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Food Adventures

Preview of Chuy’s Tex-Mex Restaurant at Austin Landing

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PLace setting of a Food Adventurer

Chuy’s Tex Mex is coming to Austin Landing in April with Homemade Mexican Food & Sauces with Signature Drinks

High energy music filled the air Thursday night at Austin Landing.  Inside a huge party tent, Chuy’s Tex Mex Restaurant was hosting a bash and giving Daytonians their first taste of this Texas based chain.

Chuy’s managers and promoters were in from Austin, Lexington and Cincinnati to host the celebration of the new store.  Even the mascot “Chuy the Redfish” was on hand.  Raffle tickets were sold and all monies raised went to benefit Dayton Children’s Hospital.

The crowd was spoiled with margaritas. Mexican beers and a few drink samples.  Also featured was a full blown nacho bar.  This nacho bar featured a house cheese sauce, meat, refried beans and of course the homemade tortilla chips.

Also on the bar was a homemade salsa, an incredible house made guacamole, and a uniquely delicious creamy jalapeno sauce.  Of course we topped our nachos with everything, including sliced jalapenos.  The crowd ate and drank and learned about the new Tex Mex player in town.  We share with you the highlights.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Chuy’s Tex Mex has over 60 restaurants nationwide, with its corporate headquarters in Austin, TX

— Tentative opening date is slated sometime in the 3rd week of April, 2015.

look at that nacho bar

The Preview Party Spoiled Guests with a Deluxe Nacho Bar

— The management told us nothing is frozen here except ice cream and the kids french fries.

— The full menu can be seen HERE, but the preview tent featured a sample of the Nachos they have been serving up for nearly 33 years.

— Restaurant hallmarks include hand rolled tortillas, homemade guacamole, homemade house sauces and fresh lime juice on most dishes.  Also big in their philosophy is community involvement.

— Check out Chuy’s signature drink menu HERE

 

All in all, the bash was a big success. Chuy’s staff kept it simple, fun and inviting.  We will be back soon for a full blown Food Adventure.  The King, Chef House, The Big Ragu and Hungry Jax are already scouring the menu for early favorites.  Want more FOOD ADVENTURES of the Dayton area?  Then “Like” them on Facebook HERE !

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Local Food Event to Feature “Rhinegeists and Poltergeists”

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Drinking some Rhinegeists

Amber Rose Restaurant  hosts “Rhinegeists & Poltergesists” one night only on April 17th

What do you get when you mix 4 courses of great food, 4 great beers, and ghosts?  The answer is at The Amber Rose Restaurant on Friday night, April 17th.  The beer and dinner pairing is called “Rhinegeists and Poltergeists,” and is the brainchild of Food Adventures food blog and Dayton Dining.  The one-night-only event will feature beers from the Cincinnati Brewery, Rhinegeist, paired with the unique tastes of The Amber Rose Menu.  There will also be paranormal investigators on hand with new 2015 study findings on the “haunted” restaurant.   Tickets are on a pre-pay basis and only available online through DaytonMostMetro.com.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

WHERE:  THE AMBER ROSE RESTAURANT – Dayton’s premiere restaurant for European comfort food, in a historic building built in 1912.  Practically every menu item is made from scratch, with Lithuanian influences.  The Food Adventure will be held in the upstairs private party room.

WHEN:  APRIL 17, 2015 at 7PM

COST: Tickets are pre-pay only, $35 per person, and includes tip!  TICKETS CAN BE BOUGHT at THIS LINK

 

FOOD MENU: Owner Joe Castellano and his stellar staff have come up with this 4 Course meal offering:

Course 1: Garlic Chicken & Gouda Flat-bread, Smoked Salmon & Dill Flat-bread

Course 2: Shiitake Mushroom Angel Hair Pasta

Course 3: Roasted Pork Tenderloin topped with Major Grey’s Chutney and served with Cheesy Grits

Course 4: Chocolate Pecan Pie

 

We love the delicious food at the Amber Rose !

4 Course Dinner, Served with 4 Beers !

RHINEGEISTS:

Here are the beers that will be featured from the Rhinegeist Brewery in Cincinnati

Course 1: Rhinegeist Rakau:  an American Pale Ale

Course 2: Rhinegeist Fool:  a Saison Farm House Ale

Course 3: Rhinegeist Zen:  a Session Pale Ale

Course 4: Rhinegeist Hustle: a Red Rye Ale

 

POLTERGEISTS:

As many of you may know, The Amber Rose is supposedly a haunted venue.  The ghost is believed to be the daughter of the former house owner.  She is a playful ghost named Genevieve Ksiezopolski aka “Chickie.”  Employees have many stories of glasses flying off of shelves, lights being turned on and even the appearance of a poltergeist.  Take for example this case, 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. What they saw at the same time the cook claimed to encounter the ghost was this: click to see video.

The person who is believed to haunt the restaurant

“Chickie,” one of the ghosts believed to haunt The Amber Rose

A local, three person “ghost hunter” crew will be investigating the Amber Rose facility in the weeks leading up to the dinner.  They have appeared on on National Television!  Their work has been featured in “America’s Most Haunted,” “My Ghost Story”, and Haunted Ohio VI.  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. Teaming up with Alicia Soich in 2012, 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 the biggest and baddest Food Adventure to date.  Get your tickets HERE before they are all gone.  We are expecting a sellout crowd of about 100 foodies, beer lovers and fans of the supernatural.  We will stick around for some cash bar drinks after the event and discuss beers and hauntings !

Join The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax, The King and Chef House for an unforgettable night of food, fun, and spirits.. literally and figuratively.

For more fun on Dayton’s best places to eat, “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

 

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Ponderosa…. and then there was ONE + win a FREE DINNER

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The Classic Baked Potato and Chopped Steak from Ponderosa complete with 1980’s garnish

Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

In the 70’s and 80’s you would have had a dozen of Ponderosa Steakhouse restaurants to choose from in the Dayton area. Now there is only one left. The closing of Ponderosa on Airway Rd, means the only location left in Dayton, is in Englewood.  We had been to the Airway restaurant a few times, and decided to trek up into Englewood, holding on to those food memories from the past.

So here we go with our tongue-in-cheek look at Ponderosa.  A nostalgic Food Adventure, without much expectations, other than a walk down memory lane, and some laughs.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Located at 602 Taywood Rd, The next closest Ponderosas are at Tri County Mall in Cincinnati, and South High Street in Columbus.  There are 9 Ponderosas within a 500 mile radius of Dayton.  They are located in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.

— Known as a family friendly steakhouse, this place is a throwback to the 1970’s, but is pretty much a buffet today.  Now, before you cross your arms and frown like a spoiled brat, only child over the word buffet, give it a chance.  There are even sneeze guards, a taco bar, and a couple of soups.  Oh, and the wings on the bar are reminiscent of KFC.

The only Dayton area Ponderosa left is this location in Englewood

— The menu still remains mostly unchanged from the 70’s and 80’s, even the salad and dessert bar.  See this 80’s commercial: click here.  or how about this commerical with Centerville resident Jerry Office.

— What you wont see are the metal plates and metal rails in the cafeteria style of yesteryear.  Also gone are the bumpy top signature dinner rolls.  They have been replaced with soft dinner rolls.

— The food is better than you would think.  It is a good deal for the money, but the people watching is priceless.  Also, the food per dollar ratio is high.  People at this location are polite, we didn’t have to sword fight like Indigo Montoya with tongs at the food troughs.  However, the place gets a little crowded and noisy.

There are a couple “MUST EATS” and you need to get the salad bar and dessert bar with your meal.  We think this is a forced choice anyways.  So, if your calorie counter spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend starts whining, tell them they aren’t exactly in good shape or athletic enough to give you grief.

MUST EATS:

 — RIBEYE STEAK MEAL: The most popular item on the menu is a classic from back in the day.  It’s not the Pine Club, but it’s not like the meat has jockey marks on it.  We found the steaks to be almost exactly the same as the 70’s and 80’s.  Which means you might have to deal with some grisle, valley girl.  All in all, not bad.

The Seafood Feast with Salmon was a pleasant surprise

— CHOPPED STEAK MEAL:  Big Ragu’s favorite is this classic adult meal, which is really a “kiddie meal.”  Let’s be honest, it is just a burger without the bun.  But it’s not bad, especially if you use some A1 or Ponderosa Steak sauce, which is strangely close to Heinz 57 steak sauce.  Another tip: You may want to get the Cheeseburger meal which is almost the same thing, except the bun, cheese and bacon option. “The King” tore it up, and liked it.

— SEAFOOD FEAST WITH SALMON:  This meal came like a bat outta hell from nowhere and surprised us.  The salmon tasted good, and the fried shrimp was respectable.  The shrimp skewer has that Ponderosa grill flavor as well.  Definitely the dark horse of the menu.

 

In the mood for a throwback? A nostalgic walk down memory lane, and are you starving?  Then consider Ponderosa, the dying breed of buffet steakhouses with only one location hanging on.  Hanging on for 50 years that is.  They have over 40,000 fans on Facebook, so somebody loves this place.

Dessert bar anyone ????

The restaurant stays busy, from humming seniors with walkers to unsupervised kids, it is never a dull moment.  But actually… the food may surprise you a bit.

*** Let’s celebrate Ponderosa’s 50th year in business.. If you comment below on why you love Ponderosa, one lucky winner will win a romantic dinner with the Food Adventures Crew at the Englewood location.  Good luck, one winner will be chosen next week at random, one comment only per person, please.  See you at the ranch…

Want more Food Adventures from the crew that leaves no plate unturned? Follow the daily antics of Dayton’s favorite foodies Chef House, The King, The Big Ragu and Hungry Jax  on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Make sure you check out our photo gallery below, from our trips to the magical world of Ponderosa Steakhouse.

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Drive Thru Pizza Hits Dayton

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Brew & Brews Drive Thru, now serves Fresh, NY Style Pizza

Brew & Brews Drive Thru, now serves Fresh, NY Style Pizza

You may have seen the new Brew & Brews Drive Thru that popped up on 741 across from Home Depot.  They have the usual drive thru fare, such as beer, wine, pop, chips and candy.  But did you know there is now a full blown pizzeria inside as well?  Yes !  The addition is called B & B Slices.   Now you can get whole pizzas or slices on the go.   Whether customers call ahead or just swing by, B&B is sure to have something freshly made to please your pizza cravings.

Yes, a Food Adventure in your car !

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The drive-thru joint is called B & B Slices and is located at 326 N. Springboro Pike in Miamisburg.

— B & B Slices owners are Johnny and Michele Rivera former owners of Johnny’s Slice of NY Pizza.  So, if are fans of that place, you can expect the same New York style pizzas.

— Other items available include 3 ingredient calzones for $6 and subs for $6.50.

— Everything is produced with fresh dough, made daily by Johnny himself.

— They have not set firm hours yet, but we assume roughly 11:30-7pm is when you can expect  the saucy, cheesy goodness of B&B Slices.

 

MUST EATS:

New York Style Slices – We prefer Pepperoni or Cheese

— SLICE OF PEPPERONI PIZZA: The hallmark, the flagship if you will.  These New York Style slices are a great bite on the go, and a match made in drive thru heaven.  The slices are big enough to curb your hunger, but wont stuff you.  Fold the slice, take a bite and get your craving in a drive-by.

— CALZONES: Homemade, handmade and perfectly made with fresh dough.  Pick your favorite 3 ingredients, and get afork for some marinara dipping action.  One of the best in the land.

— WHOLE PIES: Load up the toppings or keep it simple with just cheese, you can’t go wrong with a B & B pizza.  If you are feeling really hungry, order one of their signature Brooklyn Brawler Pizzas, which is a mammoth stuffed crust style pizza.

 

Our Food Adventures Crew love fresh, original ideas like this one.  The dough is just as fresh as the concept, and Chef House, The Big Ragu, The King & Hungry Jax are suckers for fresh dough.  So the next time you are driving down 741 with a little hunger pain, you might want to drive through Brew and Brews for a slice of paradise.

 

Hungry for more Dayton eats?  Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here!  Is your preference food porn? Hit us up on Instagram HERE.

Remember, we are not food critics, we just love to eat !

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Buttercream Bliss at The Cakery

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Cake please

Classic Cakery: Chocolate Cake with Buttercream Icing

DISCLAIMER: You may need a tall glass of milk in order to read  about our latest Food Adventure. 

When the Big Ragu asked Hungry Jax to name one of her favorite places to eat in the Dayton area, she didn’t even hesitate to yell out “THE CAKERY!”   She went on and on about their buttercream frosting and how it reminded her of a bakery back in her hometown.  So when an opportunity arose to highlight this local bake shop for an article, Hungry Jax about bit off Ragu’s hand claiming this mission!  Sure, Chef House, Big Ragu and The King have had a delicious Cakery cake here and there at Birthday Parties, and have even picked up a cake, but our stops have mostly been drivebys.  Not the case with Hungry Jax, who’s obsession with the greatness of the Cakery has made her a mini-expert.  So on a cold and snowy day, the Food Adventure’s crew ventured out again to see what Hungry Jax was so hyped up about.  And we were not disappointed with this full blown Food Adventure!

From buckeyes to wedding cakes, The Cakery can satisfy any craving big or small! This family owned business has been around for almost 20 years, and once you taste their products, you’ll see why!  The Cakery opened in July of 1995 (located at 140 Woodman Drive).  In 2008, Tom and Karla Kennedy became the third and current owners.  Their daughter, Jamie Burchfield, had started working at The Cakery in 2002 after graduating from pastry school.  Jamie started out as a cake decorator and most recently has taken on the role of Office Manager after the birth of her second son last year.  After seeing a rising need to serve their loyal customers from Jamie’s hometown of Troy, OH and the areas north of Dayton, the Kennedy’s expanded the business.  In May of 2013, the Troy location opened (1875 W. Main St.) and has been going strong ever since.  We had the privilege of sitting down with Jamie to learn some delicious and fun facts about their crafty creations.

6 pack

This is our kind of 6 pack!

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The Cakery prides itself on baking all of their goods “in house” and they have the grocery list to prove it.   At 1,000lbs of powdered sugar and 200lbs of butter per week, The Cakery ensures that each and every creation is of the best quality and taste!

— There are three main traditional frostings offered for their cakes and cupcakes:  Buttercream, Chocolate Buttercream, and White Vanilla Cream.  Each week they go through 25 five-gallon buckets of the traditional Buttercream, 8 buckets of their Vanilla cream, and 3 of the Chocolate! But the flavors don’t end there. You’ll also find cupcakes topped with snickerdoodle frosting, lemon, strawberry, peanut butter, caramel, orange cream and more!

— The peak season for weddings tends to be from May-October.  During this time, The Cakery averages anywhere from 6-10 Wedding cakes per weekend! And don’t worry Brides, Jamie will ensure that your vision for the cake of your dreams is met.   The artists behind the scenes, have made cakes taller than Kindergarteners with all different types of embellishments from fondants and fresh flowers, to pearls and candles.  Check out the gallery on their webpage to see some of their amazing creations!

— Zagat.com voted their buckeyes as “The Best in Ohio” and most recently honored as Dayton Magazine’s “2014 Best in Dayton” bakery, beating out other top local confectioneries!

 

MUST EATS:

— CHOCOLATE CAKE with TRADITIONAL BUTTERCREAM FROSTING:  Keep it classic Dayton.  You can’t go wrong with indulging in this mainstay.  The chocolate cake is moist but not too dense. And the creamy buttercream frosting has just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering. This is an annual combination for Hungry Jax’s birthday cake!  The Big Ragu has enjoyed these at many parties.  For The King, it was love at first bite.

Chocolate cupcake with buttercream frosting!

— SNICKERDOODLE CUPCAKE: Yes, you read that right. The beloved cookie has been transformed into a cupcake that will leave you wanting more! This cinnamon sugar cupcake is topped with an equally delightful cinnamon frosting.

— ICED BUTTER COOKIES: A soft cake-like sugar cookie topped with the traditional buttercream frosting. You can buy these strait out of their display cases or order them to be decorated for a special occasion!

— BUTTER CREAM SHOTS: Fan of frosting? Well here you can buy a shot-sized dollop of buttercream to indulge in.  Be aware though, side effects include an immediate rush of pure joy and contentment that will leave you wanting more!  We love crazy foodies who do butter cream shots with us.

—CREAM PUFFS  These little puffs of joy are filled with a light and  creamy mousse.  Absolutely terrific, The Big Ragu and The King claimed these as their favorite.

— Somewhere over the the “RAINBOW CAKE“:  This cake is a layer cake sold by the slice. The layers are actually the tops of cakes that the bakers shave off when leveling out a cake prior to decorating.  Instead of wasting these perfectly delicious cake shavings, the bakers created a layered cake out of them, alternating the cake layers with strawberry preserves and buttercream frosting. This cake varies slightly from day to day depending on what types of cakes are being made.

 

 

Rainbow Cake

Rainbow Cake: No pot of gold is necessary at the end of this rainbow!

— FLAVORED CUPCAKES: Along with the traditional cupcake flavors of  chocolate and white cake, you’ll also find a large variety of specialty cupcakes.  Orange cream, strawberry lemonade, strawberry cream, peanut butter and jelly, almond, and banana are just a few.  Each of these are topped with unique frosting s to complement the fun flavors of the cake.

— FILLED CUPCAKES: In addition to the tasty flavors, The Cakery also creates cupcakes that are filled with frosting, mousse, or custards.  Some flavors are cookies and cream, key lime and chocolate truffle.

— BUCKEYES: Zagat.com got it right! These peanut butter filled bites of delight are truly some of the best around!  The King could have eaten a couple dozen of these things.

Honorable Mention: Gourmet cakes that deserve mention are the Carrot Cake, Spice Cake, and Humming Bird Cake (tropical cake made with pineapple and coconut with an apricot filling). The King, loved the carrot cake.   Also, don’t forget the Layer cakes, which can be filled with a variety of fruit preserves, fresh fruit, custards, mousse and more!

 

The choices and combinations of cakes and desserts are endless!   Cakes start around $17 and cupcakes at $1.50.  If you have a special order to place, be sure to give them at least 2-3 days notice to ensure that the bakers can meet your needs.

If you’re a bride, it’s highly recommended you book them once you have a sate set as their schedule fills up fast. They also have a variety of goodies you can order, such as brownies, tarts, pastries, cookies, and other treats that you can indulge in.

Shots on us

Shots are on us !

So, the next time you have a sweet craving or need a cake to celebrate a special event, let the creative team at The Cakery meet your needs.  Stop in and try some of these tasty treats and let us know what you think!  Check out their website for more information,  or follow them on Facebook!

The next time you are hosting a party, and need some desserts, stand up on your chair and announce to the family.. “LET THEM EAT CAKERY !”

Please browse of photo gallery below, and leave your comments about The Cakery.  We would love to hear your take!

Follow Food Adventures on Facebook for more foodie scoop from all over Dayton !

We are not food critics, we are just four people that love to eat !

You can check out our weekly feature articles here on Dayton Most Metro every Thursday.

 

 

 

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Food Adventure Scoop: Our Fave Olive Oil Store Coming to Austin Landing!

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“The Spicy Olive” carries the highest quality of Olive Oils and Vinegars!

Finally, we can let out a secret we have been dying to share with our fellow foodies for months!  One of our favorite shops is tentatively set to open at Austin Landing in May, 2015.  It is called The Spicy Olive and can satisfy any pallet of needs! This unique tasting emporium carries a large variety of specialty olive oils and balsamic vinegars that are of the utmost quality! And yes, you’ll get to taste them all!  Looking to amp up the flavors in your kitchen? Need to find your favorite cook a gift? Want a fun place for a foodie date? Look no further than The Spicy Olive !

The Food Adventures Crew appreciates not only great places to go out and eat, but also places that will bring the flavors of high end dining right into your own kitchen! And dear foodie friends, this place does just that!  For the past couple of years we have been heading down 75 south to the town of West Chester, and using Spicy Olive’s products.  Hungry Jax introduced the rest of the Food Adventure Crew and we were hooked !

As you all know, we typically feature Dayton foodstuffs.  So, when we found out they were coming to the Gem City, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to highlight this unique and delicious shopping experience! There are so many incredible oils and vinegars to sample.  Rest assured, your Food Adventures Crew tried them ALL! And you’ll find a decent stock pile of them in our own home kitchens at any given time!

 

 

Melanie Cedargren, owner and founder of The Spicy Olive

Melanie Cedargren, owner and founder of The Spicy Olive

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

—While eating her way through culinary masterpieces on her travels to Italy, owner and founder, Melanie Cedargren fell in love with the rich and pure quality of FRESH olive oil. So much so that she was inspired to bring back this freshness and superb taste. And we are SO glad that she did! In September of 2012, her dream came true and she opened her first store. It is a unique shop that allows you to taste and combine any and all of the oils and vinegars offered.

— Cedargren and her staff (many of whom started as loyal customers), run two stores south of our Gem city: one located in West Chester (7671 Cox Lane, West Chester, OH 45069) and the other in Cincinnati’s Hyde Park (2736 Erie Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208).  The third store will be at Austin Landing, and Food Adventures is the first to spill the beans on this new location! At each store, you will find around 20 different olive oils and specialty oils along with 30 balsamic vinegars! But you won’t get overwhelmed with options, because the staff has made it easy for you to combine flavors and even provide recipe cards to help you create culinary masterpieces!

— The Spicy Olive, prides itself on the fact that their oils are purchased using a “bi-hemispheric” model, ensuring that the freshest oils are purchased during peak seasons. These oils travel from Italy, Greece, Spain, South Africa, Brazil and many other places all depending on when their peak season is. The balsamic vinegars are all aged 12-18 years and are imported from Modena, Italy!  These oils and vinegars are then infused by their supplier, Veronica Foods Co. in California. The Spicy Olive is different from chain olive oil shops as they (and their supplier) pride themselves on not being a franchise, allowing them to keep their business more personable and their products of highest quality.

Each bottle is filled for you right on the spot!

— Bottles are filled on the spot for you and run anywhere from $11-$25.  Also sold are specialty olives, jams and spices from local vendors! Need a gift? Here you’ll find gift baskets as well fun pasta and serving dishes. At the West Chester store you can also purchase fine wines from “UnCorked at The Spicy Olive”, ran by Scott Hau, located in the back of the store. Also offered are cooking classes with local chefs! And if that wasn’t enough, they have started a cosmetic line that is based with their pure olive oil and fragranced with essential oils! These products are also all natural.

Like we said, we literally have tried every oil and vinegar in this store.  We have compiled a list of our favorites.  They are a list of what we feel are the best flavors, and best successes we had, when cooking at home with these products.

The list is big, but they are all MUST EATS !

 

MUST EATS:

BUTTER OLIVE OIL: Yes, you read that right. The world of butter and olive oil have united and created something that you can indulge in without feeling the guilt! Hungry Jax frequently uses this on homemade popcorn for a healthy alternative! It’s also great for roasting vegetables!

VERMONT MAPLE BALSAMIC VINEGAR: Your mouth will be very happy to taste this one! The sweet, but not over powering flavor of the real maple syrup dances deliciously with the balsamic vinegar creating a product that you can drizzle on chicken, salads, fruit and so much more!

TUSCAN HERB OLIVE OIL: This is one of their top sellers! And it’s not secret as to why. The flavor combinations of  the herbs infused of oregano, rosemary, sage and garlic provide a complete package to toss this with some pasta and top with fresh Parmesan cheese! Or you can just grab hunk of crusty bread and dip away! Again, the possibilities are endless!

Oooooo shiny!

Proper storage ensures that light and temperature do not decrease the quality of the products!

ESPRESSO BALSAMIC VINEGAR: Who knew that coffee and vinegar could work? Well it does. Try making your self a glaze to top off a steak with this one! Spicy Olive suggests pairing this with the Blood Orange Olive Oil for a flavorful pork marinade!

BLOOD ORANGE OLIVE OIL:  Another big seller! There is no mistaking the citrus zip that this oil has! This oil is infused with REAL orange. Replace the oil in your favorite brownie recipe with this!

HARISSA OLIVE OIL: Like spice? Well this oil will help kick up the heat in any dish you serve it! Roasted chili peppers, cumin, garlic, cinnamon and caraway are flavors that pack this oil with it’s flavorful punch!

TOASTED SESAME SEED OIL: This is like no other sesame seed oil that you have tasted. Go out and buy a wok. Trust us, you’ll want to stir fry everything in this oil!  The Big Ragu had struggled for years, but was never able to get that”Chinese Restaurant” taste to his stir fry dishes.  This product finally solved his problem, and the aroma in the house is like Chinatown!

STRAWBERRY BALSAMIC VINEGAR: Vinegar on dessert? Yup. It works. Drizzle this beauty on top of your strawberry shortcake and you’ve just wowed your guests with a layer of unexpected flavor.

Cheddar Popcorn

Homemade Cheddar Popcorn

SICILIAN LEMON WHITE BALSAMIC VINEGAR:  One of the Big Ragu’s favorites.  Use this when pan searing calamari, shrimp and scallops.  We have had great success cooking with this vinegar, but it makes a great salad dressing when mixed with olive oil !  We eat in on spinach salad most!

FROG JAM: Figs, Raspberries, Oranges and Ginger make up the flavors of this jam.  On toast or on crackers, it will make your morning shine.  you will never think of the word “frog” the same way again!

Honorable Mention:  The Cilantro and Roasted Onion Olive Oil is fantastic with seafood.  So is the Milanese Gremolata Olive Oil with its garlic, lemon and mint flavors from Italy.

We can go on and on with all the flavors they offer!  Garlic, Wild Dill,  Basil are just a few more of the olive oils. The gourmet line of oils include Truffle Oils, Sesame, Almond and Walnut. Ever try Lavender Balsamic Vinegar? Well here you can! What about Mango? Dark Chocolate? Blueberry?

Can’t wait until the Austin Landing opening in May? Then head on down to one of their Cincy locations today and check it out! Melanie and her staff are ready to take you on a culinary journey that will have you coming back for more!  Explore, because your kitchen will never be the same again.

The Spicy Olives products are high quality because they supervise how, when and where the olives are pressed, to the flavors they are infused with, and even down to the proper way to store them. The Spicy Olive elevates olive oil and vinegar to create superb dishes beyond your salad bowl!  Don’t miss stopping into this store in the future.  your kitchen will never be the same.  Olive this place, well …we all do!

Please check out our photo gallery below of The Spicy Olive’s products and how we put them to use!

Want more scoop on Dayton food happenings?  Follow Hungry Jax, Chef House, The Big Ragu and The King on Facebook by clicking HERE.

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Hasty Tasty Waitress Enters 41st Work Year

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Betty is an icon

Betty Has Served over a Half Million Customers in 41 Years !

Sometimes on our Food Adventures, we run into a personal story that is extraordinary.  Such is the story of a waitress at the Hasty Tasty Pancake House on Linden Avenue.  Her name is Betty (last name witheld by request).   She, herself is an icon at one of the most iconic eateries of Dayton.  For 41 years she has hustled and bustled, promptly serving food to patrons.  Now 75 years old, she shows no signs of slowing down and still runs circles around people half her age.

Betty’s tale is one of hard work and dedication.  She is very humble and never seeks praise or admiration.  Betty never complains and very rarely calls in sick..  She is a throwback to when waitresses  were truly career waitresses.  She possibly holds the record for current servers in the Miami Valley for longevity.  We know of no other current server who boasts 41 years at the helm.  What an amazing accomplishment!

She has seen owners of the restaurant come and go, and has served many regular customers, some of whom have since passed away.   She has been the constant in the revolving world of pancakes, sausage and “Tasty Burgers.”

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The Food Adventures Crew is honored to present the scoop on the legendary “Betty from The Hasty Tasty Pancake House.”

 

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— It all started in September 1974, when Betty, formerly a stay at home mom to 5 boys, took a job as a waitress in the same year her first grandson was born.

—  If you want to visit Betty, she works Tuesdays – Saturdays, 3pm -10pm

— Betty made a conservative estimate, telling us she averages about 50 customers a day.   Food Adventures did some math and figured 50 customers a day, 5 days a week, for 40 years, means she has served approximately 520,000 people.  That’s enough customers to fill up the Nutter Center 50 times.

Pancakes - magnificent !

Click to Enlarge These Magnificent Pancakes

— Her most famous customer?  Red Allen, a famous Bluegrass singer.  Betty says he was a good ole’ Kentucky boy who loved to regularly order beans.

— Her oldest customer?  A man who lived to the ripe old age of 103 years old.  He was a regular at the Hasty Tasty Pancake House, which gives many of us foodies hope that pancakes are healthy for you!

— Although Betty does not own the Hasty Tasty, it is like a family business to her.  Her son Chuck, is one of the cooks on staff

— Her secret to success?  She drinks a lot of Kool Aid and has fun at her job.  “Your job has to be fun,” she says with a smile.

 

Betty has a great sense of humor, and is one of the sweetest, most attentive servers we have ever encountered.  Congratulations Betty on starting year #41.  We wish you many more years of success and happiness.

Is this article making you hungry?  Are you craving the food at Bunny’s Hasty Tasty Pancake House?

Then let’s not waste anytime showcasing Food Adventures patented list of MUST EATS  at the Hasty Tasty !

 

MUST EATS:

— THE PANCAKES:  This is a no brainer.  This place is a Dayton icon named the pancake house.. you get the pancakes, Einstein.

— THE TASTY BURGER: Hasty Tasty’s slightly bigger version of the Frisch’s Big Boy sandwich.  And guess what, it is just as good, right down to the tartar sauce… if not better.

— ALL U CAN EAT FISH FRY: $7.25 for all you can eat deep fried pollock filets.  You get sides like homemade bread and the incredible cole slaw.  Add a side of shrimp for 99 cents !

Betty with her son, Chuck !

Betty and Her Son Chuck who is a Cook at Hasty Tasty

— THE PECAN WAFFLES:  This one also blew us away.  The bottom line is they do breakfast right.  Available all day, every day. Oh so good.

— FRIED CHICKEN DINNER – This is the Parkmoor’s original recipe.  For those that don’t know, Parkmoor was a Dayton restaurant icon in the 1960’s.  The chicken is crispy, delicious and a HUGE serving !

— CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS:  Thursday night special that will bring you back to your mom’s or grandmas kitchen table.  So much comfort food, so little time.    We found paradise on a plate.  Keep the trendy, pretentious stuff.  This is where their staff eats after work.

 

If you have not visited The Hasty Tasty Pancake House, get your butt in there.  It is a greasy spoon with great eats and cheap prices.  Tell Betty we sent you !!

Want more foodie fun?  Join the thousands following The Food Adventures Crew on FACEBOOK HERE .   Catch all the food filled antics of Chef House, The King, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu.  We don’t visit a place one time.   We make multiple Food Adventure trips to an eatery before these articles are written, so you get a real feel of the entire menu and restaurant.  True foodies, we devour it all, NO RULES !

Please browse our photo gallery below from our Food Adventures to Bunny’s Hasty Tasty Pancake House.

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Flavors in Centerville Offering Healthy Meal Plans “To Go.”

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Pizza boat - with Zucchini

Zucchini Boats from Flavors are Delicious !

Today, The Food Adventures Crew shows you an easy way to keep your New Year’s resolutions for healthy eating.  Flavors in Centerville continues to launch their “Meals by Flavors” option, where you can plan your healthy meals for the week.  You can pre-order 1 meal, or as many as you want.  Imagine that, full on, healthy Food Adventures in convenient packages!

We all love Flavors Eatery for their one-of-a-kind, healthy food specialties, that taste delicious.  They have so many dishes that taste amazing, yet are low calorie,  low carb and packed with nutrients.  When new owner, Ryan, bought the Centerville location from Elaine and Rich, he stayed true to their menu.  One of his visions was adding this meal program that helped him lose weight.

Now, you can get certain meals “to go” and keep your waistline healthy throughout the week.  With “Meals By Flavors” you can turn your resolution, into a lifestyle.

To stay skinny you gotta know the scoop.. so here it is…

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Ryan and his son

Centerville Flavors Owner, Ryan and his son

— The concept is simple.  Stay on track with your diet by substituting legumes and vegetables for your favorite carb foods.  The idea is to “fool” your tastebuds into  thinking you are eating your favorite foods.  A perfect example is using shredded Zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti or pulverized cauliflower instead of rice.  The menu is developed to taste good, and deliver all the nutrition and protein your body needs, in a low fat meal.  Simply stated, the flavors are so good, you don’t miss a thing because it satisfies your cravings.

— You must email [email protected] to request a menu, and to place your orders too .  Orders take approx 48 hours to prepare, and may be picked up at the Centerville location at 865 E. Franklin St.

— Orders are typically packaged in air tight containers, so that when refrigerated, they will last a few days.  Some dinners will last longer than others, depending on ingredients and packaging.

— Menu prices typically run between $6 – $12, depending on the dish.  Please note: the $12 meals were sometimes enough for two meals, and we have big appetites.

 

Now, we present a Food Adventures first.  Our all-time healthiest list of “Must Eats,” thanks to “Meals By Flavors”

 

MUST EATS:

 — ZUCCHINI PIZZA BOATS with TURKEY PEPPERONI  & MIXED GREENS SALAD: Hulled zucchini filled with marinara sauce, spinach, fresh basil, fresh oregano, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.  The boats are then topped with a little bit of thinly sliced, fresh mozzarella and turkey pepperoni.  (In the past we have also seen these offered with lean ground beef).  The result is a cross between a pizza and a potato skin, with hardly any calories.  Fantastic must eat, at the top of our list.

Stuffed

Stuffed Green and Red Peppers

— FISH TACOS:  The fish offered is usually Salmon and/or Tilapia, and sometimes Wahoo whitefish.  The fish is seared and served with a cup of spicy Boom-Boom sauce, two low-carb tortillas, and Flavor’s signature salsa loaded with lime and fresh cilantro. It also comes with a side of apple and vegetable slaw lightly seasoned and placed on a bed of fresh baby spinach.

— CHUNKY CHICKEN SALAD:  One of our Food Adventure faves, right off the flavors menu!   It starts with spinach and romaine salad with hand-pulled roasted chicken.   Also packaged are black beans,  apple and veggie slaw, sunflower seeds, cheddar-jack cheese, and of course, Flavors House Sauce.  Light, fresh and delicious, this chicken salad is a must eat, no brainer.

—ROASTED RED PEPPER PIZZA:  The dough is actually a low carb tortilla.  It is then loaded with spinach and roasted red, green, and yellow peppers.  Add to that a generous portion of chicken and cheddar-jack cheese blend. This meal is served with a side of buttered, poached carrots.

— AVACADO COOKIES:  Made with nothing except Avacado these dark black cookies are amazing and a guilt free treat.Salad

Honorable Mention: Red and Green Stuffed Pepper Dinner: A big meal of peppers stuffed with homemade refried beans, roasted chicken, spinach and topped off with salsa.  It is served with a side of mixed veggies.

Also the Smoked Brisket Salad deserves a mention. Thinly sliced smoked brisket on a mix of romaine and spinach leaves.   Meal also includes apple-veggie slaw. The salad is also topped with a bed of black beans, sunflower seeds, and Flavors House Sauce!

Flavors Eatery always pleases, and their “Meals By Flavors” program is no different.  Brillant usues of legumes, vegetables and sauces make guilt free seem so easy.

 

But our article doesn’t end here…. With Flavors Eatery there are 3 other important things we would like to mention.

 

**** 3 OTHER THINGS TO NOTE ***

Bottles of sauce at DLM1) The Flavors Eatery in Centerville now serves dinner every day until 9pm, except Tuesday and Sunday.  This is great news for many of us that enjoy flavors, but wished they had extended hours.  Our prayers have been answered!

 

2) There is a Flavors Eatery now in Downtown Lebanon, at 4 South Broadway, where Rich and Elaine have expanded their franchise!   They are running the new restaurant just like the original !  Stop in and say hello to this great mom and pop team !

3) Bottles of FLAVORS AMAZING HOUSE GARLIC SAUCE are available at Dorothy Lane Market.  What are you doing sitting there?  Grab a bottle already !  This sauce goes great on anything from chicken and seafood, to salad and nachos.

 

So get on your computers, email [email protected], and tell them you want the “Meals by Flavors” menu.  For those of us with a busy lifestyle, it keeps your diet on track during the week!

Want to keep on track with all the foodie happenings in Dayton?  Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook, and join the thousands that know, we set the cutting edge trends that other follow.  Keep up with the Food Adventures crew of Hungry Jax, Chef House, the King and the Big Ragu and comment on your favorite eateries.

Also – check out our 50 photos below of Flavor’s best items !

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Some Opened, Some Closed – 2014 Dayton Restaurant Changes

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Murphys Irish Pub opened this year in Bellbrook

Murphy’s Irish Pub opened during 2014 in Bellbrook

 

 

Here we go with a look back at last year’s Miami Valley food happenings.  That’s right 2014, the year in Dayton food.

Who opened? Who closed?

Dayton Dining & Food Adventures have the scoop on the restaurant movers and shakers of the Miami Valley!  So all you foodies, take a stroll with us down memory lane, and don’t forget a fork.

 

Newcomers to the Dayton food scene are as follows:

**** OPENED IN 2014 ****

1) TAVERN ON MAIN, Centerville: They dropped the Beef O’Brady’s moniker and went independent in 2014.  This Centerville pub, features a sports bar menu and 37 different beers on tap.

 

Peanut butter jelly sushi

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sushi from Sumera, Click to Enlarge

2) BASIL ON MARKET, Troy:  This summer saw the opening of this downtown Troy restaurant.  The bistro style menu features Italian dishes mostly, with steak, Irish and Thai dishes too. Call it a “completely global menu.”

 

3) TJ CHUMPS, Huber Heights:  The local growth continues as this sports bar funds an expansion into the Huber Heights market.  What can you expect?  More great food from steaks to salmon, as well as casual favorite like burgers and wings.

 

4) LITTLE YORK TAVERN, Troy: The former owners of LeDoux Restaurant, opened this expansion on Main Street in Troy.  People are drawn to their pizza menu and more!

 

5) AUSTIN LANDING CHAINS, Springboro: The Austin Landing development has a couple of restaurant additions, albeit chains.  Firebird’s Wood Fired Grill out of Charlotte, NC is an upscale version of J. Alexanders.  Also, a 15 year old breakfast chain, Another Broken Egg, opened to crowds in 2014 at the Landing as well.  You may also recall many people going ape over the opening of another chain with a cult following, Dewey’s Pizza.

 

Sea Jax sign

Sea Jax is another new star in 2014

6) CROSSROADS BBQ, Fairborn: Priding themselves on BBQ cooked low and slow, this eatery also offers wings, pizzas and sandwiches.  This family owned spot has a few signature items you gotta see to believe, like the “McGooey.”

 

7) LA COLOMBIANA, Beavercreek: Authentic Colombian restaurant located near the Fairfield Commons mall.  A family owned business, this unique dining experience that promises to be a cultural lesson in Food Adventures.

 

8) AREPA’S AND CO., Kettering:  The 2nd Street market veterans opened a second location in the area of Dorothy Lane and Wilmington Pike.  Maybe this is the restaurant that will finally take hold in that location.  Attractions are fresh Colombian comfort food, unique menu items and great patio dining in the summer months.

 

tuna tar tar

Tuna Tar Tar at Firebirds Grill, the new place at Austin Landing

 9) SEA JAX, Centerville:  Ron Sweeney teamed with sous chef Renee Cole to develop a menu of Specialty Burgers, Seafood and craft beers on tap. The place has been busy since its opening earlier in 2014 and they’ve just announced they’ll be open for lunch starting Jan 13th.

 

10) ZETLAND STREET RESTAURANT, Bellbrook: Up and coming chef Zachary Stringer, leads the way on this fine dining menu.   With tasty dishes like Bacon Jam Burgers to Ginger Miso Salmon, you cant go wrong.

 

11) CARILLON BREWING COMPANY, Dayton: Food and Beer Menu inspired by Dayton’s early settlers.  Look for a hodge podge of German and Irish inspired dishes, much of them comfort foods.

 

12) KETTERING  GRILL & CAFE, Kettering:  Located at 3800 Wilmington Pike they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Salads, Sandwiches, Seafood and Burgers seem to be the base of the menu.

 

13) SUMERA, Kettering:  Touted as “the American sushi company,” this place takes a unique direction with the sushi.  With inventions like the “Peanut Butter and Jelly Roll,” they make fans of people who aren’t sushi lovers.  They also accommodate the sushi lovers with traditional fare.

 

winaNS

Winan’s Chocolates is now at The Greene

14) WINAN’S CHOCOLATES, Beavercreek:  They opened a presence at The Greene in 2014.  It may be a perfect fit for shoppers to relax with coffees and candies while people watching on the patio.

15) THE OLD ARCANA, Arcanum: It’s a bit of a drive through farmland to get there, but the quaint homey feel of this restaurant was a much needed addition to the town. Serving up breakfast, lunch, dinner and some amazing bakery goods, and often featuring live music, too.

 

Unfortunately, some businesses bit the dust in 2014.  The Big Ragu, The King, Hungry Jax and Chef House, fondly remember these now defunct, Gem City eateries.

 

**** CLOSED IN 2014 ****

 

1) THE BAGEL CAFE, Kettering:  Locally owned breakfast and NY Deli style bagel shop with longtime ties to the Dayton area.  In slow decline over the past few years, unfortunately this eatery with the best bagels in town, couldn’t survive the down turn.

 

 2) THE FILLING STATION BAR & GRILL, Riverside: Linden Avenue bar and grill that once housed after-parties for the Gem City roller Girls.  We are gonna miss their wings and salads the most.  Good news is that some

 

Reeses sundae

Are Reese’s Pieces Sundae’s gone forever now that Friendly’s closed?

3) THAT CREPE PLACE:  Located in the Greene, they couldn’t muster the revenue to keep up with the rent.  Crepe lovers don’t fret, Crepe Boheme at the 2nd Street Market will fill your cravings quite nicely.

 

4) STACKERS, Dayton:  We were sad to see this locally owned sandwich shop close on S. Smithville Rd.  The place could not get a break, as it was targeted  by vandals and really never recovered from those losses.

 

5) PONDEROSA, Riverside: Although this long standing throwback near Airway Rd closed, there is still one more Ponderosa franchise in Englewood.

 

6) TWO CHINESE BUFFETS: Ichiban Seafood Buffet and Golden Dragon Buffet closed in 2014.  Both were located less than a mile from each other on 725 in Centerville.  Looks like we will have to search elsewhere for mounds of crab legs, and overflowing plates of stuffed mussels and sushi.

 

7) FRIENDLY’S RESTAURANTS: Five locations closed abruptly in the Dayton area during 2014.  Bad news for all of us who love Reese’s Pieces Sundaes and Clam Boats.

 

Amelias salmon

We are going to miss the Salmon from Amelia’s Bistro

 

8) CHAMMPS, Centerville: The unexpected closing of this chain was early in 2014.  Since then, we hear a new tenant is slated to move in during 2015!

 

9) AMELIA’S BISTRO, Bellbrook:  We were sorry to see this fine dining establishment go the way of the dinosaur.  They had some of the best salmon dishes in the business.

 

10) HAZEL GRILL, Miamisburg:  Located behind the Dayton Mall, this spot housed Dayton’s first Max n Erma’s restaurant for decades.  Sadly, the place could never create a large amount of positive buzz.  Since Hazel couldnt make it, we suggest Max n Erma bring back the telephone tables and the beer spicket shaped like two giant boobs.

 

11) TAGGART’S PUB, Dayton: After 17 years at the location on Patterson Rd., Taggart’s closed its doors.  We would frequent the bar for special events and Steak Frys after golf outings.

bread [pudding fromRoot 48 made with Bills Donuts

Root 48.. we will miss your Bread Pudding made with Bill’s Donuts !

12) WOODY’S BAR-B-QUE, Beavercreek: Cheap prices, good bbq and incredible homemade pies.  This closing hurt us, as we loved the owners and the food.

 

12)  THE TROPICS, Kettering: Rumored to be another casualty in the argument between parking lot rights during Fraze Pavillion concerts.  Sad to see, as we loved visiting their restaurant and seeing them at the AMBUCS chili cookoff.

 

14) TWISTED ROOT / ROOT 48, Centerville:  After a car literally plunged into the wall in the restaurant, then called Savona, things never were the same.  Another twist of bad luck erupted as the newly named Twisted Root faced a lawsuit to change their name.  Now enter Root 48, a casual version of Chef Keith’s creations.  For some reason the concept never caught on, and the place closed a few months later.

 

15) SIDELINE BAR & GRILL:  The newly revamped spot on the split of Woodman and Wilmington Pike, in the former Perkins/Starlite location.  We are going to miss their killer menu item, Deep Fried Babyback Ribs.  Unfortunately the fans never caught on to this sports bar, and it was forced to shut its doors.

 

16) GRANNY’s 4200 PLACE,  Moraine: We sure miss the great breakfasts, especially the biscuits and gravy and the  great homemade pies that were a staple of this homey place.

 

Fried Ribs - only in Dayton at sidelines.. not anymore

When Sidelines Bar closed in 2014, we lost the only Deep Fried Ribs appetizer in Dayton

In 2014, we also saw a Dayton Icon, Neil’s Heritage House, reduce their hours to only holidays and special events

 

Our Springfield friends who owned El Herradura Mexican restaurant, closed the doors recently, but plan to reopen in 2015.  We wish them success.

 

**** WHAT’S AHEAD IN 2015? ****

THE CORNER KITCHEN, Oregon District: Wow, how times have changed in the Oregon District.  Remember Sloopy’s,  the drunken 90’s meat market dance club?  Well, it is about to house a restaurant that strives to be a “finer diner.”  We look for great things from this place!

GINGER & SPICE ASIAN BISTRO, Dayton:  This Asian restaurant will be opening in late January on Brown Street. Owner Grace Peng has a long resume of cooking in some top shelf restaurants, including the long gone Steve Kao’s.

 

EL RANCHO GRANDE, Dayton:  Coming to the corner of Stewart and Brown Street, will be opening their 7th area Mexican eatery.

 

MACK’S TAVERN, Centerville: The yet unopened bar that won Dayton’s Best Bloody Mary contest, is slated to open in January.  Stay tuned for a sneak peek at the menu over the next few weeks.

 

THE DAYTON BEER COMPANY, Dayton: Thirty six taps have been installed and work continues on this 2nd location for Pete Hilegman, one of the pioneers of our region’s brewery explosion.  Located at 324 E. Second St, in the old Weiler Welding Building, just a quick walk from the baseball stadium.

 

PERSIS INDIAN GRILL, Miami Township:  In the spot that formerly housed Boosalis Baking (now located in Cross Pointe Shopping Center) it looks like  finishing touches are coming on the construction for this modern Indian eatery that will serve lunch and dinner.

 

AIRWAY KITCHEN, Riverside:  Where once there was a Ponderosa on Airway, there will soon be a greek buffet restaurant, owned by the same family that operates the Starlite Dinner.

 

Don't Tell So we promised not to name names yet, but 2 of our favorite south of town spots are both working on second locations and sadly we know of one other that will cease operations at the end of January…. stay tuned to DaytonDining for all the tastiest news in town!

Did we miss a place?  Who did we forget?  Please check our gallery below for photos of the new spots, and the other spots that are now closed forever.  Also, don’t forget to “LIKE” Food Adventures on Facebook by CLICKING HERE.    It’s a foodie paradise…

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Merry Shish-mas ! Who wants a $20 gift Card to Shish Wraps?

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You Spin Meat, Right Round Baby right Round, like a record baby, right round, round round

Twas the night before Shish-mas, and all through the house, stomachs were growling, even your spouse.  The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that Shish Wraps Gift Cards, soon would be there.

Food Adventures has your chance to win a $20 Gift Card to Shish Wraps, and check out their fairly new menu.   All you have to do is comment on the story below to be entered in the contest. A winner will be drawn next week at random.

Shish Wraps took a hiatus earlier this year to completely revamp their menu.  We took this opportunity to write another article about one of our most beloved Dayton places.  A second helping of shish for you all, if you will.

They have stayed true to the traditional essence of their food, keeping old favorites and expanding the Mediterranean choices to include more delicious items.

 

 

 

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

The Gyro meat is freshly shaved, like Big Ragu’s back

— Shish Wraps restaurant is located at 1200 Brown Street near the University of Dayton.  It is owned by 2 brothers Simon and Tony Abboud, who are Univ. of Dayton graduates who grew up in Centerville.

— The food is fresh and practically everything is made from scratch, from the sauces to the hummus.  We are talking the real deal here, with freshness you can taste in every bite.  Along with freshness, they promote healthy eats.

— There are now 2 ways the meats are cooked at Shish Wraps:

        1) On a spindle called a vertical broiler.  This is how the gyros and shawarma are cooked

        2) Over flame, on rotating kabob skewers for a char-grilled taste.  This is how the Chicken Kebobs and Kafta (ground beef strips) are cooked.

— Affordable cuisine, with meals averaging 6 to 8 bucks.

 

MUST EATS: 

SHISH HAPPENS at Food Adventures: The King, Shish owner Simon, and Hungry Jax

— CHICKEN SHAWARMA:  This is the wrap that hooked Hungry Jax on Shish.  The chicken breasts are marinated for 24 hours with 7 secret spices.  It is then stacked on the vertical cooker and away we go …  When someone orders this wrap, they freshly shave the meat off of the rotating spindle.  The wrap is filled with french fries, pickles and more.  Simon tells us this is the traditional way they eat it in the Middle East.  Not only do we love eating it too, we just like saying the word shawarma, .. shawarma,… shawarma, sha, warm, a…  Little drummer boy, if you are going to bang the independent restaurant drum, come here instead of eating that dark meat chicken mix crap at Chipotle every week.  No rice filler, just good shawarma.

 

— TRADITIONAL GYRO:  Freshly shaved gyro lamb meat, off the spindle is the main muscle for this sandwich. Served in a traditional gyro pita, with tomatoes, onions and house tzatziki sauce.  Filling and addicting, this flavor packed gyro has a future brighter that Rudolph’s nose.  The King loved his so much, he is craving another one now !  For those who are fowl fans, the chicken gyro is almost as amazing.

 

Baba Ganoush, All I Want For Shish-mas … is You !

— HOUSE MADE HUMMUS: Only 4 ingredients in this hummus.  The biggest ingredient is crushed chick peas.  This is real authentic hummus.  Shish owner, Simon tells us the store bought stuff is flavored so much, and so much junk is added, it isnt even hummus anymore.  Stick with the expert.  Try this appetizer, that is light and airy like Santa’s sleigh across the winter sky.  An appetizer that is simple, yet authentic.

 

— BABA GANOUSH: The base is pureed eggplant and Big Ragu’s favorite.  Trust us, it is beyond amazing.  It is a smoky, hummus like dip, served cold or at room temperature.   The appetizer is accompanied with pita chips. This is another item at Shish Wraps that we like to say as much as we love to eat, especially while watching Wedding Crashers.. or A Christmas Story.  Baba Ganoush, ba ba gaaa noush

 

— SHISH CRISPS: Deep fried pita chips, tossed in cinnamon and sugar.  Right now they are served plain, but they are toying with serving them drizzled in a caramel sauce, or side of chocolate dipping sauce.  Stay tuned for improvements on this delicious dessert.

 

We also have to stress that the staff is friendly, helpful and informative on the nutritional value of the ingredients.  A big thanks to Simon Abboud who is always welcoming when we visit.

Honorable Mention Foods:  Tabouli – a healthy choice of parsley dashed in olive oil and garlic, that is freshly chopped in-house.  Spices right off the vine, and no canned tomatoes here!  It is seasoned with the perfect amount of lemon juice.

Click to enlarge this juicy Kafta, cooking on an open flame

The Kafta Plate – Kafta roasting on an open flame, Jack Frost nipping at your nose.  Served with 2 sides, it is delicious.  Or try Kafta Wrap which is pretty much a beef shawarma, with a kafta beek link for the meat.  Deliciousness on the go.

Speaking of which, it is time for us to go, but before we do….

 

Chef House, The King, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu wish you and your family a safe and wonderful holiday season….

And the Food Adventurers exclaimed as they drove out of sight “Merry Shish-mas to all, and to all a good bite !”

 

Sink your teeth into more Food Adventures HERE ON FACEBOOK !

Check out our photos below from our many trips to Shish Wraps.. If you havent been there, you gotta try it, you won’t believe this shish …

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Endless Pizza at Beavercreek Pizza Dive & **WIN 2 DINNERS**

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Beavercreek Pizza Dive Owner Teresa with Food Adventure’s Chef House on “Housemade Sriracha Night” at the Monday Night Buffet!

Why are crowds packing into the family owned pizzeria in Beavercreek on Monday nights?  The answer is the Beavercreek Pizza Dive’s “All you Can Eat Pizza Buffet Monday’s.”

Want to join in on the fun for FREE?  Then just comment below on this story and one lucky winner will win 2 FREE Buffet Dinners on any Monday night.  You might even be joined by the Food Adventures Crew !  

Sure, we had gotten their delicious pizza to go, but we had not yet been there on buffet night.   For those of you who sneer at buffets, try our no rules approach and you won’t miss out on yet another great foodie attraction.  Housemade Sauces by our own Chef House made a special appearance this past Monday and her Dayton Original Sriracha Sauce was in many of the night’s pizza recipes !  This night was special!   It was a Sriracha Takeover !!!  The result was our being blown away by some of the unique, fresh pizza tastes!  Chef House was also able to help a local dog charity, The Miami Valley Pit Crew, with proceeds from the evening.

For those of you who sneer at buffets, you are missing out on yet another great Food Adventure opportunity.  But there is much more to this place than the Monday night buffet.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The pizza is New York Style, Hand Tossed Pies.  The dough is made fresh daily, and rests for 2 days before it goes into the pizza ovens.

Half B.L.T. Pizza and Half Greek Pizza !!

— Owners J.R. and Teresa Geraci have owned the “dive” approximately 7 years, and are constantly improving their menu.

— The friendly service is as well known as the pizza here.  When we say this is one of the most attentive, friendliest group of workers we have met, we mean it.  It is not uncommon to see regular customers come into the restaurant and  greet the staff with a hug.  There is a family feel environment which is, sadly, rare these days.

— Beavercreek Pizza Dive is located at the corner of Dayton Xenia Rd. and Grange Hall Rd in Beavercreek.

— Dine in customers typically get a complimentary sample of the pretzel or bread bites while waiting for their dinner.

— Other specials include Tuesday buy any pizza and get a cheese pizza free of the same size, and everyday specials announced daily on their FACEBOOK PAGE HERE

— We suspect the eatery was named Beavercreek Pizza Dive, because owner J.R. was a diving coach at Beavercreek… just a hunch

What is to follow is more more than a hunch.  It has been developed after years of research and many trips to the “dive.”

It is our patented “MUST EATS”

 

The 215 Cheesesteak Pizza.. just like a Philly Cheesesteak on a crust !

MUST EATS:

— THE MONDAY NIGHT ALL YOU CAN EAT PIZZA BUFFET: Just $6.99 per person.  Kids under 10 years old eat for $1.99.  The reason we listed this as a “Must Eat,” is that there are specialty pizzas that are not on the menu, but still in experimental phase and only available Monday nights..

For example, THE TACO PIZZA is a “must eat” but is only available on the buffet.  It is topped with pulled pork, lettuce, tomato for a unique spin on a taco pizza.  This is Chef House’s favorite pizza at the dive.  Don’t forget to spice it up with a few squirts of her Housemade Sriracha sauce!

Also, the MAC N’ CHEESE PIZZA is a “must eat,” only available Monday nights on the buffet.  Cheesey, gooey mac-n-cheese, topped with crunchy breadcrumbs, all on top of the Beavercreek Dive’s fresh, hand tossed crust.  It is rich, sinful,and delicious.  The King says “this is probably my favorite menu item.”

 

These Breadstick Bites are the closest thing to 70’s/80’s Noble Roman’s Breadsticks, even down to the cheese dip !

— THE 215 CHEESESTEAK PIZZA : Named for the area code of Philadelphia, this “Philly Cheesesteak Pizza” has it all.  Instead of pizza sauce, they use a cheese sauce.  Oh yes, a thick gooey, creamy cheese sauce and a shaved steak slices.  Other toppings are onions, mushrooms, and a secret house seasoning.  This is the Big Ragu’s favorite pizza at Beavercreek Pizza Dive. Come getcha some. fella !

 

— THE BREAD BITES WITH CHEESE SAUCE: Amazing appetizer that is the closest thing we have found to the old 1970’s-80’s version of Noble Roman’s breadsticks !!  Try them and tell us if they are not strangely reminiscent of a taste thought long gone in Dayton…. But you must get the cheese sauce for dipping to complete the deal !

 

— THE CHEESEBURGER PIZZA:  Who uses mustard instead of pizza sauce?  The Pizza Dive does, and it is an amazing take on pizza.  After the mustard sauce goes on, the pizza is topped with ground beef, tomoatoes, onion, and bacon.  It is even topped with ketchup and cheddar cheese.  They need to rename it the BACON CHEESEBURGER pizza, because that is exactly what it tastes like.  This was one of our  “daaaamnnn” faces for sure, when we tried this one.  Extreme flavor?  You got it here.

 

Taco Pizza (left) and Cheeseburger Pizza (right)

— THE B. L. T. PIZZA:  Love your bacon lettuce and tomato sandwiches?  Then try this pizza with no pizza sauce, just olive oil.  It is then sprinkled with partial pieces of bacon and cheese.  the last step is adding the cold flavors of mayo, lettuce and tomato.  Open up and say ahhh.  The crunch of the bacon and lettuce is an undeniable pleasure in life.  If it drips down your chin, we won’t tell anybody, just save us a piece, ok ?

 

— HAWAIIAN PIZZA: For all you exotic types, we have found your next  love. Maybe it is the crust, maybe it is the pineapple, bacon and ham.  Or is it the final touch of cheddar cheese?  We just know the end result is a ‘luau in your mouth.’  Whether you dine in or “lei” on your couch and eat this pizza, it is a great tasting, satisfying pie !  The King was a big fan of this pizza.

 

The Real Deal Steak Sandwich. Shaved slices of steak with all the works…

— THE REAL-DEAL STEAK SANDWICH:  Oven baked subs, with the buns brushed with an olive oil/buttery combination.   Served glistening and piping hot, you gotta be careful of you could burn your tongue.  We did anyway, and didn’t care because it is so good, we couldn’t wait to dig in.   It is hard to put into words the creamy feel, yet bold flavor of this sandwich.  It is shaved steak and cheese, not a frozen patty.  The peppers, onions and mushrooms are the perfect finish to this masterpiece on a bun.   It  was so good, we found ourselves daydreaming the next day about it.  The Big Ragu highly recommends this sub. It’s a foodie’s paradise!

 

— CINNAMON SUGAR BREAD BITES with HOMEMADE FROSTING DIP:  These are like Bigfoot.  Rarely seen.  They usually are an extra-special treat, brought out by the staff with the homemade cream cheese frosting dip.  They are so labor intensive that offering it on the menu would back up the kitchen and ruin everything.  Although, these bites are so good.. if you find them, your table will be mobbed like ours was !!

 

Click to Enlarge the ultra rare sight of “Cinnamon Bread Bites”

Honorable Mention:  THE ITALIAN CALZONE was pretty good, and the buttery glaze they brush the calzone crust with is simply divine.   THE BOMBER is the double layered crust pizza that is a meat lover’s pie.  It is a massive pizza where the toppings are inside, and there is crust on top and on the bottom.   Also, THE HANDMADE PRETZELS are a kid pleaser and adults love them too !

Note: The cookies and rice krispie treats are a nice distraction.  Although the sign says they have them, they  have not sold cannoli for a while, but if you order the cinnamon bites mentioned above, you won’t miss them.

Check out the incredible photo gallery below of mouth watering photos from our various visits to the Beavercreek Pizza Dive.  Whether you get a pie to go, or visit Monday night’s buffet, you better dive on in here and get some of their MUST EATS !  Better yet, get it for free…. (see below).

 **** NOW WHO WANTS FREE PIZZA ???  ****  To enter the contest, all you have to do is comment on the article below and tell us why you want 2 Free Monday Night Buffets at Beavercreek Pizza Dive.  One winner will be chosen at random next week.  The Food Adventures Crew may even join you for dinner!  One comment per person, please !!

 

Follow the four Food Adventurers: Chef House, The King, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu on FACEBOOK HERE.  “Like” them on Facebook, love them in your heart.

Tweet Tweet @food_adv

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The Top 25 Soups of Dayton

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Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup from Fresco – Click to Enlarge

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

 

In no particular order, here they are…

DAYTON’S TOP 25 SOUPS

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

The Lobster Bisque at the Deli at Webster Street is delicious

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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Video Proof: Amber Rose Restaurant is Haunted !

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The Ghost that Haunts The Amber Rose

First and foremost, The Amber Rose Restaurant has some of the most delicious comfort food in Dayton.  This eatery has some terrific Eastern European style food.  But there is a spooky side to this place on 1400 Valley Street in Dayton.  Yes, this Food Adventure fright comes right in time for Halloween.  That’s right, Big Ragu and the Crew have the inside scoop on the The Amber Rose.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The building was built in 1912 by Sigmunt Ksiezopolski and was a general store through the 1980’s

— In 1989 Elinor Sluzas bought the building and opened the Amber Rose a year later.   The menu was her own Lithuanian recipes, and her twists on Eastern European favorites.

— Named Amber Rose for the Amber jewels mined in Lithuania and Northern Europe, and Rose symbolizing love and compassion.

— in 1998, owner Joe Castellano bought the restaurant, and still uses Elinor’s recipes.  The entire staff is very friendly.

— Practically every item is homemade.  This is a restaurant that does things the way it should be… from scratch.  If it isn’t made ‘in-house,’ it is bought from local vendors.

— The Amber Rose does a lot of catering for business events, weddings, etc.  In fact, it is the largest part of their business.

— Banquet Room upstairs, and a meeting room as well, allows an option for wedding receptions, or a private Food Adventure (stay tuned)

 

HERE’S THE SCARY:

Longtime Server Aimee who shared the ghost video with Amber Rose Owner Joe Castellano

— The Amber Rose and its story appear in the book “Haunted Ohio III”

— The daughter of the original owner of the building is said to haunt the main level and upstairs of Amber Rose.  Her name is Genevieve Ksiezopolski, and is also known as “Chickie.”

— Long time waitress Aimee has witnessed glasses flying off the shelves

— Owner Joe Castellano has seen lights and fans turned on in the upstairs office, after he had turned them off.

— One of the restaurant cooks claimed to have seen the ghostly apparition of Genevieve aka “Chickie.”  He says the spirit was in front of him, then lifted up her ruffled dress slightly, and walked out of the room.  Now comes the unexplainable part…. There are security cameras throughout the restaurant including the kitchen.  When the management heard the cook’s story, they decided to pull up the surveillance tape.  What they saw was a small, bright, white orb enter, circle and leave the room at the same exact time the cook said he saw the ghost.  Eerie.. Is it proof of a ghost, or just a coincidence?

 HERE IS THE VIDEO: YOU BE THE JUDGE  –

— Paranormal investigators visit the restaurant each year and claim that a second ghost, named Richard, inhabits the basement.

 

MUST EATS:

— DELUXE POTATO PANCAKES:  This appetizer is covered in cheddar-jack cheese, bacon and scallions.  The crispy circles are and served with sour cream, for a rich indulgence you wont soon forget.

— ELINOR’S SIGNATURE TURTLE SOUP:  An amazing must eat!  If you have never had turtle soup, don’t be afraid.  It is a cross between vegetable soup and chili.  We challenge anyone to try a cup and tell us it is not delicious.

— PIEROGI & ONIONS:  This “old country” favorite is a rarity in Dayton.  Amber Rose does it right.  Homemade pierogi dumplings with sauteed onions, served with a side of cream cheese.  If you have never had pierogies, they are dumplings filled with potato.  It makes for a rich, filling comfort food, and a favorite in Poland.

— THE TRADITIONAL REUBEN:  Stacked high with thinly sliced corn beef, the sandwich is then topped with sauerkraut.  Condiments slapped on include 1000 island dressing and swiss cheese.  The finishing touch is grilling the rye bread.  A Food Adventure on a plate, indeed.

— THE WARSAW MEDLEY: This dish features four of the restaurants specialties.  First, the CABBAGE ROLLS, which are one of the best selling items at the restaurant.  The dish also features a sausage link, HOMEMADE SAUSAGE, so it is the real deal!  Thirdly, the SAUERKRAUT.  Now listen, we are picky on our sauerkraut and The Big Ragu says this sweet recipe is the best sauerkraut he has ever eaten.  It is a Lithuanian spin on German Sauerkraut, and has less of a “sour bite.”

Like Reuben Sandwiches? Try The Amber Rose version on for size….

— THE HUNTER SCHNITZEL SANDWICH: Hand breaded with pretzels.. need we say more?  The pork loin is then golden fried, and served on  a hoagie bun with lettuce, tomato, onion and dark mustard.   Opt for the Hunter Dinner instead, served with no bread, but covered in a creamy mustard sauce.. all homemade !

— ANNUAL “OKTOBERFEST”:  During the month of October, your first draft beer is 10 cents, and the ones after are $1.50.

 Honorable Mention:  Two other favorites include the Polish Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms and the German Bier Cheese Dip served with pretzels and rye bread.

We recommend stopping by this incredible unique and lovable restaurant.  Become enchanted by the old world menu, and the savory dishes.   The food is complimented by the atmosphere of stained glass accent windows and tin ceilings for a European Cafe feel.

Get some spirits at the bar and maybe say hello to the spirit known as “Chickie.”  Remember, roses are amber, violets are blue, eat the delicious food and you may get a BOO!  Happy Halloween, Foodies !

Want more scoop and killer pictures of the Miami Valley’s best food places?  Then  follow Food Adventures with Hungry Jax, Chef House, The King and the Big Ragu on Facebook by clicking HERE.  We are not food critics, we just love to eat!   Check  back for our weekly articles on Dayton Most Metro, where we share the best local eats with our fellow Daytonians!

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Chicken Louie’s Resurrected in Miamisburg Subby’s + Wing Dinner Giveaway!

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Chicken Louie’s is BAAACK !

A 50 year old Dayton business thought closed forever, is making a big comeback in a Miamisburg Super Subby’s Restaurant.  The return of Chicken Louie’s menu in Dayton has area foodies going beserk.   The fever has hit the Food Adventures Crew, and we have made 3 visits so far.  Guess what, we were very impressed!

HISTORY: Since 1958, Chicken Louie’s has been delighting crowds with their food.  Many of you may remember Chicken Louie’s and  Lou’s Broaster Hut that were located on N. Main and on Third Streets with “take out only” format.  They were 24 hour places and people drove in from miles around to get the goods.  In 2001, the N. Main Street location closed briefly then was re-opened when Lou sold the store to Joe Beach.  That store was in business until November 2008, when  Daytonians had their hearts broken, and it closed.  Then on January 30th, 2014 Chicken Louie’s was relaunched in a partnership inside Subby’s Miamisburg location.  Sadly, Louie passed away in 2012 and was not able to see the re-opening of his brand.  We think he would be proud of the results, and now thousands of Dayton residents can once again GET THEIR CHICKEN  LOUIE FIX !!

Click to Enlarge these Broasted Potatoes to Huge, Buttery Proportions

Speaking of getting your fix, we have a **CONTEST** where you can do just that!  You can win a DINNER with the Food Adventure Crew by commenting on the story below.  One winner will be chosen at random next week.  One comment per person, please.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Located inside Super Subbys in Miamisburg at 1242 E. Central Ave.

— Customers think the secret to Chicken Louie’s incredible chicken is the Broasting Process.. What is Broasting?  It is a patented process of deep frying the chicken in a pressure cooker.  The result is perfectly moist, breaded chicken every time.

— The REAL SECRET to Chicken Louie’s Chicken,  according to Joe Beach, is the special way he marinates the chicken before the cooking process.  Whatever the reason, we cant get enough!

— The menu is limited and not the full blown Chicken Louie’s menu.  But all the favorites are back like wings, legs, breasts, broasted potatoes, and those pies !!!

— The location also serves a full Subby’s menu.  Subby’s is a Dayton Original sandwich shop, and one of our favorites.

 — This dual concept is the only one in Dayton, but Joe Beach is looking for investors to open other “partnership” locations

 

Broasted Wings Tossed in Hot Buffalo Sauce

Broasted Wings Tossed in Hot Buffalo Sauce. Ragu says Mild BBQ Sauce is the Best

Now lets sink our teeth into the new Chicken Louie’s, with the same great taste we know and love.  We will also point out a few Subby’s favorites along the way !

Without further delay, here are this week’s MUST EATS, the best foods at Chicken Louie’s / Subby’s , that will never lay an egg….

 

CHICKEN LOUIE’S MUST EATS:

— THE BROASTED POTATOES:  Cooked perfectly, and sliced with the patented crinkle cut, these potatoes are drizzled in a spiced butter sauce.  The hot, steaming potatoes are like huge fries (about 1/5 of a potato).  If you have never had them,  we suggest you run right now and get some.  We don’t care if you are in your jammies.  This is truly something to experience and a Food Adventure Must Eat.

—THE BROASTED CHICKEN BREASTS:  Juicy, large on the breast bone, cooked perfectly every time through the broasting process.  The crunchiness of the breading is amazing.  Our “The King” says this is his favorite.  He says forgo tossing it in the sauce, it tastes so good it doesn’t need it.

The man responsible for bringing Chicken Louie’s back: Joe Beach

— THE BROASTED WINGS:  You can have them broasted (plain), mild BBQ, Medium BBQ, Hot BBQ or Hot Buffalo.  The Big Ragu says “get your wings tossed in a sauce, it’s the best way to have them!  You dark meat freaks will be happy to know that Chicken Louie’s also offers chicken legs made in the same options.

 — PEANUT BUTTER PIE: The lightest, creamiest peanut butter pie you will ever taste.  It is a dream in every fork full, and our mouth is watering while we write this.  For you chicken loving guys, get your girlfriend in the door by getting her to to try this pie.. You will have a free pass to Chicken Louie’s from there on out.

— SWEET POTATO PIE: One-of-a-kind Dayton Original.  This pie is so delicate, it is like a slice of pumpkin pie.  But it is sweet potato pie.  We have never had anything like this.  Amazing and a must eat for any real Dayton foodie.

 

As you now know,  Chicken Louie’s is inside a Subby’s restaurant in Miamisburg.  We couldn’t ignore this Dayton based sandwich chain, that has been in town since 1978.   We had to give Subby’s some love.  We won’t ruffle any feathers with these MUST EATS…

 

SUBBY’S MUST EATS:

— SUBBYS CHILI:  We know of no other place in town that dumps chunks of freshly sliced provolone and mushrooms into your chili.  the end result is phenomenal.  Cold days like today make it a perfect time for this tasty Miami Valley treat.

— THE TURKEY & PEPPERONI SUB:  A bizarre combination that just works.  Maybe it’s the bun, maybe the mayo or the Subby’s toppings.  We don’t know, when we find out, we will have our people get with your people and fill you in.

Subby’s Tuna Sub is a Must Eat !

— THE TUNA SUB:  Definitely one of the top tuna subs in Dayton.  The Big Ragu likes his tuna sub cold, but it comes in a hot version for you people who like to see that provolone melt.  This sandwich is just damn good.. period.

— SUBBYS BIG FISH:  Deep fried fish patty with tartar sauce and all the toppings.  Whe you take a bite, the hot fresh bread mix with the fish is amazing.  Very filling, it is a perfect cure to your hunger.

 

The moral of this story is: Chicken Louie’s is back for those who have missed it.  It is back, just the way you remembered it.   It is rare that a lost food icon returns to Dayton.  They even have the dinner rolls and serve it in aluminum foil.  Enjoy this rebirth of a Dayton Original!

NOW WHO WANTS A FREE CHICKEN DINNER ??? * COMMENT BELOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN DINNER WITH THE FOOD ADVENTURES  CREW!  One person will be drawn at random.

If you have never tried Louie’s menu, “Don’t be Chicken.”  After all, why did the chicken cross the road?  To get to Chicken Louie’s in Miamisburg, of course….

Also – If you want the coolest photos and scoop on Dayton’s eats, don’t be chicken and “LIKE” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here !

Check out our photo gallery below from our multiple trips to Chicken Louie’s !

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Top Dog: Zombie Dogz Food Truck Still Leading the Pack

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“New Dog #2” Zombie Dogz Latest Pup!

Who waits in a line 70 yards long for a hot dog?   The answer is a lot of people in the Dayton area, as long as they are waiting for a Zombie Dog. In fact, with over 16,000 “Likes” on Facebook, this food truck is nothing short of a phenomenon!  Since Food Adventures with Big Ragu and the Crew are frequent visitors to this traveling delight, we decided to spread the word amongst our foodie readers!  Hungry Jax even marked this territory as one of her “Top Five Eats in Dayton” so no one has had more Zombie Dogz than us …

With Halloween approaching and The Walking Dead Zombie show starting back up, it is the perfect time for a Zombie Dogz Food Adventure  article!

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Zombie Dogz is a food truck that takes hot dogs to a gourmet level with their unique toppings and handcrafted side dishes.

— Mom and pop establishment founded in 2012 by David and Lee Ann Van Artsdalen. They recently welcomed the newest member of their family this spring, baby Barrett Axel!

 

 

— Budget friendly at only $6/dog, you’ll be able to feed your own pack a hot dog that’s been grilled, tucked into a grilled bun and topped with combinations that will make you howl in delight!

The Van Artsdalen Pack” – Lee Ann, David and Baby Barrett Axell

— Not a carnivore? No worries! They offer tofu dog’s as a substitute.

— In the “ZD” logo, you’ll see the silhouette of David and Lee Ann’s dog, “Gauge”!  He even has a Zombie Dog named after him, the “Killer Gauge”.

 

Zombie Dogz offers up hot dogs that will surely make you salivate! You can find a full menu on their website, however they rotate it weekly to offer a wide variety.  To see what Specialty Dogz are offered this week, and to stay on top of their latest creations, tune into their Facebook page HERE.   They have so many delicious dogz, that it’s hard to nail it down to a few faves….. but we did.  Here are our top dogz aka Must Eats !!

 

MUST EATS:

— CALLING IN DEAD: There’s nothing dead about this dog. An all beef hot dog topped with a creamy homemade white truffle mac & cheese  and finished off with crumbled crackers.  It’s your childhood in a bun…. but better.

— THE DEAD DIXIE: This pup is covered in diced green apples, applewood smoked bacon, blue cheese crumbles and their signature bbq sauce! A great way to eat all of your food groups in just one bun!

— THE GERMANATOR (DAYTON OKTOBERFEST SPECIAL):  Topped with a braised beef brisket, crispy fried onions and a homemade beer cheese. This dog would surely satisfy the appetite of a former Governor of California!

“Calling in Dead”: Your childhood in a bun.

— NEW DOG #2:  It’s not uncommon for one of their new masterpieces to debut nameless. Zombie Dogz enlists their Facebook followers to take part of the naming process! This dog debuted at Oktoberfest as well. Topped with apple cider braised carnitas, spiced apples, arugula, butternut squash puree, and a sage crumble.  It is simply Autumn deliciousness, with toppings Chef House can appreciate.

— THE NIBBLER:- An American classic turned Zombie! This is their take on a coney is topped in homemade chili, diced red onions, mustard, and muenster cheese.  The King likes to tear into these like a dead walker into fresh meat!

— KILLER GAUGE – Named after their beloved dog, this hot dog is topped with a buffalo chicken dip, celery bits, blue cheese and ranch.

 Honorable Mention: THE GRANDE ZOMBE: Pronounced “Grand-ay, zom-bay,” this spicy little number includes queso sauce, shredded lettuce, cilantro sour cream, and crushed corn chips.  We like to heat up the night with this graveyard favorite.  Also, check out Big Ragu’s favorite, the dessert Zombie Dog called the “RED ROCKET” which is a banana in a bun  covered with peanut butter powder, stawberry jelly, white chocolate chips and pop rocks ! 

 **** IMPORTANT: Not every one of these Zombie Dogz are offered all the time.  They typically offer a few choices and rotate those throughout the year.  David and Lee Ann are always coming up with new flavors, so stay tuned.

 

“Dead Dixie”: Bacon, Apple and Blue Cheese Bliss.

From festivals, to food truck rallies, horror conventions, Oktoberfest or special single appearances, Zombie Dogz delivers the goods.  Our advice when they are around .. GET THERE EARLY, because this food truck is anything but dead.  They are easily the most popular food truck in Dayton.  Is it the Zombie Name?  Is it the one of a kind, unique toppings?  Is it the reasonable prices? The great customer service? For us, it’s all of the above!

The question we hear most is “Where can I find a schedule of where they are going to be?”  The answer is to stay updated through the Food Truck link on  Dayton Most Metro or follow Zombie Dogz on their Facebook  page. 

Speaking of Facebook, follow our new Food Adventure Crew with Hungry Jax, Chef House, The King, and the Big Ragu on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Cant get enough Zombie Dogz?  Then check out the photo gallery below for our huge collection of  pictures.  Food Adventures has some fantastic photos of many of their offerings!

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El Herradura Restaurant: Great Mexican Seafood Dishes & More

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Seafood Dishes like “Mariscos Acapulco” are ‘Must Eats’ at El Herradura Restaurant

Whether you like the authentic Taqueira style Mexican food, or the somewhat Americanized Tex-Mex food found around town, you can find both options at El Herradura Restaurant.

Food Adventures with Big Ragu and the Crew have visited this spot on Upper Valley Pike in Springfield a couple of times.  We have been there when it is packed, been there when they had Mariachi Bands, and been there on a quiet Sunday afternoon.   One night Dayton Most Metro’s own Lisa Grigsby from Dayton Dining even joined us!  So this article takes all angles into account.

The menu is extensive, and we’ve tried many dishes.  Sure, we can give honorable mention to their delicious queso and salsa, but let’s dig deeper.  We discovered some secret offerings that you can take advantage of everyday.   But,  in our opinion, when it comes to this menu, seafood is king !

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Located at 1236 Upper Valley Pike in Springfield and open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

— They have a large outdoor patio deck with decorative umbrella tables, and a fun atmosphere

If you get a Taco, get it “Paul’s Way”

— Mom and Pop Restaurant owned by husband and wife Paul and Yadira DePuy.   Yadira is a native of Mexico, while Paul grew up in Springfield.  The menu reflects some of Yadira’s family recipes and some of Paul’s food loves.

— Large Bar area that is perfect for happy hour or “just drinks” nights.

— HD TV’s throughout the Dining Room for Sporting Events !

 

We made our way through the literally hundred options on the El Herradura menu and now we point you toward the best stuff on the menu ..

Get ready Dayton foodies,  here is your  “Must Eats!”

 

MUST EATS:

— BLUE CADILLAC MARGARITA:  This is actually a “must drink,” that packs a powerful punch.  We found this to be our favorite margarita.   In fact “The King” loved it.  His expertise in Margaritas goes back to his Air Force days in Texas!  The berry flavor is delicious.  Beware: this potent potion is a served in a big margarita glass.  Make sure if you order it, that you eat something, or you will be run over by the Blue Cadillac !

“Tilapia Cancun” at El Herradura Restaurant: You gotta try it !

—CANCUN TILAPIA: Grilled, Whole Tilapia served with rice, beans.  One of the Big Ragu’s favorite’s.  Exotic, delicious and the fish is very tender and delicate.   The filet meat slides right off the bone.  Sure, you have a whole fish on your plate, but are you a Food Adventurer or not ?  Impress your amigos, by ordering this eye catching plate.   The taste will have you hooked, pun intended.

— MARISCOS ACAPULCO: Grilled scallops, grilled shrimp, and pan seared imitation crab served on a hot fajita plate with mango, Mexican rice, lettuce, pico de gallo and guacamole.  It is creamy and delicious.  One of those meals you can’t stop eating, even when you are full.

— TACO’ S PAUL’S WAY:  This is a little known secret that is not on the menu.  It is how many of the employees and owners eat their tacos.. the authentic way.  Paul’s Way Taco’s are served  on soft corn tortillas, with your choice of meat, chopped onions, cilantro and fresh limes.  There is no cheese on this one.  Listen Gringo, these tacos are the real deal, and it is how they serve ’em up South of the border.  We suggest the chorizo meat or chicken meat in the tacos.  Get an authentic taste of Mexico City, and you don’t need a passport.

— SEAFOOD CHIMICHANGA:  Pan seared scallops, shrimp, and a cheese sauce, rolled inside a tortilla.  The Chimichanga is not huge, we could have ordered two of them.  Your friends will have a fork in your plate looking for a taste, but tell them to scram, Vamoose !  They can get their own.  This seafood chimichanga ranks among the top of all time.

Owners Yadira and Paul, DePuy, a true “Mom and Pop” Restaurant !

— SEAFOOD MOLCAJETE: Fish, Scallops, and shrimp served in a bowl with red, yellow and green bell peppers. onions, cheese, rice, tomato, lettuce and sour cream.  The pile of seafood is delicious and they’re tagline is “more shrimp than you can eat.”  This is a Food Adventure dish for sure !

— FRIED BANANA BURRITO:  Banana lovers will crave this sweet dessert.  It is like bananas foster in a blanket.  Pan seared bananas, wrapped in a tortilla then fried.  It is finished with drizzles of chocolate, caramel and cinnamon.  Not a large burrito, the size is just perfect for a delicious end to your meal, muchacho.

 

Springfield has a new El Hefe (boss) in town.  Take our lead, hit up the seafood dishes and the Paul’s way Taco’s.  Our list of Must Eat’s won’t disappoint.   Whether you live in the Springfield area, or are passing through, make El Herradura your destination for a meal, soon.  Have a cold Dos Equis on tap for us!

As we leave Springfield and get back on the road, we say to you .. ADIOS AMIGOS, see you next week…

Want more food photos and insight on Dayton’s best Food Adventures??  Then shake your maracas, and “like” Food Adventures with Big Ragu and the Crew HERE !

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