chicken

Haunted Houses, Pad Thai & FREE DVD CONTEST

August 1, 2014 By Dayton937 9 Comments

Chicken Pad Thai – A staple on the menu at Siam Pad Thai.

What does Pad Thai have in common with Haunted Houses? That’s easy. A Food Adventure, celebrating today’s nationwide DVD release of local horror film “Haunted House on Sorority Row.” Want to win a free autographed copy of this scary ass movie? All you have to do is comment below, and one winner will be chosen at random.

The Food Adventure Crew recently sat down with the film’s director, Henrique Couto and cast members Erin Ryan and Joni Durian..

The Food Adventure took place at Siam Pad Thai on Wilmington Pike, a favorite spot of both Big Ragu & Henrique Couto. We ate and talked about the film, various favorite foods and favorite horror flicks. Everyone was very excited about the release of the DVD. We let the noodles and the comments fly!

First, let’s start with the film HAUNTED HOUSE ON SORORITY ROW…… now available on DVD ! Want a copy?

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Locally filmed thriller, with suspense, blood, guts and boobs.. check out the intense trailer HERE !

— Dayton’s own, Henrique Couto is making a name for himself in independent movie circles.

“Haunted House on Sorority Row” was filmed locally. The DVD is now available on Amazon.com, or win one by commenting below !

MUST SCREAMS:

— The DVD may be bought at these retailers: Amazon.com, Game Swap at the corner of Dorothy Lane and Woodman Dr. and FYE at the Fairfield Commons Mall.

— If Amazon needs to restock, you may have to wait a few days, but in the meantime order our favorite film, by Henrique, last year’s dvd Babysitter Massacre !

— You can find more of Henrique’s items HERE.

You may recall that The Big Ragu went to the theater showing of “Haunted House on Sorority Row” earlier this year at Englewood Cinemas.

What makes this film so special? Henrique says it is his scariest movie of all time. Joni believes the scenes of pure survival in the house, comes across strongly in the film. Erin thinks the psychological, role driven aspects of each character, gives the film its frightening feel. As for you the viewer, well you gotta a pick up a DVD and see for yourself.

We also got a chance to ask the group some questions about their favorite scary movies, restaurants and more !

See how you stack up to their answers:

Hope you didn’t eat any popcorn during the flick, we are about to eat. We also hope we didnt scare you with the spooky, locally made, must see movie.. if we did, just relax.

Coconut Soup – delicious and unique. Click to enlarge

Now let’s talk Thai – Oh yeah, we talk Thai.. we talk Thai gooooddd. *** SIAM PAD THAI *** to be exact!! Now can you deal with this?

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Since 2008, owner “Fon,” has brought her recipes from past restaurants she owned like Ban Thai, and Yummy Burger

— Seating is limited to about 30 people in this little spot, located at 3027 Wilmington Pike

— Attractions include Thai Specialties and Sushi !

With our many visits to Siam Pad Thai, we have developed some favorites, we list as “must eats.”

MUST EATS:

— THAI TEA: Feel free to send us thank you cards for this tip. A mix between an iced tea and a milkshake, this is one of those “you gotta try this” items.

— COCONUT SOUP: Warming to the soul, this soup contains lime leaves, tomato, mushroom, lime juice and of course coconut milk. Perfect for a cold day, actually perfect for any day. A delicious taste of Thai.

Deep Fried Terminator Roll: Try it and “you’ll be back”

— SOFTSHELL CRAB: One of the only places we know of that serves this delicacy year round. It is a delicacy and dare we say Food Adventure on a plate. Get over your fear, because this crab is edible, shell and all !

— THE PAD THAI: It doesnt matter if you get chicken, shrimp or vegetable, this is the real deal and some of the best stuff in town. Our filmmaking pal Henrique Couto agrees and pegs this his favorite dish at his favorite restaurant.

— THE DEEP FRIED TERMINATOR SUSHI ROLL: Sushi roll with Cream cheese, cooked salmon, eel sauce, sesame seeds, then deep fried in a light batter. They must call it a Terminator Roll because once you try it… “You’ll be back.”

Honorable Mention: The Mango Dessert served with sticky rice and coconut milk is a good one. Also, seafood lovers will love the Seafood soups in a Clay Pot for a nice Food Adventure. There are a few variations of seafood,noodles, etc. so choose your interest.

****PRIZE CONTEST****

ONE lucky fan who comments and shares the story will get a free DVD copy of “Haunted House on Sorority Row,” autographed by the director Henrique Couto !
The winner will be chosen at random on Wednesday.

Thanks to Henrique, Erin and Joni for joining us on an official Food Adventure!

Had enough to eat? After seeing the film and eating at Siam Pad Thai, you will know the difference between a Columbian Neck Tie, and a Pad Thai.

If you want more of Food Adventures, then you MUST CLICK LIKE on Facebook HERE !!!

Until then, check out our sexy, scary and scrumpious photos from our visits over the years to SIAM PAD THAI !

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Who’d You Rather: EL TORO or El RANCHO GRANDE ? +Win Free Dinner

June 29, 2014 By Dayton937 26 Comments

Chicken Fajitas from El Toro

Again, Food Adventures asks who’d you rather get it on with. This time a plate from El Toro or a plate from El Rancho Grande?

In this battle for the border, we know Daytonians are picking sides and drawing their line in the margarita salt. Comment below on which of these two Mexican Restaurants you like better and why ! One winner will be chosen at random and will win dinner with The Food Adventures Crew at their favorite, either El Toro or El Rancho. You will act as a referee for us as we also invite our biggest critic, the witty Michael R Hawk ! Let the insults fly !

Now, before you Dayton foodie purists jump all over our white cheese sauce… We love Mexican Restaurants Taqueria Mixteca (feature article) and Taco Loco (feature article) as our personal faves. Since we have featured those more obscure restaurants that most people have not been to, we decided for a more familiar fight…

Sound the bell, it’s time to rock the pinata !

First off, margaritas are chick drinks, so we will let the girls sound off and fight it out over who has the best margaritas of the two places.

Both places have fantastic service and tie in that category. The tacos, and chimichangas are impossible to tell apart. Also, the desserts like flan and fried ice cream are pretty much the same at both locations.

Del Mar Trio at El Rancho Grande features Lobster, Shrimp and Fish

As for everything else.. Here is how the Food Adventures judges saw it.

JAX’S VOTE: EL TORO

— Jax says “The Salsa at El Toro is Better.” The taste and chunkiness is second to none. This gives El Toro an early knockout in my book.

— Hungry Jax says “El Toro’s Fajitas Reign Supreme.” The fajitas at El Toro are the best. I love fajitas. Whether you get, steak, chicken or pollo (fish) fajitas, they are very filling and huge portions.

— Jax says “El Toro Gets the Slight Edge in Carnitas Tacos and Enchiladas. To put it bluntly, these two restaurants have a bunch of dishes, that under the cheese sauce, none of us can tell apart from each other. I like pork tacos and enchiladas, and El Toro is better by the slightest of margins, and the consistency is good across the 9 locations. So, El Toro gets my vote by low blow.”

THE BIG RAGU’S VOTE: EL RANCHO GRANDE

Beef Tacos from El Toro (we added their terrific salsa)

—The Big Ragu says, “The Del Mar Trio dish at El Rancho Grande is the champ of both menus. A must eat! Grilled lobster, tilapia and shrimp served on a fajita plate? FIGHT OVER !

— The Big Ragu says “El Rancho has Pacifico beer on tap. I have never seen that beer anywhere in my life, other than in bottles. Also, they feature Negra Modelo on tap. The other place is too punch drunk to beat that!” El Rancho Grande has similar draft beer choices at the 8 locations from North Dayton to Middletown.

— The Big Ragu says “El Rancho’s Chilles Rellenos are a deal maker.” Stuffed with cheese, these huge poblano peppers are melt in your mouth delicious. Stick a fork in them, they’re done!

Sound off and tell us which one you like, here is your chance for a free Food Adventure !

***** FREE DINNER WITH THE FOOD ADVENTURES CREW *****

LET’S HEAR FROM THE PEOPLE ! It is now your turn to comment on “Who’d you Rather : El Toro or El Rancho Grande?”

Pacifico Clara on Draft at El Rancho Grande? YES! YES! YES!

Hold onto your sombrero, muchacho! One person who comments on the story below will win dinner at their favorite, either El Rancho Grande or El Toro with Food Advntures! They will be joined by Food Adventure’s biggest critic, Michael R. Hawk, for an interesting evening of fun and food.

Want to see our WHO’D YOU RATHER stories over the past 3 years? Click on the individual links below !
Who’d You Rather? FRICKERS or ROOSTERS?

Who’d You Rather? CHIPOTLE or QDOBA?

Who’d You Rather? FIVE GUYS or SMASHBURGER?

Check out our photo gallery below for some great photos of El Toro and El Rancho Grande offerings. Dont’ forget to join the thousands on Facebook who “like” Food Adventures by clicking HERE !

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Yaffa Grill: Our New Favorite Spot

June 19, 2014 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Marinated Chicken on the Yaffa Grill

If Fred Flintstone was on Colonel Glenn Highway, he would say “Yaffa Gotta Do !” …and guess what, he would be right.

Yaffa Grill can be summed up as “simply exotic.” It has worldly tastes of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine that are as authentic as they are delicious. At the same time they serve the food on paper or styrofoam plates. You see? Simple and exotic. Food Adventures have tagged this as our new favorite eatery, and have been visiting the 2 Yaffa locations with some frequency.

Want an authentic, unique Food Adventure that is affordable and fun? Then look no further than Yaffa Grill.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— They have two locations, one at 2844 Colonel Glenn Hwy (across from Wright State), and the other at 21 Alex Rd in West Carrollton which features a Middle Eastern Market. A local family from Palestine, owns both businesses.

— The food is Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean. It is unique and exotic, but delicious! You will see spindles of meat and flaming shish kebabs. Yaffa Grill is a great place to experiment and try some new dishes out of your comfort zone. You will be happy you did!

— The prices are right. The most expensive thing on the menu is a whole grilled chicken for $15, and we know you cant eat that by yourself.

Click to enlarge this incredible appetizer called “Musabaha” which is much like hummus

— Very casual atmosphere. The dining area is almost like a “to go” deli. Warning: the drink selection is very limited (cans of pop and bottled water).

Don’t know what to order or where to start on such a diverse menu with possibly unfamiliar choices? No problem, The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax have a list of “must eats” that wont disappoint you. There are various spellings out there of the dishes below, but we will use the spellings on the Yaffa menu.

MUST EATS:

—MUSABAHA : The hardest thing about ordering it, is pronouncing it. It is a crushed chickpea puree, much like a hummus, with olive oil, lemon juice and spices mixed in. One of our favorite appetizers for sure. Dipping the pita bread served into this appetizer is one of life’s golden pleasures.

—EGGPLANT SALAD: The Big Ragu has seen his fair share of eggplant dishes. This was one of the most unique and delicious ones we have come across. Served cold, it is perfectly mixed with roasted peppers, tomatoes and vegetables. Excellent pairing with the pita bread, it is a meal in itself.

— YAFFA MIX GRILL: A sampling of 3 of the best shish kebabs in Dayton. The plate consists of a chicken shish kebab, steak kebab, and a beef/lamb mixed kebab. It is fun to watch the cooks prepare the kebabs on the huge skewers, over the open flame. We loved this dish. The grilled meat and vegetables make it a heart healthy choice.

Kufta Kebabs. Get the Mixed Grill and sample all 3 types of Kebabs

— THE HALF GRILLED CHICKEN: We don’t know how, but Yaffa Grill made a delicious chicken like we have never tasted before. The Mediterranean spices were marinated and infused into the chicken in some sort of delicious sauce/rub. The result was a lip smacking, moist, melt-in-your mouth experience. A definite ‘must eat.’

— BEEF SHAWERMA: Flame cooked lamb and beef, sliced from the meat rotesserie. We especially love dishes that are carved off of rotating spindles of meat. It is a tasty treat that explodes with flavor. When served in a wrap, it is a “Food Adventure on the go.”

Honorable Mention: Fatayer: a delicious bread stuffed with your choice of spices. Lentil Soup: Yeah, we never thought we would ever write this, but the lentil soup is amazing.

With so many great choices on the menu, it was hard to limit our ‘must eats.’ Even the “Baba Ghanouj” dip was some of the best we’ve had. If you like hummus, try it.

Dates, and other produce at Yaffi Market in West Carrollton

Yaffa Grill is a perfect place to experience a new culture and have your very own Food Adventure. It is a fascinating place for true foodies, and a sampling ground for those with an open mind, who are tired of the “same old thing.” Vegetarians love this place for the flavorful entrees! They even have a kids menu with hot dog, burger and chicken nuggets option.

Yaffa Grill does not have a website yet, or a Facebook page, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get some delicious food. Don’t forget that the West Carrollton location has a market with various hard to find imported groceries from far away lands. Canned goods, baked items, meats, nuts and even dairy products line the shelves. It is definitely worth a visit.

Make sure you get some grub at Yaffa Grill, The Food Adventure Crew cherish it as one of their favorite places in Dayton. We are addicted, and we think you will be too.

Here is something you wont see anywhere else online, the Yaffa Grill Menu —> PAGE 1 PAGE2 PAGE3 PAGE 4

Some of our best photos of the year are in the picture gallery below, so make sure you scroll through them to see all of the dishes that Yaffa Grill has to offer.

What’s almost as good as a freshly grilled Yaffa Kebab? The answer is “liking” Food Adventures on Facebook, by clicking HERE.

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A Second Helping of .. KABUKI

April 17, 2014 By Dayton937 4 Comments

Fresh Salmon and Fresh Tuna at Kabuki: Test Your Food Adventure Limits

“Please, sir, I want some more.” —Oliver Twist

Food Adventures has a new, original feature called a “Second Helping of…”

Food Adventures already sets itself apart from the rest, because we dine at a place many times before an article materializes on Dayton Most Metro. From time to time, we will revisit some of our favorite Miami Valley eateries, and let you know about new specialty items that are delicious, or standard fare that you “gotta try.” This is not a recycling of an old article, but some new takes on the menu. You can still expect the same killer “food porn” photos, and “must eats.”

This time, we dive into one of our all-time favorite Food Adventure spots. So sit down, pull yourself to the table, and enjoy a second helping of.. KABUKI !

You may recall our original article on Kabuki Korean and Japanese Restaurant, in Centerville, if not CLICK HERE. The restaurant continues to ‘pack em in’, and has a loyal following, like no other sushi spot in the Dayton area.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Del Sot Bibimbob: A Korean Dish

— Located at 848 S. Main St. in Centerville, the menu is mostly Japanese, with a touch of Korean specialties as well

— The secret to this restaurant’s success is fresh, delicious food. The kitchen area and sushi bar are immaculate. We believe that a clean environment is especially important when serving raw food. It also shows respect for the art of sushi !

— Pay attention and save with coupon specials through email, mail and facebook!

— Warning, peak hours may become crowded in this cozy, tight dining room.

Kabuki is a perfect place to get out of your comfort zone and experience a true Food Adventure. Try something new and wild. This is the spot to do it ! We have ordered almost everything on the menu and love theses sushi rolls: Boston Roll, Playboy Roll, Mexican Roll, Rock N Roll Roll, and the Spider Roll, along with some other favorites:

MUST EATS:

Tuna Tataki: Seared for Your Pleasure

— SHRIMP TEMPURA ROLL: A must eat for the sushi beginner. The roll is stuffed with cooked, fried shrimp. What’s not to love?

— DEL SOT BIBIMBOB: From the Korean menu, this is a true Food Adventure pick. The dish is served in a hot stone bowl. It includes mixed vegetables& beef served over steamed rice , all topped with a fried egg. It is served with a side of hot & spicy sauce. Big Ragu liked it so much, he actually danced and sang a new Hanson song “MMM Bibimbob.”

— RAW SALMON (SAKE): This is a slice of uncooked salmon on top of rice. Yes it is raw, but drip some soy and wasabi on it, and it melts in your mouth. We don’t know the secret, but Kabuki has some of the tastiest salmon in town. We just keep coming back for more.

— RAW TUNA (MAGURO): A raw piece of tuna, over a small ball of rice. So hearty, it is almost like a piece of steak. So full of protein, one bite will make you feel nourished and alive. For $2.75 per piece, it is an exotic delicacy.

— ATLANTIC ROLL: A seafood lovers dream, with specialties from the ocean. This roll is filled with spicy tuna, shrimp tempura, & avocado. On top of the roll is snapper and wasabi sauce. Grab a pair of chopsticks and work some magic.

Honorable Mention: Not in the mood for experimenting? Then try the Chicken Teryaki or Katsu Chicken Meal, guaranteed to please the “meat and potato” types who love BBQ Chicken.

With healthy eating a concern to so many people, we will share a favorite menu item that will keep you bathing suit ready .. Wear it to the restaurant, we don’t care.

LITE BITES:

Kabuki: One of Dayton’s Best

— TUNA TATAKI: This ‘must eat’ is big on taste, light on calories. It is a plate of seared, ahi tuna, splashed with a citrus vinegar sauce. A cross between cooked and raw, this dish is a simple ‘back to the basics’ taste of sushi. The fresh tuna is healthy and pleasing to the tastebuds, which makes it a win-win combination.

Looking for a great lunch or dinner option that isn’t the same old thing? Then take advantage of the offerings at Kabuki like we do, and have yourself your own Japanese and Korean Food Adventure. You will not be disappointed. With a website name like EatAtKabuki.com, you know this stuff is good.

Want more good stuff from Food Adventures? Then join the thousands following these “foodies in their forties” on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Check out our Kabuki photos below for some of the most incredible food in the Gem City.

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Loose Meat: The Mystery of MAID-RITE Sandwiches

December 5, 2013 By Dayton937 5 Comments

Maid-Rites with a Little Kings: Click on photo for full effect

Usually when someone says “loose meat” it has never been a compliment, until now. On the outskirts of the Miami Valley, in the town of Greenville, a legendary burger joint has existed since 1934. It is called Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe.

Over the years it has developed a cult following. People drive miles, and even come from out of state to taste their ‘burgers.’ They aren’t even burgers, they are “loose meat sandwiches” or “Maid Rites.” Why are so many people coming to eat these sandwiches and why are they so good ?? The Big Ragu and Crew set out to solve the mystery.

We have a had a handful of Food Adventures to Maid Rite either after the Darke County fair, or on a whim, or to satisfy an insatiable craving.

Over the years we realized that there are 2 types of people, those that have never tried Maid Rite Hamburgers, and those who have tried it and cant figure out how they make them.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The main attraction is the maid rite loose meat sandwich. The sweet taste of the meat has developed three major theories of how they are prepared 1) Some think they are steamed in pepsi or coke 2) Some claim they are steamed in beer 3) Others say that sugar is added to the meat before cooking.

A Greenville Icon Since 1934

— The eatery is a small, no frills, brick building located at 125 N. Broadway St. in Greenville, Ohio and worth the trip. Locally owned they claim no relation to the MAID-RITE sandwich shop franchises in Iowa etc…

— Limited menu with 4 sandwich choices which include loose meat, chicken salad, egg salad or ham salad sandwiches. Shakes, sundaes, beer, soft drinks and chips are available too.

— The employees are very protective of the recipe and process of the sandwiches. We were unable to get the secret recipe after badgering the employees and managers. We were threatened with spatulas and told we would be picking shards of Little Kings bottles out of our rumps for a week. Sorry for the letdown, folks.

— For some unknown reason, it is now customary to stick your gum on the outside of the building. Literally thousands of wads of chewed gum have been stuck on every outside wall of the establishment.

— Bathrooms are located in a separate building around back, adding even more uniqueness and oddness to this place. They also have a drive up window for a quick meat fix.

How do they make the meat so sweet ???

MUST EATS:

— THE CHEESE RITE SANDWICH: This is the classic maid rite sandwich with cheese. What is a Maid-Rite Sandwich? Think of it as a sloppy joe but with no sauce. It is served on a soft bun, slapped with meat and toppings, and wrapped tightly in wax paper. The meat has a sweet taste to it. This sandwich is topped with a squirt of mustard, a couple of pickle slices and a slice of cheese. They run about $1.95 and the average person could eat 2 or 3 of them. You can get the Big Jim version which adds ham, but we prefer the original Cheese-Rite. Eating one is a unique experience, and you have to try it. Warning: once you unwrap one, we hold no responsibility for future addiction.

— CHOCOLATE MALT: Creamy, sinful and made just for you. You cant go wrong with this delicious, cool classic.

— LITTLE KINGS CREAM ALE BOTTLES: Oh come on , you gotta make it a full blown Food Adventure and wash it down with a icon from Schoenling Brewery. Ok, wanna be a snob? Then grab a Heineken instead.

— MIKESELLS POTATO CHIPS: No fries in this establishment, so choose your hometown chip instead. They have a nice selection of Dayton’s favorite potato chip. It is a good pairing with the simple, classic sandwich.

Click to enlarge: Partial shot of the Gum Wall outside Maid-Rite

A couple of sidenotes: Make sure you bring cash, because that is the only form of payment they accept. Also, hours are 10am-10pm except Fri and Sat when they stay open until 11pm.

Amazing isn’t it? A formula for success being a squished, sloppy joe like sandwich served in a small diner with people sticking gum to the walls outside. But people come back every day in droves. WHY?? It is the curiously sweet tasting, delicious loose meat sandwiches. The workers feverishly tossing the ground meat, stuffing buns, wrapping it quickly, and tossing across the counter. It is the personality of the place. If you have never visited this spot, make sure you put it on your “Food Adventure hit list.” Maid Rite is one-of-a kind.

Want more One-of-a-Kind foodie fun? Then “like” FOOD ADVENTURES on FACEBOOK BY CLICKING HERE !

Food Adventures gets Shish-Faced + $20 GIFT CERTIFICATE GIVEAWAY

November 20, 2013 By Dayton937 42 Comments

Click to Enlarge: The Mother of all Shish Wraps

You ain’t gonna believe this shish. WANT A $20 GIFT CARD TO SHISH WRAPS?? THEN COMMENT BELOW ON THIS STORY. A WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM !

When you think of Brown Street, you often think of people who are sh%# faced. But alas, we aren’t talking about those people. We are talking about people who are literally Shish Faced. These people are stuffing wraps in their mouths and can’t get enough of the great flavor. Want to get Shish Faced too? Then head to 1200 Brown Street, the home of a locally owned eatery called Shish Wraps. This family owned business has capitalized on the assembly line technique. Think of it as a Mediterranean version of Chipotle, and better too ! What you can expect is affordable, savory food, with a Lebanese influence.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Opened 8 months ago by first generation Lebanese-American brothers Simon and Tony Abboud who are both University of Dayton Graduates and Centerville grads.

— The focus is a healthy, fresh, tasty twist on Lebanese and Mediterranean food. Their motto is: “Live Long. Eat Healthy. Eat Shish.”

All meat is cooked over a rotisserie flame: You think you’re Hot Shish ?

— Menu items come from family recipes, a love of cooking, and results of experiments over the years.

— The main attraction are burrito like wraps featuring one of 3 meats: Chicken, Beef or Kafta (beef links blended with onions and spices)

— The meat is cooked over fire, on rotating kabob skewers for a char-grilled taste. No buttery, oily soaked meat on a flat grilling surface means HEALTHIER for you !

— Vegetarian? No problem. The falafel (fried chickpea fritters) and vegetable wraps are great meatless alternatives.

Big Ragu loves Shish Wraps, so this isn’t his first rodeo. He told Chef House and Huongry Jax about it and now they are Shish heads too ! Now we’re gonna tell you some shish …

MUST EATS:

— CHIPS & HUMMUS : The creamy, garlic goodness of this hummus is amazing. This is seriously one of the most flavorful hummus plates in town, and it is homemade on site!

— SHISH FRIES: The Big Ragu will go on record as saying these are the best fries he has ever eaten. The fries are dusted with garlic, olive oil and a generous heap of feta cheese.

Kafta Bowl – spicy beef links over hummus, lettuce, pickles and tomatoes. MUST EAT !

— SHISH BOWL: You can choose chicken, or falafel but Jax says GET THE KAFTA BOWL ! Kafta is ground beef mixed with parsley and spices and it is some good shish. Served with hummus, Mediterranean pickles, tomatoes and lettuce, this is a healthy dish that tastes damn good. Be warned, you will be craving future visits for this stuff.

— SHISH WRAP: We love these. The menu says build your own, but may Big Ragu suggest the Chicken Shish Wrap? It comes with an incredible cabbage mix and load it up with your favorite veggies! Get Shish sauce or Tzatziki sauce on it which are must eats in themselves. An added bonus is that the pitas are lower calorie than other wrap places. You can choose your own meat, sauces and veggies so style it your way.

Honorable Mention: The Tabouli – a healthy choice that is freshly chopped in-house. It is seasoned with the perfect amount of lemon juice and served with pita slices.

Make sure you check out our gallery below with some incredible photos from our many visits to SHISH WRAPS… Our fans know we never post a story on a one time visit, this is not a “drive by.” You deserve better.

Now is a perfect time to get some of this good food as the UD Basketball season gets into swing. If you are downtown or near the U.D. campus, visit SHISH WRAPS, for a quick bite. This place is definitely “the shish.”

We realize everyone needs to get a little Shish faced now and then. For more info on menu and hours, visit the Shish website HERE. Visit 3 Shish Heads, Food Adventures, on Facebook and like them HERE !

HOLY SHISH ! We got a $20 GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY TO SHISH WRAPS ! Comment below on this article, tell us why you deserve the Shish, and fill out the entry form and we will choose someone at random ![form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

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The Fearsome 15: Top Guilty Food Pleasures in Dayton

October 24, 2013 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Frisch’s Hot Fudge Cake is Sinful

We all have them, we all need them… guilty pleasures. As we get older, we try to eat healthier, but once in a while, you gotta splurge. Dayton is a great place to do so. Sure, there is fear in seeing the calorie count, and scary scale readings the following week… but sometimes you gotta have a ghastly, full blown Food Adventure.

So without further ado, we present present our list of the Top 15 Guilty Food Pleasures of the Dayton Area:

15) THE FOOTLONG CHILI DOG at THE ROOT BEER STANDE: Long and strong, we came to get the friction on. This wiener is a mouthful of goodness and a ruined shirt waiting to happen. Eat it in your car, roll up the windows so no one can see,. But we know… this is one of your guilty pleasures.

14) FRICKER’S RIBS & WINGS DINNER: This huge meal comes with a half rack of ribs, those famous fried chicken wings, cole slaw, roll and an side. Finger lickin’ good, and a naughty belt buster for sure.

13) THE PEANUT BUTTER SUNDAE at JET FREEZE: Homemade peanut butter sauce, ice cream, whip cream, nuts and a cherry on top. The peanut butter sauce alone is so sinful that it catapults it onto the list.

12) THE BROOKYLYN BRAWLER PIZZA at JOHNNY’S SLICE of NY: When you serve a giant, stuffed pizza as big as a spare tire, it has to be a guilty pleasure. Big eaters of the Miami Valley come from far and wide not only to eat this giant creation, but to see if 2 of them can finish it in 30 minutes or less to get on the wall of fame. Filled with various meats and cheeses, this guilty pleasure is for serious eaters.

11) THE SEAFOOD PLATTER at TREASURE ISLAND: Deep fried scallops, a cod filet, frog legs, fried shrimp and stuffed crab on a plate with 2 sides. You can taste it all, but don’t test your cholesterol that day. The over the top moment of this dinner is when they serve you some drawn butter for dipping. Oh, behave !

10) ALL-YOU-CAN EAT FISH at the HASTY TASTY PANCAKE HOUSE: For just $7.25, you can literally fill yourself to the gills. Breaded and crispy, it is one of the best ‘bangs for your buck’ as far as sinful meals go. The fish is Alaskan pollock, and when you add the sides, rolls and butter slabs, the wheels come off the diet train.

9) BROASTED CHICKEN at GEORGE’S FAMILY RESTAURANT: Deep fried in a pressure cooker, this stuff is guilty fun for the while family. Moist inside, the chicken is always cooked to perfection. Get some heavenly comfort food sides and complete this trip to dream street.

North China’s Crispy Shrimp: Rich, Spicy Flavor with a Touch of Sweetness

8) CRISPY SHRIMP at NORTH CHINA: One of our favorite Chinese restaurants serves us a sweet sauced, deep fried shrimp dish that will knock you on your socks. The taste, the crunch, the bites of sauce mixed with rice. Overdone richness? Guilty as charged.

7) POTATO SKIN CUPS at ANGIE’S FIREHOUSE: Stuffed with chili, bacon, onions, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, green onions, jalapenos and sour cream they are a beautiful piece of work. You will find yourself eating an entire plate of these and passing out in a food coma.

6) BISCUITS & GRAVY at TANK’S: Delicious, artery clogging goodness. Although this legendary spot on Wayne Avenue has many treasures, we find this to be our most guilty pleasure.

5) THE HOT FUDGE CAKE at FRISCH’S: We know, this is semi-local and more of a regional treat, but it deserves a spot on our list. Hot, steaming fudge, hitting the cool cake and ice cream. The feeling of the whip cream and hot fudge on your lips is worth every calorie.

4) THE PANZAROTTI at MAMMA DISALVO’S: This is pretty much a calzone that is the size of a small kid. Imagine an extra large pizza full of toppings and cheese, that has been folded in half. Served with dipping sauce, it is like cutting into a turkey to begin eating. Go all out and dip your forkfuls into marina or ranch. It is absolutely delicious.

Click to Enlarge: Broasted Chicken from George’s Family Restaurant

3) THE HOG BURGER at VOLTZY’s: Voltzy says he named the burger after his ex-wife. All we know is that this mammoth 20 ounce burger melts in your mouth, and you find yourself saying “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing.”

2) CASSANO’S BIG CHEESE PIZZA: Like Vic Cassano Sr said “It’s one heck of a pizza.” That famous Cassano’s crust and sauce, loaded with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, olives and finished off with a m0und of cheese. The proof is in the taste.

The Big Bo BJ Breakfast Sandwich from B&B Carryout

1) THE “BIG BO BJ” at B&B CARRYOUT: Get your mind out of the gutter, this is a breakfast sandwich. And it is one helluva guilty pleasure. This craziness is a bun with sausage, a fried egg, a hash brown patty, American cheese,strips of bacon and hot pepper cheese. You won’t feel that guilty, because the every bite is just so darn good. A handful of greasy, gooeyness, with great flavor. If you haven’t tried the Big Bo BJ, you need to grab yourself one.

Do you feel guilty yet? Naughty nibbles indeed. Honorable Mention to : Paragon Supper Club’s Paragon Supreme Dessert- a peanut butter and chocolate ice cream mousse, Marion’s Super Cheese Pizza – delicious, Tank’s Chili Cheese Fries-out of this world, and Submarine House’s Super Duper Cheesesteak– triple the meat and cheese & 16 inches long.

DID WE LEAVE ANY OUT? WHICH OF YOUR FAVORITE GUILTY PLEASURES SHOULD WE HAVE INCLUDED IN OUR LIST??

Please comment below and let us know !

For more fun from Dayton’s one-of-a-kind foodies visit FOOD ADVENTURES with THE BIG RAGU, CHEF HOUSE and HUNGRY JAX on FACEBOOK and “like” us HERE .

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Who’d You Rather.. FRICKERS or ROOSTERS ?? $20 Gift Certificates

September 27, 2013 By Dayton937 2 Comments

Boneless Wings at Fricker’s

Want to win a $20 Gift Certificate for your own Food Adventure to Fricker’s or Rooster’s? Today these perennial sports bar favorites go beak to beak, feather to feather, cluck to cluck. Which one do you like better?

You can’t deny local wing kings Fricker’s and Rooster’s have been enjoying success in the Miami Valley for decades. Rumor has it that the Fricker brothers had a falling out. As a result, one of the brothers went off on his own and opened Rooster’s restaurant as a result. The family feud was Dayton’s gain.

So Food Adventure fans – we want to hear from you.. which of these saucy sports dives is your favorite? Whether you like boneless or bone-in, whether you like breaded or grilled chicken, comment below and let your voice be heard. Why? Because 2 people will be picked at random to win a $20 gift certificate to Frickers and Roosters respectively! Oh and we wanna see which place has a more loyal following…

The Food Adventures Crew sound off on their favorites:

Wings at Rooster’s

Hungry Jax’s Take: Rooster’s has a bigger salad selection, which is important to me. I also like the fact that they have more pizza offerings and more sub options. My vote is for: ROOSTERS”

The Big Ragu’s Take: ” To me it is all about the traditional wings and the sauces. In my opinion Fricker’s runs away with it on those categories alone. They have better burgers and better boneless wings as well. My vote goes to: FRICKERS”

We know that both spots have their strengths like WINGS , BONELESS WINGS, and a great venue to watch sporting events, but lets recap our take on the differences between these two:

The Burgers at Fricker’s are surprisingly good

FRICKER’S STRENGTHS:

— Fricker’s offers Ribs. And guess what, they aren’t bad for a casual sports bar!

— Fricker’s special’s are superior. They have 40 cent boneless wing specials on Monday nights and 40 cent traditional wings on Tuesdays. Fricker’s offers a sirloin steak for only $5 on Wednesday nights and $5 chicken chunks on Thursdays. Also kids eat free everyday. Saving money is good.

— The Brew City Fries, onion straws and fried zucchini are 3 decent appetizers only found at Fricker’s

— Cheaper beer prices at Fricker’s. They feature the $2.42 large domestic drafts. Nothing like a cold one and big screen football.

— The burgers at Fricker’s are bigger. Quite frankly we think they are better as well.

ROOSTER’S STRENGTHS:

Asian Chicken Salad at Rooster’s

— Rooster’s has “Dumpster Fries” which we think is the best appetizer found on either menu. Try them for a taste of awesome indulgence.

— Rooster’s has a better selection of Sandwiches. More choices, more options, especially for those counting calories.

— The salad offerings at Rooster’s are more complete. For those trying to eat healthy, you will have more options at Rooster’s.

— Rooster’s pizza’s are better. Again, more options for toppings, etc. If you haven’t eaten their pizza, you will be pleasantly surprised.

— Rooster’s gets the edge in soups. Something you may not know is that both places have some incredible chili and pretty good New England Clam Chowder. We have been eating those as a start to a Food Adventure for years.

Food Adventures with The Big Ragu and Crew gave their opinion -now it is YOUR TURN ! Who’d you rather get it on with: Frickers or Roosters?

COMMENT BELOW AND SETTLE THIS BATTLE OF THE LOCAL WING SPOTS !!!

We will pick one winner from each restaurant for $20 Gift Certificates

Visit the often imitated, never duplicated Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking —> HERE !
We are not food critics, we are just foodies that love to eat !!

Browse our photo gallery below from our many Food Adventures to Rooster’s and Fricker’s !!

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Chop Suey Carryout: The Oldest Chinese Restaurant in Dayton

September 19, 2013 By Dayton937 2 Comments

Something is to be said for a restaurant that has been serving dishes for over 40 years. Chop Suey Carryout at 1465 E. Dorothy Lane in Kettering has quietly done just that. In fact, this eatery is the first place we ever tasted Chinese food. They don’t have a website or even a Facebook page, but they have been cranking out Asian classics and we have been having Food Adventures here since Gerald Ford was President. How has this place stayed in business for so long? The answer is consistently good food and good prices. Their recipes remain identical since the 70’s, and the result is generations of loyal followers.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Chop Suey Carryout was opened in 1973 by a family who had moved to the U.S. from Taiwan. The same family owns the restaurant today, and have kept the location on E. Dorothy Lane for the entire run.

— As the name suggests, it is a great place for carryout. If you must dine-in be prepared for the retro dining room. We voted it “Best Dining Room for filming a scene from Kojak.”

— The prices are reasonable and all dishes come in size Regular or Large. Do yourself a favor, get the regular, it is a good sized portion and will save you some cash.

— All the meals are served in those “little Chinese to-go boxes,” even if you dine-in. It makes for a fun Food Adventure, just grab some chop sticks and go to town.

— Chop Suey Carryout is closed on Sundays, so make sure you hit them up Monday through Saturday til about 9pm.

Shrimp Chop Suey – The Best Chop Suey in Dayton

— Drink selection is very limited. They have a couple of soda brands and maybe a tea.

Now, get ready to wok and roll as FOOD ADVENTURES gives you our…

****MUST EATS !!!****

— CHOP SUEY: Of course ! How can you write an article about this place and not mention their specialty namesake? Answer: YOU CANT ! Unless your a food critic who doesn’t know what they are doing. Our favorite is the Shrimp Chop Suey, but you can get vegetable, pork, chicken or beef varieties. This creamy mixture of cabbage and vegetables is the best chop suey in Dayton. It is served over steamed rice and is very filling.

— CHOW MEIN: This dish is identical to Chop Suey, except it is served over hard Chinese noodles. Again you have vegetable or various meat options. However, we have been eating this dish since we played t-ball and we say go for the Shrimp Chow Mein option (or Chicken if you need a substitute)! The clear sauce on this dish has an amazing flavor and is how we remember it as kids. It is the best chow mein in Dayton and never disappoints.

Fantastic Hot n Sour Soup – be careful, it is always Scalding Hot !

— HOT & SOUR SOUP: Addicting, flavorful ..and SCALDING HOT ! Beware: this is served hot enough to burn your mouth for 20 minutes. The 20 minute wait is worth it, as this hot and sour soup rivals the big name restaurants in town.

— SWEET & SOUR SHRIMP: An old classic served up right by an old restaurant. We don’t know why it is so good, but Big Ragu says it is the best Sweet & Sour dish in the Miami Valley. Maybe it is the lightly crispy, deep fried batter on the shrimp. Or maybe it is the classic, deep red, sweet and sour sauce unlike any other. Secret: we think it is the combination when the two mix. Again, if you are a land lubber and hate seafood.. try the sweet & sour chicken option.

— SESAME CHICKEN: A good flavored sauce covering deep fried, white meat chicken. The sesame sprinkles are the finishing touch. Pour over white rice for sheer heaven.

Sesame Shrimp & all entrees are served in Chinese “to-go” boxes. Easy Chopstick eatin’

Honorable Mention: Egg Foo Young – Chop Suey Carryout is one of the few places in town that serves this dish and does it justice. The same can be said for their Moo Goo Gai Pan. Again, we have been ordering and eating this stuff before anyone twirled a rubix cube, so trust us. Also, the Kung Pao Chicken is great in a pinch. Most recently we tried a dish we have only seen at Chop Suey Carryout called Wor Shue Gai. It is a deep fried chicken dish, with a curious yellow sauce. It needs some spiciness, so we say stick with the ‘Must Eat’ classics !

Some things like disco music and Laverne & Shirley didn’t survive the 70’s. Chop Suey Carryout survived and is still stir frying and high flying today. Wok, don’t run, to this Kettering icon, and try some of our favorites. Discover why after four decades, Daytonians still stand in line for this takeout Food Adventure.

What is your opinion of Chop Suey Carryout? Comment below and tell us your thoughts or menu recommendations.

Want more to take home? Then check out FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook and “like” us by clicking —>HERE.

Browse through photos of numerous specialties we have sampled over the years. Sorry, no smellivision included…

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Christopher’s Restaurant: Saintly and Sinful

September 13, 2013 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Mushroom Bisque one of many homemade soups

Some say the food at Christopher’s Restaurant is like a religious experience. That would make sense because the eatery is named after St. Christopher, the patron saint of travel. Owner/Chef Chip Pritchard and his staff have developed a cult following with the locals, and a favorite stop of foodies who are passing through town. Why? Because it is comfort food. It is not pretentious, just good solid food. We met the owners at a farmer’s market and it has been a favorite Food Adventure stop ever since.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Known for their extensive, fresh menu it is a salad, soup and sandwich lovers paradise.

— Vegetarian and Vegan friendly choices make it a favorite healthy dining spot. Many gluten free menu items to choose from as well.

The Black Bean Burger: not just for vegans anymore

— Breakfast menu that rivals anyplace in Dayton. Most overheard quote at Christopher’s “you gotta come back for breakfast.” Tasty indeed.

— Christopher’s employs two bakers who make the desserts from scratch twice a week. Check the revolving choices and make sure you don’t miss out on these sinful offerings.

— Thursday nights are “theme nights.” Probably our favorite time to visit Christopher’s. Guaranteed great foodstuffs in a fun, inviting atmosphere. Most recently, we went to Caribbean Theme Night on September 12th.

— Christopher’s uses local farms, local produce, naturally raised beef, organic salmon (from Foremost Seafood), local free range eggs, and organic coffee and teas.

Speaking of which, The Big Ragu and crew have to tell you about …. the MUST EATS at CHRISTOPHERS

Many organic items like Ice Teas served with fresh, local mint sprigs

— THE CHRISTOPHER SPECIAL: A bacon sandwich with avocado, tomato, Neufantel cream cheese and bean sprouts. We crave this and get nights sweats thinking about this specialty sandwich.

— THE MEZZA PLATE: House Hummus, falafel, feta cheese chunks, kalamata olives, tomato slices, cucumbers and carrots surrounded by pita chips. This ain’t your grandparents vegetarian menu…

— BUFFALO CHICKEN SOUP: Phenomenal homemade soup with a kick better than Pelé. Eat some and become a Buffalo Soldier like The Big Ragu.

— THE BLACK BEAN BURGER: Even if you are not a vegetarian, you gotta try this delicious and filling burger.

— MUSHROOM BISQUE: One of our all time fave soups is simply divine. Creamy goodness in every spoonful.

— CARROT CAKE: The homemade icing will have you saying “dude, seriously?” Try it, your tummy will thank us.

— BUMBLEBERRY PIE: Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Yes, 3 berries, one pie. Served cold or hot, you can’t lose with this fresh, local creation. Big Ragu approved !

— TWO GOOD BREAKFAST: Two eggs, two pieces of bacon, two pieces of sausage and two pancakes or French toast.

Delicious, Fresh Breakfast Choices

Honorable Mention: Bacon & Tomato Omelette, Honey BBQ Chicken and The “Decent Breakfast” which features choices of fruit or home fries, choice of meat, 2 eggs and a biscuit, toast or English muffin.

This quaint dining establishment is a great place for a date, or a visit with your grandmother. Expect great service, as the staff is friendly and very knowledgeable. The eclectic menu at Christopher’s Restaurant is a great place for a serious eater. From healthy, to vegan, from ethnic to good old fashioned American comfort food, they have it all. It fits the bill for practically any occasion. Best of all, many ingredients are fresh and local. Give it a try next time you are near the corner of Woodman Dr and Dorothy Lane. They are open Monday – Saturday: 7:30am – 9pm. They use organic to make meals that are fantastic.

Browse the many dishes in our photo album below from our many meals at Christopher’s.

Love Facebook? Want some more from your favorite “foodies in their forties?” Then check out Food Adventures on Facebook —> HERE

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100,000 People Expected at Food Filled Americana Festival

June 27, 2013 By Dayton937 3 Comments

Look down the street, hungry people as far as the eye can see !

July 4th will mark the 40th annual Americana Festival in Centerville. Wouldn’t you know that The Big Ragu & Crew are veterans of practically every single Americana Festival over the years. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate America’s Independence that a brisk walk through the intersection of State Route 48 and Franklin Street, sampling food selections from various vendors. With over 100 spots to eat, this is a perfect opportunity for a summer Food Adventure. From typical festival fare like funnel cakes and to healthier choices like salads and grilled chops, there is something for every taste bud on hand. The food tour stretches from the center of town, down through Benham’s Grove and the Activity Center Park. French Fries, Deep Fried Snickers, Roasted Corn, Chinese food and Gyro Vendors are just some of our favorites on the yearly hit list. We would be amiss if we didn’t mention the various icons that will be open along the street such as Bill’s Donut Shop, City BBQ and Graeter’s Ice Cream. You can even enjoy a Marion’s Pizza near the classic car show in their parking lot. Ohhh Americana, how we love thee!

Hey there, Pork Chop !

If you need the scoop on one of Dayton’s largest festivals, here you go:

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— July 4th events start at 7:30am with a 5k Run/Walk – Always a nice start to a guilt free Food Adventure

— Parade starts at 10am sharp near Centerville High School and typically lasts until 11:30am

— The Street Festival runs from 11am-4pm with over 300 vendors (many of them food booths)

— Festival ends with a Fireworks Display at Centerville High School Stadium at 10pm

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Now for the rumbling stomachs that sound like a fireworks grand finale, here are your Food Adventure MUST EATS !

MUST EATS:

— Nothing says independence like a mouthful of powdered sugar and fried dough, so get yourself a damn Funnel Cake

Nothing says Independence like Powdered Sugar and Fried Dough

— Grilled Pork Chops – Various vendors are serving up these chops that weigh as much as a small dumbell

— Roasted Corn – More than knee high by the 4th of July, don’t forget the brush and buttery dip option

— Gyro’s – The Greek vendors at this event never disappoint. Grab a Gyro with the works, which sometimes includes some Caesar’s Salad lettuce on top

— Philly Cheesesteak – A little known secret of the festival is that some vendors fire up the grills as early as 9:30am. We took advantage of this one year. We also should have taken a tums. Huge, mouth watering, stuffed sandwiches. Just look for the banner “Italian Sausages & Philly Cheesesteaks”

— Deep Fried Snickers – Ok, so admit it, you have always wanted to try one. If you like rich foods and gooey chocolate, give it a whirl. It is like a small, powdered corndog with chocolate inside. Everyone should try these just once. Put it on your July4th bucket list.

— McDigger’s Pub – Go inside and grab a cold libation at the corner of Elm and East Franklin St. They also grill burgers and sausages on the patio. This is the only bar we know of where a round of drinks costs about the same as a local Moose Lodge. Just aim your beer burps the other way, please.

Whether you grab a pretzel donut or a grilled chicken wrap with Uncle Sam on stilts, this shindig is as much a celebration of taste as a celebration of the stars and stripes. So get yourself to the center of Centerville and see why this festival is one of the biggest in Dayton. Are you a veteran of the event? Then comment below and tell us your favorite bites from the Americana Festival!

Your hometown foodies Chef House, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu wish each and every one of you a happy 4th of July. Enjoy the local street food and more on this warm summer’s holiday. This festival definitely shows off “America the Beautiful !”

Browse through our photos below, they will light your firecracker ! “Like” Food Adventures on Facebook HERE !

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What About Kabab?

February 7, 2013 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Tabbouleh at House of Kabab

Looking for a unique bite out? Tired of the same old, same old? The House of Kabab may be just be the solution! It is a casual, local eatery that is a change of pace from the norm, and a true Food Adventure. This mom and pop establishment is owned by a Lebanese family who has brought their menu of Mediterranean food to the Miami Valley. Located at 298 N. Main St. in Centerville, this restaurant has a menu with some personality. Also a great place to eat healthy, House of Kabab even has a decent selection of vegetarian options. There are many exotic choices, but don’t fear! The staff is very accommodating when explaining the menu and house specialties. Their recommendations are very helpful.

Lamb Shwarma, like a Lebanese Burrito

Through our various visits to House of Kabab, we have some “must eats” of our own. We have always enjoyed the Hoummos (as they spell it on the menu). Many of your are familiar with this popular appetizer paste made from chickpeas, lemon juice, herbs and olive oil. Served with pita triangles, it is the perfect taste bud awakening for the fresh meal to come. House of Kabab also serves Baba-Ghanoush, which is more than the nickname used in the movie “Wedding Crashers.” Baba-Ganoush is a puree of eggplant, garlic, and lemon juice and we would say an acquired taste. It is topped with olive oil and fresh herbs. Served cold, the flavor is bold with a slightly bitter finish. Try this if you are a true Food Adventurer.

Two more items that are fantastic choices at House of Kabab are the Lamb Shwarma and Chicken Shwarma. These are pita roll sandwiches stuffed with grilled meats. Think of them as Lebanese burritos. These tasty treats are also filled with lettuce, parsley, tomatoes, onion and creamy sauces. The Big Ragu will go on record saying the Chicken Shwarma is his favorite menu item at House of Kabab.

One of the healthy, fresh and terrific side dishes at House of Kabab is the Tabbouleh. This salad is made with finely chopped parsley, onions, and tomatoes. The mixture is combined with olive oil and mint. It is an explosion of flavor in your mouth and each bite releases a hint of lemon juice. Hungry Jax would recommend this as her favorite menu item. We really enjoyed this choice.

The Falafel Dinner

Looking for a vegetarian meal? Food Adventures would recommend the Falafel, served as a sandwich or a dinner. As some foodies know, falafel is a hush puppy like ball made from a mixture of chick peas and fava beans. Whether you order it as a sandwich, or as a dinner, the falafel is topped with an amazing creamy, garlic sauce.

One of the hidden gems on the menu is the Tilapia Dinner. This was a “special of the day” on a couple of our visits, so we took advantage. This dinner features filets of baked tilapia in creamy garlic sauce and each morsel is absolutely delicious. This dish is served with white, long grain rice sprinkled with aromatic Lebanese spices. Is your mouth watering yet? Do not forget about three dishes that are name sakes of the house. They are the Shisk Taouk, Lamb Meshwie and Beef Kafta. These dinners are served as skewers of meat and vegetables, or as we in Ohio call them, shish kabobs. The slightly differently named Shisk Taouk is the chicken skewer and the Lamb Meshwie is, of course, the lamb option. The skewered tubes of beef are called Kafta. You know you can’t go wrong eating skewers of meat and vegetable in a place called House of Kabab. Another menu highlight is the “Tastes of the Mediterranean Dinner for Two.” This meal is under $22 and features a tour of the menu, including shwarma, lamb meshwie, taouk, makanek (sausages), sojouk (spicy sausage), and kafta.

Tilapia Dinner served with hoummos, rice and salad

The restaurant also offers a dessert menu with some traditional American cake, mousse and cheesecake choices. The friendly server will present a dessert tray after your meal, so you can see the desserts up close. Looking for something a little different for dessert? Try the Black Forest Gateau. It is a chocolate cake filled with pineapple mousse. When is the last time you had some pineapple mousse? Topped with chocolate whip cream, the Black Forest Gateau tastes great, and is good for sharing.

As Food Adventurers, our niche has always been checking out those unique, family owned places. House of Kabab is another perfect fit. It is affordable, fresh and not your everyday, run of the mill menu. Give this quaint Centerville restaurant a try when you are in the mood for something new or different. Ask yourself, “What about Kabab?” Explore what the Mediterranean and Lebanese menu has to offer. It is more than just a cultural experience, it is simply good food !

Hey Foodie ! Do us a favor and “like” Food Adventures on Facebook for more photos of Dayton’s best.

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Food Adventures Gets Sauced at Woody’s Bar-B-Q + $20 Gift Certificate Contest

January 24, 2013 By Dayton937 24 Comments

The Ribs at Woody’s Bar-B-Q – Smoked to Perfection

Nothing says Food Adventure like good barbeque. Lip smackin’, bone suckin’, slathered, sauced or smoked, they have it at Woody’s Bar-B-Q. Ribs cooked to perfection, mouth-watering brisket, freshly sliced vegetable dishes, and homemade pies a mile high are just some of the treasures available at this restaurant in Beavercreek. Located at 3321 Dayton Xenia Rd, this family friendly eatery offers a place to bring the whole crew for Southern style meals, without breaking the bank.

The owners know something about Southern food. Raised in Tennessee around homestyle cooking, Michael and Sharon York moved to Dayton in 1966. For more than 20 years, Michael developed his skills at a meat processing plant and today he personally smokes every ounce of meat. Sharon makes every single pie at Woody’s , and they are masterpieces. From chocolate peanut butter, to banana creme, the pies are so tall that you need a small ladder to eat them.

Country Fried Steak Dinner – Creamy and Crisp

Technically Woody’s is a franchise, one of only two in Ohio. But the feel and preparation of food here is about as “mom and pop” as it gets. Since opening 3 years ago, practically every item has been prepared in-house. The formula of good food and friendly service works here. Woody’s is a place where regulars know the polite staff, and where owners mingle with the patrons from time to time. But make no mistake, the food is the main event here. The Food Adventure Crew has some killer recommendations to smoke your appetite.

There are a couple of appetizers that we feel are “must eats.” First the hand sliced, and twice breaded Fried Squash. This is one unique appetizer that we had never eaten before. The squash slices are a delicious and different way to start your meal at Woody’s. Ask for the “special sauce” for dipping instead of the ranch for a true Food Adventure experience (yeah, we know all the secrets).

Beef Brisket – Smoked Slow and Piled High

Another one of a kind appetizer attraction are the popular Smoked Chicken Wings. The flavor is deep and fulfilling. These wings are like nothing we have eaten before. Sure, you can get the wings with BBQ or hot sauce, but we suggest Cajun style or “Dallas” style which is a mix of sauces. You will just have to try them for yourself because the taste is tangy, peppered and indescribably good. Wings are just 65 cents each on Wednesdays. On Mondays kids eat free and every Sunday is all you can eat chicken and a side for just $8.99.

Now, on to the heavy hitters that will have you speaking with a southern drawl in no time. Chef House loves good brisket, it is one of her weaknesses. The Beef Brisket at Woody’s Bar-B-Q is done right. Smoked slowly out back and sliced up fresh, someone here knows what they are doing. You can see remnants of the smoke ring throughout the moist, shredded brisket. Grab a pint of a Great Lakes beer on draft to seal the deal.

Let’s talk pork. First of all, the Baby Back Ribs are fantastic. Coated with sweet bbq sauce, as the glaze hits your lips, the taste is a result of hours of wood-fired, smoker expertise. Even the half slabs of ribs served in the combo plates are big enough to share a bone. The added bonus is that the rib dinner prices are a few bucks cheaper than at other rib joints. Rather have your pork pulled? The Pulled Pork at Woody’s Bar-B-Q literally melts in your mouth. Prepared by hand, it is succulent and smoky. Here is where you can experiment with the various table sauces such as Southern Sweet, Carolina, Smokin’ Hot, Tangy Mustard and Carolina Style. Squirt it and work it. The Smoked Chicken is also worth mentioning. It is juicy, tender and full of great flavor. Not a BBQ fan? Try the Giant Haddock Fish Sandwich, Fried Shrimp or the Fried Catfish. The Big Ragu suggests you wash it all down Cincinnati style with a cold Hudepohl Beer on tap or stick with the traditional sweet tea. Still thirsty? Try the new Redd’s Apple Ale !

As for the many choices of southern sides, we have tried all of them during our visits. Our favorites were the Baked Beans, Fried Okra, and Onion Rings. Woody’s even offers Chili Cheese Fries with up to 3 meat toppings. The thing to do here is experiment. Mix and match from the large variety of choices. We led you to the promiseland, now you gotta find your favorites. Here are some more tips: Sunday is All You Can Eat Chicken for only $8.99, Monday Kids Eat Free, and Friday is their special price on Prime Rib dinners. Woody’s Bar-B-Q has a deep community involvement, so you may see them at various local festivals. They also have a full catering menu for any event. Woody’s also has an outdoor patio and from time to time hosts live music and parties there.

Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

Being two “foodies in our forties,” we appreciate the comfortable, casual, laid back atmosphere and great prices. This is one of those times where we say “You gotta try this place.” Bring yourself and your family to Woody’s for an affordable, delicious meal. Come get sauced, fried, smoked and ‘pie’d’ with the rest of us !

Dayton Most Metro is giving away a $20 gift certificate to one lucky person who comments on this story below. Your name will be chosen at random and announced on Monday. Comment and fill out the form belowfor your chance at some fantastic, free food at Woody’s Bar-B-Q in Beavercreek!

Be sure and “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE !

[form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

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