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By Dayton937
By Lisa Grigsby
Chris Hunter spent 17 years in prison on a non-violent drug charge, and spent his time cooking in prison kitchens. With hard word and earned time for good behavior he was released early this past May. He quickly got a job working at Butter Cafe. After working there a few months, he approached Amy, the owner, about being able to do a pop up business out of the building, similar to how Isiah Davis of The Cookieologist launched his business. Chris has been eager to use his second chance, to share the flavorful soul food he loves to cook.
He’s operating a pop-up shop operating out of the Butter Cafe kitchen on Brown Street. You can pick up your orders out of the window on the south sided of the building from 4-9pm everyday except Tuesday.
His menu includes nachos, chicken and pepperoni stromboli, pork chop platters and sides like fresh collard greens, baked macaroni and cheese, fried cabbage and A New Soul rice. Chris shared he’ll soonbe adding fried catfish to the menu.
1106 Brown Street,
Dayton, OH 45409
937-672-0048
Open for carryout daily from 4-9 pm
(Closed Tuesdays)
If you can’t make it by the restaurant, you can also order via Door Dash.
The Chicken Monterey at Flavors
Now that Labor Day weekend is over, here are some of OUR labor of loves.. tastefully speaking, of course. That is the theme of this week’s Food Adventure Article They are the 30 best foods of the Miami Valley that you probably haven’t tried.
Little known Dayton Foods that are underground classics.
Now that you know the skinny, let’s get down and dirty with our Thirty.
These are the are the 30 DAYTON MUST EATS You gotta Try, Before You Die:
1) THE SPLIT FILET SERVED WITH DRAWN BUTTER at THE PARAGON: This steak isn’t on the menu, so you have to request it. It is a little known secret that will melt in your mouth. Perfectly cooked, the sinful act of dipping the steak in drawn butter is something for royalty. Try it and see why the Paragon Supper Club is a fixture in Centerville.
2) CHICKEN MONTEREY from FLAVORS: Healthy meets savory in this dish. Honestly, one of our favorite meals in the Dayton area. The food is consistent. Why? Quality, fresh ingredients. Chicken Monterey is a solid dish every time. It is served with a side of tortilla chips and the amazing garlic sauce (now available at Dorothy Lane Market). And guess what, it is a healthy meal. What more can you ask for ?
The Caroline Steak, at The Caroline Restaurant in Troy
3) SPRING ROLLS WITH VERMICELLI NOODLES at LITTLE SAIGON: The best $8 you will ever spend. Dip into the giant bowl with a pair of chopsticks and enter a Food Adventure. Vermicelli noodles, topped with diced, vegetarian spring rolls. Under the noodles, is a surprise of bean sprouts and lettuce. Served with a side of vinegar sauce and topped with chopped peanuts, this little know Dayton gem is your go to for Vietnamese Food.. Trust Us ….
4) THE CAROLINE STEAK at THE CAROLINE RESTAURANT: You will be in awe of the special, stainless steel knife served with the meal, but don’t take it home like some others have… Choose the handmade sweet potato fries as a side dish and an appetizer of whiskey or bourbon mushrooms, and this will be one of the best meals you will ever have. We have to mention that the great staff makes The Caroline a perfect places for a date, party, or special occasion.
5) BLACK BEAN BURGER at CHRISTOPHER’S RESTAURANT: We have never been black bean burger fans, until we met Chef John at the Centerville Farmer’s Market. We tried one that was being grilled at the market, and was converted. We respect the black bean now. The burger is large, hearty and filling. We recommend adding a slice of cheese. It satisfies your carnivorous cravings.
6) 10 EGG OMELET FROM TANKS: One of the things we learned growing up in Dayton, is that there aren’t many late night eateries. Thank God for Tanks. If you love breakfast, they serve it any time of the day. This is a delicious omelet that will bust your gut, and you wont eat the potatoes or toast that comes with it. If you have a normal appetite, we recommend the 6 egg girly omelet. The omelet has a multitude of ingredients, and whatever Tanks decides to throw in that day.
The Cheese and Onion Sandwich from Central Perc in Oakwood
7) GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH with WHITE CHEDDAR and APRICOT CHUTNEY from MEADOWLARK: One of the most simple sandwiches, is one of the most satisfying. Ohio Northern Cheddar and apricot chutney make this incredible cheese sandwich. Served on Dorothy Lane Market Artisan Bread, you have a guaranteed winner here. After you it it, you will find yourself trying to replicate it at home.
8) CHEESE AND ONION SANDWICH from CENTRAL PERC: For the adventurous, we give you a British Sandwich. How do you get one? Ask the owners who grew up in a small village in England to make it they way they way grew up with..ahem.. the “proper” way. They will probably throw some butter and Branston Pickle on there (you may want to google this pickle). Your breath will be horrendous, but you will be happy. On a side note, Rosie the pastry chef is insanely talented. An incredible sandwich and tea room that is open limited hours, and accepts Cash Only.
9) BLACK N BLEU BURGER from SEAJAX: The new kid on the block, this burger is a symphony for your taste buds. We have been all over like Terry’s Turf Club which was supposed to be the best Ohio burger per Guy Fieri, but we think this one is better. Spend $8 and get a “corporate hamburger” (thank you Michael R Hawk), or spend $10 and get a handmade hamburger with swirled bleu cheese that will knock your socks off.
Summer in a Bowl Salad from Olive, an Urban Dive
10) THE BOURBON BURGER from BRIXX ICE CO.: This is one of our favorite burgers in the world. It is a burger with bourbon glaze on it that makes you cry “hell yes.” Great patio for the divas, but we prefer the bar stool seats and chowing down. Thanks to childhood friend, owner/chef Chris Bhai for the developing a sauce that makes this burger a “must eat.”
11) HUEVOS RANCHEROS from SUNRISE CAFE: We crave this incredible breakfast dish from the best kept secret in Yellow Springs. The dish is corn tortillas, topped with eggs, and a black bean sauce, garnished with fresh salsa and sour cream. Dont go hiking, instead, grab breakfast here. They trumpet the fact that they have no deep fryers, no microwaves, just kick butt food. Worth the trip to organicville.
12) SUMMER IN A BOWL SALAD from OLIVE, an URBAN DIVE: Local freshness, local ingredients. We absolutely love it. If an artist made a salad, it would be “Summer in a Bowl.” We can’t put the ingredients on here, because the ingredients are seasonal. Olive, only uses top quality materials. Open your mouth and prepare to be dazzled. It wont bust your budget or your pant line.
13) CALAMARI APPETIZER at FRANCO’S: Get the deep fried option dusted with Parmesan cheese and olive oil. The Big Ragu, the king of fried food, usually says “Oh my god” in a over dramatic tone when they are served. This is a tradition, when preparing for a big Italian meal at Franco’s. Stay hungry my friends…
14) THE PAELLA from EL MESON: Watching them prepare it is half of the fun. Listening to owner Bill Castro explain his passion for food and the pivotal role food plays in life is a great experience in itself. Chef’s sprinkling rice and seafood shells while walking around the huge paella pan and flirting with the crowd. By the time the dish is served we have teased our eyes and the aroma is amazing. We love this family and their food. Try this place out, if you haven’t, you aren’t experiencing Dayton.
15) WHOLE, DEEP FRIED TILAPIA at TACO LOCO: You can go to another restaurant and get this dish for $30 or you can get it for $8 at Taco Loco. The dish that will freak your friends out, but leave you one happy foodie. If you can stomach a whole fish on your plate looking at you, then this one is worth the stares… literally. It is delicious and simple.
16) THE GRILLED PEACHES with GOAT CHEESE at LILY’s BISTRO: A seasonal treat that should be on the menu every month. A stellar dish that steals the show at any meal. Drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette dressing, this memorable side will blow your mind. Thank you Lily’s for making us crave this on a daily basis….
17) THE RAW OYSTERS at SWEENEY’s SEAFOOD HOUSE: The Big Ragu has tried oysters from coast to coast and north to south. He concludes that the best raw oysters on the planet are at Sweeney’s Seafood. Served on the half shell, these are chokers, not for the squeamish. Grab a bottle of hot sauce and one of their micro brews and sling em back like a champ!
18) SPINOZIAN DELUXE PIZZA from SPINOZA’S: Homemade, fresh dough with Italian sausage, pepperoni, black olives, bell peppers,mushrooms and fontina cheese. The pizza is always good here. The crust is exceptional. Pair it with one of their great salads and listen to a live band and sip on some local beer. Not many people know about this place, but the ones that do, love it!
19) THE LAND AND SEA BLT at HARVEST MOBILE FOOD TRUCK: This sandwich kick so much azz, that it won $10,000 for best dish at a Food Truck Rally. Applewood bacon, smoked salmon and a ciabatta roll. Then Harvest adds a sauce that is the money shot. Follow this truck and see why poeple track them down all over town. Chef Patrick continues to blow us away with cluinary creations.
20) LOX & CHEESE CREPE at CREPE BOHEME: An ingredient list so simple, so good. Salmon, capers and cheese all wrapped into a handmade crepe right before your eyes. One of the reason we go to 2nd St. Market is to savor the crepes at Crepe Boheme. Sabine is the ultimate crepe master, and her works of art will never let you down. This is the real deal, a chef making the crepes.
21) THE PARIS OMELET at BUTTER CAFE: Love breakfast? Love mushrooms? We suggest a spin using egg whites, goat cheese, a bit of onion and lot of mushrooms. You haven’t lived until you take a bite of this omelet while overlooking Brown Street. Guess what? It is affordable and a protein powered breakfast.
The Ruck Sandwich from Dublin Pub
22) SHRIMP and SCALLOP NEWBURG at THE DOCK: A creamy alfredo dish, with penne pasta. This is like a pasta bake. It is rich and delicious. Can’t afford a trip to Florida? Escape to The Dock in Enon and buy yourself a dinner dream, just like being on a pier.
23) THE RUCK from THE DUBLIN PUB: This is a dense beef brisket sandwich that is simply incredible. The brisket is steamed in Guinness Beer. Topped with glob of cheese and onions, it is delicious. It is a filling, guilty pleasure. After eating this, you may want to call Richard Simmons to chase you around the yard in his ball hugging shorts and burn off the calories. Or go hiking for his physique.
24) THE GYRO at CHICAGO GYRO’S and DOGS: Forget the fries, the sandwich is all you need. Loaded with meat, perfectly seasoned, it is a master piece as-is. The atmosphere used to be sketchy at the old location, but the new location is kid friendly. The gyros and dogs are still the same .. good food. This place flies under the radar, and is an unsung Gyro..get it ?
25) DEL MAR TRIO at EL RANCHO GRANDE: Want a great dish, at an unsuspecting place? The order the Del Mar Trio at El Rancho Grande. It consists of grilled lobster, tilapia and shrimp sprinkled with cheese on a hot fajita plate. Served with tortillas. Orgasmic.. yeah we said it.. Order one of these dishes and tell us we’re wrong.
26) COW PATTY ICE CREAM from YOUNG’S JERSEY DAIRY: We love this chocolate amazingness, and our friend Caryn Snyder says it is “the ultimate cure for PMS.” It is dark chocolate ice cream, chocolate cookie pieces, chocolate covered toffee pieces and mini chocolate chips. The cones are piled high and worth the drive to hippie Utopia.
27) THE PIZZA at SOFT ROCK CAFE: Yes, a karaoke bar has some decent pizza. We don’t know if it is the thin crust, the cheese, or the toppings, but the pizza is addicting. Our tip is to get at least 3 or more toppings, and try not to burn your mouth, the pies come out HOT! Also, *** please note their kitchen is only open Thursday through Saturday at 8pm for weekend indulgence.
28) FISH WITH CHILI SAUCE at THAI9: This huge filet of golden fried fish is topped with a spicy chili sauce, and plated with a small amount of sauteed veggies. The taste is slightly fiery and incredible. The chili oil soaks into the fish, yielding the flavor, but keeping the crispiness. A little known dish, off the beaten path, at a restaurant with a very extensive menu. Try it !
The Greatest Soft Pretzels EVER are at K & R Pretzel Bakery on Flesher St.
29) THE PLAYBOY ROLL at KABUKI: Nothing says fun like a couple of grown adults trying to blow out a flaming sushi roll. The roll contains Shrimp Tempura, Spicy tuna, and asparagus topped with cooked shrimp and a sweet glaze sauce. It is then “barbecued” at your table, by being served on fire, inside an aluminum pouch. The spectacle is one thing, but the best thing is whats inside the fiery roll of foil. The answer is a scrumptious taste of Japan, right here in Dayton.
30) THE PRETZELS from K&R PRETZEL BAKERY: These should be a Dayton Icon, but not many people know of this secret place at 1700 Flesher Ave. Like a scene from Willy Wonka, the pretzel machine is fed a hand twisted raw dough pretzel, the dough is mechanically dipped in water, then hand salted before it is baked on a conveyor belt. The machine is as long as a limousine, and it is fun watching the finished product come out at the end. It is even more fun to eat the results: A soft pretzel, that is the best we’ve tasted.
These are our 30 DAYTON MUST EATS, You gotta try before you die. Little known secrets, and favorite hidden gems. DID WE LEAVE OUT ONE OF YOUR FAVES? WHICH ONE? Is there one on the list you disagree with? Are some of these items, your favorite too? Please comment below!
Please check out our gallery below and “like us on FACEBOOK HERE ! We have some big things coming up this fall ! Hungry Jax, Chef House and the Big Ragu thank you !
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In 2012, we said a sad farewell to Amici’s and their glorious pizza, and wished that Bombshell Bakeshop’s indefinite hiatus would end already! We suffered through intense sugar cravings at coffeehouses, and now have expanded options at Ghostlight Coffeehouse!(Press is slated to have Harvest Moon Creations treats sometime soon, but the date has not been set yet.)
2013 is promising to be a great year, with Linh’s Bistro (opened up Jan 1 and moved from the old location), Shish Wraps (opening sometime soon?), and Harvest Moon Creations working on opening a vegan bakery store-front in Xenia in Spring or Summer 2013! I may also get to weigh in on a new restaurant that may be opening in the Oregon District later this year!
Without any further ado, let’s review the best vegan experiences we had in Dayton in 2012!
Olive, an Urban Dive claimed the prize this year! People love their business ethics, their flair, and their dedication to delicious food. Of particular fanfare is the falafel burger, their weekend scrambled tofu brunch, and their socca-bread pizzas. They also do salads and soups quite well. They balance the art of local, fresh fare with dazzling flavors and exciting vegan protein. I give them major props for all the efforts they go through to serve the vegans in this town, especially as some of the menu items change from season to season. Our hats go off to the chefs and owners who dream up the great dishes that both vegans and non-vegans enjoy! (They also won second place in the Best Vegan Burger / Sandwich!)
Cookies & Cream cupcakes from Harvest Moon Creations
This was the closest battle of them all, and I must declare a tie between Thistle Confections and Harvest Moon Creations! Both have a loyal following and have worked hard to ensure excellent ingredients and fresh, lovely baked goods that we feel great eating.
Butter Cafe easily landed this prize, with their always-stocked cases of Harvest Moon Creations cupcakes, twinkies, and cookies. Their hours are convenient, parking is easy, the hosts are super-friendly, and the cupcakes come in the cutest pink boxes!
I was extremely surprised to see yet another tie! This time, between Press Coffeebar and Ghostlight Coffee. Both have excellent ambiance, fantastic drinks, and are striving to meet vegan needs in 2013. As I love both and visit both regularly, I was actually very happy about this tie. Congrats!
Butter Cafe blew everyone else away! Perhaps it’s the vegan breakfast burrito, or maybe it’s the vegan blueberry pancakes. Maybe it’s because vegan dessert (usually elusive) is just around the corner in a chilled case. I love Butter Cafe, and am very happy to see that they won!
Lucky’s landed this prize, probably for their house-made seitan sandwich. Pair that with their sweet potato or shoestring fries,made in their dedicated vegan fryer, or a house salad with vegan ranch, or any number of great sides and apps, as well as the best beer on tap selection in town (my opinion there). Congrats to Lucky’s for their continual improvement as well as being second place in the Best Overall Restaurant for Vegan Food!
Thai 9 won this award hands down! Perhaps it’s because of all their vegan curries, or their choice of tofu, mock duck, or mock pork. Their sushi is excellent, and the decor is lovely. Service there is always charming as well. Linh’s came in second place, and I believe they hold a distinction of being the best non-Thai restaurant in town. In years past, I separated these two categories, and will do so in the future.
Taqueria Mixteca won by a longshot yet again! Congrats to a great restaurant! I absolutely love their taco salad and their fajitas
(ask for no cheese or sour cream) and their guacamole.
Thanks to the hundreds of people who took the survey! I got a ton of great comments and suggestions. I’ll do my absolute best to get your comments to restaurants in the next month. Thanks for the kind words, and for making Dayton and the world a better place. You’re doing it right!
(This post originally appeared on the DaytonVegan blog run by Astrea Taylor )
Yes, it really will be possible to have a lunch or breakfast every week for an entire year for just the cost of a $10 raffle ticket! Your odds to win might be even better if you buy 3 raffle tickets for $20. One of the Butter Cafe owners, Sarah, will be biking from San Francisco to LA in the AIDS/LifeCycle ride June 5 -11th and the proceeds of the raffle will be split between this experience and our local AIDS Resource Center Ohio. The drawing will be held on June 2nd, so hurry in and buy a raffle ticket soon!
The locally owned restaurant, located at 1106 Brown Street opened June 10th of 2010 and has established itself as a well loved spots for locavores. Their healthy style of cooking is vegetarian and vegan friendly, featuring tofu scrambles and vegan burritos and gluten free toast , yet has also found fans in meat eaters with their free range bacon or turkey sausage. Their lunch menu offers an array of choices from crab cakes to reuben’s, a to-die-for mac & cheese, several salads and a homemade soup each day. Their free delivery is a hit with many downtown offices as well as UD students.
Need a treat for your office for Valentine’s Day? Why not order up something sweet that can help others as well?
Butter Cafe on Brown Street in Dayton is raising money for AIDS awareness, with a RED VELVET CUPCAKE and delicious Frosted SUGAR COOKIE sale. (Having sampled these, I can tell you the generous topping of cream cheese frosting is finger licking good!)
One of the co-owners, Sarah, will be riding the AIDS/LifeCycle bike ride 545 miles from San Francisco to LA on June 5th – 11th. To raise money for the ride, Butter Cafe got creative and decided to use their goodies to gain the necessary funds. They will also be partnering locally with AIDS Resource Center Ohio (ARC Ohio) to keep some of the proceeds here in the Miami Valley.
Cupcakes $2.99 – buy a dozen and save $6
Cookies $1.50
Butter Cafe also delivers, so why not give them a call at 937-985-9917
and order up some today?!
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So, the adventures haven’t been so adventurous lately- I know, I know. Life happens and we all get a little busy, which ties right in with this adventure. Maybe that’s over stating it…we’ll call this one a series of mini adventures. Between work, school, networking, volunteering, kids activities, or whatever it is that keeps you busy, you still have to find a little time here & there to connect with your peeps. Whether it’s your oldest friend on the planet, work buddies, or a favorite family member, find some time- these are the connections that feed your soul. Here are a few thoughts on the hows & wheres to make it happen!
If you’re south of town, stop in to Flavors Eatery right across from Centerville High School. They have a huge and eclectic menu with a little bit of everything. On a recent visit, I tried the alfredo wrap (yummo!) it came with a side of chips drizzled in their famous garlicky dressing (to die for!). I think I may have developed a slight addiction to their coconut-pineapple smoothie while I was there. Make sure you take a sec to check out the funky art that surrounds you while you’re grabbing a quick bite with your girlfriends!
Downtown? Make a quick little journey over to Butter Cafe on Brown St. Please leave your diet at the door so you can enjoy their ever changing array of cupcakes and other sweet treats. This is a great option for those of you going the organic route. So many delicious choices on the menu, but I zeroed in on the chai french toast. Excellent choice, I must say! A little birdie told me their grilled pb&j is the way to go, perhaps I need to venture back down there to try it?
Do you prefer to catch up while shopping? If you haven’t yet, you HAVE TO stop in at Charming Charlie at the Greene. It’s pretty much the Disneyworld of accessories. Everything is grouped by color and the best part about it is the afford-ability! This is a great place for gifts as well as funky/trendy pieces that don’t qualify as investment jewelry. I really prefer to highlight locally owned places and stay away from the chain stores, but Charming Charlie just needed to be mentioned. I’m in love, I really am.
Would you rather sip while you chat? Yes, please. Head out to Cork & Vine right off of Miller Lane. They boast an extensive wine list (adding new wines weekly!) as well as 30 different martinis and a selection of craft and domestic beers. Pull up a seat near the fireplace and discuss McDreamy’s hair last Thursday or how much you loved the Britney episode of Glee. Oh wait, that’s what I like to do, I’m sure you have your own topics of conversation.
Now, I don’t know about you, but during the fall, my favorite way to connect with friends is over FOOTBALL!!!!! I love it. I reaaaalllyy love it. Over the past few weeks, we have established my love for heels and lipgloss, let’s just say football completes the trifecta. Frickin Chicken Chunks, cheddar balls and Miller Lite is the standard meal of choice while complaining about my Fantasy Football team or saying loudly (over and over, as a self-calming measure) that the Browns can turn their luck around any minute. Many a Fricker’s have been graced with my presence (and that of my crazy friends) while we revel in the atmosphere of too much testosterone, hot sauce and the sensory overload of a million (give or take a few) tv’s.
This week, I am most looking forward to getting together with friends at Masquerage! This annual party of parties raises money for AIDS Resource Center Ohio and is hands down, one of the best events the Miami Valley has to offer. I have been obsessing about my costume for weeks and can NOT wait to see what everyone else is wearing! Do YOU have any Heavenly Pleasures or Sinful Delights you’d like to share with the world? Masquerage is the place to do it! I hope to see some of you there!
There you have it, some fun stuff to do while getting together with your peeps. I’d like to add that any food or drink mentioned in this article is fat-free, carb-free, calorie-free and has anti-aging benefits. This is a fact that I will firmly stand by (until challenged, at which point I will crumble like a stale cookie with the realization that maybe blatantly lying to myself doesn’t really work). As always, if you know of any place that merits checking out on my adventures, comment below or find me on Twitter- Nikkisayswhat. Until next time, lovlies…