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Who’s Your Boo? Boosalis Baking & Cafe !

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Matt Boosalis, the friendly owner

Where is it? What’s the name again?  It is Boosalis Baking and Cafe and it is in the shops of Cross Pointe Center in Centerville.  If you go there once, you won’t forget this place.  We have been spreading the word for weeks now about this cafe.  Not only do they have delicious, sophisticated baked goods, but their sandwich menu is excellent as well.  It is the perfect place for a Food Adventure.

We were first introduced to the friendly owners of  Boosalis Bakery  at the “Night Market” at 700 East 4th St. at the old “Yellow Cab Building.”   They were selling delicious breads and gave us a great “end of the night deal.”  The breads were delicious and we never forgot them.

The Cranberry Turkey – the best turkey sandwich ever

Then as fate would have it, our new friend and American Idol star, Alexis Gomez asked us to meet her there for lunch… and the rest is a love story.  Boy meets croissant, and girls meet pastries.  Alexis was right, this place is unbelievable.

So let’s get the scoop on this little-known spot for scones and more…

 

The Pecan Roll

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— This bakery opened 8 years ago, but has been at 175 E Alex Bell Rd #280, in Cross Pointe Center since August 2014.

— Boosalis Baking & Cafe is open Tues – Fri 7am – 4pm and Sat. 8am-5pm

— Owner Matt Boosalis gets up at 3am each day to prepare the bakery’s old world menu.  He is very knowledgeable and constantly taking new classes and traveling to learn European pastry techniques.

The Kouign Amann Pastry – you dont know what youre missing

— The bakery prides itself on doing things the traditional way, from scratch. They are a throwback to the times of local neighborhood bakeries around the corner, using family recipes and time-honored baking traditions.

— The only fat they use in their recipes is from butter.

 

It is obvious that the people in this organization know what they are doing.  The clean atmosphere, is a welcoming invite to the

The Cross Pointe Chicken Panini – (tip: we substitute Turkey instead)

fantastic food.  But which foods are the best?

Food Adventures has the list in our “MUST EATS” for Boosalis Bakery ….

We have put in our research over the many trips to this Cross Pointe eatery, and here are the results:

 

 

MUST EATS:

— THE CRANBERRY TURKEY SANDWICH:  The Big Ragu will go on record saying this is the best turkey sandwich in town.  The

Strorefront in Cross Pointe Center off Alex Bell

bread makes all the difference.  Sliced turkey, piled high with lettuce and mayo.  Simple, yet remarkable.  The home made cranberry bread make the sandwich taste like a fluffy dream.

 

— THE KOUIGN AMANN PASTRY: You are going to start hearing about these “up and coming” trendy pastries soon.  Pronounced “Queen amann,” they are  a buttery croissant served like a cupcake.  Popularized in Breton, France, these delicate morsels pack a buttery, flavorful punch.  These pastries are one of the best things we have ever tasted.

 

Incredible Croissants and Cinnamon Rolls

— THE CROSS POINTE CHICKEN PANINI:  Warm, cheesy, toasted goodness with turkey, mozarella, and red peppers with a zip of pesto mayo.   At $6.95 it is a great deal and a very filling portion.  We found ourselves very quiet, as everyone ate this sandwich.  It is the kind of panini that you take a bite and it is so good you close your eyes. ** Here is a secret tip, substitute TURKEY for chicken, we think it is better .. just sayin…

 

— THE CROISSANTS: We could eat 6 of these huge croissants.

Food Adventure Lunch with American Idol Star Alexis Gomez and her family !

Very French, very old school, they remind us of the croissants we have eaten in Toronto,  Canada.  Curiously buttery tasting and delicious, these are definitely a nod to traditional croissants.

 

— ARTISIAN BREADS: We loved the French Bread and the Ciabatta most.  Amazing what a slice with a little butter and 10 seconds in the microwave can do to your tastebud’s world.  Great stuff, great prices and made from scratch.

 

We wish they all could be California … salads ….

— THE CALIFORNIA SALAD:  Healthy does of greens with madarin oranges and cranberries.  A truly unique and refeshing salad if there ever was one.  the balsamic vinegarette dresing is the perfect topping and the feta cheese is the perfect finish.  California here we come !

 

— PECAN ROLL:  Owner Matt Boosalis says these are best fresh, but we found a couple days later, 10 seconds in the microwave

Some of the best breads in the biz

and they taste fresh again.  At any rate, they probably wont last a couple days, they are that good.  A sticky, nutty taste that is finger licking material.

 

— THE TUSCANY PANINI:  It starts with homemade French bread.  Then they add Salami, Ham, Mozzarella, Roasted Red peppers and Basil Mayo.  Served toasted as a gooey, specialty panini.  Are you

The Tuscan is full of meat for you carnivores

kidding me?  A huge sandwich for around 7 bucks.  Get your butt to Boosalis Baking & Cafe, you wont regret experiences like these.

 

All in all, we were very impressed with Boosalis Bakery.  The staff is super friendly and the atmosphere is a small deli, with limited seating.  Still it is a fun, cozy place.  Most importantly the food is this incredible homemade menu and the prices are right.  We hope to see more people discover them like we did.  We know we will be back again and again,

Who is your boo? Boosalis of course !

and you will too !  This is what Food Adventures is about at its core.  Finding little known gems, and exposing them to the masses.

Look for our feature articles right here, every week, on Dayton Most Metro.  Food info you can take as legit, because we are so thorough.

For daily food updates, visit our incredibly popular Facebook page here where 7,000 foodies follow Chef House, The Big Ragu and Hungry Jax each day.

 

Just anothr rock start lunch at Boosalis !

Cookies too? oh yeah ….

Scones

Chocolate almond Croissant

Cakes for the taking

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dress it up

French Bread Loaf

Good Stuff – Euro style

Cross Pointe Turkey – close up

Cranberry Turkey

Local, Legendary Food Adventures at 2nd Street Market – Part 1

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Some of the Best of Dayton, all in one place !

How about one building that combines some of the best cooks in Dayton and lines them up along the wall in their own vendor booths?  It’s not a dream, it’s reality in downtown Dayton.

This is the first of 2 Food Adventure  installments over the next few days, and both cover Dayton’s 2nd Street Market.  What a shocker, the first one focuses on FOOD !

The Big Ragu & Crew have become semi-regulars at the market over the past few years.  Some of our tastiest excursions have been in this treasure trove of great eats.

Variety is the spice of life, and this is true for the market located on the corner of Webster and 2nd Street.  If you have never  stopped in, then you haven’t had some for Dayton’s best.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— A great place to grab a bite to eat and a unique place to do some Christmas shopping !!!  The official address is 600 E. Second St.

— The market is open 3 days: Thursday & Friday 11am-3pm,  and Saturday 8am – 3pm.   The great offerings are overwhelming and coming here has become one of our Food Adventure addictions.

— Many vendors offer fresh fruit & vegetables.  Others offer freshly baked desserts and breads.  You want more?  How about cheeses, meats, spices, canned goods and more.  There are more local, fresh and organic choices here than anyplace we know of in Dayton.

The best tasting side you never heard of: Sweet Potato Quinoa from Chef Case

 

MUST EATS:

— THE SMOKED SALMON CREPE at CREPE BOHEME :  The Big Ragu will tell you this is the best place in Dayton to get a crepe.   Crepe master Sabine combines the smoked salmon with goat cheese, capers and grilled vegetables.  It is a symphony in your mouth.  Her secret is using the freshest ingredients around and flavor combinations that will knock your socks off.    Not a salmon fan? No worries..  choose one of the menu items or “make your own” crepe with various ingredients.  Prepare to be blown away.Honorable Mention: The crepe with Nutella, marshmallows and blackberries.  All the taste of guilty pleasure with not so much guilt.

— FAMOUS CHICKEN PANINI from THE CHEF CASE : Chef Joe Fish believes that using local ingredients promotes fresh flavor.  Here he works some magic with a whole herb grilled chicken breast and Artesian Basil Pesto.  The panini is made on fresh bread and pressed, thereby melting provolone and Parmesan cheese into gooey deliciousness.   The chef is a Culinary Institute of America graduate and creates some of the best tastes in town.  In fact, there are so many delicious menu items here that we have to give honorable mention to two more of them.  First, make sure you try a serving of the Sweet Potato Quinoa.   It is a healthy, flavorful side dish that not many people know about.  Trust us on this !  Lastly the MONTE CRISTO PANINI is a sandwich you need to get your hands on.  It is ham, turkey and swiss cheese finished with a pure maple syrup drizzle.  Give your taste buds a good value for around 7 bucks.

Peanut Brittle Cupcakes from Purely Sweet Bakery (click to enlarge)

 — THE DISTINGUISED DARBY at CHEEKY MEAT PIES: Who doesn’t love tasty meat and spices in a flaky crust?  Forget about calories, the taste is worth every mouthful.  This original take on New Zealand Street food is gaining a bit of a cult following in the Miami Valley.  “The Darby” verison is ground beef mixed with spices for a delicious combo.  The meat pies are hand held and made to be mobile.  Be careful when taking a bite, they are hot inside !  A friendly staff makes the experience that much more fun.  Honorable Mention:  The Dirty Bird Meat Pie is a tasty treat and a perfect bite “on the go” at the market.  It features chicken and a delicious sauce.  We can’t describe these fantastic meat pies, you just gotta try them !

— THE WASABI PEAS at THE SPICE RACK:   The Big Ragu can’t help himself.  He craves these, and you will too.  Dried peas, dipped in wasabi and sold by the box for only 2 bucks.  Perfect for snacking at home, but we warn you.. ADDICTIVE !  The spice rack has some many incredible items from Amish butter to incredible spice rubs.  Check this place out for some hidden treasures for the foodie in you.

— POLLO GUISADO at AREPAS and CO. : Braised chicken thigh (although we ask for the shredded white meat chicken instead), mixed with tomatoes, red peppers, onions and green beans.  All of it is served over rice and plantains.  Finally pick from one of various sauce toppings drizzled on top.  We pick two (garlic and hot sauce) !  Get a friend to help you lift this plate and eat it.  HUGE PORTION !

The best crepes in Dayton are at Crepe Boheme

— THE SHRIMP WITH HOT CHILI SAUCE at BAAN THAI NOI:  We are always pleasantly surprised with Baan Thai Noi’s dishes.  Our favorite is the Shrimp with Hot Chili Sauce.  Two skewers of grilled basil shrimp are served over fried rice with a side of shredded cabbage and a delicious spring roll.  The key to this dish is the sauce we choose to top the shrimp. The hot chili sauce is so sweet, with some heat and a whole lot of taste.  Don’t knock it til you try it, this one is  a sleeper !

Is your mouth watering yet?  Well the good news is, the weekend is here and they are open !  Get yourself down there and stroll around the grounds and soon you’ll be tastin’ Dayton.

More Honorable mentions include:

The Cupcakes at Purely Sweet Bakery,  The Cabbage Rolls at Kolbs Bakery, The Jumbalaya at All Souped Up,  The Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna) at Azra’s, and some good coffee at Caffeine by Carl.

We would be remiss if we didnt mention that their are numerous other fantastic farm vendors with fresh vegetables, honey, fresh maple syrup and organic milk.  Check them all out while you are there.

The 2nd Street Market is truly Food Adventure  paradise !!

In the market for some more from the “Miami Valley foodies ?”  Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE !

Check out some of our best photos yet  in the gallery below from our numerous trips to the 2nd Street Market over the years !!!

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Food Adventure with Mz Pickles Sandwich Shop

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We love visiting Mom and Pop establishments.  In this case, just a mom establishment, Mz Pickles Sandwich Shop to be exact.  She owns a small sandwich shop located at 17 South Main Street in downtown Miamisburg  and has been open since 2011.   It is a great place to get a quick bite and the menu is reasonably priced.   Who doesn’t love a gourmet sandwich menu with everything under 10 dollars?

Mz. Pickles menu consists of specialty hot dogs, panini pressed sandwiches, soups, salads and of course, pickles.  Even the hot dogs are grilled on the panini press for a unique taste.  Sandwiches may be ordered hot or cold, with your choice of toppings.  Sandwich sizes are half, whole or huge and all come with a side pickle spear.   Hungry Jax recommends the turkey panini sub and their homemade chili.  The Big Ragu’s favorites are the pizza sub and the slaw dog.

Options for dessert include homemade gourmet brownies and fresh Otis Spunkmeyer cookies.  One such cookie offering is a “stuffed” cookie, which is a chocolate chip cookie with an Oreo inside.  The cookie looks like a mini flying saucer, and tastes really good.  Definitely a fun dessert invention that we have never seen before.

Mz. Pickles is a deli with personality.  Orders may be placed “to go”, or patrons may use the quaint dining room that is decorated with nostalgic items and vinyl album covers.  Put simply, this place is good food made by a friendly owner who cares about what she is serving.  Mz. Pickles is a warm and inviting atmosphere for a Food Adventure.    The Big Ragu doesn’t think you will be disappointed by this locally owned eatery or the charm.  If you are in downtown Miamisburg, “pressed” and “in a pickle” about where to eat, now you know where to go.

For more Food Adventures, “like” us on Facebook by clicking HERE!

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Matera Caffe: One of a Kind Restaurant in Franklin

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There is nothing else like Matera Caffe in the Dayton area, and not only because they use two “F’s” in Caffe.  Why is Matera so special?  Because they mill their own flour and wheat on site. Yes, you read that correctly.  It doesn’t get fresher than this, and we have the flour marks on our clothes to prove it!  But that is only one of the great qualities of this eatery.

The owners of Matera Cafe have developed a place that is perfect example of why we do Food Adventures.  Inspired by a missionary trip to Honduras, Mary & Larry Rowland decided to open up a coffee house which would later turn into a full blown restaurant.  Close to their missionary work, they named the restaurant after the city of Matera, Italy where the movie “Passion of the Christ” was filmed.  The result is a well groomed restaurant that is as immaculate on the inside as it is outside.  It looks like the “after” pictures from the Kitchen Nightmares TV show.  There is even an outdoor dining area under the overhang.

As we entered Matera, a wonderful baked cinnamon smell greeted our noses, as well as the warmth a wood fired oven.  The chilly day made this a wonderful, inviting atmosphere.   Friendly servers explained the menu and the daily specials.  We were already drooling.

You already know they mill their own flour and wheat to make pizza dough, breads and waffles.  Well, they also make their own salad dressings and pancake syrup.   We tried the homemade waffle and syrup together, and it was great.  The Liege style Belgian Waffles are served with seasonal fruit and whipped cream.  A very unique, fresh tasting waffle was unlike any we have ever eaten.

Our Food Adventure to Matera Caffe would not be complete unless we tried one of the pizzas cooked in the wood fired oven.  We tried the Margherita Pizza, which is topped with roma tomatoes, romano cheese, fresh basil, mozzarella & olive oil.  The pizza was cooked perfectly, and the dough was so fresh that it had an incredible softness to it.  We were blown away.

Another item we loved was the Americano Sandwich.  It starts with their freshly baked ciabatta bread made from scratch.  The sandwich ingredients include fire roasted chicken, roasted roma tomatoes and arugula spinach.   The sandwich was also topped with an incredible pesto sauce that is homemade from herbs grown on site.   We are still raving about the Americano sandwich as one of our all time favorites.

Our Food Adventure ended in a tour of the milling operation.  We were very impressed at the hard work and passion that goes into making this menu.  Matera is one of a kind, so look for this little known spot to catch even more buzz in the coming months.

Dayton foodies should definitely check out Matera Caffe.  The staff and owners go out of their way to accommodate patrons.  They even offered us some wood fire roasted veggies as an alternative to Saratoga potato chips as a side.  Something not to miss, is the full Honduran coffee menu and various teas to compliment any meal.  The prices are affordable and the portions are nicely sized.  We devoured so much food that The Big Ragu actually had a rare “to go container!”  There is much more to come from Matera, as the owners plan to expand the dining area outside and have just recently secured a liquor license.  So take a drive down State Route 73 towards Franklin and experience the delicious cuisine like we did.  It is definitely a homemade experience from start to finish.

For more of Food Adventures, please visit our Facebook Page HERE and “like” us !

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For hours, directions and menu information please visit them at www.materacaffe.com.