ones

The Big Ragu gets help on occasion

he trusts. Mamma DiSalvo’s Marinara Sauce has saved him in many a tight spots. From parties, to last minute luncheons, it has saved him from Manicotti to Mostaccioli. When faced with hours and hours of cooking down a home made spaghetti sauce, sometimes he gets a little help from Mamma! The sauce is the closest thing to The Big Ragu’s family recipe that he has tasted in a jar. Ahh and the stress it saves. Seriously, Foodies out there, this is the best jarred sauce in the WORLD. Honorable mention to 2 other sauces: Schiavione’s and Zappia’s, both made locally! I’m sorry Santa, shhhhhh no one knows!

HUNGRY JAX HAS BEEN NAUGHTY:
Jax has a secret. Yes, this impeccable home cook has a naughty short cut. Not even her Elf on a Shelf knows about this one. Her bad Food Adventure act? Sometimes she uses American cheese in my mac and cheese. To top it off, she uses

Jax Mac n Cheese

the Boar’s Head Sharp American Cheese instead of Kraft. (This is actually a great tip for you cooks out there who love a rich Mac n Cheese. Hint #2 add maple sausage crumbles into your mac n cheese.) Ahem .. Dear Santa, I am sorry I have been bad, and if you think I deserve coal in my stocking, I will use it for summer cookouts.

Adopt puppies like me through Miami Valley Pit Crew

CHEF HOUSE HAS BEEN NICE:
Dear Santa, I have been nice. I would never do anything like those culinary shortcuts, as you know. If you need a wooden spoon to spank the other two, you can borrow one of mine. Now to reiterate my Christmas list, let’s go over it again shall we Santa? To start with, I want a HUGE de-stemming machine, something that can really breakdown the peppers for my sauces. Also, an endless supply of empty glass bottles would be nice. And a cleaver, remember? A BIG cleaver. One last thing… how about one more little sweet puppy from the Miami Valley Pit Crew, who rescues local dogs? (Miami Valley Pit Crew is a great organization that has helped place dozens of dogs into loving homes. Locally owned, it is a great Dayton area charity to support this holiday season). That’s all, Santa. (Here is a tip though… the frozen gnocchi at Trader Joe’s is a great product if you don’t have time to make your gnocchi from scratch).

Have you been naughty or nice this year? Do you have any shortcut culinary confessions you want to share below?

Please comment and tell us about your naughty Food Adventures!

From all of us at Food Adventures, we with you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a very prosperous New Year.

Have you been naughty ?

Chef House needs some pepper peelers, Santa !

Big Ragu uses Mamma DiSalvos Jarred sauce when he doesnt have enough time for his own sauce

Chef House has been nice – she wants some more cutlery, Santa

Jax uses Boars Head instead of Kraft for her Mac n Cheese

Jax is a whiz in the DLM Culinary Center

Chef House at a Spicy Olive Cooking Class

Mac N cheese with Maple Sausage – Hungry Jax made it

More empty bottles please !

When it is gonna take hours and you got minutes.. Ragu fakes it

Manicotti from Ragus Kitchen – he didnt use DiSalvos Sauce this time

Kitchen Perfection

A scoop of Hungry Jax Mac N Chese

Dear Santa – maybe one more play pal for these guys?

Dear Santa – a pepper processor would be great, thanks !

Hello .. my name is Big Ragu and this is my manicotti

Sometimes Ragu is nice …

Maui Mae’s Bakery, Offering Tastes of Paradise

December 13, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Owner Anna Borchers (right) on Living Dayton TV

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

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

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

Raw Chocolate and Macadamia Nuts

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

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

Maui Mae’s Logo

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

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

WHERE TO FIND MAUI MAE’S “MUST EATS”:

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

Hawaiian Pralines

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

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

Maui Mae’s Bakery has some delicious options

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

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

MORE ABOUT MAUI MAE’S OWNER, ANNA BORCHERS:

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

Macadamia Nuts, in fresh from Hawaii

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

***Eggplant Parmesan and chocolate cake.

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

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

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

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

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

Q4 – Do you have any local collaborations?

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

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

Beer Pralines !

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

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

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

A perfect Christmas Gift – GIVE LOCAL !!

Raw Chocolate with Macadamia nuts

Special Creations form Maui Mae’s

More Macadamia Nuts over Raw Chocolate

Anna and her family all participate in the business

McDonald’s Chicken Breakfast Sandwich Giveaway !

December 3, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Chicken Biscuit with Cheese and Honey

The Big Ragu is a fan of the new chicken breakfast sandwiches at McDonalds and he wants to give away some free sandwiches to you.

***Five lucky people who comment below on this article, will be chosen at random to win Two Free Breakfast Sandwiches each***.

The best part (besides them being free) is that you don’t have to wait just for breakfast hours. These babies are the newest items available all day as part of McDonald’s All Day Breakfast Menu.

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON McDONALDS NEW CHICKEN BREAKFAST SANDWICHES:

The Chicken McGriddle

— CHICKEN MCGRIDDLE: A fried chicken patty, tucked between two pancakes, injected with syrup. This is probably the fave of the bunch. This is like a chicken and waffles in every bite. Here is a tip, order it with cheese !

— CHICKEN BISCUIT: A full country biscuit houses this fried chicken patty. Here is a tip, order it with honey, it will make your mouth water. This is the most filling of the three sandwiches.

— CHICKEN MCMUFFIN: This sandwich is, of course, a fried chicken patty on a toasted English Muffin. We love to try this one with a little bit of mayo, so ask for a packet. Bring some crunch into your morning with this winner.

Ronald visited us at the McDonalds on Yankee and 725

HONORABLE MENTION: Don’t forget to order a hash brown to go along with your sandwich. Want to get a little wacky? Put the hash brown inside the sandwich like the Big Ragu does. We call this creation a “McChicken ‘n Tater” sandwich.

So, next time you are on the go, and pull into the Golden Arches, remember these Food Adventure tips. For about 2 bucks you can grab a good sandwich. They are great as is, but if you want to doctor them up, consider ordering them with cheese and honey. Even order them with mayo depending on your condiment preferences. Remember, they aren’t just for breakfast anymore, since McDonald’s serves them up all day.

Food Adventures has no rules, we eat it all and give our slant

The Chicken McMuffin with Cheese

Our creation with a hash brown “A McChicken Biscuit n Tater” sandwich

Bite into a Chicken McGriddle

Chicken Biscuit With Cheese – Doctor it up with honey !

Does anybody else do the stuff Big Ragu does? A Food Adventure on a muff

Dripping with cheese and honey – The Chicken Biscuit

How about a Chicken McMuffin with some mayo?

on everything food related. Original photos, and we write our own weekly articles. Foodies, welcome to your paradise !

For more daily food fun with no rules, “like us” on Facebook by clicking HERE. Enjoy the photos below.

Now… how to**** WIN TWO FREE BREAKFAST SANDWICHES *** Just comment below. We will choose 5 winners at random next Wed. Dec 7th. Stay tuned and GET YOUR CHICKEN ON !

Ariake Sushi Event Announced for Jan. 16th

December 1, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

The Dayton Roll

All You Can Eat Premium Sushi Rolls?? YES !! Sushi Lovers… unite !!

Food Adventures has done it again.

We have partnered with Ariake Sushi to host a ONE NIGHT ONLY, all you want sushi event on Monday January 16th, 2017. They have agreed to open up on a Monday evening and let our Food Adventures Crew have the entire restaurant.

TICKETS ON SALE AT THIS LINK. Tickets include tax, tip and water/tea.

Please note, we only have room for 50 people at this dinner. So get your tickets NOW !

Ariake is known for terrific, premium sushi. You may have seen our previous article on this restaurant HERE.

Miso Soup included

Owner Miko Whigham and her sushi chef, Chef Sasaki have planned an incredible spread, and this night will be one of a kind. This is the foodie event you have been waiting for.

HERE’S THE SKINNY on ARIAKE SUSHI’S ALL YOU CAN EAT FOOD ADVENTURE:

WHEN: MONDAY, JANUARY 18th, 2017 at 6:30pm

The Godzilla Roll

WHERE: ARIAKE SUSHI RESTAURANT, 59 FIESTA LANE, MIAMISBURG

COST: $45 per person this includes the tip and tax and the following….

— MISO SOUP

— CRAB & SEAWEED SALAD

— ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI ROLLS UNTIL 8:30pm.

— HOT TEA and WATER

Shrimp Tempura Roll

There will be other drinks and alcohol for purchase.

NOTE*** The sushi rolls available will be a good variety chosen by the chef. Diners will pick from a nice display of sushi that will be constantly replenished

*** CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS *** Limited to the first 50 people. We are expecting a sell out.

Join us for this MUST EAT event on Monday January 16th, 2017. As always, this Food Adventure will also be filled with Trivia, Door prizes and more…

Check out some more photos below of what you can expect at the special dinner.

Are you a local foodie?? Then join the more than 7,000 Dayton foodies on our Facebook Food Adventures Page HERE

All you can eat Jan 16th

Up close Spider Roll

Tuna Roll

13076827_1005972022771162_6488586225986041540_n

Front Entrance across from the Dayton Mall

Dayton Roll

Shrimp Tempura roll

The Crab Seaweed Salad

Deep Fried Roll

Rainbow roll and Tuna Roll

Ariake Roll and more

Spider Roll – Softshell crab

Salmon Roll up close

Salmon Roll

All the sushi you want ..

Tuna Roll up close

Chef Torching an eel roll

Look at that plate !!

Buy your tickets NOW !

Spicy tuna roll

Oh my goodness… an Ariake Roll!

Just Stuff It, Will Ya ?

November 23, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Green Sriracha Bread Pudding by Chef House

Everybody is talking turkey, turkey turkey… giving pointers on grilling a turkey, baking one, deep frying one, etc, etc and so on.

Well, the Food Adventures crew says .. STUFF IT ! Literally. We want to share our secret or not so secret tips for stuffing, which is just as important as the turkey!

*** CHEF HOUSE’S TAKE ON STUFFING: Try Bread Pudding as an alternative. Always use quality ingredients.

—Stuffing vs. Bread Pudding by Chef House: I love both equally. My step dad makes an insanely good oyster stuffing every year for Christmas. It is loaded up with stock, butter and of course lots of oysters. I think gizzards are in there too.

Chef House in the Living Dayton TV Kitchen

—Bread pudding is a pretty cool alternative in that it can be sweet or savory! I like how versatile it is. I, of course, slightly spice mine up, add veggies (duh!) and you can’t beat the cheese, eggs and cream

—My only tips for these two would be “use quality ingredients.” Make your own stock for the stuffing, or use a really good one, I love Trader Joe’s veggie stock, actually more than i like their chicken broth! It has way more flavor. Use good bread! This year I am adding spicy sausage and caramelized onions to my Green Sriracha and zucchini bread pudding.

Jax with a plate of freshly carved Turkey

Wow, are you drooling yet? We are just getting started on this Food Adventure Holiday edition….

HUNGRY JAX’S TAKE ON STUFFING: Don’t Stuff it ! Tweak it !

Hey fellow foodies… here are my tips on getting the most of your stuffing experience….

— I don’t ever put stuffing inside my turkey, I just cook it in a separate dish! Why? Because there is a slight risk of salmonella if the turkey is under cooked. By placing stuffing inside the turkey you’re creating longer and unreliable cooking times. Don’t risk turning a holiday into a sick day.

Jackie never puts stuffing in her turkeys. Maybe a few herbs…

—Here are some tweaks I have done with test recipes!

1. Stuffing muffins: basically take your favorite stuffing recipe and cook it in a well greased muffin cups instead. baking time will be shorter so keep an eye on them. But now you have individual servings!

2. Hollow out a pumpkin or any other favorite squash (acorn would be fun too!) and bake the stuffing in the squash! This is a great pairing with stuffing that has the flavors of sage, maple or even apples!

Jax added some cranberrys to this stuffing

3. Add ins: Doctor up a simple stuffing by adding apples, pears, maple sausage, bacon or pancetta! Raisins, crasins and water chestnuts are also great too!

Finally, we have the last crew member giving some tips:

THE BIG RAGU’S TAKE ON STUFFING: Go Italian with it.

Big Ragu chopping garlic in the DLM Culinary Center

The Big Ragu says “here is my super duper, top secret, family recipe for Italian style stuffing that is versatile, quick and easy.”

This recipe, developed by my mom, is used regularly by our family for turkey stuffing, stuffed artichokes, stuffed mushrooms and even stuffed clams. I have tweaked it in my own special way, but basically it comes down to …. the “butter drizzle” at the end.

ITALIAN STYLE STUFFING RECIPE:

Oyster Stuffing, Ready for the Oven at Big Ragu’s home

Ingredients: 1 Loaf of Bread, 2 Eggs, 2 TBS Minced Garlic, 3 dashes of garlic powder, 3 dashes black pepper, 1 can of chicken broth (14oz), 2 TBS dried Oregano, 2 TBS Basil (dried or fresh), and a stick of melted butter or 2.

Directions: Whirl a loaf of bread in a food processor (Ragu normally uses Wonder Bread) or chip a loaf of bread by hand into silver dollar size pieces. Place bread into a big mixing bowl. Add eggs and spices and mix by hand, no.. really, using your hand and fingers. All the time slowly adding chicken broth until stuffing is mixed and slightly wet. The stuffing is best cooked in a casserole dish at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown. *** The final and maybe most important step: Right before serving, drizzle some hot, melted butter over the top of the dressing.

Ragu’s Turkey Stuffed with Lemon Halves and Quartered Onions

Want Oyster Suffing (Dressing)? Use the above recipe and add a pint or quart of raw oysters, depending on how much of a seafood lover you are.

But Ragu, you say… “You didn’t put the stuffing in the turkey?”

NOPE.. I always cook it in a separate dish.

Here is what I stuff all turkeys with: Equal amounts of lemon halves and quartered onions. I stuff them in until they are bursting out. But I never eat the onions or lemons.

We hope this helps make your Thanksgiving plate complete

So there you have it…

The Food Adventure Crew of Chef House, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu want to thank you for checking out our tips, and wish each and every one of you a Happy Thanksgiving.

Are you a Dayton Foodie? Follow us on Facebook by clicking HERE. We feature amazing photos, restaurant features, dinner events, charity events, recipes, cooking classes and so much more!

Feel free to browse some of our Holiday and party photos below.

Chef House’s Green Sriracha Bread Pudding !

Even use Ragu’s Stuffing for Artichokes

Use the same stuffing techniques for whole chicken dinners

Stuffed Clams by Big Ragu

We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving

Stuffed Portabella Mushroom – ready for the oven

Never stuff a deep fried turkey

Stuffing and more, makes the turkey dinner even better.

Jackie basting her grilled Turkey

Just Stuff It ! With lemon halves and onion quartes

Just Stuff It ! With lemon halves and onion quarters

Meet Dorothy Lane’s Culinary School All Stars

November 11, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Peggy Neary during a featured cooking class

Calling all cooks! Our Food Adventures Crew loves to entertain. One of those ways is through whipping up meals for friends and family. Want to learn some skills from the basic to advanced? May we suggest some classes? If you want to “wow” them at your next dinner party, well then, we have the place for you….

Whether you call it the Dorothy Lane Market School of Cooking or the Culinary Center at Dorothy Lane Market, there is a cult following for this organization. And rightfully so, as we are lucky to have such a resource her in Dayton. Many brilliant cooks, chefs and kitchen volunteers make kitchen program come to life. Each year, throughout all 12 months, hundreds of attendees learn from some of the Miami Valley’s Best. Today, Food Adventures would like to introduce you to some of the All Stars that shine in this stellar organization.

Lamb Shank Bruchetta by Chef House

HERE’S THE SKINNY on THE CULINARY CENTER at DLM:

— Located at 6177 Far Hills Ave. in Centerville in the Washington Square Shopping Center.

— Hours are Monday – Friday 10am-3pm

— They offer classes year round for all ages

Mary Cooney, one of our favorites with Jax who has Mary’s cookbook !

— Prices range, depending on the class, and of course you get taste plates of each course during these events.

— Some classes are hands on, others are just observatory. The smells and the flavors are always fantastic, and the lessons are very informative.

— Numerous volunteers help clean, serve and even prepare some parts of the meals. Without them, the courses would not go as smoothly. In fact they wouldn’t take place at all.

— They do private events, like office parties. Team building events, anniversary parties, etc.

The school of cooking is close to our hearts. Hungry Jax has

Chef House prepping for a Food Adventure Class

been steadily active in volunteering over the years. She introduced The Big Ragu to the group, and he has even volunteered about 10 times over the past few years. Chef House has hosted her own cooking classes, and has lead the way for our Food Adventures Crew to reach our dream of hosting a couple of classes ourselves (The next one is “Food Adventure Party Foods” on May 18th, 2016).

Over the years, we have gotten to know the “ins and outs” of this fantastic Culinary Center, and the many “unsung heroes” of local cooking.

We are proud to introduce you to just some of the workhorses, that make the center a great success. They are today’s “Must Meets.”

Zebbie Borland with a delicious looking Almond Cake

DOROTHY LANE MARKET CULINARY CENTER’S “MUST MEETS:

PEGGY NEARY: Peggy has been a joyful part of the DLM experience for 16 years. She is the current manager, and runs most of the planning day in and day out. She readies and schedules all the classes, and prepares the paperwork. even though she has a busy schedule, she always finds time to meet and plan for new events. Peggy always has a smile on her face, and is a big supporter of the Dayton community. She is the glue.. er glucose that holds the place together !

MARY COONEY: Mary has been huge part of the classes and cooking program for over a decade. Her specialties are her lifelong, Italian family recipes. She is a tremendous baker too. Mary Cooney is a first-generation Italian-American who has a passion for teaching. that is hard to equal. She loves to share her knowledge of authentic Italian dishes as well as baking pies and desserts. We recommend her cookbook which just happens to be for sale at the DLM Culinary Center as well. She is definitely one of our favorites.

Freshly made tortellini in broth – Mary Cooney style

CARRIE WALTERS: Every time we are around Carrie, she is always making some incredible food. She is the official Dorothy Lane Market Corporate Chef. She is in charge of running some of the most popular events at DLM like the Food & Wine Show. She is also very involved in helping develop the curriculum of the Culinary Center classes. Her happiness in the kitchen is infectious, and her classes are delicious, informative and fun. Her reach goes beyond the School of Cooking. You can find many of Carrie’s recipes in the pre-made foods for sale at Dorothy Lane Market. She develops DLM’s Market report and instructional videos. She loves to travel, and uses those opportunities to learn new recipes, cooking methods which enhance the programs of the Culinary Center.

Julia Hoy is a shining star at the DLM Culinary Center

JULIA HOY: She typically works days at the Dorothy Lane Market Culinary Center. Her specialty is German cooking and dishes. Julia is also known for her dedication and cooking instruction in the “Basics” classes. These are perfect introductory classes that are essesntial for those wanting to build the foundation of food knowledge. This California girl graduated from college with a degree in Food Science. She put her skills to work at Sunkist Growers,shortly before moving to Ohio. Julia began working at Dorothy Lane Market in 2006 developing recipes for the Produce Departments. She continued her education at Sinclair, attaining a Culinary Arts degree and Culinary Certification. She is a workhorse of the organization, and is one of the reasons for the school’s solid success.

Chef Carrie, Chef Wiley and Chef DiSanto – ALL STARS !

ZEBBIE BORLAND: For 25 years, Zebbie has been a part of the Dorothy Lane Market family. She is known for her popular cooking classes for kids. From grilling to desserts, these classes are basic, informative and a perfect way to introduce your children formally to the world of cooking. One of the pillars of the center, Zebbie helps round out a full program of classes at the Culinary Center. Parents, take advantage of her great classes !

Chef House cooking with Mary Cooney

JOHN CHICO: John is a passionate home cook. His experiences cooking for family (like his 4 Italian Grandparents) and friends have brought his influences to the Culinary Center. Always willing to learn new things, John soaks up a lot of the information and techniques by rubbing elbows the the staff. John hosts the popular Pretzel Classes and a continuing education program with the University of Dayton. Beef stew, polento, and sousvide are some of his specialties. He uses his wife and children to test “breakfast for dinner” recipes. John has taken calsses at the center, volunteered for classes and finally has come full circle into an instructor.

Some classes even are paired with wine or beer !

We would be remiss if Food Adventures didnt mention just some of the “MUST MEET” chefs that have an influence on the Culinary Center at DLM.

CHEF JENN DISANTO: This amazing Chef is even more of an amazing person. She is one of our favorite people in the world. Chef Jenn DiSanto has a long friendship with Chef House. Hungry Jax has worked many of her cooking classes over the past decade. Big Ragu even worked one a few year back, but his heart was stolen by the menu at her catering business called Fresco (that is another whole Food Adventure article in itself). Jenn is a classically trained chef, known for using the highest-quality seasonal ingredients.

Hungry Jax on Kitchen Prep for some Buffalo Roll

She earned her culinary degree in Connecticut but has traveled extensively, even becoming a private chef domestically and overseas. Chef Disanto loves to pay homage to different cultures by producing some delicious, rustic recipes from different countries. An upstate New York native, she brings a strong work ethic to the kitchen. The result is meals that are extremely flavorful. Jenn also devotes much time and resources to helping various Dayton area charities that are close to her heart.

CHEF ELIZABETH WILEY: Chef Wiley is one of the culinary superstars of the Miami Valley. This Kansas native has been cooking professionally since 1979. After coming to Dayton and having a nearly 2 decade stint at the Winds she went a different direction. In 2004, her big breakout came when she wowed crowds after opening Meadowlark Restaurant. Her mantra is “We cook what we like to eat, and what’s in season.” That philosophy has led to unmatched triumphs. Using her experiences cooking in Chicago, San Francisco and Key West, Chef Wiley has poured this knowledge into her delicious menus. She parlayed her success and partnered in opening “Wheat Penny Pizza Oven.” This inventive venture takes

Chef Liz Valenti is all smiles

pizza and Italian favorites to a new level. She is also well known for her charitable contributions to local causes. Stay tuned for more news and business ventures from Chef Wiley.

CHEF LIZ VALENTI: Chef Valenti is a positive force of energy at the DLM Culinary Center. She is Catering and Private Party Director. She handles all of this along with her businesses partnerships like, Wheat Penny Pizza Oven. Known for pizza and innovative takes on Italian food, Liz’s star has been shining in Dayton for some time. Not only is she an amazing kitchen talent, she is also a great person. If she is a part of the event, be prepared for a delicious time. You will often notice her and her business partners helping various non-profit organizations around town. She is always giving back to the community.

A Food Adventure of Champagne Mussels – a Chef House recipe

The Culinary Center also has some fun internal events from various Pot Luck dinners, to a Julia Child Birthday celebration meal.

Oh and lest we forget the store inside the Culinary Center. Along the walls are books and various kitchen utensils for sale. A lot of these items you won’t find anywhere else. They also offer kitchen towels, copper items and many upscale verisons of essesntial kitchen tools.

Peggy works behind the Vino

Now you know a little bit more about the Culinary Center at Dorothy Lane Market. It is a great “School of Cooking” for any Miami Valley resident. Please take advantage of their classes and events. Sign up for one today! Search www.DorothyLane.com for more info.

There are opportunities to volunteeer for these classes as well. If you are interested contact Peggy at 937-435-5696 on weekdays.

The classes not only showcase the cooks, but they give a thoughtful insight on the very offerings of special, fresh ingredients from Dorothy Lane’s produce or specialty grocery sections.

For more content on Dayton’s Food Scene – “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Please browse the photos below from our Food Adventures at Dorothy Lane Market’s Culinary Center:

Wok right in and start learning

Chef DiSanto’s Swordfish Steaks

Chef Carrie at her best

Food Adventure Dinner 1 of 6 courses

JAx is excited for our first cooking class and the signage!

Preparing for a stir fry class

Inside the Center

Food Adventures Class

Full House

Our class

Jax and Chef serving up our 2nd class

Plating Tomato Pie, garlic artichoke cheese dip and melba toasts

Chef House at the Culinary Center

Jackie at LOBSTER CLASS !

Tomato Pie by our own Jax

“Nite at the Races” is Back!

October 29, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Endless Beer? Endless food? Bet Cash? Win Cash? Pull Tabs? Raffle Prizes? And all for charity?? YES! This is one time you are encouraged to “horse around.”

The Greater Dayton Apartment Association‘s charitable arm, “The Rent Foundation,” is again hosting a “Nite at the Races” event on Friday night, November 18th.

For the first time ever, this year’s event is being held at the ARBOR HALL in Dayton.

You will be able to bet cash and win cash on horse races shown on the BIG SCREEN and so much more. Saddle up! Are you ready? Because ……

Dozens of Raffle Prizes

HERE’S THE SKINNY on “NITE AT THE RACES !”

—WHEN: FRIDAY NIGHT NOV. 18th from 6pm – 11pm

—WHERE: ARBOR HALL, 2150 Arbor Blvd, Dayton, OH 45439

—COST: **TICKETS are $15 at the door and includes all the food, draft beer and soft drinks you want.**

—FOOD: Wings, Pizza, Taco Bar, Hot Dog Bar and more.

Bring your friends and family! You must be 21 or older to attend.

4 WAYS YOU CAN WIN and HELP THE RENT FOUNDATION!

$15 includes all the beer and food you want

— BET CASH, WIN CASH – Bet on horse races that will be shown on the big screen, pick the winner!

— “OWN” A HORSE at AUCTION – Be the winning bidder on a horse that wins the race!

— PULL TABS – Cash prizes for pull tabs. Last year there was a $250 pull tab winner

— BUY A WINNING RAFFLE PRIZE TICKET: Liquor, Gift Baskets, Restaurant Gift Cards, Designer Purses, Electronics, massage certificates and much more.

What is the Rent Foundation? This charitable group helps prevent homelessness by paying rent for families who are in crisis. These are everyday families who are dealing with an unforeseen circumstance or a

family tragedy, and need some temporary help. By partnering with the Greater Dayton Apartment Association (GDAA), the money raised will help benefit people living in those apartments communities across the Miami Valley.

What better way to help real people in the Dayton area?

And what a deal for endless drinks, food and entertainment for such a low price. It is a no brainer! Please help, by attending this event for a great cause.

SEE YOU AT THE RACES !!!

The night will be a blast, and will help house families. Help support this worthy Dayton cause. See you Friday, at the races !

Raffle Prizes include this lottery tree !

Hot Dog Bar, and drinks – all included in admission price !

Beer, and Betting on Horses !

Hot Dog Bar with the fixings !

Wine Basket raffle prizes

Kegs and Horses

Lots of winners

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So many raffle prizes of all sorts

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Volunteers for the event

another winner

Fall at Hidden Valley Fruit Farm

October 19, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Down south on Route 48, is a great little place

Hay! Hay! Hay! Food, fun and fall flavors await you at The Hidden Valley Fruit Farm. Just a few minutes south of Centerville on State Rout 48, Hidden Valley is the perfect place for a family Food Adventure, especially for little ones. You can find pies to petting zoos, and scarecrows to strawberry jams. They even have hay rides, pick your own apples and more. We have great memories of coming here as kids. This farm store is a perfect place to spend time with your loved onesand experience the sights and sniffs of the Fall season.

HERE’S THE SKINNY on HIDDEN VALLEY FRUIT FARM:

Caramel Apples, anyone ?

—For over 60 years, located at 5474 OH-48, Lebanon, OH 45036 just a few minutes south of Centerville.

—10am – 6pm Sunday through Wednesday and 10am – 7pm Thursday – Saturday

— Fun attractions include: Hayrides, pick your our pumpkin, pick your own apples, a gift shop in the 150 year old barn, an ice cream shop, and a petting zoo. There is “so much room for activities”

Pumpkins Galore

— The Country Store is in a 150 year old barn. It features a gift shop, a bakery, a produce area, grocery items and coffees.

— The small restaurant is open Wednesday to Saturday, and features an $8.99 lunch for a pulled-pork sandwich and two sides – choices are potato salad, corn-on-the-cob, or baked beans.

— They grow 38 different kind of apple varieties.

There are literally hundreds of choices, local squash, fruit jams and so much more. Over the years we have tried dozens of items. Here are some of our favorites that have lasted from the 1970’s. Without further delay.. we present our MUST EATS !

MUST EATS at HIDDEN VALLEY FRUIT FARM:

Fritters, Cider and Apples….

— GALLON OF APPLE CIDER: Hidden Valley Fruit Farm is one of the only farms in Ohio that still prepares its apple cider the old-fashioned way. Not from concentrate, their cider is pressed from select apples out of their own orchards. The cider goes from orchard, to press, to bottle, then straight to the refrigerators. Their is no homogenization, no pasteurization, and no additives or preservatives. The best cider ever in the Big Ragu’s opinion. Maybe it is the nostalgia, but he has never tasted anything like it.

— PUMPKIN DONUTS: Small, sugary and delicious. We have been enjoying these for decades. Get a few extra, they seem to disappear into hungry mouths on the way to the car.

Local Honey

— GALA APPLES: OK, so they have 38 different kinds of apples… One of our favorites is the sweet Gala apples grown on site. There are so many others, some good for baking, others good for eating. All of them local, right off the trees and delicious.

— APPLE FRITTERS: These are huge. They are sweet, glazed and delicious. So sweet in fact, that they are guaranteed to attract a bee or two if eaten outside. Made fresh, they melt in your mouth and go great with a glass of milk.

— LOCAL NATURAL RAW HONEY: There are so many uses for this wonderful product. From a drop in your tea, to drizzling over cereal, this honey is fantastic. On toast or a spoonful from the jar, it is a wonderful treat. Did you know that consuming local honey helps guard against allergies to local plants? It is true with all natural honeys and the area they are produced.

38 varities of apples

— CARAMEL APPLES WITH NUTS: Nice sized apples dipped in a thick caramel coating, with the bottom half rolled in chopped peanuts. The result is everything you could ever want from a salty and sweet treat. Sinful? You bet… If you want to go big, they have a “Thriller” apple which is the deluxe chocolate added treat. Although they are great, we stay old school here and prefer the original.

Honorable Mention: The Homemade Fudge. All flavors. It used to cause family squabbles in the car on our way back from Kings Island..

Gala apples – sweet things grown on their orchard

The Hidden Valley Fruit Farm is a throwback Food Adventure and a tribute to the old days. Rural America eats and treats, and simple pleasures like a fall Hay ride.

Find the peace and calm of a brisk Autumn day, and visit this local treasure. There is still time to grab a pumpkin before Halloween, and this is the perfect spot to scope one out. See you near the corn stalks, inside the barn….

Are you a Dayton Foodie? Then follow us on Facebook by clicking here, and find your paradise. The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax are just a click away.

Please enjoy the sights of Fall at Hidden Valley Fruit Farm by browsing our photos below.

Pumpkins out front

Vintage Tractor

Chicken coop on site

Inside the Country Store

Butterfinger fudge – have you ever heard something so sweet?

Outside looking around

Stalk to you later

Activities and prices

No bake pies….

Indian Corn

Candy table

Pork in a can

Fresh from the orchard out back

Petting Farm and Playground

Scarecrows and Pumpkins out front

Apples – just picked….

Extra! Archer’s Opens New Location Monday!

October 9, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Archer’s on Dorothy Lane Opens Monday October 10th !

Familiar food and faces, in new places, is what you can expect this Monday. Popular Centerville restaurant “Archer’s Tavern” expands to a second location tomorrow, and the buzz has been very positive from training day.

A new atmosphere, larger than the original restaurant, and an enclosed patio area are some of the featurea. But don’t worry, you can still eat your favorites as they have kept the EXACT same menu !

Food Adventures was able to grab a table on training night, and we are pleased to announced that the food was terrific and the service was great. They have a tried and true system which allows for quick, attentive service, Their friendly employees are top notch.

A New Staff Awaits You

HERE’S THE SKINNY on ARCHER’S TAVERN, KETTERING:

— The restaurant is located at 2030 E. Dorothy Lane in the old Tumbleweed restaurant location.

— Grand Opening October 10th, 2016 at 11am.

— Hours will be :
Sunday 11am – 10pm
Monday – Thursday 11am – 11pm
Friday and Saturday 11am-1am

Blackened Tilapia over Rice

— The restaurant will rotate 24 draft beer taps, with an eclectic selection of local, familiar and rare beers.

— Huge, 200 people seating area, with full bar area and enclosed patio seating

— Archer’s will continue to feature Buckeye Vodka in many of its cocktails and special events.

— Owners Mike Fullenkamp and Dan Apolito started planning for this location a year ago, after deciding to nix a deal on a Cornerstone Development location near Wilmington Pike and Feedwire Rd.

One of the Dining Rooms

As for the food, we have our patented “MUST EATS” to tell you about. Use our dozens of visits here to ensure you try the best of the best. Drumroll please… start drooling as we present our …

MUST EATS at ARCHER’S TAVERN- KETTERING/DOROTHY LANE:

— AWARD WINNING CHILI: Every year they hold a chili cook off, and the winner not only wins cash, but their chili goes on the menu for a year. The result is the most flavorful chili around. It is ridiculously good.

Fudge Brownie Sundae – yeah, that good

— ARCHER’S ALE: This is the Big Ragu’s “go to” brew at Archers. It is an ESB (Extra Special Bitter), but don’t let the name ESB scare you, it is a light refreshing beer. It is brewed in Cincinnati by Rivertown Brewery, ESPECIALLY for Archer’s Tavern. Try this winner in a pint glass.

— GRILLED, BLACKENED TILAPIA OVER RICE: This will knock your socks off if you love fish. A nice, clean , fresh filet. The blackened seasoning gives it a perfect balance. We suggest a side salad and rice for your sides to complete a perfect pairing.

— WINGS “SWEET AND SEXY STYLE”: This is why you read Food Adventures, because we know

Enclosed Patio seating

things no one else does. These wings are NOT on the menu, but available by special request. These are wings with Dry Rub spice, drizzled with Spicy Garlic sauce, then tossed in Sweet BBQ sauce. The result is tangy and slightly hot taste of joy. Probably the best wing sauce we have ever tasted.

— THE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK: A massive, heaping sandwich filled with meat, peppers and melted provolone cheese. You can also request cheese whiz on this monster. We say, go for it. This is how they do it in Philadelphia. Your choice of shaved ribeye steak or sliced chicken breast for the meat. Tip: ask for extra mayo.

The Bar Area

— TACO PIZZA: Good, flavorful and spicy! The ground beef matches well with the cheese and jalapenos. The fresh dough is a hallmark and we absolutely love it.

— STICKY BURGER: Where else in town can you get a burger with Peanut Butter on it ? The result is an incredible taste that mimics a peanut Thai taste. In the 5 year hisory of Archer’s only 2 people have returned the burger because they did not like it. TRY IT !

— FUDGE BROWNIE SUNDAE: Oh mama…. the brownie is served hot, covered in hot fudge. A scoop of vanilla ice cream tops that, and caramel is drizzled over the whole thing. Turn on the lights and call the law, we dont care if we ever get well…

Salad With French Dressing

What great stuff. A local eatery with spot on food, service and prices, just like the original. This location should be a home run too.

Food Adventures would like to send congratulations to the owners and staff on their new locale. It is a pleasant place, and is perfect for family and friends. It will also be a great stop for those softballers, and other sports teams at Delco Park for after game dinners and drinks.

Food Adventures is proud to be featured in weekly articles on DaytonMostMetro .com

Check out our upcoming appearances at our Food Adventures website, DaytonFoodies.com – since 2008, bringing you food scoop in the Miami Valley.

Browse the Gallery Below for some great Archer’s food and restaurant photos.

Outside – Kettering Archer’s

Archers ale

one of the Large dining rooms

Sweet and Sexy wings

Bar Area Seating

Taco Pizza

The Bar Area

Sign out front

The Big Ragu with a Sticky Burger

Philly Cheesesteak with Cheese Whiz

The Sticky burger assembled

Bun with peanut butter on the StickyBurger

BBQ wings

Crawfish Boil for a special anniversary party

Homemade Chips

Chili

Award Winning Chili

Pizza

Chicken and Bacon Sandwich

Reuben

Salad

Dan and Mike open their second location of Archers

Blackened Tilapia over rice

Bourbon Street Cafe: Oooh, That Chicken….

October 6, 2016 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Bourbon Chicken – Their signature dish and main draw

Bourbon Street is again on Brown Street, and has been for a while. The Bourbon Street Grill and Cafe is in a no frills dining room where the line can get long, but it goes fast. From UD Students, to locals, people come from all over. Whether for a work lunch, or taking dinner home, people are getting wise to this place. Why? It is simple – GOOD FOOD, GOOD VALUE! And …. oooooh that chicken, …. people go crazy over it !

This place is EXACTLY what Food Adventures is about… a locally owned spot where practically everything on the menu is a winner. We should know it, because in the 6 or 7 times we have visited, Bourbon Street Grill & Cafe, we have tried practically every menu item. And that’s what sets our blog apart.

Located at 1043 Brown Street

HERE’S THE SKINNY on BOURBON STREET GRILL & CAFE:

— Located at 1043 Brown St. in Dayton, they are open everyday from 11am-9pm, except Sundays when they are closed.

— Owned by Hassan Abdalla, who moved to Dayton as young adult from the Middle East. He always had the dream of being a pilot. His father passed away unexpectedly, forever prolonging that dream and Hassan found himself working in kitchens to make ends meet. He worked himself up

Blackened Salmon over Corn and Potatoes

to high end restaurants, like L’Auberge. He then decided to open his own business, for years doing catering and festivals. He opened a restaurant on W Second Street, then took an opportunity on a new location on Brown Street.

— They still cater and make several festival appearances during the year.

— Note that their chicken is grilled thigh meat, that is pulled and finished on the flat grill and cubed. The result is a one of a kind, almost melt in your mouth taste.

— Helpful and hard working staff, always busting their butts to fill orders.

We first were exposed to these guys at festivals, and after eating their food at Big Brews and Blues, then Garlic Fest, we have been hitting the brick and mortar location regularly. Over time, the Food Adventure Crew has developed a list of Bourbon Street Grill and Cafe’s absolute best dishes. Or as we call them, our patented “Must Eats.”

Spicy Chicken over White Rice

MUST EATS at BOURBON STREET GRILL & CAFE:

— BOURBON CHICKEN: The signature dish. The mother ship on a plate. We suggest white rice or spicy rice with this, although many enjoy lo mein noodles or steamed vegetables as a side. When they serve this chicken, they scoop it up, then get another scoop of sauce and drizzle it over top. We drool every time.

Sides served right out of the piping hot steamers

— BLACKENED SALMON: Cajun spices dust the pan seared salmon filet. Again we suggest it over rice, but there are so many choices from beans to corn to potatoes, the sky is the limit. But the Salmon… holy cow is it good.

— SPICY CHICKEN: This is the Big Ragu’s favorite dish. He sweated in the summer heat and got lit up at a couple of festivals but it was worth it. He likes the spicy chicken poured over white rice, to cool down some of the heat. But choose whatever side you want.

Havent had cornbread this good since Burbanks

— CORNBREAD: An incredible throwback to southern style cornbread. One slight problem, they do not have butter on site. So if you are eating in, byob – “bring your own butter.” We could eat a brownie pan of this stuff.

— THE CHEESEBURGER: A 1/3 pound burger patty loaded on a sturdy bun with all the fixins. They top it off right. A delicious mix of flavors, napkins recommended for this one.

Honorable Mention: — The PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SANDWICH is a nice surprise (get extra mayo). Also, the BLACKENED SEA BASS is delicious.

Even their Burger surprised us

From salads to beans, to edible fried tortilla bowl options, you have an open canvas. With so many good entrees and sides to choose from, you can get lost in their menu. One thing you wont lose, is a lot of money, because the menu is a great value.

Now you know about this stellar place on Brown Street. Go check out Bourbon Street Grill & Cafe and make your own combinations. It is a great place, with an incredible owners story behind it. A story of hard work and perserverence.

Make sure you browse the photos below in our picture gallery. Our food pics are incomparable.

Remember, we are not food critics, we are 3 people with a passion for food. Follow Food Adventures on our Facebook Page by clicking HERE. It is a foodie’s paradise. Also, catch our upcoming appearances on DaytonFoodies.com since 2008.

Philly cheesesteak

Lo Mein Noodles Option

The staff is one of the hardest working in town

Corn and Blackened Salmon

The Gyro

Spicy chicken and rice

Grilling Chicken

Dining Room

Potato side with salmon

Tilapia – edible bowl

Ghost Hunting at Amber Rose

September 30, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Come on down, nobody’s been down here… for a while

CALLING ALL GHOST HUNTERS! BYOE.. bring your own equipment!

(Caution: All attendees must sign a waiver) Get your tickets by clicking HERE.

Friday night, October 21st, in the wee hours of the night, you may hear a creak, you may feel a chill. But this is what many are coming for, this is what they want. The Amber Rose Restaurant is giving 40 attendees unprecendented access to the previously private areas of the “Haunted” restaurant. Some will bring cameras, some will bring fancy recording devices, others will just bring their senses.

Access to the spooky azz basement.. CHECK

Erdinger Dunkel will be flowing, and the moon glowing

Access to the creepy old attic… CHECK

Paranormal investigators “ParaSense” will be on hand, sharing their findings and helping guide visitors. It’s all you hunt from 9pm til 2am.

But hey, Ghost Hunters get hungry and thirsty.. So we have put together a 3 station stop of food and brews… in between your, BOOS ! For late stayers, there will be a special late night cheap eats menu and drink specials until 2am.

Now, THAT is a Food Adventure.

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON THE NIGHT OF GHOST HUNTING:

WHEN: OCTOBER 21st at 9pm and you are welcome to stay and Ghost Hunt until 2am

WHERE: The AMBER ROSE RESTAURANT at 1400 Valley Street in Dayton

The Haunted Amber Rose Restaurant on 1400 Valley Street

WHAT: 3 Beers, 3 Food Stations, 1 Night of unprecendented access for Ghost Hunting and ghastly findings from Parasense Paranormal Investigative Team. What will they share from their 2015 and 2016 overnight visits? Shelly, Kat and Alicia have recordings, photos and computer findings that will make your hair stand on end ! The Food Adventures Crew may be hiding under a table

First Course
—Beck’s Oktoberfest
—Deluxe Potato Pancakes & Bavarian Pretzels with Bier Cheese Dip

Whats the wurst that can happen ?

Second Course
—Erdinger Dunkel Beer
—Bratwurst Encroute & Hunter Schnitzel Sliders

Third Course
—Breckenridge Vanilla Porter
—Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake

SPECIAL LATE NIGHT MENU 1opm – 2am – CHEAP PRICES, CHEAP THRILLS, CHEAP SCREAMS ! Hungry Jax, Chef House and The Big Ragu are always up for a late night Food Adventure.

COST: EVENT IS PRE PAY ONLY $25 includes the tip – CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS –

Welcome to the heart of Haunted Dayton ladies and gentleman. Come learn about the history of Amber Rose, hear the personal stories, and most of all explore for yourself. There will be door prizes, trivia and much more. If you are serious Ghost Hunter or just have a hunger for the Miami Valley’s scariest places… Dont miss this one night only event !

Want more foodie fun? Join the 7,000 fans on Facebook that follow Food Adventures…. CLICK HERE

You arent Scared… are ya ?

Attendees can Toast to a ghost !

Wings from the Late Night Menu

Attic and basement and other places are now ON LIMITS !

Wiener scnitzel

Arnold Palmer: The Golfer, The Foodie & The Drink

September 26, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Arnold doing what he does best …

The year was 2005, and NCR Country Club was hosting the PGA Senior open. It was the last day of the event, and a tired Arnold Palmer stopped into the CVS convenient store in Oakwood on Far Hills Ave. He was looking for lotion and grabbed an ice tea and a lemonade. He asked questions of the young clerk upon checkout, and was on his merry way. Another day in the life of the legend.

Arnold Palmer, the iconic 20th Century golfer, passed away last weekend of heart failure. He was 87. Arnold was the closest thing golf had to royalty. He grew up in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, learned golf from his father who was the greenskeeper. Arnold eventually would buy the golf club, after a successful career that began with a golfing scholarship at Wake Forest and his first amateur win in 1954, cementing his turn to a professional golfer.

The Arnold Palmer Drink: Half Lemonade / Half Iced Tea

He was always a hard worker, viewed as a blue collar champion of the sport. He also had a sense of humor: “I have a tip that can take five strokes off anyone’s golf game: it’s called an eraser.”

THE SKINNY ON ARNOLD THE FOODIE:

From clothing to sports equipment and commercials, he was a marketing guru as well. We are happy to report that Arnold was also a foodie. His favorite Food Adventure? A nice, thick, juicy burger. He also loved comfort foods like meatloaf, beef stroganoff and pot roast. Another favorite MUST EAT? Montgomery Inn Ribs. In fact, he loved them so much, he featured them on his menu in his restaurant in La Quinta, California

Half a slab of Montgomery Inn ribs

MUST DRINKS: “THE ARNOLD PALMER”

Arnold’s wife used to make iced tea for him a lot. I the 60’s he asked her to put a little lemonade in it and see how it tasted to change things up. Once he got the proportions of each ingredient right, he had found his trademark. Years later at a restaurant bar in Palm Springs, California, he would ask the bartender for the concoction. A waitress overheard the request and said I want to try one of those “Arnold Palmers” and so requested a couple of diners as well. There you have it… In approximately 2005, the Arizona Tea Company mass produced the drink to the delight of thirsty golfers, sports fans and convenient store visitors.

So today, Food Adventures raises a glass of HALF ICED TEA and HALF LEMONADE to the MONTGOMERY INN RIBS LOVING, “King of Golf,” Arnold Palmer.

Follow the Miami Valley’s local food blog, Food Adventures on TWITTER and FACEBOOK. Look for feature articles each and every week on DaytonMostMetro .com

Young Arnie – thinking bout some ribs…

Sports Illustrated photo of Arnold Palmer tearing up a hot dog

Arizona Tea Company

Haunted Food Adventure at Amber Rose Oct 7th

September 21, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Rhinegiests & Poltergeists Returns Oct 7th to the Amber Rose

Sellout crowd expected again !!

FOOD, BEER, … GHOSTS

This is a post that many of you have been waiting for… Dayton Most Metro is kicking of the fall season with a “BOO!”

—October 7th, the popular “RHINEGEISTS and POLTERGEISTS” ghostly beer dinner returns! A brainchild of local bloggers, the Food Adventure crew, this popular scarefest looks to again to have a sellout crowd of over 100 foodies at the Amber Rose restaurant. There will also be a special presentation from a nationally known paranormal investigative group, ParaSense.

Pierogies and More on the Menu

HERE IS THE SKINNY ON “RHINEGEISTS and POLTERGEISTS”

WHEN: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7th at 7pm

WHERE: AMBER ROSE RESTAURANT at 1400 Valley St. in Dayton

WHAT: 4 COURSE DINNER from AMBER ROSE and 4 BEERS from RHINEGEIST BREWERY

Visit the Haunted Amber Rose for this Food Adventure

—COURSE 1: Sausage, Potato and Sauerkraut Pierogies and German Bier Cheese Dip

—COURSE 2: Beef Rouladen (rolled) with Roasted, Rustic Vegetables

—COURSE 3: Apple Cinnamon Smoked Pork Chop with German Potato & Bavarian Hash

—COURSE 4: Cherry Almond Bread Pudding

Each course will be paired with a Rhinegeist Beer:

—BEER 1: “ALICE” a Belgium Style Ale

—BEER 2: “EXUM” a Pale Ale

—BEER 3: “HUGH” an Oktoberfest brew

—BEER 4: “STEVE” a Dark Lager

Parasense – Paranormal Investigator Team – Alicia, Shelly and Kat

WHAT ELSE: A special presentation from a local paranormal investigative team with national exposure, called PARASENSE. ParaSense will be sharing their findings from numerous overnight ghost hunts from 2015 and 2016. NEW FINDINGS, NEW GOOSEBUMPS !

COST: $35 per person includes the tip ! Tickets are PRE-PAY and ONLY AVAILABLE at THIS LINK. This event has always sold out and will be limited to 100 people.

EACH ATTENDEE GETS A FREE RHINEGEIST PINT GLASS !

ALICE from Rhinegeist Brewery

*****The party continues after the event, downstairs at the bar with “Happy Hour” pricing*****

As many of you may know, The Amber Rose is supposedly a haunted venue. The ghost is believed to be the daughter of the former house owner. She is a playful ghost named Genevieve Ksiezopolski aka “Chickie.” Employees have many stories of glasses flying off of shelves, lights being turned on and even the appearance of a poltergeist. Take for example this case, where a cook claimed to see a full apparition of a lady in a long dress who walked into the room, then turned and walked away. When the frightened cook alerted the staff, they quickly pulled the security surveillance camera footage. What they saw at the same time the cook claimed to encounter the ghost was this: click to see video

Who is Haunting the Amber Rose? Some think it is this lady….

A local, three person “ghost hunter” crew will be investigating the Amber Rose facility in the weeks leading up to the dinner. They have appeared on on National Television! Their work has been featured in“America’s Most Haunted,” “My Ghost Story”, and Haunted Ohio VI. Independent Paranormal Investigators Kat Powell and Shelly Suittor met in 1999 as tour guides for the Ohio State Reformatory, Prospect Place, and Snow Hill Country Club. Teaming up with Alicia Soich in 2012, they’ve logged hundreds of hours of field research and private investigations across the state.

What will their findings be? Will they be contacted by “Chickie” or some other poltergeist? Join us and find out ! And stay for the Happy Hour after party at the bar !

BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE! TICKETS ARE PRE-PAY ONLY! LIMITED SEATING!

Browse the photos below…

“LIKE” FOOD ADVENTURES on FACEBOOK HERE !

Sausages Locally made

1400 Valley street – is it HAUNTED>>>

Bier Cheese Dip

Cut into a sausage with some sweet kraut

Staff at the Amber Rose make the whole experience

Beautiful upstairs area

wave hi

excellent food

Chef JT, Joe from Amber Rose and Trevor from Rhinegeist

Lucky guy

Pondering ghost evidence

Serving

Amber Rose Food

Bar upstairs

Happy Hour here “after party”

Fast Food’s 5 Monster Burgers

September 7, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

The Super Big Boy from Frisch’s is the Best

Food Adventures leaves no plate unturned. We eat it all and have no rules. Sure, most of our stories highlight locally owned eateries with food that we have fallen in love with. From time to time we will go off track and do our tongue in cheek take on chain restaurants, or in this case the dreaded “fast food chains”

Fast food is a guilty pleasure for many, and a way to grab a quick bite in a pinch…. even these chains go crazy touting deals or big specials. Today, we go all out and try some of their biggest creations and we don’t count a calorie. These are the “Monsters of the Meatway” if you will. These are the “Big Daddys of the burger industry,” and we aren’t afraid to rank ’em in order. They are the always huge, sometimes sloppy, sandwiches that will never have you asking “where’s the beef?’

Sit back, loosen your belt, and indulge on these must eats. Food

The Double Whopper from Burger King is a good one

Adventures presents the jaw dropping, must eat, top 5 “monster” burgers of the fast food industry:

FAST FOOD’S 5 MONSTER BURGERS:

1) “THE SUPER BIG BOY” at FRISCH’S RESTAURANTS:
The supersized version of the American favorite “Big Boy” burger. This one has the same amount of cheese, but 2 bigger patties, more lettuce and most imporantly, more of that unbelievable Frisch’s tartar sauce. It is a 1/2 pound of beef on the signature double decker bun, and it aims to please. It does just that and makes the grade as our #1 pick!

The Triple Cheeseburger from Wendy’s

2) “THE DOUBLE WHOPPER SANDWICH” from BURGER KING:
Another giant version of a popular burger, the flame broiled “double whopper” is a very filling sandwich. Over the year’s the regular whopper has been shrinking in size. This burger is a push back towards yesteryear. The hearty, sesame seed bun finally gets challenged and does the job, strongly holding the lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, cheese and mayo together. The secret to this sandwich is the griled taste that is unmatched in the fast food world.

3) “DAVE’S TRIPLE CHEESEBURGER” at WENDY’S:
Not one, not two, but THREE patties, each one weighing a quarter of a pound make up this masterpiece. This “brick of beef” is packed with cheese and loaded with lettuce, tomato, mayo, pickles, ketchup, and onion. The soft bun holds this massive monster together. This sandwich is bursting with flavor but is not for the squeamish, as it has the most amount of meat in our list.

4) “THE BIG BUFORD” from RALLY’S:

The Big Buford from Rally’s

Two “seasoned and seared” beef patties on a bun with all the fixins. That means cheese, mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes and onions served on a premium, sesame seed bun. Grab a napkin, this fast food freakshow likes to drip condiments on your hands and shirt. Probably the most bang for your buck on the list, as Rally’s is known for good prices. It is a Food Adventure on a bun.

5) “THE 2/3rd POUND MONSTER THICKBURGER with CHEESE” from HARDEE’S:
We were surprised to find out this burger had the word “monster” in its name. It must be fate, so it rounds out our list. This is the only “bacon burger” on our list. It features two 1/3 lb. charbroiled 100% Black Angus beef patties, 4 strips of bacon, 3 slices of American cheese and mayonnaise. The bun is heralded as “fresh baked.” It doesn’t matter though because the lack of condiments on this one makes the burger pretty much uneatable. This sandwich is just all meat, no toppings. Pretty gross unless you are a pure carnivore.

Hardee’s Monster Thickburger – just gross…

There you have it. The “plumpest patties on a bun,” the “biggest boys of the drive thru” ranked in order.

How did we do? Did we nail it, or did we leave out one of the gargantuan bundles of meat on a bun?

Give us your feedback and remember this list was for FAST FOOD chains only ….

Did you have enough to eat? Still hungry for more? Then “like” the Food Adventure Crew on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Join the 7,000 fans following Chef House, Hungry Jax and the Big Ragu. We are not food critics, we are Food Adventurers. We just love to eat.

Also, remember to check out our weekly featured articles on MostMetro.com

Super Big Boy from Frischs with sauce seeping out…

Frisch’s Big Boy

Home of the Whopper

Double Whopper

Hardees sucks

All that was on the Hardee’s Thickburger was bacon, cheese and 1/4 tsp of “secret sauce” that wasn’t noticeable

Big Buford from Rally’s

Wendy’s Triple Cheeseburger – WOW

The Super Big Boy from Frischs !

Montgomery County Fair Starts Wed- Ticket Giveaway!

August 29, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Sweet Tea Booth on a Hot Fair Afternoon

Smell the funnel cakes? Hear the kids on the ferris wheel? It can only mean one thing. It is that time of year again for the Montgomery County Fair. And oh yes, this is one heck of a place for a Food Adventure. For 164 years, Daytonians have been packing the fair for food and fun. The event will be held in the same place as always, although local level talks about moving the fairgrounds in a couple of years continue to swirl.

So… Corn Dog lovers unite, this is your type of festival. Farmers, carnival rides and special events will fill an action packed week at the corner of Main Street, at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds.

HERE’S THE SKINNY on THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIR:

Blackberry Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream

— WHERE: 1043 South Main Street, Dayton, Ohio 45409 (It is on South Main between Stewart and Apple Streets).

— WHEN: Wednesday August 31st – Monday September 5th (8am- 10pm, except Monday ends 8pm)

— COST: $8 per person, ages 6 and under are free

— WHAT: There will be swine, and horse races. There are pie and cake auctions. The fair even has live music, sheep judging and goat judging! Rabbits, poultry, kiddie tractor pulls, a demolition derby, garden club and the list goes on an on.

The DONUT GRILLED CHEESE – incredible

— FULL SCHEDULE: For a list of EVERYTHING going on and to find what tickles your fancy, click on the link below.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

MostMetro.com Ticket GiveAway:

A VIP PRIZE PACKAGE For 4 (value $236)
4 $20 Ride Vouchers
4 $10 Food Vouchers
4 Cotton Candy Vouchers ($16 value)
4 Weekly Passes ($100 value)

For a chance to win you must like this story, leave us a comment below about what you like best about the fair and share this story on your Facebook page (tagging MostMetro.com so we can see it!) We’ll name our winner Wed night 8/31/16.

But this is a Food Adventure, so we will concentrate on the eats you gotta try. Take it from us and our patented “Must Eats.”

MUST EATS at the MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIR:

Wings from Dave’s Concessions

— THE ASIAN CHICKEN WINGS at DAVE’S CONCESSIONS: You can’t miss the huge “Broasted Chicken and Broasted Potatoes” sign that drapes this amazing booth. Also, a huge grill teases the crowd with incredible aromas of chicken cooking. But the thing to get here is the Chicken Wings. Deep fried, served whole and drenched in any sauce you can’t go wrong. Our suggestion is get the Asian Sauce.

— THE DONUT GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH at THE GOURMET GRILLED CHEESE BOOTH: A glazed donut with cheese, pan grilled and with pickles and tomatoes. It is sweet and a tad salty, but surprisingly good! This kind of stuff is what Food

The 164th Annual Montgomery County Fair will start 8/31/16

Adventures are made of ….

— THE BLACKBERRY COBBLER from JEAN’S HOME COOKING: Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this literally made our day. It was like being transported to your grandma’s house and the cobbler had just come out of the oven. Get lost in this dish, and take in the taste. The warm cobbler and the sun, melt the ice cream slowly for a creamy experience. We promise you will be impressed.

Just Announced:
Free admission for lunch 11am to 1pm Wed thru Friday

— THE HUGE SWEET TEA’S: It is gonna be warm and humid, and nothing zaps that like an ice cold sweet tea. They have a 99 cent size and a huge ass mega size. Get the biggest one they have … you will kneel with thanks for this day saving item.

Horse Barn #17

Follow the food related antics of The Food Adventure Crew: Chef House, Big Ragu and Hungry Jax as they open and explore every nook and cranny of Dayton related foodstuffs. Are you a foodie? Our Facebook site is your Graceland! – CLICK HERE TO “LIKE OUR PAGE”

The Big Ragu versus a Donut Grilled Cheese

Cattleman Goods

Rides !

Great atmosphere

Go here for the best wings at the fair ..

Incredible Home Style Cooking at Jean’s Booth

Smell the flavors of the Montgomery County Fair this coming week

Cassano’s to Open London Bobby On Old Hickory Site

August 26, 2016 By Dayton937 1 Comment

London Bobby is back on Main Street

One legendary restaurant site, will turn into another legend this winter. The site of the new Cassano’s / London Bobby Fish & Chips will be at 4029 N. Main St. in Dayton. Food Adventures has learned that the site will not only be a new Cassano’s, but they are planning on offering an entire London Bobby Fish & Chips Menu.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The new restaurant is expected to open in the October/November time frame.

— The site is on the grounds of the recently demolished Old Hickory Restaurant at 4029 N. Main St. in Dayton.

London Bobby Fish and Chips

— For you nostalgic Daytonians who remember the London Bobby Fish & Chips around town in the 1970’s and 80’s, this will bring back some memories.

— Bringing back the London Bobby brand is a plan that Vic Cassano Jr. had before his passing. The next generation of Cassano family is seeing that vision through as a tribute to him. It is also a great rebirth of a Dayton favorite, and welcome news to many Miami Valley residents.

The new Cassano’s will offer all of your pizza favorites and even cassini sandwiches, calzones and the subs you’ve grown to love. But let’s take a look at what will be a part of the London Bobby menu.

If you can’t wait for the opening, visit the Stroop Rd. Cassano’s location or the store in Trenton, Ohio for your London Bobby fix.

SO .. royal subjects…. Hear ye, hear ye ! Your majesty the Pizza King and Food Adventures announce the patented London Bobby “Must Eats”

FUTURE MUST EATS at THE NEW LONDON BOBBY on N. MAIN STREET.

The Big Cheese Pizza will be on the menu too !

— THE FISH AND CHIPS : Three pieces of battered fish, fries, two hushpuppies and cole slaw. Splash on some vinegar to make it “authentic,” old chap.

— EXTRA ORDER OF HUSHPUPPIES: Avoid fighting or wishing you had more.. order about 8 extra like we do and watch the hands grab!

— BASKET OF ONION RINGS: Beer battered and cooked to order.

— THE FISH SANDWICH: This delicious beer battered treat is

Flaky fish, splash it with vinegar to go old school, fool !

perfect for on the go.

So there you have it … you have Italy and England in one spot. Your fave Big Cheese Pizza isnt going anywhere, you just may be tempted to order some fish as well. Congratulations to the Cassano family, Sharon, Lora, Chris and Chip. Thank you for bringing back a lost piece of Dayton.

Browse the photos below and feel free to comment at the bottom and share your memories.

Hushpuppies – get some extra , so there’s no fighting

For more original photos and content “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE. 7,000 fans cant be wrong.

Food Adventures is a blog run by 3 local foodies. You can expect a feature article every week on MostMetro, year round. Together Hungry Jax, Chef House and the Big Ragu explore Dayton’s greatest foods. From farmers markets, to fine dining, we eat it all. Look for our dinner events, festival appearances and upcoming cooking classes on our website www.DaytonFoodies.com. Since 2008, turning over every plate !

Until then .. tally ho .. carry on… Mr Watson I presume and all that stuff…