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There Is A New Gyro In Town!

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Filling the void left when Gyro Palace closed this past January in the Airway Shopping Center, Haytham Dahadha opened Gyro Maximus earlier this week  in the very same spot at 4864 Airway Road.  Haytham says he “opened the restaurant because I love to cook and I enjoy to see people enjoy their food. I have been in the restaurant business for many years. My brother and I had worked for other restaurant’s and  decided to take a leap of faith to open up our own. I have always loved to cook Mediterranean food because it’s a part of my culture and a very healthy menu.” The business is so new, there isn’t a sign outside yet, just a shwarma neon in the window.

Inside it is crisp and clean and got a total makeover.  Enter the business, order at the counter and your meal is made quickly with your choosing the fresh toppings you’d like on your bowl or sandwich.  Haytham wants people to know “that Gyro Max is a place people can come to eat a delicious meal with their friends and family. We also have set-up TV’s to catch the news or watch your favorite sporting events. ”

Quite a heft sandwich for just $6.99.  Fountain drinks are Pepsi products and there was a cooler with a selection of bottled juices. A cooler of desserts sits tempting just to the left of the register. Tables and booths available for dine in.

The full menu:

Gyro Max

4864 Airway Road
Dayton, OH 45431
(937) 938-8355

Hours:

Mon – Sat 11am – 9pm
Sun 12-8pm

The Weekend of Greek Eats and Treats

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There will be dancing !

OPA ! That’s the most overheard phrase at this weekend’s Dayton Greek Festival.

This Food Adventure has been a fixture in the Miami Valley for 61 years.  It is the perfect time for Daytonians to eat, dance, sing and celebrate Greek culture.  It promises to be a weekend full of good food and drink.

 

HERE’s THE SKINNY on THE GREEK FESTIVAL:

—Festival location:
The grounds of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
500 Belmonte Park North
(next to the Dayton Art Institute)

Preparing Desserts

Preparing Desserts

Festival Hours:


Friday, September  6       11 am to 11 pm
Saturday, September 7    11 am to 11 pm
Sunday, September 8      11 am to 6 pm

— Friday 11am- 5pm admission is free
5 – 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday all day, admission is $2.

 

GREEK FEST ATTRACTIONS:

There will be live music !

  • Food and pastries, imported beers and wines

  • Unique imported boutique items

  • Cooking demonstrations

  • Kids area “Zorba zone”

  • Church tours

  • Live music

  • Dance performances

 

PASTICHIO

MUST EATS at THE DAYTON GREEK FEST:​

—PASTICHIO:
Layers of Greek pasta, sauteed ground beef and topped with a rich cream sauce (bechamel).  This is a Greek version of lasagna.  It is delicious and the flavor is unique.

 

—LAMB GYRO:

Lamb Gyro

Flavorful lamb,  grilled and served on pita bread topped with tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce.  Truth be told, getting a couple of these is probably our favorite tradition.

 

—LOUKOUMADES (Honey Puffs):
Little “Greek donuts,”  these puffs of fried dough melt in your mouth.  A huge hit with kids and adults.

 

Honey Puffs

—GREEK LAMB SHANK DINNER:
Delicious roasted lamb shank served with rice pilaf, green beans, Greek salad and bread.  This is the big specialty of the festival.

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—TRIGONAS – TIROPITA:
Blended cheeses wrapped in a buttered fillo dough.  The result is a triangle shaped pastry to go filled with hot cheese.

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—TRIGONAS -SPANAKOPITA:

Trigonas


Spinach and feta filling wrapped in a buttered fillo dough.  This triangle shaped dough appetizer is great on the go, but be careful, the spinach inside is hot if you get a fresh one.

—BAKLAVA
Layers of fillo with a filling of chopped walnuts and cinnamon, covered with syrup.  This is the most popular dessert at the festival.  Don’t leave without getting a few.

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Lots of different spellings

—KATAIFI
Shredded wheat-like buttered pastry topped with walnuts and almonds, covered with syrup.  This is the dark horse on the dessert menu.  You need to give it a try.

This is one of Dayton’s top festivals. If you have not experienced it, you are missing out on some fun.  The party is hopping on Friday and Saturday nights.  Lots of fun and people watching. 

If you do not like crowds, may we suggest you slip in on Saturday or Sunday at 11am .  The crowd will be light and the food lines will be short.  Parking will be easier too.

**SHUTTLE SERVICE **
We encourage you foodies to use the free shuttle service. The shuttle begins Friday at 5pm, and will run all week-end, from Grandview Hospital employee parking on Shaw Ave. Guests will be dropped off at the Festival entrance.

Thank you for reading this week’s Food Adventure installment.  Find us posting food related articles each and every week, EXCLUSIVELY on Dayton Most Metro.

Like Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Spanakopita

The outside of the church

Follow the gyro smell

Inside the Church

Gyro Central

Pastichio

Fresh Baklava

Honey Puffs

Our Trifecta

Kaitdaifi

Trigonas cheese and spinach

Lamb Gyro

Quest For The Best: Gyro

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I had my first Gyro in a mall in Paducah Kentucky. It was a lackluster affair. We made the 30-minute drive from campus with a fraternity brother who happened to be from Greece. Finding a Gyro in our little west Kentucky college town was not a possibility in 1993.
According to Wikipedia a gyro (Greek: γύρος, gyros, literally ‘turn’) is a Greek dish made of meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, traditionally pork, or chicken, and outside of Greece with beef, veal or lamb, and usually served wrapped in a flatbread such as pita, with tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce.
There are a few variables to the Gyro and its success. First is the meat and the seasoning. A good Gyro is a mixture of lamb or veal and beef. Seasoned with marjoram, garlic, rosemary and black pepper it is roasted on a spit continuously. Carving off the crunchy outer layers and soft moist inner for each Gyro. Secondly is the tzatziki sauce. A yogurt and cucumber based sauce that can make or break a great Gyro. Olive oil, yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and dill. A pinch of salt and a dash of lemon and you have the perfect light topping to the Gyro.
When I worked downtown the old Pug’s Hot Dog joint on Wayne was the place for a great Gyro. They moved to Indian Ripple Road out by the Greene and live now as Chicago’s Gyros and Dogs.  Dollar for dollar this is the best in town. Fresh pitas are hardy and light, it’s a big job to hold all the gyro meat they pile on. A combo comes in at $10.00 with fries and a drink. I love how there is a great mix of the crunchy bits and soft meat in the Gyro. Their tzatziki has a tang to it and I always get an extra for my fries.
ProTip: Order an extra pita, you can split your Gyro into two smaller ones for easier handling.
When I worked out near Wright State, my go-to was Gyro Palace on Airway. It was in the shopping center on the corner of Woodman and Airway/Colonel Glenn. You can now find them at 57 South Springboro Pike near the Dayton Mall. The Greek menu is deeper here and includes stuffed grape leaves, salads, and Moussaka. I’ve never strayed from the oversized Gyro here. The meat is seasoned heavier here and the flavors are bolder in every bite. The tzatziki is creamy and carries a bit more garlic and lemon. Perfect to balance the Gyro meat. I skip the fries and get the Greek salad with olives and feta. The prices here are the lowest on my list, a Gyro platter with two sides is under $7.00. Take your time, sit down and soak it all in. Save room for a piece of baklava.
Honestly, with these two spots in your rotation, you will never have a better Gyro in town. Unless you run into the Greek Street Food Truck. These guys have taken the Gyro to a whole nother level. Find these guys parked near you soon.
The traditional Gyro is tops, but they’ve gone the extra step. Try the Greek Street Gyro, tomato jam and pickled red onion join fresh parsley giving this signature Gyro an upscale feel and flavor. Don’t let the confines of a food truck fool you, they offer your other Greek food favorites as well. Fries, Spanakopita, salads, and stuffed grape leaves are also on the menu. The Lamb gyro will set you back $8.00 but you won’t regret a bit, no one else is carving lamb streetside for your Gyro. For something different, try the shrimp gyro.
A quick Google search brings up more than a dozen joints serving a classic Gyro. I omitted Arby’s and Subway from consideration. There is no shortage of Greek spots to get a good pita besides the ones mentioned here try Gyro Delight on Wilmington, or the Greek Isle Deli in Page Manor Shopping Center.
UPDATE:  The Gyro Room closed in Jan 2018
However, the new kid on the block is The Gyro Room on Brown near UD. Tucked in across the alley from Butter Cafe the Gyro Room is a nice spot for a quick Gyro. Sides are limited to a rice dish and no fries are available. This made me a little sad. The service was fast. Real fast. Which is nice. Unless you like the art of the making of the Gyro. The slicing of the meat off the rotisserie. The Gyro room had 3-4 pounds of meat already sliced and resting in a warming tray to make assembly more efficient. This is good for time, but not so good if you are wanting those crusty and crunchy edge pieces off the spit. They are generous with portions and I opted for the extra pita and split my gyro in two. The flavors didn’t impress me like the friendliness of the staff or the quickness of the service, but it’s still a great stop if you are near campus.
I’m always looking for a new spot north of town and south of town for a great Gyro. Tell us where you go to find yours. Chicken? Beef? Lamb? What’s your Gyro choice and where do you go to get it?

Bourbon Street Cafe: Oooh, That Chicken….

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Bourbon Chicken – Their signature dish and main draw

Bourbon Street is again on Brown Street, and has been for a while.  The Bourbon Street Grill and Cafe is in a no frills dining room where the line can get long, but it goes fast.  From UD Students, to locals, people come from all over.  Whether for a work lunch, or taking dinner home, people are getting wise to this place.  Why? It is simple – GOOD FOOD, GOOD VALUE!  And …. oooooh that chicken, …. people go crazy over it !

This place is EXACTLY what Food Adventures is about… a locally owned spot where practically everything on the menu is a winner.  We should know it, because in the 6 or 7 times we have visited, Bourbon Street Grill & Cafe, we have tried practically every menu item.  And that’s what sets our blog apart.

Located at 1043 Brown Street

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on BOURBON STREET GRILL & CAFE:

— Located at 1043 Brown St. in Dayton, they are open everyday from 11am-9pm, except Sundays when they are closed.

— Owned by Hassan Abdalla, who moved to Dayton as young adult from the Middle East.  He always had the dream of being a pilot.  His father passed away unexpectedly, forever prolonging that dream and Hassan found himself working in kitchens to make ends meet.  He worked himself up

Blackened Salmon over Corn and Potatoes

to high end restaurants, like L’Auberge.  He then decided to open his own business, for years doing catering and festivals.  He opened a restaurant on W Second Street, then took an opportunity on a new location on Brown Street.

— They still cater and make several festival appearances during the year.

— Note that their chicken is grilled thigh meat, that is pulled and finished on the flat grill and cubed.  The result is a one of a kind, almost melt in your mouth taste.

— Helpful and hard working staff, always busting their butts to fill orders.

We first were exposed to these guys at festivals, and after eating their food at Big Brews and Blues, then Garlic Fest, we have been hitting the brick and mortar location regularly.  Over time, the Food Adventure Crew has developed a list of Bourbon Street Grill and Cafe’s absolute best dishes.  Or as we call them, our patented “Must Eats.”

Spicy Chicken over White Rice

 

MUST EATS at BOURBON STREET GRILL & CAFE:

— BOURBON CHICKEN:  The signature dish.  The mother ship on a plate.  We suggest white rice or spicy rice with this, although many enjoy lo mein noodles or steamed vegetables as a side.  When they serve this chicken, they scoop it up, then get another scoop of sauce and drizzle it over top.  We drool every time.

Sides served right out of the piping hot steamers

— BLACKENED SALMON:  Cajun spices dust the pan seared salmon filet.  Again we suggest it over rice, but there are so many choices from beans to corn to potatoes, the sky is the limit.  But the Salmon… holy cow is it good.

— SPICY CHICKEN:  This is the Big Ragu’s favorite dish.  He sweated in the summer heat and got lit up at a couple of festivals but it was worth it.  He likes the spicy chicken poured over white rice, to cool down some of the heat.  But choose whatever side you want.

Havent had cornbread this good since Burbanks

— CORNBREAD: An incredible throwback to southern style cornbread.  One slight problem, they do not have butter on site.  So if you are eating in, byob – “bring your own butter.”  We could eat a brownie pan of this stuff.

— THE CHEESEBURGER: A 1/3 pound burger patty loaded on a sturdy bun with all the fixins.  They top it off right.  A delicious mix of flavors, napkins recommended for this one.

Honorable Mention:  — The PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SANDWICH is a nice surprise (get extra mayo).  Also, the BLACKENED SEA BASS is delicious.

Even their Burger surprised us

From salads to beans, to edible fried tortilla bowl options, you have an open canvas.  With so many good entrees and sides to choose from, you can get lost in their menu.  One thing you wont lose, is a lot of money, because the menu is a great value.

Now you know about this stellar place on Brown Street.  Go check out Bourbon Street Grill & Cafe and make your own combinations.  It is a great place, with an incredible owners story behind it. A story of hard work and perserverence.

Make sure you browse the photos below in our picture gallery.  Our food pics are incomparable.

Remember, we are not food critics, we are 3 people with a passion for food.  Follow Food Adventures on our Facebook Page by clicking HERE.  It is a foodie’s paradise.  Also, catch our upcoming appearances on DaytonFoodies.com since 2008.

Philly cheesesteak

Lo Mein Noodles Option

The staff is one of the hardest working in town

Corn and Blackened Salmon

Menu

The Gyro

Spicy chicken and rice

Grilling Chicken

Dining Room

Potato side with salmon

Tilapia – edible bowl

Greek Food Truck to Hit Dayton Streets

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“The Greek Street Food Truck” is about to explode onto the streets of the Miami Valley

Food Adventures has super secret info that we have been waiting months to release right here on Dayton Most Metro.  It concerns Dayton’s newest food truck, that will soon make a splash in the Miami Valley.

The scoop is so fresh that their website isn’t up yet, but you can find them on Facebook —>here.

THE GREEK STREET FOOD TRUCK is putting the final touches on its menu and final tweaks on operations, but looks ready to roll.

We are excited because this will be the first strictly “Greek Based truck” that we know of and brings further diversity to an already incredible selection of local food vehicles.

So whats the scoop on the new kid in town?  Who is behind the Greek Street Food Truck?

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON THE OWNER:

— CHEF CHRIS SPIRTOS, owner and operator of Greek Street Food Truck has an extensive cooking background.

Traditional Beef/Lamb Gyro from “Greek Street Food Truck”

— Chris went to Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Chicago to hone his craft.  The Centerville native, also  worked at L’Auberge and as a sous chef at Sung’s Korean Bistro in Cincinnati.

— Chris also studied under the Chef for Oprah Winfrey, Chef Art Smith, while living in Chicago.  He was so well thought of, that Chris was flown to Oprah’s California home to help fix a dinner she hosted for the first graduating class of her school in Africa.

— More recently, Chris has worked on the incredible food truck, Zombie Dogz

— Born into a Greek family (his grandparents were from Greece), Chris’ recipe for Baklava is his mom’s, and it is a traditional favorite.

 

What type of eats can you expect on the truck?  Food Adventures  has all the scoop right here.

 

 

Stacked Chicken on the Spindle cooker

Other GREEK STREET FOOD TRUCK info:

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON WHAT TO EXPECT:

— The meats are individually layered on a spindle and cooked.  There are no compressed or processed meats.  Just a Beef/Lamb mixture spindle, and a Chicken spindle.  Each gyro is sliced to order.

— The Greek Street Food Truck will have a core menu of:
   Gyros
   Greek Fries  or Regular Fries
   Spanakopita (a Greek spinach Pie)
   An assortment of dips, possibly including hummus
   Homemade Baklava

— The menu will feature daily, revolving specials as well

 

Now, without further delay, let’s give you our menu items from Greek Street Food Truck that are absolutely, “Must Eats”….

 

MUST EATS:

— CHICKEN GYRO, STREET STYLE: Stacked rotisserie chicken breasts slices, piled into a pita and topped with “street style toppings.”  Street style means:  tomato jam, pickled red onions, crumbled feta, fresh herbs, fries, and tzatziki sauce.  Quite honestly, one of the most flavorful and unique gyros we have had.  If you try one thing, this is item to grab.

— BEEF GYRO, TRADITIONAL STYLE:  Shaved slices of stacked lamb and beef rotisserie cooked meat.  This is a throwback to the gyros of the old country with “traditional toppings.”  Traditional toppings are: tomato, tzatziki sauce, onions, smoked paprika and french fries.  This gyro is authentic.  It is like a steak sandwich, no processed meat here.  Damn good food on the “go.”

 

Owner Chris Spirtos of “Greek Street Food Truck”

We are excited for the first Greek themed entry into Dayton’s food truck scene.  The Food Adventure crew of The Big Ragu, Chef House, and Hungry Jax, wish Chris good luck with his “Big Fat Greek Food Truck.”   We think Greek Street will be a huge hit… here’s to you .. OPA !

 

Below are more practically edible photos of the luscious food at Greek Street Food Truck.

For the best photos and info on Dayton’s food scene, “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Also, follow Chef House, The Big Ragu and Hungry Jax on the Instagram Food Adventures account by clicking HERE.

The “Street Style Chicken Gyro”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greek Salad

Website . and Instagram

The Chicken Gyro Street Style is a MUST EAT !

Greek Beef Specialty

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greek Street

Coming to your city

Spanakopita – homemade

Greek Shrimp

Beef and Lamb meat, stacked and cooking

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traditional or Street Gyro? you cant go wrong

Greek Street Food Truck side view

The pickled onions on street gyro are amazing

Handful of Greek Street Food !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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100,000 People Expected at Food Filled Americana Festival

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Look down the street, hungry people as far as the eye can see !

July 4th will mark the 40th annual Americana Festival in Centerville.  Wouldn’t you know that The Big Ragu & Crew are veterans of practically every single Americana Festival over the years.   We can’t think of a better way to celebrate America’s Independence that a brisk walk through the intersection of State Route 48 and Franklin Street, sampling food selections from various vendors.  With over 100 spots to eat, this is a perfect opportunity for a summer Food Adventure.   From typical festival fare like funnel cakes and to healthier choices like salads and grilled chops, there is something for every taste bud on hand.  The food tour stretches from the center of town, down through Benham’s Grove and the Activity Center Park.   French Fries, Deep Fried Snickers, Roasted Corn, Chinese food and Gyro Vendors are just some of our favorites on the yearly hit list.  We would be amiss if we didn’t mention the various icons that will be open along the street such as Bill’s Donut Shop, City BBQ and Graeter’s Ice Cream.  You can even enjoy a Marion’s Pizza near the classic car show in their parking lot.  Ohhh Americana, how we love thee!

Hey there, Pork Chop !

If you need the scoop on one of Dayton’s largest festivals, here you go:

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— July 4th events start at 7:30am with a 5k Run/Walk – Always a nice start to a guilt free Food Adventure

— Parade starts at 10am sharp near Centerville High School and typically lasts until 11:30am

— The Street Festival runs from 11am-4pm with over 300 vendors (many of them food booths)

— Festival ends with a Fireworks Display at Centerville High School Stadium at 10pm

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Now for the rumbling stomachs that sound like a fireworks grand finale, here are your Food Adventure MUST EATS !

MUST EATS:

— Nothing says independence like a mouthful of powdered sugar and fried dough, so get yourself a damn Funnel Cake

Nothing says Independence like Powdered Sugar and Fried Dough

— Grilled Pork Chops – Various vendors are serving up these chops that weigh as much as a small dumbell

— Roasted Corn – More than knee high by the 4th of July, don’t forget the brush and buttery dip option

— Gyro’s – The Greek vendors at this event never disappoint.  Grab a Gyro with the works, which sometimes includes some Caesar’s Salad lettuce on top

— Philly Cheesesteak – A little known secret of the festival is that some vendors fire up the grills as early as 9:30am.  We took advantage of this one year.  We also should have taken a tums.  Huge, mouth watering, stuffed sandwiches.  Just look for the banner “Italian Sausages & Philly Cheesesteaks”

— Deep Fried Snickers – Ok, so admit it, you have always wanted to try one.  If you like rich foods and gooey chocolate, give it a whirl.  It is like a small, powdered corndog with chocolate inside.  Everyone should try these just once.  Put it on your July4th bucket list.

— McDigger’s Pub – Go inside and grab a cold libation at the corner of Elm and East Franklin St.  They also grill burgers and sausages on the patio.  This is the only bar we know of where a round of drinks costs about the same as a local Moose Lodge.  Just aim your beer burps the other way, please.

Whether you grab a pretzel donut or a grilled chicken wrap with Uncle Sam on stilts, this shindig is as much a celebration of taste as a celebration of the stars and stripes.  So get yourself to the center of Centerville and see why this festival is one of the biggest in Dayton.  Are you a veteran of the event?  Then comment below and tell us your favorite bites from the Americana Festival!

Your hometown foodies Chef House, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu wish each and every one of you a happy 4th of July.  Enjoy the local street food and more on this warm summer’s holiday.  This festival definitely shows off “America the Beautiful !”

Browse through our photos below, they will light your firecracker !  “Like” Food Adventures on Facebook HERE !

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