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Montgomery County Food Truck Rally Saturday

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The Dayton Food Truck Association has more than 40 members stretching from Sidney to Cincinnati that will be serving up street eats this Saturday, August 3, 2024 from 12pm-7pm at the Montgomery County Fair Grounds.  Art/craft vendors and a live dj will also be there.

Admission  and parking are free.

Trucks expected to participate include:

The Barking Burger Company
Bean Hive Coffee
BL BBQ & Karaoke DJ Food Truck
Chicago Gyros and Dogs Beavercreek
Childers’ Chimney Cakes
Crusin’ Cuisine Food Truck & Creative Delight’s Catering
Cumberland Kettle Corn
D fish D chicken
Diamond_Daiquiris_LLC
Dunkers and Beans
East Coast Eatz Food Truck, Food Trailer & Catering
El Cardenal Taquería
Fifty5 Rivers Cold Brew
Freakin Rican’s Food Truck
Frios Gourmet Pops
G’s CUE BBQ
Go Crazzzy ice cream cereal bar
Happy Day Cafe
Home Cooked Vibes
Jars By Jas
Just Jerks Ena’s
Lilia’s Outside Cafe
The Lumpia Queen
OH Boba
Ralph’s Mystery Food
Spicey Rooster BBQ
T’s Heavenly Taste
Thai1On
The Food Pitt
The Little’s Grill Gourmet Burgers & MoreTwisted Greek
Wannabe Tacos
What The Taco
Wheel Fresh Pizza
The Wrappin’ & Rollin’ Cafe

Fairgrounds To Move To Jefferson Township

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The Montgomery County Agricultural Society Board of Directors is pleased to announce the new site for ’The Montgomery County Event Center and Fairgrounds’ at in Jefferson Township. The board voted Tuesday, March 14, 2017 for the proposed first class facility.

“We’ve been working non-stop searching for the perfect fit, not only for the municipality where the event center is located, but the entire region in general and we’ve found it.” Says Tim Terrill, Vice President of the Montgomery County Agricultural Society.

The site is located on 130 acres at Dayton Liberty & Infirmary Roads, and Rt. 35. A portion will remain Arthur O. Fisher Park named after the beloved former judge.

“We’d like to thank the Montgomery County Commissioners and County Administrator Joe Tuss for their valuable assistance in this exciting venture for the future. The land at Fisher Park is virtually no cost to the Agricultural Society which was a big deciding variable. This means existing resources can be devoted to structures fitting various needs. It will be a multi-use, multi-purpose, top-notch facility for our entire community.” Terrill adds.

In 2016 Premier Health and the University of Dayton purchased the fairgrounds on S. Main Street which precipitated the new location search. The agreement states the board must leave the fairgrounds on S. Main Street by October 2017.

“One of the main things we’d like to express is this just isn’t a location for an annual five-day fair, but also a facility utilized throughout the year for events and programs bringing an economic boost to the area and region.” Tim says.

Plans call for state-of-the-art structures available for a variety of entertainment activities including 4H programs.

“We’ve been presenting a fair and events here on Main Street for over 160 years, and the new location will continue our tradition this century and beyond.” Terrill says.

A reminder the Montgomery County Fair will take place July 10-15, 2017 at the current fairgrounds on S. Main Street in the City of Dayton.

“We hope families, friends and fans of the ‘Montgomery County Fair’ will come and experience our #FAIRwellOnMain. It will be wonderful time to reminisce and reflect on years of memories and we’re excited to make even more great memories at our future location.” Terrill says.

For additional information visit www.montcofair.com

Five For Drinking: Bloody Mary Edition

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Bloody Mary

The simple, savory, Bloody Mary. What spices would you add?

The Bloody Mary is THE brunch cocktail. There can be an argument for the mimosa, but it lacks the vibrancy a Bloody Mary offers. The vodka and tomato juice are essentially blank canvases for the spices the bartender chooses to add. When concocted during Prohibition, it was a half and half blend of vodka and tomato juice. The tomato juice was a gift from American bartenders fleeing to practice their craft; the vodka was provided by Russians fleeing an unstable country. They met in Paris, and the rest is history. Eventually the mixture was spiced up. The story goes that a Russian businessman had no interest in the plain tomato juice that was common in the drink and requested it get spiced up. Ever since that day, the Bloody Mary (or Red Snapper, as it was known for a brief period) was a mixture of spicy tomato juice and vodka.

After that, the sky became the limit for what you could do with a Bloody Mary. How to you utilize the savory and sweet characteristics of the tomato? Do you bring the strong heat, or are you looking for something that is a little more balanced for a meal? Does the cocktail even matter at all; are you shooting for some crazy garnish? When you start from a spicy tomato juice as a base, you really can go anywhere with it, as these five variants prove:

Bloody Maria

1.5 oz. tequila (I enjoy reposado in mine)
2 oz. tomato juice
2 oz. orange juice
.5 oz. lime juice
.25 tsp. chilé powder
2-3 dashes Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

Glass: Tall
Ice: Cubed
Garnish: Sliced jalapeno pepper

Pour all of the ingredients into a mixing tin over ice. Shake well for 20 – 30 seconds, then strain into a tall glass over fresh ice. Garnish with the jalapeno and serve.

Some Bloody Maria’s call for just substituting out the vodka with tequila and calling it a day. This one reaches into the Mexican tradition of drinking sangrita (“little blood”) with tequila. Sangrita is made with a mix of fruit juices, traditionally pomegranate, orange, and lime, and served as a compliment to the peppery tequila. This recipe blends it all into one glass in a much more American way. The chilés provide the heat, this time in powder form.

Bloody Caesar

Bloody Mary Spices

So. Many. Spices.

1.5 oz. vodka
3 oz. tomato juice
1.5 oz. clam juice (yes, really)
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
4 dashes Tabasco sauce
.25 oz. lemon juice
Pinch of pepper

Glass: Tall
Ice: Cubed
Garnish: Celery stalk

Pour all of the ingredients into a mixing tin over ice. Shake well for 20 – 30 seconds, then strain into a tall glass over fresh ice. Garnish with the jalapeno and serve.

More popular in Canada than in the United States, the Bloody Caesar adds some clam juice for additional richness. Taking out the salt is needed because that juice will add enough to the cocktail. You can simplify the recipe by using 4 oz. of Clamato juice as a base.

Bloody Bull

1.5 oz. vodka
3 oz. tomato juice
2 oz. beef bouillon
.5 oz. lemon juice
3 dashes of Tabasco sauce
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
Pinch of celery salt
Pinch of pepper

Glass: Tall
Ice: Cubed
Garnish: Celery Stick

Pour all of the ingredients into a mixing tin over ice. Shake well for 20 – 30 seconds, then strain into a tall glass over fresh ice. Garnish with the jalapeno and serve.

Before bacon was a flavor in everything, there was beef bouillon to add meaty goodness. That richness we were discussing with the clam juice is achievable with beef bouillon.

Bloody Mary Recipe Book

Crosby Gaige’s Cocktail Guide and Ladies Companion, asserting that vodka is the spirit of choice.

Red Snapper

1.5 oz. gin (Belle of Dayton makes a dandy one.)
4 oz. tomato juice
.5 oz. lemon juice
3 dashes of Tabasco sauce
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
Pinch of celery salt
Pinch of pepper

Glass: Tall
Ice: Cubed
Garnish: Celery Stick

Pour all of the ingredients into a mixing tin over ice. Shake well for 20 – 30 seconds, then strain into a tall glass over fresh ice. Garnish with the celery stick and serve.

The charm of this cocktail is the savory nature of the tomato juice. Why not add even more flavor by using gin? We are in a Golden Age of Gin. Distillers are taking liberties with the herbs that make up its flavor profile, providing a wide selection for cocktails.

Michelada

4 oz. Mexican lager (any lager will work)
3 oz. tomato juice
1 oz. clam juice
.5 oz. lime juice
3 dashes of Tabasco sauce
2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
2 dashes Maggi seasoning (soy is an acceptable substitute)
.25 tsp. chili powder (plus more for garnish)

Glass: Pint
Ice: None
Garnish: Lime Wedge and chili powder

Run the lime wedge around the rim of a pint glass. Pour chili powder on a plate. Roll the wet rim of the glass in the chili powder, tapping the glass after to remove the excess. Pour all of the ingredients, except for the lager, into a mixing tin. Shake well for 20 – 30 seconds. Fill the pint glass halfway with the Mexican lager, then strain the contents of the tin into the glass. Stir a few times gently, then serve.

More clam juice. There are versions of this cocktail where it is just the beer and the spices, and no tomato juice. Maggi seasoning is similar to soy, but you may be able to find it in some specialty grocery stores. Lucky Star offers a Mexican lager you can grab in a growler and Trotwood by Warped Wing is always a favorite.

Bloody Mary Garnish

There is a cocktail in there somewhere.

The spices added to most of these cocktails are typical for a Bloody Mary: Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco (or other favorite) hot sauce, salt, pepper, and some citrus. There is a wide variety of other flavors you can add to the mix to cater to your personal tastes. Like the Old Fashioned, every bar has their variation, and every bar’s variation is the best around. For the garnishes, there is nothing fancy here. You can be as simple or complex as you would like. Tradition calls for celery sticks, olives, or a citrus wedge.

Looking for more variations on the theme? This Sunday is the Second Bloody Mary Showdown, where some of the best bartenders in Dayton will attempt to prove that their recipe is the best one in the Miami Valley. Scratch Event Catering will be providing the brunch fare you will be enjoying with the Bloody Mary samples. And you can vote for the best one!

Bartenders will be competing for bragging rights and $300 cash for the winner.  Awards will also be given out for best table decor and best garnish.  Scheduled to compete are:

Champ Mack’s tavern will be on hand to defend her title!

Lily’s Bistro
Good Time Charlies
Trolley Stop
Whole Foods Market
Mudlick Tap House
Vue Ultra Lounge
Mack’s Tavern
MJ’s on Jefferson
Old Scratch Pizza
Kingspoint Pub
Meadowlark
Jimmie’s Ladder 11
Fifth Street Brewpub
Smart Guy In A Tie Cocktails

The event is produced by  Planned2Give, an event planning service that provides support for local non-profits and proceeds from the event will benefit The Greater Dayton LGBT Center.  The event takes place at the Coliseum in the Montgomery County Fairgrounds from 11am to 2pm and tickets are $25 in advance, available online or at Mack’s Tavern, The Vue or Lily’s Bistro. Come on out for a bite of brunch and a spicy start to you Sunday!

Breaking News: Montgomery County Fairgrounds Has A Buyer (or Two)

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1600px-exposition_hall_montgomery_county_fairgroundsWe’ve heard through a source that a deal has been struck to sell the Montgomery County  Fairgrounds for a reported sum of $15 million dollars.  The 2017 fair will continue at the current location.  Plans beyond that have not been revealed

Earlier this week The City of Dayton, Montgomery County Commissioners and the Montgomery County Agriculture Society rejected two offers that had been submitted from Miller-Valentine Group and Indiana’s Thompson Thrift saying neither proposal addressed all the required components from the RFP.  This was Miller-Valentine’s second at bat for acquiring the fairgrounds. Back in 2014 they entered into an exploratory agreement to purchase the land, but after the 9 month holding deal never executed the contract. montgomery_county_fairgrounds_coliseum

Another source tells that Premier Health and the University of Dayton will partner to buy the land.  Montgomery County Administrator Joe Tuss just met with Premier Health this afternoon.

 

UPDATE:  A couple hours after we broke this story, this Joint Statement Regarding the Montgomery County Fairgrounds Property was released.

On behalf of Premier Health and the University of Dayton, please see the following statement:

“As neighboring institutions, the University of Dayton and Premier Health have long collaborated on community and economic development initiatives. As neighbors to the Fairgrounds, we have an interest in how it is ultimately developed and that it complements the growth and positive momentum in this important area of our community.  We are in discussions with the City and County on how we might help support redevelopment of this community asset.”

Fairgrounds To Remain Downtown Through 2017 Fair

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082515roundhouseThe Montgomery County Agricultural Society Board announced today that the Montgomery County Fair will remain at its current location in Dayton through the 2017 fair season.

 

“As we consider a new home for the Montgomery County Fair, the Board recognizes the importance of extending the process in order to thoughtfully consider options and ultimately select the ideal location,” said John Friedline, President of the Agricultural Society Board. “The fair will remain in Dayton for 2016 and 2017.”

 

The Agricultural Society Board continues to work with the City of Dayton, Montgomery County and the Montgomery County Port Authority on producing a request for proposals for development of the fairgrounds’ current 37-acre site on South Main Street in Dayton. The RFP is anticipated to be released in mid-May.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for the Fair, the City of Dayton and the entire County,” added Friedline. “The current site is a prime location for development that will transform the southern section of downtown Dayton; while a new, state-of-the-art fairground will take shape at another, more expansive site.”

The Board is considering several new locations for the fairgrounds that each feature at least 100 acres.

 

“Additional land gives us a fantastic opportunity to build modern facilities that benefit fairgoers and opens us opportunities for hosting other events,” said Friedline.

 

The 2016 Montgomery County Fair is August 31st through September 5th.

 

The 2017 Fair Dates will be July 10-15, 2017.

The Dayton Horse Show Is In Town!

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Dayton Horse Show

The 2015 Dayton Horse Show kicks off on Wednesday July, 29 and lasts until Saturday, August 1, at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. This is an event that is not to be missed, as the horse show spans over 140 years! There is something to be seen for every horse enthusiast.

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There will be American Saddlebred horses, western style horses, Hackney ponies, exhibition horses, Frisians, and a special presentation by the Therapeutic Riding Institute. There will also be a dog show and a hall of fame induction ceremony.

In addition to equestrian activities there will be a food truck rodeo on Wednesday evening from 5-9pm featuring seven food trucks: McNasty’s, The Wicked ‘Wich of Dayton, Mohawk Freestyle Grill Food Truck, Dayton Urban BBQ, El Meson, Horseless Buggy Eatery, and Flour Power Pizza.

The Dayton Horse Show dates back to 1867, debuting at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. This could very well be the last year it is held at this location, so you definitely do not want to miss this event! The show boasts over 140 years of showmanship. The Dayton Horse Show’s beneficiary is The Therapeutic Riding Institute (TRI) located in Springboro. TRI supports the shoe by volunteering to collect parking fees at the main gate, sell programs and help with other items as assigned.  Over the past fo10485280_10100501028412060_3151584004734997191_nur years alone, approximately $20,000 has been donated to The Therapeutic Riding Institute from The Dayton Horse Show Association. The Therapeutic Riding Institute is a 42 year old program that provides Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies for special needs children and adults.

The sessions are as follows:
Wednesday July 29 – 7pm
Thursday July 30 – 9am & 7pm
Friday July 31 – 9am & 7pm
Saturday August 1 – 9am & 7pm

Parking is free at the fairgrounds
Daytime sessions are free
Evening sessions are $5.00 per carload

Come out and enjoy one of Dayton’s oldest activities and support a wonderful program!

 

Seeking The Greatest Bloody Mary in Dayton – The Bloody Mary Showdown

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Tomato juice.

Humble tomato juice. The blank canvas for a cocktail masterpiece.

There is a reason people love brunch on the weekends. It is a nice, long, leisurely meal with friends and family. All of the best food options are there, from Eggs Benedict to thick burgers, Belgian waffles to savory paninis, every food option you can think of is available. To top it all off, it is perfectly acceptable to have a few cocktails with the meal, either as a way to kick off the day or to shake off the night before. Brunch is not a meal as much as it is an event, and one of the long running stars of brunch is the classic Bloody Mary. It is a hearty cocktail to anchor this event. Much like brunch it is delicious, flexible, and has benefits that go beyond the obvious.

The concept of a hearty, late morning meal started in Britain with hunters and traveled to the United States in the early 20th century. While Hollywood and New York had a role in popularizing a late morning meal, it was really Chicago where the idea of brunch in the U.S. caught on. Transcontinental flights were not popular yet, making trains the most convenient way to get from coast to coast. Chicago was where you stopped in between on the long journey to refresh and relax for a little while. Movie stars and business men stopped and enjoyed this mid-morning meal. The iconic Pump Room was one of the big players in the early days of the brunch movement, hosting many of the stars of the day. As the new meal built steam over the decades, it became a substitute for Sunday dinner as women entered the workplace. They had to get ready for Monday morning too, and wanted some time on Sunday night to rest. Brunch became a social ritual to replace that dinner.

Bloody Mary

Finished! A spicy and delicious brunch treat. It looks like it is missing something…

Brunch is a blend of breakfast and lunch, coined by Guy Beringer in Hunter’s Weekly, a short lived hunting magazine.  Fruit juice is just good is popular to have with breakfast, and society deems lunch as a fine time to start drinking lighter beverages like wines and beers. If you are going to combine the two meals, why not start combining their drinks! It makes a mimosa or a Bellini a perfect selection for a brunch treat. They add a little bit of fruit juice (or puree) to the traditional wine the British drank with their brunches. Those were well known cocktails in the 1940’s and 50’s, when brunch was becoming better known in society, but not as popular as a new star on the scene: The Bloody Mary. The fruit-juice-and-alcohol combination is there, but the proportions are flipped. That is not just good for a brunch cocktail, it is good for a hungover brunch patron.

Despite any debates, the tomato is a fruit. Tomatoes are an excellent way to fight a hangover as well. When you are hungover, you are dehydrated and hurting for vitamins. You liver is unhappy because it is busy trying to get glucose to the brain, but first it has to get rid of all the toxins you just put in your body. Tomato juice to the rescue! Tomatoes help in the rehydration process, considering they are mainly water. Being hydrated helps the body process what happened after you hit the third bar and thought shots were a good idea.  They also add sugar back to the body, helping replenish the glucose stores the liver has been burning through. If you believe a little hair of the dog helps the next day, the low levels of vodka in the drink can will help tame the bite. There is a little something of everything in a Bloody Mary.

Crazy Bloody Mary Garnish

There! A proper garnish, demonstrated by O’Davey’s Irish Pub in Wisconsin.

Everyone has the best Bloody Mary. Everyone. At least, that is what they are going to tell you when they ask. The concept behind the cocktail is simple: tomato juice with a kick. The liquor is there to showcase the flavors you are building in some way. The spirit can be able to enhance the flavors you are adding to the juice, or is a blank canvas that gives some punch at the end. In this modern world, the range of what you can do with the tomato juice is boundless. As food culture expands to find new dishes and spices from every corner of the world, they are all ending up as experimental ingredients in a Bloody Mary. A Chicago style hot dog Bloody Mary? Maybe one inspired by the favors of the Mediterranean Ocean? Maybe some other fruits in your Bloody Mary mix? The possibilities are endless. And then there are the garnishes. Everything from a simple celery stick or olives to, well, this. The Bloody Mary is open to interpretation. And that is something to be celebrated.

And celebrate it we will! On October 11, join Dayton Most Metro, Lion and Panda, and somebloodyMaryPoster.v2-03 of the best bartenders in the city for a Bloody Mary Showdown at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. From 11am to 2pm, our mixologist contestants will be preparing their most unique versions of this brunch staple for you to sample. Brunch itself will be provided by Chef Matt Hayden and Meals from Scratch. The spirited base will be provided by American Harvest vodka, who is sponsoring Masqerage. Proceeds will go to help ARC Ohio and their fight to educate people on HIV, and provide help to those wrestling with it. It is open to everyone to show off their talents in adding the right blend of spices to make the perfectly balanced Bloody Mary. Sleep in a few hours on Saturday, then enjoy a delicious meal with the people that are close to you. Or come in and find a cure for the common hangover. Either way, we look forward to seeing to there!

 

 

The Big Ragu Releases the AMBUCS Chili Cook-off Votes!

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Cold beer and hot chili is a recipe for a Food Adventure.   Last Friday night, a large crowd enjoyed all the chili, adult beverages and gambling action they wanted at the 26th Annual AMBUCS Chili Cookoff and Casino night at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds.  All the proceeds went to benefit Dayton AMBUCS, a charity service organization that is creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities.  The Big Ragu and the Food Adventures Crew was lucky enough to be asked to be “Special Judge” for the event.   We had a blast, hung out with Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzel, and ate some terrific chili.

First off, we tried each and every chili offered.  We loved the traditional chili from Flannigans, Atrium Grille, Buckin Donkey Grille, Miami Valley Golf Club, Jimmie’s Ladder 11, Elsa’s and Slyder’s.  Our taste buds enjoyed unique meat twists on chili from Smokin BBQ, Vinny’s Bar & Grill, Christopher’s, and Longhorn Steakhouse .  Things heated up with the spicy chili from Scratch Catering and Harrigans Tavern.  Unique tasting chili from The Tropics and Cafe Mexico were nice surprises, too.   There were even great entries from individual cooks like “Deer Slayer” and “Chef Daddy’s Firehouse Chili!”

We loved and finished them all, from white bean chili, to every piece of venison, and every jalapeno.  But, we had to pick our favorites, and here were our choices:

Food Adventure’s Top 3:
1) Deer Slayer
2) Jimmie’s Ladder 11
3) Smokin’ BBQ

After trying all of the chili we ate some hot dogs then tried our luck at Bingo, Blackjack and Dice games.  Most importantly, we donated to a great organization, AMBUCS.  It was great to see local people helping a charity that reaches out to all sorts of people with physical disabilities.  We were honored to be a part of this special event and this was a Food Adventure that will always remain close to our heart.  See you next year !

If you were not there, but want to help out a great cause, visit ambucs.com, and see how you can get involved.

“Like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE !

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