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Food Adventure with American Idol Star, Alexis Gomez

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Alexis Gomez is a Food Adventures Fan !

Good things happen to good people. So is the case with local musician and national American Idol Star, Alexis Gomez.  Hard work and success has paid off for this fun natured, family loving young woman.  She is one of the nicest, down to earth people you could meet.  It isn’t every day that you get to go on a Food Adventure with a music star!

You may remember when she first stole America’s heart with her memorable TV debut, the audition scene where she “made it to hollywood”  HERE IS THE VIDEO.

Alexis took time out of her busy schedule to have lunch with us at one of her favorite spots, Boosalis Bakery in Crosse Pointe Center, Centerville.  Recently, she has been traveling to Nashville and Dayton to write and record music.  Alexis is also gearing up for a slew of concerts this summer ranging from Dayton area venues to the House of Blues, Cleveland!  Food Adventures sat down with Alexis, her mom and sister and of course we wanted to talk .. FOOD

But before we dive into that, let’s get to know one of Dayton’s upcoming stars and 2015 Amercian Idol Finalist..

Hand Tossed Cheese Pizza from Flying Pizza is a favorite

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON ALEXIS GOMEZ:

— She is a Dayton native who has been playing music and singing with her family her whole life.  She has many photos on her Instagram of early years playing shows, or rehearsing with her family.

— Very involved in her church, Alexis and her family believe in giving back to the community.  She has a strong spiritual upbringing, that has made her humble and well grounded, with a refreshing appreciation for life.

Food Adventure at Boosalis Baking & Cafe

— Alexis is definitely a foodie, and told us of her American Idol visits to some cities where she got to sample the area foods.  But many times, the contestants were served a strict diet, some of which included limited selections.   She laughed, telling us she doesn’t like mushrooms for breakfast.  But sometimes that was all they had to offer, so she was grateful when traveling and getting some “outside food.”

— How do you get her music?  EASY! Go to her ITUNES Page Here or her website AlexisGomezMusic.com

 — What’s next for Alexis? Look for more music from her and a busy 2016 tour scene, all over Ohio with a stop in Nashville and even the country of Poland.

From Dreams to Dreems & back again!

The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House, talked food and took some yummy advice from this talented young lady…

Being in the top group for the 2015 American Idol, we thought it would be great for Alexis to tell us about her top 10 favorite places to eat in the Miami Valley, bar none ! SO without further delay…. here are her picks!

 

ALEXIS GOMEZ’ TOP 8 DAYTON FOOD PLACES:

1) DON PABLOS – Yes, we know it is a chain, but her Mexican roots call out to her current obsession – Don Pablo’s Prairie Fire Bean Dip.  There is a location near the Fairfield Commons Mall.

2) FLYING PIZZA:  She loves the hand tossed classic cheese pizza, a Dayton original!  Alexis also finds their breadsticks and cheese sauce irresistable.

Alexis Gomez  having lunch with some young fans

 

3) MI BURRITO MEXICAN GRILL:  Located at 8374 Princeton Glendale Road in Mason, Ohio, this place is a little known secret to Daytonians.   Alexis says it is worth the short drive for some amazing burritos, nachos and more Mexican specialties

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4) AREPAS and CO.:  Sweet Choclo Arepas are her fave at this Columbian restaurant with 2 popular locations in the Dayton area
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5) CITY BBQ:  Her “go to” is the Chicken Tenders with the

City BBQ, Centerville

Brushfire BBQ sauce!  Alexis hits up the downtown Centerville location, but there is another location in Beavercreek/Fairborn at 2330 N Fairfield Rd. for foodies in that area.


6) BOOSALIS BAKING and CAFE: Alexis told us about an incredible trademark menu item here, and she was right!  The Cranberry Turkey Sandwich served with homemade cranberry bread is one of the best sandwiches Food Adventures has ever eaten.  Also those Kouign Amann pastries, pronounced “Queen Amann,” are delicate, delicious buttery pastries, that are reminiscent of a croissant in a cupcake shape.  You gotta try this place in Cross Pointe Center!

 

Lock 27, home of an incredible Keener Burger made with local beef

 

 

 

 

7) LOCK 27 BREWING:  Alexis says the Keener Burger is the best bet here.  Chef House agrees !

8) DIXIE DAIRY DREEM: This iconic ice cream stand in Moraine is a local favorite.   Alexis grew up on the chili dogs and blue raspberry slush floats, which says are some of the best in the world.
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9) DEWEY’S PIZZA:   Great pizza, started in the Oakley neighborhood in Cincinnati.  Alexis suggests this custom combination to top your pizza: White Sauce, Ricotta Cheese, Banana Peppers and Roasted Red Peppers.

Arepas and Co. is on of Alexis’ favorites too

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10) ELE CAKE CO. BISTRO and WINE BAR:  Alexis frequents this bistro at Austin Landing for their Ratatouille dish.  It is a friendly and fun atmosphere at this little shop
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WHEW ! What a list ! We cannot thank Alexis enough for taking time out of her busy schedule to have a Food Adventure with us.
We wish her all the success in the world, and are grateful to have a such a sweet, local superstar in our midst!  Best wishes to her and her family, and we are sure that we will see her out and about and be able to share some foodie talk again soon.. until then, we told you where to find her good music, and now you know some good eats to have while listening to it!
For more about Dayton best eats, follow FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook by clicking HERE.  Come back here weekly for our featured local food articles.

Here are her top 10 !

Alexis was right! Boosalis Bakery Turkey Sandwich on Cranberry is the best turkey sandwich EVER !

Inside Lock 27

Dough throwing at Deweys

Kouign Amann pastry – to die for !! thanks for the tip Alexis !

Hungry Jax’s kids were starstruck by Alexis, who was so nice to them

Everything From Soup to Crusts at Doubleday’s Restaurant

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The comforting French Onion Soup at Doubleday’s

In the late 1980’s TJ Cinnamon’s was located in Centerville’s Cross Pointe Shopping Center.   Success lead the owners to dive into another Food Adventure.  They rented a space across the parking lot and converted it to sports themed eatery.  They called it Doubleday’s as a tribute to baseball inventor Abner Doubleday.  The next 25 years would see packed parking lots practically every night.  Talk about cult following, the loyalists here come and munch down in droves.   Doubleday’s is a rarity in the restaurant industry, because the menu is huge, yet practically everything is delicious.   It is one of those places you could eat at every week for a couple of years and still need more time for menu items.  Like we said, “everything from soup to crusts” ..pizza crust that is ..

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Opened in the late 1980’s by a Greek family.  Future ownership has kept the menu the same and built a following on consistent quality.

— Huge selection of food items on the menu.  Keep in mind, this doesn’t even include the numerous specials each day.  Gordon Ramsey would have a fit over this length of this menu, but it has worked here for a quarter of a century.  To see the vast 16 page menu, click —>HERE

The refreshing “Chicken Summer Salad”

— This place is popular, so expect a short wait during peak dinner times.

— There is a connected pizza shop called “Monster Pizza,” which serves unique and creative pizza pies with exotic topping combinations.   Monster Pizza is some of the most delicious and underrated stuff out there.   Check out the Monster Pizza Menu —>HERE

— Doubleday’s is a great option for a quick lunch.  Trademark menu items like soups, salads and sandwiches ensure a good match.  Almost every item on the lunch menu is under $7

— Sunday brunch is held Sunday’s from 11am -1:30pm.  The attraction here is about 7 different kinds of omelets.

 

The Food Adventure Crew have tried almost everything on this extensive menu over the past 25 years.  We have earned our stripes, and therefore pass along to you, our patented “Must Eats.”

Stuffed Pretzel Bites: Watch out for squirting cheese

MUST EATS:

— STUFFED PRETZEL BITES:  Yeah, stuffed ! Inside each pretzel ball is jalapeno cheese, and if that’s not enough, you get a bowl of spinach queso for dipping as well.

— BBQ CHICKEN RANCH SALAD:  Doubleday’s is our favorite place to grab a salad.  In a menu highlighted by salads, this is one of our recommendations.  Diced BBQ chicken tops a wonderful iceberg and romaine salad. you have your typical toppings like onions & tomatoes.  But, what makes the salad is the tortilla strips, black beans and lime wedge to squeeze your way to that last touch of flavor.

— SUMMER CHICKEN SALAD:    A seasonal choice, this salad features romaine lettuce, feta cheese, fresh strawberries and pecans doused in a vinaigrette dressing that is to die for.  Of course the salad is topped with medallions of baked chicken.

— CHICKEN POT PIE SOUP: Comfort food in a bowl.  One spoonful will take you back to your childhood, but without all the homework.  Fantastic, creamy taste, with flaky pieces of crust mixed throughout.

— TURKEY CLUB SANDWICH:  Triple decker club sandwich stacked high and laid on its side.  You can’t go wrong with this classic combo of turkey, bacon, lettuce and tomato on wheat toast. Don’t eat the toothpicks holding the sandwich together.

The Chicken BBQ Ranch Salad is a Favorite

— “NIGHT OF THE LIVING MED” MONSTER PIZZA:  It is hard to pick just one Monster Pizza option, but we think this one is the best.  It is a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite.  IMPORTANT: We recommend you only order this Mediterranean pizza in the thin crust option.

— FRENCH ONION SOUP:  Gooey cheese and saturated bread in a flavorful onion broth.  You will burn your mouth every time waiting for it to cool down, but it tastes so good you can’t help it.  It is hot, like a volcano, but smooth and soothing.  Go ahead, make your day.

— “IT CAME FROM OUTER GREECE” MONSTER PIZZA:  A unique pizza that you won’t find anywhere else in Dayton.   Kalamata Olives, Grilled Chicken, Spinach and Tzatiki sauce (that white gyro sauce) top the pizza.  Also feta, tomatoes and onions adorn this pie.  So much flavor that, that you will feel Greek for a week.   Quite simply, we love it.

HONORABLE MENTION:  

Potato Soup – This creamy creation is probably their most popular soup.

Voodoo Veggie Monster Pizza:  Loaded, Your choice of red or white sauce.  ‘Nuff said.

Doubleday’s has great sandwiches. Even the grilled cheese is good

Chicken Burrito:  It is as massive as Big Ragu’s head and able to control Hungry Jax hunger!  

Mountain Salad:  This heaping salad was created by Doubleday’s regular,  New York Jets Center and Centerville native Nick Mangold.  A salad that satisfies protein and nutrient needs, it features iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, sauteed mushrooms, onions, cheese and jalapenos.  Topping options include blackened chicken or house sirloin steak.

 

We love Doubleday’s Grill & Tavern because of the quality and variety of food choices.  From healthy options to one’s that would fill Babe Ruth’s appetite, Doubleday’s has something for everyone.  Stop in this hot spot at E. 199 Alex Bell Rd, and see for yourself why there is always a crowd.

Check out our photos below from numerous Food Adventures to Doubleday’s Grill and Tavern.  This is not a drive bye .. eye eye eye eye..

***COMMENT BELOW***  Have you been to Doubleday’s?  Did we miss one of your favorite dishes?   Sound off below so other Food Adventure fans can benefit from your taste buds !

Want more from Dayton’s favorite Foodies on Facebook by clicking HERE !

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