Giovanni's

Giovanni’s Hosts Fundraiser Tonight for Franco the Foodie

September 23, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Franco the Foodie opened his New Carlisle restaurant in April of 2023. The menu changes weekly, with customer favorites like lasagna, Chicken Parmesan, and Eggplant Parmesan making regular appearances.

The restaurant is currently closed while Franco is in the hospital fighting for his after a battle after he had a routing surgery to get an updated pacemaker in his heart. “That surgery was successful, but then somehow it was infected and he was admitted into the hospital again because he was having breathing issues,” said Jess Gallo, Franco’s daughter. “Congestive heart failure was starting and they basically told him he had six months at the most to survive,” said Karen Gallo, Franco’s wife. As explained on a go fund me page set up for Franco, “The pacemaker became infected, triggering a cascade of life-threatening complications. Franco has since endured numerous emergency procedures and has been placed on multiple life-support systems, including a temporary LVAD, while we waited, with hope and fear, for a donor heart.

When that call finally came, we thought it was our miracle. The transplant gave us hope for a new beginning. But shortly after, Franco’s body began to reject the new heart. He has since been diagnosed with Primary Graft Dysfunction (PGD), a severe and rare complication. He is now back on ECMO and an LVAD, and during a recent procedure to place an RVAD, doctors discovered a dangerous blood clot that required immediate surgery.”

Over the weekend Cassaundra Spaziani, owner of Giovanni’s Fair

Cassaundra Spaziani

posted this: “Some of you may know that Franco the Foodie out of New Carlisle is in the hospital. I do not know Franco. But I do know what it’s like supporting a family with a small business. I know how scary it can be to get sick and worry about bills. It has happened to many of us. We don’t believe that Franco is our competitor but he is our friend. There’s room for us all to do well and succeed and support each other. So please come out Tuesday for Alfredo night. Make plans to eat with us Tuesday September 23rd from 4-8pm and help a family during what is likely the most stressful and scariest time of their lives. Money should be the last thing we have to think about when someone we love is ill, but unfortunately that is not the case for many of us. We all want Franco to be around for many more years and we all want him to be serving up his wonderful Italian dishes every week. . From one Italian family to another, we truly hope you come see us Tuesday and know that you are contributing to an entire family’s peace of mind.”

Here is the menu for tonight:

We applaud Giovanni’s for setting up this fundraiser tonight for Franco and encourage you to dine out tonight!

Giovanni’s Fairborn

215 W Main St,
Fairborn, OH 45324

(937) 878-1611

Giovanni Lunch Tuesday To Benefit Hurricane Helene Relief

October 6, 2024 By Lisa Grigsby

Here are the details about lunch at Giovanni’s Fairborn on Tuesday, Oct 8th from 11am – 2pm . Giovanni’s is asking that you come out so they can send proceeds to those affected by Hurricane Helene. Many of which are bracing for another storm this week.

They will have our Full Pizza Menu available.

From the Kitchen they will offer $15.99 Lunches that include a Main and 2 sides:

Main Dishes (pick 1)

Italian Pot Roast

1/2 Blimp

1/2 Deluxe Muffaletta (not our traditional one)

1/2 Italian Beef

1/2 Meatball Sub

6 Wings (Honey Garlic, Parmesan Garlic Buffalo, & Teriyaki)

Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce, Chicken, Asparagus, and Sundried Tomatoes

Sides(pick 2)

Italian Parmesan Fries

Poppers

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Mashed Potatoes

Side Salad

Meatballs

Your lunch will help those in need affected by Hurricane Helene.

Tuesday is Burger Night at Giovanni’s

May 31, 2024 By Lisa Grigsby

Giovanni’s owner Cassaundra Spaziani has announced the Fairborn eatery will open up this Tuesday June 4th from 4-8 for a special BURGER NIGHT! The special menu will include the following burgers:

Cassaundra says they are working on the finishing touches to a new burger to be announced. The last time they did a burger night they sold out the Gorgonzola Stuffed Burger, Meatball Patty Melt, and the Pizza Burger last time. They will definitely make sure they are prepare more this time around!

Side available will include Italian Coleslaw, pasta salad, homemade onion rings and fries.

Happy hour priced drink pricing will be in effect for Burger Night. Tell them DaytonDining sent you!

Giovanni’s Fairborn

215 W Main St,
Fairborn, OH, 45324

(937) 878-1611

The Best Italian Beef Sandwich in Town!

December 21, 2023 By Lisa Grigsby

As many of you all might know, I have often craved a classic Italian Beef sandwich like I used to get back home in Chicago at places like Al’s #1 Italian Beef or Portillo’s Italian Beef. Perfectly spiced roasted beef, slow-cooked to tender perfection served on a Turano orgnella French rolls, topped with giardiniera and served with au jus for dipping. For those not in the know, Chicago-Style Hot Giardiniera is an amazing condiment used to add an explosive burst of flavor to some of their famous dishes like Italian Beef Sandwiches and deep dish pizza. Loaded with finely chopped veggies, spicy peppers, olives, oil, and oregano, this flavorful addition will quickly earn a spot on your condiment shelf.

Here’s where we’ve found Italian Beef sandwiches in the Miami Valley:

Giovanni’s in Fairborn makes a pretty good one, Served warm on soft bread with lots of meat, and the dipping juice is on point!

Home Sweet Home in Englewood has their spin. Sliced Beef, with Giardiniera, Provolone Cheese. Served with Au Jus. and it comes with a side! Haven’t tried it, but it’s on the list.

Many people around town have recommend Chicago Gyros and Dogs Beavercreek. According to their menu they serve up Chicago style beef in Au Jus with sauteed green peppers and onions on a Gonnella roll. But when I went it was served on a hoagie roll, which just doesn’t hold up for the dipping. But they do get props for the hand cut fries.

Jasper Kitchen + Bar in Xenia has a sandwich they call “The RBF” on the menu, they describe as roast beef topped with melted provolone, giardiniera and dusted with parmesan on a hoagie roll, that is on my “to eat” list.

I finally found one that lives up to my memories!

Had one at Tony & Pete’s in the Fireblocks downtown last week and all I can say is Wow! My fellow foodie Bryan Suddith went on my recommendation yesterday and here’s what he had to say: “This may have been the best sandwich I’ve ever had in Dayton. I said what I said. The Italian beef from Tony and Pete’s was as near a perfect sandwich as I’ve had in our fair city. And I’ve had a few. Don’t ask. I did drink the au jus like a fine soup after my sandwich was finished. Without shame.”

Fairborn Italian Restaurant Celebrates 70th!

November 13, 2023 By Lisa Grigsby

Giovanni’s of Fairborn was opened 70 years ago by the DiPasquale family, with various brothers taking charge over the years. The last brother who owned it, Louie had

sold their Centerville location Antoni’s and wasn’t pleased with how the new owners changed things. So when he went to sell Giovanni’s in Fairborn he wanted to find a new owner that would honor their traditions. He knew Tony Spaziani from the Sons of Italy, so he trusted him to carry on the business. In the first years of owning the restaurant, Tony only changed the Italian sausage, and then five years in changed the marinara. Tony’s daughter Cassaundra has been running the restaurant for the past ten years, while her father stepped back from the day to day, still stopping in to check on things until his health prevented him and he passed away in August of 2022. Cassundra said she learned a lot from her dad and appreciates that he made her go work for other restaurants before coming back to manage theirs.

She is proud to carry on the tradition of the Italian eatery and is “so appreciative of the support they get from the community of Fairborn, their regulars and most of all our staff.” She’s got a few employees that have worked at the restaurant for over 20 years and multiple staffers that have been there for 10+ years.

They’ll be celebrating their 70th anniversary with specials all week:

Open on Tuesday To Celebrate 5-8pm

They will be offering all of the items on our first menu from 1953 with just a couple of extras: Full Pizza Menu, Blimps, Steak Subs, Meatball Subs, Italian Sausage Subs with Peppers & Onions, Spaghetti with Marinara or Meatballs, Cheese Ravioli with Marinara or Meatballs

Dinner Salad with House or French

Wednesday
Celebrating 70 years by celebrating Tony! Starting at 5:00 you can come in and of course you can order a pizza or off our menu and one of our regular dinners but there will be have the option to Create Your Own 4 Course Menu from Tony’s Favorites

You’ll pick one item from each category:

Appetizer – Cioppino, Spicy Clams, Calamri, Meatballs on a Stick, or a mini version of a Campagna Salad (Hot Bread Salad)

Salad– Caesar, Spring Mix Salad, Wedge

Dinner – Linguini & Clams, Spaghetti Carbonara (no cream!), Pasta & Sausage, Cavatelli with Meatballs

Dessert – Tony wasn’t one much for dessert but he did enjoy biscotti with his coffee. You can also choose from a slice of my pumpkin cheesecake, Spumoni ice cream, or a cannoli.

All dinners will also come with a 9 ounce pour of a glass of wine from Tony’s private wine collection. Most of the wines are reds but you will have a few wines to choose from. Tony also loved celebrating with a Bellini. That will also be a drink option.

The price of the 4 course dinner is $39.39. (when Tony turned 40, he claimed he was 39 for a good 5 years afterwards. It always made me laugh). Tony wasn’t the original owner of Giovanni’s but he sure loved it as if he was. He was so proud of Giovanni’s and Fairborn. We wanted to include him in our celebration

Thursday–
Guests can play plinko or spin the wheel for a discount or door prize. Some of the prizes on the wheel will be: pay 1953 prices, one free meal, pay 1993 prices, free dessert,or a free t-shirt.

Friday & Saturday

They will be giving away cupcakes
from Cake, Hope and Love after your meal

Sunday from noon – 5pm
Giovanni’s will host an Italian Buffet as the Grand Finale to our 70th Anniversary Week. The Buffet will include Pizzas, Salads, Breadsticks, Blimp Subs, Baked Ziti, Meatballs, Eggplant Caprese, Rosemary Roasted Chicken, Garlic Roasted Red Potatoes, Chicken Alfredo Pasta a variety of Ravioli and Desserts. Also includes a Soft Drink, Tea, or Coffee for $19.95 per person and $3.00 Bellinis.

Giovanni’s Fairborn

215 W Main Street
Fairborn, OH

937-878-1611

Wednesday – Sunday

11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Giovanni’s Pop Up Soup Sale

January 27, 2023 By Lisa Grigsby

Loaded Potato Soup

Giovanni’s Fairborn is hosting a pop up soup show this Tuesday, Jan 31st from 4-7pm.

They’ll be cooking up large batches of their most popular soups all day and offering them for $13.99 for a half gallon and $22.99 for a gallon. Add an order of bread sticks for just $3 tomorrow only.

Soups available will be:
Chili

Loaded Potato

Garlic Soup

Spicy Sausage & Lentil

Creamy Chicken Florentine

Minestrone

Garlic Soup

Giovanni’s Fairborn

215 W Main Street
Fairborn, OH 45324(937) 878-1611

Fairborn’s Favorite Italian Restaurant Welcomes You Back!

December 11, 2020 By Dayton Most Metro

Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant is looking forward to the holiday season and planning several events for their customers to enjoy.

On Wednesday, December 9^th, Giovanni’s was able to re-open their main dining room to welcome back guests, at a reduced capacity. They have 8 booths and 1 ten-top table available for the time-being; and hope to increase that capacity as it is wise to do so. Those who would like to dine at the restaurant are strongly encouraged to either make a reservation or to call ahead to ensure they are able to accommodate the party.

The Feast of the Seven Fishes, an Italian American Tradition, features fish and seafood-centric cuisine, prepared with Italian flair. If you would like to join them on December 22, 2020 for this event, there will be only one seating for dine-in beginning at 6:30pm, and reservations are required. Curbside pick-up is available from 4-6:00pm and may include bottles of wine to pair with the dinners, if desired.

Christmas Eve Dinner featuring Prime Rib and all the trimmings (including dessert), will be from 4-8pm on December 24, 2020. Reservations are required if you are dining in – but curbside pick-up is also available for this meal.

Manager, Cassaundra Spaziani is excited to welcome guests back to Giovanni’s, even if it is at a reduced capacity. “It’s been a tough year for everyone, and we’re looking to the bright side of things this holiday season. It is our primary objective to keep people safe when they dine with us – either at home or in the restaurant – while providing a great experience and the food we love, that makes us proud!”

Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant is family-owned and operated by the Spaziani Family. Located in Fairborn, OH on Main Street, Giovanni’s offers a cozy atmosphere in which to enjoy their scratch-made Italian food. Curbside pick-up, in-house dining, and Grubhub delivery are all great ways to enjoy their authentic Italian fare!

Giovanni’s
A Fairborn Tradition since 1953

215 W Main St,
Fairborn, OH 45324

937- 878-1611

Family Owned Eatery to Release House-Made Marinara

January 30, 2019 By Dayton Most Metro

Giovanni’s Italian Restaurante will be holding a special one-night event, Will You Marinara Me? Giovanni’s Marinara Release and Dinner, on February 11^th beginning at 5:30 PM. This marinara filled event will feature several dishes all using Giovianni’s House-Made Marinara, which will also be for sale in 32oz jars for the first time.

This family-friendly event will also include activities celebrating Valentine’s Day and a door-prize raffle. A portion of proceeds for the event and marinara sales will be donated to the American Heart Association in the spirit of Valentine’s Day and the season of love.

Manager, Cassaundra Spaziani shares how excited Giovanni’s is for this new product and fundraising event. “Offering our signature marinara sauce to the public is something we wanted to do for a while now. Here at Giovanni’s, we are all about community and family, and sharing a meal is a great way to bring members of a community and families together.” Spaziani continues with her passion for helping others, “Being part of a community is lending a helping hand to those around you. It’s important to us to help others whenever we can. That’s why we are donating a portion of proceeds to the American Heart Association.”

This is the perfect night to come out and sample a wide variety of marinara inspired dishes, eat with friends or a loved one, and celebrate Valentine’s Day. Entry and dinner is only $10 per person with a cash bar available to those 21 and over. You must RSVP by February 10^th to ensure entry.

Make sure to reserve your placeby calling the restaurant at 937-878-1611.

Giovanni’s Fairborn

215 W Main St

Fairborn, Ohio

(937) 878-1611

Hours
Monday – Closed
Tue. – Thur.: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. and Sat.: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun.: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Giovanni’s Presents Feast of Seven Fishes

November 27, 2017 By Lisa Grigsby

Celebrating an Italian tradition usually observed on Christmas Eve, Giovanni’s will present the Feast of Seven Fishes on Monday, December 18th at 6:30pm.

According to Eataly.com the ancient tradition dates from the Roman Catholic custom of abstinence from meat and dairy products on the eve of certain holidays, including Christmas. The number seven is rooted back in ancient times and it can be connected to multiple Catholic symbols: in fact, the seven seems repeated more than 700 times in the Bible. Also, according to the Roman Catholic Church, seven are the sacraments, the days of the Creation, as well as the deadly sins. Hence seven courses!

The seven course meal will include favorites like Crab Bisque, Linguini with Clams and Lobster Risotto. Not only this, but dinner will also include 3 glasses of wine, an after dinner drink, as well as a dessert from Cake, Hope, and Love. The feast is just $65.99 per person.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling the restaurant at 937-878-1611.

Giovanni’s Fairborn is located at 215 W Main St, Fairborn, Ohio 45324

Join Us For A Giovanni’s Food Adventure!

August 26, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Pizza will be part of the 5 Courses !

Pizza! Wine! Pasta! Tiramisu! That’s what is promised at the first ever, one-night-only, Food Adventure dinner at Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant!

FIVE DINNER COURSES, 2 WINES TO SAMPLE,
1 NIGHT ONLY !

YES ! We are opening the restaurant just for our group only – a true private party!

BUY YOUR TICKET HERE – They are only available online through Dayton Most Metro

The one-of-a-kind event will happen at 6:30pm on September 19th. Take your tastebuds on a tour of Italy at this legendary Miami Valley eatery.

Mon. Sept 19th – 1 night only Food Adventure

Every week, all year, the Food Adventures crew shares articles here on Dayton Most Metro. This week’s article is especially exciting for us as we unleash an extravaganza. Please get your tickets now, because there is limited seating.

This is a PERFECT chance to get a good sample of the Giovanni’s menu. The price includes the tip, so sit back, relax and enjoy. Want the full scoop on the event? Here ya go !

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

WHERE: GIOVANNI’S PIZZERIA & RISTORANTE ITALIANO, an iconic, respected Dayton area restaurant located at 215 W Main St, Fairborn, OH 45324

WHEN: MONDAY NIGHT , SEPTEMBER 19th at 6:30 PM – We have the entire restaurant to ourselves!

COST: $35 per person, includes tip. Guests for this dinner must be 21 and over, please. (Tickets are pre pay only — click HERE TO BUY TICKETS

Giovanni’s food always pleases

WHAT: A FIVE COURSE DINNER and TWO WINE pairings of the GIOVANNI’s MENU and ITALIAN WINERIES.

COURSE 1: STUFFED VIDALIA ONION APPETIZER: An Italian style appetizer, so unique and so good

COURSE 2: TWO SLICES OF PIZZA: PEPPERONI and MARGHERITA STYLE. the legendary pizza that made Giovanni’s a Dayton icon

COURSE 3: CAESAR SALAD – Fresh, crunchy and creamy

COURSE 4: TRIO OF:

a) FETTUCINI ALFREDO – Flat pasta noodles and creamy, house alfredo sauce

b) LASAGNA – Homemade like “the old country”

c) PASTA WITH SAUSAGE: Ziti with fresh, creamy tomato sauce and sausage

2 wine pairings – Salut ! Vino !!

COURSE 5: TIRAMISU – The classic, creamy Italian dessert that will leave you speechless.

Mama Mia White and Mama Mia Red Wine will be served during the second and fourth courses.

We cant wait for the vino and pasta. This will be a Food Adventure for the ages! Door prizes, trivia and personal stories with the owners, the Spaziani family will fill the night. Learn about their family tradition and philosophy about Italian food.

Whether you live in Fairborn, or not, this is a great locally owned spot that you have to try. Please join us for this personal night out with Giovanni’s staff and the Food Adventures Crew !

TICKETS ARE PRE-PAY ONLY and are ONLY AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK – so click here

Follow the world that is Dayton’s Food scene with 7,000 other foodies on Food Adventures Facebook Page.

“Like” the page, and join the fun and discussion by clicking HERE.

Pizzas galore

A pasta trio rendition

Sausage and Pasta

Fettuccine Alfredo

Lasagna

Pasta and Sausage

Gnocchi dish with Red Pepper flakes added

5 topping pizza

Wine dinner !

Pizza with proscuitto

Giovanni’s is a delightful experience every time…

Back Entrance

Chicken and Pasta

Front Glass

A Dayton Legend

Iconic dishes – like this gnocchi

a Slice of life

Lobster Ravioli

Garlic Fest Announces Food Vendors for Sunday

July 15, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Bacon Wrapped, Grilled Chicken Legs.

Another exclusive scoop for our Food Adventure fans. Sons of Italy Lodge, Dayton Most Metro and Dayton Dining have finalized the food vendors for Sunday’s Garlic Fest.

Are you a foodie? Then Daytonians, this weekend is your chance to eat, drink and be garlicky all while listening to one of Columbus’ favorite bands, The Danger Brothers. Cooking Demos, beer, garlic eating contest and craft vendors fill out an all star lineup..

Fasten your garlic burps, here we go !!!

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— WHAT: GARLIC FEST and BOCCE CLASSIC

Upstate NY Hot Dog

— WHEN: SUNDAY, JULY 17th from NOON- 8PM

— WHERE: BELLA VILLA HALL – 2625 County Line Rd, Beavercreek

— WHAT ELSE: FREE ADMISSION – FOOD VENDORS – CRAFT VENDORS – BEER TRUCKS

— FREE COOKING DEMOS – inside the Bella Villa Hall Main room

1pm Our own JACKIE SCANLAN aka “HUNGRY JAX” from Food Adventures

2pm Our own LEEANNE “CHEF HOUSE” from Food Adventures and HouseMade Sriracha

3pm Special guest, CHEF ANNE KEARNEY, 2 times James Beard award winner and owner of Rue Dumaine

— GARLIC EATING CONTEST 4:45pm by the stage – Prize money is $100.. can you beat the competition ???

— FREE CONCERT by THE DANGER BROTHERS 5pm – 8 pm – a RARE Dayton appearance by the band you know from Buckeye’s games Hiney Gate Parties on Lane Ave. PARTY ROCK N ROLL at its most fun – HANG ON SLOOPY – Could be the biggest O… H.. I … O chant in Dayton history.

GARLIC FEST FOOD VENDORS:

1) FRICKER’S – We smell garlic chicken on the horizon! Dayton’s chicken experts roll the truck in for some good eats.

2) TEXAS BEEF AND CATTLE CO. – Slow cook BBQ experts on the premises.. We expect garlic rubbed brisket among other slow smoked specialties. Meats! Meats! Meats!

Garlic Boneless Wings

3) GIOVANNI’S – Fairborn’s legendary Italian restaurant brings the garlic eats. Expect some hearty, filling menu items here.

4) SWEET P’S HANDMADE ICE POPS – Fruitty, fresh and COLD. This will cool your hot head and your mouth will thank you.

5) SCRATCH CATERING: Their garlic chicken tenders stole hearts last year. What else do they have in store from Chef Hayden?

6) GYRO PALACE: Huge, gaping gyros loaded with tons of meat, veggies and garlic

Spicy Garlic Chicken over White Rice

tzatziki sauce. Get some !

7) THE HOLY CANNOLI BOOTH – The Italian club is deep frying cannoli and sprinkling chocolate on top. A religious experience in taste!

8) ZOMBIE DOGZ – The king of Dayton’s Food trucks promises 2 never before done flavored hot dogs ! STAY TUNED !

9) RITTERS FROZEN CUSTARD: Cool sundaes loaded with toppings and sauces. If you dont get whip cream on your nose, it doesn’t count.

2 New Flavors coming to Garlic Fest

10) Q FOOD FOR EVERYONE: Bacon wrapped chicken legs, Garlic shrimp and salmon are the possible choices here with BBQ.

11) MOHAWK FREESTYLE GRILL: Garlic Mohawk Burgers and more! More than a mouthful and so juicy. Chef Aaron wont dissapoint you!

12) BOURBON STREET GRILL and CAFE: Spicy chicken or Bourbon Chicken all made with garlic and poured over your choice of rice.

James Nunez and his BBQ crew

13) MAMMA DISALVOS – Who better to do garlic fest than these guys? We expect garlic pasta and more from this Italian crew.

14) DEEP FRIED HEAVEN – From veggies to garlic pizza fries, these guys are gonna deep fry some delicious specialty items.

15) KOWALSKI HOTS: In upstate New York they say “hots” instead of hot dogs. This guy grills red and white hots, not spicy just hot dogs and brands you can only find in upstate New York. As for garlic sauce or coney sauce.

Fresh Popsicles

GARLIC FEST CRAFT VENDORS:

1) THE SPICY OLIVE: Garlic infused olive oil and more flavors ! Fresh Olive oil guaranteed.
2) WEEZY’S GARLIC: Garlic for sale.. health benefits galore
3) COSTCO: Your favorite spot for warehouse deals. If you dont know about them, now’s the chance …
4) SCENTSY: Wickless candles, electric warmers and flavored waxes. Wonderful fragrances.
5) SERVANTHOOD STICHERY: Unique crafts and puzzle lamps. Defintely worth a visit.

We expect some yummy garlic dishes from Giovannis

6) NERIUM INTERNATIONAL: Age defying skin creams and moisturizers. Look young while eating that garlic item.
7) LOVE HARVEST BODY ART: Face painting. Kids love this stuff and what adult wouldnt look good with some garlic on their cheek.
8) PAINTED HORSE STUDIO: Clay art and hot sauces. A local art teacher and her husband have some unique items for sale.

Garlic Chicken

Monday Night Wine, Appetizer & Pasta Buffet at Giovanni’s

July 25, 2015 By Lisa Grigsby

Wine lovers and foodies, this Monday night Giovanni’s, located at 215 W. Main Street in Fairborn, are opening their doors for a special night of food and wine. Tickets are $35 (plus tax and gratuity) and guests will have the opportunity to sample many wines. They will have over 75 wines to choose from and many will be offered for purchase at a discount.

There will be two pasta stations for you to create your own pasta dish along with appetizers like Mussels, Brushetta, Baked Caprese, Fig & Prosciutto Pizza, Marsala Chicken Wings, Prime Rib Skewers and Crab Cakes.

Some of the wines being offered are from owner Tony Spaziani’s private collection from his trips to Italy include:

Il Poggione Brunello Di Montalcino 1997

Cantine Aurora Piemonte Moscato 2006

Fontanafredda Serralunga d’Alba Barolo 2007

Reservations are required and can be made by calling the restaurant at 937-878-1611.

Here Comes the FLEURS ET VIN Festival!

May 14, 2014 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

“Fleurs et Vin” Festival will feature over 400 wines for tasting !

Get ready to raise your wine glass this Sunday at Carillon Park , because Dayton’s premier wine and gourmet food festival arrives!!

That’s right, the one and only shindig known as “FLEURS ET VIN” (flowers and wine in French) takes place this weekend!

This is a Food Adventure and Wine extravaganza that you don’t want to miss. The Big Ragu will be there in full force!

WHAT: FLEURS ET VIN FESTIVAL

WHERE: At Historic Carillon Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd. Dayton, Ohio 45409

WHEN: SUNDAY MAY 18th from 1pm – 4pm

WHY: To benefit AIDS Resoruce Center of Dayton Ohio

MUST DRINKS: Over 400 wines available for tasting and a Beer Garden !

MUST EATS: Local restaurants providing samples of menu specialties.

Restaurants Include: Amar India, Carvers Steaks & Chops, Central Perc European Cafe, Chappys Tap Room and Grille, Coco’s Bistro, El Meson, Figlio, Giovanni’s, Jay’s Seafood, Kohler’s Catering, Lock 27 Brewing, Mamma DiSalvo’s, Neil’s Heritage House, The Oakwood Club, Salar Restaurant and Lounge The Dock, The Deli at Webster Street & Top of the Market and Thai 9.

WHAT ELSE: Live Music during the festival by J.t. Fedrick and the Sax Groove, a silent auction that ends at 3pma and a Live Auction that starts at 4pm

COST: $70 in advance, $75 at the door click HERE for more ticket info

Just in Case: Don’t drink and drive- Divine Services will be on hand if you and your car need a ride home.

Fleurs Et Vin is something you must experience as a true Daytonian. Experience the best wines in the world, paired with Dayton’s Best Restaurant offerings. It is for charity, which makes getting a ticket a no brainer. Support Dayton, support the AIDS Resource Center, and join the fun at Carillon Park. Treat yourself to a Food Adventure !

We raise our wine glasses high and say “Here’s to Fleurs Et Vin, the toast of the town this Sunday!” See you under the big tents!

Are you a Dayton foodie? Then join us for more fun Food Adventures by “liking”us on Facebook.

Check out our photo gallery below from last year’s event!

[flagallery gid=87]

Fleurs Et Vin: A Great Success at Carrillon Park

May 31, 2013 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Each Guest Received Souvenir Glasses

Did you miss it? Endless wine tasting and all the food samplings you wanted were featured at the 2013 Fleurs et Vin Festival held at Carillon Park on May 19th. The Big Ragu was on hand with Dayton Most Metro’s staff, greeting the massive crowds and sample the various offerings. It was a Food Adventure paradise in the heart of Dayton, and a must eat on our list of events.

If you were not able to make it to this annual benefit for the AIDS Resource Center Ohio, then check out our recap, below.

Here’s the Skinny:

— FLEURS ET VIN is Dayton’s Premier Wine and Gourmet Food Festival, typically held each year on a Sunday in May from 1-4pm under the tents at Carrillon Historical Park. It is an all-you-want tasting event with a loyal following.

— ALL of the food and wine was donated by locally owned restaurants, allowing 100% of the proceeds to benefit AIDS Resource Center of Dayton. A Food Adventure with a cause

— Admission price allowed you access to over 400 wines from around the world and taste menu samples from 20 local restaurants, along with a Belgian Beer Garden area !

— Live and Silent Auction areas allowed even more funds to be raised for this worthy cause that focuses of prevention and education about AIDS, along with service programs that help those in need with HIV/AIDS.

— Live music filled the air and added to the warm ambiance.

With so many good wines and so much good food, below are our picks for the best of the best from this spectacular event!

Crab Rangoon from Thai 9. Our Favorite Rangoon in Dayton.

OUR FAVORITES (THE FOOD):

Thai 9’s Crab Rangoon and Chicken with Rice: In our opinion, the best crab rangoon in the Dayton area were these incredible samples from Thai9. Stuffed full and deep, and served with a sweet side of Thai sauce, we found ourselves returning to this line often. The Thai chicken dish was also incredible at this station. It was a Thai pepper chicken, served in a brown, curry house sauce over a bed of white rice. We told them we loved it, but our mouths were so full that they couldn’t understand us.

The Dock’s Crab Cakes: Slowly seared on their portable flat top grill, these were flavorful, hand-packed circles of love. The sauce that topped the crab cakes was the secret ingredient that kept us coming back for more. The staff of The Dock probably wanted to file a restraining order against us for hanging out by their grill as much as we did. We could not resist seconds of these scrumptious bites of crab heaven.

Hawthorn Grill’s Sorbet and Strawberry ShortCake: All of the desserts at Hawthorn Grill are homemade by Chef Candace and her staff. Her sorbet was a perfect, refreshing break during this hot event. The bite size piece of cake, topped with a strawberry sauce also hit the spot.

Scratch Catering’s Beef Brisket and Carmelized Onion Bruschetta: When doesn’t Chef Matt Hayden please the hungry crowds? This delicious, slow-cooked sampling was just as pleasing to the eye, as it was to our taste buds. The hits from Scratch Catering just keep on coming ….

OUR FAVORITES (THE WINES):

Canella Blood Orange Mimosa: Talk about refreshing! This tasty, bottled mimosa was the perfect drink, on this hot day. The server at this booth had to be tired of us by the end of the event. Probably our favorite offering from the Vintage Wine Distributor. This Italian wine cocktail is made from grape wine and the juice and pulp of blood oranges from Sicily.

Heron Chardonnay: A crisp, white wine made from 22 year old grape vines. The winery is a female owned, family vineyard run by Laely Heron. One of the few American women who made wine in France, Heron’s products are also produced in California.

Spreitzer Riesling 101: This German Riesling comes from a winery owned by two brothers who have been honing their craft since 1997. It was a cold, refreshing sip of sparkling goodness in the warm weather.

The Belgian Beer Garden: Although this was a wine festival, Heidelberg Distributing distracted us with some great beer selections. Food Adventures enjoyed a couple of Stella Artois beers in a souvenir pint. The Big Ragu went for some Hoegaarden beer and an Ommegang Witte Beer.

All in all, this is Dayton’s “Wine me and dine me” Festival. We loved being a part of a wonderful event, that supported a locally based AIDS charity. Good local food and world class wines, what more could one ask for? So let us end this Food Adventure, by raising our glass with a toast.. “Whether you love Merlot or Chardonnay, here’s to seeing you at Fleurs et Vin, next May!!”

For more wine, and no whine, visit Food Adventures on Facebook and “like” them by clicking HERE !

[flagallery gid=40 name=Gallery]

Giovanni’s: The Fairborn Legend

October 18, 2012 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

With Halloween approaching, many people are stopping at the costume shops in Fairborn. But The Big Ragu suggests you make another stop, Giovanni’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant. Located at 215 W. Main Street, this place has been a Fairborn icon for decades. Since 1953, this local favorite has been serving up pizzas and pasta dishes that will make your mouth water. Originally owned by Giovanni DiPasquale, the restaurant was purchased by Tony Spaziani in 1994. Soon after the menu and dining rooms were expanded and they even started a full in-house bakery. This bakery allows for fresh bread, pasta and dough to be made on premises. It also allows for homemade desserts that are nothing short of amazing. Many things at Giovanni’s are made from scratch, the way they ought to be, to guarantee fresh tasting food.

The restaurant is always bustling and the servers are friendly and caring. In fact, our waiter was the pastry chef, who waits tables on Sunday to stay in tune with customer feedback while making some extra dough .. pun intended.

During our Food Adventures, we have tried the sandwiches and the pastas. We especially liked the Chicken Parmesan and the Gnocchi. You can really tell the sandwich bread and pasta is made on site, the taste is amazing and homemade. The same can be said about their homemade cheesecakes, cannoli, and tiramisu, all produced at the in-house bakery.

However, all the locals know that the main attraction at Giovanni’s is their pizza. A semi-thin crust pizza with a unique tasting sauce makes each pie simply scrumptious. The fresh, delicious toppings offered are plentiful on each pizza. They even have anchovies for the true Italian style Food Adventurer in you. Of course, all the dough for the pizzas are made on site, which is noticed on each bite into the crunchy crust. The prices are reasonable and the product is good. They even offer 7 inch personal pizzas with up to 3 toppings for less than 6 bucks during lunch time.

The food speaks for itself so check out the photos and click on them to get a larger, tastier view. Visit this mom and pop restaurant in Fairborn, and find out for yourself what the legend is all about.

Please “like” Food Adventures and follow The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House on Facebook by clicking HERE !

Italiano Vino Dinner

November 4, 2010 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Giovanni’s Pizzeria and Ristoranto Italiano will be hosting a an Italian Fall Food & Wine Dinner on Tuesday, Nov 9th at 6:30pm. This 5 course dinner will be paired with 6 wines for the just $32.50 per person. Reservations are required and due by Nov 7th. You can reach the Fairborn restaurant at 878-1611 and tell them DaytonMostMetro sent you!