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Coopers Hawk Winery and Restaurant Opens Monday

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Marketing Specialist Erin Kelly explains the Tasting Bar

The reputation Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant has built with it’s previous 38 locations has helped build the excitement for the debut of the Centerville Cornerstone location off of Wilmington Pike.

Opening to the public this Monday, August 26th at 11am, guests will enter the Napa-style  tasting bar.  A long open bar, backed by a wall of their 40+ wines, guest are encouraged to taste their way through the menu, with educated staff guiding them to find wines they enjoy.

They offer 3 tastings each featuring 8 wines:

  • a variety tasting featuring reds and whites $8
  • a sweet tasting $8
  • Lux tasting  – features their top tier wines $13

The tasting guides shares facts to help you learn about the wines, assist with pronunciation when needed and share pairing tips.  Erin Kenny, who serves as the marketing specialist for the chain explains that Cooper’s Hawk wants to make wine accessible to all and debunk the “snooty” reputation wine sometimes gets.

You’ll also see a variety of wine glasses, cork holders and novelty wine gifts and accessories merchandised on islands in the tasting area as well as  a case full of truffles in what they call their artisan market.

Continue on into the building and you’ll see the full serve bar, where you can sit at the bar, at a table or even a booth.  Enjoy a cocktail from their extensive list, many of which include wines in the mix

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you head into the dining room, you’ll see a wall featuring the Winemaker’s Barrel Reserve, made each year and crafted from expertly-selected barrel lots to create a rich, yet elegant Bordeaux-style wine that we age in the finest oak barrels, adding sophistication and flavor dimensions. the 2019 Reserve is already sold out by the bottle, but you can get a taste at the restaurant.

 

 

 

Then you enter the dining room, which seats around 300, and in nice weather there are another 50 seats on the patio that overlook a pond with a fountain.  There are also 2 private dining rooms that seat about 24 each, that can be combined for private parties of up to 60 and are equipped with AV essentials needed for presentations.  Rooms are available for reservation with a minimum spend requirement, as opposed to a room fee.  If your order doesn’t make that requirement, you can always add a case of wine or two to take home to hit the mark.

The menu at Cooper’s Hawk pairs each item with a wine, by bin number to make it easy.  Wines by the glass are very reasonably priced ranging from about $7-13.

Appetizers include Asian Ahi Tuna, Drunken Shrimp,  Hummus, Asian Pork Belly Tostadas, Potstickers, Calamari, as well as a dish referred to as Chef Matt’s Perfect Pairing Plate (pictured below) which features a Trio of Cheeses: Stracciatella, Buttermilk Bleu, Sartori Parmesan, Honeycomb, Black Fig Jam, Grilled Polenta Crostinis and some candied bacon.  There is also an optional wine pairing  that compliments this plate.

Every single item on the menu is made in their scratch kitchen, which often runs with 20 cooks on the line and the attention to detail.  Actually that’s untrue, they do bring in their gluten bread, to assure that it is made in a gluten free kitchen.  They also offer a pretty extensive gluten free menu that includes steak, seafood, chicken and burgers.

Happy Hour at Cooper’s Hawk runs from 3-6pm featuring $6 wines by the glass, and wine specialty drinks and a list of appetizers from $7-10.

They also offer a kids menu, a carryout menu and a catering menu.

The Wine Club at Cooper’s Hawk is an all-inclusive membership where you will not only receive our winemaker’s newly released wine each month, but also enjoy many great benefits including invitations to members-only events, exclusive discounts, points on purchases, birthday rewards, and aWine Club Newsletter with information on new wines, special events, and great recipes. Memberships start at $20 month and you have the option to pick up your wine or have it sent. Choose the membership type that’s right for you, variety (meaning you’ll get red and white varietals) Red, White or Sweet.  Gift memberships also available for 3, 6  or 12 months.

Thursday afternoon I was lucky enough to enjoy a media tasting, which started off with Chef Matt’s Perfect Pairing Plate and then a tasting menu that started with crispy brussels sprouts with cashews, mint and sweet thai chili, and as one who’s usually not a fan of this vegetable, thought it was one of the best dishes of the day.  We also tried the Asian pork belly tacos, shrimp and scallop risotto, pan-roasted barramundi, gnocchi carbonara(the gnocchi is one of the few ingredients not made in house), a ginger soy glazed NY Strip and for dessert the Cooper’s Hawk Chocolate Cake and Lemon Ice Wine Cheesecake.

We also had a chance to chat with Master Sommelier Emily Wine. She serves as the liaison between the company and its individual restaurants, engaging with guests and the brand’s 350,000+ Wine Club members to create unique experiences centered around wine and spirits. She spearheads initiatives designed to enrich the guest journey through education, immersive events, collaborative partnerships and curated lifestyle adventures. She also creates her own personal wine label for Cooper’s Hawk.

Emily is an internationally qualified sommelier, and one of only 149 individuals in the Americas to earn the designation of Master Sommelier. She is also one of 15 professionals who have been awarded the prestigious Remi Krug Cup for passing all three sections – theory, service and blind tasting – of the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination on her first attempt (most candidates sit for the exam two to three times, and some take it as many as six times).

Overall I walked away from this tasting impressed.  By the food, the wine and especially the service.  Which for a brand new restaurant is rare, but in talking with the management, they all credit the vision of founder Tim McEnery complete lack of pretense and  a culture that reflects his values – one that embodies respect, personal development and humility, and is designed to accelerate quality and innovation as the company grows at a pace that is both aggressive and manageable.

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

5220 Cornerstone North Blvd
Centerville, Ohio 45440

(937) 900-9463

Mon- Thurs 11am – 9:30pm

Fr & Sat 11am – 10:30pm

Sun 11am -9pm

Sneak Peek at Bagger Dave’s Burger Tavern

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The Great American Cheeseburger at Bagger Dave’s Burger Tavern

The long awaited opening of the burger chain from Michigan has opened it’s first store in Ohio.  “Bagger Dave’s Burger Tavern” will officially open to the public on Monday, but Dayton Most Metro and Food Adventures have a little sneak peek.

Thank you to Dayton Dining’s Lisa Grigsby for setting up the special tasting!  As our loyal followers know, we usually hit a place many times before highlighting the eatery.  But in this case, we will be grand opening chasers, and have only got to go twice before the public goes.

Thanks to manager Ed and the staff.  The service is already exceptional and high tech.

So here it is, the Food Adventures Crew take on the legendary Bagger Dave’s….

 

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Bagger Dave’s at Cornerstone of Centerville development, off Wilmington Pike

— Bagger Daves is a chain restaurant out of Detroit, Michigan with 24 stores.  They are planning to open more locations in West Chester, Beavercreek and Springboro

— The Centerville eatery is located at 5299 Cornerstone North Blvd., near the new CostCo.

— Features are specialty burgers and Ohio beers.  Look at it as a mix between Red Robin and TGI Fridays.

— High tech, hand held ordering system ensures accuracy and speeds up the kitchen process.

— Bagger Dave’s boasts they are “cool” but have no frozen items except ice cream, and no walk in freezers on site.

— All of their soft drinks are “in-house” mixtures and brands.

— Thursdays are 50% off craft beer days.  HOLY COW this place is gonna blow out Thursday nights.

 

Big Glass of Warped Wing’s Ermals for $2 on Thursdays? WOW!

When we write about feature restaurants, we usually tear up the whole menu on multiple trips.  This is a rare grand opening story, so here are the MUST EATS from our two trips to baggerville…

 

MUST EATS from the SNEAK PEEK :

— TURKEY BLACK BEAN CHILI:  Healthier spin on chili, but we doctor it up with cheese and sour cream for a full blown  Food Adventure.  Sorry, but the toppings made this delicious bowl of chili.  Perfect for a fall day,  and perfect to start your visit.  

— DEEP FRIED ARTICHOKES:  One of the most unique appetizers we have ever seen.  We love artichokes and Hungry Jax and Big Ragu’s Italian heritage prepared us for this day!  Please dip them in the Asian sauce, and thank us later.

— SWEET POTATO CHIPS with CINNAMON HONEY DIPPING SAUCE:  Light, airy with the most important thing being the dipping sauce.  One of the most incredible chip dips we have ever tried.  AMAZING !

— GREAT AMERICAN CHEESE BURGER:  The old, rock solid standard, this is the flagship burger.  Try this grilled godness and the sesame bun it is on will have you spinning in lip smacking fun.

— CRISPY BACON CHEESEBURGER:  Served on a kick ass on a grilled sesame brioche bun.  The burger is topped with Applewood smoked bacon, cheddar and Parmesan cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo.  So good, and so filling.  Bet you have trouble eating half of it.

— BLACK CHERRY CREAM SODA:  An “in-house” soft drink that is delicious and refreshing.  Love Dr Pepper?  This is for you…

— BROWNIE DELUXE: Not too big, not too small.  A just right serving of a rich, chocolate brownie with whipped cream.  This could definitely be a chocolate overload for some people.  For others, it is just another chocolate Food Adventure.

 

We were impressed with the food, beer and the service!  The atmosphere is a fun and bustling spot.

Visit Chef House, Hungry Jax and the Big Ragu on Facebook for more food pics and restaurant info that nobody else has even thought about.

As always, check out our photos below and comment about your experiences at Bagger Dave’s Burger Tavern.

Turkey Black Bean Chili – EXCELLENT

Deluxe Brownie dessert

You must use the honey cinnamon dipping sauce with the sweet potato chips

Nachos – with fresh jalapenos

View of dining room and Big Ragu’s huge forehead

Dipping fried artichokes into the Asian sauce

Deep Fried Artichokes – one of the most unique and tasty things we have tried recently

Yes – HALF OFF BEERS every Thursday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jimmie’s Ladder 11: Great Food in a Historic Firehouse

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Jimmie’s Ladder 11 on Brown Street. A “hot time in the old firehouse”

What better place for a Food Adventure than a historic Dayton Firehouse?  But atmosphere isn’t everything , you gotta have good eats too.  Jimmie’s Ladder 11 at 936 Brown St. is one of Dayton’s best examples of a great menu in a great venue.  The restaurant is located in what used to be an old city firehouse back in the days when the engines were run by horse drawn carriages.  Dayton Fire Department memorabilia lines the walls of this beautiful dining area.  Antique wood floors and walls throughout the building develops a warm, nostalgic feel.  But The Food Adventure Crew knows, the decor is just the beginning.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Jimmie’s Ladder 11 is located in a historic Dayton Fire Department Building built in 1892.

— Family owned restaurant with a stellar service staff.

— Owner Jimmie Brandell worked at the Upper Krust for 17 years honing his restaurant skills.

— Wide variety of menu choices from Burgers and Sandwiches, to rare Upstate New York favorites

Creole Cheesecake is not a Dessert, it is a Savory Appetizer

— Nice selection of craft beers on tap and in bottles.  They even feature a fire hydrant tap.

— Live Music on weekends, showcasing eclectic local bands

— Private Party Loft available for special events or parties

— Outdoor dining area overlooks a bustling Brown Street

Let’s dive into the menu, with FOOD ADVENTURE’s MUST EATS for JIMMIES LADDER 11:

Grab a fork and follow us…

Paisano Pasta Chips – Fresh Deep Fried Pasta, “Italian Nachos”

CREOLE CHEESECAKE – Probably one of the best appetizers in Dayton.  This unique menu item is not a dessert.  It is a casserole type dish served in slices.   The “cheesecake” is stuffed with Andouille Sausage, Shrimp, smoked Gouda, Cream Cheese, Onions, and Peppers.  Slightly “fiery,” but mostly rich and tasty.

NEW ORLEANS GUMBO – Made from scratch daily, this hearty gumbo is simply amazing.  Bursting with Chicken, Shrimp, and Andouille sausage, this is a “must eat” with the perfect heat.  We are addicted and after one cup, you will be too.

VODKA RIGGIES- You won’t find this Upstate New York  favorite anywhere else in Dayton.  Jimmie’s wife, Sue is from Utica, NY where this dish originated.  Creamy tomato sauce is blended with vodka, chicken and rigatoni, then finished with peppers.  There is some spiciness to this pasta plate, but we won’t have to hose you down afterwards.  One of our favorites for sure.

NEW YORK STYLE CHEESECAKE –  One of the best we have ever eaten.  Again made from scratch, this is a cross between the Upper Krust Cheesecake and the ones you find in New York City.  We love this stuff.  Order a piece for a rich, sinful taste of dreaminess.

LADDER 11 SANDWICH – The kitchen starts out with either a hoagie roll or rye bread.  They add some Romanian style Pastrami and Corned Beef.   Top the whole thing off with the house-made, hand-cut Cole Slaw.   The final touch is a drizzle of house-made Russian Dressing.  Are you licking your chops yet?

Honorable Mention:

The Hamburger – You might hear fire truck sirens in your head, because for 6 bucks, this platter is a steal.

Tom Turkey – A throwback to the Upper Krust sandwich.  You cant go wrong with turkey and creamy house-made cole slaw chopped that day.

Paisano Pasta Chips – Could be described as “Italian Nachos.”  Homemade pasta, deep fried and topped with Italian Sausage, Onions, Peppers, Mozzarella and Provolone.  The concoction is finished off with a delicious Asiago cream sauce.

New York Style Cheesecake – Unbelievably good

Jimmie’s Ladder 11 is a Dayton original.  No trendy stuff here.   The Ladder 11 staff has brought together good, affordable food and fun surroundings.   They even have great salads and vegetarian choices.

If you have not had a chance to visit this establishment, take some time to check it out.  We frequent this place because we love the menu and beer selection.  The service is always spot on as well.  Got a hungry stomach?  Put that fire out by visiting Jimmie’s Ladder 11.

Want some more “hot” scoop from some “fiery foodies”?  Then “like” Food Adventures  on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Browse through our incredible photos below for a thorough look at the menu.  We aren’t a “one dish Trish,”  we write informed stories after trying various menu items during numerous visits.

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