Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

hot dogs

Quest For The Best: Hot Dog

By

Springtime means the return of baseball, the opening of local ice cream and concession stands and the first firing up of the backyard grill. For me, its the return of the hotdog.
This uniquely American treat came here from Germany and quickly gained prominence on carts and at hot dog stands. Mostly associated with baseball and youth concession stands, the hotdog has made its way to menus across Dayton and we are happy about that.
Here’s where you can find the best hotdogs in Dayton:

Zombie Dogz

1200 Brown St #150, Dayton

Photo Cred: Yelp user Brett P (trio of dogs)
No one has done more to elevate the lowly hotdog than Zombie Dogs. I am not a Zombie guy. The entire genre confuses me. The menu at ZD does not confuse me. If it’s your first time here are a few reminders:
Get the tots. Trust me.Get a a few of the mini dogs. It is too hard to settle on just one dog. But. If you must choose just one. I’d suggest the Calling in Dead. It is their 1/4 all beef dog covered in Truffle Mac and Cheese with a Parmesan breadcrumb on top. It sounds heavy. Its not. Still get the tots. I’d also suggest the Chicago style, just ask for it. Juan of the Dead is popular as well, the big dog covered in pulled pork and bbq sauce. Crazy good. These are not concession stand, overly cooked mystery meat dogs. This is hotdogs on a whole ‘nother level.
Get the tots.

Rootbeer Stande

1727 Woodman Drive Dayton
Footlong hotdogs for under $5.00. You may remember I mentioned this place in my quest for the Best Pork Tenderloin, but when I want a good old school hotdog, the Stande is my go to. Here’s why.
Sauerkraut. Yes. Sauerkraut. Few places you can get a hotdog with it. They also serve Nathan’s all beef dog in a Chicago style, the Hound Dog with bacon and bbq sauce, and the Uncle Reuben. This one is made like a Reuben. Kraut, Swiss Cheese and 1000 Island dressing. Don’t wear your dress shirt for this one. The Dirty D. Bacon wrapped and deep fried. Don’t tell your doctor. Just order it with a Rootbeer and thank me later. Final two words. Onion Rings. Hot and fresh for you always at this drive up stand.

Gibbs Ole-Tyme Hamburgers

535 E Dixie Dr West Carrollton

Some would call this is cheap imitation of the Miamisburg Hamburger Wagon. Don’t listen to those negative people. This place has a similar burger, yes. But they also have one of the best hotdogs I’ve ever had in town. The Southern Dog. Deep fried along side the cast iron burgers, toped with mustard, chili, onion, mustard and slaw. Yes. AND SLAW. Its a big messy bite but perfectly balanced with hot and cold, sweet and savory. A perfect lunch is two sliders, one hotdog and a cold Coca Cola. If the Southern Dog is too much, go with the more familiar Coney Dog, coney sauce, onion and cheese.

Trolley Stop

530 East 5th Street Dayton
I’ve been known to say things like…Trolley..best patio in Dayton. Best chip dip in Dayton. Best Veggie burger.
However, the Double Dogs, a fork and knife kinda deal, should not be overlooked. Two beef hotdogs, chili (house made), onions, cheese and it comes with MikeSells chips and Herbie dip. I mentioned the dip earlier. Its worth mentioning twice. They’ve taken the hotdog to a new level here. It feels almost fancy.

Chicago Gyro and Dogs

3979 Indian Ripple Road, Beavercreek
Chicago Authentic
You’ve seen this place on my quest list before. They rank high in my book for Dayton’s best Gyro. For friends who ask for the best Chicago style dog, I send them here. Vienna Beef dogs are brought in from Chicago along with that neon green relish and sport peppers. They even have the poppy seed bug and celery salt on top like they do in the Windy City. Where else can you get an authentic Chicago style dog with authentic Chicago ingredients, made by a guy who hails from Chicago? Hint. This is the only place in Dayton and it’s only $3.00. They have a Cincy dog too, chili, cheese and onion and they are serving some of the best fries in town.
Where do you find a great Cuban sandwich? Let us know in the comments.
Check Bryan’s other quests:

Quest For The Best: Cuban Sandwich

Quest for the Best Biscuits and Gravy

Quest for Dayton’s Best: Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

Extreme Eats at Chicago Gyros & Dogs

By 1 Comment

The Italian Beef Sandwich and Bacon Fries

We found a spot for a true Food Adventure.  It is an eatery which gained some fame on Wilmington Ave, then moved to a shopping strip on Indian Ripple Rd, not far from the Greene.  Chicago Gyros and Dogs is bustling and people coming in and out for carry outs, or to dine in, means they are doing something right. Their wacky menu features all types of one-of-a-kind sandwiches.

Let’s learn about this eatery with the extreme menu, that brings hungry Daytonians back for more.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on CHICAGO GYROS AND DOGS:

This is “The Dougie” – it needs extra cheese to make it perfect

 

— Owned by a father and son, this local business has two locations:
3979 Indian Ripple Rd, Beavercreek  and
201 W McMillan St, Cincinnati near the campus of University of Cincinnati.

— Hours of the Beavercreek location are:
Monday – Saturday: 11am – 9pm
Sundays : 11am – 6pm

“The Fedyk “- A dog covered with chili , cheese and fries

— Menu features various takes on Gyros, Vienna Beef Hot Dogs, Burgers, and Fries.  The menu has options and add-ons that let you create your own monster sandwich.

— The biggest tip is to take advantage of their incredible lunch specials from 11am-2pm. You can save from 2 to 5 bucks with upgrades and more.  Each day has a different deal, check the chalk board near the counter for specials and deals.

 

We scoured the menu and have been there a half-dozen times.  We still have a couple of items to try, but we definitely have the feel for the menu enough to give you our patented “must eats.”

The Nasty Nati – 2 burgers, gyro meat,bacon, jalapenos and 2 kinds of cheese and more

 

“MUST EATS” at CHICAGO GYROS and DOGS:

— “THE DOUGIE” with EXTRA CHEESE:
This is a grilled cheese sandwich with gyro meat in it as well.  The regular menu item comes with one slice of cheese which just isn’t enough.  Make sure you order this deliciously toasted bread sandwich with extra cheese.  It makes all he difference.  Add some Tzatziki sauce and you are right where you wanna be.

 

— “THE FEDYK”:
Named after University of Dayton Football 2005 offensive lineman Dan Fedyk.  It’s a hot dog with mustard, onions, chili, cheese, fries and cole slaw.  This was our favorite dog on the menu.  It takes two hands to eat, and can quickly turn sloppy.

 

The Chicken Philly Gyro

— THE NASTY NATI:
This is the monster of the menu.  Instead of buns, it is served between two regular sized pitas.  It starts with two beef patties with provolone cheese, topped with gyro meat and Bacon.  Next it drizzled with nacho cheese and sprinkled with jalapenos and grilled onions.  It is then covered with Tzatziki sauce.  This sandwich is work of art and is a 10 napkin minimum.  This thing is so big , 2 people could share it.  This menu item defines the word “Food Adventure.”  Not for the squeamish, no rules here.

 

—THE CHICKEN PHILLY GYRO with EXTRA TZATZIKI SAUCE:
A huge heaping pita with grilled, diced chicken breast.  It is filled with Onions, Mushrooms, Green Peppers, Provolone & Mayo.  Add some extra tzatziki sauce and request that they grill the onions too.  This is a huge sandwich and very filling.  All of the menu sandwiches are large, so it is par for the course.

The Gyro Sandwich – hidden below are tomatoes

 

— THE REGULAR GYRO:
The basic Gyro sandwich is great.  It is stuffed with meat and is like what you get at the Dayton Greek fest, but about 4 times the meat inside.  It also has a lot of onions on it and a couple of tomatoes.  We prefer to ask that they grill the onions.  Just a tip, to lessen the sharpness of that raw onion that some people love.

The Dayton Dog is covered in fries

—  THE DAYTON DOG:
This is a Vienna Beef Hot Dog on a poppy-seed bakery bun, with Mustard, Relish, Onions, Sport Peppers, Fries.  The sports peppers are hot and will sneak up on you.  It is a delicious dog, paying homage to the Gem city, with a little heat!

 

— THE CHICAGO DOG:
We again start with the poppy-seed bun and a Vienna hot dog.  Those hot dogs pop when you bite into them.  They have a little “snap.” It is topped with Mustard, Relish, Onions, Sport Peppers, Tomato, Dill Pickle, Celery Salt.  This is probably their signature dog. Again, watch those sports peppers, they will light you up!  So delicious, that you will crave them later.

The Chicago Dog

 

— THE ITALIAN BEEF SANDWICH:
This is not the Italian beef you are used to having.  This one has more onions and green peppers, making he dip into the au jus tricky.  This sandwich is loaded with toppings.  It is a huge meal in itself, and if you want more beef, less toppings, the more traditional order would be the Italian Beef with no, or light onions and green peppers.

 

—“CARDIAC” FRIES:
Oh, dare to indulge on this one.  These fries are topped with a scoop of Bob Evans sausage gravy and  covered in shredded cheese.  Get a fork, and go to town.  These were absolutely delicious, and our tip here is to ask for extra gravy.  Yeah .. we said it .

 

Cardiac Fries

The key here is that there are a lot of choices, so building or choosing a sandwich is easy.  The problem is picking which one or 2 to try, because you can have many favorites on this menu.  Chicago Gyro and Dogs has a lot to offer and the prices are very affordable.  The staff at the  Indian Ripple location are knowledgeable and friendly.

Although this place does have a decent cult following, and seems to do a brisk business, many people have yet to visit this establishment.  Check it out, as summer is a perfect time for Dogs and Gyros !

Thank you for reading this week’s article.  We have a Food Adventure feature article right here, each and every week on Dayton Most Metro.  For even more Food Adventures, like us on Facebook and discover why we are Dayton’s favorite food blog since 2008.

Chicago Dog

Bacon Fries and Italian Beef

“The Dougie”

Regular Gyro

Old location on Wilmington Ave

They have a Food Truck !

The Nasty Nati is served like this- you have to assemble it

Lunch Specials

Nasty Nati cut in half

Store Front on Indian Ripple Rd in Beavercreek

The Chicago Dog

 

 

 

 

The 2017 Vote for Dayton’s Best Chili is …

By Leave a Comment

Beer and Hot Dogs were available at the chili cook off

Dayton’s biggest chili cookoff was Friday night and we have the loving spoonfuls. A charity that helps disabled Miami Valley residents was given an annual budget boost from the 31st annual event.

There were 17 restaurants and amateur cooks vying for the title of BEST CHILI at the AMBUCS Chili Cookoff this weekend, and the results are in. For the first time ever, the people’s choice top 3 matched The Food Adventures top 3 picks. THE WINNERS ARE…..

 

The winner – Buffalo Chicken Chili from Christophers

#1 CHRISTOPHER’S RESTAURANT’S BUFFALO CHICKEN CHILI:
Delicious, melt in your mouth flavors of simmered chicken and the heat of a buffalo sauce, all in a creamy chili. We topped our bowl with a light sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. This recipe was a risk going off the beaten path of traditional chili’s but in this case, it paid off. Chef John always takes time to talk to the Food Adventures Crew, and we congratulate him and Christopher’s on the big win.

 

2nd Place – The sweet chili from The Brunch Club

#2 THE BRUNCH CLUB’S SWEET CHILI:
Big Ragu was loving the cute servers in Bengal’s attire, but the chili stole Hungry Jax’s stomach. An interesting twist on a traditional chili, this one was sweet and thinner than most chilis. The result was a chili that really grows on you with each bite. We found ourselves with raised eyebrows craving more of this sweet stuff. A definite stand out in our book, and second place in the competition.

 

 

Meadowlark’s Chili with Pita chips was 3rd place out of 17 chili entries !

#3 MEADOWLARK’S CHILI with PITA CHIPS:
A traditional chili served with pita chips made in house, and a dab of sour cream.   We also sprinkled a bit of shredded provolone cheese on top.  This was fantastic. The flavor was so good and it was obvious this was a top contender. Perfectly seasoned and simmering, the chili was one of the best we tasted.  In the end, we put them in 3rd place in this tough field of amazing chili.

 

Other contenders:

The Food Adventure crew wanted to give and Honorable Mention to a couple of restaurants that we feel, rounded out the top 5.  They were #4 LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE and #5 SLYDER’s who were close to the top 3.  Both versions were meaty chili’s with beans and the traditional Tex-Mex type hearty chili that Americans have grown to love.

Rita(left) and a friend from Longhorn Steakhouse, keeping Bob Medlin’s memory alive.

Please understand, every single booth had some good chili.  The trick was to have your chili be  absolutely incredible to stand out in a field of good cooks.  The competition was intense, the meat, sauce and beans were flying.  Hot sauces, cheeses, jalapenos, crackers, draft beer and more made for a filling night.

Other Restaurants and Amateur Cooks that participated were in alphabetical order:

BILL’S AMAZING CHILI:
A hearty chili with slices of beef. This was a dark and flavorful chili and our first taste of the day.

BRIXX ICE CO:
Always a contender, they had a delicious shredded chicken chili, that was almost like a soup.

Buckin Donkey Grill is back and serving up great food !

BUCKIN DONKEY GRILL:
We are so excited this awesome restaurant is back. Their chili entry was a tomato based chili with lots of huge sausage chunks.

BULLWINKLES:
A meaty chili with good flavor, this restaurant knows what they are doing. This one is great too, like all of their menu soups.

CLASHMORE MIKE’S:
A Tex-Mex classic chili with beans and the traditional sauce. Good stuff and one of the “prettiest” chilis in the bowl.

DARK HORSE TAVERN:
A good traditional chili with beans, meat and great flavor. We are so glad this restaurant is back again on Byers Rd.

EATON KENNEDY’S CHILI:
Another chili with beans in the traditional sense. They served it with tortila chips,and it was good stuff, from a local cook.

EL RANCHO GRANDE:
A Mexican twist, this chili had a swirl design in it from lots of cheddar cheese. The meat was grind down a lot and the chili had a yellow tin to it. We think it was from spices and cheeses.

FLANNIGAN’S:
A different dark and meaty chili. This was a gamble as the chili had a a very rich deep flavor. Points for uniqueness on this one.

GEORGE’S FAMILY RESTAURANT:

Big Ragu with some attendees raising money for charity

A solid traditional looking chili, with beans. It had some Greek seasoning that made the chili taste unique. The entry was good and ingenious that they passed out their restaurant menus to the tables beforehand.

HARRIGAN’S:
This was a thinner chili and almost like a soup. The flavor was good and the meat was ground down very well. Many of you know that Harrigan’s is know fro their beefy burgers.. so you know the beef chili tasted good.

All ages loved the event

LOS REYES MEXICAN RESTAURANT:
Almost like a “Dayton dip” this thick chorizo chili was very very cheese filled. The result was a yellow colored chili with chunks of meat. It was mild tasting and very different than other entries.

The decision to pick the best entries was a daunting one. All of the chilis were tasty, and went for a great cause. Please visit these fine restaurants that give back to the community. It was a great time and benefited handicapped kids in this area.

Casino games and other fun contests filled the Colosseum.

The night also was filled with BEER, WINE and SOFT DRINKS.  Did we mention HOT DOGS?  Oh boy the AMBUCS charity hot dog booth was serving up some good ones.  We indulged in all the drinks and food we could until we were stuffed.

Food Adventurer Jax gives the event a thumbs up !

The event benefits AMBUCS of Dayton. It is a charity that helps handicapped residents of the Miami Valley lead a more mobile life. Special walkers. bikes and mobile devices are donated to the families of those children and adults in need. The effect is a priceless improvement for their quality of life.

Next year’s chili cookoff will be FRIDAY NOVEMBER 16th, 2018:
Do you want to enter your chili? We are also looking for blackjack dealers and volunteers for next year. To get involved, go to BESTCHILI.ORG or call Paul Jankovich at 937-438-0345

The champ – Chef John from Christopher’s in Kettering

 

 

Halfway through the night you have people digesting !

Bullwinkles Chili

El Rancho Grande

Gambling Area

Overlooking the event before it opens

Bills Amazing Chili entry

Christopher’s Vegetarian Chili entry

Harrigan’s chili

Beer truck – endless drats

The Hot Dog Lady

Slyders serving up

Flannagans Chili

El Rancho Grande Chili

Bullwinkle Booth

Volunteers helped make the event a success

Los Reyes Chili

George’s Restaurant

Clashmore Mikes Chili

YES ! THEY ARE BACK !

Bucking Donkey Grill

Brixx Ice Co.

Dark Horse Tavern

Testing each and every chili

Critic says – that one was just ok

Games of Chance

Serving up Bills amazing chili

Longhorn Steakhouse entry

Slyders Chili

Flannigans

Eaton Kennedy’s Chili

 

 

Dayton’s Biggest Chili Cookoff Wants You!

By Leave a Comment

Nov. 17th is Dayton’s Biggest Chili Cookoff

 

Friday Night,  November 17th promises to be a gas!

That’s the night were Dayton’s restaurants and amateur cooks face off in the largest Chili cook-off in the Miami Valley.  Each year Dayton’s AMBUCS charity hosts this event and 2017 marks the 31st year for this Food Adventure.

Is your chili the best in Dayton?  Do you have what it takes to turn heads and tempt taste buds?

If so, you’re cooking skills are needed!

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON ENTERING THE CHILI COOKOFF:

Beer, Chili and Hot Dogs – All you want

—AMBUCS is looking for area restaurants, bars, caterers, and taverns that want to enter the contest. It is also open to amateur cooks.  The sign-up sheet is HERE under the REGISTRATION tab.

—You must register by NOV 10th – Again use the link above or go to www.bestchili.org

—You must provide at least 5 gallons of chili (you can make more).

—Chili should be brought to the Montgomery Fairgrounds Colesium warm or hot, AMBUCS will provide heating trays.  You can bring advertising papers/menus etc, and you can serve the chili or have a volunteer serve it.

Casino Games !

—People’s Choice awards will be given to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.

—The Food Adventures Crew – the Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House will be on hand representing Dayton Most Metro as “Special Judges” and will be giving their “Critics Choice” for best chili.  Although, they aren’t food critics, they just love to eat.

The AMBUCS CHILI COOKOFF IS A MUST EAT !!! 

So you dont’ wanna cook, but you want to come eat and drink ?

Want to learn more about the event?

White Chicken Chili

We have the scoop…

 

HERE IS THE SKINNY ON THE 2017 AMBUCS CHILI COOK OFF

WHEN: FRIDAY NOV 17th, 6pm – 11pm

WHERE: The Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 1043 South Main Street Dayton, Ohio 45409.  Event is held inside the building labeled Coliseum.

AMBUCS Charityhelps local handicapped people be mobile

WHAT: Chili cookoff – All you can eat chili, hot dogs, all you can drink draft beer, pop and more.  Casino and Monte Carlo Games will be going where you can bet cash and win cash!  Blackjack, poker, dice games and more!

WHY: All proceeds go to AMBUCS Dayton, a charity that provides specialty wheel chairs and bike for handicapped local residents, so they can have mobility in their lives.

COST : $17 per person pre-sale, $20 at the door

—There are volunteer spots available do deal blackjack, deal poker and serve chili.  Go to bestchili.org for contact info.

 

HERE ARE THOSE ENTERED SO FAR IN THE CHILI COOKOFF!!!

Slyders is one of the Restaurants attending

Rowdy Boys Chili – Young local firefighters who won the people’s choice last year !

Meadowlark – Chef Wiley and staff ar sure to bring a delicious gourmet chili to town

Atrium Grille – The Kettering Health Network restaurant is a perennial favorite.  This tangy chili is always a must eat.

Flannagan’s – Local iconic pub bringing the chili heat

Christopher’s Restaurant – Kettering restaurant with cult following for vegan and white chicken chili

Tricia’s Delicious Catering – Sort of new kid on the block, came in 2nd last year !

 

Dice Games

Bullwinkle’s Top Hat Bistro – Will John Foreman and John Sizemore take the crown this year with their delicious, meaty, chili?

Harrigan’s Tavern – Kettering Pub with a reputation to uphold for great grub.

Eaton Kennedy’s (amateur cook) – Longtime competitor and past award winner

Longhorn Steakhouse Moraine – Who says a chain can’t show local love?  These charitable guys always bring the goods.

The Brunch Club – One of our favorites, we love the friendly staff

Slyder’s – Amazing burgers means, amazing chili meat !

Good Crowd

Bill’s Amazing Chili (amateur) – Time to taste amazing stuff

Los Reyes – Mexican Chili, throws a sombrero in the ring

El Rancho Grande – Another Mexican style chili for consideration

That’s the list with more being added every day – they only have room for 24 chili participants, so get your entry in NOW!

Well fellow foodies..

There you have it … everything you wanted to know about the cookoff , but were afraid to ask.

BEAN UP !!  See you at the fairgrounds November 17th !

Check out Food Adventures here on Dayton Most Metro each and every week for a fresh article on Dayton area eats.  Follow us on Facebook HERE.

Information

 

 

Red, White and FOOD! Americana Fest Vendors Announced!

By Leave a Comment

Hungry Jax with a pretzel from “Moms Homemade Goodies”

ATTENTION FOODIES !! One hundred thousand people will descend into downtown Centerville this Monday July 4th for the Americana Festival.

Sure there is a 5 k run early at 7:30am

You bet there is a parade at 10am.

And who could forget fireworks at 10pm later that night.

But Food Adventures has advanced notice on something close to our hearts…  FOOD VENDORS !! What restaurants are going to be in attendance?  What to eat?  We got it all for you right here.  We will make order of this crowded party of patriotism.  So sit in your lawn chair and listen to this scoop on the best eats at this festival

Pork Chop Sandwich from BlackJack Grill

celebrating our independence!

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— This is the 43rd Annual Americana Festival

— From 9:30am  – 5pm  is the Street Fair.  It runs from the instersection of 48 and 725, down to Bills Donut Shop, and will be filled with FOOD vendors.

— There are also food vendors at Benham’s Grove and tucked back into Activity Center Park in the kids play area.

Crawfish Etouffe from Cajun Specialties – A MUST EAT !

 

— The key to this festival is to GET THERE EARLY… or go very late.  Food crowds are lightest at 10-11am and 4-5pm.

— Parking is rough, you may have to walk a few blocks, so suck it up buttercup

— We suggest bringing a light lawn chair with you, so you can go off to the side and sit and eat comfortably.

Kowalski’s hots will be grilling Upstate NY brand dogs all day with coney sauce

So now we get to the meat of the story – where to go, what to eat, who to drink.  The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House have decades of experience at this festival and will be in the mix again this year for an epic Food Adventure ! We have some of the food vendors who are going to be in attendance, and list some of our faves and best foodstuffs.

The Greek Booth is amazing – get the classic GYRO

Here they are, in alphabetical order, our patented ……

AMERICANA FESTIVAL MUST EATS:

— BLACKJACK GRILL: Huge porkchops as big as Shaquille O’Neal’s hand. A definite must eat if you’re hungry.

— CAJUN SPECIALTIES: Formerly “LeDoux’s,” this festival vendor has some incredible crawfish etouffe and gumbo. Dont miss this booth!

— CHESTER’S STEAK BURGERS: Get a damn steakburger with cheese already….

—CORK N BOTTLE’S AMERICAN GRILL: Incredible burgers and sandwiches even down to a grilled cheese.

Nellys Chicken is gonna be there – charcoal grilled !

— EL MESON’S FOOD TRUCK: Get some empanadas at this fantastic eatery.  They will be at benhams grove, and the menu is constantly changing from “must eats” like paella, to shrimp tacos.

— FRICKER’S:  The BBQ boneless wings are amazing here.  Dayton iconic sports bar with some of the best frickin chicken around.

Sweet P’s Handemade Ice Pops will cool you off

— FRONANA:  Healthy, ice cream like dessert made with mashed bananas.  Go for the chocolate fronana, a dream on a spoon…

— GREEK STREET FOOD TRUCK:  New guy on the block.  The 2 “must eats” here are the “Street Style Chicken Gyros”  and the “Street Style Shrimp Gyros.”  No shrimp? Get Baklava !

— HAMBURGER WAGON:  Get the double burger, it is a

The Hamburger Wagon is pulling into Americana Fest

crunchy delight !  105 years of customers cant be wrong…

— HARVEST FOOD TRUCK: Their salmon in the Land n Sea BLT is remarkable.  Perfect day to chomp on this..

— HUNGER PAYNES FOOD TRUCK:  Get the PB & J Croquettes or the Salmon ones… Oh my.. goodness…

Well hello there Zombie Dog … arent you the popular one ?

— ISLAND NOODLES: Vegetarians unite! Try the Asian, wok fired noodles stir fried with garlic and ginger… with veggies in a  light “island sauce.”

— J.T.’s STOVETOP BBQ: Pulled Pork with, extra bbq sauce.  It doesn’t count unless you drip sauce on your shoe.

— K & H CONCESSIONS:  Corn on the cob is their specialty, get one and live a little….

— KERNEL DAVE’S KETTLE CORN: Bags of kettle corn. Eat some now, save some for the fireworks or next movie night…

The street style gyro from Greek Street – we lke the chicken and shrimp verisons best

— KONA ICE:  Shaved ice and snow cones.   Get the blueberry and raspberry mix option.

— KOWALSKI’S HOTS:  One of our faves.  This guy has exclusive brands of upstate New York made hot dogs.  Get the Red Hot with coney sauce.. it isn’t spicy it is just a red colored, big hot dog.  Dont want a dog? Get a “Hamburg,” Rochester NY Style with coney sauce

— LAROSA’S PIZZERIA:  The must eat is a slice of pepperoni pizza.  Take yourself back to Kings Island 1982 in one swift bite.,…

— MOM’S HOMEMADE GOODIES:  A family that makes the most incredible hand tied soft pretzels.  Get a pie too !

A Super Taco from Pita Pockets

— NELLY’S CHICKEN:  The “must eat” is the half chicken, it has that amazing, cooked over charcoal taste.  Get yucca fries if you really want an incredible treat,

— OLD TEXAS SODA COMPANY:  Handcrafted Root Beer is the must drink here.  On a hot summers day, you will down two of these without blinking.

Fronana scooping up some great flavors

— PITA POCKETS:  Try the super taco.  It is a tostada shell loaded.  Good eats, good street food.

— REISTMILLER’S FUNNEL CAKES:  It is Americana Fest, get the damn funnel cake and powder your nose!

We like to run with sparklers through the crowd, holding food, yelling “get out of the way”

— SANTORINI’S GREEK FOOD:  Man mountain Dean sized Gyro Sandwiches are the way to go here.  Just get the traditional ones.

— SWEET P’S HANDMADE ICE POPS:  The “Berry Berry Good” pop is a favorite.  A refreshing bet on a hot July day.

— THERESA’S ICE CREAM: Butter Pecan or rocky road will always please at Amerciana Festival

— ZOMBIE DOGZ:  Dayton’s favorite food truck always has our favorite.. “Juan of the Dead.” or “The Nibbler.”  Let’s face it, you cant go wrong with a Zombie Dog…

Funnel Cakes, the filet mignon of carnies everywhere !

 

There you have it sports fans, the MUST EATS for JULY 4th, 2016’s AMERICANA FESTIVAL !  Often imitated, never duplicated, Food Adventures can be found on Facebook HERE.  Like us on Facebook, love us in your hearts.

We wish our fans a happy, long weekend of fun filled family time with loved ones, celebrating the 4th of July.  That’s where we will be, and making sure the best summer food is within reach !

See you next week and every week on Dayton Most Metro…..

Enjoy some more photos below, from Americana Festivals of years past….

 

 

Roasted Corn on the Cob for sale

El Meson Food Truck will be at Benhams Grove

We eat it all – Nellys chicken – the Bolivian chicken experts

LarRosa’s Pizza – get a slice on 48 in the street

The pulled pork here is tremendous

Slapping Giant Porkchops on BlackJack Grill

Santorini Greek Food – get the mound in your mouth

Free, amazing smells at the Greek booth

Jaun of the Dead – Zombie Dogz Rule

If you see Harvest – go for the seafood, last resort a local wrap is always on hand

100,000 food adventurers

Frickers !! Oh hellz yez the boneless BBQ is the hit here

Happy 4th from our crew to yours

Corn dogs, Fries

The Amazing Soft Pretzels

A Footlong from Kowalski’s hots – Hoffmans, Zweigels and other brands

Baklava from Greek Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nite at the Races : 6th Annual Event to Prevent Homelessness in Dayton

By Leave a Comment

The GDAA Rent Foundation Charity

Time for all you local Dayton supporters to put your money where your mouth is… the horses mouth, that is …

Want a fun way to support a charity that helps prevent homelessness in Dayton?  Then attend the 6th Annual “Nite at the Races” event on Nov 7th at the IUE HALL on 1675 Woodman Dr. in Kettering.

Held each year by the Rent Foundation, which is the charity enterprise of the Greater Dayton Apartment Association, the event promises to be a great time.

Races are shown on a big screen and you can bet and win cash!  Some of the food confirmed will be Frickers Wings, Johnny’s Slice of NY Pizza and a Hot Dog Bar !

Did we mention endless beer?  Come out and pull some tabs, buy some raffle tickets and jockey your way to the front of the line to make a bet.

The Greater Dayton Apartment Association has been helping needy families since 1993.  They have made real results, affecting lives of dozens of Dayton area families.

This event is critical to building charity funds to be able to assist families in 2014 and 2015.

 

WHAT: BET CASH, WIN CASH on HORSE RACES PLAYED ON THE BIG SCREEN

WHAT ELSE: PULL TABS and RAFFLE PRIZES

COST: $15 includes endless beer, food, and soft drinks !

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR

WHERE: 1675 Woodman Drive at the IUE CWA HALL (Parking in the back)

WHY: Raise money for the GDAA Rent Foundation, who pays rent to families through unforeseen crisis or hardships, thereby preventing homelessness.

 

Bring your friends for a nite at the “track.”  There are so many ways to win at this great event!

So saddle up, get out of the gates and head to 1675 Woodman Drive IUE CWA Hall on November 7th at 6:30pm!

Support a charity while just horsin’ around ! 

Check out our photo gallery below of some of the past year’s  RENT FOUNDATION NITE AT THE RACES !

[flagallery gid=114]

Top Dog: Zombie Dogz Food Truck Still Leading the Pack

By 4 Comments

“New Dog #2” Zombie Dogz Latest Pup!

Who waits in a line 70 yards long for a hot dog?   The answer is a lot of people in the Dayton area, as long as they are waiting for a Zombie Dog. In fact, with over 16,000 “Likes” on Facebook, this food truck is nothing short of a phenomenon!  Since Food Adventures with Big Ragu and the Crew are frequent visitors to this traveling delight, we decided to spread the word amongst our foodie readers!  Hungry Jax even marked this territory as one of her “Top Five Eats in Dayton” so no one has had more Zombie Dogz than us …

With Halloween approaching and The Walking Dead Zombie show starting back up, it is the perfect time for a Zombie Dogz Food Adventure  article!

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Zombie Dogz is a food truck that takes hot dogs to a gourmet level with their unique toppings and handcrafted side dishes.

— Mom and pop establishment founded in 2012 by David and Lee Ann Van Artsdalen. They recently welcomed the newest member of their family this spring, baby Barrett Axel!

 

 

— Budget friendly at only $6/dog, you’ll be able to feed your own pack a hot dog that’s been grilled, tucked into a grilled bun and topped with combinations that will make you howl in delight!

The Van Artsdalen Pack” – Lee Ann, David and Baby Barrett Axell

— Not a carnivore? No worries! They offer tofu dog’s as a substitute.

— In the “ZD” logo, you’ll see the silhouette of David and Lee Ann’s dog, “Gauge”!  He even has a Zombie Dog named after him, the “Killer Gauge”.

 

Zombie Dogz offers up hot dogs that will surely make you salivate! You can find a full menu on their website, however they rotate it weekly to offer a wide variety.  To see what Specialty Dogz are offered this week, and to stay on top of their latest creations, tune into their Facebook page HERE.   They have so many delicious dogz, that it’s hard to nail it down to a few faves….. but we did.  Here are our top dogz aka Must Eats !!

 

MUST EATS:

— CALLING IN DEAD: There’s nothing dead about this dog. An all beef hot dog topped with a creamy homemade white truffle mac & cheese  and finished off with crumbled crackers.  It’s your childhood in a bun…. but better.

— THE DEAD DIXIE: This pup is covered in diced green apples, applewood smoked bacon, blue cheese crumbles and their signature bbq sauce! A great way to eat all of your food groups in just one bun!

— THE GERMANATOR (DAYTON OKTOBERFEST SPECIAL):  Topped with a braised beef brisket, crispy fried onions and a homemade beer cheese. This dog would surely satisfy the appetite of a former Governor of California!

“Calling in Dead”: Your childhood in a bun.

— NEW DOG #2:  It’s not uncommon for one of their new masterpieces to debut nameless. Zombie Dogz enlists their Facebook followers to take part of the naming process! This dog debuted at Oktoberfest as well. Topped with apple cider braised carnitas, spiced apples, arugula, butternut squash puree, and a sage crumble.  It is simply Autumn deliciousness, with toppings Chef House can appreciate.

— THE NIBBLER:- An American classic turned Zombie! This is their take on a coney is topped in homemade chili, diced red onions, mustard, and muenster cheese.  The King likes to tear into these like a dead walker into fresh meat!

— KILLER GAUGE – Named after their beloved dog, this hot dog is topped with a buffalo chicken dip, celery bits, blue cheese and ranch.

 Honorable Mention: THE GRANDE ZOMBE: Pronounced “Grand-ay, zom-bay,” this spicy little number includes queso sauce, shredded lettuce, cilantro sour cream, and crushed corn chips.  We like to heat up the night with this graveyard favorite.  Also, check out Big Ragu’s favorite, the dessert Zombie Dog called the “RED ROCKET” which is a banana in a bun  covered with peanut butter powder, stawberry jelly, white chocolate chips and pop rocks ! 

 **** IMPORTANT: Not every one of these Zombie Dogz are offered all the time.  They typically offer a few choices and rotate those throughout the year.  David and Lee Ann are always coming up with new flavors, so stay tuned.

 

“Dead Dixie”: Bacon, Apple and Blue Cheese Bliss.

From festivals, to food truck rallies, horror conventions, Oktoberfest or special single appearances, Zombie Dogz delivers the goods.  Our advice when they are around .. GET THERE EARLY, because this food truck is anything but dead.  They are easily the most popular food truck in Dayton.  Is it the Zombie Name?  Is it the one of a kind, unique toppings?  Is it the reasonable prices? The great customer service? For us, it’s all of the above!

The question we hear most is “Where can I find a schedule of where they are going to be?”  The answer is to stay updated through the Food Truck link on  Dayton Most Metro or follow Zombie Dogz on their Facebook  page. 

Speaking of Facebook, follow our new Food Adventure Crew with Hungry Jax, Chef House, The King, and the Big Ragu on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Cant get enough Zombie Dogz?  Then check out the photo gallery below for our huge collection of  pictures.  Food Adventures has some fantastic photos of many of their offerings!

[flagallery gid=111]

Girls High School Tennis Tourney Honors Missing 84′ Grad

By Leave a Comment

Jennifer Schmidt ,1984 Carroll HS Grad

Carroll High School has decided to turn a tragedy, into a celebration of a past student’s life.

Some of the area’s best high school, girls tennis players will be facing off in the Jennifer Schmidt Memorial Tennis Tournament this Saturday.

The annual event is held in the memory of 1984 Carroll HS graduate, Jennifer Schmidt.  Schmidt went missing her freshman year at Purdue, and was never seen again.  The tournament is hosted each year by Carroll High School in her honor.

Eight area high school teams will be competing at this tournament.

As a special treat, the Dayton Most Metro’s own Food Adventures crew will be guest GRILL MASTERS at the event!

 

Eat burgers & dogs grilled by The Big Ragu, watch tennis Saturday at Thomas Cloud Park!

HERES THE SKINNY:
Date: 9/13/2014
Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Thomas Cloud Park, Huber Heights

 

MUST EATS:

— Donuts and Coffee will be available at the concession stand for breakfast

— Lunch Concessions will include Hamburgers and hot dogs grilled by The Big Ragu and crew !

Come support this charity event and watch some of the Miami Valleys girls tennis stars !

Please feel free to check out more foodie fun on Food Adventure’s Facebook page.  “Like” them HERE !

[flagallery gid=106]

Lebanon Raceway to Close Saturday, After 65 Years

By Leave a Comment

End of an Era: Lebanon Raceway will close Saturday Dec 7th at midnight

Like many of you saw in our RESTAURANTS CLOSED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN ARTICLE, all good things must come to an end.  Today, The Big Ragu & Crew add another name to this list .. sort of.  Some of our favorite Food Adventures have been at sporting events.  It is with sadness that we announce that one such place, Lebanon Raceway, will be closing this Saturday after 65 years of harness horse racing.  The reason for the closing is to make way for a new racetrack and casino in Monroe.    We are going to miss this place and the years of memories it gave us.

Last week at the track, we said our goodbyes.  We savored the sights and the memories.  We bought a program and a pen (superstition), and sat in the front row behind the glass, cheering for our horses to come in.  It takes some dexterity to hold a beer, hot dog, and program while watching the race and hollering.   The crowd was sparse, but enthusiastic.  We had some winners, and some losers, but loved every minute of the 13 races that night.

Click to enlarge this must eat: Tenderloin Sandwich

We have placed bets to win, place and show.  We even knocked out a daily double or a trifecta here and there.  But, to us, the live horse racing was just half of the story. We also loved the cheap food and beer.   From must eats like hot dogs and pork tenderloin sandwiches to  popcorn and hamburgers, Lebanon Raceway had more than just concession stands.  They had some good sporting event eats that became a tradition for us over the past 20 years.  The characters that serve the food are also a big part of the experience.  The bar area was always interesting, with the bartenders pouring bottled beers into a plastic cup, sometimes two or 3 at a time.  Foam?  …sometimes, just deal with it…

Opened in 1948, the race track facility is showing its age a little, but there is something special about this place.  Maybe it is the sound of the horses whizzing past, or the trumpets before each race.  Lebanon Raceway is known as the “cradle of drivers,” having produced some of the best harness racing jockeys in the nation.  Their other motto is “pace baby pace,” referring to the trotting horses.  This place is full of personality from the announcers to the bet window workers.  We wanted to share our Food Adventure memories and let people know that this Friday and Saturday are the final days of live racing at Lebanon.

Yes it is true, this weekend is your last chance to experience Lebanon Raceway, so saddle up and visit this Dayton area icon one last time.  Races will be Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 6:30pm.  Literally – “down the stretch they come !!”  Need directions?  CLICK HERE.  Want more horsing around with THE BIG RAGU, CHEF HOUSE and HUNGRY JAX?  Then ‘like’ FOOD ADVENTURES on FACEBOOK by clicking HERE !

Check out our photos and memories from Lebanon Raceway in our gallery below:

[flagallery gid=69]

What a Gas! AMBUCS Chili Cookoff Winners Announced

By Leave a Comment

Jimmie's Ladder 11 Chili was the Peoples Choice for # 1 (served with a jalapeno corn muffin)

Ladder 11 was the People’s Choice Winner (served with a jalapeno muffin) Click to Enlarge

The people have spoken at the 27th Annual Charity Chili cookoff and Casino Night for AMBUCS.  And they were tooting more than their horns the next day!

For the 2nd year in a row, JIMMIES LADDER 11 was the people’s choice for best chili.   BUT NOT SO FAST MY FRIENDS ….. THE FOOD ADVENTURES CREW with THE BIG RAGU have their takes on the chili contest and it may surprise you.

Your humble Food Adventurers were asked to be special celebrity guest judges and we ate every station, every bowl and left no pot unturned.  We also had hot dogs, coney dogs, wine, beer and soft drinks.  The frigid evening was PERFECT for chili tasting.

There was spicy chili, mild chili, chicken chili, no bean chili, .. there was even a gumbo !   Topping options were cheese, onions, hot sauce some had sour cream ! …  So Poopsie, how do you like your chili ?

 

THE BIG RAGU’S WINNER: Tie between THE BRUNCH CLUB and THE TROPICS

The Brunch Club had an amazingly sweet chili that was delicious.  The Tropics entry was just as addicting.  It was a  with a hearty, traditional chili with great flavors.

 

Honorable Mention to the other great chili’s: Longhorn Steakhouses’ Brisket chili, and of course the chili from Jimmie’s Ladder 11.  The Spiciest chili was Harrigan’s chili.  Other great, hearty traditional chili’s included Elsa’s Restaurant and Slyder’s Tavern.   Buckin Donkey Grille’s traditional chili was great, and they even served chicken sausage gumbo that was to die for.  Even amateur entries like Chef Daddy’s Firehouse won hearts with their chicken chili.

 

The real winner here was the AMBUCS charity who raises money to help disabled children and adults in the Miami Valley.  It is a local chapter and the funds stay local to help those in need in the Dayton area.  If you have never attended this event, it is a complete blast.  There was chili, beer, hot dogs, wine and pop (all you can eat).   There were casino games like blackjack, showdown, dice games and spin the wheel games.  The upstairs area even had a Bingo area !

 

Chef Daddy’s Firehouse White Chicken Chili (click to enlarge)

It was a true Food Adventure and Gamblers paradise!   You have 12 month to get your gastro-intestinal tract in shape for this one.  Don’t miss this event next year, it truly was a gas !

Want more photos and tongue in cheek fun from the one and only FOOD ADVENTURES CREW?  Then  “like” us on FACEBOOK by clicking HERE.  

We are not food critics, we are two “foodies in our forties” who love to eat !    This is not our job, this is our hobby, so we don’t have an agenda !  That’s why our stuff is original!  Often imitated, but never duplicated you can find us every week right here on Dayton Most Metro !

As always, check out our gallery photos below for some amazing food shots !

[flagallery gid=68]

Walking Dead Food Adventure & Zombie Dogz at Horror Hound Weekend

By 1 Comment

‘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.

“Like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here, unless you are scared of zombies and good times.

[flagallery gid=32 name=Gallery]

Food Adventure with Mz Pickles Sandwich Shop

By Leave a Comment

We love visiting Mom and Pop establishments.  In this case, just a mom establishment, Mz Pickles Sandwich Shop to be exact.  She owns a small sandwich shop located at 17 South Main Street in downtown Miamisburg  and has been open since 2011.   It is a great place to get a quick bite and the menu is reasonably priced.   Who doesn’t love a gourmet sandwich menu with everything under 10 dollars?

Mz. Pickles menu consists of specialty hot dogs, panini pressed sandwiches, soups, salads and of course, pickles.  Even the hot dogs are grilled on the panini press for a unique taste.  Sandwiches may be ordered hot or cold, with your choice of toppings.  Sandwich sizes are half, whole or huge and all come with a side pickle spear.   Hungry Jax recommends the turkey panini sub and their homemade chili.  The Big Ragu’s favorites are the pizza sub and the slaw dog.

Options for dessert include homemade gourmet brownies and fresh Otis Spunkmeyer cookies.  One such cookie offering is a “stuffed” cookie, which is a chocolate chip cookie with an Oreo inside.  The cookie looks like a mini flying saucer, and tastes really good.  Definitely a fun dessert invention that we have never seen before.

Mz. Pickles is a deli with personality.  Orders may be placed “to go”, or patrons may use the quaint dining room that is decorated with nostalgic items and vinyl album covers.  Put simply, this place is good food made by a friendly owner who cares about what she is serving.  Mz. Pickles is a warm and inviting atmosphere for a Food Adventure.    The Big Ragu doesn’t think you will be disappointed by this locally owned eatery or the charm.  If you are in downtown Miamisburg, “pressed” and “in a pickle” about where to eat, now you know where to go.

For more Food Adventures, “like” us on Facebook by clicking HERE!

[flagallery gid=12 name=Gallery]

Food Adventure’s Small Bites for 3/16/2012

By Leave a Comment

Behold another Food Adventure’s  “Small Bites” article.  Here we feature some of our favorite food items in the Dayton area.  We are not food critics, we are just a couple of guys who love to eat.

With no further delay, let’s dive into Small Bites for 3/15/2012.

The HOT DOGS at UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON SPORTING EVENTS:

Best Sporting Event Hot Dog…EVER

Nothing goes with good sports better than good hot dogs.   In our opinion, the University of Dayton has the best hot dogs of any sports related venue.  Whether at Welcome Stadium watching football, or at University of Dayton Arena watching basketball, these dogs always hit the spot.  President Barack Obama even downed a U.D. hot dog in record time this week with British Prime Minister David Cameron on their visit to Dayton for the 2012 NCAA Basketball First Four games.  So you see, these hot dogs are world class.  Since we were kids, we have enjoyed these hot dogs which are wrapped in a Heiner brand “sunny” bun.  They cost about $3 at sporting events.  What kind of hot dogs are they?  They are Cincinnati’s own, Kahn’s hot dogs, made with turkey and pork.  They are regular sized hot dogs, not the huge sausage dogs that The Big Ragu hates.  We told you where the best sports hot dog is, all you need to do is choose your toppings: mustard or ketchup… or both.

 

THE GYROS at GYRO PALACE :

The Supreme Gyro at Gyro Palace

Let’s face it, it is hard to find a good gyro in Dayton, Ohio.   Some people wait for the annual Greek Festival to get their fix.  But The Big Ragu knows where you can get a fantastic Gyro, year round.  In a small shopping center near the corner of State Routes 725 and 741 in Miamisburg, lies the Gyro Palace.  For more than 10 years this family run business has served up heaping handfuls of giant gyros to happy customers.  The kitchen workers slice the gyro meat, place it in a pita, then top it with fresh tomatoes, sliced onions and Tzatziki sauce.  The regular gyro sandwich is $5, while a chicken gyro is $5.50.  Trust us, this sandwich will fill you up and is worth every penny.  Whether you eat in or carry it out, you will enjoy a Mediterranean Food Adventure here!

 

THE DEEP DISH PIZZA WITH TURBO CRUST at JETS PIZZA:

Deep Dish Pizza at Jets

Want a pizza that packs a hunger busting punch?  Then you have to try the Deep Dish Pizza at Jet’s.  Started in Sterling Heights, Michigan, this thick square deep dish pizza is loaded with tomato sauce and sliced into rectangles.  Strangely reminiscent (we would say almost identical) to the Noble Roman’s Siclian Style Pizza of the 70’s and 80’s, this pie is a blast from the past.  It is also one of most filling pizzas we have ever eaten.  The thick crust is topped as you wish, then finished with a mound of cheese.  We suggest to also ask for the Turbo Crust which means the crust is brushed with butter, garlic and romano cheese.  A great value for the size and taste, make sure you fly on over to the location near Whipp Road in Centerville.  From this point forward, we are no longer responsible for your addiction to Jet’s Pizza.

 

THE FIREHOUSE 5-WAY at GOLD STAR CHILI:

Gold Star Chili’s “Firehouse 5-way”

In 1965, Gold Star Chili entered into the Cincinnati chili wars, and has been heating things up ever since.  Your Food Adventurers also like to spice things up.  Gold Star’s “Firehouse Way” option of ordering any Cincinnati style chili classic allows anyone to do just that.
What makes up a Firehouse 5-way?  The dish starts with the standard spaghetti, chili, onions, beans and cheese.  Then the magic happens, as a roasted red pepper hot sauce is added around the dish.  The creation is then generously sprinkled with a unique 5-pepper spice mix.  The meal is a great twist on a regional dish.  The Big Ragu like to visit the Monroe store, or the restaurant in Lebanon.  No matter which location you are at, if you want to share in the hotness, then order the Firehouse 5-Way at Gold Star Chili. When it comes to heat, they just dont sing it, they bring it.

 

Have you had one of our favorite Dayton food dishes?  If so, please comment below !

Expect an article from FOOD ADVENTURES every Thursday on DaytonMostMetro.com

Click here to become an official fan of our FOOD ADVENTURES page on Facebook.

[album: http://www.daytonmostmetro.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/smallbites 3152012/]

Food Adventures’s Small Bites for 3/1/2012

By Leave a Comment

Welcome to the latest “Small Bites” feature from Food Adventures

Small Bites is our bi-weekly article that highlights of some of our favorite local food and menu items.

We are not food critics, we are just two guys that love to eat. Big Ragu and The Food Adventure Crew  check out places off the beaten path, mom and pop establishments, and little known dining spots of the Gem City and beyond.

This Small Bites installment features the following:

THE PIZZA AT SOFT ROCK CAFE:

Deluxe Pizza at Soft Rock CafeOk, so you would not think Dayton’s top karaoke bar would be known for its food.  However, this Centerville hot spot has customers talking about its great pizza.  Delivered to your table piping hot, the pizzas are heavy on taste, and light on your pocketbook.  Soft Rock Cafe owners Curt and Mark decided to streamline their menu to a handful of items, anchored by their thin crust pizza.  Soft Rock’s kitchen guru Lisa has perfected her pizza making, to the delight of many hungry karaoke fans.  We suggest you try the deluxe pie, the more toppings the merrier!  Trust us on this one, it is a pizza that will have you singing its praises!

 

THE FISH AT ALTER HIGH SCHOOL’s FISH FRY:

Fried Fish Topped with Tartar Sauce

In the lenten season of fish fry’s, this one stands out as a favorite.  Heck.. or should we say “Hecht,” because many local fish frys like this one are run by the famous Hecht family.  Besides the Alter Fish Fry, the family runs about 9 other fish frys, including St. Francis of Assisi Parish, St. Albert the Great Parish and Incarnation Parish events.  The Alter fish fry is said to crank out about 1,200 pounds of fish.  What is the secret to the great taste?  Is the the fresh Atlantic cod fillets? Maybe it is the batter recipe that includes an egg wash, then a mixture of cracker meal, corn meal, salt and pepper before hitting the deep fryers.  What’s not to love?  The once a year event ticket prices are $12 for all you can eat fish, fries, bread, cole slaw, 3 alcoholic beverage tickets, and free soft drinks.  The condiment tables feature cocktail sauce, malt vinegar, ketchup and a wonderful tartar sauce mixed with a hint of horseradish.  Next year don’t miss this event, or it will be the “big one that got away.”

 

THE GNOCCHI AT MAMMA DISALVO’S ITALIAN RISTORANTE:

Mamma DiSalvo’s Homemade Gnocchi

Gnocchi, say it with us folks, is pronounced “Nyaw-kee.”  This small pasta dumpling is usually the size of a large bean and made with potatos.  A filling dish for even the biggest appetites, this meal has been perfected by the kitchen staff at Mamma DiSalvos.  From Mamma’s homemade sauce, to Bobby and Nick DiSalvo’s added touch, the gnocchi dinner at DiSalvo’s is an event in itself.  The pasta is topped with an incredible marinara sauce and freshly grated Parmesean cheese.  The meal is served with meatballs or Italian sausage, uh-oh, The Big Ragu is the only Italian we know that doesn’t like meatballs or Italian Sausage.  Oh the shame!  Whether you eat or share this meal, you will be happy with the rich, full flavors.  This dinner is worth the wait and price, because some of life’s homemade treasures take time to create.   To see the rest of their amazing menu and  homemade authentic Italian meals, click here.

 

THE DAYTON DOG at CHICAGO GYRO’s and DOGS:

The One and Only “Dayton Dog”

Food Adventures loves a good hot dog.  On a whim, he went into a small eatery on Wilmington Pike and Irving Ave called Chicago Gyros and Dogs.  There he tried some of the best hot dogs he has ever eaten.   One of his favorite was the “Dayton Dog.”   This hot dog is a handful, and loaded with toppings.  The Dayton Dog starts with a poppyseed bun, and a Vienna Beef Frank.  It is then topped with relish, onions, the painfully hot sport peppers, and a mound of fries.  This hot dog will light you up with heat, but it delivers on taste.  For around $3 you too can try this original Dayton creation!  The menu also features some fabulous Greek Gyro sandwiches as well.  This is one restaurant that we are happy to say is “going to the dogs!”

Click here to”Like” FOOD ADVENTURES  on FACEBOOK and become and official fan !!

[album: http://www.daytonmostmetro.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/small bites 312012/]

Please feel free to leave comments or suggestions below……