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A Unique Valentine’s Day Choice + Win $20 Gift Card

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Japanese Style Dining Room – sit on the floor

Looking to impress a loved one this Valentine’s Day? Well, we are about to let a secret out of the bag, so move quickly on this one.  Couples are always looking for something fun and new, so here is the scoop on the Food Adventure you have been looking for.

The place is in Miamisburg, and has Dayton’s only traditional Japanese style dining room.  This means you sit on the floor, on pillows, no shoes.  They give you warm towels to wipe your hands, the whole nine yards.  More importantly you will have 2 incredibly authentic Japanese menus at your fingertips. One for sushi, and the other features appetizers, soups and entrees.  Many of these dishes, you won’t find anywhere else in Dayton.

The place is called ARIAKE SUSHI BAR and is located at 59 Fiesta Lane near the Dayton Mall.

***WIN a $20 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO ARIAKE from Food Adventures !***
COMMENT BELOW ON WHY YOU SHOULD GET THE CERTIFICATE and a WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM.

How about a warm bowl or Udon or Ramen Soup ?

What a great chance to try some of Dayton’s best sushi for free.

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON ARIAKE SUSHI:

—RESTAURANT HOURS ARE:
TUES – THURS: 11am-2pm lunch, 4pm-9:30pm dinner
SAT & SUN: 11am – 10pm
 They are closed on MONDAYS

— Extensive, authentic Japanese menu.  The owner Miko Whigham, is a Japanese native.  Her daughter recently has joined the team as the customer base has grown.   The word is getting out about Ariake.

—The dining area consists of 3 options – sushi bar seating, regular dining room seating, and the special Japanese style dining room, the only one of its kind in Dayton.

—Ariake has a nice selection of Japanese beers and Sake.

—The kitchen specialties include Udon Noodle Soups, Katsu Curry, and Ramen Noodle Soups.  The Dayton Roll is the Big Ragu’s favorite and the Sunset Roll and Ngiri (raw fish on rice) and Sashimi (Raw fish slices) options are top notch.

The Cupid Roll – BRAND NEW ROLL at Ariake !!

Whether you are a sushi pro, a sushi rookie, and even if you don’t like sushi, there is something for everyone on their menus.

Sushi Chef Sasaki has some new tricks up his sleeve this Valentine’s Day and ONLY FOOD ADVENTURES has the scoop…

 

NEW MUST EATS at ARIAKE SUSHI:

—THE CUPID ROLL:
A spicy crab roll, topped with raw tuna, and dabs of spicy mayo. We have fallen in love with this BRAND NEW roll !! A MUST EAT !!!

—THE SURF and TURF ROLL:
A crab sushi roll, topped with a teriyaki beef. Sea and land all wrapped in a sushi roll.

—THE SAKURA ROLL:

Surf and Turf Roll NEW

Sushi rice wrapped with salmon and whitefish, then deep fried in a tempura batter and topped with scallions, spicy mayo, fish eggs and eel sauce. This roll has a zing in the flavor, and is a huge, filling sushi roll!

 

—FRIDAY SPECIAL:
5 pieces of Nigiri (fish on rice), A Handroll, and a California Roll for $9.99.  This is a great deal, as the Nigiri alone would cost more than that if ordered at regular prices.

The Sakura Roll – nice and spicy too !

The secret to Ariake is try things on this huge menu… from Bento Boxes, to Meal Sized Soups, Cooked Sushi or Raw Sushi, you will find and favorite and get hooked like us.  It’s just like being in love ….

This is the inside scoop, you won’t see this featured anywhere else, these are the first sneak peeks !

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY from FOOD ADVENTURES !

 

***DONT FORGET – WIN a $20 GIFT CERTIFICATE to ARIAKE SUSHI !!! ***
Just comment below on why you should win and winner will be chosen at random within 2 weeks. Now is your chance to enter for the opportunity to try some new tastes FOR FREE !

 

Sunset Roll

Join Food Adventures every week right here on Dayton Most Metro for our feature articles that you wont see anywhere else !  We have more scoop than an empty Baskin Robbins…

If you think Miko’s name is familiar … she used to own AKASHI Sushi Restaurant in Dayton.  After she sold it, she waited 3 years and decided come out of retirement.  We are so lucky that she did.  Eat up Miami Valley- try the Japanese Dining room this week with that special someone.  It will be a romantic dinner you won’t forget.  Also, perfect for groups.  Either way, everyone will be impressed !

Follow Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Please feel free to browse the photos below.

Peek into the Japanese Dining Room at Ariake Sushi

FRIDAY SPECIAL – Hand Roll, 5 Nigiri, and a California Roll for 9.99

Sakura Roll

Sunset Roll

Japanese style dining area

59 Fiesta Ln in Miamisburg

Beer and edamame

seaweed salad

Calamari

Katsu Curry

FRESH SUSHI

Shrimp Tempura

Spider Roll

Miso Soup

Sunset Roll

Shrimp Tempura roll

Salmon and Tuna

Kani

Sashimi

Sashimi plate

Sashimi plate

Sashimi Tuna

Lovers Boat

Japanese dining room

Dining room

Dining Area

sashimi plate

Handroll and miso soup

Japanese dining room

Dinner for 2

Cupid Roll

Sakura Roll

 

2017: THE YEAR IN DAYTON FOOD

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Caddy’s on 741 served big burgers like this one

Dayton saw lots of restaurants come and go in 2017.  As is our tradition each year end, Food Adventures is here to talk about those eateries.   Some restaurants were old dinosaurs, others ended up being flash in the pans, and a couple were in between.  The Miami Valley’s vibrant food scene saw some exciting additions as well.

Without further delay we give you our annual review of Dayton movers, shakers, and vanishers in 2017, “THE YEAR IN DAYTON AREA FOOD.”

 

HERE IS THE SKINNY ON PLACES DAYTON LOST IN 2017:

*****CLOSED RESTAURANTS*****

937 GRILL and CAFE:
Barely opened, after Murray’s Place closed, 937 Grill quickly closed as soon as it got started. Rumors of land lord agreements and liquor license problems were mentioned but nothing ever confirmed.

AWESOME YOGURT: Naomi Anderson Fogel opened her yogurt shop in August of 2012, but by March of 2017 she decided that her life and the business had changed and it was time to shut down the Far Hills Ave business.

BAR DUMAINE:  Chef Anne Kearney went through a couple of service changes before finally shutting the doors in July of 2017.  Lucky for us she’s done a few pop up events so we can still enjoy her amazing cooking.

BOB EVANS – MORAINE:  In Oct the chain shuttered their Dorothy Lane location, near the Moraine Wal-Mart.

BRUNING’S WINE CELLAR:
After over 30 years as a clock store, this place added wines and beers. Unfortunately, this location near Fairfield Commons Mall, closed in January, 2017.

CADDY’S TAP HOUSE:

The Original Stroop Rd Location that started Dayton’s Brew Craze

It was in May 2017 when the restaurant abruptly closed, surprising many. The sister restaurant in Beavercreek near the Fairfield Commons Mall remains open.

CARAMELLA’S ITALIAN KITCHEN:
Very short lived Italian restaurant on Wilmington Pike in Kettering. It was formerly Murphys Pub, and Barleycorn’s before that. Elsa’s is debuting a new restaurant in this spot any day now.

THE DAYTON BEER COMPANY on DORTHY LANE:
The smaller, and original location of the Dayton Beer Company locations closed in 2017. This is the spot where the “birth” of the new wave of Breweries started. Owner Pete Hilgeman and his family, purchased a 2nd location near 2nd and Madison. The location is huge and allowed him more brewery area and infinitely more seating. (Editor’s Note- this location will soon open as OinkADoodleMoo)

Flan from El Rancho Grande

DISTRICT 6 DONUTS:
Opened by a former Dayton police officer, they stopped operations in December 2017. Long hours and time dedication constraints were cited by the owners for the reason they closed, after 7 short months in business.


EL RANCHO GRANDE – POE AVE
With some popping up and others closing, sometimes this is like a whack a mole game. Probably the location was a problem here, and the opted for a more visible venue.

HAWTHORNE GRILL / SWEET PRINCE DELI:
This upscale eatery on Stroop Rd had a short lived stint as Sweet Prince Deli, before closing for good.

 

KETTERING GRILL & CAFE:
The building that for years housed BBQ Hut has closed and became Merit Grill. Although they had an extensive menu, Kettering Grill and cafe never gathered a huge following. The food was good when we went there.

MAX n ERMA’s – FAIRFIELD COMMONS MALL:
Oh how the mighty have fallen. In the late 1970’s, Max n Erma’s was one of the most popular restaurants in town, now they have closed 2 sites in the past 2 years. Still holding on to the one on Miller Lane…

We will miss the Max N Erma’s Burgers too – and hope the Miller Lane location holds up.

MCCORMICK and SCHMICKS:
Abrupt close for this high end restaurant leaving a big vacancy at the Greene. The next closest one is in Cincinnati.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS:
so much good food has been enjoyed here over the past 100 years at Festivals and County Fairs. The memories and the tastes and smells will live on.

NIBBLES:
After 2 years, the announcement came that Nibbles was moving to a bigger location and re-branding under the name Watermark. No it didn’t really close, it morphed into something more!

PADDY’S IRISH PUB:
This former Beef O Bradys location in Centerville on State Route 48, just couldn’t get the traction they wanted. We loved the fish and chips, among other menu selections.

Paddys Irish Pub had some good fish sandwiches

PALMITAS TACO SHOP: This small business on 2nd Street in Miamisburg had a short run, but look for their food truck this spring.

STAN THE DONUT MAN- XENIA
After 30 years this spot closed not due to lack of business, but the owners citing “personal reasons.”

TACO LOCO closed, but not really.  They changed their name to “Tres Hermanos” and the menu is the same with new owners in the family. this restaurant has some of the cheapest and most authentic Mexican dishes in Dayton.

TGIFRIDAY’S – First Huber Heights, then the Dayton Mall location of this casual franchise chain claimed inability to  negotiate favorable leases as the reason for closing down these eateries in Sept 2017.

TIM HORTON’S – CENTERVILLE (725):
This Tim Hortons on 725 in Centerville ws one of the first to open in the Miami Valley. Times and competition had changed the landscape in 2017, and in May they closed the doors.

THE WRIGHT WING – on WILMINGTON PIKE: 
A deal was struck and the owners of this eatery on Wilmington Pike was taken over by new owners who immediately changed the name to “The Growler.”

 

HERE IS THE SKINNY ON PLACES DAYTON GAINED IN 2017:

*****NEW RESTAURANTS*****

416 GRILL:
This spot has a breakfast, lunch and late night menu for the crowds near their East Fifth St. location. Salad, soup of the day and more round out this menu with incredible photos on their webpage.

AMAR INDIA:
In Jan of 2017 they opened a  2nd location on Miller Lane, featuring a great buffet featuring soups, fresh baked nan, vegetarian and meat entrees, salad and chutneys.

AU BON PAIN:
Located in JFK Memorial Union hall on the campus of the University of Dayton, it is open to the public as well. French for “with good bread” this shop specializes in healthy sandwiches, soups and salads.

BARRY BAGELS:
In late summer 2017, Dayton received its first Barry Bagels restaurant in Kettering on Far Hills. This Toledo based, family owned restaurant will fill the void for many left by the Bagel Cafe that operated on the corner of Far Hills and Dorothy Lane. This place is fantastic featuring everything from “must eats” like Matza Ball Soup to Lox n Bagels.


THE BUCKIN DONKEY GRILL:

The Donut Burger at Buckin Donkey

Owner Sean McKown has brought back the popular restaurant in a new location (The old Murray’s Place). We expect his popular gumbos, pies, and inventive entrees to steal the hearts of a whole new following. This a Steelers bar with lots of friendly fans.

CANAL STREET DELI:
Familiar sandwiches you grew to love from the 5th Street Deli, reborn in a new location. Time for a quick bite downtown? Here is your new “go to.”


CARDBOARD CROWNS:
With over 800 games, this cafe is a fun place ti visit with friends or family. Games range from ages 3 and up, so all ages are welcome. Fro, role playing games, to board games, you are sure to find your favorite indulgence.

 

Chaska Grill was formerly India Oven

CHASKA GRILL:
This Miamisburg area Pakistani and Indian restaurant used to house India Oven. The food is amazing and the restaurant features a lunch buffet that is one of the area’s best.

CHICK FIL-A -KETTERING
Opened in the busy Town n Country Shopping Center, they somehow squeezed this into an already bustling series of streets and intersections. Good luck !

CORELIFE EATERY:
This chain out of Upstate New York focuses on a completely gluten free menu based on fresh vegetables. Salads, soup,homemade broths and several house made dressings. Quench your thirst with the health based spiced teas and juices.

DEG’S FLAME GRILLED CHICKEN:
A quick serve concept that serves healthy fresh baked chicken and fries opened this summer at The Greene.

DICKEY’S BARBEQUE PIT:
This Dallas, Texas based franchise opened their doors in Springboro in November and have already announced they are looking for additional area locations.  They smoke their meat onsite and alway offer free soft serve ice cream for dessert!

DOS LUNAS MEXICAN BAR & GRILL: 
This locally owned Mexican restaurant in Tipp City has an extensive menu with a variety of enchiladas, quesadillas, fajitas and burritos.

DOUBLE DEUCE TAVERN:
This restaurant moved to Brandt Pike in Huber Heights. Known for pizza and beer, the friendly staff will make you feel at home.

Dippin Chick Fil-A is now happening in Kettering.

THE DRAGON GRILL at CLUB EVOLUTION:
Inside the 120 N. Ludlow location, is now open for business. Nothing like good eats at a dance club.

DUCK DONUTS
This donut chain has a “top it yourself” theme, as well as pre made available donuts.  There are locations all over the USA and Dayton’s first taste is the spot on Brown Street.

EL RANCHO GRANDE – DOROTHY LANE
Another El Rancho in town… This one opens up in the old Applebees restaurant on Dorothy Lane. Look for solid choices as always from this chain.  The crunchy beef tacos are second to none.

 

Corelife Eatery at Cornerstone

EL RANCHO GRANDE – OLD TROY PIKE 
Yet another El Rancho restaurant opens.  This one goes into Huber Heights, and will feature Mexican beers and margaritas.  Try the Del Mar Trio dinner.  It is amazing.

FUYAO’s TASTE OF THE WORLD RESTAURANT:
What an idea, for a large corporation to open their cafeteria open to the public.  This restaurant in Moraine is 8,000 square feet and will feature international food.

GRANDPA JOE’S CANDY SHOP:
Behold a Nostalgic candy store in Miamisburg.  Get lost as a kid in this store.  We think it was named after the Grandpa in the Willy Wonka movie.  We hope you find a golden ticket.

HANNAH’S ON LUDLOW:

Heavier Than Air Brewing Company now open in Centerville

Did someone say they offer $2.50 raw oysters? Sounds like a delicious Food Adventure.  Beers too?  Lead the way and bring lemons and tobasco !

HEAVIER THAN AIR BREWING:
The Tarkany family is the latest to launch a brewery.  This one is the second one in Centerville, the first being Lock 27.  Located on 725 not far from Adventure Golf, they are currently working on an experimental Oatmeal Stout and and a Strawberry Farmhouse Ale.

THE HIGHLAND STAG:
Scottish fare and flare from owner Heather Davis and her family.  The food is wonderful and the beer selection is unique.  This is a fun atmosphere, and the servers are very attentive.

IHOP – HUBER HEIGHTS:  

Highland Stag- Scottish and Irish food in Springboro

The classic pancake chain dives into Huber Heights. Filled Pancakes and French Toasts, breakfast isn’t breakfast around here if you don’t have whipped cream on top !

LA GOTA:
East Monument Ave’s newest coffee shop.  Expect commuters and downtown workers to take advantage of this locale.

LOCK 27 – DOWNTOWN
In the new development across from the Dragon’s Stadium, Lock 27 has branched into a state of the art facility.  With his time tested quality beers and food, the formula for success should work in Dayton as well.  Lock 27 has a strong, loyal following in Centerville.

 

MS. PAM’S OLD DAYTON STYLE GOLDEN FRIED CHICKEN: They barely got the doors open on Wayne Ave before they got a “cease-and-desist” order from Fricker’s and had to abandon their original name –Ms. Pam’s Parkmoor Style Dixie Fried Chicken.  We haven’t had a chance to check this place out yet, but it’s on our list.

More IHOPS in the area…

McALISTER’s DELI – DAYTON MALL
New deli sandwich shoppe that features double deckers.  In the mood for some lunchmeat?  This chain is your place for some great club an d turkey sandwiches.

 

McKENZIE RIVER:
A Pizza based grill and pub near the Fairfield Commons Mall. It replaces the closed Max n Erma’s. This chain operates in 9 different states and brings a Tex-Mex feel to a menu filled with burgers, quesadillas, flat breads, pastas and pizzas.

 

MELT BAR AND GRILLED:

Melt was a part of 2017’s new restaurants in Beavercreek

The menu is over the top, rich and sinful.  It is all in the name of cheese.  Want the craziest grilled cheeses known to man?  Come to Melt, a Cleveland creation that is spreading across the mid-west,  throw your diet out the window and enjoy !

 

MERIT GRILL:
They took over the spot of the former Kettering Grill.  Merit Grill’s menu goes from steaks to pasta to orange chicken.  The kitchen has been getting great feedback.  Check this restaurant out.  It is one of Dayton’s sleepers.

 

MOD PIZZA:
Quick, personal, assembly line Artisan pizzas made in a couple of minutes.  Delicious fresh ingredients where you pick the sauces and toppings.   The new spot is located in the Cornerstone development.

 

MIKE’S NASHVILLE HOT:
Damn good stuff, but boy is  the Nashville hot sauce hot.  Go with a mild sauce, unless you are a hot sauce lover, because this chicken will light you up!  Get the banana pudding to seal the deal.  Find them at Austin Landing and on 48 in Centerville.

Nashville Hot Chicken launched in Centerville and Springboro

MR. BORO’S TAVERN:  
Opened in March 2017, this bar has a huge patio and friendly staff.  The pub food is promising and this looks to be a popular place in the future too.   Located on 741 in Springboro, it was formerly Bella Vino.

 

MUDLICK TAP HOUSE – DAYTON:
This restaurant decided to cease operations in Germantown and move to the busier area of E. Second Street in Downtown Dayton. Known for a nice draft beer selection, and a gourmet menu from an in-house chef, this place promises to be a splash hit.

 

OAKWOOD CANDY SHOPPE:
New candy shop in the heart of Oakwood.  We hope this place fits perfectly into the hustle and bustle of the shops on on Far Hills.

Popeyes is adding a new store !

POPEYE’S CHICKEN:
The newest spot just opened in Englewood. This eatery will bring spicy, Louisana Style fried chicken to the northern Dayton area. Years ago, Popeye’s closed their location on Wilmington Pike at the Kettering / Bellbrook border.

R TACO: 
This Brown Street eatery offers authentic street style tacos for breakfast, lunch and dinner along with margaritas. It is the first Ohio franchise for this Texas based company, run by the same folks that run Milano’s.

RAISING CANE’S CHICKEN:
For weeks the line was a wrap around mess to get into this place. They literally have chicken strips and 2 other menu items, and people come from all over to eat them up. We love being greeted with “Hot Chicken, Hot chicken, what combo you pickin’?”

S & S MEAT HOUSE:
Sommer and Smith’s Meat House is the new 3rd street BBQ spot. Lifelong Daytonians honing their verisons of Kansas City and Texas style barbecque. These guys have some serious rubs going on….

THE GYRO ROOM:
Brown Street got their own greek eatery this summer.  It’s a great place to grab a gyro and be sure and try their spanakopita and grape leaves, as well.

Raising Cane’s incredible chicken strips came to Dayton in 2017

TAQUERIA TRES HERMANOS:
The new Taco Loco is no frills. It is authentic Mexican food at its best. This means homemade taco sauces, soft corn tortillas, and specialty items like sopes and huaraches. Try it, you will love this place.

 

TIM HORTON’S – RIVERSIDE:
A Harshman Rd. location so you an get your fill of this Canadian companies pastries, eh ? Donuts, coffee or pastries, they make it right for you.

VICTOR’S TACO SHOP:
In July Huber Heights got the newest drive-thru by this locally owned chain, making it the area’s 4th  spot featuring  tacos, enchiladas, burritos.

WAT DA PHO:
A fun play on words to describe this casual Vietnamese eatery. Obviously the meal sized soups are the specialty, but look for other favorites like soft rolls as well. Located next to long standing cigar shop, The Wharf, it is not far from Wright State University or the Fairfield Commons Mall.

WATERMARK:
The larger, revamped restaurant with the chef/owner Maria Walusis of Nibbles Catering/Restaurant fame. Look for big successes from this charming eatery.

 

So here is a road map for 2017 Dayton Restaurants, where we have been and where we are going.

Merit Grill has great steaks

That was…The Year in Food.

Try all the new places in town and find some new favorites.  As always, please FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK HERE.

Happy New Year from THE BIG RAGU, CHEF HOUSE, and HUNGRY JAX – your Food Adventure Crew !

Check our weekly feature article out right here on Dayton Most Metro.

We leave no plate unturned !

Feel free to browse more photos below ….

 

 

 

Lock 27 and Dayton Brewing legend Steve Barnhart

Look who’s coming for breakfast

Engelwood getting a Popeyes

Taco Loco is No more

El Rancho Grande in Kettering

The old Dayton Beer Co Tasting room

Montgomery County Fairgrounds …

Uncertain future of the Fairgrounds buildings

Lox and Cream Cheese Bagels at Barry Bagels

Hummus salad at Corelife Eatery

Chaska Grill for lunch

Beavercreeks “Wat Da Pho”

Wine and painting…. now closed…

Frosted Flake French toast from Buckin Donkey

Whole tilapia fried at Taco Loco

Meat plate from Lock 27

 

Dining & A Show at the Racetrack

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Are you looking for something different to to for dinner?  Then the Food Adventures Crew has a tip for you.  How about dinner at the Dayton Raceway’s Skybox Restaurant at the Hollywood Casino while watching live horse racing at a table overlooking the track? The live racing schedule ends December 30th, so you have that much time to book an unforgettable night of fun and food.

Sitting at the Skybox Bar checking out the beers on tap…

Today, we spotlight an unsung restaurant that really doesn’t get any recognition, but has been putting out some decent food for a couple of years now.  It is the Skybox Restaurant at Hollywood Casino and Dayton Raceway.  It is a smaller restaurant, with a bar and booth area with seating capacity of about 60 people.  During live racing days, the restaurant spreads out serving tables in the racino area that overlook the track on different stairstep levels.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON THE SKYBOX RESTAURANT :

—A one of a kind experience in Dayton, this restaurant is  “Vegas Style” in decor, but during live horse race days, the dining room also includes the tables overlooking the horse race track on 3 levels.

— The races are Harness Racing, where the jockeys are behind the horse on a sled with wheels.  The horses have to trot and are not allowed to gallop.  Getting into the action is CHEAP !  You can bet as little as $2 on a race and you can use electronic betting machines near your table or place your bet at the nearby betting window with an employee.

Chicken Quesadilla

— Live Harness Racing season ends at Dayton Raceway on December 30, 2017 for a few months.
Mondays & Tuesdays: The first race begins at 2:15pm
Thursdays , Friays & Saturdays: The first race begins at 6:15pm
Here is the racing calendar for 2017.  Call 937-235-7840 for restaurant reservations overlooking the track with a spectacular view.

— Typical hours for the Skybox Restaurant on non-racing days are
Sunday thru Thursday 11AM-9PM and Friday & Saturday 11am – Midnight

December is Shrimp and Steak for $12.99

— The restaurant is casual American Pub Fare with a couple of local beers on tap, but mostly bottled beers in stock.

— Each month they have a dinner special of the month, December is Steak and Shrimp for $12.99

— Wednesday is trivia at 7pm with special appetizers and everyday they offer 4 domestic bottles in a bucket for $12 or a Birdie Bucket with 10 wings for $18.

All You Can Eat Ribs Dinner for $19.99 – was a past special.

Now you are at the party spot, but what are you gonna eat?  Well, luckily the Food Adventure Crew has been to the restaurant about 10 times and tried everything on the menu.  As always, over the couple years we have developed our “MUST EATS” at the Skybox Bar and Restaurant.. so here we go …

MUST EATS at the SKYBOX SPORTS BAR at HOLLYWOOD GAMING DAYTON:

— ALL YOU CAN EAT BABY BACK RIBS:
This is typically a monthly special, but anytime they offer the ribs on the menu, you have to grab them. Cooked to perfection, these ribs are slathered in a nice BBQ sauce and melt in your mouth. Fall off the bone? YES and right into your mouth. Ask for napkins, as it is how they say “finger lickin good.”

— THE PIZZA:
The pizza, especially the Margherita Pizza almost rivals local favorites like Spinozas and Old Scratch Pizza. Do you like Dewey’s Pizza? Then you will love the pizza at the Skybox.

— THE PRIME RIB DINNER:
This is sometimes a monthly special for $19.99. If you see it on the menu, you must grab one. The dinner is delicious and so are all of the sides offered. Great view, great steak and races? This is the life!

— CHICKEN QUESADILLA:
Want a huge appetizer that you can share? You wont go wrong with this giant, loaded quesadilla with cheese and veggies, even guacamole and sour cream are on the plate. Indulge! Enjoy!

 

— THE CHEESEBURGER:
Going simple and quick? This is the best bet and grab a homemade soup. Fresh ground chuck, and melted cheese make the sandwich. The condiments are typical and you build your own burger. Just a good solid, no frills option.

— HOMEMADE DAILY SOUPS:
We have had a couple of their soups, and the chefs really know what they are doing. These homemade creations from chili to shrimp and onion soup have been phenomenal. Always something inventive cooking up in the soup world at the Racino !

Deep Fried Pickle Chips !

— DEEP FRIED PICKLE CHIPS:
Sweet, sour and salty, this appetizer is a perfect one to share with the table. The other option is to grab some ranch dip and slay the basket yourself. Either way you win with good, tasty food, even if you lose your horse race bet.

 

There they are – the MUST EATS you shouldn’t miss at the Dayton Racino.
This is one of the most entertaining Food Adventures you will ever go on.

Not familiar with horse racing?

IT IS EASY to be a part of the action with these few tips.

HORSE RACING 101.

Here are a couple horse racing tips on us:

1) Bring a pen with you, buy a program, ask them to print out Dayton Raceway only, to save money. Use the pen to take notes and circle your favorite horses.  Sometimes betting on the name of the horse works just as good as looking at the stats/odds.

2) Bet $2 on each race, so if there are 10 races, you will only spend $20 on gambling the whole night, and that’s if you lose every race !  If your horse wins, you will be paid out based on the final odds of the horse after all bets were placed.  The higher the odds, the more cashola you will be paid!

3) Betting Options:
Bet WIN and your horse must win the race
Bet PLACE and your horse can come in 1st or 2nd and you win $$$
Bet SHOW and your horse can come in 1st, 2nd or 3rd and you win money.

4) Chances at big wins:
Bet EXACTA and you must pick 2 horses and they must come 1st and 2nd place in the exact order you pick.
Bet TRIFECTA and you must pick the horses that finish 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the exact order you name. You win some decent money if this happens, so it isn’t easy to do !

5) Get into the race by clapping and whistling and cheering your horse down the stretch…
Some of the more favorite shouts we have over heard are …..
“Come on Now 3, mon now !” (use any number you bet on)
“Tap that animal” a tongue in cheek urge to have the jockey tap the horses butt with the long stick to get him to run faster (we dont condone animal cruelty).
“Ghanan ha wa hooha” – while slapping your program on your knee (this is just what most people do, they yell an incoherent scream and go crazy, we are just trying to fit in and add to the excitement and volume.

6) Designate an empty beer cup to toss your tickets that are non-winners. We call this cup the bucket of broken dreams and empty promises.. it makes losing more bearable …

7) Watching the races from the table is great, but take about 6 minutes and during one race, walk outside and watch it from the track.  You will be about 10 yards from the horses and it gives you a feel for the speed and intensity of these races.  There is no other feeling like it.

Thanks for letting us into your electronic device this week.

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Enjoy our photos below.

“Natcho” – typical night out…

Onion and Shrimp Soup

Fish n Chips

Boneless Wings – Medium style sauce

Cheeseburger and Fries

Pizza with Pepperoni, Mushrooms, Onions, and Green Peppers

Margherita Pizza is the best choice

Babayback Ribs dinner

Overlooking the track

 

 

 

 

Halloween Drink Recipe: Yellow Zombie

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The Yellow Zombie

Hosting a party?  Looking for a chilled, laid back drink to serve guests that will will keep them howling?  Just need something to sip in between trick or treaters?

Each month we share a seasonal recipe, and this month, we have a quick, easy, and fun tip.

Big Ragu has a little Halloween cheer in this month’s Food Adventure recipe.

We think you will like it, like a Walking Dead Zombie loves a good shoulder.

Need a hand with this recipe ?

Let us exspleen…

We call it …

THE YELLOW ZOMBIE

 

In a blender,  spin:

8 ice cubes
12 ounces of rum 
4 ounce freshly-squeezed lime juice
4 ounce freshly-squeezed lemon juice
4 ounce pineapple juice
4 ounce cream of coconut
4 ounce triple sec
1/2 banana

Blend until consistency of a smoothie

Makes 4 drinks

Eye hope you like the drink

 

Rots of luck …

Stay tuned each month as Chef House, Big Ragu,  and Hungry Jax share monthly recipes.

Also, check back for our feature food articles on Dayton food spots, right here on MostMetro !

HAPPY HALLOWEEN  ………… enjoy !

Yellow Zombie

Whatcha gonna garnish it with

Dayton’s Food blog since 2008

Stick it to your guests

Beach

Zombay … zom bay .. za hombay bay bay bay

 

 

 

Bad News & Good News from Dayton’s HouseMade

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Chef LeeAnne House of Housemade

In some exclusive scoop this week, we have learned that Dayton company, HouseMade LLC has good news and bad news.

You have come to love their hot sauces and spice rub lines. This locally owned company, owned by Chef LeeAnne House (also one of our Food Adventure Crew) has thrived at local vendors and has won national sauce competitions.

Unfortunately, they have had an ongoing problem, getting the Thai Chili Peppers used in their signature sauces. Currently, they have been unable to source peppers for several months due to import restrictions, trade law changes, and simple lack of local suppliers being able to handle the volume of peppers needed.

Housemade Sriracha Sauce

Housemade couldn’t have picked a more elusive pepper to make their delicious sriracha and hot honey sauces. After dealing with this “too many times” in the few years that they have been in business, Chef LeeAnne House has regretfully announced, that they will no longer continue production of her sauces.

This is heartbreaking for many local foodies, who have fallen in love with the Thai Chili Sriracha Sauce, the addicting Hot Honey Sauce, The Hot Peachy Habenero Sauce, and the Green Serrano Hot sauce. These sauces were not only popular in local stores, but many local restaurants featured dishes on the menu using these Housemade sauces.

Hard to find Thai Chili Peppers

But, there is good news.  This isn’t the end of Housemade’s culinary adventures! Chef LeeAnne has her great new spice blends available around the city and has more varieties yet to come.   She says there are no problems sourcing ingredients for these blends like they had with peppers.

HERE’S THE SKINNY on HOUSEMADE SPICE BLENDS:

You can currently find the spice blends  at:
Ghostlight Coffee House
Spice Paradise
Heart Mercantile

Housemade will still produce spice blends !

Maria’s Unique Foods
Spicy Olive (all 3 locations)
Treadway Gardens
Celebrate Local
Kroger on Stroop Rd.
Ollie’s Place
Greg’s Prime  Meats
Keener Butcher Block
Eclectic Essentials

and many more places outside of Dayton.

Chef House and her Peachy Hot Sauce

Housemade promises to continue to make cooking at home fun for everyone! Chef House will still be teaching cooking classes with her spice blends both at Dorothy Lane Market Culinary School and The Spicy Olive, olive oil stores. She will also continue to rock the local foodie scene here at Dayton Most Metro, each week with her part in Food Adventures.

Like Chef LeeAnne House says “This isn’t the end, it’s a fun new beginning.”

If things change and supplies are plentiful, would she go back to making her sauces again?  Answer:  “They may be back! You never know!..”

So until then, we will never say never.

Please browse the photos below for more info on Housemade.

For more saucy fun bout Dayton’s local food scene, click HERE and follow Food Adventures on Facebook.

Spice Blends

Housemade Sauce lineup and Sriracha Powder

Green Serrano Sauce

PEACHY !!!

Peachy sauce in production

Hot Honey

Elusive Peppers

Pepper Processing

 

 

 

Jax’s Recipe For Grilled Spicy Hawaiian BBQ Pizza

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Spicy Grilled Hawaiian Pizza – a Food Adventure on a plate !

Aloha! Jax here, from the Food Adventure Crew with our monthly recipe feature.

School may be starting, but we still have plenty of sunshine and summer  ahead of us! For many of us, summer means using the grill as much as possible. But if you’re falling into a grilling funk, here’s a fun and delicious recipe that is sure to please a crowd. And while this recipe is for a Hawaiian style pizza, get creative and use the base recipe of grilling the dough as a blank canvas for any type of pizza toppings!

You can also grill the dough ahead of time and either keep in the refrigerator for later or freeze!

When ready to eat, top the grilled dough with your favorite toppings and bake in the oven at 375 for about 15 minutes. This recipe is great for feeding a lot of people. You can lay out tons of topping and let everyone make their own!

A Drizzle of Housemade Hot Honey

Grilled Hawaiian Pizza

You’ll need:

  1. 1 lb fresh pizza dough (Bobby Flay has a great recipe)
  2. 6 pineapple rings, about 1 inch thick
  3. 2 jalapeños
  4. ¼ cup red onion chopped
  5. 8 oz shredded mozzarella
  6. 8 oz shredded sharp white cheddar
  7. 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled.
  8. 1 cup bourbon sriracha bbq sauce (recipe to follow)

Directions:

This recipe is great for feeding party sized crowds

Preheat Grill to medium-high heat

  1. Lightly oil pineapple slices and jalapeños. For the pineapple, cook on grill until grill marks are distinct. Flip to grill both sides. For the jalapeño, it will only take 2-3 minutes. Slice up into pieces.
  2. Divide dough into four pieces. Roll out onto oiled piece of parchment paper. Lightly oil the top of the dough. Take dough and flip onto grill. Peel off parchment. Allow to cook until grill marks are distinct (about 3-minutes). Do not flip! Remove from heat and place grilled side up onto an oiled pan.
  3. Top the pizzas with bbq sauce, cheese, pineapple, jalapeno, and red onion. Place back onto grill until bottom is crispy and cheese is melted. You might have to turn heat down to avoid burning.
  4. Finish it off with a drizzle of HouseMade hot honey and bacon crumbled on top!

 

Thats not all Food Adventure fans!  You gotta have a base sauce for that pizza!

 

Bourbon Sriracha BBQ Sauce 

Jackie is known for her recipes & her  Foodie t-shirts

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¾ cup bourbon whiskey
  • 2 cups ketchup
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp. liquid smoke flavoring
  • 1½ tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. black pepper
  • 1 tbs HouseMade Sriracha

Directions:

Pre-Grilled PIzza Dough

Bring the onion, garlic and whiskey to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Low heat to a simmer and allow to cook for 10 minutes. Add remaining sauce ingredients to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer for 20 minutes. Use BBQ sauce in your favorite recipes or as a dip or topping ingredient.

NOTE:

If you prefer a smooth sauce, run the sauce through a sieve or strainer to remove onion and garlic bits.

The sky is the limit for adding your own toppings

Store in refrigerator and use within 10-14 days.

(Sauce adapted from: here)

There you have it.  A fun summer twist on grilling that is sure to please the masses.

Are you a Dayton Foodie?  Then follow Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here.

 

Browse the photos below for more about Jax and her recipe.  Stay tuned to Dayton Most Metro every Tuesday for a feature food article from the Food Adventures crew.

Pre-Grilled Pizza Dough option

The sky is the limit on the toppings you choose.

Jax is one third of the Food Adventure Crew. She is an Italian mom, who uses her family as taste testers in her home kitchen. Always “Hungry” she is a passionate foodie, and loves trying new restaurants.

Jax uses her grill for many things from Turkeys to Pizzas

Get your family involved in recipes whenever possible

 

Italian Club Gears up for “Festa Forty”

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“Festa Forty”

We have some super secret scoop about this year’s Dayton Italian Festival.

The John Pirelli Lodge at Bella Villa Hall is planning the biggest fall festa in Dayton’s history.  It is the 40th year for this popular Dayton festival, which always takes place the weekend after Labor Day.  For 2017, those dates are Fri. Sept 8th, Sat. Sept 9th and Sun. Sept 10th.

This year we have a big announcement concerning a new beer available only at the Festa.
In a collaborative with Warped Wing Brewing Company, The Italian club will be serving “Limoncella Lager” at the Festa.  Festa Director Brian Andsik announced the news, explaining that the beer would be a similar to the popular Lemon Shandy Wheat beer from Leinenkugel, only a lighter version. Again, the lager will be a small batch brewed exclusively for the festival by Dayton’s Warped Wing Brewery.

The Food Adventure Crew and Dayton Most Metro will be working the Festa again this year, at the wine and beer booths.

Other Features for the “Festa Forty” will include:
—FABULOUS FRIDAY LUNCH TO GO: Phone in orders to 937-258-3600 from 9am to 11am. Pickup lunches from 11am-1pm, CASH ONLY.

—SPAGHETTI EATING CONTEST – Saturday September 9th at 3pm.

Stuffed Shells

—MEATBALL MADNESS 5k at 10am Sunday, September 10th – click here to signup

—$5 SPAGHETTI DINNER SUNDAY – to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Festa

— Best Festa Entertainment lineup EVER – All star bands including:
***RAY MASSA (Fri 6-8pm, Sat 8:30-11pm)
***DR. ZOOT (Fri 830-11pm, Sat 3-5pm)
***HAPPY DAYS (Sat noon-230pm, Sun noon-3pm)
***AARON CARUSO (Sat 530-8pm, Sun 5-8pm)

—BOCCE COURTS AVAILABLE FOR RENT BY THE HOUR

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON THE 40th ANNUAL FALL FESTA:

Italian Sausage Sandwich

WHEN:
Friday Sept 8, 6PM-11PM
Saturday Sept 9, Noon-11PM
Sunday Sept 10, Noon-8PM

WHERE: John Pirelli Lodge, Bella Villa Hall – 2625 County Line Rd, Beavercreek

—FREE PARKING, FREE ADMISSION – FREE SHUTTLE from REYNOLDS and REYNOLDS PARKING LOT.

— FOOD FOOD FOOD !
Dinners served inside the Bella Villa Hall:
Fri. Baked Pasta
Sat. Stuffed Shells
Sun $5 Spaghetti

Cannoli

—OTHER FOOD STATIONS:
Cannoli, Pasta Fagioli, Wedding Soup, Cavatelli, Calzones, Pizza, Muffaleta, Sfingi (funnel cakes), Italian Pastries, Italian cookies, Deli Sandwiches, Italian Sausages, Meatball Subs and more.

—BEER TRUCKS, WINE and SO MUCH MORE !

—Sorry, due to insurance liabilities, no pets allowed, except for service animals.

Don’t miss this chance for a Food Adventure, and the special beer unveiling.

Hungry Jax, Big Ragu and Chef House will see you at the FALL FESTA, the weekend after Labor Day, with a plate full of food and some Limoncella Lager !

For more foodie info, like the Facebook page that area foodies love – Food Adventures !  Original scoop, original website, original weekly articles, orginal cooking classes, original food events, and original festivals.  We set the trends… join us for a passionate trip to the Miami Valley’s places of food paradise.

FRIDAY LUNCHES TO GO !

Sausages on the grill

Stirring the sauce with an oar

Kids love Italian Fest Pizza !

Beer Truck antics

Play some bocce ball !

Meatball Madness 5k

Stuffed Shells

Big Ragu loves his heritage

Hotties serving hot food

Fun at the Festa !

Meatballs anyone?

Always a good crowd

Tiramisu

cannoli

cavatelli

Meatball sub

Spaghetti Contest eater

$5 Spaghetti dinner on Sunday Sept 11th

 

 

No One Travels This Road Alone

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POKER RUN FOR PINK RIBBON GIRLS CHARITY

A poker run is coming of Epic proportions.  Yes, it is true….

We are calling all local bikers and motorcyle enthusiasts.  Here is an excuse for you to put the rubber to the road.

It is called the SUBMARINE HOUSE POKER RUN and proceeds go to the Pink Ribbon Girls whose mission statement is “No one travels this road alone.”

 

WHY: BENEFITTING PINK RIBBON GIRLS

Win This Popcorn Machine

WHEN: SATURDAY AUGUST 19th

WHERE: You can start at any  Submarine House location

The Submarine House poker run – 5 locations

Vandalia Submarine House-
8807 N Dixie Dr, Dayton, OH 45414

Troy Submarine House-
14 N Market St, Troy, OH 45373

Beavercreek Submarine House-
3195 Dayton Xenia Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45434

Centerville Submarine House-
503 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Washington Township, OH 45459

Huber Heights Submarine House-
5376 Taylorsville Rd, Huber Heights, OH 45424

Check in at any Submarine House

Check in  11am , so register where you would like to start

Ride goes noon – 4pm

COST: $15 per bike, or $20 if you have a passenger

****************************************************************************

AFTER PARTY: 6pm at Centerville Location for prizes and raffles

All proceeds benefit …

503 Miaimisburg Centerville Rd.

Featuring BEER TENT:

LIVE BAND 7-9pm “The Carli Short Band”

Big Ticket raffle, you do not have to be present to win the Stella Artois Popcorn Maker

Restaurants will be open for drinks and food inside as regular business days for those not in the poker run , who want to to come watch the event and support Pink Ribbon Girls.

50/50 all day ticket sales – winner picked Saturday approx. 6:30pm all tickets will be brought to the Centerville location for the big drawing of 50/50!  MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN THE

HOW TO REGISTER:
You have to register in person only.
So make sure you get to your local Submarine House and sign up for this event.  Payment is due upon registration.  You can register up to the day of the event, August 19th.

Please support this cause, we are looking to draw a huge crowd of bikes.

What better way to support charity than with a nice bike ride around town, ending with some good eats?

SUBMARINE HOUSE HAS TEMPORALITY EXPANDED THEIR MENU  with a “Limited Time” insert with new dishes.  Some of those are …

Pecan Chicken  Salad

Fish Tacos

Chicken Quesadilla

Win a Popcorn maker !!

Fair-well to S. Main Street – Free Ticket Offer

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Montgomery County Fair opens this week

Next week will be the end of an era in Dayton.  The 165th Annual Montgomery County Fair will be historic, because it marks the last time the event will take place on 1043 South Main Street.  

2017 is the last time the fair will be held here

For multiple generations, the Montgomery County Fairgrounds has hosted this event. That all ends next Saturday July 15th.   So one last time, smell the funnel cakes and listen to the kids on the ferris wheel at the corner of main street.   But cheer up, this is one heck of a place for a Food Adventure.  So… Corn Dog lovers unite, this is your type of festival.  Farmers, carnival rides and special events will fill an action packed week.

 

Here are some old facts for you foodie history buffs….

FIRST FAIR HOSTED IN 1874
After Dayton failed to win a bid for the Ohio State Fair, the City decided to put on their own fair.  Dubbed the “Southern Ohio Fair,” the event started September 29th, 1874 at the place we all know as the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. The fairgrounds’ saw over 100,000 vistors that week.

Now for this year’s event ….

FAMOUS VISITORS to the MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIR:
President Lyndon B Johnson in 1966, with First Lady – Ladybird Johnson

HERE’S THE SKINNY on THE 2017 MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIR:

Lots of good food


— WHEN: Monday July 10th thru  Saturday July 15 (8am- 10pm, except Monday ends 8pm)

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

— COST: $8 per person, ages 6 and under are free, but the really BIG NEWS is FREE ADMISSION from 11am – 1pm Monday – Friday so you can eat lunch every day at the fair!    Also DMM has a $2 off coupon good on Thursday – just print and present at gate!

FREE TICKET OFFER:  Like and share this story and leave a comment below about your favorite fair food and we’ve got a few pairs of FREE ADMISSION tickets we’ll randomly give to those that comment below.

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

 

Craft Booths

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

So what is happening in 2017’s fair?  You know the usual, livestock contests, pie contests, and 4-H activities. But we like to point out some of the favorites we are anticipating.  Horse races and Demolition Derby to name a couple!

HERE IS THE SKINNY on THE BIG EVENTS:

MONDAY – JULY 10th 
—7:00pm  501 Diesel Dirt Drags – at the Grandstands

TUESDAY – JULY 11TH

165th year

Good Food

—7:00pm TUG-A-TRUCK, at the Grandstands

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12TH
—7:00pm Truck/Tractor Pull, at the Grandstands

THURSDAY – JULY 13TH
—6:00pm Harness Racing, at the Grandstands
—7:00pm Live Music/Band “Shelby County Line,” in the Entertainment Tent

FRIDAY – JULY 14TH
—7:00pm Live Music/Band “Rolling Stone Rodeo, at the Grandstands”
—7:00pm Live Music/Band “Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers,” in the Entertainment Tent

SATURDAY – JULY 15TH
7:00pm: Demolition Derby at the Grandstands

 

This is a food blog. we would be remiss if we didnt give you our often imitated, but never duplicated “Must Eats.”

MUST EATS at the MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIR:


— THE ASIAN CHICKEN WINGS at DAVE’S CONCESSIONS:
You can’t miss the huge “Broasted Chicken and Broasted Potatoes” sign that drapes this

Asian Wings

amazing booth.  Also, a huge grill teases the crowd with incredible aromas of chicken cooking.  But the thing to get here is the Chicken Wings.  Deep fried, served whole and drenched in any sauce you can’t go wrong.  Our suggestion is get the Asian Sauce.

 

The Donut Grilled cheese

— THE DONUT GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH at THE GOURMET GRILLED CHEESE BOOTH:
A glazed donut with cheese, pan grilled and with pickles and tomatoes.  It is sweet and a tad salty, but surprisingly good!  This kind of stuff is what Food Adventures is all about.  No rules, no whiners.


— THE BLACKBERRY COBBLER from JEAN’S HOME COOKING: 
Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this literally made our day.  It was like being

Cobbler

transported to your grandma’s house and the cobbler had just come out of the oven.  Get lost in this dish, and take in the taste.  The warm cobbler and the sun, melt the ice cream slowly for a creamy experience.  We promise you will be impressed.

 

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

99 cent Huge Sweet Teas

day saving item.

 

Don’t miss your chance to attend the event and say farewell to the memories in your own way.  Go ahead, party like its 1899.

In 2018 the  fair will move to Arthur O. Fisher Park in Jefferson Twp.   Go area and out it on your calendar for July 9-14, 2018.

Are you a Dayton Foodie? Then follow the food related antics of The Food Adventure Crew:  Chef House, Big Ragu and Hungry Jax as they open and explore every nook and cranny of Dayton related eats.   Love Food Pictures?  Then our Facebook site is your Graceland! – CLICK HERE TO “LIKE OUR PAGE

Dont Miss this chicken stand

 

 

 

Hummus for the Holiday!

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Lemon Chimichurri Hummus, Carrots, Flatbread and Feta for fun

Lemon Chimichurri Hummus with Grilled Carrots, doesnt that sound delicious?

Well it is, and it is something healthy and fairly easy to make for the masses this July 4th.
It is a perfect summer snack and addition to the party.  Ready to wow your friends?

Chef LeeAnne House from The Food Adventures Crew is here to share her special recipe with Dayton Most Metro readers.
In addition to Food Adventures, she also owns her own Hot Sauce and Spices company called HouseMade.

 

Chef House says “Use local produce for dipping into the hummus, from sources like Treadway’s Garden

Lemon Chimichurri Hummus with Grilled Carrots Recipe
Hummus:
2 cups canned chick peas
1 teaspoon smashed garlic
¼ cup water
¼ cup olive oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons HouseMade Sriracha Chimichurri seasoning
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Puree all ingredients in food processor till smooth.

Grilled carrots:
Cut carrots on a bias at least an inch long. The bigger the piece the easier they are grill.
Blanch in salted boiling water. They should still be crisp. Shock the carrots in cold water to stop the cooking.

Chef House from the Food Adventures Crew

 

 

Dry off and toss in olive oil. Season with a little kosher salt.
Grill on high heat quickly for grill marks on both sides. Toss with lime juice when they come off the grill.
Top the hummus with sheep’s milk feta and fresh parsley. Serve with grilled carrots.

Grilled flatbread is great with this too!

 

There you have it.  Everyday can be the 4th of July !

We wish you and your family a Happy Independence Day and an incredible summer season filled with food, love and fun!

For more Food Adventure content, check us out and our over 7,000 foodie fans on Facebook by clicking here to “like” us.

Housemade Sriracha Spices can be found at the Yellow Cab Night Markets and other local sources.

Here is another shot of this month’s recipe.

New Local Salsa & Sauce is “Fresh in a Jar”

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Chef Marshall Bartley with his “Fresh in a Jar” Sauce and Salsa

Remember, you heard it here first.  Dayton has a new local sauce company, specializing in Salsa and Spaghetti Sauce.  Their jarred items should be available in late July.  The product line is  is called “Fresh in a Jar.”

Made by a local chef, and canned by a local manufacturer, this new product is looking to be the next big thing in Dayton’s long line of food favorites.   The Food Adventures Crew were lucky enough to get a VIP personal taste test of the products, and we think they are fantastic.

 

THE MAN BEHIND THE SAUCES:

Miami Valley Chef, Marshall Bartley is the man behind Dayton’s “Red Headed Sauce Company.”    He is a Centerville native, but has traveled the U.S. working in the culinary world.

His past history in the kitchen includes:

-Studying at the National Center for Hospitality Studies at Sullivan College in Louisville
-Opened up the first Bravo Restaurant on Sawmill Rd
–Wetherington Golf Club West Chester
-Culinary Arts Schoool in Ashland
-Cooking stints in Annapolis , MD
–NCR Country Club
-Restaurants in Savannah, GA
-Today, he works for a local catering company as well as promoting “Fresh in a Jar”

All Natural, Gluten Free Salsa – Hints of Roasted Garlic and Cilantro

Sounds like he has been a few Food Adventures of his own…

Marshall is also proud to note that this year makes him 8 years sober from alcohol.  Things are going great and he couldnt be happier with his future.

Let’s explore the curent salsas and sauces offered by the Chef.  Not only are they all natural, they are gluten free as well.  Read the side of the jar and see the simple ingredients.

Here are our “MUST EATS” for the Red Headed Sauce Company’s “Fresh in a Jar” Product Line…

Big Ragu’s New Favorite Salsa

 

MUST EATS FROM “FRESH IN A JAR”

—FRESH IN A JAR’S MILD SALSA:
The secret here is using the Stanislaus tomatoes.  He uses them in all three of his products.   It priduces a rich, deep taste that is ind What immediately strikes us is the fresh taste of the salsa.  You would swear it had just been made a few minutes ago.  Also, note that this product has a 2 year shelf life.

—FRESH IN A JAR’S MEDIUM HOT SALSA:
This is it, this is the big one.  This is the salsa that blew us away.  We predict this will be the star of the product line.  Just enough heat to light you up, and just enough good flavor to pull you back in for just one more dip. The Big Ragu will go on record as saying “this is the best salsa from a jar that he has ever had.”   For Ragu the secret to the deliciousness of the sauce is that the onion flavor is very distant.   In fact, the salsa has more of faint roasted garlic hint, instead of a sharp onion flavor you might find in other salsas.

Cooking up pasta to test the sauce

—FRESH IN A JAR’S MARINARA:
Again we taste the difference of the Stanislaus tomatoes. Many sauces in a jar are fairly plain, in the old traditional style which is very peasant style. You end up having to doctir up the jarred sauce with spices tobring out some flavor. With “Fresh in a Jar” Marinara, the taste is similar to the gourmet upscale restaurants like Brio Tuscan Grille, Carrabbas and Bravo. An americanized, gourmet take on sauce, bursting with spices, so you do not need to add a thing. It is already doctored up. This saucehas quickly climbed the Big Ragu’s list into the top 2 or 3. We have never tasted anything like it. It is very bold, very fresh, and very flavorful. Even the color of the sauce looks different than the other jarred sauces.

 

CHARITY TIES:
Chef Marshall Bartley has always believed in giving back to the community.   He has decided to give a portion of his sales to Dayton charity the Pink Ribbon Girls.  The Pink Ribbon Girls give rides to and supply meals to those who are sick with breast cancer.   Due to treatment, many cannot perform daily activities.  So Pink Ribbon Girls even clean houses for the families as well.  It is a great organization, and we are happy to see Red Headed Sauces teaming with them.

Spaghetti with Fresh in a Jar Marinara

FUNDRAISING PARTNERSHIPS:
Red Headed sauces is also offering a plan for schools, groups and organizations that need to raise money. By selling jars of the sauces, any group or team can raise funds for their cause.  For fundraising opportunities, email Chef Bartley

 

Be on the lookout for these sauces in various local outlets or send an email to the chef to place a direct order.

We are expecting big success with Fresh in a Jar, and are sure you will love the taste too.

Want more scoop on the best eats of Dayton?  Please follow Food Adventures on Facebook with the over 7200 fans that interact daily, and thousands more that follow our weekly articles right here on Dayton Most Metro.

A Little Chips and Salsa – the Medium hot is AMAZING

Dippin and bloggin

Try this sauce on for size –

Fresh for sure

Simple way to kick up cheese nachos

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

 

A New Private Event Space Near UD

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The back yard at Jimmie’s Greenhouse

The owners of Jimmies Ladder 11 have completely refurbished a home just tucked in behind the restaurant, about a half block down.  It is a new venue option for those looking to host parties for up to 50 people.  It is called JIMMIE’S GREENHOUSE.

Having a grad party?  A business meeting?  A birthday or anniversary celebration?  Whatever the occasion the charming New Orleans decor is a perfect place to host your next shindig.  Located in the Historic South Park section of Dayton, this turn of the century home has been completely rennovated with a Louisiana flair.  The home was built in 1883.

Outside the Greenhouse on 24 Park Dr., Historic South Park

Our Food Adventure’s Crew have long been fans of Jimmie’s Ladder 11.  From previous Food Adventure dinners, to fantastic lunches on the back patio, they have always provided top notch celebrations.  JIMMIE’S GREENHOUSE event center is another way to enjoy their hospitality and even cater in some of that fantastic food.

HERE’S THE SKINNY on JIMMIE’S GREENHOUSE: 

WHERE:  24 Park Drive, Dayton Ohio 45410

WHAT: JIMMIE’S GREENHOUSE, a party and meeting venue

COST:  Depends on catering menu and length of rental – best to email for a quote

Inside one of the party areas

AMENITIES:  
– Full Catering Menu by Jimmie’s Ladder 11 Restaurant
– Buffet or pre arranged menu options
– Custom Bar on site, bartender included
– Covered Patio
– Indoor & Outdoor Seating
– Beautiful backyard and garden area
– Pool Table (converts to banquet table)
– Living Room with Game Table
– Full Commercial Kitchen
– 2 Televisions equipped with Apple TV
– Wifi & Bluetooth Stereo
– 2 Bedrooms for overnight accomodations

RESERVATIONS:  For availability and questions, email [email protected]

This unique gathering space is like no other in Dayton.  It has a fun

New Orleans Decor

feel, yet is very homey and inviting.  It has a jazzy, New Orleans amosphere inside.  A shout out on remodeling goes to family friend Mark Shannon. Interesting antiques lend to great conversation pieces.  The different rooms can be used for different purposes and options for any party.  Having the catering expertise of Jimmie’s Ladder 11 Restaurant at your disposal also guarantees a succesful event.

If you are looking for a stylish, thoughtful way to entertain your friends or family, for a Food Adventure or whatever the occassion, consider this one of a kind venue, Jimmie’s Greenhouse.

Please feel free to browse the photo gallery below of the newly rennovated greenhouse.

Also – Are you a Dayton Foodie?  Then follow Food Adventures on Facebook. Since 2008, we have been a favorite of Miami Valley food fans.

Jimmie’s Greenhouse – email [email protected] if you have questions.

Back yard seating

The Lincoln Bedroom 

Louisiana Art

More Decor

New Orleans Feel

Pool Table

Back patio

Greenhouse Patio door

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dayton’s $30,000 Cheesesteak

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2017 Super Duper Cheesesteak Champ, Clayton Naylor, with his daughter

Dayton has a $30,000 Cheesesteak .. and in 2017 it was a pink Food Adventure.  Let us explain….

It was standing room only in the Huber Heights Submarine House Bar and Grill when Clayton Naylor chomped the competition last month.   He downed a 16 inch Super Duper Cheesesteak in the official time of one minute and 55 seconds, leaving all other store champions still chewing their food.  Clayton pocketed a grand, and got a 2017 Championship belt and trophy. He hugged his daughter and posed for pictures afterwards.  It was his 2nd championship, having won the event 2 years earlier.

Clayton said his nutrionist and trainer wasn’t happy about him eating the cheesesteak, but he he told them it is only 3 times a year …. so lighten up Francis.

Jason Danner holds up a $30,000 donation check to PInk Ribbon Girls

You would think that was enough excitement for one day at the Submarine House.  You would be wrong.  Earlier they announced the proceeds from their 2017 Super Duper Cheesesteak challenges would benefit the Pink Ribbon Girls, a Dayton charity helping local women with breast cancer.

Food Adventures is happy to have been a part of this challenge for the past few years.  In the past, we have watched Submarine House donate checks of $15,000+ and $17,000+ to local charities like Dayton Children’s Hospital,  This year, the Submarine House owners, Brody Danner and Jason Danner, were about to blow those numbers away.

This year, the Danner family, Submarine House and the Cheesesteak challenge raised  $30,000 for The Pink Ribbon Girls.

The crowd cheering on their favorite eaters

The crowd went bezerk as they held the huge “check” up for the people to see, and presented it to Heather Salazar – Executive Director from the Pink Ribbon Girls.

The event has turned into a day long celebration.  The Huber Heights locale hosted a beer tent, a bouncy house and live bands afterwards.  It was a day and an evening to celebrate a big donation to a great cause.

Let this be a reminder to you that in 2018 to support the Super Duper Cheesesteak Challenge when it rolls around again in January through March of next year.

In the heat of competition

These charity dollars support and directly affect real families in the Dayton area and are making a big difference in families’ lives.  Support local businesses that give back generously to local charities.

The Submarine House is one example of those places.  We look forward to next year’s challenges and congratulate all involved with this successful charity event.

The Submarine House’s Super Duper Cheesesteak

For more Food Adventures, check out The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House at www.Facebook.com/foodadv.  With over 7,000 foodies following them, they are the Miami Valleys “go to” blog for scoop on good eats, festivals, cooking classes and dinner events.

Please browse the gallery below for more photos from the Super Duper Cheesesteak Championships where the fastest contestants of each Submarine House location had to eat a 16 inch Cheesesteak with Triple the Meat, Triple the Cheese and the Works Toppings.  No exceptions !

The champ poses with board members of the Pink Ribbon Girls

Another day, another trophy

About to announce the donation total – Brody Danner, Heather Salazaar and Jeff Stevens

Sallie Taylor and Zac Pitts from Living Dayton were guest judges

Trophies and ticket boxes for raffle prizes

Nom, Nom , Nom

Clayton killin it

Cheesesteak contenders

Kris Mick – past champ was so close to winning

He’s done

1 minute 55 seconds

Good sportsmanship between champs

Guest judges Chef House and Big Ragu

$30,000 for Pink Ribbon Girls charity

Competitors and judges

Another full house

waiting on the subs

Hungry peeps

Talking Subs

16 inches of Heaven

Kris Mick psyching himself up

Post contest beard cleaning

WELL DONE !!!

 

 

 

 

 

DLM Culinary Center to feature 8 Course Food Adventure Class

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Patio Party Foods class !

Dorothy Lane Market’s School of Cooking in Washington Township has a few tickets left for this Thursday’s (May 18, 2017)  Food Adventures Cooking Class, called “Party on the Patio.”

This fun theme features 8 great tastes.  From grilled items, to party foods these features are great for patio or poolside parties.  With the upcoming warm weather, it is a perfect time to get some new recipes and help fine tune your skills when you entertain.

We are expecting a big crowd, but some tickets are still left !

The Food Adventures Crew is a Dayton blog with 3 foodies from different backgrounds and tastes.

Hungry Jax  – The Italian Foodie Mom, who brings an upstate New York  flare to the table.  Her kitchen is an experiment of constantly evolving recipes, and she uses her family as taste tasters regularly.

Chef House  – Classicly trained chef with lifetime experience in the restaurant industry.  Known for her Housemade Hot Sauces, farm fresh veggie obsession and love of craft beer.

The Big Ragu – The bachelor foodie view.  A no rules approach to simple, good food.  Seafood, Grilling and Italian food are his fave cooking items.

Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax

Their one thing in common is their undeniable passion for local eats !  They host dinner events at local restaurants, post weekly feature articles on Dayton’s MostMetro.com.  They also host cooking classes and help run some local festivals.

Join the excitement this Thursday May 18th from 6pm to 8:30pm.  Here is a link to get a ticket.

 

The class will include beer, wine and these 8 tastes, with recipe sheets for you to keep.

Chimichurri Spiced Lemon Hummus, Feta, Fresh Herbs and Sriracha

Jackie Talking Wine and Food

 Grilled Zucchini Skewers with Fresh Mozzarella and Pistachio Arugula Pesto

Grilled Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad with Basil Lemon Ricotta;

Grilled Spicy Hawaiian Pizza

Grilled Carrots with Lime Juice

Italian Style Grilled Salmon

Grilled Clams

Boozy Peanut Butter Milkshakes

See you at the

Dorothy Lane Market Culinary Center 

6161 Far Hills Avenue
Dayton, OH 45459
Call (937) 535-5696 with questions

 

For more on Food Adventures, follow them on Facebook HERE

 

 

 

 

Eli’s Restaurant: Inventive Comfort Food & WIN a $25 Gift Certificate

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Chicken and Waffles At Eli’s

Inside of JD Legends, a new eatery is making a name for itself.  It is simply called “Eli’s.”

Why the fuss in Franklin?  Well the menu is inventive comfort food.  Sinful favorite Southern recipes with a 2017 gourmet twist.   Whether you want healthy, savory, filling or rich, they have a meal for you.  And if you comment on the bottom of this article, you will have a chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate to try them out yourself !!

****WIN A $25 GIFT CERTIFICATE****

You are all familiar with what JD Legends has to offer, from bowling and video games to incredible concerts and sand volleyball.  But what does the new restaurant have to offer.   Sit back for a Food Adventure tour of this one of a kind menu, with some Dayton firsts.

Dipping the cheese curds into honey is heaven

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on ELI’S RESTAURANT:

—Located inside JD Legends Entertainment complex at 65 Millard Dr.,  Franklin, OH  45005

—Open daily at 11am with late hours.  The kitchen typically stays open until 11pm

—A full menu and bar selection, featuring Southern, Comfort foods

Fried Green Tomatoes at Eli’s

—Practically the entire menu features home made items with family recipes.  Many are tweaks on old classics

—Seating includes high top bar tables, and low booths and low tables in a dining room that overlooks the bowling alley

—Live Music featured many nights.

Time to explore the unique menu for a Food Adventure.  Be bold, try the new stuff, you will be glad you did.

We have visited Eli’s Restaurant a half a dozen times since they recently opened.  We have a good grip of the menu and here are our patented, often imitated, never duplicated “must eats.”

Home Made Fried Pork Rinds and Candied Sriracha Bacon

 

MUST EATS at ELI’S RESTAURANT in FRANKLIN inside JD LEGENDS:

—FRIED CHEESE CURDS with HONEY for DIPPING:
Are you kidding? Richness upon richness of gooey, great flavor. The cheese curds are excellent and made in house. This is the appetizer that starts things out right.

 

—FRIED GREEN TOMATOES with SPICY RANCH SAUCE:
See Mom, we are eating our vegetables. This deep fried treat will highlight the night. Great fried crust, and the spicy ranch is an in house creation. So good and not too thick. A perfectly homemade breaded creation by Eli’s.

The Angus Beef Burger

 

—CANDIED BACON AND HOME MADE SPICY PORK RINDS:
We have never seen a dish like this. Super Thick bacon slices, dipped in sugar and sriracha sauce. The result is amazingly chewy and slightly crispy goodness. This is a sinful dish, that finishes off with house fried pork rinds. The pork rinds come dusted with spices and pack some heat. You’ve never had an appetizer like this.

 

—ANGUS BEEF BURGER:
We were very pleasantly surprised with the burgers at Eli’s in our trips to the restaurant. As you know Food Adventures differs itself from others in that we repeatedly visit a restaurant at different days and times to get a real feel for the place and real take on the menu. We promise the burgers will be juicy and delicious. Fresh hand slapped patties and fresh toppings do the trick. We were not expecting such a trong entry in the burger department, but boy they delivered !

Grown Up Grilled Cheese

 

—GROWN UP GRILLED CHEESE:
Big Ragu had to do it. It is literally a huge thick sliced Texas Toast Sandwich with mounds of 3 different cheeses and sauteed onions inside. It is like eating your own loaf of garlic cheese bread. A typical appetite might be full with half this sandwich. Eat the whole thing and you will likely take a nap with a smile on your face soon after.

 

—MEATLOAF DINNER with GREEN BEANS and MASHED POTATOES:
The cult favorite on the menu. Not a huge serving, but just enough to hit the spot. It is a sample of Americana on a plate. The Meatloaf has the ketchup sauce, familiar to most of us. We also have mashed taters and gravy for the gritty part. And we gotta get some greens, so green beans take the call. A solid choice that packs the comfort food feel, but won’t leave you miserably full.

Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy and Green Beans

—CHICKEN AND WAFFLES:
A nice spin on the country favorite. Southerners will appreciate the freshly made waffle. Fluffy and full, the maple syrup against the fried chicken planks give the sweet crunch you’ll crave. It is a fun dish and sure to be a kid’s favorite. Let the good times for your mouth begin !

 

There you have it.  Everything you wanted to know about Eli’s Southern Comfort Food.  They even featured a few craft beers on tap.  It is a nice stop on the local foodie tour.

A peek inside Eli’s Restaurant

Now,

*******WHO WANTS TO WIN A $25 GIFT CERTIFICATE to ELI’S ???********

 Just leave a comment below on why you should win and you will be entered into the contest.  

Food Adventures will choose a winner at random next week.
You remember the Three Dog Night song “Eli’s coming” from the 70’s?  Well Eli is here, in Franklin and it’s time to eat !!

Mac N Cheese – comfort food

Enjoying a Mich Ultra overlooking the lanes

Fun spot, unique menu

Food Adventures never end !

Nashville Hot Chicken Dip

Homemade Cheese curds

Grown Up Grilled Cheese Plate

Inside the grilled cheese- sauteed onions

House made Pork Rinds – fried and served dusted with cayenne

Fried Green Tomatoes

Angus Burger –

Kentucky Hot Brown Plate

 

Food Adventures has weekly feature articles on Dayton Most Metro, highlighting all foodstuffs in the Miami Valley.  We have no rules, and our passion for Dayton area food since 2008 has made us the go-to source for must eats around town.

Please browse our photos from our many trips to Eli’s and follow us on Facebook HERE