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

Mamma Disalvos

Mamma DiSalvo’s offer 7 $22 Specials

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Mamma DiSalvo’s is back from their summer vacation and reopening with a brand new promotion. An evening happy hour that runs from 7:30-9pm  that offers $2 off of wine and appetizers and 7 dinner entrees for just $22 that come with bread a small cannoli. These specials, created from DiSalvo’s family recipes, are offered Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night for a limited time.


Also new, Mamma’s now takes online reservations.

Mamma Disalvos Italian Ristorante

1375 E Stroop Rd
Kettering, OH 45429
937-299-5831
Hours
Wed – Sat 4 – 9:pm
Sun 4 – 7pm

Quest for Dayton’s Best: Lasagna

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As a kid, I grew up on Chef Boyardee’s Lasagna. You know the kind. It came in a box with a can of sauce, powdered cheese, and lasagna noodles. It was fast, easy, and not terribly delicious. When my parents wanted real lasagna, we drove to Lebanon and ate at the Tavern. It was the best lasagna in town. It was a single serving in a metal pan, covered in tons of melted stringy cheese, bubbling with housemade sauce and it arrived with a mini loaf of french bread doused in garlic butter. My parents loved this place and I loved the lasagna.

Recently I found myself eating really mediocre lasagna with my son. He is attracted to the free breadsticks and mediocre pizza at this national chain. I sat there poking the pasta looking for the cheese and sauce I fondly remembered as a kid. I never found it. So I had more breadsticks while mapping out a plan to find that lasagna I remembered as a kid.

 

I found it! We are surrounded by great Italian food here in Dayton.

Jimmy’s lasagna with garlic rolls

Starting south of town I worked my way across the county and here is my report.

Troni’s Lasagna

Great lasagna isn’t far away. In Kettering, we have an abundance for every taste. While locals are divided between Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen on Woodman or Troni’s on Dorothy Lane, one thing is clear, the sauce is fresh and full of flavor. $8.99 gets you enough lasagna to demand an afternoon nap. Troni’s has a great salad and house dressing for their lunch special, Jimmy’s serves soup alongside their lunch. Troni’s delivered with pasta that was cooking perfectly and sauce with spice. Order extra garlic knots. Jimmy’s sauce is chunkier, which I like, and the rolls are soft and buttery, but I wanted the garlic and didn’t get it.

Mamma DiSalvo’s lasagna

I drove past Mamma Disalvo’s on the way to these two stops. The lasagna there is 100% Mama’s. The sauce is thicker, sweeter, and made with love. Mama’s lasagna is like my grandmas. The ricotta is noticeable and the pasta is cooked perfectly and still has a bite to it. It is covered in mozzarella and baked off to perfection. Order extra bread, you don’t want to leave any of that sauce on the plate.

For folks up north you aren’t far from great layered pasta and cheese either. Folks know Giovanni’s in Fairborn for their pizza and subs. Skip the pizza, order the lasagna. Portions large enough to share, you won’t want to but you could, and dinner prices make it so you can get the antipasto plate beforehand. Dinner is $13.00 with salad and housemade Italian bread.

My final suggestion for great lasagna in Dayton is Franco’s on 5th near the Oregon District. Franco’s has that old school Italian feel. Tuck in your shirt, grab a date and find a booth in the back. Settle in for great service and better food. Stop in for lunch and you will probably have Franco stop by your table. When ordering the lasagna at Franco’s get it with sausage in place of the beef. Get the salad with the house dressing and grab a napkin for your shirt. I’ve never had the beef lasagna at Franco’s because the sausage is always on point.
We are fortunate to have so many spots to grab a great pasta dish. On my quest to find the best, I rank these at the top. Other places to try include Palermo’s , Roma’s in Springboro and Napoli‘s in Miamisburg.
Where do you go when you are looking for great Lasagna in Dayton? Add your favorite to the list in the comments.

Mamma DiSalvos- Authentic Italian Family Owned Restaurant

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Far too often the end of the year brings a notable list of our favorite restaurants that have gone away.

Dayton is famous for these lists. Every year we create them. We applaud the new ones and mourn the old ones. For some of us, reminiscing the old spots is akin to showing everyone our old baseball cards. Talking about the old days. The better days.  Dayton is especially fond of these lists. I have stories from my early days in politics from Dominic’s on South Main. When I worked for the county it was long lunches at Grubb Steak on North Main where friendships and memories were made.

Everyone has a spot to add to this list. Maybe for you, its the The Parkmoor, Chin’s, or Duke’s Golden Ox.

These places were vintage Dayton and tons memories were made in these spots.  That is how I feel about Mamma Disalvo’s today.  For more than 4 decades, Mamma and her sons have been serving up Dayton’s best Italian cuisine from a little spot in Kettering.

Mamma’s is a date night place for us. We go there for Valentine’s and anniversaries and those occasions when we have time to sit and enjoy the pace of appetizers and a drink, salad, then dinner and a quiet dessert, all while never feeling rushed.

Mamma’s is a comfort place. The food is homemade, by family, and served like you are family. We keep going back and encouraging our friends to go for two reasons. The first, we don’t want it on the year-end memories list. Second, it’s just really good food and what Vinny, Mamma’s grandson, is doing in the kitchen just feels natural and right.

Vinny recently returned from six months in Italy where he studied his craft, learning to cook authentic Italian food.  He trained close to wear his family, generations before, called home. He studied in Italian, taking a crash course upon arrival so he could learn the recipes and techniques in the native language. He returned with a new confidence, new recipes, and some serious bread making skills.

Recently I sat down with friends and enjoyed a chef’s dinner served by Vinny himself. It was if the baton had been handed off insuring Mamma’s was set for another generation. It was course after course of his best stuff, minus the famous meatballs.

We shared end of season tomatoes, with fresh mozz and basil underneath a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic. This came alongside Mamma’s antipasto platter with shaved Parm, olives and an assortment of cured meats and prosciutto. Dishes like this are for sharing, for talking, reaching and passing, and taking your time. The creamy prosciutto just melts on the tongue and when followed by a flake of the parm, you experience a near perfect bite.

The main courses followed, a carbonerra with peas, panchetta, tomatoes, broccoli and an egg sauce that was perfect. Tossing hot pasta with egg is no easy task and Vinny executed flawlessly. My favorite dish made the list and that is the Rigatoni with Vodka sauce. I’ve asked for this sauce to be bottled and sold like Mamma’s marinara and salad dressing to no avail. I just keep ordering.

Vinny surprised us with fresh bread and plate of shrimp scampi. You could smell the butter and garlic 10 feet ahead of the platter. Cooked perfect and balanced with a hint of the white wine added some acidity to cut the rich butter that coated the shrimp.

And then there was dessert and I am thankful he brought half slices. The tiramasu is killer with real espresso and dark chocolate working together in a bitter sweet balance. A great evening, full of sharing, conversation and a meal prepared by family. Mamma’s family. It felt like home.

 

Small side note: Their pizza is fantastic. Call ahead and pick it up or stop in and enjoy a glass or two of wine with your pizza. You won’t be disappointed.

The search for authentic Italian, in a local, family-owned and prepared, restaurant is over. Mamma’s is it.

Hours:
Wed-Sat  4 – 9pm
Sun 4 – 8pm

Local Restaurants Offering To-GO Meals For Guest Reluctant To Dine In

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As the COVID-19 (coronavirus) continues to make headlines, even the best-laid plans are up for last-minute changes. Those changes are hitting restaurants hard as they struggle with the effects of reduced travel and government calls to avoid large gatherings.  One local restaurateur we talked with today said he’s lost $25,000 in catering cancellations in just the last couple of days.  So many of the service industry jobs are hourly employees, sent home if business doesn’t dictate the need.

Open Table sent out an email today saying they are seeing sharp declines in  across online reservations, phone reservations, and walk-ins. In the United States and United Kingdom, they see a 20 percent reduction in total seated diners vs. last year.  At the city level, diners are down approximately 45 percent in Seattle, 40 percent in San Francisco, 30 percent in New York, and 25 percent in London, Los Angeles, and Chicago. (All declines cited here are on a year-over-year basis.)

Locally many restaurants are scrambling to react to the market, many offering curbside meals:

 

 

 

 

More from Open Table’s Andrea Johnston, Chief Operating Officer:

To support the restaurants we all love, we’d like to share a few simple things you can do to help your favorite restaurants weather this storm:

  1. If you have a change of plans, please let the restaurant know as soon as possible so they can plan accordingly. Even cancelling the same day is better than not showing up.
  2. Order take-out or delivery. It gives the restaurant business and keeps you well fed. Many restaurants that don’t usually offer these options are making exceptions.
  3. Re-book for a future date—it will give everyone something to look forward to.
  4. Consider purchasing restaurant gift cards if they’re offered.
  5. Tip generously if you can afford it. Tipped workers are some of the first to suffer in times of economic distress.

Restaurants on Vacation

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The holidays are behind us now and for many local eateries that means it’s time for a rest.  The beginning of January is typically the slowest time of the year for restaurants and bake shops, so taking a little rest at this time of year makes sense. Here’s a list of those we know are taking some time off:

Ashley’s Pastry Shop

21 Park Ave, Dayton, Ohio 45419

(937) 293-1719

Will reopen on Tuesday, Jan 7th at 7am

 

The Barrel House

East Third Street, Dayton, OH 45402

937-222-GRWL (4795)
Will reopen at 11am on Tuesday, January 7th.

 

 

Mamma DiSalvos

1375 E. Stroop Rd. – Kettering, Ohio 45440

937-299-5831

Closed January 1-7.  But you can still pick up a jar of their sauce at your local grocery store.

 

Partial to Pie

200 Shroyer Rd., Dayton, Ohio 45419

(937) 813-8851

They will reopening Tuesday, January the 7th.

 

Stella Bleu

20 North Fountain, Springfield, Ohio 45502

(937) 717-0478

Closed until Tuesday January 7. Will open at 11am Tuesday and be back to our normal hours.

 

The Winds Cafe

215 Xenia Ave Yellow Springs, Ohio

937.767.1144

Will be closed January 1-13, 2020 for our annual holiday break. They will
re-open for our regular hours on Tuesday, January 14 with our new menu.

 

If you know of others, please leave a comment below and we’ll add them to the list.

Mamma DiSalvo’s 3rd Annual Meatball Eating Contest

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If you think you can eat a lot of meatball you should sign up for Mamma DiSalvo’s 3rd annual Meatball Eating Contest.  It will take place this Sunday at 4pm in Mamma’s parking lot during their car show.  Contestants will have two minutes to chow down on a plate of meatballs.  Winner will win bragging right and a $100 gift certificate to Mamma DiSalvo’s.  You can sign up online, entry costs $10 and will be donated to Tornado Relief.

Many of our past contestants had grand ambition  thinking they  would eat 20-30 meatballs. We’ve learned over the past couple of years that Mamma’s meatballs are so filling that 13 meatballs is the record. Who knows, maybe this year their will be a new record!  If you don’t want to compete, we invite you to join us to cheer on the meatball eaters.  You can even purchase your own small plate of meatballs.

2017 Winner  Kris Mack 13 meatballs

 

 

2018 Josh Kimble 9 meatballs

 

 

Local Restaurants Take Winter Break

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Restaurants have just completed their busiest month of the year,  hosting holiday gatherings, catering parties and feeding so many of us as we celebrated the holidays.

So now for many of our local eateries, they are taking some time off to recuperate from the hectic holiday season and do a little celebrating of their own with family and friends.  So just a heads up of the extended closings for the following eateries:

 

Lily’s Bistro  – will reopen for lunch on Friday

Mamma DiSalvos– Opens on Jan 9th at noon

The Tavernette – will open again on Saturday, January 5th

The Winds Cafe -Opens Tuesday, January 15, 2019 – beginning with lunch and our new winter menu.

Twist Cupcakery – will reopen on Jan 8th

Watermark – Opens on January 8 for Burger Night!

 

And while not a restaurant, we thought we’d let you know Dayton Pedal Wagon is on break until Jan 13th.

How Many Meatballs Can You Eat?

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If you think you can eat a lot of meatball you should sign up for Mamma DiSalvo’s 2nd annual Meatball Eating Contest.  On Thursday, March 8th at 6pm in the DiSalvo’s Party Room contestant will have 2 minutes to chow down on as many meatballs as they can. Contestants pay $10 to enter and the winner not only gets bragging rights and a $50 gift certificate to Mamma DiSalvo’s and a gift basket of Mamma’s goodies!  If you think you’ve got a wining appetite you can sign up online to compete this year!  It’s also a timely contest, since March 9th is National Meatball Day!

 

Last year there were 10 men (hopefully some women will sign up this year) who took on the challenge and started out with a plate of a dozen meatballs and were informed they could not use a fork or their hands to eat with.  Many of our contestants had grand ambition  thinking they  would eat 20-30 meatballs. With fans cheering the meat eaters on, Kris Mick was declared the winner eating 13 meatballs!  Kris also won the first winner of the Submarine House Super Duper Cheesesteak Challenge.

Judges for the event will include The Big Ragu from Dayton’s Food Adventure Crew and Dayton.com’s Sarah Franks.

Guest Post: Where To Eat in Dayton

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Where to eat in Dayton Ohio for attorneys and legal professionals

At the Mike Mobley Reporting office in Dayton, if we have not started talking about “What’s for lunch?” by 9:30 am, the flu is probably about to hit our office. We love court reporting but we love food as much. We love it when we have clients visit the office for depositions from out of town and want a suggestion on where to eat in Dayton. There are so many little treasures we have all over our fine city. Here are a few suggestions we give people on a regular basis. If you are visiting Dayton, give one of them a try.

Quick Lunches in Dayton:

Flying Pizza – New York Style pizza by the slice. You can go traditional thin crust, Sicilian thick crust or my favorite, one of each. We’ve had a number of New Yorkers come back to the office after lunch and say they felt like they were home at Flying Pizza.

Skyline Chili – Stole this one from the “Where to Eat in Cincinnati” article but even though Skyline is Cincinnati chili, Daytonian’s still love it. Here is what our legal videographer Steve had to say about Skyline – Love it or hate it, “Cincinnati style” chili is the most well-known regional dish we have to offer. This polarizing style of chili features a meat sauce with hints of cinnamon and cocoa laid over either a bed of spaghetti or hotdog and covered with mounds of shredded cheese. More than anything else on this list, this is a risky recommendation as many who try out our special brand of chili leave either loving or despising it.

El Meson Food Truck – If you are in Dayton and lucky enough to have the El Meson Food Truck any place close to where you are taking depositions, you have to give it a shot. Their grouper soft tacos or chorizo burritos are amazing. They have some wonderful South American desserts to follow. If you are spending the night or week in Dayton for depositions, El Meson’s original restaurant is an amazing to place to have a longer lunch or dinner.

Longer Lunches or Dinner in Dayton:

The Dublin Pub – Always a favorite at Mike Mobley Reporting, The Dublin Pub is an Irish Pub that has great drink options but even better food options. They have great appetizers like the Emerald Ale Dip to the Barney Stones or just a pint of Guinness. One of my favorite sandwiches is the Ruck (smoked beef brisket, Guinness BBQ sauce, sautéed onions and cheddar cheese on a pretzel roll) and they have the best Fish and Chips and/or Shrimp and Chips in town. You can’t go wrong with the Hell’s Belle’s Pasta or Bully Prime Shot either.  Enjoy!!

Franco’s – Another gem of the Gem City is Franco’s Ristorante Italiano. Everyone at Mike Mobley Reporting loves Italian food and Franco’s never disappoints. From the Alla Panna Gorgonzola to the Lasagna to the Scalloppini Entrée, the food is magnificent.

Mama DiSalvo’s – Like I said, we love our Italian food at Mike Mobley Reporting. Mama DiSalvo’s is about 10 minutes south of downtown Dayton but the food is out of this world. The homemade pastas, meatballs and sausages make my mouth water just thinking about it. The sauce is homemade by Mama and even sold in most of our grocery stores. I love the homemade gnocchi and the lasagna. The smells from the angel hair con scallops will make you feel like you are in Italy.

Dinner Only in Dayton:

Pine Club – A few minutes from downtown and basically on the campus of the University of Dayton, the Pine Club has the best steaks in town. They’ve won all kinds of national awards but it is as hometown as it gets. The Pine Club is another Dayton diamond that will make you feel like you just ate at one of the nicest restaurants in the country. If you’re going all out have the broiled lobster tail appetizer and one the classic steaks so you get the best of both worlds.

El Meson – See the Quick Lunches section above

Thai Nine – Thai Nine is located just outside of downtown in the historical Oregon District. The Oregon District is home of two earlier mentioned favorites The Dublin Pub and Franco’s. Thai Nine specializes in upscale Thai dishes and has wonderful sushi. If you like Thai food and like to pick your heat, don’t miss this one!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Todd Mobley is the president, accountant, and videographer for Mike Mobley Reporting. He has served on numerous committees of national and Ohio court reporting industry associations. Connect with him on LinkedIn.

Christmas in July Giveaway!

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DaytonMostMetro.com and DaytonDining have a long tradition of celebrating Christmas in July!  It’s a simple way to thank you for reading and sharing about our local eateries.  We do our best to keep you up to date on all the tastiest news in the Miami Valley, and we’ve partnered with some of our favorites this week to offer you a chance to experience all their yummy goodness.

All you have to do is share this post, or the image below on your social media and tag @DaytonDining so we can see it. Leave a comment on which restaurant you’d like to visit and why.  Each day we’ll randomly select a winner and post it on our DaytonDining Facebook and twitter. Post it every day for the most chances to win! We’ll post our first winner Tuesday morning, and then each morning we’ll post another winner. Good luck!

T

Mamma DiSalvo’s 38th Anniversary = Dinner for Two for $38

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Elena DiSalvo (Mamma) her son, Chef Roberto DiSalvo, proudly celebrate the restaurants 38th anniversary this Thursday, June 8th by offering their homemade lasagna dinner, which comes with salad,bread and 2 large cannoli’s for just $38 tonight – Thursday.

Using Mamma’s family recipes, made fresh from scratch daily, Mamma’s truly is a family business, with 3 generations (Mamma, Chef Roberto and his son Vinnie) often found cooking together in the kitchen.

Whether it’s for dine in, take out or to catering for your office party, graduation or wedding, Mamma’s is proud to be a part of so many family celebrations in the Miami Valley for almost four decades. Mamma says, “We want to thank every customer of Mamma DiSalvos.  Please keep on coming, we love you guys and come back.”

To wind up the anniversary week, Mamma’s will host a car show in the parking lot Sunday, June 11th from 1-4pm.  Bring your antique, classic or custom car or truck out to show off. Cars will be on display in our back parking lot. DJ Dan Edwards will be our MC and tunes will be rocking!

Mamma’s will  have our pizza oven and grill out, with small pizza’s, hot dogs and sausage subs and soda for sale in the lot. The restaurant will open at 4:30pm.

About Mamma DiSalvo’s:

Rinaldo and Elena DiSalvo opened Mamma DiSalvo’s restaurant on July 8, 1979, with the help of Elena’s father Pasquale Berarado and their three sons, Nicola, Rinaldo Jr. and Roberto. Mamma DiSalvo’s restaurant started out small, serving their own family recipe from the Abruzzi Molise Region – One of Italy’s best kept secrets, and strive to provide your family with the best authentic Italian food in Dayton, Ohio

Even though Mamma DiSalvo’s has grown over the years, their traditions remain the same. The family still cooks everything from scratch using only the finest quality ingredients available. fresh meats and imported cheese, pasta and olive oil. The sauces and lasagna are made fresh daily by Roberto.

Best Local Spaghetti Sauces in a Jar + *Win 3 Jars*

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Giovanni’s will be selling their sauce in jars soon !

Food Adventures  has the scoop!! Here is an announcement that is 60 years in the making… for the first time since the 1953 history of the Giovanni’s restaurant, they will be selling their sauce in jars !

Yes, Giovanni’s, located at 215 W Main St. Fairborn, has announced that some of their in house sauces will be available for purchase in mass quantities.  They plan to start selling the jars at the restaurant and some local grocers in the northern Miami Valley area. Managing owner Cassaundra Spaziani says they are a couple of months away from being available in stores.  She said they are currently working on developing artwork/photography for the labels on the jars.  The mystery is whether her father, Tony Spaziani, will be on the label or not.  It has yet to be decided.

Givoanni’s Marinara over Gnocchi

They are going to start with 2 sauces:

1) GIOVANNI’S MARINARA:
An old Spaziani family recipe, this sauce typically tomato based, and seasoned with garlic, onions and spices.

2) GIOVANNI’S PUTTANESCA: 
An aromatic sauce that combines tomatoes, onions, black olives, anchovies, capers, garlic and oregano, simmered with olive oil.

*** LEARN HOW TO WIN 3 JARS OF SAUCE BELOW !

Ranking other Dayton jarred sauces: Mamma DiSalvo’s

Oh you know we love the sauces at Giovanni’s in Fairborn.  And the marinara from Franco’s Italian Ristorante is delightful.  Even Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen, and Palermo’s & Troni’s family have their spots in Miami Valley eats.  And wow, what about Roost Modern Italian! But in today’s Food Adventure article, we are also going to talk about the local sauces that you can find in jars or cans for your eating pleasure at home.

Chef House, the Big Ragu and of course Hungry Jax know all about homemade spaghetti sauce.  It is what we grew up on, it is what we prefer.  But sometimes we don’t have 2, 4 or 6 hours to tend to the sauce.  Well Chef House always does 🙂  she cray cray..

So when in need, The Big Ragu likes to get local for premade spaghetti sauce.  Sometimes in a pinch he cracks open a jar.  Whether it is for manicotti to mostaccioli, from eggplant parm to baked ziti.  Which local ones are the best?  We have the breakdown, so learn from us !

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON THE BEST LOCALLY JARRED SPAGHETTI SAUCES:

1) MAMMA DISALVO’S MARINARA SAUCE:  
In Big Ragu’s opinion, this jarred sauce is the closest thing he has found to his family recipe.  And the taste is fantastic.  The thick tomato sauce is slightly sweet, with chunks of basil and tomatoes.  When you heat this sauce, sometimes a little olive oil rises up to the top, just like it is

Annarinno’s Marinara over Spaghetti

supposed to…. You don’t need to add a thing to doctor it up.  We are going to be honest, the sauce isn’t cheap, but it is worth it.  In our list, all heads must bow to this #1 iconic Dayton jarred sauce.  Also available in a spicy version, which is second best. Did we mention their incredible house salad dressing for sale in jars too?

 

2) ANNARINO’S MARINARA SAUCE:  
A dark horse squeaks in at #2.  The great flavor surprised us and the sauce has a terrific flavor.  If you have yet to try this brand, give it a shot.  We tried it on spaghetti a couple of times and were really impressed. As much as you can be from jarred sauce  (Again, ain’t nothing like the real thing baby). They sell various flavors from mushroom to meat sauce, but we prefer the Marinara.

 

Schiavone’s Marinara over Rigatoni


3) SCHIAVONE’S CANNED MARINARA SAUCE:
This versatile sauce comes in a can, and needs a bit of doctoring up with oregano and basil, then it is perfect.  It is a great base sauce for baking pasta dishes.  Many of you may remember the fantastic restaurant in Middletown where this sauce originated.  Long closed down, only the canned sauce remains as a reminder of that wonderful Italian eatery.  Take advantage, and try some of this old school sauce.  This is a very basic building block for a great meal.

 

4) ZAPPIA’S MARINARA SAUCE:
A newer Dayton sauce, this one has a rich taste and good flavor.  This family might be known for local car dealerships, but the sauce could eclipse that.  It is an old family recipe passed down from Zappia generations back in Italy.  Definitely worth a pick-up, if you have not tried this jarred sauce.  One of the places it is available for purchase is the Flying Pizza Downtown.  Try it, you’ll like it !

 

 

 

5) CAPOZZI’S SPICY MARINARA SAUCE: Here is an example where we like the spicy version better than the original.  This marinara has a nice flavor and a kick to it.  Great over pasta and even with another splash of red pepper to get Food Adventurous.  We are lucky to have so many local families with great sauce recipes for us on the “go.”  This sauce is more nutritional than most on the market and it is even low fat, low cholesterol, and low sodium based.

Capozzi Family Sauce

 

 

6) LAROSA’S MARINARA SAUCE:
The pride of Cincinnati sauces ends the list. From Kings Island to the Kentucky shore, Buddy LaRosa has been wowing the crowds with his sauce for decades.  From pizza to pasta, this familiar sauce will have you licking your lips.  This basic sauce again is not only great on pasta, but lends itself to baked dishes like lasagna.

There you have it  – scoop on Giovanni’s and Dayton’s best local jarred sauces !  Now how about some freebies???

***** WIN 3 FREE JARS OF YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL SAUCE ! *****

LaRosa’s Original Recipe

Comment below and tell us which local sauce is your favorite and which one you would like to try 3 jars of?   You have 7 choices – Giovanni’s, Mama Disalvos, Annarino’s, Schiavone’s, Zappia’s, Capozzi’s or LaRosa’s.  One person who comments will be picked at random next Monday (note: if you choose Giovanni’s we have to wait til it is available….).

 

Feel free to browse the photos below of some of Dayton’s greatest canned spaghetti sauces.

For more great food topics and pictures, hit Food Adventures up on Facebook and “like” us by clicking HERE.

 

LaRosas’s Sauce over pasta

LaRosa’s over Spaghetti with a pinch of cheese

Mamma DiSalvo’s sauce with Manicotti is amazing

Mamma DiSalvos’s Marinara over Manicotti with fresh basil and fresh garlic

Baking Manicotti with DiSalvos’s sauce

Schiavone’s sauce over pasta

Zappia history

Annarino’s meaty version

We prefer the marinara to the mushroom

Cooking with Annarino’s sauces

Capozzi’s sauce with spaghetti and Parmesan cheese

Giovanni’s in Fairborn will soon be jarring spaghetti sauce !

The sauce taste you love is coming to a grocer near you !

Congratulations to Giovanni’s on their plan to start selling their sauce in jars too !

 

 

 

 

 

How Many Meatballs Can You Eat?

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Thursday, March 9th is National Meatball Day and what better way to celebrate is  than to eat some of the Miami Valley’s best meatballs.  And that’s exactly what Mamma DiSalvo’s restaurant is challenging you to do.

Join Mamma’s at 1375 East Stroop Road in Kettering  on Thursday, March 9th at 6pm for a meatball eating contest!  In this first time event contestants are invited to compete to see who can eat the most Saucy Meatballs in just 2 minutes. Sign up to participate or just come watch the fun and cheer on the eaters!

Guest judges:

Amelia Robinson, Dayton Daily News
Sallie Taylor, Living Dayton
Kristi Leigh, MIX 107.7

PRIZES FOR THE WINNER:
Supreme bragging rights, Mamma DiSalvo’s Gift Basket & $50 Gift Card, 2nd place $20 Mamma DiSalvo’s gift card
Contestants must be 18 or over, and sign a waiver.

Entry Fee $10, pre-registration required– limited spots available.

Garlic Fest Announces Food Vendors for Sunday

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Bacon Wrapped, Grilled Chicken Legs.

Another exclusive scoop for our Food Adventure fans.   Sons of Italy Lodge, Dayton Most Metro and Dayton Dining have finalized the food vendors for Sunday’s Garlic Fest.

Are you a foodie?  Then Daytonians, this weekend is your chance to eat, drink and be garlicky all while listening to one of Columbus’ favorite bands, The Danger Brothers.  Cooking Demos, beer, garlic eating contest and craft vendors fill out an all star lineup..

Fasten your garlic burps, here we go !!!

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— WHAT: GARLIC FEST and BOCCE CLASSIC 

Upstate NY Hot Dog

— WHEN: SUNDAY, JULY 17th from NOON- 8PM

— WHERE: BELLA VILLA HALL – 2625 County Line Rd, Beavercreek

— WHAT ELSE:  FREE ADMISSION – FOOD VENDORS  – CRAFT VENDORS – BEER TRUCKS

— FREE COOKING DEMOS – inside the Bella Villa Hall Main room

1pm Our own JACKIE SCANLAN aka “HUNGRY JAX” from Food Adventures  

2pm Our own LEEANNE “CHEF HOUSE” from Food Adventures  and HouseMade Sriracha

3pm Special guest, CHEF ANNE KEARNEY, 2 times James Beard award winner and owner of Rue Dumaine

— GARLIC EATING CONTEST 4:45pm by the stage – Prize money is $100.. can you beat the competition ???

— FREE CONCERT by THE DANGER BROTHERS  5pm – 8 pm – a RARE Dayton appearance by the band you know from Buckeye’s games Hiney Gate Parties on Lane Ave. PARTY ROCK N ROLL at its most fun  – HANG ON SLOOPY – Could be the biggest O… H.. I … O chant in Dayton history.

 

GARLIC FEST FOOD VENDORS:

1) FRICKER’S – We smell garlic chicken on the horizon! Dayton’s chicken experts roll the truck in for some good eats.

2) TEXAS BEEF AND CATTLE CO. – Slow cook BBQ experts on the premises.. We expect garlic rubbed brisket among other slow smoked specialties.  Meats! Meats! Meats!

Garlic Boneless Wings

3) GIOVANNI’S – Fairborn’s legendary Italian restaurant brings the garlic eats.  Expect some hearty, filling menu items here.

4) SWEET P’S HANDMADE ICE POPS – Fruitty, fresh and COLD.  This will cool your hot head and your mouth will thank you.

5) SCRATCH CATERING:  Their garlic chicken tenders stole hearts last year.  What else do they have in store from Chef Hayden?

6) GYRO PALACE:  Huge, gaping gyros loaded with tons of meat, veggies and garlic

Spicy Garlic Chicken over White Rice

tzatziki sauce.  Get some !

7) THE HOLY CANNOLI BOOTH – The Italian club is deep frying cannoli and sprinkling chocolate on top.  A religious experience in taste!

8) ZOMBIE DOGZ – The king of Dayton’s Food trucks promises 2 never before done flavored hot dogs !  STAY TUNED !

9) RITTERS FROZEN CUSTARD:  Cool sundaes loaded with toppings and sauces.  If you dont get whip cream on your nose, it doesn’t count.

2 New Flavors coming to Garlic Fest

10) Q FOOD FOR EVERYONE: Bacon wrapped chicken legs, Garlic shrimp and salmon are the possible choices here with BBQ.

11) MOHAWK FREESTYLE GRILL:  Garlic Mohawk Burgers and more!  More than a mouthful and so juicy.  Chef Aaron wont dissapoint you!

12) BOURBON STREET GRILL and CAFE:  Spicy chicken or Bourbon Chicken all made with garlic and poured over your choice of rice.

James Nunez and his BBQ crew

13) MAMMA DISALVOS – Who better to do garlic fest than these guys?  We expect garlic pasta and more from this Italian crew.

14) DEEP FRIED HEAVEN – From veggies to garlic pizza fries, these guys are gonna deep fry some delicious specialty items.

15) KOWALSKI HOTS:  In upstate New York they say “hots” instead of hot dogs.  This guy grills red and white hots, not spicy just hot dogs and brands you can only find in upstate New York. As for garlic sauce or coney sauce.

Fresh Popsicles

GARLIC FEST CRAFT VENDORS:

1) THE SPICY OLIVE: Garlic infused olive oil and more flavors ! Fresh Olive oil guaranteed.
2) WEEZY’S GARLIC:  Garlic for sale..  health benefits galore
3) COSTCO:  Your favorite spot for warehouse deals.  If you dont know about them, now’s the chance …
4) SCENTSY: Wickless candles, electric warmers and flavored waxes.  Wonderful fragrances.
5) SERVANTHOOD STICHERY:  Unique crafts and puzzle lamps.  Defintely worth a visit.

We expect some yummy garlic dishes from Giovannis

6) NERIUM INTERNATIONAL: Age defying skin creams and moisturizers.  Look young while eating that garlic item.
7) LOVE HARVEST BODY ART:  Face painting.  Kids love this stuff and what adult wouldnt look good with some garlic on their cheek.
8) PAINTED HORSE STUDIO: Clay art and hot sauces.  A local art teacher and her husband have some unique items for sale.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Garlic Chicken

 

 

 

 

Here Comes the FLEURS ET VIN Festival!

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“Fleurs et Vin” Festival will feature over 400 wines for tasting !

Get ready to raise your wine glass this Sunday at Carillon Park , because Dayton’s premier wine and gourmet food festival arrives!!

That’s right, the one and only shindig known as “FLEURS ET VIN” (flowers and wine in French) takes place this weekend!

This is a Food Adventure and Wine extravaganza that you don’t want to miss.  The Big Ragu will be there in full force!

 

WHAT:  FLEURS ET VIN FESTIVAL

WHERE: At Historic Carillon Park,  1000 Carillon Blvd.  Dayton, Ohio 45409

WHEN: SUNDAY MAY 18th from 1pm – 4pm

WHY: To benefit AIDS Resoruce Center of Dayton Ohio

MUST DRINKS:  Over 400 wines available for tasting and a Beer Garden !

MUST EATS:  Local restaurants providing samples of menu specialties.

Restaurants Include: Amar India, Carvers Steaks & Chops, Central Perc European Cafe, Chappys Tap Room and Grille, Coco’s Bistro, El Meson, Figlio, Giovanni’s, Jay’s Seafood, Kohler’s Catering,  Lock 27 Brewing,  Mamma DiSalvo’s,  Neil’s Heritage House,  The Oakwood Club, Salar Restaurant and Lounge The Dock, The Deli at Webster Street & Top of the Market and Thai 9.

WHAT ELSE: Live Music during the festival by J.t. Fedrick and the Sax Groove, a silent auction that ends at 3pma and a Live Auction that starts  at 4pm 

COST: $70 in advance, $75 at the door  click HERE for more ticket info

Just in Case: Don’t drink and drive- Divine Services will be on hand if you and your car need a ride home.

Fleurs Et Vin is something you must experience as a true Daytonian.  Experience the best wines in the world, paired with Dayton’s Best Restaurant offerings.  It is for charity, which makes getting a ticket a no brainer.  Support Dayton, support the AIDS Resource Center, and join the fun at Carillon Park.  Treat yourself to a Food Adventure !

We raise our wine glasses high and say “Here’s to Fleurs Et Vin, the toast of the town this Sunday!”  See you under the big tents!

Are you a Dayton foodie?  Then join us for more fun Food Adventures by “liking”us on Facebook.

Check out our photo gallery below from last year’s event!

 

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

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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 !!

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Please feel free to leave comments or suggestions below……