Joe Castellano

The Ghost that Haunts The Amber Rose

First and foremost, The Amber Rose Restaurant has some of the most delicious comfort food in Dayton.  This eatery has some terrific Eastern European style food.  But there is a spooky side to this place on 1400 Valley Street in Dayton.  Yes, this Food Adventure fright comes right in time for Halloween.  That’s right, Big Ragu and the Crew have the inside scoop on the The Amber Rose.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The building was built in 1912 by Sigmunt Ksiezopolski and was a general store through the 1980’s

— In 1989 Elinor Sluzas bought the building and opened the Amber Rose a year later.   The menu was her own Lithuanian recipes, and her twists on Eastern European favorites.

— Named Amber Rose for the Amber jewels mined in Lithuania and Northern Europe, and Rose symbolizing love and compassion.

— in 1998, owner Joe Castellano bought the restaurant, and still uses Elinor’s recipes.  The entire staff is very friendly.

— Practically every item is homemade.  This is a restaurant that does things the way it should be… from scratch.  If it isn’t made ‘in-house,’ it is bought from local vendors.

— The Amber Rose does a lot of catering for business events, weddings, etc.  In fact, it is the largest part of their business.

— Banquet Room upstairs, and a meeting room as well, allows an option for wedding receptions, or a private Food Adventure (stay tuned)

HERE’S THE SCARY:

Longtime Server Aimee who shared the ghost video with Amber Rose Owner Joe Castellano

— The Amber Rose and its story appear in the book “Haunted Ohio III”

— The daughter of the original owner of the building is said to haunt the main level and upstairs of Amber Rose.  Her name is Genevieve Ksiezopolski, and is also known as “Chickie.”

— Long time waitress Aimee has witnessed glasses flying off the shelves

— Owner Joe Castellano has seen lights and fans turned on in the upstairs office, after he had turned them off.

— One of the restaurant cooks claimed to have seen the ghostly apparition of Genevieve aka “Chickie.”  He says the spirit was in front of him, then lifted up her ruffled dress slightly, and walked out of the room.  Now comes the unexplainable part…. There are security cameras throughout the restaurant including the kitchen.  When the management heard the cook’s story, they decided to pull up the surveillance tape.  What they saw was a small, bright, white orb enter, circle and leave the room at the same exact time the cook said he saw the ghost.  Eerie.. Is it proof of a ghost, or just a coincidence?

 HERE IS THE VIDEO: YOU BE THE JUDGE  –

— Paranormal investigators visit the restaurant each year and claim that a second ghost, named Richard, inhabits the basement.

MUST EATS:

— DELUXE POTATO PANCAKES:  This appetizer is covered in cheddar-jack cheese, bacon and scallions.  The crispy circles are and served with sour cream, for a rich indulgence you wont soon forget.

— ELINOR’S SIGNATURE TURTLE SOUP:  An amazing must eat!  If you have never had turtle soup, don’t be afraid.  It is a cross between vegetable soup and chili.  We challenge anyone to try a cup and tell us it is not delicious.

— PIEROGI & ONIONS:  This “old country” favorite is a rarity in Dayton.  Amber Rose does it right.  Homemade pierogi dumplings with sauteed onions, served with a side of cream cheese.  If you have never had pierogies, they are dumplings filled with potato.  It makes for a rich, filling comfort food, and a favorite in Poland.

— THE TRADITIONAL REUBEN:  Stacked high with thinly sliced corn beef, the sandwich is then topped with sauerkraut.  Condiments slapped on include 1000 island dressing and swiss cheese.  The finishing touch is grilling the rye bread.  A Food Adventure on a plate, indeed.

— THE WARSAW MEDLEY: This dish features four of the restaurants specialties.  First, the CABBAGE ROLLS, which are one of the best selling items at the restaurant.  The dish also features a sausage link, HOMEMADE SAUSAGE, so it is the real deal!  Thirdly, the SAUERKRAUT.  Now listen, we are picky on our sauerkraut and The Big Ragu says this sweet recipe is the best sauerkraut he has ever eaten.  It is a Lithuanian spin on German Sauerkraut, and has less of a “sour bite.”

Like Reuben Sandwiches? Try The Amber Rose version on for size….

— THE HUNTER SCHNITZEL SANDWICH: Hand breaded with pretzels.. need we say more?  The pork loin is then golden fried, and served on  a hoagie bun with lettuce, tomato, onion and dark mustard.   Opt for the Hunter Dinner instead, served with no bread, but covered in a creamy mustard sauce.. all homemade !

— ANNUAL “OKTOBERFEST”:  During the month of October, your first draft beer is 10 cents, and the ones after are $1.50.

 Honorable Mention:  Two other favorites include the Polish Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms and the German Bier Cheese Dip served with pretzels and rye bread.

We recommend stopping by this incredible unique and lovable restaurant.  Become enchanted by the old world menu, and the savory dishes.   The food is complimented by the atmosphere of stained glass accent windows and tin ceilings for a European Cafe feel.

Get some spirits at the bar and maybe say hello to the spirit known as “Chickie.”  Remember, roses are amber, violets are blue, eat the delicious food and you may get a BOO!  Happy Halloween, Foodies !

Want more scoop and killer pictures of the Miami Valley’s best food places?  Then  follow Food Adventures with Hungry Jax, Chef House, The King and the Big Ragu on Facebook by clicking HERE.  We are not food critics, we just love to eat!   Check  back for our weekly articles on Dayton Most Metro, where we share the best local eats with our fellow Daytonians!

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