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Shuttle Service To Silas Creative Kitchen in Versailles is Back

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Last summer Hotel Versailles offered  free luxury shuttle service via van so Miami Valley residents could enjoy dinning at their high end restaurant, Silas Creative Kitchen + Cocktails. It was a big hit and they are now bringing it back starting May 15 and running through the end of August!

Guests who book a dinner for two, will have the opportunity to enjoy a complimentary round-trip chauffeur service from Dayton and Troy. Guests will be able to board the chauffeur service from the Dayton Art Institute on Wed at 6:30pm.  The DAI will offer  a discounted art experience for those who want to explore the museum prior to their
On Thursday’s Troy, guests will board at newly opened The Mayflower immediately off the town square.
During the ride guests will be treated to house wine, curated music and “a handful of surprises and delights.”  Guest will be dropped off after dinner around 10pm.  For guests that would like to make it a staycation with an overnight experience at the Hotel Versailles the shuttle service will bring you back the next morning.
The dining room seats 68, with a a private dining room for 12 and and another 50 or so patio tables are available for al fresco dining.  Executive Chef Aaron Allen, who trained under Chef Anne Kearney for five years at Dayton’s Rue Dumaine creates a menu of dishes   using  seasonally available ingredients that are sourced directly from the property’s 85 acre Sycamore Bridge Farm, with meats supplied through local partnerships with Winner’s Quality Meats and King’s Poultry Farm.  Check out the menu here.
To make reservations and reserve your shuttle ride call  937-526-3020 or email [email protected]

Hibachi up Close: Sake Japanese Steakhouse + WIN LUNCH !

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Fire it up at Sake

***COMMENT BELOW on why you love SAKE restaurant and win a lunch with the Food Adventure Crew at Sake !*** One winner will be chosen at random.

The chefs at Sake Restaurant have been tossing it, flipping it, and slicing things up for decades. The attraction here are the giant Hibachi grills that each seat 8 people. As the meal begins, so does the fun “show” of each chef demonstrating knife skills, sharpness of blade, and spatula talents. Welcome to Sake Japanese Steakhouse, my friends, a locally owned eatery, where each meal is an entertaining Food Adventure.

What is the secret to their success? They have outlasted all the other Japanese steakhouses in Dayton. They are the only game like it in town, except for another locally owned restaurant in Troy called “Sakai” which is also an excellent place to grab hibachi and sushi

Dipping Spider Roll into Yum yum sauce

meals.

Sake is not a cheap outing, but is perfect for a celebration or special treat. Let’s learn more….

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON SAKE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE and SUSHI BAR:

—There are 3 Dayton locations of this, one on Miller Lane, one by the Dayton Mall and another across the street from the Greene.

—Hours are strange at Sake during the week.  Mon – Fri they are open 10am -2pm but they close from 2pm -4pm as a break between lunch and dinner.  They open back up at 4 and serve dinner until 10pm, 11pm on Saturday.

—Each restaurant offers seating around the hibachi grill, seating in a dining room, or seating at the sushi bar.  The menu varies on where you sit, but you can pretty much ask for everything, no matter where you are located.  We suggest to always sit at the the Hibachi grill for a full experience.

—Each restaurant offers a full sushi menu.  Each location offers discounts on sushi during

Fresh Salmon Nigiri

weekdays.  For example the Greene location offers 50% off sushi rolls, and the Dayton mall location offers 30% off.  This is for sushi rolls only and does not include pieces of Nigiri (fish over rice) or Sashimi (fish slices alone).

—Always order sushi every visit.  They serve it before your hibachi meal as an appetizer.  Do it up in style, don’t skimp on this treat.  The sushi bar is good and needs to be taken advantage of.

—Every hibachi meal starts with the chef setting an oil flame that shoots 2 to 3 feet in the air.  The chef then launches into various knife and spatula tricks and the cooking show is underway.  Expect a light comedic atmosphere, but serious flavor!

Miso Soup to start the Food Adventure

—Each Hibachi Dinner is served with Miso Soup and a house salad with house dressing.   Hibachi dinners come in one meat choices or combinations of 2 or 3 meats. Meat choices include steak, shrimp, chicken, salmon, scallops, and lobster.

—All of the hibachi entrees are served with 2 sauces. One is a brown ginger sauce used for seafoods. The other is “Yum Yum” sauce, a creamy condiment loved by almost everyone, and great on rice and steak. Both sauces are delicious. Experiment with our own flavor combinations and push the envelope. Dip the seafood in the yum yum sauce you rebel, it is actually incredible !

Yum yum and Ginger Sauce

—Our biggest tip or suggestion: Whenever you can, come to Sake for lunch because the prices are almost half as cheap and the portions are pretty much the same.  Also, ALWAYS order the fried rice option with your meal, it is their specialty.

 

Speaking of specialties.. let’s get to the menu at Sake and see the best this kitchen has to offer.  We have been exploring this place for years, and have literally eaten everything on the menu from the hibachi salmon to the Alaskan roll.  In our dozens of trips, we have compiled our patented list of “must eats.”

 

MUST EATS at SAKE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE:

—KANI SALAD:
A secret “off the menu choice,” this is a Food Adventure tip. Kani salad is shredded imitation crab strips tossed in vinegar and spicy mayo. The result is a slightly creamy, delicious delicacy. Try it, and thank us later.

 

—THE SPIDER ROLL:
For some reason, Sake has the best Spider rolls in town. These sushi rolls are made of soft shell crab with shredded celery.

 

The Spider Rolls at Sake are the best ones in Dayton.

—SALMON NIGIRI:
Nice slices of fresh sushi Salmon over rice. Melt in your mouth good, dipped in soy sauce and wasabi.

 

—HIBACHI STEAK:
Steak overs seem to love this dinner/lunch entree choice. The steak is cooked to your liking rare to well done. It is cubed and tossed in teriyaki sauce. The aroma is amazing.

 

—SHRIMP, SCALLOPS and LOBSTER COMBO:
This is the ultimate of the combo choices and Big Ragu’s all time favorite.
The hiibachi scallops are so tender and delicious, and touched off with a spray of lemon juice. The

Hibachi Shrimp,Scallops, Lobster and fried rice

same for the lobster, which is buttery and so good it is indescribable. The shrimp is always a winner and loads up the plate as well. This is the best of best at Sake.

 

The House salad

These are our must eats, but know that your best combo is what you meats you love most from chicken, salmon, steak, shrimp, scallops and lobster. Find your favorites and get them on the hibachi grill. Another tip for hot sauce lovers: Ask for Sriracha sauce and spray your fried rice with it while it is on the hibachi. Ask the chef, they will do it up and the taste is one of a kind.

There you have it .. all the fire, food and fun from Sake Japanese steakhouses.  Check out all of the locations, as they each have their special charm.  Have fun with “egg roll” and the squirting kid toy as well as the “catch a shrimp in your pocket or food in your mouth” trick too.  Lots to experience in this fun Food Adventure.

DONT FORGET –

***COMMENT BELOW on why you love SAKE restaurant and win a lunch with the Food Adventure Crew at Sake !*** One winner will be chosen at random.

Are you a foodie like us?  Make sure you check back each week for our feature article on Dayton Most Metro.  Want more Dayton food photos ?  Then follow Food Adventures us on Facebook here 

Hibachi Shrimp and more

Lobster roll and more

Sake by the Greene

Fresh, raw Salmon

Spicy Salmon Roll

Hibachi Chef

Hibachi Scallops and Shrimp

Hibachi Vegetables

Edamame

A deep fried sushi roll

Steak and chicken cooking with veggies

Big Plate of Sushi

Nigiri Sushi

Sushi

Deep fried goodness

Specials at Dayton Mall

Hibachi Salmon and Shrimp

Hibachi Shrimp and Scallops

Tuna Roll

A Sushi Boat

Rainbow and Spider Roll

The pee pee trick !

Ready to rock n roll

flaming volcano onion

Tuna

Cooking Salmon and scallops

Big Ragu – you ordered this whole page?

Sauce chef

We are hungry

Sake and chopsticks are a must

Salmon Avocado Roll

Lobster Roll

Sushi – so good

Another take on Kani Salad

Sushi Rolls 50% off at The Greene Location

Before Hibachi get a plate of sushi

Miso hungry

Cucumber Sushi

Deep Fry me

starting the fried rice

Across from the Greene location

Sushi !

A sushi roll with tuna and salmon

 

Big plate of Sushi

Food Adventure Recipe of the Month: Zucchini Ribbon Skewers

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Thinly sliced grilled zucchini, the beginnings of a recipe

Attention Dayton Cooks and Foodies !

You know the Food Adventure Crew from their weekly articles and food photos shared on this site, or maybe their dinner events.

With all of this original content, there is more …. Did you know they also have a nice collection of recipes? Some have been shared in various cooking classes at Dorothy Lane Market, Living Dayton TV, Spicy Olive, or through Foremost Seafood’s site. Some recipes will make their debut here.

It is all in a NEW monthly feature now cooking on Dayton Most Metro: “Your Food Adventure Recipe of the Month.”

June starts out featuring our culinary crew hero Chef LeeAnne House and a summer favorite that will wow your friends.

Chef House getting ready for a cooking class !

Chef House has always been known for her love of veggies and her philosophy of using local vendors for that fresh,  “farm to table” dimension.  The results are Dayton’s seasonal flavors, bursting on your plate and leaving your tastebuds happy.

Without further delay let’s dive into one of those fresh recipes.

 

ZUCCHINI RIBBON SKEWERS with PEPPER SPIKED MOZZARELLA & ARUGULA PESTO 

Ingredients:

2 zucchini

2 teaspoons olive oil

½ teaspoon kosher salt

Lemon juice

ZUCCHINI RIBBON SKEWERS with PEPPER SPIKED MOZZARELLA & ARUGULA PESTO

Directions:
Pick the straightest zucchini, these will be easier to cut on the mandolin. Slice them lengthwise ¼ inch thick. Toss with olive oil and salt.

Grill on high heat quickly, get grill marks on both sides and off the grill. Toss with a pinch more salt and a little lemon juice.

 

PESTO:

1 clove garlic, smashed

4 ounces basil

2 cups arugula, packed

1/3 cup roasted salted pistachios

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons grated parmesan

Directions:
Puree all of the above ingredients in a food processor till smooth. Slowly drizzle in ¼ cup and 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Now we add and assemble with:
-Fresh mozzarella
-Hot pepper flakes or even better use HouseMade Sriracha Toasted Sriracha Powder

Assembly Directions:
Roll the zucchini ribbons up and skewer 2 to a small skewer. The mozzarella goes on the end. Season it with kosher salt and spiced pepper. Serve with the pesto.

Pesto in the processor

Try this for a summer picnic, or a party on the patio.  Your next cookout is a great chance to skewer some of these bites.

More about Chef House.  In addition to being a member of the Food Adventure Crew, she has her own line of locally made, all-natural sauces, spices and rubs called Housemade.  Her Thai Chili Sriracha sauce and Hot Honey sauce have won National competitions.  She also teaches many local cooking classes.   In the past, she has helped with catering companies and has been a chef at some top notch local restaurants.  You will be able to catch her in a FREE COOKING DEMO on Saturday July 22nd at Garlic Fest at the Sons of Italy Bella Villa Hall on County Line Rd.  Chef House will be giving out free tastes of her garlic dish to those in attendance.  Come join the party at Garlic Fest !

See you next month with another fun recipe.

Follow Chef House, the Big Ragu and Hungry Jax on Facebook by clicking HERE.

We are not food critics, we are just 3 passionate foodies that love to feature local foods!

ZUCCHINI RIBBON SKEWERS with PEPPER SPIKED MOZZARELLA & ARUGULA PESTO

 

“Scratch Food” – Local Company Reaching New Heights

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The “Meals from Scratch” Team with Matt Hayden (right)

Chef Matt Hayden has been a foodie all of his life. He is the guy who binge orders delivery late at night, or whips up recipes for his family and friends at a moment’s notice.  He has the kick-ass chicken recipe you love or the BBQ that melts in your mouth.  He is also quite the giver to the community.  He is always dedicating time and resources to one cause or another.

For the last 25 years Matt has been a fixture in the Dayton food community.  First with his original ownership of the Pour Haus, with their pizza following and BBQ sauces.  He also had a venture in Miamisburg called the Chimney Inn.

Those experiences lead him to open Scratch Food in Centerville off of Paragon Rd in 2010.

There is one more experience that affected him.  

Laying out hundreds of meals for the day

Chef Hayden unbuttoned his shirt to expose a heart operation scar.  This health scare turned his life around, and tuned him into the healing power of foods.  Now, his business is growing but the most touching aspect, is how they are affecting the lives of Miami Valley residents.  They are literally saving lives with their food.

 

HERE IS THE SKINNY ON SCRATCH FOOD:

—SCRATCH FOOD consists of 2 aspects

Chef Marshall Bartley shows an incredible Chicken Dinner

1)SCRATCH EVENT CATERING:
An upscale catering business that has been hosting large and special events for over a decade.  All the food is made by chefs and they are used to catering for top area companies.  They cater events like weddings with 150-300 or more, up to 3200 people event.  They are involved heavily with Masquerage and of course the upcoming April 22nd Dayton Metro Library opening gala.  Great opportunities for a Food Adventure.

2)MEALS FROM SCRATCH:
A carry out or delivery service of frozen, pre-prepared, nutrient dense meals. This service is for the convenience of busy schedule customers, or assisted living customers.  It makes life easier for them.  It also helps those who are sick and dealing with disease management  like Diabetes, Heart Disease and Cancer.  Are you just looking for convenient meals to fit your healthy lifestyle?  They offer those as well.  All dishes are made carefully and prepared by chefs to strict specifications, with the freshest ingredients.

—Scratch Foods employs some of the most talented local chefs. Chef Marshall

Frozen, prepared meals by chefs, for convenience, health or fighting disease

Bartley, a lifelong friend of Matt’s is just one of the experienced crew working hard to get results for health and taste.  Another star is Kristen LeMaster, the event coordinator and Project Manager for the business.  The other chefs on the team round out this talented crew.

—Scratch Food is always giving back to the community.  Be it the Suzy Pender Memorial Fund, The Pink Ribbon Girls, or his latest, the April 22nd kickoff of the new library downtown.  For decades he has helped countless local causes.  Sisca, Boonshoft Museum, Antioch and the Bull Diabetes Center on Schantz Ave. and a couple more charities.  Food Adventures loves their stuff.

—Besides battling heart disease, Matt has another motivation.  Matt lost his mother at a young age, and she has been a source of inspiration to helping people battling illnesses.  By working with Miami Valley Hospital, their often quoted mantra is “Let Food be Thy Medicine.”

Chicken Cakes with Sweet Potato Succotash

—Want some Meals from Scratch? Within 12 hours of placing your online order at this website, you will be contacted by  email.  They will set up a day and time, convenient for you, to pick up your meals from our Centerville location, behind the Paragon Supper Club at 767 Miamisburg-Centerville Road. Your meals can be picked up 7 days a week from 10am thru 7pm.  Sometimes your meals can be picked up “on the fly” within an hour of placing your order. But typically, pickup time is agreed upon with Scratch  to make sure that your order is properly handled.

—Between the Pink Ribbon Girls, Miami Valley Hospital and pickup orders, Scratch prepares over 1,000 meals each week.  Are you in need of help because of a family member with cancer?  GET INFORMATION HERE.

Garlic Chicken from Scratch Catering

—Are you in need of carryout or delivery meals?  Catering needs?  Nutritional Meals?  Call 937-567-7850 or fill out this online form.  This Food Adventure could change your life.

So what are the best eats from Scratch Foods?  Catering wise and frozen meals wise …?  Here are our patented MUST EATS..

 

MUST EATS FROM SCRATCH CATERING:

Ribs – smoked all day

—DEEP FRIED GARLIC CHICKEN at THE GARLIC FESTIVAL:
Unforgettable flavor in a deep fried chicken strip. Cheesy garlic goodness is what awaits you, with a sinful butter dip.

—BBQ BABY BACK RIBS:
Fall off the bone. with incredible homemade BBQ sauce. A taste you wont soon forget.

—SMOKED CHICKEN:
Quarters of chicken, that come out so juicy it is like it is baked. Again the BBQ sauce for dipping is a must.

—SMOKED PULLED PORK:
Matt used to travel the country to learn how to smoke meats. The results of his studies are a near perfect pulled pork.

Smoked Chicken

We have tried a dozen of these frozen meals over the past month and have some favorites.  Here are our “MUST EATS”

 

MUST EATS FROM MEALS FROM SCRATCH:

—HOMESTYLE MEAT LASAGNA WITH FRESH GREEN BEANS:
You wont believe the food was made and frozen a couple of weeks ago, it tastes like freshly made. Each forkful of lasagna and sauce is a taste of comfort food.

Meat Lasagna and Green Beans

—CHICKEN CABBAGE ROLLS:A unique, healthy take on an old comfort food. But guess what, it works. Try this for the surprise of your night.

-CHICKEN PARMESAN WITH CAVATAPPI PASTA and FRESH GREEN BEANS:
Just enough sauce with the chicken and pasta, make this a delightful dish.. Again the freshness is amazing and we can’t believe it was not just made.

-CHICKEN CURRY with CAULIFLOWER, SWEET POTATOES and PEAS:
Indian dish, with fresh veggies. It is unique and flavorful, and the spiced chicken is the best part.

-ORANGE CHICKEN WITH FRESH BROCCOLI and RICE BLEND:
Probably Big Ragu’s Favorite Dish. Worth a treat sometimes.

Chicken Cabbage Roll

-SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN WITH COLORADO SAUCE, BLACK BEAN MASHUP and RICE BLEND:
The sauce on the chicken and the bean mashup steal the show. A great tasting dish that doesn’t taste healthy, but it is. Try this high nutrient dense plate to curb your appetite.

-ASIAN CHICKEN BLEND with BROCCOLI, SESAME SLAW and RICE BLEND:
Great tasting slaw on top of chicken with that Asian taste. The veggies and rice go perfect with it. They nailed the flavor on this one.

-OLD WORLD CHICKEN CAKES WITH SWEET POTATO SUCCOTASH:

Beef and Vegetables

So delicious and inventive, it is amazing how healthy the dish is. One of those plates you cant get enough of, forkful after forkful.

So there you have it… our MUST EATS …

Often imitated, never duplicated, you can find Food Adventures on Facebook here.  No rules, just fun !

Browse the photos below from our numerous meals with Scratch Food.

The Chefs stand behind their meals…

MEALS FROM SCRATCH MENU

Chicken with Colorado sauce and black beans

Chicken dishes that are heart healthy

Preparing hundreds of meals

 

Beef Brisket Catering sample

Simple chicken and broccoli with rice

Lasagna

Orange Chicken

Packaged up

Promo code for discounts !!

MealsFromScratchFood.com

Orange Chicken dish

Chicken Parm

Another healthy dish : Asian Chicken

The sesame slaw is good

Curry chicken dish

 

 

 

 

Meet Dorothy Lane’s Culinary School All Stars

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Peggy Neary during a featured cooking class

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

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

 

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Lamb Shank Bruchetta by Chef House

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

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

— Hours are Monday – Friday 10am-3pm

— They offer classes year round for all ages

Mary Cooney, one of our favorites with Jax !

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chef House prepping for a Food Adventure Class

Chef House prepping for a Food Adventure Class

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

 

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

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

 

Zebbie Borland with a delicious looking Almond Cake

Zebbie Borland with a delicious looking Almond Cake

DOROTHY LANE MARKET CULINARY CENTER’S “MUST MEETS:

 

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

 

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

Freshly made tortellini in broth

Freshly made tortellini in broth – Mary Cooney style

 

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

Julia hoy is a shining star at the DLM Culinary Center

Julia Hoy is a shining star at the DLM Culinary Center

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

Chef House cooking with Mary Cooney

Chef House cooking with Mary Cooney

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

Some classes even are paired with wine or beer !

Some classes even are paired with wine or beer !

 

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

 

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

Hungry Jax on Kitchen Prep for some Buffalo Roll

Hungry Jax on Kitchen Prep for some Buffalo Roll

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

 

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

Chef Liz Valenti is all smiles

Chef Liz Valenti is all smiles

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

 

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

A Food Adventure of Champagne Mussels - a Chef House recipe

A Food Adventure of Champagne Mussels – a Chef House recipe

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

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

Peggy works behind the Vino

Peggy works behind the Vino

 

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

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

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

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

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

Wok right in and start learning

Wok right in and start learning

Chef DiSanto's Swordfish Steaks

Chef DiSanto’s Swordfish Steaks

Chef Carrie at her best

Chef Carrie at her best

Food Adventure Dinner 1 of 6 courses

Food Adventure Dinner 1 of 6 courses

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

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

Preparing for a stir fry class

Preparing for a stir fry class

Inside the Center

Inside the Center

Food Adventures Class

Food Adventures Class

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Full House

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Our class

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Jax and Chef serving up our 2nd class

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Plating Tomato Pie, garlic artichoke cheese dip and melba toasts

Chef House at the Culinary Center

Chef House at the Culinary Center

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Jackie at LOBSTER CLASS !

Tomato Pie by our own Jax

Tomato Pie by our own Jax

 

 

 

 

 

Garlic Fest Announces Food Vendors for Sunday

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Bacon Wrapped, Grilled Chicken Legs.

Another exclusive scoop for our Food Adventure fans.   Sons of Italy Lodge, Dayton Most Metro and Dayton Dining have finalized the food vendors for Sunday’s Garlic Fest.

Are you a foodie?  Then Daytonians, this weekend is your chance to eat, drink and be garlicky all while listening to one of Columbus’ favorite bands, The Danger Brothers.  Cooking Demos, beer, garlic eating contest and craft vendors fill out an all star lineup..

Fasten your garlic burps, here we go !!!

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— WHAT: GARLIC FEST and BOCCE CLASSIC 

Upstate NY Hot Dog

— WHEN: SUNDAY, JULY 17th from NOON- 8PM

— WHERE: BELLA VILLA HALL – 2625 County Line Rd, Beavercreek

— WHAT ELSE:  FREE ADMISSION – FOOD VENDORS  – CRAFT VENDORS – BEER TRUCKS

— FREE COOKING DEMOS – inside the Bella Villa Hall Main room

1pm Our own JACKIE SCANLAN aka “HUNGRY JAX” from Food Adventures  

2pm Our own LEEANNE “CHEF HOUSE” from Food Adventures  and HouseMade Sriracha

3pm Special guest, CHEF ANNE KEARNEY, 2 times James Beard award winner and owner of Rue Dumaine

— GARLIC EATING CONTEST 4:45pm by the stage – Prize money is $100.. can you beat the competition ???

— FREE CONCERT by THE DANGER BROTHERS  5pm – 8 pm – a RARE Dayton appearance by the band you know from Buckeye’s games Hiney Gate Parties on Lane Ave. PARTY ROCK N ROLL at its most fun  – HANG ON SLOOPY – Could be the biggest O… H.. I … O chant in Dayton history.

 

GARLIC FEST FOOD VENDORS:

1) FRICKER’S – We smell garlic chicken on the horizon! Dayton’s chicken experts roll the truck in for some good eats.

2) TEXAS BEEF AND CATTLE CO. – Slow cook BBQ experts on the premises.. We expect garlic rubbed brisket among other slow smoked specialties.  Meats! Meats! Meats!

Garlic Boneless Wings

3) GIOVANNI’S – Fairborn’s legendary Italian restaurant brings the garlic eats.  Expect some hearty, filling menu items here.

4) SWEET P’S HANDMADE ICE POPS – Fruitty, fresh and COLD.  This will cool your hot head and your mouth will thank you.

5) SCRATCH CATERING:  Their garlic chicken tenders stole hearts last year.  What else do they have in store from Chef Hayden?

6) GYRO PALACE:  Huge, gaping gyros loaded with tons of meat, veggies and garlic

Spicy Garlic Chicken over White Rice

tzatziki sauce.  Get some !

7) THE HOLY CANNOLI BOOTH – The Italian club is deep frying cannoli and sprinkling chocolate on top.  A religious experience in taste!

8) ZOMBIE DOGZ – The king of Dayton’s Food trucks promises 2 never before done flavored hot dogs !  STAY TUNED !

9) RITTERS FROZEN CUSTARD:  Cool sundaes loaded with toppings and sauces.  If you dont get whip cream on your nose, it doesn’t count.

2 New Flavors coming to Garlic Fest

10) Q FOOD FOR EVERYONE: Bacon wrapped chicken legs, Garlic shrimp and salmon are the possible choices here with BBQ.

11) MOHAWK FREESTYLE GRILL:  Garlic Mohawk Burgers and more!  More than a mouthful and so juicy.  Chef Aaron wont dissapoint you!

12) BOURBON STREET GRILL and CAFE:  Spicy chicken or Bourbon Chicken all made with garlic and poured over your choice of rice.

James Nunez and his BBQ crew

13) MAMMA DISALVOS – Who better to do garlic fest than these guys?  We expect garlic pasta and more from this Italian crew.

14) DEEP FRIED HEAVEN – From veggies to garlic pizza fries, these guys are gonna deep fry some delicious specialty items.

15) KOWALSKI HOTS:  In upstate New York they say “hots” instead of hot dogs.  This guy grills red and white hots, not spicy just hot dogs and brands you can only find in upstate New York. As for garlic sauce or coney sauce.

Fresh Popsicles

GARLIC FEST CRAFT VENDORS:

1) THE SPICY OLIVE: Garlic infused olive oil and more flavors ! Fresh Olive oil guaranteed.
2) WEEZY’S GARLIC:  Garlic for sale..  health benefits galore
3) COSTCO:  Your favorite spot for warehouse deals.  If you dont know about them, now’s the chance …
4) SCENTSY: Wickless candles, electric warmers and flavored waxes.  Wonderful fragrances.
5) SERVANTHOOD STICHERY:  Unique crafts and puzzle lamps.  Defintely worth a visit.

We expect some yummy garlic dishes from Giovannis

6) NERIUM INTERNATIONAL: Age defying skin creams and moisturizers.  Look young while eating that garlic item.
7) LOVE HARVEST BODY ART:  Face painting.  Kids love this stuff and what adult wouldnt look good with some garlic on their cheek.
8) PAINTED HORSE STUDIO: Clay art and hot sauces.  A local art teacher and her husband have some unique items for sale.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Garlic Chicken

 

 

 

 

Dayton’s Chef Showdown Champ Named

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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.z_20160319_078

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

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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.

 

finalSUNDAY’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.SHowdown Finalists

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.

 

Judges

Chef House’s Bruschetta with Scallops

Salmon, avocado, and greens from Chef Mariah Gahagan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chef David Glynn describes his dish

Chef Candice Rinke goes over her creation

Chef Aaron Braun’s Bacon Wrapped Chicken appetizer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chef David Glynn’s Chicken app

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jim Bucher with Chef Crystal Coppock from Wheat Penny

Jim Bucher talks with Chef Richard Roberts from De’Lish about his Salmon appetizer

Chef Matt Hayden’s winning Indian Pakora appetizer with Tandoori sauce

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Judging duties

Round 1: Chef Braun, Chef Glynn and Chef Rinke

Scallop from Chef Nathan Vance from Salar took it to the limit

Round 3: Chef Vance, Chef House, Chef Hayden

Chef Coppock had an excellent salmon appetizer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chef Richard Roberts made this delicious Salmon on Pita appetizer and used a blow torch

Chef House talks to the judges

Chef Gahagan talks to Jim Bucher and the crowd

Chef Aaron Braun talks about his culinary creation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introducing NEW Food Adventures Crew & Fried Chicken at Lily’s Bistro ($25 Gift Card)

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Food Adventures Just Got More Adventurous !

Food Adventures just got a whole lot more adventurous….. and you can benefit by winning a $25 gift certificate to Lily’s Bistro in the Oregon district.

*** FOOD ADVENTURES WITH BIG RAGU and THE CREW ***

Blazing the trails in the foodie forums since 2008, Food Adventures has developed a large following…

Today, we add some big players to the mix.  They include Chefs, Foodie Fanatics, royalty and an appetite for Dayton that has never been bigger.  Although we have a couple of new faces, FOOD ADVENTURES with BIG RAGU and THE CREW, is still the same FOOD ADVENTURES you have come to love.  We will continue to have the MUST EATS, killer food photos that make your mouth water, and multiple visits to a place before we write an article.  Will continue to give you “THE SKINNY” on our favorites.  Follow our relentless pursuit of the best eats in the Miami Valley!

Together, your humble Food Adventurers will seek out locally owned restaurants, unique places off the beaten path, and even give our slant on some familiar favorites. Whenever we visit a place, we call it a “Food Adventure.”  You can expect pictures of each Food Adventure we embark on. You can expect us hugging waiters, visiting mom & pop establishments, posting nostalgic blogs, tongue-in-cheek comments and emotionally eating our way through life.   We don’t take ourselves seriously, enjoying the adventure all the way.  “We are not food critics, we just love to eat!”  Food Adventures won’t limit ourselves, we try it all – NO RULES !  We will leave no plate unturned.

You know the Big Ragu already ...

You already know The Big Ragu

We will continue to set the trends, host Food Adventure dinner events, and give our unique spin on Dayton’s best “Mom and Pop” places in the Miami Valley.  Food Adventures with Big Ragu and the Crew will continue to attend and support numerous local food and charity events.   We eat it all, and the photos are ours. No stock pics here.  We aren’t a share and click site.  We are Dayton Originals, so all of our stuff is original content. Often imitated, never duplicated, accept no substitutions.

You can find us here:

Facebook Page: Facebook.com/foodadv

Website: DaytonFoodies.com 

Twitter: @food_adv

Instagram: Instagram.com/Dayton_Foodies

 

Our recent “Meeting of the Mouths” happened last Sunday at Lily’s Bistro on Chicken Dinner night.  We will get into the Must Eats from that night shortly, but first…,

Ladies and gentlemen, it is time to MEET THE NEW CREW !

 

Chef House - expert foodie !LEEANNE HOUSE aka “CHEF HOUSE”:

Chef House or “The Sriracha Mamma” is all about the heat.  Lover of all things spicy she is constantly in the kitchen coming up with fun new ways to whip up veggies and add a little spice.  She is a Dayton native, with lifelong experience in the restaurant industry, working with some of the best chefs in the Miami Valley.  She loves to keep it local especially in the summer when beautiful produce is plentiful. She is a true foodie who knows we have a lot to offer in Ohio!

Chef House’s Top 5 Favorite Local Places for a Food Adventure :

(in no particular order)

1) Meadowlark (they do veggies right!)

2) Rue Dumaine (it never disappoints)

3) Fresco (best chef hands down)

4) Oregon Express (favorite pizza since I was a kiddo)

5) My kitchen ! …  duh!!!!

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JACLYN SCANLAN aka “HUNGRY JAX”:

Jackie relocated to the Dayton are in 2006. This Italian from Upstate NY found herself in a very different culinary atmosphere than what she was used to back home in Utica, NY.  However, different proved to be good a she fell in love with not only this “gem” of a city, but also the food and foodies within it! Cooking is a passion of Jackie’s.  She loves to use her husband, John, and two daughters, Coraline and Ashlyn, as her lab rats to test recipes out.  Some of her recipes have even been published in National Food Magazines!  But as much as she loves to cook, she also loves to take a night off from her kitchen and enjoy eating out and letting someone else do all the work (and the clean up)!  Other foodie interests include years of volunteering at the Dorothy Lane Market School of Cooking and being an Alton Brown fan since way back when he wore bowling shirts.  Jackie is excited to be part of the Food Adventures team and is looking forward to experiencing some new eats!

Jackie’s Top 5 Favorite Local Places for a Food Adventure:

1) Lock 27

2) The Cakery

3) Sweeney’s Seafood

4) Dorothy Lane Market

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 And our final Food Adventurer…
The King - all smilesBLAKE KING aka “THE KING”

After hopping the globe with the Air Force, The King recently touched down in Dayton with his wife and daughters. Flying recon for great local food, the Big Ragu has set the course for his newest wingman, and he is logging some serious mileage. The King is a dessert FREAK! There is no shake too shaky, pie too flakey, nor cake to…cakey for this lunatic. He wants to find the best dessert in Dayton. Please help him. He needs it, a lot.

The King’s Top 5 Favorite Local Places for a Food Adventure:

1) Taco Loco

2) Jet Freeze

3) Bill’s Donut Shop

4) Hasty Tasty Pancake House

5) Submarine House

 

 

Now to the food of the day .. not a typical article for us, this is just about one dinner …. The Sunday Chicken Dinner at Lily’s Bistro

Get your hens ready….

HERE’S THE SKINNY: 

— The dinners go from 5pm – 9pm on Sundays only

— The menu is pretty much fried chicken, with the sides, appetizers, and desserts changing from week to week.

— The prices are $9 for a 2 piece dinner, $16 for a 1/2 chicken dinner, and $28 for a whole chicken

— Sides are $3,  good prices, no clucking around

Now we ruffle our feathers and give you our patented.. Must Eats!

 

Buttered Johnnycake..

Johnny Cakes at Lily’s Bistro. Click to Enlarge the Goodness

MUST EATS:

— JOHNNY CAKES:  It might have been chicken night, but the appetizers and sides stole the show !  We couldn’t stop talking about the Johnny cakes. Pancakes, as an appetizer? This was right up our alley. The King wished he could have bottled the scent to keep by his pillow at night. Made with jalepeno, for just enough contrasting kick to the sweet buttery mapleness.   These cakes were  slathered in butter and syrup and simply amazing.  Who would have thunk it?   Crispy, sweet and spicy made for a perfect combination, and Chef House’s favorite dish of the night.

— SMOKED SALMON DIP:  Another great appetizer of the night, served with bagel “nuggets.”  We started out polite, then found ourselves thumb wrestling for the last bits.  Addicting, and addiction is an ugly thing.

— HOMEMADE MASHED POTATOES: We are talking the real deal, mashed with decent sized chunks in them.  We wondered why conversation stopped, it was as if all the Food Adventurers discovered these at the same time and were very quietly stuffing their faces.

— COOLDADDY COCKTAIL:  This spicy cocktail is a must.  Who could pass up a drink that features Chef House’s Sriracha sauce? Tequila, handmade pepper syrup, strawberries, cilantro are also among the ingredients.

— BEIGNETS:  Pronounced “Ben-yays.”   Known in some circles as “pizza frite”, “zeppole” or fried dough, these puffs of dough are a perfect end to a rich dinner.  Ever so slightly covered with sifted powdered sugar, Big Ragu had white on his “man bib vest” in no time.

 

Smoked Salmon Dip with Bagel nuggets - a must eat

Smoked Salmon dip, made in house, with Bagel Bites

Honorable Mention:  The mac n cheese and hand breaded, fried okra deserve a nod!

Thank you for reading our special  Food Adventure with Big Ragu and the Crew!

We always visit a place multiple times before we write a story, so we are ready for a trip back to Lily’s.. want to join us?  COMMENT BELOW on the story for a chance to win!

**** CONTEST **** WIN a $25 Gift Certificate to LILY’S BISTRO WITH BIG RAGU AND THE CREW !!   Just comment on the story below for a chance to win.  One entry per person, please.  A winner will be chosen at random.  We will revisit this restaurant for an another Food Adventure and you are welcome to join us !
Follow Food Adventures by giving us a like on Facebook.
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“Scratch Food” Caters the Suzy Pender Memorial for the 14th year

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BBQ Baby Back Ribs from Scratch Event Catering

In all of our Food Adventure articles, we feature extraordinary people doing extraordinary things. And even then some people stand out among the rest.  Take Chef Matt Hayden for example, owner of Scratch Event Catering.  He has owned bars, eateries, and learned to hone his culinary skills. Whether it is  taking an egg to whisk it, or smoking brisket, he is on top of it all.  He donates times to various charities, and never boasts or asks for recognition.  Matt does it for his love of the cause, and his love of pleasing people with good food.

One such event is the Suzy Pender Memorial Golf Outing.  This annual event will have its 14th golf outing this Saturday at Jamaica Run Golf Course.  Suzy was a Centerville native who had a love for golf and children.  She passed away unexpectedly in 2001,  at the age of 30.  She was an absolute angel, who was taken from this world, way too soon.  The golf outing honors her memory and helps causes that were close to her heart.  The purpose of the event, is to raise money to buy stuffed animal Teddy Bears.  These bears are given to hospitalized children to help comfort them.  Tens of thousands of bears have been given to children at Miami Valley Hospital over the past 14 years.

Matt Hayden has also been there over the past 14 years donating his food, time and resources to make this event what it is today.  Matt’s wife Carey along with a committee of Suzy’s friends, run the benefit without a hitch.  Saturday’s event  has already sold out the maximum  # of golfers.  Again, we can’t say enough good things about the committee that organizes this golf outing each year.  The door prizes and fun times are second to none.

Scratch Event Catering typically makes and incredible BBQ buffet spread featuring all you want baby back ribs, pulled pork, roasted chicken and some tasty southern style soul sides.  It is nothing short of a great Food Adventure !  Every year we see Matt running around, serving hot food, and providing a delicious and filling meal.  He and his staff work hard, and it shows in the end product.

Chef Matt Hayden, a Dayton Native who gives back to the Community

Today we recognize Matt’s dedication of 14 years and counting to this charity.  We also say THANK YOU, for giving back to the community, year after year.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Want to donate to the Suzy Pender Memorial Fund ?  Email Debbi  at [email protected]

Do you need a catering company with some savory food or a healthy menu?  Contact Scratch Event Catering at (937) 567-7850.  Learn more about Chef Hayden in his DMM 10? interview.

Please feel free to browse some photos of the last 14 years of the Suzy Pender Memorial Outing, catered by Scratch Food.

 

Want to stay on top of the best food happenings in Dayton?  Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook HERE !  All food, all Dayton, all the time !

 

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Dayton’s Housemade Sriracha Craze Continues !! **Bottle Giveaway !**

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Food Adventure in a Bottle – Housemade Sriracha, a Dayton Original

We had to follow up on our own Chef LeeAnne House and her Sriracha sauce, because it has really taken off since our first article–>read here.  Want a bottle of her amazing sauce for free??  Then comment on the story below and you will be entered into the contest.   One name will be chosen at random next week.

The locally made Housemade Sriracha Sauce is a “must eat” and must have condiment.  It has popped up at various vendors all over town, and is now stretching to Cincinnati, Columbus and beyond.

Haven’t tried it yet?  Well this Sunday, is a perfect time.

— RELEASE PARTY FOR THE NEW SRIRACHA BEER at TOXIC BREW this SUNDAY, AUGUST 17th at 1PM.

Two popular Dayton brands collide as Toxic Brewery releases their Sriracha Beer made with Housemade Sriracha Sauce.  It is a Food Adventure in a pint.

Get to 431 E. Fifth St.,  and enjoy some beer and food samples made with Housemade Sriracha.

Other events include, a couple of weeks ago, when the DOROTHY LANE MARKET SCHOOL OF COOKING CLASS featured, HOUSEMADE SRIRACHA.

Toxic Brew Launches Sriracha Beer Sunday, Aug. 7th at 1pm couple of weeks ago,

 

Attendees got to learn from the best, Chef Jenn DiSanto, but they were also able to meet and greet Chef LeeAnne House, the owner and producer of the Housemade Sriracha Sauce.  Keep yourself updated with DLM School of Cooking as another class may be popping up soon.  Even a Food Adventure class.

Chef LeeAnne will also be at the Toxic Brewery event on Sunday, so make sure you visit and say ‘Hi.’

What’s next for Housemade Sauces?  Well since they have entered many major Ohio cities, look for them to expand vendors in those cities, and look for them in Indianapolis in the coming weeks.  So keep your eyes peeled for this sauce at a vendor near you!

We are proud of a true Dayton Original, LeeAnne House and her hot sauce!  So proud that Food Adventures wants to give a lucky fan a free bottle !

******* FREE BOTTLE GIVEAWAY *******

Just comment below and you will be entered to win a bottle of Housemade Sriracha.  One winner will be chosen next week at random.

Want even more heat?  Then add FOOD ADVENTURES to your Facebook by clicking HERE.

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Star-Studded THIRD PERSON Opens Friday at THE NEON

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MV5BMjAwNTk0OTczNV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNTI3NDE2MTE@._V1._CR29,29,953,1442_SX214_AL_Hello Everyone,

We had a lot of fun this weekend with A HARD DAY’S NIGHT. Audiences applauded after each screening, and some folks even admitted to having cried tears of joy during their revisit with The Beatles. If you’d still like to see it, Thursday will be your last chance at THE NEON. Thursday will also be the last day for the ground-breaking film OBVIOUS CHILD. On Friday, we will open the new film from Paul Haggis – THIRD PERSON. SNOWPIERCER (which had a terrific opening weekend) and CHEF will stick around for another week. (For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com)

Synopsis for THIRD PERSON: “THIRD PERSON tells three stories of love, passion, trust and betrayal, in a multi-strand story line reminiscent of Paul Haggis’s earlier Oscar-winning film CRASH. The tales play out in New York, Paris and Rome: three couples who appear to have nothing related but share deep commonalities: lovers and estranged spouses, children lost and found.” Starring Liam Neeson, Mila Kunis, Adrien Brody, Olivia Wilde, James Franco and many other well-known actors.

There’s been a locally-initiated tugg request for the film NO ORDINARY HERO: THE SUPERDEAFY MOVIE on July 23 at 7:30, and the event will only proceed if 62 tickets are purchased by July 14. (If the threshold isn’t met, your card will not be charged.) “When a deaf actor who plays a superhero on television looks beyond his cape to influence a deaf boy to redefine what ‘being normal’ means, he also finds inspiration to transform himself.” Visit the official LINK to watch the trailer and to reserver your ticket.

On Tuesday, July 29 at 7:30, The Evangelical Immigration Table will host a one-time screening of the documentary THE STRANGER. “This film was produced to motivate evangelical Christians to take a stand for immigration reform. The film tells the story of three families caught in our broken immigration system. The film is a stark reminder that immigration isn’t just a political issue, and it certainly isn’t a liberal or conservative issue. It is an American issue, and it is a spiritual issue. Tickets are $5 (available starting July 11 at THE NEON’s Box Office) and all proceeds will go to local refugees served by New Path Outreach, a ministry of Ginghamsburg Church. Watch the film. Then call your Congressman.” (taken from press notes) A panel discussion will be held after the screening.

On Thursday, July 31 at 7:30, 4 Paws For Ability would like to screen the documentary LEGENDS OF THE KNIGHT. This is a tugg screening…which means that 62 people need to reserve tickets by July 20 for the engagement to move forward. “LEGENDS OF THE KNIGHT weaves together the uplifting true stories of individuals who have overcome devastating obstacles, unselfishly given to the community, and embraced their inner superhero because of their love of Batman.” Follow this LINK to find out more about the film, watch a trailer and reserve your ticket.

Thanks so much for your continued support!

We hope to see you soon!

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, July 11- Thursday, July 17:

THIRD PERSON (R) 2 Hr 17 Min
Friday, Saturday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45
Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00
Monday: 2:20, 5:10, 7:50
Tuesday: 2:20, 7:50
Wednesday, Thursday: 2:20, 5:10, 7:50

CHEF (R) 1 Hr 55 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 5:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:30

SNOWPIERCER (R) 2 Hr 6 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:50, 8:00
Monday: 2:50, 8:00
Tuesday: 2:50
Wednesday, Thursday: 2:50, 8:00

COMING SOON:

(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)

TBD – IDA
TBD – WORDS AND PICTURES
July 18 – LIFE ITSELF
Aug 8 – BOYHOOD
Aug 15 – MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT
Aug 29 – LAND HO

The Beatles & SNOWPIERCER This Weekend at THE NEON

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snowpiercer-5344811ea1884Hello Everyone,

You only have until Thursday (July 3) to see JODOROWSKY’S DUNE…Thursday will be its last day at THE NEON. On Friday, we will open 2 films. One is the remastered and restored Beatles’ classic – A HARD DAY’S NIGHT – celebrating its 50th Anniversary. The other is a genre that doesn’t get much play around THE NEON…it’s a sci-fi action film by beloved and master filmmaker Bong Joon-ho. It’s called SNOWPIERCER, and the cast is amazing – Tilda Swinton, Ed Harris, Jamie Bell, John Hurt, Octavia Spencer, Chris Evans and more! OBVIOUS CHILD and CHEF will continue their runs for another week. (For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com)

Synopsis for SNOWPIERCER: This film has been receiving incredible reviews, and it has a lot to say about our society. “In this sci-fi epic from director Bong Joon Ho (THE HOST, MOTHER), a failed global-warming experiment kills off most life on the planet. The final survivors board the SNOWPIERCER, a train that travels around the globe via a perpetual-motion engine. When cryptic messages incite the passengers to revolt, the train thrusts full-throttle towards disaster.” (A24) Claudia Puig of USA TODAY wrote “A rare hybrid that perfectly blends the dazzle of a futuristic action thriller with the intellectual substance of an art film.” Scott Foundas of VARIETY wrote that the film has a “respect for the audience’s intelligence rarely encountered in high-concept genre cinema.” Peter Travers of ROLLING STONE wrote, “SNOWPIERCER is everything TRANSFORMERS wishes it could be: A slambam sci-fi thriller with a brain, a heart and an artful sense of purpose.” Click THIS LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Synopsis for A HARD DAY’S NIGHT: ONE WEEK ONLY! RESTORED & REMASTERED!! “Meet the Beatles! Just one month after they exploded onto the U.S. scene with their Ed Sullivan appearance, John, Paul, George, and Ringo began working on a project that would bring their revolutionary talent to the big screen. A Hard Day’s Night, in which the bandmates play wily, exuberant versions of themselves, captured the astonishing moment when they officially became the singular, irreverent idols of their generation and changed music forever. Directed with raucous, anything-goes verve by Richard Lester and featuring a slew of iconic pop anthems, including the title track, “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “I Should Have Known Better,” and “If I Fell,” A Hard Day’s Night, which reconceived the movie musical and exerted an incalculable influence on the music video, is one of the most deliriously entertaining movies of all time.” (Janus) Click THIS LINK to visit the film’s official facebook page.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiW003U4iA8

Would you like to win tickets to A HARD DAY’S NIGHT? Listen to WSWO – Oldies 97.3 for chances to win tickets. WSWO is working on getting guest musicians to perform Beatles classics on our patio on Saturday afternoon starting at 4:00. For more information, follow this LINK to their facebook page.

On Thursday, July 31 at 7:30, 4 Paws For Ability would like to screen the documentary LEGENDS OF THE KNIGHT. This is a tugg screening…which means that 62 people need to reserve tickets by July 20 for the engagement to move forward. “LEGENDS OF THE KNIGHT weaves together the uplifting true stories of individuals who have overcome devastating obstacles, unselfishly given to the community, and embraced their inner superhero because of their love of Batman.” Follow this LINK to find out more about the film, watch a trailer and reserve your ticket.

Next time you’re in the neighborhood, even if you’re not up for a movie, be sure to check out our patio. We’ve really spruced things up with new furniture, new umbrellas and beautiful plants. Our beer selection is pretty awesome (not to mention our iced coffee and other cold drinks), so think about our patio as a great place to unwind down the road.

We hope to see you soon!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, July 4 – Thursday, July 10:

OBVIOUS CHILD (R) 1 Hr 24 Min
Friday, Saturday: 3:15, 9:45
Sunday – Thursday: 3:15

CHEF (R) 1 Hr 55 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 7:20

A HARD DAY’S NIGHT (NR) 1 Hr 27 Min
Friday – Thursday: 5:15

SNOWPIERCER (R) 2 Hr 6 Min
Friday, Saturday: 1:30, 4:15, 7:00, 9:45
Sunday: 1:30, 4:15, 7:00
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:20, 8:00

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
TBD – IDA
TBD – WORDS AND PICTURES
July 11 – THIRD PERSON
July 18 – LIFE ITSELF
Aug 8 – BOYHOOD
Aug 15 – MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT
Aug 29 – LAND HO

OBVIOUS CHILD & JODOROWSKY’S DUNE at THE NEON!

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m_350_oc_1sht_V1.inddHello Everyone,

If you still need to see BELLE, FED UP or SUPERMENSCH, you only have until Thursday to catch them at THE NEON. In addition to holding CHEF, we will open 2 new films. One is a brand new, critically acclaimed, cutting edge comedy with a lot of heart – OBVIOUS CHILD. The other is a documentary that several of you have been asking about – JODOROWSKY’S DUNE – currently at 99% FRESH on rottentomatoes.com. (For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com)

Synopsis for OBVIOUS CHILD: “For aspiring comedian Donna Stern, everyday life as a female twenty-something provides ample material for her incredibly relatable brand of humor. On stage, Donna is unapologetically herself, joking about topics as intimate as her sex life and as crude as her day-old underwear. But when Donna gets dumped, loses her job, and finds herself pregnant just in time for Valentine’s Day, she has to navigate the murky waters of independent adulthood for the first time…Never failing to find the comedy and humanity in each awkward situation she encounters, Donna finds out along the way what it means to be as brave in life as she is on stage. Anchored by a breakout performance from Jenny Slate, OBVIOUS CHILD is a winning discovery, packed tight with raw, energetic comedy and moments of poignant human honesty. Writer/Director Gillian Robespierre handles the topic of Donna’s unwanted pregnancy with a refreshing matter-of-factness rarely seen onscreen. And with Donna, Slate and Robespierre have crafted a character for the ages – a female audiences will recognize, cheer for, and love.” (A24) Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Synopsis for JODOROWSKY’S DUNE: ONE WEEK ONLY! Currently at 99% FRESH on Rottentomatoes.com! “In 1975, Chilean director Alejandro Jodorowsky, whose films EL TOPO and THE HOLY MOUNTAIN launched and ultimately defined the midnight movie phenomenon, began work on his most ambitious project yet. Starring his own 12 year old son Brontis alongside Orson Welles, Mick Jagger, David Carradine and Salvador Dali, featuring music by Pink Floyd and art by some of the most provocative talents of the era, including HR Giger and Jean ‘Moebius’ Giraud, Jodorowsky’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s classic sci-fi novel DUNE was poised to change cinema forever.” (Sony Classics) Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official facebook page.

Ryan Benner will premiere the 4th installment in the SAVOR THE FLAVOR series (locally produced roller-blading videos) on Saturday, June 28 at 10pm. Ticket, $5 each, are available now at THE NEON’s box office. “Featuring blading from: Aaron Pyle, Tri Tri-Rudolf, Reed Huston, Andrew Thompson, Dan Mikesell,Alex Papalios & Ryan Benner.” In addition, Benner will also screen Hawke Trackler’s CRUISIN’ 4 A BRUISIN’ – featuring Kyle Wood, Ben Poling, Stefan Brandow, Jimmy Spetz, Matt Lyon, Jesse Soda, Hawke Trackler, Greg Preston, Cody Reffner & Bradley Wilson.” (taken from Benner’s Press Notes)

We have several other special events in the works, so I should have plenty of new details in next week’s newsletter.

Next time you’re in the neighborhood, even if you’re not up for a movie, be sure to check out our patio. We’ve really spruced things up with new furniture, new umbrellas and beautiful plants. Our beer selection is pretty awesome (not to mention our iced coffee and other cold drinks), so think about our patio as a great place to unwind down the road.

Thanks for your continued interest and enthusiastic support.
We hope to see you soon!

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, June 27 – Thursday, July 3:

OBVIOUS CHILD (R) 1 Hr 24 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 5:20, 7:30

CHEF (R) 1 Hr 55 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:50, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 7:20

JODOROWSKY’S DUNE (PG-13) 1 Hr 30 Min
Friday: 5:15, 9:45
Saturday: 5:15
Sunday: 5:15, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 5:15

SAVOR THE FLAVOR 4 (Not Appropriate for Young Audiences) approx. 30 Min.
Saturday: 10:00

COMING SOON:

(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)

July 4 – A HARD DAY’S NIGHT
July 11 – THIRD PERSON
TBD – IDA
TBD – WORDS AND PICTURES
Aug 8 – BOYHOOD
Aug 15 – MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT
Aug 29 – LAND HO

FED UP and SUPERMENSCH Open Friday at THE NEON!

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supermensch-the-legend-of-shep-gordon-187783-poster-xlarge-resizedHello Everyone,

Once again, we’re holding onto BELLE and CHEF this week, but we’re also going to start two new documentaries. FED UP is one that several of you have been asking about…and it’s currently only slated to play for one week (one screening per day). Hurry down if you need to see it! In addition, we will play a documentary that many of you have seen advertised before our current two hits – SUPERMENSCH: THE LEGEND OF SHEP GORDON, directed by Mike Myers (you may have seen Shep Gordon on CBS Sunday Morning a couple weeks ago or even on David Letterman last night).

Synopsis for FED UP: “Far more of us get sick from what we eat than anyone has ever realized. This potent expose uncovers the food industry’s dirty secrets. This exploration reveals how, in the wake of media attention, public fascination with appearance and government policies pushing for change, generations of Americans will live shorter lives.” “For the past 30 years, everything we thought we knew about food and exercise is dead wrong. FED UP is the film the food industry doesn’t want you to see. From Katie Couric, Laurie David (Oscar winning producer of AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH) and director Stephanie Soechtig, FED UP will change the way you eat forever.” (taken from RADiUS-TWC) Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Synopsis for SUPERMENSCH: THE LEGEND OF SHEP GORDON: “Shep Gordon is the consummate Hollywood insider. Though he isn’t a household name, Gordon has become a beacon in the industry, beloved by the countless stars he has encountered throughout his storied career. Shep is known for managing the careers of Alice Cooper as well as stints with Blondie, Luther Vandross and Raquel Welch, among others – a career that began with a chance encounter in 1968 with Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix. He even found time to invent the “Celebrity Chef.” Though the chef as star is part of the culture now, it took Shep’s imagination, and his moral outrage at how the chefs were being treated, to monetize the culinary arts into the multi-billion dollar industry it is today. Personal friends with the Dalai Lama through his philanthropic endeavors with the Tibet Fund and the guardian of four children, Gordon’s unlikely story will be told by those who know him best, his pals, including Alice Cooper, Michael Douglas, Sylvester Stallone, Anne Murray, Willie Nelson, Emeril Lagasse and more.” (RADiUS-TWC) Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official facebook page.

Don’t forget about Start Freedom Dayton’s screening of TRICKED on Thursday evening at 7:30. More details can be found on our website – www.neomovies.com.

The Montgomery County Food Policy Coalition is hosting a screening of FOOD PATRIOTS this Saturday, June 21 at 3:00. “Touched by their teenage son’s battle with a foodborne superbug, filmmakers Jeff & Jennifer Spitz document their family’s struggle to raise backyard chickens, grow food, and transform into Food Patriots. FOOD PATRIOTS features people from all walks of life who are trying to change the way Americans eat and buy food, and educate the next generation of consumers.” Admission is free and open to the public – to save a spot, please RSVP to Emily Bradford at (937)225-6470 or [email protected]

On Wednesday, June 25 at 7:30, THE NEON is happy to host a one-night screening of the new documentary TO BE TAKEI. This is part of Dayton PRIDE’s month-long LGBT Pride celebration. “Over seven decades, actor and activist George Takei boldly journeyed from a WWII internment camp, to the helm of the starship Enterprise, to the daily news feeds of five million Facebook fans. Join George and his husband Brad on this star’s playful and profound trek for life, liberty, and love. Best known for playing Sulu on the original Star Trek TV series and six movies that followed, George Takei is unlikely social media royalty. Unofficially dubbed the King of Facebook, he counts over 5 million fans in his online empire – including Trekkies, Howard Stern listeners, and the LGBTQ community – who devour his quirky mix of kitten jokes, Star Trek references, heartfelt messages, and sci-fi/fantasy memes…” (taken from press notes) Tickets, just $8 each, are now available at our box office.

On Thursday, June 26 at 7:30, we will host a preview screening of the new short film FOR FRANCIS. “When Matt Flynn (David Beck) discovers that his son Francis’s second grade teacher Ms. Walker (Kathy Patterson) gave his son a dress to wear, Matt becomes enraged and confronts the school. This very special preview screening on June 26th is in large part for donors in the Dayton area who contributed to the FOR FRANCIS fundraising campaign last fall. The film has already captured the attention of many prominent figures in the entertainment industry, including Emmy Award Winner Tim Gunn, who is one of the film’s Executive Producers. The character of ‘Ms. Walker’ in FOR FRANCIS is inspired by David Beck’s junior high English teacher, Denise Walker, of St. Charles School, in Kettering, Ohio. Although a work of fiction, the story of FOR FRANCIS is inspired by the real life Mrs. Walker’s positive influence on David’s life. Please RSVP to [email protected] for free tickets. Donations are welcome, and walk-ins will be accepted for $7. The donations will be used to help cover the cost of theater rentals and festival submissions.” (taken from Press Notes)

Ryan Benner will premiere the 4th installment in the SAVOR THE FLAVOR series (locally produced roller-blading videos) on Saturday, June 28 at 10pm. Ticket, $5 each, are available now at THE NEON’s box office. “Featuring blading from: Aaron Pyle, Tri Tri-Rudolf, Reed Huston, Andrew Thompson, Dan Mikesell,Alex Papalios & Ryan Benner.” In addition, Benner will also screen Hawke Trackler’s CRUISIN’ 4 A BRUISIN’ – featuring Kyle Wood, Ben Poling, Stefan Brandow, Jimmy Spetz, Matt Lyon, Jesse Soda, Hawke Trackler, Greg Preston, Cody Reffner & Bradley Wilson.” (taken from Benner’s Press Notes)

Things aren’t looking good for the potential screening of STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING DOORS – tentatively set for Sunday, June 29 at 5:15…only 5 tickets have been reserved. If 50 tickets aren’t reserved by this Friday, the screening will not move forward. If you want to see this film screen at THE NEON, click this official LINK to reserve your ticket…and please help spread the word. “STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING DOORS tells the story of Ricky, a 13-year old boy with Asperger’s Syndrome who gets lost one day in the New York City subway system. While his mother frantically searches for him above ground, the sensory-sensitive Ricky is exposed to the cacophony, eccentricity, and menace found in New York’s underground (including some scenes shot during Hurricane Sandy, which came to figure into the film’s story), resulting in a truly authentic view into both the wonders and the horrors of what lies below.”

I’m so glad to announce that we have added IDA to our “Coming Soon” list. This little gem of a film was one of the best films I saw at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival – right up there with 12 YEARS A SLAVE and PHILOMENA. Next time you’re in, I’ll hope to have trailers running.

Thanks for your continued interest and enthusiastic support.

We hope to see you soon!

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, June 20 – Thursday, June 26:

BELLE (PG) 1 Hr Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 5:00
Monday – Thursday: 2:50

CHEF (R) 1 Hr Min
Friday, Saturday: 2:40, 7:20, 9:45
Sunday: 2:40, 7:20
Monday & Tuesday: 5:10, 7:30
Wednesday: 5:10
Thursday: 5:10, 8:30

SUPERMENSCH (R) 1 Hr 25 Min
Friday: 1:00, 3:00, 7:15, 9:15
Saturday: 1:00, 7:15, 9:15
Sunday: 1:00, 3:00, 7:15
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 7:30

FED UP (PG) 1 Hr 32 Min
Friday – Thursday: 5:15

FOOD PATRIOTS (NR) 1 Hr 14 Min
Saturday: 3:00

TO BE TAKEI (NR) 1 Hr 34 Min
Wednesday: 7:30

FOR FRANCIS (NR) approx. 30 Min.
Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
June 27 – OBVIOUS CHILD
June 27 – JODOROWKY’S DUNE
July 4 – A HARD DAY’S NIGHT
TBD – IDA
TBD – WORDS AND PICTURES
July 25 – THIRD PERSON
Aug 8 – BOYHOOD
Aug 15 – MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT
Aug 29 – LAND HO

ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE and FOR NO GOOD REASON To Augment Successful BELLE and CHEF at THE NEON!

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Only-Lovers-Left-Alive-Australian-Poster-copyHello Everyone,

Even though we’re managing to hold BELLE and CHEF for another week, we’re adding 2 new films to the mix. The documentary about Ralph Steadman – FOR NO GOOD REASON – will have just three screenings over the weekend, and Jim Jarmusch’s new vampire film (with the always-thrilling Tilda Swinton) – ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE – will start limited screenings on Friday.

Synopsis for ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE: “Jim Jarmusch’s ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE tells the tale of two fragile and sensitive vampires, Adam (Tom Hiddleston) and Eve (Tilda Swinton), who have been lovers for centuries. Both are cultured intellectuals with an all-embracing passion for music, literature and science, who have evolved to a level where they no longer kill for sustenance, but still retain their innate wildness. Adam, a reclusive underground musician hiding out in the ruins of contemporary Detroit, despairs about human civilization’s decline, and worries about future survival. Eve, who is perhaps 3000 years old to Adam’s 500, takes a longer view of history and is more optimistic. She leaves her home in the ancient city of Tangier to come to his side.” (taken from Sony Pictures Classics) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TbxI_oRSKI’]

Synopsis for FOR NO GOOD REASON: “Experience 15 years in the life of acclaimed illustrator Ralph Steadman, whose surreal, often confrontational artwork is frequently associated with Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson thanks to such books as Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and The Curse of Lono. A look back at Steadman’s remarkable career offers a glimpse into his vivid imagination as interviews with Johnny Depp, Terry Gilliam, Richard E. Grant, Tim Robbins and others offer insight into the man behind the legend. Meanwhile, Steadman watches as his drawings are brought to life through the magic of animation for the very first time.” (Jason Buchanan, Rovi) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QABS2MG8UOA’]

“Start Freedom Dayton, a film series started by Peace on Fifth to raise awareness about human trafficking, returns next Thursday, June 19th at 7:30 pm with the newest movie about human trafficking – TRICKED. The sex trafficking industry rakes in $3 billion dollars a year and with little awareness for the general population. TRICKED, released in December 2013, is set on the streets of the US as a clear witness to the domestic sex trafficking ‘game.’ This is a very powerful movie. Age appropriate for 12+, however children should have some level of awareness and emotional maturity. For more information call Peace on Fifth at 937.367.7215 or email [email protected]. To learn more about TRICKED and to see a trailer, visit the official site. All advanced tickets are available exclusively at Peace on Fifth (234 S Dutoit St., St. Anne’s Hill) for an $8 suggested donation.” (taken from Peace on Fifth press release)

The Montgomery County Food Policy Coalition is hosting a screening of FOOD PATRIOTS on Saturday, June 21 at 3:00. “Touched by their teenage son’s battle with a foodborne superbug, filmmakers Jeff & Jennifer Spitz document their family’s struggle to raise backyard chickens, grow food, and transform into Food Patriots. FOOD PATRIOTS features people from all walks of life who are trying to change the way Americans eat and buy food, and educate the next generation of consumers.” Admission is free and open to the public – to save a spot, please RSVP to Emily Bradford at (937)225-6470 or [email protected]

On Wednesday, June 25 at 7:30, THE NEON is happy to host a one-night screening of the new documentary TO BE TAKEI. This is part of Dayton PRIDE’s month-long LGBT Pride celebration. “Over seven decades, actor and activist George Takei boldly journeyed from a WWII internment camp, to the helm of the starship Enterprise, to the daily news feeds of five million Facebook fans. Join George and his husband Brad on this star’s playful and profound trek for life, liberty, and love. Best known for playing Sulu on the original Star Trek TV series and six movies that followed, George Takei is unlikely social media royalty. Unofficially dubbed the King of Facebook, he counts over 5 million fans in his online empire – including Trekkies, Howard Stern listeners, and the LGBTQ community – who devour his quirky mix of kitten jokes, Star Trek references, heartfelt messages, and sci-fi/fantasy memes…” (taken from press notes) Tickets, just $8 each, are now available at our box office.

On Thursday, June 26 at 7:30, we will host a preview screening of the new short film FOR FRANCIS. “When Matt Flynn (David Beck) discovers that his son Francis’s second grade teacher Ms. Walker (Kathy Patterson) gave his son a dress to wear, Matt becomes enraged and confronts the school. This very special preview screening on June 26th is in large part for donors in the Dayton area who contributed to the FOR FRANCIS fundraising campaign last fall. The film has already captured the attention of many prominent figures in the entertainment industry, including Emmy Award Winner Tim Gunn, who is one of the film’s Executive Producers. The character of ‘Ms. Walker’ in FOR FRANCIS is inspired by David Beck’s junior high English teacher, Denise Walker, of St. Charles School, in Kettering, Ohio. Although a work of fiction, the story of FOR FRANCIS is inspired by the real life Mrs. Walker’s positive influence on David’s life. Please RSVP to [email protected] for free tickets. Donations are welcome, and walk-ins will be accepted for $7. The donations will be used to help cover the cost of theater rentals and festival submissions.” (taken from Press Notes)

A special, one-time screening of STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING DOORS has been requested for Sunday, June 29 at 5:15…but it will only move forward if at least 50 tickets are reserved by Friday, June 20. Click this official LINK to reserve your ticket. “STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING DOORS tells the story of Ricky, a 13-year old boy with Asperger’s Syndrome who gets lost one day in the New York City subway system. While his mother frantically searches for him above ground, the sensory-sensitive Ricky is exposed to the cacophony, eccentricity, and menace found in New York’s underground (including some scenes shot during Hurricane Sandy, which came to figure into the film’s story), resulting in a truly authentic view into both the wonders and the horrors of what lies below.”

Thanks for your continued interest and enthusiastic support.

We hope to see you soon!

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, June 13 – Thursday, June 19:

BELLE (PG) 1 Hr Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:20

CHEF (R) 1 Hr Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Monday – Thursday: 2:45, 5:10, 7:40

ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE (R) 2 Hrs 3 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 9:40
Monday – Wednesday: 7:45

FOR NO GOOD REASON (R) 1 Hr 29 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30

TRICKED (NR) 1 Hr 15 Min + Discussion
Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:

(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)

June 20 – FED UP
June 20 – SUPERMENSCH: LEGEND OF SHEP GORDON
June 27 – OBVIOUS CHILD
June 27 – JODOROWSKY’S DUNE
July 4 – A HARD DAY’S NIGHT
July 25 – THIRD PERSON
Aug. 8 – BOYHOOD
Aug. 15 – MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT
Aug. 29 – LAND HO

Hot House! Local Chef Heats Things Up With New Sriracha Sauce

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Hot stuff in Dayton

Dayton Chef LeeAnne House, with her Housemade Sriracha Sauce !

We’ve got the boss with the hot sauce right here!  Want to heat up your Food Adventures at home?  Then look no further.

Local chef, our own LeeAnne House has made her mark in the kitchens of upscale area restaurants. Now she is out on her own, with a new company called Housemade.  Her first bottled product is a popular one, called Housemade Sriracha Sauce. She started experimenting with new sauces in her apartment kitchen and the batches grew, and so did the demand.  Now she has taken her saucy self corporate.

Believe it or not, sriracha is a style of sauce, and not a brand name.  We are all familiar with that plastic bottle with the rooster and green spout.  This gives that sauce a kick in the pants.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— LeeAnne grew up in the food industry.  Her parents at one time owned various restaurants like Lincoln Park Grille, Oregon Express, and others.  LeeAnne worked her way up from bussing tables to chief hottie.

bottling plant

Bottles of Housemade Sriracha, Ready to be Labeled

— The sauce took a year and a half to perfect.  Originally home cooked and home produced, she is now off  to the big time with the same, natural recipe.  Food Adventures have been trying her home batch sriracha sauces for months, so we are especially happy to see her recent success.

— This sauce won 1st prize in the 2014 Louisiana Cajun Hot Sauce Festival, for the best specialty chili sauce, and is being blogged about nationally from California to Nashville.  Foodies and Food Adventurers agree, it’s fantastic!

— A bottle of this sauce goes a long way, good thing there is a 2 year shelf life.

 

WHY IS THIS SAUCE A MUST EAT?

— FLAVOR:  That is the most important thing, right?  Not just heat for the sake of heat, but good flavor is what a sauce is all about.  Housemade Sriracha is sweeter, hotter and meaner than the sriracha you are used to.   There is a good amount of tang and zing to get your tastebuds rolling.

 — ALL PEPPERS in this sauce are Thai Chili Peppers, and the sauce has NO STEMS.  This is huge, because most mass produced sauces have stems ground into them, thereby changing the flavor of the sauce.  Housemade keeps the flavor truer to the pepper itself with the tedious process of stem removal.

— NATURAL INGREDIENTS:  We wont give away the recipe, just read the side of the label for the natural ingredients.  Did we mention it is vegan and gluten-free ?

— LOCALLY MADE – Whenever possible local ingredients are used, local farmers, and the sauce is assembled from Dayton to Chillicothe.  Hello, support local, buy local.  Expect different sauces from Housemade in the future !

 

The Big Ragu knows you can get Housemade Sriracha at Foremost Seafood

The Big Ragu knows where to get Housemade Sriracha, and now, you do too !

The Big Ragu loves the sauce on chili, shrimp, wings and anything mexican (nachos, tacos, tortas, burritos and sopes).

LITE BITES: Try the sriracha on egg white omelettes, roasted veggies, homemade vegetable soups, and quinoa.

 

Housemade Sriracha Sauce has made its way into local restaurants and has been appearing on specials at Lily’s Bistro, and pizzas at  Oregon Express to name a couple.  We expect more locally owned restaurants to follow this trend.  In fact, the demand has been so good, that a second batch has already gone into production.

 

WHERE CAN YOU BUY THE BOTTLES OF HOUSEMADE SRIRACHA?

— Arrow Wine & Spirits

— Clash Consignments

— Eclectic Essentials

— Foremost Seafood

— Healthy Alternative Markets

— The Spice Rack

— Yankee Street Market

 

In more ways than one, it is the hottest product in Dayton.  Housemade Sriracha, we love you, you hot thang you ….

Speaking of hotness, check out Food Adventures on Facebook  and “like” them HERE

Also, see more of LeeAnne and her hot sauce in the photo gallery below!

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