Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More
Julie Domicone opens her 2nd location of Jubie’s Creamery today in Moraine. A graduate of
CJ Chan owners
Hi Chan and Juan, the husband and wife team that run the Moraine location of CJ Chan are celebrating the locations 5th anniversary this week by hosting a give away for their loyal customers. Starting Monday they will give away an Apple watch a day for five days. Customers that like and share a graphic on Facebook will be entered in the drawing and each day there will be a winner posted, who can come to the restaurant to claim their watch.
After the success of the original location on Wilmington Ave, they wanted to build the Moraine location with a bigger kitchen and make it a bit more upscale. Hi shared with us there is a large Chinese population near the Alex Bell restaurant and they feel very thankful for the support they have received at both locations. His brother runs the Wilmington spot and he admits he’s the better cook, while he claims to be the better businessman.
Like and share this image on DaytonDining Facebook page.
Chan says he learned to cook at his father’s side in Hong Kong, where he ran a five star restaurant. He came to the US in 2002 to have more freedom. He started working at Dragon City in Dayton, eventually bought it and eventually sold it. They opened CJ Chan to serve sushi and a wide variety of Chinese and Japanese dishes for dine-in and carryout.
Both husband and wife are quick to share the key to their success with their staff, who each received an apple watch as a thank you for their hard work during the first five years!
As we wrapped up our discussion, they even hinted their may be a 3rd restaurant in their future, that may be more Japanese in style.
CJ Chan2747 W Alex Bell Rd
Moraine, OH 45459
(937) 259-8882
Monday- Saturday
We ordered a tray of different burgers on our last trip
Many foodies in the Miami Valley know the unforgettable hamburger cooker in Moraine named Rick aka “Voltzy.” He has been through a lot in the past year health wise, but is still going strong with his Hamburger and Rootbeer Stand.
Known for his sharp tongue, and slapping ground chuck and onions with a spatula, Voltzy has become a Dayton Icon over the past 30 years. He is the Smart Aleck that smart mouths locally have grown to love. Take his teasing in stride. This is his “schtick”and when he gives you grief, it means he likes you.
This month we thought we would urge our readers to visit Voltzy. He is back open after the recent setbacks and illness and the food is still great.
Voltzy at the Grill – his natural habitat
This week he starts serving some of the best hot soups you will ever try. Whether you have never been there, or if you are a longstanding regular, please try and stop in at least once or twice this month and get some of the best burgers in America.
To show our appreciation for you helping him out, Food Adventures is gonna give away a $20 in Voltzy food to two different foodies !
****COMMENT BELOW FOR A SHOT AT WINNING $20 WORTH OF VOLTZYS FOOD ! ****
4668 N Springboro Pike, Moraine
THE TRUE STORY OF THE BEGINNING OF VOLTZY’s:
Growing up in Ft. Wayne, Indiana he learned his burger craft from his grandfather. Grandfather Voltzy had a small restaurant in Ft Wayne that was open 24 hours a day. It was started in 1917 and he was extremely successful. After Rick moved to Dayton, he wanted to get a restaurant started in honor of his grandpa. Thirty years later he is still cookin.’
FROM TRAILER TO ROOTBEER STAND:
In 1988 he started serving burgers out of a 12 foot trailer. It was parked outside Driftwood lanes. The trailer grew to 16 ft then 24 ft, and in 2013 he built the Root Beer Stand on 4668 Springboro Pike.
This guy had a double hog Heidelburger and ate it all.
VOLTZY CHALLENGED WITH HEALTH ISSUES:
After a bout with diabetes he had to have 3 toes amputated over the past few years. He is recovering and is back serving customers at his full business hours.
As always, our patented Food Adventure bullet points will give you the scoop on this Dayton Dining Legend.
HERE’S THE SKINNY ON VOLTZY’S ROOTBEER STAND TODAY:
—OPEN 11am-2PM Monday – Saturday
The sandwich that did it all – The Cheeseburger (we added ketchup behind his back)
—It is highly recommended that you call your order in – they take orders starting at 9am.
— The beef is ground fresh everyday for 31 years and when it is soup season, they are also fresh homemade everyday.
Voltzy has a huge menu – so here are our patented “Must Eats” to help you wade through the offered items.
We know because we have actually tried everything on the menu, and as always, that’s why our photos are original and not borrowed. It sets us apart.
MUST EATS AT VOLTZYS:
— 10 CHEESEBURGERS For $12:
The 20 oz Hog Cheeseburger – they always finish it !
This is his hallmark. Ten sliders with grilled onions, cheese and sweet heat sauce. These are the burgers that put this man on the map. He has the best burger in Dayton, hands down. Why? He grinds the meat daily and his grilling and steaming process has been perfected over the years. Lets put it this way, his food is so good he can playfully insult people and they come back for more. Probably our favorite burger.
— THE 20 oz HOG CHEESEBURGER:
Voltzy’s version of a Whopper… and it puts Burger King to shame. This HUGE burger has a big bun and is topped with grilled onions, cheese, and sweet heat sauce. When you start eating you think, “my goodness this is the biggest hamburger I have seen..” Then it tastes so good you find yourself finishing it. Yeah, you will surprise yourself. If you have a big appetite, we promise this will be one of the best burgers you have ever tried. He named this burger after his ex wife, and the double hog and triple hog burgers after his 2nd and 3rd wives ! This is our other favorite burger.
The Betty Ann
— THE BETTY ANN CHEESEBURGER:
This is like a Big Boy, however it is 3 times better. This is a double slider generously topped with double cheese, raw onion, mayo and pickles. We just had one of these last week and again were blown away. One of the best burgers we have ever eaten. The taste of the onion, pickle, mayo and his fresh ground chuck is simply fantastic. He named this sandwich after his mother.
— CABBAGE ROLL SOUP (ONLY IN WINTER):
We are in love with his Cabbage Roll Soup
Slightly spicy, this homemade soup is an original recipe. We noticed that he uses his freshly ground beef, and freshly steamed cabbage in this incredible broth. Served in a Styrofoam coffee cup, we suggest you get two of them. He sold hundreds of gallons of this soup last year. One taste and you will see why it might be the best soup in Dayton. Voltzy says if you try this soup, you will wake up singing the song “Touch Me in the Morning.” Whatever the hell that means.
Inside the Slammer Wrap
— THE SLAMMER WRAP:
Large burger with ham, sweet heat sauce, horsey sauce, grilled onions, and melted cheese inside a wrap. Good item if you are on the go and dont want a gooey mess. Unmistakable Voltzy beef taste and those wonderful condiments, make this a “must eat.” Remember if you vary from the ingredients on any menu item, he will give you grief, but he will eventually cave in.
— THE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK: 
Philly meat with peppers, onions and horsey sauce on a sub bun with cheese on top. An overstuffed, finger licking good sandwich, that will knock your socks off. This gooey, cheesey hot mess is not recognizable as a philly cheesesteak. You gotta just grab it and go in like you are storming a castle !
— THE PATTY MELT:
Patty Melt
Another popular choice at Voltzys. Its a burger on a Rye bread with onions and melted cheese. He usually doctors it up with a little sweet heat and horsey sauce. We have a lot of friends that swear by this sandwich.
— THE HEIDELBURGER:
A larger Double Cheeseburger with egg and bacon on the sandwich. This one is very popular and is a nice meal in itself. Add a bottle of Frostie Root Beer and you are in heaven.
This is a Double Hog HeidelBurger usually it is just double cheeseburger meat
It would also be heavenly to win a $20 gift card to Voltzys….
**** COMMENT BELOW on WHY YOU COULD USE A $20 GIFT CARD TO VOLTZYS and WE WILL PICK 2 WINNERS AT RANDOM, NEXT WEEK **** ONE ENTRY PER PERSON
Even if you don’t win the gift cards, make sure you stop in and visit Voltzy. May we recommend you wash down all your favorite foods with Frostie Top Bottles of Root beer? He has them cold on site. His crinkle cut fries and onion rings are also favorites.
Bottle of Root beer and 10 cheeseburgers
Remember during the winter he has soups and the entry is in the lobby with no tables or seating (to go only). But in the summer and warmer months, he opens the patio for picnic table seating. It is a great place to people watch and observe Voltzy harassing his guests.
Thank you for reading our weekly Food Adventure article. We are featured right here on Dayton Most Metro, every week with an EXCLUSIVE article. We try and visit the best places in Dayton and share our favorites. No rules here !
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2 Hogs – 20 ounces of beef each
The 14 pound BILL CLINTON DIVORCE FINALE BURGER
10 cheeseburgers, fries and onion rings !
We were hungry !!
A Hog Heidelburger ! 20 oz of beef ,bacon, egg, onions, cheese , condiments & oh boy you are on your way
Double Hog – 40 ounces of beef
A Betty Ann burger and Yuna Lee burger (has onion ring on it )
Voltzy Hog means he puts ham on it .
The Murph double cheeseburger. (has peppers on it)
The Stephy is ham, bacon and a split sausage
It’s Baaaack ! Yes ! Yes ! Yes !
Ba – Donk- A -Donk !
Two years ago a popular sports bar in Kettering abruptly closed, resulting in Facebook posts of grief from a slew of customers. The cult following had been hoping one day for a return.
Today, their hopes came true. The Buckin Donkey restaurant will be returning to Dayton (they dropped the Grill part of the name). The new spot will be located at the old Murray’s Place restaurant in Moraine.
Food Adventures has exclusive scoop on the new developments after talking to our friend and owner, of the original Buckin Donkey, Sean McKown.
Beef on Weck
HERE’S THE SKINNY on THE BUCKIN’ DONKEY:
—The Buckin Donkey is the project of Sean McKown, Kiera Harris and Sean’s brother Larry Maglicco
—They plan to open for business MAY 2nd, 2017. They are finishing flooring and booth construction right now.
—The restaurant address is 2866 S Dixie Dr. Dayton, Ohio 45409
—Many menu items will be returning that were favorites at the previous restaurant. Food Adventures is really excited about this.
Sign of the times – out with Murrays , in with the Donkey
—They will be closed on Mondays for sanity and relaxation.
—Saturdays and Sunday mornings will feature Breakfast and Booze
—Full bar to feature 8 taps, BudLight and 7 revolving taps
—The Buckin Donkey will feature boxed lunch delivery as well
—Menu will feature a Vegan Section
—Plans for a Happy Hour are in the works
Now for the favorites you missed for 2 years … here is our often imitated, never duplicated list of MUST EATS
The Donut Burger
MUST EATS at THE BUCKIN’ DONKEY:
—THE DONUT BURGER:
The old “using the donut for the bun” trick. Not only this burger, but many other favorites will be back. Crazy combos of tasty ingredients that make unique burgers. Customers can join the “burger club” where they get a punch card to try every burger on the menu.
—JAMBALAYA:
One of Dayton’s best “soups” if you will. It is back, and better than ever. Rice, sausage, spice and more.
Jambalaya – homemade
—PIES:
Homemade pies available. Every one is delicious and made by Sean or his mom. In fact, customers can request any fruit cream pie a couple of days in advance.
—TRIPLE BYPASS:
A fresh patty of ground beef and bacon, topped with bacon strips, fried egg and cheese. Not for wusses.
—PIZZA WITH HOMEMADE SAUCE:
New addition to the menu, Sean says it is all about the sauce. His Pittsburgh family recipe pizza sauce to be exact.
Peanut Butter Pie – homemade
—MAGIC MUSHROOM:
A Grilled Portabella Mushroom sandwich with cheese and more toppings. Absolutely fantastic for the vegetarian choice.
—FROSTED FLAKE COATED FRENCH TOAST :
Crumbs of Forsted flakes provide a crispy coating to the soft, cinnamony French Toast. One of Big Ragu’s favorites. He says it melts in your mouth.
Frosted Flake French Toast
Social media is gaining some buzz about the opening, and Daytonians look ready for this upcoming Bucking Food Adventure.
This time around there will be more parking, and a bigger restaurant than before. They hope to avoid previous pitfalls like being hampered by bills for equipment repairs, like the previous walk-in cooler that caused them to be closed 9 days, with a hefty bill.
The restaurant looks to pull clients from Centerville, Kettering, Miamisburg, West Carrollton, Dayton and Moraine. They think it is a good fit and we agree. Food Adventures plans to be there opening night May 2nd.
Want more original foodie content from the Dayton area? We don’t share news blurbs, we create them! From original restaurant reviews, to cooking classes, original dinner events and festival partnerships, The Big Ragu, Chef House, and Hungry Jax are the Food Adventure Crew sharing our favorite eats with Miami Valley foodies. Follow us on Facebook HERE.
Strawberry cheesecake – homemade
Walnut Pie
Sausage Stuffed Peppers
Philly cheesesteak
NY Cheesecake – homemade
Join their Burger club
Biscuits and Gravy
Frosted Flake French Toast
Reuben
Grilled Cajun Shrimp Po Boy
Pierogie Burger might be a special one day
Grilled Spicy Garlic Wings
Home made Beef Barley soup
Portabella Mushroom Sandwich- sliced in half
Ham and Cheese
Italian Nachos
A great, local event !
Tired of your average bazaar? This one promises to be fun and fulfilling!
This Saturday, Dec. 3rd in Moraine, The Greater Dayton Apartment Association office is hosting a Holiday Bazaar!
All proceeds benefit their related charity, called The Rent Foundation, which helps keep families from being homeless, by paying their rent in times of unexpected hardship. Over the year, the Rent Foundation has helped hundreds of local families, and your support, will help them continue to help hundreds more.
HERE IS THE SKINNY ON THE SATURDAY, DEC. 3rd HOLIDAY BAZAAR:
—WHEN: This charitable event takes place Saturday December 3rd, 2016 from 10am – 3pm
Free Mimosa Tasting !
—WHERE: The event center located at 3155 Elbee Rd, suite 300, Moraine, OH 45439
****Please note the event center is on the 3rd floor, so use the elevator in the lobby!
—WHAT: They are offering a festive day of shopping. Some traditional booths mixed with some fun and funky local craft-vendors that you’re sure to LOVE! We are also offering a Mimosa Tasting for our shoppers 21 and up sponsored by a local business, called “My Catering Gal.” There will also be raffle prizes.
—WHAT ELSE: Baked Goods, Bourbon Balls, Snacks & Refreshments Available During the Show for Additional Purchase.
—COST: Admission at the door is $3.00. No charge for children under 12. All proceeds benefit GDAA Rent Foundation. Snacks and raffle tickets will also be for sale at the event. There will be a Coloring/Craft Table for Children.
—LIST OF SOME OF THE VENDORS and LOCAL BUSINESS ON HAND
****Traveling Vineyard ****Usborne Books & More
****Plunder Design ****Lularoe
****Mary Kay ****She Blingz by Shonda
****Pure Romance ****Origami Owl
****Lillarose ****Pampered Chef
****Poetic Xchange ****Lipsense
****Scentsy ****Younique
****Wildtree ****Mama Aswan Butters & Oils
****Custom Burlap Wreaths by Babes & Burlap
****Stained Glass Home Accents ****LIVELOVEBEAD
****Hand Crafted Quilted Purses by Blue Line Design
****Custom Jewelry ****31
****Scent Hound Candles ****Home Accessories,
****Photography by Alison ****Hand-crafted Baby Items
****Unique & Delicious Vendors ****Desserts
****Butter Rum, Apricot Brandy & Harvey Wallbanger Cakes by Langford’s Gourmet Cookies!
A great opportunity to put a dent in your holiday shopping list !
From hand lotions to handcrafted items, this promises to be a blast. Please join us at the bazaar and know you are supporting a good cause as well. This is a “MUST SEE” event, don’t miss your opportunity to support local vendors and charities.
Dec 3rd from 10am -3pm
FULL DETAILS
Beef and Chicken cooking for Schwarma Wraps
FOODIE ALERT ! The Lebanese Festival, one of Dayton’s most unknown and underrated festivals will take place August 26th through August 28th. Every year, our Food Adventures crew loves the various exotic tasty treats that this fest has to offer. The Festival is located on State Route 741 at a church across the street from Meijer, not far from the Alex Bell intersection. We are totally hooked from the fantastic aroma always fills the air to the incredible entertainment. If you have not experienced the Lebanese Festival, you are missing out on one of the Miami Valley’s best parties. With exotic food and fun to be had by all, the event is full of personality and culture.
Hungry Jax, The Big Ragu and Chef House have all the scoop on this festival for our Food Adventure followers!
Pistachio Cookies for sale
HERE’S THE SKINNY:
—Dayton’s Lebanese Festival will be held on Friday August 26th through Sunday, August 28th
++++ Festival Times:
++++ Friday, Aug 26: 6pm – 11pm
++++ Saturday, Aug 27: 11am – 11pm
++++ Sunday, Aug 28: 11am – 6pm
— The street address for the festival is:
**** Saint Ignatius Maronite Catholic Church
**** 5915 N. Springboro Pike
**** Dayton, Ohio 45449
Traditional Dance Entertainment
— FREE Admission, FREE Parking
— Attractions include Food Booths, Carnival Rides, Live Traditional Dancing exhibitions, Craft booths, Culture Displays, Pastries
This festival is a great place to browse. Park your cars in the grass parking area, and make your way towards the large white food tent. Inside the tent, was a large, easy to read menu at the “food line.” The friendly fest workers will explain that almost all the food is homemade. Your Food Adventure is about to begin.
To help you through this unique menu, we now present our patented feature.. our list of MUST EATS !
MUST EATS:
— MOUNTAIN BREAD: Made in a station with a flatbread machine. The sign says “Mountain Bread.” With a name like that, you gotta give it a shot.
Cooking Mountain Bread for the crowd
The Big Ragu loved this grilled flatbread topped with a nice garlic and sesame seed pesto like sauce and folded in half for easy eating.
— BEEF SCHWARMA: The beef is sliced from a revolving spindle. It is then stirred into sauteed tomatoes and onions. It is topped with special cucumber like sauce and served in a thin flatbread which is wrapped like a burrito. (Don’t like beef? They have a chicken option as well).
— FRESH, HOMEMADE TABOULI SALAD: Tabouli is typically made with bulgur or couscous. It also includes tomatoes, finely chopped parsley, mint, onion and garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and salt. It is a fresh, healthy snack.
Tabouli Salad – freshly chopped
— KAFTA KABOBS: Meat sticks, sometimes grilled and served on a skewer and seasoned to perfection. This is a rare, hard to find specialty.
— FRESH HUMMUS: Smashed chick peas, made into a dip and served with pita chips. Flavored with lemon juice, this simple treat is creamy and oh so good.
— SPINACH PIE: A delicately rolled bread with spinach, chives and cheese inside. Bite into this unique appetizer, and you’ll be hooked.
— FALAFEL: Tiny “hushpuppies” made with ground chick peas and cooked like a fritter. Dip ’em in a ranch like sauce to get your kicks.
Lots of Kids rides and Adult rides too !
— THE DESSERT AREA: Yes there is an entire area for delicate pastries and more. There were lots of baked goods that looked homemade. Most of them we had never seen before. Cookies called Mamool, Burma, Barazik and Ballourie. These traditional treats are great and many feature dates and pistachio as ingredients.
Honorable Mention: Stuffed Grape Leaves – little packages of flavor, that obviously take some time to make.
This festival is a full blown Food Adventure, with many more offerings to try.
Craft Booths, Clothes Booths and Jewelry Booths
CHECK OUT THE LIVE DANCING:
Make sure you sit at one of the tables in the entertainment area tent for a while. Traditional music will play and some wonderful dancers will entertain the crowd. The performers wear elaborate costumes and sometimes hold fans and fabric which they used to dazzle the festival goers. No better way to enjoy a Food Adventure with authentic Lebanese food than with authentic music and dancing. Learn some great dance moves that you can use at a future date.
All in all, the Lebanese Festival is yet another unique eating experience in the Miami Valley. It was
Beef Kafta on the Grill
wonderful to see the cultural displays, listen to traditional music and enjoy some Lebanese food. Make sure you catch this festival. It is one you do not want to miss !
Have you been to the Lebanese Festival? Please comment below and tell us your favorite things about the event.
Want more scoop on Dayton area restaurants and festivals? Want a food blog with originality & personality? Then “Like ” Food Adventures on Facebook, by clicking HERE.
Baklava
BIG SLIDE
Hungry People
Grab a Schwarma !
Cookies
A look inside a Chicken Schwarma Wrap
Clothes for Sale
Unique Desserts
More Cookies
Humus among us
Veggie Plate
Look at that Beef Schwarma Meat Cooking
Everybody Dance Now …
Spinach Pie
Serving up Mountain Bread
Lebanese Beer !
Falafel
Lots of rides
Grape Leaves –
Ready for the stage
Inside the spinach pie
Pan of simmering meat
Flags, fans …
Bouncy ride
Festival tent
Veggie Plate
Culture for sale
Welcome to the Lebanese Festival of Dayton !
Bob Medlin & Jordan Frank of Longhorn Steakhouse, volunteer time & resources to many Dayton charities
We just had to tell you. We just had to tell you about something happening in your community that you have no idea about.
As you know, 95% of our weekly Food Adventure articles feature local mom and pop establishments serving up great food.
But sometimes, there is a need to mention something that is going on at a Nationally owned restaurant. In this case, no one is more deserving than Bob Medlin, the manager of Longhorn Steakhouse in Moraine, located at 1921 West Dorothy Lane.
We know,we know…. ” the dreaded chain restaurant,” but there is one thing you local purists can’t ignore. It is the constant donation of resources and volunteering that Bob Medlin and his staff give to the Miami Valley. The Big Ragu and Crew volunteer at a lot of charity events, and we notice that Bob Medlin and Longhorn Steakhouse in Moraine are involved in almost every charity group that we support. The staff believes in not only serving quality affordable food, but they go an extra step in volunteering for many charitable organizations.
Food Adventures joined forces with Longhorn Steakhouse Moraine, to support the March of Dimes Walk for Babies. We ate at their pancake breakfasts that supported the Sandy Hook Elementary victims, and the Mobley Family who endured terrible losses in a local fire. The Big Ragu and Crew have also run into the Longhorn staff at the annual AMBUCS Chili cookoff, that benefits Dayton citizens with various disabilities, by providing them equipment to become more mobile.
After talking with the management and the staff, we realized, this was just the tip of the iceberg. Just some of the charities helped by Longhorn Steakhouse in Moraine, either directly or indirectly through volunteering staff, or donating resources, food or supplies, are the following organizations:
Snuggled Up Inc. – bedding for Dayton area kids
The Greater Dayton Apartment Association’s Rent Foundation – prevents homelessness in Dayton, by paying rent for families in crisis.
Shoes for the Shoeless and Brief Blessings – helping Dayton area children with basic needs such as shoes and underwear
Ronald McDonald House of Dayton – Staff volunteered to rake leaves, clean up yard
Dayton Circles – dedicated to ending poverty
Back2Back Ministries – Helping local orphans and abandoned children
Kiser Elementary– helping educate refugee children who have settled in Dayton.
Christ’s Church of Bellbrook’s – various charity programs
Relay for Life Charities from American Cancer Society– pancake breakfasts to raise money
Bob & the Longhorn Steakhouse Staff volunteering at the March of Dimes Walk for Babies, and giving out cake
Apex Church charity Rib Dinner to benefit Relay For Life Charities
Donated supplies for Apex Church missionary charity support of 6 Mexican orphans, and 1 orphangirl in India
Big Brothers Big Sisters program of the Greater Miami Valley – Helping Dayton children reach their potential
Dayton Life Enrichment Center – providing groceries and meals to needy families of Dayton
Target Dayton Ministries – serving meals to Dayton’s homeless and poor
Miami Valley Womens Center – helping new moms and dads with loss of an infant
Harvest House – helping rehabilitate females who have been abused, or dealing with depression
Victory Project – helping Dayton youth in the Juvenile system rebuild themselves and stay crime free
Miracle League of Dayton – providing special needs children a baseball field where they can play
These are just some charities off the top of the staff’s heads. The thing is, they don’t toot their own horn, they just help out the community in so many ways. And it is contagious. As we talked to the staff, we realize they all want to help and get involved, because they see how their company has affected lives for the positive.
And so many lives have been affected by the Longhorn Steakhouse staff. We have yet to mention donations to local elementary schools, or events for the Fairmont track football, basketball , and volleyball teams! They even had volunteers help cater a prom dinner.
Longhorn Steakhouse in Moraine, holds Pancake Breakfasts for various charities, here is one of our delicious plates that we devoured
Longhorn Steakhouse of Moraine events have benefited local pet adoption companies and local cancer survivors. There have been Dayton Demonz hockey team charity work, volunteer staff car washes for charities. Bob Medlin and his co-workers have helped donatefor benefits for cystic fibrosis and leukemia. They have helped local feeding centers, local food banks, and helped organize local clothing donations.
Although they have a full staff supporting and volunteering for many of these events, there are 3 managers at Longhorn who have instilled and lead this philanthropist philosophy with their employees. The first person we have already mentioned, is manager Bob Medlin. The other two, are managing partner Jordan Frank and Rita Hayworth, fundraising specialist. Together they provide a great, caring work atmosphere of giving back to the community.
So the next time you are in the mood for some steakhouse type food, you may want to mosey on over to the Longhorn Steakhouse in Moraine and keep paying it forward. You may even get to see Bob Medlin, and tell him thank you for their community support. Let him know you saw his charity work “shout out” on Food Adventures. Bob and his staff are very humble, and the staff never boasts about their charity work. They participate enthusiastically and take pride in helping various needs in the Dayton area. We are grateful for fellow citizens like this and want them to know, we greatly appreciate all you do. Thanks for making a local difference with a national company.
Please view our gallery below of photos inside Longhorn Steakhouse and the staff volunteering at various events.
Also, make sure you become a Food Adventure fan on Facebook, by CLICKING HERE TO “LIKE” US.
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Frisch’s Hot Fudge Cake is Sinful
We all have them, we all need them… guilty pleasures. As we get older, we try to eat healthier, but once in a while, you gotta splurge. Dayton is a great place to do so. Sure, there is fear in seeing the calorie count, and scary scale readings the following week… but sometimes you gotta have a ghastly, full blown Food Adventure.
So without further ado, we present present our list of the Top 15 Guilty Food Pleasures of the Dayton Area:
15) THE FOOTLONG CHILI DOG at THE ROOT BEER STANDE: Long and strong, we came to get the friction on. This wiener is a mouthful of goodness and a ruined shirt waiting to happen. Eat it in your car, roll up the windows so no one can see,. But we know… this is one of your guilty pleasures.
14) FRICKER’S RIBS & WINGS DINNER: This huge meal comes with a half rack of ribs, those famous fried chicken wings, cole slaw, roll and an side. Finger lickin’ good, and a naughty belt buster for sure.
13) THE PEANUT BUTTER SUNDAE at JET FREEZE: Homemade peanut butter sauce, ice cream, whip cream, nuts and a cherry on top. The peanut butter sauce alone is so sinful that it catapults it onto the list.
12) THE BROOKYLYN BRAWLER PIZZA at JOHNNY’S SLICE of NY: When you serve a giant, stuffed pizza as big as a spare tire, it has to be a guilty pleasure. Big eaters of the Miami Valley come from far and wide not only to eat this giant creation, but to see if 2 of them can finish it in 30 minutes or less to get on the wall of fame. Filled with various meats and cheeses, this guilty pleasure is for serious eaters.
11) THE SEAFOOD PLATTER at TREASURE ISLAND: Deep fried scallops, a cod filet, frog legs, fried shrimp and stuffed crab on a plate with 2 sides. You can taste it all, but don’t test your cholesterol that day. The over the top moment of this dinner is when they serve you some drawn butter for dipping. Oh, behave !
10) ALL-YOU-CAN EAT FISH at the HASTY TASTY PANCAKE HOUSE: For just $7.25, you can literally fill yourself to the gills. Breaded and crispy, it is one of the best ‘bangs for your buck’ as far as sinful meals go. The fish is Alaskan pollock, and when you add the sides, rolls and butter slabs, the wheels come off the diet train.
9) BROASTED CHICKEN at GEORGE’S FAMILY RESTAURANT: Deep fried in a pressure cooker, this stuff is guilty fun for the while family. Moist inside, the chicken is always cooked to perfection. Get some heavenly comfort food sides and complete this trip to dream street.
North China’s Crispy Shrimp: Rich, Spicy Flavor with a Touch of Sweetness
8) CRISPY SHRIMP at NORTH CHINA: One of our favorite Chinese restaurants serves us a sweet sauced, deep fried shrimp dish that will knock you on your socks. The taste, the crunch, the bites of sauce mixed with rice. Overdone richness? Guilty as charged.
7) POTATO SKIN CUPS at ANGIE’S FIREHOUSE: Stuffed with chili, bacon, onions, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, green onions, jalapenos and sour cream they are a beautiful piece of work. You will find yourself eating an entire plate of these and passing out in a food coma.
6) BISCUITS & GRAVY at TANK’S: Delicious, artery clogging goodness. Although this legendary spot on Wayne Avenue has many treasures, we find this to be our most guilty pleasure.
5) THE HOT FUDGE CAKE at FRISCH’S: We know, this is semi-local and more of a regional treat, but it deserves a spot on our list. Hot, steaming fudge, hitting the cool cake and ice cream. The feeling of the whip cream and hot fudge on your lips is worth every calorie.
4) THE PANZAROTTI at MAMMA DISALVO’S: This is pretty much a calzone that is the size of a small kid. Imagine an extra large pizza full of toppings and cheese, that has been folded in half. Served with dipping sauce, it is like cutting into a turkey to begin eating. Go all out and dip your forkfuls into marina or ranch. It is absolutely delicious.
Click to Enlarge: Broasted Chicken from George’s Family Restaurant
3) THE HOG BURGER at VOLTZY’s: Voltzy says he named the burger after his ex-wife. All we know is that this mammoth 20 ounce burger melts in your mouth, and you find yourself saying “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing.”
2) CASSANO’S BIG CHEESE PIZZA: Like Vic Cassano Sr said “It’s one heck of a pizza.” That famous Cassano’s crust and sauce, loaded with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, olives and finished off with a m0und of cheese. The proof is in the taste.
The Big Bo BJ Breakfast Sandwich from B&B Carryout
1) THE “BIG BO BJ” at B&B CARRYOUT: Get your mind out of the gutter, this is a breakfast sandwich. And it is one helluva guilty pleasure. This craziness is a bun with sausage, a fried egg, a hash brown patty, American cheese,strips of bacon and hot pepper cheese. You won’t feel that guilty, because the every bite is just so darn good. A handful of greasy, gooeyness, with great flavor. If you haven’t tried the Big Bo BJ, you need to grab yourself one.
Do you feel guilty yet? Naughty nibbles indeed. Honorable Mention to : Paragon Supper Club’s Paragon Supreme Dessert- a peanut butter and chocolate ice cream mousse, Marion’s Super Cheese Pizza – delicious, Tank’s Chili Cheese Fries-out of this world, and Submarine House’s Super Duper Cheesesteak– triple the meat and cheese & 16 inches long.
DID WE LEAVE ANY OUT? WHICH OF YOUR FAVORITE GUILTY PLEASURES SHOULD WE HAVE INCLUDED IN OUR LIST??
Please comment below and let us know !
For more fun from Dayton’s one-of-a-kind foodies visit FOOD ADVENTURES with THE BIG RAGU, CHEF HOUSE and HUNGRY JAX on FACEBOOK and “like” us HERE .
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Boneless Wings at Fricker’s
Want to win a $20 Gift Certificate for your own Food Adventure to Fricker’s or Rooster’s? Today these perennial sports bar favorites go beak to beak, feather to feather, cluck to cluck. Which one do you like better?
You can’t deny local wing kings Fricker’s and Rooster’s have been enjoying success in the Miami Valley for decades. Rumor has it that the Fricker brothers had a falling out. As a result, one of the brothers went off on his own and opened Rooster’s restaurant as a result. The family feud was Dayton’s gain.
So Food Adventure fans – we want to hear from you.. which of these saucy sports dives is your favorite? Whether you like boneless or bone-in, whether you like breaded or grilled chicken, comment below and let your voice be heard. Why? Because 2 people will be picked at random to win a $20 gift certificate to Frickers and Roosters respectively! Oh and we wanna see which place has a more loyal following…
The Food Adventures Crew sound off on their favorites:
Wings at Rooster’s
Hungry Jax’s Take: Rooster’s has a bigger salad selection, which is important to me. I also like the fact that they have more pizza offerings and more sub options. My vote is for: ROOSTERS”
The Big Ragu’s Take: ” To me it is all about the traditional wings and the sauces. In my opinion Fricker’s runs away with it on those categories alone. They have better burgers and better boneless wings as well. My vote goes to: FRICKERS”
We know that both spots have their strengths like WINGS , BONELESS WINGS, and a great venue to watch sporting events, but lets recap our take on the differences between these two:
The Burgers at Fricker’s are surprisingly good
FRICKER’S STRENGTHS:
— Fricker’s offers Ribs. And guess what, they aren’t bad for a casual sports bar!
— Fricker’s special’s are superior. They have 40 cent boneless wing specials on Monday nights and 40 cent traditional wings on Tuesdays. Fricker’s offers a sirloin steak for only $5 on Wednesday nights and $5 chicken chunks on Thursdays. Also kids eat free everyday. Saving money is good.
— The Brew City Fries, onion straws and fried zucchini are 3 decent appetizers only found at Fricker’s
— Cheaper beer prices at Fricker’s. They feature the $2.42 large domestic drafts. Nothing like a cold one and big screen football.
— The burgers at Fricker’s are bigger. Quite frankly we think they are better as well.
ROOSTER’S STRENGTHS:
Asian Chicken Salad at Rooster’s
— Rooster’s has “Dumpster Fries” which we think is the best appetizer found on either menu. Try them for a taste of awesome indulgence.
— Rooster’s has a better selection of Sandwiches. More choices, more options, especially for those counting calories.
— The salad offerings at Rooster’s are more complete. For those trying to eat healthy, you will have more options at Rooster’s.
— Rooster’s pizza’s are better. Again, more options for toppings, etc. If you haven’t eaten their pizza, you will be pleasantly surprised.
— Rooster’s gets the edge in soups. Something you may not know is that both places have some incredible chili and pretty good New England Clam Chowder. We have been eating those as a start to a Food Adventure for years.
Food Adventures with The Big Ragu and Crew gave their opinion -now it is YOUR TURN ! Who’d you rather get it on with: Frickers or Roosters?
COMMENT BELOW AND SETTLE THIS BATTLE OF THE LOCAL WING SPOTS !!!
We will pick one winner from each restaurant for $20 Gift Certificates
Visit the often imitated, never duplicated Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking —> HERE !
We are not food critics, we are just foodies that love to eat !!
Browse our photo gallery below from our many Food Adventures to Rooster’s and Fricker’s !!
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Not a Restaurant, This is a Supper Club
A dimly lit dining room, 1970’s furniture, hustling staff and bustling patrons. This is not a restaurant, this is a Supper Club. Treasure Island is everything you could ask for in an old school eatery. Located in the heart of Moraine, Ohio, it has great service, great food and classic ambiance. This place is like a scene out of the movies “Saturday Night Fever” or “Looking for Mr Goodbar.” When you enter Treasure Island Supper Club, the carpeted lobby has a metal railing staircase that leads to bathrooms and a party room on the second level. What other place has that? But it doesn’t end there, we are just getting started. As you pass from the lobby into the eating area, you notice a room with lighting so low that you cannot tell if it is noon or midnight. The bar area is a low seat bar with the bartender working in a “pit” even lower than the bar patrons. The bar is adjacent to a walkway that leads to the dining room. The walkway is lined with wooden spindles that were hand carved by the restaurant owner. In fact his woodwork is throughout the supper club. We were expecting to hear “bow chicka wow wow” music, but that did not happen.
Baskets of Butter and Lance Crackers at Every Table
A hostess greets you near the walkway and puts you on the waiting list, or seats you promptly. You will be seated in a leather 70’s style booth or some old school table and chairs. Even the water glasses are old school, and we love it ! On the table in a wicker basket, are various types of Lance crackers and butter packets. We ate a lot of melba toasts, crackers and captain’s wafers leaving our table strewn with Lance cracker wrappers. Our Food Adventure Crew lives for unique places like this. Our server who waited on us was fantastic. She was a throwback to the days when waitresses were career waitresses for decades at the same restaurant. She brought our salads and a basket of poppy seed bread that was still warm, so we put the butter packets to good use.
We were then served a shrimp cocktail appetizer that stayed in theme with the 70’s nostalgia. The huge shrimp were served in a silver goblet lined with green decorative lettuce. the shrimp were already partially dipped in the cocktail sauce inside the goblet. These were some of the largest and best tasting shrimp we have ever eaten. Make sure you don’t miss out on this old school shrimp cocktail or you will be squirming in your red leather chair.
The Best Shrimp Cocktail Ever
We saw a customer being served a large corn fritter that looked good, so we decided to order one too… good move. The homemade, handmade corn fritter is served with maple syrup packets and simply melt in your mouth. We sat their enjoying the appetizer feeling like we were in an episode of “Starsky and Hutch.” The fritter was cooked perfectly, nice and moist on the inside and golden brown on the outside. In the restaurant lighting it looked like a brick of gold from Fort Knox.
After stuffing ourselves with crackers, bread, butter, salad and appetizers, our main entrees arrived. One of us had ordered the baked halibut dinner. It was served old school style with dunking butter! It also came with a baked potato, decorative parsley, and large sides of butter and sour cream. Again 70’s additude toward cholesterol and fat! The fish was firm yet fluffy and absolutely delicious. The baked potato was perfectly cooked as well. The Big Ragu’s entree was the seafood platter. How old school is the name of that dish? The dinner was served with frog legs, fried shrimp, crab cakes, fried scallops, and fried oysters. The dinner was very rich, but tasted incredible. It was served with a side of hash browns that didn’t disappoint. After finishing our meal, we thanked our waitress and the assertive busboys.
Perfectly Baked Halibut
As we walked out of the restaurant we joked about coming back for a picture outside the restaurant dressed in 7o’s Afro wig, terrycloth shorts, and pulled up white socks with stripes. It was another successful Food Adventure! Our visit here was fantastic, truly enjoy Treasure Island Supper Club and had one of our better Food Adventures here. If you have not been here to try the great food you are missing out on a taste bud experience! It is a fun place to dine with some of the tables hollowed out with golf or Vegas decor behind tabletop glass. The Big Ragu and Crew highly recommend that you visit Treasure Island because they do things right, and have not changed their successful formula. The simplicity of good food and good service is timeless, no matter what the decade. If you visit this supper club and you see a couple of guys with cheesy 70’s mustaches, or Dirk Diggler haircuts, it just may be your Food Adventures Crew and the Big Ragu, incognito!
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Have you been to Treasure Island Supper Club? If so, did you get your 70’s groove on at this phenomenal spot? Please leave your comments below !
Treasure Island’s menus for lunch and dinner may be viewed by clicking HERE.
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Food Adventures with the Big Ragu and Crew: Another installation of “Small Bites.”
Here in “Small Bites,” we feature some of our favorite food items across the Dayton area. We are not food critics, we love to eat. Often imitated never duplicated, we set out to let you know about some of the better eats around the area that you may not know about !
Owners Rick “Voltzy” & Jack Sperry Want Your Vote to Decide!
THROWDOWN: VOLTZY’S vs. THE HAMBURGER WAGON, on Saturday June 9, 2012
Our first small bite is actually a coming attraction. Two of the most popular burger joints in the Dayton area are going to have an old fashioned “Throwdown!” at the Rock n’ Green Tomato Festival in Miamisburg, Ohio. The Hamburger Wagon of Miamisburg will go toe to toe with Voltzy’s Rootbeer Stand of Moraine. Get to this festival and cast your vote on Saturday June 9th. Who will win this burger brawl to settle it all ?? We visited with Voltzy’s owner Rick Volz and the Hamburger Wagon owner Jack Sperry, and they both think they are going to win ! The Throwdown is in the early stages, so there will be more details in the coming weeks. Look for a follow up feature story from the Big Ragu in May right here on DaytonMostMetro, when we will cast our votes for the best burger!
THE SANDWICHES at JIMMIES LADDER 11:
The Ladder 11 Sandwich
Are you looking for a great, casual bar and grill that serves up top notch sandwiches? Food Adventures recommends that you try Jimmie’s Ladder 11 on Brown Street. Jimmie’s ladder 11 resides in an old renovated 1892 firehouse and is full of atmosphere. They also make some amazing sandwiches. One of our favorite sandwiches is the Ladder 11 which consists of Romanian Style Pastrami, Corned Beef, Hand Cut Cole Slaw, and House Russian Dressing on Rye. The menu has a large variety of sandwiches, pastas, and some incredible appetizers. Try the creole cheesecake…… you will not be sorry. Jimmies Ladder 11 is located at 936 Brown Street across from Miami Valley Hospital. For more information, check out jladder11.com.
THE CREPES at CREPE BOHEME at the 2nd Street Market:
Veggie Crepe
From the crepes in Paris, France to a Chocolate Crepe from a street vendor. We have been fans ever since! Fortunately for us, we have Crepe Boheme located at the 2nd Street Market in Downtown Dayton. Today we even opt for for a Vegetarian Crepe rather than the crepes made with Nutella. The Crepe-Master Sabine skillfully pours the thin layer of batter on the hot plate and the magic begins. We suggest you try a create your own crepe you with: Spinach, Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Brie and an incredible Red Pepper Sauce. For the carnivores out there, you can always try the Black Forest Ham Crepe. This crepe is packed with Black Forest Ham, Brie, and topped with Mushrooms. Give Crepe Boheme a try and you will be hooked!
THE 2 FISH OR CHICKEN SANDWICHES FOR 2 BUCKS at RALLY’s:
Rally’s: 2 Nice Sized Fish Sandwiches for 2 Bucks
Two dolla to make you holla! We don’t usually write about fast food chains, but every once in a great while, we will see something worth mentioning. Such is the case with the current deal at Rally’s Hamburgers, the infamous double drive-thru place. The Big Ragu’s obsession with fast food had him doing a double take. Rally’s has a deal of 2 fish or chicken sandwiches for 2 bucks total. The sandwiches aren’t tiny either. The bang for your buck is great. Satisfy your hunger for 2 dollars? When is the last time that happened? Other monster chains are charging around 4 bucks for the same thing, so make sure you stop in at Rally’s for this fantastic deal during the Lenten season.
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Upon entering Voltzy’s Rootbeer Stand, we heard a gruff voice say “Where the Hell you been?” We said you must have us confused with someone else, this is our first time here. Voltzy himself looked at us and said.. “I know! I have been here for 21 years waiting for you, where the hell have you been?” It is fresh service like this and fresh hamburgers that have made Voltzy’s a Dayton original, and the owner a local icon. His “shtick” for a good natured ribbing of his new customers is part of the whole experience. But make no mistake, people come here for the food, and you arent around 21 years in the restaurant business if you dont deliver on taste. Click here to see a video of Voltzy asking where you have been.
Voltzy at the Grill
Located at 4668 Springboro Pike in Moraine, Voltzy’s has been serving up their special hamburgers that are ground fresh every day, so their hamburger meat is never frozen. He uses 80/20 chuck and it is just the right combo for a juicy mouthful. All sandwiches are cooked to order. He also steams the onions on the flat top grill with his burgers. Oh but dear fellow foodies, you must know this, Voltzy’s has more than burgers. His menu is extensive and unique, with many sandwiches, sausages, and hot dog creations named after special people in his life. They even have a 17 pound hamburger on the menu called the “Bill Clinton Divorce Finale” at the great price of just $40.
In the wintertime, Voltzy prepares soups from scratch for his hungry customers who want to warm up. Customers like them so much that last winter he sold 900 gallons of soup! While we were visiting the restaurant, two customers ordered a gallon of the stuff! Being soup connoisseurs, we were very impressed with Voltzy’s homemade creation of “Cream of Vandalia Onion Soup.” Yes, that spelling by Voltzy is done on purpose as a shout out to the Dayton suburb. We also loved Voltzy’s homemade Cream of Potato Soup, and some would tell you his favorite menu items at Voltzy’s are the soups.
Voltzys Burgers are #1
The Big Ragu loves Voltzy’s fresh burgers like “The Murph” which is a double cheeseburger with onions and peppers. We also thought the Patty Melt was incredible. Your Food Adventurers had a couple of Root Beers too, which were some of the best we have ever tasted. Want Value? then try Voltzy’s “10 burgers for 10 bucks deal,” which could feed 2 or 3 people… or one Ragu.
During the summer, Voltzy drops the soups and features “Slaw Dogs,” which are said to be out of this world. Voltzy told Ragu, “Wait til you try the slaw dogs, I’m gonna feed you till you explode.” Aww that’s sweet, and would be a Food Adventure first.
Voltzy’s is a unique place, and was a perfect stop on our list of Food Adventures. In fact, we had to come back twice to try more menu items. We sampled the burgers and even tried a wrap called the “Fazio” that had sausage, ham, peppers, onions, cheese and 2 fried eggs. This wrap was huge, and trying to finish it was a Food Adventure in itself. Other interesting food items were the fried mac n cheese, deep fried pickles, and the philly cheesesteak. We also saw some nice looking coney dogs leaving the kitchen.
Voltzy making his Cabbage Roll Soup
Like the owner, Ft. Wayne Indiana native Rick Volz, Voltzy’s Restaurant has personality. They are proud of their menu and even proud that they have a bathroom at the new facility. The restaurant is literally a lobby and an outside patio that they have enclosed. We love the place and when we sat down with Voltzy, we saw that he is a good, hard working, regular guy.
Want some tips about Voltzy’s? Make sure you bring cash because they do not take credit cards! Voltzy’s can get busy, so we recommend that you call ahead with your order. Please remember Voltzy’s hours of operation are Monday -Saturday from 11am – 2pm.
Big tastes come out of this small kitchen, which in the future hopes to open up a covered car-port and extend their hours. Get yourself to Voltzy’s in Moraine, and when you come in, prepare to hear some of Voltzy’s unique humor. Do not be surprised if he asks “Where the hell have you been?” Tell him you were reading about him on Food Advetures, Dayton’s favorite food blog on DaytonMostMetro.com!
Please leave comments and thoughts about Voltzy’s below.
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