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Hasty Tasty

Quest for Dayton’s Best: Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

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When I worked on the West Side of Dayton 15 years ago there was a place in Drexel, an old-fashioned Root Beer stand that had the best fried Pork Tenderloin. It came on an undersized bun with pickles, onions, and mustard. For a few bucks, this slice of fried breaded pork could keep you satisfied until way past dinner. It was reminiscent of the Fried Tenderloin you could only get at the county fair when I was a kid.
Locally I could guess that the Fried Pork Tenderloin is some kind of adaptation of a  traditional German-Austrian schnitzel but didn’t have much of the traditional veal. Here in the Midwest, they had pork and that works for me.
I began to search for the best Fried Pork Tenderloin in Dayton and this is what I found:

 

Hasty Tasty
Address: 3509 Linden Ave, Dayton, OH 45410
Hours: Open today · 5AM–10PM
Phone: (937) 254-8431
The Pork Tenderloin is thicker and not as wide as I am used to. A light breading that is crisp and still juicy on the inside. Hasty Tasty, known to most as a great breakfast diner, is also the defacto standard for the meat plus two dinner plate. I get the Tenderloin for lunch and they serve it with tomato, lettuce, onion, and mayo. It was a departure from my normal mustard, pickle, and onion but it worked. It really worked. I almost didn’t finish my fries, or the chili I had alongside it.
$4.50 and for $2.50 you can add two sides like I did. Skip the salad, get the fries and a cup of the chili.

 

Address: 836 Watervliet Ave, Dayton, OH 45420
Hours: Open today · 11AM–2:30AM
Phone: (937) 258-1222
I know, I know. Go to Slyder’s get the burger they said. I did that. Then I got the Reuben, and then I had the Pork Tenderloin. I am glad I did. At this rate, I’ll never get to their famous wings and that is okay with sandwiches and chips for under $7.00. This tenderloin is thinner, the way I like, served with lettuce, tomato, pickle, and onion. I left the pickle and onion, added mustard and we were headed down memory lane. Hot, crispy, then, hanging way over the bun like old times. Used three napkins and I am not even ashamed to say I wore some back to the office on my shirt.

 

Address: 936 Brown St, Dayton, OH 45409
Hours: Open today · 11AM–2:30AM
Phone: (937) 424-1784
I will freely admit that Jimmies is my go-to for a Shrimp Po-Boy. They make it like I remember from my days living in Baton Rouge. Man can not live on Fried Shrimp alone and for those days there is a huge slice of deep fried pork at Jimmies. It true Ladder 11 style, this thing is huge, like all their other sandwiches and comes with Dayton’s famous Mike Sells chips. They serve it with mayo as well and I always ask for mustard. Deep fried and crispy, thin and more meat than bun it’s a great spot for lunch. Too many beers on tap to name, you can get this lunch for $8.00.

 

Rootbeer Stand 

photo courtesy of Trip Advisor

Address: 1727 Woodman Dr, Dayton, OH 45420
Hours: Open today · 11AM–8PM
Phone: (937) 640-1114
This is my secret spot I am sharing with you. For only $4.29 you get the nostalgia of eating in the car, curbside one of the best sandwiches in town. Get a frosty mug of Rootbeer and thank me later.

 

Here’s my list to visit for this delightful sandwich in the coming weeks:
Their Tenderloin is a meal. Breaded, deep fried, topped with cheese, poppins bbq and slaw on a bun. What more do you need than a cold beer over lunch with this?
Who would you add to this list?

Full Scoop on the 2017 Dayton Area Fish Frys

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Alter HS Fish Fry is a huge event

Dayton Most Metro has the full list of the areas fish fry’s for 2017 listed RIGHT HERE.  Food Adventures has been visiting all of these fish frys each year, for years and we have the scoop on each one.

How do we know?  Because we actually go to each one and support the causes!  Most fish frys serve Alaskan Pollok or Cod.  A couple serve Haddock, and catfish !

NO ONE else breaks down 35 Dayton area fish frys like The Food Adventures Crew … join us…

So, cast your nets, throw your bait i, n the water and see what you can catch this fish fry season !!

We knock .em down below and list them from the MOST EXTRAVAGANT ones, to the TOP FISH FRYS, and BEST RESTAURANT FISH FRYS.  We will list

A serving from Incarnation’s Fish Fry

some fish frys we are putting on our hit list to visit for the first time this year.  Also we have scoop on a “Do it yourself Fish Fry” at home !  Start reading and be the smartest fish in your school.

 

First, Food Adventures starts with the big shows, the huge events, the largest production and biggest number of activities and selections.

Here’s the list of the MOST EXTRAVAGANT fish frys .. in order

St Peter’s in Huber Heights – huge selection of food & casino games

THE 4 MOST EXTRAVAGANT FISH FRYS:

—1.  ALTER HIGH SCHOOL’S FISH FRY:  FRI. FEB 24 at 7pm
940 E David Rd, Kettering
The Dayton area’s largest fish fry, it is a sight to behold.  Located at Alter High School gym and cafeteria, it is a huge display of casino games and a gigantic amount of silent auction prizes.  $15 gets you all you want fish, sides and pop.  Beer and wine, is extra.  Promises to draw a big crowd. If you want the big, Grandaddy of them all event .. this is it … Say hi to the Big Ragu who will be dealing blackjack.

 

—2. ST PETER’S FISH FRY: SAT. FEB 25 at 5:30pm

Carroll HS like most fish fry’s serve draft beer


6161 Chambersburg Rd, Huber Heights
Since it is on a Saturday, they offer fish, sausages, wings and much more.  There is enough food to line the length of a basketball court.  The entire gym is decked out from horse races to blackjack.  The price is about $15 and includes a couple drink tickets.  The line is a big one so get there EARLY.  They usually surprise with one craft beer at the coolers.  Big crowd, good times.

 

—3. INCARNATION PARISH FISH FRY: FRI. MAR 10 at 7pm
55 Williamsburg Ln, Centerville
Known simply as “The Fry,” This event has tents, and it has the biggest craft beer selection of all the fish frys.  Also a BIG casino after party, with lots of folks.

Like St Mary’s some serve Sausages on Saturdays or Fridays before lent

Big Ragu deals blackjack here from time to time, so please come, eat, drink and be merry.  This event gets extra points for decor and silent auction.  Typically the cost is about $18 and includes all you can eat fish, sides and soda pop.  Craft beer for sale too, the biggest selection of the fish frys.

 

—4. CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL’S ST PAT’S FEST FISH FRY: FRI. MAR 10 at 6pm
4524 Linden Ave.  Dayton
Everyone is Irish for this fish fry celebration.  $18 is admission gets you fish, sides and some draft beers. Held in the cafeteria and gymnasium, they have a baked fish option and lots of desserts.  A friendly staff, with tons of silent auction items, raffle prizes and of course some games of chance.  Will you hit the luck of the Irish at this party?(March 11th is a free family event).

Desserts are often a part of admission like this Peanut Butter Sheet Cake from Our Lady of the Rosary

 

Now Food Adventures turns to the best fish frys.  The ones who give you best bang for your buck and maybe not the long lines of other fish frys.  Must be 21 to attend, except for the fish frys that are family events.

 

THE BEST 15 CHARITY FISH FRYS:

—1. ST MARY’S FISH FRY: FRI. FEB 3 at 6pm
310 Allen St, Dayton
All you can eat dinner in the basement of the church.  There is a fun circus atmosphere for the raffle prizes and of course the casino games.  This is one of the best bangs for your buck.  The cost is $15 and you get fish dinner with all the trimmings.  You can buy beers on draft for about 50 cents.  And a dessert table for extra $1 per item will knock your Aunt Connie’s socks off.  Short lines, nice volunteers and a comfortable atmosphere.

Games of chance like this dice game at Holy Trinity are common

—2. OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY FISH FRY: FRI. Feb 10 at 6pm
22 Notre Dame Ave.  Dayton
This is our old #1 fish fry.  It is still the best, but the secret is out and the lines are long.  Take advantage of their multiple dates and get there early.  $17 gets you endless food and beer, they don’t nickel and dime you here.  This is a fun, laid back party. All you can eat Icelandic cod, chicken strips, fresh sausage (hot and regular), French fries, salad, cole slaw, cabbage and noodles, chocolate cake, apple crisp, popcorn, beer and soft drinks, and Chef Joseph, you get us with that peanut butter sheet cake every year.  Talk about religious experience… but the cat is out of the bag on this secret, so get there early or the line will be around the cafeteria, but the fish here is different than any other.

Dayton Rugby Clubs fish fry is delicious – Chef David Glynn makes sure of it

—3. HOLY TRINITY FISH FRY: SAT. MAR 4 at 6:30pm
272 Bainbridge St, Dayton
Points for the friendliest staff of volunteers and parishioners.  They treat you like family.  At a cost of about $15 you get 3 beer tickets and food.  The lines are not long, and the casino games in the adjacent room are a blast.  This is a real fun event that captures the essence of a fish fry.

 

—4. DAYTON RUGBY CLUB: FRI. MAR 31 at 7pm.
 5384 Fishburg Rd., Huber Heights (Huber Heights Athletic Club)
 This ranking is because the fish is so good.  Chef David Glynn in the past has turned this into a fantastic event with his volunteers.  Big lines, but the fish is worth it.  It is the only Dayton fish fry with Panko fish breading.  Go for seconds and pass out in a food coma like we do.  A fun boisterous crowd.  Lots of food, laughs and fun.

Lots of pop – like this table at Holy Angels Fish Fry

 

—5. HOLY ANGELS FISH FRY: FRI. JAN 13 at6pm
1322 Brown Street, Dayton
 Near the campus of U.D., this is one of the friendliest crews you can hang out with.  A nice hot batch of fish hits the pan every few minutes.  The line is not bad and the cafeteria area holds the eats and raffle prizes.  Check out the goods and the beer is CHEAP.  $15 bucks for a delicious fish fry cooked by the “Corpus Christi Fryers.”

 

—6. ST HELENS FISH FRY: SAT. JAN 28th at 6:30pm
605 Granville Pl, Dayton
Riverside’s best fish fry.   $20 at the door includes pop, beer tickets and full fish dinner.  They are also

St Helens and other fish frys are on Saturdays and offer chicken too

having sausages and chicken !  This is a comfortable crowd, not too busy, and not too empty.  It is just right.  Lots of chances for casino games as well.

 

—7. ST PAULS CATHOLIC CHURCH FISH FRY: NOT UNTIL DEC. 2017
 1000 Wenger Rd, Englewood
(They already held their fish fry in December, catch them later this year, it is worthwhile).

 

The Fish from St Paul’s fish fry in Englewood

—8. OUR LADY of GRACE/OUR LADY of MERCY/CORPUS CHRISTI FISH FRY: SAT. MAR 4 at 6pm
249 Squirrel Rd, Dayton
Just $15 gets you into this fantastic party and fish fry.  The lines are not long and the food is good.  Fish Fries Sausage, Cole Slaw, Baked Beans, and Beer included!  The Corpus Christi Fryers will be serving up some lovin spoonfuls.

 

—9. ST ANTHONY’s FISH FRY: FRI. FEB 24 at 6pm
830 Bowen St., Dayton
Great atmosphere, great fish.  Plenty of blackjack tables for afterwards fun.  Cost is $15 and includes fish dinner, sides and a couple beer tickets. The lines can get long, so get there early for this one.  Good Food, fun

The Corpus Christi Fryers are a great volunteer group

crowd, nice big pieces of Alaskan pollok.

 

—10. ST ALBERT THE GREAT FISH FRY: FRI. JAN 20, 6pm
3033 Far Hills Ave, Dayton
$20 at the door gets you a full, endless fish dinner.  In the past the Hecht family has run this fish fry.  Nice, big pieces of fish, breaded and cooked perfectly.  You should get a couple of beer tickets with admission as well.  this fish fry also has

St Anthony Fish Fry Volunteers

a lot of raffle prizes to win.

 

—11. ST CHARLES FISH FRY: FRI. MAR 17, 4:30pm
4500 Ackerman Blvd. Kettering 
Kid friendly until 6pm.  This fish fry gives you a chance to bring the whole family from 4:30pm -6pm.  After that it goes to over 21.  Great fish, short lines and a lot of fun.  We suggest getting there about 5-530pm to get a good seat. Tickets are about $16 and include a couple of beer tickets, as well as fish, slaw and fries.

Lots of fish frys serve bread and tartar so you can make a sandwich – like this one from St Albert

 

—12. CHAMINADE JULIENNE’S FISH FRY: SAT. MAR. 18th at 6pm.
505 South Ludlow Street, Dayton 
Cost is $20 at the door includes all the beer and food you want.  We love this all inclusive approach and the fish is good so this one is the best up and coming fish fry.  Held in the school they get a great crowd, get there early as lines form !

 

—13. ST LUKES FISH FRY: FRI. MAR 3rd and FRI. MAR 17th at 5:15-6:45pm
1440 N. Fairfield Rd, Beavercreek
This one is run by the school and is a delicious dinner, not all you can eat.  You are offered baked and fried fish, slaw and fries.  They have one of the biggest dessert selections we had run into.  Plenty of soda available.  This is a FAMILY fish fry, so no beer or alcohol is served.  Cost is about $10 for adults, $5 children 4-12, 3 and under free.  

Fish from St Charles Fish Fry

—14. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FISH FRY: FRI. JAN 20th, 6pm
4293 Powell Road, Huber Heights
The menu includes beverages, both fried and baked fish, sausage, chicken nuggets, beans, corn, macaroni and cheese, and all the fixings. The price is $14 for adults.

 

—15. ST. HENRY’S FISH FRY: FRI. FEB 3 at 7pm
6696 Springboro Pike, Dayton
They have a live auction and Texas hold em too !  Price is about 16 bucks for the all you can eat typical fish dinner with fries and slaw.  Have fun and gamble.  The atmosphere is very relaxed and jovial at this fun fish fry.

Desserts from Chaminade Fish Fry

 

—16. ST. FRANCIS of ASSISI‘s FISH FRY: FRI. MAR 3, 6pm
6245 Wilmington Pike, Bellbrook
If you get there early, you will be having round 2 of food before most people have even gotten into line.  This is a big fish fry held in the cafeteria and the seating gets full.  The fish is filling and they offer some other sides besides just slaw and fries.

 

Many events have baked fish option like this one from St Luke’s Church

Chef House, the Big Ragu and Hungry Jax are all about the restaurant scene too.  Take it from us, here are the fish frys you want to experience.  Some are year round, some are limited times.  All are worth it !

Here they are…

THE TOP 8 DAYTON AREA RESTAURANT FISH FRYS:

—1. HASTY TASTY PANCAKE HOUSE:
3509 Linden Ave, Dayton
$8.75 – endless fish fries and cole slaw offered 52 weeks a year on Fridays. What a deal!  The fish is delicious, light, huge pieces cooked with a perfect and crunch.  Excellent food, old school atmosphere, nuff said.

St Henry’s Fish Fry

 

—2. YANKEE TRACE GOLF CLUB:
10000 Yankee St, Centerville
Endless fish, cole slaw and fries for $15 per person.  This goes every Friday through April 14th.  Delicious, filling, and ooohh is that fish good and crunchy!

 

—3. TIPP O’ THE TOWN:
1150 W. Main St, Tipp City
All you can eat on Fridays and Wednesdays every week all year, all day long.  For $9.79 it comes with fries and slaw.  A great place, that gets overlooked up north.

St Francis fish fry in Bellbrook is a busy one

—4. K.J.’S RESTAURANT:
35 W Center St, Germantown
This Germantown restaurant features all you can eat farm raised catfish, 2 sides, for $8.99.  What a price!  The catfish is nice and flaky and not “fishy.”  We think you’re gonna enjoy this one!

 

—5. GAMEDAY GRILL and PATIO:
7576 OH-48, Waynesville, OH
Popular spot at the edge of Waynesville/Centerville.  Their fish fry runs every Friday during lent (Ash Wednesday to Easter).  It is not all you can eat.  The price is $12.25 for Alaskan Pollock includes 2 big pieces, fries and slaw and extra filets are +$3 each. These guys know how to cook good food.  Try it for some of the best around.

Hasty Tasty Fish Fridays are year round and the best deal

 

—6. SLYDER’S FISH FRY:
836 Watervliet Ave., Dayton
Every Friday, is the deal. Three pieces of walleye (not all you can eat) for $7.75.  Served with fries and slaw.  This is the only time you will not get a burger here.

 

—7. WHOLE FOODS FRIDAY FISH SPECIAL:
1050 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd., Centerville 
Fish dinner by the pound.  Beer Battered Cod, every Friday in the hot plate area sold with french fries at $8.99 a pound.

Yankee Trace has an excellent fish fry for $15

—8. CRACKER BARREL FRIDAY FISH SPECIAL:
5770 Wilmington Pike, Centerville,  and 7171 Miller Ln, Dayton
Fried Cod on Friday for $9.99.  Add the best sides in show business like the dumplings or okra and you’ve got a cure hitting your hunger.  They start serving at 11am and you can choose from Cod or Catfish.  We’re HOOKED ~

 

SIX FISH FRYS ON OUR HIT LIST IN 2017 (They should be on yours too !):

—1. BRICK CITY BLAST BASEBALL FISH FRY: SAT JAN 21, 6pm

Gameday Grill in Waynesville has a Fish dinner on Fridays

6161 Chambersburg Rd, Huber Heights
$12 in advance gets you fried fish, Swedish Meatballs, Hot Dogs, Mashed Potatoes, Cole Slaw and more!! Unlimited beverages (Beer, Pop and more) also included.  Games will include: Poker, Showdown, Chuck A Luck, and more!  Proceeds to the Brick City Sports Club.

 

—2. EINTRACHT SINGING SOCIETY FISH FRY: APR 7 at 6pm and MAY 5 at 6pm
2707 Old Troy Pike, Dayton
Baked & Fried Cod, French Fries, Baked Beans, Sausage, Pasta Salad, and Cole Slaw.  Soda & draft beer included in the price so, for $14 a person, it is all you can eat night !

 

Alter’s silent auction area

—3. HUBER HEIGHTS ROTARY FISH FRY: SAT. FEB 11 at 6pm
5384 Fishburg Rd., Huber Heights (Huber Heights Athletic Club)
$15 tickets include food and drink. There will be raffles, door prizes, cards, instants and Monte Carlo games. All funds raised benefit “Needy Family Christmas Program.”

 

—4. PARTNERS FOR COMMUNITY LIVING FISH and CHIP FRY: FRI. MAR 3 at 6pm
5367 Fishburg Rd, Huber Heights
Highly acclaimed fish fry.  Tickets are $20 at the door, and the buzz is nothing but good about this event.  We can’t wait to sink our teeth into their fish!

The dessert table at Carrolls Fish fry

—5. ST. BRIDGID FISH FRY:FRI. MAR 24 at 6pm 
312 Fairground Road, Xenia
Sounds like besides a great fish fry, they will have lots of casino games like Black Jack, Texas Hold’em, Horse Races, Beat the Dealer, Instant Bingo.  Tickets are $15 for this one.

 

—6. ST CHRISTOPHERS FISH FRY: SAT. JAN 28 at 6pm
435 East National Road, Vandalia
$15 cost to enter and it is being run by the Corpus Christi Fryers, so you know it is gonna be great.

 

One last thing to consider….an option of having your very own fish fry….

Foremost Seafood can help you with your own fish fry (fresh tilapia here)

*** DO IT YOURSELF FISH FRY OPTION ***:

— FOREMOST SEAFOOD‘S “DO IT YOURSELF FISH FRY”:  Here is an option you wont see anywhere else.  How about hosting your own fish fry party?  Foremost Seafood, off of Woodman Drive, sells everything you need to make sure you have the perfect party.  And you can pick which type of fish you want.  From Catfish, Walleye, Haddock, Perch, pollack, to tilapia and much more.  Call (937) 298-1986, ask for Tom to talk about your fish fry.t’s it 

 

WHEWWWWWW !  That’s it !  Hook, line and sinker….

Always the most thorough scoop on Dayton eats, Food Adventures can be found on Facebook by clicking HERE.  Please “like” our page.

Carroll HS baked fish option

A pile of fish at Chaminade

Hasty Tasty Pancake House – a fish refill looks like this

Pull tabs at Our Lady of the Rosary Fish fry

Holy Angels Fish Fry

A Labatts in a Yeungling cup at Holy Angels Fish Fry

Holy Trinity – our first plate

Incarnation Fish fry casino area

Desserts at Our Lady of the Rosary in the kitchen

Dayton Rugby Club fish Fry crowd

Bread for St Alberta Fish fry

St Anthony has the typical condiments

St Charles Fish Fry

St Charles Fish Fry

St Francis offers baked fish too

Hush puppies at St Helens

Pabst at St Helens

St Mary’s fish fry prep

St Marys desserts

St Paul’s dessert table

Wings, dogs, and more at St Peters

Yankee Trace Fish Fry

Yankee Trace Fish Fry

3 Places to “Hop to” on the Adult Easter Weekend Trail

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Adrienne’s White Rabbit Lounge in Centerville

Adults need a break too.  Kids can’t have all the fun this Easter.  Today, Food Adventures suggests 3 Dayton area spots to go rabid.. errr rabbit on this weekend.  They each have something in common.  Can you guess what?

Let’s hop to it…..

 

— ADRIENNE’S WHITE RABBIT LOUNGE:  This place is sure to be a future feature on “Dive Bar Tuesday” with Brian Petro.  Have you ever been to a bar, where the whole place is .. well the bar?  This is one of those places.  It is a no-nonsense watering hole.  It is a  drinking person’s bar.  The staff is friendly and the regulars are welcoming too.  The drink prices are very cheap and some of the canned beer specials are amazing.  Adrienne’s White Rabbit is located in a shopping center at 889 S. Main Street in Centerville.  It is a perfect place for a happy hour after a long work day.  Want a MUST DRINK this Easter weekend?  This time of year, they are known for a PEEP SHOT.  Yep, your shot may have a couple of the marshmallow bunny peeps hanging on the rim of the glass.  How is that for unwinding?  We suggest you start out your Friday evening here, this weekend….

 

Hairless Hare Brewery in Vandalia has some Great Beers

— HAIRLESS HARE BREWERY:  Good beer, brewed on site, is the hallmark for this Easter weekend stop at 738 W. National Rd in Vandalia.  The MUST DRINKS here are KICK BACK KOLSCH, AMERICAN ALE, BELGIAN HARE, T-DAWG AMBER ALE and SHADY RIVER WHEAT.  Owners Matt Harris, Mike Legg and brewmaster Tony Dawes push the flavor envelope every month with new creations.  The Hairless Hare also has some MUST EATS, the PIZZA.  Homemade dough and premium toppings like salmon, are the reason these pizzas are unforgettable.

Speaking of unforgettable, do we have one for you, featuring Hairless Hare beers…. Chef House, Hungry Jax and the Big Ragu are excited for an upcoming Food Adventure dinner on April 1st at Company 7 BBQ featuring 5 food courses and 4 Hairless Hare Beers.  Did you know you get all that and tip included for $25? Tickets are pre sale only and available at this LINK.  Get your seat before they sell out !

 

— BUNNY’S HASTY TASTY PANCAKE HOUSE:  Ok, this is The Big Ragu’s entry, so humor him.  Bunny’s Hasty Tasty Pancake House at 3509 Linden Ave. is a Dayton icon.  For the last 64 years, this place has been a staple in the Miami Valley.  From the waitress BETTY who has worked there since 1974, to their comfort food, The Hasty Tasty Pancake House is one of a kind.  We suggest you hit this place Saturday morning or Saturday 9pm and get PANCAKES as the MUST EAT, to soak up the weekend alcohol from the other 2 places.  Want a different route?  Another MUST EAT deal is the Friday night all you can eat fish fry for $8.25.

 

So there you go, 3 stops on the Adult Bunny Trail, this Easter weekend.  Drink up, eat up and don’t overdo or you may oversleep through the Easter egg hunt!

Are you a foodie?  Then Food Adventures is the Dayton blog for you.  Each week, Food Adventures has a weekly article, featured right here on Dayton Most Metro.  You can also follow Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.  Original dinner events, original food photos, the most thorough food blog, original festivals, original website, original cooking classes, original articles, charity events, tv spots..

Bunnys Hasty Tasty Pancake House

All you want fish on Fridays Hasty Tasty 8.25

Pizza from Hairless Hare

Hairless Hare Beer Menu

Vandalia’s Brewery

Mike, Tony and Matt from Hairless Hare

The star of the Hasty Tasty Pancake House for 64 years

White Rabbit’s Peep Shot

Pour me a Hairless Hare Brew !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hasty Tasty Waitress Enters 41st Work Year

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Betty is an icon

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

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

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

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

Pancakes - magnificent !

Click to Enlarge These Magnificent Pancakes

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

MUST EATS:

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

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

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

Betty with her son, Chuck !

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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Introducing NEW Food Adventures Crew & Fried Chicken at Lily’s Bistro ($25 Gift Card)

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Food Adventures Just Got More Adventurous !

Food Adventures just got a whole lot more adventurous….. and you can benefit by winning a $25 gift certificate to Lily’s Bistro in the Oregon district.

*** FOOD ADVENTURES WITH BIG RAGU and THE CREW ***

Blazing the trails in the foodie forums since 2008, Food Adventures has developed a large following…

Today, we add some big players to the mix.  They include Chefs, Foodie Fanatics, royalty and an appetite for Dayton that has never been bigger.  Although we have a couple of new faces, FOOD ADVENTURES with BIG RAGU and THE CREW, is still the same FOOD ADVENTURES you have come to love.  We will continue to have the MUST EATS, killer food photos that make your mouth water, and multiple visits to a place before we write an article.  Will continue to give you “THE SKINNY” on our favorites.  Follow our relentless pursuit of the best eats in the Miami Valley!

Together, your humble Food Adventurers will seek out locally owned restaurants, unique places off the beaten path, and even give our slant on some familiar favorites. Whenever we visit a place, we call it a “Food Adventure.”  You can expect pictures of each Food Adventure we embark on. You can expect us hugging waiters, visiting mom & pop establishments, posting nostalgic blogs, tongue-in-cheek comments and emotionally eating our way through life.   We don’t take ourselves seriously, enjoying the adventure all the way.  “We are not food critics, we just love to eat!”  Food Adventures won’t limit ourselves, we try it all – NO RULES !  We will leave no plate unturned.

You know the Big Ragu already ...

You already know The Big Ragu

We will continue to set the trends, host Food Adventure dinner events, and give our unique spin on Dayton’s best “Mom and Pop” places in the Miami Valley.  Food Adventures with Big Ragu and the Crew will continue to attend and support numerous local food and charity events.   We eat it all, and the photos are ours. No stock pics here.  We aren’t a share and click site.  We are Dayton Originals, so all of our stuff is original content. Often imitated, never duplicated, accept no substitutions.

You can find us here:

Facebook Page: Facebook.com/foodadv

Website: DaytonFoodies.com 

Twitter: @food_adv

Instagram: Instagram.com/Dayton_Foodies

 

Our recent “Meeting of the Mouths” happened last Sunday at Lily’s Bistro on Chicken Dinner night.  We will get into the Must Eats from that night shortly, but first…,

Ladies and gentlemen, it is time to MEET THE NEW CREW !

 

Chef House - expert foodie !LEEANNE HOUSE aka “CHEF HOUSE”:

Chef House or “The Sriracha Mamma” is all about the heat.  Lover of all things spicy she is constantly in the kitchen coming up with fun new ways to whip up veggies and add a little spice.  She is a Dayton native, with lifelong experience in the restaurant industry, working with some of the best chefs in the Miami Valley.  She loves to keep it local especially in the summer when beautiful produce is plentiful. She is a true foodie who knows we have a lot to offer in Ohio!

Chef House’s Top 5 Favorite Local Places for a Food Adventure :

(in no particular order)

1) Meadowlark (they do veggies right!)

2) Rue Dumaine (it never disappoints)

3) Fresco (best chef hands down)

4) Oregon Express (favorite pizza since I was a kiddo)

5) My kitchen ! …  duh!!!!

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JACLYN SCANLAN aka “HUNGRY JAX”:

Jackie relocated to the Dayton are in 2006. This Italian from Upstate NY found herself in a very different culinary atmosphere than what she was used to back home in Utica, NY.  However, different proved to be good a she fell in love with not only this “gem” of a city, but also the food and foodies within it! Cooking is a passion of Jackie’s.  She loves to use her husband, John, and two daughters, Coraline and Ashlyn, as her lab rats to test recipes out.  Some of her recipes have even been published in National Food Magazines!  But as much as she loves to cook, she also loves to take a night off from her kitchen and enjoy eating out and letting someone else do all the work (and the clean up)!  Other foodie interests include years of volunteering at the Dorothy Lane Market School of Cooking and being an Alton Brown fan since way back when he wore bowling shirts.  Jackie is excited to be part of the Food Adventures team and is looking forward to experiencing some new eats!

Jackie’s Top 5 Favorite Local Places for a Food Adventure:

1) Lock 27

2) The Cakery

3) Sweeney’s Seafood

4) Dorothy Lane Market

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 And our final Food Adventurer…
The King - all smilesBLAKE KING aka “THE KING”

After hopping the globe with the Air Force, The King recently touched down in Dayton with his wife and daughters. Flying recon for great local food, the Big Ragu has set the course for his newest wingman, and he is logging some serious mileage. The King is a dessert FREAK! There is no shake too shaky, pie too flakey, nor cake to…cakey for this lunatic. He wants to find the best dessert in Dayton. Please help him. He needs it, a lot.

The King’s Top 5 Favorite Local Places for a Food Adventure:

1) Taco Loco

2) Jet Freeze

3) Bill’s Donut Shop

4) Hasty Tasty Pancake House

5) Submarine House

 

 

Now to the food of the day .. not a typical article for us, this is just about one dinner …. The Sunday Chicken Dinner at Lily’s Bistro

Get your hens ready….

HERE’S THE SKINNY: 

— The dinners go from 5pm – 9pm on Sundays only

— The menu is pretty much fried chicken, with the sides, appetizers, and desserts changing from week to week.

— The prices are $9 for a 2 piece dinner, $16 for a 1/2 chicken dinner, and $28 for a whole chicken

— Sides are $3,  good prices, no clucking around

Now we ruffle our feathers and give you our patented.. Must Eats!

 

Buttered Johnnycake..

Johnny Cakes at Lily’s Bistro. Click to Enlarge the Goodness

MUST EATS:

— JOHNNY CAKES:  It might have been chicken night, but the appetizers and sides stole the show !  We couldn’t stop talking about the Johnny cakes. Pancakes, as an appetizer? This was right up our alley. The King wished he could have bottled the scent to keep by his pillow at night. Made with jalepeno, for just enough contrasting kick to the sweet buttery mapleness.   These cakes were  slathered in butter and syrup and simply amazing.  Who would have thunk it?   Crispy, sweet and spicy made for a perfect combination, and Chef House’s favorite dish of the night.

— SMOKED SALMON DIP:  Another great appetizer of the night, served with bagel “nuggets.”  We started out polite, then found ourselves thumb wrestling for the last bits.  Addicting, and addiction is an ugly thing.

— HOMEMADE MASHED POTATOES: We are talking the real deal, mashed with decent sized chunks in them.  We wondered why conversation stopped, it was as if all the Food Adventurers discovered these at the same time and were very quietly stuffing their faces.

— COOLDADDY COCKTAIL:  This spicy cocktail is a must.  Who could pass up a drink that features Chef House’s Sriracha sauce? Tequila, handmade pepper syrup, strawberries, cilantro are also among the ingredients.

— BEIGNETS:  Pronounced “Ben-yays.”   Known in some circles as “pizza frite”, “zeppole” or fried dough, these puffs of dough are a perfect end to a rich dinner.  Ever so slightly covered with sifted powdered sugar, Big Ragu had white on his “man bib vest” in no time.

 

Smoked Salmon Dip with Bagel nuggets - a must eat

Smoked Salmon dip, made in house, with Bagel Bites

Honorable Mention:  The mac n cheese and hand breaded, fried okra deserve a nod!

Thank you for reading our special  Food Adventure with Big Ragu and the Crew!

We always visit a place multiple times before we write a story, so we are ready for a trip back to Lily’s.. want to join us?  COMMENT BELOW on the story for a chance to win!

**** CONTEST **** WIN a $25 Gift Certificate to LILY’S BISTRO WITH BIG RAGU AND THE CREW !!   Just comment on the story below for a chance to win.  One entry per person, please.  A winner will be chosen at random.  We will revisit this restaurant for an another Food Adventure and you are welcome to join us !
Follow Food Adventures by giving us a like on Facebook.
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The Fearsome 15: Top Guilty Food Pleasures in Dayton

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Frisch’s Hot Fudge Cake is Sinful

We all have them, we all need them… guilty pleasures.   As we get older, we try to eat healthier, but once in a while, you gotta splurge.  Dayton is a great place to do so.   Sure, there is fear in seeing the calorie count, and scary scale readings the following week… but sometimes you gotta have a ghastly, full blown Food Adventure.

So without further ado, we present present our list of the Top 15 Guilty Food Pleasures of the Dayton Area:

 

15) THE FOOTLONG CHILI DOG at THE ROOT BEER STANDE: Long and strong, we came to get the friction on.  This wiener is a mouthful of goodness and a ruined shirt waiting to happen.  Eat it in your car, roll up the windows so no one can see,.  But we know… this is one of your guilty pleasures.

 

14) FRICKER’S RIBS & WINGS DINNER:  This huge meal comes with a half rack of ribs, those famous fried chicken wings, cole slaw, roll and an side.  Finger lickin’ good, and a naughty belt buster for sure.

 

13) THE PEANUT BUTTER SUNDAE at JET FREEZE:  Homemade peanut butter sauce, ice cream, whip cream, nuts and a cherry on top.  The peanut butter sauce alone is so sinful that it catapults it onto the list.

 

12) THE BROOKYLYN BRAWLER PIZZA at JOHNNY’S SLICE of NY:  When you serve a giant, stuffed pizza as big as a spare tire, it has to be a guilty pleasure.  Big eaters of the Miami Valley come from far and wide not only to eat this giant creation, but to see if 2 of them can finish it in 30 minutes or less to get on the wall of fame.  Filled with various meats and cheeses, this guilty pleasure is for serious eaters.

 

11) THE SEAFOOD PLATTER at TREASURE ISLAND: Deep fried scallops, a cod filet, frog legs, fried shrimp and stuffed crab on a plate with 2 sides.  You can taste it all, but don’t test your cholesterol that day.  The over the top moment of this dinner is when they serve you some drawn butter for dipping.  Oh, behave !

 

10) ALL-YOU-CAN EAT FISH at the HASTY TASTY PANCAKE HOUSE:  For just $7.25, you can literally fill yourself to the gills.  Breaded and crispy, it is one of the best ‘bangs for your buck’ as far as sinful meals go.   The fish is Alaskan pollock, and when you add the sides, rolls and butter slabs, the wheels come off the diet train.

 

9) BROASTED CHICKEN at GEORGE’S FAMILY RESTAURANT:  Deep fried in a pressure cooker, this stuff is guilty fun for the while family.  Moist inside, the chicken is always cooked to perfection. Get some heavenly comfort food sides and complete this trip to dream street.

 

North China’s Crispy Shrimp: Rich, Spicy Flavor with a Touch of Sweetness

8) CRISPY SHRIMP at NORTH CHINA:  One of our favorite Chinese restaurants serves us a sweet sauced, deep fried shrimp dish that will knock you on your socks.  The taste, the crunch, the bites of sauce mixed with rice.  Overdone richness?  Guilty as charged.

 

7) POTATO SKIN CUPS at ANGIE’S FIREHOUSE:  Stuffed with chili, bacon, onions, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, green onions, jalapenos and sour cream they are a beautiful piece of work.  You will find yourself eating an entire plate of these and passing out in a food coma.

 

6) BISCUITS & GRAVY at TANK’S:  Delicious, artery clogging goodness.  Although this legendary spot on Wayne Avenue has many treasures, we find this to be our most guilty pleasure.

 

5)  THE HOT FUDGE CAKE at FRISCH’S:  We know, this is semi-local and more of a regional treat, but it deserves a spot on our list.  Hot, steaming fudge, hitting the cool cake and ice cream.  The feeling of the whip cream and hot fudge on your lips is worth every calorie.

 

4) THE PANZAROTTI at MAMMA DISALVO’S:  This is pretty much a calzone that is the size of a small kid.  Imagine an extra large pizza full of toppings and cheese, that has been folded in half.  Served with dipping sauce, it is like cutting into a turkey to begin eating.  Go all out and dip your forkfuls into marina or ranch.  It is absolutely delicious.

Click to Enlarge: Broasted Chicken from George’s Family Restaurant

 

3) THE HOG BURGER at VOLTZY’s:  Voltzy says he named the burger after his ex-wife.  All we know is that this mammoth 20 ounce burger melts in your mouth, and you find yourself saying “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing.”

 

2) CASSANO’S BIG CHEESE PIZZA:  Like Vic Cassano Sr said “It’s one heck of a pizza.”   That famous Cassano’s crust and sauce, loaded with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, olives and finished off with a m0und of cheese.  The proof is in the taste.

 

The Big Bo BJ Breakfast Sandwich from B&B Carryout

1) THE “BIG BO BJ” at B&B CARRYOUT:  Get your mind out of the gutter, this is a breakfast sandwich.  And it is one helluva guilty pleasure.  This craziness is a bun with sausage, a fried egg, a hash brown patty, American cheese,strips of bacon and hot pepper cheese.  You won’t feel that guilty, because the every bite is just so darn good.  A handful of greasy, gooeyness, with great flavor.  If you haven’t tried the Big Bo BJ, you need to grab yourself one.

 

Do you feel guilty yet?  Naughty nibbles indeed.  Honorable Mention to : Paragon Supper Club’s Paragon Supreme Dessert- a peanut butter and chocolate ice cream mousse, Marion’s Super Cheese Pizza – delicious, Tank’s Chili Cheese Fries-out of this world, and Submarine House’s Super Duper Cheesesteak– triple the meat and cheese & 16 inches long.

DID WE LEAVE ANY OUT?  WHICH OF YOUR FAVORITE GUILTY PLEASURES SHOULD WE HAVE INCLUDED IN OUR LIST??

Please comment below and let us know !

For more fun from Dayton’s one-of-a-kind foodies visit FOOD ADVENTURES with THE BIG RAGU, CHEF HOUSE and HUNGRY JAX on FACEBOOK and “like” us HERE .

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Food Adventures visit the legendary Hasty Tasty Pancake House

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Remember back in the day when waitresses used to be “real” waitresses?  When you had a server that made waitressing her career and was a staple at the restaurant for decades?  Well this type of throwback place still exists in Dayton, it is called the Hasty Tasty Pancake House.  This place also reminds us of the good old days because we ordered a ton of food, and the price was still cheap.

Betty, our waitress, has worked at Hasty Tasty since 1974

“Bunny’s Hasty Tasty Pancake House” has been in business for 59 years.  Located on Linden Ave in Dayton, memorabilia still hangs on the wall from the early days of this restaurant.  The atmosphere felt like 1973, and the booth furniture looks of the same era.  No longer open 24 hours, this establishment has seating of all booths with faux leather that surprisingly did not stick to Ragu’s chubby thighs.

Being lifelong Dayton area residents, it is mind boggling that we had never been to the Hasty Tasty Pancake house before.   Oh, the shame!   We have driven past the neon sign out front a bunch of times.   So we made up for it by going not once, but twice, in a month.  A double Food Adventure!

Our first visit was for the gluttonous reasons (big surprise, huh..).  Hasty Tasty has a Friday night special.  They have an All You Can Eat Fish Fry with 2 sides, for the astounding price of $7.25.  We saw this ad in a paper and it finally convinced us to go try it out.  And guess what, the fish is terrific!  We were blown away by the amount and the taste of the food.  Not what we expected for $7.25.  The cole slaw was great and they served butter pads with the dinner rolls. When is the last time you have seen butter served in pads?  We loved the side of mac n cheese, and Ragu even ordered a side of shrimp for only 99 cents!

Friday Nights: All U Can Eat Fish for $7.25

But the food was only half the story, as we met a wonderful waitress named Betty.  Betty is an older woman and has been working at the  Hasty Tasty Pancake House for 38 years.  She was a delightful server and her personality and advice reminded us of the time “when waitresses were waitresses.”  She brought out our fish fry plates gleefully, and told us about the rich history of this legendary Dayton diner.

After pictures with the staff and the fish, a completely stuffed Food Adventure Crew, wobbled out of the place on that fateful Friday night, vowing to return for breakfast sometime soon.

After we had a few weeks to digest our meals, we again snuck in for a Saturday morning breakfast at Hasty Tasty.  We were eager to see if our first trip was a fluke.

Our waitress this time was a little younger, but had worked for Hasty Tasty Pancake House for almost 2 decades.   We ordered a pecan waffle with eggs.  The Big Ragu wanted a country fried steak, but Ragu had his eye on pancakes.  This after all is a “pancake house.”  Ragu did the only diplomatic thing.  He ordered the country fried steak, and a side of pancakes.  Additional pancake add ons are only $1.60, so it had to be done.   Our waitress raised an eyebrow when Ragu ordered the pancakes and looked around.  The tone was set.

Our Incredible Breakfast Spread

We waited for our breakfast and observed our surroundings.  It was 9am and the place was packed with interesting clientele from all walks of life.  There were businessmen types, families, bikers, college kids, senior citizens, you name it.  There are many regulars here, and they refer to the place as simply “Bunny’s.”  We noticed some interesting hairstyles and dress, which only made the already throwback atmosphere that much more real.  And then it happened.  Our waitress came over with this huge tray full of plates.  She smiled and gave us eggs and Waffle.  She also plopped down Ragu’s Pancakes, Country Fried Steak, Hashbrowns and Bacon.  She then lowered a mammoth plate of biscuits and gravy.  We said to the waitress “Do other people eat more than this?”  She said “Oh gosh yes, this is nothing, a skinny waitress here could out eat anyone in this restaurant.”  We suddenly felt more at ease.   We then  saw a small crane lower another large tray of food to the couple sitting next to us.  Foodies! Ahhh we were among our peeps!  Our table was completely strewn with food and drinks, and the cost was about 20 bucks total.

Let us tell you, the food was PHENOMENAL! It was the best waffle we had ever eaten, and Ragu said they were the best pancakes he has ever had.

 

We have found the morning mecca, Hasty Tasty is thy name.  Everything was terrific, we are still talking about how good it was.  The bottom line is it that this place is an old, nostalgic greasy spoon, with some incredible food.  No gimmicks, no trinkets for sale, just good meals.  It was a rewarding experience and a perfect example of why we do these FOOD ADVENTURES, because you never know what you will find.  It is no mystery why this diner has been around for 59 years.  If you visit Bunny’s Hasty Tasty Pancake House, we promise, you will walk out full and your wallet will still be semi-full too!

Please visit FOOD ADVENTURES on FACEBOOK BY CLICKING HERE !

What are your thoughts on Bunny’s Hasty Tasty Pancake House?  Comment Below !

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