#daytonfood

All You Can Eat “Sushi Club” Hits Dayton + win free sushi

April 10, 2015 By Dayton937 329 Comments

The Alaska Roll up front, Raw Pepper Tuna and Raw Salmon in the back

Attention sushi lovers, you aren’t gonna believe this. For the first time ever, an all you can eat sushi restaurant has opened in the Gem City.

This special place, called the “Sushi Club” has been open for a couple of weeks in West Carrollton. Now, before you start thinking of the side sushi at a Chinese buffet, let us stop you, because you’re wrong. This place is more like a Brazilian Steakhouse setup, but for sushi. Actually, it is just a sushi restaurant, with an option to pay $16.99, and order sushi rolls until you are full. That’s how it works. And the quality is great !! Your humble Food Adventure Crew have already visited the place a handful of times, and we are hooked!

***Contest*** Want to win a free all you can eat sushi experience???

Comment below on why you should win and one lucky person will be chosen at random and will win dinner with the Food Adventures Crew at the Sushi Club!

Click to enlarge this roll called “Sexy on the Beach”

You certainly don’t have to get the all you can eat option, but it’s the best deal in the place. So get ready to grab some chopsticks, pour some soy sauce and stir in some wasabi. It is time to indulge to your hearts content! Time for your own Japanese Food Adventure !

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The Sushi Club is located at 2098 S. Alex Rd in West Carrollton

— The best deal is the all you can eat sushi rolls, for $16.99, available all day long. There are 47 different sushi rolls for you to choose from. You can order 2 at a time, and the waitress will bring out your order and you can place another order and so on until you are done. The meal is served with salad, soup and an orange for dessert. The salad is an amazing lettuce and mango salad with creamy dressing. Sometimes, edamame is also served on the house.

— If you want to order Ngiri sushi slices or sashimi raw slices, the fee is and additional 25cents per piece. But it is totally worth it to try 4 or so pieces each visit. The raw sushi pieces are fresh and delicious.

— The staff couldn’t be friendlier. They are very helpful, and always willing to explain the menu with a smile.

— Not a sushi fan? No problem! The menu features Hibachi Steak, Chicken, Shrimp and Lobster too !

With so many choices, let’s just say you can’t go wrong. From mango topped to tuna topped, from yellow tail to salmon roe, whatever you like, Sushi Club will deliver a roll that will blow your mind and your mouth!

After trying nearly 40 rolls, we give to you our patented MUST EATS at the Sushi Club !!

MUST EATS:

The Incredible Roll

— THE ALASKA ROLL: Raw salmon, cucumber and avocado . A simple roll, highlighting fresh salmon.

— SPICY YELLOWTAIL ROLL: This roll is a rarity in the sushi world. Raw yellowtail tuna is chopped and mixed with spicy mayo. The result is a creamy, fresh, raw taste.

— SEXY ON THE BEACH ROLL: We don’t know if they meant to name it the drink name and messed up or what. But we don’t care, it’s that good. Spicy yellowtail on the inside, topped with tuna and salmon

— THE INCREDIBLE ROLL: Shrimp Tempura and avacado, topped with spicy crabmeat, eel and sweet chili sauce. A huge blend of flavors in this one promises to become one of your favorites.

— THE TUNA AMAZING ROLL: Crabmeat, cucumber and cream cheese, topped with pepper tuna, eel and spicy mayo. Whoever named this roll, got it right. Its amazingly naughty.

The Fancy Roll

— THE SOUTH ALEX ROLL: A deep fried roll with smoked salmon, avacado and cream cheese. It is topped with scallions, eels sauce and spicy mayo. Very filling, this one will put a dent in your all you can eat plans.

—THE FANCY ROLL: Tuna, Salmon and avacado, topped with whitefish, miso, and spicy mayo sauce. A nice, big mouthful or flavor.

— THE TUNA ROLL: Raw tuna, and avacado, back to the basic melt in our mouth sushi on this one.

Honorable Mention: A couple of items here are worth mentioning because they are good and because we have not seen them in other sushi place before. Try the raw “Pepper Tuna” Nigiri. It’s lightly coated with black pepper. Also try the Fish Tempura roll. We have never seen these before and it’s not bad. Finally, they offer Raw Tilapia sushi. We again have never seen this anywhere before, and it was very much like yellowtail sashimi. We also love the fact that they have a nice sake selection, and we enjoyed a beer we had never seen on draft before, Kirin Ichiban, one of our fave bottled beers since the early 90’s.

Tuna Roll and Tuna Sashimi

Now… about the free sushi..

***** WIN A FREE ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI DINNER ! *****

Put a comment in the story below and 1 lucky person will win an all you can eat sushi feast with the Food Adventures Crew. One winner will be chosen at random next week !

If you come to the Sushi Club, you won’t ever have the “I just spent $20 on sushi and I am still hungry” problem. Instead, satisfy your sushi cravings and treat yourself! Tell them the Food Adventures Crew sent you ! You won’t regret giving this place a try. Roll on !

Speaking of rolls. We literally have ordered every sushi roll on the menu, so please check out our gallery below for killer pictures on what to expect.

Also – visit Chef House, The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and The King on Facebook by clicking HERE. 5,000 fans can’t be wrong.

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Brixx Adds New Menu Items in Time for Dragon’s Season

April 2, 2015 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

New “Brixx IPA” brewed exclusively by the Dayton Beer Company fro Brixx Ice Co.

A Soft Pretzel as big as a steering wheel? That’s just one of the new “Must Eats” that Brixx Ice Co. has added to their new menu this week, Dont worry, Brixx kept all of your old favorites like the Build your own burger, meatloaf and more. They have just branched out and are experimenting with some new choices, to see if they become favorites.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Owner Chris Bhai and his staff have been in training and are ready with their newest menu.

— Some of these items are so new, they weren’t available for ordering at press time… these specialties were…

The Spicy Chicken Sandwich – Free range chicken breast with spicy sauce, on a kaiser roll

The Hawaiian Chicken – Chicken breast served with a grilled pineapple

Braised Beef Burger – 1/2 pound burger with beef shoulder and gravy on top

Pork Pleaser Burger – 1/2 pounder topped with pulled bbq pork and bacon

Italian Beef Sandwich – with peppers and all

Deep Fried Turkey and Bacon Sandwich – The bacon may be deep fried too

Deep Fried Turkey Hot Shot Sandwich – open faced with the works !

Turkey and Waffles – Brixx’s take on a Southern classic

Food Adventures was however, able to get their mouths on some of the new specialties Brixx is trying out.

We found some delicious choices that are simply, MUST EATS !

Hand Breaded Mac n Cheese Bites, as Big as Baseballs

MUST EATS:

— BRIXX IPA: The first must eat, is a must drink. It is the house IPA, brewed for Brixx exclusively by The Dayton Beer Company. The beer appears milky and cloudy, but tastes true to the form of a mild IPA. In other words it is slightly “hoppy” if you like that groove.

— THE GIANT SOFT PRETZEL: This thing is as big as a steering wheel. It is served with a cold beer cheese made with Dragon’s Milk Beer, which really makes the whole appetizer. It is one of those food items that you can’t stop eating. We could drink the beer cheese dip as a soda.

— MASHED POTATOES and GRAVY SIDE ITEM: New item, but the homemade stuff we have come to expect from Brixx. You won’t see people leaving this side dish on their plate.

— SRIRACHA GINGER BBQ DRAGONS TOES: Whether you get boneless or traditional, this sauce is incredible. You feel the heat up front, then the sweet ginger taste smolders by. Nothing says wings like a mouthful of this flavor. Wow this stuff is good, and packs a small explosion of heat!

Sriracha Ginger BBQ Dragons Toes, Hot and Delicious !

— MAC N CHEESE BITES: These aren’t bites, these are snowball-sized spheres of hand breaded mac n cheese. Leave it to Chris Bhai and Brixx to push the envelope with this sinful menu item. These appetizers are rich, creamy and crunchy all at the same time. This appetizer is our bet to become a fan favorite.

There you have it Food Adventure fans. Now it is your turn to step up to the plate. Whether it’s the new IPA or the new appetizers, Brixx gives you even more reasons to take a swing at their menu with your taste buds. Spring has sprung, and the Brixx’s new menu has begun.

Please check out our gallery below with original photos of the new menu items. No stock or contributed photos here !

Are you a foodie? Want more fun info about dining spots in and around Dayton? Then join the 5,000+ fans who “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE. Don’t forget to check us out each and every week with a feature article here on Dayton Most Metro.

This is Hungry Jax, The King, Chef House and The Big Ragu saying “See ya at the Brixx.”

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Preview of Chuy’s Tex-Mex Restaurant at Austin Landing

March 27, 2015 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Chuy’s Tex Mex is coming to Austin Landing in April with Homemade Mexican Food & Sauces with Signature Drinks

High energy music filled the air Thursday night at Austin Landing. Inside a huge party tent, Chuy’s Tex Mex Restaurant was hosting a bash and giving Daytonians their first taste of this Texas based chain.

Chuy’s managers and promoters were in from Austin, Lexington and Cincinnati to host the celebration of the new store. Even the mascot “Chuy the Redfish” was on hand. Raffle tickets were sold and all monies raised went to benefit Dayton Children’s Hospital.

The crowd was spoiled with margaritas. Mexican beers and a few drink samples. Also featured was a full blown nacho bar. This nacho bar featured a house cheese sauce, meat, refried beans and of course the homemade tortilla chips.

Also on the bar was a homemade salsa, an incredible house made guacamole, and a uniquely delicious creamy jalapeno sauce. Of course we topped our nachos with everything, including sliced jalapenos. The crowd ate and drank and learned about the new Tex Mex player in town. We share with you the highlights.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Chuy’s Tex Mex has over 60 restaurants nationwide, with its corporate headquarters in Austin, TX

— Tentative opening date is slated sometime in the 3rd week of April, 2015.

The Preview Party Spoiled Guests with a Deluxe Nacho Bar

— The management told us nothing is frozen here except ice cream and the kids french fries.

— The full menu can be seen HERE, but the preview tent featured a sample of the Nachos they have been serving up for nearly 33 years.

— Restaurant hallmarks include hand rolled tortillas, homemade guacamole, homemade house sauces and fresh lime juice on most dishes. Also big in their philosophy is community involvement.

— Check out Chuy’s signature drink menu HERE

All in all, the bash was a big success. Chuy’s staff kept it simple, fun and inviting. We will be back soon for a full blown Food Adventure. The King, Chef House, The Big Ragu and Hungry Jax are already scouring the menu for early favorites. Want more FOOD ADVENTURES of the Dayton area? Then “Like” them on Facebook HERE !

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Local Food Event to Feature “Rhinegeists and Poltergeists”

March 26, 2015 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Amber Rose Restaurant hosts “Rhinegeists & Poltergesists” one night only on April 17th

What do you get when you mix 4 courses of great food, 4 great beers, and ghosts? The answer is at The Amber Rose Restaurant on Friday night, April 17th. The beer and dinner pairing is called “Rhinegeists and Poltergeists,” and is the brainchild of Food Adventures food blog and Dayton Dining. The one-night-only event will feature beers from the Cincinnati Brewery, Rhinegeist, paired with the unique tastes of The Amber Rose Menu. There will also be paranormal investigators on hand with new 2015 study findings on the “haunted” restaurant. Tickets are on a pre-pay basis and only available online through DaytonMostMetro.com.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

WHERE: THE AMBER ROSE RESTAURANT – Dayton’s premiere restaurant for European comfort food, in a historic building built in 1912. Practically every menu item is made from scratch, with Lithuanian influences. The Food Adventure will be held in the upstairs private party room.

WHEN: APRIL 17, 2015 at 7PM

COST: Tickets are pre-pay only, $35 per person, and includes tip! TICKETS CAN BE BOUGHT at THIS LINK

FOOD MENU: Owner Joe Castellano and his stellar staff have come up with this 4 Course meal offering:

Course 1: Garlic Chicken & Gouda Flat-bread, Smoked Salmon & Dill Flat-bread

Course 2: Shiitake Mushroom Angel Hair Pasta

Course 3: Roasted Pork Tenderloin topped with Major Grey’s Chutney and served with Cheesy Grits

Course 4: Chocolate Pecan Pie

4 Course Dinner, Served with 4 Beers !

RHINEGEISTS:

Here are the beers that will be featured from the Rhinegeist Brewery in Cincinnati

Course 1: Rhinegeist Rakau: an American Pale Ale

Course 2: Rhinegeist Fool: a Saison Farm House Ale

Course 3: Rhinegeist Zen: a Session Pale Ale

Course 4: Rhinegeist Hustle: a Red Rye Ale

POLTERGEISTS:

As many of you may know, The Amber Rose is supposedly a haunted venue. The ghost is believed to be the daughter of the former house owner. She is a playful ghost named Genevieve Ksiezopolski aka “Chickie.” Employees have many stories of glasses flying off of shelves, lights being turned on and even the appearance of a poltergeist. Take for example this case, where a cook claimed to see a full apparition of a lady in a long dress who walked into the room, then turned and walked away. When the frightened cook alerted the staff, they quickly pulled the security surveillance camera footage. What they saw at the same time the cook claimed to encounter the ghost was this: click to see video.

“Chickie,” one of the ghosts believed to haunt The Amber Rose

A local, three person “ghost hunter” crew will be investigating the Amber Rose facility in the weeks leading up to the dinner. They have appeared on on National Television! Their work has been featured in “America’s Most Haunted,” “My Ghost Story”, and Haunted Ohio VI. Independent Paranormal Investigators Kat Powell and Shelly Suittor met in 1999 as tour guides for the Ohio State Reformatory, Prospect Place, and Snow Hill Country Club. Teaming up with Alicia Soich in 2012, they’ve logged hundreds of hours of field research and private investigations across the state.

What will their findings be? Will they be contacted by “Chickie” or some other poltergeist?

This promises to be the biggest and baddest Food Adventure to date. Get your tickets HERE before they are all gone. We are expecting a sellout crowd of about 100 foodies, beer lovers and fans of the supernatural. We will stick around for some cash bar drinks after the event and discuss beers and hauntings !

Join The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax, The King and Chef House for an unforgettable night of food, fun, and spirits.. literally and figuratively.

For more fun on Dayton’s best places to eat, “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

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Drive Thru Pizza Hits Dayton

March 12, 2015 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Brew & Brews Drive Thru, now serves Fresh, NY Style Pizza

You may have seen the new Brew & Brews Drive Thru that popped up on 741 across from Home Depot. They have the usual drive thru fare, such as beer, wine, pop, chips and candy. But did you know there is now a full blown pizzeria inside as well? Yes ! The addition is called B & B Slices. Now you can get whole pizzas or slices on the go. Whether customers call ahead or just swing by, B&B is sure to have something freshly made to please your pizza cravings.

Yes, a Food Adventure in your car !

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The drive-thru joint is called B & B Slices and is located at 326 N. Springboro Pike in Miamisburg.

— B & B Slices owners are Johnny and Michele Rivera former owners of Johnny’s Slice of NY Pizza. So, if are fans of that place, you can expect the same New York style pizzas.

— Other items available include 3 ingredient calzones for $6 and subs for $6.50.

— Everything is produced with fresh dough, made daily by Johnny himself.

— They have not set firm hours yet, but we assume roughly 11:30-7pm is when you can expect the saucy, cheesy goodness of B&B Slices.

MUST EATS:

New York Style Slices – We prefer Pepperoni or Cheese

— SLICE OF PEPPERONI PIZZA: The hallmark, the flagship if you will. These New York Style slices are a great bite on the go, and a match made in drive thru heaven. The slices are big enough to curb your hunger, but wont stuff you. Fold the slice, take a bite and get your craving in a drive-by.

— CALZONES: Homemade, handmade and perfectly made with fresh dough. Pick your favorite 3 ingredients, and get afork for some marinara dipping action. One of the best in the land.

— WHOLE PIES: Load up the toppings or keep it simple with just cheese, you can’t go wrong with a B & B pizza. If you are feeling really hungry, order one of their signature Brooklyn Brawler Pizzas, which is a mammoth stuffed crust style pizza.

Our Food Adventures Crew love fresh, original ideas like this one. The dough is just as fresh as the concept, and Chef House, The Big Ragu, The King & Hungry Jax are suckers for fresh dough. So the next time you are driving down 741 with a little hunger pain, you might want to drive through Brew and Brews for a slice of paradise.

Hungry for more Dayton eats? Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here! Is your preference food porn? Hit us up on Instagram HERE.

Remember, we are not food critics, we just love to eat !

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New Bar Opens in Centerville to Rave Reviews !

March 5, 2015 By Dayton937 6 Comments

The Barnyard Pizza: Pepperoni, Bacon, Ham and Sausage

Bars are bars right? Well, one new spot that just opened in Centerville’s Normandy Square Shopping Center on 725 next door to Big Lots, aims to prove that theory wrong. Mack’s Tavern owner, Mackenzie Manley, will distinguish her place with unique eats, and an old school, laid back atmosphere, that feels like home. Mack’s Tavern has only been open for a few weeks, but since the VIP soft opening, the buzz and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Food Adventures has already visited the bar a few times, and each trip we notice the beer taps keep rotating, and the menu keeps growing. We have also noticed that the crowds have been steady.

Our Food Adventures Crew is always on the hunt for new and exciting killer food items on Dayton menus. It is our “thang,” if you will. Mack’s impressed us with some kitchen creations, causing us to say her trademark tagline .. “it’s better than expected.” Let’s get to it …

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Mackenzie Manley, Owner of Mack’s Tavern in Centerville

— MACK’S TAVERN first gained attention by winning The Bloody Mary Showdown, in October, 2014 a few months before their doors even opened. Mack’s came out of nowhere to beat the field of competition and have their drink named the best Bloody Mary in Dayton.

— Owner Mackenzie Manley, is using her previous bartender experience, to create a friendly atmosphere, even for families. Mackenzie said kids are welcome, and asks parents to use discretion on how late they stay (she says before 9 pm seems to be the typical time for kids to head home).

— Hours are 2pm-11pm weekdays and 2pm-2am on Fri and Sat nights. This spring she looks to expand hours to opening at 11am for those wanting lunch Food Adventures.

— They have 12 beer taps and currently are featuring some unique beers like Sweetwater Blue and Konig Ludwig Weissbier Hell. Mack’s Tavern also features a IPA named after her dog, Haze. It is called “Haze’s IPA” and is brewed by RedHook Brewery.

— Mack’s features some wildly inventive cocktails. The Angry Orchard Ale with Oak Heart Spiced Rum is just one of them. It is called “Chewys Hogtail” named after the stuffed boar above the bar she has nicknamed Chewbacca. Other drinks include the “Kitty on a Triscuit” with Bombay Sapphire Gin, Watermelon Pucker and orange juice. Or how about the drink named after her dog, Haze. A “Sweet Haze” is a mix of Corzo Silver Tequila, Blue Curacao and pineapple juice.

All these drinks need to be soaked up by some food. Here we go the patented section of the article, where we display our MUST EATS for Mack’s Tavern.

“Chewy’s Boar Bombs,” are Pork Niblets tossed in a delicious glaze sauce

MUST EATS:

— THE BLOODY MARY: Our first must eat is a “must drink.” Come on, if you win Dayton’s best Bloody Mary contest, your drink kicks some serious butt. No brainer here.

— MACK’S SIGNATURE MAC N CHEESE: Served piping hot in a casserole dish, small or large this is cheesey goodness at it’s best. We love the bread crumb toppings for a perfect crunch. They have a few variations, but our favorite is the CHICKEN PARM MAC n CHEESE.

— BROWN BOTTLE CHEESE DIP and PRETZEL STICKS: This is all about the dip, bout the dip, no pretzel. This thick beer cheese dip will melt you. The Food Adventures Crew could drink a glass of this stuff. The flavor is out of this world.

— CHEWYS BOAR BOMBS: They look like wings at first, but they are pork ‘riblets.’ These bites are on the bone and tossed in an amazing glaze sauce. This was the Big Ragu’s favorite menu item of them all. The pork is cooked perfectly, and the sauce will have you licking your fingers like a kid.

Chicken Parm Mac N Cheese, one of Mack’s Signature Dishes

— NOT YOUR GRANDMA’s BREAD: Naan bread topped with feta cheese, spicy sauce, and drizzled with spicy sour cream. The whole thing is toasted, until the toppings are melted. We have never had anything like this in a bar, that’s for sure. Creative and delicious. A Food Adventure on Naan Bread.

— THE BARNYARD PIZZA: Pepperoni, Bacon, Ham and Sausage toppings. Hint: all their pizzas are good. Take the veggie pizza called the “Tree Hugger.” for example which has black and green olives on it with mushrooms, onions, banana peppers and green peppers. Our our favorite name , The “PMS” Pizza. It has Pepperoni, Mushroom and Sausage.

Honorable Mention goes to the Salsa served with chips. It is a smoky tasting salsa, made from scratch and is the secret recipe of Mack’s brother, Jacob. It is addicting !

Mack’s Tavern has plans to expand the menu even more to include a Bourbon Bacon Pulled Pork that will be smoked on site. Also look for burgers to be added to the menu in the near future.

Mackenzie’s dog, Haze, has his own IPA

So you can see, Mack’s Tavern is not your typical bar. Sure they have dart leagues and pool tables. We want to mention that they have some of the friendliest bartenders in town. Mackenzie of course, and Gabby, Stacy and Tiffany always have a smile on their face. Good food, good drink, good people, good times. Check out Mack’s Tavern for yourself and tell Haze and Chewy that the Food Adventures Crew said “woof.”

Want more foodie fun from The Big Ragu, Chef House, The King and Hungry Jax ? Then follow FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook by clicking HERE and “liking” their page. Be sure to browse our gallery below for the sneak peek into MACK’S TAVERN’s food and atmosphere.

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Hungry Jax Shares A Recipe From Her Hometown: Utica Greens

March 3, 2015 By Dayton937 2 Comments

“Utica Greens” is a spicy Italian dish from Upstate NY.

The Food Adventure Crew have come up with a brand new feature that you’ll will see in upcoming months called “KITCHEN ADVENTURES.” Here we will list some of our favorite all time recipes that will release the inner foodie in you. We are also hoping these recipes will impress your family and friends. Don’t worry, we won’t tell them where you got it. It will be our little secret.

Our inaugural installment comes to you from our resident foodie mom, Hungry Jax. May we present to you…

KITCHEN ADVENTURES: UTICA GREENS

Hey all! “Hungry Jax” here. About 9 years ago my husband and I relocated to the Dayton area from our hometown of Utica, NY. Nestled at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, Utica is a culinary treasure that is slowly, but surely making it’s name as one of the most delicious places to eat in the US. It is a city rich in Italian culture and cuisine! Upon relocating, I was homesick, not just for family, but for the culinary creations that are unique to the Utica area. So my kitchen became a laboratory with weekly experiments to recreate these hometown dishes that I love so dearly (talk about a Food Adventure!). I find that these dishes are ones that I love to share with my new friends here in Dayton. Sharing with them not just a great dish, but part of who I am and where I have come from. I’d like to share with you all one of these special dishes and I hope that you enjoy this recipe and maybe even take a stab at making them!

So my dear fellow Food Adventurers, I give you: “Utica Greens“.

I know what you’re asking yourself: “What’s a Utica Green?” “Utica Greens” is a spicy Italian dish made up of escarole, garlic, pancetta, hot peppers, cheese and breadcrumbs. Typically served as a side dish but can easily become a meal with a hunk of Italian bread! I also like to mix these in with penne to make a fun pasta dish, or even cook up with eggs in an omelet or frittata!

Hot Cherry Peppers

It should be noted that the peppers for this dish, Hot Cherry Peppers, are hard to find around here. I have found them fresh at Jungle Jims, as well as at Meijers from time to time. You can find them jarred, but typically those are sweet and not hot. Mild will work fine and if you want to spice thing up, just add more red crushed pepper. I have my brothers mail me these peppers when I am not back north to stock up on them myself!

For this dish you will need:

3 heads Escarole chopped and cleaned well. This type of green can be very “gritty” so I have found it best to let the chopped leaves soak in a sink full of cold water to allow for any dirt on the leaves to sink to the bottom. Rinse once more and then you should be good to go!
One small bag baby spinach
3 cloves of garlic, minced
3-5 chopped Hot Cherry Peppers
3/4 cup Italian Bread Crumbs
1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan – I use a mixture of both)
1/8lb Prosciutto or Pancetta chopped
Olive oil
Salt, pepper and red crushed pepper to taste
Mix together an additional ¼ cup bread crumbs and ¼ cup cheese, set aside

Cut and thoroughly clean the escarole. Add the greens to a large pot of salted water. After water comes to a boil, cook the greens for about 4-5 minutes. Do not cover pot as it will turn your greens brown. Remove and drain.

In a frying pan add olive oil and heat. Fry Pancetta until crispy. Remove from pan and let sit on paper towel to drain.

The Finished Product. Mangia!

Next, add garlic and hot cherry peppers. Cook for just about one minute.

Add the greens and cook just until heated through. Make sure to stir often. Add the spinach a handful at a time until wilted. Add salt, pepper and red crushed pepper to taste.

Take off heat, stir in breadcrumbs and cheese . Top with extra breadcrumbs and cheese and broil for a few minutes to crisp! If the greens look too “wet” don’t hesitate to add more breadcrumbs. You will find that they are crucial for flavoring the dish. Same with the cheese. So add and taste as you go.

Now tear yourself off a big piece of crusty Italian bread and go to town! This will serve about 4 people (or just me).

These also freeze great which makes it easy for me to grab a batch out of the freezer for holidays or unexpected dinner guests!

I hope you enjoy these as much as my family and I do. Let me know if you give it a try!

Mangia!

~ Hungry Jax

Want more Food Adventures and scoop on local eateries?

Follow Hungry Jax, Chef House, The King and The Big Ragu on Facebook HERE !

Buttercream Bliss at The Cakery

February 26, 2015 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Classic Cakery: Chocolate Cake with Buttercream Icing

DISCLAIMER: You may need a tall glass of milk in order to read about our latest Food Adventure.

When the Big Ragu asked Hungry Jax to name one of her favorite places to eat in the Dayton area, she didn’t even hesitate to yell out “THE CAKERY!” She went on and on about their buttercream frosting and how it reminded her of a bakery back in her hometown. So when an opportunity arose to highlight this local bake shop for an article, Hungry Jax about bit off Ragu’s hand claiming this mission! Sure, Chef House, Big Ragu and The King have had a delicious Cakery cake here and there at Birthday Parties, and have even picked up a cake, but our stops have mostly been drivebys. Not the case with Hungry Jax, who’s obsession with the greatness of the Cakery has made her a mini-expert. So on a cold and snowy day, the Food Adventure’s crew ventured out again to see what Hungry Jax was so hyped up about. And we were not disappointed with this full blown Food Adventure!

From buckeyes to wedding cakes, The Cakery can satisfy any craving big or small! This family owned business has been around for almost 20 years, and once you taste their products, you’ll see why! The Cakery opened in July of 1995 (located at 140 Woodman Drive). In 2008, Tom and Karla Kennedy became the third and current owners. Their daughter, Jamie Burchfield, had started working at The Cakery in 2002 after graduating from pastry school. Jamie started out as a cake decorator and most recently has taken on the role of Office Manager after the birth of her second son last year. After seeing a rising need to serve their loyal customers from Jamie’s hometown of Troy, OH and the areas north of Dayton, the Kennedy’s expanded the business. In May of 2013, the Troy location opened (1875 W. Main St.) and has been going strong ever since. We had the privilege of sitting down with Jamie to learn some delicious and fun facts about their crafty creations.

This is our kind of 6 pack!

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The Cakery prides itself on baking all of their goods “in house” and they have the grocery list to prove it. At 1,000lbs of powdered sugar and 200lbs of butter per week, The Cakery ensures that each and every creation is of the best quality and taste!

— There are three main traditional frostings offered for their cakes and cupcakes: Buttercream, Chocolate Buttercream, and White Vanilla Cream. Each week they go through 25 five-gallon buckets of the traditional Buttercream, 8 buckets of their Vanilla cream, and 3 of the Chocolate! But the flavors don’t end there. You’ll also find cupcakes topped with snickerdoodle frosting, lemon, strawberry, peanut butter, caramel, orange cream and more!

— The peak season for weddings tends to be from May-October. During this time, The Cakery averages anywhere from 6-10 Wedding cakes per weekend! And don’t worry Brides, Jamie will ensure that your vision for the cake of your dreams is met. The artists behind the scenes, have made cakes taller than Kindergarteners with all different types of embellishments from fondants and fresh flowers, to pearls and candles. Check out the gallery on their webpage to see some of their amazing creations!

— Zagat.com voted their buckeyes as “The Best in Ohio” and most recently honored as Dayton Magazine’s “2014 Best in Dayton” bakery, beating out other top local confectioneries!

MUST EATS:

— CHOCOLATE CAKE with TRADITIONAL BUTTERCREAM FROSTING: Keep it classic Dayton. You can’t go wrong with indulging in this mainstay. The chocolate cake is moist but not too dense. And the creamy buttercream frosting has just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering. This is an annual combination for Hungry Jax’s birthday cake! The Big Ragu has enjoyed these at many parties. For The King, it was love at first bite.

Chocolate cupcake with buttercream frosting!

— SNICKERDOODLE CUPCAKE: Yes, you read that right. The beloved cookie has been transformed into a cupcake that will leave you wanting more! This cinnamon sugar cupcake is topped with an equally delightful cinnamon frosting.

— ICED BUTTER COOKIES: A soft cake-like sugar cookie topped with the traditional buttercream frosting. You can buy these strait out of their display cases or order them to be decorated for a special occasion!

— BUTTER CREAM SHOTS: Fan of frosting? Well here you can buy a shot-sized dollop of buttercream to indulge in. Be aware though, side effects include an immediate rush of pure joy and contentment that will leave you wanting more! We love crazy foodies who do butter cream shots with us.

—CREAM PUFFS These little puffs of joy are filled with a light and creamy mousse. Absolutely terrific, The Big Ragu and The King claimed these as their favorite.

— Somewhere over the the “RAINBOW CAKE“: This cake is a layer cake sold by the slice. The layers are actually the tops of cakes that the bakers shave off when leveling out a cake prior to decorating. Instead of wasting these perfectly delicious cake shavings, the bakers created a layered cake out of them, alternating the cake layers with strawberry preserves and buttercream frosting. This cake varies slightly from day to day depending on what types of cakes are being made.

Rainbow Cake: No pot of gold is necessary at the end of this rainbow!

— FLAVORED CUPCAKES: Along with the traditional cupcake flavors of chocolate and white cake, you’ll also find a large variety of specialty cupcakes. Orange cream, strawberry lemonade, strawberry cream, peanut butter and jelly, almond, and banana are just a few. Each of these are topped with unique frosting s to complement the fun flavors of the cake.

— FILLED CUPCAKES: In addition to the tasty flavors, The Cakery also creates cupcakes that are filled with frosting, mousse, or custards. Some flavors are cookies and cream, key lime and chocolate truffle.

— BUCKEYES: Zagat.com got it right! These peanut butter filled bites of delight are truly some of the best around! The King could have eaten a couple dozen of these things.

Honorable Mention: Gourmet cakes that deserve mention are the Carrot Cake, Spice Cake, and Humming Bird Cake (tropical cake made with pineapple and coconut with an apricot filling). The King, loved the carrot cake. Also, don’t forget the Layer cakes, which can be filled with a variety of fruit preserves, fresh fruit, custards, mousse and more!

The choices and combinations of cakes and desserts are endless! Cakes start around $17 and cupcakes at $1.50. If you have a special order to place, be sure to give them at least 2-3 days notice to ensure that the bakers can meet your needs.

If you’re a bride, it’s highly recommended you book them once you have a sate set as their schedule fills up fast. They also have a variety of goodies you can order, such as brownies, tarts, pastries, cookies, and other treats that you can indulge in.

Shots are on us !

So, the next time you have a sweet craving or need a cake to celebrate a special event, let the creative team at The Cakery meet your needs. Stop in and try some of these tasty treats and let us know what you think! Check out their website for more information, or follow them on Facebook!

The next time you are hosting a party, and need some desserts, stand up on your chair and announce to the family.. “LET THEM EAT CAKERY !”

Please browse of photo gallery below, and leave your comments about The Cakery. We would love to hear your take!

Follow Food Adventures on Facebook for more foodie scoop from all over Dayton !

We are not food critics, we are just four people that love to eat !

You can check out our weekly feature articles here on Dayton Most Metro every Thursday.

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Dayton’s Housemade Sauces: Taking Oregon District by Storm

February 12, 2015 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Taking the Oregon District by Storm

A local company called HouseMade, has been heating up the local food scene with their sauces, particularly the HouseMade Sriracha sauce. Ground zero of this inferno seems to be the Oregon district. Lovers of spicy food have delighted in the surge of sriracha around the Fifth Street area. The cause of the local warming of the taste buds is Dayton area Chef, Leanne House.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Chef House developed her signature sauces throughout her culinary career, but only started bottling them last year. Since that time the bottles have exploded in popularity.

— The past 12 months have definitely been a whirlwind for her. In that time she has grown her business 1000 fold, joined the blogging team of Dayton Most Metro’s own Food Adventures Crew, and accepted the job of Executive Chef at Mudlick Tap House. She will be launching her new menu in the coming weeks. Did we mention that in the same time frame, her sriracha sauce won 1st place at a hot sauce competition in Louisiana, and her hot honey sauce won 1st place at Jungle Jim’s Weekend of Fire event?

— Whats her secret? It is twofold. First she uses Ohio grown peppers, and everyone knows Ohio produce rocks. Secondly, her workers take the time to peel the stems off of each and every pepper. Other sauces leave the stems on, but there are no bitter pepper stems in her sauce !

— Dayton homeless charity, HOMEFULL, is growing peppers this year for Housemade. They will team with Ohio farms Folsom and Pine Farm, in Columbus, who will start the seeds. Homefull will grow the plants to maturity, and expect to grow over 1000 pounds of peppers this year. The eventual goal would be to grow all the peppers needed for the year here in Dayton, creating more jobs at Homefull, thereby benefiting Dayton’s homeless population. Housemade is all about giving back to the community.

Chef House in front of her Housemade Sauce Display at Dorothy Lane Marrket

— Housemade Sauces and other products have crept their way through the nooks and crannies of the Oregon district, or as she has named it, the “Oregon Trail.”

Here are places in the Oregon District area that have Housemade Sriracha sauces and products in stock, or feature them in their food menu:

THE “OREGON TRAIL” INCLUDES:

1. THE OREGON EXPRESS – Their “SRIRACHA PIZZA” is one of our favorite pizzas of all time

2. SPICE PARADISE – Local spice grocer has sauces and rubs for sale

3. LILY’S BISTRO – They feature the local sriracha in their kitchen and are one of the only restaurants in Dayton to feature the sauce in their bar drink offerings

4. TOXIC BREW COMPANY – Porn or prawn beer & bloody beers featuring Lily’s bloody Mary mix and Housemade Sriracha

5. LUCKY’S TAP ROOM & EATERY – A recent addition to the “Oregon Trail,” having just bought some Sriracha to feature on their menu

6. THE TROLLEY STOP – Not originally in the trail, but they are another recent addition. Look for them to feature the sriracha in their menu and maybe bar drinks

7. ECLECTIC ESSENTIALS – Art, Jewelry, antiques, and now Housemade sauces and products !! One of our first vendors!

8. CLASH DAYTON – Art gallery, clothing store, and a great place to get Housemade Sriracha! One of our first vendors!

9. THE DUBLIN PUB – Now featuring Housemade sauces at their restaurant

10. WHEAT PENNY OVEN & BAR – Has recently featured the locally made sriracha on their pizzas

HouseMade has over 60 vendors throughout Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.

Full list of Dayton Vendors CLICK HERE . Full list of Dayton Restaurants featuring Housemade CLICK HERE. List of Columbus, Cincinnati, and more vendors CLICK HERE

Housemade now offers Salts & Rubs

MUST EATS:

— HOUSEMADE SRIRACHA: The flagship sauce. Sweeter, bolder and better than the srirachas you are used to. No bitter stems in this locally made sauce !

— HOUSEMADE HOT HONEY: This Thai Chili hot honey makes anything it is drizzled on taste amazing. Warning-highly addictive.

— HOUSEMADE SALTS & RUBS: One of a kind rubs for your meats including: Tomatillo-Serrano, Thai Chili and Smoked Sriracha flavors respectively. Spice up your life with these babies!

— HOUSEMADE JAMS: Limited availability. Our fave flavors include Vanilla-Pear and Pineapple-Mango ! Homemade and one-of-a-kind fresh tastes.

What is next for Chef LeeAnne House?

She will be featuring quite a few of her products at Mudlick Tap House.

The Hard to find Jams from Housemade are Extremely Delicious

1. Tomatillo serrano smoked salt in the fresh greek yogurt cheese ( I am making this)

2. Sriracha in the house made chorizo

3. Sriracha in the pimento cheese

4. Hot Honey will be appearing in Chef House’s cakes. Mudlick Tap House will have a daily offering of fresh cakes at the bar. It will be one of the first things you see when you walk in.

Chef House’s lifelong passion has been the culinary world. She was raised in area restaurants owned by her parents. In recent years, she has been lucky enough to share kitchens with some of Dayton’s best chefs. Benefit from her hard work, by getting some of the best sauces on the planet! Get on the bandwagon and join the thousands in Dayton that are eating up the Sriracha sauce and other HouseMade creations.

Check out more of CHEF HOUSE and the FOOD ADVENTURES CREW here on FACEBOOK !!

Feel free to browse the gallery below of Dayton’s own, Housemade Sauces !

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White Castle: Yes or No ? Comment to Win a Crave Case of Sliders !

February 5, 2015 By Dayton937 40 Comments

Nothing like the smell of a White Castle. Same applies 5 hours later

The White Castle Hamburger in its Natural Habitat

Sliders. People either love them or hate them. Only Food Adventures would tackle such a volatile subject. What is your opinon? We need your vote by commenting below, and there is a prize at stake. We ask the question: White Castle….. YES or NO ?

One lucky winner will be chosen at random to win a bonus prize. If you win and your vote was YES, you get a Crave Case of 30 White Castle hamburgers. Eat them yourself or give them as a gift to your favorite foodie.

If you win and your vote was NO, we can negotiate another burger gift card (Voltzys or Hamburger Wagon, etc).

But this is your chance to be heard.

Do you crave their food or do you despise it? Stand Up! Be Heard !

White Castle….. YES or NO ?

WHERE DO THE FOOD ADVENTURES STAND?

CHEF HOUSE: “My vote is NO. I seriously don’t eat fast food.”

HUNGRY JAX: “My vote is YES. They remind me of my mom’s ‘steak umms’ sandwiches, so for me it’s nostalgic.”

THE KING: “My vote is NO. This vote is based on the after effects.”

White Castle: Do you love ’em or hate ’em ?

THE BIG RAGU: “My vote is YES. The secret is, don’t eat more than 4 at a time, and you will crave them again.”

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— White Castle locations in the Dayton area are a dying breed. Only 2 remain, one at 5201 Salem Bend in Trotwood, and one at 6901 State Route 123 in Franklin. The next 2 closest locations are in Middletown and South Lebanon. But the chain, still has a cult following.

— The first White Castle hamburger was served in 1921 in Wichita, Kansas. However, since 1933 the company’s headquarters have been in Columbus, Ohio

— For all you romantic types, every year on Valentines Day, White Castle offers to reserve a candlelit table for two, complete with a server.

For those of you who have never had the pleasure of a White Castle burger, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu scoured the menu for our “MUST EATS. ”

Onion Chips: the Crispy Catalyst, for a Full Experience

MUST EATS:

— CHEESEBURGERS: The tiny hamburger patty has 5 curious holes punched in the meat, like a #5 on a 6 sided dice. It is steam-grilled with onions and topped with cheese and served with pickle on a bun. Some people grab some ketchup and mustard packets to add later, others are purists and eat them “as is”

— HAMBURGERS: Same as above, but with no cheese. This is the famous “slider.” People have been known to throw down 10 or more of these bad boys. Caution: It is nicknamed “slider” for its gastro intestinal wrecking power of sliding in, and sliding out.

— ONION CHIPS: Delicious and addicting. But beware, these are the catalyst for stomach grumbling and mixed with sliders, can produce super powered “Dutch Oven” options at night.

— DOUBLE CHEESEBURGER: This sandwich is White Castle’s big hunk of burning love. This is a double stacked cheeseburger and is surprisingly filling. Two of these and you are good to go.

Now, it’s your turn. We need you vote thumbs up or thumbs down to White Castle. Yes or No to Slider utopia !

PLEASE COMMENT BELOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN !

For more crazy and original foodie fun, check out FOOD ADVENTURES on FACEBOOK by clicking here !

Browse the gallery below for the myth and legend of White Castle Hamburgers.

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Archer’s Tavern Announces Menu for “50 Shades of Grape” Event

January 20, 2015 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Not “tied up” on February 10th ??

Then you should know that the Food Adventures Crew is teaming with Archer’s Tavern and Dayton Most Metro for a one-of-kind Wine Pairing Dinner on that night. Dubbed a “50 Shades of Grape Food Adventure Event,” it promises to be at sold out capacity, with tickets being pre-pay only.

The dinner is a brainchild of Food Adventures with Big Ragu and the Crew, and is obviously timed with the release of the popular book to movie release, “Fifty Shades of Grey.” Archer’s was the perfect venue for this event. Partner Dan Apolito and manager Myron Yoder worked with the kitchen staff to develop a menu that rings true with fans of the book. The result is a 4 course dinner, paired with 4 glasses of wine. The powers that be have chosen to keep the wine pairings a secret, much in the spirit of the blindfolds in the book’s story line.

It should be an exciting night with many door prizes, gift certificates, and giveaways, including 2 tickets to the upcoming movie “50 Shades of Grey.” As always, these Food Adventures always hold many surprises. This one may include a blindfold taste test or two.

Wanna join us?

HERE’S THE SKINNY :

WHEN: TUESDAY NIGHT, FEB 10th, 2015 from 6:30pm – 8:30pm

WHERE: ARCHER’S TAVERN in CENTERVILLE

WHAT: 4 FOOD COURSES, 4 WINES

COST: PRE-PAY ONLY – LIMITED SEATING $35 per person, includes the tip

HOW: TICKETS MAY ONLY BE BOUGHT ONLINE THROUGH Dayton Most Metro –> CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS BEFORE IT SELLS OUT !

MENU ANNOUNCED !!!

COURSE # 1: BACON WRAPPED MISSION FIGS STUFFED WITH BLEU CHEESE, to be served with a mystery wine #1

COURSE # 2: SEASONAL MELON AND PROSCIUTTO SALAD, to be served with mystery wine #2

COURSE #3: COCOA AND CHILI RUBBED FLANK STEAK, WTH A COCOA MERLOT REDUCTION SAUCE, to be served with mystery wine #3

COURSE #4: LEMON SYLLABUB, a light and creamy parfait like dessert, to be served with wine #4

We are excited to be a part of the menu showcases of Archer’s on this fun filled evening. Get your tickets before they sell out !!

The entire Food Adventure Crew of Chef House,The King, Hungry Jax, and The Big Ragu will be in attendance autographing any of your fuzzy handcuffs, gray ties and boxer shorts that you bring to the dinner. We are also happy that Dayton Dining’s Lisa Grigsby will be joining us!

If you are a Dayton area foodie, then make sure you like Food Adventures on Facebook HERE !

Feel free to browse our photo gallery below .. Mr Grape will see you now ….

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Flavors in Centerville Offering Healthy Meal Plans “To Go.”

January 10, 2015 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Zucchini Boats from Flavors are Delicious !

Today, The Food Adventures Crew shows you an easy way to keep your New Year’s resolutions for healthy eating. Flavors in Centerville continues to launch their “Meals by Flavors” option, where you can plan your healthy meals for the week. You can pre-order 1 meal, or as many as you want. Imagine that, full on, healthy Food Adventures in convenient packages!

We all love Flavors Eatery for their one-of-a-kind, healthy food specialties, that taste delicious. They have so many dishes that taste amazing, yet are low calorie, low carb and packed with nutrients. When new owner, Ryan, bought the Centerville location from Elaine and Rich, he stayed true to their menu. One of his visions was adding this meal program that helped him lose weight.

Now, you can get certain meals “to go” and keep your waistline healthy throughout the week. With “Meals By Flavors” you can turn your resolution, into a lifestyle.

To stay skinny you gotta know the scoop.. so here it is…

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Centerville Flavors Owner, Ryan and his son

— The concept is simple. Stay on track with your diet by substituting legumes and vegetables for your favorite carb foods. The idea is to “fool” your tastebuds into thinking you are eating your favorite foods. A perfect example is using shredded Zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti or pulverized cauliflower instead of rice. The menu is developed to taste good, and deliver all the nutrition and protein your body needs, in a low fat meal. Simply stated, the flavors are so good, you don’t miss a thing because it satisfies your cravings.

— You must email flavorsorders@gmail.com to request a menu, and to place your orders too . Orders take approx 48 hours to prepare, and may be picked up at the Centerville location at 865 E. Franklin St.

— Orders are typically packaged in air tight containers, so that when refrigerated, they will last a few days. Some dinners will last longer than others, depending on ingredients and packaging.

— Menu prices typically run between $6 – $12, depending on the dish. Please note: the $12 meals were sometimes enough for two meals, and we have big appetites.

Now, we present a Food Adventures first. Our all-time healthiest list of “Must Eats,” thanks to “Meals By Flavors”

MUST EATS:

— ZUCCHINI PIZZA BOATS with TURKEY PEPPERONI & MIXED GREENS SALAD: Hulled zucchini filled with marinara sauce, spinach, fresh basil, fresh oregano, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. The boats are then topped with a little bit of thinly sliced, fresh mozzarella and turkey pepperoni. (In the past we have also seen these offered with lean ground beef). The result is a cross between a pizza and a potato skin, with hardly any calories. Fantastic must eat, at the top of our list.

Stuffed Green and Red Peppers

— FISH TACOS: The fish offered is usually Salmon and/or Tilapia, and sometimes Wahoo whitefish. The fish is seared and served with a cup of spicy Boom-Boom sauce, two low-carb tortillas, and Flavor’s signature salsa loaded with lime and fresh cilantro. It also comes with a side of apple and vegetable slaw lightly seasoned and placed on a bed of fresh baby spinach.

— CHUNKY CHICKEN SALAD: One of our Food Adventure faves, right off the flavors menu! It starts with spinach and romaine salad with hand-pulled roasted chicken. Also packaged are black beans, apple and veggie slaw, sunflower seeds, cheddar-jack cheese, and of course, Flavors House Sauce. Light, fresh and delicious, this chicken salad is a must eat, no brainer.

—ROASTED RED PEPPER PIZZA: The dough is actually a low carb tortilla. It is then loaded with spinach and roasted red, green, and yellow peppers. Add to that a generous portion of chicken and cheddar-jack cheese blend. This meal is served with a side of buttered, poached carrots.

— AVACADO COOKIES: Made with nothing except Avacado these dark black cookies are amazing and a guilt free treat.

Honorable Mention: Red and Green Stuffed Pepper Dinner: A big meal of peppers stuffed with homemade refried beans, roasted chicken, spinach and topped off with salsa. It is served with a side of mixed veggies.

Also the Smoked Brisket Salad deserves a mention. Thinly sliced smoked brisket on a mix of romaine and spinach leaves. Meal also includes apple-veggie slaw. The salad is also topped with a bed of black beans, sunflower seeds, and Flavors House Sauce!

Flavors Eatery always pleases, and their “Meals By Flavors” program is no different. Brillant usues of legumes, vegetables and sauces make guilt free seem so easy.

But our article doesn’t end here…. With Flavors Eatery there are 3 other important things we would like to mention.

**** 3 OTHER THINGS TO NOTE ***

1) The Flavors Eatery in Centerville now serves dinner every day until 9pm, except Tuesday and Sunday. This is great news for many of us that enjoy flavors, but wished they had extended hours. Our prayers have been answered!

2) There is a Flavors Eatery now in Downtown Lebanon, at 4 South Broadway, where Rich and Elaine have expanded their franchise! They are running the new restaurant just like the original ! Stop in and say hello to this great mom and pop team !

3) Bottles of FLAVORS AMAZING HOUSE GARLIC SAUCE are available at Dorothy Lane Market. What are you doing sitting there? Grab a bottle already ! This sauce goes great on anything from chicken and seafood, to salad and nachos.

So get on your computers, email flavorsorders@gmail.com, and tell them you want the “Meals by Flavors” menu. For those of us with a busy lifestyle, it keeps your diet on track during the week!

Want to keep on track with all the foodie happenings in Dayton? Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook, and join the thousands that know, we set the cutting edge trends that other follow. Keep up with the Food Adventures crew of Hungry Jax, Chef House, the King and the Big Ragu and comment on your favorite eateries.

Also – check out our 50 photos below of Flavor’s best items !

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Ashley’s Pastries: Rob Lowe & Martin Sheen Love ’em Too!

December 30, 2014 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

The Sandy Tart Cookie was a favorite on the set of the “West Wing” TV show

“A” list celebrities like the Martin Sheen, Rob Lowe, and of course the Food Adventures Crew, love Ashley’s Pastry Shop in Oakwood.

A small but bustling shop, this family business has developed a loyal following through quality baked goods of all kinds. From cookies and cakes, to pastries and specialty items, this place is a treasure trove for a good Food Adventure. Our own Chef House has been visiting Ashley’s Pastry Shop for decades, and introduced The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and The King to this place. Now, after a couple months, we are hooked too! It seems the secret to the pastry shop’s success is hard work, friendly service, and the most delicate and delicious pastries in the Dayton area.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Owners Theresa Hammons and her husband Greg, opened the shop in 1982 and named it after their newborn daughter, Ashley. The place is always busy with patrons dropping in and leaving quickly with their bag of goodies, and a smile on their face.

— Ashley’s Pastry Shop has lots of trademark items that are available year round, but they also have an endless array of custom made items. Also, some of the pastries available, change to fit the particular season of the year.

— Professional service and quality foodstuffs make them an easy “go-to” for personalized cakes and cookies for any occasion. They also make homemade pies, dinner rolls and breads in-house!

Theresa Hammons has sent her pastries from Hollywood to Broadway

— The company prides itself on community involvement, and supports many local charities.

— The quaint storefront is located at 21 Park Ave, in Oakwood, and also offers catering, delivery and wedding cake services.

With the literally hundreds of items at this pastry shop, it can be hard to sort through favorites. It will take months of visits before you hone in on your faves. There are so many original items, and that’s one of the reasons that we love this place so much. They set the trends, no copycat stuff here.

Let’s explore those one-of-a-kind items that surpass the best of the best. We present our patented, “MUST EATS !”

MUST EATS:

— GLAZED CROISSANTS: Hands down, the best croissant we have ever eaten. It is part croissant, part doughnut. Light, yet filling, this is a sinful take on the French pastry. Ah, Mon dieu !! Oui, Monsieur. We have never had anything like it anywhere else. Made fresh daily, they produce a ton of them, but they go fast ! Grab one and then thank us later, because this is the “piece de resistance.”

— “YUM YUMS”: A Dayton original. A doughnut folded inside itself, is the only way we can explain it. It is a rich glazed doughnut with a unique design. It pulls apart from your hand to your mouth like a string of cheese pizza sometimes. It is a masterpiece of glazed magnificence, and a MUST EAT on any Food Adventure visit to Ashley’s Pastry Shop.

— SANDY TARTS: A unique twist on a sugar cookie. Cinnamony (is that a word), with a touch of chocolate mousse-like, creamy topping make the cookies irresistible. The cookie is another Dayton Original, like no other. These are the cookies that the TV Show the WEST WING would have delivered to the set on a weekly basis during the show’s run. The cookies were known to be favorites of Martin Sheen, Rob Lowe and Allison Janney, who, of course, are all Dayton natives. We don’t know if “Scrawny Arms Rob Lowe,” ” Hairy Rob Lowe,” or “Creepy Rob Lowe“ like the cookies too.

— THE PECAN SLICES: A Pastry that is part danish and part pecan pie. Again, We have experienced nothing like this breakfast dessert. The pastry is drizzled with icing and topped with pecans. We believe there may be a slight touch of caramel involved too. Original in design and big on flavor, it is a melt in your mouth, flaky slice of love. It is sturdy enough to dip in your coffee. Go for it, the worst that could happen is you knock a little pecan flavor into your cup.

The Glazed Croissant is the best croissant you will ever sink your teeth into

— CARROT CAKE CUPCAKE: There is a reason we give you must eats. Because you might not have never tried this one. Are you a lover of carrot cake? Well this is the flavor and richness of an entire cake in the confines of a huge cupcake. Iced on top with a decorative carrot, the inside is a perfectly moist creation. It is one of those food that when you eat, and try to tell people how good it is, but you just get out a mumbled “oh my gaaaa.” A glass of milk is the perfect compliment to this delicious dessert.

— THE BLUEBERRY DANISH: Made from scratch by people who know the craft. Not an original idea, but one of the sweetest, and flakiest slices of deliciousness we have ever eaten. As you take a bite, the pastries delicate fluff yields to the gobs of blueberry filling staring you right down the pike. Truth be told, we could each probably eat 4 of these. All the flavors of danish are insanely good here. Just keep away from our pile, ok ?

We wanted to throw out a quick “thank you” to the attentive staff who is always so friendly and helpful when we visit, even though they are extremely busy.

There are so many other amazing items at this bakery, that you must see it for yourself. From gingerbread houses, to packed display cases of cookies and cakes, it is a sight to behold. The Food Adventures Crew loves to see places like Ashley’s Pastry Shop thriving after 32 years in Dayton. Stop by the little shop in Oakwood and see how originality, hard work and friendly service has produced magical results.

Please check out our HUGE PHOTO GALLERY below of pastries and more from Ashley’s !

Are you a Facebook foodie? “Like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here, and find your paradise.

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Merry Shish-mas ! Who wants a $20 gift Card to Shish Wraps?

December 19, 2014 By Dayton937 22 Comments

You Spin Meat, Right Round Baby right Round, like a record baby, right round, round round

Twas the night before Shish-mas, and all through the house, stomachs were growling, even your spouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that Shish Wraps Gift Cards, soon would be there.

Food Adventures has your chance to win a $20 Gift Card to Shish Wraps, and check out their fairly new menu. All you have to do is comment on the story below to be entered in the contest. A winner will be drawn next week at random.

Shish Wraps took a hiatus earlier this year to completely revamp their menu. We took this opportunity to write another article about one of our most beloved Dayton places. A second helping of shish for you all, if you will.

They have stayed true to the traditional essence of their food, keeping old favorites and expanding the Mediterranean choices to include more delicious items.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

The Gyro meat is freshly shaved, like Big Ragu’s back

— Shish Wraps restaurant is located at 1200 Brown Street near the University of Dayton. It is owned by 2 brothers Simon and Tony Abboud, who are Univ. of Dayton graduates who grew up in Centerville.

— The food is fresh and practically everything is made from scratch, from the sauces to the hummus. We are talking the real deal here, with freshness you can taste in every bite. Along with freshness, they promote healthy eats.

— There are now 2 ways the meats are cooked at Shish Wraps:

1) On a spindle called a vertical broiler. This is how the gyros and shawarma are cooked

2) Over flame, on rotating kabob skewers for a char-grilled taste. This is how the Chicken Kebobs and Kafta (ground beef strips) are cooked.

— Affordable cuisine, with meals averaging 6 to 8 bucks.

MUST EATS:

SHISH HAPPENS at Food Adventures: The King, Shish owner Simon, and Hungry Jax

— CHICKEN SHAWARMA: This is the wrap that hooked Hungry Jax on Shish. The chicken breasts are marinated for 24 hours with 7 secret spices. It is then stacked on the vertical cooker and away we go … When someone orders this wrap, they freshly shave the meat off of the rotating spindle. The wrap is filled with french fries, pickles and more. Simon tells us this is the traditional way they eat it in the Middle East. Not only do we love eating it too, we just like saying the word shawarma, .. shawarma,… shawarma, sha, warm, a… Little drummer boy, if you are going to bang the independent restaurant drum, come here instead of eating that dark meat chicken mix crap at Chipotle every week. No rice filler, just good shawarma.

— TRADITIONAL GYRO: Freshly shaved gyro lamb meat, off the spindle is the main muscle for this sandwich. Served in a traditional gyro pita, with tomatoes, onions and house tzatziki sauce. Filling and addicting, this flavor packed gyro has a future brighter that Rudolph’s nose. The King loved his so much, he is craving another one now ! For those who are fowl fans, the chicken gyro is almost as amazing.

Baba Ganoush, All I Want For Shish-mas … is You !

— HOUSE MADE HUMMUS: Only 4 ingredients in this hummus. The biggest ingredient is crushed chick peas. This is real authentic hummus. Shish owner, Simon tells us the store bought stuff is flavored so much, and so much junk is added, it isnt even hummus anymore. Stick with the expert. Try this appetizer, that is light and airy like Santa’s sleigh across the winter sky. An appetizer that is simple, yet authentic.

— BABA GANOUSH: The base is pureed eggplant and Big Ragu’s favorite. Trust us, it is beyond amazing. It is a smoky, hummus like dip, served cold or at room temperature. The appetizer is accompanied with pita chips. This is another item at Shish Wraps that we like to say as much as we love to eat, especially while watching Wedding Crashers.. or A Christmas Story. Baba Ganoush, ba ba gaaa noush

— SHISH CRISPS: Deep fried pita chips, tossed in cinnamon and sugar. Right now they are served plain, but they are toying with serving them drizzled in a caramel sauce, or side of chocolate dipping sauce. Stay tuned for improvements on this delicious dessert.

We also have to stress that the staff is friendly, helpful and informative on the nutritional value of the ingredients. A big thanks to Simon Abboud who is always welcoming when we visit.

Honorable Mention Foods: Tabouli – a healthy choice of parsley dashed in olive oil and garlic, that is freshly chopped in-house. Spices right off the vine, and no canned tomatoes here! It is seasoned with the perfect amount of lemon juice.

Click to enlarge this juicy Kafta, cooking on an open flame

The Kafta Plate – Kafta roasting on an open flame, Jack Frost nipping at your nose. Served with 2 sides, it is delicious. Or try Kafta Wrap which is pretty much a beef shawarma, with a kafta beek link for the meat. Deliciousness on the go.

Speaking of which, it is time for us to go, but before we do….

Chef House, The King, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu wish you and your family a safe and wonderful holiday season….

And the Food Adventurers exclaimed as they drove out of sight “Merry Shish-mas to all, and to all a good bite !”

Sink your teeth into more Food Adventures HERE ON FACEBOOK !

Check out our photos below from our many trips to Shish Wraps.. If you havent been there, you gotta try it, you won’t believe this shish …

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Beer & Dinner Event Gives Chance to Meet Brewery Owners

December 12, 2014 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Six Ohio Beers, Four Dinner Courses, One Night Only

Ever wanted to meet the owner of your favorite local or regional brewery? December 18th may be your chance.

Big Ragu and the Crew and Dayton Most Metro are teaming up again to bring you another EXCLUSIVE, one of a kind, Food Adventure. The result is a “craft beer lovers dream come true.” They are partnering with some of the areas best breweries and restaurateurs for a unique experience.

Stone House Tavern in Waynesville is hosting this first ever, IPA HOLI-DAZE Beer Tasting and Dinner Course Pairing. The ONE-NIGHT-ONLY event is an educational celebration of Ohio beer and some of the best India Pale Ales.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Dan Apolito, part owner of Stone House Tavern, and his staff have coordinated with 6 breweries. The result is a once in a lifetime showcase of the region’s stellar IPA’s, paired with Stone House Tavern’s popular menu.

— The Food Adventure event will be held Thursday evening, December 18th, 6:30-8:30pm at Stone House Tavern, in Waynesville. Many attendees will stay after the event mingling for a meeting of the “beer minds.”

— The intimate setting will allow each brewery owner and/or brewmaster to explain the origins of their brewery, and the various steps in creating their distinct beers. There will also be a chance to ask questions and mingle with the masters. When else will get you get a chance to give input, ask questions or pick the brain of Ohio’s best brewers?

— Each attendee will be treated to 6 beers and 4 dinner courses, for the price of $30, which includes the tip! A great deal for an opportunity of this kind.

— Door prizes, souvenirs and giveaways will be provided by Food Adventures, Dayton Most Metro, Dayton Dining, Stone House Tavern, and the breweries.

— Tickets are pre-pay only and seats are limited (no refunds). Get yours before it sells out. Tickets may only be bought online BY CLICKING HERE Makes a great, unique Christmas Gift!! As of Friday afternoon 12/12/2014, less than 20 seats were available…

THE SHOWCASED BREWERIES THAT WILL BE ON HAND INCLUDE:

*** YELLOW SPRINGS BREWERY, YELLOW SPRINGS, OHIO:
NATE CORNETT, Owner and Brewmaster will be at the tasting presenting his India Pale Ale.

*** RIVERTOWN BREWERY, CINCINNATI, OHIO:
JASON ROEPER, Owner and Brewmaster will be sharing info on his nationally recognized beers.

*** DAYTON BEER COMPANY, DAYTON, OHIO:
PETE HILGEMAN, Owner and Brewmaster is going to be at the event, with his special take on brewing.

*** LOCK 27 BREWING:
STEVE BARNHART, Owner and Brewmaster will explain his journey into beer making, and his philosophies on craft beer.

*** WARPED WING BREWERY, DAYTON OHIO:
One of their Brewmasters will be on hand to interact with the crowd and discuss their popular product.

*** MADTREE BREWING COMPANY, CINCINNATI, OHIO:
One of their special Brewmasters will be at the event, informing attendees about their Ohio brewed IPA.

THE PLANNED MENU PAIRING IS AS FOLLOWS (subject to change)

What is better than beer and wings ?

*** COURSE # 1: Stone House Tavern Spinach Salad with a special homemade, house dressing

*** COURSE # 2: White meat, Boneless Wings tossed in a Signature Spicy Garlic house sauce

*** COURSE # 3: Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich with sauteed onions and peppers

*** COURSE # 4: Homemade Cinnamon Bread Pudding from scratch

This event is an informative, fun setting which promises to be a blast. Do you love craft beer?

If so join the Food Adventures crew of Chef House, The King, Hungry Jax, and The Big Ragu and enjoy an unforgettable night of celebrating Ohio’s best India Pale Ales, and learning insider scoop on some of the regions most popular breweries!

For more insider scoop on Food Adventure events, “LIKE” Food Adventures at www.facebook.com/foodadv

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Holiday 2014: Give the Gift of DAYTON FOOD !

December 11, 2014 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

New Flavor from Boston Stoker: Killer Brownie, available at Dorothy Lane Market

Stumped on Christmas gifts this year? Tired of the same old, same old?

Today, the Food Adventures Crew offers up some unique Holiday Gift ideas, guaranteed to please any foodie on your list. Heck, it will please anyone on your list who eats.

The King, Hungry Jax, Chef House and The Big Ragu have gotten their list of foods and they’ve checked it twice.

So without further delay, check out the new styles on display as Food Adventures presents the….

** 2014 CHRISTMAS “MUST TREATS” – Our favorite Dayton Food gifts for the Holiday season.** (and even a couple gifts just outside Dayton)

— BOSTON STOKER’S KILLER BROWNIE FLAVORED COFFEE: Two Dayton originals collide to form a chocolaty, caramel flavored coffee that is brand spanking new. Grab some at your local Dorothy Lane Market’s Boston Stoker coffee desk, where is it flying off the shelves. At $15 bucks, the 12 ounce bag should last into the new year, without breaking the bank. With that being mentioned, we all agree, you cant’ go wrong with ANY coffee gift from our hometown favorite, Boston Stoker. Speaking of Killer Brownies….

Killer Brownie Tray at Dorothy Lane Market

— KILLER BROWNIE TRAYS FROM DOROTHY LANE MARKET: They cut the brownies into fourths for tiny bites of the most rich, delicious brownie on earth. And you can ship this sinful treat nationwide. Have a family member that doesnt like chocolate? Ship them some Blonde Killer Brownies. Hungry Jax ships her mom some of these every year. Dorothy Lane can be the mecca of local gift food ideas.. like our next item for example.

— LAURA’S COOKIES at DOROTHY LANE MARKET: Yes, there is a Laura and she has been baking her recipe cookies at Dorothy Lane Market since 2000. Eat them local, or ship them nationwide. Discover why DLM sells 40,000 of these cookies each December. Laura’s Cookies are sugar cookies with almond flavoring, and topped with icing. Icing designs can be Christmas and holiday trademarks, or even animals and sports themed. While you are at it, get something for the party. Just go a few yards across the store and get some DLM Spinach Dip for the crowd pleaser in you.

—PIG OF THE MONTH BBQ: Local entrepreneur Lea Richards cooks up perfectly smoked barbecue ribs, award winning pulled pork, specialty sausages, gourmet bacon, BBQ sides, and lip-smacking Award Winning BBQ sauces— and they’ll ship them right to your loved ones . Their Pig Starter kit includes a rack of ribs, Pig of the Month Jerky, a pound of bacon and a pound of pulled pork- what meat lover wouldn’t want to open up that package? For real decadence, their chocolate covered bacon is a must! And speaking of holiday giving- check out the DaytonDining facebook page as we kick off our 12 Days of Giving for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Pig of the Month!

— GROWLERS FROM ARROW WINE: Arrow Wine has a great little growler station where you can fill up a bottled gift for your local friends or family. It typically features local beers, Ohio beers and other regional ‘hard to get’ favorites on taps. As you may know, many of the local breweries and restaurants also offer growlers to go. Chef House says Toxic Brewery and Boston’s Bistro in North Dayton are on top of her list for growler choices. Opening today, Germantown’s Mudlick Tap House is just one of the 35 places in the region to fill a growler.

You can ship Cassano’s Pizza’s nationwide for Christmas gifts

— CASSANO’S HOME EDITION PIZZAS: Yes, the frozen version of Cassano’s Pizza makes a great gift for that thin crust lover. They have 3 pizza types available: Cheese, Pepperoni and Deluxe. Call ahead a day or 2 and they will have your order ready at the Stroop Rd Headquarters Location. These pizzas are 80% cooked and you just need to warm them in the oven for that great Cassano’s taste. You can give this gift to any local foodie, or have these pizza’s shipped nationwide in dry ice. Get your order in by Dec 15th ton ensure delivery by Christmas. For more info go to Cassanos.com

— GLAZED CROISSANTS FROM ASHLEY’S PASTRY SHOP IN OAKWOOD: Want heaven in a pastry? These croissants are amazing and the perfect treat for Christmas Morning. Wrap them up for a present, or keep them for yourself. Go ahead and be selfish, we won’t tell Santa.

— DAVE’S DAWG SAUCE: The mustard sauce that is made in Centerville is sweeping the area. The stadium mustard style sauce comes in “Spicy Hot” or “Mild Medium”. It is fantastic on, of course, hot dogs. It is tangy and delicious. But why limit it there? Try it on Reubens, or hot ham and cheese sandwiches during the winter months. There are so many applications for this. Heat up someone’s winter with a squirt of Dave’s Dawg Sauce. Give the gift of Dayton in a bottle ! There is a reason the domain name is theworldsgreatestsauce.com

Dave’s Dawg Sauce – Made in Centerville, Ohio

— DISALVO’S DELI & ITALIAN STORE: An incredible array of Italian wines, meats and cheeses. This is a perfect place for that gourmet gift you are looking for. They will custom make Christmas Baskets for you, or you can buy one of their pre-assembled ones. Uniqueness points here, for sure.

— WARPED WING BREWERY’S CANNED BEERS: Any local grocer has these 4 pack cans of beer in three flavors: Ermal’s Belgian Style Cream Ale, Flyin’ Rye IPA, and 10 Ton Oatmeal Stout. This gives you a variety of choice for the gift recipient. Does the person like hoppy beer? Go for Flyin’ Rye. Do they like lighter beers, hit them up with Ermal’s. Dark beer lover? That calls for a 10 Ton Stout. All of these beers are brewed and canned in Dayton. That is something that hasnt happened in the Gem City for many decades. In fact, this is the first Christmas since 1950, that canned Dayton beer is available for Christmas.

Custom, Hand Made Boxes of Candy from Esther Price lets you Customize Your Gift

— CUSTOM MADE BOXES OF CANDY FROM ESTHER PRICE: Ok, we know Esther Price anything is a big Christmas hit, but did you know you can create your own custom made box for $18. The candy box is the typical size you see in grocery stores, not the small one, but not the big one either. Hate coconut creams, or always wanted to throw out certain candies form the assorted pre-made boxes? Where here is your chance to make a box of candy tailored to your loved one or a friend. Maybe they love milk chocolate covered cherries and turtles, or the dark creams and peanut butters best. Whatever the combination, you will be their new hero when they see that familiar red bow, and realize it is a custom made pack tailored to their tastes!

Hot Honey Sauce from Housemade Sriracha – Perfect gift for your foodies friends

— HOUSEMADE HOT HONEY SAUCE and HOUSEMADE SRIRACHA SAUCE: These sauces are the hottest thing in Dayton, and we mean popularity wise. Stores can hardly keep these sauces in stock, so you better grab some where you can. THIS LINK will help you find the sauces. The Sriracha won a hot sauce contest in Louisiana, and the honey sauce won 1st place at Jungle Jim’s Weekend of Fire, so the reputation is there. Let us be honest, we loved this sauce before Chef House was a part of the Food Adventures crew. Now, we just are more on top of new products and sauces! Are the Housemade sauces hot? Yes, but not crazy, so you can control the heat in any circumstance. What will steal your heart is the taste. Flavor is everything, so give the gift of Dayton’s hot sauce, this cold winter.

— DAYTON GIFT BASKETS FROM DOROTHY LANE MARKET: The baskets are typically made up of Montgomery Inn Sauce (yeah we know it is Cincinnati), Jump’s Peanuts, an Esther Price box of candy, Pine Club House Dressing and some Dorothy Lane Market Potato Chips. These run about $40 or you can make a custom basket, and prices would vary. The good news is it is already wrapped and you can ship them anywhere. Check with a DLM staff member for details.

Now for Honorable Mention, we have a couple of ideas just outside of Dayton, that still make great gifts…

— THE SPICY OLIVE in WEST CHESTER: This is a quaint olive oil and vinegar shop in a northern suburb of Cincinnati, and it is worth the trip. It is a perfect place to find gifts, and our friends and family treasure these gifts as some of their favorites. Click here for their website and address.

Dayton Gift Basket – customizable or pre-made at Dorothy Lane Market

—BROTHERS DRAKE APPLE PIE MEAD: Take a trek to Columbus to visit this Meadery. They make their products using local honey, and the result is a one of a kind spin on wine making. It is a Food Adventure in a glass. They never use sulfites and pride themselves on premium ingredients. Check out their website here for address and more info. While in Columbus, you might want to stop by….

— MIDWEST SPIRITS‘ OYO WHISKEY: Here is a little known secret to Daytonians that is an hour away. Love Whiskey? Why drive south to a distillery, when you can get the good stuff in Ohio? Looking for a perfect gift for that boozehound on your list? Look no further. Your Christmas shopping just got a whole lot easier. So smooth you will crave it, so good you will obsess over it.

One last suggestion, and this one comes from “The King.” Don’t get your loved ones a fruitcake under any circumstances .. at least not until we find a good local one that will set your world “a glow.”

There are many more places to find great food gifts in Dayton. From the 2nd street market, to gift certificates to many locally owned, incredible restaurants. This article could go on for days. But these are a few of the holiday suggestions we have at a glance.

Do you have any suggestions for great Dayton Food Xmas Presents? Please comment below!

NOW, GIVE US A CHRISTMAS GIFT – “Like” us on Facebook by clicking HERE. You can also follow us on Instagram at #dayton_foodies

Browse the photo gallery below for more Food Adventure fun. As always, these are our original photos.

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#daytonfood

Not “tied up” on February 10th ??

Mon 9

Tue 10

Wed 11

Thu 12

Fri 13

Sat 14

Sun 15

Versailles Poultry Days

Versailles Poultry Days

Versailles Poultry Days

Versailles Poultry Days

Versailles Poultry Days

Versailles Poultry Days

Bourbon on the street

Freakin Ricans Food Truck