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Local Deli Celebrates First Anniversary

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This  New York-style deli right here in Dayton, Ohio,marks its first anniversary with a week long celebration.  Since opening its doors, All The Best Delicatessen has become a cornerstone of the community. Owner, Lee Schear, believes it’s a mix of great food and good service, “At All The Best Deli, we’re more than just a place to eat; we’re a restaurant where every meal is a celebration,” says Schear.
To celebrate, from June 22nd – June 30th bring the entire family for our KIDS-EAT-FREE dine in special, where children 12 and under eat free, up to 5 kids per adult. While you’re there, make sure to congratulate our “original 9” employees. These 9 have been with ATB since they first opened our doors, so come out and experience all the exciting things happening at All The Best Delicatessen.

Since opening they’ve continued to add to their menu, with five salads to choose from inluding  classic garden greens to international inspirations. The newest addition to the menu, the ultimate sandwich squad: ‘The Besties’ are here!  Whether you choose pastrami, corned beef, or brisket, on a soft, buttery challah roll, you’ll be sure to say these are the best.

In January they added breakfast service from 7-11am seven days a week.  They even have an express menu, where you pick up at their drive-through window.

They’ve also rolled out a loyalty program that awards points for each dollar spent. At 50 points you’ll receive a $5 off an order and you’ll also get a special birthday treat.

More than just a sit down eatery, All The Best has a deli counter where you can pick up smoked meats, cut meats, pickles, olives, kosher cheese, salads and desserts.  They also offer catering service.

All The Best Delicatessen
5940 Far Hills Ave
Dayton, OH, 45429
937-999-4204
Open daily 7am – 8pm

It’s a big day for Flyboy’s Deli!

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Flyboy’s Deli 5th Anniversary Celebration!

At the Oakwood location of Flyboys Deli there’s a celebration going on for their 5th anniversary.  Steve Crandall, a retired Air Force Colonel, and Eunice Kim, with 10 years of deli experience in Maryland and Washington D.C., combined their passions to bring Dayton a unique deli experience. Their first venture, Flyboys Deli, features three focus areas: the first floor of Flyboys Deli evokes a New York-style deli, the second floor, especially the mural, celebrate Dayton’s 110 years of aviation heritage and its rich history as a cradle of invention. And from the rooftop deck you can watch the planes soar across the sky  as they celebrate Dayton’s heritage- flight.

Expect sandwich specials, complimentary treats, and opportunities to win a Flyboys Deli gift basket!  There are also raffle drawings that will go on from 1- 5pm with five winners being drawn.  Prizes include:

Grand Prize – Shirt, Hat, Traveler Mug, Ceramic Mug, Pint Glass, Patch, Keychain and  $25 Gift Card
2nd Prize – Pint Glass, Shirt, Patch, Airplane Keychain, and $20 Gift Card
3rd Prize – Pint Glass, Patch, Airplane Keychain, and $15 Gift Card
4th Prize – Patch, Airplane Keychain, and $10 Gift Card
5th Prize – Airplane Keychain and $10 Gift Card

There will also be complimentary cupcakes for all!

Flyboy’s Deli Beavercreek Grand Opening!

Photo by Ron Kaplan

And then at 5pm tonight the 2nd location at The Mall at Fairfield Commons opens it doors to a restaurant that will be filled with tributes to the servicemen and women of America. In addition, Flyboys is adding a large outdoor patio, the Frequent Flyer Hall, the Flyboy’s Traveler, a banquet hall and a conference room! And unlike the Oakwood location, the Beavercreek restaurant will have full liquor service.

There will also be some  new menu items that take a twist on classic Korean dishes created by owner Eunice Kim. Each week, Flyboy’s will celebrate a different city’s cuisine by serving their best dishes, and will be offering “rides” through each city on their flight simulator to truly experience the essence and diversity of cities around the world.

The celebration kicks off at 5pm with live music from Flow & The Flyovers, a band made up of retired Air Force personnel.  Their will be door prizes for the first 55 guests, with raffle drawings at 7 & 9pm, with five winners for each drawing.  Also be on the lookout for social media contests and trivia as well! Winners will receive a pint glass or mug and keychain.  In addition, 20% of all proceeds tonight will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association and Fisher House.

Photo by Ron Kaplan

 

Representative Rick Perales, of Ohio’s 73rd District congratulates owners Eunice Kim and Steve Crandall, a retired Air Force colonel,  at a soft opening event held yesterday at the new The 7,400-square-foot eatery, which is located outside of the main entrance to the Mall at Fairfield Commons.

Photo by Ron Kaplan

 

 

 

 

 

photo by Ron Kaplan

 

Like the original location, the new club will also feature an Aces Club.  A Flyboys Ace is based on a flying ace in aviation – five kills and you become a flying ace! For Flyboys it’s  Five Wednesday visits in purchasing their rotating selections of  beer and you become a ‘Flyboy Ace’ with your name displayed on the board above the bar. After 41 visits to Flyboys on Wednesday nights, you are recognized as a ‘Flyboys Ace of Aces’. Flyboys Deli will then award our Ace of Aces with an engraved keepsake.

The Top 25 Soups of Dayton

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Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup from Fresco – Click to Enlarge

As the weather turns colder, nothing warms the soul like a good bowl of soup.  Our DaytonMostMetro Food Adventures crew, Chef House, The King, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu, have compiled our list  of  Dayton’s Best Soups.  From the first steaming spoonful, to that little bit of liquid left in the bottom, these are the best bowls of chow that the Miami Valley has to offer.  So, all you serious foodies sit back, get some crackers if need be, and check out our list of MUST EAT soups.

 

In no particular order, here they are…

DAYTON’S TOP 25 SOUPS

 

1) THE JUMBALAYA at BUCKIN’ DONKEY GRILLE:  For 15 years, owner Sean McKown has perfected his Jumbalaya recipe.  He tested it on friends and family, and the end product is a culmination of those efforts.  The result is a masterpiece in a cup.  Filled with sausage and seafood, it has just the right amount of tangy flavor and heat.  We squirt some hot sauce on this bad boy and go to town..

 

2) CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP from FRESCO: Homemade chicken broth from scratch.  Fall off the bone chicken pieces, vegetables tortilla strips and a dollop of sour cream on top.  This is one of those moments where you lose yourself in a heavenly bliss.  This is the best chicken tortilla soup we have ever eaten, made by the best chef in Dayton, Jenn DiSanto.  This soup is Chef House’s favorite !

 

“The Shrimp and Pork Soup” at Linh’s Bistro is Pho-nomenal !

3) SALMON BISQUE at SWEENEY’S SEAFOOD: Creamy, with fresh salmon chunks, this rich soup is a crowd pleaser.  We can’t think of a better soup on a crisp cold day.   The fresh thyme, dill and other spices, finish the flavor, making this soup one of our favorites.  We already are in love with many of Sweeney’s appetizers, now we have another gem added to the list.

 

4) THE LOBSTER BISQUE from DELI at WEBSTER ST. & TOP OF THE MARKET: Served piping hot in a generous bowl, we were blown away by the lobster flavor balance with the creaminess of the bisque.  The soup is absolutely delicious, and very filling.  Congrats to the Deli on Webster & Top of the Market for staying true to the elegance of this soup,yet putting a hearty, delicious spin on it.  This is one of The Big Ragu’s favorites !

 

5) THE SHRIMP and PORK SOUP at LINH’s BISTRO:  Welcome to the enormous bowl world of the “Pho Soups” offered at Linh’s Bistro.  This meal sized soup contains broth, shaved pork and pieces of shrimp.   Sure you can get it with clear rice noodles, but we prefer this Vietnamese soup with the egg noodle option (#34 on the menu). Vegetables and scallions also line the bowl, but that’s not all.  The soup is served with a side plate of jalapenos, bean sprouts cilantro and lime.  Hand pull some cilantro and dump the rest of the side items into the bowl.  This soup defines the words Food Adventure.

 

The Woodhouse Chili at Archer’s Tavern: A good story behind it

6)  THE CABBAGE ROLL SOUP from VOLTZY’s ROOT BEER STAND: The best soup in a root beer stand in the United States.  Voltzy homemakes this stuff with cabbage, tomatoes, rice and his signature burger meat.  In his words, it is so delicious, it will make you sing “Touch me in the Morning.”  Cabbage rolls not your style? Then try his almost equally delicious “Cream of Vandalia Onion Soup.”  Yes, Vandalia like the city.. Voltzy is nuts.

 

7) THE POTATO SOUP at DOUBLEDAY’S GRILL & TAVERN: In a restaurant known for their homemade soups, this one shines.  This soup has wowed Dayton crowds for decades, and has somewhat of a cult following.  Doubleday’s large menu makes this a perfect starter to a great meal.  The rich, creamy flavor is a great warm up, for a snowy day.

 

8) THE NEW ORLEANS STYLE GUMBO at JIMMIES LADDER 11:  Hearty, rich and just the right spiciness, this soup is one of those “OMG” moments when you take a bite.  Owner Jimmie Brandell is no stranger to soups, having cooked at one of the iconic “Upper Krust” locations for years.  He hones his craft, and has hit the mark on this one.  Order a bowl and wake up your taste buds.  Goes perfect with their craft beer selections !

 

 

The Warm Goodness of North China’s “Sizzling Rice Soup”

9) THE CHILI AT ARCHER’S TAVERN: Now here is a good story.  Every year, Archer’s holds a chili cookoff, and the winning chili goes on the menu for a year.  All proceeds from the contest go to the Centerville High School’s Culinary Arts Program!  The result is an amazing chili and a charitable donation!  The current “Woodhouse Chili” is made with fire roasted tomatoes and jalapenos.  It is topped with cheese and Fritos.  Probably the spiciest of the delicious soups on our list.  That’s why it is “The King’s” favorite on the list.

 

10) THE CLAM CHOWDER AT BULLWINKLE’S:  Clam Chowder at a rib place?  The answer is yes, young Jedi.  This soup is homemade and downright addicting.  Chunks of clams in a mix of potatoes and cream sauce make this one of our “Must Eats.”  Not many people know about this soup, but now you do.  We are not responsible for any addictions.  Make sure you start your meal here with this savory favorite.

 

11) THE SIZZLING RICE SOUP at NORTH CHINA:  This masterpiece is actually a meal sized bowl for 2 as listed on the menu.  But sometimes, we get a wild hair, and order this as a meal.  Sure you can get this soup as an appetizer, but who wants to share something this good?  The flavor is a perfect balance of vegetables and rice in a broth flavored with a hint of salt.  In a restaurant known for their homemade soups, this one can’t be ignored.  They have another mega soup that almost made our list, the “House Noodle Soup” is a must eat too!

 

The Lobster Bisque at the Deli at Webster Street is delicious

12) CHICKEN GUMBO from DISALVO’S DELI: Another homemade soup from scratch.  Perfectly carved, generous chicken pieces, line a delicately light broth.  The bowl is filled with a treasure trove of vegetables and tremendous flavor.  Chef Ronnie DiSalvo takes pride in his food, and this is another example of his incredible creations.  It is made with love from the heart, straight to your mouth!

 

13) THE MUSHROOM BISQUE at CHRISTOPHER’S RESTAURANT: Vegetarians  rejoice!  This Dayton soup is for you.  A fresh, home made delicious recipe means a warm feeling in every spoonful.  The taste of the fresh mushrooms is incredible.  Christopher’s thrives on making quality, homemade soups, and this choice is the star.  Check it out and pair it with one of their delicious sandwiches.

 

14) THE TURTLE SOUP at THE AMBER ROSE: This soup is exotic, thick and hearty.  We absolutely love Amber Rose’s spin on this old school favorite.  We aren’t sure how traditional it is, but it is beyond good.  This is one of those things that you eat and immediately want more.  Try it for yourself as an appetizer to an Eastern European meal.

 

15) THE WILD MUSHROOM SOUP FROM HAWTHORNE GRILL: It is pure comfort in a bowl.  The soup is creamy, bold and flavorful.  Hawthorne Grill puts out some great dishes, and this is one you need to get your hands on.  This weather is the perfect time to try this unique, homemade item.

“The Pickle Soup” at Blind Bob’s is a Dayton Original

 

16) THE PICKLE SOUP from BLIND BOB’S: Don’t be fooled by the sound of it, this is one of the best soups in Dayton.  The flavor isn’t sharp, it is surprisingly level.  If you like cream of broccoli soup, this is an even better spin on it.  We congratulate Blind Bob’s for not only the uniqueness, but for the amazing taste.  This is a great warm up right before you try one of their burger selections!

 

17) DUBLIN PUB’S “WORLD FAMOUS POTATO SOUP”: It must be world famous, because it is downright incredible.  It is rich, filling and sinful.  We suggest getting it in the Sourdough bowl and add cheese and bacon on it.  We also recommend taking a nap after you eat it.  This soup is Hungry Jax’s top pick!

 

18) CREAMY CHICKEN SOUP at CHINA COTTAGE:  This is a house specialty, and we have never seen a creamy chicken soup offered at a Chinese restaurant other than here.  There is good reason.  No one else’s chicken soup could compare.  It is a deliciously light cream soup that cleanses the pallet and readies your taste buds for those spicy dishes made from Chef Tiger Wang.  This soup is definitely a Dayton Original.

 

19) THE GUINNESS ONION SOUP AT NICK’S RESTAURANT:  Always made from scratch buy their “soup nazi.”  This soup is served in a unique bowl, with a mound of cheese and few gigantic croutons.  But what hit us most is the rich flavor.   Hot broth dripping down your chin, as you swallow some of the gooey cheese.  Take a spoonful and you will see why this restaurant is the pride of Xenia.

 

“The Chicken Gumbo” at DiSalvo’s Deli. You wont see this online anywhere else, we got the scoop !

20)  THE HOT AND SOUR SOUP at YOUNG CHOW:  Yes , it made the list because it is that good.  And guess what else, the price is right.  We scald ourselves every time, because we cant wait to get into this soup’s shredded goodness.  A perfect balance of tofu, pepper and pork, this hot and sour soup is fantastic.  We looked at your fortune cookie, it says you need to go to Young Chow.

 

21) HOMEMADE CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP from ALL SOUPED UP:  The 2nd Street market has some tremendous food shops.  In the middle of the market, “All Souped Up” is impressing the masses with creations like their Chicken Noodle Soup.  Homemade noodles, pieces of delicate chicken, and a small balance of vegetables make this soup.  It tastes like something your mom or grandmother would make.   It is fun to take a seat at the market and enjoy this soup and get lost in the goodness.

 

 22) THE COCONUT SOUP at SIAM PAD THAI: Another exotic choice on this list.  Cherry tomatoes, lime juice and mushrooms highlight the ingredients in this soup.  The tangy, light flavor make this soup the most refreshing on our list.  If you have not been to Siam Pad Thai, we suggest you pair it with one of their pad thai dishes, or specialty sushi rolls. We promise you will be craving this soup in no time.

 

23) THE GUMBO at RUE DUMAINE:  This is a no brainer.  Hello, the owner/Chef Anne Kearney studied under Food Netwoork superstar, Emeril Lagasse.  Needless to say, when it comes to New Orleans’ flavors, she knows what she is doing.  This award winning chef has a menu unparalleled n Dayton.  We have found the perfect start to a meal at Rue Dumaine.

 

The Guinness Onion Soup at Nick’s Restaurant in Xenia is sinfully gooey

 

24) THE CLAM CHOWDER at JAY’S SEAFOOD:  When a soup is a Dayton icon and a Dayton staple for decades, it has to make the list.  Whether you are 8 years old, or 80, people love this soup and have fond memories associated with it.  The creamy broth, the chunks of fresh clams, and the perfect dash of pepper make this soup.  Cracker sor not, you are in for a treat when you sit down for a cup or bowl of this deliciousness… so go for the bowl.

 

25) TEQUILA CHILI at LUCKY’S TAPROOM:  Unique blast of flavor from the kitchen at Lucky’s.  Owner Andrew Trick has developed an underground mass following of his terrific food, and this chili is a highlight on the menu.  They offer a regular or vegetarian option.  Recommendation: There is no better pairing on this list than the Tequila Chili and one of Lucky’s numerous craft beers.  So go to Lucky’s, thumb through the beer booklet, pick one out, and thank us later.

 

That’s it, that’s our list !  What did we miss?  Do you agree or disagree with our choices ??  Please comment below and tell us your thoughts.

Meanwhile, check out our incredible photo gallery of Dayton’s best soups, below and “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by CLICKING HERE !

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Food Adventures with Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzell

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Coopers’s Deli: The Big Apple Comes to Dayton

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Want to have a taste of the NYC in the DYT?  We know a Food Adventure spot that lights up our appetites like a sign on Broadway.   Cooper’s Deli recently opened in the Shoppes of Oakwood and is creating quite the buzz.  The restaurant specializes in New York Style deli sandwiches as well as  homemade soups, salads, a kids menu, and desserts.  In addition to top notch food, the restaurant offers delivery within a two mile radius, an incredible rooftop patio, beer, wine selections, wheelchair accessibility, and two levels of indoor seating.

The Pastrami Sandwich may be the star of the deli

The Big Ragu spoke with, co-Owner Dan Apolito who traveled to New York City on a “Deli” tour in 2011, tasting various meats and securing the best for Cooper’s Deli.  New Yorkers take pride in their deli’s and Apolito is bringing that mindset to Dayton.  Cooper’s Deli uses the same corned beef and pastrami that is used in the world famous Stage Deli in New York City.  The meats are shipped directly to Dayton from New York City.  The Corned Beef and Pastrami served here are not your typical run of the mill deli meats.  The proof is in the taste.

The Cooper’s Salad is loaded with everything under the sun, pulling no punches.

The pastrami melts in your mouth…you won’t get that at your local $5 sub shop.  Other sandwiches that we tried included: The Reuben which is quite possibly the best reuben that Dayton has to offer.  The Corned Beef is flavorful, plentiful and further proof of the quality of food that Cooper’s Deli is serving.  The Turkey sandwich is basically a mound of turkey breast stuffed between a layer of herbed goat cheese and cranberry-orange chutney on Challah bread.   Vegetarians may enjoy the Garden Grilled Cheese, which consists of four cheeses, artichoke, tomato, and spinach.  We would highly recommend all four sandwiches.

Every menu has a monster dish and Cooper’s is the “New Yorker Sandwich.”  This big sandwich sells for $15.50 and is large enough for two people, like most of their sandwiches.  The “New Yorker” consists of 12 ounces of pastrami and corned beef, sharp cheddar cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing, all on fresh marble rye bread.  For deli connoisseurs, this is the promise land.  How lucky we are to have the taste of Manhattan, Brooklyn, or the Bronx shipped fresh to Dayton via Cooper’s Deli.   These sandwiches are not only fresh, they are piled high and thick.  Be careful not to unhinge your jaw biting into one of these marvelous deli features.  Click here to view their entire menu.

The Huge “New Yorker Sandwich”: 12 ounces of NY Pastrami and Corned Beef

Make sure you get to Cooper’s Deli and dine on the patio overlooking downtown Oakwood, or take a taste of  Big Apple “to go.”   Either way, there is no place like Cooper’s Deli in Dayton, or in Ohio for that matter.

Have you been to the unique Cooper’s Deli ?  If so, please leave your Food Adventure feedback below !

CLICK HERE to “like” Food Adventures on Facebook !

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