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Food Adventures gets Shish-Faced + ** $20 GIFT CERTIFICATE GIVEAWAY**

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Click to Enlarge: The Mother of all Shish Wraps

You ain’t gonna believe this shish.  WANT A $20 GIFT CARD TO SHISH WRAPS??  THEN COMMENT BELOW ON THIS STORY.  A WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM !

When you think of Brown Street, you often think of people who are sh%# faced.   But alas, we aren’t talking about those people.  We are talking about people who are literally Shish Faced.  These people are stuffing wraps in their mouths and can’t get enough of the great flavor.  Want to get Shish Faced too?  Then head to 1200 Brown Street, the home of a locally owned eatery called Shish Wraps.   This family owned business has capitalized on the assembly line technique.  Think of it as a Mediterranean version of Chipotle, and better too !   What you can expect is affordable, savory food, with a Lebanese influence.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Opened 8 months ago by first generation Lebanese-American brothers Simon and Tony Abboud who are both University of Dayton Graduates and Centerville grads.

— The focus is a healthy, fresh, tasty twist on Lebanese and Mediterranean food.  Their motto is: “Live Long. Eat Healthy. Eat Shish.”

All meat is cooked over a rotisserie flame: You think you’re Hot Shish ?

— Menu items come from family recipes, a love of cooking, and results of experiments over the years.

— The main attraction are burrito like wraps featuring one of 3 meats: Chicken, Beef or Kafta (beef links blended with onions and spices)

— The meat is cooked over fire, on rotating kabob skewers for a char-grilled taste.  No buttery, oily soaked meat on a flat grilling surface means HEALTHIER for you !

— Vegetarian? No problem.  The falafel (fried chickpea fritters) and vegetable wraps are great meatless alternatives.

 

Big Ragu loves Shish Wraps, so this isn’t his first rodeo.   He told Chef House and Huongry Jax about it and now they are Shish heads too !   Now we’re gonna tell you some shish …

 

MUST EATS:

— CHIPS & HUMMUS :  The creamy, garlic goodness of this hummus is amazing.  This is seriously one of the most flavorful hummus plates in town, and it is homemade on site!

— SHISH FRIES:  The Big Ragu will go on record as saying these are the best fries he has ever eaten.  The fries are dusted with garlic, olive oil and a generous heap of feta cheese.

Kafta Bowl

Kafta Bowl – spicy beef links over hummus, lettuce, pickles and tomatoes. MUST EAT !

— SHISH BOWL: You can choose chicken, or falafel but Jax says GET THE KAFTA BOWL !  Kafta is ground beef mixed with parsley and spices and it is some good shish.  Served with hummus, Mediterranean pickles, tomatoes and lettuce, this is a healthy dish that tastes damn good.  Be warned, you will be craving future visits for this stuff.

— SHISH WRAP:    We love these.  The menu says build your own, but may Big Ragu suggest the Chicken Shish Wrap?  It comes with an incredible cabbage mix and load it up with your favorite veggies! Get Shish sauce or Tzatziki sauce on it which are must eats in themselves.  An added bonus is that the pitas are lower calorie than other wrap places.  You can choose your own meat, sauces and veggies so style it your way.

Honorable Mention: The Tabouli – a healthy choice that is freshly chopped in-house.  It is seasoned with the perfect amount of lemon juice and served with pita slices.

Make sure you check out our gallery below with some incredible photos from our many visits to SHISH WRAPS… Our fans know we never post a story on a one time visit, this is not a “drive by.”  You deserve better.

Now is a perfect time to get some of this good food as the UD Basketball season gets into swing.  If you are downtown or near the U.D. campus, visit SHISH WRAPS, for a quick bite. This place is definitely “the shish.”

We realize everyone needs to get a little Shish faced now and then.  For more info on menu and hours, visit the Shish website HERE.   Visit 3 Shish Heads, Food Adventures, on Facebook and like them HERE !

HOLY SHISH !  We got a $20 GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY TO SHISH WRAPS !   Comment below on this article, tell us why you deserve the Shish, and fill out the entry form and  we will choose someone at random ![form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

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Jimmie’s Ladder 11: Great Food in a Historic Firehouse

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Jimmie’s Ladder 11 on Brown Street. A “hot time in the old firehouse”

What better place for a Food Adventure than a historic Dayton Firehouse?  But atmosphere isn’t everything , you gotta have good eats too.  Jimmie’s Ladder 11 at 936 Brown St. is one of Dayton’s best examples of a great menu in a great venue.  The restaurant is located in what used to be an old city firehouse back in the days when the engines were run by horse drawn carriages.  Dayton Fire Department memorabilia lines the walls of this beautiful dining area.  Antique wood floors and walls throughout the building develops a warm, nostalgic feel.  But The Food Adventure Crew knows, the decor is just the beginning.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Jimmie’s Ladder 11 is located in a historic Dayton Fire Department Building built in 1892.

— Family owned restaurant with a stellar service staff.

— Owner Jimmie Brandell worked at the Upper Krust for 17 years honing his restaurant skills.

— Wide variety of menu choices from Burgers and Sandwiches, to rare Upstate New York favorites

Creole Cheesecake is not a Dessert, it is a Savory Appetizer

— Nice selection of craft beers on tap and in bottles.  They even feature a fire hydrant tap.

— Live Music on weekends, showcasing eclectic local bands

— Private Party Loft available for special events or parties

— Outdoor dining area overlooks a bustling Brown Street

Let’s dive into the menu, with FOOD ADVENTURE’s MUST EATS for JIMMIES LADDER 11:

Grab a fork and follow us…

Paisano Pasta Chips – Fresh Deep Fried Pasta, “Italian Nachos”

CREOLE CHEESECAKE – Probably one of the best appetizers in Dayton.  This unique menu item is not a dessert.  It is a casserole type dish served in slices.   The “cheesecake” is stuffed with Andouille Sausage, Shrimp, smoked Gouda, Cream Cheese, Onions, and Peppers.  Slightly “fiery,” but mostly rich and tasty.

NEW ORLEANS GUMBO – Made from scratch daily, this hearty gumbo is simply amazing.  Bursting with Chicken, Shrimp, and Andouille sausage, this is a “must eat” with the perfect heat.  We are addicted and after one cup, you will be too.

VODKA RIGGIES- You won’t find this Upstate New York  favorite anywhere else in Dayton.  Jimmie’s wife, Sue is from Utica, NY where this dish originated.  Creamy tomato sauce is blended with vodka, chicken and rigatoni, then finished with peppers.  There is some spiciness to this pasta plate, but we won’t have to hose you down afterwards.  One of our favorites for sure.

NEW YORK STYLE CHEESECAKE –  One of the best we have ever eaten.  Again made from scratch, this is a cross between the Upper Krust Cheesecake and the ones you find in New York City.  We love this stuff.  Order a piece for a rich, sinful taste of dreaminess.

LADDER 11 SANDWICH – The kitchen starts out with either a hoagie roll or rye bread.  They add some Romanian style Pastrami and Corned Beef.   Top the whole thing off with the house-made, hand-cut Cole Slaw.   The final touch is a drizzle of house-made Russian Dressing.  Are you licking your chops yet?

Honorable Mention:

The Hamburger – You might hear fire truck sirens in your head, because for 6 bucks, this platter is a steal.

Tom Turkey – A throwback to the Upper Krust sandwich.  You cant go wrong with turkey and creamy house-made cole slaw chopped that day.

Paisano Pasta Chips – Could be described as “Italian Nachos.”  Homemade pasta, deep fried and topped with Italian Sausage, Onions, Peppers, Mozzarella and Provolone.  The concoction is finished off with a delicious Asiago cream sauce.

New York Style Cheesecake – Unbelievably good

Jimmie’s Ladder 11 is a Dayton original.  No trendy stuff here.   The Ladder 11 staff has brought together good, affordable food and fun surroundings.   They even have great salads and vegetarian choices.

If you have not had a chance to visit this establishment, take some time to check it out.  We frequent this place because we love the menu and beer selection.  The service is always spot on as well.  Got a hungry stomach?  Put that fire out by visiting Jimmie’s Ladder 11.

Want some more “hot” scoop from some “fiery foodies”?  Then “like” Food Adventures  on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Browse through our incredible photos below for a thorough look at the menu.  We aren’t a “one dish Trish,”  we write informed stories after trying various menu items during numerous visits.

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Jimmie’s Ladder 11 Beer & Menu Pairings for July 13th Food Adventure Event! **Limited Tickets Available**

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Jimmie’s Ladder 11 is hosting an Exclusive Food Adventure Event July 13

If you are a Dayton foodie, then listen up…

The Big Ragu & Crew would like to share this EXCLUSIVE Food Adventure news with you.

The Jimmies Ladder 11 Staff has finalized the menu for the one-time-0nly event, slated for SATURDAY, JULY 13th at 7PM in the Ladder 11 Private Party Loft!

5 COURSES, 5 BEER PAIRINGS, 1 HOT TIME !   The fiery event will be called “JIMMIE’s in JULY,”

Abita Beers will be paired with the food courses

ABITA Brewing  Company will be partnering with Dayton Most Metro and Jimmie’s Ladder 11 for this one of a kind night featuring live music from the Stillwater River Band.
There will be door prizes and gift certificate giveaways.

WARNING: Seating is limited, so get your tickets, HERE before they sell out !

Tickets are Pre-Pay only, no refunds.

$30 per ticket INCLUDES THE TIP !  What a deal !

Here is what to expect from the menu tasting :

The event promises to TURN UP THE HEAT by featuring some hot tastes.  Then, we will hose you down with the cool Abita Beer Pairings!

COURSE 1: New Orleans Style Gumbo paired with Abita Amber Beer

COURSE 2: Cornerstone Salad paired with Abita Strawberry Harvest Beer

COURSE 3: Paisano Pasta Chips with an Abita Seasonal Beer called Satsuma

COURSE 4: Vodka Chicken Riggies (Pasta dish) paired with Abita Turbo Dog Beer

COURSE 5: INTRODUCING THE NEW HOUSE CHEESECAKE !  Paired with Abita Purple Haze Beer

There is even a rumor that The Big Ragu will be passing out sample bites of Jimmie’s Creole Cheesecake which is and incredible, quiche-like, no wait souffle pie with shrimp, andouille sausage, smoked gouda cheese.. heck,  it cant be described, it just has to be tasted.  Don’t Miss this this Food Adventure.

It is going to be a hot time in the old firehouse on July 13th !!

TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE BY CLICKING HERE !  Get them now, so you don’t get burned when they sell out!

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Your Chance at an EXCLUSIVE, One-of-a-Kind Food Adventure Event at Jimmies Ladder 11

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It is time to turn up the heat at Jimmie’s Ladder 11.  The summer months can be scorchers, and SATURDAY July 13th promises to be a hot time at the old firehouse.  There are limited spots available for this private pre-pay event, and tickets go on sale TODAY.

Jimmie and the Ladder 11 family  have put together a one night only, 5 course menu tasting meal that hits on the essence of this great locally owned eatery.  The first 4 courses will be paired with beer samplings.  The final course, will feature an unveiling of  an old classic!  Jimmie’s is bringing back the Upper Krust Cheesecake for dessert!!  This is the original recipe used for years when Jimmie managed the Upper Krust in Dayton.

Not only do you get all this, you get to light up the night with other foodies including The Big Ragu !   There will be door prizes, giveaways, and after dinner music entertainment.  Don’t miss this great deal on some great food.  Never been to Jimmies Ladder 11?  Then this is your chance to see if where there’s smoke, there is fire!  Are you a Jimmies Ladder 11 fan?   Then you wont want to miss this spectacular one of a kind, menu event!

PLEASE NOTE:  THE EVENT IS PRE-PAY ONLY, no tickets will be sold at the door.

WE ARE SELLING A LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS TO THIS EVENT.  CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR TICKETS !

 

WHAT:  An EXCLUSIVE FOOD ADVENTURE Event brought to you by DaytonMostMetro.com and Dayton Dining

WHERE: JIMMIE’s LADDER 11 Restaurant: Private Event to be held in the upstairs Party Loft area at 936 Brown St., Dayton, Ohio

 

WHY:  A chance for you sample 5 courses of food selected specifically by Jimmie that characterize his menu

WHEN:  Saturday, July 13th at 7pm

COST:  $30 per person, this includes gratuity!  What a deal!  Tickets will include 5 course dinner, 4 beer pairings, an acoustic/band after party with happy hour drink pricing for attendees.  Tickets are only available online at DaytonMostMetro.com by clicking HERE.  Limited spaces available, so don’t miss out !!

Downtown Dayton Revival Festival Band Spotlight Volume 5: The Funky Worm Returns

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The Ohio Players: The Origins Of Ohio Funk

I have a big, yet not unsurprising, admission to make. I did not purchase and take home my first Ohio Players album for the music. I did not even know who the Ohio Players were nor what the term “funk” could possibly mean. I did know, however, that the woman depicted on the album Honey was extremely hot and I was even more…er…excited to find that the interior cover was just as or even exceedingly more titillating than the front cover. Big deal! I was like thirteen and was always on the look out to fill up the account in my spank bank for future transactions! That’s not the point here. The point is that eventually I actually placed the record on the turntable and experienced the raw rhythms of funk which broadened not only my musical horizons, but also allowed me to see that not all great entertainment came from the sunny climes of the West Coast, but could be created far closer to home.

Although, to be honest, the whole album Honey was not a complete funkfest, as “Sugarfoot” Bonner’s heartfelt ballad Alone Again can attest to. This fact was overshadowed by the monster jam Love Rollercoaster, which has become the most identifiable legacy of the Ohio Players, being the most covered and sampled song from their extensive repertoire. Love Rollercoaster even became overshadowed by it’s own quirkiness, as rumors surrounded the origin of the scream heard in the first few seconds of the song. Whispers of death, murder and mayhem abounded as fans and DJs fanned the flames of intrigue. Was it a murder that occurred next door to the studio and was accidentally picked up by the sensitive mics? Was it the model who was so lusciously covered in honey, which was reportedly not honey at all, but a solution of melted plastic that horrifically burned her sensitive skin and she was murdered by a member of the band when she threatened to sue? According to James “Diamond” Williams, drummer for the Ohio Players, the truth was far more mundane than the rumors…yet the rumors served as purpose.

“There is a part in the song where there’s a breakdown. It’s guitars and it’s right before the second verse and Billy Beck does one of those inhaling-type screeches like Minnie Ripperton did to reach her high note or Mariah Carey does to go octaves above.” Williams then reveals how the rumor was born by saying, “The DJ made this crack and it swept the country. People were asking us, ‘Did you kill this chick in the studio?’ The band took a vow of silence because that makes you sell more records.”

During an interview with James “Diamond” Williams, I related my original interest in the cover art and how it introduced me to their music. He laughed, bemused, yet not at all surprised.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. That’s what you gotta watch out for (laughs) but other than that, it’s just that we were very blessed to be able to write some music that has been able to stand the test of time and even to be around today to still play the music  and, as a matter of fact, to be quite well doing it. We wrote some music at that time…you know, everybody wants to write a White Christmas kind of song. It’s just a song that when you think about Christmas, White Christmas comes to your mind. But, to write a song called Fire was almost the same or to write a song called Love Rollercoaster.” Williams went on to explain his analogy. “When you think about a roller coaster, you immediately think of our song. If you think about fire and you think of a song that would illustrate that, you know, that visual type thing, you immediately think of our song in most cases. It’s just like, and I don’t want to be so picky, picky…there are a number of others. Like, if you think about happy times, you think of Celebration with Kool and the Gang. These are just songs that, during that period of time, you can relate to it. So, it transcends time. It transcends time. Rollercoaster transcends time; it’s not a period piece. People are still riding roller coasters. Of course they’ve changed. Sometimes now they’re on some doggone rollers or whatever, but nonetheless a roller coaster it is. And we were talking a little bit heavier than rides there, you know, so that kind of transcends things too. We’re talking love and romance and things like that.”

Even today’s youth are more familiar with the Ohio Players than they may even consciously know. Funky Worm, Fire and Love Rollercoaster are probably some of the most sampled songs in existence and the groups music is featured in everything from movie soundtracks to video games to television shows.

Love Roller Coaster and Fire, both of which have been very good songs for us. “Fire’” being used for the TV show Hell’s Kitchen with Chef Ramsey and it’s been used in various other movies and all that stuff and whatever, whatever.” Williams went on to say, “Like Rollercoaster has been covered by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Snoop and other people have done our songs. So we’ve been very blessed in the TV and the movie media. We’ve done quite well in our songs being placed.”

It is amazing that after all these years, the Ohio Players are still performing a rigorous touring schedule to appreciative audiences. It’s not surprising…just amazing and inspiring.

“We’ve played at the Apollo several times. We did the Jazz festival in New Orleans, you know, just different places. In Memphis we were there at the Beale Street Festival for like, I don’t know, 200,000 people. It was a ridiculous number of people out there. So, you know, we do big festival dates.” As far as playing back in their hometown, Williams said, “It pleases us that we’re able to come home now and do a venue that’s real nice. We hope to do them proud by us coming there.”

Just to rile him up a bit, I asked Williams if the crowds that they encounter on the road are still receptive and energetic when they hear the funky slap bass and rhythmic groove of the Ohio Players.

“Yeah! Are you kidding me? I mean, we play a lot of casinos and all that stuff like Foxwood and all the big casinos. Yeah, we get a great response.” Williams ended by speaking towards the genre of funk itself, saying, “You know, this music, thank God, hasn’t died and there are radio stations that are still playing seventies music and that interim of music everyday and we’re just blessed to be around to play it.”

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See all of our Downtown Dayton Revival Music Festival Band Spotlights