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Food Adventures Invades the “Taste of Centerville”

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The 2nd annual “Taste of Centerville” happened on June 15 in the Heart of Downtown Centerville from 6-9 pm.  The event benefited Food4Summer, which is a charity started by partnerships between Centerville churches.  Food4Summer  furnishes nutritious meals to low income children in the Centerville area when school is out for the summer.

The Taste of Centerville started at the registration booth where we paid $20 each to sample items from various Centerville eateries.  Many local businesses opened their doors and offered discounts to participants of the event.  Centerville is the home of The Big Ragu, so we had to check out this event.  It was a classic Food Adventure, and the photos tell the story on this one.

Key Lime Pie Cupcakes from Sweet Dot’s Cupcakes in Cross Pointe Center.

 

It was a hot evening, but it did not stop us from hitting every food booth along the “Taste of Centerville.”   We walked the four corners of the event, emotionally eating our way through warm and cheerful Centerville.  There were a slew of vendors, but The Food Adventures Crew is here to sort them out for you.

Meadowlark Restaurant ‘s Hot Dogs with Slaw & a Spicy Relish .. Amazing taste!

Below is a list of each restaurant and our favorite food selections from each booth:

Meadowlark – Chef Wiley wowed the crowds with her spin on a Classic Slaw Dog.  A filling, refreshing taste at one of our favorite places on earth.

Sweet Dot’s Bakery Cafe – The friendly manager of this establishment gave us small Key Lime Cupcakes with Icing.  These tiny bites were terrific, with the homemade taste of love in every morsel.

Murray’s Cheese – This New York company sells its cheeses in Kroger.  We enjoyed the Aged Cheese Plate with 3 pieces of savory and delicate cheeses.  Great stuff !

Graeter’s served up samples of their light and refreshing Peach Ice Cream.

Savona – Offered a gourmet Grilled, Stuffed Free Range Chicken Skewer appetizer.  The chicken on the skewers were rolled in a way that it was like Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu on a stick.

LaRosa’s Pizza – We were pleasantly surprised with their fantastic Boneless Wings.  They had 3 great sauces that tickled our tastebuds.

Graeter’s Ice Cream – Refreshing Peach Ice Cream cooled us off on this evening.  Always busy, this Cincinnati company has a good following in Centerville.

Horton’s Hoagies – New family owned restaurant with fresh hoagies and subs.  We loved their Sub Samples, and are eager to visit this place !

The Melting Pot – They offered Chocolate Fondue with Strawberries and Rice Crispie Sticks.  Irresistible treats at this booth!

DiBella’s Old Fashioned Subs – Huge samples of Turkey and Ham Subs on various types of buns were stacked at this booth.  Big mouths needed for these big sandwiches.

Louisiana Grill’s Bourbon Chicken over Rice

Louisiana Grill – The friendly staff served out sample tastes of Bourbon Chicken Over Rice.  It was a rich and flavorful combination.

Johnny’s Slice of NY Pizza – Of course we loved another chance to taste a small slice of New York.  Owner Michele and her daughter served up delicious sample squares.

 

Unhinged – Not a food store, but they hand fed us tasty treats and told us home baked goodies are in the lobby from time to time.  Definitely a place to visit again!

City Barbecue – The Pulled Pork and Pulled Chicken station was phenomenal.  They had each of their BBQ sauces out, so you could drizzle your own topping to the slow cooked goodness.

Panera Bread – We enjoyed the Pastry and Cookie Display, and sampled some tasty homemade items.

Mama Disalvo’s – One of our favorite stops had a Salmon Rigatoni in a Creamy Tomato Sauce.  It was amazing how our samples were cooked to perfection.

Pulled Pork Sliders from Archer’s Tavern.. everything they serve is good!

Unique Celebrations Tea Room – Hospitality was second to none, and they had some Homemade Light Desserts that were simply dreamy.

Archer’s Tavern – Pulled Pork Sliders Topped with Slaw gave festival goers a great taste of a great eatery.  Even owners Dan Apolito and Mike Fullenkamp were on hand.

Sam’s Club – This station passed out bottled water, so we wouldn’t pass out from dehydration!

Sweeney’s Seafood – We tasted the wonderful Grilled BBQ Shrimp on the patio and met the new chef.  We could have eaten the entire display.

Smoothie King – The samples of Strawberry Smoothies were so good, that The Big Ragu dribbled some down his shirt.

Buffalo Wings and Rings – They walked around handing out samples of Garlic Parmesean Boneless Wings and Hot Buffalo Boneless Wings too.

The Hot Sex Roll from Kabuki. We ate a lot of these hoping to reap some kind of benefit.

Kabuki – Earlier in the month, we received a personal invite to the festival from Kabuki’s management, for which we are grateful.  This station was one of our favorite stops of the night.  The Hot Sex Sushi Roll and Playboy Sushi Roll were so good that it caused us to do erotic dance moves on the spot.

The Water Store – Ionized Water with a unique, fresh taste.  We loved the friendly staff and the great tasting ionized water that you can have in your home by purchasing their attachment.

Caribou Coffee – No coffee, but instead they gave out Sparkling Teas and Juices.  A most refreshing station on this night, so we went back for seconds.

The Big Ragu devoured this Jimmy John’s Turkey sub in record time

Jimmy John’s – Freshly wrapped Turkey and Ham Subs were given out by the friendly greeters.  The freshly shredded lettuce gives their sandwiches a nice crunch and flavor.

Whew!  What a FOOD ADVENTURE !!  It was nice to see a community get together for a great cause and enjoy some wonderful food.   THE BIG RAGU is looking forward to next year’s “Taste of Centerville.”

Were you at the June 15th event?  If so, please leave your thoughts and comments below!

Did you know Food Adventures has a Facebook page?  Click here to “like” the page

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Brixx Ice Company’s Menu is a Grand Slam

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Brixx Ice Company is much more than “that place across from the Dragon’s Stadium.”   Locals may be aware of their good beer tap selections and drink deals before the baseball games.  What most Dayton foodies don’t know, is that this place has a strong menu.  Brixx’s owner Chris Bhai keeps striding to bring fantastic food selections to go along with his restaurant’s fantastic patio view.  A self taught chef, Chris brings his spicy spin to traditional favorites, and hits a few home runs of his own with innovative menu items.    These meal selections are being gobbled up by hungry patrons and with summer in full swing, this eatery gets quite crowded.

Homemade, Hand Rolled Philly Cheese Steak Egg Rolls

 

The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax enjoyed a peaceful, sunny, Saturday afternoon recently on Brixx’s patio.  We sampled some Summer Shandy and the  newly acquired Third Shift Brewing Company draft choices.  Also sipped, was the new Angry Orchard Hard Cider by Sam Adam’s breweries.  As we enjoyed the day we ordered an appetizer that has become one of Brixx’s calling cards, gourmet egg rolls.  Egg rolls??  Yes, egg rolls.  Brixx hand wraps these homemade beauties in forms of interesting twists such as cheese steak egg rolls and vegetable curry egg rolls.  We went for the cheese steak egg rolls, which blew us away.   Served fresh and piping hot, the cheese and steak inside melted in your mouth.  They even served a side of cheese queso for dipping and it was pure cheese steak utopia.

” Mom !!! The Meatloaf !! “

Our special moment was interrupted by the owner and server telling us that we have to try the Kobe Meatloaf sandwich.  Meatloaf ??? Yes, meatloaf.  We took the leap of faith, and also decided to try another unique dish, Chicken Korma.  Chicken Korma is Brixx’s spin on an Indian dish and was inspired by the owner’s  father.  Both dishes were very tasty.   The incredible meatloaf sandwich has a glaze sauce that is sweet and spicy and it made the dish even more superb.  It tasted like an incredible burger.  We are hooked!

The Chicken Korma was a colorful and tasty dish.  It is thinly sliced chicken breast tossed in a curry masala.   The colorful dinner also includes corn, green beans and onions over a bed of rice.  It is flavorful with the perfect amount of heat.  It was also served with a few small pieces of naan bread.

Other Food Adventure favorites include Fire Bites (deep fried jalapeno slices), and of course the “Build your Own Brixx Burger.”   Hungry Jax  also enjoys the Chicago Beef Sandwich, homemade waffle fries and the breaded mushrooms.

A fantastic Indian dish called Chicken Korma

Brixx Ice Company has live music on Friday and Saturday evenings and some pretty good drink specials.   Who doesn’t love a great deal?  They have a pretty extensive cocktail menu, and of course one of the best patio dining areas in town.  Now you know, location is not Brixx’s only strength.  The owner has presented a new take on familiar menu items, and hit them out of the park!  Slide into Brixx Ice Company, a true Dayton original and check it out yourself.

Have you had a chance to visit Brixx’s Ice Company ?  Please leave your input below !

Click here to visit FOOD ADVENTURES  on FACEBOOK and “Like” us to become an official fan !!

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The Root Beer Stande, Dayton’s Essential Part of Summer

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Every summer has a “must do” activity.  When it comes to food in the Dayton Area, one such tradition is The Root Beer Stande.  It has everything you could want in a Food Adventure.  There is nostalgia, fun, good eats, and great drink.  Located at 1727 Woodman Drive, this restaurant has been a Dayton summertime staple since at least the 1960’s.  Originally an A&W Root Beer Stand, it changed to The Root Beer Stande decades ago, delivering great, casual food ever since.  Gone are the rollerskating waitresses, but much has remained the same over the decades.

A Dayton Summer Tradition – The Root Beer Stande

This place is  a “Drive-in” where patrons drive up, park and are served in their vehicle by “car-hops” who work on tips, just like waitresses.  There is  car port parking where oldies tunes are heard overhead on a speaker system.   Parking is also available in various uncovered spots around the building.  It is a great dining experience, and the young staff is very friendly.  When they are busy, you may have to wait a little bit to get your food, so don’t go there if you are in a hurry.   The fun begins when you pull in, and one of the cute servers slaps a small plastic sheet on patron’s windshields with a serving number.  After your order is taken, make sure you roll your window up a third, so they can place the tray with your food on the window as an overhang.  One little known tradition is that putting your car headlights on lets the server know that you are ready to leave and need to have your tray removed.

Happiness in a Mug

The Big Ragu have been frequenting this establishment since 1973 and has some recommendations.  First and foremost, nothing beats one of their cold root beers on a hot summer’s day.  In our opinion, this is the star of the menu and of course their namesake.  Homemade root beer with an original taste is why we love it.  Our tip here is to make sure and order the root beer in a glass mug, because it just doesn’t taste as good in paper “to go” cups.  The root beer here is so good, that your Food Adventurers have been known to order a second mug during the meal.

The Big Ragu loves a good hot dog and The Root Beer Stande serves up some decent “short dog” and “footlong” options.  We usually get the footlong hot dog.  It is simple and the taste is a great memory from our childhood.   Various topping choices include mustard, relish, chili, ketchup, onions and more.  Grab one and enjoy the view.

The Big Ragu loves their hamburger options and usually grabs a “Ladyburger.”  Yes, we realize the name of this smaller hamburger may be a bit embarrassing, but The Big Ragu is in touch with his feminine side from time to time.   The Big Ragu also recommends that you try the deep fried mushrooms.  Beware, these breaded mushrooms are made to order and served hot, so do not scald yourself by biting into one of these crispy, yet juicy treats.

Nothing fancy – just an irresistible footlong topped with chili and onions

Other favorite menu items include Root Beer Floats and Onion Rings.  The two page menu can be viewed by clicking here for page 1 and here for page 2.   The Root Beer Stande is not just for summer anymore!  The owners have extended season hours, making this spot on Woodman Drive available almost year-round!

Take some time to make The Root Beer Stande your destination this summer.  Kids love this place, and the family, fun atmosphere promises to produce memories that will last a lifetime.   Summer may heat up, but you can always cool down at The Root Beer Stande with a mug of Root Beer!

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Have you been to Dayton’s favorite “Drive-In” Restaurant, The Root Beer Stande?  Please share some memories below!

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Sweeney’s Seafood House: Ocean Paradise!

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Grilled Blue Marlin

Sweeney’s Seafood House is revamping some things, while keeping old menu favorites.   Food Adventures spoke with one of the managing partners, Lisa Long, and learned Sweeney’s will be redecorating and even changing serving plates in the near future to keep up with the times.   Located in the heart of Centerville at the intersection of State Routes 725 and 48, Sweeney’s is one of the jewels of the Gem City.

Hungry Jax, Chef House and The Big Ragu absolutely love this dining spot for many reasons.  Hungry Jax enjoys their flounder and other fresh fish dinners which are baked, deep fried, grilled or broiled.  Fresh seafood in Dayton, Ohio?  You bet!  The new kitchen chef is bringing in whole fresh fish, which he then carves into fillets for a fresher tasting product.  Chef House is also excited to try some of the daily specials such as the recently featured grilled blue marlin and homemade soups like lobster bisque.  The Big Ragu can also be found sampling the handful of unique draft beers like Bell’s Oberon Ale which are rotated regularly.

The Best Raw Oysters in America

The Big Ragu prefers to sit in Sweeney’s bar area for some appetizers and the before mentioned draft beers.  The Big Ragu says the best raw oysters he has ever had in his life are the “Raw Chokers” at Sweeney’s Seafood House.  Ragu has had oysters at Emeril’s restaurant.   Ragu has eaten oysters from Rhode Island to Florida and high scale places in Vegas, but these are the best.  These gigantic Chesapeake Oysters are served over ice, on the half shell for $2.49 each, and worth the price for an incredible treat.  The Big Ragu also recommends that you try their fried calamari.  It is hand cut into strips and hand breaded.  The calamari is some of the best you will ever eat and sometimes so large that you could mistake a piece for a chicken strip!  The bartenders Doug and Sam are fantastic and very attentive.   Some little known trivia is that the bar at Sweeney’s and the connected cabinets were purchased from the old Tequila Willie’s restaurant that was near the Dayton Mall.

Located in Centerville

There is definitely a buzz of energy in this place over the new owners with a fresh attitude.  The Big Ragu is excited to see what the new chef will be offering in the coming months.   We were also happy to learn that many of the favorite menu items will remain unchanged.  Sweeney’s remains an inviting place, with friendly service.  For the feel of a New England Seafood House right here in Dayton, give Sweeney’s a try.  Take our tips, or explore the menu as part of your own Food Adventure!

BREAKING NEWS!! Extended Hours !!  Sweeney’s will now be open every night of the week.  Restaurant hours will be 4pm – close Monday-Saturday and Sundays 11:30am – close.  The dinner menu each day will be accompanied by special features throughout the week.

You can check out Sweeney’s entire menu here, but it won’t have their daily specials which are too fresh to print!

Please become an official fan of FOOD ADVENTURES with THE BIG RAGU and CREW on FACEBOOK by clicking here and “liking” our page.
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PLEASE COMMENT BELOW AND TELL US YOUR THOUGHTS ON SWEENEY’S SEAFOOD HOUSE!!!

 

 

THROWDOWN ! June 9th: Voltzy’s vs. The Hamburger Wagon

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Legend vs. Legend… Icon vs Icon .. At the Rock N Green Tomato Festival in Miamisburg on Saturday, June 9th, their will be a battle of epic proportions.  Two Dayton burger favorites will battle it out in an Old Fashioned Throwdown, and Dayton will never be the same.   The match up is VOLTZY’s vs THE HAMBURGER WAGON !  They will go toe to toe in a brawl to settle it all, and each burger joint is depending on your vote!

To vote in this clash of the burger titans, you have to go the Rock N’ Green Tomato Festival, which is in downtown Miamisburg, near Ron’s Pizza.  The contest begins June 9th at 1pm.  Buy a burger from both places and cast your vote.  The winner will be announced sometime around 8pm.

The first three votes cast will be Hungry Jax, Chef House and The Big Ragu, here they are….

HUNGRY JAX VOTE:    THE HAMBURGER WAGON is the best !  “The Hamburger Wagon” is a great display of simplicity in its finest form.  It doesn’t need to be masqueraded in sauces.  This crispy little burger is topped with pepper, a pickle, and an onion slice the size of a car’s hubcap.  The Hamburger Wagon has been serving up the best burgers for almost 100 years.  The Hamburger Wagon gets my vote !”  —Jax

THE BIG RAGU’S VOTE:   VOLTZY’S is the best !  “Voltzy’s melts in your mouth.  I love a burger that has good condiments and cooked onions.  Voltzy’s burgers are ground fresh everyday and never frozen, so it is a great tasting burger.  In fact, Voltzy’s is the best burger I have ever eaten!  Plus, you have to love the fact that each burger is cooked by the master himself, Voltzy!  I love them both, but VOLTZY’S gets my vote !!”— The Big Ragu

 

CAST YOUR VOTE  at the Rock  N Green Tomato Festival on Saturday, June 9th and be there when Voltzy’s and The Hamburger Wagon collide .

For more details on the festival, please visit rockngreentomato.com.

Feel free to leave your comments and thoughts below about this THROWDOWN!!

Become an official fan of CHEF HOUSE, HUNGRY JAX and THE BIG RAGU by visiting our FOOD ADVENTURES page on FACEBOOK and  “liking” us !!! Click HERE to do so !!

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Food Adventures visits The Market on Wilmington Pike

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The Market on Wilmington Pike

Summer is a great time to have a cold beer or glass of wine on a deck or patio.  It is also a time of enjoying a good cigar while outside golfing with friends or just relaxing.  We found a nice little Food Adventure spot where you can get wine, beer, cigars, Greek specialties and more.  It is called The Market and is a family owned and operated shop on Wilmington Pike in Kettering, not far from Rahn Rd.  The place is not huge, but it is packed with a wide variety of beer, wine and cigar selections.
Owner George Karras says the best way to check out their special offers is to visit their website here.  We saw some interesting things that were “off the beaten path.”  We also discovered that this Mom and Pop place can help place special orders for  “hard to find items!”

Beer at The Market: Too many brands to choose from?  The Market has mix and match specials.  Certain unique beers this month are $4.99 for each 6-pack and $3.99 for each 6-pack if you order a case.  There are beers in almost every nook and cranny of this store.  There is also a walk-in “Beer Vault” keeping brews ice cold at 33 degrees.   The Big Ragu picked up a rare treat in a 32 ounce Sol Beer Bottle from Mexico for only $1.99.

Wine at The Market:  Through buying various close-out specials, The Market is able to offer good wines at good prices.  Again, it is all about selection here.  The staff is knowledgeable and can help sort out the various offerings.

Cigars at The Market:  Want variety? There are 400+ cigar choices in the walk-in humidor.  There are also close-out bundles, and specials that made us do a double take.  We even found a few good stogey choices for under $2 each!  Any of your cigar questions are easily answered by longtime employee Russell, who will bend your ear about his favorites and steer you towards some good “sticks.”

Greek Specialties at The Market:  The Karras family is very involved in the Dayton Greek Festival, and you may recognize George from the festival band.  The Market gives George a chance to showcase some Greek Specialties that are rare finds in the Dayton area.  First off, there are Gyro Kits for under $10.  The Market also has homemade tzadziki sauce for sale that is  made with goat’s milk-yogurt.  Other Greek goodies include Mytzithra, Kefalotiri, Kefalograviera, and Kasseri which are all cheeses made with sheep or goat’s milk.  This  is definitely Food Adventure material.

The Market is a great place to run in and out, or to take a half hour and explore.   It is a unique place with unique offerings.   Grab a gallon of milk, or a Hefeweizen beer.  There is no other place like it in Dayton.  What impresses us most about The Market is the affordable selection.  Good deals on good products throughout the store.  This Market is definitely one worth checking out.

Become an OFFICIAL FAN of FOOD ADVENTURES by “liking” us on FACEBOOK here !

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Have you been to The Market?  Tell us about your experience by commenting below!

 

BW3 Introduces Breaded Chicken Wings to Dayton Area

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NEW ! Breaded Wings at BW3

Hey Food Adventure fans, we have a tip for you!  For a limited time only, in the Dayton area, Buffalo Wild Wings (formerly BW3) has added a breaded wing option to their menu.  Chef House, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu took a moment to try them, and we think they are great !  They are a cross between KFC’s hots wings, and BW’3 boneless wings.  Curiously, these wings have only one bone, not only the “drums” but the “flappers” too!  This makes for easy eating.

Breaded wings may be ordered in any sauce, or ordered dry with a side to dip.  Any way you fry them up, we think they are pretty good.   According to Buffalo Wild Wing’s Website, the breaded wings will not be a permanent menu item, and are only available in a few select cities.  Try them out for yourself, and let us know what you think.   May we suggest a large draft beer to help tune up your taste buds, or put out that spicy fire on your tongue.  Are you unfamiliar with Buffalo Wild Wing’s sauces?  Food Adventures recommend the Spicy Garlic, Sweet BBQ or Asian Zing sauces as our three favorites.

If you have tried the breaded wings option at BW3, please comment below and tell us your opinion.

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Homemade Goodness at Sunrise Cafe

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In order to retain our sanity, Food Adventures must leave the “bubble” of the suburbs and get back to food basics.  The village of Yellow Springs, Ohio is the perfect destination to achieve this feat.  Yellow Springs has scenic parks to hike, eclectic shops to explore, and some of the tastiest eateries to fill a belly.  One of our favorite places to eat is the Sunrise Cafe.  Located at 259 Xenia Avenue, Sunrise Cafe offers a full service menu which also includes a kid’s menu.  The quality of food is exceptional due to the fact that they use local produce and don’t own a deep fryer or microwave.  The small dining room is usually pretty packed, so the virtue of patience might have to be drawn up.  Keep in mind…….homemade food takes time to prepare and it’s worth it!

 

We decided to try the Huevos Rancheros which can be ordered in a half or full size portion.  Corn tortillas, black beans, two eggs (with the yolks intact!), salsa, and sour cream.  There is nothing better than breaking the yolk and opening the flood gates onto the black beans for a tasty combination.  The other dish  we tried was the breakfast sandwich which contained local eggs, cheese, and sausage on a homemade english muffin.  No fast food restaurant’s breakfast sandwich can compare!  Higher quality produce and your hands are not dripping with grease!  The sandwich also came with a side of breakfast potatoes which complimented it perfectly.

 

 

Breakfast Sandwich with local Eggs, Cheese, & Sausage on a homemade English Muffin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Try the Sunrise Cafe the next time you venture to Yellow Springs, Ohio and taste the difference of good, local produce!

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Check out the full menu and weekly specials from Sunrise Cafe by clicking here![album: http://www.daytonmostmetro.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/SunriseCafe/]

 

Getting Fresh and Organic with The Food Adventures Crew

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Green B.E.A.N Delivers Fresh Fruit and Vegetables to Your Door

Farmer’s Markets are more popular than ever in a time when our country has an increasing desire for organic food products. People are more aware now than ever of the food they put into their bodies and are striving to improve their dietary habits.  Food Adventures is always trying new things.

You have seen the word “organic” placed on food labels, but what does it mean? Conventional foods can carry harmful pesticides and are fertilized with synthetic chemicals. Organic foods use natural fertilizers, devoid of synthetic pesticides. If you buy organic, you are decreasing your families’ risk of exposure to harmful chemicals. Organic foods also help reduce the amount of agricultural chemicals that affect wildlife and water quality, and organic produce also protect one of our nation’s most valuable resources — top soil. It’s something to keep in mind the next time you are buying produce, and a reason why Farmer’s Markets have been so successful over the years.
Unfortunately, not everyone has access to them.  Food Adventures is grateful for the farm markets in Dayton.

We would like to introduce you to Green B.E.A.N. Delivery.  Sort of a “Farmer’s Market on wheels.” Green B.E.A.N. was started up by three college
friends from Indiana University in 2007, Matt Ewer, Beth Blessing, and John Freeland.  Their common goal is to provide healthy, local food and make it more convenient, accessible, and affordable. B.E.A.N. stands for: Biodynamic, Education, Agriculture, Nutrition(Try saying that fast three times fast!).  Green B.E.A.N. is a grassroots effort; a network of farmers and artisans providing customers with organic and locally made products. John Freeland is the Vice President of Green B.E.A.N. Delivery and contacted us to try out what they have to offer.

Orders are Delivered in Green B.E.A.N Coolers

We went to the Green B.E.A.N. Delivery website and set up our accounts. We found the website to be easy to navigate and place orders.  They have various
produce bins ranging in price from $35 to $49. They also have a ‘break-room bin’ which helps encourage healthy eating in the office.  You can also customize your order by choosing from forty different items that are in season. We decided to let Green B.E.A.N. send us whatever they wanted…..mystery is always more fun!

When the time came for our delivery, we were greeted at the door by a big green bin.  Food Adventure time !!!  This was exciting — like having a farmer’s market delivered right to the front door.  We both opened our bins like kids open up presents on Christmas Day.  Inside sits a cooler with an ice pack so your produce remains cool if you have to work a long day.  We ordered the $35 bin and were impressed with the amount of produce received.  Some of the produce we received included: broccoli, carrots, celery, mangos, avocado, grapefruit, apples, tomatoes, asparagus, potatoes, lemons, spinach, green beans, onions, and pears all fresh and ready to eat! Green B.E.A.N. Delivery also has an option to add groceries to the bins.  Some of the items offered include: dairy, meats, eggs, cupcakes, bulk foods, and beverages.

Lots of Fresh, Organic and Healthy Items to Choose From

When you sign up for Green B.E.A.N, you can choose to receive your bins either weekly or bi-weekly and you can cancel your membership at any time. The bins can either be delivered or you may choose to pick them up. Delivery areas include: Ft. Wayne, Indianapolis, Louisville, Dayton, Cincinnati, and Columbus. If you don’t see your location on the delivery map, give them a call at (513) 761-BEAN (Cincinnati-Dayton) or (614) 352-2845 (Columbus). Check out the website for membership information, recipes, and the online store.

We were very impressed with the quality of produce that we received and highly recommend Green B.E.A.N. Delivery. We would like to thank John Freeland of Green B.E.A.N. for allowing us to take part in a delectable delivery.  We received some incredibly fresh produce delivered right to our front doors without a glitch! Give Green B.E.A.N. Delivery a try by contacting them at www.greenbeandelivery.com or by phone.  Try going organic to improve your health and buy local to help out our communities!

Have you used Green B.E.A.N. yet?  If  so,  please comment below.

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Food Adventures at Dayton’s Best Chinese Buffets

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Big Ragu at Asian Buffet with a Rice Krispie Tower and Crab Leg on top

Gluttony.  Local Dayton Chinese buffets are the perfect place to feed this deadly sin.  Sure, The Big Ragu and Crew have reformed themselves and would rather visit North China Restaurant or China Cottage.  However, once in a great while, we feel the need to hit the troughs at a local Chinese Buffet.   Where else can you get all-you-can eat General Tso’s Chicken and stir fry green beans next to some pizza?  There are so many Chinese Buffets to choose from, and your Food Adventurers have hit almost all of them.  So let us share with you some of our favorite things about those local places with tin pans, large spoons, and some unidentifiable dishes.

Don’t spread bullcrap at trying to “keep it as healthy as possible” because you are trying to impress a nagging mom of two.  Instead, hit the crab rangoons, and dessert. We have also upset more than one buffet runner and cook by scooping up the last of the coconut shrimp.  This deep fried shrimp dish can be found at many of the buffets, and if you see it, you better make sure you get out of our way.

The Big Ragu goes for the fried shrimp and fish dishes, big surprise, huh?  But the Big Ragu is also known to put raw oysters, mussels, peel and eat shrimp, and crab legs into legendary piles on his plates.  He also shares the love of sushi, and has made many of those chefs earn their money.

Where are some of our favorite spots and their strengths?

Check out this Official Food Adventure Hit List for feasts as massive as the Great Wall of China:

Always Piles of Crab Legs at Asian Buffet

Asian Buffet on Miller Lane in North Dayton:

A huge complex that used to house a Ryan’s Buffet,  is one of our favorites.  First, they are the only buffet that we have been to that does not skimp their crab legs.  For us this is a sign of love.  They pile huge mounds of crab legs on the buffet and keep them coming during the feeding frenzy, when other buffets leave an empty pan of cloudy water.  Asian Buffet also has a pretty decent sushi bar.  We found many choices and they were decorative and true to form.  Someone here is a legit sushi chef.  We also love the hibachi grill offered here.  Pile up your favorite raw meats and vegetables, and watch the kitchen staff stir fry it in your favorite sauce.  Overall this is probably our favorite Chinese buffet in the Dayton area, and we always leave miserably full, yet satisfied.

 

Golden Dragon on 725 in Centerville:

One of our more popular places to overeat, this place is a little pricier than the others, but their overall selection is one of the best.  For some reason, we have seen the most interesting characters at this buffet, maybe it is because of the interesting food.  The Big Ragu loves the whole tilapia dish served in a ginger sauce with scales on and bones in.  Tastes great if you can stomach the appearance.  We load up on Coconut Shrimp here.  Sweet milky goodness, and it tastes pretty fresh.  The huge salad bar is one of the freshest, and also features large peel and eat shrimp.  Another bright spot is that they have raw oysters on the weekends.  We like to visit some of our favorite staff members here including “Cherry” and “Chin.”  Other highlights include a small sushi bar that tends to have raw fish choices,  and a full hibachi grill.  they also have the best stir fried green beans in Dayton.  But beware, sometimes they will substitute the avocado and celery in the sushi with green beans or peppers, which is just wrong.

 

 

Hibachi Grill and Buffet on Stroop Road in Kettering:

Mussels in Cilantro Sauce at Hibachi Grill & Buffet

Another former Ryan’s buffet restaurant this buffet has a few new items that deviate from the norm.  We noticed they have a big more “American” food than the other Chinese Buffets.  We assume it is to appeal to kids.  The main attraction here is the Hibachi Grill with bigger quality meat varieties than other places.   They stir fry your choices right in front of you, and offer homemade sauces to cover your raw choices.  Two other things we really liked here were the hand breaded sole fillets, and the mussels marinated in a cilantro sauce.  In fact, the Big Ragu would say the mussels here are one of the best items he has had on a Chinese Buffet.    This place gets busy and has one of the lower prices of the other buffets, because they do not offer crab legs.

 

Eastern Buffet on State Route 741 in  Moraine:

Crab legs here and butter galore.  They have decent desserts and have recently added a sushi and hibachi area.  The choices are pretty much what you can expect from the other buffets.  Nothing outstanding but a solid original that the other buffets may have copied.

 

China Garden Buffet on Woodman Drive in Kettering and on State Route 73 in Springboro:

The Woodman restaurant was the scene of the famous “Ung Ghaa” episode.   One of the waitresses said “ung ghaa” after watching The Big Ragu get a heaping plate of crab legs.  Needless to say, he was not their favorite table on that night.   The crab shells flew on this Food Adventure.  They have nice decor with some of the paintings looking like HD televisions.  The food is pretty good here and the soft serve ice cream is one of the better things when compared to the other restaurants.  But be careful, if you take the last crab leg in the dish, you may get a raised eyebrow from the staff.  We are pretty sure we earned legendary status on Woodman Drive after our food quantities consumed here.  The Springboro location has some of the lowest prices we have seen for buffets, and is a steal of a deal for food offered.  They have hand breaded fish at the Springboro location, which looks to be tilapia.

 

QQ Hibachi Buffet on Wilmington Pike in Bellbrook:

One of the weaker ones on our list, this restaurant is typical of what you would expect.  If you are in a pinch it will do.  The strong point here is it is a very clean and new environment and their hours seem to be later than other buffets.

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We want to hear your feedback on these buffets!  Have you been to these places?  Is there a good one on the list that we skipped? Please comment below !!

Check out HUNGRY JAX, CHEF HOUSE AND THE BIG RAGU on FACEBOOK and “like” us by clicking HERE !!!

 

Food Adventures Get Their Gameday On !!

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Homemade Reuben Rolls

Good sports, and good food go hand in hand, so if you need a spot to cheer or jeer your favorite team, have we got a place for you.  On the corner of 73 and 48 near the Springboro/Waynesville border lies Gameday Grille and Patio.  Local owners Todd Barrett and Tom Rentz studied other local menus and have tried to bring the “best of the best” to their sports bar.

Food Adventures would recommend one of their signature items, the Homemade Reuben Rolls.  These fresh bites resemble egg rolls but are filled with corned beef and cheese that would please any sports fan.  Trust us, they will melt in your mouth. 

The Big Ragu’s favorite menu item at Gameday is their wings.  He says try the “sweet heat sauce” and you can’t go wrong.  Lip smackin’ and finger lickin’ good, these non-breaded wings are the real deal.

Gameday Wings with “Sweet Heat” sauce

With summer fast approaching, the huge outdoor patio is a great spot to grab a day or evening beverage.  Other favorites of ours include the pizza, reuben sandwich, and their hamburgers.  Their prices are reasonable too with burger platters costing around $7.25.   Catch their happy hour and drink specials, as this bar does not disappoint.  Signed memorabilia by various athletes, hang on the walls, making the atmosphere fun and inviting.   HD TV’s around the restaurant make it easy to view sports from any seat in the house.  With the NFL Draft coming up, Gameday could be the perfect spot to see your favorite team “on the clock.”   Make sure your check out this cool Food Adventure spot with good sports grub !!

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Have you been to GAMEDAY GRILLE AND PATIO?  Tell us what you think and comment below !!!!

Food Adventures Crew Thai One on at Tik’s Thai Grille

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Our best Food Adventures often come when we least expect it, and some of these impromptu meals, end up being the most fun.  A perfect example of this was our visit to Tik’s Thai Grille which is located in a strip shopping mall on the Bellbrook-Centerville border.  The owner, Tik has been a successful restaurateur  for years.  Big Ragu stumbled upon this place on his way home and decided this was a spot that he and the Food Adventures Crew would have to try.  All he had to do was mention the words “Thai Food” and “Close to home” and our foodies were on their way.

Once inside the restaurant, we were instanty struck by the stunning interior.  The restaurant was spotless and beautiful artwork adorned the walls.  This would make a perfect date place.  We were greeted by Tik who showed us to our nice, “Romantic” table.  It was a late weeknight, so we had the rare opportunity to talk to Tik and the staff.

Before you can understand Tik’s Thai Grille on 725, you have to know what makes it tick.. whoops, we mean Tik.  Who is Tik?  She is a very animated person who is originally from Thailand.  Since her arrival in America, Tik has become a self taught chef who used to own a few restaurants including Yummy Burger and what is now House of Thai in Beavercreek.  An unlikely career for someone who as a child in Thailand, could not stand the chore of cooking.  Well, look at her now.  She currently owns and helps operate two Thai restaurants, Tik’s Thai Grille in Bellbrook and Tik’s Thai Express across the street from Wright State University.

The Spicy Tom Yum Soup was.. well, YUM !

Very proud of her menu, Tik was eager to share many dishes with us.  The kitchen offers traditional Thai food and lots of options for carnivores and vegetarians alike.    We decided to grab an appetizer and went with the Mango Fresh Rolls.  Tik brought out our appetizer, but also decided to accompany the mango fresh rolls with Tom Yum Soup, Fried Butterfly Shrimp, and Crispy Thai Spring Rolls.   We instantly noticed how beautifully the food was presented.  The Big Ragu immediately went for the fried Butterfly Shrimp and munched on the Mango Fresh Rolls.  This food was not only gorgeous, but delicious as well.  The Mango Fresh Rolls were incredible!  They are loaded with Avocado, Mango, Vermicelli Noodles, Carrots, Mint and rolled into Rice Paper.  The Big Ragu who is the “King of Fried Foods,” thinks that the Fried Butterfly Shrimp was one of the best appetizers that he has ever tasted.   This could be because of the spectacular Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce which accompanied the shrimp.  We enjoyed the Thai Cripsy Spring Rolls as well and our sinuses were pretty much drained because of the Tom Yum Soup.  We are still sweating from this flavorful soup!

Your Food Adventurers will admit that we were starting to feel a little full from the arsenal of appetizers, but out comes Tik with our entrees.  We decided to go with is usual staple of Chicken Pad Thai and also decided to try the Bourbon Chicken Noodles.  The Pad Thai was excellent…..full of big chunks of chicken, soft egg noodles, eggs, carrots, cabbage, and that wonderful Thai Peanut Sauce.  This dish did not disappoint!  The Big Ragu was equally impressed with his selection of Bourbon Chicken Noodles which contained Egg Noodles, Chicken, a mix of vegetables, egg, and the housemade Bourbon Sauce.  Our pants really started to feel quite a bit tighter due to all the food.  We moved slowly so we would not split any seams.

The Flavorful Bourbon Chicken Noodles

Thai people are known for their excellent hospitality and Tik is a perfect example of this.  When we were about finished with our entrees, she came into the dining room carrying a Tin Foil Statue that resembled a stork or bird of some sort.  We didn’t know what to expect.  If this was a film, this would the be the grand finale. Tik suddenly pulled out a giant butcher knife and carved into the tin foil.  She made this into an event and inside housed a wonderful Seafood, vegetable, and Jasmine Rice combination.  We would find out that this was called the Seafood Bouquet.  It was loaded with shrimp, scallops, mussels, pieces of fish, and squid.  We were so full that we wanted to take a nap, but we couldn’t let our graciuos host down.  We dug into the Seafood Bouquet and finished it off.  Surely we were finally done with the parade of tasty food, right?…Wrong..

At this point, the spirited Tik decided that we needed dessert.  We asked her “Do either one of us look like we need dessert?”  She brought out a sliced Mango on a bed of Sweet Sticky Rice and she wrote the words “Thank You, Tik” in Chocolate Sauce.  We decided to climb over the “Food Wall” we had hit and finish this dessert off.  It was absolutely amazing!  It was a wonderful way to top an excellent meal.

Tik sat down with us and explained to us how it took her a year to create this beautiful restaurant.  She wanted to get it just right and she succeeded!  Tik was especially proud of the beautiful artwork that hangs on the restaraunt walls that was created by her son.  Before we exited the restaurant, Tik brought out a framed article from the Dayton Business Journal showcasing her newest establishment.  This Food Adventure summed up why we love dining and supporting local restaurants……the owners take pride in what they do. 

Amazing Mango Dessert Served on Top of Sweet Sticky Rice

 

 

The restaurant also has a bar inside where you can use the line, “your pad(thai) or mine?”(groan).  Tik’s also has a drive-up carryout window!  Does it get much better than that?  The wonderful thing about this restaurant is that it can be a nice, casual place or a romantic, “Date Night” place.  The prices are reasonable, the decor is beautiful, the food is artfully created, and the owner is a pretty special person as well.  We highly recommend that you use your noodle and give Tik’s Thai Grille a chance.  Tell them the Food Adventure Crew sent you!

Have you been to Tik’s Restaurants?  Feel free to leave a comment below!

Tik’s Thai Grille

4459 W Franklin St
Bellbrook, Ohio 45305
(937) 310-1049
Mon- Thurs: 11am – 3pm, 4:30-9:30pm
Fri: 11am – 3pm, 4:30-10pm
Sat: noon – 10pm
Sun: noon – 9pm

Food Adventures Get Hooked at JJ’s Fish and Chicken

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Fried Tilapia and Perch Meal

You may have seen billboard signs in Dayton for JJ’s Fish and Chicken, calling fried food lovers like the “bat signal.”  As you know Deep Fried Foods have always had a special place in our heart.  Our fascination with such calorie busting meals took us on a little Food Adventure in North Dayton.  The destination was an old converted Taco Bell building which is the North Main Street location of JJ’s Fish and Chicken Drive Thru.  This place was brought back to life by a couple of brothers of Mediterranean decent.  Most of their business is drive thru or carryout, but we wanted the dine in experience to mingle with the staff and customers.  There isn’t much mingling as you are separated by plexiglass and an intricate spinning device where you pay and receive your food.  Let the Food Adventure begin…

JJ’s Fish and Chicken, North Main St, Dayton

We noted right away that they had some pretty good prices and a huge variety of fried seafood offerings.  Sure, they might offer some baked fish, but we were on mission of breaded pleasure.  They had some great specials for under $5, but we decided to go for a couple of the fish dinner offerings and a “pick 2 combo” of fried shrimp and chicken wings.  Your Food Adventure Crew also noticed a display case with dozens of containers of side dishes.  If there is ever a shortage of side dishes in the world, this case would feed North America for a week.  We ordered a personalMac n Cheese.  They nuked it and it was served so piping hot that we scorched our mouths and even after 5 minutes, we could still hardly take a bite of the mac n cheese.

Our eyes turned to a drink case that housed a bunch of Faygo pop, the pride of Detroit.  That’s all they have to drink, no water, no ice tea, just regular Faygo pop, the large 24 ounce bottles.  Your Food Adventurers dove in head first and grabbed 2 of them.  Already in a comical mood, a scalded and galded Big Ragu looked to take a seat.  With some of booths mysteriously missing, we decided to squeeze our petite frames into a front row seat on a couple of stools.  This allowed us to watch the cooks and customers interact like a breaded ballet.

Shrimp and Chicken Wing Combo

A bell rang and the plexiglass swivel device turned like a set of The Price is Right, to reveal a large brown bag.  Our feast had arrived.  We were fascinated with the glass separating the workers from the customers.  This is where all the action takes place.   There was a tender moment when we picked up our food, when the cook placed his palm against the bulletproof glass, and we put our hand directly against his, just like a prison scene….the walls cannot keep the man down!  The touching scene was halted when we smelled the aroma of freshly fried fish in the bags we were holding and realized we needed to eat now.

Inside the bag were 2 HEAPING white containers overstuffed with food.  The weight of each dinner alone required the use of a “spotter” to lift.  We heard angels singing as we opened styrofoam vessels of joy.  We noticed they served each meal with coleslaw, fries and a couple of slices of white bread.  We are talking old school stuff here.  Our meals were good, with the highlight being the fish.  The fried tilapia and fried perch were incredible.  We would also recommend fried walleye and the fried orange roughy.  We enjoyed the fish selections very much.  Meanwhile, The Big Ragu even downed some fried oysters which were fresh and juicy.    The Big Ragu did one of his patented “fat kid tricks”in which he made a po’ boy sandwich by putting perch, coleslaw, fries and hot sauce on the included bread slice.

The Mac N Cheese that scalded our mouth

We thanked the staff and left JJ’s stuffed to the gills.

If you love fried fish, you have to check this place out.  With such a huge variety of different fish and seafood choices, you cannot go wrong.  We had to chuckle at the menu saying zero grams of trans fat.  JJ’s Fish and Chicken is a national chain, with 2 other Dayton locations on N. Gettysburg and Salem Ave.  We noticed they do a brisk business.  Many hungry customers were in and out during our visit getting their “fried food on.”  So, we ask you, do you want a mountainous pile of fried food at a stunningly low price?  Then visit JJ’s Fish and Chicken Drive Thru and get hooked like us.

Food Adventures: Small Bites for 4/5/2012

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Food Adventures with the Big Ragu and Crew: Another installation of  “Small Bites.”

Here in “Small Bites,” we feature some of our favorite food items across the Dayton area.  We are not food critics, we love to eat.  Often imitated never duplicated, we set out to let you know about some of the better eats around the area that you may not know about !

Owners Rick “Voltzy” & Jack Sperry Want Your Vote to Decide!

THROWDOWN: VOLTZY’S vs. THE HAMBURGER WAGON, on  Saturday June 9, 2012

Our first small bite is actually a coming attraction.  Two of the most popular burger joints in the Dayton area are going to have an old fashioned “Throwdown!” at the Rock n’ Green Tomato Festival in Miamisburg, Ohio.  The Hamburger Wagon of Miamisburg will go toe to toe with Voltzy’s Rootbeer Stand of Moraine.  Get to this festival and cast your vote on Saturday June 9th.  Who will win this burger brawl to settle it all ??  We visited with Voltzy’s owner Rick Volz and the Hamburger Wagon owner Jack Sperry, and they both think they are going to win !  The Throwdown  is in the early stages, so there will be more details in the coming weeks.  Look for a follow up feature story from the Big Ragu in May right here on DaytonMostMetro, when we will cast our votes for the best burger!

 

THE SANDWICHES at JIMMIES LADDER 11:

The Ladder 11 Sandwich

Are you looking for a great, casual bar and grill that serves up top notch sandwiches?  Food Adventures recommends that you try Jimmie’s Ladder 11 on Brown Street.  Jimmie’s ladder 11 resides in an old renovated 1892 firehouse and is full of atmosphere.  They also make some amazing sandwiches.  One of our favorite sandwiches is the Ladder 11 which consists of Romanian Style Pastrami, Corned Beef, Hand Cut Cole Slaw, and House Russian Dressing on Rye.  The menu has a large variety of sandwiches, pastas, and some incredible appetizers.  Try the creole cheesecake…… you will not be sorry.  Jimmies Ladder 11 is located at 936 Brown Street across from Miami Valley Hospital.  For more information, check out jladder11.com.

 

 THE CREPES at CREPE BOHEME at the 2nd Street Market:

Veggie Crepe

From the crepes in Paris, France to a Chocolate Crepe from a street vendor.  We have been fans ever since!  Fortunately for us, we have Crepe Boheme located at the 2nd Street Market in Downtown Dayton. Today we even opt for for a Vegetarian Crepe rather than the crepes made with Nutella.  The Crepe-Master Sabine skillfully pours the thin layer of batter on the hot plate and the magic begins.  We suggest you try a create your own crepe you with:  Spinach, Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Brie and an incredible Red Pepper Sauce.  For the carnivores out there, you can always try the Black Forest Ham Crepe.  This crepe is packed with Black Forest Ham, Brie, and topped with Mushrooms.  Give Crepe Boheme a try and you will be hooked!

 

 

THE 2 FISH OR CHICKEN SANDWICHES FOR 2 BUCKS at RALLY’s:

Rally’s: 2 Nice Sized Fish Sandwiches for 2 Bucks

Two dolla to make you holla!  We don’t usually write about fast food chains, but every once in a great while, we will see something worth mentioning.  Such is the case with the current deal at Rally’s Hamburgers, the infamous double drive-thru place.  The Big Ragu’s obsession with fast food had him doing a double take.  Rally’s has a deal of 2 fish or chicken sandwiches for 2 bucks total.  The sandwiches aren’t tiny either.  The bang for your buck is great.  Satisfy your hunger for 2 dollars?  When is the last time that happened?  Other monster chains are charging around 4 bucks for the same thing, so make sure you stop in at Rally’s for this fantastic deal during the Lenten season.

 

 

 Look for our FOOD ADVENTURES every THURSDAY on DaytonMostMetro.com!

 

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19 Beers and The Perfect Burger: One Eyed Jacks

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The University Shopping Center across from Wright State’s Nutter Center is a unique place to eat. You have the normal options of Subway, McDonalds, Bob Evans, etc… but in the mix of the mediocre there are a few places like Jeet, The Flying Pizza, and Tiks Thai Express dishing out some really good food. But, my favorite is One Eyed Jacks. Founded April 14thof 2008, Jacks has been serving up cold beer and hot burgers straight to the mouths of Wright State Students for years.

Busy behind the bar shot at One Eyed Jacks.

Friday night crowd keeping the bar busy on a Friday.

The brilliance of One Eyed Jacks lies in its mix of quality atmosphere, food, and drinks. During the day, Jacks is perfect for winding down with a cold beer and a burger, but on a weekend night the mood changes. As people roll in, the band sets up, and the group conversations all merge into a wall of sound and you find yourself in a pure party setting.
There is no musical prejudice at Jacks.  The Rumpke Mountain Boys had several people trying their hand at a jig with others bumping, grinding, and yes hula-hooping to their wonderful bluegrass twang. Upcoming acts like Cappadonna from the Wu Tang Clan (Mach 30th) will undoubtedly have a lot of people bouncing around the stage trying some new moves that maybe they shouldn’t.  With smiles everywhere, band playing, the bar hostesses hard at work, and the kitchen buzzing, it is impossible to have a bad time at Jacks.

The 2am Burger at One Eyed Jacks

Egg, Burger, Bacon, Hashbrowns... That is all you need to know.

With all of that atmosphere, it would be a shame if there wasn’t substance to back it up. Jacks does not disappoint. The Veggie Zaffer (my regular choice) is the most amazing piece of late night satisfaction in Dayton. Two house sauces, siracha-kraut (a creative twist on kim-chi) and tatonka   (a mildly spicy cream sauce) sit on a huge spicy black bean burger with cheese, onion, and swiss. It is spicy, rich, and if you think you need meat to have a good burger, this will prove you wrong. While the Zaffer is fantastic on its own, it is served with a mound of hot, perfectly greasy, seasoned, and battered french fries. There are few words outside of addictive that I would use to describe these flawless fries. While I am prone to ramble on about the $7.99 Zaffer basket and how every order should be placed with extra tatonka and blue cheese on the side their other options are something too.

Like the “2am” burger. For $7.99 you get a large beef patty sitting atop a hash brown and covered with cheddar, ketchup, bacon, and an egg. Or, if you’re just a little peckish share some pizza nuggets ($7.99) stuffed with cheese and pepperoni served up with marinara for dipping. The whole menu from pizza to wings, from burgers to salads is consistently good, packed with flavor, and reasonably priced all under $10.

An appitizer platter at One Eyed Jacks

The pickle spears are fantastically crunchy.

Open 11am-2:30am Monday through Saturday and 12pm-2:30am on Sunday, One Eyed Jacks is a fantastically assembled bar with great service, 19 beers on tap, fantastic food, and a variety of music that few rival. (Not to mention $3 shots of Jameson on the 14th of every month.) Head to Jacks if you are down for a fun night with good people.

 

 

Food Adventures visits Local Personality: Henrique Couto

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“Uncle Henny’s” Homemade Ginger Ale

Sometimes when we go on a Food Adventure, we meet someone that makes a big impression.  It is fair to say local talent Henrique Couto did just that.   About a year ago,  the Big Ragu randomly saw Henrique at a Chinese Buffet.  He was dressed in his trademark colorful pajama pants and a unique Hawaiian shirt.  His handlebar moustache was perfectly curled and he had rubber bands holding his beard tight.  Immediately, we knew we had to meet this interesting character.  After a couple of photos at the buffet, we went on our merry way, not even knowing his name.  Then, a few months later, we saw Henrique’s music CD’s at a local store and got in touch with him.

But who is Henrique Couto?  He is a filmmaker, musician and self described “raconteur” who finds any and all ways to express himself.  How does he fit into our Food Adventures? Well, he also makes some “Softened Drinks” which are available at unclehennys.com .  Being curious. we decided to check out these beverages.

We met Henrique at his home where he brews these special batches.  Couto shared with us how he got started in the beverage making business.  He told us that he had tried some incredible Ginger Ales from all over the country, yet there was nothing like this available in Dayton, Ohio.  Henrique decided to develop his own tasty sodas by cooking them himself in his kitchen, and people quickly took notice.  Henrique says, “I hope people to enjoy it, I hope they love the way it tastes, and I hope they buy lots more.  I like that level of validation!”

We each decided to buy a 6 pack of soda from Henrique.  We chose regular Ginger Ale, and the diet version.  The ginger ales are unique.  You have never tasted something quite like this.  They are made with pure cane sugar and real grated ginger root.  He shies away from using peppercorns and cayenne pepper, and instead adds habanero for a subtle heat.  Definitely a very individual taste.  Not for everyone, but we know he is going after the eclectic and adventurous soda seekers.

But, Couto does not only make beverages.  Henrique is a man of many talents.  He records music and has some of those videos online.  He plays an electric ukulele.  How cool is that?  He even has a website called UkeOrDie.com.  He also hosts a local game show on Wednesday nights at Milano’s Restaurant near University of Dayton called “Drink n Think.”   He is of Portuguese decent, and shares our love for food, like a good Pad Thai.

After swapping foodie stories, Henrique asked us if we would like to see his mausoleum.  That’s right, this horror film buff had set up a mini studio in his garage using his experience from his days in the film industry.  We also love horror movies, growing up with Dr. Creep and Shock Theater.  The 3 of us shared some laughs about our favorite creepy movie actors, then ended the visit with a few photos.

What is next for Henrique Couto?  He is currently developing a fruity root beer beverage that he intends to call “Froot Beer.”  We can’t wait to taste this, but it will not be available for a few weeks.

Henrique was very kind to take the time to invite The Big Ragu into his home for our Food Adventure.  We found out there is much more to him than the unforgettable outfits.   He is very witty with a great sense of humor. We will be seeing him around town and wish him much success in his “Softened Drink” endeavors, which you can check out HERE.  Whether being Dayton’s favorite electric ukulele player, game show hosting, or brewing his own beverages, we think Henrique Couto is an example of when nice guys finish first.

Have you met Henrique?  Have you tried one of  Uncle Henny’s Softened Drinks?  Have you seen his game show or been to one of his ukulele shows?  Then post you comment below !

Also, please visit FOOD ADVENTURES on FACEBOOK by clicking HERE and “like” us to become an official fan!!

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