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Yaffa Grill: Our New Favorite Spot

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Marinated Chicken on the Yaffa Grill

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

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

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

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

MUST EATS:

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Dates, and other produce at Yaffi Market in West Carrollton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Hot House! Local Chef Heats Things Up With New Sriracha Sauce

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Hot stuff in Dayton

Dayton Chef LeeAnne House, with her Housemade Sriracha Sauce !

We’ve got the boss with the hot sauce right here!  Want to heat up your Food Adventures at home?  Then look no further.

Local chef, our own LeeAnne House has made her mark in the kitchens of upscale area restaurants. Now she is out on her own, with a new company called Housemade.  Her first bottled product is a popular one, called Housemade Sriracha Sauce. She started experimenting with new sauces in her apartment kitchen and the batches grew, and so did the demand.  Now she has taken her saucy self corporate.

Believe it or not, sriracha is a style of sauce, and not a brand name.  We are all familiar with that plastic bottle with the rooster and green spout.  This gives that sauce a kick in the pants.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— LeeAnne grew up in the food industry.  Her parents at one time owned various restaurants like Lincoln Park Grille, Oregon Express, and others.  LeeAnne worked her way up from bussing tables to chief hottie.

bottling plant

Bottles of Housemade Sriracha, Ready to be Labeled

— The sauce took a year and a half to perfect.  Originally home cooked and home produced, she is now off  to the big time with the same, natural recipe.  Food Adventures have been trying her home batch sriracha sauces for months, so we are especially happy to see her recent success.

— This sauce won 1st prize in the 2014 Louisiana Cajun Hot Sauce Festival, for the best specialty chili sauce, and is being blogged about nationally from California to Nashville.  Foodies and Food Adventurers agree, it’s fantastic!

— A bottle of this sauce goes a long way, good thing there is a 2 year shelf life.

 

WHY IS THIS SAUCE A MUST EAT?

— FLAVOR:  That is the most important thing, right?  Not just heat for the sake of heat, but good flavor is what a sauce is all about.  Housemade Sriracha is sweeter, hotter and meaner than the sriracha you are used to.   There is a good amount of tang and zing to get your tastebuds rolling.

 — ALL PEPPERS in this sauce are Thai Chili Peppers, and the sauce has NO STEMS.  This is huge, because most mass produced sauces have stems ground into them, thereby changing the flavor of the sauce.  Housemade keeps the flavor truer to the pepper itself with the tedious process of stem removal.

— NATURAL INGREDIENTS:  We wont give away the recipe, just read the side of the label for the natural ingredients.  Did we mention it is vegan and gluten-free ?

— LOCALLY MADE – Whenever possible local ingredients are used, local farmers, and the sauce is assembled from Dayton to Chillicothe.  Hello, support local, buy local.  Expect different sauces from Housemade in the future !

 

The Big Ragu knows you can get Housemade Sriracha at Foremost Seafood

The Big Ragu knows where to get Housemade Sriracha, and now, you do too !

The Big Ragu loves the sauce on chili, shrimp, wings and anything mexican (nachos, tacos, tortas, burritos and sopes).

LITE BITES: Try the sriracha on egg white omelettes, roasted veggies, homemade vegetable soups, and quinoa.

 

Housemade Sriracha Sauce has made its way into local restaurants and has been appearing on specials at Lily’s Bistro, and pizzas at  Oregon Express to name a couple.  We expect more locally owned restaurants to follow this trend.  In fact, the demand has been so good, that a second batch has already gone into production.

 

WHERE CAN YOU BUY THE BOTTLES OF HOUSEMADE SRIRACHA?

— Arrow Wine & Spirits

— Clash Consignments

— Eclectic Essentials

— Foremost Seafood

— Healthy Alternative Markets

— The Spice Rack

— Yankee Street Market

 

In more ways than one, it is the hottest product in Dayton.  Housemade Sriracha, we love you, you hot thang you ….

Speaking of hotness, check out Food Adventures on Facebook  and “like” them HERE

Also, see more of LeeAnne and her hot sauce in the photo gallery below!

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A Second Helping of .. KABUKI

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Fresh Salmon and Fresh Tuna at Kabuki: Test Your Food Adventure Limits

“Please, sir, I want some more.”  —Oliver Twist

Food Adventures has a new, original feature called a “Second Helping of…” 

Food Adventures already sets itself apart from the rest, because we dine at a place many times before an article materializes on Dayton Most Metro.   From time to time, we will revisit some of our favorite Miami Valley eateries, and let you know about new specialty items that are delicious, or standard fare that you “gotta try.”   This is not a recycling of an old article, but some new takes on the menu.  You can still expect the same killer “food porn” photos, and “must eats.”

This time, we dive into one of our all-time favorite Food Adventure spots.   So sit down, pull yourself to the table, and enjoy a second helping of.. KABUKI !

You may recall our original article on Kabuki Korean and Japanese Restaurant, in Centerville, if not CLICK HERE.   The restaurant continues to ‘pack em in’, and has a loyal following, like no other sushi spot in the Dayton area.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Del Sot Bibimbob: A Korean Dish

— Located at 848 S. Main St. in Centerville, the menu is mostly Japanese, with a touch of Korean specialties as well

— The secret to this restaurant’s success is fresh, delicious food.  The kitchen area and sushi bar are immaculate.  We believe that a clean environment is especially important when serving raw food.  It also shows respect for the art of sushi !

— Pay attention and save with coupon specials through email, mail and facebook!

— Warning, peak hours may become crowded in this cozy, tight dining room.

 

Kabuki is a perfect place to get out of your comfort zone and experience a true Food Adventure.   Try something new and wild.  This is the spot to do it !  We have ordered almost everything on the menu and love theses sushi rolls: Boston Roll, Playboy Roll, Mexican Roll, Rock N Roll Roll, and the Spider Roll, along with some other favorites:

 MUST EATS:

Tuna Tataki: Seared for Your Pleasure

— SHRIMP TEMPURA ROLL:  A must eat for the sushi beginner.  The roll is stuffed with cooked, fried shrimp. What’s not to love?

— DEL SOT BIBIMBOB:  From the Korean menu, this is a true Food Adventure pick.  The dish is served in a hot stone bowl.  It includes mixed vegetables& beef served over steamed rice , all topped with a fried egg.  It is served with a side of hot & spicy sauce.  Big Ragu liked it so much, he actually danced and sang a new Hanson  song “MMM Bibimbob.”

— RAW SALMON (SAKE):  This is a slice of uncooked salmon on top of rice.  Yes it is raw, but drip some soy and wasabi on it, and it melts in your mouth.  We don’t know the secret, but Kabuki has some of the tastiest salmon in town.  We just keep coming back for more.

— RAW TUNA (MAGURO): A raw piece of tuna, over a small ball of rice.  So hearty, it is almost like a piece of steak.  So full of protein, one bite will make you feel nourished and alive.  For $2.75 per piece, it is an exotic delicacy.

— ATLANTIC ROLL: A seafood lovers dream, with specialties from the ocean.  This roll is filled with spicy tuna, shrimp tempura, & avocado.   On top of the roll is snapper and wasabi sauce.   Grab a pair of chopsticks and work some magic.

Honorable Mention: Not in the mood for experimenting?  Then try the Chicken Teryaki or Katsu Chicken Meal, guaranteed to please the “meat and potato” types who love BBQ Chicken.

 

With healthy eating a concern to so many people, we will share a favorite menu item that will keep you bathing suit ready .. Wear it to the restaurant, we don’t care.

LITE BITES:

Kabuki: One of Dayton’s Best

 — TUNA TATAKI:  This ‘must eat’ is big on taste, light on calories.  It is a plate of seared, ahi tuna, splashed with a citrus vinegar sauce.  A cross between cooked and raw, this dish is a simple ‘back to the basics’ taste of sushi.  The fresh tuna is healthy and pleasing to the tastebuds, which makes it a win-win combination.

 

Looking for a great lunch or dinner option that isn’t the same old thing?  Then take advantage of the offerings at Kabuki like we do, and have yourself your own Japanese and Korean Food Adventure.  You will not be disappointed.  With a website name like EatAtKabuki.com, you know this stuff is good.

Want more good stuff from Food Adventures?  Then join the thousands following these “foodies in their forties” on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Check out our Kabuki photos below for some of the most incredible food in the Gem City.

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New Menu, New Staff at Bella Vino! **Win a $20 Gift Certificate**

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Hello Baked Brie

Up close look at the Baked Brie

Bella Vino in Springboro, isn’t your average wine store.  Sure, they have all the chardonnays, merlots, and syrahs one could dream of.  But now, they have kicked it up a notch.

Under new management, Bella Vino brought in Chef Jen Anticoli, who has introduced some dishes that are fabulous when paired with wine, or even just dining on the patio.  The Big Ragu & Crew are all about good eats outdoors.  If you are the same way, then Bella Vino will quickly become one of your favorite spots for a Food Adventure

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Bella Vino Wine Merchants is open Mon 4-10pm Tues-Thurs 11:30am -10pm, Fri and Sat 11:30am-midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.  They even have a location in West Chester.

— Perfect place for patio drinks and dining.  The spacious, outside dining area is a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere.  The inside dining room is sleek and contemporary, with a capacity of 80 people.

— Up and coming chef, Jen Anticoli has revamped the menu and added her personal spin on some Italian dishes and more.

— Bella Vino has over 1400 wines to choose from, and is frequently running specials on various brands.

— Summer is bringing new events to Bella Vino, such as “Party on the Patio Nights”, with the kitchen setting up a grill outside.

— Look for more menu expansions like “Strawberry Muscato Lemonade” and Gourmet Subs

Chef Jen Anticoli

Chef Jen Anticoli of Bella Vino

 

We were impressed by the food, and it definitely satisfied our Food Adventure instincts.   Of all the menu items, The Big Ragu did have some favorites.   So let us present, without further adoo, our infamous “must eats!”

 

MUST EATS:

— GOAT CHEESE CRUSTINI:  Creamy, sweet and full of flavor, the fresh tomatoes and goat cheese combine amazingly.  The Big Ragu will go on record, that this is his favorite crustini of all-time !  The sauces and spices added make this a definite ‘must eat,’ and perfect with any wine.  The secret ingredient?   Pistachio Crumbles for the finishing touch.

— CARMEL NUT BAKED BRIE:  Served freshly baked and still steaming, this brie is a delicious starter.  Garnished with berries and nuts, drizzled with honey, and served with bread and crackers, it is a great segway for any vino ! We think you will be hard pressed to share this killer appetizer.

— BAKED POTATO PIZZA:  Flaky crust with toppings that perfectly mimics a good potato skin, this pie is filling for even the big appetites.   Made with chopped garlic, mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, onions and a sour cream drizzle, we bet you can’t eat just one square.

— BLT PIZZA:  This white sauce pizza is a good twist on an old favorite using spinach instead of lettuce.  Bacon is all the rage, right?  Get your fix on this pie.  Toppings include and tomato, bacon, cheddar-jack cheese and garlic mayo.  We don’t know what kind of wine goes, with a BLT, we just eat the damn thing…..

Delicious

The BLT Pizza at Bella Vino. Click to Enlarge

We were pleasantly surprised at the food offerings at Bella Vino and look for more great things to some.  Chef Jen is starting to carve a name for herself with a style all her own.  Her unique flavors and ingredients make her a diamond in the rough of the Miami Valley’s culinary landscape.

Make sure you check out this little known secret located at 495 N. Main Street in Springboro.  Bella Vino may mean “Good Wine” in Italian, but now it can be known for its good food as well.

 

Want to learn about more good food and ‘secret’ dining spots from Food Adventures with The Big Ragu and Crew?  Then  like them on Facebook by clicking HERE !

Follow us on TWITTER here …

*** WIN A $20 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO BELLA VINO ***

To be entered, just comment below on the story, and tell us why you want the gift certificate.  One winner will be chosen at random.

Don’t forget to check out our incredible photo gallery below from our visits to Bella Vino !!
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Greater Dayton Derby Slated for Friday May 9th ! **TICKET CONTEST**

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1978883_10202275449180622_1974282046_nHow can you help support a local charity, have a blast, and even get a chance at winning some cash and prizes?   Then get a ticket to the Greater Dayton Derby being held May 9th at 7 pm at the IUE/CWA Hall on Woodman Dr..

The Greater Dayton Apartment Association’s charity The Rent Foundation is hosting this extravaganza.  You can tell your friends that you helped house a family.  Dont’ miss your chance to help real families in the Miami Valley.

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE RENT FOUNDATION. 

What is the Rent Foundation ?   Founded in 1993,  it is a charitable organization that helps families pay their rent during times of crisis.  This charity settles apartment debt for families who
through unforeseen tragedies or illness are unable to pay their monthly rent.  Won’t you help them prevent homelessness, one family at a time?

 

WHAT: THE GREATER DAYTON DERBY (Bet Cash/Win Cash on Horse Races on the Big Screen)

WHEN: FRIDAY NIGHT, MAY 9th at 7pm

WHERE:  IUE/CWA Hall at 1675 WOODMAN DRIVE (2 doors down from the Root Beer Stande)

WHAT ELSE:  Pull tabs, and Dozens of Raffle Prizes to be won !

COST: $15 for admission includes endless beer, food and soft drinks – call (937) 293-1170 to buy tickets, or buy them at the door – OVER 21 event !539423_378565478884173_1572925879_n

 

 

Our Food Adventure guys, The Big Ragu & the Crew  are donating 2 tickets to this event for one lucky winner !

To have a chance at the 2 free tickets, please comment on this story below.  One winner will be chosen at random next week.   SEE YOU AT THE FINISH LINE !!

Corleone’s: A Menu You Can’t Refuse

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The Manicotti Dinner at Corleone’s is a “Must Eat” (click to enlarge)

“Some day, and that day may never come, I will call upon you to do a service for me. ” – Don Corleone “The Godfather”

Well,  The Big Ragu & Crew are here to do a service for you.  Today, we share with you a place you may not know about.  A kitchen that produces some great pizza, pasta and more.  In other words, let the Food Adventure peeps be your consigliere on this one.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Corleone’s has two Locations, one at 725 Lyons Rd. and the original at 966 Patterson Rd.

— Homemade dough everyday.  This ensures not only fresh pizzas, but tasty pasta dinners.

 

— Amazing Specialty Pizzas.  These are mafia boss of the menu.  Deluxe toppings, and themed pizzas like the Taco Pie, Greek Pie, Steak Pie will make your day.  There are many more unique creations with white or red pizza sauces. 

— Calzones and Hoagie Sandwiches are the dark horse on the menu, and will “whack” your tastebuds.

— Unique menu items that only New Yorkers typically see, like Pepperoni Rolls and Sausage Rolls. 

Great specialty pizzas like”Buffalo Chicken Pizza” at Corleone’s

— Carryout is available, and they have Delivery Service as well.

 

MUST EATS:

 — MANICOTTI:  Served piping hot , this meal is liberal on cheese and sauce.  It is absolutely delicious, and it is the Big Ragu’s favorite choice on the menu.

— TACO PIE:  Corleone’s serves a great version of taco pizza.  The fresh lettuce, olives and tomatoes make all the difference.  Send your hitmen in for one of these babies.

— BUFFALO CHICKEN PIZZA:  Tasty, tangy and even a kid pleaser.  Again a good version of a unique pizza spin.

— WINGS:  We were super surprised at how good the breaded wings were.  They are crunchy, crispy and ready for dipping in your favorite sauce.  Best of all, they are cooked all the way through !

— SPINACH CALZONE:  Served with marinara, the key is again in the fresh dough.  Filled with ricotta cheese (like a real calzone should be), it is a flavorful, filling meal.

Honorable Mention: 

The Eggplant Hoagie is a good sub, capesh?  Did we mention it is a monster?  So split one with your favorite wiseguy and see what all the fuss is about.

The Wedgie: Want a Food Adventure in a plate?  Try a Wedgie!  No it is not the “grundy” you used to give your classmates.  It is a calzone with no ricotta cheese or tomato sauce.  It is cooked and then topped with lettuce and onions.  Call it an Italian version of the mini-super burrito and fagheddaboutit.

 

Surprisingly Good Wings at Corleone’s !

One warning, if you have a large group coming to Corleone’s, you definitely want to call ahead so they are properly prepared for your group of friends or paisans.  Also, the wine and beer selections are limited, so beware if you are looking for something special to drink.

Now “youse guys got” some good direction from The Big Ragu on a little known secret.   What’s not a secret is that practically all of the pizzas we have tried, during our numerous visits have been great.  From the top your own, to the seafood pizza, it is up to you to find your own favorite.   All we can do is lead you to the good stuff.   Trust us, it’s the best pizza and pasta spot that you’ve never heard of.   It is definitely a menu you can’t refuse…

 

Want more Food Adventure fun from these 2 goombahs?  Then join other Dayton foodies and “like” The Big Ragu, Chef House, and Hungry Jax on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Make sure you check out our photo gallery from our Food Adventures to Corleone’s !

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Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus announces return of their annual benefit: “Benefit Musicale 6: A Night at the Castro”

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ocyztrc79rm229cz2flgtgi1x2g0gbcuThe Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus is pleased to announce the return of their annual benefit, “Benefit Musicale 6: A Night at the Castro.”  Celebrating over 10 years of performances and outreach into the community to provide a “gay affirming presence in the Greater Miami Valley,” this year’s benefit promises to be the largest and most anticipated event to date.

Get out your bell bottoms and platform shoes as the DGMC transforms Dayton’s historical Top of the Market into the 1970’s Castro District of San Francisco. On Saturday, March 15, 2014 they will transport you to a time of the disco era complete with live entertainment courtesy of the Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus and multiple special guests, amazing food, cash bar, silent auctions and of course… Dancing courtesy of LiftOff entertainment!!

Special Auction: I Dreamed of Africa! A trip for two to the Zulu Nyala Game Lodge in South Africa on a 6 day/6 night, 3 meal, 2 excursion per day adventure with a total value of $4,950!

The DGMC’s annual Benefit Musicale directly support the DGMC and its mission to sustain choral excellence and promote a gay affirming presence in the Greater Miami Valley. This year’s proceeds will directly enable the chorus to stage an original oratorio titled “I am Harvey Milk” (www.IamHarveyMilk.com). This work, co-commissioned by the chorus and written by Tony Award nominated composer Andrew Lippa, depicts the life of one of the nation’s greatest icons in social equality.

The chorus’s goal is to exceed $18,000 in revenue from this year’s benefit, enabling them to be joined on stage at the Victoria Theatre by members of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Please join them, Saturday, March 15, 2014 for this extraordinary fundraiser! 70’s attire is ENCOURAGED but not required.

The Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus is a 501c3 not for Profit Arts Organizations, and all donations are tax deductible to the fullest extend allowed by law.

Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus, P.O. Box 642 Dayton OH 45401-0642, www.daytongaymenschorus.org, Find us on Facebook

Dayton Art Institute Announces Leo Bistro Winter Hours

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leo-bistro-webFrom November 22, 2013 through January 5, 2014, Leo Bistro welcomed guest purveyor Ghostlight Coffee of South Park on weekday evenings. “Ghostlight at Night” featured exceptional coffees, espresso drinks, locally sourced snacks and speciality cocktails from The Dayton Cocktail Co. Special events included a Repeal Party and a Belgian Ale tasting.

Beginning Wednesday, January 8, Leo Bistro will be open 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, unless special programming is scheduled in the museum. For the most up-to-date information, check The Dayton Art Institute’s website, at www.daytonartinstitute.org/leobistro, or call 937-223-4ART (4278). Leo Bistro will remain open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. on Sundays.

Bottled drinks and a selection of favorite local snacks will be available for purchase at the Guest Services Desk during all hours the museum is open, and a seating area will be available for museum guests just outside The Museum Store or in the General Motors Entrance Rotunda.

Leo Bistro will be available to schedule private events from 4 – 8 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Please contact Kevin Tunstall (937-512-0162 or ktunstall@daytonart.org) or Diane Haskell (937-512-0131 or dhaskell@daytonart.org) to book your business meeting, reception, buffet or seated dinner.

The Dayton Art Institute enjoyed hosting Ghostlight Coffee during the 2013Ghostlight Coffee holiday season and encourages everyone to visit Ghostlight’s location on Wayne Avenue. The museum looks forward to welcoming guests to its many exhibitions, social events and educational programs in 2014.

The first of these new events and programs takes place tomorrow, Wednesday, January 8. Warm up your Wednesday night at The DAI, with the debut of the museum’s new “Side By Side” docent program at 6 p.m. Rick Hoffman and Janet Estep will join forces to compare two narrative paintings in the museum’s collection: the Master of Marradi’s Judith and Holofernes and RobertBrackman’s Life About Me. Which painting was likely stripped from another object? Which one speaks to a Ukrainian heritage? Learn the back story with this lively discussion in the museum galleries.

Side By Side gallery talks take place on select Wednesday evenings, and they are free to members and included in the price of general admission for non-members. Meet in the museum rotunda at 6 p.m.

Start the evening or continue the fun afterwards by joining Director of Engagement Jane Black in Leo Bistro for a related pairing. In homage to the Master of Marradi’s Judith and Holofernes – Italian wine and beer, or a fine espresso from our “Dada Java” machine. And as a nod to Robert Brackman’s New York City in the 1950s – an assortment of spiced cocktail nuts. This limited menu will be available from 4 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8.

For more information about Leo Bistro and The Dayton Art Institute, visit www.daytonartinstitute.org or call the museum at 937-223-4ART (4278). Be sure to also connect with The Dayton Art Institute on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for additional information, behind-the-scenes photos and exclusive offers.

 

Wedding Showcase @ Presidential Banquet Center

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Presidential Wedding ShowcaseJoin us at the beautiful Presidential Center in Kettering for a unique opportunity to see custom-designed “event-scapes” created by some of the best wedding professionals in the Dayton and surrounding areas. Located in a private, park like setting, this beautifully remodeled, full service venue has four elegant banquet rooms to accommodate the size of your special event. The Event Connections is transforming the entire space for this special event so that you’ll be able to visualize great ideas for decor in actual reception settings, try food samples, hear music and experience DJ styles, and more.

You’ll also have the opportunity to register for the 2014 Wedding Package Give-Away and meet many of the wedding professionals who will be participating in this great prize.

Event Details

Sunday January 05, 2014
11:00 AM – 04:00 PM

Cost

$5 at the door

Ring in the New Year with First Friday Fun

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First FridayJan. 3 First Friday to Feature Art Exhibits, Live Music, Ice Skating & More

Downtown’s next free First Friday event will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3. 

Several businesses will offer post-holiday shopping sales and discounts. Students can represent their schools during a School Pride Ice Skate at RiverScape MetroPark and the monthly Courteous Mass bike ride will seek to light up the night.

Details are below about other events taking place at participating locations during the Jan. 3 First Friday.

 

ArtDAI

• CADC, 45 S. St. Clair St.: Featuring an after-holidays close-out sale with appetizers and eggnog to snack on while shopping. Call 313-9883.

• Clash Consignment, 521 E. Fifth St.: Showing art exhibit Sight Sizeby Adam Mitchell and Stephanie Riolo with live music by the Left Hooks. Call 241-9434.

• Color of Energy, 16 Brown St.:  (Open until 8 p.m.) Reception with Abby Rose who will discuss her involvement in the art community and her new position as events director for Mike Elsass. Call 266-3491.

• Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North: (Open until 8 p.m.)Showing the exhibits Object of Devotion and A Buckeye Abroad: Frank Wilcox in Paris. Call for cost. 223-4278.

• Dayton Society of Painters and Sculptors, 48 High St.: (Open until8 p.m.) Exhbiting work from new members and serving light refreshments. Call 228-4532.

• Dayton Visual Arts Center 118 N. Jefferson St.: (Open until 8 p.m.) Exhbiting paintings by Zachary Armstrong. Call 224-3822.

• Gallery 510 Fine Art, 508 E. Fifth St.: Featuring new artwork and gifts by a variety of artists. Call 672-6717.

• Olive, an Urban Dive, 416 E. Third St.: Hosting “Buy It off the Wall,’ featuring the up-close nature photography of Diane Stava available for purchase, and offering Esther Price hot chocolate to go. Also featuring Olive’s new winter menu. Call 222-3483.

 

 

MusicMusic

• Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St.: Featuring happy hour from 4 to 8 p.m., $2.50 well drinks, 75 cents off bourbon and other drink specials. Music by Cherry Lee and the Hotrod Hounds, and The Sandwich. Call 938-6405.

• De’Lish Café, 139 N. Main St.: Featuring happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. during a mix and mingle with downtown business professionals. Call 461-2233.

• Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave.:  Featuring happy hour until 6 p.m., a performance by the Miami Valley Pipe and Drum group starting at 6 p.m., and live music from Mothergrove starting at 9 p.m. Call 224-7822.

• Gilly’s, 132 S. Jefferson St.: Old Skool Groove Night from 8 p.m. to midnight. Call 228-8414.

• Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St.: Featuring half-price pizza from 4 to 8 p.m. and live music by Linda Prevo and South Side Slackers from8:30 p.m. Call 223-9205.

• Trolley Stop, 530 E. Fifth St.: Live music starting at 9:30 p.m. and happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. Call 461-1101.

 

Food and Drinksteak-dinner-glass-wine-13806878

• Deaf Monty’s Wine, 22 Brown St.: $2 tastings of select wines. Call 225-9463.

• Franco’s Ristorante Italiano, 824 E. Fifth St.: 10 percent off food. Call 222-0204.

• Lucky’s Taproom and Eatery, 520 E. Fifth St.: Dinner specials, along with the special tapping of a firkin of craft beer. Call 222-6800.

• Riff Raff Tavern on the Canal, 130 N. Patterson Blvd.: Drink specials offered throughout the night. Call 361-3131.

• Salar, 400 E. Fifth St.: DJ in the lounge and drink specials starting at10 p.m. Call 203-3999.

• Smokin’ Bar-B-Que, 200 E. Fifth St.: 10 percent off food. Call 586-9790.

• Thai 9, 11 Brown St.: 15 percent off food. Call 222-3227.

• Uno Chicago Grill, 126 N. Main St.: 10 percent off food. Call 910-8000.

 

 

Riverscape Ice RinkEntertainment

• Don Crawford Plaza in front of Fifth Third Field, 220 N. Patterson Blvd.: The monthly Courteous Mass Ride will meet at 5:30 p.m. This month will be a glow-ride. Dress up your bike with lights, wear glow bracelets or necklaces — anything to make you glow. All tours are free and welcome any skill level.

• Grass Roots Enrichment and Wellness Center, 400 E. Fifth St., Suite C: (Open until 8 p.m.) Featuring teen artist Sarah Libassi, along with activities for families and light refreshments. Call 723-6747.

• The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St.: Call 222-SHOW (7469) for films and show times.

• RiverScape MetroPark, MetroParks Ice Rink, 111 E. Monument Ave: School Pride Night Ice skate from 7 to 10 p.m.; $7 includes admission and skate rental; half-priced admission available with student ID. Call 278-2607.

• Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub, 101 Pine St.: Featuring comedian Steve Lott. Shows begins at 9 p.m. Tickets are $12 per person. Call 224-5653.

 

 

Shoppingshopping-bags

• American Pi, 41 S. St. Clair St.: Featuring a store-wide 50 percent off sale (contact store for details). Call 938-7890.

• Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St.: Free makeup lessons. Call 903-3165.

• Found Treasures 4 You, 502 Wayne Ave.: Offering 20 percent off everything in the store. Call 580-8803.

• ReCreate, 438 E. Fifth St.: Sale on select items, including new and used instruments, other music-related items, and original artwork. Call 321-3517.

• Sew Dayton, 261 Wayne Ave.: Offering 10 percent off all independent patterns and sweet treats from the 2nd street market. Call 234-7398.

• Sherwood Florist, 444 E. Third St.: (Open until 8 p.m.) Offering 10 percent off all in-store items. Call 298-3655.

• Spice Paradise, 8 Brown St.: Offering samples of Indian food to visitors. Call 224-3227.

Come out to enjoy all the best that Dayton has to offer!

 

 

 

Avoid Mall Crowds, Find Gifts at 2nd Street Market!

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Walt’s Salsas and Sauces: Great Local Gift Idea

Are you tired of wrestling a redneck for the latest xbox at Wal-Mart?  Behind on Christmas shopping?  Sick of long checkout lines at the mall or department stores? The Food Adventures Crew feels your pain.  Have you thought about shopping for unique Christmas Gifts at Dayton’s 2nd Street Market?  We think it is the perfect place to find unique Christmas Gifts, birthday gifts or any gift occasion for that matter.   This is part 2 of our market series (last week was FOOD, CLICK HERE to view).

Follow our advice and you’re sure to be a hit with the family, with some of the best local gifts around.

Consider this The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House’s,  Gift Giving guide to the 2nd street Market with a Food Adventure twist.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

 — The 2nd Street Market is located near downtown at 600 E. 2nd Street and is open 3 days: Thursday & Friday 11am-3pm,  and Saturday 8am – 3pm.

Some of the Best Toffee on Earth: Click to enlarge this local treasure

— Dozens of local vendors from crafts to wine, and of course, local foodstuffs.

 

MUST GIFTS:

— THE TOFFEE from SWEET NOTHINGS : Our favorite flavor is the Dark Almond Sea Salt Toffee.  Actually, all of the toffees use sea salt.  Other great flavors are Milk Chocolate Macadamia Nut and Dark Chocolate Cashew.  A great gift for the chocolate lovers in the family.  The Big Ragu considers Sweet Nothings his favorite toffee of all time.

 

— THE OLIVE OILS from THE OLIVE TREE : Have friends or family that love to cook ? Here is a perfect gift idea.  This vendor has some amazing, flavor infused olive oils.  May we suggest our favorite, the Sundried Tomato Parmesan Garlic Olive Oil.  You can actually sample all of the olive oils and choose your favorite from the many unique flavors.  We also love the Basil Flavored Olive Oil and the Strawberry Peach Balsamic Vinegar Olive Oil.

 

— SALSA and SAUCES from WALT’S HOMEMADE SALSA :  Family owned operation, selling jars of salsas in various styles and spiciness.  Some extra hot, some medium and some mild, their products are extremely tasty.  You can even sample Walt’s new lines of BBQ Sauces that are also available by the jar.  Their gift baskets make a fun Christmas present with a local twist !

 

— HOMEMADE ITEMS from MONCO INDUSTRIES:  Monco is a local company that provides jobs for special needs people or local residents with disabilities.  The result is a win-win for the community.  Great gifts made by a great organization.  Our favorite gifts here are the pet treats and the stuffed animals.  Make sure you stop by and get a gift from this company, and share the true meaning of Christmas.

 

— HANDCRAFTED BELTS and LEATHER CUFFS from VINTAGELIZ 1974:  We say, “these gifts are pretty kick ass.”  Timeless, leather accessories, made by hand in Dayton.  Take some time to check out this cool vendor.

 

— SCARVES from NEW WORLD ALPACA TEXTILES:  Perfect winter gift!  They have various items made with fleece from alpaca animals that are raised in a local farm in Brookville.  The also sell socks and beautiful artisan rugs !   Great gifts this time of the year.

 

Must Gifts: The Specialty Olive Oils at The Olive Tree

Honorable Mention:  The Wine Gallery also has some good deals on unique wines, and a friendly service staff.  Want unique?  How about Maria’s Unique Foods, with wild selections like jars of pickled eggs in various flavors.  They also have great gift basket ideas.

For all of us that love to buy local when we can, the 2nd Street market is a great place to ‘put your money where your mouth is. ‘  We have mentioned some of our favorites, but there are many more vendors with great gift ideas.  Avoid the crowds SHOP LOCAL!

FOOD ADVENTURES would like to take this time to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  May the Holiday Season bring you joyous times with friends and family.  We are sincerely grateful with the overwhelming feedback received with our blog and  have some exciting plans in store for 2014.   We appreciate each and every one of you for taking the time to read and comment on our social media outlets.

Call us if you need a Santa, We don’t even need padding.  Happy shopping !!

Did you know that FOOD ADVENTURES  have a loyal following on Facebook?  CLICK HERE TO “LIKE” THEM and join the party !

Please comment below on our photo albums, no borrowed stock photos or copied pinterest pics here!  All photos are original, like us!

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Sundried Tomato Parmesan Garlic Olive Oil
Sundried Tomato Parmesan Garlic Olive Oil

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

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Click to Enlarge: The Mother of all Shish Wraps

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

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

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

MUST EATS:

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

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

Kafta Bowl

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Food for Thought: Charitable Food Adventures

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Nite at the Races !As the holidays approach, many charity functions are in full swing.  Food Adventures is honored to participate in and support over 40 local charities, all of them are close to our hearts.   Three of these special events are coming up in November, and we would like to share them, because they need your help and support.  So please if you can, take some time to attend these functions for people in need.

 

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 8th – RENT FOUNDATION’s “NITE AT THE RACES” at the IUE HALL at  1675 WOODMAN DR.

—What is this charity?  Helping families in crisis since 1995, the GDAA Rent Foundation pays rent for needy families who are facing temporary hardships.  Whether an illness, death in the family or some other tragedy, this charity helps prevent homelessness by helping real people locally who are living in apartments.  This charity is administrated through the Greater Dayton Apartment Association and could use your support.

Event Website click HERE     Charity Website click HERE

—What is this event?  Event features 10 horse races on the big screen, endless beer, soft drinks and food for $15.   Bring extra money to bet cash and win cash on the races, also raffle drawings, pull tabs and more.  Dayton Most Metro’s own Big Ragu is the emcee for this event!  Lots of good eats and drink for a Food Adventure !

 

 SUNDAY NOVEMBER 17th – MIAMI VALLEY ADAPTED SPORTS WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL EXHIBITION at the NUTTER CENTER:

—What is this charity? Miami Valley Adapted Sports provides recreational and competitive sporting opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities. MVAS has programs that promote physical fitness, character building and friendship.  One of the goals is equal opportunities for disabled individuals through education, training and networking.

—What is this event?  A wheel chair basketball game where the Miami Valley Adapted Sports kids take on  the staff of Children’s Medical Center

Event Website click HERE     Charity Website click HERE

 

 

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 22nd – AMBUCS CHILI COOKOFF at the MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS COLESIUM:

—What is this charity?  The South Dayton chapter of AMBUCS is a charitable service club, and one of 4 chapters in the Dayton area.  They provide free-of-charge, specially built tricycles called AmTrykes to facilitate therapy of disabled children and adults.  AMBUCS also provides ramps for families in need of mobility help and pays scholarships for physical therapy students.

—What is this event?  Various local restaurants put their chili to the test and you vote for the winner!  Price includes all the beer, soft drinks, wine, hot dogs and chili you want!  Also try you luck at casino games located around the fairgrounds coliseum.  You want a Food Adventure for a good cause?  This charity event is just the ticket.

Event Website HERE       Charity Website: HERE

Beer and Hot Dogs

AMBUCS chili cookoff includes beer and hot dogs too !

 

We love calling Dayton our hometown and we are grateful to be a part of these worthy charities.  The people involved and the organizations are first class.  Remember, life is an adventure (sometimes a Food Adventure), so please give back to the community and support these noble causes. 

For our foodie friends who were expecting a typical Food Adventure article with succulent pics this week, we are throwing you a bone below with a photo of our waiter Julio bringing us a “Thurman Burger from the Thurman’ Cafe in Columbus.”    Make sure you check out the gallery below for various photos from the 3 charity events featured in this article.

Want more from Dayton Dining’s serious eaters? Then “like”Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE

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Greater Dayton Apartment Assoc. to Host 5th Annual “NITE AT THE RACES” this Friday

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“Nite at The Races” Scheduled for Friday November 8th

Endless beer, soft drinks and food for 15 bucks?  And it benefits charity?  Who wouldn’t sign up for that?  Oh yeah, and there is gambling too !

This Friday night at the IUE / CWA Hall at 1675 Woodman Dr.  the Greater Dayton Apartment Association’s charitable arm, The Rent Foundation, is hosting a fundraiser where you can bet cash and win cash prizes.

All proceeds benefit the RENT FOUNDATION, a Dayton charity that  pays rent for families who are in crisis in the Dayton area.

WHEN: FRIDAY NOVEMBER 8th, 2013 from 6:30pm – 11:00pm

WHAT: NITE AT THE RACES for the RENT FOUNDATION charity  – 10 horse races will be shown on the big screen, you can bet cash and win cash !! TONS of Raffle Prizes !

WHAT ELSE:   BEER ! FRICKERS WINGS ! JOHNNY’S SLICE OF NY PIZZA !  SOFT DRINKS! CHILI! MEATBALLS! and MORE !  ALL YOU WANT OF EVERYTHING !

PRICE: $15 in advance, $18 at the door.

Beer and Food included in ticket price !!!

WHERE: 1675 WOODMAN DR. in KETTERING AT THE IUE HALL next to the Root Beer Stande.

HOW TO GET TICKETS:  Call the Greater Dayton Apartment Association before Friday at call the GDAA for tickets. 937-293-1170, or show up and buy tickets at the door !!

FOR MORE INFO CHECK OUT THE FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE HERE !!

SUPPORT A GREAT DAYTON CHARITY, and maybe walk away with some cash !!

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Food Adventures does “Dinner and a Ghost!”

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Is Snow Hill Country Club Haunted ? Have dinner and decide yourself

Ever had dinner with a ghost?   Well here is your chance, Ghost Hunters!   Snow Hill Country Club is haunted, and had been serving up “Dinner and a Ghost” nights on Fridays in October for the past 12 years.    In fact, the place is so legendary, that it was featured on an episode of the Biography channel’s “My Ghost Story.”  The country club is located just outside of Wilmington, on State Route 73.  The “Dinner and a Ghost” nights feature food, fear and even an overnight stay.

The Food Adventures Crew have eaten in many scary places, but this was our first “Haunted Food Adventure.”   The food is pretty straight forward.  On our two trips to the country club, buffet items included turkey and ham, while another night they featured ribs and salmon.   The meal is rounded out with salad, a couple of sides and a dessert plate shared by the table, or possibly some cake.

But we weren’t here for the food, we were here for the ghosts.  And Snow Hill delivered….

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— “Dinner and a Ghost” features appetizers in the bar and a buffet style dinner.    The menu has improved since the 1820’s and they wont be serving  rabbit, steamed onions, venison and beef tongue anymore. 

One of our dinners featured Ribs and Salmon

— After dinner, the hosts take you on a guided tour complete with historical information, sound recordings of unexplained voices, and even a couple of photos believed to be “supernatural.”  Tour gurus include historian Kathleen Madison and Ghost expert/Paranormal Investigator Shelly Suittor.   Supporting cast includes Ghost Hunters Kat Powell and Alicia Soich.

— After the tour, guests are encouraged to look around for about an hour and explore for themselves.  During this time a few notable unexplained “phenomenon” have been known to occur.

— Attendees may purchase alcohol at a full service bar on the main level.

— There are 6 guest rooms, and groups may make reservations to stay the night for about 100 bucks per room.   Included in the stay is “ghost hunting” all night, if you have the guts to roam the halls late at night.   Even golf may be arranged during good weather.

— Snow Hill Country Club is located in New Vienna, Ohio at 11093 New Vienna Rd (Daytonians know this as State Route 73).  Famous visitors have included Henry Ford, Eleanor Roosevelt, and legendary 1920’s golfer, Walter Hagen.

— Minimum groups for ‘dinner and a ghost’ are 12 people.  Cost of dinner and tour is $45 per person.

Click to enlarge: What you think of the “orb” in this photo. Is it the sign of a spirit ?

 

MUST SCREAMS:

— Snow Hill was built and owned by the Harris family in 1820.  It was a popular Inn and tavern up through the 1900’s.  One of the oldest running businesses in Ohio, the country club is said to be haunted by spirits of past owners, family members and past guests.

— Many stories abound from the 70’s and 80’s like a man whom believed he hit a pedestrian in the road, but noone was found.   Or records of police and firefighters responding to alarms and seeing unexplained light and movements throughout the house.

— The Food Adventures Crew had a few unexplained happenings during our two tours:

Big Ragu was taking photographs in the dark, damp cellar thought to be a passage for the underground railroad.   In some of the photos, some circular orbs appeared, one very prominently.  We were told that many ghost hunters believe these are tell tale signs of “spirits” in the room.   To be honest, we do not know what to think, other than the orbs were strange and not in photos taken of the same place seconds earlier.  The prominent orb in the photo had a distinct outline and almost looked to have “veins” running through it.  Odd indeed.  Is it a spirit?  You decide.

The Big Ragu was in the storage area of the basement, when the door next to him opened about an inch and then slammed quickly.  He looked around the room at the handful of people near him and they had that “oh crap” look on their face.  Ragu opened the door and saw a dark empty hall with a staircase, there was nobody there.  There was also a moment where the Big Ragu felt something grab his back pocket.  He was unsure if this was a  fan who liked his behind or a ghost.

Elegant, yet Spooky: Stay the night… if you dare

— During our 2nd visit to Snow Hill, one of our fellow guests took a photo of what appears to be an apparition in one of the bedrooms.   Again, unexplained and just plain weird.

— Employees tell stories of glasses shattering, chandeliers swinging violently, and various apparition sightings.

— Recordings of various unexplained voices gave us goosebumps, especially one particular ghost that whispered the word “Becky” as clear as day on the recording.  The voice was creepy like Golem from Lord of the Rings movies, or like someone who ate too much at Golden Corral.

— An 1880’s portrait photo of an man was found in a cupboard, and when locked away, would keep appearing in various open areas of the country club.  One of the tour guests recognized the photo as her ancestor Thomas Wilson, a Civil War vet.   Since being identified, it was found out that he was a former owner of the country club, purchasing it at auction in 1898.  Since being identified, his photo has ceased moving inexplicably.

— A candlemaker tool levitated and slammed to the ground on a couple of occasions in front of various dinner party guests a few years back.   The theory is that the ghost of the original owner, Mrs Harris, might not be keen on a “peasant tool” being allowed in her formal dining room as decor.

 

With Halloween around the corner, this is the perfect time for “Dinner and a Ghost” at Snow Hill Country Club.  We were skeptical going in, and realized after 2 visits, some things happened that we couldn’t explain.  Were they spirits from lives past?   Look at our photos, listen to the recordings in person.  Is the place haunted?  Did we see “ghosts?”  You decide…. and check it out for yourself,  but we suggest you don’t go alone.

Click to enlarge: On our 2nd trip to Snow Hill a fellow guest took this pic. Is is a ghost?

So you want to get spooked?  Want a frightening Food Adventure ??

Then contact Snow Hill Country Club and ask for a private Dinner and a Ghost Group (minimum 12 people).  Tell them Food Adventures sent you!

Don’t forget, you can book an overnight stay and/or a round of golf !

For reservations contact General Manager Katie Gephardt at katie@snowhillcountryclub.com or call her at 937-987-2491.

The  Dinner and a Ghost website can be found HERE –>http://www.snowhillcountryclub.com/dinner-and-a-ghost/

For scary images, haunting plates and funny faces, “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY BELOW FOR UNEXPLAINED AND DELICIOUS PHENOMENA !

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

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

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

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

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

— Family owned restaurant with a stellar service staff.

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

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

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

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

— Live Music on weekends, showcasing eclectic local bands

— Private Party Loft available for special events or parties

— Outdoor dining area overlooks a bustling Brown Street

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

Grab a fork and follow us…

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

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

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

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

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

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

Honorable Mention:

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

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

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

New York Style Cheesecake – Unbelievably good

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

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

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

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