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Food Adventures

Dog’s Breath Tavern Hosts “Buckets & Trucks”

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“Buckets and Trucks” every Thursday in October

Each Thursday, for the rest of October, The Dogs Breath Tavern in Kettering will be featuring an event called “Buckets & Trucks.”   On these nights, a couple of featured food trucks will invade the parking lot on 1912 E. Whipp Rd., and the bar will host domestic buckets of beer for 11 bucks.

October 15th, the featured Food Trucks will be Hunger Paynes and Dayton Urban BBQ.  It promises to be a good night for a Food Adventure.  Trucks will be ready to serve by 5pm and will be there until about 9pm.

Hunger Paynes is known for their “croquette” style menu and the BBQ from Dayton Urban is terrific, especially the pulled pork sandwich.

 

Here are our TOP 5 MUST EATS for the night:

— PULLED PORK SANDWICH from DAYTON URBAN BBQ:
Good, and a little sloppy when that cole slaw is added.  You won’t care, it is worth every bite.

 

— SALMON CROQUETTES from HUNGER PAYNES:  
Crunchy on the outside, soft and tasty on the inside.  A Food Adventure favorite.

 

Dayton Urban BBQ Food Truck will be at Dog’s Breath on Thursday 5pm

— DOUBLE BUTTER BURGER from DOG’S BREATH TAVERN:
A Mountainous burger, slapped with cheese in between.  A Big burger that will fill you up, and make you smile.

 

— MAC n CHEESE CROQUETTES from HUNGER PAYNES:
Gooey, and hot.  Love it served on a handful of homemade Saratoga chips.

 

— HOMEMADE “DOG BONES” from DOG’S BREATH TAVERN:
Flavors from Philly cheesesteak, to pulled pork and ham n cheese, these hand rolled egg rolls are stuffed with various favorite fillings on site.

 

Come out to Dog’s Breath Tavern for a chance to visit two great food trucks, and get some drink specials.  Please note that menus are subject to change and that new creations may be better than anything we have tasted yet!  We hope we gave you a tip on what to look for for a great Food Adventure this Thursday evening.

So take advantage of “Buckets and Trucks” every Thursday in October at Dog’s Breath Tavern.

For more scoop on Food Adventures each week, follow us on Facebook and “like” us by clicking HERE.

 

Hunger Paynes Food Truck

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fried Mac N Cheese Croquettes from Hunger Paynes

Pulled pork from Dayton Urban BBQ

Ham n Cheese “dog bone” from Dog’s Breath Tavern

Dog Breath’s Double Butter Burger

Inside Dog’s Breath Tavern

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warped Wing Releases “Creep Show” in time for Amber Rose Ghost Hunt

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Warped Wing partners with The Amber Rose for a Food Adventure

Warped Wing Brewing Company has done it again with a new flavor of suds.  It is a Smoked Porter called “Creep Show.”  This Warped Wing release party is in conjunction with a Ghost Hunting Food Adventure at The Amber Rose, SATURDAY NIGHT, October 24th called “Creeps and Creaks.”

This is a one night only, one-of-a-kind ghost hunting happening.  Amber Rose Restaurant is giving unprecedented access to their basement and restaurant, for anyone who wants to see some spooks for themselves.   The party starts at 9pm and will feature a tour with paranormal experts and beers along the way.  The night will feature a tour with 3 stops, 3 beers and 3 appetizer stations.  After the tour, guests are welcome to explore on their own and enjoy cash bar drink specials until close.

So come stay out ’til 2am while hanging with some of Warped Wing’s finest, The Paranormal Investigation Team of Shelly, Kat and Alicia, Amber Rose owner Joe Castellano and The Food Adventures Crew of The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House.

Creep Show – A Smoked Porter from Warped Wing

Spots are limited.   We only have room for 40 scared patrons.  Attendees will be anything from beer lovers, to amateur paranormal investigators. CLICK HERE TO GET TICKETS.   Bring your cameras, recorders or any other equipment you may have!

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

WHEN: SATURDAY NIGHT, OCTOBER 24th,  9pm – 2am

WHERE: The “Haunted” AMBER ROSE RESTAURANT, 1400 Valley Street

WHAT:  TOUR LEAD BY PARANORMAL INVESTIGATION TEAM

*** 3 Stop Tour Guide

*** 3 Beers

*** 3 Appetizers

*** Freedom to “ghost hunt” until 2am

AFTER PARTY: Open Ghost Chasing and Exploration, Cash Bar with Drink Specials and $1 menu until close…

 

STOP #1: UPSTAIRS 9PM –
The beer will be WARPED WING REVERENT RED IPA served with
SAUERBRATEN CROSTINIS, BACON MAC N CHEESE BITES and MINI-OPEN FACE REUBENS

 

STOP #2: THE BASEMENT: 
The beer will be WARPED WING’S CREEP SHOW (SMOKED PORTER) served with
GERMAN STYLE BBQ PORK on a PRETZEL ROLL

 

STOP # 3: THE MAIN DINING ROOM
The beer will be FLYING HEAD’S DOUBLE PUMPKIN served with
ROSE APPLE TARTS

 

COST: $25 includes gratuity (Pre-pay only)  

Tickets may be bought only through DaytonMostMetro by clicking HERE

DON’T FORGET THE AFTER PARTY until 2am: Explore the place yourself do your own Ghost Hunting,

Cash Bar with Drink Specials and special late night menu until 2am

 

 

So join this extra special night of spookiness, spirits, Amber Rose Food, ghost chasers and local beer!

It will be a WARPED night for sure.

Come hungry, come thirsty, and get ready for the CREEP SHOW !

Are you a Dayton Foodie?  Then join the 5,000+ fanatics on our Food Adventures Facebook Page by clicking HERE !

Warped Wing in the House ,, HAUNTED HOUSE !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This woman is said to be one of the friendly spirits at Amber Rose

Drink with the Food Adventure Crew All night

Chef TJ and Owner Joe

Outside the restaurant

Warped Wing’s Brewery – home of the new CREEP SHOW Beer

Enter for a night of food, creeps and drinks

Dayton’s Warped Wing Beer

CREEPS and CREAKS – a night of ghosts, beer and food

Partners for the event

Basement Beer

After Party will include $1 food menu and beer specials

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Osaka: New Buffet with Conveyor Belt Sushi

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Raw Salmon Sushi & Raw Salmon Sashimi

A new Japanese / Chinese Buffet called Osaka has opened behind the Dayton Mall and the Food Adventures Crew has the scoop after a few visits.  The newly remodeled building formerly housed Max & Erma’s for decades, and most recently Hazel Grill.  The place is basically a buffet, yet they are trying to distinguish themselves by doing a few things differently.

One attraction at Osaka, is the “Conveyor Belt of Sushi.”  Now, this is not the typical conveyor belt sushi at restaurants that winds its way around the dining area and is priced based on color of the plate you pick up.  No, this is just a side attraction and part of the “All You Can Eat” concept.

But this concept is a bit different at Osaka Sushi and Hibachi Buffet.

 

Owner/ Manager John Weng of Osaka Buffet

Gone are the metal steam pans, replaced by large family style, white serving dishes.  Each dish looks more appetizing.  Owner/Manager John Weng told us that this allows for a smaller quantity on each dish, in the hopes that no buffet item sits too long.  Beyond that, this buffet is similar to the ones you have seen in the past, although this one seems a little cleaner.

We have visited Osaka four times since it opened, and have tried virtually every menu item.  Here are the Food Adventure findings…

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Osaka Sushi & Hibachi Buffet is located at 8901 Kingsridge Dr.

— Buffet prices are as follows: Lunch = $8.95, Dinner = $14.95

— Not a fan of “All you can eat?,”  that’s ok ladies, you can order from a full Sushi, Japanese and Chinese Menu.

— Hours are: Monday – Saturday 10:30am – 10pm, Sundays 10:30am – 9:30pm

Prawns on the Buffet

— Buffet highlights include:

A sushi conveyor belt with plates of 2-3 pieces of sushi

A raw hibachi bar and grill, where you mix your ingredients and a hibachi cook stir fry’s your mixture with your choice of sauce.

Appetizer area and Main Entree bars

Soup, Fruit and Dessert areas

 

With dozens of menu items, what are the best eats?  From Duck to Crab Sushi, we sort through it all and give you our patented MUST EATS !

 

MUST EATS:

— THE SALMON SASHIMI:  Scope out the conveyor belt for the pieces of raw, sliced salmon with no rice.  These slices are fresh and melt in your mouth.  Absolutely the best item on the conveyor belt of love.

Spicy Crab sushi with Flying Fish roe on top

— THE HIBACHI RAW BAR & GRILL:  Take advantage of your own mini-Mongolian Grill.  Whatever your concoction of meats and veggies, may we suggest you ask for your mixture to be cooked in the Brown Hibachi Sauce.  It is absolutely delicious.

— SPICY CRAB SUSHI with FISH ROE on TOP:  These are easy to spot, because they have colorful fish eggs sprinkled on top of the sushi roll in colors of green,black or orange.

— THE CRAB ANGLE:  These huge, triangular deep fried snacks are STUFFED with crab and cream cheese.  The result is a big, filling couple of bites of cheesy goodness.

— THE DUNGENESS CRAB:  Hardshell crabs, cut in half and separated at the leg joints.  The leg joints are then battered and stir fried with a brown sauce.  The result is a crab crackin’, shell suckin’ good time.

— CHEESEY MUSSELS:  Baked Mussels in the shell, covered with creamy cheese mixture.  Perfect description would be “they’re heavenly.”

— RAW OYSTERS:  Rarely seen on buffets in Dayton, take advantage when you see these bad boys laying out on ice.

Honorable Mention: The Crab Nigiri Sushi was huge and delicious.  Also, the Fried Shrimp  are nothing short of addicting.

 

The Conveyor Belt of Sushi runs the entire time, replacing and adding plates constantly.

So there you have the lowdown on Osaka Sushi and Hibachi Buffet, the newest buffet in town. Smaller plates, less waste, fresher food

is their philosophy.  They have some great items, we are fans and hope the restaurant takes hold for a long time.

Osaka is a perfect place to push your pallet comfort zone.  Try new things from crawfish to frog legs.  Come out to Kingsridge Drive by the Dayton Mall and experience your own little Food Adventure.  P.S., the conveyor belt doesn’t work if you sit or stand on it … just kidding, but don’t try it anyway…

Want to try something fun?  Go to Facebook and “Like” Food Adventures by clicking here.  Join the thousands that like us on Facebook, and love us in their hearts.  Are you an Instagram Junkie?  Then follow us there at #dayton_foodies

In the meantime, browse the photos below from our visits to Osaka Sushi and Hibachi Buffet.

Serving plates, no steam pans – smaller quantities means fresher items

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A view of the Sushi Conveyor Belt in the corner of the Buffet Area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pepper Pork and General Tso’s Chicken

Crab Angle – These are incredible and gooey and cheesy and OMG

The sign out front on Kingsridge Dr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baked Salmon

Stacking the sushi plates

Some Pink Sushi

Shrimp Tempura with Fish roe on Top

Half of the Buffet Area

Crab and Avacado roll

Crispy Duck !

Hibachi Area, Sushi Area and Buffet Area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raw Oysters on the Half Shell

Baked, Cheesey Mussells

 

 

 

Mini tiramisu

Dungeness Crab

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of the best fried shrimp around

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A full plate at Osaka Sushi and Hibachi Buffet

Dungeness Crab – incredible stuff

Crab Nigiri – (Cooked Crab Sushi)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mussels with Cheese and Fish Roe on top

Shrimp and Crawfish

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Desserts

Raw Oysters and Kimchee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crawfish

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spicy Salmon and Avocado

Hibachi cooked right before your eyes

Fruit Bar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salads

A night at Osaka

Food Adventure in Progress

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sushi conveyor Belt

Raw ingredients for Hibachi

Serving Dishes instead of Steam Pan Raiders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Serving Dishes on the Buffet – smaller quantity on the plates, means fresher items

15 MUST EATS at DAYTON’s OKTOBERFEST

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The Cream Puff from Schmidt’s – our #1 Item

This weekend mark’s one of Dayton’s biggest festivals and Food Adventures of the year, …Oktoberfest!

Held at the Dayton Art Institute, it is a plethora of Beer, Crafts, Cigars and Food.  Some blogs will give you tips on parking, but The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House have been eating and drinking their way through this festival for about 40 years.  So who better than the Food Adventure Crew to sort through the food with their hundreds of thousands of calories in expertise?

Grab your lederhosen and let’s dive in….

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

WHAT: Dayton’s 44th Annual Oktoberfest, a celebration of German food and culture

WHERE:  The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton Ohio

WHEN:  

— FRI, SEPT. 25th – PREVIEW PARTY SPECIAL EVENT – 7pm-11pm, COST $95 at the gate

— SAT, SEPT. 26th –  Noon – 11:00 pm, COST $7 at the  gate

— SUN, SEPT. 27th – Noon – 7pm, COST $7 at the gate

 

Now you know where to be and when.   So bring some money and get your eat on… Dayton’s Oktoberfest, where everyone is German for the day !

Get Pumpkin or Apple Strudel at The Strudel Factory Booth

Drum roll and Accordion intro … here we go with our patented feature, the Dayton Oktoberfest’s 2015 “MUST EATS !”

 

MUST EATS:

— #1  SCHMIDT’S CREAM PUFFS: 
Of course the #1 item is one so creamy and rich, you will pass out from pleasure.  The line might be long, but the end result is worth it.  Grab one of these huge cream puffs from Schmidt’s Booth, all the way from Columbus.  The cream puff is as big as half your head, and more delicious than 100 movie stars.

 

— #2  CHERRY or PUMPKIN STRUDEL from THE ORIGINAL STRUDEL FACTORY:
Another OMG moment at the festival, is when you introduce your friends to this little number.  Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu agree that  the Apple Strudel  and Pumpkin Strudel steal the show.  The food lines are not bad at this booth , and the strudel is fresh out of the oven.

 

— #3  THE BRATWURST in the METTS and BRATS TENT:
We are not sure if these are a German Club item or Dayton Art Institute.. we just know with a little sauerkraut, or Dusseldorf mustard, these babies go great with beer.  Chef House’s pick of the fest.  She could hang out in this booth all night, and with the beer trucks of course!

 

— #4  THE GERMAN POTATO PANCAKES from THE “HEY HEY” FOOD BOOTH:
Giant, delicious and cheap.  Unfortunately everyone knows about these, so the line is a little long sometimes.  Don’t fret, good things come to those who wait, and it’s not like the line to the Beast at Kings Island. But these big potato cakes are beasts in themselves.

 

— #5  THE GERMANATOR at ZOMBIE DOGZ:
Dayton’s #1 food truck rolls in with this hot dog smothered in braised beef brisket, beer cheese and topped with fried onions.  Another original item, where they knock it out of the park.  Fight the line, and get the rewards of this one of a kind, big wiener.  What’s on your zombie?

 

Pulled Chicken Sandwich from Smokin Bar-B-Que – Add some of their excellent BBQ Sauce !

— #6  THE PULLED CHICKEN SANDWICH from SMOKIN’ BAR-B-QUE
This Oregon District mainstay, comes in with an entry like a lightning bolt.  The pulled chicken is perfectly cooked, but the secret is in the sauce.  All foodies know that a condiment table can be where the magic happens and puts the ying to the yang.  In this case it is true.  Find the extra BBQ sauce bottle and squirt some more on your sandwich.  Close the bun, take a bite.  If some sauce drips on your finger, just get a canvas and hang an inspired finger painting in the art museum.

 

— #7  THE SOFT PRETZEL BOOTH:
Happiness is a warm pretzel.  We are talking so fresh you can hardly hold it.  We mean it, right out of the oven into a napkin, to warming your heart.  Soft inside, with the perfect outer crust, this pretzel is meant for some mustard and beer.  Warning:  you might crave a second one later in the night.

 

— #8 THE CRAB CAKES from BROCK MASTERSONS:  Seared on a flat grill, these gargantuan crab cakes are the best in town.  So good, that you will want two.  Also a thumbs up for the sauce served with the cakes.  It is the perfect touch and very tasty.  The crab cakes are full of flavor and worth the treat.

 

Chicken on a Stick from Bangkok House – Shockingly good !

— #9  THE HAMBURGER at THE HAMBURGER WAGON: Hamburg, Germany.. that’s a town, right?  Well this Hamburger Wagon is as old as many towns.  Finishing their 103rd year, it is fair to say they are a Dayton icon.  We suggest the Double Burger, it is our newest rage at the wagon.  And as always “they don’t need no stinkin’ condiments.”

 

— #10 CHICKEN ON A STICK at BANGKOK HOUSE BOOTH:
The strange looking skewer, the incredible smell off the grill.  This busy booth sells all kinds of specialties, but the one to grab is the Chicken on a Stick. The marinated chicken comes out perfectly grilled and the result is a cross between somewhere between tender chicken, and other bites having a slight jerky feel to it.  A “must eat at Oktoberfest !

 

The Huge German Potato Pancakes from “Hey Hey” food booth !

— #11  THE SUPERFOODS BURGER at BRIXX:  
Quinoa, spinach, avocados, cranberries and turkey  A surprise Food Adventure on a bun that we weren’t expecting.  Chris Bhai has done it again with his “out of the box” thinking. ion a burger?  YES! But the best thing is the taste!

 

— #12  THE PUB CHEESE FRIES from DUBLIN PUB:
Most Daytonians are familiar with these rich sinful cheese fries.  These hunger busting pub fries, topped with cheese and bacon, deserve a spot on the list.  Everytime we order these we find people reaching into our basket and snagging a bite.  Grab a batch of these hometown favorites. The are Chef House’s guilty little pleasure!

Dublin Pub’s Cheese Fries have become Legendary

— #13  THE WIENERSCHNITZEL SANDWICH from the GERMAN SCHNITZEL BOOTH:  
Pretty much a fried pork tenderloin looking sandwich.  It is a good sized sandwich that is easily shared.  There is also schnitzel under the Brats and Metts tent in the German Food line.  I’m sure a cabbage roll or potatoes would go good with this.

 

— #14  THE TRADITONAL GYRO from the GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH BOOTH:
So you thought Greek Fest was your last chance in 2015 to get these?  Think again!  Take advantage of this rare chance to get the same gyros served at Greek Fest.  The only other time you can find these is at World a ‘Fair,  We recommend the traditional gyro with everything on it.  We feel it is much more flavorful than the chicken gyro.

 

Hot, fresh, soft pretzels for sale at Oktoberfest

—  #15  THE ROADHOUSE PORK CHOP from THE BLACKJACK GRILL: 
A giant pork chop, plus a huge grill means the most eye appealing site at the festival.  There is nothing quite like watching these huge porkchops cook.  Served as a sandwich or by themselves, this is your chance to get a big slab of meat for yourself.  Dab it with some of the Blackjack BBQ sauce and it’s time to go to town.

 

Honorable Mention: The Cabbage Rolls and Saeurkraut Balls are also Food Adventure favorites.

 

There you have it!  Our lists of the 15 Oktoberfest foods that need to meet your mouth this weekend.  Did we miss any?  What are your favorites that we should have mentioned?  Please comment!

Also, browse our photo gallery below for killer pictures of the MUST EATS !

As for beer choices, you are on your own, we are having a food baby and can’t be bothered.  But if you want more foodie news, from the Miami Valley’s Food Adventures blog, then “like us on Facebook HERE.

Brats and Metts (Bratwurst and Metwurst)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who Doesn’t Love Oktoberfest ?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Germanator from Zombie Dogz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brixx’s Superfood Burger – delicious !

Another chance to grab a gyro like the ones at the Greek Fest Gyros in 2015

Hungry Jax – not a reluctant foodie in the least

Hello Hamburger Wagon Burger ! HAMBOOOGA !

Black Jack Grill’s Pork Chops … cooking up nice, Frau

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We walk around the whole day calling everyone “My Little Strudel !”

Reuben Sandwich from Brock Mastersons

German Pastries everywhere

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

German Pastry Pretzels

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A couple Hamburger Wagon Burgers

Grillin Chicken

Seriously Good stuff

Pork chops on the Black Jack Grill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

German Chocolate Sundaes !

Crab Rangoon

LeDoux’s Crawfish Etouffe

According to Big Ragu ….

Don’t eat the Limburger Cheese Sandwich at any cost !

Brats on the Grill

Wiener Schnitzel Sandwich

Sauerkraut Balls for sale

Cream Puffs are works of art.. that’s why we ate them in the Art Institute

Even huge Cinnamon breadsticks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crab Cake from Brock Mastersons

Like a Twinkie Cream Puff

Apple strudel – one of the best things in the fest

Kibbe Beef Sticks from the Lebanese Church

Oompa Band !

Creme Horny Bayb-ee – yeah baybee

Elephant Ear

The Chicken on a Stick OMG that glaze !

Love the whole wings from Brixx

Beef Schwarma from Lebanese Church

Beer, Cigar – Ragu is loaded

Brixx Burger

Crowded

German Cannoli ???

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who’s Food is Better? Italian Fest or Greek Fest?

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The Greek Fest Gyro – one of the joys of festival weekend

Two heavy hitters in the Dayton festival world go head to head every year for attendance the weekend after Labor Day.  These 2 festivals are the Greek Festival and the Italian Festival.  Why do they both hold their big events on the same weekend?  We don’t know, but we do know that when asked if they would move the festival to another weekend, both sides aren’t budging.

We decided to compare the festivals under our favorite topic.. FOOD.  What happens when these two ancient nations and cultures collide in a battle of the culinary worlds?  The food Adventures Crew asks you, Dayton…

Which festival has better food, GREEK FEST or ITALIAN FEST ?

Chef House, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu have decided to put decades of eating experience at each festival to the test, with the most definitive and exhaustive comparison to date.   Most of these foods only come around once a year, so our mouths have been watering for months.

Which festival is the better Food Adventure?

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

The Cannoli from Italian Festival

— Dayton’s Italian Festival, called the “Fall Festa” by the people at the Sons of Italy is held at Bella Villa Hall at 2625 County Line Road.

     Hours are:
     Friday, Sept. 11 – 6pm to 11pm
     Saturday, Sept. 12 – Noon to 11pm
     Sunday, Sept. 13 – Noon to 8pm
***Admission and Parking are free.  Shuttle service available for parking from Reynolds & Reynolds lot.

 

— Dayton’s Greek Festival is held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church at 500 Belmonte Park, North (next to Dayton Art Institute)

     Hours are:
     Friday, Sept. 11 – 11am to 11pm
     Saturday, Sept. 12 – 11am to 11pm
     Sunday, Sept. 13 – 11am to 6pm

***Admission: Friday from 11 am to 5 pm admission is FREE (come for lunch). The rest of the weekend, admission is  $2 per person, children 12 years and under are free,  Parking is free on streets surrounding the church.  Shuttle service available from Grandview Hospital, Shaw Avenue.  Grafton Medical Center Parking Lot on Forest Avenue and  Eye Clinic Parking Lot,Grand Avenue.

Time to lace up the gloves and put the napkins in your collar.. let’s find out who has the best food !

Loukoumades (honey puffs)

The Battle of the MUST EATS at the ITALIAN FEST vs. GREEK FEST HAS BEGUN !

 

*** ICONIC MAINSTAYS ***:

GREEK GYRO vs THE ITALIAN SAUSAGE SANDWICH
GREEK PASTITSIO vs ITALIAN CALZONES
GREEK MOUSSAKA vs ITALIAN MEATBALL SUB
GREEK PIZZAS vs ITALIAN PIZZAS

Chef House: Greece wins battle of the mainstays –
Big Ragu: Greece wins – The Gyro takes the cake and outshines them all
Hungry Jax: Italy wins battle of the mainstays – Meatball sub, please !

 

*** FULL BLOWN DINNERS*** :

ITALIAN STUFFED SHELLS DINNER vs GREEK LAMB SHANK DINNER
ITALIAN SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS vs GREEK CHICKEN DINNER

Chef House: Greece wins battle of the dinners with the Lamb Shank choice
Big Ragu: Italy wins with Stuffed Shells all day long
Hungry Jax: Greece wins the dinner battle in a close one

 

Cavatelli – a simple pasta dish at the Italian Fall Festa

***OFF THE BEATEN FOOD PATH***:

GREEK DOLMADES (STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES) vs ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP
GREEK TRIGONAS (SPINAKOPITA) vs ITALIAN CAVATELLI

Chef House: Greece wins, I love the Spinakopita the Dolmades are wonderful !
Big Ragu: Italy wins as Cavatelli has my heart !
Hungry Jax: Italy wins the off the beaten path battle. I want some wedding soup !

 

*** WINES,  BEERS & MORE ***:

ITALIAN PERONI BEER vs GREEK MARATHON BEER
ITALIAN RED MORETTI BEER and GREEK ALFA BEER
ITALIAN WINES vs GREEK WINES
ITALIAN RASPBERRY SPARKLETINI vs OUZO

Chef House: Greece wins, fuller tasting beer, Ouzo and I love their wines
Big Ragu: Italy wins because of the Sparkletini but tell the boss that the Moretti regular lager is sorely missing
Hungry Jax: Italy wins the battle of the wines, beers and more…

 

A Spinach Pie (Spinakopita) and a Cheese Pie (Trigona) from the Greek Festival

*** DESSERTS AND PASTRIES ***:
GREEK BAKLAVA vs ITALIAN CANNOLI
GREEK LOUKOUMADES (HONEY PUFFS) vs ITALIAN TIRAMISU
GREEK PASTRY BOOTH vs ITALIAN COOKIE BOOTH

Chef House: Greece wins the dessert battle – the baklava and pastry booth is amazing.
Big Ragu: Italy wins – lock me in a room with Tiramisu and Cannoli
Hungry Jax: Italy all the way in the desserts and pastry battle

 

What is your take on who has the better food? Tell us with your comments below.

In the meantime here are 3 little known eats from each festival that are some of our favorites:

GREEK FEST  –
BAKLAVA SUNDAE – Maybe the best thing at Greek Fest
GREEK FRIES – lemon juice drizzled with seasonings make this a nice treat
GREEK LEMONADE – Refreshing on a festival day – add a little alcohol to boot 

 

ITALIAN FEST –
RASPBERRY SPARKLETINI CHAMPAGNE – this stuff is the most addicting thing at the festivals

Stuffed Shell dinner

PASTA FAGIOLI SOUP – Dark horse of good eats
SFINGI – Italian funnel cake – see if they will deep fry a cannoli for ya too !

 

On a non-food note, Chef House wants to make sure that the Greek Fest gets a shout out for the incredible dancers.  The Big Ragu loves the band led by George Karras.  Hungry Jax has been known to cut a rug at the Italian Festival to some traditional Italian American classic songs as well.

 

We learned one thing today – YOU CANT LOSE WITH A FOOD ADVENTURE TO EITHER FESTIVAL.. YOU JUST HAVE TO KNOW WHAT TO EAT !!

 

For more scoop on Dayton’s best foodie spots, “Like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE

Browse the photos below for a full view of the festival foods !

Greek Beer

Lamb Shank Dinner

Pastitio at Greek fest

Greek Pizza

Italian Fest Raspberry Sparkletini chug

Italian cookies

Greek Baklava

Greek Fries

Italian Pizza

Greek Beers and Gyros

Ahh zoop , zoopa doop.. Italian soups 1

Italian sausages

Greek Pastries

Calzone Guy

Italian Fest Pizza

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Haunted Dayton Beer Dinner Returns to Amber Rose

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“Rhinegeists and Poltergeists 2” is coming BACK to the Amber Rose on Friday night October 2nd.  This is the long awaited return of the successful 4 course, 4 beer dinner. Tickets are pre-pay only (CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS).  Earlier this year, the event sold out and over 110 people packed the private, upstairs area of the “haunted” Amber Rose Restaurant.

 

POLTERGEISTS:

For the last 20 years, staff at the restaurant say that there are ghosts and apparitions that appear at all times of the day.  There are also claims of unexplained phenomena such as glasses and dishes being tossed, lights going on and off and more.  One of the ghosts  is believed to be the daughter of the former house owner.  She is a playful spirit named Genevieve Ksiezopolski aka “Chickie.”  Does she haunt the restaurant?  Take for example this incident, where a cook claimed to see a full apparition of a lady in a long dress who walked into the room, then turned and walked away. When the frightened cook alerted the staff, they quickly pulled the security surveillance camera footage.  CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT THEY SAW ON THE SECURITY CAMERA.

Join us and 100 foodies for Rhinegeists and Poltergeists

 

NEW FINDINGS:

For the last couple of months, an independent paranormal investigating team has been taking sound samples, photos, and kinetic energy studies and have made some new findings.  We unveil the new evidence on October 2nd,  and also highlight some of the discoveries from the past investigations done by the three person team.    Independent Paranormal Investigators Kat Powell and Shelly Suittor met in 1999 as tour guides for the Ohio State Reformatory, Prospect Place, and Snow Hill Country Club and teamed up with Alicia Soich in 2012,  This “ghost hunter” crew has appeared on National Television!  Their work has been featured in “America’s Most Haunted,” “My Ghost Story”, and Haunted Ohio VI. They’ve logged hundreds of hours of field research and private investigations across the state.

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

This promises to be one the biggest and goosebump raising Food Adventures to date. We are expecting a sellout crowd of over 100 foodies, beer lovers and fans of the supernatural.

Hunter Schnitzel

Hungry Jax, The Big Ragu and Chef House will stick  after the dinner for some cash bar drink specials and a keg tapping.  We will be talking beers and ghosts with attendees.  The paranormal investigators will answer questions as well.

Prepare to be creeped out !!

 

WHAT:  “Rhinegeists and Poltergeists” Food Adventure 4 course dinner, with 4 beer pairings.  Seating is limited to 100 frightful foodies!

WHERE:  The Amber Rose Restaurant on 1400 Valley Street in Dayton

WHEN:  Friday Night, October 2nd, 2015 at  7pm

COST: $35 per person – includes gratuity

TICKETS ARE PRE-PAY ONLY and ARE ONLY AVAILABLE HERE – seating is LIMITED !!

***FEATURES: EVERY attendee gets a souvenir pint glass from Rhinegeist Brewery.  There will also be door prizes, trivia and of course the “PARANORMAL FINDINGS” and evidence presentations!  Do ghosts exist at Amber Rose?  You be the judge!

 

FOOD MENU:

Owner Joe Castellano and Chef TJ have put together the following four course meal:

Rhinegeist Brewers will be in the house talking about their beers

COURSE 1:  Sauerkraut Balls and German Bier Cheese Dip
COURSE 2: Beer Braised Bratwurst & Knock-wurst with Hot German Potato Salad
COURSE 3: Hunter Schnitzel with Amber Rose Bacon Sauerkraut
COURSE 4: Black Forest Strudel

 

Trevor from Rhinegeist Brewery will be on hand educating the crowd about his Cincinnati Brewery and their philosophy on beer.

RHINEGEISTS: 
BEER 1: Rhinegeist – German Style Hefeweizen
BEER 2: Rhinegeist – Oktoberfest
BEER 3: Rhinegeist – Seasonal Special Release!
BEER 4: Rhinegeist – A Surprise Tapping!

AFTER PARTY:  Cash Bar Downstairs, Special Keg Tapings, Drink Specials

Join the Food Adventure crew for RHINEGEISTS and POLTERGEISTS – get your tickets for this beer dinner here!

Make sure you “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE

Chef House and Hungry Jax at RhineGeists and Poltergeists #1 in April 2015

The ghost thought to haunt AMBER ROSE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chef House and Hungry Jax take in the ghostly evidence

Rhinegiests and Poltergeists 2 !

You may see a GHOST

Madame Ragu believes in ghosts

Hey tiger – grab a Rhinegeist on Oct 2nd with us

Hungry Jax, Trevor from Rhinegeist, Paranormal investigator Shelly, Big Ragu and Amber Rose owner Joe Castellano

Door prizes from our last event

Independent Paranormal Investigative team of Alicia, Shelly and Kat

Chef House and Hungry Jax at the first Rhinegeist & Poltergeists dinner !

The food at Amber Rose is Lithuanian Style and delicious

Grab your Wiener Schnitzel with us October 2nd

HAUNTED ! Don’t believe us? See for yourself !

Amber Rose – good food and ghosts inside

October 2nd – we cross the streams

Bier Cheese – we want a bucket of this stuff

Who ya gonna call ??

Bratwurst and Sweet Sauerkraut

Cougars are welcome

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Say It Ain’t So, Rinaldo !

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Rinaldo’s Bakery – 45 years comes to a close

One of Dayton’s Iconic bakeries is closing September 14th.  No more huge elephant ears, half moon cookies, Italian wedding cake, tiramisu, or “adult” birthday cakes.  Rinaldo’s Bake Shoppe, located just north of downtown at  at 910 Fairview Ave., plans on closing its doors forever in less than 2 weeks.

The Food Adventure is over for Rinaldo and Anna Stolfo, who came to Dayton from Italy and have been making baked goods for 45 years.  The bakery has been a staple for local Italian specialties and Kosher items.    The closing will come a day after the Dayton Italian Festival weekend aka “Fall Festa,” which depends on Rinaldo’s Bakery for many dessert items.  The date of closing also coincides with  the first day of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

Rinaldo and Anna’s son, John had taken over most of the operations of the bakery, but John’s health concerns and the work load proved too much for the family to keep bearing.   Daytonians will miss this one of a kind bakery.

We at Dayton Most Metro and Food Adventures would like to congratulate the Stolfo family on the success of their life’s work, since opening the bakery in 1970.  Every time we visited we were met with a smile, and treated like family.  We have enjoyed spending time with the family at the Bella Villa Hall as club members, and appreciate all the specialty cookies they made for us and each specialty cake that made our party a success.

Want more scoop on local food places in Dayton?  Are you a foodie?  Then like Food Adventures here on Facebook.

Italian Wedding Cake

Half Moons

Florentine Cookies

Pizzelles

Inside the bakery

Pinwheels

Wedding Cakes

Ginger Bread Men

Cookies, Cookies

Bakery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thinking Outside the Kid’s Lunch Box

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“Banana Dog” – a fun twist on PB&J

It feels like summer barely started and here we are already looking to start another school year! It’s that time of year again where we make sure our kiddos have the necessary supplies, new clothes and even technology to start the school year off right. In addition to being so conscious about your student’s educational needs, let’s explore some creative and delicious options for their appetites!

After all, Food Adventures aren’t just for adults !  Dayton Most Metro’s resident foodie mom, Hungry Jax, is here for some tips on making the most of your children’s school lunches!

 

EQUIPMENT:

First, let’s talk about the lunch box hardware that is helpful for making health, fun and easy lunches. Obviously, a good lunch box that has a thermal lining will help keep foods fresh and flavorful while it hangs out in your kid’s locker or coatroom. Buy a mini ice pack to toss into the lunch box/bag to further ensure their food stays cold.

Depending on beverages that your child prefers at lunch, a good thermos to keep water, milk or juice cold is also important. Finally, there are so many lunch container options that help parents create their own “bento box” for kids on the market. You can find many options in the food storage aisle of your local grocery store.

 

SUN-BUTTER:

While peanut butter and jelly has always been a fantastic “go to” for school lunches, these days many schools are not allowing nut butters due to allergy concerns for their students. A close alternative is using Sun-butter, which is made from sunflower seeds. Sun-butter has a very similar taste and consistency to peanut butter! Some kids might notice the difference right away, but keep offering it to them and they eventually will get used to it. You can find sun-butter in most grocery stores in the natural foods section.

 

TOO CRUSTY?

Do your kids not like the crust on their sandwiches? Get creative! Use large cookie cutters to cut their sandwiches into fun shapes! You can also buy actually sandwich cutters that are made to cut the shapes out to as close as the edge as possible so as to not waste any food.

 

Now THIS is a fruit roll-up!

Now THIS is a fruit roll-up!

TORTILLAS TO THE RESCUE:

Hungry Jax will vouch that when in doubt, put food rolled up into a tortilla and a kid will eat it. Just about any sandwich filling can be rolled up and even sliced into pinwheels! One of her family favorites is taking 8oz of cream cheese and whipping it with a tsp of vanilla and tsp of lemon zest. Slather a wheat tortilla with this mixture and then add fresh fruit. Roll up and leave whole or slice it up! A refreshing lunch that’s not the same old lunch meat or pb&j! And it’s versatile! Instead of a sweet cream cheese, go savory with chopped herbs and veggies!

 

 

DO THE DIP:

Another thing that kids like to do: dip their food into stuff. Why not make some fresh humus and chop up some veggies or pitas to dip? Slice up a baguette, pepperoni and mozzarella and let them dip it in homemade marinara for a fun play on pizza.

 

 

HOMEMADE vs STORE MADE:

Are your kids a fan of those popular pre-made lunch containers found in the refrigerator section of the grocery store? You know the ones: they have slimy, pre-cut lunchmeat, cheeses and crackers? We aren’t. And here’s why: we can create our own version for cheaper and healthier. Buy a stack of the segmented lunch containers (one for each day of the week). Chop up your own meats and cheeses on Sunday night and divvy them up within the containers. The night before or morning of, add crackers, fruit/veggies and whatever else you want. Boom. You just saved yourself money and preservatives.

 

SMOOTH & HEALTHY MOVES:

Do your kids like smoothies? Make a batch of smoothies on Sunday. Freeze them in small containers and on the morning of school, toss one in their lunch bag (don’t forget the straw). By lunchtime, the smoothie will have thawed enough to drink! It also duos as an ice pack!

Homemade granola is a great addition to a healthy lunch!

Homemade granola is a great addition to a healthy lunch!

Yogurt is another great option. Let your kids build their own yogurt parfaits! Buy a tub of yogurt and divvy it up into small containers on Sunday night (yes, we are keeping you busy on your Sundays). Chop up fruit for them to add as well as granola! Even toss in some chocolate chips for a special treat! Your kids will have fun assembling their parfaits and you can feel good that they are getting a healthy meal!

Salads are another great option where you can include healthy and fun options. Also consider pasta salads!

With a little forethought and preparation, you can provide your kids (and yourself) with healthy and fun lunch options that are more affordable and creative!

 

INTERNET & INPUT:

There are so many ideas out there on the internet! Start a Pinterest board and let your creative juices flow! And don’t forget to let your kids help! Make it a part of their nightly routine to put a lunch together for the next day. Get their input on what’s easy to eat but still fills them up. It only takes an extra 10 minutes a day to prepare your kids for the ultimate Lunch Food Adventure!

Check out some of our favorite go to websites for great recipe ideas!

WEELICOUS – a fantastic website for family meals!

100 DAYS OF REAL FOOD – learn how to feed your family with out all the preservatives!

EATING FROM THE GROUND UP – copycat those popular store bought favorites!

 

We hope our tips gave you a few new ideas to get the most out of packing your kid’s school lunch.  Think outside the lunch box and your children will be grateful.

Want more scoop on everything food and Dayton area restaurants?  The join the thousands who follow Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE!  You can also follow the incredible food photos of Hungry Jax, Chef House and the Big Ragu on Instagram by clicking HERE.

 

Homemade granola bars are quick and easy and even freeze well!

Homemade granola bars are quick and easy and even freeze well!

Toss in a heathy muffin into your child's lunch as a fun way to give them their veggies!

Toss in a heathy muffin into your child’s lunch as a fun way to give them their veggies!

DLM Food Adventure Cooking Class Promises Some “Firsts”

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The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House are featured in this months DLM’s “Party Foods Class.”

 Jackie “Hungry Jax” Scanlan, LeeAnne “Chef House” and Steve “The Big Ragu” Milano promise a cooking class like no other on Friday night August 14th.   This event will be a mix of a party, a cooking demo, trivia night and some prize giveaways.  The night is going to be as wild as Donald Trump’s hair !

The “Party Foods” class marks the first time that the Food Adventures Crew will be taking over the Culinary Center at Dorothy Lane Market in Washington Township.  And it looks like a good one, filled with wine and beer as well.

Food Adventures is a popular Dayton food blog, with  over 5,400 loyal Facebook followers.  The trio of foodies is also known for their weekly articles on DaytonMostMetro .com that feature anything from mom and pop local restaurants, to festival events, recipes or foodie tips!  From time to time the Food Adventure Crew will host dinners at local restaurants to spotlight a great place that you may not have heard about.  They partner with area festivals, food happenings and even support over 50 charity events, every single year.  Much more than a free Instagram account they even have one of those (#Dayton_Foodies) and a Twitter following too (@Food_Adv) !

You can also visit their website www.DaytonFoodies.com for a list of upcoming appearances.

Hungry Jax, Chef House and The Big Ragu are proud to be a part of this year’s DLM Cooking Schedule, and due to the overwhelming response, we will be back in the fall for yet another class!

 

Party With the Food Adventures Crew – Limited tickets available at DorothyLane.com

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves…..

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on the AUGUST 14th CLASS !

WHAT: Party with the Food Adventures Crew !  A cooking class featuring the secret recipes of The Food Adventurer’s favorite party foods !

WHEN: 6PM – 9PM  FRIDAY, AUGUST 14th

WHERE: 6161 Far Hills Avenue, Centerville, Ohio.  Located right next door to our Washington Square store.

COST: $75 per person, tickets may be bought by clicking HERE. Limited seats are left as we are approaching a sellout….

WHAT ELSE: You will have hands on cooking, recipe copies and tastings of the following super-secret, family favorite party foods:

 

Artichoke Garlic Cheese Dip with Homemade Melba Toasts

— GARLIC-ARTICHOKE CHEESE DIP with HOMEMADE MELBA TOASTS

— LOUISIANA CAJUN BEER SHRIMP

— TOMATO PIE

— PARTY CHICKEN

— RED CURRY MARINATED FLANK STEAK with a SWEET ASIAN SRIRACHA SAUCE

— COCONUT BREAD PUDDING

— GRILLED PINEAPPLE SKEWERS with CHOCOLATE SAUCE

— This menu will be paired with beer and wine.

Some of these recipes even feature Chef House’s, locally made,  HouseMade Sriracha which is available on Dorothy Lane Market shelves.

Come hungry and ready to have some fun.  The Culinary Center will never be the same….

 

Meet the Food Adventures Crew !

Hungry Jax

JACLYN SCANLAN aka “HUNGRY JAX”:

Jackie relocated to the Dayton area in 2006.  This Italian girl from Upstate NY found herself in a very different culinary atmosphere than what she was used to back home in Utica, NY.  However, different proved to be good a she fell in love with not only this “gem” of a city, but also the food and foodies within it! Cooking is a passion of Jackie’s.  She loves to use her husband, John, and two daughters, Coraline and Ashlyn, as her lab rats to test recipes out.  Some of her recipes have even been published in National Food Magazines!  But as much as she loves to cook, she also loves to take a night off from her kitchen and enjoy eating out and letting someone else do all the work (and the clean up)!  Other foodie interests include 8 years of volunteering at the Dorothy Lane Market School of Cooking and being an Alton Brown fan since way back when he wore bowling shirts.  Jackie is excited to be part of the Food Adventures team and is always looking forward to experiencing some new eats!

 

 

LEEANNE HOUSE aka “CHEF HOUSE”:

Chef House

Chef House or “The Sriracha Mamma” is all about the heat.  Lover of all things spicy she is constantly in the kitchen coming up with fun new ways to whip up veggies and add a little spice.  She is a Dayton native, with lifelong experience in the restaurant industry, working with some of the best chefs in the Miami Valley.  She loves to keep it local especially in the summer when beautiful produce is plentiful. She is a true foodie who knows we have a lot to offer in Ohio!  LeeAnne is also the owner of Housemade Sauces which specializes in a locally made Sriracha Sauce and a  Hot Honey Sriracha Sauce, which have won national awards.  Chef House is also the owner of the new “Bad Dog” Hot Dog Cart which features local dogs, local toppings and local buns!  She is also involved in putting on the “Night Market” events at the Yellow Cab Building.  She is definitely a foodie fixture around town, and an up and coming Chef.

The Big Ragu

STEVE MILANO aka “THE BIG RAGU”:

A lifelong Dayton resident, his early food influence was in his mom’s kitchen and his dad’s grill.  Other incredible food memories are his grandparents’ Italian and German/Scottish cooking.  Ragu’s love of food is only matched by his love of sports, travel, karaoke and just needing to be held.  An attention seeking missile, Ragu’s favorite foods include Seafood, Italian Food, and Chinese/Japanese cuisine.  Other hobbies include overeating  and a slight attraction to deep fried menu items.   Whether a locally owned business, fine dining, a dive, buffets, fast foods and even a few chain favorites, he enjoys visiting them all with a “no rules” attitude.  You can usually recognize him at festivals by the sweaty guy with the food stain on his shirt.  Emotionally eating his way through life with the Crew, they leave no plate unturned.  Most recently, his recipes have been featured in the monthly Foremost Seafood Newsletter.  This “foodie in his forties” is proud to be involved in dozens of local charity committees.

 

We hope to meet you at our Dorothy Lane Market Party Foods Class, where we will be cooking up a storm.   Seats are limited, get yours before we sellout.  Learn some new recipes,taste some fantastic party eats, and go on a full blown Food Adventure !

Tomato Pie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coconut Sauce

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food Adventure aprons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Louisiana Cajun Beer Shrimp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chocolate Pineapple Skewers

Chef House and her Housemade Sriracha

Housemade Sauces and salt rubs

Tomato Pies out of the oven

Tomato Pie – delicious

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cajun Shrimp peeled

Louisiana Style Shrimp

DLM class in progress

Mary Cooney teaching pasta at the Culinary Center

Homemade Melba toasts

Homemade Melba toast are the secret to this recipe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aug-tober Fest hits Dayton, August 21st

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The premier beer dinner event in August, is the new AUG-TOBERFEST, a Food Adventure  being held at THE AMBER ROSE RESTAURANT on Friday August 21st at 7pm.    There is limited seating for this beer swilling and fork flinging good time.

 

Amber Rose is again partnering with the Food Adventures Crew and Dayton Most Metro for this one night only bash that promises prizes, giveaways, and more.  Tickets are only available online through DaytonMostMetro .com.    Tickets are $30 each and that includes the tip!  Tickets are Pre-Sale Only and may be purchased by clicking HERE!

 

Celebrate early with this sneak peek at fall called AUG-TOBERFEST, a celebration of great food and Oktoberfest beer, held in the upstairs, private banquet room of Amber Rose Restaurant.

Joe Castellano and his staff have come up with an incredible 4 Course Feast to celebrate AUG-TOBERFEST

 

 

WHAT:   AUG-TOBERFEST BEER DINNER: 4 Food Courses, 4 Beers, 1 Night only

WHERE:    THE AMBER ROSE RESTAURANT, 1400 Valley Street in Dayton 

WHEN:   FRIDAY NIGHT, AUGUST 21st, 7pm 

COST:   $30 each, includes gratuity – PRE PAY ONLY

Without further ado, we present the 2015 AUG-TOBERFEST MENU:

 

— COURSE 1 : 

Hunter Schnitzel will be served at Aug-toberfest !

SAUERKRAUT BALLS and REUBEN DIP with AYNIGER OKTOBERFEST BEER

 

— COURSE 2:

HUNTER SCHNITZEL with SAUERKRAUT and SAM ADAMS OKTOBERFEST BEER

 

— COURSE 3:

BRATWURST AND KNOCKWURST with HOT GERMAN POTATO SALAD and HOFBRAU OKTOBERFEST BEER

 


— COURSE 4:

BLACK FOREST STRUDEL with ERDINGER DUNKEL BEER

 

 

But that’s not all

Amber Rose promises a huge 4 Course Meal at Aug-toberfest !

AFTER DINNER SPECIAL TAPPING: There will be a special after party keg tapping of yet another German beer.  This beer to be named later will have special draft prices as the party continues downstairs at the bar!

Don’t forget – there will be giveaways, trivia, prizes and an overall great party.  Come join us , but please  note, there are limited seats available and once we are sold out, that’s it …

Hungry Jax, The Big Ragu and Chef House hope to see you at this Food Adventure.  We look forward to lifting a mug with foodies and cheering Aug-toberfest.

Remember, tickets are pre-pay only and $30, which includes gratuity. BUY TICKETS HERE

 

Please check out Food Adventures on Facebook and “like” us by clicking HERE. 5,000 fans can’t be wrong

Look for our  food article features every single week on Dayton Most Metro…. until then, see you where the food is…

Our last Food Adventure at Amber Rose was SOLD OUT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ayinger Oktoberfest and an after party keg tapping !

After Dinner there will be Drink Specials on a mystery keg tapping !

Chef TJ and Restaurant Owner Joe Castellano deliver with a fantastic menu EVERY TIME !

Amber Rose hosts AUG-TOBERFEST !!!

 

If you have not been to AMBER ROSE, this is your perfect chance to get a great sampling of their food.

Amber Rose Restaurant is located on Valley Street in Dayton

UPSTAIRS BAR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

McGillicutty’s: The Greatest Breadsticks in the World

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The Best Breadsticks in the World are at McGillicutty’s, but get a side of garlic butter for dipping

The waitress brings the overflowing basket of breadsticks to the table, still steaming…. Then the look….. you glance at the others at the table.  Should you grab a piece and risk being seen as rude?  Do you pause and risk not getting one of the best breadsticks in the world?  These are the kind of problems you will face at McGillicutty’s.

A popular Kettering icon, McGillicutty’s has always been known for their food and libations.  Let’s face it, it’s bar food, and McGillicutty’s has some of the best in town.  Whether it is Tuesday Night Trivia night, or lounging after a Softball game, it is the perfect place for a laid back Food Adventure.

For decades, the Food Adventures Crew has been hitting up McGillicutty’s for good eats, and here is the full scoop on this pub.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

The Mega Mug at Mcgillicutty’s – They had ’em first !

— The Kash family has been running McGillicutty’s since the early 1990’s, and are some of the friendliest hosts around.

— The location at 1980 E. Whipp Rd. was a former Noble Roman’s restaurant in the 1970’s and 80’s

— The smell of pizza dough hits you as you walk into the door, and the low key atmosphere is great.  We know it is a family friendly tavern, but we prefer slinging back some drinks and grub with the adult crew.

— A solid group of regulars support the place from dart leagues to Tuesday Trivia (the best in town), and Sunday night Karaoke.

— They dont use deep fryers, they use pizza ovens to bake their menu items.  The result is some inventive and delicious ways to enjoy various traditional favorites.

— Known for festival involvement, another big day for McGillicutty’s is St Patricks Day !  They go bananas on that holiday….

 

What is the best of this extensive menu?  We’ve got the answers after years of research.  Without further delay, we present our patented MUST EATS of McGillicuttys !

 

MUST EATS:

— PRETZELSTICKS (BREADSTICKS): When we say must eat, we mean it here.  These are the best breadsticks we have ever tasted.  Here is secret #1.  They are called pretzelsticks on the menu, which means they are lightly salted.  Secret #2 is that you must try them with the garlic butter sauce or the cream cheese sauce.  Sure the nacho sauce is good and so is the marinara, but the garlic butter and the cream cheese are the top 2, no doubt.  You won’t see these tips anywhere else, because nobody else knows about them, except you.  Aren’t you glad to be our partners in food?

 

The Pepperoni Pizza from McGillicutty’s is where it’s at

— THE PEPPERONI PIZZA:  The pizza is the key.  Thin crust, square cut Dayton style pizza.  The sauce give McGillicutty’s it’s unique taste as does the cheese and the taste of the crisp dough edges.  Deluxe pizzas are great, and loaded toppings are wonderful, but for some reason we keep coming back to the basic Pepperoni as our favorite.  WARNING: the pizza is served ultra hot and we fight the urge and still burn our mouth from time to time.  So.. beware !

 

— THE MEGA MUG: Long before Mexican restaurants or any other bar had the huge mugs, McGillicutty’s had the MEGA MUG.  These 34 ounce mugs are perfect for ice cold draft beers, and MEGA MONDAY’s means they are only $3.50 for domestics.  No matter what day it is, get a  Mega Mug of draft beer with your pizza and breadsticks.  So good, so cold, so thirst quenching…

 

Teezers are Long Tater Tots Stuffed with Jalapeno Cheese

— THE TEEZERS:   Tater Tots with spicy cheese inside.  A perfect opening to a McGillicutty’s visit. We have had others, but not like these.  Maybe it is because they bake them instead of deep fry them.  Maybe it is jalapeno cheese inside.  Whatever the reason, we can’t stop eating these bad boys with a side of cream cheese!

 

— THE ITALIAN STEAK SANDWICH: Served in a basket with chips, you can get a half or whole sandwich.  It is a cube steak with cheese and pizza sauce.  They added onions & banana peppers, all on a hoagie bun.  For some reason the combo is a perfect sandwich after a Softball game, or for watching a sports event.

 

— THE  WINGS:  These are broiled, not fried, so they may be an acquired taste.  Still, get them well done and get the Buffalo Hot sauce and you should be good.  Different enough to try, and good enough to keep ordering.  The Buffalo sauce is the best option here.  We order them extra crispy, plain and dip the wings in the hot sauce.

 

The Philly Cheesesteak from McGillicutty’s, this is just a half, order yours whole with extra mayo

HONORABLE MENTION to the PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SANDWICH at McGillicutty’s.   It s nicely flavored shaved beef on a hoagie roll.  Asking for a dash of extra mayo is the secret to this one.

 

Did those peak your interest?

Next time when you are hungry and thirsty, try McGillicutty’s on a warm summer day, and even enjoy their parking lot patio.  Casual drinks, casual grub and a sports tavern atmosphere is the appeal here.  And you must order the GREATEST BREADSTICKS IN THE WORLD !  You may just even see the Food Adventures Crew inside with a Mega Mug and a pizza!

Want some more inside scoop on Dayton area eateries?  Then join Chef House, The Big Ragu and Hungry Jax on Facebook HERE ! We are not food critics, we just love to eat !  We visit a restaurant many times before we write a feature article.  We don’t go to a place one time and then rate it, that’s an insult to you, the reader.  No stock photos here.  Look for the most reliable, complete and informative reviews from Dayton’s fave foodies, Food Adventures!

Join us on Instagram: #dayton_foodies

Follow us on Twitter: @food_adv

Broiled Wings from McGillicutty’s – never deep fried

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outside McGillicutty’s on 198o E. Whipp Rd

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Italian Cheese steak – the pizza sauce makes it.. We know, we eat it a lot

Pizzas here are phenomenal

Mega Mugs of Blue Moon Beer

Family Friendly Pub

At the bar

Opening hour

Tall Mugs – even of pop

Laid back, casual

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breadsticks – actually listed as PRETZELSTICKS on the menu

Battered Pickles

The Cheeseburger isnt bad

Potato Skins at ‘Cuttys

Mushroom and Pep

Up close pizza money shot

The Breadsticks we all know and love

Making Pizzas since the early 90’s and knocking it out of the park

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer Grilling Tips for Great Food Adventures !

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Italian Seasoned Salmon, and Shrimp with Montgomery Inn BBQ Sauce

 

Who doesn’t love a good cookout?  Most Daytonians are elbow deep in grilling season this summer.  From parties, to romantic dinners or family time, this is the time of the year to use that gas or charcoal grill.  The Food Adventures Crew is here with some helpful tips to make your grilling experiences a success.  The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House share our MUST EATS an MUST DO’s.. Grilling out version!

 

— PREPARATION IS KEY:  Prepare beforehand to make it easy on yourself.  Marinade your meats and pre-slice veggies ahead of time instead of fumbling on the grill table.  Ziplock bags work great to hold veggies doused in a bit of olive oil, and grill ready!

 

— MARINATE YOUR MEAT: A simple soaking can do wonders for tenderness and flavor.  

Hungry Jax says “Marinade chicken in buttermilk! It makes it so tender!”

Big Ragu loves using Soy Sauce, Worcester Sauce, and Minced Garlic mixture for a simple steak marinade.  For chicken, he uses a cheap bottle of Italian dressing or Olive Oil, Basil, Garlic Powder and Oregano.

 

Hand pressed patties from 80/20 Ground Chuck

— GET THE RIGHT TOOLS:  Make sure your tongs and flipper are long enough, and that they work correctly.  It will save you a few dropped sausages, or epic losses thru the grill grate.

 

— MEATS SHOULD BE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE WHEN GRILLING:  Take cuts of meat out of fridge 30 minutes prior to grilling, so they are not cold.  It won’t contaminate the meat! It will actually help you grill the meat more evenly.

 

— MAKE YOUR HAMBURGER PATTIES THINNER IN THE MIDDLE than the outside.  Always hand patty your burgers with fresh meat, and make them thinner in the center.   This is because the middle swells when you grill the burger.  This helps even the playing field, and prevents your burgers becoming undercooked meatballs.

 

— HIGH HEAT FOR STEAKS, ALWAYS:  Grill that steak and let it sit until that final flip.  The result is a juicy, seared steak with great grill marks.

 

Grilled Sausages with Beer Steamed Onions and Green Peppers

— FISH, THE LESS FLIPPING THE BETTER:   Cook fish about 75 percent then flip it once.  Let the grill do the work.  Wana see flipping seafood?  Go to Benihana…

 

— DRIZZLE LIME OR LEMON JUICE OVER SEAFOOD RIGHT AT THE END OF GRILL TIME:  This is always a  great finishing touch of flavor.

 

— GRILL SALAD:  Yes!  Chef House says, Grill salad! It doesn’t always have to be about meat.  Romaine, Belgium Endive and Radicchio are great together and hold up well on the grill. Wilt the greens and get some grill marks on there. Chop and toss with olive oil, vinegar and cheese.  Chef House suggests sherry vinegar or a sweeter white balsamic with bleu cheese. Fresh herbs are always a nice touch too.  Shout out to Miami Valley Spice Traders, who carries a great honey white balsamic vine

 

— GRILL PORTABELLA MUSHROOMS: 

     Chef House loves to marinate them overnight in orange juice, olive oil and garlic.  So easy, and her family’s favorite.

     The Big Ragu uses Worcester sauce, soy sauce and garlic powder for his Portabella Mushroom Grill Marinade.

 

— GRILL ASAPRAGUS: The Big Ragu uses Olive Oil and Garlic Salt when grilling these sticks of love.

Grilled Zucchini and Yellow SquashThe Big Ragu uses Olive Oil and Garlic Salt when grilling these sticks of love.

     Chef House marinates her asparagus overnight in her family favorite recipe of  orange juice, olive oil and garlic.  Is your mouth watering yet?

 

— GRILL PIZZA:  Hungry Jax loves this summer twist on the ole pizza pie.   Make sure you have a hearty crust.  Medium heat and inventive toppings are the key to pizza grilling  success !

 

— HAVE A LOCAL LUAU: Impress your family and friends this summer and have an entire grilled meal from local vendors.

Here are some supplier ideas from Chef House:

     Keener Farms, one of the the area’s best butcher blocks for grass fed burgers and brats.

     Ed Hill owner of Xenia’s HILL FAMILY FARMS has great Chicken available at Dorothy Lane Market.

     KJB PORK, available at the  2nd street market.

Fresh veggies from Homefull, Patchwork Gardens or Flying Mouse. All of these local brands are found at area farmer’s markets.

 

— LEARN TO MAKE GREAT SAUCES: We love sauces to go along with grilled meat.  Chimichurri is a huge favorite of Chef House and so versatile.   Here is another tip from Chef House… www.Epicurious.com is a great site for new sauce recipes.

 

NY Strip Steak with Bleu Cheese Crumbles

— GRILL CORN IN THE HUSK:  Here is a quick, fun idea the kids and adults will love.  Get some fresh corn still in the husk, cut it at the tip.  Peel back and take out the silks. Pull the husk back up and soak in water for 20 minutes.  Throw them on the grill wet and watch them steam the corn on the grill.  Flip until the husks are brown on all sides, peel back and serve rustic style with salt and butter.

 

— OVERESTIMATE YOUR MEAT: Chef House says cook more meat than you need, so you have leftovers!  Especially chicken, which can be easily made into some delicious tacos the next day.

 

— BEER ISN’T JUST FOR DRINKING ANYMORE:  Get a tin pan, and pour in 1/2 of a beer.  Add some sausages and sliced peppers and onions and let steam on the grill.  Touch up the grill marks on the sausages just before you serve it.  Serve it with the steamed onions and peppers too, with or without a bun !  Now you’re a hero.

 

Dogs, Asparagus and Salmon

— THROW LIVE CLAMS ON THE GRILL:  Wana impress your friends easily?  Throw a dozen live clams on the grill.  When they open, they’re done.  It is that simple, but your friends with think it is pretty darn cool.

 

— HAVE A GLASS OF WATER NEARBY FOR FLARE UPS:  Just in case your juices or grease catch on fire, this keeps you and the fire, in control.

 

— SPARE PROPANE TANK:  Make sure you have an extra, FULL, propane tank on hand.  Nothing says “oh Sh*t” like an empty propane tank during grilling.  You never know when you are gonna run out, so don’t!  Keep a spare, full tank near to your grill, in cae you have to pull the “old switcheroo.”

 

— PLACE GRILLED FOOD INTO SEALED PLASTIC STORAGE CONTAINERS:  Especially at a cookout, flies tend to swarm to open plates of cooked meat.  The answer is get some plastic lid containers and seal the cooked meats inside.  Trust us, it works much better than fumbling with open plates and aluminum foil with open cracks.

Veggie Shish Kabobs

These are the tips from the FOOD ADVENTURES CREW.   We hope they help you enjoy some summer cookouts by spurring some ideas.

Do you have some grilling tips you could share with us?  

Please feel free to let go some of your family secrets by commenting below.  We would be grateful, along with a lot of Dayton’s grilling gurus.

For more foodie news and Dayton restaurant scoop, please “like” FOOD ADVENTURES on FACEBOOK by clicking HERE .

Catch us every week, with a feature article here on Dayton Most Metro.

Follow us on Twitter, too: @food_adv

“We are not food critics, we just love to eat.”

Below are more photos from our Food Adventures by the grill.  Please feel free to browse them.

Mahi Mahi, Pineapple and Yellow Squash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marinated Steaks, ready for the grill

Grilling Pineapple, Mahi Mahi and Yellow Squash on a summer’s day

Squuezing Lime juice on the Mahi Mahi

Steaming Peppers and Onions in Beer with Sausages

Grilling out for Charity

Grilling Chicken

Salmon and Asparagus straight off the grill

Poolside Grilled fish and Veggies

Grilled Swordfish and Veggies

Burgers and Dogs

BBQ Chicken and Salmon

Charcoal Grilling

Grilled Wild Grouper and Grilled Endive

Grilled local veggies

Squash, Asparagus and Pork – grilled to perfection

Grilled Wahoo and Grilled Clams

The sky is the limit for our grill techniques

Poolside grilled meal

Grilled Corn in the Husk

Sausage bought downtown NYC

Grilled Asparagus and Corn

Black n Bleu Burger from the backyard

Grillin clams like a boss

Peel back the grilled corn

Grilled Zucchini and Tzatzi sauce

Full Grill – is how we do it

Start eating, it’s done !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Around the World in 30 Bites!

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Petit Fours

The “Petit Fours” at the France booth are delicate bites of heaven

Dayton’s 42 year old, A World A’ Fair, International Festival is set for this upcoming weekend.

Yes, from Friday until Sunday, Daytonians will be showing their heritage spirit through arts, crafts, clothing, dancing and our favorite part… FOOD !

Thirty booths will be set up, each for a different part of the world.  The purpose is to educate and to wow the crowds with their individual uniqueness.  But we buy tickets for one reason… the chance for a  great Food Adventure, where we can eat ourselves around the world in 3o bites.  Did we mention there is wine and beer???

Where else can you grab sushi, Puerto Rican rice and beans, haggis, a gyro, french pastries and a cannoli while watching African dancers?

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The event takes place at the Dayton Convention Center

   Festival Hours:
   Friday, May 15,  5:00pm – 11:00pm
   Saturday, May 16,  11:00am – 11:00pm
   Sunday, May 17,  11:00am – 6:00pm

— Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for children at the door

— Full schedule of dancers and booths can be found at http://www.aworldafair.org/  

 

Travel the world with your tastebuds, without leaving Dayton.  Here are some of our favorites..

THE MUST EATS at the World A’Fair festival !!

 

MUST EATS:

Gyro

Dollar for Dollar – the best deal, for the flavor is the Greek Gyro

— GYROS at THE GREECE BOOTH:  These are the same ones they serve at Greek fest.  They also come in chicken gyro and vegetarian, but we prefer the traditional Gyros.  Pound for pound, probably the best deal at the festival.

 

— APPEL FLAPPEN at the NETHERLANDS BOOTH: People wait in lines that wrap around the arena for these powdered, deep fried apple rings.  One bite and you will see what all the excitement is about, and you will wish you would have ordered a few more.

 

— TIRAMISU at the ITALY BOOTH: Coffee like, creamy and dashes of chocolate.  This is dessert done right.  Try one of these cubes of perfection.  So good, it puts you in a trance.

 

— SAAG PANEER at the INDIA BOOTH: Make sure you get some of this Indian spinach dish and get a piece of Naan Bread too for dipping.  A great dish that is satisfying and vegetarian as well.

 

— PETIT FOURS at the FRANCE BOOTH:  Tiny bits of heaven  Choose from a nice selection and go to town.  Treat yourself, you deserve it after traveling the world.

 

Brews

Grab a cold Heiney at World A’Fair

— THE CREAM PUFFS at the SLOVIC BOOTH: Probably the best single item at the festival.  It is delicious and rich like it should be.   A generous helping of cream, on a huge crescent puff, this is grand finale to any visit to the World A’ Fair.  

 

— BEERS at the GERMAN, SCOTLAND and IRELAND BOOTHS:  Ireland and Germany typically have a couple of authentic beers on draft.   These are must drinks.  Nothing says World A’fair like a guy in a kilt pouring you a cold one with no underwear,

 

Here is a start, now you have a road map for the best food in the World.  Every year new food items are introduced, so keep your eyes peeled.  There will be so much delicious, international food, that you simply wont have the time or the hunger pains to try them all.  No worries, the fest is 3 days long !

Want more scoop and great photos of local food events and restaurants?  Follow Hungry Jax, Chef House and The Big Ragu on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Like to tweet? So do we.. check out our Twitter  @food_adv

Please browse the gallery below from some of our delicious Food Adventures where we traveled around the world in 30 bites !

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Who was Dougie Apple?

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Dougie Apple

Sometimes a Daytonian’s story bears repeating.

As you know we go on many fantastic Food Adventures.  One you can’t miss is about 2 weeks away.

Friday, May 15th is the Big Brews and Blues Festival.  This is a blues festival with a cause.  The event raises money for the Dayton Diabetes Association.

It is an amazing event, with Blues Bands, dozens and dozens of Beers to sample, and food vendors.  The 2015 event is being held at Riverscape Metropark.  It is not only a terrific night, but it is a festival with a purpose.  Dougie Apple was a Dayton native who also had a purpose.

In fact, at the festival, a banner typically drapes a booth selling beverages for his foundation.  This is where the Food Adventures Crew first learned of his story.  If you have attended the festival, you may remember seeing the booth yourself.

 

Sometimes a person who spends a small amount of time on this earth, has a very big effect on those around them.

May 15th, 2015 – Big Brews & Blues festival for Dayton Diabetes Foundation

Such is the case of Dougie Apple, one of 6 kids who grew up in a Miamisburg, with his 5 sisters.  He was boy who at the age of 12 found out that he had diabetes.  When he was diagnosed it was a surprise, since there was no one else in his family who had this typically genetic disease.

He was active in sports like soccer, and he loved the Cincinnati Reds.  After his diagnosis he decided to attend a camp with other kids battling his diabetes.  This camp, called “Camp Ko-Man-She,” changed his life.  Dougie continued to visit the camp each year, and it helped him cope with the disease.   After his diagnosis as he grew up he took a job at King’s Island.  He even worked at a local car wash, to feed his interest in cars.  He then decided to work at the camp as a counselor, helping mentor other children with the disease.

Dougie’s journey from camp attendee, to counselor and eventually camp director.  He affected literally hundreds of lives for the positive, by comforting kids, and making them forget about their illness.

Meanwhile Dougie was dealing with an illness of his own.  He received a kidney transplant and pancreas transplant from a donor family who lost a child named Daniel.  The Apple family and Daniel’s family became close, and still are to this day.  As Dougie continued to have a positive influence on Dayton area kids with diabetes at camp, his illness unfortunately took an unexpected turn for the worse.  On February 3rd, 2012 Dougie Apple succumbed to the diabetes, which he fought so hard to conquer.

At his funeral, his family was overwhelmed by the crowd of young people who made the trip to his funeral.  They shared stories about how Dougie helped them get through a tough time in their childhood, or helped them get enough courage to give themselves diabetes shots.  He had affected so many lives, and the result was staggering.  The family wants to keep Dougie’s intentions alive, so they set up The Dougie Apple Tree Fund, and continue to raise money in his name.

Over the past 3 years, the Dougie Apple Tree Fund has raised approx 5 thousand dollars per year.  They donate the funds to the Diabetes of Dayton charity.  The request is that some of these monies go to send children to the camp that Dougie attended.  It is a chance to help these kids to live a normal existence.  If you attend the festival, please stop by the Dougie Apple booth and buy a bottled water or a soft drink can, you will be quenching your thirst and helping quench the desires to find a cure for diabetes.

 

Blue Bands Throughout The Night

So please, consider attending the

BIG BREWS & BLUES FESTIVAL

Friday night, May 15th from 5-9pm at Riverscape.

Tickets are $30 prepay or $40 at the door.

Besides great blues bands, there will be approximately 70 beers to sample.    The Food Adventures Crew is honored to be a part of this event, and hope you will be too.

Come celebrate the lives of those who are fighting diabetes, by helping them find a cure.

This is not an event that lines corporate pockets, it is an event that affects real people in the Dayton area.  Make sure you help make a difference as well.

If you would like to donate or learn more about the Dougie Apple Foundation, please send an email to [email protected].

Hope to see you with some Big Brews at the festival !  Below are some photos from previous year’s events, please browse the gallery.

 

Are you a Dayton Foodie?  Then join the over 5,000 foodies in the Miami Valley area following Food Adventures on Facebook HERE !

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It’s A Farmers Market At Night, With Beer!

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Local Vendors will light up the “Night Market” Saturday Night

This Saturday the place to be is the Yellow Cab building. Tucked back on fourth street between Garden Station and the Dublin Pub is a community art space that hosts all kinds of events, most notably the Food Truck Rallies, art shows, concerts, movie showings and even farmers markets.

This weekend the Night Market is happening.  Night Market is a night time farmers market with craft beer, food trucks and entertainment. This is a fun way to fill your table full of local goods, drink some craft locally brewed beer, grub on some of the best food trucks around and listen to some tunes from DJ Etch. All ages are welcome for this party atmosphere market.

With spring time here our farmers will be selling their veggies. Brickel Creek will be bringing her organic goodness. Flying  Mouse will have maple syrup. Homefull will be bringing items from their 150 raised beds.

Look for popcorn, both sweet and spicy from Caramel Cravings, and gluten free baked items from Neighborhood Nest including spicy cheese crackers! Also featured are vanilla extracts, jams and jellies, spice blends, granola, cookies, and cinnamon rolls from Baker’s Vegetable Market & Greenhouse.  Baker’s will also have hand pies, sprouts, lettuce and baby vegetable plants, so you can get your own garden started.

 HouseMade will have their sriracha, hot honey, salts and rub.  Simpleman Beef Jerky will be coming down again from Columbus with their all natural and amazing beef jerky.  My Artisano Foods from Cincinnati will be making their first appearance with their gourmet cheeses.

Spices, Veggies, Non Food Items, Beers, and much, much more

There will even be non-food items to look out for. Travis Eads from Oakwood will be selling his handmade items for the kitchen and the home.  Ludic Soap will be returning with her amazing smelling handcrafted soaps.  Also, Gem City Tee Shirts will have all kinds of Dayton designs on hand.

You will have four food trucks to look forward to for the night. New on the scene is the Drunken Smoker Food Truck featuring Waffles.  The Shakery, Fronana and Sweet P’s will also be there.

This event is rain or shine. If this rain passes by for the weekend this event will be held outside. If not there is plenty of space inside for everyone. The hours are from 5-9 pm Saturday the 25th of April.

Featured breweries for this weekend are Toxic, Yellow Springs and Warped Wing.

This is a perfect, intimate market for those of you who enjoy eating local and buying local.  What better way to spend a Saturday evening then at the Night Market?  It is a perfect time to create your own local, organic Food Adventure, and celebrate what Ohio has to offer.

Come down to eat, drink, shop and meet some new Dayton peeps!

Check out our photo gallery below for Night Market highlights.  For more Dayton food scoop, please “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE!  Join the 5,000+ fans following Chef House, Hungry Jax and the Big Ragu !

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The Greatest Donuts in the World + **Win a Dozen of Them !**

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Owner Lisa with a Young Customer

Every glazed must kneel, every jelly must bow…. Dayton, Ohio is home to many things, including the World’s Best Donuts since 1960.  Bill’s Donut Shop is no doubt a Miami Valley icon, located at 268 N. Main Street in Centerville.  They have won countless local awards, and have been featured nationally in Saveur Magazine, USA Today, and even recently on the Ellen Degeneres Show.  We think it is not a big step to proclaim these the “World’s Greatest Donuts.”  If you don’t believe it, let the Food Adventures Crew edify you.

 

***** Want to win a dozen of the WORLD’S GREATEST DONUTS? *****   All you have to do is comment on the story below and one winner will be chosen at random next week (one comment per person please).

 

Local celebs like ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit, WHIO’s Mike Hartsock and University of Dayton legend, Don Donaher have named Bill’s as their favorite.   Even national talk show host Phil Donahue, Congressman Mike Turner and singer Chet Atkins have given the donut shop accolades.  We have also found many Daytonians who have moved away, always take time to stop at Bill’s Donuts and get their fix.  Many who come in form out of town introduce their spouses or kids to the donuts, so the next generation can worship the legend.  The shop has a cult following of regulars, some sit at the coffee bar, others in booths,  One notable patron Kevin, who is also called “Dewey” is a friendly man who has been a fixture there since the 80’s.

 

the Preztel Donut

The Pretzel Donut – Click to Enlarge the Flaky Goodness

This place is popular… like grass roots popular.  Even without the celeb endorsements.  For example, this Saturday Bill’s Donut Shop is hosting the annual Superhero 5k run for A Special Wish Foundation.  The 5k had room for 500 runners and it sold out a week in advance.  We think the 5k’s “donut after party” had something to do with the sellout.
So, with all the press, popularity and endorsements, why is Food Adventures writing an article on Bill’s Donut Shop?  The answer is simple, we dig deeper.  We dig into not only which individual donuts are the best of the best, but we ask “WHY?”  What is the secret that makes these the most delectable donuts on earth?

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Original owners Bill and Faye Elam opened Bill’s Donuts in 1960.  In 1995, they sold the business to two of their children, Lisa and Jim Elam.

— One of the biggest attractions is that the donut shop is open 24 hours a day, except for certain holidays.

— The best donuts in the world run about 80 to 85 cents each.  There are 2 different types of donuts the yeast ones (glazed) and the cake donuts, but in recent years they have added some delicious danish, creme horns, muffins and more.  All of them live up to the delicious standards of Bill’s, especially the huge chocolate brownies with chocolate icing.

— Also known for their coffee, typically Boston Stoker, they also offer milk, juices and hot chocolates and a mini cappuccino bar.

— The booths are old and tight, the coffee bar seating is definitely a throwback style.  Warning – you may find long lines on Saturday and Sunday mornings, but the lines go fast.  It is worth it for the magic inside the display cases.  Another thing.. we call it one of our “fat kid tricks.”  If you have the donuts a day or two later, pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds.  It makes them taste brand new again.

Chocolate icing

The Round Donuts with Chocolate Icing and Cream Filling are Hungry Jax’s Favorite !

— Bill’s Donut Shop is also a huge supporter of local causes.  They donate to dozens of charities and have been sponsoring local sports teams for many decades.  They have a strong family belief in giving back to the community, which is deeply ingrained in their corporate philosophy.

— The Secret to the “Best Donuts in the World”, according to owner Lisa Elam is in 3 parts:

1) Bill’s uses only the purest, top quality oil to fry their donuts.

2) Top quality sugar and flour go into the donut recipes.  Only the best ingredients have been used since 1960.

3) Cooking expertise from decades of experience.  There is something to be said for experience and knowledge of workers who have been employed for 20 years or more.  They know their craft, they know their industry and have developed a skill and a style.  Most of the workers are truly seasoned veterans and expert donut makers overseeing the operation, not someone who has been working there a few months.

 

We now explore the ultimates in donut world.. which ones are the best?  Which ones are the MUST EATS… The Food Adventures Crew has done their homework on this one.  The King, Hungry Jax, Chef House and The Big Ragu have literally eaten dozens and dozens of these donuts over the years.  Probably enough to fill up Vin Diesel’s car trunk.   So here is the result of our years of research….

 

MUST EATS:

—THE PRETZEL DONUT: A huge pretzel shaped, glazed monster you have to twist to pull apart.  Some parts of the donut are gooey and fresh, while other parts have the cooked glazed crust.  This is the Big Ragu’s favorite donut of all time.  It is a melt in your mouth delight.

—THE CHOCOLATE ICED ROUNDS WITH CREME FILLING: A simple round donut, iced with chocolate icing and injected with light cream.
Hungry Jax points to these as her favorites.  The creme texture mixed with the icing and one of a kind Bill’s Donut flavor will put you on Dream Street.

—THE PEANUT BUTTER FILLED LONGJOHNS WITH CHOCOLATE ICING: Chef House’s favorite donut from Bill’s is one of their most sought after. This large rectangle pastry is iced with chocolate and stuffed with peanut butter creme.  It’s one of those treats you bight into and say with a full mouth, “are you kidding me?”

—THE BUTTERY TWISTS: Are resident sweets expert, The King, will tell you that this is the best choice in Bill’s display case. A big donut that is buttery glazed and big on taste.  Melt in your mouth delicious.

OMG Apple muffin

An Apple Crisp Muffin – Better Get Some Milk !

— THE CHOCOLATE GLAZED: WARNING! A glass of milk must be within 3 feet of you when eating these.  These devilsfood cake donuts are the cats meow.  We could eat a dozen of these ourselves.

— THE PERSIAN WITH NUTS: Huge cinnamon buns with peanut butter icing and crushed peanuts on top.  Rich, filling and sinful, what a great way to start a morning.

— THE SOUR CREAM DONUT:  It tastes nothing like it sounds.  this is an old fashioned style, almost crunchy donut made with a bit of sour cream.  The result is the inside is a lightly fluffy, vanilla flavor.  The outside is a nice crunchy brown coating with a glaze.

— APPLE CRISP MUFFINS:  How did they fit an apple pie into a muffin?   This is the dark horse of the whole place and a rare sight.  So grab ’em when you can.  Thank us later, it will bring tears to your eyes.

Honorable Mention:  The Blueberry Donuts are amazing.  Also, you cant go wrong with a Jelly Donut with Vanilla Icing or a Powdered Donut filled with Cream.  They also have a few donuts that are Custard Filled.  The Big Ragu says the custard filled donuts will knock your socks off.  There are so many others like the Apple Fritters and the Crullers, which when you say it sounds like you are gurgling salt water.   Even the “Doughnut Stix” kick butt.

 

Again we say, every donut hole must kneel, every Long John must bow.  Sprinkles or not, you have now experienced the upper echelon of the breakfast / dessert world.  You have experienced the pinnacle of pudding in a glazed bun.  You are lucky to live in Dayton, Ohio.. for you have experienced Bill’s Donut’s…  The Greatest Donuts in the World.

Want scoop on all of Dayton’s greatest food stops?  THEN LIKE FOOD ADVENTURES ON FACEBOOK HERE !

Check out our gallery below and see all the wonderful, magical donuts that Bill’s Donut Shop has to offer !

***** ALSO, DONT FORGET TO COMMENT BELOW FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A FREE DOZEN DONUTS FROM BILL’S DONUTS  !! *****

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