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Yaffa Grill: Our New Favorite Spot

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Marinated Chicken on the Yaffa Grill

If Fred Flintstone  was on Colonel Glenn Highway, he would say “Yaffa Gotta Do !” …and guess what, he would be right.

Yaffa Grill can be summed up as “simply exotic.”   It has worldly tastes of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine that are as authentic as they are delicious.  At the same time they serve the food on paper or styrofoam plates.  You see?  Simple and exotic.  Food Adventures have tagged this as our new favorite eatery, and have been visiting the 2 Yaffa locations with some frequency.

Want an authentic, unique Food Adventure that is affordable and fun?  Then look no further than Yaffa Grill.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— They have two locations, one at 2844 Colonel Glenn Hwy (across from Wright State), and the other at 21 Alex Rd in West Carrollton which features a Middle Eastern Market.  A local family from Palestine, owns both businesses.

 

— The food is Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean.  It is unique and exotic, but delicious!  You will see spindles of meat and flaming shish kebabs.  Yaffa Grill is a great place to experiment and try some new dishes out of your comfort zone.  You will be happy you did!

 

— The prices are right.  The most expensive thing on the menu is a whole grilled chicken for $15, and we know you cant eat that by yourself.

Click to enlarge this incredible appetizer called “Musabaha” which is much like hummus

— Very casual atmosphere.  The dining area is almost like a “to go” deli.  Warning: the drink selection is very limited  (cans of pop and bottled water).

 

Don’t know what to order or where to start on such a diverse menu with possibly unfamiliar choices?  No problem, The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax have a list of “must eats” that wont disappoint you.  There are various spellings out there of the dishes below, but we will use the spellings on the Yaffa menu.

 

MUST EATS:

—MUSABAHA : The hardest thing about ordering it, is pronouncing it.  It is a crushed chickpea puree, much like a hummus, with olive oil, lemon juice and spices mixed in.  One of our favorite appetizers for sure.  Dipping the pita bread served into this appetizer is one of life’s golden pleasures.

 

—EGGPLANT SALAD:  The Big Ragu has seen his fair share of eggplant dishes.  This was one of the most unique and delicious ones we have come across.  Served cold, it is perfectly mixed with roasted peppers, tomatoes and vegetables.  Excellent pairing with the pita bread, it is a meal in itself.

 

— YAFFA MIX GRILL: A sampling of 3 of the best shish kebabs in Dayton.  The plate consists of a chicken shish kebab, steak kebab, and a beef/lamb mixed kebab.  It is fun to watch the cooks prepare the kebabs on the huge skewers, over the open flame.  We loved this dish.  The grilled meat and vegetables make it a heart healthy choice.

 

Kufta Kebabs. Get the Mixed Grill and sample all 3 types of Kebabs

— THE HALF GRILLED CHICKEN:  We don’t know how, but Yaffa Grill made a delicious chicken like we have never tasted before.  The Mediterranean spices were marinated and infused into the chicken in some sort of delicious sauce/rub.  The result was a lip smacking, moist, melt-in-your mouth experience.  A definite ‘must eat.’

 

— BEEF SHAWERMA:  Flame cooked lamb and beef, sliced from the meat rotesserie.   We especially love dishes that are carved off of rotating spindles of meat.   It is a tasty treat that explodes with flavor.   When served in a wrap, it is a “Food Adventure on the go.”

 

Honorable Mention:  Fatayer: a delicious bread stuffed with your choice of spices.  Lentil Soup:  Yeah, we never thought we would ever write this, but the lentil soup is amazing.

 

With so many great choices on the menu, it was hard to limit our ‘must eats.’  Even the “Baba Ghanouj” dip was some of the best we’ve had.  If you like hummus, try it.

 

Dates, and other produce at Yaffi Market in West Carrollton

Yaffa Grill is a perfect place to experience a new culture and have your very own Food Adventure.  It is a fascinating place for true foodies, and a sampling ground for those with an open mind, who are tired of the “same old thing.”  Vegetarians love this place for the flavorful entrees!  They even have a kids menu with hot dog, burger and chicken nuggets option.

Yaffa Grill does not have a website yet, or a Facebook page, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get some delicious food.  Don’t forget that the West Carrollton location has a market  with various hard to find imported groceries from far away lands.  Canned goods, baked items, meats, nuts and even dairy products line the shelves.  It is definitely worth a visit.

Make sure you get some grub at Yaffa Grill,  The Food Adventure Crew cherish it as one of their favorite places in Dayton.  We are addicted, and we think you will be too.

Here is something you wont see anywhere else online, the Yaffa Grill Menu —> PAGE 1   PAGE2   PAGE3   PAGE 4

Some of our best photos of the year are in the picture gallery below, so make sure you scroll through them to see all of the dishes that Yaffa Grill has to offer.

What’s almost as good as a freshly grilled Yaffa Kebab?   The answer is “liking” Food Adventures on Facebook, by clicking HERE.

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Corleone’s: A Menu You Can’t Refuse

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The Manicotti Dinner at Corleone’s is a “Must Eat” (click to enlarge)

“Some day, and that day may never come, I will call upon you to do a service for me. ” – Don Corleone “The Godfather”

Well,  The Big Ragu & Crew are here to do a service for you.  Today, we share with you a place you may not know about.  A kitchen that produces some great pizza, pasta and more.  In other words, let the Food Adventure peeps be your consigliere on this one.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Corleone’s has two Locations, one at 725 Lyons Rd. and the original at 966 Patterson Rd.

— Homemade dough everyday.  This ensures not only fresh pizzas, but tasty pasta dinners.

 

— Amazing Specialty Pizzas.  These are mafia boss of the menu.  Deluxe toppings, and themed pizzas like the Taco Pie, Greek Pie, Steak Pie will make your day.  There are many more unique creations with white or red pizza sauces. 

— Calzones and Hoagie Sandwiches are the dark horse on the menu, and will “whack” your tastebuds.

— Unique menu items that only New Yorkers typically see, like Pepperoni Rolls and Sausage Rolls. 

Great specialty pizzas like”Buffalo Chicken Pizza” at Corleone’s

— Carryout is available, and they have Delivery Service as well.

 

MUST EATS:

 — MANICOTTI:  Served piping hot , this meal is liberal on cheese and sauce.  It is absolutely delicious, and it is the Big Ragu’s favorite choice on the menu.

— TACO PIE:  Corleone’s serves a great version of taco pizza.  The fresh lettuce, olives and tomatoes make all the difference.  Send your hitmen in for one of these babies.

— BUFFALO CHICKEN PIZZA:  Tasty, tangy and even a kid pleaser.  Again a good version of a unique pizza spin.

— WINGS:  We were super surprised at how good the breaded wings were.  They are crunchy, crispy and ready for dipping in your favorite sauce.  Best of all, they are cooked all the way through !

— SPINACH CALZONE:  Served with marinara, the key is again in the fresh dough.  Filled with ricotta cheese (like a real calzone should be), it is a flavorful, filling meal.

Honorable Mention: 

The Eggplant Hoagie is a good sub, capesh?  Did we mention it is a monster?  So split one with your favorite wiseguy and see what all the fuss is about.

The Wedgie: Want a Food Adventure in a plate?  Try a Wedgie!  No it is not the “grundy” you used to give your classmates.  It is a calzone with no ricotta cheese or tomato sauce.  It is cooked and then topped with lettuce and onions.  Call it an Italian version of the mini-super burrito and fagheddaboutit.

 

Surprisingly Good Wings at Corleone’s !

One warning, if you have a large group coming to Corleone’s, you definitely want to call ahead so they are properly prepared for your group of friends or paisans.  Also, the wine and beer selections are limited, so beware if you are looking for something special to drink.

Now “youse guys got” some good direction from The Big Ragu on a little known secret.   What’s not a secret is that practically all of the pizzas we have tried, during our numerous visits have been great.  From the top your own, to the seafood pizza, it is up to you to find your own favorite.   All we can do is lead you to the good stuff.   Trust us, it’s the best pizza and pasta spot that you’ve never heard of.   It is definitely a menu you can’t refuse…

 

Want more Food Adventure fun from these 2 goombahs?  Then join other Dayton foodies and “like” The Big Ragu, Chef House, and Hungry Jax on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Make sure you check out our photo gallery from our Food Adventures to Corleone’s !

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Food Adventures gets Shish-Faced + ** $20 GIFT CERTIFICATE GIVEAWAY**

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Click to Enlarge: The Mother of all Shish Wraps

You ain’t gonna believe this shish.  WANT A $20 GIFT CARD TO SHISH WRAPS??  THEN COMMENT BELOW ON THIS STORY.  A WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM !

When you think of Brown Street, you often think of people who are sh%# faced.   But alas, we aren’t talking about those people.  We are talking about people who are literally Shish Faced.  These people are stuffing wraps in their mouths and can’t get enough of the great flavor.  Want to get Shish Faced too?  Then head to 1200 Brown Street, the home of a locally owned eatery called Shish Wraps.   This family owned business has capitalized on the assembly line technique.  Think of it as a Mediterranean version of Chipotle, and better too !   What you can expect is affordable, savory food, with a Lebanese influence.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Opened 8 months ago by first generation Lebanese-American brothers Simon and Tony Abboud who are both University of Dayton Graduates and Centerville grads.

— The focus is a healthy, fresh, tasty twist on Lebanese and Mediterranean food.  Their motto is: “Live Long. Eat Healthy. Eat Shish.”

All meat is cooked over a rotisserie flame: You think you’re Hot Shish ?

— Menu items come from family recipes, a love of cooking, and results of experiments over the years.

— The main attraction are burrito like wraps featuring one of 3 meats: Chicken, Beef or Kafta (beef links blended with onions and spices)

— The meat is cooked over fire, on rotating kabob skewers for a char-grilled taste.  No buttery, oily soaked meat on a flat grilling surface means HEALTHIER for you !

— Vegetarian? No problem.  The falafel (fried chickpea fritters) and vegetable wraps are great meatless alternatives.

 

Big Ragu loves Shish Wraps, so this isn’t his first rodeo.   He told Chef House and Huongry Jax about it and now they are Shish heads too !   Now we’re gonna tell you some shish …

 

MUST EATS:

— CHIPS & HUMMUS :  The creamy, garlic goodness of this hummus is amazing.  This is seriously one of the most flavorful hummus plates in town, and it is homemade on site!

— SHISH FRIES:  The Big Ragu will go on record as saying these are the best fries he has ever eaten.  The fries are dusted with garlic, olive oil and a generous heap of feta cheese.

Kafta Bowl

Kafta Bowl – spicy beef links over hummus, lettuce, pickles and tomatoes. MUST EAT !

— SHISH BOWL: You can choose chicken, or falafel but Jax says GET THE KAFTA BOWL !  Kafta is ground beef mixed with parsley and spices and it is some good shish.  Served with hummus, Mediterranean pickles, tomatoes and lettuce, this is a healthy dish that tastes damn good.  Be warned, you will be craving future visits for this stuff.

— SHISH WRAP:    We love these.  The menu says build your own, but may Big Ragu suggest the Chicken Shish Wrap?  It comes with an incredible cabbage mix and load it up with your favorite veggies! Get Shish sauce or Tzatziki sauce on it which are must eats in themselves.  An added bonus is that the pitas are lower calorie than other wrap places.  You can choose your own meat, sauces and veggies so style it your way.

Honorable Mention: The Tabouli – a healthy choice that is freshly chopped in-house.  It is seasoned with the perfect amount of lemon juice and served with pita slices.

Make sure you check out our gallery below with some incredible photos from our many visits to SHISH WRAPS… Our fans know we never post a story on a one time visit, this is not a “drive by.”  You deserve better.

Now is a perfect time to get some of this good food as the UD Basketball season gets into swing.  If you are downtown or near the U.D. campus, visit SHISH WRAPS, for a quick bite. This place is definitely “the shish.”

We realize everyone needs to get a little Shish faced now and then.  For more info on menu and hours, visit the Shish website HERE.   Visit 3 Shish Heads, Food Adventures, on Facebook and like them HERE !

HOLY SHISH !  We got a $20 GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY TO SHISH WRAPS !   Comment below on this article, tell us why you deserve the Shish, and fill out the entry form and  we will choose someone at random ![form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

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Everything From Soup to Crusts at Doubleday’s Restaurant

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The comforting French Onion Soup at Doubleday’s

In the late 1980’s TJ Cinnamon’s was located in Centerville’s Cross Pointe Shopping Center.   Success lead the owners to dive into another Food Adventure.  They rented a space across the parking lot and converted it to sports themed eatery.  They called it Doubleday’s as a tribute to baseball inventor Abner Doubleday.  The next 25 years would see packed parking lots practically every night.  Talk about cult following, the loyalists here come and munch down in droves.   Doubleday’s is a rarity in the restaurant industry, because the menu is huge, yet practically everything is delicious.   It is one of those places you could eat at every week for a couple of years and still need more time for menu items.  Like we said, “everything from soup to crusts” ..pizza crust that is ..

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Opened in the late 1980’s by a Greek family.  Future ownership has kept the menu the same and built a following on consistent quality.

— Huge selection of food items on the menu.  Keep in mind, this doesn’t even include the numerous specials each day.  Gordon Ramsey would have a fit over this length of this menu, but it has worked here for a quarter of a century.  To see the vast 16 page menu, click —>HERE

The refreshing “Chicken Summer Salad”

— This place is popular, so expect a short wait during peak dinner times.

— There is a connected pizza shop called “Monster Pizza,” which serves unique and creative pizza pies with exotic topping combinations.   Monster Pizza is some of the most delicious and underrated stuff out there.   Check out the Monster Pizza Menu —>HERE

— Doubleday’s is a great option for a quick lunch.  Trademark menu items like soups, salads and sandwiches ensure a good match.  Almost every item on the lunch menu is under $7

— Sunday brunch is held Sunday’s from 11am -1:30pm.  The attraction here is about 7 different kinds of omelets.

 

The Food Adventure Crew have tried almost everything on this extensive menu over the past 25 years.  We have earned our stripes, and therefore pass along to you, our patented “Must Eats.”

Stuffed Pretzel Bites: Watch out for squirting cheese

MUST EATS:

— STUFFED PRETZEL BITES:  Yeah, stuffed ! Inside each pretzel ball is jalapeno cheese, and if that’s not enough, you get a bowl of spinach queso for dipping as well.

— BBQ CHICKEN RANCH SALAD:  Doubleday’s is our favorite place to grab a salad.  In a menu highlighted by salads, this is one of our recommendations.  Diced BBQ chicken tops a wonderful iceberg and romaine salad. you have your typical toppings like onions & tomatoes.  But, what makes the salad is the tortilla strips, black beans and lime wedge to squeeze your way to that last touch of flavor.

— SUMMER CHICKEN SALAD:    A seasonal choice, this salad features romaine lettuce, feta cheese, fresh strawberries and pecans doused in a vinaigrette dressing that is to die for.  Of course the salad is topped with medallions of baked chicken.

— CHICKEN POT PIE SOUP: Comfort food in a bowl.  One spoonful will take you back to your childhood, but without all the homework.  Fantastic, creamy taste, with flaky pieces of crust mixed throughout.

— TURKEY CLUB SANDWICH:  Triple decker club sandwich stacked high and laid on its side.  You can’t go wrong with this classic combo of turkey, bacon, lettuce and tomato on wheat toast. Don’t eat the toothpicks holding the sandwich together.

The Chicken BBQ Ranch Salad is a Favorite

— “NIGHT OF THE LIVING MED” MONSTER PIZZA:  It is hard to pick just one Monster Pizza option, but we think this one is the best.  It is a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite.  IMPORTANT: We recommend you only order this Mediterranean pizza in the thin crust option.

— FRENCH ONION SOUP:  Gooey cheese and saturated bread in a flavorful onion broth.  You will burn your mouth every time waiting for it to cool down, but it tastes so good you can’t help it.  It is hot, like a volcano, but smooth and soothing.  Go ahead, make your day.

— “IT CAME FROM OUTER GREECE” MONSTER PIZZA:  A unique pizza that you won’t find anywhere else in Dayton.   Kalamata Olives, Grilled Chicken, Spinach and Tzatiki sauce (that white gyro sauce) top the pizza.  Also feta, tomatoes and onions adorn this pie.  So much flavor that, that you will feel Greek for a week.   Quite simply, we love it.

HONORABLE MENTION:  

Potato Soup – This creamy creation is probably their most popular soup.

Voodoo Veggie Monster Pizza:  Loaded, Your choice of red or white sauce.  ‘Nuff said.

Doubleday’s has great sandwiches. Even the grilled cheese is good

Chicken Burrito:  It is as massive as Big Ragu’s head and able to control Hungry Jax hunger!  

Mountain Salad:  This heaping salad was created by Doubleday’s regular,  New York Jets Center and Centerville native Nick Mangold.  A salad that satisfies protein and nutrient needs, it features iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, sauteed mushrooms, onions, cheese and jalapenos.  Topping options include blackened chicken or house sirloin steak.

 

We love Doubleday’s Grill & Tavern because of the quality and variety of food choices.  From healthy options to one’s that would fill Babe Ruth’s appetite, Doubleday’s has something for everyone.  Stop in this hot spot at E. 199 Alex Bell Rd, and see for yourself why there is always a crowd.

Check out our photos below from numerous Food Adventures to Doubleday’s Grill and Tavern.  This is not a drive bye .. eye eye eye eye..

***COMMENT BELOW***  Have you been to Doubleday’s?  Did we miss one of your favorite dishes?   Sound off below so other Food Adventure fans can benefit from your taste buds !

Want more from Dayton’s favorite Foodies on Facebook by clicking HERE !

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What About Kabab?

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Tabbouleh at House of Kabab

Looking for a unique bite out?  Tired of the same old, same old?  The House of Kabab may be just be the solution!   It is a casual, local eatery that is a change of pace from the norm, and a true Food Adventure.  This mom and pop establishment is owned by a Lebanese family who has brought their menu of Mediterranean food to the Miami Valley.  Located at 298 N. Main St. in Centerville, this restaurant has a menu with some personality.  Also a great place to eat healthy, House of Kabab even has a decent selection of vegetarian options.  There are many exotic choices, but don’t fear! The staff is very accommodating when explaining the menu and house specialties.  Their recommendations are very helpful.

Lamb Shwarma, like a Lebanese Burrito

Through our various visits to House of Kabab, we have some “must eats” of our own.  We have always enjoyed the Hoummos (as they spell it on the menu).  Many of your are familiar with this popular appetizer paste made from chickpeas, lemon juice, herbs and olive oil.  Served with pita triangles, it is the perfect taste bud awakening for the fresh meal to come.  House of Kabab also serves Baba-Ghanoush, which is more than the nickname used in the movie “Wedding Crashers.”  Baba-Ganoush is a puree of eggplant, garlic, and lemon  juice and we would say an acquired taste.  It is topped with olive oil and fresh herbs.  Served cold, the flavor is bold with a slightly bitter finish.  Try this if you are a true Food Adventurer.

Two more items that are fantastic choices at House of Kabab are the Lamb Shwarma and Chicken Shwarma.  These are pita roll sandwiches stuffed with grilled meats.  Think of them as Lebanese burritos.   These tasty treats are also filled with lettuce, parsley, tomatoes, onion and creamy sauces.  The Big Ragu will go on record saying the Chicken Shwarma is his favorite menu item at House of Kabab.

One of the healthy, fresh and terrific side dishes at House of Kabab is the Tabbouleh.  This salad is made with finely chopped parsley, onions, and tomatoes.  The mixture is combined with olive oil and mint.  It is an explosion of flavor in your mouth and each bite releases a hint of lemon juice.   Hungry Jax would recommend this as her favorite menu item.  We really enjoyed this choice.

The Falafel Dinner

Looking for a vegetarian meal?  Food Adventures would recommend the Falafel, served as a sandwich or a dinner.  As some foodies know, falafel is a hush puppy like ball made from a mixture of chick peas and fava beans.   Whether you order it as a sandwich, or as a dinner, the falafel is topped with an amazing creamy, garlic sauce.

One of the hidden gems on the menu is the Tilapia Dinner.   This was a “special of the day” on a couple of our visits, so we took advantage.   This dinner features filets of baked tilapia in creamy garlic sauce and each morsel is absolutely delicious.  This dish is served with white, long grain rice sprinkled with aromatic Lebanese spices.  Is your mouth watering yet?  Do not forget about three dishes that are name sakes of the house.  They are the Shisk Taouk, Lamb Meshwie and Beef Kafta.   These dinners are served as skewers of meat and vegetables, or as we in Ohio call them, shish kabobs.   The slightly differently named Shisk Taouk is the chicken skewer and the Lamb Meshwie is, of course, the lamb option.   The skewered tubes of beef are called Kafta.  You know you can’t go wrong eating skewers of meat and vegetable in a place called House of Kabab.  Another menu highlight is the “Tastes of the Mediterranean Dinner for Two.”  This meal is under $22 and features a tour of the menu, including shwarma, lamb meshwie, taouk, makanek (sausages), sojouk (spicy sausage), and kafta.

Tilapia Dinner served with hoummos, rice and salad

The restaurant also offers a dessert menu with some traditional American cake, mousse and cheesecake choices.  The friendly server will present a dessert tray after your meal, so you can see the desserts up close.  Looking for something a little different for dessert?  Try the Black Forest Gateau.  It is a chocolate cake filled with pineapple mousse.  When is the last time you had some pineapple mousse?  Topped with chocolate whip cream, the Black Forest Gateau tastes great, and is good for sharing.

As Food Adventurers, our niche has always been checking out those unique, family owned places.  House of Kabab is another perfect fit.  It is affordable, fresh and not your everyday, run of the mill menu.  Give this quaint Centerville restaurant a try when you are in the mood for something new or different.  Ask yourself, “What about Kabab?”  Explore what the Mediterranean and Lebanese menu has to offer.  It is more than just a cultural experience, it is simply good food !

Hey Foodie !  Do us a favor and “like” Food Adventures on Facebook for more photos of Dayton’s best.

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