Dayton937

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

Food Adventure

Hibachi up Close: Sake Japanese Steakhouse + WIN LUNCH !

By 3 Comments

Fire it up at Sake

***COMMENT BELOW on why you love SAKE restaurant and win a lunch with the Food Adventure Crew at Sake !*** One winner will be chosen at random.

The chefs at Sake Restaurant have been tossing it, flipping it, and slicing things up for decades. The attraction here are the giant Hibachi grills that each seat 8 people. As the meal begins, so does the fun “show” of each chef demonstrating knife skills, sharpness of blade, and spatula talents. Welcome to Sake Japanese Steakhouse, my friends, a locally owned eatery, where each meal is an entertaining Food Adventure.

What is the secret to their success? They have outlasted all the other Japanese steakhouses in Dayton. They are the only game like it in town, except for another locally owned restaurant in Troy called “Sakai” which is also an excellent place to grab hibachi and sushi

Dipping Spider Roll into Yum yum sauce

meals.

Sake is not a cheap outing, but is perfect for a celebration or special treat. Let’s learn more….

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON SAKE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE and SUSHI BAR:

—There are 3 Dayton locations of this, one on Miller Lane, one by the Dayton Mall and another across the street from the Greene.

—Hours are strange at Sake during the week.  Mon – Fri they are open 10am -2pm but they close from 2pm -4pm as a break between lunch and dinner.  They open back up at 4 and serve dinner until 10pm, 11pm on Saturday.

—Each restaurant offers seating around the hibachi grill, seating in a dining room, or seating at the sushi bar.  The menu varies on where you sit, but you can pretty much ask for everything, no matter where you are located.  We suggest to always sit at the the Hibachi grill for a full experience.

—Each restaurant offers a full sushi menu.  Each location offers discounts on sushi during

Fresh Salmon Nigiri

weekdays.  For example the Greene location offers 50% off sushi rolls, and the Dayton mall location offers 30% off.  This is for sushi rolls only and does not include pieces of Nigiri (fish over rice) or Sashimi (fish slices alone).

—Always order sushi every visit.  They serve it before your hibachi meal as an appetizer.  Do it up in style, don’t skimp on this treat.  The sushi bar is good and needs to be taken advantage of.

—Every hibachi meal starts with the chef setting an oil flame that shoots 2 to 3 feet in the air.  The chef then launches into various knife and spatula tricks and the cooking show is underway.  Expect a light comedic atmosphere, but serious flavor!

Miso Soup to start the Food Adventure

—Each Hibachi Dinner is served with Miso Soup and a house salad with house dressing.   Hibachi dinners come in one meat choices or combinations of 2 or 3 meats. Meat choices include steak, shrimp, chicken, salmon, scallops, and lobster.

—All of the hibachi entrees are served with 2 sauces. One is a brown ginger sauce used for seafoods. The other is “Yum Yum” sauce, a creamy condiment loved by almost everyone, and great on rice and steak. Both sauces are delicious. Experiment with our own flavor combinations and push the envelope. Dip the seafood in the yum yum sauce you rebel, it is actually incredible !

Yum yum and Ginger Sauce

—Our biggest tip or suggestion: Whenever you can, come to Sake for lunch because the prices are almost half as cheap and the portions are pretty much the same.  Also, ALWAYS order the fried rice option with your meal, it is their specialty.

 

Speaking of specialties.. let’s get to the menu at Sake and see the best this kitchen has to offer.  We have been exploring this place for years, and have literally eaten everything on the menu from the hibachi salmon to the Alaskan roll.  In our dozens of trips, we have compiled our patented list of “must eats.”

 

MUST EATS at SAKE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE:

—KANI SALAD:
A secret “off the menu choice,” this is a Food Adventure tip. Kani salad is shredded imitation crab strips tossed in vinegar and spicy mayo. The result is a slightly creamy, delicious delicacy. Try it, and thank us later.

 

—THE SPIDER ROLL:
For some reason, Sake has the best Spider rolls in town. These sushi rolls are made of soft shell crab with shredded celery.

 

The Spider Rolls at Sake are the best ones in Dayton.

—SALMON NIGIRI:
Nice slices of fresh sushi Salmon over rice. Melt in your mouth good, dipped in soy sauce and wasabi.

 

—HIBACHI STEAK:
Steak overs seem to love this dinner/lunch entree choice. The steak is cooked to your liking rare to well done. It is cubed and tossed in teriyaki sauce. The aroma is amazing.

 

—SHRIMP, SCALLOPS and LOBSTER COMBO:
This is the ultimate of the combo choices and Big Ragu’s all time favorite.
The hiibachi scallops are so tender and delicious, and touched off with a spray of lemon juice. The

Hibachi Shrimp,Scallops, Lobster and fried rice

same for the lobster, which is buttery and so good it is indescribable. The shrimp is always a winner and loads up the plate as well. This is the best of best at Sake.

 

The House salad

These are our must eats, but know that your best combo is what you meats you love most from chicken, salmon, steak, shrimp, scallops and lobster. Find your favorites and get them on the hibachi grill. Another tip for hot sauce lovers: Ask for Sriracha sauce and spray your fried rice with it while it is on the hibachi. Ask the chef, they will do it up and the taste is one of a kind.

There you have it .. all the fire, food and fun from Sake Japanese steakhouses.  Check out all of the locations, as they each have their special charm.  Have fun with “egg roll” and the squirting kid toy as well as the “catch a shrimp in your pocket or food in your mouth” trick too.  Lots to experience in this fun Food Adventure.

DONT FORGET –

***COMMENT BELOW on why you love SAKE restaurant and win a lunch with the Food Adventure Crew at Sake !*** One winner will be chosen at random.

Are you a foodie like us?  Make sure you check back each week for our feature article on Dayton Most Metro.  Want more Dayton food photos ?  Then follow Food Adventures us on Facebook here 

Hibachi Shrimp and more

Lobster roll and more

Sake by the Greene

Fresh, raw Salmon

Spicy Salmon Roll

Hibachi Chef

Hibachi Scallops and Shrimp

Hibachi Vegetables

Edamame

A deep fried sushi roll

Steak and chicken cooking with veggies

Big Plate of Sushi

Nigiri Sushi

Sushi

Deep fried goodness

Specials at Dayton Mall

Hibachi Salmon and Shrimp

Hibachi Shrimp and Scallops

Tuna Roll

A Sushi Boat

Rainbow and Spider Roll

The pee pee trick !

Ready to rock n roll

flaming volcano onion

Tuna

Cooking Salmon and scallops

Big Ragu – you ordered this whole page?

Sauce chef

We are hungry

Sake and chopsticks are a must

Salmon Avocado Roll

Lobster Roll

Sushi – so good

Another take on Kani Salad

Sushi Rolls 50% off at The Greene Location

Before Hibachi get a plate of sushi

Miso hungry

Cucumber Sushi

Deep Fry me

starting the fried rice

Across from the Greene location

Sushi !

A sushi roll with tuna and salmon

 

Big plate of Sushi

Luminaries of Dayton: Joseph W. Green

By

Joseph W. Green was born in Dayton, Ohio and worked for his father’s cracker company, the Green & Green Co. It was famous for supplying 6.5 million pounds of cracker-like bread, known as hardtack, to American military forces in WWI. The company custom-designed machinery to make special soldered tins that would ensure the product remained fresh and palatable in the worst of conditions.

After the war, the Green family moved into their Oakwood home across from Hawthorn Hill. Soon the company’s Edgemont cracker was its most popular cracker, a product similar to a saltine. Today, Green & Green Co. is best remembered as the originator of a small, square cracker – a cracker. Its orange color and unique flavor comes from paprika and it is the leading selling cracker in the United States. Can you guess its name? Yep! … It’s Cheez-Its.

So where are Cheez-Its made today? In 1931, Joseph Green was president of the American Manufacturing Company, and manager of Loose-Wiles, which later became the Sunshine Biscuit Company. The Sunshine Co. identified itself with the sun symbol and with bringing sunshine into people’s lives. In 1996, Keebler bought Sunshine Biscuit. Today Cheez-Its are made  by Kellogg, which acquired Keebler in 2000, but the company still uses the iconic sunshine trademark on every box.

 

Joseph and Eleanor Green are located in Section 105 Lot 2231 at Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum.

Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum is located at 118 Woodland Avenue off of Brown Street near the UD Campus. The Woodland Office is open Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm and Saturday 8 am to 12 pm. The Cemetery and Arboretum are open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. The Mausoleum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Fore more information call 937-228-3221 or visit the Woodland website.

 

 

 

 

CoreLife Eatery Opens at Cornerstone

By Leave a Comment

A unique concept has come to town

Talk about a lean, mean flavor machine!  Cornerstone’s newest restaurant is a healthy focused, new chain out of New York.   CoreLife Eatery, founded just 2 years ago, is the brainchild of a group of friends in Syracuse.  It is getting some great buzz around town with a couple of soft opening events that have impressed local foodies.

Food Adventures was able to get a sneak peek into the restaurant on 4 separate visits, and talked with the friendly staff and managers.  They explained the philosophy of fresh, healthy, food that makes delicious combinations.  They pride themselves on not using genetically modified vegetables, and anti-biotic free chicken.

Meet Tammy, Head Coach of the Eatery !

The main staple of the menu is a salad bowl, where you pick a protein and then choose from dozens of premium toppings.  Choices are as simple as carrots and tomatoes, to the gourmet edamame or shredded roast beets.   The menu at CoreLife features suggested combinations, or you can build your own masterpiece.  You can even add broth to make your meal a soup.

We were pleasantly surprised that healthy could taste so good !

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on CORELIFE EATERY.

— CoreLife is located at 5201 Cornerstone North Blvd in Centerville, and opens officially on November 10th, but is hosting a soft opening Nov.9th where you choose what you pay and all proceeds go to Hannah’s Treasure Chest !  Hours are 11am – 9pm every day.

—The Cornerstone location is the 22nd store in the CoreLife restaurant chain, which ranges from New York to Michigan, Utah and Pennsylvania.  Look for another one to open in Miamisburg next year !

— The unique business plan features 3 menu items:  Salad Bowls, Bone Broths, Spiced Iced Teas

— Salad sizes are small, medium and large.  You choose a protein tuna, chicken or tofu  (or go vegan) and then pick your salad and veggie toppings (choose from almost 40 items).  Small salads are very filling for most people.  The regular and regular double protein are for bigger appetites.

— Holistic Bone Broths featured are Beef Broth and Chicken Broth.  There is also a Vegetable Broth.  All are found to reduce inflammation and have medicinal benefits to the body, including the digestive and immune system.  You can use the broth to make your own soup, but we prefer drinking it in a coffee like cup.  It will help curb hunger.

Inside Corelife

— They have about 9 spice infused iced tea drinks.  Amazing flavors with various health benefits from each tea.

—Did we mention they make their dressings from scratch too?  Yeah, there are at least 10 of them and they are one of a kind.

Now after trying various menu items on multiple trips, we have come up with our patented “Must Eats.”

 

MUST EATS at CORELIFE EATERY:

Spicy Chicken with Ancient Grains Bowl

SPICY CHICKEN and ANCIENT GRAINS BOWL:
It starts with quinoa, shredded kale and arugula with tomatoes, corn and chickpeas. Broccoli and shredded white cheddar finish it out.  We added roast beets, edamame, carrots, and cucumbers, and had it tossed in Lime Cilantro Jalapeno Vinaigrette Dressing.

 

TUNA POKE GRAIN BOWL:
Seared, very rare, ahi style tuna covers this delicious mix of kale, shredded cabbage, cucumber, quinoa, carrots, scallions, ginger, edamame, avocado, sesame seeds, and almonds. The dressing is a Miso Sesame Ginger Dressing.

Tuna Poke Grain Bowl

 

CUP OF CHICKEN BONE BROTH:
Simmered all day, this chicken broth is mild and scorching hot. Sip it like coffee and feel the warmth touch your toes. Bone broth is thought to have many health benefits including appetite suppressant, immune boost, and digestive health.

 

CUP OF BEEF BONE BROTH:
A hot, steaming cup of this broth in a coffee cup to go. Sip it as it cools and feel the effects of the warm broth as it reaches your tummy. The feeling of your body healing is a good one. Bone broth like this is said to have all kinds of health benefits including stopping inflammation, helping joint pain and replenishing nutrients.  Sit back, sip and enjoy as if it was a cafe latte from Starbucks.

Big Ragu Says the Tofu is amazing

SRIRACHA GINGER ROASTED TOFU GREEN BOWL:
Let us first start by saying this roasted tofu is the best tofu that the Big Ragu has ever eaten. It is flavorful and delicate.  The cubes of tofu are sprinkled over baby spinach leaves and kale.  Broccoli, carrots, sprouts, basil, ginger and sriracha sauce are all tossed in.  We added extras like edamame and shredded beets.  The dressing was a Carrot Chili Vinaigrette dressing.

 

THE MEDITERRANEAN:
This salad features homemade Falafel and Hummus.  The salad consists of shredded romaine and kale.  Other toppings are cucumbers, tomatoes, feta and red onion.  A Cucumber Basil Dressing finishes the whole thing off.  The falafel is what makes this salad great… it is incredible.

Incredible Mediterranean Bowl – Falafel and Hummus on top

 

BEET LEMONADE:
Even if you aren’t a fan of beets, you might like this one.  The subtle earthy flavor is masked by a great lemonade.   It is easy to ignore the hint of beets and drink the lemonade, knowing you are getting some health benefits.  Beets have been directly linked to lowering blood pressure and increasing brain & memory functions.

 

APPLE CIDER GREEN TEA:
The best drink by far in our estimation.  And the bonus is the benefits.  Green Tea helps lower cholesterol and is an anti aging herb.  Wow – we could all use a pause button on Father Time.  The mix with the apple cider, means a purely refreshing drink that you will fall in love with.

Apple Cider Green Tea

HONORABLE MENTION:
3 Soups – The Tomato Basil, Autumn Squash and Broccoli Cheddar soups. These taste sinful, but are totally healthy because the creamy flavor comes from cauliflower puree.

There you have it, the tips on the best things to eat in this big menu  of healthy stuff.  The key to CoreLife is that you can tweak the salad your way. Choose a dressing, choose vegetables, leave some out.  We  all know, no one makes a better salad than ourselves.

So remember, Thursday Nov. 9th is “pay what you want” and proceeds go to Hannah’s Treasure Chest.  November 10th, Friday is the official opening of the restaurant.

Clean and Fresh

We loved this place, and think you will too.  It is a refreshing take and a unique theme.  There is nothing else like it in Dayton.

We would like to thank the staff of CoreLife for their hospitality, from Head Coach Tammy to Regional Operations Mgr Tony from Cleveland.

–Thank you for reading this week’s Food Adventure article.  Food Adventures is a blog that seeks out the best eats in the Miami Valley and shares them with you.  Are you a foodie?  Then join the 7500 foodies on Facebook that follow Food Adventures by clicking HERE.

Feel free to browse our gallery below, for more pictures from Corelife.  Leave a comment below on what you would like to try, or what your favorite dishes are …

What will you top it off with?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steak Green bowl

Steak Green Bowl with dressing

Booths

Beet Lemonade

About 10 homemade dressings to choose from

Tuna Poke

Spicy Chicken and noodles

Great drinks

Beef Bone Broth

Dressings

Ready and open

Meditterranean

Tofu salad – spicy noodles

Sriracha over the tofu Salad

Falafel and hummus among us

Drink lineup

Tuna Grain Bowl

Spicy Chicken with Ancient Grain Bowl

Mediterranean ‘bowl

 

 

Remembering Dayton’s Closed Restaurants

By 105 Comments

2017 saw some classic Dayton restaurants close, from the incomparable Rue Dumaine, to the Hawthorne Grill in Kettering.  We saw longtime fixture from the 70′ the TGI Friday’s close their doors at the Dayton Mall and in Huber Heights.   Meanwhile,  restaurants like Carmella’s Italian Kitchen, we hardly got to know ya, since they closed after being open only a few months.  Whether a national chain, like Long John Silver’s Riverside shutting down, to local “chain” Caddy’s on 741 in Miami Township, they all felt the last call in 2017.

The Upper Krust Centerville Location

This got the  Food Adventures Crew thinking about restaurants of the past.   So today , we take you on a trip of years gone by.  We call it “Restaurants Closed But Not Forgotten.”

Let’s dive right in.

THE UPPER KRUST – Legendary sandwich shop with locations on North Main Street and in Woodbourne Village in Centerville near 48 and Whipp Rd.  Who can forget the “Tom Turkey” sandwich or the choice of beets, chips or apple sauce.

Remember Lawsons’s Convenient Stores?

TALL TIMBERS –  This old style “supper club” on Troy Pike in  Huber Heights, was known for steaks.  It was actually in an old building built by Benjamin Van Cleve in 1916.  Approximately 25 years ago, a fire closed the restaurant once and for all.  We remember dining there as kids and using the “Entertainment” coupon for a free entrée.

LAWSON’S – These milk stores/convenient stores were all over the Dayton area in the 70’s,  and even had delis inside.  Lawson’s was a Cleveland based company.

SAMPAN – On Webster Street, this oriental restaurant was one of the first ones in Dayton.  They had those cool 70’s style, steel serving plates, where you lift the metal top and steam would fly out of the plate, making it appear piping hot. .

Look at this old school Ponderosa from the 1970’s

TONY’S DUNKER’S DELIGHT DONUTS – Near the corner of Stroop and Marshall Rd in Kettering, this place had a cult following.

PEKING INN –  This spot was known for their signature dish “Peking Duck” and serving dinners in hot metal covered dishes.  Peking Inn was located on 725 near the middle of Centerville and is now “Las Piramedes” Mexican restaurant.

PONDEROSA STEAKHOUSE – They used to be all over the place in the 70’s and early 80’s.  Who could forget the metal topped wooden plates and the damn buttery rolls!  Sliding your tray down the cafeteria line, watching them cook steaks, and visiting the trough salad bar.   Centerville’s Jerry Office was the CEO bringing them from a 40 million to a $400 million company.

The Colony Club Logo

CHIN’S ORIENTAL CAFE / CHIN’S GINGER GRILL – A fixture in downtown Dayton and in Tipp City, It was hard to see these 2 locations go.  For decades, Daytonians enjoyed these restaurants that were definitely ahead of their time.   Facility issues and lack of business, as well as an owner who wanted to retire, led to the closing of the Downtown Dayton location in 2003.  The Tipp City eatery would follow in the next few years.

THE COLONY CLUB –  Old school supper club, full bar and dancing on one side, a restaurant on the other side.   Owned by Don Mendenhall, they were known for their hopping atmosphere as well as steaks and seafood.  Located on South Dixie, The Big Ragu took his homecoming dinner date there in 1986.

Hamburger HEaven

Muscle Cars, Good Burgers at Hamburger Heaven on Woodman Dr.

URBAN SUBURBAN TAVERN: Remember the Butcher paper signs on the wall with the weekly specials written on them?  Owned by Dayton icon Urban Goeke, this spot was a popular destination in the early 80’s.  Located near Marshall Rd and Stroop, specialties included, steaks,  seafood and burgers.  Good prices and great values, this establishment was bought out by the owners of Elsa’s and converted to a Kettering Elsa’s location.  Not many people know that Urban Suburban was the first Dayton restaurant to serve buffalo style chicken wings.

HAMBURGER HEAVEN: This spot was a popular oldies car drive in destination on the weekends on Woodman Dr in a converted Red Barn restaurant.  They were known for their burgers, especially a huge creation called “The Galaxy Burger” which we loved.

Bosco’s Logo – Gone but not forgotten

BOBO CHINA – Little spot on Bigger Rd that used to be a Burger Chef and a Chucks Burgers and Stuff.  They had great egg rolls and one of the first buffets in town.

BOSCO’S / THE OAKS – Dart throwing, beer swilling, and live band watching pubs located at the corner of Bigger Rd and Hewitt Ave.  Big volleyball events and summer parties were also hallmarks here.  The spots were vacated and made way for the latest restaurant to close at the same location, Italian eatery, Arthur’s.

Talegators - incredible wings

We remember the incredible Chicken Wings at Talegators

 

THE MANDARIN KITCHEN – Formerly located at S. Ludlow, this restaurant was owned by celebrity chef Ming Tsai’s parents.  This restaurant was known for its “Yu Shang” dishes and twice cooked pork.

 

Shakey’s Pizza – yes you could hear some banjo and piano tunes too

TALEGATORS – Freshly demolished to make way for a new McDonalds, this place had some stellar wings, especially the sweet chili wings.  The sauce would make you smack your lips and smack your momma too.  Known for their live music and bar specials as well, this place had a cult following.

 

THE SAVORY –   An underrated steakhouse at 2335 Smithville Rd. that was in an old “A” frame building that was obviously an IHOP or Howard Johnson’s.  Cozy atmosphere, good food, a great wine selection, and some of the best steaks and lamb dinners in town. Highly underrated, the spot later became the first Cadillac Jacks and the Van Buren Tap Room !

SHAKEY’S PIZZA – The pizza place from the early 70’s with player pianos and music.  One was located where North China in Centerville is today.  They also had a big draft beer menu.  A family joint, with a  beer swillin’ twist and sing a longs… call it Noble Roman’s meets Hofbrau Haus.

 

PIZZA QUEEN INTERNATIONAL – Opened in 1978, by the Castro family, this place served pizzas from locations in West Carrollton and on Marshall Rd in Kettering.  In the earl 1990’s, the family decided to close the pizza shops and turn the West Carrollton location in into El Meson Restaurant which is still operating today under the same ownership.  Even though we love El Meson, we still miss Pizza Queen to this day!

SCOTTY’S HAMBURGERS – This place was very similar to White Castle, but with a diner feel inside.  The Big Ragu specifically remembers eating at the location on N. Fairfield Rd that would later become Bud Frantz’ Fairfield Inn and BR Scoteses’s.

Daytontians love Parkmoor Chicken from the 60’s

THE PARKMOOR – Dixie Style Chicken, this drive-in diner was a popular Daytonian stop in the 50’s and 60’s.  To this day, people talk about their chicken.  Miss that taste?  Well, the rumor is that Hasty Tasty Pancake House still offers the original Parkmoor Recipe Chicken today !  Fricker’s serves “Parkmoor Chicken Tender Sunday specials with crinkle cut fries and claims to have the recipe as well.

BUD FRANTZ’ FAIRFIELD INN – Family restaurant known for big portions and decent prices.  Chicken and steak were the specialties.  This spot later became BR Scotese’s.

B. R. SCOTESE’S  – Chef David Glynn opened this restaurant as a tribute to his grandfather.  The place had some terrific Italian specialties, but unfortunately went out of business in the 90’s.

BOB’S FOOD WAREHOUSE – This grocer on Woodman Dr. in Kettering was a pre-cursor to Sam’s club.  They had great prices and bulk items, but you had to bag your own stuff in their boxes.  Kind of a local GFS … Wrestling magazines and pulled pork were among the items sold.

CHARLIE CHAN’S — Upstairs at the food court in the Dayton Mall, this chain was known for its egg rolls and chinese dishes.  The first place we ever saw duck sauce and hot mustard packets.

A former fixture in the Dayton Mall food court

LAI LAI — A Chinese restaurant near Woodman and Dorothy Lane intersection.  They were one of the first Chinese restaurants to use coupons to lure customers and lunch crowds.

DUKE’S GOLDEN OX – When the owner of the place is a fixture at the bar, you know this is a special eatery.  Duke’s was original from the A-frame architecture to the drink menu.  Known for their steaks, spaghetti and ribs, we loved the bbq sauce that was almost sweet and tomato like.  The ambiance was an old school supper club mixed with a palm readers lair.  It was spooky, yet cool inside, and you didn’t know what time of day it was outside, as we don’t remember the place having any windows.

BAMBOO GARDEN — On Gettysburg Ave, this restaurant had Egg Foo Young, Sweet N Sour, Chow Mein, Chop Suey and Seafood dishes.

 

WAREHOUSE BEER DRIVE-IN –   The first chain of Dayton drive-thru’s with incredible Soft Pretzels.  Many drive-ins around the area today are just old Warehouse Beer Drive-ins.

STEVE KAO’S – An early, local version of PF Changs, this restaurant was very popular in the 80’s. Unfortunately inconsistent food quality led to diminishing business causing this spot to close. Their Kung Pao choices were terrific and they had some great appetizers too.

DEN

DRIFTWOOD BOWLING LANES – You wouldn’t think that a Bowling Lane would have good food, but this one did.  This place even had waitresses!  The cabbage rolls and Hot Shot sandwiches drew good lunch crowds. 

PIETRO MAURO’S ITALIAN DELI –  Located on Bigger Rd across from the Victoria’s Secret call center, this family owned Italian deli had great breads, cheeses and old world specialties.  From desserts, to stuffed peppers, to great sub sandwiches, we were sorry to see this place go out of business.

 

The Dutch Pantry

A Chain that is gone but not forgotten

THE DUTCH PANTRY – We like to describe this as an old time, Amish version of Bob Evans.  Dayton had a few locations including Springfield and Englewood.  Food Adventures enjoyed the waitresses’ old fashioned, Dutch outfits.

Ryan’s Buffet – Okra, Soft Rolls, Clam Chowder

RYANS STEAKHOUSE – The moist bread rolls and the deep fried okra first stole the heart of Daytonians in the 80’s.   The closest ones left are in Columbus and Marion, Ohio.  So you can still grab yourself a fork and enter the trough !

VITO’S VENETIAN INN – An Italian restaurant located on Dorothy Lane near Delco Park.  They were known for their simple pasta dishes and quality, family owned feel.  We miss the manicotti !

SHADES OF JADE –  The huge “Pu Pu Platter” appetizer sampler was a signature dish of this Chinese restaurant across from Wright State.  Fun decor including running fountains added to dining experience here.

SHOWBIZ PIZZA– The pre-cursor to Chuck E Cheese.  Eating cardboard like pizza and some of the kids are scared of the huge stuffed animal robots playing guitar.  Full arcade too, and in the 1980’s that actually kicked ass.

At Showbiz you could play Asteroids, and Eat Pizza

MYUNG SUNG – This Huber Heights Chinese restaurant was memorable with a seating area where you could sit on the floor.

THE BBQ HUT – The 298-RIBS phone number, the Broasted Chicken, potatoes and BBQ Specialties made this place a fixture on Wilmington Pike in Kettering.  They gave you that little dinner roll with each meal, that for some reason with a slab of butter was absolute heaven.

When a place had RIBS in their phone number…

THE VENETIAN – Great pizzas in this small spot on Stroop Rd. which is now Mama DiSalvos Restaurant!  The stepped up area in the back of the dining room housed a pool table.  They had great french fries too !!

DANIELS PARK ROW – They had the best shrimp scampi on earth.  This restaurant on Patterson Rd. was a throwback to the 50’s supper clubs where women would wear mink coats to dinner.  Good food, dark atmosphere.

 

AL & JOE’S FOODTOWN – Grocery store that was your typical 60’s grocery.  No frills, and the place always smelled like freshly sliced deli meat.

 

LATITUDE 49 – Centerville eatery where the Melting Pot is now.  Latitude 49 had some of the best calamari in the world.  We loved the aquarium decor and miss that place to this day.

BAYOU CAFE – The first Cajun restaurant in Dayton was a late 80’s venture.  This was the first place that your Food Adventurers tried alligator !  The spicy, cajun shrimp was fantastic too.  This site was most recently a Fox n Hound and Harrigans South, as well as a BBQ place.

There was a York Steakhouse inside the Dayton Mall

 

GARTSKA’S –  This Greek based eatery was a fixture in Bellbrook for many years.  Though the restaurant is gone, we haven’t forgotten their diverse menu and many incredible dishes.

 ALEX’s CONTINENTAL INN –   Dancing and music accompanied great food.  They had a couple of streaks, but finally closed within the last couple of years.  The first time Big Ragu ate lobster in a restaurant was here.

CAMBRIDGE INN –  Old style English cafeteria in Centerville, very reminiscent of Neil’s Heritage House.

YORK STEAK HOUSE – Located inside the Dayton mall, this cafeteria style steakhouse served items “a la carte.”  From Steaks to Seafood, this national chain was a staple in the Dayton Mall for many years, and was located just inside the entrance.

EMPIRE FAMILY RESTAURANT – Popular family spot on the corner of County Line Rd and Dorothy Lane.  After closing in the early 90’s it became a great Chinese restaurant called“China House” which also closed a few years later.

 

CHINA HOUSE – They served one of the best dishes we have ever tried called Walnut Shrimp.  Surprisingly, the location closed unceremoniously a few years ago, without warning.  It was located very close to The Greene.

SUTTMILLER’S – An old school supper club on N. Main.  This Dayton icon’s  standard was 70’s food and 70’s hairstyles.

 

THE MEAT HOUSE – Where’s the beef?  Everyone at the corner of Stroop and Marshall Rd in Kettering knew this was the meat house.  Whether chicken, pork or steaks they had it all here.  Also, this was one of the first places in Dayton where you could buy pre-formed hamburger patties.

SWEETHEARTS – Ice cream and video game place that we visited as kids.  These were some of our first Food Adventures alone.

Bad Dog, Nice Taco is missed !

BAD DOG, NICE TACO:Our own Chef LeeAnne House and Brian Johnson teamed to bring you a hot dog and nacho cart that spoiled us with toppings from feta to freshly made housemade sauces.  Currently Chef House is in Chicago, and when we asked about a re-opening possibility for Bad Dog, she said “never say never.”  Stay Tuned.

THE BARNSIDER: After more than 41 years, the Barnsider restaurant served its last meal in May 2016.  Known for prime rib and shrimp dinners, you can still buy their cocktail sauce at local grocers and Foremost Seafood.

No more Bob Evans French Toast on Harshman Rd

BOB EVAN’S:  The location on Harshman Road, near Stebbins High School closed in 2016.  We hope the students of Stebbins are still able to get biscuits, gravy and pancakes at acceptable intervals.

BOSTON’S BISTRO: July 2016 marked a historic closing.  After 35 years of business, owner Dave Boston closed his establishment on N. Main Street. Much of his business has been at the old Sports Page location. It was a building his father built.  Boston’s was known for being the first place to sell multiple craft beers in the Dayton area.  He started selling craft beers in the 1970’s.  Dave said he would reopen at another site if the deal was right.

David Boston, in his now closed pub

CORLEONE’S CENTERVILLE:  This spinoff pizza joint was the 2nd location for Corleone’s, tucked into a shopping center on 725 behind Fricker’s.  It never quite took off, even though they had some tremendous pizza and pasta options.  Thankfully the Patterson Rd. location is still open.

DESIGNER DOGS:  It opened in January, 2016 inside the Fairfield Commons mall, and closed in September.  Inventive toppings on the hot dogs included shout outs to various cities and states.  The owners promise a return in some fashion, noting a deal in the works to mass produce their dogs.  Hopefully we see them again real soon.

Corleone’s in Centerville closed. We miss the pasta dishes .

DON PABLO’S, FAIRFIELD COMMONS:  They were one of the first restaurants to open around the Fairfield Mall.  Decades later, they would close in 2016 citing lack of business.  We are sad to see them go as their drinks and chips with salsa were some of the best around town.

DT’s KITCHEN CARRYOUT: They opened in March and closed in December, 2016.  The menu was a broad diner menu from Quesadillas to Fried Shrimp Dinners.  We hate to see locally owned restaurants close, especially when the customer reviews looked so good.

Inside Sushi Cafe one last time

ECLIPSE COFFEE and TEA:  Locally owned coffee shop located on Wilmington Pike between LaRosa’s and Frisch’s.  Maybe the location was tough, because it looks like the product was superior.  They carried quality coffees and teas out of Seven Hills, Ohio.

KAI SUSHI CAFE: One of Dayton’s first sushi restaurants. The crowds had dwindled over the years with increased competition.  An empty parking lot seemed the norm the last few months, and after a couple of transfers of ownership and a legal dispute, the restaurant could not continue to operate.  We hope this old Howard Johnson building on Byers Rd. gets a new tenant soon.

KRISPY KREME: January, 2016 was the closing date for cult favorite.  The national donut franchise could not keep up with local

No more “Hot Fresh Now” light.  Damn you Krispy Kreme !

favorites.  Although it will close, regional bakeries will still be pumping Krispy Kreme product into various gas station convenient stores around town.

LAROSA’S, HUBER HEIGHTS:  Buddy LaRosa decided to pack this one in during 2016.  The Cincinnati based company could not get the business they wanted to stay open.  But don’t worry although the 7375 Old Troy Pike location is closed, there are others around Dayton and of course Wayne students can still get slices at King’s Island.

LaRosas closes in Huber Heights – no more all you can eat spaghetti

LOGAN’S ROADHOUSE, FAIRFIELD COMMONS MALL: A surprise to many, corporate cited high rent and low income for the closing.  If you people would have just not thrown your damn peanut shells on the floor.

MAX n ERMA’S SPRINGBORO:  Located at 710 Gardener Rd, off of State Route 741, this restaurant closed in January, 2016.  We love Max n Erma’s.  We love this regional chain and concept from the Garbage Burger to the drinks.  Hopefully another one will open in town, soon.

Chopped Steak and Sweet Potato from Logan’s Roadhouse

MCKENNA’S GRILL: This restaurant on Presidential Drive in Fairborn, inside the Holiday Inn, closed to make way for “The Wright Place.”

MURPHY’S IRISH PUB:  This locally owned restaurant closed in late 2016 and was replaced by Carmella’s Italian Kitchen.  It’s sister restaurant Paddy’s in Centerville remains open.

OSAKA SUSHI and BUFFET:  Dayton’s first conveyor belt sushi restaurant, was an upscale buffet that just never

Sangria at Max n Ermas

caught on.  There was a strong regular customers of Asian descent, but the big crowds were few, forcing them to close.  The owner has promised to renegotiate the rent and reopen as a hibachi restaurant much like Sake or Benihana.

Osaka Sushi Buffet and Hibachi has closed on Kingsridge

QDOBA, BROWN STREET: This eatery closed July 2016.  It was located in the heart of the busy restaurant district across from University of Dayton.

SHISH WRAPS:  Simon Abboud owned this health conscious restaurant that turned Mediterranean street food into some wonderful creations.  We were very sad to see this place on Brown Street go.  Their hummus, tabouleh and sauces were all made from scratch.  Their shish wraps always left us “shish faced.”

SUSHI CLUB: February, 2016 marked the end for this “all you can eat” made to order sushi place on Alex Rd.  We had hit this spot many times and always had a good meal.  Maybe the food costs did them in, but they never could seem to capture the big crowds although they had a regular following.  We were surprised it closed so quickly and really miss the food.

Fajita Rancher Bowl from Qdoba

TASTY MEASURES CAFE: Although they made their own deli meats using Sous Vide style cooking methods, the business crowds were not enough to stay open. Unfortunately this locally owned cafe on Jefferson Street closed in June, 2016.

UNCLE SUNNY’S HOMESTYLE CAJUN FISH & CHICKEN:  A family owned spot on 131 Cincinnati Ave in Xenia, it was all about the fried fish and chicken.  The reviews were great, and although they originally were going to be a 24 hour restaurant, that never came to fruition.  The owners are hinting at another project in the works, so stay tuned.

A Shish Wrap

GRINDSTONE CHARLEY’S – One of the casualties of the TGI FRIDAYS type restaurant wars.  We guess they couldn’t compete with the clones like O’Charley’s.

CHMIEL’S – Family grocery store in Centerville with a fantastic bakery.  Located on 725, it is now a “Big Lots” store.

ADOBE GILAS:  Mexican party place at the Greene that seemed to have a fiesty, fiesta crowd each day for 8 years.  Rumors swirled as to why it abruptly closed, but nothing was ever confirmed.  The food was ok, it was the drinks that will be missed.

 

Anticoli’s Giuliano Tavern in Miamisburg, closed in June 2015

ANTICOLI’S GUILLIANO TAVERN: This Italian eatery never gained the following of the original Anticoli restaurant.  Classic and delicious Italian dishes like lasagna and manicotti were some of our favorites here.  It was sad to see the iconic Dayton family have to close this restaurant.

 

ANTOJITOS CRIOLLOS: Dayton’s Puerto Rican Restaurant on Linden Avenue had promise, but seemed to be open spotty times and never regained itself from various stumbles.  Internet rumors swirled as to why they closed, but no official reason was given.  They had the most incredible fried chicken bites called “Chicharrones de Pollo.”  The owners are also active in the “A World A Fair” Puerto Rican booth, so we hope to see them remain involved.

Chmiels hometown family grocers

We miss Chmiels family owned grocery

ASIA HOUSE SUSHI BAR & GRILL:  This Centerville sushi house located in Washing Park Plaza, just off of Lyons Rd., was formerly Ichiban Seafood Buffet.  It closed its doors in 2015, after never quite catching enough clientele.

BELLA VINO:  This wine bar had an incredible selection of vino, but just couldn’t build up enough regulars to stay in business.  Known for a nice patio and some recent menu improvements, we were sad to hear of their closing.  They still operate a location in West Chester.

 

ANTOJITOS CRIOLLOS had Plantains

CORK WINE & DINE: Formerly the Wine Loft, this place was beloved by many for the drink and comfortable ambiance.  Owners out of Columbus closed the shop late this year.

 

CRAZY MANGO BAR & BISTRO: The former owners of Bahn Mai, opened this restaurant at the Greene.  Unfortunately, this beautifully decorated restaurant closed in July 2015.  Who else is gonna miss those long Crab Rangoon Sticks?

 

We miss grand slams and drag queens here

DENNY’S: Oh how the mighty have fallen.  From the after hour diners leaving the 1470 dance club for some food, this Denny’s was busy late into many nights.  We know it’s a chain, but we loved a grilled cheese and onion rings at 2am.  Denny’s corporate office orchestrated the restaurant closing in December for unspecified reasons.  It is hard to believe that you can’t get a Grand Slam Breakfast in Dayton anymore.  Goodbye to an era and an icon.  

 

DOMINIQUE’S BISTRO and BAR: Lack of business forced this upscale restaurant to close in 2015, in Oakwood.  Formerly “C’est Tout,”  the owner had been in business for 12 years.  Lack of business was the reason for the shut down.  It is very sad to see the persons affected, and good things that go away in Dayton.

Reeses Pieces Sundae from Friendly

FRIENDLY’S: Oh say it ain’t so !  Not the Reece’s Pieces Sunday, nooo.. Corporate offices called for all 5 Dayton restaurant chains to close.  No more clamboats, no more Fribbles… Doesn’t it just make you want to stand up and scream for ice cream??  We will miss this place.  Goodbye old friend….ly.

GRANNY C’S BAKERY: This Huber Heights favorite had to close after more than 5 years in business.  Increased costs forced the owners to close the place.   Known for strawberry donuts, cakes and pumpkin rolls, they also rode the cupcake craze.  We wish the McDaniel family (owners) the best in 2016.

 

Closed in Centerville – it is now a Mixteca

HOUSE OF KABAB:  In May 2015, the restaurant closed.  For some reason, the menu did not catch on as much as they hoped after almost 5 years.  Specializing in Persian and Mediterranean dishes, they had some excellent hummus and appetizers.  We will miss this place.

 

NEW YORK PIZZERIA: An immigrant owned pizza place on 5th Street closed its doors this summer.  No reason was given for the closing of the business that had been around about 5 years.

 

Inside OLIVE – an urban dive

OLIVE, an URBAN DIVE: This closing might have rocked the Dayton area the most in 2015.  A true locally devoted business with a huge following of regulars, Olive was a beloved restaurant.  Located in the old Wympee building.  Owner Kim Collett said she was unable to come up with a rental agreement to stay in business.  She also said she planned to take a break from the restaurant industry and try something new.  We wish her the best of luck.

 

 

PATRIOT STEAKHOUSE: A family owned business in Lebanon that went for high quality cuisine at reasonable prices.  For some reason the increase in sales did not meet the needs for the operation to stay in business.  The result was the loss of another good eatery in 2015.

 

 

Inside Rinaldo’s

QUAKER STEAK AND LUBE: Buckets of wings and tons of flavor options was the signature of this chain.  Now, after 13 years, the Atomic Wing Challenge is no more.  Popular with bikers and Wright State Students, the reason given for the close was the selling of real estate where the restaurant was located.  Well, that sucks.. we will miss those tall mugs of beer, and those addictive wings.

 

RINALDO’S BAKERY: The true loss of a legend, this bakery closing will have effects reaching into the Italian festival.    Many may know that a portion of the Italian Fest desserts are made by Rinaldo’s Bakery.  The Stolfo family operated the business for 50 years.  Due to health concerns of the son, the family decided to close their doors.  They simply couldn’t handle the workload at their ages.  We will forever miss the Italian Wedding Cakes, half moons, and the adult cakes that would fly out from time to time.

 

 

ROUSH’S FAMILY RESTAURANT: A Fairborn staple closed in 2015.  Mike and Joyce Gharst had bought the business from the Roush family, and were looking to retire.  The business was up for sale for a year with no buyers.  This restaurant was a throwback family restaurant with the 1950s and 60’s style.  Simple, delicious, comfort food.  You could order of the menu or try the “hot buffet.” There really are no more places like this anymore.

 

SAMMY’S EL PUEBLO:  Popular burger and Mexican food spot in Springboro closed to make way for another Doubleday’s Restaurant.  We will miss the chile relleno and the Mafia Burger.

 

SMOKIN ACES BAR & GRILL: Formerly “the Filling Station,” this bar and grill closed in 2015.  We do not know much bout the close, but we hope that someone will fill the vacancy shortly.

 

SPRINGBORO FISH MARKET:  After 8 months, the owners of this seafood store decided to close.  Their specialty was fresh seafood and cited a lack of business as the reason for ceasing operations.

 

The closing of Olive, an Urban Dive, rocked the local foodie scene

SUMERA: Locally owned idea of sushi mixed with traditonal or non-traditional American items.  They had a delicious menu, but sadly cited weak sales as a reason for the closing.  We loved the staff, menu and mangement.   We were sad to see them go.  The tuna and salmon at this store was amazing as was the Peanut Butter and Jelly sushi roll !

 

ULBRICH’S HOMETOWN BAKERY: Donuts were the specialty of this family owned business.  Although this location closed, there are still locations in Huber Heights and Englewood. Such tasty treats, sad to see them go.

 

UNDERGROUND SPORTS BAR: Troy restaurant owned by the Cheeky Meat Pies establishment, closed its doors in 2015. No reason was given for the sudden close, but we hope the best for the owners in 2016.

ZETLAND STREET:  Their commitment to serve , farm-fresh local foods wasn’t enough to keep this Bellbrook eatery afloat.  Ever wonder if some locations truly are cursed?

Shuckin Shack on N Main

 

JED’S STEAK AND RIBS – Remember their salad bar?  Sure it had croutons that tasted like crayons, but their steak burger and ‘make your own sundae bar’ were great childhood memories and huge innovations at the time.  There were many Jed’s around the Dayton area, one was located on 725 in Centerville and is now a Goodwill store.  We cannot find any photos or trace of this place online, can you?

SHUCKIN’ SHACK – One of our all-time favorite places was on North Main St. in Dayton.  They would bring steamed clams out in golf ball baskets.  At the raw bar you could sit and eat raw oysters and clams, and throw your shells into a trough.   Who could forget their massive peel and eat shrimp, or  fried smelts?  This was the only place in Dayton that made you fell like you were in a wharf type restaurant in Florida.

Peerless Mill – Miamisburg

THE PEERLESS MILL– The Miamisburg Restaurant with the old fashioned, old school menu.  Inside it was like a mixture of Thanksgiving and Christmas everyday.  We recall the incredible decor and churning wheel waterfall.  This restaurant was warm and inviting, with a trickling water wheel in the lobby.  The food was fantastic, and the service was always exceptional.  It was a great place for family celebrations.

KEENG WHA – This Chinese restaurant used to be on the corner of Woodman and Dorothy Lane.  They served Ragu’s favorite Chinese dish of all time: “Princess Prawns.”  A popular place in the 80’s until the chef left, and it was all downhill until it closed in the mid 90’s.

Bill Knapps was the bombdizzle

BILL KNAPPS –  The kids meal was filled with animal names like the “tiger” or the “elephant.”  The best au gratin potatoes ever were served here in a tiny crock pot with browned cheese on top.  Ragu loved the clam strips dinner and their signature chocolate cake.  On Tuesdays is was a full meal deal where every entree came with salad, soup and dessert.  INSANE ! There was a Bill Knapps on 48 near Loop Rd. in Centerville, one by the Dayton Mall, and another near what is now The Greene.

GIRVE’S BROWN DERBY– As kids, we felt like kings in this place.  They had the largest salad bar in town and you could even order a kiddie cocktail.   Ragu  loved the kids menu fish dinner.  Adults seemed to love the “Gus’ Steak” which came out with a wooden stake saying medium, or rare with on onion ring on top.  There was a bar inside and even lobster tail dinners flowed freely.  We felt the Brown Derby “jumped the shark” when it moved from Bigger Rd to the 725 location by the Dayton Mall.  Big mistake,  we really miss this food gem.

Woody’s Grocery Store in West Carrollton

WOODY’S GROCERY –  We might say the bakery and seafood department was the best part of this West Carrollton icon.  Also, we  loved the deli with shaved Corned Beef and Swiss on hard rolls with poppy seeds on top. We remember a cashier named Don Baker who had hair like Elvis that never changed for years.  Noone could forget the plaid dresses and bonnets worn by some of the female workers.

ELDER BEERMAN RESTAURANT –  Who doesn’t love a place where you could get breakfast with Santa and the Easter bunny?  Located upstairs in the Centerville store on State Route 48, our memories are also of the Friday night buffet.  This was a place where the waitresses were “real” waitresses and they had the same staff for decades.

BURGER CHEF- To this day, we crave the Big Chef sandwich and their “works” bar where you could load up your burger with toppings!  Remember that their regular hamburgers were stuffed into clear wrapping pouches and the steam marks would be on the plastic wrap? Bring back Burger Chef !!

CHICKEN LOUIE’S – A 24 hour chicken wing place?  What a great idea ! This was a fixture on North Main Street in Dayton for over 40 years.  Ragu would risk life and limb by ordering through the bullet proof glass at dusk.  The related “Lou’s Broaster Hut on 3rd st had a special place in our heart.

RAX ROAST BEEF – We loved the salad bar, which hilariously offered nacho cheese next to the pudding. The menu had a star, the “BBC” (the beef bacon and cheddar) which proves the theory that bacon makes everything better.   But Rax lovers know that the cheese sauce made those sandwiches.  We frequented the 725 store that is now a Tim Horton’s

ROCKY ROCOCO’S PIZZA– Chunks of roma tomatoes on their pizzas, made for a unique tasting pizza that was full of flavor.

JOE BISSETT’S GRUB STEAK– The killer menu item was the Princess Steak and a salad with blue cheese crumbles on top.  We also rocked the “kiddie cocktail” on North Main St, Dayton.  You may recall our article on the closing of The Grub steak HERE.

Lums – where hot dogs ruled

COZYMEL’S –  Great place for happy hours with margaritas swirling in machines above the bars.  You got lots of food at a great price here.  This sorely missed place was located on 725 near McEwen Rd. in Centerville and became a Smokey Bones which is also now closed.

FARRELL’S – Across from Tri-County Mall in Northern Cincinnati, this place had a ‘sundae on a stretcher.’   The staff would sing happy birthday to customers on kazoos.

LUM’S – An obscure town favorite.  They had hot dogs cooked in beer.  Lum’s was located where Marion’s Pizza is now, in Town and Country shopping center.

PEASANT STOCK – Who could forget the ‘Peasant salad.’  Ragu loved the atmosphere at the restaurant in the Town and Country Shopping Center.  Chef David Glynn served some great food out of this establishment.

We miss Thirsty Dog Brewery!

THIRSTY DOG – A great microbrewery restaurant on the corner of Alex Bell Rd and 48 in Centerville that served homemade chips in dog bowls.  Ragu loved the Raspberry Light Beer, and the burgers and fish dinners were fantastic too.

HUNAN GOURMET – A long gone gem that was on 48 near Whipp Rd.  We loved this place, especially their dry braised shrimp and sizzling rice soup.  Some of their entrees were second to none.  The building was razed about 8 years ago to build a coffee shop.

NOBLE ROMAN’S – We miss the real Noble Roman’s, not the stuff they are serving at the ‘new Noble Romans’ restaurants.  The old restaurants were completely different.  We miss the hand tossed pizza in the window, monster pizza, sicililan pizza and the hand rolled breadsticks with nacho cheese.

MARK PI’s CHINA GATE – The fried rice was addicting at this restaurant that was located upstairs in Town and Country shopping center.  A great atmosphere for special get togethers, the decor on the glass is still there today, even though they closed in the 80’s.

Sambo’s was like a weird, kids version of Denny’s

ARTHUR TREACHER’S FISH & CHIPS – It was fried fish, so Ragu could live here.  The Jersey Mikes on 48 in Centerville is where one of the Arthur Treacher’s used to be.  We hear that some of these still exist in other states.  Dear Fast Food Gods, Bring them back to Dayton ASAP, and don’t forget the vinegar.

SAMBO’S – They featured pancakes served with boysenberry syrup.  This place was located at 48 near Loop Rd in Centerville until it closed in the early 80’s.  It was known for their cheap prices and controversial menu caricatures.  It was a weird, kid version of Denny’s on LSD.  But you couldn’t deny, they had great breakfast food.

 

FOUR’S COMPANY – After the Arthur Treacher’s closed on 48 near Whipp Rd in Centerville, this short lived place served up giant beer battered onion rings.   They were so full of beer you almost got buzzed by eating a few.

Dominic’s – A Dayton Original like us

TOTENKO – This place on the corner of 725 and 741 near the Dayton Mall was like a 70′s verison of PF Changs.  We learned to use chopsticks here while wearing “toughskin” pants.  A great restaurant until it closed because a food critic found roaches on her plate (TRUE STORY).  That critic was Ann Heller, writing one of her first reviews for the Dayton Daily News/Journal Herald.    This place turned into a Chi Chi’s which has since gone out of business too.

D’AMICO and MANZAS – An Italian eatery that was a mom and pop establishment.  Incredible spaghetti dishes highlighted a top notch pasta menu.  This spot is now Savona Restaurant.

DOMINIC’S – The iconic location on South Main Street in Dayton whose manicotti was incredible.  The real attraction here was the house salad dressing with so much garlic flavor that you breathed fire for 2 days afterward.  Ask any Daytonian who was around in the 70’s/80’s, they knew the only place to go where strong garlic breath was excused.

GROUND ROUND– Throw your peanut shells on the floor.  Ragu loved their all you can eat Friday night fish fry.  Remember the scale at the Wilmington Pike site where the cost of a kid’s dinner was a penny for each pound they weighed?

BAJA FRESH – Do you still crave their fish tacos like we do?   The now defunct Dorothy Lane and Kettering Blvd location claimed to not have refrigerators, because they served everything fresh.  We were sad to see this short-lived restaurant go.

PHIL AND JERRY’S FOOD-A-RAMA –  Legendary Centerville grocery that had annual anniversary parties where a hot dog and a coke were around 20 cents.  In business for over 30 years, they had a great seafood section.

Matchbook from Westward Ho on Brown Street

JOE’S IS A FISH HOUSE – This seafood spot on Loop Rd and State Rt 48 offered a one of a kind Sunday brunch that would knock your socks off.  It featured smelts and steamed mussels.  The restaurant was only open a couple of years, but it made an impact on us in the early 80’s.

WESTWARD HO – South Main Street cafeteria style restaurant that had drink glasses as big as your head.  The food was good, the patrons were old, yet this was still a hoppin’ place.  We used to visit the magic store across the street called the “Magic Hat,” after eating.

PO’ FOLKS – Fried food all over the menu, made this one of Ragu’s faves.  The fried clams and fried okra were so good.  The one we frequented was on the corner of Wilmington Pike and Dorothy Lane.

D’Lites – The first ‘Healthy Fast Food’

FAZIO’S GOLDMAN ONTARIO’s DISCOUNT FOOD STORES – This was the best place to shop with bellbottom pants in the 70’s for groceries.  Good deals and wide collars were the norm at this place!

D’LITES-  The first place ever to offer healthy fast food!  We weren’t sure how healthy it was, but Ragu loved their burgers and smoothiesat the location of 48 and Whipp Rd.  Another short-lived place, that we feel had great food.

CHMIELS GROCERY STORE – Now a Big Lots store in Centerville, this place had some incredible pastries.  Their bakery was almost as good as Woody’s.

Kettering Village Inn – closed but not forgotten

KETTERING VILLAGE INN – A mom and pop Italian eatery known for no frills and good food.  This spot is now an “OinkadoodleMoo” restaurant on the corner of Stroop Rd and 48 .  KVI had great pizza and pasta dishes.  This one is really missed.

ANTONIO’s  – An Italian restaurant once owned by the DiPasquale Family.  When Villanova’s Basketball team would come to town in the 1980’s, legendary coach Rollie Massimino would always eat here.  They had incredible ravioli dishes.  Their marinara sauce was out of this world.   Sweeney’s Seafood House is now located where Antonio’s operated.

Gone but not forgotten in West Dayton

KING COLE RESTAURANT – One of the most elegant dining places in Dayton at the bottom of the Kettering Tower.  Known for gourmet steaks and seafood, this was a hot spot in the 70’s and 80’s.

HOOK’S BBQ: In West Dayton, one of the best places for ribs.  Lots of southern style sides and healthy portions for cheap.  Sadly a shooting in the restaurant was the beginning of the end as a family member/owner was killed.  They never could recover from the tragedy.

A former Dayton icon

 

What places do you still think about? Casa Lupita? Charley’s Crab? Tequila Willie’s?  Let us know any and all of them by commenting below!  Check out the photo album below for even more restaurants that are “Closed but Not Forgotten.”

DID WE MISS A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS STORY?  WHICH ONES DID WE LEAVE OUT ???

Please comment below with your memories of these places, or any other you would like to mention!

Are you a Dayton Foodie?  Join Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE

We are on TWITTER and INSTAGRAM too !

Matzo and Lox More at Barry Bagels

By Leave a Comment

Delicious Bagels and Cream Cheeses await you

In 2014, The Bagel Cafe in Kettering went out of business.  Since then, The Food Adventures crew has felt a void.  In 2017, we have been made full again.

How?

Kettering now has a nice little eatery that is quietly becoming a popular spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner and take out.  It is called Barry Bagels, and if you miss The Bagel Cafe, you’re gonna like this place.

Lets get the scoop, before you get verklempt.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on BARRY BAGEL:

— Founded in 1972 by the late Barry Greenblatt, his family still owns the business, running 10 locations in Ohio

The serving counter gets busy

and Michigan.

— The Kettering Barry Bagel store opened March 2017 and is located at 4313 Far Hills Ave, near the intersection of Shroyer and Far Hills

— Weekday hours are 6:30am-7pm, while Saturday is 6:30am-5pm and Sunday hours are 8am-3pm

— They boil and bake the bagels in-house, and have around 18 choices of Bagel flavors and about 8 different types of Cream Cheeses

Lox and Cream Cheese Sandwich

— They roast and slice their meats on site, making for some delicious bagel sandwiches.

—Every bagel has the option of being toasted… and even buttered.. take advantage.

There are a ton of choices at this place, and after several visits, we have been through the menu and have come up with our patented “must eats.”  So without further delay.. oy vey !

 

HERE ARE THE MUST EATS at BARRY BAGEL:

—LOX and CREAM CHEESE SANDWICH:
Lox are thin slices of salmon that are cured in a salt/sugar mix or a brine. It is not smoked. The salmon is a delicacy, not common in Dayton, but delicious nonetheless. The Lox are served in this sandwich with plain cream cheese and capers. You can add more toppings, but we found this simple combo to be one of the best sandwiches we have ever eaten. This is one of our favorite sandwiches in the Miami Valley. Try this unique “must eat.”

Spinach Bagel with Scallion Cream Cheese

 

—SPINACH FETA BAGEL with SCALLION CREAM CHEESE:
Sometimes our Food Adventures become obsessed with feta, and this is another instance. Try the combo of the spinach bagel and the scallion cream cheese. Such a rich, deep flavor. Savor th is luxury.

—BLUEBERRY BAGEL with STRAWBERRY CHEESE:
Going overboard on berries is a great thing here. Try the strawberry cream cheese on the blueberry bagel. It is like a dessert.

 

Loving the Grape Jelly – buttered and toasted too !

—SESAME SEED BAGEL, TOASTED and BUTTERED with GRAPE JELLY:
Sometimes it is a childhood taste that sets your mood. The jelly on this toasted and buttered bagel works miracles for bringing you back in time.

 

—A VANILLA CINNAMON BAGEL with CINNAMON SWIRL CREAM CHEESE:
Again the combo of flavors is like a dessert. This is a dreamy treat for an easy Sunday morning or a Thursday afternoon pep-up. This will be a favorite combo of yours.. wanna bet?

— TUNA SALAD SANDWICH on an EVERYTHING BAGEL:
We added pickle, lettuce and tomato for a sandwich that is simply “refreshing.” The tuna salad, made daily on site, hit the spot. A perfect choice for lunch on the “go.”

 

—TURKEY SANDWICH with PROVOLONE CHEESE on a WHOLE WHEAT BAGEL:
A very filling roasted turkey sandwich. Add provolone and mayo, and the toppings finish the deal. Playing a sport later? You found your carb and protein fuel.

—PEANUT BUTTER and JELLY SANDWICH on a PLAIN BAGEL:
An ultimate kid indulgence good enough for adults too. Strawberry jelly is our suggestion. Such a gooey and good treat, bring an extra napkin for the ride home.

 

Matzo Ball Soup

—MATZO BALL SOUP:
Where else can you get this stuff in Dayton? A Wonton soup like broth with a big matzo ball in the middle. Served very hot, so be careful. A simple, plain, yet delicate and traditional treat. Channel your inner New Yorker.

 

There you go – our Food Adventure faves…
Other honorable mentions include the Pastrami Sandwich and the Roast Beef Sandwich.

Is this the Carnegie Deli?  No, but it is a solid choice for good bagels and a casual meal in or “to go.”  The menu has some refreshing choices, including giant cookies and we all love Grape Fanta in a bottle !!

Barry Bagels is definitely “on a roll” with good food.  Note – long lines may form on Sundays and during certain rushes.  Be patient, it is worth it.

Grape Fanta in bottles !! And other throwback drinks.

 

Vanilla Cinnamon Bagel with Cinnamon Cream Cheese

Turkey Sandwich

Buckeye Bagel – with vanilla chocolate chips

What is a buckeye bagel ?

Gameday special

Sesame Seed with butter

Chocolate Chip Bagel with Cream Cheese

Blueberry and Blueberry cream cheese

Asiago cheese bagel with Butter

Tuna Salad Sandwich

Peanut Butter and Jelly Time

Tuna on Everything Bagel

Back Entry

Platters to go

Roast Beef to go !

Tuna

PB & Jelly

Vanilla Cinnamon bagel with cinnamon cream cheese

Turkey for Lunch

Feel free to browse the gallery below of more Barry Bagel photos.

Are you a foodie?  Get the best Miami Valley foodie scoop every week right here and follow Food Adventures on Facebook HERE.

 

 

 

Jax’s Recipe For Grilled Spicy Hawaiian BBQ Pizza

By Leave a Comment

Spicy Grilled Hawaiian Pizza – a Food Adventure on a plate !

Aloha! Jax here, from the Food Adventure Crew with our monthly recipe feature.

School may be starting, but we still have plenty of sunshine and summer  ahead of us! For many of us, summer means using the grill as much as possible. But if you’re falling into a grilling funk, here’s a fun and delicious recipe that is sure to please a crowd. And while this recipe is for a Hawaiian style pizza, get creative and use the base recipe of grilling the dough as a blank canvas for any type of pizza toppings!

You can also grill the dough ahead of time and either keep in the refrigerator for later or freeze!

When ready to eat, top the grilled dough with your favorite toppings and bake in the oven at 375 for about 15 minutes. This recipe is great for feeding a lot of people. You can lay out tons of topping and let everyone make their own!

A Drizzle of Housemade Hot Honey

Grilled Hawaiian Pizza

You’ll need:

  1. 1 lb fresh pizza dough (Bobby Flay has a great recipe)
  2. 6 pineapple rings, about 1 inch thick
  3. 2 jalapeños
  4. ¼ cup red onion chopped
  5. 8 oz shredded mozzarella
  6. 8 oz shredded sharp white cheddar
  7. 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled.
  8. 1 cup bourbon sriracha bbq sauce (recipe to follow)

Directions:

This recipe is great for feeding party sized crowds

Preheat Grill to medium-high heat

  1. Lightly oil pineapple slices and jalapeños. For the pineapple, cook on grill until grill marks are distinct. Flip to grill both sides. For the jalapeño, it will only take 2-3 minutes. Slice up into pieces.
  2. Divide dough into four pieces. Roll out onto oiled piece of parchment paper. Lightly oil the top of the dough. Take dough and flip onto grill. Peel off parchment. Allow to cook until grill marks are distinct (about 3-minutes). Do not flip! Remove from heat and place grilled side up onto an oiled pan.
  3. Top the pizzas with bbq sauce, cheese, pineapple, jalapeno, and red onion. Place back onto grill until bottom is crispy and cheese is melted. You might have to turn heat down to avoid burning.
  4. Finish it off with a drizzle of HouseMade hot honey and bacon crumbled on top!

 

Thats not all Food Adventure fans!  You gotta have a base sauce for that pizza!

 

Bourbon Sriracha BBQ Sauce 

Jackie is known for her recipes & her  Foodie t-shirts

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¾ cup bourbon whiskey
  • 2 cups ketchup
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp. liquid smoke flavoring
  • 1½ tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. black pepper
  • 1 tbs HouseMade Sriracha

Directions:

Pre-Grilled PIzza Dough

Bring the onion, garlic and whiskey to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Low heat to a simmer and allow to cook for 10 minutes. Add remaining sauce ingredients to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer for 20 minutes. Use BBQ sauce in your favorite recipes or as a dip or topping ingredient.

NOTE:

If you prefer a smooth sauce, run the sauce through a sieve or strainer to remove onion and garlic bits.

The sky is the limit for adding your own toppings

Store in refrigerator and use within 10-14 days.

(Sauce adapted from: here)

There you have it.  A fun summer twist on grilling that is sure to please the masses.

Are you a Dayton Foodie?  Then follow Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here.

 

Browse the photos below for more about Jax and her recipe.  Stay tuned to Dayton Most Metro every Tuesday for a feature food article from the Food Adventures crew.

Pre-Grilled Pizza Dough option

The sky is the limit on the toppings you choose.

Jax is one third of the Food Adventure Crew. She is an Italian mom, who uses her family as taste testers in her home kitchen. Always “Hungry” she is a passionate foodie, and loves trying new restaurants.

Jax uses her grill for many things from Turkeys to Pizzas

Get your family involved in recipes whenever possible

 

There’s Something About Fair Food!

By Leave a Comment

Dayton Most Metro has the updated Food Vendor list for the 2017 Montgomery County Fair.

Hey Hungry Foodies – calling all concession nuts!

Bring us your thirsty and hungry
Bring them to 1043 South Main Street Dayton, Ohio 45409

COME TO THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIR !!

OPEN this week thru Saturday open every day until 10pm and you can get into the fair for free for lunch from 11am -1pm through Friday.

We’ve even got a $2 off coupon you can use to save on admission for Thursday!

Turn the Fair into a Food Adventure!

Here is the list of food vendors you can hit up at the fair in 2017

—BAKIN BUDDIES:
Bourbon Chicken, Smoked Turkey Legs, Nachos
—BITE ME:
Corndogs Chili Cheese Corndog, Traditional Corndog, Bacon Corndog,
Bacon Ceddar Corndog, BBQ Corndog, Sauerkraut Corndog
—CHINA RAINBOW: 
Chinese Cuisine, egg rolls
—CW CONCESSIONS:
Pizza, Meatball Subs, Spaghetti Dinner, Garlic Bread, Breadsticks
—DUNHAMS FOODS:
Sugar Waffles, Funnel Cakes, Elephant Ears
—HOW ‘BOUT THEM APPLES:
Apple Dumplings, Brownie Sundae, Flurries, Floats, Sushies
—MURTY’S CONCESSIONS:
Breakfast, Pizza Bombs, Mozarella Sticks, Loaded Tater Tots, Cobbler,
Homecooked Chicken Bacon Alfredo, Italian Sausage Penne, Salads
—BEME CONCESSIONS:
Bourbon Chicken & Rice, Grilled Wraps, Angus Burgers, Corndogs,
Tenderloins, Ribbon Fries, Tornado Fries, Fried Green Beans, Sweet Potato Fries
—RISMILLER CONCESSIONS:
Fresh Baked Soft Pretzels, Fresh Baked Soft Pretzel Sweet Sticks,
Chocolate Dipped Cheesecake, funnel cakes, elephant ears, deep fried oreos
—SHIVE’S:
Breakfast, Tenderloins, Corndogs, Chicken & Potato Wedges, Philly Steak
—SMOKIN DICK’S
BBQ Pulled Pork, 1/4 Chicken Dinner, Ribs, Cornbread, Veggie Mac Salad,
BBQ Baked Beans, French Fries
—TROPICOOL:
Shaved Ice Shaved Ice
—ULLERY’S:
Homemade Ice Cream
—WORLD OF WAFFLES:
 Hot Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich, Frozen Cheesecake on a stick,
Ice Cream Bars dipped in Chocolate, Frozen Chocolate Bananas,
Fruit Topped Belguim Waffle
—ZERKLE’S
Kettle Corn
There you have it food fans.  Bring Cash and a hungry belly.  Hug a  carnie, eat a lot, its the American way at fair season.
See you at the concession booth….

The 35 Most Underrated Food Spots in Dayton

By 1 Comment

“That place is amazing.. have you ever heard of it?”  …..no

“The food there is terrific, have you ever been?”  …..nope

Some eateries are like Rodney Dangerfield.  They don’t get the respect they deserve.  The people who have been there seemed to love the place, but some don’t know the restaurant exists, and most haven’t been there.  This is the frustrating… but in some ways the fun part of Food Adventures.  We get to share some of the unsung spots, some that have even been around for decades.  We get to introduce the masses to some great Miami Valley food spots that they may have never heard about.

Dayton’s culinary scene is a vast field of diamonds in the rough, and all of them need a little more attention from the public.

Food Adventures loves these places, and realize that you may not be familiar with many.  Call them some of the underdogs of the industry, we call them delicious and some of our favorites.

Here they are, ranked in order……

 

DAYTON’S 35 MOST UNDERRATED FOOD SPOTS:

1) VINNY’S BAR & GRILL:

Daytons #1 Underrated Restaurant is Vinny’s on Dryden Rd.

2229 Dryden Rd, Moraine, OH 45439
Maybe it’s the location on Dryden Rd.  Maybe it’s the fact he isn’t open weekends, except for UD Flyer’s Home Basketball games. Whatever the reason, the homemade food at Vinny’s Bar and Grill is the most underrated place in Dayton. Our 2013 feature article spells it out. Virtually everything we have tried on this menu is outta sight. From chili, to homemade soups. From broasted chicken wings, to incredible vegetable dishes. Vinny’s has sandwiches and burgers that are crowd pleasers too. It is reminiscent of a mini-Doubledays type menu. Owner Vinny Nyhan makes almost everything homemade from tested recipes.  But his hours are weekdays, since he is in the industrial business district.  Heck he even has a carry out food area and a convenient store attached to the restaurant.

Highlights at Vinny’s are cheap chicken wing night every Thursday. The wings are big, delicious, broasted with various sauce choices.  Other highlights include when his pal Rick’s Tropical Delight brings the Big Green Egg and cooks on the patio. He typically does this for UD Flyer home basketball games.  That is when he features his famous: “Indoor Tailgate Buffet,” which is always a “must eat.”  A full bar brings a sports bar feel to the place.

 

The Spicy Olive has dozens of flavor infused fresh olive oils and balsamic vinegars

2) THE SPICY OLIVE:
3650 Rigby Rd, Miamisburg, OH 45342 Phone: (937) 247-5969
This place is one of our favorites, thanks the Hungry Jax who discovered it in Cincy. To say it is underrated is an understatement. Why? Because this store could revolutionize the way you cook at home. It has affected us for sure. Here we have a rare store, where the olive oil and balsamics are harvested at different parts of the globe at different times of the year, so you have the freshest product possible. The difference lends to taste and health. In a world of

where the olive oil industry is in turmoil with fake or diluted product, this store is a savior. Melanie Cedargren and her knowledgable staff are an asset to the Dayton community. With 2 other stores in Cincinnati, her brand is growing.  Our favorite’s are the Butter Olive Oil, The Roasted Sesame Seed Oil, The Lemon Olive Oil and so many more…. Check out our past feature article on The Spicy Olive for more details

 

Rocky’s Pizza – where else can you have great pizza and beer in a Boxing Ring?

3) ROCKY’S PIZZA RING- CLOSED

3273 Seajay Dr, Beavercreek, OH 45430
Unsung pizza place with an unforgettable atmosphere. Boxing posters and news clippings adorn the walls and even a speed bag hangs in the dining area. The coolest attraction is the dining room is inside 2 boxing rings. What gets overlooked? This place has terrific pizza, a semi-thin and crispy crust, cut into squares and served hot out of the oven on aluminum foil. “Must Eats” include the Taco Pizza, the EB pizza (everything but anchovies) and the Calzones.  Rocky’s even hosts comedy nights once a month. Beer available on draft and in cans/bottles. A cold draft beer with pizza never tasted as good as when you’re sitting in Rocky’s Pizza Ring.  Our previous feature article on Rocky’s goes in depth like no other.

 

4) LUCKY’S TAPROOM & EATERY:
520 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402

Andrew Trick, the owner, has a cult following of loyal Lucky patrons. He supports local businesses in every facet of his restaurant whenever possible and is known for charity work as well. Lucky’s is a warm, inviting place in the Oregon District with a historic feel. But what gets overlooked, is how good the food is here. And with one of the most eclectic beer selections in town, things only get better from there. “Must Eats” are the Sunday Brunch Menu, and Chef House loves the Avocado BLT and the hamburgers, because the meat is from Keener Farms. The chili and vegan menu selections round out a strong menu. Make sure you get the beer notebook so you can browse, then choose some of these rare brews to batter your fish with.

 

5) THE SKYBOX, HOLLYWOOD GAMING AT DAYTON RACEWAY:
777 Hollywood Blvd, Dayton, OH 45414
Yes, the new Racino. That’s where you find some of the most underrated eats in town. Tired of Slots? Had enough of trying to pick the ponies? Well you deserve a break in the sleek restaurant called the Skybox at the top of the casino, near the Horse Race simulcast area. In fact, during LIVE racing events, there are servers who bring these delicious menu items all over the Racino table viewing area. The result is a VIP feel, overlooking the track.  What’s overlooked here?  The Pizza, The All U Can Eat Ribs(special, not always available), The Prime Rib, and the soups.

 

6) CHASKA GRILL

Chaska Grill – a Brand New Indian/Pakistani place

 

39 Fiesta Ln, Miamisburg, OH 45342
Time to take a Food Adventure. This place specializes in Indian and Pakistani cuisine. The result is a slightly spicy version of the typical Indian fare in Dayton. The owners have a successful gig in West Chester and are spreading their business, and recipes to Dayton. What is being overlooked here is the main attraction… the buffet. It is a great chance to experiment, try to go out of your comfort zone, testing new foods. You can do this without having to order and ruin a full meal. Friendly service and a quiet atmosphere is typical on weekdays and weekends. We hope more people discover their great food. “Must Eats” are the Saag Paneer (creamed cheesy spinach), Chicken Tikka Masala and the Garlic Naan Bread

 

Treadway’s Garden is a a great resource for beautiful produce

7) TREADWAY’S GARDEN:
10245 Dayton Lebanon Pike, Centerville, OH 45458

Where do you start? Three generations of hard-working family members make this the premier “side of the road” produce stop in the area. Why? They have the most beautiful produce. Luscious tomatoes, perfect squash, gorgeous zucchini are just the tip of the iceberg. Throw in the beautiful varieties of green and hot peppers, corn and melons, now you have the makings fo a great food spot. Bring a healthy taste of nature back to your home tonight, and cook up a summers meal that your family wont soon forget. During fall this is a prime place for pumpkins, gourds and more.  Check out our in-depth feature story written before the passing of matriarch, Mrs Treadway.

 

Must Eats: General Tso’s Shrimp at CJ Chan’s

 

8) CJ CHAN’S:
Two Locations: 2747 W Alex Bell Rd, Moraine and 536 Wilmington Ave, Dayton
Fairly new Asian Restaurant with 2 Dayton area locations.  They feature both Chinese and Japanese food on the menu. What’s overlooked is the flavorful choices and decent prices. “Must Eats” are a long list here : General Tso’s Shrimp, Crab Rangoon, The CJ Roll, Pad Thai, Chicken Mei Fun, and Spicy Shrimp with Vegetables.  If you have not been here , give this place a try.  We don’t know one person who has been disappointed.

 

9) CENTERVILLE PIZZA AND BBQ:

Centerville Pizza and BBQ – Generous servings of incredible pulled pork

9470 Dayton Lebanon Pike, Dayton, OH 45458
Ok, it is a pizza joint, but what gets overlooked are the BBQ and Broasted chicken. We are here to tell you that they are the stars of the menu. I mean who else delivers BBQ Ribs and Brosted Chicken? “Must Eats” The Pulled Pork (ask for sides of BBQ sauce), The Broasted Whole Chicken Wings (ask for more BBQ sauce sides for dipping), Mashed potatoes and gravy and Calzones. The owner Robert Benson is a great guy and has won national pizza competitions, but his BBQ is so good, it steals the show. OMG and the sauce, his homemade BBQ sauce is incredible. Damn, this is making our mouths water thinking about it. Let’s call them….

 

10) THE TROLLEY STOP

The Trolley Stop is an underrated stop in the Oregon District

530 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402
The Sassenberg family owns one of Dayton’s best kept secrets. Another charming, historic space in the Oregon Express where the food can shine. Many of you have seen the sign, but might not have stopped in. This place is overlooked for sure. Many are missing out on their burgers made from Keener Farm beef. Like the BELT Burger with bacon, egg, lettuce and tomato. Literally every sandwich is a winner from the Hippy Stacker to the Trolley Turkey. Much of these sandwiches are topped with veggies from Fulton Farms or Patchwork Gardens. And again, don’t overlook the beer selection here. They usually have a couple of rare brews on tap. It makes for interesting drinking times at this precious gem.

 

11) OREGON EXPRESS

The most underrated pizza in Dayton – Oregon Express !

336 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402

Heads up pizza lovers, this is THE MOST Underrated and unknown pizza in Dayton. The thin crusts are topped with generous

ingredients and sprinkled with spices that make the Oregon Express pizza taste unmistakable. Cut in the traditional squares, it is familiar but yet unlike anything you have tried. Bold flavors and a rich sauce are the secrets to their great pizza pies. A deluxe will out your taste buds in la la land. There is one must eat here, and it is a huge one. It is ANY OF THEIR PIZZAS.

 

Deroma’s Italian Restaurant serves heaps of Calamari

12) DEROMA ITALIAN RESTAURANT: CLOSED
6254 Chambersburg Rd, Huber Heights, OH 45424

We bet you have never been here. Well, it is time to go to Huber Heights. Tucked into the end of a small shopping strip, this quaint little Italian eatery delivers on food and flavor. Also, the proportions are nice, so you won’t walk out hungry. MUST EATS are manicotti, calamari, eggplant parmesan and the garlic rolls. These menu items are incredible. What is overlooked here is the sauce. A great marinara and alfredo sauce highlight almost all of the pasta dishes.

 

13) BENJAMINS THE BURGER MASTER:

Benjamin the Burger Master – a plate full of soul

1000 N Main St, Dayton, OH 45405
This old Red Barn restaurant has some of the best soul food in town. From Must Eats like Fried Fish and Cheeseburgers, to all time favorites like the skillet cornbread and Dayton’s best Chicken wings (BBQ style).  The homemade sides put it all in order like mom used to make.  Served cafeteria style, it gives you a chance to see all of the day’s steaming hot entrees.  The owners and staff are friendly and give to lots of charities.  We love this spot.  In fact you can view our in depth feature article  on Benjamin’s, HERE.

 

Chen’s Underrated Sushi and Szechuan Food

14) SHEN’S SZECHUAN and SUSHI
7580 Poe Ave, Dayton, OH 45414
Boy oh boy, do the loyal customers love this place. They shout it loud and proud. However, this spot still gets overlooked. What you’re missing is an EXTENSIVE menu featuring two worlds: The Chinese Szechuan special way of cooking and The Japanese Sushi Menu. You will find rare must eats like the Peking Duck, Ginger Prawns and Velvet Seafood Soup. On the sushi end, try the Crazy Tuna Roll and the Rising Sun Roll. You gotta try this place for an elegant, special tour of the Orient for your taste buds. Soon to be one of your favorite spots, we promise.

 

15) LITTLE SAIGON

Pho from Little Saigon

1718 Woodman Dr, Kettering, OH 45420
The outside is a lime green and blue colored shack. You wouldn’t believe that inside holds the most delicious pho soups and soft rolls that you

will ever try. Many miss seeing the place entirely because it is so small. Many judge the outer appearance and never venture in.   all missing out. Again what is overlooked is a complete menu of Pho Soups and nice sized vegetarian menu. Must Eats? Oh that is easy – The Soft Shrimp Roll, Lemongrass Shrimp over Vermnicelli, the Vegetarian Spring Rolls, and the spicy Pho called “Shrimp and Pork Sate Soup with Egg noodles.” The owners have a tremendous story of coming to America for freedom. Today we benefit by enjoying their incredible family recipes. Try it, get out of your comfort one and live a little. You will be back !  For a full feature on Little Saigon, see or article HERE.  This place must be amazing because it has been in business over 25 years!

 

16) BOURBON STREET GRILL:
1043 Brown St, Dayton, OH 45409
An old Cassano’s restaurant has turned into a unlikeley success story. It is all because of the food. And many still don’t know about this place! The eatery is busy and the fast-moving line is long but you still get served in a couple of minutes? Why? Because the staff busts its ass harder than most anyone we have ever seen. They serve up Must Eats like The Bourbon Chicken over rice or noodles, The Spicy Chicken over spicy rice, and what about the Blackened Salmon over Rice ? This place is so underrated it is sick. The food is great, the portions are gigantic and the price is right. See our Food Adventure article for an in-depth feature on Bourbon Street Grill.

 

Pozole from Chiapas Mexican Grill

17) CHIAPAS MEXICAN GRILL:

298 Far Hills Ave, Centerville, OH 45459
An authentic Mexican place that has not been the big enchilada. Other Taqueria’s have gotten much more love, while this menu is very close to other 2 or 3 restaurants in town with food in the style of Mexico City. Corn tortilla tacos with onions, cilantro, lime juice with your choice of meat. Note, no cheese. Also absent is the white queso topping in the style of many Tex Mex restaurants. It is peasant food, made simple, enjoyed and authentic. The prices are reasonable too. Must Eats are the Pozole Soup, Chicken Fajitas, Camroone Ala Diabla (spicy shrimp), Chorizo Soft Tacos and the best Tamales we have ever eaten. Want more info? Check out our feature article on Chiapas HERE.

 

18) CHOP SUEY CARRYOUT:

Shrimp Chop Suey from Chop Suey Carryout

1465 E Dorothy Ln, Dayton, OH 45429
When a place is named Chop Suey carryout, you have to try the Chop Suey.. and it’s the best in town for over 40 years. Still, not a large percentage have tried this spot. We don’t get it. The prices are great, and the food is stellar. Must Eats include 3 Chinese staple dishes:

Shrimp Chop Suey, Sweet n Sour Shrimp and Chicken Chow Mein. They have the tastiest and thickest creamy sauces. The recipes remain unchanged since the 70’s and we are grateful for that.  Even the Egg Rolls are a must eat and a throwback to the Dayton Mall Charlie Chans.  For more information, read our feature article on this, the oldest Chinese Restaurant in Dayton. Try it for carry out or eat in the dining room which is unchanged since the late 70’s when the Bee Gees ruled the pop charts.

 

19) BEAVERCREEK PIZZA DIVE:

4021 Dayton Xenia Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45432

BLT Pzza from Beavercreek Pizza Dive

If you have not been here, you are overlooking some of the most inventive and largest hand tossed pizza pies in Dayton. A cross between a NY style Pizza with toppings so unique they need special

names. We love this spot, and their Monday All you can eat pizza buffet is a hit and a MUST EAT. Try the 215 CheeseSteak Pizza, BLT pizza, Chicken Cordon Bleu Pizza and the Hamburger Pizza. A family owned business by some of the friendliest people in town. Theresa Geraci is always looking out for local charities anc giving back. We think that is pretty special. And so is their fresh dough pizza ! We featured Beavercreek Pizza dive in an article, check it out for a full scoop.

 

20) YAFFA GRILL

Yaffa Grill in Fairborn – So underrated it hurts

2844 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Fairborn, OH 45324 and 21 Alexandersville Rd, Miamisburg, OH 45342
Good food is good food in any language. That is the case at one of the most underrated eateries in the Miami Valley. Yaffa Grill was the focus of an article and you may want to read it for a full breakdown. There are 2 locations, one in West Carrollton and one by Wright State. We prefer the general store in West Carrollton, and the eat in restaurant in Fairborn. Flame grilled chicken kababs are delicious. These are marinated in special sauce and the flavor is unique and delicious. Must eats are the hummus like Musabara, the Eggplant salad and the grilled half chicken. If you are willing to take a chance and try this menu, you will light up with amazement and surprise.

 

Banana Pudding Cake from George’s Family Restaurant

21) GEORGE’S FAMILY RESTAURANT:
5216 N Dixie Dr, Dayton, OH 45414
Again, one of the family eateries that deserves more notoriety. The article we wrote on George’s 5 years ago still stands. “Must Eats” include Broasted Fish, The Cheeseburger, Peanut Butter Pie, and Banana Pudding Pie. The freshly ground chuck makes for some of the best burgers in Dayton. Their entire breakfast menu is also a must eat.  Make sure you get to North Dixie and get some of this classic diner fare.

 

 

 

22) THE AMBER ROSE:

The Amber Rose has specialties like Dorito Encrusted Chickn

1400 Valley St, Dayton, OH 45404
This restaurant is the epitome of underrated. The menu is a one of a kind in Dayton. The German and Lithuanian dishes served are accented by inventive dishes. The Amber Rose has a great food variety, a “haunted” atmosphere, and an expert staff. Owner Joe Castellano and his chefs produce great meals. Known mostly for catering their restaurant is one of the most underrated places to grab a meal. If you have not been here make sure you try the Must Eats like Turtle Soup, Cabbage Rolls, Pierogies and the Dorito Crusted Chicken Sandwich special.

 

The Glazed Croissant at Ashley’s Pastries is one of the best things we have ever eaten

23) ASHLEY’S PASTRY SHOP:
21 Park Ave, Dayton, OH 45419
If Martin Sheen and Rob Lowe love this place, how could some people have not heard of this Oakwood bakery?  Decades of delicious dedication have gained great regular following, but the masses need to know about this impeccable pastry spot.  We did a feature article on Ashley’s Here.  Must Eats are the “Yum Yums,” “Glazed Croissants,” and “Sandy Tarts.” Owner Theresa is like Dayton’s version of a baker’s Willy Wonka.

 

 

 

24) JIMMY’S ITALIAN KITCHEN:

Manicotti from Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen

3002 Woodman Dr, Kettering, OH 45420
Old world favorites in an old Taco Bell building.  An unlikely setting for some terrific eats, but Jimmy’s does just that.  “Must Eats here are Manicotti, Pierogies, Pizza and the Pepperoni Roll.  The restaurant is owned by a husband and wife.  Did we mention that the cannoli are excellent? For a more detailed view of Jimmy Italian Kitchen check out our article on Dayton Most Metro.

 

Rainbow Cake from The Cakery

25) THE CAKERY:
140 Woodman Dr, Dayton, OH 45431
Another locally owned family place that is outta sight.  They are so inventive here that they take the cake scraps to make a huge, colorful dessert that is very popular, called Rainbow Cake.  It is a perfect place to get your birthday cakes.  In fact the “Must Eats” are a Chocolate Cake with Buttercream icing, Cream Puffs, Buttercream shots and Snickerdoodle Cupcakes.  Hungry Jax uses this baker for cakes and cupcakes and got us tuned into this store.   Check out our feature story on the Cakery for an in depth analysis of their baked goods.

 

 

 

26) NIDA THAI CUISINE:

This Thai Place in Centerville is wowing patrons

853 E Franklin St, Dayton, OH 45459
Very unknown restaurant tucked into a strip mall across from Centerville High School.  Must Eats are the Curry Shrimp Soup and the Shrimp Pad Thai.  We promise more Food Adventures at this location, so we can discover the inner workings of the place. Fresh, hot food at a decent price.  These guys know the secret.

 

Every Mardi Gras, Stone House Tavern does a Crawfish Boil

27) THE STONE HOUSE TAVERN:
258 S Main St, Waynesville, OH 45068
Archer’s sister restaurant doesn’t get as much love as the siblings.  It doesn’t make sense because some of the same great food and beer are at both spots. patio is one of Dayton’s best.  Hungry? Come to Waynesville and enjoy some great food and fun. Must Eats at Stone House are the Beer Selection (yes it is a great one to wade through), Burgers, Spartan Style Wings and the Crawfish Mardi Gras Boil.  Stay tuned for another Food Adventure dinner here in the coming months.

 

28) SAKAI JAPANESE BISTRO:

Sakai is an underrated , family owned hibachi and sushi joint in Troy

2303 W Main St, Troy, OH 45373
A hibachi mom and pop restaurant with a full sushi bar.  Yes, this place is incredible and their signature is using bean sprouts in their hibachi veggie choices.  you havent lived until you’ve scorched some bean sprouts baby.  The staff stops bows and says Hi to everyone who enters.  If you want you can tease them by leaving and coming back in multiple times. MUST EATS here are the Hibachi Steak, Hibachi Shrimp, Scallop and Lobster combo.  For sushi Must Eats are the Spider Roll and the Spicy Tuna roll.

 

29) HINDER’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL:
902 W Main St, Tipp City, OH 45371
Another place witha cult following, especially because of their Must

Hinder’s Sports Bar known for their Wings mostly

Eats.. WINGS !  The burgers are Must Eats too.  There is  buzz surrounding this place, but again, especially in South Dayton, many have never heard of this gem.  Time to head to Tipp City and end the speculation  and see for yourself.  small price to pay for a perfect wing and perfect hot sauces.

 

30) ROMER’S BAR & GRILL:
4439 W Franklin St, Bellbrook, OH 45305
A fantastic, underrated menu in Bellbrook.  Must Eats are the one and only stuffed  burger, The Juicy Lucy a Minnesota

Cross Section of the Juicy Lucy stuffed hambrger at Romers.

inspired favorite.  We also recommend the sliced in-house Beef and Cheddar Sandwich.  The homemade Turkey Balls, homemade jalapeno caps fried, and Reuben Sandwiches slow roasted in-house. We did a feature article on Romer’s a few years back and it is still timely today.  Read it HERE.

 

Street View of McIntosh’s in Bellbrook

31)  MCINTOSH’S PUB & GRUB:
6 E Franklin St, Bellbrook, OH 45305
Cult Following where the rumble is about the wings.  Must Eats are the Blackened Wings, the Half Pound Cheeseburger and the Pizza (which is Ron’s).  This place has a fun fell and atmosphere and a great spot to have some beers and watch the big game.  Underrated?  Indeed… Trek over to Bellbrook next time you are hungry and see why.

Bunker’s has incredible Burgers

32) BUNKERS SPORTS BAR & GRILL:
893 E National Rd, Vandalia, OH 45377
Burgers and Wings are the MUST EAT Hallmarks here.  People in Vandalia know it, but others, not so much.  The other amazing thing here is their digital beer list on the wall.  Maybe 30 draft beers on tap?  A great selection, with many beers you wont see anywhere else in town.  ‘ the kind of thing that makes this place underrated.  Good brew, good grub and a place to enjoy it all.  The menu is very reasonably priced.  the only ting missing from this restaurant is you.. give it a go.

 

Fifth Street Brew Pub: Great Beer and Underrated Food

33) FIFTH STREET BREWPUB:
1600 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45403
An improved, remodeled kitchen catapulted this place up into underrated status.  Now, they are churning out gourmet pub food and it is matching the beer choices perfectly.  MUST EATS HERE.. come on.. their beer, especially the easy drinking Cream Ale and 1600 Kolsch Beer.  More “must eats” are the Co-op cheese curds, the cheeseburger, the seared salmon salad, and the Wedge.  Dive into this place head first, because the big menu and great choices will take you a few visits to get a good sampling.  Bring a friend down here, chances are they have not tried the food.

 

 

34) NORTH CHINA:
6090 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, OH 45459
The best Chinese food in town in Big Ragu’s humble opinion.  There is a huge Szechuan and Mandarin Menu and even some Korean

The greatest Egg Rolls in Dayton are at North China

Noodle meals.  Why underrated?  Since 1987 the quality has been top-notch but still, many people don’t know they exist because they never advertise.. ever. MUST EATS include Mongolian Chicken Spicy, Crispy Shrimp, and worlds Greatest Egg Rolls.  Great service has always been a priority and we hope it continues.  Check out our article on this underrated classic.

 

35) VOLTZY’S ROOT BEER STAND: CLOSED
4668 N Springboro Pike, Moraine, OH 45439
The soup nazi of Dayton is the owner of this cult classic. Rick Volz has been slapping burgers for almost 30 years in Dayton and still some people have never heard of him. If you love burgers, this is your Mecca. If you love soups, behold the winter months are yours. MUST Eats are simple The 10 for $12 cheeseburgers, The Hog (a 20 ounce cheeseburger), a Mug of Root Beer, and Cabbage Roll Soup. Remember these keys to survival at Voltzys or you will feel his sarcastic wrath ! First call your order in ahead of time. Second, don’t substitute or delete ingredients he has on the sandwiches unless it is a last resort.  Check out our detailed article on Voltzy’s.

Voltzys Cheeseburgers – 10 for $12 and the best burgers in Dayton.

 

How many of these places have you been too?  Unless you are a super foodie, we bet not many.  But here’s your chance.  Now you have some spots to seek out some new Food Adventures for yourself.   You can find some Miami Valley culinary treasure, because now you have the map. Aren’t you glad you follow Food Adventures for tips like these?

We hope you enjoyed our list.  Please comment and let us know if we left out and places that should have made the article.

For more of our Food Adventure blog, like us on Facebook HERE

 

Vinnys Restaurant featuring Ricks Tropical Delight cooking on the Egg – Lamb chops on a UD Basketball gameday

Romers freshly shaved roast beef and cheese

Turkey balls at Romers

Yaffa Grill – open yourself up to a new world of taste

Chef House knows how good Beavercreek Pizza Dive is …

Wings at BUNKERS !!

The wedge at Fifth Street Brewpub with some broiled salmon

Rocky’s Pepperoni Pizza

Corn tortilla Soft Tacos at Chiapas Mexican Grill

Spicy Chicken over white rice at Bourbon Street Grill

Chakras Restaurant. A trip to the buffet yields the spoils

 

 

Food Adventure Recipe of the Month: Zucchini Ribbon Skewers

By Leave a Comment

Thinly sliced grilled zucchini, the beginnings of a recipe

Attention Dayton Cooks and Foodies !

You know the Food Adventure Crew from their weekly articles and food photos shared on this site, or maybe their dinner events.

With all of this original content, there is more …. Did you know they also have a nice collection of recipes? Some have been shared in various cooking classes at Dorothy Lane Market, Living Dayton TV, Spicy Olive, or through Foremost Seafood’s site. Some recipes will make their debut here.

It is all in a NEW monthly feature now cooking on Dayton Most Metro: “Your Food Adventure Recipe of the Month.”

June starts out featuring our culinary crew hero Chef LeeAnne House and a summer favorite that will wow your friends.

Chef House getting ready for a cooking class !

Chef House has always been known for her love of veggies and her philosophy of using local vendors for that fresh,  “farm to table” dimension.  The results are Dayton’s seasonal flavors, bursting on your plate and leaving your tastebuds happy.

Without further delay let’s dive into one of those fresh recipes.

 

ZUCCHINI RIBBON SKEWERS with PEPPER SPIKED MOZZARELLA & ARUGULA PESTO 

Ingredients:

2 zucchini

2 teaspoons olive oil

½ teaspoon kosher salt

Lemon juice

ZUCCHINI RIBBON SKEWERS with PEPPER SPIKED MOZZARELLA & ARUGULA PESTO

Directions:
Pick the straightest zucchini, these will be easier to cut on the mandolin. Slice them lengthwise ¼ inch thick. Toss with olive oil and salt.

Grill on high heat quickly, get grill marks on both sides and off the grill. Toss with a pinch more salt and a little lemon juice.

 

PESTO:

1 clove garlic, smashed

4 ounces basil

2 cups arugula, packed

1/3 cup roasted salted pistachios

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons grated parmesan

Directions:
Puree all of the above ingredients in a food processor till smooth. Slowly drizzle in ¼ cup and 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Now we add and assemble with:
-Fresh mozzarella
-Hot pepper flakes or even better use HouseMade Sriracha Toasted Sriracha Powder

Assembly Directions:
Roll the zucchini ribbons up and skewer 2 to a small skewer. The mozzarella goes on the end. Season it with kosher salt and spiced pepper. Serve with the pesto.

Pesto in the processor

Try this for a summer picnic, or a party on the patio.  Your next cookout is a great chance to skewer some of these bites.

More about Chef House.  In addition to being a member of the Food Adventure Crew, she has her own line of locally made, all-natural sauces, spices and rubs called Housemade.  Her Thai Chili Sriracha sauce and Hot Honey sauce have won National competitions.  She also teaches many local cooking classes.   In the past, she has helped with catering companies and has been a chef at some top notch local restaurants.  You will be able to catch her in a FREE COOKING DEMO on Saturday July 22nd at Garlic Fest at the Sons of Italy Bella Villa Hall on County Line Rd.  Chef House will be giving out free tastes of her garlic dish to those in attendance.  Come join the party at Garlic Fest !

See you next month with another fun recipe.

Follow Chef House, the Big Ragu and Hungry Jax on Facebook by clicking HERE.

We are not food critics, we are just 3 passionate foodies that love to feature local foods!

ZUCCHINI RIBBON SKEWERS with PEPPER SPIKED MOZZARELLA & ARUGULA PESTO

 

$250 Awaits Cornhole Winners at Rock N Green Tomato Fest

By Leave a Comment

$250 awaits you

Calling all Cornholers… Beginners, intermediate, advanced… it doesnt matter. June 10th is your day. You all have a shot at the $250 prize and anything could go your way.  Can you throw that bag filled with corn? Can you knock it through the hole or leave it dangling on the board for points?

Dayton’s biggest cornhole tournament will be in Miamisburg again at the Rock n Green Tomato Festival on Saturday June 10th.  You can sign up now and save money or signup the day of the event.

June 10th bags will be flying

WHAT: 7th ANNUAL ROCK N GREEN TOMATO CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT

WHEN: SAT. JUNE 10th – TEAMS CHECK IN 11:30 AM, playing starts at NOON

WHERE: RIVERFRONT PARK IN MIAMISBURG – next to RONS PIZZA on MAIN STREET

COST: $20 per team in advance, $30  per team day of the event.

PRIZE: $250 WINNER TAKE ALL !
This tournament has become a tradition and is one of Dayton’s biggest corhole contests.  The atmosphere is laid back and background activities are live bands and food and craft vendors.   It is a perfect chance to bring the family, a few lawn chairs and let them listen to the free music and enjoy the kids activities as well.WANT TO PLAY?  DOWNLOAD THE SIGNUP SHEET —> HERE

June 10th will host of of Daytons biggest cornhole tourneys

WHAT IS CORHOLE YOU SAY ?????

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON THE GAME OF CORNHOLE:
— It is essentially a bean bag toss towards a board, 33 feet away

— You get 4 bean bag tosses each turn

— Object is to accumulate points by throwng your bag into the hole, or landing it on the board

— The strategy is to also keep your opponent from scoring points

— The first team to score 21 points, wins

The following is a list of terms commonly used in cornhole.  (For the record, we at Food Adventures have been using words like “Dirty Rollup” and “Slippery Granny” for years under different circumstances).

  • Ace or cow pie: A bag landing on the board, worth one point.
  • Back door or Dirty Rollup: A cornhole bag that rolls over the top of a blocker and into the hole.
  • Backstop: A bag that lands past the hole but remains on the board creating a backboard for a slider to knock into without going off the board.
  • Blocker: A bag that lands in front of the hole, blocking the hole.
  • Cornfusion: When players or teams cannot agree on the scoring
  • Cornhole: A bag that falls in the hole, which is worth three points.
  • Cornucopia: A player possessing a wide variety of skills

    Green Beer served at Ron’s Pizza Tavern

     

  • Dirty bag: A bag that is on the ground or is hanging off the board touching the ground.
  • Flop: Type of toss without rotation or spin.

     

  • Grasshopper: A bag that bounces off the grass or ground and lands on the board for a point.
  • Screaming Eagle: A bag that flys beyond the board without hitting the board.
  • Slippery Granny: Scoring three bags in a row on the board only.
  • Gusher, double deuce, Cornholio, or Four Bagger: Four cornholes by a single player in a single round.
  • Hanger: A bag on the lip of the hole ready to drop.
  • Hooker: A bag hitting the board and hooking or curving around into the hole.
  • Jumper: A bag that strikes another bag on the board causing it to bounce up into the hole.
  • Leprechaun or Clover: When a player attains all four bags onto the board without getting any into the hole.
  • Po-lice: The cornhole referee
  • Sally or Shortbag: A weak toss that and lands on the ground before reaching the board.
  • Shucker: When a player throws a bag and it knocks an opponent’s bag off the board.
  • Skunk, whitewash or shutout: A game that ends in an 11–0 score.
  • Slider or a White Castle: A cornhole bag that slides into the hole.
  • Swish: A bag that goes directly in the hole without touching the board.
  • Shotgun: Throwing all your bags at once.

This isn’t just a great day for Cornhole. It is a great opportunity for a Food Adventure.  And that’s what we will be there for.. Food and live music…

 

MUST EATS AFTER A CORNHOLE MATCH AT THE ROCKnGREEN TOMATO FESTIVAL:

Lots to eat like Hamburger Wagon

— THE HAMBURGER WAGON will be at the park. If you are feeling really competitive, you can also enter the Burger eating contest at 2pm!

— RON’S PIZZA patio and dining room will be open, featuring a full menu.  Let us suggest the deluxe pizza, extra sauce with a special drink of the day – “Green Draft Beer.”    

— The ICE CREAM TROLLEY is always a cool stop on a summer’s day of cornhole

— SCHIAVONE’S – Meatballs, Italian Pork Sandwiches, pasta, rum pudding and Cannolis

There will be a 12 Piece Vegas Style Elvis Tribute Band

— TOTALLY AWESOME BRANDS – Kettle Corn, Lemonade, Fudge Puppies

— MIAMISBURG ATHLETICS/RON’S BOOTH – Fried Green Tomatoes, Tomato Sliders, Green Tomato Pizza

 

Mark your calendars !!!!

We will see you at Miamisburg’s Riverfront Park, downtown, behind Ron’s Pizza on JUNE 10th.

So, stretch out those hamstrings, crack those knuckles and roll your wrists.  Get loosey goosey and let the bean bags fly!

Join the Food Adventures crew at the Rock N Green Tomato Festival, 2017.

 

Below is an schedule of events and  photos from the past:

June 10th 2017 schedule of events

Expecting another big crowd

$250 up for grabs

Cron holing

 

Kevin Farley, Funnybone & The Dublin Pub

By Leave a Comment

Comedian Kevin Farley enjoying Irish fare at Dayton’s Dublin Pub with the Food Adventures crew

It is still not too late to get your tickets to see Kevin Farley at the Funnybone tonight or tomorrow

HERE IS A LINK TO TICKETS for SHOWTIMES
SATURDAY MAY 20th 10:00pm
SUNDAY MAY 21st at 7:30pm

The Big Ragu sat down with the comedian and actor this weekend at the Dublin Pub and had one heck of a Food Adventure.  Kevin Farley is proud of his Irish American heritage and a lover of good Irish food.  He is a humble, down to earth, guys guy, who is one of the coolest cats in the room.  Oh and funny as hell.  We talked sports, we talked music and bad lyrics.  We talked family, metaphors and of course FOOD!

We even picked out some cigars from the Dublin Pub humidor after lunch and bonded a bit.

Kevin Farley holding up his Potato Soup for a Food Adventure picture = PRICELESS

What a perfect venue for a great visit to learn about his career, insight and places he is going,  His take on life is simple to see.  He works hard and makes things happen.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on KEVIN FARLEY:

—A Madison, Wisconsin native he loves the Green Bay Packers, will root for some Wisconsin Badgers, and is pretty much a fan of Wisconsin teams.  We are working to get him on College Gameday next time they visit Madison ! Hey Herbstreit !!   Little help ?

—He is a graduate of Marquette University and remembered Dayton played them in basketball.

Corned Beef and Cabbage – a must eat Irish dish at Dublin Pub

—Kevin of course had a famous brother, but has been growing his own brand, breaking ground and making an identity of his own for years.

—Kevin Farley is a foodie.  He enjoys Irish Food, Buffets, Italian food, Sushi and Seafood.  He seemed impressed with the Dublin Pub, taking advantage of the  Bottomless Chips, Potato Soup and Corned Beef and Cabbage.  He was a true Food Adventurer, and now has the t-shirt to prove it.

—Kevin currently lives in West Hollywood and is in tune with the entertainment and food scene.

 

KEVIN FARLEY PROJECTS YOU “MUST SEE”:

Kevin doing stand up

—His standup routine is a riot.  Kevin is currently touring the Midwest he has pretty full schedule this summer hitting other states like Texas, Florida, Washington, and Nevada to name a few.  He will be back in Ohio at a Cleveland show in September.  His full stand up schedule can be seen at www.kevinfarleyofficial.com/

—His “Kevin Farley on the Road” podcast – Check out Kevin at Itunes for his free podcast.  Here is the link: CLICK HERE

— “F is for Family” – Kevin’s animated series on Netflix with fellow comedian Bill Burr.

— “Still the King” a CMT Channel original starts it’s second season on July 11th !  Kevin Farley stars alongside Billy Ray Cyrus.  How bout dat? Catch me outside watchin that.

 

Kevin Farley is an official Food Adventure Fan !

Now drumroll please for our feature must eats as suggested by KEVIN FARLEY!  Take this tip and hit these spots when traveling.  you have the expertise of a famous foodies behind you!

KEVIN FARLEY’S “MUST EATS” RESTAURANT LIST:

GIBSON’S STEAKHOUSE – Chicago, IL

LURE FISH BAR – New York City, NY

CECCONI’S – West Hollywood, CA

DAN TANA’S  – West Hollywood, CA

Favorite Closed Restaurant – BEN BENSON’S STEAKHOUSE in NYC

 

MUST EATS at DUBLIN PUB from KEVIN FARLEY:

—POTATO SOUP: Why is it “world famous?”  add bacon and cheese and you’ll know why…

—CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE: Center cut corned beef brisket, red potatoes and steamed cabbage.  Kevin prefers they “hold the onions.”  An authentic dish and delicious, unique plate of goods.

— After Meal Cigar – mini -Macanudo cigar from the Dublin Pub humidor

Big Ragu’s Pub Fries

Dayton Most Metro wants to thank Kevin Farley for taking time out for a Food Adventure.  He was great company and we look forward to seeing his standup shows this weekend.  JOIN US BY CLICKING THE LINKS ABOVE !

For more exclusive Dayton food scoop, follow Food Adventures on FACEBOOK by clicking here.    We aren’t food critics, we just love to eat.

Below are some more photos from our Dublin Pub visits !

A piece of the fish n chips

The Dublin Fry Burger

The Ruck Sandwich

Harps Lager

Inside the Pub

Dub Pub Bar

Addition room

The Beef Bully

Shepards Pie and green beans

Channel your inner foodie at Dublin Pub with all kinds of sandwiches, add egg to any of them.

 

Bread Pudding

Shepherds Pipe

DubPub

Fried Pickles

Black n Tan Onion rings

Beef Barley Soup

Lots of Taps

Spinach dip and chips

 

 

 

 

 

Ickey Shuffles into Dayton May 8th

By Leave a Comment

Monday May 8, 2017 Golf Outing

Monday May 8th, former Cincinnati Bengal star, Ickey Woods, shuffles into the Dayton area for charity, and he needs your help.  It is for a cause named after his late son, Jovante, who succumbed to a severe asthma attack during his high school years.

The Jovante Woods Foundation is hosting an event at NCR Country Club called “Fairways for Airways” to benefit a cure research for Asthma and help promote awareness of the dangers of the condition.

Food Adventures is proud to be a small part of this event.  We look forward to a fun day of golf with friends and celebs.

Ickey Woods

Archer’s Tavern, Boyle Mechanical, Dayton Freight are the major sponsors of the event.  The 2017 Fairways for Airways Celebrity Golf Outing on the South Course of the NCR Country Club is the 2nd annual event for this cause. The weather forecast is calling for clear skies with little to no chance for rain.  Temperatures should be in the high 50s for the noon shotgun start and the low 60s during most of the outing. Perfect Golf Weather.  There is still time for you to sign up for this one of a kind experience.

Each foursome will be paired with a celebrity for a round of golf.

In the past, former Reds, Bengals and Buckeye stars have been participating.  Former appearances have included James Brooks, Tom Browning, Archie Griffin, Jim Breech, Pete Johnson, Yancy Thigpen, Andy Harmon, Dmitri Young, Barney Bussey, Steve Caminiti, Richard Carey, Doug Pelfrey, Dan Wilkinson, Eric Shaw, Ernie Mills, Eric Thomas, Frank Minnifield, Lonzell Hill,  Joe Kelly, Robert Jackson, Kanavis Mcghee, Katie Blackburn, Michael Wiley

 and of course Ickey himself…

Event to be at NCR Country Club 5/8/17 9:30am

Registration and the driving range open at 9:30am. You are encouraged to register as soon as you arrive.

Buckeye Vodka is hosting the Buckeye Bloody Mary Bar beginning at 10:00 A.M. All vodka drinks are compliments of Dayton’s very own Buckeye Vodka!

A lunch buffet will be served beginning at 10:30.

Throughout the event, bottled water and sports drinks will be available compliments of US Foods.

Complimentary (and outstanding) beer will be available thanks to the beer sponsor, Lock 27 Brewing.

A familiar face to Dayton area Charities, Dan Apolito of Archer’s

There is a fantastic silent auction throughout the day featuring some very impressive sports memorabilia, a US Flag flown over the capital building donated by Congressman Mike Turner and Sharon Lowery, a day of fly fishing with Ickey Woods, an impressive basket from Buckeye Vodka and some great golf gear and summer gadgets from Heidelberg Distributing.

After the round of golf, mingle, swap stories and snap some pictures with former college and professional football, baseball and basketball greats. This truly is an event you will never forget, and a once in a lifetime opportunity.

LAST MINUTE SIGNUP – email [email protected]  The cost is $1,500 per foursome.

 

Archer’s Tavern is one of the major sponsors of “Fairways for Airways” Celeb outing

Thanks again to Dan Apolito, owner of Archer’s Tavern and Ickey Woods for setting everything up. The Food Adventures Crew looks forward to slinging some beers and swinging some clubs for charity.

We hope you can make it last minute if you are interested, but the sooner you contact Dan, the better chance you have of getting a spot.

For more of the best events and food in Dayton, follow Food Adventures on Facebook HERE.  All original content with no rules!  Love to eat Dayton’s best?  You’ve found your foodie paradise !

 

Ickey doing the shuffle for cold cuts ….

Groovy! Mikesells Brings Back Chips cooked in Peanut Oil

By 1 Comment

They are back! Groovy Mikesells cooked in 100% Peanut Oil

Talk about a Throwback Thursday announcement.

Food Adventures has seen the Facebook comments on Mikesell’s page, “I wish you still cooked your chips in Peanut Oil.”  Well now, you can quit yer itchin, because our hometown favorite chip company has re-released Groovy Potato Chips cooked in 100% Peanut Oil.   For those of you who love Mikesell’s products, this is one you will be glad they brought back.  It is all in the taste.

Oh yes, the taste is a throwback.  This is the original DW Mikesell recipe you grew up with.  Of course the patented groovy design allows for great dipping and hearty party snacks.  So for all you Mikesell purists, this chip is back for you !

Now in stores near you !

 

You can find them immediately in stores like Kroger, Dot’s and Dorothy Lane Market.  You can even grab a bag at Speedway, Cassano’s and Marion’s.  We got to sample a couple of the big bags.  They were fresh and had that familiar Mikesells taste of yesteryear.  At first we were skeptical, but you can definitely tell a difference.

Afraid of a peanut allergy?? We have good news for you.  The FDA exempts highly refined peanut oil from being labeled as an allergen. Studies show that most individuals with peanut allergy can safely eat peanut oil.

Mother’s Day and Memorial Day parties would be a perfect time to break out these Groovy Peanut Oil chips and wow your guests and family.  Always grab the big bag and support your local potato chip company.  Mikesell’s is the oldest continually running potato chip company in the United States.  We want them around for another couple of centuries.

We hope you enjoy some snacking and dippin’ with Mikesell’s Groovy chips cooked in 100% Peanut Oil, real soon.

Also enjoy more of our Food Adventures by following us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.s

Chef House, Luke Mapp-Mikesells VP, and Jax at the potato chip factory on Leo st.

“Hey, They weren’t frying these in Peanut oil when I was a baby …. this is good stuff !”

The Food Adventures Crew at Mikesells Headquarters

The Buckin’ Donkey is Back !!

By 2 Comments

It’s Baaaack ! Yes ! Yes ! Yes !

Ba – Donk- A -Donk !

Two years ago a popular sports bar in Kettering abruptly closed, resulting in Facebook posts of grief from a slew of customers. The cult following had been hoping one day for a return.

Today, their hopes came true.  The Buckin Donkey restaurant will be returning to Dayton (they dropped the Grill part of the name).  The new spot will be located at the old Murray’s Place restaurant in Moraine.

Food Adventures has exclusive scoop on the new developments after talking to our friend and owner, of the original Buckin Donkey, Sean McKown.

Beef on Weck

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on THE BUCKIN’ DONKEY:

—The Buckin Donkey is the project of Sean McKown, Kiera Harris and Sean’s brother Larry Maglicco

—They plan to open for business MAY 2nd, 2017.  They are finishing flooring and booth construction right now.

—The restaurant address is 2866 S Dixie Dr. Dayton, Ohio 45409

—Many menu items will be returning that were favorites at the previous restaurant.  Food Adventures is really excited about this.

Sign of the times – out with Murrays , in with the Donkey

—They will be closed on Mondays for sanity and relaxation.

—Saturdays and Sunday mornings will feature Breakfast and Booze

—Full bar to feature 8 taps, BudLight and 7 revolving taps

—The Buckin Donkey will feature boxed lunch delivery as well

—Menu will feature a Vegan Section

—Plans for a Happy Hour are in the works

Now for the favorites you missed for 2 years … here is our often imitated, never duplicated list of MUST EATS

The Donut Burger

 

MUST EATS at THE BUCKIN’ DONKEY:

—THE DONUT BURGER:
The old “using the donut for the bun” trick.  Not only this burger, but many other favorites will be back.  Crazy combos of tasty ingredients that make unique burgers.  Customers can join the “burger club” where they get a punch card to try every burger on the menu.

—JAMBALAYA:
One of Dayton’s best “soups” if you will.  It is back, and better than ever. Rice, sausage, spice and more.

Jambalaya – homemade

—PIES:
Homemade pies available.  Every one is delicious and made by Sean or his mom.  In fact, customers can request any fruit cream pie a couple of days in advance.

—TRIPLE BYPASS:
A fresh patty of ground beef and bacon, topped with bacon strips, fried egg and cheese. Not for wusses.

—PIZZA WITH HOMEMADE SAUCE:
New addition to the menu, Sean says it is all about the sauce.  His Pittsburgh family recipe pizza sauce to be exact.

Peanut Butter Pie – homemade

—MAGIC MUSHROOM:  
A Grilled Portabella Mushroom sandwich with cheese and more toppings. Absolutely fantastic for the vegetarian choice.

—FROSTED FLAKE COATED FRENCH TOAST :
Crumbs of Forsted flakes provide a crispy coating to the soft, cinnamony French Toast. One of Big Ragu’s favorites. He says it melts in your mouth.

 

Frosted Flake French Toast

Social media is gaining some buzz about the opening, and Daytonians look ready for this upcoming Bucking Food Adventure.

This time around there will be more parking, and a bigger restaurant than before.  They hope to avoid previous pitfalls like being hampered by bills for equipment repairs, like the previous walk-in cooler that caused them to be closed 9 days, with a hefty bill.

The restaurant looks to pull clients from Centerville, Kettering, Miamisburg, West Carrollton, Dayton and Moraine.  They think it is a good fit and we agree.  Food Adventures plans to be there opening night May 2nd.

Want more original foodie content from the Dayton area?  We don’t share news blurbs, we create them!  From original restaurant reviews, to cooking classes, original dinner events and festival partnerships, The Big Ragu, Chef House, and Hungry Jax are the Food Adventure Crew sharing our favorite eats with Miami Valley foodies.  Follow us on Facebook HERE.

Strawberry cheesecake – homemade

Walnut Pie

Sausage Stuffed Peppers

Philly cheesesteak

NY Cheesecake – homemade

Join their Burger club

Biscuits and Gravy

Frosted Flake French Toast

Reuben

Grilled Cajun Shrimp Po Boy

Pierogie Burger might be a special one day

Grilled Spicy Garlic Wings

Home made Beef Barley soup

Portabella Mushroom Sandwich- sliced in half

Ham and Cheese

Italian Nachos

 

Ariake to Host All-You-Can-Eat Sushi Adventure!

By Leave a Comment

The Dayton Roll

The Dayton Roll

All You Can Eat Premium Sushi Rolls?? YES !!  Sushi Lovers… unite !!

Food Adventures has done it again.

We have partnered with Ariake Sushi to host a ONE NIGHT ONLY, all you want sushi event on Monday, May 1st, 2017.  They have agreed to open up on a Monday evening and let our Food Adventures Crew have the entire restaurant.

TICKETS ON SALE AT THIS LINK.  Tickets include tax, tip and water/tea.  

Please note, we only have room for 50 people at this dinner, and have about 25 seats left.  So get your tickets NOW !

Ariake is known for terrific, premium sushi. You may have seen our previous article on this restaurant HERE.

Miso Soup included

Miso Soup included

Owner Miko Whigham and her sushi chef, Chef Sasaki have planned an incredible spread, and this night will be one of a kind.  This is the foodie event you have been waiting for.

HERE’S THE SKINNY on ARIAKE SUSHI’S ALL YOU CAN EAT FOOD ADVENTURE:

WHEN: MONDAY, MAY 1st, 2017 at 6:30pm

The Godzilla Roll

The Godzilla Roll

WHERE: ARIAKE SUSHI RESTAURANT, 59 FIESTA LANE, MIAMISBURG

COST: $45 per person this includes the tip and tax and the following….

— MISO SOUP

— CRAB & SEAWEED SALAD

— ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI ROLLS and NIGIRI SUSHI UNTIL 8:30pm.  

— HOT TEA and WATER

Shrimp Tempura Roll

Shrimp Tempura Roll

There will be other drinks and alcohol for purchase.

NOTE*** The sushi rolls and nigiri sushi available will be a good variety chosen by the chef.  Diners will pick from a nice display of sushi that will be constantly replenished and some made to order.

*** CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS ***  Seats are limited and PRE-PAY only.

Join us for this MUST EAT event on Monday May 1st, 2017.  As always, this Food Adventure will also be filled with Trivia, Door prizes and more…

Check out some more photos below of what you can expect at the special dinner.

Are you a local foodie??  Then join the more than 7,000 Dayton foodies on our Facebook Food Adventures Page HERE

All you can eat Jan 16th

All you can eat Jan 16th

z_20150228_032

Up close Spider Roll

tuna878298_n

Tuna Roll

13076827_1005972022771162_6488586225986041540_n

Front Entrance across from the Dayton Mall

20160729_184008

Dayton Roll

20161119_141038

Shrimp Tempura roll

20161119_141431

The Crab Seaweed Salad

plate

Deep Fried Roll

roll0802_n

Rainbow roll and Tuna Roll

roll56081_n

Ariake Roll and more

roll70985_n

Spider Roll – Softshell crab

sal

Salmon Roll up close

sal5102_n

Salmon Roll

sal9887_n

All the sushi you want ..

z_20150228_042

Tuna Roll up close

z_20160129_007

Chef Torching an eel roll

z_20160129_008

Look at that plate !!

z20160729_184001

Buy your tickets NOW !

z20161119_140749

Spicy tuna roll

zwp3_20160129_014

Oh my goodness… an Ariake Roll!

“The Growler” Opens on Wilmington Pike

By Leave a Comment

Co-owner Gary Leasure wants to offer you a beer!

Craft beer lovers who can’t get enough, you have another spot to get your growler filled. “The Growler” is now open in the former “Wright Wing” spot on Wilmington Pike. The same building has housed The Buckin’ Donkey Grille. and Monkeez previously.  Food Adventures has the scoop on the new place…

This sports dive is mainly bar seating and booths, with a few dining tables inside.  Outside there is one hell of a patio.  Other attractions include a killer Happy Hour.

Hungry?   Thirsty? Step inside…

Hungry Jax, The Big Ragu, and Chef House are here to tell you …

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on THE GROWLER:

Dart Boards and more.

—Located at 3808 Wilmington Pike in Kettering, The Growler has a full service bar and plenty of TV’s to catch your favorite event.

—From 3pm to 7pm on weekdays, they have 1/2 off all appetizers and craft beers are only $3.50, tall domestic beers are just $2.25 during this happy hour time too.

—Other attractions: Pinball, dart boards, with live trivia on Wednesdays and Karaoke on Thursdays

Spicy Pulled Pork Pizza

—Owner’s Gary and Steve Leasure are lifelong Daytonians, suggest you check groupon.com for special deals.

—They have 10 rotating taps and various domestic, craft and import bottled beers too.  By May they should be selling their signature “Growlers to go.”

Good drink is usually followed with good eats, so lets get growlin, Food Adventure fans !

 

MUST EATS at THE GROWLER:

Loaded Fries

—LOADED FRIES:
Served on a pizza tin and foil this MOUND of fries is almost a mountain.  Roasted and covered with cheese and bacon, this sinful appetizer is over the top.  Get some ranch and ketchup for dipping and find your self closing your eyes and finding your zen.  We almost did yoga in our plate.

—THE SPICY PULLED PORK PIZZA:  
Unique idea of pulled pork pizza, but they kicked it up a notch with heat.  This pig pizza is on fire with flavor and just the right amount of kick.  Nice innovation, Growler.

The Original Sub

—THE SWEET CHILI WINGS:
A Sweet and Spicy saucy sauce, that is sticky and finger licking good.

—THE ORGINAL SUB: A nice 2 piece sub, with Italian style lunch meat.  Salami, Pepperoni, Capiccola, Marinara, Mozzarella and Banana Peppers make this sub a popular choice.  Served with potato chips it is a filling lunch or dinner.

—BREADED MUSHROOMS:
Nice and hearty, these breaded mushrooms, are a big order and they taste great.

Now for the craft beers…..

They are always listed on BeerMenus.com:  Right now their 10 taps are….
1) Yellow Springs Moon Balloon
2) Warped Wing Trotwood Lager

New place is open !


3) Warped Wing 10 ton Stout
4) Great Lakes Chill Wave IPA
5) The Brew Kettle’s Black Rajah
6) Three Floyds Yum Yum
7) Ace Pineapple Cider
8) Blue Moon
9) Bud Light
10) Miller Lite

Beers waiting in the on deck circle to be tapped…. are …..

-Great Lakes Conway’s Irish Ale
-Madtree Passion Fruit Tart Ale
-Warped Wing Hop Smuggler
-Bear Republic Brewing’s Racer 5 IPA
-Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Stout
-Platform Speedmerchant White IPA
-Jackie O’s Mystic Mama

Deep Fried Mushrooms

**** SPECIAL SCOOP !! ****  THE GROWLER’S ST PATTY  PARTY CLICK HERE

JELLO SHOTS!   NCAA MARCH MADNESS HOOPS EXCITEMENT!
IRISH CRAFT BEER!   BUSHMILL SHOT SPECIALS and more.

Party goes all day Friday, March 17th!

Keep the party going every week right here for feature articles weekly on Dayton Most Metro from the Food Adventure Crew.  Growl at you later.

Outside the Growler

They have a number of subs to choose from

Domestic Bottles 1.70 during happy hour