Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Fairborn

Downtown Fairborn Wine Walk

By

Come and join the first ever Wine Walk in
Downtown Fairborn. First, you must purchase a
ticket in person with your ID to verify
age.
Tickets are available at the Fairborn
Chamber of Commerce for $35.00 and must be
purchased before August 14, 2024. Then on the
evening of the Wine Walk, you will check in at
the Chamber building starting at 5:45pm. Here
you will receive a Wine Walk Map showing all
the downtown businesses participating in the
wine walk. Visit all of the businesses on the
map and get a signature from each business you
stop at. Once you have completed all of the
stops, you will then return to the Chamber
building and bring your map with all the
signatures and the ticket that you pre-
purchased. You will turn in your map with all
signatures and your ticket to be entered into a
raffle for a large basket of wines. All
participating businesses will have wine for you
to taste, some will have finger type food/snacks,
and some will have an amazing sale going on of
the merchandise. This will be a great
opportunity for you to get to know your
downtown Fairborn small businesses.

Skyline Breakfast Service Coming to Fairborn

By

Skyline’s restaurant at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport was the first to introduce breakfast offerings this past November.  Starting June 24, five Skyline’s will begin serving breakfast, including the  Fairborn Skyline restaurant at 1223 E. Dayton Yellow Springs Road, will serve breakfast daily from 6:30 am to 10:30 am.

Here’s what’s on the Skyline Chili breakfast menu:

Breakfast Coney: Sausage link, Skyline Chili, egg, mustard, diced onions and shredded cheddar cheese in a steamed bun.

Breakfast Burrito: Sausage or bacon, egg, cheese, hash browns, onions and shredded cheddar cheese in a soft tortilla with a side of Chili Ranch.

Breakfast Way: Hash brown coins topped with Skyline Chili and shredded cheddar cheese.

Breakfast Chilito: Skyline Chili, egg, hash browns and shredded cheddar cheese in a soft tortilla with a side of Chili Ranch.

Flying Pig Tavern Celebrates 1st Anniversary

By

Serial entrepreneur James Williams celebrates the first anniversary of his Flying Pig Tavern in Fairborn.  Williams played with the Dayton Rugby Club, who eventually merged their team with an Air Force Team called the Flying Pigs, which is where the name for the bar came from.  Featuring Soft Tip Dart machines
as well as Steel Tip Dart Boards, a free pool table and Friday night karaoke make for a great draw and folks come from all over, according to Williams.  Growing up in Riverside, a lot of his Stebbins High School buddies have become regulars. 


James and his wife Lacey with Santa.

Over the holidays Flying Pig hosted a Tips for Toys promotion and they ended up raising $25,000 and were able to purchase 70 Bicycles and numerous other toys, which were given away on Dec 23rd to over 1000 families in need. 

“We just love helping people, helping families, and kids. It’s just an amazing feeling in your heart to be able to help people,” James Williams, the owner of Flying Pig said.

While working full time on the flight line as and air craft servicer at WPAFB, Williams opened his first location in 2009 in Dayton the Double Deuce Bar, After selling it to children’s Hospital, he purchased and opened the Double Deuce Family pizzeria in Huber, Heights, Ohio.  He sold that location a week after the epidemic hit with Covid and it was torn down and they built a New Shell gas Station.
This is Williams 3rd Location.  His first location opened in  2009 in Dayton, across from Childrens Hospital,  the Double Deuce Bar.
After selling it to the Hospital, he purchased and opened the Double Deuce Family pizzeria at 5186 Brandt Pike (State Route 201)  in Huber, Heights in February of 2018. He bought the 4,031-square-foot restaurant fully equipped. It had formerly been C’s Pizza. He sold that location a week after the epidemic hit with Covid and it was torn down and they built a New Shell gas Station.
He took a break for a couple years before he and Ray Fulton, bought the Fairborn property.  The location was formerly known as The Afterburner Lounge. After a few months of being open Williams bout out Fulton and became 100% owner of the Flying Pig.
Flying Pig features 5 signature pizza’s, small and large or you can build your own.  Prices range from $9-$22 depending on toppings. They claim its the best pizza in town.
They look forward to hosting their bike night again this summer, which will become Two Wheel Tuesday.

Flying Pig Tavern

136 N 1st Street,
Fairborn, OH, 45324

(937) 874-5555
Sun – Thurs 4-11pm

Fri & Sat 4pm – 2am

New Bakery Opens Friday in Fairborn

By

“Mamaw you make the best treats.”  Hearing this from her grandkids inspired Mendy Williams to open her Fairborn bakery (where Gigi’s Cupcakes used to be). Expect to find cookies, cake pops, cup cakes, 7 layer bars, brownies, cakes and more on the shelves when she opens her shop on Friday, August 25th. She’ll feature four different cupcakes and cookies that will be featured on flight boards that rotate each month.

The gift portion of the store features platters, charcuterie boards, amish farm soap, olive wood spoons and spatulas, candles, cards and more.

 

Mamaw’s Bakery and Gifts

3800 Colonel Glenn Highway
Fairborn, OH  45324

937-988-0006

Tues- Sat 10am – 5pm

 

Fairborn’s Area A Field House

By

In the space that once housed Cadillac Jack’s and then Crossroads BBQ followed by Butts BBQ, Area A Field House quietly opened in October.   They feature $2.50 domestic beers all day every day. Sunday is $1.00 Bone-in wing day. They honor the military, first responders and nurses with a 10% discount daily. Wednesday nights they will be hosting  Music Trivia with a twist from 6:30-8:30pm with prizes!

Check out their menu:

 

 

1156 Kauffman Ave,
Fairborn, OH 45324-3816

937-995-5040

Tuesday – Thurs 11am to 11pm

11am to 12pm Friday & Saturday 
12- 8pm Sunday
Food deliverable via doordash.

 

 

La Base, A New Mexican Restaurant in Fairborn

By

La Base (pronounced bas- ey)  opened for business at last Saturday in the former Pizza Hut on Broad Street in Fairborn. Owner  Efran Torres, we also owns restaurants in Columbus, says they named their restaurant after the Air Force base, but uses the Mexican pronunciation giving Base 2 syllables.
The menu is huge. over 100 items to choose from, but Torres shares that the best sellers so far are the fajita’s, street taco’s, quesadilla’s.

grilled steak & chicken fajita’s, fajita ranchera with pork

Lunch specials are offered daily until 3:30pm.  A sampling of the menu:
Speedy Gonzales– one taco, one enchilada, rice and beans for $8.29
Lunch Chimichanga – chicken or shredded beef with rice and beans $8.49
Huevos Rancheros – fried eggs with rice, beans and warm tortillas $8.79
Grilled Bowl– black beans, white rice, grilled steak or chicken, romaine lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, corn & shredded cheese $10.99
Queadilla – Chicken or beef quesadilla with guacamole salad & rice $8.49
Taco Salad– Large crispy flour tortilla bowl filled with chicken or beef, refried beans, romaine lettuce, tomato, cheese & sour cream $8.49
Full bar service is available and they claim to have the best margarita’s north of the border.  Available by the glass, half or full pitcher and in 10 flavors:
Strawberry, Watermelon, Banana, Mango, Peach, Sangria, Pina Colada , Jalapeño, Blue Curacao, Pomegranate and Raspberry.
The menu flaunts 6 different nachos, including crab and Hawaiian varieties. You can choose from 9 different salads, 10 styles of fajitas, steak dishes that include Steak Fundido, Carne Asada and a T-bone steak Tampiqueno.  Three soups are offered daily, a shrimp soup, chicken tortilla or chicken rice.
In the mood for street tacos- you’ll have 12 options  – the standards as well as  fish, jicama, quesa birria, and al pastor.
There’s a kids menu that includes tacos, mac & cheese, chicken fingers, pizza or a quesadilla with one side and a drink for $5.99.
And don’t forget to save room for dessert.  Offerings include flan, sopapilla, fried ice cream, tres leches cake, tiramisu, churro sandwiches and chimi cheesecake.

La Base Mexican Restaurant

428 N Broad St
Fairborn, OH 45324-5238

937-995-5050
Mon – Thurs 11am – 10pm
Fri and Sat 11am -10:30pm
Sun 11am – 9pm

Celebrate Ice Cream For Breakfast Day at Jubie’s Creamery

By

Jubie’s Creamery in Fairborn will be opening early on Sat, Feb 5th, beginning  at 9am, for their Ice Cream for Breakfast Celebration. The holiday, originally created in the 1960’s is celebrated the first Saturday in February each year to prove that you can eat ice cream at any time of the year, any time of the day, and on any occasion.

Feel free to wear your pajama’s into the store to get one of their sweet treats. A portion of all items sold between 9am and 1pm will be donated back to the Fairborn YMCA.

 

The creamery will then remain open throughout its usual hours (1-9 p.m.) with its regular menu after the event.

Jubie’s Creamery

471 W Dayton-Yellow Springs Road
Fairborn, OH 45324

(937) 874-5391

Open 7 days a week 1pm- 9pm

Fairborn’s Favorite Italian Restaurant Welcomes You Back!

By

Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant is looking forward to the holiday season and planning several events for their customers to enjoy.

On Wednesday, December 9th, Giovanni’s was able to re-open their main dining room to welcome back guests, at a reduced capacity.  They have 8 booths and 1 ten-top table available for the time-being; and hope to increase that capacity as it is wise to do so.  Those who would like to dine at the restaurant are strongly encouraged to either make a reservation or to call ahead to ensure they are able to accommodate the party.

The Feast of the Seven Fishes, an Italian American Tradition, features fish and seafood-centric cuisine, prepared with Italian flair.  If you would like to join them on December 22, 2020 for this event, there will be only one seating for dine-in beginning at 6:30pm, and reservations are required. Curbside pick-up is available from 4-6:00pm and may include bottles of wine to pair with the dinners, if desired.

Christmas Eve Dinner featuring Prime Rib and all the trimmings (including dessert), will be from 4-8pm on December 24, 2020.  Reservations are required if you are dining in – but curbside pick-up is also available for this meal.

Manager, Cassaundra Spaziani is excited to welcome guests back to Giovanni’s, even if it is at a reduced capacity. “It’s been a tough year for everyone, and we’re looking to the bright side of things this holiday season.  It is our primary objective to keep people safe when they dine with us – either at home or in the restaurant – while providing a great experience and the food we love, that makes us proud!”

Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant is family-owned and operated by the Spaziani Family.  Located in Fairborn, OH on Main Street, Giovanni’s offers a cozy atmosphere in which to enjoy their scratch-made Italian food.   Curbside pick-up, in-house dining, and Grubhub delivery are all great ways to enjoy their authentic Italian fare!

Giovanni’s
A Fairborn Tradition since 1953

215 W Main St,
Fairborn, OH 45324

937- 878-1611

 

Fairborn Farmers Market Opens Today

By

Each Wednesday from May 20th until the end of October, the Fairborn Farmers Market opens mid-morning to early afternoon at the corner of Main Street and Grand Avenue in the Main Street Commons from 10am – 2pm.

Patrons can purchase fresh floral arrangements, baked goods, farm-grown produce, herbs, honey, preserves and other related items. All vendors must follow the Cottage Food Rules and have a signed Farmers’ Market Agreement on file with the City.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic:

  • the first hour of the market 10-11am will be designated for those who are most vulnerable.
  • All social distancing of 6 feet will be in effect.
  • All vendors will be required to wear mask, provide sanitizer on their tables, and be able to sanitize between customers.

Fairborn Helping Local Foodpreneurs Grow Their Business

By

Fairborn city manager Rob Anderson knew he needed to reinvigorate the downtown business corridor for his city to thrive.  One of his strategies was to buy four empty buildings on Main Street and hire Tonia Fish as the revitalization specialist.  Tonia wasted no time in creating a plan that would make the city of Fairborn a catalyst to creating specialty food businesses.

Opened last fall  the 1200 square foot Spark Gluten-Free “kitchen incubator” at 309 W. Main Street offered a shared kitchen space that allows specialty bakers, who previously have been cooking in their homes, to access a licensed commercial kitchen.  This space is a game changer that allows these small, mostly home based businesses, to produce products in large quantities without making a large, sometimes infeasible, investment for a new facility.  (Full disclosure – Tonia and I worked for several years to bring Synergy, a kitchen incubator to downtown Dayton).

The incubator is a unique asset to this region and is the only one of it’s kind located within an approximate 70 mile radius.  The kitchen is now full, with six small business tenants and a waiting list of future users.

Amber Tipton baking at Spark.

The first tenant was the Neighborhood Nest, run by dedicated gluten-free baker Amber Titpon. She created a following for her baked goods by selling at  local farmer’s market and several local shops in the greater Dayton/Springfield area. Tiption was a savory chef in culinary school, but after being diagnosed with celiac disease she diverted her focus to creating baked goods that tasted good and had great texture.  I was lucky enough to get to taste some of Amber’s baked goods and I have to tell you the nutella cinnamon roll (pictured) I tried was truly the best I’ve ever had.

Tipton shared with us that she often gets request from customers for foods they miss and the challenge of converting a recipe to be gluten free is what keeps her going.  She recently succeeded with a key lime pie, and donuts and next up are rye and pumpernickel breads.  You can get her gluten-free goodies at the 416 Diner, Lefty’s Eats & Espresso, order from her website or watch her facebook page for cash and carry days.  But the most exciting part of talking with Amber was hearing about the growth of her business that has come from being at Spark for not quite a year.  She’s been able to hire an assistant baker, and she’s now looking for a spot to open her very own bakery!

Also working out of Spark: Black Barn Creamery– creating vegan and dairy free ice cream; Ella Bella–  a gluten-free flour and cookie mix company; Stoney Creek Garden Center, creators of signature tea blends; and Seafood Goddess, a family-owned seafood seasonings business.

Next up for Fairborn, a second incubator.  Bilbrey Construction is helping to create this 6000 square foot space, which will consist of two kitchen lines, one that will cater to savory foods, the other being created with bakers in mind, but without the ingredient restrictions of the Spark space.  This facility is being created for multiple renters, with a co-working area for members to network and collaborate with other professionals within the industry, and a versatile space for instructional and educational series for members and the public. Members will also have the opportunity to participate in business and financial planning resources, helping them to eventually graduate out of the Incubator into storefronts of their own. The education and instructional series will not only be offered to kitchen members, but the community and nearby university students as well.  The opening of the 2nd space is planned for August.

Just today the city of Fairborn has announced a partnership with Rachel DesRochers to run both the Gluten-Free and Kitchen Incubators at Spark Fairborn. In every organization she works with, Rachel’s sole purpose is to spread gratitude and build community.

Rachel founded Grateful Grahams, an artisanal graham cracker company in 2010. Stemming from the success of Grateful Grahams, Rachel started the Incubator Kitchen Collective in 2013. The Incubator Kitchen Collective is a non-profit providing kitchen space, business support, and mentorship to food entrepreneurs in the Cincinnati, Oh. and Newport, Ky. areas. Rachel is also the founder of The Good People Festival, an annual free music festival; and Kitchen Convos, a podcast showcasing the personal stories of the regional food community.

Rachel has received numerous local awards and was a semi-finalist for Martha Stewart’s American Made Award and a finalist in Artworks Big Pitch. Rachel is a passionate believer in the power of gratitude and the role of food in the creation of community. Her mission goes beyond making a great cookie: she also wants to impact her community with positivity and action.

The City of Fairborn will manage the membership and programming aspect of the Coworking Space at Spark Fairborn. Rachel will manage the membership and programming of both the Gluten-Free and Kitchen Incubators at Spark Fairborn. Rachel brings with her a wealth of knowledge and resources gained from the successful guidance of sixty small businesses over the last five years through the Incubator Kitchen Collective.

Prospective Kitchen Members can contact Rachel DesRochers, Chief Gratitude Officer at The Gratitude Collective at [email protected]. 

Prospective Coworking Members and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Facilitators can contact Tonia Fish, City of Fairborn Downtown Revitalization Strategist at [email protected]. 

Join Us For A Giovanni’s Food Adventure!

By Leave a Comment

Pizza will be part of the 5 Courses !

Pizza! Wine! Pasta! Tiramisu!  That’s what is promised at the first ever, one-night-only, Food Adventure dinner at Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant!

FIVE DINNER COURSES, 2 WINES TO SAMPLE,
1 NIGHT ONLY !

YES ! We are opening the restaurant just for our group only – a true private party!

BUY YOUR TICKET HERE  – They are only available online through Dayton Most Metro

The one-of-a-kind event will happen at 6:30pm on September 19th. Take your tastebuds on a tour of Italy at this legendary Miami Valley eatery.

Mon. Sept 19th – 1 night only Food Adventure

Every week, all year,  the Food Adventures crew shares articles here on Dayton Most Metro.  This week’s article is especially exciting for us as we unleash an extravaganza.  Please get your tickets now, because there is limited seating.

This is a PERFECT chance to get a good sample of the Giovanni’s menu.  The price includes the tip, so sit back, relax and enjoy.  Want the full scoop on the event?  Here ya go !

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

WHERE: GIOVANNI’S PIZZERIA & RISTORANTE ITALIANO, an iconic, respected Dayton area restaurant located at 215 W Main St, Fairborn, OH 45324

WHEN: MONDAY NIGHT , SEPTEMBER 19th at 6:30 PM – We have the entire restaurant to ourselves!

COST: $35 per person, includes tip.   Guests for this dinner must be 21 and over, please. (Tickets are pre pay only — click HERE TO BUY TICKETS

Giovanni’s food always pleases

WHAT: A FIVE COURSE DINNER and TWO WINE pairings of the GIOVANNI’s MENU and ITALIAN WINERIES.

COURSE 1: STUFFED VIDALIA ONION APPETIZER: An Italian style appetizer, so unique and so good

COURSE 2: TWO SLICES OF PIZZA: PEPPERONI and MARGHERITA STYLE.  the legendary pizza that made Giovanni’s a Dayton icon

COURSE 3: CAESAR SALAD – Fresh, crunchy and creamy

COURSE 4: TRIO OF:

     a) FETTUCINI ALFREDO – Flat pasta noodles and creamy, house alfredo sauce

     b) LASAGNA – Homemade like “the old country”

     c) PASTA WITH SAUSAGE:  Ziti with fresh, creamy tomato sauce and sausage

2 wine pairings – Salut ! Vino !!

COURSE 5: TIRAMISU – The classic, creamy Italian dessert that will leave you speechless.

Mama Mia White and Mama Mia Red Wine will be served during the second and fourth courses.

 

We cant wait for the vino and pasta.  This will be a Food Adventure for the ages!  Door prizes, trivia and personal stories with the owners, the Spaziani family will fill the night.  Learn about their family tradition and philosophy about Italian food.

Whether you live in Fairborn, or not, this is a great locally owned spot that you have to try.  Please join us for this personal night out with Giovanni’s staff and the Food Adventures Crew !

TICKETS  ARE PRE-PAY ONLY and are ONLY AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK – so click here

 

Pizzas galore

A pasta trio rendition

 

Sausage and Pasta

Fettuccine Alfredo

Lasagna

Pasta and Sausage

Gnocchi dish with Red Pepper flakes added

5 topping pizza

Wine dinner !

Pizza with proscuitto

Giovanni’s is a delightful experience every time…

Back Entrance

Chicken and Pasta

Front Glass

A Dayton Legend

Iconic dishes – like this gnocchi

a Slice of life

Lobster Ravioli

 

Yaffa Grill: Our New Favorite Spot

By 1 Comment

Marinated Chicken on the Yaffa Grill

If Fred Flintstone  was on Colonel Glenn Highway, he would say “Yaffa Gotta Do !” …and guess what, he would be right.

Yaffa Grill can be summed up as “simply exotic.”   It has worldly tastes of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine that are as authentic as they are delicious.  At the same time they serve the food on paper or styrofoam plates.  You see?  Simple and exotic.  Food Adventures have tagged this as our new favorite eatery, and have been visiting the 2 Yaffa locations with some frequency.

Want an authentic, unique Food Adventure that is affordable and fun?  Then look no further than Yaffa Grill.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— They have two locations, one at 2844 Colonel Glenn Hwy (across from Wright State), and the other at 21 Alex Rd in West Carrollton which features a Middle Eastern Market.  A local family from Palestine, owns both businesses.

 

— The food is Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean.  It is unique and exotic, but delicious!  You will see spindles of meat and flaming shish kebabs.  Yaffa Grill is a great place to experiment and try some new dishes out of your comfort zone.  You will be happy you did!

 

— The prices are right.  The most expensive thing on the menu is a whole grilled chicken for $15, and we know you cant eat that by yourself.

Click to enlarge this incredible appetizer called “Musabaha” which is much like hummus

— Very casual atmosphere.  The dining area is almost like a “to go” deli.  Warning: the drink selection is very limited  (cans of pop and bottled water).

 

Don’t know what to order or where to start on such a diverse menu with possibly unfamiliar choices?  No problem, The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax have a list of “must eats” that wont disappoint you.  There are various spellings out there of the dishes below, but we will use the spellings on the Yaffa menu.

 

MUST EATS:

—MUSABAHA : The hardest thing about ordering it, is pronouncing it.  It is a crushed chickpea puree, much like a hummus, with olive oil, lemon juice and spices mixed in.  One of our favorite appetizers for sure.  Dipping the pita bread served into this appetizer is one of life’s golden pleasures.

 

—EGGPLANT SALAD:  The Big Ragu has seen his fair share of eggplant dishes.  This was one of the most unique and delicious ones we have come across.  Served cold, it is perfectly mixed with roasted peppers, tomatoes and vegetables.  Excellent pairing with the pita bread, it is a meal in itself.

 

— YAFFA MIX GRILL: A sampling of 3 of the best shish kebabs in Dayton.  The plate consists of a chicken shish kebab, steak kebab, and a beef/lamb mixed kebab.  It is fun to watch the cooks prepare the kebabs on the huge skewers, over the open flame.  We loved this dish.  The grilled meat and vegetables make it a heart healthy choice.

 

Kufta Kebabs. Get the Mixed Grill and sample all 3 types of Kebabs

— THE HALF GRILLED CHICKEN:  We don’t know how, but Yaffa Grill made a delicious chicken like we have never tasted before.  The Mediterranean spices were marinated and infused into the chicken in some sort of delicious sauce/rub.  The result was a lip smacking, moist, melt-in-your mouth experience.  A definite ‘must eat.’

 

— BEEF SHAWERMA:  Flame cooked lamb and beef, sliced from the meat rotesserie.   We especially love dishes that are carved off of rotating spindles of meat.   It is a tasty treat that explodes with flavor.   When served in a wrap, it is a “Food Adventure on the go.”

 

Honorable Mention:  Fatayer: a delicious bread stuffed with your choice of spices.  Lentil Soup:  Yeah, we never thought we would ever write this, but the lentil soup is amazing.

 

With so many great choices on the menu, it was hard to limit our ‘must eats.’  Even the “Baba Ghanouj” dip was some of the best we’ve had.  If you like hummus, try it.

 

Dates, and other produce at Yaffi Market in West Carrollton

Yaffa Grill is a perfect place to experience a new culture and have your very own Food Adventure.  It is a fascinating place for true foodies, and a sampling ground for those with an open mind, who are tired of the “same old thing.”  Vegetarians love this place for the flavorful entrees!  They even have a kids menu with hot dog, burger and chicken nuggets option.

Yaffa Grill does not have a website yet, or a Facebook page, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get some delicious food.  Don’t forget that the West Carrollton location has a market  with various hard to find imported groceries from far away lands.  Canned goods, baked items, meats, nuts and even dairy products line the shelves.  It is definitely worth a visit.

Make sure you get some grub at Yaffa Grill,  The Food Adventure Crew cherish it as one of their favorite places in Dayton.  We are addicted, and we think you will be too.

Here is something you wont see anywhere else online, the Yaffa Grill Menu —> PAGE 1   PAGE2   PAGE3   PAGE 4

Some of our best photos of the year are in the picture gallery below, so make sure you scroll through them to see all of the dishes that Yaffa Grill has to offer.

What’s almost as good as a freshly grilled Yaffa Kebab?   The answer is “liking” Food Adventures on Facebook, by clicking HERE.

[flagallery gid=91]

Foy’s Hulks Up For Halloween

By Leave a Comment

Lou Ferrigno as the Incredible Hulk

Saturday October 20th Foy’s Halloween Store in partnership with the Fairborn Chamber of Commerce brought in fitness celebrity and actor Lou Ferrigno. Known for his body building prowess and memorable TV appearances as the angrier side of David Banner, he was the winner of the IFBB Mr. America Title and two consecutive IFBB Mr. Universe Titles. He also appeared in the body building documentary Pumping Iron. From 2000-2007 he played himself on the CBS Sitcom King of Queens and in the 2009 feature comedy I Love You, Man. Ferrigno hung out with fans, signed autographs, posed for pics and walked around Friday evening socializing with the locals. This is the first national celebrity appearance booked by Foy’s and Fairborn. Store owner Mike Foy met Ferrigno in Columbus at an Arnold Classic a few years back and inquired about a future appearance. It took a little time but the deal was done.

Foy’s store is the only year round Halloween supply stores in case you feel the need to scare someone and it’s a different season. There are six different Fairborn stores showcasing Foy’s items. There’s a special age appropriate Halloween store for kids where little ghouls and zombie princesses can roam around without getting too scared. Of course for the older Hellraiser or Hot Vampiress there’s a tailor made adult store for costumes on the bigger side and other attire more on the devilish/devious side of Halloween fashion.

The original Foy’s in Fairborn (photo by Juliet Fromholt)

This year marks their 83rd anniversary and they’re celebrating with a first ever Halloween Festival. Friday October 26th from 4-11pm and Saturday October 27th 10am-11pm. Friday’s costume judging for the 48th Annual Spooktacular Parade will begin at 6pm at the YMCA with prizes awarded for 8 age groups plus pets based on originality, cuteness and whatever scary, creepy stuff one can put yourself into. Parade will start at 7:30 traveling to the maiming stage area on Main Street. There will also be all day Amusement Rides, so if you spin, twirl around, go upside down enough times you’ll walk like the undead anyway. Saturday the 3rd annual scary cardio craze Zombie Walk will commence dragging feet from the Great American Legion at 8:30pm. Hosted by The Fairborn Community Center, Pre-party starts at 7pm with make-up, raffle, photo ops and optional blood bath (cleanliness is next to Godliness). There is a $5 entry fee. Other festivities include a Zombie Thriller dance performed with grave skill at 9 followed by a Gene Simmons Impersonator.

Also on Friday The Fairborn Community Library wants you to be in a one of a kind ‘lively’ music video for their YouTube channel. Professional videographer Scott Cornell will be filming the zombie part of a Halloween tribute to the Thriller video at 8pm.  Zombies created at 6:30, get there early. There are multiple parts for dancers who would usually devour books with their eyes and…..braaains. This is an all ages event so no blood or gore even during after-hours operation. Zombie make-up will be provided if needed. Also if you know or can learn The Thriller, grizzly ghouls from every tomb will be needed Saturday at 2pm for the Thrill The World dance around the main stage. Go to www.thrilltheworld.com.
Next year Foy’s plans to bring in Butch Patrick aka Eddie Munster and might have a few upcoming Halloween surprises straight from Haddonfield.  So you have no excuses to be bored next weekend. Come and join the fun, friendly, fiendish atmosphere and all day entertainment and scare up a good time.

Giovanni’s: The Fairborn Legend

By Leave a Comment

With Halloween approaching, many people are stopping at the costume shops in Fairborn.  But The Big Ragu suggests you make another stop, Giovanni’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant.  Located at 215 W. Main Street, this place has been a Fairborn icon for decades.   Since 1953, this local favorite has been serving up pizzas and pasta dishes that will make your mouth water.  Originally owned by Giovanni DiPasquale, the restaurant was purchased by Tony Spaziani in 1994.  Soon after the menu and dining rooms were expanded and they even started a full in-house bakery.  This bakery allows for fresh bread, pasta and dough to be made on premises.  It also allows for homemade desserts that are nothing short of amazing.  Many things at Giovanni’s are made from scratch, the way they ought to be, to guarantee fresh tasting food.

The restaurant is always bustling and the servers are friendly and caring.  In fact, our waiter was the pastry chef, who waits tables on Sunday to stay in tune with customer feedback while making some extra dough .. pun intended.

During our Food Adventures, we have tried the sandwiches and the pastas.   We especially liked the Chicken Parmesan and the Gnocchi.   You can really tell the sandwich bread and pasta is made on site, the taste is amazing and homemade.  The same can be said about their homemade cheesecakes, cannoli, and tiramisu, all produced at the in-house bakery.

However, all the locals know that the main attraction at Giovanni’s is their pizza.  A semi-thin crust pizza with a unique tasting sauce makes each pie simply scrumptious.  The fresh, delicious toppings offered are plentiful on each pizza.  They even have anchovies for the true Italian style Food Adventurer in you.  Of course, all the dough for the pizzas are made on site, which is noticed on each bite into the crunchy crust.  The prices are reasonable and the product is good.  They even offer 7 inch personal pizzas with up to 3 toppings for less than 6 bucks during lunch time.

The food speaks for itself so check out the photos and click on them to get a larger, tastier view.  Visit this mom and pop restaurant in Fairborn, and find out for yourself what the legend is all about.

Please “like” Food Adventures and follow The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House on Facebook by clicking  HERE !