Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More
Homegrown Horror at the Gem City Horror Film Festival is happening at The Englewood Cinema on Friday October 18th and Saturday October 19! Featuring local and Ohio made shorts and the feature shot entirely in Dayton, THRUST! With Cast and Crew in attendance.
‘Juan of the Dead’ Zombie Dog
Here is something you will not see anywhere else. The Big Ragu and Crew had a VIP experience at last weekend’s Horror Hound convention in Sharonville. We had a Food Adventure with Merle & Daryl Dixon from The Walking Dead (Norman Reedus and Michael Rooker)! Featured along with the Cast of the Walking Dead and many celebrities was a Dayton’s own, Zombie Dogz. Typically a food truck, it was a little different this time for the gourmet hot dog masters. They operated out of a catering booth inside the convention center. Owners of Zombie Dogz, Lee and David VanArtsdalen and Horror Hound Magazine’s Eric Crowley personally invited us to the event and set us up for an unforgettable Food Adventure.
The Big Ragu and Crew shared some iconic Dayton foods with the celebrities:
We had a Zombie Dog with a Reservoir Dog. That’s right, we dined and joked with Michael Madsen. Michael was a great sport, and he didn’t carve our ear off. He shared some good Hollywood stories and laughs with us. We also learned he was telling other celebrities about his time with us and the Zombie Dogz.
Legendary horror film director John Carpenter also enjoyed one of Dayton’s Zombie Dogz with us, while he was wearing some pretty sweet black velvet sweat pants. It was almost as scary as his film “Halloween.” Meeting this giant of the film industry was priceless.
We gave a hungry Twisted Sister Frontman Dee Snider some Mikesell’s Good n Hot Potato chips. In fact, the whole cast of his show “Holliston” shared the bag. What does Dee wanna do with his chips? ‘He wants them hot, HOT !’ This Celebrity Apprentice star loved the taste of Mikesells, and we were not ‘fired’ in the boardroom.
Dee Snider from Twisted Sister & Celeb Apprentice loves Mikesells Chips
The star of the scary Candyman movies Tony Todd, loved the box of Esther Price Candies we gave him. He enjoyed them so much, he gave us a high five the next day. Even movie stars like the Candyman love Esther Price Candies !
Remember the classic 60’s TV show The Munsters? Well, we ate Muenster cheese with Eddie Munster, thanks to Murray’s Cheese from Kroger in Centerville. Eddie, played by Butch Patrick, appreciated it so much, he signed a photo for us!
The Big Ragu and Crew ate lunch with Bengals Defensive Tackle Domata Peko . We enjoyed some LaRosa’s Pizza while sitting with his family. Domata is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. He is also a horror movie fan like us, and was excited to meet the various celebs.
Where else can you see this kind of stuff? Only here, only Food Adventures and Dayton Most Metro. Often imitated, never duplicated.
The Big Ragu also shared French Bread and Perrier Sparkling Mineral Water with 80’s babe Diane Franklin from the movie “Better Off Dead.” If you saw the movie, you get the significance of the food items, ‘and to drink…. Peru’ . These days Diane is promoting her new book “Diane Franklin: The Excellent Adventures of the Last American, French-Exchange Babe of the 80s.” You can buy the book here on Amazon.com.
We hung out with other famous horror actors including Lew Temple, Sid Haig, Tom Savini, Irwin Keyes, Robert Mukes and many other costumed monsters. The original car from the movie Christine was there, we wanted to take it to the Root Beer Stande Drive in but she turned us down. Special mention to our friends at S.T.A.R.S Cincinnati, a costumed fan group of the movie “Resident Evil.” They do charity appearances and their slogan is “We kill zombies for charity.” Speaking of Zombies….
The “Calling in Dead” Zombie Dog has Mac N Cheese on top
About Zombie Dogz:
Have you tried a Zombie Dog? These hot dogs are so big, that they almost look like kielbasa sausages. The menu at Zombie Dogz is pretty simple. It all starts with large, juicy all beef hot dog. The hot dog is placed into a wonderful sandwich roll, strong enough to hold the hot dog and ingredients intact. What makes a zombie dog special is the choice of toppings. Each Zombie Dog has a creative name based on those toppings. The menu is constantly evolving with new creations, but The Big Ragu and Hungry Jax ate these hot dogs all weekend and want to share our favorites.
Zombe’ Grande – The all beef hot dog is topped with cheese queso sauce, lettuce, cilantro sour cream, jalapeno bacon bits and crushed corn chips. The mix of the cheese sauce and crushed corn chips are a gooey, tasty combination that won us over. This was definitely one of our favorites
Juan of the Dead – An all beef frank topped with Swiss cheese, homemade bbq pulled pork, sweet and tangy mustard and pickles. The pulled pork and pickles really make this gourmet hot dog. The Big Ragu say this is a must eat!
The Nibbler – This time they wrap the hot dog in bacon, then smother it in spicy chili. The zombie dog is then topped off with diced red onion, sweet & tangy mustard, and shredded muenster cheese. This one really woke up our taste buds and is a Food Adventure in your mouth.
Owners Dave and Lee VanArtsdalen of Zombie Dogz, with Co-founder/Marketer Michael Whitaker
Calling in Dead – This over the top creation tops the hot dog with homemade mac n cheese. The creamy mac n cheese is cooked in truffle oil for a magnificent flavor. The final touch in this hot dog is a sprinkle of truffle salt and cracker crumbs. This hot dog was so rich, we could hardly finish it. It packed a powerful punch on our appetites, but we couldn’t stop eating it.
Brain Daddy – This was the most Caribbean style hot dog that we tried. The all beef dog is topped with slow roasted mango habanero pulled pork. It was also topped with pineapple-cherry salsa. The final dash of white and black sesame seeds finishes this masterpiece. This gourmet dog promises to have your taste buds dancing the mambo.
The Horror Hound Weekend was incredible. We got to meet Dayton horror film makers like our pals from Concept Media Films. We even bought a couple of their Dayton-made DVD’s! Meanwhile The Big Ragu was distracted by the Jersey girls over at GorgeousAndGory.com. Supporting local people and making new Food Adventure fans seemed to sum up this fantastic experience.
This Zombie Dog is called “The Nibbler”
Miami Valley foodies should keep their eye open for events featuring the Zombie Dogz Food Truck and their unique creations. The hot dogs will satisfy your hunger at the not so bad price of $6.50 per dog. There are even have veggie dog options. Want to catch Zombie Dogz Food Truck’s next event? Then visit Dayton’s Crafty-Con on April 5th. The event will be held from 5pm to 11pm at the Yellow Cab Building on 700 East 4th St. Tell the zombies that The Big Ragu sent you !
Feel free to comment on the Zombie Dogz Food Truck below. Also share any thoughts about Horror Hound Weekend as well.
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“Uncle Henny’s” Homemade Ginger Ale
Sometimes when we go on a Food Adventure, we meet someone that makes a big impression. It is fair to say local talent Henrique Couto did just that. About a year ago, the Big Ragu randomly saw Henrique at a Chinese Buffet. He was dressed in his trademark colorful pajama pants and a unique Hawaiian shirt. His handlebar moustache was perfectly curled and he had rubber bands holding his beard tight. Immediately, we knew we had to meet this interesting character. After a couple of photos at the buffet, we went on our merry way, not even knowing his name. Then, a few months later, we saw Henrique’s music CD’s at a local store and got in touch with him.
But who is Henrique Couto? He is a filmmaker, musician and self described “raconteur” who finds any and all ways to express himself. How does he fit into our Food Adventures? Well, he also makes some “Softened Drinks” which are available at unclehennys.com . Being curious. we decided to check out these beverages.
We met Henrique at his home where he brews these special batches. Couto shared with us how he got started in the beverage making business. He told us that he had tried some incredible Ginger Ales from all over the country, yet there was nothing like this available in Dayton, Ohio. Henrique decided to develop his own tasty sodas by cooking them himself in his kitchen, and people quickly took notice. Henrique says, “I hope people to enjoy it, I hope they love the way it tastes, and I hope they buy lots more. I like that level of validation!”
We each decided to buy a 6 pack of soda from Henrique. We chose regular Ginger Ale, and the diet version. The ginger ales are unique. You have never tasted something quite like this. They are made with pure cane sugar and real grated ginger root. He shies away from using peppercorns and cayenne pepper, and instead adds habanero for a subtle heat. Definitely a very individual taste. Not for everyone, but we know he is going after the eclectic and adventurous soda seekers.
But, Couto does not only make beverages. Henrique is a man of many talents. He records music and has some of those videos online. He plays an electric ukulele. How cool is that? He even has a website called UkeOrDie.com. He also hosts a local game show on Wednesday nights at Milano’s Restaurant near University of Dayton called “Drink n Think.” He is of Portuguese decent, and shares our love for food, like a good Pad Thai.
After swapping foodie stories, Henrique asked us if we would like to see his mausoleum. That’s right, this horror film buff had set up a mini studio in his garage using his experience from his days in the film industry. We also love horror movies, growing up with Dr. Creep and Shock Theater. The 3 of us shared some laughs about our favorite creepy movie actors, then ended the visit with a few photos.
What is next for Henrique Couto? He is currently developing a fruity root beer beverage that he intends to call “Froot Beer.” We can’t wait to taste this, but it will not be available for a few weeks.
Henrique was very kind to take the time to invite The Big Ragu into his home for our Food Adventure. We found out there is much more to him than the unforgettable outfits. He is very witty with a great sense of humor. We will be seeing him around town and wish him much success in his “Softened Drink” endeavors, which you can check out HERE. Whether being Dayton’s favorite electric ukulele player, game show hosting, or brewing his own beverages, we think Henrique Couto is an example of when nice guys finish first.
Have you met Henrique? Have you tried one of Uncle Henny’s Softened Drinks? Have you seen his game show or been to one of his ukulele shows? Then post you comment below !
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