DaytonDining

The Man Who Dip-eth “The Holy Cannoli”

July 5, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Mark DaGrossa – The Master of the Holy Cannoli

You may have called him Santa. You may have heard him on the Gem City Podcast. You may have seen him on Youtube with “Epic and The Beard.” Mark DaGrossa is one of those Daytonians who you see everywhere. Whether at the Italian Club playing bocce, working a festival, or on a Food Adventure at one of his favorite restaurants in Dayton, Mark is always on the move. Besides working for Folio DesignHaus, Mark is a dedicated husband, son and father, a family man if you will.

We don’t know where YOU may have seen him, but WE will always remember him as “The Man Who Cooks the Holy Cannoli.”

The Holy Cannoli is a lot like bigfoot. It is mysterious and not many people have seen it….

Monty Python had the Holy Grail and the holy hand grenade, but Garlic Fest has the Holy Cannoli !

A six pack of Holy Cannoli

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON “THE HOLY CANNOLI”:

— What is a Holy Cannoli? It is a cannoli shell filled with ricotta cheese and cream, sometimes garnished with chocolate chips, that is dipped in breading and deep fried on the spot. The result after a few minutes is a gooey, gorgeous, piece of heaven.

— Long time Sons of Italy member, Kevin Sorice actually came up with the idea of a deep fried cannoli. So let’s give credit where credit is due.

Mark’s daughter, Caitlin Preparing Cannoli

— Where can I get a Holy Cannoli? The answer is at GARLIC FEST, SUNDAY JULY 17th from noon-9pm. Mark your calendar for this one.

The HOLY CANNOLI is a “MUST EAT” on Garlic Fest Weekend come enjoy the 3 day event and make your own Food Adventure !

—FRIDAY JULY 15th 5pm-9pm– FOOD TRUCK RALLY, BOCCE BASH, LIVE MUSIC and BEER TRUCKS –

— SATURDAY JULY 16th – BOCCE CLASSIC TOURNAMENT, STEAK DINNER at BELLA VILLA HALL –

Chef House and “Holy Cannoli Dipper” Mark DaGrossa

— SUNDAY JULY 17TH – GARLIC FEST – FOOD VENDORS, COOKING DEMOS, BEER TRUCKS, FREE DANGER BROTHERS CONCERT, BOCCE CLASSIC FINALS, GARLIC EATING CONTEST, GARLIC QUEEN, and more!

Admission is FREE so join The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax at the Food Truck Rally and Garlic Fest on July 15-17th.

Meet the man, the myth, the legend.. Mark DaGrossa.. “The Man who dip-eth the Holy Cannoli.” Make sure you order some of this sinful goodness. They are rich, delicious and they melt in your mouth! It is a religious experience and a great invention! Thanks to Mark and the workers in the booth, without you, they are just plain cannoli….

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Thumbs up for a great Holy Cannoli at Garlic Fest

offer !

Hungry Jax and her family with Santa DaGrossa

Big Ragu with Kevin Sorice – the brains behind the Holy Cannoli

Before the battering

Holy Cannoli Booth

Take this, batter this, fry this and eat this…

Ladies and Gentleman, we present the Holy Cannoli

Last Year’s signage

Gem City Podcast Crew

Dive Bar Tuesday – Mack’s Tavern

June 28, 2016 By Brian Petro

Welcome to Mack’s Tavern!

Scouting locations for Dive Bar Tuesday is usually pretty straight forward. We listen to the readers, make lists, and visit the sites as time allows. More often than not when we arrive, there is no doubt we are going to a dive bar. The location is small and usually hidden, there is not lots of light, and the people we see know each other. The first one we attended, Miami Valley Sports Bar, was the only venue we visited where we started to question if it had jumped to the next level. There was good food, plenty of room, and they were in the process of expanding and making the place better. Is there an upper ceiling to what can be considered a dive bar? Where does “dive bar” end and “nice place to go for a night out” begin? This conversation continued even as we walked into Mack’s Tavern, ready to get some drinks and have some of their delicious pizza.

Mack’s Tavern (381 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Washington Township, OH 45459, (937) 813-7217) failed the first test of what we have come to expect from a dive bar: difficult to find. It is just sitting there next to Big Lots on Miamisburg Centerville Rd., begging for you to pull up and visit. The place is well lit too. Not too bright, because no one wants that in a bar, but just enough light to see the vintage décor on the walls and the games that are lined up and waiting for you to play. There are still some nooks and crannies you can scurry off to for a private discussion or a first date, but the floor is set up, so it is easy to meet people. That is not by accident. MacKenzie Manley, the owner of Mack’s, wants people to come in as strangers and leave as friends. If that is something I have written before, there is a reason. It is one of the charms of the dive bar. Or, if you want to be politer with the naming, the neighborhood bar. It is working. Everyone was chatting and having fun. And MacKenzie knew every regular.

We could not even fit the food into the frame.

If you have not heard of MacKenzie, it is possible you have not been near a computer for a very long time. MacKenzie won the first annual Bloody Mary Showdown with a Barbecue Burger Bloody Mary. Media monolith BuzzFeed picked up a story about the tavern leaving coupons on cars left overnight for responsible drivers. She was a bartender at the Pour Haus for years and was voted one of the top dive bars in the city in her first year of operation. She understands both sides of the bar business: making great drinks and providing a comfortable environment for the patrons who show up. She was inspired by the venerable Cubby Hole and the Pour Haus from years gone by. Does your company need a place to have a lunch meeting? Call Mack’s. Do you want to throw that big party for the holidays, or maybe a small class get-together? Call Mack’s. Did your plans at a different bar in the city fall through? Call Mack’s. Talking with her, exploring the space, you start to wonder if you can call this a dive bar, or are we in a whole different place? This is a dive bar. MacKenzie was emphatic about it.

Their menu is filled with food and drink delicious options. Just recently she added ten more specialty pizzas and wings to go with the sandwiches and meal-sized plates of Mack and Cheese. There are many beers on tap and bottles she offers, and all of them at a reasonable price. Good luck finding any beer over $4 (but they do pop up from time to time). They offer cocktails as well, which they are happy to create to your taste. They do have some standards that they will pour for you, but for the most part that menu is a bespoke one. And after a meal and some drinks here, your wallet will not feel that much lighter. The philosophy that drives the atmosphere at Mack’s is that she wants you to have a good time without breaking the bank. The inexpensive menu and the really friendly workers there ensure that the experience will be a pleasant one. They have thought it out right down to the restrooms, which may be the cleanest, most attractive ones I have seen in a while.

When you head into Mack’s Tavern, you are heading into one of the best dive bars Dayton has to offer. From their mascots Chewy the Boar and MacKenzie’s pit bull Haze to the one-of-a-kind signs on the wall, you are going to have a unique experience. They offer pool and darts for entertainment on a daily basis with Monday being reserved for karaoke and Thursday being a trivia night. And come football season, have no doubt, this bar cheers for the Steelers. It is a dive bar by design, and the lead architect has done an excellent job. Head into the easy to find, spacious bar and spend the night enjoying the food, the beverages, and the fact you are likely to leave with more friends than you had heading in. And leave your car if you had a little too much to drink. They will take care of that, too.

Dive Bar Tuesday – Dr. Doodles Lounge

June 7, 2016 By Brian Petro

Welcome to Dr. Doodle’s Lounge!

There has been a theme in the last few dive bars we have explored. They are small and intimate venues, where is it hard not to meet know people because you were in pretty close proximity to them. Bar space was limited, and there was not much light in the room, which tends to bring people closer together. Space is expensive; unless you have a good deal, what you pay for the building, as well as its maintenance, can be costly. This could be a reason that dive bars tend to end up in places that are hard to find or out of the way. Many of the ones that are on our list are out of the way places that people almost have to draw us maps for to ensure that we find it. Had people not told us about Time Out Cavern or Adrienne’s White Rabbit Lounge, I am not sure we would have stumbled on them by just wandering down the street. In some ways, this week’s adventure to Dr. Doodle’s Lounge follows that script. In more ways, it breaks it.

Dr. Doodle’s Lounge (1510 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Dayton, OH 45459) DOES have a sign on 725 that lets you know it is there. However, you won’t see it from the street. You need to go around the back of the Original Pancake House to find this delight. When you do head back there, the first thing you will notice is their nicely enclosed patio. It is spacious and covered, so as long as the weather is warm, you can sit out there with your favorite beverage. When you enter and pass a small shelf of books and a jukebox on the left, there is a good chance someone is going to say hello to you. And it may not be the bartender. Like most of the other bars we have gone to, we immediately felt welcome here. More than one person we spoke with mentioned the feel was very much like the beloved Cubby Hole, complete with several of the bartenders that made that venue great. It was also said a few times that “the stranger you are, the more you fit in.”

This place seems a little strict with rules.

The openness was not just for the customers and staff. The whole atmosphere was open, thanks in large part to the walls of windows on two sides of the building. The ceilings were high, and there was natural light (possibly Natural Light too, we did not check) pouring through space. The bar was tucked into the corner, so there was plenty of room for activities like darts, pool, trivia, the occasional Sunday karaoke night, and any other events one can imagine. Even on nights in the past, we were there, and it was busy, it did not feel like a cramped space. There is room for everyone to come in for a drink!

And come in for a drink you should! They have three taps for beer, but a much wider selection of cans and bottles for you to enjoy. There was a cocktail list, but it has been lost to history. The spirits they keep behind the bar offer an imbibing option for everyone and the bartenders there know how to use them. Specials, as well as food, depends on the night that drops in. Each man or woman handling bar duty that night will have their own special, from $3 shots of Fireball to $10 buckets of beer. The food menu is just as dependent on staff taste. One night could be pulled pork sandwiches; another they could be grilling brats on the patio. This is one of the beauties of small, independent businesses. There is always something different going on, and the staff has some leeway to cater to the customers. In fact, some of the customers will bring in side dishes depending on the night and the bartender. Who needs a regular menu?

What are you in the mood for today?

It would be easy to become a regular here. The whole atmosphere is a big warm embrace. There is going to be a motorcycle run in August to Indian Lake, starting with some hamburgers and brats on the patio and finishing with the ride. Last year over 200 people participated in the event, and this year will probably be bigger. Every night will offer a different experience, which means if you go often enough, you will find the right time for you. It does not matter who you are or what you do; there’s a bar stool and a cold drink waiting for you. Just a cursory look at the parking lot ran the gamut of styles, from hard working pick-up trucks to shining and stylish high-end cars. Stop by Dr. Doodles Lounge over a few different nights as the summer starts to heat up. Enjoy the patio, the food, and the friendly atmosphere. Pretty soon you too will be welcoming people as they walk up to the bar for a drink.

Dr. Doodles lounge is located at 1510 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Dayton, OH 45459. Their number is (937) 434-8748, and they are open every day from 12:00 PM to 2:30 AM. You can find their upcoming events and other information on their Facebook page.

Dive Bar Tuesday – Adrienne’s White Rabbit Lounge

May 31, 2016 By Brian Petro

That is the whole cozy space, ladies and gents.

In 1865, a mathematician named Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (His pen name was Lewis Carroll.) wrote a book about a little girl who has an amazing adventure in a faraway land. Alice’s adventures begin when she spies a white rabbit run by as she is drowsily listening to her sister. The rabbit is in a petticoat and muttering about how late he is as he stares at his watch. She follows him into his rabbit hole, and that is where her adventures in Wonderland begin. Ever since that book, the white rabbit has been a symbol of diving into something mysterious with a fantastic payoff. Adrienne’s White Rabbit Lounge was that for our band of merrymakers. This is the first dive bar we patronized that we were not overly familiar with. We had been told of it by Big Ragu and The Crew, but we did not know much. Now we do, and we did have a fantastic adventure.

You are not going to stumble randomly on Adrienne’s White Rabbit Lounge (889 South Main Street Centerville, OH 45458, 937-435-3150); someone is going to have to lead you there. It is located in a strip mall pushed away from the street. When we went in, there was a handful of people at the bar. The first thing we noticed is that the place was small. Performers would call the venue “intimate”, and they would not be wrong. The size of the space contributes to people being able to see and experience everything happening. There are some nooks and crannies, but they don’t offer much in ways of privacy. It was well lit, and the music that was playing was at the right level. You could have a conversation and still enjoy the jukebox. Televisions cover just enough of the walls to be seen from any point in the room. The ceiling tiles are decorated with advertisements and other patron artwork. There are still some spaces available for only $25 each.

Adrienne's White Rabbit Lounge Beer and Cocktails

Drink all the drinks!

The drinks here are well-priced. And by well-priced I mean inexpensive. That is not even taking into account the daily specials they offer, from shots based on the vodka flavor of the month to seasonal beer specials. There is also a Queen of Hearts game that happens on Thursday nights, where lucky gamers can win a nice sized jackpot. They have house-created cocktail specials, an excellent selection of domestic beers (some part of their daily specials), and something I have not yet found at other bars we have explored. They have a special cabinet filled with tequilas and other special liquors. A rotating list of unique bottles is one more unique things the White Rabbit offers. They even have events that feature these gems, like the tequila they event they are planning for June 3. The cocktails were tried were both tasty in their way; one was a refreshingly summery sour cocktail, and the other was a seasonal recipe. We asked Tori, our bartender that night, what we should try and she pointed us to the Merry Cherry. It was a Jägermeister cocktail where the spices of the liqueur came through just enough to give some zest to the cherry and raspberry in the drink.

If you are looking for a place to eat, there are many options nearby that will have a reliable menu. Like any real house of mystery, the food is a grab bag depending on the day and if there is an event. There are always some snacks in one of the nooks. Typical bar food that the regulars help to keep stocked, like pretzels, chips, and cheese balls. For special events, like Derby parties or events with customers (the bar, usually closed Sundays, can handle special events), you will find a more robust fare. Burgers, brats, pulled pork, and other staples of great get-togethers will be available.

The snack nook, complete with deer head wearing shades.

Above anything else, the thing we were most impressed with was how friendly everyone was. The bartenders treated us as if we had been loyal bar patrons for months, being very friendly to us and answering every question we had. We had multiple conversations with other bar patrons, from what we did as a business to the current state of Reds baseball. There was even a round of drinks purchased for the whole bar, which at the time was pretty damn full. It was not a bumping Friday night, but there were people there. It was a neighborhood bar in the best sense. A place where it felt like you could go at any time and either meet friends you already knew or make some brand new ones over some music and a round of darts.

We left at the end of our time there glad that we found another lovely place to go for a drink in Dayton. Adrienne’s White Rabbit, which has been around in a variety of forms for almost forty years, is what most people are looking for when they are seeking a casual watering hole. There may not be any rabbits, hatters, living playing cards, or red queens, but you will have to enjoy a friendly experience when you go.

Adrienne’s White Rabbit Lounge is located at 889 South Main Street, Centerville, OH 45458. They are open Monday through Saturday from 1 PM to 2:30 AM, closed on Sundays. You can find them on the web at adrienneswhiterabbit.com, or visit their Facebook page for information on upcoming events. Their phone number is 937-435-3150.

Here Comes Big Brews and Blues!

May 17, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Drink up and help Dayton Diabetes

Big Brews and Blues for Diabetes, is back! 2016 marks the 7^th annual fundraiser, and it is going to be bigger and better than ever. The event features incredible blues music, and dozens of beers to taste. Dayton Most Metro will host one of the booths and will be pouring beers into the night… Food Adventures is proud to again be participating in the event.

Chef House, The Big Ragu and Hungry Jax love this event because 100% of the proceeds go to Dayton Diabetes. This is the blues and beer festival you want to support, because of where the money goes and because it is for a great cause.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

—WHEN: Big Brews and Blues is Saturday May 21^st from 5-9 PM with a VIP hour from 4-5pm

—WHERE: Five Rivers MetroPark’s RiverScape Pavillion

Funky Blues, with a Horn Section

— WHY: To raise money for Dayton Diabetes while having a great time.

— COST: $35 presale

$40 at the door for regular admission

$50 for VIP admission, which gets you in one hour earlier, plus some additional tasting tickets.

Tickets are available on-line at www.bigbrewsandblues.com

THE BLUES:

4p-6pm Jimmy D. Rogers

6:15p-7:15p Micah Kesselring

7:45p-9p Shake n’ The New Senders

And emceed by Earl “Southside’ Hayes

THE BREWS:

— ALL BEERS ARE DRAUGHT BEERS

— ALL BEERS ARE AMERICAN CRAFT BEERS

— ALL OF THE LOCAL BREWERIES WILL BE REPRESENTED !

Rain or Shine – we will be pouring !

— There will be multiple CASK BEERS and LIMITED RELEASE BEERS

MUST EATS:

— BOSTON’S BISTRO and PUB: We have never had anything here we didnt like…

— BOURBON STREET GRILL: Get the Bourbon Chicken

— HEART’S HOT DOGS: The Chicago Style Hot Dog and The Steak Burger

— PITA POCKETS: Get the Gyro !

— THE ORIGINAL PIZZA FACTORY: Whether you get the Pepperoni or the Deluxe, you will have a nice thick slice on your hands.

Saturday’s Big Brews and Blues not enough for you??

Then get your thirsty mug to these related events for

American Craft Beer Week in Dayton (We love Craft Beer)

Tuesday, May 17th: It’s Taco Tuesday at Pour Haus. Starts at 5 pm.

Wednesday, May 18th: The American IPA Showcase at The Barrel House. Starts at 5 pm.

Thursday, May 19th: Ohio Beer Spotlight at Dayton Beer Company featuring MadTree, FatHeads, Jackie O’s, Dayton Beer Company, and others. Starts at 5 pm.

Friday, May 20th: Big Brews and Blues Pre-party at Boston’s Bistro & Pub, featuring Hungarian food. Starts at 6:00pm.

Brew it up with Food Adventures each and every day by “liking” us on Facebook by clicking here. No rules, no food critics, just serious eats and original photos! We leave no plate unturned!

Chef House serving up a thirsty customer

The Big Ragu Welcomes you to Fantasy Island

Chef House and the Big Ragu

The Goose is loose !

wasssup

Sold out of beer !

It is like the Olympiad, but for ,music and beer

We have been goin for years !

He’s got those blues !

Dogs, diabetes, Dayton

BBQ

Thank you Dave Boston !

cincy brew

MostMetro #1 –

Whippet good

So Good

Pins and Beers

Try em all

this guy was loving life

Blues Live

Clowns allowed

Matt Harris – and friend

Danger Brothers to Headline Garlic Fest

May 10, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

The Danger Brothers invade Dayton – Free Concert at Garlic Fest July 17th !

EXCLUSIVE SCOOP ! The familiar band that Ohio State Buckeye fans love to cheer on Lane Avenue’s beloved “Hiney Gate” will make a rare Dayton performance at the 2nd Annual GARLIC FEST this summer. The concert is FREE and beer trucks will be on hand!

The legendary band from Columbus, “THE DANGER BROTHERS,” will be rocking the Bella Villa Hall at 2625 County Line Rd, outdoors on July 17th from 5pm-9pm. Prepare to be wowed by a fun crowd. They promise to play some new and old tunes. Be a part of one of the biggest Hang On Sloopy “O–H–I–O” chants in Dayton history, but come for the classic rock.. and the FOOD VENDORS, BEER and BOCCE TOURNAMENT!

Garlic Fest at Bella Villa Hall, 2526 County Line Rd

The Danger Brother’s are just part of the festivities at the July 17th Garlic Fest which will includes Food Vendors, like Giovanni’s, Mamma DiSalvo’s, Gyro Palace, Scratch, Voltzy’s, Sweet Pi’s and more to be announced, preparing Garlic inspired dishes, adult beverages from Heidelberg Distributing, and the Bocce Classic tournament championships. Applications are now being accepted for the King/Queen of Garlic Fest. Students 16-24 are eligible to apply and winner will receive a $1000 scholarship.
Apply online.

If you are familiar with the Danger Brother’s epic Pre-Party and After Party concerts for Ohio State Football games, then you know what a good time you are in for…. Thousands flock the streets to see these guys and celebrate!

The Food Adventures Crew, Dayton Most Metro, and the Sons of Italy are happy to have snagged The Danger Brothers for this event. We are beyond excited. Whether you are an Ohio State fan or not, the energy these guys emit and the fun-loving crowds make for a great time. Feel free to bring lawn chairs if you like for the concert.

The Danger Brothers are Coming to Your Town, DAYTON !

Jackie “Hungry Jax” Scanlan will be hosting a free garlic cooking demo with food samples at 1pm. Chef LeeAnne House is doing another original cooking demo with free samples at 3pm. Finally, the Big Ragu be hosting a Garlic Peeling and Eating Contest at 4:30pm

After that, the Danger Brothers hit the stage, and the beer will be flowing!

The GARLIC FEST runs from noon-9pm and food and drink will be available all day. From The Bocce Classic Tournament to the Garlic Queen, there will be so much to see and eat, so come out! Admission is FREE! The concert is FREE ! Unfortunately, due to liability reasons, no pets are allowed at the fest.

Rock out to good Miami Valley food all the time, by adding a “like” to Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here. We are originals with passion for Dayton food!

80’s and Classic Rock n Roll, Beer and Garlic Food !

Garlic, Rock, Brews and Bocce !!

Hang on Sloopy !!!

Danger Brothers – Rocking the house !

The invasion happens SUNDAY JULY 17th !!

THE BAD JUAN: A Dayton Legend

May 5, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Outside of the Kettering Elsa’s

Hey Gringo, looking to tie one on during Cinco De Mayo? Then take a sip of a true Food Adventure in a glass. Oh yes, the legendary Bad Juan margarita served exclusively at Elsa’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantinas around town.

Whether on the rocks or frozen, salt or no-salt, every Daytonian has a “Bad Juan” story about themselves or a friend. Hungry Jax, Chef House and The Big Ragu are no different. We have had to push stumbling pals into backseats of cars, or help lift some drunky pants ladies into the back of an SUV after a couple of these drinks. We have felt the wrath of Juan ourselves, having numb lips and the buzz that suddenly creeps up on you with this devilish drink.

Let’s be candid, Bad Juans are a Dayton icon. This badass drink even has its own website, badjuan.com. Here is some more on the man, the myth, the legend.. BAD JUAN !

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Since 1981, Bad Juans have been served frozen or on the rocks. They also come in a few flavor variations, but the original Bad Juan remains the most popular.

—Elsa’s has various locations in Centerville, Kettering and Dayton

A Bad Juan on the Rocks: The Legend

— Rumors have swirled about the ingredients. People have been trying to figure out the recipe for years. Food Adventures may have some inside scoop on the recipe, and although we can’t post it here, we can give you some info. Our inside source tells us that the Bad Juan is made up of only 3 secret ingredients: Triple Sec, Tequila and Lime Juice. We cannot tell you the brands used or the amounts. We can, however, confirm that Mountain Dew is NOT an ingredient, so lets finally put that rumor to bed.

— We believe the secret to the great taste is not only in the ingredients, but in the preparation. The Bad Juan’s are constantly mixed in those plastic, see-through drink machines you are used to seeing at convenient stores or food counters. The thorough mixing of ingredients in these machines blend the drink into that perfect drunken mixture.

— Elsa’s does limit the amount of Bad Juans that a customer can consume (usually 2 or 3 depending on your server). However, urban legends and tall tales have surfaced about people drinking a couple mini pitchers of Bad Juans, or somehow downing a half dozen of them unbeknownst to their waiter or waitress.

— You can even buy Bad Juans in the store, bottled. Yes, by the bottle in liquor and grocery stores from as far away as Covington, Kentucky’s famous Party Source. The bottled drink is 21 percent alcohol, or 42 proof. We believe that the in-house version mixed at the restaurants is a little higher than that. Heidelberg Distributors stats confirm that Bad Juans hold the all-time distributor record for the fastest selling new product.

Time for a breakdown of the baddest drink to grace the Gem City… here is our patented.. “Must Drinks”

MUST DRINKS:

— BAD JUAN on THE ROCKS: Simple, pure and lethal. This is for the heavy hitters who like to get down to business and gulp ’em down. They are however served with a tiny straw and a lime wedge for those who like to sip these slowly and savor the experience.

— FROZEN BAD JUAN: The chilled, traditional version of the legend are just as strong as the ones on the rocks. Served with a lime, it is curiously tasty when the mixture begins to melt. If you drink these too fast, beware of ‘brain freeze’ or a condition known as drunky pants.

— STRAWBERRY FROZEN BAD JUAN: Not big on tequila or margaritas? This flavored Bad Juan masks the alcohol taste, and is probably our favorite version of the iconic drink. Give it a try, we bet you like it! It is also available on the rocks for you purists.

— BLUE JUAN: This holiday season is a good time to give one of these a try. You may have a blue Christmas without it. It has a great taste and is available on the rocks only.

Honorable Mention: The Raspberry Bad Juan, the Watermelon Bad Juan and the calorie conscious “Skinny Juan”

THE BIG JUAN DEBATE: FROZEN OR ON THE ROCKS???

Miami Valley residents have long debated whether Bad Juans are better frozen or on the rocks. For the most part, guys tend to have them on the rocks, while girls seem to prefer the frozen margaritas. But we say…. hell, try them all and get a designated driver.

DO YOU HAVE A GOOD BAD JUAN STORY?? PLEASE COMMENT BELOW!

Have an opinion on Bad Juan? Be heard and post it below !

After more than 30 years Elsa’s is still having fun, and this drink is “Still the Juan.”

ARE YOU A DAYTON FOODIE ?? Then “like” FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook by clicking HERE !! 6500 fans can’t be wrong !

Blue Juan and a Frozen Bad Juan

The Myth, the Legend – want Juan ?

Watermelon Margarita with all the trimmings

This will spin your mind – Tequila, Lime Juice and Triple Sec

The usual suspects

Blue Juan – hello, lover

Bad Juans make people crazy !

Frozen Strawberry Bad Juan – it is the only way the come…

Saleted or unsalted rim ?

The New Archer’s Tavern in Kettering

May 3, 2016 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Inside the cleared out dining room

EXCLUSIVE! Drywall is being demolished. New equipment is being installed. Things are just beginning to take shape at Archer’s Tavern’s second location, soon to be opened in Kettering. The new restaurant will be where the old Tumbleweed restaurant was located on Dorothy Lane. Food Adventures has the first peek inside the renovations, you won’t see anywhere else. And one thing is for sure… this restaurant is gonna be big, both in size and excitement.

The ownership team of Dan Apolito, Mike Fullenkamp and Scott Dorsten are bringing their winning formula across town, but for now, they have been putting some sweat equity into the project. Most of the work so far has been done in the kitchen area. Hammering and tossing of scrap material can be heard on any given day, and the owners aren’t shy on grabbing tools themselves, and diving in on the teardown.

It isn’t hard to imagine the new location being packed with new fans of their burgers, pizza, wings, beer selection and so much more. Being across from Delco Park, “Archers’s 2” is a perfect place for that “after softball game” dinner and drinks. Archer’s Tavern’s reputation is good food and reasonable prices, from their salads to their chili, the menu is delicious.

Want the scoop on the new location? ONLY FOOD ADVENTURES HAS THIS EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEEK!

Dan Apolito & Mike Fullenkamp taking Archers to a new level

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— ARCHER’S KETTERING will be located at 2030 E Dorothy Lane

— The new location will bring that same signature menu that the crowds in Centerville have grown to love over the past 5 years.

— The restaurant will feature 24 draft beer taps, and an eclectic selection of local, familiar and rare beers.

— Archer’s will continue to feature Buckeye Vodka in many of its cocktails and special events.

— The seating area will be much larger than the Centerville restaurant

— The owners plan to open the eatery in July, given that the permits and construction finish on schedule.

MUST EATS:

—SWEET and SEXY WINGS: You wont hear about these on any other food site, because they aren’t on the menu… it is a special request. Sweet and Sexy Wings are wings with Dry Rub spice, drizzled with Spicy Garlic sauce, then tossed in Sweet BBQ sauce. The result is tangy and slightly hot taste of joy. Probably the best wing sauce we have ever tasted.

The assembled Sticky Burger

— 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.

— THE CHILI – They have a chili cookoff each year, and the winner gets their chili on the menu. In other words, it is the best of the best. You gotta get a cup of this chili, great flavor and zing guaranteed !

— THE TACO PIZZA: Muey Bueno ...They use enchilada sauce for the pizza sauce. They add taco beef, cheddar and Monterey cheeses, onion, tomatoes, jalapenos and cilantro. Hot, spicy and ooh so nicey!

— 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. We cant believe we ate the whole thing!

— THE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK: A massive, 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 shaved ribeye steak or sliced chicken breast for the meat.

— ARCHER’S BREAD PUDDING: Made with Bill’s Donuts… need we say more?

Honorable Mention: The Gourmet Grilled Cheese – omg… the dijon mustard is brilliant and makes the sandwich, as does the buttery bread and chewy cheese combo.

Food Adventures is excited for this next chapter in the lives of Archer’s ownership. They give a lot back to the community, and we wish them continued success.

SPEAKING OF HELPING THE COMMUNITY, TOMORROW WE FOLLOW UP THIS STORY WITH A CHARITY EVENT THAT ARCHER’S HAS HELPED ORGANIZE THAT NEEDS YOUR HELP !!

Do you know the Food Adventures Crew? The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax would like to take a minute and invite you to “like” them on Facebook by clicking HERE. From food photos, to restaurant events around Dayton, our blog is a foodie’s paradise.

Sweet & Sexy Wings – special order them – they arent on the menu

Opening in July 2016, Archer’s Kettering !

Clearing out the old Tumbleweed decor

Kitchen prep/ Office area

Transformation

Taco Pizza , Senorita !

Gourmet Grilled Cheese

Redecorating

“Sexy Wings” – Dry rub with Spicy Garlic Sauce !

Chili – always a winner here

Sticky Burger – see the peanut butter ??

Boarding up the kitchen areas

Big Ragu and a Sticky burger

A Philly done right !!!

The Margherita Pizza

Taco Pizza – Archers does it hot and good

More Cheesey than a Soap Opera !

Grover Plays Free Show at Trolley Stop

April 26, 2016 By LIbby Ballengee

Insider tip! There is a FREE show at Trolley Stop this Friday April 29th, 2016 with two incredible bands, Grover and Common Center. Plus that fabulous patio? It’s a no brainer for Friday night fun!

On the fringes of the jam band scene, local rock quartet Grover, blend funk, soul, and jazz, in a down and dirty rock band that comes across unpolished and “garage” as much as they do highly-skilled, almost veteran.

Common Center is a group of individuals from Covington, Kentucky that gather to form a collection of sonic exploration. Their all-original material arises from a vast array of influences morphing together to create a unique sound previously unheard, but longed for, by the ear. They combine powerfully upbeat as well as tranquil themes with mystic, other-world intertwining melodic elements from instrumental and vocal harmonies.

Enjoy a beautiful evening with some of the region’s funkiest talent!

Performance Schedule:
Common Center – 9:30pm
Grover 11:30pm

Grover performs free at the Trolley Stop (Photo by Dayton Music Connection)

Dive Bar Tuesday – Diplomat Lounge

April 26, 2016 By Brian Petro

Welcome to the Diplomat Lounge!

After an extended hiatus, we are back! Of course, that is one of the best things about any good dive bar you go to. Any bar, really. They become more than a place to just get a drink after work; you get to know the bartenders. You start to discover that other patrons are from a town near yours, or enjoy Game of Thrones as much as you do, or weep quietly every Sunday after a Browns loss. Whether you go to the best wine bar in town or a venue where their craft beer is Budweiser Lime-A-Rita, you are going for more than the product they are offering. You are going for the comfortable feeling it provides. Of all the bars my friends and I have gone to so far, the Diplomat Lounge has felt the most comfortable.

The Diplomat Lounge (2766 Wilmington Pike, Kettering, OH., 45419) was located a little further down the road on Smithville Rd., just past where it splits from Wilmington Pike. There was some major construction in the mall area they were located, changing an old Kroger and the surrounding stores into a small neighborhood. The Diplomat moved down the street and has been there since. Where many of the other bars we have gone to were more focused on pool, this is a place where darts appear to be king. They offer BYOP dart tournaments once a month on the second Saturday of the month (the next one will be May 14, 2016), and Luck of the Draw tournaments on Sunday nights. Have no fear, pool players. There are a couple of tables for you in the back half of the bar. But there are darts on both sides.

Back room pool tables, and the doorway to the “secret patio”.

When I say both sides, the bar cuts the space in half. If you are not familiar with the space, you may think that it is a little small, until you realize there is this great space on the other side of the bar as well. This is where the pool tables are, and it is a slightly darker, more intimate space. You are tucked away from the storefront windows and people coming in and out of the bar. Service was on both sides, which would be great on a busy Friday or Saturday night when you are trying to get a beverage while tossing darts or warming up your pipes for karaoke. The weekends may have all the action, but there are liquor and beer specials all week. Every night there is a liquor with a little discount and a beer that is just a dollar. My personal choices are fifty cents of tequila on Tuesday and $2 cans on Monday. Feel free to drop in and check out their other daily specials.

If you are looking for a menu, this is not the place. They do have a menu for their specials on their Facebook page, but that is the one menu we found. Their food options are limited to pizzas and chips (perfect fuel for long nights of drinking), but there are plenty of other food options nearby if you want to eat before you show up or stop somewhere after you leave. There was not a cocktail menu to be seen, and if you ask the bartender they will share the beer list with you. It offers little in the way of craft beers or cocktails, but it that really why you are going here? No, no it is not.

They have a few bottles for you to choose from…

Two things to note when you plan on making the trip to the Diplomat. The first is that motorcycle riders are welcome here. If you have been looking for a place to stop with your bike on a ride around town, we have found another place for you. Though you most likely knew it already. It is about three miles from 675 or 35, just a hop, skip, and jump. The other thing to note is that once you have discovered the back room, keep going because there is a patio! It is a great enclosed space that has a cozy feel to it, the outside world being held at bay by a wooden fence. One other thing I have found in every bar we have gone to is that each has a little surprise inside.

The Diplomat Lounge is a great place to hang out for a few hours, enjoy a few drinks on a quiet patio, and leave the world behind. If you are so inclined, they are creating summer dart leagues right now! What are you doing Tuesday nights that is more important? And who knows, maybe this is the comfortable after work spot you have been seeking. You know there will be some dart fans or motorcycle riders there to meet.

The Diplomat Lounge is located at 2766 Wilmington Pike, Dayton, OH 45419. They are open 1 PM to 2:30 AM Monday through Friday, and 12 PM to 2:30 AM Saturday and Sunday. You can visit their Facebook page for more information, or call (937) 293-2508.

GarlicFest Returns with Bocce Classic July 15-17th

April 19, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Eddie “Boom Boom” takes a bocce break to eat Bella Sorella Pizza

The faint smell of garlic is in the air! Today being National Garlic Day, it gives Dayton Most Metro the perfect opportunity to announce that GarlicFest is returning this summer to the Sons of Italy’s Bella Villa Hall. We are again partnering with the John Pirelli Lodge for this popular event. Food Adventures is honored to be helping with the festivities. The same weekend also features the annual bocce ball tournament called the “Bocce Classic,” which is in its 22nd year.

The Bella Villa Hall venue is located at 2625 County Line Rd. in Beavercreek, the same place the Italian Fall Festa is held.

The big weekend will feature:
A huge Food Truck Rally Friday, July 15th
The Bocce Classic Tournament, July 16 -17th
The Garlic Festival, Sunday July 17th.

One new attraction will see local celebs, and Up Dayton groups square off Friday Night, July 15th in a “Beginner Bocce Bash.” A Single elimination bocce tournament with cash prizes for the top 3 teams. Just $40/team to enter.

The weekend will be filled with Food Vendors, Garlic Vendors, and Craft Vendors. There will be a booth for the deep fried “Holy Cannoli.”

There will be soft drinks, beer, and more. There will be bocce ball, and the Garlic King and Queen. Chef House and Hungry Jax from Food Adventures, will be hosting cooking demos with garlic inside the hall. Weezy’s Garlic, Spices and More will be there with all kinds of garlic goodies for you to buy! Don’t forget the Garlic Eating Contest with host the Big Ragu and a Live Band !

With so much to do and so much to eat, you may have to make a couple of trips back during the weekend….

Some of the food vendors we are expecting over the weekend are:

Garlic Fest and Live Music

Zombie Dogz
Bella Sorella Pizza
Horseless Buggy Food Truck
Wicked Wich of Dayton Food Truck
Giovanni’s Restaurant
Brixx Ice Co.
Mama DiSalvos Restaurant
El Meson Restaurant
Mohawk Freestyle Burger Food Truck
Amber Rose Restaurant
The Hamburger Wagon
Hunger Paynes Food Truck
Voltzy’s
Jimmie’s Ladder 11 Streatery
Sweet P’s Ice Pops
Painted Pepper Food Truck
Gyro Palace
The Spicy Olive Olive Oil Store
The Texas Beef and Cattle Company

We will announce more vendors as they confirm….

Weekend of July 15 – 17th

HERE’S THE SKINNY for the

Timeline of the GarlicFest / Bocce Classic Weeekend:

FRIDAY , JULY 15th

5pm – 9pm: SONS OF ITALY FOOD TRUCK RALLY – 15 trucks, live music, adult beverages

6pm – 9pm: “BEGINNER BOCCE BASH” with LOCAL CELEBS and hosted by “UpDayton”
(Want to enter a team for the local celeb tournament, email foodadv@yahoo.com or call 937-380-6723)

SATURDAY , JULY 16^th

9am – 5pm: BOCCE CLASSIC Tournament opening rounds. (Signup at BocceClassic.com)

9am – 5pm: Concession Booth of Pizza, Meatball Sandwiches, Italian Sausages
from the John Pirelli Lodge/Sons of Italy

Bocce Finals

5pm – 7pm: Dinner from Outback Steakhouse

7pm – 11pm: Bocce Tournament continues

SUNDAY , JULY 17^th

9am: BOCCE CLASSIC tournament continues all day til 6:30pm Championships
(signup at www.BocceClassic.com)

Noon – 8pm: GARLICFEST – 15 Food Vendors, Craft Vendors, Garlic Vendors,
Pop, Beer,

1pm: Cooking Demo featuring a garlic recipe by Jackie “Hungry Jax” Scanlan, from Food Adventures, inside the Bella Villa Hall

Garlic Chicken from Scratch Catering

3pm: Cooking Demo featuring a garlic recipe by Chef LeeAnne House, from Food Adventures, inside the Bella Villa Hall

5pm: Garlic Eating Contest with The Big Ragu as emcee

5:30PM – 8PM: Live Band

So, mark your calendar for the weekend of July 15-17, and bring your breath mints. Stretch out your bocce arm enjoy

Come out to get your garlic fix that weekend and play some bocce ball . Below are photos from last year’s GarlicFest and Bocce Classic. Please check them out…

Feel free to follow Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Ohhhh the food ! Amber Rose dessert

Beer Trucks

Garlic Feta and tomatoes

Cannoli

Cooking Demo

crowd

bocce ball courts

Garlic Eating contest

Grounds

Voltzys Garlic Burger

A Dayton Woman, & Her Macarons!

April 5, 2016 By Dayton937 2 Comments

Katia, Owner of Redémarrage Patisserie

This is the story of a meticulous, local foodie, who developed an obsession with the French Macaron, and took matters into her own hands. Her name is Katia, and she is the owner of a local baking business, called “Redémarrage Patisserie.” She grew up in Beavercreek and being of Lebanese descent she is familiar with good food and parties. She also loves to travel. In other words, she is a Food Adventurer in her own right.

After visiting various pastry shops like Laduree in New York, a fascination with macarons evolved. After trips to Paris, she found more macarons and fell deeper in love with them.

When Katia returned to Dayton, she tried to introduce her friends to macarons, but the local options were either non-existent or not authentic. She researched macarons, the baking, and for a couple years tweaked and narrowed down her distinct recipe. Pretty soon, Katia had her own baking business and named it Redémarrage Patisserie.

They were at the Sweet Treats Festival and invited the Food Adventures Crew to a private tasting… and we are big fans.

Authentic French Macarons

These French Macaron cookies are like nothing we have ever tried before. So, what goes into making these authentic treats, which are some the best macarons for miles around?

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— What is a French macaron? It is part cookie, part cake, part pastry. These delicate, artsy morsels are hard to describe. Authentic macarons are identified through a hallmark along the filling and cookie called “feet.” Macarons should also have an eggshell like crunch when you bite into them. It should lightly shatter in your mouth. Non-crunch, means not authentic macarons.

— The recipes at Redémarrage Patisserie have to be exact. But that is ok, because Katia admits she has a streak of OCD in her. It is as much about chemistry as it is about baking. Her products are gluten free and have only 5 ingredients: Egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, almond flour, and filling.

— Katia has gone to great lengths to get the humidity levels in her home baking area just right, so the environment works for making macarons. It is all about climate control, and she has the dehumidifiers to prove it!

A Coffee Flavored Macaron

— The macarons are little pieces of delicate art. Some have brushed artwork on the cookie cover. All are meticulously crafted into different flavors. They are definitely a hand held Food Adventure. So much work goes into creating them, you almost feel guilty eating them… and then you taste them and your guilt fades away.

— Redémarrage Patisserie typically sells the macarons for $2 each. They are perfect for weddings, wedding showers, baby showers, birthday parties, and any event you want to class up, or impress your friends and family. Katia suggests ordering between 1 to 3 flavors, and recommends the macarons be eaten within 24 hours, so they stay true to form.

Delicious Works of Art

— The best way to place your orders is to call (937) 838-2503, you can also contact them through Facebook HERE. The Patisserie is also in discussions with various corporations about possible distribution deals. You may see them more accessible in the future at a store near you! The outlook is bright for this passionate, local owner!

We were lucky enough to try a sampling of the various macaron flavors and we have to share our favorites. So without further delay, Food Adventures presents their “Must Eat” macarons from Redémarrage Patisserie.

Strawberry Macaroons

MUST EATS:

— COFFEE FLAVORED MACARON: So delicate, yet the flavor takes over in a good way. Creamy and dreamy, this macaron is a Must Eat if there ever was one.

— VANILLA BOURBON MACARON: You can make your own Bourbon Trail without leaving Dayton. Just place a few of these macarons on a plate, and you will hear the accolades. Rich, and filled with full deep flavor, this one is a winner.

— STRAWBERRY MACARONS: Wait for it.. crunch! and yep, the surprise taste of strawberry jam inside. Light and delicious, this macaron could be a favorite of any person with taste buds.

Inside the Macaron

Food Adventures has done it again. We have found yet another little known gem in the Gem City. Family owned, and so well run, we expect to hear big things in the coming months about Redémarrage Patisserie. Call them now and order these one-of-a-kind, authentic creations for yourselves.

Bringing you the best in Dayton food since 2008, join the 6,300 foodies following Hungry Jax, The Big Ragu and Chef House, on Facebook by clicking HERE. We are so much more than a free Instagram account !

We are not Food Critics, we are just 3 people that love to eat !

Vanilla Bourbon

Perfect for Weddings and Showers

Katia’s excitement is infectious

My goodness !

Redémarrage Patisserie for authentic French Macarons

Vanilla Macaron

Artwork galore

Hallmarks of a macaron include the “feet”

3 Places to “Hop to” on the Adult Easter Weekend Trail

March 24, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Adrienne’s White Rabbit Lounge in Centerville

Adults need a break too. Kids can’t have all the fun this Easter. Today, Food Adventures suggests 3 Dayton area spots to go rabid.. errr rabbit on this weekend. They each have something in common. Can you guess what?

Let’s hop to it…..

— ADRIENNE’S WHITE RABBIT LOUNGE: This place is sure to be a future feature on “Dive Bar Tuesday” with Brian Petro. Have you ever been to a bar, where the whole place is .. well the bar? This is one of those places. It is a no-nonsense watering hole. It is a drinking person’s bar. The staff is friendly and the regulars are welcoming too. The drink prices are very cheap and some of the canned beer specials are amazing. Adrienne’s White Rabbit is located in a shopping center at 889 S. Main Street in Centerville. It is a perfect place for a happy hour after a long work day. Want a MUST DRINK this Easter weekend? This time of year, they are known for a PEEP SHOT. Yep, your shot may have a couple of the marshmallow bunny peeps hanging on the rim of the glass. How is that for unwinding? We suggest you start out your Friday evening here, this weekend….

Hairless Hare Brewery in Vandalia has some Great Beers

— HAIRLESS HARE BREWERY: Good beer, brewed on site, is the hallmark for this Easter weekend stop at 738 W. National Rd in Vandalia. The MUST DRINKS here are KICK BACK KOLSCH, AMERICAN ALE, BELGIAN HARE, T-DAWG AMBER ALE and SHADY RIVER WHEAT. Owners Matt Harris, Mike Legg and brewmaster Tony Dawes push the flavor envelope every month with new creations. The Hairless Hare also has some MUST EATS, the PIZZA. Homemade dough and premium toppings like salmon, are the reason these pizzas are unforgettable.

Speaking of unforgettable, do we have one for you, featuring Hairless Hare beers…. Chef House, Hungry Jax and the Big Ragu are excited for an upcoming Food Adventure dinner on April 1st at Company 7 BBQ featuring 5 food courses and 4 Hairless Hare Beers. Did you know you get all that and tip included for $25? Tickets are pre sale only and available at this LINK. Get your seat before they sell out !

— BUNNY’S HASTY TASTY PANCAKE HOUSE: Ok, this is The Big Ragu’s entry, so humor him. Bunny’s Hasty Tasty Pancake House at 3509 Linden Ave. is a Dayton icon. For the last 64 years, this place has been a staple in the Miami Valley. From the waitress BETTY who has worked there since 1974, to their comfort food, The Hasty Tasty Pancake House is one of a kind. We suggest you hit this place Saturday morning or Saturday 9pm and get PANCAKES as the MUST EAT, to soak up the weekend alcohol from the other 2 places. Want a different route? Another MUST EAT deal is the Friday night all you can eat fish fry for $8.25.

So there you go, 3 stops on the Adult Bunny Trail, this Easter weekend. Drink up, eat up and don’t overdo or you may oversleep through the Easter egg hunt!

Are you a foodie? Then Food Adventures is the Dayton blog for you. Each week, Food Adventures has a weekly article, featured right here on Dayton Most Metro. You can also follow Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE. Original dinner events, original food photos, the most thorough food blog, original festivals, original website, original cooking classes, original articles, charity events, tv spots..

Bunnys Hasty Tasty Pancake House

All you want fish on Fridays Hasty Tasty 8.25

Pizza from Hairless Hare

Hairless Hare Beer Menu

Vandalia’s Brewery

Mike, Tony and Matt from Hairless Hare

The star of the Hasty Tasty Pancake House for 64 years

White Rabbit’s Peep Shot

Pour me a Hairless Hare Brew !

Lucky’s Taproom & Eatery – Poised for a Comeback

March 10, 2016 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Poised to Reopen Soon

Lucky’s Taproom is on track to make a big return, and they are leaving nothing to “luck” or “chance.” Andrew Trick, owner and operator has been working long hours, every day, since closing his restaurant due to a health scare. The staff and Drew have scrubbed and sanitized the facility from top to bottom. They have repainted, re-caulked and re-sealed every nook and cranny. Cooking equipment has been sent out to be serviced, and no pan has been unturned.

This is the comeback that will put Lucky’s back on track after a shut down just before they were gearing up for a big 5th year anniversary celebration. Andrew Trick and Lucky’s have prided themselves over the years on using local farms and companies for everything from meats to bread. There motto and business plan has always been to support local.

Besides scouring the entire restaurant, Lucky’s Taproom and Eatery has again gone local by hiring a Dayton area company, Ram Environmental to aggressively address the health of its diners on a molecular level. Lucky’s is erring on the side of caution by investing in a state of the art system that will keep air and surfaces at Lucky’s, virtually bacteria, mold and virus free. This unique “seek and destroy” technology is completely “Green” and is already being put to use in Lucky’s. For the past week 2 large, “Ram Super Scrubber” machines have been running 24/7 in the restaurant completely “disinfecting” all surfaces and air impurities. There are no harmful chemicals, liquids, or ozone involved, and the system is completely safe to be around. Phase 2 will be the installation of a permanent maintenance system that will be placed in the ice machines, walk in coolers, kitchen ductwork and dining room ductwork. The result aims to provide a virtually bacteria free environment.

Vegetarian Goat Burger

Ram Environmental has installed similar systems into Cassano’s Dough Plant and all three Dorothy Lane Market Stores to ensure a bacteria free environment. Local area school cafeterias have also benefited from Ram’s Environmental systems.

Still waiting for Health Department clearance, Lucky’s Taproom hopes to open as soon as Friday night, March 11th, for a limited menu dinner service.

Lucky’s Owner Andrew Trick Invests in the Future

This is great news to area foodies, who have been missing the favorite eatery. Lucky’s, located in the Oregon District at 520 East Fifth Street is known for their burgers, beer selection, fish battered in your choice of beer and a terrific Sunday Brunch.

Fish Dinner – you can pick which beer will batter your fish

Great Burgers at Lucky’s Taproom and Eatery

Cheese Stix

Brunch

Dive Bar Tuesday: Time Out Cavern

March 8, 2016 By Brian Petro

Descending into the very familiar.

There are many criteria on which you can judge a bar. Some people look for a certain selection of liquor, focusing on bourbon or wine or craft beer. Others go because of loyalty; your friend owns it, or bartends there, or they support a certain team you like. There is something to be said for the talent that they have hired. Finding the lady who makes your Manhattan with just the right amount of sweetness, or the gentleman who has a glass of wine poured and waiting for you at your favorite seat, is worth its weight in Pappy Van Winkle. All of these things are lovely, but the real deal is when a bar becomes as comfortable as a well worn sweater. Whether it is a high end bar where you can get a pour of that Pappy or a place where “Pappy” is the nickname of the guy that is ALWAYS sitting at the end of the bar, getting to that point where everyone knows who you are makes the best watering hole. Walking down the stairs into the Time Out Cavern (5543 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, OH 45429), every step feels a little more like home.

Yes, you are walking down, like you are going into someone’s basement. The mirrors and metal signs on the wall span the gamut of styles, from old Apsen Edge (the Coors answer to Bud Platinum or Miller 64) to modern Stella Artois images. At the bottom of the staircase you turn to your right and you would swear you were in your friend’s kick ass basement. There are two pool tables (used for tournaments on Wednesday and are FREE to use on Sunday), two dart boards, a nice long bar, a jukebox filled with excellent tunes, and enough mirrors and beer signs on the walls to explore for majority of your stay. There is definitely a rich atmosphere that throws back to a simpler time in the American bar scene. If you are paying enough attention, you will notice that many of them revolve around the Kentucky Derby.

The owner, John “The Man” Seaman is a lover of horse racing. If you stop by while he is there, you may catch a race on one of the many televisions around the bar. He is such a lover of the sport that every year Time Out Cavern throws one of the best, if not best known, watching parties in the city. They ship in bottles of the official bourbon to serve in the official glasses of the derby that year (which they bring by the case). Of course there is the popular Mint Julep as the star of the night, but they mix up a few house specialties as well. They have a raffle where you can win one of those official bottles, as well as swag from Kentucky Derby’s past. Fancy hats are a must, but there is a low ceiling and not much lighting, so not too fancy.

Welcome to the Cavern! Make yourself at home.

Their beer selection is typical to what you would find in a proper dive bar with a few exceptions like Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Samuel Adams Winter Lager. You can settle down with a Rolling Rock as well, or 22s of Budweiser or Heineken. The cocktail specialties they have are not limited to the Kentucky Derby; while they do not keep an up to date menu for them, they do have a secret menu you can ask for. I am going to go on a limb and say it is one of the few bars of its kind where you will find a Brandy Alexander on the menu. You can also find their signature shot, the Time Out, a combination of raspberry and orange vodka, orange juice, and a splash of sour and grenadine. While they have a good variety of flavored vodkas, whiskeys, and other liquors, their favorites seem to be Jameson and Patron. I am going to go even further out on that limb from earlier and say it is the only dive bar we will cover that you can get a Bénédictine and Brandy, also known as a B and B. It is one of John’s favorite drinks, and definitely a rarity to find.

One thing that really struck me was Bubba’s Corner. It is a baby bar within the bar. On a busy Friday or Saturday night, I could see it being used as a second stop for a beer or a shot of bourbon. It is a shrine than John keeps to an old friend of his who used to like watching the Derby with him. That would be Bubba’s spot in the bar to watch it. When he passed away, the spot was kept for him to keep watching the majestic horse race. In that area there is also a plaque with a dedication to Cpl. Richard Gilbert Jr., a Marine who gave his life in service of his country. He was a regular there, and it is a touching tribute to the sacrifice he and his fellow Marines and sailors made. They have a loyal base of regulars, and that is a sign of a great place to get a drink.

Descending into the Time Out Cavern takes you back. And it sucks you in. Why go back up into the world when there are good beers and plenty of drinks? Well, maybe if you are hungry. They do not serve food there. Plus it is a Browns bar, and we all know how friendly those fans are (Speaking as a life-long Browns fan). Talking to one of the bartenders, I learned that the main entrance near Meadowlark is where the new customers enter; regulars usually park in the back and use the back entrance. Enter where you want, just as long as you enter. A good time will be had by all.

Time Out Cavern is open 2:30 PM to 2:30 AM, Monday through Saturday and 7:30 PM to 2:30 AM on Sunday.

No Joke! Apr 1st Food Adventure With Hairless Hare Beer & Company 7 BBQ

March 3, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

BBQ paired with Hairless Hare Beer

It is going to be a “Hoppy April Fools Day” on April 1st in Dayton. That is because the Food Adventures Crew is showcasing a dinner teaming up two North Dayton favorites. Company 7 BBQ will partner with Hairless Hare Brewery for a 5 course, one-night-only dinner! Hairless Hare is busy brewing four beers to be paired with the five course.

The best thing about this dinner may be the price. Tickets are pre-pay only and are $25, which includes the tip!

***TICKETS MAY ONLY BE BOUGHT ONLINE THROUGH THIS LINK—> click HERE

GREAT LOCAL BBQ:

Company 7 BBQ, in Englewood is known for 7 great, homemade BBQ sauces, and tremendous, slow cooked BBQ meats. Company 7 has been featured on national TV with a spot on the Travel Channel’s show “Food Paradise.” Now it is time for an epic Food Adventure like no other. The owners are a dad, son and a son-in-law, all of whom are firefighters. They learned the BBQ craft through slow cooking methods and the fruits of their knowledge are your treat.

GREAT LOCAL BEER:

Hairless Hare Brewery, in Vandalia since 2013, is known for pushing the envelope of taste and ingenuity. Their variety of beers is unmatched. They experiment with different styles and flavors, and inventiveness is one of their trademarks. So is quality and consistency. Food Adventures met with owners Matt Harris and Mike Legg and, their beer pairings will go perfectly with the great BBQ.

Now, lets recap what you need to know about this one-night-only, one-of-a-kind feast for all you local foodies…

April Fools day will bring some BBQ and BEER together… no joke !

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Smoked Wings are course #2

WHAT: “HOPPY APRIL FOOLS DAY” DINNER at COMPANY 7 BBQ, FEATURING HAIRLESS HARE BREWERY

WHAT ELSE: 5 COURSE DINNER, MATCHED WITH 4 BEERS

WHERE: COMPANY 7 BBQ, 1001 S. Main St., Engelwood, Ohio (St. Rt. 48)

WHEN: FRIDAY NIGHT, APRIL 1st, 2016 at 7:00pm

COST: $25 per person, this includes gratuity. WHAT A DEAL ! Here is the event on Facebook if you want to join, but remember …

**TICKETS MAY ONLY BE PURCHASED ONLINE BY CLICKING —>HERE

COMPANY 7 BBQ MENU:

COURSE 1 : HOMEMADE GUMBO

COURSE 2: SMOKED WINGS

COURSE 3: PULLED PORK SLIDERS with COLE SLAW

COURSE 4: BEEF BRISKET WITH BBQ BAKED BEANS

COURSE 5: HOMEMADE PEANUT BUTTER PIE

HAIRLESS HARE BEER PAIRING:

COURSE 1: TPA DOUBLE IPA

COURSE 2: “RYE THE HELL KNOT” PALE ALE – Aromas of bread and mild spice, with a smooth hoppy finish

Brewmaster Tony from Hairless Hare has our beer needs taken care of !

COURSE 3: CAERBANNOG ENGLISH BROWN ALE – Inspired by the rabbit and holy hand grenade from the movie “Monty Python’s Holy Grail”

COURSE 4: COLD WAR RUSSIAN IMPERIAL STOUT

There is one more thing…. THE AFTER PARTY moves to the bar!!! And we negotiated a “hoppy hour…”

COMPANY 7 has 25 beers on tap and EACH BEER WILL BE ON SPECIAL for only $4 a PINT !

The AFTER PARTY is a cash bar, and the owners of both Company 7 and Hairless Hare will be mingling and answering any BBQ or beer questions you may have!

Get your tickets because the private party room has limited seating! This promises to be the best April Fools event in Dayton !

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Check out our photos below from multiple visits to both Company 7 and Hairless Hare….