polenta

Here is something you will not see anywhere else, at least not this early.   A super exclusive, sneak peek at the brewery coming to Centerville called Lock 27.   The Big Ragu & Crew are not “Grand Opening ” hoppers.   In this case we are making an exception, because the person opening Lock 27 is a friend of ours.   Owner Steve Barnhart and his wife, Michelle are currently putting the finishing touches on the new brew pub located at 1035 S. Main Street in Centerville, not far from the new Kroger.  With plenty of buzz circulating around Dayton through word of mouth, and online, this brewery promises to be a popular spot for some good craft beer.  With the addition of Chef Aimee Saling, the food offerings will be a highlight as well.

For the past 15 years, Steve Barnhart has literally been brewing beer as a ‘driveway hobby.’  His craft and interest grew into offering what now will be Centerville’s only “Gastro Tap Room.”    Fashioned after the pubs in London, this true mom and pop establishment will feature a rotating choice of in-house brews, hard to find bottled beers, and some popular craft brews on tap from other breweries.  It will be a relaxed atmosphere slanted towards adults, with good background music.  The front patio will eventually feature a communal table where patrons are able to enjoy drinks and bites outside.

Why the name Lock 27?  It is a tribute to Dayton.  Essentially at the turn of the century, Dayton was a river town, with traffic from the Erie Canal running right through the Miami Valley.   Lock 27 was an actual stop on the river near Miamisburg.  The rich history and river life of Dayton is mostly forgotten today.  Instead, inventions of flight are most often associated with the Gem City.

History lesson over, now back to the Food Adventure and what you need to know about Lock 27.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— London Style Gastro Tap Room that will feature 5 in-house brews, 5 out-of-house beers on tap, unique bottled beer and wine selections.   Bottled and tap selections will focus on an eclectic mix of regional and national brewers.

— The menu will consists of 15-20 items including tapas and paninis.  Lock 27 will feature many “sharable” plates for a communal feel of a European Pub.

— Craft Beers, made in-house will rotate seasonally.  They will be brewed 1 or 2 barrels at a time.  With small batches, there are no commitments and this will allow for a constantly changing, and evolving brewery.  IMPORTANT !! – Since the inspections and liquor licenses have just been approved, in-house beers are being brewed now, and will not be served until approximately 3 weeks after opening.

— Hours will be 4pm-Midnight on weekdays, and 11am-Midnight on weekends

 

MUST EATS:

House Wheat Beer – In this case a must drink.  This wheat beer is a white ale instead of  a traditional hefeweizen.  This brew is made with California common yeast, for a different flavor.  Refreshing never tasted so good.

The Salumi Plate – A unique, appetizer featuring exotic cold cut meats of Prosciutto, Coppa, Gin & Juice Pepperoni, and Dodge City Fireball salami.  This plate is perfect for sharing.   It is also served with glazed walnuts, almonds and miniature gherkin pickles.  The slightly salty and spicy tastes of the meats match perfectly with any alcoholic beverage.

Cuban Sandwich –  This delicious panini style creation features ham and pulled pork .  It also has Emmenthaler cheese, which is a superior Swiss cheese from Switzerland and France.  What makes the sandwich is the crunchy bread and the spicy garlic, aoili mustard.   It is served with a side of chips tossed in spices.

Shrimp and Polenta: This dish is big on taste.  The spicy shrimp with serrano pepper and beschamel sauce, contrasts perfectly with the creamy polenta.  We could have eaten this stuff all day.  Chef Aimee has captured simplicity and bold flavors with this offering.

Honorable mentions include bottled beers that are off the beaten path like Fullers ESB and La Fin Du Monde.

IN-HOUSE BEERS

On the beer front, Lock 27 plans to be broad in coverage, as opposed to genre specific.  It is their intention to celebrate all beer styles, not just be known for specific subgroups like “IPA” or “Belgian”.     Lock 27 will brew to a seasonal rotation,  so the first beers will be geared for summer.  What beers will be the first offerings?  Expect to see a “Summer Stout.”  They have worked hard on this recipe, so that it is appropriate for warmer weather.  It’s not heavy, rather a lighter body thirst quencher, that still maintains stout characteristics.  It is a cross between traditional English & Irish stouts, and not a big Russian Imperial.

Also , they will be brewing 3 other beers.  A house British ESB (Extra Special Bitter), a Saison, and a Pacific North West inspired Session IPA should all be available in the next 3-4 weeks.  They even have a nickname for their brew kettle.  It is called Scarlett Brewhansson, please give her a visit.

So get your taste buds prepared and get ready to quench your thirst, because Lock 27 promises to be a hot spot this summer.    The addition of this restaurant just may make South Dayton the new Craft Beer headquarters of the Miami Valley.

Thank you to the management of Lock 27 for giving Food Adventures  access to this EXCLUSIVE scoop.   Make sure you tell the management,  The Big Ragu” sent you !”  Good drink and good food is what you can expect from Centerville’s newest restaurant.   Unique styles as opposed to the standard fare.  The spread of craft and high quality imports on tap alone will be an attraction, not to mention the brewery itself.  Will it be successful?  We think it’s a lock !

***CONTEST***  Please register below and comment on the story below and tell us why you want a $20 Gift Certificate to Lock 27.  One winner will be chosen at random on Monday !![form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

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