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What a Gas! AMBUCS Chili Cookoff Winners Announced

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Jimmie's Ladder 11 Chili was the Peoples Choice for # 1 (served with a jalapeno corn muffin)

Ladder 11 was the People’s Choice Winner (served with a jalapeno muffin) Click to Enlarge

The people have spoken at the 27th Annual Charity Chili cookoff and Casino Night for AMBUCS.  And they were tooting more than their horns the next day!

For the 2nd year in a row, JIMMIES LADDER 11 was the people’s choice for best chili.   BUT NOT SO FAST MY FRIENDS ….. THE FOOD ADVENTURES CREW with THE BIG RAGU have their takes on the chili contest and it may surprise you.

Your humble Food Adventurers were asked to be special celebrity guest judges and we ate every station, every bowl and left no pot unturned.  We also had hot dogs, coney dogs, wine, beer and soft drinks.  The frigid evening was PERFECT for chili tasting.

There was spicy chili, mild chili, chicken chili, no bean chili, .. there was even a gumbo !   Topping options were cheese, onions, hot sauce some had sour cream ! …  So Poopsie, how do you like your chili ?

 

THE BIG RAGU’S WINNER: Tie between THE BRUNCH CLUB and THE TROPICS

The Brunch Club had an amazingly sweet chili that was delicious.  The Tropics entry was just as addicting.  It was a  with a hearty, traditional chili with great flavors.

 

Honorable Mention to the other great chili’s: Longhorn Steakhouses’ Brisket chili, and of course the chili from Jimmie’s Ladder 11.  The Spiciest chili was Harrigan’s chili.  Other great, hearty traditional chili’s included Elsa’s Restaurant and Slyder’s Tavern.   Buckin Donkey Grille’s traditional chili was great, and they even served chicken sausage gumbo that was to die for.  Even amateur entries like Chef Daddy’s Firehouse won hearts with their chicken chili.

 

The real winner here was the AMBUCS charity who raises money to help disabled children and adults in the Miami Valley.  It is a local chapter and the funds stay local to help those in need in the Dayton area.  If you have never attended this event, it is a complete blast.  There was chili, beer, hot dogs, wine and pop (all you can eat).   There were casino games like blackjack, showdown, dice games and spin the wheel games.  The upstairs area even had a Bingo area !

 

Chef Daddy’s Firehouse White Chicken Chili (click to enlarge)

It was a true Food Adventure and Gamblers paradise!   You have 12 month to get your gastro-intestinal tract in shape for this one.  Don’t miss this event next year, it truly was a gas !

Want more photos and tongue in cheek fun from the one and only FOOD ADVENTURES CREW?  Then  “like” us on FACEBOOK by clicking HERE.  

We are not food critics, we are two “foodies in our forties” who love to eat !    This is not our job, this is our hobby, so we don’t have an agenda !  That’s why our stuff is original!  Often imitated, but never duplicated you can find us every week right here on Dayton Most Metro !

As always, check out our gallery photos below for some amazing food shots !

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Food Adventures with Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzell

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Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzell Enjoying a Brew at Tank’s Bar & Grill

Everyone knows that Gary Leitzell is the mayor of Dayton, but did you know that he is a foodie ??   You may find him at Tank’s on Wayne Avenue with a mini pitcher of beer discussing the history of Dayton.   You may see him munching on pizza at the South Park Tavern, talking about some of the old homes in the neighborhood & who built them.   You may catch the mayor cutting a sandwich at the Top of the Market & Deli at Webster Street.

The Big Ragu often runs into Gary Leitzell at various community events.  We have had Food Adventures with the mayor at Ghostlight Coffee and even visited with his legislative aide “Gladgirl Shelly.‘  The mayor has spent time with us at the 2nd Street Market.    We have been with him at charity events like the AMBUCS Chili Cookoff.  And, who could forget our ‘must eats’ like Oktoberfest at the Dayton Art Institute or the World A’Fair at the Convention Center.

When we see Mayor Leitzell, he always takes a moment to talk with us about Dayton and the local government’s exciting plans for the city.  Practically everything about Gary is unique.  Most of his childhood was spent in England, he has no political affiliation and fancies himself an independent.

 

But this is not an article on politics.   It is an article on fun and food in the Dayton area, which is what Food Adventures are all about.

Speaking of fun, here are some things you ‘gotta know’ about Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzell:

— He eats every sandwich with a fork and knife.  – Yes, hot dogs and burgers too.  Call it a good manners habit from his days in merry olde England.

—He has a blog called ‘This Old Crack House’  – Mayor Leitzell is a cool character with a great personality.  His blog documents the refurbishing of his historic home, which went from a log house to a townhouse, to a crack house and now, his house.  You gotta love a guy that has a blog called “This Old Crack House.”  Check it out HERE.

— Mayor Leitzell has a scooter.  – What better way to get to  a Food Adventure?

—  He doesn’t own a cell phone. – Gary is a person who prefers to communicate face to face or by email.  Wait a minute, how does he order carryout food?  For a guy always on the move, we find it astonishing that he doesn’t own a mobile phone.  Maybe it is a lesson to us as well.

— His favorite rock band is ‘The Who.’  – Will they play a farewell show at Courthouse Square when his term as mayor ends?  We will have our people get with your people to coordinate that one.

If there is a lesson to be learned from Mayor Leitzell it is “Be yourself.”   The mayor has a positive passion for the Dayton area and the future of the city.  He is involved with many activities, from West Side Dayton volunteer projects to creative marketing for the city.  But, you won’t see that trumpeted in a paper or in a story online.  As his term expires in January, look for him to run for a Montgomery County Commissioner seat.

So be on the lookout next time you are eating out and around Dayton.  You just may be sitting next to the mayor !

What are your top 5 Dayton area restaurants?  Comment below so we can see how you stack up with the mayor !

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Leitzell may be the bossman, but Food Adventures are the Dukes of Facebook .   Like these “Dayton Foodies” on FACEBOOK by clicking  —–>HERE!

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Food Adventures Takes Aim at Archer’s + $20 Gift Certificate !!

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You have driven by and seen the packed parking lot, so you know something is up.  Archer’s Tavern has just surpassed its 3rd year in business and is still cookin’ right along in more ways than one.  Owner’s Dan Apolito, Scott Dorsten and Mike Fullenkamp have a great formula for success.  Good food, good drink, and affordable prices.  The owners also immerse themselves in the community, donating to various churches, charities and youth organizations.  The belief is “If you do good things for people, it will come back to you.”  The menu, which is printed on newspaper, keeps customers coming back for sure.

Archer’sm, located at 9496 Dayton Lebanon Pike, is a family pub-style restaurant named after John Archer Jr.  who owned Centerville’s first tavern.  This nod to history is true to form with ownership’s belief in local involvement.

From Burgers and Pizzas, to Salads and Craft Beers, there is something for everyone at Archer’s Tavern.  Don’t forget the special events they showcase from time to time.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Family Friendly Atmosphere with a pub feel.  You could bring the kids here after a soccer game, or sit at the bar with some friends.

— Great Craft Beer selection on tap and in bottles.  Archer’s partners with regional breweries for some rare, delicious selections.  Their rotating selection is sure to please thirsty patrons.

The Brandon Burger features Zink’s Local Beef , a fried egg, and bacon on top.

— Affordable meals with most selections in  the $7-$10 range.  They even have a burger for under $4.

— Don’t miss their special events throughout the year.  Whether it is a crawfish boil to celebrate their anniversary or a beer/menu tasting featuring Goose Island beers, these events are worth checking out.  Stay tuned to their website and Facebook Page to keep up with the latest happenings.   Here is EXCLUSIVE SCOOP on the next upcoming event !

****EXCLUSIVE SCOOP !  YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST ! ***

Archer’s will feature a CHILI COOKOFF on Saturday, September 14th from 2pm-4pm.  Do you have a winning recipe?  Limited to 20 entrants, the winning person’s chili will be featured on the Archer’s menu for an entire year.  There is also a cash prize of $200.  To enter the contest, stop into Archers Tavern, but do it quickly as space is limited to the first 20 entrants.  Food Adventures will be celebrity judges and you can be a judge too!  Just show up the day of the event and pay $10 to sample the 20 chili entries and cast your vote.   Join us for this FOOD ADVENTURE !  The money collected will go to the Centerville High School Culinary Student fund or the Archer’s Scholarship Fund.  Again,  Archer’s is giving back to the community.  We love and respect that.

Archer’s Ale – a damn good craft beer

With so much going on in this place, we offer up our suggestions on some of the best.  As with all of our Food Adventures, we have been here numerous times and tried almost everything on the menu.

If you have not yet been to Archer’s, let Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax point you in the right direction.

MUST EATS:

— THE BRANDON BURGER:  This burger is a favorite.  It features a fried egg and bacon all on top of a fresh Zink’s Meat Market Burger.  It is quite simply one of the best burgers in town.

— ARCHER’S ALE:  An ESB (Extra Special Bitter), that is an original craft beer.  A quality brew to be appreciated by the beer connoisseur in you.  Smooth and easy, this is an enjoyable drink for those ESB lovers.

— CITRUS CHICKEN SALAD – Grilled chicken on a bed of fresh greens, mixed with a balsamic dressing.   Other toppings include mandarin oranges, cranberries, bleu cheese crumbles and almonds.  A healthy and tasty alternative!

—  THE MARGHERITA PIZZA:  Fresh Mozzarella and a smooth tomato sauce is the key to this pizza.  Fresh basil leaves and Roma tomatoes top off this vegetarian pie nicely.

— THE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK: A heaping sandwich filled with meat, peppers and melted provolone cheese.  You can also request cheese whiz on this monster.  We say, go for it.  This is how they do it in Philadelphia.  Your choice of ribeye steak or chicken for the meat.

— THE STICKY BURGER:  A burger with peanut butter on it? YES!  The result is a unique taste, reminiscent of a Thai Peanut Sauce.   This burger is the Big Ragu’s Favorite.  It also comes with bacon and smoked pepper jack cheese.  This is a curiously good burger that you won’t soon forget.

— CRAZY UNCLE JESTER’S HOT SAUCE:  Archer’s is partnered with a local hot sauce maker that really lights things up.  Make sure and ask your waitress to bring out some different flavored bottles of Crazy Uncle Jester’s Hot Sauce.   Add it to some wings, chili or whatever you want to pack a wallop of flavor.  Good stuff here, some of it isn’t for the squeamish.

Margherita Pizza – Savor that Fresh Mozzarella

Finally, this article would be incomplete if we didn’t talk about the servers.  Our many experiences have shown us that this friendly staff cares about the customers and shows commitment in offering good service.  The management instills this belief from the top down.  If you love decent prices for good food, then give Archer’s Tavern a shot.  This place is about relaxing in a fun eatery.  Our advice is, scan the beer selection, order a burger or one of our  ‘must eats’  and then… enjoy.   In  this Food Adventure, you can be sure that Archer’s will hit the bullseye !

Browse through our photo album of literally dozens of menu items and features from past special events.  Are you a Foodie?  Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook HERE !

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$20 GIFT CERTIFICATE CONTEST !!

Please register below  and tell us below in the comments why you should win a $20 Gift Certificate to ARCHER’S TAVERN, and a winner will be chosen on MONDAY ![form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

The Big Ragu Releases the AMBUCS Chili Cook-off Votes!

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Cold beer and hot chili is a recipe for a Food Adventure.   Last Friday night, a large crowd enjoyed all the chili, adult beverages and gambling action they wanted at the 26th Annual AMBUCS Chili Cookoff and Casino night at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds.  All the proceeds went to benefit Dayton AMBUCS, a charity service organization that is creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities.  The Big Ragu and the Food Adventures Crew was lucky enough to be asked to be “Special Judge” for the event.   We had a blast, hung out with Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzel, and ate some terrific chili.

First off, we tried each and every chili offered.  We loved the traditional chili from Flannigans, Atrium Grille, Buckin Donkey Grille, Miami Valley Golf Club, Jimmie’s Ladder 11, Elsa’s and Slyder’s.  Our taste buds enjoyed unique meat twists on chili from Smokin BBQ, Vinny’s Bar & Grill, Christopher’s, and Longhorn Steakhouse .  Things heated up with the spicy chili from Scratch Catering and Harrigans Tavern.  Unique tasting chili from The Tropics and Cafe Mexico were nice surprises, too.   There were even great entries from individual cooks like “Deer Slayer” and “Chef Daddy’s Firehouse Chili!”

We loved and finished them all, from white bean chili, to every piece of venison, and every jalapeno.  But, we had to pick our favorites, and here were our choices:

Food Adventure’s Top 3:
1) Deer Slayer
2) Jimmie’s Ladder 11
3) Smokin’ BBQ

After trying all of the chili we ate some hot dogs then tried our luck at Bingo, Blackjack and Dice games.  Most importantly, we donated to a great organization, AMBUCS.  It was great to see local people helping a charity that reaches out to all sorts of people with physical disabilities.  We were honored to be a part of this special event and this was a Food Adventure that will always remain close to our heart.  See you next year !

If you were not there, but want to help out a great cause, visit ambucs.com, and see how you can get involved.

“Like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE !

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