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Franco's

Quest for Dayton’s Best: Lasagna

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As a kid, I grew up on Chef Boyardee’s Lasagna. You know the kind. It came in a box with a can of sauce, powdered cheese, and lasagna noodles. It was fast, easy, and not terribly delicious. When my parents wanted real lasagna, we drove to Lebanon and ate at the Tavern. It was the best lasagna in town. It was a single serving in a metal pan, covered in tons of melted stringy cheese, bubbling with housemade sauce and it arrived with a mini loaf of french bread doused in garlic butter. My parents loved this place and I loved the lasagna.

Recently I found myself eating really mediocre lasagna with my son. He is attracted to the free breadsticks and mediocre pizza at this national chain. I sat there poking the pasta looking for the cheese and sauce I fondly remembered as a kid. I never found it. So I had more breadsticks while mapping out a plan to find that lasagna I remembered as a kid.

 

I found it! We are surrounded by great Italian food here in Dayton.

Jimmy’s lasagna with garlic rolls

Starting south of town I worked my way across the county and here is my report.

Troni’s Lasagna

Great lasagna isn’t far away. In Kettering, we have an abundance for every taste. While locals are divided between Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen on Woodman or Troni’s on Dorothy Lane, one thing is clear, the sauce is fresh and full of flavor. $8.99 gets you enough lasagna to demand an afternoon nap. Troni’s has a great salad and house dressing for their lunch special, Jimmy’s serves soup alongside their lunch. Troni’s delivered with pasta that was cooking perfectly and sauce with spice. Order extra garlic knots. Jimmy’s sauce is chunkier, which I like, and the rolls are soft and buttery, but I wanted the garlic and didn’t get it.

Mamma DiSalvo’s lasagna

I drove past Mamma Disalvo’s on the way to these two stops. The lasagna there is 100% Mama’s. The sauce is thicker, sweeter, and made with love. Mama’s lasagna is like my grandmas. The ricotta is noticeable and the pasta is cooked perfectly and still has a bite to it. It is covered in mozzarella and baked off to perfection. $9.95 for lunch with salad and bread. Order extra bread, you don’t want to leave any of that sauce on the plate.

For folks up north you aren’t far from great layered pasta and cheese either. Folks know Giovanni’s in Fairborn for their pizza and subs. Skip the pizza, order the lasagna. Portions large enough to share, you won’t want to but you could, and dinner prices make it so you can get the antipasto plate beforehand. Dinner is $13.00 with salad and housemade Italian bread.

My final suggestion for great lasagna in Dayton is Franco’s on 5th near the Oregon District. Franco’s has that old school Italian feel. Tuck in your shirt, grab a date and find a booth in the back. Settle in for great service and better food. Stop in for lunch and you will probably have Franco stop by your table. When ordering the lasagna at Franco’s get it with sausage in place of the beef. Get the salad with the house dressing and grab a napkin for your shirt. I’ve never had the beef lasagna at Franco’s because the sausage is always on point.
We are fortunate to have so many spots to grab a great pasta dish. On my quest to find the best, I rank these at the top. Other places to try include Palermo’s , Roma’s in Springboro and Napoli‘s in Miamisburg.
Where do you go when you are looking for great Lasagna in Dayton? Add your favorite to the list in the comments.

Franco’s $25 Gift Card Giveaway For First Responders

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Nick Germano

Franco’s Ristorante on Fifth Street is giving away $25 gift card to nurses, doctors, health care workers, and/or first responders this week.

As owner Nick Germano posted on the restaurants face book page: “Because Franco’s Ristorante has been blessed with some of the best patrons, friends, and family, we would love to give back to those who have helped us so much in our times of need.”

Please tag the name of a LOCAL nurse, doctor, healthcare worker, or first responder on the daily post about this promotion on their Facebook page.  They will do a new drawing each night, so look for a new post each day Monday, March 23- Friday, March 27. (Must be able to pick up the gift card curbside at 824 E. Fifth Street Dayton, OH 45420)

The restaurant will continue to offer carry out meals.

Local Restaurants Offering To-GO Meals For Guest Reluctant To Dine In

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As the COVID-19 (coronavirus) continues to make headlines, even the best-laid plans are up for last-minute changes. Those changes are hitting restaurants hard as they struggle with the effects of reduced travel and government calls to avoid large gatherings.  One local restaurateur we talked with today said he’s lost $25,000 in catering cancellations in just the last couple of days.  So many of the service industry jobs are hourly employees, sent home if business doesn’t dictate the need.

Open Table sent out an email today saying they are seeing sharp declines in  across online reservations, phone reservations, and walk-ins. In the United States and United Kingdom, they see a 20 percent reduction in total seated diners vs. last year.  At the city level, diners are down approximately 45 percent in Seattle, 40 percent in San Francisco, 30 percent in New York, and 25 percent in London, Los Angeles, and Chicago. (All declines cited here are on a year-over-year basis.)

Locally many restaurants are scrambling to react to the market, many offering curbside meals:

 

 

 

 

More from Open Table’s Andrea Johnston, Chief Operating Officer:

To support the restaurants we all love, we’d like to share a few simple things you can do to help your favorite restaurants weather this storm:

  1. If you have a change of plans, please let the restaurant know as soon as possible so they can plan accordingly. Even cancelling the same day is better than not showing up.
  2. Order take-out or delivery. It gives the restaurant business and keeps you well fed. Many restaurants that don’t usually offer these options are making exceptions.
  3. Re-book for a future date—it will give everyone something to look forward to.
  4. Consider purchasing restaurant gift cards if they’re offered.
  5. Tip generously if you can afford it. Tipped workers are some of the first to suffer in times of economic distress.

Dayton Pays Tribute to Franco

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Restaurant Entrance

Dayton has lost a friend.  Franco Germano, the restaurateur who started an iconic Italian eatery in Dayton 41 years ago, passed away this past weekend.  The 73 year old had bravely battled cancer over the past couple of years.  He never let up, he never quit.  He even visited his hometown in Italy recently.  Franco was a one-of-a-kind with a personality as big as his work ambition.

Dayton is paying tribute to Franco today, Wednesday March 28th, we will toast Franco and all are invited.  The event will be held at 5pm at FRANCO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT, 824 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402

Click here to see Franco’s obituary and funeral arrangements scheduled for April 2nd and 3rd, 2018.

The Big Ragu last visited with Franco at a retirement party for his longtime bartender/server Rick Busch.  It was quite a Food Adventure.  We got to sit and spend a couple of hours talking with Franco, and we were grateful.  If you have ever had a conversation with Franco, then you know what we mean when we say it was priceless.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on the LIFE OF FRANCO GERMANO:

— Franco was best known for his “Franco’s Italian Restaurant” which he opened in 1976.  It has been an anchor in the Oregon District ever since.

Franco with 2 of his grandchildren

— Franco Germano was born in Italy and immigrated to the U.S. in the 1960’s.  After a stint in the United States army, he began washing dishes at a local restaurant.  But he had dreams of one day opening his own place, with his own family recipes.

—Franco’s hometown was Duronia, Italy.  He had a huge aerial photo of his hometown on the wall of his restaurant which he referred to often.

— The native Italian was a very active member in various parts of the Dayton sports community.  His passion for playing soccer led him from adult leagues  to helping coach at Carroll High School.  Franco was also a football fan and was known for his passion for the Cincinnati Bengals and legendary tailgate parties.  He supported his favorite  local sports teams like the Dayton Dragons and UD Flyers Basketball as well.

—His restaurant is known for his “World Famous Spaghetti Dish,” which is an olive oil based mushroom sauce tossed in pasta.  Manicotti, Lasagna, and Calamari are other favorites on the menu.

Wed March 28th, 2018 5pm Francos restaurant will celebrate

SIDE NOTE FROM THE BIG RAGU:
Being a fellow Italian it was always fun seeing Franco.  I met him first in 2000, but had only started talking to him in the past few years.  He treated me like he knew me his whole existence.  We would talk about our family roots in Italy.  Franco would ask me questions about my heritage and I would ask him questions about Italy.  If we weren’t talking food or family, we always talked Bengals, Flyers Mens Basketball and local golf courses.  We also chatted about other local Italians we knew and the circles where most Italians hung out.  Franco was always very happy to hear how much we enjoyed his food.  I loved watching him cook on Living Dayton, and we talked about cooking recipes frequently.  He usually had a joke or a phrase during the conversation that was a memorable piece of advice.  It was fascinating to hear his life stories and I tried to learn from his experiences.  Our humble blog pays homage to a Dayton legend.  Thank you Franco, for over 4 decades of dedication.  We will miss you.

Follow Food Adventures on FACEBOOK HERE.

Enjoy our gallery below of great memories of Franco’s.

Franco’s World Famous Spaghetti

The Front of the legendary Franco’s

Italian Beer- Cheers to Franco’s accomplishments!

Another Italian Beer – here is the Franco! Salut!

Cheese Ravioli

Hometown Photo

Pasta and hot pepper flakes

Seating in the bar area

Calamari and toast

Dessert

Opened Oct 26 1976, over 4 decades of success!

Manicotti at Franco’s

 

 

Guest Post: Where To Eat in Dayton

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Where to eat in Dayton Ohio for attorneys and legal professionals

At the Mike Mobley Reporting office in Dayton, if we have not started talking about “What’s for lunch?” by 9:30 am, the flu is probably about to hit our office. We love court reporting but we love food as much. We love it when we have clients visit the office for depositions from out of town and want a suggestion on where to eat in Dayton. There are so many little treasures we have all over our fine city. Here are a few suggestions we give people on a regular basis. If you are visiting Dayton, give one of them a try.

Quick Lunches in Dayton:

Flying Pizza – New York Style pizza by the slice. You can go traditional thin crust, Sicilian thick crust or my favorite, one of each. We’ve had a number of New Yorkers come back to the office after lunch and say they felt like they were home at Flying Pizza.

Skyline Chili – Stole this one from the “Where to Eat in Cincinnati” article but even though Skyline is Cincinnati chili, Daytonian’s still love it. Here is what our legal videographer Steve had to say about Skyline – Love it or hate it, “Cincinnati style” chili is the most well-known regional dish we have to offer. This polarizing style of chili features a meat sauce with hints of cinnamon and cocoa laid over either a bed of spaghetti or hotdog and covered with mounds of shredded cheese. More than anything else on this list, this is a risky recommendation as many who try out our special brand of chili leave either loving or despising it.

El Meson Food Truck – If you are in Dayton and lucky enough to have the El Meson Food Truck any place close to where you are taking depositions, you have to give it a shot. Their grouper soft tacos or chorizo burritos are amazing. They have some wonderful South American desserts to follow. If you are spending the night or week in Dayton for depositions, El Meson’s original restaurant is an amazing to place to have a longer lunch or dinner.

Longer Lunches or Dinner in Dayton:

The Dublin Pub – Always a favorite at Mike Mobley Reporting, The Dublin Pub is an Irish Pub that has great drink options but even better food options. They have great appetizers like the Emerald Ale Dip to the Barney Stones or just a pint of Guinness. One of my favorite sandwiches is the Ruck (smoked beef brisket, Guinness BBQ sauce, sautéed onions and cheddar cheese on a pretzel roll) and they have the best Fish and Chips and/or Shrimp and Chips in town. You can’t go wrong with the Hell’s Belle’s Pasta or Bully Prime Shot either.  Enjoy!!

Franco’s – Another gem of the Gem City is Franco’s Ristorante Italiano. Everyone at Mike Mobley Reporting loves Italian food and Franco’s never disappoints. From the Alla Panna Gorgonzola to the Lasagna to the Scalloppini Entrée, the food is magnificent.

Mama DiSalvo’s – Like I said, we love our Italian food at Mike Mobley Reporting. Mama DiSalvo’s is about 10 minutes south of downtown Dayton but the food is out of this world. The homemade pastas, meatballs and sausages make my mouth water just thinking about it. The sauce is homemade by Mama and even sold in most of our grocery stores. I love the homemade gnocchi and the lasagna. The smells from the angel hair con scallops will make you feel like you are in Italy.

Dinner Only in Dayton:

Pine Club – A few minutes from downtown and basically on the campus of the University of Dayton, the Pine Club has the best steaks in town. They’ve won all kinds of national awards but it is as hometown as it gets. The Pine Club is another Dayton diamond that will make you feel like you just ate at one of the nicest restaurants in the country. If you’re going all out have the broiled lobster tail appetizer and one the classic steaks so you get the best of both worlds.

El Meson – See the Quick Lunches section above

Thai Nine – Thai Nine is located just outside of downtown in the historical Oregon District. The Oregon District is home of two earlier mentioned favorites The Dublin Pub and Franco’s. Thai Nine specializes in upscale Thai dishes and has wonderful sushi. If you like Thai food and like to pick your heat, don’t miss this one!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Todd Mobley is the president, accountant, and videographer for Mike Mobley Reporting. He has served on numerous committees of national and Ohio court reporting industry associations. Connect with him on LinkedIn.

Iconic Dayton Bartender to Retire after 50+ years

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Rick Busch, legendary Dayton Bartender at Franco’s

Some Daytonians are unforgettable characters.  Such is the case with lifelong barkeep, Rick Busch.  He is set to retire from Franco’s Ristorante Italiano on Tuesday February 7th, after over 50 years in the business, the last 15 years at Franco’s.

If you have seen or met Rick, you would never forget him.  He has a quick wit, and is well known for his sarcastic jokes.  His trademark mustache and beard are throwback style.  His deep, rich voice and laugh are unmistakable.  Rick is sharp, and is a treasure trove of information about the Miami Valley restaurant scene.  He is a lifelong Dayton foodie, and always up for a Food Adventure.

Rick says “Franco’s World Famous spaghetti” is a Must Eat !

Whether talking about a past or present local eatery, he usually has a great story or insight on the place.  We chatted with Rick about old restaurants like the “Cork n Cleaver” and shared recent memories from this past year’s Italian Festival.  His infectious smile is a testament to his craft as a bartender.  He is knowledgeable, and makes you feel at home.  No wonder he has had a successful career spanning five decades.

Moretti Beer at the bar served by Rick

The long days of standing on your feet for several hours in a row, and the toll it takes, caused Rick to decide it was time to retire at this point in his life.  He also works for clients through a Dayton senior service care company.  We assume he may continue that part time.

So how did he become this legendary bartender??  Let’s find out!

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on ICONIC DAYTON BARTENDER, RICK BUSCH:

—He grew up in West Carrollton and regularly meets with a group of classmates from his high

Tuesday Feb 7th, 2007 ends 50 years of bartending

school class of ’64.  With his wisdom, he explains the importance of time with good friends, because life is way too short.

—Rick started bar tending at the 400 Club in the mid 1960’s, which was Dayton’s first gay bar on 400 Warren St.  He said “if people knew some of the stories that went on in that place, oh boy…”

—He also worked bar at the legendary Stockyards Inn on Springfield Street in Dayton and a stint at Frigidaire in 1976.

Steve and Rick at Dayton’s Italian Fall Festa

—His next move was the Bar Manager at the Daytonian Hotel at Third and Ludlow Streets from 1980-1984.  During that time, first lady Nancy Reagan paid a visit and dined.

—Over the next 17 years, Rick would work at the TWA Ambassadors club at the Dayton Airport, tending bar.  Oh, the stories he must have heard and shared over the years.

—In 2001, he started working at Franco’s Italian restaurant, on Fifth Street, where he was an immediate fixture.  This is where the Food Adventure Crew first met him.  The food and drink are always good, but Rick puts his special touch on service that you can’t describe.  You

Rick running the Cash Register at Franco’s on Fifth Street

have to experience it yourself.  An era is truly coming to an end (insert one of Rick’s jokes here).
We decided to put some stats together based on averages, to estimate of the number of people Rick has served over the last 50 years.  We figured out that Rick has served approximately 780,000 customers.  We figured 234,000 which would have been served at Franco’s alone.  That is an amazing feat.

 

We estimate Rick has served 234,000 people in his 15 years at Franco’s

—On a personal level Rick loves good food & wine.  He loves to explore local eateries, & loves to travel.  He loves to dine in locally owned & operated, small town restaurants.  He is also known for hosting some epic parties at his Beavercreek home.

 

Food Adventures has our favorite “Must Eats” at Franco’s, but today, we thought, “who better to seek that expertise from, than Rick Busch?”  He has 2 favorites from his 15 years working with the menu.

Rick serving up calamari and garlic bread

RICK BUSCH’S “MUST EATS” at FRANCO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO:

—FETAGO di MANZO (CALVES LIVER AND ONIONS):
Liver sliced and sautéed to perfection in Franco’s kitchen.  Served either Italian-style with sauce or American-style with onions.  Rick says this dish is fantastic.

 

—FRANCO’S WORLD FAMOUS SPAGHETTI:
Spaghetti noodles tossed is a combination of Romano cheese, fresh roasted garlic and olive oil.

Peroni Italian Beer

We love to add mushrooms, but Rick says, instead, add Franco’s homemade, special Italian sausage (insert one of Rick’s joke here).

 

 Are you hungry?  Want to try some of these dishes yourself?  Well, come out to Franco’s Ristorante Italiano at 5pm  this Tuesday, Feb 7th for Rick’s retirement party.  Whether you knew him or not, it is a perfect chance to try some authentic Italian recipes and visit with Rick at Franco’s one last time.

Last time we dined at the bar, Big Ragu got a Moretti Italian Beer with his appetizer, which is his tradition.  When he told Rick he was ordering Lambrusco with his meal, Rick said he

Lasagna at Franco’s

would have to get rubber gloves out to protect himself from serving that crap.  Ragu ordered another Moretti Beer instead.  This Tuesday, Big Ragu promises to toast him with a glass of Lambrusco.

Congratulations on your your retirement, Rick!  It is well deserved.  Thank you for all of your hard work and service over the years. The ole’ Italian place won’t be the same without you.
For more Food Adventures, please “like” us on Facebook here.
Feel free to browse the photos below from our visits to Franco’s Restaurant.

A view from a beer

Lasagna

Bar Seating

Hand breaded mozzarella cheese balls from Franco’s

Chocolate Cake at Franco’s

Manicotti

Ravioli with Marinara

Entrance to Franco’s

Congratulations on your retirement, Rick Busch !

30 Dayton Foods, You Gotta Try Before You Die

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The Chicken Monterey at Flavors

Now that Labor Day weekend is over, here are some of OUR labor of loves.. tastefully speaking, of course.  That is the theme of this week’s Food Adventure Article   They are the 30 best foods of the Miami Valley that you probably haven’t tried.

Little known Dayton Foods that are underground classics.   

Now that you know the skinny, let’s get down and dirty with our Thirty. 

 

These are the are the 30 DAYTON MUST EATS You gotta Try, Before You Die:

1) THE SPLIT FILET SERVED WITH DRAWN BUTTER at THE PARAGON:  This steak isn’t on the menu, so you have to request it.  It is a little known secret that will melt in your mouth.  Perfectly cooked, the sinful act of dipping the steak in drawn butter is something for royalty.  Try it and see why the Paragon Supper Club is a fixture in Centerville.

 

2) CHICKEN MONTEREY from FLAVORS: Healthy meets savory in this dish.  Honestly, one of our favorite meals in the Dayton area.  The food is consistent.  Why? Quality, fresh ingredients.  Chicken Monterey is a solid dish every time.  It is served with a side of tortilla chips and the amazing garlic sauce (now available at Dorothy Lane Market).  And guess what, it is a healthy meal.  What more can you ask for ?

The Caroline Steak, at The Caroline Restaurant in Troy

3) SPRING ROLLS WITH VERMICELLI NOODLES at LITTLE SAIGON:  The best $8 you will ever spend.  Dip into the giant bowl with a pair of chopsticks and enter a Food Adventure.  Vermicelli noodles, topped with diced, vegetarian spring rolls.   Under the noodles, is a surprise of bean sprouts and lettuce.  Served with a side of vinegar sauce and topped with chopped peanuts, this little know Dayton gem is your go to for Vietnamese Food.. Trust Us ….

4) THE CAROLINE STEAK at THE CAROLINE RESTAURANT:  You will be in awe of the special, stainless steel knife served with the meal, but don’t take it home like some others have… Choose the handmade sweet potato fries as a side dish and an appetizer of whiskey or bourbon mushrooms, and this will be one of the best meals you will ever have.  We have to mention that the great staff makes The Caroline a perfect places for a date, party, or special occasion.

5) BLACK BEAN BURGER at CHRISTOPHER’S RESTAURANT: We have never been black bean burger fans, until we met Chef John at the Centerville Farmer’s Market.  We tried one that was being grilled at the market, and was converted.  We respect the black bean now.  The burger is large, hearty and filling.  We recommend adding a slice of cheese.  It satisfies your carnivorous cravings.

6) 10 EGG OMELET FROM TANKS: One of the things we learned growing up in Dayton, is that there aren’t many late night eateries.  Thank God for Tanks.  If you love breakfast, they serve it any time of the day.  This is a delicious omelet that will bust your gut, and you wont eat the potatoes or toast that comes with it.  If you have a normal appetite, we recommend the 6 egg girly omelet.  The omelet has a multitude of ingredients, and whatever Tanks decides to throw in that day.

The Cheese and Onion Sandwich from Central Perc in Oakwood

7) GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH with WHITE CHEDDAR and APRICOT CHUTNEY from MEADOWLARK: One of the most simple sandwiches, is one of the most satisfying.  Ohio Northern Cheddar and apricot chutney make this incredible cheese sandwich.  Served on Dorothy Lane Market Artisan Bread, you have a guaranteed winner here.  After you it it, you will find yourself trying to replicate it at home.  

8) CHEESE AND ONION SANDWICH from CENTRAL PERC:  For the adventurous, we give you a British Sandwich. How do you get one?  Ask the owners who grew up in a small village in England to make it they way they way grew up with..ahem.. the “proper” way.  They will probably throw some butter  and Branston Pickle on there (you may want to google this pickle).  Your breath will be horrendous, but you will be happy.  On a side note, Rosie the pastry chef is insanely talented.  An incredible sandwich and tea room that is open limited hours, and accepts Cash Only.

9) BLACK N BLEU BURGER from SEAJAX: The new kid on the block, this burger is a symphony for your taste buds.  We have been all over like Terry’s Turf Club which was supposed to be the best Ohio burger per Guy Fieri, but we think this one is better.  Spend $8 and get a “corporate hamburger” (thank you Michael R Hawk), or spend $10 and get a handmade hamburger with swirled bleu cheese that will knock your socks off.

Summer in a Bowl Salad from Olive, an Urban Dive

10) THE BOURBON BURGER from BRIXX ICE CO.: This is one of our favorite burgers in the world.  It is a burger with bourbon glaze on it that makes you cry “hell yes.”  Great patio for the divas, but we prefer the bar stool seats and chowing down.  Thanks to childhood friend, owner/chef Chris Bhai for the developing a sauce that makes this burger a “must eat.”

11) HUEVOS RANCHEROS from SUNRISE CAFE:  We crave this incredible breakfast dish from the best kept secret in Yellow Springs.  The dish is corn tortillas, topped with eggs, and a black bean sauce, garnished with fresh salsa and sour cream.  Dont go hiking, instead, grab breakfast here.  They trumpet the fact that they have no deep fryers, no microwaves, just kick butt food.  Worth the trip to organicville.

12) SUMMER IN A BOWL SALAD from OLIVE, an URBAN DIVE:  Local freshness, local ingredients.  We absolutely love it.  If an artist made a salad, it would be “Summer in  a Bowl.”  We can’t put the ingredients on here, because the ingredients are seasonal.  Olive, only uses top quality materials.  Open your mouth and prepare to be dazzled.  It wont bust your budget or your pant line.

 

13) CALAMARI APPETIZER at FRANCO’S: Get the deep fried option dusted with Parmesan cheese and olive oil.  The Big Ragu, the king of fried food, usually says “Oh my god” in a over dramatic tone when they are served.  This is a tradition, when preparing for a big Italian meal at Franco’s.  Stay hungry my friends…The deep fried whole tilapia from Taco Loco

14) THE PAELLA from EL MESON: Watching them prepare it is half of the fun.  Listening to owner Bill Castro explain his passion for food and the pivotal role food plays in life is a great experience in itself.  Chef’s sprinkling rice and seafood shells while walking around the huge paella pan and flirting with the crowd.  By the time the dish is served we have teased our eyes and the aroma is amazing.  We love this family and their food.  Try this place out, if you haven’t, you aren’t experiencing Dayton.  

15) WHOLE, DEEP FRIED TILAPIA at TACO LOCO:  You can go to another restaurant and get this dish for $30 or you can get it for $8 at Taco Loco.  The dish that will freak your friends out, but leave you one happy foodie.  If you can stomach a whole fish on your plate looking at you, then this one is worth the stares… literally.  It is delicious and simple.

16) THE GRILLED PEACHES with GOAT CHEESE at LILY’s BISTRO: A seasonal treat that should be on the menu every month.  A stellar dish that steals the show at any meal.  Drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette dressing, this memorable side will blow your mind.  Thank you Lily’s for making us crave this on a daily basis….

Sweeney's Seafood House has the Best Raw Oysters in the USA !

Sweeney’s Seafood House has the Best Raw Oysters in the USA. Click to enlarge

17) THE RAW OYSTERS at SWEENEY’s SEAFOOD HOUSE:  The Big Ragu has tried oysters from coast to coast and north to south.  He concludes that the best raw oysters on the planet are at Sweeney’s Seafood.  Served on the half shell, these are chokers, not for the squeamish.  Grab a bottle of hot sauce and one of their micro brews and sling em back like a champ!

18) SPINOZIAN DELUXE PIZZA from SPINOZA’S: Homemade, fresh dough with Italian sausage, pepperoni, black olives, bell peppers,mushrooms and fontina cheese.  The pizza is always good here.  The crust is exceptional.  Pair it with one of their great salads and listen to a live band and sip on some local beer.  Not many people know about this place, but the ones that do, love it!

19) THE LAND AND SEA BLT at HARVEST MOBILE FOOD TRUCK:  This sandwich kick so much azz, that it won $10,000 for best dish at a Food Truck Rally.  Applewood bacon, smoked salmon and a ciabatta roll.  Then Harvest adds a sauce that is the money shot.     Follow this truck and see why poeple track them down all over town.  Chef Patrick continues to blow us away with cluinary creations.

 20) LOX & CHEESE CREPE at CREPE BOHEME: An ingredient list so simple, so good.  Salmon, capers and cheese all wrapped into a handmade crepe right before your eyes.  One of the reason we go to 2nd St. Market is to savor the crepes at Crepe Boheme.  Sabine is the ultimate crepe master, and her works of art will never let you down.  This is the real deal, a chef making the crepes.

21) THE PARIS OMELET at BUTTER CAFE: Love breakfast?  Love mushrooms? We suggest a spin using egg whites, goat cheese, a bit of onion and lot of mushrooms.  You haven’t lived until you take a bite of this omelet while overlooking Brown Street.  Guess what?  It is affordable and a protein powered breakfast.

The Ruck Sandwich from Dublin Pub

22) SHRIMP and SCALLOP NEWBURG at THE DOCK:  A creamy alfredo dish, with penne pasta.  This is like a pasta bake.  It is rich and delicious.  Can’t afford a trip to Florida?  Escape to The Dock in Enon and buy yourself a dinner dream, just like being on a pier.

23) THE RUCK from THE DUBLIN PUB: This is a dense beef brisket sandwich that is simply incredible.  The brisket is steamed in Guinness Beer. Topped with glob of cheese and onions, it is delicious.  It is a filling, guilty pleasure.  After eating this, you may want to call Richard Simmons to chase you around the yard in his ball hugging shorts and burn off the calories.  Or go hiking for his physique.

24) THE GYRO at CHICAGO GYRO’S and DOGS: Forget the fries, the sandwich is all you need. Loaded with meat, perfectly seasoned, it is a master piece as-is.  The atmosphere used to be sketchy at the old location, but the new location is kid friendly.  The gyros and dogs are still the same .. good food.  This place flies under the radar, and is an unsung Gyro..get it ?

Cow Patty Ice Cream even cures PMS.. that’s no Bull !

 25) DEL MAR TRIO at EL RANCHO GRANDE:  Want a great dish, at an unsuspecting place?  The order the Del Mar Trio at El Rancho Grande.  It consists of grilled lobster, tilapia and shrimp sprinkled with cheese on a hot fajita plate.  Served with tortillas.  Orgasmic.. yeah we said it..  Order one of these dishes and tell us we’re wrong.

 26) COW PATTY ICE CREAM from YOUNG’S JERSEY DAIRY:  We love this chocolate amazingness, and our friend Caryn Snyder says it is “the ultimate cure for PMS.”  It is dark chocolate ice cream, chocolate cookie pieces, chocolate covered toffee pieces and mini chocolate chips.  The cones are piled high and worth the drive to hippie Utopia.

27) THE PIZZA at SOFT ROCK CAFE: Yes, a karaoke bar has some decent pizza.  We don’t know if it is the thin crust, the cheese, or the toppings, but the pizza is addicting.  Our tip is to get at least 3 or more toppings, and try not to burn your mouth, the pies come out HOT!   Also, *** please note their kitchen is only open Thursday through Saturday at 8pm for weekend indulgence.

28) FISH WITH CHILI SAUCE at THAI9: This huge filet of golden fried fish is topped with a spicy chili sauce, and plated with a small amount of sauteed veggies.  The taste is slightly fiery and incredible.   The chili oil soaks into the fish, yielding the flavor, but keeping the crispiness.  A little known dish, off the beaten path, at a restaurant with a very extensive menu. Try it !

The Greatest Soft Pretzels EVER are at K & R Pretzel Bakery on Flesher St.

29) THE PLAYBOY ROLL at KABUKI:  Nothing says fun like a couple of grown adults trying to blow out a flaming sushi roll.  The roll contains Shrimp Tempura, Spicy tuna, and asparagus topped with cooked shrimp and a sweet glaze sauce.  It is then “barbecued” at your table, by being served on fire, inside an aluminum pouch.  The spectacle is one thing, but the best thing is whats inside the fiery roll of foil.  The answer is a scrumptious taste of Japan, right here in Dayton.

30) THE PRETZELS from K&R PRETZEL BAKERY:  These should be a Dayton Icon, but not many people know of this secret place at 1700 Flesher Ave.  Like a scene from Willy Wonka, the pretzel machine is fed a hand twisted raw dough pretzel, the dough is mechanically dipped in water, then hand salted before it is baked on a conveyor belt.  The machine is as long as a limousine, and it is fun watching the finished product come out at the end.  It is even more fun to eat the results:  A soft pretzel, that is the best we’ve tasted.

These are our 30 DAYTON MUST EATS, You gotta try before you die.  Little known secrets, and favorite hidden gems.   DID WE LEAVE OUT ONE OF YOUR FAVES?  WHICH ONE?  Is there one on the list you disagree with?  Are some of these items, your favorite too?  Please comment below!

Please check out our gallery below and “like us on FACEBOOK HERE !  We have some big things coming up this fall !  Hungry Jax, Chef House and the Big Ragu thank you !

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10 ?’s with Franco

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franco-duroniaFranco Germano grew up in Italy, then came to America at age 18.  It wasn’t long after that he joined the Army, serving as a mess sergeant during the Vietnam War.  In 1976, he opened his dream, Franco’s Ristorante Italiano.  He often claims he is simply carrying out the tradition of his “mamma”, feeding friends and family.  Franco is now sharing his love of Italian cooking by launching a new service- “Your Traveling Chef“.  Kicking off  with 2 cooking demonstration classes at Southern Ohio Kitchens in March, Franco fights the Winter Blues and Franco cooks for Spring will each be 3 hour classes where you’ll learn how to make a delicious meal, pair it with a luscious wine and make some new friends.  Franco is also willing to come to your house and share an afternoon or evening cooking with you and your friends.

Update:  Franco passed away on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at the age of  73.  The Restaurant he opened is now being run by his son Nick. 

Here Franco gives us his answers to our 10 questions:

What is your favorite ingredient to cook with?
One?  Garlic, tomatoes, olive oil. Great ingredients.  Great basics.

What ingredient do you dread?
Ingredients for Chinese cooking like soy sauce, etc.  Have no idea what to do with them and make them work.

What’s your favorite dish to make?
Franco’s World-Famous Spaghetti.  My invention.  Not creation.  Invention.  No one else can follow it.

What’s your favorite pig out food?
Salami, Prosciutto, real mozzarella, Kalamata Olives.  I can eat them daily.  It’s going to kill me, but I love them.

What restaurant, other than your own do you like to dine at in the Miami Valley? oum4oshWMNIcRG
Hickory Bar-B-Que on Brown St.  Steak and chicken barbecue.  Fantastico!

What’s your best advice for home chefs?
Follow the recipe and be sure to use quality ingredients.  Don’t get cheap!!!

If you could invite any 4 guests to a dinner party who would they be and why?
My parents – fantastic people and fantastic cooks.  Tommy Lasorda because he loves Italian food.  Andrea Bocelli.  His voice is phenomenal.

Who do you look up to in the industry and why?
I look up to my mother.  A terrific cook.  True connoisseur.

What do you do in the Miami Valley on a day off?
Golf, golf, & golf.

Share a kitchen disaster, lucky break or other interesting story:
Our lucky break was with a restaurant disaster.  An hour before opening, someone snuck in our back door and set the women’s restroom on fire.  We could smell something burning but couldn’t locate it at first.  I looked outside thinking it was at the Chinese restaurant that shares our building.  They were looking outside thinking it was us.  I came back in and thought to check the restrooms.  The men’s room was fine.  When I opened the women’s restroom door, POOF!!  I was completely black head to toe.  We put out the fire and still managed to open on time but I could not come out of the kitchen.  I was lucky I didn’t lose my life or my business that night.

Interesting story….
In 2005, the Senior Open was in Dayton.  I received a call from Tom Watson asking if he could get a table for two.  He said he was waiting at another restaurant in town that does not take reservations and did not want to wait the two and a half hours he was being quoted.  I told him to come on down.  A few minutes later, he called to see if he could make another reservation.  He ended up bringing a large group from the other restaurant.  Did I mention I like golf?

Jane’s Best Bets (2/2 – 2/6)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Hello February…and hello icky weather!  If you’re reading this, that means you still have power, which is a great thing!  I hope you also have the power to get up off the couch and enjoy some of these events!

On Groundhog Day (a.k.a. Wednesday), eat lunch at Smokey Bones for their $5 Lunch Special.  Over at the Schuster Center, check out the Visual Voices Art Exhibit:  Dayton Skyscrapers 2011, which celebrates “women and men who stand tall as role models in the Dayton African-American community.”  There will be a sea of food at Dorothy Lane Market as part of their Oyster Bar Happy Hour, as well as at Bonefish Grill for their Bang Bang Shrimp Wednesday.  If you are a fan of environmental causes and would like to know more about the lives affected by the water industry as well as public water rights, then you will want to attend the Environmental Film Series: Tapped at Cox Arboretum.  Enjoy an adult beverage at The Wine Loft for their Happy Hour, The Wine Gallery for their Weekly Wine Tasting, or Bruning’s Wine Cellar for their Taste the Wines of Frog’s Leap event.  If you’re downtown, head to the Schuster Center to see 9 to 5: The Musical (I’m looking forward to it after my 9 to 5 job!) or to The Loft Theatre to see Twelfth Night.  Over at Clark State Performing Arts Center, watch Fiddler On The Roof…I’m hoping he doesn’t fall down with it being icy!  And finally, support the UD Flyers as they play St. Bonaventure at UD Arena…and hopefully get a victory!

On Thursday, celebrate the Chinese New Year with dinner specials at both The Nanking Inn and Kabuki.  Have you always wanted to dance, but keep putting it off?  If so, boogie your way to Michael Solomon Pavillion for International Folk Dance Lessons.  Over at the Dayton Racquet Club, attend the Go Red for Women/American Heart Month Kickoff.  At The Neon, check out Pecha Kucha Night Dayton, Volume 6, in which there will be several short presentations by noteworthy people around the city about their creative endeavors.  The presentations will be followed by a screening of the documentary DIVE, which is based on the topic of food waste at L.A. supermarkets.  For more information about Pecha Kucha, click here.  If you like meeting new people, head to Cedarville University to meet Dolly… be sure to tell her Hello, Dolly! Also, at the Schuster Center, you will be able to see 9 TO 5: The Musical, and at The Loft Theatre, you can catch Twelfth Night.

On Friday, after you get out of the shower, be sure to put on your red for the National Wear Red Day, in honor of the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” Movement.  If you wish, you can continue to celebrate the Chinese New Year at China Dynasty, The Nanking Inn, or Kabuki.  Get out your dancing shoes and head to the Michael Solomon Pavilion for the Contra Dance Party – Cityfolk.  If you love a good fish fry, head to either the Ascension or the St. Mary Fish Fry.  All you art lovers will want to participate in First Friday, the fabulous art hop which happens the first Friday of each month downtown.  There will also be many wonderful shows going on in our great region, including 9 to 5: The Musical (Schuster Center), The Octette Bridge Club (Beavercreek Community Theatre), The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee (Dayton Playhouse), Twelfth Night (Loft Theatre), The Berenstain Bears Onstage; A Bear Country Musical! (Town Hall Theatre), and True West (University of Dayton-Kennedy Union Boll Theatre).  And finally, listen to The Rocket Man, The Eagles, Diana Ross, and The Beatles as you skate at RiverScape for their event, Peace, Love, and Skate: 60s and 70s.

On Saturday, bring your Valentine and go to the wonderful El Meson for their Cooking Class for Lovers.  For all you techies, head to the Dayton Diode Open House which has been called a “YMCA for nerds”…perhaps I should go then!  When tragedy strikes, it is important for a community to join together.  Over at St. John’s Lutheran Church, bring your friends and participate in the Dodgeball Tournamnet to benefit the Suzanne Waughtel Hopper fund.  In the evening, there are opportunities to support other great causes.  You can attend the 21st Annual Artemis Center Gala ‘Be a Star, a Purple Carpet Event’ at Sinclair or Sing your Heart Out For A Good Cause (the American Heart Association) at The Wine Loft.  All you “pasghetti” lovers (as many kids call it!) will want to go to the American Legion Post 598 for Franco’s FAMOUS Spaghetti.  Over at RiverScape, participate in the Star-Late Skate.  Also on Saturday, there will be a plethora of theatre options, including 9 to 5: The Musical, The Berenstain Bears Onstage; A Bear Country Musical, The Octette Bridge Club, The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee, Twelfth Night, and True West.

On Sunday, consider going to Alex’s for their Jazz Brunch.  Or you can Savor Your Sunday & Support Stivers at Coco’s Bistro.  If it’s not too cold, perhaps you’ll want to learn the Fundamentals of Skating at RiverScape.  Sundays are a great day for the arts, so consider checking out the Wright State University 2011 Faculty Exhibition, Visual Voices Art Exhibit; Dayton Skyscrapers 2011 at the Schuster Center, Folk Art from the Collection of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP at The Dayton Art Institute, or A Student of People Exhibit at Troy-Hayner Cultural Center.  Or check out one of the many theatre productions going on around town.  If you still haven’t done so, be sure to check out DMM’s onStageDayton, where Shane, Katherine, and Russell keep you up to date on the Dayton theatre scene!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

How many pessimists does it take to change a lightbulb?

Nevermind.  Nobody would get the joke anyway.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Franco’s April Early Bird Special

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francoEnjoy 10% off your total dinner bill (excluding alcohol) during the month of April, Monday through Thursday 4-6pm. This early special is best enjoyed on the patio of this downtown Dayton Eatery, located just east of Wayne Avenue.

Franco’s Ristorante Italiano
824 E. Fifth Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402
Phone: 937- 222-0204
Fax: 937- 222-1380
Email:francosri@msn.com

Mon – Thurs:  11 am – 10 pm
Fri:  11 am – 11pm
Sat:  4pm – 11pm