Big Ragu

Here Comes Big Brews and Blues!

May 17, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Drink up and help Dayton Diabetes

Big Brews and Blues for Diabetes, is back! 2016 marks the 7^th annual fundraiser, and it is going to be bigger and better than ever. The event features incredible blues music, and dozens of beers to taste. Dayton Most Metro will host one of the booths and will be pouring beers into the night… Food Adventures is proud to again be participating in the event.

Chef House, The Big Ragu and Hungry Jax love this event because 100% of the proceeds go to Dayton Diabetes. This is the blues and beer festival you want to support, because of where the money goes and because it is for a great cause.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

—WHEN: Big Brews and Blues is Saturday May 21^st from 5-9 PM with a VIP hour from 4-5pm

—WHERE: Five Rivers MetroPark’s RiverScape Pavillion

Funky Blues, with a Horn Section

— WHY: To raise money for Dayton Diabetes while having a great time.

— COST: $35 presale

$40 at the door for regular admission

$50 for VIP admission, which gets you in one hour earlier, plus some additional tasting tickets.

Tickets are available on-line at www.bigbrewsandblues.com

THE BLUES:

4p-6pm Jimmy D. Rogers

6:15p-7:15p Micah Kesselring

7:45p-9p Shake n’ The New Senders

And emceed by Earl “Southside’ Hayes

THE BREWS:

— ALL BEERS ARE DRAUGHT BEERS

— ALL BEERS ARE AMERICAN CRAFT BEERS

— ALL OF THE LOCAL BREWERIES WILL BE REPRESENTED !

Rain or Shine – we will be pouring !

— There will be multiple CASK BEERS and LIMITED RELEASE BEERS

MUST EATS:

— BOSTON’S BISTRO and PUB: We have never had anything here we didnt like…

— BOURBON STREET GRILL: Get the Bourbon Chicken

— HEART’S HOT DOGS: The Chicago Style Hot Dog and The Steak Burger

— PITA POCKETS: Get the Gyro !

— THE ORIGINAL PIZZA FACTORY: Whether you get the Pepperoni or the Deluxe, you will have a nice thick slice on your hands.

Saturday’s Big Brews and Blues not enough for you??

Then get your thirsty mug to these related events for

American Craft Beer Week in Dayton (We love Craft Beer)

Tuesday, May 17th: It’s Taco Tuesday at Pour Haus. Starts at 5 pm.

Wednesday, May 18th: The American IPA Showcase at The Barrel House. Starts at 5 pm.

Thursday, May 19th: Ohio Beer Spotlight at Dayton Beer Company featuring MadTree, FatHeads, Jackie O’s, Dayton Beer Company, and others. Starts at 5 pm.

Friday, May 20th: Big Brews and Blues Pre-party at Boston’s Bistro & Pub, featuring Hungarian food. Starts at 6:00pm.

Brew it up with Food Adventures each and every day by “liking” us on Facebook by clicking here. No rules, no food critics, just serious eats and original photos! We leave no plate unturned!

Chef House serving up a thirsty customer

The Big Ragu Welcomes you to Fantasy Island

Chef House and the Big Ragu

The Goose is loose !

wasssup

Sold out of beer !

It is like the Olympiad, but for ,music and beer

We have been goin for years !

He’s got those blues !

Dogs, diabetes, Dayton

BBQ

Thank you Dave Boston !

cincy brew

MostMetro #1 –

Whippet good

So Good

Pins and Beers

Try em all

this guy was loving life

Blues Live

Clowns allowed

Matt Harris – and friend

Danger Brothers to Headline Garlic Fest

May 10, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

The Danger Brothers invade Dayton – Free Concert at Garlic Fest July 17th !

EXCLUSIVE SCOOP ! The familiar band that Ohio State Buckeye fans love to cheer on Lane Avenue’s beloved “Hiney Gate” will make a rare Dayton performance at the 2nd Annual GARLIC FEST this summer. The concert is FREE and beer trucks will be on hand!

The legendary band from Columbus, “THE DANGER BROTHERS,” will be rocking the Bella Villa Hall at 2625 County Line Rd, outdoors on July 17th from 5pm-9pm. Prepare to be wowed by a fun crowd. They promise to play some new and old tunes. Be a part of one of the biggest Hang On Sloopy “O–H–I–O” chants in Dayton history, but come for the classic rock.. and the FOOD VENDORS, BEER and BOCCE TOURNAMENT!

Garlic Fest at Bella Villa Hall, 2526 County Line Rd

The Danger Brother’s are just part of the festivities at the July 17th Garlic Fest which will includes Food Vendors, like Giovanni’s, Mamma DiSalvo’s, Gyro Palace, Scratch, Voltzy’s, Sweet Pi’s and more to be announced, preparing Garlic inspired dishes, adult beverages from Heidelberg Distributing, and the Bocce Classic tournament championships. Applications are now being accepted for the King/Queen of Garlic Fest. Students 16-24 are eligible to apply and winner will receive a $1000 scholarship.
Apply online.

If you are familiar with the Danger Brother’s epic Pre-Party and After Party concerts for Ohio State Football games, then you know what a good time you are in for…. Thousands flock the streets to see these guys and celebrate!

The Food Adventures Crew, Dayton Most Metro, and the Sons of Italy are happy to have snagged The Danger Brothers for this event. We are beyond excited. Whether you are an Ohio State fan or not, the energy these guys emit and the fun-loving crowds make for a great time. Feel free to bring lawn chairs if you like for the concert.

The Danger Brothers are Coming to Your Town, DAYTON !

Jackie “Hungry Jax” Scanlan will be hosting a free garlic cooking demo with food samples at 1pm. Chef LeeAnne House is doing another original cooking demo with free samples at 3pm. Finally, the Big Ragu be hosting a Garlic Peeling and Eating Contest at 4:30pm

After that, the Danger Brothers hit the stage, and the beer will be flowing!

The GARLIC FEST runs from noon-9pm and food and drink will be available all day. From The Bocce Classic Tournament to the Garlic Queen, there will be so much to see and eat, so come out! Admission is FREE! The concert is FREE ! Unfortunately, due to liability reasons, no pets are allowed at the fest.

Rock out to good Miami Valley food all the time, by adding a “like” to Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here. We are originals with passion for Dayton food!

80’s and Classic Rock n Roll, Beer and Garlic Food !

Garlic, Rock, Brews and Bocce !!

Hang on Sloopy !!!

Danger Brothers – Rocking the house !

The invasion happens SUNDAY JULY 17th !!

THE BAD JUAN: A Dayton Legend

May 5, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Outside of the Kettering Elsa’s

Hey Gringo, looking to tie one on during Cinco De Mayo? Then take a sip of a true Food Adventure in a glass. Oh yes, the legendary Bad Juan margarita served exclusively at Elsa’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantinas around town.

Whether on the rocks or frozen, salt or no-salt, every Daytonian has a “Bad Juan” story about themselves or a friend. Hungry Jax, Chef House and The Big Ragu are no different. We have had to push stumbling pals into backseats of cars, or help lift some drunky pants ladies into the back of an SUV after a couple of these drinks. We have felt the wrath of Juan ourselves, having numb lips and the buzz that suddenly creeps up on you with this devilish drink.

Let’s be candid, Bad Juans are a Dayton icon. This badass drink even has its own website, badjuan.com. Here is some more on the man, the myth, the legend.. BAD JUAN !

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Since 1981, Bad Juans have been served frozen or on the rocks. They also come in a few flavor variations, but the original Bad Juan remains the most popular.

—Elsa’s has various locations in Centerville, Kettering and Dayton

A Bad Juan on the Rocks: The Legend

— Rumors have swirled about the ingredients. People have been trying to figure out the recipe for years. Food Adventures may have some inside scoop on the recipe, and although we can’t post it here, we can give you some info. Our inside source tells us that the Bad Juan is made up of only 3 secret ingredients: Triple Sec, Tequila and Lime Juice. We cannot tell you the brands used or the amounts. We can, however, confirm that Mountain Dew is NOT an ingredient, so lets finally put that rumor to bed.

— We believe the secret to the great taste is not only in the ingredients, but in the preparation. The Bad Juan’s are constantly mixed in those plastic, see-through drink machines you are used to seeing at convenient stores or food counters. The thorough mixing of ingredients in these machines blend the drink into that perfect drunken mixture.

— Elsa’s does limit the amount of Bad Juans that a customer can consume (usually 2 or 3 depending on your server). However, urban legends and tall tales have surfaced about people drinking a couple mini pitchers of Bad Juans, or somehow downing a half dozen of them unbeknownst to their waiter or waitress.

— You can even buy Bad Juans in the store, bottled. Yes, by the bottle in liquor and grocery stores from as far away as Covington, Kentucky’s famous Party Source. The bottled drink is 21 percent alcohol, or 42 proof. We believe that the in-house version mixed at the restaurants is a little higher than that. Heidelberg Distributors stats confirm that Bad Juans hold the all-time distributor record for the fastest selling new product.

Time for a breakdown of the baddest drink to grace the Gem City… here is our patented.. “Must Drinks”

MUST DRINKS:

— BAD JUAN on THE ROCKS: Simple, pure and lethal. This is for the heavy hitters who like to get down to business and gulp ’em down. They are however served with a tiny straw and a lime wedge for those who like to sip these slowly and savor the experience.

— FROZEN BAD JUAN: The chilled, traditional version of the legend are just as strong as the ones on the rocks. Served with a lime, it is curiously tasty when the mixture begins to melt. If you drink these too fast, beware of ‘brain freeze’ or a condition known as drunky pants.

— STRAWBERRY FROZEN BAD JUAN: Not big on tequila or margaritas? This flavored Bad Juan masks the alcohol taste, and is probably our favorite version of the iconic drink. Give it a try, we bet you like it! It is also available on the rocks for you purists.

— BLUE JUAN: This holiday season is a good time to give one of these a try. You may have a blue Christmas without it. It has a great taste and is available on the rocks only.

Honorable Mention: The Raspberry Bad Juan, the Watermelon Bad Juan and the calorie conscious “Skinny Juan”

THE BIG JUAN DEBATE: FROZEN OR ON THE ROCKS???

Miami Valley residents have long debated whether Bad Juans are better frozen or on the rocks. For the most part, guys tend to have them on the rocks, while girls seem to prefer the frozen margaritas. But we say…. hell, try them all and get a designated driver.

DO YOU HAVE A GOOD BAD JUAN STORY?? PLEASE COMMENT BELOW!

Have an opinion on Bad Juan? Be heard and post it below !

After more than 30 years Elsa’s is still having fun, and this drink is “Still the Juan.”

ARE YOU A DAYTON FOODIE ?? Then “like” FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook by clicking HERE !! 6500 fans can’t be wrong !

Blue Juan and a Frozen Bad Juan

The Myth, the Legend – want Juan ?

Watermelon Margarita with all the trimmings

This will spin your mind – Tequila, Lime Juice and Triple Sec

The usual suspects

Blue Juan – hello, lover

Bad Juans make people crazy !

Frozen Strawberry Bad Juan – it is the only way the come…

Saleted or unsalted rim ?

The New Archer’s Tavern in Kettering

May 3, 2016 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Inside the cleared out dining room

EXCLUSIVE! Drywall is being demolished. New equipment is being installed. Things are just beginning to take shape at Archer’s Tavern’s second location, soon to be opened in Kettering. The new restaurant will be where the old Tumbleweed restaurant was located on Dorothy Lane. Food Adventures has the first peek inside the renovations, you won’t see anywhere else. And one thing is for sure… this restaurant is gonna be big, both in size and excitement.

The ownership team of Dan Apolito, Mike Fullenkamp and Scott Dorsten are bringing their winning formula across town, but for now, they have been putting some sweat equity into the project. Most of the work so far has been done in the kitchen area. Hammering and tossing of scrap material can be heard on any given day, and the owners aren’t shy on grabbing tools themselves, and diving in on the teardown.

It isn’t hard to imagine the new location being packed with new fans of their burgers, pizza, wings, beer selection and so much more. Being across from Delco Park, “Archers’s 2” is a perfect place for that “after softball game” dinner and drinks. Archer’s Tavern’s reputation is good food and reasonable prices, from their salads to their chili, the menu is delicious.

Want the scoop on the new location? ONLY FOOD ADVENTURES HAS THIS EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEEK!

Dan Apolito & Mike Fullenkamp taking Archers to a new level

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— ARCHER’S KETTERING will be located at 2030 E Dorothy Lane

— The new location will bring that same signature menu that the crowds in Centerville have grown to love over the past 5 years.

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

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

— The seating area will be much larger than the Centerville restaurant

— The owners plan to open the eatery in July, given that the permits and construction finish on schedule.

MUST EATS:

—SWEET and SEXY WINGS: You wont hear about these on any other food site, because they aren’t on the menu… it is a special request. Sweet and Sexy Wings 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 assembled Sticky Burger

— THE STICKY BURGER: A burger with peanut butter on it? YES! The result is a unique taste, reminiscent of a Thai Peanut Sauce. This burger is the Big Ragu’s Favorite. It also comes with bacon and smoked pepper jack cheese. This is a curiously good burger that you won’t soon forget.

— THE CHILI – They have a chili cookoff each year, and the winner gets their chili on the menu. In other words, it is the best of the best. You gotta get a cup of this chili, great flavor and zing guaranteed !

— THE TACO PIZZA: Muey Bueno ...They use enchilada sauce for the pizza sauce. They add taco beef, cheddar and Monterey cheeses, onion, tomatoes, jalapenos and cilantro. Hot, spicy and ooh so nicey!

— THE MARGHERITA PIZZA: Fresh Mozzarella and a smooth tomato sauce is the key to this pizza. Fresh basil leaves and Roma tomatoes top off this vegetarian pie nicely. We cant believe we ate the whole thing!

— 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.

— ARCHER’S BREAD PUDDING: Made with Bill’s Donuts… need we say more?

Honorable Mention: The Gourmet Grilled Cheese – omg… the dijon mustard is brilliant and makes the sandwich, as does the buttery bread and chewy cheese combo.

Food Adventures is excited for this next chapter in the lives of Archer’s ownership. They give a lot back to the community, and we wish them continued success.

SPEAKING OF HELPING THE COMMUNITY, TOMORROW WE FOLLOW UP THIS STORY WITH A CHARITY EVENT THAT ARCHER’S HAS HELPED ORGANIZE THAT NEEDS YOUR HELP !!

Do you know the Food Adventures Crew? The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax would like to take a minute and invite you to “like” them on Facebook by clicking HERE. From food photos, to restaurant events around Dayton, our blog is a foodie’s paradise.

Sweet & Sexy Wings – special order them – they arent on the menu

Opening in July 2016, Archer’s Kettering !

Clearing out the old Tumbleweed decor

Kitchen prep/ Office area

Transformation

Taco Pizza , Senorita !

Gourmet Grilled Cheese

Redecorating

“Sexy Wings” – Dry rub with Spicy Garlic Sauce !

Chili – always a winner here

Sticky Burger – see the peanut butter ??

Boarding up the kitchen areas

Big Ragu and a Sticky burger

A Philly done right !!!

The Margherita Pizza

Taco Pizza – Archers does it hot and good

More Cheesey than a Soap Opera !

LaRosa’s 40+ Year Spaghetti Pigout Tradition

April 27, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

All you Can Eat Spaghetti Mon & Tues at LaRosa’s

LaRosa’s Family Pizzeria has had the best dinner deal in town, for four decades. It is called “Spaghetti a Plenty” Nights. We decided to revisit this weekly special and see if it is still “bowling” folks over.

We found out, kids love it, grown ups love it.. so what’s going on here?

Oodles and oodles of noodles… enough for several Food Adventures, that’s what’s going on here. It is a chance to indulge at a nominal price.

Since the 1970’s LaRosa’s has been serving up the Monday and Tuesday “All-You-Can-Eat” Spaghetti deal for adults and for kids. The Big Ragu remembers those 70’s nights in Centerville and Lebanon taking advantage of the special treat. If you love pasta, this place has been the mecca for your craving at the beginning of each week. It is a tradition to “pig out” and loosen your belt after the meal….

Do you love your spaghetti with chunky marinara sauce, full of tomatoes? Or are you the meat sauce type, even loving a big old meatball in the middle of your spun noodles. This dinner has all the fixings and is crazy cheap. How Cheap? 99 cents cheap for kids and $5.19 for adults. From the Oregano to the Parmesan, this night will have you and your family dancing in your booth seats.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Looks like it is Meatball Mania on this Food Adventure

WHAT: “SPAGHETTI-A-PLENTY” NIGHTS at LaROSA’S PIZZERIA.. it’s ALL-U-CAN-EAT Spaghetti! Capeesh?

WHEN: MONDAY and TUESDAY’s from 4pm – close.

COST: 99cents for kids, $5.19 for adults. (Sometimes they charge you $1 for meat sauce)

Ok , so The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House have super secret codes and we are gonna share with you the way to get the most of this special if you are a pasta lover. We will channel your inner Italian …especially like the Italian in us!

ROUND 1: DINNER SALAD – This isn’t your typical “side salad.” They are generous with shredded mozzarella, covering your mixed greens plate, and serving your favorite dressing on the side. Dig it, it is cold, refreshing and delicious. Even served with an olive or 2, make sure you shake, shake shake some of that Parmesan cheese on top.

ROUND 2: SPAGHETTI WITH TOMATO SAUCE: Order this first. A big portion, how we like it, with a LOT of sauce. Buddy LaRosa’s own family recipe of sauce, that has stood the test for 6 decades. Ask for the TEXAS TOAST here and work it into your noodle spinning. Did we forget to mention.. sprinkle the oregano, hot pepper, and Parmesan cheese on your “Sketty Mountain.”

Salad Included.. Do it up !

ROUND 3: SPAGHETTI with MEAT SAUCE: Finish strong, even asking for a meatball in the middle. They serve this and other “refills” as half portions. So hey, deal with it… meaty, so good. Ask for the BREADSTICKS option on this round, so you take advantage of all the amenities

**NOTE: Your kids don’t like sauce? No problem! They have a butter sauce available, so the noodles are served plain… go ahead, if you want it this way, put your “lunch hooks” in the air and wave…

That’s our system, after this you are on your own. You could keep going, ordering more servings or eat forkfuls off your kids plates and a pound of spaghetti like Hungry Jax. Another option is spill half of it down your chest like The Big Ragu, leaving stains as memories of past Food Adventures.

Want something besides spaghetti? Well we have a few patented “Must Eats” that you want to sink your teeth into. And away we go ….

Pepperoni Pizza – it put Kings Island on the International food map

MUST EATS: (BESIDES SPAGHETTI A PLENTY)

— PEPPERONI PIZZA: Why just pepperoni? Because it is the pizza that put Kings Island on the International food map. Come on, the pizza tastes so good. Whether you are sitting in a wet bathing suit on a bench after “Waterworks” water park, or in a booth with your favorite pizza pal.

— GARLIC FRIES: Dripping with freshly minced garlic and butter, what’s not to love. Your breath might be rank, but your mouth will be smiling.

— LASAGNA: A brick of lasagna, smothered in sauce and cheese. Try it and get lost in gooey, cheesey, saucy heaven. A labor of love, brought to you by Buddy LaRosa.

But this week it was all about the spaghetti. It was about fork spinnin, sauce drippin’, bread dippin’ good eats. “Spaghetti A Plenty” is a CHEAP, fun way to get the family together. It has been going on for 40 years.. why don’t you stop at LaRosa’s Pizzeria and see why ? See you at tables….

Chef House says follow Food Adventures on INSTAGRAM HERE if you know whats good for you. Be a Facebook fan with our entourage of foodies by clicking HERE

All you want, endless “Spaghetti A Plenty”

Forkfull

Menu shot

Tomato Sauce

Big Ragu and his ancestor ????

Pepperoni Pie

Garlic Fries

Fun for the whole family

Meat Sauce.. but of courrrse !

Breadstick for dipping, CHECK !

Buddy Larosa

The Starch Stare

Hungry Jax and her daughters run on PASTA POWER !

Meat Sauce

We love our breadsticks

Hangry? Get Texas Toast

Get to twirling

Hello Mr bubbly

Cheese , PLEASE

I see a MEATBALL on top…

Lasagna – ohh baby

The Three Wiseman of LaRosas

Fresh, cold, crisp

10 Course Food Adventure at North China

April 23, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Crab Rangoon and Honey Teriyaki Chicken Wings

We don’t monkey around. Everyone who knows us, know we do things original and right.

Today, we announce one of the biggest and boldest Food Adventure dinners yet…. and it just happens to be at one of our favorite spots. North China Restaurant in Centerville will host the “Year of the Monkey” Celebration dinner, with 10 courses of food !

Since 1987, North China Restaurant has been pleasing Dayton area foodies, with tastes of Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine. May 19th they team up with our crew for an epic eating extravaganza! From appetizers to entrees, this “Year of the Monkey Dinner” promises to be a throwback to 80’s Chinese American restaurants, with a touch of family style dining.

Tickets are PRE-PAY only and can only be bought online at this link —> CLICK HERE. There is limited seating, so get your tickets before we sell out.

Just what kind of Food Adventure have we come up with? Let’s get the scoop…

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Mongolian Chicken

— WHAT: 10 Course Food Adventure Dinner Event at North China Restaurant

— WHERE: 6090 Far Hills Ave, Centerville, OH 45459, next to Woodbourne Library.

— WHEN: 6:30pm THURSDAY MAY 19th

— WHY: Celebrating “The Year of the Monkey” … and a chance to eat some good food!

— COST $29 per person & includes tip. Water and Hot Tea included. Alcohol and Soft Drinks, additional cost.

TICKETS CAN ONLY BE BOUGHT ONLINE—> CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS

How are your chopstick skills? It doesn’t matter, because you will get forks and spoons too… so get ready here are the 10 courses of MUST EATS during the Year of the Monkey !

TEN COURSES OF MUST EATS AT NORTH CHINA: (sorry, no substitutions)

Top of the Entrance to a Dayton Original

1) SIZZLING RICE SOUP: A light brothed soup with vegetables, rice and chicken. A perfect start to awaken your taste buds and senses.

2) EGG ROLL: The best in Dayton, bar none. Handmade, hand rolled, and stuffed with pork, cabbage and a touch of peanut dust.

3) CRAB RANGOON: Handmade, on site, this cheesey goodness should be dipped in sweet and sour sauce with a dash of soy sauce.

4) HONEY TERIYAKI GLAZED CHICKEN WING: The delicate sweetness, the savory deep fried morsels…. ’nuff said

5) MU SHU PORK: A wrapped “Chinese burrito,” The wrapper is rubbed with a plum and hoisin sauce, and pork and vegetables are added, and the “tortilla” is gently wrapped and served. One of the most special delicacy attractions at North China.

Crispy Shrimp Entree

6) MONGOLIAN CHICKEN ENTREE: North China’s best selling dish. Prepare to become addicted.

7) CRISPY SHRIMP ENTREE: Deep Fried Shrimp, in a sweet and spicy, yellowish, brown sauce.

8) PEPPER STEAK ENTREE: Sauteed beef slices with onions and green peppers

9) KUNG PAO CHICKEN ENTREE: Cubed, stir fried chicken in a slightly spicy brown sauce

10) SHRIMP WITH VEGETABLE ENTREE: A lighter dish, served with broccoli, snow peas, water chestnuts and bamboo shoots.

Entrees will be served with STEAMED WHITE RICE and shared family style.

Dinner will end with the all familiar fortune cookie… which will probably say “you just ate too much on a Food Adventure.”

Chef House, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu will be passing out door prizes, t-shirts, gift certificates and more.

Please join us for this epic Food Adventure celebrating “The Year of the Monkey” at North China Restaurant.

Join the 6,200 Foodies in the Dayton area following Food Adventures on Facebook, “like” us HERE.

“We are not food critics, we are just three people who love to eat at Dayton’s best spots. No Rules!”

Soy, Sweet N Sour, Hot Mustard, & Tea – your accessories!

Sizzling Rice Soup

2016 : The Year of the Monkey

Pot Sticker.. pot steeeeka !

The greatest egg rolls in the world

Hand Made Crab Rangoon

Mu shu Pork

Sign of good things coming

Pot Stickers – so good

North China never dissapoints

Mongolian Chicken

Entrance to Food Adventure Bliss

Shrimp and Lobster Sauce

Crab Rangoon

Chicken and Broccoli

Happy Family Dish

Hot Tea

GarlicFest Returns with Bocce Classic July 15-17th

April 19, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Eddie “Boom Boom” takes a bocce break to eat Bella Sorella Pizza

The faint smell of garlic is in the air! Today being National Garlic Day, it gives Dayton Most Metro the perfect opportunity to announce that GarlicFest is returning this summer to the Sons of Italy’s Bella Villa Hall. We are again partnering with the John Pirelli Lodge for this popular event. Food Adventures is honored to be helping with the festivities. The same weekend also features the annual bocce ball tournament called the “Bocce Classic,” which is in its 22nd year.

The Bella Villa Hall venue is located at 2625 County Line Rd. in Beavercreek, the same place the Italian Fall Festa is held.

The big weekend will feature:
A huge Food Truck Rally Friday, July 15th
The Bocce Classic Tournament, July 16 -17th
The Garlic Festival, Sunday July 17th.

One new attraction will see local celebs, and Up Dayton groups square off Friday Night, July 15th in a “Beginner Bocce Bash.” A Single elimination bocce tournament with cash prizes for the top 3 teams. Just $40/team to enter.

The weekend will be filled with Food Vendors, Garlic Vendors, and Craft Vendors. There will be a booth for the deep fried “Holy Cannoli.”

There will be soft drinks, beer, and more. There will be bocce ball, and the Garlic King and Queen. Chef House and Hungry Jax from Food Adventures, will be hosting cooking demos with garlic inside the hall. Weezy’s Garlic, Spices and More will be there with all kinds of garlic goodies for you to buy! Don’t forget the Garlic Eating Contest with host the Big Ragu and a Live Band !

With so much to do and so much to eat, you may have to make a couple of trips back during the weekend….

Some of the food vendors we are expecting over the weekend are:

Garlic Fest and Live Music

Zombie Dogz
Bella Sorella Pizza
Horseless Buggy Food Truck
Wicked Wich of Dayton Food Truck
Giovanni’s Restaurant
Brixx Ice Co.
Mama DiSalvos Restaurant
El Meson Restaurant
Mohawk Freestyle Burger Food Truck
Amber Rose Restaurant
The Hamburger Wagon
Hunger Paynes Food Truck
Voltzy’s
Jimmie’s Ladder 11 Streatery
Sweet P’s Ice Pops
Painted Pepper Food Truck
Gyro Palace
The Spicy Olive Olive Oil Store
The Texas Beef and Cattle Company

We will announce more vendors as they confirm….

Weekend of July 15 – 17th

HERE’S THE SKINNY for the

Timeline of the GarlicFest / Bocce Classic Weeekend:

FRIDAY , JULY 15th

5pm – 9pm: SONS OF ITALY FOOD TRUCK RALLY – 15 trucks, live music, adult beverages

6pm – 9pm: “BEGINNER BOCCE BASH” with LOCAL CELEBS and hosted by “UpDayton”
(Want to enter a team for the local celeb tournament, email [email protected] or call 937-380-6723)

SATURDAY , JULY 16^th

9am – 5pm: BOCCE CLASSIC Tournament opening rounds. (Signup at BocceClassic.com)

9am – 5pm: Concession Booth of Pizza, Meatball Sandwiches, Italian Sausages
from the John Pirelli Lodge/Sons of Italy

Bocce Finals

5pm – 7pm: Dinner from Outback Steakhouse

7pm – 11pm: Bocce Tournament continues

SUNDAY , JULY 17^th

9am: BOCCE CLASSIC tournament continues all day til 6:30pm Championships
(signup at www.BocceClassic.com)

Noon – 8pm: GARLICFEST – 15 Food Vendors, Craft Vendors, Garlic Vendors,
Pop, Beer,

1pm: Cooking Demo featuring a garlic recipe by Jackie “Hungry Jax” Scanlan, from Food Adventures, inside the Bella Villa Hall

Garlic Chicken from Scratch Catering

3pm: Cooking Demo featuring a garlic recipe by Chef LeeAnne House, from Food Adventures, inside the Bella Villa Hall

5pm: Garlic Eating Contest with The Big Ragu as emcee

5:30PM – 8PM: Live Band

So, mark your calendar for the weekend of July 15-17, and bring your breath mints. Stretch out your bocce arm enjoy

Come out to get your garlic fix that weekend and play some bocce ball . Below are photos from last year’s GarlicFest and Bocce Classic. Please check them out…

Feel free to follow Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Ohhhh the food ! Amber Rose dessert

Beer Trucks

Garlic Feta and tomatoes

Cannoli

Cooking Demo

crowd

bocce ball courts

Garlic Eating contest

Grounds

Voltzys Garlic Burger

Submarine House Crowns Champ, Announces Expansion

April 17, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Andrew Oakes, 2016 Super Duper Cheesesteak Champ

A big crowd watched the Super Duper Cheesesteak finals Saturday afternoon at The Beavercreek Submarine House. Of course your source for Dayton food scoop, Food Adventures was on hand. After an hour of build up, they brought out the cheesesteaks like the Star Wars “Imperial March.”

The crowd grew silent, the judges looked at the stopwatch.. and GO.. the contest was on. Nine Champions from each individual Submarine House store around Dayton, were now facing each other in an “eat-off” that has become an annual tradition.

The Super Duper Cheesesteak Challenge is where you must eat a 16 inch long Super Duper Cheesesteak in under 16 minutes.

“Super Duper” in Submarine House language means a 16 inch cheesesteak with triple the meat, triple the cheese, and the “works” toppings. The works is onions, mushrooms & peppers cooked with the steak, mushrooms, and topped with cheese, mayo, lettuce, tomato and hot pepper relish.

NO SUBSTITUTIONS, NO CHANGES, you must eat the sandwich “as is.” This challenge is a true Food Adventure! Not for the squeamish, this contest is fast paced. Don’t blink, or you could miss the finish !

As the nine contestants took their first bites, 3 leaders emerged, 2015 champ Aaron Smith, 2013 champ Andrew Oakes and 2014 champ Clayton Naylor. They chomped, they chewed, and almost spewed, but instead washed it down intermittently with water.

Now the scoop on what happened next…..

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Submarine House’s 16 Inch Super Duper Cheesesteak

— The Super Duper Cheesesteak Challenge benefits Dayton’s Children’s Hospital. The Submarine House owners, Jason and Brody Danner, started the event by presenting a check in excess of $15,000 to the hospital’s charity fund. What an incredible donation.

— Andray Simmons, a young man who is the goodwill ambassador from Dayton Children’s Hospital was introduced to the crowd. Andray is battling sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder. He thanked the crowd for the charity support, and the whole place erupted in applause. A touching moment for the crowd and Andray, who was there with his family.

— More money was given away as they drew a $500, $1,000 and $10,000 cash prize for 3 different, lucky Submarine House customers! It was insane!

Chef House Judging the contest with the Paparazzi everywhere

— Then came the eating contest… Judging the contest were Chef House and the Big Ragu from Food Adventures, Lisa Grigsby from Dayton Dining, Brian Jarvis from Beavercreek City Council, WHIO’s Larry Hansgen, K99’s Frye Guy, and finally Sallie Taylor, Zac Pitts, and Katie Kenney from Living Dayton TV show.

— The winner was …. ANDREW OAKES, from the Centerville store, with a time of 1 minute, 36seconds. Andrew becomes the first ever “two time” champ. A close second was Clayton Naylor and close third was Aaron Smith. Both men were literally a few seconds away from winning. Trophies were passed out, photos were taken, and interviews made.

— SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Jason and Brody Danner shared the information with us, and Larry Hansgen announced to the crowd… Submarine House will be EXPANDING. The Centerville Submarine House is moving to a larger location on 725 where the old Blockbuster Video was located. There will be a Submarine House opening up in Huber Heights in the old Fifth Third branch at 5376 Taylorsville Road. (((BOOM! A Food Adventure is gonna take place there soon !)))

So that’s it folks, another year of cheesesteaks in the record books.

As the fans and “paparazzi” left the building, we all promised to do it again next year. In the meantime, order a Super Duper Cheesesteak for yourself. There is a reason they call it “16 inches of heaven.”

Promise us that you will check out the photos below from the event, and follow Food Adventures on Facebook, by clicking HERE.. Dayton’s #1 food blog for restaurant photos, dinner events, TV spots, festival fun, charity events, cooking classes and Food Adventures like this one… from Beers to Bananas Foster, we eat it all.. no rules.

Submarine House owner’s Brody and Jason present Children’s Hospital with a $15,600 check

It’s official, Chef House declares 2016 Submarine Champ Andrew Oakes

Are you rrrready ???

Chef House, Andrew Oakes and the Big Ragu

Hungry contestents

Andrew Oakes and Ambassador from Children’s Hospital, Andray Simmons

Andray Simmons, Dayton Children’s Hospital’s Goodwill Ambassador addresses the crowd

The new champ is interviewed by WHIO’s Larry Hansgen

The Big Ragu eyeballs just HALF of a Super Duper Cheesesteak !

Super Duper Cheesesteak Finals, Saturday !

April 15, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

16inch Super Duper Cheesesteak

2016 clash of the cheesesteak champs, climaxes this Saturday at 1pm at the Beavercreek store. The battle to see who can eat a 16 inch Super Duper Cheeseseak the fastest is a day away, and you are invited to come watch the devastation!

The individual store champions are set. The judges are set, the cooks are ready, the grill is hot and the buns are warming.

Last year’s champ Aaron Smith looks to retain his title from 2015, where he ate the sandwich in mere 89 seconds. Dayton Most Metro’s Food Adventures Crew was there last year and will be there again judging for the 4th year in a row. Chef House and the Big Ragu will join K99 radio personality The Frye Guy, Beavercreek Mayor Brian Jarvis, and Living Dayton’s hosts Katie Kenney, Zak Pitts and Sallie Taylor and Lisa Grigsby from DaytonDining to decide the winner. The Champ will get check for $1,000 plus their name on the Cheesesteak Championship Belt.

The event ends with an incredible donation presentation to Dayton’s Children’s Hospital, which was over $15,000 last year. There is also a $10,000 prize drawing at the contest from the entries collected in 2016. Submarine House is a great company, who gives back to Dayton and deserves our patronage, plus their cheesesteaks kick some serious butt.

Come out and watch the fun, it is usually standing room only, but you gotta see this! Stay afterward for your own Food Adventure and try a cheesesteak for yourself, or many of the other popular sandwiches, pizzas and more on the menu.

SEE YOU THERE for CHEESESTEAKS, CHARITY and MORE !

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Aaron Smith set the record in 2015 by eating one in 89 seconds

WHAT: The Super Duper Cheesesteak Championship Finals

WHEN: SATURDAY, APRIL 16th at 1pm

WHERE: The Submarine House, 3195 Dayton Xenia Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45434

WHY: Proceeds of the cheesteak challenge benefit Dayton Children’s Hospital

Hang out with Food Adventures Crew at Submarine House after the contest, and grab some drinks and grub.. we will be autographing sub buns and lettuce for our fans…

Here is one “Must Eat” you should know about on this special day!

MUST EATS:

— THE 16INCH SUPER DUPER CHEESESTEAK: Dubbed “16 inches of heaven.” It is a cheesesteak with triple the meat and cheese, tossed and grilled with peppers, mushrooms and onions, then topped with the works (lettuce, tomato, spices, mayo, hot pepper relish), all on a 16 inch sub bun. If you have not tried this sandwich – it is a Dayton Icon and a MUST EAT. It is DELICIOUS ! Not a big eater? Get the 8inch version and find cheesesteak bliss.

See you Saturday ! Are you a Dayton Foodie? Then follow our everyday Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here.

Like us on Facebook, love us in your hearts ….

Donation to Dayton Childrens Hospital 2015

How fast can you eat this ?

Some hangry contestants

Gooey cheese

16 inches of heaven

full sub

Ragu takes the challenge

cooking em up in Centerville

Super Duper

Champ !

Hungry Jax, Big Ragu and 2015 Champ Aaron Smith !

Chef House will be a judge !

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s a Donut !

April 14, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Look, over at Centerville Stadium, caped superheros of all sorts are descending on the track for a 5k / 10k Walk/Run this Saturday, April 16th! They are able to leap a dozen pretzel donuts in a single bound. They are the runners/walkers for this special event.

Dubbed the “Bill’s Donut Superhero Run,” this walk/run event is for kids and adults. Most importantly it benefits a local charity, the Dayton, Ohio Affiliate Chapter of “A Special Wish Foundation, Inc.,” covering Montgomery, Darke, Mercer, Miami, Greene & Shelby Counties.

The event allows families to participate together, or just kids, or just adults. Who is your favorite super hero? Green Lantern? The Flash? Wonder Woman? Who will you dress up as?

Join the fun and come dressed as your favorite super hero. Kids go crazy for this stuff, and what a fun way to promote healthy exercise in their lives. You even get to have some world famous Bill’s Donuts after the race, as well as Mikesells chips, bananas, and grilled hot dogs. What a fun Food Adventure!

Super heroes get hungry too, ya know. Plenty of bottled water will be available for re-hydration of our super powers after the race.

What is your favorite donut? Blueberry? Long Johns? Persian Nuts? Maybe even stop by for more Bill’s Donuts on the way home, around the corner from the stadium.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

The Legendary Bill’s Pretzel Donut

— WHAT: BILL’S DONUTS SUPERHERO RUN,

Option for 1 mile KIDS FUN RUN, 5k walk/Run, or 10k walk/run

— WHEN: SATURDAY, APRIL 16th

7:30am – Check in

9:00am – Kids Fun Run

9:15am – 10K begins

9:30am – 5K Walk/Run begins

— WHAT ELSE: Donuts and other items will be handed out after the race.

— WHERE: CENTERVILLE FOOTBALL STADIUM – 500 E Franklin St, Dayton, OH 45459

— COST: Day-of registration: 10K : $50, 5K : $40, Fun Run : $15.

Thank you to the Elam family, who own Bill’s Donuts, for hosting the event !

— Have a super hero shirt or costume? Wear it !

This is one of the most fun and entertaining local races of the year. Come out and walk, run, or just people watch. Bring the kids and sign them up for the fun run, it is an absolute riot to see some of the youngsters in their “super hero” alter egos. Kudos to Bill’s Donuts, the Elam family, A Special Wish staff, and all the sponsors for helping out the charity “A Special Wish Foundation, Inc.”

The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House will be in attendance volunteering passing out donuts, and even participating in the walk/run. Come join the Food Adventures Crew and hundreds of others.

For more of the best eats Dayton has to offer, join the thousands following FOOD ADVENTURES by clicking HERE.

GO !

A little vanilla frosting on top

Super Heroes !

Wolver-Cream

Chips and Donuts

Familiar Faces

Even heroes need a break

Incredibles!

Iconic

Butterscotch

Dogs are cooking !

Family fun on the kid run !

Bacon Maple Donut

Lunch from a Gas Station?

April 14, 2016 By Bryan Suddith

When I lived in Baton Rouge it was common knowledge that the best Boudin Sausage could be found at a roadside gas station on Airline Highway between the capital city and New Orleans. Last year in Kansas City I had the best “burnt ends” at Joe’s. Joe’s is a working gas station where the line for BBQ is an hour long most afternoons. It should have been no surprise that the best Fried Chicken in Kettering can be found at Town and Country Shell Gas Station on the corner of Far Hills and Stroop Road.

For months, I have kept this little bit of information to myself. Great fried chicken and potato wedges that surpass everyday fast food offerings. Krispy Krunchy Chicken also serves up great wings, fried fish and cajun season fried shrimp. I casually mentioned that this fried food haven was now filling growlers with local beers to the Food Adventures Crew and my secret was out.

I unofficially joined the Food Adventures Crew this week and hosted them at my favorite gas station. Hungry Jax, Chef House and the Big Ragu joined me for lunch and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. Ragu had the wings, both the bbq and buffalo, as well as the traditional breaded whole wings. Chef House was the most cautious, but with the help of her Housemade Thai Spiced Hot Honey she was quickly on board with the fried chicken fingers. Hungry Jax brought the kids and they approved of the chicken fingers and Mac & Cheese. I stuck to the Cajun fried chicken. We arrived at the end of the lunch hour and the fries were in short supply, so I opted for a side of Jambalaya.

The chicken was cooked perfectly. Crispy flavorful coating and moist and slightly spicy chicken underneath. As a former Louisiana resident I can say the Jambalaya, sausage and chicken, was as authentic as I have found anywhere in Ohio. Two forks up for the spicy rice dish served inside a gas station.

The highlight of the lunch came in two parts. Chef House brought an empty 1/2 growler and

filled up with Warped Wing’s Gamma Bomb for only $8.00. Gamma Bomb is their American IPA and it really worked with spicy chicken. At 92 IBU it was a bit hoppier than I like but fit the bill for a lunch hour drink. The second surprise was the complimentary honey cheddar biscuit that comes with every order. The Big Ragu was a happy camper when he found the biscuit in his bag atop the wings. The biscuit is sweet and savory all in one buttery bite. This biscuit is almost a sweet dessert after the spicy chicken.

A two piece lunch with a side, biscuit, and fountain drink runs about $7.50. Fish and shrimp options can be a little pricier. Family packs and lunch portions are both available. There are only a half dozen seats in the station, but this food is perfect to grab for home or work when in a hurry. With 16 beers on tap and their own growlers for sale it is easy to find a beer to accompany lunch or dinner. You will find Dayton area favorites like Warped Wing, Toxic Brew and Yellow Springs Brewery as well as Rhinegeist, Mad Tree and my personal favorite, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, on tap for a glass, sampler flight or a growler to go.

If you find yourself south of town at lunch or in need of a quick grab to take home to the family, keep Town and Country Shell Station in mind. Sometimes the most unlikely of spots offer exactly what you are looking for. Order an extra biscuit. You’ll thank me later.

Find them on Facebook or on the web for a full menu and hours.

Mobile Boutique Makes Its Debut

April 13, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Owner Jacquie and her Mobile “Bon Voyage Boutique”

Dayton Most Metro has exclusive first scoop on a new mobile boutique that is ready for business.

“Bon Voyage Boutique” will bring Dayton’s first Airstream brand mobile shopping boutique to the masses. In recent years, mobile boutiques have become more popular. Owner Jacquie Powell has been obsessed with this concept for a while. She had searched and searched for the perfect mobile unit. Jacquie found the Airstream in August after searching all over Ohio, North Carolina, and Indiana.

Ready for business

Then the work began. Her and her team gutted it down to the studs. While Jacquie did much of the work, she used local carpenter Ryan Spencer to transform into a the Airstream into a shop. Ashley Powell of Luken Interiors was in charge of design. Finally, Brett Walker from Asher’s Car Detail, has polished the “camper.” Jacquie told us there are many people to give credit to, that helped make her dream come true.

Bon Voyage Boutique will feature women’s fashions purchased in New York during fashion shows. From clothing and shoes, to jewelry and accessories, the selection will be fun and fashionable. Jacquie makes sure all the products are American made. She chose only to carry American made because as a retailer she feels it is her responsibility to provide ethically sourced and eco friendly fashion. Eventually, Bon Voyage Boutique would like to become a “fair trade company,” meaning their products are socially and environmentally sustainable. Jacquie’s goal is to spread awareness about the fashion industry and the effects it has globally.

Bon Voyage is currently booking private parties, also doing rallies and festivals in the Dayton/Cincinnati area.

BOOK YOUR EVENT by calling 937-422-6284 or visit Bon Voyage Boutique on Facebook HERE.

Gather with friends at the boutique for a private, fun wine party, or boost a fundraiser. What a great way to get “impossible to find” fashions from New York City. Keep your eyes out for Bon Voyage Boutique, rolling to a fashion party near you !

Fashions from New York City Fashion Shows

Trying on Fashions

Dayton Inspires another business !

Inside the boutique, first glance

Shopping for mechandise

Jacquie Powell, owner of Bon Voyage

Insulate

The beginnings of the stocked merchandise

construction

Inside

Interior construction

Under construction

see you soon !

Time to gut the Airstream

Memorial Concert Tonight at Soft Rock Cafe

April 9, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Fabulous DeBonte Brothers Rock it Out

November 4, 2012 just after midnight, families worlds changed forever. Skylar Kooken, just 16 years old, and two of her friends, Sophie and Julianna, passed away in a car accident. Skylar’s mom, Kelli, and her family and friends have decided to take this tragedy, and make a positive influence on the community with a scholarship fund in her honor.

Tonight, Saturday April 9th, at Soft Rock Cafe at 877 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd, a benefit will be held for this fund.

The benefit will include raffle prizes, silent auction items, drink specials and more. Food Adventures suggests ordering some of Soft Rock’s famous pizza? The wings are good and of course the band is terrific.

Pizza at Soft Rock Cafe in Centerville

One of the features of the night is local favorite band “The Fabulous Debonte Brothers.” They will be playing rock and 80’s tunes throughout the night. There is a $5 cover charge that will go directly to the Skylar Kooken Memorial Fund.
The Skylar Kooken Memorial Fund is awarded to graduating seniors from Bellbrook High School.

If you are unable to make the event, but would like to donate, heres how:

Mail a check to:
Bellbrook-Sugarcreek School – c/o Kevin Liming
3757 Upper Bellbrook Rd. Bellbrook, OH 45305
Checks should be made payable to: BSEF .
Skylar Kooken Fund must be written in the memo line.
EIN: 31-1751001 (for tax purposes)

For more info please visit www.IloveUmore.com

Stay tuned to Food Adventures, for all the scoop on Miami Valley food events. Follow Hungry Jax, The Big Ragu and Chef House on Facebook by clicking HERE.

A Dayton Woman, & Her Macarons!

April 5, 2016 By Dayton937 2 Comments

Katia, Owner of Redémarrage Patisserie

This is the story of a meticulous, local foodie, who developed an obsession with the French Macaron, and took matters into her own hands. Her name is Katia, and she is the owner of a local baking business, called “Redémarrage Patisserie.” She grew up in Beavercreek and being of Lebanese descent she is familiar with good food and parties. She also loves to travel. In other words, she is a Food Adventurer in her own right.

After visiting various pastry shops like Laduree in New York, a fascination with macarons evolved. After trips to Paris, she found more macarons and fell deeper in love with them.

When Katia returned to Dayton, she tried to introduce her friends to macarons, but the local options were either non-existent or not authentic. She researched macarons, the baking, and for a couple years tweaked and narrowed down her distinct recipe. Pretty soon, Katia had her own baking business and named it Redémarrage Patisserie.

They were at the Sweet Treats Festival and invited the Food Adventures Crew to a private tasting… and we are big fans.

Authentic French Macarons

These French Macaron cookies are like nothing we have ever tried before. So, what goes into making these authentic treats, which are some the best macarons for miles around?

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— What is a French macaron? It is part cookie, part cake, part pastry. These delicate, artsy morsels are hard to describe. Authentic macarons are identified through a hallmark along the filling and cookie called “feet.” Macarons should also have an eggshell like crunch when you bite into them. It should lightly shatter in your mouth. Non-crunch, means not authentic macarons.

— The recipes at Redémarrage Patisserie have to be exact. But that is ok, because Katia admits she has a streak of OCD in her. It is as much about chemistry as it is about baking. Her products are gluten free and have only 5 ingredients: Egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, almond flour, and filling.

— Katia has gone to great lengths to get the humidity levels in her home baking area just right, so the environment works for making macarons. It is all about climate control, and she has the dehumidifiers to prove it!

A Coffee Flavored Macaron

— The macarons are little pieces of delicate art. Some have brushed artwork on the cookie cover. All are meticulously crafted into different flavors. They are definitely a hand held Food Adventure. So much work goes into creating them, you almost feel guilty eating them… and then you taste them and your guilt fades away.

— Redémarrage Patisserie typically sells the macarons for $2 each. They are perfect for weddings, wedding showers, baby showers, birthday parties, and any event you want to class up, or impress your friends and family. Katia suggests ordering between 1 to 3 flavors, and recommends the macarons be eaten within 24 hours, so they stay true to form.

Delicious Works of Art

— The best way to place your orders is to call (937) 838-2503, you can also contact them through Facebook HERE. The Patisserie is also in discussions with various corporations about possible distribution deals. You may see them more accessible in the future at a store near you! The outlook is bright for this passionate, local owner!

We were lucky enough to try a sampling of the various macaron flavors and we have to share our favorites. So without further delay, Food Adventures presents their “Must Eat” macarons from Redémarrage Patisserie.

Strawberry Macaroons

MUST EATS:

— COFFEE FLAVORED MACARON: So delicate, yet the flavor takes over in a good way. Creamy and dreamy, this macaron is a Must Eat if there ever was one.

— VANILLA BOURBON MACARON: You can make your own Bourbon Trail without leaving Dayton. Just place a few of these macarons on a plate, and you will hear the accolades. Rich, and filled with full deep flavor, this one is a winner.

— STRAWBERRY MACARONS: Wait for it.. crunch! and yep, the surprise taste of strawberry jam inside. Light and delicious, this macaron could be a favorite of any person with taste buds.

Inside the Macaron

Food Adventures has done it again. We have found yet another little known gem in the Gem City. Family owned, and so well run, we expect to hear big things in the coming months about Redémarrage Patisserie. Call them now and order these one-of-a-kind, authentic creations for yourselves.

Bringing you the best in Dayton food since 2008, join the 6,300 foodies following Hungry Jax, The Big Ragu and Chef House, on Facebook by clicking HERE. We are so much more than a free Instagram account !

We are not Food Critics, we are just 3 people that love to eat !

Vanilla Bourbon

Perfect for Weddings and Showers

Katia’s excitement is infectious

My goodness !

Redémarrage Patisserie for authentic French Macarons

Vanilla Macaron

Artwork galore

Hallmarks of a macaron include the “feet”

3 Places to “Hop to” on the Adult Easter Weekend Trail

March 24, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Adrienne’s White Rabbit Lounge in Centerville

Adults need a break too. Kids can’t have all the fun this Easter. Today, Food Adventures suggests 3 Dayton area spots to go rabid.. errr rabbit on this weekend. They each have something in common. Can you guess what?

Let’s hop to it…..

— ADRIENNE’S WHITE RABBIT LOUNGE: This place is sure to be a future feature on “Dive Bar Tuesday” with Brian Petro. Have you ever been to a bar, where the whole place is .. well the bar? This is one of those places. It is a no-nonsense watering hole. It is a drinking person’s bar. The staff is friendly and the regulars are welcoming too. The drink prices are very cheap and some of the canned beer specials are amazing. Adrienne’s White Rabbit is located in a shopping center at 889 S. Main Street in Centerville. It is a perfect place for a happy hour after a long work day. Want a MUST DRINK this Easter weekend? This time of year, they are known for a PEEP SHOT. Yep, your shot may have a couple of the marshmallow bunny peeps hanging on the rim of the glass. How is that for unwinding? We suggest you start out your Friday evening here, this weekend….

Hairless Hare Brewery in Vandalia has some Great Beers

— HAIRLESS HARE BREWERY: Good beer, brewed on site, is the hallmark for this Easter weekend stop at 738 W. National Rd in Vandalia. The MUST DRINKS here are KICK BACK KOLSCH, AMERICAN ALE, BELGIAN HARE, T-DAWG AMBER ALE and SHADY RIVER WHEAT. Owners Matt Harris, Mike Legg and brewmaster Tony Dawes push the flavor envelope every month with new creations. The Hairless Hare also has some MUST EATS, the PIZZA. Homemade dough and premium toppings like salmon, are the reason these pizzas are unforgettable.

Speaking of unforgettable, do we have one for you, featuring Hairless Hare beers…. Chef House, Hungry Jax and the Big Ragu are excited for an upcoming Food Adventure dinner on April 1st at Company 7 BBQ featuring 5 food courses and 4 Hairless Hare Beers. Did you know you get all that and tip included for $25? Tickets are pre sale only and available at this LINK. Get your seat before they sell out !

— BUNNY’S HASTY TASTY PANCAKE HOUSE: Ok, this is The Big Ragu’s entry, so humor him. Bunny’s Hasty Tasty Pancake House at 3509 Linden Ave. is a Dayton icon. For the last 64 years, this place has been a staple in the Miami Valley. From the waitress BETTY who has worked there since 1974, to their comfort food, The Hasty Tasty Pancake House is one of a kind. We suggest you hit this place Saturday morning or Saturday 9pm and get PANCAKES as the MUST EAT, to soak up the weekend alcohol from the other 2 places. Want a different route? Another MUST EAT deal is the Friday night all you can eat fish fry for $8.25.

So there you go, 3 stops on the Adult Bunny Trail, this Easter weekend. Drink up, eat up and don’t overdo or you may oversleep through the Easter egg hunt!

Are you a foodie? Then Food Adventures is the Dayton blog for you. Each week, Food Adventures has a weekly article, featured right here on Dayton Most Metro. You can also follow Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE. Original dinner events, original food photos, the most thorough food blog, original festivals, original website, original cooking classes, original articles, charity events, tv spots..

Bunnys Hasty Tasty Pancake House

All you want fish on Fridays Hasty Tasty 8.25

Pizza from Hairless Hare

Hairless Hare Beer Menu

Vandalia’s Brewery

Mike, Tony and Matt from Hairless Hare

The star of the Hasty Tasty Pancake House for 64 years

White Rabbit’s Peep Shot

Pour me a Hairless Hare Brew !

Dayton’s Chef Showdown Champ Named

March 20, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

There was sizzle, drizzle, sear and even a little bit of fire when nine of Dayton’s premiere Chef’s went head to head in a Chopped inspired “Chef Showdown” Saturday. With three qualifying rounds on Saturday, chefs had 20 minutes to turn a mystery basket with 4 ingredients into a winning dish at the Dayton Home and Garden Show at the Dayton Convention Center.

On the Kroger stage, event emcee Jim Bucher helped introduce the mystery baskets, created by event producer Lisa Grigsby, of Dayton Most Metro. Basket one included Lychee Nuts, Chicken, canned spinach and cranberry cinnamon goat cheese. Chefs were able to supplement their appeizer with ingredients from the Kroger pantry.

The contest judges, brought in from Dayton Most Metro included: Kevin Rankin, Laura Rea, Duane Myers, Ann Roberts and Steve “Big Ragu” Milano

Local culinary fans packed the room where the competition took place at 11am, 1pm and 3pm respectively, and the results are in….

ROUND 1 WRAP UP:

Chef Candace Rinke, from Hawthorn Grill won round one with her chicken appetizer on a pita triangle. She barely edged out 2 other delicious chicken creations. One from Chef David Glynn, of Dayton Country Club, who incorporated numerous ingredients into a large chicken dish, and Chef Aaron Braun of Meadowlark who wowed the judges with his bacon wrapped chicken and goat cheese.

Chef Rinke’s Winning Chicken on Pita Appetizer

ROUND 2 WRAP UP:

Chef Mariah Gahagan, from Lily’s Bistro was victorious in round 2 with a salmon dish that flowed with a perfect melody of flavor, from edge to edge with greens and avocados. Close behind was Chef Richard Roberts, of De’Lish Cafe, who made a salmon pita appetizer with swiss cheese, and used a blow torch for a carmelized smoky flavor. Chef Crystal Coppock, from Wheat Penny also made it a tight race, with her salmon seared on spinach, with bamboo shoots, but as timer buzzed she realized her Tamarind sauce (one of the required ingredients), which was absolutely killer- according to the judges, didn’t make her plates.

ROUND 3 WRAP UP:

Scratch Catering owner Chef Matt Hayden took the winning honors in the final round in an epic battle that included a temporary flare up of flames. Using scallops, Matt concocted a deep fried fritter (Indian Pakora) with an amazing Indian influenced Tandoori sauce. Following close behind was Chef LeeAnne House, from HouseMade Sauces. LeeAnne’s appetizer was a colorful combo of sauteed greens, peppers and veggies with scallops on bruschetta. Also keeping the contest close was Chef Nathan Vance from Salar Restaurant, who

Round 2 of the Chef Showdown: Chef Gahagan, Chef Coppock and Chef Roberts

wowed the crowd with his unshakable concentration during the hectic round. Nathan’s creation included placing the scallops over greens, with some sauteed veggie and a delicious sauce drizzle.

SUNDAY’S CHEF SHOWDOWN FINALS:

At 1pm today at the DAYTON HOME AND GARDEN SHOW at the Convention Center, the three advancing chefs met up for a final round of competition. This time around they had 25 minutes to turn 5 mystery ingredients into an entree. As the clock started, it was revealed that shrimp, black beans, asparagus, canned peaches and canned tomatoes were the base for the meal.

Just a few minutes into cooking Chef Mariah’s burner malfunctioned and Chef Matt left his station to assist here, and Chef Candice reached over to pull Chef Matt’s saute pan off the fire, so his food didn’t burn. This sense of teamwork, even in the middle of a competition, just exemplifies the character of our local culinary community.

Judges Ann Roberts, a local foodie, Alexis Larsen of the DAI and writer for Dayton Daily News and Executive Chef Don Warfe of Christopher’s spent a good 10 minutes, tasting and deliberating and commenting on the expertise of the entrees from all the chefs. Warfe, who spent time on tv for Gordon Ramsey’s” Kitchen Nightmares” questioned the chefs about the use of ingredients and complimented the flavors of the food. Larsen shared she “was impressed with the ability of the trio to turn canned ingredients we often have in our pantry to fresh tasting, flavorful meals.” Ann Roberts had the honor of announcing that the “bread salad” created by Hawthorn Grill Chef/Owner Candace Rinke won her the title of Chef Showdown Championship and $500 cash from the Dayton Home & Garden Show.